Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of protein and energy supply on the growth and carcass composition of lambs from differing nutritional histories

Effects of dietary energy and protein supply on liveweight (LW) gain and gain of protein, fat and ash in the carcass, and weight and gain of non-carcass organs were determined in 118 weaned crossbred lambs from two nutritional histories at Camden, NSW in 1991. Half of the lambs were fed to achieve and maintain LW at 35 kg (LOW group) and half of the lambs were fed ad libitum until they attained 50 kg LW (HIGH group), during a preliminary period of 126 days. In the subsequent experimental period, lambs were allocated to treatments providing 500, 800, 1200 or 1500 g/day of pelleted diets (123 g crude protein, 10 MJ ME/kg dry matter). Diets at each intake contained either 0, 30, 60 or 90 g of formaldehyde-treated casein (rumen escape protein, REP). This resulted in an experiment comparing LOW and HIGH group lambs at four energy intakes, within which were four rates of inclusion of REP. During the 90-day experimental period, LOW group lambs had higher rates of gain of LW, carcass weight and all non-carcass components than did HIGH lambs (P<0·001). At any rate of carcass gain, LOW lambs contained a significantly lower proportion of fat in carcass gain than did HIGH lambs (P<0·05). After adjustment to a common carcass weight, the carcass of LOW lambs contained a significantly lower mass of fat than did that of HIGH lambs at slaughter (P<0·05). Carcass fat gain in the experimental period was not affected by LW at the start of that period or by nutritional history once initial LW was accounted for as a covariate. Data were consistent with fat deposition being principally controlled by energy intake over the immediate pre-slaughter period. In contrast, responses to energy intake in the rate of gain of carcass muscles, ash, liver, head and feet and gut tissue were significantly greater in lambs of LOW compared to HIGH nutritional history. A significant component of this effect of nutritional history was attributable to LW differences between LOW and HIGH lambs; however, nutritional history still had a significant effect on these parameters once initial LW was accounted for as a covariate. Nutritional history may also have modified carcass composition by changing the partial efficiency of use of available energy for protein deposition without changing the partial energetic efficiency of fat deposition.
Spatio-Temporal Data Mining

Large volumes of spatio-temporal data are increasingly collected and studied in diverse domains, including climate science, social sciences, neuroscience, epidemiology, transportation, mobile health, and Earth sciences. Spatio-temporal data differ from relational data for which computational approaches are developed in the data-mining community for multiple decades in that both spatial and temporal attributes are available in addition to the actual measurements/attributes. The presence of these attributes introduces additional challenges that needs to be dealt with. Approaches for mining spatio-temporal data have been studied for over a decade in the data-mining community. In this article, we present a broad survey of this relatively young field of spatio-temporal data mining. We discuss different types of spatio-temporal data and the relevant data-mining questions that arise in the context of analyzing each of these datasets. Based on the nature of the data-mining problem studied, we classify literature on spatio-temporal data mining into six major categories: clustering, predictive learning, change detection, frequent pattern mining, anomaly detection, and relationship mining. We discuss the various forms of spatio-temporal data-mining problems in each of these categories.
A study of various chemical treatments to remove lignin from coarse roughages and increase their digestibility

Summary Several delignifying agents, used in various paper-making processes, have been compared for their ability to remove lignin and increase the digestibility of several roughages in laboratory experiments using a spray method of treatment recently suggested by Wilson & Pigden (1964). The chemicals were dissolved in small quantities of water which were then used to moisten the roughage. No washing was done after treatment. Sodium hydroxide was the most effective chemical; at a rate of 10 g per 100 g of roughage, the lignin content of ground maize cobs was reduced by 26% and rumen dry-matter digestibility increased by more than 100%. Bleaching powder was as effective as sodium hydroxide in removing lignin, but residual chlorine apparently inhibited rumen microbial digestion. Maize cobs, wheat and paddy straws, sorghum stover and sugar cane tops, though of widely differing initial digestibility, were brought to an equal level of rumen digestibility if treated with 4% or more of sodium hydroxide. Drying the treated roughage at 100 degrees instead of at room temperature increased digestibility only in the case of maize cobs. The alkali spray treatment was as effective in increasing the digestibility of chaffed as of ground wheat straw. Data are presented which show the amounts of residual alkali in treated roughage as a function of time after treatment and of concentration of alkali used in the treatment. Further, data are presented which show the loss of nutrients from treated roughage if washed as in the traditional method.
A Community-Based Approach to Mapping Gwich'in Observations of Environmental Changes in the Lower Peel River Watershed, NT

Abstract In Canada's western Arctic climate change is driving rapid ecological changes. Ongoing and locally-driven environmental monitoring, in which systematic observations of environmental conditions are recorded and synthesized, is required to understand and respond to climate change and other human impacts. Indigenous peoples' traditional ecological knowledge is increasingly used as the basis for regional monitoring, as there is a need for detailed, place-specific information that is consistent with local ways of understanding and interacting with the environment. In this project, participatory multimedia mapping was used with Teetł'it Gwich'in land users and youth from Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories, Canada to record information about local environmental conditions and changes. Gwich'in monitors made trips on the land to document environmental conditions and changes using geotagged photo and video observations. Subsequently, land users provided detailed information about each observation in follow-up interviews, which were added to a web-based map displaying participants' photos and videos. In this paper, we present the outcomes from the first year of research, explore the diverse types of knowledge this approach can contribute to environmental monitoring, and identify areas of convergence between traditional ecological knowledge and scientific research in the Arctic. Our work shows that this approach can make an important contribution to monitoring environmental changes associated with climate change in a way that is locally relevant and culturally appropriate.
Development of Drosophila larval sensory organs: spatiotemporal pattern of sensory neurones, peripheral axonal pathways and sensilla differentiation

The sensilla of Drosophila larval thoracic and abdominal segments appear in a constant temporal sequence during stage 13/14 (9·5–11·5 h) of embryonic development. Those sensilla innervated by more than one dendrite (basiconical sensilla, chordotonal organs, some of the trichoid sensilla and campaniform sensilla) appear earlier than sensilla innervated by a single dendrite (majority of trichoid sensilla and campaniform sensilla). Furthermore, a dorsoventrally directed gradient underlies the sequence in which sensilla of a given type appear. Sensory axons are emitted in the same sequence. Thus, axons of the polyinnervated sensilla appear first. Together with a distinct set of efferent axons they form ‘pioneer tracts’ of the two fascicles of the segmental nerves. Cytodifferentiation of the sensillum cells resembles the development of larval epidermal cells in many aspects. Thus, the sheath processes formed by sensillum accessory cells and the axons formed by sensory neurones develop from processes transiently formed by all cells. During the phase of cuticle secretion, apical portions of the presumptive accessory cells are modified to form the cuticular apparatus responsible for receiving the sensory stimuli. Finally, two sets of subepidermally located cells which differ with respect to their morphology and, probably, their origin envelop somata and axons of the sensory neurones.
The value of a network in the digital era: Insights about Doctor Chat case study

Networks are ubiquitous in our lives in their social, physical, and digital forms. A growing number of firms today rely entirely on networking and lack a physical location or material infrastructure; they are, so to speak, 'liquid'. Through a theoretical analysis and its application to the case of Doctor Chat mobile app, this paper aims to analyse the fundamental laws of networks and to answer the following questions: 1) are the traditional methods to estimate the network value still valid in the current digital age and in particular for mobile applications? ; 2) how do the laws of networks work when networks expand? We conclude with some suggestions for a research agenda in order to inspire further researches on the topic.
Gregarious emergence of Macrostomion sumatranum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae; Rogadinae) from the mummified, full‐grown larvae of Theretra silhetensis (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)

Twenty‐six to 160 adults of Macrostomion sumatranum emerged from a mummified full‐grown larva of a sphingid moth, Theretra silhetensis, on taro in Okinawa‐jima, Japan. This is the first host record of M. sumatranum. The sex ratio was female‐biased in a small brood but less so or even male‐biased in a large brood.
Seed germination ecology of Lathyrus aphaca L. and Vicia sativa L. in comparison with Triticum aestivum L.

This study investigated the influence of various environmental factors and burial depths on seed germination and seedling growth of Lathyrus aphaca L. and Vicia sativa L. in comparison with wheat in order to suggest field modifications that would favor winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germination and suppress weed germination. The highest germination percentage was recorded at 15°C for wheat and L. aphaca and at 20°C for V. sativa. Germination under light and dark conditions did not differ in L. aphaca and V. sativa, and were equivalent to wheat. Increase in drought stress level decreased germination and seedling growth and increased the days to 50% germination and mean germination time in all the three species. All salinity levels except 50% NaCl in wheat caused 100% germination inhibition. The seedling emergence decreased significantly (P≤0.05,) when seeding depth was increased beyond 3 cm in wheat and L. aphaca. Both the weed species showed greater emergence (100%) than wheat at 1, 2 and 3 cm depth. Emergence was slowest at 10 cm. These observations explore some of the factors contributing to success of these weed species in varied environments and provide useful information that could contribute to their control.
Characterization and utilization of Indian Jatrophas

Several species of the genus Jatropha found in India were collected and evaluated. Apart from their use as ornamental and energy crops, the genus Jatropha represents a potentially valuable source of germplasm for castor breeding as they possess very rare and beneficial characteristics, such as drought resistance, photoperiod insentivity, resistance to wilt and tolerance to lepidopteran insect pests besides, desirable oil quality. Tissue culture protocols developed for Jatropha of fer scope not only for widening the genetic base of castor through somatic hybridization and genetic transformation but also in the improvement of Jatropha per se by both conventional and in vitro techniques as the available variability in the latter is quite narrow.
The Role of Herbivorous Fishes in the Organization of a Caribbean Reef Community

Experimental manipulations of grazing intensity were used to examine the role of herbivorous fishes in the families Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes) and Scaridae (parrotfishes) in determining distributions and abundances of benthic species within and among shallow tropical reef habitats. A back reef habitat along the Belizean barrier reef was characterized by a diverse benthic assemblage of algal turfs, coralline algae, and the coral Porites astreoides, but by extremely low macroalgal abundance. In contrast, several nearby shallow habitats were dominated by dense stands of several macroalgal species. Experimental reduction of herbivorous fish grazing in the back reef (achieved by constructing exclosures) rapidly and dramatically altered existing patterns of benthic species composition and species abundances. After 10 wk of reduced herbivory, total macroalgal abundance increased significantly in herbivore exclusion areas relative to unmanipulated controls, and was correlated with decreased percent cover of available space, several algal turf species, crustose coralline algae, and Porites. Some macroalgal species were able to directly overgrow and kill portions of Porites colonies within herbivore exclusion treatments. Successful recruitment and growth of several algal species under experimentally reduced herbivory indicated that macroalgal species distributions may be limited by herbivory rather than by lack of spore availability or unsuitable physical conditions. Algal turfs characteristic of many reef habitats appear to represent herbivore—tolerant assemblages, persisting under high grazing intensity but responding rapidly to reduced herbivory with increased abundances, morphological changes, and altered reproductive status. These results suggest that herbivorous fish grazing profoundly influences benthic species distributions and abundances within some tropical reef habitats. Spatial variation in herbivory appears to be of fundamental importance in determining regional patterns of benthic community structure on tropical reefs. The spatial mosaic of benthic community composition among shallow reef habitats was associated with patterns of grazing intensity by herbivorous fishes. Several reef habitats supporting dense macroalgal stands represented spatial refuges from herbivory, with low herbivorous fish densities and reduced grazing intensities. Transplant experiments revealed that algal species characteristic of these low—herbivory habitats were highly susceptible to grazing by herbivorous fishes. Spatial heterogeneity in grazing intensity may contribute to high regional diversity among tropical reef habitats by maintaining different benthic species assemblages under fundamentally distinct selective regimes.
Overwinter Growth and Mortality of Young-of-the-Year Windowpanes: Cohort-specific Responses

Abstract We tested the overwintering capability of young-of-the-year (age-0) windowpanes Scophthalmus aquosus to determine if there are cohort-specific differences in growth and mortality. We conducted a laboratory study at ambient estuarine winter temperatures from 9 November 1995 to 22 April 1996 with two cohorts (spring-spawned cohort: 83–140 mm total length [TL]; fall-spawned cohort: 15–37 mm TL). We hypothesized that (1) among individuals within both cohorts, winter growth rates would be low compared with summer growth rates; and (2) overwinter mortality rates of the smaller, fall-spawned fish would be higher than those of larger, spring-spawned fish due to size-selective mortality. Under ambient winter temperatures (−2.0 to 14.0°C) with daily, ad libitum feeding in the laboratory, growth rates were low but positive for the fall- and spring-spawned fish. Overwinter mortality occurred in both cohorts but was higher for the fall cohort than for the spring cohort (75% and 31%, respectively). Within the fall cohort, mortality was size selective, with reduced survival of individuals smaller than 24 mm TL. Within the spring cohort, there was no evidence of size-selective mortality. We concluded that the first winter of life may be an important mortality bottleneck for both cohorts of age-0 windowpanes in the Middle Atlantic Bight but that mortality patterns are cohort specific and may be determined by different combinations of factors, such as fish size at the start of winter, the magnitude of water temperature decline between fall and winter, and the frequency and duration of extremely cold water temperatures. Thus, overwinter mortality during the first winter of life may influence the population dynamics of the windowpane and other multimodal spawners inhabiting the Middle Atlantic Bight.
Effects of environmental factors on circadian activity in the flesh fly,
 Sarcophaga crassipalpis

Abstract.The diel locomotor activity patterns of wandering larvae in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis Macquart (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), were examined using a novel apparatus and shown to be primarily diurnal, but with a minority (37%) showing nocturnal activity. In response to the environmental stress of heat shock, a significantly larger proportion (72%) of the larvae became nocturnal. In comparison, adult circadian activity also was predominantly diurnal, but not correlated with the larval activity patterns. In addition, adult patterns showed age‐related changes in entrainment and free running period. Finally, the phase of circadian‐gated adult eclosion was shown to be entrained by a 3‐day exposure to light–dark cycles delivered prior to pupariation, with the phase maintained throughout pupal–adult metamorphosis under constant dark conditions. These results demonstrate that environmental changes may have profound effects on the expression of 24‐h activity patterns and circadian rhythms during different life stages throughout development.
Commensal fecal bacteria: Population biology, diversity, and usefulness as indicator organisms in reclaimed water

Water treatment facilities have been relying on indicator bacteria to assess the quality of water for decades. The purpose of this group of studies is to investigate the predictive capabilities of conventional and alternative indicators for pathogenic microorganisms in disinfection processes and treated wastewater effluents. In addition, the possibility that diversity of indicator bacteria, as well as overall bacterial diversity, correlate with fecal contamination in water bodies has been investigated. Indicator organisms (total coliforms, fecal coliforms, enterococci, C. perfringens, and coliphages) as well as pathogens (enteroviruses, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium) were enumerated from six wastewater treatment facilities at various stages of treatment. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine if the indicator organisms (individually or as a set) could predict the presence or absence of pathogens. Single indicator organism analysis failed to correlate with the occurrence pathogens, thus monitoring a suite of indicator organisms may be a better measure to predict the presence of pathogens. The product of chlorine residual concentration and contact time (CT) was identified as a factor for determining
Reintroduction of Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) into the St. Regis River, NY: Post- Release Assessment of Habitat Use and Growth

Abstract One of the depleted endemic fish species of the Great Lakes, Acipenser fulvescens (Lake Sturgeon), has been the target of extensive conservation efforts. One strategy is reintroduction into historically productive waters. The St. Regis River, NY, represents one such adaptive-management effort, with shared management between New York and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. Between 1998 and 2004, a total of 4977 young-of-year Lake Sturgeon were released. Adaptive management requires intermediate progress metrics. During 2004 and 2005, we measured growth, habitat use, and survivorship metrics of the released fish. We captured a total of 95 individuals of all stocked ages. Year-class minimal-survival rates ranged from 0.19–2.1%. The size-at-age and length/biomass relationships were comparable to those reported for juveniles in other Great Lakes waters. These intermediate assessment metrics can provide feedback to resource managers who make restoration-program decisions on a much shorter time-scale than the time-frame in which the ultimate goal of a self-sustaining population can be attained.
Impact of hydrology on free-living and particle-associated microorganisms in a river floodplain system (Danube, Austria)

Summary 1. A floodplain segment of the Danube River downstream of Vienna was studied during the hydrologically most dynamic phase (spring–summer) to evaluate the significance of connection between the main channel and the floodplain segment for particle abundance and quality as well as for bacterial and viral parameters, both free-living and attached to particles. 2. Hydrological connectivity between the main channel and its floodplain segment (expressed as water age) influenced particle abundance and quality. Polysaccharide-containing particles [Alcian positive-stained particles (ASP)] and protein-containing particles [Coomassie positive-stained particles (CSP)] each contributed a substantial fraction to total suspended solids and were both positively related to water age. ASP were about twice as abundant as CSP. 3. Water age influenced bacterial and viral abundance and the bacterioplankton productivity in the surrounding water. Free-living bacterial abundance and their bacterial secondary production (BSP) increased continuously with water age, best described by a linear regression. Water age also significantly impacted BSP and per cell BSP of bacteria attached to particles. The abundance of attached bacteria and viruses was not influenced by water age. 4. Bacteria and viruses on particles were influenced by particle quality. Their abundance on particles was closely related to particle size. Particle-attached bacteria accounted on average for 30.34% (± 3.09) of the total bacterial abundance. A variable and occasionally significant proportion of viruses, between 0.43% and 35.06%, were associated with particulate material. 5. Bacteria attached to particles were significantly more productive than their free-living counterparts. Their per-cell activity was on average 8.6 times higher than that of the free-living fraction. 6. Hydrological connectivity between the Danube River and its floodplain is crucial not only for the exchange of water, sediment and nutrients, but also for microbiota, thus influencing microbial life, distribution and activity.
Oligomeric amyloid β facilitates microglial excitotoxicity by upregulating tumor necrosis factor‐α and downregulating excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in astrocytes

Soluble oligomeric amyloid β (oAβ) directly causes synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death, which are involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. In contrast, several lines of evidence have shown that glia‐mediated excitotoxicity is also involved in the disease progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, it is still unclear how oAβ induces glia‐mediated excitotoxicity. Therefore, we tried to clarify the mechanism of oAβ‐induced glia‐mediated excitotoxicity using mouse primary cultures.