Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity of bile salts resistance in the Lactobacillus isolates of a probiotic consortium

The effect of bile salts was tested on a collection of 38 strains of Lactobacillus isolated from a probiotic bacterial consortium Half of the strains were slightly affected by 0.3% bile salts showing a delay of growth below 1 h, to reach an absorbance of 0.3 at 600 nm in MRS broth, compared to a reference curve without bile salts. According to the heterogencity of sensitivity, the resistance to bile salts should be checked for the selection of probiotic strains of Lactobacillus.
Computer reconstruction and analysis of the vermiform mollusc Acaenoplax hayae from the Herefordshire Lagerstätte (Silurian, England), and implications for molluscan phylogeny

Acaenoplax hayae is a spinose worm‐like animal from the Silurian Herefordshire Lagerstätte of England, a deposit that preserves high‐fidelity soft‐part morphology of invertebrates in three dimensions. Specimens have been serially ground and reconstructed by computer to their three‐dimensional form. Acaenoplax bears serially repeated transverse ridges dorsally, each with an array of probably aragonitic spines inclined posteriorly. Oblique ventral lobe‐rows correspond in position to the dorsal ridges. Aragonitic dorsal valves overlie every third ridge; the penultimate valve is absent leaving a total of seven. The anterior termination is disk‐like, surrounding an antero‐medial mouth. At the posterior termination there is a cavity between the posteriormost dorsal and a posteroventral valve, from which soft‐part projections extend. Acaenoplax is interpreted as a creeping epibenthic animal that fed on sessile prey. It is an ‘aculiferan’ mollusc, combining unique autapomorphic structures with characters typical of the Polyplacophora and Aplacophora. Its morphology can be accommodated within both of the competing schemes of molluscan phylogeny, and its closest living relatives in both cases are aplacophorans. The highly serialized morphology of Acaenoplax is unique within the Mollusca, but the pattern it highlights is an attractive candidate for the primitive state of serial repetition within the phylum.
Action of Proteolytic Enzymes on Collagen

Summary 1) The use of hide powder as a substrate in the demonstration of collagenase activity is not valid. 2) Collagens from several sources, prepared by methods designed not to alter properties, are resistant to the action of trypsin, chymotrypsin, and papain. The collagens are readily attacked (solubilized) by the proteolytic enzyme(s) of CI. histolyticum and by pepsin. The proteolytic enzyme(s) of CI. perfringens filtrates are 10-20-fold weaker than those of CI. histolyticum filtrates in the degradation of collagen. 3) The reported increased solubilization of collagens in water at the shrinkage temperature (68-70°C) after incubation with enzymes can be attributed to residual enzyme. 4) Denaturation of collagen by heat and urea produces a general susceptibility to common proteolytic enzymes.
Resource Competition between Plankton Algae: An Experimental and Theoretical Approach

The results of 76 long—term competition experiments between two species of freshwater algae (Asterionella formosa and Cyclotella meneghiniana) grown along a resource gradient agree with the predictions of two different models of resource competition. Both models are based on the functional resource—utilization response of each species to limiting resources. The Monod and the Variable Internal Stores model of competition made similar predictions. Asterionella was observed to be competitively dominant when both species were phosphate limited; Cyclotella was dominant when both species were silicate limited; and both species stably coexisted when each species was growth—rate limited by a different resource. Almost 75% of the variance in the relative abundances of these two species along a natural silicate—phosphate gradient in Lake Michigan is explained by the Monod model.
Autoxidation in micelles. Synergism of vitamin C with lipid-soluble vitamin E and water-soluble Trolox

A study was made of the effect of the inhibitors ascorbic acid (C), α-tocopherol (E), and 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-chroman-2-carboxylate (Trolox, T) on the autoxidation of linoleic acid in 0.50 M sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles at pH 7.0 in phosphate buffer. Reactions were thermally initiated at 30 °C in the SDS micelles by a micelle-soluble initiator, di-tert-butylhyponitrite (DBHN). Although water-soluble C alone is an inefficient inhibitor, when combined with micelle-soluble E, it acts synergistically with the latter to extend the efficient antioxidant action of E beyond the sum of the induction periods of C and E acting separately. Similarly C acts synergistically with the water-soluble antioxidant, T. Quantitative studies of these effects under controlled rates of initiation (Ri,) reveal that C functions to regenerate a mole of E (or T) per mole of C used. Kinetic studies show that the rate of autoxidation is first order in micellar linoleic acid and one-half order in micellar DBHN concent.
Den trees used by northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) in southeastern Alaska

Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) dens are reportedly associated with features characteristic of older forests, and den availability is a potential limiting factor in younger forests. We assessed den sites used by northern flying squirrels in southeastern Alaska, where we expected den-site selection to differ from more southerly forests, owing to increased thermal stress but reduced predation and competition. We located 27 squirrels in 76 dens and compared den trees with 1875 matched random trees. Most dens (73%) were in cavities and 21% were at heights of 3 m. This high rate of cavity use, including cavities low in the bole, likely reflects the importance of weatherproof dens in this cool wet region. Northern flying squirrels preferentially used trees with indicators of cavity presence, selecting for snags and for larger diameter trees with bole entries, conks, abundant mistletoe, and dead tops. Although cavity availability is probably not limiting populations in this region currently, cavity.
Why do pollination generalist and specialist plant species show similar reproductive susceptibility to habitat fragmentation?

1 Although reproductive success of pollination specialist plants has been predicted to be more sensitive to habitat fragmentation than that of generalist plants, recent results indicate that effects do not differ between plants with different degrees of specialization. 2 We provide an explanation for such unexpected results by linking evidence that specialization of plant–pollinator interactions is asymmetric to observations that generalist pollinators are less affected by habitat fragmentation. 3 Plant specialization cannot therefore be considered in isolation from the degree of specialization of the mutualist partners. Evaluation of both sides of the mutualistic interaction will yield insights into the mechanisms behind species’ responses to habitat fragmentation.
Carbon fixation in Pinus halepensis submitted to ozone. Opposite response of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase

The effects of ozone exposure on carbon-fixation-related processes in Pinus halepensis Mill, needles were assessed over 3 months under controlled conditions. Ozone fumigation (200 ppb) did not induce a modification of either net CO 2 assimilation or stomatal conductance in 1-year-old needles, whereas ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco, EC 4.1.1.39) activity was shown to be reduced by a half. Moreover, this ozone-induced reduction in Rubisco activity was associated with a decrease in the quantity of Rubisco, as determined by the decrease in the large subunit (LSU). On the other hand, 200-ppb ozone fumigation induced a strong increase in both activity and quantity of another carboxylating enzyme, phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase (PEPC, EC 4.1.1.31), generally considered in C 3 plants to participate in carbon catabolism processes. Ozone induced a significant decrease in the Rubisco/PEPC activity ratio which promotes the role of PEPC in trees under ozone stress. The role of this carboxylase will be discussed.
Red maple dynamics in Appalachian hardwood stands in West Virginia

The growth strategies red maple (Acer rubrum L.) used to attain current overstory canopy positions were investigated in two West Virginia Appalachian hardwood stands. In both stands, red maple comprised a small percentage of overstory basal area but was the most abundant understory species. The stands originated after a stand-replacing disturbance around 1930. During stand initiation, red maple invaded the sites for 10-15 years longer than most other species; however, all of the codominant red maples sampled were similar in age to other codominant species. Twenty-seven percent of stem-analysed codominant maples were 1-4 years older than the disturbance and may have originated as advanced reproduction. One sampled codominant maple had been overtopped for 20 years. Other codominant maples had height growth rates similar to codominant oaks (Quercus sp.). Even at advanced ages, understory maples showed increased height growth rates in response to small canopy disturbances. Red maple's understory persistence s.
Altitudinal distribution and habitat preferences of forest birds on Halmahera and Buru, Indonesia: implications for conservation of Moluccan avifaunas

The BOU Indonesia Expedition, with BirdLife International, carried out surveys on the Moluccan Islands of Buru and Halmahera in 1994-96 as part of a process of protected area identification. Data on resident forest birds were collected during ten-minute sampling periods at points along altitudinal gradients, in primary and modified forests and in rainforests on different geology. While all species ever reported from Halmahera have been recorded down to near sea level, many of the forest birds of Buru, including a number of restricted-range and endemic species, are largely confined to montane forest, and only common above 800-900 m altitude. The existence of a distinct montane bird community on Buru, but not on Halmahera, is attributed to the relatively large, continuous area of forest at high altitude on this island. Forest on Halmahera at such altitudes is limited and fragmented. While most species survive in modified forests, some were significantly rarer in this habitat and may depend on adjacent areas of primary forest. Mangroves supported impoverished forest bird communities, typically of more adaptable species. On Halmahera, rainforest on ultrabasic rock appears to be impoverished when compared with rainforest on other rock formations, in particular supporting very low numbers of two species of threatened parrot. Implications for conservation concern lowland forests on Halmahera. Despite the surveys, a number of species of conservation concern that occur on Halmahera and Buru still remain largely unknown.
Post‐occupancy evaluation of zoo Atlanta's Giant Panda Conservation Center: Staff and visitor reactions

Construction of a new zoo animal exhibit impacts animals, visitors, and staff, and considerable attention should be paid to evaluation of the exhibit. In November 1999, Zoo Atlanta received two giant pandas from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan, China, which presented an opportunity to evaluate the new giant panda exhibit. The present study documents the reactions of staff and visitors to Zoo Atlanta's Giant Panda Conservation Center by a post-occupancy evaluation (POE). Confidential interviews were conducted with 23 staff, and 145 zoo visitors completed questionnaires. Staff and visitors were asked to assign quality ratings to specific areas of the exhibit, and complete a series of open-ended questions. The findings suggest that staff and visitors evaluated Zoo Atlanta's giant panda exhibit favorably. On a five-point scale, the exhibit received mean ratings of 3.64 from the staff and 4.50 from the visitors. With a few exceptions, most areas of the exhibit met or exceeded staff expectations. Staff and visitors identified a number of strengths and weaknesses of the exhibit. Staff most frequently recommended changes to the pandas' space and the ability to address husbandry issues, while a large number of visitors did not suggest any changes, or did not respond to the question. Visitors that did respond to the question most often recommended that the zoo display additional pandas and modify the pandas' space. There were no significant differences in visitors' ratings of the different areas of the enclosure, or in their overall impressions of the exhibit, as a function of the pandas' location. The results are examined in terms of general implications for zoo exhibit design, construction, and evaluation, and in light of the goals of this facility. The study highlights the benefits of conducting POEs in a zoo setting. Zoo Biol 22:365–382, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Food Requirements and Sources for Juvenile Atlantic Menhaden

Abstract The role of juvenile Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus in the energetics of the estuarine and nearshore ecosystem along the Atlantic coast of the United States is unknown, though hypothesized to be significant. Our objectives were to summarize existing data on feeding rates of individual fish and on population size, and to combine them to produce a preliminary estimate of the food required by the population of juveniles. Estimates of the total food consumed by each fish during its residency in the estuary ranged from 21.5 to 32.7 g dry weight of organic matter. Three population estimates ranged from 4.4 × 109 to 11.2 × 109 fish present in the autumn. An assumed average of 8.5 × 109 Atlantic menhaden would consume from 183 × 106 to 278 × 106 kg of organic matter, which is 6–9% of estimated phytoplankton production. The population's estimated daily consumption in the autumn ranges from 0.6 to 1.0 g/m2, which equals the average daily phytoplankton production of 0.8 g/m2. We conclude that the pop.
Within population variation in testis size in the mole-shrew (Anourosorex squamipes) (Mammalia: Soricidae)

Abstract Sperm competition is recognized as a key event occurring during postcopulatory sexual selection. The evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) predicts that males in poor condition should invest more heavily in sperm compared with males in good condition. We explored the effects of body condition and season on testes mass in the mole-shrew (Anourosorex squamipes). We used the “scaled mass index” as body condition to analyze the effects of season, body condition and body length on testis size. The results showed that testes mass was greatest in summer. Head body-length also significantly affected testis size in the four seasons. In addition, males in good conditions had relatively heavier testes than those in poor conditions in spring, summer and autumn, but not in winter, suggesting that the finding contradicts the prediction of the evolutionarily stable strategy.
A DSC study on the effects of various maltodextrins and sucrose on protein changes in frozen‐stored minced blue whiting muscle

A DSC heat denaturation study on the effects of various maltodextrins and sucrose on protein changes in minced blue whiting muscle during frozen storage at -10 and -20 degrees C was carried out. All maltodextrins slowed down the decreases in the denaturation enthalpies (deltaHd) ascribed to myosin and actin, making evident a noticeable effectiveness against protein denaturation, especially at -20 degrees C. Sucrose was as effective as maltodextrins at -20 degrees C, but was the least effective treatment at -10 degrees C. Significant correlations between both deltaHds and either protein solubility or formaldehyde production were found at each storage temperature. A low protein sensitivity to the small amounts of formaldehyde produced during the first weeks of storage and errors associated with the determination of enthalpies led to poorer correlations at -20 degrees C. Maximum denaturation temperatures (Tmax) correlated with protein solubility only at -20 degrees C. No clear relationship between either Tmax and the effectiveness of cryostabilisation was found, as Tmax also depends on the effectiveness of the treatments against the thermal denaturation of proteins.
A model to predict productivity of different chipping operations

The chipping operation is an important component of harvesting systems producing biomass and pulp chips. This paper aimed to develop a valid model to predict the productivity of chipping as part of these operations. Over a number of years more than 200 different time studies were conducted on chipping operations in Italy and Australia. Multiple regressions and backward stepwise data analysis methods were applied to develop a productivity prediction equation, considering the following variables: machine power (kW), piece size (m3), crew size, harvesting method, species, tree part, wood condition, wood lay-out, chipping type, propulsion, feeding method, point of chipping, season, location of chip discharge, country (Italy or Australia) and type of operation (biomass chip operation or pulp chip operation). The final productivity model included machine power, average piece size, location of chip discharge and type of operation as significant variables. The internal validation test was conducted using five witness samples from Italy and Australia, which confirmed the validity at α=0.05. Additional international case studies from North America, South America, and central and northern Europe were used to test the accuracy of the model, in which 15 studies confirmed the model's validity and two failed to pass the test.
Sounds of silence. The “special grief” of drug-death bereaved parents: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Drug-death bereavement is an understudied topic. We explore what bereaved parents experience after losing their child to drug use. The aim of the paper is to provide knowledge about what drug-death bereaved parents go through and study the kinds of help and support they receive. Method Reflexive thematic analysis is used to analyze 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews with Norwegian parents. Results We generated four main themes: (I) ‘constant preparedness’ describes the burdensome overload that the parents experienced before death; (II) ‘stigmatization’ represents public and self-induced stigma; (III) ‘emotional overload’ refers to the parents’ complex and ambivalent emotions, such as anger, guilt and shock after the loss; and (IV) ‘complex relations’ describes the parents’ relations with public services and their personal social networks. Discussion We discuss how overload, before and after the loss experience, causes a special grief. How this overload, silence from helpers, self-stigma and complicated interactions with social networks contribute to the grief of these parents is also discussed. Potential implications for policy and practice are subsequently outlined.
On-board computing in forest machinery as a tool to improve skidding operations in South African softwood sawtimber operations

On-board computing (OBC) systems in South African timber-harvesting operations are currently limited because of the lack of local expertise and experience. In this study three trials were conducted, monitoring three skidder extraction operations at three sites in South African softwood sawtimber operations. Both cable and grapple skidders were equipped with a MultiDAT data collection device. For all trials, parallel manual time studies were conducted. The results from the time-studies were then used as the basis for evaluation of the accuracy of the information gathered by the OBCs. The results demonstrated the usefulness of OBC devices. This paper reports the results of the application of various tools to support these assessments, considering different levels of complexity, different detail of the results and different fields of application (business uses and research purpose). With regards to the estimation of the machine utilisation rate, it was highlighted that the use of the vibration sensor with additional input from the machine operator in order to define the reason for stopping offered the best solution with an error ranging from -0.74% to +5.54%. This tool can be used in long-term monitoring to identify the possible under-utilisation of a machine and consequently to establish a working system that provides greater productivity. For the evaluation of machine utilisation, the simple analysis of the GPS track-log also provided good results with an error ranging from 4.29% to -4.25%, but it required time-consuming post-operation processing of the raw data in order to correctly interpret. The use of GPS data to perform work studies in general worked reasonably well, the main problem being again that, at certain stages, the process was not easily automated and tended to require time-consuming post-operation data manipulation. However, because of the amount of information derived from data processing, it presents a useful research tool. The introduction of simple OBCs in South Africa is possible, but does require organisational changes and adaptations from both machine operators, who need to be trained to understand and manage the specific user interface and data transmission, and from management responsible for data storage, collation and analysis, and subsequently the implementation of results in improving forest operations.
Effect of Invasive Alien Species on the Co-Occurrence Patterns of Bryophytes and Vascular Plant Species—The Case of a Mediterranean Disturbed Sandy Coast

Cross-taxon analyses can explain patterns of interaction between taxa and their application in conservation studies can drive management actions. In a coastal sand dune system characterized by a high human pressure, we explored the co-occurrence patterns between vascular plants and bryophytes, with a focus on how the occurrence of invasive alien species (IAS) can affect those taxa and their relationships. Species congruences were evaluated at the community level considering taxonomic and functional diversities. Predictive co-correspondence analysis (Co-CA) was applied to quantify the strength of vascular plant communities in predicting bryophytes species composition. The relationship between the composition of vascular plants and bryophytes was significant, even if weak. Altitude and percentage of bare soil cover are the environmental variables exerting greater influence on the two taxa. The presence of IAS affects communities in an opposite way: for vascular plants, species richness increases with the presence of invasive alien species; for bryophytes, IAS’s presence has a low but significant negative influence, both on species richness and in terms of functional diversity. Results give elements for future studies on the effect of IAS on the bryophytes colonizing coastal sand dunes.