Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IMMUNOLOGICAL TOLERANCE TO RNA TUMOR VIRUS GENOME EXPRESSIONS: SIGNIFICANCE OF TOLERANCE AND PRENATAL EXPRESSIONS IN EMBRYOGENESIS AND TUMORIGENESIS

The RNA tumor viruses are clearly different from other myxoviruses; although identified so far in only eight or nine animal species (TABLE l ) , widespread distributions in these species are implied by their generally covert behavior and uniquely compatible relationships with their host cells, being more likely to promote than to hamper cell growth. They have a number of other unique expressions including interspecies as well as intraspecies group-specific (gs) antigens, RNA polymerases that make DNA, and a variety of oncogenic manifestations that occur naturally and that can in large measure be reproduced in laboratory systems. Since each of the various phenotypic expressions of the RNA viral genomes is apparently coded for by different viral genes,', any consideration of immunological tolerance to the RNA viruses must include dealing with a complex group of antigenic moieties and other protein products of these viral genes. Unfortunately, the immunologic complexity exhibited by the RNA tumor viruses is not lessened by their frequently covert behavior, which is largely determined by host cell gene regulators of the viral genes (virogenes) and tumor-inducing genes (oncogenes) 3 , or by the fact that endogenous hormones and exogenous environmental physical and chemical carcinogens also affect the character and degree of virogene and oncogene expressions. In this dissertation we will be mostly concerned with the natural occurrences of the subinfectious group-specific antigens of the C-type RNA tumor viruses in mice, hamsters, cats, and chickens and of immunological tolerance to these antigen~. ~-ll These studies were made possible by the recent development of serological techniques (complement fixation (CF),5, 12-16 fluorescent antibody (FA) ,17-19 and gel diffusion l o p 20, 21) for detecting the gs and type-specific envelope (V) antigens in the virions and also in normal and neoplastic tissues, most of which are free of infectious virus particles. Sensitive in vitro tissue culture procedures such as the COFAL,l* COMUL,l5, l6 COCAL,22. 23 and XC 24 tests and various in vivo assays (TABLE 2 ) were utilized to establish the absence as well as the presence of infectious RNA virus. Such tests were also extremely useful in defining the true natural histories of the C-type virus genomes in low as well as high leukemia incidence strains of laboratory mice, chickens, hamsters, and also in free-living (feral) mice and cats. Electron micro~copy,*~~ 26
Caterpillar hair as a physical barrier against invertebrate predators

Predation has led to the evolution of defensive armor in prey species. The dense and long hairs of caterpillars (i.e., lepidopteran larvae) are generally believed to play an important role as a physical defence against predators. However, few studies have been undertaken to investigate how hairs protect caterpillars from a predator’s weapons. To determine the importance of caterpillar hairs as a defensive armor, we observed adults of Calosoma maximowiczi (Carabidae) attacking 5 caterpillar species with different hairiness under laboratory conditions. Carabids used their mandibles to catch caterpillars and thereafter fed on them. Almost all the larvae of 3 smooth species and a short-haired species were easily caught by carabids during their first attack. However, 53.2% of larvae in a long-haired species Lemyra imparilis (Erebidae: Arctiinae) were able to escape from carabid attacks. Even when Lemyra larvae were finally eaten, carabids required a larger number of attacks to catch Lemyra larvae. Dorsal hairs of Lemyra larvae were much longer than the mandible length of carabid adults for any body size, suggesting that the dorsal hairs can function as a physical barrier against carabid attacks. To test the hypothesis, we cut the dorsal hairs of Lemyra larvae shorter than the carabids’ mandibles. Cutting the dorsal hairs of Lemyra larvae resulted in fewer carabid attacks with higher success rates. Therefore, we conclude that long hairs can protect Lemyra larvae from carabid mandibles. This is the first study to clarify the adaptive significance of caterpillar hair length as a morphological defence.
Barrier effects on vertebrate distribution caused by a motorway crossing through fragmented forest landscape

Efecto barrera en la distribucion de vertebrados causada por las autovias que cruzan un paisaje forestal fragmentado En este trabajo se analizan los efectos de una autovia construida hace 25 anos sobre la distribucion en un paisaje forestal fragmentado de cinco vertebrados que difieren en su capacidad de atravesar infraestructuras lineales. Se encontraron evidencias de efecto barrera en la distribucion de la lagartija colilarga Psammodromus algirus. El corzo (Capreolus capreolus) presento una distribucion desigual a ambos lados de la carretera, aunque tambien atribuible, al menos en parte, a diferencias en el grado de fragmentacion. El lagarto ocelado (Timon lepidus), que puede moverse a traves de los cultivos, no mostro ninguna evidencia de efecto barrera. La distribucion de dos pequenos paseriformes (Erithacus rubecula y Phylloscopus bonelli) no se vio afectada por la autovia. Estos resultados demuestran que una autovia puede restringir la distribucion de especies capaces de soportar altos niveles de fragmentacion del paisaje pero con escasa capacidad de dispersion, poniendo de manifiesto el efecto potencial de las infraestructuras lineales sobre la distribucion de las especies a escala regional. Palabras clave: Patrones de abundancia, Efecto barrera, Capacidad de dispersion, Lagartijas, Ecologia de las carreteras, Corzo.
Genetic diversity in European chestnut populations.

The genetic structure of European Castanea sativa populations appears to be due to natural and artificial selection and local effects of isolation by distance. In this paper we present genetic variation among 31 natural populations of chestnut. Six microsatellite markers were used to screen 778 individuals from four European countries (Italy, Spain, Greece and Turkey). Multivariate analysis showed the existence of three distinct genepools: a pool covering the Italian and Spanish areas, one located in the East of Turkey and the last one covering the Greek populations and western Turkey. The Turkish populations showed a higher Fis, Fit as compared to the other European populations. Moreover the AMOVA analysis reveals a higher variance among the Turkish populations. Our results seem to confirm the previous hypothesis indicating the Turkish region as the centre of the origin of the European Chestnut.
Relative genetic structure of a population of Rhizobium meliloti isolated directly from soil and from nodules of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and sweet clover (Melilotus alba)

Insertion sequence (IS) hybridization was used to define the structure of a population of Rhizobium meliloti isolated directly from soil and from nodules of Medicago sativa (alfalfa) and Melilotus alba (sweet clover) grown under controlled conditions and inoculated with a suspension of the same soil. The detection of R. meliloti isolated from soil on agar plates was facilitated by use of a highly species specific DNA probe derived from ISRm5. All R. meliloti obtained directly from soil proved to be symbiotic (i.e. nodulated and fixed nitrogen with alfalfa). Analysis of 293 R. meliloti isolates revealed a total of 17 distinct IS genotypes of which 9, 9 and 15 were from soil, M. alba and M. sativa, respectively; 8 genotypes were common to soil and both plant species. The frequency of R. meliloti genotypes from soil differed markedly from that sampled from nodules of both legume species: 5 genotypes represented about 90% of the isolates from soil whereas a single genotype predominated among isolates from nodules accounting for more than 55% of the total. The distribution of genotypes differed between M. sativa and M. alba indicating species variation in nodulation preferences for indigenous R. meliloti. The data are discussed in the context of competition for nodulation of the host plant and the selection of Rhizobium strains for use in legume inoculants. This study has ecological implications and suggests that the composition of R. meliloti populations sampled by the traditionally used host legume may not be representative of that actually present in soil.
Differential tolerance of UV radiation between Chaoborus species and role of photoprotective compounds

Previous studies with larvae of the American species Chaoborus punctipennis suggest that this genus is highly sensitive to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Here, we first tested the UV sensitivity of late-instar larvae of two European Chaoborus species collected from a fishless shallow lake and second assessed their strategies to minimize UV damage. Exposure of late-instar larvae of C. pallidus to artificial UVR caused 50% mortality at a dose of 63.9 J cm -2 . In contrast, no mortality was observed in C. obscuripes at the same or even at a higher dose (85.1 J cm -2 ). Several UV-absorbing compounds identified as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) were found by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis in C. obscuripes [mean total MAAs: 0.142 μg mg -1 dry weight (DW)], but not in C. pallidus. Larvae of C. flavicans also had the same suite of MAAs (shinorine, mycosporine-glycine, palythine, usujirene and polythene) and similar MAAs concentration (0.186 μg mg -1 DW) as C. obscuripes, whereas C. crystallinus had very low concentrations (0.008 μg mg -1 DW) and only two MAAs. The same suite of MAAs found in larvae of C. obscuripes was also detected in pupae, adult midges and eggs of this species. Whereas C. obscuripes was able to accumulate MAAs through the diet, the origin of these secondary metabolites in the lake remains unclear. Our results indicate that sensitivity to UVR in Chaoborus is species-specific and suggest that resistance in C. obscuripes is associated with the presence of photoprotective compounds. Populations of UV-sensitive Chaoborus species may be at disadvantage in water bodies becoming more transparent to UVR as consequence of climate change.
Natural Control of Diuraphis noxia and Rhopalosiphum maidis (Aphidoidea) by Parasitic Entomophthorales (Zygomycota) in Slovakia

Seasonal development of entomophthoralean infection in colonies of Diuraphis noxia and Rhopalosiphum maidis was evaluated on summer barley under conditions of south-western Slovakia in 2001 and 2002. D. noxia was infesting summer barley during both years, while R. maidis was only recorded in 2002. Further three cereal aphids, Rhopalosiphum padi, Metopolophium dirhodum and Sitobion avenae, were also observed on summer barley. Complex of entomophthoralean fungi identified in cereal aphid colonies included four species, Pandora neoaphidis, Entomophthora planchoniana, Conidiobolus obscurus and Neozygites fresenii, with P. neoaphidis as the most prevalent fungus during both years. Two parasitic fungi, P. neoaphidis and E. planchoniana, were identified from D. noxia, but P. neoaphidis was predominant. Infection rate in D. noxia colonies was low, not exceeding 15% and 10% in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Only nine R. maidis individuals were killed with entomophthoralean fungi. The fungi were identified as P. neoaphidis and C. obscurus. No epizootics were observed in the aphid colonies. The fungi could not control development of the aphid populations since they did not appear until high host densities had been established in the crops.
Genecological Approaches to Predicting the Effects of Climate Change on Plant Populations

ABSTRACT: Climate change threatens native plant populations and plant communities globally. It is critical that land managers have a clear understanding of climate change impacts on plant species and populations so that restoration efforts can be adjusted accordingly. This paper reviews the development and use of seed transfer guidelines for restoration in the face of global climate change, with an emphasis on the role of common garden studies in predicting climate change impacts. A method is presented for using genecological common garden data to assess population vulnerability to changing environmental conditions that includes delineation of geographical regions where habitats are likely to become marginal, assessment of shifting climatic selection pressures on plant traits, and identification of source material that is likely to be adapted to changing conditions. This method is illustrated using a genecological dataset for bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata). The demonstration indicates that bluebunch populations will be vulnerable to extirpation in areas of their current range, that selection pressures will increase on a trait important to climatic adaptation, and that promising seed sources exist that may be able to persist under novel conditions. Additional avenues for expansion of the presented methods are discussed, and the use of common garden data for management in the context of evolution and changing climates is considered.
Optical-coherence tomography angiography and ultrawide-field angiography findings in eyes with refractory macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion switched to aflibercept: A subanalysis from a 48-week prospective study

PURPOSE: To evaluate anatomical changes on ultra-wide-field fluorescein-angiography and optical coherence angiography (OCT-A) among a cohort with treatment-resistant macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusions (RVO) switched to aflibercept. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with persistent macular edema despite previous bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab were switched to aflibercept in a 48-week prospective trial. Ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA) and OCT-A were performed at baseline, week-24 and week-48. The ischemic index was calculated from UWFFA and the areas of vascular perfusion. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were quantitatively evaluated on OCT-A. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (mean age, 70.3±8.6 years) were recruited. Mean central macular thickness (CMT) was significantly reduced at 48-weeks compared to baseline (-87.6±48.8 μm, P < 0.001 and -191.0±128.3μm, P < 0.001 among BRVO and CRVO eyes, respectively). The mean baseline ischemic index as measured on Optos wide-field angiography was 10.9%±8.3 and decreased to 5.7%±4.2 (P = 0.028), at week 48. The mean FAZ areas of the SCP and DCP reduced by -0.06 ± 0.12 mm 2 and -0.17± 0.45 mm 2 , respectively. FAZ area on OCT-A was stable in eyes with stable or improved vision but increased in size in eyes with baseline macular ischemia and those with lower gains in BCVA at week 48 (R 2 =0.719, P = 0.05 and R 2 =0.516, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: There was a reduction in macular edema measured on OCT at 48-weeks in eyes switched to aflibercept with chronic macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion. There was also a reduction in retinal ischemia as measured using UWFFA.
EFFECTS OF MOWING AND BURNING ON SHRUBLAND AND GRASSLAND BIRDS ON NANTUCKET ISLAND, MASSACHUSETTS

Abstract Throughout the United States, declines in breeding populations of grassland and shrubland birds have prompted conservation agencies and organizations to manage and restore early-successional habitats. These habitats support a variety of birds, some of which have been classified as generalists; thus, often these birds are thought to be less affected by habitat manipulation. More information, however, is needed on the response of early-successional generalists to habitat management, because conservation agencies are increasing their focus on the regional preservation and management of common species. On Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, the goal of the Partnership for Harrier Habitat Preservation (PHHP) has been to restore more than 373 ha of grassland for the island's population of Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus). This management program has entailed methods such as prescribed burning and mowing (e.g., brushcutting) to restore and maintain grassland habitat. Over a 3-year period, we found that songbird response to burning and mowing varied among species, depending on subtle habitat preferences and the intensity and type of management. In shrublands, Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) and Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) abundance declined in mowed areas but were unaffected by prescribed burning. In grasslands, Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) abundance showed no response to either burning or mowing, whereas Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) preferred unmanaged grasslands. In shrublands, mowing was the most effective method for restoring grassland habitat, whereas prescribed burning had little effect on abundances of shrubland birds and vegetation structure. In grasslands, both mowing and burning were successful in restricting shrubland encroachment and maintaining grassland habitat.
Tidal dynamics of dissolved and particulate matter and bacteria in a tidal flat ecosystem in spring and fall

Tidal flat ecosystems are highly dynamic environments with tremendous short‐term and long‐term changes in physical, chemical, and biological properties. We measured salinity, temperature, oxygen, dry weight (dry wt), inorganic (PIC) and organic carbon (POC) fractions of suspended particulate matter (SPM), and chlorophyll a (Chl a); counted numbers of free‐living and particle‐associated bacteria; and measured dissolved amino acids and carbohydrates, and ectoenzymatic activities throughout tidal cycles in the Spiekeroog tidal flat system of the German Wadden Sea in November 1999 and May 2000. Bacterial production was measured only in May 2000. In November, high sediment resuspension, as indicated by increased amounts of SPM, PIC, and POC, mainly controlled bacterial dynamics and led to enhanced numbers of aggregate‐associated bacteria. In contrast, in May, phytoplankton‐related processes mainly influenced bacterial dynamics. Increased concentrations of oxygen, Chl a, and dissolved combined neutral monosaccharides resulted in high numbers of free‐living bacteria, elevated β‐glucosidase activities, and high bacterial production rates. The introduction of foreign water masses, either from the open North Sea or adjacent tidal basins, as reflected by different signatures of SPM and the mole percent composition of particulate combined amino acids, appeared to be a regular event in this highly dynamic system and rapidly changed physical, chemical, and biological processes.
A simple predator–prey model of exploited marine fish populations incorporating alternative prey

A simple two-species population model in which the predator is partially coupled to the prey is developed. The model is an extension of traditional two-species models but less complex than a three-species system. The growth rate of the predator depends upon predation on the modeled and alternate prey; this formulation provides greater realism in describing marine piscivores, such as spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), than two-species predator‐prey models. Two stable equilibria separated by a saddle point potentially exist for the predator‐prey system, and stochastic variability can lead to movement between equilibrium abundance levels. In addition, endogenous limit cycles may exist in the presence of predator fishing mortality. The model is applied to the predation of spiny dogfish on a representative groundfish species, the Georges Bank haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus). Stochastic variability is input to the model in the form of ‘‘red noise’’ (variance is a decreasing function of frequency), a feature observed in marine environments. Predator abundance can increase when the modeled prey abundance is low, due to consumption of alternate prey, consistent with the pattern observed in the spiny dogfish‐haddock abundances. Increased harvesting on the predator species allows the prey species to spend a greater proportion of time at the high equilibrium. The model presented here poses the interesting management problem of finding the optimal combination of fishing mortality rates for the two species. 1996 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
Adding Hydrated Lime in a Material Made of Clayey Soil and Fibres: Formulation and Effects on Thermo-Mechanical Properties

In this study, we have focused our investigations on effect of adding hydrated lime on a locally made composite material, based on clayey earth (soil) and Hibiscus sabdariffa fibres, for envelope (walls) in the building. Prior to sample’s formulation, we selected an appropriate mineral (soil) material based on criteria as: plasticizer power for good workability, dense coarse particles to withstand loads and finally porous structure to take advantage of air insulating character. We then formulated, following a mixing process by shearing and compaction by vibration that we recommend, two composite materials (A), (B) which contain respectively 1% Fibres plus 1% lime, 1% Fibres plus 3% lime. We determined thermal properties by the mean of KD2 Pro thermal analyzer, compression strength accordingly to the standard NF P 18-406, porosity following volumetric and gravimetric methods and pH of soil-hydrated lime solution. As results, up to 5% of hydrated lime, the measured pH is inferior to 12: mineralization of vegetal fibres is highly unlikely. Moreover, we observe that the addition of hydrated lime resulted in a reduction in the number of cracks and their depths; Samples (A) and (B) have a rather compact appearance than the case 1% Fibres without lime (material (C)). Furthermore, with lime stabilization, the insulating potential is improved while the thermal inertia has been deteriorated compared to material (C). However, compressive strength decreases with lime, which could be due to the presence of fibres that would inhibit the hardening of the lime. At last, with 3.39% ± 3.07% MPa, 2.27% ± 11.30% MPa for samples (A), (B) respectively, the minimum required by CRATerre-EAG (guide of CDI, 1996) for construction of envelope (walls) of single storey (ground floor) buildings is met.
The Green Structure for Outdoor Places in Dry, Hot Regions and Seasons—Providing Human Thermal Comfort in Sustainable Cities

Hot and dry climate and air pollution is a growing problem in urban areas, and this can have an adverse impact on life and health of urban residents. One of the ways to protect people from this hazard is the use of urban green or street greenery. However, its implementation can be problematic in highly urbanized areas. This paper presents a concept of the green structure (GS), designed, and is still being developed, by Adam Kalinowski where cooling efficiency is based on the synergy of shade and evapotranspiration. The GS that could be used as street furniture, small architecture form or a public utility structure intended to protect people and objects from an adverse urban environment, at the same time providing pleasant and healthy microclimate inside. The pilot project-the first application of the GS in the urban environment-is presented and the results of short-term measurements of temperature and humidity are provided and analyzed. Moreover, a simple dynamic simulation of the GS performance in courtyards has been conducted. The obtained results show the decrease of the perceived temperature within this structure. Depending on climate type, an average potential reduction of Universal Thermal Comfort Index (UTCI) and mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), caused by the GS in a courtyard case study, is 5–8 °C and 17–29 °C, respectively. Performed simulation also confirms that TRNSYS software is an appropriate tool for simple outdoor microclimate analysis. Further research to develop this concept, increase its performance and customize it for different applications are proposed.