Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth of nestling sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus)

Growth rates, mortality and parental care of nestling sparrowhawks were studied in southwest Scotland. Ae Forest was a conifer plantation 200–400 metres above sea-level, while the Annan valley consisted of farmland, woods, and small plantations on low ground. Nestling sparrowhawks were measured daily from hatching for 21–24 days. Weight, tarsus length and outermost primary feather length were recorded. Nestlings could be sexed by the age of 16 days from the larger size of females, which were significantly heavier than males at one day, had longer tarsi at nine days, and longer primaries at 18 days. Growth rates were calculated using linear regression over standardized periods of about 10 days. Growth rates were independent of brood size, and were negatively correlated with hatching date in one area. Hatching order and growth rate were correlated within broods. The greatest differences in growth rates were found between zones of Ae Forest, and between forest and valley. Twenty-one per cent of nestlings over two days old died. Causes of mortality were starvation, wet weather, predation and desertion. Most of the mortality occurred in parts of Ae Forest remote from valley woodlands. The presence or absence of the adult female was noted on nest visits. When habitually brooding, until the young were 11 days old, the hen was present on about 85% of visits. By fledging this figure fell to 66% in the valley, and to 32% in the forest. The development of sexual dimorphism is discussed; females gained weight and body size faster than males, which developed various skills sooner. It is suggested that differences in growth rates between parts of the study area were related to food supply. Poor growth rates, high mortality, and lack of parental care all occurred in areas which were remote from sources of abundant prey, as measured by song-bird censuses.
Impact of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae on Viability of Probiotic Lactobacillus Rhamnosus in Fermented Milk under Ambient Conditions

The viability of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 was examined in fermented milk with and without Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. bayanus EC-1118. The yeast enhanced the viability of L. rhamnosus at 30C but not at 12C. High temperature (40C) was detrimental to yeast vitality and diminished its viability-enhancing effect. The yeast inoculated at 103 cfu/g multiplied to 106 cfu/g and enhanced the viability of L. rhamnosus. Viable yeast exerted maximum beneficial effects, although the cell-free yeast supernatant also enhanced the survival of L. rhamnosus. The addition of yeast after fermentation decreased its viability-enhancing effect. Removal of oxygen achieved the viability of L. rhamnosus that was comparable with that achieved in the presence of viable yeast. The results suggest that the improved viability of L. rhamnosus might involve yeast viability, oxygen removal and yeast metabolite(s). The findings would help develop novel microbial starter technology for ambient-stable fermented milks with live probiotics. Practical Applications Maintaining cell viability of probiotics is a scientific challenge, especially under ambient conditions. The findings of this study would lay the foundation for developing novel microbial starter technology for ambient-stable fermented foods with high cell counts of live probiotics, which entails stringent process and engineering control to ensure hygienic conditions and product safety. Benefits of such products would include: reducing distribution and storage costs by saving capital cost involved in chilled-chain distribution, storage and retailing; market penetration and growth where it was not possible due to a lack of or poor refrigeration; extending shelf life and increasing consumer convenience.
Modification of muscle inherent properties through age at slaughter, growth promotants and breed crosses

Girard, I. , Aalhus, J. L. , Basarab, J. A. , Larsen, I. L. and Bruce, H. L. 2011. Modification of muscle inherent properties through age at slaughter, growth promotants and breed crosses. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 635-648. A 24 factorial experiment tested the interactions of slaughter age (12-13 or 18-20 mo), growth hormone use, ß-adrenergic agonist (ß-AA) use and breed cross [Hereford-Aberdeen Angus (HAA) or Charolais-Red Angus (CRA)] on the composition, fibre types, and connective tissue characteristics of m. semitendinosus (ST) and m. gluteus medius (GM) from 112 crossbred steers. Muscle weights increased with slaughter age, implantation and CRA genetics (P<0.05), but were not affected by ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC) (P>0.10). Animal age increased fast glycolytic (FG) and decreased fast oxidative glycolytic (FOG) fibre percentages by 7.2 and 6.6%, respectively, in the ST and increased slow oxidative (SO) and FOG fibre areas in both muscles (P<0.05). Cross-sectional areas of all fibre types were increased in the ST with implantation. In the GM, implantation increased SO (3.1%) and reduced FOG (3.2%) fibre percentages, while RAC reduced the SO (3.8%) and increased the FG (6.1%) fibre percentages (P<0.05). Only GM total collagen content increased with slaughter age (P<0.05),but collagen solubility decreased with slaughter age for both muscles (P<0.05). CRA genetics increased FG percentage in the GM of yearling-fed steers and increased moisture and protein and reduced fat contents of both muscles (P<0.05). In the muscles studied, IMP, slaughter age and animal genetics induced greater changes in muscle inherent properties than RAC.
A Temperature and Humidity Study of Citrus Rust Mite Employing a Constant Humidity Air-flow Technique

Citrus rust mites were cultured and acclimatized on green, coastal lemon fruit and subjected to 6 constant relative humidities ranging from 15–90% RH (±5%) each at 5 constant temperatures ranging from 15–35°C (±1%). We achieved the desired humidity control at the different temperatures by means of an original air-flow system without exposing the mites to an accumulation of toxic gases which evolve naturally from lemons. Initial and terminal mite counts provided data on population growth rate under each condition. A regression formula ( k = −0.709983−1.412307H+0.124868HT−0.002545HT2) was developed to calculate the association between population growth rate ( k ) and constant conditions of temperature ( T ) and humidity ( H ). The correlation found between observed growth rate and the calculated growth rate of the T-H model was significant at the 0.1% level. Both temperature, a quadratic factor, and humidity, a linear factor, appear to strongly affect the ability of the citrus rust mite to increase in numbers. The theoretical optimal temperature (24.5°C) and limiting temperatures (17.6 and 31.4°C) as well as lethal and limiting humidity levels, depending on temperature, were also derived from the regression equation.
Delay in Mosaic Virus Onset and Aphid Vector Reduction in Summer Squash Grown on Reflective Mulches

Silver reflective plastic mulches were compared with conventional bare-ground culture of yellow crookneck summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L. var. melopepo Alef.) for reducing aphids and the following mosaic virus diseases: cucumber mosaic, watermelon mosaic I and II, zucchini yellows mosaic, and squash mosaic. Plants grown on silver plastic mulch produced higher marketable yields than those grown on bare ground. Other colors (white, yellow, and black with yellow edges) of plastic mulch were intermediate in their effects on aphid population and virus disease reduction. Silver reflective mulch alone and silver reflective mulch with insecticide were superior to other colors of plastic mulch in reducing aphid populations. Silver reflective plastic mulch, with or without insecticide, resulted in 10 to 13 days delay in the onset of the mosaic diseases noted.
A Comparison of Early Field Results of White Pine Blister Rust Resistance in Sugar Pine and Western White Pine

The cooperation of USDA Forest Service’s Region 5 (Pacific Southwest Region) for use of their Happy Camp test site and the input given by Dean Davis and Deems Burton to the planting and with the first assessment are gratefully acknowledged. Input from B.B. Kinloch and Westfall from USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Research Station was also valuable for this young trial. Establishment of this planting was made possible through funding from the USDA Forest Service, Forest Health and Protection Program, with special assistance from the Pacific Northwest Region. Thanks are also due to Lee Riley and other personnel at DGRC who organized the seedling culture and transport of plants. Robert Danchok, Sally Long, and Ann Willyard provided vital help with the rust assessment in summer of 1999. The cost of publishing this paper was defrayed in part by the payment of page charges. Under postal regulations, this paper therefore must be hereby marked advertisement solely to indicate this fact. ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. white pine blister rust, Cronartium ribicola, western white pine, Pinus monticola, sugar pine, Pinus lambertiana, resistance, bark reaction
Leaf dynamics and maintenance of tree crowns in a Malaysian rain forest stand

1 Leaf demography was examined for trees of various heights over a 3.7‐year period in a Malaysian rain forest. We compared demography between upper and lower parts of the crown and its relation to height. The results were analysed at the stand level by pooling several trees of various shade‐tolerant species, as well as three species for which multiple individuals were sampled. 2 Photon flux density was generally higher in the upper than in the lower crowns. Leaf production rate and leaf loss rate were faster, and number of leaf cohorts and median leaf life span were therefore lower, in the upper crowns of most trees. Faster rates of leaf loss and shorter life spans were associated with increasing height, although leaf production rate was unaffected. 3 Leaf life span and specific leaf area were plastic traits which decreased with height within several shade‐tolerant tree species, indicating functional convergence. 4 Vertical distribution of leaf biomass was almost even in the stand. Because leaf life span was shorter in the upper canopy, these leaves contributed most to litter production. The vertical structure of the forest stand was therefore maintained through dynamic processes in trees of various heights over short time‐scales.
Pesquisa de Listeria monocytogenes em solos

Was investigated the presence of L. monocytogenes in 20 samples from surface soils, from different ecological areas of Rio de Janeiro State (urban, pasture, forest and plantation areas). The bacteriological analysis revealed 32 samples showing more incidence in the non cultivated soil which represented 56.25% of the isolations: the urban area contributed with 25.0%. In the survey destached the serotypes L1/2b (46.87%), L4b (25.0%) and L1/2a (18.75%) as more frequent although the incidence was heterogeneous in relation to the analysed areas. Amongst the several studied aspects must be emphasized that 50.0% of the samples showed to be pathogenic due to the production of ceratoconjuntivites in guinea pigs which is very much related with hemolitic activity "in vitro". Therefore the virulent and non virulent strains of l. monocytogenes can survive under the conditions imposed by the soil being probably the primary motive of this contamination the stools eliminated by different species of harbouring animals, confirmed by the presence of fecal coliforms in the analised areas.
Rumen degradation of oil palm fronds is improved through pre-digestion with white rot fungi but not through supplementation with yeast or enzymes

Hassim, H. A. , Lourenço, M. , Goh, Y. M. , Baars, J. J. P. and Fievez, V. 2012. Rumen degradation of oil palm fronds is improved through pre-digestion with white rot fungi but not through supplementation with yeast or enzymes. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 79-87. Rumen fermentation kinetics of oil palm fronds (OPF) supplemented or not with enzymes (Hemicell® or Allzyme SSF®) or yeasts (Levucell®SC or Yea-Sacc®) were studied through an in vitro gas production test (96 h) (exp. 1). In exp. 2, enzymes were supplemented to OPF pre-treated during 3 or 9 wk with either one of five white rot fungi strains. Yeasts and enzymes were tested both in active and inactive forms, which revealed the most appropriate set-up to distinguish between the rate of supplements as direct contributors to the fermentation substrate vs. stimulators of the fermentation of the basal substrate. In exp 1, addition of active and inactive Yea-Sacc® increased the apparently rumen degradable carbohydrates (ARDC) by 11%, whereas enzymes did not affect rumen degradability of non-inoculated OPF. Neither yeast nor enzymes influenced the rate of gas production of non-inoculated OPF, except for active Hemicell® at the low dose. In exp. 2, inoculation of OPF with Ceriporiopsis subvermispora for 3 wk and Lentinula edodes for 9 wk increased ARDC, but additional enzyme supplementation did not further improve ARDC or the rate of gas production.
Home Range and Habitat Selection by Northern Spotted Owls on the Eastern Slope of the Cascade Mountains, Washington

Abstract We used radiotelemetry to study space use and habitat selection of 16 Northern Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) on the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains, Washington, U.S.A. , in 1989–1990. We used a geographical information system (GIS) and aerial photo interpretation of digital orthophotos to assign owl locations a value for vegetation type, topographic position, amount of edge, and distance to water. We compared owl relocations and random locations within 95% fixed kernel (FK) home ranges to determine each owl's selection of cover types, using logistic regression and generalized estimating equations (GEE) to estimate an exponential resource selection function likelihood. Minimum convex polygon (MCP) home ranges (SE) averaged 2858 ha (712 ha) for males and 1883 ha (249 ha) for females. Individual 95% FK home ranges averaged 1980 ha (229 ha) for males and 1649 ha (163 ha) for females. Pair home ranges averaged 3419 ha (826 ha) for MCP and 2427 ha (243 ha) for 95% FK. Nonbreeding season home ranges averaged approximately 3.5 times larger than breeding season home ranges for both males and females. Our best habitat model indicated that owls selected closed-canopy forests with a component of large (≥50 cm dbh) trees for roosting and foraging. In a given cover type, owls foraged lower on the slope. Management circles centered on nest areas—commonly used as a surrogate for home ranges—can be relatively poor representations of actual ranges used by pairs. However, an alternative for managing Spotted Owl home ranges is not readily available. Maintaining sufficient closed-canopy forest to provide habitat for Spotted Owls in the dry, fire-prone forests on the eastern slope of the Washington Cascades will be a challenge because forestry methods used to reduce the risk or severity of fire generally reduce the prevalence of structural features that characterize good Spotted Owl habitat.
Investigating the control of inter-homologue recombination and synapsis during meiosis in Arabidopsis thaliana

During meiosis, axis formation and synapsis of homologous chromosomes are tightly co-ordinated with meiotic recombination. This study investigates the influence of chromosome axis and synaptonemal complex proteins on meiotic crossover formation. The study involved the characterization of a novel protein, AtASY3, required for normal meiosis in Arabidopsis. Analysis of Atasy3 mutants revealed that loss AtASY3 compromises chromosome axis formation, synapsis and normal levels of crossover formation. Further analysis revealed that loss of AtASY3 disrupts the axial organization of AtASY1. In separate studies, colleagues found that AtASY3 and AtASY1 are able to interact. Together, these results suggest that AtASY3 is a functional homologue of the budding yeast axis protein, Red1. Since studies in budding yeast indicate that Red1 and Hop1 (homologue of AtASY1) play a key role in establishing a bias to favour inter-homologue recombination, this study suggests that AtASY3 and AtASY1 may have a similar role in Arabidopsis. The study also involved the analysis of the putative phosphorylation site, residue T295, on AtASY1. This revealed that T295 is essential for AtASY1-mediated crossover formation during meiosis. Additionally, a potential meiotic role for the RECQ DNA helicase, AtRECQ4B was investigated, however, the protein does not appear to be essential for Arabidopsis meiosis.
Immunoregulation of multiple sclerosis by gut environmental factors

Microbiota exist symbiotically in the human gut to aid the digestion of nutrients. However, gut microbiota also have immunoregulatory properties. The hygiene hypothesis describes the idea that environmental factors, such as diet, pollution, antibiotic use, vitamin D insufficiency and increased sanitation/hygiene, can alter the natural development of the immune system, thus making individuals more susceptible to allergy or autoimmune disease. Therefore, factors that are more prevalent in the current environment and living a “modern” lifestyle have depleted important microbiota in the gut that “shape” the development of our immune system. Studies in animal models of disease have shown that alterations in gut microbiota can affect autoimmune diseases, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and that specific bacterial species are involved in pathogenic (pro‐T helper 17 cells) or regulatory (Foxp3+ regulatory T cells) pathways. Recent multiple sclerosis studies have also reported changes in gut microbiota between multiple sclerosis patients and healthy individuals. The role of these microbiota in disease, as well as which specific microbial products mediate their effects, will be important for the development of probiotic therapies. The present review provides an overview of the evidence regarding gut microbiota, how it relates to the immune system, and recent evidence in animal models and human disease with a focus on the central nervous system demyelinating disease, multiple sclerosis.
Eficiência do fungicida carboxin + thiram no tratamento de sementes de amendoim

Fungicide seed treatment is a cheap insurance for peanut seed producers and growers. Correct fungicide use can contribute to better performance of the propagation material, increasing the yield. The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of carboxin + thiram and the viability of the use of vegetable oil and an organo-sillicone based surphactant as fungicide vehicle for seed-borne fungi control. Two doses of carboxin + thiram (50 + 50 and 70 +70 g a.i./100 kg seeds) prepared in water, plus one dose ( 50 + 50 g a.i./100 kg ) mixed with the vegetable oil and the surphactant were tested. The evaluation was based on seed germination and vigour and further field establishment of the crop. It was verified that the most important benefits of seed treatment were the significative reduction of dead seeds and the pre-emergence damping-off. Both doses of fungicide prepared in water were efficient for the control of seed-born pathogens, except for Rhizopus sp. The vegetable oil and the surphactant provided better covering and adherence of the fungicide to seeds, increasing the efficiency for the control of Aspergillus spp and Penicillium spp. No phytotoxic effect of the fungicide and the vehicle agents was detected on the peanut seeds.
Germinação de Pyrostegia venusta (Bignoniaceae), viabilidade de sementes e desenvolvimento pós-seminal

The effect of light and temperature on the germination of Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl.) Miers was studied by isothermic incubations. The seeds of this species do not present photoblastism, and can germinate equally in the presence and absence of light. The minimum temperature for germination is between 10 and 15 °C and the maximum between 35 and 40 °C. The germination rate was higher at 35 °C, despite the fact that no statistically significant differences in the germinability were observed at 25, 30 and 35 °C. At 25 °C, germination initiates at the 7th day, while the development of the first pair of leaves occurs after 22 days of experiment. The seeds viability is better maintained when these are stored in glass containers at low temperatures. Germination in a wide range of temperature, and the absence of photoblastism allow the species to germinate in open areas and under the canopy, favoring its distribution in the different physiognomies of the Cerrado biome.
Role of α8 integrin in mesangial cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation

Role of α8 integrin in mesangial cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Background Extracellular matrix receptors of the integrin family are known to regulate cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. The α8 integrin chain is expressed in the glomerulus exclusively by mesangial cells. The contribution of α8 to mesangial cell function, however, has not yet been studied. Methods Mesangial cells from wild-type and α8-deficient mice were isolated and characterized. Integrin expression was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, or fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis. Cell adhesion was determined by conventional attachment assay and a centrifugal assay for cell adhesion. Cell migration was determined by a fluorescence-based transmigration assay and a chemotaxis assay. Proliferation rates were determined by BrdU and [ 3 H]-thymidine assays. Results On the α8 ligands fibronectin and vitronectin, but not on collagens, attachment of α8-deficient mesangial cells was reduced compared to wild-type cells. In contrast, α8-deficient mesangial cells migrated more easily and displayed an increased proliferative response on fibronectin or vitronectin, but not on collagens, compared to wild-type cells. These effects were not due to an up-regulation of the fibronectin or vitronectin receptors α5 or αv in α8-deficient mesangial cells, as the cell surface expression of integrins α5 and αv was comparable in wild-type and α8-deficient mesangial cells. Conclusion These findings confirm a role for α8 integrin in the regulation of the mesangial cell phenotype. α8 integrin seems to promote adhesion, but inhibit migration and proliferation of mesangial cells. Thus, the data support the hypothesis that α8 integrin could play an important role for maintaining tissue integrity in the glomerulus during glomerular injury.
DEPARTURE FUEL LOADS IN TIME-MINIMIZING MIGRATING BIRDS CAN BE EXPLAINED BY THE ENERGY COSTS OF BEING HEAVY

Lindstrom & Alerstam (1992Am. Nat.140,477–491) presented a model that predicts optimal departure fuel loads as a function of the rate of fuel deposition in time-minimizing migrants. The basis of the model is that the coverable distance per unit of fuel deposited, diminishes with increasing fuel load. This is an effect of the increasing flight costs associated with increasing body mass. Lindstrom & Alerstam (1992) found that birds left at lower fuel loads than their model predicted for which they considered various ecological explanations. Alternatively, we hypothesize that the difference between prediction and empirical data might be a result of extra resting metabolic and transport costs associated with an increase in fuel load during stopover. We develop a new version of the Lindstrom & Alerstam (1992) model taking fuel load associated costs during stopover into account. We fit empirical data from rufous hummingbirdsSelasphorus rufus(Carpenteret al., 1983Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.80,7259–7263) and bluethroatsLuscinia svecica(Lindstrom & Alerstam, 1992) to this new model. Estimated fuel-load costs are discussed in relation to knowledge presently available on variations in basal metabolic costs and transport costs with body mass. We show that fuel-load costs within a reasonable range can explain the observed departure fuel loads when migrating birds are time minimizers.