Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Song Post Height in Relation to Predator Diversity and Urbanization

Birds may sing from positions in the vegetation (song posts) to allow efficient transmission of sexual and territorial vocal displays while simultaneously minimizing the risk of predation because of avian and mammalian predators. Because urban areas are deficient in specialized avian predators, but have many cats while the opposite is the case for nearby rural areas, urban birds should display higher in the vegetation. In a comparison of the abundance of predators in three cities (Oslo, Bronderslev, Orsay), I show that avian predators are more common in rural areas, while mammalian predators are more common in urban areas. Singing birds sang from higher positions in the vegetation of urban than nearby rural areas. Differences in song post heights between urban and rural areas were consistent among cities, suggesting inherent specific difference in microhabitat choice. Bird species that have become urbanized recently had similar song post heights in urban and rural habitats, while species that have been urbanized for a long time sang from relatively higher song posts in urban areas. These findings suggest that urban and rural birds differ in habitat use when singing. These differences in song post choice between urban and rural habitats may have a number of consequences for vocal displays in the two different habitats.
THE STATE OF BEEKEEPING IN CROATIA

In this paper analysis of beekeeping conditions, number and distribution of beekeepers and honeybee colonies, annual colony losses as well as honey production, export, import and consumption are given. Beekeeping in Croatia has a long tradition. In comparison to pasture potential and necessity for pollination of cultivated and wild plants, present beekeeping is inadequately developed and distributed in different regions. According to data of the Croatian Livestock Center (2008) there are 313 978 honeybee colonies registered in the 2007 in Croatia on professional and sideline apiaries. The majority of honeybee colonies is placed in Pannonian region with 238 300 (76%), second in representation is in Mediterranean region with 59 763 (19%) and less represented is in Mountain region with 15 915 (5%) honeybee colonies. Yearly honey production is approximately 5 000 t and 2 000 t of national honey consumption (0.4 kg per capita) gives possibility for honey export. Croatia exported 1 051 in 2003, but 274 t of honey in 2007, which indicates on significant export decreasing trend. Normal 10 % of winter colony losses till 2007 increased in 2007/2008 on 55 615 (41.71 %) in Pannonian region, 13 892 (37.46 %) in Mediterranean and 5 359 (32.71 %) in Mountain region. There is a need to make beekeeping much more flexible to fit into an integrated agricultural system, as well as more oriented to the consumers’ demands, to be able to increase competitiveness.
Chemical relationships of ambers using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Abstract Amber is known for its remarkably well-preserved fossils, but the chemical complexity of amber and its history are less well known. Amber is highly variable in both its physical and chemical properties, which are dependent on factors such as the source tree and the diagenetic history. Amber from a given locality therefore has a unique chemical composition. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is often used to determine the chemical composition of amber and to provide a fingerprint for amber samples. We used FTIR spectroscopy to analyse samples spanning the time period from the Early Cretaceous to the Oligo-Miocene from 17 localities in the Americas, Europe and Asia. We then used cluster analysis to examine the trends in amber chemistry and to increase our understanding of its formation through time. A detailed analysis of the clustering followed by modelling of the variables of importance suggested that the exocyclic methylene group content and conformation play a major part in explaining the clustering. Other variables, such as the ester and alkyl contents, contribute to identification. Placed in a broader perspective, our study indicates that the dominant factor in clustering is the age of the amber, followed by the locality. Supplementary material: Detailed sample list and combined spectra of all samples are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare. c.3704920
Análise de trilha da contaminação por aflatoxinas em grãos de milho armazenados

The objective of this work was to determine the magnitude of the direct and indirect effects of the physicochemical and microbiological parameters on the occurrence of aflatoxins on stored maize kernels, through path analysis. Data were collected in two experiments: one winter crop (maize harvest in July 2012) and one summer crop (harvest in February 2013). Grains were stored for 12 months in two types of packaging: in conventional polypropylene sacks and bulk storage in metallic silo. Fourteen grain characteristics were evaluated. The matrix of Pearson’s correlations was calculated between all parameters, the diagnosis of multicollinearity was performed, and subsequently path analysis was applied with ridge regression. A strong influence of environmental conditions was observed between winter and summer crops, and between season and type of storage, in path analysis coefficients. The variables moisture content, ash, proteins, lipids, undamaged kernels, volumetric weight, incidence of Penicillium sp. , Aspergillus sp. , and Fusarium sp. should be considered together for defining the probability of aflatoxin occurrence in the bulk of stored kernels.
Sex and age differences in reflectance and biochemistry of carotenoid‐based colour variation in the great tit Parus major

The plumage coloration in great tits (Parus major) is the subject of much behavioural and ecophysiological research, yet there is a lack of analyses of the natural colour variation and its mechanisms. We used reflectance spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography to explore individual, sexual and age-related variation in carotenoid coloration and pigmentation, paramount to the often presumed, but rarely substantiated, costs and 'honesty' of carotenoid displays. In adults, we found that sex was the strongest predictor of 'brightness' (higher in males) and of 'hue' (longer wavelength in females). There was no sex difference in 'carotenoid chroma' or carotenoid content of feathers which also was unrelated to adult age (1 or 2+ years) and condition. Similar patterns were revealed for nestlings. Regarding the biochemical 'signal content', 'carotenoid chroma', but not 'hue', was significantly related to the carotenoid content (lutein and zeaxanthin) of feathers. These results refute the previously assumed exaggeration of carotenoid pigmentation in male great tits, and question the condition-dependence of carotenoid coloration in this species. However, the sexual dimorphism in total reflectance or 'brightness', most likely due to melanins rather than carotenoids, may have implications for signalling or other adaptive explanations that need to be explored.
Diseño de microdietas para el larvicultivo de pejelagarto Atractosteus tropicus, Gill 1863

Se evaluaron varios alimentos microparticulados en el crecimiento y supervivencia de larvas de pejelagarto Atractosteus tropicus , donde previamente se estudio el grado de hidrolisis (GH) y la liberacion de aminoacidos totales (AALT) de diversos ingredientes, usando extractos multienzimaticos de larvas de tres edades (9, 15 y 31 dias despues de la eclosion). Los resultados muestran que en las tres edades los mayores GH’s se obtuvieron para la harina de camaron y jaiba, mientras que la mayor AALT se obtuvo para el hidrolizado de pescado. A partir de estos resultados, se disenaron cinco dietas elaboradas con 1) harina de pescado (DP), 2) harina de calamar (DCa), 3) combinacion de la harina de cerdo y pollo (DR), 4) combinacion de la harina de pescado con gluten de trigo (DP/T), 5) combinacion de la mezcla de las harinas de cerdo y pollo con gluten de trigo (DR/T), ademas de una dieta para trucha (DCo). Previo a su evaluacion in vivo , se les determinaron sus valores de GH y AALT a cada dieta, donde la DCa tuvo el mayor GH, mientras que la mayor AALT se obtuvo con la DR/T. La evaluacion in vivo , de las dietas indica que las larvas alimentadas con la DP y DR tuvieron el mayor crecimiento y supervivencia (105 mm, 75% y 98 mm, 68% respectivamente) en comparacion con los demas tratamientos.
Evaluation of the field impacts of simulated Bacillus thuringiensis‐transgenic Pinus radiata on nontarget native Lepidoptera and their natural enemies in a New Zealand plantation forest

Future options for the control of biosecurity risk pests in New Zealand's plantation Pinus radiata forests include Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays and transgenic trees expressing Bt. Potential impacts on nontarget native Lepidoptera and their natural enemies were assessed via monthly samples of larvae from P. radiata trees sprayed fortnightly for 18 months with Bt at a rate that mimicked the insecticidal effects of transgenic Bt‐pines. Bt‐treated trees supported fewer larvae of Pseudocoremia leucelaea, Pseudocoremia fenerata, Declana floccosa, Planotortrix notophaea and Ctenopseustis obliquana than unsprayed control trees during both summer seasons. Populations of the most abundant species Pseudocoremia suavis were reduced on Bt trees in the second summer only. Proportions of lepidopteran larvae on Bt and control trees infected with an unidentified microsporidium were not significantly different. Pseudocoremia suavis and D. floccosa were less likely to be parasitized by Meteorus pulchricornis when collected from Bt rather than control trees, although parasitism rates in other species did not differ. Transgenic Bt‐pines could cause nontarget lepidopteran mortality in New Zealand plantations but population effects are likely to vary with species, weather and availability of refugia; natural enemies are unlikely to be at significant risk.
Rootstock and Site Influence Performance of `McIntosh' Apple Trees

Marshall McIntosh' apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) on M.7A, M.26, M.9/MM.106, and M.9/MM.111 were planted at 10 locations in Massachusetts. After seven growing seasons, trees on M.7A were the largest and trees on M.26, M.9/MM.106, and M.9/MM.111 were similar in size on all sites. Trees on M.7A outyielded (1986-88) trees on the other rootstocks at only three of the 10 sites. At three sites, trees on M.7A and M.26 were similarly yield-efficient, but on all other sites trees on M.7A were the least efficient. Trees on M.9/MM.111 and M.9/MM.106 were similarly efficient on all but two sites
Comportamento fenológico e produtivo da videira 'Jacquez' (Vitis bourquina) no norte do Paraná

O conhecimento do comportamento fenologico e produtivo de videiras americanas, destinadas a producao de sucos e vinhos, como a ‘Jacquez’ ( Vitis bourquina ), na regiao norte do Parana, e de extrema importância para que os viticultores locais tenham a possibilidade de diversificar a producao e aumentar a renda em suas propriedades. Foram avaliados o comportamento fenologico e produtivo desta videira em Maringa, Estado do Parana; estudou-se a duracao do seu ciclo, bem como se estimaram as caracteristicas produtivas em dois anos. Determinaram-se, tambem, as propriedades quimicas das bagas, como o teor de solidos soluveis (SST), acidez titulavel (AT) e a relacao SST/AT. Os resultados evidenciaram que, nos dois anos de avaliacao, o ciclo total da videira, na regiao, foi em media de 137,5 dias; sua produtividade, de 37 t ha -1 ; e producao de 14,8 kg planta -1 . No momento da colheita, o mosto das bagas apresentou, em media, teor de SST de 16,94oBrix e AT de 1,15% de acido tartarico. Diante dos resultados, considera-se promissor o cultivo da videira ‘Jacquez’ para fins industriais na regiao norte do Parana, pois, quando cultivada nesta regiao, apresentou caracteristicas fisico-quimicas desejaveis para a industrializacao
Prevalence of Exfoliative and Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin Genes in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Clinical Specimens in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains possessing virulence genes encoding such toxins as exfoliative toxins (ETs), toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), is worrying, especially in relation to the increasing frequency of nosocomial infections. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of genes encoding ETs and TSST-1 in MRSA isolates by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results showed that out of 88 investigated MRSA isolates, tst and etb toxin gene were found in 3 (3.4%) and 2 (2.3%) respectively, while none eta toxin genes were detected. It was concluded that the incidence of ET and TSST-1encoding genes among MRSA isolates in Makkah is lower or near to the global prevalence.
Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Algerian Traditional Cheese, El-Klila

The lactic acid bacteria from dried El-Klila, an Algerian traditional cheese were studied, The cheese was also examined for chemical and physical characteristics. The isolated strains from sample K1 belonged to Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus confusus and Streptococcus sp. Enterococci were the most frequently found. However, the isolates from sample K3 were identified as Pediococcus sp, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus sp, Streptococcus sp and Leuconostoc sp. Pediococci were the predominant strains. The samples had high protein content (538.5 g kg -1 for K1 and 549.8 g kg -1 X for K3) and considered as extra-hard cheese.
Decolourisation of anthraquinone-and anthracene-type dyes by versatile peroxidases from bjerkandera fumosa and pleurotus ostreatus D1

Abstract The catalytic properties of a versatile peroxidase from Pleurotus ostreatus D1 (Jacquin) P. Kummer were studied in comparison with that of a typical versatile peroxidase from Bjerkandera fumosa 137 (Per.:Fr) Karst. Decolourisation activities of both enzymes towards a wide range of dyes containing condensed aromatic rings (anthraquinone- and anthracene-type) were found. The anthraquinone dyes were decolourised rapidly by both tested peroxidases. The presence of polymerisation reaction products of Acid Blue 62, Basic Blue 22 and Reactive Blue 4 oxidation, and breakdown of aromatic rings of Alizarin Red were observed. The main catalytic constants (KM and Vmax) of the decolourisation reactions of anthraquinone dyes were calculated. In the case of Alizarin Red, inhibition of the activity of versatile peroxidase from P. ostreatus D1 by an excess of the substrate was observed. Independence from Mn2+ ions of the catalytic activity of versatile peroxidase from P. ostreatus D1 towards different substrates was revealed. Finally, differences in the catalytic activity towards anthracene-type dyes and monoaromatic substrates of both peroxidases were found.
EVALUATION OF STABILITY PARAMETERS FOR DISCRIMINATION OF STABLE, ADAPTABLE AND HIGH FLOWER YIELDING LANDRACES OF ROSA DAMASCENA

In order to determinate appropriate stability parameters, six statistics were studied for flower yield stability of 35 Rosa damascena landraces in 8 locations over two years (20078) in Iran, using a randomized complete blocks design with 3 replications. A positive correlation between environmental variance (S 2 ) and flower yield suggested that only low yield landraces develop a similar phenotype over a range of environments. The stable and adaptable landraces using the environmental coefficient of variation (CV) produced a flower yield about average for landraces or higher. Although all of the stable landraces by S 2 produced very low yield, some of adaptable ones by CV (e.g. YZ2) showed high flower yield and stability simultaneously. A negative correlation was observed between CV and flower yield. The regression coefficient of yield over environments (b) was positively correlated with flower yield; the regression coefficients of all studied landraces were statistically different from zero therefore were not stable with static stability concept (b equal to zero). The stable and adaptable landraces according to dynamic stability concept (b equal to unity and Sd 2 or variance due to deviation from regression equal to zero) produced a flower yield higher than average for landraces or near it. The superiority index (P) determined some of the highest flower yield as adaptable landraces. The stable landraces with the least variance of years within places (MS Y/P ) produced the least flower yield; because of a mixing of effects (year with plant age), MS Y/P isn’t a favourable parameter for flower yield in perennial plants. Some high flower yield landraces were found (e.g. YZ2 and IS5) showing stability and adaptability with varying statistics such as CV, b, Sd 2 and P. It could be concluded that a genotype can demonstrate both static and dynamic stability with high flower yield. In addition, the coefficient of variation (CV), dynamic view statistics (b equal to unity and Sd 2 equal to zero) and superiority index (P) are proposed as desirable parameters for evaluation of flower yield stability with different concepts in Damask rose genotypes.
Effect of cellular aging on fibroblastic phenotype and regulation by hyaluronan

Collectively, the data demonstrated that HA can serve as a signal integrator by facilitating TGF-beta11-mediated CD44-EGF-R-ERK interactions and ultimately regulate fibroblast phenotype. I propose a model to explain this novel mechanism and the functional consequence of age-dependent dysregulation. This mechanism may have direct implications for modifying the wound healing response, particularly for developing therapeutic strategies to improve healing in the elderly
Eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on Brassicaceae: a new species of Metaculus from Turkey and remarks on other species associated with brassicaceous plants

Populations of eriophyoid mites infesting Brassicaceae were surveyed and two species belonging to the genus Metaculus Keifer were found in an attempt to find enemies of some brassicaceous weeds in Turkey. A new species, Metaculus lep- idifolii n. sp. , was collected on Lepidium latifolium L. , commonly known as broadleaved or perennial pepperweed, man-ifesting leaf curling and deformation. In addition, Metaculus rapistri Carmona, was collected and redescribed from Isatis tinctoria L. , dyer’s woad, as a new host record and report for the Turkish fauna. This species also causes leaf deformation.A key to all known species of Metaculus found worldwide is provided. Because only a few eriophyoid species have beenrecorded on brassicaceous vegetables and weeds so far and the mite taxonomy appears to be confusing, remarks are given about the current state of knowledge. The new genus combination for Aculops lepidii is also given.
Effect of egg shell colour of broiler parent stocks on hatching results, chickens performance, carcass characteristics, internal organ weights and some stress indicators.

Bu çalışma, etlik piliç ebeveynlerinde yumurta kabuk renginin kuluçka sonuçlarına, piliçlerin performansına, karkas özelliklerine, iç organ ağırlıklarına ve bazı kan parametrelerine etkisinin araştırılması amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Araştırmada kullanılan 1080 adet yumurta, kuluçka özelliklerini incelemek için yumurta kabuk rengine göre üç gruba (E<80.00; E: 80.00-83.50 ve E>83.50) ayrılmıştır. Denemenin hayvan materyalini kuluçkaya konulan yumurtalardan elde edilen 675 adet etlik civciv oluşturmuştur. Araştırma, dokuz tekerrürlü olacak şekilde düzenlenmiştir. Yumurta kabuk rengi; döllülük oranını (P<0.05), çıkış gücünü (P<0.05), kuluçka randımanını (P<0.05), 7 ve 35. gün (P<0.01), 14 ve 21. gün canlı ağırlıklarını (P<0.05), yumurta kabuk kalınlığını (P<0.01) ve kan trigliserit düzeyini (P<0.01) önemli derecede etkilemiştir. Sonuç olarak; araştırmada ele alınan özellikler bakımından koyu kabuk rengine sahip yumurtaların daha iyi sonuç verdiği söylenebilir.
The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California.

We found the manual to be user friendly and to have many fine features starting with the alphabetical arrangement of taxa. It would have been even better if page numbers were printed after the name in the family key and if a list of families with page numbers graced the inside pages of the front and back covers. Students who used such a list found family descriptions twice as fast as those who did not.
Treatment of Skin Cancer with a Selective Apoptotic-Inducing Curaderm BEC5 Topical Cream Containing Solasodine Rhamnosides

Solasodine rhamnosides produced in plants as secondary metabolites, are safe and effective when treating a variety of cancers, including non-melanoma skin cancers. They are cytotoxic against multi-drug resistant tumor cells, stimulate lasting immunity against cancer, are not mutagenic and display anti-mutagenic properties. These antineoplastics, through cellular specific receptor-mediated actions, directly induce apoptosis by triggering extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in cancer cells but not normal cells. CuradermBEC5 contains solasodine rhamnosides and is a topical formulation for the treatment of keratoses and non-melanoma skin cancers. The mode of action, together with the selectivity towards cancer cells, with CuradermBEC5 therapy, results in outstanding beneficial outcomes. This study shows graphically and pictorially that CuradermBEC5 seeks and destroys basal cell carcinoma whilst normal skin cells replace the dead cancer cells during therapy, emanating into impressive cosmetic end results. The clinical observations with CuradermBEC5 therapy reveal that initially the lesion size increases over four-fold due to the interaction of CuradermBEC5 with deeper and more lateral tumor cells, followed by a decrease in size, ultimately, resulting in complete elimination of the basal cell carcinoma.
Genetic structure and evidence of putative Darwinian diversifying selection in the Potato yellow vein virus (PYVV )

The population structure and genetic variation of Potato yellow vein virus (PYVV) were estimated by analysis of the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence of the coat protein of 69 isolates, reported in GenBank, from Solanum tuberosum (ST) and Solanum phureja (SP) hosts from different regions; predominantly Cundinamarca, Antioquia and Narino, located in central and southwestern Colombia. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that despite the wide geographic distribution of different hosts and different collecting years, PYVV maintains a genetic similarity between 97.1 to 100.0%, indicating high spatial and temporal genetic stability of the major coat protein. No recombination events were found, but evidence was seen for the first time that this protein could be undergoing Darwinian diversifying selection.
Fresh market sweet corn production with clear and wavelength selective soil mulch films

Earliness of fresh market sweet corn (Zea mays L.) is important to increasing profitability and maintaining market occupancy. Maturity of fresh market sweet corn may be advanced by the use of plastic soil mulch films. In 2000 and 2001, the effects of clear (CMF) and wavelength selective (WLSMF) mulch films on soil temperature and moisture and the performance of fresh market sweet corn with and without N fertilization were evaluated in a Granby loamy sand soil in southwest Ontario. Both mulch films increased soil temperature and moisture compared with bare soil. Soil temperatures were 1.8°C higher at 5 cm and 1.6°C higher at 15 cm soil depth under CMF than WLSMF averaged over the growing season in two years. Both mulches increased soil moisture levels relative to bare soil, but less increase occurred under CMF than WLSMF. Both CMF and WLSMF advanced sweet corn maturity by 6-7 d relative to the bare soil. Compared with bare soil, marketable yields increased by 25 to 63% without added N and by 72 to 114% wit.