Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STUDY ON BODY WEIGHT AND SCROTAL CIRCUMFERENCE AND ITS CORRELATIONSWITH SEMEN PRODUCTION TRAITS IN CROSSBRED JERSEY BULLS

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of body weight and scrotal circumference on semen production traits of 136 crossbred Jersey bulls, which were maintained at three frozen semen stations of Tamil Nadu, India. Semen production traits such as semen volume, sperm concentration, mass activity, initial sperm motility, post-thaw motility and number of doses per ejaculate were taken for this study. The overall mean values for semen volume (ml), sperm concentration (millions per ml), mass activity (0 to 5 scale), initial sperm motility (per cent), postthaw motility (per cent) and number of doses per ejaculate were 4.18 ± 0.02, 1052.80 ± 7.26, 2.09 ± 0.07, 63.36 ± 0.00, 50.52 ± 0.00 and 215.50 ± 2.01 respectively. From this study, it revealed that the body weight and scrotal circumference of bulls significantly influenced all semen production traits except mass activity. Bulls having a body weight between 350 to 550 kg produced better quality semen and more number of frozen semen doses per ejaculate. When the scrotal circumference was >36 cm, majority of the semen production traits showed better values. The body weight was positively and significantly correlated with scrotal circumference, Semen volume and number of frozen semen doses produced per ejaculate. The scrotal circumference was positively and significantly correlated with semen volume, mass activity and number of doses per ejaculate; negatively and significantly correlated with initial sperm motiltiy.
Effects of a High Carbohydrate and High Protein Formula Diet On Body Composition and Metabolic Risk Parameters in Obese Subjects

Background: In obese subject’s weight loss is known to improve blood lipid profiles, glycemic control and other conditions that may contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular diseases. However, the optimal dietary carbohydrate and protein composition to facilitate weight loss and improving potential adverse effects is still in debate. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of two low-fat formula diets either high in carbohydrate or high in protein, on body composition and metabolic risk factors. Methods: 154 obese (BMI 32.5 ± 0.14 kg/m2) men and women were included in this randomized clinical trial and classified in two groups (highcarbohydrateformula diet (HC) and high protein formula diet (HP)) of 80 matched subjects. They underwent an intervention for eight weeks, which consisted of two phases: (1) week 1 and 2: total replacement of three meals by a formula diet and (2) six week partial formula diet (replacement of 1-2 meals). Measurements were taken prior and post intervention for analysis of body composition and parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism. Results: After eight weeks both groups lost significantly body fat mass (HC: -5.11 ± 0.51 kg, p<0.001; HP: -5.81 ± 0.54 kg, p<0.001), while only for subjects of HP group no change of lean body mass and body cell mass was observed. Metabolic risk parameters were reduced in both the HC and HP group; however, subjects in the HC group showed a higher reduction in triacylglycerol concentration (-29.1 mg/dl vs. -14.0 mg/dl, p<0.04). Further, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was reduced in both groups without difference (HC: -17.9%, p=0.004; HP: -18.4%, p=0.003). Conclusion: Our data demonstrate, that even in a short period of time, a low-fat meal replacement diet high in carbohydrate or high in protein is effective in improving body composition and reducing metabolic risk parameters.
Supplementary material to "Data reduction for inverse modeling: an adaptive approach v1.0"

Abstract. The number of greenhouse gas (GHG) observing satellites has greatly expanded in recent years, and these new datasets provide an unprecedented constraint on global GHG sources and sinks. However, a continuing challenge for inverse models that are used to estimate these sources and sinks is the sheer number of satellite observations, sometimes in the millions per day. These massive datasets often make it prohibitive to implement inverse modeling calculations and/or assimilate the observations using many types of atmospheric models. Although these satellite datasets are very large, the information content of any single observation is often modest and non-exclusive due to redundancy with neighboring observations and due to measurement noise. In this study, we develop an adaptive approach to reduce the size of satellite datasets using geostatistics. A guiding principle is to reduce the data more in regions with little variability in the observations and less in regions with high variability. We subsequently tune and evaluate the approach using synthetic and real data case studies for North America from NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) satellite. The proposed approach to data reduction yields more accurate CO2 flux estimates than the commonly-used method of binning and averaging the satellite data. We further develop a metric for choosing a level of data reduction; we can reduce the satellite dataset to an average of one observation per ~80–140 km for the specific case studies here without substantially compromising the flux estimate, but we find that reducing the data further quickly degrades the accuracy of the estimated fluxes. Overall, the approach developed here could be applied to a range of inverse problems that use very large trace gas datasets.
The macroinvertebrate fauna of Ecuadorian highland streams in the wet and dry season

The community structure and functional feeding groups of the macroinvertebrate fauna were examined in eight Ecuadorian highland streams in the wet and the dry season. The abiotic environment of the streams was highly unstable with great variability in discharge during the wet season, but relatively constant during the short dry season. Overall, the number of individuals and species were significantly higher in the dry season than in the wet season. In all streams the composition of the fauna differed markedly between the two seasons, but no consistent change in community structure and proportions of functional feeding groups was found for the eight streams. In both seasons Baetidae, Simuliidae, Chironomidae and Elmidae were the four most numerous families. The equitability of the communities was, however, lower in all streams during the dry season. Collector-browsers were the most numerous organisms while filterers, predators and shredders were much less important. Maximum stream temperature was the single environmental parameter that best explained the variability in community structure among the streams. Otherwise the fauna was weakly correlated to site characteristics. The instability of these tropical Andes streams is probably the main feature structuring the invertebrate fauna. The streams may be alternating between a stochastic community structure during the wet season and early successional stages dominated by organisms with a fast growth and high colonisation capacity during the dry season.
Genetic Characterization ofvif, vpr,andvpuSequences from Long-Term Survivors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection

Abstract The identification of HIV-1-infected individuals who remain asymptomatic despite prolonged infection presents a unique opportunity to understand virologic and host factors involved in the pathogenesis of AIDS. We have previously identified 10 long-term survivors (LTS) who are clinically healthy and immunologically normal despite 13 to 15 years of HIV-1 infection. In this study, we examined three accessory genes of HIV-1, vif, vpr, and vpu, in these LTS. A total of 52 vif, 54 vpr, and 55 vpu nucleotide sequences were obtained from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of these patients. Analysis of these sequences revealed no gross deletions or insertions. Most of the clones were full-length with an intact open reading frame. Phylogenetic analyses of the vif, vpr, and vpu sequences from the LTS suggested that the HIV-1 strains found in the study subjects are not significantly different from those found in patients with AIDS and that the viruses in the LTS are unlikely to share a common genetic origin. Furthermore, a similar degree of overall genetic diversity between viruses from the LTS and AIDS patients suggests that there is unlikely a significant correlation between the degree of genetic diversity and the rate of disease development. Factors other than genetic divergence, such as viral load and phenotype, are likely to impact more on disease status.
Distribution of collagen in body of several fishes

Distribution of Collagen in Body of Several Fishes Reiji Yoshinaka,*1 Kenji Sato,*1,2 Mamoru Sato,*1 and Hiroshi Anbe*1,3 (Received June 19, 1989) The investigation on the distribution of collagen in the body of fish is considered to provide the important information available about the role of collagen in foo ds as well as its biological function. However, a little study on this field has been made so far. Kubota and Kimura1) reported the distribution of collagen in organs of carp Cyprinus carpio. Kubota2> determined the contents of collagen in various organs of Japanese char Salvelinus pluvius. Yoshinaka et al.3) reported the distribution of collagen in body muscle of several fishes with different swimming modes. The present paper describes the distribution of col lagen in body of 4 species of fish-Japanese eel Anguil ljaponica, Stone flounder Xareius bicoloratus, red sea bream Pagrus major, and chub mackered Scomber Japonicus. Fishes were obtained alive or in rigor mortis condi -tion. The fish was excised and divided into 5 parts, that is, white muscle, dark muscle, viscera, skin and scale, and bone and fin. Acid-soluble and insoluble coll agens in each part were determined by the method as described in the previous paper.4) Crude protein was estimated from the nitrogen, which was determined by the micro-Kjeldahl method at the convefting factor, 6.25. The results are summalized in Table 1. The tota l collagen content in the whole body varied with species. The lowest value was 3.26% of wet body weight and 16.7% of crude protein for chub mackerel and the highest value 697% and 43.2%, respectively, for Japanese eel. Simllarly, Kubota and Kimura1) reported that total collagen content in carp was l 5.7% of crude protein. From these results, it seems reasonable to assume that collagen is one of the most abundant of proteins in fish bodies. The collagen was contained aboundantly in skin, scale, bone and fin. The total collagen in these organs ranged from 76.2% of whole body collagen for Japanese eel to 91.1% for red sea bream. The solubility of collagen was high in stone flounder and low in Japanese eel. However, it can not be ex-
Imaging technologies to study the composition of live pigs: A review

Image techniques are increasingly being applied to livestock animals. This paper overviews recent advances in image processing analysis for live pigs, including ultrasound, visual image analysis by monitoring, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. The methodology for live pigs evaluation, advantages and disadvantages of different devices, the variables and measurements analysed, the predictions obtained using these measurements and their accuracy are discussed in the present paper. Utilities of these technologies for livestock purposes are also reviewed. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging yield useful results for the estimation of the amount of fat and lean mass either in live pigs or in carcasses. Ultrasound is not sufficiently accurate when high precision in estimating pig body composition is necessary but can provide useful information in agriculture to classify pigs for breeding purposes or before slaughter. Improvements in factors, such as the speed of scanning, cost and image accuracy and processing, would advance the application of image processing technologies in livestock animals.
Co-cultivation of tomato with two Bacillus strains: effects on growth and yield.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have gained worldwide importance and acceptance for agricultural benefits. By virtue of their rapid rhizosphere colonization and stimulation of plant growth, there is currently considerable interest in exploiting these rhizosphere bacteria to improve crop production. In current investigation, two bacillus strains viz: Bacillus fortis IAGS162 and B. subtilis IAGS174 were evaluated for their ability to promote growth of three tomato varieties under greenhouse and field conditions. All the three tomato varieties were individually treated with both test bacterial strains in both greenhouse and field experiments. Experimentation was performed in completely randomized block design. In vitro biochemical assays indicated the ability of these bacteria to produce indole acetic acid, siderophores and phosphate solubilization. Greenhouse experiments indicated the ability of both strains to significantly increase shoot length, root length, and total biomass in all three tomato varieties. Seemly, significant increases in total chlorophyll, carotenoid and sugar concentrations were found in tomato plants co-cultivated with the bacterial strains. Two consecutive field experiments also supported the outcomes of the greenhouse assays. Tomato plants receiving bacterial inoculum had significantly greater shoot growth and fruit yield. B. subtilis IAGS174 was superior to B. fortis IAGS162 in promoting most traits studied in the laboratory or greenhouse. This study provided strong evidence for the potential use of these both bacterial strains in agriculture.
The influence of sperm competition and life-history traits on brain size evolution in male and female birds

Interspecific variation in brain size is described as being an adaptive consequence of development and behaviour. Despite growing interest in sex-specific influences on the development of conspicuous traits, little research has focused on investigating sexspecific determinants of brain size. The overall goal of my thesis was to investigate the sex-specific influences on brain size evolution in birds. By measuring endocranial volume from museum specimens, I collected a large sex-specific dataset spanning 106 avian species. In Chapter 2, 1 found that male brain size was negatively associated with testis size, suggesting that sperm competition may be critical in determining brain size in males. In Chapter 3, 1 determined that brain size in females is mostly influenced by pairbond strength and the presence of a male partner, which both ultimately increase reproductive success. Overall, different selective factors appear to influence brain size evolution in male and female birds.
QUANTIFICATION OF CAROTENOIDS FROM PUMPKIN JUICE BY HPLC-DAD

Abstract The carotenoid content of the juice obtained from fruits of Cucurbita maxima Duch were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The concentration of carotenoids in the extracted juice is 12.45 µ g/ g, the major carotenoid being β -carotene (5.80 µ g/g,), followed by lutein (1.52 µ g/g). HPLC analysis revealed that the bigger amount of carotenoid in juice is in a free, unesterified form. Sterilization lead to a decrease of the carotenoids’ concentration at 4.18 µ g/; after storage for seven months, the final concentration of the total carotenoids was 2.72 µ g/g juice. Sterilization destroyed totally the carotenoids lactucaxanthin, α -cryptoxanthin, β -cryptoxanthin and α− carotene, while storage leads to the total degradation of neoxanthin, cucurbitaxanthin A and β -caroten-5, 6-epoxide. The most stable carotenoid proved to be β− carotene. Keywords : HPLC, analysis, juice, chromatography, stability, food composition, storage, Cucurbita maxima Duch.
Exploitation of Agro-Industrial Wastes as Substrates for Cellulase Production by Bacillus licheniformis MTCC 429

The aim of the present investigation was to exploit the cheap agro-waste, sugarcane bagasse as a substrate for cellulase enzyme production using Bacillus licheniformis MTCC 429. The cellulase producing ability of B. licheniformis MTCC 429 was assessed using CMC agar plates. The factors affecting cellulase production were optimized by varying the parameters of incubation period, temperature and pH. The maximum cellulase enzyme production was achieved when the production medium pH was maintained at pH 7.0, temperature of 35°C with an incubation time of 48 h. Among the different concentration of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate tested, CMC medium amended with 5% seemed to exhibit maximum cellulase productivity. Further, the partially purified enzyme was tested for its pH and temperature stability. The properties presented by B. licheniformis MTCC 429 suggest that the strain showed enhanced production of lignocellulosedegrading cellulase enzyme under the optimized conditions. The temperature and pH stability of the enzyme suggested its potential for industrial applications involving elevated conditions.
Leaf and must nitrogen content two complementary indicators of grapevine nitrogen status

Grapevine nitrogen status was assessed by nitrogen content in leaf blade and petiole at veraison, in must at harvest and in pruned wood in December. The comparison of these indicators were done in vineyards bearing adults plants in the Atlantic and Mediterranean climates. Soil nitrogen offer were changed by soil grass cover, fertilization and irrigation. Leaf blade nitrogen (LBN) content cannot be simply predicted from soil texture, training characteristics and climate. Petiole and wood nitrogen content was less precise indicators compared to LBN content per unit dry weight. LBN content based on unit of leaf area usually constant along the growing season provides a complementary information on the leaf photosynthetic capacity and nitrogen availability for grapevine in summer. LBN content informs on the early growth grapevine access to soil and reserve nitrogen.Must and leaf blade nitrogen contents are significantly correlated. But it is shown that must N content is also changed by the yield and the soil capacity to provide nitrogen to the grapevine in summer. A simple predicting model of N in must is proposed. It is based on the availability of N in spring and summer and the positive effect of spring N on berry set up. Leaf blade and must N content considered both provided a complementary information on the grapevine N nutrition along the season.Sampling conditions for LBN content was tested. Primary leaves of a rank above 6 are very similar in N content and most representative of the grapevine N status. The LBN content on a leaf area basis is a more versatile expression because less variable along the growing season. The expressions of LBN content on the dry weight and leaf area can be obtained from a simple analysis by sampling leaf disks.
Comparative performance in Holstein-Friesian, Jersey and crossbred cows milked once daily under a pasture-based system in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Production and efficiency of Holstein-Friesian (F), Jersey (J) and crossbred F × J milked once-a-day (OAD) were studied at Massey University dairy farm No. 1. Herd test records of milk yields, somatic cell score (SCS), live weight (LW) and body condition score (BCS) were used to model the lactation curves using a third-order orthogonal polynomial. Total lactation yields of milk (MY), fat (FY), protein (PY) and milk solids (MS = FY + PY) were calculated based on predicted daily yields. Predicted efficiencies were feed conversion efficiency (FCE; total lactation MS per kg of predicted total lactation dry matter intake [DMI]); biological efficiency (BE; total lactation MS per 100 kg of LW) and DMI capacity (DMIC; total lactation DMI per 100 kg of LW). Holstein-Friesian cows yielded 376 kg milk more than F × J cows and 1101 kg milk more than J cows per lactation. Holstein-Friesian and F × J produced similar total lactation MSY (366 and 369 kg, respectively). Jersey cows were more efficient than cows of the other breeds: FCE was 78.2, 82.3 and 86.3; BE was 69.7, 74.1 and 77.8; and DMIC was 887.9, 896.8 and 897.7 for F, F × J and J cows, respectively. There were significant differences in production and efficiency among the breeds, with J cows being more efficient per 100 kg of LW than F or F × J cows. Further research is required to compare breed profit per ha in order to conclude the best breed for OAD systems.
Evaluation of pre sown application of granular insecticides against white grub (Holotrichia longipennis) infesting soybean grown under rain-fed condition of uttarakhand hill

Field experiment was conducted at research Station, Gaja, college of Forestry and Hill Agriculture, G. B. Pant university of Agriculture & technology, ranichauri to evaluate the various pre sown application of granular insecticides i.e. chlorpyriphos 10G (@2.0 kg a. i. ha−1), phorate 10G (@ 2.5 kg a.i. ha−1), carbofuran 3G (@0.75 kg a.i. ha−1), clothianidin 50 WdG (@ 0.12 kg a.i. ha−1), fipronil 0.3 G, (0.60 kg a.i. ha−1), thiamethoxam 25 WG (0.08 kg a.i. ha−1) and imidacloprid 70WG, (0.30 kg a.i. ha−1) against white grub infesting soybean grown under rain-fed condition of uttarakhand hill. result indicated that all the insecticidal treatments were found significantly superior with cumulative plant mortality of 8.20–15.18% as compared to untreated control where highest plant mortality was 28.67 percent. clothianidin 50 WdG applied 0.120 kg a.i. ha−1 proved to be most effective by registering lowest plant mortality (i.e. 6.94 and 8.20%) followed by imidacloprid 70WG @ 0.30 kg a.i ha−1 where the plant mortality was 8.99 and 8.5% during two consecutive years.
Sequential separation of lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and secretory component by sulfate-linked ion-exchange chromatography

We developed a basic protein purification method combining affinity chromatography with large-scale ion exchange chromatography by using of a heparinized chitosan bead, Sulfonated Chitopearl 3L. Because the molecular weights and isoelectric points of the basic proteins such as lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and secretory component are similar, we investigated conditions for sequential separation of the proteins by changing pH and ionic strength of the elution solvents. The optimal loading volume of rennet whey applied to the Sulfonated Chitopearl 3L was 500 ml/g resin for the maximum yield of lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and secretory component. Secretory component was successfully eluted at pH 6.0 to separate it from lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase. Lactoperoxidase was eluted with 10 mM citric buffer (pH 4.0) containing 0.5 M sodium chloride. Although lactoferrin was eluted at pH 4.0, desorption of lactoferrin with 1.0 M sodium chloride at pH 4.0 was incomplete because of the tight adsorption of lactoferrin onto Sulfonated Chitopearl 3L at this pH. Thus, lactoferrin was eluted with 10 mM sodium hydrogen carbonate (pH 7.6) containing sodium chloride from 0.7 to 1 M.