Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cavity trees and coarse woody debris in old-growth and managed northern hardwood forests in Wisconsin and Michigan

The effects of uneven-aged management on the availability of coarse woody debris habitat were examined in northern hardwood forests (with and without a hemlock component) in north-central Wisconsin and adjacent western Upper Michigan. Snags, cavity trees, fallen wood, and recent tip-up mounds in 15 managed uneven-aged (selection) stands were compared with levels in 10 old-growth stands and six unmanaged even-aged second-growth stands. Amounts of coarse woody debris in selection stands were generally intermediate between old-growth and even-aged stands. Density of snags >30 cm DBH in northern hardwood selection stands averaged 12/ha, approximately double that found in even-aged northern hardwoods, but only 54% of the level in old-growth northern hardwoods. Highest densities of snags >30 cm DBH occurred in old-growth hemlocknhardwood stands, averaging over 40 snags/ha. For combined forest types, the volume of fallen wood (>10 cm in diameter) was significantly lower in selection stands (60 m 3 /ha) and even-aged stands (25 m 3 /ha) than in old-growth stands (99 m 3 /ha). Volume differences were even more pronounced for large-diameter debris (>40 cm). Cavity tree density in selection stands averaged 11 trees/ha, 65% of the mean number in old-growth stands. Densities of snags (>30 cm DBH) and large-diameter cavity trees (>45 cm) present in selection stands exceeded current guidelines for wildlife tree retention on public forests.
Comparison of damage to Eucalyptus caused by Amorbus obscuricornis and Gelonus tasmanicus

Amorbus obscuricornis (Westwood) and Gelonus tasmanicus (Le Guillou) (Heteroptera: Coreidae) are specific to Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae). A. obscuricornis feeds almost exclusively upon apical shoots and causes a characteristic wilting and necrosis. By comparison, the feeding activities of G. tasmanicus result in no obvious phytotoxicosis. Salivary gland extracts from both species exhibited sucrase activity but no pectinmethylesterase (PME) activity. Saliva from A. obscuricornis also exhibited considerable oxidase activity. Sucrase activity was significantly higher in extracts derived from G. tasmanicus than from A. obscuricornis, but this could not explain the observed differences in phytotoxic symptoms. It is suggested that differences in plant damage are attributable to the site of feeding activity (i.e. young versus mature tissue), which predetermines the reactivity of host tissues, and/or the quantity of salivary enzymes injected.
Effects of Short Periods of Drought and High Temperature on Grain Growth and Starch Accumulation of Two Malting Barley Cultivars

Short periods (3-5 days) of high maximum temperature (>35oC), often accompanied by drought, commonly occur during grain filling of cereals. Short periods of high temperature have been shown to reduce grain weight and baking quality in wheat, but little is known about their effects on barley. Consequently, we examined the effects of high temperature and drought, alone or combined, on grain growth for two barley cultivars, Schooner and Franklin. Treatments started 15 days after anthesis and consisted of the factorial combination of three temperatures and three water regimes. The high temperature (maximum 40oC for 6 h day-1) and drought treatments were maintained for 5 or 10 days. Drought reduced individual grain weight much more (ca 20%) than high temperature (ca 5%) for both cultivars. Franklin appeared to be more sensitive to heat stress than Schooner. The reduction in individual grain weight was greatest when both stresses were combimed (ca 30%). The reduction in mature grain weight under high temperature was due to a reduction in duration of grain growth for Schooner and to a reduction in both rate and duration of grain growth for Franklin (8-12%). The reduction in duration of grain growth was the most important cause of reduced grain weight at maturity under drought alone (12-25%) or combined with high temperature (25-33%). Nitrogen content per grain was quite high and similar for all treatments, and nitrogen percentage increased when stress was severe enough to reduce starch accumulation, confirming that starch accumulation is more sensitive to post- anthesis stress than nitrogen accumulation. We conclude that drought, particularly when combined with high temperature, is more likely than heat stress to cause large reductions in grain weight of barley under field conditions.
The spermatozoa and eggs of the cardinal fish

The gametes of the cardinal fish Apogon imberbis had the following characteristic: the semen contained both biflagellate ( c. 20% in the investigated samples) and monoflagellate ( c. 80%) spermatozoa. The spermatozoa were acrosomless, had an ovoid head, and a cylindrical midpiece. The midpiece contained a high number of mitochondria (seven–10). The distal centriole was fastened to the nucleus via electron-dense material. The proximal centriole was completely reduced. The eggs were spherical, had a smooth surface and one micropyle consisting of the micropylar channel, the vestibulum and a ring-like convulsion bordering the vestibulum. The zona radiata was formed out of four layers which could be distinguished by their fine structural and histochemical features. It was only c. 1·5 µm thick and therefore much thinner than in other marine teleosts. The internal organization of the eggs (homogenous protein yolk containing cortical granules and lipid droplets) as well as the qualitative and quantitative biochemical composition of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates was similar to that of the pelagic eggs of other marine species.
REDUCED COLD-HARDINESS OF PEAR PSYLLA (HOMOPTERA: PSYLLIDAE) CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO EXTERNAL WATER AND SURFACTANTS

Abstract Overwintering pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Foerster), were misted with water or with one of several dilute solutions of water and surfactant, and then exposed to a range of subzero temperatures for 24 h. Misted psylla had significantly greater mortality than unmisted controls. Increases in mortality occurred at temperatures as warm as −6°C, a temperature well within the range of conditions in the field. At extreme low temperatures (−18°C) there was virtually no mortality in the unmisted controls, whereas mortality approached or reached 100% in several of the misted groups. Temperatures necessary to kill 50% of insects estimated for topically treated psylla ranged between −2.6 and −12.7°C for surfactant-treated insects, and below −18°C for water-treated or control insects. The possibility of using surfactants and water for control of overwintering pear psylla is discussed. Résumé Des Psylles du poirier, Cacopsylla pyricola (Foerster), ont été vaporisées au cours de l’hiver, d’eau, ou alors d’une ou plusieurs solutions aqueuses de surfactants, puis exposées à une gamme de températures sous zéro durant 24 h. Les psylles vaporisées avaient des taux de mortalité plus élevés que les psylles témoins non vaporisées. L’augmentation de la mortalité a été constatée des températures pourtant assez élevées, jusqu’à −6°C, une température plus élevée que les températures minimales prévalant en nature. A température très froide (−18°C) la mortalité a été presque nulle chez les insectes témoins, alors qu’elle avoisinait 100% chez plusieurs des groupes vaporisés. Les températures nécessaires pour tuer 50% des insectes chez les psylles traitées par vaporisation se situaient entre −2,6 et −12,7°C dans le cas des insectes traités aux surfactants, et sous −18 °C chez les insectes vaporisés à l’eau et les insectes témoins. La possibilité de recourir à une vaporisation à l’eau et aux surfactants dans la lutte aux Psylles du poirier pendant l’hiver est examinée. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
Establishment of a New Stink Bug Pest, Oebalus insularis (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), in Florida Rice

ABSTRACT The stink bug, Oebalus insularis (Stal), was first observed in Florida rice fields in 2007. An extensive survey was conducted during 2008 and 2009 to determine the relative abundance and population biology of O. insularis in Florida rice fields. It occurred in 100% of all fields sampled and constituted 20% of all stink bugs collected. Data from this study show that O. insularis, a well known rice pest in Caribbean islands, Central America, and South America, is now widespread in Florida rice fields. This is the first report of this species being found in commercial rice fields in the United States.
THE COMPOSITION OF THE MILK OF THE GIRAFFE (GIRAFFA CAMELOPARDALIS RETICULATA)

A sample of milk was obtained from a giraffe while under anaesthesia for a minor operation. Since we have been unable to find any previous reports on the composition of giraffe's milk, we present here our findings for the chemical composition and vitamin content of this one sample taken during the fifth month of lactation. Summary 1. A sample of milk was obtained from a giraffe on the 150th day of lactation. The milk was analysed for fat, lactose, protein, casein, soluble proteins, nonprotein nitrogen, ash, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and iron. The main characteristic of the milk was its high fat content, 12.5 per cent. 2. The soluble-protein fraction was examined by paper electrophoresis and found to be of a complex nature with both globulins and albumins present. 3. The contents of Ca pantothenate, riboflavin, thiamine and vitamin B6 (pyridoxal) were similar to those in good quality cow's milk. The contents of biotin and α-tocopherol were lower and those of nicotinic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin A higher than in cow's milk. No carotenoids were present.
Diet of wild boar Sus scrofa in Western Europe, with particular reference to consumption of agricultural crops

The diet of wild boar Sus scrofa in Western Europe is reviewed, paying particular attention to the consumption of agricultural crops and the implications of this from the point of view of crop damage. Data were taken mainly from 11 studies that provide quantitative informa- tion about the consumption of different food types, but we also list all the foods reported as being eaten by wild boar in a total of 21 studies. 2. Vegetable foods occurred more frequently in the diet than animal foods, and also consti- tuted the bulk of the food ingested. Overall, there were four major vegetable food categories: mast, roots, green plant matter and agricultural crops. Depending on the study area, wild boar always consumed at least one energy-rich plant food such as acorns, beechnuts, chest- nuts, pine seeds, olives, cereal grains or other crops. The number and types of agricultural crops consumed varied between study areas but crops represent an important component of wild boar diet throughout its Western European range. Among animal foods, insects, earthworms, birds and mammals were eaten most consistently but the diet also included amphibians, reptiles, gastropods and myriapods. 3. Seasonal, interannual and regional differences in the diet, together with its striking overall breadth, indicate that wild boar are opportunistic omnivores whose diet, in any particular instance, is largely determined by the relative availability of different food types. Dependence on energy-rich plant material as a major component of the diet, coupled with large body size and a propensity to trample crops as well as consume them, means that wild boar cause significant agricultural damage.
Discovery of three woolly apple aphid Eriosoma lanigerum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) biotypes in Australia: the role of antixenosis and antibiosis in apple tree resistance

The woolly apple aphid (WAA), Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann, is a worldwide pest of apple orchards that has become widespread in apple‐growing regions of Australia. Several WAA populations that are geographically distant may have evolved into biotypes having different fitness (e.g. fecundity) in similar biotic and abiotic conditions. In this study, we investigated the performance of four different lines of WAA (designated as ALB, STA, BAT and YAR) originating from four locations in Victoria and New South Wales (Australia). Nymph establishment, nymph development to adult, nymph developmental time, female fecundity and adult weight of apterous virginoparae on apple trees (cv Granny Smith) were monitored under glasshouse conditions. Results showed that at least three lines examined here differ significantly in one or more performance parameters. Nymphs of the STA lineage showed a significantly higher establishment success after 7 days (64.3%) compared with lines BAT (53.1%) and YAR (43.6%). Nymph development to adulthood followed a similar trend. The average fecundity/female/7 days of the ALB lineage (19.7 ± 1.6 nymphs) was the lowest and significantly reduced relative to all other lines (from 36.6 to 40.5 nymphs). These results demonstrate the existence of at least three different biotypes in Australia. Antibiosis and antixenosis, respectively, could explain lower aphid establishment and lower female fecundity once settled. The characterisation of different WAA biotypes could have important implications for WAA management, and further studies should evaluate the overall diversity of biotypes, their geographical distribution and their growth characteristics to fully optimise pest control strategies.
Striga hermonthica decreases photosynthesis in Zea mays through effects on leaf cell structure

Maize seedlings were grown in pots either with or without preconditioned seeds of the parasitic weed, Striga hermonthica. After between 4 and 8 weeks, net photosynthesis in the leaves of maize plants infected with Striga decreased compared to leaves of uninfected control plants. The activities of four enzymes of photosynthetic metabolism were, however, little affected by infection. A pulse-chase experiment using 14 CO 2 showed that C 4 acids were the main early products of assimilation even when the rate of photosynthesis was much decreased by infection, but more radioactivity appeared in glycine and serine than in leaves of healthy maize plants. Leaves of infected maize required longer to reach a steady rate of photosynthesis upon enclosure in a leaf chamber than leaves of uninfected plants after similar treatment. Electron microscopy of transverse sections of the leaves of infected maize indicated that the cell walls in the bundle sheath and vascular tissue were less robust than in leaves of healthy plants. The results suggest that infection with Striga causes an increase in the permeability of cell walls in the bundle sheath, leakage of CO 2 from the bundle sheath cells and decreased effectiveness of C 4 photosynthesis in host leaves.
On a collection of blenniid fishes from Mauritania, with a redescription of Spaniblennius riodourensis (Metzelaar, 1919)

During the Tyro Mauritania Expedition (1988) of the Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum (formerly Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie) Leiden, six species of Blenniidae were caught at the coast and on the shelf of Mauritania, off the Banc d'Arguin. Additional specimens of Spaniblennius riodourensis (Metzelaar, 1919), previously known only from the holotype, allow to more fully describe the species and the genus Spaniblennius Bath & Wirtz, 1989. New records of Parablennius pilicornis (Cuvier, 1829), Parablennius goreensis (Valenciennes, 1836), Lipophrys velifer (Norman, 1935), Lipophrys pholis (Linnaeus, 1758), and Blennius normani Poll, 1949, present extensions of the known ranges of these species. The coasts of Mauritania appear to represent a region where some northern species have their southern limit and some southern species have their northern limit in the eastern Atlantic.
Intracellular salt concentrations of the anaerobic halophilic eubacteria Haloanaerobium praevalens and Halobacteroides halobius

The obligately anaerobic, moderately halophilic eubacteria Haloanaerobium praevalens (isolated from Great Salt Lake, Utah) and Halobacteroides halobius (isolated from the Dead Sea) were found to contain high intracellular potassium concentrations (0.76–2.05 M, not well correlated with the external NaCl concentration), and high intracellular sodium concentrations (0.28–2.6 M, increasing with increasing extracellular NaCl concentration). The sum of intracellular potassium and sodium concentrations approximated the total cation concentration of the medium. Internal chloride concentrations in Haloanaerobium praevalens equalled the external chloride concentration. Organic solutes, such as betaine, glycerol, and different amino acids that have been shown to serve as compatible solutes in other halophilic eubacteria and eukaryotic organisms, were not found in significant concentrations. Analysis of the amino acids in the proteins of the anaerobic halophilic eubacteria showed an excess of acidic amino acids, simi.
A CHECKLIST OF THE WEEDS GROWING IN THE MAIZE CROP AT MANKIAL VALLEY HINDUKUSH RANGE, PAKISTAN

Distributions of 31 weed species belonging to 15 families were recorded in maize fields from five sites in Mankial valley from June to September, 2012. Poaceae was the leading family with 7 species, followed by Polygonaceae with 4 species and Amaranthaceae with 3 species. Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Plantaginaceae and Lamiaceae had 2 species each. Balsaminaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Convolvulaceae, Equisetaceae, Malvaceae, Onagraceae and Portulacaceae were each represented by one species. The composition of the weed species differed at each site. Amaranthus was among the top three species at three sites; Portulaca, Pennisetum, Rumex and Equisetum were each among the top three species in two fields. Communities’ formation was Fagopyrum-Portulaca-Amaranthus (with IVI of 56.02, 50.87 and 44.78 respectively), Pennisetum-RumexPortulaca (with IVI 40.41, 32.43, 30.63 respectively), SorghumEquisetum-Portulaca (with IVI 54.95, 46.26 and 34.95 respectively), Pennisetum-Rumex-Amaranthus (with IVI 63.87, 42.87 and 38.75 respectively) and Equisetum-Amaranthus-Malva (with IVI 99.05, 32.73 and 25.81 respectively).
Starch synthesis in tomato remains constant throughout fruit development and is dependent on sucrose supply and sucrose synthase activity

Studies designed to investigate the cellular pathway of phloem unloading were conducted on two tomato lines with either high or low fruit invertase activities. Experiments were based on determination of the degree to which 3 H label from [ 3 H]-(fructosyl)-sucrose was randomized between fructose and glucose following exposure of excised fruit to a pulse of labelled sucrose delivered through the pedicels. Fruit from the low invertase line harvested 10, 20 and 40 d after anthesis had similar sucrose uptake kinetics to the high invertase line. A positive correlation was found between sucrose synthase activity and sucrose uptake in both low and high invertase lines. In contrast, no correlation was observed between acid or neutral invertase activities and sucrose uptake. Within the putative apoplasmic sap collected from fruit, label in [ 3 H]-(fructosyl)-sucrose was randomized between the free hexoses and sucrose hexose moieties. Label asymmetry was retained in sucrose on arrival within the tissues. Randomization patterns were similar in both the low and high acid invertase lines. These data support the view that sucrose imported into the fruit was not exposed to extracellular hydrolysis. This suggests that movement from the phloem is likely to occur predominantly through a symplastic pathway. About 25% of the sucrose taken up by the fruit was converted into starch regardless of fruit age, suggesting that starch turnover remains constant throughout fruit development and that starch synthesis was dependent on sucrose supply.
Satisfaction and Struggles: Family Perceptions of Early Intervention Services

This study was commissioned by the North Carolina Interagency Coordinating Council (NC-ICC) at the request of its Children and Families Committee. The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the NC-ICC. We thank Lynn Curkin, Doris Cothard, and Susan Robinson (fellow members, with the authors, of the Children and Families Committee) for their contributions to the design of the study and creation of the questionnaire. Thanks are also extended to Ron Craig and Bill Parise for quantitative data analysis, to Wayde Johnson, Karen Applequist, Lisa Clifton, and Craig Pohlman for qualitative analyses, to Cayle Underdown and Gladys Whitehouse for conducting the interviews, to Cina Walker for graphics, and to Duncan Munn for contributing to the questionnaire. We are most grateful to the families who took the time to participate; many of them wrote long answers to the open-ended questions. Appreciation is extended to the direct-service professionals who distributed the questionnaires and followed up with families. Finally, special thanks are due to the six families who allowed us to interview them. One method of evaluating early intervention services is to ask its consumers. The mixed-method approach in this study involved a written survey (quantitative) and in-depth, semi-structured interviews (qualitative). The survey was completed by 539 parents of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers receiving any type of early intervention service. Results showed overwhelming satisfaction with most services, but some concerns were noted in the choices of available mainstreaming options. Interviews showed that families ascribed most of their positive experiences to the supportive behaviors of individual professionals. Bad experiences were most often related to difficulties in finding out about, getting, and monitoring services. Families spent much time and energy in securing more services, particularly therapies, for their children. The discussion focuses on implications for family-centered services and for providing specialized services.
Estimating raptor electrocution mortality on distribution power lines in Alberta, Canada

Raptor electrocution mortality on power lines has been well documented over the past several decades, yet knowledge gaps, particularly regarding electrocution rates and estimates of losses, are still prevalent in the literature. Mortality estimates that do exist are often derived solely from utility outage records and exclude those not associated with a sustained outage. To address these shortcomings, we directly assessed raptor electrocution mortality beneath distribution power lines in east-central Alberta, Canada between June and August 2003. We also experimentally tested the effect of scavenger removal of carcasses. We observed the greatest rate of raptor mortality on transformer poles; 3-phase corner deadend poles were implicated in more incidents than expected based on proportional frequency, whereas tangent structures showed the opposite result. An estimated 94% of electrocution mortality was not associated with a power outage, indicating that utility outage data alone is insufficient to estimate incidence of electrocution. Scavenger removal rates were high, with >50% of the experimental carcasses removed within 7 days. Study results will assist utility companies and wildlife managers to better delineate structure retrofitting and new construction standards for structures that cause a disproportionately high number of raptor electrocutions, maximizing limited mitigation funds. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.