Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insulin-like Growth Factor II Supply Modifies Growth of Intestinal Adenoma in ApcMin/+ Mice

Insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) is an embryonic growth promoter and cell survival factor. IGF-II supply is normally limited by gene expression because transcription occurs predominantly from the paternal allele in mouse and man (maternal imprinting). Excess IGF-II has detrimental systemic and local effects in vivo , promoting somatic overgrowth and an increased frequency of tumors. IGF2 mRNA is overexpressed in colorectal and many other human cancers. In this paper, we show that altered IGF-II supply modifies intestinal tumor growth. Mice genetically altered in the IGF-II system were combined in crosses with Apc Min/+, a murine model of human familial adenomatous polyposis. Depending on genetic background, Apc Min/+ acquires multiple small intestinal adenoma before becoming moribund with anemia. Mice that express excess IGF-II delivered using a bovine keratin 10 promoter ( k10Igf2/+ ) develop a disproportionate overgrowth of colon, uterus, and skin. Combination with Apc Min/+ leads to a 10-fold increase in the number and the diameter of colon adenoma ( P < 0.0001) compared to Apc Min/+ littermate controls (postnatal day 80), an increased susceptibility to rectal prolapse (41%), and a histological progression to carcinoma. Mice with reduced IGF-II supply, secondary to the disruption of the paternal Igf2 allele ( Igf2 +m/−p), are 60% the weight of wild-type littermates. Combination with Apc Min/+ leads to a 3-fold reduction in small intestinal adenoma number ( P < 0.0001) compared to Apc Min/+ littermate controls (postnatal day 150), and a significant decrease in adenoma diameter ( P < 0.001). With in situ hybridization, we show that Igf2 was expressed in all adenoma irrespective of IGF-II supply. This suggests that there is an increased maternal allele expression of Igf2 (loss of imprinting) in adenoma which form, despite paternal Igf2 allele disruption. We conclude that IGF-II supply is a modifier of intestinal adenoma growth, and we provide genetic evidence for its functional role in colorectal cancer progression.
Climate change impacts on lakes: an integrated ecological perspective based on a multi-faceted approach, with special focus on shallow lakes

Freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity are presently seriously threatened by global development and population growth, leading to increases in nutrient inputs and intensification of eutrophication-induced problems in receiving fresh waters, particularly in lakes. Climate change constitutes another threat exacerbating the symptoms of eutrophication and species migration and loss. Unequivocal evidence of climate change impacts is still highly fragmented despite the intensive research, in part due to the variety and uncertainty of climate models and underlying emission scenarios but also due to the different approaches applied to study its effects. We first describe the strengths and weaknesses of the multi-faceted approaches that are presently available for elucidating the effects of climate change in lakes, including space-for-time substitution, time series, experiments, palaeoecology and modelling. Reviewing combined results from studies based on the various approaches, we describe the likely effects of climate changes on biological communities, trophic dynamics and the ecological state of lakes. We further discuss potential mitigation and adaptation measures to counteract the effects of climate change on lakes and, finally, we highlight some of the future challenges that we face to improve our capacity for successful prediction.
The island biogeography of exotic bird species

Aim: A recent upsurge of interest in the island biogeography of exotic species has followed from the argument that they may provide valuable information on the natural processes structuring island biotas. Here, we use data on the occurrence of exotic bird species across oceanic islands worldwide to demonstrate an alternative and previously untested hypothesis that these distributional patterns are a simple consequence of where humans have released such species, and hence of the number of species released. Location: Islands around the world. Methods: Statistical analysis of published information on the numbers of exotic bird species introduced to, and established on, islands around the world. Results: Established exotic birds showed very similar species-area relationships to native species, but different species-isolation relationships. However, in both cases the relationship for established exotics simply mimicked that for the number of exotic bird species introduced. Exotic bird introductions scaled positively with human population size and island isolation, and islands that had seen more native species extinctions had had more exotic species released. Main conclusion: The island biogeography of exotic birds is primarily a consequence of human, rather than natural, processes. © 2007 The Authors Journal compilation © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
CYTOGENETIC HETEROGENEITY IN COMMON HAPLOGYNE SPIDERS FROM ARGENTINA (ARACHNIDA, ARANEAE)

Abstract The spermatogenesis of four species of haplogyne spiders from Argentina is analyzed. Dysdera crocota (Dysderidae) (n = 5 + X0) has holokinetic chromosomes, achiasmatic male meiosis and a post-reductional division of the sex chromosome. Ariadna boesenbergii (Segestriidae) (n = 4 + X0) also possesses holokinetic chromosomes, but meiosis is chiasmatic and the X chromosome divides pre-reductionally. Kukulcania hibernalis (Filistatidae) (n = 11 + X1X20) and Scytodes globula (Scytodidae) (n = 6 + X0) have metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes, chiasmatic meiosis and the sex chromosomes divide pre-reductionally. Kukulcania hibernalis possesses a bimodal karyotype and a particular chromatin coiling during prophase I, while Scytodes globula has striking proximal localization of chiasmata. These results show that Haplogynae present high cytogenetic heterogeneity: species with holokinetic chromosomes as well as species with monocentric chromosomes (metacentric and submetacentric), and species with low diploid numbers, achiasmatic meiosis and proximal chiasma localization.
Burbot Consumption and Relative Abundance in the Apostle Islands Region of Lake Superior

ABSTRACT Burbot (Lota lota), are native Lake Superior piscivores that share similar habitat and food resources with other predators including lean and siscowet lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush). To better understand their ecological role in the fish community, we combined fisheries assessment information from 1970 to 2002 with a bioenergetics model to estimate their predatory impact in the Apostle Islands region of Lake Superior. Relative abundance declined in the Apostle Islands region from 3.41 fish/1,000 m in 1978 to 0.27 fish/1,000 m in 1998. Fishing mortality was minimal based on creel estimates and observed bycatch in the commercial fishery. Burbot < 400 mm consumed a higher fraction of small prey items such as Mysis relicta, fish eggs and sculpins (Cottidae) while larger burbot were almost exclusively piscivorous. Overall diet composition (by mass) was represented primarily by Coregonus spp. (64%) and rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) (17%). We estimated the burbot population size in the Apostle Islands between 1970 and 2000 at 56,541 to 1,585,035 age 1+ fish. This population consumed between 56 and 1,584 metric tonnes (0.13 to 3.54 kg/ha) of prey. Increases in both lean and siscowet lake trout abundance have likely contributed to the decline in burbot abundance through predation and/or competition for food resources. Given the current burbot population in the Apostle Islands, this species is unlikely to control production of prey fish or invertebrate taxa.
Recognition of Pachyarthron and Bossiella as distinct genera in the Corallinaceae, subfamily Corallinoideae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta)

W.J. Woelkerling, A.J.K. Millar, A. Harvey and M. Baba. 2008. Recognition of Pachyarthron and Bossiella as distinct genera in the Corallinaceae, subfamily Corallinoideae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta). Phycologia 47: 265–293. DOI: 10.2216/07-85.1 New evidence supports recognition of both Pachyarthron and Bossiella as distinct genera within the Corallinaceae, subfamily Corallinoideae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta). Pachyarthron cretaceum, the type species of Pachyarthron, is confirmed to occur in Australia, and a new study of the designated lectotype of P. cretacea and of plants from Australia, Japan, Canada (British Columbia) and the United States (Alaska, Washington State) has shown that male conceptacles are produced both axially at branch tips and laterally on intergenicula. By contrast, only lateral conceptacles occur in Bossiella. Differences between Pachyarythron and Serraticardia & Marginisporum, the only genera of Corallinoideae known to produce both axial and lateral conceptacles, are outlined, and a comparison of and key to all genera of Corallinoideae are included. An emended generic description of Pachyarthron and an account of P. cretaceum are provided. Brief accounts of four infraspecific taxa never transferred into Pachyarthron but attributed to the homotypic synonym Amphiroa cretaceum also are included. These are Amphiroa cretacea f. breviarticulata (Areschoug) Yendo from the Caribbean; A. cretacea f. capensis (Areschoug) Yendo from South Africa; A. cretacea f. rosariformis Yendo from Japan; and A cretacea f. tasmanica (Sonder) Yendo from Australia. The biogeographic implications for Pachyarthron and Bossiella are reviewed; Bossiella should be removed from the floras of Japan, Korea and China, whereas Pachyarthron should be added.
FROM FOREST TO FARMLAND: HABITAT EFFECTS ON AFROTROPICAL FOREST BIRD DIVERSITY

Although the Guinea–Congolian rain forest region is an important focal point for conservation in Africa, very little information is available on the effects of forest modification and land use on the region's biodiversity. We studied bird communities and vegetation characteristics in 24 sampling stations distributed over two near-natural forests (near-primary forest, secondary forest), and two land use types (agroforestry, annual cultures) in the lowlands of the Korup region, Cameroon. Repeated sampling was used to establish near-complete inventories of bird assemblages for each site. Despite a 90% average drop in tree basal area from forest to farmland, overall bird species richness did not decrease significantly with increasing habitat modification. However, different groups of birds responded in different ways. Frugivorous and omnivorous bird species richness did not differ between habitats, whereas richness in granivorous, flower-visiting, and nonbreeding species was higher in land use systems compare.
Effects of Process Stage and Storage on Retention of Beta‐Carotene in Tomato Juice

Twelve tomato cultivars were evaluated during commercial juice production and storage for retention of betacarotene. Samples of fresh tomatoes, after extraction, pasteurization, canning, and after 7 months storage at 22°C were analyzed according to the AOAC methods (1980) for beta-carotene. There was a twofold difference in beta-carotene content between the highest and lowest cultivars in raw processed and stored product. A 20% loss of the beta-carotene content was observed during extraction and another 20% loss found after 7 months of storage.
Nucleus-Encoded, Plastid-Targeted Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH) Indicates a Single Origin for Chromalveolate Plastids

Plastids (the photosynthetic organelles of plants and algae) originated through endosymbiosis between a cyanobacterium and a eukaryote and subsequently spread to other eukaryotes by secondary endosymbioses between two eukaryotes. Mounting evidence favors a single origin for plastids of apicomplexans, cryptophytes, dinoflagellates, haptophytes, and heterokonts (together with their nonphotosynthetic relatives, termed chromalveolates), but so far, no single molecular marker has been described that supports this common origin. One piece of evidence comes from plastid-targeted glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), which originated by a gene duplication of the cytosolic form. However, no plastid GAPDH has been characterized from haptophytes, leaving an important piece of the puzzle missing. We have sequenced genes encoding cytosolic, mitochondrion-targeted, and plastid-targeted GAPDH proteins from a number of haptophytes and heterokonts and found haptophyte homologs that branch within a strongly supported clade of chromalveolate plastid-targeted genes, being more closely related to an apicomplexan homolog than was expected. The evolution of plastid-targeted GAPDH supports red algal ancestry of apicomplexan plastids and raises a number of questions about the importance of plastid loss and the possibility of cryptic plastids in nonphotosynthetic lineages such as ciliates.
A simple polytomy resolver for dated phylogenies

1. Unresolved nodes in phylogenetic trees (polytomies) have long been recognized for their influences on specific phylogenetic metrics such as topological imbalance measures, diversification rate analysis and measures of phylogenetic diversity. However, no rigorously tested, biologically appropriate method has been proposed for overcoming the effects of this phylogenetic uncertainty.
Trophic specialization in Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus (Pisces; Salmonidae): morphological divergence and ontogenetic niche shifts

Abstract Lake Thingvallavatn supports four trophic morphs of Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.); two of the morphs are benthic (small and large benthivorous charr) one exploits pelagic waters (planktivorous charr) and the fourth is found in both habitats (piscivorous charr). The morphological variation among these morphs was analysed by use of principal component analysis and canonical discriminant analysis. The benthic morphs have a short lower jaw and long pectoral fins. The benthic fish also have fewer gillrakers than the other morphs. Small and large benthivorous charrs attain sexual maturity from 2 and 6 years of age, and at fork lengths from 7 and 22 cm, respectively. Small benthivorous charr retain their juvenile parr marks as adults, have beige ventral colours, and are frequently melanized under the lower jaw. Planktivorous and piscivorous charr attain sexual maturity from 4 and 6 years of age, from fork lengths of 15 and 23 cm, respectively. This phenotypic polymorphism is associated with habitat utilization and diet of the fish, and has probably arisen within the lake system through diversification and niche specialization. The pelagic morphs apparently stem from a single population, and are possibly diversified through conditional niche shifts which affect ontogeny. Juveniles reaching a body length of 23 cm may change from zooplankton to fish feeding. Asymptotic length increases thereby from 20.5 cm in planktivorous charr to 30.2 cm in piscivorous charr. The benthic morphs appear to represent separate populations, although both feed chiefly on the gastropod Lymnaea peregra . Their co-existence seems to be facilitated by size dependent constraints on habitat use. The small morph (asymptotic length 13.3 cm) exploit the interstitial crevices in the lava block substratum, whereas the large morph (asymptotic length 55.4 cm) live epibenthically.
Hydrolytic extracellular enzyme activity in heterotrophic biofilms from two contrasting streams

SUMMARY. 1. Extracellular hydrolytic enzyme activities and cell densities were monitored during undisrupted biofilm formation on pristine surfaces in two contrasting river sites in North Wales: an oligotrophic mountain stream (Nant Waen) and a mildly eutrophic river (River Clywedog). 2. Bacterial densities generally increased at both sites over a 33-day monitoring period. Densities in the eutrophic site were approximately 14 times greater than in the mountain stream. 3. Using fluorescent substrate analogues, biofilms from Nant Waen produced low, variable xylosidase and β-glucosidase activities. Biofilms from the more eutrophic River Clywedog produced higher xylosidase and β-glucosidase activities and detectable endopeptidase, though these activities also fluctuated during the colonization period. 4. Unlike the other activities measured, esterase activities in the River Clywedog were correlated with cell densities (P<0.05). When extracellular esterase activities per cell were calculated, the oligotrophic biofilm was found to contain about twice as much extracellular esterase activity as the more eutrophic River Clywedog biofilm.
Effect of Sesame Sprouts Powder on the Quality and Oxidative Stability of Mayonnaise

Sesame (Sesamumindicume L.) and its oil contain antioxidative lignin polyphenols, λ-tocopherol and other bioactive compounds. The aim of present research was to investigate the effect of sesame sprouts on quality and oxidative stability of mayonnaise during storage. Antioxidant activity of sesame sprouts determined through phenolic contents and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ABTS cation radical-scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), increased with increasing germination days showing maximum value at day 7. The sesame sprouts showing highest antioxidant potential were was used in mayonnaise at the concentration of 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0% and 1.25 % along with control, EDTA (0.0075%) and BHT (0.02%). During 45 days of storage period at 25±5 °C, mayonnaise was examined at 0, 15, 30 and 45 days for oxidative potential using DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ABTS cation radical-scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Antioxidant potential decreased with storage and highest potential was observed for SSP4 at end and was comparable to the EDTA and higher than BHT. Oxidative stability was determined through peroxide, ρ-anisidine, iodine and FFA. Although oxidation increased with storage but sesame sprouts powder was effective in retarding the oxidation especially at higher ratios. Quality was determined through pH, viscosity and sensory evaluation. The investigation suggested that sesame sprouts powder is effective in controlling oxidation in mayonnaise but not found worthy in sensory perception. This proved that sesame sprouts powder has good antioxidant potential to be utilized in various foods to control oxidation.
The light-response rhythm and seasonal entrainment of the endogenous circadian locomotor rhythm of Talitrus saltator (Crustacea: Amphipoda)

Talitrus saltator, a supralittoral, sand-beach amphipod, exhibits a nocturnal, circadian, locomotor rhythm entrained by the natural photoperiod (nLD). A phase-response curve (PRC) (light pulse: 2h/400 lx) of the free-running rhythm exhibits a conventional shape; steady-state delay shifts of approximately 3·5 h occur in response to light pulses around subjective dusk, with similar advance shifts when exposed to light pulses around dawn. The seasonal variation of the overt expression of the rhythm indicates that entrainment is predominantly non-parametric, while the constant phase-angle difference between the peak of locomotor activity and dawn confirms the latter as the effective field signal for entrainment. The qualitative relationship between the time scale of the PRC and nLD, together with the absence of any seasonal variation in the periodicity of the free-running rhythm (τ), suggests that entrainment occurs through the interaction of phase shifts defined by the PRC, essentially in response to the systematically changing photoperiod.
Alimentary Habits of the Mexican Mud Turtle (Kinosternon integrum) in Tonatico, Estado de México

Abstract Alimentary habits are critical to the ecology of all animals. They reflect resource availability and are correlated with important life history traits such as reproductive output and body size. We analyzed the diet of the previously unstudied Mexican mud turtle Kinosternon integrum at Tonatico, Estado de México, during 2003 and 2004. Analysis was conducted separately by sex and age (immature vs. adults) and seasons (rainy vs. dry). Gastric contents and fecal samples were used in combination for more complete results. Based on 57 samples (32 stomach flushes and 25 from feces), K. integrum is a generalist–opportunist in alimentary habits, feeding on 27 categories of food. Plant material, Coleoptera, Odonata, Diptera, and mixed animal matter were the most important components. Overall dietary diversity was similar between adults and juveniles and between the two sexes, but juveniles differed between seasons. In similarity analysis we found a shift in diet between seasons. Females shifted from being primarily carnivorous during the rainy season to being primarily herbivorous during the dry season, while males were carnivorous during both seasons. The data suggest that this turtle feeds opportunistically on available prey items rather than on a few preferred food items.
Evolutionary response of plant interaction traits to nutrient enrichment modifies the assembly and structure of antagonistic‐mutualistic communities

Nutrient enrichment is one of the major threats acting on natural communities. The ecological consequences of this disturbance for ecosystems have been largely studied, but we still have little knowledge on its evolutionary effects at community scale. We are interested in the evolutionary consequences of nutrient enrichment for plant interaction traits, embedded in complex communities made of antagonistic and mutualistic interactions. We built a mathematical model of a plant–pollinator–herbivore community confronted by nutrient enrichment. Plants have an interaction trait that is involved in an ecological trade‐off. An increase in this trait, leading to more attractive phenotypes, increases the strength of both interactions with pollinators and herbivores. A lower value of this trait leads to defensive phenotypes with weak interactions with both herbivores and pollinators. We use the framework of adaptive dynamics to study the evolutionary dynamics of this kind of traits and the consequences for community dynamics. We found that evolutionary dynamics of plants modify the assembly of the community along a nutrient enrichment gradient. Due to top‐down controls, herbivory leads to priority effects when only ecological dynamics are considered. Evolution of the plant interaction trait alleviates this priority effect and facilitates community assembly. In the three‐species community, we find that nutrient enrichment leads to more defended phenotypes of plants, at the expense of pollinator attraction. We find that, when the ecological trade‐off between pollination and herbivory is convex, evolution of interaction trait may lead to plant diversification. Two plant phenotypes then coexist in the community, one which is highly attractive and one which is highly defensive. Synthesis. Our results suggest that accounting for evolutionary dynamics will profoundly modify the dynamics of communities in the face of nutrient enrichment. Both community assembly and equilibrium dynamics are altered and enrichment may even lead to diversification. These results advocate for the development of an eco‐evolutionary theory of nutrient enrichment and may be particularly important in agro‐ecosystems relying on fertilization.