Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TREE FUNCTIONAL GROUP RICHNESS AND LANDSCAPE STRUCTURE IN A BRAZILIAN TROPICAL FRAGMENTED LANDSCAPE

This study explores the relation between landscape structure and tree species richness in a tropical area suffering deforestation since the second half of the 19th century. Three different null hypotheses were tested: (1) there is no relationship between landscape structure and tree species diversity present in fragments because the process of fragmentation in these landscapes is too recent to result in tree species extinction; (2) species characteristics do not influence the relationship between tree richness and landscape structure; (3) scale of analysis does not influence the relationship between tree richness and landscape structure. I studied 11 fragments of mesophytic semideciduous forest occurring along the Jacare-Pepira river (southeast Brazil). From a classified Thematic Mapper image, the landscape structure was quantified using parameters of fragment structure, forest arrangement, landscape complexity, and landscape composition. To investigate the influence of scale over tree species richness, f.
Effect of carvacrol and thymol on Salmonella spp. biofilms on polypropylene

Summary The present study evaluated the effects of carvacrol and thymol against Salmonella spp. biofilm on polypropylene. The efficacy of the compounds was assessed by quantifying Salmonella spp. cells during and after biofilm formation on polypropylene and performing scanning electron microscopy. During biofilm formation, carvacrol and thymol, at subinhibitory concentrations, reduced bacterial counts about 1–2 log, while established Salmonella spp. biofilms were reduced about 1–5 log by carvacrol and thymol, at MIC or 2× MIC. The greatest reduction in carvacrol-treated biofilms, about 5 log, was observed with 156 and 312 μg mL−1 (MIC and 2× MIC) in established Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028 biofilms. Thymol showed the greatest reduction, about 4 log, at 624 μg mL−1 (2× MIC) against mature Salmonella Enteritidis biofilm. Carvacrol and thymol reduced the number of Salmonella spp. cells on polypropylene, suggesting their potential for the control of Salmonella spp. biofilms.
Transgenerational effects of diet environment on life-history and acoustic signals of a grasshopper

Phenotypic plasticity can be due to environmental conditions experienced during an individual’s lifetime, but can also be based on parental effects, that is the responses of the parental generation to their own environment. Such transgenerational responses might be adaptive by allowing fine-tuning of offspring traits to the present environment. We examined whether the parental and offspring diet affect offspring life history and sexually selected acoustic signal traits in the grasshopper Chorthippus biguttulus. In a full factorial design, parents and offspring were reared on high-quality or poor-quality diet. We found significant positive effects of parental high-quality food on offspring developmental time, body mass, song amplitude in adult males, and weight of egg pods in adult females. In all cases, these effects were larger than direct effects of the diet environment experienced during ontogeny, even though some of these were significant, too. Interactions between parental and ontogenetic treatments were all nonsignificant, indicating that offspring traits are not adjusted to enhance performance on the same diet as the parent. We conclude that parental effects are unexpectedly stronger than effects of the offspring diet environment in C. biguttulus. These parental effects do not seem to constitute adaptive phenotypic plasticity, but nevertheless show that the nutritional environment of the parents has a large influence on traits in C. biguttulus grasshoppers.
Ground Motion Modelling and Response Spectra for Australian Earthquakes

Due to the relatively low frequency of large earthquake events in Australia, and the inadequacy of recorded data, engineering seismologists commonly adapt ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs) developed from other regions with similar conditions to the Australian continent for the calculation of acceleration and displacement response. Recent improvements using high quality recorded data have given rise to Next Generation Attenuation (NGA) ground motion models. However, these NGA ground motion models show significant discrepancies with other ground motion prediction equations that have been developed and used in Australia, and these include the models that have helped establish the new Australian Earthquake Hazard Map. This paper presents a study which looks at the possibility of a very rare earthquake occurring at close proximity to the Sydney CBD. The suitability of use in Australia of the various available ground motion models is discussed, and some of these models are used to calculate the acceleration and displacement response spectra. There is a large discrepancy observed between the western North American derived NGAs and some of the other Australian GMPEs. The SHAKE2000 computer program was used to illustrate amplification of response at a soil site relative to that at a rock site. An NGA-West 2 model, that will be available in 2013, is also shown to illustrate improvements to the original 2008 NGA models.
Reduction in the pheromone attractant response of Orthotomicus erosus (Woll.) and Ips sexdentatus Boern. (Col., Scolytidae) 1

Under field conditions, the pheromone attractant responses of the scolytids Orthotomicus erosus and Ips sexdentatus were significantly reduced by the addition of one of the oxidation products of α‐pinene, verbenone, to the attractive volatiles 2‐methyl‐3‐butene‐2‐ol plus ipsdienol. Catches in flight barrier traps also decreased when (S)‐cis‐verbenol was added to the dual bait mixture; the inhibitory action of the terpene alcohol was more noticeable upon the female populations of both species. The observed patterns of behavior might reflect the outcome of a long process of competition among Ips species.
Scanning Electron Microscopic and Chemical Study of the Metathoracic Scent Glands System of Rhaphigaster nebulosa (Poda, 1761) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

The metathoracic scent glands (MTGs) system of adult Rhaphigaster nebulosa (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) was described by electron microscopy and secretion from them was analysed by a combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The MTGs is anatomically complex. It opens ventrally by paired openings located between the metathoracic furcae. It belongs to the paired MTG type and comprises on each side: median reservoir, lateral glands and evaporation surfaces. Median reservoir is sac-like and flanked by multitubular lateral glands. It is interconnected by a narrow bridge in the ventral mid-line. Metathoracic coxae are associated with crescent-like evaporation areas. Chemical analyses showed a typical pentatomid MTG composition. The glands of R. nebulosa males and females contain 9 same compounds: n -undecane, n -dodecane, n -tridecane, n -nonacosane, (E) -2-hexenal, (E) -2-octenal, (E) -2-decenal, (E) -2-hexenyl acetate, 2(5H)-furanone being the two major compounds n-tridecane and (E)-2-hexanal, which represent 90-95% of the secretion in the this species . The compounds n -tricosane, (Z) -cyclodecene, and (E) -2-decen-1-ol were detected only in females, while n -tetracosane, n -hexacosane, and 1-tridecene were detected only in males.
Supplementation with chromium picolinate reduces the incidence of placental retention in dairy cows

A test with two groups (n for each group = 25) of Holstein cows was conducted to evaluate the effects of chromium picolinate (CrPic) on the incidence of placenta retention (PR). Organic chromium supplementation, equivalent to 3.5 mg Cr d−1 per cow, administered during the last 9 wk of pregnancy, decreased nearly four times the incidence of placental retention observed in unsupplemented cows (16% vs. 56%, P < 0.05, chi square test). Calf body weight (BW) at birth was similar in both groups (without Cr = 43.92 ± 0.75 kg vs. Cr supplementation = 44.26 ± 0.84 kg). Key words: Placental retention, chromium picolinate, stress, dairy cows
Effects of diel and seasonal cycles on the dive duration of the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)

Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) surfacing intervals were recorded over a period of three years in the coastal waters of Mull, Coll and the Small Isles, in the north-west of Scotland. Significant differences in surfacing intervals were noted both throughout the day and throughout the year. Surfacing intervals were shortest at noon and in the months of June and July. Surfacing intervals were longest both mid-morning and mid-afternoon and during May and August. Differences in surfacing intervals were interpreted to be the result of ecological changes such as different foraging strategies. Consequently, the results of this study have an impact on the methodologies and designs of minke whale sightings surveys.
USING WIKIS IN AN ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC ACADEMIC PURPOSES (ESAP) CONTEXT: UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS AND REFLECTIONS

This study explores students' perceptions regarding the use of wikis in their learning of English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP). First year university students of the department of Commerce, Finance and Shipping were given a questionnaire prior to and after their ESAP course. Students worked with wikis during the entire semester and recorded their reflections concerning the wiki integration and its perceived effect on their language learning. The results show that the wiki experience was a positive one overall.
Observations of Alexandrium tamarense (Dinophyceae) vegetative cells and oceanographic parameters in Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands, Scotland

The toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense was studied along with surrounding oceanographic parameters from May 1998 to May 1999 in Scapa Flow, Orkney. Nutrient concentrations were higher in winter and showed a phase of depletion in late spring and summer. Dinoflagellates tended to be abundant in late spring and summer. Alexandrium tamarense was detected in the water column almost year round, with the exception of the winter months (September to December). The growth of the A. tamarense population in Scapa Flow was not reflected in a monospecific bloom but rather in moderate to small biomass levels and always in co-occurrence with other species of diatoms and dinoflagellates. The highest concentration recorded was 1600 cells l−1 but concentrations of 200–400 cells l−1 were more typical. The oceanographic parameters indicate that the occurrences of vegetative cells of A. tamarense seem to be explained in part by instability of the water column, low temperature and low nutrient concentrations.
Experimental deep-sea deployments reveal diverse Northeast Pacific wood-boring bivalves of Xylophagainae (Myoida: Pholadidae)

Only a single species of deep-sea wood boring bivalve has been known off the forested northwest coast of North America, although the Xylophagainae are so diverse in other areas that up to five species occur in a given length of wood. To determine whether additional species were present in the Northeast Pacific and if so, how they coexist, lengths of wood were experimentally deployed on heavily sedimented sites on the Cascadia Basin and Escanaba Trough, non-hydrothermally active basalt on Gorda Ridge and Axial Volcano, and an isolated sediment pond within the axis of Juan de Fuca Ridge, at depths of between 1,530 and 3,232 m. All locations were between 418and 488N, at least 240 km off the North American coast. Six previously unknown species, Xylophaga corona n. sp. , X. zierenbergi n. sp. , X. heterosiphon n. sp. , X. oregona n. sp. , X. microchira n. sp. and Xylopholas crooki n. sp. , were collected and are described here. Dominant species differed in recoveries made after 10 and 24 months at Juan de Fuca Ridge and Cascadia Basin localities. Xylophaga microchira n. sp. dominated four of five deployments recovered within 12 months, but its abundance declined by 24 months, being largely replaced on Juan de Fuca Ridge by X. oregona n. sp. , a species known only from this Ridge and from an incidental collection on the Nootka Fracture Zone. At Cascadia Basin sites, the abundances of X. heterosiphon n. sp. and of what are likely to be predatory polyclad flatworms increased as that of X. microchira n. sp. declined. Xylophaga microchira n. sp. is hypothesized to be specialized for early colonization, but to be competitively inferior to X. oregona n. sp. , and more vulnerable to predators than X. heterosiphon n. sp. The dominance of competitively superior and more predator-resistant species in older deployments argues that biotic interactions contribute to coexistence of multiple species of wood-borers despite direct competition among them.
Gene diversity analysis in natural populations and cultured stocks of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)

The genetic variability of eight fish-farm and three natural populations of turbot was studied by electrophoretic analysis of 35 enzymatic loci. The results showed low genetic variability in natural populations of turbot (H T = 0.029 ± 0.013) in comparison with other flatfish species. Great genetic similarity was revealed among the natural populations studied, which indicates high rates of gene flow in this species. The hatchery stocks showed less genetic variation than the wild populations analysed, which suggests genetic drift phenomena involved in the foundation and management of broodstocks. In addition, the heterozygosity differences detected among the hatchery stocks analysed are correlated with inverted levels of fluctuating asymmetry, which supports the existence of inbreeding depression phenomena in turbot culture.
Rice Protein Isolates Produced by the Two Different Methods Lower Serum Cholesterol Concentration in Rats Compared with Casein

Highly purified rice protein isolates (RPI) were prepared by an alkaline extraction–acid precipitation method (E-RPI) and by an α-amylase treatment to remove starch (T-RPI). Biological values of these RPI were significantly lower than that of casein. Serum cholesterol concentrations were compared among groups of rats fed (per kg diet) 200, 300 or 400 g E-RPI, 400 g T-RPI, 250 or 400 g casein kg−1 or 400 g soya bean protein isolate (SPI). With all the diets containing 400 g protein kg−1 diet, growth rates of rats were the same. At this level, E-RPI, T-RPI and SPI diets produced significantly lower serum cholesterol concentrations than the casein diet. Faecal bile acid plus neutral steroid excre-tion was significantly higher in rats fed the 400 g kg−1 T-RPI or 400 g kg−1 SPIdiets compared with rats fed the 400 g kg−1 casein diet. On the other hand, the 400 g kg−1 E-RPI diet did not increase steroid excretion. Plasma cholesterol concentrations in rats fed diets with amino acid mixtures simulating SPI and E-RPI were also significantly lower than that of rats fed the diet with an amino acid mixture simulating casein even though the faecal excretions of total bile acids were the same amongst groups. These results support the view that RPI are hypocholesterolaemic relative to casein and at least the hypocholesterolaemic effects of E-RPI would be independent of interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of endogenous steroids.
Isolation and Characterization of Steroids from Petroleum Ether Extract of Stem Bark of Parinari curatellifolia Planch ex. Benth (Chrysobalanaceae)

In our search for biologically active compounds, three steroids have been isolated from the stem bark of Parinari curatellifolia through series of column chromatography . Compound C 1 , C 2 and C 3 where characterized as ? -sitosterol (22,23-dihydrostigmasterol), stigmast-4-en-3-one and stigmasterol, respectively, on the basis of 1D-NMR ( 1 HNMR, 13 CNMR and DEPT-135), 2D-NMR (HSQC, HMBC, 1 H- 1 H COSY, 1 H- 1 H NOESY), mass spectroscopy (MS) and IR spectroscopy. These compounds are reported for the first time as constituents in Parinari curatellifolia. Keywords: Parinari curatellifolia , ? -sitosterol, stigmast-4-en-3-one and stigmasterol
The effects of sheep grazing on invertebrate numbers and biomass in unfertilized natural pastures of the New England Tablelands (NSW)

Invertebrate components of natural pastures which were grazed continuously by sheep at three stocking intensities, were sampled each season for more than two years. Grazing resulted in a significant reduction in abundance of litter and topsoil micro-arthropods. Two samplings for nematodes and enchytraeids showed similar reductions with grazing. Grazing effects on the vertical distribution of mesofauna were not consistent but all sites had greatest numbers in the 0 – 5 cm topmost soil layer. Fresh biomass of large soil and litter dwelling invertebrates also declined with grazing, with proportionally greater reductions occurring for litter animals. Changes in invertebrate populations were associated with changes in living space, microclimate and food supply. Populations of invertebrates on natural pastures were about one-third those found on previously studied sown, fertilized pastures at Armidale.
Effect of glycine betaine and salicylic acid on growth and productivity of droughted wheat cultivars: image analysis for measuring the anatomical features in flag leaf and peduncle of the main shoot

Received November 16, 2012The present study was planned to investigate the possible role displayed by water stress and application of GB, SA or their interaction on some anatomical features in flag leaf at anthesis (after 95 days from sowing) by measuring leaf thickness, ground tissue thickness, number of hairs, metaxylem vessel area, xylem vessel area, phloem tissue area, vascular bundle tissues area, number of motor cells as well as number of opened and closed stomata on both upper and lower epidermis and some anatomical features of peduncle (peduncle diameter, tracheids area, metaxylem vessel area, xylem area, phloem area, vascular area, number of vascular bundle as well as opened and closed stomata) of the two wheat cultivars. Water stress markedly affected the anatomical features in flag leaves of both wheat cultivars. It caused massive decreases (P< 0.05) in the leaf thickness, ground tissue thickness, number of hairs, metaxylem vessel area, xylem vessel area, phloem tissue area, vascular bundle area, number of motor cells as well as number of opened stomata on both upper and lower epidermis. On the other hand, water stress increased (P< 0.05) the number of hairs and closed stomata on both upper and lower epidermis in flag leaves of the two wheat cultivars. The magnitude of decrease in all anatomical features in flag leaf was more pronounced with the sensitive cultivar. Furthermore, water stress led to a marked decrease (P< 0.05) in peduncle diameter, tracheids area, metaxylem vessel area, xylem tissue area, phloem tissue area, vascular tissue area, number of vascular bundles as well as opened stomata but increased the number of hairs and closed stomata on the peduncle surface of the two wheat cultivars. In relation to wheat cultivar, the sensitive was more affected by water stress than the resistant one. The application of GB, SA or their interaction induced some modifications in the anatomical features of the flag leaf and peduncle of main shoot which appeared to be an adaptive response to drought stress
Genetic differentiation of the tephritid fly Urophora cardui in Europe as evidence for its biogeographical history

Gaps in the large‐scale distribution of the tephritid fly Urophora cardui in Europe have been explained as the results of an ongoing re‐immigration from Pleistocene refugia due to a very low dispersal capacity. Following evidence of a much greater dispersal capacity of U. cardui than previously assumed, the pattern of genetic differentiation of 41 populations from 16 European regions was studied using allozyme electrophoresis. In these analyses 18 enzyme systems were scored consistently providing 27 alleles. Allozyme variation indicated high gene flow and low levels of genetic differentiation within and between sampling regions as well as in recently colonized areas. No geographical pattern of heterozygosity or allozyme differentiation could be found matching the previously suggested recent immigration pattern. An observed south‐north gradient in allozyme frequencies was interpreted as a geographical cline due to environmental factors. The results corroborate evidence from more recent studies that U. cardui is a highly mobile species which is likely to have repeatedly colonized some suboptimal European regions since the Pleistocene after retreats during ‘little ice ages’. Patterns resulting from postglacial immigration processes are likely to have been long wiped out through high exchange rates.
Effects of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus and the pedunculopontine nucleus on cognitive function in Parkinson's disease

The general aim of this thesis was to investigate the cognitive effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or the pedunclopontine nucleus (PPN) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). In Study 1, acute STN stimulation did not induce impulsivity on a probabilistic decisionmaking task, suggesting STN-DBS induced impulsivity may occur in tasks involving conflict, reward or time pressure. This study has clarified that the inhibitory deficits associated with STN-DBS are situation and task specific, which makes it clear why new cases of post-operative impulse control disorders are only reported in some patients. In Study 2, the STN-DBS induced decline in verbal fluency (VF), greater for semantic than phonemic fluency, was found to be a surgical rather than an acute stimulation effect, mainly due to reduced switching but no change in cluster size. Therefore, future work in identifying the mechanisms of the STN-DBS induced VF decline should focus on surgical rather than stimulation effects. In Study 3, patients failed to benefit from corrective feedback to enhance their learning relative to a trial-and-error version when performing visual conditional associative learning tasks (VCLT) with STN-DBS on versus off. STN-DBS seemed to influence proactive interference resolution on the VCLTs. These results have implications for the use of adjunct interventions such as speech therapy or physiotherapy following STN-DBS surgery. In Study 4, PPN-DBS surgery did not have an impact on most aspects of cognition assessed and the only consistent decline was in switching category VF. For the two patients who developed dementia after PPN-DBS surgery, resuming low frequency stimulation improved working memory and attention. The findings from these studies provide further evidence and clarity regarding the cognitive sequel of STN-DBS and PPN-DBS for PD and confirm that the former can be a good treatment of choice for mid to late-stage Parkinson’s disease without the risk of major cognitive adverse effects.
A comment to “Large‐scale bioenergy from additional harvest of forest biomass is neither sustainable nor greenhouse gas neutral”: Important insights beyond greenhouse gas accounting

RYAN M. BR IGHT * , FRANCESCO CHERUB IN I * , RASMUS ASTRUP † , NE I L B IRD ‡ , ANNETTE L . COWIE § , MARK J . DUCEY ¶ , GREGG MARLAND k, K IM P INGOUD* * , I LKKA SAVOLA INEN* * and ANDERS H. STRØMMAN* *Industrial Ecology Program, Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, †Department of Forest Resources, Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute, Ås, Norway, ‡Joanneum Research, Resources, Institute for Water, Energy and Sustainability, Graz, Austria, §Department of Primary Industries, Rural Climate Solutions, University of New England/NSW, Armidale, Australia, ¶Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, N. H, USA, kResearch Institute for Environment, Energy, and Economics, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA, **VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, Espoo, Finland