Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in vitellin during oogenesis and effect of estradiol-17β on vitellogenesis in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

Summary The kinetic profiles of vitellin accumulation in the oyster ovary during oocyte growth and the effects in vivo and in vitro of estradiol-17β (E2) on vitellin formation were examined in this study. The relative vitellin content measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) shows an apparent increase as the oocyte develops. Immunoblotting of the vitellin using anti-vitellin indicated that two main bands (179 and 110 kD), which begin to accumulate at an early stage of maturation, become pronounced during oocyte growth. Meanwhile, the major peak of the intact form of vitellin (530 kD) in gel filtration also enlarges with oocyte growth, supporting the results of immunoblot analysis and vitellin determination. E2 treatment in vivo causes significant increases in oocyte diameter and vitellin content in the female oyster. A similar trend was observed in ovarian tissues cultured in the presence of E2. It is concluded that E2 is one of the major factors which control the vitellogenesis in the oys.
Cost and Necessity of Parental Care in the Burying Beetle Nicrophorus quadripunctatus

Abstract The physiological cost of parental care and the necessity of parental care for larval growth were examined in the burying beetle, Nicrophorus quadripunctatus, by removing adult pairs during the first reproduction and allowing them to reproduce again. When the reproduction was interrupted after hatching of the first clutch, the number and mass of the second clutch did not decrease as the interruption was performed later. These results demonstrated that the physiological cost of parental care was relatively small. The parental care for one day or less after hatching was necessary for the growth of progeny larvae. Parental care later than one day after hatching influenced neither survival nor growth of progeny larvae. Moreover, progeny larvae grew normally with either a male or female parent. Nevertheless, all parental females and most males stayed with their progeny until the larvae finished feeding. The evolution of parental care in N. quadripunctatus will be discussed along with both its cost and benefit.
Studies on the Northern Rhodesia Hyparrhenia veld III. The effect on the growth and grazing-behaviour of indigenous cattle of restricting their daily grazing time by night kraaling

1. The effects of restricting the daily grazing hours of indigenous cattle have been studied on grazing behaviour and cattle weights. The cattle grazed on natural veld. 2. Three cattle-management treatments, i.e. free range, moderate kraaling (11 hr. grazing day) and severe kraaling (7 hr. grazing day), were compared during seasonal periods of low cattle-weight gains, large cattle-weight gains and large cattle-weight losses.
Density dependence in blowfly populations: experimental evaluation of non‐parametric time‐series modelling

Two approaches for describing density dependence in demographic rates of stage-structured populations are compared in this study. Time-series data from laboratory blowfly populations (Lucilia sericata) have been analysed in a separate study, with a statistical modelling approach that incorporated density dependences as unspecified (non-parametric) functions. In this study, we assessed density-dependent structures by manipulating densities of larvae and adults in cohorts of blowflies and measuring the demographic rates. We here compare the density-dependent structures revealed by the cohort experiments with those estimated by the non-parametric model. This model estimated the demographic rates to have the following density-dependent structures: (i) larval survival was non-linearly density-dependent (a 'humped' function), (ii) adult survival was density-independent, and (iii) reproductive rate decreased with adult density. In the cohort experiments reported here, (i) juvenile survival exhibited a positive density dependence in low densities (facilitation), which became negative at higher densities (competition). Pupal and adult size decreased with initial larval density. (ii) Adult survival was reduced by high initial larval density, but it was independent of adult density. (iii) Reproductive rate was reduced by high initial larval density, and by high adult density in populations of large individuals (from low larval density). Hence, the results from these experiments support the non-parametric model estimates regarding density-dependent structures of demographic rates in the blowfly populations. The mean demographic rates, however, were apparently underestimated by the model. We conclude that non-parametric modelling is a useful first approach for exploratory analysis of ecological time-series data.
Desempenho de clones de seringueira da série IAC 300 selecionados para a região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo

E apresentado o desempenho de 19 novos clones de seringueira [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. exAdr. de Juss.) Muell. Arg. ], resultantes de hibridacoes conduzidas no Instituto Agronomico e avaliados em experimento de pequena escala, tendo o clone RRIM 600 como testemunha. O experimento em campo obedeceu ao delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com tres repeticoes. Com relacao a producao de borracha seca, o clone IAC 40 apresentou a maior media (62,22 g/arvore/sangria) nos tres anos de avaliacao, seguido pelo IAC 301 (57,67 g/arvore/sangria) e pelo IAC 300 (50,61 g/arvore/sangria), com producoes 154%, 138% e 123% superiores em relacao ao RRIM 600 (41,04 g/arvore/sangria). Todos os clones selecionados foram vigorosos, com perimetro do caule na abertura do painel variando de 37,81 cm (IAC 317) a 50,90 cm (IAC 315). A porcentagem de plantas aptas a sangria variou de 20,0% (IAC 317) a 100% (IAC 315). Todos os clones apresentaram baixas incidencias de quebra pelo vento e de secamento do painel. Nao foi detectada nenhuma doenca foliar em carater epidemico. Dos clones estudados, 15 apresentaram alta resistencia a antracnose do painel, e foram superiores ao RRIM 600; os outros cinco apresentaram resistencia moderada semelhante ao RRIM 600.
Ashdod Revisited

Abstract We have tried to scrutinize the results of the excavations at Ashdod and the widely accepted interpretation of the finds. Our main proposals are summarized below (see Table 2): 1. Most of the remains dating to the terminal Late Bronze Age should be ascribed to general Stratum XV and dated to the late 13th century BCE. What we would describe as Stratum XIV is represented mainly by local Stratum H6. It is contemporary with Level VI at Lachish and was likewise destroyed in the mid-12th century BCE. The Ramses III scarab that was found in a later context in Area G originated in this city, which was partially (that is, not overwhelmingly) destroyed by fire. 2. Both the Late Bronze and the Iron I settlements were unfortified. What was described as a Stratum XII city wall in Area G is a section of an elaborate building. 3. The Qasile X phase is apparently missing from the Ashdod sequence. It should have been found between Strata XI and X. This means that there was probably an occupational gap at Ashdod for most of the 10th century BCE. 4. The Stratum X City Wall 4014 of Area G should be reassigned to Stratum VIII. It was constructed in the 8th century BCE or a short while earlier. 5. Stratum IX at Ashdod cannot be interpreted as an independent layer. It was created because of possible evidence for constructional phases in the Stratum VIII-VII continuum and boosted in order to provide a pre-8th century date for the four-entry gate in Area M. All remains which were ascribed to this stratum should be assigned to the city of Stratum VIII. 6. We have endorsed Ussishkin's interpretation of the stratigraphy of the gate in Area M. The four-entry gate of Ashdod was erected in the time of Stratum VIII. 7. The site of Tel Ashdod was not inhabited (except for possibly squatters activity) in the 7th century BCE. The typical 7th century pottery types of Philistia are missing. But Ashdod is mentioned in the historical records throughout the 7th century BCE. We have argued that 7th century Ashdod should be sought at Ashdod-Yam. Sargon II conquered Ashdod, deported its population and established a major Assyrian centre at Ashdod-Yam – until then probably a relatively small settlement on the seashore. This analysis emphasizes once more the correct order of archaeological investigation: it should start with a careful method in the field, then proceed to establishing a well-controlled stratigraphy and reconstructing safe assemblages of finds. Only then can one engage in historical reconstruction.
Visual Implant Elastomer Mark Retention Through Metamorphosis in Amphibian Larvae

Abstract Questions in population ecology require the study of marked animals, and marks are assumed to be permanent and not overlooked by observers. I evaluated retention through metamorphosis of visual implant elastomer marks in larval salamanders and frogs and assessed error in observer identification of these marks. I found 1) individual marks were not retained in larval wood frogs (Rana sylvatica), whereas only small marks were likely to be retained in larval salamanders (Eurycea bislineata), and 2) observers did not always correctly identify marked animals. Evaluating the assumptions of marking protocols is important in the design phase of a study so that correct inference can be made about the population processes of interest. This guidance should be generally useful to the design of mark–recapture studies, with particular application to studies of larval amphibians.
Patterns of fight interference in free-ranging rhesus monkeys

Rhesus monkeys occasionally break up fights among conspecifics and this phenomenon may be called “interference. ” The present study describes the patterns of interference in a group of free-ranging rhesus monkeys and evaluates the effect of this behavior onMacaca mulatta social organization. Data were collected at Cayo Santiago. Strong sexual differences were found in the patterning of interference behavior. Females tended to help victims of aggression and animals from the interferer's own genealogy, especially juveniles. In addition, females were likely to interfere as subordinate to the target animal. Natal and non-natal males oriented toward unrelated adult females and generally only interfered in fights if dominant to the target animal. Further, the males helped victims of aggression significantly less often than females did. Contrary to expectation, the dominant males were noteworthy neither for the quantity nor the effect of their interference. In general, the findings reinforce the notion that females are the stable and central part of a rhesus monkey social group. The findings also suggest that interference plays a role in the maintenance of group stability and cohesion.
Surveillance of mosquito vectors in some habitats of Awka metropolis, Anambra, Nigeria

The distribution of species in Awka metropolis of Anambra Sae, Nigeria was studied using sweeping hand nets. The study was carried ou between August and December, 2004. Seven locations were selected in the study area. A total of 2099 adult mosquitoes comprising five species were caught in the seven locations of which the old tyres accounted for 36.3% of the total catch. Aedes albopictus constituted the most abundant species in the seven locations representing 918(43.7%) and 441(57.9%) in old tyres. Other important species encountered were Culex quinquesfaciatus 876(41.7%) Aedes aegyti 209(10.0%), Anopheles gambiae 70(3.3%) and Anopheles funestus 26(1.2%). Abundance rates for male species 740(35.3%) and female species 1359(64.7%) were significantly different (P Anopheles species have a relatively low prevalence and be said to be in most of the locations. The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 24 2003: 185-190
Qualidade bromatológica das silagens de capim-elefante aditivadas com raspa de batata

A raspa de batata foi misturada ao capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) na ensilagem. A colheita do capim-elefante foi realizada manualmente apos 80 dias do corte de uniformizacao a uma altura de 10 cm da superficie do solo. As misturas capim-elefante e raspa de batata foram feitas nas seguintes proporcoes de materia verde: 100 e 0%, 93 e 7%; 86 e 14%; 79 e 21%; 72 e 28% de capim e raspa de batata, respectivamente. As plantas foram picadas em particulas de 2,0 a 3,0 cm de tamanho, ensiladas por 30 dias, em silos de "PVC" de dez centimetros de diâmetro e quarenta centimetros de altura. Foram avaliadas as porcentagens de materia seca (MS), valores de pH, perda de gases, perda de efluentes, proteina bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente acido (FDA) e digestibilidade in vitro da materia seca (DIVMS), das silagens. O delineamento experimental empregado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repeticoes. Concluiu-se que as silagens de capim-elefante com raspa de batata apresentaram maiores porcentagens de MS, PB, valores de pH e DIVMS e menor porcentagem de perda de gases, perda de efluentes, FDN e FDA na materia seca com o aumento dos niveis de adicao.
Multiple species, mass spawning events in an Irish sea lough: the effect of temperatures on spawning and recruitment of invertebrates

Summary Spawnings, larval occurrence and settlement of some marine invertebrates were examined over a six-year period at Lough Hyne, an inlet on the south coast of Ireland. Sea temperature rises were associated with multi-phyla spawnings, temperatures varied between years and greater numbers of larvae and greater settlements were noted in the warmer years. It is suggested that, should sea temperatures rise, conditions for successful recruitment for some species will become more favourable in Irish waters. However, unpredictable effects such as the expansion of exotic populations because conditions become more favourable for them may result in significant modification of diversity and abundance of species.
Welfare effects of forestry best management practices in the United States

State forestry best management practice (BMP) programs have been widely developed and implemented to prevent nonpoint source water pollution in the past three decades. The unanswered question is how forestry BMPs have affected the welfare positions of consumers, mills, loggers, and forest landowners. A Muth-type equilibrium displace- ment model was constructed to examine welfare changes of these stakeholders. The model considered a two-stage ver- tical production system with variable proportion production technology and imperfect market structure. Industrial mills experienced little welfare loss from forestry BMP regulation. Consumers had the largest absolute welfare loss, and log- gers had the largest relative welfare loss in the base scenario. The supply elasticity of harvesting services had the greatest impact on the relative incidence of welfare losses between landowners and loggers, and in the long run their welfare losses were comparable. These results may help to improve future state forestry BMP guidelines and design in- centive systems for increasing implementation rates. Resume : Les programmes de saines pratiques forestieres (SPF) mis de l'avant au cours des trois dernieres decennies par les Etats americains ont ete largement concus et appliques afin de prevenir la pollution aquatique de sources diffu- ses. L'effet de ces programmes sur le bien-etre des consommateurs, des entreprises de transformation du bois, des ope- rateurs forestiers et des proprietaires de forets demeure toutefois une question sans reponse. Un modele de deplacement des equilibres de type Muth a ete construit afin d'examiner les changements de bien-etre induits chez ces parties pre- nantes. Le modele s'exprime sous forme d'un systeme vertical de production en deux etapes utilisant des proportions variables de technologie de production dans une structure de marche imparfait. Sous l'empire d'une reglementation SPF, les usines auraient connu peu de perte de bien-etre. Les consommateurs se seraient vu imposer la plus grosse perte de bien-etre en termes absolus alors que les operateurs forestiers auraient subi la plus importante perte relative par rapport au scenario de reference. L'elasticite de l'offre de services de recolte aurait eu le plus d'impact sur l'incidence relative des pertes de bien-etre entre les proprietaires et les exploitants forestiers et, a long terme, leurs per- tes respectives seraient comparables. Ces resultats peuvent aider a ameliorer les directives encadrant de futurs program- mes SPF et la conception de systemes incitatifs pour en accroitre le taux de mise en œuvre. (Traduit par la Redaction) Sun 1683
Signal Transduction and Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), in which stained cells are damaged by light in the presence of oxygen, is now widely used for tumor destruction. Photogenerated singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen species cause oxidative stress and cell death. The potential ROS sensors and following intracellular processes leading to cell death are considered. The cell death mode (necrosis or apoptosis) is shown to be controlled not only by PDT parameters (irradiation intensity, intracellular photosensitizer localization and its concentration) but also by signal transduction processes. Calcium and adenylate cyclase signaling pathways, receptor tyrosine kinases, MAP kinases, phosphati- dylinositol 3-kinase pathway, various protein kinases and phosphatases, transcription factors, ceramide, NO, the plasma membrane, mito- chondria and endoplasmic reticulum are involved in the cell response to photodynamic injury and following death. Combination of PDT and pharmacological modulators of signaling pathways can either enhance injury of malignant cells, or protect surrounding normal cells.
Interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist promoter or coding gene polymorphisms in multiple myeloma

Proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL‐6), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and IL‐1β are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM). In the present study, we examined a G/C polymorphism at position −174 in the promoter region of IL‐6, a biallelic polymorphism at position −308 in the promoter region of TNF‐α, the TaqI restriction fragment length polymorphism in exon 5 of IL‐1β and a variable number of identical tandem repeat polymorphisms in intron 2 of IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) genes. The alleles of these loci are known to influence the level of production of the cytokines and the IL‐1Ra. Seventy‐three patients with MM, 27 with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and 129 healthy individuals were included. No difference was found between patients and healthy controls or between MM and MGUS patients in the distributions of genotypes and frequencies of alleles of the IL‐6 (−174), TNF‐α (−308), IL‐1βTaqI and IL‐1Ra gene polymorphisms. No associations between the polymorphisms at the loci under study and clinical factors such as age, sex, clinical stage at onset and M‐protein type were observed. Our results indicate that the cytokine (IL‐6, TNF‐α and IL‐1β) and IL‐Ra gene polymorphisms do not confer susceptibility to the development of MM.
Durum wheat × maize crosses for haploid wheat production: influence of parental genotypes and various experimental factors.

To improve haploid plant production in durum wheat, the haplo-method involving intergeneric crossing with maize followed by embryo rescue was used. The influence of parental genotypes and various experimental factors were studied. Ten cultivars of Triticum turgidum ssp. durum (female parent) were crossed with eight genotypes of Zea mays. After pollination, plant stems were either maintained in situ or cut near the base and kept in a 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)-sucrose solution. Ten to 18 days after pollination, embryos were excised from developed ovaries and cultured on one of MS, MS/2, or B5 media. Haploid embryos and plants were obtained (78 green haploid plants regenerated in 1 year). The wheat genotype was significant for ovary development, embryo and plant formation, whereas the maize genotype was significant only for embryo formation. Detailed results of all crosses showed the best crossing partner for each wheat genotype. Cutting the plant stems after pollination gave better results than maintaining them in situ. The optimal stage for embryo rescue was 14 days and B5 and MS/2 media were more efficient than MS for embryo culture.
Voluntary Disclosure of Sales and the Extent of Trade Credit in Small Private Companies

Abstract We examine the association between voluntary financial disclosure and the amount of obtained trade credit in a sample of small private Belgian companies. We argue that voluntary disclosure can help small private companies in mitigating information asymmetries that arise between the company and their suppliers. Using a propensity score matching procedure to control for selection bias, we find that voluntary financial disclosure by small and private companies is positively related to the level of trade credit. This is in line with the traditional view that asymmetric or incomplete information restricts access to external funds.
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lenggong Valley, Malaysia: A Review of its Contemporary Heritage Management

This article reviews contemporary heritage management through a systematically coded content analysis at one of Malaysia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley (AHLV). It evaluates the competency of the preliminary Conservation Management Plan (CMP) of AHLV by looking at the accuracy of five distinctive dimensions of the CMP in conveying the information about the sites and management objectives: the legislation related to the heritage conservation and management; the action and implementation of the management strategies; the level of stakeholder’s participation; and, finally, how the CMP integrates local values and ideas into management planning. The results show that contemporary heritage management planning at Lenggong Valley tends to prioritize the conservation of the archaeological values of the sites over other values (i.e. social, historical, and aesthetic values), and that planning has largely been in the hands of governmental agencies with limited involvement from local communities in the decision-making process.
Diet of common dolphins, Delphinus delphis, off the Portuguese continental coast

Diet of common dolphins off the Portuguese coast was studied based on the examination of stomach contents of 50 stranded and incidentally caught animals. The relative importance of each prey species was assessed through occurrence, numerical and biomass indices. Common dolphins preyed on a large variety of items but four fish and two cephalopod species appeared to form the basis of their diet. Overall, sardine (Sardina pilchardus) was the most important prey, as given by all the indices used to measure prey relative importance. Although common dolphins preyed mostly on pelagic species, they seemed able to explore habitats with distinct features and employ various foraging strategies. A comparison between the diet of dolphins of different sex and size groups was not indicative of major differences. Common dolphins incidentally caught in fishing nets had taken a higher proportion of sardines, the target species of the fishery.