Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Light Intensity for Turkey Breeder Hens: Degree of Darkness Required During Short-Day Light Restriction and Intensity Threshold During Photostimulation

Abstract Responses of Large White turkey breeder hens to various light intensities were examined with respect to the degree of darkness required during short-day light restriction and intensity threshold during photoinduction of egg laying. For degree of darkness required during light restriction, hens were given 0 (control), . 5, 1.5, 2, or 3 lx light intensity during the daily dark phase (brownout) of short-day [6 h light (L): 18 h dark (D)] light restriction treatment (Experiment 1). Treatments were given from 24 to 32 wk of age and their effects on terminating juvenile photorefractoriness were evaluated during a subsequent photoinduced (16L: 8D) egg production cycle. In addition, these same treatments were applied from 58 to 66 wk of age to the same hens to evaluate their effectiveness in terminating egg production. The brownout treatment neither terminated photorefractoriness in young hens nor completely terminated lay in yearling hens. For light intensity threshold evaluations during photostimulation of egg production, two consecutive experiments were conducted in which 32-wk-old photosensitive hens were photostimulated with 16 h of light/day (16L:8D) at light intensities of . 5, 1.1, 2.2, 4.3, and 43 lx. In both experiments, a light treatment as low as . 5 lx caused all hens to lay eggs. The time to onset of lay was delayed in the . 5-lx treatment group of both experiments and the 1-lx treatment group of Experiment 3 relative to other intensities. Thus, the effective threshold for typical onset of lay in turkeys is about 2.2 lx but the threshold for initiation of lay is . 5 lx or less. In both experiments, the 43-lx treatment group produced the most eggs per hen but the difference from other treatment groups was significant only in Experiment 2. Eggs per hen among the remaining treatment groups were similar in both experiments. It may be concluded that 1) the absolute degree of darkness (threshold) required during light restriction to effectively terminate photorefractoriness and induce photosensitivity in turkey hens is less than . 5 lx; and 2) initiation of egg laying has a low light intensity threshold of . 5 lx or less.
The V89L Polymorphism in the 5α-Reductase Type 2 Gene and Risk of Prostate Cancer

5alpha-Reductase type 2, the predominant prostatic isozyme of this protein, converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. It has been hypothesized that individuals with greater 5alpha-reductase activity are at increased risk for prostate cancer (CaP). A single nucleotide polymorphism of the 5alpha-reductase type 2 gene (SRD5A2) gives rise to a substitution of leucine (leu) for valine (val) at codon 89 (V89L), the presence of which may affect serum androstanediol glucuronide (AAG) levels. We studied the effect of this polymorphism on the risk of prostate cancer in a prospective, nested, case-control design within the Physicians' Health Study. In all controls (n = 799), the leu allele frequency was 0.30. Among the 386 controls with plasma AAG levels available, there was no significant association between AAG levels and V89L genotype. We also detected no significant association between risk for CaP and genotype [odds ratio: val/val = 1.0 (reference), leu/val = 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.20), and leu/ leu = 0.84 (95% confidence interval, 0.57-1.24)]. These data do not support a moderate to large effect of the SRD5A2 V89L polymorphism on plasma AAG levels or CaP risk in this predominantly Caucasian cohort, although a small effect cannot be completely excluded.
Evolution of pollination and breeding systems of Antillean Gesneriaceae

Title of Dissertation: EVOLUTION OF POLLINATION AND BREEDING SYSTEMS OF ANTILLEAN GESNERIACEAE. Silvana Martén Rodríguez, Doctor of Philosophy, 2008 Directed By: Dr. Charles B. Fenster, Biology Department Islands serve as one of our most important model systems for understanding the role of the environment on character evolution and diversification. This study examined the role of pollinators on the evolution of floral traits and breeding system on the tribe Gesnerieae (Gesneriaceae), a monophyletic radiation from the Antilles that encompasses great floral diversity. Pollinator observations were conducted over 5 years (2003-2007) for 19 species of Gesnerieae across multiple islands. Pollination systems include specialized systems (i.e. one functional group of floral visitors, e.g. hummingbird or bats) and generalized systems (e.g. various functional groups, e.g., bats, birds and insects). Hummingbird-pollinated species have the lowest frequencies of pollinator visitation (mean number of visits per flower/ per day =1 ± 1.5 SE) compared to bat-pollinated (mean= 2 ± 1.8) and generalist species (mean=13 ± 1.8). A multivariate analysis of floral traits provides strong support for correlated sets of floral traits associated with bat and hummingbird pollination supporting the pollination syndrome concept (the notion that flowers evolve integrated phenotypes in response to selection by the most important pollinators). A two-year pollen limitation study of nine species was conducted to evaluate how differences in visitation among different pollination system influenced plant female reproductive success; this study resulted in significant pollen limitation for specialized species with low visitation only (bat and hummingbird-pollinated). Furthermore, emasculation experiments demonstrated that ornithophilous species use autonomous self-pollination as a reproductive assurance mechanism. A survey of potential autonomous self-pollination for 15 Gesnerieae representative of all floral phenotypes supported an association between this breeding system hummingbird-pollinated tubular-flowered species. Last, phylogenetic analyses of two nuclear DNA regions (ITS and GCYC) and a morphological data set revealed that bat and generalized pollination evolved from hummingbird pollination. Furthermore, autonomous self-pollination originates only in ornithophilous lineages of Gesnerieae. Overall these results provide evidence for the evolution of generalization and autonomous breeding systems, as two alternative reproductive strategies in response to inadequate hummingbird pollination service in insular ecosystems. This study underscores the utility integrating the study of pollination and breeding systems within a phylogenetic context to provide further insights into the ecological conditions that can influence floral evolution. EVOLUTION OF POLLINATION AND BREEDING SYSTEMS OF ANTILLEAN GESNERIACEAE.
Cephalopod prey in the stomach contents of odontocete cetaceans stranded in the western Mediterranean Sea

Abstract This study focuses on the occurrence of cephalopod prey in the stomach contents of 35 marine mammals, 19 Stenella coeruleoalba, 13 Tursiops truncatus, two Grampus griseus and one Ziphius cavirostris, stranded along the coast of Tuscany (western Mediterranean Sea) between 1990 and 2012. Cephalopod remains were identified to the lowest possible taxon. Overall, 569 individual cephalopods were identified, belonging to 12 families and 17 species. Most of the cephalopods belonged to the Ommastrephidae, Onychoteuthidae and Octopodidae. By species, the highest number of cephalopod species (n = 14) was consumed by S. coeruleoalba (our largest sample), followed by G. griseus (n = 7) and T. truncatus (n = 6). The only Z. cavirostris stomach examined contained just two species, both belonging to the genus Histioteuthis. The results indicated a possible partitioning of cephalopod resources among the sampled predators. Our results also provide new information on the presence of some rare and poorly known cephalopods in the area.
Simultaneous selection for high yield and stability in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes

Phenotypic yield stability is a trait of special interest for plant breeders and farmers. This value can be quantified if genotypes are evaluated in different environments. Common bean is the main cash crop and protein source of farmers in many lowland and mid-altitude areas of Ethiopia. An experiment was undertaken to evaluate common bean genotypes for yield performance at Alemaya, Bako and Nazreth in Ethiopia for 3 years. The yield performance of genotypes was subjected to stability analysis and yield-stability statistics were generated to aid the selection of genotypes that were high yielding and very stable. The significant genotype by environment interaction indicated that the relative performance of the varieties altered in the different environments. Genotype yield performance varied ranging from 1511–2216 kg/ha. Simultaneous selection for yield and yield-stability statistics using YS(i) statistics indicated that A 410, GLP x92, Mx-2500-19, G 2816, A-195, 997-CH-1173, Diacol calima, ICA 15541 and AND 635 were both high yielding and stable. Following this study, using farmers’ evaluation and other criteria, GLP x92 and G-2816 were identified as preferred genotypes and were released for further production.
Causes of keel bone damage and their solutions in laying hens

Keel bone damage (KBD) is a critical issue facing the contemporary laying hen industry due to the likely pain leading to compromised welfare and reduced productivity. Recent reports suggest that KBD, while highly variable and likely dependent on a host of factors, extends to all housing systems (including traditional battery cages, furnished cages and non-cage systems), genetic lines, and management styles. Despite the extent of the problem, the research community remains uncertain as to the causes and influencing factors of KBD. To combat these issues, the current review was produced following discussions from the 1st International Keel Bone Damage Workshop held in Switzerland in April 2014. This exercise sought to assess current knowledge, foster novel collaborations, propose unique methodologies and highlight the key areas where innovative research is needed. The following paper is based on the content of those discussions and presents nine recommendations for future research efforts.
Vergleich von mikrobieller Phytase und anorganischem Phosphat bei Masthahnenküken: Wirkungen auf die Mastleistungen und die Mineralstoffretention bei variierter Calcium-Versorgung

Zusammenfassung In einem Futterungsversuch an Masthahnenkuken wurde der Einflus gestaffelter Zusatze von mikrobieller Phytase (125, 250, 500 und 1 500 U/kg) oder anorganischem Phosphor aus Monocalciumphosphat (0,6; 1,2 und 1,8 g/kg) zu einer P-armen Mais-Sojaextraktionsschrot-Diat (nativer P-Gehalt 3,5 g/kg) auf drei Ca-Stufen (6; 7,5 und 9 g/kg) gepruft. Fur jede der 24 Behandlungen wurden vier Wiederholungen mit jeweils 30 Kuken in Bodenhaltung eingesetzt. Untersuchungskriterien waren die Mastleistungen sowie die Retention von Ca und P nach 14 und 40 Tagen. Die Lebendmassezunahme, der Futterverbrauch und die Ca- und P-Retention wurden durch Zulagen von Phytase oder P dosisabhangig gesteigert. Phytase-Zulagen verbesserten signifikant die P-Verwertung in der Anfangs- und Gesamtmast und die Ca-Verwertung in der Anfangsmast. P-Zulagen verbesserten die P-Verwertung in der Anfangsmast und die Ca-Verwertung in der Anfangs- und Gesamtmast. Mit steigender Ca-Stufe wurde in den Behandlungen mit Phytase die Ca- und P-Verwertung reduziert. In den Behandlungen mit P-Zulage hatte das Ca-Niveau einen signifikant negativen Effekt auf die Ca-Verwertung in der Anfangs- und Gesamtmast und auf die P-Verwertung in der Anfangsmast. Die mit 1 g zugesetztem P hinsichtlich Lebendmasse und P-Retention wirkungsgleiche Phytase-Aktivitat variierte in Abhangigkeit vom Untersuchungszeitraum. Sie betrug bei 6 g Ca/kg Futter in der Anfangsmast fur die Lebendmasse 570 U und fur die P-Retention 1070 U, in der Gesamtmast fur beide Kriterien 850 U.
Preliminary study of individual assignment of iberianpigs using dna genetic markers

Pruebas de asignacion y metodos similares combinados con el uso de marcadores microsatelites permiten la determinacion de cruces entre razas y la homogeneidad intrarraza. La mejor clasificacion del cerdo Iberico parece ser en tres grandes variedades acompanadas por un gran numero de ecotipos locales con influencia diferente en la estructura genetica de la raza. En este estudio se han analizado 26 microsatelites en ocho variedades de cerdo Iberico para describir la posible especificidad intra e inter-raza. Esta permitido cruzar madres Ibericas con sementales Duroc para obtener una primera generacion de individuos destinados a la produccion de los clasicos derivados carnicos Ibericos. Aunque el empleo de estos hibridos no se recomienda para la reproduccion, es necesario evaluar la posible influencia de la raza Duroc en el cerdo Iberico, ya que el uso de esta raza y de otras empezo incluso antes de que estuviera establecido el libro genealogico. Las herramientas moleculares y estadisticas parecen ser la mejor eleccion para esta evaluacion como complemento de la deteccion basada en caracteres morfologicos.
Interspecific Competition between Drosophila funebris and Drosophila melanogaster

1. Interspecific competition between populations of D. melanogaster and D. funebris was studied. 2. Both species coexisted in population bottles for almost two years. 3. The survival of both species does not constitute an exception to the mathematical theories of competition of Lotka and Volterra. 4. Analysis showed that most of the competition occurred between the larvae. 5. The survival of both species can be attributed to fluctuations in the environment which favored first one species and then the other. The fresh yeasted medium was more favorable to the development of D. melanogaster larvae. As the food aged and other microorganisms appeared, it was more suitable for the growth of D. funebris larvae.
A thousand and one wasps: a 28S rDNA and morphological phylogeny of the Ichneumonidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera) with an investigation into alignment parameter space and elision

Abstract The internal phylogeny of the Ichneumonidae is investigated using parsimony analysis of a large data set including 1001 partial 28S ribosomal DNA sequences, 621 of which are newly reported, and a morphological data set of 162 characters scored variously at subfamily, tribe, genus group and genus levels and including only informative characters. The data set includes members of 630 named genera, representing all currently recognized subfamilies, all but four tribes and all but one of the taxa noted by Townes as being of uncertain placement. Sequences were aligned using clustal X, and a sensitivity analysis was performed varying gap-opening and gap-extension parameters. Alignments were appraised by reference to their ability to recover a range of traditional and morphologically recognized groups. Each alignment was analysed both independently and simultaneously with the morphological data set, and also with gap characters treated as both missing data and as informative. No single set of alignment parameters was found to be markedly better by this criterion, and different ranges of parameters led to the recovery of different recognized groups of taxa. Elision (combining all alignments into a single analysis) was therefore used, both with and without morphology and with both gap character treatments, to summarize the overall molecular signal. Analysis of the morphological matrix alone produced a number of results that are undoubtedly a consequence of convergence of morphological characters as the result of parallel evolution of similar life histories. Simultaneous analysis of the morphological data set with each of the 120 DNA alignments recovered most accepted subfamilies as monophyletic. Several currently recognized subfamilies are supported by most of the molecular analyses but some appear to be paraphyletic or polyphyletic. The Ctenopelmatinae are paraphyletic with respect to the Metopiinae. Robustly recovered results lead us to resurrect the Brachyscleromatinae to include Brachyschleroma and the Erythrodolius group of Phrudinae. The Neorhacodinae and the Phrudus group of Phrudinae are transferred to the Tersilochinae. Nonnus is transferred to the Nesomesochorinae. Hyperacmus is transferred to the Cylloceriinae. The major groupings of subfamilies that have recently been proposed (i.e. ichneumoniformes, pimpliformes and ophioniformes) were recovered as monophyletic, but their exact limits remain in question.
Effect of Heat-Induced Changes of Connective Tissue and Collagen on Meat Texture Properties of Beef Semitendinosus Muscle

The effects of heat-induced changes of intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) and collagen on meat texture properties of beef Semitendinosus (ST) muscle were investigated in this study. ST muscle was heated to core temperature from 40 to 90°C with an increment of 5°C in a water bath and microwave oven, respectively. Characteristics changes of IMCT collagen and meat texture were estimated. The results indicated that: cooking loss, total collagen and soluble collagen content increased with the increase in heating temperature and time. Collagen solubility of thermally treated meat was relatively high at 65°C irrespective of heat treatment mode. The granulation changes of connective tissue collagen occurred at 60°C and increased during heating to higher core temperatures. The instrumental texture profile analysis (TPA) data of heated meat showed also significant differences between two heating modes and studied temperatures. Results indicated that heating internal core temperature of 60°C and 65°C were critical for affecting meat texture properties owing to the thermal effects of collagen in water bath and microwave heating, respectively.
Development of potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in differently developed potato crops and the potential to graduate the fungicide dose according to crop biomass

Phytophthora infestans is a serious disease in potato production and control of the disease often requires 10 or more fungicide applications during the growing season. Control is typically carried out using a constant fungicide dose in the entire field although there may be large differences in crop development and biomass across the field. The objective of the study reported in this paper was to test whether the fungicide dose response curve controlling P. infestans was dependent on the crop development and biomass level. If such a biomass-dependent dose response was found it was further the purpose to evaluate the potential to optimize fungicide inputs in potato crops applying a site-specific crop density-dependent fungicide dose. The study was carried out investigating the fungicide dose response controlling P. infestans in potatoes at three biomass densities obtained growing the potato crop at three nitrogen levels. Furthermore, the field experiments included four levels of fungicide dose rate at each nitrogen rate, an untreated control, the recommended fungicide dose rate and two reduced dose rates and the experiments were replicated for three years. Nitrogen level and thus crop density had a limited although significant influence on attack of P. infestans whereas fungicide dose rate by far was the most influential variable. In contrast the interaction of nitrogen rate and fungicide dose rate that would indicate a biomass-dependent dose response was insignificant. If the variation in crop density and biomass level obtained in the study is representative for the variation found cultivating potatoes in heterogeneous fields there seem to be limited potential for fungicide optimization applying fungicides against P. infestans site-specific according to crop density or biomass.
Shift in wetland plant composition and biomass following low-level episodes in the St. Lawrence River: looking into the future

The effects of a 1-m drop in average water levels in 1999 on species composition and biomass were documented for a St. Lawrence River wetland and compared with a similar episode in 1931. These observations highlight the manifold effects of past and future water level fluctuations on St. Lawrence River wetlands and faunal habitats, resulting from natural hydrologic variability, climate change, and (or) human intervention. In 1931 and 1999, waters were 2–3 °C warmer than the previous 10-year average. Low water levels markedly altered wetland vegetation: various Graminea (including Phalaris arundinacea and Phragmites australis) and facultative annual species invaded previously marshy areas. Submerged species previously found in shallow waters were replaced on dry ground by annual terrestrial plants; Alisma gramineum colonized emergent waterlogged mudflats. The low water levels of 1999 induced a spatially discontinuous plant biomass that was richer in terrestrial material than in previous years (1993–1994). In comparison with the 1930s, recent surveys indicate a decline of assemblages dominated by Equisetum spp. and Najas flexilis and a rise of those dominated by Lythrum salicaria, Potamogeton spp. , and filamentous algae. These shifts reveal the additional effects of nutrient enrichment, alien species, and shoreline alteration accompanying a change from a mostly agricultural to a mostly urbanized and industrialized landscape. Les effets sur la composition specifique et la biomasse des milieux humides d’une baisse de niveau du Saint-Laurent en 1999 ont ete compares avec un episode semblable en 1931. Ces observations soulignent l’importance du niveau d’eau sur les milieux humides et les habitats fauniques du Saint-Laurent, resultant de la variabilite hydrologique naturelle, des changements climatiques et (ou) des interventions humaines. En 1931 et en 1999, la temperature de l’eau etait plus elevee de 2–3 °C que la moyenne des 10 annees precedentes. Les bas niveaux ont modifie dramatiquement la vegetation des milieux humides : diverses graminees (incluant Phalaris arundinacea et Phragmites australis) et especes annuelles facultatives ont envahi les anciens marais. Les plantes submergees ont ete remplacees par des plantes annuelles terrestres croissant sur les vasieres assechees; Alisma gramineum a germe et fleuri sur la vase humide. Les bas niveau de 1999 ont genere un couvert littoral discontinu pour la faune, comportant une biomasse terrestre superieure a celle de 1993–1994. En comparaison avec les annees 30, les donnees recentes indiquent une diminution des assemblages domines par Equisetum spp. et Najas flexilis et un accroissement de ceux domines par Lythrum salicaria, Potamogeton spp. et les algues filamenteuses. Ces changements revelent les effets additionnels de l’eutrophisation, des especes exotiques et de l’alteration des rives accompagnant le passage de la vocation principalement agricole a la vocation urbaine et industrielle des terres avoisinantes.