Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can a large metropolis sustain complex herpetofauna communities? An analysis of the suitability of green space fragments in Rome

Urban areas are primary causes of species' range fragmentation and reduction. However, relatively few studies have attempted to describe the habitat variables influencing the diversity and conservation of amphibians and reptiles, particularly in Mediterranean Europe and in large metropolitan areas. We explored this broad conservation ecology problem by studying the richness and diversity patterns in relation to a suite of six independent habitat variables in Rome, one of the most ancient cities of the world. We considered all the green remnant areas (n=62) of Rome, ranging 1 to >1000 ha in size, which are interspersed within a sea of urbanized matrix. A total of 10 amphibian and 15 reptile species were studied. Their presence/absence patterns were assessed and the effects of the various habitat variables on each species were predicted by a logistic regression model. A total of 1261 presence records (404 amphibians and 857 reptiles) were analysed. Fragment size and wood size within each fragment did correlate significantly with the species richness of both amphibians and reptiles, and there was a clear threshold effect after 50 ha of wooded surface. The presence of water bodies positively affected the species distribution. One amphibian and three reptiles inhabited exclusively fragments >50 ha. The distance from the centre did not affect fragment species richness. The presence of most species of both amphibians and reptiles was positively influenced by the irregular versus circular shape of the wooded area. The legal protection of a given area did not influence the observed patterns but the total number of sheltered species. Overall, our study suggests that, in order to maintain the current diversity and population viability, it is necessary, in addition to water bodies' maintenance, to (1) preserve the wooded landscapes over 50 ha; (2) promote irregularly shaped increases in the wood surface; (3) maintain ecotonal boundaries.
Comparative Analysis of Central Asian Tourism Product from Point of View of Turkish Travelers: A Case of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekista

Central Asia (CA) region consist of five countries, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, which is the core of Asian continent. Ancient Silk Road has played the critical role of connecting the East and West through the history and today. CA has a rich history, culture and nature conditions as pull factors for world tourism market. This region as a new destination is becoming more important in the international travel and tourism market. All five countries have been experiencing transition period and have been facing some domestic and international issues with respect to tourism perspective. In this study, Turkish travelers for different motivations ranging from business to vacation visiting Central Asia are asked to evaluate the region based on some personal and expectation attributes. The investigation includes some fundamental factors such as key desires to travel to Central Asia or some mind-set not visiting there. For this purpose, approximately 200 responses are gathered from persons traveling there for different motivations including business, travel and so on. Multi Dimensional Scaling is run in order to display graphically the attributes on two dimensional graphs. This research is a pioneer work that sheds light on the future studies that will be conducted by both academicians and practitioners. Also, it reflects the Turkish travelers’ expectations to CA region as a tourism destination. The main findings can be summarized as the key factors leading people either to travel CA or not to travel there by gender, country and some other personal attributes.
Production of Serine Proteases by the Oyster Pathogen Perkinsus marinus (Apicomplexa) In Vitro

ABSTRACT. Analysis of the cell‐free supernatants of Perkinsus marinus cultures by sodium dodecylsulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and silver staining revealed the presence of as many as 17 bands ranging in molecular weight from 239 to 32 kDa. These bands were not present in un‐inoculated medium. Moreover, P. marinus produces extracellular proteins that possess proteolytic activities; the cell‐free supernatants of P. marinus cultures could digest a variety of proteins including gelatin, casein, fibronectin and laminin. Oyster plasma was also digested by cell‐free culture supernatants. The proteolytic activity in cell‐free culture supernatants was detected 24 h post‐inoculation, while no proteolytic activity could be detected in cell lysates. The proteolytic activities were characterized using substrate‐impregnated sodium dodecylsulfate‐polyacrylamide gels and had approximate molecular weights ranging from 55 to 35 kDa. The proteolytic activity of cell‐free culture supernatants was inhibited by the serine protease inhibitors phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride, 3,4‐dichloroisocoumarin and soybean trypsin inhibitor. In contrast, inhibitors (i.e. trans‐epoxysuccinyll‐leucylamido(4‐guanidino)‐butane, 1, 10‐phenanthroline, captopril, ethylenediaminetetracetic acid, pepstatin A or diazoacetyl‐DL‐norleucine methyl ester) from the other three classes of proteases had no effect. It was concluded that the P. marinus proteases in cell‐free culture supernatants are serine proteases.
Neurogenesis in the Developing Mammalian Neocortex

The neocortex is the evolutionarily newest and most complex part of the mammalian brain. The neurons of the neocortex are born from different neural stem and progenitor cells (for simplicity collectively referred to as progenitors) that reside in proliferative zones during embryonic development. During the neurogenic period, distinct populations of neural progenitors appear, each having specific molecular and cell biological characteristics. These characteristics and the environment of the neural progenitor are responsible for the self-renewing or neurogenic potential of each neural progenitor type. The fate of daughter cells after neural progenitor division is determined by the mode of division, intrinsic factors such as transcription factors or regulatory ribonucleic acids (RNAs), and by extrinsic signals coming from the surrounding cells. This tight regulation controls the rate of production of neural progenitor types and neurons. The ratios of different progenitor types have a huge impact on the final number of neurons in the adult neocortex, and are partly responsible for vast differences in the brains of different mammals. Key Concepts: Neocortex is a part of the brain characteristic of mammals. Neocortex is a six-layered structure comprised of post-mitotic neurons and glial cells. Neocortical neurons are born from neural progenitor cells, mostly during embryonic development. Neural progenitor cells can be classified into different populations based on molecular and cell-biological features. The molecular and cell-biological features of neural progenitor cells influence their propensity to self-renew or produce neurons. Neural progenitor cells are under tight intrinsic and extrinsic control, in order to maintain the equilibrium between proliferative and neurogenic divisions. The relative abundance of different progenitor populations influences the final number of neurons in the adult neocortex. Keywords: mammals; neurogenesis; neocortex; neural progenitor; (a)symmetric division; evolution
Describing effects of genetic selection, nutrition, and their interplay in prime lambs using growth and efficiency functions

A general problem of animal production is that of predicting the growth rate, body composition, and feed intake of any kind of animal, in any state treated in any way. The solution to this problem depends, in part, on devising a sufficient description of the animal. Firstly, we considered the ability of the Gompertz form to describe the potential growth of an animal when conditions are not limiting. Experimental results from 2 lines of Suffolk sheep, one selected for lean growth rate and the other its control, were used to quantify and test the function. The Gompertz function fitted the data well, with no pattern in the residuals; thus, it is useful for describing potential growth. Secondly, in practice, growth may be limited by level of feeding or dietary protein, or many other things. Thus, we considered several approaches to describing growth when conditions were limiting. The functional form relating weight to cumulative food intake proposed by Spillman did not provide a satisfactory description of the data either on controlled or ad libitum feeding. In the Suffolk experiment, we found a higher sensitivity of the selected line in growth rate and feed efficiency to reductions in both the amount given and food protein content. A reduction in level of feeding reduced fatness, whereas a reduction in the protein content of the food increased it; effects on lean content were in the opposite direction. Importantly, the advantages in lean and fat contents in the carcass strongly persisted in the selected line regardless of the nutritional environment. This suggests that genetic selection to improve carcass lean growth rate will yield leaner carcasses across a wide range of finishing systems, even though these finishing systems themselves may affect the fatness of the carcass. Therefore, consumers are always likely to see benefits of selection in terms of reduced carcass fatness. However, since the benefit of improved genotypes may not be expressed in terms of live performance, grading and pricing systems are needed which reward producers for using superior sires.
Processamento e caracterização físico-química de geleias diet de umbu-cajá (Spondias spp.) = Processing and physicochemical characterization of diet umbu-cajá (Spondias spp.) jellies

O mercado de derivados de frutas tropicais disponibiliza grande variedade de geleias destinadas aos mais diversos tipos de consumidores. Entre os tipos que mais apresentam crescimento destacam-se as geleias com baixo valor energetico. Nesse sentindo, objetivou-se desenvolver e avaliar as caracteristicas fisico-quimicas de geleias diet de umbu-caja elaboradas com diferentes concentracoes de aspartame (0,055; 0,065 e 0,075%) e de pectina (0,5; 1,0 e 1,5%). As formulacoes foram aquecidas e concentradas em tacho aberto de aco inoxidavel ate atingir teor de solidos soluveis totais de aproximadamente 12,50 oBrix, envasilhadas em potes de vidro e submetidas as analises fisico-quimicas. Os dados foram submetidos a analise de variância (ANOVA) e a comparacao de medias foi feita pelo teste de Tukey em nivel de 5% de probabilidade. As geleias revelaram elevadas porcentagens de agua (87,72 a 89,04%), quantidades consideraveis de cinzas (0,57 a 0,81%), proteinas (0,95 a 1,14%) e carboidratos (9,14 a 10,35%) e baixo valor energetico (40,71 a 45,98 kcal/100 g). Os parâmetros de cor evidenciaram geleias relativamente escuras (29,44-43,36), com leve tonalidade avermelhada (9,53-11,36) e coloracao amarela mais perceptivel (35,74-41,90). Os menores valores de firmeza (0,23 e 0,43 N) e de extrusao (2,28 e 2,33 N) foram encontrados nos experimentos elaborados com a menor porcentagem de pectina. Para a composicao nutricional, apenas o teor de proteinas apresentou efeito significativo em nivel de 5% de probabilidade, enquanto que a maioria dos parâmetros fisico-quimicos, de cor de textura teve efeito significativo em nivel de 1% de probabilidade, segundo o teste F. A utilizacao do umbu-caja para o processamento de geleias diet e uma alternativa de melhor aproveitamento de seus frutos no periodo de safra a medida que lhe agrega valor, alem de se constituir em mais uma opcao de renda para produtores no semiarido brasileiro.
Relation of Recruitment to the Number of Caught Juveniles in the Ayu Population of Lake Biwa

The purpose of this study was to find a method of predicting the recruitment size of the ayu Plecoglossus altivelis population, using the data obtained in certain surveys before the main fishing sea son. In the ayu population of Lake Biwa it is known that the survival rate in the early life history de pends on the population density. Adopting the population size at the beginning of February as the recruitment size, we theoretically derived a general relationship between the recruitment size and the mean number of juveniles caught by a net survey in December. We then calculated the recruitment size that satisfied the derived relation as closely as possible, using a cohort analysis. We found that the ob tained relation can give a practical estimate of the recruitment size from the mean number of juveniles caught in December.
Aquatic Behavioral Ecotoxicology—Prospects and Limitations

ABSTRACT This Perspective gives an overview of the definitions, advantages, and the importance of behavioral studies in ecotoxicology. Recent developments in automated quantitative recording technology as well as in mathematical data analysis and statistical data treatment have given rise to increased research in behavioral ecotoxicology. As an example, several studies performed with different invertebrate and vertebrate species using the non-optical impedance recorder, the Multispecies Freshwater Biomonitor™, are mentioned and discussed under the aspect of recent developments. However, some problems have still to be solved, such as (1) linking behavior to other biological test parameters on the suborganismal as well as the population level, (2) standardization of test designs and methods, and (3) creating more acceptance of these methods in the legislative framework of biomonitoring.
Do aquatic insects avoid cadmium‐contaminated sediments?

The long-term colonization of profundal lake sediments having a range of spiked cadmium (Cd) concentrations (0.007 to 2.7 {mu}mol/g dry wt.) was measured in the field. Population densities of two of the most abundant colonizing insects (the chironomids Procladius [Holotanypus] sp., and Sergentia coracina) were unrelated to the Cd gradient, even though both taxa accumulated Cd in direct relation to its concentration in sediment Cd gradient Cd gradient. Cadmium concentrations in Chironomus (salinarius gp.) sp. larvae also responded positively to the sediment Cd gradient and ranged from 0.2 to 50 {mu}g/g. In contrast with the two other taxa, the abundance of Chironomus (salinarius gp.) sp. was the result of a behavioral or a toxic response, larvae of the three chironomid taxa were given a choice between field-control and Cd-spiked sediments in the laboratory. None of the taxa avoided the Cd-spiked sediments, suggesting that the lower abundance of Chironomus (salinarius gp.) sp. at high Cd concentrations in the field was due to Cd toxicity and not to avoidance of the Cd-rich sediments.
Comprendre la dynamique des communautés mycorhiziennes lors des successions végétales. Première partie : méthodes d’étude, caractérisations et fonctionnement (revue bibliographique)

In a natural environment, major disturbances cause the destruction of the vegetation as well as of soil microorganisms such as mycorrhizal fungi. Plant and mycorrhizal fungus communities are independent and so it is important to understand the dynamics of mycorrhizal communities during the stages in plant colonisation successions that generate a forest canopy. These successions go along with an increase in the wealth of species and the diversity of the mycorrhizal community through the gradual establishment of late-stage fungi and the decrease in the number of multi-stage fungi. Plant-fungus interactions become specialised as the plant succession runs its course or as the population ages. These dynamics of mycorrhizal communities can be explained by differences in the life history traits between species of fungi, but also by a change in the characteristics of the plant community and the soil over time
Genetic and Social Structure of Feral House Mouse Populations on Grizzly Island, California

Two populations of house mice living in open grassland in northern California were tested for demic structure, which has been reported for populations living in farm build- ings. Mice captured in each of two 0.8-ha trapping areas were typed for two blood proteins (hemoglobin and an esterase). Nonrandom distributions of genotypes within the populations occasionally occurred, but were not temporally stable. During part of the study, allele frequencies at the hemoglobin locus were significantly different in the two populations. An analysis of selection showed that differential survival and reproduction favored different genotypes in each population. Numbers of mice fluctuated dramatically on the two areas, reflecting the variability of conditions to which feral mice are exposed. A period of colonization occurred in one of the trapping areas, and young females that became sexually mature just before or immediately after their movement to this area were prevalent among the colonizing mice. Dispersal, caused by fluctuating environmental conditions, appears to be an important aspect of feral house mouse population structure, and feral populations are not divided into temporally stable, closed genetic units as are populations living in farm buildings.
Memoirs: The Transition of Peritioneal Epithelial Cells into Germ Cells in some Amphibia Anura, Especially in Rana Temporaria

(1)Germ-thickenings in the peritoneal epithelium surrounding the ovary do not appear in winter. (2) In early spring differentiating areas appear in the peritoneal epithelium. Followed out, these thickenings are found to become ovariform germ pockets containing newly formed germ cells in all stages. (3) The intermediate stages between peritoneal cell and germ cell consist primarily in the elimination of a greater part of the chromatic matter of the nucleus, in the appearance of a granular zone in the cytoplasm which becomes totally granular and stains more heavily than before, and finally in the appearance of several nucleoli subsequent upon a loss of the regular shape of the nucleus. (4) Intermediate stages have been looked for and found in other Amphibian ovaries. (5) Thickenings containing many thousands of germ cells and larger than the entire ovary of a lately metamorphosed frog have been found, especially in May. (6) Reasons are given why the cells composing the germ thickenings in the ovary are not to be considered stored-up germ cells.
Spatio-temporal patterns of home range use by foxes (Vulpes vulpes in urban environments

Territories, being specific defended areas, are often considered as spatially consistent throughout the life span of an individual (e.g. Brown & Orians 1970). However, in some circumstances territory size and configuration may be adjusted to incorporate changes in occupancy of neighbouring territories or changes in the distribution and abundance of certain limiting resources (Kruuk & Macdonald 1985). Doncaster & Macdonald (1991) reported that territories of foxes, Vulpes vulpes, in the city of Oxford showed a specific type of instability, 'drifting' in synchrony across the city so that a 'honeycomb pattern of congruent ranges' was maintained. 'Drifting territoriality' is therefore not simply random instability of home ranges, but is a directional phenomenon, and can be pictured as a fixed spatial arrangement of territories moving across a landscape in a non-cyclical manner. Doncaster & Macdonald (1991) measured the rate of this movement as equivalent to the size of one home range each year. Such 'drifting territoriality' had not been previously recorded for any species, and those authors hypothesized that it was a behavioural response by foxes to the instability of urban environments in terms of their high mortality and rapid changes in the pattern of food resources. In this paper, we test this hypothesis using data from foxes living in another British city. We investigate (i) the pattern of spatial organization exhibited by foxes living in Bristol, (ii) whether the foxes living in Bristol showed any evidence of territory instability, in particular whether they showed any evidence of drifting territoriality as reported for the foxes living in Oxford, and (iii) whether differences in the patterns of resource availability and fox mortality in Bristol are indicative of stability or instability in the urban environment.
The use of peptides that pick up prions: protection or poison?

Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathy are a class of neurodegenerative disease that remain rare, but could potentially affect large numbers of people if the possibility of food-borne transmission is true. The disease involves the conversion of a normal brain glycoprotein into a protease resistant form that is difficult to break down. Specifically identifying this version of the protein has been an aim of current research, with the possibility that this could aid differential diagnosis of these diseases. Techniques that can rapidly detect the disease in post-mortem tissue are well-established, but a test that identifies the abnormal protein in tissues of live patients is an essential requirement for any potential treatment. Peptides offer a novel way of identifying the abnormal protein and could serve as potential tools for tasks related to diagnosis and treatment of prion diseases.
Cat-exclusion zones in rural and urban-fringe landscapes: how large would they have to be?

Context. The process of urban sprawl brings the human population and their domestic cats (Felis catus) in close contact with wildlife in areas that were previously remote, including reserves and conservation areas created to protect populations of vulnerable or threatened species. Various mitigation measures have been proposed, including devices designed to hinder cat hunting ability, desexing to reduce wandering and nuisance behaviours, containment at night or at all times and regulations governing cat ownership. Such regulations may aim to reduce cat densities by limiting the number of cats per household, or they may define zones around sensitive conservation areas where cat ownership is prohibited. Aims. The present study sought to establish the necessary size of cat-exclusion zones in rural and urban-fringe landscapes where vulnerable prey species may also reside. Methods. With GPS collars, we tracked 38 domestic cats at three sites (one rural, two urban fringe) where small reserves contained threatened lizard species. Key results. Home ranges (95% kernel density estimates) were considerably larger for cats at the rural site (0.3–69 ha) than at urban-fringe sites (0.35–19 ha at Kaitorete Spit and 0.2–9 ha at Otago Peninsula), and were larger at night than day. Resource selection ratios indicated avoidance of open areas with little cover, such as cultivated areas (farmland), tussock grassland and duneland, whereas sources of cover such as trees and buildings were preferred. Maximum distances moved and large variability between individual cats suggest buffers in rural landscapes would need to be at least 2.4 km wide, whereas those in urban-fringe habitat could be half as large. Conclusions. Despite significant home-range size differences exhibited by cats living in rural v. urban-fringe habitats, exclusion zones would need to be wide to account for considerable inter-cat variation in movement behaviour. Implications. The size of an effective cat-exclusion zone should represent the specific landscape, amount of residential development and substantial variability between individual cats.
Briófitas da Ilha de Germoplasma, reservatório de Tucuruí, Pará, Brasil

The "Ilha de Germoplasma", an island located in the Tucurui Reservoir, Para state, Brazil, is used to keep some of the species rescued from areas which were flooded by the Tocantins River, after the construction of the dam, in 1984. In this work we studied the bryophytes of this island, where identified 12 species of mosses and 13 liverworts were found. This result reflects the low diversity of bryophytes species occurring at the island, in comparison to other areas already studied in Para State.