Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth, feed utilization and health of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. fed genetically modified compared to non‐modified commercial hybrid soybeans

The present paper represents a part of a major scientific effort aiming to reveal possible effects, nutritional or health related, of genetically modified (GM) feed ingredients for Atlantic salmon. For 3 months groups of post-smolt Atlantic salmon were treated with diets holding 130 g kg1 of the protein as soybean, one which contained 800 g kg(-1) GM type RR (Roundup Ready), and compared with a standard counterpart (commercial hybrid, not isogenic line) analysed to be non-GM (nGM), and again compared with a standard fishmeal diet without soybean protein. All diets were composed to be within the category 'compositional equivalent' and held exactly the same proximate compositions, starch and sugar levels, above requirements for methionine and lysine, equal fatty acid profiles, vitamin, mineral and pigment contents. There was, however, a slight difference in levels of anti-nutrients between the three diets. The various dietary treatments resulted in more than tripling of fish weight in all groups. In addition no significant differences in feed utilization, whole body, liver and muscle proximate compositions, and no significant differences in muscle fatty acid profiles were measured. The diet without soybean of either type resulted in greater retention of lipid, but equal retention of protein (protein productive value). The relative sizes of liver, kidney, head-kidney and brain were the same in all dietary groups, while the relative size of the spleen showed significant differences between fish fed the genetically modified soy diet compared with fish fed the nGM soybeans. Fish fed the soy diets of either type also showed a somewhat reduced mean erythrocyte cell volume. All other haematological values were equal between diet groups. The detoxification system, measured as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and lysozyme activities, showed equal values for all groups when measured in plasma and liver or head-kidney. The distal part of the intestine showed reduced sizes as an effect of soybean additions, without any differences between the GM and nGM type. Our results showed high growth, no mortality, haematological values within normal ranges, and efficient and equal responses in the detoxification system. This was a first indication that up to 130 g kg(-1) RR-soybean protein can safely be used in diets for Atlantic salmon. However, there is still a need to elucidate higher inclusion levels of GM feed ingredients, and why spleen index was reduced, and if this was a long- or short-term effect.
Hairy Vetch Mulch Favorably Impacts Yield of Processing Tomatoes

Ten cultivars of processing tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) grown in bare soil or on black polyethylene and hairy vetch ( Vicia villosa Roth.) mulches were evaluated for yield, fruit processing quality, and leaf necrosis. Yields were higher, fruit was heavier, and leaf necrosis less in hairy vetch than in bare soil or black polyethylene mulch. With the exception of pH, yield and fruit quality component responses to mulch treatments were not cultivar-dependent. Fruit pH, soluble solids concentration, and color equaled values obtained using bare soil production practices. Percent solids was highest with black polyethylene and lowest in hairy vetch. The hairy vetch mulch delayed fruit maturity compared to the bare soil and black polyethylene. The hairy vetch cultural system has the potential to increase yield of processing tomatoes.
Clarification of the taxonomic status and relationships of Pteridium caudatum (Dennstaedtiaceae) in Central and South America

Contemporary systematic treatments of the Central and South American bracken ferns in the genus Pteridium Gled. ex Scop. recognize morphotype caudatum as either a full species or a variety of P. aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. Geographically representative sporophytes of morphotype caudatum, including the type in the Linnaean Herbarium, are shown using spore size, guard-cell length and morphology of the cells of the false indusium to be tetraploid (based on 4n = 208). DNA fingerprinting of field-collected Venezuelan samples supports the generalization that morphotype caudatum is a fertile allotetraploid containing genomic elements otherwise distinctive of the southern hemisphere diploid P. arachnoideum (Kaulf.) Maxon, together with elements characteristic of northern hemisphere diploids including the North American P. aquilinum var. pubescens Underw. and P. aquilinum var. pseudocaudatum (Clute) A. Heller. Evidence of genetic isolation from taxa with overlapping distributions, as well as morphological, biochemical and ecological data, validate recognition of P. caudatum (L.) Maxon at species level. Heterogeneity observed within P. caudatum is consistent with multiple origins through independent hybridization events. Pteridium caudatum is strikingly analogous to the tropical Asian/Australasian allotetraploid P. semihastatum (N. Wallich ex J. G. Agardh) S. B. Andrews [=P. yarrabense (Domin) N. A. Wakef. ]. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2002, 140, 237−248.
Interactive effects of nitrogen deposition, fire and grazing on diversity and composition of low-alpine prostrate Calluna vulgaris heathland

Summary 1 Low-alpine heathlands world-wide have high biodiversity value but are increasingly impacted by the effects of nitrogen deposition as well as fire and grazing. We conducted a 5-year fertilization experiment to examine the interactive effects of these three factors on vegetation diversity and species composition. 2 Factorial combinations of nitrogen addition (0, 10, 20 and 50 kg N ha−1 year−1), burning (burned once or not burned) and grazing (annual clipping, 0% or 12% of current year shoots removed) were applied to internationally important prostrate Calluna–Cladonia heathland in the Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland. Species diversity (higher plants, mosses and lichens) and percentage cover were recorded annually. 3 Fire had a large effect on vegetation diversity and composition, but both were quick to recover. Species richness recovered within 4 years and vegetation composition was predicted to recover within 7 years. Vegetation composition appeared resilient to the effects of disturbance and there was little invasion by graminoids. 4 Nitrogen deposition interacted with fire. Burned plots showed no significant effect of nitrogen treatment on species diversity, while the diversity of unburned plots was significantly reduced only 1 year after treatment with 50 kg N ha−1 year−1. After 5 years, significant diversity reductions were seen in the 10 kg N ha−1 year−1 treatment. Impacts of nitrogen on species richness were primarily through reductions in lichen diversity. 5 Severe winter browning of Calluna vulgaris in plots receiving 50 kg N ha−1 year−1 followed early snowfall in 2002–03. This interaction affected only Calluna vulgaris and may have the potential to trigger species composition changes by reducing the dominance of this species. 6 Synthesis and applications. Although resilient to small-scale fires, species richness of low-alpine heaths is reduced by exposure to low levels of nitrogen deposition (background + 10 kg N ha−1 year−1). The lichen component of the vegetation is most sensitive to additional nitrogen, although higher plants can be affected via interactions with climate. These data support the current critical load of nitrogen for this community of 5–15 kg N ha−1 year−1 and suggest that lichen diversity could be a useful indicator of nitrogen deposition impacts in alpine habitats. Effective conservation of biodiversity in low-alpine heathland will require action at national and international levels to reduce nitrogen deposition in the many areas where the critical load is currently exceeded.
Assessment of the potential of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) varieties as trap plants for management of Chilo partellus

Ten Napier grass [Pennisetum purpureum Schumach (Poaceae)] varieties, used in various parts of Kenya as animal fodder, were tested for their potential role as a trap crop in the management of the gramineous spotted stemborer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), through habitat manipulation. Oviposition preference and larval survival and development were determined for each of these varieties under laboratory and screen‐house conditions. Two‐choice tests revealed that seven of the varieties tested were preferentially chosen by gravid female moths for oviposition over a susceptible maize cv. Inbred A. Larval survival was significantly lower on the majority of the Napier grass varieties (about 10%) than on maize cv. Inbred A (about 60%). Similarly, larval development was about 2 weeks longer on the majority of the Napier grass varieties. It was concluded that four of the varieties tested (Bana, Ex‐Machakos, Gold Coast, and Ex‐Nyanza‐2) had potential for use as trap crops in C. partellus management because they were more preferred by the borer moths for oviposition and allowed minimal survival of the larvae. This minimal larval survival is desirable in the conservation of C. partellus natural enemies when the cultivated host plant is out of season.
Phytophilous Macroinvertebrates of Floating Nymphaea lotus and Pistia stratiotes in River Orogodo, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Phytophilous macroinvertebrates associated with two dominant floating aquatic macrophytes, water lilly ( Nymphaea lotus ) and water lettuce ( Pistia stratiotes ) in River Orogodo, Niger Delta were sampled between February and July 2006. The location of both plant species exhibited similar water quality characteristics during the study except for BOD5, pH and nitrate that were significantly different (P Nymphaea lotus during the period of the study. It is hypothesized that this plant discharges certain compounds that prevented these nymphs from colonizing it. Furthermore, the general morphology of Pistia stratiotes ensured better colonization by phytophilous macroinvertebrates Keywords : Nymphaea lotus , Pistia stratiotes , phytophilous macroinvertebrates, River Orogodo, Niger Delta. Tropical Freshwater Biology Vol. 16 (1) 2007: pp. 75-87
Exploring Consumer Acceptance of Software-as-a-Service – Case Palkkaus.fi (Available on Internet)

Undeclared work has been a huge problem around the world since the liberation of economies. One debated reason has been due to the overcomplicated and bureaucratic procedures that go with wage payment. With technological innovations, facilitating services might provide opportunities to ease this and potentially reduce the undeclared work. Acceptance of technology has been studied for nearly three decades, but has not yet focused to the full extent to new cloud opportunities such as SaaS. The research done so far has concentrated on a service quality approach, partly neglecting the consumers’ thoughts and rationalizations on accepting new technology. This study aims to explore the underlying reasons for consumer acceptance of SaaS. This should give a better insight in the processes behind acceptance. To address this aim, 6 interviews have been conducted through a heterogeneity sampling method by predefining aspects that the respondents are chosen across. The results suggest that consumers accept SaaS through a seven factor model modified by personal traits. The model is a significant expansion from the original Technology Acceptance model, taking into consideration both online and consumer contexts. As the study consists of a small sample, one case company and conducted in only one country, it is not possible and it should not be seen as a generalizable model, rather as groundwork for further studies for consumer acceptance in SaaS. To address validity and reliability, as transparent information as possible is presented and the study itself is kept on as high of a theoretical level as possible in order to not false information due to a case study approach. Future studies should focus on taking the presented model into other contexts and test its generalizability through quantitative studies. Furthermore a similar study could be conducted using the already established user base and thus see how they perceive the acceptance process.
The effect of environmental factors, depth and position on the growth and mortality of raft-cultured blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.)

One-year-old rope grown blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) were grown in experimental lantern nets at two depths (2 and 6 m below the surface) in two different positions (inflow and outflow) off a raft in Loch Etive on the west coast of Scotland. Shell and tissue growth, and mortality were recorded. Water temperature, salinity and food availability were also monitored over the experimental period. There were no significant differences in the length, live weight, wet meat weight, dry meat weight and ash-free dry meat weight between depths (P > 0.05). However, position had a significant effect on these parameters as mussels located at the inflow of the raft differed significantly from those at the outflow of the raft (P 0.05). The results show that food concentration was higher in the inflow of the raft than the outflow. In the light of these results, recommendations for better management of Scottish raft mussel cultivation are discussed.
Effects of group size on birth rate, infant mortality and social interactions in Formosan macaques at Mt Longevity, Taiwan

In social animals, the influence of life-history traits on group structure and size is potentially important in the context of the evolution of social systems. Birth rate and infant survival have been differently predicted as a function of group size by models of the evolution of group living in primates. A wild population of the Formosan macaque, Macaca cyclopis that inhabits Mt Longevity, Taiwan has been monitored since July 1993 to collect demographic, reproductive and social behaviour data. Little is known about the effects of troop size on population growth in Formosan macaques. In this paper, we have presented for the first time 5-years of data (1997–2001) on the troop dynamics of 14 social troops. We also examined the effects of troop size on birth rate, infant mortality and inter-troop social interactions. The annual average troop size increment fluctuated from 1.94% to 10.97%. The annual average troop size of 14 groups was 43.57 ± 15.88 individuals in 1997, and increased to 55.97 ± 16.86 individuals in 2001. The per-capita rates of troop size increase was negatively correlated with troop size without infants (F1,12 = 5.57, P < 0.05). The average birth rate (birth per adult female) was 0.78 (± 0.07, n = 14) and it was not linearly related to troop size, nor the number of adult females (P > 0.33). The average infant mortality was 0.16 (± 0.09, n = 14), which was relatively constant regardless of the troop size category (small, medium or large). Intertroop dominance was closely dependent on the number of adult males and females rather than group size. Thus larger group size imposed an advantage on habitat utilization without the appearance of low birth rate or high infant mortality. On the other hand, infant mortality increased and infant survival per adult female decreased when the percentage of adult females increased in troops. Therefore, competition among adult females plays an important role partially supporting the predation — intra-group feeding competition hypothesis.
A novel theraputic target for intracerebral hemorrhage: interfering with the TLR2/TLR4 heterodimerization

The investigation of the upstream events that initiate inflammatory responses has a very important role in the illumination of the mechanisms of intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)-induced secondary inflammatory brain injury. The formation of novel TLR2/TLR4 heterodimer after ICH detected by the western blot, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence technologies has strongly contributed to such advance. Using the in vivo and in vitro ICH model, we revealed the assemble of TLR2/TLR4 heterodimer mediated inflammatory injury only can be triggered by the hemoglobin(Hb) via the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88(MyD88), but not toll/IR-1(TIR)-domain-containing adaptor protein inducing interferon-beta(TRIF). And the mutation site at the MyD88 Arg196 abolished the TLR2/TLR4 heterodimerization. Together, our findings not only further explain the upstream events that initiate inflammatory responses following ICH, but also provide a novel target-interfering with the assembly of TLR2/TLR4 heterodimer-for developing an effective treatment of ICH.
Linking leaf transcript levels to whole plant analyses provides mechanistic insights to the impact of warming and altered water availability in an annual grass

Insights into the effects of climatic changes on primary metabolism in plants will enhance our understanding of ecosystem response to global climate change. In a greenhouse experiment, we studied the impact of total annual rainfall, intermittent wet and dry periods, and increased soil and air temperature (+3 °C) on an annual C3 grass, Avena barbata, dominant in many California and Mediterranean grasslands. In order to gain a mechanistic understanding of plant response, analyses were carried out at scales ranging from the leaf (gene expression and enzyme activity) to the whole plant (biomass and phenology). Plant gene expression was more responsive to short‐term changes in water availability (wet vs. dry periods) than to differences in cumulative rainfall. The effect of elevated temperature depended on total rainfall: flowering started earlier in high vs. low temperature under high rainfall, but not under low rainfall. Gene expression indicative of advanced development could be measured in leaves several weeks before flowering, linking gene expression to the phenological impact of altered climate. Given these responses of a dominant annual grass to manipulation of rain and temperature, we suggest that the impact of increased temperature on California annual grasslands will vary between wet and dry years. In wet years, biomass production will increase and flowering will occur earlier compared with dry years. Leaf transcript abundance analyses provided insights into the mechanisms of plant response to warming and altered precipitation patterns.
The taxonomic status of some Atlanto-Mediterranean species in the subgenus Holothuria (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea: Holothuriidae) based on molecular evidence

Molecular and morphological data were used to evaluate the taxonomic status of the species Holothuria tubulosa Gmelin, 1790, Holothuria stellati Delle Chiaje, 1823, Holothuria mammata Grube, 1840, and Holothuria dakarensis Panning, 1939, belonging to the nominate subgenus Holothuria (Holothuria) (family Holothuriidae) from the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. A 16S rRNA marker distinguished three well-supported clades with clear genetic differentiation amongst them. The morphometric characters, although they reflected the clades, showed great variability, and some specimens from different clades overlapped. The morphological data and the literature suggest that the clades correspond to H. dakarensis (from Cape Verde Islands), H. mammata (from the AtlantoMediterranean area) and H. tubulosa (from the Mediterranean Sea). Holothuria stellati is considered here to be a junior subjective synonym of H. tubulosa. Great morphological intraspecific variation within H. tubulosa and H. mammata explains the confusion in the literature. Holothuria tubulosa includes specimens with distinctive ossicles, but others are similar to H. mammata. In these cases, the presence or absence of Cuvierian tubules proved a reliable indicator to the identity of these species; unfortunately this character is difficult to assess in preserved material. According to the results of discriminant analysis we propose a set of ossicle morphometric variables that permit the optimum assignation of individuals to the clades. Our results present a new perspective on the taxonomic status of species in Holothuria (Holothuria), and show how a molecular approach, combined with a morphological approach, can solve taxonomic problems.
Shredders: species richness, abundance, and role in litter breakdown in tropical Hong Kong streams

Abstract Shredders appear to be scarce in many tropical streams, but few data are available about their abundance or role in litter breakdown in these systems. Shredder species richness, abundance, and biomass were investigated in 10 small streams (5 shaded, 5 unshaded) in Hong Kong as a step toward understanding the role of shredders in tropical Asian streams. In addition, breakdown of Liquidambar formosana (Hamamelidaceae) leaves was investigated to determine if breakdown rates changed in response to shredder species richness, abundance, or biomass in these 10 streams. Shredders were scarce in terms of species richness (a total of 6 obligate shredders and 2 facultative shredders) and abundance (mean = 2.0%, range = 0–7.7% of total macroinvertebrate abundance). Obligate shredder biomass was not high across the 10 streams (mean = 13% of total biomass), and it was variable in shaded streams (0.6–38.7%); all high values were attributable to the presence of a few large individuals (<0.2% of total abundance). Relative abundance and biomass of obligate shredders were higher in shaded than in unshaded streams (abundance: 1.9% vs 0.1%; biomass: 22.3% vs 4.3%). Shading did not affect the densities or relative abundances of functional feeding groups (FFGs) other than shredders. Litter breakdown rates did not vary in response to species richness, abundance, or biomass of shredders among the 10 streams. However, when the 2 moderately nutrient-enriched streams were excluded, breakdown rates were positively related to obligate shredder densities, indicating a possible contribution of shredders to litter breakdown. The potential importance of microbes was indicated by a relationship between breakdown rates and stream PO4 concentrations.