Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of the expansion of the clonal grass Calamagrostis epigejos on the species turnover of a semi-arid grassland

ABSTRACT Question: How does the dominance of Calamagrostis epigejos influence species turnover of a grassland? Location: Loess grassland at the foothills of Bükk Mountains, Hungary (47°54′ N, 20°35′ E). Methods: Presence/absence of vascular plants and different performance attributes of C. epigejos were recorded in a plot-subplot system between 2002 and 2005. Appearance and disappearance rates of grassland species were calculated for pairs of consecutive years. 1. Mean appearance and disappearance rates were compared in grassland plots dominated by C. epigejos and in plots free from this species, based on Monte Carlo randomization. 2. Mean appearance rates were assessed for categories of C. epigejos performance and their confidence intervals were calculated via Monte Carlo randomization. For two performance variables (percentage cover and shoot number) analyses were performed at two spatial scales. Results: 1. C. epigejos-dominated plots differed from unaffected ones by significantly lower appearance rates. 2. Change in appearance rates was best explained by differences in percentage cover of C. epigejos. Coarse-scale C. epigejos performance had a closer correspondence with appearance rate change than fine-scale performance. Low level C. epigejos performance enhanced appearance rate compared to intact stands, while high level performance decreased it, regardless of the choice of performance measure. Conclusions: C. epigejos lowers species number by hindering reappearance of species of the original grassland. This is best explained by the increased shading effect at the coarse scale. The marked non-linear initial enhancement in appearance rate, however, can also be taken as an early sign of future species loss. Nomenclature: Tutin et al. (1964–1993).
Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus aureus from Clinical Samples of Patients Visiting Sushma Koirala Memorial Hospital

Staphylococcus aureus is commonly isolated pathogen from clinical specimen with increasing trend of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of the study was to isolate S. aureus from the pus and wound swabs and determine their susceptibility pattern. This study was carried out in Sushma Koirala Memorial Hospital (SKM), Kathmandu, from June 15, 2013 to May 30, 2014, following the standard microbiological protocol. Out of 285 samples (pus and wound swabs), S. aureus was isolated from 65 (22.80%), of which 38 (58.46%) from male and 27 (41.53 %) from female. Fourteen (21.53%) isolates were identified as MRSA and remaining 51 (78.47%) were Methicillin-Susceptible (MSSA). Among MSSA isolates, all isolates were 100 % susceptible to Amikacin, Tetracycline and Vancomycin. The susceptibility to Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin and Penicillin was 52.94%, 68.63%, and 10.20% respectively. Among MRSA isolates, no resistance was seen to Amikacin, Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, and Vancomycin but only 66.67 % of isolates were susceptible to Clindamycin. To remaining all antibiotics tested, Cefotaxime, Cephalexin, Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin, Gentamicin and Penicillin, the susceptibility was lower than the 37%. In this study, all the MRSA isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), whereas 25.49 % of MSSA isolates were MDR. Six (9.2 %) of the total isolates were obtained as Penicillinase producing S. aureus by penicillin disk zone-edge method.
Arthropod and plant responses to resource availability and heterogeneity

Species diversity has long been one of the central topics of ecological research, and there is still much uncertainty about the forces that generate and maintain diversity in communities. Abiotic factors such as resources, environmental conditions, and disturbances influence species composition; variation or heterogeneity in these abiotic factors is also hypothesized to affect diversity. Biotic interactions such as competition, mutualism, and predation further shape the composition of communities. Understanding what factors can influence diversity and community composition is important because knowledge of what maintains biological diversity in a particular habitat, taxon, or trophic level is the first step towards understanding how to preserve or to restore that diversity. Often, human activities disturb the natural cycling of nutrients and create physical disturbances, and the impacts of these changes are not sufficiently understood. In this set of studies, the responses of plant and arthropod communities to experimental alterations of nutrient and disturbance regimes are explored. Three broad questions are addressed, along with aspects of their applicability to ecological management. 1) How does experimental manipulation of availability of nitrogen and phosphorus affect the composition and diversity of a grassland plant community – and what does this imply for restoration of native tallgrass prairie? 2) How do nutrient availability and disturbance interact to influence the arthropod community of a cool-season grass system – and how might this be important for management of cool-season hay fields? 3) How does nutrient heterogeneity affect the plant community and associated arthropod community of different herbaceous communities? The first study, on experimental restoration of tallgrass prairie, shows that nutrient availability can strongly influence the plant community that develops over time at a site, and echoes previous studies that have shown that many native prairie plants are better suited to conditions of low availability of nutrients, especially nitrogen. The second study, which addresses the arthropod community of a coolseason hay field, shows that nutrient manipulation by fertilization strongly affects both the plant community, and the associated arthropod community. Meanwhile, the effects of haying disturbance on arthropods are subtle. A closer look at species and taxa of arthropods from this dataset shows that just as with plant species, different arthropod groups respond in dramatically different ways to changes in nutrient and disturbance regimes. Finally, the third study on the effects of heterogeneity leaves the question unanswered, as the time frame of the experiment appears to have been too brief to allow the treatments to take full effect.
Forage potential of semi-leafless grain peas

Individually sown plants of a forage-type pea (Pisum sativum L.), cv. Magnus, and a grain-type pea cv. Eiffel, were harvested several times over the growing season to determine how the quantity of plant components changed with time from sowing. There was no difference between the pea types in the mean dry weight per plant. The leaf-to-stem ratio of the two types was also not different. An appropriate grain-type pea cultivar could be a suitable substitute for forage-type cultivar in some forage production systems.
Competitive interactions among two specialist predators and a generalist predator of hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in south‐western Virginia

1 Competitive interactions among two specialist predators, Laricobius nigrinus and Sasajiscymnus (Pseudoscymnus) tsugae, and a generalist predator, Harmonia axyridis Pallas, of hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae were evaluated in hemlock stands in south‐western Virginia. The two specialist predators are part of a biological control program for A. tsugae, and the potential for competition among these species and previously established generalist predators in the field is unknown.
The Origin of Phenolic Tsetse Attract Ants from Host Urine: Studies on the Pro-Attractants and Microbes Involved

Phenolic tsetse attractants in host urine were shown to form gradually from proattractants identified as a mixture of glucuronates and sulphates. The breakdown of proattractants is predominantly due to microbial activity. Of the eight bacteria isolated from buffalo urine three have demonstrated varying ability to give rise to free phenols the formation of which was monitored by observing the build-up of 4-cresol by means of gas chromatography. These observations may provide a useful biotechnological model for controlled release of these semiochemicals in the field. RésuméIl été montre que les substances phénoliques attractives du tsetse, qui sont contenues dans les urines de l’hôte, se forment de façon graduelle à partir de substances pro-attractives identifiés comme étant un mèlange de glucuronates et de sulfates. La decomposition de ces substances pro-attractives est principalement due a une activité microbienne.Trois bacteries sur les huit isolées des urines du bufle ont montré des capacités variées à engendrer des phénols libres. La formation de cephenols libres a été enregistrée en observant le dévélopement du 4-cresol a l’aide de la chromotographie gazeuse.Ces observations peuvent constituer un modèle biotechnologique utile pour la liberation controlée de produits semi-chimiques sur le terrain.
Fast American Sign Language Image Recognition Using CNNs with Fine-tuning

Sign language images such as American Sign Language (ASL) images carry effective information for communication based on gestures. The significance of sign language recognition is that it can help hearing impaired people to communicate with others successfully. To facilitate the ASL images recognition for the hearing impaired people, a proper image classification is demanded urgently. As the computation of traditional image classification methods is usually extensive, it’s a bad choice for real-time tasks. Due to the extraordinary performance of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) on various tasks of images classification, a method is proposed to use CNNs to train classification models for ASL images recognition with fine-tuning strategy. First, a structure of CNNs is optimized to make it more suitable for ASL classification task. Secondly, the models are trained on the structure by using test images. We compare the test results of proposed approach with those of the state-of-the-arts at the end with the aim to illustrate the effectiveness of the trained CNNs models. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve superior recognition results for ASL images.
Utvärdering av två självskattningsinstrument för smärta bland barn på en akutmottagning

In this pilot study a faces pain scale (FPS) and the Coloured Analogue Scale (CAS) were evaluated. The FPS consists of six faces corresponding to a numeric scale of 0 to 10, and the CAS is a modified visual analogue scale from 0 to 10. The aims were to examine if FPS and CAS were considered as equal, valid and applicable in measuring pain in children in an emergency room. To assess concurrent validity, 62 children in an emergency room were asked to mark their current pain on both self-report scales. When construct validity was assessed, a subgroup of children (n=19) was asked to score their pain before and after administered analgesics. All children were asked which scale they preferred. There were no significant differences in the scores between the scales. The correlation between them was 0.64 for children >8 years of age and 0.66 for children 4.5–7 years (p<0.05). Median scores after analgesic administration decreased from 5.8 to 4.2 with CAS (p<0.001) and from 6 to 4 with FPS (p<0.001). Children >8 years preferred CAS, while younger children preferred FPS (p<0.05). Both scales showed concurrent and construct validity in this study group of untrained children in an emergency room.
Amino acid signaling in the intestine: The roles of glutamine, leucine and arginine

Amino acids have an influence on the function of organs, glands, tendons and arteries. Some of them play crucial roles in the control of gene expression by controlling the initiation phase of mRNA translation. Furthermore, recent studies have revealed that some kinds of amino acids directly participate in important signal transduction in the immune system. Glutamine, leucine and arginine play crucial roles in intestinal growth, integrity, and function through cellular signaling mechanisms. In this paper, we review amino acid signal transduction in the intestinal function.
Observations on the use of a medium detecting β‐glucuronidase activity and lactose fermentation for the simultaneous detection of Escherichia coli and coliforms

A study of the use of a recently described single membrane medium for the simultaneous enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliforms has shown similar E. coli confirmation rates (92%) for both membrane lauryl sulphate broth (MLSB) and membrane lactose glucuronide agar (mLGA). Of the presumptive E. coli examined, a higher proportion of those examined from MLSB subsequently produced acid and gas from lactose peptone water and indole from tryptophan than on mLGA. These results differ in some respects from those presented in the original paper and may therefore be of interest to those workers involved in the detection of E. coli in water.
A Revocable Anonymous E-Cash Scheme from Group Signatures

A revocable anonymous e-cash scheme from group signature added a one-time tag was presented in this paper. In the scheme the bank acts as the group manager but just issues certificates, i.e. coins, to customers who become the group members when they withdraw coins from bank, and there is a trustee whose duty is revoking the anonymity of the coins. Ateniese et al's group signature scheme was used in the proposed scheme. Owing to the properties of the group signature scheme, the scheme can meet most demands of e-cash schemes and have a high efficiency.
Efficacy of sitagliptin in retarding the progression of albuminuria and assessing its safety and efficacy in patients with diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of Chronic Kidney Disease. Microalbuminuria is an early sign of diabetic nephropathy. ACE inhibitors decrease albumin excretion and prevent its progression. Sitagliptin, a novel therapeutic agent for type2 diabetes mellitus. So, this study carried out to investigate the effect of sitagliptin in albuminuria along with ACE inhibitors and its efficacy, safety of glycemic profile in diabetic nephropathy. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study evaluated the efficacy of sitagliptin in retarding the progression of albuminuria, and assessing its safety of glycemic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes with early stage of nephropathy. METHODS: In this randomized open label study, Patients with diabetic nephropathy were randomized to two groups (n=30 each). Control group received oral Anti Diabetic Drugs+ Tab. Enalapril 2.5 mg and study group received ADD + Tab.Enalapril2.5mg+ Tab. Sitagliptin 100 mg. Patient evaluated at the end of 24 weeks. RESULTS: Urinary Albumin Creatinine Ratio decreased from 302.10 to 143.83 at 24 weeks in the sitagliptin treated group (P value=0.001) and in control group UCAR value reduced from 324.10 to 290.93 mg/gm. Statistically significant reductions in HbA1C, FBS, PPBS, SBP were observed with sitagliptin treated group. Adverse effects reactions were less in the study group (10%) compared to control (26%) group CONCLUSION: Sitagliptin significantly reduced albuminuria and improved glycemic control and was well tolerated in patients with early stage diabetic nephropathy.
The Role of Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Testing in Primary Care-Does It Exist?

Introduction: The role of Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) as a prognostic marker after colorectal cancer resection with a curative intent is well understood. However, CEA is not a sensitive or specific test for the initial diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Despite this, there has been an increase in the use of CEA testing in the primary care setting for patients with no formal diagnosis of cancer. Aim: Our study aims to determine whether CEA testing within primary care setting is beneficial or justified. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who had a serum CEA test sent to our trust laboratory from the primary care setting was performed. Patient records were then analyzed to determine whether CEA testing triggered a referral to the hospital and resulted in a diagnosis of cancer. Results: A total of 314 patients had a serum CEA checked by their General practitioners during the study period. 79% of the patients had a CEA level checked with no pre-test diagnosis of cancer. A total of 39% PF patients were referred to secondary care with 79% of these patients having a CEA level of less than 5 μg/ml. 12% of patients were not referred to secondary care despite an elevated CEA level of greater than 5 μg/ml. CEA levels were elevated in only 42% of the patients who had a subsequent diagnosis of cancer. Conclusion: CEA should not be used in the primary care setting as a diagnostic test or to determine whether a referral to the secondary care is indicated.
Balanced Sex Ratios in Dimorphic Altricial Birds: The Contribution of Sex-Specific Growth Dynamics

Sex ratio theory holds that the population sex ratio at the termination of parental care should reflect expenditures on males and females. Where sexual dimorphism occurs in required expenditure, the sex ratio should be skewed in favor of the less costly sex. Male fledglings of the yellow-headed blackbird weigh about one and one-half times their female contemporaries, leading to a prediction of a strongly female-biased sex ratio. Data from this study and others show that this species appears to have a sex ratio approximating unity. I show differences in the dynamics of growth of males and females such that females fledge at an earlier age, show earlier maturation of plumage, relatively faster attainment of adult measurements, and lower variability of growth parameters than males. The effect is to sharply reduce the disparity in energetic requirements of males and females below that expected on the basis of weight. Other dimorphic species have yielded similar findings with regard to both sex ratios and growth patterns, suggesting that such mechanisms are general in maintaining a sex ratio of unity in dimorphic species.
A Beat Too Short: A Narrative Review of Heart Failure

Background: Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common global public health concerns and a leading cause of death with the steadily increasing prevalence and substantial impact on quality of life. The objective of the article is to analyze various components of HF and discuss its determinants. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 articles was chosen for this literature review from sources such as EBSCO, PUBMED and Google Scholar. Results: Risk of developing HF is highest with coronary artery disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and smoking respectively. Regardless of the precipitating factors, many compensatory mechanisms in our body serve only as a temporary fix. Most patients present with volume overload and normal or reduced cardiac output. Evaluation begins with a comprehensive history and examination, supported by the laboratory test. The major goals of treatment are to improve quality of life, alleviate symptoms, and reduce morbidity and mortality by reversing or slowing the cardiac and other vital organ dysfunction. Atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias are the most dreaded complications, and the prognosis is interlinked with associated comorbidities. Discussion: Currently, prescribed medications can improve the signs and symptoms HF. But it is necessary to develop and validate newer treatments, and early diagnostic modalities to enhance the quality of life. More research is needed to better organize and formulate patient-oriented plans when it comes to non-pharmacological treatment approach. A holistic approach is necessary to curb its growing incidence and address comorbidities, starting with health education and general screening.
Viability of Magnesium Based Composites as Temporary Implan

Magnesium and its alloys are researched widely for their use in biodegradable temporary implant applications. However, higher rate of degradation and hydrogen gas evolution limits the use of magnesium-based materials as temporary implants. Till date, various modifications like addition of alloying elements, processing conditions, surface modification and coatings are done to overcome these drawbacks. Another way to circumvent these limitations is to add reinforcement to magnesium and its alloys. Magnesium-based composites, as biomaterials, can exhibit excellent mechanical and microstructural properties like ultimate tensile strength, ultimate compressive strength, elastic modulus, grain refinement and corrosion resistance in the physiological conditions. Accordingly, this paper targets to investigate the influence of addition of different types of reinforcements to magnesium and it alloys on their microstructural, mechanical and corrosion responses. Keywords: Magnesium; Metal matrix composites; Corrosion; Biomaterial; Temporary Implants
MUSIC and ESPRIT algorithm for Parametric Signal Estimation

−This report presents the comparison made in the performance of the Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MVDR), Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) and Estimation of Signal Parameter via Rotational Invariance (ESPRIT) algorithms in source localization using antenna array. Two signals are used to evaluate the algorithms’ performance in simulation. Array SNR, separation and relative power of sources and number of samples are some of the variables in the experiment.
Effect of Pre-Treatments and Polyethylene Packaging on Overall Chemical Constituents Such as Sugars and Organoleptic Parameters like Colour, Texture, Taste and Flavour of Chaunsa White Variety of Mango During Storage

2 3 Abstract: Polyethylene packaging and Pre-treatments had significant effect (p<0.05) on overall chemical constituents such as reducing and non-reducing sugars (RS, TIS, SUC) Total Sugars (TS), Sugar Acid Ratio (SAR) and other organoleptic parameters like; Skin Color (SKC), Flesh Color (FLC), Texture (TEX), Taste (TAS) and Flavour (FLA) of Chaunsa white variety of mango fruit at ambient temperature (28-33 C and 56.7- o 69.7% relative humidity) during storage. It was investigated that fruit treated with coating emulsions having fungicide, ethylene absorbent and antiripening agent, packed in polyethylene had lower RS ranged from (8.35-10.70%), TIS (17.78-24.66), SUC (9.07-13.75), TS (17.31-23.93), SAR value (25.31-39.79), lower SKC (.3.83-4.88), FLC (3.84-4.50), TEX (5.05-5.68), TAS (3.21-4.28) and FLA (3.74-4.76) with an average mean of 9.07%, 20.95%, 10.80%, 20.06%, 26.31, 3.93, 4.08, 5.20, 3.70 and 4.09 respectively at ambien t temperature during 30 days of storage. The coated fruit packed in polyethylene had longer shelf life, minimum quality loss and slower increase in RS, TIS, SUC, TS contents, SAR, or lower score of SKC, FLC, TAS, higher TEX and slower increase of FLA respectively of fruit during storage. Whereas, the control sample had greater compositional changes with maximum quality loss, higher RS (9.67%), TIS (28.51%), SUC (19.83%), TS (29.38%), SAR (103.60), SKC (5.82), FLC (4.56), TAS (4.67), FLA (4.81) and lower TEX (4.98) and fruit was unacceptable after 12 days of their storage due to its unattractive skin, brown pulp color and poor taste.