Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validation of a spatial simulation model of a spreading alien plant population

Summary 1. Process-based models, and spatially explicit models in particular, will play an important role in predicting the impacts of future environmental change. Enthusiasm for the rich potential of these models, however, is tempered by the realization that their parameterization is often challenging and time consuming. Moreover, these models are seldom validated; this makes their predictive value in applied contexts uncertain. 2. In this paper we describe the process of parameterizing and validating a spatial demographic model of a spreading alien plant population. The model, a spatially explicit individual-based simulation, has modest data requirements (for a spatial simulation model) in that it concentrates on simulating recruitment, dispersal, mortality and disturbance and ignores the environmental and biotic heterogeneity of the receiving environment. 3. We tested the model using the invasion of Acacia cyclops and Pinus pinaster into fynbos, the mediterranean shrublands of South Africa, as a case study. Dispersal, recruitment and mortality data were collected for each species at six different sites. Aerial photographs from six independent sites (two sites for A. cyclops and four sites for P. pinaster ) were used to reconstruct the invasion histories of the two species between 1938 and 1989. Demographic data were used to parameterize the model, and the 1938 distribution of alien plants, derived from aerial photography, was used to initialize the model. 4. The empirically estimated indices of rate and pattern of invasion fell within the range of model predictions made at all six sites studied. The indices of rate and pattern of invasion predicted by the model did not differ significantly from the empirically estimated indices for 76% of the model data comparisons made. These analyses suggested that the model predictions are good, given the variance in parameter estimates. 5. The proportion of grid locations where the model correctly predicted alien plant distribution was typically above 0·75 and always above 0·5 for both species. A permutation test showed that locations of invasive plants predicted by the model were significantly better than random for P. pinaster , but not always for A. cyclops ; this may be because A. cyclops is bird dispersed, and its dispersal may be biased towards perch sites, whereas P. pinaster is wind dispersed. 6. We conclude that, although spatial simulation models are often more difficult to parameterize and validate than statistical or analytical models, there are situations where such effort is warranted. In this case the validation process provides confidence to use the model as a tool for planning the control of invasive plants. In a more general sense we believe that the approach outlined here could be used for model parameterization and validation in situations where spatial simulation models seem appropriate.
Appendix B. Properties data

This appendix presents compiled data for various UK clay and mudrock formations arranged in order of increasing age. The data are mainly those presented by Cripps & Taylor (1981, 1986, 1987), in British Geological Survey (BGS) reports on the engineering geology of particular areas relating to particular deposits, and from other published sources. The data are intended to serve as a general guide as to the typical properties and variability of the materials concerned. The tables also provide a reference source for further information about the formations. The values quoted are intended as guidance only and should not be used as a substitute for investigations into the properties of the materials. It is the intention that the data will enable investigations to be more focussed and to assist with the interpretation of test data. The properties covered in the tables are ones that are commonly quoted in site investigation reports and publications, including consistency, density and strength. Stiffness, consolidation, permeability and compaction parameters are also quoted for some formations but many parameters mentioned in Chapter 4 are not included. In most cases this is because few values of these parameters are quoted in the literature. Chapter 4 includes background and discussion of the parameters quoted in the tables and also of some additional paremters. The data presented by Cripps & Taylor (1981, 1986, 1987) were compiled from a great number of published sources available at that time, which were the result of a comprehensive literature review. These data are presented
Phosphorylation and Activity of Na+/H+ Exchanger Isoform 1 of Immortalized Lymphoblasts in Diabetic Nephropathy

In both essential hypertension and diabetic nephropathy (DN), the ubiquitous cellular Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) exhibits altered kinetics with increased transport activity. The mechanism for this phenotype and its dependence on the presence of serum are unknown, but increased lymphoblast NHE activity in DN has been attributed to a defect in post-translational processing of NHE-1 rather than an increased cellular exchanger number. Phosphorylation of NHE-1 has been proposed to play a role in its activation in a variety of cell models. We have examined, therefore, the role of NHE-1 phosphorylation and the effect of serum in determining the increased NHE-1 activity in lymphoblasts from patients with DN. Cells from these patients exhibited increased NHE activity in the presence and absence of fetal calf serum (range 42–59%, P < 0.005, analysis of variance) and an increased proliferation rate (P < 0.01) when compared with cells from both normoalbuminuric diabetic patients and non-diabetic control subjects. However, NHE-1 abundance was very similar among all groups in the presence and absence of serum, indicating that increased NHE activity in cells of nephropathy patients was due to an increased turnover number. This nephropathy phenotype was not accompanied by an increased net phosphorylation of NHE-1 in the presence or absence of serum. Our findings suggest that increased NHE-1 activity in cells of DN patients is independent of the presence of serum and is not attributable to altered NHE-1 phosphorylation. Additional post-translational mechanisms for activation of NHE-1, therefore, may be involved.
Molecular Characterization of the 3′‐Terminal Region of Turnip mosaic virus Isolates from Eastern China

Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV; genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae) causes great losses to cruciferous crop production worldwide. The 3′-terminal genomic sequences of eight TuMV isolates from eastern China were compared with those of 74 other Chinese TuMV isolates of known host origin in the GenBank and isolated during the past 25 years. The reported sequences of the eight TuMV isolates are 1125 or 1126-nucleotides (nt) long excluding the poly(A) tail. They all contain one partial open reading frame of 912 nt, encoding 304 amino acids, followed by a stop codon and a non-translated region of 209–210 nt. Results of phylogenetic analyses showed that Chinese TuMV isolates clustered into three groups: basal-BR, Asian-BR and world-B. The ratios of non-synonymous and synonymous substitutions and results of amino acid alignment provided evidence for purifying or negative selection in TuMV populations of China.
Effect of hatchery environment on cranial morphology and developmental stability of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) from North‐West Russia

Summary The study addresses the effect of hatchery rearing on morphological variation and developmental stability of Atlantic salmon parr from North-West Russia. Totally, we collected nine samples. Four wild samples were collected from each of the rivers Kola, Umba, Keret’ and Shuia. Five samples of hatchery-reared parr were the first-generation progeny of wild adults from these rivers reared separately at the four hatcheries (one hatchery was represented by two samples). Ten meristic and 48 morphometric cranial characters were analysed. We studied the morphological divergence between wild and hatchery fishes of the same river of origin. To analyze developmental stability we used fluctuating asymmetry (random deviations from perfect bilateral symmetry). It was found that hatchery-reared parr significantly differ from wild parr in both meristic characters and the shape of cranial bones. Different hatcheries caused similar effect on morphological variation in all populations. Fluctuating asymmetry in morphometric characters was significantly higher in hatchery fish than in wild from the Shuia River, indicating a higher level of developmental instability. However, wild parr from the Keret’ River had significantly higher fluctuating asymmetry than cultivated parr of the same origin, possible due to a high infection pressure of the parasite Gyrodactylus salaris Malmberg which has led to significant decline of the wild salmon population in this river, or from genetic changes caused by cultivation. The obtained results indicate a notable effect of hatchery environment on Atlantic salmon’s phenotype.
Discrimination of trait-based characteristics by trace element bioaccumulation in riverine fishes

Relations between tissue trace element concentrations and species traits were examined for 45 fish species to determine the extent to which trait-based characteristics accounted for relative differences among species in trace element bioaccumulation. Percentages of fish species correctly classified by discriminant analysis according to traits predicted by tissue trace element concentrations ranged from 72% to 87%. Tissue concentrations of copper, mercury, selenium, and zinc appeared to have the greatest overall influence on differentiating species according to trait characteristics. Discrimination of trait characteristics did not appear to be strongly influenced by local sources of trace elements in the streambed sediment. Bioaccumulation was greatest for those species classified as primarily detritivores, having relatively large adult body size, considered nonmigratory with respect to reproductive strategy, occurring mostly in large or variable size streams and rivers, preferring depositional areas withi.
Evolution in the Andean epiphytic genus Columnea (Gesneriaceae). II: Chloroplast DNA restriction site variation

A cladistic analysis of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) restriction site variation was per- formed on Columnea (Gesneriaceae) sections Pentadenia and StVgnan,he. Two species of Alloplectus were included in the analyses and one of Drymonia was used as the outgroup. Restriction site variation was analyzed using Wagner parsimony and character state weighting that favors conver- gent losses over convergent gains. The large numbers of equally most parsimonious trees prevented examination of each tree independently. Thus, examination of phvlogenetic relationships was based on a strict consensus of all most parsimonious trees. The resulting phylogeny is largely congruent with recent classification schemes, although the positions of several species are not in accordance with traditional relationships. As a result of the cladistic analysis of the cpDNA restriction site variation, section Pentadenia is at least paraphyletic, and possibly polyphyletic with section Styg- nanthe. The lack of resolution among the several clades within section Stygnanthe does not provide evidence for or against monophyly of this section. Several clades are strongly supported with cpDNA data and provide insight into biogeography and origin of morphological adaptations.
Recruitment and growth variation of Ophionereis reticulata (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea)

Two growth patterns are recognized in shallow-water ophiuroids: (1) slow growth and early reproductive maturity over a long life span and (2) rapid growth with a short life span. For species with the first pattern, both growth and recruitment would reflect a reproductive pattern with long periods of resting and spawning concentrated in certain months of the year. To evaluate this hypothesis, the recruitment, population dynamics, and growth of the intertidal brittle star Ophionereis reticulata were analyzed from January 2001 to December 2002 at the Baleeiro Isthmus on the southeast coast of Brazil. The species shows an annual gametogenic cycle with spawning taking place in summer. Densities varied from 0.46 to 9.46 individuals m−2. Density variations and seawater temperature were not significantly correlated. The population structure of O. reticulata was polymodal, with at least four co-occurring cohorts. Recruitment events were recorded in March 2001, October 2001, January 2002, and September 2002. As indicated by the asymptote size (D∞ = 11.47 mm ± 1.46), growth constant (K = 0.42 year−1 ± 0.12), and oscillation index (C = 0.97 ± 0.51), the growth pattern of O. reticulata seems to be based on high survivorship of juveniles and adults, where sexual maturity is reached at a small size with rapid growth in the first 2 years of life. A low level of settlement is to be expected based on these data; however, there must be a minimum successful survivorship and development for juveniles and adults. Another explanation for the lack of small individuals (disc diameter < 1.0 mm) could be that recruitment is located in a different area and a post-settlement migration might be involved in the maintenance of the population.
The phylogenetic relationships between Dryocosmus, Chilaspis and allied genera of oak gallwasps (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae: Cynipini)

Abstract Oak gallwasps (Hymenoptera; Cynipidae, tribe Cynipini) are cyclically parthenogenetic insects that induce galls on specific plant hosts in the family Fagaceae. Understanding the processes underlying the evolution of specific oak associations requires knowledge of the phylogenetic relationships among oak gallwasp genera. Although three major lineages of oak gallwasps have been identified, the status and relationships of several species‐poor but biologically significant genera remain unresolved. Two such genera are Chilaspis and Dryocosmus, whose western palaearctic species all gall oaks in the section Cerris. Dryocosmus is particularly significant biologically because it includes: (a) the only palaearctic gallwasp to gall chestnuts, Castanea, and (b) nearctic species. The oak section Cerris is wholly absent from the nearctic, and the relationship between palaearctic and nearctic Dryocosmus is significant for patterns of host plant evolution in the tribe as a whole. We examined the relationships between Chilaspis, Dryocosmus and other oak cynipid genera using cladograms from sequence data for two mitochondrial loci (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and cytochrome b) and two nuclear loci (the 28S ribosomal gene regions D2 and D3–5). Our analyses support the following conclusions: (1) palaearctic Chilaspis and Dryocosmus species form an intermingled monophyletic group. (2) We propose that Chilaspis Mayr, 1881 is a syn.n. of Dryocosmus Giraud, 1859 and propose the name D. mayri as a comb.rev. for the species previously named C. mayri, and D. nitidus and D. israeli as comb.n. of C. nitida and C. israeli, respectively. (3) We reassess the utility of morphological characters previously regarded as diagnostic for these genera. (4) Two species previously known only from a single generation represent two halves of a single species lifecycle. Dryocosmus nervosus is here designated a syn.n. of D. cerriphilus. (5) The nearctic species D. favus lies outside the palaearctic Chilaspis/Dryocosmus clade, and Dryocosmus as currently recognized is not a monophyletic group. (6) Dryocosmus/Chilaspis is closely related to the other oak gallwasp taxa (Aphelonyx, Plagiotrochus, Pseudoneuroterus, Trichagalma, and some Neuroterus species) galling section Cerris oaks. This implies an early branching evolution of this oak association within this group, and supports previous work showing the rarity of oak gallwasp host shifts.
Safety and efficacy of dual antiplatelet pretreatment in patients with ischemic stroke treated with IV thrombolysis

Objective Conflicting data exist on the safety and efficacy of IV thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) receiving dual antiplatelet pretreatment (DAPP). The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the safety and outcome of DAPP history among patients with AIS treated with IVT. Methods We performed a comprehensive literature review to identify studies that investigated the safety and efficacy of DAPP among patients with AIS treated with IVT. Results We identified 9 studies comprising 66,675 patients. In unadjusted analyses, DAPP was associated with a higher likelihood of pooled symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH; odds ratio [OR] 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39–3.67) and 3-month mortality (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.25–1.73). DAPP was also related to higher odds of sICH according to Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke Monitoring Study (OR 2.71; 95% CI 2.05–3.59), European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study II (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.46–3.40), and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.38–1.83) definitions. There was no association between DAPP and 3-month favorable functional outcome (FFO, modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–1) and 3-month functional independence (FI; mRS score 0–2). In adjusted analyses, history of DAPP was not associated with pooled sICH (OR 2.03; 95% CI 0.75–5.52), 3-month mortality (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.87–1.40), 3-month FFO (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.77–1.09), and 3-month FI (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.89–1.15). Conclusions After adjustment for potential confounders, DAPP appears not to be associated with higher risk of adverse outcomes in patients with AIS treated with IVT.
Factors affecting the potential contributions of N2 fixation by legumes in Australian pasture systems

Abstract. The amounts of foliage nitrogen (N) fixed by various annual and perennial legumes growing in Australian pastures range from <10 to >250 kg N/ha.year. Differences in N2 fixation result from variations in the proportion of the legume-N derived from atmospheric N2 (%Ndfa) and/or the amount of legume-N accumulated during growth. On-farm surveys of %Ndfa achieved by legumes growing in farmers’ paddocks in Australia indicated that N2 fixation contributed >65% of the legume’s N requirements in three-quarters of the annual legumes examined, but this decreased to two-thirds of lucerne (Medicago sativa; also known as alfalfa), and half of white clover (Trifolium repens) samples. Factors such as low numbers or the poor effectiveness of rhizobial strains in the soil, water stress, high soil concentrations of N, and nutrient disorders contribute to poor nodulation and %Ndfa values <65%, but there is also evidence that the observed %Ndfa can be dependent on the legume species present, and whether the legume is grown in a pure stand or in a mixed sward. The accumulation of legume-N relates primarily to the legume content and net productivity of the pasture. For many legume species, ∼20 kg of shoot-N is fixed on average for every tonne of herbage dry matter produced. Legume productivity can be influenced by (i) sowing and establishment techniques and other strategies that enhance the legume content in pasture swards; (ii) the amelioration of soil constraints; (iii) the use of new legume species (and host–rhizobial strain combinations) that are more tolerant of hostile soil environments than subterranean clover (T. subterraneum) or annual medics (Medicago spp); and (iv) the inclusion of perennials such as lucerne to offset the year-to-year variability in productivity and N2 fixation that is a common occurrence with annual legumes.
Effect of plant population on the grain yield of maize under high yielding conditions in New Zealand

Abstract The effect on grain yield of changing the plant population in 76 cm rows was studied over 3 years. Grain yields for the full season hybrid p×610 were maximised around 14 t/ha in the range of 80–90 000 plants/ha but the response curves gave no indication of any marked changes over the range of 70–100 000 plants/ha. These plant populations are above those recommended for full season hybrids overseas. The optImal plant population in these trials was similar to the optima in lower yielding New Zealand trials.In contrast, overseas results suggest that the optimal population would be higher in higher yielding trials.Plant lodging was severe only in the crop following pasture and here it rose as plant population increased.It is recommended that crops be established to give harvest populations of 80–90 000 plants/ha except for crops immediately following pasture when populations of 70–80 000 plants/ha should be established.
Effect of Smolt Release Location and Displacement of Adults on Distribution of Summer Steelhead Trout

Abstract Marked smolts of summer steelhead trout (Salmo gairdneri) were released at different locations on the Clackamas River, Oregon, in 1975 and 1976. Adults returning in 1977 and 1978 were tagged, transported, and released at several sites. Distribution and movement of tagged fish were monitored through tag recoveries and fishway counts. The ability of adults to home to the site where they were released as smolts was precise enough to render some release sites unsuitable because of management complications. Movements of adults that were transported upriver from the site where they had been released as smolts depended on the distance they were transported. Fish transported further upstream were less likely to drop back downstream. By careful selection of smolt release location, survival of smolts can be increased and adult fish can be either concentrated in certain stream sections or scattered over several areas.