Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recolonization of forest fragments by a native rodent following experimental 'extinctions'

The movement of organisms between subdivided populations is considered a key influence on the persistence of species in modified landscapes. In particular, the ability to recolonize ‘empty’ fragments of habitat is directly relevant to conservation management, and to understanding the link between pattern and process in metapopulations. We studied the movement and recolonization ability of the bush rat, Rattus fuscipes, in a highly fragmented agricultural landscape in south-western Victoria, Australia. Populations were monitored in seven small ( 49 ha) forest fragments before removal of all residents from four of the small fragments. Subsequent monitoring (for up to 16 months) allowed the detection of colonizing individuals, and comparisons between ‘experimental’ and ‘control’ fragments. Rattus fuscipes readily moved between fragments and successfully recolonized (i.e. both males and females arrived) two of four fragments in which extinctions were simulated. A single male moved into a third experimental fragment. In one fragment, new animals were detected 1 month after the removal of residents, indicating that recolonization can occur rapidly. Dispersers were not a random sample of the population: although both males and females, and adults and sub-adults were recorded dispersing, adult males in reproductive condition predominated. Functional connectivity appears to be high for R. fuscipes in the study landscape. Results from this manipulative experiment provide direct empirical evidence that a capacity for movement allows recolonization of fragments of suitable habitat and is a key process responsible for species persistence in fragmented landscapes, as predicted by theory.
Monoculture d'exportation et développement agricole durable : cas de la banane en Guadeloupe

Les exploitations bananieres de Guadeloupe vivent une crise economique qui se double d'une apprehension societale quant a l'impact environnemental des techniques mises en œuvre pour produire le fruit. La loi d'Orientation agricole (LOA) francaise de 1999, en posant un regard nouveau sur l'agriculture, represente une opportunite afin de les aider a evoluer vers des systemes de production plus durables. Le dispositif incitatif des contrats entre Etat et agriculteurs que la loi propose requiert d'apprehender l'ensemble du contexte de la production agricole et d'identifier les differentes fonctions remplies par les agricultures de la zone. Cet article presente les premiers resultats d'un projet « Interactions agriculture et environnement dans le croissant bananier de Basse-Terre ». La speculation bananiere qui y predomine n'explique pas a elle seule les differents types de fonctionnement d'exploitation identifies. La diversification des activites joue un role essentiel dans la viabilite economique des exploitations et la gestion des ressources naturelles. Dans ces conditions, un des enjeux majeurs en vue de faciliter leur integration territoriale porte sur la reconnaissance differenciee des fonctions assurees par les agricultures de la zone. Le dispositif incitatif des contrats territoriaux d'exploitation represente une opportunite pour favoriser cette mutation.
Effect of linoleic acid on reproduction and yeast–mycelium dimorphism in the Dutch elm disease pathogens

Elm populations from North America and Europe were devastated by Dutch elm disease (DED), which is a vascular disease caused by fungi from the genus Ophiostoma (Ascomycota). These pathogens feature a yeast–mycelium dimorphism that may be related to virulence by facilitating colonization of the host xylem. Cyclooxygenases (COX) have been proposed to modulate yeast–mycelium dimorphism of DED fungi, and homologs of cox genes have been found in the nuclear genome of O. novo-ulmi subsp. novo-ulmi. Linoleic acid, a substrate for COX, was reported to stimulate the formation of asexual and sexual reproduction structures in DED strains grown on complex media. We hypothesized that linoleic acid also induced mycelium production in liquid shake culture conditions. Linoleic acid was found to enhance the production of reproductive structures in sexual crosses conducted on a complex medium (elm sapwood agar), but was not sufficient for these structures to form on a minimal medium. In liquid shake cultures grown in a min.
Predicting the distribution potential of an invasive frog using remotely sensed data in Hawaii

Aim Eleutherodactylus coqui (commonly known as the coqui) is a frog species native to Puerto Rico and non‐native in Hawaii. Despite its ecological and economic impacts, its potential range in Hawaii is unknown, making control and management efforts difficult. Here, we predicted the distribution potential of the coqui on the island of Hawaii.
Variable Response of Bacteria Isolated From Grapevine Xylem to Control Grape Crown Gall Diseasein planta

A total of 851 bacterial isolates from the xylem sap of grapevines grown in Nova Scotia, Canada, were purified and screened for in vitro antagonistic activity against a range of tumorigenic A. tumefaciens biovar 3 strains (A. vitis). Despite vagaries noted in performing in vitro antibiosis, 24 strains were catalogued as having a strong inhibitory effect on A. vitis. Biolog plates identified this collection of 24 as 35% Enterobacter agglomerans, 30% Rahnella aquatilis, and 35% Pseudomonas spp. Soil microcosm studies with a xylE marked A. vitis strain showed that one of these endophytes (an isolate of P. corrugata) was able to control population numbers of the agrobacteria in situ. In planta trials with V. vinifera cv. Chardonnay, where less than 47% of the positive control treatment produced galled vines, demonstrated significant biocontrol of the disease by three of the endophytes. Trials with Gewurztraminer vines, with a successful infection of > 88% with the positive control, showed no biocontrol. Experiments attempting to introduce three of the most inhibitory endophytes into Gewurztraminer vines also failed. However, it was possible to introduce the virulent A. vitis strain CG64 into these vines by applying bacterial suspension to unwounded stems.
Breeding for Drought Resistance in Rice: Physiology and Molecular Genetics Considerations

Drought stress is a major constraint to rice (Oryza sativa L.) production and yield stability in many rainfed regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. The genetic improvement of adaptation to drought is addressed through the conventional approach by selecting for yield and its stability over locations and years. Because of low heritability of yield under stress and inherent variation in the field, such selection programs are expensive and slow in attaining progress. The objective of this paper is to review the current knowledge in physiology and molecular genetics which have implications in breeding for drought resistance in rice. The ability of root systems to provide for evapotranspirational demand from deep soil moisture and capadty for osmotic adjustment are considered major drought resistance traits in rice. However, selection for these traits still entail extensive investments in field nurseries or greenhouse fadlities and is prone to problems of repeatability because of environmental variability. Recent development of molecular linkage maps of rice and other advances in molecular biology offer new opportunities for drought resistance breeding. Molecular markers linked to root traits and osmotic adjustment are being identified, which should lead to marker-assisted selection. Transgenic rice plants having tolerance to water deficit and osmotic stresses have been reported. Work on genetic engineering of osmoprotectants, such as proline and glycine betaine, into the rice plant for drought tolerance improvement is in progress Close collaboration between molecular geneticists, plant physiologists, and breeders is needed to critically assess the contribution of specific genes and application of molecular genetics to breeding for drought resistance in rice and other crops.
Influence of hypolimnetic hydropeaking on the distribution and population dynamics of Ephemeroptera in a mountain stream

SUMMARY 1. The Ephemeroptera assemblage of the River Oriege (Pyrenees, France) was studied up- and downstream of a hydroelectric power plant with hypolimnetic releases from a nearby high altitude reservoir. The life histories and larval growth of the six dominant species (Rhithrogena semicolorata, R. sp. gr. hercynia, R. kimminsi, Baetis alpinus, B. rhodani, Ephemerella ignita) were studied 700 m upstream (site A) and 700 and 3500 m downstream (sites B and C, respectively) of the power plant. Their drift patterns were studied at sites A and B. 2. The natural flow of the river was preserved when the plant was inoperative. During power generation, flow and temperature were the two main environmental factors modified. The natural flow in the river below the outlet may be enhanced several times a day from 1 to 11 m 3 s -1 in summer and winter, and from 5 to 15 m 3 s -1 during spring spates. During hydropeaking, the water was cooled in summer and slightly warmed in winter, but this was attenuated 3500 m downstream from the plant. 3. The density and biomass of the species studied at the three sites reflected both the impact of hydropeaking and the natural longitudinal zonation of the fauna. The lowest density and biomass was estimated at 700 m downstream from the plant (site B), consistent with a prominent role for hydropeaking. Site A showed constant mayfly drift caused by accidental dislodgement plus behavioural drift that was mainly nocturnal. Below the plant, the flushing action of peaking flows added to this a catastrophic drift, which was highest in autumn when the difference between natural and peak flows was greatest. 4. Environmental change caused only slight modifications in the life history patterns, affecting the hatching and/or emergence period and growth of several species. For instance, R. semicolorata grew through the winter below the outlet, when growth was slight upstream from the power plant. Under this kind of river regulation (natural discharge and temperature except during periods of power generation, and intermittent hydropeaking from a separate reservoir) modifications of the thermal regime had a minor effect on the population dynamics of mayflies, unlike hydraulic disturbances which strongly influenced the abundance and structure of the benthic community. Frequent (at least daily) high flow disturbances caused depletion of mayfly populations, despite daily renewal and colonization (drift) from undisturbed upstream locations.
Effects of trapping effort and trap shyness on estimates of tiger abundance from camera trap studies

Camera trapping has recently been introduced as an unbiased and practical method for monitoring tiger abundance. In a high density area in the Royal Bardia National Park in lowland Nepal, we tested this method by trapping very intensively within a 25 km2 area to determine the true number of animals in that area. We then tested the effect of study design by sub‐sampling the data set using varying distances between trap stations and by reducing the number of trapping nights at each station. We compared these numbers with the density estimates generated by the capture–recapture models of the program CAPTURE. Both distance between traps and trapping duration greatly influenced the results. For example, increasing the inter‐trap distance from 1 to 2.1 km and reducing the trapping duration per station from 15 to 10 nights reduced the number of tigers captured by 25%. A significant decrease in trapping rates during successive 5‐night periods suggested that our tigers became trap‐shy, probably because of the photo flash and because they detected the camera traps from cues from impression pads 50 m from the traps. A significant behavioural response was also confirmed by the program CAPTURE. The best capture–recapture model selected by the computer program (Mbh) gave precise estimates from data collected by the initial 1 km spacing of traps. However, when we omitted data from half the number of traps, thus decreasing the sampling effort to a more realistic level for monitoring purposes, the program CAPTURE underestimated the true number of tigers. Most probably, this was due to a combination of trap shyness and the way the study was designed. Within larger protected areas, total count from intensive, stratified subsampling is suggested as a complementary technique to the capture–recapture method, since it circumvents the problem of trap shyness.
Energetic Responses of Salmon to Temperature. A Study of Some Thermal Relations in the Physiology and Freshwater Ecology of Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerkd)

SYNOPSIS. Studies on the relation of temperature to tolerance, preference, metabolic rate, performance, circulation, and growth of sockeye salmon all point to a physiological optimum in the region of 15°C. Natural occurrence is limited in time and space at temperatures above 18°C despite being able to tolerate 24°C. Forms of physiological inadequacy can be demonstrated which account for such restrictions in distribution. Predictive power for locating and accounting for concentrations of young fish in thermally stratified lakes appeared to provide “proof” for the controlling influence of the physiological optimum temperature. Early literature on the ecology of sockeye supported this view. Recent studies using midwater trawls and sonar detection reveal a diurnal behavior pattern which points to a more subtle interaction of biotic andabiotic factors governing vertical distribution in which the controlling force appears to be bioenergetic efficiency. It is concluded that a mechanism of behavioral thermoregulation has evolved which favorably balances daily metabolic expenditures in order to conserve energy when food is limited.
Molecular mechanisms of binding and single-strand scission of DNA by the antitumor antibiotics saframycins A and C

The quinone antitumor antibiotics saframycins A and C bind to duplex DNA and G,C containing complementary oligodeoxyribonucleotides at pHs below 5.5 via selective protonation of the antibiotics at the N-12 positions in an equilibrium process. This binding shows minor groove specificity to T4 DNA for both antibiotics. Saframycin A exhibits an additional mode of covalent binding to DNA, which is reversible by heating, via an animal linkage with the NH2 group of guanine. Covalent binding of saframycin A is enhanced by prior reduction of the quinone moiety via a different mechanism with concomitant elimination of the nitrile group and plausibly involves an intermediate quinone methide. Both saframycin A and saframycin C when reduced in situ with NADPH or sodium borohydride cause single-strand breaks, but not double-strand breaks, in PM2 covalently closer circular DNA. This latter reaction proceeds via intermediate semiquinones, the identity and conformation of which are established by EPR. The DNA scission process which requires oxygen is mediated by the generation of O2-. , H2O2 and OH. , the latter of which species was identified by spin trapping. The strand scission of DNA is pH dependent and, unlike the binding of the antibiotics, is strongly inhibited by Mg2+ and Zn2+ ions.
Relationship between animal age, intramuscular fat, cooking loss, pH, shear force and eating quality of aged meat from sheep

The relationships between sensory traits (tenderness, juiciness, flavour and overall liking) and objective measures, such as shear force, intramuscular fat, cooking loss, pH and animal age, were derived for M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LL) from 471 lamb and sheep carcasses. Tenderness could be predicted with the most accuracy (R2 = 0.24) and flavour with the highest precision (r.s.d. = 7.5 units) when using the objective measures, which may be in part due to the small variation in the range of shear force values of the samples (all carcasses electrically stimulated and meat aged for 5 days) and the use of consumer panels for the assessment of sensory traits. The ultimate pH of the LL, the rate of decline in pH in the LL or the predicted temperature at pH 6.0 were not significant predictors of the sensory traits when tested on a subsample of the carcasses. The model coefficients indicated that all sensory traits (tenderness, flavour, juiciness and overall liking) declined as shear force and age increased, and as intramuscular fat percentage decreased. This translated into a decline of 16 points on average for tenderness and 13 points for overall liking when LL samples from 68.5-month-old sheep were compared with those from unweaned lambs, when adjusted to the same level of intramuscular fat and shear force. Predictions of the sensory traits at varying levels of shear force were made and show that at 49 Newtons (N), the overall liking score would be 51 and the tenderness score 48. Derived relationships between objective meat quality measures and sensory traits suggest that to achieve a failure rate of no more than 10% for loin meat when eaten, it must have a shear force of about 27 N or less.
Four and a half LIM protein 1C (FHL1C)

Four-and-a-half LIM domain protein 1 isoform A (FHL1A) is predominantly expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Mutations in the FHL1 gene are causative for several types of hereditary myopathies including X-linked myopathy with postural muscle atrophy (XMPMA). We here studied myoblasts from XMPMA patients. We found that functional FHL1A protein is completely absent in patient myoblasts. In parallel, expression of FHL1C is either unaffected or increased. Furthermore, a decreased proliferation rate of XMPMA myoblasts compared to controls was observed but an increased number of XMPMA myoblasts was found in the G(0)/G(1) phase. Furthermore, low expression of K(v1.5), a voltage-gated potassium channel known to alter myoblast proliferation during the G(1) phase and to control repolarization of action potential, was detected. In order to substantiate a possible relation between K(v1.5) and FHL1C, a pull-down assay was performed. A physical and direct interaction of both proteins was observed in vitro. In addition, confocal microscopy revealed substantial colocalization of FHL1C and K(v1.5) within atrial cells, supporting a possible interaction between both proteins in vivo. Two-electrode voltage clamp experiments demonstrated that coexpression of K(v1.5) with FHL1C in Xenopus laevis oocytes markedly reduced K(+) currents when compared to oocytes expressing K(v1.5) only. We here present the first evidence on a biological relevance of FHL1C.
Exploiting the Peptide — MHC Water Interface in the Computer-Aided Design of Non-Natural Peptides that Bind to the Class I MHC Molecule HLA-A2

Abstract Class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules bind peptides derived from intra-cellular proteins and present them to cytotoxic T cells. Certain human immunological diseases are associated with errors in this process. Here we describe an approach to the design of non-natural peptides that could potentially interfere with peptide presentation associated with autoimmune diseases. We have shown previously that the interaction of the peptide GILGFVFTL with the MHC molecule HLA-A2 is mediated by a network of water molecules. In principle, the addition of hydroxyl groups to the peptide could allow for an enhanced interaction of the modified peptide with this water network. Here we illustrate this approach using a peptide having the non-natural amino acid homoserine at position 3, GIhSGFVFTL, and also peptides in which the Cα(F5)—CO—NH1—Cα(V6) peptide bond is replaced by an ether. Cα(F5)—CH(X)—O—Cα(V6), to give the non-natural peptide GILGF—CH(X)—O—VFTL, where X = CH2OH or CH3. In a 200 ps solvated molecular dynamics simulation of the HLA-A2 complexes of each peptide for GIhSGFVFTL and GILGF—CH(CH2OH)—O—VFTL the peptide conformation remained essentially unchanged from that of GILGFVFTL in the X-ray structure of its complex with HLA-A2. In contrast, for GILGF—CH(CH3)—O—VFTL the peptide conformation deviated from the X-ray conformation, indicating the importance of the hydroxyl group.
Analysis of habitat determinants in contact zones of parapatric European salamanders

Parapatry is a remarkable distributional pattern where the ranges of two species come into contact but only narrowly overlap. Theory predicts and empirical data suggest that parapatric range margins are most likely to form along environmental gradients when there is interspecific competition. Here, we study the ecology of the narrow contact zones of two parapatric European land salamanders, Salamandra salamandra and Salamandra atra. Previous research showed that abiotic conditions determine parapatric range margins of these two species. However, in contrast to other parapatric salamander species and theoretical predictions, there is no evidence for competitive interactions in the two Salamandra species. To study whether competition restricts these species' ranges and to understand local syntopic co-occurrence within their contact zones, we used site-occupancy models (1) to assess species–habitat relationships and (2) to test whether there is evidence for competition. We found that the two salamanders show dissimilar species–habitat relationships. The slope of the site positively affected the site-occupancy probability of S. salamandra, while none of the habitat characteristics explained the occupancy probability of S. atra. The local presence of one species had no effect on the occupancy probability of the other, suggesting that there is no effect of competition on local occurrence or that competition does not lead to spatial segregation. To fully understand the mechanisms that determine the parapatric range margins between the salamander species and to unravel the role of interspecific interactions, it is necessary to further study species' functional traits.
Das Rätsel des Hummeltrompeters: Lichtalarm

Die Theorien über den “Hummeltrompeter”, der 1700 zum erstenmal von Goedart beobachtet wurde, werden eingehend erörtert und als unzureichend erkannt. Der entscheidende Auslöser ist das Licht, weshalb ich diese Erscheinung “Lichtalarm” nennen möchte. Beobachtungen bei Tageslicht und Versuche mit künstlichem Licht legen eine solche Erklärung nahe. Alarmiert werden besonders die Wachtposten der Kolonie. Der Sinn des Verhaltens ist vielleicht ein “Bereitschafts‐Alarm”.
Novel calcium sensor in the outer hair cells: quantitation of oncomodulin

The parvalbumins are small vertebrate-specific Ca 2+ -binding proteins. The mammalian α -parvalbumin is expressed in diverse cell types, including the inner hair cell, where it is proposed to serve as a cytosolic Ca 2+ buffer. By contrast, the mammalian β -parvalbumin (oncomodulin) has a highly restricted distribution and harbors a 'Ca 2+ -specific' site — properties consistent with Ca 2+ -dependent regulatory behavior. The widespread perception of oncomodulin as an oncofetal protein was recently shattered by our discovery that the protein is present in the organ of Corti. Immunohistochemical data for the rat, mouse and gerbil indicate that expression is in fact confined to the outer hair cell. We have sought to confirm and extend this work through biochemical quantitation studies on organ of Corti from rat, mouse, guinea pig and chinchilla. We find that the protein is expressed at comparably high levels (approximately 0.5 mM) in the outer hair cells in all four species. This finding contrasts sharply with the expression pattern in prenatal and neoplastic settings. We have also extended the immunohistochemical analysis to the guinea pig and performed preliminary analysis of oncomodulin mRNA levels by in situ hydridization. On the basis of our data, we suggest that the outer hair cell is the sole site of physiologically relevant oncomodulin expression. Furthermore, we propose that the protein functions in the efferent control of the electromotile response.