Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AVALIAÇÃO MORFOLÓGICA DO SISTEMA REPRODUTOR MASCULINO DE Panthera tigris

The wild felines comprise one of the animal groups under the greates risk of extinction. This case report aimed to describe the morphology of the reproductive organs of a male, adult tiger ( Panthera tigris ) that died during a surgical procedure. Fragments from scrotum, testis, epididymis, ductus deferens and penis were collected to macroscopic and microscopic analyses. Histologically, the reproductive organs were similar to other felines. The testis showed lateral asymmetry, with gonadosomatic index as 0.04, and the diameters presented by the seminiferous tubules and epididymal ducts were similar to those described for other species of wild felines. The penile urethra presented diameter of 1.73 mm and high caliber. The penis showed cornified papillae on the glans and other anatomical features described was similar to other felines. KEYWORDS: anatomy; histology; male reproductive system; wild felines.
Activation of Estrogen Receptor-α by the Heavy Metal Cadmium

Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) mimics the effects of estradiol in estrogen-responsive breast cancer cell lines. To understand the mechanism by which cadmium activates estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha), the ability of cadmium to bind to and activate wild-type and various mutants of ER-alpha was examined. When tested in transient cotransfection assays in COS-1 cells, cadmium concentrations as low as 10(-11) M activated ER-alpha. Scatchard analysis employing either purified human recombinant ER-alpha or extracts from ER-containing MCF-7 cells demonstrated that l09Cd binds to the ER with an equilibrium dissociation constant of approximately 4 to 5 x 10(-10) M. Cadmium also blocks the binding of estradiol to ER-alpha in a noncompetitive manner (K(i) = 2.96 x 10(-10) M), suggesting that the heavy metal interacts with the hormone-binding domain of the receptor. To study the role of the hormone-binding domain in cadmium activation, COS-1 cells were transiently cotransfected with GAL-ER, a chimeric receptor containing the DNA-binding domain of the transcription factor GAL4 and the hormone-binding domain of ER-alpha, and a GAL4-responsive reporter gene. Treatment of the transfected cells with either 10(-6) M cadmium or 10(-9) M estradiol resulted in a 4-fold increase in reporter gene activity. The effect of cadmium on the chimeric receptor was blocked by the antiestrogen, ICI-164,384, suggesting that cadmium activates ER-alpha through an interaction with the hormone-binding domain of the receptor. Transfection and binding assays with ER-alpha mutants identified C381, C447, E523, H524, and D538 as possible interaction sites of cadmium with the hormone-binding domain of ER-alpha.
Adult sex ratios in wild bird populations

Offspring sex ratios in wild bird populations, and the extent to which they vary from the equality expected by random genotypic sex determination, have received much recent attention. Adult sex ratios (ASRs) in wild birds, on the other hand, remain very poorly described, and many of the questions about them posed by Ernst Mayr in 1939 remain unanswered. This review assesses population-level sex ratio patterns in wild bird populations, with an emphasis on the ASR. A quantitative assessment of over 200 published estimates of ASR, covering species from a wide range of taxa, regions and habitats, supported Mayr's assertion that skewed ASRs are common in wild bird populations. On average, males outnumbered females by around 33%, and 65% of published estimates differed significantly from equality. In contrast, population-level estimates of offspring sex ratio in birds did not generally differ from equality, and mean ASR across a range of wild mammal species was strongly female-skewed. ASR distortion in birds was significantly more severe in populations of globally threatened species than in non-threatened species, a previously undescribed pattern that has profound implications for their monitoring and conservation. Higher female mortality, rather than skewed offspring sex ratio, is the main driver of male-skewed ASRs in birds, and the causes and implications of this are reviewed. While estimates of ASR in wild bird populations may be subject to a number of biases, which are discussed, there is currently no quantitative evidence that an ASR of one male to one female represents the norm in birds. A better understanding and reporting of ASRs in wild bird populations could contribute greatly to our understanding of population processes and could contribute much to theoretical and applied research and conservation.
Protein Changes during Heat Stress in Three Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivars Differing in Heat Tolerance

Supraoptimal temperature limits growth and metabolic activities of cool-season turfgrasses. Understanding genetic variations and mechanisms in turfgrass heat tolerance would facilitate breeding and management programs to improve turf quality under summer stress. The objective of this study was to investigate protein changes associated with heat tolerance in three Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) cultivars. Plants of 'Brilliant', 'Midnight', and 'Eagleton' were subjected to 20°C (day/night, control) or 40°C (day/ night, heat stress) in growth chambers. Eagleton maintained higher chlorophyll content and fewer yellow leaves than Brilliant, while Midnight was intermediate for both parameters at 28 d of heat stress. The content of cytoplasmic and membrane proteins declined during heat stress, to a greater extent in Brilliant than in Midnight and Eagleton. The content of both types of proteins in Brilliant were significantly lower than in Eagleton, but not different from that in Midnight. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis revealed that Brilliant exhibited more severe protein degradation than other two cultivars. Heat stress induced expression of several heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the cytoplasm (64, 78, and 85 kDa) and membranes (39, 45, and 66 kDa) in all three cultivars, but the induction occurred 7 to 14 d earlier in Eagleton or Midnight than in Brilliant. An additional membrane protein of 68 kDa was induced in Midnight under heat stress. The results suggested that better heat tolerance in the Kentucky bluegrass was associated with induction of HSPs during the early phase of heat stress and maintenance of higher protein content and less severe protein degradation during prolonged periods of heat stress.
Thionia douglundbergi sp. nov. from the Miocene Dominican Amber (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae) with Notes on Extinct Higher Planthoppers

Abstract. The new extinct species Thionia douglundbergi sp. nov. of the recent genus Thionia Stål, 1859 from the Miocene Dominican amber is described. The morphological features of the genus are discussed in brief. The fossil record of ‘higher’ Fulgoroidea in New World fossil resins is discussed.
The Core and Informant Cultural Formulation Interviews in DSM-5

In this chapter, we introduce the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association 2013) core Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) and the CFI–Informant Version. We begin with a theoretical description of the core CFI. The CFI comprises three tools for clinicians to complete a cultural assessment: 1) the core CFI of 16 questions with associated prompts for direct patient interviewing; 2) the CFI–Informant Version that can be administered to close associates of the patient, such as family, friends, caregivers, and other social supports; and 3) the 12 CFI supplementary modules that expand the number of questions by cultural domain or include topics of additional interest for certain populations. All of these tools share a common theoretical foundation, and our aim in this chapter is to describe this foundation through detailed descriptions of the core CFI and the CFI–Informant Version; Chapter 3 (“Supplementary Modules”) covers the supplementary modules in greater depth. In addition, in this chapter we review key findings from the DSM-5 field trial that tested an earlier version of the core CFI consisting of 14 items. The field trial results were taken into account in the final revised core CFI that is included in DSM-5. More
The Outcome of Evolution when Mutations are Highly Pleiotropic

A mathematical model of mutation and selection in a very large population is given. Each mutation affects W differ- ent phenotypic characters, each of which is subject to stabilising selection. In the limit Ω→∞, when all other param- eters are held fixed, each mutation is lethal. Thus at equilibrium, the majority of individuals have the optimal geno- type. A small proportion of individuals, however, have other genotypes. These are newly arisen mutants who will not survive to the next generation. In a separate model, we again take the limit Ω→∞, but in this case we decrease the standard deviation of mutant effects on each character, so that mutations are generally not lethal. In this case we find that, at equilibrium, the distribution of genotypes and the distribution of fitnesses have unusual features. In par- ticular, the marginal distribution of genotypic values of any single character has the form of a single sharp i.spikela (Dirac delta function) corresponding to all individuals having an optimal valu.
Clutch size, nest predation, and distribution of avian unequal competitors in a patchy environment

I studied reproductive success, nest predation, and most productive clutch size of seven passerine bird species (Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica, Great Tit Parus major, European Blackbird Turdus merula, Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, House Sparrow Passer domesticus, Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, Black billed Magpie Pica pica) breeding in a patchy environment of tree lots in a matrix of farmland. Habitat patches of 0.07—3.61 ha consistent primarily of elm Ulmus glabra and various other deciduous trees, a thick undergrowth of bushes, primarily elder Sambucus nigra, and herbs. Clutch size of all species was independent of habitat patch size even after controlling for time of breeding and age of breeding birds, but brood size at fledging increased with increasing patch size for the Great Tit, European Blackbird, Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, and Black—billed Magpie, but not far the Barn Swallow and House Sparrow. The frequency of nest predation decreased with increasing size of habitat patches in the open—nesting E.
High temperature tolerance and thermal plasticity in emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis

1 The emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) (EAB), an invasive wood‐boring beetle, has recently caused significant losses of native ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees in North America. Movement of wood products has facilitated EAB spread, and heat sanitation of wooden materials according to International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) is used to prevent this. 2 In the present study, we assessed the thermal conditions experienced during a typical heat‐treatment at a facility using protocols for pallet wood treatment under policy PI‐07, as implemented in Canada. The basal high temperature tolerance of EAB larvae and pupae was determined, and the observed heating rates were used to investigate whether the heat shock response and expression of heat shock proteins occurred in fourth‐instar larvae. 3 The temperature regime during heat treatment greatly exceeded the ISPM 15 requirements of 56 °C for 30 min. Emerald ash borer larvae were highly tolerant of elevated temperatures, with some instars surviving exposure to 53 °C without any heat pre‐treatments. High temperature survival was increased by either slow warming or pre‐exposure to elevated temperatures and a recovery regime that was accompanied by up‐regulated hsp70 expression under some of these conditions. 4 Because EAB is highly heat tolerant and exhibits a fully functional heat shock response, we conclude that greater survival than measured in vitro is possible under industry treatment conditions (with the larvae still embedded in the wood). We propose that the phenotypic plasticity of EAB may lead to high temperature tolerance very close to conditions experienced in an ISPM 15 standard treatment.
Hormones and Paternal Behavior in Vertebrates

Synopsis. This review examines the influence of hormonal stimulation on paternal care in selected species of fish, birds and mammals. Correlational studies of hormonal changes and the occurrence of paternal behavior as well as experimental studies are considered. Understanding the influence of hormones on paternal behavior is complicated by whether the species studied shows maternal, paternal or biparental care and by the interactions among hormonal changes, prior experience and responses to external stimuli. It is evident that hormonal changes may be the result as well as the stimulus for paternal care and that stimuli from nests, eggs and young may be important for inducing the hormonal conditions which maintain paternal care. Hormonal determinants of sexual differentiation and the neuroendocrine control of paternal behavior are discussed. Although there are few the? ories which include the role of hormones in paternal care, some hypotheses relating to the "association hypothesis" of Gross and Shine (1981) are considered and suggestions are made for future studies.
INFLUENCE OF THE UTERUS ON THE CORPUS LUTEUM

IT IS GENERALLY recognized that the persistence of the corpus luteum is a determining factor in the normal sex cycle and in the initiation of normal pregnancy. The difference in the length of persistence of the corpus luteum in normal pseudopregnant and pregnant animals respectively, indicates that it does not have a predetermined or inherently fixed life span. This must mean that the continuation of corpus luteum activity and hence, of the normal sex cycle and of pregnancy, depends upon extra-luteal factors. The present work is concerned with one of these. On a priori grounds the cessation of luteal activity may be due to the withdrawal of a supportive factor, or to the appearance of an inhibitory factor, or to both. In regard to the first possibility, it is known that hypophysectomy terminates early pregnancy in all species of animals in which this has been done, presumably by withdrawing the gonadotropic hormone of the anterior hypophysis (1).
Floristical and ecological characterization of the polar desert zone of Greenland

Species composition and biomass of four plant communities were investigated in two coastal polar desert areas in eastern North Greenland, bordering the North East Water Polynya - an ice-free sea area kept open by upwelling - and compared with inland areas in North Greenland. Herb barren, the poorest type, has a species richness of 6 species/m2, a cover of 0.7 %, and an aboveground biomass of 0.6 g/m2 (vascular plants). The richest type, Saxifraga oppositifolia snowbed, has 10 species/m2, 5.0 % cover, and 11.2 g/m2 biomass. A floristic and vegetation boundary exists a few kilometres from the coast. The coastal areas bordering the North East Water Polynya had an impoverished flora and vegetation compared to areas near the ice-covered sea, possibly caused by very low summer temperatures and high frequency of clouds. A new delimitation of the polar deserts of Greenland is proposed on the basis of the number of vascular plant species, the occurrence of species with a specific inland distribution in North Greenland and the dominating life forms. At present the polar desert zone includes only areas within a zone up to ca. 15 km from the outer coast of high arctic Greenland - north of ca. 80° N. Large areas formerly classified as polar deserts in eastern North Greenland, as well as in Washington Land in western North Greenland, are excluded. New floristic data confirm that Greenland is correctly included in the Canadian province of the arctic polar deserts, whereas there is no reason for subdividing the polar deserts of the Canadian province.
The Mechanism of Object Location in Gymnarchus Niloticus and Similar Fish

1. Experiments with moving electrostatic and magnetic fields show that Gymnarchus niloticus is sensitive to a potential gradient of about 0.03 µ V. /cm. 2. Alternative explanations of some previous experiments are given in terms of this high d.c. sensitivity. 3. An explanation in similar terms is given of experiments in which Gymnotus carapo is trained to detect a stationary magnet. 4. The mechanisms available for the location of objects by electric fish are reviewed. It is concluded from the results of a critical experiment (described in a succeeding section) that Gymnarchus niloticus can detect objects by the disturbance of its own electric field in the water. 5. The approximate theory of this method of object location is derived. The effect on the receptors of the perturbing field due to an object depends on the electrical properties of the receptors: in the extreme cases the stimulation of the receptors is proportional either to the potential or to its second derivative. Graphs are given showing the effect of an object on the potential and on its second derivative around the surface of the fish. 6. Experiments are described using Gymnarchus niloticus which ( a ) confirm that the mechanism of object location employs electric field distortion; ( b ) indicate the limits of the sensitivity of the fish. 7. The second derivative mode appears to be the most probable one operating in Gymnarchus . The experimentally determined limits of detection are discussed in relation to the random noise in the receptor circuit: it is concluded that both spatial and temporal integration are likely to be employed. 8. The thresholds for object location and for response to direct currents are compared: it is concluded that the same receptors are probably operating in both cases.
Size dimorphism in Rankinia (Tympanocryptis) diemensis (Family Agamidae): sex-specific patterns and geographic variation

Sexual dimorphism has implications for a range of biological and ecological factors, and intersexual morphological differences within a species provide an ideal opportunity for investigating evolutionary influences on phenotypic variation. We investigated sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in an agamid species, Rankinia [Tympanocryptis] diemensis, to determine whether overall size and/or relative morphological trait size differences exist and whether geographic variation in size dimorphism occurs in this species. Relative morphological trait proportions included a range of head, limb, and inter-limb measurements. We found significant overall intersexual adult size differences; females were the larger sex across all sites but the degree of dimorphism between the sexes did not differ between sites. This female-biased size difference is atypical for agamid lizards, which are usually characterized by large male body size. In this species, large female-biased SSD appears to have evolved as a result of fecundity advantages. The size of relative morphological trait also differed significantly between the sexes, but in the opposite direction: relative head, tail, and limb sizes were significantly larger in males than females. This corresponds to patterns in trait size usually found in this taxonomic group, where male head and limb size is important in contest success such as male–male rivalry. There were site-specific morphological differences in hatchlings, including overall body size, tail, inter-limb, thigh, and hindlimb lengths; however, there were no sex-specific differences indicating the body size differences present in the adult form occur during ontogeny.
Estabilidade de hipersuperfícies com curvatura média constante

Neste trabalho estudaremos o resultado obtido por Joao Lucas Barbosa e Manfredo Perdigao do Carmo que afirma que a unica hipersuperficie estavel compacta de curvatura media constante e a n-esfera redonda. Mais precisamente, estudaremos a prova proposta por Henry Wente do Teorema de Barbosa e do Carmo.
Plant Cell Walls as Dietary Fibre: Range, Structure, Processing and Function

The ingestion of dietary fibre has been correlated with the prevention of many health-threatening diseases and cancers. Plant cell walls are the major source of dietary fibre and this review investigates the relationship between the structure of different types of plant cell walls and their beneficial effects. The effects of processing and cooking on dietary fibre are also examined. Structure-function relationships between individual cell wall components and the beneficial effects of dietary fibre are not well defined and it may be that the physical, physiochemical and topochemical properties of plant cell walls and their components are also important.
Female Barn Swallows Gain Indirect but not Direct Benefits through Social Mate Choice

Female mate choice is responsible for the evolution of male secondary sexual ornaments. If male ornamental traits reflect indirect, genetic benefits and/or direct, material benefits to females, choosy females may benefit from their choice, indirectly and/or directly. We examined a breeding population of Japanese barn swallows Hirundo rustica gutturalis to determine whether male tail streamer length reflected indirect and/or direct benefits to females. There was no significant positive relationship between male streamer length and the number of extra-pair young (EPY) sired, suggesting that male tail streamers are not a signal of indirect benefits (i.e. good genes theory). In addition, we found no evidence that males with longer streamers fed their offspring more frequently or sired more within-pair young (WPY). The result indicates that male streamer length probably does not act as a signal of direct benefits. Our finding that the length of tail streamers in Japanese barn swallows plays no role in sexual selection is not consistent with studies on European subspecies, but is consistent with studies on North American subspecies where sexual selection on tail streamer is weak. The present study supports the recent suggestion that the pattern of sexual selection on tail streamer length in barn swallows varies geographically. Instead of tail length, males in better condition sired more EPY and WPY. Males in better condition, however, did not feed their nestling more frequently. These results indicate that females gain indirect benefits but not direct benefits, in terms of feeding of young, on choosing social mates.
Multilingualism in the Graeco-Roman Worlds

This essay reviews a collection of eleven articles discussing evidence on multilingualism from a number of Late Antique and Medieval societies, including not only the often studied multilingual members of the Mediterranean world but also examples from western Europe. Among other issues, these articles’ authors touch upon the general concept of multilingualism, the categorization of its textual and archaeological evidence, its sociocultural impact, as well as its role in the power game between language communities.