Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regeneration of Seasonal Deciduous Forest Tree Species in Long‐Used Pastures in Central Brazil

We tested the relationship between the length of pasture use and the density, richness, and composition of naturally regenerating tropical seasonal deciduous forest in pastures. We sampled regenerating trees in 25 pastures distributed in four age classes ranging from < 6 to 40 yr of use. Density and composition of regenerating trees did not change with pasture age, but richness was lower in 25‐ and 40‐yr‐old pastures. Nonetheless, a number of species seem to be able to resprout even after 40 yr of ranching.
Neurite‐localized estrogen receptor‐α mediates rapid signaling by estrogen

Classically, estrogen acts on cells by directly activating gene transcription driven by ligand‐bound nuclear estrogen receptors (ER). Accumulating evidence demonstrates that estrogen acts on neurons by utilizing diverse molecular mechanisms, including rapid signaling by proteins localized to the plasma membrane. Recent studies showing that ERα localizes to axons and dendrites of hippocampal neurons suggest that nonnuclear stores of the receptor may transduce estrogen signaling. Here, we have studied the subcellular localization, dynamic regulation, and function of ERα in mouse cortical neurons. Estrogen‐stimulated mouse cortical neurons activate both estrogen response element (ERE) stimulated transcription and rapid activation of p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK). We demonstrate that green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged ERα localizes to neurites in cultured cortical neurons and that the expression within neurites can be down‐regulated by estrogen or up‐regulated by antiestrogen administered during synthesis. Neurite ERα appears to be directed to neurites directly from its site of translation and not from nuclear stores. By using confocal microscopy, we show that ERα within neurites stimulates local activation of p44/42 MAP kinases in response to estrogen. We conclude that hormonal status alters subcellular ERα targeting in cortical neurons and that neurite‐expressed ERα is important in the activation of local MAPK signaling. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decadal soil and stand response to fire, harvest, and salvage-logging disturbances in the western boreal mixedwood forest of Alberta, Canada1

Empirical knowledge of long-term ecosystem response to single and compound disturbances is essential for predicting disturbance effects and identifying management practices to maintain productive capacity of managed and restored landscapes. We report on soil, foliar nutrition, and regeneration growth response to wildfire, clearcut harvesting, and postfire salvage logging, as well as undisturbed control stands within the first year following disturbance and 10–11 years after disturbance in trembling aspen – white spruce mixedwood forests near Lesser Slave Lake, north-central Alberta, Canada. The compound disturbance of salvage logging resulted in greater long-term impacts on forest floor properties than either wildfire or harvesting alone. Changes in forest floor properties such as carbon and nitrogen pools and cation exchange capacity under salvage logging have persisted for 10 years and exhibit a different recovery trajectory than fire or harvesting. Forest floor properties under harvesting, including de.
PREDICTING ECOSYSTEM RESPONSES TO ELEVATED CO2 CONCENTRATIONS

One of the many changes occurring in the biosphere due to human activities is the increase in the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. This change is due both to the burning of fossil fuels and to deforestation. We do not know how these changes are affecting terrestrial ecosystems. This ignorance is partly because we have relatively poor records of the functional and structural response of any ecosystem through time. More studies are required to be able to accurately assess the effects of carbon dioxide.
Cyclin‐dependent kinase‐5 in neurodegeneration

Cyclin‐dependent kinase‐5 (CDK5) is predominantly active in the nervous system and it is well established that CDK5 is essential in neuronal development. In addition to its recognized role in development, there is increasing evidence that CDK5 may be involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders. Although studies have shown that CDK5 can modulate cell death and survival, controversy still exists as to the exact role CDK5 may play in neurodegenerative processes. This review will highlight recent data on the possible roles of CDK5 in neurodegeneration.
Distribution, hydrologic transport, and cycling of total mercury and methyl mercury in a contaminated river-reservoir-wetland system (Sudbury River, eastern Massachusetts).

Riparian wetlands contaminated with Hg from an industrial point source were found to be important sites of production and release of methyl mercury (MeHg) in a 40-km reach of the Sudbury River in eastern Massachusetts. Stream discharge and concentration measurements were used to calculate annual mean loads for total Hg (ΣHg) and MeHg in contaminated river reaches, a reservoir, and a riparian wetland downstream from the industrial source. Budgets based on these loads indicate that the annual mean ΣHg load increased sixfold in a reach receiving flow from the point source, but the annual mean MeHg load did not increase. About 23% of the ΣHg load was removed by sedimentation during flow through the reservoir. Net production of MeHg in the reservoir was similar to that reported elsewhere for lakes receiving Hg from atmospheric deposition only. ΣHg concentrations and loads increased significantly as the river passed through the riparian wetland reach. On the basis of flooded wetland area, net production of MeHg.
Revision of the ‘nudidrosophila’ and ‘ateledrosophila’ species groups of Hawaiian Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae), with descriptions of twenty‐two new species

Abstract The ‘nudidrosophila’ and ‘ateledrosophila’ species groups, formerly described as genera, are a relatively small and understudied part of the enormous Hawaiian Drosophila radiation. Only nine species were described previously. Here we revise the two groups, provide a key to males and females, and describe fully all species. The ‘ateledrosophila’ group now contains three species, D. diamphidia Hardy, D. papala sp.n. , and D. preapicula Hardy. The 28 species of the ‘nudidrosophila’ group are separated into five subgroups: ‘hirtitibia’ (D. hirtitibia Hardy, D. konaensis sp.n., D. mawaena sp.n., and D. papaalai sp.n.); ‘kahania’ (D. kahania sp.n. and D. longipalpus sp.n.); ‘nudidrosophila’ (D. aenicta Hardy, D. amita Hardy, D. canavalia sp.n., D. eximia Hardy, D. gemmula Hardy, D. kualapa sp.n., D. lepidobregma Hardy, D. mahui sp.n., D. malele sp.n., D. panoanoa sp.n., and D. poonia sp.n.); ‘okala’ (D. akoko sp.n., D. kuhao sp.n., D. makawao sp.n., D. okala sp.n., and D. panina sp.n.); and ‘velata’ (D. halapepe sp.n., D. kauaiensis sp.n., D. lauoho sp.n., D. milolii sp.n., D. pohaka sp.n., and D. velata Hardy).
Expression pattern of αCaMKII in the mouse main olfactory bulb

Multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is highly enriched at synapses and has been implicated in regulating the formation and function of several sensory systems, including the visual and the somatosensory systems. Although there is evidence for CaMKII expression in the olfactory system, the cellular localization of CaMKII has not been well studied and its function remains unknown. In this study, we examined the normal expression patterns of the predominant αCaMKII in the mouse main olfactory bulb. We showed that αCaMKII expression levels were high in the olfactory bulb and were developmentally regulated. Immunoreactivity to αCaMKII was heavy in the external plexiform layer and the granule cell layer but minimal in the olfactory nerve layer and the glomerular layer. At the cellular level, αCaMKII was selectively expressed in the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic granule cells but not in the GABAergic periglomerular cells. Unexpectedly, αCaMKII was not detected in the glutamatergic mitral/tufted cells. At the ultrastructural level, αCaMKII immunoreactivity was positive in granule cell spines and dendrites, but negative in mitral/tufted cell dendrites. In contrast, in the piriform cortex, as in the majority of cortical regions, αCaMKII was expressed in the glutamatergic neurons but not in the GABAergic neurons. Our results set the stage for ongoing investigations of the roles of CaMKII in the formation and function of the olfactory system. J. Comp. Neurol. 443:226–236, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inner necrosis in grapevine rootstock mother plants in the Cognac area (Charentes, France)

The incidence and quantification of decline-associated inner necrosis in grapevine rootstock mother plants have rarely been studied. In an experimental vineyard planted in 1991 at Saintes (Charentes), susceptibility to esca was evaluated in eleven common rootstock varieties. Fifty vines per rootstock variety were used as mother plants producing long canes which were severely pruned every year. No foliar symptoms, typical of grapevine wood diseases, were seen in field inspections conducted in the summer of 1996, 2002, 2003 and 2006. In 2007, nine trunks per variety were randomly selected and were cross-sectioned at the point of greatest diameter. All sections revealed typical esca necrosis, central and/or sector-shaped, indicating that such necrosis is very common. Every section was photographed and the percentage of necrotic area was calculated by either visual assessment or image-analysis. No significant difference was detected between these two calculating methods. Based on the mean percent necrotic area, rootstock varieties were ranked in order of susceptibility from the least susceptible, ‘1103 Paulsen’ (33%), to the most susceptible, ‘101-14 MGT’ (71%). The percent of necrotic area was correlated significantly with i) the incidence of mortality and ii) the percentage of vine sections showing white rot, a type of necrosis indicating an advanced stage of wood deterioration. This study confirmed that necrosis in grapevine wood is not always associated with foliar symptoms, but that it is related positively with grapevine mortality. Furthermore, wood necrosis in mother-plants poses a risk of disseminating associated fungi through propagation material.
Cranial mechanics compared in extinct marsupial and extant African lions using a finite‐element approach

Few species have generated more or longer running controversy than Australia's extinct marsupial lion Thylacoleo carnifex (Owen, 1859). Over the last century and a half, feeding behaviours as disparate as osteophagy and specialized herbivory have been suggested and T. carnifex has been placed in both phalangeriform and vombatiform clades. Phylogenetic placement remains uncertain, but broad consensus has been achieved regarding diet, with all recent authors agreeing that T. carnifex was a carnivore. However, the marsupial lion's extraordinary cranial and dental morphologies remain without clear analogy, leaving many questions unanswered regarding how this most atypical mammalian predator killed its prey. Here I apply a rapidly emerging new approach in comparative biology, finite-element analysis, to the examination of cranial mechanics in T. carnifex. Comparisons are made with an extant lion Panthera leo (Linnaeus, 1758) under simulations designed to model stress distributions imposed by biting (intrinsic loads) and interaction with struggling prey (extrinsic loads). Modelling that approximates the 3-D architecture of jaw adductors suggests that both the placental and marsupial lions could generate considerably greater bite forces than has been predicted using 2-D approaches, but with relatively greater forces in the marsupial. The distribution of cranial stress is in many respects similar in both species, but results from simulations of extrinsic forces suggest that the marsupial was particularly well adapted to resist the high stresses that would be expected in dealings with relatively large prey. On the other hand, relatively high stress recorded in the rostrum of T. carnifex under intrinsic loadings suggests that it may have deployed a very different modus operandi, wherein the carnassial teeth played an active role in effecting a kill.
Critique of the Article “Collembola (Springtails) (Arthropoda: Hexapoda: Entognatha) Found in Scrapings from Individuals Diagnosed with Delusory Parasitosis”

In a recently published paper, Altschuler et al. (2004) argued that Collembola (springtails) can cause “stinging/biting and/or crawling” sensations. The collembological community has been highly critical of this report, but has discussed this issue primarily among the members of this community. However, allegations that springtails cause various dermatological problems, severe itching, and related symptoms have made it into the widely read on-line encyclopedia Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delusory_parasitosis, accessed August 8, 2008: “People with delusional parasitosis are likely to ask for help not from psychiatrists but from dermatologists, pest control specialists, or entomologists.”). The medical community has firmly rejected the linkage of insects and widespread dermatitis (Berrios 1985, De Leon et al., 1982, Gupta & Voorhees 1990, Wykoff 1987). Janssens and Christiansen (2007) do acknowledge that an allergic reaction to Collembola tissue or integument on the part of some sensitive people is possible and might lead to the crawling-on-skin irritation symptoms. Various sources and publications, however, have gone much farther and have alleged that some springtails may parasitize humans. This allegation is entirely inconsistent with springtail biology, and no such phenomenon has ever been scientifically confirmed. (For a summary of the literature on this subject, see <www.collembola.org>.) Springtails sometimes can be abundant indoors in damp places such as bathrooms and basements, and under such circumstances may be found on one’s person, but this is only accidental. Claims of persistent human skin infection by springtails may indicate a neurological problem, or else delusory parasitosis, a psychological not entomological problem. Berenbaum (2005) commented on the Altschuler et al. paper, suggesting that the report was based on pareidolia; that is, the researchers simply imagined that they saw springtail-like shapes in the images when there were no springtails actually present. In this paper, we more specifically and categorically refute the contention of Altschuler et al. (2004). Volume 119, Number 5, November and December 2008 537
Karyological affinity between Lacerta fraasii Lehrs, 1910 and Lacerta parva Boulenger, 1887

Altig, R. , Kelly, J.P. (1974): Indices of feeding in anuran tadpoles as indicated by gut characteristics. Herpetologica 30: 200-203. Bjorndal, K.A. (1985): Nutritional ecology of sea turtles. Copcia 1985: 736-751. Chivers, D.J., Hladik, C.M. (1980): Morphology of the gastrointestinal tract in Primates: comparison with other mammals in relation to diet. J. Morphology 166: 337-386. Clark, D.B. , Gibbons, J.W. (1969): Dietary shift in the turtle Pseudemys scripta from youth to maturity. Copeia 1969: 704-706. Das, I. (1985): Indian turtles: a field guide. World Wildlife Fund-India (Eastern Region), Calcutta. Das. I. (1992): Trophic ecology of a community of south Indian anuran amphibians D. Phil. thesis, University of Oxford, UK. Dearing, M.D. (1993): An alimentary specialization for herbivory in the tropical whiptail lizard Cnemidophorus murinus. J. Herpetol. 27: 111-114. Huey, R.B. , Pianka, E.R. , Egan, M.E. , Coons, L.W. (1974): Ecological shifts in sympatry: Kalahari fossorial lizards (Typhlosaurus). Ecology 55: 304-316. Noble, G.K. (1931): The biology of the Amphibia. Dover Publications, Inc., New York. Schmidt-Nielsen, K. (1975): Animal physiology: Adaptation and environment. Cambridge University Press, London. Schieck, J.O. , Millar, J.S. (1985): Alimentary tract measurements as indicators of diets of small mammals. Mammalia 49: 93-104. Southwood, T.R. E. (1973): The insect/plant relationship an evolutionary perspective. Symp. Royal Soc. London 6: 3-30. Webster, A.J. (1981): The energetic efficiency of metabolism. Proc. Nutritional Soc. 40: 121-128. Zimmerman, L.C. , Tracy, C.R. (1989): Interactions between the environment and ectothermy and herbivory in reptiles. Physiol. Zool. 62: 374-409.
Evaluation of pyrethroids toxicity in a laboratory strain and a field population of Rachiplusia nu (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using two bioassay techniques

Soybean is the most important crop in Argentina and Rachiplusia nu (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of its main pests. In this study, the toxicity of five pyrethroids applied topically and by exposure to films on filter paper was evaluated on third instar larvae from a laboratory strain and a field population of R. nu. Four cyanopyrethroids and one noncyanopyrethroid (permethrin) were tested. All cyanopyrethroids showed the same order of increasing toxicity, regardless of the form of application and origin of the larvae: cypermethrin < -cyhalothrin < deltamethrin < -cyfluthrin. Knock down Dose 50% and Knock down Time 50% values increased as a function of the solubility of cyanopyrethroids in water. Permethrin showed a different behavior: it was the most toxic insecticide for the laboratory strain when applied topically, but the least toxic when larvae were exposed to filter papers. In general, the pyrethroids were more toxic for laboratory larvae than for the field ones. After calculating Resistance Factor (RF) values, low-moderate resistance to permethrin, cypermethrin and -cyhalothrin was observed in the experiments with topical application. However, exposure to films on filter papers failed to detect resistance. There was not correlation between the RF values obtained by both methods. These results suggest that the population of R. nu studied here has low-moderate resistance to some pyrethroids, and that topical application is a more appropriate method for quantifying resistance than exposure to insecticide films on filter paper.
Speciation of two salinity-associated size forms of Oithona dissimilis (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) in estuaries

The cyclopoid copepod Oithona dissimilis in Okinawa, Japan, has two size forms; the smaller occurs in upper estuaries and the larger in lower estuaries and coastal lagoons. Morphological difference between the forms is seen in the length/width ratio of the female caudal ramus. Genetically they differ by 1.84–2.21% from nuclear LSU rRNA (the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene) and 20.85–21.34% from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (mtCOI), which, in contrast, vary within a form by 0.00–0.18% and 0.00–1.34%, respectively. This genealogical concordance indicates that they are reproductively isolated species. Their habitats suggest speciation associated with different salinity regimes. The subspecies O. dissimilis dissimilis and O. dissimilis oceanica from India are also probably independent species because they are comparable to the two forms from Okinawa. However our specimens were notably different from previous descriptions of the species with respect to some micromorphology, suggesting that O. dissimilis is a species complex containing more than two cryptic species.
An investigation into the role of optineurin in macrophage-mediated acute antibacterial response in inflammatory bowel disease.

Crohn’s disease (CD) is now recognised to be due to defective host responses to bacteria in genetically susceptible individuals. Others in our research group previously found defective neutrophil recruitment, bacterial clearance and monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) proinflammatory cytokine secretion in CD. To investigate the defective cytokine secretion, we performed transcriptomic analysis and identified reduced MDM optineurin (OPTN) expression in 10% CD patients. Here, I show that macrophages stimulated with E. coli, bacterial Toll-like and NOD-like receptor ligands upregulate OPTN, a Golgi complex protein that regulates vesicle transport. In vitro, Optn-/- bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) stimulated with E. coli secrete significantly lower levels of proinflammatory TNF and IL6 cytokines, which is normalised to wildtype levels on addition of lysosomal function inhibitors. In vivo, Optn-/- mice develop a more severe Citrobacter colitis with greater mortality, an early defective neutrophil recruitment to the bowel and lower levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines. The Optn-/- mice also demonstrated a similar phenotype of defective neutrophil recruitment and lower serum proinflammatory cytokines in an E. coli-induced peritonitis. These results indicate that the low OPTN expression originally identified in CD macrophages has likely contributed to an attenuated antibacterial response, which potentially led to the development of bowel inflammation.
R-spondins induce canonical Wnt signaling in lung epithelial cells

Objective : Emphysema, one of the main features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by destruction of the lung parenchyma and limited endogenous lung repair. Recently, Wnt/β-catenin signal activation has been shown to induce lung repair in experimental emphysema. Here, we aim to investigate the potential of the Wnt pathway agonist R-spondin (RSPO) to initiate lung repair. Methods : To determine the influence of RSPO on Wnt/β-catenin signaling in lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts, we performed TOPflash luciferase assays, qPCR and Western blot. Results: We demonstrate that RSPO1 and 2 induced β-catenin dependent gene transcription in murine lung epithelial cells, but not in murine lung fibroblasts, as analyzed by luciferase activity. This suggests that lung epithelial cells have a different capability to respond to RSPO. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, we examined Wnt receptor expression and found Frizzled 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10, and Lgr5 co-receptor to be enriched in murine lung epithelial cells in comparison with murine lung fibroblasts. Interestingly, we observed that Lgr5 was down-regulated on protein level in COPD patients and on mRNA level in a murine model of experimental emphysema. Moreover, RSPO treatment induced alterations in Wnt receptor expression in lung epithelial cells and led to induction of alveolar epithelial markers expression. Conclusions: RSPOs potentiate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the murine lung epithelial cells and alter the expression of Wnt receptors. Thus, RSPO treatment might contribute to the induction of lung repair processes.