Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scots pine growing on forested mires in Abernethy Forest, Strathspey, Scotland

Summary A substantial proportion of the Abernethy Forest Reserve has Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) growing on the surfaces of a variety of mires. The hydrology of the mires has been affected by drainage and peat cutting but this area is unusual in having had a long period of protection from grazing by domestic stock. There are three main types of pine populations found on these mires. Woodland bog comprises predominantly bog vegetation with abundant pine seedlings due to the heavy seed rain from the surrounding woodland. Only a few very small trees survive, which are stunted, heavily diseased and have very low seed production. Wooded bog also comprises predominately bog vegetation but there are scattered mature trees of a moderate height with an open canopy. The trees are fertile and can form uneven aged stands with regeneration. Bog woodland is a predominantly woodland vegetation with tall, dense tree cover on deep peat. The trees are well grown with a dense canopy. A few remnants of bog vegetation remain in the ground flora although most have been replaced by woodland bryophytes and shrubs. Each of these three types is described and their development is discussed.
Foliage area and crown nitrogen turnover in temperate rain forest juvenile trees of differing shade tolerance

1 Shade‐tolerant angiosperm trees are reported to require relatively fertile soils in temperate forests. We explored the possibility that high foliage allocation in shade‐tolerant species could result in higher whole‐plant nitrogen demands than in light‐demanding trees of comparable diameters. We measured foliage mass and area, leaf life span, and nitrogen (N) content of fresh foliage and leaf litter for juveniles of 11 evergreen angiosperms in a Chilean temperate rain forest. This permitted estimation of annual nitrogen losses in leaf litter fall by individuals of a given diameter.
Taxonomic Redescription of the Doridoxidae(Gastropoda: Opisthobranchia), an Enigmatic Family of Deep Water Nudibranchs, with Discussion of Basal Nudibranch Phylogeny

Abstract In this study, all the existing specimens of the Doridoxidae were re-examined; that is (a) the holotype of Doridoxa ingolfiana Bergh, 1899 from western Greenland, (b) a specimen described as “D. ingolfiana var. ” by Bergh (1899) from Iceland, (c) another more recently collected specimen from southern Greenland, which was serially sectioned and examined histologically as part of the present study, and (d) the holotype of D. benthalis Barnard, 1963. Significant discrepancies between the first three of these specimens and Bergh's original description of D. ingolfiana are apparent, but they do not alter our opinion that all three specimens belong to a single, variable species. The monobasic taxon D. benthalis Barnard, 1963 is specifically distinct from D. ingolfiana. Bergh (1899) considered that the Doridoxidae had a holohepatic digestive gland (and thus was a member of the Anthobranchia). Our reassessments, particularly those concerning the structure of the digestive gland, branchial apparatus and anal site, indicate that Bergh misunderstood the form and polarities of these characters, and that the Doridoxidae must be relocated within the cladohepatic (i.e. actenidiacean) nudibranchs as its first offshoot. The Nudibranchia are thus divided into two major clades: Anthobranchia (= Bathydoridoidea + Doridoidea) and Dexiarchia nom. nov. (= Doridoxoidea + Dendronotoidea + Aeolidoidea + “Arminoidea”).
Seed stratification and germination strategy in the Mediterranean pines Pinus brutia and P. halepensis

Abstract The ecophysiology of germination in Pinus brutia and P. halepensis was studied in seeds collected from different areas of Greece. In regard to the temperature range of germination, both P. halepensis and the southern provenance (Lasithi, Crete) of the East Mediterranean pine, P. brutia, follow a typical Mediterranean pattern. In the latter species, dramatic differences in the degree of dormancy were noted among the three provenances investigated; in all seed lots however, 20°C was clearly the optimal temperature for germination. Stratification resulted in a considerable promotion of P. brutia seed germination. Nevertheless, the inductive effect of stratification was shown to differ among the three provenances used, escalating from a simple increase of germination rate (in the southern seed lot from Lasithi, Crete) through a broadening of the temperature range of germination (in the intermediate lot from Thasos Island) to, finally, a dramatic release from a particularly deep dormancy (in the northern lot from Soufli). These deeply dormant seeds of the latter provenance displayed an absolute stratification requirement; prolonged illumination or seed coat scarification could not substitute for the promotive effect of prechilling. A considerable interaction between far-red light and stratification was revealed in the dormant seeds of P. brutia (Soufli provenance); far-red pulses during stratification could either cancel or diminish the germination promotion induced by low temperatures. The differences observed in the germination behaviour among the various P. brutia provenances may be attributed to a variable ecophysiological strategy in regard to the temporal pattern of seedling emergence and establishment. According to the variants of this strategy, seed germination is timed to occur during either spring (in regions with relatively cold and moist climates), or autumn and early winter (in southern, mild and dry areas) or both (in intermediate conditions).
Taxonomic Studies

Taxonomic studies Two interesting monographs appeared recently, one of which deals with a subdivision of the genus Veronica"' and the other with the geographical and morphological features of Aster alpinus L.12 Both papers show well the modern type of ecologic-taxonomic investigation. -A. C. NoE. New paleobotanical series The well known paleontological publication Palaeontographica has established a subdivision devoted exclusively to paleobotany. It is edited by MAX HIRMER in Munich and counts among its associate editors such names as PAUL BERTRAND, W. GOTHAN, T. G. HALLE, W. J. JONGMANS, R. KRXUSEL, J. WALTON, H. WEYLAND, and G. R. WIELAND. Its first number13 appeared recently and contains contributions by KRAUSEL and WEYLAND on the flora of the Middle Devonian in Bohemia and bv HIRMER on the reconstruction of Pleuromeia sternbergi and on the morphology of Lycopodiales in general. Text and illustrations are excellent but the price is too high. Every volume of this section will comprise six numbers. Only original articles are to be published in this series. It promises to become a very important collection of valuable monographs. Section A is devoted to paleozoology. Formerly only one series existed which contained both lines of paleontology. In this common series 77 volumes have been published already and the enterprise is old and well established. -A. C. NoE'.
Umidade de equilíbrio da madeira de angelim vermelho (Dinizia excelsa Ducke ), guariúba (Clarisia racemosa Ruiz & Pav.) e tauarí vermelho (Cariniana micrantha Ducke) em diferentes condições de temperatura e umidade relativa

The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of wood must be determined according to the place where wood is to be used. Moisture content can be determined from wood samples exposed to environmental conditions of temperature and relative humidity in the field, a laboratory equipped with environmental chambers, or by mathematical model calculations. The EMCs of angelim vermelho (Dinizia excelsa Ducke), guariuba (Clarisia racemosa) and tauari vermelho (Cariniana micrantha Ducke) were determined in a environmental chamber at two temperatures and three relative humidity conditions. Differences were found between the EMC estimated by the Simpson’s equation (1971) and the real value determined in environmental chamber. Large discrepancies, averaging 26,6%, were found at 25oC and 40% relative humidity. The minimum discrepancies, averaging 2,1%, were determined on angelim vermelho at 35oC and 80% relative humidity. In general, the Simpson’s equation overestimated the EMC values for the three species.
Mosquito Larvae in Axils of the Imported Bromeliad Billbergia Pyramidalis in Southern Florida

At monthly intervals for a year, in Daytona, Tampa, Vero Beach and Miami, a survey was conducted of the aquatic stages of mosquitoes existing in water impounded by the leaves of the imported bromeliad Billbergia pyramidalis. A few Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, Toxorhynchites rutilus and Corethrella appendiculata were found, but almost all of the mosquitoes belonged to the genus Wyeomyia, Wyeomyia vanduzeei was predominant at 3 of 5 sites in Miami, but at all the other sites W. mitchellii was predominant. Average annual production of Wyeomyia per bromeliad was estimated as 107 adults based upon the number of pupae collected. Pupae were found throughout the year. There was a linear relationship of numbers of pupae to numbers of eggs + larvae collected at lower densities of eggs + larvae.
Assessing fruit characteristics to standardize quality norms in date cultivars of Saudi Arabia

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L) is the most important crop of the Gulf region in the Middle-East. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with an estimated 25 million date palms produces nearly a million tones of dates annually with a good potential for exporting the surplus produce. In order to standardize quality norms of major date cultivars in the Kingdom, studies were taken up at the National Date Palm Research Centre, Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia to ascertain fruit characteristics of dates (Tamar stage) in the cultivars Khalas, Sheshi and Reziz with respect to fruit weight (g) , size of fruit (length and breath), number of fruits /500g, fruit moisture, colour and texture. Khalas recorded the maximum fruit length in all the three categories of large, medium and small sized fruits. With regard to the breath of fruits, the cultivar Sheshi registered the highest values. Further, Sheshi recorded the highest fruit weight values, which in turn influenced the number of fruits per unit weight, with Sheshi recording the least number of fruits per 500g. The cultivar Khalas had the least fruit moisture and the highest mean ∆E for colour indicating light colour (yellow) fruits. We also studied four texture parameters viz, hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and resilience of Khalas, Sheshi and Reziz date cultivars. Findings of this investigation will strengthen the data base of fruit quality norms in major Saudi Arabian date cultivars and boost export of dates from the Kingdom, besides protecting the identity of the cultivars studied.
A new species of Lophiotrema from wild fruit in Hong Kong

Lophiotremapsychotrii spec. nov. is described and illustrated based on specimens occurring on Psychotria asiatica and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruits in Hong Kong. This species is characterized by small, hyaline, guttulate, uniseptate, fusiform ascospores bearing a narrow mucilaginous sheath, which is narrow in the middle and drawn out at both ends to form pad-like appendages. A synoptic table and key to Lophiotrema species is provided.
Sources of Resistance to Sunflower Diseasesin a Global Collection of Domesticated USDA Plant Introductions

Basal stalk rot (BSR) and head rot (HR) caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary are traditionally major diseases of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in the United States, while Phomopsis stem canker (PSC) caused by Phomopsis helianthi Munt. -Cvet. et al. has become increasingly damaging in recent years. Host resistance is the most effective approach to managing these diseases. Here we report new sources of resistance to these diseases identified in the USDA sunflower Plant Introduction (PI) collection. A total of 260 PIs, including USDA-ARS–developed inbred lines, were tested in multiple years and locations of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. The effects of genotype (G), environment (E), and G × E interaction were significant. Broad sense heritability (H²) for BSR, HR, and PSC were estimated as 0.70, 0.79, and 0.83, respectively, reflecting a large genetic variation in the panel for these diseases. A total of 6.2, 29.6, and 36.9% of the genotypes showed significantly higher resistance than checks against BSR, HR, and PSC, respectively. Two PIs, 531389 and 531366, were significantly more resistant than checks against all three diseases. Head rot disease incidence was positively correlated with PSC (r = 0.52, p < 0.0001), while it was negatively correlated with BSR (r = −0.16, p < 0.05). A total of 13 PIs, mostly from Hungary, exhibited dual resistance against HR and PSC. Overall, sufficient variation exists among germplasm sources to facilitate further resistance breeding of sunflower against BSR, HR, and PSC diseases.
PLANT MECHANISMS AND MYCORRHIZAL SYMBIOSES TO INCREASE PHOSPHORUS UPTAKE EFFICIENCY*

The tendency of phosphorus (P) to undergo adsorption and precipitation reactions in soil makes it one of the most immobile of the essential plant nutrients. As a result, the concentration of available P in soil solution is usually very low even though the total P content of soils is generally high. Consequently, P is second only to N in limiting crop productivity. In areas of the world such as the North America and Europe in which P fertilizers are applied liberally to agricultural fields, the loss of this nutrient through its transport in particulate and soluble forms from agricultural fields to lakes and rivers is of concern due to accelerated eutrophication. The need to provide crops with adequate P combined with the desire to minimize the adverse effect of P on the environment will require strategies to reduce P inputs and to maximize the efficiency of P uptake mechanisms in plants. Recent advances in molecular biology offer opportunities to manipulate plants to increase uptake efficiencies of P. Integration of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi into cropping systems provides an alternative means of maintaining yields while reducing P inputs. To realize the potential of these new technologies, however, a thorough understanding of both soil and plant factors involved in P uptake, and the effects of cultural practices on arbuscular mycorrhizal associations are needed. A review of the literature was undertaken to summarize the relevant state of knowledge on P uptake processes in plants and the mechanisms by which P uptake efficiencies could be enhanced, with particular emphasis on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. *Journal Series No. 4468, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI.
NF-κB in carcinoma therapy and prevention

Background: NF-κB includes a family of signal-activated transcription factors that normally regulate responses to injury and infection but which are aberrantly activated in many carcinomas. Objective: To review the activation and role of NF-κB in pathogenesis and as a target for treatment and prevention in carcinoma. Methods: Evidence from experimental, epidemiological, preclinical studies and clinical trials cited in the literature are reviewed. Results/conclusion: Cumulative evidence implicates NF-κB in cell survival, inflammation, angiogenesis, spread and therapeutic resistance during tumor development, progression and metastasis of carcinomas. Non-specific natural and synthetic agents that inhibit NF-κB have demonstrated activity and safety in prevention or therapy. NF-κB-activating kinases and the proteasome are under investigation for targeted prevention and therapy of carcinoma.
An Application of Plant Functional Types for Predicting Restoration Outcomes

We evaluated the restoration of native plant assemblages by topsoil translocation in the Hunter Valley, south‐east Australia. Species' responses were characterized by defining nine plant functional types (PFTs) based on combinations of four response mechanisms (seed bank persistence, germination cues, resprouting mechanisms, and longevity) through which species were predicted to persist or decline following translocation. The effects of community type and delay in topsoil restoration on restoration outcomes were tested in an orthogonal experiment. Changes in species' frequency were detected using Bayesian statistics with prior probabilities derived from pre‐clearing data. Few species failed to reestablish following translocation; these were offset by recruitment of other native species not detected prior to clearing. Compositional changes were more pronounced when topsoil was stockpiled (cf direct reinstatement), although there was no trend related to the period of stockpiling. The PFT response model correctly predicted the rank probability of decline in three of the nine PFTs, while a further three were correctly placed in the top ranks but in the incorrect order. Three PFTs were incorrectly ranked because the response model was incorrect. Resprouters declined more frequently than seeders; however, species with physical seed dormancy declined less frequently than those with either transient seed banks or physiological, morphological, or morpho‐physiological dormancy, irrespective of resprouting ability. Species with short juvenile periods were more likely to increase. We conclude that PFTs based on fire‐response traits represent a practical means of predicting species' responses to translocation and a basis for prioritizing species for supplementary planting.
Características técnicas de pontas de pulverização LA-1JC e SR-1

This study aimed to evaluate the technical characteristics of LA-1JC and SR-1 skim nozzles, at different pressures and spray boom heights. Each nozzle distribution profile, volumetric distribution quotient in one spray boom, rate, volumetric median diameter (VMD), numeric median diameter( NMD),coefficient of homogeneity, nozzle symmetry index and left, right and total opening angles were evaluated at 100, 200, and 300 kPa. Nozzles showed continuous profile at 100 kPa for SR-1 nozzle and at all pressures for LA-1JC nozzle. The SR-1 nozzle showed discontinuous distribution profile at pressures 200 and 300 kPa. The best profile for both nozzles was verified when nozzles were smaller, and pressures and boom height were higher. Increased opening angle and rate were observed with increased pressure in both nozzles. The drop spectrum obtained is adequate to systemic herbicide application in post-emergence and to herbicide applied in preemergence. LA-1JC at 100 kPa and SR-1 at all pressures should not be used in nozzle overlapping at 100 kPa.
Timing of reproduction and egg quality covary with temperature in the insectivorous Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica

Summary 1 Egg size and composition can be predicted to trade-off against current condition of reproducing females. Adverse conditions for reproduction should thus give rise to a reduction in egg size and quality. 2 Here we analyse timing of reproduction, egg mass and hatchability, and concentration of maternal carotenoids and components of the immune system in the eggs in relation to ambient temperature during the breeding season for the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica, Linnaeus). 3 Relatively high temperatures during one day enhanced the probability that clutches were initiated the following days. Egg mass at laying, concentration of lutein, the main carotenoid in Barn Swallows, and lysozyme, a major maternal component of innate immunity in eggs, but not maternal antigen-specific antibodies, covaried with temperature during the days preceding laying of individual eggs. 4 Egg mass but not laying order or temperature during incubation predicted hatchability of the eggs. 5 This study suggests that temperature affects not only egg mass, as previously shown for bird species, but also concentration of maternally derived substances, such as antioxidants and immune factors, that can affect egg hatchability and offspring antiparasite defence and viability.
Diploid males and colony-level selection in Formica ants

It is suggested that the evolution of polyandry by social hymenopteran queens is caused by colony-level selection, either because polyandry affects the distribution of non-functional diploid males in colonies (the load hypothesis) or because it increases the genetic diversity of the worker force (the diversity hypothesis). Diploid males that arise from fertilized eggs thai are homozygous at the sex-determining locus (or loci) are inviable or infertile. Models of the load hypothesis analysed in this study suggest that slow growth and high mortality of colonies with diploid males favour single mating by queens. The longer the period ol colony growth (the period with selective differences) and the heavier the mortality, the stronger is the selection for monandry. The load hypothesis also predicts an association between monogyny and monandry. In contrast, the diversity hypothesis predicts an association between monogyny and polyandry, as multiple mating offers a way by which a monogynous colony could increase.
Influence of Planting Date, Seeding Rate, and Phosphorus Rate on Wheat Yield

(.) A 3-yr study was conducted to measure the effects of these variables on grain yield and yield components of wheat grown in low-P soils. All soils were Crete silty clay loams (fine Montmorillonitic mesic Pachic Argiustoll) and had Bray & Kurtz no. 1 soil tests of less than 10 mg kg -1 . A randomized complete block designed experiment with a split plot treatment arrangement using three planting dates (each in 1985, 1986, and 1988) as whole plots, and factorial combination of three seeding rates and three P rates as split plots (.)
Wing‐bone length allometry in birds

A comparative analysis using both independent contrasts (CAIC) and a species level analysis was used to investigate the allometric scaling of avian wing-bone lengths. Total arm (ta=humerus+ulna+manus) scaled with positive allometry as body mass (M)0.37–0.39. Similarly, and in accordance with previous studies, wing-span (b) was positively allometric, but CAIC suggested a lower allometric exponent (M0.35) than found using species as independent data points (M0.39). Contrary to previous studies, individual wing-bones appear to scale with similar exponents against M and scale isometrically with ta. In addition to a general trend for larger birds to have longer wings, wing-bones and ta, their ta was a larger proportion of their b. A detailed study of primary feather length and elbow joint angle across a wide range of bird species and bird size, however, is required before a conclusive explanation for this increase in ta relative to b in larger birds can be established. Scaling equations are presented that can be used to predict M, ta and b from individual wing-bone lengths, which may be of use to palaeontologists wishing to reconstruct whole animals from single bones.
Sources and extent of human disturbance to waterbirds in the UK: an analysis of Wetland Bird Survey data, 1995/96 to 1998/99

Capsule Less than 32% of counters record disturbance at their site, with differences in causes between coastal and inland sites. Aim Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) data were reviewed to investigate the sources and scale of potential disturbance to waterbirds in the UK. Methods Between 1995/96 and 1998/99, WeBS volunteer counters recorded human activity and perceived waterbird disturbance during co-ordinated counts at wetland sites across the UK. Results Over 68% of counters recorded no disturbance at their site and only a small proportion of these (< 2%) indicated very high levels. The frequency of disturbance peaked during the late summer. Just over 26% of disturbance events were attributed to human activities. The most perceived human-related disturbance was caused by people using motor-driven machines and shooters. Coastal waterbirds were more likely to be disturbed by walkers, shooters and large aircraft whereas those inland were more likely to be disturbed by motor-driven machines and unpowered boats. Conclusions Volunteer-based surveys can be useful in monitoring the sources and distribution of potentially disturbing activities over large spatial scales.