Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alien plants associate with widespread generalist arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal taxa: evidence from a continental‐scale study using massively parallel 454 sequencing

Aim The biogeography of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is poorly understood, and consequently the potential of AM fungi to determine plant distribution has been largely overlooked. We aimed to describe AM fungal communities associating with a single host‐plant species across a wide geographical area, including the plant’s native, invasive and experimentally introduced ranges. We hypothesized that an alien AM plant associates primarily with the geographically widespread generalist AM fungal taxa present in a novel range.
Northern Australian savannas: management for pastoral production

Our paper examines recent developments in clim- utilization, animal production and financial analysis are be- atology, systems analysis and decision support which are ing developed for each savanna community in northern relevant to the management of northern Australian savan- Australia. The key processes in these models are plant nas. The structure, function and use of these communities growth as a function of climate inputs and the effect of have been well described in previous reviews which show grazing on plant survival and production. We describe a the importance of pastoralism as the major economic general experimental methodology to apply existing models activity. to specific grassland/soil combinations. Annual variability of rainfall is high, resulting in un- Examples of the application of these models show that: certainty in management decisions. Systems analysis (1) periods of overgrazing can be identified when model models of pastoral enterprises are being constructed output is combined with regional animal number statistics; which predict the response of savannas to management and (2) management decisions such as burning can be im- alternatives against a background of annual climatic vari- proved when ENSO based forecasts are used. ation as well as expected long-term global climate The challenge of future savanna studies is to influence in- change. dividual managers to make better management decisions In northern Australia, El Ninio/Southern Oscillation based on reliable models of savanna processes. The uncer- events account for over half the major ecologically sig- tainty of future climate change suggests more flexible stra- nificant droughts. The seasonal persistence of the Southern tegies will be required for the evolution of sustainable and Oscillation phase allows forecasts to be made before the economic savanna use. onset of summer rains. The potential of such forecasts is
New Distributional Records for Rana bedriagae caralitana in Anatolia

We conducted a herpetofaunal survey on the southern part of the Lake District in Anatolia searching and documenting new sites for herptile species. During the two years of our study three new sites, Gencek Lake (Derebucak/Konya), Derebucak (Konya) and Tinaztepe (Seydisehir/Konya), were recorded for Rana bedriagae caralitana. Of these, the two southernmost records extend the distribution of these subspecies in the Lake District of Anatolia.
FastPoints: A State-of-the-Art Point Cloud Renderer for Unity

In this paper, we introduce FastPoints, a state-of-the-art point cloud renderer for the Unity game development platform. Our program supports standard unprocessed point cloud formats with non-programmatic, drag-and-drop support, and creates an out-of-core data structure for large clouds without requiring an explicit preprocessing step; instead, the software renders a decimated point cloud immediately and constructs a shallow octree online, during which time the Unity editor remains fully interactive.
Reproductive Biology of the Northern Madtom, Noturus stigmosus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae) from the Licking River, Kentucky

Abstract The reproductive biology of the northern madtom, Noturus stigmosus Taylor, was examined in the Licking River, Bath and Rowan counties, Kentucky from 2001–2006. Gonadosomatic indices suggest a discrete spawning event in mid-summer, with sexual maturity reached at approximately 60 mm standard length (SL). Clutch size was estimated at 70–110 eggs per female based on examination of mature ovaries. Males and females come into reproductive condition in early summer and exhibit secondary sexual dimorphism typical of madtoms. Four nests were discovered in early to mid-July in water 23–25°C. All nests were in cavities under large slabrocks in a raceway with moderate current (0.36–0.69 m sec−2) above a large riffle. Nests contained 40–87 eggs or embryos; no guardian males were found with any nest. Eggs reared in the lab at 21–22°C hatched about 13 days after fertilization, which is the longest reported for madtoms. Embryonic and larval development were similar to those of other madtoms. Hatchlings were 8.1–9.3 mm total length (TL). By 10 days, the yolk sacs were absorbed, and young (now 15.4–15.7 mm TL) had acquired pigmentation diagnostic for the species. Approximately one month after hatching (at ∼20 mm SL), young moved downstream from the raceway into a large riffle.
Disturbance regime of a cold temperate forest as deduced from tree-ring patterns: the Tantaré Ecological Reserve, Quebec

The recent history and disturbance regime of an old-growth sugar maple – yellow birch forest located in the Tantare Ecological Reserve, Quebec, were determined using tree-ring growth patterns of individual trees that had undergone suppression and release. Within a sampling quadrat (0.25 ha) where all living and dead trees were mapped, the age, size, and spatial pattern of gaps formed since the mid-19th century were inferred from tree-ring signatures of standing trees. From 1860 onwards, more than 30 gaps of various form and size occurred, most gaps being < 200 m2 and covering a total area of 3775 m2. During the 1930–1985 period, the tree-fall frequency was 0.45 per year, the tree fall free interval was 3.2 years, and the tree-fall rotation period (turnover rate) was estimated to be 45 years. The rather short life-span of most trees (<125 years) may be attributed to the cool and humid conditions prevailing at the site, which stimulated self-pruning of mature trees. The spatiotemporal development of the sug.
Life Cycle and Abundance of Rice Leaf Folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee) - A Review

The Rice leaf folder, (RLF) Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee) is widely distributed in rice growing areas in all over the world. The leaf folder has been considered a miner pest of rice growing areas but after the existence, high yielding and Basmati rice varieties increasing the importance of these pests. Feeding rates of the first three larval instars rice leaf folder on rice plants were significantly lower than those of the fourth and fifth instars. The first three instars consumed less than 10% of the larva's total consumption. Feeding also decreased with increasing plant age. To understand about life cycle and management’s tactics is help to reduce the yield losses. In present review articles discusses about life cycle and abundance of rice leaf folder. Key word Cnaphalocrocis medinalis , life cycle, abundance
Facts from Faeces: Prey Remains in Wolf, Canis lupus , Faeces Revise Occurrence Records for Mammals of British Columbia's Coastal Archipelago

Archipelagos often harbour taxa that are endemic and vulnerable to disturbance. Conservation planning and research for these areas depend fundamentally on accurate and current taxonomic inventories. Although basic ecological information is in its infancy, the temperate rainforest islands of coastal British Columbia are undergoing rapid human-caused modification, particularly logging. We report herein new mammal records for these islands as determined by prey remains in the faeces of Wolves ( Canis lupus ), the area’s apex mammalian terrestrial predator. Of particular interest is our detection of Marten ( Martes americana ) on islands previously inventoried and island occupancy by Moose ( Alces alces ), which have apparently migrated recently to coastal British Columbia. Remains in faeces provided valuable new species occurrence information, but more extensive and focused inventories are required to generate predictions of island occupancy by mammals based on biotic and abiotic landscape features.
Voltage‐Dependent Calcium Conductances in Mammalian Neurons

Calcium plays several critical roles in the electrophysiology of mammalian central neurons. As a charge carrier, it is capable of generating either action potentials or graded voltage responses. ' As a second messenger, calcium is involved in such events as transmitter release: the activation of ionic channels (e.g., the calcium-dependent potassium conductance'), and the phosphorylation of molecules, which in turn modulate ionic conductances. ' Here we plan to review briefly some aspects of the voltagedependent calcium conductance in the neurons of the mammalian brain with particular emphasis on the conductance present in dendrites of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Before describing in detail the voltage-dependent channel properties of Purkinje cells, we will review in general terms the main calcium-dependent electroresponsiveness encountered in mammalian neurons. The first description of calcium-dependent spikes in vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) neurons was obtained by direct recordings from avian cerebellar Purkinje cell dendrites5 This was later confirmed in mammilary neurons.6 The existence of more than one voltage-dependent calcium conductance was originally encountered in the inferior olive (10). These cells demonstrated two types of responses, the highand the low-threshold spikes (HTS and LTS, respectively). '. ' Because the most common electroresponsiveness observed in intracellular recordings from different types of central neurons fall into these categories,' we will continue to describe them as stated above. By contrast the single channel responsible for the low-threshold calcium conductance was first described by Carbone and Lux? Later the calcium channels were grouped into three categories": (a ) the T channels, which we now believe correspond to the low-threshold calcium conductance; (b) the N channels, which correspond to a certain extent to the high-threshold calcium conductance; and (c) the L calcium channel, which does not seem to be very commonly represented in the CNS, but which would also fall into this category of high-threshold calcium conductance. A simple incorporation of our nomenclature into the framework proposed above"' may prove to be problematic because the criteria for these two characterizations are so different. The single-channel criteria are based on direct measurements and do not consider cable properties. Ours was developed from the standpoint of neuronal integration, which takes into account parameters such as the spatial location of the
Effects on microbial quality of fresh pork loin during storage from oregano oil and cranberry pulp diet supplementation in pigs

Fortier, M. P., Saucier, L. and Guay, F. 2012. Effects on microbial quality of fresh pork loin during storage from oregano oil and cranberry pulp diet supplementation in pigs. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 465-471. Oregano oil and ground cranberry pulp supplements were added to the diets of finishing pigs to determine their antimicrobial effects on fresh loin during storage at 2±1°C. Two doses of oil (250 and 500 mg kg-1) and three doses of cranberry (5, 10 and 20 g kg-1) were tested according to a factorial experimental design. The control group did not receive any supplements. The meat was vacuum packed and analyzed after 0, 23, 45 and 60 d. Samples were re-packaged under aerobic conditions after 0 or 23 d and analyzed after 4, 8 and 12 d. Microbial analysis was performed periodically throughout the experiment. Initial cell counts were below detection level for total aerobic mesophilic (TAM) (<102 cfu g-1), Pseudomonas spp. (<102 cfu g-1), presumptive lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (<102 cfu g-1), and Escherichia coli and coliform counts (<101 cfu g-1). No significant difference in TAM counts was observed between all of the six different treatments and the control group except for samples packaged at day 0 under aerobic conditions after 12 d of storage where a significant effect of the supplementation was observed (P<0.03). Under anaerobic conditions, LAB were not affected and remained the predominant microflora despite antimicrobial treatments.
Relationships between the Width of Metacarpus or Metatarsus and the Birth Weight in Holstein Calves

The widths of metacarpus and metatarsus of 187 Holstein calves immediately after birth were measured to estimate the birth weight and the dystocia of Holstein calves to the term pregnancy, and the relationships between the widths and the birth weight or dystocia were investigated. A positive correlation was recognized in the width of metacarpus and the birth weight of Holstein calves. In the width of metatarsus, a positive correlation was also recognized. The greater the width of metacarpus or metatarsus was, the greater the dystocia rate was increased. Therefore, our results indicate that birth weight and dystocia are able to be estimated by the measurement of the width of metacarpus or metatarsus.
The effects of different warm stratification periods on the seed germination of some Rosa taxa.

In this study, the effects of different warm stratification periods on the seed germination of some Rosa species such as Rosa heckellana ssp. vanheurckiana, Rosa canina, Rosa pulverelanta and Rosa dumalis naturally grown in the Van region were investigated. In 2007, seeds of these species were kept at 25°C warm stratification for 10, 11 and 12 weeks, and then transferred to 5°C for cold stratification till the initiation of germination. Germination response to treatments of R. heckellana ssp. vanheurckiana seeds was different compared to the other species. The seeds of R. heckellana ssp. vanheurckiana germinated in a short time (when they kept in warm stratification followed by cold stratification between 1 - 3 weeks). The seeds of the other species required 5 months of cold stratification after warm stratification to overcome seed dormancy. The overall germination percentage were 18.80% in R. canina, 13.80% in R. pulverelanta and 13.53% in R. dumalis at 25°C of warm stratification followed by 5°C cold stratification. We determined that for these three taxa, the most appropriate method of stratification was 11 week warm stratification followed by cold stratification.
Quantitation of hexane-extractable lipids in serial samples of flue-cured tobaccos

Solanesol, fatty acids, sterols, neophytadiene, and hydrocarbon waxes were quantitated in two flue-cured varieties of tobacco obtained at six intervals: (1) green, before harvest; (2) ripe, at harvest; (3) cured; (4) redried; (5) aged 1 year; and (6) aged 2 years. Solanesol and neophytadiene concentrations increased during processing while fatty acid concentrations generally decreased and sterol and hydrocarbon wax content remained essentially unchanged in both varieties. Lipid concentrations also varied with crop year. PAH content of smoke condensate was related to concentration of lipids in the cigarette tobacco.
Quality and Fermentation Characteristics of Garlic-added Kimchi

In this study, we investigated quality and fermentation characteristics in baechu kimchi containing 0(control), 5(GK5), 10(GK10), 15(GK15) and 20(GK20)% of shred garlic. Analysis was performed during fermentation at for 42 days, every 7 days. The result showed significant changes in color value between control group and garlic added groups. Hunter's color L value was increased during fermentation whereas a and b value were decreased. Hardness of kimchi was higher in 15% and 20% garlic added groups than other groups. The pH decreased significantly during fermentation, while titratable acidity was showed reverse tendency during fermentation period. The reducing sugar content was decreased in all groups during fermentation period, which higher in GK10 and GK15 group than the others. But its remaining ratio was 19.7~22.3% and not showed significant difference in experimental groups at 42 days fermentation. The number of lactic acid bacteria was dramatically increased up to 6.13~7.60 log CFU/g at 7~14 days fermentation. The garlic was inhibited significantly the growth of lactic acid bacteria, but this was not showed significant difference between garlic added groups and control group, after 28 days fermentation. As a results, we suggest that addition of garlic increase the quality characteristics and storage properties of Kimchi, and not hinder quality of kimchi at addition level of 20% than salted baechu.
Biotic interactions revealed by macroborings in arctic bivalve molluscs

The presence of organisms whose bodies have low preservation potential may be deduced by searching for the traces produced by them. The addition of predatory gastropods and soft-bodied epizoans to Quaternary marine faunas dominated by bivalves was facilitated by an examination of borings in bivalve shells. Borings attributed to predatory gastropods (ichnogenus Oichnus) were observed in shells of Astarte spp. , Hiatella arctica and Macoma calcarea. Astarte, Hiatella and Macoma were preyed upon in preference to other members of a diverse suspension-feeding bivalve community. Borings attributed to epizoans (ichnogenus Cautostrepsis) were observed in bivalve shells (Astarte spp. Hiatella arctica), calcareous algae and limestone clasts. Biotic interactions revealed by trace fossils are employed, for the first time, to reconstruct the trophic structure of arctic Quaternary marine benthic faunas. ▭ Arctic molluscs, palaeoecology, Oichnus, Caulostrepsis.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Agonist 15-Deoxy-Δ12,1412,14-Prostaglandin J2 Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis1

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are members of a nuclear hormone receptor superfamily that includes receptors for steroids, retinoids, and thyroid hormone, all of which are known to affect the immune response. Previous studies dealing with PPAR-γ expression in the immune system have been limited. Recently, PPAR-γ was identified in monocyte/macrophage cells. In this study we examined the role of PPAR-γ in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for the human disease multiple sclerosis. The hypothesis we are testing is whether PPAR-γ plays an important role in EAE pathogenesis and whether PPAR-γ ligands can inhibit the clinical expression of EAE. Initial studies have shown that the presence of the PPAR-γ ligand 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2) inhibits the proliferation of Ag-specific T cells from the spleen of myelin basic protein Ac1–11 TCR-transgenic mice. 15d-PGJ2 suppressed IFN-γ, ΙL-10, and IL-4 production by both Con A- and myelin basic protein Ac1–11 peptide-stimulated lymphocytes as determined by ELISA and ELISPOT assay. Culture of encephalitogenic T cells with 15d-PGJ2 in the presence of Ag reduced the ability of these cells to adoptively transfer EAE. Examination of the target organ, the CNS, during the course of EAE revealed expression of PPAR-γ in the spinal cord inflammatory infiltrate. Administration of 15d-PGJ2 before and at the onset of clinical signs of EAE significantly reduced the severity of disease. These results suggest that PPAR-γ ligands may be a novel therapeutic agent for diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Novel long‐acting benzodiazepine receptor ligands Ro 41‐7812 and Ro 42‐8773: Neurological and behavioral profile

The pharmacological profiles of two novel benzodiazepine receptor ligands, Ro 41‐7812 and Ro 42‐8773, were assessed in various tests in mice, rats, and monkeys. Both compounds were orally active, exhibiting clear anticonvulsant activity within a dose range devoid of sedation or motor impairment, as well as effects in an operant conflict test and in a palatable food consumption paradigm. Furthermore, these two compounds attenuated, with a long duration of action, the sedation and motor impairment induced by classical benzodiazepine receptor full agonists but failed to exhibit proconvulsant activity even at high doses. Thus, despite a predominantly antagonist pharmacological profile, these two benzodiazepine receptor ligands appear to exhibit relatively clear anticonvulsant effects and might prove to be of value in the treatment of epilepsies.
Ecological causation of heterochrony: a test and implications for evolutionary theory

Biometric analyses of the ontogenies of 31 species of fossil echinoids support a hypothesized relationship between regulatory gene changes and environmental stability. In 15 of 17 pairs of related species, the larger species, undergoing slower (neotenic) and/or prolonged (hypermorphic) growth, apparently inhabited the stabler environment. If true, this relationship connects biological processes at a number of levels and explains or agrees with some important macroevolutionary observations, such as onshore evolutionary innovation and Cope's Rule.
Self-Spreading Supported Lipid Bilayer Passing through Single Nanogap Structure: Effect of Position of Dyes in Lipid Molecules

We report the self-spreading behavior of single lipid bilayers containing 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl (NBD) fluorophores on a patterned surface equipped with a single nanogap. We found that the behavior of the fluorophores around the nanogap depended on the position of the dyes in the lipid molecules. For acyl chain-labeled lipids, the fluorescence intensities decreased discontinuously before and after they passed through the nanogap, whereas little decrease was observed for a headgroup-labeled lipid. A possible mechanism can be explained in terms of the reorientation of dyes in a lipid bilayer. Acyl chain-labeled NBD fluorophores are known to loop back to a lipid–water interface in a lipid bilayer. Since this effect makes an effective size of the lipid molecule larger, dye molecules easily suffer from steric hindrance when they pass through a nanogap leading to the fluorescence intensity reduction.
Historical and ecological correlates of body shape in the brook stickleback, Culaea inconstans

Using geometric morphometric methods, we evaluated the correlation between phenotypic variation and available historical and habitat information for two genetically differentiated, allopatric lineages of a widespread North American species, the brook stickleback (Culaea inconstans). The results obtained revealed strong patterns of structured phenotypic differentiation across the species range with extreme phenotypes occurring at the northwest and southeast range boundaries. Shape variation was broadly congruent with the distribution of two mitochondrial DNA lineages; a deep-bodied eastern form (Atlantic refugium) and a slim-bodied western form (Mississippian refugium); however, the two forms were not lineage-specific and phenotypic cladistic diversification is likely to be an artefact of underlying clinal variation associated with longitudinal and latitudinal gradients. In addition, we found little evidence of diagnosable lake and river forms across North America. Taken together, large-scale patterns of phenotypic diversity observed in C. inconstans suggest that relatively recent factors, such as continually varying natural selection across the range and/or potential local gene flow, may substantially mitigate the effects of historical separation or a generalized adaptive response to alternative habitats. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 96, 769‐783.