Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Swimming speeds of Mediterranean settlement‐stage fish larvae nuance Hjort's aberrant drift hypothesis

Historically, the mortality of early‐life stages of marine fishes was supposed to be mostly caused by poor feeding during a critical period and aberrant drifting away from favorable recruitment areas. While fish larvae may display remarkable swimming abilities, Hjort's aberrant drift hypothesis has rarely been tested. In this study, we measured critical swimming speed (Ucrit) of settlement‐stage larvae of six coastal, warm temperate Mediterranean fish species, for which no data were previously available (Sparidae: Boops boops, Diplodus annularis, Spicara smaris, Spondyliosoma cantharus; Pomacentridae: Chromis chromis; Mugilidae sp.). Their swimming speeds were comparable with those of other temperate species, but also with the speeds of tropical species, which are considered as very fast swimmers. Mugilidae were the fastest (29.2 cm s−1), followed by Pomacentridae (22.8 cm s−1) and Sparidae (11.6 cm s−1). Most larvae swam in an inertial regime (Reynolds number > 1000). Those swimming speeds were then implemented in a Lagrangian model of the competency period of these species, set in the same area (the Ligurian Sea) and at the same time (June 2014) as the observations. In this modeling experiment, directional swimming strongly increased the proportion of successful settlers, independent of mesoscale hydrological structures. Fish larvae could settle on the coast from as far as tens of kilometers offshore, in just 4 d. These findings suggest that aberrant drift is unlikely to occur for strong swimming temperate larvae and show that larval behavior should be considered on equal footing with ocean currents when assessing larval fish dispersal.
Micobiota associada a Schinus terebinthifolius, Tradescantia fluminensis e Rottboellia cochinchinensis como potenciais agentes de controle biológico

Bipolaris chloridis was found causing severe leaf spots on Rottboellia cochinchinensis which is an exotic weed of growing importance in Brazil. surveys for natural enemies in Africa and Asia where species of Bipolaris and related genera were collected, this is the first time that B. chloridis was found attacking this host. It is also the first time this fungal species is recorded in Brazil. The knowledge of the mycota on this plant in Brazil is of great relevance for classical biological control. If classical introductions of fungi from the centre of origin are considered in the future, this information would be of critical importance to allow avoiding superfluous introduction of fungi that are already present in Brazil without producing any significant impact on weed populations. A preliminary host-range test was performed involving inoculations of B. chloridis on R. cochinchinesis on the graminicolous species Chloris gayana, Pennisetum purpureum, R. cochinchinensis, Sorghum bicolor, Saccharum officinarum, Triticum aestivum and Zea mays and it infected C. gayana, and Z. mays besides R. cochinchinensis.
Microencapsulation of ginsenosides using polymerised whey protein (PWP) as wall material and its application in probiotic fermented milk

Summary Ginsenosides was microencapsulated using heat-induced polymerised whey protein as wall material. The entrapment yield was 95.46 ± 1.95% and release rates were about 20% and 100% in gastric and intestine juices, respectively. Microencapsulated ginsenosides (0.03% ginsenosides, w/v) were used for fermented milk formulation. Samples with microencapsulated ginsenosides had much higher acceptability compared with those with ginsenoside extract (P < 0.01). Addition of microencapsulated ginsenosides significantly decreased the syneresis of the sample (P < 0.01). The probiotics remained above 106 CFU mL−1 during the first 6 weeks, and no significant difference was observed in probiotics population during 10-week storage for all samples. SEM micrograph revealed that addition of microcapsules did not change the structure of the samples considerably. The polymerised whey protein-based microencapsulation might be an effective technique to deliver ginsenosides to small intestine through stomach. It also masked bitter taste and improved the colour of the fermented milks containing ginsenosides.
Annulus Formation and Growth of Atlantic Surfclam (Spisula solidissima) Along a Latitudinal Gradient in the Western North Atlantic Ocean

ABSTRACT Age data play an important role in the Atlantic surfclam [Spisula solidissima (Dillwyn, 1817)] stock assessment and their accuracy depends on understanding the periodicity and timing of annulus formation. In the United States, the surfclam stock area spans approximately 5° latitude in the northwest Atlantic. In recent years, surfclams at the southern end of this area have undergone changes in abundance, distribution, and growth, all likely due to increasing ocean temperature. To determine whether the periodicity or timing of annulus formation has also changed, shells from live surfclams were collected during every month of the year from three regions spanning 4° latitude: southern New England (northernmost), New Jersey (middle), and the Delmarva Peninsula (southernmost). Edge analysis and marginal increment analysis indicated a single annulus was formed each year in each region and by all age groups, verifying surfclams can still be aged reliably throughout the managed area. Some regional or agespecific variations were also noted. The model-derived peak times of annulus formation were mid-December for southern New England, late November for New Jersey, and early December for Delmarva. The youngest clams in New Jersey and Delmarva formed annuli about a month earlier than the older age classes. Shell lengths at age, estimated from chondrophore heights and fit to a von Bertalanffy growth model, indicated a latitudinal gradient in growth and asymptotic size. Surfclams grew slowest and to the smallest size in Delmarva [k = 0.217 (0.002 SE), L∞ = 153.0 (0.45 SE)] and fastest and to the largest size in southern New England [k = 0.298 (0.002 SE), L∞ = 162.0 (0.35 SE)]. Historic von Bertalanffy growth parameters, some unpublished, are also reviewed. There is some evidence of a decrease in k and L∞ since 1980, particularly in the New Jersey and Delmarva regions where fishing has been historically concentrated.
In vitro Antibacterial Potential of Alkaloids of Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr. Against Xanthomonas and Human Pathogenic Bacteria

Aqueous extract, different solvent extracts and isolated constituents (alkaloids) of leaves of Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr. (fabaceae) were assayed for antibacterial activity by cup diffusion method against three phytopathogenic Xanthomonas pathovars viz., Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum, X. a. pv. phaseoli and X. campestris pv. vesicatoria and 14 human pathogenic bacteria. The pathovars are associated with angular leaf spot of cotton, common blight of bean and bacterial spot of tomato respectively. Aqueous and methanol extracts showed significant antibacterial activity against all pathovars of Xanthomonas and the activity varied among 14 human pathogenic bacteria. Methanol extract was subsequently fractioned and monitored by bioassay leading to the isolation of active fraction by further phytochemical analysis. This active fraction recorded highly significant antibacterial activity in vitro (MIC 6, 6 and 4 mu g ml super(-1) for Xanthomonas pathovars and. 3-11 mu g ml super(-1) for human pathogenic bacteria) compared with synthetic antibiotics such as Bacterimycin 2000 and Sreptocycline tested at recommended dosage for phytopathogenic bacteria and Gentamycin and Streptomycin discs for human pathogenic bacteria. The active fraction was further confirmed as alkaloids.
Biological activity of selected plants with adaptogenic effect

The aim of this study was to determine biological activity of plants with adaptogenic effect: Panax ginseng Mayer. , Withania somnifera L. , Eleuterococcus senticosus Rupr. et Maxim. , Astragallus membranaceus Fisch. and Codonopsis pilosulae Franch. The antioxidant activity was detected by DPPH and phosphomolybdenum method, total polyphenol content with Folin – Ciocalteu reagent, flavonoids content by aluminium chloride method. The detection of antimicrobial activity was carried out by disc diffusion method against three species of Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli CCM 3988, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica CCM 3807, Yersinia enterocolitica CCM 5671 and two Gram-positive bacteria: Bacillus thuringiensis CCM 19, Stapylococcus aureus subsp. aureus CCM 2461. Results showed that plants with adaptogenic effect are rich for biologically active substances. The highest antioxidant activity by DPPH method was determined in the sample of Eleuterococcus senticosus (3.15 mg TEAC – Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity per g of sample) and by phosphomolybdenum method in the sample of Codonopsis pilosulae (188.79 mg TEAC per g of sample). In the sample of Panax ginseng was measured the highest content of total polyphenols (8.10 mg GAE – galic acid equivalent per g of sample) and flavonoids (3.41 μg QE – quercetin equivalent per g of sample). All samples also showed strong antimicrobial activity with the best results in Panax ginseng and Withania somnifera in particular for species Yersinia enterocolitica CCM 5671 and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica CCM 3807. The analyzed species of plant with high value of biological activity can be used more in the future, not only in food, but also in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
In vitro antimicrobial effects and mechanism of atmospheric-pressure He/O2 plasma jet on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm

The antimicrobial effects and associated mechanism of inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) NCTC-8325 biofilms induced by a He/O2 atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) are investigated in vitro. According to CFU (colony forming units) counting and the resazurin-based assay, the 10 min He/O2 (0.5%) APPJ treatment produces the optimal inactivation efficacy (>5 log10 ml−1) against the S. aureus biofilm and 5% of the bacteria enter a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. Meanwhile, 94% of the bacteria suffer from membrane damage according to SYTO 9/PI counterstaining. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that plasma exposure erodes the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and then the cellular structure. The H2DCFDA-stained biofilms show larger concentrations of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in membrane-intact bacteria with increasing plasma dose. The admixture of oxygen in the working gas highly contributes to the deactivation efficacy of the APPJ against S. aureus and the plasma-induced endogenous ROS may work together with the discharge-generated ROS to continuously damage the bacterial membrane structure leading to deactivation of the biofilm microbes.
FHWA CREATES AN OFFICE OF ASSET MANAGEMENT

Asset management--the cost-effective operation, maintenance, and preservation of transportation systems--is not a new concept for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA); but with the opening of the agency's first Office of Asset Management on February 1, 1999, the concept received a new emphasis and a new focal point. The Office of Asset Management is dedicated to putting into practice FHWA's belief in an integrated asset management system that incorporates highways, bridges, tunnels, hardware, and other assets. One of the primary roles of the new office is to act as a consultant to the states as they implement asset management practices. Knowledge-sharing is the root of this effort. In encouraging the states to move away from a purely engineering-based system to more of an economic system, part of the office's role is helping the states to think more like the private sector when managing their assets--that is, to consider the costs and benefits. The result ideally should be transportation systems that are effectively managed from a user perspective. The office is also helping the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Transportation Research Board prepare an asset management guidebook for state use.
Habitat suitability information: Walleye

PREFACE The Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) models presented in this publication aid in identifying important habitat variables. Facts, ideas, and concepts obtained from the research literature and expert reviews are synthesized and presented ~n a format that can be used for impact assessment. The models are hypotheses of species-habitat relationships, and model users should recognize that the degree of veracity of the HSI model, SI graphs, and assumptions will vary according to geographical area and the extent of the data base for individual variables. After clear study objectives have been set, the HSI model building techniques presented in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1981)1 and the general guidel ines for modifying HSI model s and estimating model variables presented in Terrell et al. (1982)2 may be useful for simplifying and applying the models to specific impact assessment problems. Simplified models should be tested with independent data sets, if possible. Statistically-derived models that are an alternative to using Suitability Indices to calculate an HSI are referenced in the text. A brief discussion of the appropriateness of using selected Suitability Index (SI) curves from HSI models as a component of the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) is provided. Additional SI curves, developed specifically for analysis of walleye habitat with IFIM, also are presented. Results of a model performance test in a 1imited geographical area are summarized, but model reliability is likely to vary in different geographical areas and situations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service encourages model users to provide comments, suggestions, and test results that may help us increase the utility and effectiveness of this habitat-based approach to impact assessment. Please send comments to:
Soil and the foliage nutrient status following soil amendment applications in a Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endlicher) plantation

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of soil amendment applications on soil and the foliage nutrient status of a Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endlicher) plantation established following clear-cutting in a pine-wilt-disease (PWD)-disturbed forest. We established four soil amendment treatments [(compound fertilizer (CF), compound fertilizer + biochar (CFB), compound fertilizer + sawdust (CFS) and a non-treated control treatment] in an 8-year-old Japanese cypress plantation. Soil organic carbon (C) and total nitrogen (N) were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the soil amendment treatments and the control treatments, whereas extractable phosphorus (P), NH4+, K+, and Mg2+ concentrations were significantly affected by the addition of biochar in CF. The mean soil CO2 efflux rates during the study period were the highest in CFB (0.79 g CO2 m−2 h−1), followed by CFS (0.71 g CO2 m−2 h−1), CF (0.62 g CO2 m−2 h−1), and the control (0.46 g CO2 m−2 h−1) treatments. Foliar N and P concentrations were significantly higher in the CFB than in the control treatments. The results suggest that the addition of biochar in CF can enhance extractable soil nutrients and foliar N and P conditions of Japanese cypress established in a PWD-disturbed forest.
Effect of Bt-Maize on Epigeic Spiders (Araneae) and Harvestmen(Opiliones)

The effect of two strategies, used to control Ostrinia nubialis, on the abundance and diversity of epigeic spiders and harvestmen in maize was monitored. The two strategies were (1) transgenic insectresistant maize, and (2) biological control by Trichogramma wasps on an isogenic maize hybrid. They were compared a conventional system (isogenic maize hybrid), which was taken as the control. The investigation was performed at two localities (Ivanovice na Hane and Prague) in the Czech Republic from 2002 to 2004. Spiders (Araneae) and harvestmen (Opiliones) were collected by means of pitfall traps. We found that the annual abundance diversity of arachnids on plots with the two strategies were not significantly different from a conventional sys-tem.
Caracterização de estirpes de Staphylococcus aureus e dispersão de biofilmes por uma lectina tipo C de Bothrops jararacussu

x INTRODUÇÃO GERAL . 1 REVISÃO DE LITERATURA . 4 REFERÊNCIAS BIBLIOGRÁFICAS . 14 Capítulo I . 24 ABSTRACT . 25. 25 INTRODUCTION . 26 METHODS . 28 Bacterial strains and culture conditions . 28 DNA-based methods . 28 Phenotypic assays . 29 Infection of Galleria mellonella larvae . 29 Histopathology of G. mellonella infected with S. aureus . 30 MAC-T assays . 30 Statistical analysis . 32 RESULTS . 33 Differences in phenotype between genetically related S. aureus strains . 33 Differences in virulence between genetically related S. aureus strains . 35 Response of Galleria mellonella to infection with S. aureus strains . 37 Invasion, persistence and cytotoxicity in MAC-T cells . 37 DISCUSSION . 39 CONCLUSION . 42 CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT . 42 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . 42 REFERENCES . 43
A Consensus Model for Predicting the Distribution of the Threatened Plant Telephus Spurge (Euphorbia Telephioides)

A CONSENSUS MODEL FOR PREDICTING THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE THREATENED PLANT TELEPHUS SPURGE (EUPHORBIA TELEPHIOIDES) by Jason Thomas Bracken A consensus species distribution model was created to predict the presence of the federally threatened plant Telephus spurge in three counties in the Florida panhandle. Final results were created by averaging results from a top generalized linear model created in this study with those of a top machine-learning model developed by a fellow researcher prior to this study. These two initial models began with the same data sets and followed the same procedure for spatial filtering, but then selected individual methodology relating to their specific model types and statistical concerns. Final predictions showed several areas of interest along the coast and around St. Andrew’s Bay, among others. The highest probability for Telephus spurge presence was located on Tyndall Air Force Base. Without researcher knowledge, Telephus spurge was actually discovered on Tyndall Air Force Base in one of these areas of high probability before this study was completed. This discovery is the first in that area and is distinct from previously known populations of Telephus spurge and represents a minor example of model validation through incidental ground-truthing. It is hoped that this study can continue to predict the location of new populations or preferred habitat to help in conservation efforts. A CONSENSUS MODEL FOR PREDICTING THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE THREATENED PLANT TELEPHUS SPURGE (EUPHORBIA TELEPHIOIDES)
A quadtree-polygon-based scaled boundary finite element method for image-based mesoscale fracture modelling in concrete

A quadtree-polygon scaled boundary nite element-based approach for image-based modelling of concrete fracture at the mesoscale is developed. Digital images representing the two-phase mesostructure of concrete, which comprises of coarse aggregates and mortar are either generated using a take-and-place algorithm with a user-de ned aggregate volume ratio or obtained from X-ray computed tomography as an input. The digital images are automatically discretised for analysis by applying a balanced quadtree decomposition in combination with a smoothing operation. The scaled boundary nite element method is applied to model the constituents in the concrete mesostructure. A quadtree formulation within the framework of the scaled boundary nite element method is advantageous in that the displacement compatibility between the cells are
Specific leaf area predicts dryland litter decomposition via two mechanisms

Litter decomposition plays important roles in carbon and nutrient cycling. In dryland, both microbial decomposition and abiotic degradation (by UV light or other forces) drive variation in decomposition rates, but whether and how litter traits and position determine the balance between these processes is poorly understood. We investigated relationships between litter quality and their decomposition rates among diverse plant species in a desert ecosystem in vertically contrasting positions representing distinct decomposition environments driven by different relative contributions of abiotic and microbial degradation. Thereto, leaf litter samples from 17 desert species were sealed into litterbags and placed on the soil surface under strong solar exposure vs. shade conditions, or buried in the soil at 10 cm depth, for a whole year. Litter decomposition rates were 21% and 17% higher in burial and light‐exposed treatments, respectively, than those in shade. Leaf traits, i.e. specific leaf area (SLA), litter C:N ratio and lignin concentration could predict litter decomposition to some degree, but their predictive power was dependent on litter position. However, multiple linear regressions showed that SLA, litter C and P significantly affected k values for leaf litter decomposition besides litter position, with SLA standing out as a strong determinant of litter decomposition rate as related either to solar radiation or the environment below the soil surface. Furthermore, the interspecific differences in litter decomposition rates decreased over time, implying that afterlife effects of leaf traits on decomposition were attenuated. Synthesis. These findings suggest that abiotic photodegradation and soil burial mediated microbial decomposition could be responsible for higher than expected litter turnover in dryland. They point to a dual role of specific leaf area (SLA) as a promotor of decomposition rates: via relative exposure of the leaf surface to abiotic factors such as UV light vs. to soil moisture and microbes under soil burial.
Longitudinal Analysis of a Diversity Support Program in Biology: A National Call for Further Assessment

National calls to improve the performance and persistence of students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in science have led to a surge of research on inclusive, evidence-based teaching methods. Less work has revealed the effects of diversity support initiatives that improve campus climate and community cohesion. Here, we examine whether participation in the Biology Scholars Program (BSP) at Cornell University—a diversity support program at a prominent university—affects underrepresented racial minority (URM) student performance. We found that BSP participants are less academically prepared when they enter college but typically have GPAs similar to those of their non-BSP counterparts at graduation, thereby closing achievement gaps. Although the BSP appears to help URM students, we cannot assert that the BSP alone is responsible for these effects; future work should isolate effective strategies that contribute to student success. In response to these results, we lay out strategies that support programs could implement to maximize positive impacts.