Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Endotoxin Induces Changes in the Organization and Expression of Actin and Modulation of the Cell Membrane of Microglia

Background and Objectives: In situ there are at least three morphologically and functionally different forms of microglia: the resting, the activated, and the phagocytic microglia. The signals promoting the morphological changes which adapt microglia to specific functions are still unknown. In this study the effect of bacterial wall lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the morphology and organization and expression of actin in microglia was investigated. In addition, the changes in the appearance of the cell membrane were investigated. Methods: Microglia cultures were prepared from neopallia of newborn mice and treated with LPS. Scanning electron microscopy, labeling with phalloidin, and immunoblotting were used. Results: The majority of nontreated microglia were ameboid in shape with many short processes that extended into lamellipodia. When microglia were treated with LPS most of the microglia acquired a large, round, and flat shape. The rest of the ameboid microglia became larger in size. Fluorescent labeling with phalloidin showed that the F-actin network appeared diffusely arranged throughout the cytoplasm of nontreated microglia. In LPS-treated microglia the F-actin network was reorganized into filamentous bundles extending into microspike-like projections. Using scanning electron microscopy, the nontreated microglia had large membrane folds and few large blebs. In LPS-treated microglia most of the membrane folds and blebs at the cell periphery disappeared with the appearance of many microspike-like projections. Immunoblotting showed that LPS-treated microglia upregulated their actin protein. Conclusions: These changes in the organization of F-actin and the cell membrane may reflect adaptation of activated microglia to specific functional activity, such as increases in their phagocytic activity.
Design and Evaluation of a Collaborative Writing Process with Gamification Elements

This paper aims at studying the influence of gamification elements on collaboration processes in terms of increasing the hedonic motivation as well as the quality of outcomes. We evaluate, how the collaboration process for collaborative story writing is amendable to be supplemented with gamification elements. Additionally, specific gamification elements are considered for successfully accomplishing the process. To approach this aim, Action Design Research is conducted in a common iterative structure. This involves in the first stage building, observing and reflecting on the analog collaborative writing process. Next, design principles are derived and the process is remodeled and implemented via a web-application instantiation to evaluate them. The evaluation reveals the success of the developed design principles to reach higher hedonic motivation. Additionally, the results show the potential to manage the shift towards digital collaboration processes that motivate people to participate and produce promising outcomes that do not vary that much from outcomes in an analog setting.
A revision of the Paectophyllini and Calyptophyllini: millipedes of the Middle East (Diplopoda: Julida: Julidae)

The julid tribes Paectophyllini (syn.: Symphyoiulini, Catamicrophyllini) and Calyptophyllini are revised. The following genera and species of Paectophyllini are described or redescribed: Paectophyllum escherichii Verhoeff, 1898 (Turkey), P. ferrugineum n.sp. (Turkey), Macheiroiulus compressicauda Verhoeff, 1901 (Greece), M. martini n.sp. (Turkey), M. libicus Manfredi, 1939 (Libya), Catamicrophyllum caifanum Verhoeff, 1900 (Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus, Turkey, Iran), C. depressum n.sp. (Turkey), C. depressissimum n.sp. (Syria), C. caucasicum (Attems, 1901) n. comb. (Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaidjan), C. tholicolepis n.sp. (Iran), C. montanum Verhoeff, 1923 (Israel, Lebanon), C. hamuligerum Verhoeff, 1900 (Israel), C. mesorientale n.sp. (Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq), C. cat n.sp. (Turkey), C. strongylodactylon n.sp. (Turkey). Anuroleptophyllum Attems, 1901, is placed in synonymy of Catamicrophyllum Verhoeff, 1900. C. genezarethanum Verhoeff, 1923 is a questionable synonym of C. montanum. Supplementary notes are .
Supporting Problem Solving in the Leadership Classroom: Using the pVASE Framework for Bridging Theory to Practice

Several models of leadership outline theories on successful intervention such as “Observe, Interpret, and Intervene” within the Adaptive Leadership model (Heifetz, Grashow, & Linsky, 2009) or the “Five Practices” within Kouzes & Posner’s (2012) work. However, during stressful moments of leadership practice, many models for leadership intervention are difficult for students to implement. The authors suggest the pVASE framework as an additional component to other intervention models of leadership in order to better support cognitive load and leadership problem-solving during real-time, emergent leadership moments within and beyond the classroom.
A Review of Bandotan Leaf Extract (Ageratum conyzoides L.) in Inhibition Test to the Growth of Bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis) Case of Periodontitis Disease

Introduction: Periodontitis is defined as an inflammatory disease in the supporting tissues of teeth which is caused by microorganisms of certain groups. Objective: This study aims to know the inhibition power of bandotan leaf extract (Ageratum conyzoides L.) against the growth of bacteria causing periodontitis (Porphyromonasgingivalis). Method:The type of study used in this research is experimental laboratory. The design of this study used is post test only control group design used the method of dilution and disk-diffusion method. Results: The activities of bacteria can only be observed with the method of diffusion to see the inhibition zone. An extract of bandotan leaf (Ageratum conyzoides L.) with the concentration of 100% has the largest inhibition zone namely 16,25±0,66 mm and the inhibition zone is larger than control positive namely metrodinazole used as a comparison antibiotic from the extract of bandotan leaf (Ageratum conyzoides L.). This research has proven that the extract of bandotan leaf extract (Ageratum conyzoides L.) are effective as inhibitory properties against Porphyromonasgingivalis. Conclusion: The extract of bandotan leaf (Ageratum conyzoides L.) is effective as the inhibition power against Porphyromonasgingivalis.
High Recovery of Saplings after Severe Drought in Temperate Deciduous Forests

Drought episodes are predicted to increase their intensity and frequency globally, which will have a particular impact on forest vitality, productivity, and species distribution. However, the impact of tree species interaction on forest vulnerability to drought is not yet clear. This study aims to assess how deciduous saplings react to drought and whether tree species diversity can buffer the impact of drought stress on tree saplings. Based on field measurements of crown defoliation and species diversity, vulnerability, drought recovery, and species interaction were analyzed. Fieldwork was carried out in Central Eastern Germany in 2018 during the vegetation season and repeated in 2019. Ten random saplings were measured in each of the 218 plots (15 × 15 m) with 2051 saplings in total out of 41 tree species. We found that 65% of the saplings experienced defoliation during the drought of 2018, of which up to 13% showed complete defoliation. At the species level, Fagus sylvatica L. and Betula pendula Roth. saplings were less affected (<55%), whereas Carpinus betulus L. , Sorbus aucuparia L. , and Frangula alnus Mill. saplings were the most affected (≥85%). One year later, in 2019, C. betulus and S. aucuparia had a faster recovery rate than F. sylvatica, B. pendula, Quercus spp. , and Crataegus spp. (p < 0.001). Furthermore, we showed that forest stands with high sapling species diversity had a reduced vitality under drought stress (p < 0.001), indicating a higher competition for resources. The study provides evidence that F. sylvatica saplings can withstand and survive to persistent drought. Species-specific responses to drought are essential to be considered for implementing adaptive forest management strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Meta-analysis of QTL associated with Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat.

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB), which is mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe [telomorph: Gibberella zeae Schw. (Petch)], have been identified in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from different countries. Due to the differences of genetic backgrounds and analysis methods, the linked marker and significance levels of QTL are not consistent across studies. Such discrepancies make it difficult to select diagnostic flanking markers. Meta-analysis has been used to estimate the confidence intervals (Cls) of QTL in plant and animal genomes. The objective of this study was to cluster 249 FHB resistance QTL identified in 46 unique lines from 45 studies based on the estimated QTL Cl by meta-analysis. A total of 209 QTL conditioning FHB resistance type I, II, III and IV were classified into 43 clusters on 21 chromosomes. Among them, 119 QTL were significant and 116 QTL explained more than 10% of phenotypic variation. There are 19 confirmed QTL located on chromosomes 3A, 5A, 7A, 1 B, 3BS, 5B, 6B, and 2D. The results provide chromosome locations and linked markers for overlapping and unique QTL. Markers flanking QTL clusters can be used to pyramid diverse QTL more efficiently through marker-assisted breeding.
Antidiabetic effects of isolated sterols from Ficus racemosa leaves

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and toxic effects of isolated sterols from Ficus racemosa (FR) leaves using streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by the administration of streptozotocin (50 mg kg−1) intraperitoneally to albino rats. Three sterols were administered once a day for a period of seven days at a dose of 100 mg kg−1 body weight. Blood glucose and body weight changes were measured at different (1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th) days of the experiment. Serum lipid profiles and hepatic biomarker enzymes levels were measured and various antioxidant parameters in the liver and pancreas were also determined at the end of the experiment. Our results collectively suggested that the oral administration of sterols significantly reduced blood glucose level and restored body weight. Sterols also reduced serum lipid parameters and improved HDL (high density lipoprotein) as compared to a diabetic control group, signifying hypolipidemic action. They increased glutathione and various enzyme levels in the pancreas at the same time. Various oxidative stress parameters in the liver were decreased after sterols administration with respect to the diabetic control rats. Three sterols possessed antidiabetic, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic activities in STZ induced diabetic rats, which supported the use of FR as a supplement for future drug design perspectives.
Direct Estimation of Maize Leaf Area Index as Influenced by Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Rates in Guinea Savanna

Leaf area index (LAI) plays an important role in radiation capture, crop growth and yield formation. However, there is limited quantitative data on the influence of poultry manure (PM) and NPK fertilizer rate (NPK) on LAI, as estimated directly. Using a split-plot design with three replications, a field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of three PM rate (0, 2 and 4 t/ha) as main plot and three NPK rate (0:0:0, 60:30:30 and 120:60:60 kg N P2O5 K2O/ha) as sub plot, on LAI and maize grain yield. The maize was planted at a density of 106,666 plants/ha; two rows on a ridge, one plant per stand at 75 × 25 cm. Linear regression was used to establish predictive equations among correlated variables and to describe the degree of associations. The application of PM in maize increased (p < 0.05) number of leaves/plant (NL) at 8 and 10 weeks after sowing maize (WASM). NL, leaf area constant at 6 and 10 WASM, leaf area (LA) and LAI were significantly affected by NPK. LAI correlated positively with NL, LA and grain yield. The coefficient of determination between actual and estimated LA was in the range of 0.85-0.97. The PM × NPK interaction was significant on maize grain yield. The results suggest that small-scale maize farmers faced with challenges in obtaining and transporting large quantities of poultry manure can use 2 t PM/ha with either 60:30:30 kg N P2O5 K2O/ha or 120:60:60 kg N P2O5 K2O/ha to increase grain yield of maize.
Au(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition pathways of non-terminal propargyl substrates

Abstract Novel chiral menthol-based pyridyl nitrone ligands were synthesized and Au(I) coordination of the ligands gave chiral Au(I)–nitrone complexes. 1H NMR studies of the gold(I) coordination experiments with nitrone ligands afforded a convenient method for monitoring complex formation. The catalytic effect of Au(I)–nitrone complexes, shown to tune catalytic systems to produce uncommon products, was evaluated in [2 + 2 + 2] cyclotrimerization and [2 + 4] cyclodimerization reactions of non-terminal propargyl acetals. Alternative gold(I)-catalyzed [2 + 2], [2 + 4] and [3 + 4] cycloaddition reaction pathways of non-terminal propargyl acetals with imine substrates gave a diverse range of N-heterocyclic products. The present screening study demonstrates the potential and the versatility of non-terminal propargyl acetals in gold(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition reactions. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Black Plastic Tarps Advance Organic Reduced Tillage II: Impact on Weeds and Beet Yield

Organic vegetable farmers rely on intensive tillage to control weeds, incorporate amendments and residues, and prepare seedbeds. Intensive tillage, however, can lead to a decrease in long-term soil health. Placing opaque plastic tarps on the soil surface weeks or months before planting can reduce weed pressure and may facilitate organic reduced tillage strategies, but few studies have documented tarp effects on crop productivity. The effect of tarp duration and tillage intensity on weeds and beet crop yields (cultivar Boro) was evaluated at three locations (Freeville, NY; Riverhead, NY; and Monmouth, ME), for two planting dates and over 2 years (2017 and 2018), resulting in a total of 10 experiments. Tarps were applied for three durations before projected planting dates: 1) 10+ weeks (long), 2) 6 to 8 weeks (mid), and 3) 3 to 5 weeks (short), then compared with an untarped control (none). Three levels of tillage intensity were applied after tarp removal: 1) 10 to 20 cm (conventional till), 2) 3 to 8 cm (reduced till), and 3) left undisturbed (no till), to understand interactions between tillage intensity and tarping. Tarp use of three or more weeks lowered weed biomass for several weeks after beet planting and at-harvest across most locations and years, but tarp duration beyond 3 weeks did not result in further reductions. Tarp use lowered at-harvest weed biomass and increased crop yield for reduced- and no-till systems with results similar to conventional-till. Tarping for 3 weeks could improve the viability of reduced- and no-till approaches for organic vegetable production.
Comparison of the Solution of the Van der Pol Equation Using the Modified Adomian Decomposition Method and Truncated Taylor Series Method

In this paper, we compare the solution of the van der Pol equation obtained by using the truncated Taylor series method and the modified Adomian decomposition method with the solution obtained by the Poincare-Lindstedt (P-L) method. The approximating 4-component modified Adomian decomposition method behaves more like an approximate P-L analytic method than the tenth-order Taylor series. Also, with the addition of just one term, the approximating 5-component modified Adomian decomposition method produces a more convergent solution to that of P-L analytic method than the twenty second-order Taylor series approximation as the independent variable t representing time progressively increases. A general comparison of the two solutions revealed that the absolute errors generated by the approximating polynomial from the Taylor series are greater than the ones generated from the modified Adomian decomposition method. It was further revealed that very few components of the modified Adomian decomposition could yield a series of about 3 times the order of the one obtained by using the Taylor series method. Hence, we recommend the inclusion of the modified Adomian Decomposition Method in modern mathematical tools.
Where Do Cold Air Outbreaks Occur, and How Have They Changed Over Time?

Cold air outbreaks (CAOs) occur in many regions of the globe and can be detrimental to the agricultural industry and human health, especially in less prepared regions. A systematic CAO classification was developed using two different climate reanalysis data sets from 1979–2018. Trends in CAOs were calculated for different regions across the globe and the results from each reanalysis data set compared with one another to identify discrepancies. CAOs occur more frequently in the Northern Hemisphere than the Southern Hemisphere with the highest number of CAOs in Europe, Central Eurasia, and North America. CAOs were found to have decreased in spatial extent, frequency, duration, and magnitude across much of the globe, particularly across Alaska, Canada, and the North Atlantic, while an increase in CAOs was observed in Eastern Europe, Central Eurasia, and the Southern Ocean. Early and late winter CAOs have also become much less frequent in most regions.
Efficient and Effective Location Recommendation through Content Analysis

̶ Location recommendation plays a vital role in helping people in finding beautiful places. The recent research has studied how to recommend locations with social and geographical information, but few of them addressed the cold-start problem. A typical method is to feed them into explicit-feedback-based content-aware collaborative filtering, but they require drawing negative samples for better learning performance, as users’ negative preference is not observable in human mobility. Prior studies have empirically shown sampling-based methods do not perform well. Therefore, a novel approach has been implemented which recommend location based on machine learning process. The user reviews are taken into consideration as dataset. Dataset are preprocessed and meaning of user reviews is understood by system automatically through NLP. Then new recommendation has been suggested through this process and data base is loaded. Hence our system achieves more accurate recommendation compared to other existing approach. Finally, we evaluate LR-NLP with a user review dataset in which users have profiles and textual content. The results show that our proposed outperforms several competing baselines, and that user feedback is not only effective for improving recommendations but also overcomes cold-start problems.
Attitudes toward Change and Transformational Leadership: A Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT We examined the malleability of two frequently-cited attitudes toward change and their relationship with transformational leadership using a repeated measures design for two time points separated by six to eight months in two organizations (N = 165). Readiness for a specific change (state-readiness) together with generalized resistance to change (trait-resistance) were measured. State-readiness showed a significant correlation between time points (r = .50) and a significant increase over time. In contrast, trait-resistance did not show a significant change over time but did show a significant correlation between time points (r = .62). Transformational leadership was correlated with state-readiness at both Time 1 (r = .46) and Time 2 (r = .47) but was not correlated with trait-resistance at either time point. A hierarchical regression revealed that the variables for organization, state-readiness at Time 1, trait-resistance at Time 2, and transformational leadership at Time 2 additively explained 46.5% of variance in state-readiness at Time 2. The results are discussed with respect to their implications for change management theories. MAD statement Leaders are thought to play a key role in influencing employees to implement an organizational change. Less is known whether leaders, who use transformational behaviours, will have a short-term and/or longer lasting influence on employee attitudes toward change. A survey of employees at two time points several months apart revealed that transformational leadership had a significant concurrent, but not lasting, association with attitudes toward a specific change. Consequently, sizeable initial leadership efforts to shape employee attitudes that are not sustained may be wasted. However, these results also mean that mistakes in leadership at the start of a change may be correctable over the course of implementation.
Vegetative compatibility and molecular characterization of Fusarium graminearum isolates from the State of Paraná, Brazil

Fusarium graminearum isolates causing Fusarium head blight in wheat were collected in Brazil and analyzed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and vegetative compatibility grouping (VCG). Nitrate non-utilizing mutants (nit) from each isolate were paired to verify heterokaryon formation. Three VCGs were identified among F. graminearum isolates: VCG1 included F-2, F-3 and F-4 isolates; VCG2 included F-1, F-6 and F-9 isolates; VCG3 included F-5, F-7 and F-8 isolates. Based on PCR amplification with eight different primers, the isolates showed great genetic similarity among themselves. Dendrogram analysis demonstrated two RAPD groups: Group A, consisting of isolates F-2 and F-9, and Group B, composed of the remaining isolates. Results suggest the clonal origin of F. graminearum isolates.
Is cannabidiol hepatotoxic or hepatoprotective: A review

Questions have been raised regarding the potential hepatotoxicity of cannabidiol (CBD). Conversely, several animal studies have demonstrated the hepatoprotective effects of CBD against bile duct ligation, cocaine, thioacetamide, alcohol, and several other chemicals. This review summarizes the current literature concerning the hepatic effects of CBD in humans and animals. Based on the available data, it may be concluded that there is a low probability of serious hepatotoxicity at the high therapeutic doses that are used and a much lower risk of adverse hepatic effects and a potential for hepatoprotection effects at the lower doses commonly used in dietary supplements and food products. However, a detailed safety study in rats using highly purified CBD rather than enriched Cannabis extracts is needed, enabling the determination of hepatic as well as other tissue effects and potential margin of safety.
USE OF BRIDGES AS NIGHT ROOSTS BY BATS IN THE OREGON COAST RANGE

Abstract We surveyed 10 bridges hourly 1 night/month, April–September 1996, and another 50 bridges on 2 occasions on each of 2 nights, July–September 1996, to assess nocturnal use of bridges by bats in the central Oregon Coast Range. We also collected guano monthly from 28 bridges, April 1996–November 1997, to evaluate temporal patterns of use. Eight species of bats were observed using bridges as night roosts. Bats roosted under cast-in-place concrete bridges in larger concentrations than under other types of bridges and roosted more frequently in end chambers than in center chambers of concrete cast-in-place bridges. Greatest use occurred between 0300 and 0430 h and in June–September, although some bridges were used year-round. We observed females of all reproductive stages, males, and volant juveniles night-roosting under bridges. Our data suggest that size and thermal characteristics of bridges influence use of bridges as night roosts. Further research on use of night roosts by bats would be valuable to more fully understand the ecology of bats.