Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Remodeling of High Yielding Dairy Holsteins Culling Strategies upon Their Prefresh Body Condition Score and Parity Number

The present study was conducted to detect the relationship between prefresh body condition score (BCS), lactation parity and their interactions to remodel the culling strategies and detect the best BCS for each lactation parity number which sustained high performance in high yielding dairy Holstein cows. A total of 1138 dairy records of private high producing Holstein Friesian farm (8000 kg milk/ season) were collected throughout the study. Dairy cows were grouped into three main categories according to their prefresh BCS, as low, medium, and over condition score cows for BCS values of 2–3, 3–4, and 4–5, respectively. Dairy cattle which were under the level of 2 point BCS were culled as a part of culling policy in these farms. Dairy cows were regrouped again according to their parity number into three groups 1st; 2nd, and 3rd for lactation parity of 5, respectively. Both productive and some reproductive variables were used in this study such as milk yield (daily, 305 day yield, and total yield), milk curve (days to peak, initial milk yield, peak milk yield, and lactation persistency (LP)), and some reproductive variables (days to first estrus, and days open) were determined to indicate the best dairy cattle prefresh BCS per each lactation parity number sustained maximum dairy performance with little reproductive problems. The results of this study revealed that the medium condition score cows produced much milk as the same as over condition score cows. Moreover, young dairy cows of lactation parity 5 had high milk yield which is comparable with younger ones, if rigid culling programs was followed. Young dairy cows, which had lactation parity 5) dairy cows which had poor body condition during their prefresh phase. Efficient body conditioning programs were followed, as these cows cannot produce or reproduce well. Old dairy cows must not be culled on the basis of their age alone, as these cows can produce as well as younger ones, if a firm culling policy was followed. Old dairy cows must not be culled from dairy herds if their economic values are still high, as the economic base must be put in front of all the bases. Keywords: Prefresh body condition score, dairy cows, lactation parity, lactation persistency, holstein friesian
A Test of the Utility of Exotic Tree Plantations for Understory Birds and Food Resources in the Colombian Andes 1

The spatial distribution and abundance of animals are in part determined by the distribution and abundance of their resource base. In the Central Andes of Colombia, monospecific tree plantations have been used to recover vegetative cover in watershed protection programs, but these plantations differ from natural forests in structure, composition, and resources available to wildlife. To evaluate these plantations as habitat for wildlife, we compared the diversity and abundance of understory birds, flowers, and fruits between juxtaposed 40‐yr‐old patches of exotic Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis) plantations and naturally regenerated forest of the same age. We observed more fruiting species in the regenerated forest, but there were no differences in total flower and fruit availability between habitat types. We also observed differences between habitats in the size of some understory shrubs, but these differences did not lead to differences between habitats in the diversity and abundance of birds. Capture rates of nectarivores correlated with resource abundance at sampling plot scale, but no such correlation was found for frugivores. Understory frugivorous birds are apparently functioning at a larger spatial scale than the patchiness created by the two habitats. Nectarivorous birds are responding to small‐scale patchiness in resource availability, but not to the different habitats. These results indicate that at small scales, the ash plantation understory provides adequate habitat for birds.
Enhancement of Stress Resistance of the Guppy Poecilia reticulata through Feeding with Vitamin C Supplement

This study investigated the use of vitamin C supplement in formulated diets and live Artemia juveniles to enhance the stress resistance of the guppy Poecilia reticulata. To evaluate the stress resistance, fish were subjected to osmotic shock in pre-aerated water containing 35 ppt sodium chloride. Ascorbyl acid-polyphosphate and ascorbyl palmitate were used as vitamin C sources for formulated diets and live Artemia juveniles, respectively. Results showed that guppies fed moist formulated diets supplemented with ascorbic acid at 1,000 mg/kg or 2,000 mg/kg diet displayed significantly higher levels of stress resistance than fish fed control formulated diet for 13 d. The stress resistance of fish fed a lower dose (200 mg/kg diet), however, did not differ significantly from that of the control. On the other hand, the stress resistance of guppies fed Artemia juveniles bio-encapsulated with 10% or 20% ascorbyl palmitate did not show significant difference from that of fish fed control Artemia after 20 d. The stress resistance of these three groups of Artemia-fed fish, however, was significantly higher than that of fish fed the control formulated diet. Biochemical analyses showed that raising the ascorbic acid level in feeds resulted in a concomitant increase in the incorporated ascorbic acid level in the whole-body tissue of the guppy. The increased stress resistance of the guppy fed a vitamin C supplemented diet has also been demonstrated in four commercial farms. The potential application of the improved stress resistance in the ornamental fish industry was discussed.
Pupal parasitoid attack influences the relative fitness of Drosophila that have encapsulated larval parasitoids

1. The evolution of host resistance to parasitoid attack will be constrained by two factors: the costs of the ability to defend against attack, and the costs of surviving actual attack. These factors have been investigated using Drosophila melanogaster and its parasitoids as a model system. The costs of defensive ability are expressed as a trade‐off with larval competitive ability, whereas the costs of actual defence are exhibited in terms of reduced adult fecundity and size.
First report of a melanistic Whip Snake, Coluber jugularis Linnaeus, 1758 from the Arabian Peninsula

Abstract An adult black Coluber jugularis was collected in the Kuwait Desert in May 1996. The adult was 115 cm long with a definite black dorsal aspect with off-white undemeath with a pink/reddish calouration to some scales. Such snakes have never been reported from the Arabian Desert. It is discussed whether black snakes previously reported from the Kuwait desert may have been C. jugularis and not Walterinnesia aegypti or Naja haje arabica.
Developmental responses to pond desiccation in tadpoles of the British anuran amphibians (Bufo bufo, B. calamita and Rana temporaria)

Tadpole development was compared in three amphibian species (Bufo calamita, B. bufo and Rana temporaria) that suffer different risks of pond desiccation in nature. Using a replicated pond system, development was monitored in desiccating and non-desiccating ponds, and in vertical-sided and gently shelving ('shoreline') ponds. In desiccating ponds, tadpoles suffered from crowding effects and metamorphosed at a smaller size, but development was not accelerated in response to desiccation in any of the three species. Desiccating ponds had higher maximum temperatures but also lower minimum temperatures, which may explain the lack of ally difference in development time between desiccating and non-desiccating ponds. Although shoreline ponds were slightly warmer than vertical-sided ponds, development under these conditions was also consistent with a crowding, rather than a temperature, effect. In shoreline ponds, metamorphosis generally took longer, was less synchronized between individuals, and resulted in a smaller size at metamorphosis, compared to development in vertical-sided ponds. The lack of species-by-desiccation interactions indicated that there were no differences between the three species in developmental plasticity. Developmental constraints may place a limit on the degree of plasticity that can evolve in a species such as B, calamita, which breeds only in ephemeral ponds with a variable hydroperiod. Alternatively, low genetic variability within British populations of B. calamita may have cont;trained the evolution of adaptive plasticity in this species.
Characterization and evaluation of residual feed intake measured in mid- to late-gestation mature beef cows and relationships with circulating serum metabolites and linear body measurements

Wood, K. M. , Montanholi, Y. R. , Fitzsimmons, C. F. , Miller, S. P., McBride, B. W. and Swanson, K. C. 2014. Characterization and evaluation of residual feed intake measured in mid- to late-gestation mature beef cows and relationships with circulating serum metabolites and linear body measurements. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 499-508. To evaluate the use of residual feed intake (RFI) models measured in mid-to-late gestating beef cows, a dataset was used combining data from five experiments containing nine treatment and/or replicate groups for a total of 321 animal records. Investigations of RFI models included the effects of age, ultrasound measures of body composition, pregnancy corrected gain, and dietary treatment group. A subset of animals had serum analyzed for circulating metabolites (glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, urea, beta-hydroxybutyrate; n=227) and/or linear body measures (hip height and width, body length, body circumference at the heart, mid-body and at flank; n=114) for correlation analysis with efficiency traits. Goodness-of-fit for all RFI models was assessed using R 2, CV, and Bayesian information criteria. Across treatment/replicate groups, the largest improvements in model fit were made by accounting for management group and dietary treatment. Circulating urea concentrations were positively correlated (P ≤0.05) with average daily gain, dry matter intake, gain:feed, and group RFI model. Linear body measures and circulating metabolites measured (with the exception of urea) were not correlated (P>0.05) with economically relevant traits. Measures of RFI as an indication of feed efficiency may be challenging for use in gestating beef cows. Large variation in efficiency between cows remain, and may be related to mechanisms influencing maintenance and energy expenditures.
The importance of population genetic information in formulating ex situ conservation strategies for the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera L.) in Northern Ireland

Captive breeding is the last resort to protect a species that will become extinct because it is incapable of surviving in the wild without human intervention. The freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera is a prime candidate for such action: the species has experienced a recent range‐wide decline, particularly in Europe. In Northern Ireland, M. margaritifera is now only found in six rivers and, because of a lack of natural recruitment in the wild, it has been predicted that these populations will become extinct within 80 years. Consequently, an ex situ breeding program was established with the aim of using a semi‐natural method to propagate mussels for restocking. In the present study, we analysed the levels and patterns of genetic diversity in the captive‐bred mussels, as well as their parent broodstock and remnant populations from their natal and other rivers in Northern Ireland where M. margaritifera is still found, to help develop best practice for the captive breeding program. Levels of genetic diversity were high, although there was a strong correlation between genetic diversity and census population sizes, as well as evidence of inbreeding in all populations. Small but significant levels of genetic differentiation were observed between both the captive‐bred juveniles and their parent broodstock, and the samples from their source river, indicating a possible founder effect. In addition, three groups of genetically distinct clusters were observed among the remaining natural populations that could be used as the basis for defining conservation units. These findings allow us to make recommendations for efficient management of the captive breeding program, including rotation of the ex situ broodstock on a regular basis to avoid prolonged inbreeding, and the establishment of captive breeding of other populations to reflect genetic differences between putative conservation units in Northern Ireland and elsewhere.
ITS–RFLP and ITS sequence diversity in Pisolithus from central and eastern Australian sclerophyll forests

Fifty-three isolates of Pisolithus were obtained from various locations in central and eastern Australia. These, along with two isolates from south-east Asia and one from USA, were compared using ITS–RFLP and ITS sequencing analyses. Results of the RFLP analysis initially grouped the isolates into eight RFLP types. ITS sequences were obtained for at least one representative isolate from each RFLP type and compared by a neighbour-joining analysis with Pisolithus ITS sequences available in databases. The majority of isolates clustered into four groups within two major clades, each clade comprising isolates of similar basidiospore characteristics. Most Australian isolates corresponded with recent provisional descriptions of P. albus or P. marmoratus. One isolate (LJ30) had low sequence identity (61.6-78%) to the other isolates and probably represents a separate undescribed Australian species. Significant intraspecific variation was observed in ITS–RFLP profiles for the putative P. albus isolates, suggesting that the sole use of RFLP analysis in diversity assessment may overestimate Pisolithus species richness.
Estudio de las propiedades físicas y mecánicas, trabajabilidad y secado de la teca (Tectona grandis L.f) de Puerto libertador (Córdoba).

La presente investigacion se realizo en el Laboratorio de Productos Forestales " Hector Anaya Lopez" de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Medellin. Dado el interes de la Empresa Reforestadora del Caribe, por conocer las propiedades fisicas y mecanicas, trabajabilidad y secado de la madera de teca (Tectona grandis L.f.). ; de cuya especie la Empresa establecio en Noviembre de 1987, una plantacion en el municipio de Puerto libertador (Cordoba). Las propiedades fisicas que se evaluaron fueron; peso especifico (verde, seco al aire, basico, anhidro y ajustado al 12 % de contenido de humedad), contraccion y contenido de humedad. En lo relacionado a las propiedades mecanicas, se realizaron ensayos de flexion estatica, compresion paralela a las fibras, compresion perpendicular al las fibras, cizallamiento, dureza, extraccion de clavos e impacto; los ensayos se llevaron a cabo tanto en estado verde (CH>30%) como en estado seco al aire (CH<15%). La madera presento peso especifico anhidro (0.57 g/ cm3 ), ubicandose dentro del grupo de maderas medianamente pesadas, las propiedades mecanicas de la especie se colocaron en el rango de algo medianas a medianas. Al comparar estos resultados con los estudios reportados para la especie, no se observo diferencia alguna. Los ensayos de trabajabilidad se realizaron en estado seco al aire (CH<15%), evaluando la respuesta de la madera al cepillado, moldurado y taladrado. Los defectos que se presentaron en cepillado fueron grano arrancado, grano velloso y en relieve, siendo de mayor importancia el ultimo, debido a que los demas, se pueden eliminar facilmente mediante lijado.
Muscle GLUT4 regulation by estrogen receptors ERβ and ERα

Estrogen is known to influence glucose homeostasis with dominant effects in the liver, but the role of estrogen receptors in muscle glucose metabolism is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the expression of the two estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, and their influence on regulation of the glucose transporter, GLUT4, and its associated structural protein, caveolin-1, in mouse gastrocnemius muscle. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that ERα and ERβ are coexpressed in the nuclei of most muscle cells, and that their levels were not affected by absence of estradiol [in aromatase-knockout (ArKO) mice]. GLUT4 expression on the muscle cell membrane was not affected by loss of ERβ but was extremely reduced in ERα-/- mice and elevated in ArKO mice. RT-PCR confirmed a parallel reduction in GLUT4 mRNA levels in ERα-/- mice. Upon treatment of ArKO mice with the ERβ agonist 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionitrile, GLUT4 expression was reduced. By immunofluorescence and Western blotting, caveolin-1 expression was higher in ArKO mice and lower in ERβ-/- and ERα-/- mice than in WT littermates. GLUT4 and caveolin-1 were colocalized in WT and ArKO mice but not in ERβ-/- and ERα-/- mice. These results reveal that ERα is a positive regulator of GLUT4 expression, whereas ERβ has a suppressive role. Both ERβ and ERα are necessary for optimal caveolin-1 expression. Taken together, these results indicate that colocalization of caveolin-1 and GLUT4 is not an absolute requirement for muscle glucose metabolism but that reduction in GLUT4 could be contributing to the insulin resistance observed in ERα-/- mice.
Karyomorphological and biochemical studies in Glebionis coronaria (L.) Spach and Glebionis segetum (L.) Fourreau from Italy

Abstract The karyotype structures and the composition and distribution of the heterochromatin in Glebionis coronaria and Glebionis segetum using Giemsa and fluorescent banding techniques were analysed. The species studied are diploids with 2n = 2x = 18 chromosomes. G. coronaria possesses the most symmetrical karyotype, comprising mainly metacentric chromosomes. G. segetum, with formula 12 m + 6 sm, showed a slightly less symmetrical karyotype. Giemsa C‐banding revealed little constitutive heterochromatin in both species. The presence of telomeric bands was restricted to two chromosome pairs. After staining with chromomycin A3, the chromosomes of G. coronaria and G. segetum revealed bright fluorescence at the telomeric regions of two chromosomes. No 4‐6‐diamidino‐2‐phenyl‐indole bright blocks were observed. To estimate genetic variability in the species under consideration, genotypic expression was also determined through isozyme electrophoresis of cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase, considered a genetic marker in the study of plant phylogenetics. The relationships between G. coronaria and G. segetum are discussed. Abbreviations: ASC, ascorbate; BSA, bovine serum albumin; cAPX, cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase; CMA, chromomycin A3; DAPI, 4‐6‐diamidino‐2‐phenyl‐indole; EDTA, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; PAGE, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
Relationship between sediment and plankton isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) and primary productivity in Florida lakes

On a dose le δ 13 C et le δ 15 N dans des sediments de surface et de la matiere organique planctonique preleves dans des lacs de Floride, en vue d'etudier la relation entre les rapports d'isotopes stables et la productivite des lacs deduite a partir de mesures de la chlorophylle a. Selon les resultats d'une analyse de regression par degres, le δ 13 C dans les sediments est une fonction de la productivite primaire, ce que laisse aussi supposer l'existence d'une etroite correlation entre la chlorophylle a et le δ 13 C dans la colonne d'eau (r = 0,82, P = 0,002). Toutefois, la chlorophylle a permet de rendre compte de 38% seulement de la variabilite du δ 13 C dans les sediments. Cette faible correlation a surtout ete attribuee a la presence de matiere organique non planctonique portant une signature isotopique distincte dans les sediments lacustres. Il existe aussi une correlation significative entre le δ 13 C dans les sediments et dans le plancton et la teneur en carbone inorganique dissous dans la colonne d'eau, la teneur en CO 2(aq) , la teneur en δ 13 C du carbone inorganique dissous, l'azote total et le phosphore total. Le δ 15 N dans les sediments et dans le plancton augmente dans les lacs allant d'oligotrophes a eutrophes, mais diminue dans les lacs hypereutrophes. La non-linearite du δ 15 N dans le gradient trophique des lacs etudies est peut-etre la consequence de l'importance relative de la fixation de N 2 par les cyanobacteries, mais il y aurait lieu de poursuivre la verification de cette hypothese.
Response to comments: Quantification of the extent of cultural eutrophication of natural lakes in the United States

The purpose of our original study evaluating the extent of cultural eutrophication of U.S. lakes (Bachmann et al. 2013) was to test two basic assumptions used in the nutrient guidance manual of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA 2000a) to set reference conditions for lakes in the various nutrient ecoregions of the country. We found that the extent of cultural eutrophication in both reference and non-reference lakes was not as great as assumed in the U.S. EPA recommended methods and that these findings should be taken into consideration when setting numeric nutrient criteria. Seemingly, we were not clear in placing our study in the context of the U.S. EPA methodology, so Smith et al. (2014) misinterpreted the conclusions of our study. Specifically, we did not state that cultural eutrophication was not real and that it could not be found in the United States. We also did not challenge the concept of nutrient criteria for lakes. Smith et al. (2014) and McDonald et al. (2014) pointed out some problems with bias in our sample of lakes with good sediment cores and also had some good suggestions for improving our study, which we used to reanalyze our data. We found the new paleolimnological results apply directly to 60% of the natural lakes in the United States as defined by the probabilistic sampling model of the National Lakes Assessment (NLA) of 2007 (U.S. EPA 2010). We show that for this group of lakes on average there was no net increase in the diatom-inferred concentrations of total phosphorus (TP) or total nitrogen (TN) in going from the bottoms of the sediment cores, representing about 1850, and the tops of the cores, representing 2007. We also confirmed that for the reference lakes used in the various ecoregions of the NLA study there was no net increase in the diatom-inferred concentrations of TP or TN from the bottoms to the tops of the cores, thus calling into question the U.S. EPA’s use of the 75th percentile of reference lakes for setting nutrient criteria or for evaluating the nutrient condition for lakes in the NLA study. Furthermore, we examined different ways of quantifying cultural eutrophication and how they are related to our examination of the methods used by the U.S. EPA to set reference conditions for TP and TN in the various ecoregions of the United States. Our conclusion remains that the methodology used to set the recommended reference conditions for the various ecoregions of the United States (U.S. EPA 2000b) likely overestimates the number of lakes that are in need of nutrient reductions based on pre-settlement conditions.