Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fragmentation effects on woodlark habitat selection depend on habitat amount and spatial scale

Habitat loss and fragmentation are key drivers of biodiversity loss. However, they are usually confounded, making it difficult to separate fragmentation effects from those of habitat loss. In addition, it has been shown that often fragmentation negatively affects biodiversity only below a certain threshold of habitat amount. We investigated the separate and interactive effects of habitat amount and fragmentation on habitat selection of the woodlark at 10 spatial scales. In southern Switzerland this passerine mainly breeds in ground‐vegetated vineyards, which therefore represent the focal habitat type in this study. Additionally, we investigated land cover, topographic and climatic variables at the same 10 scales to obtain a holistic picture of species‐habitat associations. Habitat selection was analyzed at two hierarchical levels: home range selection within the study area and habitat use within home ranges. Home range selection was strongly driven by an interactive effect of habitat amount and fragmentation: woodlarks avoided fragmented areas if habitat amount was below 20% but exhibited a preference for fragmented areas if habitat amount exceeded this threshold. Both habitat amount and fragmentation most strongly affected habitat use at the 100 m scale. We did not find such interactive effects for habitat use within home ranges. At this level, habitat amount at a 50 m scale influenced woodlark presence positively with no significant effects of fragmentation. Furthermore, woodlarks preferred evenly sloped landscape mosaics interspersed with steppes and groves. Two main insights emerge from our study. First, these results highlight the necessity of studying scale explicit and interactive effects of habitat amount and fragmentation when addressing ecological questions, such as habitat selection in birds. Second, we provide management recommendations for farmers: more vineyards should be vegetated and arranged as disjunct patches where their surface covers more than 20% of the landscape but be aggregated where vegetated area is lower.
Mushrooms. Cultivation, Nutritional Value, Medicinal Effects, and Environmental Impact, Second Edition

Agroecology deals with the application of ecological principles in agroecosystems, and represents a logical response to shortcomings of conventional agriculture. The book by Clements and Shrestha elaborates on several aspects of this ‘new’ approach, focusing on soil-related issues, pest, disease and weed problems, and their integrated management, the integration of livestock in agriculture, the potential role of transgenic plants in such systems, and future research and teaching challenges. Each chapter is written by different contributors mostly based in the US. The presentation is rather dull, and the reader has to know his/her ropes: a lot of terms are used without introduction or further explanation. This might limit the number of potential readers. The book hesitates between being a text book that could be used in class (but then it is not complete nor didactic enough), and being a collection of papers dealing with all or most issues that are still pending, and here also I am afraid the book is not complete. The big question of whether and how agroecology will feed the world is not addressed: economic and financial cost/benefit and the economics of agroecology are nowhere discussed. If agroecology has to become the guiding principle of international agriculture for the near future, then it should also be able to address such issues as drought and salinity stress, or depleted soils—these themes, however, are only touched upon very superficially when dealing with other subjects. Moreover, Third World agriculture only receives marginal attention, whereas rice, which is by far the most important (tropical) crop, is only dealt with in relation with soil microbiology, and not as a crop. The conclusion is that the book is quite incomplete, and sometimes even too superficial to be a good introduction to the theme of agroecology. Some capita selecta are interesting reads, but the overall impression remains that this theme deserved better.
UV‐induced changes in phytoplankton cells and its effects on grazers

This review addresses the effects of UV-radiation on the morphology and biochemistry of phytoplankton and the potential effects on grazers. UVA and UVB radiation inhibit the uptake of inorganic nutrients in phytoplankton. Reduced rates of ammonium and nitrate uptake in marine diatoms, and reduced uptake of phosphorus in freshwater flagellates are reported. The effects on cell stoichiometry are not settled. UVA and UVB radiation promote increased cell volumes owing to a decoupling between the photosynthetic processes and cell division. Loss or inactivation of flagellae and loss of motility are also reported for a number of phytoplankton species. UVA and UVB radiation may affect major biochemical constituents. Accumulation of intracellular, photosynthetic products (lipids or carbohydrates) is a common, although not unique, property of UV-stressed algae. Fatty acid (FA) profiles seem susceptible to UV radiation. A relative increase of short-chained, and a decrease in polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) are reported. The important membrane FA like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 omega 3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 omega 3) seem particularl UV-related responses are highly dependent on taxonomy, cell-cycle stage, nutrient-limitation and the UV:PAR (photosynthetic active radiation)-ratio. Nutrient deficiency, cell size, cell wall properties and FA can all have significant impacts on grazers. Thus the reported effects on cell morphology and biochemical constituents could have profound effects on grazers and energy transfer in aquatic foodwebs. [KEYWORDS: ULTRAVIOLET-B RADIATION, FATTY-ACID COMPOSITION, EUGLENA-GRACILIS, OZONE DEPLETION, CHLAMYDOMONAS-REINHARDTII, MONOCHROMATIC LIGHT, NITROGEN STARVATION, NUTRIENT LIMITATION, N-15-NITRATE UPTAKE, ISOCHRYSIS-GALBANA]
Mixing Ratios With Age: Application to Preasymptotic One‐Dimensional Equilibrium Bimolecular Reactive Transport in Porous Media

Analysis of reactive transport in natural and engineered porous media has benefited from the concept of mixing ratios, in particular as a basis for mathematical separation of transport and reactions processes. General use of solute age has also been recently explored as a way to describe solute mass transfer and/or as a proxy for reaction extent. Age here is defined as exposure time to the flow field. Pairing these concepts, we develop mixing ratio models that are structured on age. One‐dimensional transport is cast in terms of age‐structured mixing ratios in general and compared with conventional formulations of mixing ratio models, demonstrating that age is often a more natural independent variable than absolute time. Using this modeling framework, we then apply age‐structured mixing ratios to the problem of mixing‐limited reactive transport in one‐dimension by explicitly considering unmixed and mixed phases. In order to address mixing limitations under the entirety of transport including the preasymptotic dispersion timeframe, we use the same age variable to define the dispersion coefficient value in a local formulation of transport. Establishing an age‐dependent dispersion coefficient allows simulation of the whole transport time including both preasymptotic and asymptotic dispersion conditions with one model. In our application we explore use of this modeling approach to both synthetic preasymptotic data and experimental asymptotic data pertaining to one famous experiment.
Outcome after the surgical treatment of the Dubberley type B distal humeral capitellar and trochlear fractures with a buttress plate.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of the surgical treatment performed with a buttress plate for the trochlear and distal capitellum fractures with posterior extension in the humerus. METHODS The data belonging to 6 female and 4 male patients with a mean age of 43.8±11.1 (34-72) years were retrospectively evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 59.6±38.79 (22-127) months. The trochlear extension and posterior comminution of the fractures were assessed through the initial X-rays and computerized tomography images. Ten patients were classified as Dubberley type B. All fractures were treated surgically, with open reduction and internal fixation using a lateral buttress plate, headless cannulated screws, and Kirschner (K)-wires. The passive flexion and extension exercises were initiated at the first postoperative day. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at the final follow-up. The outcomes were quantified using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and the patient's opinion. RESULTS At the final follow-up, the mean elbow flexion was 137.5°±3° (132°-140°), extension was -17.9°±9.2° (10°-35°), pronation was 72.2°±2.6° (68°-75°), and supination was 78.9°±4.09 (72°-85°). The mean MEPI score was calculated as 95.5±5.98 (85-100). According to the MEPI score, 8 patients were evaluated as excellent and 2 as good. The mean VAS pain score was 0.8±1.03 (0-2). The subjective patient evaluation was recorded as excellent in 5 patients, good in 3 patients, and moderate in 2 patients. One patient developed avascular necrosis and 2 patients had elbow joint arthrosis. K-wire migration was observed in one patient. Loss of reduction, nonunion, malunion, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, or heterotopic ossification were not encountered. CONCLUSION The management of distal humeral fractures is challenging, and favorable outcomes are closely associated with early joint motion. A solid fixation grants early mobilization. An internal fixation using lateral buttress plate, headless cannulated screws, and interfragmentary K-wires provides a solid and secure construction that allows early postoperative joint motion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, Therapeutic study.
Is There Inequality in What Adolescents Can Give as Well as Receive?

Adolescents have a fundamental need to contribute to other people, social groups, and the larger society. Giving support and resources to others assists canonical developmental tasks such as autonomy and identity and is beneficial for psychological and physical health. As with the resources received by youths, inequalities along well-known social gradients likely exist in the opportunity for adolescents to make meaningful contributions to their social worlds. Greater attention to inequalities in the opportunities for adolescents to give as well as receive could reveal underappreciated but significant ways in which the development of youths from marginalized groups may be compromised.
Transpiration difference under high evaporative demand in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) may be explained by differences in the water transport pathway in the root cylinder.

Terminal drought substantially reduces chickpea yields. Reducing water use at vegetative stage by reducing transpiration rate (TR) under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD), i.e. under dry/hot conditions, contributes to drought adaptation. We hypothesized that this trait could relate to differences in the genotype's dependence on root's water transport pathways and hydraulics. The transpiration rate response in profligate and conservative chickpea genotypes was evaluated under increasing VPD in the presence/absence of apoplastic & cell-to-cell transport inhibitors. Conservative genotypes ICC4958 and ICC8058 restricted TR under high VPD compared to profligate genotypes ICC14799 and ICC867. Profligate genotypes were more effected by aquaporin inhibition of the cell-to-cell pathway than conservative genotypes, as measured by root hydraulic conductance and transpiration under high VPD. Aquaporin inhibitor treatment also led to a higher reduction in root hydraulic conductivity in profligate than in conservative genotypes. By contrast, the blockage of the apoplastic pathway in roots decreased TR more in conservative than in profligate genotypes. Interestingly, conservative genotypes had high early vigor whereas profligate genotypes had low early vigor. In conclusion, profligate genotypes depended more on the cell-to-cell pathway, which could have explained their higher root hydraulic conductivity, whereas water saving from transpiration restriction showed a higher dependence on the apoplastic pathway. This opens the possibility to do screening for conservative or profligate phenotypes using these inhibitors, itself opening to the search of the genetic basis of these differences.
Rapid assessment of the marine alien megabiota in the shallow coastal waters of the Greek islands, Paros and Antiparos, Aegean Sea.

The shallow seabed off the Greek islands Paros and Antiparos was surveyed for the presence of alien megabiota during July 2011. Fourteen sites were surveyed by snorkeling at depths between 0 and 10 m. Eight alien species were recorded: Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea, Halophila stipulacea, Pinctada radiata, Percnon gibbesi, Cassiopea andromeda, Aplysia dactylomela, Siganus luridus and Fistularia commersonii. The first four species are new records for the islands; all eight species established populations in the study area. Siganus luridus was present in high numbers in all sites and may be considered as highly invasive. Cassiopea andromeda reappeared in the Aegean Sea after a hiatus of 55 years, reaching densities >20 individuals/m 2 at one site.
Acquired Resistance to Experimental Heterakis Infections in Chickens and Turkeys: Effect on the Transmission of Histomonas meleagridis

Attempts were made to induce increased resistance to caecal worm infections in chickens and turkeys by giving 5-week-old birds embryonated Heterakis eggs. To test for such resistance, the birds were challenged 28 days later by feeding comparable numbers of embryonated eggs. To study the possible influence of any response on the transmission of blackhead, some of the birds received Heterakis eggs from worms grown in birds that had blackhead. In blackhead-free chickens there was only a slight reduction in the number of worms recoveied from the initial infection as a result of the superimposed second infection. However, there were 37% fewer worms from the second feeding of eggs than were present in the control birds that had had no previous Heterakis infection. In blackhead-free turkeys, the immunized birds had fewer worms from both doses than did the controls. These reductions averaged about 40% in both instances.
The protective effects of zinc and vitamin E supplementation against kidney toxicity by lithium in rats

The valuable effects of antioxidants supplementation on lithium-induced nephrotoxicity has not been understood yet. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the renoprotective effect of zinc sulfate (Zn) and/or vitamin E (Vit. E) against lithium chloride (Li)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Forty male rats were divided into five groups. The first worked as controls and the other were treated with Li (20 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks). Group I of Li-treated was left without treatment, however, group II, III and IV were treated with Zn (10 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks), Vit. E (10 mg/kg, twice a week for 4 weeks), and the combination of Zn and Vit. E, respectively. Rats were killed for collection of blood and kidneys for biochemical and histological studies. The results showed a significant increase in Li in kidney tissue in all treated groups with Li, however, Zn was only increased in the groups treated with Zn, whereas Cu was similar in all treated and control groups. Plasma levels of creatinine, urea and glucose showed differences among the treated groups. The levels of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase in renal tissue were significantly increased in Li-treated groups in comparison with the control and ameliorated by treatment with Zn and the combination of Zn and Vit. E. Histological observation showed perivascular edema and interstitial lymphocytic cell reaction in kidney of rats treated with Li, however co-treatment with Zn and/or Vit. E resulted in improvement of the histological changes. In conclusion Li-exposure causes a histological and biochemical changes mediated by oxidative stress and Li accumulation and co-treatment with Zn and/or Vit. E may protect against Li toxicity.
Veal calves’ clinical/health status in large groups fed with automatic feeding devices

Abstract Aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical/health status of veal calves in 3 farms that adopt large group housing and automatic feeding stations in Italy. Visits were scheduled in three phases of the rearing cycle (early, middle, and end). Results showed a high incidence of coughing, skin infection and bloated rumen particularly in the middle phase while cross-sucking signs were present at the early stage when calves’ nibbling proclivity is still high. Throughout the rearing cycle, the frequency of bursitis increased reaching 53% of calves at the end. The percentage of calves with a poorer body condition than the mid-range of the batch raised gradually as well, likely due to the non-proportioned teat/calves ratio that increases competition for feed and reduces milk intake of the low ranking animals. The remarked growth differences among pen-mates and the mortality rate close to 7% showed by the use of automatic feeding devices for milk delivery seem not compensating the lower labour demand, therefore its sustainability at the present status is doubtful both for the veal calves’ welfare and the farm incomes.
Early‐onset nucleotide excision repair disorders with neurological impairment: Clues for early diagnosis and prognostic counseling

Nucleotide excision repair associated diseases comprise overlapping phenotypes and a wide range of outcomes. The early stages still remain under‐investigated and underdiagnosed, even although an early recognition of the first symptoms is of utmost importance for appropriate care and genetic counseling. We systematically collected clinical and molecular data from the literature and from newly diagnosed NER patients with neurological impairment, presenting clinical symptoms before the age of 12 months, including foetal cases. One hundred and eighty‐five patients were included, 13 with specific symptoms during foetal life. Arthrogryposis, microcephaly, cataracts, and skin anomalies are the most frequently reported signs in early subtypes. Non ERCC6/CSB or ERCC8/CSA genes are overrepresented compared to later onset cohorts: 19% patients of this cohort presented variants in ERCC1, ERCC2/XPD, ERCC3/XPB or ERCC5/XPG. ERCC5/XPG is even the most frequently involved gene in foetal cases (10/13 cases, [4/7 families]). In this cohort, the mutated gene, the age of onset, the type of disease, severe global developmental delay, IUGR and skin anomalies were associated with earlier death. This large survey focuses on specific symptoms that should attract the attention of clinicians towards early‐onset NER diagnosis in foetal and neonatal period, without waiting for the completeness of classical criteria.
Twenty years of forest change in the woodlots of Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Abstract Webster, C. R. (School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931), M. A. Jenkins (Twin Creeks Natural Resources Center, 1314 Cherokee Orchard Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN 37738), and J. H. Rock (Twin Creeks Natural Resources Center, 1314 Cherokee Orchard Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN 37738). Twenty years of forest change in the woodlots of Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. J. Torrey Bot. Soc. 132: 280–292. 2005. —Changes in forest composition and structure were investigated by comparing two decades of permanent plot records (1977–1978 and 1995–2002) for the woodlots of Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. The importance of late-successional shade-tolerant species, such as Tsuga canadensis L. Carr. (eastern hemlock), increased in the understories and overstories of all of the forest types examined. The most significant increases were observed in the white pine-mesic oak and successional pine types. Our results suggest that most of the woodlots are currently undergoing stem exclusion with some stands in the early stages of understory reinitiation. The most pronounced structural changes were observed in the successional pine woodlots, which are experiencing rapid attrition of Pinus virginiana Mill. (Virginia pine), a short-lived pioneer species. Over the last two decades the diversity, richness, and density of woody understory vegetation in the woodlots has declined. These results are likely due to a combination of factors including natural stand developmental processes and the legacy of high white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman) densities at Cades Cove.
Quantification of Iridotrabecular Contact in Primary Angle-Closure Disease

Precis: Iridotrabecular contact (ITC), a measure of angle closure, can be quantified along with other angle parameters on anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT). Hence, angle changes and angle closure mechanisms can be detected predicting the efficacy of iridotomy. Purpose: To assess 360-degree ITC and ocular parameter changes, after laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI), in primary angle-closure disease (PACD) subgroups. Methodology: This was a prospective observational study including 90 subjects, 30 each of primary angle-closure suspect (PACS), primary angle closure (PAC), and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Anterior segment OCT parameters were measured before and 3 weeks after LPI ITC: central anterior chamber depth, lens vault, angle-opening distance, angle recess area, trabecular iris space area, trabecular iris angle at 500 and 750 μm from scleral spur. Results: ITC was highest in PACG, 81.43%±22.39%, followed by PAC, 28.53%±21.30%, and PACS, 10.76%± 8.54% (P=0.011). There was a significant decrease in ITC in all 3 groups after iridotomy (P<0.001), with a residual ITC of 68.56%±26.44% in PACG, 18.23%±15.98% in PAC, and 5.13%±5.11% in PACS. A significant positive correlation was seen between the extent of ITC, baseline intraocular pressure, and visual field index. ITC was highest in eyes with exaggerated lens vault (77.3%±32.03%), as compared with eyes having a plateau iris configuration or relative pupillary block configuration (P<0.001). Conclusions: Iridotomy at any stage of PACD shows a significant decrease in ITC, with areas of residual ITC. Even in PACG, the iridotomy is effective in exposing parts of the trabecular meshwork that had contact earlier. Greater baseline ITC and postlaser ITC are a biomarker for higher intraocular pressure and greater visual field damage, which need lifelong review and appropriate management.