Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amazon drought and its implications for forest flammability and tree growth: a basin‐wide analysis

Severe drought in moist tropical forests provokes large carbon emissions by increasing forest flammability and tree mortality, and by suppressing tree growth. The frequency and severity of drought in the tropics may increase through stronger El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) episodes, global warming, and rainfall inhibition by land use change. However, little is known about the spatial and temporal patterns of drought in moist tropical forests, and the complex relationships between patterns of drought and forest fire regimes, tree mortality, and productivity. We present a simple geographic information system soil water balance model, called RisQue (Risco de Queimada – Fire Risk) for the Amazon basin that we use to conduct an analysis of these patterns for 1996–2001. RisQue features a map of maximum plant‐available soil water (PAWmax) developed using 1565 soil texture profiles and empirical relationships between soil texture and critical soil water parameters. PAW is depleted by monthly evapotranspiration (ET) fields estimated using the Penman–Monteith equation and satellite‐derived radiation inputs and recharged by monthly rain fields estimated from 266 meteorological stations. Modeled PAW to 10 m depth (PAW10 m) was similar to field measurements made in two Amazon forests. During the severe drought of 2001, PAW10 m fell to below 25% of PAWmax in 31% of the region's forests and fell below 50% PAWmax in half of the forests. Field measurements and experimental forest fires indicate that soil moisture depletion below 25% PAWmax corresponds to a reduction in leaf area index of approximately 25%, increasing forest flammability. Hence, approximately one‐third of Amazon forests became susceptible to fire during the 2001 ENSO period. Field measurements also suggest that the ENSO drought of 2001 reduced carbon storage by approximately 0.2 Pg relative to years without severe soil moisture deficits. RisQue is sensitive to spin‐up time, rooting depth, and errors in ET estimates. Improvements in our ability to accurately model soil moisture content of Amazon forests will depend upon better understanding of forest rooting depths, which can extend to beyond 15 m. RisQue provides a tool for early detection of forest fire risk.
Fungal infections of the phytoplankton: seasonality, minimal host density, and specificity in a mesotrophic lake.

Phytoplankton infections by fungal parasites in the upper, mixed layer of a mesotrophic northern temperate lake were analysed according to the following parameters: host and parasite species, host population density and prevalence of infection, resting spore formation by the parasite, and the lowest host density at which parasites appeared. The phytoplankton taxa recorded included the Cyanobacteria, Dinomastigota, Chrysophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cryptophyceae and Haptophyceae, but infection was never found in the last two classes. The parasites belonged almost exclusively to the monocentric Chytridiomycetes. Fungal epidemics occurred at all times of the year. Parasites appeared at population densities as low as about 1 cell ml−1 in some host species, with infection prevalence sometimes exceeding 80%. The proportion of the total phytoplankton biovolume infected by fungi was usually much <1%, but occasionally reached 10%. Parasitism proved to be highly species-specific, with one parasite species usually infecting only one host species. In the case of Zygorhizidium planktonicum, which infected both Asterionella formosa and Synedra acus, there is evidence that two species-specific formae speciales, each infecting only one of these two host species, are present in the lake.
The impact of information and other factors on on-farm agrobiodiversity conservation: evidence from a duration analysis of Portuguese fruit growers.

In spite of the increasing awareness of the importance of in situ and on-farm conservation of agro biodiversity, there is still limited knowledge about the factors that influence farmers’ choices in variety adoption. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the factors that influence farmers’ adoption of traditional varieties of fruit trees so that better and more effective policy measures aiming at their preservation can be designed. While studies in this area have mainly employed standard probit/logit techniques, in this paper, an econometric technique which addresses simultaneously the issue of sample censoring and the joint determination of the occurrence and timing of adoptions —duration analysis— was applied. The use of this technique in the analysis of adoption data uncovers a sizably higher effect of information on farmers’ decisions than that obtained by standard approaches. The results strongly support the idea that good extension services providing reliable and accessible information, as well as technical guidance adapted to local conditions, are fundamental components in determining the adoption of landraces.
Protein and Amino Acid Quality of Feather Meals

Abstract Experiments were conducted to evaluate protein quality and TMEn of seven commercial feather meal (FM) samples by various in vivo and in vitro methods. True digestibilities of amino acids (AA) were determined with a 48-h excreta collection assay using conventional (CONV) and cecectomized (CEC) cockerels. Bioavailabilities of Lys and TSAA were estimated by chick growth assays using purified crystalline AA diets. Protein efficiency ration (PER; grams of gain:grams of CP consumed) was determined by feeding chick diets containing 9% CP supplied solely by a FM. The FM samples averaged (range) 81.0% (76 to 87) CP, 1.82% (1.46 to 2.15) Lys, 4.79% (4.07 to 5.30) Cys, . 52% (.45 to .61%) Met, and 1.20% (.93 to 1.66) lanthionine. The PER values averaged . 97 (.80 to 1.22). Pepsin N digestibility values determined with . 2% pepsin ranged from 70 to 81%, whereas those determined with . 002% pepsin ranged from 17 to 49%. True digestibilities of several AA were lower for CEC than for CONV birds. Chick Lys bioavailability values were much lower than the corresponding digestible Lys values for most FM, varied greatly among individual FM samples, and also varied markedly depending on method of calculation. The chick growth assays yielded imprecise estimates of bioavailability of Lys and Met in FM. Correlation analyses indicated that lanthionine concentration was negatively correlated with most in vitro and in vivo assay values. The . 002% pepsin digestibility values were more highly correlated with in vivo assay values than were the . 2% pepsin ones. Digestible Lys and Cys values for CEC and CONV birds were highly correlated with one another and were also highly correlated with bioavailable Lys and TSAA values, respectively. Mean TMEn was 3.471 kcal/g of DM (2.804 to 3.931) for CEC cockerels and 3.799 kcal/g of DM (3.263 to 4.381) for CONV cockerels, and me values were highly correlated (r = .95).
Effects of Lycii fructus and Edible Mushroom, Pholiota adiposa, on the Quality and Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Korean Traditional Rice Wine

The goal of this study was to develop a high value Korean traditional rice wine possessing the antihypertensive functionality. The effects of the Lycii fructus and Pholiota adiposa on the alcohol fermentation and its angiotensin I-converting (ACE) inhibitory activity of Korean traditional rice wine, yakju were investigated. Optimal fermentation conditions for the preparation of yakju consisted of the koji added at 10% and a fermentation period of 10 days at 25˚C. The best acceptability appeared with the Lf-1 traditional rice wine that was brewed by the addition of 1% Lycii fructus into the mash containing cooked rice, koji and antihypertensive S. cerevisiae. Its antihypertensive ACE inhibitory activity was 76%. Its ACE inhibitory activity was also increased about 8% by the addition of 0.1% of the edible mushroom Pholiota adiposa ASI 24012 fruiting bodies into the mash, showing good sensory characteristics. From these results, Lf-Pa1 yakju which was brewed by addition of 1% Lycii fructus and 0.1% Pholiota adiposa into the mash, has the potential to become a new functional Korean traditional rice wine with high antihypertensive properties.
OzFACE: the Australian savanna free air CO2 enrichment facility and its relevance to carbon-cycling issues in a tropical savanna

A free air CO2 enrichment (FACE) facility has recently been constructed in a tropical savanna in north-eastern Queensland, Australia. The system has a novel and cost-effective design and uses an industrial source of pure CO2 piped directly to the site. We describe the design details of this facility and assess the likely contribution it will make towards advancing our understanding of the direct impacts of rising atmospheric CO2 on savannas. These include addressing uncertainties about future shifts in the tree–grass balance and associated changes in carbon stocks, responses of C4 grasses in dry tropical environments, potential sequestration of soil carbon, and the modifications of CO2 responses by moisture and nutrient interactions. Tropical regions have been poorly represented in climate change research, and the work at the OzFACE facility will complement existing and ongoing FACE studies at temperate latitudes.
Evidence of warming effects on phytoplankton productivity rates and their dependence on eutrophication status

Using 31‐yr data from measurements in a lake that has experienced change in eutrophication status, I showed that the effects of global warming on chlorophyll a (Chl a)‐normalized maximum rates of photosynthesis (Pmax : Chl a) may be positive, nonsignificant, or negative, depending on nutrient availability. The magnitude of Pmax : Chl a change in response to warming showed hyperbolic relationships with phosphorus concentrations; it was positive and constant when total phosphorus (TP) in the lake water exceeded 22 µg P L−1 (eutrophic conditions) but was negative when TP was lower (nutrient‐poor conditions), indicating direct negative effects of warming on primary productivity (PP) under phosphorus scarcity. Vertically integrated PP responses corroborate those of Pmax : Chl a. These data also showed long‐term seasonal variations in the sensitivity of phytoplankton productivity to temperature. The observed hyperbolic curves strongly suggest that the "limiting‐nutrient cell quota"‐based mechanism reported so far only in laboratories (by studies analyzing temperature‐nutrient effects on microalgal growth or photosynthesis) operates in nature and plays a key role in determining phytoplankton response to warming of waters. The present findings provide insight on how phytoplankton productivity may respond to future warming in lakes of differing eutrophication status.
Biology and Biological Control of Purple Loosestrife

The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this publication is for information only and does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. T he Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team (FHTET) was created in 1995 by the Deputy Chief for State and Private Forestry, USDA, Forest Service, to develop and deliver technologies to protect and improve the health of American forests. This book was published by FHTET as part of the technology transfer series. Cover photos: purple loosestrife—Eric Coombs; purple loosestrife beetle—S. Schooler; purple loosestrife weevil—Mark Schwarzlaender. Figure 2. Map of purple loosestrife distribution in the United States and Canada. INTRODUCTION Overview Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria (Figure 1), is a member of the Loosestrife family (Lythraceae). It is a large, perennial, wetland plant that can grow up to 9 feet (3 m) tall. It was introduced to the northeastern United States and Canada in the 1800s from Europe, probably as seed contained in soil used as ship's ballast. It was also brought to North America for ornamental and medicinal purposes. Once established in North America, this invasive weed quickly spread in wetlands and waterways. It is reported in nine Canadian provinces and in the United States it occurs in all states except Florida and Hawaii (Figure 2). Although purple loosestrife is declared noxious in 23 states and 5 Canadian provinces, it is still sold as an ornamental plant in some places. In its native range, purple loosestrife occurs from the United Kingdom west to western Russia and from Finland in the north to southern Europe and northern Africa in the south. Once established, purple loosestrife quickly crowds out most native vegetation, such as sedges, rushes, cattails, and other wetland plant species. At high densities, purple loosestrife can create near-monocultures. In addition to the loss of native biodiversity, purple loosestrife harms waterfowl nesting habitat, has negative impacts on some amphibians and algal communities, reduces water …
ECOLOGICAL SURVEY OF ZOOXANTHELLATE ZOANTHID DIVERSITY (HEXACORALLIA: ZOANTHARIA) FROM KAGOSHIMA, JAPAN

Between 2003 and 2006 zooxanthellate zoanthid (Anthozoa: Zoantharia) species diversity was investigated at 39 locations in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Our results show four species of Zoanthus, one species of Isaurus, and four species of Palythoa (total nine species) present in the shallow waters (< 20 m depth) of Kagoshima. In particular, Zoanthus sansibaricus was very common at the Hakamagoshi, Sakurajima and Tomori, Amami Oshima locations, and Z. kuroshio at Sangohama, Kurio, Yakushima and Tomori, Amami Oshima locations that are characterized by strong waves. Palythoa spp. were common in locations from Yakushima southwards, and particularly P. tuberculosa, which was noted at 10 locations.
EFFECT OF INTRAROW PLANT SPACING ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FAMILY SELECTION IN SUGARCANE: SELECTION INDICES

SUMMARY Cross prediction trials or progeny tests for family selection are commonly employed at the beginning of each breeding cycle in clonally propagated crops such as sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrid). When selecting sugarcane families, the factors affecting variability between and within those families should be considered. This research examined the influence of family and intra-row plant spacing on the efficiency of the index selection procedure as a method of simultaneous improvement of a population for multiple traits at the first selection stage of the Louisiana Sugarcane Variety Development Program (LSVDP). Therefore, the main objective of this study was to develop a selection index for selecting sugarcane families within the LSVDP. Expected genetic advance values for plant weight were greater in the wide-spaced indices than in the narrow-spaced ones. Irrespective of plant spacing, selection indices revealed that an increase in efficiency was observed over direct selection for plant weight when all four plant weight contributing traits were included along with plant weight. The efficiency in selection tended to decrease when indices were based on fewer traits. Nevertheless, a few of the indices that included two traits had relative efficiencies comparable to the best indices and the majority certainly was as effective as direct selection for plant weight.
Mitochondrial Mechanisms of Organ Dysfunction During Sepsis

Acute bacterial and fungal infections that are associated with organ failures (sepsis) account for hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year, yet the primary cause of sepsis-associated organ failures remains elusive. Inadequate tissue perfusion (shock) is capable of undermining organ function; however, organ failures and death frequently occur in septic patients even in the absence of shock. A growing number of animal models and some human studies indicate that cell metabolism is fundamentally altered during sepsis. This review considers the evidence supporting damage to mitochondria, the primary energy providers of the cell, as a major determinant of sepsis-induced organ failures.
EFFECTS OF AQUATIC VEGETATION ON THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF GRUNDULUS BOGOTENSIS, HUMBOLDT 1821 (CHARACIFORMES: CHARACIDAE)

G. bogotensis has a geographic distribution restricted to the Colombian Cundiboyacense plateau, it is listed as near threatened, and research on its autoecology is scarce. Three collections were made in 2006 in the Fuquene Lake, Cundinamarca, Colombia (5° 27’ 55’’ N, 75° 46’ 19’’ W) to describe the habitats occupied by G. bogotensis and to determine its vertical and horizontal distribution. Three sampling zones were selected according to the type of dominant macrophyte (Eichornia crassipes, Schoenoplectus sp. and Egeria densa). In each sampling zone two different cylindrical sampling traps (cloth and PVC) were placed at three depths: surface, mid-depth and bottom. Three replicates were used for each depth and type of trap. Traps were exposed for 24 hours and checked every 6 hours. In addition to the traps, sampling by electrofishing was conducted in each sampling zone during every month. To characterize the study area, physical and chemical variables were analyzed and the structure of phytoplankton, zooplankton, periphyton, and macroinvertebrate communities was studied. Results showed spatial differences on G. bogotensis habitat occupation and differences in captures at each depth, which depend on the dominant type of aquatic vegetation and size of individual. We conclude that only cylindrical cloth traps are suitable to conduct population studies of G. bogotensis
Nest Construction During Autumn Display and Winter Roosting in the Tree Sparrows Passer montanus

Abstract. A study of Tree Sparrows was conducted near Warsaw, central Poland. During the breeding season, nest boxes were checked to record the presence of Tree Sparrow nests and broods. Nestlings, juveniles, and adults captured in mist nets were ringed with different combinations of colour rings to identify their age during visual observations in the autumn sexual display period. Before the autumn display, breeding nests were dyed in order to identify nest material added during the autumn display period. In winter, nest boxes were inspected to catch the birds roosting in them at night. The study was conducted in optimal and marginal habitat types. In the optimal habitat during the autumn sexual display, adult birds were much more abundant than in the marginal habitat. During the breeding season, 41% of the nest boxes were occupied in the optimal habitat, compared with 8% in the marginal habitat. The respective figures during the autumn display were 95% and 45%. Autumn nests were built in 83% and 12% of the nest boxes, respectively, and in winter, 35% and 7% of nest boxes, respectively, were used by birds for night-time roosting at night. The autumn display continued from early September to the end of October. For roosting at night in winter (November-March), Tree Sparrows selected nests according to their insulating quality. Most often they roosted in nest boxes containing nests from the breeding season with autumn nests built over them, then, in descending order of frequency, in nest boxes with autumn nests built in empty boxes, in boxes with breeding nests, and in completely empty boxes. Among birds roosting at night and captured on the first survey in winter, 86% were represented by pairs that had built those nests during the autumn display. Young birds that did not build autumn nests typically roosted at night in tree crowns. This implies that the construction of autumn nests is primarily a consequence of the autumn sexual display, and secondarily may be an adaptation for winter survival. The winter survival rate was significantly higher in juvenile Tree Sparrows that were found in nest boxes on winter nights than in those that were not.
TROPHIC INTERACTIONS IN THE SEA: AN ECOLOGICAL ROLE FOR CLIMATE RELEVANT VOLATILES? 1

When attacked by herbivores, land plants can produce a variety of volatile compounds that attract carnivorous mutualists. Plants and carnivores can benefit from this symbiotic relationship, because the induced defensive interaction increases foraging success of the carnivores, while reducing the grazing pressure exerted by the herbivores on the plants. Here, we examine whether aquatic phytoplankton use volatile chemical cues in analogous tritrophic interactions. Marine algae produce several classes of biogenic gases such as non‐methane hydrocarbons, organohalogens, ammonia and methylamines, and dimethylsulfide. The grazing‐induced release of marine biogenic volatiles is poorly understood, however, and its effect on the chemical ecology of plankton and the foraging behavior of predators is essentially unknown. We outline grazing‐induced defenses in algae and highlight the biogenic production of volatiles when phytoplankton are attacked by herbivores. The role of chemical signaling in marine ecology presents several possible avenues for future research, and we believe that progress in this area will result in better understanding of species competition, bloom development, and the structuring of food webs in the sea. This has further implications for biogeochemical cycles, because several key compounds are emitted that influence the chemistry of the atmosphere and global climate.
Establishment of an Efficient Protocol for in Vitro Callus Induction and Regeneration System Using Mature Embryo in Elite Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars

The present investigation was undertaken to determine a suitable media compositions for callus induction and plant regeneration of rice ( Oryza sativa L.) through somatic embryogenesis. Murashige and Skoog (MS) media composition and phytohormones (i.e. auxin; 2, 4-D, IAA, IBA and cytokinin; BAP, KIN) were tested for high callus induction and plant regeneration. Mature seeds of six rice cultivars namely BRRI dhan28, BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan30, BRRI dhan34, BRRI dhan56 and BRRI dhan57 were used for the experimentation. 2.0 mg/l of 2,4-D + 0.5 mg/l of NAA were found suitable inducing high amount of calli and 2.0 mg/l of BAP+ 1.0 mg/l of NAA + 1.5 mg/l of KIN were found most effective for plant regeneration. Among cultivars for callus induction, BRRI dhan29 shows the highest percentage and BRRI dhan30 less and remaining cultivars (BRRI dha28, BRRI dhan34, BRRI dhan56 and BRRI dhan57) show moderate results in the experiments. Among cultivars for regeneration, BRRI dhan29 shows the highest percentage and BRRI dhan30 less and remaining cultivars (BRRI dha28, BRRI dhan34, BRRI dhan56 and BRRI dhan57) show moderate results. The investigation will provide valuable information for Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation.