Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nest-Box Occupancy by Neotropical Raptors in a Native Forest of Central Argentina

Abstract Breeding populations of raptors are sometimes limited by nest-site availability and the use of nest boxes to bolster such populations is widespread. In the neotropical forest, little is known about the ecology of cavity-nesting raptors and their use of nest boxes. Here we examine occupancy patterns of nest boxes by five raptor species during eight years in a semiarid forest of central Argentina: the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), the Spot-winged Falconet (Spiziapteryx circumcincta), the Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba), the Barn Owl (Tyto alba), and the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum). We analyze the influence of vegetation type on nest-box selection, report cases of nest usurpation, and present information on the breeding rates of some of these species. The raptor species showed a marked selection for nest boxes surrounded by grassland, where hunting success may be higher, and avoided those nest boxes placed in habitats dominated by dense shrublands. We observed two cases of nest usurpation (i.e., a species takes over active nests of another species for breeding purposes), in which two different boxes were occupied almost simultaneously by the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl and the American Kestrel. OCUPACIÓN DE CAJAS NIDO POR RAPACES NEOTROPICALES EN UN BOSQUE NATIVO DEL CENTRO DE ARGENTINA Las poblaciones reproductivas de aves rapaces a menudo se encuentran limitadas por la disponibilidad de sitios de nidificación, y los programas de cajas nido para aumentar dichas poblaciones han sido ampliamente implementados. En los bosques neotropicales poco se conoce acerca de la ecología de las rapaces que nidifican en cavidades y de la ocupación de las cajas nido por su parte. En este trabajo examinamos los patrones de ocupación de cajas nido por parte de cinco especies de rapaces durante ocho años en un bosque semiárido del centro de Argentina: Falco sparverius, Spiziapteryx circumcincta, Megascops choliba, Tyto alba y Glaucidium brasilianum. Analizamos si el tipo de vegetación que rodea las cajas nido influye en su selección, reportamos casos de usurpación de nidos y presentamos datos de la biología reproductiva de algunas de las especies. Estas especies mostraron una marcada selección, siendo más usadas aquellas cajas que presentaban pastizales en sus alrededores, donde el éxito de caza podría ser mayor, y evitaron aquellas cajas situadas en zonas donde la vegetación dominante era el arbustal cerrado. Observamos dos casos de usurpación de nidos (es decir, una especie ocupa nidos activos de otra especie con fines reproductivos), donde dos cajas diferentes fueron ocupadas simultáneamente por G. brasilianum y Falco sparverius.
Histological Observations on the Wing of the Grey-Headed Flying-Fox (Pteropus-Poliocephalus) (Chiroptera, Pteropodidae)

The histological features of the wing membrane of Pteropus poliocephalus are described at both the light and electron microscope level. A method is described for the processing of bat wing tissue for both light and electron microscopy. The flight membrane of P. poliocephalus had a dorsal and ventral layer of epidermis with a common dermis in between. There was no hypodermis and all layers were greatly reduced in comparison with the skin of other mammals. The epidermis consisted of three layers of active keratinocytes, covered by 7-10 layers of cornified cells. Melanocytes were generally confined to the basal layer and were more numerous in the dorsal epidermis. Prominent droplets of a lipid-like substance were found in the epidermal keratinocytes and these coalesced towards the superficial layers. It is postulated that the substance contained in these droplets is a waterproofing agent. The dermis consisted mainly of collagen bundles with a network of elastin bands. An array of hair-dome complexes were found on the wing membrane surface. These receptors are similar to those described in several microchiropterans, where it is thought they provide information on airflow patterns over the wing.
Effect of non forage high fibrous feedstuffs as fiber sources in total mixed ration on gas production characteristics and in vitro fermentation

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of non forage high fibrous feedstuffs as fiber sources in a total mixed ration on gas production characteristics and in vitro fermentation using an in vitro gas production technique. The experiment was designed in CRD with five replicates per treatment. The fiber sources in the total mixed ration were rice straw (rt-TMR), tomato pomace (tp-TMR), palm meal (pm-TMR), dried brewer gain (db-TMR) and soybean hulls (sh-TMR). The results showed that kinetic gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro organic matter digestibility, were significantly different among treatments (p<0.05). The soybean hulls as a fiber source in the total mixed ration gave the highest IVDMD, IVOMD and gas production parameter. In vitro fermentation end-products consisting of NH -N, TVFA and pH 3 were significantly different among the treatments (p<0.05); however, the pH values were relatively stable at 7.01-7.16. All treatment means were within the normal range. NH -N concentration was in the optimal range 3 for rumen ecology microbial activity. Future research should investigate the impact of the ability of non forage high fibrous feed to replace forage in intact animal.
Antifungal activity of wheat root exudate extracts on Gaeumannomyces graminis var. Tritici growth.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is known for its ability to produce and release al- lelopathic compounds, which have potential for controlling weeds and diseases. Previous reports have shown the fungitoxic effects of allelochemicals present in wheat. Thus, these compounds can be exuded by roots to protect the tissues directly affected by Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt) fungus that causes wheat take-all disease. The aim of this research was to evaluate in vitro the allelopathic ef- fect of root exudate extracts from four Chilean wheat cultivars on Ggt growth. Root exudates were released from wheat seedlings to a sterile culture medium without nutrients. Afterward, the exudates in the culture medium were separated by liquid- liquid extraction using ethyl acetate. Eight different concentrations were tested for each cultivar. The results showed that the degree to which the extracts strongly in- hibit the phytopathogen growth is highly dependent on both the concentration and the cultivar. The root extract of the Domo cultivar was significantly active against Ggt (MIC=0.36 mg mL -1 ). IC 50 and MIC values obtained for Dollinco and Domo root exudate extracts showed toxicity to Ggt. These findings may be considered in future studies related to the use of allelopathic potential as a selection factor in order to reduce the yield losses caused by various take-all diseases, as an alternative to chemical controls.
Nitrogen leaching from sheep-, cattle- and deer-grazed pastures in the Lake Taupo catchment in New Zealand

A replicated grazing study measuring nitrogen (N) leaching from cattle-, sheep- and deer-grazed pastures was conducted to investigate the impact of different animal species on N leaching in the Lake Taupo catchment in New Zealand. Leaching losses of nitrate N from intensively grazed pastures on a highly porous pumice soil in the catchment averaged 37, 26 and 25 kg N/ha.year for cattle-, sheep- and deer-grazed areas, respectively, over the 3-year study and were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Leaching losses of ammonium N were much lower (3 kg N/ha.year for all three species of grazer; P > 0.05). Amounts of dissolved organic N leached were significantly higher than that of mineral N (nitrate N + ammonium N), and over the 3-year study averaged 44, 43 and 39 kg N/ha.year for cattle-, sheep- and deer-grazed areas, respectively (P > 0.05). On a stock unit equivalence basis (1 stock unit is equivalent to 550 kg DM consumed/year), cattle-grazed areas leached significantly more mineral N than sheep- or deer-grazed areas (5.5, 2.9 and 3.4 g mineral N leached/24 h grazing by 1 stock unit, for cattle, sheep and deer, respectively) (P < 0.001). Likewise, based on the amount of N apparently consumed (estimated by difference in mass of herbage N pre- and post-grazing), cattle-grazed pastures leached more mineral N than sheep- or deer-grazed pastures (123, 75 and 75 g mineral N/kg N apparently consumed for cattle, sheep and deer, respectively) (P < 0.01). This study gives valuable information on mineral N leaching in a high-rainfall environment on this free-draining pumice soil, and provides new data to assist in developing strategies to mitigate mineral N leaching losses from grazed pastures using different animal species.
Entamoeba histolytica et Entamoeba dispar : méthodes de différenciation et implications

Entamoeba histolytica et Entamoeba dispar sont deux especes microscopiquement identiques (en dehors des formes hematophages) mais dont une seule espece est pathogene. Des methodes moleculaires sensibles et specifiques capables de differencier les deux especes ont ete developpees ces dernieres annees. La recherche d’antigenes specifiques dans les selles par la methode Elisa est la methode de choix pour les laboratoires de routine dans les pays en voie de developpement. C’est une technique facile et rapide a realiser. Cependant, la culture suivie de typage isoenzymatique et la PCR demeurent pour le moment des techniques de recherche. L’identification d’espece est indispensable non seulement pour une meilleure prise en charge diagnostique et therapeutique mais aussi pour la planification des strategies de lutte.
Energy content, construction cost and phytomass accumulation of Glycine max (L.) Merr. and Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench grown in elevated CO2 in the field.

Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, a C4 crop] and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Stonewall, a C3 crop] plants were grown in ambient (c. 360μl 1-1 ) and twice-ambient (c. 720 μl 1-1 ) CO2 levels in open-top chambers in soil without root constriction. Plant dry mass, energy content, composition and construction cost (i.e. amount of carbohydrate required to synthesize a unit of plant dry mass) were assessed at the end of the growing season. Elevated CO2 (a) increased phytomass accumulation (kg per plant) in both species, (b) had little affect on energy concentration (MJ kg-1 plant) but caused large increases in the amount of plant energy per ground area (MJ m-2 ground), and (c) did not alter specific growth cost (kg carbohydrate kg-1 plant growth) but greatly increased growth cost per ground area (kg carbohydrate m-2 ground) because growth was enhanced. For soybean, twice-ambient CO2 resulted in a 50 % increase in the amount of nitrogen and energy in grain (seed plus pod) per ground area. This response to elevated CO2 has important implications for agricultural productivity during the next century because the rate of human population growth is exceeding the rate of increase of land used for agriculture so that future food demands can only be met by greater production per ground area.
Identifying Populations for Conservation on the Basis of Genetic Markers

To select candidate populations of wild species to be given priority for conservation, genetic criteria gained from the study of molecular markers may be useful. Traditionally, diversity measures such as expected heterozygosity or percentage of polymorphic loci have been considered. For conservation we propose instead that priority should be given to measures of allelic richness. To standardize the results of allelic richness across populations, we used the technique of rarefaction. This technique allows evaluation of the expected number of different alleles among equal‐sized samples drawn from several different populations. We also show how the contribution of each population to total diversity can be partitioned into two components. The first is related to the level of diversity of the population and the second to its divergence from the other populations. For conservation purposes the uniqueness of a population—in terms of its allelic composition—may be at least as important as its diversity level. These new descriptors are illustrated by means of isozyme and chloroplast DNA data obtained for an endangered tree species, the argan tree of Morocco (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels). With these analyses the conservation value of the argan tree populations, especially those of two isolates present in the north of the country, can be better appreciated. The methods proposed to identify priority areas for conservation of the genetic resources of the argan tree are compared to those sometimes advocated in the case of reserve design, where one of the goals is to maximize species richness.
The effects of altered hydrologic regime on tree growth along the Missouri River in North Dakota

Increment cores were collected to examine effects of changed hydrologic regime on radial growth of floodplain trees downstream of Garrison Dam. Alterations in seasonal streamflow patterns, near elimination of over-bank flooding, and apparent lowering of the water table during the early growing season following completion of the dam in 1953 were implicated in the significant decline in postdam growth of Ulmus americana, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Acer negundo, and Quercus macrocarpa. The measured decline in Populus deltoides growth was not statistically significant. Trees on terraces at the edge of the floodplain that received concentrated runoff from upland ravines (e.g., Quercus macrocarpa) and those with deep root systems (e.g., P. deltoides) on low terraces close to the water table were least affected. The most pronounced change in tree growth occurred on high terraces that received little upland runoff (e.g., U. americana, A. negundo). Multiple regression analysis for P. deltoides growth showed a distinc.
CD8+αβ+ T Cells That Lack Surface CD5 Antigen Expression Are a Major Lymphotactin (XCL1) Source in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes 1

To better characterize the cellular source of lymphotactin (XCL1), we compared XCL1 expression in different lymphocyte subsets by real-time PCR. XCL1 was constitutively expressed in both PBMC and CD4+ cells, but its expression was almost 2 log higher in CD8+ cells. In vitro activation was associated with a substantial increase in XCL1 expression in both PBMC and CD8+ cells, but not in CD4+ lymphocytes. The preferential expression of XCL1 in CD8+ cells was confirmed by measuring XCL1 production in culture supernatants, and a good correlation was found between figures obtained by real-time PCR and XCL1 contents. XCL1 expression was mostly confined to a CD3+CD8+ subset not expressing CD5, where XCL1 expression equaled that shown by γδ+ T cells. Compared with the CD5+ counterpart, CD3+CD8+CD5− cells, which did not express CD5 following in vitro activation, showed preferential expression of the αα form of CD8 and a lower expression of molecules associated with a noncommitted/naive phenotype, such as CD62L. CD3+CD8+CD5− cells also expressed higher levels of the XCL1 receptor; in addition, although not differing from CD3+CD8+CD5+ cells in terms of the expression of most α- and β-chemokines, they showed higher expression of CCL3/macrophage inflammatory protein-1α. These data show that TCR αβ-expressing lymphocytes that lack CD5 expression are a major XCL1 source, and that the contribution to its synthesis by different TCR αβ-expressing T cell subsets, namely CD4+ lymphocytes, is negligible. In addition, they point to the CD3+CD8+CD5− population as a particular T cell subset within the CD8+ compartment, whose functional properties deserve further attention.
Effects of Temperatures and Dehydrating Conditions on Hyalomma dromedarii

Ticks are obligate ectoparasites, which infest every major vertebrate animal group, including man and feed on their blood. They are vectors of numerous pathogenic viruses, rickettsia, bacteria, protozoa and filaria. Many of these pathogens are transmitted to the host either directly during the tick bite or indirectly by contact with coxal fluids, excreta, or crushed bodies. The different stages in the life cycle of Hyalomma dromedarii were investigated under laboratory conditions. The larval, nymphal and adult ticks were all fed on rabbits at 25-27°C, 50% relative humidity (RH) and exposed to daylight. All free-living stages were maintained in an incubator at 26 ± 1°C, 70% RH and daylight conditions. The life cycle of H. The results confirmed the significant correlation between the mortality of the mature and immature stages and the temperature and the relative humidity.
Efficacy of some Local Isolates ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae, Trichoderma harzianum and T. ressei as Bioagents for Controlling Helicotylenchus exallus and Pratylenchus zeae Infecting Jasmine in Egypt

ome local biological compounds, i.e. dry active yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae FT 700, Trichoderma harzianum F 717, dry active yeast, S. cerevisiae FT 700 + T. harzianum F 717, T. harzianum F416, fresh active yeast, S. cerevisiae FT 700 and T. ressei F418 at three doses as well as Vydate (Oxamyl 24%L) as a comparable nematicide were evaluated for controlling Helicotylenchus exallus and Pratylenchus zeae on jasmine cv. Balady under field conditions. All the tested compounds including Vydate have significantly reduced H. exallus and P. zeae populations either in the soil or in roots as compared to those of the check trees. Statistical differences in H. exallus or P. zeae populations were found within and between treatments. On the basis of percentage efficacy of such materials in reducing H. exallus population, 180g/tree of T. ressei F418 has surpassed the others through successive four months. However, 60g/tree of dry active yeast S. cerevisiae FT 700 was mostly effective in reducing such nematode populations in both soil and roots. On the other hand, 120g/tree of dry active yeast S. cerevisiae FT 700 + T. harzianum F 717 was superior for two months. Interestingly, 120g/tree of dry active yeast S. cerevisiae FT 700, 180g/tree of T. harzianum F 717, and 60 or 180g/tree of T. harzianum F 717 succeeded in reducing P. zeae populations in both soil and roots surpassing other bio-substances and Vydate through one experimental period.
Determinants of distribution of six Pinus species in Catalonia, Spain

This study explores the determinants of distribu- tion, abundance and regeneration of six Pinus species (P. halepensis, P. nigra, P. pinaster, P. pinea, P. sylvestris and P. uncinata) that occur naturally in Catalonia, northeastern Spain. The aim of this study was to generate accurate predictions of the distribution of each species using simple and readily available environmental variables. We used recursive parti- tioning and GIS analyses to relate the data base of 10 600 field plots from the Forestry Inventory of Catalonia with abiotic and biotic characteristics of each plot. We present general patterns of distribution, dominance and regeneration for the six species and then focus on P. halepensis, the most abundant pine species in the western Mediterranean Basin. For all six spe- cies, the models correctly classified more than 80% of the distribution using abiotic factors, mainly altitude and rainfall variability. Biotic factors such as the basal area of other pine species were necessary to accurately predict patterns of pine species dominance. Biotic factors, especially the basal area of evergreen species (mainly Quercus ilex), were of overriding importance when predicting patterns of seedling occurrence. Potentially important factors such as land use and fire history were of little significance for predicting distribution at the scale of our study. Our models failed to predict accurately which species (and in which numbers) co-occur with P. halepensis. Factors not included in this study, such as stand age, disturbance (cutting, clearing) and other human-induced factors, are probably the main determinants of co-existence patterns.
Comparison of two detection systems to reveal AFLP markers in plants

Since their development, AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers have been used for a wide variety of analyses and, up to this day, are considered highly informative, robust, and reproducible molecular markers. Originally, the visualization of the amplified fragments was done in polyacrylamide gels, followed by silver staining or by developing in an X-ray plate, when radioactivity is used. In the last 14 years, capillary electrophoresis of fluorescently labeled fragments has been gradually replacing gel-based systems. However, the latter continue to be better for isolating and cloning AFLP fragments. In this report, we compare the results obtained by capillary electrophoresis with those from silver staining. We found that if fluorescence-labeled amplification products are loaded in a polyacrylamide gel, duplicated bands (doublets) are seen. This phenomenon is probably due to a delay in the migration of the strand that carries the fluorophore. Therefore, we recommend a minimum separation of 4.
Viral Abrogation of Stem Cell Transplantation Tolerance Causes Graft Rejection and Host Death by Different Mechanisms1

Tolerance-based stem cell transplantation using sublethal conditioning is being considered for the treatment of human disease, but safety and efficacy remain to be established. We have shown that mouse bone marrow recipients treated with sublethal irradiation plus transient blockade of the CD40-CD154 costimulatory pathway develop permanent hematopoietic chimerism across allogeneic barriers. We now report that infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus at the time of transplantation prevented engraftment of allogeneic, but not syngeneic, bone marrow in similarly treated mice. Infected allograft recipients also failed to clear the virus and died. Postmortem study revealed hypoplastic bone marrow and spleens. The cause of death was virus-induced IFN-αβ. The rejection of allogeneic bone marrow was mediated by a radioresistant CD8+TCR-αβ+NK1.1− T cell population. We conclude that a noncytopathic viral infection at the time of transplantation can prevent engraftment of allogeneic bone marrow and result in the death of sublethally irradiated mice treated with costimulation blockade. Clinical application of stem cell transplantation protocols based on costimulation blockade and tolerance induction may require patient isolation to facilitate the procedure and to protect recipients.
Resource Partitioning in Two Sympatric Species of Subterranean Termites, Reticulitermes flavipes and Reticulitermes hageni (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract Landscape patterns of foraging activity in sympatric species of subterranean termites were examined. Foraging activity was observed biweekly within a grid of wooden monitoring stations covering an area of ≈900 m2. The number and spatial distribution of active monitoring stations within the grid were used to determine seasonal patterns of foraging activity for each species. Gaps in the spatial distribution of occupied monitoring stations were quantified using the lacunarity index. Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) and Reticulitermes hageni Banks were observed within monitoring stations throughout the study. The number and spatial distribution of occupied monitoring stations varied seasonally. Seasonal patterns of activity and spatial distribution also varied between species. Lacunarity was highest for R. hageni during cool, wet months and highest for R. flavipes during hot, dry months. Seasonal changes in the number of active monitoring stations and their spatial distribution in the landscape were correlated with seasonal changes in soil temperature and soil moisture for both species. These patterns reflect differential degrees of adaptation to soil moisture and temperature extremes and could provide a mechanism for resource partitioning within the three-dimensional soil landscape.