Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Behaviour, population changes and dispersal of mountain hares (Lepus timidus) in Scotland

Mountain hares in north-east Scotland spent the day in forms in long heather and moved downhill in the evening to feed in hill pastures. Here they grazed intensively, often in groups of 4–6 individuals. In June and July adult females, then pregnant or lactating, grazed in daylight on the pastures. Leverets spent less time grazing, and more in play and exploration. They spent the day in cover near the feeding areas, and if disturbed during grazing crouched or went into cover, while adults fled. During 1982 and 1983 males predominated in groups of grazing hares, but in 1984 both sexes were equally represented. These changes in sex ratio were reflected in the increased proportion of females trapped for marking between February and late July during 1982–86. There was a dominance order related to weight among male hares and dominant hares approached more females. There was no firm evidence of mate-guarding. Males approached females regardless of their oestrous state and were usually rebuffed with varying degrees of intensity including striking and chasing. There were no interactions between females. Adults of both sexes chased leverets for short distances but leverets joined groups of feeding adults. Neither leverets nor first-winter hares showed evidence of dispersal. Mountain hares avoided sheep and cattle and there were fewer hares after the arrival of sheep in May.
Detection of European mountain ash ringspot‐associated virus (EMARAV) in Sorbus aucuparia L. by a specific antiserum and reverse transcription‐PCR

Summary Chlorotic ringspots and mottling on leaves of European mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia L.) are typical symptoms of the widely distributed ringspot disease. We found a novel plant RNA virus with a multipartite genome associated with these symptoms, called European mountain ash ringspot-associated virus (EMARAV). This virus is not classified yet but shows certain similarities to members of the virus family Bunyaviridae. Characterization of the complete viral genome of EMARAV allowed us to develop two sensitive procedures, which enable the specific detection in its host plant. By raising an antiserum against the N-terminal part of the putative nucleocapsid protein p3, the detection of EMARAV, respectively its proteins, in leaf extracts is now feasible. A second diagnostic tool, the reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), allows the detection of EMARAV with even higher sensitivity. One specific primer pair was deduced from each of the four viral genomic RNAs to amplify minute amounts of the virus in various plant tissues.
Aflatoxin production by microorganisms of the Aspergillus flavus group in spices and the effect of irradiation

Aflatoxin production of Aspergillus parasiticus IFO 30179 and A flavus var columnaris S46 on black pepper, white pepper and red pepper was investigated and the results compared with those obtained using polished rice. The levels of aflatoxin B1 production on cooked and uncooked black pepper and white pepper were negligible. However, a little aflatoxin production was observed on red pepper even when uncooked. The inhibition of aflatoxin production was also observed in extracts of black pepper, white pepper and red pepper. Irradiation of the spices did not affect aflatoxin production.
Protein Bundling to Enhance the Detection of Protein-Protein Interactions

Many key cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation, protein degradation, and signal transduction, are the outcome of the protein–protein interactions that occur in vivo. In almost all cases, the proteins that participate in these processes exist in multiprotein complexes, the formation of which is dependent on extensive protein–protein interactions. For example, the process of transcriptional activation of eukaryotic genes is dependent on the interaction of multiple transcriptional activators with dozens of proteins that are part of several multiprotein complexes, including TFIID, RNA polymerase, and chromatin-modifying complexes (Laemmli and Tjian 1996; Kingston 1999; Lemon and Tjian 2000). A large number of protein–protein interactions occurring in many biological processes have been identified in recent years, although they repre-
Species limits in molecular phylogenies: a cautionary tale from Australian land snails (Camaenidae: Amplirhagada Iredale, 1933)

By complementing two independent systematic studies published recently on the Western Australian land snail Amplirhagada , we compare levels of morphological variation in shells and genitalia with those in the mitochondrial markers cytochrome c oxidase (COI) and 16S to evaluate the utility of mtDNA markers for delimiting species. We found that penial morphology and mitochondrial divergence are generally highly consistent in delimiting species, while shells have little overall taxonomic utility in these snails. In addition to this qualitative correspondence, there is almost no overlap between intraspeciﬁc and interspeciﬁc genetic distances in COI, with the highest intraspeciﬁc and lowest interspeciﬁc distance being 6%. This value is twice the general level suggested as a DNA barcode threshold by some authors and higher than the best average found in stylommatophoran land snails. Although in Amplirhagada land snails DNA barcoding may provide meaningful information as a ﬁrst-pass approach towards species delimitation, we argue that this is due only to speciﬁc evolutionary circumstances that facilitated a long-termed separate evolution of mitochondrial lineages along spatial patterns. However, because in general the amounts of morphological and mitochondrial differentiation of species depend on their evolutionary history and age, the mode of speciation, distributional patterns and ecological adaptations, and absence or presence of mechanisms that prevent gene ﬂow across species limits, the applicability of DNA barcoding has to be conﬁrmed by morphological studies for each single group anew. Based on evidence from both molecular and morphological markers, we describe six new species from the Bonaparte Archipelago and revise the taxonomy of a further two.
Regulation of signal transfer from β1‐adrenoceptor to adenylate cyclase by βγ subunits in a reconstituted system

The βγ subunits of guanine nucleotide binding proteins from bovine brain and bovine rod outer segments have different structural and immunochemical properties. In spite of these structural differences, βγ subunits from these sources have been found to be fully interchangeable in terms of their interaction with α subunits of pertussis-toxin-sensitive G proteins. In contrast, however, there are striking differences between these βγ subunits with regard to their ability to deactivate fluoride-stimulated Gs. These profound differences were also observed when the interaction of the purified components of the adenylate cyclase system was studied after reconstitution into phospholipid vesicles. Addition of βγ subunits purified from bovine brain to vesicles containing β-receptor and Gs results in a biphasic effect on receptor-stimulated GTPase activity, whereas addition of transducin βγ was virtually without any effect. Likewise, βγ from bovine brain, but not transducin βγ, affected adenylate cyclase activity of a reconstituted system consisting of three purified components (R, Gs, C). Thus, the α subunit of Gs, but not the α subunits of pertussis-toxin-sensitive G proteins discriminate between structurally different βγ subunits.
Fynbos proteaceae as model organisms for biodiversity research and conservation

CITATION: Schurr, F. M. , Esler, K. J., Slingsby, J. A. & Allsopp, N. 2012. Fynbos Proteaceae as model organisms for biodiversity research and conservation. South African Journal of Science, 108(11/12), Art. #1446, doi: 10.4102/sajs.v108i11/12.1446.
Combining Flow Cytometry and Real‐Time PCR Methodology to Demonstrate Consumption by Prymnesium parvum 1

Bowers, Holly A. , Andreas Brutemark, Wanderson F. Carvalho, and Edna Granéli, 2010. Combining Flow Cytometry and Real‐Time PCR Methodology to Demonstrate Consumption by Prymnesium parvum. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(1):133‐143. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2009. 00397.x
Fluctuations of landings and environmental conditions in the north-western Mediterranean Sea

Most of the monthly catches and CPUE of 13 studied commercial species in the coastal waters of the north-western Mediterranean were significantly positively correlated with run-off of local rivers (Rhone and Muga) and the wind mixing index during the spawning season, with time lags of less than a year (transfer function analyses). Rhone and Ebre interannual fluctuations in run-off were synchronous and were related to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), river run-offs being negatively correlated to high NAO episodes. The fluctuations of river discharges and the wind mixing index were cyclic but not related. The results showed that enhanced hydroclimatic conditions in the NW Mediterranean were favourable for the productivity of the fish and invertebrate stocks, and suggest the presence of linkage between recruitment of Mediterranean species and local (river discharges, wind conditions) and global (NAO) environmental conditions.
Implementing the Precautionary Principle in Fisheries Management Through Marine Reserves

Overexploitation of marine fisheries remains a serious problem worldwide, even for many fisheries that have been intensively managed by coastal nations. Many factors have contributed to these system failures. Here we discuss the implications of persistent, irreducible scientific uncertainty pertaining to marine ecosystems. When combined with typical levels of uncontrollability of catches and incidental mortality, this uncertainty probably implies that traditional approaches to fisheries management will be persistently unsuccessful. We propose the use of large-scale protected areas (marine reserves) as major components of future management programs. Protected areas can serve as a hedge against inevitable management limitations, thus greatly enhancing the long-term sustainable exploitation of fishery resources. Marine reserves would also provide an escape from the need of ever more detailed and expensive stock assessments and would be invaluable in the rehabilitation of depleted stocks.
Polyelectrolyte-sensitized phospholipid vesicles

Control of the structure and permeability of biological membranes is one of the most basic and least understood problems in contemporary biophysics. Diverse cellular processes require exquisite control of the membrane structure, including endocytosis and exocytosis, maintenance of the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum, and mitosis and meiosis, to mention just a few. Recently, significant progress has been made in controlling the permeability, and often the structures, of synthetic bilayer vesicles. These studies are especially important in that they help elucidate previously unimagined mechanisms for membrane control. Although no single model system is likely to utilize all of the rich capabilities exploited in nature, the synthetic systems can serve to identify concepts and mechanisms likely to be useful in a biological context. In addition, control of vesicular membrane systems may usher in novel chemistries for use in imaging, sensing, and therapeutic applications.
REVIEW: Predictive ecology in a changing world

1. In a rapidly changing world, ecology has the potential to move from empirical and conceptual stages to application and management issues. It is now possible to make large-scale predictions up to continental or global scales, ranging from the future distribution of biological diversity to changes in ecosystem functioning and services. With these recent developments, ecology has a historical opportunity to become a major actor in the development of a sustainable human society. With this opportunity, however, also comes an important responsibility in developing appropriate predictive models, correctly interpreting their outcomes and communicating their limitations. There is also a danger that predictions grow faster than our understanding of ecological systems, resulting in a gap between the scientists generating the predictions and stakeholders using them (conservation biologists, environmental managers, journalists, policymakers). 2. Here, we use the context provided by the current surge of ecological predictions on the future of biodiversity to clarify what prediction means, and to pinpoint the challenges that should be addressed in order to improve predictive ecological models and the way they are understood and used. 3. Synthesis and applications. Ecologists face several challenges to ensure the healthy development of an operational predictive ecological science: (i) clarity on the distinction between explanatory and anticipatory predictions; (ii) developing new theories at the interface between explanatory and anticipatory predictions; (iii) open data to test and validate predictions; (iv) making predictions operational; and (v) developing a genuine ethics of prediction.
Stochastic and Compensatory Effects Limit Persistence of Variation in Body Mass of Young Caribou

Abstract Nutritional restriction during growth can have short- and long-term effects on fitness; however, animals inhabiting uncertain environments may exhibit adaptations to cope with variation in food availability. We examined changes in body mass in free-ranging female caribou (Rangifer tarandus) by measuring mass at birth and at 4, 11, and 16 months of age to evaluate the relative importance of seasonal nutrition to growth, the persistence of cohort-specific variation in body mass through time, and compensatory growth of individuals. Relative mean body mass of cohorts did not persist through time. Compensatory growth of smaller individuals was not observed in summer; however, small calves exhibited more positive change in body mass than did large calves. Compensation occurred during periods of nutritional restriction (winter) rather than during periods of rapid growth (summer) thus differing from the conventional view of compensatory growth.
Freshwater Crabs as Poor Zoogeographical Indicators: a Critique of Banarescu (1990)

A critique of Banarescu's (1990) ideas and hypotheses regarding the importance of freshwater crabs in zoogeography is presented. We contend that many of Banarescu's generalizations are too simplistic and do not agree with our observations and findings about freshwater crabs. The value of freshwater crabs in zoogeography is briefly discussed.
Photoprotective Effects of Blue Light Absorbing Filter against LED Light Exposure on Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells In Vitro

Abstract Background: Over the recent years, several researches have speculated about the effects of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) radiation on retinal epithelium cells (RPE). Worldwide, most people live exposed to LEDs irradiation incorporated in screens of PCs, phones and TV sets. These lights give rise to the formation of reactive oxygen species and induce mutagenic mechanisms which lead to apoptosis and consequently to degenerative eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Thus, it is a priority interest to develop appropriate solutions for the growing industry field of LED light phototoxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of blue light absorbing filters in order to decrease induced apoptosis on human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Methods: Human retinal pigment epithelial cells were exposed to 3 light-darkness (12 hours/12 hours) cycles of white (Ta5400°K), blue (468 nm), green (525 nm) and red (616 nm) LED light. Light irradiance was 5 mW/cm2. Oxidative stress was evaluated by H2DCFDA staining, mitochondrial membrane potential by TMRM staining, DNA damage by H2AX histone activation, apoptosis by caspase-3 activation, and cell viability by DAPI. Results: Our results have shown that the use of a blue light absorbing filter decreased cellular apoptosis by 56-89% and DNA damage by 57-81%. A decrease in ROS level production and an increase in cellular viability was also obtained. Conclusion: This study suggests that blue light absorbing filters may protect against LED lighting photo toxicity and, consequently, provides a photo protector effect.
Textile effluent treatment by Bacillus species isolated from processed food

Colour removal of industrial effluent has been a major concern in waste water treatment, especially for the waste water that originates from textile and dye stuff plant with a continuous discharge of great quantity of remaining dyes to the environment. The efficient treatment of the effluent is an eco- friendly method for the treatment of textile effluent. Bacillus species was isolated from the processed food-pickles and were characterized by means of biochemical reactions. Spore formers, non spore formers and their supernatant were used for the treatment. Effluent collected from the textile was diluted to 10, 50 and 90%, were subjected to biological treatment. The level of degradation rate was increased to 87.7 to 93.3% on dilution at 50 and 90% respectively when spore formers were used. The culture supernatant was able to degrade the dye at a rate of 34% with crude effluent and 98 with 90% of diluted effluent. Probably the metabolites produced by the organism were involved in the dye degradation process. Key words: Textile effluent, Bacillus species, declorization, aerobic degradation.
Differential Response of Five Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) Cultivars to Metsulfuron1

Bahiagrass is used for roadsides, pastures, and lawns in the southeastern United States mainly because of drought and nematode tolerance. Metsulfuron is a sulfonylurea herbicide, which selectively controls bahiagrass in bermudagrass. Certain cultivars of bahiagrass were observed to be tolerant to recommended rates of metsulfuron. Therefore, research was conducted to investigate the susceptibility of five major bahiagrass cultivars to metsulfuron applied at increasing rates to 42 g ai/ha. Five bahiagrass cultivars were evaluated: ‘Pensacola’, ‘Tifton-9’, ‘Argentine’, ‘Common’, and ‘Paraguayan’. Argentine, Common, and Paraguayan cultivars showed a four- to fivefold increased tolerance to metsulfuron compared with Pensacola. Because of yearly inconsistencies, results for Tifton-9 were inconclusive. Nomenclature: Metsulfuron; Argentine bahiagrass, Paspalum notatum Fluegge var. notatum ‘Argentine’; bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers; Common bahiagrass, Paspalum notatum Fluegge var. notatum ‘Common’; Paraguayan bahiagrass, Paspalum notatum Fluegge var. notatum ‘Paraguayan’; Pensacola bahiagrass, Paspalum notatum Fluegge var. saurae Parodi ‘Pensacola’; Tifton-9 bahiagrass, Paspalum notatum Fluegge var. saurae Parodi ‘Tifton-9’. Abbreviations: GR50, metsulfuron rate required to reduce regrowth to 50% of untreated; OM, organic matter; WAT, weeks after treatment.
The Stream Inlet to a Shallow Bay of a Drinking Water Reservoir, a ‘Hot‐Spot’ for Microcystis Blooms Initiation

Stream inlets into shallow bays of reservoirs and lakes may be ‘hot-spots’ for toxic cyanobacterial bloom initiation. These ‘hot-spots’ may be connected with the permanent inflow of high nutrient concentrations from the catchment, optimal physical conditions (wind protected areas) that occur in shallow areas and/or ineffective top-down control. Four sampling sites along a transect from stream to reservoir in a shallow bay of Sulejow Reservoir (Poland) were studied to test the above hypothesis, comprising a transition zone between lotic and pelagic habitats. Investigations showed that stream inlet into shallow bay acted as incubator for Microcystis blooms. The nutrient level, especially phosphorus, was identified as the major cause of cyanobacterial bloom growth. The increase of Microcystis biomass strongly correlated with increasing microcystin concentrations, however, a relationship with microcystin content was not observed. Toxicity of bloom demonstrated seasonal variability, reaching its maximum at the initial phase of bloom. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Rapid, Reversible Inhibition of Nitrate Influx in Barley by Ammonium

The rate of influx of nitrate into the roots of intact barley plants was measured over a period of 3-5 min from external nitrate concentrations of 1-150 mmol m~3, using 13N-labelled nitrate as tracer. Ammonium at external concentrations of 0-005-50 mol m-3 inhibited nitrate influx in a manner which did not conform to a simple kinetic model but increased approximately as the logarithm of the ammonium concentration. At any particular ammonium concentration, inhibition of nitrate influx reached its full extent within 3 min of the ammonium being supplied and was not made more severe by up to 17 min pre-treatment with ammonium. On removing the external ammonium, nitrate influx returned to its original rate within about 3 min. Potassium at 0 005-50 mol m'3 did not reproduce the rapid effect of ammonium on nitrate influx. Net uptake of nitrate also decreased when ammonium was supplied, over a similar timescale and to a similar extent as nitrate influx. The decrease in nitrate influx caused by ammonium was sufficient to account for the observed reduction in net uptake, without necessitating any acceleration of nitrate efflux.
Effects of herbal growth promoter feed additive in fish meal on the performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus (L.))

The effect of dietary herbal powder (superliv ® ) on growth and body composition was investigated in Oreochromis niloticus. Fingerlings of about 5.24 ± 0.60 g were fed diets supplemented with four concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 g kg −1 ) of herbal powder for eight weeks. Survival, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, proximate composition and haematological parameters were higher in fish given herbal diets than fish given the control diet without herbs. The highest specific growth rate (1.33 ± 0.03 % day –1 ) and best food conversion ratio (0.85 ± 0.03) were obtained in the 10 g kg −1 herb meal diet treatment. Protein efficiency ratio and feed efficiency were higher in fish fed with herbs and lowest in the control. No differences occurred in fish carcass protein or ash content among the treatments (p > 0.05). These results reveal that medicinal herbs in diets enhance growth, feed utilisation and survival of O. niloticus fingerlings.
Movements and distribution of cod (Gadus morhua) in the southern North Sea and English Channel: results from conventional and electronic tagging experiments

The sub-structure of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) stocks in the North Sea has important consequences for fisheries management as the Common Fisheries Policy moves towards a more regional approach. We investigated the movements, distribution and behaviour of cod in the southern North Sea (ICES IVc) and English Channel (ICES VIId) by re-analysing historic data from conventional tagging experiments, and by conducting new experiments with electronic tags. Cod tagged and released in IVc showed a northwards shift in distribution during the feeding season consistent with a homing migration away from spawning grounds along the coasts of the UK and the Netherlands. In contrast, cod tagged and released in VIId did not exhibit a consistent pattern of seasonal movement. Many cod released in VIId were subsequently recaptured close to their release position, although some moved out of the Channel and into the southern North Sea. Overlap between the recapture areas of cod released in the different management areas was no more than 25% in either the spawning or feeding season. Behavioural data from electronic tags suggest that cod in IVc make use of tidal streams to migrate northwards and eastwards in spring, whereas selective tidal stream transport was rarely exhibited by cod tagged and released in VIId. Overall, the evidence suggests that there are behavioural differences between cod in IVc and VIId that limit the mixing of cod from these two areas during the feeding and spawning seasons.