Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HERDING LIMITS WATER LOSS IN THE SAND FIDDLER CRAB, UCA PUGILATOR

Abstract Adult sand fiddler crabs, Uca pugilator, forage in large herds on exposed sediment during low tide. These herds form as a response to optimal foraging conditions but may have an additional benefit of water conservation. We determined water loss rates for crabs in groups of different sizes. Crabs in groups of 10 and 20, but not in a group of 5 or isolated individuals, showed a water-conserving group effect, yielding nearly a two-fold decrease in water loss rates. Other characteristics of U. pugilator (water content, dehydration tolerance, activation energies for water loss, critical transition temperature, and critical equilibrium humidity) are consistent with a hydrophilic water balance profile. Because crabs did not replenish water supplies from water vapor like some terrestrial arthropods, water conservation is vital to crab survival outside burrows. Enhanced water retention generated by herding likely permits more time for feeding outside the burrow, while also increasing feeding efficiency by minimizing frequency of water uptake. The fact that U. pugilator is semiterrestrial suggests that a reduction in water loss due to group effects may provide a mechanism for terrestrialization.
Letter to the Editor Airway Epithelial (Nasal) Cell Monolayers Used To Study Pseudomonas aeruginosa Invasion Are Hyperpolarized and Not Representative of the Human Airway Epithelium

Zulianello and colleagues (5) reported recently that invasion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa into primary human airway (but, more accurately, nasal) epithelium was dependent on bacterial secretion of rhamnolipids to disrupt tight junctions, which promoted paracellular bacterial invasion of the epithelium. They questioned the work of myself and colleagues reporting that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) was a receptor for P. aeruginosa that mediated intracellular endocytosis of airway epithelial cells. While their results support their conclusions, the polarized nasal epithelial monolayers they used are completely unrepresentative of the actual airway epithelial layer in the lung, where transepithelial resistances (TER) in freshly excised human airways are 100
Lecidea doliiformis belongs to Micarea, Catillaria alba to Biatora, and Biatora ligni-mollis occurs in Western Europe

Abstract The taxonomic position of several European corticolous lichen species with conspicuous pycnidia and chlorococcoid photobiont is currently unsatisfactory and is here examined with maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences using mtSSU sequences. Lecidea doliiformis is resolved as a member of the Micarea assimilata-group and Catillaria alba as sister to the recently described Biatora ligni-mollis. Therefore, L. doliiformis is transferred to Micarea [M. doliiformis (Coppins & P. James) Coppins & Sérus. comb. nov.], and a new name is introduced for the transfer of C. alba into Biatora (B. veteranorum Coppins & Sérus. nom. nov.). Biatora ligni-mollis, recently described from primary forests in British Columbia (Canada), is shown to be a rare but widespread species in Western Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Poland and Scotland) where it is not confined to undisturbed forests.
Bioindication of anthropogenic pollution with Plantago lanceolata (Plantaginaceae): metal accumulation, morphological and stomatal leaf characteristics

Four metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) were determined by ICP-AES, as well as visual damages, length and width of leaf lamina, number and sizes of stomata on both surfaces of Plantago lanceolata leaves from four urban and non-ferrous industrial sites. The elements in the surface soils were analyzed. According to the obtained data, the leaves of P. lanceolata can be used as accumulative bioindicators not only for Zn and Pb, but also for Cd. There were found some leaf characteristics suitable for bioindication of industrial pollution: the length of leaf lamina, the number and sizes of the stomata. Visible leaf damages were found only in the area of non-ferrous industry. The sizes of leaf lamina and stomata were also sensitive characteristics of urban traffic pollution.
BACTERIA AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON BIOGENIC AMINES

INTRODUCTION Biogenic amines (BA) are organic compounds (nitrogenous bases) with low molecular weights which can be frequently found in fermented alimentary products such as wine, cheese, etc. The characteristics and biological effects of the BA are very diverse in between them, in that they can have either beneficial or harmful effects on human beings. Some amines, such as putrescine, seem to be indispensable for the cellular growth and proliferation of living organisms. Other BA, such as histamine and tyramine, on the other hand have harmful health effects, or in the case of putrescine, have effects on the organoleptic characteristics of the alimentary products. For this reason their concentration in alimentary products should be very low, or at the least not higher than certain levels (9). In the case of wines, there have been no more than 20 different BA described (20), the most abundant and dangerous of which being histamine, tyramine, phenylethylamine and putrescine, and at lower levels cadaverine and tryptamine (9).
LENTIVIRUS-MEDIATED GENE TRANSFER INDUCES LONG TERM TRANSGENE EXPRESSION OF BMP-2 IN VITRO AND NEW BONE FORMATION IN VIVO

These vectors were used to optimize MOI, transduction efficiency, and protein production with an easily detectable marker gene. Viral vector particles were produced in 293T cells involving a three -plasmid (packaging, envelope and vector plasmid) expression system by calcium phosphate co-transfection. Cell preparation and transduction with lentiviral vectors: Primary rat bone marrow cells (RBMCs) were isolated from the femurs and tibias of Lewis rats and maintained in tissue culture. Transduction with each lentivirus were carried out in the presence of polybrene for 24hr at MOI = 1, 5, 25, or 125 for Lenti-MLV-EGFP and Lenti-CMV-EGFP and MOI=5 or 25 for Lenti-MLV-BMP-2 or Lenti-CMV-BMP -2. Flow cytometric analysis: To detect the lentiviral transduction efficiency and duration of transgene expression at various MOI in RBMCs, Lenti-MLV-EGFP and Lenti-CMV-EGFP transduced cells were cultured and harvested at 1,2,4, and 6 weeks after transduction. Flow cytometry via a FACScan (BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ) was used on harvested cells. The percentage of EGFP positive cells and the mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) were analyzed using Cellquest Pro software
ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL OF MALLOTUS PHILIPPINENSIS MUELL. EUPHOBIACEAE

Mallotus philippinensis Muell. is a small to medium-sized monoecious tree, having widespread natural distribution, sometimes gregarious but more usually mixed with other species, both in forests and in open scrubland. It is frost-hardy and resistant to drought. The wood is often used as fuel wood. The fruits and bark have been reported to be used medicinally to treat stomach ulcers and tapeworm. A relatively reduced density of grasses and forbs is often observed below/near it. Therefore the present study was conducted to assess the allelopathic potential of Mallotus philippinensis against some test species. Plant material of Mallotus philippinensis were collected from Gadoon Hills, District Swabi in 2009 and were dried at room temperature (25˚C-30˚C). Aqueous extracts obtained from various parts including leaves, fruits, bark, litter and mulches in various experiments invariably inhibited the germination, plumule, radicle growth, fresh and dry weight of Lactuca sativa, Pennisetum americanum, and Setaria italica under laboratory conditions. The aqueous extracts obtained after 48 h were more inhibitory than 24 h. Leaves and fruits were more toxic than bark. Litter and mulches also proved to be inhibitory. It is suggested that the various assayed parts of Mallotus philippinensis have strong allelopathic potential at least against the tested species. Further inquiry is needed to see its allelopathic performance under field condition against its associated grasses and forbs and to identify the toxic principles.
Habitat Characteristics of the Endangered Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus) in the Central Appalachian Mountains

Abstract We compared 11 ecological variables thought to be important for assessing the habitat of the endangered Virginia northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus) at 11 occupied and 9 unoccupied sites within northern hardwood-montane conifer forests in the central Appalachians of West Virginia. Forest stands at sites occupied by G. s. fuscus had significantly higher relative importance values of montane conifers such as red spruce (Picea rubens) and little or no presence of northern red oak (Quercus rubra) than did sites that were believed unoccupied. Probabilities derived from logistic regression analyses indicated that sites were considered occupied when relative importance values of montane conifers in forest stands exceeded approximately 35%. Conversely, we detected no differences in elevation, absolute forest basal area, overstory tree species richness, total shrub density, percent coarse woody debris cover, percent herbaceous cover, percent emergent rock cover and percent soil organic matter (humus) between occupied and unoccupied sites. We observed low levels hypogeal fungi across all sites and fungi presence did not differ between occupied and unoccupied sites. Patchily distributed fungi combined with the much reduced and altered forest habitat in the region provide additional insights into the rarity of G. s. fuscus in the central Appalachians.
Gnotobiotic IL-10−/−;NF-κBEGFP Mice Reveal the Critical Role of TLR/NF-κB Signaling in Commensal Bacteria-Induced Colitis1

Commensal bacteria and TLR signaling have been associated with the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis in dextran sodium sulfate-induced intestinal injury. The aim of this study was to determine the in vivo role of TLR/NF-κB activation in a model of commensal bacteria-induced T cell-mediated colitis. A NF-κB reporter gene mouse (NF-κBEGFP) (EGFP, enhanced GFP) was crossed to the colitogenic susceptible strain IL-10−/− and derived into germfree conditions using embryo-transfer technology. Germfree IL-10wt/wt;NF-κBEGFP and IL-10−/−;NF-κBEGFP mice (wt, wild type) were dual associated with the nonpathogenic commensal bacteria strains Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. EGFP was detected using macroimaging, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry. IL-10−/−;MyD88−/− mice were used to assess E. faecalis/E. coli-induced TLR-dependent signaling and IL-23 gene expression. Dual-associated IL-10−/−;NF-κBEGFP mice developed severe inflammation by 7 wk. Macroscopic analysis showed elevated EGFP expression throughout the colon of bacteria-associated IL-10−/−;NF-κBEGFP mice. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed EGFP-positive enterocytes during the early phase of bacterial colonization (1 wk) in both IL-10wt/wt and IL-10−/− mice, while the signal shifted toward lamina propria T cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in IL-10−/− mice during colitis (7 wk). The NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7085 attenuated E. faecalis/E. coli-induced EGFP expression and development of colitis. Additionally, E. faecalis/E. coli-induced NF-κB signaling and IL-23 gene expression were blocked in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells derived from IL-10−/−;MyD88−/− mice. We conclude that bacteria-induced experimental colitis involves the activation of TLR-induced NF-κB signaling derived mostly from mucosal immune cells. Blocking TLR-induced NF-κB activity may represent an attractive strategy to treat immune-mediated intestinal inflammation.
Ruffed Grouse Nest Success and Habitat Selection in the Central and Southern Appalachians

Abstract Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus; hereafter, grouse) populations in the central and southern Appalachians are experiencing declines, which may be linked to deteriorating recruitment. Because nest success is an important component of recruitment, understanding the influence of habitat on nest success is important for developing regional grouse management strategies. Therefore, our objectives were to determine grouse nest success rates, characterize nest site selection, and identify habitat characteristics associated with successful nests in this region. From 1995 to 2002, we located 234 nests, of which 147 (63%) were successful (≥1 egg hatched). We characterized habitat at 167 of these nests and compared successful and unsuccessful nests using logistic regression and Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC). Similarly, we characterized nest site selection by pairing 73 nests with 1–8 nearby systematic sites and conducting a matched-pairs logistic regression followed by AIC. Eleven of 25 candidate models of nest success were supported; distance to a road or opening, ground cover, deciduous canopy cover, coarse woody debris, and basal area were increasingly important predictors of nest success. Increases in basal area, coarse woody debris, and deciduous canopy cover improved the odds of nest success. Alternatively, greater amounts of ground cover and increased distance to a road or opening decreased the odds of a nest being successful. The two supported models of habitat selection were basal area with coarse woody debris and basal area alone. Odds of a habitat being selected increased with both variables. Selection of these habitat elements likely reflects the tendency for females to nest at the base of large trees, stumps, or logs, which can reduce their exposure to predators and seems to improve nest success. Increased ground cover may reduce the female's ability to detect a predator and increase the susceptibility of a nest. We recommend managers ensure coarse woody debris is available for nest sites, particularly when logging operations (e.g., clearcuts, thinnings) remove a high proportion of the standing basal area.
The feeding response of diploid and triploid Atlantic salmon and brook trout

Pair and group experiments were conducted to determine whether differences exist in feeding success between juvenile diploid and triploid salmonids in a competitive situation. In the pair experiments, 22 pairs (one diploid and one triploid) of size-matched Quebec-strain brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis (7·2–46·3 g) were fed an unlimited number of pellets three times a day for 5 days. Dominance was assigned to the fish which ate the most pellets within each pair. In the group experiments, groups of three diploid and three triploid size-matched fish were fed a restricted ration three times a day for 5 days. Hierarchical rank within the group was assigned based on the number of pellets consumed by each fish. The group experiment was repeated 10 times with Atlantic salmon Salmo salar (5·1–62·7 g), Quebec-strain brook trout (11·8-110·8 g), and large UNB-strain brook trout (18·2–33·0 g), and 12 times with smaller UNB-strain brook trout (0·6–2·0 g). A statistically significant difference in rank between ploidies was found only for the smaller UNB-strain brook trout in the group experiments, with diploids dominant over triploids. This suggests that there may be a difference in competitive feeding success between diploid and triploid brook trout early in development, but that this difference diminishes as the fish grow.
Effect of Electromagnetic Fields on Two Calcium Dependent Biological Systems

Weak pulsing electromagnetic fields interfered with lymphocyte blastogenesis and thromboxane release by polymorphonuclear leukocytes, as measured with %-thymidine incorporation and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Both cellular systems are calcium-dependent. Electromagnetic exposure significantly Inhibits both DNA synthesis and uptake in transformed lymphocytes. The effect on DNA synthesis seems to be synergistic with that of verapamil, a calcium blocker.
Chromosome numbers and reproductive systems in selected species of Hieracium and Pilosella (Asteraceae) from Romania

Chromosome numbers are given for 17 taxa of the genus Hieracium and 4 taxa of the genus Pilosella originating from Romanian Eastern and Southern Carpathians: Hieracium alpinum (2n = 18), H. atratiforme s. lato (2n = 36), H. bifidum s. lato (2n = 27, 36), H. inuloides (2n = 27), H. jankae (2n = 27), H. lachenalii s. lato (2n = 27), H. lubricicaule (2n = 27), H. kotschyanum (2n = 27), H. magocsyanum (2n = 27), H. ostii-bucurae (2n = 27), H. praecurrens s. lato (2n = 27), H. ratezaticum (2n = 36), H. sabaudum s. lato (2n = 27), H. telekianum (2n = 27), H. tomiasae (2n = 27), H. tubulare (2n = 27), H. transylvanicum (2n = 18), Pilosella aurantiaca (2n = 36, 45), P. bauhinii (2n = 45), P. cymosa (2n = 36) and P. pavichii (2n = 18). For the first time the chromosome numbers are reported for the following taxa: H. atratiforme s. lato, H. jankae, H. lubricicaule, H. kotschyanum, H. magocsyanum, H. ostii-bucurae, H. telekianum, H. tomiasae and H. tubulare. Apomictic mode of reproduction was proved in triploids H. jankae, H. lubricicaule, H. kotschyanum, H. magocsyanum, H. ostii-bucurae, H. telekianum, H. tomiasae and H. tubulare by emasculation experiments. Diploid populations of Hieracium alpinum were confirmed in the Southern and Romanian Eastern Carpathians. Because diploid H. alpinum occurs just in the Eastern and Southern Carpathians and nowhere else, these parts of its area of distribution may be considered as glacial refugia for this species. The Skhidni Beskidi Mts. (the most western part of the Eastern Carpathians) probably represented a strong barrier of postglacial migrations of some diploid Hieracium taxa from the Eastern Carpathians towards the Western Carpathians.
Studies on photosynthetic pigments of some red algae of Covelong, Chennai (India)

Sea weeds are large group of marine algae belonging to Chlorophyceae, Pheophyceae and Rhodophyceae with more than 20,000 species in the world. Algal pigments have a great commercial value as natural colourants in neutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. Species of red algae such as Gracilaria corticata J. Ag, Grateloupia lithophila Boerg, Gelidium sp and Bryocladia thwaitesia (Harvey) Detoni reported from covelong, Chennai, with the phycobilin pigments used in food stuffs includes the colouring of fermented milk products, ice creams, chewing gums, soft drinks, desserts, sweet cake decoration and milk shakes. These species were collected from covelong, Chennai, for the period of six months from February 2010 to July’2010. The phycobilin pigments (Phycoerythrin, Phycocyanin and Allophycocyanin) were obtained by phosphate buffer extraction and chlorophyll-a by the acetone extraction using UV spectrophotometery. The pigment production varied with different light intensities, but most of them attained their optimum concentration at 69,000 lux and also the pigment production varied with different temperature, the optimum concentration attained at 28 o C. The R-Phycoerythrin was maximum in Gracilaria corticata and Grateloupia lithophila in July 2010 at 28 o C and 69,000 lux. The R-Phycocyanin was maximum in Gracilaria corticata in July 2010 at 28 o C & 69,000 lux. The allophycocyanin was maximum in Gelidium sp in May’2010 at 39 o C and 81,000 lux. The Chlorophyll-a content was maximum in Bryocladia thwaitesii in July’2010 at 28 o C and 69,000 lux. The temperature and light intensity plays a major role in the pigment production of red algae, it reflects the life strategy and the genetic adaptation of the seasonal development to the conditions in the sea shore.
ARE LIFE HISTORY CHARACTERISTICS GOOD PREDICTORS OF GENETIC DIVERSITY AND STRUCTURE? A CASE STUDY OF THE INTERTIDAL ALGA FUCUS SPIRALIS (HETEROKONTOPHYTA; PHAEOPHYCEAE) 1

Characteristics of an organism's life history are often good predictors of genetic diversity and genetic structure. We tested hypotheses about genetic structure and diversity in an intertidal alga based on life history and life form. Fucus spiralis L. is a perennial monoecious alga that is abundant on the shores of Maine. Reproduction in fucoids is highly sensitive to water motion, resulting in fertilization success close to 100%. Given these life history characteristics, we predicted genetic structure among populations to be high and genetic diversity within populations to be low. We used five microsatellite loci to analyze genetic structure and diversity in F. spiralis from four sites on each of two coastal points, Maine, USA. Observed heterozygosities were relatively low (0.23 to 0.56), and FIS estimates were usually significantly large, ranging from 0.021 to 0.476. This suggests that selfing and/or inbreeding may occur. Contrary to predictions, genetic differentiation between the two coastal points was insignificant. Moreover, few sites were genetically different from one another. Pairwise tests revealed complex patterns among sites. Genetic differentiation was not correlated with distance (P>0.05). Life history characteristics are good predictors of genetic diversity but not of population genetic structure in F. spiralis. We suggest that long distance dispersal of F. spiralis via drifting algal rafts increases gene flow. In addition, low levels of genetic structure may arise due to episodic recruitment or recent recolonization events. We discuss the implications of our results in terms of using life history characteristics as predictors of genetic diversity and structure in algae.
Habitat Selection by Native Turtles in a Lake Erie Wetland, USA

ABSTRACT We examined habitat selection by the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) and common map turtle (Graptemys geographica) in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio, USA. Basking traps caught 198 (162 C. picta and 36 G. geographica) and 140 (106 C. picta, 33 G. geographica, 1 Trachemys scripta elegans) unique individuals in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Radiotransmitters were attached to selected adults of both species. Chrysemys picta were caught in marshes more than in channels in both years. Radiotelemetry results corresponded with trap data; C. picta were located 65.6% and 90% of the time in marshes in 2003 and 2004, respectively. With just four exceptions, G. geographica were captured only in channels in both years. In contrast, radiotelemetry data revealed that G. geographica were located 40.7% and 43.7% of the time in marshes in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Our results showed differences in habitat use for these two species, but different measures of habitat use (basking traps vs. radiotelemetry) provided different insights to behavior.