Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of calcium propionate on rumen fermentation, urinary excretion of purine derivatives and feed digestibility in steers

SUMMARY The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of calcium propionate supplementation on rumen fermentation, urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PD) and feed digestibility in the total gastrointestinal tract of steers. Eight ruminally cannulated Simmental steers (462±14 kg) were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square arrangement of treatments with experimental periods of 21 days. The treatments were: control (without calcium propionate), LCaP (calcium propionate – low), MCaP (calcium propionate – medium) and HCaP (calcium propionate – high) with 100, 200 and 300 g calcium propionate per steer per day. Diet consisted of 0·60 maize stover and 0·40 concentrate (dry matter (DM) basis). DM intake (average 9 kg/day) was restricted to a maximum of 0·90 of ad libitum intake. Ruminal pH (range of 6·7–6·5) linearly (P<0·003) and quadratically (P<0·005) decreased, and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration (range of 64·4–67·1 mm) tended (P<0·087) to increase linearly with rising calcium propionate supplementation. Ratio of acetate to propionate fell linearly (P<0·006) and quadratically (P<0·008) from 3·5 to 2·6 as calcium propionate supplementation increased due to the additional propionate supplementation. In situ ruminal neutral detergent fibre (NDF) degradation of maize stover and crude protein (CP) degradability of concentrate mix were improved with increasing concentration of calcium propionate. Urinary excretion of PD was linearly (P<0·032) and quadratically (P<0·048) increased with greater calcium propionate supplementation (72, 74, 77 and 76 mmol/day for control, LCaP, MCaP and HCaP, respectively). Similarly, digestibilities of organic matter (OM), NDF and CP in the total tract were also linearly and quadratically improved with increasing calcium propionate. The results indicate that the calcium propionate supplementation potentially improves rumen fermentation and feed digestion in beef cattle. It is speculated that calcium propionate stimulates the digestive microorganisms or enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. In the experimental conditions of the current trial, the optimum calcium propionate dose was about 200 g calcium propionate per steer per day.
Diversity in growth and longevity in short-lived animals: squid of the suborder Oegopsina

This article is an overview of age and growth studies of squid belonging to the suborder Oegopsina, which includes the majority (~215) of squid species inhabiting offshore waters of the continental shelves and pelagic waters of the world ocean. Three main periods in the history of age and growth studies of oegopsin squid are identified. A brief history of the different methods applied to study oegopsin age and growth is presented. The lifespan of oegopsin squid varies from almost 3 months in small pelagic tropical species to 2 years in polar and deepwater species. Generally, the lifespan of similar-sized oegopsin squid increases with latitude. Growth of the majority of oegopsin squid is best described by one of the asymptotic growth functions, but some tropical squid are characterised by non-asymptotic growth. Many aspects of growth variability are discussed, such as ontogenetic, sexual, intra-specific, geographical, inter-annual and inter-specific variations. The fast growth rates of oegopsin squid give them the advantage of passing quickly through the most vulnerable first trophic levels of the oceanic food web, enabling them to compete successfully with nektonic fishes.
The Study of Cement Concrete with Improved Properties Based on the Use of Astivated Silica Fume

In this research the questions of microsilica usage and ways of its activation for modification of structure of cement stone and cement on its basis. The actual questions corresponding any type of filler, particularly microsilica are: how and how much should be put, which mechanisms are involving to process of structuring, how much is received result of structure modification and others. Therefore the role of microdispersed fillers in modification process of cement rock and cement on its basis must be viewed in connection with other dimensional inclusions on different large-scale levels. Reducing of concrete consumption by its substitution by microsilica, has a positive influence to physico-chemical characteristics of concrete.
Microstructure and Properties of Lead-Free Perovskite Ceramics on the Base of KNN Perovskite

The influence of LiSbO3 on the structure, microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric and local piezoelectric properties of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 ceramics has been studied. Changes in unit cell parameters correlated with ionic radii changes and high effective local d33 piezoelectric coefficient values were observed depending on solid solutions compositions.
Phylogenetic relationships of procolophonid parareptiles with remarks on their geological record

Synopsis The phylogenetic intrarelationships of procolophonid parareptiles are determined via a comprehensive cladistic analysis using a data matrix of 21 taxa and 58 characters. Most taxa are included forthe first time in a phylogenetic analysis and 27 characters are novel. The relationships within the group are more firmly resolved than in previous analyses. Procolophoninae and Leptopleuroninae, two of the three traditional subdivisions of the Procolophonidae, are valid monophyletic groups, but Spondylolestinae is polyphyletic. The Chinese genera Pentaedrusaurus and Neoprocolophon are the most primitive members of the Leptopleuroninae. A new group, Theledectinae, is erected. The latter clade consists of small procolophonids with a reduced marginal dentition and wide bulbous monocuspid teeth. Eumetabolodon from China and the former genus ’Thelegnathus’ from South Africa are shown to be polyphyletic. The successful radiation of the Procolophonidae during the Triassic is likely to be related to the development of feeding adaptations that allowed exploration of various ecological niches, particularly the exploitation of high‐fibre herbivory. The scarcity of Permian records of procolophonids is examined and the genus Spondylolestes from the Upper Permian of South Africa is considered to be a valid taxon with procolophonid affinities. Finally, a review of the records from the Middle and U pper Triassic reveals a procolophonid global hiatus of more than 15 Ma in Ladinian‐Lower Carnian rocks.
Comparison of Different Ideal Amino Acid Ratios in Male and Female Broiler Chickens of 21 to 42 Days of Age

An amino acid bioassay was carried out to compare responses of male and female broiler chicks to different ideal amino acid (AA) ratios from 21 to 42d of age. The ideal ratios were used to calculate AA requirements were IICP (Illinois Ideal Chick Protein), NRC (1994), RPAN (Rhone Poulenc Animal Nutrition) and feedstuff AA ratios which were compared with each other and with a positive control diet. Indispensable AAS were rationed to lysine according to requirement ratios in tested profiles, with digestible lysine set at 0.85 and 0.78 for male and female, respectively. Experimental period began at day 21 and lasted in 42d of age. Diets for all profiles contained 3200kcal AMEn/kg, and L-glutamic acid was used to make all diets equal in crude protein at 14.25% of the diet. Chicks fed diets formulated with RPAN had significantly lower weight gain and feed efficiency than IICP, NRC and feedstuff which is probably consequence of high Lys: Leu ratio in this profile. There were no significant differences in feed intake, weight gain and feed: gain among chicks fed IICP, NRC (1994) and feedstuff. Since IICP ratios in the case of all AAS (except Met+Cys in NRC) are lower than or close to the ratios in NRC (1994) and feedstuff, it can be concluded that IICP ideal ratios is sufficient for supporting maximal weight gain and feed efficiency. Chicks fed diets which their AA requirements calculated by feedstuff ratios had higher breast meat yield than IICP and NRC (1994) which may be due to higher Lys: Met+Cys ratio in this profile. Results of this experiment suggest that although male and female broiler chicks have different body composition and consequently different AA requirements, but they respond similarly to different ideal AA ratios.
The Charetum contrariae association, new to Hungary

The Charetum contrariae, stoneworth plant community, was found during the research of aquatic biotopes in the catchment area of the Ipeľ river in the summer of 2000. It has not been detected in Hungary. Up to now, the community is known from Slovakia and Poland at the territory of Central Europe.
Constituents of Sindora sumatrana MIQ. III.New trans-Clerodane Diterpenoids from the Dried Pods

Seven new trans-clerodane-type diterpenoids and three known ones have been identified from the chloroform-soluble fraction of the methanolic extract of Sindora sumatrana MIQ. The new compounds, each of which has a β-acetoxy group at the C-7 position, comprise three acid diterpenoids (3, 5, 6) and three neutral ones(8, 9, 10). The remaining one (7) is a dimethyl ester, which was obtained from an acid fraction after methylation with diazomethane. The structures of the isolated compounds were detemined by means of spectroscopic methods, mainly two-dimensional NMR techniques, and their relative stereochemistries were determined with the aid of difference nuclear Ovverhauser effect experiments.
Genotypic Variability in Drought Performance and Recovery in Cowpea under Controlled Environment

Mid-season drought is a factor frequently limiting crop production in the moist to dry savannah zones of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Ten cowpea genotypes were subjected to a cycle of drought at flowering followed by re-watering to study variation in drought performance and recovery. Drought caused a reduction in leaf assimilation rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance with genotypic variances of 75.4, 57.9, and 83.3 %, respectively. Only genotypic variance in stomatal conductance increased appreciably under drought. Reductions in leaf water potential as a consequence of drought positively correlated with a decline in assimilation rate, which was associated with stomatal closure. One week after re-watering, the three gas exchange parameters of stressed plants recovered fully and attained values 10–30 % higher than the well-watered plants with increased genotypic variability. Reductions in the total dry matter during the drought interval varied from 11 to 50 % among genotypes, but were of minor importance for the total dry matter at maturity. After stress, the gain in dry matter varied considerably among the stressed genotypes, with stressed plants showing higher gain than the unstressed plants during this interval. This was associated with increased availability of assimilates due to enhanced green leaf area duration after stress release. Variability in drought recovery among genotypes was found, and appears to be more important for final yield than responses during drought.
Effect of HCl-Alcoholic Treatment on the Modification of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) Seed Starch

Starches from different sources present unknown potential for new technological applications mainly when modifications are considered. In this study, jackfruit seed starch was treated in 6% hydrochloric acid in the presence of methanol and ethanol at 40°C for 2 hour and at ancohol/starch ratio of 4/1. Granule size, granular structure and solubility of the modified starch were investigated. Results showed that the average granule size of the starch ranged from 9. 22μm to 14.03 μm (in methanol) and 11.86 μm (in ethanol), some changes in the solubility and the granular morphology by scanning electron microscope (SEM) were observed. Acid-modified jackfruit seed starch can have applications in pharmaceutical, food and confectionary industries.
Sphagnum production in forested bogs of northern Minnesota.

Annual production of Sphagnum on three perched and three raised forested bogs was determined and compared. Perched bogs occupy small depressions in glacial moraines and raised bogs occur on broad, flat plains. Data from both cranked rods and threads were used with regression techniques to determine rates of growth on hummocks and hollows of bog microrelief. Hummocks and hollows were operationally defined by the characteristic moss species that dominated each position. Over a 3-year sampling period, average rate of moss growth in perched bogs was 3.9 (± 4%) on hummocks and 13.1 cm year−1 (± 13%) in hollows. In raised bogs, the growth was 3.6 (± 4%) and 9.1 cm year−1 (± 14%), respectively. About half the lineal growth occurred early in the growing season, and slightly more of the remaining growth occurred in midseason compared with late season. Conversion to ovendry mass per unit surface area of bog indicates production of 320 on hummocks and 520 in hollows on perched bogs; 300 on hummocks and 370 g m−2 yea.
SimBit: A high performance, flexible and easy-to-use population genetic simulator

SimBit is a general purpose and high performance forward-in-time population genetics simulator. SimBit has been designed to be able to model a wide diversity of complex scenarios from a simple set of commands that are very flexible. SimBit also comes with a R wrapper that simplifies the management of an entire research project from the creation of a grid of parameters and corresponding inputs, running simulations and gathering outputs for analysis. Implementing various representations of the individual’s genotype allows SimBit to sustain a high performance in a wide diversity of simulation scenarios. SimBit’s performance was extensively benchmarked in comparison to SLiM, Nemo and SFS_CODE. No single program systematically outperforms the others but SimBit is most often the highest performing program and maintains high performance in all scenarios considered.
Individual differences in (dis)honesty are represented in the brain’s functional connectivity: Robust out-of-sample prediction of cheating behavior

Many of the economically most costly forms of unethical behavior such as tax evasion, stock manipulations or movie and music piracy relate to the moral domain of (dis)honesty, in which unethical behavior is not targeted at a clearly identifiable victim. While large individual differences in (dis)honesty are evident, the neurocognitive determinants of this heterogeneity remain elusive. We combined connectome-based predictive modelling (CPM) on resting state functional connectivity patterns with a novel experimental task, which measures spontaneous and voluntary cheating inconspicuously, to investigate how these task-independent neural patterns shape our (dis)honest choices. Our analyses revealed that functional connectivity in a network of regions, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the inferior frontal gyrus, commonly linked to cognitive control processes, but also the medial prefrontal cortex and temporal pole, associated with self-referential thinking, and the caudate nucleus, linked to reward processing, are of central importance in promoting honesty. In a leave-one-out cross-validation analysis, we show that this neural model can reliably and accurately predict how much an unseen participant will cheat on our task. Participants who cheated the most, also scored highest on several impulsivity measures, which highlights the ecological validity of our task. Notably, when comparing neural and self-report measures, the neural measures were found to be significantly more important in predicting cheating. Our findings suggest that a person’s dis(honest) decisions depend on how well the self-referential thinking network is functionally connected to the control and reward networks.
Medial Orbitofrontal Cortex Regulates Instrumental Conditioned Punishment, but not Pavlovian Conditioned Fear

Bidirectionally aberrant medial orbitofrontal cortical (mOFC) activity has been consistently linked with compulsion and compulsive disorders. Although rodent studies have established a causal link between mOFC excitation and compulsive-like actions, no such link has been made with mOFC inhibition. Here we use excitotoxic lesions of mOFC to investigate its role in sensitivity to punishment; a core characteristic of many compulsive disorders. In our first experiment, we demonstrated that mOFC lesions prevented instrumental conditioned punishment learning in a manner that could not be attributed to differences in Pavlovian conditioned fear. We then showed that increasing the frequency of punishing outcomes allowed mOFC-lesioned animals to overcome their initial deficit. Our second experiment demonstrated that the retrieval of instrumental punishment is also mOFC-dependent, as mOFC lesions prevented the extended retrieval of punishment contingencies relative to shams. In contrast, mOFC lesions did not prevent the re-acquisition of conditioned punishment that was learned prior to lesions being administered. Together, these results reveal that the mOFC does indeed regulate punishment learning and retrieval in a manner that is disassociated from any role in Pavlovian fear learning. These results imply that aberrant mOFC activity may contribute to the punishment insensitivity that is observed across multiple compulsive disorders.
Deciphering a marine bone degrading microbiome reveals a complex community effort

The marine bone biome is a complex assemblage of macro- and microorganisms, however the enzymatic repertoire to access bone-derived nutrients remains unknown. The bone matrix is a composite material made up mainly of organic collagen and inorganic hydroxyapatite. We conducted field experiments to study microbial assemblages that can use organic bone components as nutrient source. Bovine and turkey bones were deposited at 69 m depth in a Norwegian fjord (Byfjorden, Bergen). Metagenomic sequence analysis was used to assess the functional potential of microbial assemblages from bone surface and the bone eating worm Osedax mucofloris, which is a frequent colonizer of whale falls and known to degrade bone. The bone microbiome displayed a surprising taxonomic diversity revealed by the examination of 59 high-quality metagenome assembled genomes from at least 23 bacterial families. Over 700 genes encoding enzymes from twelve relevant enzymatic families pertaining to collagenases, peptidases, glycosidases putatively involved in bone degradation were identified. Metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) of the class Bacteroidia contained the most diverse gene repertoires. We postulate that demineralization of inorganic bone components is achieved by a timely succession of a closed sulfur biogeochemical cycle between sulfur-oxidizing and sulfur-reducing bacteria, causing a drop in pH and subsequent enzymatic processing of organic components in the bone surface communities. An unusually large and novel collagen utilization gene cluster was retrieved from one genome belonging to the gammaproteobacterial genus Colwellia. Importance Bones are an underexploited, yet potentially profitable feedstock for biotechnological advances and value chains, due to the sheer amounts of residues produced by the modern meat and poultry processing industry. In this metagenomic study we decipher the microbial pathways and enzymes that we postulate to be involved in bone degradation marine environment. We herein demonstrate the interplay between different bacterial community members, each supplying different enzymatic functions with the potential to cover an array of reactions relating to the degradation of bone matrix components. We identify and describe a novel gene cluster for collagen utilization, which is a key function in this unique environment. We propose that the interplay between the different microbial taxa is necessary to achieve the complex task of bone degradation in the marine environment.
Performance and behavioral flexibility on a complex motor task depend on available sensory inputs in early blind and sighted short-tailed opossums

The early loss of vision results in a reorganized visual cortex that processes tactile and auditory inputs. Recent studies in the short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) found that the connections and response properties of neurons in somatosensory cortex of early blind animals are also altered. While research in humans and other mammals shows that early vision loss leads to heightened abilities on discrimination tasks involving the spared senses, if and how this superior discrimination leads to adaptive sensorimotor behavior has yet to be determined. Moreover, little is known about the extent to which blind animals rely on the spared senses. Here, we tested early blind opossums on a sensorimotor task involving somatosensation and found that they had increased limb placement accuracy. However, increased reliance on tactile inputs in early blind animals resulted in greater deficits in limb placement and behavioral flexibility when the whiskers were trimmed.
Exploring the impact of lesser-known social dynamics on wolf populations through an individual-based approach

The occurrence of wolf populations in human-dominated landscapes is challenging worldwide because of conflicts with human activities. Modeling is an important tool to predict wolf dynamics and expansion, and help in decision making concerning management and conservation. However, some individual behaviors and pack dynamics of the wolf life cycle are still unclear to ecologists. Here we present an individual-based model (IBM) to project wolf populations while exploring the lesser-known processes of the wolf life cycle. IBMs are bottom-up models that simulate the fate of individuals interacting with each other, with population-level properties emerging from the individual-level simulations. IBMs are particularly adapted to represent social species such as the wolf that exhibits complex individual interactions. Our IBM predicts wolf demography including fine-scale individual behavior and pack dynamics based on up-to-date scientific literature. We explore four processes of the wolf life cycle whose consequences on population dynamics are still poorly understood: the pack dissolution following the loss of a breeder, the adoption of young dispersers by packs, the establishment of new packs through budding, and the different types of breeder replacement. While running different versions of the IBM to explore these processes, we also illustrate the modularity and flexibility of our model, an asset to model wolf populations experiencing different ecological and demographic conditions. The different parameterization of pack dissolution, territory establishment by budding, and breeder replacement processes influence the most the projections of wolf populations. As such, these processes require further field investigation to be better understood. The adoption process has a lesser impact on model predictions. Being coded in R to facilitate its understanding, we expect that our model will be used and further adapted by ecologists for their own specific applications.