Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of supplement grain type and level of feeding on the milk production of early-lactation Holstein–Friesian cows grazing temperate and tropical pastures

Two experiments were undertaken to examine the effects of supplement grain type (barley v. maize) and level of feeding [4.5 v. 8.1 kg dry matter (DM)/cow.day] on the milk production, nutrient intake and rumen fermentation of cows grazing swards of biennial ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum cv. Concord), prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii cv. Matua) (expt 1) or kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum cv. Common) (expt 2). There were no interactions (P>0.05) between grain type and level of feeding (G × L) on milk production, liveweight change or condition score in either experiment. When the main effects were examined, feeding maize as opposed to barley resulted in higher milk protein concentrations (P = 0.001) in both experiments (2.96 v. 2.83% and 2.91 v. 2.71% for expts 1 and 2, respectively), higher milk fat concentration (P = 0.001; 3.85 v. 3.36%) and daily milk fat yield per cow (P = 0.029; 875 v. 791 g) in experiment 1, and higher daily yield (P = 0.004) of milk protein in experiment 2 (618 v. 578 g). In both experiments, feeding increased supplement resulted in higher (P 0.05) on pasture intake, neutral detergent fibre digestibility or rumen concentrations of ammonia or volatile fatty acids. There were G × L interactions on organic matter digestibility (P = 0.019) in experiment 1 and on starch digestibility (P = 0.003) in experiment 2, with cows fed 4.5 kg DM/day of barley having higher organic matter digestibility, and cows fed either level of barley having higher starch digestibility. In both experiments, feeding more supplement reduced (P>0.05) daily pasture intake per cow (13.3 v. 11.3 kg DM and 9.9 v. 8.3 kg DM for expts 1 and 2, respectively). Feeding barley rather than maize caused higher starch digestibility (P = 0.006) in experiment 1 (93.0 v. 89.8%), and higher organic matter digestibility (P = 0.021) and neutral detergent fibre digestibility (P = 0.009) in experiment 2 (70.8 v. 69.3% and 62.9 v. 59.7%, for organic matter digestibility and neutral detergent fibre digestibility, respectively). Feeding maize rather than barley reduced (P = 0.034) rumen molar proportion of butyrate (16.1 v. 17.6 mol %) in experiment 1. These experiments show that feeding supplements based on maize, as opposed to barley can: increase the milk fat concentration and yield of cows grazing temperate pastures; increase the milk protein yield of cows grazing tropical pastures; and increase the milk protein concentration of cows grazing either temperate or tropical pastures.
The Ecological Significance of the Submarine Discharge of Groundwater

Discharge of groundwater into the sea is widespread. Overlooking it may lead to serious misinterpretations of ecological data in studies of coastal pollution, of benthic zonation and productivity, and of the flux of dissolved substances within and between bottom sediments and over ly~ng water. Data are presented indicating that in the Perth region of Western Australia, submarine groundwater discharge delivers several times as much nltrate to coastal waters a s does river runoff.
A review of the biology linking fibre diameter with fleece weight, liveweight, and reproduction in Merino sheep

There is increasing economic pressure on the Merino industry to grow finer wool and at the same time to turn off more sheep meat. Fleece weight generally decreases with finer fibre diameters, so theoretically, finer wool sheep should be able to partition more nutrients to reproduction and muscle growth. However, complex and often indirect mechanisms appear to prevent this in practice. This review summarises the available data on genetic and phenotypic relationships between wool fibre diameter and fleece weight, liveweight, fatness, and reproductive performance, and develops mechanistic hypotheses for these relationships that could be tested experimentally. Selection for reduced fibre diameter may decrease liveweight, fatness, and reproductive performance. These characteristics are also affected by the availability of nutrients, and finer fibre diameter may affect nutrient metabolism through 2 adaptations that tend to maintain fleece weight: an increase in follicle density and/or an increase in relative fibre length. These act in different ways. Follicle density may affect final body size through linkages established during fetal development. Increased fibre growth rate requires an increase in protein synthesis rate in the skin, which in turn may affect whole-body protein turnover rate and the sensitivity of tissues to insulin. Other pathways potentially affected by fibre diameter include the control of feed intake, prenatal programming of insulin sensitivity, and a reduced responsiveness of tissues to nutrient supply. However, none of these mechanisms accounts for the reports of an increased proportion of dry ewes in fine wool sheep, particularly if run in environments that experience periods of low quality pasture. Although associations between fibre diameter and growth rate, fatness, and reproduction rate are repeatable, there are not yet enough data for such associations to be realistically accounted for in breeding goals. More experimentation and a better knowledge of the causative relationships will facilitate development of finer wool sheep for environments where sheep turnoff normally provides a significant proportion of income from the sheep enterprise. Such mechanistic understanding will facilitate the development of molecular techniques for targetted selection, and the identification of more useful attributes for a quantitative genetics approach to improving simultaneously the profitability from both wool and meat.
In Vitro Uptake and Subcellular Distribution of the Cardiotoxin [3H]Adriamycin in Mouse Ventricle Slices

Adriamycin (ADR) is a drug with relatively selective cardiotoxicity. The present study was designed to investigate its distribution into heart subcellular components and correlate such distribution with proposed loci of cardiotoxicity. Uptake of [3H]ADR by mouse ventricular slices was linear for 30 min and plateaued thereafter. The uptake was temperature dependent, being linear from 0° to 45°C. Uptake was also linear over an ADR concentration range of 0.59–8.85 times 10-4 M and increased with wet weight of tissue (25–110 mg). Preincubation with metabolic inhibitors (10-4 M; iodoacetamide and 2,4-dinitrophenol) or 100% N2 failed to affect uptake. Subcellular distribution studies demonstrated preferential localization in nuclei, mitochondria, microsome, and soluble fractions (dpm/μmg protein) in diminishing order, respectively. Therefore, the uptake of ADR by mouse ventricular slices does not involve an energy-dependent transport process and its subcellular localization corresponds with proposed loci of cardiotoxicity.
Evaluation of conjugated linoleic acid concentrations in cooked beef

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentrations in raw steaks (ribeye, round, T-bone, and sirloin) ranged between 3.1 and 8.5 mg of CLA/g of fat. Freshly cooked rare (60 o C) or well done (80 o C) ground beef patties (fried, baked, broiled, or microwaved) contained between 6.6 and 8.2 mg of CLA/g of fat. When CLA concentrations were compared on a milligrams of CLA per gram of fat basis, there were no significant differences in CLA among either cooking methods or degrees of doneness. When CLA concentrations were compared on a milligrams per 100 g of cooked meat basis, the 80 o C baked patties had the highest CLA concentration (152 mg/100 g of meat), while baked patties cooked to 60 o C contained the greatest concentration of CLA on a per patty basis (113 mg of CLA/patty)
Assessing photosynthesis by fluorescence imaging

This practical paper describes a novel fluorescence imaging experiment to study the three processes of photochemistry, fluorescence and thermal energy dissipation, which compete during the dissipation of excitation energy in photosynthesis. The technique represents a non-invasive tool for revealing and understanding the spatial heterogeneity in leaf performance caused by internal and external factors, such as development and abiotic stress. Fluorescence yield (F), effective PSII quantum yield (Y(II)) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) were analysed by fluorescence imaging in leaves of Avena sativa L. and two species of Brassica (B. fruticulosa and B. oleracea) plants during the first stages of plant development and under high illumination. In young leaves, F was 0.1 or less, Y(II) between 0.7 and 0.8 and NPQ less than 0.3, indicating that photochemical efficiency was high (70–80%) and that fluorescence emission (less than 10%) and heat dissipation (less than 30%) were low. As leaf age increased, differences were observed between species, indicating different development and senescence patterns in each. Avena sativa and B. fruticulosa (a wild species adapted to high light intensity in its natural habitat) showed greater tolerance to high illumination than B. oleracea (an agricultural species), which experienced photoinhibition caused by excessive light. This practical paper is intended for advanced students of plant biochemistry and plant physiology.
Effect evaluation on a medical device for drinking water filtration designed for reduction of microbial density in areas at risk

In areas at risk (hospitals, nursing homes) but in also in community such as schools, swimming pools, gyms, drinking water plumbing system can harbor also pathogenic microrganisms, potential vehicles of diseases because of structural factors and phenomena of microbial regrowth. In a setting of prevention, for limiting the exposure to pathogens in the environment and for minimizing the risk, at the point of use, specific disposable filter units could be installed. Aims. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness in retaining microrganisms of a medical devices installed at drinking water faucets. Materials and methods. One hundred and eighty samples of water were microbiologically analyzed. Natural heterotrophic microbial flora present in drinking water were analytically determined before and after the passage through the system. Contemporaneously, twenty four suspensions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli at known concentration were determined for the calculation of the limit of retention calculated taking into examination the worst cases associated with the highest microbial concentrations. Results. The investigation showed that the devices were both efficient at reducing the natural microbial load and at guaranteeing the removal of high concentration of microrganisms (till 5 log). Fifty-seven out of 90 samples analyzed for the heterotrophs did not show any growth after the drainage through the system. In the positive samples, 86% showed a microbial concentration ranging between 1 e 3 CFU/L. Progressive growing concentrations of P. aeruginosa and E. coli proved a high limit of retention: none growth was obtained till the concentrations of 1.3x1012 CFU/mL and 5.0x1013 CFU/mL, respectively. Conclusions. The data show that the filter units installed directly at the point of use can be helpful at guaranteeing reliable retention of microbes. Still, in order to obtain an appropriate operation of the device, in spite of both the ease of use and safety margin, it is necessary to implement an efficient and orderly activity of maintenance according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Effect of Elevated CO2 Concentration on Growth of Phleum pratense L. in Different Parts of the Growth Season

Abstract Seedlings of Phleum pratense L. (timothy) of the same age were grown in five sequential four-week periods during one growth season (May 5-September 23) at low (380 μmol mol−1) and high (650 μmol mol−1) CO2 concentration. The experiment was performed in 10 9 m2field plots surrounded by plastic foil walls (“field chambers”) in the relatively cool climate (10-13°C mean temperature) of the west coast of Norway (59°N latitude). Raising the CO2 concentration generally decreased the height of the grass (8-23%), especially at the beginning and end of the growth season The number of shoots was significantly increased (13-42%) by CO2enrichment in all growth periods except the last. Elevated CO2 did not influence the above-ground biomass (dry weight) in the first (May) and last (September) period, but increased it by 14-51% in the intervening periods (June-August). Positive effects of CO2 enrichment on plant biomass were correlated with positive effects on the number of shoots. Elevated CO2 concentrations r.
Grazing-Exclusion Effects on Aboveground Biomass and Water-Use Efficiency of Alpine Grasslands on the Northern Tibetan Plateau

Abstract The influences of grazing exclusion on plant species composition and intrinsic water-use efficiency (Wi) of alpine grasslands on the Northern Tibet Plateau are not well understood. We conducted a multisite transect field survey across the three main alpine ecosystems (meadow, steppe, and desert steppe) with nine pairs of grazing-excluded and adjacent open grazed pastures. Short-term grazing exclusion (started in 2006) did not result in significant changes in nutrients or bulk density of the surface soils (0–15 cm), but it slightly changed the aboveground biomass (AGB) and coverage at both community and species levels. Community foliar δ13C and Wi differed among alpine grassland types, with values for steppe being similar to those for meadow and with desert steppe values being higher than both of these. Foliar δ13C and inferred Wi differed among the dominant species and varied negatively with precipitation and positively with temperature in 2010. These results confirm that there is an environmentally selective effect on the replacement of dominant species. There was no evident difference in foliar δ13C or Wi between grazing-excluded and open grazed sites, but there was a slight increase of AGB and coverage in grazing-excluded sites compared to open grazed ones at the species and community levels. These results indicated that grazing exclusion may have no clear influence on the physiological processes related to foliar water usage at the species level, but may have a cumulative effect on the carbon–water balance at the community level. Slight changes in linear regressions of foliar δ13C and Wi plotted across climatic gradients indicated that grasslands under grazing management might be more sensitive to regional climatic changes.
A comparison of crown asymmetry between Piceaabies and Betulamaximowicziana

La plasticite morphologique qui se manifeste par l'asymetrie de la cime a ete comparee chez Picea abies (L.) Karst. et Betula maximowicziana Regel. Dans le but d'evaluer l'asymetrie de la cime en relation avec l'environnement local, un modele qui predit l'asymetrie de la cime a partir de la topographie et de la configuration des arbres voisins a ete applique aux donnees provenant d'une foret mixte d'Hokkaido dans le nord du Japon. En valeur absolue, B. maximowicziana avait une cime plus asymetrique que celle de P. abies. Cependant, l'asymetrie de la cime qui a ete observee chez les deux especes etait dans des proportions semblables fonction de l'environnement local. D'autres differences ont ete observees entre les deux especes. La cime de P. abies etait plus influencee par les arbres voisins que par la topographie tandis que la cime de B. maximowicziana etait plus influencee par la topographie que par les arbres voisins. La cime de P. abies etait surtout influencee par les arbres voisins plus gros tandis que la cime de B. maximowicziana etait aussi influencee par des arbres voisins relativement petits.
Gene expression profile, protein production, and functions of cryptocyanin during the crustacean molt cycle

Orchestration of the synthesis of a new exoskeleton and degradation of the old exoskeleton during molting requires precise programming. We have studied expression patterns of members of the hemocyanin gene family, hemocyanin, cryptocyanin, and phenoloxidase, in Cancer magister to better understand the molecular basis of the complex regulation and physiological transformations that occur during molting. Results of electrophoresis, immunohistology, in situ hybridization, and real-time qPCR studies on animals sampled across their molt cycles have established that cryptocyanin functions in forming the new exoskeleton. The protein is synthesized in the hepatopancreas, transported in the hemolymph and moved across the epithelium to the new exoskeleton. The presence of cryptocyanin and hemocyanin in oocytes, embryos and zoeas of multiple species indicates that cryptocyanin is available from the earliest onset of cuticle formation in development. Analysis by cDNA microarray supports our studies on hemolymph proteins hemocyanin and cryptocyanin, indicating that these genes are independently regulated. The cryptocyanin transcriptional patterns that change as a function of the molt cycle have also been reported in other species. Cryptocyanin, analogous to vertebrate serum albumin, may also participate as a carrier protein for hormones, divalent cations, or other molecules, as an effector of osmotic balance, and as part of the immune defense during premolt and early postmolt.
Efeitos de extrato de canela sobre os níveis de enzimas bioquímicos, e expressão de genes de TNF-α e NF-κB em fígado de frangos de corte inoculadas com Escherichia coli

Infeccao ocasionada por Escherichia coli (E. coli) e uma enfermidade comum na industria avicola. O uso de antibioticos para tratar doencas bacterianas vem enfrentando serias criticas e preocupacoes. As plantas medicinais podem ser alternativas eficazes por causa de suas atividades sinergicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos do extrato de canela sobre os niveis de as enzimas hepaticas bem como sobre a expressao dos genes relativos, fator de necrose tumoral-alfa (TNF-α) e fator nuclear -kappa B (NF-κB) em figado de frangos de corte infectados com E. coli. Noventa frangos Ross-308 foram divididos em grupos saudaveis ou infectados com E. coli, que receberam dietas controle ou com suplementacao contendo extrato de canela (em concentracoes de 100 ou 200 mg/kg de alimento). Suspensao de E. coli (108UFC) foi injetado por via subcutânea, apos 12 dias de administracao do extrato de canela. Setenta e duas horas apos a injecao de E. coli, amostras de sangue foram colhidas para analise bioquimica das enzimas do figado no soro (espectrofotometria), e amostras de tecido de figado foram obtidas para a determinacao da expressao de genes de marcadores inflamatorios TNF-α e NF-κB, atraves PCR em tempo real. A infeccao com E. coli aumentou significativamente os niveis de expressao dos genes TNF-α e NF-κB, assim como algumas enzimas hepaticas, incluindo creatina-quinase (CK), lactato-desidrogenase (LDH), alanina-transferase (ALT) e aspartato-transferase (AST), em comparacao com o grupo de controle (P<0.05). A pre-administracao do extrato de canela na dieta dos frangos (em ambas as concentracoes) reduziu significativamente os niveis de expressao tecidual de TNF-α e NF-kB, da mesma forma que das enzimas CK e ALT no soro de frangos infectados com E. coli, em comparacao com o grupos somente infectado com E. coli (P<0.05 e P<0.01). Os niveis de LDH e AST foram significativamente menores apenas para o grupo suplementado com extrato de canela na concentracao de 200mg/kg. O nivel de fosfatase alcalina (ALP) nao foi afetado em nenhum grupo. A pre-administracao do extrato de canela em racoes para frangos infectados com E. coli pode reduzir significativamente os niveis de mediadores pro-inflamatorios e as atividades das enzimas hepaticas, desse modo protegendo o figado contra esta condicao patologica.
Fish diversity in the upper Paraná River basin: habitats, fisheries, management and conservation

The Paraná River is the second longest river in South America and the tenth largest river in the world in water discharge. The upper stretches are characterized by high human occupation and intense anthropogenic activities, and few areas are still in pristine conditions. Despite this, fish diversity is remarkably high in the upper Paraná River basin, and the existence of different habitats greatly influences fish biodiversity. Although most species are sedentary, migratory species are considered the most important, since they have historically sustained commercial and recreational fisheries. Recently, stocks of migratory species have diminished in many rivers due to overfishing and habitat modifications caused by dams. Impoundments have a long history in the basin and constitute the main source of impacts for both sedentary and migratory fish species. Government agencies have implemented management actions to mitigate the effects of damming on fish populations, which included fish stocking (using native and non-native species), the construction of transposition mechanisms and fishery control. However, their efficacy for conservation has been severely questioned and, in many instances, these actions have produced negative outcomes to biodiversity. The lack of studies and monitoring programs contributed to the uncritical adoption of some dubious management actions. Inevitably, management plans directed to conserve fish biodiversity in the basin need urgent revision.
Muscleblind isoforms are functionally distinct and regulate α-actinin splicing

Abstract Drosophila Muscleblind (Mbl) proteins control terminal muscle and neural differentiation, but their molecular function has not been experimentally addressed. Such an analysis is relevant as the human Muscleblind-like homologs (MBNL1–3) are implicated in the pathogenesis of the inherited muscular developmental and degenerative disease myotonic dystrophy. The Drosophila muscleblind gene expresses four protein coding splice forms (mblA to mblD) that are differentially expressed during the Drosophila life cycle, and which vary markedly in their ability to rescue the embryonic lethal phenotype of muscleblind mutant flies. Analysis of muscleblind mutant embryos reveals misregulated alternative splicing of the transcripts encoding Z-band component α-Actinin, which can be replicated in human cells expressing a Drosophila α-actinin minigene and epitope-tagged Muscleblind isoforms. MblC appreciably altered α-actinin splicing in this assay, whereas other isoforms had only a marginal or no effect, demonstrating functional specialization among Muscleblind proteins. To further analyze the molecular basis of these differences, we studied the subcellular localization of Muscleblind isoforms. Consistent with the splicing assay results, MblB and MblC were enriched in the nucleus while MblA was predominantly cytoplasmic. In myotonic dystrophy, transcripts bearing expanded non-coding CUG or CCUG repeats interfere with the function of human MBNL proteins. Co-expression of CUG repeat RNA with the α-actinin minigene altered splicing compared with that seen in muscleblind mutant embryos, indicating that CUG repeat expansion RNA also interferes with Drosophila muscleblind function. Moreover MblA, B, and C co-localize with CUG repeat RNA in nuclear foci in cell culture. Our observations indicate that Muscleblind isoforms perform different functions in vivo, that MblC controls muscleblind-dependent alternative splicing events, and establish the functional conservation between Muscleblind and MBNL proteins both over a physiological target (α-actinin) and a pathogenic one (CUG repeats).