Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterns of arthropod abundance and diversity in an Arabian desert

We captured desert arthropods from sand and gravel substrates at five coastal or inland locations in Abu Dhabi around the new moon once every 28 days for two years. Three replicated lines of 20 unbaited pitfall traps were used from two hours before dusk until two hours after dawn. We examined the data for spatial and temporal variation, especially in relation to climate. Around 53 400 arthropods were caught, 97.3% being insects and the rest arachnids. Ants were most common (75.4%), followed by the Thysanura (12%), Coleoptera (8.4%), Araneae (1.5%) and Scorpiones (1.1%). Catches differed significantly among sites, substrates and time of year. In general, the number of arthropods caught matched the annual temperature cycle. Peak catches also followed the annual rains. Summer catches were higher at coastal than inland sites. Fewer arthropods were caught at gravel sites than on sand, but the number of taxa did not differ consistently between substrates. Community composition was generally less similar among sites than between substrates although this was not always the case. Inland communities had fewer taxa and generally fewer individuals than those near the coast. Isoptera, Tettigoniidae and Carabidae occurred less frequently (if at all) inland. We suggest that the higher humidity at sites near the coast allows more taxa to occur and to remain active during the extreme heat of summer. Further into the Empty Quarter we would expect a decline in the number of taxa and in the total catch.
Ecological Studies of Arctic Cod (Boreogadus saida) in Beaufort Sea Coastal Waters, Alaska

Fish use of Beaufort Sea coastal waters was examined during summer and winter periods 1977–80. Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) were abundant but their occurrence was highly variable. They accounted for 8–78% of all fish caught in Simpson Lagoon during two summers, and 0.4–100% of catches at various coastal sites in winter. Arctic cod increased in abundance in the lagoon during late summer and some association was noted between their numbers and higher salinities but not temperature or turbidity. Some cod remained in shallow waters in early winter but deeper areas were used through the winter, and the highest catch rate was recorded 175 km offshore. Principal foods of the cod in nearshore waters were mysids (Mysis litoralis, M. relicta), amphipods (Onisimus glacialis), and copepods. The cod caught were generally small (60–170 mm) and young (ages 1–3). Most males matured at ages 2–3 and females at age 3. These size, age, and maturity characteristics indicate a life history strategy (r-selection) unlike that t.
Clinical value of IL-13 and ECP in the serum and sputum of eosinophilic AECOPD patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease and eosinophils (EOS) participate in inflammation process. Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is an inevitable trend in the development of the disease and has attracted widespread attention. In the present study, 108 hospitalized patients with AECOPD were collected and the levels of interleukin-13 and eosinophil cationic protein in the serum and sputum were measured to explore their clinical value in eosinophilic AECOPD patients. The patients were divided into an eosinophilic group (52 cases, 48.15%) and a noneosinophilic group (56 cases, 51.85%). The eosinophilic group had fewer acute exacerbations in the past year, shorter average hospitalization days, lower respiratory failure rate, mechanical ventilation utilization rate, and lower CAT and mMRC scores (P < 0.05). The levels of interleukin-13 and eosinophil cationic protein in sputum in the eosinophilic group were higher than those in the noneosinophilic group (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the serum between the two groups (P > 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of sputum interleukin-13 and eosinophil cationic protein predicting peripheral blood EOS% ≥2% of AECOPD patients were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The noneosinophilic group had a higher rate of rehospitalization due to acute exacerbation during the one-year follow-up, and there was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups. The results show that eosinophils in peripheral blood are a simple, convenient, and inexpensive index for assessing the condition and prognosis of AECOPD patients. Interleukin-13 and eosinophil cationic protein are involved in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic AECOPD and may be the new targeted anti-inflammatory therapies in the future. Impact statement Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is an inevitable trend in the development of the disease and eosinophils (EOS) participate in inflammation process. It is important to explore some relatively simple biomarkers in AECOPD which are useful to recognize the disease. In the present study, 108 hospitalized patients with AECOPD were collected and the levels of IL-13 and ECP in the serum and sputum were measured. The levels of IL-13 and ECP in sputum in the eosinophilic group were higher than those in the noneosinophilic group. Moreover, the noneosinophilic group had a higher rate of rehospitalization due to acute exacerbation during the one-year follow-up. The results show that eosinophils in peripheral blood are a simple, convenient, and inexpensive index for assessing the condition and prognosis of AECOPD patients. IL-13 and ECP are involved in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic AECOPD and may be the new targeted anti-inflammatory therapies.
Spatial interactions and habitat use of rabbits on pasture and implications for the spread of rabbit haemorrhagic disease in New South Wales

Successful control of European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations in Australia has been achieved with the use of disease, initially myxomatosis and more recently rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). Predicting the effectiveness of disease as a control agent depends on understanding the spatial and social organisation of its host population. We radio-tracked 37 rabbits from adjacent burrow systems during May and June 1999. Surface-dwelling rabbits had larger home ranges and core areas and a higher proportion of vegetation cover in their ranges than warren-based rabbits. Interactions between rabbit dyads from the same warren showed greater range overlap than those involving rabbits from different warrens and those involving itinerants. Static interaction was high and positive for intra-warren dyads, but low and negative for inter-warren, warren–surface and surface–surface dyads. These patterns of range use and interaction behaviour create a hierarchical contact and transmission structure within the rabbit population that is likely to vary according to external factors such as population density, resource availability, season, climate and the environment. Quantifying these links between the environment and the transmission process is important to increase our understanding of RHD as an effective management tool for rabbit populations.
Decorin levels in early- and late-onset preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication caused by typically limited proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of extra-trophoblast cells. Decorin (DCN) is a decidua-derived transforming growth factor (TGF)-binding proteoglycan which exerts multiple physiological functions such as collagen fibrillogenesis, myogenesis, angiostasis, and restraining placental invasiveness by adversely regulate proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of human extravillous trophoblast cells. Preeclampsia is mainly classified as early- and late-onset PE according to the timing of the disease onset. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the DCN levels in early-onset PE (EOPE, < 34 weeks) and late-onset severe PE (LOPE, ≥ 34 weeks) and uncomplicated pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this case-control study, serum samples were obtained from 21 pregnant women with EOPE and 29 pregnant women with LOPE, as well as from 38 healthy controls (n = 12 early-onset controls and n = 26 late-onset controls) with uncomplicated pregnancies. RESULTS The mean DCN level was statistically significantly higher in the early-onset PE controls than late-onset PE controls (p = 0.040). Although the mean DCN level was higher in the early-onset PE controls than EOPE and LOPE groups, it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.119 and p = 0.117, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Although DCN has been thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of PE, our study results show that DCN is not a useful predictive marker of EOPE and LOPE. Further large-scale studies are needed to draw a definitive conclusion.
Acacia holosericea (Fabaceae) litter has allelopathic and physical effects on mission grass (Cenchrus pedicellatus and C. polystachios) (Poaceae) seedling establishment

Invasion of grass weeds is a major threat for ecosystems. Mission grass (Cenchrus pedicellatus and C. polystachios) vigorously competes with native vegetation and has become a serious problem in northern Australian savanna. A lower density of mission grass has been observed under the canopy of stands of native Acacia holosericea. We used a series of laboratory and shade house experiments to assess the potential for allelopathy and the role of litter on germination, emergence and seedling growth of these two species of mission grass. Different concentrations of aqueous leaf extract of A. holosericea were used to assess allelopathic effects on germination. Various depths and types of litter were used to investigate the allelopathic and physical effects of litter on emergence and growth of mission grass seedlings in the shade house. Results indicate that extracts did not affect germination of either species of mission grass but root growth of seedlings was affected. Emergence of seedlings in the shade house was affected by physical litter treatments but not by allelopathy. After emergence no negative effects on seedling growth were detected. Overall we found that there was no allelopathic effect on germination and that the negative effect on emergence was due to the physical properties of the litter. This effect on emergence increased with increasing depth of litter. Allelopathy slightly inhibited root growth but once seedlings emerged, litter tended to facilitate growth. This has implications for the ecological management of mission grass on disturbed lands, using strategies such as manipulation of litter cover through Acacia establishment.
THE VALUE OF CANOLA SEED IN POULTRY DIETS

Canola seed fed to broilers at dietary levels of 17.5%, or higher resulted in reduced weight gain and feed intake. However, feed:gain ratios to 7 wk were similar. Nitrogen digestibility and amino acid supplementation studies appeared to rule out these factors as possible explanations for the poorer performance on Canola seed diets. The good feed:gain ratios of the Canola seed diets suggest that feed intake or palatability, rather than quality of diet, may have been factors influencing weight with these diets. Results of an experiment, where an attempt was made to verify this hypothesis, with pair-fed treatments and the use of pelleted and colored diets to stimulate consumption, suggested that palatability could be part of the problem. Apparent retention of dietary fat was significantly lower with the Canola seed, as compared with the corn-soya control diets. Whether this response was due to dietary fat level per se, or specific to Canola oil, could not be determined from the present study. Key words: Cano.
Capturing Tracing Data Life Cycles for Supporting Traceability

Activities for achieving traceability in software development projects include planning, implementing, using and maintaining a suitable strategy. Current research aims at supporting these activities by automating the involved tasks, processes and applications. In this paper, we present a concept for developing a flexible framework which enables the integration of respective functional modules, e.g. artifact data extractors and trace link generators, to form traceability environments according to the project’s demands. By automating the execution of the framework’s components and monitoring artifact-related interactions between developers and their tools, the tracing data’s life cycle is captured and provided for further usages. This paper presents an exemplified framework setup which is used to demonstrate the path and enrichment of tracing data along these components. Furthermore, we discuss observations and findings which we made during defining and realizing the example. We aim at using this information to further improve the framework in order to support the implementation of traceability environments.
Variação genética em progênies de Myracrodruon urundeuva F.F. & M.F. Allemão em três sistemas de cultivo

Myracrodruon urundeuva is one of the tree species the wood that presents the longest durability when in contact with soil. Because of this characteristic, populations of M. urundeuva have been decimated throughout Brazil. Therefore, this work aimed at analyzing the expression of genetic variation in a natural population of M. urundeuva from the Ecological Station of the Forest Institute, located in Paulo de Faria-SP. Seeds were collected from 30 free-pollination trees in September, 1996. By using this material, three progeny trials were installed in different planting systems in Selviria - MS, following a block design with 30 treatments (progenies) and three replications. The mixed crossbreeding model for M. urundeuva was assumed. Significant differences were observed for progeny effects (progeny trials) although the progenies-environments interaction was not significant. Thus, progenies presented the same behavior in different environments; however, their best performance was in the planting involving M. urundeuva, Guazuma ulmifolia (Lam) and Anandenanthera falcata (Benth. Speg.). The progenies also presented considerable genetic variation; hence its utilization in programs for conservation and genetic improvement.
Effects of Water Table Control by Farm-Oriented Enhancing Aquatic System on Photosynthesis, Nodule Nitrogen Fixation, and Yield of Soybeans

Abstract We evaluated the effects of the water table controlled by a water table controlling system, farm-oriented enhancing aquatic system (FOEAS), on soybean productivity. FOEAS was constructed in a heavy soil paddy field; we made plots with watertables maintained at −32 (water table depth [WTD]32) and −20 cm (WTD20) from the soil surface and, as a control, an open-ditch drained plot (ODD). Soybean cultivar “Tachinagaha” and non-nodulating cultivar “En1282” were cultivated in 2006 and 2007. The moisture of the topsoil in the water table-controlled plots showed lessfluctuation owing to rainfall. The roots and nodules were distributed only in the upper soil layer in ODD, but more weredistributed in deeper soil layers in WTD32 and WTD20. In Tachinagaha, the SPAD value and stomatal conductance were higher inWTD32 and WTD20 than in ODD, resulting in a higher apparent photosynthetic rate. The aboveground total dry weight and nitrogen accumulation of Tachinagaha were higher in the water table-controlled plots than in ODD; in En1282, this difference was insignificant. The relative ureide value which is an index of nodule activity, in ODD was depressed by both excess and deficit soil moisture; however, that in WTD32 remained relatively high during the growing stage. Tachinagaha showed higheryield in FOEAS plots, especially in WTD32 than in ODD in both years. The results indicate that control of water table by FOEAS increases nitrogen fixation, photosynthesis, and yield of soybeans in upland fields converted from paddy fields.
Investigations into Phlebotomine Sandflies in the Nairobi Area

Studies were commenced to collect and identify the phlebotomine sandflies found in Nairobi. These studies were also aimed at determining their numbers as well as assessing the effects of seasonal changes on the sandfly population. Four trapping methods, namely, light traps, sticky traps, aspiration and human bait were employed. Eight species and one undescribed species were recorded over a period of 6 months. The identified species included Phlebotomus guggisbergi (Kirk and Lewis), P. rodhaini (Parrot), Sergentomyia adleri (Theodor), S. harveyi (Heisch, Guggisberg and Teesdale) and S. bedfordi (Newstead) and an undescribed species. Most of the sandfly species trapped showed seasonal prevalence. The seasonal variation was closely related to the weather conditions. Sandflies were found in termite mounds, animal burrows, caves and dugouts some of which were near human habitations. Termite mounds and animal burrows were the most preferred habitats. RésuméDes études ont étè entreprises a fin de réunir et d’identifier les mouches des sables phlebotomine trouvées a Nairobi. Ces études visaient oussi a deteminer leur nombre ainsi qua établir les effets des changements saisonniers la population des mouches des sables. Quatre méthodes de pièges, lumière, glu, aspiration et appât humain ont et employés. Huit espèces at une espèce non décrites ont étè répertoriées pendant une période de six mois. Les espèces identifiées incluaient Phlebotomus guggisbergi (Kirk and Lewis), P. rodhaini (Parrot), Sergentomyia adleri (Theodor), S. squamipleuris (Newstead), S. clydei (Sinton), S. teesdalei (Minter), S. harveyi (Heisch, Guggisberg and Teesdale ) and S. bedfordi (Newstead) et une espèce non décrite. La plupart des espèces piegées montraient une prédominanu saissonniér. La variation saisonniére était intiment liée aux conditions météorologues. Des mouches des stables furent trouvées, quelque uns près d’habitations humaines. Termitiéres et terriers étaient les habitats préféres.
Posidonia oceanica seeds from drift origin: viability, germination and early plantlet development

Abstract Recruitment of Posidonia oceanica from seeds is infrequent owing to the rare and unpredictable occurrence of sexual reproduction. However, in years of high reproductive success, ample supplies of seeds become available in drifting fruit; this could be a useful source of material for seabed restoration. In this study we introduce and combine viability tests and culture procedures for evaluating this material. Three different groups of collected fruits representing a phenological or maturation sequence were tested for seed viability with tetrazolium. We also examined the effects of storage on the germination and development of seedling root and shoot systems. The younger groups showed good (67–86%) germination and survival, with the tetrazolium viability test proving useful for predicting these processes. However, although a strong correlation between fruit and seed weight was observed, higher values of these parameters did not confer greater germination capacity. The seeds of fruits collected late in the season were more developed and plantlet roots and shoots grew faster under culture, but survival after 4 weeks was reduced (40%). Under the conditions tested, viability was highly reduced and there was no final seedling survival following storage.
Ultrastructure of the plasmodial development of Myxobolus insignis (Myxozoa), infecting the Amazonian fish Semaprochilodus insignis (Prochilodontidae)

This study used light and electron microscopy to describe a myxosporean, polysporic, histozoic plasmodium infecting the gill filaments of the freshwater teleost, Semaprochilodus insignis, specimens of which were collected from the Trombetas River (Central Amazonian Region, Brazil). Ultrastructural analyses of the fish-infecting spores identified the parasite as Myxobolus insignis, an organism that occurs within whitish unequal-sized plasmodia located in the intralamellar epithelium of the gill. Based on the observed morphological and ultrastructural features of the plasmodia in this study three stages in the plasmodial evolution were distinguished, related to the sporogonic stages of Myxobolus insignis. The plasmodium walls were also found to constitute a number of layers of fibroblasts, surrounded by collagen fibres, which displayed different morphological arrangements according to the different phases of evolution. This represents the first time such ultrastructural features have been described in detail for Myxobolus insignis plasmodia and offers potentially significant points of comparison with plasmodia from other species of myxosporea.
The Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonist Aprepitant, a New Drug for the Treatment of Hematological Malignancies: Focus on Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematological malignancy. To treat the disease successfully, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. One of these strategies can be the use of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) antagonists (e.g., aprepitant), because the substance P (SP)/NK-1R system is involved in cancer progression, including AML. AML patients show an up-regulation of the NK-1R mRNA expression; human AML cell lines show immunoreactivity for both SP and the NK-1R (it is overexpressed: the truncated isoform is more expressed than the full-length form) and, via this receptor, SP and NK-1R antagonists (aprepitant, in a concentration-dependent manner) respectively exert a proliferative action or an antileukemic effect (apoptotic mechanisms are triggered by promoting oxidative stress via mitochondrial Ca++ overload). Aprepitant inhibits the formation of AML cell colonies and, in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, is more effective in inducing cytotoxic effects and AML cell growth blockade. NK-1R antagonists also exert an antinociceptive effect in myeloid leukemia-induced bone pain. The antitumor effect of aprepitant is diminished when the NF-κB pathway is overactivated and the damage induced by aprepitant in cancer cells is higher than that exerted in non-cancer cells. Thus, the SP/NK-1R system is involved in AML, and aprepitant is a promising antitumor strategy against this hematological malignancy. In this review, the involvement of this system in solid and non-solid tumors (in particular in AML) is updated and the use of aprepitant as an anti-leukemic strategy for the treatment of AML is also mentioned (a dose of aprepitant (>20 mg/kg/day) for a period of time according to the response to treatment is suggested). Aprepitant is currently used in clinical practice as an anti-nausea medication.