Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) of a poplar plantation: the POPFACE fumigation system

Summary • A new design of free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) is presented that has been used to expose a poplar plantation to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations in other-wise unaltered conditions, in the open. • This system releases pure CO2 at high velocity, through a large number of small gas jets, causing rapid mixing between CO2 and air. The theoretical and practical aspects of this design are described, with emphasis on the fluid mechanics of air–CO2 mixing in sonic jets. Field performance data, including spectral analysis of short-term fluctuations in CO2 concentrations as well as temporal and spatial CO2 control, are reported for the European project POPFACE facility. • Temporal and spatial performances of the operational POPFACE systems were adequate with average long-term CO2 mole fractions on target. Averages over 1 min measured in the centre of the rings were within ±20% and ±10% of the target concentration for > 91% and > 75% of the time, respectively. • The data presented provide convincing evidence that a pure-CO2 FACE system can achieve reliable control, in terms of the quality of the CO2 control, with significant simplification of construction and reduced capital cost.
Cover cropping and novel pesticide usage in the management of pests of hot pepper (Capsicum chinense)

In a bid to develop technologies that serve grower needs for economic management of pests and diseases of hot pepper (scotch bonnet) while protecting public health and the environment, a study to assess the potential of cover cropping and/or less-risk pesticide usage in the management of pests and diseases of hot pepper was conducted for two consecutive seasons in Uganda. A split-plot randomized complete block design with three replications was used with cropping system (main plots) and pesticide treatment (sub-plots) as the factors. There were two cropping systems: the hot pepper + cowpea system vs. a hot pepper monocrop and five pesticide treatment options: (i) prophylactic treatment of plots at transplanting with granular carbofuran; (ii) weekly sprays of a neem-based formulation; (iii) combination of the prophylactic carbofuran treatment and neem; (iv) sulphur sprays at 10-day intervals (season 2 only); and (v) the untreated control. Data were collected on population dynamics of aphids, whiteflies, thrips, mites, nematodes and on plant performance parameters of branching and fruit weight. Results indicated that the hot pepper + cowpea system greatly lowered infestations of aphids and nematodes on hot pepper, but did not decrease thrips and whiteflies; and brought about a yield penalty on hot pepper. Prophylactic applications of carbofuran and/or sprays of a neem-based formulation lowered populations of aphids and whiteflies on hot pepper to varying extents; and increased yield of pepper.
Wound Healing in the Flight Membranes of Big Brown Bats

Abstract Biologists routinely punch the flight membranes of bats to collect tissue for molecular analyses, or to mark animals in the field, or both. The current standard is to biopsy the wing membrane (chiropatagium) because it is easy to access and is less vascularized, and thus bleeds less, than the tail membrane (uropatagium). Although flight membrane biopsies are assumed not to affect the bat's ability to fly or capture prey, almost nothing is known about wound healing times and the optimal punch size or location for tissue excision. We measured wound healing in the wing and tail membrane of 32 big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) biopsied with 2 circular punch tool sizes, and quantified the concentration of DNA extracted from the excised tissue. Our results show that tail wounds healed significantly faster than wing wounds for both 4-mm- and 8-mm-diameter biopsy wounds. We also were able to extract significantly more DNA from tail biopsies than from wing biopsies of the same size. The newly healed tissue remains unpigmented for considerable time after wound closure, and this allows identification of individuals for an extended period. We hypothesize that the increased vasculature in the uropatagium contributes to faster healing times compared to the chiropatagium. Examination of our data indicates that tissue biopsy for molecular analyses in bats should be taken from the tail membrane, although biopsies of the wing membrane are useful for marking associated with recapture programs because the wound and scar will persist longer.
On the life histories of some brown algae from eastern Canada

The life histories of five phaeophycean species were completed in culture. Isthmoplea sphaerophora, Melanosiphon intestinalis, Hecatonema maculons, Elachista lubrica, and Ralfsia verrucosa replicated directly the parent plants. Some field observations on the above mentioned species are reported.
Morphometric variation of the common shrew (Sorex araneus) in Britain, in relation to karyotype and geography

Summary A multivariate study of variation in mandible dimensions was conducted to determine whether common shrews of different karyotypic race (Aberdeen, Oxford, Hermitage) in Britain differ in morphology. Differences between samples from north and south Britain suggest that geography is more important than karyotype as a morphological determinant. However, the distinctiveness of hybrids in the ‘Oxford-Hermitage’ hybrid zone raises the possibility that there are genetic differences between the races.
Qualidade de laranjas 'Valência' produzidas sob sistemas de cultivo orgânico e convencional

The objective of the present study was to evaluate fruit quality of 'Valencia' (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. ) oranges harvested from an orchard conducted according to the conventional system and from an organic orchard production system. The orchards were established in July 2001 at a spacing of 2,5m X 5,0 m, both with an area of 0,25 ha and 300 m distant from each other. Fruit quality was determined from 2005 up to 2010 from five samples/treatment collected from five trees every year. The harvested oranges were analyzed for average fruit mass (MMF), juice contents (Ts), soluble solids (SST) and titratable acidity (ATT). The ratio SST/ATT was as well calculated. Only in 2010 ascorbic acid contents and the pericarp color were determined. In the conventional production system mineral fertilizers, dolomitic calcareous, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides were utilized. In the organic production system liquid compost, biofertilizers and bordeaux mixture were utilized. The soil was maintained covered with spontaneous vegetation during the winter season with Avena strigosa and Vicia sativa and Vigna unguiculata were added during the summer season. No differences as to quality parameters were determined amongst both production systems except for SST and ascorbic acid which were highest in the conventional production system. Oranges from the conventional orchard also had a more intense orange color in comparison to the organically produced fruit.
Student interactions in a flipped classroom‐based undergraduate engineering statistics course

The purpose of the study is to explore student–content, student–interface, student–instructor, and student–student interactions in a flipped classroom (FC)‐based undergraduate engineering course using the transactional distance (TD) theory. Understanding student interactions that occur in and out of the classroom to reduce the TD can help one design and develop high‐quality FC‐based courses and, thus, produce better learning outcomes and teaching experiences. A mixed‐methods case study was implemented in a Probability and Statistics course, and 37 undergraduate students from a developing university's faculty of engineering participated in the study. Data were collected via an anonymous online survey and focus group interviews. The initial findings indicated that the FC approach facilitated the students’ learning process and increased their interest in the course. Furthermore, the students found favorable student–content, student–instructor, student–interface, and student–student interactions. Based on the findings, all interaction types and their relationship with each other in the scope of the FC approach were discussed. Recommendations for reducing the TD include preparing videos that are understandable and comprehensive enough to be studied by students, provision of sufficient support, and positive attitude to students by instructors, encouraging collaboration among students, and utilizing easy‐to‐use digital platforms.
AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL SURVEY OF CRYPTOMONAD PERIPLASTS USING QUICK‐FREEZING FREEZE FRACTURE TECHNIQUES 1

A quick‐freezing technique for freeze fracturing was used to determine periplast plate types in 20 cryptomonads. With this technique cells are frozen so rapidly that major artifacts are eliminated. We propose that periplast plates are attached to the cell membrane by intramembrane particles (IMP's), consequently plate shapes are outlined by IMP distribution in fractured membranes. Round to oval, sometimes slightly angular, plates occur in Cryptomonas ovata, Cryptomonas tetrapyrenoidosa, Cryptomonas parapyrenoidifera, Cryptomonas obovata, Cryptomonas erosa and two unidentified species of Cryptomonas; large rectangular plates occur in Chroomonas pochmannii, Chroomonas coerulea and Hemiselmis sp. ; small rectangular plates were found in Cryptomonas sp. (Strain SDB); square to slightly rounded plates occur in Cryptomonas chrysoidea and a single continuous plate or sheet, perforated by ejectisome pores, was observed in Cryptomonas caudata, Cryptomonas rostratiformis, Cryptomonas marssonii, Cryptomonas platyuris, Cryptomonas curvata, Cryptomonas ozolini, Chilomonas paramecium and Rhodomonas sp. Oval and square plates are described for the first time in Cryptomonas. Plate IMP's may be morphologically modified in size and shape, depending upon their location in relation to the plate, the plate ridges, and ejectisome chambers. Conformational changes in plate shapes, to form hexagons or polygons, may be induced when cells are subjected to fixation, desiccation, cryoprotectants or centrifugation.
Does a top‐predator provide an endangered rodent with refuge from an invasive mesopredator?

In arid environments, ecological refuges are often conceptualised as places where animal species can persist through drought owing to the localised persistence of moisture and nutrients. The mesopredator release hypothesis (MRH) predicts that reduced abundance of top‐order predators results in an increase in the abundance of smaller predators (mesopredators) and consequently has detrimental impacts on the prey of the smaller predators. Thus according to the MRH, the existence of larger predators may provide prey with refuge from predation. In this study, we investigated how the abundance of an endangered rodent Notomys fuscus is affected by Australia's largest predator, the dingo Canis lupus dingo, introduced mesopredators, introduced herbivores, kangaroos and rainfall. Our surveys showed that N. fuscus was more abundant where dingoes occurred. Generalised linear modelling showed that N. fuscus abundance was associated positively with dingo activity and long‐term annual rainfall and negatively with red fox Vulpes vulpes activity. Our results were consistent with the hypothesis that areas with higher rainfall and dingoes provide N. fuscus with refuge from drought and predation by invasive red foxes, respectively. Top‐order predators, such as dingoes, could have an important functional role in broad‐scale biodiversity conservation programmes by reducing the impacts of mesopredators.
Efeito de variáveis climáticas no crescimento mensal de Pinus taeda e Araucaria angustifolia em fase juvenil

The objective of this research was to construct curves of yield and current monthly increment (CMI) and analyze the effect of climate variables on the current monthly increment of diameter and height of young Pinus taeda L. and Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze during a three-year period. To this end, 30 trees of each species were selected and had their diameter and height measures taken monthly between June 2006 and July 2009. The climatic variables were obtained from two meteorological stations of SIMEPAR, located near the monitored stands. For growth assessment, curves of current monthly increment and yield were developed. Analysis of correlation matrixes among the studied variables and regression by stepwise process were also carried out. In the growth analysis, higher CMIs were observed between October and February. The correlation matrixes indicated that CMI correlated strongly with temperature, atmospheric pressure and photoperiod. The models adjusted by the stepwise process, including climate variables, showed good fit statistics.
Improving analytical method of Sr/Ca ratios in coral skeletons for paleo‐SST reconstructions using ICP‐OES

Strontium/calcium ratios (Sr/Ca) in reef coral skeletons have been used for sea surface temperature (SST) proxy. Because skeletons of reef corals are accumulated throughout more than 100 years, SST records from coral skeletons were important archives to reveal climate mechanisms. Here, we improved the coral Sr/Ca analytical method using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer which method has advantages in terms of initial/running cost and analysis time. We checked variations of Sr and Ca sensitivities as increases of Ca concentrations using various wavelengths of Sr and Ca. Our results suggested that sensitivities of Sr/Ca in a range of coral skeletons were modulated by selections of wavelengths and sensitivity changes of Sr and Ca. A combination of Sr(421.5 nm) and Ca(373.6 nm) is stable for the Sr/Ca analysis at a low Ca concentration. A SD of Sr/Ca(421.5/373.6 nm) was 0.006 mmol mol−1 (1σ, n = 40) based on the replicate measurement of the reference material (JCp‐1) using our new method. By applying a Porites colony from Kikai island, Japan, a precision of reconstructed SST was over ± 0.3°C at weekly resolution.
Facial Landmark Detection Experiment

Facial landmark detection or face alignment is an important problem in computer vision. Different types of methods have been proposed to target this problem, with their advantages and disadvan- tages. This paper classified the past methods into three categories, briefly compared them, then attempted to reimplementing part of a recent work. Experiments were done with a common, current dataset to compare the method with other methods.
Influence of hydrogen and oxygen on the structure and properties of sputtered magnesium zirconium oxynitride thin films

Nitride materials with mixed ionic and covalent bonding character and resulting good charge transport properties are attractive for optoelectronic devices. Recently, Mg-based ternary nitride materials were found to have large dielectric constants and high absorption coefficients with bandgaps appropriate for photovoltaic applications. However, their degenerate carrier concentrations still hinder their possible applications in solar cells and related optoelectronic devices. Therefore, further understanding and engineering of the parameters controlling the material properties of these ternary nitrides is highly desirable. Here we report that the structural, optical and electrical properties of magnesium zirconium oxynitride (MZNO) thin films synthesized by combinatorial sputtering with a wide range of cation compositions can be affected by incorporation of oxygen and hydrogen. Excess oxygen improved the crystallinity of MZNO thin films whereas hydrogen attracted oxygen and formed Mg-rich oxide layers at the grain boundaries which in turn reduced the conductivity. On the other hand, optical properties are more sensitive to the composition – both cation and anion ratios – rather than the presence of hydrogen. Compared to cation-stoichiometric MZNO (1019–1020 cm−3), substantial reduction of carrier concentration down to ∼1014 cm−3 was achieved under Mg-rich conditions by supplying hydrogen during growth. Photoluminescence measurements showed that the films prepared with hydrogen were optoelectronically active. Overall, this study demonstrates that the material properties of MZN thin films can be significantly influenced by incorporation of oxygen and hydrogen.
THE ROLE OF NITROGEN NUTRITION IN HIGH‐TEMPERATURE TOLERANCE OF THE KELP, LAMINARIA SACCHARINA (CHROMOPHYTA) 1

Mechanisms of high‐temperature tolerance in the kelp Laminaria saccharina (L.) Lamour. were examined by comparing a heat‐tolerant ecotype from Long Island Sound (LIS), New York, and a population from the Atlantic (ATL) coast of Maine. Greater heat tolerance was not attributable to greater thermal stability of the photosynthetic apparatus: LIS and ATL plants exhibited similar short‐term effects of high temperature on photosynthetic capacity (Pmax) and quantum yield (estimated as the ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence, Fv/Fm. As LIS plants had consistently higher N and protein content than ATL plants, the interaction between nitrogen nutrition and high‐temperature tolerance was examined. When grown under high N supply and optimal temperature (12° C), LIS plants had a higher density of photosystem II reaction centers (RCII), higher activity of two Calvin cycle enzymes (ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase [RUBISCO] and NADP‐dependent glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase [G3PDH]), and higher Pmax and Fv/Fm than ATL plants. Individual ATL plants, furthermore, exhibited close correlations of RCII density and enzyme activity with N and/or protein content. Variation in RCII density and enzyme activity, in turn, largely accounted for plant‐to‐plant differences in Pmax and Fv/Fm. Relationships among these parameters were generally weak or lacking among individual LIS plants grown under optimal conditions, apparently because luxury N consumption resulted in excess reserves of photosynthetic apparatus components. Exposure of N‐replete LIS and ATL plants to a superoptimal temperature (22° C) for 4 days caused an increase in the minimum turnover time of the photosynthetic apparatus (tau) and a decrease in Pmax, but had no consistent effect on Fv/Fm RCII density, PSU size (chlorophyll a/RCII), or enzyme activities. When plants were subjected to concurrent N limitation and heat stress, however, LIS and ATL populations exhibited quite different responses. All photosynthetic parameters of N‐limited ATL plants declined sharply in response to high temperature, resulting in a negative rate of daily net C fixation. In contrast, LIS plants showed a reduction in PSU size, but maintained other parameters, including daily C fixation, at levels similar to those of N‐limited plants at optimal temperature. Overall, the ability of LIS plants to accumulate and maintain high N reserves appears to be critical for heat tolerance and, therefore, for survival during summer periods of simultaneous low N supply and superoptimal temperature. ATL plants, which also experience low summer N supply but not superoptimal temperatures, do not accumulate large reserves of nitrogenous components and are unable to tolerate the combined stress. Because low N supply often co‐occurs with high temperatures in temperate marine systems, large‐scale declines in algal productivity, such as during El Niño events, are probably due to the interactive effect of N limitation and heat stress.
Consumers and COVID-19: A Real-Time Survey

We summarize the results from an ongoing survey that asks consumers questions related to the recent coronavirus outbreak, including their expectations for how the economy is likely to be affected by the outbreak and how their own behavior has changed in response to it. The survey began in early March, providing a window into how consumers’ responses have evolved in real time since the early days of the acknowledged spread of COVID-19 in the United States. In updating and charting the survey’s findings on the Cleveland Fed’s website going forward, we seek to inform policymakers and researchers about consumers’ beliefs during a time of high uncertainty and unprecedented policy responses.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α modulates adhesion, migration, and FAK phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle cells

Hypoxia promotes angiogenesis by modulating the transcriptional regulator hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α). HIF‐1α is a master regulator of the hypoxic response, and its proangiogenic activities include, but are not limited to, regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The remodeling of the vasculature during angiogenesis requires an initial destabilization step, which facilitates endothelial sprouting, followed by vessel growth, and restabilization through investment of smooth muscle cells. The complex dynamics of hypoxia‐induced angiogenesis prompted us to investigate what aspects of this multi‐step process are regulated by HIF‐1α. To do so, we analyzed the molecular properties of aortic and coronary artery smooth muscle cells in response to forced expression of HIF‐1α, and by treatment with cobalt chloride, which mimics hypoxia. Our results demonstrate that HIF‐1α causes a marked reduction in the ability of smooth muscle cells to migrate and adhere to extracellular matrices. Analysis of focal adhesion proteins showed no significant difference in expression or localization of vinculin or focal adhesion kinase (FAK). However, investigation of FAK phosphorylation, a critical mediator of adhesion and migration, revealed tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK is diminished in the presence of HIF‐1α and cobalt chloride. These results indicate that during hypoxia‐induced vessel remodeling, HIF‐1α functions to dampen adhesion and migration of smooth muscle cells by modulating FAK activity. We suggest that HIF‐1α expression in smooth muscle cells may augment vessel sprouting by loosening smooth muscle cell attachments to the basement membrane and endothelial cells. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular analysis meets morphology‐based systematics—a synthetic approach for Chalarinae (Insecta: Diptera: Pipunculidae)

Abstract. This study presents the first phylogenetic estimate for the pipunculid subfamily Chalarinae (genera Chalarus Walker, Jassidophaga Aczél and Verrallia Mik) based on an analysis of one mitochondrial coding (cytochrome oxidase 1) and two nuclear non‐coding genes (28s and ITS2), using parsimony under direct optimization as implemented in poy4. It completes earlier taxonomic works on these groups. The voucher material used was primarily of Palaearctic origin. The study strongly supports the monophyletic origin of Chalarinae as well as of Chalarus and Verrallia, but failed to recover a monophyletic lineage for Jassidophaga. Whereas the taxa of Jassidophaga with predominantly black‐coloured legs clustered as a monophyletic sister to Verrallia, an Oriental Jassidophaga species with predominantly yellow/light brown‐coloured legs represents a distinct genetic lineage. The Chalarus species included were resolved into eight well‐supported genetic clades: C. angustifrons group, C. basalis group, C. clarus lineage, C. holosericeus group, C. immanis lineage, C. indistinctus group, C. latifrons group and C. spurius group. A phenetic analysis focused on intra‐ and interspecific genetic distances within the subfamily. As a consequence, the eastern Palaearctic C. rectifrons Morakote is proposed as a junior synonym of C. angustifrons Morakote (syn.n.). The structure of the C. basalis species group was investigated further with the intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) primer (GACA)4.