Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of litter production and its quality in relation to climatic factors in a super wet tropical rain forest, West Sumatra, Indonesia

In order to clarify the detailed dynamics of litter production and its nutrient characteristics in a super wet tropical rainforest, a study was conducted using twelve litter traps installed in a one ha study plot at PinangPinang, in West Sumatra, Indonesia. The trapped litter was collected monthly in two different years (December 1997 to November 1998 and December 1999 to November 2(00). The annual mean litter production in 1997/98 was 12.2 Mg ha-' and in 199912000 was 11.8 Mg ha-'. The contribution of leaf litter to the totallitterlall was significantly greater (64.8%) than that of the other components i.e., twigs, branches and fruits. The totallitterlall and leaf litter production ranged from 0.16 to 1.98 and from 0.10 to 1.30 Mg ha-'month-', respectively, during the two observation periods. The seasonal pattern of leaf litter production showed a strong positive correlation with mean monthly temperature. Since the mean monthly temperature showed a negative correlation to monthly precipitation, the monthly leaf litter production also showed a negative correlation to the monthly precipitation. The negative correlation between leaf litter production and monthly precipitation was, however, less significant than the positive correlation of leaf litter production to temperature. This finding suggests that, although the mechanism is unknown, leaf litter production is strongly regulated by slight fluctuations in monthly mean temperature, within the range of 25-28 'C in this super wet tropical rainforest. A positive correlation between temperature and litter production was also observed for the total litter and for the other litter components. However, the correlation was less significant for these other litter categories than for leaf litter. Among the litter components (leaf, twigs, branches and fruit), leaf litter showed the highest concentration of nitrogen (N), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S). The reproductive structure (fruit) had a significantly higher concentration of P and K than leaf litter, but the fruit's concentration of Ca was lower than those of the other components of the litter. The concentrations of Ca in leaf litter showed a positive correlation to rainfall and a negative correlation to temperature, while the concentration of K in leaf litter showed the reverse trend. The trend of N concentration in leaf litter was somewhat similar to Ca. These trends might be due to the effect of dilution on Ca and N, remobilization on N, and the leaching by rainfall on K.
Early Insights into Immune Responses during COVID-19

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the newly emerged virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and was recently declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. In its severe form, the disease is characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome, and there are no targeted intervention strategies to treat or prevent it. The immune response is thought to both contribute to the pathogenesis of disease and provide protection during its resolution. Thus, understanding the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 is of the utmost importance for developing and testing vaccines and therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the earliest knowledge and hypotheses of the mechanisms of immune pathology in the lung during acute infection as well at the later stages of disease resolution, recovery, and immune memory formation.
Hepáticas (Marchantiophyta) de um fragmento de Mata Atlântica na Serra da Jibóia, Município de Santa Teresinha, BA, Brasil

This paper provid the results of the survey of hepatics at Serra da Jiboia, remaining Atlantic Forest, Santa Teresinha Municipality, Bahia. Seventy especies were recorded belonging to 41 genera and 14 families: Aneuraceae (2), Bryopteridaceae (2), Calypogeiaceae (1), Cephaloziaceae (2), Geocalycaceae (2), Herbertaceae (1), Jubulaceae (4), Lejeuneaceae (37), Lepidoziaceae (4), Metzgeriaceae (2), Pallaviciniaceae (2), Plagiochilaceae (8), Radulaceae (2), Trichocoleaceae (1). The family Lejeuneaceae were represents for 52,9% of the species. Three substrates were colonized: living trunks (67%), trunks in decomposition (14%) and leaves (33%). Five growth-forms were found: mat (69%), thallose (9%), carpet (19%), pendent (3%) and turf (1%). The results are similar to these found in tropical rainforest lower montane and submontane.
A 12‐month pilot study outcomes of vagus nerve stimulation in Crohn's disease

The vagus nerve has anti‐inflammatory properties. We aimed to investigate vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a new therapeutic strategy targeting an intrinsic anti‐inflammatory pathway in a pilot study in Crohn's disease patients. The main objectives addressed the questions of long‐term safety, tolerability, and anti‐inflammatory effects of this therapy. This study is the continuation of previous reported findings at 6 months.
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF 31 SPECIES OF AGRICULTURAL INSECT PESTS TO THE ENTOMOGENOUS NEMATODES STEINERNEMA FELTIAE AND HETERORHABDITIS BACTERIOPHORA

Abstract The susceptibility of 31 species of agricultural insect pests representing 7 families of Lepidoptera, 3 of Diptera, and 3 of Coleoptera to the entomogenous nematodes Steinernema feltiae Filipjev and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar, were investigated in the laboratory. Of the 27 species found susceptible to S. feltiae, 19 are reported for the first time. Of the 21 species killed by H. bacteriophora, 15 are reported for the first time. The Lepidoptera as a group were highly susceptible to the nematodes. On the basis of larval mortality caused by the nematodes, of nematode reproduction in insect cadavers, and of the known economic importance and life histories of the test insects, S. feltiae was judged to warrant further research as a possible biological-control agent against Euxoa ochrogaster (Guenée), E. auxiliaris (Grote), Agrotis orthogonia (Morr.), Actebia fennica (Tauscher), Mamestra configurata Walker, Delia radicum (L.), D. antiqua (Meig.), and Zygogramma exclamationis (F.). Résumé On a étudié en laboratoire la susceptibilité de 31 espèces d'insectes nuisibles en agriculture, représentant 7 familles de Lépidoptères, 3 de Diptères, et 3 de Coléoptères, à l'infection par les nematodes entomogènes Steinernema feltiae Filipjev et Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar. Parmi les 27 espèces trouvées susceptibles à S. feltiae, 19 l'étaient pour la première fois. Des 21 espèces susceptibles à H. bacteriophora, 15 sont mentionnées pour la première fois. Dans l'ensemble, les Lépidoptères se sont avérés très susceptibles. D'après la mortalité larvaire causée par les nematodes, leur reproduction dans les cadavres d'insectes, et l'importance économique des insectes testés, on juge que S. feltiae devrait être étudié davantage en tant qu'auxiliaire possible de lutte contre Euxoa ochrogaster (Guenée), E. auxiliaris (Grote), Agrotis orthogonia (Morr.), Actebia fennica (Tauscher), Mamestra configurata Walker, Delia radicum (L.), D. antiqua (Meig.), et Zygogramma exclamationis (F.).
Desmin prevents muscle wasting, exaggerated weakness and fragility, and fatigue in dystrophic mdx mouse

Desmin, similar to dystrophin, is associated with costameric structures bridging sarcomeres to the extracellular matrix. Deletion of the desmin gene in mdx mice [double knockout (DKO) mice] induces marked muscle weakness and fatigue resistance compared to mdx mice. Muscle fragility (higher susceptibility to contraction‐induced injury) was also aggravated in DKO mice compared to mdx mice. By contrast to mdx mice, the DKO mice did not undergo muscle hypertrophy. Desmin cDNA transfer with adeno‐associated virus in newborn mdx mice reduced muscle weakness. Overall, desmin plays important and beneficial roles in muscle wasting, performance and fragility in dystrophic muscle.
Clinical consequences of controversies in gastric physiology

Abstract Studies on the regulation of gastric acid secretion started more than 100 years ago at an early phase of experimental physiology. In nearly the whole last century there were disputes about the interpretation of the findings: the interaction between the three principle gastric acid secretagogues acetylcholine, gastrin and histamine, the cell producing the relevant histamine which turned out to be the ECL cell, the ability of the ECL cell to divide and thus develop into tumours, the classification of gastric carcinomas and the mechanism for Helicobacter pylori carcinogenesis. The elucidation of the central role of the ECL cell and thus its main regulator, gastrin, solve all these controversies, and gives a solid base for handling upper gastrointestinal diseases.
Effects of Demineralized Dentin Matrix Used as an rhBMP-2 Carrier for Bone Regeneration

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the DDM as a carrier of recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2). In the study 1, the rhBMP-2 was fixed to inorganic bovine bones, tricalcium phosphate (TCP), DDM powder, and DDM chip. Over a period of 36 days, the amount of rhBMP-2 released was analyzed. In the study 2, the expression of protein markers by rhBMP-2 combined with DDM was evaluated in mice at 1, 2 and 4 weeks. In the control group (n=20 mice), 20 μg grafts of TCP+rhBMP-2 (concentration=0.05 mg/ml) were applied, while in the experimental group (n=20 mice), 20 μg grafts of DDM powder+rhBMP-2 (concentration=0.05 mg/ml) were applied. In the study 1, the slow release of rhBMP-2 was exhibited by all four graft types throughout the 36-day, a statistically significant large amount of rhBMP-2 was released from the DDM powder compared to the other materials (p<0.05). In the study 2, the expression of osteonectin was found to be limited to adjacent areas of TCP in the control group, however, it was observed in the DDM in the experimental group. The experimental group exhibited significant mature bone formation in the 4th week, but not in the 1st week of the experiment. Within limited research in this study DDM powder appears to have great potential as an effective scaffold for rhBMP-2. In the DDM powder+rhBMP-2, new bone formation was evidently shown and the amount of released rhBMP-2 was the highest. It was proposed that DDM powder might be an effective carrier of rhBMP-2.
Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes for the Control of Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The virulence of various entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) strains was evaluated against the Mediterranean fruit fly, C. capitata . The selected nematodes were assessed for their infectivity for the final larval stage of the insect host and under varying environmental conditions. Among 12 EPN strains tested, Steinernema riobrave Texas ( Sr TX) and Heterorhabditis sp. IS-5 (H IS-5), showed high activity and induced >80% mortality. Six EPN strains showed limited activity (>30% mortality), and four strains had no effect (<20% mortality). Sr TX was more effective than H IS-5. Mature C. capitata larvae were most susceptible to nematode infection during the first 4h after they began to emerge from their diet to pupate. Activity of the two nematode strains at a constant inoculation rate was dependent on insect larval density. The highest activity was recorded at 1.88 larvae cm -2 and decreased at higher larval densities. EPN activity was also directly related to nematode density. Maximal activity was shown at a density of 150 infective juveniles cm -2 . A similar activity pattern was also recorded with Sr TX in four different soil types. The persistence of this EPN in the soil extended over 5 days but there was no activity after 14 days. Except for a lower activity under cool conditions (17°C), temperatures ranging between 22 and 41°C, or moisture levels in the treated soil ranging between 3 and 20%, had no significant effect on nematode activity. Our results suggest that application of Sr TX against C. capitata may have potential for controlling C. capitata .
Disruption of aggregation behaviour of oriental migratory locusts (Locusta migratoria manilensis) infected with Nosema locustae

Abstract: The effect of Nosema locustae infection on the aggregation behaviour of the oriental migratory locust, Locusta migratoria manilensis, was studied using a two‐choice arena olfactometer and electroantennography (EAG). Infected locusts had low antennal sensitivity and aggregation responses to faecal extracts and to locust body volatiles. Infected fifth instar nymphs had significantly lower aggregation index than the uninfected nymphs, although with fourth instars the effect on aggregation behaviour only occurred in infected females. With regard to antennal receptor sensitivity, infected adult locusts had significantly lower EAG amplitudes in response to extracts from faeces of the adult males. The effect was most pronounced in female locusts. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the EAG responses between the fifth instar male and female nymphs. Further analysis revealed that EAG responses of fifth instar nymphs and adults infected with N. locustae to the faecal extract and volatiles from fifth instar solitary‐reared nymphs were not significantly affected. In contrast, infected nymphs and adults had remarkably low EAG amplitudes for the remaining stimuli.
Mucilaginous seed coat structure ofCarrichtera annuaandAnastatica hierochunticafrom the Negev Desert highlands of Israel, and its adhesion to the soil crust

Abstract Carrichtera annua and Anastatica hierochuntica are two desert annuals, the seeds of which are dispersed by rain. The seed coat surface and cross-section structure of the dry seeds of these plants were examined by SEM. The seeds were wetted by placing them on natural saturated desert soil crust in Petri dishes. The Petri dishes were placed in a freeze-dryer when the upper part of the seed surface was still dry. This enabled study by SEM of the developmental stages of the mucilage, from the first stage until the full formation of the mucilage. We argue that the ecological significance of the mucilage differs in winter and summer. In winter the main effect is in water retention and soil particle contact, while in summer dew may allow damage repair and priming for the germination process.
TROPICAL ZOOLOGY

(1) MENDES L.F. , A survey of the Lepismatidae (Insecta Zygentoma) from Sar Uanle (Somalia) — 3-21 (2) RICTHIE J.M. , New and little-known Acridoidea (Insecta Orthoptera) from Somalia. The genus Mecostibus Karsch 1896 — 23-28 (3) CAPANNA E. and CIVITELLI M.V. , A cytotaxonomic approach of the systematics of Arvicanthis niloticus (Desmarest 1822) (Mammalia Rodentia) — 29-37 (4) MAHNERT V. , Die Pseudoskorpione (Arachnida) Kenyas. Familien Withiidae und Cheliferidae — 39-89 (5) MASCAGNI A. , Heterocerus hardei n. sp. from Ethiopia (Coleptera Heteroceridae) — 91-94 (6) SCHÄTTI B. , Systematics and phylogenetic relationships of Coluber florulentus Geoffroy 1827 (Reptilia Serpentes) — 95-116 (7) DUELLMAN W.E. and DE SA R.O. , A new genus and species of South American hylid frog with a higly modified tadpole — 117-136 (8) GALIL B.S. and CLARK P.F. , On a collection of Acropora-inhabiting trapeziids (Crustacea Brachyura Xanthoidea) from East Africa — 137-151
Indicators of Social Competence and Social Participation Among US Children With Tourette Syndrome

Children with Tourette syndrome often have behavioral and social difficulties, which may be associated with co-occurring mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. This study investigated social competence, including behavioral problems and social skills, and social activities between children with and without Tourette syndrome using a nationally representative sample. In the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health, parents reported on health care provider diagnosis of Tourette syndrome, co-occurring mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders, and indicators of social competence. Children aged 6-17 years with and without Tourette syndrome were compared. Most (78.7%) children with Tourette syndrome had a co-occurring mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder. Children with Tourette syndrome had significantly lower social competence, exhibited by higher levels of behavior problems (mean score 11.6 for Tourette syndrome and 9.0 for no Tourette syndrome) and lower levels of social skills (mean 15.3) than children without a Tourette syndrome diagnosis (mean 17.1); however, these associations were no longer significant after controlling for co-occurring mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. Moderate to severe Tourette syndrome was associated with the highest ratings of behavioral problems and the lowest ratings of social skills. Children with and without Tourette syndrome were equally likely to participate in social activities; the difference for children with moderate to severe Tourette syndrome being less likely to participate in activities compared to children with mild Tourette syndrome had a chi-square test P value of . 05. In conclusion, Tourette syndrome was associated with lower social competence, particularly for children with moderate to severe Tourette syndrome. Monitoring social functioning and co-occurring conditions among children with Tourette syndrome, and referral for evidence-based interventions when needed, may benefit overall health and functioning.
TRANSITION TO SEXUAL REPRODUCTION AND CONTROL OF INITIAL CELL SIZE INNITZSCHIA LANCEOLATA

Induction of gametogenesis in some diatoms occurs after a change in illumination. The amount of light energy supplied and the pattern of supply not only condition the physiological status of the cells, but can also switch the mitotic cycle into meiosis. Previous studies have dealt with monoecious species. Here, the transition to sexual reproduction was studied in the dioeciously reproducing species Nitzschia lanceolata, where a compatible partner must be present for vigorous auxosporulation. Successful completion of auxospore development is ultimately dependent on light energy captured through photosynthesis, although sufficient storage material can be accumulated before sexual interaction or the shift to meiosis to allow initial cells to be formed without any further supply of energy. However, if the gametes lack sufficient stored energy then auxospore development ceases. The fact that the cells can exit from the mitotic cycle in the beginning of the Gl phase indicates that possession of a particular mat.
Distribution patterns and calling song variation in species of the genus Cicada Linnaeus, 1758 (Hemiptera, Cicadidae) in the Aegean Sea area

The present paper gives a comparative analysis of the calling songs of selected populations within species of the genus Cicada Linnaeus from the Greek and Turkish mainlands as well as from a number of representative Aegean islands, with a view to compare present cicada biogeography patterns with the palaeogeography of the area. Recordings of the male calling songs and analyses of selected acoustic variables have been carried out. The general trend in the species distribution and variation in the calling songs produced appeared to be consistent with most of the paleogeographical events in the eastern Mediterranean basin. Cicada species from this area appear to have derived from some stock present in the Miocene in the then united landmass of Aegaeis. Present distribution might have originated mostly by vicariance rather than by dispersal. Therefore, the palaeogeography of the Eastern Mediterranean basin area with emphasis on the Miocenic island groups offers a good explanation for the present distribution patterns and level of endemism in species of the genus Cicada.
IT-BASED KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT PROCESSES, E-SERVICES INNOVATION AND E-LOYALTY

Business adopts heavily investments in information technology to maintain their customer’s loyalty in the electronic business environment. This study contributes to investigate the impact of IT-based knowledge processes as independent constructs (knowledge discovery, knowledge capture, knowledge sharing, and knowledge application) on electronic service innovation and electronic loyalty in the telecommunications sector in Jordan. It also examines the mediating role of electronic service innovation between independent constructs and the dependent one. Data were obtained from a purposive sample of (175) respondents using a questionnaire developed for this purpose. It was found that there is a significantly direct positive impact of knowledge management processes (IT-KD, IT-KC, IT-KS, and IT-KA) on service innovation, IT-knowledge sharing (IT-KS) has a significantly direct positive impact on electronic loyalty and positively indirect impact on e-loyalty through e-service innovation as a mediator factor, in addition, there is significantly positive impact of e-service innovation on e-loyalty. In contrast, there is not significantly positive impact of (IT-KD, IT-KC, and IT-KA) on e-loyalty through the e-service innovation as a mediator. Therefore, the researched companies should be careful about how to increase e - loyalty by providing better services comparing with competitors in the same industry.
The effects of sorghum proanthocyanidins on digestive enzyme activity in vitro and in the digestive tract of chicken

The effects of sorghum grain proanthocyanidins (PAs) on the digestive enzyme activity of broiler chickens were investigated in vitro and in vivo using seven sorghum varieties grown in Zimbabwe. All seven sorghum varieties, classified as either high-PA (DC-75, Mutode, Red Swazi and Chirimaugute) or low-PA (SV2, Brown Tsweta and Chibonda), were used to assess the PA–protein binding capacity and inhibition of trypsin and amylase in vitro. Three of the varieties (Chirimaugute, Chibonda and Brown Tsweta) were subsequently used in broiler diets to test the effects of PAs on the growth performance and digestive enzyme activity of 48 broiler chicks at 42 days of age. Protein precipitation and trypsin and amylase inhibition increased (P < 0.05) with an increase in level of PAs from the low-PA varieties (by 1–10%) to the high-PA varieties (by 40–70%). The activity of trypsin in the duodenal lumen of chicks fed the control diet was almost double that of chicks fed Chirimaugute. Amylase activity in the high-PA group was lowered significantly (P < 0.01) relative to the control and low-PA groups. The difference between in vitro and in vivo residual enzyme activities was 10–20% for amylase and 5–10% for trypsin. Chicks fed the high-PA diet showed lower performance than chicks fed the control and low-PA diets. Mean body weight gains were 59.9, 34.4, 57.3 and 61.4 (SE 4.02) g day−1, final weights were 1936.4, 1363.3, 1773.2 and 1857.0 (SE 78.5) g and feed efficiencies were 1.85, 2.26, 1.65 and 2.13 (SE 0.014) for the control, Chirimaugute, Brown Tsweta and Chibonda groups respectively. The results indicate that PA–enzyme interaction, in addition to dietary protein–PA binding, contributes to the poor performance of chickens fed high-PA sorghum diets. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry
Palynological evaluation of selected honeys from Romania

Abstract Fifty-four honey samples collected over two consecutive harvest seasons (2009–2010) from different floristic areas of Romania were analysed. A melissopalynological analysis including qualitative and quantitative analyses was carried out in order to identify the principal pollen types in Romanian honeys and therefore, the important plants exploited by Apis mellifera in this country. Seventy-seven pollen types from 35 botanical families were identified. The main pollen forms were: Brassica napus-type, Tilia, Helianthus annuus, Robinia pseudoacacia, Prunus, Castanea sativa, Fragaria-type and Plantago-type. Honey samples were classified as: acacia honey (Robinia pseudoacacia), lime honey (Tilia), rape honey (Brassica napus-type), sunflower honey (Helianthus annuus), cherry honey (Prunus). Three of them were honeydew honeys whereas the others were all polyfloral. The results from this study can be used as a palynological baseline data of Romanian artisanal honeys.