Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insect abundance and damage on the deciduous Nothofagus macrocarpa increase with altitude at a site in the Mediterranean climate zone of Chile

An understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of insect abundance and plant damage across altitudinal gradients and the mechanisms driving them is limited. Importantly, little is known in this area in relation to specific Mediterranean climate ecosystems. Insect abundance and plant damage in these environments may be closely related to air temperature, since it contributes to insect performance, length of growing season and tree growth, which is hypothesised to be negatively related to host plant defences against herbivory. In this study, we examined general insect abundance (across all taxa) and associated leaf damage, plant growth and leaf defences in the tree Nothofagus macrocarpa along an altitudinal gradient in the Mediterranean climate zone of Chile. Sampling was conducted in spring and summer at ‘El Roble’ mountain at three elevations (masl): low (1100–1200), medium (1600–1700) and high (2000–2100). Foliar insect abundance in both seasons was twofold higher at high vs. low altitude, and in summer leaf area damage increased with altitude. Twig growth was highest at high altitude, whereas leaf total polyphenols in both seasons were also relatively high at this altitude. Results indicate that in this climate, higher overall insect abundance and damage in a plant species can be found at higher altitudes and that air temperature does not limit insect presence. Moreover, total leaf polyphenols were not negatively related to this pattern or to plant growth. Among the possible explanations, we suggest that climate change is creating unfavourable conditions for insects at lower altitudes, resulting in an altitudinal shift.
Pollen morphology within the Monodora clade, a diverse group of five African Annonaceae genera

Pollen morphology has played a major role in elucidating infrafamiliar‐level systematics and evolution within Annonaceae, especially within the African genera. The Monodora clade is composed of five genera, Asteranthe, Hexalobus, Isolona, Monodora and Uvariastrum, which are restricted to Africa and contain together c. 50 species. A molecular phylogeny of the family showed that the monophyly of the Monodora clade is strongly supported and that it is part of a larger clade of 11 African genera. In order to support classification a detailed survey was made of the pollen morphological variation within the Monodora clade, using scanning and transmission electron microsopy. For the two most species‐rich genera, Isolona and Monodora, a molecular species‐level phylogeny was used to assess the taxonomic usefulness of the pollen characters. The survey showed a wide range of pollen morphological diversity. The most conspicuous variation concerned the occurrence of monads without a thicker outer foliation in the basal exine layer in Isolona in contrast to tetrads with a thicker outer foliation in Asteranthe, Hexalobus, Monodora and Uvariastrum. At the infrageneric level, Hexalobus, Isolona and Monodora showed the largest diversity, with various pollen types based on tectum morphology. Hexalobus is exceptional with three types within only five species. The pollen types defined in this study are hardly useful in characterizing major groups identified within both Isolona and Monodora, but they do illustrate relationships within smaller groups.
The Immune System Game

Abstract We describe a card game that helps introductory biology students understand the basics of the immune response to pathogens. Students simulate the steps of the immune response with cards that represent the pathogens and the cells and molecules mobilized by the immune system. In the process, they learn the similarities and differences between the immune responses to viral and bacterial pathogens and why the primary and secondary responses differ.
Antioxidant, antinociceptive activity and general toxicity study of Dendrophthoe falcata and isolation of quercitrin as the major component

Plants have been used in traditional medicinal system for centuries. Bangladeshi medicinal plants have received considerable attention from the researchers for evaluation of their bioactivity. As a part of our ongoing research of screening the Bangladeshi medicinal plants, the ethanolic extract of Dendrophthoe falcata have been chosen for the present study. The ethanolic extract of the leaves of the plant have been assessed for their antioxidant, antinociceptive, and general toxicity. The extract showed potent antioxidant activity (IC50 5.1 μg/ml) using DPPH radical scavenging assay, which is comparable to the standard ascorbic acid (IC50 4.6 μg/ml). The extract significantly and dose dependently inhibited the acetic acid induced writhing in mice (71.2%, P < 0.001 and 28.0%, P < 0.05 for 500 and 250 mg/kg body weight, respectively). A general toxicity was assessed by a simple and low cost assay using brine shrimp lethality as an indicator. The extract showed low level of toxicity (LC50 100 μg/ml). Using different chromatographic techniques, quercitrin (quercetin 3-O-α-rhamnoside) was separated as the major component from the extract. The structure was elucidated by detailed 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectral analysis.
Cytogenetic investigations in sheep reared in Southern-Italy by using both chromosome banding and fish-mapping techniques.

Several sheep breeds are raised in Southern-Italy. Two of them are “Laticauda” and “Bagnolese”, which are both considered endangered breeds and inserted in projects for genetic conservation and valorization of their products. One of these projects is the PSR, Misure 214 e2 of Campania Region. In the present study we reported the preliminary results obtained on Laticauda breed and some of their hybrids by using both chromosome banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) mapping techniques. Peripheral blood samples from 25 animals (2 males and 23 females) were cultured for 72 hours and treated for late-incorporation of 5-Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to obtain R-banded chromosome preparations which were used for both karyotype construction and FISH-mapping applications. R-banded karyotypes were performed by using the GENIKON software and following the latest international chromosome nomenclature. For FISH-mapping, both ovine and bovine BAC-clones were used, biotinilated by Nick-translation and precipitated by ethanol in presence of COT-DNA. Then they were in situ hybridized on R-banded chromosomes over night and hybridization signals were detected by using Vector chemicals. At least 30 metaphase for probe were studied by using a fluorescence microscope equipped with a digital camera and computer. Karyotype construction revealed a normal karyotype for all studied animals except female sheep which were found to be carrier of a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 4 and 12. Concerning the FISH-mapping, examples of locus assignments are reported in both autosomes and X-chromosome.
Antitumor and antibacterial activity of a crude methanol leaf extract of Vitex negundo L.

In this study we evaluated a methanol leaf extract of Vitex negundo L. (Verbenaceae) for antitumor and antibacterial activities using the potato disc bioassay and the agar disc diffusion method, respectively. Taking ≤20% tumor inhibition as significant, we found significant crown gall inhibition (24-48.39%) with 1 and 10 mg/ml extracts while 0.1 mg/ml of the extract was ineffective (14.67% to 18.28%). Maximal tumor inhibition was observed with 10 mg/ml extract against Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain AtSl0105 (48.39%), followed by AtTa0112 (45.9%) and AtAc0114 (44%). The methanol leaf extract showed growth inhibitory potency against all of the studied bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi). The minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 0.312 mg/ml to 1.25 mg/ml. The least MIC value was recorded against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The presented findings indicate that the methanol leaf extract could be considered as a source of novel antitumor and antibacterial compounds.
Transborder ethnic minorities and their impact on the security of Southeastern Europe*

Ethnic issues have a paramount impact on the security of Southeastern Europe. The most recent proof of that has been NATO’s involvement in the conflict between the Serbian government and the ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. Only NATO’s involvement could reverse the highly destabilizing effect of the expulsion of over a million of the Kosovar Albanians by the Serb army and paramilitary forces beyond Kosovo’s borders. This study examines the period from 1989 to the time prior to NATO air attacks against Serbia in the spring of 1999. It is based on the understanding that ethnic issues compounded by the processes of transition and by the economic backwardness of the area are the major threat to the security of Southeastern Europe. Here the notion of “security” is used in its broad meaning that embraces political, military, economic, as well as societal factors such as psychological stereotypes, historical border disputes, religious divisions, demographic indicators, etc. The change in the Balkans after 1989 has a system-wide character. On one hand, we see the potential power of ethnic conflicts to shift the regional balance and to revise the old status quo. On the other, the change is systemic because the transformation of Southeastern Europe into a relatively self-defining and self-driving region has been taking place in a situation characterized until fairly recently by power vacuum and anarchy. This report analyzes the states of Bulgaria, Romania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)—further in the text it will be referred to as the “Republic of Macedonia” or just “Macedonia”—and Serbia. The study will focus on Turks in Bulgaria, Hungarians in Romania and Albanians in Macedonia and in Serbia, particularly in the region of Kosovo. A main characteristic that defines these countries is that they all have emerged from some 45 years of communist domination and have set off on the uneven and thorny road of transition to democracy, civil society and a market economy. Another common trait is that their transition has been strongly influenced by the specific relations between dominant national majorities and sizable ethnic minorities that reside in border areas with neighboring kin-states. Serbia is burdened by its highly complicated national question. Apart from being in a federation with the Republic of Montenegro, with which it has been in a state
Biochemical Characterization of Probiotics Available in Bangladesh

The pervasive beneficial effects of probiotics are important for the maintenance of mammalian homeostasis. The probiotic products are consumed by people in their various forms available in Bangladesh. In this context, this study is taken into consideration to identify and characterize bacteria to confirm the scientific data needed for improvement in probiotic products as current therapies. Five probiotic samples were collected from pharmaceutical companies available in the retail pharmacy, Rajshahi. The probiotic samples are tested before expiration dates as marked on manufacturer packages. The culture media used were Czapek Dox (pH 5.3), MRS and nutrient broth and agar for the investigation of lactic acid bacteria. The identified lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were lactobacillus acidophyllus (LAB 1), Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LAB 2), Lactococcus lactis (LAB 3) and Biffidobacterium biffidum (LAB 4) based on morphological characteristics, catalase activities, milk coagulation, carbohydrate fermentation profiles, resistance to antibiotics and other biochemical tests. The rejuvenation of probiotics particularly LAB from the probiotic samples can be used in other purposes such as biopreservation of lemon, orange juices with better tastes and fermented products like curds as well as hygienic qualities of other dairy products.
Effect of calcium carbide on photosynthetic characteristics, growth and yield of tomato cultivars.

and 29%, respectively in F-1 3560-S cultivar compared with control by applying 200 mg pot -1 coated CaC2. Plants treated with 100 mg pot -1 CaC2 improved 13, 17 and 28 % WUE in all three cultivars, respectively. Application of CaC2 reduced plant height, number of days to flower while improved number of fruits set per plant. The rate of CaC2 @ 300 mg pot –1 gave
HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND STRESS INDEX IN RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROWS DWELLING IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract A number of wild bird species have fortuitously incorporated themselves into urban life. One of these, the Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis), dwells with seemingly similar success in urban and rural areas. Nevertheless, we found that urban Rufous-collared Sparrows have lower body weight, higher blood glucose concentration, higher proportion of heterophils (H), lower proportion of lymphocytes (L), and consequently, a larger H:L stress index, than rural ones. After two weeks of captivity rural birds developed blood characteristics that resembled those of urban birds. These indices reveal typical primary (acute), and secondary (chronic) stress characteristics in the urban birds. Parámetros Hematológicos e Indice de Estrés en Zonotrichia capensis de Ambientes Urbanos Resumen. Varias especies de aves han sido incorporadas a la vida urbana. Una de ellas, Zonotrichia capensis, habita con similar éxito tanto en ambientes urbanos como rurales. Sin embargo, hemos notado que individuos urbanos de Z. capensis tienen un peso corporal menor, mayores niveles de glucosa circulante, mayor proporción de heterófilos (H), menor proporción de linfocitos (L), y consecuentemente un mayor índice de estrés H:L que individuos rurales. Aves rurales mantenidos en cautiverio por dos semanas presentaron cambios hematológicos que concuerdan con las características de las aves urbanas. Estos índices revelan características de estrés primarias (agudas) y secundarias (crónicas) que son típicas en aves urbanas.
Effect of form, placement and rate of N fertilizer, and placement of P fertilizer on wheat in Saskatchewan

On the Canadian prairies, the one-pass seeding and fertilizing no-till system is very common. However, the close proximity of the fertilizer to the seed can cause damage to the emerging seedlings due to a combination of a salt effect and/or ammonia toxicity. Manufacturers have responded by developing openers that allow placement of seed and fertilizer in separate bands. A 3-yr study was initiated in 2000 to determine the effect of nitrogen (N) form [urea (U) and anhydrous ammonia (AA)], placement [broadcast (Br), side-band (SB) or mid-row band (MRB)], timing (fall or spring) and rate (0 to 90 or 120 kg N ha-1), and phosphorus (P) placement (7 to 10 kg P ha-1) on plant density, seed and straw yield, seed protein content, and N uptake of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under no-till at four sites representing different agro-ecological zones in Saskatchewan. Rate of applied N had the most dominant effect on agronomic variables, while form, placement, and timing of application of N had minor effects. Gene.
Selecting hyperparasites for biocontrol of Dutch elm disease

Hyperparasites in the form of cytoplasmic RNA elements have been proposed as a biological control agent for Dutch elm disease. We characterized the range of outcomes likely to follow the introduction of such an agent by modelling the resultant population dynamics as an ecological interaction between the wild, ‘target’, fungus and the hyperparasitized ‘control’fungus. We used data from the 1970s epidemic of Dutch elm disease in the UK to parameterize the population dynamics of the target fungus, and considered the success of control across a wide range of possibilities for the lethality and transmissibility of the modified control fungus. We decomposed hyperparasite transmissibility into horizontal transmissibility (the ability to colonize previously unparasitized target fungal hosts) and vertical transmissibility (the ability of control fungus to establish new colonies). There is an invasion threshold for both horizontal and vertical transmissibility. As vertical transmission is further increased, there is another threshold at which the target fungus is eradicated because of competitive exclusion by the control fungus. In contrast, eradication by raising horizontal transmission may never succeed because the target fungus needs to be present to support new cases through this route. Between these two thresholds for invasion and exclusion, control and target fungus may coexist. Using a stochastic, spatially extended model, we showed that predictions of success based on high competitive ability of the control fungus (i.e. high vertical transmission) are likely to be more robust than those based on the high degree to which the control fungus can cause target fungus to be hyperparasitized (i.e. high horizontal transmission).
Evolution of hierarchical floral resource allocation associated with mating system in an animal-pollinated hermaphroditic herb, Trillium camschatcense (Trilliaceae)

Flowers of selfing plants generally have smaller attractive structures than those of outcrossers. This phenomenon has been explained by sex-allocation theory, which considers allocation of resources to different floral functions, yet its hierarchical structures have mostly been ignored in previous studies. By assuming a three-level hierarchy, we investigate the relationships between floral resource allocation and mating system (partial selfing or obligate outcrossing) in 13 Trillium camschatcense populations from northern Japan. In general, selfing populations had smaller petals than outcrossing populations, and multiple levels in the hierarchy were essential to explain these differences in petal size. Within flowers, selfing plants allocated fewer resources to petals and more to pistils, supporting the prediction of sex-allocation theory. Moreover, selfing plants tended to increase their flower number and decrease investment per flower under the constraints of nonlinear trade-offs between these traits. Selfers may produce more flowers to enhance their female reproductive success under the nonlinear trade-offs in which more resources can be used by increasing flower number. Although our results suggest that the evolution of resource allocation associated with selfing can occur at several hierarchical levels, these allocation patterns varied widely among selfing populations and recent evolution of self-compatibility may explain this variation.
Growth and mortality in underplanted tree seedlings in response to variations in canopy closure of Norway spruce stands

Six broadleaved tree species and Picea abies (L.) Karst. were planted under spruce plantations of varying densities, in Sweden. Treatments included control (994 stems ha −1 ), dense (538 stems ha −1 ), sparse (294 stems ha −1 ) and gap (0 stems ha −1 ) overstory treatments. There was an increase in height and diameter growth from control to sparse overstory treatment of all underplanted tree species except for ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.). Site conditions may have hampered the growth of these species, as well as wild cherry (Prunus avium L.). Both oak (Quercus robur L.) and spruce had greater growth in the gap treatment, relative to the other treatments. Insecticide application did not influence seedling growth or survival. The performance of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), lime (Tilia cordata Mill.), spruce and oak was consistent with shade tolerance ranking. Beech and lime had a very high survival rate, even under the densest canopy. The growth and mortality of ash, maple and wild cherry differed significantly from what was expected. This experiment demonstrated significant variation in interspecific growth and mortality between seven planted tree species in relation to canopy density. Correct site and species selection is crucial when underplanting in shelterwood systems.
Conjoint Analysis in Entrepreneurship Research

We review conjoint analysis (CA) usage in recent entrepreneurship research to assess how researchers have used the method to study entrepreneurial decision making. We first provide a brief overview of the method and present an exemplar study. We next examine how 16 studies published in leading entrepreneurship journals from 1999 to 2008 used CA, highlight topics these studies have investigated most frequently, and suggest reasons why studies, in general, have not used the method with greater frequency, despite its many advantages in studying decision making. We conclude by suggesting potential future research applications in an attempt to encourage greater CA usage in entrepreneurship research.
Accumulation leakage of SOI back channel transistors with total dose irradiation

Summary form only given. The accumulation leakage of separation by implantation of oxygen (SIMOX) and zone melt recrystallization (ZMR) back-channel transistors with respect to total dose irradiation and radiation bias condition is studied. The accumulation phenomenon for a SIMOX wafer with a buried oxide thickness of about 3700 A is observed. The occurrence of leakage in both the accumulation and inversion regions of the back-channel device results in a leakage window from the accumulation leakage threshold (V/sub tx/) to the inversion threshold (V/sub tbg/). The leakage results from (i) field-enhanced emission through energy states located at precipitate boundaries, and (ii) thermionic emission at local Schottky barriers accompanied by Schottky barrier lowering. The zero-volt prerad V/sub tx/ results in excessive leakage for any negative back gate bias and, since V/sub tbg/=+16 V, produces a 16 V leakage window. After irradiation to 50 Krad(SiO/sub 2/) with V/sub tbg/=5 V, the entire leakage window shifts 10 V and further irradiation has little effect. A similar characteristic is observed for a -10 V back bias and suggests a saturation of N/sub ot/ in the buried oxide. Accumulation leakage has also been observed on ZMR devices with V/sub bg/=-10 V. As a result of the very thick (1 mu ) buried oxide, however, the prerad V/sub tx/ is less than -25 V and produces a very large leakage window. In addition, while the accumulation threshold rebounds enhancement after 200 Krad(SiO/sub 2/) total dose. This characteristic enlarges the leakage window and is optimal at high doses. <<ETX>>
Marine social–ecological responses to environmental change and the impacts of globalization

Marine social‐ecological systems consist of interactive ecological and human social elements so that changes in ecological systems affect fishing-dependent societies and vice versa. This study compares the responses of marine ecological and fishingdependent systems to environmental change and the impacts of globalization, using four case-studies: NE Atlantic (Barents Sea), NW Atlantic (Newfoundland), SE Atlantic (Namibia) and the equatorial Atlantic (Ghana). Marine ecological systems cope with short-time changes by altering migration and distribution patterns, changing species composition, and changing diets and growth rates; over the longer term, adaptive changes lead to increased turn-over rates and changes in the structure and function of the system. Fishing communities cope with short-term change through intensification and diversification of fishing, migration and ‘riding out the storm’. Over the longer term, adaptive changes in policy and fisheries governance can interact with social‐ecological change to focus on new fisheries, economic diversification, re-training, out-migration and community closures. Marine social‐ecological systems can ultimately possess rapid adaptive capacity in their ecological components, but reduced adaptive capacity in society. Maintaining the diversity of response capabilities on short and longer time scales, among both ecological and human fishing systems, should be a key policy objective. The challenge is to develop robust governance approaches for coupled marine social‐ecological systems that can respond to short- and long-term consequences of global change.