Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selecting areas to protect the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems in a semiarid Mediterranean region using water beetles

1. In this work, carried out in the province of Murcia, a representative semi-arid area of the Iberian Peninsula, water beetles were used as indicators to identify the aquatic ecosystems with the highest interest for conservation. For that purpose, an iterative algorithm of complementarity based on the richness of aquatic Coleoptera was applied. ‘Complementarity’ refers to the degree to which an area, or set of areas, contributes otherwise unrepresented attributes to a set of areas. This principle was used to maximize the number of species represented within a given number of areas. 2. Only the species subsets whose taxonomic status, presence and distribution in the study area are well known were used. In total, 146 species were included, of which 12 are Iberian endemics and 32 are rare species (found only in one grid cell in the study area). 3. The highest correlation was generally shown by species richness with endemic, rare and vulnerable species richness. Thus, basing conservation strategies on species richness appears to be an effective protocol. 4. To preserve the highest degree of biodiversity in the aquatic ecosystems of the study area, the following need to be protected: (a) headwater streams in the north west of the province; (b) the uppermost reaches of the Segura River; (c) hypersaline and coastal ramblas; (d) rock pools and coastal ponds. 5. The present network of Protected Natural Spaces in the study area does not include many of the aquatic ecosystems shown to have the highest biodiversity of beetles. However, the future European ‘Natura 2000’ network will protect the 10 grid cells of highest aquatic biodiverstity, or at least part of them. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring human-biting mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Tanzania with light-traps hung beside mosquito nets

Mosquitoes were caught in bedrooms in Tanzanian villages by human-biting catches and in light-traps set close to occupied untreated bed nets. Catches by each method were carried out on pairs of nights in the same week at different seasons and in different villages. The pairs of adjacent catches by the different methods showed a strong correlation. Analysis of the ratio between the catches by the two methods on pairs of nights in the same week indicated that on average three light-traps caught about the same number of mosquitoes as a team of two human catchers. The ratio did not differ significantly between Anopheles gambiae Giles ( sensu lato ), A. funestus Giles, and Culex quinquefasciatus Say, nor between the villages, or between times when mosquito populations were high or low. The distribution of numbers of ovarian dilatations differed significantly between catches in different villages and seasons but not between pairs of catches by the two methods. Similarly, the parity and sporozoite rates agreed between pairs of light-trap and house-resting catches, but differed markedly between villages and seasons. Thus it is concluded that light-traps used in conjunction with bed nets catch a representative sample of the vectors which would have bitten humans in bedrooms in this area.
Application of an Accelerometric System for Determination of Stiffness during a Hopping Task

Currently, there are several computational methods for stiffness during a hopping task, but they do not necessarily yield the same values. Therefore, it is essential that the simplicity of the equipment used does not affect the measurement validity. The aim of this study is to compare the stiffness values during a hopping task recorded in a laboratory environment and those acquired using the Myotest accelerometer. The measurements were performed on a group of 30 untrained female students (age: 23.0 ± 1.7 years, body height: 1.72 ± 0.07 m, and body mass: 64.8 ± 10.0 kg). According to the manual for the Myotest accelerometric system, each study participant performed three sets of 5 hops. Vertical stiffness was determined based on two measurement methods, one using the Myotest accelerometer and the other using Kistler force plates. The mean value (±SD) of vertical stiffness was 19.0 ± 9.3 kN/m in the countermovement phase and 15.1 ± 5.9 kN/m in the take-off phase. Furthermore, the stiffness determined using the Myotest was 30.7 ± 13.3 kN/m. However, significant relationships between the vertical stiffness in the countermovement phase and the Myotest stiffness (r = 0.79) and between the vertical stiffness in the take-off phase and the Myotest stiffness (r = 0.89) were found. The relationships between the vertical stiffness (in the countermovement and take-off phases) and the stiffness estimated using the Myotest allow us to conclude that despite the significantly overestimated stiffness value, the Myotest accelerometer can still be used for determination of the stiffness trends, e.g., following training. The overestimated stiffness values can result both from inaccuracy in the determination of ground contact time and flight time by the Myotest accelerometer and from the use of an equation that assumes that the movement of the center of mass has a harmonic profile.
Adequate interval of sGTH administration to induce vitellogenesis, and induction of ovulation by simultaneous administration of sGTH and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone in the Japanese eel

SUMMARY: In this study, the effects of weekly and biweekly administrations of salmon gonadotropin fraction (sGTH), via an emulsion prepared with lipophilized gelatin (LG emulsion), on the induction of vitellogenesis in the Japanese eel were compared to determine the adequate intervals of hormone administration. The effectiveness of simultaneous administration of sGTH and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17αP) using LG emulsion for the induction of final maturation and ovulation was also examined. Immature female Japanese eel (cultured eel and silver eel) were administered sGTH with LG emulsion weekly (2 mg/kg BW) or biweekly (4 mg/kg BW). In the fish injected biweekly with LG emulsion containing sGTH, biweekly cyclic fluctuations in the body weight (BW) and plasma levels of testosterone, estradiol-17β and sGTH II were repeated in response to the injection of sGTH. It took a longer period for the biweekly injected fish to complete vitellogenesis compared with the fish injected weekly. The weekly injections of sGTH were more effective than the biweekly injections in inducing vitellogenesis in the Japanese eel. The LG emulsion containing sGTH in the aqueous phase and 17αP in the oil phase was prepared. Hormone releasing properties were investigated by monitoring plasma profiles of hormones in immature eel. Significant differences in the plasma profiles of sGTH II and 17αP were not observed between simultaneous administration of sGTH and 17αP and single administration of sGTH or 17αP. Following induction of vitellogenesis, females that exhibited a rapid increase of BW and had oocytes at migratory nucleus stage were injected with sGTH and 17αP at the same time using LG emulsion. As a result, all females injected with sGTH and 17αP ovulated. Simultaneous administration of sGTH and 17αP can be useful for the induction of final maturation and ovulation in the Japanese eel.
Studies On the Metanephrops Japonicus Group (Decapoda, Nephropidae), With Descriptions of Two New Species

[Les especes du groupe Metanephrops japonicus sont revues par comparaison de specimens deposes dans des musees de divers pays. Sept especes sont reconnues, dont deux nouvelles. Une clef est etablie pour ces Nephropides et chaque espece est egalement illustree. , Les especes du groupe Metanephrops japonicus sont revues par comparaison de specimens deposes dans des musees de divers pays. Sept especes sont reconnues, dont deux nouvelles. Une clef est etablie pour ces Nephropides et chaque espece est egalement illustree. ]
Comparison of tree volume equations for small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) in the Czech Republic

Although the small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) is a native tree in the Czech Republic, there are no volume tables, and its volume has so far been estimated according to beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) tables. In order to increase accuracy of timber volume calculations, the most appropriate volume equations should be selected to develop volume tables specifically for lime. Based on literature sources eight volume equations were selected, and their accuracy was tested by statistical evaluation of assessed parameters and differences between calculated and sampled lime tree volume. Eighty-one sample trees were randomly selected for this study. The most suitable equation was Børset's equation according to the evaluation of equation parameters and comparison of the results obtained from the volume formula and from sample trees (difference of mean value 0.000009 m3). Finally, the calculated lime volumes were compared with the beech tables. The lime volumes are higher than beech volumes according to beech tables and positive differences for the lime, which varied from 0.05 m3 to 0.35 m3, support the need for new lime volume table.
ASSESSING THE ROLE OF ZINC IN COVID-19 INFECTIONS AND MORTALITY: IS ZINC DEFICIENCY A RISK FACTOR FOR COVID-19?

Variables responsible for the differential COVID-19 pandemic severity among countries remain undefined. Zinc, a micronutrient required for immunocompetence, is found deficient in populations. We hypothesized the differential COVID-19 severity observed among European countries could be associated with the Zn-deficiency prevalence. The COVID-19 data from different stages of pandemic i.e., 8 April, 12 and 26 May 2020, were analyzed for covariation with the estimated Zn-deficiency. A significant, relatively stable, but negative correlation of Zn-deficiency with cases per million for the time period (r(20): -0.4930 to -0.5335, p-value: 0.02720 to 0.0154) and a steady improvement of covariation with deaths per million (r(20): -0.4056; p-value: 0.0760 on 26 May 2020) was observed. Considering, Zinc 's key immunomodulatory role, widespread deficiency along with the self- and prescribed intervention in different target groups, e.g. children, women, elderly, carefully planned dedicated exploratory studies to understand the basis of the observed association are advisable.
Revision of the tribe Euplectrini of Sri Lanka (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Abstract Genera and species of the tribe Euplectrini (Eulophidae) are revised for Sri Lanka. Four genera are recognized: Euplectrus, Euplectromorpha, Metaplectrus and Platyplectrus. Previously, two species of Metaplectrus and Platyplectrus, and one species of Euplectrus and Euplectromorpha were recorded from Sri Lanka. Eight Euplectrus species are described as new (atrafacies, colliosilvus, geethae, litoralis, mellocoxus, nibilis, peechansis and xanthovultus). Two previously described species from India are recorded as present in Sri Lanka. Five species previously placed in this genus are removed to other euplectrine genera as follows: E. flavescens Crawford = Aroplectrus flavescens (Crawford), comb, nov.; E. nigromaculatus Ashmead = Euplectromorpha nigromaculatus (Ashmead), comb, nov.; E. philippinensis Ashmead = Platyplectrus philippinensis (Ashmead), comb, nov.; E. rugosus Crawford = P. rugosus (Crawford), comb, nov.; and E. japonicus Ashmead = Platyplectrus japonicus (Ashmead), comb. nov. E. ornatus i.
Model-based spatial-temporal mapping of opisthorchiasis in endemic countries of Southeast Asia

Opisthorchiasis is an overlooked danger to Southeast Asia. High-resolution disease risk maps are critical for targeting control interventions to priority areas; however, they haven't been available for Southeast Asia. A Bayesian spatial-temporal joint model was developed, where both point-referenced and area-level data were assumed to follow a binomial distribution, modeling with a logit regression in combination of potential influencing factors and spatial-temporal random effects. The model-based risk mapping identified area of high prevalence (>25%) of opisthorchiasis in northeastern Thailand, central-southern parts of Laos, and some eastern areas of Cambodia from 2010 onwards. And a total of 13.13 million (95% BCI: 11.43-15.21) people were infected with O. viverrini in 2018 in four major endemic countries (ie, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam) of Southeast Asia, with a prevalence of 6.96% (95% BCI: 6.06%-8.06%). These model-based high-resolution risk maps can provide important information to guide the spatial targeting of opisthorchiasis control interventions.
The relationship between plasma proteins and intracellular free amino acids during osmotic regulation in Carcinus maenas

The osmoregulatory behavior of the Adriatic population of the shore crab Carcinus maenas is similar to that of more northern populations. Hyperosmotic regulation of the hemolymph is initiated below about 95–85% seawater (973–871 m Osm/kg) and slight hypo-osmotic regulation appears to occur above approximately 110% seawater (1,127 m Osm/kg). Extracellular volume is actively regulated, and changes in levels of amino acids imply effective regulation of intracellular volume. Serum protein levels increase immediately after transfer of the crabs from high to low salinity, although the changes are much smaller than those reported by other investigators. Levels of free amino acids in serum decrease after transfer from high to low salinity and labeled leucine is incorporated into hemocyanin at a greater rate after such a transfer than in the absence of a change in salinity. However, the rate of incorporation of leucine is also greater at low than at high ionic strength in vitro, in cell-free preparations. This result suggests that the experiment does not demonstrate storage of intracellular free amino acids by the extracellular oxygen carrier, but rather reflects “passive” binding to hydrophobic sites on the hemocyanin molecule.
Development of Regional Nutrient Criteria and Implications for States and the Regulated Community

Abstract Nutrient enrichment is a major threat to many of the nation's surface waters. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made development of nutrient criteria to protect the uses and functions of these waters a national priority (EPA 1998). Establishment of these nutrient criteria must take into account regional differences and waterbody characteristics. EPA has published related guidance documents for development of criteria, as well as ecoregional nutrient criteria documents for lakes and reservoirs and rivers and streams. Work is underway in states across the United States to gather data and develop regional nutrient criteria. The development of a database for EPA Region 3 to support regional nutrient criteria development is discussed, and use of the database for criteria development is demonstrated. Potential implications for states, River Basin Commissions (RBCs), tribes and wastewater dischargers are also addressed.
Antioxidant Properties of Greek O. dictamnus and R. officinalis Methanol and Aqueous Extracts—HPLC Determination of Phenolic Acids

This study determined the total phenol, phenolic acid content, the free radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant properties of methanol and aqueous extracts of R. officinalis and O. dictamnus species (Crete, Greece). The methanol extracts showed higher radical scavenging activity (P < 0.05) than the aqueous extracts (mean EC50 value: 0.33 and 0.38 mg/mL, respectively). Rosemary was superior in activity to dittany (mean EC50 value: 0.26 and 1.04 mg/mL, respectively). A number of phenolic acids were also tested for comparison reasons and showed stronger radical scavenging activity than the synthetic antioxidant BHT (mean EC50 value: 0.0821 mg/mL). In the contrary, the aqueous extracts showed significantly higher ferric reducing antioxidant properties (P < 0.05) than the methanol extracts did (mean EC50 value: 0.028 and 0.038 mg/mL, respectively). Rosemary was superior in reducing activity to dittany (mean EC50 value: 0.035 and 0.107 mg/mL, respectively). Caffeic and rosmarinic acids were found to be stronger reducing agents (mean EC50 value: 0.0034 and 0.0021 mg/mL, respectively) than the other phenolic acids as strong as ascorbic acid (mean EC50 value: 0.0033 mg/mL). The aqueous plant extracts contained significantly higher total phenol (P < 0.05) than the methanol extracts did (mean value: 7.55 and 4.07 mg/g dry leaf). Rosemary was a better source of total phenol than dittany (mean value: 5.14 and 3.35 mg/g dry leaf). Rosmarinic and caffeic acids were identified in all the plant extracts and rosmarinic acid was the predominant phenolic acid ranging from 5574.6 to 7542.9 mg/kg dry leaf. The aqueous plant extracts were significantly higher in phenolic acid content than the methanol extracts (P < 0.05) (mean value: 9631.2, 7796.4 mg/kg dry leaf, respectively). Dittany was the highest source of phenolic acid content (P < 0.05) compared to rosemary (mean value: 9134.9 and 8292.7 mg/kg dry leaf, respectively). A positive linear correlation was found between total phenol content, radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant properties of dittany extracts (r2 = 0.9998).
Environmental influences on Aedes aegypti catches in Biogents Sentinel traps during a Californian “rear and release” program: Implications for designing surveillance programs

As Aedes aegypti continues to expand its global distribution, the diseases it vectors (dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever) are of increasing concern. Modern efforts to control this species include “rear and release” strategies where lab-reared mosquitoes are distributed throughout the landscape to replace or suppress invasive populations. These programs require intensive surveillance efforts to monitor their success, and the Biogents Sentinel (BGS) trap is one of the most effective tools for sampling adult Ae. aegypti. BGS trap catches can be highly variable throughout landscapes, so we investigated the potential impacts of environmental factors on adult Ae. aegypti capture rates during a “rear and release” program in California to better understand the relative contributions of true variability in population density across a landscape and trap context. We recorded male and female Ae. aegypti catches from BGS traps, with and without CO2, throughout control sites where no mosquitoes were released and in treatment sites where males infected with Wolbachia were released. BGS trap catches were positively influenced by higher proportions of shade or bushes in the front yard of the premises as well as the presence of potential larval habitats such as subterranean vaults. In contrast, an increase in residential habitat within a 100 m radius of trap locations negatively influenced BGS trap catches. For male Ae. aegypti, increased visual complexity of the trap location positively influenced capture rates, and the presence of yard drains negatively affected catch rates in control sites. Lastly, for BGS traps using CO2, higher catch rates were noted from traps placed greater than one meter from walls or fences for both male and female mosquitoes. These results have important implications for surveillance programs of Ae. aegypti throughout the Californian urban environment including adult monitoring during “rear and release” programs.
δ‐Opioids Stimulate Inositol 1,4,5‐Trisphosphate Formation, and so Mobilize Ca2+ from Intracellular Stores, in Undifferentiated NG108‐15 Cells

Abstract: δ‐Opioids mobilize Ca2+ from intracellular stores in undifferentiated NG108‐15 cells, but the mechanism involved remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the effect of [d‐Pen2,5]enkephalin on inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate formation in these cells. [d‐Pen2,5]enkephalin caused a dose‐dependent (EC50 = 3.1 nM) increase in inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate formation (measured using a specific radioreceptor mass assay), which peaked (25.7 ± 1.2 pmol/mg of protein with 1 µM, n = 9) at 30 s and returned to basal levels (10.6 ± 0.9 pmol/mg of protein, n = 9) within 4–5 min. This response was fully naloxone (1 µM) reversible and pertussis toxin (100 ng/ml for 24 h) sensitive. Preincubation with Ni2+ (2.5 mM) or nifedipine (1 µM) had no effect on the [d‐Pen2,5]enkephalin (1 µM)‐induced inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate response, and K+ (80 mM) was unable to stimulate inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate formation, indicating Ca2+ influx‐induced activation of phospholipase C is not involved. Preincubation with the protein kinase C inhibitor Ro 31‐8220 (1 µM) enhanced, whereas acute exposure to phorbol 12,13‐dibutyrate (1 µM) abolished, the [d‐Pen2,5]enkephalin (0.1 µM)‐induced inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate response, suggesting protein kinase C exerts an autoinhibitory feedback action. [d‐Pen2,5]Enkephalin also dose‐dependently (EC50 = 2.8 nM) increased the intracellular [Ca2+], which was maximal (24 nM increase with 1 µM, n = 5) at 30 s. This close temporal and dose‐response relationship strongly suggests that δ‐opioid receptor‐mediated increases in intracellular [Ca2+] results from inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate‐induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, in undifferentiated NG108‐15 cells.
Interactive effects of warming and species loss on model Antarctic microbial food webs

1. Predicting the effects of warming and species loss on ecosystems are two significant challenges currently facing ecologists. However, little is known of the interactive effects of these two factors. We hence tested whether or not warming and species loss interact to influence productivity and dissolved nitrogen concentrations in model Antarctic microbial food webs. Food webs, consisting of a uniform bacterial community and mixtures of six, four, two and zero bacterivorous flagellate species, drawn randomly from a pool of six flagellate species isolated from an Antarctic freshwater lake, were grown in soil extract suspension medium held in microcosms for 252 h. Half of the microcosms were kept at 4 °C and half were warmed to 8 °C over the first 36 h and then held at this temperature. 2. After 252 h there were significant interactive effects of flagellate species loss and warming on the abundance of bacterial prey and the concentration of ammonium in the medium: bacterial abundances were reduced by 75% and NH4-N concentrations were doubled in mixtures inoculated with six and four flagellate species, compared with those inoculated with two species, but only in warmed microcosms. This difference in response was apparently largely owing to the absence of Bodo saltans and Spumella putida, species with high grazing activities and growth rates, from most replicates of the warmed two species mixtures. 3. Evidence for an apparent complementarity effect was also found, with B. saltans and Spongomonas uvella growing more rapidly at 4 °C in mixtures of six species than in those of four species. 4. Data from a separate experiment, in which the flagellate species were grown in single-species culture under food-saturated conditions, confirmed that the logarithmic growth rates of B. saltans and S. putida were the highest of each of the six species at both 4 °C and 8 °C. 5. We broadly conclude from our data that random species loss from food webs or communities is likely to alter their responses to environmental change, largely owing to interspecific differences in responses to change.