Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Analysis of Litter Size, Mortality and Growth Traits of New Zealand White Rabbits1

Summary Records from 1416 litters representing 99 bucks and 586 does were used to estimate heritabilities of and genetic correlations among litter size, mortality and growth parameters of New Zealand White rabbits from birth to 56 days of age. Heritabilities were estimated by the paternal halfsib correlation method from a model that included remating interval, parity and sire. Genetic correlations were calculated from sire components of variance and covariance. Heritability estimates were low for litter size (.02 ± .04 to .08 ± .05), slightly higher for percent mortality (.08 ± 0.5 to .23 ± .07), and moderate for litter weight, average kit weight at 28 days and average daily gain from 28 to 56 days (.35 ± .08, .44 ± .09, and .22 ± .07, respectively). Low estimates of heritability were obtained for litter weight and average kit weight at 56 days (.03 ± .05 and .07 ± .05, respectively). Genetic correlations for average daily gain from 28 to 56 days were positive with number alive at 56 days, litter weight and average kit weight at 56 days. However, genetic correlations for average daily gain from 28 to 56 days with other traits indicated that selection for this trait could decrease performance up to 28 days of age.
Isolation, culturing and cryopreservation of putative amniotic fluid stem cells in sheep (Ovis aries)

The current study was carried out to isolate, culture and cryopreserve the putative amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells in sheep. AFS cells were cultured without feeder cells in DMEM containing 16% FBS, 1% penicillin/streptomycin and 1% L-glutamine in 5% CO2 in humidified air at 37±0.5˚C. After 6 days of culture different morphologies of cells were observed. Most of the cells started anchorage-dependent growth after day 7 of the culture. The putative AFS cells were cryopreserved using slow freezing method using DMSO as cryoprotectant. After freezing the cells for one week, it was observed that 70% of the cells were viable after trypan blue staining. This study shows that the putative amniotic fluid stem cells in sheep can be isolated, cultured and cryopreserved successfully under in vitro conditions.
Selection indexes for genetic improvement of yearling weight in Egyptian buffaloes

Abstract. Estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters for body weight at birth, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age, and for preweaning and postweaning average daily gain were computed and used to construct 14 selection indexes to improve the 12-month weight in Egyptian buffaloes. The full index incorporating body weight at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age had the highest correlation with aggregate breeding value (r TI =0.63). The correlation fell to 0.62 when body weight at birth and 3 months were omitted from the index. Selection for body weight at 12 months of age alone is expected to be 76.2 % as efficient as selection for the full index. The maximum expected genetic gain in 12-month body weight was 8.85 kg/generation when all five body weights were included in the index; this decreased to 8.09 kg/generation when body weights at birth, 3 and 6 months were excluded and further decreased to 6.94 kg/ generation when selection based on yearling weight only. From the practical standpoint, selection on I 5 involving body weight at 9 month of age can be considered as the best for improving body weight at 12 month since its application is earlier, less expensive, higher accuracy than any index excluding body weight at 12 month and giving reasonable amount (+5.39 kg) improvement in yearling weight as compared to direct selection (+6.94 kg).
Physiological Response of Different Croftonweed (Eupatorium Adenophorum) Populations to Low Temperature

Abstract Croftonweed is a major invasive weed in China and, although of subtropical origin, has invaded into regions with colder climates. Freezing tolerances of nine croftonweed populations from different geographies were studied using a freezing injury index. Physiological responses to freezing temperature were determined to elucidate mechanisms of freezing tolerance. Plants from Baise, Guangxi (BSG), and Qujing, Yunnan (QJY), China, showed the most freezing injury symptoms, whereas plants from Huangguoshu, Guizhou (HGG), China, displayed the least. Under freezing stress, physiological changes, including increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and total soluble protein contents; reductions in total soluble sugar, chlorophyll contents, and ratios of variable chlorophyll fluorescence to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv : Fm); and fluctuation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, were observed among all nine populations. However, different degrees of physiological responses were found among populations with diverse low-temperature sensitivities. After 4 d of treatment at −5 C, MDA content increased 25-fold in leaves of the sensitive BSG population compared with untreated leaves, whereas a range of 0.8-fold to ∼5.3-fold increase was found in other populations. Total soluble protein content in leaves of the tolerant HGG population increased to the highest value among the nine populations. SOD activity of the freezing-sensitive BSG population decreased 36% of the control, whereas the tolerant HGG population reduced to 70%. Moreover, soluble sugar of the tolerant HGG population decreased 29%, less than the sensitive BSG population (87%). There were fewer declines in the percentages of chlorophyll content and Fv : Fm value in HGG than in BSG (less 44% and 32%). Freezing injury index had significant negative correlations with Fv : Fm values and chlorophyll contents (−0.619 and −0.622, respectively). These results suggest that croftonweed has evolved into different ecotypes with regard to freezing tolerance through physiological adaptation during their invasion of southwest regions of China. The freezing-tolerant croftonweed population would have more chances to invade distant northeastern areas in the future. Nomenclature: Croftonweed, Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng EUPAD
Correlation between sperm characteristics and testosterone in bovine seminal plasma by direct radioimmunoassay

The objectives of this study were to validate a non-extractive RIA for seminal testosterone and quantify the hormone using a solid-phase commercial kit, and study the correlation between testosterone in seminal plasma and sperm characteristics. Parallelism showed a correlation index r = 0.992 (Y = -5.47 + 1.073X; R2 = 0.985), indicating that the non-extractive method presented is indicated particularly for assessment of testosterone when establishing comparisons between samples. Overall mean (±SD) of testosterone level was 0.60±0.65 ng/mL. Correlation was only found between the seminal concentrations of testosterone and pH of the semen.
A field experiment to determine the effect of dry-season precipitation on annual ring formation and leaf phenology in a seasonally dry tropical forest

Abstract: Trees growing in a seasonally tropical dry forest, with its characteristic 5–7-mo rainless interval, possess a variety of physiological adaptations to drought, the most common being leaf abscission. At the Estacion Biologia de Chamela in western Mexico, we experimentally examined the relationship between one-time experimental irrigation ranging as 0 (control) to 200 mm, and (1) the degree of bud burst (and, for a single species, flowering), and (2) the formation of a false ring. Additionally, we used long-term records at a nearby meteorological station to determine the probability of a rain event exceeding a particular intensity (mm). For our seven species (particularly the two most common species: Cordia alliodora and Piptadenia constricta), we found that the degree of budburst and leaf extension was a function of irrigation intensity. In no case, however, did we find false rings, or indeed any indication of cambial activity initiated by the irrigation event. Further, there was no effect of intensity on subsequent relative growth rate in the following wet season. While sufficient rainfall (200 mm) to cause full leaf deployment is rare, nonetheless we estimate that a canopy tree in the study area would experience an event of this magnitude at least a few times per century. In any case, it will have no effect on the reliability of annual rings in this biome, nor any effect on diameter growth in (at least) the following year.
Home Range and Seasonal Activity of Southern Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata): Implications for Management

Abstract Information about animal movement patterns is critical to understanding their ecology, and such information is essential to the design of conservation plans for threatened species. Using radio telemetry, GPS, and ArcView GIS software, we examined seasonal activity, habitat use, movements, and home-range size of a southeastern population of Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata), a declining species. Data collected over three years revealed an annually repeated pattern of seasonal activity. Habitat use differed annually, seasonally, and between the sexes. Home ranges overlapped, and there was an area of concentrated overlap in early spring, indicating an aggregation of turtles, likely for breeding. Individuals showed annual fidelity to home-range areas. Home-range size (calculated using three methods) for males was smaller (∼5 ha) than that of gravid females (∼16 ha). Movement data did not fully support the reproductive strategies hypothesis. As predicted, gravid females moved greater distances than males during the nesting season. In contrast to the hypothesis, males did not move their greatest distances in spring at which time mating mainly occurs. That males did not make the predicted movements in spring can be explained by the fact that turtles aggregated at this time of year; thus, males do not need to travel to find mates. The current study is important because it provides information on the role of natural (“hurricane-tip-ups”) and anthropogenic (powerline rights of way, clearcuts) disturbances in maintaining habitat heterogeneity and the early-successional vegetative communities preferred by Spotted Turtles. A set of management recommendations is presented.
Nutrient Utilization in Crossbred Dairy Cows Under Economical Feeding Regime

Seven crossbred (Holstein Friesian x Hariana) cows were divided into two groups having 4 and 3 animals in group I and II, respectively. Croup I was offered a standard concentrate mixture with maize fodder and wheat straw, whereas in group II, and economical concentrate mixture was offered alongwith maize fodder and molasses. The DM intake was 1)4.40±7.58 and 111.20±4.94 g/kgW0.75 in groups I and II, respectively. DM, EE and NFE digestibilities were significantly (P<0.05) higher and that of CP was lower in group II than in group I. The DCP and TUN intakes were 7.94±0.35, 8.09±0.10 and 59.73±3.56, 58.63±1.25 g/kgW0.75 in groups I and II, respectively, which were non-significantly different. Animals of both the groups showed positive N-balance. The GE, DE and ME intakes and heat production per unit metabolic body size were non-significantly different, whereas the methane production was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group II. Energy balance was 81.30±18.17 and 76.26±15.49 kcal/kg W0.75/d in groups I and II, respectively. Average inilk yield in terms of FCM was 5.55±0.56 and 7.20±0.68 kg/d in group I and II, respectively.
Molecular phylogeny of the genus Tibicina (Hemiptera, Cicadidae): rapid radiation and acoustic behaviour

To estimate the potential contribution of ethological and ecological parameters to the mechanisms of species formation and species isolation in the Palearctic cicada genus Tibicina, we constructed a molecular phylogenetic hypothesis of extant Tibicina species. Seven mitochondrial genes and a fragment of a nuclear gene were sequenced (3046 bp). Mitochondrial genes included 547 informative sites but the nuclear gene was too conserved to be included in the analysis. The tree was characterized by a basal polytomy indicating that Tibicina species arose rapidly. Such rapid radiation might explain the low divergence in the acoustic communication observed between species. Parameters describing habitat selection and acoustic communication were mapped onto the tree. A shift in habitat selection accompanied by acoustic changes might have contributed to one speciation event. The stochastic distribution of the same acoustic characters on the other branches of the tree implies, however, that the subtle acoustic differences between species could be the result of previous speciation events and independent evolutionary histories, rather than having contributed themselves in the speciation and isolation processes. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 91, 611–626.
FECUNDITY AND SEX-RATIO OF TWO FRESHWATER FISHES, OMPOK BIMACULATUS AND O. MALABARICUS (BLOCH) OF THE RIVER AMARAVATHY, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

The fecundity estimates have been considered as important in population estimations. In the present study, fecundity was estimated in O. bimaculatus and O. malabaricus by selecting 30 ovaries for each species. In O. bimaculatus, the number of ova was found to extend from 1,831 to 19,446 in the size range of 202 to 376mm in total length and 63.8 to 328.1g in weight. In O.malabaricus, the number of ova was found to range from 2, 182 to 17, 792 in the size range171to 374mm in total length and 51.3 to 316.5g in weight. A linear relationship could be seen between (1) fecundity and total length, (2) fecundity and body weight and (3) fecundity and ovary weight in both the species. Sex-ratio in O. bimaculatus and O. malabaricus deviated from the expected 1:1 ratio during all the months of our study.
Production of Oikopleura longicauda (Tunicata: Appendicularia) in Toyama Bay, southern Japan Sea

Oikopleura longicauda occurred throughout the year in Toyama Bay, southern Japan Sea, and analysis of its size composition and maturity revealed that reproduction was continuous over the year. Somatic growth production (Pg) varied with season from 0.03 to 103 mg carbon (C) m-2 day-1 (annual Pg 4.5 g C m-2), and house production (Pe) from 0.11 to 266 mg C m-2 day-1 (annual Pe 11.3 g C m-2). The annual Pg/B ratio was 176. Compared with production data of some predom- inant zooplankton species in Toyama Bay, it is suggested that despite their smaller biomass, appen- dicularians are an important secondary producer.
Genetic Diversity Analysis of Indian Salmon, Eleutheronema tetradactylum from South Asian Countries Based on Mitochondrial COI Gene Sequences

Eleutheronema tetradactylum is an important commercial fish species exposed to intense exploitation both in Southeast Asian countries and Northern parts of Australia. Research on the population structure of E . tetradactylum in these coastal waters is substantial in order to ensure sustainable use and appropriate resource management. In this study, genetic variation, diversity and population structure of E . tetradactylum among four FAO fishing areas, along South Asian countries, were evaluated using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Totally 30 sequences of COI gene were collected from four FAO fishing areas. Among these 30 individuals, 18 distinct haplotypes were defined. High levels of haplotype diversity ( hd = 0.952 ± 0.096) and nucleotide diversity ( π = 0.01536 ± 0.00312) were observed in the population within the Bay of Bengal. No haplotype and nucleotide diversity were observed in South China Sea population. Hierarchical analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 0.81% of the genetic variation occurred within the populations, while 7.09% variation occurred among populations. Significant genealogical branches were recognized in North Australian populations (one clade), South China Sea populations (one clade), Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal populations (one clade) on the neighbor-joining tree. These results suggested that E . tetradactylum populations in FAO fishing areas 51, 57 and 61 have developed different genetic structures. Tests of neutral evolution and mismatch distribution suggest that a population growth of E . tetradactylum may take place in these fishing areas.
Isolation and Identification Vibrios from marine Seafood Samples

The genus Vibrio includes more than 35 species, mostly in marine and natural habitats of sea water, and this species is broadly distributed throughout the world. There are halophylic marine bacteria of this genus known to cause in humans. Vibrio parahaemolyticus cause food borne gastroenteritis associated with seafood. Other halophylic Vibrios,V.alginolyticus, V.fluvialis, V.metschnikovii are also pathogenic for humans, while V.anguillarium is a pathogen fish and other marine animals (Selmin Ozer et al.,2008). Vibrios are gram-negative bacillus, curved, motile with a single polar flagellum and facultative anaerobic organisms that are natural inhabitants of the marine environments. In the United States, transmission of Vibrio infections in primarily through the consumption of raw or under cooked shellfish. Patients with liver disease are at particularly high risk for significant morbidity and mortality associated with these infections (Nicholas et al., 2000). Vibrio alginolyticus is able to multiply in salty water at elevated water ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 2 Number 2 (2013) pp.36 43 http://www.ijcmas. com
Is the endangered flora of the Iberian southeast adequately protected? Gaps in the Network of Protected Natural Areas of Andalusia (RENPA): the case of the province of Almería

Abstract The province of Almería presents a mosaic of ecological conditions which has given rise to an extremely rich natural patrimony. Combining a number of criteria aiming at the preservation of endangered species with chorologi- cal information is an efficient way of determining the floristically valuable areas at a regional level. Our research aims at defining the most valuable sites in Almería as far as flora is concerned in order to subsequently compare the results with the Network of Protected Natural Areas of Andalusia (RENPA). We have taken as our fundamental reference a very detailed and geo—referenced data base with all the catalogued taxa occurring in Almería. The implementation both of several algorithms for the automatic selection of natural reserves and of the indexes of Importance and Responsibility provides a set of solutions comparable with the RENPA proposals. Our results reveal that there are still unprotected enclaves with species whose conservation is crucial if we wish to safeguard the highest degree of diversity. A network of micro—reserves would help not only to protect these extremely valuable botanical areas but also to bring their importance to the attention of the general public.
Neustonic distribution of decapod planktonic stages and competence of brachyuran megalopae in coastal waters

Settlement rate may not reflect larval supply to coastal waters in different marine invertebrates and demersal fishes. The importance of near-shore oceanography and behaviour of late larval stages may be underestimated. The present study conducted neustonic sampling over station grids and along full-length transects at two embayments in south-eastern Brazil to (1) compare diurnal and nocturnal occurrence of most frequent decapod stages to assess their vertical movements, (2) describe the formation of larval patches and (3) measure competence of crab megalopae according to their distance to recruitment grounds. Several shrimp species apparently undergo a diel vertical migration, swimming crab megalopae showed no vertical movements and megalopae of the intertidal crab Pachygrapsus transversus revealed a reversed vertical migration. During the day, crab megalopae aggregated in convergence zones just below surface slicks. These larvae consisted of advanced, pre-moult stages, at both mid-bay and near-shore patches. Competence, measured as the time to metamorphosis in captivity, was similar between larval patches within each taxon. Yet, subtidal portunids moulted faster to juveniles than intertidal grapsids, possibly because they were closer to settlement grounds. Megalopae of Pachygrapsus from benthic collectors moulted faster than those from bay areas. These results suggest that alternative vertical migration patterns of late megalopae favour onshore transport, and actual competence takes place very close to suitable substrates, where larvae may remain for days before settlement. Lack of correlation between larval supply and settlement for Pachygrapsus suggests that biological processes, besides onshore transport, may play an important role in determining settlement success of coastal crabs.
An evaluation of species richness estimators for tardigrades of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina, USA

For the past 5 years we have been conducting a large-scale, multi-habitat inventory of the tardigrades in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S.A.) as part of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) (see www.dlia.org). In terrestrial habitats, we collected moss, lichen, and soil samples from 19 permanent ATBI plots, representing all major land cover types within the park. Each ATBI plot is 100 × 100 m. In each plot, when available, 16 moss samples, 16 lichen samples, and 4 soil samples were collected in paper bags and air dried in the laboratory. Specimens were isolated with LudoxAM centrifugation, and for each sample up to 50 adults plus eggs were individually mounted on microscope slides in Hoyer's medium and identified using phase contrast and DIC microscopy. Additional collections were made in the limestone caves of the Cades Cove region of the park, bird nests, and 13 different streams. To date (1-Jun-06), 589 samples have been collected, and of these 401 have been analyzed, yielding a total of 8133 identifiable tardigrades or, in some cases, species groups. A total of 73 species have been found in the park, 14 of which we believe are new to science. Seven species richness estimators have been developed to predict total species richness (see EstimateS 7.5 software, viceroy.eeb.uconn.edu/estimates), and these were evaluated by comparing predictions from half of our data to the actual numbers from the total database. The results of this comparison indicate that different estimators work best in different habitats. Using the best estimators in each habitat, EstimateS 7.5 indicates that a total of 96 species are likely to occur throughout the park. Thus, Great Smoky Mountains National Park tardigrade diversity represents 10% of the world's known tardigrade fauna.
ECHOLOCATION OF THREE SPECIES OF SAC-WINGED BATS (BALANTIOPTERYX)

Abstract We describe and compare field recordings of echolocation calls of the neotropical emballonurid sac-winged bats Balantiopteryx plicata, B. io, and B. infusca. These 3 species have search-phase calls with principal energy in the 2nd harmonic, characterized by a long narrowband component followed by a short broadband component. Variation in call parameters follows only partially the scaling pattern with body size generally found in bats. Based on characteristics of their echolocation calls, we hypothesize that B. io and B. infusca forage in more cluttered habitats than does the congeneric B. plicata, which typically hunts in open areas.