Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hurricane impacts to tropical and temperate forest landscapes

Hurricanes represent an important natural disturbance process to tropical and temperate forests in many coastal areas of the world. The complex patterns of damage created in forests by hurricane winds result from the interaction of meteorological, physiographic, and biotic factors on a range of spatial scales. To improve our understanding of these factors and of the role of catastrophic hurricane wind as a disturbance process, we take an integrative approach. A simple meteorological model (HURRECON) utilizes meteorological data to reconstruct wind conditions at specific sites and regional gradients in wind speed and direction during a hurricane. A simple topographic exposure model (EXPOS) utilizes wind direction predicted by HURRECON and a digital elevation map to estimate landscape—level exposure to the strongest winds. Actual damage to forest stands is assessed through analysis of remotely sensed, historical, and field data. These techniques were used to evaluate the characteristics and impacts of two important hurricanes: Hurricane Hugo (1989) in Puerto Rico and the 1938 New England Hurricane, storms of comparable magnitude in regions that differ greatly in climate, vegetation, physiography, and disturbance regimes. In both cases patterns of damage on a regional scale were found to agree with the predicted distribution of peak wind gust velocities. On a landscape there was also good agreement between patterns of forest damage and predicted exposure in the Luquillo Experimental Forest in Puerto Rico and the town of Petersham, Massachusetts. At the Harvard and Pisgah Forests in central New England the average orientation of wind—thrown trees was very close to the predicted peak wind direction, while at Luquillo there was also good agreement, with some apparent modification of wind direction by the mountainous terrain. At Harvard Forest there was evidence that trees more susceptible to windthrow were felled earlier in the storm. This approach may be used to study the effects of topography on wind direction and the relation of forest damage to wind speed and duration; to establish broad—scale gradients of hurricane frequency, intensity, and wind direction for particular regions; and to determine landscape—level exposure to long—term hurricane disturbance at particular sites.
Spin-labeling studies on the Membranes of Differentiating Cells of Dictyostelium discoideum

Differentiating cells of Dictyostelium discoideum were spinlabeled with 5-nitroxide stearic acid or phosphatidylcholine spin labels, and the electron spin resonance spectra of the cells were measured. There was no difference in the flexibility of the lipid bilayer in the membranes between preaggregation cells and disaggregated slug cells. The temperature dependence of the overall splitting value for 5-nitroxide stearic acid was also indistinguishable for the two cell types in the range of 4°C to 25°C. Two distinct inflection points were observed at 15°C and 19.5°C in the temperature dependence, suggesting the presence of a phase transition in the lipid bilayer portion of the membranes. We thus concluded that there is no change in the membrane fluidity of the cells on formation of a multicellular organization. In addition, trypsinization of slug cells, which enhances Con A-induced redistribution of the Con A-binding sites on the cell surface (Kawai, in preparation), did not cause any change in the flexibility of the lipid bilayer. This suggests that the increased mobility of the sites has no apparent correlation to the bulk membrane fluidity.
Polyamines, both common and uncommon, under heat stress in rice (Oryza sativa) callus

Enhanced production and accumulation of free and conjugated polyamines as well as increased activities of their biosynthetic enzymes in plants have been associated with heat stress. Perchloric acid-soluble free, as well as conjugated polyamines, and their metabolic enzymes were studied under 45°C heat stress in callus raised from heat-tolerant and -sensitive rice cultivars. The levels of free and conjugated polyamines, as well as arginine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.19) and polyamine oxidase (EC 1.4.34) activities were higher in tolerant than in sensitive callus under non-stressed conditions. Heat stress caused greater accumulation of free and conjugated polyamines in callus of the heat-tolerant cultivar N22 than in that of the heat-sensitive cultivar IR8. In particular, the uncommon polyamines norspermidine and norspermine were detected in cv. N22, which increased appreciably during stress, but they were not detected in callus of cv. IR8. Arginine decarboxylase and polyamine oxidase activities increased to a larger extent in N22 than in IR8 callus during stress, activities that were well correlated with the increased levels of common and uncommon polyamines. Increased levels of transglutaminase activity indicated the high titre of conjugated polyamines.
On the natural cell size of European honey bees: a “fatal error” or distortion of historical data?

Summary As a possible way to help control varroa mites, some beekeepers advocate the use of cells smaller than the regular size commonly used by beekeepers. This paper addresses two of their principal arguments, namely that honey bees built smaller cells under natural conditions in the past, and that a “fatal” error occurred at the turn of the 20th century when a new and allegedly misleading method of estimating cell density was introduced. Historical data show not only that cell sizes were not smaller in the past, but also that estimating cell densities was not an issue before the introduction of wax foundation. Moreover, not realizing that the two methods of estimating cell densities are equivalent, the proponents of small cells have erroneously corrected the data reported by the authors of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. In conclusion, the claim that cells were smaller in the past is not only not supported by the historical records, but rests on a distortion of the historical records resulting from an incorrect transformation of the original data.
Cytotaxonomic differentiation of Wilhelmia equina (Linné, 1747) and Wilhelmia lineata (Meigen, 1804) (Diptera: Simuliidae)

In most cases the larvae of Wilhelmia equina and W. lineata cannot be distinguished by using classical morphological features. The morphological characteristics of the salivary gland polytene chromosomes allow one to differentiate clearly between the two species. Characteristic for W. equina are the extended region between the centromere, Ctr (transformed centromere), and the nucleolus organizer, NO, in IS, the definitive position of RB (ring of Balbiani) and bulge in IIS, and the fan-shaped IIIL telomere. The chromosomes of W. lineata are marked by complex chromosomal polymorphisms, the altered position of RB and bulge on IIS and by a strong ectopic pairing of centromeres. The comparison of banding patterns provides several intraspecific polymorphic inversions and interspecific fixed rearrangements for species diagnosis. Partial chromosome maps were established. The comparison of the chromosomal banding pattern of Wilhelmia with that of the Simulium standard reveals a whole-arm interchange between chromo.
Inter-Habitat Variation in Benthic Community Structure, Function, and Organic Matter Storage in 3 Appalachian Headwater Streams

Inter-habitat variation in benthic community structure and function was investigated in 3 headwater streams in West Virginia, USA. Abundance and biomass of benthic macroinvertebrates and salamanders together with standing crop of benthic organic matter were estimated for riffles, rock faces, plunge pools, debris-dam pools, and leaf packs. In 1 stream, installation of log dams for fish habitat (K-dams) created artificial plunge pools and debris-dam pools. Standing crop of benthic organic matter was lowest in riffles and rock faces (≈50 g ash-free dry mass/m2) and was dominated by coarse (1-10 mm) and fine (0.25-1 mm) particles. Mass of benthic organic matter was highest in debris-dam pools (>2 kg ash-free dry mass/m2), and was dominated by coarse particles and wood. Mean animal density (macroinvertebrates and salamander larvae) was highest in debris-dam pools and on rock faces (>10,000/m2) and lowest in riffles and plunge pools (<5000/m2). Standing biomass of animals was highest in pools (3-8 g dry mass/m2) and lowest in riffles and on rock faces (<2 g dry mass/m2). Chironomids and the stonefly Leuctra were the most abundant taxa in most habitats; co-dominant taxa differed among habitats. Ordination of macroinvertebrate taxa showed that community structure was more similar among habitats than among streams. Functional organization differed among habitats. In riffles, all functional groups were well represented. Scrapers, filterers, and gatherers predominated on rock faces. In pools, shredders and predators dominated biomass, although gatherers were the most abundant group. In plunge pools, crayfish (Cambarus) were relatively more abundant than in debris dam pools; he opposite was true for macroinvertebrate predators. Overall, inter-habitat variation in taxonomic structure, animal abundance, biomass, functional organization, and benthic organic matter exceeded among-stream variation. Comparison with published data for a North Carolina headwater stream revealed common patterns of inter-habitat variation in functional organization. Installation of K-dams in a headwater stream influenced the abundance, biomass, and functional organization of the benthos by providing habitat for taxa able to exploit debris-dam pools formed upstream of K-dams, which retain abundant organic matter.
On the origin of antibiotics and mycotoxins

Antibiotics and mycotoxins share many remarkable similarities in structure, metabolic roles and biosynthesis, indicating their differences are primarily in the minds and economies of man, not the perspectives of producing organisms. Antibiotic/mycotoxin biosynthetic gene packages appear to have been assembled by transposon-mediated processes combining genes acquired horizontally from plants and other soil microbes with genes from the producing organism’s own genome. Probable gene sources include those for the synthesis and secretion of plant phytoalexins, toxins, allelochemicals, pheromones, germination inhibitors and pigments, and bacterial quorum-sensors and siderophores. Understanding antibiotic origins may assist in the discovery and creation of new antibiotics.
Physico-chemical changes during enzymatic liquefaction of mango pulp (cv. 'Keitt')

Processing of mango pulp for production of juices and related products is hampered by the fibre content and high natural viscosity of the pulp. In order to evaluate an enzymic process for pulp liquefaction, physicochemical changes during enzymic liquefaction of mango cv. Keitt pulp were monitored. Pulps were treated at 40C for up to 2 h with a mixture of commercial enzymes, namely Pectinex Ultra SP L(R), Celluclast(R) and Rapidase C PE(R) at concn. of 1.5:6:20 v/v. Changes monitored during liquefaction included viscosity, serum yields, clarity, sugars, colour and aroma. Apparent viscosity of pulp and serum decreased by 78 and 93%, respectively, after 30 min, after which viscosity changes declined. Serum yields of enzyme treated pulp were 83 and 84% after 30 and 120 min, respectively, compared to 52% for untreated pulp. Total soluble solids ( Brix), total and reducing sugars, and acidity of pulp and serum fractions increased as incubations proceeded, whilst pH declined. Yellowness of pulps during enzymic liquefaction was relatively stable, but sera became less yellow, indicating retention of pigments in the pulp. A loss of approx. 9% was observed in total aroma compounds during liquefaction. The major aroma compound was DELTA-3-carene. It is concluded that 30 min liquefaction with 1.1 ml enzyme mixture/kg mango pulp is optimal for recovery of clear mango juice following subsequent centrifugation of the serum.
Estimates of Pre‐Settlement Insect Damage in Australian and North American Forests

Herbivores insect damage to broadleaved evergreen trees prior to widespread European disturbance of the environment was estimated from herbarium specimens collected in western North America and Australia. These data were used to determine whether the current pattern of higher levels of insect damage on Australian Eucalyptus trees than on comparable North American trees of similar habitat and leaf type is an inherent ecological characteristic of these systems or a consequence of recent European disturbance. The historical data confirm present day patterns. Several features of Eucalyptus and of Australian forests and woodlands may predispose them to higher levels of damage. See full-text article at JSTOR
What controls the spatial distribution of the North Sea plaice spawning population? Confronting ecological hypotheses through a model selection framework

The spatial dynamics of spawning fish are crucial because they influence the survival rates of eggs and larvae and ultimately impact the reproductive success of populations. The factors that control these dynamics are complex and potentially many, and they interact. A model-selection-based approach was developed to confront various hypotheses of control of the spatial distribution of spawning population of North Sea plaice (Pleuronectes platessa). For each hypothesis or combination thereof, statistical models were constructed. These were then ranked and selected based on their ability to adjust and predict observed spatial distributions. The North Sea plaice population seems to have developed strong attachment to specific spawning sites, where geographic location and population memory are important controlling factors. Temporal changes in spatial distribution patterns appear to be influenced primarily by population size and demography. Variations in hydrographic conditions such as temperature and salinity do not appear to control interannual fluctuations in spatial distribution. This means that, for reproduction, applying conventional habitat models may falsely attribute major controlling effects to environmental conditions. It is concluded that a multiple-hypothesis approach is essential to understanding and predicting the present and future distribution of the North Sea plaice population during its spawning season.
Influence of host plant vs. natural enemies on the spatial distribution of a pine sawfly, Neodiprion autumnalis

Abstract.1. The pine sawfly, Neodiprion autumnalis, infests ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa, growing at low densities near the bottom of an altitudinal gradient in Arizona, U.S.A. The relative importance of host‐plant quality vs. natural‐enemy effects in determining the spatial distribution of this sawfly was examined over a 3‐year period.
The influence of Hypholoma fasciculare and Phlebiopsis gigantea on the growth of Heterobasidion annosum in vitro

The influence of two saprotrophes — isolates of Hypholoma fasciculare and Phlebiopsis gigantea on the growth of thirty three root pathogen strains — Heterobasidion annosum was analysed. Two methods were used. The different reaction in paired cultures among saprotrophe and pathogen isolates suggest, that one isolate of H. annosum is not enough to study the interaction between this pathogen and saprophytes in vitro irrespective of the method used.
A second world‐wide migration and population displacement of Phytophthora infestans?

The appearance of the A2 mating type (previously restricted to central Mexico) in Europe during the 1980s prompted an investigation of the genetic make-up of European populations using allozyme loci as genetic markers. The investigation shows that major genetic changes have occurred in populations of Phytophthora infestans in the Netherlands. Poland, and the British Isles. It now appears that a new type of population has been introduced into several locations, and has displaced or is displacing the original populations in these locations. The new and old population types are characterized by unique allozyme alleles and genotypes. The mechanism for displacement of the 'old' by the 'new' population is not yet known.
Smooth Muscle Cell Hypertrophy in Varicose Veins Is Associated with Expression of Estrogen Receptor-β

Varicose veins are characterized by dilated and thickened vein walls. This study examined whether the changes that occur in varicose veins are associated with smooth muscle cell (SMC) hypertrophy, cellular proliferation or apoptosis. Moreover, the association between SMC hypertrophy and the expression of the estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) was investigated. Varicose veins were obtained from male patients during vascular stripping surgery (n = 11) and nonvaricose veins during coronary bypass surgery, also from male subjects (n = 12). The cellular volume of the SMC in both the longitudinal and circular layer of the vessel wall was measured using stereological methods. Apoptosis was detected using the TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling) technique. SMC proliferation and ERβ expression were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Neither in the longitudinal nor in the circular layer of the varicose vein wall were signs of apoptosis or proliferation present. However, the mean cellular volume of the SMC in the circular layer of the varicose veins was strongly increased (5,291 ± 363 µm3) as compared to non-varicose veins (2,812 ± 212 µm3, p < 0.001). Moreover, ERβ expression in the circular layer of varicose veins (63 ± 4%) significantly differed from nonvaricose veins (39 ± 4%; p = 0.001). Interestingly, the SMC volume correlated with ERβ expression (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). These data show that cell death or proliferation of SMC do not, or only rarely, occur in varicose veins. However, remodeling of varicose veins can mainly be attributed to increased volumes of the SMC of the circular layer and this increase correlates with ERβ expression.
Dung beetle assemblages organization in two contrasted areas of the Mediterranean region: affinities and divergences

Abstract Quantification of the species richness and diversity is important when comparing sites; these variables are influenced by local and regional factors. The structure of assemblages of dung beetles as well as their species composition and diversity were compared between two sites on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea (France FR and Tunisia TN). From a total of 132 traps, 15,778 specimens were collected belonging to 86 species (46 in FR vs. 40 in TN). Species composition varied highly between FR and TN (only 10 species in common). The temporal occurrence of Aphodiidae and Scarabaeidae showed different patterns due to several factors: phenology of species, geographical distribution and local ecological requirements. When quantifying the beta diversity, the turnover of species was for almost cases higher within the same season than between seasons. Moreover, seasonal turnover was different at both sites. Evenness and rank-abundance analyses demonstrated that autumn-winter was the most constraining season in FR, with one dominant species (Agrilinus constans) in winter assemblages (96.8% of individuals). Conversely summer was the most constraining season in TN, with Onthophagus taurus as dominant species in assemblages (87.7%). The influence of local and historical factors is discussed.
Influência da temperatura no desenvolvimento e parasitismo de Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Aphidiinae) em Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The temperature is among the abiotic factors that directly affect the developmental time and behavior of insects. The adaptability to climatic conditions is a key point for the success of mass-rearing and establishment of parasitoids in biological control programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the developmental time and parasitism of Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) on Aphis gossypii Glover as host in different temperatures. The tests were carried out in climatic chambers at 15, 20, 25 and 30 ± 1°C, 60 ± 10% RH and 10h photophase. Parasitized nymphs of A. gossypii were kept individualized in petri dishes (6 cm of diameter) on a leaf disk (2 cm diameter) of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum Tzvelev) 'Yellow Snowdon' cultivar on a layer of agar. The developmental time of L. testaceipes was 26.9, 14.8, 11.3 and 12.2 days at 15, 20, 25 and 30oC, respectively. Parasitism rates were 76, 68, 65 and 40% at 15, 20, 25 and 30°C, and emergence rates were 80, 61, 62 and 14% at these temperatures. The combination of a low developmental time (11.3 days) and parasitism and emergency higher than 60% occurred at 25oC, indicating that this temperature could be the most adequate for reproduction and establishment of L. testaceipes as a biological control agent of A. gossypii in protected cultivation.
Seasonal abundance, spatial distribution and sampling indices of thrip populations on cotton; a 4‐year survey from central Greece

Abstract: Field studies were carried out in order to assess the populations of thrips on cotton leaves, by developing a sampling program to estimate the density with an acceptable level of precision. Thus, in a cotton field (1.1 ha) in central Greece, 45 leaves were collected (one leaf per cotton plant) at 10‐day intervals from May to September, for four consecutive growing seasons (1995–98). Five species of thrips were found: Frankliniella intonsa was the most abundant species followed by Thrips angusticeps, Thrips tabaci, Frankliniella occidentalis and Aeolothrips intermedius. Although considerable differences were observed in the population fluctuations among species, the highest population densities, for all species found, were recorded in July and August. As indicated by Taylor's power law estimates, all species presented aggregated distribution among sampling units. As this type of spatial pattern indicates, the accuracy obtained in estimating mean population density increased with the increase of the mean. Furthermore, the increase of the mean caused an exponential decrease in sample size. However, the precision level is acceptable only in high mean values, while at the same time the benefit from an increase in sample size is of no practical value.
Influence of Cracked, Coarse Ground or Fine Ground Corn on Digestion, Dry Matter Intake and Milk Yield in Holstein Cows

Abstract Plascencia, A. , González-Vizcarra, V.M. , López-Soto, M.A., May, D. , Pujol, L.C. , Ruiz, G.F. and Vega, S.H. 2009. Influence of cracked, coarse ground or fine ground corn on digestion, dry matter intake and milk yield in Holstein cows. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 35: 149–154. Four ruminally cannulated Holstein cows (526±41 kg) with 112 d in milk were used in a 4x4 Latin square design. To evaluate the influence of corn processing on performance and digestive function, four dietary treatments were compared: 1) steam-flaked corn (SFC, density = 0.31 kg/l); 2) coarsely-ground corn (DR-CG, density = 0.55 kg 11); 3) medium-coarsely ground-corn (DR-MG, density = 0.50 kg/l) and 4) fine ground corn (DR-FG, density = 0.45 kg/l). There were no effect (P>0.05) of coarseness of grind of dried rolled corn (DRC) on DMI, digestion or milk yield. Finely ground corn increased ruminal propionate concentration and decreased ruminal pH and acetate-to-propionate ratio. SFC increased (P<0.05) total tract digestion of OM, NDF, starch and DE content of diet. Even though, no difference in DMI and milk yield were observed among treatments, SFC increased (P<0.05) milk efficiency. It is concluded that feeding value of dry-processed corn to lactating cow diets was not enhanced by reducing the particle size of the kernels beyond to that obtained following coarse rolling.