Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic parameters and evaluations for somatic cell counts and its relationship with production and type traits in some dairy breeds in the United Kingdom

Somatic cell count (SCO data collected on individual cows since 1991 were obtained from National Milk Records. Following validation genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated from the lactation average SCCfor 63 424 Holstein/Friesian (HOD, 7966 Ayrshire (AYR) and 14 509 Jersey (JER) animals. The first three lactations were included in the analyses. The heritabilities (h2) for first lactation log SCC (LSCC) were 0·11 (s.e. 0·01), 0·12 (s.e. 0·02) and 0·09 (s.e. 0·03) for the HOL, JER and AYR breeds respectively. Estimates for herd sire interaction (c2) effects ranged from 0·01 to 0·02. Analysis of the first three lactations with a repeatability model produced similar h2 and c2 estimates. Permanent environment estimates ranged from 0·21 to 0·25. Heritabilities of individual test day LSCC ranged from 0·04 (s.e. 0·02) to 0·10 (s.e. 0·03). Genetic correlations between SCC and milk, fat and protein yield for the HOL breed were 0·06 (s.e. 0·05), 0·14 (s.e. 0·06) and 0·09 (s.e. 0·06) respectively. Genetic evaluations were obtained for 666 595 and 9136 animals for Holsteins and Ayrshires, providing evaluations on 13 525 and 1713 bulls respectively in each breed. The range of LSCC predicted transmitting abilities (PTA) was ±25% although the proportion of bulls with reliability > 0·50 was low at 0·17 and 0-05 for HOL and AYR respectively. The correlations between the LSCC PTAs for HOL bulls with at least 50 daughters and their genetic evaluations for linear type were essentially zero for body and some udder traits. Significant negative correlations were obtained for a number of traits including foot angle (0·14), fore-udder attachment (0·19) and udder depth (0·19) and a positive correlation for teat length (0·15). SCC evaluations will be implemented by the Animal Data Centre. Reliabilities will be lower than production because of the lower h2 for SCC and the lower progeny group size since only 0·80 of recorded cows have SCC records.
Ecological Genetics of Plant Invasion: What Do We Know?

Abstract The rate at which plant invasions occur is accelerating globally, and a growing amount of recent research uses genetic analysis of invasive plant populations to better understand the histories, processes, and effects of plant invasions. The goal of this review is to provide natural resource managers with an introduction to this research. We discuss examples selected from published studies that examine intraspecific genetic diversity and the role of hybridization in plant invasion. We also consider the conflicting evidence that has emerged from recent research for the evolution of increased competitiveness as an explanation for invasion, and the significance of multiple genetic characteristics and patterns of genetic diversity reported in the literature across different species invasions. High and low levels of genetic diversity have been found in different invading plant populations, suggesting that either selection leading to local adaptation, or pre-adapted characteristics such as phenotypic plasticity, can lead to aggressive range expansion by colonizing nonnative species. As molecular techniques for detecting hybrids advance, it is also becoming clear that hybridization is a significant component of some plant invasions, with consequences that include increased genetic diversity within an invasive species, generation of successful novel genotypes, and genetic swamping of native plant gene pools. Genetic analysis of invasive plant populations has many applications, including predicting population response to biological or chemical control measures based on diversity levels, identifying source populations, tracking introduction routes, and elucidating mechanisms of local spread and adaptation. This information can be invaluable in developing more effectively targeted strategies for managing existing plant invasions and preventing new ones. Future genetic research, including the use of high throughput molecular marker systems and genomic approaches such as microarray analysis, has the potential to contribute to better understanding and more effective management of plant invasions.
A profile of the chief student affairs officers of the California State University system

The purpose of this quantitative study was to establish a current profile of the chief student affairs officers (CSAOs) of the 23 campuses that comprise the California State University (CSU) system. This study provides descriptive data on CSAO (a) demographics and characteristics; (b) roles; (c) functions; (d) career patterns; and (e) leadership styles. The data was obtained using a 20 item questionnaire designed to address each of the five research questions, which included: (a) What are the current characteristics of the CSAO? ; (b) What are the roles of the CSAO? ; (c) What are the functional areas of the CSAO? ; (d) What are the career patterns of the CSAO? ; and (e) What leadership style do CSAOs perceive to be the most effective for their position? The population for this study included the 23 CSAOs in the CSU system during the 2014-2015 academic year. A total of 23 surveys were electronically mailed with a 70% response rate. With more than 436,000 students and 44,000 faculty and staff, the CSU system is the largest university in the United States, making the CSU a significant employer of student affairs professionals. The CSAO serves 19,650 students, reports to the president, and operates with the title of vice president for student affairs. The CSAO has served in their current position as well as their present institution for less than 5 years. This implies that the CSAO is likely to be an external appointee. The majority of CSAOs have been in the student affairs profession for more than 20 years and were first appointed to a CSAO position, at any institution, between the age of 45 to 49.9 years. An aspiring CSAO should expect to (a) acquire an earned doctorate in an educational field; (b) gain at least 10 years of professional experience in various student
Dynamics of fine root carbon in Amazonian tropical ecosystems and the contribution of roots to soil respiration

Radiocarbon (14C) provides a measure of the mean age of carbon (C) in roots, or the time elapsed since the C making up root tissues was fixed from the atmosphere. Radiocarbon signatures of live and dead fine (<2 mm diameter) roots in two mature Amazon tropical forests are consistent with average ages of 4–11 years (ranging from <1 to >40 years). Measurements of 14C in the structural tissues of roots known to have grown during 2002 demonstrate that new roots are constructed from recent (<2‐year‐old) photosynthetic products. High Δ14C values in live roots most likely indicate the mean lifetime of the root rather than the isotopic signature of inherited C or C taken up from the soil.
Silagens de grãos de milho puro e com adição de grãos de soja, de girassol ou uréia

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composicao quimica e a estabilidade em aerobiose de silagens de graos de milho, ensilados com adicao de soja crua, girassol ou ureia. Em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repeticoes, foram avaliados os tratamentos: graos de milho; graos de milho mais graos de soja; graos de milho mais graos de girassol; e graos de milho mais ureia. Foram utilizados, como silos experimentais, toneis de plastico com capacidade para 200 kg, que permaneceram vedados por nove meses. Avaliaram-se: a composicao quimica, a degradabilidade ruminal da materia seca e da proteina bruta, o desaparecimento do amido no rumen e a estabilidade aerobia das silagens. Todos os tratamentos tiveram efeito sobre a degradabilidade efetiva da materia seca e da proteina bruta, e tambem sobre a composicao quimica das silagens, especialmente nos teores de proteina bruta e extrato etereo. A adicao de 20% de graos de soja, de girassol ou ureia (1%), na silagem de graos de milho, melhora sua composicao quimico-bromatologica, porem reduz a degradabilidade efetiva da materia seca e da proteina bruta. A adicao de ureia a silagem de graos umidos de milho diminui as perdas de materia seca e melhora a estabilidade em aerobiose.
Survival and emigration rates in Kentish Charadrius alexandrinus ans Ringed Plovers Ch. hiaticula in the Delta area, SW-Netherlands.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula and Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus are typical species of the Delta area, southwest Netherlands. A major part of the Dutch population of both species occurs in this area. Between 1999 and 2002 the breeding populations in the Dutch Delta were studied. One of the aims of the study was to estimate survival, emigration and dispersal rates and to explain variation therein. To estimate annual apparent survival rates we used mark-recapture analyses (program MARK) of the resighting histories of colour ringed individuals. The best survival model of Ringed Plover showed an age (first years against adults) and year effect. Apparent survival in the last year of study was much lower than in previous years. Also juvenile survival of Kentish Plover was considerably (40%) lower than adult survival. Furthermore, two year old females had a lower survival rate than older females. In the first year after marking the apparent survival of females was 40% lower than in later years. Kentish Plovers that were unsuccessful in breeding were more prone to disperse the year after. Generally, breeding dispersal in both species was restricted to short distances (median
Numbers of mute swans and Whooper Swans in Sweden, 1967-2000

Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) and Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus) in Sweden have been monitored as part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC) since 1967. For the Whooper Swan, midwinter indices show fluctuations around a slowly increasing trend. Country-wide surveys in 1971-72, 1988-89, 1995 and 2000, however found a more substantial increase in numbers, with national totals estimated at 2,000, 4,000, 8,000 and 8,000 individuals, respectively. The difference between the trends indices and the results of the country-wide surveys is attributable to the birds using more terrestrial habitats since the early 1980s, which are less well covered by the IWC. In 1995, 33% of the swans were found on land, compared to 43% in January 2000. For the Mute Swan, the midwinter indices showed a significantly increasing trend from 1970 to 2000, whereas autumn indices from September counts fluctuated around a more or less stable level, but with a decrease in the last few years. Country-wide midwinter counts recorded about 8,000 Mute Swans in 1973, 13,000 in 1988-89 and over 15,000 in january 1993. (Less)
Effects of reforestation age on moth assemblages in plantations and naturally regenerated forests

Abstract. 1. Tree harvesting, an anthropogenic disturbance, and natural disturbances, such as avalanches, windstorms, fires, and floods, drive forest reestablishment. Chrono‐sequential changes in plant communities as well as reforestation caused by harvesting and natural disturbances can affect forest faunal assemblages.
Effects of body size, body condition, and breeding state on responses to alarm cues by fathead minnows

There is often considerable variation in the intensity of behavioural responses of prey to predation cues. The purpose of the current study was to determine the role of standard length (a correlate of age), body condition (a measure of energy reserves, calculated by mass/(standard length)3), and gonadosomatic index (state of reproduction, calculated by gonad mass / body mass) in the responses of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, 1820) to damage-release alarm cues. Our data indicate that during the nonbreeding season longer/older minnows exhibited significantly increased antipredator responses compared with younger individuals. However, the significance of these correlations ceased during the breeding season. Data from the same trials failed to reveal a significant correlation between the intensity of antipredator behaviour and the body condition before or during the breeding season; the intensity of a minnow’s antipredator response was also not significantly correlated with its gonadosomati.
Hybridization between Pyrola grandiflora and Pyrola minor in West Greenland: a tension zone maintained by clonality

Interspecific hybridization may lead to novel hybrid lineages and transfer of genetic material, possibly enabling species to expand into new habitats. Alternatively, hybrids may be inviable or sterile, constraining movement of parental species and genes into each others range. Pyrola minor (L.) and Pyrola grandiflora (Rad.) hybridize on Disko Island in Greenland. A recent study found most hybrids to be F1 plants produced by P. minor mothers. Here, we test if later generation hybrids are indeed absent in a larger sample, using morphological and molecular markers. We further test if unidirectional hybridization is due to reproductive barriers. Intermediate plants were all F1 hybrids from P. minor mother plants. Our analyses indicate that hybrids originated from few hybridization events and have been maintained by clonal reproduction since then. Barriers to pollen flow between the species result from a combination of few pollinators, different flower morphology and phenology, high proportions of abnormal pol.
A screen of worldwide wheat cultivars for hydroxamic acid levels and aphid antixenosis

Summary In a screen of seedlings of a worldwide range of 47 cultivars of Triticum (mainly T. aestivum) the concentration of the hydroxamic acid DIMBOA ranged between 1 and 8 mmol/kg fresh wt. In a bioassay in which alatae of the aphid Sitobion avenae were released among replicated test seedlings, there were highly significant correlations between aphid ‘preference’ and DIMBOA levels in the seedlings. The value of these results in work leading to the production of aphid-resistant cultivars is discussed.
Anatomy of the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles in roe deer, Capreolus capreolus.

This study was carried out to investigate the anatomy of the structures constituting the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles in roe deer. Eight adult roe deer heads were used in the study. The roe deer’s heads had lateromedial joint faces and an articular disc that had a thin center and thick borders that separated the joint into two free spaces. The masseter muscle, covering the lateral side of the joint, was composed of three sections; the temporal muscle covering the cranial side of the joint was composed of one section; the lateral pterygoid muscle covering the medial part was made up of two sections; and the medial pterygoid muscle, which didn’t surround the joint, was also made up of two sections. It was determined that the most suitable place for intraarticular interventions in the roe deer was the caudolateral part of the joint. It was also observed that some muscle fibers of the masseter, temporal, and lateral pterygoid muscles entered and dispersed inside the articular disc, in which the elastic fibers were dense. According to the data obtained, the structure of the temporomandibular joint and the origo-insertio and the compartmentalization of the masticatory muscles were generally similar to those of other ruminants. However, the presence of the masticatory muscles entering and distributed in the articular disc was similar to those of dogs and humans.
Evaluation of Reforestation in the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley

Only about 2.8 million ha of an estimated original 10 million ha of bottomland hardwood forests still exist in the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley (LMAV) of the United States. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and state agencies initiated reforestation efforts in the late 1980s to improve wildlife habitat. We surveyed restorationists responsible for reforestation in the LMAV to determine the magnitude of past and future efforts and to identify major limiting factors. Over the past 10 years, 77,698 ha have been reforested by the agencies represented in our survey and an additional 89,009 ha are targeted in the next 5 years. Oaks are the most commonly planted species and bare‐root seedlings are the most commonly used planting stock. Problems with seedling availability may increase the diversity of plantings in the future. Reforestation in the LMAV is based upon principles of landscape ecology; however, local problems such as herbivory, drought, and flooding often limit success. Broad‐scale hydrologic restoration is needed to fully restore the structural and functional attributes of these systems, but because of drastic and widespread hydrologic alterations and socioeconomic constraints, this goal is generally not realistic. Local hydrologic restoration and creation of specific habitat features needed by some wildlife and fish species warrant attention. More extensive analyses of plantings are needed to evaluate functional success. The Wetland Reserve Program is a positive development, but policies that provide additional financial incentives to landowners for reforestation efforts should be seriously considered.
Evolution and Ecology of Parthenogenesis in Earthworms

A model for the origin of parthenogenesis in hermaphrodites is developed. If a dominant mutation causing parthenogenetic development of eggs without affecting meiotic production of sperm arises, the parthenogens will increase in frequency to fixation. Concomitantly, there is selection for reallocation of resources from male to female-related functions in both parthenogenetic and sexual individuals. Occasional fertilization of unreduced eggs may produce polyploid clones. Both the loss of male-related structures and polyploidy are common in parthenogenetic earthworms. Parthenogenesis should be favored in patchy and temporally unstable habitats, in which γ-selection may be expected, because it facilitates colonization and rapid population growth, and because selection by the biotic component of the environment presumably is reduced. Parthenogenetic earthworms commonly occur in decaying logs, leaf litter, and the upper, organic layers of the soil, whereas sexual species more often inhabit the deeper, more stable soil horizons. Long-term persistence of clones depends on their ability to survive and reproduce under a variety of environmental conditions. It is proposed that successful clones possess “general purpose” genotypes that allow persistence in spite of temporal changes and facilitate active dispersal through heterogeneous environments between patches of prime habitat. Two common clones of the parthenogenetic earthworm Octolasion tyrtaeum seem to possess general purpose genotypes, as they occur in a wide variety of soil and habitat types and are geographically widespread.
Influence of harvest timing and storage interval on rabbitbrush seed germination, emergence, and viability

Rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa (Pall. ex Pursh) G.L. Nesom & Baird [Asteraceae]) has potential for use in water-conserving landscapes, but poor seedling emergence can be a problem for nursery production. We evaluated the effects of 1) harvest timing (stage of inflorescence maturity); and 2) duration of storage interval on seed viability, emergence, and germination for 6 geographically diverse populations. Stage of inflorescence maturity (harvest timing) had a statistically significant (P < 0.001) effect on seed germination and emergence, but across the harvest dates the trend was erratic and lacked identifiable biological meaning. Once the first seeds were ripe, germination and seedling emergence remained relatively constant throughout the harvest season. A 14-mo storage interval produced consistent and statistically significant (P < 0.001) effects on viability, germination, and emergence of seeds from all 6 populations. Seeds of all populations initially exhibited relatively low germination and emergence percentages, which increased to a maximum within 2 to 5 mo, and then slowly declined during the remainder of the 14-mo storage interval. Decline in germination percentage differed by population and ranged from 4 to 65%. In both experiments, seeds from populations of rubber rabbitbrush displayed very different seed germination and emergence percentages, with average germination under the various treatments ranging from 1.2 to more than 37.3%. When comparing testing methods, tetrazolium viability tests tended to overestimate seed germination, whereas seed germination was higher than seedling emergence. Viable seeds can be obtained from collections made during an extended harvest interval. Also, seeds can be stored at room temperature under ambient conditions with expectations of only minor losses of viability through 14 mo of storage, which should make possible 2 annual production cycles.
Karakterisasi lingkungan perairan Teluk Talengen Kabupaten Kepulauan Sangihe sebagai kawasan budidaya rumput laut Kappaphycus alvarezii

This paper was the result of a feasibility analysis of Talengen Bay Waters for aquaculture of Kappaphycus alvarezii . Feasibility analysis of water was based on the environmental data and water quality parameters of Talengen Bay. One mistake in the development of aquaculture is environmentally unsuitable. In order to develop aquaculture properly, appropriate water conditions data were required. Suitable aquatic environments are required by organisms for their survival because they are related to the patterns and behavior of the biota. In connection with the problems of mariculture at Talengen Bay, several efforts were required to overcome them. One of the efforts was made through this study that was assessment of appropriate location for the cultivation of seaweed. Talengen Gulf was located in in the territory of Kampung Talengen and Kampung Bunga Lawang, Central District of Tabukan, Sangihe Islands Regency, North Sulawesi. Laboratory analysis was conducted at the Laboratory of Industrial Baristand Manado. Determination of research stations done intentionally (purposive sampling). Based on the results obtained it could then be concluded that the condition of the aquatic environment and water quality parameters in the Talengen Bay were categorized as suitable for seaweed cultivation K . alvarezii . Phosphate, nitrate, Total Suspended Solid data were needed to be considered. Keywords: Environmental characteristics, seaweed, aquaculture; Kappaphycus alvarezii
Emptying rates of single and double meals of different food quality from the stomach of the dab, Limanda limanda (L.)

In previous studies on gastric emptying time in Limanda, data were obtained which predict that food will empty from the stomach according to: after a temperature sensitive delay. This curve gives an excellent prediction of the emptying of both artificial and natural food items given as single meals when stomachs are sampled directly. However, when two meals are given 3 h apart, emptying rate depends on whether the two meals remain separate or are allowed to mix by omitting the binding agent. In the absence of a binder, both meals are slowed so that the overall emptying rate is as predicted by the equation. When binder is present, the first meal is not delayed and the overall gastric emptying rate is increased 35%.