Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Locating bilharzia transmission sites in South Africa: guidelines for public health personnel

Bilharzia surveillance at local authority level in South Africa relies on public health personnel being able to locate transmission sites. Although several methods have been tried, the method of choice is collecting snails, identifying those that serve as intermediate hosts for bilharzia, and examining them for evidence of infection. Unfortunately, public health personnel are seldom trained to recognise these snails or the parasites’ larval stages, and few laboratories are able to assist. Therefore, the intention is that these guidelines will help to equip personnel with the basic information needed to collect and identify the bilharzia-carrying snails, and then examine them for infection. The intramolluscan or larval stages of trematode parasites likely to be encountered in dissected snails are described. However, emphasis is placed on the furcocercariae, a group which includes the infective stage of bilharzia flukes. A family key to furcocercariae is presented.
The Contemporary Theory of Metaphor: Myths, Developments and Challenges

This article discusses some of the claims of the earlier and later versions of the Contemporary Theory of Metaphor (CTM) and addresses some of the criticism that has been leveled against it. It is argued that much of this criticism arises from common misconceptions as to the real claims made by the theory. However, CTM is still in need of further exploration and empirical support. In this connection, we identify some areas where research is still needed and supply our own developments. We argue for a more complex classification of metaphor types, which takes into account various complementary taxonomic perspectives, including the nature of source and target and the genericity and complexity of the metaphoric operation. We also explore metaphor in relation to cognitive prominence and conceptual interaction issues. Finally, we deal with the problem of constraints on metaphor and make a proposal for three complementary kinds of constraint.
Phylogenetic relationships of Rosenvingea (Scytosiphonaceae, Phaeophyceae) from Vietnam based on cox3 and psaA sequences

Copyright © 2014 The Korean Society of Phycology 289 http://e-algae.kr pISSN: 1226-2617 eISSN: 2093-0860 Phylogenetic relationships of Rosenvingea (Scytosiphonaceae, Phaeophyceae) from Vietnam based on cox3 and psaA sequences Kyung Min Lee, Dang Diem Hong and Sung Min Boo* Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Korea Algal Biotechnology Department, Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
Semantic Data Integration for Public Health in Brazil

The lack of semantic information is a big challenge, even in context-driven areas like Healthcare, characterized by established terminologies. Here, semantic data integration is the solution to provide precise information and answers to questions like: What is the care pathway of newborns diagnosed with a congenital anomaly in consequence of congenital syphilis in the city of Sao Paulo? This project will use a semantic data integration technique, ontology based data integration, to integrate three health databases from the city of Sao Paulo - Brazil: mortality, live births and hospital information system. It is expected that the integration of public health databases will help to map patient care pathways, predict public resource needs and minimize unnecessary spending.
VELAFRONS COAHUILENSIS, A NEW LAMBEOSAURINE HADROSAURID (DINOSAURIA: ORNITHOPODA) FROM THE LATE CAMPANIAN CERRO DEL PUEBLO FORMATION, COAHUILA, MEXICO

Abstract A new lambeosaurine hadrosaurid, Velafrons coahuilensis, is described as the first lambeosaurine from the Cerro del Pueblo Formation of Coahuila, Mexico, and the first lambeosaurine genus to be named from North America in more than 70 years. Although the holotype specimen is a juvenile individual—as evidenced by its incomplete crest development and relative size compared to other North American lambeosaurines—ontogeny independent autapomorphies have been identified including quadrate with narrow quadratojugal notch and a postorbital with well developed, dorsally positioned squamosal process. Additionally, this taxon is unique in that the prefrontal is not dorsally deflected and anteroposteriorly expanded as in other lambeosaurine taxa of its size, but rather retains the frontal-prefrontal “clamp” present in smaller individuals of other taxa. Phylogenetic analysis places Velafrons in a polytomy with numerous other fan-crested lambeosaurines. The crest structure of Velafrons more closely resembles that of Corythosaurus and Hypacrosaurus because it possesses an anteriorly projecting nasal process over the dorsal premaxilla process. Biogeographically, Velafrons is one of three distinct hadrosaurids known from approximately 73.5 Ma—two lambeosaurines and one hadrosaurine—all restricted to the southern region of the Western Interior Basin of North America.
Theoretical Aspects of Numerical Identification1

All identification processes are strictly probabilistic. Identification allocates initially unidentified operational taxonomic units (U-OTUs) to taxa contained in previously established classifications. Identification is therefore subject to a number of a priori conditions, such as the probabilistic nature of classifications, the manner in which classifications are made, the adequacy of classifications, and the adequacy of the set of characters describing U-OTUs. The advantages and disadvantages of continuous reclassification, incorporating U-OTUs, are discussed. Numerical identification is concerned with extracting from a classification a minimum, or near minimum, amount of information necessary to effect separation of all the taxa defined by the classification. Several strategies are available for achieving this-test reduction, OTU reduction, a combination of both of these, and key generation.
How the Cricket Frog Lost Its Spot: The Inducible Defense Hypothesis

Abstract Prey may use a variety of strategies to avoid predators, including behavioral modification and inducible defenses. For an inducible defense to evolve, one necessary component is that the defense must be costly; if it is not, then the defense should evolve into one that is always expressed (i.e., a constitutive defense). However, costs of inducible defenses have not been well-documented. Using predator exposure experiments in aquatic mesocosms, we demonstrate that dark tail coloration (or lack thereof) in Blanchard's Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi) tadpoles is an inducible defense. Specifically, Acris tadpole tail spots in treatments with dragonfly predators (Anax sp.) were significantly larger when compared to treatments with fish predators (Lepomis macrochirus). However, tadpoles in control tanks (with no predators) had tail spots that were not significantly different in area from the Anax treatment. Therefore, this defense is unique among those known because the presence of fish induces the loss (not the appearance) of this morphology. Because Acris tadpoles express the tail spot in the absence of predation risk, this phenotype also does not appear to have any substantial allocation cost. We also document predation of Acris tadpoles by a fish predator and demonstrate reduction in movement and differential habitat use in the presence of fish predator cues. Under predation risk, tadpoles became less active and occupied the shallowest regions of their habitats. This combination of plastic morphological and behavioral defenses likely allows these frogs to successfully breed in a broad range of aquatic habitats with different assemblages of predators. While likely effective in reducing vulnerability to Anax attacks, the tail spot may increase vulnerability to fish. Our results suggest that the antagonistic effects of predator-specific inducible defenses may represent another type of cost relevant to the conditions under which inducible defenses are expected to evolve.
The reduced partitioning procedure revisited

The present article reports on the inherent connections between perturbation and variation theories known as the Reduced Partitioning Procedure. The topic formed the basis for the PhD thesis of Rodney J. Bartlett. In this work he analysed the interrelations between current (at the time) perturbation and variational theories, with particular reference to the Lanczos algorithm, the Krylov vectors, Hankel determinants as well as inferences from the Padé–Stieltjes moment problem and associated Lippman–Schwinger-type principles. Numerical computations for small molecular systems displayed rapid convergence, in excellent agreement with the deduced optimal properties of the method.
Bioefficacy, Phytotoxicity, and Biosafety of Mineral Oil on Management of Whitefly in Okra

There is little work on the bioefficacy of mineral oil on management of whitefly in vegetable crops. The bioefficacy of mineral oil, a safer material than synthetic chemical pesticides, was determined against whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]. Laboratory and pot culture studies were conducted to test the bioefficacy of mineral oil alone or in combination with other materials against whitefly on okra. A 2% concentration of mineral oil + neem oil and mineral oil + Pongamia glabra seed oil produced 95% and 93.33% mortality at 48 h after treatment under laboratory conditions. In pot culture, 2% concentrations of mineral oil + neem oil and mineral oil + Pongamia glabra seed oil were effective against B. tabaci with a mean population reduction of 81.83% and 81.52%, respectively. Foliar application of up to 5% mineral oil on okra produced no phytotoxicity on 30- and 45-day-old plants. However, mineral oil at 7%, 10%, 15%, and 20% produced injury to tips and surfaces of leaves with a rating of 2.0, 2.0, 3.33, and 6.33 on 30-day-old plants and 2.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0 on 45-day-old plants, respectively. Mineral oil at 3% and 5% concentrations did not cause phytotoxicity. Laboratory experiments conducted on the safety of mineral oil and its combinations for the predator Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) eggs and grubs indicated that all mineral oil–based treatments were safe with negligible negative effects on hatching of eggs 89%–93.5% hatching and minimum grub mortality of 3.33%–16.67%. Mineral oil in combination with either neem oil or Pongamia glabra seed oil is efficacious in checking the whitefly population; furthermore, it is not phytotoxic and is safer for its common predator Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens).
Corticolous arthropods under climatic fluctuations - compensation is more important than migration

Animals can cope with fluctuating climates by physiological tolerance, tracking of climatic fluctuations (migration) and compensatory redistribution among (micro)habitats (compensation). Compensation is less demanding and thus more important than migration at large geographic scales. It is not clear however which strategy is more important at the small scale of a microhabitat landscape. I investigated how six arthropod species (Collembola, Oribatei, Psocoptera, Isopoda) respond to microclimatic fluctuations at the surface of exposed tree trunks. Across a nine-month period I characterized the microclimatic zonation of 299 trunks, and focally sampled the arthropods from different microhabitat types (different cryptogam species and bark crevices) within different microclimatic zones. I found that compensatory microhabitat-use was a general phenomenon. The distribution of all species across microhabitats was influenced significantly by ambient microclimate. Also, the arthropods' microhabitat use changed throughout their ontogeny, and microhabitats were used even if they were rare. Most interestingly, the arthropods responded to microclimatic fluctuations primarily by redistribution among microhabitats and less by fluctuations of overall abundances across all microhabitats. Hence compensation was more important than migration. The animals moved for centimeters to decimeters rather than for decimeters to meters; they perceived and utilized their environment primarily at the finest, but also most complex scale. This has implications for the resilience of arthropod populations, their interactions with cryptogams and the turnover of species between macrohabitats.
The Diversity of Autochthonous Roses in Flanders (Belgium) in the View of the European GENEROSE Reference Framework

The subgenus Rosa is very intriguing but complex. Nowadays, many European taxonomists apply the taxonomical structure of Henker (2000), although other classifications and views are still considered. In order to gain insight in the taxonomical structure, 1,144 individuals belonging to 27 different wild rose species and some spontaneous hybrids were sampled in Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands and Scandinavian countries. Using AFLP analysis, the intra- and interspecific genetic variation was evaluated. PCO analysis supported the major subdivision of the subgenus Rosa in different sections and subsections according to Henker (2000). However, the position of R. tomentella in a separate subsection or within the subsection Caninae is questioned. In order to support the preservation and use of autochthonous genetic resources the genetic fingerprints of several populations were compared. It is concluded that wild populations of rare or locally prevailing species, accessioned from different regions, show genetic differentiation. However, for the common and well-dispersed species no differentiation was found.
Oligogalacturonides inhibit the formation of roots on tobacco explants

α-1,4-Oligogalacturonides with degrees of polymerization (DPs) ranging from 6 to 18 or 2 to 8 were added to tobacco leaf explants and root formation was evaluated after 15 days of incubation. Auxin-induced formation of roots was inhibited by oligogalacturonides with DPs 6–18 but not by the oligogalacturonides with DPs 2–8. The inhibition of root formation by the larger oligogalacturonides was prevented by increasing the amount of auxin present in the medium. Oligogalacturonides (DPs 6–18) also inhibited root formation when added to tobacco thin cell-layer (TCL) explants in a medium that is known to induce the formation of roots. The addition of size-homogeneous oligogalacturonides, to either tobacco leaf explants or TCLs, established that oligogalacturonides with DPs between 10 and 14 were most active in inhibiting the formation of roots. These data suggest that oligogalacturonides of the same size as those known to elicit plant defense responses, and to affect floral development and membrane functions, also inhibit the induction of root morphogenesis in tobacco.
Characterization of the Light Environment in Canopies Using 3D Digitising and Image Processing

Abstract A method to measure light interception by vegetation canopies is presented which uses a 3D digitiser and image processing software. The 3D digitiser allows for simultaneous acquisition of the spatial co-ordinates of leaf locations and orientations. Software for image synthesis is used to make virtual photographs of the real canopy. Information on light interception is derived from the virtual images by using simple features of image analysis software. The method is applied to cotton, grapevine and young mango plants. Calculations are made of light interception at the canopy level, light partitioning between plant organs, vertical profiles of light interception, fisheye photographs and leaf irradiance distribution.
Expression and immunocytochemical analysis of Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) orf74 gene

Abstract Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus orf74 (Ac74) is located between 62 311 and 63 108bp in the AcMNPV genome, which encodes 265 amino acid residues with a predicted 31 kDa molecular weight. The homologues of Ac74 were searched using BLASTP in protein databases, GenBank/EMBL and SWISS‐PROT. The result revealed that deduced Ac74 protein was homologous to the predicted products from 10 lepidoptera NPV ORFs. The multiple sequence alignments of Ac74 and its 10 homologues manifested only one amino acid residue was completely conserved. The transcript analysis revealed that the transcript of Ac74 was detected from 24–72 hours post‐infection (hpi). The product of Ac74 was detected at 24 hpi and lasted until 72 hpi by Western blot using anti‐Ac74 antiserum, consistent with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction results. These results suggested Ac74 was expressed during the later stages of infection. The product of Ac74 was 31 kDa in size, consistent with predicted molecular weight. The subcellular localization of Ac74 proteins manifested Ac74 protein in the cytoplasm, and was hardly present in the nucleus at 24 hpi. The fluorescence was also observed in polyhedra, except cytoplasm at 72 hpi. Together, Ac74 is a functional protein with 3 1kDa molecular weight and is located in the cytoplasm and the polyhedra.
Nutrient availability affects the response of juvenile corals and the endosymbionts to ocean acidification

The interactive effects of nutrient availability and ocean acidification on coral calcification were investigated using post‐settlement juvenile corals of Acropora digitifera cultured in nutrient‐sufficient or nutrient‐depleted seawater for 4 d and then exposed to seawater with different partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) conditions (38.8 or 92.5 Pa) for 10 d. After the nutrient pretreatment, corals in the high nutrient condition (HN corals) had a significantly higher abundance of endosymbiotic algae than did those in the low nutrient condition (LN corals). The high abundance of endosymbionts in HN corals was reduced as a result of subsequent seawater acidification, and the chlorophyll a per algal cell increased. The photosynthetic oxygen production rate by endosymbionts was enhanced by the acidified seawater regardless of the nutrient treatment, indicating that the reduction in endosymbiont density in HN corals due to acidification was compensated for by the increase in chlorophyll a per cell. Though the photosynthetic rate increased in the acidified conditions for both LN and HN corals, the calcification rate significantly decreased for LN corals but not for HN corals. The acquisition of nutrients from seawater, rather than the increase in alkalinity caused by photosynthesis, might effectively alleviate the negative response of coral calcification to seawater acidification, suggesting that the response of corals and their endosymbionts to ocean acidification can be influenced by nutrient conditions.
Sexual Size dimorphism in the diving Beetle Laccophilus maculosus Say (coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

Abstract Sexual size dimorphism was quantified for a population of the diving beetle Laccophilus maculosus Say in Northern Ontario, Canada. Consistent with other populations of this species, but in contrast to the general pattern in insects, males were significantly larger than females in terms of body length, elytral length, and pronotal width. There was a significant multivariate difference in body size between the sexes, and discriminant function analysis identified 68.87% of individuals as the correct sex based on measurements of body size. Males also had significantly longer femora, longer tibiae, and larger tarsi on the pro- and mesothoracic legs.
Responses of Gammarus Pulex (L.) To Modified Environment Iii. Reactions to Low Oxygen Tensions

1. Gammarus pulex erkennt und vermeidet unzureichend durchsauerstofftes Wasser, und zwar bereits weit oberhalb kritischer Letalkonzentrationen. 2. Jungere G. pulex verhalten sich indifferent gegenuber Wasser, welches 4 mg pro Liter oder mehr Sauerstoff enthalt. 3. Die Reaktion auf Wasser mit geringem Sauerstoffgehalt wird beschleunigt oder verlangsamt durch einen Anstieg oder Abfall der Temperatur. 4. Gammariden reagieren auserordentlich intensiv auf Wasser mit geringem Sauerstoffgehalt und niedrigem pH. 5. G. pulex wahlt Wasser mit sehr niedrigem pH zugunsten von Wasser mit sehr niedrigem Sauerstoffgehalt, wenn eine Auswahlmoglichkeit geboten wird.
EQUINE INNATE AND ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY TO VIRAL INFECTIONS

Activation of innate immunity through Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling can also enhance antigen-specific adaptive immunity. TLR9 is an endosomal receptor for unmethylated bacterial and viral cytosine-phosphate-guanine DNA (CpG-DNA). West Nile virus (WNV) infection may result in meningitis and encephalitis in humans and horses, especially aged and immunocompromised individuals. Using flow cytometric analyses and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we investigated equine cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to an inactivated West Nile virus vaccine in healthy yearling and adult horses. We also studied the potential of enhancing equine adaptive immunity to viruses and other pathogens by activation of innate immunity though TLR9 signaling pathway. We found vaccination with inactivated WNV vaccine induced strong WNV-specific T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 CMI with a Th1 bias, also effectively induced WNV-specific CTLs in yearling horses. In adult horses, the pre-existing Th1 CMI bias against WNV was enhanced following booster vaccination with inactivated WNV vaccine. Molecular characterization and flow cytometric analysis of TLR9 expression using a cross-reactive TLR9 mAb identified high constitutive expression of equine TLR9 in neutrophils (PMNs), CD4 and CD8 T cells and other leukocytes. Conservation of equine TLR9 and a high expression profile among leukocytes suggests that equine TLR9 is a frequent target for unmethylated CpG-DNA, an essential mechanism for the activation of innate immunity. Unmethylated CpG-DNA can significantly activate equine PMNs. It also induces expression of interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, and interleukin (IL)-12p35 in PBMCs, as well as IFN-α and IFN-γ in monocyte-derived DCs. Enhanced expression of IFNs in immune cells by CpG-DNA is not only crucial for host viral clearance, but also important in mediating host immune responses due to IFNs’ anti-inflammatory effects. Compared to the relatively weaker activation of equine innate immunity by inactivated WNV, the tested CpGDNA species showed potential as vaccine adjuvants for enhancement of CTLs and Th1 CMI against intracellular pathogens, characterized by significant induction of type I IFNs and Th1specific cytokines such as IL-12p35 and IFN-γ. These data provide a basis for further investigation of these CpG-DNA species as potentially effective vaccine adjuvants in horses. EQUINE INNATE AND ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY TO VIRAL INFECTIONS
Stability of the Water Regime forms a Vegetation Gradient in Minerotrophic Mire Expanse Vegetation of a Boreal Aapa Mire

Mire surface levels reflecting the water table depth are known to be an important vegetation gradient in boreal peatlands. We classified the vegetation by TWINSPAN, interpreted the vegetation gradients by ordination (Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling) and analysed the peat thickness for the TWINSPAN communities and species (Indicator Species Analysis) from small-sized sample plots over extremely thin-peated to medium thick-peated, minerotrophic mire expanse vegetation from an aapa-mire complex Hirvisuo, Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. The TWINSPAN communities and the ordination-result could be interpreted in relation to the mire surface levels and additionally in relation to the stability of the water regime on the basis of water level measurements made from the same habitat types in an earlier research. Peat thickness correlated with the stability of the water regime so that communities with an unstable water regime on sand were thin-peated (0–30 cm), while communities with a stable water regime were more thick-peated. We conclude here that the mire-ecological water-table gradient was dissected into two vegetation gradients in Hirvisuo: the gradient formed by mire surface levels reflecting the mean water table level and the stability of the water regime, which represents a gradient of local importance over boreal Fennoscandia. Peat procuding ability of the bottom layer in mires seems to be much dependent on it.