Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphological variation within Raja miraletus and Starus of R. ocellifera (Chondrichthyes, Rajoidei)

Variation in body size, shape and clasper structure of specimens of Raja miraletus from the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Guinea led to a study of the morphological variation of this species over its entire known range: the Mediterranean, and western and southern Africa. A total of 124 specimens were examined from five areas (Mediterranean, Mauritania-Senegal, Gulf of Guineaequatorial Africa, Angola and South Africa) for the morphological study and from seven areas (Mediterranean, Mauritania, Senegal, Gulf of Guinea, equatorial Africa, Angola and South Africa) for the meristic study. Of the morphological groups, the Mediterranean and South African samples are the most distinct from each other and from the other samples. West African samples are the most similar, with Gulf of Guinea-equatorial African and Angolan samples the most distinct among the three samples. The Mediterranean sample is distinct from the remainder of the samples in distance between the dorsal-fin bases, interorbital width (IW), distance between the first gill slits, prenasal snout length (PNSL), preorbital snout length (POSL), number of predorsal tail vertebrae, number of pectoral radials and shape of some of the clasper cartilages. The South African sample is distinct from the other samples in distance between the dorsalfin bases, IW, PNSL, preoral snout length (PRSL), number of trunk vertebrae, shape of several of the clasper cartilages and number of postventral scapulocoracoid fenestrae. IW and distance between the first gill slits increase clinally whereas PNSL, PRSL and POSL decrease clinally from the Mediterranean to South Africa. Distance between the dorsal-fin bases, number of vertebrae between the dorsal fin bases and shape of accessory terminal 1, accessory terminal 2 and ventral terminal cartilages converge at the extremes of the distributional range. Because of the subtleness of the variation, clinal nature of some of the variables and the fact that the putative populations are parapatrically or allopatrically distributed, R. miraletus is considered a polymorphic species of at least three partially separated populations. Hydrographic conditions along the coast of west Africa may serve to divide these populations. Upwelling at Cape Blanco (21? N) may be responsible for isolating the Mediterranean and Mauritania-Senegal populations. Similarly, upwelling off Cape Frio (18? S) and the Benguela Current may separate the Angolan and South African populations.
Cryptic lineages and Pleistocene population expansion in a Brazilian Cerrado frog

Diversification of South American species endemic to open habitats has been attributed to both Tertiary events and Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. Nonetheless, phylogeo- graphical studies of taxa in these regions are few, precluding generalizations about the timing and processes leading to differentiation and speciation. We inferred population structure of Hypsiboas albopunctatus, a frog widely distributed in the Brazilian Cerrado. Three geographically distinct lineages were recovered in our phylogeny. The Chapada dos Guimaraes (CG) clade was the first to diverge from other populations and contains multiple haplotypes from a single population in western Cerrado, probably representing a cryptic species. The southeast clade (SE) includes populations along the southeastern limit of the range within the historical distribution of the Brazilian Atlantic forest. Finally, the Central Cerrado (CC) group includes haplotypes from the interior of Brazil that are paraphyletic relative to the SE clade. Analyses of historical demography indicate significant population expansion in the CC and SE populations, likely associated with colonization of newly formed open habitats. The divergence of populations in the CG clade occurred in the late Miocene, concordant with the uplift of the central Brazilian plateau. Divergence of the SE clade from the CC occurred during the mid-Pleistocene. Thus, both Tertiary geological events and Pleistocene climatic fluctuations promoted divergences among lineages. Our study reveals a complex history of diversification in the Cerrado, a morphoclimatic domain highly threatened because of anthropogenic habitat alteration. We identified surprisingly deep divergences in a widely distributed frog, indicating that the Cerrado is not a barrier-free habitat and that its diversity is likely underestimated.
Scattering of Ice Particles at Microwave Frequencies: A Physically Based Parameterization

This paper presents a new, purely physical approach to simulate ice-particle scattering at microwave frequencies. Temperature-dependent ice particle size distributions measured by aircraft in midlatitude frontal systems are used to represent the distribution of precipitation-sized frozen hydrometeors above the freezing level through derived radar reflectivity–snow water content (Z–M ) relationships. The discrete dipole approximation is employed to calculate optical properties of selected types of idealized nonspherical ice particles (hexagonal columns, four-arm rosettes, and six-arm rosettes). Based on those assumptions, passive microwave optical properties are calculated using radar observations from Gotland Island in the Baltic Sea. These forward-simulated brightness temperatures are compared with observed data from both the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) and the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-B (AMSU-B). Results show that the new ice scattering/microphysics model is able to generate brightness temperatures that are consistent with AMSR and AMSU-B observations of two light-winterprecipitation cases. The overall differences among the various ice-habit results at 89 GHz are generally not that expansive, whereas the AMSU-B 150-GHz comparisons show increased sensitivity to ice-particle shapes.
Morphological characterisation of multiple alien addition lines of Allium reveals the chromosomal locations of gene(s) related to bulb formation in Allium cepa L.

Summary Japanese bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L.) shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum group) alien chromosome addition lines were used to determine the chromosomal locations of genes related to bulb formation in shallot. The morphological characteristics of 17 multiple alien addition lines were investigated by measuring maximum bulb diameter, calculating the bulbing ratio, and counting the number of shoots. Of the 17 multiple addition lines, four (U138, U154, U4, and U87), in which chromosome 2A was deleted and which also contained five or more additional chromosomes from shallot, showed significantly higher values of maximum bulb diameter and bulbing ratio than multiple addition lines carrying 2A. Moreover, the number of shoots in these four plants was fewer than in plants with multiple addition lines carrying 2A, and in the allotriploid between A. fistulosum and shallot. A sucrose transporter gene of shallot was allocated to chromosome 5A through sequence-characterised amplified region analysis using two sets of the monosomic addition lines. These results indicate that a gene, or genes, inhibiting bulb formation and stimulating side-shoot formation in shallot may be located on chromosome 2A, and that the sucrose transporter gene is located on chromosome 5A of shallot.
Cone beam computed tomography evaluation of mandibular canal anterior loop morphology and volume in a group of Turkish patients

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to assess the presence and course of the anterior loop in the mental foramen region according to age and gender, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Both the right and left sides were retrospectively studied in 141 patients (n = 282). Axial, sagittal, cross-sectional and panoramic images were evaluated and three-dimensional images were reconstructed and evaluated as necessary. The morphology, course and length of the anterior loop were measured. The reliability and reproducibility were assessed based on the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the coefficient of variation. An anterior loop was found in about 86% of the scans. The mean anterior loop proximal edge was 3.15 mm and the mean distance between the buccal border of the anterior loop and buccal alveolar wall was 2.24 mm. The mean volume of the mandibular canal was 1140 mm3 and the mean volume of the anterior loop was 90 mm3. Statistically significant difference was found in male patients in terms of the canal and anterior loop volume (p < 0.05). A high prevalence of anterior loop was detected by CBCT imaging, with predominance in female patients. Clinicians should be careful during implant or bone surgery procedures to avoid possible complications, with special emphasis on patient age, using this imaging modality that involves use of less radiation.
Phase IV head‐to‐head randomized controlled trial comparing ingenol mebutate 0·015% gel with diclofenac sodium 3% gel for the treatment of actinic keratosis on the face or scalp

This study from Germany, Spain and the U.K. compared the effectiveness of two gel treatments for actinic keratosis (AK) on the face or scalp. An AK is a small, spiky, scaly or sandpaper‐like area of sun damage on the skin surface. A very small proportion progress to squamous cell skin cancer. Creams or gels rubbed into the skin are recommended when a large area such as the entire scalp is affected by multiple AKs. Ingenol mebutate 0·015% gel (IngMeb) and diclofenac sodium 3% gel (DS) were compared in 502 patients, mostly male and almost all white‐skinned. IngMeb was applied once daily for three consecutive days and DS twice daily for 90 days (the normal recommendations for use). Patients using IngMeb were allowed to apply it for a second three‐day period if they had new or residual AKs at week 8, which meant that more than half this group used IngMeb twice. Looking at the treated area at week 17 ‐ approximately four weeks after finishing the course of DS, nine weeks after the second course of IngMeb (if used), and 17 weeks after the first (or only) course of IngMeb ‐ almost twice as many patients in the IngMeb group were completely clear of AKs than in the DS group. Even if they had not disappeared completely, more AKs had partially cleared up, and the total number had decreased significantly more, in the IngMeb group. Side effects were mild or moderate, most commonly redness where either gel was applied.
Clonal Propagation of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) through Tissue Culture1

Clonal propagation of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) was achieved by in vitro culture using buds from rhizomes in storage on a medium consisting of Murashige-Skoog major elements, Ringe-Nitsch minor elements and vitamins, 2% sucrose, and 1 ppm 6-benzylaminopurine (BA). Numerous adventitious shoots with roots were produced by repeated subculture of individual plantlets on 1 ppm BA medium. Rooted plantlets were successfully transferred to a mixture of 2 peat:1 sponge rock:1 vermiculite in the greenhouse and eventually to full sun in the nursery.
Estimation of Body Mass of Voles from Crania in Short-Eared Owl Pellets

-Voles comprised more than 95% of the diet of short-eared owls (Asio fammeus) breeding in western Montana. Regression analyses were used to estimate body mass of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and montane voles (M. montanus) from measurements of crania found in pellets of these owls. Most voles eaten by the owls were in a size class typical of subadults, and only a few adult voles were eaten. Mean body mass of the two species of voles appearing as prey items in pellets did not differ significantly. Body mass estimated from cranial dimensions by regression is superior to the common practice of assuming that all prey items are adults, or to calculation of mass from single skeletal measurements.
Evaluation Of Some Indigenous Breeds Of Sheep For Natural Resistance Against Haemonchus Contortus Infection

High prevalence of anthelmintic resistant Haemonchus (H.) contortus nematode has made the researchers to think about the animals with better natural resistance against this parasite. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the resistance status of three indigenous sheep breeds against H. contortus by artificial and natural pasture challanges After weaning at 3 months of age, 25 lambs each of Thalli, Lohi and Kachhi breeds were dewormed. Each lamb was dosed with 10,000 L3 of H.contortus and kept on stall feeding at livestock farms of Agricultural University, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Breeds were assessed on the basis of parasitological, hematological and biochemical parameters. After nine weeks, 10 lambs of each breed were randomly selected and slaughtered to evaluate the differences in adult worm burden among aforementioned breeds. Eggs per gram of feces and worm burden were lower in Lohi lambs (P>0.05) followed in ascending order by Kachhi and Thalli, which was also least affected in terms of packed cell volume, total serum protein and serum albumin.Artificial infection was ended by an anthelmintic treatment nine weeks later and remaining animals of both groups were shifted to contaminated pastures for their evaluation by natural infection. Duration and parameters were kept the same as for artificial trial. Lohi also performed better in the field trial but difference between breeds remained low. This is the first study on the natural resistance of three sheep breeds in Pakistan. It is proposed that all existing sheep breeds in Pakistan be evaluated for natural resistance using H. contortus as a model organism since it is the most prominent. If significant resistance is discovered then use of these breeds could lessen dependence upon chemical anthelmintics.
Irony

The essence of irony is incongruity. An examination of iron nutrition of various populations throughout the world provides a host of incongruities that increasingly tax the wisdom of nutritionists, physicians, and health administrators anxious to provide this important metal in proper amounts for the well-being of all people. What could be more incongruous than the realization that despite the fact that almost 5% of the earth's crust is composed of iron, an estimated 20% of the earth's population are overtly iron deficient and a larger group are iron depleted. Attempts to correct &us imbalance have led to further ironies. No consensus has been achieved as to the optimal amount of iron in the human body. Extremes of iron deficiency and iron excess are generally accepted as being deleterious, but between the extremes the importance of minor variations from the norm evokes controversy. Many countries have added iron in several chemical forms to various foods with the intent of preventing iron deficiency in their populations. Questions are being asked with increased frequency and urgency whether food iron supplementation is effective in providing iron to the people who need it, whether the right foods are being supplemented with the right form of iron, and whether greater supplementation of foods with iron poses hazards to certain segments of the population. I propose to examine these issues and to point out some of the problems that require solution. One of the controversial areas of human iron nutrition concerns the definition of optimal amounts of iron in the body. Experts disagree vigorously on this fundamental issue. At one extreme of the controversy is the position that the whole population-or at least 95% of it-should have enough iron in the body to maintain normal haemoglobin concentrations in the blood and to provide enough iron from storage depots to meet all normal physiological stresses without the need for medicinal supplements. Thus the need for iron during rapid growth in infancy and pre-adolescence or for the requirements of normal menses and pregnancies would pose no threat of causing iron deficiency anaemia or even marked depletion of iron stores by this definition of optimal amounts of body iron. At the other extreme there are investigators who argue that maintenance of measurable iron stores in marrow or liver is unnecessary and of no proved benefit. They maintain that even mild degrees of iron-lack anaemia commonly found in asymptomatic members of almost any population produce no objective deficits in performance and may be beneficial. If stresses of repeated pregnancies or excessive bleeding produce symptomatic anaemia, iron deficiency can then be corrected with medicinal iron administration until symptoms disappear. Majority opinion favours a middle ground of body iron levels providing normal haemoglobin concentrations with an excess for storage depots that wil protect against moderate losses due to menses but not necessarily
Evaluation of China aster (Callestephus chinensis (L.) ness) genotypes under hill zone of Karnataka

An experiment was carried out at College of Horticulture, Mudigere, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, during 2002–2003, to study the performance of China aster (Callistephus chinensis (L.) ness) genotypes under hill zone of Karanataka. The genotypes viz., Poornima, Shashank, Kamini, Violet Cushion and Local Types were selected, cultivacs Poornima and Shashank were vigorous in terms of plant height. Minimum plant height was recorded in Violet Cushion followed by Local Type. Whereas, maximum number of branches, leaves and flowers were recorded in cv. Violet Cushion. While minimum no. of branches, leaves and flowers were recorded in cv. Local type. The maximum number of flowers and highest flower yield was obtained in cv. Shashank (50.22 and 9.51 tonne/ha), the cv. Poornima produced least number of flowers (45.30) and flower yield (5.03 tonnes/ha) followed by Local Type. Correlation studies indicated that among 10 characters studied in five genotypes, highly significant varietal differences were noticed in respect to all characters. Flower yield per plant was significantly and positively associated with plant spread, number of branches and number of leaves per plant.
An observation of haversian systems in Stellagama stellio (Linnaeus, 1758)(Squamata: Sauria: Agamidae) in Barla/Isparta, TurkeyMeltem KUMAŞ1,*, Dinçer AYAZ21Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakıf University, İstanbul, Turkey2Section of Zoology, Department of Bio

Abstact: In this study, we observed haversian systems on the endosteal surface of the femur bone of one male individual of Roughtail Rock Agama, Stellagama stellio, which was collected from Barla/Isparta province of Turkey. It was observed that the haversian canal was located on the center of the haversian systems or secondary osteons, and it was surrounded by concentric lamellae. All lamellae were separated from each other by a cement line that stained darker than other constituents. Volkmann’s canals were not observed between haversian canals, and other concentric lamellae were not encountered between periosteum and haversian systems. These results indicate that remodeling can be partly seen in this species. Our study is important in terms of being the first record to demonstrate haversian systems on the femur bone of S. stellio.
Costs of long-term carrying of extra mass in a songbird

Iteroparous organisms face a trade-off between reproduction and survival, but knowledge of whether how and when costs of long-term increases in workload are paid is scant. We increased locomotion costs for a whole year by equipping male great tits with a backpack during breeding, removing the backpacks 1 year later. We applied 3 different treatments: control (without backpack), light ("empty" backpack, 0.1g), and heavy ("full" backpack, 0.9g, ~5% of body mass). Backpacks were administered in 3 cohorts, and we monitored effects on mass of nestlings and the male, wing length, reproduction, and survival. Added mass had a negative effect on nestling mass in both the starting year of the experiment and 1 year later, but not on production of fledglings or recruits. In winter and the next breeding season, males equipped with heavy backpacks had a higher (net) body mass and had shorter third primary feathers than the other 2 groups. Heavy backpack males were less likely to sleep in a nest box in winter. Nest boxes are optimal roosting sites, and we interpret this finding as a treatment effect on success in competition over this resource. However, there was no effect of the manipulation on survival. Overall, we found no long-term fitness consequences, and we discuss possible explanations and implications for the "starvation–predation theory" of optimal body mass. However, we found short-term effects of carrying extra weight suggesting that behavioral studies using small devices should consider the effects of equipping small non-migratory passerines with devices such as transmitters.
Sex Ratio in Umbonia crassicornis Amyot and Serville (Homoptera: Membracidae)

Mean sex ratio of Umbonia crassicornis Amyot and Serville offspring is biased toward females. Clutch size, but not the proportion of female offspring in the clutch, is related to female size. Survival of nymphs is, however, related to deviation from an equal sex ratio. We argue that nutrient quality received by offspring from the plant, rather than manipulation by the mother, influences sex ratio and the condition of offspring. INTRODUCTION Sex ratios favoring females are considered a major factor in the development of eusociality in insects, particularly the haplo-diploid eusocial Hymenoptera (Hamilton, 1964; Wilson, 1975; Trivers and Hare, 1976; but see Alexander, 1974; Alexander and Sherman, 1977). However, the basis for skewed sex ratios in diploid animals is poorly understood. Trivers and Willard (1973) suggest that sex ratio bias in mammals with low male parental investment could be influenced by the nutritional status of parent females at the time of reproduction. Control of sex ratios should occur in species where the reproductive success of males is highly variable compared to that of females. Since females in good condition are likely to produce strong progeny, they should bias their offspring toward sons which may experience greater reproductive success than their sisters. Conversely, a female in less than optimum nutritional condition should bias her offspring toward daughters since number of females is usually limiting and even weak daughters will find mates. This model (Trivers and Willard, 1973) is based on the following assumptions: (1) the condition of offspring is correlated to that of the parent; (2) the condition of offspring is maintained throughout adulthood, and (3) slight advantages in the adult male condition enhance reproductive success more than in females. Although this hypothesis has been explored for some mammals, there is no supporting evidence from insect studies (Thornhill, 1979). We examine if sex ratios in the presocial insect Umbonia crassicornis Amyot and Serville (Homoptera: Membracidae) support this hypothesis. Unlike other homopterans, females of some membracid species care for offspring (Wood, 1974, 1976a and b, 1977, 1978). Parent females of Umbonia crassicornis remain on eggs, make slits in the bark of the host plant to facilitate feeding by nymphs, maintain offspring aggregations and ward off potential predators. Maternal care is strongly correlated with nymphal survival, as the absence of parent females during the first three instars results in almost certain mortality of offspring (Wood, 1974, 1976a). Females do not desert offspring nor do aggregations of offspring move from the branch where eggs were deposited. Males make no investment in offspring except for gametes. Females mate only once while males mate several times. Most females are semelparous, but a small minority may deposit a second clutch.