Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DIEL MINERALIZATION PATTERNS OF STANDING-DEAD PLANT LITTER: IMPLICATIONS FOR CO2 FLUX FROM WETLANDS

We examined the effects of environmental conditions on the microbially mediated CO2 evolution from standing-dead litter (leaf blades, leaf sheaths, and culms) of the common reed, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. , in two temperate littoral freshwater marshes. Water availability was the major factor affecting CO2 evolution rates. In the laboratory, microbial assemblages responded rapidly to controlled additions of water, with large increases in CO2 evolution occurring within five minutes after wetting of litter (e.g., leaf blades: 10–295 μg CO2-C·(g ash-free dry mass [AFDM])−1·h−1. Under field conditions, CO2 evolution in the absence of precipitation exhibited a pronounced diel periodicity, with the highest rates occurring during periods of increased water availability resulting from a temperature-induced rise in relative humidity (>95%) and corresponding litter water potential (>−2.0 MPa) during nighttime. For example, in October, rates of CO2 evolution over a 24-h cycle ranged from 5 to 223 μg CO2-C·(g AFDM)−1·h−1 for leaf blades and from 10 to 155 μg CO2-C·(g AFDM)−1·h−1 for leaf sheaths. Maximum rates of CO2 evolution from sheaths were consistently lower than those for leaf blades (by ∼25%), but were typically an order of magnitude higher than those observed from culm litter (e.g., 1.0–18 μg CO2-C·(g AFDM)−1·h−1 over a diel cycle in August) exposed to identical environmental conditions. Much of the differences in maximum CO2 evolution rates from different litter types were related (r2 = 0.72) to differences in litter associated fungal biomass (leaf blades 34–74 mg dry mass/g AFDM, leaf sheaths 16–67 mg dry mass/g AFDM, and culms 2–7 mg dry mass/g AFDM), which was estimated from litter ergosterol concentrations. Based on measured stocks of standing-dead plant litter, estimated daily CO2 flux from standing-dead shoots ranged between 51 and 570 mg C/m2 of wetland surface area. These values translate into a roughly estimated annual carbon mineralization equivalent to a mean of 8% (leaf blades), 29% (leaf sheaths), and 3% (culms) of net aboveground plant production. These data provide compelling evidence that microbial decomposition of plant litter in the aerial standing-dead phase can contribute appreciably to overall carbon flux from marshes to the atmosphere, even in cool temperate climates, where most wetlands occur.
APHIDS AS PREY FOR THE COCCINELLID EXOCHOMUS QUADRIPUSTULATUS

Females of E. quadripustulatus oviposited when fed on D. plantaginea and A. pisum. Larvae of E. quadripustulatus were able to develop on D. devecta, D. plantaginea, A. pisum and A. pomi. A. fabae, M. viciae were toxic to the larvae, E. lanigerum was an alternative food. E. quadripustulatus appears to be in an intermediate position between aphido‐ and coccidophagy.
Rapid biological assessment of the fishery potential of Xonxa Dam, near Queenstown, South Africa

Rapid biological assessments have been proposed as the most cost-effective approach to identify suitable target species and to set initial catch and fishing effort levels for new fisheries. Xonxa Dam, a turbid irrigation dam situated in the White Kei catchment, rural Eastern Cape, is shown to provide fisheries potential for two alien species — smallmouth yellowfish Labeobarbus aeneus and sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus — that had been previously introduced into the catchment. Rapid appraisal of the biology, relative abundance, and population dynamics of the fish was effected during three sampling events in 2007. Using a combination of empirical yield and dynamic pool models, it was shown that two discrete fisheries can be developed. For L. aeneus a 60 mm stretched mesh gill net fishery could harvest 23 t y–1 and for C. gariepinus a longline fishery could yield 4 t y–1. The combined fisheries could be valued at c. R135 000 (USD 18 000) per annum. Periodic monitoring would be necessary; firstly, to ensure that spawner biomass per recruit is not reduced below 40% of current levels and, secondly, to refine the potential harvest available from the resource once harvesting is initiated.
Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulation Significantly Enhances the Promotion of Bone Formation Around Dental Implants

The effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) on bone formation around dental implants was studied histologically and mechanically after a dental implant was inserted into the femur of male Japanese white rabbits. LIPUS daily treatment started on the day after implant placement for 14 days. Histologically, new bone formation was observed around the implant. Implant removal torque values were significantly higher in LIPUS-treated group (44.0 - 58.8 N·cm) than the control group (32.0N·cm). Moreover, bone contact ratio was significantly higher in LIPUS-treated group than the control group. The results suggest that clinical application of LIPUS for dental implants may promote osseointegration.
Population regulation: a dynamic complex of interactions

Looking for a single, consistent cause for population regulation is not only wishful thinking, but also hinders our efforts to understand population dynamics. Population regulation is not only multifactorial, but interactions among those factors are important; single-factor experiments can miss important interactions. In addition, the ecological context constantly changes, so that regulatory processes track a moving target; experiments can have different results if the context differs. I focus on interactions among nutrition, predation and parasites. Parasitic disease can be an important regulatory factor on its own, but indirect effects through interactions with energy budgets or predation are likely to be more important. Disease may act as a precipitating mortality factor when energy (and especially protein) budgets are low; under such circumstances, disease may be important, but which disease may be immaterial. The complex interactions involved in regulation can be understood only by using all of the tools available: field observations, field and laboratory experimentation and dynamic modelling.
Perspectives on FDA's Regulation of Nanotechnology: Emerging Challenges and Potential Solutions

ABSTRACT: While public attention has been focused on Escherichia coli outbreaks, genetic engineering, and mad cow disease, nanotechnology has quietly taken its place at the forefront of scientific innovation and is poised to revolutionize numerous industries and fields of study. Although nanotechnology has been on the radar of researchers and developers for decades, it is only in the past few years that real-world applications have become a pervasive reality. Some of the most promising applications are in the areas of consumer products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including new and over-the-counter drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and food and food packaging. Despite the incredible social and economic potential of nanotechnology, FDA faces numerous hurdles in the regulation of these products. This article explores the current state of our scientific understanding of nanotechnology, human and environmental health and safety concerns, the strengths and weaknesses of FDA's existing regulatory authority, and current efforts to address these and other issues relating to the development, understanding, and promotion of nanotechnology. In addition, the article proposes various regulatory and policy considerations FDA should take into account in addressing nano-based concerns.
CARBON SUBSTRATE ASSIMILATION PROFILES AND OTHER TAXONOMIC FEATURES OF ALCALIGENES FAECALIS, ALCALIGENES RUHLANDII AND ACHROMOBACTER XYLOSOXIDANS

Twenty-eight strains of Alcaligenes faecalis, one strain of Alcaligenes ruhlandii, and 10 strains of Achromobacter xylosoxidans were characterized by assimilation of 103 carbon compounds, investigation of more than 70 conventional phenotypic characteristics and estimation of DNA base composition. Alcaligenes faecalis was divided into two homogeneous clusters with DNA base compositions of 55.6-58.9mol% and 63.8-68.6mol%, respectively, characterized by assimilation of 35 substrates and 13 other phenotypic features. Alcaligenes faecalis should be confined to the low GC cluster. The high GC cluster corresponded to "Alcaligenes denitrificans, " and could not be distinguished from Alcaligenes ruhlandii and Achromobacter xylosoxidans except for the inability of the strains in the high GC cluster to assimilate carbohydrates. The strains in the low GC cluster were differentiated from other strains by the following attributes: fruity odor formation, greening of blood agar, presence of deaminases for phenylalanine and tryptophan, decomposition of xanthine, formation of dark-brown pigment from tryptophan and histidine, and assimilation of malonate, glycine and phenol, in contrast to the ability of the strains in the high GC cluster to reduce nitrate to nitrite and to assimilate mucate, adipate, pimelate, suberate, azelate, sebacate, meso-tartrate, itaconate, mesaconate, β-alanine, L-serine, DL-citrulline, and pantothenate. The low GC strains denitrified nitrite, whereas denitrification of nitrate and nitrite by the high GC strains fluctuated.
Seasonal changes of CLA isomers and other fatty acids of milk fat from grazing dairy herds in the Azores

BACKGROUND: Season of the year associated with dietary changes has been recognized as a factor implicated in milk fat fatty acid (FA) profile in dairy cows. However, a lack of information exists concerning cows grazing all year round as is practiced in the Azores, where cows are supplemented in winter with maize silage plus concentrates, while in spring the higher grass allowance only requires supplementation with concentrate. The main objective of this study was to detect any seasonal variation of FA profile of milk fat from milk sampled in bulk tanks of 12 Azorean dairy herds. RESULTS Compared to winter milk, milk fat from spring presented a higher proportion of CLA cis-9,trans-11 (14.3 versus 9.6 g kg−1 FA), C18:1 trans-11 (32 versus 22 g kg−1 FA), C18:2 trans-11,cis-15 (3.7 versus 2.2 g kg−1 FA), CLA trans-11,cis-13 (0.34 versus 0.23 g kg−1 FA) and C18:3 n-3 (5.7 versus 5.4 g kg−1 FA). The C18:2 n-6/C18:3 n-3 ratio was lower (P < 0.05) in spring. Branched-chain FA, except the anteiso-C15:0, were higher in spring, while odd-chain FA (C15:0) were higher in winter. CONCLUSION: Dairy herd management in the Azores presents a seasonal variation of milk fat FA composition, where the spring milk may present increased potential benefits for human consumers. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Eavesdropping by Bats: The Influence of Echolocation Call Design and Foraging Strategy

We used playback presentations to free-flying bats of 3 species to assess the influence of echolocation call design and foraging strategy on the role of echolocation calls in communication. Near feeding sites over water, Myotis lucifugus and M. yumanensis responded positively only to echolocation calls of conspecifics. Near roosts, these bats did not respond before young of the year became volant, and after this responded to presentations of echolocation calls of similar and dissimilar design. At feeding sites Lasiurus borealis responded only to echolocation calls of conspecifics and particularly to “feeding buzzes”. While Myotis, particularly subadults, appear to use the echolocation calls of conspecifics to locate feeding sites, L. borealis appears to use the calls of a foraging neighbour attacking prey to identify opportunities for ‘stealing’ food.
New findings in body mass regulation in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) in response to photoperiod and temperature

Small birds in temperate zones increase body mass in winter (Lehikoinen, 1987). We investigated daily and annual variation of body mass and fat reserves of locally-reared Australian zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata, by exposing them to different photoperiods, feeding periods, and temperatures. Experiments with long and short photoperiods and long and short feeding periods, showed that long photoperiods increased body mass and fat reserves of the zebra finches, and readiness to breed, independently of the actual feeding period. Furthermore, the zebra finches in indoor aviaries with constant temperature (22-24°C) and in outdoor aviaries with ambient temperature, both exposed to the natural daylength changes of Bielefeld, Germany (52 °N), had high dawn body mass in summer (12.9 and 12.0-12.4g, respectively) and low in winter (10.7 and 11.1 g, respectively). Thirty to sixty percent of these mass changes were related to changes in fat reserves, so that the finches had only 0.1-0.2g of metabolizable fat reserves in short photoperiods (or in winter), which increased up to 1.5g in long photoperiods (or in summer). Indoor finches consumed more seeds in summer than in winter (3.3 vs. 2.7g/day), while outdoor finches consumed 4-5g of seeds per day throughout the year, which probably represented the limit of energy intake for a 11-13g bird (Kirkwood, 1983). Nightly mass loss, increasing from 0.7g in summer up to 2.0g in winter, was highly positively correlated with night length, not influenced by ambient temperature. Foraging before dawn and after dusk, roosting with well-filled crops, and decreasing body mass and fat reserves, seem to be adaptations of zebra finches for survival in winter. The summer fattening probably accelerates reproduction in this opportunistic breeder, by allocating more time to reproductive behaviour and more endogenous nutrients to egg-formation.
Persistent Reproductive Isolation between Sympatric Lineages of Fall Chinook Salmon in White Salmon River, Washington

Abstract Populations of fall Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Columbia River are divided among two evolutionarily significant units: lower Columbia River fall Chinook salmon (or “tules”) in the lower portion of the river and upriver “brights” (URBs) in the upper portion. The two lineages migrate together through portions of the lower Columbia River but spawn allopatrically. Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery has been releasing URBs adjacent to what was historically exclusively tule spawning habitat in the White Salmon River for approximately 22 years. Tules and URBs now spawn in sympatry in the adjacent White Salmon River, and potential introgression between these two lineages has been identified as a genetic risk of the hatchery program. To assess the extent of introgression, we analyzed 13 microsatellite loci in juveniles taken from the White Salmon River in three consecutive years. Assignment tests revealed that juveniles leaving the White Salmon River from March to early May rese.
STUMP PROTECTION AGAINST FOMES ANNOSUS: TREATMENT WITH CREOSOTE

Creosoting of pine stumps immediately after felling commonly prevents the entry of Fomes annosus and other primary basidiomycete colonizers through the cut surface. Ceratocystis spp. and Ophionectria cylindrospora frequently enter creosoted stumps, but growth tends to be slow. Light applications of creosote often fail to exclude basidiomycetes. Failure to achieve protection may also result from delay in application, especially when resin flow from the cut surface is rapid; this flow impedes creosote penetration. In one experiment creosoting also controlled air-borne Fomes annosus infection of larch stumps. Various protectants were tested in the forest, a preliminary indication of their efficiency being obtainable after 2 months. A gasworks creosote (b.p. 190–300° C.) was promising, whilst a tar/creosote mixture was unsatisfactory. Disadvantages of creosote as a stump protectant arise mainly from its retarding effect on stump colonization. Creosoted stumps tend to remain alive longer than untreated ones and the risk of F. annosus attaining dominance in stumps already having root infection is correspondingly greater.
Production of the major soluble antigen of Renibacterium salmoninarum in Escherichia coli K12

A DNA fragment containing all but the first 90 base pairs of gene msa encoding p57, the major soluble antigen of Renibacterium salmoninarum, was cloned in the plasmid vector pUC18 and subsequently a soluble fusion protein was produced using the pMAL expression vector system. The fusion p ro t e~n retained major epitopes shared with the native p57 molecule and provided a source of protein suitable for further ~mmunologlcal analysis which was independent of in v~ t ro cultures of this slow growing organism. Antiserum raised a g a ~ n s t he purified fusion protein was used to probe Western blots of cell extracts and extracellular products denved from R. salmoninarum cultured in vitro. The results show that under cond~tions of iron-restr~ction, both the production and processing of p57 are reduced.
Abundance and Distribution of Precociously Mature Male Spring Chinook Salmon of Hatchery and Natural Origin in the Yakima River

Abstract Precocious maturation of artificially propagated male Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha has the potential to alter abundance and distribution of males in freshwater and thereby influence ecological and genetic interactions with other fish in the natural environment. Between 1999 and 2007, the Cle Elum Supplementation and Research Facility has produced and released into the upper Yakima River basin of Washington an annual average of 124,573 males that mature precociously. We investigated the abundance and distribution of precociously mature male spring Chinook salmon of hatchery and natural (wild) origin during the spawning season (4–7 months after hatchery release) in the Yakima River. We counted the number of precocious males on the spawning grounds while snorkeling during the peak of spawning and electrofished to determine abundance and distribution of precocious males away from redds. We also collected Chinook salmon to determine percent precocity and size and age distributions. The numb.
Triploid Induction in Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua L.) by the Use of Different Pressure Levels

Different levels of pressure were investigated to see if it was possible to induce triploidy at a lower pressure than previously used (600 bar) for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Newly fertilized eggs were exposed to different levels of pressure: 400, 500, and 600 bar, and one control group (no pressure). Induction of triploidy occurred at each pressure level used in this experiment. Mean weight and length at the termination of the trial period was significantly lower, in the 400 bar group, compared to the other treatment groups. Microsatellite loci analysis revealed over 90% triploid outcome in each experimental group. Lower incidence of deformities was seen in the 400 bar group compared to the 500 and 600 bar groups. Overall this study demonstrated successful triploid induction at both low (400 bar) and medium (500 bar) pressures.
Treating restless legs syndrome: current pathophysiological concepts and clinical trials

Restless legs syndrome is a distinctive clinical syndrome with a prevalence of about 5% in the general population. One of the outstanding characteristics of restless legs syndrome is its extreme responsiveness to dopaminergic agents. Together with the latest pathophysiological and genetic findings, recent epidemiological and clinical data give a new insight into the classification of restless legs syndrome, thus building the theoretical foundation for the development of new pharmacological methods in its treatment. Current efforts within this area focus on establishing dopaminergic substances for therapy. The hypothesis of a disturbed iron metabolism in restless legs syndrome has been revived by recent theoretical considerations. The present review attempts to explain current strategies of treatment for restless legs syndrome in relation to aetiological, genetic and pathophysiological findings.
Foreword

2 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MULTIPLE RESEARCH APPROACHES Volume 7, Issue 1, April 2013 Teddlie and Tashakkori (2010) identified the following nine important issues or controversies in contemporary mixed research: (a) conceptual stances; (b) the conceptual/methodological/methods interface; (c) research question or research problem; (d) language; (e) design issues; (f ) analysis issues; (g) drawing inferences; (h) practical applications (e.g., pedagogy, collaboration, and other models, funding); and (i) cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural applications. According to Teddlie and Tashakkori, ‘there are obvious overlaps across some of these areas’ (p. 12). Indeed, we believe that these nine issues/controversies can be simplified by characterizing them as representing one or more of the following three elements: Philosophy (e.g., conceptual stances in mixed research; the conceptual/ methodological/methods interface in mixed research), policy (e.g., the language of mixed research), and practice (e.g., research question or problem; design issues in mixed research; analysis issues in mixed research; practical issues in the application of mixed research). By philosophy, we are referring to what Greene (2006, 2008) refer to as philosophical assumptions and stances, which are the core epistemological assumptions of the methodology, or what Greene (2008) refers to as mental models, which represent:
Estimation of the monocot–dicot age through tRNA sequences from the chloroplast

Using chloroplast tRNA sequences and evidence of absolute time estimates of splits within plant evolution, we were able to calculate the monocot–dicot divergence to be somewhere between 230 to 350 Ma before present (BP). The whole group of angiosperms must be older than this date. In rough agreement with previous studies, molecular data predate the appearance of angiosperms within the fossil record of about 100 to 200 Ma. We discuss implications of these molecular time estimates on the evolutionary interpretation of the morphological key innovations in angiosperms.
Transmission of cowpea mild mottle virus by Bemisia tabaci in a non-persistent manner.

In studies in India, individual adults of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) acquired cowpea mild mottle virus (CMMV) after an acquisition feed on infected soyabean plants and transmitted it within 5 min to healthy soyabean plants. Starvation before the acquisition feed had no influence on transmission, but starvation after the acquisition feed decreased transmission frequency. Irrespective of the length of the acquisition feed, the ability to transmit CMMV was retained for only 4 successive inoculation access periods of 5 min each, but adults that lost the ability to transmit the virus could acquire and transmit it again. CMMV was not detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in adults that had been provided with access to infected plants for 1-8 h.