Linking shrimp assemblages with rates of detrital processing along an elevational gradient in a tropical stream

2001 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 470-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
James G March ◽  
Jonathan P Benstead ◽  
Catherine M Pringle ◽  
Mark W Ruebel
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Elevational Gradient ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Tropical Stream ◽  
Leaf Decay ◽  
High Elevation Site ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Insect Biomass

We experimentally excluded freshwater shrimp assemblages (Atyidae, Xiphocarididae, and Palaemonidae) to examine their effects on detrital processing and benthic insect biomass at three sites along an elevational gradient in a tropical stream in Puerto Rico. We also determined which shrimp taxon was responsible for leaf decay in a subsequent laboratory experiment. At the high-elevation site, the shrimp assemblage was dominated by Atya spp. and Xiphocaris elongata, and leaf decay rates were significantly faster in the presence of shrimps than in their absence. Laboratory experiments showed that this was primarily due to direct consumption of leaves by Xiphocaris. Shrimps had no effect on leaf decay rates at mid- and low-elevation sites where there were higher proportions of Macrobrachium spp. shrimps (which prey on Xiphocaris). Laboratory experiments showed that Xiphocaris consumed significantly less leaf material and experienced significantly higher mortality in the presence of Macrobrachium. Shrimp exclusion resulted in significantly less and significantly more insect biomass at the high- and low-elevation sites, respectively; no difference was found at the mid-elevation site. Insects played a minor role in leaf decay. Results show a strong linkage between shrimp assemblages and rates of detrital decay and illustrate the importance of conducting experiments at multiple sites.

scholarly journals Changes in Soil Chemistry and Foliar Metabolism of Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara) and Himalayan Spruce (Picea smithiana) along an Elevational Gradient at Kufri, HP, India: The Potential Roles of Regional Pollution and Localized Grazing

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 400
Author(s):  
Rakesh Minocha ◽  
Alexandra R. Contosta ◽  
Gregory B. Lawrence ◽  
Ravinder K. Kohli ◽  
Subhash C. Minocha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Chemistry ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Forest Health ◽  
Elevational Gradient ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Metabolic Profiles ◽  
Cedrus Deodara ◽  
High Elevation Site ◽  
Picea Smithiana ◽  
The Impact

We investigated changes in soil chemistry and foliar metabolism of Himalayan cedar [Cedrus deodara (Roxb. Ex Lamb.) G.Don] and Himalayan spruce [Picea smithiana (Wall.) Boiss] trees along a steep elevational gradient in the lower Himalayan Mountains at Kufri, Himachal Pradesh (HP), India. The foliar and soil samples were collected from four locations along a 300 m elevational gradient at ridge, high-, mid-, and low-elevation sites within the forested Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary that provides water for the city of Shimla, HP,. Observations at the time of sampling revealed that the high-elevation site was being heavily grazed. Soils collected at the four sites showed differences in soil chemistry along the gradient. Surface soils (top 10 cm) at the high-elevation site had the highest concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, organic matter, and effective cation exchange capacity, possibly caused by grazing. Mineral soils were slightly acidic at all sites except the mid-elevation site, which was extremely acidic in the upper mineral soil. Similar to surface soil chemistry, foliar metabolism was also comparatively unique for high elevation. In Himalayan cedar foliage, higher concentrations of soluble proteins, polyamines, amino acids, and potassium were observed at the high-elevation site as compared to the ridge, mid and low elevations. No major differences were observed in the metabolic profiles of cedar between the ridge and low elevation ranges. Spruce foliage was sampled only from the ridge and low elevations and its metabolic profiles suggested healthier conditions at the low elevation. The results of the study demonstrate the impact of the interplay between local and regional drivers of forest health on cedar and spruce trees in a forested catchment that acts as a water source for downstream communities.

scholarly journals A Trans-Omics Comparison Reveals Common Gene Expression Strategies in Four Model Organisms and Exposes Similarities and Differences between Them

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 334
Author(s):  
Jaume Forés-Martos ◽  
Anabel Forte ◽  
José García-Martínez ◽  
José E. Pérez-Ortín
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Expression Regulation ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Degradation Rates ◽  
Gene Expression Control ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
A Minor

The ultimate goal of gene expression regulation is on the protein level. However, because the amounts of mRNAs and proteins are controlled by their synthesis and degradation rates, the cellular amount of a given protein can be attained by following different strategies. By studying omics data for six expression variables (mRNA and protein amounts, plus their synthesis and decay rates), we previously demonstrated the existence of common expression strategies (CESs) for functionally related genes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we extend that study to two other eukaryotes: the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and cultured human HeLa cells. We also use genomic data from the model prokaryote Escherichia coli as an external reference. We show that six-variable profiles (6VPs) can be constructed for every gene and that these 6VPs are similar for genes with similar functions in all the studied organisms. The differences in 6VPs between organisms can be used to establish their phylogenetic relationships. The analysis of the correlations among the six variables supports the hypothesis that most gene expression control occurs in actively growing organisms at the transcription rate level, and that translation plays a minor role. We propose that living organisms use CESs for the genes acting on the same physiological pathways, especially for those belonging to stable macromolecular complexes, but CESs have been modeled by evolution to adapt to the specific life circumstances of each organism.

scholarly journals A trans-omics comparison reveals common gene expression strategies in four model organisms and exposes similarities and differences between them

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaume Forés-Martos ◽  
Anabel Forte ◽  
José García-Martínez ◽  
José E. Pérez-Ortín
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Branch Length ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Expression Control ◽  
External Reference ◽  
Degradation Rates ◽  
Gene Expression Control ◽  
A Minor

AbstractThe ultimate goal of gene regulation should focus on the protein level. However, as mRNA is an obligate intermediary, and because the amounts of mRNAs and proteins are controlled by their synthesis and degradation rates, the cellular amount of a given protein can be attained following different strategies. By studying omics datasets for six expression variables (mRNA and protein amounts, plus their synthesis and decay rates), we previously demonstrated the existence of common expression strategies (CES) for functionally-related genes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we extend that study to two other eukaryotes: the distantly related yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and cultured human HeLa cells. We also use genomic datasets from the model prokaryote Escherichia coli as an external reference. We show that CES are also present in all the studied organisms and the differences in them between organisms can be used to establish their phylogenetic relationships. The phenogram based on 6VP has the expected topology for the phylogeny of these four organisms, but shows interesting branch length differences to DNA sequence-based trees.The analysis of the correlations among the six variables supports that most gene expression control occurs in actively growing organisms at the transcription rate level, and that translation plays a minor role in it. We propose that all living cells use CES for the genes acting on the same physiological pathways, especially for those belonging to stable macromolecular complexes, but CES have been modeled by evolution to adapt to the specific life circumstances of each organism. The obtained phenograms may reflect both evolutionary constraints in expression strategies, and lifestyle convergences.

scholarly journals Provenance Variation in Early Survival, Growth, and Carbon Isotope Discrimination of Southwestern Ponderosa Pine Growing in Three Common Gardens across an Elevational Gradient

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1561
Author(s):  
Aalap Dixit ◽  
Thomas Kolb ◽  
Owen Burney ◽  
Karen Mock ◽  
Kevin Grady
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Carbon Isotope Discrimination ◽  
Elevational Gradient ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Provenance Variation ◽  
Isotope Discrimination ◽  
Common Gardens ◽  
High Elevation Site

We investigated early survival, growth, and carbon isotope discrimination of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Lawson & C. Lawson var. scopulorum Engelm.) seedlings from different provenances using common gardens across an elevational gradient in order to examine the potential for adaptation to extreme environments and constraints to artificial regeneration. Twenty-one provenances from a range of elevations across Arizona and New Mexico were planted in three common gardens: a high-elevation meadow in aspen-mixed conifer forest, a mid-elevation ponderosa pine forest, and a low-elevation pinyon juniper woodland. Two years after planting in 2018, survival was highest at the mid-elevation site (54%), low at the high-elevation site (1.5%), and 0% at the low-elevation site. At the hot and dry low-elevation site, provenances from low-elevations survived longer than provenances from mid- and high-elevations, which suggests greater drought tolerance of low-elevation provenances. Mortality agents changed from abiotic (drought) to biotic (herbivory) with an increase in elevation across sites. High mortality of seedlings planted at high-elevation sites from biotic agents, such as rodents, may challenge efforts to establish ponderosa pine in assisted migration projects. Seedlings had significantly higher growth rate and carbon isotope discrimination (∆13C) at the mid-elevation site than the high-elevation site. Provenances differed significantly in diameter, and ∆13C, but not in height growth rate for the first year after planting. Provenance variation in ∆13C suggests genetic variation in water use efficiency that may be useful for future evaluation of southwestern ponderosa pine seed sources for reforestation.

The Effect of Path Length and Display Size on Memory for Spatial Information

2012 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 147-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Guérard ◽  
Sébastien Tremblay
Keyword(s):  
Path Length ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Recall Performance ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Length Effect ◽  
Serial Memory ◽  
Fixed Reference ◽  
A Minor

In serial memory for spatial information, some studies showed that recall performance suffers when the distance between successive locations increases relatively to the size of the display in which they are presented (the path length effect; e.g., Parmentier et al., 2005) but not when distance is increased by enlarging the size of the display (e.g., Smyth & Scholey, 1994). In the present study, we examined the effect of varying the absolute and relative distance between to-be-remembered items on memory for spatial information. We manipulated path length using small (15″) and large (64″) screens within the same design. In two experiments, we showed that distance was disruptive mainly when it is varied relatively to a fixed reference frame, though increasing the size of the display also had a small deleterious effect on recall. The insertion of a retention interval did not influence these effects, suggesting that rehearsal plays a minor role in mediating the effects of distance on serial spatial memory. We discuss the potential role of perceptual organization in light of the pattern of results.

Use of Different Tissue Thromboplastins in the Control of Anticoagulant-Therapy

1958 ◽  
Vol 02 (05/06) ◽  
pp. 462-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Verstraete ◽  
Patricia A. Clark ◽  
Irving S. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
Anticoagulant Therapy ◽  
Factor Vii ◽  
Rabbit Brain ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Rabbit Lung ◽  
Coagulation Mechanism ◽  
Time Test ◽  
The One ◽  
A Minor

SummaryAn analysis of the results of prothrombin time tests with different types of thromboplastins sheds some light on the problem why the administration of coumarin is difficult to standardize in different centers. Our present ideas on the subject, based on experimental data may be summarized as follows.Several factors of the clotting mechanism are influenced by coumarin derivatives. The action of some of these factors is by-passed in the 1-stage prothrombin time test. The decrease of the prothrombin and factor VII levels may be evaluated in the 1-stage prothrombin time determination (Quick-test). The prolongation of the prothrombin times are, however, predominantly due to the decrease of factor VII activity, the prothrombin content remaining around 50 per cent of normal during an adequate anticoagulant therapy. It is unlikely that this degree of depression of prothrombin is of major significance in interfering with the coagulation mechanism in the protection against thromboembolism. It may, however, play a minor role, which has yet to be evaluated quantitatively. An exact evaluation of factor VII is, therefore, important for the guidance of anticoagulant therapy and the method of choice is the one which is most sensitive to changes in factor VII concentration. The 1-stage prothrombin time test with a rabbit lung thromboplastin seems the most suitable method because rabbit brain preparations exhibit a factor VII-like activity that is not present in rabbit lung preparations.

Produktivkraft als Versprechen

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (185) ◽  
pp. 621-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Siefkes
Keyword(s):  
Private Consumption ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Progressive Reduction ◽  
Internal Forces ◽  
A Minor

The ‘Fragment on Machines’ from Marx’s Grundrisse is often cited as an argument that the internal forces of capitalism will lead to its doom. But the argument that the progressive reduction of labor must doom capitalism lacks a proper foundation, as a comparison with the ‘Schemes of Reproduction’ given in Capital II shows. The latter, however, aren’t fully convincing either. In reality, more depends on the private consumption of capitalists than either model recognizes. Ultimately, most can be made of the ‘Fragment on Machines’ by reading it not as an exposure of capitalism’s internal contractions, but as a discussion of a possible communist future where labor (or work) will play but a minor role.

Effects of Myo-inositol Alone and in Combination with Seleno-Lmethionine on Cadmium-Induced Testicular Damage in Mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Benvenga ◽  
Antonio Micali ◽  
Giovanni Pallio ◽  
Roberto Vita ◽  
Consuelo Malta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Natural Antioxidants ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Testicular Lesions ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analyses

Background: Cadmium (Cd) impairs gametogenesis and damages the blood-testis barrier. Objective: As the primary mechanism of Cd-induced damage is oxidative stress, the effects of two natural antioxidants, myo-inositol (MI) and seleno-L-methionine (Se), were evaluated in mice testes. Methods: Eighty-four male C57 BL/6J mice were divided into twelve groups: 0.9% NaCl (vehicle; 1 ml/kg/day i.p.); Se (0.2 mg/kg/day per os); Se (0.4 mg/kg/day per os); MI (360 mg/kg/day per os); MI plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); MI plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 (2 mg/kg/day i.p.) plus vehicle; CdCl2 plus MI; CdCl2 plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 plus MI plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); and CdCl2 plus MI plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day). After 14 days, testes were processed for biochemical, structural and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: CdCl2 increased iNOS and TNF-α expression and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, lowered glutathione (GSH) and testosterone, induced testicular lesions, and almost eliminated claudin-11 immunoreactivity. Se administration at 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg significantly reduced iNOS and TNF-α expression, maintained GSH, MDA and testosterone levels, structural changes and low claudin-11 immunoreactivity. MI alone or associated with Se at 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg significantly reduced iNOS and TNF-α expression and MDA levels, increased GSH and testosterone levels, ameliorated structural organization and increased claudin-11 patches number. Conclusion: We demonstrated a protective effect of MI, a minor role of Se and an evident positive role of the association between MI and Se on Cd-induced damages of the testis. MI alone or associated with Se might protect testes in subjects exposed to toxicants, at least to those with behavior similar to Cd.

Extraction of strontium and barium salts by the nitrobenzene solution of dicarbolide in the presence of glymes

1985 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 581-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petr Vaňura ◽  
Emanuel Makrlík
Keyword(s):  
Stability Constants ◽  
Organic Phase ◽  
Equilibrium Constants ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Nitrobenzene Solution ◽  
Ligand Structure ◽  
Stability Constants Of Complexes ◽  
Separation Factors ◽  
The Stability ◽  
A Minor

Extraction of microamounts of Sr2+ and Ba2+ (henceforth M2+) from the aqueous solutions of perchloric acid (0.0125-1.02 mol/l) by means of the nitrobenzene solutions of dicarbolide (0.004-0.05 mol/l of H+{Co(C2B9H11)2}-) was studied in the presence of monoglyme (only Ba2+), diglyme, triglyme, and tetraglyme (CH3O-(CH2-CH2O)nCH3, where n = 1, 2, 3, 4). The distribution of glyme betweeen the aqueous and organic phases, the extraction of the protonized glyme molecule HL+ together with the extraction of M2+ ion and of the glyme complex with the M2+ ion, i.e., ML2+ (where L is the molecule of glyme), were found to be the dominating reactions in the systems under study. In the systems with tri- and tetraglymes the extraction of H+ and M2+ ions solvated with two glyme molecules, i.e., the formation of HL2+ and ML22+ species, can probably play a minor role. The values of the respective equilibrium constants, of the stability constants of complexes formed in the organic phase, and the theoretical separation factors αBa/Sr were determined. The effect of the ligand structure on the values of extraction and stability constants in the organic phase is discussed.

scholarly journals The preendosomal compartment comprises distinct coated and noncoated endocytic vesicle populations.

1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (4) ◽  
pp. 731-741 ◽  
Author(s):  
S H Hansen ◽  
K Sandvig ◽  
B van Deurs
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Coated Vesicles ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Specific Marker ◽  
Con A ◽  
Early Endosomes ◽  
Gold Conjugate ◽  
Entire Cell ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Endocytic Vesicles

The transfer of molecules from the cell surface to the early endosomes is mediated by preendosomal vesicles. These vesicles, which have pinched off completely from the plasma membrane but not yet fused with endosomes, form the earliest compartment along the endocytic route. Using a new assay to distinguish between free and cell surface connected vesicle profiles, we have characterized the preedosomal compartment ultrastructurally. Our basic experimental setup was labeling of the entire cell surface at 4 degrees C with Con A-gold, warming of the cells to 37 degrees C to allow endocytosis, followed by replacing incubation medium with fixative, all within either 30 or 60 s. Then the fixed cells were incubated with anti-Con A-HRP to distinguish truly free (gold labeled) endocytic vesicles from surface-connected structures. Finally, analysis of thin (20-30 nm) serial sections and quantification of vesicle diameters were carried out. Based on this approach it is shown that the preendosomal compartment comprises both clathrin-coated and non-coated endocytic vesicles with approximately the same frequency but with distinct diameter distributions, the average noncoated vesicle being smaller (95 nm) than the average coated one (110 nm). In parallel experiments, using an anti-transferrin receptor gold-conjugate as a specific marker for clathrin-dependent endocytosis it is also shown that uncoating of coated vesicles plays only a minor role for the total frequency of noncoated vesicles. Furthermore, after perturbation of clathrin-dependent endocytosis by potassium depletion where uptake of transferrin is blocked, noncoated endocytic vesicles with Con A-gold, but not coated vesicles, exist already after 30 and 60 s. Finally, it is shown that the existence of small, free vesicles in the short-time experiments cannot be ascribed to recycling from the early endosomes.

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