Calculating the mass fraction of primordial black holes

We reinspect the calculation for the mass fraction of primordial black holes (PBHs) which are formed from primordial perturbations, finding that performing the calculation using the comoving curvature perturbation c in the standard way vastly overestimates the number of PBHs, by many orders of magnitude. This is because PBHs form shortly after horizon entry, meaning modes significantly larger than the PBH are unobservable and should not affect whether a PBH forms or not - this important effect is not taken into account by smoothing the distribution in the standard fashion. We discuss alternative methods and argue that the density contrast, Δ, should be used instead as super-horizon modes are damped by a factor k2. We make a comparison between using a Press-Schechter approach and peaks theory, finding that the two are in close agreement in the region of interest. We also investigate the effect of varying the spectral index, and the running of the spectral index, on the abundance of primordial black holes

Sperm ultra-structure of <i>Odontosyllis ctenostoma</i> (Polychaeta: Syllidae) with inferences on syllid phylogeny and reproductive biology

The analysis of the complex reproductive patterns of Syllidae may drastically change the taxonomic hierarchy of the family. To further contribute to the knowledge of Syllidae we have described the sperm ultra-structure and some steps of spermiogenesis of Odontosyllis ctenostoma Claparède, 1868, the first non interstitial eusylline investigated. The mature sperm has a bell-shaped acrosome and contains electron-dense granular material and thin filaments. The barrel-shaped nucleus bears two depressions: one anterior facing the acrosome and the other posterior partially containing the distal centriole and up to six mitochondria. Odontosyllis ctenostoma spermatozoa can be ascribed to the ect-aquasperm type typical of species practising external fertilisation. This morphology is not in complete accordance either with the particular brood protection reported for the species or the egg size. The sperm is similar to those of the Syllinae species thus far investigated, but the acrosome resembles that of the exogonine spermatid. Some authors consider Odontosyllis to be phylogenetically closer to Syllinae, though it shares epigamy with Exogoninae. Others have hypothesised that the exogonine sperm could have been derived from sylline sperm by simplification. In our hypothesis this could have happened through a gradual passage from an Odontosyllis-like eusylline ancestor

Sperm ultra-structure and spermiogenesis in <i>Syllis krohni</i> (Polychaeta: Syllidae), with some observations on its reproductive biology

yllidae show a wide spectrum of both reproductive strategies and sperm types. Analysis of their reproductive patterns could drastically change the presently accepted taxonomic hierarchy of the group. To further contribute to the knowledge of Syllidae we have described the sperm ultra-structure and the spermiogenesis of Syllis krohni (Ehlers, 1864). Mature sperm has a cone-shaped acrosome whose distal end is notched by a trough that transversely encircles its anterior portion. During spermiogenesis, the acrosomal vesicle undergoes modifications leading to its final shape with a posterior opening. The nucleus appears flattened anteriorly and forms a cleft that surrounds the proximal centriole in its distal region. A 9+2 flagellar axoneme is observed. Up to five mitochondria surround the distal centriole. The spermatozoon of S. krohni can be ascribed to the ect-aquasperm type that is typical in species having external fertilisation and appears to be very similar in appearance to that of the congeneric species thus far investigated. The main difference is in the shape of the acrosome, which is more elongated and as long as the nucleus. Reproduction of syllids seems to be conservative within sub-families, and the sperm morphology can probably help in phylogenetic reconstruction. External fertilisation is a widespread strategy within the genus Syllis, probably leading to a substantial similarity in sperm morphology being maintained. It is hypothesised, however, that within the same sperm type linked to a particularly reproductive strategy, the acrosome ultra-structure can be indicative of phylogeny

Effect of a high forage: Concentrate ratio on milk yield, blood parameters and oxidative status in lactating cows

A feeding strategy that requires a forage: concentrate ratio equal to 70: 30, with at least five different herbs in the forage and the use of silages prohibited, has recently been introduced in Italy. Despite the benefits in terms of human health (lower ω6: ω3 ratio, higher conjugated linoleic acid level) of the obtained milk, little information regarding the possible effects on cows' health is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of such a feeding strategy in dairy cows (90 days in milk at the beginning of the trial) on milk yield and composition, and blood metabolic profile, including the evaluation of oxidative stress. The proposed feeding strategy, compared with a semi-intensive strategy, resulted in an improvement of animal oxidative status (lower levels of reactive oxygen metabolites, higher levels of antioxidant potential and anti-reactive oxygen metabolites) and a significant increase of milk urea only in the first part of the trial. No differences in milk yield and composition were detected throughout the trial

Influence of dietary hydrogenated palm oil supplementation on serum biochemistry and progesterone levels in dairy goats

The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of hydrogenated palm oil (HPO) added to a dairy goat diet on serum biochemistry and progesterone levels. Thirty pregnant Cilentana dairy goats were equally divided into 2 groups (control [CTR] and HPO groups). After kidding, concentrated feed for both groups was gradually increased up to 400 g/(animal$d), and the HPO group received 50 g/(animal$d) of HPO. Supplementation with HPO significantly increased cholesterol levels (mg/dL, 63.80 vs. 54.68 at 30 d, P 0.05; 78.20 vs. 58.00 at 60 d, P 0.05; 83.80 vs. 57.83 at 120 d, P 0.01) compared with the CTR group although no significant differences were detected for liver and kidney function indicators. Moreover, other biochemical parameters were not affected by HPO supplementation thus suggesting no change occurred in lipid and protein metabolism. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found be- tween progesterone levels and serum cholesterol (r 1⁄4 0.65, P 0.01) although these were not signifi- cantly higher in HPO supplemented goats. The dose and time of HPO supplementation appears critical as regards assessing the limits between the risks and benefits of HPO supplementation in dairy goats. At the tested dose, HPO was well tolerated by the animals and may represent a useful tool to increase energy availability during highly demanding periods

BlinkML: Efficient Maximum Likelihood Estimation with Probabilistic Guarantees

The rising volume of datasets has made training machine learning (ML) models a major computational cost in the enterprise. Given the iterative nature of model and parameter tuning, many analysts use a small sample of their entire data during their initial stage of analysis to make quick decisions (e.g., what features or hyperparameters to use) and use the entire dataset only in later stages (i.e., when they have converged to a specific model). This sampling, however, is performed in an ad-hoc fashion. Most practitioners cannot precisely capture the effect of sampling on the quality of their model, and eventually on their decision-making process during the tuning phase. Moreover, without systematic support for sampling operators, many optimizations and reuse opportunities are lost. In this paper, we introduce BlinkML, a system for fast, quality-guaranteed ML training. BlinkML allows users to make error-computation tradeoffs: instead of training a model on their full data (i.e., full model), BlinkML can quickly train an approximate model with quality guarantees using a sample. The quality guarantees ensure that, with high probability, the approximate model makes the same predictions as the full model. BlinkML currently supports any ML model that relies on maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), which includes Generalized Linear Models (e.g., linear regression, logistic regression, max entropy classifier, Poisson regression) as well as PPCA (Probabilistic Principal Component Analysis). Our experiments show that BlinkML can speed up the training of large-scale ML tasks by 6.26x-629x while guaranteeing the same predictions, with 95% probability, as the full model.Comment: 22 pages, SIGMOD 201

Influence of Pasture on Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase and miRNA 103 Expression in Goat Milk: Preliminary Results

The effect of pasture on the stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and miRNA 103 expression was evaluated on dairy goats divided into two homogeneous groups (G, grazing, and S, stable). Group S was housed in a stall and received alfalfa hay as forage, while group G was led to pasture. The goats of both the groups received the same amount of concentrate. Milk yield did not di↵er statistically between the groups. Group G showed significantly higher fat (4.10% vs. 2.94%, p < 0.01) and protein percentage (3.43% vs. 3.25%; p < 0.05) than group S. Among milk fatty acids, group S showed significantly higher levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and lower values of mono-unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA). The percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) were not different between groups even if pasture significantly affected the percentages of C18:3 and total omega 3. In group G, total CLAs were twice than in group S (0.646% vs. 0.311%; p < 0.01) mainly due to the differences in CLA cis9 trans 11 (0.623% vs. 0.304%; p < 0.01). Milk total CLA in grazing group was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in August according to the highest value of both linoleic and alfa-linolenic acids in the pasture. In grazing animals, SCD expression decreased from April to June, increased in July and decreased again in August, while it was almost unvaried along the trial in group S. By contrast, the expression of miRNA 103 showed a similar trend for both groups, decreasing from April to June, increasing in July and falling down in August. To our knowledge, this is the first observation of the effects of pasture on miRNA expression in milk from ruminant species

Effects of Two Commercial Diets on Several Reproductive Parameters in Bitches: Note One-From Estrous Cycle to Parturition

The close link between nutrition management and reproductive efficiency is well known, but there is very little data available concerning this topic in canine species. The present study aimed to compare the effect of two different diets upon the follicular period and gestation in bitches. Eighteen pluriparus medium and large size bitches were recruited and divided into control (CTR) and experimental (EX) groups and fed, respectively, with a commercial kibble diet and a specially formulated diet from two months before the expected onset of proestrus up to the end of the trial. It was possible to observe how the EX group had a better clinical presentation of the estrous phase, a higher number of ovarian follicles (p &lt; 0.05), a lower percentage of fetal resorption (p &lt; 0.05), and lower oxidative status, expressed by d-ROMs (p &lt; 0.01), at the moment of pregnancy diagnosis compared to CTR group. Moreover, the EX group showed a lower fetal resorption rate and higher litter size (p &lt; 0.05). These results highlight how a diet characterized by high protein and fat content and richer in essential fatty acids can improve reproductive performance in dogs

Higher forage:concentrate ratio and space availability may favor positive behaviors in dairy cows

A novel livestock management system (LMS) for dairy cows mainly based on a high forage:concentrate ratio, no silage, and large outdoor paddocks, has been introduced in Italy during the last five years. It was proved that such system, further than improving the quality of milk, benefits the health status of cows. The goal of the present research was to compare the behavioral responses of a group of animals kept with the LMS and outdoor paddocks of 200 m2, and cows reared in a traditional semi-intensive manner and outdoor paddocks of 100 m2. The study was carried out on Italian Friesian cows analyzing the feeding and social behaviors and the locomotor activity. The statistical analysis of locomotor activity showed that the HFC group spent lower time lying down and standing and higher time walking; they also showed a longer rumination time and spent less time drinking. Furthermore, the HFC group displayed longer allogrooming and social rubbing times. Results suggest that the novel LMS could be the basis for an improvement of the cows' welfare

Effects of Two Commercial Diets on Several Reproductive Parameters in Bitches: Note Two-Lactation and Puppies' Performance

The study aimed to compare two diets, Control (CTR) and Experimental (EX) (mainly differing as regards their ingredients, energy, and protein contents) administered to medium and large-sized bitches from two months before the expected proestrus and up to 30 days after delivery on mothers’ weight, body condition score, litter size, milk quality, and puppies’ growth. No differences were found for body weight during pregnancy, even if the BCS after delivery was significantly (p &lt; 0.01) higher in the EX group than in the CTR one. Concerning the size effect, the percentage of weight gain on the initial body weight was double in medium-sized dogs compared to large dogs (p &lt; 0.01). The number of puppies per litter was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) for the EX group compared to the CTR one. Concerning puppies’ weight, the CTR group showed a significantly (p &lt; 0.01) higher body weight from the 21st day of life due to the significant (p &lt; 0.01) higher daily weight gain during the suckling period. Considering the performance of bitches and puppies, both diets seem useful for these stages of their lives. In fact, after 30 days of lactation, all tested bitches showed a healthy status and both the percentage of newborns mortality and puppies’ growth kinetics fell into the normal physiological range for the species