Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Movements of Flightless Long-tailed Ducks During Wing Molt

Abstract We examined the movements of flightless Long-tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis) during the wing molt in the near-shore lagoons of the Beaufort Sea in Alaska. Estimates of site fidelity during the 21-day flightless period ranged from 1-100%, with considerable variation among locations and within locations among years. There was no effect of low-level experimental disturbance or an underwater seismic survey on site fidelity of molting Long-tailed Ducks. Birds molting along a relatively consistent habitat gradient were more likely to move than those molting in a fragmented habitat. While flocks of birds are consistently observed in the same locations, these data suggest considerable turnover within these aggregations. These results, in conjunction with other studies, suggest that forage is relatively uniformly distributed within lagoons. We conclude that habitat selection by molting Long-tailed Ducks is likely influenced by protection from wind and associated waves.
Mutation analysis

The gene for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) was identified in 1997. It is presumed to be a tumour suppressor gene but the function of the protein product, menin, remains unknown. The gene has 10 exons; mutations are widely dispersed throughout the gene and there is no common mutation. We undertook SSCP analysis of exons 2,3 and 7 (because these contain -70% of previously reported mutations) from 9 independent families with MEN1 attending an endocrine clinic. In one family, band shifts were noted in exons 2 and 3. DNA sequencing identified the change in exon 2 to be (G at nt480, and that in exon 3 was a R171Q polymorphism. The mutation was confirmed in other family members by restriction enzyme digests of PCR products from genomic DNA. This particular mutation has not been reported previously. The polymorphism co-segregated with the mutation in this family. As a result of identifying this mutation, screening tests can be targeted appropriately in this family. SSCP analysis is being undertaken for the remaining exons in the other 8 index cases.
Microgeographical Variation in Song Repertoire and Structure between the Leks of Green Violetears Colibri thalassinus in Central Mexico

Abstract. Hummingbird vocalizations are usually displayed in two contexts. When foraging or defending territories, males and females usually display relative simple calls as territorial advertisement, while during courtship males perform individually elaborate songs to mate attraction or through singing assemblies (leks). About 15% of all described hummingbird species form leks or singing assemblies during the breeding season. However, the vocal repertoire displayed by males in these arenas has been rarely described. Here we studied the songs of Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus in a temperate forest from central Tlaxcala, Mexico, to document structure and variation within and between singing assemblies established over 3 years. We found 41 well differentiated and structurally complex syllable types across eleven recorded singing groups of Green Violetears (≈12 syllable types per singing group). The songs of most birds were repeats of the same 3–4 syllables, but the syllables types emitted can vary. Birds from the same lek tend to have similar song. Comparison of syllable sharing within-groups showed a Jaccard'similarity coefficient averaging 0.51 ± 0.09 (mean ± SD), and 0.24 ± 0.01 for among groups comparisons. These differences were corroborated by bootstrapping tests finding no significant similarity among males from different leks. However, significant similarity in syllable sharing was found between males from the same lek. No significant correlation was found between song similarity and geographic distances between leks. We have documented that static songs of lekking Green Violetears are more complex than had previously suggested. The variation of vocal repertoire among leks indicates the apparent presence of “vocal dialects” that are variable across time and space. The song variation in the context of discrimination ability in vocal neighborhoods requires further research.
Seasonal differences in abundance and distribution of Cocoa-pollinating midges in relation to flowering and fruit set between shaded and sunny habitats of the La Lola Cocoa Farm in Costa Rica

Seasonal Differences in Abundance and Distribution of Cocoa-Pollinating Midges in Relation to Flowering and Fruit Set Between Shaded and Sunny Habitats of the La Lola Cocoa Farm in Costa Rica Author(s): Allen M. Young Source: The Journal of Applied Ecology, Vol. 20, No. 3, (Dec., 1983), pp. 801-831 Published by: British Ecological Society Stable URL: http://www.jstor. org/stable/2403127 Accessed: 09/07/2008 10:37
Probiotics in aquaculture: a current assessment

Because of health and environmental concerns, the use of chemotherapeutic agents has been restricted in many countries over recent years. This restriction has resulted in a demand for alternative strategies to improve aquaculture production and enhance disease resistance. Among these options, probiotics, live micro-organisms that confer a health benefit to the host by providing both a nutritional benefit and protection against pathogens, represent an important option for the management of diseases and their use may replace some of the therapeutic chemicals commonly used in aquaculture. Our review explores the current state of knowledge on the impacts of probiotics on aquaculture, with particular emphasis on the criteria used for selection and evidence of their beneficial effects.
Chlorophyll α fluorescence as an indicator of establishment of Zostera marina transplants on the southern coast of Korea

To test the feasibility of using chlorophyll a fluorescence to assess the establishment success of seagrass transplants, photosynthetic characteristics of eelgrass Zostera marina transplants were measured using a Diving-pulsed amplitude modulation fluorometer in Jindong Bay on the south ern coast of Korea. Maximum quantum yield (F v /F m ), photosynthetic efficiency ( α), saturating irradiance (E k ) and maximum electron transport rate (ETR max ) of transplants and reference plants in a nearby transplant site were measured using the fluorometer for 5 months. Additionally, shoot morphology, individual shoot weight and productivity of transplants and reference plants were also monitored. Shoot height, leaf weight and productivity of transplants were significantly reduced during the first two or three months after transplantation compared to those of reference plants, and then increased to the levels of reference plants. Characteris- reference plants. Characteris- plants. Characteris- s. Characteris-Characteris- haracteris- tics of chlorophyll a fluorescence, including F v /F m , α, E k and ETR max of transplants were also significantly reduced in the initial period, but recovered slightly sooner than shoot morphology or leaf productivity. These results indicated that after transplantation, Z. marina transplant photosynthesis recovered faster than shoot morphology, biomass or productivity. Thus, chlorophyll a fluorescence can be used as an indicator for early assessment of the status of eelgrass transplants without destructive sampling.
La plasticité du système nerveux entérique au cours de l'inflammation : réexpression de PSA-NCAM dans un modèle de colite expérimentale chez le rat adulte

This investigation was undertaken to verify if trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis was associated with a reexpression of the polysialylated form of the neuronal cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) in the adult rat enteric nervous system (ENS). Furthermore this research examined which cell population reexpressed PSA-NCAM and if this reexpression was associated with a variation in the mRNA expression of PST and STX: PSA-NCAM regulating enzymes. Colitis was induced by intra-colonic administration of TNBS (20 mg). Control animaIs were injected with vehic1e (50% ethanol) or saline. Colons were collected 3, 7 and 21 days after injection (T3, T7 and T2l). Specimens were assessed for macroscopic (Macro, max=l4) and histological (Histo, max=13) severity of colitis. Double immunofluorescences were performed on wholemount preparations. Markers for neurons [PGP9.5], excitatory [ChAT] and inhibitory [nNOS] neurons, and intrinsic primary afferent neurons (lPANs) [calbindin] were used in combination with an antibody for PSA-NCAM. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed. At least 3 experiments were performed in each experimental group. Severe colonic inflammation was present at T3 (Macro=10.6, Histo=8.9). At T3, 2.2%±0.3 (p<O.OOOl vs. saline) of the PGP9.5+ neurons reexpressed PSANCAM. 92%±2 and 86%±2 of PSA-NCAM+ cells were calbindin+ and ChAT+, respectively. No significant variation in PST and STX mRNA expression was observed at any stage. PSA-NCAM is reexpressed in IPANs of the myenteric plexus following TNBSinduced colitis in the adult rat. PSA-NCAM reexpression in sensory neurons may be part of mechanisms that enhance intrinsic sensory reflex activity during intestinal inflammation.
PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHITINASE ENZYMES FROM SULILI HOT SPRING IN SOUTH SULAWESI, Bacillus sp. HSA,3-1a

Chitinase is an extracellular enzyme which is capable in hydrolyzing insoluble chitin to its oligomeric and monomeric components. The enzyme produced by thermophilic bacteria was screened and isolated from Sulili hot spring in Pinrang, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The gram positive spore forming rod shape bacteria was identified as Bacillus sp. HSA,3-1a through morphological and physiological analysis. The production of chitinase enzyme was conducted at various concentration of colloidal chitin at a pH of 7.0 and a temperature of 55 °C. The bacteria optimally was produced the enzyme at a colloidal chitin concentration of 0.5% after 72 h of incubation. The optimum temperature, pH and substrate concentration of chitinase were 60 °C, 7.0 and 0.3%, respectively. The enzyme was stable at a pH of 7.0 and a temperature of 60 °C after 2 h of incubation. The chitinase activities was increased by addition of 1 mM Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ and Mn 2+ ions, whereas the activities were decreased by 1 mM Co 2+ , Fe 2+ and Zn 2 ions. The molecular weight of the crude enzyme was determined using SDS-PAGE analysis. Five protein fractions were obtained from SDS-PAGE, with MWs of 79, 71, 48, 43 and 22 kDa.
GENETIC RELATIONSHIPS AMONG CHORISTONEURA SPECIES (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE) IN NORTH AMERICA AS REVEALED BY ISOZYME STUDIES

Abstract Allozymes at several polymorphic loci were assayed in larval collections of 12 recognized species and two possible new species of Choristoneura and two species of Archips. Most of the 48 collections came from high density populations, and those of C. fumiferana, C. occidentalis, and C. pinus represented much of the geographic range of these species. Mean percentage heterozygosity ranged from 2.0 to 18.6%, based on nine polymorphic loci. Three loci are sex-linked in C. fumiferana, two in C. pinus and C. occidentalis and probably in some other members of the group. Allozymes of aspartate transaminase (AAT-1) were most varied among the species and permit identification of individual C. fumiferana in better than 95% of cases. Among the group of coniferophagous Choristoneura species genetic distances were small (max. Nei = 0.232); C. fumiferana was the most distinct species. Wagner trees based on modified Rogers’ distances supported the above conclusions but indicated that separations among C. biennis, C. orae, C. occidentalis, C. carnana, C. subretiniana, and the two new species of Choristoneura were very small and probably below the species level, based on the allozymes measured. Résumé Les allozymes de plusieurs locus polymorphes ont été analysés au sein d’échantillons de larves appartenant à 12 espèces connues et deux espèces peut-être nouvelles de Choristoneura et à deux espèces d’Archips. La majorité des 48 récoltes proviennent de populations très denses et les récoltes de C. fumiferana, C. occidentalis et C. pinus représentent une grande partie de la répartition géographique de ces espèces. Le pourcentage moyen d’hétérozygotie à neuf locus polymorphes a été évalué à 2,0–18,6%. Trois locus sont liés au sexe chez C. fumiferana, deux chez C. pinus et C. occidentalis et probablement aussi chez d’autres membres du groupe. Ce sont les allozymes de l’aspartate transaminase (AAT-1) qui varient le plus d’une espèce à l’autre et ils permettent de reconnaître les individus de C. fumiferana dans plus de 95% des cas. Chez les groupes d’espèces de Choristoneura des conifères, les distances génétiques sont faibles (max. Nei = 0,232); C. fumiferana est l’espèce la plus distinctive. Les arbres de Wagner basés sur les distances modifiés de Rogers confirment ces assertions mais indiquent que la séparation entre C. biennis, C. orae, C. occidentalis, C. carnana, C. subretiniana et les deux nouvelles espèces de Choristoneura est ténue et probablement sous le niveau spécifique d’après les allozymes mesurés. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
Soil Properties and Soil Nitrogen Dynamics of Prairie-like Forest Openings and Surrounding Forests in Kentucky's Knobs Region

Abstract Herbaceous communities located within forest openings increase plant species diversity of forests in the Knobs Region of Kentucky. Although these grass-dominated communities are protected and managed for rare plant species conservation, it is unclear how soil conditions may delineate the grassland-forest boundary. We compared soil chemical and physical properties and soil nitrogen pools and transformations of three forest openings with those in the surrounding forest and the wooded edge separating the grassland and forest communities. Soil pH, extractable cations, bulk density and silt content were higher in openings compared to forest soils and extractable phosphorus was lower. In forest-opening grasslands, total soil nitrogen and the availability and production of plant-available N were 25 to 50% of levels in adjacent forest. Soils of the woody edge were similar to the surrounding forest. Our results suggest that the presence of these calcareous glade openings is highly correlated with edaphic conditions, so that efforts to expand rare plant habitat may be constrained by the distinct soils of these forest openings.
Motion of magnetotactic microorganisms

SUMMARY Magnetic moments for different magnetotactic microorganisms are obtained by electron microscopic analyses and studies of cell motion by optical microscopy. The results are analysed in terms of a model due to C. Bean. The considerations presented suggest that magnetotaxis is an efficient mechanism for orientation only if the time for reorientation is smaller than the mean time of environmental perturbations.
Nest Site Selection of Chinese Grouse Bonasa sewerzowi at Lianhuashan, Gansu, China

Abstract During 1995-2004, we studied the nest site selection of the Chinese grouse Bonasa sewerzowi at Lianhuashan, Gansu, China. Of the 103 nests that we found, 56% were at the base of deciduous trees, mainly willow Salix spp. and birch Betula utilis, and 40% were at the base of coniferous trees. The Chinese grouse favoured northern and eastern slopes with steepness of 0-45°, averaging 15.5 ± 11.2° (SE; N = 97); 88% of nest sites were on slopes of < 30°. The average cover around the nest was 50.8 ± 20.3% (SE; N = 86). The degree to which the female was covered at successful nests was 51.4 ± 19.9% (SE; N = 45), which was not different from that of unsuccessful nests (43.1 ± 19.1% (SE); N = 17). Chinese grouse preferred to nest in coniferous and coniferous-deciduous mixed forests at sites with fewer trees and denser shrubs, compared with the available vegetation. Females nested on average 154.2 ± 109.0 m (SE; N = 19) from the previous year's nest. Compared with the hazel grouse B. bonasia, the Chinese grouse showed a greater preference for nesting at the base of trees or stems.
Sequestrate fungi of New Zealand: Elaphomyces (Ascomycota, Eurotiales, Elaphomycetaceae)

Abstract Four species of the sequestrate fungal genus Elaphomyces are reported from New Zealand: Elaphomyces bollardii sp. nov. associated with Leptospermum spp. and Kunzea ericoides, E. luteicrustus sp. nov. associated with Nothofagus menziesii, E. putridus sp. nov. associated with Nothofagus spp. , and an unnamed species associated with Nothofagus spp.
Evidence of Local Adaptation in Westslope Cutthroat Trout

Abstract An understanding of the process of local adaptation would allow managers to better protect and conserve species. Many salmonids are in need of such efforts, and because they often persist in differing, isolated environments, they are useful organisms for studying local adaptation. In addition, the temperature sensitivity of salmonids provides a likely target for natural selection. We studied thermal adaptation in four wild populations and one hatchery stock of westslope cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi . The mean summer temperatures of source streams ranged from 6.7°C to 11.2°C. Embryos were collected from the wild, and embryonic development, embryonic survival, and juvenile growth were determined. A significant relationship between median embryonic survival and source stream temperature was detected. Based on a rank test, populations from colder streams had a greater decline in median embryonic survival at warm temperatures than populations from warmer streams. Embryonic development a.
Canine Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Aggregates as a Viable Substitute to Actual Canine Dermal Papillae

Abstract Hair loss is a major dermatological disease in veterinary and human medicine. Active studies on hair regeneration with mesenchymal stem cells have been performed in an effort to solve the limitations of conservative treatments in human medicine. Our understanding of the canine hair follicle (HF), considering a useful model for the study of the human alopecia, is limited. This study was designed to broaden our understanding of canine dermal papilla (DP), and to reconstruct dermal papilla-like tissue (DPLT) using canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs), as an alternative to actual DP. We cultured canine DPs, observed their culture patterns and compared their expression level of DP-related genes and proteins with those of DPLTs by performing RT-PCR analysis and Western blotting. Canine dermal papilla cells (DPCs) showed multilayer culture patterns with pseudo-papillae. Reconstruction of DPLTs was performed successfully. Not only were they morphologically similar to actual DPs, but we also observed similarities between DPCs and DPLTs in molecular characteristics. These findings suggested that DPLT was a viable substitute for DP. This study will not only be helpful for understanding the morphological and molecular characteristics of canine DPCs, but may also serve as a basis for understanding human hair follicle biology and potential therapeutic strategies for alopecia.
Biochemical Characterization ofAvirulent Agrobacterium tumefaciens chvAMutants: Synthesis andExcretion ofr-(1-2)Glucant

The chvA gene product of Agrobacterium tumefaciens is required for virulence and attachment of bacteria to plant cells. Three chvA mutants were studied. In vivo, they were defective in the synthesis, accumulation, and secretion of 0-(1-2)glucan; however, the 235-kilodalton (kDa) protein known to be involved in the synthesis of P-(1-2)glucan (A. Zorreguieta and R. Ugalde, J. Bacteriol. 167:947-951, 1986) was present and active in vitro. Two molecular forms of cyclic 0-(1-2)glucan, designated types I and II, were resolved by gel chromatography. Type I ,-(1-2)glucan was substituted with nonglycosidic residues, and type II P-(1-2)glucan was nonsubstituted. Wild-type cells accumulated type I 0-(1-2)glucan, and chvA mutant cells accumulated mainly type II I0-(1-2)glucan and a small amount of type I 0-(1-2)glucan. Inner membranes of wild-type and chvA mutants formed in vitro type II nonsubstituted 0-(1-2)glucan. A 75-kDa inner membrane protein is proposed to be the chvA gene product. chvA mutant inner membranes had increased levels of 235-kDa protein;
School Counselors’ Education and Training, Competency, and Supportive Behaviors concerning Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Students

This study examined high school counselors’ education and training, counseling competency, and supportive behavior regarding gay, lesbian, and bisexual students. Sexual minority students often face a range of school and mental health problems. Results show that participants’ counseling competency skills, knowledge, and attitudes predict affirmative behavior. Counseling competency also mediates the relationship between sexual orientation education/training and affirmative behavior. This article concludes with recommendations for preparing school counselors to work with gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth.
HsMCM8 and HsMCM9: Essential for Double-Strand Break Repair and Normal Ovarian Function

The minichromosome maintenance (MCM) family of proteins is conserved from archaea to humans, and its members have roles in initiating DNA replication. MCM8 and MCM9 are minimally characterized members of the eukaryotic MCM family that associate with one another and both contain conserved ATP binding and hydrolysis motifs. The MCM8-9 complex participates in repair of DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination, and MCM8 is implicated in meiotic recombination. We identified a novel alternatively spliced isoform of HsMCM9 that results in a medium length protein product (MCM9M) that eliminates a C-terminal extension of the fully spliced product (MCM9L). Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) of the relative mRNA isoform abundances across cell lines reveals MCM9L transcript is more abundant than MCM9M. The expression of both isoforms is cell cycle regulated, as they are most abundant in S-phase. Wild-type MCM9L forms DNA damage-dependent nuclear foci, while MCM9M is cytoplasmic and MCM9Cterm is diffuse throughout the nucleus. We have identified and verified a putative nuclear localization signal (NLS), and Rad51-interacting motif (BRCv) in the C-terminus of MCM9. GFP-tagged MCM9 NLS- is solely cytoplasmic, GFP-tagged MCM9 BRCv- is diffuse throughout the nucleus. A combination of SNP arrays, comparative genomic hybridization arrays, and whole-exome sequencing analyses identified homozygous pathogenic variants in MCM8 (MCM8 c.446C>G; p.P149R) and MCM9 (MCM9 c.1732.2T>C and MCM9 c.394C>T; p.R132*), all located within regions of homozygosity in women afflicted by premature ovarian failure (POF). The MCM9 c.1732. 2T>C variant alters a splice donor site, resulting in abnormal alternative splicing and truncated forms of MCM9 that are unable to be recruited to sites of DNA damage. In the second family, MCM9 c.394C>T (p.R132*) results in a predicted loss of functional MCM9. Compared with fibroblasts from unaffected family members, chromosomal break repair was deficient in fibroblasts from all affected individuals, likely due to inhibited recruitment of mutated MCM8 or MCM9 to sites of DNA damage. Our cumulative results suggest that MCM8-9 have evolved to act late in both mitotic recombination pathways to aid in crossover migration and/or strand resolution.
Solidago chilensis Meyen (Asteraceae)

Solidago chilensis Meyen é uma espécie natural do Chile, com distribuição na América do Sul, incluindo o Nordeste, o Centro-Oeste, o Sudeste e o Sul do Brasil. Sua utilização baseada na tradição popular aumenta de modo crescente, sendo suas inflorescências e raízes empregadas como anticefalálgico, no tratamento de contusões, como anti-inflamatória, principalmente como espécie sucedânea à espécie exógena, Arnica montana L. , de onde advém sua sinonímia popular, arnica do Brasil. Flavonóides, diterpenos labdânicos e clerodânicos, saponinas, carotenóides, taninos, entre outras substâncias são descritas para o gênero Solidago.