Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Behavioral evidence for a role of chemoreception during reproduction in lake trout

Chemoreception is hypothesized to influence spawning site selection, mate search, and synchronization of gamete release in chars (Salvelinus spp.), but behavioral evidence is generally lacking. Here, we provide a survey of the behavioral responses of reproductive male and female lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) to natural conspecific chemosensory stimuli. A flow-through laboratory assay with side-by-side artificial spawning reefs was used to evaluate behavioral preferences of spawning-phase males and females for chemosensory stimuli from juveniles and from spawning-phase males and females. Males and females preferred male and juvenile stimuli over no stimuli, but only had weak preferences for female stimuli. Only females had a preference for male over juvenile stimuli when given a direct choice between the two. The unexpected observation of male attraction to male stimuli, even when offered female stimuli, indicates a fundamental difference from the existing models of chemical communication in fishes. We.
Kinetics of saccharification of raw starch by glucoamylase

A kinetic model for saccharification of raw starch was derived by taking into account the structural features of glucoamylase. The kinetic parameters were determined by using the results of experiments on saccharification of raw sweet potato starch, which were carried out at various substrate and enzyme concentrations in a temperature range from 23 to 40°C. From analysis of the experimental results it was concluded that the adsorption of enzyme was strongly dependent on temperature, and that two subsites took part in glucose inhibition, which was more pronounced at low temperature. The proposed kinetic model successfully predicted the progress of saccharification up to a high conversion, and also the progress of ethanol production in a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation.
Is European catfish a threat to eels in southern France

1. European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is recognized as a critically endangered species in the northern hemisphere. Threats such as overfishing or pollution are well known as risks for eel populations. However, much less is known about the impact of introduced fish on European eels. In particular, introduced large-bodied predators could become new predators to eels. 2. The potential impact of European catfish (Silurus glanis L) on an eel population in the Camargue, southern France was studied using a combination of stable isotope and gut content analyses. 3. Only large bodied catfish (> 500 mm) can consume numerous fish prey. However, catfish mostly consumed crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), these prey items being found in 79% of the guts of the largest individuals. Eel was absent from the dissected catfish guts. A mixing model based on Bayesian inference revealed that catfish diet included only 5% (0-8.5%) of marine sources (both eel and mullet). 4. While local economic interests prompted ecological studies to assess whether catfish exerted a new and strong predatory pressure on eel, this study found that European catfish behaved as an opportunistic omnivore, and as such was not a direct threat as a predator on eel populations in the Camargue.
Potential Distribution and Risk Assessment of an Invasive Plant Species: A Case Study of Hymenachne amplexicaulis in Australia

ABSTRACT Given the limited resources available for weed management, a strategic approach is required to give the “best bang for your buck. ” The current study incorporates: (1) a model ensemble approach to identify areas of uncertainty and commonality regarding a species invasive potential, (2) current distribution of the invaded species, and (3) connectivity of systems to identify target regions and focus efforts for more effective management. Uncertainty in the prediction of suitable habitat for H. amplexicaulis (study species) in Australia was addressed in an ensemble-forecasting approach to compare distributional scenarios from four models (CLIMATCH; CLIMEX; boosted regression trees [BRT]; maximum entropy [Maxent]). Models were built using subsets of occurrence and environmental data. Catchment risk was determined through incorporating habitat suitability, the current abundance and distribution of H. amplexicaulis, and catchment connectivity. Our results indicate geographic differences between predictions of different approaches. Despite these differences a number of catchments in northern, central, and southern Australia were identified as high risk of invasion or further spread by all models suggesting they should be given priority for the management of H. amplexicaulis. The study also highlighted the utility of ensemble approaches in indentifying areas of uncertainty and commonality regarding the species’ invasive potential.
Estimation of native fish density in lowland streams by repeated electric fishing during the day and following night

Abstract Single reaches in three lowland streams in Canterbury, New Zealand, were enclosed with stop-nets and fish removed by repeated electric fishing passes through the day and following night during base flow conditions in late summer. The proportion of fish caught in each pass varied between species and increased with fish size. Electric fishing efficiency declined in the second and third daytime passes, to 0.73 and 0.79 of the first pass respectively, but increased in the first and second night-time passes to 1.87 and 2.02. Population estimates, based on the first two or three daytime passes, accounted for only 62% and 82% of the population estimated using all five day and night passes. A high percentage of small benthic species remained hidden within the substrate during the day but emerged at night and became more vulnerable to electric fishing. Single or multiple daytime passes can be used to estimate the approximate density of most native fish species and size classes in small lowland streams and rivers provided calculations take into account fish hidden within the substrate and marginal vegetation.
Hydrogen isotope ratios in animal body protein reflect trophic level

1Carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in consumer tissues are known to correlate with diet isotope composition, and nitrogen isotope ratios are observed to increase with increasing trophic level.2We analysed nitrogen and hydrogen isotope ratios of collagen from 19 species of British fish, birds and mammals to investigate how δD also correlated with trophic level and with feeding environment (terrestrial or aquatic). 3A strong relationship between trophic level and δD was discovered for both terrestrial and aquatic consumers.4The correlation between trophic level and δ15N was apparent for terrestrial consumers, but less so for aquatic consumers.5No differentiation was found between δD of aquatic and terrestrial consumers at the same trophic level.6This observation should provide an additional tool in the study of current and ancient animal and human food web ecology
Phytic acid-phosphorus and other nutritionally important mineral nutrient elements in grains of wild-type and low phytic acid (lpa1–1) rice

Mineral nutrient stores in cereal grains are mainly phytate, a salt of the phosphorus-rich compound phytic acid. Quantitative measures of total phosphorus, phytic acid-phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese and zinc were obtained for whole grains, embryos and rest-of-grain portions of cv. Kaybonnet rice (wild type) (Oryza sativa L.) and a low phytic acid (lpa1–1) mutant strain with a 45% reduction in phytic acid. P, K and Mg were present in higher amounts than Ca, Mn, Fe and Zn in both grain types. Whole-grain amounts of total P, Ca, Mn and phytic acid-phosphorus were lower in whole lpa1–1 grains than in wild-type grains; K, Mg and Fe amounts were similar, and Zn was higher. Embryos, which comprise 3.5% or less of grain dry weight, were comparatively rich in all measured elements. The lpa1–1 mutation influenced the phytic acid content of the embryo more than that of the aleurone layer. Aleurone-layer cells of wild-type grains had many phosphorus-rich globoids 2μm or larger in diameter, whereas lpa1–1 grains contained more of the smaller globoids. The reduction in globoid size was consistent with the reduction in phytate. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis of both aleurone-layer cells and sections of globoids in aleurone-layer cells revealed that P, K and Mg were the main mineral nutrient elements present in both grain types; traces of Ca, Mn, Fe or Zn were present. Starchy endosperm cells contained virtually no P, K or Mg, whereas scutellum cells were rich in these elements.
Effect of intended purpose (dairy/beef production) on beef quality

Lizaso, G. , Beriain, Ma. J., Horcada, A. , Chasco, J. and Purroy, A. 2011. Effect of intended purpose (dairy/beef production) on beef quality. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 97–102. Fifteen Pirenaica (beef) heifers and fifteen Holstein-Friesian (dairy) heifers were compared to consider the effect of intended purpose of the breed on meat quality. Animals were slaughtered at around 12.4 mo of age. Carcass weight was 247.6 kg for Pirenaica and 229.2 kg for Holstein-Friesian heifers. pH24hours, moisture, fat, protein, ash, water holding capacity, CIE L*a*b* and C* and H* values, collagen content, and shear force were determined in longissimus dorsi muscle. Sensory analysis of meat was performed to obtain the texture profile, scored by a trained taste panel. Sensorial differences of meat were mainly in relation to higher fat content observed in Holstein-Friesian (2.87%) vs. Pirenaica breed (1.82%) (P<0.01). Total and soluble collagen contents for the two breeds differed (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively) but did not result in different meat tenderness scores by taste panelists. Higher water-holding capacity in meat of Holstein-Friesian was observed (P<0.01). CIE L*a*b*, coordinates C* and H* values were not different between breeds. Sustained juiciness and oiliness were higher in Holstein-Friesian than Pirenaica (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Results suggest that beef characteristics of young heifers of dairy and beef breeds are similar with the exception of characteristics related to juiciness.
Determination of Some Quality Parameters of Fishballs Prepared from Raw and Boiled Fish

The shelf life of fishballs prepared using raw and boiled fish was examined during cold storage (+4 oC ± 1). Sensory, physical (loss of weight), chemical (TVB-N, TMA-N) and microbiological analyses (aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total psychrophilic bacteria) of fishballs made from raw and boiled anchovies and stored under cold storage conditions were carried out every 3 days. All analyses were carried out with two repetitions. The shelf life of fishballs was 9 days at +4 oC ± 1 according to the results of the sensory, physical, chemical and microbiological analyses.
Optimal Life Histories, Optimal Notation, and the Value of Reproductive Value

Reproductive value is the central construct in life history optimization. In the optimal life history, the reproductive value at every age represents the solution to a constrained maximization problem. This holds true regardless of trade-offs across age classes. The recent literature arguing to the contrary has misunderstood the principle and has neglected the constraints in the maximization. In reviewing the matter, this paper considers maximization over segments of the life history, maximization over segments taken in reverse sequence, maximization of terms of a decomposition into instantaneous contributions at a given age, and maximization of reproductive value over alternative states such as the sexes. To clarify the relation between the maximization procedure and the constraints, a simple iterative approach to achieving maximization and simultaneously satisfying the constraints is described. To arrive at the instantaneous decomposition, it is shown that reproductive value arises as an adjoint variable in an optimal control formulation, where effects across age classes are explicitly incorporated in a variable representing physiological state. In considering alternative states, this paper defines a male reproductive value and concludes that at equilibrium sex composition, the reproductive values of each sex will be equal at any age where a sex change is possible. Coincidentally, some common errors in the discrete time formulation of reproductive value and Lotka's equation are corrected.
A computational study of binding between 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-((4-fluorophenyl)sulphonyl)acrylamide and tubulin

3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-N-((4-fluorophenyl)sulphonyl)acrylamide (FFSA) is a potential tubulin polymerisation inhibitor. In this article, a theoretical study of the binding between FFSA and tubulin in colchicine site was carried out by molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and binding free energy calculations. The docking calculations preliminarily indicate that there are three possible binding modes 1, 2 and 3; MD simulations and binding free energy calculations identify that binding mode 2 is the most favourable, with the lowest binding free energy of − 29.54 kcal/mol. Moreover, our valuable results for the binding are as follows: the inhibitor FFSA is suitably located at the colchicine site of tubulin, where it not only interacts with residues Leu248β, Lys254β, Leu255β, Lys352β, Met259β and Val181a by hydrophilic interaction, but also interacts with Val181α and Thr179α by hydrogen bond interaction. These two factors are both essential for FFSA strongly binding to tubulin. These theoretical results help understanding the action mechanism and designing new compounds with higher affinity to tubulin.
Alimentación ninfal de Leptophlebiidae (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) en el Caño Paso del Diablo, Venezuela

The food habits of aquatic nymphs of 12 species of the family Leptophlebiidae were determined in a tropical intermittent stream in Venezuela. Three monthly samples of aquatic insects were taken from January to June in 1989. Two hundred and twenty-five stomach contents were analyzed. The results obtained were compared by the functional feeding groups classification. Species of the Thraulodes and Farrodes genera show significant differences in their diets.
Tracking marine mammals in 3D using electronic tag data

Information about at‐depth behaviour of marine mammals is fundamental yet very hard to obtain from direct visual observation. Animal‐borne multisensor electronic tags provide a unique window of observation into such behaviours. Electronic tag sensors allow the estimation of the animal's 3‐dimensional (3D) orientation, depth and speed. Using tag flow noise level to provide an estimate of animal speed, we extend existing approaches of 3D track reconstruction by allowing the direction of movement to differ from that of the animal's longitudinal axis. Data are processed by a hierarchical Bayesian model that allows processing of multisource data, accounting for measurement errors and testing hypotheses about animal movement by comparing models. We illustrate the approach by reconstructing the 3D track of a 52‐min deep dive of a Blainville's beaked whale Mesoplodon densirostris adult male fit with a digital tag (DTAG) in the Bahamas. At depth, the whale alternated regular movements at large speed (>1·5 m s ‐1) and more complex movements at lower speed (<1·5m s‐1) with differences between movement and longitudinal axis directions of up to 28 ∘ . The reconstructed 3D track agrees closely with independent acoustic‐based localizations. The approach is potentially applicable to study the underwater behaviour (e.g. response to anthropogenic disturbances) of a wide variety of species of marine mammals fitted with triaxial magnetometer and accelerometer tags.
Determination of Clotting Power of Milk Clotting Enzymes

Abstract A simple objective method employing a rotational type viscometer is proposed for determination of the clotting power of milk-curdling enzymes through continuous monitoring of the viscosity of a milk-enzyme system. A characteristic viscosity versus time pattern is a constant viscosity base line followed by a steep linear increase in viscosity when coagulation sets in. The coagulation point is defined as the intersection of the two straight lines of such a plot. Linear calibration curves relating enzyme concentration with coagulation point were obtained with correlation coefficients larger than . 996.
Genetic structure of Tupinambis teguixin (Squamata: Teiidae), with emphasis on Venezuelan populations

Tupinambis teguixin es la unica especie registrada para Venezuela. Este teido se encuentra distribuido en diferentes bioregiones del Neotropico, en algunos casos separadas por barreras geograficas que pueden estar restringiendo el flujo genetico entre sus poblaciones. Para evaluar esta posibilidad, pusimos a prueba las Hipotesis Paleogeografica y la Riverena. Para ello evaluamos el grado de estructuracion genetica de seis poblaciones de T. teguixin de Venezuela, una de Brasil y una de Ecuador. Utilizamos dos bases de datos moleculares, una con las poblaciones de Venezuela (Base de datos Venezuela, 1 023 pb) y la segunda incluyendo las otras dos poblaciones (Base de datos Suramerica, 665 pb), con 93 y 102 secuencias concatenadas de citocromo b y ND4, y 38/37 haplotipos. En cuanto a la metodologia, utilizamos tres medidas de diversidad genetica: diversidad nucleotidica, diversidad haplotipica y numero de sitios polimorficos. Estimamos el flujo genetico mediante el estadistico Φ ST y los valores de F ST pareados. Tambien construimos redes de haplotipos. Los resultados evidencian estructura poblacional, encontrandose (1) un Φ ST global de 0.83, (2) F ST pareados altos (0.54-0.94), (3) redes de haplotipos con un patron geografico definido, cada poblacion con sus haplotipos agrupados (menos Delta), Zulia y Ecuador con redes separadas, y (4) un solo haplotipo compartido entre las poblaciones. Los analisis muestran que la estructura no es producto de la distancia geografica entre las poblaciones (r = 0.282, p = 0.209), sino un efecto historico biogeografico de la Cordillera de Merida y del rio Orinoco (71.19 % variacion molecular), como barreras geograficas. Consideramos la poblacion del Zulia una unidad evolutiva significativa y proponemos que las otras poblaciones temporalmente sean consideradas unidades de manejo, hasta tanto se tenga mas informacion. Las poblaciones del Delta y Guri conformaran una sola unidad de manejo por compartir un haplotipo.
Chemical change of leaves during breakdown affects associated invertebrates in a subtropical stream

AIMS: Our objective was assess the effects of leaf chemical change during breakdown on the associated invertebrates. METHODS: We evaluate the chemical composition of leaves (of two tree species; Sebastiania brasiliensis and Campomanesia xanthocarpa) and the density of invertebrates during leaf breakdown (on four incubation times; 3, 7, 14 and 22 days) in a subtropical stream. Linear multiple regression analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between invertebrate density and changes in leaf chemical during breakdown. RESULTS: Density of invertebrates was related to the chemical composition of leaves. There was a positive correlation of K (β = 3.48) and a negative of C:N (β = -0.34), polyphenols (β = -0.16), Ca (β = -2.98) and Mg (β = -2.58) with the total density of invertebrates. Density of invertebrates on leaves reached 38 ± 9 and 192 ± 31 individuals g-1 leaf DM during the first 3 and 7 days of incubation, had decreased by the 14th day (117 ± 18) and then increased after 22 days (270 ± 41). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that changes in the chemistry of decomposing leaves affect invertebrate colonization process. This conclusion reinforce the importance of understand the dynamic of energy and nutrients and its association with the biological communities of tropical riparian ecosystems.
Conjugates of Fluorescein and Saenta (5′-S-(2-Aminoethyl)-N 6-(4-nitrobenzyl)-5′-thioadenosine): Flow Cytometry Probes for the ES Nucleoside Transporter Elements of the Plasma Membrane

Abstract SAENTA was linked to the C-5 or C-6 positions of fluorescein through several structures to form conjugates that were bound tightly to plasma membrane sites associated with es nucleoside transport activity. The conjugates imparted fluorescence to cells that expressed es nucleoside transport activity and served as es-selective plasma membrane stains suitable for flow cytometry. Prior treatment of es-expressing cells with nitrobenzylthioinosine prevented fluorescent staining with the conjugates. Seven SAENTA-fluorescein conjugates served as flow cytometric stains with high affinities for es sites, despite substantial differences in the SAENTA-fluorescein linkage structures.
Relationships between external morphology and foraging behaviour: bats in the genus Myotis

A morphometric study of 41 species of Myotis revealed significant associations between morphological features and foraging styles, namely aerial feeding, gleaning, feeding over water, and trawling. Aerial feeders have small hind feet, short calcars, short ears, and narrow tragi. Gleaners have small hind feet, long ears, and wide tragi and tend to be larger in body size. Bats that feed over water have large hind feet, short calcars, short ears, and narrow tragi and tend to be smaller in body size. Trawlers have large hind feet and long calcars and tend to be larger in body size. The morphometric analysis also confirmed that some species of Myotis were intermediate in morphological features, coincid ing with alternation between foraging styles. The results support the view that the morphological features previously used to assign Myotis species to subgenera are more functional than phylogenetic, a position supported by recent genetic analyses. Examination of foraging styles from a phylogenetic perspective s.
Asterotexis cucurbitacearum, a poorly known pathogen of Cucurbitaceae new to Costa Rica, Grenada and Panama

A pathogenic bitunicate ascomycetous fungus, identified as Asterotexis cucurbitacearum, was found repeatedly on living leaves of Cucurbita pepo (gourd) and Sechium edule (chayote) in Panama. A. cucurbitacearum represents a new report for Panama and S. edule is a new host plant for this fungus. Based on an examination of herbarium specimens, this species is also reported for the first time from Costa Rica and Grenada. Cells of the scutellum extending to the base of the fruiting structure and producing an appressorium on the leaf surface are documented for the first time. As shown by LSU sequence data, A. cucurbitacearum represents a divergent, hitherto molecularly unsampled, phylogenetic clade of the Dothideomycetes. The closest relatives, for which sequence data are available, are members of the Pleosporomycetidae and Dothideomycetes incertae sedis with sequence similarity below 90%, as shown by BLAST search. A preliminary neighbour-joining analysis indicates that A. cucurbitacearum probably belongs to the Dothideomycetidae (incertae sedis).
Phylogenetic Analysis of H1N1 Swine Flu Virus Isolated In India

The H1N1 subtype of Influenza A virus is the causative agent of swine flu. The 2009 outbreak caused by subtype H1N1 in humans is due to transfer of Swine Influenza Virus from pig to human. Thus to analyze the origin of this novel virus we compared the 42 nucleocapsid sequences of H1N1 viruses of different origins. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences was carried out along with bootstrap analysis of 100 replicates. The phylogenetic tree constructed revealed that Indian H1N1 strain showed the highest homology with Iowa H1N1 strain and also with Wisconsin H1N1 strain. Further the H1N1 strains analyzed using NP sequences of different Indian origins showed highly close sequence similarity. Hence, in future this study will be helpful for knowing the taxonomy and evolution of influenza viruses.