Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE EVOLUTION OF PERCEPTION

"Perception" has been invoked as the explanation of specific interactions of everything from electrons to humans. While this may or may not be a misuse of the word, an attempt will be made to tie all levels together by a careful consideration of how perception has evolved. We start with the rich perceptual abilities of bacteria and Protoctista. From this middle vantage point, we hope to piece together how perceptual abilities evolved from the atomic and molecular levels, and define the problems in explaining how multicellular eukaryotes evolved even greater perceptual capacities.
The Impact of Toxic Algae on Scallop Culture and Fisheries

Abstract Harmful algal blooms occur worldwide and their associated phycotoxins are accumulated by filter‐feeding bivalve molluscs. Because only the adductor muscle of scallops has been traditionally marketed, scallops are not usually included in routine monitoring programs. A renewed interest in marketing both whole and “roe‐on”; scallops from various geographic regions along with intensified aquaculture ventures in areas prone to toxic blooms have provoked public health concerns regarding the safety of this resource. Our studies have focused on the sequestering and biotransformation of phycotoxins in scallops. Our results, coupled with a review of historic data, indicate that (1) toxins are not distributed evenly throughout the scallop tissues—more toxin is usually concentrated in the mantle and digestive gland; (2) some scallop tissues, e.g., digestive glands and mantles, remain highly toxic throughout the year; (3) toxicity varies considerably (43.5% coefficient of variation) between individual animals.
Comparing the Use of Dorsal Fin Spines with Scales to Back-Calculate Length-at-Age Estimates in Walleyes

Abstract Using scales to age and back-calculate previous lengths has long been a management tool in fisheries. However, difficulties with using scales to interpret ages in older fish have led managers to investigate other bony structures. Dorsal fin spines have been used and evaluated for aging fishes, but their utility for back-calculating length estimates is largely unknown. We compared back-calculated estimates along two different scale transects and three dorsal fin spine transects in walleyes Stizostedion vitreum. Back-calculated estimates were obtained by using the standard Fraser–Lee proportional method and a regression equation derived from the relationship between body length and spine radius. Dorsal fin spines were easier to interpret than scales, especially for older walleyes. Back-calculated lengths among transects, both within and between the two structures, agreed quite favorably. Our data suggest that applying the Fraser–Lee proportional method to dorsal fin spines will give lengths that cl.
Latitudinal gradients of genus richness and endemism and the diversification of New World bats

Several hypotheses have been advanced for the origin and diversification of the bat fauna of the New World. Traditional models considered one of the families (Vespertilionidae) to have had a North American origin, whilst the diversification of other seven families was thought to have occurred in South America. Present-day patterns of diversity are the result, according to these hypotheses, of the mixing of faunas, mostly coinciding with the Great American Biotic Interchange (GABI) of the Americas. Recent research has challenged the traditional model and has posited the possibility of dual centres of diversification (in South and North America) for families traditionally considered of strict South American origin. Here we examine the latitudinal patterns of bat diversity and endemism at the genus level and show that present-day patterns are more consistent with this dual-diversification hypothesis than with the traditional models. We document an asymmetrical latitudinal gradient of genus richness with a plateau near the equator, but with a decline in Central America and Mexico; however, in this area the relative number of genera, considering the species richness, is higher than expected by chance, as shown by a proper null model. The distribution and identity of endemic genera are consistent with models considering a North American origin for two of the families (Vespertilionidae and Natalidae), an early arrival to South America for another family (Molossidae), and a complex diversification process, involving two centres of diversification, for at least two of the families of the Noctilionoidea (Mormoopidae and Phyllostomidae) and possibly for the Emballonuridae. The recently identified Panamanian Realm (including southern Mexico and Central America) seems to have played a significant role in the diversification of New World bats.
Introduction to the Special Issue

In scholarship and research, having a problem is at the heart of the investigative process; it is the compound of the generative questions around which all creative process and activity revolves. But in one’s teaching, a problem’ is something you don’t want to have, and if you have one, you probably want to fix it . Changing the status of the problem in teaching from terminal remediation to ongoing investigation is precisely what the movement for the scholarship of teaching is all about. (Bass, 1999, p. 1) One “problem” in higher education and in the classroom is determining whether students are learning. Derek Bok, former president of Harvard, found little evidence to suggest that students are learning more than they did 50 years ago and argued that improved pedagogy, increased student engagement, and an overall strengthening of faculty development is critical for assessing postsecondary education (Bok, 2006). The American Association of Colleges and Universities (2007) echoed Bok’s recommendation with a statement advocating for pedagogical reform including assessment of student learning outcomes. Outcome-based education and validated instructional practices have been a focus of accreditation bodies for both disciplines and colleges/ universities (e.g., Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Programs [COAPRT], Committee on Accreditation of Recreation Therapy Education, Council on Higher Education Accreditation, Western Association of Schools and Colleges). However, even with accumulating evidence for empirically based assessment and teaching methods, faculty and institutions of higher education have been slow to adopt
Reply to David Scott and C. Scott Shafer, “Recreational Specialization: A Critical Look at the Construct”

This reply to Scott and Shafer's review extends, rather than debates, discussion of several issues they raise, since I am generally in agreement with their interpretations and conclusions. My response will deal primarily with their findings regarding specialization as a process of progression. Thus, initial discussion is about the theory's original focus as a developmental process. Observations follow on the role and implications of leisure and sports marketing as intervening in this process. Finally, specific research needs are identified that might address some of the inconsistencies in findings noted in their review. The authors conclude that "the prevailing evidence shows that while some people do progress [to more specialized stages of activity], most people probably do not. " They also point out that few studies have actually tested whether or not people progress over time, and those that do reveal mixed findings. At least two issues can be posed out of the question of progression. The first is about "destination. " Why do or do not people reach advanced levels of specialization? The second is more about the "travel," or motivation to get there. Do people want to go on the journey in the first place? Specialization as destination was a moot point in early development of the theory. Observations and informal interviews, initially at least, were with highly skilled and committed anglers. They had already reached, or at least come close to, their destination. Specialization as motivation, the drive to specialize, was conceived out of this same segment's retrospectives about how they got involved in the sport and the stages they went through on the way to their destination. Subsequent student investigations, largely of the popular literature, along with structured interviews of those known to be highly committed to a particular activity, supported the stages of development idea. This solidified, at least in my mind, specialization as progression and the conclusion that the process operated across almost any hobby or sport. It is not surprising, however, that most do not reach high specialization destinations. The authors' conclusions about this seem sound. Cast in terms of the travel metaphor, some people have "other places they would rather go" (other areas of life activity are more important to them). They think that the journey is boring (they found little success after their initial exposure to the activity). The trip is too expensive (they could not afford to
Electronic Dance Music Culture and Religion: An Overview1

This article provides a comprehensive and critical overview of existing research that investigates (directly and indirectly) the religio-spiritual dimensions of electronic dance music culture (EDMC) (from disco, through house, to post-rave forms). Studies of the culture and religion of EDMC are explored under four broad groupings: the cultural religion of EDMC expressed through ‘ritual’ and ‘festal’; subjectivity, corporeality and the phenomenological dance experience (especially ‘ecstasy’ and ‘trance’); the dance community and a sense of belonging (the ‘vibe’ and ‘tribes’); and EDMC as a new ‘spirituality of life’. Moving beyond the cultural Marxist approaches of the 1970s, which held youth (sub)cultural expressions as ‘ineffectual’ and ‘tragic’, and the postmodernist approaches of the early 1990s, which held rave to be an ‘implosion of meaning’, recent anthropological and sociological approaches recognise that the various manifestations of this youth cultural phenomenon possess meaning, purpose and significance for participants. Contemporary scholarship thus conveys the presence of religiosity and spirituality within contemporary popular cultural formations. In conclusion, I suggest that this and continuing scholarship can offer useful counterpoint to at least one recent account (of clubbing) that overlooks the significance of EDMC through a restricted and prejudiced apprehension of ‘religion’.
Microrganismos patogênicos, celularidade e resíduos de antimicrobianos no leite bovino produzido no sistema orgânico

In last years increase the importance of milk quality and conditions of bovine milking. Simultaneously, increase the interest about organic milk and derivates. The aim of present study was investigate the milk pathogens, sensitivity and multiple drug resistance of isolates, somatic cell count and residues of drugs in milk, from cattle with and without mastitis, come from four little organic dairy farms in State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Were used 148 cattle on the middle period of lactation. From these, two showed clinical mastitis, 72 subclinical mastitis and 74 without signs of mammary inflammation (controls). Staphylococcusaureus (25.7%), Streptococcus spp. (21.4%), Corynebacterium bovis (12.9%), Streptococcus agalactiae (4.3%) and Staphylococcus spp. (4.3%) were the more-frequent microorganisms isolated from animals with mastitis. Aspergillus spp. was isolated from one animal. Ceftiofur (95.2%), oxacillin (84.2%), gentamicin (76.3%) and cefoperazone (70.3%) were the more effective drugs. High resistance of isolates were found to penicillin (53.5%), ampicillin (41.6%) and neomycin (38.6%). Multiple drug resistance to three or more drugs was observed in 40 (39.6%) isolates. Media of somatic cell count encountered in animals with mastitis and controls were 175,742.67cs/mL and 58,227.6 cs/mL, respectively. Antimicrobials residues in milk were detected in four (2.7%) animals. The present findings showed the low somatic cell count of animals, indicative of good quality of milk. However, pointed the need of control measures for contagious pathogens of bovine mastitis and more attention for prohibition of antimicrobial use in organic dairy farms.
Migration and song elaboration in wood-warblers (Geothlypis)

ABSTRACT Although some comparative studies of oscine songbirds have found that long-distance migration is positively correlated with elaborate songs, an analysis of singing by species in the genus Geothlypis (Parulidae) found no evidence of such a correlation. The migratory species in the genus sing relatively simple songs, whereas the singing of nonmigratory species varies; some species have simple songs, and others have more elaborate songs. Elaborate songs are found in the nonmigratory species G. semiflava, G. aequinoctialis, and G. poliocephala. For example, in Costa Rican populations of these species, songs are longer, contain more notes, have greater note-type diversity, and (in G. semiflava and G. aequinoctialis) have more phrase types than the songs of the migratory Geothlypis species. However, in other nonmigratory species (G. nelsoni, G. flavovelata, G. speciosa, and G. rostrata), the duration, note count, and note-type diversity of songs are similar to those of the migratory species. Thus, there seems to be no consistent relationship between migration and song elaboration in Geothlypis. In accordance with this inconsistency, ancestral-character-state reconstruction showed that evolutionary loss of migratory behavior was associated with increased song elaboration in some clades within the genus, but not in others. Overall, song variation in wood-warblers (Geothlypis) provides no support for the hypothesis that long-distance migration favors the evolution of elaborate songs.
Influence of Drought and Grasing on Mortality of Five West Texas Grasses

Significantly more plants of silver bluestem (Andropogon saccharoides Swartz.), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr. ), sand lovegrass (Eragrostis trichodes (Nutt.) Nash), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), and Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash) died on Brownfield fine sand, eroded phase, grazed pastures, than on adjacent ungrazed areas, during a recent 4—year drought, although grazing pressure was light. The majority of ungrazed plants had either normal or hollow growth forms. Grazed plants commonly had only a small amount of living material along one edge. Size of clone and percentage of dead material in clones were positively correlated P <. 01) in grazed sideoats grama and sand lovegrass plants and negatively related (P <.01) in ungrazed plants.
Habitat selection and population size of Corn Buntings Miliaria calandra breeding in Britain in 1993

This paper presents the results of a survey of breeding Corn Buntings in Britain in 1993. Numbers of Corn Buntings and land–use types and field boundaries present were recorded by volunteers from over 1300 tetrads selected across the range of the species in Britain. The British breeding population was estimated at around 20 000 territories. Bootstrapped 95% confidence limits differed from the calculated estimates by approximately 20%. Population sizes in different regions of Britain were positively correlated with the proportion of total farmland under tillage and cereals and with the total areas of tillage and cereals, but not with the proportion of tillage made up by cereals nor with the overall area of farmland. Densities in occupied 10-km squares were lower in regions which experienced the greatest declines in distribution between 1968–72 and 1988–91. Areas abandoned by breeding birds between 1968–72 and 1988–91 were higher in altitude and held more grassland and less tilled land than areas where bird.
New developments and biological insights into the farming of Solea senegalensis reinforcing its aquaculture potential

SM holds a Ramon y Cajal postdoctoral contract from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) and is supported by the European Commission Marie Curie Actions (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, Project No. 274184). BC and SE are supported by Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia, Portugal (SFRH/BPD/77210/2011 and SFRH/BPD/49051/2008, respectively).
Timing and periodicity of migrating New Zealand freshwater eels (Anguilla spp.)

Abstract The migration of adult freshwater eels Anguilla australis and A. dieffenbachii was studied in 3 areas: Lake Ellesmere (Canterbury) (43°48′S, 172°31′E); Lake Onoke (Wairarapa) (41°23′S, 175°08′E); and the Makara Stream (Wellington) (41°13′S, 174°43′E). In Lake Ellesmere, migrating eels began congregating at the outlet area nearest the sea in January and continued until June. Eels arrived in a definite sequence: A. australis males, females; A. dieffenbachii males, females. Commercial catches exhibited a lunar periodicity with largest catches occurring just after the last quarter and smallest catches during the full moon. No obvious environmental factors were associated with the migration except that the largest commercial catches were made at times of high lake level. If the lake is opened to the sea during migration, fishing for migrating eels ceases and they escape out to sea. In Lake Onoke, aggregation of migrating eels in shallow areas nearest the sea began in February and lasted until May or J.
Decreased HDAC1 Gene Expression in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract One of the commonest neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is characterized by progressive decline in memory and cognitive functions with inexorable neurodegeneration in brain. Histone-tail acetylation have been known to be associated with some crucial neurologic functions, thus, the enzymes regulating this events such as HDAC1 are associated with such neurodegenerative diseases like AD. The research objective was to document the levels of HDAC1 expression in peripheral lymphocytes harvested from patients clinically diagnosed with AD. Fifty patients diagnosed with AD, and 49 age-and sex-matched controls were recruited to the study. Total RNA was extracted, cDNA was synthesized, and HDAC1 expressions were tested using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). HDAC1 expression was found significantly attenuated in patients with AD compared with the controls (p>0.001). The research data suggested that lower expression levels of HDAC1 may have an impact in the etiology or disease course of AD.
The Role of the Immune System in Behavioral Strategies of Reproduction

Since both reproduction and immunocompetence are costly, the negative reciprocal relationships between these functions were found in many species. Due to reproductive immunosuppression, some fraction of seasonally breeding populations of small mammals reproduces in the first breeding season, while others reproduce in the next one. Elevation of breeding efforts under the increased risk of mortality and the reproductive delay until recovery are the polar variants of mating behavior of parasitized individuals. However the parasite-induced changes of odor, visual or acoustic signals limit the mating success of the infected hosts. The direct influence of the immune system, regularly activated by infections, to chemicals signals can be answer to the question: why these signals are honest? Decrease of a strange infection risk by kin breeding can be a satisfactory strategy of an isolated population. Nevertheless, many species follow the inbreeding avoidance strategy, where the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes play key role in kin recognition. The advantage of MHC heterozygosity was found at the all steps of the breeding cycle; including mating choice, fertilization, pre- and postnatal development. So, the relationships between immune system and neuroendocrine regulation of behavior give proximate explanations of the evolutionary stable strategies of breeding behavior.
A description of the stages in the metamorphosis of the anadromous sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus L

A large number of larval, metamorphosing, and young feeding adults of the anadromous sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus L. , have been used to provide a detailed description of the external alterations that take place in this species as it changes from a larva to an adult. A total of seven metamorphosing stages (1–7) are described, using as a basis a variety of different morphological characters, such as the appearance of the eye (1–3), the structure of the oral aperture (2–4), the degree of development of the tongue-like piston (4–7), the shape and degree of cornification of the teeth (4–7), and the coloration of the body (5–7). Attention is drawn to the fact that, although the changes in individual characters may vary in their time of initiation and the duration of their development, the overall metamorphic process is relatively synchronous. In contrast to this synchrony, however, the time at which the downstream migration occurs is very variable, a feature which is probably of selective advantage to this species.
Phenotypic and genetic diversity of Paenibacillus azotofixans strains isolated from the rhizoplane or rhizosphere soil of different grasses

Fifty‐three strains identified as Paenibacillus azotofixans were isolated from the rhizoplane and rhizosphere of different grasses and from soil. To study the diversity within this species, four approaches were used: assessment of homology with a nifKDH probe in hybridization experiments; use of a selected 20‐mer primer to produce RAPD profiles and of BOX‐PCR to generate genomic fingerprintings; and phenotypic tests using the API50CH system. The API tests performed with the 53 P. azotofixans strains showed that all strains produced acid from 15 carbohydrates; using six other carbohydrates (sorbitol, dulcitol, tagatose, starch, glycogen and D‐arabitol), the strains could be divided in five groups of related strains. All strains tested showed homology to Klebsiella pneumoniae nifKDH genes, resulting in 14 different hybridization patterns with this probe. Using RAPD‐fingerprinting with one appropriate primer, 23 different amplification patterns were observed. The BOX‐PCR approach confirmed the grouping suggested by the RAPD fingerprinting. A comparison of the 53 strains by similarity matrix analysis using the data obtained in all approaches resulted in a phenogram, grouping them into five broad groups at 74% similarity and into 27 subgroups at 94% similarity. At 100% similarity, 31 groups of strains could be formed, indicating a high degree of diversity among the strains tested. Overall, the diversity was independent from the origin of strains, since a variety of different groups was isolated from each plant studied. However, some clusters were dominant in wheat and sugarcane samples. The results indicated that the methods used here are sensitive indicators of diversity among the strains studied and can be applied as efficient and reliable means for further ecological and biogeographical studies.