Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of landscape complexity and stand factors on arthropod communities in poplar forests

Abstract The arthropod communities are influenced by both local conditions and features of the surrounding landscape. Landscape complexity and stand factors may both influence arthropod communities in poplar forests, but the multiscale effects of these factors on poplar defoliators and natural enemies are still poorly understood. We collected poplar arthropods at 30 sampling sites within five forest landscapes in Xinjiang, China, and assessed whether landscape complexity and stand factors influence species abundance and diversity of poplar arthropods. Landscape complexity was quantified by several independent metrics of landscape composition, configuration, and connectivity at three spatial scales. We also determined the most powerful explanatory variables and the scale effect of each arthropod. Results found that landscape complexity and stand factors had different effects on different poplar arthropod communities. Landscape complexity promoted natural enemies at different spatial scales, but it inhibited the population of poplar defoliators at the scale of 200 m. Specifically, the abundance and diversity of all defoliators decreased with increasing proportion of nonhost plants. Landscape diversity only had a negative effect on defoliator abundance. The shape complexity of habitat patches increased the abundance of carabid beetles but reduced the abundance of green leafhoppers and migratory locusts. The abundance and diversity of predators increased with increasing structural connectivity of forest landscape. Additionally, both the abundance and diversity of all defoliators were positively correlated with the average height of herbaceous plants. Diversity of all defoliators increased with increasing size of host trees. The distance from sampling site to the nearest village positively influenced the abundance and diversity of all predators. Arthropod abundance and diversity in poplar forests were driven by stand factors and landscape complexity. Therefore, maintaining complex shape and structural connectivity of habitat patches and keeping poplar stands away from the village are crucial for management of forest landscape to enhance natural enemies. And in order to reduce the abundance of defoliators in poplar forest, the diversity of surrounding habitat types should be promoted within 200 m radii.
Evaluating the potential for double cropping in Canada: effect of seeding date and relative maturity on the development and yield of maize, white bean, and soybean

Abstract: Double cropping is not presently a common practice in Canada. The long-term climate averages, however, suggest that the practice should be possible in the most southern portions of the country. The study described herein represents the first simultaneous evaluation of three crops—maize, soybean, and white bean—seeded at five seeding dates spanning late June through early August in the most southern region of Canada. Germplasm was chosen such that physiological maturity could theoretically be reached if seeded following winter wheat. Results indicate that, following summer seeding, development in all three crops was primarily driven by thermal requirements. Only the pod filling stage of soybean was influenced by the declining daylengths of autumn, and this effect was most pronounced in germplasm of longer relative maturity. Yields of white bean and maturity group 00 soybean were unaffected by seeding up to the third week of July, whereas yield of maize and higher maturity group soybeans declined from June onward. For the latter, declining yields were primarily attributable to the interaction of seeding date and relative maturity and their effect on season length. These results clearly demonstrate that with the appropriate selection of germplasm, there is a seeding date window where maize, soybean, or white bean can be expected to reach physiological maturity as a double crop in Canada.
The P387 Thrombospondin-4 Variant Promotes Accumulation of Macrophages in Atherosclerotic Lesions

Aims Thrombopspondin-4 (TSP4) is a pro-angiogenic protein that has been implicated in tissue remodeling and local vascular inflammation. TSP4 and, in particular, its SNP variant, P387 TSP4, have been associated with cardiovascular disease. Macrophages are central to initiation and resolution of inflammation and development of atherosclerotic lesions, but the effects of the P387 TSP4 on macrophages remain essentially unknown. We examined the effects of the P387 TSP4 variant on macrophages in cell culture and in vivo in a murine model of atherosclerosis. Further, the levels and distributions of the twoTSP4 variants were assessed in human atherosclerotic arteries. Methods and Results In ApoE−/−/P387-TSP4 knock-in mice, atherosclerotic lesions accumulated more macrophages than lesions bearing A387 TSP4. The levels of inflammatory markers were increased in lesions of ApoE−/−/P387-TSP4 knock-in mice compared to ApoE−/− mice. Lesions in human arteries from individuals carrying the P387 variant had higher levels of TSP4 and higher macrophage accumulation. P387 TSP4 was more active in supporting adhesion of cultured human and mouse macrophages in experiments using recombinant TSP4 variants and in cells derived from P387-TSP4 knock-in mice. Conclusions TSP4 supports the adhesion of macrophages and their accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions. P387 TSP4 is more active in supporting these pro-inflammatory events in the vascular wall, which may contribute to the increased association of P387 TSP4 with cardiovascular disease. Abbreviations BSA, bovine serum albumin; DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide; ECM, extracellular matrix; Thbs4−/−, thrombospondin-4 gene knock-out; WT, wild type; P387-TSP4 KI, P387 TSP4 knock-in mice; OCT, Optimum Cutting Temperature; vWF, von Willebrand factor; α-SMA, alpha-smooth muscle actin; Egr2, Early Growth Response 2; PBS, Phosphate Buffer saline; DMEM, Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium.
Late Pleistocene speciation of three closely related tree peonies endemic to the Qinling–Daba Mountains, a major glacial refugium in Central China

Abstract Determining the factors promoting speciation is a major task in ecological and evolutionary research and can be aided by phylogeographic analysis. The Qinling–Daba Mountains (QDM) located in central China form an important geographic barrier between southern subtropical and northern temperate regions, and exhibit complex topography, climatic, and ecological diversity. Surprisingly, few phylogeographic analyses and studies of plant speciation in this region have been conducted. To address this issue, we investigated the genetic divergence and evolutionary histories of three closely related tree peony species (Paeonia qiui, P. jishanensis, and P. rockii) endemic to the QDM. Forty populations of the three tree peony species were genotyped using 22 nuclear simple sequence repeat markers (nSSRs) and three chloroplast DNA sequences to assess genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships, supplemented by morphological characterization and ecological niche modeling (ENM). Morphological and molecular genetic analyses showed the three species to be clearly differentiated from each other. In addition, coalescent analyses using DIYABC conducted on nSSR variation indicated that the species diverged from each other in the late Pleistocene, while ecological niche modeling (ENM) suggested they occupied a larger area during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) than at present. The combined genetic evidence from nuclear and chloroplast DNA and the results of ENM indicate that each species persisted through the late Pleistocene in multiple refugia in the Qinling, Daba, and Taihang Mountains with divergence favored by restricted gene flow caused by geographic isolation, ecological divergence, and limited pollen and seed dispersal. Our study contributes to a growing understanding of the origin and population structure of tree peonies and provides insights into the high level of plant endemism present in the Qinling–Daba Mountains of Central China.
Dissociating activation and integration of discourse referents: Evidence from ERPs and oscillations

A key challenge in understanding stories and conversations is the comprehension of ‘anaphora’, words that refer back to previously mentioned words or concepts (‘antecedents’). In psycholinguistic theories, anaphor comprehension involves the initial activation of the antecedent and its subsequent integration into the unfolding representation of the narrated event. A recent proposal suggests that these processes draw upon the brain’s recognition memory and language networks, respectively, and may be dissociable in patterns of neural oscillatory synchronization (Nieuwland & Martin, 2017). We addressed this proposal in an electroencephalogram (EEG) study with pre-registered data acquisition and analyses, using event-related potentials (ERPs) and neural oscillations. Dutch participants read two-sentence mini stories containing proper names, which were repeated or new (ease of activation) and coherent or incoherent with the preceding discourse (ease of integration). Repeated names elicited lower N400 and Late Positive Component amplitude than new names, and also an increase in theta-band (4-7 Hz) synchronization, which was largest around 240-450 ms after name onset. Discourse-coherent proper names elicited an increase in gamma-band (60-80 Hz) synchronization compared to discourse-incoherent names. This effect was largest around 690-1000 ms after name onset and was localized to the left frontal cortex. We argue that the initial activation and subsequent discourse-level integration of referents can be dissociated with event-related EEG activity, and are associated with respectively theta- and gamma-band activity. These findings further establish the link between memory and language through neural oscillations.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Himsagar

A field experiment was carried out for two years (2012-13 and 2013-14) to study the effect of integrated nutrient management comprising of biofertilizers (Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Trichoderma and Pseudomonas) conjointly with chemical fertilizers and organic manures on growth, yield and quality as well as soil chemical properties of mango cv. Himsagar at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Regional Research Station, Gayeshpur. Result revealed that treatment with half (1000:500:1000 g NPK/tree) + 50 kg FYM + Azospirillium (250 g) + 100 g potassium mobiliser (T6) recorded maximum plant height (5.79 m), girth (64.91 cm) and plant spread in east-west (5.63 m) and north-south direction (5.46 m) than the other treatments. The treatment T8 consisting of half (1000:500:1000 g NPK/tree) + 50 kg FYM + 5 kg vermicompost + 100 g potassium mobiliser recorded maximum number of fruits (230.31 / tree), fruit weight (261.48 g), yield (60.22 kg /tree) and also have a significant improvement in terms of TSS (19.66 0Brix), total sugars (16.48 %), ascorbic acid (33.56 mg/100 g pulp), â-carotene (6935 μg/100g pulp) and shelf life (9 days) at room temperature as compared to other treatments, concomitant with higher values of soil (N-198.22 kg/ha, P-58.44 kg/ha and K-326.93 kg/ha) and leaf nutrient (N- 1.77 %, P-0.67 % and K-1.08 %) contents.
Hemocytes of mollusc Biomphalaria glabrata (Gastropoda, Pulmonata)

We studied hemocytes of Biomphalaria glabrata with the use of light and transmission microscopy and flow cytometry with LysoTracker and SYTO62. These specific fluorescent dyes make it possible to distinguish cells differing in the amount of lysosomes and in transcriptional activity. We found that hemocytes of B. glabrata were represented by hyalinocytes and granulocytes (35.34 (27.38; 36.10) and 65.13 (64.11; 73.05) % respectively). Granulocytes were generally strongly granulated and more metabolically active than hyalinocytes. This is the first report confirming the presence of these two main cell types in the hemolymph of B. glabrata with the use of specific fluorescent dyes.
A 6-ns cycle 256-kb cache memory and memory management unit

A cache and memory management unit (CAMMU) which accesses the various units in parallel and pipelines the results for 6-ns throughput with minimum latency is described. To fit two 5-ns 128-kb memories with 256 outputs each in a foundry ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) process and still have area for the control logic and smaller memories, a four-transistor pseudo-static memory cell is used. Time-sharing data input circuits and sense amplifiers between the two cache memories further reduce area, and post-charge logic for word-line access and sensing gives 5-ns access time. This CAMMU uses postcharge logic in coordinated access of TLB, TAG, and cache. >
Effect of Senescence Phenotypes and Nitrate Availability on Wheat Leaf Metabolome during Grain Filling

The capacity for optimising grain yield depends largely on the timing of senescence and the processes underlying efficient remobilisation and cycling of nutrients from source tissues to the developing grain. This study describes how metabolism is adjusted during senescence in response to varying nitrogen application rates after anthesis. A comprehensive metabolite analysis was performed in field-grown Avalon/Cadenza using segregating doubled haploid wheat genotypes having contrasting traits relating to timing of the onset of senescence. Correlative matrices of metabolites and yield parameters determined the metabolic networks that underlie these phenotypes, and were helpful for identifying unique metabolites that are indicative of timing of senescence. They also revealed robust correlations between steady increases in hexose levels, a late senescence phenotype and high straw yield associated with low N fertiliser levels. Tryptophan, cis-aconitate, phosphate and 1-kestose demonstrated strong perturbations in response to nitrogen availability and progression towards developmental senescence. A comprehensive metabolic map of wheat leaf primary metabolites yielded a cumulative readout of processes that occur during developmental ripening and contribute to grain filling in plants with differential senescence timing.
BaBar Physics Book

This book presents the results of a year-long workshop devoted to a review of the physics opportunities of the BABAR experiment at the PEP-II B Factory, at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center laboratory. The workshop brought together a number of theorists with experimentalists from the BABAR Collaboration. Each chapter represents the contribution of a working group and presents both a theoretical summary of the relevant topics and the results of related simulation studies. The working group convenors, listed below, were teams that included both theorists and experimentalists. The book represents the status of work around the beginning of 1998. Both the state of the theory and of the experiment's simulation and analysis tools continue to advance. The results presented here are thus not a final view of what the experiment can achieve, but represent an interim study. The studies are more detailed and comprehensive than those made at the time of the Technical Design Report, but still lack many features that will be needed for the real data analysis. The book is intended as a guide to the work that still needs to be done, and as a detailed introduction which will assist new members, joining the Collaboration, and, we hope, other researchers in the field.
Pygmy grasshoppers of the genus Formosatettix Tinkham, 1937 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae: Tetriginae)

ABSTRACT Formosatettix serrifemora Deng sp. nov., Formosatettix zhejiangensis Deng sp. nov. and Formosatettix guposhanensis Deng sp. nov. are described with detailed illustrations of external morphology. New synonymy is proposed: Formosatettix tianmushanensis Zheng and Li = Formosatettix xiai Zheng, Shi and Yin, syn. nov. An updated key to species of the genus is given. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D64FA763-EBA7-453C-9D76-7209F5659478
Biogenic selenium nanoparticles synthesized by Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 alleviate intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction caused by oxidative stress via Nrf2 signaling-mediated mitochondrial pathway

Background: Selenium (Se) can exert antioxidative activity and prevent the body from experiencing oxidative injury. Biogenic Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) synthesized by probiotics possess relatively strong chemical stability, high bioavailability, and low toxicity, this makes them potential Se supplements. Previously, we demonstrated that SeNPs synthesized by Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 can alleviate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced human and porcine intestinal epithelial cells' oxidative damage. However, the antioxidant mechanism remains unclear. Methods: The possible antioxidant mechanism and protective effect of SeNPs on intestinal epithelial permeability and mitochondrial function were evaluated by establishing an H2O2-induced oxidative damage model of human colon mucosal epithelial cells (NCM460) and conducting Nrf2 inhibitor interference experiments. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial DNA content, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), ROS, and protein expression levels of Nrf2-related genes were determined. Mitochondrial ultrastructure was visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Results: An amount of 4 μg Se/mL of SeNPs synthesized by L. casei ATCC 393 alleviated increase of ROS, reduced ATP and MMP, and maintained intestinal epithelial permeability in NCM460 cells challenged by H2O2. In addition, SeNPs improved the protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1. Moreover, SeNPs attenuated the damage of mitochondrial ultrastructure caused by oxidative stress. Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) abolished the regulatory effect of SeNPs on intracellular ROS production. Conclusion: Data suggest that biogenic SeNPs synthesized by L. casei ATCC 393 can protect the intestinal epithelial barrier function against oxidative damage by alleviating ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction via Nrf2 signaling pathway. Biogenic SeNPs are an attractive candidate for potential Se supplement agent in preventing oxidative stress-related intestinal disease by targeting mitochondria.
Mind the gap: Experimental tests to improve efficacy of fladry for nonlethal management of coyotes

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are the top predator of livestock in the contiguous United States. Developing more effective nonlethal tools to prevent coyote depredation will facilitate coexistence between livestock producers and coyotes. Fladry is a nonlethal deterrent designed to defend livestock by creating a visual barrier to wolves (C. lupus). Fladry may also be effective with coyotes, but large gap spacing between flags may reduce its efficacy. To address this issue, we performed 2 experiments on captive coyotes using fladry modified to reduce gap spacing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Predator Research Facility in Millville, Utah, USA, during 2015–2016 and 2017–2018. In 2015–2016, we tested 2 styles for attaching flags (top‐knot and shower‐curtain) to the rope‐line that reduce gaps by preventing coiling of individual flags. In 2017–2018, we tested the efficacy of gap spacing (27.9 cm vs. 45.7 cm) between flags for preventing coyote crossings. For both tests, we compared the time until coyotes crossed the fladry between treatment types. We found no differences in time to crossing between the 2 attachment designs. In our second experiment, fladry with smaller gaps between flags had greater efficacy of preventing coyote crossings than did fladry with larger gaps. Our results also indicated that for each additional minute coyotes spent interacting with fladry overall (i.e., increased persistent behavior), survival of the barrier decreased. These results suggest that persistent coyotes may overcome neophobia more rapidly than coyotes that do not exhibit persistent behaviors. Furthermore, use of top‐knot fladry and coyote‐width spacing will increase protection of livestock from coyotes. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Identifying Novel Roles for Peptidergic Signaling in Mice

Despite accumulating evidence demonstrating the essential roles played by neuropeptides, it has proven challenging to use this information to develop therapeutic strategies. Peptidergic signaling can involve juxtacrine, paracrine, endocrine and neuronal signaling, making it difficult to define physiologically important pathways. One of the final steps in the biosynthesis of many neuropeptides requires a single enzyme, peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), and lack of amidation renders most of these peptides biologically inert. PAM, an ancient integral membrane enzyme that traverses the biosynthetic and endocytic pathways, also affects cytoskeletal organization and gene expression. While mice, zebrafish and flies lacking Pam (PamKO/KO) are not viable, we reasoned that cell-type specific elimination of Pam expression would generate mice that could be screened for physiologically important and tissue-specific deficits. PamcKO/cKO mice, with loxP sites flanking the 2 exons deleted in the global PamKO/KO mouse, were indistinguishable from wildtype mice. Eliminating Pam expression in excitatory forebrain neurons reduced anxiety-like behavior, increased locomotor responsiveness to cocaine and improved thermoregulation in the cold. A number of amidated peptides play essential roles in each of these behaviors. Although atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is not amidated, Pam expression in the atrium exceeds levels in any other tissue. Eliminating Pam expression in cardiomyocytes increased anxiety-like behavior and improved thermoregulation. Atrial and serum levels of ANP fell sharply PamMyh6-cKO/cKO in mice and RNASeq analysis identified changes in gene expression in pathways related to cardiac function. Use of this screening platform should facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches targeted to peptidergic pathways. SIGNIFICANCE Peptidergic signaling, which plays key roles in the many pathways that control thermoregulation, salt and water balance, metabolism, anxiety, pain perception and sexual reproduction, is essential for the maintenance of homeostasis. Despite the fact that peptides generally signal through G protein coupled receptors, it has proven difficult to use knowledge about peptide synthesis, storage and secretion to develop effective therapeutics. Our goal was to develop an in vivo bioassay system that would reveal physiologically meaningful deficits associated with disturbed peptidergic signaling. We did so by developing a system in which an enzyme essential for the production of many bioactive peptides could be eliminated in a tissue-specific manner.
Potential and Impact Factors of the Knowledge and Information Awareness Approach for Fostering Net-Based Collaborative Problem-Solving: An Overview

For effective communication and collaboration in learning situations, it is important to know what the collaboration partners know. However, the acquisition of this knowledge is difficult, especially in collaborating groups with spatially distributed members. One solution is the Knowledge and Information Awareness approach developed by Engelmann and colleagues. This approach provides spatially distributed collaborating group members digital visualizations of the knowledge and the information underlying the knowledge of their partners. The current article gives an overview regarding the empirical studies that have demonstrated the efficacy of the Knowledge and Information Awareness approach: A first set of experimental studies confirmed the effectiveness of this approach to foster both knowing what the collaborators know and knowing to which information they have access. A second set of experimental studies identified the underlying impact factors of the Knowledge and Information Awareness approach. The third set of experimental studies showed the potential of the approach to overcome arising collaboration barriers. The article concludes with a discussion regarding the limits of the approach and its applicability in real learning settings, such as in schools.