General Distribution Research Articles

Additions to the biota of lichenicolous and lichenized fungi of Poland


 
 
 Two lichenicolous fungi, Ceratobasidium bulbillifaciens and Sclerococcum phaeophysciae, and one lichen, Xanthoria aureola, are reported for the first time from Poland. For each species, the descriptions with notes on similar species, habitat preferences and general distribution are provided.
 
 

New and rare plant species for the Polar Urals

The article contains data on localities of new and rare species and subspecies of vascular plants for the Polar Urals. The general distribution of Betula concinna is only approximately known. Botrychium alaskense is recorded in Western Siberia only in Altai. Crepis paludosa is lost in the Siberian flora. For 5 species and 1 subspecies (Alchemilla glomerulans, Astragalus gorodkovii, Botrychium boreale, B. lunaria, Castilleja arctica subsp. vorkutensis, Cystopteris fragilis) new localities were noted, confirming their occurrence or clarifying their distribution in the Polar Urals.

Excess Lifetime Extropy of Order Statistics

This paper explores the concept of residual extropy as an uncertainty measure for order statistics. We specifically derive the residual extropy for the ith-order statistic and establish its relationship with the residual extropy of the ith-order statistic from a random sample generated from a uniform distribution. By employing this approach, we obtain a formula for the residual extropy of order statistics applicable to general continuous distributions. In addition, we offer two lower bounds that can be applied in situations where obtaining closed-form expressions for the residual extropy of order statistics in diverse distributions proves to be challenging. Additionally, we investigate the monotonicity properties of the residual extropy of order statistics. Furthermore, we present other aspects of the residual extropy of order statistics, including its dependence on the position of order statistics and various features of the underlying distribution.

A Comparative Gross Study on the Sacral Plexus of the Magpie (Pica Pica) and Chukar Partridge (Alectoris Chukar)

In poultry, sacral plexus usually occurs as a result of a combination of ventral branches of 1-5 sacral spinal nerves. The aim of this study is comparatively determination the sacral plexus and its branches of magpie (Pica pica) and chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) and anatomic differences between two species. In the present study, there were used 20 magpies (Pica pica) and 20 chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar). All animals were sacrificed under anesthesia and the nerves forming sacral plexus were separately dissected and photographed in the both species. In the present study, it was determined that forming of sacral plexus and general anatomic distribution of nerves arising from plexus in the both species were similar with other many bird species. However, nerves forming the sacral plexus and their branches were thicker in chukar partridge than magpie.

Preliminary checklist of the genus Festuca L. (Loliinae, Pooideae, Poaceae) in the Altai Mountains with outlines for further studies.

Here we present an updated checklist of the genus Festuca in the Altai Mountains (AM). The study was carried out on the abundant herbarium material and considered the latest published phylogenetic analyses. Festuca was revised within the scope of the fine-leaved group (clade) with two sections, sect. Aulaxyper and sect. Festuca. Two species, namely F.richardsonii and F.lenensis, were previously misidentified and are not present in the AM. Festucabrevissima is a new record for the Russian part of the AM and for the flora of Mongolia. In total, our revision shows that 17 species of fine-leaved fescues are present in the area of AM. In this paper, we provide a key to species identification, as well as illustrations of plants, habits, leaves, spikelets, and glumes. Information on nomenclature types, synonymy, flowering period, chromosome numbers, habitats, and general distribution along with distribution maps of the particular species within the AM are included.

Flea (Insecta: Siphonaptera) Family Diversity

This overview of extant Siphonaptera lists 19 families with major hosts and their general distribution, estimated numbers of genera, species, and subspecies, with a brief taxonomic and phylogenetic review. With around 10 new species described annually, extant flea fauna comprises an estimated 249 genera, 2215 species, and 714 subspecies globally, mostly mammal parasites, but 5% of species are on birds. Host specificity varies from euryxenous (i.e., infesting two or more host orders) (e.g., cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis felis) to monoxenous (e.g., rabbit fleas, Spilopsyllus cuniculi). The largest family is the paraphyletic Hystrichopsyllidae, making up a third of all flea species. The largest monophyletic family, Ceratophyllidae (rodent and bird fleas), comprises another 20% and has dispersed to every continent, including Antarctica. Fleas descend from scorpionflies (Mecoptera), possibly snow scorpionflies (Boreidae) or Nannochoristidae, and even giant fossils found from the Mesozoic could be Siphonaptera. The diversification of fleas shows evidence of taxon cycles. “Relict” families, such as helmet fleas (Stephanocircidae), have a disjunct distribution reflecting the breakup of Gondwanaland 70 million years ago. “Niche specialists” include nest fleas (Anomiopsyllus), bat fleas (Ischnopsyllidae), and burrowing fleas, such as chigoes (Tungidae). By contrast, Ceratophyllidae fleas could be considered “great speciators”. Cat fleas and several other synanthropic flea species are invasive “supertramps”. Although those species are intensively studied, many flea species and their hosts require urgent surveys and conservation.

Tuberculosis and Sudden Death in Lithuania.

Tuberculosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. 10.6 million people fell ill in 2021 and 1.6 million died from the disease. Lithuania has the third-highest tuberculosis incidence rate per 100,000 and the second-highest mortality rate per 100,000 in EU/EEA countries. During 2015-2021 years, there were 799 deaths of pulmonary tuberculosis in Lithuania. However, the presence of pulmonary tuberculosis is often unknown before death and is only revealed during autopsy. The aim of the study is to review current literature on this topic and present statistical analysis on evaluated socioeconomical, epidemiological indicators, as well as autopsy findings that may suggest pulmonary tuberculosis infection. This research was designed as a retrospective study focusing on full forensic pathology autopsies between 2015 and 2021. Of these, 100 cases were randomly selected where the cause of death was tuberculosis diagnosed during post-mortem examination and compared to a control group consisting of 415 cases of sudden death. The study revealed that out of 100 pulmonary tuberculosis cases, 90% were male with the mean age of 53.48 ± 11.12 years old. In the case of sudden death where tuberculosis was found, a significant portion of the sample (91%) was not followed up at any medical institution. Regarding socioeconomic factors, a moderate negative correlation between Lithuania's gross domestic product and tuberculosis distribution was observed, as well as a weak negative correlation between alcohol consumption (l per capita) in the general population and tuberculosis distribution. The lung weight of the pulmonary tuberculosis group was statistically significantly higher than that of the control group. Tuberculosis remains a major problem in Lithuania and the combination of socioeconomic indicators determines the prevalence of tuberculosis in the country. In cases of sudden death, autopsy helps to identify tuberculosis cases that have not been clinically detected and ensures tuberculosis monitoring. Therefore, the person who performs autopsy remains at high risk of contracting tuberculosis. Furthermore, extreme caution is advised if higher lung weight or hardenings are seen during autopsy because of the possibility of tuberculosis.

Open networks of infinite server queues with non-homogeneous multivariate batch Poisson arrivals

In this paper, we consider the occupancy distribution for an open network of infinite server queues with multivariate batch arrivals following a non-homogeneous Poisson process, and general service time distributions. We derive a probability generating function for the transient occupancy distribution of the network and prove that it is necessary and sufficient for ergodicity that the expected occupancy time for each batch be finite. Further, we recover recurrence relations for the transient probability mass function formulated in terms of a distribution obtained by compounding the batch size with a multinomial distribution.

The saturated Multiserver Job Queuing Model with two classes of jobs: Exact and approximate results

We consider a multiserver queue where jobs request for a varying number of servers for a random service time. The requested number of servers is assigned to each job following a First-In First-Out (FIFO) order. When the number of free servers is not sufficient to accommodate the next job in line, that job and any subsequent jobs in the queue are forced to wait. As a result, not all available servers are allocated to jobs if the next job requires more servers than are currently free. This queuing system is often called a Multiserver Job Queuing Model (MJQM).In this paper, we study the behavior of a MJQM under saturation, i.e., when the waiting line always contains jobs to be served. We categorize jobs into two classes: the first class consists of jobs that only require one server, while the second class includes jobs that require a larger number of servers. We obtain the system utilization and the throughput of the two job classes for the case in which the number of servers requested by jobs in the second class is equal to the number of available servers, using a simple approach that allows for a general distribution of the service time of jobs in the second class. Hence, we derive the stability condition of the non-saturated MJQM under these assumptions. Additionally, we develop an approximate analysis for the case in which the jobs of the second class require a fraction of the available servers.Based on analytical and numerical results, we highlight interesting system properties and insights.

Effect of Beam Velocity on Firehose Instability in Earth’s Magneto-plasma with General Loss-Cone Distribution Function

The dynamics of firehose instability (FHI) in the presence of beams is investigated by applying kinetic theory and general loss cone distribution (GLCD) function. It is explained how ion/electron beams affect the growth rate and length of the FHI in low beta homogeneous plasma. The energy of the transversely heated ions is found to be reduced by the ion beam, whereas the temperature anisotropy arranges free energy, to begin with, and accelerates the growth rate of the instability. It has been discovered that the firehose instability results from the extraction of energy from ions heated perpendicularly in the presence of upflowing ion beams in the asymmetrical magneto-plasma. In the auroral acceleration region, the findings are expressed in terms of the firehose instability. The findings may be checked and then may be applied in dusty and multi-component space plasma also.

The fauna of Opomyzoidea (excluding Agromyzidae) in the Gemer area (Central Slovakia): new records 2014–2022

Abstract A new biodiversity inventory of opomyzoid families (excl. Agromyzidae) in the Gemer area (Slovakia) is presented with a critical synopsis of previously published data and new records obtained from the Muránska planina National Park and the Cerová vrchovina Protected Landscape Area. The study includes the families Clusiidae (10 species), Acartophthalmidae (2), Opomyzidae (12), Anthomyzidae (14), Aulacigastridae (3), Stenomicridae (2), Periscelididae (5), Asteiidae (7) and Odiniidae (8). For each recorded species remarks on general distribution, biology, faunistic and/or nature conservation importance are provided. Four species, viz. Aulacigaster falcata Papp, 1998 (Aulacigastridae), Periscelis (Myodris) haennii Pollini Paltrinieri & Roháček, 2022 (Periscelididae), Neoalticomerus fabricius Withers & Papp, 2012 and Odinia photophila Papp, 1977 (second known specimen) (both Odiniidae), are recorded from Slovakia for the first time, and 14 other species are new additions to the fauna of the Gemer area, viz. Geomyza acutipennis Czerny, 1928, G. balachowskyi Mesnil, 1934, G. breviseta Czerny, 1928 and G. subnigra Drake, 1992 (Opomyzidae), Anagnota bicolor (Meigen, 1838), Anthomyza collini Andersson, 1976 and Stiphrosoma cingulatum (Haliday, 1855) (Anthomyzidae), Periscelis (Periscelis) annulipes Loew, 1858 (Periscelididae), Asteia elegantula Zetterstedt, 1847 and Leiomyza birkheadi Gibbs, 2007 (Asteiidae), Neoalticomerus formosus (Loew, 1844), Odinia czernyi Collin, 1952, O. meijerei Collin, 1952 and O. trinotata Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Odiniidae). First records of Neoalticomerus fabricius are also given from Germany, Poland and Czech Republic. Except for the above new faunal records, also the following species are considered interesting and important in the Gemer area because of their rarity or significance from the nature conservation point of view: Clusiodes gentilis (Collin, 1912) (Clusiidae), Stiphrosoma humerale Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Anthomyzidae), Podocera soniae (Merz & Roháček, 2005) (Stenomicridae), Periscelis (P.) laszloi Roháček, 2022 and P. (P.) winnertzii Egger, 1862 (Periscelididae). Diagnostic characters of some species of Odiniidae are emphasized and illustrated.

Chance-Constrained Generic Energy Storage Operations Under Decision-Dependent Uncertainty

Compared with large-scale physical batteries, aggregated and coordinated generic energy storage (GES) resources provide low-cost, but uncertain, flexibility for power grid operations. While GES can be characterized by different types of uncertainty, the literature mostly focuses on decision-independent uncertainties (DIUs), such as exogenous stochastic disturbances caused by weather conditions. Instead, this manuscript focuses on newly-introduced decision-dependent uncertainties (DDUs) and considers an optimal GES dispatch that accounts for uncertain available state-of-charge (SoC) bounds that are affected by incentive signals and discomfort levels. To incorporate DDUs, we present a novel chance-constrained optimization (CCO) approach for the day-ahead economic dispatch of GES units. Two tractable methods are presented to solve the proposed CCO problem with DDUs: (i) a robust reformulation for general but incomplete distributions of DDUs, and (ii) an iterative algorithm for specific and known distributions of DDUs. Furthermore, reliability indices are introduced to verify the applicability of the proposed approach with respect to the reliability of the response of GES units. Simulation-based analysis shows that the proposed methods yield conservative, but credible, GES dispatch strategies and reduced penalty cost by incorporating DDUs in the constraints and leveraging data-driven parameter identification. This results in improved availability and performance of coordinated GES units.

Direction Modulated Brachytherapy Tandem Model Applicators for Treatment Planning of Multi-Institutional Cervical Cancer Cases

Direction Modulated Brachytherapy (DMBT) offers a means of utilizing an anisotropic source to create more conformal dose distributions when integrated with image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT). Authors sought to validate the implementation of nine unique six-channeled, MRI-compatible, novel DMBT tandem applicators of varying physical dimensions within Varian's BrachyVision® (v16.1) treatment planning system (BV-TPS). A total of 110 retrospective clinically delivered high-dose-rate (HDR) cervical cancer brachytherapy plans, from three institutions, were re-planned for each of the nine DMBT tandem models within the BV-TPS, using the latest VEGO® inverse optimization algorithm, with dose heterogeneity accounted for through AcurosBV®. Plans consisted of both intracavitary (77 plans) and interstitial (33 plans) cases with an average prescription dose and high-risk clinical target volumes (CTVHR) of 607±113 cGy and 26.96±14.95 [range 6.70-69.58] cm3, respectively. During re-planning, the conventional tandems were replaced by one of the nine DMBT tandem models while leaving ovoids or rings, and needles (if present), in place. A two-step inverse optimization process was performed such that the lowest possible organs at risk (OAR) D2cc doses could be achieved while 1) keeping equivalent target coverage (ΔCTVHR-D90 to within ±0.5%) and, at the same time, 2) maintaining the general pear-shape dose distribution of the original plans. Noteworthy improvements in plan quality were achieved by all nine DMBT tandem models, which are presented in Table 1. Irrespective of the model, about ∼50 cGy reduction in D2cc across all OARs appear feasible. There is also a general trend of D2cc reductions' magnitude becoming smaller as the CTVHR volume increased due to loss in modulation at distance. Additionally, D2cc reductions in terms of EQD2 [Gy] were calculated assuming each re-plan was delivered throughout the course of treatment, which includes the external beam radiotherapy dose of 45 Gy and showed significant reductions of -6.29±4.38 Gy, -3.80±2.06 Gy, and -4.86±3.02 Gy for the bladder, rectum, and sigmoid, respectively, for DMBT model #9 for example. We have successfully incorporated nine DMBT tandem models into a commercial TPS and re-planned 110 cases, to a total of 990 plans. All nine DMBT tandem models were each able to generate notable D2cc reductions to OARs (∼50 cGy), without compromising target coverage, across plans from multiple institutions with various clinical/optimization practices. The results indicate both a promising impact and smooth integration of DMBT tandem technology into modern clinical IGABT workflow.

Combining Novel Direction Modulated Brachytherapy Tandem-and-Ovoids Applicators for Treatment Planning of Multi-Institutional Cervical Cancer Cases: Removing Needles in Intracavitary-Interstitial Techniques

Lack of standard guidelines for optimal needle insertion during high-dose-rate (HDR) intracavitary-interstitial (IC-IS) brachytherapy of the cervix means a sophisticated and technical skillset of inserting needles next to IC applicators must be developed to enhance plan quality. This study sought to evaluate the performance of two separate direction modulated brachytherapy (DMBT) tandem applicators used in conjunction with one set of novel DMBT ovoids, uniquely designed to effectively obviate the need for IS needles. A cohort of 32 retrospective clinical HDR brachytherapy plans, from three institutions, were re-planned with Varian's BrachyVision® (v16.1) treatment planning system (BV-TPS), using the latest VEGO® inverse optimization algorithm, with dose heterogeneity accounted for through the AcurosBV®. All plans consisted of IC-IS cases, with a range of 2-4 freehand-loaded needles, with an average prescription dose of 709±53 cGy, and with an average high-risk clinical target volume (HRCTV) of 36.73±17.15 [range 9.8-69.6] cm3. Two DMBT tandem models of 5.4-mm and 8.0-mm thicknesses along with a novel DMBT ovoids design, introduced for the first time, with 9 equi-angled grooves and 10-mm-diameter thickness. During re-planning, the conventional tandems, ovoids/rings, and all of the needles were replaced by one of the two DMBT tandem models and a set of DMBT ovoids. A two-step inverse optimization process was performed to achieve the lowest possible OAR D2cc doses while 1) keeping equivalent target coverage (ΔHRCTV-D90 to within ±0.5%) and 2) maintaining the general pear-shape dose distribution used by the original plans. For all plans, this process was repeated using each of the two DMBT tandem-and-ovoids combinations for a total re-planning of (32×2 =) 64 cases. On average, -47.15±29.61 (-40.40±34.90) cGy, -42.98±26.58 (-41.70±27.40) cGy, and -40.47±25.05 (-32.55±25.30) cGy reductions in D2cc across bladder, rectum, and sigmoid, respectively, were achieved for the 8-mm (5.4-mm) DMBT tandem-and-ovoids combinations while the average ΔHRCTV-D90 was +4.3±2.9 cGy (+0.5%±0.4%). Additionally, D2cc reductions in terms of EQD2 [Gy] were calculated and showed significant reductions of -4.05±2.47 (-3.37±2.83) Gy, -2.71±1.79 (-2.59±1.74) Gy, and -3.27±1.96 (-2.65±2.06) Gy for bladder, rectum, and sigmoid, respectively with an average net increase in total dwell times of 241.0±87.6 seconds at the luxury of avoiding IS needle insertions. It is clinically feasible to obviate the need for IS needles by incorporating the DMBT tandem-and-ovoids while producing lower OAR D2cc doses and maintaining equivalent target coverage.

Systemic application of bone-targeting peptidoglycan hydrolases as a novel treatment approach for staphylococcal bone infection.

The rising prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in S. aureus has rendered treatment of staphylococcal infections increasingly difficult, making the discovery of alternative treatment options a high priority. Peptidoglycan hydrolases, a diverse group of bacteriolytic enzymes, show high promise as such alternatives due to their rapid and specific lysis of bacterial cells, independent of antibiotic resistance profiles. However, using these enzymes for the systemic treatment of local infections, such as osteomyelitis foci, needs improvement, as the therapeutic distributes throughout the whole host, resulting in low concentrations at the actual infection site. In addition, the occurrence of intracellularly persisting bacteria can lead to relapsing infections. Here, we describe an approach using tissue-targeting to increase the local concentration of therapeutic enzymes in the infected bone. The enzymes were modified with a short targeting moiety that mediated accumulation of the therapeutic in osteoblasts and additionally enables targeting of intracellularly surviving bacteria.

The optimization of sparse modeling for drowsiness estimation based on general facial skin temperature distribution

The optimization of sparse modeling for drowsiness estimation based on general facial skin temperature distribution

Blechnum spicant (Blechnaceae) in the Ukrainian flora

The article contains data about the historical and current distribution patterns of Blechnum spicant (Blechnaceae) in Ukraine. This species is quite common in the Carpathian Mountains but is very rare in other regions of Ukraine. Until recently, there were only two known localities of B. spicant in the Western Forest-Steppe (within the Podolian Upland) and only one in Crimea. We discovered one new locality of B. spicant in the Polissian (Polesian) Lowland, in Volyn Region. The article provides phytosociological and topographic data on the Polissian population. This population consists of two sub-populations, which are located not far from each other. Both of them were found in an immature birch-pine forest aged approximately 20 years, in an area of former agricultural lands. We summarise the data on the general distribution of B. spicant in Ukraine. The article also provides phytosociological, biotopic and populational information on localities of B. spicant.

Influence of Supplementation of Dietary with Varying Levels of L-carnitine on Laying Performance And Egg Quality Parameters in Different Lines of Kurdish Quails

The present study is a morphological description of Cerambyx cerdo L. 1758 which was collected from different localities of Duhok province, Kurdistan region-Iraq. The species is morphologically has been described and illustrated in detail. The most important diagnostic and taxonomic characters were studied. The locality, general distribution, collecting date and host plant of this species has been recorded

A Statistical Framework for Evaluating Rain Microphysics in Model Simulations and Disdrometer Observations

AbstractStatistical analyses of a large disdrometer data set and a diverse set of model simulations for convection using the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System were conducted, with the mutual goal of providing insights into precipitation formation and microphysical processes. We demonstrate that a two‐moment bulk microphysical model successfully captures the dominant observed modes of variability in rainfall related to rainfall intensity and raindrop size distributions. The model reproduced the general distribution of observed precipitation groups (PGs) derived from Principal Component Analysis. The multi‐variable analysis also uncovered some shortcomings in the model as well as limitations of the disdrometer data. The model solutions were constrained in their predicted drop size distributions (DSDs) due to the fixed DSD parameters assumed in a two‐moment microphysics scheme. A case study from the Mid‐latitude Continental Clouds and Convection Experiment field project demonstrated how model results can be used to contextualize the disdrometer observations which are limited in sample size, spatial coherence, and detection of small drops and low drop concentrations. The case study also showed that the spatial patterns of the statistically derived PGs revealed by the model are consistent with the hypothesized microphysical processes that determine surface rain DSDs. This work demonstrates how leveraging the strengths of observations and models together can improve our understanding and representation of rain microphysical processes.

Overview of the Sciomyzidae (Diptera: Sciomyzoidea) of the Americas south of the United States

Treated herein are the 113 described species and two described subspecies in 25 genera of the family Sciomyzidae (snail-killing or marsh flies) known from the Americas south of the United States. Included are details on type specimens, references to generic transfers and synonymies, taxonomy, biology, gastropod hosts/prey, immature stages, chromosomes, biological and phenological groups, general distribution, and molecular data. Annotated keys are presented to adults of genera known from the Nearctic-Neotropical interface area and the Neotropics as well as the first key to all sciomyzid genera known from the Nearctic Region. Also presented is the first key to third-instar sciomyzid larvae in the Neotropical Region. Sepedonea isthmi (Steyskal) is placed as a junior synonym of S. annulata Macquart (new status), and Tetanocera plumifera Wulp is placed as a junior synonym of T. plumosa Loew (new status).