Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant diversity patterns of a Hungarian steppe-wetland mosaic in relation to grazing regime and land use history

Steppes used to cover large areas of Hungary, but most of this vegetation has since been destroyed. In Central Hungary, some patches have survived on ridges in wet meadows. These habitat complexes face profound land use changes and their optimal management regime is uncertain. We identified seven annually mown steppe and wet meadow types according to their grazing regime and history and aimed to answer the following questions: (1) Does grazing have beneficial effects on mown steppes and wet meadows? (2) Should the presently homogeneous management of neighbouring steppes and wet meadows be maintained? (3) Is annual mowing sufficient in assisting the recovery of steppes and wet meadows on former croplands? We selected three localities for each of the seven vegetation types and sampled them with 50 quadrats (50 × 50 cm) in each locality, making a total of 1,050 quadrats. Vascular plant diversity relations were evaluated using the total number of species per habitat type (species richness) and the average number of species per quadrat (microsite diversity). The effect of grazing and history on microsite diversity was tested with linear mixed-effect models. We used Redundancy Analysis to disentangle the role of grazing intensity and management history on species composition. Plant species were then sorted into functional groups, and the proportions of these groups were used to evaluate community structure. Our results indicate that mowing alone cannot maintain as high a diversity as the combination of the two land use types, thus grazing should be introduced to non-grazed areas. Steppes, however, were found more sensitive to the intensity of grazing than wet meadows. Under heavy grazing, no increased microsite diversity was detected in the steppes and the proportion of disturbance indicators tended to increase. In contrast, the same grazing intensity resulted in only positive effects in wet meadows. Thus, uniform land use on adjacent steppes and wet meadows is not recommended but intensive grazing should be stopped on steppes. Secondary steppes were less diverse than primary ones and their community structure was also poorer, whereas wet meadows had a better regeneration potential. Thus, mowing alone is an incomplete tool to restore the plant diversity of secondary steppes; they should also be grazed and/or should be supported by other active interventions.
Static Synchronous Series Compensator: A Solid-State Approach to the Series Compensation of Transmission Lines

This paper describes an active approach to series line compensation, in which a synchronous voltage source, implemented by a gate turn-off thyristor (GTO) based voltage-sourced inverter, is used to provide controllable series compensation. This compensator, called static synchronous series compensator (SSSC), can provide controllable compensating voltage over an identical capacitive and inductive range, independently of the magnitude of the line current. It is immune to classical network resonances. In addition to series reactive compensation, with an external DC power supply it can also compensate the voltage drop across the resistive component of the line impedance. The compensation of the real part of the impedance can maintain high X/R ratio even if the line has a very high degree of series compensation. Concurrent and coordinated modulation of reactive and real compensation can greatly increase power oscillation damping. The paper discusses the basic operating and performance characteristics of the SSSC, and compares them to those characterizing the more conventional compensators based on thyristor-switched or controlled series capacitors. It also presents some of the results of TNA simulations carried out with an SSSC hardware model.
Adjusting for group size influence in line transect sampling

In some line transect surveys, the population of interest consists of groups or clusters of individuals rather than single items. If group size influences the probability of detecting a group, then the observed group size data are size-biased. This can lead to overestimation of the true mean group size and hence could lead to overestimation of the density of individuals. Our method of line transect sampling incorporates group size as a covariate in line transect detection functions. We applied our method to shipboard surveys of sea otter (Enhydra lutris) and to surveys of pellet groups from barren ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti). Group size influence varied in the sea otter surveys. Our method of estimation adequately adjusted for size bias when it was present. Estimates of pellet group density were unaffected by significant size bias. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 54(3):511-514 Many factors can influence the detectability of items in line transect and other surveys of biological populations (e.g., Caughley 1974, Bayliss and Giles 1985, Gasaway et al. 1985). A particular problem occurs when the population consists of groups of items, and the size of the group influences its chance of detection (Quinn 1979, Rao et al. 1981, Drummer and McDonald 1987). We illustrate the procedure proposed by Drummer and McDonald (1987) in which group size is used as a covariate in existing line transect detection functions. Note that our method can also be used more generally to adjust estimates of the mean and total of any auxiliary variable that influences detectability in line transect sur-
Ecology and Genetics of Lungless Salamanders (Family Plethodontidae) in the Gulf Coastal Plain

ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . iv DEDICATION . vi LIST OF TABLES . x LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS . xii CHAPTER I – ESTIMATING OCCUPANCY AND DETECTION PROBABILITIES FOR STREAM-BREEDING SALAMANDERS . 1 Abstract . 1.
Variation in Reproductive Characteristics of Aquatic Turtles

little effect on the correlation between body size and clutch size. A linear model of the relationship between body size (plastron length) and clutch size explained 67% of the variation for Pseudemys floridana, 56% for P. scripta and 25% for Sternotherus odoratus. A linear model was not useful in describing the pattern in the other two species (r2 = .05, Kinosternon subrubrum and .08, Deirochelys reticularia). However, within each of the five species, maximum clutch sizes of the smallest individuals are never as large as the maximum clutch sizes of the largest individuals. Clutch sizes within a species did not vary significantly among years or populations if the effect of body size was removed. Clutch size varied among months in all species, with a trend of decreasing clutch size during the egg-laying season apparent for P. scripta, P. floridana and K. subrubrum. Individuals of four species were recorded laying more than one clutch within a single egg laying season. The proportion of adult females known to have multiple clutches within a year varied for each species. Monthly timing of egg laying was not consistent for an individual female from year to year. No relationship could be identified between clutch frequency and body size in K. subrubrum or P. scripta, the only species for which adequate samples were available for such an analysis.
Mechanical properties of OSB via the five-point bending test

Interlaminar shear properties of wood composites are rarely evaluated because of the difficulty and cost of conducting established procedures set forth by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). A relatively new approach, known as the five-point method, was used to study the effects of span and width on shear-free Young's moduli (E) and interlaminar shear moduli (G) and strength (τ) of oriented strandboard. The material evaluated was 23/32-inch (18-mm) grade-stamped single-layer-flooring with a 24-inch (610-mm) span rating. Specimen widths of 2, 6, and 10 inches (51,152, and 254 mm) were investigated over numerous spans in both the main and cross-panel directions. Combined ANOVA and multivariate regression techniques were applied to results of the elastic constants. Varying the span had no effect on E with respect to the strong direction, but G in both directions and E in the cross direction slightly decreased as span decreased. At the 0.01 probability level, E in both directions increased significantly as width increased. Strength in both directions decreased rapidly as the span increased until a minimum level was reached; at this point, was relatively constant and independent of span. For the 6- and 10-inch (152- and 254-mm) widths, average τ in the main direction was 115 psi (793 kPa); 92 percent of the specimens were still failing in shear at the longest span investigated of 20 inches (508 mm). Comparison between five-point results and those of ASTM standards are also presented.
Diel Rhythm and Lifetime Course of Oviposition in Toxorhynchites Amboinensis (Diptera: Culicidae)

The diel rhythm and lifetime course of oviposition was studied in Toxorhynchites amboinensis. The 1st egg laid by Tx. amboinensis females was on day 4 after emergence. Many eggs were laid on day 5 and most on day 6. Thirteen females kept from emergence till death lived from 15 to 84 days and laid from 30 to 253 eggs, with a mean (±SE) of 155 ± 19. Mean daily oviposition diminished progressively throughout the adult life-span and could be fitted to the equation y = 1/(0.013 x + 1/15.56). Oviposition was diurnal, with a small peak from 0600 to 1000 h and a major one from 1200 to 1500 h. Throughout the oviposition period the number of elliptical flights preceding ejection of each egg and the time required to complete these flights increased significantly.
Dormouse distribution: survey techniques, insular ecology and selection of sites for conservation

A stratified sample of 238 woodlands in Herefordshire was surveyed to determine the incidence of dormice in relation to age, area and isolation of the site. Characteristically gnawed hazel-nut shells were sought as indicators of dormouse presence. Dormice were more frequently found in ancient woodland than in recent woodland, supporting a previous hypothesis that they are an insular species. Both site isolation and area influenced distribution, in accordance with insular ecological theory. Prevalence of woodland and boundaries around a site affected dormouse incidence. The results suggest that isolated woodlands less than about 20 ha in extent are unlikely to support viable dormouse populations
Effects of Wetting Treatment Period and Moisture Content on Water Uptake by Wheat Grain During Germination and α-amylase activity

To vary the moisture content in wheat grain from 20 to 45%, various quantities of water were instilled in non-dormant grains in two varieties and one pedigree(Chihokukomugi, Horoshirikomugi and Kitakei-1354). After incubation for 24 and 72 hr, the incidence of germination andα-amylase activity were evaluated.1) Germination and activation of α-amylase were not observed in grains having a moisture content under 25%. 2) Grains with moisture content from 25 to 30% showed relatively high activity in the absence of germination.3) In grains with a moisture content over 30%, the relationship between α-amylase activity and germination was affected by wetting periods.At 72 hr of wetting, almost all grains showed high α-amylase activity with germination.4) Whereas at 24 hr of wetting, some grains with a moisture content over 30% exhibited relatively low activity in spite of apparent germination.Thus in 2)and 4), correspondence between germination and activation of α-amylase was not observed.With respect to 4), grains absorbed water rapidly after wetting and immediately showed signs of germination, while α-amylase was activated slowly because de-novo synthesis needed a considerable period.Concerning2), a difference between the moisture content which activated α-amylase and that which induced germination was a probable cause.Finally α-amylase activity in Kitakei-1354 was lower than the other two varieties, which was possibly influenced by varietal differences in water uptake rate.
Passive Suspension Feeding in a Sea Pen: Effects of Ambient Flow on Volume Flow Rate and Filtering Efficiency

An integrative analysis of passive suspension feeding is developed and tested. It emphasizes the functional role of overall organism design in enhancing the hydromechanic conditions necessary for feeding. Feeding rate, defined as the total number of particles captured per time, is a function of the ambient flow speed which independently affects both the volume flow rate and the filtering efficiency. In the sea pen Ptilosarcus gurneyi, volume flow rate initially increases with increasing ambient flow speed, peaks, and then decreases as the animal deforms with the flow. Filtering efficiency, for a given filter geometry, decreases with increasing velocity. However, due to deformation of the filter with flow, higher filtering efficiencies are maintained as a result of the variable porosity filter. Feeding rate is strongly dependent on volume flow rates. The feeding rate initially increases with increasing ambient flow, but then peaks and decreases similar to the volume flow rate. Both volume flow rate and fil.
Expression of cell-cycle regulators p53, p27, and p21 in mucoepidermoid and adenoid cystic carcinomas of the minor salivary glands

Background The orderly progression of cells through different phases of the cell cycle is orchestrated by various molecules and proteins. p53 plays a crucial role in stress response and tumor suppression. It is a unique cellular processor that integrates signals from various pathways in order to coordinate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. p21WAF1/CIP1 and p27 have key positions in cell-cycle regulations, leading to arrest of cell proliferation. They enable a repair process of DNA damage. In several human tumors, a loss of these proteins is associated with poor clinical outcome. Despite recent progress in molecular medicine, there is still a paucity of data on the involvement of cell-cycle regulatory proteins in the pathogenesis of salivary gland tumors. Aim The present work was performed to assess the immunohistochemical expression of p53, p27, and p21 in 15 patients with mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) and adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs) of the minor salivary glands and their possible correlation with histopathologic grading. Results The present study included eight patients with ACC and seven patients with MEC. Most of the ACC patients (62.5%) showed positive reaction for p53, whereas only 25% were immunoreactive to p21. Among the seven examined MEC patients, the overall expression of p53 was detected only in those with high-grade tumors. With respect to p21, a moderate reaction was detected in a patient with low-grade MEC. In contrast, immunoreactivity to the p27 protein was detected only in low-grade tumors. Conclusion The cell-cycle regulatory protein p53 was highly expressed in high-grade neoplasms, whereas the reverse was noticed in the case of p27. These findings have a strong prognostic impact. p21 overexpression may be a useful prognostic marker when evaluated in conjunction with p53 status.
Carcass and Gut Characteristics of Broiler Chicken Fed Different Energy Sources

The effect of feeding broiler chicken with different dietary energy sources on the carcass yield and gut characteristics was investigated. Five diets containing maize, red sorghum, white sorghum, Gero millet and Dauro millet were formulated and designated as 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Two hundred and ten day old marshal breed of broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design and each of the treatment was replicated three times. Feed and water were provided ad libitum and the feeding trial lasted for eight weeks. Most of the carcass and gut parameters did not differ significantly except live weight, kidney weight, plucked weight, eviscerated weight, carcass weight, kidney weight, gizzard weight (p<0.01) and spleen weight (p<0.05) that were affected. This study therefore reveals that using sorghum or millet in place of maize has no adverse effect on the carcass and gut characteristics of broiler chickens.
A Stylized Model of Financially-Driven Business Cycles

We explore the business-cycle implications of agency problems between firms and financiers. We show how these problems create liquidity shortages that can lead to corporate bankruptcy, and may generate aggregate, endogenous cycles in an economy that otherwise would have had a unique, stationary equilibrium. Some new results about the dynamics of credit rationing are derived. We argue that the modeled effect is quantitatively significant. Our model provides new insights into the role of institutions, such as bankruptcy law, in business-cycle theory.
Parabolic evolution equations for quasistationary free boundary problems in capillary fluid mechanics

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
The two Koreas : a contemporary history

Where the Wild Birds Sing The End of the Beginning The Trouble Deepens The Carter Chill Assassination and Aftermath Terror and Talk The Battle for Democracy in Seoul The Great Olympic Coming-Out Party Moscow Switches Sides China Shifts Its Ground Joining the Nuclear Issue Withdrawal and Engagement Showdown over Nuclear Weapons Death and Accord North Korea in Crisis.
Changing Demand for Dairy Products and How This May Affect Dairy Production in the U.S

Milk equivalent per capita disappearance of all dairy products has been increasing since the mid 1970s, but not all dairy products have enjoyed increased sales. Over that more than 40 year time period, cheese has been a bright star for the dairy industry and more recently, products like yogurt have seen dramatic increases. But, during that same time period, products such as cottage cheese, nonfat dry milk, and ice cream have been in decline. During much of this time,
Rotifer Communities in the Cambodian Mekong River Basins

Species of rotifers in 5 provinces (Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kandal, Prey Veng and Takeo Provinces) of Cambodia were studied. Rotifers were collected during rainy season (16-19 October 2006) from 80 sampled localities ranging from canals, flooding areas, lakes, ponds, rice fields and swamps using a 60 µm mesh plankton net. Water temperature, electro conductivity, pH, latitude, longitude and altitude were measured at each sampled locality. Specimens were immediately preserved in 5% formalin and then examined under a compound microscope. One hundred and twenty eight species belonging to 30 genera were found, 125 of which are new records for Cambodia. The common species were Polyarthra vulgaris (91.2% of the sampled localities), followed by Lecane bulla (88%), L. leontina (85%), Plationus patulus (75%), L. unguitata (73.7%), and Testudinella patina (71.2%). The highest species diversity was found in Chorchork swamp of Prey Veng Province with 51 species. ศกษาความหลากหลายชนดของโรตเฟอรใน 5 จงหวดของประเทศกมพชา ไดแก กำปงจาม กอมปงฉนง กอลดาล ไปรเวง และตาแกว ทำการเกบตวอยางในทะเลสาบ คลอง พนทชมนำ บอนำ นาขาว และหนองนำ ในชวงฤดฝนระหวางวนท 16-19 ตลาคม 2549 จำนวน 80 ตวอยางโดยใชถงลากแพลงกตอนขนาดตา 60 ไมโครเมตร เกบรกษาตวอยางดวยฟอรมาลนความเขมขน 5% พรอมทงตรวจวดคณภาพนำบางประการไดแก พเอช อณหภมคาการนำไฟฟา ละตจด ลองตจด และความสงจากระดบนำทะเล ตรวจวเคราะหตวอยางใตกลองจลทรรศนแบบใชแสง พบโรตเฟอร 30 สกล 128 สปชส เปนชนดทพบครงแรกในประเทศกมพชาจำนวน 125 สปชส ชนดทพบไดแกPolyarthra vulgaris(รอยละ 91.2ของตวอยางทงหมด)Lecane bulla (รอยละ 88.0) L. leontina (รอยละ 85.0) Plationus patulus (รอยละ 75.0) L. unguitata (รอยละ 73.7) และ Testudinella patina (รอยละ 71.2)แหลงนำทมความหลากชนดของโรตเฟอรมากทสด ไดแก หนองนำในหมบานจอจอก จงหวดไปรเวง พบโรตเฟอร51 สปชส
Ismaila monstrosa Bergh (Copepoda: Splanchnotrophidae) found parasitizing in Ercolania funerea (Costa) (Gastropoda: Ascoglossa)

Abstract The parasitic copepod Ismaila monstrosa Bergh is recorded from the ascoglossan opisthobranch Ercolania funerea (Costa). One specimen of E. funerea from St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands, contained one egg-bearing female and one male copepod. This is the first record from the type locality since the original description of I. monstrosa, and the first certain record of an identifiable endoparasitic copepod from an ascoglossan. All records of endoparasitic copepods from shell-less opisthobranchs are listed. Some systematic problems of the family Splanchnotrophidae are discussed. Keys to generic identification of females and males of the four genera of copepods occurring as endoparasites of shell-less opisthobranchs are presented.
GEOGRAPHICAL ASPECTS OF BIRD-FLOWER COEVOLUTION, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO CENTRAL AMERICA'

The overall objective is to compare the ecological impact of bird-flower coevolution in different geographical areas. However, it is first necessary to define the parameters of such coevolution in broader terms than those of the traditional "syndrome of ornithophily," which focuses very narrowly on some aspects of floral morphology. I recognize three distinct components of flower function: attraction, reward, and filtering mechanisms, and discuss their functioning in an ecological context, and as they relate to the genetic system or "pollination unit" of the plant. Then I turn to nectarfeeding birds, and discuss not only morphological, but ecological and behavioral specializations to flowers as a food source. These discussions develop explicitly my criteria for detecting and evaluating bird-flower coevolution. The different groups of birds known to feed regularly (as opposed to opportunistically) on nectar are then compared according to these criteria, to determine their relative degrees of specialization for, and dependence upon, a high-nectar diet. Different groups are found to vary widely in their degrees of specialization for flower-feeding, and it is evident that bird-flower coevolution has followed very different courses, and led to widely divergent ecological systems in different geographical areas. By any criteria the hummingbirds are the most specialized avian nectarivores, although they are approached in this regard by some members of certain passerine groups, notably among the sunbirds. Several groups of passerine nectarivores also occur with the hummingbirds in many New World areas; these groups show low to moderate degrees of specialization for nectarivory, either as pollinators or as parasites on the hummingbird-flower system. The New World tropics thus present a wide range of specializations for flower-feeding in their avifauna, and represent a particularly interesting area for study. Patterns of ornithophily and nectarivory are thus examined in detail for this area, concentrating specifically on Southern Central America, especially Costa Rica. The altitudinal and geographical distributions of the two main groups of hummingbirds, the hermits and nonhermits, are found to differ, as are the taxonomic and ecological affinities of their primary foodplants. The hermits are most numerous in wet lowlands and the adjacent foothills, and are primarily associated with large monocotyledonous herbs, notably Heliconia. The nonhermits reach their greatest taxonomic and ecological diversity in the lower middle elevations, and are the only group present at high elevations; they seem to have coevolved with the flowers of a variety of dicot families, and the bromeliads among the monocots. Passerine nectarivores occur primarily as parasites on the hummingbird-flower system (Coerebidae) and are important as pollinators only in seasonally dry areas when the hummingbirds are poorly represented.