Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecological strategies of woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha) at Tinigua National Park, Colombia

Information on the use of space, activity patterns, diet, and social interactions were recorded for a group of woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha) during 13 months at Tinigua National Park, Macarena, Colombia. In this region, fruit abundance changes throughout the year with a peak during March–April (beginning of the rainy season) and less fruit during September‐November (end of rainy season). Woolly monkeys spent most of their time in mature forest where fruit abundance is higher than in opendegraded or flooded forests. Changes in habitat used by monkeys were coupled with changes in fruit supply across vegetation types. On an annual basis, woolly monkeys spent 24% of point samples locomoting, 36% resting, 36% feeding, and 4% on other activities. However, these proportions varied across the year depending on fruit availability. Based on instantaneous samples, the diet consisted mostly of fruits (60%), arthropods (23%), vegetative parts and flowers (17%), and other items (1%). Non‐lactating females and juveniles spent more time eating insects than adult males and lactating females; however, significant differences between classes were detected only during the period of fruit scarcity. These differences are probably due to the high extent to which non‐lactating females and juveniles were excluded from fruiting trees by males. The high proportion of arthropods in their diet is unusual for primates with large body size and is a possible factor influencing group cohesiveness in woolly monkeys. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enteric methane emissions from growing beef cattle as affected by diet and level of intake

A study was conducted to determine whether enteric methane (CH4) emissions from growing feedlot cattle fed backgrounding diets based on barley silage could be reduced through grain supplementation. A second objective was to determine the effects of feed intake on CH4 emissions. Eight Angus beef heifers (initial and final body weight, 328 ± 28 and 430 ± 29 kg) were used. The experiment was designed as a split-plot crossover with two diets and two 8-week periods. The main plot was the diet [dry matter (DM) basis]: high forage (70% barley silage, 30% barley-based concentrate) or high grain (30% barley silage, 70% corn-based concentrate). The sub-plot was the feeding level: unrestricted (ad libitum feed intake, 5% orts) or restricted (65% of ad libitum intake) feed intake. Methane emissions were measured during each sub-plot over 3 d using whole animal chambers. Changing the forage to concentrate ratio and substituting barley for corn did not affect CH4 emissions (141.5 g d-1; P = 0.26), and the average emiss.
A brushing method of inoculation for screening tomato seedlings for resistance to Septoria lycopersici.

Screening of tomato was more accurate by brush-inoculation of leaves than by dipping or spraying. An inoculum concentration of 10 6 spores per milliliter or higher was applied to both sides of leaves with a camel's-hair brush; pots containing inoculated seedlings were placed in shallow trays in a thin layer of water, and the inoculated seedlings were covered with a moisture-proof plastic canopy for 48 hr at 24°C in a greenhouse
Research Note: Effect of Feeding Garlic Oil on Performance and Egg Yolk Cholesterol Concentration

Abstract Twenty 26-wk-old Single Comb White Leghorn pullets were divided into two groups of 10 birds. The birds were individually caged in a naturally ventilated poultry house and fed a corn and soybean meal diet with or without . 02% garlic oil for two 28-day periods. Dietary garlic oil did not affect egg production, egg weight, and feed efficiency. Total plasma lipids, plasma cholesterol, and yolk cholesterol were not affected by the dietary treatment.
The effects of azadirachtin‐treated diets on the feeding behaviour and fecundity of the peach‐potato aphid, Myzus persicae

Adult apterous Myzus persicae, which had fed for 26 h on diet containing azadirachtin at concentrations of 25–100 ppm, produced nymphs at less than half the rate of aphids on control diets. After 50 h on azadirachtin‐treated diets nymph production had virtually ceased. After this period, any nymphs produced by adults that had fed on azadirachtin‐treated diets were born dead with undeveloped appendages. Honeydew production on azadirachtin‐treated diets was unaffected during the first 26 h period but was approximately three times less than on control diets during the subsequent 24 h period.
Combining ability of Phaseolus vulgaris L. for resistance to common bacterial blight

Entre as varias doencas que causam problemas as culturas do feijao-de-vagem e do feijao comum, uma das mais importantes e o crestamento bacteriano comum (CBB), causado pela bacteria Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli, que pode ocasionar grandes perdas na producao. O controle quimico nao e eficiente, e entre as medidas de controle recomendadas, destaca-se a resistencia genetica. Estudos geneticos da resistencia sao basicos para a definicao dos metodos de melhoramento a serem adotados para cada caso. Avaliou-se a capacidade de combinacao de tres genotipos de feijao-de-vagem (Alessa, Hab 52, Hab 198) e dois de feijao comum (Bac-6 e A-794) quanto a resistencia ao CBB, em folhas e vagens. A analise dialelica foi feita utilizando-se o esquema de cruzamentos dialelicos segundo o metodo II, modelo I, de Griffing. Para inoculacao nas folhas empregou-se o metodo das lâminas paralelas e, nas vagens, o inoculo foi depositado com auxilio de micropipeta. Utilizou-se o isolado bacteriano CNF 15, procedente da Embrapa-CNPAF. A reacao ao CBB foi avaliada sete dias apos a inoculacao por meio de escala de notas de 1 (resistente) a 5 (suscetivel) para folhas. Para as vagens, avaliou-se o tamanho da lesao em mm. A capacidade geral de combinacao foi significativa para ambos os caracteres avaliados. Efeitos significativos para a capacidade especifica de combinacao foram observados para resistencia ao CBB em vagens. Constatou-se que os efeitos de aditividade foram superiores aos de dominância para resistencia em folhas, identificando-se os genotipos Bac-6, A-794 e Alessa como os mais promissores. Para resistencia em vagens, os efeitos de dominância se sobrepuseram aos de aditividade, permitindo-se destacar as combinacoes Alessa x Bac-6, Alessa x A-794 e Hab 52 x Bac-6.
Mapping of the Dioscorea tokoro genome: AFLP markers linked to sex

Two framework linkage maps were constructed for the genome of the dioecious wild yam species Dioscorea tokoro. The pseudo-testcross strategy was employed, using 271 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), five sequence-tagged microsatellite sites, one isozyme, and one morphological marker. For the two parents DT7 and DT5 used in the cross, 13 and 12 linkage groups, respectively, were identified. The total map lengths were 669 and 613 cM, respectively, for DT7 and DT5, which cover more than 75% of the D. tokoro genome. Ten AFLP markers heterozygous only in the male parent showed tight linkages with the sex of its progeny, which suggests that male is the heterogametic sex (XY) and the female is the homogametic sex (XX). Key words: Dioscorea tokoro, yam, linkage map, AFLP, sex determination.
Does the Interest Rate Form Business Cycle?

Dynamic structural behavior of depositor, bank and borrower and the role of banks in forming business cycle are investigated. We test the hypothesis that does banks behavior make oscillations in the economy through the interest rate. By dichotomizing banking activities into two markets of deposit and loan, we show that these two markets have non-synchronized structures, and this is why the money sector fluctuation starts. As a result, the fluctuation is transmitted to the real economy through saving and investment functions. Empirical results assert that in the USA, the banking system creates fluctuations in the money sector and real economy as well through short-term interest rates
Microsatellite DNA variation in the Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baeri (Actinopterygii, Acipenseriformes, Acipenseridae), cultured in a Polish fish farm.

Background. The Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baeri, is one of the most important sturgeon species cultured in Poland. The effective management of aquaculture production of this species requires contemporary knowledge of broodstock structure, mating patterns, and genetic diversity of broodstock. The aim of the present study was the application of microsatellite DNA analysis for estimation of gene diversity in the S iberian sturgeon farmed at a Polish fish farm. Materials and Methods. Fin clips were randomly sampled from 94 specimens of Siberian sturgeon broodstock reared at the Wąsosze Fish Farm near Konin, Poland. The analysed broodstock has been kept there since 1996, with new specimens being introduced annually. The fish were studied in 2007-2008. Genomic DNA for ampli- fication of microsatellite loci was extracted using Chelex 100. Six microsatellite loci (Afu-19, Afu-39, A fu-68, AfuB-68, Spl-163, and Spl-168) were amplified for examination of the genetic variability of the studied fish. Results. Within 94 individuals of the Siberian sturgeon, a total of 74 alleles were detected in six polymorphic microsatellite loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 8 to 18, with an average allele number being 12. The genetic diversity of six microsatellite loci varied from 0.686 to 0.811. Conclusion. This technology has great potential for u se in aquaculture of sturgeon fish, especially when levels of genetic variation could be monitored and inbreeding controlled in commercial breeding programs.
Improvement of immune function by means of Conger conger extract in an in vivo rat model of cold stress

Abstract The sea eel, Conger conger is a common and widespread species all around the Adriatic, Mediterranean, North Atlantic and northern Africa's coasts. Biochemical analyses of fatty acid compositions in this species show a great content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially EPA and DHA, which makes its fatty acid profile more favourable. Since in recent years, n-3 PUFA have been acclaimed for greater potency in the amelioration of heart, cardiovascular disorders and immune functions, an acute experimental model of immune system stress induced by exposure of rats to a hypothermic shock (4 h at 4°C) was used to determine the capacity of Conger conger extracts to restore the function of peripheral T lymphocytes. After hypothermic shock, blood samples were collected and 100 µl of whole blood were exposed to 20 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml of Conger conger extracts and cultured in RPMI complete medium during 4, 16 and 24 h, respectively. After incubation, blood was stained with specific anti-rat CD4, CD8, CD25 and CD28 monoclonal antibodies at each time point. The percentages of antigen expression indicate significant differences in the group treated with both 20 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml mainly in CD4 and CD28 expressions, as compared to controls, suggesting an up-regulation of the immune function.
A method for controlling Hakea sericea Schrad. seedlings using the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc

Summary. The shrub Hakea sericea Schrad. is a major weed in the southern and south-western Cape Province of South Africa. A dried formulation on wheat bran of the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc. was sprinkled onto plots of young H. sericea seedlings at three sites in the southwestern Cape Province. Following periods of rain, the fungus sporulated profusely on the bran and rain-splash dispersal of conidia from the bran resulted in infection of seedlings which consequently died back from the stem tips. Applications of bran inoculum during early winter when seedlings were in the cotyledonary to 20-leaf stage were more effective (93–98% mortality) than later applications (30–36% mortality). Resume. Une methode de lutte contre les plantules d'Hakea sericea Schrad. en utilisant le champignon Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc. L'arbuste Hakea sericea Schrad. est une des adventices majeures dans le Sud Sud-Ouest de la province du Capen Afrique su Sud. Une formulation sehe sur son de ble du champignon Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc. a ete repandue sur des groupes de plantules de jeunes H. sericea dans trois sites du Sud-Ouest de la province du Cap. A la suite des periodes de pluie, le champignon a sporule abondamment sur le son, et les eclaboussures de pluie en dispersant les condies a partir de celui-ci ont abouti a une infection des plantules avec comme consequence la mort a partir de I'extremite des tiges. Les applications de l'inoculum au debut de I'hiver quand les plantules sont entre les stades cotyledonnaires et 20 feuilles'ont ete plus efficaces (93 a 98% de mortalite) que des applications plus tardives (30 a 36% de mortalite). Zusammenfassung. Eine Methode zur biologischen Bekampfung von Hakea sericea Schrad. mit dem Pilz Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc. Der Strauch Hakea sericea Schrad. ist ein bedeutendes Unkraut in der sudlichen und sudwestlichen Kapprovinz Sudafrikas. Der an Weizenkleie trocken formulierte Pilz Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc. wurde an 3 Orten in der sadwestlichen Kapprovinz auf Platzen mit jungen Samlingen der Hakea sericea ausgestreut. Nach Regenperioden sporulierte der Pilz auf der Kteie uberreichlich. und die Konidien wurden mit den Regentropfen auf die Samlinge uibertragen, die daraufhin von der Sprosspitze her abstarben. Ein Ausbringen des Kleie-lnokulums im fruhen Winter, wenn die Samlinge sich im Keimblatt- bis 20-Blatt-Stadium befinden, war wirkungsvoller (93-bis 98%ige Abtotung) als spatere Applikationen (30- bis 36%ige Abtotung).
Community structure in montane grasslands of central Argentina in relation to land use

We compared the responses of natural montane grasslands in central Argentina to two land-use patterns: cultivation - high intensity, low frequency, and short history of disturbance - and livestock raising - low intensity, high frequency and long history of disturbance. We analysed species composition, richness, and architectural traits in seven neighbouring sites under different land use. There were sharp floristic discontinuities between post-agricultural stages, whereas only minor shifts occurred among different grazing situations. Unlike cultivation, grazing did not produce significant differences in species richness and allowed very slight invasion by exotics. In post-cultivation situations, architectural differences were accounted for by species composition. In the case of different grazing intensities, they were mainly explained by morphological differences among populations of the same dominants. In view of the historical information and current ideas, we suggest that the differential responses to both land uses can be explained not only by the different frequencies and intensities of disturbance they represent, but also by their contrasting histories in the area. Accordingly, herbivory by ungulates should not be considered as a disturbance in these montane grasslands.
Constraints to growth of annual nettle (Urtica urens) in an elevated CO2 atmosphere: Decreased leaf area ratio and tissue N cannot be explained by ontogenetic drift or mineral N supply

The current literature indicates that the stimulation of relative growth rate (RGR) by an elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentration is transient. Urtica urens L. was exposed to an elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentration for 26 days to better understand the factors involved in this constraint to growth. Plants were grown hydroponically without nutrient limitation in controlled-environment cabinets. Consistent with studies of other C 3 species, the initial CO 2 stimulation of RGR of U. urens was not sustained and declined in the early stages of exposure. Whilst the decline in RGR was most strongly linked to a reduction in the CO 2 stimulation of net assimilation rate (NAR), its initial increase was constrained by an early and persistent reduction in leaf area ratio (LAR) due to a decreased specific leaf area (SLA). The decline in NAR could not be linked to any down-regulation of photosynthetic capacity of individual leaves, despite an accumulation of soluble sugars in them. The reductions in LAR and SLA reflected an accumulation of structural weight in addition to an accumulation of total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC). To account for the impact of ontogenetic drift on the partitioning of weight and leaf area, this study extends the usual allometric approach to include an analysis of effects on the vertical placement of regression lines (i.e. their elevations). Using this approach, we argue that CO 2 -induced reductions in LAR and SLA cannot be explained by ontogenetic drift. By monitoring the tissue N concentration, external N supply was shown unambiguously to be non-limiting for growth at any plant size. Nevertheless, tissue N was consistently lower in elevated CO 2 , independent of both ontogeny and TNC accumulation, raising the possibility that the reductions in NAR, LAR and SLA are related to some internal constraint on N utilization.
Ascorbic Acid in Plants: Biosynthesis and Function

ABSTRACT Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an abundant component of plants. It reaches a concentration of over 20 mM in chloroplasts and occurs in all cell compartments, including the cell wall. It has proposed functions in photosynthesis as an enzyme cofactor (including synthesis of ethylene, gibberellins and anthocyanins) and in control of cell growth. A biosynthetic pathway via GDP-mannose, GDP-L-galactose, L-galactose, and L-galactono-1,4-lactone has been proposed only recently and is supported by molecular genetic evidence from the ascorbate-deficient vtcl mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana. Other pathways via uronic acids could provide minor sources of ascorbate. Ascorbate, at least in some species, is a precursor of tartrate and oxalate. It has a major role in photosynthesis, acting in the Mehler peroxidase reaction with ascorbate peroxidase to regulate the redox state of photosynthetic electron carriers and as a cofactor for violaxanthin de-epoxidase, an enzyme involved in xanthophyll cycle-mediated photoprotection. The hypersensitivity of some of the vtc mutants to ozone and UV-B radiation, the rapid response of ascorbate peroxidase expression to (photo)-oxidative stress, and the properties of transgenic plants with altered ascorbate peroxidase activity all support an important antioxidative role for ascorbate. In relation to cell growth, ascorbate is a cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase that posttranslationally hydroxylates proline residues in cell wall hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins required for cell division and expansion. Additionally, high ascorbate oxidase activity in the cell wall is correlated with areas of rapid cell expansion. It remains to be determined if this is a causal relationship and, if so, what is the mechanism. Identification of the biosynthetic pathway now opens the way to manipulating ascorbate biosynthesis in plants, and, along with the vtc mutants, this should contribute to a deeper understanding of the proposed functions of this multifacetted molecule.
Vertebrates of the Cannonball Formation (Paleocene) in North and South Dakota

ABSTRACT We recognize at least 22 taxa of vertebrates from the Paleocene Cannonball Formation, which records the last marine incursion into central North America. These include 12 elasmobranchs, two chimaeroids, five actinopterygians, and three reptiles. All but three taxa are described and illustrated for the first time for the formation. One species is new, Dasyatis concavifoveus. Teeth of Carcharias taurus are most frequently found; other vertebrate fossils are relatively uncommon or rare. Cannonball vertebrates are known from 72 localities, most from southwest-central North Dakota. The marine fishes suggest a temperate Cannonball Sea of primarily shallow subtidal depths. Surprisingly, osteichthyan diversity is much lower than that of chondrichthyans, likely because of taphonomic factors. The marine fishes confirm a Paleocene, more specifically Thanetian, age for the Cannonball Formation. The Danian–Thanetian boundary, however, may occur within the Cannonball Formation because other fossil evidence imp.
Elevations in IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γfrom the Earliest Point of HIV Type 1 Infection

Perturbations of plasma IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were measured longitudinally in HIV-1 seroconverting plasma donors and were compared to subjects with symptomatic primary HIV-1 infection. Control groups included uninfected patients with symptoms and risks for primary HIV-1, healthy controls, and asymptomatic plasma donors with primary HCV. IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ rapidly rose in acute HIV-1 infection, while IL-13 predominated in acute HCV. Subjects with symptomatic primary HIV-1 had higher cytokine levels than asymptomatic subjects, statistically significant for TNF-α. Cytokine alterations occurred within 7 days of detectable HIV-1 viremia, emphasizing the need to study the earliest events of infection.
Prevalence and Antifungal Susceptibility Patterns of Yeast Isolates at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana

Aims : To determine the prevalence of yeast species and their antifungal susceptibility profiles at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi. Study Design : Cross-sectional design. Methodology : This study was conducted in 2009 at the bacteriology laboratory at KATH, Kumasi, Ghana. In six-months, 528 clinical samples comprising 186(35%) high vaginal swabs, 109(21%) cerebrospinal fluid, 127(24%) urine and 106(20%) sputum were cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar. Yeast growths were identified by their characteristics, indianink staining and germ tube test and then confirmed with the API ID 32 C test kits. Antifungal susceptibility tests were performed using ATB™ FUNGUS 3 test kit. Results : Out of 528 samples tested 67 yielded yeasts giving a prevalence of 12.7%. Candida albicans was the commonest species isolated with a prevalence of 33(49.3%) followed by Candida glabrata 12(17.9%) , Candida tropicalis 8(11.9%), Candida dubliniensis 4(6%), Candida krusei 3(4.5%) and Candida sake 2(3%) , whilst Candida guilliermondii and Candida parapsilosis prevalence was 1(1.5%) each and Cryptococcus neoformans prevalence was 3(4.5%). All the isolates were susceptible to flucytosine, amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole except C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. krusei all having about 79% susceptibility to flucytosine, amphotericin B, and itraconazole (MICs 0.125-8mg/l). Voriconazole was the only agent to which no resistant yeast was detected. All the Candida krusei isolated were resistant to fluconazole (MICs ≥ 64mg/l). Generally yeast resistance ranges from 4.5% to 22.2% to flucytosine, amphotericin B, fluconazole and itraconazole. Conclusion : There were many yeast species isolated, but Candida albicans was the most common isolate obtained from all the clinical samples tested except cerebrospinal fluid from which Cryptococcus neoformans was the commonest. The overall resistance levels of Research Article
Discrepancies between observed and predicted growth stages in wheat

A model to predict wheat growth stage is briefly described. It is based on prediction of the number of emerged leaves and the final number of leaves on the main shoot, and the co-ordination between leaf emergence and apex development, including stem elongation. The input variables are daily maximum and minimum temperatures, date of sowing and site latitude, from which thermal time, vernalization and daylength are calculated. Selected growth stages were predicted for six sites in each of three growing seasons. The differences between observations made by independent observers and predictions were mostly 7 days or less but in three site–season combinations the average difference was >10 days. Observer errors were implicated and examined, but it is concluded that the prediction scheme must also have been partly responsible for the discrepancies.