Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Habitat quality affects sound production and likely distance of detection on coral reefs

© Inter-Research 2014 The interwoven nature of habitats and their acoustic fingerprints (soundscapes) is being increasingly recognized as a key component of animal ecology. Natural soundscapes are crucial for orientation in many different taxa when seeking suitable breeding grounds or settlement habitats. In the marine environment, coral reef noise is an important navigation cue for settling reef fish larvae and is thus a possible driver of reef population dynamics. We explored reef noise across a gradient of reef qualities, tested sound propagation models against field recordings and combined them with fish audiograms to demonstrate the importance of reef quality in determining which reefs larvae are likely to detect. We found that higher-quality reefs were significantly louder and richer in acoustic events (transient content) than degraded reefs, and observed that sound propagated farther with less attenuation than predicted by classic models. We discuss how zones of detection of poor-quality reefs could be reduced by over an order of magnitude compared to healthy reefs. The present study provides new perspectives on the far reaching effects habitat degradation may have on organisms that utilize soundscapes for orientation towards or away from coral reefs, and highlights the value of sound recordings as a cost-effective reef survey and monitoring tool.
A LONG‐TERM FIELD STUDY ON BIODIVERSITY × ELEVATED CO2 INTERACTIONS IN GRASSLAND

Interactive effects of increases in atmospheric CO2 and reductions in plant species diversity were investigated in planted calcareous grassland communities in northwestern Switzerland. The experimental communities were composed of 5, 12, and 31 species assembled from the native species pool. The study aimed at testing whether the CO2 responses of ecosystems change when specific sets of species are lost from plant communities. Species were selected so that the proportion of grasses, legumes, and non-legume forb individuals remained constant across levels of diversity. The most diverse plant community had approximately the same diversity as the surrounding grassland, and species occurring in less diverse communities were subsets of the species in the more diverse communities. The factorial atmospheric-CO2 treatment was applied using 50-cm-tall, open-bottom, open-top wind screens. Plant community-level responses and the responses of the individual species were assessed over a period of five years. A signific.
Subsidizing Risk: The Regressive and Counterproductive Nature of National Flood Insurance Rate Setting in Massachusetts

In order to evaluate the progressivity of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) premiums in a coastal US state that is directly exposed to the impact of climate change- induced sea level rise, this study examines the relationship between the average NFIP premium and the average property values of NFIP insured properties in 331 Massachusetts municipalities. We utilize community level average premium to property value ratio as a measure for comparison. Findings reveal an inverse relationship between insurance premiums paid (as a percentage of property value) and total property value. The greater the average property value, the lower the average premium paid. Conversely, the lower the average property value, the greater the average premium paid. In addition, the study analyzes subsets of municipalities that had certain thresholds of total property in flood prone areas. The strength of the inverse relationship between insurance premiums paid and total property value increases when subsets of municipalities with greater total property value at-risk are analyzed independently. Results suggest current policies in setting flood insurance rates in Massachusetts result in regressive premiums and, as a result, can increase incentives for risk taking.
a transitivity analysis of D, H. Lawrence’s The Rocking-Horse Winner

: This study uses Halliday’s transitivity approach to analyze D. H. Lawrence’s The Rocking-Horse Winner. The purpose is to provide a linguistic analysis of the literary work by Lawrence to see how far the linguistic approaches to literary texts conform to the literary analyses of the same texts. The study uses a framework based on Halliday’s Systemic Functional Grammar, in which process types are identified in the text and then used to arrive at an interpretation of the text based on the linguistic analysis. The linguistic outcomes correspond with the psychological interpretations of the story. In addition, the mother-son relationship is recurrent in D. H. Lawrence’s fiction. This further supports the connection between the linguistic and the literary interpretation of the story and shows how a linguistic analysis may lead to one based on literary approaches.
A Dutch contribution to knowledge on phytosanitary risk and host status of various crops for Meloidogyne chitwoodi Golden et al ., 1980 and M. fallax Karssen, 1996: an overview

The results of experiments, performed in The Netherlands during the last decade, on the host range of Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax are presented and discussed. Opinions are expressed on the host status of the tested plants and the phytosanitary status of the commercial product (defined as that part of the plant that enters trade) separately, as interest for both categories may differ. Information for each category is given for a variety of plants such as vegetables, arable crops, flowering bulbs and plants, and ornamental plants and trees. Data obtained from glasshouse experiments are given in a separate table. Many plants are a good host for one or both nematode species, and the commercial product, such as some bulbs and potatoes, might form a phytosanitary risk as a carrier of the juveniles inside the product, this risk being increased when that commercial product has roots.
Distributed Bandwidth-efficient Packet Scheduling for Live Streaming with Network Coding

This paper proposed a distributed packet scheduling algorithm for live peer-to-peer streaming system, where network coding is extended to improve the efficiency in bandwidth utilization. A problem of superfluous packet transmission due to the lack of synchronization among peers is identified. This problem often leads to bandwidth inefficiencies. We solve the problem of finding a suitable asynchronous packet scheduling policy by posing and solving a bandwidth allocation problem. This proposed scheduling policy can reduce the superfluous packet transmission, thereby achieving a more efficient bandwidth usage and an improved quality of service in live streaming applications. Experimental results confirm that the proposed scheme demonstrates significantly better video quality, delivery ratio under different network size and different loss rate compared with other push-based schemes.
The Effects of Ribavirin on Development and Reproduction: A Critical Review of Published and Unpublished Studies in Experimental Animals

The effects of the antiviral agent ribavirin on reproduction and development have been examined by several experimental means in multiple animal species. In studies designed primarily to explore its mechanism of action on in utero development, the incidence, nature, and patterns of effect were directly correlated to embryonic gestational age at the time of maternal treatment. In a detailed evaluation of the pattern of embryonic cell death, there was a clear relationship between tissue necrosis and the types of congenital defects produced at effective doses. At subthreshold treatment levels there were no abnormalities in the young or necrotic areas in the embryonic/fetal tissues examined. When the developmental toxicity of ribavirin was examined, few if any, developmental malformations were present that could be related with confidence to the test agent. Several malformed fetuses were present in the highest dose level tested in rats (10 mg/kg/day) treated by gavage from Days 6-15 of pregnancy, but none were reported in rabbits similarly treated with as much as 1.0 mg/kg per day (highest dose tested) from Days 6-18 of pregnancy. The treatment level in rats may have been associated with maternal toxicity, but this important point is not established clearly for either species. When evaluated for effects on reproduction and postnatal survival in rats, ribavirin at levels of 60 and 90 mg/kg/day produced statistically significantly and/or clearly dose-related increased incidences of fetal resorptions, abnormalities, and reduced postnatal survival. Pregnant baboons given ribavirin orally at submaternally toxic levels of 60 or 120 mg/kg per day during critical periods of differentiation and organogenesis were reported to have produced no adverse effects on in utero development.
Amino acid nutrition of the lactating sow: limitation by indispensable amino acids

In the first of two experiments of 6 × 6 Latin-square design a diet of barley, soya bean meal and fish meal, known to give an adequate lysine intake (56 g/day) at the level of feeding adopted, was diluted with maize starch to give crude protein intakes ranging between 448 and 923 g/day but with the lysine intake held constant by using synthetic lysine in the diets. The diets were given to sows suckling ten piglets between days 12 and 30 of lactation. Dietary amino acid adequacy was assessed by changes in plasma urea, urinary urea, urinary nitrogen and plasma amino acid concentrations. The dietary amino acid supply became limiting with a protein intake of approximately 730 g/day. In the second experiment, a diet of similar composition was used with varying additions of synthetic threonine, methionine, isoleucine and tryptophan: the control diet contained all the synthetic amino acids added, the basal diet none and the other diets were formed by adding groups of three out of the four synthetic amino acids. On the basis of some of the variables studied, it was concluded that, for this diet, threonine was the limiting amino acid after lysine.
Market and technical challenges and opportunities in the area of innovative new materials and composites based on nanocellulosics

This communication is a review over the major market and technical challenges and opportunities for nanocellulosic materials on a large scale but in low-to-medium-end markets. Basically, the potential use of nanocellulose as a wet-end strength additive in papermaking has been known for decades, but not come into operation because of the high-energy costs of producing these materials. Cost performance compared to starch derivatives is one challenge, and the other is to design suitable dewatering/retention aid systems. Other paper applications are as a surface-sizing agent and as a barrier coating material. Major challenges are associated with the high viscosity of nanocellulosic materials and how to apply the nanocellulose in order to obtain good surface coverage. There are several opportunities in the nanocomposite markets. The packaging sector together with the automotive sector and the building sector constitute large potential markets. Challenges are related to the mixing of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials so that a good dispersion of nanocellulose is obtained. Scaling up of nanocellulose production processes and procedures for nanocomposite manufacturing in order to obtain price–performance in the various applications remains, as expected, the largest challenge
Down but not out: marine turtles of the British Virgin Islands

We present the result of a multi‐annual assessment of the spatio‐temporal patterns of marine turtle nesting, and foraging in the Eastern Caribbean archipelago state of the British Virgin Islands. Despite exploitation over several centuries, three species (leatherback Dermochelys coriacea, green Chelonia mydas and hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata turtles) are still nesting and green and hawksbill turtles are found foraging. Leatherback turtles are showing signs of a recovery co‐incident with the implementation of an effective moratorium on adult take. When compared with historical data we demonstrate an apparent reduction in nesting levels in green and hawksbill turtles and a nesting range contraction in green turtles. Despite current conservation steps, it will be a decade or more before evidence of recovery can be expected in the two hard‐shelled species. Coupled with wider biological knowledge, our findings offer insights into the relative resilience of the different species to exploitation pressure. Additionally, the intra‐annual temporal and spatial spread of nesting demonstrated underlines the difficulties of monitoring such a multi‐species assemblage in such a diffuse archipelago.
Establishment of canine kidney cell line for canine distemper virus replication

Kidney cells of canine embryos were separated into single cells using collagenase and dispase. Primary culture was conducted using these cells. To remove fibroblasts, these cells were treated with edetate disodium dihydrate (Na2EDDA), and pure epithelial cells were separated. Recombinant retrovirus particles that manifest teromerase were produced and inoculated into primary culture cells to produce immortalized canine cell strains (JNUCK-1 and JNUCK-2). To examine the characteristics of the produced cell strains, the growth curve, maximum cultured households, and expressed proteins (keratin) were identified. The JNUCK-1 and JNUCK-2 cell lines showed division ability until the 30th generation without growth retardation. JNUCK-1 and JNUCK-2 cell lines clearly expressed telomerase until the 25 th generation. The canine distemper virus (CDV) was inoculated into the JNUCK-1 and JNUCK-2 cell lines, as well as in the Madin? Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line. The maximum titer of CDV from the JNUCK-1 cell strain was about 200 times higher than that from the MDCK cell strain. However, the JNUCK-2 cell strain produced a lower titer than the MDCK cell strain. We established a new canine kidney epithelial cell line (JNUCK-1) that could produce CDV with high titer.
A Reevaluation of the Role of Prairie Dogs in Great Plains Grasslands

Recent articles in the scientific literature and popular press have argued for federal protection for prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) based on their role as a keystone species in North American grasslands. A critical evaluation of published studies, however, reveals that our knowledge of the effects of prairie dogs on other animals may be more limited and equivocal than these articles suggest. Moreover, differences in responses to grazing and disturbance of the types of grasslands inhabited by prairie dogs suggest that prairie dogs may affect the vegetation and fauna of these systems differently, yet we know little about their ecological role in many grasslands. Future research may provide convincing evidence that prairie dogs have disproportionately large, unique effects on prairie ecosystems, but it may be premature to characterize prairie dogs as keystone species in grasslands throughout the Great Plains. Despite decades of interest in and study of the effects of this conspicuous and influential species, large gaps in our knowledge of the ecology of prairie dogs persist and warrant additional research.
Anti-inflammatory activities of Echinacea extracts do not correlate with traditional marker components

Numerous preparations of Echinacea (Asteraceae), mainly derived from three species, Echinacea purpurea ( L.) Moench, Echinacea angustifolia (D.C.) and Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt. , are available for the treatment of symptoms of colds and influenza which, along with a number of other respiratory conditions, have been ascribed to the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We evaluated various chemically characterized extracts and fractions, derived from the three species of Echinacea, for their possible inhibitory effects on the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 (CXCL-8) by human bronchial epithelial cells infected with rhinovirus type 14. All of the E. purpurea fractions, comprising aqueous or ethanol extracts of roots, leaves and stems, but to a lesser degree flowers, strongly inhibited the secretion of both cytokines. In contrast, corresponding fractions derived from E. angustifolia and E. pallida showed relatively weak cytokine-inhibitory activity, whereas their aqueous fractions significantly enhanced cytokine secretion, both in virus-infected and in uninfected cells. These properties did not correlate with the presence or absence of alkylamides or specific caffeic acid derivatives, although the alkylamide rich fraction of E. angustifolia showed a significant inhibitory effect. However, there was some correlation between anti-cytokine effects and our previously reported anti-viral activities. Thus, none of the groups of compounds traditionally used as “markers” for Echinacea are responsible for anti-inflammatory activity. Consequently, we believe that other constituents of Echinacea should be evaluated.
Phytomass and fire occurrence along forest–savanna transects in the Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast

In tropical West Africa, distribution patterns of forest islands in savannas are influenced by fires which occur regularly in the grass stratum. Along continuous forest–savanna transects in the Comoé National Park, the change in the amount and composition of non-woody phytomass was investigated from savanna to forest interior. This was correlated with the cover of vegetation strata above, soil depth, and the occurrence of seasonal surface fires. Phytomass mainly consisted of leaf litter in the forests (about 400 g m−2 at the end of the rainy season, and about 600 g m−2 at the end of the dry season) and of grasses in the savanna (about 900 g m−2). Low grass biomass appeared to be primarily the result of suppression by competing woody species and not of shallow soil. The occurrence of early dry-season fires seemed to be determined mainly by the amount of grass biomass as fuel because fires occurred in almost all savanna plots while forest sites remained unaffected. However, late dry-season fires will encounter higher amounts of leaf litter raising fire probability in forests. Due to the importance of the amount of combustible phytomass, fire probability and intensity might increase with annual precipitation in both savanna and forest.
Genetic Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci in Maize in Stress and Nonstress Environments: I. Grain Yield and Yield Components

The utility of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in detecting quantitative trait loci (QTL) in maize (Zea mays L.) populations has been established. Conflicting results have been reported on the ability to consistently detect the same QTL across environments. Grain yield is considered to be highly polygenic and strongly influenced by the environment. QTL mapping studies conducted in contrasting environments might increase our understanding genotype x environment interactions and improve selection response in maize breeding. Our objectives were to compare the QTL for grain yield and yield components detected in two diverse environments in an elite, adapted maize population and to investigate the relationship among the genetic factors controlling these traits. A population of 150 F 2:3 lines was produced from the cross of elite inbreds Mo17 and H99. The lines per se were evaluated for 2 yr at the same location. The first year had relatively average growing conditions, but the second year with cool, wet growing conditions provided a stress environment. Grain yield and yield components were measured on replicated progeny each year. By using a linkage map of 111 loci, QTL determinations were made in the two environments and in the mean of the two environments. About 50% of all QTL detected across environments were detected in both environments. These QTL were consistent in the magnitude of their effects and parental contribution. Determinations of QTL in the mean of the two environments were most informative in that 74% of all QTL and 82% of the QTL detected in each of the individual environments were identified in the mean environment. Most QTL identified regions associated with two or more yield components in a manner consistent with correlations among traits and parents phenotypes.
Osteology and phylogeny of a new species of Araripesuchus (Crocodyliformes: Mesoeucrocodylia) from the Late Cretaceous of Madagascar

A new species of Araripesuchus present in the Maevarano Formation of Madagascar is described. The taxon is known from at least five individuals, including a nearly complete animal, three partial skulls and associated post-cranial remains, as well as disarticulated post-cranial elements. This large sample, coupled with CT-scans, allows a detailed description of its morphology. The new form shares a number of derived characters with Araripesuchus gomesii and Araripesuchus patagonicus, but is distinguished from them by the presence of four autapomorphies. Additionally, the new form lacks a number of derived features present in A. gomesii and A. patagonicus. Phylogenetic relationships of Araripesuchus are evaluated using a parsimony analysis including 29 mesoeucrocodylian taxa. In all of the most parsimonious trees the new taxon is recovered as sister group to A. gomesii+A. patagonicus. Araripesuchus is diagnosed by five unambiguous synapomorphies and forms a clade with the Malagasy crocodyliform Mahajangasuchus insignis and peirosaurids. This group is depicted as more closely related to neosuchians than to notosuchians. When Araripesuchus wegeneri is included in the analysis, it is recovered as a member of the Araripesuchus clade. Although, its position in the clade is unresolved and character support is weak, this finding supports A. wegeneri as a valid species of Araripesuchus.
Developments of rtop - interpolation and simulation of data with a variable spatial support

(1) European Commission, Joint Research Centre, IES, Ispra (VA), Italy (jon.skoien@jrc.ec.europa.eu), (2) Vienna University of Technology, Institute for Engineering hydrology and Water Resources Management, Vienna, Austria, (3) University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, BOKU, Institute of Applied Statistics and Computing, Vienna, Austria, (4) Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institute for geoinformatics, Münster, Germany
Functional significance of bone ballastin in the evolution of buoyancy control strategies by aquatic tetrapods

The primary function of pachyostosis, pachyosteo‐sclerosis, and osteosclerosis may be to act as ballast, not so much (as previously suggested) to neutralise the buoyancy of existing lungs, but to allow enlargement of the lungs. Enlarged lungs cause an animal to lose buoyancy more rapidly with depth. They also provide a larger oxygen store. These features are useful for slow swimmers and shallow divers, such as feeders on benthic plants and invertebrates. Examples are sirenians, primitive sauropterygians ("not‐hosaurs"), placodonts, and the sea otter Enhydra. These last two show convergent evolution of adaptations to feeding on hard‐shelled invertebrate prey in shallow water. Mesosaurids are problematical. Bone ballast uses body mass and volume less efficiently than other buoyancy control strategies. Theoretical analysis predicts that bone ballast should not occur in semiaquatic forms, fast swimmers or deep divers. It does not usually occur in such organisms. Marine iguanas of the Galápagos, desmostylians, and the aquatic sloth Thalassocnus are all littoral feeders and all lack bone ballast as predicted. Plesiosaurs adopted varied strategies: some used bone ballast, and others used gastroliths. Biomechanical considerations lead to the prediction that a new marine tetrapod clade will typically evolve bone ballast as part of its adaptation to life in water. Slow swimmers and grazers on sessile food, like sirenians and placodonts, develop it more strongly, but active predators like ichthyosaurs and cetaceans secondarily lose this character.