Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MATERNAL EFFECTS IN ANIMAL ECOLOGY

SYNOPSIS. Maternal effects comprise a class of phenotypic effects that parents have on phenotypes of their offspring that are unrelated to the offspring's own genotype. Although biologists have known about the importance of these effects for decades, maternal effects have only recently been studied widely by evolutionary ecologists. Moreover, the impact of maternal effects on the rate and direction of evolution of other components of the phenotype has only recently been fully elucidated by theoretical genetic models. This paper provides a brief overview of maternal effects research, focusing on research conducted in animal systems. First, I review and summarize definitions and theoretical treatments of maternal effects. Then I survey the diversity of maternal effects and some of the kinds of ecological and evolutionary impacts that maternal effects have been shown to have on offspring performance. Third, I discuss some of the ecological and evolutionary implications of maternal effects in ecological research. In this context, it is argued that the kinds of maternal effects that have been studied, and some of the potential implications of maternal effects that have not been explored are both artifacts of research effort. Hence, I identify several fruitful areas for future maternal effects research. Lastly, I describe the necessity of explicitly incorporating maternal effects in ecological research, whether or not the researcher is focusing on them as the topic of the research.
HS1-Associated Protein X-1 Regulates Carcinoma Cell Migration and Invasion via Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis of Integrin αvβ6

Enhanced expression levels of integrin alphavbeta6 have been linked to more aggressive invasive carcinoma cell behavior and poorer clinical prognosis. However, how alphavbeta6 determines invasion and the dynamics of integrin alphavbeta6 regulation in tumor cells are poorly understood. We have identified the 35-kDa HS1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) protein as a novel binding partner of the beta6 cytoplasmic tail using a yeast two-hybrid screen. We show that alphavbeta6-dependent migration is blocked following small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated depletion of HAX-1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Using both siRNA and membrane-permeable peptides, we show that alphavbeta6-dependent migration and invasion require HAX-1 to bind directly to beta6 and thereby regulate clathrin-mediated endocytosis of alphavbeta6 integrins. Progression of oral cancer is associated with enhanced expression of alphavbeta6 and HAX-1 proteins in patient tissue. This report establishes that integrin endocytosis is required for alphavbeta6-dependent carcinoma cell motility and invasion and suggests that this process is an important mechanism in cancer progression.
Logarithmic Quantization Image Watermarking By Using the Contourlet Transform

Conventional quantization-based watermarking uses the uniform quantizer to embed the watermark. This method may be easily estimated by averaging on a set of watermarked signals. Furthermore, by uniform quantizer, the perceptual characteristics of the host signal are not considered and the watermark energy is distributed uniformly within the host signal, which introduces perceptible distortions in some parts of host signal. In this paper, inspired by the entropy masking model and logarithmic quantization index modulation (LQIM) strategy, an improved logarithmic quantization-based watermarking method is studied in the contourlet transform domain. Its improved robustness is due to embedding in the high entropy image region and optimal parameter selection of the LQIM from speech communication point of view. At the receiver, the Euclidean distance decoder is utilized to extract the watermark information. Finally, we have performed a series of experiments on the test images to demonstrate the eﬀec-tiveness of the proposed watermarking. Experimental results conﬁrm the invisibility of the proposed method and its robustness against attacks covers additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN),JPEG compression, ,Gaussian ﬁltering, scaling and cropping attack ,etc.
A New Species of Lotus (Leguminosae, Loteae) from the L. angustissimus (sect. Lotus) Complex

Abstract We describe a new species, Lotus lourdes-santiagoi (Leguminosae) of the L. angustissimus complex endemic to Andalusia (southwestern Spain). The most important diagnostic character of the new species is the presence of indumentum on the adaxial face of the standard. A table presents the distinguishing characteristics of the new species, comparing it with L. castellanus Boiss. & Reut, and L. palustris Willd. , the two other species in the group having keeled beaks curved inwards at the tip.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EPIDERMAL FEATURES OF TWELVE UNDER-UTILIZED LEGUME ACCESSIONS.

Seeds of six species of twelve accessions of miscellaneous legumes were obtained from the germplasm unit of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The seeds were planted into plots of 5m long, spaced 1 meter apart at the botanical garden of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), Ogun State, Nigeria. Leaves of the plants were assessed for their genetic and phylogenetic relatedness through diagnostic epidermal studying of the cell shapes, anticlinal wall types and stomatal characteristics at the abaxial and adaxial surfaces. The cell shapes, anticlinal wall types and the stomatal characteristics revealed some correlations among the studied taxa. All the species were amphiostomatic possessing stomata on both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces. Proportions of the stomata distributions among the taxa were 75% (paracytic), 16.67% (anomocytic) and 8.3% (anisocytic) at both surfaces. There was no accession with diacytic stoma. Cell shapes were 75% polygonal, 25% irregular at the abaxial surfaces and 66.67%, 33.33% irregular and polygonal respectively at the adaxial surface. The prevalent anticlinal wall type was curved (41.67%) followed by curved/slightly straight (33.3%) and slightly straight (25%) at both surfaces. Result of the epidermal features of the studied taxa revealed some diagnostic characteristics that could be used for taxonomic decision
A meta‐analysis of steady undulatory swimming

The mechanics underlying undulatory swimming are of great general interest, both to biologists and to engineers. Over the years, more data of the kinematics of undulatory swimming have been reported. At present, an integrative analysis is needed to determine which general relations hold between kinematic variables. We here perform such an analysis by means of a meta-analysis. Using data of 27 species, we examine the relationships between the swimming speed and several kinematic variables, namely frequency and amplitude of the tail beat, length and speed of the propulsive wave, length of the body, the Reynolds number, the Strouhal number and the slip ratio U/V (between the forward swimming speed U and the rearward speed V of the propulsive wave). We present results in absolute units (cm) and in units relative to the length of the organism (total length, TL). Our data show several kinematic relations: the strongest influence on swimming speed is the speed of the propulsive wave, and the other variables (amplitude and frequency of the tail beat, length of the propulsive wave and length of the body) influence it more weakly (but significantly). In several cases, results differ when variables are expressed in different units (absolute or relative to length). Our data reveal significant differences between kinematics of swimming of shallow-bodied and deep-bodied individuals, with shallow-bodied ones swimming with a shorter propulsive wave length and a higher Strouhal number. The slip ratio U/V and the Strouhal number appear to depend on the Reynolds number in a non-linear manner.
Measuring aggregation of parasites at different host population levels

SUMMARY Parasites are generally found aggregated among hosts. In this paper we propose a method for measuring aggregation at different scales in the host population. We use the method to characterize the pattern of aggregation of the tick Ixodes uriae on chicks of its seabird host, the Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. We found evidence of aggregation at the among-nest scale, but not among chicks within nests. This shows that the processes leading to aggregation occur at a higher scale than the nest. The methods we develop provide a way to compare parasite aggregation at different scales in a quantitative fashion and can be applied in a large number of epidemiological studies.
Distribution and characteristics of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the Murrumbidgee catchment

Little is known of the current status of platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) populations in the Murrumbidgee catchment and other west-flowing rivers in the Murray–Darling Basin. Platypus distribution in the Murrumbidgee catchment was determined from sightings, reports by government departments, the literature and a capture–release study. The platypus was found to be widespread in the catchment, including all subcatchment and elevation categories, but most reports were from the middle and upper subcatchments. Sixty-five captures of 55 individual platypuses were made during 61 trap-nights to 31 study sites in the Murrumbidgee catchment during 2009–10. Only three juveniles (all females) were captured and recapture rates were low, with only nine platypuses captured more than once. Adult males had body weights of 980–2180 g and body lengths of 42–60 cm (n = 32). Adult females weighed 795–1480 g and were 38–52 cm long (n = 20). Tail fat index was significantly affected by season and platypus age, while in comparison, season, platypus length and weight had a significant effect on tail volume index. This study established a baseline that provides a starting point from which the impacts of environmental disturbances or diseases occurring over time can be measured and investigated.
Monosodium Glutamate Induces Physiological Stress by Promoting Oxygen Deficiency, Cell Mediated Immunosuppression and Production of Cardiovascular Risk Metabolites in Rat

The effects of Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a popular food additive, on hematopoietic and cardiovascular risk variables in animal have not been reported till date. We report here the effects of MSG on the said variables in rat model. Adult female rats of Charles foster strain weighing about 100-120 gms were administrated MSG at a dose level of 0.8gm/kg/day, 1.6gm/kg/day, 2.4gm/kg/day, respectively for 30 days. It has been seen that the mean body weight increases significantly in the entire MSG treated groups in a dose dependent manner, and the absolute and relative organ weights of ovary, uterus, heart and liver increases significantly in MSG treated groups of rats in comparison with control rats. We found significant decrease in red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, and hemoglobin concentration in peripheral whole blood in MSG treated groups of rats. Further we found significant increase in the concentration of serum total glucose, protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), glycerol free triglycerides and low density lipoprotein (LDL); and decrease in high density lipoprotein (HDL) in a dose dependent manner in MSG treated rats. From the study we may conclude that MSG suppresses the physiologic functions of the organ systems presumably by reducing the availability of oxygen in tissues through inhibiting the erythropoiesis process for the formation of RBC; by suppressing the cell mediated immunity through reducing the formation of WBC; and by increasing the production of cardiovascular risk metabolites under the influence of hypothalamic pathways emanating from the hunger and satiety nuclei.
Plant Regeneration in Physalis pubescens L. and Its Induced Mutant

Suitable protocols for callus induction and regeneration were developed for leaf and nodal segments of Physalis pubescens L. and its flowerless mutant. Per cent callus induction and regeneration were higher in the young leaves followed by mature leaves of the control and its mutant in that order in any combination of the media. MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l and 2.5 mg/l 2,4-D are the optimum concentration for induction of callus from leaf and stem segments, respectively. Optimum medium for callus induction of nodal explants is MS + 2.5 mg/l 2,4-D + 2.0 mg/l IAA. The per cent callus induction was higher in the explants of stem and node of the control over those of the respective organs of the mutant. Nevertheless MS basal medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l NAA is the optimum for regeneration of callus induced from leaf and nodal segments. Regeneration could not be obtained from the callus of stem of either control or mutant in any combination of MS medium. Probable role of the mutagen ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) either in callus induction or regeneration of calli of the mutant is suggested.
Effect of Camellia sinensis and Trigonella foenum-greacum saponins on in vitro rumen fermentation of vetch-oat hay -

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of two plants rich in saponins on in vitro ruminal fermentation traits of vetch-oat hay using gas syringes as incubators. Two plants, Camellia sinensis and Trigonella foenum-greacum, were added to 200 mg of vetch-oat hay at levels of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 mg and 0, 48, 54, 60 and 66 mg , respectively. Gas production was dose-dependent for both plants and decreased for all incubation times with the increasing doses. Methane concentration was decreased at all inclusion levels and for each incubation time. The highest methane reduction was observed at 48h of incubation for both plants. This decrease varied between 48.78-52.84% and 45.52-72.35% for Camellia sinensis and Trigonella foenum-greacum , respectively. Ammonia-N concentrations also decreased significantly (P < 0.002) when the plants rich in saponins were included with the vetch-oat hay. In addition, these plants significantly inhibited the protozoa growth in ruminal fluid (P < 0.001). At 24h incubation, protozoa counts were reduced by 81.86% and 83.29% for the high levels of Camellia sinensis and Trigonella foenum-greacum , respectively. Finally, in vitro truly dry matter digestibility was significantly affected by the inclusion of plants rich in saponins (P < 0.05). It is suggested that addition of these saponin-rich plants to feed could modify the rumen fermentation and inhibit the release of methane and ammonia, which may be beneficial for improving nutrient and animal growth.
Outmigration of Juvenile Chinook Salmon in the Lower Willamette River, Oregon

We used direct sampling and radio telemetry to describe the outmigration of juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the lower Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls from 2000 to 2003. Juvenile Chinook salmon were present all year, with peak densities occurring in winter and spring. Small, naturally-produced (and therefore ESA-listed) fish were present in December and January, a period when in-water work (e.g. dredging) is authorized. Small fish were likely spring-run stocks that outmigrated as subyearlings. Juvenile Chinook salmon were significantly larger at downstream sampling sites, suggesting growth occurs, or larger fish entering from the Columbia River use this area as rearing habitat. Radio-tagged fish (>100 mm fork length) migrated at a median rate of 11.3 km/d, and hatchery fish migrated significantly faster than naturally-produced fish (12.4 vs. 8.4 km/d). Fork length and river flow were significant predictors of migration rate. Radio-tagged fish were distributed evenly across the river channel regardless of year, time of day, or origin (hatchery or naturally produced). Except for a possible affinity for pilings, the distribution of radio-tagged fish appeared to closely follow the proportional availability of nearshore habitat types, suggesting they do not select for specific habitats during their outmigration. We recommend that additional work focus on subyearling fish, which may have more specific habitat requirements and are more vulnerable to predation and other limiting factors. Considering the large number of subyearling juvenile Chinook salmon present during winter, restricting in-water work to July–October may help protect and recover these stocks.
Rapid mini-prep isolation of high quality small and large plasmids from phytopathogenic Gram negative bacteria

A simple and cheap method of plasmid DNA preparation from phytopathogenic Gram-negative bacteria (Xanthomonad, Erwinia stewartii) is presented here. In this method, in place of the high-priced chemicals and commercial kits, available and cheap chemicals were used for rapid isolation of small and large plasmids from different Gram negative bacteria. The time also was reduced by using this method giving a high quality plasmid production as demonstrated on the agarose gel, which make this method be used on a preparative scale to isolate sufficient quantities of plasmid DNA required for restriction analysis, cloning, or transformation experiments. A down scaledprotocol is also very useful for rapidly screening the wild plasmids in a large numbers of bacterial isolates in the experiments where hundreds of colonies should be screened for their plasmid contents such as in studying plasmid curing; antibiotic and heavy metal resistant bacteria or; xenobiotic compound degrading bacteria.
Seasonal Migration by Red-Backed Salamanders, Plethodon cinereus

Abstract We report direct observation of seasonal movements of adult Plethodon cinereus uphill to a rocky hilltop in the fall and downhill into a wet area in the spring. Counts from arrays of cover boards in both areas showed occupancy patterns that were consistent with seasonal changes in spatial distribution. Soil moisture was markedly higher and pH was slightly lower in the downhill area. Soil temperature did not differ between the two areas. Young age classes do not migrate but apparently stay in the wet area where they hatch. Differences in body size and egg diameter between fall and spring samples suggest that migratory adult salamanders grow and yolk eggs during the winter. The most likely explanation for this behavior is that the rocky hillside provides crevices that allow salamanders to get far enough underground to remain active in winter.
Head coloration, fuel load and flight muscle in wintering male Reed Buntings Emberiza schoeniclus

Feather coloration often works as a signalling trait indicating social status. Our aim was to analyze the seasonal patterns of head coloration in the Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus throughout the winter and explore whether coloration was associated with social rank. We hypothesized that, if males with more black on their head are dominant and adults are dominant over first-year birds, then (1) adult males should have more black than first-year birds and (2) males with more black should have better body condition than males with less black. Data were collected from a population of Reed Buntings wintering at a lagoon in northern Iberia (Badina de Escudera, Ebro valley). For each bird, we measured head coloration (amount of black, scaled from 1, 2/3), fat and muscle scores. The proportion of males with more black on their heads increased over time and was higher in adults than in first-year birds early in the season. However, this was not the case from mid-winter onwards, indicating that the proportion of individuals with more black on their heads was not age-dependent by the end of the winter. Fat and muscle scores did not vary between birds with different head coloration, even when controlling for age and time. This result suggests a null or undetectable relationship between head coloration and body condition.
Study on the Activity of PI3K/AKT, Death Receptor and 14-3-3 Mediated Signaling Pathways Regulating Hepatocyte Apoptosis during Rat Liver Regeneration

Studies have shown that apoptosis is closely related to the rat liver regeneration. To understand the mechanism of hepatocyte apoptosis during rat liver regeneration at the gene transcription level, the Rat Genome 230 2.0 Array was used to determine the expression changes of genes. Then the genes associated with cell apoptosis were searched by GO and NCBI databases, and cell apoptosis signaling pathways were searched by the database of QIAGEN and KEGG. Their signaling activities were calculated by spectral function E(t). The mechanism of hepatocyte apoptosis during rat liver regeneration was analyzed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis 9.0 (IPA). The results showed that among the 27 signaling pathways regulating cell apoptosis, the E(t) values of Apoptosis signaling pathway and 14-3-3 mediated signaling pathway were significantly increased in the progression phase (6-72h after PH) of rat liver regeneration, and the E(t) values of hepatocyte apoptosis mediated by mitochondria rout were also significantly increased. The E(t) values of death receptor signaling pathway and PI3K/AKT branch of 14-3-3 mediated signaling pathway were significantly increased in the progression phase and the terminal phase (72-168h after PH) of rat liver regeneration, and the E(t) values of hepatocyte apoptosis mediated by cytomembrane route and nucleus route were also significantly increased. Conclusion: PI3K/AKT, death receptor and mitochondria branch played a key role in promoting cell apoptosis during rat liver regeneration.
Apparent foraging success reflects habitat quality in an irruptive species, the Black-backed Woodpecker

ABSTRACT Dramatic fluctuations in food resources are a key feature of many habitats, and many species have evolved a movement strategy to exploit food resources that are unpredictable in space and time. The availability of food resources may be a particularly strong determinant of habitat quality for irruptive bird species. We studied the apparent foraging success of Black-backed Woodpeckers (Picoides arcticus), an irruptive species that responds opportunistically to pulsed food resources in burned forests and mountain pine beetle (MPB) infestations. Prior investigations revealed that the highest population growth rates of Black-backed Woodpeckers occurred in habitat created by summer wildfire, with intermediate population growth rates in MPB infestations, and the lowest population growth rates in habitats created by prescribed fire in fall. We tested whether apparent foraging success was associated with known habitat quality in order to assess the potential for food availability to regulate population growth. We counted the number of successfully captured wood-boring beetle larvae and “small” prey on each tree that a Black-backed Woodpecker used for foraging and modeled these counts as a function of habitat, tree diameter, number of years postfire, and tree disturbance category. Total apparent foraging success (the sum of observed captures of wood-boring beetle larvae and small prey per tree) did not vary across habitats, but woodpeckers foraging in habitats created by summer wildfire were expected to capture 2.2 and 2.0 times more wood-boring beetles than woodpeckers foraging in habitats created by fall prescribed fire and MPB infestations, respectively. These results suggest that the availability of food resources may contribute to population regulation in this irruptive species. Furthermore, population growth in irruptive species may be highly sensitive to the availability of preferred food resources. Forests recently burned by summer wildfires provide relatively abundant food resources for Black-backed Woodpeckers and represent high-quality habitat for this species of conservation concern.