Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Action of Light on Lettuce-Seed Germination

1. The observations of Flint and McAlister that imbibed seed of some lettuce varieties can be promoted in germination by irradiation in the red portion of the spectrum and inhibited in the infrared were verified. 2. The action spectra for promotion and inhibition were measured in detail for wave lengths greater than 4000 A. Maximum sensitivity for promotion was found in the region 6400-6700 A (red) and for inhibition in the region 7200-7500 A (infrared). 3. Absorption of radiation in the red or in the infrared region changes the effective pigment into the infrared- or the red-absorbing form, respectively. The alternation of form can be repeated many times. 4. The action spectrum for lettuce-seed germination is the same as that effective for photoperiodic control of floral initiation. The two phenomena involve the same initial photoreaction. 5. The photoreaction involves monomolecular isomerization of the effective pigment. 6. A reaction by which the pigment changes from the infrared- to the red-absorbing form occurs in darkness. This reaction was elsewhere found to be the one by which duration of darkness is measured in photoperiodic control of floral initiation. 7. Seed of one lettuce variety, Great Lakes, that did not require radiation for germination, became sensitive to radiation when held imbibed at 35⚬ C.
Lipidomics and cognitive dysfunction – A Narrative review

Abstract Background More than half portion of the brain is formed by lipids. They play critical roles in maintaining the brain's structural and functional components. Any dysregulation in these brain lipids can lead to cognitive dysfunction which are associated with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, vascular dementia etc. Studies have linked lipids with cognitive impairment. But not much has been studied about the complex brain lipids which might play a pivotal role in cognitive impairment. This review aims to highlight the lipidomic profiles in patients with cognitive dysfunction. Results Forty-five articles were reviewed. These studies show alterations in complex lipids such as sphingolipids, phospholipids, glycolipids and sterols in brain in various neurological disorders such as vascular dementia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. However, the classes of fatty acids in these lipids involved are different across studies. Conclusions There is a need for targeted lipidomics analysis, specifically including sphingolipids in patients with neurodegenerative disorders so as to improve diagnostics as well as management of these disorders.
Challenges in takeoffs and cost estimating in the BIM technology, based on the example of a road bridge model

Abstract Technical and economic analysis of a construction project carried out using BIM can improve the process of cost-estimating at all stages of design and construction works. More and more designers choose to use BIM within a range of cost estimates; however, in contrast to design software, cost-analysing BIM software is less widespread and used. The following paper presents problems and issues that could be encountered while performing cost estimates and quantity takeoffs applying BIM tools on the example of a model of a road bridge.
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Sources, Effects And Treatments

Abstract Hormonal changes in humans and animals can be attributed to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Studies have found that excessive exposure to natural and artificial environmental chemicals and toxins can have adverse effects on the endocrine system and reproductive health. The endocrine system creates and releases hormones that regulate the development of organs and how they function. Any disruption to hormones affects the development and functioning of the reproductive system, the brain and the neurological system. Research and reports on the subject have been published by international experts and organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Labour Organization (ILO) and Endocrine Society. To fully comprehend the effect of EDCs on humans and wildlife, it is essential to understand epigenetics and its transgenerational effects on hormone development. Here, we extensively explore and review the research on the sources of EDCs, their effects and why exposure to EDCs is of concern, and treatments for EDC exposure.
Some geometric properties of the non-Newtonian sequence spaces lp(N)

Abstract In this paper, we generalize the concepts of convexity, strict convexity and uniform convexity in the sense of non-Newtonian calculus. The main aim of this study is to obtain the non-Newtonian convexity, non-Newtonian strict convexity and non-Newtonian uniform convexity properties of the non-Newtonian sequence spaces lp(N).
Survival of leaf spot pathogens on crop residues of wheat and barley in Saskatchewan.

Pycnidia of Stagonospora nodorum, and pseudothecia of Phaeosphaeria nodorum and Pyrenophora triticirepentis occurred in greater numbers after one overwintering period on residues of wheat and barley stored on the surface of the soil than on residues from the previous fall. Conidial numbers of Bipolaris sorokiniana and Drechslera teres on residues of wheat and barley, and pseudothecia of Pyrenophora teres on residues of barley decreased over one winter but these pathogens continued to sporulate at low levels after two winters. With residue from the soil surface, Drechslera teres and B. sorokiniana conidia occurred in greater numbers on lower parts of the plants. Drechslera teres occurred primarily on leaf and sheath areas and B. sorokiniana, on sheath and stem areas, while P. teres sporulated mainly on stems. Numbers of conidia of D. teres may have declined because the pathogen occurred mainly on leaves, which disintegrated after one winter. The wheat pathogen Stagonospora nodorum was able to sporulate on .
Loss Functions Modulate the Optimal Bias-Variance Trade-off

Prediction problems vary in the extent to which accuracy is rewarded and inaccuracy is penalized—i.e., in their loss functions. Here, we focus on a particular feature of loss functions that controls how much large errors are penalized relative to how much precise correctness is rewarded: convexity. We show that prediction problems with convex loss functions (i.e., those in which large errors are particularly harmful) favor simpler models that tend to be biased, but exhibit low variability. Conversely, problems with concave loss functions (in which precise correctness is particularly rewarded) favor more complex models that are less biased, but exhibit higher variability. We discuss how this relationship between the bias-variance trade-off and the shape of the loss function may help explain features of human psychology, such as dual-process psychology and fast versus slow learning strategies, and inform statistical inference.
Growth of Bifidobacteria in Milk and Preparation of Bifidobacterium infantis for a Dietary Adjunct

Abstract Addition of . 2% modified deMan, Rogosa, Sharp broth permitted growth of four species of Bifidobacterium in either 10 or 12% nonfat dry milk. Serial propagations of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium infantis , and Bifidobacterium longum were successful in the modified milk, but Bifidobacterium bifidum required addition of ascorbic acid. Cysteine (.05%) plus either pyruvic acid (.05%) or ascorbic acid (.2%) successfully replaced addition of the broth for Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Bifidobacterium infantis was stable to lyophilization, and lyophilized Bifidobacterium infantis showed no decrease of viability during storage for 4 mo at 4°C under air in a dessicator or during suspension (2×10 6 /ml) for at least 7 days in refrigerated pasteurized lowfat milk.
Differential Liver Gene Expression in Atherosclerosis- resistant and –susceptible Japanese Quail Fed a Cholesterol Enriched Diet

Objectives: (1) To use NGS to examine the differential liver gene expression in Japanese quail fed a cholesterol-enriched diet and to identify the gene systems that may be associated with the development of atherosclerosis, and (2) To see how divergent genetic selection and diet has modified the expression of these gene systems.
Group Mobbing Behaviour and Nest Defence in a Cooperatively Breeding Australian Bird

Cooperatively breeding noisy miners (Manor ina melanocephala) are well known in Australia for their persistent and very vocal group mobbing of heterospecifics. Here I investigated the nature of this extraordinary behaviour, in particular its role in nest defence, in a colour banded population of noisy miners in south-east Queensland, Australia. I focused on two questions. First, did the intensity of mobbing vary according to factors such as the threat to the nest, or the 'value' of a clutch? Secondly, what role did group mobbing play in the success of a nest? To answer these questions, I experimentally manipulated the nest defence behaviour by placing one of three stuffed models near active noisy miner nests. The response of noisy miners to intruders was not indiscriminate. However, I found that the number of birds that mobbed a model did not simply reflect the potential threat posed. The response of noisy miners to raptors and other potential nest predators may have reflected their rarity as well as the threat posed. The number of mobbers did not vary with the age or size of a brood. In this study, the fate of nests was independent of the number of mobbers or visitors at nests. Finally, up to 80% of mobbers were never seen to make any other type of contribution to a nest, and many could not be related to the brood that they were 'defending'. Hence, for some noisy miner 'helpers' the benefits that they accrued were probably not wholly dependent on the survival of the broods. I suggest that, in this gregarious species, mobbing behaviour at the nest may be a display of social status or individual quality. This hypothesis warrants further investigation.
Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer from Tyrosine in the Interior of a de novo Protein: Mechanisms and Primary Proton Acceptor

Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) from tyrosine produces a neutral tyrosyl radical (Y•) that is vital to many catalytic redox reactions. To better understand how the protein environment influences the PCET properties of tyrosine, we have studied the radical formation behavior of Y32 in the α3Y model protein. The previously solved α3Y solution NMR structure shows that Y32 is sequestered ∼7.7 ± 0.3 Å below the protein surface without any primary proton acceptors nearby. Here we present transient absorption kinetic data and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to resolve the PCET mechanism associated with Y32 oxidation. Y32• was generated in a bimolecular reaction with [Ru(bpy)3]3+ formed by flash photolysis. At pH > 8, the rate constant of Y32• formation (kPCET) increases by one order of magnitude per pH unit, corresponding to a proton-first mechanism via tyrosinate (PTET). At lower pH < 7.5, the pH dependence is weak and shows a previously measured KIE ≈ 2.5, which best fits a concerted mechanism. kPCET is independent of phosphate buffer concentration at pH 6.5. This provides clear evidence that phosphate buffer is not the primary proton acceptor. MD simulations show that one to two water molecules can enter the hydrophobic cavity of α3Y and hydrogen bond to Y32, as well as the possibility of hydrogen-bonding interactions between Y32 and E13, through structural fluctuations that reorient surrounding side chains. Our results illustrate how protein conformational motions can influence the redox reactivity of a tyrosine residue and how PCET mechanisms can be tuned by changing the pH even when the PCET occurs within the interior of a protein.
Invertebrates of ancient heavy metal spoil and smelting tip sites in southern Jordan: Their distribution and use as bioindicators of metalliferous pollution derived from ancient sources

The invertebrate populations of stony desert sites contaminated by ancient metalliferous activities in the Nabatean, Roman and Byzantine periods were significantly different from those found in adjacent ancient abandoned field systems. Consequently, it is apparent that such invertebrates potentially have uses as biomonitors of metalliferous pollution derived from ancient anthropogenic activities. This is further explored by an analysis of the heavy metal content of certain of these animals; extensive bioaccumulation of copper and especially lead occurred in organisms inhabiting areas associated with ancient metalliferous enterprises.
Disability among children of immigrants from India and China: Is there excess disability among girls?

We investigate whether there is excess morbidity among daughters of Indian or Chinese immigrants in the US by studying the prevalence of disability among children. We use data from the 2012–14 American Community Surveys on approximately 20,000 US-born children of Indian and Chinese immigrants. Children of US natives are used as a comparison group to account for innate differences in disability between the sexes. Results indicate that there is excess disability among daughters compared with sons among children of Chinese immigrants and children of immigrants from northern or western Indian states; this excess disability declines with younger age at arrival or longer exposure to the host country. Analysis using children of Filipino immigrants as an alternative comparison group yields similar excess disability rates for females. Supplementary material is available for this article at: https://doi.org/10.1080/00324728.2020. 1762911
FEEDING ACTIVITY OF LIMAX VALENTIANUS FÉRUSSAC: NOCTURNAL RHYTHM AND ALIMENTARY COMPETITION

Feeding activity of the slug Umax valentianus Fdrussac throughout a 24-hour period began with the decrease in lightFeeding began 41 minutes after the start of locomotor activity and showed a maximum level in the beginning of the night L. valentianus had two to five meals each night, each meal lasting 8.5 to 14 minutes. The overcrowding of the slugs induced a shorter duration of individual feeding periods and acts of aggression during meals.
The dead phosphatases society: a review of the emerging roles of pseudophosphatases

Phosphatases are a diverse family of enzymes, comprising at least 10 distinct protein folds. Like most other enzyme families, many have sequence variations that predict an impairment or loss of catalytic activity classifying them as pseudophosphatases. Research on pseudoenzymes is an emerging area of interest, with new biological functions repurposed from catalytically active relatives. Here, we provide an overview of the pseudophosphatases identified to date in all major phosphatase families. We will highlight the degeneration of the various catalytic sequence motifs and discuss the challenges associated with the experimental determination of catalytic inactivity. We will also summarize the role of pseudophosphatases in various diseases and discuss the major challenges and future directions in this field.
Intraspecific variation in reproductive effort by female Parapediasia teterrella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and its relation to body size

Daily egg production of the moth Parapediasia teterrella declined over the life-span of the female but egg size remained constant. The absence of water resulted in lower fecundity and early mortality. Egg size and lifetime fecundity showed considerable inter-individual variation and large females produced more and larger eggs than their smaller counterparts. Large females expended greater reproductive effort than small females. Hatching success was negatively related to egg size. In spite of this, large females laying large eggs had higher fitness than small females. I postulate that multiple reproductive strategies within a species, resulting from differences in reproductive effort expended, may explain why expected trade-offs in reproductive parameters (e.g., egg size versus egg number) were not found in this species. Furthermore, I argue that the prevalent interpretation of life-history evolution (that body size is the important determining parameter of life-history parameters) may reflect correlation .
The impact of tamsulosin on cognition in Alzheimer disease with benign prostate hyperplasia

Abstract Studies suggest that the use of alpha-blockers increases the risk of dementia in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Due to study limitations, the relationship between the use of alpha-blockers, such as tamsulosin, and the risk of dementia is still unclear. However, alpha1-adrenoreceptors are also present in the brain, so there is potential for adverse effects on cognitive function. Therefore, we investigated possible associations between the use of alpha-blockers and aggravation of cognitive decline in dementia patients using a clinical data analytic solution called the Smart Clinical Data Warehouse (CDW). We retrospectively investigated clinical data using the Smart CDW of Hallym University Medical Center from 2009 to 2019. We enrolled patients with probable Alzheimer disease (AD) who had completed the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at least twice during follow-up, and who had BPH. We compared the difference in MMSE scores between patients who took tamsulosin for >1000 days and those who did not take any alpha-blocker. We tested the effect of tamsulosin on cognitive decline in patients with AD, using propensity score-matched logistic regression analysis. Eligible cases were included in the tamsulosin (n = 68) or no-medication (n = 153) groups. After propensity score matching, clinical characteristics such as educational attainment and vascular risk factors were similar in the tamsulosin and no-medication groups. The MMSE scores did not differ significantly between the tamsulosin and no-medication groups (P = .470). The results suggest that tamsulosin for BPH is not associated with worsening of the cognitive decline in patients with AD.
Historical interdrainage dispersal of eastern rainbowfish from the Atherton Tableand, north‐eastern Australia

The widespread distribution of the eastern rainbow fish Melanotaenia splendida splendida throughout the isolated headwaters of the rivers on the Atherton Tableland, north-eastern Australia, suggests multiple colonization events from the eastern lowlands via each respective river channel, or a single colonization event on to the tableland with subsequent dispersal between the headwaters. To explore the likely processes that resulted in the current distribution on the tableland, two models of gene flow were tested: (a) the hierarchical gene flow model that tests the hypothesis for contemporary gene flow via stream channels and (b) the stepping stone model that tests for dispersal between streams. Neither of these models explained the observed genetic structure, adequately. However, there is support for extensive historical dispersal across the headwaters of the isolated drainages. If this dispersal followed a single colonization event, the subsequent range expansion could have facilitated a rapid rise in population size due to an increase in suitable habitat. The genetic data indicates an eight-fold increase in population size c. 100 thousand years ago.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CERTAIN ASSEMBLAGES OF BIRDS AS “INFORMATION‐CENTRES” FOR FOOD‐FINDING

Summary Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that communal roosts, breeding colonies and certain other bird assemblages have been evolved primarily for the efficient exploitation of unevenly-distributed food sources by serving as “information-centres”. Predation-pressure is regarded as being the most important factor “shaping” the assemblages. The shaping involves the choice of inaccessible or otherwise safe sites, optimum dispersal, mutual awareness of attack and joint defensive tactics, and serves to minimise the vulnerability to predation which would otherwise result when birds mass together in conspicuous, and often predictable centres.
Study on the Elastic–Plastic Correlation of Low-Cycle Fatigue for Variable Asymmetric Loadings

The mean stress effect in fatigue life varies by material and loading conditions. Therefore, a classical low cycle fatigue (LCF) model based on mean stress correction shows limits in asymmetric loading cases in both accuracy and applicability. In this paper, the effect of strain ratio (R) on LCF life is analyzed and a strain ratio-based model is presented for asymmetric loading cases. Two correction factors are introduced to express correlations between strain ratio and fatigue strength coefficient and between strain ratio and fatigue ductility coefficient. Verifications are conducted through four materials under different strain ratios: high-pressure tubing steel (HPTS), 2124-T851 aluminum alloy, epoxy resin and AZ61A magnesium alloy. Compared with current widely used LCF models, the proposed model shows a better life prediction accuracy and higher potential in implementation in symmetric and asymmetric loading cases for different materials. It is also found that the strain ratio-based correction is able to consider the damage of ratcheting strain that the mean stress-based models cannot.
Russian Thistle (Salsola tragus L.) Control on Bighorn Sheep Winter Ranges in Jasper National Park

ABSTRACT: Invasive plants threaten Canada's National Parks, which have a mandate for conservation of native vegetation. In Jasper National Park, Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.), an introduced annual forb, has invaded Montane grasslands that constitute critical winter range for bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis Shaw) and other ungulates. A two year study assessed five strategies for controlling Russian thistle: (1) removal of ungulate grazing; (2) spraying with metsulfuron-methyl; (3) manual pulling of Russian thistle plants; (4) broadcast seeding of native plant species; and (5) integrated weed management combining grazing exclusion, herbicide, and seeding. All treatments that included herbicide reduced Russian thistle, but also removed native forbs. Manual removal of thistle plants reduced the cover and density of the weed, but not final biomass, and may be impractical to implement on large areas. Grazing exclusion resulted in a large decline in Russian thistle density and biomass after two years and coincided with recovery of other forbs, suggesting this weed species is responding to competition and could, therefore, be reduced through management of ungulate grazing pressure. Nomenclature: bighorn sheep, Metsulfuron-methyl, Ovis canadensis Shaw, Russian thistle, Salsola tragus L.