Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A ComparativeStudy of Prolactin Levelsin FiveSpecies of AgedFemaleLaboratoryRodents

Plasma and pituitary concentrations of prolactin (PRL) were determined by radioimmunoassay in younger mature (2â€”6-month-old)and aged (14â€”20-month-old)C57BL/6 mice, Chinese ham sters, Syrian hamsters, Mongolian gerbils and Wistar rats. All females exhibited a predominantly leukocytic vaginal smear prior to bleeding. Preliminary tests indicated that PRL in C. hamsters crossreacted to a greater extent with mouse PRL antiserum than with rat PRL antiserum. Gerbil PRL crossreacted with either mouse or rat PRL antisera; however, the parallelism of plasma and pituitary dose-response curves was not statistically identical to standards of either antisera. The assays were conducted using mouse PRL antiserum since gerbil PRL was closest to standard curves of the mouse. PRL levels in the S. hamster were assayed using rat PRL. Circulating plasma levels of PRL were significantly lower (P<0.001) in aged S. hamsters and statistically higher (P<0.001) in senescent rats when compared with those in their younger counterparts. Pituitary levels of PRL were significantly depressed (P<0.001) in aged mice and gerbils compared with levels in younger females. There were no statistical differences in the levels of plasma or pituitary PRL in the two age groups of C. hamsters. These data reflect age-related changes in PRL secretion and emphasize species diversity in the secretion of this hormone among older laboratory rodents.
Use of organic fertilizer on paddy fields to reduce greenhouse gases

This study analysed the effect of organic fertilizer on greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), resulting from paddy field farming. Suphanburi 1 rice varieties were planted in a double-crop organic rice field at Pathum Thani Rice Research Centre, Pathum Thani Province, Thailand. The paddy was divided into 4 plots, as follows: (1) control plots without added fertilizer, (2) plots with the addition of organic fertilizer (cow manure), (3) plots with the addition of organic fertilizer pellets, and (4) plots with the addition of chemical fertilizers. The results showed that the CO2, CH4, and N2O emission rates in the chemical fertilizer plot were the highest at 534, 1.79, and 1.21 mg m 2 day 1 , respectively. The second highest levels were with the addition of manure at 377, 1.35, and 0.88 mg m 2 day 1 , respectively. To help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from rice farming, it is recommended that
Determination of body weight and some carcass traits in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of different lines.

Summary The purpose of this study was to determination of body weight and some carcass traits in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of different lines. The material used in this experiment was selected from three lines: high body weight line (HL), low body weight line (LL) of 5-week body weight and a random bred control line (C). There were significant differences among the lines in respect to body weight and carcass weight. Highest and lowest body weight and carcass weight were measured in HL and LL lines, respectively. While there were no significant differences among the lines in terms of relative proportion of breast, the sex affected significantly (P<0.01). No significant differences were found in terms of left wing, right wing, neck and back percent of body weight for lines and sexes. Also, there were found significant correlations among the carcass traits.
Economics of a Hairy Vetch Mulch System for Producing Fresh-market Tomatoes in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Concern for the environment has focussed attention on the need for environmentally sound, yet economically profitable, farming practices. A hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L. Roth.) organic mulch system for fresh-market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) production provides environmental benefits by enhancing the soil and reducing the need for fertilizer and herbicide inputs and is more profitable than conventional practices. Tomato field trials over 3 years at the Beltsville (Md.) Agricultural Research Center compared the hairy vetch mulch system with black polyethylene mulch and bare ground (no mulch). Using partial budget analysis in a farm context, the hairy vetch mulch treatment was more profitable in all years under all market and yield adjustment scenarios. The vetch mulch system also was the preferred system for a risk-averse grower, according to a safety-first criterion. The combination of environmental benefits and the economic benefits to the grower make the hairy vetch mulch system an attractive alternative for producing fresh-market tomatoes in the Mid-Atlantic and parts of northeastern United States. Small farms are an important and growing segment of U.S. agriculture, particularly in the Northeast (Butte1 et al., 1988; Teasdale and Colacicco, 1985), and this segment is becoming increasingly dominated by small and part-time operators. Among these operators, vegetable production is a common enterprise, and tomatoes are among the most frequently produced and profitable vegetable crops for small farms. In some parts of the northeastern and mid-Atlantic regions, tobacco has historically been the main- stay for small farms, with very small holdings providing the main and stable income for the farms. However, future uncertainties with tobacco production threaten many small farmers as tobacco acreage dwindles. For example, tobacco acreage in southern Maryland decreased from 50,000 in 1950 to 25,000 in 1982, and to only 9,000 in 1993 (James C. Hanson, personal communication). On such small holdings, vegetable production is perhaps the only viable alternative. The recent emphasis on health and environmental concerns in agriculture also favors vegetable production. People are encour- aged to eat more vegetables for their nutrition and claimed prop- erties of reducing risks of heart problems and cancer. Demand for fruit and vegetables in the United States has risen recently as a result of renewed health consciousness, increasing 22% during the 1980s (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA), 19921. Vegetable
Greenhouse gas emissions from New Zealand agriculture: issues, perspectives and industry response

The prosperity of New Zealand (NZ) rests to a large extent on agriculture. Although our total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are unusually small for a developed nation, agricultural emissions make up almost half of the total emissions from NZ. Emissions from NZ agriculture have been rising at close to 1% a year since 1990 and by 2010, the midpoint of the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, they are projected to be 7.2 Mt per year higher than the 1990 baseline. This excess has a potential cost of over NZ$0.5 billion. Despite the continued rise in absolute emissions, emissions intensity, the amount of GHG produced per unit of food produced, has been dropping and the emissions intensity of NZ agriculture goods compares favourably with that of other developed nations. The NZ agricultural sector has actively engaged in the search for cost-effective mitigation solutions and, in partnership with the government, has funded research through the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium (PGGRC). The PGGRC has been in existence since 2002 and has invested NZ$16 million in research into reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions from pastoral agriculture. The structure of this research funding body, its objectives, achievements and future challenges are briefly outlined.
Effect of storage on physico-chemical microbiological and sensory quality of chicken patties

A study was made to evaluate the changes in quality of chicken patties during 20 and 60 days of refrigerated (7±1°c) and frozen (−18±1°C) storage respectively. A significant (P<0.05) increase in the cooking losses, TBA values, FFA values, pH, percent fat, percent protein contents and psychrophilic counts and a decrease in the mesophilic counts, yeast and moulds count, percent moisture, emulsion stability, water holding capacity and organoleptic scores of the product were recorded under frozen storage. Refrigerated storage caused a significant (P<0.05) increase in cooking losses, TBA values, FFA values, mesophilic counts, yeast and mould counts, and percent fat content while a significant (P<0.05) reduction was noticed in emulsion stability, water holding capacity, pH, percent moisture and percent protein and sensory quality. The product had a shelf life of 12 and 60 days under refrigerated and frozen storage, respectively.
Behavioural and life history aspects of Calliptamus plebeius (Walker, 1870), an endemic grasshopper of the Canary Islands (Orthoptera: Acrididae, Calliptaminae)

Two females and one male of Calliptamus plebeius (Walker, 1870) from Tenerife, Canary Islands were caged and the progeny reared for one generation. Observations on the resting, feeding and mating behaviour of this insect are described, including, for the first time in this species, its acoustic behaviour (assumed of the �E ) whilst an attracting mechanism (�C -pheromone? ) was detected for the first time in Calliptaminae. Copulations were observed at an adult age of 27-56 days between 6.00 and 18.15 hrs. at temperatures of 18-35 °C. The median adult lifetime amounted to about two months. The ovariole number varied from 10-20, with 10-11 eggs per pod. Pre-diapause eggs were able to absorb water in 100% relative air humidity. After 6 months of chilling, the first instar nymphs hatched after 29 days (at O 26.5 °C). Juvenile development over 4 instars in both sexes lasted an average of 41 days (at O 25-30.5 °C) with a considerable variation. Morphometric data from all juvenile stages (exuviae) and the adults are presented.
Two New Species of Corethrella Coquillet From Australia, with Further Observations on Morphological Variation within the Genus (Diptera: Corethrellidae)

Studies of Australian Corethrella Coquillet, using standard morphological methods supported by numerical techniques (ordinations based on Principal Component Analysis), reveal the presence here of two species that are described as new, as well as three other distinct geographic “forms” that are quite possibly also distinct species. the Principal Component Analysis employed a novel method for coding data.
The effects of flurprimidol concentrations and application methods on Ornithogalum saundersiae Bak. grown as a pot plant

Ornithogalum saundersiae is an ornamental bulb plant originating from South Africa that is mostly grown for cut flowers. The aim of the study was to assess the possibility of producing O. saundersiae as a pot plant using flurprimidol. A retardant in the form of the Topflor 015 preparation was used at concentrations of 15 and 30 mg˖dm -3 as a pre-plant bulb soak, a soil drench or a foliar spray. Retardant applied as a foliar spray at a concentration of 30 mg·dm -3 inhibited plant growth most effectively (by 52.5%), caused flowering delay and reduced the inflorescence and flower diameter. The plants obtained from the bulbs soaked in the retardant solution at a concentration of 30 mg·dm -3 had the smallest plant diameter and the shortest leaves. The use of flurprimidol resulted plants with an increased relative chlorophyll content. Retardant used as a foliar spray increased the stomatal conductance, regardless of the solution concentration.
USING HYDROGEN ISOTOPE GEOCHEMISTRY TO ESTIMATE THE NATAL LATITUDES OF IMMATURE COOPER'S HAWKS MIGRATING THROUGH THE FLORIDA KEYS

Abstract We constructed a regression model for the relationship between stable-hydrogen isotope ratios in immature Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) feathers (δDf) and precipitation in areas where feathers were grown (δDp) across much of the latitudinal and longitudinal extent of the species' breeding range. We used our model to estimate δDp values from δDf values of immature Cooper's Hawks captured during migration in the Florida Keys. We compared these estimated δDp values to a published map of δDp values of North American precipitation to learn the latitudinal origins of migrants. We reviewed previous migration banding studies to estimate the longitudinal range of migrants. Our analysis suggested that most of the immature Cooper's Hawks migrating through the Keys originated in natal areas in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the continent. We found no difference in the passage date of northern and southern birds or in the latitudinal origins of males and females. This new information will aid in the interpretation of population trends generated from the ongoing migration count in the Keys.
Energy Balance in Faunated and Defaunated Sheep on a Ration High in Concentrate to Roughage (Good Quality) Ratio

Five faunated and five defaunated sheep were fed diet containing 70:30 concentrate to roughage (oat hay) ratio and energy balances were determined by carbon and nitrogen balance method.Intake and nutritive value of the diet did not differ between faunated and defaunated sheep. Loss of carbon in urine and methane as percent of intake was significantly (p<0.01) less in defaunated sheep but energy balance and efficiency of utilisation of ME for maintenance was similar in both faunated and defaunated animals. The energy cost per g protein and fat synthesis in defaunated sheep was 13.9 and 12.3 kcal ME, respectively. It was inferred that high concentrate to roughage ratio and maintenance type roughage like oat hay in ration of defaunated Muzaffarnagari sheep does not yield any additional benefit from energetic point of view, compared to faunated sheep.
Interactions between wolves Canis lupus and dogs C. familiaris in Finland

We examined wolf Canis lupus attacks on domestic dogs C. familiaris in six Finnish wolf territories occupied by mated pairs and packs. Most incidents (76%, N = 21 confirmed cases) took place inside one territory. The wolves mostly (70%) attacked dogs in house yards. It appeared that wolves in the territory were actively seeking for dogs rather than killing them as a result of random encounters. A strong tendency to attack dogs seemed to be adopted by pups born to the wolf pack. We did not find evidence that the density of primary prey or resident dogs were associated with the risk of wolf attacks.
Approaches to landscape- and seascape-scale conservation planning: convergence, contrasts and challenges

Abstract Non-government organizations (NGOs), agencies and research groups around the world have developed diverse approaches to conservation planning at the scale of landscapes and seascapes. This diversity partly reflects healthy differences in objectives, backgrounds of planners, and assumptions about data and conservation priorities. Diversity also has disadvantages, including confusion among donors and prospective conservation planners about what to fund and how to plan. To help reduce this confusion, we compared approaches described in separate articles by four major conservation NGOs. We structured our comparison with an 11-stage framework for conservation planning. We found considerable agreement between approaches in their recognition and ways of addressing many planning stages. The approaches diverged most obviously in ways of collecting socio-economic and biodiversity data and identifying explicit conservation objectives. Even here, however, the approaches tend to be complementary and there is potential to combine them in many landscapes and seascapes. Our review emphasizes that systematic methods are having real benefits in guiding effective conservation investments. We finish by outlining two challenges for conservation planning generally: (1) managing the transition from planning to applying conservation actions, and (2) assessing the costs and benefits of conservation planning.
Response of Populus tremuloides, Populus balsamifera, Betula papyrifera and Picea glauca Seedlings to Low Soil Temperature and Water-logged Soil Conditions

Populus balsamifera L. , Betula papyrifera Marsh. , Populus tremuloides Michx. and Picea glauca (Moench) Voss seedlings were grown in specialized pots that maintained a constant water-table height and allowed monitoring of water use by the tree/pot under high water-table conditions and different soil temperatures. The trees were grown at imperfectly and poorly drained water table conditions and at 5, 10 or 20°C soil temperature. In P. balsamifera, net assimilation and transpiration remained high under wet soil conditions and increased with higher soil temperatures. Populus balsamifera growth and leaf area development were severely restricted at soil temperatures of 5°C. Both B. papyrifera and P. tremuloides had low transpiration and pot level water-use rates at both water-table conditions and these did not significantly increase with increasing soil temperature. Picea glauca was negatively affected by high water tables but showed minimal response to soil temperature changes. The study suggests that P. balsamifera would be a good hydrological nurse crop to lower the water table when soils are warm, while B. papyrifera is likely to be a good nurse species in cool and imperfectly drained sites.
High Level Cereal Diets for the Growing/Finishing Pig: VI. An Evaluation of Flaked Maize, Wheat and Barley When Included at High Levels in the Diet of the Weaned Pig Grown to Cutter Weight (160 lb)

SUMMARY In a randomized block 3x2 factorial experiment 72 Large White type and Large White x Landrace pigs were restrictedly fed to 160 lb (72–5 kg) live weight on diets (as wet mashes) containing high levels of maize, wheat or barley in either ground meal or ground flaked forms. A further five groups of six litter-mate Large White type hog pigs per group were used in digestibility and nitrogen balance studies. The diets of meal were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous and to contain similar levels of lysine and for each cereal similar levels of protein and vitamin/mineral supplements were included in the flaked diets. There were no significant cereal x processing interactions for any of the parameters studied. Overall, flaking improved digestibility and this was reflected in a higher (P >0-05) digestible energy content of the flaked diets (3402 kcal/kg air dry weight) compared with the meal diets (3334 kcal/kg air dry weight). The digestible energy contents of the maize, wheat and barley diets were significantly different (P < 0-001) at 3477, 3431 and 3195 kcal/kg air-dry diet respectively. Nitrogen retention, growth rate and efficiency of food conversion were all significantly poorer for the flaked, compared with the meal based diets. The nitrogen retained from the wheat-based diets was significantly lower than that retained from the maize- and barley-based diets. Growth rates of pigs given the wheat- and barley-based diets were similar but taken together were significantly (P < 0-05) better than those obtained from pigs given the maize-based diet. Efficiency of food conversion followed a similar pattern but the differences were not statistically significant.
The pattern of projection of cortical areas 17, 18, and 19 onto the laminae of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus in the cat

The projection of cortical areas 17, 18, and 19 onto the laminar part of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus was investigated with degeneration methods and with the autoradiographic axon tracing method. In agreement with previous accounts, degenerating cortical axons stained by the Nauta method were restricted to laminae A, A1, C and to the interlaminar zones. In contrast, adjacent sections stained with the Fink‐Heimer method showed fine dust like degeneration throughout all of the laminae of the nucleus. Comparisons of Fink‐Heimer degeneration resulting from lesions of area 17 with that resulting from lesions of areas 18 and 19 further suggested that the area 17 projection is heavier and more uniform than the projections from areas 18 and 19.
DYNAMICS OF CELL WALL PROTEINS DURING CELL ELONGATION IN ETIOLATED HYPOCOTYLS OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA AS SHOWN BY PROTEOMIC AND TRANSCRIPTOMIC SURVEYS

The cell wall of higher plants is a complex dynamic entity that performs a variety of functions during growth and development as well as in response to environmental stresses. Cell wall proteins play important roles in cell elongation. Etiolated hypocotyls of Arabidopsis thaliana were chosen as elongating organs since they undergo rapid and polar elongation without cell division. Two developmental stages were compared through proteomic and transcriptomic surveys: active elongation (5- day-old hypocotyls) vs after growth arrest (11 day-old hypocotyls). As a prerequisite to proteomic study, an efficient cell wall purification method was established as well as a powerful strategy for protein separation. Proteins were identified by peptide mass mapping using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and bioinformatics. This study resulted in identification of 137 proteins among which 51 were not identified before by proteomics, and 36 (resp. 17) were found only at 5-days (resp. 11-days). Overall, many protein families expected to be involved in cell wall elongation or in elongation arrest were found by either survey such as XTHs, PGs, expansins, peroxidases, and laccases. However, some of them were found all along hypocotyl development which suggests other roles in cell walls. In addition, many proteins not described before to play roles during cell wall elongation were identified, such as proteases, proteins related to lipid metabolism and proteins of yet unknown function. Finally, proteomic and transcriptomic results revealed no systematic consistency between them suggesting post-transcriptional regulation steps for genes encoding cell wall proteins.
Brown Trout Removal Effects on Short-Term Survival and Movement of Myxobolus cerebralis-Resistant Rainbow Trout

AbstractFollowing establishment of Myxobolus cerebralis (the parasite responsible for salmonid whirling disease) in Colorado, populations of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss experienced significant declines, whereas Brown Trout Salmo trutta densities increased in many locations across the state, potentially influencing the success of M. cerebralis-resistant Rainbow Trout reintroductions. We examined the effects of Brown Trout removal on the short-term (3-month) survival and movement of two crosses of reintroduced, M. cerebralis-resistant Rainbow Trout in the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado. Radio frequency identification passive integrated transponder tags and antennas were used to track movements of wild Brown Trout and stocked Rainbow Trout in reaches where Brown Trout had or had not been removed. Multistate mark–recapture models were used to estimate tagged fish apparent survival and movement in these sections 3 months following Brown Trout removal. A cross between the German Rainbow Trout and Colorad.