Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nest density and distribution of subterranean ants in an evergreen broadleaf forest in Japan with special reference to Amblyopone silvestrii

The density and distributions of nests of the subterranean ants were studied by excavation of thirty 1‐m2 quadrats in an evergreen broadleaf forest in central Japan. A total of 20 ant species were collected and the densities of Amblyopone silvestrii and Paratrechina flavipes were highest (both 0.83 nests/m2). The distribution patterns were analyzed by the Standardized Morisita Index (Ip) for the five species that had mean densities of more than 0.5 nests/m2. Of them, A. silvestrii and Hypoponera sauteri showed random distributions, while nests of Paratrechina flavipes were significantly overdispersed and those of Carebara yamatonis and Myrmecina nipponica were weakly clumped. These distributional patterns were discussed in connection with the ecology of the ants. In particular, the social organization of A. silvestrii was investigated based on the distributional pattern and the composition of collected colonies.
Biomimetic porous tetracycline loaded PLGA/Silk Fibroin/Ascorbic acid/n‐HA hybrid scaffolds for adipose derived stem cells differentiation into Osteogenic lineage (LB32)

The objective of this study is to fabricate poly (D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA)/Silk fibroin(SF)/Ascorbic acid(AA)/Tetracycline (TC) nanofibrous scaffolds and nanohydroxyapatite (n‐HA) was deposited by calcium phosphate dipping method. These nanofibrous scaffolds were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface wettability, functional groups analysis, porosity and tensile properties. Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) were cultured on these nanofibrous scaffolds and were made to undergo osteogenic differentiation in the presence of TC/n‐HA. Osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs was confirmed using alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), mineralization (ARS) and immunofluorescent staining using both ADSC specific marker protein CD105 and osteoblast specific marker protein osteocalcin. SEM micrographs of PLGA/SF/AA/TC/n‐HA fabricated electrospun fiber diameters measured around 430 ± 26 nm to 220 ± 27 nm and FT‐IR analysis showed the amide I, II and III groups. The obtained PLGA/SF/AA/TC/n‐HA scaffolds were hydrophilic, having water contact angle of 0° compared to PLGA nanofibers (119.2 ± 12.11°). Resulting nanofibrous scaffolds were highly porous (85‐91%) and provided desirable architecture for transport of nutrients and metabolic waste and facilitate neovascularization. The PLGA/SF/AA/TC/n‐HA scaffolds had mechanical properties comparable to that of native bone with tensile break of 28.52% and Young’s modulus of 2.94 MPa, while that of PLGA nanofibers was comparatively lower at 1.96 ± 0.68 MPa. Cell culture studies performed on the bioactive AA/TC/n‐HA molecules were incorporated on the nanofibers to develop specific biological functions like proliferation, mineralization and differentiation of ADSCs into osteogenic lineage. The results proved that the ADSCs differentiated cells showed osteoblast‐like morphology, expression of osteocalcin and mineralization. Overall the data suggest that the abundance and accessibility of biodegradable PLGA/SF/AA/TC/n‐HA nanofibrous scaffolds can be used as a carrier for the sustained release of biomolecules and promote greater osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs, proving them to be potential scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
An Alternative Pathway of NF-κB Activation Results in Maturation and T Cell Priming Activity of Dendritic Cells Overexpressing a Mutated IκBα1

Maturation of dendritic cells (DC) is a critical step in the induction of T cell responses and depends on the activation of NF-κB transcription factors. Therefore, inhibition of NF-κB activation has been proposed as a strategy to maintain DC in an immature stage and to promote immune tolerance. Herein, we generated murine myeloid DC expressing a mutated IκBα acting as a superrepressor of the classical NF-κB pathway (s-rIκB DC) to investigate the consequences of NF-κB inhibition on the ability of DC to prime T cell responses. Upon in vitro LPS activation, maturation of s-rIκB DC was profoundly impaired as indicated by defective up-regulation of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules and reduced secretion of IL-12 p70 and TNF-α. In contrast, after injection, s-rIκB DC had the same capacity as control DC to migrate to draining lymph node and to induce Th1- and Th2-type cytokine production in a MHC class II-incompatible host mice. Likewise, s-rIκB DC pulsed with OVA were as efficient as control DC to induce Ag-specific T cell responses in vivo. Indeed, further in vitro experiments established that s-rIκB DC undergo efficient maturation upon prolonged contact with activated T cells via the alternative pathway of NF-κB activation triggered at least partly by lymphotoxin β receptor ligation and involving processing of p100/RelB complexes.
Early reproductive losses are a major factor contributing to the poor reproductive performance of Merino ewe lambs mated at 8–10 months of age

The reproductive performance of Merino ewe lambs is lower than that achieved by mature ewes and is highly variable. It is likely that embryo loss represents a major source of reproductive wastage in Merino ewe lambs, but to our knowledge no studies have attempted to determine when the major reproductive losses occur or identify predisposing factors that are likely to lead to high rates of pregnancy failures in ewe lambs. After characterising where reproductive losses occurred in Merino ewe lambs mated at 8–10 months of age, we tested the hypothesis that pregnancy failure in ewe lambs is influenced by nutrition and liveweight change around conception and the genetic potential for growth of the ewe lamb. Two-hundred and twenty-four Merino ewe lambs born from 10 sires with Australian Sheep Breeding Values were teased for 14 days using vasectomised rams, and then fed two different diets for 68 days during mating. All ewe lambs were weighed and the appearance of crayon marks on their rump was recorded most days. Blood samples for progesterone assay were collected on Days 5, 12 and 17 after the first record of a crayon mark. Ultrasonography using a trans-rectal probe was used to measure the number of corpora lutea present, as a proxy for ovulation rate, 9 days after the first record of a crayon mark during the mating period. A further trans-rectal ultrasonography was undertaken 30 days after marking from the entire ram to determine pregnancy status and count the number of embryos. Over the entire mating period 54% of ewe lambs were pregnant with 66 fetuses per 100 ewes mated. The average ovulation rate was 150% however up to 84% of this potential was lost by weaning and the major contributor to this apparent deficit was the loss that occurred during the first 17 days after mating. Pregnancy failure was not significantly related to nutrition or liveweight change during mating however, there were significant differences in pregnancy failure between different sire groups. Pregnancy failure was significantly less for ewe lambs from sires with higher breeding values for weight and fat at post-weaning age (8–10 months). Only 60% of ewe lambs had achieved puberty when rams were introduced and only 83% by 35 days after mating. In addition, almost half of the ewe lambs that were mated for the first time during the first 35 days after rams were introduced, but failed to get pregnant, then seemed to skip a cycle or did not cycle again before the end of the 68-day mating period. Liveweight at introduction of entire rams was positively related to fertility, ovulation rate and reproductive rate. This study confirms that selection of sires with higher breeding values for post-weaning weight and fat will increase the fertility and reproductive rate of Merino ewe lambs mated at 8–10 months. This response is due in part to enhancing the onset of puberty and increasing the proportion of ewe lambs cycling at the start of mating and reducing pregnancy failure.
Natural infections of pruning wounds by fungal trunk pathogens in mature grapevines in Catalonia (Northeast Spain)

Background and Aims Information on the natural infection rates of pruned canes caused by fungal trunk pathogens is scarce. This study aimed to determine the pathogenic mycoflora infecting the pruning wounds in two vineyards in Catalonia, Spain, each with a different level of trunk diseases, and in two pruning seasons. Methods and Results Vines were pruned in each vineyard in mid-autumn leaving four to six buds. Three months later, pathogens were isolated and identified in 250 pruned canes chosen at random in each vineyard. Vines were then definitively pruned to two buds, and sampling for pathogen isolation and identification was repeated 3 months later. The main fungal pathogens identified in this study were Eutypa lata (0–0.4% of isolations), Neofusicoccum parvum (0–1.2%), Botryosphaeria dothidea (0–1.6%), Phomopsis spp. (0–1.6%), Cryptovalsa ampelina (0–3.2%), Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (0–12.0%) and Diplodia seriata (0.4–68.4%). A strong seasonal effect on pathogen infections was detected for most species, with a higher isolation percentage detected after the late pruning as compared with that of the early pruning. Conclusions Under the environmental conditions and the geographical location of this study, our results showed that the rate of natural infection of pruning wounds was lower following early pruning (autumn) than following late pruning (winter). Significance of the Study Early pruning could be used in combination with other control measures, such as chemical and biological wound protectants, to reduce the infections caused by the grapevine trunk pathogens during the pruning season in Catalonia, Spain. The infection risk, however, and potential effects of the early pruning on grape production should be considered in other environments before expanding this recommendation to other grapegrowing regions.
Population dynamics and gillnets selectivity of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lalepede 1803) in lower reaches of the Cross River estuary, Nigeria

Population Dynamics and gillnet selectivity of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lalepede 1803) in the lower reaches of the Cross River estuary of Nigeria was studied for two years (January 2008 – December 2009), with respect to selectivity, gillnet sizes and population of the species based on length frequency analysis. Estimates of growth parameters, asymptotic length (L∞) = 98.25cm and growth constant (K/year) = 0.96yr -1 . Total mortality rate (Z) was 6.27 yr -1 , natural mortality (M) = 1.22 yr-1, Fishing mortality (F) = 5.05 yr -1 and Exploitation rate (E) = 0.81. Significant correlation (r = 0.9140 – 0.9770 and r = 0.976 – 0.977). (P < Z0.05) was observed between mesh sizes of gillnets and mean values of the morphometric characteristics (such as half-circumference, total length and total weight) of the fish. There is low percentage frequency range of the number of fish caught in different mesh sizes, possibly with low hanging coefficient range (0.4-0.5). Gilling, snagging, wedging, entangling were observed in the selection of the fishes. In conclusion, selectivity in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus gillnet fishery in the Cross River estuary may be moderately adequate despite the influence of several other factors. The selection distribution curve using 17.5cm estimated modal total length recommends the usage of 50mm mesh size and above for exploitation of the species. Keywords: Gillnet, Selectivity, Mortality, Length, Population
Experiments with Cyperus rotundus L.

Summary: Resume: Zusammenfassung Tubers of Cyperus rotundus L. were planted in pots, and growth and development followed by washing out every 3 days. New tubers were first recorded 16 days after shoot emergence began, and tuber production proceeded at the rate of one every 4 days. By 51 days a single tuber had produced approximately nine new tubers, nine shoots and nearly 90 cm of rhizome. Treatment with 2,4-D or paraquat at 34 days severely checked shoot growth, but tuber production appeared to he only temporarily checked. Parent tuber dry weight fluctuated between 017 and 0–55 g and the parent tuber appears to act as a source of food in times of stress. Experiences sur le Cyperus rotundus L. I. Croissance et de-veloppement: effets du 2,4-D et du paraquat Des tuberules de Cyperus rotunds L. ont ete plantes dans des pots retires d'ou ols lis ont ete retires tous les 3 jours pour en suivre la croissanec et le developpement. On a enregistre l'apparition de nouveaux tubercules 16 jours apres le debut de la levee. La production de tubercules s'est poursuivie a raison d'un tous les 4 jours. Au bout de 51 jours, un tubercule avait produit approximativement 9 nouveaux tubercules, 9 pousses et pres de 90 cm de rhizome. Le traitement avec le 2,4-D et le paraquat au bout de 34 jours a provoque un freinage important de la croissance de la partie aerienne mais la production des tubercules n'a ete ralentie que temporairement. Les poids sees des tubercules initiaux ont varie entre 0.l7 g et 0.55 get ces tubercules paraissent jouer le role d'une source de malieres nutritives pendant les periodes difficiles. Versuche mit Cyperus rotundus L. I. Wachstum und Entwick-lung und Wirkung von 2,4-D und Paraquat Knollen von Cyperus rotundus L. wurden in Gefasse gepflanzt und das Wachstum und Entwicklung durch Auswaschen im Abstand von jeweils 3 Tagen verfolgt. Neue Knollen wurden zuerst 16 Tage nach dem Beginn der Sprossbildung beobachtet. Alle 4 Tage wurde eine weitere Knolle gebildet. Nach 51 Tagen hatte eine einzelne Knolle etwa 9 neue Knollen und fast 90 cm Khizom produziert. Eine Behandlung mit 2.4-D Oder Paraquat nach 34 Tagen hemmte das Sprosswachstum stark, aber die Knollenbildung schien nur vorubergehend gehemmt zu sein. Das Trockengewicht der Mutterknollen schwankte zwischen 0,17 und 0,55 g. Die Mutterknolle scheint in Zeiten in denen die Pflanze Belastungen ausgesetzt ist als Nahrstoffquelle zu wirken.
Renewing a Naxi environmental ethic in Lijiang, China: an approach for water management

For the many ethnic minorities in China, the country’s current rapid development is resulting in lasting effects on both traditions and the local environment. This study focuses on the Naxi people of Lijiang, in China’s Yunnan Province, with the objective of investigating the effects of tourism on the minority’s culture and environment, most notably their water resources. The Naxi have a strong traditional respect for the environment. Prompted by cultural and religious values, the Naxi people established a water system that brought clean spring water to their town for centuries. However, because of a recent surge in domestic tourism, the local environment is threatened and the Naxi have lost their respect for nature. Unlike their elders, the younger generation no longer follows an ‘environmental ethic,’ the moral relationship of people to their natural surroundings. Renewing an environmental ethic among the younger Naxi generation would be a crucial step towards better environmental management in Lijiang and would help buffer the negative effects of rapid development. Findings from this study, synthesized from interviews with local residents and experts, serve as a case study to analyse the consequences of economic development on traditional cultures and their water resources. It explores how indigenous values can be used to support sustainable development.
High rate of increased level of plasma Angiotensin II and its gender difference in COVID-19: an analysis of 55 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a single hospital, WuHan, China

Background: 2019 Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is turning into a pandemic globally lately. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is identified as an important functional receptor for SARS-Cov-2. ACE2 and ACE are homologues with inverse functions in the renin-angiotensin system. ACE converts angiotensin I into a vital vasoactive peptide called angiotensin II(AngII), whereas ACE2 hydrolyzes AngII into a series of vasodilators. There were few reports illustrated the expression of AngII in COVID-19. This study aimed to demonstrate the expression of angiotensin II in COVID-19 and how it correlated to the disease. Methods: We enrolled 55 patients with COVID-19 admitted to renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 21st to February 21st, 2020. Demographic data were collected upon admission. COVID-19 nuclear acid, plasma AngII, Renin and aldosterone in the lying position without sodium restriction, and other laboratory indicators were together measured by the laboratory department of our hospital. Findings: Of the 55 patients with COVID-19, 34(61.8%) had an increased level of AngII. The severity of COVID-19 and male is positively related with the level of AngII. The level of blood lymphocyte, PCT, ALT, and AST were remarkably severe with those of normal level of AngII (P < 0.05). CD4/CD8 cells ratio was significantly higher whereas CD3+CD8+ cells amount, CD3+CD8+ cells proportion, CD56+CD16+CD3- cells amount and CD19+CD3- cells amount were considerably lower than those of normal level of AngII (P < 0.05). Abnormal rates of blood lymphocyte and PCT were significantly higher in Patients with elevated AngII level. The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that the severity of COVID-19 (OR=4.123) and CD4/CD8 ratio(OR=4.050) were the co-directional impact factor while female(OR=0.146) was inverse impact factor of elevated AngII level. Interpretation: High rate of increased level of AngII was detected in COVID-19 patients. Patients with elevated AngII level were more likely to be critically ill with COVID-19. Considering the gender differences in ACE2 expression and no gender differences in angiotensin expression, the gender differences in AngII level might indicate less loss of ACE2 in female patients. Elevated AngII level was correlated with CD4/CD8 ratio, suggesting it might involve in immune disorder. Keywords: 2019 Novel coronavirus disease(COVID-19), Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), Angiotensin II(AngII), gender differences
The Nerve Net of the Actinozoa

1. Certain features have been supposed to characterise the nerve net. Response is said to vary with the strength of stimulus: and while conduction may occasionally take place in an all or nothing manner, yet in general conduction is supposed to take place with a decrement. To investigate these points, the responses of Calliactis parasitica to mechanical and electrical stimuli have been investigated. 2. Electrical excitation of the column of the anemone shows that a response results from a succession of stimuli and not from a single stimulus. The character of the response is independent of the strength of the individual stimuli. It depends solely upon the number of stimuli and upon the interval of time between them. All responses are highly developed facilitation phenomena. Each electrical stimulus induces a single excitation impulse in the nerve net. 3. But a mechanical stimulus is followed by the discharge of a battery of impulses from the sense organs. These increase in number and frequency with the intensity of the mechanical stimulus. A response may therefore vary with the strength of a mechanical stimulus, but only in relation to the number and frequency of impulses discharged by the sense-organs. 4. Stimulation of the intact column of the anemone shows complete conduction over its whole nerve net. Mechanical stimulation of the disc appears to show conduction with a decrement. Such a stimulus excites a battery of impulses. Each impulse is conducted without decrement, but it facilitates the entrance of succeeding impulses into adjoining sections of the disc nerve net. There is no decrement of excitation strength under any conditions in the nerve net. But there may be a numerical decrement as a battery of impulses spreads from a stimulus. 5. The nerve net is physiologically similar to ordinary nerve. A method is described for determining the strength duration relationship for the threshold of electrical excitation of the nerve net. The relation is of the usual form with a chronaxie of about 2-4σ. The nerve net has well-defined relative and absolute refractory periods: the latter is about 40-65σ. The relation of facilitation to refractory period is considered. 6. The whole nerve net of the column of the anemone acts as a conducting layer in its most simple form, directly transmitting excitation from the stimulus to the muscle. Facilitation takes place between the nerve net and its appropriate muscles. Conduction in the disc nerve net involves facilitation between parts of the nerve net in addition. 7. The true characteristics of the nerve net are diffuse conduction and the extreme development of facilitation. Diffuse conduction may be total, as in the column, or restricted, as in the disc of Calliactis . Facilitation may be between the nerve net and the muscles, or between parts of the nerve net.
Adaptation of A/Mallard/Potsdam/178-4/83 (H2N2) in Japanese quail leads to Replication and Transmission in Chickens

Title of Thesis: ADAPTATION OF A/MALLARD/POTSDAM/178-4/83 (H2N2) IN JAPANESE QUAIL LEADS TO REPLICATION AND TRANSMISSION IN CHICKENS Erin Maureen Sorrell, Master of Science, 2005 Thesis Directed By: Assistant Professor Daniel R. Perez Department of Veterinary Medicine VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and The University of Maryland, College Park Influenza is a single stranded, negative-sense RNA virus with a segmented genome that can infect avian and mammalian species. Influenza viruses from the avian reservoir do not seem to replicate efficiently in humans upon direct transmission. Therefore, an intermediate host is involved in generating mutations to create a more transmissible or an avian-human reassortant virus. Quail have been highlighted as a potential reservoir and intermediate host of avian influenza. To assess the potential of quail as an intermediate host, A/Mallard/Postdam/178-4/83, H2N2 was tested to determine if through adaptation in quail a mallard strain can replicate and transmit in quail, as well as other avian species. After six serial passages of lung homogenate a virus arose, which replicated and transmitted directly to contact quail. When chickens were infected with this quail-adapted virus replication and transmission were observed, while no replication was noted in the chickens infected with wild type H2N2 virus.
Does black suit everyone? The fit between skin tone and clothing color

Clothing color and skin tone can both influence the perceived attractiveness of others and social outcomes, such as behavior towards others. However, it is still unclear how skin tone and clothing color interact and whether certain combinations fit together particularly well. Therefore, the present study investigated whether certain clothing colors flatter certain skin tones. 50 subjects rated 408 stimuli on a scale from 0 to 10 based on how flattering the t-shirt color is regarding the skin tone. The results suggest that the attractiveness of the faces and the preference for certain colors were predominant. There is a trend towards an interaction between skin tone and clothing color. In this study, dark and less saturated colors are preferred for t-shirts compared to light and highly saturated ones. There is a main effect of skin color, in such way that dark-skinned faces were rated more attractive than light-skinned faces. A regression shows that hue, lightness, and saturation of the t-shirt influence the rating.