Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sexual segregation in kudu : sex differences in competitive ability, predation risk or nutritional needs?

Seasonal patterns of social organization and habitat use were studied in the kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros population of the central Kruger National Park. The population was monitored continuously over three years with radio telemetry and regular road counts. Habitat use by kudu cows and bulls differed significantly during wet and dry seasons. Bulls maintained a strong preference for riverine / watercourse habitat throughout the year. Cows were distributed across savanna habitat and an ecotone between hills and savanna in the wet season. In the dry season they increased their use of riverine / watercourse habitat, which is a dry season forage reserve for the browsing guild. The greatest potential for intersexual competition would thus be expected in the dry season, but in fact this was when kudu bulls and cows were least segregated. Therefore sexual segregation in kudu cannot be explained by intersexual competition. Alternative hypotheses entail (i) sex differences in nutritional needs and (ii) predation avoidance behaviour that differs between cow groups and bull groups.
Studies on the Relationship of Sex Hormones to Infection III. A Quantitative Study of the Increased Resistance to Vaccinial Infection Produced by the Estrogenic Hormone and Pseudopregnancy

In a recent publication (1), we reported that the estrogenic hormone, when injected into castrate rabbits, decreased the spread of India ink and increased the resistance of the rabbit to infection with vaccinia. In another paper, pseudopregnancy was shown to decrease the spread of India ink (2). In these papers, we cited a number of other workers who had shown that related endocrine states caused a change in the resistance of the host to infection. A further study of the relationship of the endocrine pattern of the host to infection was considered desirable. The value of such a study would be greatly enhanced, furthermore, if the resistance of the host could be determined on a quantitative basis. The only report of a quantitative study which we found was the paper by Rosahn, Hu and Pearce (3). These workers showed by the statistical analysis of data derived from a large number of rabbits that pregnancy increases the resistance of rabbits to infection.
Effects of polyphenols extracted from tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed coat on body weight, white blood cells, bursa of Fabricius and NDV-HI titer of broilers under chronic heat stress.

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of polyphenols extracted from tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed coat on total body weight, white blood cells, bursa of Fabricius and NDV-HI titer of broilers maintained in high environmental temperature. The broilers under study were divided into two main groups. Those in the first group were maintained at 26±2 C and the second group at 38±2 C. o o The broilers in the second group were subdivided into six sub-groups, each of which received polyphenols at 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg in their diets. The results revealed that the body weights of the broilers in all groups were not different. The total white blood cell counts and lymphocyte counts of the broilers in all sub-groups of the second group were higher than that of the broilers in the first group (p<0.05). On day 21 of the experimental period, the total number of white blood cells and lymphocytes of the broilers in the first group was not different from those of the broilers in the first, second, fifth and sixth sub-groups of the second group (p>0.05). The relative bursa of Fabricius weight of the broilers in the first group and the third sub-group of the second group were not different (p>0.05). Furthermore, lesion scores of the bursa of Fabricius of the first group and the third and fourth sub-groups of the second group were not different (p>0.05). Moreover, NDV-HI titer of the broilers in the first group and all sub-groups of the second group were not also different (p>0.05). These phenomena indicated that polyphenols could increase the number of lymphocytes and relative bursa of Fabricius weight. On the other hand, the extract could decrease lesion scores of bursa of Fabricius in heat stressed broilers.
Comparaison de la structure et du volume squelettiques entre un delphinidé (Delphinus delphis L.) et un mammifère terrestre (Panthera leo L.)

The weight and structural characteristics of bones (density, ash content, and structural compactness) were compared between a small delphinid (Delphinus delphis L.) and a terrestrial mammal (Panthera leo L.). The aim of this comparison was to show the morphological correlates of the steep reduction in skeletal mass, which is a characteristic of dolphins. The lightness of the bones in the thoracic limbs of these animals is due to a reduction of both the volume and the density of bones. In the cephalic and thoracic regions, the loss in mass of the delphinid skeleton is due only to the reduction of bone volume. Dolphin vertebrae show no modification of weight or structure, as compared with those of lions. The functional hypotheses suggested by these results are discussed in relation to aspects of bone pathology induced by disuse or abnormal gravitational conditions.
Identification of evolutionary significant units in the Spanish wild goat, Capra pyrenaica (Mammalia, Artiodactyla)

The Pyrenean population of Spanish wild goat (Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica) is nearly extinct. To find the most appropriate source of individuals for supplementing the Pyrenean population, we identified Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs) among populations of the Capra pyrenaica species. We have examined sequence variability of portions of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and cytochrome b (cyt b) gene. Samples were from seven populations of Spanish wild goat distributed over the species' geographic range. The level of divergence between the Pyrenean and other Spanish haplotypes is almost as high as the divergence between the Alpine (C. ibex ibex) and the Spanish wild goats. In addition, the Pyrenean goat is morphologically distinct from other Spanish wild goats. Therefore the Pyrenean population should be considered as an ESU. For the reinforcement, we suggest either using individuals from the most polymorphic Spanish population, or mixing individuals from diverse Spanish origins, since all the other Spanish populations are equally genetically distant from the Pyrenean population.
Comparative genomic hybridization indicating two distinct subgroups of pilocytic astrocytomas

Object The authors investigated the spectrum of chromosomal imbalances of pilocytic astrocytoma by using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Methods Tumor DNA was extracted from surgically obtained samples of 18 pilocytic astrocytomas that were examined for the presence of neoplastic tissue on frozen sections. Comparative genomic hybridization was performed using standard procedures, and digital image analysis was conducted using out by custom-made software. The chromosomal alterations were determined by a statistical procedure in which Student's t-test (99% confidence interval) was used. Details on CGH analysis and individual ratio profiles are available at http://amba.charite. de/cgh/. Conclusions The results suggests the presence of two distinct genetic subgroups of pilocytic astrocytoma, with imbalances of chromosome 19 being the major change for differentiation. In the first group (10 samples), deletions on chromosome 19 were shown as well as multiple gains mainly on chromosomes 5 and 6q but also.
Functional morphology of Proconsul patellas from Rusinga Island, Kenya, with implications for other Miocene-Pliocene catarrhines

Abstract Four new, nearly complete patellas of Proconsul heseloni and two of P. nyanzae have been discovered on Rusinga Island, Kenya. Until recently, little was known of the Proconsul knee joint because of the fragmentary and distorted nature of the available remains. These new patellas provide an opportunity to assess knee joint structure and function in Proconsul . Fossil patellas are also known from Kenyapithecus, Oreopithecus and Pliopithecus, providing an important comparative database of fossil hominoids with which to compare the Proconsul patellas. Two mechanical models that relate external patellar dimensions to stresses developed in the patella under mechanical loading are presented to provide a theoretical framework by which to assess functional significance of variations in patellar morphology among anthropoids. Patellas are modelled as (i) short beams subjected to three-point bending, and (ii) as pulley like structures. Predicted scaling of patellar dimensions based on these models are tested by studying a sample of extant anthropoid patellas. Four external patellar dimensions are included: proximodistal height (PD), mediolateral breadth (ML), anteroposterior thickness (AP) and proximodistal height of the articular surface (PDAS). Allometric relationships among these patellar dimensions are studied by fitting reduced major axis lines through log-transformed data, and comparing lines fitted through monkey and great ape data, respectively. Monkey patellas are taller (PD) and thicker (AP) than great ape patellas, and may have slightly taller articular surfaces (PDAS) relative to breadth (ML), reflecting an emphasis on running and leaping in their locomotion. In contrast, all fossil and extant hominoids, including Proconsul , have flat, broad, and thin patellas, reflecting a generalized pattern of knee joint function that is probably primitive for the hominoid clade.
PHOTOREGULATION OF ROOT: SHOOT RATIO IN SOYBEAN SEEDLINGS *

Abstract— The partitioning of plant growth between shoot and root has the potential to affect diverse physiological processes including water and nutrient uptake, nitrogen fixation, light interception, and interactions between plant and soil microorganisms. Root: shoot ratio is determined both by genetics and developmental status as well as by availability of water, nutrients and light. It is shown here that relative root growth was modulated by photomorphogenetic treatments designed to affect phytochrome (supplemental far‐red radiation given either as an end‐of‐day treatment or continuously during the photoperiod) or blue light photoreceptors (blue light‐deficient low pressure sodium lamps ± low irradiances of supplemental blue [i.e. 5% of total photon flux: 25 μ.mol m−2 s−1]). Photomorphogenetic control of root: shoot ratio was apparent within1–2 days when light treatments were initiated at emergence, and did not necessarily involve changes in net seedling growth. On the other hand, shortened daylength inhibited early seedling growth but had little effect on partitioning. Changes in relative root dry matter induced by supplemental far red radiation or blue light deficiency were similar to those caused by low irradiances, suggesting that phytochrome or blue light photoreceptors may be involved in regulating the partitioning of growth between shoot and root as a part of adaptation to vegetation shade. The influence of spectral quality on root: shoot ratio should be considered when comparing plants grown under different types of lighting or with different spacing.
The essential oil composition of Thymus fallax Fisch. & C.A. Mey. from Iran

Abstract The composition of the essential oil obtained from the dried flowering aerial parts of Thymus fallax Fisch. & C.A. Mey. (Labiatae) was analyzed by GC and GC-MS for the first time. 155 components have been identified in the essential oil of T. fallax. The major constituents of the essential oil were carvacrol (30.2%), geraniol (15.4%) and p-cymene (7.7%).
Phylogenetic and ecomorphological structure of assemblages of breeding leaf warblers (Phylloscopidae) along Himalayan elevational gradients

To understand the relative importance of ecological and biogeographical processes structuring assemblages of Himalayan leaf warblers (family Phylloscopidae), through an evaluation of (1) the patterns of species richness and phylogenetic community structure, (2) their environmental determinants, and (3) dispersion of morphological traits within communities.
Canopy Gaps and the Two Major Groups of Forest Trees

In all forests there is a cycle initiated by disturbance. We may arbitrarily recognize gap, building, and mature phases (Watt 1947, Cousens 1974, Whitmore 1975, 1978, 1982), thereby designating forests as spatial mosaics of structural phases which change over time as a result of dynamic processes. Gaps, openings in the forest canopy, drive the forest cycle. Very tiny gaps may be filled by lateral ingrowth of surrounding trees. Usually, though, trees grow up from seedlings to form an immature forest of saplings and poles which grow on and develop into mature trees. The mature phase may enter a fourth degenerate phase as trees become senile, but often is destroyed at a stroke by some external factor. Differences in sizes of gaps result in differences in species composition of the next cycle. Present evidence suggests that, in all forests, tree species fall into one or other of two groups. In small gaps seedlings that became established in the shade of the closed forest are released (i.e., commence height growth). By contrast, a quite different group of species colonizes large gaps. Seeds of these species germinate only in the open, so seedlings occur only after formation of gaps. Swaine and Whitmore (1988), while recognizing that there are no universally accepted terms, propose that these groups be called climax (non-pioneer) and pioneer, respectively. Pioneer species only regenerate in large gaps. When a mature canopy of pioneers enters the degenerate phase, small gaps develop, and these are closed by growth of climax species that became established under them. The next cycle is composed of climax species that, unlike the pioneers, can regenerate in situ. The gap phase is thus the most important part of the growth cycle for the determination of floristic composition. Competition among tree species and their different light requirements at the building and mature phases play a lesser role. Intensive study of forest dynamics since the early 1970s suggests this paradigm is applicable to many forests at all latitudes (Whitmore 1988). There are, however, numerous embellishments, as well as many alternatives, and these lead to the great diversity seen even within a single forest biome. A few examples include: clonal spread occurs in some temperate forests; in some tropical rain forests big gaps may be invaded by woody climbers that arrest the next growth cycle; both pioneer and climax species differ in longevity (hence size) and in autecology (e.g., microsite preferences for seedling establishment).
Memoirs: On the Protozoan Parasites of Calanus Finmarchicus in the Clyde Sea Area

An account is given of the parasites reputed to be of protozoan nature which were observed in Calanus finmarchicus in the Clyde Sea Area, during the years 1933 to 1936. These comprise Blastodinium, Syndinium, some Gregarines, an ectoparasitic Ciliate new to science, Paradinium, Ellobiopsis, and Ichthyosporidium, besides early stages in the development of some Platyhelminth worms. A special study is made of Paradinium, which was plentiful throughout the summer months, and of the effect of the plasmodial parasites on their hosts.
Effects of post‐application irrigation and substrate moisture on the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis

The efficacy of entomomatogenic nematodes (Steinernema bicornutum Tallosi, Peters and Ehlers and/or Heterorhabditis indica LN2 Poinar, Karunakar and David) against the soil‐dwelling life stages of western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) was assessed under different moisture conditions in a commercial plant‐growing substrate in laboratory experiments. In the first experiment, both nematode species were tested at substrate moisture ranges of 67, 78, 88, or 95% relative moisture content, that were maintained before applying the nematodes at 100 or 400 infective juveniles (IJs) cm−2. In the second experiment, 10, 25, 50, 100, or 120 ml irrigation water, resulting in relative moisture contents of 72, 81, 90, 99%, or more than the saturation level of the substrate, respectively, was applied to the substrate. Heterorhabditis indica LN2 was applied either in 3 ml water and followed by irrigation, or by suspending the infective juveniles in the water amounts indicated above to apply the nematodes in higher volume. Results indicated that at the higher application rate, initial moisture content did not significantly affect the efficacy of H. indica LN2. On the other hand, increasing moisture content resulted in an improved efficacy of H. indica LN2 and S. bicornutum at lower and higher application rates, respectively. Similar thrips control levels of 44 and 60% at the lower and higher application rate of H. indica LN2, respectively, were obtained at 88% relative moisture content. In the second experiment, higher and statistically similar thrips mortality of 40 and 50% at lower and higher application rates of H. indica LN2, respectively, were obtained when the infective juveniles were applied in a high volume suspension of 100 ml, or when followed by irrigation with 25 ml water, resulting in both cases in 81% relative moisture content. Generally, efficacies of the nematodes for thrips control can be improved by using an appropriate moisture content and/or post‐application irrigation. Thus, the high nematode application rates required for successful F. occidentalis control can be partly attributed to substrate moisture content and/or post‐application irrigation.
Whole-cell vaccine of Streptococcus agalactiae in Oreochromis sp. with immersion method

ABSTRACT The study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of formalin-killed non-hemolytic Streptococcus agalactiae N14G and NK1 isolates whole-killed vaccine to prevent streptococcosis in tilapia. Ten fishes were reared in a tank 60x30x35 cm3 with an average body weight at 10.79±0.99 g. Fish was vaccinated through bath immersion at a concentration of 109 cfu/mL. Fish was subsequently challenged by intraperitonial injection of Streptococcus agalactiae 105 cfu/mL at 11 days post-vaccination. Parameters observed were survival, relative percent survival (RPS), total leukocyte, phagocytic activity, antibody titer, total erythrocyte, haemoglobin level, haematocrit level, dan water quality. Samplings were performed in day-0, 20, and 30 after vaccination. Both vaccines have shown higher survival (60%) and RPS (40%) when challenged with pathogenic Streptococcus N14G isolates than other treatments. Based on RPS percentage observed, those vaccine were still not sufficiently effective to combat S. agalactiae infection. Keywords: tilapia, bath immersion, Streptococcus agalactiae , whole-cell vaccine ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi efikasi vaksin formalin-killed cell Streptococcus agalactiae tipe isolat nonhemolitik N14G dan NK1 se utuh yang diberikan melalui perendaman dalam mencegah penyakit streptococcosis pada ikan nila. Ikan nila yang digunakan memiliki bobot 10,79±0,99 g, dipelihara sebanyak sepuluh ekor dalam akuarium ukuran 60x30x35 cm3. Ikan divaksinasi dengan metode perendaman dengan dosis 109 cfu/mL. Uji tantang dilakukan pada hari ke-11 pascavaksinasi dengan dosis 105 cfu/mL. Parameter yang diamati meliputi sintasan (SR), sintasan relatif/ relative percent surviva l (RPS), total leukosit, aktivitas fagositik, titer antibodi, total eritrosit, kadar hemoglobin, kadar hematokrit, dan kualitas air. Pengamatan parameter dilakukan pada hari ke-0, ke-10, ke-20, dan ke-30. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan perlakuan kedua vaksin yang diinfeksi bakteri patogen isolat N14G memberikan nilai sintasan dan nilai RPS tertinggi dibanding perlakuan lainnya. Nilai sintasan dan RPS kedua perlakuan tersebut adalah 60% dan 40%. Nilai RPS yang cukup kecil menunjukkan vaksin yang diberikan masih kurang efektif untuk mencegah infeksi bakteri S. agalactiae . Kata kunci: ikan nila, perendaman, Streptococcus agalactiae , vaksin sel utuh
The influence of oxidation, extrusion and oxidation/extrusion on physico‐chemical properties of potato starch

The aim of the research was to compare several physico-chemical parameters of potato starch modified using oxidation, extrusion, and combination of both, including content of amylose and non-polysaccharide components, amount of carboxyl groups, molecular mass distribution of polymers, pasting ability, and rheological properties. It was observed that oxidation, extrusion, and combined oxidation/extrusion of starch resulted in an increase of ash in potato starch, and the oxidized starch contained the lowest amount of non-carbohydrate compounds. Oxidation resulted in a decrease of phosphorus, while its content after extrusion increased. It was found that the level of apparent amylose dropped after all applied types of modification. Water binding capacity and solubility of oxidized starch differed slightly from the values measured for native starch, while a huge change in these characteristics was caused by extrusion. The highest change of molecular mass was observed after combined modification and the lowest in case of extruded starch. Modification of starch affected its rheological properties, which exhibited low viscosity and was more susceptible to shearing forces.
The p55 TNF-α Receptor Plays a Critical Role in T Cell Alloreactivity1

TNF-α is known to be an important mediator of tissue damage during allograft rejection and graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), but its role in supporting T cell responses to allogeneic Ags is unclear. We have studied this question by comparing normal mice with those lacking the p55 (p55 TNFR−/−) or p75 (p75 TNFR−/−) TNF-α receptors as donors in well-defined bone marrow transplant (BMT) models. Recipients of p55 TNFR−/− cells had significantly reduced mortality and morbidity from GVHD compared with the other two sources of T cells. In vitro, T cells lacking the p55 (but not the p75) TNF-α receptor exhibited decreased proliferation and production of Th1 cytokines in MLC. This defect was only partially restored by exogenous IL-2 and affected both CD4+ and CD8+ populations. CD8+ p55 TNFR−/− proliferation was impaired independently of IL-2 whereas CTL effector function was impaired in an IL-2-dependent fashion. Inhibition of TNF-α with TNFR:Fc in primary MLC also impaired the proliferation and Th1 differentiation of wild-type T cells. BMT mixing experiments demonstrated that the reduced ability of p55 TNFR−/− donor cells to induce GVHD was due to the absence of the p55 TNFR on T cells rather than bone marrow cells. These data highlight the importance of TNF-α in alloreactive T cell responses and suggest that inhibition of the T cell p55 TNF-α receptor may provide an additional useful therapeutic maneuver to inhibit alloreactive T cell responses following bone marrow and solid organ transplantation.
EFFECTS OF INITIAL pH ON COMPOSITIONAL CHANGES AND SENSORY TRAITS OF FRENCH DRY-CURED HAMS

Fifty hams were distributed into 2 groups differing in initial pH of the Adductor muscle — one group with a pH < 6.1 (low pH group) and the other group with a pH of 6.1 or higher (high pH group). Ten hams were used for fresh meat analysis, while the 40 other hams were processed by dry-curing. Five hams of each pH group were used for chemical analysis before processing (day 0) and at days 74, 81, 179 and 273 of processing. The Biceps femoris muscle was analyzed for moisture, salt content, lipids, nitrogen fractions and volatile compounds. Sensory analysis was performed at days 179 and 273. The low pH hams had higher moisture and salt content at the beginning of processing. They reflected more active lipolysis and proteolysis as indicated by higher levels of free fatty acids and nonprotein nitrogen. Also, they were scored as firmer, dryer and had a less intense fat aroma.