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How a Salamander Saved a City: the Politics and Science of Endangered Species
# 101 How a Salamander Saved a City: The Politics and Science of Endangered Species Dr. David Hillis April 22, 2016 Produced by and for Hot Science - Cool Talks by the Environmental Science Institute. We request that the use of these materials include an acknowledgement of the presenter and Hot Science - Cool Talks by the Environmental Science Institute at UT Austin. We hope you find these materials educational and enjoyable. How a Salamander Saved a City The Politics David M. Hillis and Science of Endangered The University of Species Texas at Austin April 22, 2016 If you could return to 1990 from today, how would you advise Austin’s City Council about the future? Economic development Water supply protection Population growth Increase green spaces, parks & wild areas “For fifth year, 5-county area is U.S.’s fastest growing…” Austin American Statesman (2016) Why is Austin on nearly every Top-Ten list as a place to live? Quality of Life Excellent entertainment Strong economy Great parks and Vibrant diverse city recreation “Weirdness” factor Image Courtesy of Save Our Springs (2016) What are the top complaints about Austin? . Traffic . Weather . Crowds . Allergies . Cost of living . Water shortages Colorado River drought KUT (2014) Austin San Antonio Settlement of Central Texas Salado Georgetown Austin Springs San Marcos Edwards aquifer Del Rio San Antonio New Braunfels Brackettville Uvalde Sharp (2003) Hot Science – Cool Talks Then and Now… Salado Springs Today What Salado Springs looked like in the 1870s Artesian Springs and Wells The Edwards Aquifer 5 Drainage zone Recharge zone Artesian zone Musgrove (2000) Musgrove et al. -
Introduction
Benthic Microalgae and Nutrient Flux in Florida Bay, USA by Merrie Beth Neely A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy College of Marine Science University of South Florida Co-Major Professor: Gabriel A. Vargo, Ph.D. Co-Major Professor: Kent A. Fanning, Ph.D. Paul R. Carlson, Ph.D. Peter Howd, Ph.D. Karen Steidinger, Ph.D. Laura Yarbro, Ph.D. Date of Approval: November 20, 2008 Keywords: phosphorus, nitrogen, chlorophyll, mesocosm, microphytobenthos © Copyright 2008, Merrie Beth Neely Acknowledgements Portions of this project were funded by: USDOC/NOAA Award # NA06OP0519 to Dr. Gabriel A. Vargo and Dr. Gary L. Hitchcock (PI‟s) and a Florida Institute of Oceanography Student Grant in Aid to Merrie Beth Neely and Jennifer Jurado. Special thanks go to the Keys Marine Laboratory Staff; Jennifer Jurado, Gary Hitchcock, and Chris Kelble from the University of Miami; Dr. Rob Masserini, USF College of Marine Science; and Bill Sargeant and Dr. Cynthia Heil, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute; the Florida Institute of Oceanography SEAKEYS buoy system; Dr. Carmelo Tomas and Dr. Larry Cahoon, University of North Carolina,Wilmington. i Table of Contents List of Tables .................................................................................................................... vi List of Figures ................................................................................................................. viii Chapter 1. Benthic -
What Pigments Are in Plants?
BUILD YOUR FUTURE! ANYANG BEST COMPLETE MACHINERY ENGINEERING CO.,LTD WHAT PIGMENTS ARE IN PLANTS? Pigments Pigments are chemical compounds responsible for color in a range of living substances and in the inorganic world. Pigments absorb some of the light they receive, and so reflect only certain wavelengths of visible light. This makes them appear "colorful.” Cave paintings by early man show the early use of pigments, in a limited range from straw color to reddish brown and black. These colors occurred naturally in charcoals, and in mineral oxides such as chalk and ochre. The WebExhibit on Pigments has more information on these early painting palettes. Many early artists used natural pigments, but nowadays they have been replaced by cheaper and less toxic synthetic pigments. Biological Pigments Pigments are responsible for many of the beautiful colors we see in the plant world. Dyes have often been made from both animal sources and plant extracts . Some of the pigments found in animals have also recently been found in plants. Website: www.bestextractionmachine.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +86 372 5965148 Fax: +86 372 5951936 Mobile: ++86 8937276399 BUILD YOUR FUTURE! ANYANG BEST COMPLETE MACHINERY ENGINEERING CO.,LTD Major Plant Pigments White Bird Of Paradise Tree Bilirubin is responsible for the yellow color seen in jaundice sufferers and bruises, and is created when hemoglobin (the pigment that makes blood red) is broken down. Recently this pigment has also been found in plants, specifically in the orange fuzz on seeds of the white Bird of Paradise tree. The bilirubin in plants doesn’t come from breaking down hemoglobin. -
The Pursuit of Two-Electron Injection Fritz J
Article pubs.acs.org/JPCC Dynamics of Interfacial Electron Transfer from Betanin to Nanocrystalline TiO2: The Pursuit of Two-Electron Injection Fritz J. Knorr,† Jeanne L. McHale,*,† Aurora E. Clark,† Arianna Marchioro,‡ and Jacques-E. Moser‡ † Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Box 644630, Pullman, Washington 99164-4630 United States ‡ Photochemical Dynamics Group, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fedéralé de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland *S Supporting Information ABSTRACT: We report spectroelectrochemical and transient absorption spectroscopic studies of electron injection from the plant pigment betanin (Bt) to nanocrystalline TiO2. Spectroelectrochemical experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to interpret transient absorption data in terms of excited state absorption of Bt and ground state absorption of oxidation intermediates and products. Comparison of the amplitudes of transient signals of Bt on TiO2 and on ZrO2, for which no electron injection takes place, reveals the signature of two-electron injection from electronically excited Bt to TiO2. Transient signals observed for Bt on TiO2 (in contrast to ZrO2) on the nanosecond time scale reveal the spectral signatures of photo-oxidation products of Bt absorbing in the red and the blue. These are assigned to a one- electron oxidation product formed by recombination of injected electrons with the two-electron oxidation product. We conclude that whereas electron injection is a simultaneous two-electron process, recombination is a one-electron process. The formation of a semiquinone radical through recombination limits the efficiency and long-term stability of the Bt-based dye-sensitized solar cell. Strategies are suggested for enhancing photocurrents of dye-sensitized solar cells by harnessing the two-electron oxidation of organic dye sensitizers. -
Virtual Rice Leaf Color Model Driven by Pigment Content
Bangladesh J. Bot. 49(3): 845-856, 2020 (September) Special VIRTUAL RICE LEAF COLOR MODEL DRIVEN BY PIGMENT CONTENT 1 WENLONG YI, JING JIA, TINGZHUO CHEN , YINGDING ZHAO AND HONGYUN YANG* School of Software Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China Keywords: Rice leaf color, Optimization methods, Machine learning, Virtualization Abstract A virtual rice leaf color model based on the relationship between pigment contents in rice leaf and leaf color was established with the aid of machine learning tools and optimization algorithms. The results showed that the accuracy of the obtained training model and prediction model for red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components in leaf color reached 96.9 - 97.6, 98.0 - 98.3 and 83.5 - 84.7%, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the true and predicted values demonstrated that pigment contents were highly related to the R and G components, whereas the correlation for the B component was relatively low. The results of this study verified the effective applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in science of traditional agriculture. Introduction A virtual rice leaf color model that provides information technology support for rice producers is an important component of precision agriculture. With the continuing development of information technology (IT), the integration of information science (IS) and traditional natural sciences has become an effective approach to technological innovation in which IS provides powerful technological methods to support traditional sciences. For instance, such techniques as machine learning, big data, and intelligent optimization algorithms are effective in supporting computer-aided design (CAD) systems. A virtual plant refers to a model established by simulating the growth and development of plants using virtual reality technologies on computer platforms. -
Profile of David M. Hillis
Profile of David M. Hillis hilippe Padieu was called a mod- down through the maternal line. However, ern-day Casanova. Women said both types of analyses had their short- Pthey were drawn to him for his comings: chloroplast DNA analysis was sweet personality and charm. restricted to plants, and mtDNA evolves However, Padieu harbored a secret. In so quickly that it was best suited for 2009, he was found guilty of aggravated reconstructing relatively recent di- assault for purposefully infecting six vergence events. So Hillis looked to nu- women with HIV and sentenced to 45 clear ribosomal DNA, as well as nuclear- years in prison. Credit for Padieu’s guilty encoded proteins, to reconstruct the verdict goes partly to David Hillis, an evolutionary history of amphibians. The evolutionary biologist at the University results revealed enormous hidden di- of Texas at Austin. versity among morphologically similar Hillis, elected to the National Academy amphibians (2, 3). Rather than throwing of Sciences in 2008, has devoted his re- out centuries of morphological work, search career to phylogeny, the study of however, Hillis worked to integrate mo- evolutionary relationships. His work tack- lecular and morphological studies of les some of the greatest questions of evo- phylogeny (4). lutionary biology: How do species arise? Soon Hillis turned his attention to how How do genes diversify and acquire new individual genes evolve and diversify. For functions? How do pathogens evolve, and instance, when Hillis and his colleagues how can that information be used to un- studied the evolution of the ZFY gene, derstand diseases? And ultimately, can we then thought to trigger male development reconstruct the complete Tree of Life and in mammals, they found that the gene was use that information to help make pre- unrelated to sex determination in reptiles dictions about biology? (5). -
REDISCOVERING BIOLOGY Evolution and Molecular to Global Phylogenetics Perspectives
REDISCOVERING BIOLOGY Evolution and Molecular to Global Phylogenetics Perspectives “Systems of classification are not hat racks, objectively presented to us by nature. They are dynamic theories developed by us to express particular views about the history of organisms. Evolution has provided a set of unique species ordered by differing degrees of genealogical relationship. Taxonomy, the search for this natural order, is the fundamental science of history.” STEPHEN J GOULD 1 Perhaps the most striking feature of life is its enormous diversity. There are more than one million described species of animals and plants, with many millions still left undescribed. (See the Biodiversity unit.) Aside from its sheer numerical diversity, organisms differ widely and along numerous dimensions — including morphological appearance, feeding habits, mating behaviors, and physiologies. In recent decades, scientists have also added molecular genetic differences to this list. Some groups of organisms are clearly more similar to some groups than to others. For instance, mallard ducks are more similar to black ducks than either is to herons. At the same time, some groups are very similar along one dimension, yet strikingly different in other respects. Based solely on flying ability, one would group bats and birds together; however, in most other respects, bats and birds are very dissimilar. How do biologists organize and classify biodiversity? In recent decades, methodological and technological advances have radically altered how biologists classify organisms -
Femtobiophotonics for the Investigation of Molecular
Picobiophotonics for the investigation of pigment-pigment and pigment-protein interactions in photosynthetic complexes vorgelegt von Diplom-Physiker Franz-Josef Schmitt geboren in Marburg/ Lahn von der Fakultät II - Mathematik und Naturwissenschaften der Technischen Universität Berlin zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades Doktor der Naturwissenschaften Promotionsausschuss: Vorsitzender: Prof. Dr. Mario Dähne Berichter/Gutachter: Prof. Dr. Hans Joachim Eichler Berichter/Gutachter: Prof. Dr. Gernot Renger Berichter/Gutachter: Prof. Dr. Thomas Renger Tag der wissenschaftlichen Aussprache: 15.08.2011 Berlin 2011 D 83 page | 1 page | 2 ABSTRACT Franz-Josef Schmitt Picobiophotonics for the investigation of pigment-pigment and pigment-protein interactions in photosynthetic complexes Excitation energy transfer (EET) processes in different photosynthetic pigment-protein-complexes were analysed by time- and wavelength correlated single photon counting (TWCSPC). A new mobile 16-channel photomultiplier with flexible fiber optics, exchangeable light sources and temperature regulator (10 K – 350 K) was built up for the spectroscopy of samples in cuvettes, on surfaces or of whole leaves in vivo. The system represents a mobile setup of the powerful TCSPC technique with high optical throughput up to 106 counts/sec. The theoretical description of the excited state dynamics in systems with pigment-pigment and pigment-protein interaction was performed by using rate equations that were applied on structures with increasing hierarchical complexity. The study started with a system consisting of two excitonically coupled Chl molecules in a tetrameric protein environment represented by the recombinant water soluble Chl binding protein (WSCP) of type IIa and it was completed with a study of the photosystem II (PSII) dynamics in whole leaves of the higher plant Arabidopsis thaliana. -
Biogeography, Phylogeny, and Morphological Evolution of Central Texas Cave and Spring Salamanders
Biogeography, phylogeny, and morphological evolution of central Texas cave and spring salamanders Bendik et al. Bendik et al. BMC Evolutionary Biology 2013, 13:201 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2148/13/201 Bendik et al. BMC Evolutionary Biology 2013, 13:201 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2148/13/201 RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access Biogeography, phylogeny, and morphological evolution of central Texas cave and spring salamanders Nathan F Bendik1,2*, Jesse M Meik3, Andrew G Gluesenkamp4, Corey E Roelke1 and Paul T Chippindale1 Abstract Background: Subterranean faunal radiations can result in complex patterns of morphological divergence involving both convergent or parallel phenotypic evolution and cryptic species diversity. Salamanders of the genus Eurycea in central Texas provide a particularly challenging example with respect to phylogeny reconstruction, biogeography and taxonomy. These predominantly aquatic species inhabit karst limestone aquifers and spring outflows, and exhibit a wide range of morphological and genetic variation. We extensively sampled spring and cave populations of six Eurycea species within this group (eastern Blepsimolge clade), to reconstruct their phylogenetic and biogeographic history using mtDNA and examine patterns and origins of cave- and surface-associated morphological variation. Results: Genetic divergence is generally low, and many populations share ancestral haplotypes and/or show evidence of introgression. This pattern likely indicates a recent radiation coupled with a complex history of intermittent connections within the aquatic karst system. Cave populations that exhibit the most extreme troglobitic morphologies show no or very low divergence from surface populations and are geographically interspersed among them, suggesting multiple instances of rapid, parallel phenotypic evolution. Morphological variation is diffuse among cave populations; this is in contrast to surface populations, which form a tight cluster in morphospace. -
Bioinspired Melanin‐Based Optically Active Materials
PROGRESS REPORT www.advopticalmat.de Bioinspired Melanin-Based Optically Active Materials Ming Xiao,* Matthew D. Shawkey, and Ali Dhinojwala the properties and functions of melanin, Melanin is a widespread multifunctional biological pigment that has emerged the synthesis of melanin-like nanopar- as a promising platform for applications in coating, catalysis, energy, drug ticles, and its versatile applications in delivery, and medical therapy. Melanin is also a compelling material for catalysis, energy, and biomedical fields. Over the last 5 years, more than 1000 photonic applications because of its favorable material characteristics, papers on melanin have been published including broadband absorption, high refractive index, tunable fluorescence, annually, based on data from the Web and UV blocking capabilities. However, there is not yet a critical review of Science. Quite a few of these papers focusing on optical functions of melanin. This review summarizes current have reviewed melanin’s chemical struc- advances in bioinspired melanin-based optically active materials, covering ture, physiochemical properties, and biomedical applications.[4–6] However, a melanin’s inherent optical properties and functions both in nature and in critical review focusing on optical func- optics-related applications. It is envisioned that this work will provide a better tions of melanin is still lacking, despite understanding of melanin’s photonic functions and insights into the future tremendous emerging work on melanin- development of melanin-based or melanin-inspired optically active materials based photonic materials. The purpose for wide applications. of this review is to summarize current advances in bioinspired melanin-based optically active materials. Specifically, we will cover inherent optical properties of 1. -
Identification of Microrna Targeting Mlph and Affecting Melanosome
biomolecules Article Identification of MicroRNA Targeting Mlph and Affecting Melanosome Transport Jeong Ah Lee y, Seok Joon Hwang y, Sung Chan Hong, Cheol Hwan Myung, Ji Eun Lee, Jong Il Park and Jae Sung Hwang * Department of Genetic Engineering & Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, Korea * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +82-312-013-797 Equal contribution. y Received: 27 June 2019; Accepted: 6 July 2019; Published: 8 July 2019 Abstract: Melanosomes undergo a complex maturation process and migrate into keratinocytes. Melanophilin (Mlph), a protein complex involving myosin Va (MyoVa) and Rab27a, enables the movement of melanosomes in melanocytes. In this study, we found six miRNAs targeting Mlph in mouse using two programs (http://targetscan.org and DianaTools). When melan-a melanocytes were treated with six synthesized microRNAs, miR-342-5p, miR-1839-5p, and miR-3082-5p inhibited melanosome transport and induced melanosome aggregation around the nucleus. The other microRNAs, miR-5110, miR-3090-3p, and miR-186-5p, did not inhibit melanosome transport. Further, miR-342-5p, miR-1839-5p, and miR-3082-5p decreased Mlph expression. The effect of miR-342-5p was the strongest among the six synthesized miRNAs. It inhibited melanosome transport in melan-a melanocytes and reduced Mlph expression in mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner; however, it did not affect Rab27a and MyoVa expressions, which are associated with melanosome transport. To examine miR-342-5p specificity, we performed luciferase assays in a mouse melanocyte-transfected reporter vector including Mlph at the 30-UTR (untranslated region). -
Biosynthesis of Food Constituents: Natural Pigments. Part 1 – a Review
Czech J. Food Sci. Vol. 25, No. 6: 291–315 Biosynthesis of Food Constituents: Natural Pigments. Part 1 – a Review Jan VELÍŠEK, Jiří DAVÍDEK and Karel CEJPEK Department of Food Chemistry and Analysis, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Abstract VELÍŠEK J., DAVÍDEK J., CEJPEK K. (2007): Biosynthesis of food constituents: Natural pigments. Part 1 – a re- view. Czech J. Food Sci., 25: 291–315. This review article gives a survey of the generally accepted biosynthetic pathways that lead to the most important natural pigments in organisms closely related to foods and feeds. The biosynthetic pathways leading to hemes, chlo- rophylls, melanins, betalains, and quinones are described using the enzymes involved and the reaction schemes with detailed mechanisms. Keywords: biosynthesis; tetrapyrroles; hemes; chlorophylls; eumelanins; pheomelanins; allomelanins; betalains; betax- anthins; betacyanins; benzoquinones; naphthoquinones; anthraquinones Natural pigments are coloured substances syn- noids. Despite their varied structures, all of them thesised, accumulated in or excreted from living are synthesised by only a few biochemical path- or dying cells. The pigments occurring in food ways. There are also groups of pigments that defy materials become part of food, some other pig- simple classification and pigments that are rare ments have been widely used in the preparation or limited in occurrence. of foods and beverages as colorants for centuries. Many foods also owe their colours to pigments that 1 TETRAPYRROLES form in food materials and foods during storage and processing as a result of reactions between food Tetrapyrroles (tetrapyrrole pigments) represent a constituents, notably the non-enzymatic browning relatively small group of pigments that contribute reaction and the Maillard reaction.