Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple Stable Dominance States in the Congo Basin Forests

Understanding the dynamics of dominant tree species in tropical forests is important both for biodiversity and carbon-related issues. We focus on the Congo Basin (East of Kisangani) to investigate the respective roles of topographic/soil gradients and endogenous dynamics in shaping local variations in dominance. We used a dataset of 30 1-ha plots, in which all trees above 10 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were censused. Soil samples were analyzed for standard pedologic variables and a digital elevation model permitted to infer topography and hydromorphy. We found that this forest is characterized by variations in the abundance of three dominant species: Petersianthus macrocarpus (P.Beauv.) Liben (PM), Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (De Wild.) J.Leonard (GD) and Julbernardia seretii (De Wild.) Troupin (JS). These variations occur independently of substratum or topography variations. At plot level, the local relative abundance never reached 50%, the threshold for monodominance proposed in the literature, but rather progressively increased to reach higher values for canopy trees (>60 cm DBH), where this threshold could be exceeded. We found no sign of shifting compositional dynamics, whereby the dominant species would switch between the canopy and the undergrowth. Our results, therefore, support the possibility of the existence of stable dominance states, induced by endogenous processes, such as biological positive feedbacks fostering monodominance. We also document a strong relation between monodominance level and alpha diversity, when giving more weight to abundant species which is expected (R² = 0.79) but also when giving more weight to rare species (R² = 0.37), showing that monodominance influences tree species richness patterns. Structural differences existed between groups, with the PM group having more (and on average smaller) stems and lighter wood on average, but paradoxically also higher biomass and basal area.
Inbreeding depression in captive bighorn sheep

We estimated the extent of inbreeding depression for juvenile survival in 589 captive‐born bighorn sheep, and, unlike an earlier report, found no evidence of significant inbreeding depression. There did not appear to be any overall effect of year of birth, place of birth, subspecies, sex or ancestral inbreeding upon the viability of inbred animals as compared to non‐inbred animals. However, for the first few years of data, there was lower survival for inbred than non‐inbred offspring. After this period, there was an increase in the viability of inbred offspring, probably reflecting a general improvement in husbandry conditions in the zoos. It should be emphasized that the lack of significant inbreeding depression does not necessarily imply that there may not be inbreeding depression for other traits or in a less benign or more natural environment for juvenile viability.
The Effects of Calcium and Other Polyvalent Cations on Channel Formation by Escherichia coliα‐Hemolysin in Red Blood Cells and Lipid Bilayer Membranes

Channel formation by Escherichia coliα-hemolysin (HlyA) was studied in lipid bilayer membranes and in erythrocytes as a function of the concentration of divalent and trivalent cations. Hemolysin showed full channel-forming activity in artificial lipid bilayers, even in the presence of 5 mM EDTA and when the E. coli cells were grown in calcium-depleted media (< 1 μM Ca2+). The addition of divalent cations decreased the single-channel conductance by about 50% with half-saturation constants of S mM and less, while the mean lifetime of the HlyA channel was not affected. The addition of trivalent cations, such as Fe3+ or La3+, had a similar effect on the channel conductance, but the half-saturation constant was 1 μM or below. These effects may be caused by the binding of the cations to negatively charged groups at the channel mouth and have probably nothing to do with the possible binding of these cations to the repeat domain of the toxin, which is essential for target cell recognition. When cells were grown in calcium-depleted media, the supernatants showed absolutely no hemolytic activity. Addition of small amounts of Ca2+ to the supernatant led to toxin-mediated hemolysis. Its half-saturation constant was 120 μM. Of the other earth alkaline cations only strontium (Sr2+), which has an ion radius similar to Ca2+, led to full activation of HlyA with a Km of 1.5 mM. Ba2+ induced only weak hemolytic activity, while Mg2+ and several heavy metal cations had no effect. These results led to the conclusion that the target cell recognition sites formed by the repeat region of HlyA have defined sizes and bind only ions with defined radii.
A Review of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Its Association with Age, Body Mass Index, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Hand Dominance, and Sex

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common compressive, canalicular neuropathies of the upper extremities, causing hand pain and impaired function. CTS results from compression or injury of the median nerve at the wrist within the confines of the carpal tunnel. Parameters such as age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) could be risk factors for CTS. This research work aimed to review the existing literature regarding the relationship between CTS and possible risk factors, such as age, sex, BMI, dominant hand, abdominal circumference, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and cardiac rate to determine which ones are the most influential, and therefore, take them into account in subsequent applied research in the manufacturing industry. We performed a literature search in the PubMed, EBSCO, and ScienceDirect databases using the following keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome AND (age OR sex OR BMI OR handedness OR abdominal circumference OR respiratory rate OR blood pressure OR cardiac rate). We chose 72 articles by analyzing the literature found based on selection criteria. We concluded that CTS is associated with age, female sex, and high BMI. Trends and future challenges have been proposed to delve into the relationship between risk factors and CTS, such as correlation studies on pain reduction, analysis of weight changes to predict the severity of this pathology, and its influence on clinical treatments.
Occurrence and natural history of Myrmelachista Roger (Formicidae: Formicinae) in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil

Myrmelachista es un genero neotropical de hormigas arboricolas que nidifican en cavidades de troncos y ramas. El conocimiento sobre la biologia de sus especies es escaso. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo registrar la ocurrencia, analizar la influencia del dosel sobre el numero de nidos en ramas en la cama (mezcla de hojas, ramas y tierra) que cubre la selva, y describir las caracteristicas de comportamiento de Myrmelachista. Se realizaron recolectas manuales de arboreas y en ramas depositadas en la mezcla anterior. Se encontraron 84 nidos y siete especies Myrmelachista ruszkii y M. catharinae fueron las mas frecuentes y abundantes. En las especies arboreas la mayoria de los nidos se localizan en las extremidades secas de las ramas estos nidos fueron probablemente el origen de los nidos que se encuentran en las camas de los fragmentos de Floresta Atlantica de la region sureste brasilena. El numero de nidos en ramas estaria asociado con la cobertura arborea.
Rapid plant regeneration and assessment of genetic fidelity of in vitro raised plants in Aloe barbadensis Mill. using RAPD markers

Abstract Rapid micropropagation was achieved in Aloe barbadensis Mill. using shoot meristems as explants. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to determine the genetic fidelity of in vitro raised plants. Forty decamers were used to amplify DNA from in vitro and in vivo donor plants to assess the genetic integrity. All RAPD profiles from in vitro raised plants were monomorphic and similar to that of field grown donor plants. No variation was detected within the in vitro raised plants. High multiplication frequency and molecular stability ensure the efficacy of the protocol developed for the production and conservation of this important medicinal plant.
Genetic and cell biology discriminants of Sars-CoV2 infection and susceptibility to Covid-19 pulmonary complication

The agent of Covid19, Sars-CoV-2 has caused thousands of fatalities worldwide and overshadowed the number of deaths of other previous coronavirus outbreaks (Sars-CoV1 2002 and MERS-CoV 2012). Although the new coronavirus pathogenicity is actively under investigation, part of its infectious behavior can be linked to its higher binding affinity to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the respiratory tracts. However, the expression of ACE2 per se may not be sufficient to justify the individual variability observed among affected patients in terms of clinical outcome in apparently non-immune depressed, non-elders subjects. The present update provides an overview of the most recent scientific findings related to genetic factors involved in the Sars-CoV-2 infectious process and their potential role in affecting the virus pathogenicity. The present update can provide valuable hints towards developing a predictive screening/susceptibility profile testing on individuals not yet infected and/or in nonsymptomatic positive subjects towards managing the current morbidity and mortality risk and establishing personalized intervention protocols for the early treatment of the Sars-CoV-2-associated life-threatening pulmonary complication.
In vitro sensitivity pattern of some urinary tract isolates to Carica papaya extracts

Powdered leaves of Carica papaya (L.) were extracted with ethanol and partitioned in chloroform and distilled water. The extract and fractions were tested for antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas species using disc diffusion and microbroth dilution technique. The extract and fractions were further subjected to phytochemical tests for the presence of secondary metabolites using standard procedures. Results of sensitivity test results showed that ethanol extract of the leaf was active against E. coli and K. pneumoniae (7mm each) at 1000μg/disc concentration while chloroform and water fractions of the leaf were active against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis at 1000μg/disc concentration with zone diameter of 7mm each. Both the extract and fractions were inactive against P. aeruginosa at all concentrations used in this study. The results of phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and tannins in either ethanol extract, fraction(s) or both. This indicates that the Carica papaya has the potential for the production of drugs against organisms causing urinary tract infections. Keywords: Sensitivity, Clinical isolates, Urinary tract, Carica papaya , Extract, Fractions
Voltage support control strategy of grid‐connected inverter system under unbalanced grid faults to meet fault ride through requirements

Grid-connected inverter (GCI) has become the main interface for integrating modern power units, such as distributed energy resources, electric vehicles, microgrids and high voltage direct-current transmission systems. To proceed in this direction, this study presents a novel voltage support control strategy to enhance the reliability and stability of the GCI during unbalanced grid fault conditions. The proposed control strategy simultaneously achieves multiple objectives during grid faults; regulating phase voltages magnitude within pre-defined safety limits, increasing the difference between positive sequence (PS) and negative sequence (NS) voltages, eliminating both active–reactive power oscillations and the DC-link voltage oscillations. Reducing active power oscillations ensure an adjustable control for the DC-link voltage oscillations which result in third-order current harmonic component at the grid side. One of the main contributions to previous studies, reference for reactive power is computed online based on resistive–inductive grid impedance model and reference voltage sequences for the grid support. Another important contribution to existing studies is to supply both the active and reactive powers to the utility grid and load. Detailed mathematical analyses are performed to theoretically describe the behaviour of the proposed control strategy. A comprehensive set of results is presented to confirm the theoretical solutions.
Post-Trauma Psychopathology in Journalists: The Influence of Institutional Betrayal and World Assumptions

ABSTRACT Journalists are often exposed to potentially traumatic content through their profession. High levels of exposure have been found to predict high levels of psychopathology among journalists, including posttraumatic stress, alcohol use, and depressive symptoms. Predictors of such outcomes have not been extensively investigated. The current study assessed the roles of world views, institutional betrayal, and work-related trauma exposure on symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use, and depression. One hundred and fifteen journalists completed the online study and a portion subsequently completed a phone clinical interview. Greater exposure to work-related trauma was positively correlated with PTSD. Regression analyzes revealed that experiences of institutional betrayal moderated the relationship between shattered world assumptions and PTSD and alcohol use, but not depression. Specifically, among individuals who reported greater institutional betrayal, the relationship between benevolence of the world and PTSD and alcohol use was stronger. Results highlight the role of organizational factors in exacerbating symptoms of pathology. Implications include conducting research on micro- and macro-level factors that contribute to pathology in this group. Recommendations include destigmatizing disclosure of psychological needs to editors and news agencies, introducing more trainings for journalists and editorial staff focused on trauma, mental health, and how to improve and maintain psychological well-being.
Population ecology of the taiga vole, Microtus xanthognathus, in interior Alaska

This study makes important contributions 10 our understanding of the life history and population dynamics or a little-known yet widespread member of the taiga community. A live trapping grid plus supplemental snaptrapping were used for 3 years. Less intensive efforts covered 3 additional years. Reproduction begins when the snow melts and continues to mid-July. Litters average 8.8, each female producing only two liners in a lifetime. Young do not mature in the year of their birth and adults do not survive a second winter. Body weights are reduced during winter and huddling reduces heat loss. In good microhabitat, densities were similar over a 6-year period, but progressively declined in marginal areas. No multiannual cycle was evident. Flank glands are active in both sexes during the reproductive season and for one additional ensuing month. There are two major dispersal periods; one in August dominated by juvenile males, and a second in spring in which both sexes participate equally. Feeding is opportunist.
On the accuracy of gravity-RAS approaches used for inter-regional trade estimation: evidence using the 2005 inter-regional input–output table of Japan

In contrast to international trade, it is still difficult to find regional trade statistics within a nation. Given that the gravity model continues to be very popular, we test two gravity-RAS approaches used for interregional trade estimation: a standard one and an extended version, which additionally estimates intra-regional flows. We assess the accuracy with the help of two measures and for different sectoral aggregation levels. For that, we use the survey-based 2005 interregional input–output table of Japan as a benchmark. Results show high overall accuracy levels for the standard approach, better than when using international data, albeit with heterogeneous errors for sectors and regions. We further find that the results of a multiregional input-output model are highly sensitive to the trade estimation approach and that errors slightly increase for increasing sectoral disaggregation levels. Results from an experiment based on a random number generator show how RAS influences results.
The impact of different rainfall products on landscape modelling simulations

Rainfall products can contain significantly different spatiotemporal estimates, depending on their underlying data and final constructed resolution. Commonly used products, such as rain gauges, rain gauge networks, and weather radar, differ in their information content regarding intensities, spatial variability, and natural climatic variability, therefore producing different estimates. Landscape evolution models (LEMs) simulate the geomorphic changes in landscapes, and current models can simulate timeframes from event level to millions of years and some use rainfall inputs to drive them. However, the impact of different rainfall products on LEM outputs has never been considered. This study uses the STREAP rainfall generator, calibrated using commonly used rainfall observation products, to produce longer rainfall records than the observations to drive the CAESAR‐Lisflood LEM to examine how differences in rainfall products affect simulated landscapes. The results show that the simulation of changes to basin geomorphology is sensitive to the differences between rainfall products, with these differences expressed linearly in discharges but non‐linearly in sediment yields. Furthermore, when applied over a 1500‐year period, large differences in the simulated long profiles were observed, with the simulations producing greater sediment yields showing erosion extending further downstream. This suggests that the choice of rainfall product to drive LEMs has a large impact on the final simulated landscapes. The combination of rainfall generator model and LEMs represents a potentially powerful method for assessing the impacts of rainfall product differences on landscapes and their short‐ and long‐term evolution. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
A molecular, morphological and cytological investigation of the identity of non-native Ludwigia (Onagraceae) populations in Britain

Abstract A combined molecular, morphological and cytological analysis was used to study the identity and number of species of Ludwigia section Oligospermum occurring in British waterways. Only one taxon was identified for which the name L. grandiflora subsp. hexapetala (Hook. & Arn.) G.L. Nesom & Kartesz is preferred. A chromosome count of 2n = 80 was made for all plants tested and DNA evidence demonstrates that at least two clones are present in Britain. Morphological characters to differentiate L.grandiflora subsp. hexapetala and L. peploides subsp. montevidensis (Spreng.) P.H. Raven are provided. Though the production of fruit in Britain by apparently isolated populations is noted, repeated introduction into the wild from gardens is judged to be primarily responsible for the British distribution of the taxon. Legislative implications are considered and an amendment to Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) is strongly advocated.
Permeability of saturated sands, soils and clays

It is shown that the permeability of a water-saturated sand or fine powder can be calculated with considerable accuracy, if the porosity and the specific surface are known. In particular, the Kozeny theory here discussed leads to a very useful relationship between permeability and porosity. It is shown that clays do not conform to the theory in its simple form, but that it may be modified to give a satisfactory representation of the data available. The physical grounds for this modified theory are discussed in some detail, and it is shown that, while it is open to criticism, it is at least in harmony with our present knowledge of clays. An important deduction which follows from the modified theory is that clays may have zero permeability at quite considerable porosities, e.g. at ∈ = 0·207 for a clay soil, and ∈ = 0·355 for a plastic clay.
A statistical test for a difference between the spatial distributions of two populations

A statistical hypothesis test for a difference between the spatial distributions of two populations is presented. The test is based upon a generalization of the two—sample Cramer—von Mises test for a difference between two univariate probability distributions. It is designed to be sensitive to differences in the way the populations are distributed across the study area but insensitive to a difference in abundance between the two populations. The procedure is nonparametric and uses the methodology of a randomization test to determine the level of significance of the test statistic.
Modeling of Cotton Yields in the Amu Darya River Floodplains of Uzbekistan Integrating Multitemporal Remote Sensing and Minimum Field Data

Increased knowledge about the spatial distribution of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield in the Khorezm region in Uzbekistan supports the optimal allocation of resources. This research estimated the spatial distribution of cotton yields in Khorezm by integrating remote sensing, field data, and modeling. The agro-meteorological model used was based on Monteith’s biomass production model with multitemporal MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)- derived parameters from 2002 as primary inputs. The photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and environmental stress scalars on crop development were estimated with meteorological information. Using high-spatial-resolution Landsat 7 ETM+ images, the cotton area was extracted and the cotton fraction determined within the coarse spatial resolution MODIS pixels. The spatial resolution of the MODISFPARdata was improved by using an empirical relationship to the higher-resolution MODIS NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) data. The estimated raw cotton yield ranged from 1.09 to 3.76 Mg ha -1 . The modeling revealed a spatial trend of higher yields in upstream areas and in locations closer to the irrigation channels and lower yields in downstream areas and at sites more distant to the channels. The validated yield estimations showed a 10% deviation from official governmental statistics. The established agro-meteorological model based on freely available MODIS data and a minimum of field data input is a promising technique for economic and operational lateseason estimation of spatially distributed cotton yield over large regions on which management adjustments could be made.
Systematics of the Vipera xanthina complex (Reptilia: Viperidae). I. A new Iranian viper in the raddei species-group

Vipera albicornuta sp. n. is described on specimens from the Zanjan valley, between Tabriz and Teheran, Iran. The new species, which belongs to the raddei group, is distributed in northern Iran and is geographically separated from both V raddei and V latifii and differ from these taxa in colour, pattern, size, some scalation and hemipenal characters.