Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic analyses of carcass composition, as assessed by X-ray computer tomography, and meat quality traits in Scottish Blackface sheep

Genetic parameters for carcass composition and meat quality traits were estimated in Scottish Blackface sheep, previously divergently selected for carcass lean content (LEAN and FAT lines). Computerized X-ray tomography (CT) was used to obtain non-destructive in vivo estimates of the carcass composition of 700 lambs, at ca. 24 weeks of age, with tissue areas and image densities obtained for fat, muscle and bone components of the carcass. Comprehensive measures of meat quality and carcass fatness were made on 350 male lambs, at ca. 8 months of age, which had previously been CT scanned. Meat quality traits included intramuscular fat content, initial and final pH of the meat, colour attributes, shear force, dry matter, moisture and nitrogen proportions, and taste panel assessments of the cooked meat. FAT line animals were significantly ( P P 2 values ranging from 0·23 to 0·76. Likewise, meat quality traits were also moderately heritable. Muscle density was the CT trait most consistently related to meat quality traits, and genetic correlations of muscle density with live weight, fat class, subcutaneous fat score, dry matter proportion, juiciness, flavour and overall liking were all moderately to strongly negative, and significantly different from zero. In addition, intramuscular fat content was positively genetically correlated with juiciness and flavour, and negatively genetically correlated with shear force value. The results of this study demonstrate that altering carcass fatness will simultaneously change muscle density (indicative of changes in intramuscular fatness), and aspects of intramuscular fat content, muscle colour and juiciness. The heritabilities for the meat quality traits indicate ample opportunities for altering most meat quality traits. Moreover, it appears that colour, intramuscular fat content, juiciness, overall liking and flavour may be adequately predicted, both genetically and phenotypically, from measures of muscle density. Thus, genetic improvement of carcass composition and meat quality is feasible using in vivo measurements.
Back again: The reappearance of Diaphanosoma brachyurum in Lake Constance

Diaphanosoma brachyurum disappeared from the cladoceran community of Lake Constance in 1962 but reappeared in 2001. The disappearance coincided with eutrophication and the reappearance with oligotrophication of the lake. This was surprising, as Diaphanosoma brachyurum is often characterized as a species that favours meso- to eutrophic habitats. In 2001, the cladoceran occurred from late summer until autumn reaching maximum density in September that coincided with a high density of small algae. Vertical distribution of Diaphanosoma brachyurum was typically restricted to the upper 10m to 20m of the water column. Besides oligotrophication, the reappearance coincided with a low abundance of whitefish, Leptodora kindtii and Daphnia galeata. Although the ultimate cause is unknown, reduced predation and competition likely contributed to the reappearance of Diaphanosoma brachyurum in Lake Constance.
Morpho-physiological aspects of Scenedesmus acutus PVUW12 cultivated with a dairy industry waste and after starvation

Among green microalgae, Scenedesmus sp. is known for its potential in wastewater remediation and lipid production, especially under starvation. Moreover, it is often characterised by a mixotrophic metabolism. In this work, we cultivated S. acutus PVUW12 in the presence of a liquid fraction of scotta (LFS), a cheese whey by-product, as source of nutrients. Subsequently, cultures were starved to evaluate lipid production. Cells were analysed to obtain information about growth, nutrient consumption during LFS cultivation, morphology and photosynthetic efficiency. We found that the alga boosted its growth when cultured in presence of LFS. Production of stromatic starch grains, polyphosphate granules, cell wall enlargement and reduction of the photosynthetic efficiency were also induced. Massive lipid accumulation was observed only during starvation, which also induced a strong slowdown of growth, loss of polyphosphate grains and further decrease in photosynthetic efficiency. This study demonstrates that S. acutus PVUW12 can be involved in a two-step cultivation, first by promoting growth using a by-product from cheese industry and second by transferring the microalgae on starvation to induce lipid accumulation for bioenergetics purposes.
On the Theory of Adhesive Friction of Elastomers

It is well known that the traditional form of the Amonton-Coulomb law is not applicable to the elastomer friction on smooth solid surfaces, which is essentially adhesive in nature. By this we understand a process consisting of creating and breaking off adhesive links between the parts of polymeric macromolecules and a solid smooth wall. It was probably first suggested by Schallomach’ that the slide friction of rubbers on smooth surfaces may be considered as an activation process with the activation energy depending on the force applied. This idea has been developed further by Bartenev’ similarly to the elementary kinetic theory of a fluid’s viscosity. ’ The formulas obtained in Reference 2 are inconsistent with some well-known experimental facts. In particular, experimental stress-velocity and stress-temperature dependences for sliding friction have clearly defined maxima? ’ whereas the dependences obtained in Reference 2 are monotonic. In order to account for these maxima, Schallomach in his following works6,’ developed a more detailed concept which treats forming and breaking off the links as separate activation processes. An attempt has been made to describe these processes in terms of a kinetic equation. ’ This work is based on ideas that are rather similar to those proposed in References 6 and 7. The adhesive friction that arises between a smooth solid wall and an elastomer body sliding over it is thought to be due to elongating the sections of polymer macromolecules attached to the wall. The rigid contacts between the sections and the wall are believed to break down either because of thermal excitations or the external force applied to the body, each contact restoring again after relaxational processes in the macromolecules are over. The interacting process as a whole is considered below as a stationary random process.
Identifying sources of heterogeneity in capture probabilities: an example using the Great Tit Parus major

Heterogeneous capture probabilities are a common problem in many capture-recapture studies. Several methods of detecting the presence of such heterogeneity are currently available, and stratification of data has been suggested as the standard method to avoid its effects. However, few studies have tried to identify sources of heterogeneity, or whether there are interactions among sources. The aim of this paper is to suggest an analytical procedure to identify sources of capture heterogeneity. We use data on the sex and age of Great Tits captured in baited funnel traps, at two localities differing in average temperature. We additionally use 'recapture' data obtained by videotaping at a feeder (with no associated trap), where the tits ringed with different colours were recorded. This allowed us to test whether individuals in different classes (age, sex and condition) are not trapped because of trap shyness or because of a reduced use of the bait. We used logistic regression analysis of the capture probabilit.
From mouse to frogs: identification and functional analyses of genes required for induction and patterning of the mesoderm

Abstract Many genes have been identified in Xenopus embryos that are believed to be involved in the induction and patterning of the embryonic mesoderm, these genes frequently proving to have homologues in other vertebrate embryos. In some cases, however, the true importance of these genes in normal development has been questioned because mouse embryos in which the gene has been disrupted by homologous recombination develop apparently normally or with only minor defects. To overcome such ambiguities, and at the same time to take advantage of the ease of manipulation of the Xenopus embryo, we have studied the Xenopus cognates of two mouse genes, nodal ( xnr1-3 ) and brachyury ( Xbra ). The three xnr genes, members of the TGFβ group of signaling molecules, all play roles in inducing mesoderm patterning, while Xbra, a transcription factor, has a similar role, presumably by helping interpret the inductive signal, and here it is particularly intriguing that the type of mesoderm induced depends on the concentration of Xbra.
Effect of water residence time on annual export and denitrification of nitrogen in estuaries: A model analysis

A simple model of annual average response of an estuary to mean nitrogen loading rate and freshwater residence time was developed and tested. It uses nitrogen inputs from land, deposition from the atmosphere, and first-order calculations of internal loss rate and net export to perform a steady-state analysis over a yearly cycle. The model calculates the fraction of total nitrogen input from land and the atmosphere that is exported and the fraction that is denitrified or lost to other processes within the estuary. The model was tested against data from the literature for 11 North American and European estuaries having a wide range of physical characteristics, nitrogen loading rates, and geographical and climatic settings. The model shows that the fraction of nitrogen entering an estuary that is exported or denitrified can be predicted from the freshwater residence time. The first-order rate constant for nitrogen loss within an estuary, as a fraction of total nitrogen in the water column, is 0.30 mo−1. Denitrification typically accounts for 69–75% of the total annual net nitrogen removal from the water column by processes within the estuary. The model makes explicit the dependence of nitrogen concentration in the water column on the loading rate of nitrogen, water residence time, estuary volume, and the rate constant for loss within the estuary.
Transforming growth factor β regulation of cell proliferation

Two types of transforming growth factors (TGF) have been purified and well characterized, TGFα and TGFβ. TGFα is a 5.6 kD single chain molecule that shows sequence homology to epidermal growth factor (EGF), binds to the EGF receptor, and has biological effects very similar to those of EGF. TGFβ is different from TGFα in its molecular structure and biological activity, and has its own specific cell surface receptor. TGFβ is a 25 kD homodimer of 12.5 kD subunits that shows no sequence homology to TGFα. TGFβ is a highly ubiquitous molecule produced by a variety of cell types in an inactive form. Most cells have receptors for TGFβ, suggesting that a major regulatory step in TGFβ action is through activation of the inactive form. Growth stimulatory effects with TGFβ have been observed so far only in fibroblastic cells. In at least one circumstance, there is evidence that the stimulatory effects of TGFβ in fibroblastic cells is indirect through induction of c‐sis and autocrine stimulation by platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐like material. TGFβ inhibits in vitro proliferation of most cell types tested, including normal epithelial cells. Thus TGFβ is primarily a growth inhibitor and not a classical growth factor. Increased autocrine stimulation by endogenous TGFβ in fibroblastic cells or decreased inhibitory effects in epithelial cells (or other cells normally inhibited by TGFβ) could lead to an increased proliferative potential and thereby contribute to the neoplastic phenotype.
Genetic distinctions among the Mediterranean and Chinese populations of Bemisia tabaci Q biotype and their endosymbiont Wolbachia populations

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a cryptic species complex composed of more than 24 different biotypes around the world. The Q biotype of B. tabaci, which is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean Basin, is now a widespread and serious agricultural pest. In this study, the genetic differences among Q biotype populations from Mediterranean countries and China were investigated. Based on their mt COI gene sequences, the Q biotype populations could be divided into two groups, which were labelled as MedBasin 1 and MedBasin 2. MedBasin 1 is indigenous to the western Mediterranean area while MedBasin 2 is indigenous to the eastern Mediterranean area. Genetic variation was greater in the MedBasin 1 populations than in the MedBasin 2 populations. Unlike the introductions into the USA, which involved both Medbasin1 and MedBasin2 populations, all B. tabaci Q biotype populations in China belonged to MedBasin 1. Wolbachia detection in eight representative Q biotype populations from China, Egypt and Syria indicated that all of the populations were infested with Wolbachia, and the infection rate of the Chinese populations (42.5%) were not significantly different from that of Egypt and Syria (51.4%). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the evolution of the Wolbachia populations was not closely linked with the evolution of their B. tabaci hosts.
Cassava about‐FACE: Greater than expected yield stimulation of cassava (Manihot esculenta) by future CO2 levels

Globally, cassava is the second most important root crop after potatoes and the fifth most important crop overall in terms of human caloric intake. In addition to its growing global importance for feed, fuel, and starch, cassava has long been vital to food security in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Climate change is expected to have its most severe impact on crops in food insecure regions, yet little is known about how cassava productivity will respond to climate change. The most important driver of climate change is globally increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]). However, the potential for cassava to enhance food security in an elevated [CO2] world is uncertain as greenhouse and open top chamber (OTC) study reports are ambiguous. Studies have yielded misleading results in the past regarding the effect of elevated [CO2] on crop productivity, particularly in cases where pots restricted sink growth. To resolve these conflicting results, we compare the response of cassava to growth at ambient (ca. 385 ppm) and elevated [CO2] (585 ppm) under field conditions and fully open air [CO2] elevation. After three and half months of growth at elevated [CO2], above ground biomass was 30% greater and cassava root tuber dry mass increased over 100% (fresh weight increased 89%). High photosynthetic rates and photosynthetic stimulation by elevated [CO2], larger canopies, and a large sink capacity all contributed to cassava's growth and yield stimulation. Cassava exhibited photosynthetic acclimation via decreased Rubisco capacity early in the season prior to root tuber initiation when sink capacity was smaller. Importantly, and in contrast to a greenhouse study, we found no evidence of increased leaf N or total cyanide concentration in elevated [CO2]. All of our results are consistent with theoretical expectations; however, the magnitude of the yield increase reported here surpasses all other C3 crops and thus exceeds expectations.
Measuring Asymmetry in Insect-Plant Networks

In this work we focus on interaction networks between insects and plants and in the characterization of insect plant asymmetry, an important issue in coevolution and evolutionary biology. We analyze in particular the asymmetry in the interaction matrix of animals (herbivorous insects) and plants (food resource for the insects). Instead of driving our attention to the interaction matrix itself we derive two networks associated to the bipartite network: the animal network, D1, and the plant network, D2. These networks are constructed according to the following recipe: two animal species are linked once if they interact with the same plant. In a similar way, in the plant network, two plants are linked if they interact with the same animal. To explore the asymmetry between D2 and D1 we test for a set of 23 networks from the ecologic literature networks: the difference in size, ΔL, clustering coefficient difference, ΔC, and mean connectivity difference, Δ. We used a nonparametric statistical test to check the differences in ΔL, ΔC and Δ. Our results indicate that ΔL and Δ show a significative asymmetry.
Electric lamp renewal systems: a strategy to dominate lighting

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of electric lamp renewal systems, an early, successful program to encourage the adoption of new technology, electric lighting. Design/methodology/approach – Much material for the research comes from a variety of archival sources and publications of the early part of the twentieth century. Findings – The free lamp renewal system was brilliant and effective: its high level of customer service and human contact dispelled fear raised by the new energy source, increasing the acceptance and use of electric lighting and thereby electricity. Lighting, in the absence of electrical appliances, was one of the few users of electricity. Thus, the electric companies created a marketing strategy that encouraged adoption of the new technology. Research limitations/implications – We examined the electric lighting industry at the turn of the twentieth century. Other examples of technology adoption could generalize our findings. Practical implications – Our .
Selenium concentrations in tissues of sheep given a subcutaneous injection of barium selenate or sodium selenate

Young sheep were allocated to 6 treatment groups, each of 8 ewes and 8 wethers. Treatments given were nil, 0.1, or 0.5 mg selenium (Se)/kg body weight as a subcutaneous injection of sodium selenate (Na2SeO4), and 0.8, 1.4, or 2.9 mg Se/kg body weight as a subcutaneous injection of barium selenate (BaSeO4). At 14, 28, 56, and 112 days after treatment, 2 ewes and 2 wethers from each group were slaughtered and samples of blood, liver, kidney, cardiac and skeletal muscle, lymph nodes, and faeces were collected for Se assay. On days 0, 1, 3, 7, 13, 27, and 55 blood and spot faecal samples were taken for Se assay from the 24 sheep selected for slaughter on day 112. In sheep given Na2Se04 there was a rapid but transient increase in the mean Se concentration in tissues, particularly the liver of sheep given the highest dose of Na2SeO4. In these sheep on days 14,28,56, and 112 the respective mean liver concentrations were 169, 62,25, and 6.9 ¦mol/kg DM: the mean value on day 14 was 15 times the mean value in untreated sheep. In sheep given BaSeO4 there was a gradual increase in mean Se concentration of tissues during the experiment. Faecal Se concentrations increased in sheep given the Se injections. The marked but transient increase in liver Se concentrations in sheep given Na2SeO4 suggests that this organ provides an important protective mechanism against toxicity by readily accumulating and excreting Se into the gut. Our results indicate that the BaSeO4 doses were unlikely to cause Se toxicity in young sheep or result in Se residues in tissues above those recommended for human consumption. The BaSeO4 should be administered subcutaneously in the neck or other sites of the body not sold for human consumption, since deposits of BaSeO4 remain at the site of injection for at least 112 days and may be dangerous if inadvertently consumed.
INTROGRESSIVE HYBRIDIZATION BETWEEN NATIVE CUTTHROAT TROUT AND INTRODUCED RAINBOW TROUT

Introgressive hybridization threatens the persistence of several species of native salmonids in the western United States, but little is known about the factors influencing the establishment and maintenance of introgressed populations. We examined the occurrence of introgressive hybridization in westslope cutthroat (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi) and rainbow trout (O. mykiss) populations in relation to physical characteristics of streams, trout density estimates, and the distance from stocking source. Trout were sampled from 80 stream sites in the Clearwater River Basin, Idaho, USA, and tissues from individual trout were analyzed to detect hybridization using noncoding sequences of nuclear DNA. We found a broad zone of hybridization detected at 64% of the sampled sites. The presence and degree of introgression was negatively related to elevation and positively related to stream width in our logistic regression model. Stream elevation and size likely influence hydrologic and thermal regimes. An interaction between the life history characteristics of the native and nonnative trout with these hydrologic and thermal stream gradients could explain the invasion success of rainbow trout and hence, the extent of the hybrid zone. Alternatively, the influence of elevation and stream width could be the result of habitat selection by the parental species, thereby reducing the opportunity for hybridization. Understanding the relationship between abiotic factors and introgressive hybridization will assist fisheries managers when evaluating the potential threat of introgression in different stream habitats and applying the necessary management actions to conserve the native cutthroat trout genotypes across broad landscapes. Corresponding Editor: K. D. Fausch
Origins and ecology of the tropicalpine flora of Mt Wilhelm, New Guinea

Floristic elements within the tropicalpine flora of Mt Wilhelm are defined on taxonomic and distributional criteria, and are compared ecologically. The hypothesis that elements of apparently most recent immigration would retain to the largest degree characteristics appropriate to colonists of insular locations and to plants of temperate zone environments is confirmed. Good colonizing ability, rapid growth rate, continuous flowering and growth in the field, successful flowering in cultivation, vulnerability to frost, lack of preference for slopes of particular aspect, and wide and generally low altitudinal range were all present to a greater extent in more recently immigrant floristic elements. Dispersal ability was not significantly correlated with floristic elements. It is concluded that the tropicalpine flora is a youthful one consisting largely of the descendants of immigrant herbs which arrived by dispersal over long distances in Plio-Pleistocene times. A few forest plants of ancient status in New Guinea have become adapated to the tropicalpine environment, and several established aliens provide indications of migration ability lost to varying extents by elements within the native flora.
Productivity-Diversity Relationships from Chemolithoautotrophically Based Sulfidic Karst Systems

INTRODUCTION Microorganisms in most natural systems have typically been considered ecologically important in the cycling of carbon through the ‘microbial loop’ and decomposer niches (e.g., Azam et al., 1993; Bachofen et al., 1998). The discovery of diverse communities at deep-sea hydrothermal vents and cold seeps brought to light the importance of microorganisms as significant contributors to ecosystem autotrophic processes (e.g., Deming & Baross, 1993; Sassen et al., 1993). Indeed, chemolithoautotrophy (e.g., metabolic pathways where energy is gained from inorganic compounds