Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE ADAPTIVE SYNDROMES OF TWO GUILDS OF INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS IN THE COLORADO ROCKY MOUNTAINS

This paper analyzes the foraging behaviors of a community of insectivorous birds breeding in a high-altitude willow floodplain. The eight species belong to two guilds. Active searchers are represented by the gleaning guild (warblers): Wilsonia pusilla, Dendroica petechia, and Geothlypis trichas; passive searchers are represented by the fly-catching guild (flycatchers): Empidonax ober- holseri, Empidonax traillii, Empidonax difficilis, Contopus sordidulus, and Nuttallornis borealis. The paper focuses on the following general questions: (1) What are the different components, and their correlations, of foraging behavior in the eight species? (2) What are the overall adaptive syndromes associated with predatory tactics of active and passive searchers? (3) Are the predictions of several models of optimal foraging supported by the results of the present study? Adaptive syndromes (coordinated sets of characteristics, including the specific manner of resource utilization, and an array of other, related adaptations) are described for each species. Warblers forage primarily by gleaning, concentrating on stationary prey. Their velocity (average number of perches per minute) is ? 10.0, their search intensity (perches visited prior to an attack) is ? 5.0, and their foraging intensity (number of attacks per minute) is >1.7. They have an attack radius (mean distance from perch to prey) of 7.5 m. Members of the fly-catching guild may thus be characterized as passive searchers (they look for prey easy to find) but active pursuers (they attack prey difficult to capture). Flycatchers show a broad range of preferences in habitat structure. For all species considered together there is an inverse correlation between body size and velocity, and a positive correlation between body size and attack radius. Three core adaptations identify the adaptive syndromes of actively and passively searching pred- ators. Active searchers have high velocities, high search intensities, and a foraging repertoire asso- ciated with passive prey. Passive searchers have low velocities, low search intensities, and a foraging repertoire associated with active prey. Additional characteristics also differentiate the two adaptive syndromes. Search/pursuit ratios critical to numerous optimal foraging models are impossible to measure reliably in the field; thus the concept of active and passive searchers is proposed as a meaningful and readily quantifiable substitute. The data presented here exhibit poor fit with the predictions of several selected models. Predictions concerning differences in diet specialization, the extent of territorial and foraging overlap, and the prevalence of sexual dimorphism are not confirmed. In general, predictions concerning morphological size gradients are upheld; those concerning habitat specialization are con- firmed if habitat is measured in structural terms, but are not supported when measured by vegetation type.
Induction of xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase activities on mixed sugars in Candida guilliermondii

The ability of various sugars to induce xylose reductase (aldose reductase, EC 1.1.1.21) and xylitol dehydrogenase (D-xylulose reductase, EC 1.1.1.9) activities in Candida guilliermondii was studied. D-Xylose was found to be the best inducer of activities of both enzymes, followed closely by L-arabinose. Very low xylose reductase activity was induced by cellobiose, D-mannose, D-glucose, D-galactose, D-fructose or glycerol. With xylitol dehydrogenase, cellobiose and D-fructose caused partial induction of enzyme activity, while negligible activity was induced by D-mannose, D-glucose, D-galactose or glycerol. Several sugars were tested for the ability to repress the induction by D-xylose of xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase activities in C. guilliermondii. Enzyme activities induced on D-xylose served as controls. L-Arabinose, cellobiose and D-galactose did not repress enzyme induction by D-xylose, while D-mannose, D-glucose and D-fructose repressed enzyme induction to varying extents. Results from enzyme induction generally correlated with patterns of mixed sugar utilization, with some anomalies associated with the utilization of D-galactose and D-fructose in the presence of D-xylose. The results show that the utilization of D-xylose by C. guilliermondii is subject to regulation by induction and catabolite repression.
Distribution of the non-native fish species, pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758), in Turkey

The North American centrarchid species, Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758), is a freshwater fish native to eastern and central North America. The species is now established in at least 28 countries of Europe and in Turkey the species’ spread has been especially rapid between 2001 and 2006, with its distribution including the following areas: Kemer Reservoir, Akcay river catchment and inland waters of the Aegean and Anatolian regions. This is the first report in a new locality of the species in Asia Minor.
Effects of Groundwater Decline on Riparian Vegetation of Semiarid Regions: The San Pedro, Arizona

Groundwater depletion threatens many riparian ecosystems in arid and semi- arid regions of the world. The aquifer that sustains Arizona's San Pedro River riparian ecosystem, for example, is threatened by regional groundwater declines and localized pump- ing from the alluvial aquifer. This paper demonstrates the important role of shallow ground- water in structuring the San Pedro River plant community, portions of which function as reference areas that indicate site potential for a globally rare forest type (Sonoran riparian Populus-Salix forests). Several ecological indicators varied with depth to groundwater, including a weighted average wetland indicator score calculated for herbaceous and woody plant species, cover of plants within wetland indicator groups, and frequency of indicator plant species. These relationships can be used in a space-for-time substitution to predict consequences of groundwater decline. For example, the wetland indicator score changed sharply as depth to groundwater ranged from 0 to 4 m, and abundance of obligate wetland herbs (the group most sensitive to groundwater changes) declined sharply at groundwater depths below -0.25 m. Such sequential "desertification" of the riparian flora (i.e., loss or reduction in cover of species based on their probability of occurrence in wetlands) is one predicted response to groundwater decline. Other predicted impacts of groundwater decline include reduced establishment of Populus fremontii-Salix gooddingii forests, and reduced cover of herbaceous species associated with the fine-textured soils and shady conditions of floodplain terraces stabilized by these early seral tree species. High floodplain terraces (depth to groundwater of 5-8 m) had wetland indicator scores below those of upland sites and were vegetated by species (e.g., Prosopis velutina and Sporobolus wrightii) with low sensitivity to groundwater changes.
Microscopical observations of the primary zoospores of Spongospora subterranea f.sp. subterranea

A solution culture test system with Spongospora subterranea f.sp. subterranea spore ball inoculum and tomato bait plants was used to create a pulse of primary zoospore production and subsequent host-root infection. Spore balls and zoospores were examined by light, fluorescence, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Most of the resting spores with a developing exit pore did not show any changes in cytoplasmic content typical of zoospore formation. A few empty resting spores and some with developing exit pores were also observed in the absence of host-root exudates. The average diameter of exit pores of empty resting spores was 1.5 μm and they were often encircled by a ring-like fusion of wall layers. Mature zoospores were never found inside resting spores. Primary and secondary zoospores are identical in morphology. The infection process is similar to that of other Plasmodiophoromycetes with internal 'Rohr'-like structures in encysted zoospores which were attached by an adhesorium to tomato root hairs. Post-infection papillae and uninucleate plasmodia were observed.
Relationships Between Litter Quality and Nitrogen Availability in Rocky Mountain Forests

We assessed the relationships between net nitrogen mineralization, litter quality, and litter decomposition rates in 30 Colorado forests to test three hypotheses of the LINKAGES forest ecosystem model: (i) nitrogen release from litter decay in the forest floor correlates with total (forest floor plus mineral soil) net nitrogen mineralization; (ii) net nitrogen mineralization can be predicted from litter chemistry; and (iii) lignin:nitrogen ratio is the litter quality parameter most closely correlated with decomposition rates. Net nitrogen mineralization was measured for 1 year in 10 stands each of lodgepole pine (Pinuscontorta var. latifolia Engelm.), aspen (Populustremuloides Michx.), and Engelmann spruce–subalpine fir (Piceaengelmannii Parry and Abieslasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. ), using a sequence of on-site incubations in closed-top tubes. We analyzed foliage litter and fine-root samples for initial concentrations of nitrogen, lignin, carbon, and cellulose, and determined litter mass remaining after 2-, 4-.
INSPIRE: INvestigating Stellar Population In RElics IV. The Initial Mass Function slope in relics

In the last decade, growing evidence has emerged supporting a non-universal stellar Initial Mass Function (IMF) in massive galaxies, with a larger number of dwarf stars with respect to the Milky-Way (bottom-heavy IMF). However, a consensus about the mechanisms that cause IMF variations is yet to be reached. Recently, it has been suggested that stars formed early-on in cosmic time, via a star formation burst, could be characterised by a bottom-heavy IMF. A promising way to confirm this is to use relics, ultra-compact massive galaxies, almost entirely composed by these “pristine” stars. The INSPIRE Project aims at assembling a large sample of confirmed relics, that can serve as laboratory to investigate on the conditions of star formation in the first 1-3 Gyr of the Universe. In this third INSPIRE paper, we build a high signal-to-noise spectrum from five relics and one from five galaxies with similar sizes, masses, and kinematical properties, but characterised by a more extended star formation history (non-relics). Our detailed stellar population analysis suggests a systematically bottom-heavier IMF slope for relics than for non-relics, adding new observational evidence for the non-universality of the IMF at various redshifts and further supporting the above proposed physical scenario.
Karyological Studies on Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. from Nigeria

Cytological investigation was conducted on Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdc. using root squash technique. Apices of root tips pretreated for 3 h with 2 mM 8-hydroxyquinoline, fixed for 24 h with 1 : 3 acetic ethanol (aq.), and hydrolised with 10% HCl were squashed in drops of FLP orcein on clean glass slides. Slides were examined under a Leitx Diaplan research microscope and micrographs of good cells were obtained using Leica WILD MPS microscope camara fitted with a photoautomat. A chromosome number of 2n=22 was recorded for the taxon. The chromosomes varied from metacentric to submetacentric. This is the first report of the karyotype of this species.
Transfer of Staurosira grunowii to Staurosirella

The new combination Staurosirella grunowii (Pantocsek) E. Morales, Buczkó & Ector comb. nov. is presented based on a detailed analysis of fossil material from Lutila, Slovakia using light and scanning electron microscopy. The species is widely known as Staurosira harrisonii var. amphitetras Grunow. Striae bearing well-developed vimines delimiting typically long areolae, thick virgae-bearing spines, developed apical pore fields composed of simple round poroids and open girdle bands with valvocopula-bearing fimbriae are some of the features that link this taxon to species currently ascribed to Staurosirella D.M. Williams & Round. The taxon is readily distinguished by its tetra-angular shape, which is not seen in any other species within this genus. An analysis of the morphology of this taxon together with its nomenclatural history is presented herein.
The effects of competition on growth and form in Glechoma hederacea

Morphological responses to competition were analysed in Glechoma hederacea, a clonal herb with plagiotropic shoots. Ramets of clones were grown either in isolation or in competition with cut or uncut Lolium perenne swards. G. hederacea produced the same above ground biomass, but different morphologies when grown with short and tall grass. Despite considerable reductions in biomass and stolon branching when grown with competition rather than in isolation, the capacity for lateral extension of primary stolons was maintained. All other measured variables were reduced by competition, except for stolon internode length and petiole length and mass. These variables reached their greatest values in the uncut grass treatments. These responses could promote avoidance of competition by escape in both the horizontal and vertical planes; growth through vegetated sites would be rapid, and sites where competitors are absent would be occupied more densely. Reductions in PAR and in the R/FR ratio incident on the plant are both implicated in inducing these morphological changes. Differences in relative humidity, caused by the proximity of neighbours, also appeared to exert a considerable influence upon growth and morphology of G. hederacea. Connected parts of G. hederacea clones grown with and without competition developed different morphologies; each primary stolon behaved as an integrated physiological unit, developing a morphology appropriate for the conditions in which it was growing.
Genetics and Reproduction of Common (Phragmites australis) and Giant Reed (Arundo donax)

Abstract Genetic diversity and reproductive characteristics may play an important role in the invasion process. Here, we review the genetic structure and reproductive characteristics of common reed and giant reed, two of the most aggressive, large-statured invasive grasses in North America. Common reed reproduces both sexually and asexually and has a complex population structure, characterized by three subspecies with overlapping distributions; of which, one is introduced, one native, and the third is of unknown origins. These three subspecies show varying levels of genetic diversity, with introduced common reed having high levels of nuclear diversity, indicating that multiple introductions have likely occurred. In contrast, giant reed has low genetic diversity and appears to reproduce solely via asexual fragments yet is highly aggressive in parts of its introduced range. Both species are well-adapted for growth in human-dominated landscapes, which is presumably facilitated by their rhizomatous growth habit. Nomenclature: Common reed, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel; giant reed, Arundo donax L
Characterization of telomere DNA among five species of pteridophytes and bryophytes

Abstract Higher plant chromosomes possess tandem repeats of TTTAGGG as telomere DNA, while the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii contains tandem repeats of TTTTAGGG as telomere DNA. This study analysed the telomere composition in five species of mosses and ferns. Genomic Southern hybridization against a tobacco telomere probe indicated intense and highly diffuse signals in all three pteridophytes and the two bryophytes used here. DNAs from a moss Barbula unguiculata, a liverwort Marchantia paleacea var. diptera and a fern Psilotum nudum were examined further by kinetic DNA digestion by nuclease Bal31 followed by hybridization to the tobacco telomere probe. All three plants gave signals hypersensitive to the nuclease treatment confirming the telomeric location of the hybridization signals. The average size of the telomere repeat was 0.5 kbp in the liverwort. The liverwort telomeric fragments were cloned in a plasmid vector. Sequencing of the cloned DNA showed that the terminal sequences are composed of tandem repeats of TTTAGGG and the orientation of the repeats is the same as that in higher plants. Based on these results, it was concluded that both the pteridophytes and the bryophytes have the higher-plant-type telomere sequences.
The biology of Haloniscus searlei Chilton, an oniscoid isopod living in Australian salt lakes

The results of field and laboratory investigations concerning the biology of Haloniscus searlei Chilton (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscoidea) are reported and discussed. It occurs in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia, where, although belonging to the almost exclusively terrestrial Oniscidae, it lives only in inland salt lakes; from these it has been collected at salinities from 8 to 159‰. Breeding females occur throughout the year, but are most abundant in summer. The life-cycle conforms to the typical isopodan pattern. Laboratory investigations provided upper and lower L.D. 50 values for salinity with acclimation of 159 and < 1‰ and without acclimation of 118 and 4‰. In resistance to desiccation, H. searlei does not seem to be significantly different from terrestrial isopods, and in air its survival is a matter of hours. Its degree of cuticular impermeability places it between Oniscus and Porcellio in the following series of genera with increasing impermeability: Ligia < Philoscia < Oniscus < Haloniscus < Porcellio < Armadillidium. The pleopods display no modifications for terrestrial breathing. The view that H. searlei is of terrestrial ancestry and that its forbears were physiologically preadapted for life in inland salt lakes is upheld.
Transplantation of the Subshrub Lotus scoparius: Testing the Home‐Site Advantage Hypothesis

Abstract: The long‐term success of restored populations may be jeopardized by the collection locality of transplants if they are ill matched to their new environment. The home‐site advantage hypothesis predicts that the relative success of introduced populations will decrease as their genetic and environmental distance to the local native population increases. We evaluated this hypothesis for a geographically variable shrub, Lotus scoparius, in southern Californian coastal sage scrub by planting two common‐garden experiments with seedlings from 12 source populations. The common‐garden sites differed in environment and were each home to different source populations of the two taxonomic varieties, L. s. var. scoparius or L. s. var. brevialatus. We used allozyme data from each source population to calculate genetic distances between populations, and a combination of climatic data and soil traits to calculate environmental distances. At the more mesic, coastal common garden, cumulative fitness of transplants (survival × flower production) was inversely related to genetic distance between source and resident populations. At the more xeric, inland common garden, cumulative fitness (survival × size) decreased significantly with both genetic and environmental distance after one taxonomic variety was excluded from analyses. Geographic distance was only weakly correlated with genetic distance and had little value in predicting cumulative fitness of transplants. Our data support the home‐site advantage hypothesis and the idea that mis‐matching source populations of these genetically differentiated seed sources may result in lowered success of restored or constructed populations. The genetic and environmental similarities of source populations should be considered when source materials are chosen for transplantation.
The carrageenan from Iridaea undulosa B.; Analysis, fractionation and alkaline treatment

The carrageenan extracted from the seaweed Iridaea undulosa is devoid of a k-fraction and is composed of major amounts of ‘intermediate fractions’ (fractions which precipitate at potassium chloride concentrations higher than 0.125M) and lesser amounts of a ‘soluble fraction’ (soluble in 2.0M potassium chloride). It did not form gels in water or milk. The preparative fractionation of the carrageenan gave eight fractions which precipitated in narrow ranges of potassium chloride concentrations and on ultracentrifugation showed only one sharp peak. Analysis of these fractions, their infrared spectra, and the results of the periodate oxidation analysis permitted the identification of some structural units and suggested others. The alkaline treatment of the carrageenan gave a product comprising a k-fraction and a soluble fraction. The k-fraction, obtained with a high yield (53.6% of the modified polysaccharide), is capable of gelling.
Origin and Expansion of Trinucleotide Repeats and Neurological Disorders

Unstable expansions of trinucleotide repeats (TNRs) are associated with a growing number of neurological dis- orders (at least 14), including HD (Huntington's disease), fragile X-syndrome, MD (Myotonic dystrophy) and Freidreich's ataxia. These disorders are often characterized by a tendency of certain pathological alleles to further expand due to biases in the parental origin of mutations, at times, leading to the most severe forms. TNR expression involves changes in the re- peat tract length, threshold value, secondary structure formation, interruptions, mismatch repair mechanism, genes and their involved sequences, the product thereof and anticipation. The interactions of each of these factors with the others in- fluence manifestations of the disease. The exact cellular events and/or mechanism of varied expression in all the neuro- logical diseases with similar repeats have not yet been clearly understood. A correlation between trinucleotide expansion, chromosomal fragile sites and neurological diseases has, however, been established. This review deals with the involve- ment of TNRs in neurological disorders with respect to the type of repeat, level of normal, premutation and expansion of repeats, chromosomal locus and the involved genes along with clinical implications. Possible answers to two basic ques- tions regarding the mechanisms of involvement of repeat expansions and interrelationships between such expansions and fragile sites have been provided based on the available experimental data. Detection of trinucleotide repeat expansion and fragile genetic sites could be among the excellent parameters for screening and diagnosis of human neurodegenerative disorders. An insight into the mechanisms involved may help the clinicians to develop suitable treatments. Received on: 27 October 2005 - Revised on: 6 November 2005 - Accepted on: 21 November 2005