Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chitosan Supplementation may Improve the Digestive Physiology and Health of Captive Leiothrix lutea

We investigated the effects of supplemental chitosan on digestibility of feed nutrients, intestinal histology and digestive enzyme activity in the pancreas, duodenum and jejunoileum in Leiothrix lutea. Sixty-four adult birds were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments (basal diet supplemented with 0%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% chitosan). The experiment lasted for 30 days, of which the last 4 days involved metabolic experiments. Compared with the control group, the addition of 0.5% chitosan enhanced the apparent metabolism rate of dry matter, metabolisable energy, crude fat and phosphorus, and decreased apparent metabolism rate of calcium; crude protein was unaffected. Compared with the control group, the villous height of the duodenum and ileum supplemented with 0.5% chitosan increased by 12.11% and 15.03%, while the crypt depth in the duodenum deepened by 6.48%. Supplemental chitosan decreased lipase and amylase activities; trypsin and chymotrypsin activities increased first and then decreased as the level of chitosan increased. These data suggest that dietary chitosan (0.5%) may improve the digestive physiology of L. lutea in captivity by increasing the apparent metabolic rate of most nutrients, improving intestinal health and enhancing digestive enzyme activity.
A meta-analysis of vertical stratification in demersal trawl gears

A meta-analysis is presented of fishing trials that use trawl gear with horizontal separator panels to direct fish into an upper or lower codend. The analysis is applied to eight North Atlantic species: the gadoids cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), saithe (Pollachius virens), and whiting (Merlangius merlangus), the flatfish lemon sole (Microstomus kitt) and plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), and monkfish (Lophius piscatorius) and Nephrops (Nephops norvegicus). The proportion of fish that rise above the separator panel decreases as the height of the leading edge of the panel increases for six of the eight species. Only monkfish and Nephrops have no significant dependency on panel height. Cod is the only species for which separation depends on the horizontal distance of the leading edge of the panel from the ground gear, with the proportion of cod going above the panel increasing the farther the panel is from the ground gear. The time of day only affects the separation of plaice, with a g.
Private Equity Returns: Is there really a Benefit of low Co-movement with Public Markets?

In this paper we show how cross-sectional correlations between Private Equity (PE) and Public Market Equity (PM) returns can be approximated, resolving the lack of time series PE data. Based on a sample comprising 2,380 realized PE projects, we observe low crosssectional correlations between PE and stock index returns (e.g. 0.18 for Nasdaq Composite Index). Despite overall low correlations, we find that investor can not benefit from a diversification effect when they really need it during times of low PM returns. We point out differences between early and later stage PE investments regarding hedging capabilities against bearish stock market conditions, triggered by distinct valuation approaches and exit channels. In contrast to early stage investors, later stage investors price projects based on fundamental information and are less dependent on IPOs as exit channel. We find significant statistical evidence for the negative correlation between early stage investments and excess returns over PM in bearish stock market conditions. Later stage investments exhibit a significant positive relation with excess returns over low PM returns. Investors seeking diversification benefits in PE should thus not solely rely on correlation coefficients, but need to carefully consider a fund’s investment strategy. The conflict of objectives for Venture funds between active market timing and smoothing of PM returns is resolved in favor of active market timing. Buyout funds’ returns are less dependent on PM developments and are thus the better complement for PM portfolios if investors seek diversification.
Lactic Acid Bacteria and Fermentation of Cereals and Pseudocereals

The usage of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in food as starters in fermentation technologies has a long tradition. Although the theorized idea of host‐friendly bacteria found in yoghurt has been formulated only over a century ago, both groups are widely used nowadays. Lactic acid bacteria alone or with special adjunct probiotic strains are inevitable for the preparation of various specific fermented and probiotic foods. Moreover, because of their growth and metabolism, the final products are preserved for a certain time. Growth dynamics of probiotic LAB and Fresco DVS 1010 in milk‐ and water‐based maize mashes with sucrose or flavours (chocolate, caramel and vanilla) were evaluated in this study. Although milk is typical growth medium for the LAB growth, observed strains showed sufficient growth in each of prepared mashes as well as they were able to maintain their content above 10 6 CFU ml ‐1 during storage period (6°C/21 d). Designed flavoured mashes were acceptable from the microbiological point of view, but according to the sensory evaluation they were provided with an attractive overall acceptability and are adequate alternative for celiac patients, people suffering from milk protein allergies or lactose intolerance.
Understanding the role of transforming growth factor beta signalling and epigenomics in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis with a high socioeconomic burden, with an incompletely understood etiology. Evidence suggests a role for the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-s) signalling pathway and epigenomics in OA. The aim of this thesis was to understand the involvement of the TGF-s pathway in OA and to determine the DNA methylation patterns of OA-affected cartilage as compared to the OA-free cartilage. First, I found that a common SNP in the BMP2 gene, a ligand in the Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) subunit of TGF-s pathway, was associated with OA in the Newfoundland population. I also showed a genetic association between SMAD3 - a signal transducer in the TGF-s subunit of the TGF-s signalling pathway - and the total radiographic burden of OA. I further demonstrated that SMAD3 is over-expressed in OA cartilage, suggesting an over activation of the TGF-s signalling in OA. Next, I examined the connection of these genes in the regulation of matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13) - an enzyme known to destroy extracellular matrix in OA cartilage - in the context of the TGF-s signalling. The analyses showed that TGF-s, MMP13, and SMAD3 were overexpressed in OA cartilage, whereas the expression of BMP2 was significantly reduced. The expression of TGF-s was positively correlated with that of SMAD3 and MMP13, suggesting that TGF-s signalling is involved in up-regulation of MMP13. This regulation, however, appears not to be controlled by SMAD3 signals, possibly due to the involvement of collateral signalling, and to be suppressed by BMP regulation in healthy cartilage, whose levels were reduced in end-stage OA. In a genome-wide DNA methylation analysis, I reported CpG sites differentially methylated in OA and showed that the cartilage methylome has a potential to distinguish between OA-affected and non-OA cartilage. Functional clustering analysis of the genes harbouring differentially methylated loci revealed that they are enriched in the skeletal system morphogenesis pathway, which could be a potential candidate for further OA studies. Overall, the findings from the present thesis provide evidence that the TGF-s signalling pathway is associated with the development of OA, and epigenomics might be involved as a potential mechanism in OA.
Diet composition changes in tigerfish of Lake Kariba following an invasion by redclaw crayfish

The present study used a combination of stable isotope techniques and stomach content analyses to examine the diet and ontogenetic diet shifts of tigerfish, Hydrocynus vittatus , in the Sanyati basin of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. We compared tigerfish diet shifts in the presence of an invasive crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus , with previous studies before invasion. Here, we assessed whether tigerfish now had a preference for C. quadricarinatus leading to a shift in its main dietary food sources from cichlids to crayfish. The dominance of cichlids has remained generally high when compared with historical assessments. Stable isotope analyses showed that tigerfish fed on a variety of food sources including those that may be temporarily unavailable. Results of stable isotope analyses also highlighted that C. quadricarinatus was now becoming an important food source across all tigerfish size classes. In conclusion, tigerfish in Lake Kariba showed remarkable dietary plasticity and ontogenetic shifts, identified by both stomach content and stable isotope analyses.
Fomesafen Crop Tolerance and Weed Control in Processing Tomato

Field experiments were conducted at the North Central Agricultural Research Station in Fremont, OH in 2009 and 2010 to evaluate the tolerance of tomato to fomesafen and the efficacy of this herbicide on weed control. The crop was machine-transplanted in June 5, 2009 and June 3, 2010. Herbicide treatments were applied using a CO2 pressurized (276 kPa) backpack sprayer with 8002VS nozzle tips delivering 234 L ha-1. Pre-transplant (PRETP) treatments were applied on June 4, 2009, and May 27, 2010. Treatments included fomesafen at 280, 350, 420, 560, and 840 g ai ha-1. Minimal crop injury was observed 7 and 14 d after treatment (DAT) in plots treated with fomesafen at 840 g ha-1 both years. None of the treatments caused crop injury either year at 42 DAT. Fomesafen at the highest rate provided acceptable annual grass, common purslane, and redroot pigweed control 42 DAT. Tomato yield was not reduced by the application of fomesafen. Registration of fomesafen herbicide would provide tomato growers an opportunity to control weeds caused by late emergence or poor initial control following a burndown herbicide application in tomato. Nomenclature: Fomesafen, tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L.
BRIEF COMMUNICATION: The effect of re-milking following extended non-milking periods on the proliferation and apoptosis of mammary epithelial cells in dairy cows

In dairy cows, the increase in milk yield from parturition to peak lactation is attributed to an increase in the secretory activity of mammary epithelial cells (MECs) (Capuco et al. 2001). However, following peak lactation, there is a decline in milk production, which is attributed to the loss of MECs by programmed cell death or apoptosis (Capuco et al. 2001). The role of involution and the factors that regulate it in the bovine mammary gland are not well understood. Previous studies have characterised the process of involution in the bovine mammary gland by determining whether involution is reversible following an extended milk stasis. Involution was fully reversible following seven days of non-milking (Dalley & Davis 2006), but was only partially reversible following longer non-milking intervals (Noble & Hurley 1999; Singh et al. 2012). The aim of this study was to determine if the apoptosis and proliferation of MECs is reversible with resumption of milking following extended nonmilking intervals in pasture-fed cows.
Modelling the Pan-Spectral Energy Distribution of Starburst Galaxies: III. Emission Line Diagnostics of Ensembles of H II Regions

We have built, as far as possible, fully self-consistent models of H II regions around aging clusters of stars. These produce strong emission line diagnostics applicable to either individual H II regions in galaxies, or to the integrated emission line spectra of disk or starburst galaxies. The models assume that the expansion and internal pressure of individual H II regions is driven by the net input of mechanical energy from the central cluster, be it through winds or supernova events. This eliminates the ionization parameter as a free variable, replacing it with a parameter which depends on the ratio of the cluster mass to the pressure in the surrounding interstellar medium. These models explain why H II regions with low abundances have high excitation, and demonstrate that at least part of the warm ionized medium is the result of overlapping faint, old, large, and low pressure H II regions. We present a number of line ratios (at both optical and IR wavelengths) that provide reliable abundance diagnostics for either single H II regions or for integrated galaxy spectra, and others that are sensitive to the age of the cluster stars exciting individual H II regions.
Caroxylon (Chenopodiaceae s.str. ) in continental southern Africa and Madagascar: a preliminary nomenclatural synopsis and biogeographical considerations

Caroxylon (Chenopodiaceae) has recently been recognised as a separate genus, based on genetic, physiological and morphological data. This paper features a brief history of the taxonomy of Salsola and introduces new nomenclatural combinations in Caroxylon (80 species and one variety) for taxa that were formerly classified within Salsola in southern Africa (including Botswana, Namibia and South Africa) and Madagascar. Caroxylon albidum, C. aphyllum, C. araneosum, C. calluna, C. columnaris, C. divaricatum , C. glabrescens, C. humifusum, C. littoralis, C. salsola , C. tuberculatum and C. zeyheri have been recognised as species of Caroxylon in the region by other authors earlier. C. brevifolium and C. foetidum were excluded from the list of Caroxylon species occurring in southern Africa. Salsola fuliginosa , S. strumulosa , and S. subsericea , all most probably also Caroxylon taxa, remain still to be classified. Caroxylon littorale, C. nigrescens , C. salsola and C. tuberculatum var. flavovirens are lectotypified in this paper. Synonyms, types and distribution data of the taxa are also given, and taxonomic and nomenclatural problems are identified.
Role of Monoterpenes in Eucalyptus Communities

The Genus Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) consisting of over 700 tall evergreen trees is widely distributed and exten- sively planted for wood, pulp, medicines and aesthetic values. The foliage of the tree is rich in essential oils that are used extensively in perfumery, pharmaceuticals and food industries, and are held responsible for a wide spectrum of biological activity of the tree. Additionally, the terpenoid rich essential oil also plays a significant role in regulating floor vegetation under the trees due to its allelopathic properties. Of late, there have been attempts to utilize this property of the essential oils for the management of weeds, fungi, microbes and nematodes. The present paper attempts to discuss this broad- spectrum potential of eucalyptus oil and constituent monoterpenes.
Molecular Phylogeny and Morphological Analysis of Tetraglochin (Rosaceae: Rosoideae: Sanguisorbeae) and Recognition of the New Species T. andina

Abstract Tetraglochin is distributed along the Andes from Peru to southern Argentina and central Chile. In order to test its monophyly and analyze relationships among species of this genus and allied genera, we conducted morphological studies and phylogenetic analyses using both nuclear (ITS) and cpDNA (trnL-F) sequences. As a result, Tetraglochin is supported as monophyletic, with the genus Margyricarpus as its sister group. Tetraglochin acanthocarpa and T. caespitosa are sister to the rest of the genus, which is grouped in two clades. One clade grows primarily distributed along the Central Andes, includes T. cristata, T. inermis, plus some specimens of T. ameghinoi, and has a coriaceous or papery and non translucent hypanthium. The other clade is mainly in the Southern Andes, contains T. alata and some specimens of T. ameghinoi, and has a membranous translucent hypanthium. Based on results obtained from morphological studies, molecular phylogenies, and species delimitation analyses, a new species T. andina, is proposed, segregated from T. ameghinoi. A key to identify all species herein recognized, and a map containing geographical distribution of them are provided, together with a description and illustration of the new species.
Life in harsh environments: carabid and spider trait types and functional diversity on a debris‐covered glacier and along its foreland

1. Patterns of species richness and species assemblage composition of ground‐dwelling arthropods in primary successions along glacier forelands are traditionally described using a taxonomic approach. On the other hand, the functional trait approach could ensure a better characterisation of their colonisation strategies in these types of habitat.
Personality and its fitness consequences in the Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis)

In this thesis, I investigate whether differences in behaviour among individuals, termed personality, are genetically determined and/or shaped by state and whether personality influences reproductive success and strategy. Using the Cousin Island population of Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis), I measured five personality traits: exploration of a novel object, exploration of a novel environment, obstinacy, stress response and escape response. I estimated the repeatability of each trait, the heritability of the repeatable traits and tested for correlations among repeatable traits. I found that exploration of a novel environment and object were repeatable and correlated, and novel environment exploration was heritable, suggesting that it may be under selection in the population. I then used a candidate gene approach to further investigate the genetic variation associated with personality, specifically targeting SERT and DRD4. I found no genetic variation in DRD4, but identified four polymorphisms in SERT that did not correlate with the novel environment or novel object exploration. These results suggest there was no association between these behaviours and variation in the candidate genes tested in this population, and that a genome-wide study might be beneficial to detect the relevant genes underlying personality. I then looked at how personality is potentially generated and maintained in a social living species by investigating whether personality is social state-dependent or reproductive state-dependent. I found that the novel environment and novel object exploration were not correlated with social status and behavioural consistency was unaffected by social status. Novel object exploration was instead associated with the interaction between insect abundance at year of birth and age (a proxy for reproductive state). Lastly, I investigated the fitness consequences of personality, particularly looking at its influence on reproductive behaviour. I found that disassortative pairs for novel environment exploration were more likely to have females engage in extra pair parentage, and that novel environment and novel object exploration were not associated with the number of offspring sired or the ratio of within to extra group young. Overall my results show that there are consistent among individual differences in behaviour in wild cooperative breeders that may be generated by future fitness potential and are associated with reproductive behaviour within the social pair.
Effects of different levels of essential oil mixed (peppermint-thyme-anise oil) supplementation in the drinking water on the growth performance, carcass traits and histologic structure of terminal ileum in quails.

This study was conducted in order to define the effects of oregofarm (peppermint, thyme and anise oil) supplementation in the drinking water on the growth performance, carcass quality and histologic structure of terminal ileum in quails. A total of 348 Japanese quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of both sexes were included in this study. They were divided into one control group and two experimental groups and each of them contained 116 Japanese quail chicks. Each group was further divided into four subgroups with 29 Japanese quail chicks. This study was finalized in six weeks. All groups were fed with basal diets and received fresh water during the experiment. The control group received non-supplemented water. The group 1 and 2 received 1.0 ml/5 L and 1.5 ml/5 L oil mixture, respectively. All experimental groups were fed with water and ad-libitum. As a result of the study, there were statistically significant differences between the feed consumption and efficiency (P<0.001) in the end of the three weeks. Similarly, there were also statistically significant differences between same parameters (P<0.01; 0.05) five weeks later. The body weights of quails were not significantly different from each other (P>0.05). At the end of the study, there were statistically differences in the warm and cold carcass parameters (P<0.05). Adding essential oil mixed were not affected on histological structure of terminal ileum (P>0.05). Conclusively, the supplementation of oregofarm (peppermint + thyme and anise oil) has no additional effect on quail performance.
Are the helminth communities from unisexual and bisexual lizards different

Specimens of three species of parthenogenetic lizards (Darevskia uzzelli, D. bendimahiensis, and D. sapphirina) from northeastern Turkey were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. Only one species, the nematode Spauligodon saxicolae (Pharyngodonidae), was found. The extremely low infection and diversity parameters, falling among the lowest within the Palaearctic saurians, support depauperate helminth communities for these parthenogenetic lacertid lizards. Our results suggest that parthenogenetic Darevskia follow a pattern of parasitism similar to other unisexual lizards (i.e. Aspidocelis). The low rates of infection and diversity may be explained by the decreasing opportunities for interchanging helminths rather than factors of susceptibility of unisexual hosts.
Evaluation of hookworm infections and some haematological parameters amongst primary and secondary schools children in Aba Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria

Hookworm infections and some haematological parameter among children were assessed in five different schools in Aba metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria. Blood and Stool samples were collected and analysed, following ethical approval and consent from parents and teachers of the subjects. Stool samples were analyzed using standard parasitological technique, from the blood samples, Haemoglobin (Hb) levels, Esinophils and white blood cell counts (WBC) were determined. Out of 1500 samples examined, 120 (8.0%) were positive for Hookworm infection. There was variation in infection rate by school and there is significant difference in the prevalence of Hookworm infection within the schools (P<0.05). Sex related prevalence showed that infection was higher in females 8.17% than in males 7.89%. It was observed that hookworm infection is dependent on sex and age (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between hookworm infection and Haemoglobin levels both in female and male subjects. Eosinophil count and hookworm infection by sex and age revealed that there is a correlation between hookworm infection and eosinophilia counts. There was an increase in eosinophilia with high rate of hookworm infection in the age group of 10 – 13 years. This result showed that there is higher value of eosinophilia in female children than in male children (P <0.05). White blood cell counts (WBC) showed a proportional variation with hookworm infection in both male and female (P<0.05). In conclusion, Hookworm infection is relatively high among the children in Aba metropolis and the relationships between hookworm infection and Haemoglobin, Eosinophil and white blood cells were established. Keywords : Hookworm infections, Haemoglobin, Eosinophils, Leucocytes, School Children, Aba Metropolis