Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STOPOVER HABITATS OF LANDBIRDS DURING FALL: USE OF EDGE-DOMINATED AND EARLY-SUCCESSIONAL FORESTS

Abstract Despite much interest in the conservation of landbirds during migratory stopover periods, relatively few studies have examined spatial and temporal variation in habitat use and identified important habitats for migrating landbirds in North America. We surveyed migrant landbirds in five habitats (mature forest interior, mature forest-agricultural edge, mature suburban forest, mid-successional pole-stage forest, and early successional shrub-saplingstage forest) in central Pennsylvania from late August to early October, 1997–1999. We used abundances of individual species and migrant guilds, species richness, and fruit availability to assess relative habitat quality for fall migrants and measured structural characteristics associated with migrant habitat use. Of 15 species that differed in abundance among habitats, species that breed in mature forest (n = 10) were typically broadly distributed among habitats during stopover, with highest abundance in edge-dominated forests (forest-agricultural edge and suburban forest) and lowest abundance in pole-stage forests. Mature-forest-breeding migrants also regularly used early successional forests, where as many individuals were recorded as in forest interior. Shrub-sapling-breeding species (n = 5) generally were more narrowly distributed among habitats and were most abundant in early successional and edge-dominated forests. We detected among-year differences in relative use of habitats by mature-forest-breeding species, which suggests that the relative quality of stopover habitats may vary from year to year. Fruit availability was highest in shrub-sapling and forest-agricultural edge habitats and was positively associated with abundance of primary frugivores in all three years, indicating that fruit may be driving habitat selection by that guild. Mature-forest-breeding migrants were positively associated with forests that had more understory vegetation and lower percentage of canopy cover (i.e. more tree-fall gaps), which suggests that migrants selected sites with greater vertical and horizontal habitat heterogeneity. Migrating shrub-sapling-breeding species were positively associated with small-diameter stems (0–2.5 cm) and negatively associated with percentage of canopy cover (i.e. characteristics of breeding habitats). Consistently high use of mature edge-dominated and early-successional forests by a wide diversity of landbird species during fall stopover indicates the potential importance of those habitats for migratory landbird conservation.
What are quail good for in a chicken-focused world?

Japanese quail are minor production birds when compared to chickens which have become a leading animal model due to recent breakthroughs in chicken research, such as genome sequence and genetically modified primordial germ cells. It might seem, therefore, that the quail has little to offer that the chicken could not provide, both commercially and scientifically. With examples drawn from recent genetic studies on the quail at INRA, this paper shows that, on the contrary, research on quail may not only bring results which are chicken-complementary, but also provide new knowledge because of the proximity of the two genera Coturnix and Gallus.
Exploring the Factors Controlling Nighttime Lights from Prefecture Cities in Mainland China with the Hierarchical Linear Model

Nighttime light data have been proven to be valuable for socioeconomic studies. However, they are not only affected by anthropogenic factors but also by physical factors, and previous studies have rarely examined these diverse variables in a systematic way that explains differences in nighttime lights across different cities. In this paper, hierarchical linear models at two levels of city and province were developed to investigate the nighttime lights effect on cross-level factors. An experiment was conducted for 281 prefecture cities in Mainland China using orbital satellite data in 2016. (1) There exist significant differences among city average lights, of which 49.9% is caused at the provincial level, indicating the factors at the provincial level cannot be ignored. (2) Economy-energy-infrastructure and demography factors have a significant positive lights effect. Meanwhile, industry-information and living-standard factors at the provincial level can further significantly increase these differences by 18.30% and 29.01%, respectively. (3) The natural-greenness factor displayed a significant negative lights effect, and its interaction with natural-ecology will continue to decrease city lights by 11.99%. However, artificial-greenness is an unreliable city-level factor explaining lights variations. (4) As for the negative lights effect of elevation and latitude, these become significant in a multivariate context and contribute lights indirectly. (5) The two-level hierarchical linear models are statistically significant at the level of 10%, and compared with the null model, the explained variances on city lights can be improved by 70% at the city level and 90% at the provincial level in the final mixed effect model.
GENETIC STRUCTURING OF RELICT POPULATIONS OF GAPPER'S RED-BACKED VOLE (CLETHRIONOMYS GAPPERI)

Abstract We evaluated genetic variation in Gapper's red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi) at 2 microsatellite DNA loci and related our results to the biogeographic history of the southern Appalachians. To investigate population genetic structuring within relictual habitats, 222 individuals were sampled from 9 sites, including 2 populations suspected to have been isolated since the Wisconsin glacial retreat. Genetic structuring was evident among the majority of the sampled populations. Unbiased estimates of exact P-values revealed significant allelic differentiation between 15 of 36 population pairs. Overall estimates of FST and ρ were 0.07 and 0.10, respectively, indicating moderate genetic subdivision. Overall gene flow was estimated indirectly with 3 methods and was 1.13–4.44 migrants/generation. The hypothesized isolation of 2 islandlike populations at Massanutten and Peaks of Otter was supported by our data and was most apparent in the Massanutten population, where genetic diversity was low compared with all other populations. The unique genetic structure of the population at Massanutten also may be related to habitat disturbances. Genetic patterns observed in relict populations of the red-backed vole may provide insight into genetic structuring of codistributed boreal populations in the southern Appalachians.
Relations between Fabric Structure and Friction: Part II: Weft Knitted Fabrics

Abstract In the earlier part of the series (Jeddi et al., 2003) the authors defined a new index for the structural asperity of woven fabrics and found the relationship between this index and fabric frictional parameters. In this part, the authors develop this definition for weft knitted fabrics and introduce a ‘Fabric Structural Asperity Index’ (FSAI) for interlock gating of knitted structures. This index, which can be explained as the ratio of miss stitches to the total number of needles in a structural knit cell, shows a good relation with frictional resistance parameters of the course over course direction of motion. The experimental results show that the static and dynamic frictional resistances of the course over course motion are higher than the wale over wale motion. The values of frictional forces for different structures have no statistical difference in the wale over wale direction of motion. This paper also studies the effectiveness of the structural cell stitch length and fiber content on the frictional behavior of the fabrics.
The impact of mobile phones on knowledge access and transfer of small-scale horticultural farmers in Tanzania

Die Landwirtschaft bildet fur mindestens 80 % der Bevolkerung in Tansania die Lebensgrundlage, sie ist ein bedeutender Wirtschaftssektor und der groste Arbeitsmarkt. Ein grundlegendes Problem jedoch fur die Mehrheit der Produzenten stellt der fehlende Zugang zu Wissen dar. Der Zugang zu komplexem Wissen und Informationen ist vor allem fur eine wettbewerbsfahige und hochwertige Produktion und Vermarktung notwendig. Die rasante Verbreitung moderner Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie (ICT), wie z.B. Mobiltelefone, in Afrika in den letzten Jahren hat dazu gefuhrt, dass Wissen schneller ausgetauscht werden kann. Studien zeigen, dass auch Kleinbauern zunehmend Mobiltelefone nutzen. Basierend auf qualitativen Interviews in der Mwanza Region im Nordwesten von Tansania identifiziert der vorliegende Beitrag verschiedene Typen von Wissen, die mit dem Mobilfunktelefon ubertragen werden. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Nutzung von Handys den Zugang der Produzenten zu geschaftsrelevantem Wissen verbessert. Allerdings sind die Effekte der Nutzung abhangig von der Art des Wissens und weiteren Faktoren. Die Ergebnisse tragen zu einem tieferen Verstandnis der Wirkung von ICTs hinsichtlich Wissenszugang und -transfer im Entwicklungskontext bei.
An introduction to field extensions and Galois descent for sheaves of vector spaces

We study extension of scalars for sheaves of vector spaces, assembling results that follow from well-known statements about vector spaces, but also developing some complements. In particular, we formulate Galois descent in this context, and we also discuss the case of derived categories and perverse sheaves. Most of the results are not new, but our aim is to give an accessible introduction to this subject relying only on techniques from basic sheaf theory. Our proofs also illustrate some applications of results about the structure of constructible and perverse sheaves.
Expression of Anaplasma marginale Major Surface Protein 2 Variants during Persistent Cyclic Rickettsemia

ABSTRACT Anaplasma marginale is an intraerythrocytic rickettsial pathogen of cattle in which infection persists for the life of the animal. Persistent A. marginale infection is characterized by repetitive rickettsemic cycles which we hypothesize reflect emergence of A. marginale antigenic variants. In this study, we determined whether variants of major surface protein 2 (MSP-2), a target of protective immunity encoded by a polymorphic multigene family, arise during persistent rickettsemia. By using a quantitative competitive PCR to identify rickettsemic cycles,msp-2 transcripts expressed in vivo were isolated from peak rickettsemia of sequential cycles. Cloning and sequencing ofmsp-2 cDNA revealed that genetic variants of MSP-2 emerge representing a minimum of four genetic variant types in each cycle during persistent infection. Two-color immunofluorescence using variant-specific antibody showed that emergence of MSP-2 variants resulted in expression of a minimum of three antigenic types of MSP-2 within one rickettsemic cycle. Therefore immune control of each cycle would require responses to an antigenically diverse A. marginale population. These findings demonstrate that polymorphic MSP-2 variants emerge during cyclic rickettsemia in persistent A. marginale infection and suggest that emergent variants play an important role in persistence.
Breeding-Season Survival of Male and Female Mallards in Canada's Prairie-Parklands

Abstract Despite greater harvest rates of males, mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) populations exhibit male-biased sex ratios, presumably because females experience greater mortality during breeding seasons than do males. Nest success and adult female survival during the breeding season greatly impact mallard population growth; however, no study has evaluated breeding-season survival of males and females simultaneously using radiotelemetry. We captured, radiomarked, and monitored 90 male and 272 female mallards during 2 breeding seasons in the Prairie-Parkland region of Canada (Manitoba 1998, Saskatchewan 1999). Model-averaged estimates of female breeding season (i.e., 15 Apr–14 Jul) survival probabilities were 0.84 (SE = 0.031) in 1998 and 0.71 (SE = 0.040) in 1999. Estimated survival probabilities of paired males were 0.99 (SE = 0.016) in 1998 and 0.98 (SE = 0.025) in 1999; survival estimates for unpaired males were 0.92 (SE = 0.052) in 1998 and 0.85 (SE = 0.083) in 1999. Female mortality was greatest during periods of intensive nesting, whereas limited male mortalities precluded identification of attributes linked to mortality. Our results suggest that breeding-season survival of males has little impact on mallard population growth, and that management efforts to increase female survival rates offer greater potential to enhance mallard production.
Alteration of HLA-B27 Peptide Presentation after Infection of Transfected Murine L Cells by Shigella flexneri

ABSTRACT Shigella flexneri is a triggering agent for reactive arthritis in HLA-B27-susceptible individuals. Considering the intracellular multiplication of bacteria, it seems likely that bacterial peptides may be presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I pathway. To examine this hypothesis, we infected HLA-B*2705- and/or human β2-microglobulin-transfected murine L-cell lines with M90T, an invasive strain of S. flexneri. Bacterial infection induced no detectable modifications in the biosynthesis and expression level of HLA-B27, as assessed by immunoprecipitation, Northern blot analysis, and flow cytometry. Using confocal microscopy, we observed that bacterial infection induced a clustering of HLA-B27 molecules during macropinocytosis and before bacterial dissemination from cell to cell. Peptides naturally bound to HLA-B27 molecules were acid eluted from infected cells and separated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Major differences were observed in high-performance liquid chromatography profiles and in the nature of peptides presented following bacterial infection. Although most of the antigens presented were not accessed by Edman degradation, we obtained two sequences partially homologous to bacterial proteins. These peptides lacked the major HLA-B27 peptide anchor (Arg) at position 2, and one had an unusual length of 14 amino acids. These data suggest that alterations in the peptide presentation by HLA-B27 occur during infection, which could be relevant to the pathogenesis of HLA-B27-related arthritis.
BREEDING SUCCESS OF NEW ZEALAND PIGEONS (HEMIPHAGA NOVAESEELANDIAE) IN RELATION TO CONTROL OF INTRODUCED MAMMALS

A 55 ha remnant of coastal native forest at Wenderholm Regional Park (near Auckland) was selected as the site for a pilot experiment to test if rat control could yield measurable benefits in increased productivity of New Zealand pigeons. Talon 50WB poison baits were used to reduce rat numbers over the summer of 1992-93. Pigeon breeding success was significantly higher (5 fledglings from 11 nests) than in preceding summers without rat control (no fledglings from 27 nests). __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sensitivity distribution of Venturia inaequalis to fenarimol in Québec apple orchards

Cette etude a ete faite dans le but d'etablir le seuil de sensibilite du Venturia inaequalis au fenarimol, un inhibiteur de la biosynthese de l'ergosterol. Au cours de la saison 1988, des isolats du V. inaequalis ont ete preleves dans 26 vergers commerciaux du Quebec pour un total de 576 isolats monoconidiens. La sensibilite au fenarimol a ete etablie par des tests d'inhibition de la croissance radiale du mycelium. Les valeurs de ED50 obtenues pour les 26 vergers ont varie de 0,024 a 5,212 μg mL-1 pour une moyenne de 0,156 μ g mL-1. Une reduction de sensibilite, exprimee en valeur de ED50, a ete observee dans trois vergers, soit pour 4,51% des isolats testes. Les isolats sensibles avaient un ED50 moyen de 0,079 μg mL-1, et les isolats de sensibilite reduite demontraient un ED50 de 1,714 (μg mL-1, ce qui represente un facteur de resistance de 22. Quatre populations ont ete identifiees en fonction de la distribution de frequence des valeurs de ED50.
Factors influencing cercarial emergence and settlement in the digenean trematode Parorchis acanthus (Philophthalmidae)

The trematode Parorchis acanthus is widely distributed and exhibits a broad host spectrum, with larval stages occurring in marine gastropods and adult flukes parasitizing on various seabird species. Unlike the majority of digeneans, its cercariae do not invade a second intermediate host but encyst on a substrate in the open. In a series of laboratory experiments, we investigated factors influencing cercarial emergence and settlement of P. acanthus. Emergence of cercariae from the gastropod intermediate host Nucella lapillus increased with increasing temperature, whereas cercarial encystment success decreased. Numbers of emerged cercariae were highest in the presence of light and water. However, although in much lower numbers, cercariae were also released from N. lapillus and successfully encysted under relatively dry conditions. Cercariae were found to settle predominantly on filtering blue mussels Mytilus edulis, suggesting that cercarial concentration on the valves is largely facilitated by the bivalve's inhalation current. After being inhaled, cercariae actively emerged from the mussels using their suckers and subsequently encysted on the shells, preferably along the rim of the valves. Barnacle epibionts Semibalanus balanoides were observed to impair cercarial settlement on mussels, by disturbing or preying on cercariae. Whilst settlement success of cercariae on M. edulis increased with increasing mussel density, intensity of encysted metacercariae decreased. Furthermore, cercariae settled more efficiently on small than on large mussels. Our findings suggest that the transmission of P. acanthus cercariae is regulated by a range of abiotic and biotic factors, with filtering activity of mussels playing a key role by enhancing accumulation of cercariae on a substrate suitable for transmission to the bird final host.
Long-term viability of the re-introduced population of the white-tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla in Scotland

The white-tailed eagle became extinct in Scotland early in the twentieth century after persecution by humans. A population has been re-established in western Scotland by the release, mainly as juveniles, of 82 wild-bred birds imported from Norway between 1975 and 1985. Some released immatures wandered widely, but birds settled on fixed home ranges within 100 km of the release site on Rum, usually at 3-4 years old. In 1992 there were c. 19 individuals, including eight pairs, occupying fixed home ranges. There was also an unknown number of immature birds. Annual survival rates were estimated at 73% for young birds prior to settlement and 94% thereafter from the observed numbers of released and established birds. However, estimates were imprecise because of the small size of the population and the lack of reliable individual marks. By 1992 a total of 29 young had been fledged in the wild from five home ranges. None of these young have yet bred. The mean breeding success of released birds increased with age up to 0.465 fledged young/pair/year at about 6 years old. There was significant variation in breeding success among individuals and/or home ranges. 13% of bird-years of occupation of fixed home ranges involved either unmated birds or supernumeraries in the home ranges of pairs, creating trios. A simulation model indicated that the observed proportion of unmated birds was similar to that expected from differences in the numbers of males and females arising by chance. It was estimated from the available demographic data that the population would be more likely to grow slowly than decrease if stochastic effects due to small population size did not operate. However, the 95% confidence interval for the estimated population multiplication rate encompassed decline at 11% per year and growth at 11% per year. Simulation models indicated that, with realistic assumptions about variation among individual birds or ranges and demographic parameters set at their maximum-likelihood values, there was a probability of about 0.6 that the present population would become extinct within 100 years. Only conditions which would permit population growth at 2-3% per year in the absence of stochastic, small-population effects would reduce the probability of extinction within 100 years to less than 0.1. Simulation of supplementary releases of imported juveniles indicated a substantial reduction in extinction risk from the release of a further 60 juveniles. Variation in the rate of release, within a range considered feasible (10 birds per year -1 or 20 birds year -1 ), had little effect on this result.
FREQUENCY OF ABO AND RHESUS (D) BLOOD GROUPS IN DAKSHINA KANNADA DISTRICT OF KARNATAKA - A STUDY FROM RURAL TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN SOUTH INDIA

: Background : ABO and Rh blood groups are most important blood groups in human beings. The frequency of four main blood group systems varies in population throughout the world and even in different parts of country. Objective if this study was to identify distribution of ABO and Rh blood group system. Materials and methods : The study was conducted in rural tertiary care hospital from January 2008 to December 2012. Data were collected from Blood Bank grouping records. All blood samples processed during period of observation were included in study. Results : During the period of observation total 43,103 numbers of blood groups were performed. Patient's samples were 28,305 and donor's samples were 14,798. The frequency of blood group O in our population was 42.0% (40.1% O Rh positive and 1.8% O Rh negative). The frequency of blood group B in our population was 27.3% (25.6% B Rh positive and 1.62% B Rh negative) followed by blood group A was 25.8% ( 24.3% A Rh positive and 1.4% A Rh negative) and blood group AB was 4.8% ( 4.4% AB Rh positive and 1.4% AB Rh negative) and a two Bombay blood group donors (0.0046%). Rh positive were 94.64% and Rh negative were 5.35%. Discussion : O positive blood group is significantly high in our population. Every transfusion centre should have a record of frequency of blood group system in their population. It helps in inventory management. Knowledge of blood group distribution is important for clinical studies, for reliable geographical information and for forensic studies in the population.
Comparison of Tetrodotoxin and Procaine in Internally Perfused Squid Giant Axons

Squid giant axons were internally perfused with tetrodotoxin and procaine, and excitability and electrical properties were studied by means of current-clamp and sucrose-gap voltage-clamp methods. Internally perfused tetrodotoxin was virtually without effect on the resting potential, the action potential, the early transient membrane ionic current, and the late steady-state membrane ionic current even at very high concentrations (1,000–10,000 nM) for a long period of time (up to 36 min). Externally applied tetrodotoxin at a concentration of 100 nM blocked the action potential and the early transient current in 2–3 min. Internally perfused procaine at concentrations of 1–10 mM reversibly depressed or blocked the action potential with an accompanying hyperpolarization of 2–4 mv, and inhibited both the early transient and late steady-state currents to the same extent. The time to peak early transient current was increased. The present results and the insolubility of tetrodotoxin in lipids have led to the conclusion that the gate controlling the flow of sodium ions through channels is located on the outer surface of the nerve membrane.