Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
O custo social do desmatamento da Amazônia brasileira: o caso da castanha-do-brasil ( Bertholletia excelsa )

Este trabalho trata do desmatamento na Amazonia brasileira com enfase no custo social imposto a nacao pela reducao e perda da base florestal, em especial da castanha, um dos principais produtos nao madeireiros da floresta, no periodo de 1998 a 2008. Para medir os custos sociais do desmatamento que recaem sobre os produtores e consumidores de castanha-do-brasil, utilizou-se o conceito de excedente economico de Marshall. O custo social medio anual estimado foi da ordem de 11,6 milhoes de reais, recaindo, em media, 63 % desses custos sobre os produtores e 37 % sobre os consumidores. Portanto, todos perdem com os danos causados a base florestal e ao ecossistema da floresta tropical.
Determinants of Benthic Diatom Community Structurein Boreal Streams: the Role of Environmental and Spatial Factors at Different Scales

Abstract Benthic diatoms were sampled at 197 sites in Finnish boreal streams. The diatom distribution patterns were related to environmental and spatial factors at three spatial scales using Canonical Corre-spondence Analysis (CCA). The results emphasized the predominance of chemical-constituent concen-tration and ion composition on structuring benthic diatom communities in running waters. Within a riversystem, physical factors had notable influence on diatom community structure reflecting mainly onlyminor changes in water chemistry within a watershed. Partial CCA revealed that pure spatial compo-nent explained ca. 20% of explainable variation in diatom data at each of the three scales. Environ-mental factors captured 53–78% of explained variation in species data at ecoregion and river systemlevel. According to Procrustean Randomization Test, spatial coordinates of the study sites and patternsin diatom community structure were strongly concordant (m 2 = 0.862, p= 0.001) across the largest spatial scale. Similarly, at smaller spatial scales in southern and central Finland, congruence was signif-icant. These data support the view that diatom communities exhibit a rather strong spatial componentespecially at largest, national scale.
Impacts of Mercury on Freshwater Fish-Eating Wildlife and Humans

This paper reviews the current state of knowledge of the toxic effects of mercury on fish-eating birds, mammals, and humans associated with freshwater ecosystems, including new information on the relative risk of elevated methyl Hg exposure for fish-eating birds inhabiting aquatic ecosystems impacted by mining/smelting activities and areas characterized by high geological sources of Hg. The influence of various environmental conditions such as lake pH, DOC, and chemical speciation of Hg, on fish-Hg concentrations and Hg exposure in fish-eating wildlife, are discussed. Although a continuing global effort to decrease the release of this nonessential metal into the environment is warranted, Hg methylation and biomagnification may be limited in some environments due to chemical speciation of mercury in soils and sediments (e.g., HgS) and water quality conditions (e.g., high alkalinity and pH) that do not facilitate high methylation rates. We have shown such limitations for a lake where historic Hg mining greatly increased sediment-Hg loadings, yet Hg increases in small fish of various species are currently lower than expected, and top predators (bald eagles), despite having elevated concentrations of Hg in their blood compared with individuals from nearby lakes, exhibit no Hg-related reproductive impairment or other signs of MeHg intoxication. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that fish-eating human populations may be exposed to Hg sufficient to cause significant developmental effects. However, for humans, we conclude that the current USEPA reference dose for MeHg may be too restrictive, particularly for the less sensitive adult. The health status of indigenous peoples relying on the subsistence harvest of wild foods may be negatively affected by such restrictions.
Early primary succession on a barren volcanic plain at Mount St. Helens, Washington

The invasion pattern on a barren plain on the eastern flank of Mount St. Helens, Washington, devastated by the 1980 volcanic eruption was monitored between 1988 and 1992. All vascular plants on a grid consisting of 400 contiguous 100square-meter quadrats were recorded with a cover score. The substrate was initially homogeneous, but significant heterogeneity had developed by 1988. Vascular plant species richness increased from 24 in 1988 to 41 in 1992. Mean species richness per quadrat increased from 0.44 to 5.71, mean cover increased from 0.04% to 0.5 1 %, and mean diversity index (H) increased from 0.08 to 1.56. A variance/mean test of species richness pattern showed that invasion occurred sporadically since plots tended to have either several or no species. By 1992, mean species richness was more evenly distributed. Most seedlings continue to result from long-distance dispersal, but reproductive colonies of species are developing. Seedling distributions are controlled by microsites. Eleven common species strongly and similarly preferred safe-sites created by small rocks, undulations, or rills. However, many apparent safe-sites are empty, suggesting that seeds are scarce and that even the most favorable microsites are marginal. The niches of these species seem to overlap broadly. The Plains of Abraham is in the earliest stage of primary succession. The detailed invasion pattern permitted us to distinguish species still dependent on immigration from those now locally established. Pronounced microsite preferences emphasize that physical amelioration (e.g., nutrient input and erosion) must occur before further succession can commence. We have observed the early stages of succession where an inhospitable site is gradually and heterogeneously changed into a habitat where safe-sites do not limit succession, but where stochastic factors remain important.
Evaluation of relocation of unionid mussels into artificial ponds

Relocation of unionid mussels into refuges (e.g., hatchery ponds) has been suggested as a management tool to protect these animals from the threat of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) invasion. To evaluate the efficacy of relocation, we experimentally relocated 768 mussels, representing 5 species (Leptodea fragilis, Obliquaria reflexa, Fusconaia flava, Amblema plicata, and Quadrula quadrula) into an earthen pond at a National Fish Hatchery or back into the river. In both locations, mussels were placed into 1 of 4 treatments (mesh bags, corrals, and buried or suspended substrate-filled trays). Mussels were examined annually for survival, growth (shell length and wet mass), and physiological condition (glycogen concentration in foot and mantle and tissue condition index) for 36 mo in the pond or 40 mo in the river. We observed significant differences in mortality rates between locations (mortality was 4 times greater in the pond than in the river), among treatments (lowest mortality in the suspended trays), and among species (lower mortality in the amblemines than lampsilines). Overall survival in both locations averaged 80% the 1st year; survival in the pond decreased dramatically after that. Although length and weight varied between locations and over time, these changes were small, suggesting that their utility as short-term measures of well being in long-lived unionids is questionable. Mussels relocated to the pond were in poor physiological condition relative to those in the river, but the magnitude of these differences was small compared to the inherent variability in physiological condition of reference mussels. These data suggest that relocation of unionids into artificial ponds is a high-risk conservation strategy; alternatives such as introduction of infected host fish, identification of mussel beds at greatest risk from zebra mussels, and a critical, large-scale assessment of the factors contributing to their decline should be explored.
OLEIC ACID INHIBITS C‐REACTIVE PROTEIN‐INDUCED EXPRESSION OF INDUCIBLE NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE IN RAT AORTIC SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS

1 Oleic acid is the predominant component of olive, sunflower and avocado oil. Many studies have demonstrated that oleate exerts cardiovascular protective effects; however, the mechanism by which it acts remains unclear. 2 In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that oleate can accelerate the C‐reactive protein (CRP)‐induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in vascular smooth muscle cells. 3 Our data show that pretreatment of the cultured vascular smooth muscles cells with oleate for 3 days effectively weakened iNOS expression and nitric oxide production. Incubation with oleate also inhibited nuclear translocation and acetylation of nuclear factor‐κB p65 and reduced acetylation at Lys9 and phosphorylation at Ser10 of histone H3, which is a major regulatory mechanism for chromatin remodelling and gene expression. 4 These findings suggest that oleate has an anti‐inflammatory effect.
Daily ration and prey size of juvenile piscivore Japanese Spanish mackerel

Daily ration of juvenile Japanese Spanish mackerel Scomheromorus niphonius (32.1-33.1 mm standard length. L S ) was estimated at three temperatures (18.6, 19.5 and 21.2° C) in the laboratory. Gastric evacuation rate ranged between 0.398 (18.6° C) and 0.431 (21.2° C). Diel change in instantaneous consumption rate indicated that juvenile Japanese Spanish mackerel are daylight feeders. The estimated values of the daily ration ranged between 66.1% (18.6° C) and 82.6% (21.2° C) of body mass. These per cent values of daily ration were converted to daily consumption in mg (28 mg at 18.6° C to 34 mg at 21.2° C) using the mean dry body mass of juvenile Japanese Spanish mackerel of 30 mm (42.1 mg). Stomach content analysis of wild specimens collected in the Seto Inland Sea, south-western Japan, revealed that the majority of wild Japanese Spanish mackerel larvae and juveniles ingested fish larvae with a body size >50% of the predator L S . Based on the predator-prey size relationship, the daily consumption of a Japanese Spanish mackerel juvenile of 30 mm was equivalent to 5.1 (18.6° C) to 6.4 (21.2° C) Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus larvae which was the dominant prey organism in stomachs of the wild Japanese Spanish mackerel.
THE EFFECTS OF MITOMYCIN C ON THE PROCESS OF REMYELINATION IN THE MAMMALIAN PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Schwann cell proliferation is a prominent feature of the normal response of a peripheral nerve fibre bundle to injurious stimuli. In this report we have attempted to analyse: (1) the pattern of division of cells in the endoneurium following demyelination induced by lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC), and (2) the consequence of inhibiting this response using mitomycin C. The nuclear uptake of 3H‐thymidine was examined in post‐LPC nerves with or without pretreatment with mitomycin C by means of light microscope autoradiography and by liquid scintillation counting. It was found that mitomycin C pretreatment inhibited the Schwann cell division that follows LPC injection into the nerve and that the fibires demyelinated thereby remained unmyelinated and surrounded by debris‐filled axon‐associated Schwann cells, for at least 1 month after injection of LPC. Remyelination was well established in control fibres by the second week after LPC injection. The nature of the stimuli which might initiate mitotic activity in mature Schwann cells and the possible function of this are discussed.
Ecdysteroid levels and pupariation in drosophila melanogaster

Ecdysteroid titers measured in the haemolymph of third instar larvae of Drosophila revealed the existence of a small peak (40 ng/ml) preceding the major peak at pupariation. Under experimental conditions of delayed pupariation, the release of both ecdysteroid peaks is retarded. The possibility that the earlier pulse is implicated in the programming of the time of pupariation is raised.
Colonization of wheat roots from seed‐applied spores of Idriella (Microdochium) bolleyi: A biocontrol agent of take‐all

Wheat seedlings were grown in containers of perlite in a glasshouse, and spores of Idriella bolleyi were applied either to the seeds in alginate gel or to the perlite as aqueous suspensions. Growth and sporulation of the fungus on seeds and roots were assessed by plating methods and by retrieval of spores from water that drained from the plant containers. Idriella bolleyi sporulated heavily on seeds for up to 3 weeks when applied to them in alginate gel, andmost of the root system was infected from newly formed spores that were carried in percolating water. Removal of the inoculated seeds from seedlings at 7 days reduced the degree of root infection and temporarily reduced the number of spores in drainage water; however, spore numbers increased to control levels (seeds attached) by 21 days, indicating subsequent sporulation on the roots. When spores were applied to perlite containing young (0–3 days) seedlings I. bolleyi colonized the seeds, sporulated heavily on them and extensively colonized the roots.
Corolla Tube Length and Nectar Height of Fl Red Clover Plants (Trifolium pratense) and Their Seed Yield Following Honey-Bee Pollination

Summary Crosses between nine inbred lines of diploid doublecut red clover were measured for corolla tube length and nectar height, caged with honey-bees, and observations made on the number of bee visits and seed yield. There was evidence of additive genetic variation in nectar height, corolla tube length, bee visits and seed yield. The possibilities for improvement in these characters by selection are discussed. Attention is drawn to a remarkable discriminating behaviour of honey-bees, in that they could apparently recognize plants which had only one parent in common. A cage with a strong colony of honey-bees produced more than twice as much seed as a cage with a weak colony, and plants near to hives gave significantly more seed than plants distant from hives. Plants of English origin tended to have higher and more accessible nectar, more bee visits and greater seed yield than plants of continental origin.
Amyloid β Peptide Specifically Promotes Phosphorylation and Nuclear Translocation of the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase in Cultured Rat Cortical Astrocytes

ABSTRACT To explore cellular signaling molecules that respond to amyloid β protein (Aβ), we investigated the effect of Aβ on tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins in cultured rat cortical astrocytes. Western blotting with the phosphotyrosine-specific monoclonal antibody 4G10 demonstrated that exposure of cultured rat cortical astrocytes to 20 μM Aβ1 – 40 or Aβ25 – 35 for 24 h resulted in a prominent increase in the phosphotyrosine content of 44-kDa protein. The Aβ-induced increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of 44-kDa protein was blocked by U0126, a specific inhibitor of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase MEK. Western blotting with anti-phospho-ERK1/2 antibody and anti-ERK1/2 antibody demonstrated that Aβ1 – 40 or Aβ25 – 35 induced an increase in the dually (tyrosine and threonine) phosphorylated form of ERK1 and ERK2, with no change in total ERK1/2 level. In addition, immunofluorescent staining with anti-ERK1/2 antibody revealed that Aβ induced a significant increase in the number of cells expressing ERK1/2 mainly in the nucleus. These results suggest that Aβ specifically promotes tyrosine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of ERK in astrocytes.
A laser‐light pulse counting method for automatic and sensitive counting of bacteria stained with acridine orange

A laser-light pulse counting method was developed and investigated for its ability automatically to count acridine orange-stained bacteria and microcolonies of bacteria on the surface of polycarbonate membrane filters. The system consisted of an Argon laser which delivered a 5 μm diameter spot of coherent 488 nm wavelength light which was raster scanned across a 5×2 mm area of the membrane. Fluorescence pulses of orange light (ca 650 nm) were detected via a dichroic mirror and barrier filter with a photomultiplier tube. For microcolony preparations a good relationship between the number of light pulses and cell density down to below 102/ml was observed, but at lower cell densities counting was not reliable, probably because of fluorescent debris. The method was also able to count single cells, but background auto-fluorescence and photo-bleaching produced a high and variable background signal in some samples.
Morphofunctional characteristics of endothelial cells in coronary atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis represents a complex disease which encompasses all the components of the vascular wall. Nevertheless, according to all known theories of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the key role in this process belongs to the endothelial cells, i.e. the changes that they are subjected to especially during the initial stage of the lesion. In this review we have attempted, according to the results of our continuous research and numerous data from available modern literature, to show the cytohistological characteristics of endothelial cells, as well as the changes they are subjected to in all stages of atherosclerosis. In the first part we have reviewed the ultrastructure, function and pathology of the endothelium, subcellular organization of the endothelial cells, their specific characteristics, micro compartments and intercellular junctions. In the second part we have described the morphological and functional changes of endothelial cells during atherosclerosis. Special attention is given to the role of endothelial cells in the development of the initial stage of lesion: endothelial dysfunction, factors that cause the increased expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells and mechanisms that cause leukocytes to migrate through the endothelial layer to subendothelial connective tissue in the early stage of atherosclerosis.
Entwicklung und Zelldifferenzierung des Nucleus nervi hypoglossi beim Rind

Based upon light‐ and electron‐microscope examinations, the ontogenetic development of the nucleus of cranial nerve XII is documented. At 1‐cm crown‐rump length (CRL), the caudal pole of the nucleus nervi hypoglossi forms a uniform cell column with the cornu ventrale of the spinal cord. During this period, its caudal area shows signs of cellular degeneration. From 3.5 cm CRL onward, all nuclear groups can be identified. At 53 cm CRL, they correspond to the pattern as described in the adult brain. Electron‐optically, at 2.5 cm and 3.6 cm CRL, the nucleus of cranial nerve XII exhibits a close relationship to the matrix layer which consists of elements of dark nuclei. The hypoglossus nucleus is composed of dark and light cell types. It is the latter type that represents the presumptive neuron; it shows an increased ultrastructural differentiation from 2.5 cm CRL onward.
Três novas espécies de Dendrophryniscus Jiménez de la Espada das regiões sudeste e sul do Brasil (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae)

Dendrophryniscus carvalhoi, sp.n. from Espirito Santo, D. berthalutzae, sp.n. from Santa Catarina, and D. stawiarskyi, sp.n. from Parana, Brazil, are described and considered to be related to D. brevipollicatus Jimenez de la Espada.
An Extended Model Of Review Helpfulness: Exploring The Role Of Tie Strength, Perceived Similarity, And Normative Susceptibility

Previous studies on review information evaluation focus on the important roles of two key factors namely argument strength and source credibility but pay less attention to how social influence and social relationship exert impact on this information evaluation behavior. To fill this research gap, based on the similarity – attraction theory and social capital theory, we articulate how source credibility is determined by two social relationship factors: tie strength and perceived similarity. Further, drawing upon the social influence model, we propose that the susceptibility to normative influence intensifies the impact exerted on source credibility by tie strength and perceived similarity. Also, relationships between argument strength and review helpfulness and between source credibility and review helpfulness are both moderated by normative susceptibility. A survey is conducted to test the proposed research model and the results suggest that hypotheses are supported. The results offer important and interesting insights to information systems research and practice.
Population dynamics of the harvested clam Anomalocardia brasiliana (Bivalvia: Veneridae) in Cidade Beach, south-east Brazil

Knowledge of the population dynamics and productivity of exploited species is essential to achieve the sustainable development of fisheries, and to ensure sustainable, long-term use of these resources. The venerid clam Anomalocardia brasiliana is harvested as a fishery resource from the French West Indies to Brazil. Yet, the exploitation of this species is not backed by management or regulations based on scientific knowledge. This can result in reduced (or even depleted) A. brasiliana density and biomass. Here, we examined the population dynamics of A. brasiliana over the course of 1 year at Cidade Beach, a sheltered sandy beach located in south-eastern Brazil. Sampling was done monthly from March 2007 to February 2008. The sampled population was predominantly juvenile. Growth and recruitment were continuous, indicating no major fluctuation in limiting factors, such as temperature, salinity and food. Nevertheless, the abundance and the turnover rate (P/B ratio) of A. brasiliana at Cidade were much smaller than the values observed in other areas of occurrence. The mortality was more intense in young individuals, and the peak of individual production occurred in individuals with a 25 mm shell length, suggesting that individuals smaller than this size should not be exploited.