Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A brain and a head for a different habitat: Size variation in four morphs of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)) in a deep oligotrophic lake

Abstract Adaptive radiation is the diversification of species to different ecological niches and has repeatedly occurred in different salmonid fish of postglacial lakes. In Lake Tinnsjøen, one of the largest and deepest lakes in Norway, the salmonid fish, Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)), has likely radiated within 9,700 years after deglaciation into ecologically and genetically segregated Piscivore, Planktivore, Dwarf, and Abyssal morphs in the pelagial, littoral, shallow‐moderate profundal, and deep‐profundal habitats. We compared trait variation in the size of the head, the eye and olfactory organs, as well as the volumes of five brain regions of these four Arctic charr morphs. We hypothesised that specific habitat characteristics have promoted divergent body, head, and brain sizes related to utilized depth differing in environmental constraints (e.g., light, oxygen, pressure, temperature, and food quality). The most important ecomorphological variables differentiating morphs were eye area, habitat, and number of lamellae. The Abyssal morph living in the deepest areas of the lake had the smallest brain region volumes, head, and eye size. Comparing the olfactory bulb with the optic tectum in size, it was larger in the Abyssal morph than in the Piscivore morph. The Piscivore and Planktivore morphs that use more illuminated habitats have the largest optic tectum volume, followed by the Dwarf. The observed differences in body size and sensory capacities in terms of vision and olfaction in shallow and deepwater morphs likely relates to foraging and mating habitats in Lake Tinnsjøen. Further seasonal and experimental studies of brain volume in polymorphic species are needed to test the role of plasticity and adaptive evolution behind the observed differences.
Analysis of morphological diversity among hot pepper Capsicum annuum L collections in the Rift Valley area of Ethiopia 152

This study was undertaken to evaluate degree of morphological diversity of 49 pepper accessions at Melkassa to compare the field performance of yield and quality of berries during the year 2014, in a 7x7 simple lattice design. Data on plant morphology and berry characteristics were collected and subjected to analysis of variance to determine the diversity that exists among the local materials. The analysis of variance revealed significant (P<0.05) differences in morphological and berry characters among the tested accessions indicating the existence of good genetic variability. From the principal component analysis five axis were obtained that accounted for about 75% of the variability. Most of growth and fruiting characters were associated with the first components, while the second and third components were associated with plant, berry and flowering characters. From the hierarchical similarity analysis six clusters were obtained with the similarity values ranging from 0.27 to 1.43. Inter-cluster D² values ranged from 19 to 159 in which cluster II and VI showed higher level of inter-cluster distances among themselves and with the rest of the clusters. Narrow cluster distances were obtained between clusters I, III and V which showed high similarity of accessions within these clusters. The average mean performance for a particular character indicated that cluster I can be a source of genes for earliness and strong stem and good number of branches. Accessions in cluster II can be specifically useful for improving berry length and plant height. However, for improving berry yield using accessions in cluster III and V as a parent, is advantageous. Therefore crossing accessions in clusters I, III, IV and V with either or both clusters II and VI is useful in future breeding programs.
Motion Processing in Primates

Summary The ability to see motion is critical to survival in a dynamic world. Decades of physiological research have established that motion perception is a distinct sub-modality of vision supported by a network of specialized structures in the nervous system. These structures are arranged hierarchically according to the spatial scale of the calculations they perform, with more local operations preceding those that are more global. The different operations serve distinct purposes, from the interception of small moving objects to the calculation of self-motion from image motion spanning the entire visual field. Each cortical area in the hierarchy has an independent representation of visual motion. These representations, together with computational accounts of their roles, provide clues to the functions of each area. Comparisons between neural activity in these areas and psychophysical performance can identify which representations are sufficient to support motion perception. Experimental manipulation of this activity can also define which areas are necessary for motion-dependent behaviors like self-motion guidance. and perception or behavior. Focusing on cortical mechanisms and recent results from physiologic studies in nonhuman primates, this will review the ways that visual motion information is processed and used to guide behavior.
Hypo-osmotic shock and the role of freshwater input on the post-bloom recovery of Cyanothece sp. in Lake St Lucia, South Africa

ABSTRACT Modern anthropogenic modifications to aquatic environments, specifically hydrodynamic alterations, play a major role in cyanobacterial bloom potential. In shallow-water ecosystems, salinity is a driver of microbial communities and increases in salinity may facilitate the bloom potential of competitive cyanobacteria. This study investigated the osmotic response and mortality rate of a persistent bloom-forming (18 months) cyanobacterium, Cyanothece sp. , isolated from Lake St Lucia (South Africa), after sudden hypo-osmotic shock. Laboratory experiments were performed with Cyanothece sp. cells to observe osmotic responses and to determine mortalities during salinity reductions. In general, Cyanothece sp. cells conformed to the external medium at all salinity levels used in the treatments, reducing their intracellular osmolality in response to salinity downshifts. There were limits to this, however, as successful downshift was not observed during the freshwater exposure treatment. Highest mortality rates occurred in cultures that were grown at high salinities (i.e. 180, 240 and 300 units), as well as in treatments with large salinity downshifts (e.g. 120 salinity unit reduction and direct freshwater exposure). Cyanothece sp. has been shown to sustain bloom status for long periods. Its ability to tolerate high salinities and respond to sudden salinity downshifts is an important factor in its bloom success. However, it is still susceptible to reductions in salinity that may occur due to heavy rainfall and floods, which highlights the importance that freshwater plays in the bloom ecology of a persistent bloom-forming halotolerant cyanobacterium, as freshwater inputs markedly influence the physiology of the cells and their survival ability.
Machine Learning Algorithms For Early Stage Breast Cancer Diagnosis

: Breast cancer is one of the dangerous diseases which is more common in female. It could be cured if diagnosed at early stages. This disease has some common symptoms which include the suspicion of harmful tumor, but accurate diagnosis requires different investigation modalities. Traditional diagnosis method of breast cancer consists of clinical, microscopic, and radiographic techniques. The traditional techniques have some limitations due to which proper assessment of the disease is not possible. In this work a machine learning based framework is proposed for automated intelligent assessment of breast cancer diagnosis. For this purpose, different machine learning techniques are compared based on the performance comparison of classifying malignant and benign tumor. The performance evaluation of experimented techniques shows the feasibility of different machine learning techniques to be used for stored time and real time breast cancer diagnosis.
Evidence for a reversal of the neural information flow between object perception and object reconstruction from memory

Remembering is a reconstructive process. Surprisingly little is known about how the reconstruction of a memory unfolds in time in the human brain. We used reaction times and EEG time-series decoding to test the hypothesis that the information flow is reversed when an event is reconstructed from memory, compared to when the same event is initially being perceived. Across three experiments, we found highly consistent evidence supporting such a reversed stream. When seeing an object, low-level perceptual features were discriminated faster behaviourally, and could be decoded from brain activity earlier, than high-level conceptual features. This pattern reversed during associative memory recall, with reaction times and brain activity patterns now indicating that conceptual information was reconstructed more rapidly than perceptual details. Our findings support a neurobiologically plausible model of human memory, suggesting that memory retrieval is a hierarchical, multi-layered process that prioritizes semantically meaningful information over perceptual detail.
Palmer Amaranth ( Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.) and Pitted Morningglory ( Ipomoea lacunosa L.) Control in Dicamba Tolerant Soybean ( Glycine max L.)

Palmer amaranth and pitted morningglory are difficult to manage weeds present in South Carolina soybean production fields. Glyphosate and ALS-resistant Palmer amaranth biotypes have spread rapidly throughout South Carolina making the control of these weeds more difficult. Recently, soybean varieties with tolerance to dicamba have been introduced along with several new ultra-low volatility formulations of dicamba to help with the problem. Field experiments were conducted near Blackville, SC in 2012 and 2013 to evaluate dicamba herbicide programs for broadleaf weed management in dicamba tolerant soybean. At 2 weeks after POST1 (2 WAP1), Palmer amaranth control ranged from 93% to 100% across the PRE followed by POST treatments in 2012 and 2013. By 2 weeks after POST2 (2 WAP2), control was 95% or better. Treatments containing two or three herbicide applications (PRE, POST1 and POST2) offered good to excellent (92% - 100%) pitted morningglory control. No differences in weed control were observed among treatments with 3 application times compared to those applied twice. In general, all treatments with a PRE followed by at least one POST application provided good to excellent control of Palmer amaranth and pitted morningglory. Overall, a PRE (either dicamba or flumioxazin) followed by a dicamba or a non-dicamba containing POST treatment provided good to excellent control of Palmer amaranth and pitted morningglory when applied at the correct growth stage.
“I (Don’t) Respect My Body”: Investigating the Role of Mass Media Use and Self-Objectification on Adolescents’ Positive Body Image in a Cross-National Study

ABSTRACT This cross-national survey among Austrian, Belgian, Spanish, and South Korean boys and girls (N = 1,983; M age = 14.41, SD = 1.08) investigated the association between mass media use, self-objectification, and positive body image. In doing so, we (a) extended existing research on the link between media use and positive body image by including different media genres that are known to be part of adolescents’ media diets, (b) introduced self-objectification as a potential mediator, (c) differentiated between boys and girls, and (d) tested these assumptions across diverse cultural settings. Overall, our findings suggest that the use of different types of media that emphasize physical beauty and (sexual) appearance relate both negatively as well as positively to adolescents’ appreciation of their own body. Self-objectification (i.e., valuing one’s appearance characteristics over competence/functionality characteristics) is negatively related to adolescents’ positive body image, indicating a mediating mechanism. Our results highlight the need for further research on the content of mass media and a positive body image.
On divergent Richtmyer–Meshkov instability of a light/heavy interface

Abstract We report the first experiments on divergent shock-driven Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) at well-controlled single-mode interfaces. These experiments are performed in a novel divergent shock tube designed by shock dynamics theory. Generally, the perturbation growth can be divided into three successive stages: linear growth, quick reduction in growth rate and instability freeze-out. It is observed that the growth rate at each stage is far lower than its counterpart in planar or convergent geometry due to geometric divergence. We also found that nonlinearity is much weaker than that in planar or convergent RMI, and has a negligible influence on the overall amplitude growth even at late stages when it has become strong. This weak nonlinear effect is because the growth of the third harmonic counteracts its feedback to the fundamental mode. As a consequence, the linear theory of Bell (report no. LA-1321) accounting for geometric divergence and Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) stabilization caused by flow deceleration can reasonably predict the present results from early to late stages. The instability freeze-out at late times is ascribed to the negative growth induced by geometric divergence and RT stabilization, and is also well reproduced by the linear theory.
Researches concerning the molecular testing of basset hound dogs for detecting Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome (PMDS).

The Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome (PMDS), a rare form of dog male pseudo-hermaphroditism, has been previously studied from molecular aspect in miniature schnauzers by Matsuu et al. (2009), which detected an affected case, positive to Sry gene detection, by PCR. The molecular testing for PMDS syndrome has not yet been performed in Basset Hound dogs, although affected cases exist. The aim of our research was to test the previously published protocol for Sry gene detection in an affected PMDS Basset Hound family so as to develop a possible molecular method for genotyping. The study was performed on 11 Basset Hound individuals, among which 1 affected male and 2 non-affected carriers. The protocol was applied accordingly to a previously one published by Matsuu et al. (2009). The DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, using a speci ic DNA extraction kit (Isolate II, Bioline, England). Brie ly, the PCR technique was performed on 25 μl of mixture containing: 12.5 μl MasterMix (Bioline), 1 μl Forward Primer and 1 μl of Reverse Primer, 6.5 μl DNA-free nuclease PCR water (Sigma Aldrich, Germany). The PCR products were visualized in 2% agarose gel stained with EvaGreen (Sigma, England). The tested protocol has shown speci icity in the case of the positive affected male, showing a light-band at 104 base pairs in the agarose gel. All the other samples were negative tested for Sry gene. Given the fact that this protocol does not use a restriction enzyme for possible detection of genotypes and carriers, we could not differentiate the carriers from the non-affected individuals. This protocol can be used only in the case of affected males but does not distinguish the carriers from the non-carriers. We should furtherly investigate other candidate genes for PMDS, such as MISRII, for the possible detection of carrier females and males.
New Records of Euglenophyceae for Turkish Freshwater Algae

Phytoplankton samples were collected from four different water bodies in the Tigris River basin in 2008. Nine Euglenophyceae taxa at specific and infraspecific level are reported for the first time on Turkish freshwater algal flora. New records come from six sampling sites in the study area. These taxa consist of one Euglena Ehrenberg (E. sociabilis), two Strombomonas Deflandre (S. planctonica and S. pascheriana), four Trachelomonas Ehrenberg (T. nigra, T. aspera, T. borodiniana and T. scabra var. labiata) and two Phacus Dujardin (P. inflexus and P. ovalis). Identification keys and general information on the morphology and taxonomy of the species are briefly described in this paper, with original illustrations.
Impediments to the Schumpeterian Process in the Replacement of Large Firms

Using newly-assembled data encompassing up to 75 countries and starting circa 1910, we find that the Schumpeterian process of creative destruction aptly describes the replacement of large firms by other firms, but exceptions to the norm of replacement are not rare and replacement is often not by new firms. Initial firm size and political connections represent the main obstacles to the Schumpeterian process while board interlocks and a corporate culture of innovation play modest roles. Consistent with a theory of political capture, when accompanied by regulations that restrict entry, political connections play a formidable role in abetting large firms remaining large.
Comparative analysis of biofilm community on different coloured substrata in relation to mussel settlement

Mussels are typical macrofouling organisms in the world. In this study, the interaction between the settlement of Mytilus coruscus plantigrades and bacterial community on coloured substrata was determined. Bacterial communities in biofilms developed on seven coloured substrata were analysed by Illumina Miseq sequencing. The mussel settlement response to coloured substrata with no biofilms was also examined. Flavobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were the first, second and third most dominant groups in seven biofilm samples. The results suggest that the inducing activities of these biofilms on plantigrade settlement varied with coloured substrata and the lowest percentage of settlement was observed on biofilms on the green substratum. High-throughput sequencing showed that bacterial community in biofilms also changed with the substratum colour. No significant difference in the inducing activity on plantigrade settlement was observed between the coloured substrata with no biofilms. Thus, difference in plantigrade settlement response may be correlated to the changes in bacterial community on coloured substrata. This finding extends current knowledge of interaction among mussel settlement and bacterial community variability.
Combining ability analysis in sponge gourd for earliness and yield

The present investigations were carried out in two years with aims to determine heterosis, combining ability, gene action, heritability in narrow sense, genetic advance in per cent of mean and genetic divergence involving 9 parental lines viz., NDSG-1, NDSG-20, NDSG-22, NDSG-24, NDSG-26, NDSG-28, NDSG-30, NDSG-32 and Pusa chikni of sponge gourd and their 36 F1 hybrids at MES, Vegetable Science, N.D. U.A. &T. , Kumarganj, Faizabad during crop seasons of summer (Zaid) 2014 and 2015. The experiments were laid out in RBD with three replications having each experimental unit of single row with spacing of 3m x 0.5m. Analysis of variance for combining ability due to GCS and SCA were found significant for all the characters during both the years accept for fruit diameter in Y2. Which, suggested that both additive and non-additive gene action imported in the repression of all the characters. NDSG-1 and Pusa Chikni were found top good general combiner for marketable fruit yield/plant, number of fruits/plant, primary branches per vine at last harvest, internodal length, days to first fruit harvest, days taken for anthesis of first staminate flower, node number to first pistillate flower anthesis and node number to first staminate flower anthesis. For earliness characters parents namely NDSG-22, NDSG-24, NDSG-1 and Pusa Chikni were found good general combiners. Among 36 crosses the best five crosses were significant SCA effect for average fruit yield/plant, NDSG-1 x NDSG-20, NDSG-1 x NDSG-24, NDSG-22 x NDSG-30, NDSG-28 x NDSG-30 and NDSG-30 x NDSG-32 found common over both the year.
Digestibility and growth performance of feedlot cattle fed pelleted grain screenings

Abstract The impact of two different grain screening pellets (GSP) on the chemical profile of feces, feed digestibility, growth performance, and carcass traits of feedlot heifers was measured. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to predict differences in the chemical composition and energy content of GSP and feces. Heifers (445 ± 35.5 kg) were allocated to 15 pens (10 heifers pen-1) and offered three diets: (1) 76% barley grain (dry matter basis; control); (2) light screening pellets (LSP); and (3) heavy screening pellets (HSP), where GSP replaced 20% barley grain. In controls, fecal starch tended to be higher (P = 0.09) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) lower (P < 0.01) than heifers fed GSP diets. Fecal nitrogen (N) and ether extract (EE) were also higher (P < 0.05) in heifers fed the control compared with GSP diets. The average daily gain (ADG) of heifers fed LSP tended to be lower (P < 0.06) than the control diet. Gain:feed in controls was higher (P < 0.02) than in those fed GSP diets. Both ADG and G:F were positively associated with fecal N and starch, but negatively associated with NDF. Compared with direct measurements, NIRS over predicted total digestible nutrient (TDN) content of GSP, but did predict most differences in chemical composition.
Use of Multiple Environment Variety Trials Data to Simulate Maize Yields in the Ogallala Aquifer Region: A Two Model Approach

With a long‐term goal to optimize use of groundwater in the Ogallala Aquifer Region (OAR) to sustain food production systems, this study was conducted to calibrate Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) and AquaCrop crop modeling platforms to simulate maize production at a regional scale using historic datasets. Calibration of the models with local crop growth data and crop management practices is important, but usually this in‐season crop growth information is not available. This study determined the possibility of using maize variety trial data for the evaluation of the CSM‐Crop Estimation through Resources and Environmental Synthesis‐Maize and AquaCrop models in the OAR. The models were calibrated and tested in three counties in Nebraska. Both the models were then used to simulate irrigated maize yield during 1988 to 2015 for all three counties. The criteria for evaluating the performance of these crop models included statistical parameters and graphical analysis. The performance of both models were then compared with the observed yield from field variety test results and historic National Agricultural Statistical Service yields. The results indicated that difference between yield of calibrated DSSAT model and observed yield was less than 10% and AquaCrop root mean square error ranged from 740 to 1,820 kg/ha. Long‐term comparison between observed and simulated Nebraska county yields also indicated confidence in calibrating crop models with typical end of season yield data and using these models for studying crop production at regional scales when detailed in‐season crop growth observed data are not available.