Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carbon isotope discrimination indicates improving water‐use efficiency of trees in northern Eurasia over the last 100 years

We investigated the response of conifer trees in northern Eurasia to climate change and increasing CO2 over the last century by measuring the carbon isotope ratio in tree rings. Samples from Larix, Pinus and Picea trees growing at 26 high‐latitude sites (59–71°N) from Norway to Eastern Siberia were analysed. When comparing the periods 1861–1890 and 1961–1990, the isotope discrimination and the ratio of the intercellular to ambient CO2 concentration (ci/ca) remained constant for trees growing in mild oceanic climate and under extremely cold and dry continental conditions. This shows a strong coordination of gas‐exchange processes, consisting in a biochemical acclimation and a reduction of the stomatal conductance. The correlation for ci/ca between the two investigated periods was particularly strong for Larix (r2=0.90) and Pinus (r2=0.94), but less pronounced for Picea (r2=0.47). Constant ci/ca under increasing CO2 in the atmosphere resulted in improved intrinsic water‐use efficiency (Wi), the amount of water loss at the leaf level per unit carbon gain. We found that 125 out of 126 trees showed increasing Wi from 1861 to 1890 to 1961 to 1990, with an average improvement of 19.2±0.9% (mean±SE). The adaptation in gas exchange and reduced transpiration of trees growing in this region must have had a strong impact on the water and energy budget, resulting in a drier and warmer surface air layer today than would exist without this vegetation–climate feedback.
Geographic adaptation in plant–soil mutualisms: tests using Acacia spp. and rhizobial bacteria

Summary 1. Variation in the effectiveness of mutualistic associations is well characterized in plant–soil symbiont interactions, yet there are little empirical data providing insight into how such variation evolves and persists in natural settings. 2. Heterogeneity in the strength and direction of co-evolutionary selection among spatially discrete demes is predicted to be important for the maintenance of genetic variation in species interactions. Here, we experimentally test the potential for local adaptation to generate phenotypic divergence among wild host–symbiont populations using two leguminous host species that differ in their specificity for rhizobial partners. 3. Molecular characterization of host populations and associated rhizobial communities revealed significant among-population genetic differentiation. Reciprocal cross-inoculation experiments testing for variation in the fitness of nine populations of Acacia salicina and A. stenophylla in response to inoculation with rhizobia revealed variation in host response to the mutualism (both host species), and the benefit conferred by different rhizobial populations (A. salicina only). However, there was no indication that host population-by-rhizobial population interactions influence the outcomes of mutualism for the host. 4. We further examined potential correlations between (i) plant response to inoculation and (ii) rhizobial effectiveness, with variation in soil fertility at the sites from which plant and rhizobial samples originated. Data from the cross-inoculation experiments revealed no correlations between soil chemistry, water availability and either host or rhizobial performance. However, analysis of results from an extensive whole-soil inoculation trial including nearly 60 A. salicina and A. stenophylla sites showed a significant negative correlation between levels of soil nitrogen and plant response to inoculation. 5. Overall, these findings suggest that selection for local adaptation may play little role in maintaining phenotypic variation in these interactions. We hypothesize that mutualistic interactions occurring among communities of hosts and symbionts do not favour co-evolutionary divergence among populations.
Different responses of plants and herbivore insects to a gradient of vegetation height: an indicator of the vertebrate grazing intensity and successional age

Empirical studies have suggested that species richness of grassland insects usually decreases under grazing management. By contrast, grazing has been shown to increase the species density and richness of vascular plants, especially on productive soils. In order to test the suggested differences in response to management between plants and insects, we simultaneously studied species richness of vascular plants and their insect herbivores, butterflies and moths, in 68 semi-natural grasslands with varying grazing intensity and frequency in SW Finland. Species richness of plants and insects was for the first time related to a quantitative measure of disturbance intensity and successional age, mean vegetation height, by using generalized additive models (GAM). The effects of soil nutrients on vegetation height were accounted for by using phosphorus concentration as a productivity surrogate. The results showed that species richness of butterflies and moths peaked in taller vegetation compared with vascular plants, corresponding to a lower disturbance intensity and increasing time since abandonment. These patterns are discussed in the light of two hypotheses, the ‘‘structural diversity hypothesis’’ and ‘‘dynamic equilibrium model’’ of Huston, both suggesting a weaker disturbance tolerance of insects compared with plants. Butterflies and moths which are specialists in their larval host-plant use (monophagous and oligophagous species) preferred lower vegetation (higher disturbances) compared with generalists (polyphagous species), as predicted by Huston’s model. This difference indicates a stronger relationship with plant species richness for specialist than for generalist butterflies and moths. Our results support the application of regionally and temporally varying grazing intensities in grassland conservation management.
Immunohistochemical localization of GABAB receptors in the rat central nervous system

The recent cloning of two γ‐aminobutyric acidB (GABAB) receptor isoforms (GABABR1a/b), which are probably splice variants of the same gene transcript, allowed us to develop an antiserum that recognized the receptors in fixed tissue and to map their distribution in the rat central nervous system (CNS). We also investigated whether GABABR1 colocalizes with glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), a marker of GABAergic cell bodies and terminals. Although GABABR1‐like immunoreactivity (GABABR1‐LI) was distributed throughout the CNS, several distinct distribution patterns emerged: (1) all monoaminergic brainstem cell groups appeared to contain very high levels of GABABR1, (2) a very high intensity of GABABR1‐LI was observed in the majority of the cholinergic regions in the CNS, with exception of motoneurons of the third through sixth cranial nerve nuclei, and (3) a low density of the receptor was observed in most of the nuclei that contain cell bodies of GABAergic projection neurons. The highest GABABR1 labeling was observed in the thalamus, interpeduncular nucleus and medial habenula. Cell bodies were labeled throughout the neuroaxis. We also observed dense neuropil labeling in many regions, suggesting that this receptor is localized in dendrites and/or axon terminals. However, in immunofluorescent double‐labeling experiments for GABABR1 and GAD, we never observed GABABR1‐LI in GAD‐positive axon terminals; this result suggests that the GABABR1 may not function as an autoreceptor. Double labeling was observed in the cell bodies of Purkinje neurons and in some interneurons. In general, the immunohistochemical localization of the GABABR1 correlates well with physiologic and autoradiographic data on the distribution of GABAB receptors, but some critical differences were noted. Thus, it is likely that additional GABAB receptor subtypes remain to be identified. J. Comp. Neurol. 405:299–321, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fusarium head blight.

The first symptoms of Fusarium head blight include a tan or brown discoloration at the base of a floret within the spikelets of the head. As the infection progresses, the diseased spikelets become light tan or bleached in appearance (Figure 1). The infection may be limited to one spikelet, but if the fungus invades the rachis the entire head may develop symptoms of the disease. The base of the infected spikelets and portions of the rachis often develop a dark brown color. When weather conditions have been favorable for pathogen reproduction, the fungus may produce small orange clusters of spores or black reproductive structures called perithecia on the surface of the glumes. Infected kernels are often shriveled, white, and chalky in appearance (Figure 2). In some cases, the diseased kernels may develop a red or pink discoloration.
Photochemical Treatment to Improve Storability of Fresh Strawberries

We investigated the effect of pre-storage exposure to shortwave ultra-violet (UV-C) light on the decay and quality of fresh strawberries. Fresh strawberries (cv. Kent, 25% to 50% red) were exposed to UV-C at doses of 0.25 and 1.0 kJ/m 2 and stored at 4 °C or 13 °C. UV treatment controlled the decay caused by Botrytis cinerea at both temperatures and extended the shelf-life of the fruits by 4 to 5 d. UV-treated fruits had a lower respiration rate, higher titratable acidity and anthocyanin content, and were firmer than the untreated fruits. The percentage of free sugars increased faster in UV-treated fruits at the beginning of the storage period. A lower electrical conductivity in fruits treated with 0.25 kJ/m 2 suggests a slower rate of senescence compared to the control. A higher electrical conductivity observed with 1.0 kJ/ m 2 suggests damage to the fruits. Overall, UV treatment at 0.25 kJ/m 2 appears to slow down the ripening and senescence of strawberry fruits stored at 4 °C.
INBREEDING DEPRESSION AND ITS EVOLUTIONARY CONSEQUENCES

The harmful effects of close inbreeding have been noticed for many centuries (34, 35, 165). With the rise of Mendelian genetics, it was realized that the main genetic consequence of inbreeding is homozygosis (165, Ch. 2). Two main theories were early proposed to account for inbreeding depression and its converse, heterosis (the increase in vigor observed in an F1 between two inbred lines). These are the overdominance and partial dominance hypotheses, discussed in more detail below. Research into this question has continued up to the present, and this is one of the topics that we discuss. Darwin (35, 36) was the first to point out that the evident adaptations of many plants for ensuring outcrossing could be understood in terms of the selective advantage of avoiding inbreeding depression. We review the evidence that the evolution of breeding systems of animals and plants has been significantly influenced by the occurrence of inbreeding depression. In order to do this, we consider the contemporary genetic theory of inbreeding depression and heterosis, and the experimental data concerning the strength of inbreeding depression. We emphasize data and theory relevant to natural, rather than domesticated, populations as we are chiefly concerned to evaluate the evolutionary significance of inbreeding depression. We do not attempt to give a complete bibliography of this very extensive field but try to concentrate on what seem to be the most significant findings in relation to this aim.
Brazilian sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis Steindachner, 1879) spawning and nursery habitats: spatial-scale partitioning and multiscale relationships with thermohaline descriptors

We provide a detailed account of the spatial structure of the Brazilian sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis) spawning and nursery habitats, using ichthyoplankton data from nine surveys (1976 – 1993) covering the Southeastern Brazilian Bight (SBB). The spatial variability of sardine eggs and larvae was partitioned into predefined spatial-scale classes (broad scale, 200– 500 km; medium scale, 50 – 100 km; and local scale, ,50 km). The relationship between density distributions at both developmental stages and environmental descriptors (temperature and salinity) was also explored within these spatial scales. Spatial distributions of sardine eggs were mostly structured on medium and local scales, while larvae were characterized by broad- and medium-scale distributions. Broad- and medium-scale surface temperatures were positively correlated with sardine densities, for both developmental stages. Correlations with salinity were predominantly negative and concentrated on a medium scale. Broad-scale structuring might be explained by mesoscale processes, such as pulsing upwelling events and Brazil Current meandering at the northern portion of the SBB, while medium-scale relationships may be associated with local estuarine outflows. The results indicate that processes favouring vertical stability might regulate the spatial extensions of suitable spawning and nursery habitats for the Brazilian sardine.
Previous year's reproductive state affects Spotted Owl site occupancy and reproduction responses to natural and anthropogenic disturbances

ABSTRACT Understanding interactions among site occupancy, reproduction, vegetation, and disturbance for threatened species can improve conservation measures, because important aspects of vegetation and disturbances may be identified and managed. We used 9 yr of survey data collected at 168 sites to investigate dynamic site occupancy and reproduction in a declining population of California Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) in southern California, USA. We used multistate models to examine the relationship among owl site occupancy, reproduction, high-severity wildland fire, and postfire logging, while accounting for variation in vegetation characteristics and variation in detectability. Both occupancy and reproduction were positively correlated with successful reproduction in the previous year. Tree cover (ha) in a site's 203-ha core area also was positively correlated with both occupancy and reproduction. We detected no effect of disturbance covariates on reproduction, given that a site was occupied. Fire and logging covariates were both negatively correlated with the probability of site occupancy, and the effect sizes of these disturbances were large in sites that were occupied by owls that were nonreproductive the previous year (reduced 0.19 by fire and 0.26 by post-fire logging), but small in sites that were occupied by owls that were reproductive the previous year (reduced 0.02 by fire and 0.03 by postfire logging). This study illustrates the important contribution of consistently occupied and productive breeding sites to this population of Spotted Owls, and demonstrates that both occupancy and reproduction at these productive sites exhibited negligible effects from disturbances. Our results suggest that sites with recent owl reproduction and sites with more tree cover in this study area should receive enhanced protection from management actions that modify vegetation utilized by Spotted Owls.
Mixing whole‐crop pea–oat silage and grass–clover silage: positive effects on intake and milk production of dairy cows

Forty-eight high-yielding dairy cows of the Swedish Red breed were used to examine the effects of providing pea–oat silage (P), grass–clover silage (G) and a 0·50:0·50 mixture of the silages (M) ad libitum in diets with two concentrate levels (7 or 10 kg d−1). A 9-week experiment, including a 2-week pre-experimental period in which the cows were all fed the same diet, and an in vivo apparent digestibility study were conducted comparing the six dietary treatments (M7, M10, P7, P10, G7, G10). Intake and digestibility of the diets and milk production and live weight of the cows were measured. The G silage [11·3 MJ ME kg−1 dry matter (DM)] was first-cut grass herbage wilted for 24 h prior to addition of an additive, containing formic acid, propionic acid and ammonia, at 4 L t−1 fresh matter (FM). The P forage was cut when the peas were at pod fill and ensiled directly with 6 L t−1 FM of the same additive. The main hypothesis tested, that cows fed the M silage would produce more milk than the cows fed either the P or the G silages, was confirmed. The cows fed the M7 dietary treatment had similar milk yield and milk composition to cows offered the M10, G10 and P10 dietary treatments, and cows offered the G7 and P7 dietary treatments had lower milk and milk protein yields. This suggested that a mixed ration of pea–oat bi-crop and grass–clover silage has a concentrate-sparing effect, and that the use of pea–oat bi-crop and grass–clover silage as a mixed ration for high-yielding dairy cows can be recommended.
Long‐term trends in Secchi depth in the Baltic Sea

dNutrient loads to the Baltic Sea have increased during the last century, and primary production has probably also risen. However, the evidence of such a rise is circumstantial, and most of the available findings concerning primary production cover only brief time periods. A more appropriate type of data in this area is Secchi disk measurements. We present the results of trend tests applied to Secchi depth values recorded during two discrete time periods: 19 19-l 939 and 1969-l 99 1. We performed a step trend test to compare the data from the two periods and applied a monotonic trend test to the later series. Both tests showed that Secchi depth decreased by -0.05 m yr-’ during both periods. Calculations of changes in chlorophyll concentrations suggest a yearly increase of - 1%. Extending the calculations to represent primary production indicates an increase of slightly < 1% yr- l. These calculations, however, are unreliable due to substantial uncertainty regarding the relationships between Secchi depth and chlorophyll concentration and chlorophyll and primary produclion.
Understanding the Impacts of Connected Autonomous Vehicles on Pedestrians with Visual Impairment

This thesis develops a policy-framework that can be used for minimizing communication issues between connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) and visually impaired pedestrians. The existing literature on CAVs is highly focused on different perspectives of the possible users of these technologies. Since, this research uses a dataset collected through a tailor-made stated adaptation survey among visually impaired pedestrians. The dataset includes the current mobility issues of this community, their perceptions about CAVs, and a wide range of socioeconomic attributes. Some evidence-based recommendations are provided on communication techniques, based on the key findings of a series of structural equation models (SEM) and ordered logit models estimated using the survey data. The results reveal that the low-noise issue of electric engines influences visually impaired pedestrians’ safety and security in the contexts of CAVs. It shows that respondents who rely on mobile applications and technology-based devices for navigating purposes tend to trust in CAVs.
Swift Fox Response to Prescribed Fire in Shortgrass Steppe

Abstract Swift foxes (Vulpes velox) are shortgrass specialists and as a result are heavily dependent upon grassland disturbance regimes to maintain high-quality habitat. To better understand this relationship, we monitored the movement and spatial ecology of resident swift foxes before and after a 2005 prescribed burn in southeastern Colorado. We hypothesized that foxes would shift home ranges into and increase foraging activity within the prescribed burn area. Foxes did appear to alter their space-use patterns in response to the burn, although the response was constrained by territoriality. Foxes whose core-use areas overlapped the burn increased their use of the burn area for foraging and denning, but we did not observe shifts of individual home ranges to encompass more of the burned area. Foxes whose core-use areas did not overlap the burn did not alter their space use or change home range boundaries in response to the burn. Because we observed only positive or neutral responses to prescribed burning, we recommend this tool as an appropriate method to maintain high-quality swift fox habitat.
On the Culture of the Plankton Diatom Thalassiosira grauida Cleve, in Artificial Sea-water

1. Attempts to obtain good cultures of Thalassiosira gravida in a purely artificial medium, made by dissolving in doubly distilled water Kahlbaum's pure chemicals in the proportions in which the salts occur in sea-water, adding nitrates, phosphates and iron according to Miquel's method and sterilizing the medium, have not succeeded. If, however, a small percentage of natural sea-water (less than 1 per cent will produce a result) be added to the artificial medium and the whole sterilized excellent cultures are obtained, which are often better than any which have been got when natural sea-water forms the foundation of the culture medium. The result appears to be due to some specific substance present in minute quantity in the natural sea-water which is essential to the vigorous growth of the diatoms. The nature of this substance it has not been possible to determine, but some evidence seems to suggest that it is a somewhat stable organic compound. Provided the 1 per cent of natural sea-water is added, the various constituents of the artificial sea-water forming the basis of the culture medium can be varied in amount within wide limits. The salinity of the medium can also be considerably altered without serious detriment to the cultures. The experiments recorded are of interest as furnishing another instance of the importance in food substances of minute traces of particular chemical compounds. They may also eventually throw light upon the nature of the conditions in the sea which are specially favourable to the production of plant life and therefore also of the animal life which that plant life sustains.
Cymatium parthenopeum parthenopeum (von Salis, 1793) (Mesogastropoda: Ranellidae): A New Bioindicator of Organotin Compounds Contamination?

This work reports the occurrence of imposex in the mesogastropod Cymatium parthenopeum parthenopeum in the coast of Espirito Santo (Southeastern Brazil) and evaluates the possible use of this species as a bioindicator of organotins (OTs) contamination. A total of 53 adult specimens were sampled at Formosa beach nearby the Vitoria main marina, which is a critical area for this kind of contamination. The animals were analyzed using a non-destructive protocol and a sub-sample of 7 animals (6 imposexed females and 1 control male) were dissected for a more detailed observation. Imposex development was observed in 39 out of 44 sampled females. Imposexed females showed pre-penis and penis development, but a vas deferens development similar to that of the males was not observed. No sign of sterility was found. A comparison with data from other species in this area indicates that C. parthenopeum parthenopeum, although less sensitive to imposex induction, can be used as biological indicator of OTs contamination.
Widespread Coral Mortality and the 1982–83 El Niño Warming Event

The massive ‘bleaching’ (loss of zooxanthellae) and death of reef corals that occurred in one area (Gulf of Chiriquí) on the Pacific side of Panamá and in the Galápagos Islands during February—April 1983 continued in these areas until September—October 1983, resulting in a catastrophic disturbance. Similar episodes have been reported subsequently throughout much of the tropical eastern Pacific region (Costa Rica, the entire Pacific coast of Panamá, and Colombia), in the central and western Pacific Ocean, in parts of the western Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica, Panamá, and Colombia), and in the Florida Keys and Bahama Islands.