Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of an invasive crayfish on the littoral macroinvertebrates of large boreal lakes are habitat specific

Summary Invasive crayfish are widely acknowledged to have negative effects on benthic food webs in lakes, but few studies have investigated such effects at wider spatial scales and in varying habitats under natural conditions. We examined the effects of introduced signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) on the macroinvertebrate assemblages of different habitats in two large boreal lakes. We evaluated whether the density, taxon richness and species composition are altered by the non-native crayfish and whether the responses are similar for stony and vegetated habitats and across a depth gradient. We also studied the influence of crayfish on periphyton biomass at stony sites, as a potential link to changes in macroinvertebrate communities. In both lakes, macroinvertebrate density was similar between crayfish and non-crayfish sites across the habitats and depths studied. However, macroinvertebrate taxon richness was significantly lower, and community composition was altered in the presence of crayfish at stony sites. No similar pattern was detected at vegetated sites or in deeper sublittoral areas. The amount of periphyton was similar regardless of the presence of crayfish, and no clear direct or indirect crayfish–periphyton interaction was detected. Our results suggest that introduced signal crayfish can have negative effects on the littoral macroinvertebrates of large boreal lakes, but that these effects are habitat specific. Our findings highlight how the evaluation of possible effects of invasive species needs to be carried out comprehensively across different habitats and spatial scales if conclusions are to be robust.
Characteristics of a Cold-sensitive Cell Division Mutant of Escherichia coli K-12

The culture of cold-sensitive division mutant, cs 2–29 consists of many normal cells and some filaments at 37°C. When an exponentially growing culture of cs 2–29 at 37°C was shifted to 20°C, the number of viable cells increased about 1.5-fold and the cells formed multinucleated filaments lacking septa. After the increase in optical density terminated at 20°C, normal cells separated from the end of filaments and the number of colony formers gradually increased. The number of viable cells of cs 2–29 increased normally at 25°, 30° and 37°C but not at 20°C in NBT medium.When chloramphenicol was added to the culture simultaneously with the temperature shift to 37°C after 6 hr of incubation at 20°C, the filamentous cells of cs 2–29 failed to divide. Strain cs 2–29 could divide at 20°C in NBT medium containing d-pantoyl lactone and also in semi-synthetic medium supplemented with sodium acetate as a carbon source.The mutant accepted both chromosomal and plasmid markers at reduced frequencies. The cs gene has been.
Effects of ascorbic acid and a-tocopherol on arsenic-induced oxidative stress

Arsenic is an ubiquitous element in the environment causing oxidative burst in the exposed individuals leading to tissue damage. Antioxidants have long been known to reduce the free radical-mediated oxidative stress. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine whether supplementation of a-tocopherol (400 mg/kg body weight) and ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg body weight) to arsenic-intoxicated rats (100 ppm in drinking water) for 30 days affords protection against the oxidative stress caused by the metalloid. The arsenic-treated rats showed elevated levels of lipid peroxide, decreased levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants and activities of enzymatic antioxidants. Administration of a-tocopherol and ascorbic acid to arsenic-exposed rats showed a decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and enhanced levels of total sulfhydryls, reduced glutathione, ascorbic acid and a-tocopherol and so do the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase to near normal. These findings suggest thata-tocopherol and ascorbic acid prevent LPO and protect the antioxidant system in arsenic-intoxicated rats.
Performance of Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr. at the centre and northern edge of its range: a comparison.

Populations of Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr. (eastern hemlock) were examined in three different geographic locations, two near the species' northern range edge and one in the centre of its range, to establish whether geographic variations exist in site preference, long-term growth rates and age class structures. It was hypothesized that at the northern edge of the species' range it would preferentially occupy southern aspects, due to the warmer climatic conditions associated with these sites. It was also hypothesized that growth rates would be slower in northern areas and that age class structures would indicate a more episodic pattern of recruitment in the north. Results showed that differential site preference was exhibited in northern areas, but not to southern aspects. Instead, northerly and westerly aspects on moderate and steep slopes were preferentially occupied. An analysis of variance showed no significant differences between long-term growth rates either within or among the three populations. Examination of age and size class structures, however, did show that recruitment of stems was more continuous at the species range centre than at the northern edge of the range. It is suggested that competition and not simply climatic condi- tions may be important in limiting the range of T. canadensis in the area examined.
Adaptation in the jaws of flatfish (Pleuronectiformes)

The structure and mechanisms of the jaws of 18 species of flatfish have been investigated. Clear adaptations to different modes of feeding were found. The mechanisms of the jaws of Soleidae, Cynoglossidae, and Rhombosoleinae are highly specialized and the representatives of the two latter groups have some interesting jaw muscles of doubtful homology.
The Estrogen Receptor (ER)α Variant Δ5 Exhibits Dominant Positive Activity on ER-Regulated Promoters in Endometrial Carcinoma Cells

Estrogen receptor (ER)α is a ligand-inducible transcription factor that mediates the physiological effects of 17β-estradiol (E2). In the uterus, E2 is involved in tissue growth, maintenance, and differentiation. Δ5ERα (Δ5) is an ERα variant protein expressed in uterine tumors but not in normal tissue. We examined the transcriptional activity of Δ5 and its modulation of human ERα basal and E2-stimulated activity in Ishikawa cells, an endometrial cancer cell line. In transient transfection assays, Δ5 increased basal activity of an estrogen response element-containing promoter in the absence or presence of ERα but lessened stimulation by ERα and E2. Effects of Δ5 were not limited to model reporters, given that cyclin D1 and complement 3 promoters were similarly affected. Increases in basal transcription required dimerization and DNA binding of Δ5, whereas decreased E2 stimulation with ERα required only DNA binding. Decreased ligand stimulation was not unique to E2 but also applied to the selective ER modulat.
Evaluation of Nature-Like and Technical Fishways for the Passage of Alewives at Two Coastal Streams in New England

Abstract Nature-like fishways have been designed with the intent to reconnect river corridors and provide passage for all species occurring in a system. The approach is gaining popularity both in Europe and North America, but performance of these designs has not been quantitatively evaluated in a field setting for any North American species. Two nature-like fishways and three technical fishways in New England were evaluated for passage of anadromous adult alewives Alosa pseudoharengus by using passive integrated transponder (PIT) telemetry. A perturbation boulder rock ramp (32 m long; 4.2% slope) constructed in Town Brook (Plymouth, Massachusetts) passed 94% of the fish that made passage attempts, with most fish ascending the ramp in less than 22 min. In the East River (Guilford, Connecticut), a step-pool bypass design (48 m long; 7.1% slope) passed only 40% of attempting fish, with a median transit time of 75 min. In Town Brook, a technical pool-and-weir fishway (14 m long; 14.3% slope) exhibited poor en.
Allopolyploid origin of Mediterranean species in Helictotrichon (Poaceae) and its consequences for karyotype repatterning and homogenisation of rDNA repeat units

Abstract Molecular and molecular‐cytogenetic studies reveal that allopolyploidisation can dramatically impact genome organisation from sequence level to chromosome structure. To clarify the origin of polyploids in the Mediterranean Helictotrichon bromoides species complex (Poaceae, grass family) detailed chromosome studies were carried out including fluorescence in situ hybridisation with different repetitive DNA probes and various types of chromosome staining. Cloned nuclear ribosomal ITS1–5.8S‐ITS2 repeats were sequenced to estimate their molecular diversity in diploids and polyploids. The results concordantly suggest that 2× H. bromoides is one genome donor of all polyploids. Two further genomes were involved in their origin. The polyploids show unidirectional homogenisation of rDNA consistently at the cost of repeats from the H. bromoides genome. Frequent occurrence of mosaic and chimerical sequences points to slow sequence homogenisation. Parental chromosomal sites of nucleolar organisers are maintained despite molecular change of their rDNA repeat units. Major chromosomal re‐arrangements are confined to the 6x‐8x higher polyploids of H. gervaisii and accompanied by marked amplification of 5S rDNA and subtelomeric heterochromatin. The polyploids have narrower overall geographical distributions than the diploids, but are more successful in dry areas. This ecological pattern is discussed in relation to their allopolyploid origins.
Measurement Error and Morphometric Studies: Statistical Power and Observer Experience

We estimated measurement error (ME) associated with 15 skeletal characters in seven species of passerine birds. The total sample variance of the characters, from three mea? surements of each character on each individual, was partitioned into among- and within-indi? vidual components of variation. Measurement error, defined as that portion of the total sample variance made up by within-individual variation, ranged from 80%. Percent ME was inversely related to the size of a character, among-individual variation, and experience of the measurer. Other sources of ME included the character's flexibility and the definition of character landmarks. Although observer experience reduced ME, the effect was only substantial after more specimens were measured than are often used in morphometric studies. The magnitude of statistically detectable differences between groups was examined in relation to the level of ME and the sample sizes of groups. Measurement error increased the chances of finding no group difference, i.e., making type II errors. Type II errors can be reduced either by averaging two or more repeated measurements of the same individual, thereby reducing ME, or by increasing the sample size. We show how averaging repeated measurements changes the minimum detectable effect size between groups when both ME and sample size vary. The pattern of character- specific measurement error is consistent across passerine species; both reliable and unreliable characters for morphometric studies are identified. (Measurement error; morphometrics; type II error; passerines; model II ANO VA; statistical power.)
Essential and non-essential heavy metals in skin and muscle tissues of franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) from the southern Argentina coast

Franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei, is a small and ‘vulnerable’ cetacean, which exhibits coastal marine habits according to the IUCN (2008). The aim of this work was to determine the presence of essential (Zn and Cu) and non-essential (Cd, Pb, Cr and Ni) heavy metals in skin (n=33) and muscle (n=36) tissues of franciscana dolphins from southern Buenos Aires, establishing the influence of biological parameters on the accumulation of these pollutants. Histological standardised methods were used to determine both age and sexual maturity of the dolphins. Heavy metal concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Zn was 8-fold higher than Ni in the skin. Zn was significantly affected by the age of the specimens and might be influenced by the state of body condition. Ni showed a behaviour pattern similar to that of non-essential heavy metals. The relationship between Ni and Zn concentration determined in skin and muscle might provide a tool for studying the general condition of endangered marine mammal species such as franciscana dolphins.
Can arable forage production be intensified sustainably? A case study from northern Germany

Abstract. Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) resulting from forage production contribute a major share to ‘livestock’s long shadow’. A 2-year field experiment was conducted at two sites in northern Germany to quantify and evaluate the carbon footprint of arable forage cropping systems (continuous silage maize, maize–wheat–grass rotation, perennial ryegrass ley) as affected by N-fertiliser type and N amount. Total GHG emissions showed a linear increase with N application, with mineral-N supply resulting in a steeper slope. Product carbon footprint (PCF) ranged between –66 and 119 kg CO2eq/(GJ net energy lactation) and revealed a quadratic or linear response to fertiliser N input, depending on the cropping system and site. Thus, exploitation of yield potential while mitigating PCF was not feasible for all tested cropping systems. When taking credits or debts for carbon sequestration into account, perennial ryegrass was characterised by a lower PCF than continuous maize or the maize-based rotation, at the N input required for achieving maximum energy yield, whereas similar or higher PCF was found when grassland was assumed to have achieved soil carbon equilibrium. The data indicate potential for sustainable intensification when cropping systems and crop management are adapted to increase resource-use efficiency.
Mengelola zakat Indonesia: diskursus pengelolaan zakat Nasional dari rezim undang-undang nomor 38 tahun 1999 ke rezim undang-undang nomor 23 tahun 2011

Buku Mengelola Zakat Indonesia ini mengupas zakat di Indonesia dengan berfokus pada aspek ekonomi dan manajemen dalam konteks sejarah, sosial, politik dan hukum positif di Indonesia kontemporer. Buku ini merekam diskursus pengelolaan zakat nasional dari tahun 1999 dengan keluarnya UU No. 38 hingga terjadinya wacana dan debat amandemen UU No.38/1999, yang kemudian melahirkan UU No. 23/2011. Undang-undang baru ini juga tak luput dari polemik amandemen sehingga terjadi uji materi di mahkamah konstitusi, namun gagal dan tetap berlaku hingga kini. Substansi buku ini membahas berbagai topik diantaranya adalah :1. tafsir ekonomi kontemporer atas zakat, 2. sejarah pengelolaan zakat di Indonesia, 3. Kinerja zakat nasional dan dinamika amandemen pada UU No. 38/1999 hingga lahirnya UU No. 23/2011, 4. pokok-pokok pikiran UU No. 23/2011 dan upaya konformasi kesahihannya dari perspektif sejarah, fiqih dan komparasi internasional, 5. perdebatan konstitusional tentag UU No. 23/2011 di Mahkamah Konstitusi, 6. Pokok-pokok reformasi pengelolaan zakat nasional masa depan dan kontra-draft UU No. 23/2011
The effect of size and epibiotic barnacles on imposex in Stramonita haemastoma collected from the northern coast of Tunisia

Abstract Imposex was quantified in Stramonita haemastoma from the Bizerta Channel during a one-year study period and the effect of gastropod size and shell fouling by epibiotic barnacles investigated. Butyltin concentrations (tributyltin (TBT) and its derivatives di- and mono-butyltin) were also investigated in the soft tissue of the gastropods to depict temporal trends in pollution. Kelibia Beach was chosen as a reference site (not polluted by organotin) to depict whether barnacle fouling could intervene in imposex development. Imposex incidence in the Bizerta Channel was greater in females fouled by epibiotic barnacles compared to non-fouled females. Considering the size of the gastropods, large females (fouled and non-fouled) always exhibit higher imposex indices than smaller females. The concentrations of organotin compounds were found to be similar in the studied species, independent of sex or fouling condition. For Kelibia Beach, no imposex was recorded in fouled and non-fouled snails, while butyltins were below the limit of detection. Results gathered in the present study confirm the effect of size and epibiotic barnacles as factors affecting imposex quantification in gastropods. The absence of imposex for Kelibia Beach suggests that barnacles do not promote the development of imposex, but could be a secondary factor amplifying the effect of imposex. Furthermore, this investigation showed a significant decrease in imposex and TBT levels in the Bizerta Channel as compared to previous work, reflecting the effectiveness of a TBT ban on a global scale.
Radial growth trends of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) in an Allegheny northern hardwood forest affected by beech bark disease.

greater than that of canopy trees and subcanopy trees in non-gap areas. During the period of beech bark diseaseinduced canopy decline, non-gap subcanopy trees exhibited an annual radial growth 30% higher and a radial growth rate (mm/yr/yr) four times greater than during the years prior to the disturbance. In contrast, canopy trees not adjacent to gaps showed no change in radial growth coincident with the disturbance. These results suggest that in forests with significant canopy deterioration, differences in tree growth between gap and nongap environments can be expected; however, positive growth responses among sub-canopy trees may not be limited to the area directly in gaps and instead may occur throughout the forest.
Phenotypic plasticity and evolutionary demographic responses to climate change: taking theory out to the field

Summary Rapid climate change both imposes strong selective pressures on natural populations – potentially reducing their growth rate and causing genetic evolution – and affects the physiology and development of individual organisms. Understanding and predicting the fates of populations under global change, including extinctions and geographical range shifts, requires analysing the interplay of these processes, which has long been a grey area in evolutionary biology. We review recent theory on the interaction of phenotypic plasticity, genetic evolution and demography in environments that change in time or space. We then discuss the main limitations of the models and the difficulties in testing theoretical predictions in the wild, notably regarding changes in phenotypic selection, the evolution of (co)variances of reaction norm parameters, and transient dynamics. We use two landmark examples of physiological responses to climate change –trees facing drier climate and extreme temperatures, and marine phytoplankton under rising CO2 – to highlight relatively neglected questions and indicate the theoretical and empirical challenges that they raise. These examples illustrate notably that age-specific patterns of plasticity and selection on the one hand, and changes in community interactions and functioning on the other hand, need to be further investigated theoretically and empirically for a better understanding of evolutionary demographic responses to climate change in the wild.
Fungicide tolerance of Trichoderma asperelloides and T. harzianum strains.

Tolerance in isolations of Trichoderma was developed by exposing two strains of T. harzianum and three of T. asperelloides to increasing concentrations of chemical fungicides. These isolation of Trichoderma were exposed to three fungicides: Captan, Thiabendazol and the mixture Captan-Carboxin. Some selected lines of these strains reached tolerance to Captan and partial tolerance to the mixture Captan-Carboxin. The biological and genetic changes in these tolerant lines were monitored by determining the relative growth rate of the fungus, inhibition of Fusarium and by analyzing the genomic changes through UP-PCR. The results show that the tolerance to fungicides can be developed without affecting the parameters of biological activity in these lines of Trichoderma (growth and parasitism against Fusarium). Chemical tolerance to the fungicide was verified by means of changes at the DNA level (UP-PCR), mainly in the lines tolerant to Captan. This suggests that Trichoderma survives in environments with remnants of fungicide molecules.
Evaluating the power of monitoring plot designs for detecting long‐term trends in the numbers of common guillemots

In recent years concerns have been raised regarding the status of the common guillemot Uria aalge in the UK. Numbers have declined in several regions, highlighting the need for continued monitoring of this internationally important population. However, the extent to which the current monitoring scheme is capable of detecting declines and options for improving efficiency has received little attention. We investigated the power of different monitoring design options for detecting long-term trends in abundance at a colony of guillemots. The ability to detect trends in abundance was reduced by the large temporal and spatial variability in colony attendance. Taking a linear mixed model approach, we obtained details on the sources and sizes of the variance components using count data collected from monitoring plots on the Isle of May, Scotland, and assessed how best to allocate sampling effort in the light of the count variability structure. Our results indicated that trend detection will be improved by counting birds in more plots rather than by increasing the number of counts at existing plots. The revisit pattern of counts at the monitoring plots during the seasonal counting period had little effect on trend detection power. However, given the practical issues associated with counting guillemots, alternative revisit patterns to the current approach are preferred. For a fixed number of visits per plot, power is strongly influenced by the choice of revisit design if the day-to-day variation in colony attendance is increased. Aspects of the UK seabird monitoring scheme can be improved. Changes to the allocation of sampling effort and the plot-revisit pattern will improve both the statistical power to detect long-term trends and the efficiency of conducting the survey. We stress the importance of considering the structure and magnitude of the count variation in a power analysis because judicious design decisions depend on the relative magnitude of these variance components