Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of dehulled and micronized lupin (Lupinus albus L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) seed meal as a potential protein sources in laying hen diets.

An experiment was conducted with Isa Brown laying hens to determine to what extent dehulled and micronized sweet white lupin (Lupinus albus L., cv Multitalia) and pea (Pisum sativum L., cv. Spirale) seed meal could be used as a potential protein source in diets. Twenty five individually caged 18 week-old Isa Brown laying hens were used per treatment. The hens were housed in a convection house for the duration of the study which lasted 10 weeks. Three diets based on conditioning durum wheat middlings were formulated, one containing 180 g/kg of sweet lupin and the other containing 300 g/kg of pea and a control diet containing 150 g/kg of soybean meal as protein sources. Results indicated that sweet white lupin and pea diet can be fed to Isa Brown laying hens with a significant effect on growth performance, efficiency of food utilization, egg production, egg mass and yolk colour. Food intake was positively correlated with lupin and pea compared to soybean inclusion rates. As a result in this study, the use of dehulled and micronized sweet white lupin and pea in diets does not seem to worsen the growth performance and egg production in laying hen.
A Re-analysis of the phylogeny of the genus Protobothrops (Reptilia: Viperidae), with particular reference to the systematic position of P. xiangchengensis

Based on three mitochondrial gene fragments (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, cytochrome b ), the phylogeny of Protobothrops is re-analyzed using Maximum-parsimony (MP), Maximum-likelihood (ML), and Bayesian (BI) approaches. All phylogenetic analyses indicate that all putative Protobothrops species examined formed a monophyletic group; however, the intrageneric relationships are still unresolved. The phylogenetic relationships further confirm that P. xiangchengensis is a valid species distinct from P. mucrosquamatus and that it is closely related to P. jerdonii .
The effects of colchicine on regeneration of mouse skeletal muscle

Mammalian skeletal muscle almost invariably regenerates when transected. If the wound is small regeneration may be complete. Cardinal signs of the regenerative process are basophilic, multinucleated myotubes described as early as 1865 by Waldeyer. In mouse muscle the myotubes become prominent about 4 days after transection. Each myotube contains centrally located nuclei which are arranged in linear order. The nuclei increase, markedly, particularly between the fifth and sixth days after transection. Because there is an apparent absence of mitosis within the multinucleated tubes some workers (see Godman, '57) have drawn the inference that nuclei increase amitotically. Lash, Holtzer and Swift ('57) analyzed Feulgen stained regenerative muscle cytophotometrically and found no evidence for division within myotubes. They did note a rise in mitotic activity among mononucIeated cells on the day prior to sudden increases both in the number of tubes and in the number of intratubular nuclei. Thus there are two points of view concerning the means by which new muscle fibers differentiate during the regenerative process. According to one, muscle regeneration would amount to a distally directed hyperplasia with nuclear increases resulting from some unusual means of multiplication. According to the other view, mammalian skeletal muscle regeneration would be the consequence of fusion of highly proliferative, mononucleated myoblasts of the wound coagulum (for literature and extensive reviews see Godman, '58 and Lash et al., '57). The purpose of this work was to test the latter hypothesis. If regenerative myoblasts are mononucleated cells which multiply mitotically, then a known inhibitor of mitosis (viz., colchicine ) should prevent or curtail myotube formation if applied at the critical two to three day period after transection.
Using LASSO to estimate marker effects for Genomic Selection

Abstract Here we suggest a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) approach to estimate the marker effects for genomic selection using the least angle regression (LARS) algorithm, modified to include a cross–validation step to define the best subset of markers to involve in the model. The LASSO-LARS was tested on simulated data which consisted of 5,865 individuals and 6,000 SNPs. The last generations of this dataset were the selection candidates. Using only animals from generations prior to the candidates, three approaches to splitting the population into training and validation sets for cross-validation were evaluated. Furthermore, different sizes of the validation sample were tested. Moreover, BLUP and Bayesian methods were carried out for comparison. The most reliable cross-validation method was the random splitting of overall population with a validation sample size of 50% of the reference population. The accuracy of the GEBVs (correlation with true breeding values) in the candidate population obtained by LASSO-LARS was 0.89 with 156 explanatory SNPs. This value was higher then those obtained by using BLUP and Bayesian methods, which were 0.75 and 0.84 respectively. It was concluded that LASSO-LARS approach is a good alternative way to estimate markers effects for genomic selection.
Comparison of nonlinear height–diameter functions for major Alberta tree species

Twenty nonlinear height–diameter functions were fitted and evaluated for major Alberta species based on a data set consisting of 13 489 felled trees for 16 different species. All functions were fitted using weighted nonlinear least squares regression (wi = 1/DBHi) because of the problem of unequal error variance. The examination and comparison of the weighted mean squared errors, the asymptotic t-statistics for the parameters, and the plots of studentized residuals against the predicted height show that many concave and sigmoidal functions can be used to describe the height–diameter relationships. The sigmoidal functions such as the Weibull-type function, the modified logistic function, the Chapman–Richards function, and the Schnute function generally gave the most satisfactory results.
Fish assemblages on the slope in the Catalan Sea (western Mediterranean): influence of a submarine canyon

The analysis of 35 bottom trawls taken on the slope in the Catalan Sea (western Mediterranean) has shown the existence of two different demersal fish assemblages occurring on the upper (350–650 m) and middle (1150–1300 m) slope. The middle slope assemblage is characterized by much higher values in some ecological parameters such biomass and mean fish weight, resulting from the dominance of middle to large size species (e.g. Alepocephalus rostratus, Trachyrhynchus trachyrhynchus, Mora mom). On the upper slope two different stations were considered, one inside and the other outside a submarine canyon. Only slight differences were found in species composition, and hence sample and species were not clearly separated by a correspondence analysis. However, some interesting ecological differences exist between these two stations. Much higher values in abundance and biomass inside the canyon were indicative of higher food availability there. Moreover, a drop in mean fish weight was also noted inside the canyon. The analysis of size distributions in the commonest species along the upper slope showed that the submarine canyon acts as a recruiting ground for some of them.
Revised classification of the family Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea) based on combined molecular and morphological data

Abstract We propose a revised higher classification for the genera of Hesperiidae (skipper butterflies) of the world. We have augmented our published DNA data matrix with 49 morphological characters in order to infer relationships for taxa not sampled in the molecular study. We use the results of a combined analysis to identify morphological synapomorphies of the suprageneric clades of Hesperiidae, and to hypothesize a phylogenetic classification of the world’s genera of Hesperiidae, the first of its kind for this diverse group. Monophyly of the family Hesperiidae is strongly supported, as are some of the traditionally recognized subfamilies. The results presented here largely corroborate those of our molecular study, but differ in several details. The Australian endemic Euschemon rafflesia is given subfamily status, as is Eudaminae. We recognize seven subfamilies of Hesperiidae: Coeliadinae, Euschemoninae (confirmed status), Eudaminae (new status), Pyrginae, Heteropterinae (confirmed status), Trapezitinae and Hesperiinae. We treat Pyrrhopygini, Tagiadini, Celaenorrhinini, Carcharodini, Achlyodidini, Erynnini and Pyrgini as tribes of Pyrginae. Circumscriptions of Achlyodidini and Pyrgini require further elucidation. Tribes of Hesperiinae include Aeromachini, Baorini, Taractrocerini, Thymelicini, Calpodini (reinstated status), Anthoptini (new tribe), Moncini and Hesperiini. The tribal placement of many Old World hesperiine genera remains ambiguous.
HIV-1 Nef Induces the Release of Inflammatory Factors from Human Monocyte/Macrophages: Involvement of Nef Endocytotic Signals and NF-κB Activation 1

It has been recently reported that the endogenous expression of HIV-1 Nef in human monocyte/macrophages induces the release of chemokines and other as yet unidentified soluble factors leading to multiple effects of pathogenic significance, such as the recruitment and activation of quiescent lymphocytes. However, the description of underlying molecular mechanisms remained elusive. We recently demonstrated that human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) efficiently internalize soluble rNef, thereby inducing effects largely resembling those observed in cells endogenously expressing Nef. By exploiting the rNef/MDM model, we sought to gain more insights on the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of MDM to Nef. Array analysis for the detection of transcripts from a large number of monokines, chemokines, cytokines, and receptors thereof showed that MDM promptly responded to rNef treatment by increasing the transcription of genes for several inflammatory factors. Analysis of supernatants revealed that rNef treatment induced the release of macrophage inflammatory proteins 1α and 1β, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Conversely, rNefs mutated in domains critical for the interaction with the endocytotic machinery (i.e., EE155-156QQ, and DD174-175AA) were ineffective. Interestingly, we found that the Nef-dependent release of inflammatory factors correlated with the activation of the NF-κB transcription factor, mainly in its p50/p50 homodimeric form, and in a de novo protein synthesis-independent manner. Our data add new hints supporting the idea that the presence of Nef is per se heavily detrimental for monocyte/macrophages and relative cross-talking cell types.
Modelling climate change impacts on the distribution of breeding birds in Britain and Ireland

Abstract Predictions of the availability of suitable climate space for the breeding distributions of eight birds of conservation importance were modelled for the current climate and four climate change scenarios using the SPECIESv2 neural network model. Changes were quantified in relation to six bioclimatic variables and the model was trained on a combination of observed data derived from the European and Britain/Ireland atlases of breeding bird distribution. The present distributions were satisfactorily simulated both at the European and Britain/Ireland scales with Kappa coefficients of agreement greater than 0.7. The predicted responses to climate change demonstrate that the distribution of many breeding birds in Britain and Ireland may be affected by climate change, but that the effects are likely to differ between species. Short-term and less severe changes in climate had a positive effect on the potential climate space of five species ( Streptopelia turtur , Motacilla flava , Luscinia megarhynchos , Acrocephalus scirpaceus and Sitta europaea ) and a negative affect on one species ( Tetrao urogallus ), whereas the overall suitability of Parus montanus and Gavia stellata remained relatively stable. More severe long-term changes in climate were predicted to lead to a contraction in the potential area of suitability of Luscinia megarhynchos and Sitta europaea in south east England, and a large reduction in the area of Parus montanus in southern England. Based on the total change in potential climate space in Britain and Ireland, the species most sensitive to climate change were Tetrao urogallus (negatively affected) and Acrocephalus scirpaceus (positively affected). Although the models provide a useful indication of potential changes in bird distributions, the extent to which bird populations will track changes in climate space will depend on many different factors including their ability to disperse, their habitat and food requirements (and how these are influenced by climate change) and their population status and dynamics.
Differential Expression of rolC Results in Unique Plant Phenotypes

A BSTRACT . Expression of the rolC gene in plants has been shown to cause pleiotropic effects, including decreased height. The effects of differential rolC gene expression on plant height, leaf color, root growth, leaf size, corolla length, and stem diameter were determined. Differential expression of rolC in Nicotiana tabacum L. ʻ Samsun ʼ plants was achieved using the 35S promoter, the light-inducible rbcS promoter, or the native rolC promoter. Sixteen plants from the T1 generation—six with the 35S promoter, six with the rbcS promoter, and four with the native rolC promoter—and non- transformed controls were measured for height, internode length, branch number, bud size, corolla length and diameter, root growth, and the number of days to ﬂ owering. Steady state mRNA levels of rolC were measured in roots, stems, and leaves to assess relationships between rolC expression level in speci ﬁ c tissues and phenotypes. Plants expressing rolC showed a wide range of phenotypes, with the largest changes in plants expressing rolC using the 35S promoter, which also had the highest rolC mRNA levels. Plants expressing rolC with the rolC or rbcS promoter had signi ﬁ cant changes for many measured traits, despite rolC mRNA levels that were not signi ﬁ cantly different from non-transformed con- trols. In general, as rolC mRNA levels increased, so did the severity of the rolC phenotype observed. Three plants, A4, A7, and B9, had unique combinations of traits that did not follow this general trend. Transformation with rolC can be useful in ornamental crops where smaller cultivars are desired.
Somatic Chromosomes of Acridotheres fuscus fuscus Wagler and Acridotheres tristis tristis Linnaeus

The somatic chromosome number of the jungle myna, Acridotheres fuscus fuscus and the common myna, A. tristis tristis, both belonging to the family Sturnidae, is 74 and 80 respectively. The sex mechanism is of the ZZ/ZW type. The W-chromosome is the smallest macrochromosome and can easily be identified. The macro and microchromosomes have the same staining affinity and they are in no way different except in their size.
Polymorphisms in the ANKS1B gene are associated with cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes

Abstract Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are comorbidities with cancer which may be partially due to shared genetic variants. Genetic variants in the ankyrin repeat and sterile alpha motif domain containing (ANKS1B) gene may play a role in cancer, adiposity, body mass index (BMI), and body weight. However, few studies focused on the associations of ANKS1B with obesity and T2D. We examined genetic associations of 272 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the ANKS1B with the cancer (any diagnosed cancer omitting minor skin cancer), obesity and T2D using the Marshfield sample (716 individuals with cancers, 1442 individuals with obesity, and 878 individuals with T2D). The Health Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) sample (305 obese and 1336 controls) was used for replication. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using the PLINK software. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. We identified 25 SNPs within the ANKS1B gene associated with cancer, 34 SNPs associated with obesity, and 12 SNPs associated with T2D (p < 0.05). The most significant SNPs associated with cancer, T2D, and obesity were rs2373013 (p = 2.21 × 10−4), rs10860548 (p = 1.92 × 10−3), and rs7139028 (p = 1.94 × 10−6), respectively. Interestingly, rs3759214 was identified for both cancer and T2D (p = 0.0161 and 0.044, respectively). Furthermore, seven SNPs were associated with both cancer and obesity (top SNP rs2372719 with p = 0.0161 and 0.0206, respectively); six SNPs were associated with both T2D and obesity (top SNP rs7139028 with p = 0.0231 and 1.94 × 10−6, respectively). In the Health ABC sample, 18 SNPs were associated with obesity, 5 of which were associated with cancer in the Marshfield sample. In addition, three SNPs (rs616804, rs7295102, and rs201421) were associated with obesity in meta-analysis using both samples. These findings provide evidence of common genetic variants in the ANKS1B gene influencing the risk of cancer, obesity, and T2D and will serve as a resource for replication in other populations.
Modification of Spruce Lignans with Trametes hirsuta Laccase

Summary The effect of Trametes hirsuta laccase on isolated spruce wood lignans was evaluated. Lignans were isolated from the heartwood of spruce branches and treated with different laccase dosages and treatment times. The effect of the treatment was monitored by gas chromatography, size exclusion chromatography and ionization difference UV spectroscopy. Lignans were efficiently oxidized by T. hirsuta laccase. About half of the phenolic groups present in lignans remained intact during the treatment. The oxidation of phenolic groups in lignans produced oligomeric structures containing approximately 4–5 lignan units (i.e., 8–10 phenyl propane units). Precipitation of the formed oligomeric structures probably prevented further polymerization.
The effect of bird and bee visitation on pollination and reproductive success in Phormium tenax

Abstract To study how pollinator composition and abundance influence reproduction of Phormium tenax, we compared pollen deposition by bees and birds to unvisited flowers, and plant reproductive success and outcrossing rates in populations on island and mainland sites that vary in bird abundance. Bees deposited pollen on stigmas if stigmas were close to the anthers but deposited little pollen on stigmas of emasculated flowers, suggesting that they are largely depositing self pollen. Birds deposit pollen on both intact and emasculated flowers with well-exserted stigmas, suggesting they are depositing more outcross pollen. High frequencies of bird claw marks on inflorescences were associated with high fruit set, but not seed set. Seed set and seed outcrossing rates were positively correlated with the number of unique maternal allozyme genotypes in a population and seedlings also showed higher outcrossing rates than seeds, suggesting that genetic diversity, selfing and inbreeding depression limit reproductive success. These results highlight the interplay of pollination and breeding systems in determining plant reproductive success.
Heterotic performance and combining ability in a diallel cross among spring wheats (Triticum aestivum L.)

Levels of hybrid vigour for earliness, plant height, four components of yield, and yield were examined in the F1 generation of a diallel cross of eight cultivars of spring wheat. Kernel weight and kernels per spike exhibited high levels of heterosis effects. The analysis for general combining ability indicated that a large part of the total genetic variation observed for six out of seven traits was associated with genes which were additive in their effects. The estimates for specific combining ability were highly significant for five out of seven traits. These estimates were lower than those of general combining ability for six out of seven traits. The combining ability analysis helped in classifying the parents in terms of their hybrid performance and in gaining greater understanding of the nature of quantitatively inherited traits. The importance of genetic diversity in relation to heterosis was also assessed.
Meta-analysis of the impacts of water management on aquatic communities

Systematic meta-analyses were conducted on the ecological impacts of water management, including effects of (i) dewatering on macroinvertebrates, (ii) a hypolimnetic release on downstream aquatic fish and macro invertebrate communities, and (iii) flow modification on fluvial and habitat generalists. Our meta-analysis indicates, in general, that (i) macroinvertebrate abundance is lower in zones or areas that have been dewatered as a result of water fluctuations or low flows (overall effect size, –1.64; 95% confidence intervals (CIs), –2.51, –0.77), (ii) hypolimnetic draws are associated with reduced abundance of aquatic (fish and macroinvertebrates) communities (overall effect size, –0.84; 95% CIs, –1.38, –0.33) and macroinvertebrates (overall effect size, –0.73; 95% CIs, –1.24, –0.22) downstream of a dam, and (iii) altered flows are associated with reduced abundance of fluvial specialists (–0.42; 95% CIs, –0.81, –0.02) but not habitat generalists (overall effect size, –0.14; 95% CIs, –0.61, 0.32). Publica.
Environmental Stability of Oleic Acid Concentration in Seed Oil for Soybean Lines with FAD2‐1A and FAD2‐1B Mutant Genes

Elevating oleic acid in seed oil improves oxidative stability and is desirable for expanding edible and industrial uses of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ]. Soybean lines with up to 800 g kg –1 oleic acid concentration were developed by combining a recessive mutant allele at the FAD2-1A locus (Glyma10 g42470) with either of two different recessive mutant alleles at the FAD2-1B locus (Glyma20 g24530). However, oleic acid concentration for some higher oleic acid genotypes can be affected by growing conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of oleic acid concentration among 10 soybean lines with elevated oleic acid and eight checks with typical oleic acid levels over six environments. High oleic genotypes with genes combined from crossing M23 with the FAD2-1AΔ mutant and PI567189A with the FAD2-1B mutant I143T accumulated less oleic acid, and means for oleic acid concentration ranged from 551 to 729 g kg –1 across environments compared to 202 to 263 g kg –1 in the check cultivars. Signifi cant variation among environments indicated that genes from different sources can affect both concentration and stability of oleic acid of these soybean genotypes grown in different environments.