Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selection for food conversion in broilers: Body composition of birds selected for increased body‐weight gain, food consumption and food conversion ratio

1. Body composition was determined in 9‐week‐old chickens sampled from four lines selected either for increased body‐weight gain (line W), for increased food consumption (line F), for decreased food conversion ratio (line E), or at random (line C), after three, four and five generations of selection. 2. After five generations of selection the proportions of carcass water (678 g/kg) and protein (187 g/kg) were highest in line E and lowest (636, 180 g/kg respectively) in line F. The proportion of fat was lowest (83 g/kg) in line E and highest (134 g/kg) in line F. 3. Lines W and C were similar and intermediate to lines E and F for all the carcass constituents. 4. There was more fat in females (115 vs 98 g/kg) and less protein (177 vs 190 g/kg) and water (652 vs 665 g/kg) than in males. 5. Line differences in carcass composition were not appreciably altered if birds were killed at equal weight rather than equal age.
Effect of astaxanthin and vitamin A on growth and survival during first feeding of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.

The interactions of astaxanthin and vitamin A on the growth and survival of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. , during the first-feeding period were examined using semi-purified diets. Alevins, with a mean initial weight of 0.18g, were fed diets supplemented with 0, 20 and 40 mg astaxanthin/kg dry diet and 0, 750 and 1500 μg vitamin A/kg dry diet for 20 weeks. The weights of the fish were recorded throughout the experimental period and carcasses were collected for proximate composition, vitamin A and astaxanthin analyses at the beginning and end of the experiment. The feeds were analysed for proximate composition, vitamin A and astaxanthin levels. No interaction between astaxanthin and vitamin A was found in relation to the growth, survival or vitamin A content of the fry. Astaxanthin was found to strongly influence the growth, survival and vitamin A concentration in the fish. Poor growth and low survival rates were observed in groups fed diets without astaxanthin, including the group fed a diet with sufficient vitamin A. The results indicate both a provitamin A function of astaxanthin and a specific function of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin was found to be essential to alevins during the first-feeding period.
A Fourier-wavelet representation of 2-D shapes : sexual dimorphism in the Japanese cranial base

We present a new approach called computational shape analysis, which utilizes a Fourier-wavelet representation for characterizing shape features of 2-D forms commonly encountered in a wide set of sub-disciplines within the biological sciences. The morphology of interest consists of the human cranial base (CB) as depicted on lateral cephalometric radiographs. Given a complex irregularly bounded form in Cartesian coordinate space, we first compute elliptical Fourier functions (EFFs) using a set of closely-spaced pseudo-homologous (x, y) points, starting at basion, to create a precise analog of the closed contour. This computed contour is then scaled (size-standardization) and rotated (positional-orientation) to provide for a common normalization. This insures that the representation is invariant with respect to starting point, size and orientation. Utilizing the EFFs, global aspects of the CB can then be extracted. The coordinates derived from the EFF were subsequently submitted to a continuous wavelet transform (CWT). Wavelet coefficients were then computed to identify localized features. The significant advantage of wavelets is that they are able to objectively identify changes in boundary curvature, thereby depicting localized aspects not easily attainable with other methods. Utilizing a sample of 297 Japanese cranial base outlines, statistically-significant differences in sex and archeological age were found. Although archeological age differences were present, they were small and largely random in character, suggesting stability in the CB structures. The presence of sexually dimorphic differences is consistent with earlier data derived from studies of Macaca nemestrina. In the current study, these differences in sexual dimorphism were present for every group starting with the Yayoi period and continuing up to the Modern period. Consequently, one may infer that the pattern of sexual dimorphism documented in the Japanese CB, is a primate pattern with an ancient evolutionary history. Wavelets were particularly useful in objectively identifying this sexual dimorphism. The results demonstrate that the Fourier-wavelet representation is a practical approach for numerically describing and visually depicting both global and localized features.
Regional distribution of blood flow during diving in the duck (Anas platyrhynchos)

The regional distribution of blood flow, both before and during forced diving, was studied in the duck using radioactively labelled microspheres. Cardiac output fell from 227 ± 30 to 95 ± 16 mL kg−1 min−1 after 20–72 s of submergence and to 59 ± 18 mL kg−1 min−1 after 144–250 s of submergence. Mean arterial blood pressure did not change significantly as total peripheral resistance increased by four times during prolonged diving. Before diving the highest proportion of cardiac output went to the heart (2.6 ± 0.5%, n = 9) and kidneys (2.7 ± 0.5%, n = 9), with the brain receiving less than 1%. The share of cardiac output going to the brain and heart increased spectacularly during prolonged dives to 10.5 ± 3% (n = 5) and 15.9 ± 3.8% (n = 5), respectively, while that to the kidney fell to 0.4 ± 0.26% (n = 3). Since cardiac output declined during diving, tissue blood flow (millilitres per gram per minute) to the heart was unchanged although in the case of the brain it increased 2.35 times after 20–75 s of subme.
Salinty tolerance and osmoregulation of the Australian freshwater crayfish Cherax destructor Clark (Decapoda : Parastacidae)

The lethal and sublethal effects of increased salinity on adult and juvenile crayfish, and the effects of increased salinity on osmotic behaviour of adult crayfish were investigated. Lethal experiments, using a wide salinity range, indicated little difference in the salinity tolerance of adults and juveniles, but when 96-h median tolerance limits were estimated using a narrow salinity range: the juvenile value was 25. Sow while that for adults was 29.90‰. Sublethal effects, as determined by 'threat' and 'escape' behavioural responses with increased salinity, indicated that normal behaviour in adults and juveniles is maintained up to c. 12‰, lost between c. 12 and 25‰,. and death results above c. 25‰,. It is suggested that the field salinity tolerance range of C. destructor is restricted to salinities where behavioural patterns are unaffected. C. destructor is a hyperosmotic regulator, maintaining its blood concentration at approximately 410 mOsm up to 14‰, above which the blood concentration follows the isosmotic line. The possible evolution of this species is briefly discussed in terms of osmotic behaviour.
Abundance and Vertical Distribution of the Phytobenthic Community within a Pool and Riffle Sequence of an Alpine Gravel Stream

In the 2nd order mountain brook “Oberer Seebach” (Austria), diatoms and cyanoprokaryotes dominate the microphytobenthos, with the diatoms forming the richest species group. Comparative investigations of different habitats clearly show seasonal variations in algal species composition and biomass throughout the year. Pool habitats hold a higher number of taxa than riffle sites. In addition, phytobiomass is two- to nearly fourfold higher in pools. Based on investigations of the chlorophyll-a vertical profiles within the coarse gravel sediments, the light discontinuity layer was determined to be situated at 7–10 cm sediment depth. Vertical distribution showed a maximum of taxa a few centimeters below the sediment surface. The same diatom taxa were found throughout all sampling dates, sediment depths and sampling sites. The results of exposed perforated metal tubes clearly indicate that the occurrence of phytobenthos in aphotic zones is primarily controlled by saltatory movements of the upper sediment layers driven by discharge.
Isolation and characterisation of microsatellite markers for the Australian monitor lizard, Varanus acanthurus (Squamata: Varanidae) and their utility in other selected varanid species

There have been no molecular genetic examinations of mating systems in the Australian varanid lizards (genus Varanus ) despite their high species diversity, the abundance of some species and difficulties with direct observation of behaviourally cryptic species in the field. We developed 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci and assessed their utility in a range of varanid species. Observed heterozygosities in the three species assessed ranged from 30% to 100%. These loci should be useful for investigation of population structure, gene flow and mating systems in Varanus acanthurus , V. baritji and V. tristis and may also be of use in other varanid species.
Effect of water deficit on generation time and reproduction of the gall wasp Tetramesa romana, a biological control agent of giant reed (Arundo donax)

Water deficit stress can reduce the reproductive performance of galling insects, but has not previously been studied in the context of mass-rearing of a galling agent on a perennial grass. The effects of water deficit were examined for the wasp Tetramesa romana Walker (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), released in the Lower Rio Grande Basin of Texas and Mexico in 2009 and in northern California in 2010 for control of giant reed (Arundo donax (L)) (Poaceae). In one study, water deficit was imposed for 7–10 weeks during gall maturation, ending when adult progeny began to emerge. Aboveground water content was reduced by 1.7% and culm height by 41% in pots receiving one-fourth of normal watering (soil saturation), indicating that water deficit stress occurred. Water deficit did not affect proportion of culms successfully galled or number of progeny produced. However, time to first exit hole appearance was 2–4 days longer and adult wasp generation time 5–7 days longer on galls on water deficit–stressed compared to control culms, thereby reducing the wasp's intrinsic rate of increase. Water deficit imposed only during parent wasp oviposition had no effect on galling success or reproduction. Water deficit thus has a negative effect on rearing by delaying adult emergence and reducing the rate of population increase, even without affecting adult fertility. Mass-rearing should involve well-watered plants, and variable drought conditions in the field should be considered when evaluating T. romana establishment and impact.
Development of ovule and testa of Linum usitatissimum L.

SUMMARY The ovule primordium of Linum usitatissimum is trizonate and both the outer and inner integument are of dermal derivation. The inner integument ultimately becomes about 14 cell layers thick, the inner layer is developed as an endothelium, and the middle layers bring about the ultimate shape of the ripe seed. The seed-coat is formed out of the outer integument and the outer and inner layers of the inner integument. The outer layer of the seed-coat consists of slime cells. In an aqueous medium slime diffuses from this layer through ruptures in the cuticle and forms a coat around the seed. The mechanical layers of the seed-coat consist of the fibrous cells of the exotegmen and of the cells of the endotegmen, which latter contain pigment and have pitted walls. The family of the Linaceae is assumed to be related to Geraniaceae, Oxalidaceae or Malpighiaceae.
Enlarged fatty livers of small juvenile cod: a comparison of laboratory‐cultured and wild juveniles

Large juveniles and adult cod Gadus morhua develop enlarged fatty livers when fed high-energy lipid-rich diets in captivity; however, little is known of the partitioning of growth energy of small juveniles. This study compared simple indices of condition of laboratory-cultured and wild juvenile cod of similar size that consumed high-energy, lipid-rich food to determine whether small juveniles develop enlarged fatty livers in captivity. Cultured cod developed enlarged fatty livers. The hepatosomatic index (IH) and condition factor of cultured cod were significantly higher and tissue water contents were significantly lower than in wild cod. Cultured cod also exhibited significantly higher muscle mass at length. Cod of similar age exhibited a high range in body size, high coeficient of variation in size and the IH was correlated positively with body size indicating that a size-selective social hierarchy had developed in the laboratory. In contrast, the IH of wild cod was correlated negatively with body size, supplying evidence of high utilization of dietary lipids by larger juveniles in association with increased metabolic expenditure when feeding on small prey items.
Home-range and habitat selection by adult cougars in southern California

Understanding the impact of habitat fragmentation, roads, and other anthropogenic influences on cougars (Puma concolor) requires quantitative assessment of habitat selection at multiple scales. We calculated annual and multiyear home ranges using a fixed-kernel (FK) estimator of home range for 13 adult female and 2 adult male radiotagged cougars that were monitored October 1986 through December 1992 in the Santa Ana Mountain Range of southern California, USA. Using compositional analysis, we assessed diurnal use of vegetation types and areas near roads at 2 orders of selection (second- and third-order; Johnson 1980). Mean annual and multiyear 85% FK home ranges for males were larger than those reported by previous studies in California. Mean wet-season 85% FK home ranges were significantly larger than those of the dry season. At both scales of selection and across seasons, cougars preferred riparian habitats and avoided human-dominated habitats. Grasslands were the most avoided natural vegetation type at both scales of selection. Although cougar home ranges tended to be located away from high- and low-speed 2-lane paved roads (second-order avoidance), cougars did not avoid roads within their. home range, especially when roads were in preferred riparian areas. Protection of habitat mosaics that include unroaded riparian areas is critical to the conservation of this cougar population.
All three IκB isoforms and most Rel family members are stably associated with the IκB kinase 1/2 complex

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is an important transcription factor for the genes of many pro-inflammatory proteins and is strongly activated by the cytokines interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α under various pathological conditions. In nonstimulated cells, NF-κB is present in the cytosol where it is complexed to its inhibitor IκB. Activation of NF-κB depends on the signal-induced phosphorylation of IκB by specific IκB kinases which initiates the inhibitor's conjugation to ubiquitin and subsequent degradation by the proteasome. We used both TNF-stimulated and okadaic-acid-stimulated HeLa cells to purify three biochemically distinct kinase activities targeting one or both of the two serines (S32 and S36) in IκBα which induce its rapid degradation upon cytokine stimulation. All three activities correspond to known IκB kinases: the mitogen-activated 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p90rsk1), the IκB kinase 1/2 complex (IKK1/2) and casein kinase II (CK II). However, we found that only one of the activities, namely the IKK1/2 complex, exists as a pre-assembled kinase–substrate complex in which the IKKs are directly or indirectly associated with several NF-κB-related and IκB-related proteins: RelA, RelB, cRel, p100, p105, IκBα, IκBβ and IκBe. The existence of stable kinase–substrate complexes, the presence of all three known IκB isoforms in these complexes and our observation that the IKK complex is capable of phosphorylating IκBα-, IκBβ- and IκBe-derived peptides at the respective degradation-relevant serines suggests that the IKK complex exerts a broad regulatory role for the activation of different NF-κB species. In contrast to previous studies, which locate CK II phosphorylation sites exclusively to the C-terminal PEST sequence of IκBα, we observed efficient phosphorylation of serine 32 in IκBα by the purified endogenous CK II complex. Therefore, both p90rsk1 and CK II have the same preference for phosphorylating only one of the two serines which are relevant for inducible degradation.
A meiotic study in some medicinal plants

The present meiotic study was carried out in 15 species of medicinal importance belonging to 14 genera and nine families. The chromosome numbers n=7 of Aloe vera L. , n=10 of Brassica campestris Hook.f. & Thoms, n=12 of Capsicum annuum L. , n=12 of Cissampelos pareira L. , n=10 of Croton bonplandianum Baill. , n=32 of Heliotropium eichwaldi Steud. , n=7 of Hordeum vulgare L. , n=7 of Lathyrus aphaca L. , n=20 of Mazus rugosus Lour. , n=7 of Pisum sativum L. , n=6 of Sesbania sesban Merrill. , n=12 of Solanum verbascifolium L. , n=11 of Tephrosia purpurea Pers. , n=6 of Vicia faba L. and n=6 of Vicia sativa L. has been observed. The course of meiosis has been found to be normal in all species except in somewhere chromosomal irregularities have also been observed. The medicinal plants are playing a very important role in our daily life. Besides their active role in every human requirement, they have proven to be the best source of various health care systems including traditional plant based medicines. Their huge importance reminds us about correct identification of various plant species, so that they can be use more accurately and effectively. Meiotic study is the tool that can support the plant identification. According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 80% of the world's population relying on plant based traditional medicines (Sivaperumal et al. 2010). This shows that all population communities are not able to afford the modern medical facilities. These people depend upon medicinal plants which are growing in their vicinity. This indicates that medicinal plants are not only providing raw material to the pharmaceutical industries but also cater the health care needs of the people, who could not afford other medical facilities. Chromosomal study is useful to understand the morphological diversity and genomic variation within a species (Stace 2000). Generally the researchers identify the plant species based on their morphological characteristics. The cytological analysis especially the study of chromosome number can further authenticate the identity of the plant species. Therefore present study has been conducted to determine the chromosome numbers and behavior in some medicinal plants to confirm the morphological characterization.
Biodiversidade de moscas-das-frutas (Diptera, Tephritoidea) em matas nativas e pomares domésticos de dois municípios do Estado do Tocantins, Brasil

This paper presents comparative and faunistic analysis of the species of fruit flies captured in McPhail traps (from June to December 2002) baited with 5% corn protein hydrolyzed. Species richness and the patterns of population are compared between forest and orchard environments and between the counties of Palmas and Porto Nacional. A total of 1,748 individuals of Tephritidae belonging to species of three genera were collected: Tomoplagia Coquillett, 1910, Anastrepha Schiner, 1868 and Ceratitis MacLeay, 1829. Species of three genera of Lonchaeidae were also captured: Lonchaea Fallen, 1820, Neosilba McAlpine, 1962 and Dasiops Rondani, 1856. Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) and nineteen species of the genus Anastrepha were collected. Most of the collected individuals (69.1%) belonged to A. obliqua (Macquart, 1935). The average numbers of tephritid individuals in Palmas and native forests were significantly lower than Porto Nacional and orchards, respectively. According to the Shannon diversity index (H') and test t used for comparing the fruit flies fauna among the environments, it was verified that only one comparison showed significant difference (P<0,05), that is, the diversity of the orchards in Palmas (H=1.96) was greater than in Porto Nacional (H=0.81). Based on the faunistic indexes A. obliqua and A. distincta Greene, 1934 were found to be constant, dominant and very abundant in almost all environments.
Phytochemical Screening and Cytotoxic Analysis of Three Local Vegetables Used in the Treatment of Bacterial Diarrhoea in Southern Benin (West Africa): A Comparative Study

Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O. Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin. Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Essentials Oils, Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences, Champ de Foire, Cotonou, Benin. Laboratory of Training and Research in Applied Chemistry, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O. Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin. Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Typing in Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Abomey-Calavi, 05 P.O. Box, 1604 Cotonou, Benin.
Exploitation of food resources by badgers (Meles meles) in the Swiss Jura Mountains

In our study three badger Meles meles populations separated by only a few km but subjected to different environmental conditions were compared. Differences are especially marked for climatic factors, the three areas being located at different altitudes, and for intensivity of soil use by people. The diet of the three populations was significantly different, with one or two dominant items in each area: mammals and cereals in the mountain, maize in the mid-mountain and in the lowland areas. In the most intensively cultivated area, maize was the most consumed item in autumn and spring, several months after harvesting. Earthworms had only a secondary importance in the diet in the mountainous area, but were negligible in the mid-mountain and lowland areas. Soil management seemed to play a preponderant role, mostly owing to soil quality and topography. Climate seemed to have a secondary effect only.
Effect of brine-shrimp numbers on growth and survival of early-stage phyllosoma larvae of the rock lobster Jasus edwardsii

Stages I to VI phyllosoma larvae of the rock lobster Jasus edwardsii were fed daily with a fixed number (1, 2, 4, 8, 12 or 16) of 2–3 mm brine shrimps (Artemia salina) to determine the optimum requirement for growth and survival. For stages I and II the threshold below which food became limiting, measured as a significant delay in moulting, was <2 brine shrimps per day. For stage III the threshold was 4 brine shrimps per day, for stages IV and V it was 8 brine shrimps per day and for stage VI, 12 brine shrimps per day. Growth at the moult was reduced when food was limiting. The feeding rate reduced immediately before the moult and this was most evident for stages V and VI. The results are discussed in relation to large scale culture of phyllosoma larvae.
Isozyme variation and genetic relationships in Phyllocladus trichomanoides and P. alpinus (Podocarpaceae)

Abstract Four populations each of Phyllocladus trichomanoides and P. alpinus were investigated by isozyme analysis of foliage extracts. Very low levels of genetic variation in both species compare well with results for other New Zealand conifers. Genetic identity between the two Phyllocladus species is high (I = 0.880). However, at two out of four variable loci (Est-1, Me), the two species have no alleles in common and at a third variable locus (Mdh-2), P. trichomanoides has an exclusive allele. P. alpinus populations showed considerable variation in allele frequency at the Idh locus, which was significantly correlated with mean daily July minimum temperature. A similar trend was found in P. trichomanoides. The electrophoretically detectable genetic differences between the two species do not support a hypothesis suggesting hybrid origin of the South Island populations of P. trichomanoides.