Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Field experiments on the effects of a new pyrethroid insecticide WL‐85871 on bees foraging artificial aphid honeydew on winter wheat

Two large and two small plots of winter wheat were enclosed beneath large mesh-covered tunnels. A small beehive was placed in each tunnel and sucrose solution was sprayed on to all of the wheat in order to simulate aphid honeydew. WL-85871 (a 1:1 mixture of two stereoisomers of cypermethrin) as ‘Fastac’ at three dose rates, dimethoate, pirimicarb or water were applied to the larger plots of wheat when the bees were actively foraging the sugar deposits. No increase in bee mortality, compared with that in the pre-treatment period, was observed after the applications of WL-85871 or pirimicarb. By contrast, large numbers of dead bees were found following the applications of dimethoate. Foraging activity in the plots, treated with all dose rates of WL-85871 or with pirimicarb, declined sharply after treatment and remained at a reduced level. With dimethoate no foraging activity occurred after application in either the treated or untreated plots. Only very low concentrations of WL-85871 were detected in post-treament samples of honey, wax, and live or dead bees. It was concluded that the application of WL-85871, to wheat already treated with artificial honeydew, resulted in no adverse effects on the honey-bee colonies.
Investigating the influences of intermolecular interactions on viscoelastic performance of pressure-sensitive adhesive by FT–IR spectroscopy and molecular modeling

Abstract Objective: This study was to clarify the molecular mechanism of viscoelastic performance variations of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) with the addition of drugs by FT-IR spectroscopy and molecular modeling. Significance: Viscoelastic performance of PSA was frequently changed by the addition of drugs in drug-in-adhesive (DIA) patches. It may cause decrease of the physical stability and drug bio-adhesion issues for the development of DIA patch. But, the molecular details of drug–PSA interaction are not clarified. Methods: Model drugs including propranolol (PRO), oxybutynin (OXY), and escitalopram were added into patch with hydroxyl PSA (10%, w/w). Rheological study and thermal analysis were used to characterize the viscoelastic performance and free volume of PSA, respectively. 1H NMR was used to determine the quantity of hydroxyl group in the PSA. FT-IR study and molecular modeling were conducted to describe the types and interaction sites between drug and PSA molecule. Results: The results demonstrated that PRO interacted with –OH and –COOR groups of PSA, which interrupted the interaction between the PSA molecules, resulting in a plasticizing phenomenon of PSA. Escitalopram mainly interacted with –OH of PSA and decreased the rigidity of the drug-loaded PSA only in the high-frequency region. No obvious interaction was found between OXY and PSA, and the viscoelastic performance of PSA did not change significantly. Conclusion: The present study described the molecular mechanism of viscoelastic performance variation, especially the plasticizing effect. These results were essential for the design and development of transdermal patches from the viewpoint of viscoelastic performance.
Effect of Phytase Supplementation on the Calcium Requirement of Broiler Chicks

It has been frequently demonstrated that addition of phytase to corn-soybean meal diets will improve the utilization of the phytate-bound P for the broiler chicken. The effect of phytase on release of other nutrients such as Ca is less clear-cut. A study was conducted to examine the effects of phytase supplementation on diets with various dietary levels of Ca and nonphytate P (nPP). A diet was formulated that provided nutrients in excess of NRC (1994) recommendations with 1.0% Ca and 0.50% nPP. By varying the amounts of dicalcium phosphate, limestone, and sand in aliquots of a common basal diet, diets were prepared with 1) Low-P and Low-Ca, 2) Low-P and High-Ca, 3) High-P and Low-Ca, and 4) High-P and HighCa. The diets were analyzed for Ca and P content and blended as needed to provide test diets in a factorial arrangement of three Ca levels (0.5, 0.7, and 0.9%) with eight levels of nPP (0.15 to 0.50% in increments of 0.05%). These 24 diets were divided and half supplemented with 1000 units/kg of phytase. Each treatment was fed to six pens of six male broilers from one to 21 d of age. Response of both body weight and tibia ash to phytase supplementation in broilers was significantly affected by dietary Ca levels as well as dietary nPP levels. Without phytase supplementation, both body weight and tibia ash were depressed at the lowest level of nPP as dietary Ca level increased. Adding phytase to these diets improved both body weight and tibia ash as a result of increased availability of P. At both 0.5% and 0.7% Ca, the dietary Ca level was a limiting factor in maximizing tibia ash regardless of P level or phytase supplementation. These data indicate that minimal Ca appeared to be released by phytase and that no reduction in Ca level of broiler should be implemented with phytase supplementation.
Oxygen transfer and plant‐wide energy assessment of primary screening in WRRFs

Primary screening is gaining interest as a method to achieve removal performances comparable to primary clarification while reducing the footprint and increasing operational elasticity. Aeration efficiency indicators in a pilot sequential batch reactor (SBR) and a full scale water resource recovery facility (WRRF) were investigated after the implementation of rotating belt filters/screens (RBF). To compare the impact between screened (350 μm) and nonscreened primary influent, two identical treatment lines were monitored using off‐gas and respirometric measurements. The study provides the first result on improved oxygen transfer efficiency due to primary screening. Consistent aeration efficiency improvements of 27% and 20% between screened and nonscreened were obtained at pilot and full scale, respectively. Changes in aeration efficiency and carbon redirection were integrated into a set of models to investigate the primary screening impact on the WRRF energy balance. While the plant‐wide assessment for different scenarios improved the energy balance up to 15%, a detailed comparative analysis between various treatment schemes gained insight into the advantages and limitations of the energetic sustainability of primary screening.
The Antibacterial Mechanism of Silver Nanoparticles and Its Application in Dentistry

Abstract Nanotechnology has recently emerged as a rapidly growing field with numerous biomedical science applications. At the same time, silver has been adopted as an antimicrobial material and disinfectant that is relatively free of adverse effects. Silver nanoparticles possess a broad spectrum of antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Silver nanoparticles have the ability to penetrate bacterial cell walls, changing the structure of cell membranes and even resulting in cell death. Their efficacy is due not only to their nanoscale size but also to their large ratio of surface area to volume. They can increase the permeability of cell membranes, produce reactive oxygen species, and interrupt replication of deoxyribonucleic acid by releasing silver ions. Researchers have studied silver nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents in dentistry. For instance, silver nanoparticles can be incorporated into acrylic resins for fabrication of removable dentures in prosthetic treatment, composite resin in restorative treatment, irrigating solution and obturation material in endodontic treatment, adhesive materials in orthodontic treatment, membrane for guided tissue regeneration in periodontal treatment, and titanium coating in dental implant treatment. Although not all authorities have acknowledged the safety of silver nanoparticles, no systemic toxicity of ingested silver nanoparticles has been reported. A broad concern is their potential hazard if they are released into the environment. However, the interaction of nanoparticles with toxic materials and organic compounds can either increase or reduce their toxicity. This paper provides an overview of the antibacterial use of silver nanoparticles in dentistry, highlighting their antibacterial mechanism, potential applications and safety in clinical treatment.
Future of the human climate niche

Significance We show that for thousands of years, humans have concentrated in a surprisingly narrow subset of Earth’s available climates, characterized by mean annual temperatures around ∼13 °C. This distribution likely reflects a human temperature niche related to fundamental constraints. We demonstrate that depending on scenarios of population growth and warming, over the coming 50 y, 1 to 3 billion people are projected to be left outside the climate conditions that have served humanity well over the past 6,000 y. Absent climate mitigation or migration, a substantial part of humanity will be exposed to mean annual temperatures warmer than nearly anywhere today. All species have an environmental niche, and despite technological advances, humans are unlikely to be an exception. Here, we demonstrate that for millennia, human populations have resided in the same narrow part of the climatic envelope available on the globe, characterized by a major mode around ∼11 °C to 15 °C mean annual temperature (MAT). Supporting the fundamental nature of this temperature niche, current production of crops and livestock is largely limited to the same conditions, and the same optimum has been found for agricultural and nonagricultural economic output of countries through analyses of year-to-year variation. We show that in a business-as-usual climate change scenario, the geographical position of this temperature niche is projected to shift more over the coming 50 y than it has moved since 6000 BP. Populations will not simply track the shifting climate, as adaptation in situ may address some of the challenges, and many other factors affect decisions to migrate. Nevertheless, in the absence of migration, one third of the global population is projected to experience a MAT >29 °C currently found in only 0.8% of the Earth’s land surface, mostly concentrated in the Sahara. As the potentially most affected regions are among the poorest in the world, where adaptive capacity is low, enhancing human development in those areas should be a priority alongside climate mitigation.
The Distribution of Dividing Endothelial Cells of Chick Embryonic Aortae Studied by Vital Labeling with Bromodeoxyuridine

Abstract The proliferation of aortic endothelial cells of 10,14, and 20 day-old embryonic and 3 day post hatch chicks was studied by vital labeling with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and immunofluorescent visualization using anti-BrdU. We modified the DNA denaturation step using 0.2% Triton X-100 and incubation with 0.1 M hydrogen chloride for 15 min at 30 to 35°C. These modifications were effective to stain the chromosomes with anti-BrdU in the whole mounted tissues. The BrdU-positive endothelial cells were present in the whole aortic areas without showing any mitotic hot spots. The average labeling index of the endothelial cells was high in the young stages; 3.7% at 10 day-old embryos, and then it reduced to 1.4% at 3 day-old chicks.
Urban Environment and Mortality Differentials in Spain How does residential environment affect mortality in South Spain?

Background: The accelerating urbanization in many developing countries like India or China revived the interest in the mechanisms behind the impact of an urban environment on health and mortality. Whereas analyses on the mechanism behind urban-rural differences are either focused on vastly industrializing countries or historic populations, it is assumed that urban dwellers in highly developed countries are exposed to a mortality advantage. Estimating the effect of small area differences in the degree of ”urbanicity” and area development on long-term mortality risk in Andalusia, can give new insights on small area effects on individual well-being. Method: Census tract based information from a geographical data base are linked to a register-based mortality follow up study and the Spanish Population and Housing Census of 2001. After controlling for spatial autocorrelation, a mixed effects Cox Proportional Hazards model is applied which accounts for area variation and the environmental impact of neighboring census tracts. Results: Estimates suggest that the degree of ”urbanicity” in a shared area affects individual hazards of mortality. Once population and environment based effects are incorporated, the effect disappear and estimated effects suggest a 4.5% increased mortality with every unit increase in the environmental risk factor index. Conclusion: The application of construction and population-based measures aggregated at a census tract level reveals area-related mortality disparities which persists despite controlling for individual level difference including socioeconomic position. Estimated hazard ratios indicate the existence of indirect effects of residential environment features on mortality beyond rural/urban differences. key words: Urban Population, Health, Public Health, Epidemiology, Small Area Analysis
Estimated loss of juvenile salmonids to predation by northern squawfish, walleyes, and smallmouth bass in John Day Reservoir, Columbia River

Abstract –We estimated the loss of juvenile salmonids Oncorhynchus spp. to predation by northern squawfish Ptychocheilus oregonensis, walleyes Stizostedion vitreum, and smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu in John Day Reservoir during 1983–1986. Our estimates were based on measures of daily prey consumption, predator numbers, and numbers of juvenile salmonids entering the reservoir during the April–August period of migration. We estimated the mean annual loss was 2.7 million juvenile salmonids (95% confidence interval, 1.9–3.3 million). Northern squawfish were responsible for 78% of the total loss; walleyes accounted for 13% and smallmouth bass for 9%. Twenty-one percent of the loss occurred in a small area immediately below McNary Dam at the head of John Day Reservoir. We estimated that the three predator species consumed 14% (95% confidence interval, 9–19%) of all juvenile salmonids that entered the reservoir. Mortality changed by month and increased late in the migration season. Monthly mortality estim.
Variation in Scutellar Bristle Number an Alternative Hypothesis

In summary, I have put forward here an alternative viewpoint which I believe has some value in simplifying the basic approach but which is still not without difficulties. One obvious example is the occurrence in high scoring lines of flies with bristles at completely new sites. I feel that the use of the probit transformation has led to some conclusions about the basic mechanism of scutellar bristle variation which are incorrect. I have in mind the conclusions about the relative sizes of the intervals on the underlying scale corresponding to various scores on the bristle scale and also the emphasis on the canalization at four bristles. It is true that there are four sites but the essence of this phenomenon is to me the precise determination of the unit process at each. In other words, it is essentially an all-or-none or small number problem. Some necessary statistical consequences about the relationship of mean and variability derive from this view, which may play some part in explaining the well-known phenomenon of the high variability of mutant genotypes. Finally, I feel that in any future work on this character, a consideration of the actual location of missing or extra bristles is necessary.
Estimation of Outcrossing Rate in Common Bean

To assess genetic and environmental variation for outcrossing in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a bulk of nine purplehypocotyled (dominant), black-seeded, common bean lines (pollen parents) and six green-hypocotyled (recessive), white-seeded, common bean lines (seed parents) representing Mexican germplasm were used to estimate outcrossing rate. The experiment was conducted at Irvine and Riverside, CA, in mid-May and mid-July of 1989 and 1991. Outcrossing estimates were based on the proportion of purplehypocotyled progeny from green-hypocotyled parents. Approximately 1400 single-plant families were progeny tested in which 120 278 seedlings were scored for the presence of anthocyanin in the hypocotyl. Of these, 113 246 were classified as selfed progeny and 7031 as hybrid progeny, giving rise to a weighted mean outcrossing rate of 6.9%. Entire progenies from each maternal line were grown and scored, and the minimum and maximum rates of outcrossing observed ranged between 0.0 and 78.0%. Mean outcrossing rate for the six white-seeded lines ranged from 4.41 to 10.16%. However, differences in outcrossing rate among these lines were not significant, nor were differences between dates of planting, locations, or years. The combined analysis of variance showed significant location × planting date × line interaction and year × location × line interaction, indicating that environmental factors had a strong effect on rate of outcrossing in the lines examined. F.J.I.P. acknowledges support from the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia, Mexico. Research supported in part by California Agric. Exp. Stn. , California Dry Bean Board, and USDA, CSRS, Regional Research Project W-150. Part of the dissertation submitted by the senior author in fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree.
Flexible diet and trophic position of dreissenid mussels as inferred from stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen

In this study, the trophic position and food-web impacts of invading zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were investigated by sampling mussels, seston (= phytoplankton), macrophytes, zooplankton, and surficial sediment in two small inland lakes (19992002) and similarly in western Lake Erie (1999 only). Tissues from quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) from Lake Erie were also analyzed. Stable-isotope ratios (15N/14N and 13C/12C) were used to identify likely food sources and estimate relative trophic position. For Lake Erie, stable-isotope ratios indicated no diet differences between the two mussel species. For all lakes, zooplankton δ13C was indicative of phytoplanktivory. The 13C stable isotope ratios indicated that seston comprised ~50% of food sources for mussels in Lake Erie, but 73%97% and 52%100% of the diet of mussel populations in Lake Wawasee and Clark Lake, respectively. Stable nitrogen isotope ratios placed zooplankton at trophic levels equal to or higher than those of mussels in seven of ei.
The Area Occupied by an Omnivorous Lizard, Trachydosaurus rugosus

The positions of individuals of the lizard Trachydosaurus rugosus were recorded regularly between April 1977 and May 1979. The areas occupied by lizards during 1-week periods varied seasonally, and also varied between lizards at any one time. The overall area occupied by each of 26 lizards, which were followed for 8 weeks or more, was significantly less than that predicted by Turner et al. (1969) for carnivorous lizards of equivalent size. The omnivorous diet of T. rugosus may explain the smaller area requirements of this species. It is not clear what restricts the lizards to an area of minimal requirements.
Elevated Atmospheric CO2 Affects Ectomycorrhizal Species Abundance and Increases Sporocarp Production under Field Conditions

Anthropogenic activities during the last century have increased levels of atmospheric CO2. Forest net primary productivity increases in response to elevated CO2, altering the quantity and quality of carbon supplied to the rhizosphere. Ectomycorrhizal fungi form obligate symbiotic associations with the fine roots of trees that mediate improved scavenging for nutrients in exchange for a carbohydrate supply. Understanding how the community structure of ectomycorrhizal fungi is altered by climate change is important to further our understanding of ecosystem function. Betula pendula and Fagus sylvatica were grown in an elevated CO2 atmosphere delivered using free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) under field conditions in the U.K., and Picea abies was grown under elevated CO2 in glass domes in the Czech Republic. We used morphotyping and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region of the fungal ribosomal operon to study ectomycorrhizal community structure. Under FACE, un-colonised roots tips increased in abundance for Fagus sylvatica, and during 2006, sporocarp biomass of Peziza badia significantly increased. In domes, ectomycorrhizal community composition shifted from short-distance and smooth medium-distance to contact exploration types. Supply and competition for carbon belowground can influence ectomycorrhizal community structure with the potential to alter ecosystem function.
Habitat use by bats (Chiroptera) assessed by means of a broad-band acoustic method

1. Bat foraging activity was quantified by using a broad-band acoustic method on transects in 10 land use types in south-west England. From multivariate analysis of parameters of bat echolocation calls, 83% of bat passes could be identified to species level with quantified degrees of certainty. The remaining 17% could be identified to species group. 2. Total bat activity was positively correlated with air temperature, and once adjusted for temperature, was significantly higher over rivers and lakes than over other land use types. 3. Bats that use frequency-modulated echolocation calls (mainly Myotis spp., but some Plecotus auritus) were recorded in nine of 10 land use types, but never in villages. Rivers and lakes supported high levels of activity of these species. Bats classified as 45 kHz and 55 kHz phonic types of Pipistrellus pipistrellus had different habitat requirements; 45 kHz P. pipistrellus fed in many habitats, while 55 kHz P. pipistrellus fed mainly over rivers and lakes. Bats classified as Nyctalus noctula, Nyctalus leisleri and Eptesicus serotinus were most active in open habitats and over rivers and lakes. 4. Total bat activity was equally high in woodland interiors and along woodland edges, but bats were relatively more active in sheltered sections of transects than in exposed sections. 5. Plans for land management should take into account the habitat needs of bats. For most bat species in Britain, rivers and lakes are of primary importance. Management plans should aim to maintain physical diversity and features used by insects in freshwater habitats, woodlands and pasture.
An Evaluation of a Program to Increase Physical Activity for Young Children in Child Care

Research Findings: In the past 20 years, obesity rates among U.S. children have skyrocketed. In fact, 15.4% of 2- to 4-year-olds in North Carolina, where this study takes place, are obese, making it the 5th worst obesity rate in the nation. Research indicates that young children in preschool settings largely engage in sedentary activities, demonstrating the need for programs that encourage physical activity. Starting physical activity early helps children set patterns for lifelong learning and participation. In this article we describe the development and evaluation of a program of physical activities, Be Active Kids, designed to increase the level of physical activity of children birth to age 5 in child care settings in North Carolina. Using a single case study, multiple baseline design, we introduced the intervention in 6 classrooms in 3 child care centers. Teachers received a standardized training, and children in each classroom were observed for their level of physical activity during the baseline and treatment phases. Results demonstrated that teacher training and implementation of physical activities increased light and moderate/vigorous physical activity and was particularly effective when activities were teacher directed. Practice or Policy: This study provides evidence that a program of physical activity can help even the youngest children to be more physically active.