Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reproductive effort strategies in passerine birds : the role of body state

State-dependent life history theory predicts a trade-off between an individual's state and reproductive effort. The identification and effects of key state variables, however, have not been explored empirically in depth. Although there are some studies which have provided evidence that state-dependent behaviour indeed occurs, the bulk of this work is neither experimental, nor related to reproduction. Furthermore, the quantitative effects of manipulations of specific state variables are invariably unknown (McNamara & Houston 1996). This thesis explores potential trade-offs between state and behaviour and determines if energy reserves can be employed as a useful state variable. In contrast to other empirical studies, parental states (energy reserve at dawn) were experimentally manipulated using a direct method, namely changes in overnight temperature (Warming, Chilling and Control). The effects of these temperature changes were quantified using indirect calorimetry. Responses to these experimental manipulations were measured by behavioural observations, a common method in behavioural ecology, but were also quantified in terms of energy expenditure, with the aid of the doubly labelled water technique. Thus, this thesis provides a unique quantitative approach, in that it measures both manipUlations and responses in the currency of energy. Individual energy reserves at dawn significantly affected resource allocation decisions the subsequent day. Birds with surplus energy upon release increased the number of feeding visits to their nestlings whilst in parallel increasing energy expenditure. Those with an energy deficit at dawn, conversely decreased nest visitation rates along with energy expenditure. There were no effects of temperature manipulations upon mass or fatscore changes over the trial period, suggesting a regulation of somatic investment at a threshold level, whilst reproductive effort was varied depending on parental state. The responses to positive manipUlations (warming) were congruent"°across two species with differing foraging ecologies: the swallow, an aerial feeder foraging in a variable environment; and the great tit, foraging in relatively stable woodland. Thus, the behavioural and energetic responses seen here were not the result of species-specific strategies. This points the way towards a general rule within st~te-dependent behaviour. The trade-off identified here implies that reproduction carries a cost, and that reproductive effort will be reduced if an animal's survival is jeopardized and vice versa:
Taxonomy of the genus Prunus L. (Rosaceae) in Turkey.

The taxonomy of the genus PrunusL. in Turkey is studied in detail. According to morphological characters, descriptions of the species have been evaluated and completed. P. kurdica Fenzl ex Fritsch, P. cocomilia Ten. var. puberula(Schneider) Browicz and P. divaricata Ledeb. subsp. ursina (Kotschy) Browicz are reduced to synonyms. A new key for the identification of the species has been prepared. Illustrations and distribution maps of particular species in Turkey were added to other information. Furthermore, data concerning habitat, altitude, flowering and fruiting time, distribution, chromosome numbers and taxonomic discussion for some species are given. Three new synonyms are proposed here. Palynological and anatomical results of many samples are discussed.
Heterosis in Cepaea

A test has been made of the association of heterozygosity with shell breadth in the polymorphic snail Cepaea nemoralis. The material was collected by C. B. Goodhart from a series of paired sites at which individuals reached different adult breadths. Dominant phenotypes, in which a large fraction was heterozygous, had a greater breadth and lower variance than recessive phenotypes regardless of whether the measurement was of shell ground colour, banding or the double recessive vs. the rest. Most of the difference was contributed by samples from the habitat where animals reached the largest size. The result is consistent with existence of heterotic sections of chromosome that include the colour and banding loci, and may help to explain the persistence of the polymorphism.
Uso de microarray para determinação da expressão gênica diferencial em oócitos Bos Taurus Indicus e Bos Taurus Taurus submetidos ao estresse térmico

Genetic divergences in thermotolerance have been demonstrated between Bos taurus taurus (Holstein) and Bos taurus indicus (Nelore) animals. The deleterious effect of heat stress on oocyte developmental potential is greater for Bos taurus taurus as compared to Bos taurus indicus oocytes. Therefore, the present study determined transcriptome profile in Nelore and Holstein oocytes subjected heat shock during in vitro maturation (IVM) as well as mRNA abundance of selected candidate genes in Nelore and Holstein heat-shocked oocytes and cumulus cells. Non-lactating Holstein and Nelore cows were subjected to ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration during the cool season. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were randomly assigned to control (38.5°C for 22 hours) and heat shock (41°C for 12 hours followed by 38.5°C for 10 hours) treatments during IVM. Denuded oocytes were subjected to Affymetrix bovine microarray. Genes with fold change of at least 1.5 and P< 0.05 were considered differently expressed. Microarray analyses demonstrated 127, 9 and 6 genes differentially expressed between Breed, Temperature and Breed x Temperature interaction, respectively. Selected differentially expressed genes were evaluated by RTPCR in oocytes and respective cumulus cells. There was a positive correlation between oocyte microarray and RT-PCR fold change for the genes KIF3A, CLDN11, BIRC3, DAP, MT1E, CCT4, DICER1 and DENND3. In particular, the member of the kinesin family 3A (KIF3A) gene was up-regulated in Holstein oocytes, while the deathassociated protein (DAP) and the protein trafficking gene DENN/MADD domain containing 3 (DENND3) were down-regulated in Holstein oocytes as compared to Nelore. The mRNA relative abundance of the antioxidant molecule metallothionein 1E (MT1E) was higher in Holstein cumulus cells, whereas, claudin 11 (CLDN11) that participates in cellular tight junctions, was higher in Nelore. Moreover, heat shock down regulated MT1E mRNA abundance in cumulus cells. In conclusion, global gene expression profile in Nelore and Holstein oocytes subjected to heat shock indicated a strong difference between breeds. Such differences were not regulated by temperature. However, cumulus cells mRNA relative abundance was affected by Breed and Temperature.
Antioxidative properties of phenolic acids and interaction with endogenous minor components during frying

The ability of selected phenolic acids to improve the frying performance of canola oil was evaluated in a frying test. The frying performance of the oil was assessed by analysis of total polar components (TPC), level of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), and the rate of formation of volatile carbonyl compounds (VCC). All the tested phenolic acids; ferulic acid (FA), caffeic acid (CA), dihydrocaffeic acid (HCA), gallic acid (GA), and vanillic acid (VA) significantly increased the frying performance of canola oil triacylglycerols (CTG). At the end of the frying test, the amount of TPC in CTG was 22.9 ± 1.0% compared to a maximum of 18.8 ± 0.8% in CTG fortified with the phenolic acids. Similarly, the level of HNE was reduced by up to 45% when it was supplemented with phenolic acids. The results showed that ethyl ferulate (EF) was a better antioxidant than FA under frying conditions; HCA offered a slightly better protection than CA; and the cinnamic acid derivative, FA was better than VA, its benzoic acid analogue. A significant synergy was observed between phenolic acids and the sterol fraction isolated from canola oil. The observed synergy was attributed to the possible formation of steryl phenolates during the frying test. Practical applications: The poor thermal stability of polyunsaturated oils limits their application for prolonged frying. PUFA offer important health benefits and can improve nutritional value of fried foods. Contrary to the commonly applied synthetic antioxidants, the phenolic acids tested in this study often are part of endogenous oil components present in oilseeds and also in some oils, and are known for their positive health benefits. Thus, the simple phenolic acids, especially the cinnamic acid derivatives may be applied as potent antioxidants to protect oils during thermal processes used for food production.
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate: lessons learned from an experimental mass vaccination of free‐ranging dog populations

Domestic animal populations have the potential to act as reservoirs for multi‐host pathogens, which may be transmitted to native species and cause population declines or extirpations. Domestic dogs are known reservoirs for several multi‐host pathogens that may be transmitted to native carnivores. Mass vaccination of dogs has been suggested as a tool for mitigating the disease threat to sympatric carnivores. To determine the extent to which such mass vaccination programs are practicable and appropriate for large, free‐ranging dog populations, a vaccination experiment was undertaken in six villages adjoining the Great Indian Bustard Wildlife Sanctuary in central India. Dogs from three villages were vaccinated against rabies virus, canine adenovirus (CAV), canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine distemper virus (CDV) (treatment dogs), while those from three other villages were only vaccinated against rabies virus (control dogs). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers against CAV, CPV and CDV in control and treatment dogs were determined on four occasions during the study. When first examined, a large proportion of the initially unvaccinated adult dogs in both the control and treatment group were IgG antibody positive, indicating prior natural exposure. Dogs recovering from natural infection because of CAV, CPV and CDV develop a lifelong immunity and are thus protected against these pathogens. For each of the three viruses, background antibody seroprevalence rates were generally > 72%. Furthermore, several unvaccinated adult dogs acquired protection against these pathogens during the study. Vaccination failed to increase the proportion of adult dogs with IgG antibodies against CAV, CPV or CDV in the treatment group compared with the control group, as much of the effort was put into vaccinating dogs that were already antibody positive. In such situations, vaccination of adult dogs against these enzootic viral pathogens seems unnecessary, and would escalate the cost‐benefit ratio of dog disease control programs.
A White-capped Albatross, Thalassarche [cauta] steadi, at South Georgia: first confirmed record in the south-western Atlantic

Abstract Although albatrosses typically show strong natal philopatry, a small proportion of birds emigrate to distant colonies, occasionally establishing new breeding sites and potentially initiating speciation events. Patterns of albatross distribution and speciation may be determined largely by the behaviour of these few wayward individuals. In February 2003, a male White-capped Albatross, Thalassarche [cauta] steadi (identified from DNA), was observed in a colony of Black-browed Albatrosses, T. melanophrys, at Bird Island, South Georgia. It returned to the same colony the following austral spring. Although there have been previous records of shy-type albatrosses (T. [cauta] steadi or T. [cauta] cauta) in the south-western Atlantic Ocean, this is the first confirmed record of either taxon, and indicates the potential for colonisation, over 10000 km from its present breeding range.
IMMUNOMODULATION OF CRASSOSTREA GIGAS AND CRASSOSTREA VIRGINICA CELLULAR DEFENSE MECHANISMS BY PERKINSUS MARINUS

Abstract The eastern oyster is an economically and ecologically important species whose vitality is threatened by the protozoal parasite Perkinsus marinus. To better understand which cellular defense mechanisms impart resistance to P. marinus, resistant (Crassostrea gigas) and susceptible (Crassostrea virginica) oyster species were challenged by an experimental infection with P. marinus and their cellular responses were quantified and compared. Both in vivo and in vitro infection trials measured hemocyte phagocytosis, respiratory burst, apoptosis at 1, 3 and 7 days postinfection (in vivo) or 1-h postco-incubation (in vitro). Total parasite body burden concentrations were also measured at the end of in vivo infections. Infections were significantly more severe in C. virginica than C. gigas at 3 and 7 days postinfection confirming the resistance of C. gigas and validating the experimental model. There was more phagocytosis in infected C. virginica than infected C. gigas three days postinfection. In vitro, C. virginica granulocytes phagocytized significantly more parasites and fluorescent latex beads than C. gigas granulocytes, and infection increased bead phagocytosis in both species, equally in cells with or without intracellular parasites. Neither in vivo nor in vitro infections significantly increased respiratory burst activity. While in vitro infections suppressed hemocyte apoptosis in both species, in vivo infections increased hemocyte apoptosis frequency in C. gigas at 3 days postinfection. In vivo infection increased hemocyte apoptosis in C. virginica at 7 days postinfection but not at three days postinfection. From those experiments, we concluded that the increased phagocytosis without concomitant increase in respiratory burst activity seen in infected C. virginica might exacerbate infections. Also, while in vitro P. marinus infection suppresses hemocyte apoptosis in both species, C. gigas appeared to overcome that suppression faster than C. virginica upon in vivo infection, suggesting that hemocyte apoptosis may be an effective oyster defense response against P. marinus infection. The combination in vitro and in vivo infections in P. marinus disease resistant and susceptible oyster species with multiple time points and assays allowed the identification of apoptosis as the cellular defense mechanism most likely to play an important role in defense against P. marinus. This information may provide more accurate predictive criteria for disease resistance, allowing for the testing and selection of more disease resistant oysters.
Genetic Structure of a Population of the Endangered Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias) in Southern Texas

Abstract We used data on alleles of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in 142 individuals of the star cactus Astrophytum asterias from five subpopulations to estimate genetic parameters. Four of the subpopulations had high levels of heterozygosity and allelic diversity compatible with efficient outcrossing, and low FST-values that suggested high rates of gametic gene flow effected by winged-insect pollinators. The fifth subpopulation that was small and occupied the smallest area had low levels of heterozygosity and allelic diversity, which can be caused by small populations, inbreeding, geographic isolation, and founder effect. Our research indicated that all subpopulations, except one, were genetically suitable sources of propagules for reintroduction or for augmentation of other populations. Resumen Utilizamos datos de los alelos de siete loci polimórficos de microsatélites en 142 individuos del cactus Astrophytum asterias provenientes de cinco subpoblaciones para estimar los parámetros genéticos. Cuatro de las subpoblaciones mostraron altos niveles de heterozigosidad y diversidad alélica, siendo compatibles con cruzamiento exógeno eficiente, y bajos valores de FST, los cuales sugirieron flujo gamético de genes intermediados por insectos voladores como polinizadores. La quinta subpoblación, que era pequeña y ocupaba el área más pequeña, mostró bajos niveles de heterozigosidad y diversidad alélica, lo que puede ser consecuencia de un pequeño tamaño poblacional, endogamia, aislamiento geográfico y el efecto de fundadores. Nuestra investigación indicó que todas las subpoblaciones, menos una, eran genéticamente apropiadas para servir como fuentes para la reintroducción de la especie o el aumento de otras poblaciones.
C‐banding, Ag‐NOR localization and chromosomal repatterning in Sardinian Bacillus atticus (Insecta, Phasmatodea)

Abstract All demcs of Sardinian Bacillus atticus share a 2n = 33 karyotype which is fully comparable to the standard one (2n = 34), except for a Robertsonian fusion of the two chromosomes of pair 11. Furthermore, the San Vito population shows a cytotype with 34 elements, derived from the common 33‐chromosomes with the addition of an unusual, all‐heterochromatic large acrocentric one. C‐banding and silver staining have revealed a rather constant heterocromatin and NOR localizations in all samples; this suggests a most likely derivation of all Sardinian demes from common founder(s). The cytogenetic degree of differentiation of Sardinian B. atticus from other conspecific Italian demes, and from the bisexual B. grandii, is discussed. No cytogenetic evidence supporting the repeatedly stated hybrid structure of B. atticus is revealed from karyological studies, and the hybrid origin of B. atticus can be maintained on genetical grounds only. It is also suggested that the odd chromosome in the San Vito cytotype de.
Topografia do cone medular da paca (Agouti paca, Linnaeus - 1766)

We object in this work to determine the skeleton sintopy of the medular cone termination of the paca relating to the lumbar and sacral vertebrae, thus aiming at establishing morphometric and topographical parameters of the medular cone in this specie. We accomplished the dissection through skin incision, subcutaneous divulsion and dissection of the vertebral column dorsal region musculature, sectioning and removing the vertebrae arcs for better visualization of the spinal medulla. After the individualization of the medular cone, we registered the anatomical aspects of interest, emphasizing the basis and its apex in relation to the vertebrae, following the measuring of the region using a caliper rule; photographs and schematic drawing were made to register the findings of studied specimens.
The Sensitivity of Dermatophytes to the Antimicrobial Activity of Manuka Honey and Other Honey

Honey has been reported to have antifungal activity and so was tested against clinical isolates of the common dermatophyte species which cause tineas in man. A honey with an average level of hydrogen peroxide, and a manuka (Leptospermum scoparium J. R. and G. Forst, family Myrtaceae) honey with an average level of non-peroxide antibacterial activity were used. An agar well diffusion assay was used, the contents of the wells being replaced with freshly prepared honey solutions at 24-h intervals over the 3–4 days of incubation. The lowest concentrations (% v/v, in steps of 5%) of manuka honey with catalase added to remove hydrogen peroxide, and of the other honey (without catalase) showed that inhibition of growth around the wells were, respectively, Epidermophyton floccosum 25%, 10%; Microsporum canis 25%, 15%; Microsporum gypseum 55%, 20%; Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale 45%, 15%; Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes 25%, 15%; Trichophyton rubrum 20%, 5% and Trichophyton tonsurans 25%, 20%. No inhibitory activity was detected with the other honey at 50% (v/v) with catalase added. The results of this investigation show that the common dermatophytes are sensitive to the antimicrobial activity of honey, indicating that clinical evaluation of honey in the treatment of tineas is warranted. This would determine whether the hydrogen peroxide or the non-peroxide antifungal agent diffuses better into the skin.
Mallard survival and nesting ecology in the Lower Great Lakes Region, New York

Ecology of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) breeding in the Lower Great Lakes Region of the United States has not been investigated as comprehensively as mid-continent populations of this species. We studied mallard breeding ecology in the Cowaselon Creek Watershed Area in New York during 2003–2004. Daily and 100-day breeding season survival of female mallards (n = 41) was 0.997 and 0.782, respectively, and was positively influenced by female age and body mass at time of capture. Eight radiomarked female mallards were killed by either mammalian or avian predators. Earliest and latest nest initiation dates were 14 April and 24 May 2003–2004, respectively, and females initiated nests in wetlands 10 days earlier than in uplands. Overall, average clutch size was 9.4 ± 0.32 eggs (SE), and probability of reproductive success of females was 0.27, with nest success in wetlands and uplands of 0.71 and 0.42, respectively. Daily and 35-day nest success was 0.968 and 0.326, respectively. We found an estimated 70% of all initiated nests prior to clutch destruction or hatch; thus, our estimates of nesting and re-nesting effort may be biased low. Survival of breeding females and nest success were comparable or exceeded parameter estimates from other regions of the mallard breeding range. We suggest that wetland and upland habitats are both important to nesting mallards in New York and elsewhere in the Lower Great Lakes Region. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Phylogeny and systematics of the subfamily Bryocorinae based on morphology with emphasis on the tribe Dicyphini sensu Schuh,

The classification of the hyperdiverse true bug family Miridae is far from settled, and is particularly contentious for the cosmopolitan subfamily Bryocorinae. The morphological diversity within the subfamily is pronounced, and a lack of explicit character formulation hampers stability in the classification. Molecular partitions are few and only a handful of taxa have been sequenced. In this study the phylogeny of the subfamily Bryocorinae has been analysed based on morphological data alone, with an emphasis on evaluating the tribe Dicyphina sensu Schuh, 1976, within which distinct groups of taxa exist. A broad sample of taxa was examined from each of the bryocorine tribes. A broad range of outgroup taxa from most of the other mirid subfamilies was also examined to test for bryocorine monophyly, ingroup relationships and to determine character polarity. In total a matrix comprising 44 ingroup, 15 outgroup taxa and 111 morphological characters was constructed. The phylogenetic analysis resulted in a monophyletic subfamily Bryocorinae sensu Schuh (1976, 1995), except for the genus Palaucoris, which is nested within Cylapinae. The tribe Dicyphini sensu Schuh (1976, 1995) has been rejected. The subtribe Odoniellina is synonymized with the subtribe Monaloniina and the subtribes Dicyphina, Monaloniina and Eccritotarsina are now elevated to tribal level, with the Dicyphini now restricted in composition and definition. The genus Felisacus is highly autapomorphic and a new tribe – the Felisacini – is erected for the included taxa. This phylogeny of the tribes of the Bryocorinae comprises the following sister‐group relationships: Dicyphini ((Bryocorini + Eccritotarsini)(Felisicini + Monaloniini)).