Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary study of lactic acid production from inulin hydrolysates using Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5

Lactic acid is widely used in the chemical industry, food industry, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The main objective of the present work was chemical and enzymatic inulin hydrolysis from inulin rich feedstock (dahlia and Jerusalem artichoke) followed by hydrolysates fermentation to lactic acid using Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5. Chemical hydrolysis of Jerusalem artichoke and dahlia flour was performed with concentrated H2SO4 for one hour at 100°C at different pH of the medium, and the amount of reducing sugars obtained varied between 0.10 to 0.51 g fructose/g dry weight flour for Jerusalem artichoke and between 0.099 to 0.448 g fructose/g dry weight flour for dahlia. The enzymatic hydrolysis was performed by varying the substrate concentration and the pH, and the amount of reducing sugars produced was between 0.439 to 0.56 g fructose/g dry weight flour for Jerusalem artichoke and between 0.435 to 0.522 g fructose/g dry weight flour for dahlia flour. The hydrolyzed substrates were then fermented with a commercial culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 for 96 hours. Lactic acid production was monitored and recorded every 24 hours, measuring the pH and total acidity of the samples. The obtained results were then analyzed using Principal Component Analysis. An optimum number of 4 principal components are enough to explain 87.1% of data variation for calibration and 69.8% for validation. PC-1 is given by the acidity evolution, correlated with pH drop during fermentation. The lactic acid accumulation was maximum in the third day of fermentation (after 48 hours) for both dahlia and Jerusalem artichoke.
Feature extraction for hyperspectral image classification: a review

ABSTRACT Hyperspectral image sensors capture surface reflectance over a range of wavelengths. The fine spectral information is recorded in terms of hundreds of bands. Hyperspectral image classification has observed a great interest among researchers in remote sensing community. High dimensionality provides rich spectral information for the classification process. But due to dense sampling, some of the bands may contain redundant information. Sometimes, spectral information alone may not be sufficient to obtain desired accuracy of results. Therefore, often spatial and spectral information is integrated for better accuracy. However, unlike spectral information, the spatial information is not directly available with the image. Additional efforts are needed to extract spatial information. Feature extraction is an important step in a classification framework. It has following major objectives: redundancy reduction, dimensionality reduction (usually but not always), enhancing discriminative information, and modelling of spatial features. The spectral feature extraction process transforms the original data to a new space of a different dimension, enhancing the class separability without significant loss of information. Various mathematical techniques are applied for modelling spatial features based on pixel spatial neighbourhood relations. In this paper, a review of the major feature extraction techniques is presented. Experimental results are presented for two benchmark hyperspectral images to evaluate different feature extraction techniques for various parameters.
Paternal care in captive collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx richardsoni) and its effect on development of the offspring

We examined parental care in captive collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx richardsoni) to determine how this behavior differed between sexes and to test the hypothesis that presence of the male with the litter from parturition to weaning (17 d) would affect preweaning rates of growth, behavioral development, and body size and aggression at sexual maturity. Also, we tested whether stressing the litter, by removal of the female for 8 h/d, would alter the effect of the male on the development of pups. We compared four treatments: pups raised with mother only, pups raised with both parents, stressed pups raised with mother only, and stressed pups raised with both parents. Parental behavior was recorded from parturition to weaning. Preweaning development of pups was measured by rate of weight gain, age of eye opening, and development of thermoregulation and righting ability. Comparisons were made between stressed and unstressed litters raised with or without the sire. At 25 d, pups were weighed again and isolated, a.
Realistic and Robust Reproducible Research for Biostatistics

The complexity of analysis pipelines in biomedical sciences poses a severe challenge for the transparency and reproducibility of results. Researchers are increasingly incorporating software development technologies and methods into their analyses, but this is a quickly evolving landscape and teams may lack the capabilities to set up their own complex IT infrastructure to aid reproducibility. Basing a reproducible research strategy on readily available solutions with zero or low set-up costs whilst maintaining technological flexibility to incorporate domain-specific software tools is therefore of key importance. We outline a practical approach for robust reproducibility of analysis results. In our examples, we rely exclusively on established open-source tools and free services. Special emphasis is put on the integration of these tools with best practices from software development and free online services for the biostatistics domain.
Thermoregulatory Mechanisms Used in a Maternity Colony Of Townsend's Big-Eared Bats in Northeastern Oregon

Abstract As natural roosts of Big-ear Bats (Corynorhinus townsendii ssp.) are threatened or disappear, artificial roosts offering an acceptable microclimate may become an important component of the conservation strategy for this species. To determine how microclimate affects roosting behavior, I studied the responses of a maternity colony of Townsend's Big-eared Bats (C. t. townsendii) to varying temperature and humidity conditions in an attic roost. I constructed matrices of ambient temperature (Ta) and humidity from data logger recordings. I used a thermal imaging system to image the colony at 4 times on each of 4 days during the lactation period, recording size and location of each cluster or solitary individual. Clustering where it was warmest and apparent vasoconstriction of blood vessels in the ears were used to reduce heat loss at low Ta. Reduced clustering, movement to cooler locations, apparent vasodilation of blood vessels in the ears, and increased resting were used to increase heat dissipation at high Ta. The mechanisms used at both low Ta and high Ta probably also reduced metabolic rate and heat production. Humidity did not appear to affect cluster size and location. These results suggest that large, open-room structures offering a range of Ta and enough space for bats to spread apart would be important characteristics of artificial roosts for maternity colonies of C. t. townsendii.
Assessment and Modification of General Criminal Attitudes Among Men Who Have Sexually Offended

General criminal attitudes have been well established as a dynamic risk factor for the origin, maintenance, and continuation of criminal behavior. Guided by the risk–need–responsivity (RNR) framework, this study examined self-reported change on a measure of general criminal attitudes in a sample of incarcerated men who participated in a sexual offense treatment program. Participants were administered the original version of the Criminal Sentiments Scale (CSS) and other measures at pretreatment and posttreatment and followed up in the community an average 14 years post-release. The results demonstrated that CSS total and subscale scores predicted general and violent recidivism, showed convergence with actuarial measures of criminogenic need, and had clinically meaningful associations with responsivity considerations. Pre–post changes on the CSS were associated with decreased general and violent recidivism controlling for pretreatment score and baseline risk. Implications for forensic assessment and correctional intervention are discussed.
Ecological interactions of the microparasite Caullerya mesnili and its host Daphnia galeata

It has been repeatedly suggested that parasites play an important role in the ecology and evolution of Daphnia populations; however, little is known about Daphnia—parasite interactions in lakes with vertebrate predation on Daphnia. Between September 1997 and April 1998, an epidemic of the protist parasite Caullerya mesnili in Daphnia galeata and Daphnia hyalina occurred in Lake Constance (Germany), infecting up to 50% of all individuals. Using laboratory experiments, we investigated the epidemiological interactions between this parasite and its host D. galeata at the individual and the population level. C. mesnili was found to be transmitted directly and horizontally through waterborne infection stages. Transmission of the parasite was dependent on the host density, and all life stages of female D. galeata were susceptible to infection. In a life table experiment at low and high food levels, the life expectancy and fecundity of infected D. galeata were dramatically reduced at both food levels as compared to the uninfected controls. Additionally, we found a significant interaction between infection and food level, indicating a stronger parasitic effect in well‐fed hosts. To test the effects of the parasite at the population level, we compared the size of D. galeata populations infected with C. mesnili with the size of parasite‐free microcosm populations. The population size of infected D. galeata was significantly lower than that of uninfected populations after 4 weeks. In all four infected replicate populations, the parasite drove the host population to extinction.
Quantitative Trait Loci for Leaf Angle, Leaf Width, Leaf Length, and Plant Height in a maize (Zea mays L) B73 × Mo17 population

Morphological traits affecting the canopy architecture of maize (Zea mays L) in high density cultivation can affect productivity. To identify quantitative trait loci affecting some of these traits, including leaf angle, leaf width, leaf length, and plant height, I analyzed these traits in the intermated B73 × Mo17 recombinant inbred line population, IBM-94, a maize population that other researchers developed for genetic studies by the scientific community. I collected data for the traits in replicated trials of IBM-94 grown in 2007, 2008, and 2009 at Sioux Falls, SD, USA. Means ± standard errors were for leaf angle = 26 ± 2.6°, leaf width = 91.0 ± 2.95 mm, leaf length 764.6 ± 20.76 mm, plant height = 2231.3 ± 101.24 mm. There was significant (a = 0.01) genotypic variation for each trait. Herita¬bility for height = 74.5%, leaf width = 86.2%, leaf length = 85.3%, and leaf angle = 90.5%. Phenotype data were combined with genetic maps and molecular marker haplotypes from the Maize Genetics and Genomics Database to analyze for quantitative trait loci by composite interval mapping using PLABMQTL computer software. One to three quantitative trait loci with logarithm of odds equivalent to a = 0.05 were identified for each trait. Three quanti¬tative trait loci were identified for leaf angle on chromosomes 1, 5, and 9, two for leaf width on chromosomes 2 and 8, one for leaf length on chromosome 2, and one for plant height on chromosome 4. Regression models explained 27.1% of leaf angle, 25.0% of leaf width, 9.1% of leaf length, and 8.4% of plant height variation.
L‐Carnitine metabolism, protein turnover and energy expenditure in supplemented and exercised Labrador Retrievers

Abstract L‐Carnitine is critical for protection against bioaccumulation, long‐chain fatty acid transportation and energy production. Energy production becomes important as the body maintains lean mass, repairs muscles and recovers from oxidative stress. The aim was to investigate the effects of supplemented L‐carnitine on protein turnover (PT), energy expenditure (EE) and carnitine metabolism in muscle/serum of Labrador Retrievers. In a series of experiments, all dogs were fed a low‐carnitine diet and sorted into one of two groups: L‐carnitine (LC) supplemented daily with 125 mg L‐carnitine and 3.75 g sucrose or placebo (P) supplemented with 4 g sucrose daily. The experiments consisted of analyses of muscle/serum for L‐carnitine content (EXP1), a protein turnover experiment (EXP2) and analysis of substrate utilization via indirect calorimetry (EXP3). EXP1: 20 Labradors (10 M/10 F) performed a 13 week running regimen. L‐Carnitine content was analysed in the serum and biceps femoris muscle before/after a 24.1 km run. LC serum had higher total (p < .001; p = .001), free (p < .001; p = .001) and esterified (p = .001; p = .003) L‐carnitine pre‐ and post‐run respectively. LC muscle had significantly higher free L‐carnitine post‐run (p = .034). EXP2: 26 Labs (13 M/13 F) performed a 60‐day running regimen. For the final run, half of the Labradors from each treatment rested and half ran 24.1 km. Twenty‐four Labradors received isotope infusion, and then, a biopsy of the biceps femoris of all 26 Labradors was taken to determine PT. Resting/exercised LC had a lower fractional breakdown rate (FBR) versus P group (p = .042). LC females had a lower FBR v. P females (p = .046). EXP3: Respiration of 16 Labradors (8 M/8 F) was measured via indirect calorimetry over 15 week. All dogs ran on a treadmill for 30 min at 30% VO2 max (6.5 kph), resulting in higher maximum and mean EE in LC females v. P females (p = .021; p = .035). Implications for theory, practice and future research are discussed.
The Invasive Potential of Chinese Tallow-tree (Sapium sebiferum Roxb.) in the Southeast

A native of eastern Asia, in the same latitudes as the southeastern United States, the Tallow-tree (or popcorn-tree) has long been a popular landscaping choice in this region, for its brilliant fall color, distinctive seed capsules, and easy care as an ornamental. It is shade-, sun-, drought-, flood-, freeze, and salt-tolerant, as shown in recent experiments. These and other characters, such as its adaptability to a wide range of soils and its ease of dispersal via birds, water, and humans, suggest that this introduced species has a high risk potential as an invasive plant outside of cultivation. Surveys conducted by Florida's Department of Environmental Protection demonstrate the increased spread of Tallow into disturbed and undisturbed, upland and wetland sites, with one large wetland site south of Gainesville, Florida having more than 10,000 Sapium trees that have become naturalized. Over half (57 %) of Florida's counties now have naturalized populations of the tree. Current options for control of this hardy plant are also provided.
Dual Radial Set

Set-typed data visualizations require novel interactive representations, especially when visualizing multiple set-typed data attributes. The challenge is how to effectively analyze relations between data elements from different set-typed attributes. We build on Radial Set view to support simultaneous visualization of two set-typed attributes. The main contributions include: Dual Radial Set view that supports simultaneous visualization of two groups of sets; an extension of Radial Set view that can display empty sets; and two new view conﬁgurations, the equal sector size and the relative-size scaled sectors. The two new view conﬁgurations also can be applied to the original Radial Set view. We conducted an informal evaluation using a movies data set as a case study. The evaluation results demonstrate the advantages of the proposed approach.
Effects of Spring Body Condition and Age on Reproduction in Mallards (Anas Platyrhynchos)

Abstract We explored predictive models relating body condition and age to nesting propensity, timing of nest initiation, clutch size of first nests, aggregated nest survival, hatching success, and timing of hatch in Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). Nesting propensity had a positive linear relationship with body condition, and second-year (SY) females had a lower probability of nesting than after-second-year (ASY) females (84% and 94%, respectively, at average body condition). Females in better body condition initiated nesting ∼15 days earlier than those in poor condition, and SY females nested ∼4 days later than ASY females at average body condition. Clutch size of first nests exhibited a curvilinear decline with body condition, such that large clutches were characteristic of females in the best condition that nested early. Nest survival and hatching probability were unaffected by body condition. Younger females had somewhat lower nest survival (11%) than older females (14%), which, in combination with renesting effort, resulted in an age difference in hatching probability (22% and 33%, respectively). Females in better condition hatched nests ∼15 days earlier than those in poor condition, and SY females hatched nests ∼4 days later, on average, than ASY females. Our results indicate that factors influencing the body condition of female Mallards arriving on breeding areas could influence subsequent reproductive investment and success. Condition effects are primarily through the mechanisms of nesting propensity, clutch size, and timing of nest initiation and hatch. Additionally, we provide evidence that Mallards in their first breeding season have lower reproductive potential than older females.
Antisense suppression of the lignin biosynthetic enzyme, caffeate O-methyltransferase, improves in vitro digestibility of the tropical pasture legume, Stylosanthes humilis

The high lignin content of tropical forage plants reduces digestibility and voluntary feed intake by ruminants. We have used antisense technology to suppress caffeate O-methyltransferase (COMT EC, 2.1.1.68), a lignin biosynthetic enzyme in the tropical forage legume, Stylosanthes humilis Kunth. Plants were transformed using a Ti binary vector containing an antisense COMT construct under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter. From 50 transgenic plants, five were selected on the basis of normal morphology, high levels of antisense gene expression and altered lignin histochemistry. No plants with altered lignin were observed in a population of 20 transgenic plants derived using a binary vector that lacked the COMT cDNA insert. The progeny of lignin-altered plants were analysed for COMT enzyme activity and lignin histochemistry. A variety of COMT and lignin phenotypes was observed. In several T1 plants, COMT activity was specifically suppressed by more than 95% compared to controls. In these plants, expression of antisense mRNA was high while sense mRNA could not be detected on northern blots. The overall lignin content of these plants was unchanged but histochemical tests showed abnormally low levels of the syringyl component, mimicking the pattern of young tissue. Digestibility of these transgenic plants was assessed by incubation of stem material with rumen fluid and acid pepsin in vitro. The digestibility of the antisense material was increased dramatically compared to that of equivalent samples from control transformed plants (72 vs 62%).
Virus-like particles in hyphae and conidia of European hypovirulent (dsRNA-containing) strains of Cryphonectria parasitica.

Hyphae and germinating conidia of European hypovirulent (dsRNA-containing) Cryphonectria parasitica strain Ep-50 and virulent (dsRNA-free) strain Ep-67 (isogenic derivative from Ep-50), and hyphae only of European hypovirulent (dsRNA-containing) strains Ep-4 and Euro-7 were freeze-substituted and examined for the presence of virus-like particles (VLPs) using transmission electron microscopy. Spherical, membrane-bounded VLPs, measuring 50–90 nm in diameter, were located in hyphae and conidia of hypovirulent strain Ep-50, but not virulent strain Ep-67. Hyphae of hypovirulent strains Ep-4 and Euro-7 contained VLPs similar to those found in Ep-50. The VLPs occurred in aggregates surrounded by rough endoplasmic reticulum or more rarely, scattered throughout the cytoplasm; most possessed an electron-dense core. Results of Bernhard's regressive staining technique and lipid extraction cytochemistry suggested that the particles consisted of RNA surrounded by a lipid membrane. A unique Golgi body was associated wit.
Assessment on speed and amplitude of elastic wave propagation in square-packed circular honeycombs

In contrast to the dynamic response characteristics, few propagation characteristics of elastic waves have been described on cellular materials, to date. In view of the development trend of emerging metamaterials on multi-functional, detailed characterization of elastic wave in honeycombs becomes an important task in order to assess their performances. This study investigates the propagation characteristics of elastic wave in square-packed circular honeycombs through combining theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. We also establish a one-dimensional circular chain model to discuss the influence mechanism of impact velocities, material parameters, and structural parameters on the elastic wave propagation characteristics in square-packed circular honeycombs. The influence relations are quantified and a semi-empirical theoretical expression for assessing characterization is presented, which extends theory of elastic wave propagation speed from solid materials to square-packed circular honeycombs. The assessment equation fully describes the elastic wave propagation speed and stress amplitude variation with location during propagation in square-packed circular honeycombs, and the results are consistent with the experimental data from the literature. The findings herein are aimed at providing an assessment equation with simple form for engineering applications easily and providing theoretical basis for elastic wave control and multi-functional combination design of metamaterials.
Long term selection for reduced or increased pecking behaviour in laying hens

Feather pecking in laying hens is an important issue in animal welfare. Four studies in laying hens were selected which investigated increased or reduced pecking behaviour using direct or indirect measures of feather pecking behaviour. Direct comparison of the selected experiments is difficult, as the selection criteria and even the selection procedures varied. Keeping these differences in mind, the results of the experiments showed that a) It is possible to change pecking behaviour in the desired direction using selection, b) Aggressive pecking is not related to feather pecking, c) There is no clear consensus as to the relation between selection on pecking behaviour and laying performance and egg quality, d) Plasma serotonin level in the blood was reduced in the lines selected against pecking behaviour in both the individual selected lines and the group selected lines and there were indications that dopamine also plays a role in the regulation of pecking behaviour, and finally e) There are differences between the selected lines and their control lines with regard to the immune parameters both in the individual selected lines as the group selected lines, indicating that direct as well as indirect selection for reduced pecking behaviour changes the immune response.
β-Defensins in Lung Host Defense

▪ Abstract Host defenses at the mucosal surface of the airways evolved to present many layers of protection against inhaled microbes. Normally, the intrapulmonary airways are sterile. Airway secretions contain numerous factors with antimicrobial activity that contribute to innate defenses. Many protein and peptide components exert bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal effects against a wide variety of organisms and may act in synergistic or additive combinations. The β-defensins are a relatively recently described family of peptide antimicrobials that are widely expressed at mucosal surfaces, including airway and submucosal gland epithelia. These small cationic peptides are products of individual genes that exhibit broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and some enveloped viruses. Their expression in airway epithelia may be constitutive or inducible by bacterial products or pro-inflammatory cytokines. β-defensins also act as chemokines for adaptive immune cells, including immature dendritic cells and .