Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Análisis florístico en tepetates del estado de Tlaxcala

En Mexico no se conocen trabajos sobre floristica de los tepetates, ya que se consideran suelos improductivos y poco interesantes para su estudio. Se recolecto material botanico durante 18 meses en 2 localidades del estado de Tlaxcala con presencia de tepetates y en 40 unidades experimentales con barreras para retencion de sedimentos y 40 sin barreras, que tambien fueron utilizadas para introducir arbustos nativos micorrizados. Las plantas se identificaron taxonomicamente y se depositaron en el herbario TLXM. Se registran 44 familias, 106 generos y 140 especies que representan mas del 10% de lo conocido para el estado. Las 2 localidades comparten 51 especies y existen muchas exclusivas de cada sitio. El analisis de varianza muestra diferencias significativas (p<0.05) en el numero de especies entre localidades y entre unidades experimentales con y sin barreras. El analisis de semejanza con el metodo UPGMA y el coeficiente de Baroni-Urbani y Buser permiten proponer 4 grupos de las unidades experimentales con 43% de semejanza; 2 corresponden a unidades con pocas especies; y cada uno de los otros 2 agrupan, respectivamente, la mayoria de las unidades de Atlangatepec y las de Altzayanca, lo que puede deberse a la presencia de las familias Asteraceae y Poaceae, consideradas de amplia distribucion y afines a ambientes deteriorados. Se registra Coryphanta bussleri (Mundt) Scheinvar por primera vez para Tlaxcala, lo cual representa una nueva poblacion para Mexico.
Familiarity Affects Agonistic Interactions between Female Red-Backed Salamanders

Abstract We conducted a laboratory experiment to determine the influence of familiarity on the aggressive behavior of female red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) from Virginia. Females that were familiar with each other (i.e., had resided together for five days) spent significantly less time in threat displays toward each other than did females that had not previously encountered each other. These plus previously published data suggest that familiarity among individuals plays a role in social interactions of red-backed salamanders at our research site, where encounters among individuals must be frequent because of a high population density. Reduced aggression with familiarity implies that these salamanders remembered past associations, which would conform to assumptions of the “dear enemy” phenomenon, the “war of attrition” model, and the “fight to learn” hypothesis.
SOURCES OF PROTEIN IN TWO SPECIES OF PHYTOPHAGOUS BATS IN A SEASONAL DRY FOREST: EVIDENCE FROM STABLE-ISOTOPE ANALYSIS

Abstract The relative importance of plants and insects as sources of protein through the year was evaluated in 2 bat species in a seasonal forest in the neotropics using stable-isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen. Artibeus jamaicensis, a frugivore, met almost all of its protein requirements from plants with no seasonal or sexual variation. In contrast, Glossophaga soricina, a nectarivore, relied mostly on insects, but in females, plants and insects were equally important in the early rainy season and in the mid dry season. Evidence of changes in food origin of protein associated with reproductive activity was not detected in either species.
Prior-aware Composition Inference for Spectral Topic Models

Spectral algorithms operate on matrices or tensors of word co-occurrence to learn latent topics. These approaches remove the dependence on the original documents and produce substantial gains in eﬃciency with provable inference, but at a cost: the models can no longer infer any information about individual documents. Thresholded Linear Inverse is developed to learn document-speciﬁc topic compositions, but its linear characteristics limit the inference quality without considering any prior information on topic distributions. We propose two novel estimation methods that respect previously unclear prior structures of spectral topic models. Experiments on a variety of synthetic to real collections demonstrate that our Prior-Aware Dual De-composition outperforms the baseline method, whereas our Prior-Aware Manifold Iteration performs even better on short realistic data.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE SHRIMP RIMAPENAEUS CONSTRICTUS (DECAPODA, PENAEIDAE) IN THE UBATUBA REGION OF BRAZIL

Abstract Sexual maturity, temporal reproductive pattern, and recruitment of juveniles were examined for the shrimp Rimapenaeus constrictus at three different bays in the Ubatuba region (Mar Virado, Ubatuba, and Ubatumirim), State of São Paulo (23°S 45°W). Monthly samples were taken from January 1998 to December 1999. The presence or absence of mating plugs (associated with mating and insemination) and ovarian maturity were used to examine breeding in adult females. The whole sample comprised 3863 females and 1468 males. Estimates of size (carapace length) at the onset of sexual maturity were 7.0 mm and 7.8 mm for males and females, respectively. Higher percentage of females bearing ripe gonads was observed during spring and summer over the course of the study, contrasting to the low proportion in fall 1998 and winter 1999. Juvenile shrimps were sampled year-round. These results suggest a continuous reproductive pattern for R. constrictus. Mating, spawning, and juvenile recruitment took place mostly in shallow waters up to 20-m depths in the study region. Warm to mild temperatures may favour the spawning pattern observed in this species. The classical paradigm of continuous reproduction at lower latitudes, with increased seasonality of breeding period at higher latitudes, seems to apply to this species.
Secondary Carotenoids of Eremosphaera viridis De Bary (Chlorophyceae) Under Nitrogen Deficiency

Under nitrogen deficiency the unicellular chlorococcalean green alga, Eremosphaera viridis De Bary, was able to synthesize secondary carotenoids (SC). Nine SC were identified as six astaxanthin esters, echinenone, canthaxanthin and a lutein ester, previously not described in green algae under nitrogen deficiency. These SC, jS-carotene and the main part of lutein were located in lipid bodies outside the chloroplasts in the cytosol. The synthesis of SC could be inhibited by the herbicides norflurazon and nicotine. This result supported the idea that SC in cells ot Eremosphaera viridis were synthesized de novo rather than derived from primary carotenoids.
Habitat and Search Criteria of the Rare Sandhills Lily, Lilium pyrophilum M. W. Skinner and Sorrie

Abstract Thirty populations of Sandhills lily (Lilium pyrophilum) in North Carolina and Virginia were studied to understand the habitat requirements and develop search criteria to find new populations. In each population a study plot containing lily individuals was compared with a nearby plot lacking the lily. Lilium pyrophilum habitat occurred on floodplains and adjacent side slopes that supported four Coastal Plain plant community types and maintained rights-of-way and had an open canopy with an understory dominated by herbs and shrubs. Lily individuals occurred on a range of organic to mineral-organic soils but not on sandy soils and lily soils had higher sulfur levels. Relative to plots lacking lily individuals, Lilium pyrophilum plots had a higher wetness index. Since 97% of plots were in jurisdictional wetlands, a wetland indicator of FACW+ was recommended for L. pyrophilum. Search criteria for finding new populations were developed on the basis of the habitat features elucidated in this study.
Laboratory assays for the detection of malaria transmission reducing activity

Human malaria is a parasitic disease, which causes over 200 million clinical cases and more than one million deaths per year. Most cases occur in children aged below five and the most affected continent is Africa. Malaria is spread by sexual forms of Plasmodium parasites (gametocytes), which are transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes from infected to susceptible humans. Human subjects in endemic areas may naturally acquire immunity against the parasite stages involved in transmission. This transmission reducing activity (TRA) can be assessed by bioassays, feeding mosquitoes with blood, gametocytes and serum. The first objective was to study the association of TRA with transmission intensity in local populations in Cameroon. Transmission intensity in capital Yaounde (34 infectious bites per man per year, ibpy) was about five times lower than in rural Koundou (previously reported 177 ibpy). The probability that gametocyte carriers showed TRA was 4.6 fold higher in Koundou than in Yaounde. In addition, there was a trend towards higher TRA values in individuals with higher gametocytaemias. The second objective was to optimise the bioassay and the calculation method for TRA. Repeated measurements of individual sera showed some variability in TRA, which was larger between experiments than within experiments. Therefore, sera are better compared within rather than between experiments. Besides, TRA showed a strong association with concentration of anti-sexual stage antibodies, what supports the notion of reproducible TRA. The adapted bioassay was applied on sera from non-immune transmigrants in malaria endemic Papua, Indonesia. Increases of TRA and anti-sexual stage antibodies were shown after one to four infections already. TRA and antibodies are thus rapidly acquired upon exposure to infection. We expect that the adapted methods will enable more detailed studies on the development and maintenance of TRA in endemic populations.
Prospects for clonal forestry with radiata pine

Summary The advantages of vegetative propagation of forest trees are discussed. The history of the development of such techniques with radiata pine (Pinus radiata) is outlined and a new technique for mass propagation of cuttings of the species described. It is suggested large scale clonal plantations of this species are now possible.
PRODUCTION OF AFLATOXINS FROM Aspergillus flavus AND ACUTE AFLATOXICOSIS IN YOUNG BROILER CHICKS

In the present study aflatoxins were produced by fermentation of rice. The highest average concentration of aflatoxins B1 was 763. 157µg/ g of rice in those flasks having addition of trace metals. Broiler chicks of 7 days of age were offered feed containing 0, 1600, 3200 and 6400 µg/ kg aflatoxin B1 for 7 days. Clinical signs in intoxicated birds included depression, ruffled feathers, decreased interest in feed, increased water intake and soft to watery feces. A significant decrease in body weight was observed in all groups which were in a dose related manner and it was more severe in group fed 6400 µg/kg aflatoxins B1 in feed. Pathological lesions in birds of treatment groups included pallor discoloration of liver and enlargement of liver and kidneys. Hemorrhages were present on different organs of the body. Microscopically congestion of liver parenchyma, cytoplasmic vaculation/fatty change of hepatocytes, necrosis of hepatocytes, newly formed bile ducts, mononuclear and hetrophilic cell infiltration were observed in aflatoxin fed broiler chicks. Kidneys of aflatoxins B1 intoxicated birds were enlarged and microscopically revealed degeneration and necrosis of tubular epithelial cells, congestion and hemorrhages of the parenchyma. Present study revealed that all the clinical, gross and histopathological lesions were dose related.
The parasitoids of the aleyrodid Bemisia tabaci in Israel: development, host preference and discrimination of the aphelinid wasp Eretmocerus mundus

Developmental history and behavior of Eretmocerus mundus Mercet, a parasitoid of Bemisia tabaci was studied at 25 °C. The eggs may be laid under all four nymphal instars but not under the pupa. Yet the second and third instars are preferred. The egg hatches only under the fourth instar or the pupa. Developmental medians at 25 °C are: Instar I‐2.5, II‐4, II‐4, prepupa–2 and pupa 8 days. When ovipositing, the female stands at an angle of 90° to the host, with wings raised and inserts the ovipositor under the whitefly nymph. The egg is laid close to the insertion point of the whitefly's proboscis into the leaf. After oviposition, the female apparently marks the host while drumming on it with her hind legs. She distinguishes already parasitized hosts from unparasitized ones and refrains from laying under the former. Discrimination is accomplished after antennal drumming only.
The impacts of increased codend mesh size on the northern Baltic herring fishery: ecosystem and market uncertainties

The short and long term eVects of an increase in trawl codend mesh size (from 20-mm to 36-mm) on catch weight and value per recruit and on the stock biomass of herring in the northern Baltic were assessed. Calculations were carried out using an agestructured model. Yearly estimates of growth rates for commercial catch sample data for 1974‐1992 were used in the analysis. Natural mortality estimates were from the multispecies population analysis. Under the conditions prevailing in 1974‐1992, the increase in codend mesh size would have led to a reduction in catch and in the value of the catch per recruit. The magnitude of the estimated reduction in catch varied greatly with the growth and natural mortality of the population. If an increase in mesh size is to be profitable for this fishery in the long run, the price of large herring processed for human consumption would have to be six times greater than the price of the smaller fodder herring (the price diVerential has been around four-fold), or the survival of codend escapees would need to be increased to 80% from the current estimated level of about 15% (e.g. with the aid of new fishing technology). 1996 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
An evaluation of the use of ultrasound scanning to predict carcass traits in steers grain fed for the Japanese market

The value of live-animal ultrasound scanning was assessed for steers grain-fed according to Japanese market speciflcations. Ultrasound scanning of the live animal for rump fat depth at the P8 site and for longissimus muscle area at feedlot entry did not accurately predict the ranking of individual steers on subcutaneous fat depth and longissimus muscle area measured on the carcass at slaughter. When scanning was performed at the time of feedlot exit, up to 9 months later, the prediction of post-slaughter subcutaneous fat depth using scanned measurements made at the P8 site was of higher precision. Ultrasonic scanning to determine longissimus muscle area on feedlot exit was no better as a predictor of carcass longissimus muscle area than was that scanned at feedlot entry. The low correlations were probably due to difierences in the sites of the scan (12th/13th rib interface) and longissimus muscle-area measurement (10th/11th rib interface) and to measurement errors in both the ultrasonic scan and the direct carcass measurements. Ultrasonic scan measurements may have been afiected by interference from deep fat cover on the steers. Genetic correlations were high but imprecisely estimated. Correlations between live-animal scanned measurements and the corresponding carcass measurements were high for steers from the same vendor property. Heritability estimates for the scanned measurements were in agreement with those from other studies.
Genetic variation of energy partitioning in laying hens: causes of variation in residual feed consumption

When multiple linear regression of feed consumption on metabolic body weight (MBW), body weight gain (BWG) and egg mass production (EM) is calculated between or within strains of laying hens, a standard deviation of 47–180 kJ metabolizable energy (ME) per day remains unexplained by these effects. This unexplained fraction, called residual feed consumption (RFC), has a heritability of 0-80%. A survey of the literature was performed to quantify this unexplained variation between strains and among individuals within strains of laying hens with respect to some energy metabolism parameters independent of MBW, BWG and EM. Genetic differences in ability to metabolize gross feed energy are found to be of limited magnitude; the coefficient of variation is 1–3%. From calorimetric experiments, the range of heat production (HP) between strains is found to be 44–118 kJ kg −0.75 d −1 ; variation among individuals within strains is of the same magnitude (standard deviation: 16–125 kJ kg −0.75 d −1 ). The range of maintenance requirements (ME m ) is reported to be 41–113 kJ kg −0.75 d −1 ; standard deviation among individuals is 23–80 kJ kg −0.75 d −1 . Variation of heat increment of production (constituting the difference between HP and ME m ) seems to be small. The main component of HP variation and of RFC variation seems to be the variation of ME m : differences in physical activity, feathering density, basal metabolic rate, area of nude skin (comb, wattles, legs), body temperature and body composition. Net energy per g EM does not play an important role in variation of RFC.
A louse involved in the regulation of replication in plasmid pSC 101

The origin of replication of plasmid pSC101 contains three directly repeated sequences RS1, RS2, and RS3 separated by 22 bp from two palindromic sequences, IR1 and IR2, which are partially homologous to the direct repeats. These inverted repeat (IR) sequences overlap the promoter of the repA gene which encodes a protein essential for plasmid replication. We have shown that RepA binds to the RS sites as a monomer and to the IR sites as a dimer. The influence of the IR1 site, and of the DNA segment that separates it from RS3, on plasmid copy number control has been studied in detail. We show that the integrity of IR1 is essential for efficient replication and plasmid stability, the critical site extending to the left of IR1 proper. We also show that the presence of IR1 modifies profoundly the binding properties of purified RepA protein to a segment of DNA containing the RS sequences. IR1 is separated from its homologous site on RS3 by approximately four turns of the DNA helix. Replication is abolished if this distance is increased by half a turn of the helix but it is restored if the distance is increased by a whole turn. These results suggest a DNA looping interaction, in the initiation of replication, between the RepA dimer that binds iR1 and the RepA monomers that bind the RS sequences.
Extrasynaptic NMDA receptors: mediators of excitotoxic cell death

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type of glutamate receptor is a calcium-permeable ion channel with important functions in the physiology and pathology of the mammalian brain. NMDA receptors are critical for long-lasting, activity-induced changes in synaptic transmission, a process thought to be involved in learning and memory. NMDA receptors also control neuronal survival and cell death. How can the biological consequences of NMDA receptor activation be so diametrically opposed? The outcome of NMDA receptor activation appears to be determined by its localization. Stimulation of synaptic NMDA receptors (by synaptically-released glutamate) activates gene expression mediated by the transcription factor, cAMP-response element-binding-protein (CREB) and induces pro-survival events. In contrast, calcium flux through extrasynaptic NMDA receptors overrides these functions, shutting off CREB activity, and causing mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. These differences in the biological response are likely due to differences in the intracellular signaling complexes associated with synaptic vs. extrasynaptic NMDA receptors. As extrasynaptic NMDA receptors are thought to be activated following hypoxic/ischemic insults, specific blockade of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors or its signaling complex may efficiently reduce neuron loss following stroke.
Flower Bud Induction of Sweet Orange Trees (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck): Effect of Low Temperatures, Crop Load, and Bud Age

Citrus fl owering is a complex phenological process infl uenced by a number of interacting factors. Low winter temperatures are recognized as an important factor, but the fl owering response has not been quantifi ed under Variable natural conditions. A study was conducted to monitor the fl ower bud induction response of 'Valenciaʼ and 'Hamlinʼ sweet orange trees (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) to naturally occurring winter weather conditions during the 1999 and 2000 seasons. The fl owering response was quantifi ed and related to shoot age, bud position along the shoot, local weather information, and crop load status. Results indicate that buds on previous summer shoots developed 2.52 and 3.59 to 1 fl ower on spring shoots, for 'Hamlinʼ and 'Valenciaʼ, respectively. In addition, buds at apical positions produced more fl owers than buds located far from the apex. These basal positions buds required higher induction levels. Under Florida conditions, greater accumulation of hours of temperatures 11 to 15 °C increased fl oral intensity by the combined effect on the number of sprouting buds with reproductive growth and the number of fl owers per fl owering bud. Some statistical analyses indicated that high winter temperatures reduced fl owering in 'Valenciaʼ and 'Hamlinʼ oranges. The presence of fruit consistently reduced reproductive response for both cultivars. Crop load reduced fl owering by an average of 41.5% compared to no crop and varied by cultivar. A discussion on the different induction requirements as well as on the dif- ferential effect of crop load on fl owering by cultivar is presented. The fl owering process in citrus consists of several discrete phases: fl ower bud induction, bud differentiation, and anthesis. The induction process is associated with environmental factors and results in the commitment of meristematic cells to form reproductive structures. Under subtropical conditions, citrus fl owering occurs primarily during the spring following the inductive winter season (Garcia-
Potential applications of wireless sensor networks for wildlife trapping and monitoring programs

There are notable costs in maintaining a wildlife trapping program, primarily labor and travel costs associated with frequently and regularly checking large numbers of traps. Wireless sensor networks have the potential to significantly decrease operational costs of terrestrial wildlife trapping and monitoring programs, particularly those involving labor-intensive live-trapping. Furthermore, sensor networks can collect, transmit, and store vast volumes of environmental data, which may be used in research or to refine wildlife management or monitoring. In a modeled example, we estimated that operational cost savings of up to 70% could accrue from use of wireless sensor networks. Cost savings were greater when more traps were included in the network, but declined as rates of sprung traps increased. A simple benefit–cost analysis suggested that use of wireless sensor networks is justifiable economically, although widespread use may be constrained by legislative or regulatory requirements for field staff to service or check traps or the need to replace bait. Should increasing use reduce hardware costs, this technology has great potential for reducing costs of trap-based control programs and increasing the quantity and quality of data from wildlife monitoring studies. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.