Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stem Architectural Effect on Leaf Size, Leaf Number, and Leaf Mass Fraction in Plant Twigs of Woody Species

This study is to examine the effect of stem architecture on biomass allocation between leaf and stem and between leaf size and number in plant twigs of woody species. We investigated leaf size, leaf number, stem length, stem diameter, and mass for 282 woody species of subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forests in southwest China. Both stem diameter and stem length were positively correlated with individual leaf mass and area but were negatively associated with leaf number per unit stem mass and leaf number per stem length. This suggests that these stem architecture traits can be a physiological mechanism underlying the leaf size versus leaf number trade‐off. The ratio of stem length to stem diameter (LDR) was negatively correlated with leaf size and leaf number per stem length, due to the difference in the strength of the effects of stem length and stem diameter on leaf size and leaf number. Similarly, both stem diameter and stem length were positively correlated with leaf mass and stem mass. LDR was negatively correlated with leaf biomass fraction (the ratio of leaf mass to twig mass), due to the difference in the strength of the effect of stem length and stem diameter on leaf mass and stem mass. This indicates that stem architecture can significantly influence biomass allocation between leaf and stem. These relationships were generally strong when expressed as correlated evolutionary divergences. In addition, LDR was generally larger in the high‐rainfall habitat than in the low‐rainfall site. Accordingly, LDR can be regarded as a functional trait and an important component of the leading dimension of leaf size–twig size spectrum in plants.
Differences in detection of Aeromonas salmonicida in covertly infected salmonid fishes by the stress-inducible furunculosis test and culture-based assays

Abstract Accurate detection of Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida (the cause of furunculosis disease) in covertly infected salmonids is difficult and is a cause of concern for those involved in fish health inspection and resource management programs. In this study, we examined populations of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, and lake trout Salvelinus namaycush that previously sustained natural episodes of furunculosis. Consequently, the sampled fish were presumed to harbor latent infections. Mucus, gill, liver, kidney, heart, spleen, and intestine samples (N = 100 fish per group sampled) were processed and examined by (1) direct dilution counts and (2) quadrant streaking after a 48-h pre-enrichment in trypticase soy broth (TSB). Another subsample of fish from each group was then subjected to stress-inducible furunculosis tests. Stress tests detected A. salmonicida in three of four groups of fish that were examined whereas the pathogen was detected in only two of the gro.
Electrogravimetric Analysis by Quartz-Crystal Microbalance on the Consumption of the Neurotransmitter Acetylcholine by Acetylcholinesterase

Electrogravimetric analysis was performed on the consumption of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh) by Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in situ and in real time. Michaelis-Menten assumption was achieved by using an enzyme micro-reactor in which the total enzyme was anchored in a quartz crystal microbalance chip (QCM-chip) with a strategically engineered self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of alkanethiols, which can prevent diffusion-controlled or spatially restricted kinetics. The real-time frequency changes indicated the rate of the products formation from enzymatic reaction. The QCM-chip was tested showing that it could demonstrate AChE inhibition by physostigmine.
MAP 4: occurrence in mouse tissues

A polyclonal antiserum to a microtubule-associated protein (MAP) from mouse neuroblastoma cells (MAP 4) was used to examine the distribution of this protein in mouse tissues. Immunoblots of neuroblastoma cell microtubule protein preparations demonstrated that the antiserum reacted with a triplet of proteins at 215,000-240,000 mol wt. Antibodies affinity purified from any of the bands showed cross- reaction with the other bands, indicating these polypeptides were all immunologically related. Antibodies specific to MAP 4 decorated microtubules in cultured murine cells fixed with glutaraldehyde, and diffuse staining was seen following treatment of cells with nocodazole. The antiserum reacted with MAP 4 in extracts of brain, heart, liver, and lung from adult mouse; the triplet in brain was more closely spaced than in the other tissues or neuroblastoma cells. In kidney, spleen, and stomach, only a single band (band 4) was labeled; this band was immunologically related to the triplet and was also present in all tissues positive for the triplet. Skeletal muscle, sperm, and peripheral blood contained no reactive polypeptides. After taxol- induced polymerization, the MAP 4 triplet was preferentially associated with the microtubule pellet whereas band 4 remained in the supernatant. These data indicate that there is tissue specificity in the distribution of MAP 4, and that some tissues contain a polypeptide related to MAP 4 (band 4) that does not bind to microtubules in vitro.
Lipid layer engineering of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles to control their uptake and intracellular co-localisation.

Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by an O/W emulsion-solvent evaporation method with polyethyleneimine (PEI) in the water phase as a stabiliser. Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly was used to engineer the surface of the NPs. Then, the multilayer coated PLGA NPs were further modified via self-assembly with lipid vesicles composed of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-choline (DOPC) and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-l-serine (DOPS) at different molar ratios: 65 : 35, 75 : 25, 85 : 15 and 95 : 5. The influence of the lipid composition of the NPs on cellular uptake and uptake pathways for the HepG2 cell line was studied by means of flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Macropinocytosis, clathrin-mediated and caveolae-mediated endocytosis are the main internalisation pathways of the lipid coated PLGA NPs. Lipid coated PLGA NPs tend to form vesicle-like aggregates in close proximity to the nucleus. Co-localisation studies indicate that lipid coated NPs could be associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Decreasing the proportion of negatively charged DOPS in the lipid coating results in a decrease in NP uptake and an increase in the presence of vesicle-like aggregates with an apparently higher association with the ER.
Effects of temperature extremes on genetic variances for life history traits in Drosophila melanogaster as determined from parent‐offspring comparisons

Parent‐offspring comparisons were used to investigate the effects of temperature extremes on genetic variances for two life history traits and one morphological trait in Drosophila melanogaster. We considered three temperatures (14 °C, 25 °C and 28 °C) for culturing and testing flies, and considered heritabilities, coefficients of additive variation (CVA) and evolvabilities (IA) for fecundity, development time and wing length. For fecundity, heritabilities and evolvabilities were higher when parents were exposed to 14 °C compared to 28 °C. Parent‐offspring comparisons suggested that genetic correlations among environments were close to 1, although lower correlations were obtained in comparisons of family means. Parent‐offspring correlations across environments seemed to depend on parental temperature. For development time, heritabilities and evolvabilities were low at 14 °C compared to 28 °C. However, parent‐offspring correlations were relatively high when the progeny of parents tested at 14 °C were raised at the opposite extreme, suggesting that genetic variation can be enhanced when parents and offspring experience different conditions. CVAs and IAs for development time were lower than for fecundity, even when heritability estimates were similar in magnitude. Genetic variation for wing length was generally not affected by the temperature extremes, and genetic correlations across the extremes estimated from the parent‐offspring comparison were close to 1. There was no evidence for tradeoffs between traits; rapid development time was associated with high fecundity at both the phenotypic and genetic levels. The findings highlight inherent difficulties of estimating genetic parameters from parent‐offspring comparisons when two generations experience different environmental extremes and also show how parent‐offspring comparisons can lead to unexpected findings about the expression of genetic variation.
A multidisciplinary approach to the definition of species boundaries in branching species of the coral genus Psammocora (Cnidaria, Scleractinia)

The Indo‐Pacific coral genus Psammocora Dana (1846) has never been formally revised, and its phylogeny has only been partially explored. Several synonymies have been proposed for the 11 nominal species which have highly plastic branching growth forms. In the present study, the definition of genetic and morphologic boundaries among three currently recognized branching morpho‐species, Psammocora stellata, Psammocora contigua and Psammocora obtusangula, is addressed through a joint morphometric and molecular study using corallite and branch measurements, and a portion of the β‐tubulin gene as a marker. The results show a morphological and partial phylogenetic distinction between P. stellata specimens and a complex composed of P. contigua and P. obtusangula, which is interpreted as a synonym species of P. contigua. Among the factors that could be responsible for the lack of reciprocal monophyly of the three species, hybridization is considered the most likely, due to the presence of interspecific recombinant sequences. Type material of nominal species of branching Psammocora is examined and classified based on genetically defined groups, and compared with synonym in the literature. Among the morphological characters used, corallite variables were best for discriminating between the two lineages and allow recognition of putative hybrid specimens. Psammocora stellata is reported for the first time in the western Indian Ocean (Mayotte), thus greatly extending its known distribution range. Finally, a hybrid swarm is identified in the Arabo‐Persian Gulf, while no genetic structure is detected elsewhere in the Indo‐Pacific region.
Relatedness among honeybees (Apis mellifera) of a drone congregation

The honeybee (Apis mellifera) queen mates during nuptial flights, in the so–called drone congregation area where many males from surrounding colonies gather. Using 20 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci, we studied a sample of 142 drones captured in a congregation close to Oberursel (Germany). A parentage test based on lod score showed that this sample contained one group of four brothers, six groups of three brothers, 20 groups of two brothers and 80 singletons. These values are very close to a Poisson distribution. Therefore, colonies were apparently equally represented in the drone congregation, and calculations showed that the congregation comprised males that originated from about 240 different colonies. This figure is surprisingly high. Considering the density of colonies around the congregation area and the average flight range of males, it suggests that most colonies within the recruitment perimeter delegated drones to the congregation with an equal probability, resulting in an almost perfect panmixis. Consequently, the relatedness between a queen and her mates, and hence the inbreeding coefficient of the progeny, should be minimized. The relatedness among the drones mated to the same queen is also very low, maximizing the genetic diversity among the different patrilines of a colony.
Recent chromosome diversification in the evolutionary radiation of the freshwater fish family Curimatidae (Characiformes)

Neotropical Curimatidae fishes include 97 species in eight genera. Basic cytogenetic studies show a karyotype of 2n = 54 chromosomes in most species. Karyotype divergence of the nucleolus organizing regions between species has been reported, and these regions appear to be good cytotaxonomic markers. In the present work, karyotype, heterochromatin and Ag-NOR variability in 13 species were investigated to analyse the chromosome diversification in view of the biogeographic history of this group. Only Cyphocharax platanus showed a karyotype with 2n = 58 chromosomes. Ag-NOR and C-banding patterns were quite divergent among the species studied. All species whose C-bands were analysed had heterochromatic blocks associated with the nucleolus organizing regions. Species with multiple Ag-NORs also showed an increase in NOR-associated heterochromatic blocks. C-banding showed considerable differentiation among species, revealing a pronounced chromosome diversification in this group. Karyotypic variability corroborates the hypothesis that these fishes in Amazon region show various discrete patterns of species endemism. Chromosome diversification in curimatids has a recent origin and appears to be accompanying the post-Andean speciation responsible for the diversity of species in the family.
Effects of habitat complexity on benthic assemblages in a variable environment

SUMMARY 1. Habitat complexity is thought to exert a significant influence on ecological communities, but its operation under variable natural conditions is not well understood, particularly in freshwater. To elucidate the role of habitat complexity, in particular the fractal structure of surface irregularity, in a stream system, field colonisation experiments were conducted at three times of year (summer, winter and spring) using natural substrates with different levels of fractal dimension in a small coastal mountain stream of southern Japan. 2. In the winter experiment, comparison was also made between the standard (control) treatment and the resource-preconditioning treatment whereby experimental plates were conditioned in the natural stream environment to allow the accumulation of potential food resources (algae and detritus) for 1 month prior to the experiment. 3. Species abundance patterns observed at different times of year showed little systematic variation with levels of habitat complexity but largely followed the patterns expected from, or lying in between, the Random Assortment model and the random fraction model. 4. Taxon richness and density increased with habitat complexity in all seasons except for density in spring. Different taxa showed different patterns of change with habitat complexity, which also varied with seasons. Biomass of invertebrates showed no systematic trend with an increase in habitat complexity. 5. Chlorophyll-a concentrations tended to be lower in more complex habitats, particularly in summer. In contrast, fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) tended to increase with habitat complexity. However, the relationship between these potential food resources and invertebrate assemblages remain unclear. 6. While there were no significant differences in taxon richness and biomass of invertebrates between the resource-preconditioning and the control treatment, density was higher in the former than in the latter. The abundance of relatively large, surface-dwelling animals showed more marked temporal variation over the entire period of colonisation in the resource-preconditioning treatment than in the control treatment. 7. Body size of invertebrates tended to decline with fractal complexity, indicating that crevice sizes could affect habitat use by benthic animals of different sizes. In addition, body size was larger in the resource-preconditioning treatment than in the control treatment, suggesting that body size in invertebrate assemblages was controlled by a mixture of factors. Thus, the present study demonstrates that habitat structure affects benthic invertebrate assemblages in a complex manner.
Ecology and Habitat Selection of the Magellanic Plover (Pluvianellus socialis): A Little-Known Patagonian Shorebird

Abstract We studied the ecology and habitat selection of the Magellanic Plover (Pluvianellus socialis) in southern Patagonia during two austral summers. We searched for the presence of this rare species along the shores of 53 privately-owned lakes and portions of Lago Argentino across 12,000 km2 of steppe habitat in Santa Cruz Province, southern Argentina and compared characteristics of occupied and unoccupied lakes. Aeolian lunette size was a significant predictor of occupancy. Most lakes had only a single pair of breeding birds, although one had 14 pairs. No lake feature successfully predicted number of breeding pairs per lake. Territories were on cobbled beaches on the side of the lake with Aeolian lunettes, and at sites significantly closer to small streams and further from vegetation than random sites. Nest sites within territories had significantly less clay than unused sites. Clutch size was small (1–2) while hatching success was moderate (70%). Future studies of this species should focus on adult and juvenile survival, and the development of a demographic model that assesses the long-term stability of the population.
Critical habitat during the transition from maternal provisioning in freshwater fish, with emphasis on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta)

In freshwater fish, the transition from dependence on maternal yolk reserves to independent foraging can be an early critical period, with survival during this stage having a strong influence on population abundance and cohort strength. Information concerning Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and brown trout Salmo trutta as model species is reviewed to show how population dynamics are influenced by habitat use during the transitional stage and illustrate the role of maternal provisioning along with density-dependent and -independent factors. The allocation of resources in yolk and timing and position of spawning strongly influence the biotic and abiotic environments of juveniles and their subsequent performance. Vulnerability to predators, adverse environmental conditions and restricted conditions over which they can successfully forage result in specific habitat requirements for newly independent juveniles. The availability of slow-flowing habitats at stream margins during the first month of independence is crucial. Alteration of natural flow regimes and physical habitat structure, associated with a wide range of anthropogenic influences, can have significant deleterious effects on the availability of critical juvenile habitat. A model combining habitat structure and the relationship between density-dependent and -independent mortality is presented to explore the range of conditions under which the transitional period would have a strong influence on population abundance. This model provides a framework for establishing thresholds or optima for habitat availability that will favour sufficient recruitment out of the transitional stage. Using the modelling framework, managers can make informed decisions on the utility and cost effectiveness of fisheries and habitat management activities designed to increase juvenile survival during the transition to independence. A range of management options is outlined for improving habitat quality and increasing juvenile survival during the transitional period, including restoration of structural complexity, provision of suitable flow regimes, and tailoring stocking and reintroduction strategies to mimic natural dynamics.
Response to nickel in the proteome of the metal accumulator plant Brassica juncea

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism of heavy metal accumulation in Brassica juncea, comparative proteomic approaches were used to analysis protein profiles in leaf tissues of 6-week-old B. juncea after exposure to 100 µM Ni. Proteomic analysis revealed that 61 protein spots showed 1.5-fold change in protein abundance after Ni exposure as compared to that of corresponding spots in control. Out of the 61 differentially expressed protein spots, 37 protein spots were ambiguously identified by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The majority of these identified proteins were found to be involved in sulphur metabolism, protection against oxidative stress, clearly indicated that heavy metal sequestration and antioxidant system were activated by Ni treatment. The induced expression of photosynthesis and ATP generation-related proteins were also observed in plants exposed to metals, suggesting the tolerance and accumulation is an energy-demanding process. The identification of these proteins in response to Ni can lead a deep understanding of heavy metal accumulation and tolerance in B. juncea.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphic Genotypes Reveal Patterns of Early Juvenile Migration of Sockeye Salmon in the Eastern Bering Sea

Abstract We estimate patterns of nearshore migration in the eastern Bering Sea for out-migrating Bristol Bay sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka in their first year at sea. Over 3,000 juveniles were collected during the late summer of 2005–2007 as part of the Bering–Aleutian Salmon International Survey and tested with a regional genetic baseline of 45 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Population-specific and westward migrations from natal rivers were evident. Populations from Wood River and northwestward predominated in the northern latitudes of Bristol Bay and the eastern Bering Sea and populations from the Egegik River and southwestward in the southern latitudes, while the populations spawning at the head of Bristol Bay had the highest proportions in the middle latitudes. These patterns were stable across years, apparently unaffected by marine productivity and temperature. This continuum of marine migratory patterns most likely reflects stable and population-specific adaptations to buffer the distribution .
Karyotype evolution and cytotaxonomy in Brazilian species of Rhynchospora Vahl (Cyperaceae)

Abstract Karyotypes were analysed in 113 populations of 34 species of Rhynchospora (Cyperaceae). They showed typical holocentric chromosomes lacking primary constrictions. Nucleolar constrictions were observed in the terminal regions of a few chromosomes (except in R. nanuzae , in which they were interstitial). The chromosome numbers varied between 2 n =4 and 2 n =50. The primary base number seems to be x=5; x=6 and x=9 are secondary. Dysploidy occurred at low frequency, whereas polyploidy seemed to be the predominant event in the karyotype evolution of the genus. Karyotypic differences were found in R. consanguinea var. speciosa and R. consanguinea var. rigida and the closely related R. emaciata , R. riparia and R. tenuis from section Tenues . On the other hand, karyotypic similarities occurred among sections Valderugosae , Marisculae , Stenophyllae and Cernuae .