Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Analysis of the Developmental Fate of Cells in the Center of the Area Pellucida of the Blastoderm in Chicken

The cells in the center of the area pellucida of the blastoderm have been used as donors for production of chimeric chickens, but the developmental fate of the cells has not been analyzed in detail. Also, little is known regarding the molecular mechanism of germline development and differentiation in early chick embryos. To clarify the developmental fate precisely, donor cells fluorescently labeled by PKH26 were analyzed in chimeric embryos. The cells were obtained from the center of the area pellucida of the donor and injected into the center of the area pellucida of the recipient. The dynamic states of the donor cells were tracked during development of the chimeric embryos, thereby allowing analysis of the developmental fate of the cells of the center of the area pellucida. The manipulated embryos that were injected with marked donor cells from the center of the area pellucida were cultured. The presence of the marked donor cells was confirmed in many embryos, through observation of embryos at each development stage under a fluorescence microscope. The results suggest that the migration system and developmental fate of cells from the center of the area pellucida are identical to those of primordial germ cells (PGCs). It was concluded that many PGCs or their precursor cells are localized in the center of the area pellucida of the blastoderm region.
A Variation at Position −30 of the β-Cell Glucokinase Gene Promoter Is Associated With Reduced β-Cell Function in Middle-Aged Japanese-American Men

We sought to determine whether a G→A variant at position −30 of the β-cell promoter of the glucokinase (GCK) gene observed to be present more frequently in Japanese-American men with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) than in Japanese-American men with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) is associated with impaired β-cell function. We studied 125 unrelated Japanese-American men (aged 46–74 years; mean 61 ± 0.5) who were nondiabetic by a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (65 had NGT and 60 had IGT). The presence of the −30 β-cell GCK gene promoter variant was determined by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. β-cell function was assessed using the ratio of the incremental response in immunoreactive insulin (IRI) to that of glucose during the first 30 min of the OGTT (Δ IRI[30 min−0 min]/Δglucose[30 min−0 min]) performed at baseline and at 5 years of follow-up. β-cell function adjusted for basal IRI ([Δ IRI[30 min−0 min]/Δ glucose[30 min−0 min]]/basal IRI; the relative insulin response) was also evaluated. At baseline, the −30 β-cell GCK gene promoter variant was present in 15.4% of subjects with NGT vs. 38.3% of subjects with IGT (P < 0.01). Fasting IRI did not differ between groups. At baseline, ΔIRI[30 min−0 min]/Δglucose[30 min−0 min] was significantly lower in subjects with the promoter variant (57 × 10−9 to 95 × 10−9 to 95 × 10−9] vs. 77 × 10−9 [55 × 10−9 to 128 × 10−9]; median [interquartile range]; P < 0.01) as was the relative insulin response (0.97 [0.70–1.24] vs. 1.37 [0.95–2.03] l/mmol; P < 0.0005). Similarly, at 5 years of follow-up, ΔIRI[30 min−0 min]/Δglucose[30 min−0 min] and the relative insulin response were significantly reduced in the group with the variant. In the subgroups of subjects with IGT at baseline, IGT at 5 years, and NGT at 5 years, the relative insulin response was significantly lower in those with the variant. We conclude that the −30 β-cell GCK gene promoter variant is associated with reduced β-cell function in middle-aged Japanese-American men and may contribute to the high risk of abnormal glucose tolerance in this population.
Raptors of the World

This volume, 20 years in the making, was primarily intended as a field guide and starts with a comprehensive listing of the 313 worldwide raptor species, grouped by order and family, listed with common and scientific name and cross-referenced to information detailing biology, ecology and associated colour plates. The proportionally larger number of species within the Accipitridae, Herpetotheridae and Falconidae are further subdivided by commonly applied artificial groupings (e.g. bazas, honey-buzzards, atypical kites; fish-eagles and fishing eagles) to aid in finding species quickly and easily.
GERMINACIÓN DE ESPECIES DEL MATORRAL ESPINOSO TAMAULIPECO EN UN GRADIENTE DE ALTITUD

El cambio climático se considera una amenaza para la biodiversidad, en especial, para aquellas especies que se localizan en ecosistemas frágiles. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo estudiar el efecto de la altitud en la germinación y el crecimiento de 10 especies de diferentes poblaciones (localidades) que ocurren en el Matorral Espinoso Tamaulipeco. La información generada permitirá pronosticar los efectos potenciales del cambio climático en la regeneración natural, así como sus posibles desplazamientos a mayores altitudes y definir cuáles son adecuadas para futuras plantaciones. Se escarificaron y sembraron las semillas en tres altitudes: 350, 550 y 1 600 m. La germinación y crecimiento de las plántulas se monitorearon por 30 días. Se observó que Caesalpinia mexicana, Ehretia anacua y Parkinsonia aculeata registraron el porcentaje de germinación mayor en las tres condiciones altitudinales. Las semillas de algunas procedencias de Prosopis glandulosa, Caesalpinia mexicana, Ehretia anacua, Acacia berlandieri y Parkinsonia aculeata presentaron mayor germinación. Lepidium virginicum y Acacia berlandieri registraron, en promedio, los valores más altos a 1 600 msnm. Los resultados sugieren que algunos taxa pueden germinar por encima de su intervalo de distribución actual y quizá tengan la capacidad de desplazarse hacia altitudes superiores por efecto del cambio climático.
Patterns of groundwater concentration and fate of lindane in an irrigated semiarid area in Argentina

The pattern of lindane breakthrough to groundwater and its mobilization thereafter were observed in a semiarid irrigated agricultural basin in southern Argentina. The pesticide half‐life in the unsaturated vadose zone and the realized Koc were estimated through parameter optimization techniques on the basis of an ad hoc developed fugacity model, and two existing models of the transport of pesticides in soils (RITZ, PRZM2). Although the estimated half‐life values are in agreement with values reported in the literature for other areas, the Koc was lower than usually reported, indicating that the adsorption of the pesticide is controlled by the kinetics of soil water infiltration. The lindane concentration and groundwater conductivity fields over an area of about 2,700 km2 were compared and similarities between the transport of the pesticide and soluble soil salts were inferred. These showed that lindane is transported dissolved in the upper aquifer and can accumulate at exfiltration areas at 10 to 30 km from the sites of its application. The relevance of considering the kinetic constraints imposed by the hydraulic conductivity of the soil profile and the partition with the soil organic matter are highlighted in relation to the prediction of pesticide environmental fate.
Challenges in Linking Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations to Fluxes at Local and Regional Scales

We describe relationships between atmospheric CO2 concentration variations and CO2 source-sink distributions, at two important scales between the single plant and the whole earth: the vegetation canopy and the atmospheric planetary boundary layer. For both these scales, it is shown how knowledge of turbulence and scalar dispersion can be applied to infer CO2 source-sink distributions or fluxes from concentration measurements. At the canopy scale, the turbulent transfer of CO2 and other scalars is non-diffusive close to any point source or sink in the canopy, but diffusive at greater distances. This distinction leads to a physically tenable description of turbulent transfer, and thence to an 'inverse method' for finding the vertical profiles of sources and sinks in the canopy from measured concentration profiles. The method is tested with data from a wheat crop. At the scale of the planetary boundary layer, we consider the daily CO2 concentration drawdown (the depression of the near-surface CO2 concentration below the free-atmosphere value) of typically 20-40 ppm. This is determined by both the regionally averaged CO2 uptake at the surface and the growth of the daytime convective boundary layer (CBL). It is shown that, for a column of air which fills the CBL and is moved across the landscape by the mean wind, the net cumulative surface CO2 flux (in mol m-2) is given to a good approximation by h(t)[Cm(t) - C+]/V, where h(t) is CBL depth, Cm(t) the CO2 concentration in the CBL column in mol mol-1, C+ the concentration above the CBL, V the molar volume and time t is measured from the time at which Cm = C+ in the morning, typically about 0800 hours local time. The resulting CO2 flux estimates are regionally averaged over the trajectory followed by the column. This 'CBL budget method' for inferring surface fluxes is compared with direct measurements of CO2 fluxes, with satisfactory results. The technique has application to scalars other than CO2.
Antimicrobial activity of Some Lactic Acid Bacteria strains isolated from Sudanese fermented foods

The present study screened thirty lactic acid bacteria isolates from ten samples of Sudanese traditional fermented foods collected from different locations in Khartoum state for antibacterial activity. Microscopic examination revealed that all the isolates are Gram positive, twenty nine (96.3%) of these isolates were rod-shaped, and the rest (3.3%) is cocci. All isolates were subjected to a number of preliminary tests, which are commonly used for the identification of lactic acid bacteria these including morphological, physiological and biochemical. The results indicated all isolates are LAB, and most of the tested 30 isolates produced exopolysaccharides from sucrose under the conditions used. These isolates can be utilized for the production of safe fermented foods and milk products. Antimicrobial activities of the 30 isolates were tested against five pathogenic bacterial strains using the agar desk diffusion technique. Out of these 25 (83.3 %) isolates exhibited antimicrobial activity against at least one indicator strain tested, six isolates were characterized to be producers of antibacterial as evidenced by strong inhibition zones formed against sensitive organisms on agar plates, the isolates demonstrated abroad spectrum of microbial activity by inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43306, E. coli ATCC 25922 and Salmonella typhae. Five isolates (16.7 %) had no antimicrobial activity. The physiological results, biochemical tests and sugar fermentation profiles all gave the same results for the bioactive isolates, which were indicative of bacilli and enterococci.
FOREST RESPONSE TO THE INTRODUCED HEMLOCK WOOLLY ADELGID IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND, USA

ORWIG, D. A. AND D. R. FOSTER (Harvard University, Harvard Forest, Petersham, Massachusetts 01366). Forest response to the introduced hemlock woolly adelgid in southern New England, USA. J. Torrey Bot. Soc. 125:60-73. 1998. -Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae, an introduced aphid-like insect from Asia, is expanding its range across the northeastern United States through the range of Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) and can severely reduce or eliminate this important late-successional species. As part of a study investigating standand landscape-level forest dynamics resulting from HWA infestation, we examined initial community response of eight T. canadensis stands in south-central Connecticut. Our major objectives were to assess mortality patterns in T. canadensis, evaluate subsequent changes in stand microenvironment, and relate these and stand composition to initial patterns of regeneration, understory response, and community reorganization. Tsuga canadensis damage varied broadly across the study area ranging from near zero to greater than 95% mortality. All size and age classes sampled were attacked by HWA, although smaller trees exhibited higher mortality rates than larger trees. All remaining T. canadensis sampled in seven of the eight stands were infested with HWA and over 90% suffered at least 50% foliar loss. Substantial accumulations of downed woody debris have developed in stands with severe HWA damage. Canopy gaps created by HWA damage significantly increased the amount of light reaching the forest floor and resulted in rapid understory vegetation responses. Prolific Betula lenta (black birch) establishment occurred in stands with moderate to severe T. canadensis mortality. In addition, opportunistic herbaceous species (Erechtites hieracifolia, Phytolacca americana) and exotic species (Ailanthus altissima, Microstegium vimineum) have recently invaded these stands. Due to mortality from HWA, T. canadensis seedlings were scarce in sampled stands, suggesting that advance regeneration and seedbanks will not be important mechanisms for T. canadensis reestablishment. Tsuga canadensis cannot sprout following defoliation and has no apparent resistance to HWA. Therefore, dramatic reductions in T. canadensis across broad geographical areas appear imminent if HWA dispersal continues unimpeded and no effective natural enemies of HWA are found.
Evolution ostéométrique de Rattus rattus et de Mus musculus domesticus sur de petites îles: comparaison de populations médiévales et actuelles des îles Lavezzi (Corse) et de Corse

Pres de 2 500 restes osseux et dentaires de Rattus rattus et de Mus musculus domesticus ont ete decouverts dans des couches archeologiques datees du XIV e et du XVII e siecle sur l'ile Lavezzi (Bouches de Bonifacio, Bonifacio, Corse-du-Sud). L'analyse taphonomique montre qu'ils sont principalement issus de pelotes de rejection de chouette effraie (Tyto alba). La comparaison osteometrique des rats subfossiles avec ceux de populations actuelles de Corse (Bonifacio) et de l'ile Lavezzi, peu differentes l'une de l'autre, montre que les mâchoires, rangees dentaires et os longs etaient plus grands dans la population medievale
Physical dormancy in Senna multijuga (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae) seeds: the role of seed structures in water uptake

Abstract Structural studies in seeds with physical dormancy (PY) are important to better understand its causes and release when subjected to treatments for dormancy breaking. The aims of this study were to (1) characterize the PY break; (2) examine the role of different seed structures in water uptake; and (3) identify the water gap in Senna multijuga seeds. Imbibition patterns of dormant and non-dormant (subjected to dormancy breaking treatments) seeds and the morphological changes during dormancy breaking and germination were evaluated. To identify the water gap, the micropyle and lens were blocked separately, and the water absorption by seed parts was determined. Structural characteristics of the seed coat were also examined. Immersion in water at 80°C was efficient in breaking seed dormancy and imbibition occurred first at the hilar region, through the lens. Water was not absorbed through the micropyle or the extra-hilar region. S. multijuga seeds have a testa with a linearly aligned micropyle, hilum and lens. The seed coat consisted of a cuticle, macrosclereids, one (hilar region) or two (extra-hilar region) layer(s) of osteosclereids and parenchyma cell layers. The lens has typical parenchyma cells underneath it and two fragile regions comprised of shorter macrosclereids. Heat treatment stimulated the lens region, resulting in the opening of fragile regions at the lens, allowing water to enter the seeds. It is concluded that short-term exposure to a hot water treatment is sufficient for the formation of a water gap in S. multijuga seeds, and only the lens acts in the imbibition process.
The age, growth and feeding habits of the European conger eel, Conger conger (L.) in the Adriatic Sea

Abstract This study determined basic biological data for the European conger eel Conger conger (L.) population in the coastal waters of the eastern Adriatic Sea. Juveniles and immature females dominated the coastal population, whereas males were relatively uncommon. The population structure determined by the study suggested spatial separation of sexes and spawning grounds in deeper waters. Both edge-type and marginal increment analyses confirmed the formation of a single growth annulus per year on the ground otoliths. The observed maximum age of the coastal conger eels was 8 years, although most of the sampled fish were 5 years old. The estimated parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth model suggested that the growth of the conger eels was relatively slow. C. conger is an opportunistic predator. Its diet was composed primarily of fishes, followed by crustaceans and cephalopods. Due to the evident site fidelity of the species, the wide prey spectrum of the conger eels (33 taxa) reflected the local benthic community structure.
Microbial diversity in gut ecosystems

Many animals of a wide range of orders have a portion of the digestive system adapted to accommodate a fermentation which aids them in digestion and provides them with a variety of nutritional and health benefits. The microbial community inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract is char- acterized by its high population density, wide diversity and complexity of interac- tions. The current knowledge of gut microbial diversity is almost exclusively based on the use of classical anaerobic culture techniques. Culture based studies have shown that all major groups of microbes - bacteria and protozoa [1,2], fungi [3], yeasts [4] and bacteriophages [5] - are represented in the gut. Importantly, it contains representatives of the three domains (Bacteria, Archaea and Eucarya) described by Woese and co-workers
Paternal care declines with increased opportunity for extra–pair matings in fairy martins

Following the discovery that extra–pair fertilizations are common in many birds, it has been predicted that male participation in parental care may be influenced by their opportunity for extra–pair copulations. However, such a trade–off between male contribution to parental care and the availability of fertile females has not been confirmed. Here we use a novel remote monitoring technique to show that participation in incubation by male fairy martins, Hirundo ariel, declines with the increasing availability of fertile females in the breeding colonies. Furthermore, male contribution to incubation is most responsive to change in the availability of fertile females in the early morning, when most copulations occur, and also if their clutches are smaller than average. Both of these patterns support the presence of a trade–off between parental and extra–pair copulation effort. We suggest that this trade–off may be widespread among the 90% of bird species where males contribute to parental care.
Modelling potential impacts of climate change on the bioclimatic envelope of species in Britain and Ireland

Aim Climate change has the potential to have significant impacts on the distribution of species and on the composition of habitats. This paper identifies the potential changes in the future distribution of species under the UKCIP98 climate change scenarios, in order that such changes can be taken into account in conservation management. Location The model was applied to Britain and Ireland. Methods A model based on an artificial neural network was used to predict the changing bioclimate envelopes of species in Britain and Ireland. Fifty-four species representing 15 habitats were modelled. Results The modelled species could be placed into three categories: those losing suitable climate space, those gaining it, and those showing little or no change. When the species were associated with habitats it was found that Arctic–Alpine/montane heath communities were the most sensitive to climate change, followed by pine woodland and beech woodland in southern England. In lowland heath, wet heath, cereal field margins, coastal grazing marsh, drought-prone acid grassland and calcareous grassland, the species either showed little change or an increase in suitable climate space. The other eight habitats showed a mixed response. Conclusions The species show a variety of responses to climate change and thus their current habitat associations may alter. The uncertain future of some species and habitats is highlighted. Conservation policy and practice will need to be revised in the face of climate change.
Isolation and characterization of labile organic phosphorus pools in soils from the Askov long-term field experiments.

Labile soil organic phosphorus (Po) plays a crucial role in plant P nutrition and in environmental eutrophication. This paper discusses recent studies on the nature of labile soil Po and its response to different fertilization practices. Soil material was obtained from the Askov long-term experiment on animal manure and mineral fertilizers. Our analytical approach combined a macroporous anion exchange resin to isolate labile Po and 31P NMR spectroscopy to assess the chemical composition and origin of NaOH-extractable Po. The analyses were carried out on fine earth (<2 mm) and particle-size fractions. The results suggest that the resin extraction isolates an active pool of soil Po that consists primarily of microbially-derived compounds. The size of the active Po pool reflects seasonal variations and P fertilization. However, the source of added P (NPK vs. animal manure) appears to have only little influence on the labile Po. Our results further suggest that most of the active soil Po is associated with clay sized separates (<2 μm), indicating this fraction being important in the short-term turnover of Po.