Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Geographic variation of the Greater white‐toothed shrew (Crocidura russula Hermann, 1780 Mammalia, Soricidae)

Abstract A multivariate morphometric study of the Greater white-toothed shrew ( C. russula ) throughout its Palearctic range was carried out to search for patterns of geographic variation within the species boundary. Burnaby's and multiple group principal component analysis allowed the adjustment of raw data with respect to within-sample allometric variation. Multivariate ‘size-free’ results show a stepped cline with the phenotypical trait reduction and shape change from the eastern to the western Maghreb. Pleistocene fossil mandibles proved to have low phenetic distances with eastern populations (Tunisia, east Algeria) and it is argued that their character set is the primitive condition. The ancestral Mid-Pleistocene shrews lived in a relatively more humid climate. Geo-climatic changes in the north African range during the Quaternary provoked phenetic variation of C. russula and, it can be argued, evolution of the modern western C.r. yebalensis . A historical process can thus be assumed as the main cause of this categorical variation, by segmentation of the species range due to geo-climatic events. Morphometric discontinuity within the C. russula Maghreb range is shown to be congruent with karyological and biochemical studies. Moroccan and Tunisian shrews differ, for example, in NFa chromosomes and electrophoretical traits. A statispatric process should be invoked to explain categorical variation in the Maghreb range. Colonization and divergence of insular populations results in more or less differentiated geographic races. The populations of Ibiza and Pantelleria are close to the species threshold (Nei's D ≥ 0·1). The process of speciation undergone by the Greater white-toothed shrew results in a complex pattern of geographic variation, including both allopatric and non-allopatric modes.
Area- but no edge-effect on woody seedling abundance and species richness in old Afromontane forest fragments

Abstract Question: What is the relative importance of area- and edge-effects on woody seedling diversity in old Afromontane forest fragments? Location: Mistbelt Afromontane forests, KwaZulu-Natal midlands, South Africa. Methods: Woody seedling abundance and species richness in 590 1-m2 plots were sampled at the forest edge (< 10 m from the edge) and interior in 31 old (> 60 a) Afromontane forest fragments (0.05 – 328.5 ha) with closed edges in an ancient grassland matrix. Results: Unlike young (< 20 a) Amazonian fragments, there was no edge- or area-effect on sample plot seedling density and species richness, although these increased significantly with increasing herb cover (less disturbance). Seedling density, but not species richness, declined significantly with herbivory of seedlings, regardless of forest size or plot location. Seedling community composition and richness did not differ significantly between the edge and interior of forests across the range of forest sizes (i.e. no edge-effect). Community composition was nested with small forests retaining a subset of the seedling flora of larger forests. Overall, cumulative seedling species richness increased with forest area (i.e. area-effect). Conclusions: Holocene climatic extinction filtering events and area-dependent species relaxation have potentially selected for tree species with convergent life histories adapted to local fragmentation-effects. Stable environmental conditions at old edges in these naturally fragmented forests cause similar regeneration conditions and seedling species composition between edge and interior. Consequently, seedling density and species richness are controlled more by response to gradients of local disturbance (habitat area, herb cover, herbivory) than by proximity to the edge. Large patches (> 50 ha) with intact edges had the highest tree seedling diversity and are a conservation priority. Although small patches contain no unique species they preserve landscape processes, have conservation value, and require protection. Conservation principles derived from recently created Amazonian fragments and that emphasize edge-effects, require critical evaluation for application to old Afromontane patches. Nomenclature: Arnold & de Wet (1993).
Differentiation of Brewing and Related Yeasts Based on PCR Amplification and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism of Ribosomal DNA

A study to differentiate commercially applied brewing yeasts selected from the culture collection of the University of the Free State from related yeasts of the genus Saccharomyces using PCR amplification and RFLP of the internal transcribed spacers region was conducted. Differentiation was dependent on the restriction enzymes used to digest the amplified rDNA. Digestion with Hae III, Cfo I, Sau 3AI and Msp I divided representatives of the genus Saccharomyces into several unique groups. With Msp I the DNA patterns for the two brewing strains were similar, but could be differentiated from Sacch. cerevisiae and other species tested. It was also possible to distinguish some members of the Saccharomyces sensu stricto group i.e. Sacch. bayanus and Sacch. pastorianus from Sacch. cerevisiae and Sacch. paradoxus using Hae III as well as Sacch. paradoxus from the other sensu stricto members using Msp I digestion.
Mechanisms of inducible resistance against Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxins in invertebrates

Abstract Resistance in insect pests against the endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) (Bt) is a major threat to the usefulness of this biopesticide, both used as traditional formulations and in transgenic crops. A crucial requirement for the development of successful resistance management strategies is a molecular understanding of the nature and inheritance of resistance mechanisms. This information can be used to design management strategies that will delay or counteract Bt resistance. The best known Bt resistance mechanism is inactivation of brush border membrane receptors. This type of resistance has a largely recessive mode of inheritance, which has enabled the design of resistance management approaches involving high dose and refuge strategies. Recent observations suggest that other resistance mechanisms are possible, including a mechanism that sequesters the toxin in the gut lumen through inducible immune reactions. The elevated immune status associated with tolerance to the toxin can be transmitted to subsequent generations by a maternal effect, which has implications for resistance management in the field. The high dose/refuge strategy may not be appropriate for the management of these alternative resistance mechanisms and other strategies have to be developed if inducible dominant resistance or tolerance mechanisms occur frequently in the field.
CATALOG OF THE DOLICHOPODIDAE (DIPTERA) OF AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO

Abstract A catalog of the American species of Dolichopodidae north of Mexico is provided. Fifty-five valid genera and 1288 valid species and 3 subspecies in 14 subfamilies are listed. Compared to the North American catalog by Foote et al. (1965), 224 species are added, and there are 15 replacement names, 84 synonyms, 5 species removed from synonymy, and 76 transfers, as well as 10 species included in the previous catalog that are removed from the new list. Furthermore, 13 additional genera and 3 generic synonymies are included. Nomenclatural changes proposed in this catalog consist of 1 new generic synonymy, 4 new synonyms, 2 new names, 40 new combinations, and 1 species newly removed from synonymy. Additional nomenclatural changes and problems are discussed. All validly named taxa described before February 2004 are included. For each genus, the species list is preceded by notes on its distribution, biology, and ecology as well as a list of pertinent keys and revisions, when such information is available. For each valid species name, the list includes the author, year of publication, page number of original description, type depository and locality, and distribution in North America by state or province and occurrence in other realms, as well as taxonomic notes wherever applicable. Additional distribution records from the literature have been added. All known synonyms of genera and species as well as errors, emendations, and misidentifications are included. A bibliography of 492 publications is provided as well as an index to over 1838 included names. Statistics and comments on the history of North American dolichopodid research are presented. The diversity and distribution of Nearctic Dolichopodidae and their relationships with the fauna of other realms is tabulated and discussed.
Recognition, Targeting, and Hydrolysis of the λ O Replication Protein by the ClpP/ClpX Protease*

It has previously been established that sequences at the C termini of polypeptide substrates are critical for efficient hydrolysis by the ClpP/ClpX ATP-dependent protease. We report for the bacteriophage λ O replication protein, however, that N-terminal sequences play the most critical role in facilitating proteolysis by ClpP/ClpX. The N-terminal portion of λ O is degraded at a rate comparable with that of wild type O protein, whereas the C-terminal domain of O is hydrolyzed at least 10-fold more slowly. Consistent with these results, deletion of the first 18 amino acids of λ O blocks degradation of the N-terminal domain, whereas proteolysis of the O C-terminal domain is only slightly diminished as a result of deletion of the C-terminal 15 amino acids. We demonstrate that ClpX retains its capacity to bind to the N-terminal domain following removal of the first 18 amino acids of O. However, ClpX cannot efficiently promote the ATP-dependent binding of this truncated O polypeptide to ClpP, the catalytic subunit of the ClpP/ClpX protease. Based on our results with λ O protein, we suggest that two distinct structural elements may be required in substrate polypeptides to enable efficient hydrolysis by the ClpP/ClpX protease: (i) a ClpX-binding site, which may be located remotely from substrate termini, and (ii) a proper N- or C-terminal sequence, whose exposure on the substrate surface may be induced by the binding of ClpX.
Localization of swine PRE-1 homologues in 13 loci of Phacochoerus aethiopicus and Tayassu tajacu genomes, and their sequence divergence

In our previous study, PRE-1 (a swine short interspersed nuclear element, SINE) was found to be present in the genomes of animal species related to swine (Sus scrofa) i.e. warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) and collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) at almost the same frequency as in Sus scrofa. In the present study, we investigated whether PRE-1 was present in hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), which is in the same order but in a different family to Sus scrofa. Hippopotamus amphibius was found to contain no PRE-1. Then, in order to study the localization of PRE-1 sequences at locus level and the sequence divergence of the PRE-1 of individual loci among Sus scrofa, Phacochoerus aethiopicus and Tayassu tajacu, primer sets, which can amplify PRE-1 sequences at 13 loci of swine genome with the polymerase chain reaction, were prepared to identify any corresponding sequences in Phacochoerus aethiopicus and Tayassu tajacu. Twelve and nine of the 13 primer sets identified fragments in Phacochoerus aethiopicus and Tayassu tajacu respectively. Ten of the 12 Phacochoerus aethiopicus fragments and two of the nine Tayassu tajacu fragments contained PRE-1 sequences. Based on the divergence between the corresponding PRE-1 sequences at individual loci and on the mutation rate of the pseudogenes (r=4.6 x 10 -9 ), Phacochoerus aethiopicus and Tayassu tajacu are currently calculated to have been separated from Sus scrofa later than 1-4 million years before present (MYBP) and 16.8 MYBP, respectively.
Future of Milk Fat Modification by Production or Processing: Integration of Nutrition, Food Science, and Animal Science

Abstract Food components can be chemically or physiologically defined. Chemical definitions were more thoroughly understood when the USFDA published its first labeling regulations, and the chemical definitions of fats persist on food labels today. Advances in nutritional information reveal serious disparities between the two types of definitions. Clearly the consumers' expectations are not being met by the definitions behind the regulations in force today. For example, the chemical definitions of sub-groups, such as saturated fat, that are placed on food labels and the physiological implications of fat as understood by the consumer reading those labels are often seriously incompatible. Accurate information on food labels is the first issue that needs to be addressed so that consumers have the information needed to design diets that are consistent with a healthy lifestyle. A second issue is a method to motivate the consumer to use nutritional information. Both issues, accurate label information and behavior modification, have the full attention of competitive food industries.
Molecular Comparisons Suggest Caribbean Crazy Ant from Florida and Rasberry Crazy Ant From Texas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Nylanderia) are the Same Species

ABSTRACT In 2002, a new invasive pest ant in the genus, Nylanderia (formerly Paratrechina), was found in Houston, TX. This invasive ant has been causing significant economic and ecological damage in infested areas. Because of the morphological and behavioral similarities to Nylanderia pubens Forel (Caribbean crazy ant) found in Florida, this ant was named Nylanderia sp. nr. pubens (Rasberry crazy ant). So far, morphometric and phylogenetic analyses have not determined if the two ants are the same or separate species. To determine the relationships between the two populations, a molecular approach was undertaken. Five novel genes with various functions from N. pubens and N. sp. nr. pubens were cloned, sequenced, and identified, including a chemosensory protein (NpCsp), the cyclophilinlike protein (NpClp), the fatty acid binding protein (NpFabp), the ferritin 2-like protein (NpFlp), and an odorant binding protein (NpObp). The cDNA sequences of NpCsp, NpFabp, NpFlp, and NpObp, shared 100% identity between N. sp. nr. pubens and N. pubens. The cDNA of NpClp shared 99% identity, with the only difference at the nucleotide position 358. Comparisons of four partial genomic DNA sequences from Caribbean and Rasberry crazy ants indicated 100% identity for a 710-bp partial genomic DNA sequence of cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene, 99% identity for a 774 bp, and a 452-bp partial genomic DNA sequence of NpFabp and NpObp containing noncoding regions, and 100% identity for a 289 bp partial genomic DNA sequence of NpCsp containing only coding region. This study showed that N. sp. nr. pubens in Texas is the same, or at most an intraspecific variant or ecotype of the species in Florida.
Effects of feeding micronised flaxseed on yield and composition of milk from Holstein cows

Nine multiparous Holstein cows were used in three 3 × 3 Latin squares to investigate the effects of feeding unheated and micronised flaxseed on milk yield and milk fatty acid composition. Three diets were formulated to meet the nutrient requirement of dairy cows in early lactation: a control diet with no added flaxseed (NFS), an unheated flaxseed diet (UFS) and a micronised flaxseed diet (MFS). The level of flaxseed in UFS and MFS was 70 g kg−1 of the diet dry matter (DM). Feeding flaxseed to dairy cows had no effect on DM intake or milk yield. However, energy-corrected milk was higher (P < 0.05) for cows fed MFS than for those fed UFS or NFS. Supplemental flaxseed reduced (P < 0.05) the milk fat percentage without affecting the concentration of milk protein or milk lactose. However, the yield of milk components was not affected by feeding flaxseed. The concentrations of short-chain (C4:0 to C12:0) and medium-chain (C14:0 to C17:0) fatty acids were decreased (P < 0.05) while those of long-chain fatty acids (C18:0 to C18:3) were increased (P < 0.05) in the milk of cows fed UFS and MFS compared with cows fed NSF. Feeding flaxseed to dairy cows can alter the milk fatty acid composition, but only minor effects on milk fatty acid composition can be expected by feeding micronised versus unheated flaxseed. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Studies on the Antagonistic Effect of Serretia rubidaea for Biofilm Development Capability

This study was performed to compare the growth dynamics of Serretia in single and co-culture biofilms condition and also evaluated its antagonistic effect against pathogenic bacteria. One preserved isolated subculture was identified on the basis of their morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. The isolate was belonged to the genus Serretia and provisionally identified as Serretia rubidaea. This isolate was exposed to different environmental condition. The experiments were carried out in Luria Bertani (LB) broth. The growth rate in different environmental parameter was measured by crystal violet staining of bacteria in Spectrophotometer. It was studied the ability of selected microorganism to generate biofilm on the test tube surfaces at different temperatures, pH values, NaCl concentrations and medium content. It was found that Serretia grew well at 27℃ after 48 h and co-culture grew well at 37℃ after 24 h. The 0.5% NaCl concentration was optimum for both. The results indicated that high concentration of NaCl clearly inhibited the adherence of the cells to the tube surfaces. Other analysis suggested that pH 7 was required for Serretia but pH 5 was suitable for co-culture. An attempt was also made to detect the inhibitory effects of Ciprofloxacin on the selected isolate and co-culture. It was found that, at 10 μg/mlantibiotic concentration, the Serretia single culture was more resistant than co-culture. The antagonistic effect of Serretia against pathogen showed that Serretia produced a small zone of inhibition.
Guard-Cell Starch Retention and Accumulation in the Dark

Guard cells of leaves on living plants, as indicated by 48 species, have a very pronounced ability to retain starch for prolonged periods in darkness. A number of exogenously supplied sugars act as precursors to guard-cell starch production when strips of epidermis are floated on sugar solutions in the dark. Mesophyll and bundle cells are associated with the uptake, transformation, and translocation of the test sugars. In some species exogenously supplied glucose-1-phosphate or sucrose can serve as a precursor to guard-cell starch without the aid of mesophyll or bundle cells.
Diversity of phototrophic components in biofilms from Piperno historical stoneworks

We investigated phototrophic microorganisms dwelling on stone walls made of Piperno, a volcanic rock frequently used as construction material in historical buildings in Naples, Italy. Biofilms from three historical buildings in the center of the city and from a natural Piperno quarry located in a suburban area were examined. Light and electron microscopy, and molecular biology techniques allowed the identification of 17 species belonging to Cyanobacteria, Rhodophyta, Bacillariophyta, and Chlorophyta. Cyanobacteria were the dominant components in all the biofilms. No significant differences in microbial composition were observed for biofilms collected in autumn and spring, with minor exceptions for the quarry samples, where environmental conditions were relatively more stable than in the city. Results are discussed in comparison with information on microbial communities dwelling on other kinds of substrata commonly used in historical buildings in the Neapolitan area.
The rodents Pseudotomus and Quadratomus and the content of the tribe manitshini (Paramyinae, Ischyromyidae)

ABSTRACT All genera previously referred to the Manitshini are reviewed. Ischyrotomus Matthew is synonymized with Pseudotomus Cope, and the tribe Manitshini is restricted to this latter genus and the Chadronian Manitsha. Pseudotomus is represented by three Bridgerian species, four Uintan species, and one Duchesnean and Chadronian species. Quadratomus Korth is removed from the Manitshini and included in the Paramyini based on morphologic characters of the mandible and dentitions. The massive postcranial bones of Quadratomus are interpreted as convergent on those of the manitshines. In addition to the type species, two other species of Quadratomus are recognized, Q. sundelli (Eaton) from the later Bridgerian, and a new species, Q. grossus from the early Bridgerian. A massive postcranial skeleton evolved three times in Eocene ischyromyids, in the Manitshini (Pseudotomus), in the Paramyini (Quadratomus), and in the Pseudoparamyinae (Plesiarctomys).
Segregation Between Adult Cutthroat Trout (Salmo clarki) and Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) in Small Coastal British Columbia Lakes

Comparison of spatial distributions and food of allopatric populations of cutthroat trout (Salmo clarki) and Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) in two lakes and of sympatric populations in a third lake suggested interactive segregation. Allopatric cutthroat changed their depth distribution throughout the spring and summer but no diel migration was noted. Changes in food habits closely corresponded to seasonal changes in vertical distribution. A wide range of food organisms was eaten from surface, midwater, and benthic sources. Allopatric Dolly Varden underwent diel changes in spatial distribution, with many being caught in onshore waters near the surface at night. They were absent from such areas in the day, apparently occupying offshore waters at greater depths. Their diet throughout summer consisted largely of surface insects and zooplankton, with lesser amounts of bottom fauna.Sympatric cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden were spatially segregated throughout the summer. Cutthroat trout occurred and fed mostl.
A Comparative Study of the Surgical Anatomy of the Tendons of Insertions of the Extrinsic Muscles of the Eyeball in Diferent Domestic Animals

A study of the length, width, and line of insertion on the eyeball, relative to the limbus was made of the extrinsic eye muscles of 11 domestic animal species. Eyes were collected fresh from abatoir or studied in the gross anatomy dissecting laboratory of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine. A comparison of these species is made regarding the description of the mode of insertion of these muscles.
THE ORDERED MACROMOLECULAR SURFACE OF POLYESTER INCLUSION-BODIES IN PSEUDOMONAS-OLEOVORANS

Intracellular inclusion bodies of poly(β-hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) have been studied in various microorganisms since Lemoigne's discovery of PHAs in 1925. Recently, the research in several laboratories, including our own, has addressed the role of proteins, lipids, and water associated with these accumulations. Our research has examined the boundary of polymer inclusion bodies. Electron microscopy demonstrated that the polymer is encompassed by two paracrystalline arrays. SDS-PAGE, Western blot, or immunogold labelling demonstrated that both contain a 43-kDa protein as a major component. Immunogold labelling also demonstrated that 55- and 59-kDa proteins are located, exclusively, on the array associated with the accumulating polymer. Results from microelemental analysis and preliminary thin-layer chromatography of released lipids were consistent with the suggestion that phospholipids also had a role in this organized assembly. A model has been suggested, aimed at focusing attention on this organized bound.