Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Giant aggregates: Importance as microbial centers and agents of material flux in the mesopelagic zone

By using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), we studied large mucous aggregates produced by the larvacean Bathochordaeus in Monterey Bay, California. These fragile structures or “houses,” cannot be sampled by typical water or net collecting devices, and likely represent a class of cosmopolitan, widely spaced aggregates in subsurface waters. ROV samples allowed us to determine the contribution of the aggregate‐associated communities to populations of microorganisms at depths of 100–500 m. Because the giant houses only average ˜1 per 100 m3, they harbor <1% of the microorganisms in the water, although they are locally enriched. However, once abandoned, houses may play a significant role in transporting materials and organisms to depth. Flux calculations indicate they may seasonally account for 11–100% of some classes of sinking materials at 500 m. These calculations are based on house‐flux contributions predicted from house age (estimated), house abundance (ROV measured), and particle flux (measured by a nearby sediment trap). Based on our ROV observations of spatial and temporal characteristics of the giant aggregates, we calculate the probability that sediment traps collect the correct number of sinking aggregates. Our results suggest that rare particles, such as large aggregates and some sarcodines and pteropods, may be undersampled by commonly used, small sediment traps. Furthermore, the predictably infrequent capture of such comparatively rare particles can lead to erroneous interpretations of temporal or spatial patterns in the flux of material through the upper ocean.
Is bigger better? Water balance in the polymorphic desert harvester ant Messor pergandei

Abstract. Foraging activity of ants in xeric areas may be limited by desiccation stresses. To assess the extent of such stresses on a polymorphic ant species [Messor pergandei (Mayr), body mass range 1‐12mg], we measured body water reserves, absolute rates of water loss, and cuticular permeability over the species' foraging temperature range (15–45d̀C). Cuticular permeability of M. pergandei was typical of xeric arthropods (17μgcm‐2h‐1mmHg‐1). However, the effect of polymorphism on both absolute and relative rates of water loss was unexpected. Large workers lost water more slowly than small workers, even after adjusting for cuticular surface area. In addition, the body water reserves of large workers were larger, even after adjusting for body mass. Small workers of this ant species are therefore disproportionately prone to dehydration, yet, in spite of this, constitute a large and important component of the foraging force. To assess the practical relevance of desiccation to polymorphic ants, we developed a ‘worst‐case’ model of desiccation‐limited foraging parameters (time to complete loss of locomotor coordination in 5% of the foraging force). In this model, average actual foraging duration was substantially less than would be required to incapacitate the ants by dehydration. We discuss direct and indirect evidence suggesting that desiccation may, nevertheless, impose limitations on the foraging activity of ants.
Behavioural and chemical evidence of a male‐produced aggregation pheromone in the flower thrips Frankliniella intonsa

The response of adult flower thrips Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) to conspecifics is investigated in Y‐tube olfactometer bioassays. The results show that both males and females are attracted to the odours of adult males, which indicates a male‐produced aggregation pheromone in this species. Gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy analyses of headspace volatiles collected on solid‐phase microextraction fibres show that two major components and six minor components are present in volatiles from males but not in females. Further gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy analyses reveal that the two major components in head‐space volatiles produced by F. intonsa males are the same compounds that are reported in volatiles of Frankliniella occidentalis males: (R)‐lavandulyl acetate and neryl (S)‐2‐methylbutanoate. However, the quantity of these two compounds in the volatiles differs between the species.
Lichen Succession on Wilkiea Macrophylla Leaves

Abstract Changes in foliicolous lichen populations of the shrub Wilkiea macrophylla in rainforest at Mt Glorious (south-east Queensland) were observed in the field for 3 years. Leaves successively distal from the twig apices were treated as a chronosequence for lichen successional studies. Five species of lichen each colonized more than 50° 0 of the leaves, and leaves successively distal from the apex showed increasing mean species number. Lichen cover rose until the seventh most distal leaf from the first colonized leaf along a twig, reaching 52%. More distal (older) leaves had apparently lower cover. Different lichen species show different instantaneous colonization rates that vary with time. The sequence of lichen colonization and subsequent community composition is best described by a ‘Tolerance’ model of succession if a single leaf is selected as the unit or with a ‘Chronic Disturbance’ model if a leaf population is considered.
Differential responses of Chiltepin (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) and Poblano (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) hot peppers to salinity at the plantlet stage

Poblano (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) and Chiltepin pepper (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) are considered closely related parent species. Poblano pepper is a cultivated species that has lost stress tolerance attributes, and Chiltepin is a wild species adapted to adverse environmental conditions, such as salinity stress. Differential physiological responses between the wild and cultivated species were compared in order to study the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of Chiltepin’s salinity tolerance. Salt stress treatments were applied to Chiltepin and Poblano and their growth, chlorophyll content, transpiration rate, and concentrations of anions and cations in leaves, stem and roots were measured. Dry weight and relative growth index decreased significantly with salt stress in Poblano, chlorophyll-a decreased significantly in both peppers and transpiration decreased in Chiltepin, with no significant changes evidenced by Poblano. Concentrations of Na
REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY, CUB SURVIVAL AND DENNING ECOLOGY OF THE FLORIDA BLACK BEAR

of Thesis Presented to the Graduate School of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY, CUB SURVIVAL AND DENNING ECOLOGY OF FLORIDA BLACK BEARS By Elina Päivikki Garrison August 2004 Chair: Madan K. Oli Major Department: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation The Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) currently occurs in several geographically isolated sub-populations. Successful management of the remaining black bear populations in a human-dominated landscape necessitates an understanding of all aspects of black bear ecology, but data on critical demographic variables and denning ecology for the Florida black bear are scarce. Using data from a 4-year (1999-2003) study, I investigated reproductive parameters, cub survival and denning ecology of Florida black bears in Ocala National Forest (ONF) and the adjacent residential area of Lynne, Florida. Thirty-nine litters produced 81 cubs (39M, 42F) for an average litter size of 2.08 ± 0.11. Females produced their first litters at ages 2-6; the mean age of first reproduction was 3.46 ± 0.33 years. Overall, the mean inter-litter interval was 1.83 ± 0.17 years; excluding the females that reproduced in consecutive years due to litter loss, the mean inter-litter interval was 2.11 ± 0.11 years. The mean fecundity rate was 0.49 ± 0.06 and fecundity ranged from 0.27 in 1999 to 0.68 in 2002.
Structural Cerebellar Abnormalities in Antipsychoticnaive Schizophrenia: Evidence for Cognitive Dysmetria

Address for correspondence: Dr. Rashmi Arasappa, Door No. 325, 2 F Cross, 3 Stage, 3 Block, Basaveshwara Nagar, Bangalore-560 029, India. E-mail: rashmi_aras@yahoo.co.in / rashmia07@gmail.com This paper received the Dr. S. S. Jayaram award at the 41 south zone conference held at Coimbattore. Background: “Cognitive dysmetria” has been proposed as a unifying model to explain the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Most of the previous studies examining structural cerebellar abnormalities in schizophrenia were confounded by various factors like antipsychotic treatment, comorbid alcohol dependence, and low-resolution imaging procedure with manual morphometric analysis. In this study, we describe the first report of structural cerebellar abnormalities in antipsychoticnaive schizophrenia patients using high-resolution imaging (3.0 Tesla MRI). Aim: This study was aimed at examining the structural cerebellar abnormalities in antipsychotic-naive schizophrenia patients and its correlation with psychopathology. Methods: Brain imaging of 20 antipsychotic-naive schizophrenia patients and their age, gender, and years of education matched 20 healthy controls was done using 3.0 Tesla MRI machine. Image analysis was done using the optimized Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM), an automated unbiased technique. Results: Antipsychotic-naive schizophrenia patients had significant cerebellar gray matter volume deficits compared to healthy controls. The Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) score in patients had negative correlation with cerebellar gray matter volume. Conclusion: Structural cerebellar abnormalities and their negative correlation with negative syndrome in antipsychotic-naive schizophrenia patients support the cognitive dysmetria.
Do Research Methods Matter in Enterprise Zone Outcome Evaluations?

Zhang (2015) and Lambert and Coomes (2001) have studied the Louisville Enterprise Zone (EZ) program and drawn different conclusions. This Forum/Letter to the Editor unpacks the differences in both studies by first exploring the structure and implementation of a state EZ program and various factors affecting EZ outcome measures. Methodologically, it is crucial to control for these factors to avoid biases in assessing the effectiveness of a program. Further exploration of conventional methods in the existing literature suggests that econometric analyses can offer remedies to control for these factors.
Fused Vein Trait in Cucurbita pepo L. Associated with Subvitality of the Male Gametophyte

Two experiments were conducted to test and delineate gametophytic subvitality of the fused vein trait in Cucurbita pepo. Gametophytic subvitality was verified by comparing pollen tube growth for fused vein and normal pollen in situ. Microscopic examination of partitioned, co-pollinated distillate flowers revealed inferior fused vein gametophyte performance. Normal pollen tubes grew faster and were significantly more abundant in the lower portion of the style. The consequences of gametophytic subvitality on seed yield and inheritance were shown by manipulating the severity of pollen competition. Fused vein, normal and F1 lines were pollinated with fused vein, normal, F and a 50:50 pollen mix at three different pollen loads. Fused vein pollen generated significantly fewer seed per fruit in all female genotypes. As a constituent in F, or mixed pollen, it produced significant seed yield reductions at the low pollen load. In F 2 and testcross populations, a reduction in pollen load and therefore pollen competition significantly increased the number of fused vein individuals in segregating populations. A new leaf mutant, fused vein (fv), in Cucurbita pepo has potential as a roguing marker for hull-less seeded pumpkins. The fused vein (FV) trait is expressed before flowering and imparts a distinctive, readily visible, leaf morphology (Carle and Loy, 1996a). The trait is not present among current cultivars and is likely governed by a single recessive gene (Carle and Loy, 1996b). Combined, these attributes allow early and easy outcross detection from a broad range of potential contaminants. Inherit- ance studies, however, suggest that the trait imparts a gameto- phytic subvitality that could limit its usefulness. Gametophytes are not neutral parties in the reproductive pro- cess (Mulcahy, 1975). The numerous pollen grains deposited on a stigma are a population of haploid individuals competing to fertilize a relatively few ovules (Zamir, 1983). Selection of gametophytes changes allele frequencies in the sporophyte gen- eration. Sporophytic traits that enhance gametophyte perfor- mance increase at the expense of those that diminish performance. Gametophytic inferiority has been associated with small plant size, reduced vigor, low fertility, and poor seed quality; all of which are important components for a seed crop (Mulcahy, 1974; Mulcahy and Mulcahy, 1975; Mulcahy et al., 1975; Ottaviano et al., 1980, 1983, 1988; Windsor et al., 1987). The FV trait does not alter plant size or vigor (Carle and Loy, 1996a). The purposes of the following studies were to confirm the FV trait's gametophytic subvitality and to determine its impact on seed production.
Metabolism of Δ³-Carene by Human Cytochrome P450 Enzymes: Identification and Characterization of Two New Metabolites

The metabolism of the bicyclic monoterpene Δ³-carene was investigated in vitro using human liver microsomes as well as human smoker/non-smoker lung microsomes and 12 different recombinant cytochrome P450 enzymes coexpressed with human CYP-reductase in Escherichia coli cells. We detected two metabolites using GC-MS analysis. The mass fragmentation indicated for one metabolite hydroxylation in the allyl position and for the other metabolite epoxidation at the double bond. For clear identification the suggested metabolites were synthesized in a four-step reaction. Comparison of GC retention times and mass spectra lead to the identification of the metabolites as Δ³-carene-10-ol ((1S, 6R)- 7,7-Dimethylbicyclo[4.1. 0]hept-3-en-3-yl-methanol) and Δ³-carene-epoxide ((1S, 3S, 5R, 7R)-3,8,8-Trimethyl-4-oxatricyclo[ 5.1. 0.03,5]octane). Δ³-carene-10-ol was formed by human liver microsomes and recombinant human CYP2B6, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6. Δ³-Carene-epoxide was obviously catalyzed only by CYP1A2. In both cases there was a clear correlation between the metabolite formation, incubation time and enzyme concentration, respectively. Further kinetic analysis revealed that CYP2B6 exhibited the highest activity for Δ³-carene 10-hydroxylation. Michaelis-Menten Km and Vmax for oxidation of Δ³-carene were 0.6 mM and 28.4 nmol/min/nmol P450 using human CYP2B6. For the formation of Δ³-carene-epoxide 98.2 mM and 3.9 nmol/min/nmol P450 were determined as Km and Vmax by using human CYP1A2. To our knowledge, this is the first time that Δ³-carene-10-ol and Δ³-carene-epoxide are described as human metabolites of Δ³- carene.
Tissue‐specific DNA levels and hyphal growth patterns of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus in stems of naturally infected Fraxinus excelsior saplings

Summary Ten saplings of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) naturally infected by the invasive ash dieback pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus were collected in Ukraine and Norway and examined for bark necrosis and extension of discoloration in sapwood and pith in a stem region. Tissue-specific colonization profiles were determined by spatial analyses of symptomatic and visually healthy stem tissues using a H. fraxineus-specific qPCR assay and light microscopy. Our data suggest that hyphal growth in the starch-rich perimedullary pith is of particular importance for both axial and radial spread of H. fraxineus, but that most of its biomass accumulates in sapwood parenchyma. The study confirms the results from earlier work and presents new information that refines the current stem invasion model.
Korean mothers’ attention regulation and referential speech: Associations with language and play in 1-year-olds

The present study investigated the associations of Korean mothers’ attention regulation and referential speech during play with their toddlers’ language and play development. The play interaction between mothers (n = 42) and their toddlers aged between 13 and 23 months was videotaped during home visits. Maternal behavior in regulating their toddlers’ attention was coded from videos as introducing, redirecting, or following. Mothers’ referential speech during joint attention with their toddlers was transcribed and classified as simple, elaborative, or prompting. Toddlers’ expressive and receptive vocabulary sizes were reported by mothers. Their exploratory, functional, and symbolic play was coded from videos. Results showed that mothers’ attention following and elaborative referential speech were associated with larger expressive vocabulary sizes and frequent symbolic and functional play in 1-year-olds. By contrast, mothers’ attention redirection as well as simple and prompting referential speech were associated with toddlers’ smaller expressive vocabulary sizes and less frequent functional play. After controlling for child age, maternal elaborative referential speech made an additional contribution to toddlers’ decreased functional and increased symbolic play that was above and beyond the effect of maternal attention regulation. These findings replicated and extended previous research in Western cultures and underscored the role of maternal attention regulation and referential speech in toddlers’ language and play development.
Determination of apoplastic K+ in intact leaves by ratio imaging of PBFI fluorescence

The tetraammonium salt of the K + binding fluorescent dye benzofuran isophthalate (PBFI) was used to investigate the influence of potassium nutrition (0.1-2.1 mol m -3 ) on apoplastic K + in Vicia faba leaves by means of ratio imaging. As a reference the infiltration-centrifugation method was used. Both methods reflected the influence of K + supply on apoplastic K + concentration. The abaxial leaf side revealed significantly higher K + concentrations (20-25 mol m -3 ) than the adaxial side (5-8 mol m -3 ). Application of CCCP led to an immediate increase in apoplastic K + demonstrating the reliability of the PBFI method.
Signalling in Territorial Systems: A Context for Individual Identification, Ranging and Eavesdropping

Territorial systems are characterized by the relative longevity and stability of interactions between neighbouring individuals. Two abilities of signal receivers that can be seen as adaptations increasing the efficiency of territory defence will be discussed: identifying neighbouring individuals and ranging (i.e. determining the distance to) signallers. The costs involved in such discriminations will also be outlined. Although signalling has been traditionally considered as occurring between two individuals (signaller and receiver), long-range signals will be received by many individuals. In territorial systems a group of neighbours could be considered as a communication network: consisting as its simplest of a signaller and a number of receivers. The scope for low cost, low-risk information gathering in such networks by eavesdropping will be discussed with particular reference to territorial songbirds and electric fish.
Effect of vitamin E on incidence of mastitis in dairy cattle

Incidence of mastitis was evaluated for 224 cows randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: vitamin E supplemented and control. Vitamin E supplementation was started at drying-off and continued up to 90 d of next lactation at the rate of 1000 IU per cow per day and was then reduced to 500 IU daily for the remaining lactation period. Data on the concentration of vitamin E in blood plasma and milk, incidence of mastitis, and reproductive traits were analyzed by the least squares procedure. The model included the fixed effects of breed, parity, treatment, breed × parity, breed × treatment, parity × treatment, year, season, and days dry as a covariate. Concentrations of vitamin E in blood plasma and milk were higher (P < 0.05) in supplemented cows than in control cows. Supplementation of diets with vitamin E significantly lowered milk somatic cell count on day 112 of lactation but did not reduce the incidence of clinical mastitis. Vitamin E supplementation had no significant effect on the incidence of .
Control of the recently-introduced weed butterprint ( Abutilon theophrasti ) in maize

Butterprint (velvetleaf in many countries) is one of the worst broadleaf weeds in maize (Zea mays) and soya bean (Glycine max) crops in USA. It has been accidently introduced into New Zealand on several occasions. Recently it has been found in three maize fields in Waikato and has become well established at one 20 ha site. Twelve different post-emergence herbicides were evaluated for control of butterprint in glasshouse pot trials and in a field trial. In the glasshouse bromoxynil, dicamba, mesotrione, aminopyralid and topramezone all gave 100% control. In the field trial, dicamba showed the most activity but overall efficacy was less than in the glasshouse. Dicamba controlled most of the plants that were present at spraying, but germination over the next month resulted in a final population of 88% of the original. This population of butterprint also shows a very high tolerance to atrazine when treated post-emergence.
Analysis of farm development in Dutch agriculture and horticulture

This paper analysis the effects of farmer characteristics, farm structure and farm performance on farm renewal and farm growth. The data set used in this research consists of panel data from the Dutch Farm Accountancy Data Network of farms specialized in plant production extended with a data from survey among those farms. Probit models were used to determine the likelihood of the changes. Results show that the degree of mechanization increases the probability of farm growth and farm renewal. Family labour input and solvency have a negative impact on farm growth. Farm size is positively correlated with farm renewal. No indications of the influence of the life cycle have been found.
Cheating workers with large activated ovaries avoid risky foraging

Eusocial insects undoubtedly evolved from solitary ancestors, but how this occurred is not well established. The Ground Plan hypothesis suggests that gene networks that once regulated the oviposition and foraging phases of an ancestral solitary insect’s life cycle have been co-opted to establish the queen–worker dimorphism in extant eusocial insects; queens permanently express genes that were once expressed during the oviposition phase, whereas workers express genes that were once associated with foraging. An extension of the Ground Plan hypothesis, the Reproductive Ground Plan-forager hypothesis, proposes that foraging specialization by worker honey bees for either pollen or nectar is controlled by the same reproductive gene networks. According to the Reproductive Ground Plan-forager hypothesis, workers with more ovarioles forage early in life and specialize in pollen collection. Here we find that among workers of a highly reproductive honey bee subspecies, Apis mellifera capensis, there is a positive correlation between ovariole number and age at onset of foraging, and no association between ovariole number and foraging preference, thus contradicting key aspects of the Reproductive Ground Plan-forager hypothesis. We also find a negative association between ovariole number and ovary activation, suggesting that high ovariole number is not directly related to reproductive potential as previously assumed.