Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation in the cold hardiness of three species of free-living Antarctic nematodes.

The physiological adaptations required to survive exposure to low temperatures must be of great importance in allowing nematodes to colonize extreme terrestrial environments, such as Antarctic fellfields. Seasonal variation in the cold hardiness of three species of free-living nematodes was studied by monitoring supercooling points from approximately monthly samples over a period of 2 years. Two species, Teratocephalus tilbrooki Maslen and Plectus antarcticus de Man coexist within the relatively sheltered cushions and carpets of a moss, whilst the third species, Ditylenchus sp.B, is found in the more exposed aerial thalli of a lichen. Ditylenchus sp.B shows consistent supercooling ability, low enough (c -28 C) to avoid any significant incidence of freezing during the study period. Both of the moss-dwelling species, which exhibit bimodal supercooling point distributions with a high group at c -70C and a low group at c -220C encounter field temperatures likely to result in freezing. Only T. tilbrooki exhibits any degree of freeze tolerance. P. antarcticus is unique amongst these three species in showing a marked pattern of seasonal change in cold hardiness. Juvenile nematodes show greater supercooling ability than adults. Increased body pigmentation, possibly related to recent feeding activity, increases the likelihood of P. antarcticus freezing at high temperatures (> -100C), but has no effect on the supercooling ability of Ditylenchus sp.B. Ditylenchus sp.B appears to be capable of preventing the accumulation of any nucleating agents which would cause freezing at high temperatures. Key-words: Antarctic, cold hardiness, Ditylenchus, low temperature survival, nematode, Plectus, seasonal variation, supercooling point, Teratocephalus
TRAF3 Forms Heterotrimers with TRAF2 and Modulates Its Ability to Mediate NF-κB Activation*

FRET experiments utilizing confocal microscopy or flow cytometry assessed homo- and heterotrimeric association of human tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAF) in living cells. Following transfection of HeLa cells with plasmids expressing CFP- or YFP-TRAF fusion proteins, constitutive homotypic association of TRAF2, -3, and -5 was observed, as well as heterotypic association of TRAF1-TRAF2 and TRAF3-TRAF5. A novel heterotypic association between TRAF2 and -3 was detected and confirmed by immunoprecipitation in Ramos B cells that constitutively express both TRAF2 and -3. Experiments employing deletion mutants of TRAF2 and TRAF3 revealed that this heterotypic interaction minimally involved the TRAF-C domain of TRAF3 as well as the TRAF-N domain and zinc fingers 4 and 5 of TRAF2. A novel flow cytometric FRET analysis utilizing a two-step approach to achieve linked FRET from CFP to YFP to HcRed established that TRAF2 and -3 constitutively form homo- and heterotrimers. The functional importance of TRAF2-TRAF3 heterotrimerization was demonstrated by the finding that TRAF3 inhibited spontaneous NF-κB, but not AP-1, activation induced by TRAF2. Ligation of CD40 on Ramos B cells by recombinant CD154 caused TRAF2 and TRAF3 to dissociate, whereas overexpression of TRAF3 in Ramos B cells inhibited CD154-induced TRAF2-mediated activation of NF-κB. Together, these results reveal a novel association between TRAF2 and TRAF3 that is mediated by unique portions of each protein and that specifically regulates activation of NF-κB, but not AP-1.
Site utilization, activity budgets, and disturbance responses of Atlantic walruses during terrestrial haul-out

Terrestrial haul-out of Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus (L.)) was studied in relation to temporal, weather, and disturbance factors at a site on Bathurst Island, N.W. T. , from 24 July to 23 August 1977. Counts at 6-h intervals showed that up to 129 walruses occupied the site between 25 July and 19 August, with strong fluctuations in numbers during this period. Both sexes and various age classes were represented. Numbers hauled out were weakly correlated with ambient temperature, precipitation, and possibly with wind. Walruses on land spent over 90% of their time recumbent and apparently sleeping during ten 24-h watches. There were no consistent patterns of diel variation in percentage of walruses engaged in broadly scaled activities, with the possible exceptions of suckling by young walruses and near-shore feeding by older animals. Walruses on land responded to 27% of 71 local flights by helicopters, to 35% of 31 flights by fixed-wing aircraft, and to none of 6 approaches by boats. Responses recognize.
Interaction of Bessel Light Beams with Epsilon-near-zero Metamaterials

The article explores possibilities and conditions of generation of a new type of diffraction-free needle-like field Bessel plasmon polaritons (BPPs) with super narrow cone angle in an epsilon-near-zero metamaterial, surrounded by semi-infinite dielectric media. Correct analytical expressions are obtained and analyzed in detail for the electric and magnetic fields of BPPs formed inside and outside the metamateral slab.
Home range, population structure and density estimates at removal catches with edge effect

By a simple formula the distance and area is calculated, from which small mamals are drawn to a trap grid with edge effect. This range estimate will increase during successive removal days but a certain plateau in this value will be equal to the mean home range radius. Structure parameters should be evaluated from animals removed until this plateau. From examinations of the catches in a Standard-Minimum grid it is suggested that there should be a shorter distance between trap stations, a longer trapping period and possibly more traps in the outer belts.
Structural and functional analysis of a new cytokine, ML-1 (interleukin-17F)

ABSTRACT Recent large-scale sequencing of the human genome has facilitated novel gene discovery. A novel gene, ML-1 (interleukin (IL)-17 F), was identified from a human expressed sequence tag (EST) sequence, a genomic DNA clone and T cell cDNA sequences. It was found that ML-1 shares significant sequence identity and functional similarity with the gene encoding IL-17A, but a distinct functional property for ML-1 has been demonstrated. While limited information is currently available, recent functional studies have suggested that ML-1 (IL-17 F) is a multifunctional protein with a wide tissue expression pattern. In particular, the potent proinflammatory action of ML-1 (IL-17 F) identified thus far, together with its association with asthma, suggests that ML-1 (IL-17 F) may have a significant role in the regulation of airway inflammatory processes.
Public perspectives and media reporting of wolf reintroduction in Colorado

In the state of Colorado, a citizen ballot initiative to reintroduce gray wolves (Canis lupus) is eliciting polarization and conflict among multiple stakeholder and interest groups. Given this complex social landscape, we examined the social context surrounding wolf reintroduction in Colorado as of 2019. We used an online survey of 734 Coloradans representative in terms of age and gender, and we sampled from different regions across the state, to examine public beliefs and attitudes related to wolf reintroduction and various wolf management options. We also conducted a content analysis of media coverage on potential wolf reintroduction in 10 major daily Colorado newspapers from January 2019, when the signature-gathering effort for the wolf reintroduction initiative began, through the end of January 2020, when the initiative was officially added to the ballot. Our findings suggest a high degree of social tolerance or desire for wolf reintroduction in Colorado across geographies, stakeholder groups, and demographics. However, we also find that a portion of the public believes that wolves would negatively impact their livelihoods, primarily because of concerns over the safety of people and pets, loss of hunting opportunities, and potential wolf predation on livestock. These concerns—particularly those related to livestock losses—are strongly reflected in the media. We find that media coverage has focused only on a few of the many perceived positive and negative impacts of wolf reintroduction identified among the public. Our findings highlight the need to account for this diversity of perspectives in future decisions and to conduct public outreach regarding likely impacts of wolf reintroduction.
Growth, decay, and turnover rates of fine roots of basket willows

The aim of the present study was to calculate fine-root turnover rates in stands of basket willow ( Salix viminalis L.). Fine-root number was recorded in minirhizotrons in two adjacent short-rotation forest stands. Stand A was a regularly spaced plantation on clay soil. Stand B contained lysimeters, which were inserted in the soil and filled with either clay soil or washed sand. Both stands were irrigated and fertilized daily, to provide near-optimum conditions with respect to water and nutrient availability. The calculations were based on morphological studies and observations in minirhizotrons. Mean fine-root ages of growth and decay phases were calculated from third-order polynomials, and by summing up those phases and adding a short stationary phase, turnover time was obtained. Calculated fine-root turnover rates were 4.9-5.8 year -1 in the plantation and 4.8-8.1 year -1 in the lysimeters. No significant difference in turnover rates was detected between clay and sand substrates. Soil temperature had a significant effect on the decay phase, and in the calculations the data were weighted by soil temperature intervals. The importance of observing fine roots throughout the year is stressed. Resume : Le but de cette etude consistait a calculer le taux de remplacement des racines fines dans les peuplements de saule osier (Salix viminalis L.). Le nombre de racines fines a ete note dans des minirhizotrons installes dans deux peuplements adjacents a courte revolution. Le peuplement A etait une plantation avec un espacement regulier sur un sol argileux. Le peuplement B contenait des lysimetres qui avaient ete inseres dans le sol et remplis avec du sol argileux ou du sable delave. Les deux peuplements ont ete irrigues et fertilises quotidiennement pour creer des conditions quasi optimales de disponibilite en eau et en nutriments. Les calculs ont ete bases sur des etudes morphologiques et des observations dans les minirhizotrons. L'âge moyen des racines fines en phase de croissance et de decomposition a ete calcule a l'aide d'equations polynomiales du troisieme degre. Le temps de remplacement a ete obtenu en additionnant ces phases et en ajoutant une courte phase stationnaire. Le taux calcule de remplacement des racines fines allait de 4,9 a 5,8 par an dans la plantation et de 4,8 a 8,1 par an dans les lysimetres. Aucune difference significative dans le taux de remplacement n'a ete observee entre les substrats d'argile et de sable. Etant donne que la temperature du sol avait un effet significatif sur la phase de decomposition, les donnees ont ete ponderees pour des intervalles de temperature du sol. Les auteurs font ressortir l'importance d'observer les racines fines a longueur d'annee.
Zooplankton Dynamics of Lake Escondido (Rio Negro, Argentina), with Special Reference to a Population of Boeckella gracilipes (Copepoda, Calanoida)

The zooplancton dynamics and the populations of Boeckella gracilipes Daday of Lake Escondido (Rio Negro, Argentina) were studied from March 1987 to March 1988. Rotifers and Cladocerans showed high densities during spring and summer, while copepods were densest in autumn. The vertical distribution study showed that rotifers prefer upper levels of the water column, while cladocerans and copepods prefer lower levels, especially during thermal stratification. Boeckella gracilipes had a sex ratio biassed toward female, though changes in the sex ratio were observed. The clutch size was high in winter when the proportion of ovigerous females was low. The instantaneous birth rates were low during winter and high in summer. This result is related to the thermal cycle of the lake, by the influence of temperature on egg development time. The mortality rates showed a similar pattern, and maximum values were registered in spring and summer.
Ungulate frugivores and the browser-grazer continuum

Feeding strategies of ungulates are usually classified along a browser grazer continuum which ranges from browsing through to grazing ungulates, but does not accurately include frugivores. However, to understand the evolution of ungulate feeding it is necessary to have a classification that realistically incorporates the full range of ungulate feeding strategies. Such a classification can be described as a linear continuum that ranges from fruit feeders through to browsers and then grazers. Purely frugivorous ungulates are restricted to tropical forests and have consistently small body sizes. Pure grazers on the other hand are absent from tropical forests and are found most commonly in grassland and savannas. Browsing is the most common ungulate feeding strategy and is found in ungulates with a wide range of body sizes and is common in all habitat types. Fruit differs greatly from browses and grasses and adds additional support to the proposed frugivore-browser-grazer classification.
APHID BEHAVIOUR ON HEALTHY AND ON YELLOWS‐VIRUS‐INFECTED SUGAR BEET

Myzus persicae Sulz. , M. ascalonicus Doncaster, Aphis fabae Scop, and Aulacorthum solani Kalt. , when caged on sugar-beet leaves in the glasshouse preferred yellows-virus-infected leaves to healthy ones; they chose those with the most severe symptoms on which they bred more rapidly and lived longer than on green leaves. M. persicae behaved similarly on whole plants in the glasshouse. The previous host influenced the aphid's preference. Differences between the multiplication rates of aphids on healthy plants of inbred sugar-beet varieties were eliminated or reversed by infection with yellows virus. Spraying healthy plants with either sugar solutions or hydrolysate of casein increased the multiplication rate of M. persicae, but much less than did virus infection.
LARGE‐SCALE PATTERNS OF DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE AT THE RANGE MARGINS OF A BUTTERFLY

One major goal of conservation biology in fragmented landscapes is to identify the attributes of habitat networks that influence metapopulation persistence, and thereby to determine whether particular areas hold the key to regional persistence. In Britain, the genus Aricia is represented by A. agestis in the south and A. artaxerxes in the north. We mapped the distributions of A. agestis and A. artaxerxes at their range margins, where both species are restricted to isolated fragments of calcareous grassland containing the larval host plant Helianthemum chamaecistus. We present evidence that Aricia is likely to persist as metapopulations at its range margins. First, both individual habitat patches and semi-independent networks of patches showed colonizations and extinctions of Aricia. Second, the smallest and most isolated habitat patches were least likely to be occupied. Third, persistence was more closely related to the total area and configuration of habitat in each network (consistent with a metapopulation interpretation) than to the area of the largest patch (predicted for mainland–island systems). In addition, the occupancy of entire networks depended on their isolation from other networks, well beyond the empirically measured dispersal range of the species. We suggest that species may persist as “metapopulations of metapopulations” at coarse spatial scales. In some systems, all networks may be prone to extinction, but we suggest that regional persistence more often depends on the continued occupancy of extinction-resistant core areas (“core/marginal metapopulations”). Extinctions of small metapopulations and very long-distance colonizations may profoundly influence the distributions of species in fragmented landscapes, and set the dynamic margins of species ranges. As a result, identification and protection of extinction-resistant core areas should be priorities in conservation programs.
Histidine kinase Hik33 is an important participant in cold-signal transduction in cyanobacteria

Acclimation of living organisms to cold stress begins with the perception and transduction of the cold signal. However, traditional methods failed to identify the sensors and transducers of cold stress. Therefore, we combined systematic mutagenesis of potential sensors and transducers with DNA microarray analysis in an attempt to identify these components in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. We identified histidine kinase Hik33 as a potential cold sensor and found that Hik33 participates in the regulation of the expression of more than 60% of the cold-inducible genes. Further study revealed that Hik33 is also involved in the perception of hyperosmotic stress and salt stress and transduction of the signals. Complexity of responses to cold and other environmental stresses is discussed.
Current issues in fish welfare review paper Review paper: Current issues in fish welfare

Human beings may affect the welfare of fish through fisheries, aquaculture and a number of other activities. There is no agreement on just how to weigh the concern for welfare of fish against the human interests involved, but ethical frameworks exist that suggest how this might be approached. Different definitions of animal welfare focus on an animal’s condition, on its subjective experience of that condition and/or on whether it can lead a natural life. These provide different, legitimate, perspectives, but the approach taken in this paper is to focus on welfare as the absence of suffering. An unresolved and controversial issue in discussions about animal welfare is whether non-human animals exposed to adverse experiences such as physical injury or confinement experience what humans would call suffering. The neocortex, which in humans is an important part of the neural mechanism that generates the subjective experience of suffering, is lacking in fish and non-mammalian animals, and it has been argued that its absence in fish indicates that fish cannot suffer. However, a strong alternative view is that complex animals with sophisticated behaviour, such as fish, probably have the capacity for suffering, though this may be different in degree and kind from the human experience of this state. Recent empirical studies show that painful stimuli are, at strongly aversive in those who exploit fish and in those who seek to protect them would go a long way towards improving welfare.
The aquatic automated dosing and maintenance system (AADAMS)

The maintenance and dosing of aquatic organisms, such as corals and mollusks, are essential for ecotoxicology studies, yet it is difficult to maintain many of these sensitive organisms for an extended period. Consequently, many previous aquatic ecotoxicology experiments have been limited in their number of replicates and maintained in one or a few experimental aquaria, with only a limited number of stressors tested in each experiment. Here we describe a modular system that overcomes many of the difficulties of maintaining large numbers of sensitive aquatic organisms in separate containers, and allows testing of a large suite of stressors in each experiment. The AADAMS (aquatic automated dosing and maintenance system) allows testing of 40 independent stressors with 10 independent replicates per stressor (400 individuals total). The AADAMS provides surge and regular water changes simultaneously with accurate dosing via Venturi valves. In a series of experiments over a 1‐year period, the AADAMS was used to test the effects of various factors affecting water quality on Caribbean coral reefs. Roofing tar and road asphalt were two of the most damaging pollutants tested, with LD50 values (lethal dose that killed 50% of the corals) of 0.013 g L−1 and 0.079 g L−1, respectively, thus suggesting that runoff from roads and near‐shore construction could be contributing to reef decline. The AADAMS is an accurate, reliable system for highly replicated ecotoxicological studies of sensitive aquatic organisms, which are important indicators of ecosystem health.
Thermal constraints on activity patterns in nectar‐feeding insects

ABSTRACT. 1 All the insects visiting Tilia and Heracleum flowers showed diel patterns of activity, which could best be explained in terms of weather. Of the recorded parameters, solar radiation gave the best correlations with activity. 2 Correlations between activity and radiation depended on the size and colour of particular groups of insects; small bright species visited fully insolated flowers, (r high), while large dark forms visited early and late in the day (r low or negative). 3 Consequently mean reflectance and mean weight of foragers showed consistent trends through a day and predictable relations with radiation for both flowers, suggesting that thermal costs are a critical determinant of feeding times. 4 By contrast, the nectar reward (as sugar amounts) in flowers was poorly correlated with timing of insect visits, indicating that caloric reward is not limiting; although nectar concentration (only measurable for Tilia) did correlate reasonably well with total visitation. 5 The exception to this pattern was Bombus. This endothermic species visited early in the day when nectar was abundant. Thus visits correlated well with reward and negatively with radiation, showing a dependence on high rewards to offset thermoregulatory metabolic costs. 6 For most insects foraging appeared to be largely determined by the visitors thermal requirements and the restrictions imposed by avoidance of overheating. Nectar rewards were not critical, and nectar concentration, itself dependent upon climatic parameters, was probably only incidentally correlated with diel patterning for all but the largest (endothermic) insects.
Characteristics and Fatty Acid Composition of Almond Tegument Oil — Comparison with Almond Kernel Oil

The total crude fat on dry basis of almond tegumet was about 14% by weight. Chemical and physical characteristics of this oil were determined. The content of unsaponifiable matter, 3.75%, was high. The percentage of saturated acids was 10.32%. The high content of essential fatty acids, 40.34% of linoleic and 1.28% of linolenic should be pointed out. Experimental results corresponding to tegument and kernel oils were compared. Gas chromatographic retention indices of fatty acids methyl esters on Carbowax 20-M, DEGS and SE-30 were determined with analitical purposes. Charakteristische Daten und Fettsaurezusammensetzung des Schalenols von Mandeln — Vergleich mit dem Mandelkernol Der Gesamtfettgehalt des Schalenols von Mandeln betragt etwa 14%. Die chemischen und physikalischen charakteristischen Daten dieses Oles wurden bestimmt. Der Gehalt an Unverseifbarem ist relativ hoch (3.75%). Der prozentuale Anteil an gesattigten Fettsauren betragt 10.32%. Erwahnenswert ist der hohe Gehalt an essentiellen Fettsauren: Linolsaure 40.34% und Linolensaure 1.28%. Die beim Schalenol erhaltenen Ergebnisse werden mit denen von Mandelkernol verglichen. Zur Bestimmung der Fettsaurezusammensetzung wurden die Methylester gaschromatographisch an Carbowax 20-M, DEGS und SE-30 analysiert.