Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecological Restoration Priorities and Opportunities in Piñon-Juniper Woodlands

Piñon-juniper (Pinus spp.-Juniperus spp.) vegetation covers a large area of western North America and exhibits enormous diversity in environmental conditions, species composition, historical disturbance regimes, and changes during the past century. Many stands have degraded canopies, understories, or both, and are candidates for ecological restoration. Development of an effective restoration strategy entails understanding the historical conditions and dynamics of the specific area and distinguishing between passive vs. active restoration, structural vs. functional restoration, and restoration of canopy vs. understory. Restoration objectives and methods must be tailored to suit a particular woodland area; consequently, a “one-size-fits-all” approach is unlikely to produce satisfactory results. This paper presents 5 case studies to illustrate a spectrum of historical and current ecological conditions and appropriate restoration strategies that managers may encounter in piñon-juniper woodlands of the southwestern U.S. The case studies include passive restoration of a generally pristine old-growth woodland and active restoration of 4 habitats that are degraded in different ways. We close by suggesting a general approach to assessing restoration needs and methods. Although the examples are from the Four Corners region of the U.S., the general principles apply to other piñon-juniper vegetation across the West.
Cell-free mRNA translation in a microbiochemical reactor

A living cell is a huge network of chemical reactions in a compartmentalized microstructure. Realization of such a system using MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology would contribute to biological study and to development of an intelligent biochip. The authors have been focusing on protein synthesis in microreactors, because this process plays a central role in the chemical networks in living cells. This paper demonstrates that messenger RNA (mRNA)-polyuridylic acid-was translated into polypeptide-polyphenylalanine-in our primitive microreactor which was fabricated using conventional MEMS techniques: silicon anisotropic etching and glass-silicon anodic bonding. The microreactor has a main reaction channel which is 14 millimeters long, 800 microns wide, and 20 microns deep. The amount of polyphenylalanine, which was synthesized in the channel, was determined using radioisotope assay.
Channel Catfish Hatchery Production Efficiency Using a Vertical-Lift Incubator (the See-Saw) at Various Egg Loading Rates

Abstract Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus spawns are typically incubated in 0.25-in-mesh baskets suspended in water that is agitated with paddles positioned between the baskets. We previously tested a vertical-lift incubator (the “See-Saw”) using Channel Catfish spawns. When loaded with spawns at rates higher than recommended for traditional paddle-type incubators, as often occurs during the peak of the spawning season, survival to the swim-up stage was significantly (2.3 times) higher with the See-Saw than with traditional incubators. This project examined the effect of spawn loading rate and added oxygen on fry production with the See-Saw. In study 1, See-Saws were loaded with 15.0 ± 0.1 lb (mean ± SE; 219,825 eggs), 30.1 ± 0.1 lb (446,055 eggs), 45.1 ± 0.1 lb (668,206 eggs), or 60.1 ± 0.1 lb (891,157 eggs) of spawns per trough. Water flow averaged 2.1 gal/min—roughly 40% of the rate recommended for paddle-type incubators. Swim-up fry production increased in proportion to egg loading density up to 45.
Effects of autodisseminated Metarhizium guizhouense PSUM02 on mating propensity and mating competitiveness of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

We investigated the effects of inoculation by Metarhizium guizhouense PSUM02 on mating propensity and mating competitiveness of Bactrocera cucurbitae, with a view on pest management. On day 4 postinoculation, the M. guizhouense-treated male flies had significantly lowered mating propensity and mating competitiveness, while the treated female flies had reduced mating propensity on day 4 and reduced mating competitiveness on day 5. The mating propensity and competitiveness of treated male and female flies then further declined until death. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis of treated male and female flies gave average survival times (AST) of 6.2 ± 0.2 and 5.4 ± 0.3 days in the mating propensity assay, and about 5.0 ± 0.1 and 4.4 ± 0.2 days in the mating competitiveness assay. The AST of untreated flies ranged from 12.8 ± 0.1 to 14.7 ± 0.2 days for comparison (observation up to 15 days). Untreated flies had decreased AST and mating characteristics when exposed to contact with treated male flies, indicating transmission of the fungal infection by such contact also to untreated male flies. Surprisingly, contact with treated female flies did not affect the AST of untreated males or females in the same cage. These results corroborate the potential for pest control by autodissemination with treated male flies, which transmit the fungus to a healthy population better than the treated female flies.
Expression of α-SMA, desmin and vimentin in canine liver with fibrosis

In this work, 36 canine livers with fibrosis were examined. Based on the degree of fibrosis, the livers were classified into three groups: 1- mild portal fibrosis; 2- moderate portal fibrosis with mild periportal and septal fibrosis; 3- severe portal fibrosis with marked periportal and septal fibrosis or cirrhosis. Normal liver sections obtained from five dogs with no evidence of infectious, neoplastic, or cardiovascular diseases were used as controls. The degree of fibrosis was evaluated on liver sections stained according to Masson's trichrome method. It was proved using an immunohistochemical method that HSC and periductal myofibroblasts are immunoreactive to desmin, vimentin and α-SMA. Desmin, vimentin and α-SMA positive cells in the portal triad were significantly more numerous in dogs with fibrosis of the third degree than in the controls or all other examined livers. The density of α- SMA, vimentin and desmin-positive cells in the portal triad was in correlation with the degree of fibrosis, which cannot be said for HSC. These results suggest that portal myofibroblasts have a significant role in the process of liver fibrosis in dogs.
Preparing for the European Water Framework Directive — making the links between habitat and aquatic biota

1.The European Commission published the Directive ‘Establishing a Framework for Community Action in the Field of Water Policy’ (Water Framework Directive) in December 2000. The Directive recognizes for the first time the importance of aquatic biota in assessing the quality of European fresh and marine waters. 2.Specific objectives of the Directive are to prevent further deterioration and protect and enhance the status of aquatic ecosystems. 3.The Directive is unique in setting ecological targets (‘high and good ecological status’) for surface waters and, in doing so, the Commission has recognized the need for an integrated approach to managing three of the components of aquatic habitats: water quality, water quantity and physical structure. 4.A series of ‘tasks’ required by the Directive aims to produce River Basin Management Plans, detailing Programmes of Measures to ensure that all rivers achieve at least ‘good ecological status’ by 2015. 5.The River InVertebrate Prediction And Classification System (RIVPACS) influenced the drafting of the Directive, with the concept of a reference state and the selection of river typology variables. RIVPACS provides a more ecologically robust link between habitat variables and biological elements than some of the systems now enshrined in the Directive. 6.The real challenge posed by the Directive for ecologists and river managers alike will be to integrate the scientific studies on separate habitat components, such as flow, and single taxonomic groups such as salmonid fish, into a holistic view of the ecological status of river basins. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of DNA polymorphism of bovine pituitary-specific transcription factor and leptin gene between Iranian Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle using PCR-RFLP.

Variations at DNA level contribute to the genetic characterization of livestock populations and this may help to identify possible hybridization events as well as past evolutionary trends. The leptin and Pit-1 are attractive candidate genes for production and reproduction traits in cattle. A total of 247 animals from four breeds from two species of Iranian cattle populations in include Bos taurus (Sarabi, Golpayegani) and Bos indicus (Sistani, Taleshi) were genotyped for the Pit-1 Hinfl and leptin Sau3AI polymorphisms by the Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The genotype and gene frequencies for each group were determined and shown to be quite variable among the breeds. The allele B for the leptin gene and allele A for the Pit-1 gene were investigated high frequency in Bos indicus. Candidate gene approach may be a useful method to measure of genetic distance for cross breeding program between taurin and indicine cattle.
Neogenesis of β-cells in adult BETA2/NeuroD-deficient mice

BETA2/NeuroD, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, is expressed in pancreatic endocrine cells during development and regulates insulin gene expression. We demonstrated previously that the endocrine pancreas of BETA2/NeuroD-deficient mice undergoes massive apoptosis and, consequently, animals die of diabetes shortly after birth. Here we show that a significant fraction of BETA2-deficient mice in a new genetic background can survive diabetes and live to adulthood through the process of β-cell neogenesis. Morphometric examination indicates that pancreatic β-, but not α-cell mass, was restored to a level comparable to that of wild-type animals. However, the newly formed islet cells cannot form mature islets of Langerhans, indicating an indispensable role of BETA2 in morphogenesis of normal islet structure. Furthermore, immunohistochemical examinations revealed that newly formed β-cells of BETA2/NeuroD-deficient mice come from two sources: either directly budding from the pancreatic ductal tree or fr.
Anatomy of Osmundaceae

Arm-chair science. -Sir RAY LANKESTER has brought together in book form a group of papers which he contributed to a London daily paper,", and which were addressed, of course, to the general public. It is a good illustration of the attitude of the man of science in England, as contrasted with the attitude of his colleagues in the United States. He wishes the public to know of the achievements of science, and this same spirit makes of the British Association a body of great popular interest. Of course "science from an easy chair" is not exact science, for it talks about subjects in an entertaining and suggestive way rather than about demonstrated facts. But still it is a fair question whether the arousing of interest in this way is not justified by the results. It is of interest to note a zoologist's selection of botanical topics for such presentation. It is as follows: "A rival of the fabled upas tree" (which turns out to be Rhus Toxicodendron), "Poisons and stings of plants and animals," "The simplest living things," "The origin of opium," besides general biological topics that pertain to both animals and plants. -J. M. C.
Increase of atmospheric CO2 promotes phytoplankton productivity

It is usually thought that unlike terrestrial plants, phytoplankton will not show a significant response to an increase of atmospheric CO2. Here we suggest that this view may be biased by a neglect of the effects of carbon (C) assimilation on the pH and the dissociation of the C species. We show that under eutrophic conditions, productivity may double as a result of doubling of the atmospheric CO2 concentration. Although in practice productivity increase will usually be less, we still predict a productivity increase of up to 40% in marine species with a low affinity for bicarbonate. In eutrophic freshwater systems doubling of atmospheric CO2 may result in an increase of the productivity of more than 50%. Freshwaters with low alkalinity appeared to be very sensitive to atmospheric CO2 elevation. Our results suggest that the aquatic C sink may increase more than expected, and that nuisance phytoplankton blooms may be aggravated at elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
The Role of Jak/STAT Pathways in Osteoclast Differentiation

Osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells of monocyte/macrophage origin and are culprits of bone destruction associated with osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer bone metastasis. Recent advances in osteoclast biology revealed central roles of various cytokines in regulating osteo-clastogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. However, exact underlying mechanisms including signaling pathways downstream of receptor ligation are still under pursuit. In the present review, the role of Jak/STAT proteins and their regulators will be discussed in connection with osteoclastogenesis, since growing evidence indicates that a number of cytokines and growth factors utilizing Jak/STAT signaling pathways affect osteoclastogenesis. A better understanding on the role of Jak/STAT pathways in osteoclast differentiation will not only strengthen our knowledge on osteoclast biology but also provide invaluable insights into the development of anti-resorptive strategies for treating bone-lytic diseases.
Intra-specific abundance-distribution relationships

Mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the relationship between abundance (mean abundance at occupied sites) and distribution (proportion of sites occupied) have been based on (1) differences among species that affect either their ability to exploit resources or their ability to move through the landscape, (2) differences in species' landscapes that affect rates of successful dispersal of individuals, or (3) statistical arguments. Existence of an intra-specific abundance-distribution relationship where species differences cannot be a factor would provide evidence that differences in species' landscapes likely contribute to the inter-specific abundance-distribution relationship. We examined the intra-specific relationship between abundance and distribution for 20 species of boreal forest songbirds. Abundance and distribution were calculated for each species in 52 to 119 locations over an area of 300 km x 100 km of northwestern Ontario. Based on separate regressions, 16 of the species demonstrated significant positive relationships between abundance and distribution at α=0.05. The weighted mean partial correlation for all species combined was greater than zero (P < 0.05). Meta-analysis indicated that there is no significant variation in the abundance-distribution correlation among species. This study provides evidence that amount of habitat within a landscape contributes to a positive intra-specific abundance-distribution relationship and therefore suggests that this factor could also contribute to the positive abundance-distribution relationship that is commonly found among species within an assemblage.
Glyceroglycolipids from Citrus hystrix, a Traditional Herb in Thailand, Potently Inhibit the Tumor-Promoting Activity of 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol 13-Acetate in Mouse Skin

Two glyceroglycolipids were isolated from the leaves of Citrus hystrix (bitter orange), a traditional herb in Thailand. They were identified as 1,2-di-O-α-linolenoyl-3-O-β-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol (DLGG, 1) and a mixture of two compounds, 1-O-α-linolenoyl-2-O-palmitoyl-3-O-β-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol (2a) and its counterpart (2b) (LPGG, 2). Both lipids were potent inhibitors of tumor promoter-induced Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) activation. The IC 50 values of 1 and 2 were strikingly lower than those of representative cancer preventive agents such as α-linolenic acid, β-carotene, or (-)-epigallocatechin gallate. In a two-stage carcinogenesis experiment on ICR mouse skin with dimethylbenz[α]anthracene (DMBA) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), compound 1 exhibited anti-tumor-promoting activity even at a dose 10 times lower than that of α-linolenic acid. As some synthetic detergents or saponins were entirely inactive in the EBV activation inhibition test, detergency was suggested not to play a major role in the mode of inhibitory action in vivo. The inhibition of the arachidonic acid cascade may be involved in anti-tumor promotion since 1 inhibited TPA-induced edema formation in the anti-inflammation test using ICR mouse ears.
Diversidade genética molecular de progênies de dendezeiro

The objective of this work was to assess the genetic diversity between and within progenies of dura type oil palm from Deli. Genetic characterization was performed with microsatellite markers on 24 oil palm progenies used in commercial seed production, of which 22 originated from self-fertilization and two from cross-fertilization between full siblings. Molecular analysis of variance was carried out among and within progenies, and a dendrogram was constructed. Low genetic variability was observed within progenies, with an average of 1.32 alleles per locus and total variance of 0.3241. Most of the variation was found between progenies. The lower genetic variability within progenies can be explored in crossings with endogamic progenies from other origins, which would facilitate heterosis in order to develop new varieties.
Western Gorilla Vocal Repertoire and Contextual Use of Vocalizations

Despite considerable interest in the vocal communication of non-human primates and its possible relevance to theories of language evolution, we know surprisingly little about how vocal communication varies between closely related species inhabiting differing environments. Here, we provide the first quantitative description of the vocal repertoire, calling rates, and call usage in wild western gorillas and compare it to the previous work on mountain gorilla vocal behavior. During 1572 h of focal follows (n = 533), we collected behavioral data on and recorded vocalizations (n = 2163) of eight individuals in one group at Mondika Research Center (Republic of Congo). We supplemented these data with opportunistic recordings of an additional adult male in a second group. We used discriminant function analysis to test how well calls can be categorized by their acoustic structure and used behavioral data to determine the typical usage of western gorilla call types. The vocal repertoire comprised of 17 call types. Twelve of 17 call types were given primarily in a single context. Our results were similar to previous studies of mountain gorillas in that grunts, and grumbles were used most frequently and the silverback male vocalized more frequently than other group members. However, compared to mountain gorillas, western gorillas used an additional call type (sex-whinny), used a second call type (hoot series) in a completely different context and by all age–sex classes, and used many more call types in a more context-specific fashion. Our study suggests that although vocal production is highly constrained by morphology and phylogeny, differing social and ecological conditions can yield differences in the use and function of calls, even between two closely related species such as western and mountain gorillas.
Fish biodiversity in the marine Norian (Late Triassic) of northern Italy: The first Neopterygian radiation

Abstract The Middle‐Late Norian (220–215 Mya) vertebrate fauna from the Zorzino Limestone had numerous neopterygian genera. Though known since the Permian, neopterygians were not particularly diverse until the Norian, when major orders (Semionotiformes, Pycnodontiformes, Macrosemiiformes, Pholidophoriformes) radiated. Currently, 12 genera belonging to these orders are known from this fauna, a few more awaiting description. Palaeopterygians are also well represented (e.g., Sauricbthys, Birgeria, Thoracoptenis and Gabanellid). Genera showing durophagous dentitions, adapted for crushing or nibbling different prey, belong to the Neopterygii, while paleopterygians mainly have predatory adaptations. Thus it is likely that the radiating neopterygians were not able to compete with more primitive forms on the highest trophic levels of active predation. Compared to earlier actinopterygians they developed an ‘underexploited’ trophic adaptation, durophagy. A new, more favourable environment was unlikely to have been .
Effect of Bacillus cereus UW85 on the yield of soybean at two field sites in Wisconsin.

Bacillus cereus strain UW85 was evaluated for its effect on the yield of three cultivars of soybean (Glycine max) over five seasons at two Wisconsin field sites where Phytophthora sojae was present naturally and that had low to severe disease potential for Phytophthora dampingoff and root rot. The soybean cultivars, selected on the basis of genetic resistance to Phytophthora root rot, were 29725-15G (susceptible), DSR-262 (tolerant), and Elgin 87 (resistant, Rps1-k allele). Soybeans were treated at planting with spore-based formulations of B. cereus or metalaxyl, applied in-furrow or to the seed. At Racine, Wisconsin, higher soybean yields were consistently associated with the genetically tolerant and resistant cultivars. Certain B. cereus treatments provided a significant yield benefit for the susceptible cultivar in all five growing seasons, and for all cultivars in 1990 when the disease pressure was especially high. At Whitewater, Wisconsin, higher yields were not associated with genetic resistance to Phytophthora root rot and there was evidence of pre-emergence damping-off. For the susceptible cultivar, yields for B. cereus treatments and metalaxyl did not differ significantly from the untreated control except in 1990, when yield and stand counts benefited from those treatments. Yield of the resistant cultivar was improved significantly by treatment with either B. cereus or metalaxyl in 1990, 1991, and 1992. The formulation of B. cereus influenced efficacy: clay granule formulations of UW85 applied in-furrow were the most consistent, but no single formulation of either B. cereus or metalaxyl exhibited efficacy at both sites and in all years. These data suggest that B. cereus improved soybean yield under conditions in which Phytophthora root rot influenced yield as well as under conditions in which other factors influenced yield