Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance of grey pine aphid, Schizolachnus pineti, on ectomycorrhizal and non‐mycorrhizal Scots pine seedlings at different levels of nitrogen availability

Ectomycorrhizas improve the growth and survival of plants by enhancing the uptake of nutrients, especially that of phosphate and nitrogen (Smith & Read, 1997). In return, mycorrhizas receive photosynthetic products necessary for their own growth from the host plant. Mycorrhizal fungi therefore have the potential to affect host plant quality and alter carbon allocation to defence responses above ground, thus providing protection against herbivores, pathogens and fungal diseases. Some ectomycorrhizal fungi can utilise carbon partitioned to the roots and to the fungus to synthesise carbon-based secondary metabolites or to induce the production of these compounds thus protecting plants from root pathogens and below-ground grazers (Jones & Last, 1991). If these metabolites are transported to the shoots, the above-ground resistance of the plant can be affected (Gehring & Whitham, 1994). However, there are only a few published studies concerning the mutualistic association of the host plant and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) (Rabin & Pacovsky, 1985; Gange & West, 1994) or ectomycorrhiza (Gehring et al., 1997; Manninen et al., 1998a, 1999) and its potential effects on above-ground herbivory (Gange & Bower, 1997). The goal in the present study was to find out how ectomycorrhizal infection and nitrogen availability affect the chemical quality of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.) seedlings and if they alter the performance of the specialist pine-feeder, grey pine aphid (Schizolachnus pineti Fabr., Homoptera: Lachnidae). Materials and methods
The Influence of Calcium Sprays to Reduce Fungicide Inputs Against Apple Scab [Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) G. Wint.]

A goal of pathogen management in the arboriculture industry should be to eliminate or reduce the amount of active ingredients of synthetic fungicides used within a growing season. The aim of this research paper was to evaluate a nonfungicidal pathogen management system by investigating the hypothesis that replacing an apple scab fungicide spray program with calcium reduces fruit and leaf scab severity. In addition, a separate study investigated if a relationship existed between calcium concentrations within foliar tissue of resistant, intermediate, and sensitive apple species and varieties toward scab infection. A number of commercially available calcium products were applied to apple cv. Crown Gold trees at four distinct growth stages (bud break, 90% petal fall, early fruitlet, two weeks after early fruitlet). A comparative evaluation of the synthetic fungicide penconazole commercially used for scab control was also conducted. The experiment was performed in 2006 and repeated in 2007 at the University of Reading Experimental Field Site (UK). Application of calcium sprays significantly reduced the leaf and fruit scab severity of apple cv. Crown Gold however; in a separate study no relationship existed between foliar calcium content and susceptibility to apple scab attack between resistant, intermediate, and sensitive Malus species. Greatest protection in both field trials was provided by the synthetic fungicide penconazole. Within the calcium products evaluated, greatest protection in both field trials was provided by calcium chloride and calcium hydroxide. The integration of calcium foliar sprays into existing scab management practices offers a useful addition to reduce scab severity on ornamental apples that has applicability against other foliar diseases frequently encountered within urban landscapes.
La voie OAS/RNase L et son inhibition par les virus

RNase L is a well-known effector of the type I interferon pathway. This review focuses on the recent developments of RNase L activation and on the antagonism of the OAS-RNase L pathway by viral proteins. Recent structural data show that two 2'-5' oligoadenylate molecules can bridge ankyrin domains of two RNase L subunits bound in opposite orientations. The binding of nucleotides to the pseudokinase domain further strengthens the dimer and imparts an active conformation to the ribonuclease. The OAS/RNase L pathway is active against many viruses and viruses evolved in several ways to escape this pathway. Influenza virus A acts upstream of this pathway by hiding double stranded RNA through its NS1 protein. In this way, it also inhibits the PKR and TLR-3 activation by double stranded RNA. Theiler's virus acts downstream of the OAS/RNase L pathway, through the direct interaction between protein L*and RNase L. By acting on the effector enzyme, Theiler's virus ensures a strong RNase L inhibition, which seems to be particularly useful for the infection of macrophages. In conclusion, viruses have developed distinct strategies to escape RNase L activity, that are likely dependent on their tropism. The fact that viral proteins have evolved to specifically antagonize RNase L outlines the importance of this particular IFN effector in cells infected by those viruses.
Gray‐headed Lemur (Eulemur cinereiceps) Abundance and Forest Structure Dynamics at Manombo, Madagascar

Madagascar's ecosystems are subject to high levels of anthropogenic disturbance and stochastic events, including cyclones. We investigated the abundance of gray‐headed lemurs (Eulemur cinereiceps) and vegetation structure in the fragmented forest of Manombo from 1995 to 2007, including 10 yr following Cyclone Gretelle in January 1997. We predicted that the density of this arboreal, frugivorous lemur would be similar in the pre‐ and post‐cyclone intervals only if tree measures demonstrate trends toward recovery in the post‐cyclone period. Initial impacts included severe damage to over 60 percent of trees. After 10 yr, all vegetation metrics except for stem density remained low relative to the pre‐cyclone period, including dbh, height, and basal area. To investigate vegetation changes separately from cyclone effects, we compared forest structure in the pre‐cyclone period alone. Basal area declined but dbh and stem density did not vary between 1995 and 1997; thus, anthropogenic activities or other factors did not consistently alter forest structure in this 2‐yr period. Subsequent changes may be linked to cyclone response, presumably in synergy with human disturbance. Contrary to predictions, recent gray‐headed lemur population densities were nearly identical to those recorded in 1995 (13.5 ± 3.2 vs. 13.6 ± 6.4 individuals/km2, respectively). Lemur populations may have remained stable or declined initially and then recovered in the last 10 yr. Life history and ecological adaptations may explain their resistance or resilience when faced with habitat change. Recent models suggest that lemurs have evolved in response to unpredictable environmental conditions. Such environmental variability may increase with projected climate change.
Optimized Determination of γ-Glutamyltransferase by Reaction-Rate Analysis

We describe a method for measuring γ-glutamyltransferase (EC 2.3.2.2) activity in serum, which can be used with automated enzyme analyzers (such as the LKB 8600 Reaction Rate Analyzer) that require enzyme reactions to be initiated with substrate. The method also permits optimal determination conditions to be obtained at 37 °C. The enzymatic reaction is commenced by adding γ-glutamyl- p -nitroanilide dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid to samples pre-incubated with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane—glycylglycine buffer. The p -nitroaniline liberated is continously monitored at 37 °C at 405 nm. The pH of the pre-incubation buffer is such that the optimal pH for the enzyme reaction results from addition of the acid substrate solution.
Particle flux and food supply to a seamount cold-water coral community (Galicia Bank, NW Spain)

In a European effort (Atlantic Coral Ecosystem Study (ACES project)) to determine the key conditions for the occurrence of cold-water corals on the NW Atlantic margin, a coral community on a seamount off NW Spain (Galicia Bank) was studied. Cold-water corals (Lophelia pertusa, Madrepora oculata) grow at a depth of ~800 m as isolated patches amidst small ripples and larger waves of foraminiferal sand. A 17 mo deployment of a near-bottom sediment trap revealed a large seasonal and annual variability in the flux of phytodetritus and carbon. The daily carbon flux in the first 5 mo of 2000 was on average 37 mgC m -2 , and in the first 5 mo of 2001 17 mgC m -2 . Quantities of faecal pellets and swimmers (copepods, amphipods) were also highly variable. A comparison between the daily carbon flux and the sediment carbon oxidation rate calculated from in situ com- munity oxygen consumption (SCOC), i.e. 17 versus 7 mgC m -2 d -1 respectively, indicated that a sur- plus of carbon is not oxidised by the sediment community. We argue that the strong tidal currents (max. 30 cm s -1 ) and the mobile sediment lead to winnowing of the sediment and to near-bed trans- port of the organic material. The low biomass of the benthic community and the domination of filter- feeders support our arguments. By means of analyses of stable isotopes (δ 15 N, δ 13 C) we attempted to find potential food items of the cold-water corals among the particles collected in the sediment trap. The difference between the δ 15 N signatures of coral tissue (9.5‰) and phytodetritus (2.2‰) was >1 trophic level, indicating that sinking algae are not the sole food source. The δ 15 N signatures of swimmers caught in the trap, ~10‰, were on the other hand in the same range as those of the corals. A mixed diet of animals and algae could be one explanation for the observed δ 15 N of corals. The δ 13 C value of the coral tissue, -20.55‰, excludes a food source consisting of bacteria supported by methane seepage, as suggested by earlier studies.
VOLATILE CONSTITUENTS OF VINEGAR. I. A SURVEY OF SOME COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE MALT VINEGARS

Gas liquid chromatography was used to fractionate the alcohols, esters, carbonyls and acids in commercial malt vinegars. A qualitative and quantitative study was made using two different stationary phases; methyl formate, acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol, isobutyl acetate, n-propyl alcohol, n-butyl acetate, isobutyl alcohol, amyl alcohol, acetoin, propionic acid and acetic acid were identified and estimated in eleven different malt vinegars. The results of this survey were compared with the information previously found for malt and other types of vinegars. A preliminary assessment has been made of the origins of these volatiles.
New oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) varieties – canopy development, yield components, and plant density

Full exploitation of the potential of new varieties requires research, whose aim is to adapt the technology to their needs. A two-factor experiment evaluated the effect of row spacing (33, 44, and 55 cm) of three oilseed rape (OSR) varieties (conventional, hybrid, and “semi-dwarf” hybrid variety) on canopy area index (CAI) and yield components. At higher row spacing, OSR plants were characterized by a strong increase in the CAI at successive growth stages; thereby, the incomplete use of production area was compensated at the pod development stage. The differences in the CAI between row spacings were significant until the end of flowering, whereas differences in the CAI between varieties were significant until the flower bud development stage. In the next development phases, CAI of OSR plants was at a similar level to all plots. However, the statistical analysis showed a declining trend in seed yield and yield biomass (pods and straw weight) with increasing row spacing. A positive aspect of increased row spacing was a decrease in glucosinolates content in seeds. The differences in fat content were statistically insignificant. The hybrid varieties of OSR produced the highest seed yield at a row spacing of 33 cm, while the conventional – at a row spacing of 44 cm. These relationships are confirmed by high positive correlations of seed weight and pod weight per unit area with CAI. The results have important practical aspect, because it shows that it is possible to reduce the number of OSR plants per unit area, thereby reducing demand for expensive certified seeds for sowing but to certain limits. Too small plant density binds to the risk of decreased seed yield. It may be justified, e.g., in extensive or organic farming where wide row creates the possibility of mechanical weed control.
Current views of collagen degeradation. Progress towards understanding the resorption of connective tissues

Collagen is the most abundant vertebrate protein and forms a stable fibrous architecture in connective tissues, such as bone, cartilage, skin and tendon. Much recent research has been directed towards an understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the synthesis and degradation of collagen, because a change in the normal balance, or an increased destruction of collagen, can cause loss of function of specialized tissues. This short review attempts to summarize present knowledge about the proteolytic destruction of collagen and the exciting new work on the factors that are emerging as important controlling agents. An understanding of the regulatory processes is yielding some important clues regarding the levels at which they can fail in pathological conditions and we speculate about evolving strategies for preventing uncontrolled resorption.
Effect of iron deficiency on S‐adenosylmethionine synthetase in barley roots

Abstract S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM) synthetase, which catalyzes methionine to SAM, is one of the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the mugineic acid‐family phytosiderophores (MAs). The MAs are secreted from grass roots under iron (Fe)‐deficient conditions. We compared the SAM synthetase activities between Fe‐deficient and Fe‐sufficient barley roots. However, no difference was observed. Then we performed Northern hybridization analysis between Fe‐deficient and Fe‐sufficient barley tissues by a cDNA fragment of SAM synthetase isolated from barley. No increase in the amount of mRNA was detected in the Fe‐deficient barley roots as compared to the Fe‐sufficient ones. It was suggested that the first step in the phytosiderophore biosynthesis induced under the Fe‐deficiency is not SAM synthetase, but NA synthase and the second induced step is NA aminotransferase.
The genus Schismatomma (Arthoniales, Euascomycetidae)

The genus Schismatomma is monographed. Schismatomma is distributed in mainly temperate regions of North America, Europe, Eastern Russia, Japan and New Zealand. Eight fructiferous species are recognized out of approximately 120 taxa which have been referred to as Schismatomma. No sterile species are recognized. A new combination, Schismatomma ocellulatum is made. Key, descriptions and distribution maps are supplied. A phylogeny based on cladistic parsimony methods using morphological data is proposed and discussed.
Ictiofauna do Ribeirão do Pântano, afluente do Rio Mogi-Guaçu, Bacia do Alto Rio Paraná, São Paulo, Brasil

The fish assemblages from Pântano stream were studied monthly from May 2000 to June 2001 and the composition, longitudinal distribution and constancy of fish species are described. Samples were performed in three different sites, using gill nets, sieves, cast net and trawl net. Sixty-three species of 46 genera, pertaining to 18 families were identified. Characiformes with 30 species (47.62%) and Siluriformes with 22 (34.92%) were the more specious orders. Five species of Perciformes, three species of Gymnotiformes, two species of Cyprinodontiformes, and only a single Synbranchiformes species were registered.
Regulation of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Grapes

Skin color, one of the most important characteristics of grapes, is determined by the accumulation of anthocyanins. It has been shown that the anthocyanin accumulation is influenced by abscisic acid and environmental factors such as temperature and light. However, the mechanism regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis has not yet been clarified. This review presents a brief account of our research on the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in grapes and the mechanism of skin color mutation.
Nitrogen Saturation in Temperate Forest Ecosystems

N itrogen emissions to the atmosphere due to human activity remain elevated in industrialized regions of the world and are accelerating in many developing regions (Galloway 1995). Although the deposition of sulfur has been reduced over much of the United States and Europe by aggressive environmental protection policies, current nitrogen deposition reduction targets in the US are modest. Nitrogen deposition remains relatively constant in the northeastern United States and is increasing in the Southeast and the West (Fenn et al. in press). The US acid deposition effects
Finding Fodder and Tracking Transhumance: Isotopic Detection of Goat Domestication Processes in the Near East

The domestication of several animal taxa in the Near East approximately 10,000 years ago marked a fundamental shift in human-animal interactions that irrevocably transformed the subsistence base of prehistoric societies. Domesticates eventually provided humans with an easily accessible source of animal products including meat, milk, and hair, but the mechanisms by which humans first experimented with and domesticated their animals remain poorly understood. Early animal management strategies included the selective harvesting of juvenile males while promoting female survivorship, but other husbandry practices that contributed to the domestication of animals have proven elusive in the archaeological record. Here we apply a novel multistable isotopic approach (δ13C, δ15N, and δ18O) to bone collagens recovered from goats—one of the first animal domesticates—and wild gazelles from two Early Neolithic sites in the Near East. We show that humans provisioned goats with fodder and mobilized herds to different pastures as early as 8000 cal BC. By enacting these particular husbandry practices, prehistoric humans effectively increased the accessibility and predictability of their own food supply and ultimately came to domesticate multiple animal taxa.
Genotype differences and their impact on digestive tract function of ruminants: a review

Physiological factors that cause between-animal variation in digestive function were evaluated as possible selection traits to achieve improved growth and feed-use efficiency by ruminants. Comparative studies of the digestive function of Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle, as well as selection lines of dairy cows and sheep were reviewed to determine the scope and significance of diversity in rumen function. All investigations indicated differences in digesta retention time between genotypes. Therefore, the digesta retention time, either the total mean retention time (MRT) or the ruminal retention time (RRT), may be suitable selection traits for improving animal productivity. Differences in MRT and RRT may affect animal productivity by changing the number and diversity of rumen microorganisms, the volatile fatty acid (VFA) pattern, the composition and maintenance energy requirement of the microbes, and thus the energetic efficiency of microbial growth. Further effects associated with changed RRT include a possible reduction in methane production and increased long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) synthesis in the rumen, which may consequently affect the energetic efficiency of the ruminant. It is concluded that despite strong evidence of genetic diversity in gut function, the central role of MRT and RRT in digestive metabolism has not been fully appreciated, nor have their contribution to productivity differences among livestock of similar or divergent genotypes been adequately investigated.
The phytogeographical regions of Slovenia: a consequence of natural environmental variation or prehistoric human activity?

1 Slovenia is a small but floristically diverse country with at least six distinctive phytogeographical regions. 2 The palaeoecological record was used to examine the vegetational history of this diverse landscape, using cores from four of the phytogeographical regions. 3 All contain records that extend back to at least 9000 cal. bp and indicate that the early Holocene vegetation of Slovenia was rather uniform and that broadleaved woodland containing Corylus, Quercus, Ulmus and Tilia prevailed throughout. 4 From 8800 cal. bp, however, distinctive regional differences became increasingly marked, with the onset of intensive forest clearance and burning from c. 3000 cal. bp. 5 The development of the present‐day landscape in Slovenia varied considerably between phytogeographical regions and in some regions was a consequence not only of climatic variation but also of the intensity of prehistoric human activity.
First geolocator tracks of Swedish red-necked phalaropes reveal the Scandinavia-Arabian Sea connection

We studied migration and wintering patterns of a wader with a pelagic lifestyle during the non-breeding period, the rednecked phalarope Phalaropus lobatus . Using light-level geolocation, we obtained three full annual tracks and one autumn migration track of male red-necked phalaropes caught during breeding in Scandinavia. Th ese tracks confi rmed expectations that individuals from the Scandinavian population winter in the Arabian Sea. Migration was accomplished in two to four migration leaps, staging for a few days in the Gulf of Finland (autumn) or the southern Baltic Sea (spring) and for up to a month in or near the Black and Caspian Sea (autumn and spring). In addition, travel speeds suggested that only the fl ights between the Baltic and Black/Caspian Sea are non-stop, and thus the birds seem to make additional short stops during the other flights. Stopover time in the Black/Caspian Sea is only 8 – 10 d in spring but up to 36 d in autumn, which is longer than expected if only used for pre-migratory fattening to cover the ca 2000 km to the Gulf of Oman. After entering the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Oman, birds dispersed over the entire presumed winter range. Winter movements appear to correspond to the spatio-temporal patterns in primary production linked to seasonally changing monsoon winds. Th ese are not only the first tracks of Scandinavian red-necked phalaropes, but also the fi rst seabird tracks in the Arabian Sea, one of the most productive and dynamic marine areas on the planet.
Responses of lactic acid bacteria to oxygen

Abstract A small number of flavoprotein oxidase enzymes are responsible for the direct interaction of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with oxygen; hydrogen peroxide or water are produced in these reactions. In some cultures exposed to oxygen, hydrogen peroxide accumulates to inhibitory levels. Through these oxidase enzymes and NADH peroxidase, O2 and H2O2 can accept electrons from sugar metabolism, and thus have a sparing effect on the use of metabolic intermediates, such as pyruvate or acetaldehyde, as electron acceptors. Consequently, sugar metabolism in aerated cultures of LAB can be substantially different from that in unaerated cultures. Energy and biomass yields, end-products of sugar metabolism and the range of substrates which can be metabolised are affected. Lactic acid bacteria exhibit an inducible oxidative stress response when exposed to sublethal levels of H2O2. This response protects them if they are subsequently exposed to lethal concentrations of H2O2. The effect appears to be related to other stress responses such as heat-shock and is similar, in some but not all respects, to that previously reported for enteric bacteria.