Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The peculiarities of the masticator muscles in rodents

Comparative research concerning masticatory musculature in squirrel, muskrat and rabbit, take into account the emphasizing and morphofunctional interpretation of the osteomuscular particularities involved in the prehension and mastication processes. The development of the coronoid process on the muskrat and squirrel demonstrates the growing of the force when raising the mandible by increasing the action force attached to the temporal muscle, with insertion on the coronoid process. In comparison with that, in the case of rabbits, both the coronoid process and the temporal muscle are reduced. From a philogenetic point of view, it has been found that the species that have the articular condyle lowered at or under the level of the dental tables (carnivores) present a greater pressure force between the dental tables. Analyzing this aspect of the rodents taken into discussion, we noticed the lowering of the articular condyle up to the inferior molars' plane, in the case of squirrels and muskrats, but through obliquity, namely through cranial caudal and dorsoventral movement. This peculiarity is emphasized through the analysis of the angle formed by the axis of the mandible recurved branch (passing through the mandibular condyle) with the axis of the horizontal branch of the mandible, where it was noticed that along with the increase in the angle formed by the two axes, which becomes an obtuse 160 degree angle on the squirrel and 130 degrees on the muskrat, there is also a lowering of the articular condyle up to the molar level, while in the case of carnivores, the lowering of the condyle is done without the modification of the angle between the two axes, which measures approximately 90 degrees.
Selective feeding on bivalves by Polinices alderi (Forbes) (Gastropoda)

Abstract Laboratory experiments indicate that Polinices alderi (Forbes) feeds selectively when offered different species of bivalves. Shell thickness appears to be an important factor and the species with the thinnest shell, Mya arenaria L. , is strongly preferred. The snails also showed size selectivity when offered different size classes of either Spisula sub-truncata (da Costa) or Spisula elliptica (Brown). The larger size classes were not preferred, although they could be handled by the predator. It is suggested that the size and shape of the bivalve, which affects ease of handling by the predator, rather than shell thickness is responsible for this result. The shell thickness of different species greatly affected the time required to drill and consume prey items of the same size. Nevertheless over a period of 14 days the snails spent a similar proportion of their time drilling irrespective of prey species. The number of bivalves which were consumed therefore depended on the shell thickness.
Effects of day and night air temperature on growth, productivity and energy use of long English cucumber

To determine the optimum air temperature regime for greenhouse seedless cucumber production under North American conditions, the cvs. Corona (in the spring of 1990 and 1992) and Aramon (in the spring of 1992) were grown under nine day/night temperature regimes composed of a factorial combination of three day (18, 21 and 24 °C; DT) and three night (16, 18 and 20 °C; NT) heating temperatures, at a common 24 °C ventilation temperature. Plant development rates (leaf and flower number) were linearly increased with increasing daily average air temperature (MT), but not affected by day–night air temperature difference (DIF), indicating that plant development rates increased with increasing air temperature regardless of DT or NT. Specific leaf weight decreased with increasing DT or NT, and leaf photosynthesis rates decreased with increasing DT. Therefore, high DT or NT promoted the growth rates of young cucumber plants mainly through increasing leaf area ratios. Early and final yields of Corona were mainly affect.
One-hundred-year foliage comparison of Pinus ponderosa and Pinus sylvestris under dry growing conditions in Brandenburg, Germany

Abstract The dynamics of six different needle parameters of Pinus sylvestris L. and Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex P. & C. Laws. were examined retrospectively for a 112-year-old mixed stand in Brandenburg, Germany, using the needle trace method. Similarities were found in needle production, needle loss and needle density. However, needle age, needle retention and total number of needles revealed significant differences between the tree species, with higher values for P. ponderosa. Pinus ponderosa yielded approximately twice as much mean whole-crown needle dry mass as P. sylvestris. Furthermore, different branching systems could be detected between the species, with both pines following “Corner's rule”. The results suggest that under identical growing conditions, P. ponderosa exhibits more efficient water use and can therefore maintain a bigger crown (as the basis for increased growth) than P. sylvestris.
Meiotic Drive as an Evolutionary Force

Instances are known both from studies of natural populations and laboratory experiments in which heterozygotes produce two kinds of gametes, not with the customary equality, but with unequal frequencies. Such meiotic behavior will profoundly affect gene frequencies in populations, and is referred to as meiotic drive. Some of the consequences of meiotic drive on the genetic structure of natural populations, including those of man, and its evolutionary implications are considered.
Production of cloned mice by aggregation of tetraploid embryo

Mouse chimeras can also successfully be produced using tetraploid host embryos. This study was conducted to optimize the efficiency of cloning and to produce cloned mice using tetraploid host embryos. Six hours of activation with strontium (SrCl2) was optimal for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. Cytochalasin B (CB) concentration (5 µg/ml) during enucleation was evaluated in the efficiency of implantation sites and fetus offspring. Continuous exposure to 5–50 nM trichostatin A (TSA), a histone-deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), for 10 h is recommended for production of clone mice. Aggregated SCNTs were constructed by aggregation of SCNT embryos with tetraploid embryos to reduce epigenetic errors in the placenta. The pregnancy and implantation rates of aggregated SCNT were significantly higher than those of SCNT alone. The full-term developmental rate of aggregated embryos was also higher than that of SCNT (3.57 vs. 1.16). The placental weight of SCNT clones was significantly higher than that from in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the placenta weight of aggregated SCNT clones was nearly the same as that of embryos in the IVF group. The placentas of SCNT-only clones appeared to have the hyperplastic histology typical of mouse clones. We produced a total of 36 clone mice, including nine heads derived from aggregated SCNT. One-half of clones derived from aggregated SCNT survived to adulthood, and 14-clones derived from SCNT grew into healthy adults. The aggregated SCNT method was useful for significantly reducing the placental weight of cloned mice and improving the efficiency of SCNT.
Tree species range shifts at a continental scale: new predictive insights from a process‐based model

1 Climate change has already caused distribution shifts in many species, and climate predictions strongly suggest that these will accelerate in the future. Obtaining reliable predictions of species range shifts under climate change is thus currently one of the most crucial challenges for both ecologists and stakeholders. 2 Here we simulate the distributions of 16 North American tree species at a continental scale for the 21st century according to two IPCC storylines, using a process‐based species distribution model that for the first time allows identification of the possible causes of distribution change. 3 Our projections show local extinctions in the south of species ranges (21% of the present distribution, on average), and colonizations of new habitats in the north, though these are limited by dispersal ability for most species. Areas undergoing local extinctions are slightly larger under climate scenario A2 (+3.2 C, +22% on average) than B2 (+1.0 C, +19% on average). This small difference is caused by nonlinear responses of processes (leaves and flowers phenological processes in particular) to temperature. We also show that local extinction may proceed at a slower rate than forecasted so far. 4 Although predicted distribution shifts are very species‐specific, we show that the loss of habitats southward will be mostly due to increased drought mortality and decreased reproductive success, while northward colonizations will be primarily promoted by increased probability of fruit ripening and flower frost survival. 5 Synthesis. Our results show that different species will not face the same risks due to climate change, because their responses to climate differ as well as their dispersal rate. Focusing on processes, our study therefore tempers the alarming conclusions of widely used niche‐based models about biodiversity loss, mainly because our predictions take into account the local adaptation and trait plasticity to climate of the species.
Allelic relationships of anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) resistance in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar Michelite and the proposal of a new anthracnose resistance gene, Co-11

The genetic resistance of Phaseolus vulgaris L. cultivar Michelite to races 8 and 64 of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, causal agent of bean anthracnose, was characterized. Crosses were made between Michelite and Mexico 222 cultivars and the F2 population was inoculated with race 64 in order to study the inheritance of resistance to anthracnose in Michelite. The segregation of F2 population fitted in a ratio of 3R:1S, showing the presence of a dominant gene in Michelite gene conditioning resistance to race 64. Allelism tests were conducted with F2 populations derived from crosses between Michelite and AB 136, AND 277, BAT 93, Cornell 49-242, G 2333, Kaboon, Mexico 222, Michigan Dark Red Kidney (MRDK), Ouro Negro, Perry Marrow, PI 207262, TO, TU, and Widusa. All the cultivars (except Mexico 222) were resistant to race 64. While F2 derived from the Michelite x Mexico 222 was inoculated with race 8. Additionally, allelism tests indicated that the gene present in Michelite is independent from Co-1, Co-2, Co-3, Co-4, Co-5, Co-6, Co-7, Co-9 and Co-10 genes. The monogenic inheritance observed in Michelite and the independence of this gene from those previously characterized allow the authors to propose that the anthracnose resistant gene in Michelite should be named Co-11.
Comparative study of growth performance, egg production, egg characteristics and haemato-biochemical parameters of Desi, Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red chicken

A total of 2001 un-sexed day-old chicks of each Desi, Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red (RIR) breeds were obtained from hatchery of Poultry Research Institute, Rawalpindi. The birds were maintained on deep litter system for a period of 72 weeks. In floor pens, each breed was reared separately in a single pen until seven weeks of age when 2001 birds were randomly distributed between pens, with 21 to 24 birds of the same breed per pen (2.00 to 2.50 ft2/bird). The results revealed that the average day-old weight was highest in RIR, intermediate in Desi and lowest in Fayoumi. The RIR breed consumed more feed and gained maximum (p<0.05) weight than those of Desi and Fayoumi breeds at all ages of growing phase. The feed conversion was poor (p<0.05) in Desi and better in RIR breed. Desi and Fayoumi chicks had lowest (p<0.05) mortality than RIR breed. The breast and thigh meat composition was found non-significant (p>0.05) amongst three breeds. The age of sexual maturity was lowest in Fayoumi followed by RIR and Desi. The highest egg production was obtained by RIR with 41% followed by Fayoumi (36%) and the Desi breed (29%). The egg weight and egg mass were highest (p<0.05) in RIR, but non-significant (p>0.05) differences were found between Fayoumi and Desi breeds. The internal egg quality parameters including yolk weight, albumen weight, yolk plus albumin weight and albumin height were significantly higher in RIR breed than those of Fayoumi and Desi breeds. However, shell and yolk thickness did not differ significantly amongst three breeds. There was non-significant (p>0.05) difference in blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, calcium, protein, uric acid and alkaline phosphatase values amongst three breeds. There was non-significant (p>0.05) difference in haematological values among all breeds. The total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume increased with the advancement of age. However, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin values decreased gradually with the advancement of age. It may be concluded that overall RIR chickens performed better than Fayoumi and Desi chickens. However, early age of sexual maturity was noticed in Fayoumi chickens, and low mortality was observed in Desi chickens.
Autunmal sedimentation of Microcystis spp. as result of an increase in carbohydrate ballast at reduced temperature

Autumnal sedimentation of the Microcystis population was studied in Lake Nieuwe Meer (Amsterdam, The Netherlands). In summer, Microcystis formed a high percentage of the total phytoplankton in the water column, but a low percentage in sedimentation traps. The reverse was found during September and October, with a high percentage in the sedimentation traps, but a low percentage in the water column. The decrease in the numbers of Microcystis colonies coincided with a decrease in water temperature. In experiments with a strain of Microcystis, isolated from Lake Nieuwe Meer, the percentage of total colonies that were sinking increased in a few days to 100% after a shift from 20 degrees C to 15.3, 13.0 or 10.5 degrees C. The gas-vesicle volume in the cells remained constant during the incubations. Sinking of the colonies resulted from an increased glycogen content. Calculation of carbon (C) flows during the first 2 days of the incubation at reduced temperature showed that the glycogen accumulation was the result of a much lower rate of protein synthesis during the light period at the lower temperatures. Although the photosynthetic rate itself decreased at reduced temperature, it resulted in more fixed CO2 being stored as glucose. Because the respiratory rate also decreased (with an almost similar decrease to that of photosynthesis), glycogen accumulated at lower temperatures. It was calculated that after an incubation period of similar to 1 week at reduced temperature, the rate of photosynthesis had decreased by 10.1% of the value at 20 degrees C per 1 degrees C, while the rate of respiration had decreased only 1.8%. It is proposed that there is a feedback mechanism in which an increasing concentration of glycogen inhibits photosynthesis and stimulates respiration.
Metabolic Effects of Reducing Rate of Glucose Ingestion by Single Bolus Versus Continuous Sipping

Modifying the rate of absorption has been proposed as a therapeutic principle of specific relevance to diabetes. To demonstrate clearly the metabolic benefits that might result from reducing the rate of nutrient delivery, nine healthy volunteers took 50 g glucose in 700 ml water on two occasions: over 5–10 min (bolus) and at a constant rate over 3.5 h (sipping). Despite similar 4-h blood glucose areas, large reductions were seen in serum insulin (54 ± 10%, P < 0.001) and C-peptide (47 ± 12%, P < 0.01) areas after sipping, together with lower gastric inhibitory polypeptide and enteroglucagon levels and urinary catecholamine output. There was also prolonged suppression of plasma glucagon, growth hormone, and free-fatty acid (FFA) levels after sipping, whereas these levels rose 3–4 h after the glucose bolus. An intravenous glucose tolerance test at 4 h demonstrated a 48 ± 10% (P < 0.01) more rapid decline in blood glucose (Kg) after sipping than after the bolus. Furthermore, FFA and total branched-chain amino acid levels as additional markers of insulin action were lower over this period despite similar absolute levels of insulin and C-peptide. These findings indicate that prolonging the rate of glucose absorption enhances insulin economy and glucose disposal.
Seasonal fishery dynamics of a previously unexploited rainbow trout population with contrasts to established fisheries

Abstract Although predator–prey interactions between anglers and fish populations are well studied and understood, little is known about whether these interactions differ between lightly and fully exploited populations. Furthermore, within-season shifts in catch rates are poorly understood. These differences have been thought to be due in part to changes in fish behavior after catch and release, which reduces the overall catchability of the population. To address these questions, angling was introduced to a previously unexploited population of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and the within-season fishery dynamics were contrasted with those of fully exploited populations. We found that catch rates rapidly decreased after the introduction of angling; moreover, once this had occurred, angler effort decreased. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) and catchability of the lightly exploited population were initially quite high compared with most exploited populations but quickly decreased throughout the summer to leve.
Dinâmica de cátions na raiz e folhas de berinjela cultivada sobre doses crescentes de potássio oriundas de duas fontes

This study was conducted at the Department of Plant Production, Sector Horticulture, UNESP - Botucatu, SP, Brazil, in order to assess the dynamics of cationic nutrients in roots and leaves and effects on dry matter production of roots and shoots in eggplant grown on conditions of increasing doses of potassium from two distinct sources (KCl and K2SO4). The experiment was arranged in randomized blocks in factorial 2 x 4 (two sources of potassium, KCl and K2SO4 and four doses of each source equivalent, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 kg ha-1 K2O) comprising eight treatments with three replicates. For the experiment we used Oxisol medium texture (615 g of sand, silt 45 g and 340 g clay per kg soil). The characteristics evaluated were: soil electrical conductivity, mass of shoot and root material, content and ratio of K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in roots and leaves of eggplant. We conclude that excessive doses of sources of K2O affected the production of dry matter of roots and shoots, as well as electrical conductivity. The accumulation and the relationship of Ca2+/K+, Mg2+/K+ were affected by increased K+ concentration; K2SO4 was the fertilizer that was less damaging
The Economics of Protecting Tiger Populations: Linking Household Behavior to Poaching and Prey Depletion

The tiger ( Panthera tigris ) is classified as endangered and populations continue to decline. This paper presents a formal economic analysis of the two most imminent threats to the survival of wild tigers: poaching tigers and hunting their prey. A model is developed to examine interactions between tigers and farm households living in and around tiger habitats. The analysis extends the existing literature on tiger demography, incorporating predator-prey interactions and exploring the sensitivity of tiger populations to key economic parameters. The analysis aims to contribute to policy debates on how best to protect one of the world’ s most endangered wild cats. (JEL Q22)
Temperatura superficial e índice de tolerância ao calor de caprinos de diferentes grupos raciais no semi-árido nordestino

Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar a temperatura superficial e o indice de tolerância ao calor de caprinos (F1) resultantes de cruzamentos entre as racas Boer, Savana, Kalahari, Anglo Nubiana e Moxoto, com caprinos SRD, da regiao Nordeste. Foram utilizados 30 caprinos inteiros, com idade media de seis meses e peso medio de 25,17kg, sendo seis de cada grupo genetico: ½Boer + ½SRD (BS), ½Anglo-Nubiana + ½SRD (ANS), ½Savana + ½SRD (SS), ½Kalarari + ½SRD (KS) e ½Moxoto + ½SRD (MS), mantidos em regime de confinamento. Os parâmetros estudados foram a temperatura superficial e o indice de tolerância ao calor (ITC). Verificou-se que os grupos raciais apresentaram diferenca significativa para a temperatura superficial, todavia o ITC foi semelhante para todos. Assim a utilizacao desses grupos raciais para incrementar a produtividade caprina no semi-arido pode ser aconselhada.
Geographical partitioning of marine macrophyte assemblages in the tropical Pacific: a result of local and regional diversity processes

Various coral reef organisms display distinct gradients in taxonomic turnover throughout the tropical Pacific Ocean. Marine macrophytes are one of the most dominant and ecologically important benthic components of tropical reefs, yet little is known about the ecological biogeography of the macrophyte assemblages throughout this biodiverse region. This study assessed: (1) the geographical clustering of macrophyte assemblages in the tropical Pacific; (2) the environmental/geographical factors that best explain the observed patterns in taxon richness and taxon composition; and (3) the validity of large‐scale biogeographical hypotheses with respect to the distribution of macrophyte assemblages.
Natural Soluble Interleukin-15Rα Is Generated by Cleavage That Involves the Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-converting Enzyme (TACE/ADAM17)*

This study shows that the high affinity α-chain of the interleukin (IL)-15 receptor exists not only in membrane-anchored but also in soluble form. Soluble IL-15Rα (sIL-15Rα) can be detected in mouse sera and cell-conditioned media by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. This protein has a molecular mass of about 30 kDa because of the presence of a single N-glycosylation site, which is reduced to 26 kDa after N-glycosidase treatment. Transmembrane IL-15Rα is constitutively converted into its soluble form by proteolytic cleavage that involves tumor necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme (TACE), and this process is further enhanced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulation. The hydroxamate GW280264X, which is capable of blocking TACE and the closely related disintegrin-like metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10), effectively inhibited both spontaneous and PMA-inducible cleavage of IL-15Rα, whereas GI254023X, which preferentially blocks ADAM10, was ineffective. Overexpression of TACE but not ADAM10 in COS-7 cells enhanced the constitutive and PMA-inducible cleavage of IL-15Rα. Moreover, murine fibroblasts deficient in TACE but not ADAM10 expression exhibited a significant reduction in the spontaneous and inducible IL-15Rα shedding, whereas a reconstitution of TACE in these cells restored the release of sIL-15Rα, thereby suggesting that TACE-mediated proteolysis may represent a major mechanism for sIL-15Rα generation in mice. The existence of natural sIL-15Rα offers novel insights into the complex biology of IL-15 and envisages a new level for therapeutic intervention.