Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation in Components of Reproductive Success in an Undersaturated Population of Coral-Reef Damselfish: A Field Perspective

The main issue we have attempted to address in this paper is whether resource-based variation in reproductive success (excluding competition for mates through sexual selection) among individuals in a population necessarily arises only when populations approach their carrying capacity. We describe conditions under which differential reproductive success can develop within and between local populations even when available resources do not limit overall population size. We contend that if resource quality varies spatially and predictably, as is probably the case for most natural systems, then significant variation in the reproductive success of individuals can arise through behavioral mechanisms (territoriality) or through physical isolation. Behavioral mechanisms could result in selection for attributes to enhance competitive ability; isolation should promote habitat selection and concomitant specializations. In support of our argument, a study of a territorial coral-reef damselfish, Stegastes acapulcoensis, in Panama shows that significant habitat-related differences in the components of reproductive success (body size and female gonad size) can occur in a population limited by recruitment. In areas cleared of damselfish, conspecific adults rapidly and almost completely replaced damselfish at shallow-water sites, where components of reproductive success are high. In contrast, at deep-water sites, where these parameters are lower, few or no replacement individuals of any age moved in after removals. We interpret these results as evidence for the existence of intraspecific competition in a population whose size is not limited by resources.
Roosting and Foraging Behavior of Two Neotropical Gleaning Bats, Tonatia silvicola and Trachops cirrhosus (Phyllostomidae) 1

We studied roosting and foraging behavior of two Neotropical gleaning bats, ďOrbigny's round‐eared bat, Tonatia silvicola, and the fringe‐lipped bat, Trachops cirrhosus (Phyllostomidae). Techniques included radio‐tracking in a tropical lowland forest in Panama and analysis of data from long‐term studies in Panama and Venezuela. Day roosts of T. silvicola were in arboreal termite nests. T. cirrhosus roosted in a hollow tree. T. silvicola emerged late (ca 60 min after sunset), and foraged close to the roosts (maximum distance 200–500 m). T. cirrhosus emerged early (ca 30 min after local sunset), and foraged farther from its roost (>1.5 km). Both bats used small foraging areas (3–12 ha) in tall, open forest. They foraged in continuous flight (maximum 27–36 min) or in short sally flights (<1 minute) from perches (“hang‐and‐wait” strategy). The small foraging areas of these bats and their sedentary foraging mode most likely make them vulnerable to habitat fragmentation.
Meristem allocation and life-history evolution in herbaceous plants

Generalisations of life histories in plants are often framed in terms of allocation to reproduction. For example, relative allocation to reproduction is commonly found to be higher in semelparous than in iteroparous plant species. However, the association between vegetative traits and life history has been largely unexplored. In higher plants, reproductive and vegetative function can be measured in terms of meristem allocation. Under this approach, two vegetative traits (apical dominance (the suppression of axillary meristem development) and branching intensity (the commitment of axillary meristems to branches)) can be measured as well as one reproductive trait (reproductive effort). We used phylogenetically independent contrasts to compare reproductive and vegetative function in annual semelparous and perennial iteroparous species. Twenty congeneric species pairs (each species pair represented by one semelparous and one iteroparous species) across nine families were selected based on availability of herb.
An AP-1 Binding Sequence Is Essential for Regulation of the Human 2(I) Collagen (COL1A2) Promoter Activity by Transforming Growth Factor- (*)

Previous studies have shown that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) modulate type I collagen gene expression in fibroblasts. To fine-map the corresponding response elements in the human α2(I) collagen (COL1A2) promoter, we have generated a series of 5′ deletion promoter/chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene constructs. Transient cell transfection assays using human dermal fibroblasts and stable transfection experiments using NIH 3T3 fibroblasts identified the region located between residues −265 and −241, as critical for TGF-β response. Specifically, we demonstrate that this 25-base pair region mediates the up-regulatory effect of TGF-β on COL1A2 promoter activity and allows antagonistic activity of TNF-α on the TGF-β effect. Gel mobility shift assays indicate that nuclear factor binding to this 25-base pair region of COL1A2 promoter is competed by AP-1, but not NF-1 or NF-κB, oligonucleotides. Transient cell transfection experiments with plasmid constructs in which the potential AP-1-binding site located within this short region of promoter was modified by sitedirected mutagenesis indicated that this element plays a significant role in the basal activity of the promoter. Furthermore, this sequence is essential for TGF-β response and does not require the presence of the three Sp-1-binding sites located further upstream, between nucleotides −273 and −304. In addition, overexpression of c-jun in co-transfection experiments with COL1A2 promoter/CAT constructs blocks the TGF-β response, further implicating AP-1 in the regulation of COL1A2 gene expression. Our results clarify the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of type I collagen gene expression and further emphasize the importance of AP-1 in mediating some of the TGF-β effects on gene transcription.
Exercise Electrocardiography Testing in Patients with Calcific Non-obstructive Coronary Lesions at Cardiac Multislice Computed Tomography

Background: Non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NoCAD), cardiac syndrome X (CSX), conduit vessel endothelial dysfunction and microvascular angina are all terms used to describe patients that have chest pain yet no obstructive coronary artery disease on coronary angiography. Objectives: the purpose of this study was to evaluate exercise ECG (Ex-ECG) test in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis who were diagnosed by multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography to have nonobstructive lesions. Patients and Methods: 100 patients were recruited in the current study (their age ranged from 30 – 66 years), they were classified into three groups: group (A) 30 patients with non-calcific normal coronaries by MSCT, group (B) 35 patients with non-calcific non-obstructive lesions (zero calcium score) by MSCT and group (C) 35 patients with calcific non-obstructive lesions (calcium score < 400 HU) by MSCT. Results: There was statistically highly significant difference between the three groups as regard results of exercise ECG test (P value=0.001). Positive exercise ECG test results occurred with calcific and mixed plaques in group (C) more than soft plaque in group (B), and there is significant difference between two groups with (P-value = 0.001). Positive exercise ECG test results in group (C) occurred more frequently with higher calcium score ranged from (59 – 362) HU. Conclusions: MSCT angiography and calcium scoring system can provide valuable results which is helpful in avoiding an extra unnecessary invasive coronary angiography in patients for whom exercise ECG test results seemed to be positive or for whom high cardiovascular mortality risk from ischemia is not present.
Diet shifts of the tawny owl Strix aluco in central and northern Italy

Abstract Feeding of tawny owl, Strix aluco, was studied from 14 localities of northern and central Italy, where it preyed mainly upon mammals and birds, but amphibians and invertebrates were also frequently eaten. Predation upon mammals was more important from autumn to spring, when alternative prey (amphibians, birds and invertebrates) were less available. The food niche overlaps, the linear distances (in km) between the various localities were negatively correlated, and the mean size of prey taken increased with the proportion of forested territory. However, where tawny owl preyed upon large forest mammals, it also preyed upon larger mammals not typical of forests. Considering the relationships between forest structure and tawny owl diet, it was found that forest density was positively correlated with the proportion of arvicolids and negatively with prey size diversity and the proportion of myoxids. The amount of forest territory within 1 km radius from each pellet collection site largely explained diet variability. Results of discriminant analysis, in addition, suggested that tawny owl is likely to avoid thick Mediterranean coppice forests as hunting habitats.
CYTOTAXONOMIC STUDIES IN THE TRIBE CYNAREAE (COMPOSITAE)

Chromosome numbers of 40 taxa of nine genera of the Cynareae together with discussions of pertinent taxonomic problems are presented. Chromosome counts for 26 taxa are presented for the first time; the chief of these are: Carduus cernuus, n = 11; C. pycnocephalus and C. tenuiflorus, 2n = 54; Cirsium arachnoideum, C. obvallatum, C. pendulum, C. tricholoma, 2n = 34; Echinops (six species), 2n = 30; Notobasis syriaca, 2n = 34; Onopordum (two species), 2n = 34; Saussurea densa, 2n = 26; Silybum eburneum, n = 17. The morphology of the chromosome complements is discussed in relation to the interrelationships and phylogeny of these genera. Cytological evidence supports the retention of Notobasis and Chamaepeuce as distinct from Cirsium.
Fecundity and its variability in orange roughy: effects of population density, condition, egg size, and senescence

Fecundity of orange roughy in 1987-1989 adjusted for standard length (s.L.) varied significantly between New South Wales (42 787 eggs female- ') South Australia (35 339 eggs female ~ I ) and east Tasmania (31 085 eggs female-'). Only 1&17% of the variability in fecundity of eastern Tasmania orange roughy was explained by S.L. in any year from 1987-1992. However, liver condition and age of the fish, in combination with s.L. , explained 27% of the variation in fecundity. Fecundity declined in fish over 60 years old. It was also significantly correlated with lipid levels in the ovary, in particular, with triacylglycerol as a proportion of the total lipid fraction. Significant interannual changes in fecundity appeared to be related to the impact of fishing. From 1987-1992, the orange roughy stock off east Tasmania was reduced by 50% by the fishery, and mean fecundity increased 20% over that period. This compensatory increase in individual fecundity, combined with an apparent increase in the proportion of females spawning annually from 54 to 71%, limited the decline in the population's egg production over this period to approximately 15%.
Role of Soils in Determining Sites for Lowland Heathland Reconstruction in England

No guidelines are currently available that advise which soil properties of arable land can be used to suggest suitable locations for heathland reconstruction. This paper reviews studies comparing soil properties of heathland or semi‐natural grassland with those of adjacent arable fields, investigations in the autecology of the dominant heathland plant, Calluna vulgaris (common heather), and long‐term experiments of fertilizer inputs on arable soils. Three properties must be assessed before the suitability of a field can be determined: extractable phosphorus, exchangeable calcium, and pH. A number of other nutrients may also be important, but evidence is currently insufficient to substantiate this. Natural changes in levels of extractable phosphorus, exchangeable calcium, and pH appear to be very slow, so nutrient stripping and acidification will be necessary where recommended levels are exceeded to successfully restore heathland vegetation.
Antigenic changes in Trypanosoma brucei on transmission by tsetse fly

Summary Antigenic variation has been demonstrated throughout a chronic infection of Trypanosoma brucei (derived from TREU 667) in the mouse. The variant antigenic types (VATs) detected were compared with those appearing on transmission from various time points through the infection. Reversion of VAT was found to occur on transmission through Glossina regardless of the VAT(s) present at the time of ingestion. The first patent parasitaemia after transmission is heterogeneous with regard to VAT; three predominant VATs appearing consistently. Indirect evidence suggests that this VAT heterogeneity is most likely not reflected in the metacyclic population but comes about immediately on transmission and can occur in the absence of antibody.
Determination of the Carnosic Acid Content in Wild and Cultivated Rosmarinus officinalis

The concentration of carnosic acid in a representative selection of leaves from wild and cultivated populations of Rosmarinus officinalis was determined by reversed-phase HPLC following extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide. Different sources of variability including season, genetics, leaf age, and growing origin (wild or cultivated) were considered. Variability in the carnosic acid content among rosemary leaves appears to be largely due to seasonal and environmental factors, in addition to their individual origin (genetics). The results reveal excellent correlation (r = 0.93) between the carnosic acid concentration and photoperiod. The results presented can be used to improve the selection of raw materials for the extraction of carnosic acid from rosemary. Keywords: Rosmarinus officinalis; carnosic acid; antioxidant; supercritical fluid extraction
Characterization of polygalacturonase produced by solid-state fermentation using the residue of passion fruit as substrate.

Pectinolytic enzymes, or pectinases, are a heterogeneous group of enzymes that hydrolyze the pectic substances present in plant cells. These enzymes are applied in several areas, making it important to know their characteristics for an efficient application. This work aimed to characterize the dry residue of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) and subsequent characterization of the enzyme polygalacturonase produced by solid state fermentation and leavening agent and the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger. The residue of passion fruit presented a pectin content of 13.10%, having a potential as a substrate for the production of pectinases. The activity of polygalacturonase reached a maximum value after 66 h of process with 40% initial moisture content and 1% of nitrogen supplementation. In this condition an activity of 20.9 U g-1 was obtained. The polygalacturonase produced the crude enzymatic extract presenting good thermal stability up to temperatures of 50 °C. This enzyme remained stable in the pH range between 3.5 and 5.5 and was not detected for pH values above 6.5.
Selecting management methodologies for marine resources, with an illustration for southern African hake

There are many different methodologies which could be used in the management of renewable marine resources. In order to manage a particular resource appropriately, it is necessary to select those methodologies which perform most satisfactorily for that resource. In this paper, an approach is outlined which can be used to select such a "best" methodology from a set of alternatives for a particular situation. The approach involves applying alternative methodologies to a large number of data sets generated by a model of the situation and using that model to examine the consequences of each application. The approach is applied to select model-estimation and management procedures for the Cape hake resources off southern Africa. The observation error form of the Butterworth-Andrew model performs the best of the model-estimation procedures investigated, and the Maximum Allowable Catch strategy is the most satisfactory harvesting strategy of those considered. These results are relatively robust to model structure.
Comparative antimicrobial activity and phytochemical analysis of Datura stramonium L. plant extracts and callus in vitro.

The phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activities of in vitro grown callus and in D.stramonium plant were studied and compared. The crude extracts from D. stramonium were analysed for moisture, starch, carbohydrate, ascorbic acid, lipid, proline, crude protein, phenols, DNA, RNA, chlorophyll and carotenoid in plant parts and callus. The phytochemical content of naturally grown plant was comparatively higher than in vitro grown callus. The antimicrobial potential of the methanolic extracts of root, stem, leaves, fruits, callus and crude metabolite rich fractions were evaluated against Escherichia coli MTCC 1652, Staphylococus aureus MTCC 3160, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 847, Aspergillus flavus MTCC 2456, Aspergillus niger MTCC 282, Fusarium culmorum MTCC 349 and Rhizopus stolonifer MTCC 2591. The results indicated that methanolic leaf extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against S.aureus (IZ = 18.2 mm) and E.coli (IZ = 19.8 mm), P.aeruginosa (IZ = 22.2 mm), R.stolonifer (IZ = 21.5 mm and callus exhibited antimicrobial activity against A.niger (IZ = 12.1 mm), F.culmorum (IZ = 18.9 mm) and A.flavus (IZ = 12.8 mm). The present study also revealed that antimicrobial activity was higher in naturally grown plant . In the metabolite rich
Isolation and Characterization of Mutants of the Methylotrophic Yeast, Candida boidinii S2 That Are Impaired in Growth on Peroxisome-Inducing Carbon Sources

Candida boidinii is a methylotrophic yeast that grows well on oleic acid, D-alanine, or methanol as sole carbon sources. All of these growth substrates induce peroxisomal proliferation; we refer to them as PICs (Peroxisome Inducing Carbon sources). While the activity of catalase, an important peroxisomal enzyme, was induced by all the PICs, peroxisomal oxidases were induced in a PIC-specific manner. To better understand peroxisomal proliferation, two mutant strains that completely lost the ability to grow on all of the PICs were isolated and analyzed. Peroxisome matrix enzymes (catalase, D-amino acid oxidase, alcohol oxidase, etc.) in both mutant strains were mislocalized to the cytosol, and they were active there. Electron microscopy revealed the lack of normal large methanol-induced peroxisomes. We conclude that these mutants are impaired in peroxisomal assembly. Furthermore, the two mutants differed in the catabolite inactivation response to glucose. Finally, although both mutant strains could not grow.
Effet de l'injection de somatotropine bovine recombinée (rbST) sur les performances de brebis laitières. Influence de la nature de l'aliment concentré

Quarante brebis de race Comisana, produisant 0,970 kg de lait/jour (62 ± 8 jours de lactation), ont ete nourries avec des aliments concentres dont le rapport parois/amidon etait variable. Quatre lots de 10 brebis chacun ont ete constitues: i) HA: amidon haut 34,1 %; NDF 20,0 %; ii) HA + rbST; iii) BA: amidon bas 12,2 %; NDF 32,7 %; iv) BA + rbST. Une injection de 320 mg de somatotropine bovine recombinee (rbST) retard (Somidobove Ely Lilly Elanco) a ete effectuee par voie sous-cutanee aux brebis des lots HA + rbST et BA + rbST. Le traitement par la rbST a augmente de maniere significative (p < 0,01) la production laitiere, mesuree sur une periode de 28 jours. Ni le traitement alimentaire ni la somatotropine n'ont modifie de maniere significative les taux butyreux et proteique, tandis que le pH et le nombre de cellules somatiques du lait diminuaient de maniere significative (p < 0,05) dans le lot HA. Aucune influence du traitement alimentaire et de la somatotropine n'a ete mise en evidence sur l'aptitude a la coagulation du lait et sur les parametres sanguins.
Verde que te quiero verde: una mirada feminista para la conservación de la biodiversidad

Este artículo de reflexión pretende realizar una breve introducción al llamado ecofeminismo, con el objetivo de visibilizar sus encuentros y diferencias con las propuestas de la biología de la conservación. Propondremos que el ecofeminismo tiene numerosos aportes epistemológicos y ético-políticos que pueden enriquecer a las prácticas de la biología de la conservación y generar una mirada crítica sobre el rol de las ciencias en las problemáticas ambientales. Para ello examinaremos dos elementos de análisis, particularmente relevantes para el ecofeminismo. El primero refiere a la noción de naturaleza en la modernidad y la perspectiva dualista que separa naturaleza de cultura. El segundo refiere a la epistemología tradicional de las ciencias naturales, vinculado a la idea de objetividad y neutralidad, así como en relación con el rol asignado a las ciencias naturales frente a las problemáticas ambientales. Posteriormente, contrastaremos dichas críticas con los discursos de la biología de la conservación, tratando de examinar en qué medida se reproducen los presupuestos criticados por el ecofeminismo y en qué medida aparecen búsquedas comunes. Nuestro análisis indica que en cierta medida algunos elementos del ecofeminismo parecen encontrar resonancias y perspectivas comunes en la biología de la conservación, más no de modo amplio. Creemos que las alianzas entre las corrientes feministas y las de cuidado ambiental, propuestas por la biología de la conservación, pueden resultar aproximaciones disruptivas respecto de la mirada hegemónica de las ciencias naturales. Estas “nuevas miradas” tal vez posibiliten una mayor apropiación social en los proyectos de conservación, que no reproduzcan supuestos problemáticos –vinculados a la actual crisis ambiental- como el dualismo naturaleza-cultura y que consideren diferentes aristas socioambientales respecto de la pérdida de biodiversidad.
Sensitivity of Chlorophyll Meters for Diagnosing Nitrogen Deficiencies of Corn in Production Agriculture

Chlorophyll meters have been widely used to diagnose N deficiencies in research trials and to help refine N fertilizer recommendations in production agriculture. The diagnoses are based on the assumption that chlorophyll meters can detect a wide range of N deficiencies under field conditions according to relationships between chlorophyll meter readings (CMRs) and yield responses to N fertilization that are established from small-plot trials. We conducted a field-scale study to evaluate the sensitivity of chlorophyll meters when they are used to detect N deficiencies in corn (Zea mays L.) production. The multiple year-location data were gathered in three cornfields where N fertilizer was applied at different rates in strips that crossed several soil map units. Grain yields were related to CMRs taken on corn leaves in June, July, and August of 1998-1999. Results showed that the chlorophyll meters could detect severe N deficiencies early in the season, but small and moderate deficiencies of N could not be diagnosed with reasonable certainty until it was too late to make in-season fertilization. Two types of discontinuity are discussed in this paper as likely causes for the limited sensitivity of the chlorophyll meters. Our study suggests that problems associated with the use of chlorophyll meters to diagnose deficiencies of N in production agriculture are much greater than their use to help interpret results of well-controlled research trials where yields are also measured.