Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationships of Muscle Fiber Characteristics to Dietary Energy Density, Slaughter Weight, and Muscle Quality Traits in Finishing Pigs

The present study was conducted to investigate the relationships of muscle fiber characteristics to dietary energy density (3.0 (Low-E) vs. 3.2 (Med-E) Mcal DE/kg)) and slaughter weight (SW; 110, 125, and 138 kg) in finishing pigs (gilt vs. barrow) using a 2×3×2 factorial treatment design. Forty-one longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) samples were analyzed histochemically, with growth performance and physicochemical data for the 41 animals and their LM out of 192 animals and 72 LM used in a previous study retrospectively included. The ADG was less (P<0.01) in the Low-E than in the Med-E group (0.93 vs. 0.73 kg) whereas lightness (L*) and redness (a*) of LM were greater in the Low-E group SW did not influence these variables. The diameter and perimeter of the type I (slow-oxidative), type IIA (fast oxido-glycolytic) and type IIB (fast glycolytic) fibers increased with increasing SW whereas densities of the fibers decreased. However, the number and area percentages of the fiber types were not influenced by SW or dietary energy density. The percentage and per-mm 2 density of type IIB fibers were negatively correlated with SW (r =-0.33 and -0.57, with P<0.05 and <0.01, respectively), whereas type I fiber number percentage was positively correlated with SW (r = 0.31; P<0.05). Marbling score was negatively correlated (P<0.05) with type I (r =-0.36) and type IIB (r =-0.39) fiber densities. The a* was correlated (P<0.01) with both type I and type IIB fiber number percentages in the opposite way (r = 0.42 and -0.47, respectively). However, L* (lightness), drip loss and pH24h were not correlated with the fiber number percentage or density of any fiber type. Collectively, results indicate that muscle fibers grow by hypertrophy during the late finishing period, but that fiber characteristics other than the size are not significantly influenced by dietary energy density or SW.
Seasonal Variation in Quality of Eggs Laid by Caged Layers and Their Sisters on the Floor

ABSTRACT EXPERIMENTAL work comparing egg quality characteristics of caged and floor layers is rather limited. Jeffrey and Pino (1943) compared blood spot incidence of caged and floor birds. Their work showed caged birds to have a lower incidence of blood spots than did the birds on the floor. The incidence of blood spots in the eggs from caged birds was 4.01 percent as compared to 11.09 percent in eggs from the floor birds. Jeffrey (1945) reported results contrary to his earlier work when Rhode Island Reds in cages produced eggs with a higher percentage of blood spots than did the floor birds. Gowe (1955) reported no significant differences in egg weight of caged and floor layers. Lower egg production was observed in the caged layers than in the birds on the floor. Lowry et al. (1956) reported higher production in caged birds. The birds had significantly lower mortality, larger eggs, and .
The Effect of Light Intensity on Sockeye Salmon Fry Migratory Behavior and Predation by Cottids in the Cedar River, Washington

Abstract We examined the relationship between light intensity, migratory behavior of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka fry, and predation by cottids Cottus spp. We tested the hypothesis that above-natural intensities of nighttime light would increase cottid predation of sockeye salmon fry. In circular tank experiments under controlled laboratory conditions, we tested the ability of cottids to prey on sockeye salmon fry under six different light intensities using minimal water circulation to separate the effect of the migratory behavior of fry from the ability of cottids to capture them. We found that cottids preyed most effectively in complete darkness, whereas the lowest predation occurred at the brightest light intensity. We next tested the predation ability of cottids at four light intensities in a pair of artificial streams to simulate more natural conditions. In experiments without cottids, the majority of fry passed quickly through the artificial streams under complete darkness, but as light intensi.
Révision de Prolebias stenoura Sauvage, 1874 du Stampien (= Rupélien) de Limagne (centre de la France), espèce type du genre Prolebias (poisson téléostéen, Cyprinodontiformes)

ABSTRACT A revision of Prolebias stenoura Sauvage, 1874 from the Stampian (= Rupelian) of Limagne (central France), type species of the genus Prolebias (Teleostean fish, Cyprinodontiform). The revision of Prolebias stenoura Sauvage, 1874, the type species of the genus Prolebias Sauvage, 1874, a cyprinodontid fish from the Upper Stampian (= Rupelian) (Oligocene) of the surroundings of Corent (Limagne, central France), has made possible the preparation of a detailed anatomical study and of an emended diagnosis. The occurrence of coccolithophorids and of dinoflagellates has determined several authors to suggest an incursion of marine waters into this basin during the Stampian. However, the fact that all the species of the genus Prolebias hitherto known by articulated skeletons have been living in fresh and brackish waters is, on the contrary, more in agreement with the hypothesis of a shallow meromictic lake, the superficial part of which was filled by seasonal rains, suitable for the life of this species.
Different levels of taxonomic resolution in bioassessment: a case study of oligochaeta in lowland streams

AIM: This study evaluated the use of oligochaetes at different levels of taxonomic resolution as environmental indicators in Argentine lowland streams affected by different land uses. METHODS: Sampling sites were grouped based on the physicochemical and habitat characteristics (low-, moderate-, and high-impact disturbance). Collection of the oligochaetes samples was carried out seasonally in sediment and vegetation habitats. RESULTS: The increases in nutrients and organic matter produced elevated densities of the Oligochaeta, but when the disturbance also involved changes in the physical habitat or enhancements in toxic substances, the abundance decreased significantly to values even lower than those of non-impacted environments. The responses of Naidinae and Tubificinae were similar. The density of the Pristininae decreased with increasing impact, but those of the Enchytraeidae and Rhyacodrilinae increased at the most highly impacted sites. The Opistocystidae were not recorded in high-impact sites. Species richness and diversity (H') were lower in high-impact sites and even lower in sediments. Some species presented no restrictions in the habitat type or with the contamination level: Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, Dero furcatus, D. digitata, D. pectinata, Pristina longiseta, and P. aequiseta. Moreover, Trieminentia corderoi, Slavina appendiculata, and Aulodrilus pigueti exhibited the highest abundances at low-impact sites and were not registered in high-impact sites. CONCLUSIONS: The Oligochaeta show a relatively wide ecological valence through their extensive number of species. Although lower taxonomic levels can give information about environmental status, test-species' sensitivities to different types and degrees of contamination will be of utmost relevance to the evaluation of ecological quality.
Impact of logging and natural fires on fish communities of Laurentian Shield lakes

The goal of this study was to determine if natural fires and logging have a significant impact on abundance, growth, and size structure of fish populations in 38 lakes of the Laurentian Shield (Quebec, Canada). The watersheds of nine of these lakes underwent logging and nine underwent natural fires, while the 20 remaining lakes were used as references. No significant differences were found among the three lake groups in the catch per unit of effort of the most abundant species: white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), northern pike (Esox lucius), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), fallfish (Semotilus corporalis), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), and burbot (Lota lota). No significant difference was found among control, burned, and logged lakes in the back-calculated length of yellow perch, for which age determinations were made. However, we found that the proportions of small yellow perch and white sucker were significantly lower in p.
Nutritional status and cardio-respiratory functions among adult Raji males, a hunter and gatherer tribe of the Indian Himalayas

The present work studies the anthropometric characteristics, nutritional status, and cardio-respiratory functions of Rajis, a tribal community that live at medium altitudes (914–2286 m) in the Indian Himalayas. Sixty-three Rajis in the age range 21–70 years were studied. Six anthropometric and six physiological variables were studied, and the body mass index (BMI) was computed. All anthropometric and physiological dimensions showed a decline with advancing age. The lung functions, structural chest dimensions, muscular strength, stature, weight, and body circumferences showed significant but negative correlation with age; however, blood pressure and pulse rate displayed a statistically significant but positive correlation with age. All the subjects above 50 years of age were found to be in different underweight categories. The Rajis are habitually very active and displayed comparable lung functions to other mid- and high-altitude populations despite having low BMI values. The present study indicates the importance of lung function in rendering an adaptive advantage to the Raji population.
Mechanisms of long-distance water transport in plants: a re-examination of some paradigms in the light of new evidence

According to the widely accepted Cohesion Theory, water is pulled by transpiration from the roots through the xylem to the leaves. It is believed that this process results in the development of large tensions (negative pressures) in the xylem. In this chapter we re-examine some of the indirect methods that were used to support the formulation of this theory. We conclude that because of ambiguities inherent in the interpretation of the results obtained by these approaches the evidence in support of the Cohesion Theory is not conclusive. Direct measurements of xylem pressure in herbaceous plants and tall trees have yielded values of tensions that are inconsistent with the Cohesion Theory. In the light of the data from the xylem pressure probe and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-imaging, we believe that several forces may be responsible for long-distance water transport in plants. These include tension, osmotic pressure, capillary and air-water interfacial forces.
Polynomial and FPT algorithms for Chinese Postman, packing and acyclicity

Parameterized algorithms is a new approach to tackle NP-hard problems. Parameterized complexity studies classic hard problems from a multivariate perspective. Apart from the input instance size, it uses some other parameter reflecting useful problem structure. The main purpose is to study how the additional structural information helps to solve the problem. In classic complexity theory, we want to decide whether a problem can be solved in polynomial time, likewise, in parameterized complexity research, we aim to provide fixed parameterized algorithms. In this thesis, we study several problems in graphs for their fixed parameter tractability or polynomial time solvability. We first study several variants of the Chinese Postman Problem, in which we are asked to find a minimum weight closed walk that traverses each edge or arc at least once. The variants we study include the Directed k-Chinese Postman Problem and the Mixed Chinese Postman Problem. We show that both problems are fixed parameter tractable with the corresponding parameters. Kernelization is an important subfield in the study of parameterized tractability. It asks whether we can reduce a given problem instance into an equivalent instance of bounded size with respect to the parameter. Polynomial size kernel is of particular interest, as they extract exactly the small hard part of the problem. In the second part of this thesis, we obtain some linear kernelization results. Let c,k be two positive integers, given a graph G = (V,E), the c-LOAD COLORING problem asks whether there is a c-coloring φ : V → [c] such that for every i ∈ [c], there are at least k edges with both end-vertices colored i. We show that the c-LOAD COLORING problem parameterized by k admits a fixed parameter algorithm, by giving both a linear-vertex and a linear-edge kernel. For a related problem, the star packing problem, we show that it also admits a linear kernel in graphs with no long induced paths. We also studied some problems on edge colored graphs from classic algorithmic perspective, including Odd Properly Colored Cycle detection, Chinese Postman Problem in edge colored graphs, cycles and acyclicity.
Comparative feeding behaviour and niche organization in a Mediterranean duck community

Feeding behaviour of the Marbled Teal, Marmaronetta angustirostris, Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, Garganey, Anas querquedula, and Ferruginous Duck, Aythya nyroca, in the Goksu Delta, Turkey, was compared from 10 July to 6 August 1995. Almost all individuals observed were postbreeding adults and juveniles. Marbled Teal fed closest to the surface (mean depth within the water column 8.4 cm), chiefly by bill dipping (66%) and gleaning (14%). Garganey fed at a mean depth of 9.1 cm, mainly by bill dipping (57%) and neck dipping (35%). Mallards fed at greater depths (mean 31.8 cm), mainly by upending (tipping 46%) and neck dipping (41%). Ferruginous Ducks fed at the greatest depths (mean 38.4 cm), chiefly by diving (76%). Marbled Teal moved most frequently between feeding events and Mallards moved least frequently. As in previous studies of dabbling ducks, the largest species (Mallard) upended more and fed deeper in the water column. However, Mallards used shallower microhabitats than smaller dabbling ducks. Dabb.
A role for ecdysteroids in the phase polymorphism of the desert locust

Abstract. Locusts show density‐dependent continuous phase polymorphism; they appear in two forms or phases, gregarious and solitary, and there is a continuous range of intermediates between the extreme phases. Although earlier studies showed that there are no major phase‐dependent differences in the titres of ecdysteroid in the haemolymph of desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria, recent studies showed some minor differences in the timing of the main peak of ecdysteroids. In crowded penultimate‐ and last‐instar hoppers, peak titres were lower but longer‐lasting, whereas in isolated hoppers they were higher but of shorter duration. The major component of the haemolymph peak of ecdysteroid was 20‐hydroxyecdysone in both isolated and crowded hoppers, but differences were found in the relative amounts of two minor components (makisterone A‐like compound and highly polar products). In S. gregaria adults, the regression of the prothoracic glands was irregular and subject to high individual variations, but phase‐dependent differences in the rate of regression were significant, and the adult glands did not produce physiologically significant amounts of ecdysteroids. Peak titres of ecdysteroid in the haemolymph were higher in isolated than in crowded adults. Similar to larvae, adults of the solitary phase contain more ecdysone in the haemolymph than those of the gregarious phase. Moreover, the phase characteristic titres of ecdysteroid in the adult stage can be shifted from one phase to another phase in response to appropriate changes in density. In contrast, the maximum amount of ecdysteroids in both ovaries and eggs was significantly higher in the gregarious than in the solitary phase. The amounts, and to some extent the types of ecdysteroids, were the only difference between ovaries and eggs from solitary and gregarious locusts. In addition, in newly hatched larvae, the amount of ecdysteroid was more than five times higher in gregarious than in solitary phase.
Bill and body size in the peregrine falcon, north versus south: is size adaptive?

Visually, the bill size on southern hemisphere peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), especially from Australasia and the Philippines, appears appreciably larger for their body size than in other peregrine populations. Accordingly, we measured the bill ‘size’ or ‘volume’ (length, width, depth) as a function of body mass on a sample of peregrines. We used both wing and tarsal length as indicators of body mass. We compared bill volume between two northern hemisphere groups, a medium‐sized tundra breeding group and the largest of all peregrines (F.p. pealei) from the Aleutian Islands of North America, and also among three southern hemisphere groups, South American, Australian and Melanesian/Philippine. Finally, we com‐ pared northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere birds. Southern hemisphere peregrines have a more massive bill relative to body mass than those of the northern group, and can be distinguished from the northern hemisphere birds using ratios of bill volume to wing or tarsus length. Absolute bill volume generally shows a stabilizing selection and, except for tundra birds which are smaller, all bills are statistically the same by sex while body size or mass changes geographically showing directional selection. It is not clear why body mass is consistently smaller in the southern hemisphere than in north temperate regions nor why the convergence in bill volume to body mass among southern groups should be so evident for such isolated geographical locations, especially since there is apparently no gene flow. Further, habitats and thus foods that might alter bill structure differ among locations.
Unusual testicular accessory organs, the testicular blind pouches of blennies (Teleostei, Blenniidae). Fine structure, (enzyme‐) histochemistry and possible functions

The testicular blind pouches (TBPs) of Lipophrys canevae and Solaria pavo have an annual reproductive cycle with an active secretion phase during spawning, a regression phase correlated with necrotic processes during post-spawning, an inactive regeneration phase during inter-spawning and prespawning. As revealed by fine structure and enzyme-histochemistry the TBPs of L. canevae and S. pavo are involved in the production of steroid glucuronides, which possibly act as pheromones, Further functions are in the secretion of small amounts of sialomuciri and in lytic activity.
Investigation of habitat preferences of Iranian jerboa (Allactaga firouzi Womochel 1978)

Abstract We studied habitat preferences of the only known population of Iranian jerboa in Iran. Binary logistic regression was used to identify habitat variables that might be important to Iranian jerboa. The number of candidate variables was reduced using logistic regression retaining variables that differed between occupied (presence) and non-used (absence) plots. Logistic regression model could successfully distinguish between used and non-used areas. Habitat use of Iranian Jerboa is mainly affected by vegetation type and percent cover of bare soil.
Biological Assay of Inorganic Manganese for Chicks

Abstract MANY inorganic forms of manganese are available for use as supplements in poultry feeds. A suitable assay for biological availability of the element, however, is not available, and little is known of the relative utilization of the various supplemental sources by the chick. Early reports by Schaible et al. (1938) and Gallup and Norris (1939) stated that practically all the chemical forms were of equal value to the chick except for a few carbonate and silicate ores. In these studies, the only criterion of availability was the ability of the manganese supplement to prevent the occurrence of perosis. More recently, Hennig et al. (1967) reported that radioactive manganese as 54 MnCl2 was incorporated into the body of a chick to a significantly greater extent than manganese as 54 MnSO4 or 54 MnO2. Only a few of the products which are currently available for use as manganese supplements were tested, and the levels of…
Trace Elements Mobilization in Sediments of the Eagle Wash, Nelson, Nevada (USA)

ABSTRACT This study examines the mobilization of cyanide (CN-) and trace elements from the Eagle Milling Site situated in the Eagle Wash of Nelson, Nevada. Contaminants (CN- and mercury [Hg]) utilized for the extraction of precious metals from ores are subject to environmental release, but concentrations of other trace elements in sediments and their enrichment ratios indicate that mobilization of trace elements lead (Pb), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), and barium (Ba) has also occurred. Storage of milling wastes in Eagle Wash and subsequent storm water mobilization and transport has resulted in increases in CN-, Hg, Pb, As, Se, and Ba in wash sediments some 6,000 m from the source area. On the basis of enrichment ratios, the Eagle Wash was found to contain CN-, Hg, Pb, As, and Ba above background levels in wash sediments. Selenium increased slightly in concentration; chromium (Cr) decreased consistently; and silver (Ag) and cadmium (Cd) were not detected. Cyanide, Hg, Pb, Ba, Se, and As enrichment ratios were > 1.5, indicating anthropogenic enrichment in sediments, whereas Cr enrichment ratios were <1.5, indicating no anthropogenic enrichment.
Seasonal and geographical variation in the chemical composition of the red alga Palmaria palmata (L.) Kuntze

Abstract We examined the chemical composition of Palmaria palmata collected monthly from April 1998 to September 1999 in the Trondheimsfjord, Norway. Clear seasonal variations in ash (15–27% of dw), proteins (14–30% of dw) and the low molecular weight carbohydrate, floridoside (3.3 to 25% of dw) were observed. A new and simple method for quantification of floridoside based on extraction and dialysis is described. Ash was high during winter and spring and low during summer-autumn, and the same trend was observed for protein. The opposite trend was observed for floridoside, which showed dramatic variation from less than 5% (of dw) from January to March to more than 20% from June to August. The xylan fraction constituted 24–35% of dw. Monomer galactose and xylose were always very low. Examination of samples collected at 3-month intervals during 1998–1999 in Portaferry (Northern Ireland), Galway (Ireland) and Oviedo (Spain), in addition to Trondheim (Norway), showed geographic variations among the major constituents. A wide range of dry matter contents (10–22% of wet weight) and ash contents (17–37% of dw) was observed. Total protein was high compared to other seaweeds (maximum 30% of dw). The Portaferry samples had a peak in spring that was not observed at the other three localities, where protein levels were high during winter. The content of floridoside was highest in summer samples from Trondheim and Oviedo, while the peak occurred in autumn for the Galway samples. No peak in floridoside was observed for the Portaferry samples, probably due to a relatively high content of nitrogenous nutrients in the water at this site.
THE INFLUENCE OF FOOD ON TRAIL‐LAYING AND RECRUITMENT BEHAVIOUR IN TRINERVITERMES BETTONIANUS (TERMITIDAE: NASUTITERMITINAE)

In a laboratory foraging situation food, when detected, stimulates workers of Trinervitermes bettonianus (Sjöst) to lay stronger recruitment trails and to motivate nestmates to mass foraging. Single food‐finders contributed trails about five times stronger than those laid by scouting workers; two to ten rewarded workers were capable of motivating a significant number of nestmates to foraging. The behavioural distinction between “basic” and “recruitment” trails, and the influence of food stimulus on mass recruitment are discussed.