The Role of Mound Functions and Local Environment in the Diversity of Termite Mound Structures

Metabolic reprogramming for adaptation to the local environment has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Although alterations in fatty acid (FA) metabolism in cancer cells have received less attention compared to other metabolic alterations such as glucose or glutamine metabolism, recent studies have uncovered the importance of lipid metabolic reprogramming in carcinogenesis. Obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are well-known risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and individuals with these conditions exhibit an increased intake of dietary FAs accompanied by enhanced lipolysis of visceral adipose tissue due to insulin resistance, resulting in enormous exogenous FA supplies to hepatocytes via the portal vein and lymph vessels. This “lipid-rich condition” is highly characteristic of obesity- and NASH-driven HCC. Although the way in which HCC cells adapt to such a condition and exploit it to aid their progression is not understood, we recently obtained new insights into this mechanism through lipid metabolic reprogramming. In addition, accumulating evidence supports the importance of lipid metabolic reprogramming in various situations of hepatocarcinogenesis. Thus, in this review, we discuss the latest findings regarding the role of FA metabolism pathways in hepatocarcinogenesis, focusing on obesity- and NASH-driven lipid metabolic reprogramming.

Download Full-text

Exploration and Characterization of Trichoderma sp. in Conventional and Organic Rice field in Bali

AJARCDE | Asian Journal of Applied Research for Community Development and Empowerment ◽

10.29165/ajarcde.v5i2.66 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

Author(s):

A. A. S. P. R. Andriani ◽

Idris Sharif ◽

Bohari M Yamin ◽

S. A. M. P. Suryani ◽

Krisnawan Kalimutu

Keyword(s):

Trichoderma Harzianum ◽

Rice Field ◽

Local Environment ◽

High Density ◽

Rice Cultivation ◽

Trichoderma Spp ◽

Plastic Container ◽

Trichoderma Sp ◽

Long Time

Abstract. Although Trichoderma spp has been widely used in the SRI technique of rice cultivation the sources of Trichoderma that can adapt well to the local environment have been an interesting issue for quite some time. It is commonly agreed that the local Trichoderma is much more preferred to be used for rice cultivation. In the present study, the Trichoderma from the soil of a rice field in Sukawati District, Bali where conventional fertilizer and pesticide has been applied for a very long time was isolated. After macroscopic observations (green color and sweet coconut smell ) the single isolated fungi have very much resembled Trichoderma Harzianum. 2 mL of the Trichoderma Harzianum solution was introduced in a plastic container containing 200 g half-boiled rice. After seven days the rice in the plastic appeared green. This sample will be used to produce more T. Harzianum for rice cultivation. One of the T.Harzianum treated rice hosts was coated with gold and subjected to SEM observation. Very high populated T. Harzianum fungi were observed. It was dominated by hyphae. No conidia and conidiophores were spotted. Instead, quite a high density of spherical and oval shape spores was observed. Such a high density of T.Harzianum will certainly meet the requirement for an efficient application in the cultivation field. It would also be interesting to see the interaction between such a highly populated T.Harzianum with other fungi or pathogens in understanding the role of Trichoderma as an antipathogen

Download Full-text

The role of termite CH<sub>4</sub> emissions on ecosystem scale: a case study in the Amazon rain forest

10.5194/bg-2020-384 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hella van Asperen ◽

João Rafael Alves-Oliveira ◽

Thorsten Warneke ◽

Bruce Forsberg ◽

Alessandro Carioca de Araujo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rain Forest ◽

Emission Factor ◽

Field Studies ◽

Ch4 Emission ◽

Termite Mound ◽

Flux Chamber ◽

Termite Mounds ◽

Ch4 Emissions ◽

Amazon Rain Forest

Abstract. The magnitude of termite methane (CH4) emissions is still an uncertain part of the global CH4 budget and current emission estimates are based on limited field studies. We present in-situ CH4 emission measurements of termite mounds and termite mound sub samples, performed in the Amazon rain forest. Emissions of five termite mounds of the species Neocapritermes brasiliensis were measured by use of a large flux chamber connected to a portable gas analyser, measuring CH4 and CO2. In addition, the emission of mound sub samples was measured, after which termites were counted, so that a termite CH4 and CO2 emission factor could be determined. Mound emissions were found to range between 17.0–34.8 nmol mound−1 s−1 for CH4 and between 1.6–13.5 μmol mound−1 s−1 for CO2. A termite emission factor of 0.32 μmol CH4 gtermite−1 h−1 was found, which is twice as high as the only other reported average value for the Amazon. By combining mound emission measurements with the termite emission factor, colony sizes could be estimated, which were found to range between 50–120 thousand individuals. Estimates were similar to literature values, and we therefore propose that this method can be used as a quick non-intrusive method to estimate termite colony size in the field. The role of termites in the ecosystems CH4 budget was evaluated by use of two approaches. Termite mound emission values were combined with local termite mound density numbers, leading to an estimate of 0.15–0.71 nmol CH4 m−2 s−1 on average emitted by termite mounds. In addition, the termite CH4 emission factor from this study was combined with termite density numbers, resulting in an estimate of termite emitted CH4 of ~1.0 nmol m−2 s−1. Considering the relatively low net CH4 emissions previously measured at this ecosystem, we expect that termites play an important role in the CH4 budget of this Terra Firme ecosystem.

Download Full-text

Technology and culture

Digital Economy ◽

10.4018/978-1-59140-363-0.ch014 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 273-285 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alev M. Efendioglu ◽

Vincent F. Yip

Keyword(s):

Local Environment ◽

The Internet ◽

Economic Factors ◽

Technology And Culture ◽

Internet Users ◽

The World ◽

Different Characteristics ◽

The Impact ◽

Socio Economic Factors

The number of Internet users around the world has been steadily growing and this growth has provided the impetus and the opportunities for global and regional e-commerce. However, as with the Internet, different characteristics (infrastructure and socio-economic) of the local environment have created a significant level of variation in the acceptance and growth of e-commerce in different regions of the world. Our research focuses on the impact of these infrastructure and socio-economic factors on e-commerce development in China and the findings provide insights into the role of culture in e-commerce, and the factors that may impact a broader acceptance and development of e-commerce in China. In this chapter, we present and discuss our findings, and propose some strategies for success for e-commerce in China.

Download Full-text

Climate as an Evolutionary Driver of Nest Morphology in Birds: A Review

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution ◽

10.3389/fevo.2020.566018 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Daniela M. Perez ◽

Janet L. Gardner ◽

Iliana Medina

Keyword(s):

Local Environment ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Future Research ◽

Extended Phenotype ◽

The Face ◽

Building Behavior ◽

Fledgling Success ◽

Nest Microclimate ◽

The Relationship

Avian nests are critical for successful reproduction in birds. Nest microclimate can affect egg development, chick growth and fledgling success, suggesting that nest building behavior should be under strong selective pressure to nesting conditions. Given that the internal microclimate of the nest is critical for avian fitness, it is expected that nest morphology is shaped by the local environment. Here we review the relationship between nest morphology and climate across species’ distributions. We collate growing evidence that supports a link between environmental conditions and particular nest traits, within species and across species. We discuss the degree to which phenotypic plasticity in nesting behavior can contribute to observed variation in nest traits, the role of phylogenetic history in determining nest morphology, and which nest traits are likely to be influenced by climatic conditions. Finally, we identify gaps in our understanding of the evolution of nest morphology and suggest topics for future research. Overall, we argue that nests are part of the extended phenotype of a bird, they play a crucial role in their reproductive success, and may be an important factor in determining which species will be able to persist in the face of ongoing climate change.

Download Full-text

SDSS-IV MaNGA: the indispensable role of bars in enhancing the central star formation of low-z galaxies

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society ◽

10.1093/mnras/staa2913 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 499 (1) ◽

pp. 1406-1423 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lin Lin ◽

Cheng Li ◽

Cheng Du ◽

Enci Wang ◽

Ting Xiao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Star Formation ◽

Formation Rate ◽

Local Environment ◽

Central Star ◽

Barred Galaxies ◽

Secular Evolution ◽

Integral Field Spectroscopy ◽

Radial Profiles ◽

Order Of Magnitude

ABSTRACT We analyse two-dimensional maps and radial profiles of EW(Hα), EW(HδA), and Dn(4000) of low-redshift galaxies using integral field spectroscopy from the MaNGA survey. Out of ≈1400 nearly face-on late-type galaxies with a redshift z < 0.05, we identify 121 “turnover” galaxies that each have a central upturn in EW(Hα), EW(HδA), and/or a central drop in Dn(4000), indicative of ongoing/recent star formation. The turnover features are found mostly in galaxies with a stellar mass above ∼1010 M⊙ and NUV – r colour less than ≈5. The majority of the turnover galaxies are barred, with a bar fraction of 89 ± 3 per cent. Furthermore, for barred galaxies, the radius of the central turnover region is found to tightly correlate with one-third of the bar length. Comparing the observed and the inward extrapolated star formation rate surface density, we estimate that the central SFR have been enhanced by an order of magnitude. Conversely, only half of the barred galaxies in our sample have a central turnover feature, implying that the presence of a bar is not sufficient to lead to a central SF enhancement. We further examined the SF enhancement in paired galaxies, as well as the local environment, finding no relation. This implies that the environment is not a driving factor for central SF enhancement in our sample. Our results reinforce both previous findings and theoretical expectation that galactic bars play a crucial role in the secular evolution of galaxies by driving gas inflow and enhancing the star formation and bulge growth in the centre.

Download Full-text

Peculiar Structural Effects in Pure and Doped Functional Single Crystals of Complex Compositions

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25102451 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (10) ◽

pp. 2451

Author(s):

Galina Kuz’micheva ◽

Irina Kaurova

Keyword(s):

Single Crystal ◽

Single Crystals ◽

Functional Materials ◽

Local Environment ◽

Structural Effects ◽

Local Structures ◽

Annealing Conditions ◽

Activator Ions

Results of a detailed structural characterization of nominally pure and doped single crystals of scheelite, eulytin, and perovskite families obtained by melt methods were considered and analyzed. The influence of growth and post-growth annealing conditions on actual compositions of crystals is shown. The reasons for the coloration of the crystals are explained. A change in crystal symmetry due to crystal–chemical and growth reasons is considered. The use of structural analysis and X-ray absorption spectroscopy is substantiated to reveal the role of activator ions in the formation of statistical and local structures, respectively. A relationship between the distribution of activator ions over crystallographic sites and photoluminescent parameters of materials is established, which allows selecting optimal systems for the application. The combined results of studying single-crystal compounds of other classes (huntite, sillenite, whitlockite, garnet, tetragonal bronzes) allow formulating and summarizing structural effects that appeared in the systems and caused by various factors and, in many cases, due to the local environment of cations. A principal difference in the structural behavior of solid solutions and doped compounds is shown. The methodology developed for single-crystal samples of complex compositions can be recommended for the systematic structural studies of functional materials of different compositions.

Download Full-text

Evolution of galaxies in groups in the Coma Supercluster

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society ◽

10.1093/mnras/staa1779 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 497 (1) ◽

pp. 466-481

Author(s):

Ruchika Seth ◽

Somak Raychaudhury

Keyword(s):

Star Formation ◽

Kernel Density ◽

Local Environment ◽

Density Estimator ◽

Intrinsic Properties ◽

Filament System ◽

Cluster Group ◽

Star Formation Activity ◽

The Galaxy

ABSTRACT We take a close look at the galaxies in the Coma Supercluster and assess the role of the environment (in the form of cluster, group, and supercluster filament) in their evolution, in particular, examining the role of groups. We characterize the groups according to intrinsic properties such as richness and halo mass, as well as their position in the supercluster and proximity to the two rich clusters, Abell 1656 (Coma) and Abell 1367. We devise a new way of characterizing the local environment using a kernel density estimator. We find that apart from the dominant effects of the galaxy mass, the effect of the environment on galaxies is a complex combination of the overdensities on various scales, which is characterized in terms of membership of groups, and also of the position of the galaxy on filaments and their proximity to the infall regions of clusters. Whether the gas can be turned into stars depends upon the level of pre-processing, which plays a role in how star formation is enhanced in a given environment. Our results are consistent with gas accreted in the cold mode from the filaments, being made available to enhance star formation. Finally, we show that the Abell 1367 end of the supercluster is in the process of assembly at present, leading to heightened star formation activity, in contrast with the Coma-end of the filament system.

Download Full-text