Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shrews (Eulypotyphla: Soricidae) Of Mexico

Abstract Examination of published records, and morphometric and morphologic analyses of 3398 museum specimens, revealed that 4 genera including 30 monotypic and 5 polytypic species of shrews (Soricidae) occur in Mexico. Of these, 2 new species were named and 2 subspecies were heretofore unrecognized, 3 were reclassified, and 1 was elevated to species level. Cryptotis goldmani machetes, previously subsumed into C. g. goldmani, was reelevated based on ventral pelage color. Sorex veraepacis mutabilis contained 2 morphotypes, 1 of which matched that of the holotype; however, the 2nd morphotype not only did not match that of the subspecific holotype, but also has a sympatric distribution. Thus, specimens of the 2nd morphotype are referred to a new species: Sorex ixtlanensis. Sorex saussurei formerly contained 4 subspecies of which the nominal S. s. saussurei contained 3 morphotypes based on position of the median tines of the I1s. Specimens of 1 morphotype match the holotype, have a distribution limited to the Transvolcanic Belt, and are referred to the now monotypic S. saussurei. Specimens of the 2nd morphotype, herein referred to a new species Sorex mediopua, also are limited to the Transvolcanic Belt and can be found at many of the same localities as those of S. saussurei. Specimens of the 3rd morphotype, not only include a portion of the specimens formerly included in S. s. saussurei, but all those previously referred to the other 3 subspecies of S. saussurei: cristobalensis, oaxacae, and veraecrucis. Based on priority, veraecrucis is elevated to specific status with cristobalensis and oaxacae as subspecies. The specimens formerly contained within S. s. saussurei are referred to a new subspecies: Sorex veraecrucis altoensis. Sorex veraecrucis now has the broadest distribution of any taxon of shrews in Mexico.
Isolation of new types of sulphate‐reducing bacteria from estuarine and marine sediments using chemostat enrichments

Anaerobic chemostat enrichments have been successfully employed to isolate acetate-utilizing, sulphate-reducing bacteria from sediments in the Tay estuary. Several different morphologically and nutritionally versatile types of sulphate-reducing bacteria have been isolated by this means which has proved especially useful when they are present in low numbers. The principal advantage of this method is that strict anaerobes such as sulphate-reducing bacteria can be isolated in a controlled and reproducible enrichment system at low growth rates.
Growth, radiation use efficiency and yield potential of enset (Ensete ventricosum) at different sites in southern Ethiopia

Knowledge on the physiological parameters that determine the growth of enset (Ensete ventricosum) and on how these parameters develop over time and affect yield under field conditions is scarce. Field experiments were carried out at three sites in southern Ethiopia using suckers of several clones to generate crop physiological parameters and to describe the time course of leaf number, leaf area and plant height. Yield potentials at different sites were estimated using these parameters and weather data, and compared with the actual yield. Plant height and LAI increased faster at Awassa and Areka than at Hagereselam because of a higher leaf appearance rate associated with temperatures being closer to the optimum. The trend in plant height was best described by a logistic function, whereas the trend in LAI was best described by a logistic function only at Awassa and Areka. A high leaf appearance rate (0.18 leaves day(-1)) during early growth at Awassa and Areka made it possible that leaves that were senesced during unfavourable climatic conditions could be rapidly replaced without strong fluctuation in leaf area index. At Hagereselam, however, the rate of leaf appearance (0.09 leaves day(-1)) was too small to compensate for the decline in the number of green leaves per plant during adverse conditions and thus LAI fluctuated over the whole growing period. The trend in fraction of PAR intercepted was best described by a generalised logistic function. At 300 days after transplanting the suckers, LAI reached a value of 4.5 and enset clones intercepted 92-97% of incoming PAR. The mean extinction coefficient was between 0.56-0.91 and radiation use efficiency (RUE) ranged from 1.43-2.67 g MJ(-1). Dry matter kocho yield potentials of 17.1 to 33.9 t ha(-1) yr(-1) were estimated for enset clones. Important yield potential differences existed between clones mainly because of differences in radiation use efficiency that was probably partly associated with viral infection. The average ratio of actual yield:yield potential (0.24) was low mainly because of large losses associated with traditional fermentation techniques, yield reducing cultivation methods such as repetitive transplanting and leaf pruning, presence of diseases, lack of adequate fertilisation and shortage and uneven distribution of rainfall.
Survey of Asian and Pacific species of Hedyotis and Exallage (Rubiaceae) with nomenclatural notes on Hedyotis types

Selection of a type species for the wide-ranging genus Hedyotis (Hedyotideae; Rubiaceae) has involved a longstanding controversy over two species, Hedyotis auricularia L. and H. fruticosa L. Nomenclatural and morphological data support the selection of H. fruticosa as type. The choice of H. auricularia would have caused considerable taxonomic confusion by upsetting previously established names and overturning the names of the many species of Oldenlandia. The General Committee on nomenclature recently has approved Hedyotis fruticosa as the conserved type of Hedyotis. The morphology and taxonomy of the genus Exallage, based on H. auricularia, is surveyed, and we conclude that at least three of the species are better treated as a new subgenus of Oldenlandia. The synonymy of these species is listed, and two new combinations are published in the genus Oldenlandia. A detailed survey of the species related to Hedyotis fruticosa begins with the 24 Sri Lankan species, most of which exhibit morphological characters similar to Hedyotis fruticosa. The capsules of these species have been termed diplophragmous in allusion to the partial apical loculicidal dehiscence followed by complete septicidal dehiscence, resulting in two separate capsular halves or cocci. The seeds of these species are dorsiventrally compressed with a ventral hilar ridge topped by a punctiform apical hilum. Many other Asian and Pacific, particularly Micronesian, species show similar diplophragmous capsules and fruticosa-type seeds. The recognition of this newly circumscribed group, Hedyotis subgenus Hedyotis, ranging from China and India to Micronesia, establishes a firm basis for comparative studies of Hawaiian and American species, which are known to differ in morphology from the typical subgenus.
Aggregation and dispersion of krill at channel heads and shelf edges: the dynamics in the Saguenay - St. Lawrence Marine Park

The spatial organization of the euphausiid (Thysanoessa raschi and Meganyctiphanes norvegica) aggregation at the head of the Laurentian Channel is examined using 120-kHz echointegration data from eight surveys in the summers of 1994 and 1995 and currents obtained from a high-resolution three-dimensional circulation model. Circulation is the main factor controlling the abundance and distribution of krill. The main aggregation pattern is U-shaped and includes an entrance corridor along the northern edge of the channel, a major accumulation zone off Les Escoumins, and an exit corridor along the southern edge. However, this mesoscale aggregation exhibits rapid fluctuations in spatial pattern and global abundance, due to the redistribution of krill within and out of the study area. The local accumulations are controlled by the interactions between the semidiurnal tidal currents, the topography, and the negative phototactism of krill. The strong vertical currents found along the channel slopes upstream of Les E.
Nutritional and Chemical Composition of By-Product Fractions Produced from Wet Reduction of Individual Red Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) Heads and Viscera

There is growing interest for fishmeals and oils made from utilizing different fish by-products (heads, viscera, frames, etc.) that come directly from the commercial processing line. The major components of fish processing waste from salmon filleting operations are heads and viscera. In order to maximize the utilization of these individual by-products, the different fractions were evaluated. Analysis of essential amino acids in fishmeal showed significant differences in all essential amino acids except lysine. Differences were also noted in the levels of minerals, fatty acid methyl esters, biogenic amines, and fat soluble vitamins. The largest difference observed was in the level of retinol in the oil extracted from heads (8.9 ± 1.0 μg/g oil) and viscera (26.9 ± 3.8 μg/g oil). Head processing resulted in more lipids and cake, while the majority of viscera became stickwater. Results suggest that the fishmeal produced from different by-product parts can result in different nutritional values for feed or food ingredients.
Testing the effect–response framework: key response and effect traits determining above‐ground biomass of salt marshes

Question: How do species traits respond to environmental conditions and what is their effect on ecosystem properties? Location: Salt marshes, Northwest Germany. Methods: On 113 plots along the German mainland coast and on one island, we measured environmental parameters (soil nutrient content, inundation frequency, groundwater level and salinity), collected traits from 242 individuals (specific leaf area [SLA], whole plant C:N ratio, and dry weights of plant organs) and sampled above-ground biomass as an ecosystem property. We constructed a path model combining environmental parameters, functional traits at community level and above-ground biomass, which was tested against a dependence model using path analysis; model fit was evaluated by structural equation modelling (SEM). Results: The final model showed good consistency with the data and highlights the major role of groundwater level, salinity and nutrient availability as the most important factors influencing biomass allocation in salt marshes. Above-ground living biomass was mostly determined by stem biomass, which was mediated through an allometric allocation of biomass to all other plant organs, including leaf mass. C:N ratio and SLA were the major drivers for dead biomass. Conclusion: We emphasize an indirect link between standing biomass and environmental conditions and recognize stem biomass, plant C:N ratio and SLA as keystone markers of species functioning in determining the relationship between environment and ecosystem properties.
Effects of tropical rainforest roads on small mammals: edge changes in community composition

In north-eastern Queensland, impacts on small mammals of traffic disturbance were compared with those caused by physical presence of rainforest roads by trapping in the rainforest interior and adjacent to narrow, unsealed roads with traffic volumes of 264 ± 71 or 4.2 ± 1 vehicles per day. Of the three small mammal species that were most commonly trapped, the proportion and abundance of native Rattus sp. increased at higher-traffic and decreased at lower-traffic sites; the abundance of Melomys cervinipes was relatively constant at both traffic treatments and in the forest interior, and Uromys caudimaculatus decreased at higher-traffic treatments. Road crossings by the smaller rodents, Rattus sp. and M. cervinipes, were primarily influenced by the presence of the road, rather than increased levels of traffic, as crossings were significantly inhibited at both traffic treatments compared with the forest-interior control and there was no difference between traffic levels. Crossings by the larger, more mobile U. caudimaculatus were unaffected by road presence or traffic level. Therefore, increased traffic volume did not appear to affect small mammal movements or community structure. However, since higher traffic levels were not constant throughout the peak periods for activity of these nocturnal species, further investigations are required to determine whether constant nocturnal traffic disturbance may further restrict road crossings by small mammals and alter community structure adjacent to roads.
Dispersal of first instar larvae of the felted beech scale, Cryptococcus fagisuga.

(1) Dispersal of Cryptococcus fagisuga in a beech forest was studied using suction traps and sticky traps. (2) First instar larvae and eggs of C. fagisuga had mean terminal velocities of about 27 cm s-I and 40 cm s I respectively. (3) The larvae were the main dispersive stage and were carried passively downwind from infested trees. (4) In mean windspeeds of < 1 m s -1 larvae dispersed a mean distance of about 10 m from a source tree which was infested from near ground level to the lower canopy. (5) The distance dispersed was proportional to height of take-off and windspeed. (6) In suction traps sited from 1 m above the ground to 6 m above the canopy (18 m above the ground) most larvae were trapped at 1 and 3.2 m above the ground. About 0.7y. were trapped at or above the top of the canopy. (7) The larvae dispersed along a short-range steep gradient under the canopy and a potentially long-range shallow gradient above the canopy.
Functional mapping of the FcγRII binding site on human IgG1 by synthetic peptides

Receptors specific for the Fc part of IgG (FcγR) are expressed by several cell types and play diverse roles in immune responses. Impaired function of the activating and inhibitory FcγRmay result in autoimmunity. Thus, the modulation of IgG‐FcγR interaction can be a target for the development of treatments for some autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This study addresses the localization and functional characterization of linear sequences in human IgG1 which bind to FcγRII. Peptides with overlapping sequences derived from the CH2 domain of human IgG1 between P234 and S298 were synthesized and used in binding and functional experiments. Binding of the peptides to FcγR was assayed in vitro and ex vivo, and peptides foundto interact were functionally tested. The shortest effective peptide was T256–P271, which bound to soluble recombinant FcγRIIb with Kd=6×106 M–1. The biotinylated peptides R255–P271 and T256–P271 complexed by avidin exhibited functional activity; they induced FcγRIIb‐mediated inhibition of the BCR‐triggered Ca2+ response of human Burkitt lymphoma cells, and inflammatory cytokine production (TNF‐α and IL‐6) by the human monocyte cell line MonoMac. In conclusion, our results suggest that the selected peptides functionally represent the FcγRII‐binding part of IgG1.
Distribution of Yeast-form Fungi in Oral Cavity of Dog

The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify of yeast-form fungi from the oral cavity of dogs. Oral samples from 38 dogs were cultured on Brucella-blood agar for total organisms, and selective media for fungi. The distribution and characterization of the isolates were studied. The fungi were present in 52.6% of the examined dogs. The average detection rate against total cultivable bacteria was 0.0018% (0∼0.013%). Most yeast-form fungi could grow on CHROMagar Candida medium for 5 days and formed small, smooth colonies. Malassezia spp. was detected from 52.6% of the tested subjects. The genera Candida, Trichosporon and Cryptococcus were identified at a low percentage. However, Candida albicans was not detected in any of the dogs. The conclusions of this study are that dog inherent C. albicans was absent, and the predominant fungus was Malassezia spp. These results suggest that the composition of yeast-form fungi in oral cavities of human and dogs differs.
A Re-examination of Bidder's Classification of the Calcarea

L VI (1953, 1956, 1957) has suggested a new classification of the Class Demospongiae in which the importance of embryological characteristics is stressed. He presents evidence for a diphyletic origin of this class of sponges, with one line leading from Halisarca-like ancestors in which parenchymula larvae and viviparity are the rule, and another from Oscarella-like ancestors in which amphiblastula larvae and oviparity are found. Levi's suggestion brings to mind a parallel proposal made by Bidder (1898) for subdividing the Class Calcarea in part, at least, on the basis of the presence of amphiblastula or parenchymula larvae. And, whereas the embryological data cited by Levi in reclassifying the Demospongiae seem to me to be in part inconsistent with morphological characters, the system set forth by Bidder for the Calcarea is supported by a constellation of both embryological and morphological characteristics. In proposing his classification Bidder emphasized the differences which Minchin (1896) had pointed out between the genera Clathrina and Leucosolenia. The two genera may be compared as follows:
Evaluating the Physical Characteristics of Channel Units in an Ozark Stream

Abstract To evaluate a hierarchical channel-unit-based habitat classification for warmwater streams, we measured the physical characteristics of 11 channel units (CUs) in two different-sized reaches of an Ozark stream. The physical characteristics of CU types differed from one another within and between reaches, although the relative physical characteristics of identical CU types were similar for both reaches. Reach-specific habitat differences were due to local and watershed-level features such as drainage area and channel gradient. Discriminant analysis of physical characteristics indicated that variations in depth and current velocity accounted for more than 81% and 86% of the variance among CUs in headwater and downstream reaches, respectively, and thus that they could be used to differentiate among upper-level CU types (pools and riffles). Additional physical variables (vegetation, woody debris, and substrate composition) were needed to discriminate among secondary-level CUs (types of pools and riffl.
Combined immunity of DNA vector and recombinant vaccinia virus expressing Gag proteins of equine infectious anemia virus

In order to develop a new vaccine candidate for equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), gag gene of Chinese donkey leukocyte attenuated strain (EIAV DLV) and its parental virulent strain (EIAV LN) were inserted respectively into the TK region of the Tiantan strain (VV) of vaccinia virus by homologous recombination and the positive clone was confirmed by blue plaque assay. Protein expression was examined by Western blot. Prime and prime-boost procedures were used to immunize mice with two DNA vectors and two recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing EIAV Gag proteins. The results showed that the specific lysis of CTL responses in the DNA+rVV groups was stronger than those in the DNA groups, amounting to 31%. Although the levels of specific antibodies were not significantly different, we could conclude that the recombinant vaccinia virus could boost the cellular responses following DNA vector priming. There was no detectable difference between the immune responses induced by DLV and LN Gag proteins. This data demonstrates that the combined immunity of DNA vector and recombinant vaccinia virus expressing EIAV gag proteins, utilizing the prime-boost procedure, can drive immunized mice to produce powerful cellular responses. These results lay an important foundation for the development of a new EIAV genetic engineering vaccine.
Feeding concentrates based on individual cow requirements improves the yield of milk solids in dairy cows grazing restricted pasture

A grazing experiment involving 50 lactating Holstein-Friesian dairy cows was conducted to test the hypothesis that feeding concentrates (range 3-7 kg as fed/cow.day; average 5 kg/cow.day) to grazing cows based on individual (I) cow requirements would increase milk solids yield in comparison to fixed rate (F) allocation to the whole herd (average 5 kg/cow.day for all cows). The experiment comprised two sequential periods that differed only in the way maize silage was offered to cows (either 100% on a feed pad at night or 75% on a feed pad at night, with 25% in a paddock in the morning). Intake of individual cows was estimated using the 13 C and n-alkanes method. The rumen degradability of the feeds (lucerne pasture, maize silage and commercial dairy pellets) was measured in parallel, using six rumen- fistulated sheep. Compared with cows in the F group, milk yield and milk fat yield for the I cows increased (P 0.05) by treatment, total milk solids yield (milk fat plus milk protein) was 7.0% higher (P < 0.05) for I cows than for F cows. The increase in milk fat yield was presumably associated with an improved diet nutrient balance in the I cows, as indicated by a significant correlation between fibre intake and milk fat yield for cows in the I group but not for cows in the F group. This is also supported by the results of the rumen degradability of the feeds. In this study, higher-producing cows compensated for their higher requirements by increasing intake of maize silage, rather than pasture, as the former was the less restricted feed on offer. This highlights the importance of offering at least one feed to cows in a less restricted way, in order to enable high-producing cows in the herd to compensate for their higher intake requirements. In conclusion, under the conditions of the present study, feeding concentrates to cows based on individual cow requirements increased milk solids yield at no extra cost.