Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure and dynamics of a beech forest in a fully protected area in the northern Apennines (Sasso Fratino, Italy)

Abstract: Sasso Fratino Nature Reserve (National Park of Casentino Forests, northern Apennines) is a quite rare example of natural Apennine forest. The Reserve was established in 1959, aiming to protect a forest, although not a virgin one, low-intensively disturbed in the past by comparison with other neighbouring stands. Causes of such a low disturbance are the very limited accessibility of the area due to the very steep slopes characterising the site morphology, as well as historical features. The forest is a pure beech stand from 1250 m a.s. l. upwards, below this altitude is a mixed beech and silver fir forest. The study focuses on the understanding of the processes driving the evolution of the forest in the absence of human activities. To achieve this goal, 9 permanent, long-term research plots were established at different altitudes, in order to investigate on forest dynamics and regeneration processes. Simplified (single-layer) stand structures are more frequent where canopy gaps are absent. Two-layered structures are the result of the occurrence of canopy gaps, which allow the settlement, and subsequently the establishment, of a lower regeneration layer. Where the gap dimensions allow canopy closure, this kind of structure persists. When the gaps are quite large, the regeneration layer reaches the top layer and the structure stand tends, once more, toward a single-layer. Multilayered structures are extremely rare at plot level and become evident only at a wider scale. Our surveys indicate also a high variability of tree diameter distribution patterns in the forest stands. Such variability could be strictly related to the heterogeneity of site characteristics as well as to the effects of disturbance factors (both natural and anthropic). Concerning altitude, we observed an increase both of site index (dominant height) and species diversity in the regeneration layer, moving from higher (1500 m) to lower (900 m) altitudes. As a whole, our observations show that the dynamics of forest vegetation in the reserve is mostly affected by the interruption of tree canopy continuity. This implies substantial local variations of PAR in space and in time, which determine favourable ecological conditions for: (a) survival and growth of beech seedlings, or release of advanced beech regeneration; and (b) release of advanced silver fir regeneration (fir, more shade tolerant than beech, regenerates mainly in locations and conditions where the broadleaf saplings cannot survive for lack of light). The knowledge of the mechanisms of vegetation dynamics in the Reserve can be used to form the basis of close-to-nature silvicultural choices in similar stands in order to increase functionality and stability. Periodical monitoring of RNI will allow the investigation of the evolutionary trends of the forest stands.
A novel enzyme, L-lysine : pyruvate aminotransferase, catalyses the first step of lysine catabolism in Pichia guilliermondii

Abstract A novel aminotransferase catalysing the first step of lysine catabolism, the oxidative transamination of the ϵ-group of L -lysine, was found and characterised in the yeast Pichia guilliermondii . The enzyme, L -lysine : pyruvate aminotransferase (Lys-AT), is strongly derepressed in cells grown on L -lysine as sole nitrogen source and its activity is highly specific for both L -lysine and pyruvate. We could successfully isolate a regulatory mutant which is unable to use lysine as sole nitrogen source based on its inability to derepress the Lys-AT.
In defence of parallel interphalangeal lines

Virtually parallel lines can be drawn through the interphalangeal joints and across the ungual tips of every tetrapod manus or pes, including wings and flippers. Their presence indicates that phalanges operate in sets sharing common hinges, whether for walking (extension) or climbing (flexion). A recent paper has attempted to dismantle both the observation and utility of parallel interphalangeal lines. Here, I rebut those spurious arguments and report additional evidence.
Extraction and characterization of the enzymes of fructan biosynthesis in timothy (Phleum pratense)

A preparation of phlein sucrase from seedling shoots of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) is described which catalyzed the synthesis of fructan with a mean molecular size of 34 000 using sucrose as the substrate. Activity was fully sedimentable at 25 000 × g, had a pH optimum of 7.0, and a Km for sucrose of 0.15 M. Activity was inhibited by β-mercaptoethanol and sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate. Raffinose and stachyose, but not members of the kestose series of oligofructans, could act as fructosyl donors in addition to sucrose. Formation of oligosaccharides during high molecular weight fructan synthesis was minimal, with synthesis occurring by a mechanism apparently analogous to bacterial levansucrase. These observations are discussed in relation to the in vivo patterns of fructan biosynthesis observed in different species of higher plants.
Functional nano-structuring of thin silicon nitride membranes

Abstract The paper describes the development and production of a nano-optical device consisting of a nano-perforated layer of silicon nitride stretched in a single-crystal silicon frame using electron beam lithography (EBL) and reactive ion etching (RIE) techniques. Procedures for transferring nanostructures to the nitride layer are described, starting with the preparation of a metallic mask layer by physical vapor deposition (PVD), high-resolution pattern recording technique using EBL and the transfer of the motif into the functional layer using the RIE technique. Theoretical aspects are summarized including technological issues, achieved results and application potential of patterned silicon nitride membranes.
A new framework for predicting invasive plant species

1 Many studies have searched for traits that characterize successful invaders. Unfortunately, very few generalizations have emerged from this work. It seems that the traits of successful invaders are idiosyncratic and context‐dependent. Unless we are to study each potential invader in each possible target community individually, we will need a new approach. 2 We introduce a framework for predicting traits that are likely to confer success in a given ecosystem. Our approach considers the prevailing environmental conditions, the traits of resident species, and the traits of potentially invading species. 3 Our approach can be applied to ecosystems where the environmental conditions and/or disturbance regime have recently changed, to predict the range of trait space occupied by (i) native species at risk of local extinction, (ii) native species that can persist under the present conditions, and (iii) successful invaders. Our approach can also be used to identify unoccupied viable trait space (i.e. vacant niches) that might be at risk of invasion. 4 Synthesis. Understanding invasions resulting from rapid changes in environmental conditions and invasions resulting from the colonization of vacant niches would be a major step forward for invasion biology. The conceptual framework described here is not limited to plant invasions: the same approach can be used for any taxa (e.g. insects, fish, mammals and marine invertebrates) and could also be used to predict species responses to environmental change.
CORRELATIONS AND PREDICTION EQUATIONS FOR FATTY ACIDS AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF BEEF LONGISSIMUS RIB STEAKS FROM FORAGE-FED CATTLE AND RETAIL USDA CHOICE AND SELECT RIB STEAKS

Rib steaks (n = 52) from forage-fed cattle and United States Department of Agriculture Choice and Select rib steaks obtained from area supermarkets were utilized to determine correlations between fatty acids and sensory characteristics, to develop prediction models for sensory characteristics, and to determine correlations among fatty acids. The beef/brothy and beef fat sensory characteristics were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with 16:0, 16:1cis-9 and 18:1, and negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with 15:0, α-18:3, 20:4, 20:5, 22:5 and 22:6. The grassy sensory characteristic was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with 15:0, 16:1trans-9, 18:0, 18:2cis-9,trans-11 (conjugated linoleic acid [CLA]), α-18:3, 20:5, 22:5 and 22:6. Regression utilizing stepwise selection to develop prediction equations for sensory characteristics indicated that the beef/brothy sensory characteristic was best predicted (P < 0.05) by the single fatty acid 20:5, with this fatty acid explaining 40% of the variation. CLA and α-18:3 were utilized in the model that best predicted (P < 0.05) milky/oily flavor, with these two fatty acids explaining 31% of the variation. These results indicate that CLA and the 20- and 22-carbon polyunsaturates have large roles in influencing flavor, causing increases in grassy and milky/oily flavor or decreasing beef/brothy flavor. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS With the increase in concentrate feed costs, it has become more important to finish cattle on alternate feedstuffs, particularly forage. However, shifting cattle from concentrate to forage finishing diets may impart different sensory attributes of the beef produced. Therefore, it would be advantageous to be able to predict palatability characteristics such as beef flavor in order to correctly segregate beef into markets that seek and accept different sensory attributes. Results from this study would allow beef to be identified from its fatty acid profile as forage finished or grain finished in sensory characteristics and therefore targeted to the appropriate markets. Furthermore, with these results, it may be possible to produce and correctly classify beef from forage-finished diets that may exhibit affinities to deposition of fatty acids more closely associated with grain-finished beef, and therefore fit into those markets.
A high resolution study of the platelet ice ecosystem in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica photosynthetic and bio-optical characteristics of a dense microalgal bloom

Microalgal absorption, biomass, and photophysiology were monitored in conjunction w t h the vertical attenuation of photosynthetically active radiation and spectral ~rradiance within the lower congelation ice and the platelet ice layer in McMurdo Sound. Antarctica in 1989. Between 89 and 99 % of the algal biomass was located within the 0.68 m thick platelet layer where standing crop, measured as chlorophyll a (CM a). increased from 280 to 1090 mg m-2 between October 26 and December 3. Algal biomass was highly stratified within the platelet ice layer. An increasing fraction. 38 to 90 %, of integrated chl a was collected from the upper 0.125 m of the platelet layer, near the base of the congelation ice. Algal pigments accounted for >95 % of total light attenuation (ice + particles) within this layer. Sea ice microalgae exhibited photosynthetic properties consistent with extreme shade adaptation, including low mean pigment-specific absorption, ii', [0.0074 to 0.0040 m2 (mg chl a ) ' ] and low assimilation numbers i0.032 to 0.180 mg C (mg chl a ) ' h-'], both of which declined with depth. Vertical prof~les revealed that low quantum yields for platelet ice assemblages were not a function of low temperature. as had previously been suspected, but vary with depth (and hence light level) from 0.033-0.051 m01 C (Ein absorbed)-' just beneath the base of the congelation ice to 0.086-0.113 m01 C (Ein absorbed)-' (approaching the theoretical maximum) at a depth of 0.31 m Microalgae at the platelet ice surface exhibited photosynthetic charactenstics which suggested that they were well adapted to the ambient light field while algae at depth appeared to retain excess photosynthetic capacity. The low 8' and compensation intensity exhibited by sea ice microalgae allowed accumulation of viable chl a in excess of the theoretical maximum of 0.4 g m-' (proposed for planktonic &atoms) to be supported by the available irrahance beneath sea ice. Fine-scale vertical profiles of photosynthetic parameters implied that values derived from course sampling of dense, stratified microalgal populations do not reliably reflect rates in situ.
Genetic analysis of sexual dimorphism in serum apo AI and HDL‐C concentrations in baboons

Sexual dimorphism is evident in many quantitative genetic traits, and there has been much speculation on the evolution of primate sexual dimorphism. Morphological characters have been the main focus of attention, while sexual dimorphism in physiological quantitative traits has been neglected. In either case, the genetic basis of primate sexual dimorphism has received little attention. This study characterizes genotype by sex (GxS) interactions in two physiological traits, serum apolipoprotein AI (apo AI) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentrations, in baboons fed two different diets, a basal diet and a high cholesterol saturated fat (HCSF) diet. A GxS interaction effect on a trait indicates a heritable component of male/female differences in that trait. Using maximum likelihood methods, eight different quantitative genetic models were evaluated. Significant GxS interactions were found for serum apo AI and HDL‐C concentrations on the basal diet. GxS interactions were suggested for serum apo AI and HDL‐C concentrations on the HCSF diet, but they were not statistically significant. These results reveal that sexual dimorphisms in serum apo AI and HDL‐C concentrations in baboons are heritable, with heritabilities that are influenced by diet. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of different irrigation intervals on water saving, water productivity and grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under the double ridge-furrow planting technique

Surface irrigation is the traditional irrigation method applied in about 80% of the irrigated area in Egypt with greater water losses leading to profile drainage. The double ridge-furrow planting technique (DRFI) uses a practical way to reduce the applied water quantities. Therefore, field experiments were conducted in 2010 and 2011 (maize growth seasons) to study the effects of DRFI with two irrigation intervals – 7 days and 14 days – on maize yield, water saving, water productivity and some economic parameters such as net return and investment ratio compared with the conventional ridged-furrow planting technique (RFI) with irrigation at 14-day intervals. Optimal irrigation interval for maize under DRFI was also determined. Regardless of irrigation intervals, smaller depth of applied water was observed with DRFI treatments compared to RFI treatment. Consequently, with DRFI treatments, more water could be saved compared with RFI treatment in both seasons. Double ridged-furrow planting with irrigation at 7.
Neutrophil Activation Evidenced by Plasmatic Myeloperoxidase Release during Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Humans Consequence on Vitamin E Status

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been shown to activate alternate complement pathway and causes sequestration of neutrophils in pulmonary capillary beds. ' It is suggested that these sequestrated neutrophils can be activated, resulting in the release of oxygen free radicals able to injure the lung by lipoperoxidation processes? The aim of our study was (1) to clearly evidence neutrophil activation in CPB by the plasmatic measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a specific neutrophil enzyme released by activated neutrophils in the extracellular medium, and (2) to evaluate the consequence of this neutrophil activation on plasmatic vitamin E status, which can be modified by lipoperoxidation processes. Ten patients undergoing CPB for coronary disease treatment were investigated. Conditions of CPB were described earlier. ' Blood samples, drawn on heparin according to the protocol desc:ibed in TABLE 1, were immediately centrifuged, and plasma was frozen until assay. Plasmatic vitamin E (VE) was determined by the HPLC technique. Human MPO was isolated from purified neutrophils of healthy volunteers with an absorbance ratio A,,,,/A,,,, equal to 0.72. Plasmatic determination of the enzyme was assessed by a radioimmunoassay technique developed in our laboratory. Upon the beginning of CPB, the mean plasmatic MPO level progressively increases to reach maximum values at the lung reperfusion and at the end of CPB (respectively, 15.8and 16.1-fold, the initial value of pre-CPB). During the first postoperative day, MPO returns to baseline level. The same reestablishment of pulmonary circulation
Origin and distribution of the amygdalofugal pathways in the rat: An experimental neuronatomical study

The fields of origin of the amygdalofugal pathways in the albino rat were studied by using the Fink‐Heimer technique to stain degenerating fibers and terminals in brains of animals sacrificed four and seven days after small unilateral lesions of the amygdale. A surprisingly restricted field of origin was found for the supracommissural stria terminalis — the component projecting to the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus Only a lesion in the most posterior part of the cortical nucleus produced degeneration in this pathway. The postcommissural stria terminalis which apparently distributes to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and preoptic area originates in a more widespread area including parts of both the basolateral and corticomedial complexes. Although intense terminal degeneration could be seen within the amygdala following all lesions, long fibers projecting into the anterior amygdaloid area, lateral preoptic area and lateral hypothalamus were found only after lesions in which fibers of passage from periamygdaloid cortex could have been interrupted. Convincing evidence, therefore, of a long axon ventral amygdalofugal pathway of the rat was not found in this study.
IGF-I and IgG serum concentrations and in mammary secretions in cows treated with rbST prepartum

ABSTRACT - Forty-two Holstein cows, pregnants and multiparous, wereassigned randomly to two groups to determine the possiblealterations of IGF-I concentration in colostro and mammary secretions by changes in pre-partum blood serum IGF-I concentration, and alsoto compare its temporal changes with the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) in pre-partum period. The treated group (n=21) received 500 mg ofrecombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), and the control group (n=21) vitamin E injections. The treatments had been initiated 35 days pre-partum and repeated each 14 days until partum. Weekly it was evaluated body condition scores and was collected blood by mammaryvenepuncture until partum. Colostrum and mammary secretions were collected daily for seven days pos-partum. Body condition scores andnonesterified fatty acid concentration did not differ between the groups. To the rbST group IGF-I concentration was superior on second andfourth weeks after the treatment had been initiated. However, no treatment differences were found at partum. Concentration of IGF-I was superiorin colostrum of cows treated with rbST, but it did not differ in subsequent mammary secretions. IgG serum concentration did not differ betweentreatments during the experimental period, neither in colostrum and subsequent mammary secretions. IGF-I and IgG serum concentrations showeddifferent responses according to the experimental period, which differed at the range and reflected the main changes that happened at the lastmonth of gestation.Key Words: colostrum, immunoglobulins, insulin like growth factor-I, somatotropin
Acoustic behaviour of resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) off Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Recordings of underwater vocalizations and behavioural observations were collected from 16 photographically identified resident pods of killer whales (Orcinus orca) off Vancouver Island, British Columbia, during 1978–1983. Vocalizations recorded during 43 days spent with three representative pods were analyzed for each of five activity states: foraging, travelling, group-resting, socializing, and beach-rubbing. The whales produced three types of sounds that were assumed to be social signals: discrete calls, variable calls, and aberrant calls. Discrete calls dominated vocalization in most contexts. An increase in production of variable and aberrant calls was observed during socializing and beach-rubbing activities. Each resident pod had a group-specific repertoire of 7–17 discrete call types (mean = 10.7) that was consistent over a number of years. The relative use of different calls varied with activity, but no call type was correlated exclusively with any behaviour or circumstance that could be identifie.
Efeito de sedimentos contaminados sobre a excreção de nitrogênio do camarão Penaeus paulensis

Physiological response (ammonia excretion) of the shrimp Penaeus paulensis exposed to contaminated sediments of Guanabara Bay and Sepetiba Bay (Rio de Janeiro - Brazil), was monitored for 52 days. The toxicity tests were conducted in aquarium with a water feedback system and a sediment layer of 2 cm. The sediment from Saco do Engenho (Sepetiba Bay) was the most toxic, affecting the excretion of P. paulensis. In sediment from Sepetiba Bay the ammonia excretion was significantly enhanced after 10 days (S. Engenho) and 52 days (I. Madeira) of exposition.
Interferon-γ Potentiation of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Eicosanoid Release from Human Monocytes

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) can act to potentiate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated processes in mononuclear phagocytes, including interleukin-1 release and tumoricidal activity. The present investigation examined the capacity of IFN-γ to modulate LPS-stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TxB2) release from counterflow isolated human monocytes. The release of PGE2 and TxB2 was compared for cells incubated with IFN-γ prior to treatment with LPS and for cells treated simultaneously with IFN-γ and LPS. Treatment of cells with IFN-γ prior to stimulation with LPS (10 μg/ml, Salmonella typhimurium) resulted in elevated prostaglandin E (by immunoassay) and [3H]PGE2 release from monocytes when compared with LPS-treated cultures. In contrast, IFN-γ pretreatment did not potentiate labeled or immunoreactive TxB2 release from LPS-treated monocytes. IFN-γ pretreatment without LPS stimulation did not result in elevated eicosanoid release over controls. In addition, continuous treatment of monocytes with bot.
Phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of various solvent extracts from seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) fruit pulp, seeds, leaves and stem bark

The outcome of various solvent extraction (water, methanol, acidic 50% methanol, 70% acetone, acidic 50% methanol followed by 70% acetone) on the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity of fruit pulp, seeds, leaves and stem bark of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) was investigated. The seabuckthorn extracts possess high phenolic content, 1666–13769 mg GAE/100 g d.w. The mean TPC was found highest in seeds (11148) followed by stem bark (10469), leaves (6330) and pulp (3579 mg GAE/100 g d.w.). In general, the 70% acetone and acidic 50% methanol followed by 70% acetone extracts was found to contain significantly higher TPC than those obtained in other extracting solvents. Antioxidant capacity in terms of IC50 value of pulp (3.39 mg ml−1) was up to 7.8 times higher than those reported for stem bark (0.43 mg ml−1) and up to 2.4 times higher than those found in seeds (1.4 mg ml−1). Further, antioxidant capacity by FRAP assay showed that the stem bark possess maximum antioxidant capacity (16.