Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Holocene Climate in the Western Great Lakes National Parks and Lakeshores: Implications for Future Climate Change

Abstract: We reconstruct Holocene climate history ( last 10,000 years) for each of the U.S. National Park Service units in the western Great Lakes region in order to evaluate their sensitivity to global warming. Annual precipitation, annual temperature, and July and January temperatures were reconstructed by comparing fossil pollen in lake sediment with pollen in surface samples, assuming that ancient climates were similar to modern climate near analogous surface samples. In the early Holocene, most of the parks experienced colder winters, warmer summers, and lower precipitation than today. An exception is Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota where, by 8000 years ago, January temperatures were higher than today. The combination of high mean annual temperature and lower precipitation at Voyageurs resulted in a dry period between 8000 and 5000 years ago, similar to the Prairie Period in regions to the south and west. A mid‐Holocene warm‐dry period also occurred at other northern and central parks but was much less strongly developed. In southern parks there was no clear evidence of a mid‐Holocene warm‐dry period. These differences suggest that global model predictions of a warm, dry climate in the northern Great Plains under doubled atmospheric CO2 may be more applicable to Voyageurs than to the other parks. The contrast in reconstructed temperatures at Voyageurs and Isle Royale indicates that the ameliorating effect of the Great Lakes on temperatures has been in effect throughout the Holocene and presumably will continue in the future, thus reducing the potential for species loss caused by future temperature extremes. Increased numbers of mesic trees at all of the parks in the late Holocene reflect increasing annual precipitation. This trend toward more mesic conditions began 6000 years ago in the south and 4000 years ago in the north and increased sharply in recent millennia at parks located today in lake‐effect snow belts. This suggests that lake‐effect snowfall is sensitive to continental‐scale changes in climate and could be affected by future climate change. Plant and animal species sensitive to changes in the moisture regime could thus be endangered within the Great Lakes parks.
Effect of Alternative Production and Management Environments on Layer Reproduction System Development

Three different production environments were evaluated for their impact on laying hen reproduction by assessing the ovary and oviducts for the presence of physiological variations. The three environments included free-range (FR = 60), cage-free (CF = 55) and battery cage (BC = 50). The ovaries and oviducts from these hens were collected and weighed during necropsy, then stored in a freezer at -20°F for later analysis. The analysis included the oviduct length and the number of Post-Ovulatory Follicles (POFs), atretic follicles, hierarchical follicles (H = 12-40 mm), small yellow follicles (SY = 5-12 mm), large white follicles (LW = 2-5 mm), small white follicles (SW = <2 mm) and tumor numbers if present on each ovary. Free-range hens had significantly heavier oviduct weights, at 19.4 and 13.5% heavier than oviducts of battery cage and cage-free hens, respectively. The free-range hens also exhibited an increased presence of tumors as well as a n increased frequency of multiple tumors on the oviducts. Hens housed in the free-range and battery cage environments had increased numbers of LW follicles compared to the cage-free hens. In addition, the free- range hens had a significantly smaller number of SW follicles when compared to the battery cage hens. Contrary to the popular belief that birds raised in free-range or cage-free environments provide healthier production alternatives than conventional battery cages, this study does not suggest that there is a significant physiological impact on the reproductive capacity of hens housed in these different production environments. However, oviduct health appears to be better in the battery cage and cage-free environments.
Efeito da idade de desmame no desenvolvimento e nas características de carcaça de novilhos de corte

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of weaning age on growth and carcass characteristics of calves from primiparous Bos indicus x Bos taurus crossbred cows. Heifers were divided in two groups according to the order of access to pasture and rotationally grazed pastures of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) and arrowleaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum cv. Yuchi) from weaning until their first mating season (two winter/spring seasons); animals were then transferred to native pasture in the following summer-autumn season. Calves were randomly assigned, according to breed and heifers grazing group order, to one of two weaning ages: early weaning (EW) - 07 calves weaned at 70 days of age with an average body weight of 83.2 kg or conventional weaning (CW) -10 calves weaned at 180 days of age and with an average body weight of 152.0 kg in a completely randomized design. Steers were slaughtered with two years of age. Heifers grazing group did not affect calves performance. Calves in the CW treatment were heavier (202.1 kg) at one year old than those on EW (183.0 kg), but no significant difference was observed when animals were slaughtered at two years of age (CW=408.5 kg vs. EW=411.2 kg). Carcass traits such as fat thickness, conformation, "Hilton Quote" classification, and hot yield did not differ comparing EW with CW steers. Therefore, early weaning did not affect performance and carcass characteristics of steers slaughtered at two years of age.
INHERITANCE OF YIELD AND ITS COMPONENTS IN SPRING WHEAT

The genetic study of various physical components of yield such as number of tillers per plant, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, lOOO-grain weight and grain yield per plant has been the focus of most wheat breeders in orders to select desirable cross combinations. The effective selection depends upon the information on the genetic basis of these characters. Although studies have been reported (Chaprnan and McNeal 1971, Khan and Chowdhry 1979, Srivastava et al. 1981, Nanda et al. 1982, Pinthus and Levy 1984, etc.), in which the parental materials involved were different varieties, no attempts have been made to use Isogenic lines to study the inheritance of these characters. Genetic information concerning the nature of gene action for the above mentioned characters will be a valuable tool for breeding better cult ivars of wheat.
Efficacy of tow sampling methods for monitoring, control and estimating seasonal abundance of onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thripidae: Thysanoptera) on onion in Iraq

Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, are economic pest of Alliums worldwide and considered as important pest infesting onion and other field crops in Iraq . There are no detailed studies about their biology and control. Field studies were conducted at the College of Agriculture, Baghdad to evaluate the effectiveness of two sampling methods for estimating population density from seedlings to crop maturity by the means of plant counts and sticky colored traps. Results indicated that adults number remained low (less than 5 thrips per plant) until the beginning of February when a first peak of 13 adult / plant occurred, Then the number begins to increase to a first peak of 32 thrips per plant and finally a second peak of 72 thrips per plant in March, Then onion thrips begins to decline to below 5 thrips per plant at harvest by the first week of May. Results showed a good correlation between thrips numbers estimated by plant counts and sticky traps, White or blue sticky traps are significantly attractive for onion thrips than yellow traps and strongly suggested for monitoring and reducing population densities in onion fields. Numbers of onion thrips observed during March and April can cause severe damage to onion plants during this period, So, a control meaures should be applied, otherwise it's lead to an economic loss in yield and quality of bulbs.
The Effect of Slaughter Weight and Fattening Intensity on Changes in Carcass Fatness in Young Holstein-Friesian Bulls

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of body weight (BW) at slaughter and fattening intensity on carcass fatness and meat fatty acid profile in young Holstein-Friesian bulls. One-hundred bulls fattened on two levels of intensity a semi-intensive (SI) and an intensive (I) were used. Fattening was carried out to BW of 500, 550, 600, 650 and 700 kg. Live ultrasound measurements were performed to determine back fat thickness. Carcass dressing percentage, carcass conformation and fatness, intramuscular fat content of m. longissimus dorsi and fatty acid profile (by gas chromatography) were determined after slaughter. Intensively fattened bulls were characterised by a greater carcass dressing percentage – by 1.17% on average, greater carcass conformation scores, greater external fat thickness and a greater intramuscular fat content than bulls SI fattened. Fat from intensively fattened bulls contained higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) – by 0.96/100 g on average. Semi-intensive fattening contributed to a decrease in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio and to a significant increase in the concentrations of C18:2 and C20:4 fatty acids. Regardless of the fattening intensity, the n-6/n-3 ratio was greater in heavier animals. The best results were achieved when young Holstein-Friesian bulls were fattened intensively to BW of 650 kg.
Research note: The effect of a lactic acid bacterial inoculant on the fermentation dynamics of Eragrostis curvula during ensiling

Abstract Making good quality hay from Eragrostis curvula is a risky operation in many areas in South Africa due mainly to unfavourable weather conditions. Ensiling should therefore be considered as an alternative method for conserving the forage. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of a lactic acid bacterial inoculant when ensiling E. curvula is beneficial in terms of the fermentation dynamics during ensiling and the aerobic stability of the silage. The composition of the fresh chopped grass was 37.8+0.1% dry matter, 50.8±2.3% in vitro organic matter digestibility, 5.8±0.3% crude protein, and 79.2±0.34% neutral detergent fibre on a dry matter basis. Eragrostis curvula was ensiled in eighteen mini silos (three replications x six periods) for each of the control and inoculated treatments to follow the fermentation dynamics during ensiling. The pH of the control silage on day 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 122 of ensiling was 5.90, 5.08, 4.81, 4.76, 4.67 and 4.33, and that of the inoculated silage was 5.12.
High pigment tomato mutants—more than just lycopene (a review)

Fruit constitutes a major component of our diet, providing fiber, vitamins, minerals, and many phytonutrients that promote good health. Fleshy fruits such as tomatoes already contain high levels of several of these ingredients. Nevertheless, efforts have been invested in increasing and diversifying the content of phytonutrients, such as carotenoids and flavonoids, in tomato fruits. These efforts rely on transgenic approaches, and the use of single-point mutations and/or quantitative trait loci affecting levels of these phytonutrients. The tomato high pigment (hp) mutations are a good example of the latter alternative. Due to their impact on fruit lycopene content, hp mutations were already introgressed into elite tomato germplasm. Interestingly, plants carrying these mutations are also characterized by higher levels of other health-promoting metabolites, such as flavonoids and vitamins. These mutations were initially marked as lesions in structural genes of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. However, recent studies have shown that they represent mutations in two regulatory genes active in light signal transduction, also known as photomorphogenesis. This gene-identification has created a conceptual link between photomorphogenesis and biosynthesis of fruit phytonutrients, and suggests that manipulation of the light signal transduction machinery in plants may be an effective approach towards practical manipulation of fruit phytonutrients.
Guest Editors' Introduction

This special issue of Violence Against Women is the second of a two-part series on violence against women associated with the military. The focus of Part I (vol. 9, no. 9, September 2003) was on intimate partner violence among the ranks. The current issue presents groundbreaking research and analysis of sexual violence, including assault and trafficking, associated with armed forces. Sexual violence against women in the military by their coworkers has garnered headlines over the years, often surpassing public attention relative to intimate partner violence. The case histories of active-duty women who have served their country with honor, braved danger, and demonstrated enormous courage only to be assaulted by their fellow service members have appalled the public, embarrassed the military, and prompted policy makers to demand change (Beth, 2004; Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, 2004; Department of Defense, 2003; Hansen, 2004a, 2004b; Laurie, 2004). A Department of Defense survey completed in 2002 concluded that sexual harassment and sexual assault within the past year had decreased significantly since the previous survey conducted in 1995 (Bastian, Lancaster, & Reist, 1996; Lipari & Lancaster, 2003). However, the number of reported cases dramatically increased during the same period (Department of the Army, 2004; Department of Defense, 2005; Joint Task Force on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, 2005). The theme of this issue concerns cultural norms, beliefs, and attitudes that influence harassing and assaultive behaviors toward women in the military. The study by Dawn Vogt, Tamara Bruce, Amy Street, and Jane Stafford examines attitudes toward women in the military and tolerance of sexual harassment among male and female Reservists and members of the National Guard. The study confirms the conclusions of earlier preliminary research (Rosen & Martin, 1998) that negative attitudes toward women in the military significantly predict tolerance of sexual harassment. Interestingly, the study found that sexual harassment training was associated with positive attitudes toward women, but not with decreased tolerance of sexual harassment, suggesting that units with positive attitudes may be more willing to promote training on sexual harassment. However, the training itself did not seem to affect individually held attitudes about sexual harassment. Sexual harassment training cannot be effective when it contradicts other aspects of military culture including the status of women as sex objects. Furthermore, Part I in this series included a study showing a correlation between disrespect toward women
Enhanced Nitrogen Uptake and Photosynthesis of Rice Grown with Deep and Permanent Irrigation Method: Possible Mechanism for Chalky Grain Reduction

Abstract Recently, the occurrence of chalky grain caused by high temperature stress at the ripening stage has been a global problem for rice. We previously showed that the deep and permanent irrigation method, which is the combination of the V-furrow direct seeding and deep-flood irrigation methods, reduced chalky grain occurrence. To study the possible physiological mechanisms for reduced chalky grain occurrence by the deep and permanent irrigation method, we conducted field experiments in 2008 and 2009 to examine the effects of the deep-flood treatment on plant nitrogen (N) content, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate especially at the ripening stage. Results showed that in the deep-flood treatment that maintained a 20 cm water depth, leaf N content was consistently and significantly higher than the control with only a 10 cm water depth. Except two measured days, the stomatal conductance under the deep-flood treatment was significantly higher than in the control. Furthermore, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate in the deep-flood treatment were always significantly higher than in the control in both years. Thus, the deep-flood treatment enhanced N uptake, and consequently photosynthetic activity, resulting in the reduction of chalky grain formation, as previously reported. Accordingly, the effects of deep- flood treatment on grain quality improvement in rice may possibly be attributed to the improvement in source activity.
Scaffolding Interactions With Preschool Children: Comparisons Between Chinese Mothers and Teachers Across Different Tasks

Jin Sun and Nirmala Rao, Faculty of Education. This article is based on research conducted by the first author, in partial fulfillment of a doctorate, under the supervision of the second author. The research was supported by a grant from the Sik Sik Yuen Educational Fund and the Faculty of Education Research Fund of The University of Hong Kong. We thank the participants, as well as Raymond Lam for his assistance with statistical analyses. Address correspondence to Jin Sun, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. Phone: (852) 2219-4867. E-mail: sunjin16@hku.hk.
Lipid manipulation of chicken semen by dietary means and its relation to fertility: a review

The major polyunsaturate in phospholipids of chicken spermatozoa is docosatetraenoic acid, 22:4n-6, which is positively correlatable with sperm motility and fertility. The potential for dietary manipulation of sperm fatty acid in order to improve male fertility has been extensively studied in the chicken. The effects of diets enriched in n-3 and n-6 long chain polyunsaturates have been investigated in different trials using different oil sources and levels of oil inclusion. The 22:6n-3 and 22:5n-3 content of avian spermatozoa is increased by supplementing the feed with fish oil (rich in 22:6n-3) and linseed oil (rich in 18:3n-3) respectively. The 22:4n-6 content is also increased by supplementing the feed with evening primrose oil (rich in 18:3n-6) in association with high level of vitamin E (200 mg/kg) and with arasco oil (rich in 20:4n-6). The effects of these fatty acid manipulations on sperm quality and/or fertility are reviewed. Both n-3 and n-6 rich diets showed a positive effect on sperm movement during the reproductive period and an age-dependent positive effect on fertility. Reported effects of n-6 rich diets on semen production have been variable with 20:4n-6 rich diet having a positive effect on semen volume and thus on total sperm number and 18:3n-6 rich diets having a negative effect on semen concentration. Spermatozoa enriched in 22:5n-3, or 22:6n-3 or 22:4n-6 result in significantly higher fertility values following artificial insemination compared to control spermatozoa; however, such a positive effect is age dependent and observed at 37 to 42 weeks, but not in older birds. The n-6 fatty acid composition of chicken spermatozoa is recognised as a specie-specific characteristic. The fundamental relation between dietary lipid, spermatozoa fatty acid composition and thus sperm quality and fertility can be seen as having a potential commercial application.
Susceptibility of mushrooms to Aphelenchoides swarupi and Aphelenchus avenae

An experiment was conducted to assess the relative susceptibility of the mushrooms Agaricus bisporus, A. bitorquis, Pleurotus sajor-caju and Calocybe indica to Aphelenchoides swarupi and Aphelenchus avenae in vitro. The sex ratio of A. swarupi multiplying on A. bisporus was also assessed. Agaricus bisporus was the most susceptible mushroom followed by A. bitorquis and C. indica. Neither nematode affected the growth of P. sajor caju or reproduced on this mushroom. Twenty days after nematode inoculation, per cent mycelial depletion in A. bisporus, A. bitorquis and Calocybe indica was 41.8, 38.4 and 23.7, respectively. Of the nematodes, A. swarupi was the more destructive, causing mycelia depletion of 22.3%, larger than the 13.5% depletion caused by A. avenae. The largest population of A. swarupi (5,197) was recorded on A. bisporus, closely followed by 5,042 on A. bitorquis. With A. swarupi on A. bisporus, the average male to female ratio of the progeny developed from a single gravid female was 1:2.
Varietal Susceptibility of Wheat Grains against Rice Weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L.

The study on susceptibility of different wheat varieties against rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae were carried out at Department of Entomology, N. M. College of Agriculture, NAU, Navsari during 2011–12 and 2012–13. The seven wheat varieties (LOK1, GW11, GW 173, GW322, GW 366, GW496, HD 2189) were tested to study resistance on the basis of biological parameters and biochemical content against infestation of S. oryzae. Results revealed that, based on oviposition preference by free choice test and adult emergence test revealed that the varieties viz., GW 496, GW 11 and GW 322 were less susceptible to S. oryzae while, GW 173, GW 366 and LOK 1 were existed under moderately susceptible whereas, the only variety HD 2189 was found to be highly susceptible. Moreover, the categorization on basis of oviposition preference by confinement test, life cycle duration, per cent grain damage and per cent weight loss revealed that varieties viz., GW 496, GW 11, GW 322 and GW 173 were less susceptible; while GW 366 and LOK 1 were moderately susceptible and HD 2189 was again found to be highly susceptible.
Cosmicflows-4

With Cosmicflows-4, distances are compiled for 55,877 galaxies gathered into 38,065 groups. Eight methodologies are employed, with the largest numbers coming from the correlations between the photometric and kinematic properties of spiral galaxies (TF) and elliptical galaxies (FP). Supernovae that arise from degenerate progenitors (type Ia SNe) are an important overlapping component. Smaller contributions come from distance estimates from the surface brightness fluctuations of elliptical galaxies and the luminosities and expansion rates of core-collapse supernovae (SNe II). Cepheid period–luminosity relation and tip of the red giant branch observations founded on local stellar parallax measurements along with the geometric maser distance to NGC 4258 provide the absolute scaling of distances. The assembly of galaxies into groups is an important feature of the study in facilitating overlaps between methodologies. Merging between multiple contributions within a methodology and between methodologies is carried out with Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo procedures. The final assembly of distances is compatible with a value of the Hubble constant of H 0 = 74.6 km s−1 Mpc−1 with the small statistical error of ±0.8 km s−1 Mpc−1 but a large potential systematic error of ∼3 km s−1 Mpc−1. Peculiar velocities can be inferred from the measured distances. The interpretation of the field of peculiar velocities is complex because of large errors on individual components and invites analyses beyond the scope of this study.