Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Roles and implications in sugar signaling, carbon allocation, senescence and evolution

Since the initial biochemical study of a putative invertase inhibitor half a century ago, it has remained as a puzzle as whether such an inhibitory protein indeed limits invertase activity in vivo and, if it does, what is the developmental or physiological significance of such an interaction? Recently, we demonstrated that an invertase inhibitor, INVINH1, specifically inhibited cell wall invertase activity in tomato and Arabidopsis. Silencing INVINH1 expression in tomato released a significant amount of extra cell wall invertase activity. This posttranslational elevation of invertase activity resulted in a blockage of ABA-induced leaf senescence and an increase in fruit sugar levels and seed weight. Here, we discuss the implication of the findings and propose a model that the invertse inhibitor may act as a key modulator in controlling leaf longevity and seed development to ensure success during plant evolution. This may be achieved by optimizing carbon and nitrogen allocation and sugar signaling via interaction between invertase and inhibitor. The discoveries open up exciting new areas for exploring fundamental questions in sugar signaling, carbon allocation and plant development as well as avenues for improving crop productivity.
Formant Trajectories of English Vowels Produced by American Children

Formant values are the most important acoustic correlates of English vowels. Classical studies on English vowels reported the first three formant values measured at a single timepoint on a sustained vowel segment. However, many recent studies revealed that partial onset or offset segments with information of dynamic spectral changes may contribute to the exact identification of English vowels with an accuracy almost comparable to that by the whole vowel segment or word. The purpose of this study was to examine formant trajectories of nine English vowels collected by Hillenbrand et al.(1995). Acoustic analysis was systematically made by a Praat script at six equidistant timepoints over the vowel segment. Results showed that the first formant trajectories played an important role in distinguishing each vowel within the front- or back-vowel groups. The second formant trajectories of the back vowels varied more drastically than those of the front vowels. The third formant value was similar except the high vowel /i/. From the vowel space on F1 by F2 axes, the formant trajectories of each vowel clearly showed a transition toward the locus of the following consonant /d/. Other acoustic data revealed that there were some vowel inherent duration or pitch values. From this study we can conclude that the dynamic spectral changes are very important in specifying acoustic characteristics of the English vowels. Further studies on vowels and diphthongs in different contexts are desirable.
Climate and density-dependent drivers of recruitment in plains bison

Abstract In semiarid ecosystems ungulate densities can compound the effects of drought on forage availability, which can feed back to regulate reproduction and offspring recruitment. Climatic changes in the frequency and severity of drought could thus exacerbate these effects. Here, we use long-term data sets to examine the dual influences of population density, cohort, and climatic variation on recruitment in the Henry Mountains bison (Bison bison bison) population. We found that 1-year lagged annual precipitation had a positive effect on recruitment (&bgr; = 0.032, SE = 0.009) and population density had a negative effect (&bgr; = −0.0023, SE = 0.0004), but did not detect cohort effects. Furthermore, the effect of population density seemed to be more severe in dry relative to wet conditions, indicating that competition for forage could be severe in drought conditions. These results could help managers gain insight into the effects of climate change on bison population dynamics, and help guide the management of bison abundance on rangelands shared with cattle.
Light-Induced Destruction of Vitamin A in Milk

Abstract The vitamin A content of whole, 2%, and skim milk was determined before and after exposure to 2200 lx intensity fluorescent light for up to 48 h at refrigerator temperature. The milk was packaged in plastic pouches. Vitamin A of whole milk dropped to 67.7% of its original content after 30 h and remained constant for a further 18 h. In 2% milk it dropped to 23.6% and in skim milk to 4.2% of the original content. The 2% milk had an original vitamin A content about twice as high as that of whole or skim milk.
Acclimation of photosynthetic capacity to irradiance in tree canopies in relation to leaf nitrogen concentration and leaf mass per unit area

The observation of acclimation in leaf photosynthetic capacity to differences in growth irradiance has been widely used as support for a hypothesis that enables a simplification of some soil-vegetation-atmosphere transfer (SVAT) photosynthesis models. The acclimation hypothesis requires that relative leaf nitrogen concentration declines with relative irradiance from the top of a canopy to the bottom, in 1 : 1 proportion. In combination with a light transmission model it enables a simple estimate of the vertical profile in leaf nitrogen concentration (which is assumed to determine maximum carboxylation capacity), and in combination with estimates of the fraction of absorbed radiation it also leads to simple ‘big-leaf’ analytical solutions for canopy photosynthesis. We tested how forests deviate from this condition in five tree canopies, including four broadleaf stands, and one needle-leaf stand: a mixed-species tropical rain forest, oak ( Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl), birch ( Betula pendula Roth), beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) and Sitka spruce ( Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr). Each canopy was studied when fully developed (mid-to-late summer for temperate stands). Irradiance ( Q , µ mol m − 2 s − 1 ) was measured for 20 d using quantum sensors placed throughout the vertical canopy profile. Measurements were made to obtain parameters from leaves adjacent to the radiation sensors: maximum carboxylation and electron transfer capacity ( V a , J a , µ mol m − 2 s − 1 ), day respiration ( R da , µ mol m − 2 s − 1 ), leaf nitrogen concentration ( N m , mg g − 1 ) and leaf mass per unit area ( L a , g m − 2 ). Relative to upper-canopy values, V a declined linearly in 1 : 1 proportion with N a . Relative V a also declined linearly with relative Q , but with a significant intercept at zero irradiance ( P < 0·01). This intercept was strongly related to L a of the lowest leaves in each canopy ( P < 0·01, r 2 = 0·98, n = 5). For each canopy, daily ln Q was also linearly related with ln V a (P < 0·05), and the intercept was correlated with the value for photosynthetic capacity per unit nitrogen (PUN: V a / N a , µ µ mol g − 1 s − 1 ) of the lowest leaves in each canopy ( P < 0·05). V a was linearly related with L a and N a (P < 0·01), but the slope of the V a : N a relationship varied widely among sites. Hence, whilst there was a unique V a : N a ratio in each stand, acclimation in V a to Q varied predictably with L a of the lowest leaves in each canopy. The specific leaf area, L m ( cm 2 g − 1 ), of the canopy-bottom foliage was also found to predict carboxylation capacity (expressed on a mass basis; V m , µ mol g − 1 s − 1 ) at all sites ( P < 0·01). These results invalidate the hypothesis of full acclimation to irradiance, but suggest that L a and L m of the most light-limited leaves in a canopy are widely applicable indicators of the distribution of photosynthetic capacity with height in forests.
Edaphic arthropods during organic matter decomposition

In agroforestry systems tree pruning is a source of nutrients for the main crops, which makes it important to determine the decomposition rate of these residues. Among the factors influencing plant material decomposition, soil fauna plays an outstanding role. Thus, the relation between these two param- eters was the objective of the current work. The evaluation made use of litter bags filled with 50 g of leaves of gliricidia or inga and scattered on the ground of an agroforestry system. These materials were collected on days 8, 14, 20, 27, 41, 57 and 78 after setting the experiment, plus two additional inga sample collections on days 128 and 239. After collection, dry matter content and arthropod fauna (using Berlese-Tullgren funis and laboratory screening) associated to plant material in each bag were determined. Gliricidia showed an increase in fauna abundance since day 14, to decline after day 41. In the case of inga, fauna only increased after day 57. Soil fauna was observed to vary during the decomposition process and as a function of plant species decomposition rate, polyphenol content being the most influencing factor. While not all faunal groups accompanied the decomposition process, Isopoda was the one that most closely did so.
Insulin: moments in history

The isolation of insulin by Banting and Best in 1922 was a historic event of life‐saving importance. Thousands of individuals doomed to die of type I diabetes were saved. The inspiring story of insulin continued to grow and evolve with the development of PZI, NPH, and lente insulins. The advent of production of human insulin from recombinant DNA brought an end to the extraction of insulin from animal pancreas. Modification of the amino acid sequences of insulin led to new forms of fast‐acting insulin, such as lispro, aspart, and glulisine, and to long‐acting insulins like glargine and detemir. The technology of insulin pumps advanced from large, cumbersome equipment to present‐day devices no bigger than a hand calculator. The accuracy of implantable glucose sensors improved progressively, culminating in the approval of devices that will soon exert reliable feedback control of insulin pumps. Transplantation of the pancreas offers a cure for type I diabetes, and the development of islet cell transplantation continues. It is now appreciated that islet cells regenerate in the normal pancreas, and islet cell neogenesis agents have been identified and may eventually contribute to the reversal of diabetes. Drug Dev Res 69:95–100, 2008. ©2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ecological correlates of the popularity of birds and butterflies in Internet information resources

The success of conservation programs depends on using appropriate methods to demonstrate the importance of conservation to society. For example, flagship species are among the key marketing tools to motivate public support. However, they are rarely selected in a systematic, manner. In this study we addressed the issue of the colonization of human information resources by birds and butterflies in the context of wildlife conservation. We used a simple method to measure the popularity of species based on Google browsing and made an attempt to link biological characteristics of the species with their popularity in human information resources. Biological traits of species contributed significantly to explaining the occupancy (invasion) of cyberspace by the species. Commonness and body size of the species appeared to be the most informative predictors of their Google score. We believe that these results may be used by conservation organizations to assist in the selection of flagship/charismatic species, and their use in logos, for TV programs or for other public presentations. Moreover, we showed that some biological traits can affect the popularity of wildlife in society and in virtual resources.
Exploring Tourism Dynamics: Challenges in Times of Crisis

This article aims to present an overview of tourism flows evolution in Romania during the last decade and discuss its recent dynamics, taking into account challenges of the global economic crisis. Accordingly, we synthesize the results of some comparative analyses of the main indicators reflecting the flows of visitors (foreigners and residents) based on official statistics. Thus, after presenting the trends of yearly evolution in 2000-2009 comparative with 1990, we analyze monthly dynamics in 2007, 2009 and the first seven months of 2009 looking for the early signs of crisis. In addition, we point out the main evolutions and challenges of the tourism industry, as identified by recent studies of some representative organizations in the world and EU.
Static Magnetic Field and Verapamil Effect on Baroreflex Stimulus-Induced Microcirculatory Responses

Arterial baroreceptors importantly evolved in blood pressure regulation with significant clinical consequences. We studied the less explored direct effect of the arterial baroreflex on regional microcirculation. Fifty-one experiments were performed in conscious rabbits to investigate the relationship between microcirculation and arterial baroreflex subjected to stimulation with either 0.35 T static magnetic field (SMF) and/or the calcium channel blocker, verapamil. Mean femoral artery blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and a microphotoelectric plethysmogram (MPPG) of the ear lobe skin microcirculatory network were simultaneously recorded during 120 and 140 min experiments. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was assessed on the basis of the HR/MAP relationship during vasodilator (sodium nitroprusside) or vasoconstrictor (phenylephrine) drug i.v. bolus injections and by power spectral analysis estimating the transfer function from MAP to HR before and after 40 min of 0.35 T SMF (Nd2-Fe14-B magnets) local exposure to sinocarotid baroreceptors and/or verapamil infusion (20 µg/kg/min). We found significant positive correlation between MPPG and BRS (R = 0.44, p = 0.02, n = 28) indicating participation of the baroreflex regulatory mechanism in microcirculation. Both SMF and verapamil increased baroreflex stimulus-induced microcirculatory responses (p < 0.01) indicating augmentation of baroreceptor capacity to regulate microcirculation. The simultaneous application of SMF and verapamil did not affect microcirculatory response suggesting Ca2+ channels as a possible site of SMF impact. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological modulation of the baroreflex stimulus-induced microcirculatory responses implies new possibilities to improve microcirculation in target organs with potential clinical implementation.
Distribution and range expansion of deer in Ireland

1 Throughout Europe, the range of many deer species is expanding. We provide current distribution maps for red deer Cervus elaphus, sika Cervus nippon, fallow deer Dama dama and muntjac deer Muntiacus sp. in Ireland, and estimates of range expansion rates for red deer, sika and fallow deer. 2 There was a considerable expansion in the ranges of red deer, sika and fallow deer between 1978 and 2008. The compound annual rate of expansion was 7% for red deer, 5% for sika and 3% for fallow deer. The total range increase was 565% for red deer, 353% for sika and 174% for fallow deer. The potential implications of these expansions are discussed. 3 There are unknown numbers of red-sika hybrid deer in some parts of Ireland. Range expansion is likely to lead to further hybridizations with implications for the genetic integrity of deer stocks. 4 Sightings of free-roaming muntjac deer were first recorded in 2007. The distribution of confirmed sightings of single and multiple animals in the eastern region of Ireland suggests multiple releases. 5 Deer are already impacting on both the economic and biodiversity values of habitats in Ireland, where, at present, no sustainable deer management policy exists.
Competitor density cues for habitat quality facilitating habitat selection and investment decisions

The theory of species coexistence predicts avoidance between species that compete for similar resources. Recent studies, however, have suggested that facilitation is also possible if competitor density provides information about resources. Optimal solution to trade-off between competition and facilitation is predicted to occur at intermediate competitor densities. We tested this hypothesis by experimentally creating a density range of resident tit species (Parus spp.), and measured the response of a competitively subordinate migratory bird, the collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) in terms of habitat preference (settlement order and density), offspring investment (clutch size and primary sex ratio of offspring), and reproductive success (number and condition of nestlings). We show that most habitat choice and investment decisions of flycatchers were unimodally related to tit density, whereas reproductive success decreased linearly with increasing density. Flycatchers thus made mismatched investment decisions at the artificial tit densities because manipulation disassociated the natural correlation between habitat quality and population density. Apparently low and high tit densities were perceived as indication of poor quality habitat in terms of low amount or quality of resources/high mortality risk and high costs of competition, respectively. This demonstrates that competitor density can be used in assessing overall habitat quality in habitat selection and offspring investment decisions, integrating information on resources and competition. Copyright 2008, Oxford University Press.
Dispersal of Desmids by Waterbirds

Abstract Vegetative cells from nine clones of desmids were fed to both mallard ducks and killdeer. Viable cells of seven were recovered from the feces after they had been in the digestive tract for at least one hour. Vegetative cells from these same clones were readily killed by desiccation. From these results it is concluded that the vegetative cells of most desmids probably can be carried greater distances in the digestive tracts of waterbirds than on external surfaces.
Do Leptocephali of the European Eel Swim to Reach Continental Waters? Status of the Question

We examined recent arguments that leptocephali of the European eel, Anguilla anguilla, swim in an oriented manner, rather than drift, to reach the continental shelf of Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. There is a cline of increasing body length of leptocephali from south to north and from west to east from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (30°W) to the continental shelf, which could represent migration from south-west to north-east, transport eastward at all latitudes, or increased growth rate with latitude. Evidence that this cline is a trend in age of arriving glass eels along the European coast, and that the duration of migration is less than one year, is weak. Ages reported in the literature for specimens from Morocco to The Netherlands were based on the unvalidated assumption that rings in otoliths were deposited daily. The assumption is unwarranted because of low metabolic rate and uncertainty of nutritional mode of leptocephali. If the assumption were accepted, calculated hatching dates of eels arriving at the European coast imply year-round spawning. Lengths of leptocephali in the Sargasso Sea at various times imply that eels spawn only in late winter and spring. Leptocephali contain tiny amounts of muscle, especially aerobic muscle for sustained swimming. They probably have insufficient capability to swim across the Atlantic in the less than 1–2 y reported by others.
Dispersal patterns and population structure in a small marsupial, Antechinus agilis, from two forests analysed using microsatellite markers

Juvenile male agile antechinus (Antechinus agilis) are thought to disperse immediately after they leave the nest, whereas females are philopatric. However, no genetic data are available to support a hypothesis of male-biased dispersal, and the possible effects of habitat characteristics on dispersal are not known. We used five microsatellite loci to describe the dispersal patterns and population structure of A. agilis at two different forested sites (Mt Donna Buang and Mt Disappointment in central Victoria, south-eastern Australia). Within each site, DNA samples were collected from individuals from different trapping grids (four grids in Mt Donna Buang, collected over two years, and seven grids at Mt Disappointment, collected over one year). To assess levels of genetic structuring among the populations, Fst values (the proportion of genetic variance among populations) were calculated for each site and sex separately, and a test for isolation by distance was performed. Overall, Fst values were low, and did not increase with distance, and this may be the result of high levels of gene flow for both sexes at both sites, at least on the scale of less than 10 km. To investigate microsatellite patterns at a finer scale, we calculated pair-wise relatedness values separately for sites, years and sexes. By comparing these values for animals within and between grids, evidence was found for male-biased dispersal. A genetic assignment test provided further evidence for this: males were more likely to be assigned to grids other than their capture site. Most females had high assignment values for their capture site, although some of the females may have been immigrants. This result could be due to inaccuracies in the assignment test, or due to a higher frequency of dispersal of females than previously thought. The sex-biased dispersal was less pronounced at Mt Disappointment than at Mt Donna Buang. This may be related to the level of disturbance: logging patches, roads and fire-breaks (grass strips) disrupt the forest at Mt Disappointment more than at Mt Donna Buang.
Impact of stocking density and feeding regimen on broilers: performance, carcass traits and bone mineralisation

To evaluate the effects of different stocking densities (22.5, 18.75, 15, 11.25, 7.5 broilers/m2) in ad libitum (Al) and limited or pair feeding (Pf) regimens a total of 2550 Ross-308 chicks were taken. All the Pf groups were provided the same amount of feed per broiler, as determined for the Al-fed group with 22.5 broilers/m2. Daily weight gain and feed intake were reduced (P≤ 0.001) as stocking density increased in the Al groups. Feed conversion ratios were worse (P≤ 0.01) in the Pf groups. Carcass yield and mortality were not affected by density or feeding method. Length (P≤ 0.001), width and bone mineral content levels (P≤ 0.05) of the tibiotarsal bone were higher in the Al groups with no effect on bone mineral density (P> 0.05). It is concluded that feed consumption was adversely affected by stocking density resulting in poor growth and bone mineralisation.
Designing Feedback to Mitigate Distraction

A 3-D taxonomy has previously been proposed to define different distraction mitigation strategies that focus on enhancing immediate driving performance. These dimensions include the degree of automation of the mitigation strategy, the type of initiation, and the type of task being modulated by the strategy. The degree of automation can range from a simple driver alert signal to complete system control, with the automation levels being initiated either by the driver or the automation and can modulate either the driving task or the in-vehicle task. This chapter describes characteristics of different feedback types and the benefits they can provide for enhancing performance and modifying driver behavior. The chapter proposes an additional dimension in designing distraction mitigation strategies--the temporal dimension--which considers the immediate effect of the system on driving performance as well as the long-term effect on drivers' willingness to engage in a distracting activity.