Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molted Feathers as a Source of DNA for Genetic Studies in Waterbird Populations

Abstract. The determination of genetic parameters for most waterbird populations presents considerable challenges because these species frequently breed in inaccessible locations which preclude capture of nesting pairs. The application of non-invasive sampling techniques, such as the collection of molted feathers in the field, could represent an appealing strategy to overcome the above cited problem. Here, the feasibility of sampling molted feathers collected in Brazilian populations of the Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja; N = 94) and the jabiru Stork (Jabiru mycteria; N = 10) for genetic studies was evaluated. Each feather yielded high quality DNA with a concentration 1.25 times higher than that obtained from feathers from similar sized birds from other groups. Amplification of a 390– 396 bp fragment for molecular sexing and 11 microsatellite loci was successful. The average percentage of positive PCRs (i.e. those that yielded products) among all Roseate Spoonbill loci and samples was 95.5%. The sampli.
Water-borne stimuli released by predatory crabs and damaged prey induce more predator-resistant shells in a marine gastropod.

Abstract Individuals of the morphologically variable, rocky intertidal gastropod Thais (or Nucella) lamellosa developed larger apertural teeth when held in the presence of the predatory crab Cancer productus than when held in its absence, regardless of whether snails were fed or not. In addition, among fed snails larger apertural teeth were produced in the presence of crabs fed conspecific snails than in the presence of crabs fed frozen fish. Because all snails were held in containers through which water flowed from physically separated aquaria holding the crabs, these results indicate that water-soluble chemical cues released by this predatory crab and by damaged conspecifics induced T. lamellosa to improve the defense effectiveness of their shells. Finally, when allowed access to food, snails exposed to these stimuli ate fewer barnacles and grew less than those in the controls.
A numerical model of flow modification induced by suspended aquaculture in a Chinese bay

A finite element circulation model of flow was constructed for Sungo Bay, China, a site of dense cultivation of both marine bivalves and kelp, to assess the magnitude of friction due to culture structure and its implications for particle exchange. In the model, parameterization of friction was modified to reflect the patterns of culture configuration in the bay and the results compared with the default case with no culture. Results of model output indicate that suspended aquaculture results in a 20% reduction in current speed in the main navigation channel and a 54% reduction in speed in the midst of a culture area. In the channel, reduced flow had little effect on tracer exchange under mid-ebb conditions, but the presence of culture structure caused a 41% decrease in exchange rate compared with the absence of culture. These results indicate that disregard for physical barriers associated with culture will result in a serious over estimation of the particle renewal term and thus an overestimation of carry.
Modeling of feedback interactions between MAP kinase and cAMP signaling pathways

Both the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and cAMP signaling pathways play critical roles in cellular responses to external stimuli. Although many molecular interactions between these pathways have been identified, little is known about how such interactions shape the signals transmitted through these pathways. Here I present a theoretical model incorporating known feedback interactions between the MAPK and CAMP signaling pathways. In contrast to previous studies considering only the MAPK cascade, simulations made using this model suggest that, in the presence of feedback regulation from the cAMP signaling pathway, elements of the MAPK cascade do not necessarily behave in a bistable fashion. Rather, under constant stimulus conditions, interactions between these pathways can trigger slow oscillatory responses. Undoubtedly, other feedback interactions not considered here further influence both signaling pathways. Given the large number of interactions between MAPK, cAMP, and other signaling pathways (e.g., Ca/sup 2+/), it seems likely that oscillations in one pathway will trigger oscillations in several others. However, until better in vivo methods are developed for measuring enzyme activity and second messenger concentrations, we will be only be able to consider how information might be encoded within such oscillations.
Maternal effects of egg size in brown trout (Salmo trutta): norms of reaction to environmental quality

The magnitude of fitness variation caused by maternal effects and, thus, the adaptive significance of maternal traits may depend on environmental quality, generating crossing reaction norms among offspring phenotypes that shape life–history evolution. By manipulating intraclutch variation in egg size and comparing siblings we examined the maternal effects of egg size on offspring performance and tested for the existence of reaction norms to environmental quality using the brown trout Salmo trutta. When sibling groups of small and large eggs were reared separately in a hatchery environment initial size differences disappeared rapidly. However, in semi-natural environments and under direct competition, juveniles from large eggs experienced growth and survival advantages over siblings from small eggs. Moreover, distinct reaction norms existed, with the differences in performance of juveniles from small and large eggs being most pronounced in the poorer growth environments. Our results provide the first direct evidence, to our knowledge, for a causal relationship between egg size and fitness-related traits in fishes, independent of potentially confounding genetic effects. Moreover, they indicate that previous studies have been biased by experimental conditions that excluded competitive asymmetries and environmental variability. The existence of reaction norms indicates a shift in optimal egg size across gradients of environmental quality that probably shapes the evolution of this trait.
Reduced plasma levels of angiotensin-(1-7) and renin activity in preeclamptic patients are associated with the angiotensin I- converting enzyme deletion/deletion genotype

The relationship between preeclampsia and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is poorly understood. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key RAS component and plays an important role in blood pressure homeostasis by generating angiotensin II (Ang II) and inactivating the vasodilator angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)). ACE (I/D) polymorphism is characterized by the insertion (I) or deletion (D) of a 287-bp fragment, leading to changes in ACE activity. In the present study, ACE (I/D) polymorphism was correlated with plasma Ang-(1-7) levels and several RAS components in both preeclamptic (N = 20) and normotensive pregnant women (N = 20). The percentage of the ACE DD genotype (60%) in the preeclamptic group was higher than that for the control group (35%); however, this percentage was not statistically significant (Fisher exact test = 2.86, d.f. = 2, P = 0.260). The highest plasma ACE activity was observed in the ACE DD preeclamptic women (58.1 ± 5.06 vs 27.6 ± 3.25 nmol Hip-His Leu-1 min-1 mL-1 in DD control patients; P = 0.0005). Plasma renin activity was markedly reduced in preeclampsia (0.81 ± 0.2 vs 3.43 ± 0.8 ng Ang I mL plasma-1 h-1 in DD normotensive patients; P = 0.0012). A reduced plasma level of Ang-(1-7) was also observed in preeclamptic women (15.6 ± 1.3 vs 22.7 ± 2.5 pg/mL in the DD control group; P = 0.0146). In contrast, plasma Ang II levels were unchanged in preeclamptic patients. The selective changes in the RAS described in the present study suggest that the ACE DD genotype may be used as a marker for susceptibility to preeclampsia.
Expanding Evolutionary Theory Beyond Darwinism with Elaborating, Self-Organizing, and Fractionating Complex Evolutionary Systems

Earth systems increase in complexity, diversity, and interconnectedness with time, driven by tectonic/solar energy that keeps the systems far from equilibrium. The evolution of Earth systems is facilitated by three evolutionary mechanisms: elaboration, fractionation, and self-organization, that share universality features not found in more familiar equilibrium systems. These features include: 1. evolution to sensitive dependent critical states, 2. avalanches of changes following power law distributions with fractal organization, and 3. dynamic behaviour as strange attractors that often exhibit bistable behaviour. We propose a new approach to teaching Earth systems theory, where theoretical underpinnings of evolutionary mechanisms are introduced, followed by explorations of how the mechanisms interact to integrate the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere into a unitary evolutionary system. We incorporate conceptual and computer-based interactive models (included here as educational resources) within our lesson plans that illustrate a hierarchy of principles and experimental outcomes for evolutionary mechanisms. Application of this educational framework requires explicating complex systems mechanisms and their interactions, exploring their applicability to Earth systems, and imbedding them in high school as well as college introductory and upper level Earth Science classrooms to put all Earth systems on a comprehensive, integrated, universal evolutionary theoretical foundation.
The ecology of mangrove forest birds in Peninsular Malaysia

The density, distribution and feeding ecology of birds of mangrove forests in Selangor on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia were investigated between February and May 1989. Excluding aerial hunters and wading birds, 47 species were recorded from four mangrove forest sites in Selangor, though undoubtedly some rarer species were missed due to the brevity of the study. The estimated density of birds, using fixed-width transects, ranged from 15 to 26 birds per ha. One quarter of all birds counted belonged to just one species, the Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps. Excluding ground feeders (three species), four foraging guilds were recognized among 17 of the commonest bird species: obligate foliage-foraging insectivores (seven species), bark-foraging insectivores (four), facultative nectar-ivores (five) and aerial hawkers (one). Species within the first and third guilds apparently were partitioned by foraging technique and heights, while those of the second guild (woodpeckers) differed mainly in their selection of plant species. The horizontal distribution of several species corresponded to the zonation of mangroves. Avifaunal differences between sites reflected differences in forest floristics. The greatest number of species occurred at the dry landward edge site, which supported seven bird species not encountered elsewhere in Selangor. This habitat has almost completely disappeared from much of the peninsula owing to land reclamation. Four of the six resident mangrove-specialized bird species in Selangor were regularly recorded at two or more sites, another (Greater Gol-denback Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes lucidus) occurred at only one site and the last (Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda) was never recorded. Two species of sunbirds probably play an important role in the pollination of several species of mangroves. The colonization of anthropogenic habitats by many mangrove-dwelling bird species is attributed partly to their generalized foraging niches, which may have evolved in response to regular fluctuations in food availability and the dynamic physiography of mangrove communities.
MODELING PARASITE REDUCTION MECHANISMS IN CHAGAS DISEASE

Various procedures have been proposed to reduce parasitemia during Chagas disease. Here we analyze in detail models developed to predict the possible outcomes of two of these treatments. The model solutions reproduce available experimental population data and can be used as tools to help researchers to find a cure or, at least, an optimal treatment to reduce cardiac cell damage. In particular, we study how the phase diagram describing the infection outcome is modified by the application of the ganglioside GM1, finding the optimum concentration of the drug in terms of the parameters characterizing its influence on the parasite-host interaction. We also investigate the use of the non-pathogenic parasite T. rangeli to reduce T. cruzi load in a mixed infection, finding that this method is not effective against all T. cruzi strains. Furthermore, we compare phase portraits of the evolution of the disease for a single and a mixed infection, and evaluate the cell damage as a function of the time elapsed between both infections, remarking on the temporary protective effect of the reaction to T. rangeli.
Intuitive Cognition

In the naturalistic decision-making literature, intuitive cognition is at the heart of a pattern recognition–based decision model called the recognition-primed decision model. Given the importance of intuitive cognition in naturalistic decision-making theory, we explore the question of what makes intuitive cognition effective for decision making and, in so doing, present an extended empirical and theoretical foundation for the intuitive component in naturalistic decision making. We theorize that intuitive cognition is effective because it (1) possesses a capability for grounded, situational meaning making (sign interpretation); (2) is operative over extended work intervals involving interruptions; and (3) is instrumental in handling situated complexities of everyday living. Other characteristics of intuitive cognition and its foundations are discussed. We propose that intuitive cognition represents the core of cognition—grounded, situational meaning making—whereas analytical cognition represents a form of an intellectual exoskeleton that provides added capabilities (e.g., working memory).
Site-specific and developmental expression of pannexin1 and pannexin2 and their activity-dependent response in the mouse central nervous system

“Pannexin expression in the mouse central nervous system” (poster) 30 Gottingen Neurobiology Conference, Germany, February 2005. “Site-specific and developmental expression of pannexin1 in the central nervous system” (poster) Annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, CA, USA, October 2004. “Localization and developmental expression of Pannexins in higher vertebrates” (poster) International Gap Junction Conference, Cambridge, UK, August 2003.
Current approaches for the authentication of medicinal Dendrobium species and its products

Dendrobium Sw. , a member of the family Orchidaceae, includes approximately 1100 species distributed in different parts of the world. In China, the genus is represented by 76 species and two varieties, of which D. loddigesii, D. fimbriatum, D. chrysanthum, D. officinale (=D. candidum) and D. nobile are listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as the source material for Herba Dendrobii (Shihu). Because of increased demand and high price, Herba Dendrobii is often adulterated in the trade by other related species. Many Dendrobium species are over-collected from the wild and are listed under endangered taxa in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Therefore, a reliable authentication method is needed to regulate the trade and help conserve the species from unscrupulous collections. This review describes the present status of using medicinal Dendrobium in China, current approaches to authenticate medicinal Dendrobium plants and Herba Dendrobii, and the efforts under way towards the development of DNA microarrays to facilitate differentiation/identification of genuine material in complex Chinese medicinal formulations.
Lessons from risk assessment

Risk assessment and uncertainty analysis are important tools for improving environmental decision making. However, their value is limited when the environmental endpoints assessed by scientists do not coincide with the publicly-meaningful attributes that are of concern to decision makers. Approaches for addressing this disconnect are presented using examples from water quality assessment and management. Recommendations to scientists for maximizing the usefulness of uncertainty analysis are given.
The Brain of the Honeybee Apis Mellifera. I. The Connections and Spatial Organization of the Mushroom Bodies

The mushroom bodies of the bee are paired neuropils in the dorsal part of the brain. Each is composed of the arborizations of over 17 10 $^4$ small interneurons of similar architecture called Kenyon cells. Golgi staining demonstrates that these neurons can be divided into five groups distinguished on the basis of their dendritic specializations and geometry. The mushroom body neuropils each consist of a pair of cup-shaped structures, the calyces, connected by two short fused stalks, the pedunculus, to two lobes, the $\alpha$ - and $\beta$ -lobes. Each calyx is formed from three concentric neuropil zones, the basal ring, the collar and the lip. The calyces are organized in a polar fashion; within the calyces each of the five categories of Kenyon cell has a distribution limited to particular polar contours. The dendritic volumes of neighbouring Kenyon cells arborizing within each individual contour are greatly overlapped. Fibres from groups of neighbouring cells within a calycal contour are gathered into bundles that project into the pedunculus, each fibre dividing to enter both the $\alpha$ - and $\beta$ -lobes. The pedunculus and the lobes are conspicuously layered. Kenyon cells with neighbouring dendritic fields within the same calycal contour occupy a single layer in the pedunculus and lobes. Thus the two-polar organization of the calyces is transformed into a Cartesian map within the pedunculus, which continues into the $\alpha$ - and $\beta$ -lobes. The calyx receives input fibres from both the antennal lobes and the optic neuropils. The branching patterns of these cells reflect the polar organization of the calyces as their terminals are restricted to one or more of the three gross compartments of the calycal neuropil. The course of these tracts and the morphologies of the fibres that they contain are described. Cells considered to represent outputs from the mushroom bodies arborize in the pedunculus and $\alpha$ - and $\beta$ -lobes. Generally the arborizations of the output neurons reflect the layered organization of these neuropils. Fibres from the two lobes run to the anterior median and lateral protocerebral neuropil, and the anterior optic tubercle. Additionally there is an extensive network of feedback interneurons that inter-connect the $\alpha$ - and $\beta$ -lobes with the ipsi- and contralateral calyces. Many individual neurons have branches in both the $\alpha$ - and the $\beta$ -lobes and in the pedunculus. The pathways and geometries of the fibres subserving the two lobes are described. The hypothesis of Vowles (1955) that the individual lobes represent a separation of sensory and motor output areas is shown to be incorrect. The anatomy of the bee's mushroom bodies suggests that they process second-order antennal and fourth- and higher-order visual information. The feedback pathways are discussed as possible means of creating long-lasting after-effects which may be important in complex timing processes and possibly the formation of short-term memory.
Diurnal Variations in Calcium, Magnesium and Citric Acid Levels of the Blood Serum,

Summary Six Jersey cows were bled six times daily at 4-hr, intervals to determine the diurnal variation in blood serum calcium. The variation between cows in serum calcium levels was significant, but daily and diurnal variations were not significant. Four Jersey cows were bled daily for 9 days and four times daily at 6-hr, intervals for 4 days during days four, five, six and seven of the 9-day period and blood serum citric acid and magnesium were determined. No significant difference existed between cows or between days in serum magnesium levels. However, a small but significant diurnal variation existed, with the low level being observed at the 9: 00 a.m. bleeding. Serum citric acid levels showed a significant variation between days and a highly significant variation between cows, but no significant diurnal variation. Therefore, under the conditions of the experiment, the time of day at which samples were taken had no significant effect upon serum calcium and citric acid levels. The blood serum magnesium was lowered at one bleeding.
Dismissing Attachment and Global and Daily Indicators of Subjective Well-Being: An Experience Sampling Approach

The present research examined whether a dismissing attachment style (i.e., being high in attachment avoidance and low in attachment anxiety) is a risk factor for low subjective well-being (SWB). Specifically, we examined the associations between dismissing attachment and two indicators of SWB: global life satisfaction and daily affect. Self-reports of attachment and overall life satisfaction were collected from 257 adults at an initial lab session. Afterward, experience sampling methodology was used to gather repeated measures of positive and negative affect, as well as social context, from the sample for 8 days. Our findings indicate that, on average, dismissing people reported fairly modest levels of overall life satisfaction. Moreover, they experienced relatively low levels of both negative affect and positive affect across the 8-day study period. Overall, our results suggest that dismissing people have a “muted” or dull emotional life.
Population densities of understorey birds across a habitat gradient in Palawan, Philippines: implications for conservation

Abstract There is widespread concern for many understorey and ground-dwelling bird species in the Philippines that appear intolerant of forest alteration. We present density estimates for 18 key bird species in old growth forest, advanced and early secondary growth and active cultivation within the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan. Six species were not recorded in cultivation and the abundance of these and several others increased along the successional gradient from cultivation to old growth forest. Eleven species, including five endemics and three of four threatened species, had highest density estimates in old growth forest. However, several species had high density estimates in the heavily disturbed habitats and every habitat type held highest densities of at least one of the bird species. The commonest habitat association across the bird community was a preference for areas containing large trees, indicating the importance of retention of such trees in allowing suitable ground and understorey microhabitats to persist. Old growth forests have the highest conservation value for Palawan’s endemic birds and, while some species thrive in the anthropogenic habitats that occur within the Park, the present extent of cultivation and associated successional stages within its boundaries should not be increased. We caution against extrapolation of the abundance figures from the Park to the whole island but we suggest that population sizes for the threatened species are likely to be much greater than previously thought. We urge authorities to strengthen management within the protected area network in Palawan to ensure survival of key species.