Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Density dependence is not very prevalent in a heterogeneous subtropical forest

Th ere is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that tree survival is infl uenced by negative density-dependence, but it is still controversial how the eff ect may vary with life-stage, and to what extent it plays a role in regulating tree survival in heterogeneous subtropical forests. In this study, we investigated density-dependent eff ects on tree survival of six tree species in a 5-ha subtropical forest in eastern China. Th e roughly 45 000 individuals in the forest were fully censused in 2003 and 2008. For each of these species, we used an inhomogeneous pair-correlation function to quantify the change in spatial distribution for diff erent size classes, and a case-control design to study seedling–adult associations in 2003. Autologistic regression was used to determine the infl uence of neighborhood factors on individual survival from 2003 to 2008. We found that seedlings of fi ve species were repulsed by distance to nearest conspecifi c adults in terms of their survival, consistent with predictions of the Janzen – Connell mechanism. By contrast, only the least shade-tolerant Schima superba had a negative relationship with individual survival and conspecifi c distance-weighted basal area. Th is suggests that the Janzen – Connell eff ect is only prevalent at the early seedling stage or seed-to-seedling phase. Th e strength of clustering signifi cantly declined at sapling – pole and pole – adult transitions for Sycopsis sinensis and at seedling – sapling transition for Cleyera pachyphylla . Correlations between individual survival and conspecifi c abundance for these species were consistent with trends in the strength of clustering. Th ese results suggest that density dependence plays a limited role in individual survival and species spatial structure beyond the early seedling stage (i.e. after true leaves growing) in this forest. In addition, this study indicates that including individuals from early life-stages and factoring out potential confounding factors such as habitat preference are important in studies that seek evidence for density dependence in forest trees.
Key Transcription Factors Linking Macular Degeneration and Alzheimer’s Disease

The global prevalence of AMD in 2020 is projected to be 196 million people [1] and that of Alzheimer’s disease was 50 million in 2017 [2]. Chronic oxidative stress and neuroinflammation from aging, injury, and individual risk factors (smoking, hypertension, arteriolosclerosis, obesity, dietary indiscretion, chronic anticholinergic use, and latent infection) in AMD and AD contribute to toxic protein deposits, loss of homeostatic protein clearance, and progressive neurodegeneration [3-11].
Parcelamento da adubação NPK em abacaxizeiro

A field experiment was carried out on an Alfisol in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, with the objective of investigating the effects of split application of NPK fertilizer on pineapple ('Smooth Cayenne') yield and fruit quality. Six patterns of split application of fertilizers were tested as follows: T1 (control) ¾ N and K rates split in four applications (60 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Jun/95; 120 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Nov/95; 250 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Jan/96 and 120 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Mar/96); T2 ¾ N and K rates split in four applications (60 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Jun/95; 120 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Nov/95; 160 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Jan/96 and 210 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Mar/96); T3 ¾ N and K rates split in three applications (90 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Jun/95; 180 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Nov/95 and 280 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Jan/96); T4 - N and K split in five applications (60 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Jun/95; 110 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Nov/95; 160 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Jan/96; 110 kg ha1 of N and K2O in Mar/96 and 110 kg ha1 of N and K2O in May/96); T5 - differed from T1 due to five applications of N; all P fertilizer was applied at planting (mai/95) in these treatments (T1 to T5); T6 - differed from T1 due to split application of P (50% at planting and 50% in Jan/96). Fruit weight and quality were influenced by split application of N and K. Differently, split application of P has no effect on fruit production. The split of N rate in five applications produced heavier fruits, but the effect of late application of N on fruit quality was negative due to a decrease of soluble solids content.
Influência de diferentes níveis de vitamina C na ração sobre parâmetros hematológicos de alevinos de Piaractus mesopotamicus Holmberg (Osteichthyes, Characidae)

Haematological changes in ascorbic acid deficient fishes, observed by some authors, awoked the interest in the haematological response of pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus. The present work studied the influence of different levels of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the ration on the haematological parameters of pacu. Fishes at the beginning of the experiment, presented average body weight 8.64±1.62g and 6.15±0.33cm standard length, were fed with diets containing 0. 50, 100 and 200mg ascorbic acid/kg dry ration. The present work was developed for a period of 24 weeks at the Fish Nutrition Laboratory of Aquaculture Center of Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Jaboticabal (Sao Paulo). The fishes were distributed by the completely randomized design in 20 aquaria of 100 liters capacity with six animals in each and five fold treatment. Condutivity, alcalinity. pH and oxigen were measured weekly and temperature daily. The blood colect was done in 60 anesthetized fishes with 50mg MS-222/1. The results suggests that 50mg ascorbic acid/kg dry ration improved the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and decreased haematocril in unsupplemented fishes, although not differing significantly (P>0.05). The erytrocyte diameter indicated the presence of macrocytic cells in unsupplemented fishes (P<0.05) and the regression analysis showed too reduced neutrophils in unsupplemenled ones, 50mg ascorbic acid/kg dry ration supplementation was enough to development and haematological responses. Furthtermore, the optimum level to the growth is 139mg vitamin C/kg dry ration (P<0.05).
Persistent soil seed banks of the globally significant invasive species, Eupatorium adenophorum, in Yunnan Province, south-western China

Soil cores were collected at different times between the seed germination and dispersal seasons of Eupatorium adenophorum from 19 sites at five stations with different kinds of vegetation in Yunnan, south-western China. Mother plants of E. adenophorum were absent from eight of the sites, and their frequency was low at nine other sites. However, persistent soil seed banks were present at all 19 sites. Seed density in the 0–10 cm soil layer varied from 47 to 13,806 seeds m−2, and averaged 2199 seeds m−2. Fifty-seven percent of the seeds of E. adenophorum were in the 0–2 cm soil layer, 24% in the 2–5 cm layer and 19% in the 5–10 cm layer. The percentage of cores from which seedlings emerged ranged from 33–100% across all sites. Seed density and seedling emergence percentages varied significantly among the five stations, and both were positively correlated with abundance of mother plants.
CCR5Δ32 59537-G/A Promoter Polymorphism Is Associated with Low Translational Efficiency and the Loss of CCR5Δ32 Protective Effects

ABSTRACT We have recently demonstrated that the CCR5Δ32 protein interacts with CCR5 and CXCR4 and down-modulates their cell surface expression. We have also reported the absence of detectable expression of the truncated CCR5Δ32 protein in four out of six human immunodeficiency virus-infected (HIV+) CCR5−/− individuals. To explain the defect in protein expression in these samples, we cloned and sequenced the promoter regions of the six HIV+ individuals. We have identified several polymorphisms in the CCR5Δ32 promoter region, but these polymorphisms were not associated with significant differences in mRNA levels. Coupled in vitro transcription/translation and polyribosome analysis demonstrated a strong association between a variant genotype designated CCR5Δ32 59537-A/A and a low translation efficiency. Protein analysis indicated that the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from two of the HIV+CCR5−/− individuals carrying the CCR5Δ32 59537-A/A variant expressed trace amounts of CCR5Δ32 protein compared to the individuals carrying the CCR5Δ32 59537-G/G genotype. The results imply that the absence of CCR5Δ32 protein in two HIV+ individuals is due to a genetic defect in the translation of the protein. Together, these results highlight the importance of the CCR5Δ32 protein as an HIV suppressive factor and provide further insight into the mechanism of the protective effect of the CCR5Δ32 mutation.
Group Size

Group size has been a variable of interest to social-psychologists since the earliest experimental work with groups. In 1898 Triplett set a trend with his study of &dquo;The dynamogenic factors in pacemaking and competition. &dquo; He wondered if having more persons present would affect an individual’s performance if the other persons were or appeared to be in competition. Other early studies in Germany before 1905 compared the individual school child working alone at home and in the classroom. Taylor, in 1903, observed that laborers in the steel industry in the United States would slow the pace of their work to conform to a group norm if they were working with others rather than alone. Simmel, writing in 1902, was also interested in the differences between a
The structure reproduction and taxonomy of vidalia and osmundaria rhodophyta rhodomelaceae

Comprises species occurring mostly in subtidal habitats in tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate areas of the world. An analysis of the type species, V. spiralis (Sonder) Lamouroux ex J. Agardh, a species from Australia, establishes basic characters for distinguishing species in the genus. These characters are (1) branching patterns of thalli, (2) flat blades that may be spiralled on their axis, (3) width of the blade, (4) primary or secondary derivation of sterile and fertile branchlets and (5) position of sterile and fertile branchlets on the thalli. Application of the latter two characters provides an important basic method for separation of species into three major groups. Osmundaria, a genus known only in southern Australia, was studied in relation to Vidalia, and its separation from the Vidalia assemblage is not accepted. Species of Vidalia therefore are transferred to the older genus name, Osmundaria. Two new species, Osmundaria papenfussii and Osmundaria oliveae are described from Natal. Confusion in the usage of the epithet, Vidalia fimbriala Brown ex Turner has been clarified, and Vidalia gregaria Falkenberg, described as an epiphyte on Osmundaria pro/ifera Lamouroux, is revealed to be young branches of the host, Osmundaria prolifera.
Southern Appalachian Botanical Society Phylogeny and Phylogeography of North American Castanea Mill . ( Fagaceae ) Using cpDNA Suggests Gene Sharing in the Southern Appalachians ( Castanea Mill . , Fagaceae )

ABSTRACT North American Castanea consists of three morphologically variable species: Castanea dentata, Castanea pumila, and Castanea ozarkensis. Taxonomy of these species has been complicated by intermediate morphology, similarity in growth habit due, in part, to the chestnut blight, and putative naturally occurring hybridization in the southern Appalachians. The primary goal of this study was to determine if chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) distribution reflects the morphological variation observed in North American Castanea. To that end, we sequenced a single cpDNA gene region for 233 accessions collected from much of the range of the genus in North America. Once samples were grouped into haplotypes, we sequenced additional cpDNA regions to ensure that the observed haplotypic relationships were robust.We identified four main lineages and observed that for three of these, leaf and twig morphology are reliable predictors of haplotype identity (especially outside of the southern Appalachians). Haplotypes of the fourth lineage are shared among accessions of C. dentata and C. pumila, and trees with intermediate morphology. Geographic mapping of the haplotypes showed that they are largely found in separate geographic ranges but overlap in the southern Appalachians. While three clades closely correspond to the morphology of North American Castanea, it appears that the fourth lineage may have been recognized in the past as the hybrid taxon Castanea · neglecta because of its morphology that is intermediate between C. dentata and C. pumila.
The Characteristics and Satisfaction of Mainland Chinese Visitors to Hong Kong

The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics, travel patterns and destination selection attributes, and perceptions and satisfaction level of mainland Chinese visitors traveling to Hong Kong. A systematic sampling approach was employed, and a self-administered and closed-ended questionnaire was used to survey a sample of 275 mainland Chinese visitors. It was found that the majority of the mainland Chinese visitors were male, married, between the ages of 26 and 45, and white-collar workers. Generally speaking, visitors were quite satisfied with all aspects of their journey to Hong Kong, except for the price.
Tidally driven distribution of phytoplankton blooms in a shallow, macrotidal estuary

The influence of the ebb tide on the abundance and distribution of bloom-forming species, as well as the mechanisms for the selection of those species which remain, were investigated in the shallow, tidal-flushed Urdaibai estuary, north Spain. Phytoplankton was collected monthly from May to September 1998 during different tidal conditions (neap-spring) at five stations along the salinity gradient of the estuary. During the neap tides of May, Leptocylindrus danicus dominated in the lower estuary, together with Thalassiosira guillardii and Peridinium foliaceum in the upper segment; T.guil- lardii experienced the broadest displacement along the estuary. During the June and July cruises, coin- ciding with mid-tidal amplitudes and high temperatures, Peridinium quinquecorne densely aggregated in the upper estuary at the slack high tide, whereas Chaetoceros salsugineum bloomed at the inter- mediate stations. Cyclotella atomus and Protoperidinium achromaticum reached high concentrations in the upper zone only during the late stages of the ebb. During the spring tides of September, Proro- centrum minimum, Heterocapsa pygmaea and Heterocapsa rotundata appeared in the lower marine estuary, being washed out at low tide. By contrast, the diatoms Skeletonema costatum, Thalassiosira guillardii and Cyclotella atomus were the most abundant species in the upper reaches, peaking during the ebb. Physical trapping and high water residence times served to retain blooming species in the upper estuary. The intense growth of the estuarine diatoms may compensate for the advective seaward losses of cells during the ebb, thus allowing the development of stable populations in the estuary. Only Peridinium quinquecorne seems to combine an endogenous tidal rhythm with a photic response to remain in the tidal area of the estuary.
Fluctuating Asymmetry in Scabiosa canescens and Scabiosa columbaria: Association with Genetic Variation and Population Size

Developmental instability and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) have become important topics in evolutionary biology. For example, it has been suggested that FA could be a useful tool for identification of genetic and environmental stress factors. This study used plants from each of six populations of Scabiosa canescens and Scabiosa columbaria grown under greenhouse conditions. I tested whether there was a relationship between petal FA and allozyme heterozygosity, the heritabilities of eight traits, and population size. Flowers displayed no directional asymmetry or antisymmetry. The rare species S. canescens had significantly higher FA values than S. columbaria, but only the latter demonstrated interpopulation differentiation for the expression of FA levels. There was no evidence for an association between population‐level FA and genetic variation when compared with the allozyme heterozygosity or with the heritabilities of the quantitative traits. A tendency for a negative association between FA and population size was found for both species, but it was not significant when adjusted for multiple comparison. Hence, flower FA should not be considered a reliable indicator of the amount of genetic variation in populations of S. canescens and S. columbaria.
Capturing the “droopy-tail” in the occupancy–abundance relationship

ABSTRACT The intraspecific occupancy–abundance relationship is a widely used descriptor of species distributions, with potential value to conservation and pest management for predicting species abundance from occurrence data. Six traditional and commonly used models for the description of this relationship include the Poisson, exponential, metapopulation, fractal, negative binomial, and improved negative binomial models. However, these models deviate systematically from empirical data. We present a model (the “droopy-tail” model or DTM) that improves estimates of occupancy at coarse scales by taking the percolation effect of scale on the occupancy–abundance relationship into account. The DTM is a fundamental departure from previous models because the slope of the scaling curve limits to negative infinity (rather than to zero) at coarse scales in addition to providing a good fit to empirical data at all spatial scales.
Invariant Vα14+ NKT Cells Participate in the Early Response to Enteric Listeria monocytogenes Infection1

Invariant Vα14+ NKT cells are a specialized CD1-reactive T cell subset implicated in innate and adaptive immunity. We assessed whether Vα14+ NKT cells participated in the immune response against enteric Listeria monocytogenes infection in vivo. Using CD1d tetramers loaded with the synthetic lipid α-galactosylceramide (CD1d/αGC), we found that splenic and hepatic Vα14+ NKT cells in C57BL/6 mice were early producers of IFN-γ (but not IL-4) after L. monocytogenes infection. Adoptive transfer of Vα14+ NKT cells derived from TCRα° Vα14-Jα18 transgenic (TCRα°Vα14Tg) mice into alymphoid Rag°γc° mice demonstrated that Vα14+ NKT cells were capable of providing early protection against enteric L. monocytogenes infection with systemic production of IFN-γ and reduction of the bacterial burden in the liver and spleen. Rechallenge experiments demonstrated that previously immunized wild-type and Jα18° mice, but not TCRα° or TCRα°Vα14Tg mice, were able to mount adaptive responses to L. monocytogenes. These data demonstrate that Vα14+ NKT cells are able to participate in the early response against enteric L. monocytogenes through amplification of IFN-γ production, but are not essential for, nor capable of, mediating memory responses required to sterilize the host.
Acid Tolerance in Amphibians

Studies of amphibian acid tolerance provide information about the potential effects of acid deposition on amphibian communities. Amphibians as a group appear to be relatively acid tolerant, with many species suffering increased mortality only below pH 4. However, amphibians exhibit much intraspecific variation in acid tolerance, and some species are sensitive to even low levels of acidity. Furthermore, nonlethal effects, including depression of growth rates and increases in developmental abnormalities, can occur at higher pH.
The locust tegula: significance for flight rhythm generation, wing movement control and aerodynamic force production

The tegula, a complex sense organ associated with the wing base of the locust, plays an important role in the generation of the flight motor pattern. Here its function in the control of wing movement and aerodynamic force production is described. The vertical component of forewing movement was monitored while recording intracellularly from flight motoneurones during stationary flight. First, in accordance with previous electrophysiological results, stimulation of hindwing tegula afferents was found to reset the wingstroke to the elevation phase in a well-coordinated manner. Second, recordings made before and after removal of fore- and hindwing tegulae were compared. This comparison demonstrated that the delayed onset of elevator motoneurone activity caused by tegula removal is accompanied by a corresponding delay in the upstroke movement of the wings. The consequences of this delayed upstroke for aerodynamic force production were investigated by monitoring wing movements and lift generation simultaneously. A marked decrease in net lift generation was observed following tegula removal. Recordings of wing pronation indicate that this decrease in lift is primarily due to the delayed upstroke movement - that is, to a delay of the wings near the aerodynamically unfavourable downstroke position. It is concluded that the tegula of the locust hindwing signals to the nervous system the impending completion of the wing downstroke and allows initiation of the upstroke movement immediately after the wings have reached the lower reversal point of the wingstroke. The functional significance of tegula feedback and central rhythm generation for locust flight control are discussed.
The Distribution of Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands at Two Sites in Southern Western Australia and at Durras in South-Eastern New South Wales.

Native forest at Durras in south-eastern New South Wales and Jarrahdale in south-western Western Australia was examined for the presence of Phytophthora cinnamomi by two sampling and isolation techniques. With the lupin seeding baiting technique, randomly selected samples of soil and fine roots collected from the New South Wales site yielded P. cinnamomi when baited, while similar baiting of comparable samples from Western Australia failed. Direct plating of samples of upper roots and root collars of recently dead Banksia grandis from Western Australian sites yielded P. cinnamomi, while this organism was not isolated from comparable samples of chlorotic Macrozamia communis collected at the New South Wales site. The results suggest that the form of occurrence of P. cinnamomi and its association with disease in Australia vary in different situations. Viewing each situation independently might ensure the adoption of control/prevention strategies appropriate to all.
Human Conjunctival Mast Cells: Expression of FcϵRI, c-kit, ICAM-1, and IgE

Objective To characterize the expression and regulation of conjunctival mast cell surface receptors important in allergic inflammation. Methods Mast cells were isolated from human conjunctival tissues of cadavers. Mast cell surface markers were identified using flow cytometry with antibodies to IgE, FcϵRI, c-kit, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). We evaluated the effect of 24-hour tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) or interleukin 4 (IL-4) incubation on the expression of mast cell c-kit, ICAM-1, and surface-bound IgE. Results Staining of mast cells ( c-kit and/or tryptase positive) yielded positive results for all of the variables measured. The intensity of mast cell c-kit staining increased with TNF-α incubation, but decreased below that of unstimulated mast cells when incubated with IL-4. Anti–ICAM-1 and anti–IgE staining were increased over that of unstimulated cells when incubated with TNF-α or IL-4. Conclusions In this model, TNF-α up-regulates mast cell surface receptors and cell-bound IgE. Interleukin 4 up-regulates mast cell ICAM-1 and cell-bound IgE, but down-regulates c-kit. Clinical Relevance Conjunctival mast cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of atopic ocular disease. Characterization of the expression and regulation of mast cell surface receptors is important to the development of potential novel treatments for ocular inflammation.