Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interpreting diel hysteresis between soil respiration and temperature

Increasing use of automated soil respiration chambers in recent years has demonstrated complex diel relationships between soil respiration and temperature that are not apparent from less frequent measurements. Soil surface flux is often lagged from soil temperature by several hours, which results in semielliptical hysteresis loops when surface flux is plotted as a function of soil temperature. Both biological and physical explanations have been suggested for hysteresis patterns, and there is currently no consensus on their causes or how such data should be analyzed to interpret the sensitivity of respiration to temperature. We used a one‐dimensional soil CO2 and heat transport model based on physical first principles to demonstrate a theoretical basis for lags between surface flux and soil temperatures. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrated that diel phase lags between surface flux and soil temperature can result from heat and CO2 transport processes alone. While factors other than temperature that vary on a diel basis, such as carbon substrate supply and atmospheric CO2 concentration, can additionally alter lag times and hysteresis patterns to varying degrees, physical transport processes alone are sufficient to create hysteresis. Therefore, the existence of hysteresis does not necessarily indicate soil respiration is influenced by photosynthetic carbon supply. We also demonstrated how lags can cause errors in Q10 values calculated from regressions of surface flux and soil temperature measured at a single depth. Furthermore, synchronizing surface flux and soil temperature to account for transport‐related lags generally does not improve Q10 estimation. In order to calculate the sensitivity of soil respiration to temperature, we suggest using approaches that account for the gradients in temperature and production existing within the soil. We conclude that consideration of heat and CO2 transport processes is a requirement to correctly interpret diel soil respiration patterns.
Isolation and Identification of L. plantarum from Iranian Fermented Cucumbers by Conventional Culture and PCR Methods

The species of Lactobacillus are widely present in many natural environments that are important in fermented processes. Among these species some belong to the lactic acid bacteria group that are useful in fermented food. One of the species of lactobacilli group such as L. plantarum provides health benefits, but their identification is one of the main issue. In order to proceed with this project, conventional culture method and PCR primers have been employed to identify L. plantarum. According to the conventional culture method, colonies were Gram-positive and catalase-negative in the form of coccoid-rod, short, long, thin and fine. Under the PCR conditions, L. plantarum and L. brevis strains were detected in only one sample at 25 0 C. In chemical technique, L. plantarum was separated from L. brevis in four cultures medium with 4-7% NaCl where L. brevis became inactive. The isolated L. plantarum that was used in the fermented cucumbers prevented the growth and development of pathogenic organisms.
A Dung Beetle Assemblage in an Urban Park in Louisiana

Abstract We examined the dynamics of a dung beetle community over the course of a year in a forested urban park in Baton Rouge, LA. Dung beetle volume per trap-day and abundance peaked during March and the months of August through November, with species richness highest during March. The subfamily Aphodiinae dominated the community during the cold months, and Scarabaeinae dominated it during the warm months. The relationship of these patterns to local temperature and precipitation is discussed.
Phylogenetic Split of Malagasy and African Taxa of Protorhus and Rhus (Anacardiaceae) Based on cpDNA trnL–trnF and nrDNA ETS and ITS Sequence Data

Abstract The African-Malagasy genus Protorhus and the African-Malagasy species of Rhus s.l. have been suggested to be polyphyletic, but definitive evidence has been lacking. We investigated a clade of Anacardiaceae subfamily Anacardioideae in order to clarify evolutionary relationships of the African-Malagasy members of these two genera. Phylogenetic analysis of sequence data from cpDNA trnL–trnF, and nrDNA ETS and ITS provide strong statistical support for the 1) polyphyly of Protorhus; 2) monophyly of Malagasy Protorhus species; 3) polyphyly of Rhus section Baronia (Malagasy Rhus). These results support the need for new circumscriptions of these groups. Two new combinations are proposed, Searsia erosa and Searsia pendulina.
Qualitative Models to Complement Quantitative Ecosystem Models for the Analysis of Data-Limited Marine Ecosystems and Fisheries

Data-limitations increase the uncertainty of quantitative ecosystem models and have the potential to slow the progress of Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management. However, the most important finding of perturbation analysis for managers is arguably simple trends in community abundance. Qualitative models can be used to predict trends following perturbation and require only the signs (+, −, 0) of interactions between variables. To further increase the utility of qualitative models in ecosystem analysis, complementary alternative models, with differing uncertainties and assumptions can be used to assess the robustness of conclusions. Qualitative models and an Ecopath with Ecosim model were produced to investigate the inshore reef ecosystem of eastern Tasmania, Australia. The impact of fisheries, competition between fish species, and increasing urchin abundance on ecosystem dynamics were investigated. Qualitative models highlighted the need to decrease fisheries catches, the potential for cascading effects due to urchin grazing, and the capacity for large rock lobster to allow the regeneration of foliose algae. Ecopath with Ecosim produced consistent conclusions for the majority of qualitative predictions. Inconsistent conclusions were discussed with regard to differences in model calculation and behavior. The process undertaken in this study may allow progress in ecosystem analyses in data-poor situations, which may aid the development and implementation of Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management.
Mast Cell Activation, Neuroinflammation, and Tight Junction Protein Derangement in Acute Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the major health problems worldwide that causes death or permanent disability through primary and secondary damages in the brain. TBI causes primary brain damage and activates glial cells and immune and inflammatory cells, including mast cells in the brain associated with neuroinflammatory responses that cause secondary brain damage. Though the survival rate and the neurological deficiencies have shown significant improvement in many TBI patients with newer therapeutic options, the underlying pathophysiology of TBI-mediated neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive dysfunctions is understudied. In this study, we analyzed mast cells and neuroinflammation in weight drop-induced TBI. We analyzed mast cell activation by toluidine blue staining, serum chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) level by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2), a mast cell and inflammation-associated protein, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), and blood-brain barrier tight junction-associated claudin 5 and Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) protein expression in the brains of TBI mice. Mast cell activation and its numbers increased in the brains of 24 h and 72 h TBI when compared with sham control brains without TBI. Mouse brains after TBI show increased CCL2, PAR-2, and VEGFR2 expression and derangement of claudin 5 and ZO-1 expression as compared with sham control brains. TBI can cause mast cell activation, neuroinflammation, and derangement of tight junction proteins associated with increased BBB permeability. We suggest that inhibition of mast cell activation can suppress neuroimmune responses and glial cell activation-associated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in TBI.
Effects of incubation temperature on development and yolk sac conversion efficiencies of spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor Olafsen) embryos until hatch

Two egg batches of spotted wolffish, Anarhichas minor Olafsen, were incubated at 4, 6 and 8 degrees C. Embryo samples were fixed and compared on each 100th daydegree until hatching (up to 1000 daydegrees). Embryos, yolk sacs and chorions were dissected and the sizes, wet and dry weights were recorded separately. Comparisons of gross morphologies and measured parameters showed increasing and generally significant differences with time between the incubation temperatures. Lower temperatures produced longer and more differentiated larvae at hatch with a smaller yolk sac. Even though some unexpected deviations were registered among batches and experimental groups, it was clear that temperature affected embryo survival and time of hatching. Overall survival was best at 6 degrees C, in agreement with results from earlier studies. Yolk conversion efficiencies measured around the hatching point were generally high, ranging from 60% to 78%, varied between the two batches and probably reflected the developmental variations between embryos and larvae at the respective ages (daydegrees). The hatching process was apparently an energy-demanding period; yolk conversion efficiencies of unhatched embryos of similar age at each temperature were always higher. Temperature is one environmental factor that can be manipulated in hatcheries to induce hatching of viable larvae at an optimal stage of differentiation with respect to first-feeding success and early survival.
Delayed development of the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and increased parasitism by Encarsia bimaculata in response to sublethal doses of piperonyl butoxide

Abstract Effects of sublethal piperonyl butoxide (PB) on parasitization of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) by Encarsia bimaculata Heraty et Polaszek (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were evaluated both in cage and greenhouse experiments. When first, second and third instar B. tabaci nymphs were treated with PB, all but the first instar were significantly prolonged. Data indicated that sublethal PB could improve E. bimaculata parasitism rates without influencing parasitoid eclosion rates. Prolonged development increased rates of parasitism by E. bimaculata, from 17.6% to 24.7% in cages, presumably by increasing the duration of host exposure. Sublethal PB combined with E. bimaculata as an integrated approach to control B. tabaci was evaluated using life table parameters under greenhouse conditions. Indices of population trend (I) calculated from life tables were estimated at 4.6 for B. tabaci exposed to PB and parasitoids compared to 14.1 with parasitoids alone and 23.5 in untreated controls. The results showed that after PB was sprayed and parasitoids introduced, development of B. tabaci was delayed and the peak of each stage was postponed. The older nymphal stage had highest mortality, primarily due to mortality caused by parasitism by E. bimaculata.
Clinical Events Associated with Acupuncture Intervention for the Treatment of Chronic Inflammation Associated Disorders

Acupuncture is a key component of Chinese medicine. It describes a series of procedures involving the stimulation of skin through penetration of fine, single-use, sterile needles that result in the release of neurotransmitters. Although its use is on the growing trend, considerable controversy surrounds its value as a therapy. Standard randomized controlled trials that adhere to the accepted criteria should be conducted in the future to ensure the effectiveness of acupuncture. This article summarizes the current evidence regarding the use of acupuncture. It includes a description of the history, mode of operation, treatment of a variety of chronic disorders related to inflammation, and future directions for acupuncture use. Published clinical trials support the view that acupuncture is a possible candidate for the treatment of several chronic inflammation-related disorders.
A Behavioral Trade-Off and Its Consequences for the Distribution of Pseudacris Treefrog Larvae

Larval chorus frogs (Pseudacris triseriata) and spring peepers (P. crucifer) show marked differences in their distribution patterns, with chorus frogs tending to occur in less permanent ponds containing lower predator densities, and spring peepers tending to occur in more permanent ponds with higher predator densities. In order to understand this pattern I performed experiments at two levels. First, at the community level, I evaluated the importance of competition, predation, and pond permanence for patterns of larval performance. Second, at the behavioral level, I asked whether a hypothesized trade-off between gain and risk underlies ecological interactions, and ultimately, patterns of perfor- mance and distribution of these species. I employed a field manipulation to assess the contributions of competition and predation within different ponds that varied in permanence. In order to examine the effect of inter- specific competition, enclosures contained each tadpole species either alone or in the pres- ence of an equal density of the other species; these enclosures were placed in two temporary ponds, two intermediate ponds, and two permanent ponds. Tadpole stocking densities re- flected local natural densities. This competition treatment was crossed with a predator treatment manipulating the absence or presence of predators (with "presence" representing the naturally occurring density within each pond). Patterns of relative performance were consistent with relative distribution patterns across the pond permanence gradient: chorus frogs performed best relative to spring peepers in temporary ponds while spring peepers performed best relative to chorus frogs in permanent ponds (performance was measured as survivorship and growth). The dominant sources of mortality were pond drying in temporary ponds and predation in more permanent ponds. In contrast to most previous experimental studies of larval anurans, competition had small effects on tadpole performance. Results from the field experiment suggest that pond drying and predation may be im- portant determinants of performance, and that the two species are differentially susceptible to these mortality agents. In a set of laboratory experiments I evaluated the hypothesis that a trade-off between foraging gain and predation risk mediated through activity (proportion of time spent moving) might explain patterns of Pseudacris distribution. In both species, individuals facultatively reduced activity in the presence of a caged predator with a cor- responding drop in growth rate. In general, larval chorus frogs also tend to be more active and faster growing and developing than spring peepers. These results provide support for the existence of the trade-off and suggest that interspecific differences in activity may contribute to patterns of larval performance and distribution among ponds. The general nature of this trade-off suggests that it may also be important in other systems.
Effect of Storage Period on Weight Loss, Chemical Composition, Microbiological and Sensory Characteristics of Sudanese White Cheese (Gibna Bayda)

2 Abstract: Effect of storage period on weight loss, chemical composition, microbiological and sensory characteristics of Sudanese white cheese (Gibna Bayda) is studied. The cheese was made from fresh raw cow's milk with 6% salt, preserved by it's own whey in anti-acid containers and stored at room temperature (35-37°C) for 240 days. Weight loss increasedsignificantly (p<0.05) increased through out the storage period. Crude proteins, total solids and ash contents significantly (p<0.05) increased from day zero to day 120 then decreased onwards. Soluble proteins, tyrosine, tryptophane and Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA) increased. Total Bacterial Count (TBC), coliforms, E. coli , Staphylococcus aureus and psychrotrophic bacterial counts significantly (p<0.05) decreased during storage, while yeasts and moulds increased as storage time progressed. Texture, flavour and colour of the cheese samples significantly (p<0.05) improved during storage until day 120 then decreased in scores there after.
A NEW NOTOSUCHIAN FROM THE EARLY CRETACEOUS OF NIGER

P. C. SERENO1, C. A. SIDOR2, H. C. E. LARSSON3, and B. GADO4 1Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60615, dinosaur@uchicago.edu; 2Department of Anatomy, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York 11568; 3Redpath Museum, McGill University, 859 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2K6; 4Institut de Recherches en Sciences Humaines, Niamey, Niger Republic
Reproducing the gender order in Canadian forestry: The role of statistical representation

Abstract Despite a large literature that addresses the gendered structure of forestry occupations in Europe and the USA, relatively little attention has been paid to these issues in Canada. In this paper, it is argued that policy makers and academics have used outdated statistics about forestry employment to shape policies and programs of government and industry. Use of these data has been to the general disadvantage of women working in the forest industry and in forestry communities. This paper draws mainly on three studies, spanning the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s. Each study relied on secondary sources such as Census data, government and industry documents, as well as primary sources such as interviews or questionnaires. On Vancouver Island, British Columbia, analysis of land reallocation policies and transition strategies for displaced workers in the 1990s did not consider women as forestry workers or consider how job losses and opportunities for retraining might vary between men and women. Consequently, gender-neutral transition strategies were more accessible for men than for women. A study of female forestry workers in Saskatchewan revealed there was very little knowledge about employment conditions for women in forestry. Women reported that they missed out on training and advancement opportunities because they lacked networks, childcare support or other benefits that might encourage them to improve their circumstances. Finally, a survey of forest sector advisory committees across the country revealed a very low rate of participation by women, even though those who did participate had some significantly different viewpoints about forestry than their male counterparts. In combination, these efforts suggest that improvements in the understanding of forestry employment would benefit forestry workers, both male and female, and ensure that all workers made lasting contributions to the industry.
Imagined and Actual Acupuncture Effects on Chronic Low Back Pain: A Preliminary Study

Background Research suggests that imagined experiences can produce brain responses similar to those produced by actual experiences. Shared brain responses that support both imagination and perception may underlie the functional nature of mental imagery. In a previous study, we combined acupuncture and imagery to develop a new treatment method, video-guided acupuncture imagery treatment (VGAIT). We found that VGAIT significantly increased pain thresholds in healthy subjects. The aim of this study is to extend our previous finding by investigating whether VGAIT can relieve symptoms in patients with chronic low back pain. Methods We first performed a single-arm study in which we administered video-guided acupuncture imagery treatment (VGAIT) on patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP) (Study 1, n = 18, 12 females). We then compared our findings to those from a recently published study in which real or sham acupuncture treatment was applied on patients with cLBP (Study 2, n = 50, 31 females) using a similar protocol. All patients in Studies 1 and 2 received 6 treatments over 4 weeks. Results All three treatments (VGAIT, real, and sham acupuncture) significantly reduced pain severity as measured by a low back pain bothersomeness score. VGAIT produced similar effects to real acupuncture (p = 0.97) and nonsignificantly greater pain bothersomeness relief compared to sham acupuncture (p = 0.14). Additional analysis showed that there was no significant difference on the sensations evoked by different treatment modalities. Conclusion These findings support VGAIT as a promising method for pain management.
Onset of spring starting earlier across the Northern Hemisphere

Recent warming of Northern Hemisphere (NH) land is well documented and typically greater in winter/spring than other seasons. Physical environment responses to warming have been reported, but not details of large‐area temperate growing season impacts, or consequences for ecosystems and agriculture. To date, hemispheric‐scale measurements of biospheric changes have been confined to remote sensing. However, these studies did not provide detailed data needed for many investigations. Here, we show that a suite of modeled and derived measures (produced from daily maximum–minimum temperatures) linking plant development (phenology) with its basic climatic drivers provide a reliable and spatially extensive method for monitoring general impacts of global warming on the start of the growing season. Results are consistent with prior smaller area studies, confirming a nearly universal quicker onset of early spring warmth (spring indices (SI) first leaf date, −1.2 days decade−1), late spring warmth (SI first bloom date, −1.0 days decade−1; last spring day below 5°C, −1.4 days decade−1), and last spring freeze date (−1.5 days decade−1) across most temperate NH land regions over the 1955–2002 period.
Aquatic feeding by moose Alces alces in a Canadian lake

The aquatic feeding behaviour of moose, and the abundance, species, and chemical composition of aquatic plants, were studied in a small Canadian lake which attracted many animals. Feeding was much more common in June than later in the summer, and somewhat more common during the morning and evening than in (he afternoon. Individual adult moose appeared to use the lake intensively during 1- to 4-day visits. Compared to deciduous browse, the aquatic plants had high levels of sodium and iron, less fat, and similar levels of crude protein, crude fibre, sulphate and other minerals. In the preferred feeding areas, compared to other parts of the lake, plants were more abundant, had a different species composition, and were richer in iron and calcium. Recent flooding, a flow of water through the feeding areas, and a bicarbonate-rich tributary may all have contributed to the lake's attraction for moose.
TAXONOMIC REVISION OF THE DYROSAURID ASSEMBLAGE (CROCODYLIFORMES: MESOEUCROCODYLIA) FROM THE PALEOCENE OF THE IULLEMMEDEN BASIN, WEST AFRICA

Abstract The dyrosaurids of the Iullemmeden Basin (West Africa) are mainly represented by two genera, Hyposaurus and Rhabdognathus. Hyposaurus has been recognized in the Paleocene of Mali and Nigeria with two species, H. nopcsai and H. wilsoni. Diagnostic characters given by previous authors for these species do not enable their distinction from each other, nor from North American species. It is therefore reasonable to consider H. nopcsai and H. wilsoni as nomina dubia. In 1930, Swinton erected the new genus and species Rhabdognathus rarus on the basis of mandibular remains, and Buffetaut referred a skull to this species in 1980. A new skull was described in 2002 by Brochu et al., and referred to Rhabdognathus sp. Unfortunately, it is impossible to refer either skull to the type species, the mandibular remains having no diagnostic characters at the specific level. Thus, R. rarus is a nomen dubium, and two new names are erected for the two skulls: R. keiniensis n. sp. and R. aslerensis n. sp. , all the mandibular remains being referred to Rhabdognathus sp. The species Rhabdognathus compressus is reassigned to the genus Congosaurus, since its mandible is higher than that of Hyposaurus, shorter than that of Rhabdognathus, and the lateromedially compressed teeth demonstrate that C. compressus and C. bequaerti are closely related.