Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Biogenic Fe(II) on Bacterial Crystalline Fe(III) Oxide Reduction

Bacterial crystalline Fe(III) oxide reduction has the potential to significantly influence the biogeochemistry of anaerobic sedimentary environments where crystalline Fe(III) oxides are abundant relative to poorly crystalline (amorphous) phases. A review of published data on solid-phase Fe(III) abundance and speciation indicates that crystalline Fe(III) oxides are frequently 2- to S 10-fold more abundant than amorphous Fe(III) oxides in shallow subsurface sediments not yet subjected to microbial Fe(III) oxide reduction activity. Incubation experiments with coastal plain aquifer sediments demonstrated that crystalline Fe(III) oxide reduction can contribute substantially to Fe(II) production in the presence of added electron donors and nutrients. Controls on crystalline Fe(III) oxide reduction are therefore an important consideration in relation to the biogeochemical impacts of bacterial Fe(III) oxide reduction in subsurface environments. In this paper, the influence of biogenic Fe(II) on bacterial reduction of crystalline Fe(III) oxides is reviewed and analyzed in light of new experiments conducted with the acetate-oxidizing, Fe(III)-reducing bacterium (FeRB) Geobacter metallireducens . Previous experiments with Shewanella algae strain BrY indicated that adsorption and/or surface precipitation of Fe(II) on Fe(III) oxide and FeRB cell surfaces is primarily responsible for cessation of goethite ( f -FeOOH) reduction activity after only a relatively small fraction (generally < 10%) of the oxide is reduced. Similar conclusions are drawn from analogous studies with G. metallireducens . Although accumulation of aqueous Fe(II) has the potential to impose thermodynamic constraints on the extent of crystalline Fe(III) oxide reduction, our data on bacterial goethite reduction suggest that this phenomenon cannot universally explain the low microbial reducibility of this mineral. Experiments examining the influence of exogenous Fe(II) (20 mM FeCl 2 ) on soluble Fe(III)-citrate reduction by G. metallireducens and S. algae showed that high concentrations of Fe(II) did not inhibit Fe(III)-citrate reduction by freshly grown cells, which indicates that surface-bound Fe(II) does not inhibit Fe(III) reduction through a classical end-product enzyme inhibition mechanism. However, prolonged exposure of G. metallireducens and S. algae cells to high concentrations of soluble Fe(II) did cause inhibition of soluble Fe(III) reduction. These findings, together with recent documentation of the formation of Fe(II) surface precipitates on FeRB in Fe(III)-citrate medium, provide further evidence for the impact of Fe(II) sorption by FeRB on enzymatic Fe(III) reduction. Two different, but not mutually exclusive, mechanisms whereby accumulation of Fe(II) coatings on Fe(III) oxide and FeRB surfaces may lead to inhibition of enzymatic Fe(III) oxide reduction activity (in the absence of soluble electron shuttles and/or Fe(III) chelators) are identified and discussed in relation to recent experimental work and theoretical considerations.
Deformation of Stomatal Guard Cell Lips and Microfabricated Artificial Topographies during Appressorium Formation by Uromyces

Abstract Terhune, B. T. , Bojko, R. J., and Hoch, H. C. 1993. Deformation of stomatal guard cell lips and microfabricated artificial topographies during appressorium formation by Uromyces. Experimental Mycology 17, 70-78. The inductive signal, stomatal guard cell lips or 0.5-μm-high plastic ridges, for appressorium formation in urediospore germlings of Uromyces appendiculatus was examined for signs of physical deformation during the course of appressorium development. The normally erect stomatal guard cell lips were usually observed prostrate at most stages of appressorium development; and, there were no persistent or significant indentations into the fungal cell that might have been caused by the topographical features. To further evaluate the events that occurred at the lip-appressorium interface in situ, polycarbonate and/or polystyrene ridges (0.5 μm high and 0.25 μm wide), mimicking stomatal guard cell lips of Phaseolus vulgaris, were cast on specifically microfabricated silicon templates. These artificial lips induced appressoria and became deformed approximately 30 min after initial contact by the germ tube apex as recorded and observed with time-lapsed video light microscopy. The collapsed nature of the ridges was further evaluated by both transmission and scanning electron microscopy. These results suggest that mechanical forces imposed by a combination of cell turgor pressure and adhesion of the appressorium to the substrate were responsible for deformation of the inductive topography.
Biological Characteristics and Spatial—Temporal Distribution of Mitre Squid, Uroteuthis Chinensis, in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea

ABSTRACT Based on seasonal sampling in the Beibu Gulf (Tonkin Gulf), South China Sea, from August 2010 to May 2011, biological characteristics such as growth, reproduction, and ingestion of 2,179 mitre squid, Uroteuthis chinensis, were investigated. The results showed that the maximum and minimum mantle lengths of U. chinensis were 438 mm and 49 mm, respectively, whereas the corresponding body weights were 723 g and 7.3 g, respectively. Both mantle length and body weight peaked in spring. The relationship between mantle length (L, in millimeters) and body weight (W, in grams) was W = 1.43 × 10-3 × L2.19 (R 2 = 0.92), and between mantle length and gutted weight (W, in grams) was W = 1.04 × 10-3 × L2.24 (R 2 = 0.97). The number of females was equal to that ofmales, with a sex ratio of 1:1.01. Furthermore, no obvious seasonal change was observed. There was no stage VI of gonad maturation, and stage I was dominant year-round. The feeding intensity was low and the empty stomach rate was high throughout the year. The mean trophic levels from spring to winter were 3.6, 2.7, 3.0, and 3.3, respectively. The results indicated considerable differences in the sampling areas. In addition, seasonal changes in catch and distribution were observable whereas biomass varied greatly.
Patterns in macrozoobenthic assemblages indicate the state of the environment: insights from the Rhine-Meuse estuary

During the 1960s and early 1970s, the open system of the Rhine-Meuse estuary with a continuous salinity gradient was converted into a series of stagnant fresh water lakes separated by sluices from the North Sea coastal region 'Voordelta'. For the last 50 yr, the macrozoobenthic communities have been monitored intensively, and a large dataset is available on the responses of macrozoobenthic communities to strong disturbances (e.g. transitions in salinity, currents and dynamics) and gradual changes (e.g. changes in pollution and nutrient levels). The current study analyzes patterns and developments in macrozoobenthic compositions in terms of community descriptors (e.g. density, richness, evenness and diversity) and proportional distributions over feeding guilds (suspension feeders, deposit feeders, surface deposit feeders, herbivores, omni- vores and predators). We compare historic and present situations and show that communities respond in similar ways (viz. peaking densities co-occurring with decreasing richness and diver- sity) to large disturbances and that the distribution over the feeding guilds indicates the state of the environment. Although the historic communities showed signs of system deterioration (mainly due to pollutants and nutrients), and at present, exotic species are abundant in the region, historic data were found to be valuable as a reference for what can be expected on the macrozoobenthic level following estuary restoration. This study showed the value of an undisturbed estuary in terms of total macrozoobenthic diversity compared to the series of fresh water lakes now sepa- rated from the Voordelta system and raises questions about future plans for a regulated salt water inlet that will be restricted to only 11.5 km inland.
Identification of Clonostachys and Trichoderma spp. from banana fruit surfaces by cultural, morphological and molecular methods

Species of Clonostachys and Trichoderma isolated from the surface of bananas were highly antagonistic to crown rot-causing fungal pathogens of banana, such as Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Thielaviopsis paradoxa, Colletotrichum musae, and Fusarium verticillioides. Cultural and morphological examinations revealed that the fungal antagonists were similar to C. byssicola and T. harzianum, with some characters overlapping with closely related species. Molecular identification is recommended since the fungal isolates could not be differentiated adequately by cultural and morphological methods. Accurate taxonomy of these fungal antagonists was essential for the subsequent biological control studies. The tub2 region of β-tubulin genes of Clonostachys and 5.8S rDNA with the ITS regions of Trichoderma isolates were analyzed to determine their phylogenic placement. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses revealed 100% homology of Clonostachys (accession number AB308539) to C. byssicola (accession number AF358154) and 99% identity of Trichoderma (AB308540) to T. harzianum (accession number AY625068, AF443927). The identity of the fungal isolates was confirmed as Clonostachys byssicola Schroers and Trichoderma harzianum Rifai.
Fisiopatologia das diarréias em suínos

Diarrhea is the main clinical manifestation of enteric infections. Imbalance between absorption and intestinal secretion process due to changes in the water and electrolytes transport is critical in the diarrheal diseases pathogenesis. The pathophysiological mechanisms are associated to specific characteristics of each pathogen. Therefore, specific interaction between enteric pathogens and intestinal epithelium result in different types of diarrhea. In swine production, the knowledge about the enteric infections pathophysiology is important for the development of diagnostic methods and, in a near future improvement of prevention and control strategies. The aim of this review is to describe different relevant aspects of the swine diarrhea pathophysiology based on the physiological processes typical of gastrointestinal tract. Pathological changes in the intestinal transport of ions and nutrients due to infectious relevant for swine production will be emphasized.
Is current climatic equilibrium a guarantee for the transferability of distribution model predictions? A case study of the spotted hyena

Aim The transferability of species distribution models requires that species show climatic equilibrium throughout their entire distribution area. We test this assumption for the case of the spotted hyena, Crocuta crocuta, a large carnivore that has shifted its distribution over the last 100,000 years from a widespread Eurasian and African range to its current geographical distribution, restricted to the Sub‐Saharan areas of the African continent.
APACS

This article introduces a new service that wealth management firms can offer to high net worth clients—to include alternative asset classes in their diversified investment portfolios. “APACS” (Alternative Pooled Asset Class Service) overcomes many of the real-world obstacles, which, until now, have limited their clients' ability to reduce their portfolio risk levels by diversifying into negatively correlated alternative asset classes such as oil and gas, venture capital, timber, private mortgage, arbitrage, and real estate.
Regulation of Integrin α5β1-Fibronectin Interactions by Divalent Cations

Integrin-ligand interactions are known to be dependent on divalent cations, although the precise role of cations in ligand binding is still unclear. Using the interaction between α5β1 and fibronectin as a model system, we have performed a comprehensive analysis of the effects of Mn2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ on ligand binding. Each cation had distinct effects on the ligand-binding capacity of α5β1: Mn2+ promoted high levels of ligand binding, Mg2+ promoted low levels of binding, and Ca2+ failed to support binding. Studies of the effects of different combinations of cations on ligand binding indicated that the cation-binding sites within α5β1 are not all identical, or of broad specificity, but instead each site shows a distinct preference for one or more cations. Ca2+ strongly inhibited Mn2+-supported ligand binding, but this inhibition was noncompetitive, suggesting that Ca2+ recognizes different cation-binding sites to Mn2+. In contrast, Ca2+ acted as a direct competitive inhibitor of Mg2+-supported ligand binding, implying that Ca2+ can displace Mg2+ from the integrin. However, low concentrations of Ca2+ greatly increased the apparent affinity of Mg2+ for its binding site, suggesting the existence of a distinct high affinity Ca2+-binding site. Taken together, our results imply that the ligand-binding capacity of α5β1 can be regulated in a complex manner through separate classes of binding sites for Mn2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+.
The effect of water level on lateral movements of fish between river and off-channel habitats and implications for management.

Off-channel habitats, such as wetlands and backwaters, are important for the productivity of river systems and for many species of native fish. This study aimed to investigate the fish community, timing and cues that stimulated movement to and from off-channel habitats in the highly regulated Lake Hume to Lake Mulwala reach of the Murray River, south-eastern Australia. In 2004–05, 193 712 fish were collected moving bi-directionally between a 50-km section of the Murray River and several off-channel habitats. Lateral fish movements approximated water level fluctuations. Generally as water levels rose, fish left the main river channel and moved into newly flooded off-channel habitats; there was bi-directional movement as water levels peaked; on falling levels fish moved back to the permanent riverine habitats. Fish previously classified as ‘wetland specialists’, such as carp gudgeons (Hypseleotris spp.), have a more flexible movement and life-history strategy including riverine habitation. The high degree of lateral movement indicates the importance of habitat connectivity for the small-bodied fish community. Wetlands adjacent to the Murray River are becoming increasingly regulated by small weirs and ensuring lateral fish movement will be important in maintaining riverine-wetland biodiversity.
Equilibrium Models of Evolutionary Species Diversity and the Number of Empty Niches

Evidence from ecological studies indicates that there may be many unoccupied niches in modern ecosystems. To quantify this "emptiness" of adaptive space, a mathematical model of diversification is derived which makes explicit the relationship between maximum species capacity and realized diversity. The proportion of niches empty at equilibrium is a function only of the intrinsic rates of species origination and extinction. Estimates of these rates for eight marine invertebrate groups suggest that the mean proportion of empty niches is somewhere in the range of 12% to 54%. Evolution in such an open adaptive space should be characterized by unremitting taxonomic turnover and continuous faunal change (but only occasional adaptive improvements), and should permit the rapid establishment of new morphospecies. These expectations are qualitatively borne out by the fossil record.
Direct exposure to corticosterone during embryonic development influences behaviour in an ovoviviparous lizard

It is becoming increasingly clear that conditions experienced during embryonic development can be of major importance for traits subsequent to parturition or hatching. For example, in mammals, offspring from stressed mothers show a variety of changes in behavioural, morphological, and life-history traits. The effects of maternal stress on trait development are believed to be mediated via transfer of glucocorticoids, the main hormones released during the stress response, from mother to offspring. However, also other physiological maternal responses during stress could be responsible for changes in offspring phenotype. We investigated the direct effects of corticosterone on offspring development, without other confounding factors related to increased maternal stress, by injection of corticosterone in eggs of the ovoviviparous lizard Lacerta vivipara. Corticosterone-manipulated offspring did not show impaired development, reduced body size or body condition at parturition. However, corticosterone-treated offspring showed altered anti-predator behaviour, as measured by the time required to emerge from shelter after a simulated predator attack. Differential steroid exposure during development, possibly mediated by maternal stress response, may explain some of the variation in behaviour among individuals in natural populations.
Cabbage seedpod weevil resistance in canola (Brassica Napus L.) yellow mustard (Sinapis alba L.) and canola × yellow mustard hybrids

Canola, yellow mustard and yellow mustard × canola hybrids were screened for resistance to Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham) in a series of greenhouse and laboratory choice tests. Tests were conducted using small and large cages designed to hold Brassica pods or whole plants, respectively, with ovipositing female C. obstrictus. Pods were examined for feeding punctures, eggs laid and exit holes that resulted from emerging larvae. All yellow mustard cultivars examined were highly resistant to C. obstrictus feeding and egg laying. In addition, hybrid lines were found with significantly reduced feeding punctures, oviposition, and exit holes compared with canola. A negative relationship was observed between total glucosinolate content of seed and C. obstrictus resistance; however, in both detached pod and whole plant choice tests, hybrids were identified with high seed glucosinolate content that were more susceptible than the most susceptible canola. The relatively poor association between total seed meal glu.
Resource Selection and Movements by Female Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus: Effects of Reproductive Stage

Recent declines of mule deer Odocoileus hemionus, ostensibly a result of low rates of recruitment, highlight the importance of understanding relationships between parturient females and their critical habitats. We estimated timing of parturition for 20 mule deer in northeastern Oregon, USA, using movement data from global positioning system (GPS) collars in 2005 and 2006. We then evaluated patterns of resource selection by female mule deer during late gestation, the week of parturition, and subsequent lactation to determine how different stages of reproduction influenced habitat selection. Movement rates of all but one deer declined sharply between late-May and mid-June, when female mule deer give birth in northeastern Oregon. Patterns of resource selection also varied substantially relative to the estimated time of parturition. Prior to parturition, female mule deer selected gentle south-facing slopes dominated by ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa and avoided permanent water sources. Parturient females also selected areas used concurrently by elk Cervus elaphus. Following parturition, however, females selected steep north-facing slopes dominated by fir Abies spp. , avoided elk and selected habitat located close to permanent water sources. Stage of reproduction clearly influenced choice of habitat by female mule deer. Mule deer management plans should consider potential seasonal variability in the relative importance of forage, risk of predation and competition.
Niche Width: Biogeographic Patterns Among Anolis Lizard Populations

One aspect of the niche width of a population refers to the variety of resources used by the entire population. This aspect may be measured by the variance of the population's resource-utilization function. Two components make up a population's niche width. The within-phenotype component measures the spread of resources used by the average individual in the population. The between-phenotype component measures the variety of individual specializations in the population. The sum of these two components yields the total niche width. Calculation of these measures is illustrated with data from Anolis lizards. If the population's niche width is mostly composed of the within-phenotype component, it is virtually a monomorphic population of generalists, whereas if mostly the between-phenotype component, it is virtually a population polymorphic with pure specialists. Anolis populations tend more to be monomorphic with generalists than polymorphic with specialists. Recent ecological theory entails four predictions supported by the data on Anolis populations. (1 and 2) A population incurs a smaller total niche width and becomes less polymorphic with specialists either as environmental productivity decreases or the number of competing species increases. (3) If environmental productivity decreases and the number of competing species also decreases, there is little change in the total niche width, but the population becomes less polymorphic with specialists. (4) Evolutionary compression or release of jaw-length variation occurs more slowly than displacement of average jaw length.
Changes of vascular plant diversity along a chronosequence of beech coppice stands, central Apennines, Italy

Abstract This research sought to understand the patterns of vegetation recovery after disturbances because of coppice management in beech forests. Eighty sampling units from the mountain belt of the Marche region (Apennines, Italy) were collected according to a stratified sampling based on their geological setting (limestone, sandstone), elevation classes and age after last coppicing (to represent a chronosequence, from 1 to 90 years). The expected successional trend of decreasing species richness was confirmed, together with some stabilisation processes for older stand ages. However, more complex diversity patterns were found when total species richness was decomposed into the species richness of five social behaviour types (SBTs), defined based on the species' habitat preference. On both bedrocks, temporal gradients explained the observed diversity changes at the stand level: forest specialists increased whereas non-forest species decreased. A relatively long time after coppicing (40–60 years), the contribution of the beech specialist species doubled, whereas non-forest and species from anthropogenic habitats decreased by about 50%. On sandstone, the contribution of gap species also decreased over a long-period, and the beech stands experienced stronger changes over time. We conclude that the decomposition of total species richness in terms of SBT affords the opportunity to identify temporal references for thresholds which can be used to assess plant diversity status in relation to management schedules and conservation policy decisions.
Antioxidant Fat-Soluble Vitamins and Lipid Peroxides in Serum

Serum concentrations of carotenoids, such as β-carotene, α-carotene, lycopene, cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin, and additionally the concentrations of retinol and α-tocopherol, were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of samples from 90 Japanese (56 males and 34 females) who took part in a mass examination held in 1997. At the same time, their serum lipid peroxides were measured by the hemoglobin-methylene blue (Hb-MB) method. Serum α-carotene, β-carotene, cryptoxanthin, and total carotenoids were significantly higher in females (151.6±23.8 pmol/ml, 327.8±58.4 pmol/ml, 375.4±97.8 pmol/ ml, and 1.9±0.3 nmol/ml, respectively) than in males (84.1±11.5 pmol/ ml, 120.0±15.6 pmol/ml, 135.0±18.2 pmol/ml, and 1.3±0.1 nmol/ml, respectively). These differences may be mainly due to increased intake of carotenoids in females. On the other hand, serum lipid peroxides in females were 81% of those in males. There was no correlation between fat-soluble vitamins and lipid peroxides in males and females. In the subjects high in serum total-cholesterol (≥ 220 mg/dl), there was a negative correlation between lipid peroxides and lycopene in the females, suggesting that lipid peroxidation in the serum of females high in total-cholesterol may be inhibited by the fat-soluble antioxidant lycopene.