Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of UV-B, nitrogen fertilization, and springtime warming on sugar maple seedlings and the soil chemistry of two central Ontario forests

The interactive effects of springtime warming, ambient UV-B, and nitrogen fertilization on the chemistry of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) seedlings and soils from two contrasting sites were assessed. Open-top chambers increased average springtime air temperatures by approximately 1.5 °C, but their heating effect was diminished upon closure of the overstory canopy. Ambient levels of UV-B were reduced with Mylar D polyester film. Ammonium nitrate fertilizer was added in an amount equivalent to an additional 50 kg N·ha1. The soils of the Oliver forest were deep luvisols overlying a strongly calcareous till (average pH 6.0), while the naturally acidic soils of Haliburton were derived from the Precambrian Shield (average pH 4.7). Of the three main treatments used in this study, application of nitrogen fertilizer had the greatest impacts on foliar chemistry. At both sites, fertilizer application increased the acidity of the soils, while at Haliburton there were losses in total soil calcium. Haliburton ma.
The Availability of Phosphorus from Single and Combined Phosphates to Chicks

Abstract STUDIES prior to 1955 on the utilization of the phosphorus in various chemical and commercial grade phosphates by the chick have been reviewed by Motzok et al. (1956). In most of the work reviewed no comparative values of the various phosphates were given. Gillis et al. (1954) developed a biological assay whereby the comparative availability of phosphorus contained in various phosphates could be measured. Differences in the quality of phosphates could readily be shown when this technique was used. However, some sources, such as soft phosphate, could not be assayed by this method because of their low availabilities. A practical diet was used to ascertain the available phosphorus in these supplements. Wilcox et al. (1954, 1955) found that soft phosphate was poorly utilized by turkey poults. The combination of dibasic calcium phosphate, U.S.P., and soft phosphate was utilized to the extent of available phosphorus contributed by each supplement when percentage…
Honey bee colony losses

Apis mellifera, colony losses. honey bee, Varroa destructor Journal of Apicultural Research 49(1): 1-6 (2010) © IBRA 2010 DOI 10.3896/IBRA.1. 49.1. 01 Apiculture has been in decline in both Europe and the USA over recent decades, as is shown by the decreasing numbers of managed honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies (Ellis et al., 2010; Potts et al., 2010). It therefore is crucial to make beekeeping a more attractive hobby and a less laborious profession, in order to encourage local apiculture and pollination. Apart from socio-economic factors, which can only be addressed by politicians, sudden losses of honey bee colonies have occurred, and have received considerable public attention. Indeed, in the last few years, the world’s press has been full of eye catching but often uninformative headlines proclaiming the dramatic demise of the honey bee, a world pollinator crisis and the spectre of mass human starvation. “Colony Collapse Disorder” (CCD) in the USA has attracted great attention, and scientists there and in Europe are working hard to provide explanations for these extensive colony losses. Colony losses have also occurred elsewhere (Figs 1 and 2), but examination of the historical record shows that such extensive losses are not unusual (vanEngelsdorp and Meixner, 2009). Almost exactly a century ago, in 1906, beekeepers on the Isle of Wight, a small island off the south coast of England, noticed that many of their honey bee colonies were dying, with numerous bees crawling from the hive, unable to fly. Despite some sceptical beekeepers suggesting that this was “paralysis”, a condition which had long been known, the colony losses were widely reported in the media, and beekeepers became convinced that the cause was a novel
Linnaeus's butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea)

Abstract The names of all the species of butterflies described by Linnaeus under “Papilio” are researched. Of the 305 names treated, 243 (c. 80%) are currently valid as specific (241) or subspecific (2), 29 are junior synonyms, 14 are invalid (one of these applying to a fake), and for 13 the identity is unknown or uncertain. Six species of moths misidentified by Linnaeus as butterflies are cited in the study, but details are not included. One hundred and fifty-two lectotypes have been designated, representing about 56% of the sum of the valid names and junior synonyms. Of these, 99 were selected from specimens in the Linnean Society of London, 52 from Queen Ludovica Ulrica's collection, Uppsala, and one lectotype is a Petiver specimen from the collection of Sir Hans Sloane. Linnaeus described at least five species, possibly eight, from the literature alone. All Linnaean material examined is documented, as are «subsequent» specimens that are associated with Linnaean material. Synonymy and homonymy are discussed and presented, as are the identities of type localities. Care has been taken to achieve a practical balance between Linnaean and current species identities. Linnaean material studied included specimens from The Linnean Society of London, Museum Ludovicae Ulricae (Uppsala University), the Clerck and De Geer collections in the Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, Stockholm, and the collection of James Petiver, now part of the collection of Sir Hans Sloane housed in The Natural History Museum, London.
The role of geography and environment in species turnover: phytophagous arthropods on a Neotropical legume

Broad‐scale patterns in the distribution of phytophagous arthropods have been explained by species turnover due to host plant, environment, geographical distance and historical biogeography. In this study, variability due to plant species turnover was eliminated by focusing on the arthropods utilizing a single widely distributed plant species, Parkinsonia aculeata L. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae). This enabled us to examine the effects of geography and climate on arthropod species turnover.
The parasitic phase of the fungi of chromoblastomycosis: development of sclerotic cells in vitro and in vivo.

Like many other fungi pathogenic to man, the fungi that cause chromoblastomycosis are dimorphic, i.e., they have an extensive, fila? mentous, conidia-producing mycelium in the saprophytic phase, and in the parasitic phase, a much reduced thallus? small aggregates of spheri? cal, brownish-yellow cells with thick, deeply-pigmented walls, dividing by septation rather than budding (Figs. 1, 2). These structures, called sclerotic cells because of their thick walls, are believed to be highly resistant. Actual determinations of their vulnerability, however, are lacking and although their morphology is known in detail (7), the physiology of sclerotic cells is obscure, largely because this phase has not yet been elicited in artificial media, and is usually not obtainable in sufficient quantity from infected tissues. In other dimorphic fungi, artificial induction of the parasitic phase has permitted some insight into the determinants of dimorphism (3, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, 18). To understand the adaptation of a fungus to parasitism it is necessary to identify the factors governing the appearance of the parasitic type of morphology. Success here might aid in the devel? opment of a rational therapy for the disease. Methods were sought, therefore, to induce the parasitic phase regu? larly and in quantity. The studies were conducted both in vitro and in vivo.
Biomass allocation to sexual and asexual reproduction in a leafy hepatic Lophozia silvicola Buch

Abstract Allocation of biomass to sexual and asexual reproduction was studied in a population of a dioicous leafy hepatic species Lophozia silvicola Buch in southern Finland. A higher cost of reproduction in females was indicated in this haploid gametophytic plant. Females of L. silvicola allocated 24% of their biomass to sexual reproduction while males allocated only 2.3%. Sexual reproduction affects vegetative growth by reducing stem length and modifying the branching pattern in gametangial shoots. The average numbers of asexual gemmae present on shoots at the time of study ranged from 800 in females to 1360 in males and 2100 in asexual shoots. Thus, numbers of asexual propagules present on shoots were, on average, almost three times higher in asexual shoots than in females, indicating a possible trade-off between allocation to sexual and asexual reproduction in the three sexual morphs of L. silvicola.
Synchrony in the amphibian lymphatic system : evidence for bilateral posterior lymph heart synchrony and cardiac-lymphatic synchrony in Rana catesbeiana and Bufo marinus

Early investigations into amphibian lymph heart function established that lymph heart contractions were synchronous with neither the systemic heart, nor the lungs, nor each other. However, the present study concludes that there is synchronization between the cardiac heart and the lymph hearts and that the posterior lymph hearts in both Rana catesbeiana Shaw, 1802 and Bufo marinus (L., 1758) beat synchronously as well. Pressure peaks were recorded through cannulation of the ischiatic artery and each posterior lymph heart and subsequently analyzed to determine the time differences between arterial diastole and lymph heart systole or between two bilateral lymph heart systoles. Results show that there is clear synchronization between the lymph heart systoles of two bilateral posterior lymph hearts. This lymph heart synchrony is further supported by using Poincare plot analysis to visually compare the lymph heart inter-beats. Cardiac heart and lymph heart contractions also show a degree of synchronization, eve.
Assessing urban tree carbon storage and sequestration in Bolzano, Italy

Recent climate change, environmental design, and ecological conservation policies require new and existing urban developments to mitigate and offset carbon dioxide emissions and for cities to become carbon neutral. Some North American models and tools are available and can be used to quantify the carbon offset function of urban trees. But, little information on urban tree carbon storage and sequestration exists from the European Southern Alps. Also, the use of these North American models in Europe has never been assessed. This study developed a protocol to quantify aboveground carbon (C) storage and sequestration using a subsample of urban trees in Bolzano, Italy, and assessed two existing and available C estimation models. Carbon storage and sequestration were estimated using city-specific dendrometrics and allometric biomass equations primarily from Europe and two other United States models; the UFORE (Urban Forest Effects Model) and the CUFR Tree Carbon Calculator (CTCC). The UFORE model carbon storage estimates were the lowest while the CUFR Tree Carbon Calculator (CTCC) C sequestration estimates were the highest. Results from this study can be used to plan, design, and manage urban forests in northern Italy to maximize C offset potential, provide ecosystem services, and for developing carbon neutral policies. Findings can also be used to predict greenhouse gas emissions from tree maintenance operations as well as estimating green waste yield from landscape maintenance activities and its use as biofuel and compost. Managers need to be aware that available models and methods can produce statistically different C storage and sequestration estimates.
Kaurane-Type Diterpenes from Adenostemma lavenia O. KUNTZE

Ten 11-oxygenated kauran-19-oic acids, ent-11α, 15α-dihydroxykaur-16-en-19-oic acid, ent-11α-hydroxy-15α-acetoxykaur-16-en-19-oic acid, ent-11α-hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid and adenostemmoic acids A-G and their nine glycosides, paniculosides II and III and adenostemmosides A-G were characterized from Adenostemma lavenia O. KUNTZE. ent-11α-Hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid and adenostemmoic acid B showed cytotoxic activity against L-5178Y cultured cell and prolonged the survival of mice.
Isolamento, caracterização e diferenciação de células-tronco mesenquimais do líquido amniótico equino obtido em diferentes idades gestacionais

The interest in stem cells derived from fetal annexes of many species has exponentially increased during the last decades, because they are adult stem cell sources with potential of differentiation in several cell lineages; which present little or no immunogenicity and are an alternative with great importance for storage cell banks. Despite the rising interest, studies for the equine species are still rare. The aim of this study was to isolate, characterize and differentiate mesenchymal stem cells derived from equine amniotic fluid obtained from initial, middle and late third of gestation (AF-MSCs), and compare their results. Twenty three samples from equine amniotic fluid were evaluated by morphological, immunocytochemical and immunophenotypical (Flow cytometer) assays and osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic in vitro differentiation. All samples demonstrated plastic adhesion and fibroblastoid morphology. The immunocytochemical assay demonstrated cells from all the studied groups were positive for CD44, PCNA and vimentin and negative for cytokeratin and Oct-4. Flow cytometry demonstrated expression of CD44 and CD90 and no expression of CD34, where CD44 and CD90 markers presented decreasing pattern of expression in relation to the gestational development. All samples collected from all gestational phases were capable to differentiate in osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic lineages. Thus, cells obtained from equine amniotic fluid presented morphological and immunophenotypical characteristics and potential of differentiation typical of MSCs showing that the collection can be performed at any stage of pregnancy. However, more studies should be performed about the expression of pluripotent markers as Oct-4 and the differentiation potential for extra mesodermal lineages prior demonstrated in the literature.
Morphological adaptation of the digestive tract in relation to feeding ecology of raptors

The study examines some aspects of gross morphology in Falconiformes and Strigiformes. It is hypothesized that, in predatory birds, hunting strategy might influence the relative size of skeletal musculature and length of the digestive tract. Falconiform species were categorized as either ‘attackers’ or ‘searchers’ depending on the degree to which active, powered pursuit is required for prey capture. Attacking species feed predominantly on avian prey, requiring extreme agility, speed and acceleration for prey capture. Searchers feed largely on relatively slow-moving mammals and carrion. Comparisons between species of attackers and searchers showed that the former had heavier pectoral muscle mass, larger areas for flight muscle attachment and higher linearized wing loadings. Strigiformes had a pectoral muscle mass only half the size of that of attacking Falconiformes and had a correspondingly smaller sternum area. A skeletal body-size measure was determined to enable calculation of intestine length independent of body-size and shape differences. Attacking species have a small intestine which is 20–30% shorter than would be predicted on the basis of body-size and 50% shorter than found in searchers of equivalent body-size. Strigiformes that locate prey by active flight also have intestinal tracts shorter than expected. The likely effects of intestine length on digestive efficiency and food utilization are discussed and it is suggested that, in predatory birds, some species have evolved alimentary tracts that are shorter than necessary for maximum digestive efficiency in order to enhance prey capture.
Generic revision of the New World tribe Hoplophorionini (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Membracinae)

Abstract. The tribe Hoplophorionini Goding, 1926, includes 105 species of treehoppers in 10 genera. All are apparently subsocial and lack mutualism with honeydew‐collecting hymenopterans. In many species, parental investment in offspring is unique because of a specialized kicking defence (described herein) and construction of extra‐ovipositional punctures in the host tissue through which nymphs feed. The tribe occurs from Canada to Chile, with most generic diversity in Central America but most species diversity near the equator. Three genera, Stalotypa Metcalf, Ramosella, new genus and Stirpis, new genus, are endemic to the Greater Antilles but do not constitute a monophyletic group; the first two genera appear most closely related to Turrialbia, new genus, from Costa Rica. Host plant specializations and other biological attributes are summarized for genera and species. A phylogenetic analysis of 23 hoplophorionine species produced 9 minimal‐length cladograms that were similar in many respects. Potnia Stål appears to have retained the greatest number of ancestral features. Aposematic teneral coloration of adults probably evolved once. The modification of the ancestral kicking behaviour by the first hoplophorionines appears to have released them from a constraint on pronotal form.
Aluminum increases phosphorylation of particular proteins in cellular suspension cultures of coffee (Coffea arabica)

Summary Aluminum (Al) is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust and occurs in a number of different forms in the soil. Al toxicity is a global problem that limits crop productivity in acid soils. Coffee is a plant which grows in soils with a high organic matter content, and Al is available in these soils because they are acidic. In the present work, we demonstrate the effect of aluminum toxicity on the phosphorylation pattern of proteins. Coffea arabica suspension cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of AlCl 3 (200-1000 μmol/L), and an in vitro phosphorylation reaction with cell extracts was performed. There was no change in the proteins present in extracts from cells treated with AlCl 3 , compared with untreated cells. However, the protein phosphorylation patterns did change. The phosphorylated proteins with a molecular mass of 18, 31 and 53 kDa increased dramatically after in vivo treatment of cells with AlCl 3 . When AlCl 3 was added to the reaction mixture, no differences in phosphorylation patterns were observed. These results suggest that in vivo treatment of Coffea cells with AlCl 3 affects the activity of some protein kinases.
A novel gene that diverts the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway towards the production of proanthocyanidins in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

Rutin, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins are representative flavonoids that are synthesized through the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum). These flavonoids have beneficial properties such as antioxidant activity. The basal buckwheat stem is usually red or pink owing to an accumulation of anthocyanins. We found novel spontaneous green stem (GS) mutants in a common buckwheat population. To characterize GS mutants physiologically and genetically, and to deduce where the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway was disrupted and whether other flavonoids were affected by this disruption of anthocyanin synthesis, we measured the anthocyanin, rutin and proanthocyanidin contents in seedlings and performed genetic analysis. HPLC analysis of GS mutants showed no anthocyanin production, but rutin and proanthocyanidins accumulated in the seedlings. GS plants showed no red pigmentation in stems, petioles, leaf veins and anthers. Genetic analysis indicated that GS mutation involves a single recessive gene (designated tentatively as gs1). The proanthocyanidin content of GS plants in the F2 segregating population was significantly higher than in the wild type. The GS phenotype might be caused by the lack of an enzyme or by a defect of transcriptional factor between leucocyanidin or cyanidin and anthocyanin in the biosynthetic pathway.
IMMOBILIZATION OF INVERTASE–CHITOSAN CONJUGATE ON HYALURONIC‐ACID‐MODIFIED CHITIN

ABSTRACT Baker yeast invertase, chemically modified with chitosan, was immobilized on hyaluronic-acid-coated chitin support via polyelectrolyte complex formation. The immobilized enzyme retained 80% of the initial invertase activity. The optimum temperature for sucrose hydrolysis was increased by 5C, and its thermostability was enhanced by about 10C after immobilization. The immobilized enzyme was stable against incubation in high-ionic-strength solutions, and was sixfold more resistant to thermal treatment at 65C than the native counterpart. The biocatalyst prepared retained 100% after 10 cycles of reuse as well as after 74 h of continuous sucrose hydrolysis in a packed bed reactor, respectively. The immobilized enzyme retained 69% of its activity after 50 days of storage at 37C. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Invertase is widely used in the food industry as biocatalyst for the preparation of invert sugar syrups, a value-added product obtained from sucrose. The present article deals with the preparation of a highly stable invertase by modifying it with chitosan and then immobilizing it on hyaluronic-acid-coated chitin support. This new biocatalyst has potential application in the high-scale preparation of sucrose syrups, reducing industrial costs because of the excellent operational stability and reusability properties showed by the immobilized enzyme.
Guides to the Freshwater Invertebrates of Southern Africa. Volume 7: Insecta I. Ephemeroptera, Odonata and Plecoptera

April 2003, Water Research Commission, Pretoria, South Africa, Soft cover, 288 pages. WRC Report No. TT 207/03; ISBN 978-1-77005-017-4; price R100 (South Africa), US$50 (international), Obtainable from the Water Research Commission, Private Bag X03, Gezina, Pretoria 0031, South Africa, or orders@wrc.org. za
Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Ultrasound and Carcass Traits in Hanwoo

This study was conducted to estimate genetic parameters for ultrasound and carcass traits in Hanwoo. Heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated for carcass and ultrasound measurements collected from Hanwoo cows (n=312) born at Hanwoo experiment station. Traits evaluated were eye muscle area (EMA), backfat thickness (BF), marbling score (MS) from carcass, and ultrasound eye muscle area (UEMA), ultrasound backfat (UBF), and ultrasound marbling score (UMS). Parameters were estimated using multi-trait animal models byderivative-free restricted maximum likelihood procedures. Estimated heritabilities for UBF, UEMA and UMS were 0.43, 0.23 and 0.32, while heritabilities for BF, EMA and MS were 0.33, 0.13 and 0.33 in fattened cows, respectively. Genetic correlations between ultrasound and carcass measurements were estimated to -0.19, -0.61, and -0.36 for UBF: UEMA, UBF: UMS, and UEMA: UMS in fattened cows, respectively. Phenotypic correlations between ultrasound and carcass measurements were 0.03, 0.13 and 0.26 for UBF: UEMA, UBF: UMS, and UEMA: UMS in fattened cows, respectively. As for the steer, genetic correlations between ultrasound and carcass measurements were 0.36, -0.80 and 0.27 for UBF: UEMA, UBF: UMS, and UEMA: UMS in steers, respectively. Phenotypic correlations between ultrasound and carcass measurements were 0.13, 0.07 and 0.41 for UBF: UEMA, UBF: UMS, and UEMA: UMS in steers, respectively. In conclusion, this finding would be very useful to implement into Hanwoo breeding program.