Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Migratory and winter activity of bats in Yellowstone National Park

A substantial body of work exists describing timing of migration and hibernation among bats in eastern North America, but less is known about these events among bats inhabiting the Rocky Mountain region. Yellowstone National Park is a geothermally influenced landscape comprised of diverse habitats, creating the opportunity for unique behaviors to develop among local bat populations. We identified the timing of migration for the local bat community and determined if bats overwinter in Yellowstone. To accomplish this, we radiotracked 7 little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus), 5 western long-eared myotis (M. evotis), 4 big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), 4 silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans), and 1 western small-footed myotis (M. ciliolabrum) from August to September 2010 and September to October 2011. We also used acoustic detectors to record bat activity from November through April 2011–2014 and sampled abundance of nocturnal insects using black-light traps from 2011 to 2012. Although availability of insects declined rapidly during August and afterward, several bat species remained active throughout autumn and winter. Bat activity was recorded during all months, even during periods of extreme cold. Radiotagged big brown bats, little brown myotis, and western small-footed myotis remained active in the study area throughout October, after the 1st snowfall of the season. While data for activity patterns in late autumn and winter prevented an estimation of the onset of hibernation, spring emergence occurred in April despite persistence of winter conditions. These data provide insights into the migration and hibernation strategies of bat populations in the Rocky Mountains and highlight gaps in our understanding of seasonal changes in these species.
Modelling diameter growth, mortality and recruitment of trees in miombo woodlands of Tanzania

Miombo woodlands cover large areas in Tanzania but very little reliable data on forest dynamics for the woodlands exist. The main objective of this study was to develop a model system describing such dynamics based on easily measurable tree variables. Individual tree diameter growth and mortality models, and area-based recruitment models were developed. The modelling was based on data from 117 permanent sample plots established between 1997 and 2009 on seven sites in the Iringa and Manyara regions. The data set comprised 2 314 trees at establishment and 4 758 observations of individual tree growth, and covered a large number of species (141). Based on diameter growth and by using a model-based clustering procedure, three tree species groups were developed. Several model forms with different independent variables were tested. Simple and robust models with few independent variables, which agreed with expected biological behaviour, were finally selected. Although biological behaviour was the principal model selection criterion, the models also performed well statistically. The developed model system, which is the first of its kind for miombo woodlands in Africa, may be used to develop a decision-support tool for practical forest management planning in the country.
Soybean (Glycine max) cultivar differences in response to sulfentrazone

Greenhouse-grown soybean cultivars varied in their tolerance to preemergence application of sulfentrazone. The cultivars Ransom, Hutcheson, Kato, Gasoy 17, and Cobb exhibited relatively low tolerance to 0.5 kg ai ha−1 sulfentrazone with 38, 41, 46, 50, and 58% height reduction compared to respective controls. The growth of tolerant cultivars Centennial, Edison, and Hartz 5164 was not affected by this treatment. However, the growth of all cultivars was reduced at the excessive rate of 2.0 kg ha−1 preemergence application of sulfentrazone. No differences in root uptake or translocation of [14C] sulfentrazone were observed between the relatively tolerant and less tolerant cultivars tested. Centennial and Hutcheson cultivars rapidly metabolized sulfentrazone via oxidative degradation of the 3-methyl group on the triazolinone ring of the herbicide. Only 4.7 and 4.9% of the active ingredient remained in the foliage of Hutcheson and Centennial 24 h after treatment, respectively. While there were no differences in Protox inhibition or Proto IX accumulation between the two cultivars, Hutcheson was more sensitive than Centennial to peroxidative stresses induced by either Proto IX accumulation or rose bengal. Therefore, tolerance to sulfentrazone is due to rapid metabolism of the herbicide; however, the intraspecific difference in response to sulfentrazone appears to be due to intrinsic differential tolerance to the herbicide-induced peroxidative stress.
Determination of Fatty Acid Composition, Volatile Components, Physico‐Chemical and Bioactive Properties of Grape (Vitis vinifera) Seed and Seed Oil

The aim of this research was to examine some physico-chemical and antioxidant properties, fatty acid composition, volatile components and effect on oxidative stability of corn oil in terms of induction period of five different grape seeds. The obtained results revealed that extraction solvent and grape variety had significant effect on bioactive properties. When the grape seed acetone: water (90:10) extracts (2,000 ppm) was added to corn oil, the induction periods at 120C was measured, and the obtained results showed that the added grape seed extracts provided better oxidative stability to corn oil. Various classes of volatile compounds have been detected in seeds such as esters, hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehyde and acid among which most abundant were isoamyl and hexyl acetate. It could be concluded that grape seeds may be used for the preservation of food products and health supplements. Practical Applications Proximate analysis showed that grape seeds contained high amounts of oil and crude protein. Extraction solvent and grape variety had a significant effect on bioactive properties. Twenty-seven volatile compounds were detected in grape seeds from various classes such as ester, hydrocarbon, alcohol, aldehyde and acid. According to the rancimat test results, grape seed extracts provided better oxidative stability to corn oil.
Calcium influx and release controls neuroendocrine cell secretion and excitability

Ca dynamics affect many critical cellular processes. In the bag cell neurons of Aplysia californica, intracellular Ca is elevated during a prolonged period of firing known as the afterdischarge. This consists of a fast and slow phase of firing, which triggers peptide secretion and culminates in egg-laying. The present study examines how Ca influx and release shape neurosecretion and membrane activity. Using capacitance tracking as an index of secretion, a 5 Hz, 1 min train, to mimic the fast phase, induced a clear elevation in the membrane surface area of cultured bag cell neurons. The capacitance change was abolished by replacing external Ca with Ba or addition of the Ca channel blocker, Ni. Additionally, the response was reduced by either strong buffering of intracellular Ca or pretreatment with N-ethylmaleimide, an alkylating agent that disrupts vesicular transport. Depleting mitochondrial Ca with the protonophore, carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-hydrazone (FCCP), also elevated capacitance, while depleting endoplasmic reticulum Ca with the Ca-ATPase inhibitor, cyclopiazonic acid, did not. Similarly, FCCP alone depolarized bag cell neurons. In a concentration-dependent manner, FCCP elicited an inward current that was insensitive to Ni, associated with an increase in conductance, and a linear current/voltage relationship that reversed around -40 mV. Removal of extracellular Ca reduced the current and left-shifted the reversal, consistent with opening a Ca-permeable, voltage-independent, non-selective cation channel. The current was decreased when intracellular Ca was strongly buffered, while fura-imaging demonstrated that FCCP elevated intracellular Ca with a similar time course, suggesting a dependence on intracellular Ca. Although both oligomycin A and bafilomycin A, inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP sythetase and V-type H-ATPase, respectively, gradually increased Ca, neither produced a current. The FCCP-induced Ca elevation and the current were also diminished by disabling the mitochondrial permeability transition pore with N-ethylmaleimide. The data suggests that a cation current is preferentially gated by Ca released from the
The origin and phylogeny of Margaritiferidae (Bivalvia, Unionoida): a synthesis of molecular and fossil data

The family Margaritiferidae is a small but widely distributed group within the Unionoida, or freshwater mussels, whose taxonomy and systematics has been the subject of numerous publications. Despite several efforts, there is no consensus on which characters reliably diagnose this family. Herein, we present the results of a phylogenetic analysis of the most comprehensive data set for Margaritiferidae in terms of taxa and phylogenetic markers assembled to date, including eleven out of the twelve margaritiferid species currently considered valid. In addition, we review the fossil record of the family and attempt to integrate fossil and DNA sequence data to provide a diagnosis of Margaritiferidae, identify its origin and biogeographic patterns, and determine the systematic relationships of its constituent species and their taxonomic affinities. We assembled a molecular data set comprised of five markers: COI, 16S, 28S, 18S and histone 3 for a total of 59 specimens representing eleven species of Margaritifera. Our results indicate that the family Margaritiferidae is a monophyletic group comprised of the single genus Margaritifera, which includes the following 12 species: M. dahurica, M. margaritifera, M. monodonta, M. middendorffi, M. laevis, M. marrianae, M. hembeli, M. falcata, M. laosensis, M. auricularia and M. marocana plus the unstudied M. homsensis. Estimates of divergence times using fossil calibrations or mean substitution rates produced dramatically different results. Divergence estimates based on the fossil calibrations were 10 times higher than those obtained applying the mean substitution rates. The current distribution of the family implies dispersal across marine or brackish waters by their host fish, leaving a fossil record on four continents that dates to the Mesozoic. Margaritiferidae appear to be derived from putative ancestor in the Silesunionidae, with a likely origin in Asia. We suggest that Margaritiferidae had spread along the Tethys margins and crossed the Atlantic already in the Late Triassic or Early Jurassic. Further dispersal events, in the Late Cretaceous or Eocene, may be linked to salinity‐depleted coastal waters or freshwater layering.
Assessment of tree species diversity and its distribution pattern in Pachamalai Reserve Forest, Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACT An increased understanding of the importance of forest diversity for ecosystem services such as medicine, wood, climate control, etc., has lead to greater interest in the study of forests. This study aims to analyze the diversity, composition, and distribution pattern of tree species in Pachamalai Reserve Forest in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu State. Data were collected in the quadrant method, where 10 × 10 m2 plots at different altitudes from 230 to 930 m with 50-m regular intervals were plotted. A total of 73 tree species belonging to 35 families with the density of 1,372 individuals were enumerated from 3 ha. Overall, the most dominant tree species family was Fabaceae (21 species). The highest number in terms of density of tree species was observed for Pongamia pinnata and the most dominant on the basis of basal area was Tamarindus indica. The species inventory was calculated by Shannon-Weiner index (3.916), Simpson index (0.0206), and Margalef index (9.9667). With the increasing altitudinal gradient, the maximum species richness was observed in the middle elevation zone from 580 to 780 m. The results from the study could be helpful for monitoring and sustaining the forest resources, and important in preventing the loss of biodiversity and mitigating climate change.
Ontogenetic changes in long-bone histology of an ornithomimid theropod dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous Bissekty Formation of Uzbekistan

Abstract An ornithomimid theropod dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous (Turonian) Bissekty Formation of Uzbekistan is one of the basal members of Ornithomimidae. Here we present a description of ontogenetic changes in the long-bone histology of this taxon and distinguish four distinct histological stages. Analysis of a growth series of femora demonstrates early histological maturation during ontogeny in the Bissekty ornithomimid, expressed by the progressive formation of Haversian bone, endosteal bone deposition, and changing of composition of primary bone tissue from fibrolamellar complex to parallel-fibered bone with only a small amount of woven bone. The long-bone histology of the Bissekty ornithomimid is similar to that of the basal ornithomimid Archaeornithomimus asiaticus and differs from those of derived ornithomimids in early histological maturation, the absence of laminar and plexiform vascularization of the primary cortex, and the presence of little or no woven bone in medium-sized and large individuals. These differences could reflect size-related evolutionary transformation of the bone histology during the transition from basal to derived ornithomimids. The discovery of apparent medullary bone in a mid-sized femur suggests that the females of the Bissekty ornithomimid were sexually mature at least after attaining 75% of maximum size.
Decreased Green Fluorescent Protein-like Chromoprotein Gene Expression in Specimens of the Model Reef-building Coral ＂Pocillopora Damicornis＂ Undergoing High Temperature-induced Bleaching

Reef-building corals engaged in an obligate endosymbiosis with dinoflagellates of the genus ＂Symbiodinium＂ are threatened across Earth's tropical seas due to extensive coastal development and issues stemming from global climate change, particularly elevated temperatures and carbon dioxide partial pressures. Given these insults towards scleractinian corals and the reef ecosystems they construct, there is an urgent need to develop early-warning indicators for sub-lethal coral health assessment in order to target reefs characterized by coral populations that are of diminished resilience. Molecular biomarkers represent one such means of diagnosing coral health on a proactive time-scale. For that reason, a recently developed transcriptome for the model reef coral ＂Pocillopora damicornis＂ was queried for gene mRNAs that are known to be stress-responsive in model organisms, and these included heat shock proteins 40 (hsp40) and 90 (hsp90), as well as ubiquitin ligase (ubiqlig), in the Symbiodinium compartment and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (cu-zn-sod) and green fluorescent protein-like chromoprotein (gfp-like cp) in the host coral compartment. The latter was found to be expressed at ~300-fold decreased levels in bleaching P. damicornis samples that had been exposed to 31.5℃ for two weeks. This gene encodes a protein involved in absorbing light, and its substantial down-regulation may suggest that the coral hosts were unable to reduce intra-gastrodermal irradiance at high temperatures, a problem that may ultimately have elicited the sub-cellular chain of events that led to bleaching, and later death, in these samples.
The histological and the histopathological pattern of conjunctival rhinosporidiosis associated with papillomavirus infection.

: The present study describes for the first time, the clinical, light and electron microscopic findings of two cases of conjunctival rhinosporidiosis. One was with concurrent infection of papillomavirus. Investigations at the ultrastructural level have provided additional information on the development of Rhinosporidium seeberi and would suggest that the formation of the wall of this organism is a continuous morphological and biochemical spectrum throughout its cytological maturation. The current observation on the wall formation is probably a modification of the classical pattern as an environmental protection carried out by the fungus against the virus. In contradistinction to the usual histopathological picture of rhinosporidiosis, the case with the viral infection lacked the characteristic marked inflammatory reaction. This finding, together with the relatively short interval of the frequent recurrences of this lesion, have led us to postulate the presence of a localised acquired immune deficiency state. It is possible that this local immune deficiency may be caused by an immunosuppression mechanism. This is probably mediated by papillomavirus and/or due to the weak antigenicity of the host virus-infected cells which contain only copies of viral DNA in an unintegrated form.
Recruitment and zonation in a sub-Antarctic rocky intertidal community

This study presents for the first time the factors governing the recruitment in a rocky intertidal community of the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego (54°51′S 68°29′W), Argentina. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of grazers and predators, free substrate availability and crustose coralline algae on the recruitment of the main sessile components of the intertidal: Notochthamalus scabrosus, Notobalanus flosculus, Mytilus chilensis, Perumytilus purpuratus and Aulacomya atra at three intertidal levels. For barnacles, the probability of recruitment was higher with grazers, while the contrary was observed for bivalves. The number of N. flosculus recruits was higher with increased substrate availability, while N. scabrosus recruited more with reduced free substrate in the first sampling. Mussel recruitment was higher with reduced free substrate. The highest probability of recruitment of N. scabrosus was observed at the upper level. Notably, this probability and the recruits per plot were higher at the mid level under uncaged-ORP treatment than expected for the mid level. The probability of bivalve and N. flosculus recruitment was higher at upper and lower levels, respectively. At the lower level, barnacle recruitment was higher on bare rock than on crustose coralline algae. Our results suggest that grazers increase the probability of barnacle recruitment, while the presence of sessile organisms enhances the density of mussel recruits. Almost no recruitment of bivalves was observed in ORPs over one year, showing that the secondary succession is slow in this environment.
Use of Fluorogenic Model Substrates for Extracellular Enzyme Activity (EEA) Measurement of Bacteria

"ectoenzymes" and the latter "extracellular" enzymes. Substrates for hydrolysis are generally proteins, carbohydrates, fats and organic P- or S- compounds. Mechanisms of decomposition of individual compounds within these groups may be studied by in vitro experiments. However, aquatic microbial ecologists require, in many cases, a more general measurement of the in situ hydrolytic capacity of the prevailing bacterial community. This has led to the adaptation of biochemical methods for determination of overall bacterial extracellular enzyme activities (peptidases, a- and P-glucosidases, chi- tinases, etc.) in natural waters (Table 1). These methods enable us to study the impact of extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) on bacterial substrate uptake, bacterial growth, and water chemistry. The quantitative estimates of total bacterial extracellular enzyme activity are completed by rapid and sensitive tests for the detection of enzymatic properties of bacterial isolates. The methods used for these purposes are based on the application of fluorogenic model substrates. These substrates have some characteristics in common: (1) they contain an artificial fluorescent molecule and one or more natural molecules (e.g., glucose, amino acids), linked by a specific binding (e.g., peptide binding, ester binding); fluorescence is observed after enzymatic splitting of the complex molecule (Figure 1); (2) the hydrolysis of model substrates is competitively inhibited by a variety of natural compounds with the same structural characteristics; (3) hydrolysis of model substrates follows first order enzyme kinetics; and (4) application of those model substrates allows enzyme activity measurements under natural (in situ) conditions within short incubation periods. The latter is highly im- portant for microbial ecologists, because the process of enzymatic hydrolysis is fully
Didymodon vulcanicus J.A.Jiménez, Hedd. & Frank Müll. (Pottiaceae), a new species from tropical Africa

Didymodon vulcanicus J.A. Jiménez, Hedd. & Frank Müll. is described and illustrated as a new species from volcanic regions of tropical Africa. The species is distinguished morphologically by its lanceolate or more rarely ovate-lanceolate leaves that are strongly incurved distally when dry, acute apices, upper and middle laminal cells arranged in longitudinal rows with a low dorsal papilla over the transverse walls which reaches the two immediate cells, basal cells not or hardly differentiated from the medial cells, and the presence of gemmae in the leaf axils. Drawings and light microscope photographs of the main characters are given, and possible confusion with other closely related taxa is discussed.
Microdélétions du chromosome Y et infertilité masculine

L'infertilite masculine liee a un deficit de production de spermatozoides touche environ 2 % des hommes. L'implication du chromosome Y dans la spermatogenese est demontree depuis longtemps. L'essor des techniques de biologie moleculaire a en effet permis de detecter chez des hommes infertiles des microdeletions du chromosome Y, survenues denovo et contenant un ou plusieurs genes requis pour une spermatogenese normale. Bien qu'extremement variable (0 a 55 %), l'incidence des microdeletions est d'autant plus importante que l'atteinte testiculaire est severe, surtout si aucune autre cause d'infertilite n'a pu etre identifiee. L'incidence des deletions de Y s'echelonne entre pres de 5 % chez les hommes oligozoospermes et 10% chez les hommes azoospermes. Aucun autre lien entre des donnees andrologiques cliniques (cryptorchidie, varicocele) ou biologiques non spermatiques (FSH plasmatique) et l'existence d'une microdeletion n'a ete retrouve. Si la detection d'une microdeletion chez un homme infertile ne contre-indique pas a elle seule la prise ne charge en Assistance Medicale a la Procreation, elle oriente le conseil genetique, notamment sur les risques de transmission a la descendance et ses eventuelles repercussions.
Efficacy of the Desert Truffle Terfezia claveryi to Cure Trachoma Disease with Special Emphasis on its Antibacterial Bioactivity

The aim of the present study was to apply natural drops of truffle (Terfezia claveryi) to patients diagnosed with trachoma for curing the disease and inhibiting the chlamydial bacteria and explore the potential for the development of new treatment modalities compared to currently used antibiotics. Results showed that the truffle juice was very effective against trachoma in the third phase of the disease. There was clear reduction of symptoms in patients with cortisone compounds in the form of drops plus truffle juice drops. There were also complete healing of the conjunctiva and healing of the keratitis. Partial curing was observed when cortisone plus cream of chloramphenicol was added included healing of trachoma without any change of fibrosis in the conjunctiva. In the treatment of trachoma with cortisone drops and cream plus truffle juice, complete of healing was observed but continued swelling in the capillaries with no fibrosis occurred. It was clearly noticed that in all of the treatments, there was a noticeable reduction in fibrosis of the affected site in the eye. It was also concluded that truffle juice seems to prevent fibrosis of trachoma by a large extent. On the other hand, the use of chemical antibiotic or cortisone-based compounds produced several side effects. Though these chemicals reduced the toxins caused by trachoma thereby reducing the enlargement of the cells. We can therefore clearly recommend adding truffle juice to the traditional treatment for trachoma at all stages.