Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation in group size of Cantabrian chamois in relation to escape terrain and food

Perez-Barberia F. J. and Nores C. 1994. Seasonal variation in group size of Cantabrian chamois in relation to escape terrain and food. Acta theriol. 39: 295-305. The herd size of Cantabrian chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica parva (Cabrera, 1910) varied seasonally in relation to escape terrain and food availability in our study area (Asturias, north of Spain). The median group size of females without kids was 1 (mean ± SD = 1.62 ± 1.00), females with kids was 4 (5.59 ± 5.42), males was 1 (1.73 ± 1.78), and mixed group size was 7 (8.91 ± 7.91). The female-kid group size depended more on escape terrain availability than on food quality. Throughout the early weeks of the life of kids, the mothers remained in difficult access areas (cliffs and steep slopes), and showed a weak tendency to aggregate. These areas provided a wide visual range and hiding places for offspring and their use may be an anti-predation strategy. When the kids were able to run quickly, the mothers used subalpine meadows. These areas were very open and exposed kids to predation and human disturbance, however the forage has high nutritive value, and may compensate for the cost of breeding and suckling by the mothers. Aggregation may be selected as an anti-predation strategy in subalpine meadows, allowing a reduction in time spent vigilant by each individual in the group, and increased time available for other activities. The largest male groups were located in pastures with abundant but poor quality forage. Our results suggest that group size in Cantabrian chamois is very flexible, changing seasonally and in response to resource availability.
A taxonomic revision of South American species of the genus Stenostomum O. Schmidt (Platyhelminthes: Catenulida) based on morphological characters

This paper revises the genus Stenostomum based on a rich collection of species from Argentina and on a review of bibliographical resources of all known South American species. The description of South American species is standardized. The new genus Anokkostenostomum is established and several species of Stenostomum are transferred to it based on the absence of light-refracting bodies and the presence of a metameric anterior brain lobe. We report five Stenostomum species and three Anokkostenostomum species new to Argentina and present an identification key for South American species. Finally, all the world species are compiled, with an overview of their distribution. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 144 , 37‐58. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: genus revision ‐ Neotropical region ‐ species redescription ‐ Stenostomum sp. ‐ ‘Turbellaria’.
Mitochondrial retrograde signalling in neurological disease

Neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction causes primary mitochondrial diseases and likely contributes to neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction has also been documented in neurodevelopmental disorders such as tuberous sclerosis complex and autism spectrum disorder. Only symptomatic treatments exist for neurodevelopmental disorders, while neurodegenerative diseases are largely untreatable. Altered mitochondrial function activates mitochondrial retrograde signalling pathways, which enable signalling to the nucleus to reprogramme nuclear gene expression. In this review, we discuss the role of mitochondrial retrograde signalling in neurological diseases. We summarize how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative disease and neurodevelopmental disorders. Mitochondrial signalling mechanisms that have relevance to neurological disease are discussed. We then describe studies documenting retrograde signalling pathways in neurons and glia, and in animal models of neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction and neurological disease. Finally, we suggest how specific retrograde signalling pathways can be targeted to develop novel treatments for neurological diseases. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Retrograde signalling from endosymbiotic organelles’.
THE INFLUENCE OF RATOON CROPPING ON SWEET SORGHUM YIELD, SUGAR PRODUCTION, AND INSECT DAMAGE

As multiple cropping practices continue to spread in the southeastern U.S.A. , ratoon cropping (two harvests from a single planting) provides an additional double-cropping scheme for farmers. Fourteen sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) cultivars were evaluated in a ratoon double-cropping system at two locations during 1980 and 1981. Significant cultivar × location interactions were detected both years. Environmental conditions (particularly air and soil temperatures) and genetic capability governed performance of cultivars in the ratoon cropping system. The Coastal Plain location provided a more stable environment for ratoon cropping of sorghum than the Piedmont location and this production dependability was attributed to warm temperatures during April–May and October–November coupled with at least 230+ frost-free days. Total whole-plant green weights were 36% higher in the Coastal Plain than in the Piedmont. Percent sugar concentration was 15% higher on the first crop and 9% higher on the ratoon .
Correlation Studies and Path Coefficient Analysis in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Field investigations were carried out at the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, India during 1989—1990 to study the genotypic character association in sesame. The F4 and F5 generations of TSS6 X TMV3 and TMV3 X TSS6 were raised and eight genotypic characters were recorded: plant height; primary branches; secondary branches; capsule number per plant; seed number per capsule; 1000 seed—weight; oil content and seed yield per plant. Correlation studies showed that the magnitude and direction of correlation between eight pairs of traits varied with generations in both crosses involving two genotypes reciprocally. Single plant yield had a strong significant and positive relationship with capsule number in both generations of the two cross combinations indicating the close link between the two traits. The path coefficient analysis revealed that direct and indirect contributions by different traits primary branches, secondary branches, capsule number per plant, seed number per capsule and 1000—seed weight had to be considered as the most important traits in the determination of seed yield and selection of parents.
Anti-Rheumatic Properties of Gentiopicroside Are Associated With Suppression of ROS-NF-κB-NLRP3 Axis in Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes and NF-κB Pathway in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is among the most prevalent forms of autoimmunity. Gentiopicroside (Gent) is an iridoid glucoside derived from the Gentiana Macrophylla Pall which is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat RA. The present study was designed to explore the ability of Gent to combat RA and to explore the molecular basis for such anti-RA activity both in vitro using tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-stimulated human RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) and in vivo using a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model. We found that Gent was able to significantly reduce the swelling of joints and arthritic index scores, with corresponding reductions in synovial inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, and bone erosion in treated AIA rats. Importantly, Gent 200 mg/kg reduced thymus index in AIA rats, but had no effect on spleen index and body weight, it revealed that Gent was relatively safe at the dose we chose. We further found that Gent was able to suppress the TNF-α-induced proliferation and migration of RA-FLS cells. This suppression was attributed to the ability of Gent to block NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), and caspase-1, thereby disrupting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Consistent with such suppression, Gent led to a significant decrease in IL-1β secretion by treated cells. Furthermore, this reduction in NLRP3 inflammasome activation was also associated with decreases in the activation of nuclear factor (NF-κB), the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression of inflammatory IL-6. Together these findings indicate that Gent can suppress the ROS-NF-κB-NLRP3 axis to alleviate RA symptoms. Chemical compounds studied in this article Gentiopicroside (PubChem CID: 88708).
Retrograde signals from mitochondria reprogramme skoto-morphogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana via alternative oxidase 1a

The early steps in germination and development of angiosperm seedlings often occur in the dark, inducing a special developmental programme called skoto-morphogenesis. Under these conditions photosynthesis cannot work and all energetic requirements must be fulfilled by mitochondrial metabolization of storage energies. Here, we report the physiological impact of mitochondrial dysfunctions on the skoto-morphogenic programme by using the Arabidopsis rpoTmp mutant. This mutant is defective in the T7-phage-type organellar RNA polymerase shared by plastids and mitochondria. Lack of this enzyme causes a mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in a strongly reduced mitochondrial respiratory chain and a compensatory upregulation of the alternative-oxidase (AOX)-dependent respiration. Surprisingly, the mutant exhibits a triple-response-like phenotype with a twisted apical hook and a shortened hypocotyl. Highly similar phenotypes were detected in other respiration mutants (rug3 and atphb3) and in WT seedlings treated with the respiration inhibitor KCN. Further genetic and molecular data suggest that the observed skoto-morphogenic alterations are specifically dependent on the activity of the AOX1a enzyme. Microarray analyses indicated that a retrograde signal from mitochondria activates the ANAC017-dependent pathway which controls the activation of AOX1A transcription. In sum, our analysis identifies AOX as a functional link that couples the formation of a triple-response-like phenotype to mitochondrial dysfunction. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Retrograde signalling from endosymbiotic organelles'.
Nitrogen balance and nitrogen use efficiency in cereal production in Norway

Nitrogen (N) is usually the main nutrient affecting grain yields and is, therefore, applied in large quantities to maintain optimal yields. Economically, optimal fertilization may imply higher N application than the amount of N removed in grain, thereby causing high risk for N losses. The aims of this paper were to study the fertilization practice for cereals and the relationship between N application and yield, N balance, and N use efficiency for barley and oats in three of the catchments included in the Norwegian Agricultural Monitoring Programme (JOVA). The results showed that the average amount of applied N to cereals in these three catchments was higher, and sometimes considerably so, than the recommended N application. Within the range of N application in these catchments, there was no relationship between N application and yield for oats, whereas a tendency of increased yield with increased N application was found for barley in two of the catchments. The average N surplus in cereal production was significantly higher than that expected if fertilization recommendations had been followed. The average N surplus for the different cereals varied from 36 to 60 kg N ha−1 in two of the catchments and from 22 to 40 kg N ha−1 in the third catchment. The average N use efficiency (calculated as N removed in grain divided by the amount of applied N) ranged from 61 to 71% for barley and from 67 to 82% for oat. The JOVA data clearly demonstrate the importance of using moderate N applications in order to reduce N surplus, and thereby reduce N losses. N application for higher yield levels than those normally obtained, results in low N use efficiency and high N surplus in most years.
Morphometric and genetic variability of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) populations from northern Iran

Summary Samples from seven honey bee populations; five Apis mellifera meda from Iran and two from Turkey, one belonging to A. m. meda and one to A. m. caucasica, were investigated using morphometric, mtDNA, and microsatellite analyses. Morphometric analysis revealed three distinct clusters. The first included all Iranian populations, whilst the second and third contained the meda and caucasica bees from Turkey. No variation was observed in the DraI restriction of COI-COII intergenic region in mitochondrial DNA, yielding a single C lineage mitotype. The analysis of microsatellite loci, A7, A24, A28, A43 and A113 revealed, a considerable level of genetic diversity, with average expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.596±0.188 to 0.695±0.174 and average number of alleles per locus from 4.4 to 8.0 among Iranian honey bee populations.
Biomechanical Characteristics of the Ontogeny and Growth Habit of the Tropical Liana Condylocarpon guianense (Apocynaceae)

Mechanical analyses were carried out on stem segments representing young to old ontogenetic stages of a mature specimen of the tropical liana Condylocarpon guianense (Apocynaceae). Two-, three-, and four-point bending tests demonstrated that during ontogeny, the Young's modulus (E) of the stem decreased from a mean of 2722 MN m-2 in early ontogenetic stages characterized by the twigs of the crown to a mean of 306 MN m-2 in older stages, including the main vertically orientated axis extending to the ground. This trend is consistent with that observed among other tested lianas. The reduction in the Young's modulus of the stem in C. guianense takes place during ontogeny by the rapid transition from early dense wood lacking large vessels to one consisting of a higher-volume percentage of large-diameter vessels. Later shifts in development include separation of the wood cylinder into lobes. Measurements from specific interconnecting branch hierarchies indicate that trends in the reduction of Young's modulus vary according to opportunistic shifts toward lianoid mechanical characteristics (lowering of Young's modulus) apparently because of the availability and acquirement of supports. Canopy branches of the same hierarchy may show different Young's moduli, flexural stiffness, and either self-supporting or non-self-supporting branch postures. The developmental transition between individual axes from self-supporting to lianoid is highly opportunistic and may be recognized from the mechanical attributes of individual branches.
In vitro and greenhouse evaluations of Trichoderma isolates for biological control of potato wilt disease (Fusarium solani)

The biological efficacy of Trichoderma species may differ due to variations in ecosystems. This study was conducted to assess the biocontrol efficacy of some native Trichoderma isolates against Fusarium solani, an important causal agent of potato wilt disease under laboratory and greenhouse conditions at Shahrood Agricultural Research Centre, Shahrood, Iran, during 2006–2007. Fourteen isolates were collected among which eight showed promising ability in inhibiting the growth of the pathogen through dual culture and production of volatile and non-volatile inhibitors but T. brevicompactum (T1), T. longibrachiatum (T5) and T. asperellum (T2) were almost better than other isolates in inhibiting the mycelial growth of the pathogen in comparison to control in the above three tests (p ≤ 0.01). Isolates performing mycoparasitism under in vitro condition were evaluated against the disease in pot culture under greenhouse condition. In all treatments in which Trichoderma isolates + F. solani were involved lower disease incidence was noticed in comparison to Fusarium-infested control (p ≤ 0.05). Best disease control was observed in potted plants treated with F. solani + T. longibrachiatum (T5) with 6.25% disease incidence in comparison to Fusarium-infested control, in which disease incidence was observed to be 75%. Interaction of T. brevicompactum (T1) and F. solani also indicated good control of the disease by 12.50% of disease incidence.
The effect of fish predation on benthic macroinvertebrates in a seasonal stream in north-western Zimbabwe

The cumulative impact of the entire fish assemblage on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages was investigated over four months in a removal experiment in isolated pools that persist through the dry season, in an intermittent stream in north-western Zimbabwe. Macroinvertebrate taxonomic richness did not differ significantly between sampling dates, indicating that fish removal had no effect on the zoobenthos taxa richness but led instead to large increases in the densities of certain macroinvertebrates. There was a progressive increase in the body size of Odonata in fishless pools 34 and 55 days after treatment and, by 78 days post-treatment, the proportion of large-sized odonates was significantly higher in fishless than in control pools. Peak densities of predaceous invertebrates coincided with a sharp decline in macroinvertebrate densities in the fishless pools about three months after fish removal. The values for Strauss's food selection index were low (range –0.220 to 0.180) for all macroinvertebrates, indicating random feeding by fish. Results indicate that, although fish may be important predators, they are not keystone predators because the macroinvertebrate community structure in this temporary habitat was found to be influenced by the assemblages of both vertebrate and invertebrate predators, rather than by a single keystone predator.
Toward the Design of Enjoyable Games for Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a heterogeneous and complex set of disorders caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, estimated to affect 2-5% of the North American population. Deficits associated with FASD affect social skill development and executive function, including emotional regulation and impulse control. These deficits can increase the difficulty of playing digital games. While considerable research has been performed in understanding how to design games for people with neurodevelopmental disorders in general, there is little data on how to design engaging games for children with FASD. We conducted a ten-week in-school gaming trial with eleven elementary-aged children with diagnosed or suspected FASD. Participants enjoyed playing together and responded well to the in-game reward system, while some game elements caused unexpected frustration. Based on our observations, we advise that games for FASD be designed to have low cost of failure, avoid retracting options, account for taking breaks when needed, show progression in rewards, and enable cooperative play.
Improvement and update of a set of keys for biochemical identification of Vibrio species

M. ALSINA AND A.R. BLANCH. 1994. Two biochemical keys for fast and presumptive identification of certain Vibrio species are presented. They constitute a new improved version of a set of keys previously described, which were specially designed for environmental and clinical isolates. They may be used for Gram-negative, oxidase-positive, facultative anaerobes that grow on TCBS agar. The revised set of biochemical keys consists of 29 tests and a maximum of 10 tests is still sufficient for the most complicated identification. The new keys maintain the same criteria and characteristics of the original set of keys.
Faces of Focus: A Study on the Facial Cues of Attentional States

Automatically detecting attentional states is a prerequisite for designing interventions to manage attention - knowledge workers' most critical resource. As a first step towards this goal, it is necessary to understand how different attentional states are made discernible through visible cues in knowledge workers. In this paper, we demonstrate the important facial cues to detect attentional states by evaluating a data set of 15 participants that we tracked over a whole workday, which included their challenge and engagement levels. Our evaluation shows that gaze, pitch, and lips part action units are indicators of engaged work; while pitch, gaze movements, gaze angle, and upper-lid raiser action units are indicators of challenging work. These findings reveal a significant relationship between facial cues and both engagement and challenge levels experienced by our tracked participants. Our work contributes to the design of future studies to detect attentional states based on facial cues.
A Skin-Stroke Display on the Eye-Ring Through Head-Mounted Displays

We present the Skin-Stroke Display, a system mounted on the lens inside the head-mounted display, which exerts subtle yet recognizable tactile feedback on the eye-ring using a motorized air jet. To inform our design of noticeable air-jet haptic feedback, we conducted a user study to identify absolute detection thresholds. Our results show that the tactile sensation had different sensitivity around the eyes, and we determined a standard intensity (8 mbar) to prevent turbulent airflow blowing into the eyes. In the second study, we asked participants to adjust the intensity around the eye for equal sensation based on standard intensity. Next, we investigated the recognition of point and stroke stimuli with or without inducing cognitive load on eight directions on the eye-ring. Our longStroke stimulus can achieve an accuracy of 82.6% without cognitive load and 80.6% with cognitive load simulated by the Stroop test. Finally, we demonstrate example applications using the skin-stroke display as the off-screen indicator, tactile I/O progress display, and tactile display.
Views from the Wheelchair: Understanding Interaction between Autonomous Vehicle and Pedestrians with Reduced Mobility

We are interested in the ways pedestrians will interact with autonomous vehicle (AV) in a future AV transportation ecosystem, when nonverbal cues from the driver such as eye movements, hand gestures, etc. are no longer provided. In this work, we examine a subset of this challenge: interaction between pedestrian with reduced mobility (PRM) and AV. This study explores interface designs between AVs and people in a wheelchair to help them interact with AVs by conducting a preliminary design study. We have assessed the data collected from the study using qualitative analysis and presented different findings on AV-PRM interactions. Our findings reflect on the importance of visual interfaces, changes to the wheelchair and the creative use of the street infrastructure.
AMBIENT NOISE IN SHALLOW TEMPERATE WATERS AROUND NORTHEASTERN NEW ZEALAND

Sprague, M. W. , & Luczkovich, J. J. (2004). Measurement of an individual silver perch Bairdiella chrysoura sound pressure level in a field recording. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 116, 3186-3191. Urick, R. J. (1983). Principles of Underwater Sound. New York: McGraw-Hill. Vasconcelos, R. 0. , Amorim, M. C. P., & Ladich, F. (2007). Effects of ship noise on the detectability of communication signals in the Lusitanian toadfish. J. Exp. Biol. 201, 2104-2112 Wysocki, L. E. , Amoser, S. , & Ladich, F. (2007). Diversity in ambient noise in European freshwater habitats: noise levels, spectral profiles and impact on fishes. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. , in press.