Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Carcass Quality Grades According to Gender, Backfat Thickness and Carcass Weight in Pigs

This study was carried out to investigate carcass grade of pigs according to gender, feed intake, backfat thickness, carcass weight, etc. Data from a total of 26,983 heads in 5 farms were collected. The results obtained were as follows; The difference was significantly found in carcass quality grade between barrows and gilts (p<0.001). The meat grade 1 + was high in gilts, but meat grade 1 was high in barrows, respectively. The carcass weight of 85.8 kg was lightly shown significantly (p<0.05) in group taken little quantity of feed consumption. However, that of 89.5 kg was heavily shown in group taken plenty of feed consumption. Meat grade 2 was significantly (p<0.001) high ratio in group of backfat thickness with less than 15 mm (67.5%). However, the ratio for the grade 1 was high in group of 15~19 mm. The ratio for the meat grade 2 was highly shown in group of carcass weight with more than 85 kg (54.3%). On the other hand, that of grade 1 was highly shown in group of 78~84 kg. In conclusion, pigs for marketing to enhance high quality have been appropriately raised with the optimum system in consideration of feed intake, carcass weight, backfat thickness, etc. (Key words : Carcass quality grades, Gender, Backfat thickness, Carcass weight)
Neuroadaptations Involved in Long-Term Exposure to ADHD Pharmacotherapies: Alterations That Support Dependence Liability of These Medications

Repeated administration of addictive drugs causes cellular and molecular changes believed to be the mechanism of pro-addictive behaviors. Neuroadaptations also take place with repeated administration of amphetamine, methylphenidate and atomoxetine, drugs for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), and it is speculated that these changes may serve as markers to demonstrate the dependence liability of these therapies. In this review, we enumerate the neuroadaptive changes in molecules associated with neuronal signaling and plasticity, as well as neuronal morphology wrought by repeated administration of ADHD medications. We provide the current perspective on the dependence liability of these therapies, and also suggest of some factors that need to be considered in future investigations, so that what is drawn from animal studies would be better consolidated with those known clinically.
Aerography of Australian Tetrapods

The sizes of geographic ranges of species of Australian tetrapod groups form 'hollow curve' frequency distributions, with most species having small ranges. Geometric means for range size (in 10(5) km2 units) are 1.2 for frogs and toads, 1.7 for turtles, 2.2 for lizards, 3.2 for snakes, 6.6 for birds, 2.6 for marsupials, 5.1 for bats and 2.1 for rodents. Species' densities are compared for different groups. A map of superimposed species boundaries for mammals demonstrates some relatively homogeneous faunal areas separated by distinct and narrow faunal boundaries but this is not the general pattern. The principal axes of species ranges for many groups are oriented parallel to and near coasts. Species centred on the interior tend to have larger ranges. Estimates or measurements of range size tend to be better if there are more published records, specimens, known localities of occurrence, and ecological data. Australia, in proportion to its area, has more anurans, lizards (and other reptiles), and marsupials, and it has fewer rodents and bats than North America. The ranking of groups for mean range size is the same in both continents except that Anura have smaller ranges than lizards in Australia.
Isolation and Characterization of the 5′ Region of the Human Mismatch Repair GenehPMS1

Abstract The hPMS1 gene encodes a mutL homolog that is implicated in DNA mismatch repair and was found to be mutated in the germline of a patient with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). To understand transcriptional regulation and to perform mutational analysis in the promoter region, we cloned and characterized the genomic sequence of the 5′ region of the gene. hPMS1 has an intron upstream of the initiation codon. There were several transcripts with alternative splicing sites and multiple transcriptional start sites. The cloned 1.4-kbp fragment of the 5′ region contains a CpG island but no TATA-boxes, typical for promoters of housekeeping genes. The promoter activity of the fragment was almost equal to that of the SV40 early promoter. Deletion analysis showed that about a 300-bp region was sufficient to initiate transcription. Although we searched for mutations in the hPMS1 promoter region in HNPCC kindreds, neither germline nor somatic mutations were detected. However, we found a highly informative polymorphism in the first exon that is useful for searching allelic losses because no polymorphic changes in hPMS1 have been reported previously.
Desertification indicators as diagnosis criteria for desertification risk assessment in Europe

Abstract Despite the seriousness of the environmental and socio-economic impacts of desertification, few efforts have been made to devise diagnostic and monitoring techniques for appraising the status and trend of desertification. Indicators are integrated and synthetic information that can provide data on threshold levels, status and evolution of relevant physical, chemical, biological and anthropogenic processes. Existing studies have taken a global perspective, and most have dealt with rangeland conditions. Moreover, the zones usually studied have included countries whose socio-economic and cultural backgrounds differ from those prevailing in Europe. This paper presents a methodology and discussion of indicator requirements, selection and definition, procedures for measuring or making estimates, sensitivity, range of values and interactions. Emphasizing the need to use indicators to develop a system of desertification evaluation, this paper outlines the advantages and difficulties of using such an evaluation system.
Effects of soil freezing stress on sap flow and sugar content of mature sugar maples (Acer saccharum)

Mature dominant and codominant sugar maples (Acersaccharum Marsh.) at the Duchesnay Experimental Forest (Quebec, Canada) were subjected to deep soil freezing (DF), superficial freezing (SF), and superficial freezing with drought (SFD) during the 1990–1991 and 1991–1992 seasons. Soil temperatures below the DF trees reached lows of −6 °C at 20 cm depth and were significantly lower than the controls. Compared with the controls, unfrozen soil water content was lower (10%, v/v) below the DF trees. During the dry summer of 1991, soil water content remained high below the DF trees at 30% (v/v); controls reached 10% (v/v). Deep frost treated trees had significantly lower sap flow rates, total sap volume, and less total sugar per tree than other treatments for at least 2 years after treatment. These lower values were likely related to the condition of the DF trees (increased canopy transparency; branch dieback). Percent sugar was significantly higher in the DF trees in 1992. Drought did not seem to have a signific.
Bot flies (Insecta: Oestridae, part) and Glossinidae–Hippoboscidae derive from basal Ephydroidea, not Calyptratae

The ground plan of the bot flies (Oestridae, part) is compared with those of Ephydroidea and Calyptratae. Comparative anatomy suggests that the bot flies are unlikely to have arisen from within Calyptratae and that their derivation from near the base of Ephydroidea is more probable. A large body of evidence is assembled to counter the theory that would place Oestridae within the Tachinidae family-group. It is shown that Hippoboscoidea is unlikely to be monophyletic. The fit of Glossinidae to the suggested ground plan profile of the Ephydroidea/bot flies is shown to be good.
A Strong Dose-Response Relation Between Serum Concentrations of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Diabetes: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002

W e thank Dr. Porta (1) for his interest in our study (2). As our study was cross-sectional, a possibility of reverse causality needs to be carefully evaluated. The most critical issue he raised is weight changes, which were not considered in our report. Body weight loss increases both serum and adipose tissue concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (3,4), and diabetic patients are advised to attempt weight loss as a nonpharmacologic intervention. Conceivably, the strong relation between POPs and prevalence of diabetes could be explained by weight loss among diabetic patients. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected information on body weight 1 and 10 years before examination. Additional adjustment for weight change over the past 1 or 10 years attenuated the original odds ratios (ORs) to 12.8, 10.8, 26.5, and 26.7 or 9.1, 6.7, 16.0, and 15.8. BMI itself may be another important issue in relation to the possibility of reverse causality because BMI could be inversely related to clearance of POPs (4) and since diabetic patients are more obese. Thus, diabetic patients may increase accumulation of POPs in their body. However, one study reported no significant difference between the average elimination rates of diabetic and nondiabetic individuals (5). In addition, we adjusted for both BMI and waist circumference. Thus, decreased elimination does not appear to explain our finding. We agree that one of the most surprising results would be that the prevalence of diabetes itself was quite low and that obesity was not associated with diabetes among subjects with very low levels of POPs, suggesting that POPs contained in the adipose tissue, not obesity, may be a key to diabetes. Some of our findings may be criticized due to the cross-sectional design. However, the lack of association between obesity and diabetes among subjects with very low levels of POPs is unlikely to be a cross-sectional bias. Although Diabetes Care does not allow figures in response letters, the requested figure depicting the interaction between obesity and POPs can be drawn from our publication and looks very persuasive. Regarding Dr. Porta’s other questions, wealthier individuals (higher poverty income ratio) had lower concentrations of DDE but higher concentrations of PCB153. ORs adjusted only for age were 14.4, 18.3, 45.5, and 47.0, with little change on further adjustment for sex and race/ethnicity. Several methods of combining the six POPs yielded conclusions similar to those we presented.
Micro‐site effects of trees and shrubs in dry savannas

The physiognomy of dry savannas is described as a combination of discontinuous woody perennials and a continuous grassland matrix. Interactions between these two components are of vital importance for the persistence of a savanna landscape. Earlier savanna models have emphasized competitive interactions for water between the two components. Recent studies have argued that small-scale facilitating interactions between woody perennials and the herbaceous understorey are also important. This phenomenon has been given little theoretical consideration in the savanna literature, but it has been an important topic in agroforestry and arid-grassland ecology. This paper reviews some of the evidence for micro-site effects of trees and shrubs, and attempts to integrate their interactions with the surrounding open grassland. Woody perennials modify the microclimate by interception of solar radiation and rainfall. Their root systems extract nutrients horizontally and vertically, which are concentrated in the sub-canopy soil from litter decomposition and root turnover. Legumes are abundant in dry savannas, and may have symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria. This symbosis increases the availability of nitrogen in the soil. Isolated trees and shrubs initiate feedback mechanisms in their interactions with other organisms, and contribute to an uneven distribution of water and nutrients in dry savanna. This influences the species composition, and community diversity. Small-scale facilitating interaction between the woody and herbaceous components and competitive interaction on larger scales, are complementary processes which together explain a dynamic coexistence.
The global trade in native Australian parrots through Singapore between 2005 and 2011: a summary of trends and dynamics

Abstract Despite high overseas demand for native Australian parrots, there are few published studies quantifying the global trade in this group of birds. This study investigates the global trade in Australian parrots listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) via Singapore, a transit hub for the trade in exotic wildlife. Between 2005 and 2011, 19 964 Australian parrots, of 27 species and 2 subspecies, listed in Appendices I and II of CITES were imported into Singapore, of which 10 935, of 22 species and 2 subspecies, were subsequently exported, accounting for 10% of all reported bird trade by Singapore. Major exporters of Australian parrots, all of which were declared as captive-bred, include the Netherlands and South Africa, with major consumer markets in Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates. The high overseas demand for Australian parrots, coupled with the lack of a systematic reporting and monitoring framework for wildlife trade in many countries, is potentially being exploited by wildlife smugglers within and outside of Australia. These findings have important implications for future efforts to legalise the controlled export of native parrots from Australia.
Effects of the detoxified extract of Rhus verniciflua on regulation of catecholamine biosynthesis

Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) has traditionally been used as a food supplement and traditional herbal medicine for centuries in Korea, despite the fact that it contains the plant allergen, urushiol. Previously, we developed a new biological approach for the removal of urushiol from RVS. In this study, we investigated the effect of detoxified RVS on the expression of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes in rat brain. Our results showed that RVS is a potent inducer of catecholamine production in rodent brain as indicated by the enhanced expression of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) gene. Induction of TH and AADC in response to RVS was biphasic and transient, and maximal at 10 mg/kg for 4 h. We also detected consistent upregulation of TH and AADC mRNAs and proteins with RVS; however, DBH expression was not detected in the brain by immunostaining. Moreover, we examined the protective effect of detoxified RVS on rotenone induced cell toxicity in the cultured human dopaminergic cell line, SH-SY5Y. We found that rotenone induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells was suppressed by treatment with RVS. These results suggest that RVS may serve as an ideal adjuvant in regards to regulating the brain dopaminergic (DArgic) system and may contribute to neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases.
Synthesis and antibody recognition of mucin 1 (MUC1)‐α‐conotoxin chimera

We synthesized and characterized new chimera peptides by inserting an epitope of the mucin 1 glycoprotein (MUC1) as a ‘guest’ sequence in the ‘host’ structure of α‐conotoxin GI, a 13‐residue peptide (ECCNPACGRHYSC) isolated from the venom of Conus geographus. The Pro‐Asp‐Thr‐Arg (PDTR) sequence of MUC1 selected for these studies is highly hydrophilic and adopts a β‐turn conformation. The α‐conotoxin GI also contains a β‐turn in the 8–12 region, which is stabilized by two disulphide bridges in positions 2–7 and 3–13. Thus, the tetramer sequence of α‐conotoxin, Arg9‐His‐Tyr‐Ser12, has been replaced by PDTR, comprising the minimal epitope for MUC1 specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) HMFG1 (PDTR) and HMFG2 (DTR). Synthesis of the chimera peptide was carried out by Fmoc strategy on (4‐(2′,4′‐dimethoxyphenyl‐aminomethyl)phenoxy) (Rink) resin and either 5,5′‐dithio‐bis‐(2‐nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) or air oxidation was applied for the formation of the first Cys3–Cys13 or Cys2–Cys7 disulphide bridge, respectively. For the second disulphide bridge, three different oxidation procedures (iodine in acetic acid, 10% DMSO/1 M HCl or tallium trifluoroacetate (Tl(tfa)3) in TFA) were utilized. The HPLC purified peptides were characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry (ES‐MS) and amino acid analysis. The CD spectra of the bicyclic MUC1‐α‐[Tyr1]‐conotoxin chimera peptide showed partially ordered conformation with turn character. In antibody binding studies, the RIA data showed that both the linear and the bicyclic forms of MUC1‐α‐[Tyr1]‐conotoxin chimera were recognized by MAb HMFG1 specific for PDTR sequence, while no binding was observed between MAb HMFG2 and various forms of the chimera. MAb HMFG1, using synthetic epitope conjugates or native MUC1 as target antigens, recognizes the PDTR motif more efficiently in the linear than in the bicyclic compound, but no reactivity was found with the monocyclic forms of MUC1‐α‐[Tyr1]‐conotoxin chimera, underlining the importance of certain conformers stabilized by double cyclization. Copyright © 2000 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hormonal growth implants affect feed efficiency and expression of residual feed intake-associated genes in beef cattle

Hormonal growth promotants (HGP) have been used to improve feed conversion ratio (FCR) and growth rates of cattle by modifying protein turnover rates. Residual feed intake (RFI) is correlated with FCR and has been adopted in Australia as a measure of feed efficiency in cattle for the purpose of genetic improvement. Eight genes (AHSG, GHR, GSTM1, INHBA, PCDH19, S100A10, SERPINI2 and SOD3) have been previously reported to be highly associated with RFI and could potentially be used to predict RFI in bulls and steers. In this study, expression levels of these genes in liver tissue of 46 cattle were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. These cattle were part of a larger tenderness gene marker experiment consisting of two breeds (Angus and Brahman); two sexes (steers and heifers) and HGP treatments (implanted vs control). Cattle were measured for growth, feed efficiency, body composition and carcass traits. Results showed the expression of these eight genes was significantly correlated with RFI. However, HGP treatment did not affect RFI or the expression of the RFI-associated genes. HGP treatment increased average daily gain by 20%, improved FCR by 18%, and increased rib eye-muscle area by 7.5%. HGP treatment was effective in improving growth rate, presumably by its known action in the protein turnover mechanism. This mechanism has been hypothesised as one of the regulators of RFI. Lack of effect of HGP treatment on RFI does not support this hypothesis.
Detecting Somatoform Disorders in Primary Care With the PHQ-15

PURPOSE Because recognition and management of patients with somatoform disorders are difficult, we wanted to determine the specificity, sensitivity, and the test-retest reliability of the 15-symptom Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15) for detection of somatoform disorders in a high-risk primary care population. METHODS We studied the performance of the PHQ-15 in comparison with the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV Axis I disorders (SCID-I) as a reference standard. From January through September 2006, we approached patients for participation. This study was conducted in primary care settings in the Netherlands. Patients aged between 18 and 70 years were eligible if they belonged to 1 or more of the following groups: (1) patients with unexplained somatic complaints, (2) frequent attenders, and (3) patients with mental health problems. For the SCID-I interview we invited all patients with a PHQ-15 score of 6 or greater and a random sample of 30% of patients with a PHQ-15 score of less than 6. The primary study outcomes were the sensitivity and specificity for the validity and the κ coefficient for the test-retest reliability. RESULTS Of 2,147 eligible patients, 906 (42%) participated (mean age 48 years, 62% female). At a cutoff level of 3 or more severe somatic symptoms during the past 4 weeks, sensitivity was 78% and specificity 71%. The test-retest reliability was 0.60. CONCLUSIONS The PHQ-15 is a valid and moderately reliable questionnaire for the detection of patients in a primary care setting at risk for somatoform disorders.
Deficiency of Epidermal Protein-Bound ω-Hydroxyceramides in Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease of unknown etiology with an impaired permeability barrier function. To learn more about the molecular pathology in lesional skin, we analyzed levels of free extractable as well as protein-bound barrier lipids in the epidermis of atopic dermatitis subjects. The amount of protein-bound omega-hydroxyceramides in healthy epidermis comprised 46-53 wt% of total protein-bound lipids, whereas this percentage was decreased to 23-28 wt% in nonlesional areas and even down to 10-25 wt% in affected atopic skin areas of the subjects. Furthermore, the partial amount of free extractable very long chain fatty acids with more than 24 carbon atoms was reduced in affected regions down to 25 wt% and in nonlesional regions of the atopic dermatitis subjects down to 40 wt% compared to healthy controls. This "hydrocarbon chain length deficiency" regarding the barrier lipids in atopic skin was supported by metabolic labeling studies with [14C]-serine in cultured epidermis. The biosynthesis of free glucosylceramides and free ceramides was remarkably decreased in affected skin areas of the atopic subjects compared to healthy control subjects. Especially affected were the de novo syntheses of ceramide 4 (i.e., ceramide EOH, consisting of a very long chain N-acyl omega-hydroxy fatty acid esterified with linoleic acid and 6-hydroxysphingosine as sphingoid base) and ceramide 3 (ceramide NP, consisting of a nonhydroxy N-acyl fatty acid and phytosphingosine). In conclusion, this study revealed that the lesional epidermis in atopic dermatitis has considerable deficiencies within main barrier lipid components, which may contribute to the severely damaged permeability barrier.
A short spring before a long jump: the ecological challenge to the steppe tortoise (Testudo horsfieldi)

The steppe tortoise (Testudo horsfieldi) is probably the most widespread and abundant of all living terrestrial tortoises, but paradoxically, this chelonian as been studied only superficially. Steppe tortoise populations are declining rapidly as a result of massive harvesting for the pet trade and extensive disruption of their habitat by intensive agriculture. Thus, it is urgent to acquire accurate information on major life-history traits. Our 5-year field study at the Djeiron Ecocenter in the Republic of Uzbekistan indicates that steppe tortoises usually remain buried in one place for over 9 months, which helps them cope with the extreme environmental conditions that occur in summer, fall, and winter. After emerging in late winter, steppe tortoises have less than 3 months in spring to forage to obtain the fuel needed for growth and reproduction, and replenish the body reserves necessary for the subsequent 9 months of total starvation. The mating period occurred between the end of March and mid-April and .