Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conditions for Evolution of Small Adult Body Size in Southern Africa

Discoveries from diverse locales indicate that early Homo was sometimes petite. Small body size among fossil forms is difficult to explain because its existence in modern human populations is not fully understood. The history, ethnography, genetics, and bioarchaeology of KhoeSan peoples of southern Africa are reviewed in the context of their small adult body size. Since the Middle Stone Age, at least some southern African foragers were petite. Throughout the Later Stone Age (LSA; the Holocene), most groups followed a mobile, coastally oriented foraging strategy that relied on small package size foodstuffs. Distinctive skeletal shape and allometry of LSA adult skeletons provide clues about selective factors. Neither dietary insufficiency nor heat dissipation models of selection apply in the LSA context. Energetics and avoidance of serious accidents may be relevant factors. An aspect of life history—the timing of cessation of growth—has been assessed by comparing dental and skeletal development within juvenile skeletons. After a slow start, LSA child growth shows a tempo like that of modern children and no evidence of early maturation. Among fossil or recent forms, small body size should be assessed not only as possible evidence of selection for smallness but also as evidence of the absence of selection for large body size.
Partial Differential Equations in Ecology: Spatial Interactions and Population Dynamics

Most of the fundamental elements of ecology, ranging from individual be- havior to species abundance, diversity, and population dynamics, exhibit spatial variation. Partial differential equation models provide a means of melding organism movement with population processes and have been used extensively to elucidate the effects of spatial variation on populations. While there has been an explosion of theoretical advances in partial differential equation models in the past two decades, this work has been generally neglected in mathematical ecology textbooks. Our goal in this paper is to make this literature accessible to experimental ecologists. Partial differential equations are used to model a variety of ecological phenomena; here we discuss dispersal, ecological invasions, critical patch size, dispersal-mediated coexis- tence, and diffusion-driven spatial patterning. These models emphasize that simple organ- ism movement can produce striking large-scale patterns in homogeneous environments, and that in heterogeneous environments, movement of multiple species can change the outcome of competition or predation.
Effect of Hexaflumuron on Feeding Response and Reproduction of Bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) 1

Abstract. Hexaflumuron (Consult® 100 EC, Dow AgroSciences) is an insect growth regulator that inhibits chitin synthesis. The efficacy of hexaflumuron mixed with 2.5-M sucrose (mg-1) was evaluated for toxicity, proboscis extension, gestation, and reproduction of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in a laboratory. The intention was to determine whether or not hexaflumuron could be used as a toxicant in a feeding-stimulant mixture for suppression of bollworm. Newly emerged bollworm adults actively seek carbohydrates. For feral male bollworm captured in pheromone-baited traps, the lethal concentration (LC50) values 24 and 48 hours after exposure were 295.6 and 96.03 mg-1, respectively. These values were significantly different. Hexaflumuron at 100 mg-1 or more significantly depressed gustatory response of feral male and laboratory-reared male and female bollworms. There was no significant difference in proboscis-extension response between bollworms fed 1.0 and 2.5 M sucrose solutions. Percentage hatch of eggs oviposited by laboratory-reared females during 3 consecutive days was significantly less at concentrations of 5.0 mg-1 or greater of hexaflumuron when compared with females fed 2.5-M sucrose. However, when laboratory-reared males fed hexaflumuron were compared with males fed 2.5-M sucrose solution, percentage of eggs that hatched was not significantly less. This suggests that hexaflumuron acted as an ovicide. It is posited that hexaflumuron could be a useful toxicant in a feeding-stimulant mixture for suppression of bollworm.
Differential Responses of Dipterocarp Seedlings to Soil Moisture and Microtopography

Niche diversification is prominent among the mechanisms proposed to explain tropical rain forest tree diversity, with many studies focusing on trade‐offs among shade tolerance and growth. Less obvious is the impact of occasional, ephemeral and often minor disturbances on tree seedling survival. We propose that differential tolerances to soil waterlogging can contribute to the distribution of tree seedling communities along microtopographical gradients. We test this hypothesis experimentally by evaluating survival and performance of planted seedlings across microtopographical gradients in a periodically inundated tropical rain forest environment. Survival and relative growth rates were assessed for six Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae) species in Sepilok Forest Reserve (Sabah, Malaysia) over a 2‐yr period, during which seedlings were subjected to two brief flooding events. The species were selected on the basis of soil habitat affinities, with two species being primarily associated with low‐lying alluvial flats subject to inundation, two being associated with non‐flooded mudstone hills, and two species occurring in both habitats. Seedling performance was related to microtopographic elevation within and among plots and to soil moisture among plots. The faster growing species, Shorea argentifolia, Shorea leprosula and Shorea parvifolia, tended to be more vulnerable to high soil moisture in terms of mortality than the three species with lower growth rates. Within plots, soil moisture was inversely correlated with microelevation, and seedlings located at higher microelevations had an increased probability of survival. Microtopographical differences in seedling position could therefore contribute to species assembly processes through differential mortality, particularly in areas subject to minor and ephemeral flooding events.
Benthic organisms as forensic indicators

BRIDGES is a recurring feature of J-NABS intended to provide a forum for the interchange of ideas and information between basic and applied researchers in benthic science. Articles in this series will focus on topical research areas and linkages between basic and applied aspects of research, monitoring policy, and education. Readers with ideas for topics should contact Associate Editors, Nick Aumen and Marty Gurtz. Forensic entomology has proven to be an important tool in understanding what took place at crime scenes involving human corpses. Traditionally, forensic entomology has focused on terrestrial saprophagous insects, and much less is known about biota colonizing corpses in aquatic environments. In this BRIDGES article, Keiper and Casamatta suggest how knowledge of benthic ecology can be applied to forensic investigations, provide suggestions for future benthic research, and help bridge the gap between benthic science and the applied aspects of forensic sciences. Nick Aumen, nick_aumen@nps.gov Marty Gurtz, megurtz@usgs.gov Co-editors
Sublethal costs associated with the consumption of toxic prey by snakes

Costs of plant defences to herbivores have been extensively studied, but costs of chemical defences to carnivores are less well understood.We examine the costs to Australian keelback snakes (Tropidonophis mairii, Gray 1841) of consuming cane toads (Bufo (Rhinella) marinus Linnaeus 1758). Cane toads (an invasive species in Australia) are highly toxic. Although keelbacks can consume toads without dying (unlike most Australian snakes), we show that cane toads are poor quality prey for keelbacks. Toads are of low net nutritional value, take longer to consume than do native frogs and reduce the snake's locomotor performance for up to 6 h after ingestion of a meal. These latter effects may increase a snake's vulnerability to predation. Nutritional content of vertebrate prey is not the only factor driving the evolution of foraging behaviour; other more subtle costs, such as risk of predation, may be widespread.
HABOROPHOCOENA TOYOSHIMAI, A NEW EARLY PLIOCENE PORPOISE (CETACEA; PHOCOENIDAE) FROM HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

Abstract Haborophocoena toyoshimai (family Phocoenidae), from the early Pliocene Mochikubetsu Formation in northwestern Hokkaido, Japan, is a new genus and species of porpoise. The holotype is an incomplete skull, tympanoperiotic, mandible, and several teeth. Its features include: a robust and asymmetrical skull; a premaxilla with a less atrophied posterior extremity; a low but wide premaxillary eminence; a conspicuous knob-like frontal boss; narrow palatines posteriorly separating the pterygoids; a thin lateral lamina of the palatine that extends posteriorly; well-excavated air sinus fossae on the basicranium; a relatively small temporal fossa; an abruptly sloping supraoccipital shield; a periotic with massive anterior process; and tiny teeth with blunt tips. Some features of living phocoenids may be paedomorphic; examples include the relatively short rostrum, the rounded cranium, and the small body size. “Precocious” reproduction and a short interval of the reproductive cycle, compared to other delphinoid dolphins, suggest that paedomorphic characters of living phocoenids are progenetic. Progenetic evolution possibly occurred in harsh environments caused by glacial oscillations of the Pleistocene; molecular divergence times for porpoises are compatible with this idea.
AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR RAPID ISOLATION OF SALMONELLA AGAINST PROTEUS IN CHICKEN CARCASSES

An improved method was developed for the rapid isolation and identification of Salmonella in chicken carcasses. Considering the heavy presence of Proteus mirabilis in the poultry-production environment, we investigated combinations of selective bacterial growth media that promote the growth of Salmonella but inhibit that of P. mirabilis. The improved method was evaluated using standard methods described in the Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS). A total of 44 chicken carcasses were analyzed for Salmonella using the three methods. The FDA/BAM method showed a poor sensitivity and specificity, especially when the tetrathionate (TT) broth was applied. The improved method offered an excellent specificity (>95%) and shortened the time of isolation and identification from 4 to 5 days to less than 3 days, consequently reducing the costs.
TECNOLOGÍA LÍTICA Y ESTRATEGIAS DE SUBSISTENCIA DURANTE LOS PERÍODOS ARCAICO Y FORMATIVO EN EL ALTIPLANO CENTRAL, BOLIVIA

Los cambios producidos en los sistemas de subsistencia de caza-recoleccion al cultivo de plantas y crianza de camelidos constituyen una de las transiciones mas interesantes en la arqueologia del altiplano andino. En este reporte se presentan resultados preliminares del analisis de patrones de asentamiento y materiales liticos recuperados en la region de Iroco, el margen noreste del Lago Uru-Uru, en el altiplano central de Bolivia. Los cambios producidos en los sistemas de asentamiento entre el periodo Arcaico (10.000-3.500 a.p.) y el periodo Formativo (3.500-1.600 a.p.) estan relacionados con cambios en la organizacion economica y patrones de movilidad. Sin embargo, los cambios tecnologicos se encuentran enmarcados en una posible tradicion de utilizacion de recursos y procesos de manufactura aplicados a los materiales liticos.
Ferulic Acid Dehydrodimers in Rye(Secale cereale L.)

Abstract Four ferulic acid dehydrodimers were isolated from rye bran and purified by preparative HPLC after alkaline hydrolysis. The identity of the compounds were confirmed by UV,1H and13C-NMR and mass spectroscopy. The content of the four identified dimers corresponded to a total dimer concentration of 307 μg/g (dry matter) of the whole grain. The concentrations in the bran fraction were 10–20 times higher than in the starchy endosperm. The four dimers were in decreasing amounts: ((Z)- β -{4-[(E)-2-carboxyvinyl]-2-methoxyphenoxy}-4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-cinnamic acid (8-O-4′-DiFA);trans -5-[(E)-2-carboxyvinyl]-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-3-carboxylic acid (8-5′-DiFA benzofuran form), (E,E)-4,4′-dihydroxy-5,5′-dimethoxy-3,3′-bicinnamic acid (5-5′-DiFA) and (E,E)-4,4′-dihydroxy-3,5′-dimethoxy-β,3′-bicinnamic acid (8-5′-DiFA). The ferulic acid dehydrodimers were also synthesised by a simple procedure from ethyl ferulate using peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide.
DADDY

August 13, 1989. My son Larkin and I came by the house at 342 Poplar Street to pick him up. He cracked the screen door at the back stoop and told us to hold our horses—he'd be ready in a minute. He was never ready. He always had to tie his boots, find his cap, finish eating, or as he often said, "I'm almost ready, I just have to pee and count my money! " But when he got in the car, he didn't say much. Usually we talked about our antique tool collection, or books, or poetry, or people, or he just told old stories we'd heard a hundred times. But Daddy
Forecasting hedge fund volatility: a Markov regime-switching approach

The article addresses forecasting volatility of hedge fund (HF) returns by using a non-linear Markov-Switching GARCH (MS-GARCH) framework. The in- and out-of-sample, multi-step ahead volatility forecasting performance of GARCH(1,1) and MS-GARCH(1,1) models is compared when applied to 12 global HF indices over the period of January 1990 to October 2010. The results identify different regimes with periods of high and low volatility for most HF indices. In-sample estimation results reveal a superior performance of the MS-GARCH model. The findings show that regime switching is related to structural changes in the market factor for most strategies. Out-of-sample forecasting shows that the MS-GARCH formulation provides more accurate volatility forecasts for most forecast horizons and for most HF strategies. Inclusion of MS dynamics in the GARCH specification highly improves the volatility forecasts for those strategies that are particularly sensitive to general macroeconomic conditions, such as Distressed Restructuring and Merger Arbitrage.
Activity of aqueous ethanol extract of Euphorbia prostrata ait on Shigella dysenteriae type 1-induced diarrhea in rats

Aim: Euphorbia prostrata (Euphorbiaceae) is traditionally used in Cameroon for the treatment of many diseases, including diarrhea. We investigated the acute toxicity and effect of the aqueous ethanol extract of the plant on gastrointestinal propulsion, in vitro bacterial growth and in vivo bacillary dysentery. Materials and Methods: Diarrhea was induced by oral administration of 12 x 10 8 Shigella dysenteriae type 1 (Sd1) cells. Diarrheic rats were treated for 5 days with 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg extract or 20 mg/kg norfloxacin. The faeces frequencies and the number of Sd1 were assessed and the death rate recorded. Results: The aqueous ethanol extract of E. prostrata was not toxic. In vitro, the minimal inhibitory and minimal bactericidal concentrations of the extract were 3,500 and 12,000 µg/ml, respectively. In vivo, diarrhea went along with increase in faeces frequency (P < 0.01 by the 3 rd day), increase in the bacterial population to a maximum on the 2 nd day after infection (P < 0.01). The death rate in diarrheic control group was 100% by day 6. E. prostrata extracts (20 and 40 mg/kg), like norfloxacin, reduced the bacterial growth (P < 0.01), so that by the 6 th day Sd1 density was <100 and no death was recorded. There was a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in faeces frequencies. The extract exhibited notable (P < 0.01) inhibition of intestinal propulsion. Conclusion: The results suggest that E. prostrata possesses bactericidal and antidiarrheic properties and could be a therapeutic alternative for diarrheas of bacterial etiology.
Effect of inoculations with single and multiple juveniles on release of progeny of Meloidogyne graminicola from susceptible rice

Seedlings of susceptible rice were inoculated with single or with 86 second-stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne graminicola. After inoculation in a sandy substrate, rice seedlings were grown hydroponically to recover progeny. Following inoculation with a single juvenile (SJI), 71-73% of seedlings released J2 progeny at 84 days after inoculation (DAI). This confirmed the ability of this species to reproduce by parthenogenesis. After SJI, the proportion of inoculated seedlings releasing J2 increased steadily from 21-63 DAI. On the contrary, after inoculation with 86 J2, release of progeny was high for all seedlings as early as 28 DAI. Thus progeny formed after SJI remained captive in galls for a longer time. In the same sandy substrate, J2 were able to invade rice roots and develop in flooded conditions as well as in non-flooded conditions.
Growth intercept models for black spruce, jack pine and balsam fir in Quebec

The objective of this study was to develop variable growth intercept models for coniferous species of major importance in Quebec using Nigh's (1997a) modelling technique. Eighty-three, 68, and 70 stem analysis plots of black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP), jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill) were used, respectively. The growth intercept models for black spruce were the most precise, followed by those for jack pine and finally by those for balsam fir, based on the root mean square errors. Results indicated that the accuracy of the models was good, relative to those previously published for other species in Canada. Interim testing of the models revealed a low mean error for all three species that may not be of practical significance for site index determination, although more data should be obtained to further test the models. Key words: balsam fir, black spruce, growth intercept, jack pine, model, nonlinear regression, site index
Simple and Efficient Method for Acetylation of Alcohols, Phenols, Amines, and Thiols Using Anhydrous NiCl2 Under Solvent-Free Conditions

Abstract Solvent-free acetylation of alcohols, phenols, amines, and thiols with acetic anhydride (Ac2O) in the presence of 0.1 mol% (13 mg) anhydrous NiCl2, an inexpensive and easily available catalyst. Excellent yields, short reaction time, and mild reaction conditions are important features of this method.
Purification, characterization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies on Neiserria gonorrhoeae Gly1ORF1

Gly1ORF1 is a protein produced by the two pathogenic Neisseria species, N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis, but not by commensal Neisseria, suggesting that it may be involved in pathogenesis. The protein has a signal sequence that is cleaved, is associated with outer membrane fractions of N. gonorrhoeae (GC) and is found in spent media and in outer-membrane fractions when expressed in Escherichia coli. GC strains with null mutations of the gly1 locus have increased toxicity to human fallopian tubes in organ culture, suggesting that Gly1ORF1 may alter the amount or properties of toxic moieties produced by GC [Arvidson et al. (1999), Infect. Immun. 67, 643–652]. In an effort to understand the function of Gly1ORF1 and its role in pathogenesis, structural biology studies have been initiated. Here, the purification, characterization by dynamic light scattering, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of recombinant Gly1ORF1 are reported. Dynamic light scattering indicated the protein to be a dimer in solution. The crystals belonged to space group P63, with unit-cell parameters a = 95.2, b = 95.2, c = 83.7 A and two molecules per asymmetric unit. The crystals diffracted to 2.4 A using a conventional X-ray source.
Sainfoin – New Data on Anthelmintic Effects and Production in Sheep and Goats

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are one of the most important problems affecting health and therefore performance and welfare in small ruminant husbandry. The control of these parasites in the past strongly relied on the repeated use of anthelmintic drugs. This has led to nematode populations which are resistant to most of the currently available anthelmintics. Furthermore customer's demands for organic and residue free animal products are increasing. The aforementioned problems have given a strong impetus for the development of new non-chemical strategies to control GIN. Previous research has pointed out the anthelmintic potential of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia, cv. Visnovsky) and other tanniferous (CT) feed sources in goats and lambs infected with GIN. A recent Swiss experiment focussed on the use of sainfoin and field bean (Vicia faba, cv. Scirocco) as single CT sources as well as in combination for additional synergic effects, to reduce periparturient GIN egg rise of ewes in late gestation and early lactation. Another experiment with Alpine goats concentrated on the influence of sainfoin on milk performance and cheese quality. The results of these experiments will be presented and discussed in connection with previous knowledge on (i) anthelmintic effects of sainfoin and (ii) the influence of sainfoin administration on performance.
Steady and non-steady state kinetics describe polychlorinated biphenyl bioaccumulation in natural populations of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and cisco (Coregonus artedi)

This study investigated polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) bioaccumulation patterns across age classes of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and cisco (Coregonus artedi) collected from Sharbot Lake, Ontario. For bluegill, lipid normalized concentrations of PCB congeners of log Kow 6.8, these congeners demonstrated significant and similar age-related fugacity increases in both species. These patterns indicated that the bioaccumulation of less hydrophobic PCB congeners in bluegill suggest quicker growth kinetics and demonstrate the potential of this species to achieve steady state within their lifetime. In contrast, PCB bioaccumulation patterns in cisco demonstrated that biomagnification and non-steady state kinetics better reflect the capacity of thi.
Beetle community responses to grey willow (Salix cinerea) invasion within three New Zealand wetlands

Abstract We investigated the effects of invasion by introduced grey willow (Salix cinerea) on beetle communities within four wetland vegetation types: native vegetation, native vegetation following grey willow removal, native vegetation undergoing grey willow invasion and dense grey willow-dominated vegetation. In total, 1505 beetles from 90 species were collected using modified Malaise traps. Native wetland vegetation had significantly lower beetle species richness than willow-dominated vegetation and was dominated by herbivores, whereas detritivores characterised willow-dominated vegetation. Beetle abundance was highest in the willow-dominated vegetation and mostly comprised detritivores. In contrast, beetle abundance was lowest in native wetland vegetation, but had even proportions of herbivores and detritivores. Native wetland vegetation had a high proportion of native beetles present. As grey willows invaded, introduced beetles became more common. The beetle community composition differed significantly between grey willow-dominated vegetation and native wetland vegetation. These compositional differences were mainly due to the increasing complexity of vegetation structure following grey willow invasion. The beetle communities within restored native wetland vegetation were most similar to those within the native wetland vegetation. From a conservation perspective, these results are encouraging and suggest that, although grey willows dramatically alter the composition of beetle communities present, these communities can be restored to a beetle fauna that is similar to those found within native wetland through the removal of the willows.