Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differences in lichen and bryophyte communities between old-growth and managed second-growth forests in the Swan Valley, Montana

Lichen and bryophyte communities differed between managed second-growth and unmanaged old-growth grand fir forests in northwestern Montana in all three strata examined: lower canopy, trunk, and ground. Old-growth forests had larger trees, greater structural diversity, greater volumes of coarse woody debris, fewer species of vascular plants, more species of trunk epiphytes, higher β diversity, and higher γ diversity than second-growth forests. Although pendent fruticose lichens were common in both stand age classes, species of Alectoria were more abundant in old growth, while second growth was dominated by Bryoria spp. Nitrogen-fixing foliose lichens were more common in all strata of old growth, and Lobaria pulmonaria, a common N-fixing species in old growth, was absent in second growth. Cladonia spp. were more numerous in second-growth forests. Nearly all species of leafy liverworts were more common in old growth and typically occurred on rotting wood. Many of these liverworts were absent from second grow.
Phylogeography of the shrimp Palaemon floridanus (Crustacea: Caridea: Palaemonidae): a partial test of meta-population genetic structure in the wider Caribbean

Marine organisms with a pelagic stage are often assumed to display minor population structure given their extended larval development and subsequent high long-distance dispersal ability. Nonetheless, considerable population structure might still occur in species with high dispersal ability due to current oceanographic and/or historical processes. Specifically, for the wider Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, theoretical and empirical considerations suggest that populations inhabiting each of the following areas should be genetically distinct: Panama, Belize, Southwest Florida (Tampa), and Southeast Florida (Fort Pierce). This study tests the hypothesis of significant genetic differentiation in Palaemon floridanus populations across the wider Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Population level comparisons were conducted using sequences of the mtDNA COI. In agreement with predictions, AMOVA and pairwise FST values demonstrated population differentiation among most pairs of the studied populations. Only Panama and East Florida populations were genetically similar. An isolation-with-migration population divergence model (implemented in IMA2) indicated that population divergence with incomplete lineage sorting can be invoked as the single mechanism explaining genetic dissimilarity between populations from the east and west coast of Florida. Historical demographic analyses indicated demographic expansion of P. floridanus in some localities [recent in Panama and ancient in East Florida and the wider Caribbean (entire dataset)] but constant population in other localities (in Belize and West Florida). This study rejects the idea of panmixia in marine species with high long-distance dispersal ability. Contemporary and historical processes might interact in a complex manner to determine current phylogeographic patterns.
Fatores determinantes da qualidade das águas superficiais na bacia do Alto Acaraú, Ceará, Brasil

Factor analysis/Principal Component Analysis (FA/PCA) were applied to the data set on water quality in upper Acarau River basin (Brazil) to study the effects caused by human activities on water. Variables were measured at six key sampling sites (villages and agricultural areas) in four campaigns from February/2003 to March/2004. The samples were analyzed for pH, temperature, color, electrical conductivity, turbidity, nitrate, ammonia, sodium, chloride, potassium, sulfate, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, total alkalinity, alkalinity bicarbonate, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen (DO), 5-days biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total phosphate, orthophosphate, chlorophyll-a, and feacal coliform. Multivariate statistical techniques, (FA/PCA), allowed the identification of variables that explain the major percent of total variance. Three components were identified as responsible for the data structure, explaining 88% of the total variance of the data set. Model showed that the first factor (39.81% of variance) assigned as mineralization factor. The second one (29.22% of variance) represented as nutrients group. The third factor (19.16% variance) assigned as a combination of agricultural area runoff and weathering. Varimax rotation showed that the mainly water quality parameters were related to mineralization (natural process) and non-point pollution (anthropogenic activities).
Influence of photoperiod and temperature on developmental time and number of molts in nymphs of two species of Odonata

Nymphs of the damselflies Enallagma hageni and Enallagma aspersum were collected in North Carolina from August to March and subjected to 11- and 14-h photoperiods at 16 and 21 °C. Development was generally completed more rapidly under long-day conditions. Under all day-length and temperature regimes, developmental time from the middle instars to emergence decreased from a maximum for those nymphs collected in August to a minimum for those collected in March. The two species had similar developmental times under long photoperiods at 21 °C; short photoperiods, however, were more inhibitory to the growth of E. hageni than to E. aspersum. The photoperiodic responses of E. hageni were similar at both temperatures, the developmental times being only slightly slower at 16 °C. In contrast, nymphs of E. aspersum kept at 16 °C showed no photoperiodic response. In both species, diapause or prolonged development occurred primarily in the two instars before the final, but not in the final itself.Extra molts usually ac.
Breeding of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in nest boxes of various types

Abstract The reproductive success of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) using nest boxes in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, differed significantly according to the type of box, but this may reflect the competence of the parents as well as the quality of the site. The most young fledged from boxes of 310 cm2 internal basal area, significantly fewer from boxes of 520 cm2 or more, and insignificantly fewer from boxes of 180 cm2. Success increased with the depth of the nest box up to at least 200 mm. Sites with large entrance holes were little used, suggesting that starlings prefer minimal access clearance (perhaps to exclude predators) and the nest bowl to be dark. The box material (wood, concrete, or PVC) had no significant effect on use or success.
Variación florística de especies arbóreas a escala local en un bosque de tierra firme en la Amazonia colombiana

This study was carried out in a 5-ha permanent plot established in the Amacayacu National Park, Colombian Amazonia. We assessed the extent at which floristic patterns of tree species were determined by either the environmental variation or the spatial configuration in tierra firme forests. Floristic and environmental variation was assessed on quadrants of 20x20 m. To run the analysis, four different categories of abundance (all, high, medium and low) were considered. We used Detrended Correspondence Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis, followed by a variation partitioning, to analyze the patterns of species distribution in order to quantify the role played by both environmental filtering and dispersal limitation. The spatial template, which represents dispersal limitation, was evaluated in two different ways: using a third degree polynomial and using the Principal Coordinates of Neighbour Matrix (PCNM) method. Beta diversity was relatively low within the plot. PCNM appears as the most appropriate method to analyze the spatial template at this scale. The floristic differences explained along the 5-ha plot were mainly associated to biological processes, such as dispersal limitation. The largest proportion of community variation in our dataset was unexplained by either environmental or spatial data. In conclusion, these results support random processes as the major drivers of the spatial variation of tree species at a local scale on tierra firme forests in the Amacayacu National Park.
Differential Targeting of β-Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes and Adenylyl Cyclase to Cardiomyocyte Caveolae

Differential modes for β1- and β2-adrenergic receptor (AR) regulation of adenylyl cyclase in cardiomyocytes is most consistent with spatial regulation in microdomains of the plasma membrane. This study examines whether caveolae represent specialized subdomains that concentrate and organize these moieties in cardiomyocytes. Caveolae from quiescent rat ventricular cardiomyocytes are highly enriched in β2-ARs, Gαi, protein kinase A RIIα subunits, caveolin-3, and flotillins (caveolin functional homologues); β1-ARs, m2-muscarinic cholinergic receptors, Gαs, and cardiac types V/VI adenylyl cyclase distribute between caveolae and other cell fractions, whereas protein kinase A RIα subunits, G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2, and clathrin are largely excluded from caveolae. Cell surface β2-ARs localize to caveolae in cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts (with markedly different β2-AR expression levels), indicating that the fidelity of β2-AR targeting to caveolae is maintained over a physiologic range of β2-AR expression. In cardiomyocytes, agonist stimulation leads to a marked decline in the abundance of β2-ARs (but not β1-ARs) in caveolae. Other studies show co-immunoprecipitation of cardiomyocytes adenylyl cyclase V/VI and caveolin-3, suggesting their in vivo association. However, caveolin is not required for adenylyl cyclase targeting to low density membranes, since adenylyl cyclase targets to low buoyant density membrane fractions of HEK cells that lack prototypical caveolins. Nevertheless, cholesterol depletion with cyclodextrin augments agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation, indicating that caveolae function as negative regulators of cAMP accumulation. The inhibitory interaction between caveolae and the cAMP signaling pathway as well as domain-specific differences in the stoichiometry of individual elements in the β-AR signaling cascade represent important modifiers of cAMP-dependent signaling in the heart.
Chondroitin Sulfate Chains on Syndecan-1 and Syndecan-4 from Normal Murine Mammary Gland Epithelial Cells Are Structurally and Functionally Distinct and Cooperate with Heparan Sulfate Chains to Bind Growth Factors

A comparative analysis was carried out of heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) chains of the ectodomains of hybrid type transmembrane proteoglycans, syndecan-1 and -4, synthesized simultaneously by normal murine mammary gland epithelial cells. Although the HS chains were structurally indistinguishable, intriguingly the CS chains were structurally and functionally distinct, probably reflecting the differential regulation of sulfotransferases involved in the synthesis of HS and CS. The CS chains of the two syndecans comprised nonsulfated, 4-O-, 6-O-, and 4,6-O-disulfated N-acetylgalactosamine-containing disaccharide units and were significantly different, with a higher degree of sulfation for syndecan-4. Functional analysis using a BIAcore system showed that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) specifically bound only to the HS chains of both syndecans, whereas midkine (MK) and pleiotrophin (PTN) bound not only to the HS but also to the CS chains. Stronger binding of MK and PTN to the CS chains of syndecan-4 than those of syndecan-1 was revealed, supporting the structural and functional differences. Intriguingly, removal of the CS chains decreased the association and dissociation rate constants of MK, PTN, and bFGF for both syndecans, suggesting the simultaneous binding of these growth factors to both types of chains, producing a ternary complex that transfers the growth factors to the corresponding cell surface receptors more efficiently compared with the HS chains alone. The involvement of the core protein was also shown in the binding of MK and PTN to syndecan-1, suggesting the possibility of cooperation with the HS and/or CS chains in the binding of these growth factors and their delivery to the cell surface receptors.
The antibacterial activity of propolis produced by Apis mellifera L. and Brazilian stingless bees

This study investigated the antibacterial activity of propolis produced by A. mellifera and Brazilian stingless bees, called "meliponineos". Susceptibility tests to ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were performed using bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus sp, and Escherichia coli) isolated from human infections. Dilution of EEP in agar (%v/v) was used for determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The stingless bee species (and common names) were: Nannotrigona testaceicornis ("Irai"), Tetragonisca angustula ("Jatai"), Trigona spinipes ("Arapua"), Scaptotrigona sp ("Tiuba"), Partamona sp ("Cupira"), Melipona scutellaris ("Urucu"), Melipona sp ("Manduri"), and Melipona mandacaia ("Mandacaia"). EEP inhibitory efficiencies according to bacterial strains were: S. aureus - "Cupira" > "Manduri" = A. mellifera > "Urucu" > "Mandacaia" > "Irai" > "Tiuba" > "Jatai" > "Arapua" = Ethanol; Enterococcus sp - "Cupira" > "Manduri" > A. mellifera > "Mandacaia" > "Urucu" > "Tiuba" > "Jatai" > "Arapua" = Ethanol; E. coli - "Manduri" > "Jatai" > Ethanol > A. mellifera > "Urucu" > "Cupira" > "Irai". Propolis produced by "Cupira" and "Manduri" bees showed higher antibacterial activity than A. mellifera.
Ochratoxin A in Ruminants–A Review on Its Degradation by Gut Microbes and Effects on Animals

Ruminants are much less sensitive to ochratoxin A (OTA) than non-ruminants. The ruminal microbes, with protozoa being a central group, degrade the mycotoxin extensively, with disappearance half lives of 0.6–3.8 h. However, in some studies OTA was detected systemically when using sensitive analytical methods, probably due to some rumen bypass at proportions of estimated 2–6.5% of dosage (maximum 10%). High concentrate proportions and high feeding levels are dietary factors promoting the likeliness of systemic occurrence due to factors like shifts in microbial population and higher contamination potential. Among risk scenarios for ruminants, chronic intoxication represents the most relevant.
Genotype, sowing date and plant spacing influence on high-yielding irrigated wheat in southern New South Wales. I. Phasic development, canopy growth and spike production

Sowing date, sowing rate and row spacing effects were studied on high input crops at Griffith, N.S. W. , between 1983 and 1985 using 25 bread wheats (Triticum aestivum L.) and 3 triticales (X Triticosecale Wittmack). The aim was to identify improved management practices and genotypes through a better understanding of development and growth of irrigated wheat grown under high-yielding conditions. The genotypes were chosen to represent a wide range in genetic background, maturity and stature. Growing period durations were between 208 days and 100 days for early April and mid-August sowings, respectively, with differences in anthesis dates within sowing dates of up to 45 days. Genotypes were classified into six major maturity groups. There was no maturity type that could flower close to 1 October from a wide range of sowing dates since anthesis was delayed by 0.3 to 0.5 days per 1-day delay in sowing. Increased daylength sensitivity tended to delay anthesis relative to the timing of floral initiation and terminal spikelet formation. The end of tillering was generally associated with the attainment of 50-60% light interception rather than a given development stage of the inflorescence. Spike density was not closely related to maximum tiller number but depended on genotype, environment and plant density. Leaf appearance rate was influenced by environment and genotype, but was independent of spike development. For a given final leaf number, internode elongation started at a later leaf number for later sowing dates, resulting in reductions in both node number and height. Crop height decreased by up to 5 cm per 1-week delay in anthesis date. The period of full light interception decreased from 133 days to 43 days between April and August sowings, respectively. The timing of reproductive development determined the green area duration, but the initial development and size of the canopy was less affected by it, because of adjustments in number and type of tillers, and size and thickness of leaves. The development and maintenance of an adequate canopy was not restricted by earliness, shortness or low sowing rates (50 kg seed/ha) for April-July sowing dates.
Occurrence of Ochratoxigenic Fungi and Ochratoxin A in Green Coffee from Different Origins

Fungal infection and ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination were determined in green coffee samples from different origins, in which OTA-producing fungi were also identified. About 72% of the beans analysed by direct plating presented fungal infection, including species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Rhizopus. The genus Aspergillus was presented in more than 90% of infected coffee beans. Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus section Nigri isolates represented 2.8 and 65.4%, respectively from the total number of isolates from the coffee beans. The capacity to produce OTA was determined in 260 isolates of A. section Nigri and 19 of A. ochraceus by the agar plug method, giving positive results for 6% of the A. section Nigri isolates and 16% of the A. ochraceus. OTA production was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography. OTA contamination of green coffee beans was analysed by enzyme immunoassay. OTA levels in all samples analysed were above the limit of detection (0.6 mg/kg), with a mean OTA concentration of 6.7 mg/kg.
Effects of early unilateral blur on the macaque's visual system. II. Anatomical observations

We studied the effects of early unilateral blur on the anatomical organization of the visual pathways in 8 macaque monkeys. Blur was induced in one eye, beginning 2–14 d after birth, by 0.5% atropine twice a day. Atropinization was stopped at 6–8 months of age, and the animals were studied for anatomy 3–24 months later. The retina and all other eye tissues showed normal histology. In the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), cells in parvocellular layers receiving input from the atropine-treated eye were 9–32% smaller and were more lightly stained than those in layers innervated by the untreated eye. These changes were generally larger in the LGN ipsilateral to the treated eye. LGN cell size changes were absent or much smaller in the magnocellular layers. In the striate cortex, the distribution of the oxidative enzyme cytochrome oxidase (CO) was markedly altered in layer 4C beta. Layer 4C beta is uniformly stained in normal animals, but showed a distinct pattern of alternating high and low CO bands in the atropine-treated animals; the bands of higher CO activity were narrower than the bands of lower activity and had a 857–1050 micron repeat. Fainter banding was seen in layers 4A, 4C alpha, and 6, but the density of the rows of dark CO-stained dots in layer 3 was unaffected. Double- labeling revealed that the narrow dark CO bands were associated with the centers of the ocular dominance columns devoted to the atropine- treated eye. The distribution of 14C-2-deoxyglucose uptake in visual cortex produced by 4.5–9 c/deg spatial frequency stimulation was strongly biased toward the untreated eye. The treated eye could, however, elicit reasonably strong uptake when stimulated with patterns containing lower spatial frequencies. These results suggest that unilateral neonatal blur preferentially affects the parvocellular layers of the LGN and layer 4C beta of striate cortex, which are the portions of the central visual system associated with the processing of information concerning fine spatial detail. These anatomical changes are consistent with the high spatial frequency loss of vision demonstrated behaviorally and electrophysiologically in the atropine eye-driven visual system of these same animals.
Translocation of Some Anions, Cations, and Acids in Turnip (Brassica napus L.) Mitochondria

The translocation of various anions, cations, and acids across the membrane system of turnip mitchondria has been investigated by light scattering techniques. The results imply that the membranes of turnip mitochondria are not permeable to choline, K+, Na+, NHJ, CH3COI", H2PO7, SOI-, and Fe(CN)jj-. It has been established that CI-, NO3, and SON- passively per meate the mitochondrial membrane. It is probable that NH| permeates as NH3 and that CH3CO2 and H2PO7 cross the membrane either as the corresponding acid or on an anion/ hydroxide antiporter. The alkali metals Na+ and K+ equilibrate across the membrane via specific H+/Na+ and H+/K+ antiporters, having similar activity at neutral pH.
External knot size and frequency in black spruce trees from an initial spacing trial in Thunder Bay, Ontario

As growing space available for a given tree increases, crown size increases and branch size (and thus knot size) is generally greater. Increased tree spacing may also result in a higher knot frequency. Using a combination of nonlinear, multilevel mixed effects and generalized nonlinear modeling techniques, a series of equations were developed to predict size and number of knots with respect to vertical location in black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP) trees from one of the oldest initial spacing trial in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The models developed in this paper focus only on live whorls and are intended to be linked with a growth and yield model. The maximum knot size model accounted for 74% of the total variation and had a root MSE of 2.03. Random effects terms accounted for an additional 3% of the total variation. The relative knot size model accounted for 32% of the total variation and no significant random effects were found. The knot frequency model accounted for 45% of the total variation and the .
Effect of fertilizer on wood properties of Eucalyptus globulus

The effects of N and P fertilizers applied to Eucalyptus globulus Labill. at plantation establishment on basic density, fibre length, fibre coarseness, predicted pulp yield, and N and P concentration in the wood were examined by sampling four fertilizer factorial trials: three in Victoria and one in Western Australia. Treatments sampled were control, maximum levels of N and P by themselves and combined. Growth responses varied across sites with significant growth responses at the Victorian sites but no response at the Western Australian site. An interaction was suggested between rainfall and the effects of the fertilizer; wood properties at the drier sites were detrimentally affected by fertilizer but there was little effect at the wetter sites. On the two drier sites, application of both N and P, alone or in combination, resulted in changes in density, shorter fibres, and slightly lower predicted pulp yield. Addition of both N and P increased the levels of these nutrients in the wood at the three Victori.