Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Priming and tolernce of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus specific cytotoxic T Cells

The hypothesis that T cell competition for access to APC influences priming of CTL responses is a controversial issue. A recent study using OVA as a model antigen supports this hypothesis and received considerable attention. However, using a comparable approach, we reached a different conclusion. We analyzed whether TCR transgenic T cells specific for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (Zinkernagel and Doherty, 1979)GP33-41/Db could inhibit the priming of endogenous responses against GP33-41 and against two other, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus glycoprotein-derived CTL epitopes. After priming with different stimuli, GP33-41/Db-specific TCR transgenic T cells reduced the endogenous GP33-41/Db response in a dosedependent way, but all other endogenous responses were unaffected. Even when >106 TCR transgenic cells were combined with weak priming, no reduction of responses other than of those specific for GP33-41/Db was observed. Thus, competition for antigen presenting cells by CTLs of different specificities is not of functional relevance in antiviral immune responses.
As Macrófitas aquáticas como berçário para a Ictiofauna da Várzea do Rio Amazonas

The present research describes the size structure and maturity of the fish that lives associated to roots of aquatic macrophytes during the high water period. The main objective was to test the hypothesis that this habitat functions as nursery ground to the fish fauna of the Amazon floodplain. Sampling summed up 3910 individuals of 91 species on four types of aquatic macrophytes (Paspalum repens, Echynocloa polystachya, Eichhornia spp. and mixed decomposing grasses) at three floodplain lakes (Camaleao, Rei and Janauaca). Most fish (90%) were shorher than 7 cm. The fish fauna was composed by 87% young individuals, which 41 species were commercialy exploited. These results indicate that this habitat is an important nursery ground and its conservation will safeguard fisheries resources.
Overwintering of Honeybee Queens. 1. Maintenance of Honeybee Queens in Solitary Confinement

SummarySeventy-two virgin honeybee queens and the same number of mated queens were stored in solitary confinement without worker bees, in incubators at temperatures of 21°, 24°, 27° or 30°C and relative humidities (RH) of 40%, 60% or 80%. The mated queens lived significantly longer than the virgin queens. As the temperature increased and the relative humidity decreased the length of survival of these queens increased. The longest survival was among the mated queens held at 30° and 40% RH; one queen survived for more than 120 days. No relationship was established between virgin queens' length of life, temperature and RH. Two groups of 10 mated queens were held for 55 days at 40% RH and at temperatures of 30° and 32°, respectively; at 32° all queens died, but at 30° four queens survived.Twenty-four mated queens were stored at 30° and 40% RH for 56 days (1st March-26th April) and 12 survived. Eight of these queens were introduced into small colonies; 12 colonies with sister queens which had overwintered outd.
Phosphate fertiliser application effects on seasonally dry hill country pasture and soil

ABSTRACT A grazed trial established in 1980 evaluated the effects of superphosphate fertiliser application on pasture growth on Easy (10°–20° slope) and Steep (30°–40° slope) land in the Waikato, North Island, New Zealand. Continuous and rotational grazing showed no effects on pasture responses to fertiliser. Mean annual pasture dry matter (DM) production ranged from 11,275 to 14,155 kg DM ha−1 on Easy, and 6413 to 7480 kg DM ha−1 on Steep slopes through the range of 10–100 kg ha−1 yr−1 of phosphate (P) fertiliser rates. Initial fertiliser effects on Olsen P tests were in the 0–3 cm depth only, and in the 7–15 cm soil depth only in the 100 kg ha−1 yr−1 treatment by year 4. Near maximum (97%) annual production, derived from relative yield analysis, was obtained at 0–7 cm depth soil tests of 30 on Easy slopes and at 12 on Steep slopes. Results from this trial are directly relevant to the variable fertiliser rate aerial application technology currently being developed.
A new species of Ankareus Kerremans from South Africa with notes on the Mastogeniinae (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

The lack of consensus during the last 30 years, along with three recent, partially contradictory, works (Cobos 1981, Toyama 1983, Holynski 1984) leave the concept of generic definition and, indeed, genera comprising the buprestid subfamily Mastogeniinae in a very confused state. The discovery of a new species of Ankareus Kerremans among the material sent for identification from Dr. M. Brancucci, Naturhistorisches Museum, Basel, Switzerland (NHBS) presented me with the opportunity to briefly discuss the state of mastogeniine classification. I will base my comments on the definitions of genera used by Toyama (1g83), who considered the formation of the sternal cavity and the presence of propleural antennal grooves to be important generic descriptors. The label data for Ankareus capensis, sp. nov., are recorded exactly as presented on the labels. Data from individual labels are enclosed within single quotation marks and separated by a semicolon. A slash mark (I) is used to separate individual lines of data on each label; more complete notations are placed within square brackets. Other institutional acronyms are BMNH = British Museum (Natural History), London, U.K., NCIP = National Collection of Insects, Pretoria and TMPS = Transvaal Museum, Pretoria.
Intrinsic antibiotic resistance and biochemical characteristics of Anabaena azollae isolated from Azolla - cultures

Cultures of algal symbiont, Anabaena azollae were isolated from four different Azolla- species viz., A. filiculoides, A. microphylla, Azolla hybrids viz., TNAU and Rongping and were designated as A. azollae-AF, A. azollae-AM, A. azollae-TM and A. azollae - RP respectively. The isolated algal strains were examined for their intrinsic resistance to antibiotics and biochemical characteristics. A. azollae-AF and A. azollae-RP showed almost identical pattern of resistance to most of the antibiotics tested, while A. azollae-AM showed a different pattern. A. azollae-AM was able to tolerate maximum concentration of the antibiotics, while A. azollae-TH showed the least resistance. The free-living A. variabilis was found to be more resistant than isolates of A. azollae to different antibiotics. Both A. azollae and A. variabilis were highly sensitive to even low concentrations of erythromycin and streptomycin. A. azollae-AF recorded maximum heterocyst frequency, nitrogenase activity, ammonia excretion, ammonical N, protein, total N, K, chlorophyll a, iron and zinc content. The pigment, reducing and total sugars, and P were found to be higher in A. azollae-TH which had least heterocysts than other strains. A. azollae-AM recorded maximum Cu and Mn content. The results revealed biochemical diversity among the strains of A. azollae.
Estabelecimento de Plântulas de Dalbergia miscolobium Benth., Uma Espécie Arbórea dos Cerrados Brasileiros

Cerrado is a typical Brazilian vegetal formation, considered neotropical savanna, that covers about 25% of its area, under a typical tropical climate, with rainy summer and dry winter. The water availability in the soil under cerrado vegetation is not constant neither uniform due to the great rain fluctuations and also because the vegetation is very scattered. This work shows the establishment of a cerrado tree species Dalbergia miscolobium Benth. , from seeds, taking into account the rain fluctuations at which the seeds are submitted since fruit dispersion which occurs during the dry season. The fruits, dispersed in May, remained in the soil with viable seeds until the beginning of the constant rainfall, in September, when started the major seedling emergence. Seed viability, seedling emergence and survival were better when the fruits were protected from the direct radiation, kept buried and/or under shade and in a place without herbivores. Occasional rainfall during the dry season also allowed seedling emergence, but the survival was zero because the inadequate water availability for seedling growth.
Effect of long-term intake of milk peptides and minerals on blood pressure and arterial function in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The milk casein-derived peptides isoleucyl-prolyl-proline (IPP) and valyl-prolyl-proline (VPP) attenuate the development of hypertension in SHR. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects on arterial function and the development of blood pressure of a long-term intake of Lactobacillus (L.) helveticus fermented milk containing IPP, VPP and minerals. Male SHR (n=8-10/group) received either 1)water; 2) water containing potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium, 3) water containing IPP and VPP, 4) water containing potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and IPP and VPP or 5) L. helveticus fermented milk containing IPP and VPP, and these minerals ad libitum for 9 weeks. At the end of this period, the highest systolic blood pressure level was found in the water group. Compared to the water group, blood pressure levels were (mmHg): peptide group -8.3 (p=0.379), mineral group -13.5 (p=0.120), mineral + peptide group -12.7 (p=0.153), and fermented milk group-16.9 (p= 0.053). In the present study a long-term intake of L. helveticus fermented milk attenuated the development of hypertension in SHR more effectively than pure tripeptides or minerals and peptides combined. Minerals and peptides were also associated with improved endothelium-dependent relaxation.
Development of pollinium in two epidendroid orchids

Development of pollinium has been studied in Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) Sw. (tribe Cymbidieae) and Smitinandia micrantha (Lindl.) Holtt. (tribe Vandeae) of the family Orchidaceae. The anther primordium develops two lobes oriented towards the labellum. Each lobe has a group of archesporial cells, which divide mitotically so as to form a spherical mass of sporogenous cells, in which there is differentiation of a dorsiventral plate of elongated sterile cells. In C. aloifolium, the sterile plate extends into about three-fourths of the fertile tissue, whereas in S. micrantha it is complete but asymmetrically oriented. Synchronous meiosis in the microsporocytes is followed by simultaneous cytokinesis so as to form microspore tetrads which organize into pollinia. Centripetal disintegration of the sterile plate during development of the male gametophyte forms two perforate (hollow) pollinia in C. aloifolium, but four unequal pollinia in S. micrantha. The anther wall is composed of an epidermis, an endothecium, two to three middle layers and the tapetum. The tapetum disorganizes during development of the male gametophyte, while the endothecium and adjacent middle layers develop fibrous thickenings.
River plume effects on larval yellow perch (Perca flavescens ) survival and predation in the western basin of Lake Erie

The western basin of Lake Erie receives input from two main tributaries (Maumee and Detroit River), which differ greatly in their nutrient and sediment loading. The higher turbidity of the Maumee River plume is thought to reduce predation on early-stage juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens), consequently increasing their survival. For this reason, my overall objective was to evaluate the effect of the Maumee River plume on the overall recruitment of larval yellow perch to the juvenile stage. However, traditional diet analyses are not effective for evaluating larval predation rates. I therefore review genetic and non-genetic diet analysis techniques, and how they have evolved with technological advances, allowing researchers to effectively explore trophic interactions and energy movement in aquatic ecosystems. This provided a framework for my doctoral research for which I used a variety of molecular genetic techniques to estimate survival of larval yellow perch using population genetics and predation rates through stomach content analysis of predator fish. Using yellow perch microsatellite markers, I measured temporal and spatial genetic structure in larval yellow perch, while Bayesian genotype assignment provided relative larval survival estimates for yellow perch inhabiting the Maumee and Detroit River plumes. Overall, genotype assignment of Age-0 yellow perch establishes that, in the western basin of Lake Erie, larval recruitment to the juvenile stage is significantly higher for fish inhabiting the Maumee River plume relative to those in the Detroit River plume. In addition, I utilized molecular genetic techniques to accurately identify highly digested early-stage juvenile prey to the species level which was not possible with a more traditional approach (visual inspection of gut contents). Specifically, I use polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloning and sequencing, to demonstrate the diversity of prey consumed by several freshwater fish species. Finally, using species-specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays and microsatellite markers, I quantified predation and cannibalism experienced by larval yellow perch in the Maumee and Detroit river plumes. The combination of markers showed generally higher predation and cannibalism in the less turbid waters of the Detroit River plume, indicative of river-plume effects (possibly mediated through turbidity) reducing larval yellow perch predation mortality. My doctoral research shows the likely mechanism that river plumes in the western basin of Lake Erie contribute to larval yellow perch survival and consequently potential recruitment; however, temporal and spatial variability indicate that other factors also contribute.
Marine wildlife entanglement and the Seal the Loop initiative: a comparison of two free‐choice learning approaches on visitor knowledge, attitudes and conservation behaviour

Marine debris poses a significant threat to marine wildlife. Given human action is responsible for this litter, reducing debris in the marine environment and rates of marine wildlife entanglement (MWE) (i.e. marine animals that are trapped in debris, such as fishing nets or plastic) rests on public education and action. This study investigated the effectiveness of the Seal the Loop (STL) initiative at Melbourne Zoo, Australia, which was designed to meet these aims. The research used visitor surveys following a visit to a fur-seal exhibit and/or educational fur-seal show experience (n = 180 visitors). The findings from this study suggest that participants understand the causes and effects of MWE after visiting the fur-seal exhibit and/or watching the STL show, with both groups accurately appraising that MWE presents a significant risk to marine wildlife (mean = 84·28/100, sd = 17·97, and mean = 88·61/100, sd = 13·39, respectively). However, between-group differences also emerged, with show visitors more likely to report learning something new, more likely to be familiar with the STL programme and its aims, displaying more positive attitudes towards marine animals and their conservation, and reporting both a higher willingness to change their future behaviour to support marine conservation (P = 0·052) and a higher perception that their individual action could make a difference (P < 0·05). This study adds to the literature regarding how interactive shows with storytelling can complement traditional static displays, as well as informing our understanding of the interplay between public knowledge/attitudes/behaviours in relation to marine debris and marine-conservation issues. It is hoped this research will contribute to the ongoing development of education initiatives at zoos and aquariums to enable them to achieve their conservation missions.
Electrophoretic Resolution of Species Boundaries in Australian Microchiroptera. IV. The Molossidae (Chiroptera)

Allozyme electrophoresis of 35 loci in 156 specimens of Australian bats belonging to the Molossidae was used to help elucidate the species-level taxonomy of the group in Australia. The electrophoretic data support the current species-level taxonomy of Tadarida australis and Chaerephon jobensis. However, for specimens currently allocated to the genus Mormopterus, the electrophoretic data fail to support any previous species-level account. On the electrophoretic data, a minimum of five species of the genus Mormopterus occur in Australia. A single specimen of a sixth species, whose generic affinities are undetermined, was also found.
Some species of Schizomavella (Bryozoa,cheilostomatida) from the Atlanto-Medirerranean Region

Nous reunissons dans le present travail les observations portant sur des specimens du genre Schizomavella recoltes sur le littoral de la Galice (Espagne nord-occidentale) ainsi que sur des exemplaires de ce genre provenant de collections de differents musees. Deux especes nouvelles, Schizomavella teresae sp. nov. et S. hondti sp. nov., sont decrites, la distribution geographique de Schizomavella auriculata, S. cuspidata, S. hastata et S. linearis est actualisee, et la division du genre Schizomavella en deux groupes est proposee.
Conférence inaugurale : grandes lames de l’Europe néolithique et alentour / Large blades from Neolithic Europe and abroad

En reference a un important corpus de productions experimentales, l’auteur presente les caracteres morphologiques et techniques des grandes lames detachees par differentes techniques : la percussion indirecte et la pression au levier utilisant une pointe d’andouiller ou une pointe de cuivre Ces caracteres permettent la reconnaissance des productions techniques utilisees dans differents centres de production de grandes lames en Europe et au-dela, du T jusqu’au 3e millenaire, depuis le Proche-Orient jusqu’au Portugal et du Danemark a l’Algerie. Cela aboutit a l’identification de differentes “ traditions techniques ” et a la connaissance des mouvements a longue distance des artisans specialistes.
Performance of crossbred cattle fed solely on chopped green sugarcane tops and supplemented with concentrate mixture or urea molasses liquid diet

Crossbred cattle bulls (15) 18-22 months- old (mean body weight 286.33′9.43 kg), were divided randomly into 3 groups of 5 animals each following randomized block design to study the intake and utilization of nutrients in cattle fed ad lib. chopped green sugarcane tops (SCT) and concentrates. In group 1, animals were fed SCT ad lib. as a sole feed, while in groups 2 and 3, were fed chopped green SCT ad lib. plus concentrate mixture and urea molasses liquid diet (UMLD), respectively, to meet out maintenance requirement. The overall mean dry matter intake (DMI) during preliminary period was 5.45′0.56, 6.45′0.33 and 6.24′0.40 kg/day. During metabolism trial period, the mean DMI and its digestibility in groups 1,2 and 3 was 5.70′0.19, 6.92′0.33 and 6.51′0.23 kg/day and 55.25, 57.57 and 57.02% respectively. The DMI (kg/day) was similar in groups 2 and 3, and it was higher (P 0.05) among groups but the digestibility of CP and EE was significantly lower in groups 1 and 3 than to group 2, whereas NDF and hemi-cellulose digestibility was significantly higher in group 3 than that in groups 1 and 2. The mean body weight gain in groups 2 and 3 (268.8) and (137.5g/day) was significantly (P<0.01) higher than group 1 (-256.3 g/day). The intakes of total nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus and balances of N and Ca were significantly higher in group 2 compared to group 1. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids, ammonia-N, TCA soluble-N and total-N was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group 1 as compared to groups 2 and 3 but pH and TCAppt. -N was comparable among groups. From these results, it may be deduced that the feeding of chopped green SCT as a sole feed could not meet out even maintenance requirement, however, supplementation of SCT either with concentrate mixture or UMLD provided sufficient nutrients for maintenance and for moderate growth rate.
Deux Phasmes de Guadeloupe : Melophasma antillarum (Caudell, 1914) n. comb, et Hesperophasma pavisae n. sp. (Phasmatodea)

Description et illustration de deux Phasmatodea de Guadeloupe : Melophasma antillarum (Caudell, 1914) n. comb. , description des œufs et discussion de la validite du genre, et Hesperophasma pavisae n. sp.
An overview of monolithic zirconia in dentistry

Abstract Zirconia restorations have been used successfully for years in dentistry owing to their biocompatibility and good mechanical properties. Because of their lack of translucency, zirconia cores are generally veneered with porcelain, which makes restorations weaker due to failure of the adhesion between the two materials. In recent years, all-ceramic zirconia restorations have been introduced in the dental sector with the intent to solve this problem. Besides the elimination of chipping, the reduced occlusal space requirement seems to be a clear advantage of monolithic zirconia restorations. However, scientific evidence is needed to recommend this relatively new application for clinical use. This mini-review discusses the current scientific literature on monolithic zirconia restorations. The results of in vitro studies suggested that monolithic zirconia may be the best choice for posterior fixed partial dentures in the presence of high occlusal loads and minimal occlusal restoration space. The results should be supported with much more in vitro and particularly in vivo studies to obtain a final conclusion.
Site-related nesting success of mourning doves and american robins in shelterbelts

Etude du succes nidificateur de la indification de Zenaida macroura et de Turdus migratorius, pendant trois ans, dans des coupe-vents d'exploitation agricoles du Minnesota. Il y a une relation entre ce succes et certaines caracteristiques du site de nidification chez T.M. mais non chez Z. m.
Studies on Hair of Some Wild Animals for Species Identification as an Aid to Wildlife Forensics

Hair is the mammalian epidermal exoskeleton and having distinctive specialized anatomic structure that consists of cells which are placed in three concentric layers viz. cuticle, cortex and medulla. The configuration of hair varies considerably from species to species and this can be used to identify a particular species by implementing various methods of hair analysis. Wildlife forensic is a relatively new method of law enforcement. The aim of wildlife forensic is to provide information for the conviction of offenders and deter their criminal acts. Microscopic features of hair of wild animals namely lion (Panthera leo), Stripped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and chinkara (Gazella bennettii) were studied. Four representative hair samples from different body regions (neck, back, abdomen and tail) were collected from four different animals of each species. Hence, 320 hair samples were studied. The microscopic studies revealed difference in patterns of medullar cells, their arrangements, medullar margins and thickness of cortex. Cloisonné pattern of medullar configuration was observed in chinkara. Nilgai revealed multicellular composition while sloth bear showed filled pattern. Lion and hyena exhibited a typical medullary configuration and had straight medullar margins. However, nilgai and chinkara showed scalloped margins. The cuticular scale patterns of hyena, sloth bear and nilgai hairs were transversely positioned, rippled margins with irregular wavy pattern and scales placed at close distance. While lion scales were transversely positioned, in regular wavy pattern with smooth margins and scales closely placed. Chinkara showed transversely positioned, regular wavy pattern, smooth margins and distantly placed scales. Cross-section of hairs shield showed oval in lion and nilgai but oblong in hyena whereas circular in sloth bear. Dumbbell shaped cross section was observed chinkara The present study showed that hair is one of the important tools for species identification. However, a single hair analysis parameter cannot be a confirmative proof for identification of a species. Therefore, a combination of parameters like, medullary configuration, cuticular scale pattern and cross section of hair can be used for species identification.