Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carotenoid scarcity, synthetic pteridine pigments and the evolution of sexual coloration in guppies (Poecilia reticulata)

Carotenoid–based sexual coloration is the classic example of an honest signal of mate quality. Animals cannot synthesize carotenoid pigments and ultimately depend on dietary sources. Thus, in carotenoid–poor environments, carotenoid coloration may be a direct indicator of foraging ability and an indirect indicator of health and vigour. Carotenoid coloration may also be affected, more directly, by parasites in some species. Carotenoids are not, however, the only conspicuous pigments available to animals. Pteridine pigments, with similar spectral properties, are displayed in the exoskeletons and wings of insects, the irides of birds and the skins of fishes, lizards and amphibians. Unlike carotenoids, pteridines are synthesized de novo by animals. We report that the orange spots that male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) display to females contain red pteridine pigments (drosopterins) in addition to carotenoids. We also examined the relationship between drosopterin production by males and carotenoid availability in the field. The results contrasted sharply with the hypothesis that males use drosopterins to compensate for carotenoid scarcity: males used more, not less, drosopterins in streams with higher carotenoid availability. The positive association between drosopterin use and carotenoid availability could reflect the costs of drosopterin synthesis or it could be a consequence of females preferring a particular pigment ratio or hue. Male guppies appear to use drosopterin pigments in a manner that dilutes, but does not eliminate, the indicator value of carotenoid coloration.
River ice cover influence on sediment transportation at present and under projected hydroclimatic conditions

A large number of rivers are frozen annually, and the river ice cover has an influence on the geomorphological processes. These processes in cohesive sediment rivers are not fully understood. Therefore, this paper demonstrates the impact of river ice cover on sediment transport, i.e. turbidity, suspended sediment loads and erosion potential, compared with a river with ice‐free flow conditions. The present sediment transportation conditions during the annual cycle are analysed, and the implications of climate change on wintertime geomorphological processes are estimated. A one‐dimensional hydrodynamic model has been applied to the Kokemäenjoki River in Southwest Finland. The shear stress forces directed to the river bed are simulated with present and projected hydroclimatic conditions. The results of shear stress simulations indicate that a thermally formed smooth ice cover diminishes river bed erosion, compared with an ice‐free river with similar discharges. Based on long‐term field data, the river ice cover reduces turbidity statistically significantly. Furthermore, suspended sediment concentrations measured in ice‐free and ice‐covered river water reveal a diminishing effect of ice cover on riverine sediment load. The hydrodynamic simulations suggest that the influence of rippled ice cover on shear stress is varying. Climate change is projected to increase the winter discharges by 27–77% on average by 2070–2099. Thus, the increasing winter discharges and possible diminishing ice cover periods both increase the erosion potential of the river bed. Hence, the wintertime sediment load of the river is expected to become larger in the future. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dichromatic Colour Vision in Wallabies as Characterised by Three Behavioural Paradigms

Despite lacking genetic evidence of a third cone opsin in the retina of any Australian marsupial, most species tested so far appear to be trichromatic. In the light of this, we have re-examined colour vision of the tammar wallaby which had previously been identified as a dichromat. Three different psychophysical tests, based on an operant conditioning paradigm, were used to confirm that colour perception in the wallaby can be predicted and conclusively explained by the existence of only two cone types. Firstly, colour-mixing experiments revealed a Confusion Point between the three primary colours of a LCD monitor that can be predicted by the cone excitation ratio of the short- and middle-wavelength sensitive cones. Secondly, the wavelength discrimination ability in the wallaby, when tested with monochromatic stimuli, was found to be limited to a narrow range between 440 nm and 500 nm. Lastly, an experiment designed to test the wallaby’s ability to discriminate monochromatic lights from a white light provided clear evidence for a Neutral Point around 485 nm where discrimination consistently failed. Relative colour discrimination seemed clearly preferred but it was possible to train a wallaby to perform absolute colour discriminations. The results confirm the tammar wallaby as a dichromat, and so far the only behaviourally confirmed dichromat among the Australian marsupials.
Deep Currents and Their Interpretation as Equatorial Waves in the Western Pacific Ocean

Abstract Vertical profiles of current and density made within 5° latitude of the equator along longitudes 168 and 179°E (the vicinity of the Gilbert Islands) reveal multiple deep current reversals which are confined to the equator. These current jets have amplitudes of roughly 5–20 cm s−1, vertical scales of order hundreds of meters, and time scales longer than the one month of measurements during the cruise. Spectral analysis of profiles indicates that 1) meridional trapping varies roughly as the square root of the vertical scale, 2) both east and north currents are coherent over meridional separations of 0°45′ within roughly 1°30′ of the equator; and 3) zonal current lags vertical displacement by π/4 in depth within 0°45′ of the equator. Zonal coherence scales are smaller than the smallest separation of 3°30′ along the equator. Kinetic energy decreases near the island chain. Current-meter records taken over nearly two years near the islands suggest strong quasi-annual variability in deep currents near t.
Characterization of a goldfish antigen during development and regeneration of the visual system

Abstract Normal, regenerating, and developing optic nerves of the goldfish were studied utilizing a monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1E1T which has specificity for Müller cells in the retina, radial ghal cells in the tectum, and non-neuronal cells in the optic nerve. Sections of the normal optic nerve revealed longitudinally oriented chains of non-neuronal cells, that were 4–8 cells long The number of chains in the normal nerve was very few. In addition, short acellular septa, probably the connective tissue septa, were also labeled with mAb 1E1T. Sections of crushed optic nerves showed an increase in the antigen recognized by mAb 1E1T within the septa and new septa were now visualized. Furthermore, the existing septa were longer and extended the length of the optic nerve. The formation and elongation of the septa occurred as early as 3 day postcrush. Between 3 and 11 d postcrush, there was heavy labeling of the septa and a large accumulation of non-neuronal cells at the crush site. At 3 months postcrush, the accumulation of non-neuronal cells labeled by mAb 1E1T were no longer visible but heavy labeling of the septa was still apparent.
Magma Mixing and Cretaceous Crustal Growth: Geology and Geochemistry of Granites in the Central Sierra Nevada Batholith, California

Major- and trace-element data suggest that some granites exposed in the Sierra Nevada batholith represent appropriate end members in a mixing process that generated voluminous granodiorites. Geochemical trends in a range of rock types indicate that the highest-silica granites have been variably modified by partial melting and/or fractional crystallization. Trends in initial Sr, Nd, and common Pb isotope ratios reveal little variation within a wide range of rock types in the same suite, but significant spatial and isotopic variation among individual suites of rocks. These observations are consistent with the interpretation that granites in the Sierra are generated by partially melting juvenile, mantle-derived diorites and mixed with penecontemporaneous mantle melts. With the exception of one spatially limited suite in this study, there is little evidence that ancient continental crust was involved in the generation of the central Sierra Nevada batholith. Instead, isotopic trends from east to west in this study indicate that the majority of granites in the central Sierra Nevada are likely juvenile crust. These observations may dramatically increase estimates of crustal growth rates in the western United States during the Mesozoic.
Temperature responses of mice to Escherichia coli endotoxin.

Abstract SJL mice kept in a 23° environment and injected intravenously with Escherichia coli endotoxin developed a marked hypothermia compared with animals given pyrogen-free saline (PFS). In contrast, giving endotoxin to SJL mice which had been “pre-conditioned” for 4 hr at 36° caused relative hyperthermia. Both responses were best observed at 1½ hr after injection. An endotoxin dose of 0·02 μg. was at the threshold of detectability in mice pre-conditioned at 36°, while with 23° animals, the threshold dose was 0·2 μg. Dose-response curves, with an index of precision (λ) of about 0·73, were obtained for mice in both environments, endotoxin doses of about 20 μg. being in the plateau regions of maximum responses. Mouse strains SWR/J and CMRL behaved similarly to SJL, but the temperature responses at both 23° and 36° were smaller. BALB/cJ and AKR/J mice showed a hyperthermic response to endotoxin at 36° but no hypothermia at 23°, while ST/bJ mice showed the converse pattern of hypothermia after endotoxin at 23° but no hyperthermia at 36°. Thus the strain of mouse is an important variable. We suggest that a hypothermia test in SJL mice may provide a simple and convenient bioassay procedure for endotoxin. Although its sensitivity is much less than the rabbit pyrogenicity test, it may be useful for the quantitative measurement of endotoxin activity of such preparations as typhoid, pertussis and cholera vaccines which are rich in endotoxin.
Gravitational wave generation from bubble collisions in first-order phase transitions: An analytic approach

Gravitational wave production from bubble collisions was calculated in the early nineties using numerical simulations. In this paper, we present an alternative analytic estimate, relying on a different treatment of stochasticity. In our approach, we provide a model for the bubble velocity power spectrum, suitable for both detonations and deflagrations. From this, we derive the anisotropic stress and analytically solve the gravitational wave equation. We provide analytical formulae for the peak frequency and the shape of the spectrum which we compare with numerical estimates. In contrast to the previous analysis, we do not work in the envelope approximation. This paper focuses on a particular source of gravitational waves from phase transitions. In a companion article, we will add together the different sources of gravitational wave signals from phase transitions: bubble collisions, turbulence and magnetic fields and discuss the prospects for probing the electroweak phase transition at LISA.
Processing of subliminal facial expressions of emotion: A behavioral and fMRI study

The recognition of emotional facial expressions is an important means to adjust behavior in social interactions. As facial expressions widely differ in their duration and degree of expressiveness, they often manifest with short and transient expressions below the level of awareness. In this combined behavioral and fMRI study, we aimed at examining whether or not consciously accessible (subliminal) emotional facial expressions influence empathic judgments and which brain activations are related to it. We hypothesized that subliminal facial expressions of emotions masked with neutral expressions of the same faces induce an empathic processing similar to consciously accessible (supraliminal) facial expressions. Our behavioral data in 23 healthy subjects showed that subliminal emotional facial expressions of 40 ms duration affect the judgments of the subsequent neutral facial expressions. In the fMRI study in 12 healthy subjects it was found that both, supra- and subliminal emotional facial expressions shared a widespread network of brain areas including the fusiform gyrus, the temporo-parietal junction, and the inferior, dorsolateral, and medial frontal cortex. Compared with subliminal facial expressions, supraliminal facial expressions led to a greater activation of left occipital and fusiform face areas. We conclude that masked subliminal emotional information is suited to trigger processing in brain areas which have been implicated in empathy and, thereby in social encounters
Sediment transport measurements with tracers in very low‐energy beaches

This study investigates sediment transport at a very low‐energy backbarrier beach in southern Portugal, from a spring‐to‐neap tide period, during fair‐weather conditions. Rates and directions of transport were determined based on the application of fluorescent tracer techniques. Wind and currents were collected locally, whereas the dominant small and short‐period wind waves were characterized using a morphodynamic modelling system coupling a circulation model, a spectral wave model, and a bottom evolution model, well validated over the study area.
Lifetime risk of suicidal behaviors and communication to a health professional about suicidal ideation. Results from a large survey of the French adult population.

BACKGROUND There is presently a lack of information on the role of healthcare in suicidal ideation in adults. AIMS To assess the frequencies, patterns, and factors associated with the communication of suicidal ideation toward a health professional. METHODS Participants stem from a French cross-sectional survey of 22,133 randomly selected adults. Lifetime suicidal behaviors and 12-month mental disorder patterns were assessed using the short form of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Participants with suicidal ideation were asked whether they had talked about it and, if they had, to whom. RESULTS Around 20% of people with suicidal ideation had talked about this distress to a health professional. It was more frequent for people with more severe suicidal behaviors (plan or a prior attempt), among women, those aged 30 or more, those suffering from major depressive episode, panic disorder, or drug use disorder. Above all, it was more frequent among those who had also talked to friends or relatives. CONCLUSIONS Prevention strategies that encourage suicidal persons to seek help for their distress, whoever that is, may be the more important strategies to develop.
Oral anticoagulant treatment in children based on monitoring at home

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility of home monitoring of oral anticoagulant treatment (OAT) in paediatric patients. Methods: A total of 19 paediatric patients received OAT and then monitored their treatment at home with CoaguChek±. Data on their International Normalized Ratio (INR) values were collected retrospectively from hospital records and from the notes kept by the families. The families of the patients were also asked to fill in a questionnaire. Results: No thrombotic or haemorrhagic complications occurred during a total amount of 44.7 follow‐up years. INR: the proportion of INR values measured at home falling within the therapeutic range for the given patient varied from 33 to 86% (median 69%). The questionnaire: all respondents were satisfied with home monitoring, and 63% felt that a major advantage of home monitoring was that there was no need to perform venipuncture. While 47% of the respondents reported no disadvantages of home monitoring, 42% reported that they occasionally lacked confidence in their ability to conduct OAT correctly at home.
Zircon and Whole Rock Nd-Pb Isotopic Evidence for a Grenville Age and a Laurentian Origin for the Basement of the Precordillera in Argentina

Suggestions that the Precordillera of Argentina has an early Paleozoic connection to the Appalachian-Ouachita rifted margin of the southern U.S. have been based on Cambro-Ordovician stratigraphy and faunal assemblages. Further support comes from comparing Precambrian Grenville Appalachian basement with xenoliths brought up in Precordil-leran Miocene volcanic rocks. U-Pb zircon ages and whole rock Pb and Nd isotopic data from the xenoliths show that Precordilleran basement, along with some part of the westernmost Sierras Pampeanas (Pie de Palo Range) to the east, is essentially unique in South America and is best interpreted as being derived from Laurentia. A Grenville age is substantiated by U/Pb zircon upper intersect ages of $$1102 \pm 6 Ma$$ for a mafic xenolith and near-1100 Ma for acidic xenoliths. Both xenolith types contain pink, doubly terminated prismatic igneous zircons with relatively high U and Pb concentrations. Rounded, colorless, low U and Pb zircons with overgrowths produced in a later Precambrian metamorphic event also occur in the mafix xenolith. Discordance in zircon populations is attributed to severe Pb loss during the Miocene. A Laurentian tie is consistent with whole rock Pb isotopic ratios of the xenoliths ($$^{206}Pb/^{204}Pb = 17.1-17.8, ^{207}Pb/^{204}Pb = 15.42-15.49, ^{208}Pb/^{204}Pb = 36.6-37.4$$), which show depleted signatures characteristic of North American Grenville basement but not recognized elsewhere in South America. Xenolith $$\epsilon_{Nd}$$ at 1100 Ma and depleted mantle model ages are also like those of North American Grenville basement (mafic granulite ~1560 to 1685 Ma, +2.0 to +2.7; mafic amphibolite ~1340 to 1470 Ma, +2.1 to +3.5; acidic gneiss ~1000 Ma, > +7). Geochemical data suggest the Precordilleran basement protolith formed in an oceanic arc-back-arc environment near a continental margin.
Pedogenic Formation of Kaolinite-Smectite Mixed Layers in a Soil Toposequence Developed from Basaltic Parent Material in Sardinia (Italy)

Formation of kaolinite-smectite (K-S) mixed layers in a soil toposequence developed from basaltic parent material was examined. The soil formed in a temperate climate with alternating dry and wet seasons in Sardinia (Italy). Chemical composition and charge characteristics of the smectite component in the K-S mixed layers were analyzed to help determine a mechanism for formation. Soils were sampled at the top, intermediate, and base of a steep (35%) slope. As indicated by X-ray diffraction data, the fine clay fraction (>0.1 μm) in the soils is dominated by K-S with a decreasing proportion of kaolinite from the top (70%) to the base (30%). Rapid internal drainage induced by the slope is probably the major factor responsible for the formation of K-S. Chemical composition and charge characteristics of the smectite component in the K-S were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (intercalation with alkylammonium ions), cation exchanged capacity (CEC) and surface area measurements, and infrared spectroscopy. Results indicate that the smectite component is nearly identical over the soil toposequence. The smectite component is the same with respect to charge magnitude and chemical composition, independent of the proportion of kaolinite and smectite components. This suggests the pedogenic formation of K-S by transformation of smectite through dissolution of some smectite layers and subsequent crystallization of kaolinite between the layers of the remaining smectite crystallites.
Winter distribution of Tundra Swans Cygnus columbianus breeding in Alaska and Western Canadian Arctic

A total of 1,499 Tundra Swans was captured on their Alaskan and Canadian breeding grounds to determine their migration routes and wintering destinations. In 14 summers of banding (1968-81) 976 (65%) swans were marked with colour neckbands, 482(32%) with colour tarsal bands, and 41 (3%) with metal bands only. Observations of the marked swans on migration or during the winter were used to determine the breeding areas used by two populations; Eastern (EP) and Western (WP). WP Tundra Swans were found to breed in Alaska from Point Hope to the Aleutian Islands. The EP breeding range overlapped with the WP in Alaska from the Yukon Delta to Point Hope. Swans breeding east of Point Hope were all associated with the EP. Only 11 individuals (<1%) of 4,194 Tundra Swans marked on the wintering grounds of EP were later encountered in the WP. No evidence of an age or sex bias was found in the likelihood of a swan switching between the two populations. Additional bandings are needed in the area of breeding range overlap to better define the relationship between the two populations.
Un modello per la determinazione del costo standard nei servizi di trasporto pubblico locale su autobus in Italia

We estimate the standard costs in the Italian local bus transport system by means of a top down approach. Commercial speed results the most important cost driver, while economies of scale are low and only present in the case of small transport operators. Medium sized and large operators exhibit diseconomies of scale. We find a positive correlation between investments in bus fleet and service cost. The model aims at introducing policy criteria for the allocation of public funds earmarked to the local public transit sector among Italian regions.
Increased Susceptibility to LPS-induced Endotoxin Shock in Secretory Leukoprotease Inhibitor (SLPI)-deficient Mice

Secretory leukoprotease inhibitor (SLPI) protects tissue against the destructive action of neutrophil elastase at the site of inflammation. Recent studies on new functions of SLPI have demonstrated that SLPI may play a larger role in innate immunity than merely as a protease inhibitor. To clarify the functions of SLPI in bacterial infections, we generated SLPI-deficient mice (SLPI−/− mice) and analyzed their response to experimental endotoxin shock induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). SLPI−/− mice showed a higher mortality from endotoxin shock than did wild type mice. This may be explained in part by our observation that SLPI−/− macro-phages show higher interleukin 6 and high-mobility group (HMG)-1 production and nuclear factor κB activities after LPS treatment than do SLPI+/+ macrophages. SLPI also affects B cell function. SLPI−/− B cells show more proliferation and IgM production after LPS treatment than SLPI+/+ B cells. Our results suggest that SLPI attenuates excessive inflammatory responses and thus assures balanced functioning of innate immunity.
A PCR-based forward genetics screening, using expression domain-specific markers, identifies mutants in endosperm transfer cell development

Mutant collections are an invaluable source of material on which forward genetic approaches allow the identification of genes affecting a wide variety of biological processes. However, some particular developmental stages and morphological structures may resist analysis due to their physical inaccessibility or to deleterious effects associated to their modification. Furthermore, lethal mutations acting early in development may escape detection. We have approached the characterization of 101 maize seed mutants, selected from a collection of 27,500 visually screened Mu-insertion lines, using a molecular marker approach based on a set of genes previously ascribed to different tissue compartments within the early developing kernel. A streamlined combination of qRT-PCR assays has allowed us to preliminary pinpoint the affected compartment, establish developmental comparisons to WT siblings and select mutant lines with alterations in the different compartments. Furthermore, clusters of markers co-affected by the underlying mutation were identified. We have analyzed more extensively a set of lines presenting significant variation in transfer cell-associated expression markers, and have performed morphological observations, and immunolocalization experiments to confirm the results, validating this approach as an efficient mutant description tool.