Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molluscan taphonomy in a braided river environment and its implications for studies of Quaternary cold-stage river deposits

This paper presents results from a field survey of living molluscan communities and associated (sub)fossil life and death assemblages found on the modem braided river floodplain of the River Lech, in northern Austria. The study was undertaken in order to throw light on the taphon- omy of molluscs in present-day braided river environments, as a basis for understanding in more detail the origins and significance of some of the fossil assemblages commonly found in Quaternary braided river deposits in lowland Britain. The field data suggest that different types of (sub)fossil molluscan life and death assemblage tend to ac- cumulate in distinct depositional environments on the braided floodplain. Variations in the sub-fossil assemblages (e.g. in the numbers of species found, the patterns of break- age and the numbers of individuals) seem to reflect varia- tions in the immediate character of the local depositional environment and the post-mortem history of the shells, rather than changes in general climatic conditions. It is sug- gested that considerable care is needed in using the evi- dence from Quatemary molluscan faunas obtained from braided rivers as indicators of past regional vegetation and climate, unless there is a clear understanding of the charac- teristics of the diverse local depositional environments, the taphonomic processes operating within them, and the life- cycles and ecologies of the molluscs involved.
Sexual Differences in Survival and Recovery Rates of Lesser Snow Geese

Estimates of sex-specific survival have rarely been documented in geese and, unless examined carefully, may be biased due to differential migration among sexes. Consequently, we tested for sexual differences in survival and recovery rates in lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) based on 30,000 hunter recoveries of 230,000 banded geese from the mid-continent population between 1950 and 1988. Overall, there were few differences between the sexes. Estimated survival rates for immature male geese (S=0.36) from La Perouse Bay (LPB) were lower than those for females (S=0.40, P<0.0001), but this was due almost entirely to bias in the estimates caused by emigration of males to migration routes with lower recovery rates
Blood Viscosity of Two Mammalian Hibernators: Spermophilus tridecemlineatus and Tamias striatus

Blood viscosity of the hibernators Spermophilus tridecemlineatus and Tamias striatus is similar to that characteristic of nonhibernators when measured in vitro under euthermic conditions (temperature = 37 C and shear rates greater than 100 s⁻¹). However, under conditions occurring in parts of the microcirculation during torpor (temperature = 23 C or lower and shear rates less than 100 s⁻¹), blood viscosity is substantially lower in the hibernators. This is largely because the viscosity of blood from the hibernators has a reduced shear-rate dependence resulting from a property of the plasma that minimizes erythrocyte aggregation when blood is flowing slowly. In addition, the erythrocytes from the hibernators are more deformable at low temperature than those from nonhibernators. These characteristics are present during both the hibernating and nonhibernating seasons and appear to be important in facilitating blood flow to tissues in torpid animals.
Statistical models for population reconstruction using age-at-harvest data

Statistical analyses based on maximum likelihood methods are presented to jointly estimate harvest rates, survival, recruitment, and population abundance from age-at-harvest data. To perform the population reconstruction from the age-at-harvest data, auxiliary field data and information on harvest reporting rates are required. The statistical methods permit tests of model assumptions, goodness-of-fit, and standard errors and confidence intervals for all estimated demographic parameters. We illustrate the methods using harvest data and radiotelemetry studies of elk (Cervus elaphus) from northern Idaho, USA, 1988-1993. We compare results with abundance estimates using an aerial sightability survey on the same herd. The maximum likelihood methods for age-at-harvest analysis provide a comprehensive framework for population reconstruction with abundance estimates comparable to field survey techniques.
Synthesis and in vitro Antiviral Properties of Amphiphilic Dinucleoside Phosphate Derivatives of 2′,3-dideoxycytidine (ddC)

N4-hexadecyl-5′-0-(4-monomethoxytrityl)-2′-deoxycytidine-3′-hydrogenphosphonate and 5′-0-(4-monomethoxytrityl)-2′-deoxythymidine-3′-0-hydrogenphosphonate were condensed with 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine (ddC) according to the hydrogenphosphonate method to yield N4-hexadecyl-2′-deoxycytidylyl-(3′-5′)-2′,3′-dideoxycytidine (N4-hexadecyldC-ddC) and 2′-deoxythymidylyl-(3′-5′)-N4-palmitoyl-2′,3′-dideoxycytidine (dT-N4-palmddC). N4-palmitoyl-2′,3′-dideoxycytidine (N4-palmddC) was synthesized by reacting palmitic anhydride with ddC. Both dinucleoside phosphates have amphiphilic properties and represent a new class of ddC derivatives in which in the case of the dinucleosides, the ddC-5′-monophosphate is masked with lipophilic residues of variable stability. The ddC derivatives can be solubilized in water by micelle formation and, because they have lipophilic residues, they can be incorporated into the lipid membranes of liposomes. The ddC derivatives were shown to have antiviral activities comparable to those of AZT and ddC when tested in vitro against HIV-1-infected HeLa and H9 cells as well as infected human monocytes/macrophages.
Mapping forest parameters using geostatistics and remote sensing data

This work presents a new method for characterising forests with remote sensing data using numer­ ical scene simulations and spatial statistics. The principal study area is Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam. This site has undergone both recent changes in vegetation composition associated with population pressures, as well as historical changes due to military activities during the 1960s and 70s and provides an appropriate location for spatio-temporal monitoring of forest structure. The principal remote sensing data used comprises a set of panchromatic declassified air-photos (1965-1966). The lack of flight details for these makes established techniques for exterior orien­ tation impractical. An alternative means to geo-rectifying these data is therefore presented. This focuses on a new application of a stereomatching algorithm, where a disparity model, related to topographic features, is first built and then co-registered to a geo-referenced elevation model to provide the transformation required to correct the air-photos. These geo-rectified data are then processed for forest parameter extraction. Scene modelling is used to produce simulations of varying ground structure. A geo-optical model is used to capture the shape and size distribution of objects in the scene, and to allow for crown shading on the trees. The scene variogram is considered as a combination of spatial interactions between scene elements (crown and ground), which are described by ‘component variograms’. These are examined under differing scene specifications, and used to explore and explain the mechanisms responsible for variations in scene variogram ‘range’ across multi-spectral data. The scene simulations provide a set of candidate model variograms, derived from physical realisations of scene structure, for use in inverting the experimental scene variogram, where forest structural parameters are derived from the realisation associated with the best fit. Results are presented for the high resolution air-photos, and validated using local image histogram analysis, given the lack of in situ data for the time of acquisition. The method in this context ap­ pears to be robust and results suggest it can be applied to large areas for forest parameter mapping. Applications of the method to alternative datasets are also examined, with a consideration of neces­ sary adaptations, given changes in spatial, spectral, angular and temporal sampling. These focus on a set of AirMISR images acquired over the SAFARI 2000 site of Mongu, Zambia. Although these suffer from a poorer spatial resolution, the spectral and angular sampling is greatly improved (4 bands and 9 angles of data). In this case, scene simulations are used in conjunction with measures of local variance (rather than semivariance) for inverting structural parameters. Results presented for this dataset are poor, although this is shown to be attributable to the initial sensor calibration, rather than to the method itself.
An expanded host range for the muskmelon pathogen Monosporascus cannonballus

The pathogenicity of Monosporascus cannonballus to nine cucurbit and eight noncucurbit species was evaluated in the greenhouse by direct seeding into infested soil. Six of the cucurbit species were also tested under simulated field conditions in artificially infested microplots. In the greenhouse, M. cannonballus was isolated from 70-100% of the cucumber, muskmelon, and watermelon plants and from 33-70% of the bean, corn, sorghum, and sugar beet plants 8-9 wk after planting. Perithecia of the fungus were observed on the roots of all cucurbits tested but only rarely on roots of noncucurbits. Discrete brownish lesions, general light discoloration, and necrosis were characteristic symptoms of cucurbit root infection
Predicting Emergency Response Intentions Among the Canadian Public in the Context of Terrorism Threats: Examining Sociodemographics and the Mediating Role of Risk Perception

ABSTRACT Much research in emergency preparedness is dedicated to exploring differences in behavior based on sociodemographic attributes. It has been suggested that these differences may be partially explained by cognitive threat appraisals; however, this relationship is rarely tested empirically in the literature. This study investigates the mediational role of cognitive threat appraisals on the relationship between sociodemographic attributes and anticipated emergency response in a representative sample of the Canadian public (n = 1502). Findings reveal that a number of sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, age, education, and income were significantly related to anticipated emergency response. Cognitive threat appraisals—including two measures of risk perception for terrorism threats—were similarly found to differ significantly by sociodemographic attributes, and were significantly related to anticipated emergency response. However, with the exception of gender, these differences in risk perception did not significantly explain the sociodemographic differences in anticipated response. These results suggest that while individual-level differences in appraisal are important considerations in emergency preparedness and response, further research should consider the broader contextual factors relevant to at-risk demographic groups to better explain these relationships. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.
Modification of anti-predator behaviour in tadpoles by environmental conditioning

We examined the anti-predator behaviour of two closely related species of tadpoles (Rana lessonae and Rana esculenta). Eggs were hatched in the laboratory and tadpoles were conditioned for 30 days to fish, newts, odonates and Bufo tadpoles before testing tadpole responses to predator and control stimuli. Rana esculenta tadpoles spent more time swimming than did R. lessonae tadpoles, but species did not differ in refuge use
CARACTERIZACIÓN DE LA DEPRESIÓN EN JÓVENES UNIVERSITARIOS

The purpose of this research was to describe the characteristics of depression among young university students. Beginning with clinical and psycho-educational work with this group, specific aspects related to depressive disorders were identified. The prevalence of depression in a specific university environment was found, and the clinical evidence and the possible relationship with different socio-demographic and personal variables were described. The research was of a nonexperimental, descriptive and trans-sectional nature. The instruments used were Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), Zung’s Self-Applied Scale (zss) and a questionnaire of complementary data. The sample consisted of 218 young people: 135 female and 83 male, from the undergraduate degree courses of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Cali. The results showed significant depression: 30%, according to the BDI, and 25%, according to the zss. Based on the clinical evidence found, the presence of inherent depression symptoms, as reported in classic studies, was proven. We emphasize that the differences between different levels of depression are expressed in terms of their frequency and the intensity of the symptoms. Finally, a number of specific stress-producing events for young people are described. These, together with the lack of strategies for dealing with them, play an important role as factors which lead to susceptibility and set off depression among the people who are the object of this study.
The Exchange Rate Exposure of Major Commercial Banks in South Africa

This paper examines the exchange rate exposure of South Africa's major commercial banks with the help of an augmented market model. In contrast to the weak empirical evidence in prior studies done abroad, this study reveals that all the four major banks exhibit significant foreign exchange risk. Our findings indicate that the net foreign currency asset position is a weak predictor of foreign exchange risk. The study sheds light on the averaging and offsetting effect of measuring exposure over an extended period of time. The results offer more evidence about the prevalence of economies of scale in currency risk management.
Supporting Goals-Based Learning with STEM Outreach.

Drawing on knowledge and experience gained through the study of K-12 science, mathematics, and technology education practices and efforts to reform them, this article suggests several ways to strengthen outreach efforts aimed at students in the elementary grades. The article begins with a description of Project 2061, an education reform initiative of the American Association for the Advancement of Science that promotes the goal of science literacy for all students and the importance of coherent and specific content standards to guide K-12 teaching and learning. The authors then recommend several strategies and a number of resources that can help those in the scientific and technological community to develop outreach efforts and materials that are aligned with and support the goals that today? s students and teachers are striving to achieve.
Phylogenetic relationships among the Old World Sciurus squirrels

Phylogenetic relationships of Sciurus were examined based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences of three Old World and four New World species. The purpose was to test for monophyly in Old World Sciurus (S. anomalus, S. lis, and S. vulgaris). Phylogenetic trees well supported clustering of (1) S. anomalus, (2) S. lis and S. vulgaris, and (3) the four New World Sciurus species. Sciurus anomalus was more closely related to the clade consisting of New World Sciurus species than the one consisting of S. lis and S. vulgaris, indicating a polyphyletic relationship in Old World Sciurus. The primary divergence of Sciurus may have taken place early on the Eurasian Continent. Then, the ancestral stock of modern New World Sciurus would have migrated from the Eurasian Continent to the North American Continent.
The Integrated Farm System Model: A Tool for Developing more Economically and Environmentally Sustainable Farming Systems for the Northeast

A whole farm simulation model was developed over the past twenty years, which providesa research and teaching tool for evaluating the long-term sustainability of crop, dairy, and beeffarming systems. Over this period, the model has been used to evaluate numerous technologies andmanagement strategies including forage harvest and preservation techniques, manure handlingmethods, cropping systems, and feeding strategies. Current work is using the model to evaluate theimpact of various farming practices on nutrient losses from the farm and farm profitability.
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part A

In this special edition of Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A, we bring together 18 articles on digestion and metabolism that advance the field of nutritional physiology by integrating diverse perspectives on how the gut helps organisms meet their metabolic needs. The larger suite of redox reactions that compose the main thoroughfare of metabolism (Glycolysis, Citric Acid Cycle, Electron Transport Chain, and Chemiosmosis) have many tributaries that must be fed from the alimentary canal. Although digestion has been somewhat well-studied in biomedical models (e.g., rodents, humans), and in animals we grow for human consumption, the general principles of the digestive process, and the perturbations that can disrupt that process, require more investigation. The perspectives acquired from examining many different organisms aids in this process with implications for numerous fields. The papers in this edition span seven main themes: the energetics of digestion, particularly in the face of global change (including dietary shifts and rising temperatures), how hormones of the gut respond to changes in gut function due to a meal, dietary impacts on ecomorphology and function, particularly of the gut, how the enteric microbiome responds to perturbations and potential consequences of this for the host, how gut size scales with body sizes spanning orders of magnitude, maintenance of gastrointestinal gas and acid-base balance in response to challenges, and how the loss of the stomach generates expectations for agastric fishes. Thus, the authors dig deep into a diverse array of topics that help us better understand the general principles of digestion in a changing world.
The effect of dietary protein degradability on production characteristics of lactating Saanen does

Twenty-one lactating Saanen goats of similar milk yield and lactation number were fed one of three experimental protein diets: low UDP (160 g CP/kg DM), high UDP, low protein (128 g CP/kg DM), and high UDP high protein (160 g CP/kg DM). The aim of the study was to determine whether an increased UDP and decreased RDP content would increase production and also whether a decreased CP content and an increased UDP content would sustain the production of lactating Saanen does. The does on the low UDP diet had significantly higher feed intakes and were significantly heavier at the end of the trial period of 120 days. No differences in milk production or composition were observed. The CP intake/kg milk yield was 113 ± 0.01 g (4% butterfat). The low protein (20% less CP) high UDP diet was able to sustain a similar milk production with a significantly better conversion (29.3%) of N into milk protein than the other diets. In contrast the decrease in RDP and increase in UDP content, at the same CP level, did not improve the production potential of the does.
The Use of Diary Methods to Study New Questions in Employee Innovation.

To date, employee innovation research has been dominated by two research questions: What factors increase the novelty and usefulness of innovation outcomes? ; and What factors increase the innovativeness of employees? While the answers to these questions are important, we argue that other questions remain unanswered and that innovative innovation research is needed. We discuss traditional methods of studying innovation and argue that a new method, diary studies, may be more useful at answering these neglected questions. We outline considerations involved in diary studies and then provide a case study where diary methods were successfully used to study employee innovation.
Moral development, self, and identity.

Contents: Preface. L.J. Walker, Gus in the Gap: Bridging the Judgment-Action Gap in Moral Functioning. R. Bergman, Identity as Motivation: Toward a Theory of the Moral Self. F.C. Power, The Moral Self in Community. R. Atkins, D. Hart, T.M. Donnelly, Moral Identity Development and School Attachment. D. Moshman, False Moral Identity: Self-Serving Denial in the Maintenance of Moral Self-Conceptions. L. Nucci, Reflections on the Moral Self Construct. M. Nisan, Judgement and Choice in Moral Functioning. B. Puka, Altruism and Character. D.K. Lapsley, D. Narvaez, A Social-Cognitive Approach to the Moral Personality. W. Edelstein, T. Krettenauer, Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen: Moving Beyond the Modal Levels in Normal Development. T. Wren, C. Mendoza, Cultural Identity and Personal Identity: Philosophical Reflections on the Identity Discourse of Social Psychology. M. Keller, Self in Relationship. G. Nunner-Winkler, Sociohistoric Changes in the Structure of Moral Motivation. A. Blasi, Moral Functioning: Moral Understanding and Personality.
Factors determining the occurrence of Pleurodeles poireti (Caudata: Salamandridae) on Edough Peninsula, northeastern Algeria

Abstract Pleurodeles poireti is one of the lesser-known amphibians in the Mediterranean region. This species is strictly endemic to the Edough Peninsula in northeastern Algeria. Here we investigated the factors that determine the presence of P. poireti, by affecting its selection of both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Aquatic habitats were characterised according to their morphology and the physicochemical parameters of the water. We also examined the topographical and substrate features, plant cover and climatic conditions at the occurrence sites. Our surveys indicated that P. poireti is widely-distributed on the Edough Peninsula. Pleurodeles poireti predominantly breeds in moderate to large water bodies densely covered with emergent vegetation. The water parameters are less influential in its selection of breeding sites, except dissolved oxygen and turbidity, which are usually high at the occupied sites. At the broad spatial scale, P. poireti is positively associated with lowlands in cultivated landscapes. However, the species has a relatively broad niche in the region, and also occurs in cork oak forests. The species tolerates some level of human alteration of the landscape, but some populations close to villages could disappear in response to the combined effects of habitat destruction and the presence of alien fish.