Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contingent valuation of the Natura 2000 nature conservation programme in Finland

Summary This paper shows how contingent valuation studies can produce relevant information for public nature conservation decisions. The study analyses the preferences of Finnish households for a nature conservation programme, Natura 2000 Network, by applying a dichotomous choice referendum model of the contingent valuation survey. In order to study the influence of attitudes and beliefs on a choice between the status quo and the new conservation project, an attitude‐behaviour framework is applied. Beliefs concerning the outcomes of the nature conservation policy and evaluations of their importance describe how attitudes towards the programme are formed. The choices in the referendum are explained using a logit regression model and are found to be a function of attitude and socio-economic variables. The probability of a person supporting the proposed conservation level depends significantly on the income, age and background (urban‐rural) of the respondent. The estimated model of choice behaviour is used to calculate the average willingness to pay for the Natura 2000 Network, which is also compared to the costs of the conservation programme.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) and interspecific amplification in five other Leuciscinae species

The longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) appears as a relevant model to address environmental and ecological issues in an evolutionary perspective. Eleven microsatellite markers were characterized for this species. Eight of these loci were highly polymorphic for populations of this species. Between four to 10 loci were also successfully amplified in five closely related species. These markers are believed to be valuable tools for genetic analysis of populations of longnose dace and other Leuciscinae species.
Physiological limitations in two sugarcane varieties under water suppression and after recovering

Increasing water scarcity and depleted water productivity in irrigated soils are inducing farmers to adopt improved varieties, such as those with high-capacity tolerance. The use of tolerant varieties of sugarcane might substantially avoid the decline of productivity under water deficit. This research aimed to evaluate the harmful effects of drought on the physiology of two sugarcane varieties (RB867515 and RB962962) during the initial development. Young plants were subjected to irrigation suspension until total stomata closure, and then rewatered. Significant reduction on stomatal conductance, transpiration, and net photosynthesis were observed. RB867515 showed a faster stomatal closure while RB962962 slowed the effects of drought on the gas exchanges parameters with a faster recovering after rewatering. Accumulation of carbohydrates, amino acids, proline, and protein in the leaves and roots of the stressed plants occurred in both varieties, substantially linked to reduction of the leaf water potential. Due to the severity of stress, this accumulation was not enough to maintain the cell turgor pressure, so relative water content was diminished. Water stress affected the contents of chlorophyll (a, b, and total) in both varieties, but not the levels of carotenoids. There was a significant reduction in dry matter under stress. In conclusion, RB962962 variety endured stressed conditions more than RB867515, since it slowed down the damaging effects of drought on the gas exchanges. In addition, RB962962 presented a faster recovery than RB867515, a feature that qualifies it as a variety capable of enduring short periods of drought without major losses in the initial stage of its development.
Effects of an extensive fire on arboreal small mammal populations in a neotropical savanna woodland

Fire is a major form of disturbance in terrestrial ecosystems, mainly in tropical savannas. In these ecosystems, the effects of large wildfires are potentially high on small and relatively less mobile animals, like small mammals. We investigated the effects of an extensive wildfire (≈ 6,240 ha) in September 2011 on populations of 2 arborealscansorial small mammals—the gracile mouse opossum, Gracilinanus agilis, and the long-tailed climbing mouse, Rhipidomys macrurus—in 4 savanna woodland patches (1 burned, 3 unburned) of the highly threatened Brazilian Cerrado. We assessed population densities from 2009 to 2013 and for G. agilis, we estimated apparent survival and recapture probabilities with Cormack—Jolly—Seber models. Both species showed strong, negative fire responses, including sudden collapse and slow recovery (at least more than 1 year). These observed responses were probably a consequence of both the phytophysiognomic features of the habitat and severity of the fire with the resulting changes on the vertical structure of vegetation. The studied species of Cerrado forested formations were not as resilient to fire disturbance as typical species from savanna or temperate woodlands. As a consequence of human activities and climate changes, fire events are predicted to become larger and more frequent in the Brazilian Cerrado. Therefore, it is imperative to create new management strategies to protect forested physiognomies from fire, especially cerradão, which is very fire sensitive and has a limited and scattered distribution in the landscape.
Quantitative Evaluation of Spatiotemporal Phosphorus Fluxes in Stream Biofilms

Abstract: Uptake and storage by biofilms facilitate the ability of streams to act as sinks for inorganic nutrients. Quantifying P fluxes over short time periods is important for understanding physiological responses to nutrient inputs, but few researchers have examined spatial and temporal variability in patterns of short-term biofilm nutrient uptake. We sampled intact stream biofilm assemblages seasonally (autumn—summer) across a spatial productivity gradient (8 streams in 2 provinces [Plateau and Piedmont] in Pennsylvania, USA) and tested responses to a P source over the first few minutes of exposure to resolve changes in initial assimilatory kinetics in short-term radiotracer experiments. We estimated P uptake and efflux rates with local regression (LOESS) and found distinct breakpoints in P fluxes. Mean maximum uptake occurred at 1.65 and 2.60 min, whereas maximum efflux occurred at 4.51 and 4.62 min in Piedmont and Plateau provinces, respectively. Biofilm nutrient content and accumulation rates were strong predictors of P uptake and efflux. P uptake and efflux differed between provinces (p = 0.005) and among seasons (p = 0.001). Our results show that considerable and rapid exchange processes occur at early time periods (<5 min). The magnitude of these exchange processes seems to diminish over longer periods (15–30 min), indicating that nutrient processing is a nearly instantaneous physiological, dynamic process. Thus, experimental time periods that are hours long or longer may obscure essential short-term responses. Spatio-temporal effects (productivity and seasonality) are strong determinants of P fluxes.
Do females trade copulations for food? An experimental study on kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla)

Females of many species copulate more frequently than necessary to fertilize their eggs despite the potential costs. Several studies, particularly on socially monogamous birds, have suggested that females obtain immediate material benefits by trading copulations for nutrients or other resources. We experimentally tested this hypothesis by manipulating the food resources available to prelaying female black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla). If female kittiwakes trade copulations for courtship feeding because they need the extra resources, well-fed females (experimental group) should be less willing to copulate compared with females that are more food limited (control group). Contrary to our predictions, we found that close to the start of laying experimental females copulated more frequently with their mate than control females. We also observed that males from the experimental group fed their mate at least as often as males from the control group. In experimental pairs, we still observed a positive correlation between the rate of copulation and the rate of courtship feeding. Our results thus refute the immediate material benefits hypothesis. Currently available data are consistent with the hypothesis that prelaying courtship feeding is a form of mating effort. We suggest that the rate of courtship feeding might be a sexually selected trait, on which females base decisions about timing and frequency of copulations, but this remains to be tested. Copyright 2007, Oxford University Press.
Phosphorus retention efficiency in rainbow trout fed diets with low fish meal and alternative protein ingredients

: Two experiments were conducted to evaluate feed quality and body phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) retention by rainbow trout fed test diets with low amounts of fish meal content and alternative low-P protein sources. A fish meal (FM) diet was used as control. Fish weighing 2.0 g and 134.7 g on average were reared with the experimental diets for 30 weeks and 15 weeks, respectively. The experimental diets had a good growth rate and feed utilization. In the first experiment the P retention was higher in the group of fish fed test diets (56 and 69%) compared to the FM-based diet (36%); N retention rates were similar for all groups. In the second experiment, fish were fed the test diet that had the best P retention in the earlier experiment. The P retention was lower than the values obtained in the first experiment (smaller fish), but still higher in the group of fish fed the low FM diet in comparison with the control group (36.0% and 22.2%, respectively). This represents a P loading into the water of 5.9 kg/t and 12.8 kg/t production for the test and the control diet, respectively. Therefore, low-P-loading diets for rainbow trout can be developed through the appropriate combination of alternative protein sources.
A new cuckoo wasp of the genus Ceratochrysis in amber from the Dominican Republic (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae)

The remains of a new species of cuckoo wasp (Aculeata: Chrysidoidea: Chrysididae) are described and figured from a male preserved in Early Miocene (Burdigalian) amber from the Dominican Republic. Ceratochrysis dominicana sp. n. (Chrysidinae: Chrysidini) is the first chrysidid described in Dominican amber as well as the first fossil of the genus. The species is distinguished from modern congeners.
Larval fish communities in the Medes Islands Marine Reserve (North-west Mediterranean)

This study describes the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of fish larvae in a nearshore temperate area off the north-west Mediterranean, located in the vicinity of the Medes Islands Marine Reserve. Our findings suggest that both the abundance and species richness of the larvae of shorefish species (i.e. resident species) is high in the Medes Islands but also in the adjacent unprotected coastal area. In addition to the large inshore species component observed in the Medes Islands the results were also indicative of a significant influx of shelf and oceanic species, and hence it can be concluded that the effect of protection is not the only factor responsible for the spatial patterns observed. The larvae of certain shorefish species, e.g. Coris julis, Boops boops, Serranus hepatus, Blenniidae and Gobiidae undergo significant dispersal out towards the open sea, while other species, e.g. Tripterygion tripteronotus and Gobiesocidae were able to maintain distributions that remain in the vicinity of the adults, confirming that pelagic larvae are not necessarily at the mercy of passive dispersal.
A Model for Predicting Continental‐Scale Vegetation Distribution and Water Balance

A Mapped atmosphere-Plant-Soil System (MAPSS) has been constructed for simulating the potential biosphere impacts and biosphere-atmosphere feedbacks from climatic change. The system calculates the potential vegetation type and leaf area that could be supported at a site, within the constraints of the abiotic climate. Both woody vegetation and grass are supported and compete for light and water. The woody vegetation can be either trees or shrubs, evergreen or deciduous, and needleleaved or broadleaved. A complete site water balance is calculated and integrates the vegetation leaf area and stomatal conductance in canopy transpiration and soil hydrology. The MAPSS model accurately simulates the distributions of forests, grasslands, and deserts and reproduces observed monthly runoff. The model can be used for predictions of new vegetation distribution patterns, soil moisture, and runoff patterns in alternative climates. 112 refs., 11 figs., 4 tabs.
Development and Implementation of a Highly Miniaturized Confocal 2D-FIDA–Based High-Throughput Screening Assay to Search for Active Site Modulators of the Human Heat Shock Protein 90β

The beta isoform of the heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90β) is a cellular chaperone required for the maturation of key proteins involved in growth response to extracellular factors as well as oncogenic transformation of various cell types. Compounds that inhibit the function of Hsp90β are thus believed to have potential as novel anticancer drugs. To date, 2 fungal metabolites are known to inhibit Hsp90β. However, insolubility and liver toxicity restrict the clinical use of these molecules. The limitation to identify novel and safe Hsp90β inhibitors is that presently no suitable high-throughput screening assay is available. Here, the authors present the development of a homogenous assay based on 2-dimensional fluorescence intensity distribution analysis of tetramethyl-rhodamine (TAMRA)-labeled radicicol bound to Hsp90β. Furthermore, the assay has been shown to be compatible with the confocal nanoscreening platform Mark II™ from Evotec-Technologies and can therefore be used for miniaturized high-throughput screening. The applied detection technology provides critical information about the nature of biomolecular interaction at the thermodynamic equilibrium, such as affinity constants and stoichiometric parameters of the binding. The assay is used to identify small molecular weight compounds displacing TAMRA-radicicol. Such compounds are believed to be important molecules in the discovery of novel anticancer drugs.
Ecological and simultaneous seed oil extraction/saponification/γ-linolenic acid concentration

The essential fatty acid g-linolenic (GLA, C18:3n-6), which has several pharmaceutical properties, has been concentrated from the seed oil of three plant species, Borago officinalis, Anchusa azurea and Echium fastuosum. The process was effected through one single and ecological step: simultaneous seed oil extraction/saponification/GLA concentration. Finally, the mother liquor containing the GLA concentrate was stored at low temperature to crystallize saturated fatty acids and further increase GLA purity. Two variables affecting the process were found: water content in the saponification mixture and filtration temperature. Best results were obtained from B. officinalis (GLA purity 68%, GLA yield 64%), although closely followed by the concentrates from the other species.
Major welfare issues in broiler breeders

Under current practices, broiler parent stock (broiler breeders) encounter several welfare problems, such as feed restriction and injury during mating. Intensive selection for production traits, especially growth rate, is associated with increased nutritious requirement and thus feed consumption, but also reproductive dysfunctions and decreased sexual activity in broiler breeders. A resulting serious welfare problem is the subsequent severe feed restriction which is applied during rearing, in order to prevent health problems and to achieve better egg production. This severe feed restriction has negative effects on bird welfare as it causes chronic stress resulting from hunger. Recent research has focused on management practices to alleviate the negative effect of this feed restriction. Using both a more fibrous feed and an appetite suppressant seems most successful. There are welfare concerns involved in the mating of broiler breeders. In many countries mutilations (beak trimming, despurring and toe clipping) are carried out in male broiler breeders as a standard procedure to prevent excessive damage to the hens during mating. It has been reported that broiler breeder males show low libido but, at the same time, may be aggressive and show rough behaviour during mating, which can cause severe injuries to the hens, although some injuries may be caused by over-mating hens. Current studies aim to develop management practices to reduce hen injury due to over-mating and improve the sexual behaviour in both males and females. In the last part of the review, an examination of how breeding companies are taking welfare into consideration in their commercial selection scheme is made. In practice, although for example reduced mortality and some health criteria are included in selection programs and some alternative breeds as used, other welfare issues remain, such as feed restriction during rearing.
NF-κB Regulates Expression of the MHC Class I-Related Chain A Gene in Activated T Lymphocytes1

MHC class I-related chain A gene (MICA) is a stress-regulated, HLA-related molecule which exhibits a restricted pattern of expression. MICA protein is up-regulated on different tumor cells, and is recognized by the lectin-like NKG2D molecule expressed by cytotoxic γδ T lymphocytes, CD8+ αβ T lymphocytes, and NK cells. Although MICA is not expressed on resting lymphocytes, we demonstrated that it is induced on activated T cells. Because NF-κB is actively involved in T cell activation, and is constitutively activated in many tumors, here we investigated whether NF-κB may modulate MICA expression. Treatment with the NF-κB inhibitor sulfasalazine (Sz) resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of MICA expression in anti-CD3- and anti-CD28/PMA-activated T lymphocytes, as assessed by Western blot and RT-PCR analysis. Moreover, Sz also down-regulated MICA expression on epithelial tumor HeLa cells. MICA expression was accompanied by a Sz-sensitive IκBα degradation. EMSA with nuclear extracts from anti-CD3- and anti-CD28/PMA-stimulated T lymphocytes demonstrated the binding of a potential NF-κB family transcription factor to a MICA gene intron 1-derived oligonucleotide that contains a putative κB binding site. Supershift assays demonstrated the presence of p65(RelA)/p50 heterodimers and p50/p50 homodimers in the NF-κB complexes bound to the κB-MICA oligonucleotide. Transient transfection of HeLa cells with p65(RelA) up-regulated MICA expression, as assessed by Western blot and flow cytometry analysis. Hence, we conclude that NF-κB regulates MICA expression on activated T lymphocytes and HeLa tumor cells, by binding to a specific sequence in the long intron 1 of the MICA gene. This constitutes the first description of a transcription factor that regulates MICA gene expression.
Acclimation to ocean acidification during long‐term CO2 exposure in the cold‐water coral Lophelia pertusa

Ocean acidity has increased by 30% since preindustrial times due to the uptake of anthropogenic CO2 and is projected to rise by another 120% before 2100 if CO2 emissions continue at current rates. Ocean acidification is expected to have wide‐ranging impacts on marine life, including reduced growth and net erosion of coral reefs. Our present understanding of the impacts of ocean acidification on marine life, however, relies heavily on results from short‐term CO2 perturbation studies. Here, we present results from the first long‐term CO2 perturbation study on the dominant reef‐building cold‐water coral Lophelia pertusa and relate them to results from a short‐term study to compare the effect of exposure time on the coral's responses. Short‐term (1 week) high CO2 exposure resulted in a decline of calcification by 26–29% for a pH decrease of 0.1 units and net dissolution of calcium carbonate. In contrast, L. pertusa was capable to acclimate to acidified conditions in long‐term (6 months) incubations, leading to even slightly enhanced rates of calcification. Net growth is sustained even in waters sub‐saturated with respect to aragonite. Acclimation to seawater acidification did not cause a measurable increase in metabolic rates. This is the first evidence of successful acclimation in a coral species to ocean acidification, emphasizing the general need for long‐term incubations in ocean acidification research. To conclude on the sensitivity of cold‐water coral reefs to future ocean acidification further ecophysiological studies are necessary which should also encompass the role of food availability and rising temperatures.
Mechanisms underlying β2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated nitric oxide generation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Endothelial β2‐adrenoceptor (β2AR) stimulation increases nitric oxide (NO) generation, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are unclear. We examined the role of l‐arginine transport and of phosphorylation of NO synthase 3 (NOS‐3) in β2AR‐mediated NO biosynthesis by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). To this end, we assessed l‐arginine uptake, NOS activity (from l‐arginine to l‐citrulline conversion), membrane potential (using [3H]tetraphenylphosphonium), as well as serine phosphorylation of NOS‐3 (by Western blotting and mass spectrometry), in HUVEC treated with βAR agonists or cyclic AMP‐elevating agents. β2AR stimulation increased l‐arginine transport, as did cyclic AMP elevation with either forskolin or dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and this increase was inhibitable by N‐ethylmaleimide. Blockade of l‐arginine uptake by l‐lysine inhibited NOS activity and, conversely, blockade of NOS using Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) inhibited l‐arginine transport. β2AR stimulation also caused a membrane hyperpolarization inhibitable by l‐NAME, suggesting that the increase in l‐arginine uptake occurred in response to NO‐mediated hyperpolarization. β2AR activation also increased NOS activity and phosphorylation of NOS‐3 on serine‐1177, and these increases were attenuated by inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA), phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) or Akt, and abolished by coinhibition of PKA and Akt. These findings suggest that β2AR‐mediated NOS‐3 activation in HUVEC is mediated through phosphorylation of NOS‐3 on serine‐1177 through both the PKA and the PI3K/Akt systems, and is sustained by an increase in l‐arginine uptake resulting from NO‐mediated membrane hyperpolarization.
Evolution of Eastern Asian and Eastern North American Disjunct Distributions in Flowering Plants

▪ Abstract The disjunct distributions of morphologically similar plants between eastern Asia and eastern North America have fascinated botanists and biogeographers since the Linnaean era. This biogeographic pattern is currently recognized by the disjunct distributions of some species, approximately 65 genera, and a few closely related genera in these two widely separated areas. Early workers treated many disjuncts as conspecific, but most were later recognized as intercontinental species pairs. Recent phylogenetic studies confirm affinities between many of the disjunct taxa but also indicate that the disjunct pairs of species are rarely each other's closest relatives. Instead, a pattern of further diversification of species on one or both continents is commonly found. Phylogenetic, molecular, geologic, and fossil data all support the hypothesis that the eastern Asian and eastern North American disjunct distributions are relicts of the maximum development of temperate forests in the northern hemisphere dur.