Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flow velocity underpins microhabitat selection by gobies of the Australian Wet Tropics

SUMMARY 1. Water flow is a critical driver of aquatic ecosystem health and function. Amid rising concerns over changing flow regimes, there is an urgent need to understand the functional mechanisms by which flow influences patterns of freshwater biodiversity. 2. We explored the functional link between flow velocity and microhabitat specialisation in a speciose group of freshwater gobies (comprising over half the total fish species richness) within insular streams of the Australian Wet Tropics under base flow conditions. We addressed two particular questions: (i) What is the relative selectivity of species towards streambed composition and water flow velocity? and (ii) Can patterns of microhabitat occupation be explained by differences in intrinsic flow performance among species? To answer these questions, we combined visual field observations of microhabitat use with flow tank assessments of flow speed performance. 3. Tropical freshwater gobies displayed strong specificity towards flow velocities, while being relatively non-selective towards streambed composition. At opposite extremes of the spectrum, we found Sicyopterus lagocephalus occupying high-flow (>1.0 ms )1 ) microhabitats while Redigobius bikolanus selected slower-flow (<0.05 ms )1 ) areas. These patterns of microhabitat flow specificity were largely explained by the different abilities of species to swim and ⁄ or cling to the substratum under these different flow settings. 4. Our findings confirm suggestions that predictable base flows in tropical streams support habitat specialists, which include one species capable of occupying areas of extremely high flow that very few other fishes can withstand. 5. The functional link between flow and gobioid fish distribution patterns could occur throughout tropical streams of the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean as a widespread phenomenon that may help inform stream flow management guidelines to maintain this substantial component of tropical freshwater biodiversity around the globe.
Genetic variability for kernel B-carotene and utilization of crtRB1 3'TE gene for biofortification in maize (Zea mays L.)

Carotenoids are the major sources of dietary precursor of vitamin A and act as potential antioxidant besides preventing diseases such as night blindness in humans. Vitamin A deficiency is a global problem, but is particularly prevalent in developing countries like India, where 31 percent of pre-school children are reportedly affected. Evaluation of genetic variability for kernel β-carotene in 105 maize inbreds of diverse pedigree from India- and CIMMYT-origin revealed significant variation ranging from 0.02 to 16.50 μg/g. One of the key reasons for wide variation of kernel β-carotene is due to the allelic variation at crtRB1 3’TE gene. Five among 95 inbreds possessed the favourable crtRB1 3’TE allele with a mean β-carotene concentration of 0.86 μg/g. In contrast, the same allele detected in 20 CIMMYT-Maize HarvestPlus genotypes contributed a mean kernel-carotene concentration of 11.29 μg/g. The contrast in β-carotene concentration in Indian and CIMMYT genotypes could be attributed to the presence of SNPs and InDels in crtRB1 3’TE locus, along with the presence/absence of favourable alleles of other important genes influencing the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. Marker-assisted breeding has been initiated, to introgress the crtRB1 3’TE favourable allele using high carotene CIMMYT inbreds as donors, to develop provitamin A-rich maize cultivars suitable for maize growing regions in India.
Yeast 3‐Phosphoglycerate Kinase

The mechanism of the transphosphorylation reaction catalyzed by yeast 3-phosphoglycerate kinase has been studied by means of spectrophotometric investigations. The binding sites, one for the nucleotide substrates and one for the acceptor, have been characterized. The interaction of nucleotide substrates with the enzyme, which is not metal-dependent, resulted only in a perturbation of the spectrum of the nucleotide chromophore characterized by hypochromic and red shift effects. The hydrophobicity of this site was estimated by using a reporter group reagent, 2-(dansylamino)ethyl monophosphate. The interaction of 3-phosphoglycerate with its corresponding site produced perturbation of a tyrosyl chromophore. Furthermore, spectrophotometric studies evidenced the formation of binary and ternary complexes in accord with a random reaction mechanism proceeding via interconversion of ternary complexes. We also observed partial exchange reaction between ATP and ADP. Properties of this exchange reaction have been investigated. The partial reaction points out the existence of a covalent phosphoryl-enzyme intermediate.
Ungulate browsing on European silver fir Abies alba: the role of occasions, food shortage and diet preferences

European silver fir Abies alba is the most heavily browsed conifer in Central European mountain forests. Attempts to reduce ungulate browsing have often been unsuccessful, controversial or too costly. The aim of the work described here was to improve our understanding of the factors that lead to browsing on silver fir. The silver fir content in the diet of three sympatric ungulate species, chamois Rupicapra rupicapra, red deer Cervus elaphus and roe deer Capreolus capreolus, was determined by microhistological analysis of faeces collected at four sites in the Alps. Further, the supply of silver fir was assessed at the individual tree and patch scale and then extrapolated to site scale. Silver fir consumption was highest in winter, when diet composition varied among sites but not among ungulate species. Towards the summer, site-differences decreased and differences among ungulate species increased. Red and roe deer reduced consumption of silver fir, whereas chamois kept it constant. The use of silver fir was unrelated to the supply at the various sites, but increased with the proportion of trees growing amidst palatable herbaceous species. At the individual plant scale, ungulates browsed on the saplings with the larger needles. These results indicate that silver fir as food does not rank high among the available plant species, but is eaten opportunistically, especially when it grows close to more preferred food plants. However, when alternative food is scarce, particularly in winter, it may also represent a shortage food supply, and larger quantities are consumed. Yet, the fact that feeding on silver fir is mostly opportunistic may offer forest managers a way to approach the ‘browsing problem’.
Cognitive Ability and the Stock Reallocations of Retirees during the Great Recession

type="main" xml:id="joca12065-abs-0001"> Retirees are increasingly responsible for managing their retirement savings. The ability to manage these assets efficiently can have an important impact on retirement well-being. Lower levels of cognitive ability in old age can reduce an investor's ability to control emotional responses to a loss. Greater sensitivity to loss may increase preferences for safety following a market decline, resulting in allocations away from stocks that are associated with long-term underperformance. We investigate whether cognitive ability is related to stock reallocations among retirees during the Great Recession. Using the Health and Retirement Study, we find that cognitive ability is negatively related to allocations away from stock. Compared to those with the lowest levels of cognitive ability, respondents with higher cognitive ability are 40% less likely to reduce their stock allocation by 50% or more. These results suggest that the quality of investment decisions in old age may be compromised by cognitive decline.
Population genetic structure of the newly invasive Q biotype of Bemisia tabaci in Taiwan

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is among the top 100 invasive pests in the world, and it causes serious agricultural damage and economic losses in many countries. More than 24 biotypes of the sweetpotato whitefly have been detected worldwide, of which the Q biotype has recently been reported to be a new invasive pest spreading throughout the world via trade in poinsettias, Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch (Euphorbiaceae). In 2006, the Q biotype was first recorded in Taiwan in greenhouses, but not in the field, suggesting that the invasion of this biotype might be at an early stage in that country. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene and 12 microsatellite loci were used to investigate the genetic structure of multiple B. tabaci Q biotype populations. The presence of only a few COI haplotypes and a low number of nucleotide differences suggest high genetic similarity among these populations. Microsatellite analyses also revealed low genetic differentiation and frequent gene flow among greenhouses. The molecular evidence supports the occurrence of a recent genetic bottleneck in the B. tabaci Q biotype. Bayesian cluster analyses indicated that at least two invasion events have occurred in Taiwan. Phylogenetic analyses of microsatellites support Q biotype migration among greenhouses, which was likely facilitated by the frequent movement of poinsettias between greenhouses. Future management strategies should focus on developing plantlet trade regulations to avoid further anthropogenic dispersal of the B. tabaci Q biotype among greenhouses in Taiwan.
Protected areas network is not adequate to protect a critically endangered East Africa Chelonian: Modelling distribution of pancake tortoise, Malacochersus tornieri under current and future climates

While the international pet trade and habitat destruction have been extensively discussed as major threats to the survival of the pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri), the impact of climate change on the species remains unknown. In this study, we used species distribution modelling to predict the current and future distribution of pancake tortoises in Zambezian and Somalian biogeographical regions. We used 224 pancake tortoise occurrences obtained from Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia to estimate suitable and stable areas for the pancake tortoise in all countries present in these regions. We also used a protected area network to assess how many of the suitable and stable areas are protected for the conservation of this critically endangered species. Our model predicted the expansion of climatically suitable habitats for pancake tortoises from four countries and a total area of 90,668.75 km2 to ten countries in the future and an area of 343,459.60 - 401,179.70 km2. The model also showed that a more significant area of climatically suitable habitat for the species lies outside of the wildlife protected areas. Based on our results, we can predict that pancake tortoises may not suffer from habitat constriction. However, the species will continue to be at risk from the international pet trade, as most of the identified suitable habitats remain outside of protected areas. We suggest that efforts to conserve the pancake tortoise should not only focus on protected areas but also areas that are unprotected, as these comprise a large proportion of the suitable and stable habitats available following predicted future climate change.
Involvement of interleukin-15 and interleukin-21, two γ-chain-related cytokines, in celiac disease

Celiac disease (CD), an enteropathy caused by dietary gluten in genetically susceptible individuals, is histologically characterized by villous atrophy, crypt cell hyperplasia, and increased number of intra-epithelial lymphocytes. The nature of CD pathogenesis remains unclear, but recent evidence indicates that both innate and adaptive immune responses are necessary for the phenotypic expression and pathologic changes characteristic of CD. Extensive studies of molecules produced by immune cells in the gut of CD patients have led to identification of two cytokines, namely interleukin (IL)-15 and IL-21, which are thought to play a major role in orchestrating the mucosal inflammatory response in CD. Here we review the current knowledge of the expression and function of IL-15 and IL-21 in CD.
Biochemical Studies of Proteins in Nondeveloped, Partially Developed, and Developed Doughs

ABSTRACT Nondeveloped, partially developed with shear and extensional deformations, and developed doughs represent different stages of dough development. To understand the relationship between gluten proteins and dough rheology, this study used disulfide-sulfhydryl analyses, gel filtration chromatography, SDS-PAGE, acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (A-PAGE), and densitometry to examine proteins in the four types of doughs mentioned. Free sulfhydryl content was the lowest in native flour and nondeveloped dough, and the highest in partially developed doughs, while a reverse trend was observed for disulfide content. For each flour sample, the protein elution profile from gel filtration chromatography shifted with the level of dough development. With respect to the smallest sized molecules, native flour had the most, followed by nondeveloped, partially developed, and then developed doughs. SDS-PAGE and A-PAGE exhibited similar protein patterns among the same chromatographed protein fractions of each nat.
Seasonal abundance oC tbe demersal copepod Pseudodiaptomus cokeri ( Calanoidea : Pseudodiaptomidae ) in a Caribbean estuarine environment

Seasonal abundance variations of the demersal copepod Pseudodiaptomus cokeri were examinated at three locations (center, north shore and south shore) in Phosphorescent Bay, Puerto Rico, throughout an annual cycle. Nocturnal oblique tows (21 :00-23 :00 hr) were taken biweeldy (three replicates) at each location with a coDicaI net (mouth diamcter = 0.5 m; mesh size = 1 35 11m) and a standard calibrated flowmeter. Water temperature and salinity measurements were taken at the surface and near the bottom in each location before towing activities using a SCT meter. o Chlorophyll-a concentrations were fluorometricaIly determined. The adult and copepodite stages of this species accountcld for approximately 1 . 6% of the annual mean total zooplankton abundance of the bayo Higher abundance of P. cokeri (mean:l:l SD = 4 1 9 1 :! : 1 444 iÍldividuals m-3) was associated with �ool water temperatures and dry conditions (cooVdry season) which prevailed betw'ee n December and March relative to the period between April and November (wann/wet seasón) with lower abundance. F1uctuations of this population followed progressive increments in chloro­ phyll-a concentrations at the three sampling statigns (One-way ANOVA, p<O.05). However, abundance was generalIy higher on the north shore of the bay (Tukey's test, p<O.05). Differences in abundance of P. cokeri between sampling sta:­ tions could be related to the different types of substratum found in the bayo Apparently, this species prefers areas with heterogeneous substrata. Its demersal behavior may contribute to the observed distribution inside the bayo
Molecular phylogeny, taxonomy and biogeography of Malaccotristicha australis comb. nov. (syn. Tristicha australis) (Podostemaceae)

The systematic relationship of Tristicha australis C.Cusset & G.Cusset in northern Australia was investigated by comparative morphology and molecular phylogeny. Both lines of evidence show that it is most closely related to Malaccotristicha malayana (J.Dransf. & Whitmore) C.Cusset & G.Cusset and distinct from Tristicha trifaria (Bory ex Willd.) Sprengel and consequently the nomenclatural combination of Malaccotristicha australis is made. It is suggested that M. australis rapidly gained its characteristic morphology that is distinct from Malaccotristicha and resembles Tristicha. Phylogeographically, Australian Podostemaceae with two species, M. australis and Cladopus queenslandicus (Domin) C.D. K. Cook & Rutishauser, are probably derived, compared with the tropical Asian sisters. A key is provided to the species of Tristichoideae to distinguish M. australis and the other species.
Fitting Predator-Prey Models to Time Series with Observation Errors

Fits of nonlinear difference equations to time series with observation errors were examined by stochastic simulation and analysis of plankton time series from two lakes. Even modest observation errors (e.g., coefficient of variation among replicate samples 10/%) cause errors in model identification and bias in parameter estimates. The latter problem can be corrected by estimation techniques that account for observation error, but model identification is difficult unless the state variables are manipulated. Without ma- nipulation, statistical criteria tend to favor linear models, even when data are simulated by nonlinear processes. Methods that account for observation error produced satisfactory fits to time series of edible algae from two lakes over 7 yr. In Paul Lake, which has not been manipulated, the best fitting model included linear growth, a linear functional response for grazing loss, and an autoregressive moving average model for the errors. In manipulated Tuesday Lake, the best fitting model included linear growth and a nonlinear functional response. Experimental manipulations, or other substantial perturbations, may be essential for detection of nonlinearities in ecological interactions.
The effect of small-scale resource origin on trophic position estimates in Perca fluviatilis

The influence of small-scale differences in resource origin on trophic position estimates was evaluated with the stable isotopes method. Perch Perca fluviatilis, a widespread freshwater predator, was used as a model organism. High individual variability was found in the contribution of benthic resources to the isotopic signatures of perch caught in the littoral zone, suggesting substantial within-habitat individual specialization. Small-scale resource origin and delta C-13 enrichment should be accounted for to avoid misleading estimates of both the absolute values and the ontogenetic trajectories of trophic position. A conceptual framework using end-member pathways is proposed to estimate trophic position with the stable isotope technique, particularly when marked ontogenetic niche shifts are expected.
Two new species of Pogonophora from the arctic mud volcano off northwestern Norway

Abstract Collections of Pogonophora made by the research vessels Håkon Mosby and Professor Logachev in the Norwegian Sea in 1995–1996 contain two new species belonging to the genera Sclerolinum and Oligobrachia. Both species were obtained on the continental slope northwest of Norway in the area of an anomalous cold seep of a “mud volcano” type. Sclerolinum contortum sp. nov. differs from the congeneric species in having a rather long opisthosome with very few segments (4–5) and tubes open at both ends and strongly folded upon themselves to show regular S-bends. Oligobrachia haakonmosbiensis sp. nov. is well distinguished by a set of features, especially by the lack of glandular patches on the first two segments, that is very unusual for Oligobrachia. A detailed comparison of all species of the single genus in the subclass Monilifera, Sclerolinum, is given.
Are Skewed Fledgling Sex Ratios in Sexually Dimorphic Birds Adaptive?

Fledgling sex ratios biased in favor of the less costly sex in sexually dimorphic birds have been used as evidence in support of Fisher's theory that parents should invest equally in sons and daughters. However, such biased sex ratios are also predicted as a nonadaptive consequence of a 1:1 hatching sex ratio and greater vulnerability to starvation of nestlings of the larger sex. We used estimates of the relative costs of males and females to predict the minimum sex-ratio bias at fledging that could possibly allow equal investment by independence, for seven species of sexually dimorphic birds. Although reported values for three of the species were potentially consistent with the values predicted by Fisher's theory, the observed values for the four most dimorphic species were far too male biased for investment at independence to be equal. We suggest that male-biased mortality among nestlings in sexually dimorphic species is the cost males bear for being large as adults and is the nonadaptive cause of biased fledging sex ratios in these species.
Oligocene Plotopterid Skulls from Western North America and Their Bearing on the Phylogenetic Affinities of These Penguin-Like Seabirds

ABSTRACT Plotopterids are penguin-like, wing-propelled birds with controversial phylogenetic affinities. They are usually regarded as closely related to Suloidea (gannets, cormorants, and allies), with the penguin-like features considered to be of convergent origin. However, it has also been proposed that the similarities shared by plotopterids and penguins are due to common ancestry. An in-depth assessment of plotopterid affinities has been hampered by the fact that very little data about the skull of these birds were available. New fossils of Tonsala from the Oligocene Pysht Formation in Washington State (U.S.A.) include the first well-preserved cranial remains of this taxon. They show that although plotopterids share derived cranial features with members of Suloidea that are absent in species of Sphenisciformes (penguins), they lack diagnostic derived features of the representatives of crown group Suloidea. To assess the affinities of plotopterids, we performed a phylogenetic analysis that included, for the first time, early stem group representatives of Sphenisciformes, resulting in a sister-group relationship between Plotopteridae and Suloidea. Intriguingly, however, our reanalysis of the emended data of a more comprehensive recent analysis that supported a position of Plotopteridae within Suloidea recovered a sister-group relationship between Plotopteridae and Sphenisciformes. Although cranial morphology challenges the hypothesis of close affinities between plotopterids and penguins, more data on early stem lineage representatives of penguins are needed for a robust placement of Plotopteridae relative to Sphenisciformes.
Survival and degradative capacity of Pseudomonas putida induced or constitutively expressing plasmid-mediated degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (TFD) in soil

The survival of genetically altered Pseudomonas putida strains harboring an inducible plasmid, pRO101, or a constitutive plasmid, pRO103, was compared. These plasmids encode for the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (TFD) to 2-chloromaleylacetate, and the maintenance of either plasmid did not alter survival of P. putida PPO301(pRO101) or PPO301(pRO103) in an unamended agricultural soil. Moreover, in TFD-amended soil, survival of PPO301, PPO301(pRO101), and PPO301(pRO103) was statistically the same after 50 days. Reapplication of TFD to soil 50 days after the original application did not change the numbers of PPO301(pRO101) or PPO301(pRO103), which cannot use TFD as a sole source of carbon. However, a mutant strain, PPO301KS(pRO101), which is able to use TFD as a sole source of carbon, was stimulated by the second addition of TFD: PPO301KS(pRO101) cfu/g soil increased by greater than 20-fold. Although the microbiota indigenous to the study soil was capable of degrading TFD, the addition of plasmid-.
In Vitro Activities of Ceftriaxone-Sulbactam against Major Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria from Clinical Samples

β-lactam 항균제는 특징적으로 β-lactam 고리를 가지고 있으며 세균의 세포벽 합성을 방해한다. 이 약제는 세균 감염증의 치료에 가장 흔히 사용되는 항균제 중의 하나이다. 그러나 β-lactamase를 생성하는 세균이 증가함에 따라 penicillin 제제와 cephalosporin 의 유용성이 감소하게 되었다[1, 2]. 따라서 이 효소에 안정한 제제 를 개발하거나, 기존의 β-lactam과 β-lactamase 저해제를 병합하 여 사용하고 있다[3]. β-lactamase 저해제는 그 자체로는 항균력이 거의 없지만 β-lactamase와 비가역적으로 결합하여 효소의 활성을 억제한다. 현재 사용되는 β-lactam과 β-lactamase 저해제의 병합제로는 amoxicillin 또는 ticarcillin과 clavulanic acid의 병합제, cefoperazone 또는 ampicillin과 sulbactam의 병합제, piperacillin과 tazobactam의 병 Ceftriaxone-sulbactam의 주요 호기성 및 혐기성 임상 분리균주에 대한 시험관내 항균력 In Vitro Activities of Ceftriaxone-Sulbactam against Major Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria from Clinical Samples