Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The response of dairy cows of high genetic merit to increasing proportion of concentrate in the diet with a high and medium feed value silage

Forty-eight high genetic merit Holstein/Friesian dairy cows with Predicted Transmitting Abilities for milk fat plus protein yield, calculated using 1995 as the base year (PTA95 fat plus protein), of 40·0 kg, were used in an eight treatment, two period (period length = 8 weeks) change-over design experiment. Diets were offered ad libitum in the form of a complete diet. Treatments comprised a high and medium feed value silage, with concentrates being incorporated into the diet at proportional inclusion rates of 0·10, 0·30, 0·50 and 0·70 of total dry matter with the high feed value silage, and at 0·32, 0·48, 0·64 and 0·80 of total dry matter with the medium feed value silage. The high feed value silage was produced from a primary regrowth herbage (regrowth interval of 33 days) which was wilted prior to ensiling, while the medium feed value silage was produced from a primary growth herbage harvested on 9 June 1995. The high and medium feed value silages had estimated metabolizable energy concentrations of 12·4 and 11·3 MJ/kg DM respectively. Animals commenced treatments after a mean post calving interval of 26 days. Irrespective of silage feed value, total dry matter intake and milk yield tended to increase with increasing proportion of concentrate in the diet. Milk protein concentrations increased to concentrate inputs of 0·50 and 0·64 of total DM with the high and medium feed value silages respectively, but decreased at the highest concentrate inclusion rates. Milk fat concentrations tended to decrease at higher concentrate inclusion rates. The milk yield responses to increasing proportion of concentrate in the diet have been described by a pair of significantly different equations: Y = 34·2−11·9×0·0101x and Y = 34·2−28·5×0·0101x for the high and medium feed value silages respectively (where Y = milk yield (kg/day) and x = concentrate proportion in the diet on a dry matter basis). Similarly, milk fat and milk protein yields for the two silage types have been described by pairs of significantly different equations. Using these milk yield response equations, it can be calculated that at a concentrate proportion in the diet of 0·32 total dry matter, an additional 3·7 kg of milk per day would be produced by offering the high, rather than the medium feed value silage, while at a concentrate proportion of 0·70 total dry matter, the milk yield benefit associated with the high feed value silage was reduced to 0·6 kg per day. Similarly, total dry matter intakes for animals offered the high feed value silage were 7·4 and 0·8 kg per day greater than for animals offered the medium feed value silage, at concentrate proportions in the diet of 0·32 and 0·70 total dry matter, respectively. These responses indicate that at low concentrate inclusion rates in the diet, silage feed value has a major influence on animal performance, while at higher concentrate inclusion rates, the importance of silage feed value is reduced.
Dinner Date with a Microbe

M ICROBES. This word is not new to the average biology student. These "wee beasties" or creatures of the unseen world, may also be called germs, harmful bugs, bad bacteria or harmless bugs. Rarely are they introduced as beneficial organisms. No matter how efficient or aweinspiring the presentation about microbes, each student views them in different ways, but rarely as magnificent. Maybe your students are not interested in microbiology and consider it to be just another topic, no more significant than any other. However, they are wrong. This paper will illustrate how human life is enhanced by microorganisms. Specifically, it provides examples of how beneficial foods are made by versatile microbes. After experiencing these activities, your students will want to bring these microbes from the supermarket to school and have a dinner date with them. Microbiology is a difficult subject to introduce to students. The news media publish many articles about microbes that cause disease but few articles about microbes that are useful. Students have the impression that microbes are harmful and they fear studying them. We try to convince students that many microorganisms make products that we use every day and that microbes have an important role in our lives. Students learn that many substances that are part of their daily lives are due to the activities of microbes. We use a simple exercise that involves student participation and helps students overcome "microbe phobia" (Gillen, Williams & Brown 1989). Since eating is a necessity for humans, we find that the introduction of "kitchen microbiology" captures their attention (Williams & Gillen 1991). A large grocery sack is filled with various articles found in the kitchen. We usually select eight or 10 items to add to the sack. The selection depends upon the time available and the class level. We always include articles that students commonly use such as bread, cheese, olives, pickles, vinegar and yogurt. Student participation is encouraged by asking individuals to pick an Alan L. Gillen, Ph.D., teaches introductory and AP biology at Tomball High School in Tomball, TX 77375 and is a teacher research fellow at Baylor College of Medicine sponsored by the American Society for Cell Biology. Robert P. Williams, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of microbiology & immunology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX 77030. KITCHEN MICROBIOLOGY RECIPES
Hop Constituents Suppress the Formation of 3-Methylbutanal and 2-Furfural in Wort-Like Model Solutions

The ability of hop constituents to suppress the formation of 3-methylbutanal and 2-furfural in wort-like model systems containing maltose, leucine, and Fe2+ was investigated. From all constituents tested (α-acids, β-acids, iso-α-acids, tetrahydro-iso-α-acids, and spent hops), solely α-acids and β-acids were capable of significantly suppressing the formation of 3-methylbutanal as derived from degradation of leucine. 2-Furfural was also found in the model solutions after incubation, and its formation was diminished by all hop constituents but to a varying degree. A central composite rotatable design was employed, and from all factors tested (maltose, leucine, Fe2+, and α-acids), only maltose and leucine were found to be significant model terms (P < 0.05) for the formation of 3-methylbutanal, whereas α-acids also showed effectiveness but at a lower confidence level (α = 0.1063). Maltose and α-acid concentrations were significant model terms for the formation of 2-furfural. Although Fe2+ concentration was an insignificant factor for aldehyde formation, complexing it with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid still inhibited aldehyde formation. When no maltose was present, 3-methylbutanal was also shown to be derived from leucine oxidative degradation by hydroxyl radical attack. Hop α-acids were demonstrated to significantly abate this particular pathway by Fe2+ complexation and hydroxyl radical scavenging.
On gill function in the mussel Mytilus Edulis L.

Abstract The function of the gill of the mussel Mytilus edulis (L.) has been studied in intact animals and in animals with cut posterior adductor muscle, as well as on gill fragments and isolated gill filaments. Intact 3–4 cm long specimens, kept singly in glass jars containing 600 ml aerated sea-water at 1–2° or 14°C, were able to clear suspensions of various particles at high rates. The gills retained almost completely particles down to about 3–5 µm in diameter (yeast cells or latex spheres, and about half of particles 1–2 µm in diameter (Bacterium sp. or latex spheres). The immediate effect of cutting the adductor muscle was to decrease the retentiveness of the morphologically intact gills; later also the rate of water transport decreased. In intact, fully open mussels, 10−7-10−5 M dopamine (DA) or 10−7-10−6 M serotonin (5-HT) did not affect the rates at which the mussels cleared suspensions of yeast, whereas 10−5 M 5-HT strongly reduced clearances of suspensions of yeast and 18 µm Tetraselmis cells, t.
Patterns in sponge (Porifera) assemblages on temperate coastal reefs off Sydney, Australia

Pattern and process in deep-water macrobenthic assemblages have largely been inferred from the study of such assemblages on shaded artificial structures in relatively shallow water. This paper examines patterns in the diversity and abundance of sponges to a depth of 50 m on coastal reefs off Sydney, Australia. Photo-quadrats were used to provide estimates of the species richness and percentage cover of sponges on three reefs. Sponge morphotype (i.e. encrusting or massive) was also recorded. Within-reef variation was examined by nesting three sites within each reef at each of three depths; replicate photo-quadrats (0.45 m², n = 5) were taken at each site. In addition, a remotely operated vehicle was used to collect voucher specimens. Over 50 species of sponge were identified, many of which have never been described. In general, sponge richness increased with depth, as did the number of erect or massive forms. In contrast, cover decreased with depth, particularly for encrusting sponges. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed considerable small-scale spatial and temporal variation in sponge distribution and abundance. A significant positive relationship between richness and cover was also apparent. In general, there were greater temporal changes in the patterns of abundance for the shallow reef assemblages at 20 m, relative to those at 30 m and 50 m.
Variation in Karyotype and 4C DNA Content in Six Species of Melocactus of the Family Cactaceae

Analysis of karyotype including somatic chromosome number determination, total chromosome length and volume, estimation of 4C DNA content and Interphase Nuclear Volume (INV) were carried out in 6 species of Melocactus of the family Cactaceae. Somatic chromosome number recorded 2n=22 in Melocactus bahiensis, M curvispinus, M robustispinus, M. townsendii and 2n=44 in M longispinus, M. matanzanus for the first time. Significant interspecific variation in nuclear DNA amount was recorded. The 4C DNA content varied from 20.55 pg in M. townsendii to 40.80 pg in M. longispinus. The correlation coefficient studies showed that the genomic chromosome length, chromosome volume and INV were possitively correlated. No interdependent was found between 4C DNA content and chromosome length or volume and INV. The structural alterations in the chromosomes as well as loss or addition of highly repetitive sequences in the genome showed variations in nuclear DNA at interspecific level indicating a macro- and micro-evolution of the species.
Influence of Free Radicals and Other Factors on Formation of Cholesterol Oxidation Products in Spray-Dried Whole Egg

Factors influencing formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPS) in spray-dried whole eggs, particularly free radicals generated during the combustion process, were investigated. Total COPS formed in products dried in the presence of free radicals (by using a gas burner or addition of prooxidants into an electric heating system) were approximately 2-5 times greater than those in powders processed by an electric heating system. Addition of antioxidants (tertiary butylhydroquinone and oleoresin rosemary) did not significantly affect (P < 0.05) the formation of COPS in eggs spray-dried with direct gas-fired heating during processing and/or storage. Room temperature storage significantly promoted (P < 0.05) further formation of COPS regardless of the initial content of COPS in the egg powders. The pathway of cholesterol oxidation initiated by oxides of nitrogen appeared to be similar to the hydroperoxide-induced free radical reaction.
Levels of Resistance to the Maize Weevil, Sitophilus Zeamais (Motsch.) in Exotic, Local Open-Pollinated and Hybrid Maize Germplasm

The susceptibility of maize germplasm from CIMMYT — Mexico, Malawi and Zimbabwe — to attack by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.) was investigated under controlled temperature (28°C) and r.h. (70–75%). An index of susceptibility (I), derived from the numbers of F1 progeny and the mean development period was used as the basis for measurement of the susceptibility. The indices of susceptibility of the CIMMYT germplasm ranged from 9.25 for Rattray Arnold (I) 8149 to 14.48 for Poza Rica 7737. Of the 17 collections of Malawi local maize evaluated MLM#20 was the least susceptible (I = 10.72), while MLM#24 was the most susceptible (I = 13.25). The least susceptible of the Zimbabwean germplasm was a local collection of an indigenous maize, Variety 8 (I = 10.61), while the most susceptible was a hybrid PNR 6334 (I = 14.74). Further, the nine Mexican materials and a local hybrid SR 52 were evaluated under field conditions in small farmers’ granaries. Rattray Arnold (I) 8149 and Population 68 were the least damaged and produced the lowest numbers of weevils. Maize classified as susceptible in laboratory tests also suffered high damage levels in on-farm storage trials. RésuméLa sensibilité des graines de maïs provenant CIMMYT — au Mexique, Malawi et Zimbabwe — à l’attaque du charançon du maïs, le Sitophilus zeamaïs (Motsch) a été étudiée sous une température de 28°C et une humidité relative de 70–75%. p ]Un indice de sensibilité (I), dérivé des nombres de la filiation F1 et la période moyenne de croissance ont servi de base de mesure de la sensibilité. Les indices de sensibilité des graines provenant sont de 9,25 pour le type Rattray Arnold (I) 8149 à 14,48 pour type Poza Rica 7737. Des 17 types du maïs local collectionnés au Malawi en vue d’être évalués, le MLM # 20 était le moins sensible (I = 10,72) tandis que le MLM # 24 était le plus sensible (I =13,25). p ]La moins sensible des graines en provenance de Zimbabwe était un type de maïs indigène, la Variété 8 (I: 10,61) tandis que le type le plus sensible était le type hybride PNR 6334 (I = 14,74). En outre au Mexique, les 9 échantillons locaux et 1 type hybride SR 52 ont été évalués dans des conditions des champs de petits grenière des agriculteurs. Le Rattray Arnold (7) 8149 et la Population 68 étaient les moins endommagés et produissaient le moins de charançons. p ]Les types de maïs prouvés sensibles lors de tests en laboratoire ont subi mêmement des dégâts très considérables dans des tests faits dans des entreposages des agriculteurs.
USE of CHITOSAN COATING to REDUCE WATER LOSS and MAINTAIN QUALITY of CUCUMBER and BELL PEPPER FRUITS

The effect of chitosan coating (1.0 and 1.5% w/v) on the storability of bell pepper and cucumber fruits stored at 13 and 20C (RH 85%) was determined by monitoring the weight loss, respiration and quality: Chitosan coating markedly reduced the weight loss in both bell pepper and cucumber at both temperatures. Increasing the concentration of chitosan from 1.0 to 1.5% (w/v) resulted in a significantly greater weight retention in both fruits. In addition, coating cucumber and bell pepper with chitosan reduced the respiration rate, loss of color, wilting and fungal infection. the mechanism by which chitosan coating delayed senescence in bell pepper and cucumber is most likely due to its ability to alleviate water stress.
Contrasting effects of low and high nitrogen additions on soil CO2 flux components and ectomycorrhizal fungal sporocarp production in a boreal forest

Nitrogen (N) added through atmospheric deposition or as fertilizer to boreal and temperate forests reduces both soil decomposer activity (heterotrophic respiration) and the activity of roots and mycorrhizal fungi (autotrophic respiration). However, these negative effects have been found in studies that applied relatively high levels of N, whereas the responses to ambient atmospheric N deposition rates are still not clear. Here, we compared an unfertilized control boreal forest with a fertilized forest (100 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and a forest subject to N‐deposition rates comparable to those in Central Europe (20 kg N ha−1 yr−1) to investigate the effects of N addition rate on different components of forest floor respiration and the production of ectomycorrhizal fungal sporocarps. Soil collars were used to partition heterotrophic (Rh) and autotrophic (Ra) respiration, which was further separated into respiration by tree roots (Rtr) and mycorrhizal hyphae (Rm). Total forest floor respiration was twice as high in the low N plot compared to the control, whereas there were no differences between the control and high N plot. There were no differences in Rh respiration among plots. The enhanced forest floor respiration in the low N plot was, therefore, the result of increased Ra respiration, with an increase in Rtr respiration, and a doubling of Rm respiration. The latter was corroborated by a slightly greater ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal sporocarp production in the low N plot as compared to the control plot. In contrast, EM fungal sporocarp production was nearly eliminated, and Rm respiration severely reduced, in the high N plot, which resulted in significantly lower Ra respiration. We thus found a nonlinear response of the Ra components to N addition rate, which calls for further studies of the quantitative relations among N addition rate, plant photosynthesis and carbon allocation, and the function of EM fungi.
Seed morphology and genome size in two Tuscan Crocus (Iridaceae) endemics: C. etruscus and C. ilvensis

Recent taxonomic investigation led to the segregation of Crocus ilvensis Peruzzi & Carta, a narrow endemic to Elba Island (Tuscan Archipelago, Central Italy), from C. etruscus Parl. , endemic to continental Tuscany. The aim of this study is to produce further basic systematic data aimed comparing these taxa by means of seed morphological features and genome size. Although seed macro-morphology is very similar, seed surface microstructure, seed mass, seed dimensions and genome size differ between the two studied species.
Initial performance of pineapple and utilization of rock phosphate applied in combination with organic compounds to leaf axils

Rock phosphates have low solubility in water, but good solubility in acid. The use of or ganic compounds together with these phosphorus sources applied to the basal leaf axils of pineapple can increase the solubility of this phosfate source and increase the P availability to the crop. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using Araxa rock phosphate (10 g) in combination or not with solutions containing increasing concentrations of humic acids (0 to 40 mmol L -1 of carbon), with or without citric acid (0.005 mmol L -1 ), applied to basal leaf axils of pineapple cv. Perola. Growth and nutritional characteristics of aerial plant parts were assessed. Growth rates of aerial parts and N, P , K, Ca and Mg contents increased curvilinearly with increasing concentration of carbon in the form of humic acids. Maximum values were found for the concentration of 9.3 mmol L -1 of carbon combined with 0.005 mmol L -1 of citric acid and natural phosphate.
THE SPILLOVER EFFECTS OF CONFLICT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES IN AFRICA

In this article, the influence of conflict on the economies of neighbouring countries is discussed. The results from previous papers show a strong negative effect for an entire area around a country suffering from conflict, but this paper reaches a different conclusion, by using more recent data and adjusting the methodology previously employed. Additionally, a new type of contiguity matrix is constructed and used in the actual analysis. The final analysis consists of a large number of regressions and concludes that conflict actually has two opposing effects. First, like conflict countries themselves, directly contiguous countries actually suffer from the negative effects of proximate conflict. Secondly, however, there is also a positive spillover of conflict, which affects non‐contiguous countries and this effect is larger for countries that are closer to the conflict country. The results from the paper predominantly hold for the most violent kind of conflict.
Bad News and Good News: Population Changes of Finnish Owls During 1982–2007

In Finland, monitoring of ‘common’ birds of prey is based on two projects run by the Finnish Ringing Centre: the Raptor Grid (since 1982) and Raptor Questionnaire (since 1986). The Raptor Grid has produced sufficient data for analysing population trends in six of ten owl species. The overall trend during 1982–2007 was significantly negative in the Eagle Owl Bubo bubo (-2.2% per year), Long-eared Owl Asio otus (-4.7%) and Tengmalm's Owl Aegolius funereus (-3.1%), and significantly positive in the Ural Owl Strix uralensis (+1%); no significant trend was detected in the Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinum or Tawny Owl Strix aluco. The Eagle Owl population increased to the middle of 1990s, but has since decreased by 5% per year. The decrease coincides with the closing of 90% of local open rubbish dumps, which offered a stable and rich food supply to the Eagle Owls. The decrease in the Tengmalm's Owls can partly be attributed to the decrease in the amount of old forest. The Pygmy Owl population increased steeply (>5% per year) during 1994–2003, then crashed following a mass invasion and has since started to recover. The geographical distribution of the Raptor Grid study plots is not suitable for monitoring the northern nomadic species like the Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus, Northern Hawk-Owl Surnia ulula, Great Grey Owl Strix nebulosa and Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus. Annual totals of active nests and occupied territories reported with the Raptor Questionnaire do not indicate any long-term population changes of these species. However, intensive cooperation over larger areas across national boundaries in northern Europe is urgently needed for reliable monitoring of these nomadic owls.
Biology of Commelina benghalensis L. in south-eastern Queensland. 2. Seed dormancy, germination and emergence

Summary Germination of freshly harvested seeds of Commelina benghalensis L. varied from 0–3% for small aerial seeds, 20–35% for large aerial seeds and from 33% for small underground seeds to 90% for large underground seeds. Innate dormancy of all seed types was completely overcome by clipping the seed coat. Exposure to 90°C dry heat for 2 h was also effective in increasing germination of the three strongly dormant seed types. Optimum temperature for germination varied with the different seed types. Periods of likely major weed infestation from the four seed types were predicted using soil temperature data. Exposure to light increased germination but was not essential and underground seeds responded more to light than aerial seeds. Optimum depth of emergence for the four seed types was from 0 to 50 mm and there was a positive correlation between maximum depth of emergence and seed weight.
Neoteny or not? The distribution of the hypophysial duct within the Galaxioidea

The hypophysial duct, a hollow tube of tissue linking the pituitary gland and the buccal cavity, was found in adults of all the galaxiid genera examined except Aplochiton and Paragalaxias . T he pituitary structure in these genera, however, indicated that the duct was probably once present and has been subsequently lost. The duct was absent in the other galaxioid families, Retropinnidae and Lepidogalaxiidae. Mapping the distribution of the duct onto a DNA sequence-based phylogeny suggests that the embryological duct was retained in a galaxiid ancestral to Aplochiton, with subsequent losses in Aplochiton and Paragalaxias. # 2004 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles