Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of simulated flight feather moult on esacpe take-off performance in starlings

We investigated the effects of the plumage changes associated with moult on the anti-predator take-off performance of European Starlings Sturnus vulgaris. By altering the plumage to simulate moult, we have isolated the biomechanical consequences of changes in wingform from the underlying physiological and metabolic changes that may occur during natural moult. Previous analyses of avian take-off performance have relied on descriptive observations of wingtip kinematics or dual measures of take-off speed and angle. We have developed a novel method using the energy gain per wingbeat as a measure of overall take-off performance. The advantages of this measure compared with previous approaches are that it summarises the potential trade-off between height gain and speed gain, and can be related directly to lift on the wings. Analysis of high speed (100 Hz) video tapes indicated that birds in simulated moult suffer a reduction in total energy produced during the second wingbeat of take-off, resulting in a slower take-off speed. This reduction in take-off performance is also associated with a marked change to the pattern of movement of the wingtip during flight; moult-manipulated birds appear to reverse the wingtip at the top of the downstroke although there is no associated change in wingbeat amplitude or duration. Birds appeared to be able to regain, in part, their flight performance within 6 days of the manipulations, as take-off speeds returned to pre-manipulation levels. This partial return to pre-manipulation flight performance was associated with an alteration in pattern of movement of the wingtip during take-off. The relevance of this adaptation to birds in natural moult is discussed. Any reduction in take-off performance is likely to influence directly individual behaviour and survival; hence the ability to quantify take-off in different species under a common currency is of general ecological importance and will enable predictions to be generated and tested concerning the effects of natural moult in wild birds.
Corrosion – Occurrence & Prevention

This is a brief review of the problem of corrosion, the menace and its remedy. Corrosion costs not millions but billions of dollars in damages to equipment, accidents, failures of equipment, bridges, pipelines etc. Corrosion is the caustic attack by a metal/alloy by agents such as rain, polluted air, sea water or aggressive chemical agents. The process of corrosion and various methods of prevention have been discussed.
Studies on the Bacteria Isolated from Wine:Part IV Distribution of the Growth Factor for a Bacterium Inducing Malo-lactic Fermentation

The growth factor for malo-lactic fermentation bacteria was partially purified from tomato juice, and some properties of the factor were examined. The factor was comparatively a low molecule, thermo-stable and insoluble in nonpolar organic solvents. The purified factor fraction showed positive reaction with Molisch-, tetrazolium- and Nessler-reagents, suggesting the existence of sugar and nitrogen as the chemical components. The treatment with cellobiase or cellulase-II resulted in the inactivation of the factor and simultaneously released the sugar constituent composed of glucose from the factor. These results indicated that the glucose residue might exist as the β-1,4-glucosidic linkage in the growth factor.
Recovery dynamics of secondary forests with different disturbance inten- sity in the Gutianshan National Nature Reserve

Understanding the underlying processes of secondary forest recovery after disturbances such as logging is essential for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem rehabilitation. We surveyed 12 forest plots (1 ha in size) with different extents of anthropogenic disturbances in the Gutianshan National Nature Reserve and explored the community dynamics of secondary forest recovery by applying multivariate statistical analysis. We found significant differences in community composition among various recovery phases, whereas high similarities of community composition were observed within the same recovery phase. No significant difference in species richness was observed among recovery stages, but species richness tended to increase during the recovery process. Species evenness in Chinese fir forests was relatively low whereas no significant difference occurred in other forests. The main differences in community composition and species diversity were found in the canopy layer. Respective indicator species were found in shrubs and regeneration layers during different recovery phases. The most representative indicator species were deciduous shrubs or heliophilous trees for plantation forests of Chinese fir, evergreen shrubs or small trees for young secondary forests, sub-canopy evergreen trees for old secondary forests, and canopy species for old-growth forests, respectively. Overall, species diversity recovered rigorously. Also the life-form composition of saplings in the same recovery phase presented consistent trends in spite of complex and unpredictable changes in species composition during the recovery process.
Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Compilation Server

Modern JVM implementations interleave execution with compilation of “hot” methods to achieve reasonable performance. Since compilation overhead impacts the execution time of the application and induces run-time pauses, we explore offloading compilation onto a compilation server. In this paper, we present the design, implementation, and evaluation of compilation server which compiles and optimizes Java bytecodes on behalf of its clients. We show that the compilation server provides the following benefits: (i) lower execution and pause times of the benchmark application due to reducing the overhead of optimization; (ii) lower memory consumption of the client by eliminating allocations due to optimizing compilation and footprint of the optimizing compiler; (iii) lower execution time of the application due to sharing of profile information across different runs of the same application and runs of different applications. We implemented compilation server in Jikes RVM, and our results indicate that it can reduce run time by an average of 20.5%, pause times by an average of 81.0%, and dynamic memory allocation by 8.6% for our benchmark programs. Our simulation results indicate that our current implementation of compilation server is able to handle more than 50 concurrent clients while still allowing them to outperform best performing adaptive configuration.
A MAXIMUM ENTROPY APPROACH TO WAVE PROPAGATION IN STOCHASTIC HETEROGENEOUS MATERIALS

The effective response of stochastic heterogeneous media is affected by the randomness of phase geometry as well as by the randomness of phase material constants and volume concentrations. The paper presents a theoretical framework, which accounts for both of the above effects with the help of the stochastic Hashin-Shtrikman bounds and associated bounds for wave velocity, without any appeal to a correlation function of the microstructure. For evaluation of relevant probability density functions, the paper makes use of the principle of maximum entropy, which allows for account of inherent uncertainties.
Genotypic differences in effects of short episodes of high-temperature stress during reproductive development in sorghum

Recent studies on sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] showed that episodes of high-temperature stress around anthesis could adversely affect grain yield via effects on pollen germination with varying responses among genotypes. The objectives of this study were to determine the reproductive development phase most sensitive to heat stress and to determine whether genotypic differences in high-temperature tolerance were associated with differences in either cardinal temperatures for pollen germination, the duration of the period of sensitivity to high temperatures, or the extent of the response to high temperature per se. To determine cardinal temperatures, pollen from six genotypes, differing in high-temperature tolerance, was incubated on a gradient plate at temperatures between 10 and 40°C. To identify the critical period of high temperature sensitivity, plants of two genotypes with contrasting high-temperature tolerance were grown under optimum (31 vs. 21°C) and high (38 vs. 21°C) day vs. night temperatures, with selected plants reciprocally transferred between the two temperatures for 5-d periods from just before flag leaf full expansion until 20 d thereafter. Pollen germination, seed set, and grain yield were most sensitive to high temperatures immediately around anthesis. Effects on seed mass were smaller and independent of seed set. Genotypes differed in the magnitude of the response to high temperatures, rather than in the duration of the critical period, and the adverse effect of high temperatures increased with duration of exposure during this critical period. These differences were not associated with cardinal temperatures for pollen germination. These results could assist in identifying selection targets for crop improvement programs.
Production of bite‐block vowels: Acoustic equivalence by selective compensation

Acoustic and articulatory data are reported for steady state vowels produced both normally and with a bite block. The formant patterns of the bite‐block vowels were found to approximate those of the naturally spoken vowels. Measurements derived from lateral view still x‐ray films showed that the bite blocks induce drastic articulatory reorganization. Using a mandibular frame of reference, we found that speakers compensated for a large bite block by using supershapes of the tongue and the lips (for [u] and [o]). Comparing the two productions using a maxillary frame of reference, we noted that compensation was maximum at the points of maximum constriction and incomplete or partial at points where the vocal‐tract area was large. A computer simulation of our speakers’ compensatory strategy revealed that they behaved optimally according to acoustic theory. These findings suggest that a vowel target is coded neurophysiologically in terms of acoustically significant area‐function information, specifically, by information related to cavity configuration at points of maximum constriction.
Temperature-Induced Shift in Foraging Ability in Two Fish Species, Roach (Rutilus rutilus) and Perch (Perca fluviatilis): Implications for Coexistence between Poikilotherms

(1) The effects of temperature on capture probability, attack coefficient (or instantaneous search rate), handling time, swimming speed and capture rate of two fish species, roach (Rutilus rutilus) and perch (Percafluviatilis), were studied in the laboratory. (2) The attack coefficient increased exponentially for both species. Handling time decreased asymptotically with temperature for perch and in a sigmoid way for roach. Roach had a longer handling time and lower capture rate than perch at low temperatures (12-18 ? C), while the reverse was the case at high temperatures (18-21 ? C). The results suggest a shift in the species having the highest competitive ability at a temperature around 18 ? C. The increased capture rate and decreased handling time of roach at high temperatures was attributable to an increase in swimming speed and capture success. (3) The temperature region (17-19 ? C) within which capture rate and handling time intersected for perch and roach in the laboratory study was compared with the vertical distribution of the species in thermally stratified lakes. A high correspondence between the predictions from the laboratory data and the actual field distribution of the species was found. (4) It is argued that including temperature in foraging models will improve both the predictions of prey selection and of resource partitioning in poikilothermic animals. Temperature may also mediate coexistence between poikilotherms in environments in which temperature varies spatially and temporally.
The importance of feedback processes and vegetation transition in the terrestrial carbon cycle

The Integrated Model to Assess the Greenhouse Effect (IMAGE 2) is developed to simulate dynamically the global society-biosphere-climate system. The terrestrial C cycle model is an important component of this model. It is implemented on a grid, runs on a annual time step and simulates the major C fluxes between the atmosphere and the biosphere and controls the storage capacity of C in different compartments. The C fluxes are influenced by the direct and indirect response of ecosystems to changing atmospheric CO2 concentrations and climates. Each ecosystem is characterized by its NPP, which depends on environmental conditions. Incorporation of grid cell specific feedback processes is an innovation in this model. Implemented feedback processes are CO2 fertilization, effects of climate change on photosynthesis, plant respiration and decomposition and shifts in vegetation patterns due to climate change and changes in water use efficiency. This paper presents an evaluation of the importance of feedback processes on global and regional scales. Tempera- ture feedback on plant growth is the most important feedback process at the global scale, while CO2 fertilization is of lesser importance. However, CO2 fertilization is the most significant feedback in low latitudes, while temperature change most strongly influences the C cycle in the high latitudes. The C dynamics of land cover change, including feedbacks, depend on characteristics of the former and actual land cover type. The shifts in land cover are parameterized so that they mimic succession. The course and duration of the transitional phase strongly affect the C fluxes. We applied both an equilibrium approach with instantaneous transitions and dy- namic approaches with gradual type-dependent transitions. Transitions in natural vegetation between 1990 and 2050 involve about one-third of all grid cells, especially in the higher latitudes. The impact of vegetation transitions on C fluxes differs depending on the instantaneous or gradual tran- sition strategy. The latter results in higher and delayed NEP fluxes, resulting in significantly different atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The dynamic approach is more realistic and should be included in integrated assessment models that project future atmospheric CO2 levels.
The Effect of Breakfast Macronutrient Composition in Children Ages 7-17 Years Old as a Potential Method to Combat Childhood Obesity

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity is an ongoing concern. Currently, approximately 20% of children in the United States are obese. While obesity was once regarded merely as excessive adiposity within the body, it is has emerged as a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Obesity is multifactorial in nature. Weight gain can result from an energy imbalance in the body due to excess energy intake (calories in) and decreased energy expenditure (calories out). Identifying methods to combat obesity is essential. Nutritional intervention may be a strategy to help regulate energy balance and fight obesity. The benefits of high protein diets on body composition, energy expenditure, appetite and markers or metabolic health have been well studied in adults. In addition, there is evidence that supports regular breakfast intake is an important component in limiting the risk of developing obesity and other subsequent healthrelated diseases. However, over time, there has been a decline in the consumption of breakfast and the effects of higher protein intake, specifically at breakfast, in children is lesser known. Therefore, the objective of this thesis was to determine the effect that a higher protein breakfast consumption for 6-weeks can have on energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, appetite, and markers of metabolic health in normal weight and overweight children ages 7-17 years old. ©2020 by Angela M. Tacinelli All Rights Reserved
Improved Assays for a Variety of Interferons

Summary Improved assays for a variety of interferons, based on the inhibition of yield of viral hemagglutinin, have been developed. These assays are advantageous because they combine the characteristics of rapidity, simplicity, reliability, sensitivity and inhibition of viral multiplication during a single cycle of growth. Since Sindbis virus produces hemagglutinin in a wide variety of animal cells, it is applicable for comparative interferon studies.
Polymorphisms of human immunoglobulins: Gm, Am, Em and Km allotypes.

Abstract A brief review of the polymorphisms of human immunoglobulins (Ig) is presented here as the introductory paper of this special issue on Ig allotypes. The different allelic forms of the Ig genes for the heavy chains of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgA2 and IgE and for the kappa light chains, which give rise to the G1m, G2m, G3m, A2m, Em and Km allotypes, respectively, are discussed. Until now, 24 allotypes have been described and confirmed by other investigators: 4 G1m, 1 G2m, 13 G3m, 2 A2m, 1 Em and 3 Km allotypes. The alleles of the heavy chain genes are inherited in haplotypes because these genes are located close to each other on chromosome 14. The variations in haplotype frequencies in different populations and the occurrence of isoallotypes in IgG and IgA subclasses are discussed. Applications of Ig allotyping and new developments in this field are mentioned with reference to the other papers in this issue.
Folate receptor: a potential target in ovarian cancer

Abstract Ovarian cancer is the most frequent cause of gynecological cancer-related death. Unfortunately, many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and have a poor prognosis. The standard treatment for advanced disease involves maximal cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy based on platinum compounds and taxanes. Patients presenting at an advanced stage have a higher risk of recurrence. The development of drug resistance currently represents a major obstacle in the systematic treatment and, therefore, the discovery of new anticancer agents and approaches should improve the poor prognosis of these patients. Folate receptor α is overexpressed in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), but has limited expression in nonmalignant human tissues. The degree of folate receptor expression corresponds with the stage and grade of the disease. Because of this, folate receptor α seems to be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Currently, several approaches have been studied to target this protein in ovarian cancer treatment. This review summarizes current knowledge about the potential usage of folate receptors as prognostic and predictive biomarkers as well as their role in the management and targeted therapy of ovarian cancer.
The Influence of Precipitation on Reproduction by Myotis Bats in British Columbia

-We compared the timing of reproduction by insectivorous bats in 1990, a wet year, with previously published data to test the prediction that reproduction is delayed by excess precipitation. The latest date of first capture of lactating, postlactating and juvenile bats occurred in 1990, whereas the earliest records for lactating females occurred in the driest year (1979). More important, the proportion of reproductive female Myotis lucifugus and M. yumanensis was significantly lower in 1990 than 1982. We conclude that high levels of precipitation delays reproduction and may induce some individuals to forego breeding altogether. Given the potential lifespan of temperate bats, this may be the best way of maximizing lifetime reproductive success.
Effects of Pine Bark Extract on Lipid Metabolism in Rats

血中総コレステロール (TC) およびLDLコレステロール (LDL-C) が上昇すると動脈硬化などの疾病リスクが高まるが, ポリフェノールの摂取によって脂質代謝が改善し, 疾病リスクが低下することが知られている。 松樹皮抽出物はポリフェノールを豊富に含むのが特徴であり, 血中や肝臓中のTCおよびLDL-Cを低下させる効果が期待されている。 そこで, 松樹皮抽出物を用いて高コレステロール食を与えたラットにおける血漿のTCに及ぼす影響を検討した。 ラットに, それぞれ普通飼料, 高コレステロール飼料, 松樹皮抽出物添加高コレステロール飼料 (0.02%, 0.2%, 2%添加) を与え, 摂取期間中の血中TC, HDLコレステロール (HDL-C), 中性脂肪 (TG), およびリン脂質を測定した。 同時に, 肝臓中のTCおよびTG, 糞便中のコレステロールおよび総胆汁酸 (TBA) を測定した。 その結果, 松樹皮抽出物を添加した高コレステロール飼料を与えたラットにおいて, 血漿のTCは低下し, HDLCは増加した。 さらに, 肝臓中のTCは低下することが確認された。 糞便中のコレステロールおよびTBAも同様に増加しており, 松樹皮抽出物の摂取によりコレステロールおよびTBAの排泄が促進されたのではないかと考えられる。 これらの結果より, 松樹皮抽出物は高コレステロール飼料の摂取時において血中および肝臓中のコンステロール低下作用をもつことが明らかとなった。
Protein and Fat Metabolism in Hibernating Bears

Hibernation in the bear (Ursus americanus) is unique in that it is continuous for 3 to 7 months and occurs at near normal body temperature, yet the bear does not eat, drink, urinate, or defecate. During hibernation there is no loss of lean body mass because amino acids enter protein synthetic pathways at increased rates producing reciprocal decreases in entry into the urea cycle. The urea that is formed is hydrolyzed and the nitrogen released is combined with glycerol to form amino acids, which reenter protein synthetic pathways. Body fat supplies the substrate for metabolism (400 kilocalories/day). Ketosis does not occur. Metabolic water is sufficient to maintain normal hydration. About 100 ml of urine is filtered daily by the kidneys but the baldder wall transports water and solute back into blood at a rate about equal to their entry into the bladder. The bear cannot duplicate its winter adaptation in summer when housed in the cold and dark. During hibernation the bear shows hypothalamic hypothyroidism and increased testosterone production. These changes appear necessary for developing the selective states of anabolism and catabolism found in the hibernating bear.
Methionine Hydroxy Analog Supplementation to Increase Feed Utilization for Indigenous Sheep

In the tropical area, productivity of ruminant has not optimized caused by the low quality of nutrition that leads to low-efficiency metabolism at the level of ruminal fermentation, post rumen digestibility, and intermediary metabolism. The study aimed to analyze effect of methionine hydroxy analog (MHA) on ruminal fermentation profiles of indigenous sheep specifically in the increase of ruminant productivity. In vitro utility test was conducted using rumen fluid of the indigenous sheep and sample of rational ration having a proportion of grass and concentrate 30%:70%, dry matter basis. The treatments implemented were three levels of MHA supplementation; T0: 0 g/day, T1: 3 g/day, and T2: 6 g/day. Variables measured were dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), production of VFA, NH3, as well as total protein, and molar proportion of partial VFA of rumen fluid. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a completely randomized design (CRD). The 0.2% MHA supplementation increased OMD with the highest production of total protein was from 28.57 mg/g (T0) to 40.49 mg/g (T2) (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the lowest ratio of acetate : propionate was from 2.74 (T0) to 2.33 (T2) (P<0.05). Supplementation of MHA up to 6 g/day concentrate increased the performance of fermentation and/or feed utility.
Production management systems for one-of-a-kind products

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