Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DNA methylation, genomic imprinting and polyphenism in the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris

Genomic imprinting, the parent-of-origin specific expression of alleles is an important area of research in evolutionary biology and human health (cancers and developmental syndromes). Haig’s kinship theory suggests that the maternally and paternally derived alleles of offspring resource allocation genes have evolved under different selectional pressures. Thus within different kin related individuals they are expressed unequally, each allele favouring their own inclusive fitness. Social insects provide the best independent model system to study the evolution of imprinting. However, imprinting has not been discovered in any social insect. My PhD lays the groundwork for a social insect model of genomic imprinting. Methylation is a common epigenetic tag of genomic imprinting in mammals and flowering plants. I found that a functional methylation system which is involved in the reproductive caste formation, development and social behaviour is present in the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris. Under queenless conditions, reproducing and non-reproducing worker castes show different brain methylome patterns. Alteration of methylation can cause a sterile worker to turn into a reproductive worker with increased aggressive behaviour and ovary development. Next I found monoallelic methylation associated with monoallelic expression in genes predicted to be imprinted by Haig’s theory. Also, differential allele specific expression that are apparently due to parent-of-origin effects is present in reproduction loci of B. terrestris. Reciprocal crosses at these loci is recommended as further work, to check whether these expression patterns are due to genomic imprinting. I assess the effects of maternally and paternally contributed sociobiological factors on worker male production and found that the paternity or the queen mating frequency has a significant influence on worker male production in eusocial Hymenoptera. Finally, I also studied the polyphenism involved in phase dependent behavioural plasticity of locusts. I found that the transition of solitarious to fully gregarious behaviour in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria begins without significant changes in the DNA methylation landscape of the CNS but subjected to the pronounced differences at a later stage.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI ALIH FUNGSI LAHAN PERTANIAN DI KABUPATEN MINAHASA SELATAN

ABSTRAK This study aimed to analyze the factors that affect the conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural in South Minahasa Regency. In particular, this study analyzed the effect of population, GRDP per capita, and number of industry to the change of the area of agricultural land. This study was conducted using secondary data obtained from the office of BPS (Central Bureau of Statistics) South Minahasa. The data was then analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that only GRDP per capita which significantly affectedthe area agricultural land in South Minahasa Regency. If GRDP per capita increased, the area of agricultural land would decrease. This was an indication that when the people income increased, the land requirement for non-agricultural activities such as housing, offices, and other infrastructure would also increase. The required land tended to be converted from agricultural land.
Evaluation of Prognostic Indicators in Colorectal Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Study to Correlate Staging, Grading and Proliferative Indicators

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide with a high mortality at the advanced stages. The prognosis in each individual case varies with tumour type, stage and grade. However, there is a heterogeneity in the clinical features and survival rates among the patients with the same stage. Hence the application of immunohisto-chemical studies with proliferation markers such as Ki67, provides a step ahead in establishing the prognosis. METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted on the 42 cases of colorectal carcinoma reported in the of Department of Pathology, Tirunelveli Medical College during the period 2015 to 2018. Sections obtained from tumour tissue were stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histological typing and grading of colorectal carcinomas. The pathological tumor staging was performed according to the American Joint Committee on cancer by grouping the various TNM components. Tumour cell proliferation was studied by doing immunohistochemistry with Ki67 antibody. An analysis was done by correlating the Ki67 index with the stage and grade of the tumour in these 42 cases of colorectal carcinoma. RESULTS: Among the 42 cases, 34 cases were found to be Adenocarcinoma, NOS type (81%), 7 cases were Mucinous adenocarcinoma (16.7%) and 1 case was Squamous cell carcinoma (2.4%). The Ki67 index calculated for the 42 cases of colorectal carcinomas ranged from 14.5% to 74.6%. The mean Ki67 index for the 14 cases of well-differentiated adenocarcinomas was 54.15%, 16 cases of moderately differentiated carcinomas was 50.83%, for 4 cases of poorly differentiated carcinomas was 63.95%, 7 cases of mucinous adenocarcinomas was 33.34% and 1 case of squamous cell carcinoma was 60.1%. However not all cases in the study showed direct correlation tumour grade,stage and Ki67 index. Among the 42 cases in the study, 8 cases (19%) had a Ki67 proliferation index that didn’t correlate with their stage and grade at presentation. CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical study of Ki67 proliferation index in cases of colorectal carcinoma was found to provide an additional clue regarding the biological behavior in a significant number of cases and could help in predicting the prognosis of colorectal carcinomas.
Isolation of Mutants Defective in α-Amylase from Bacillus subtilis: Genetic Analyses

The rate of α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) synthesis in Bacillus subtilis is regulated by a gene, amyR, located near a structural gene, amyE, for the enzyme. To construct a fine map of the amyR-amyE region, we isolated 28 mutants defective in α-amylase activity. Eleven mutants out of 28 showed no α-amylase activity, whereas the other 17 showed less α-amylase activity than the parent. Out of 17 partially positive α-amylase mutants, 10 produced temperature-sensitive enzymes, and 4 produced immunologically altered enzymes, two of which are concurrently temperature-sensitive, and 5 produced smaller amounts of α-amylases which are indistinguishable from normal enzyme in their temperature sensitivity and immunological properties. Two out of 11 α-amylase-negative mutants produced material that cross-reacted with anti-amylase serum, and 3 mutants carried suppressible mutations by the suppressor described by Okubo. Mapping data indicate that all 28 mutation sites are located in the amyE region, and none of the groups of the mutants mentioned above contains lesions that are clustered in a single region of amyE. The amyR gene seems most likely to adjoin the terminal region of amyE.
The major histocompatibility complex, mate choice and pathogen resistance in the European badger Meles meles

Studies of the evolution of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have been central to the understanding sexual selection and pathogen-mediated selection. The European badger Meles meles is well suited for exploring such questions because of its life history characteristics, reproductive biology and mating system. In this thesis, I examined both MHC class I and class II genes. Seven putatively functional sequences were found for class I genes and four for class II DRB genes. Evidence of past balancing selection of both genes was demonstrated by the d N d S ratio, by positive selection at the antigen-binding site (ABS) and by trans-species polymorphism of alleles within other mustelids and carnivores. MHC class I genes also showed evidence of concerted evolution, but domains showed different evolutionary histories. MHC genes may influence microbiota and odour of an individual and influence mating preferences. I examined the bacterial community of the subcaudal gland secretion and demonstrated a high number of bacterial species (56 operational taxonomic units), which cubs exhibited a higher diversity than adults. The microbiota may lead to an individual-specific odour as a cue signaling the MHC genotype of potential mating partners. I report the first evidence for a MHC- based mating preference in carnivores. Female badgers showed a MHC-assortative mate choice towards breeding with males that had functionally similar MHC genes, for MHC class II DRB genes. This applied to neighbouring-group matings. I also found considerable annual fluctuation in the occurrence of MHC-based mate choice. Based on genome-wide background in the same mating randomizations I found no evidence of inbreeding, which indicated that MHC similarity was apparently the actual target of mate choice. In line with MHC-assortative mate choice, MHC heterozygosity had no influence on the co-infection status. Individual MHC alleles did, however, associate with resistance and susceptibility to specific pathogens, suggesting that MHC diversity may be driven and maintained by pathogen-mediated selection through rare-allele advantages and/or fluctuating selection. My study of genetic characteristics, mate choice and pathogen pressures in a wild population revealed past and contemporary evolutionary process of the MHC genes. This increases knowledge of how the MHC may affect mating behaviour and sexual selection, ultimately influencing population processes.
Isozyme and DNA markers reveal a new genetically distinct taxon of Calypogeia saphagnicola (Jungermanniopsiada, Calypogeiaceae)

Genetic studies of Calypogeia sphagnicola (Arnell & J. Perss.) Warnst. & Loeske revealed that besides C. sphagnicola f. sphagnicola and C. sphagnicola f. paludosa (Warnst.) Schust. , recently recognized as separate species, a third genetically distinct group of plants connected with Sphagnum communities can be distinguished in the Calypogeia genus in Poland. The new group differs from C. sphagnicola f. sphagnicola in 4 loci and from C. sphagnicola f. paludosa in 6 loci. The distinctness of the new group was supported by sequence analysis of four chloroplast loci (rpoC1, trnH-psbA, trnG, trnL) and species-specifi c SCAR markers. Three SCAR markers (Cal01, Cal02 and Cal03) distinguished the new Calypogeia group both from two C. sphagnicola forms as well as from other European Calypogeia species. The new C. sphagnicola is very rare, so far it was found in only one locality in the Tatra National Park, where it occurs in a swamp by the Sichlański stream, in the Las Capowski forest.
Two pieces of information in a single trait? The yellow breast of the great tit (Parus major) reflects both pigment acquisition and body condition

Carotenoid-based plumage coloration has been shown to be dependent both on pigment content and feather structure. Against this background, we predict a relationship between feather pigment content and plumage hue. Furthermore, given the susceptibility of chroma to developmental perturbation of feather structure, we predict body condition to be related to chroma. We tested these predictions in the great tit, Parus major. Carotenoid content in yellow breast feathers was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Lutein was the main carotenoid contained in great tit feathers, followed by zeaxanthin. The hue of the feathers was accurately predicted from their lutein concentration, and chroma was predicted from the body condition value. Our data suggest that plumage coloration in the great tit could independently provide information on the ability of the signaller to collect carotenoids (via hue) and body condition (via chroma). Published results both from the great tit and other species support this view.
Annual losses of weed seeds due to predation in organic cereal fields

1. Post-dispersal seed losses in annual arable weed species are poorly quantified, but may be of significance for natural population control, especially if they can be manipulated. We hypothesized that weed seed predation on the soil surface was significant, so we measured rates in the field to estimate annual seed losses due to predation. 2. Temporal patterns of weed seed losses due to predation ('demand') as well as weed seed production ('supply') were measured from May to June until harvest in August 1999 and 2000 during 2-week exposure periods in four organic cereal fields in the Netherlands. The proportion of weed seeds lost to predators M-i (number of seeds consumed per number of seeds exposed per 14 days) was measured, using cards containing seeds of Stellaria media, Chenopodium album or Avena fatua. Seed production, Y-i (number of seeds per m 2 per 14 days), was measured in 2000, using seed traps. 3. Annual seed loss due to predation, (M) over bar (number of seeds consumed per number of seeds produced per year), was calculated based on M-i and the exposure period of seeds to predators, starting with seed shed and ending with seed burial. The importance of the length of the exposure period on total seed loss was explored using a model. 4. The temporal trend in M-i was consistent among farms and years: high in June and early July, lower in the second half of July and negligible in August and after harvest. Total seed production varied considerably among fields, i.e. 800-16 000 seeds per m(2) per year. The timing of peak seed production also varied substantially. 5. Calculated (M) over bar ranged from 32% to 70%, when assuming continuous exposure of seeds to predators from seed shed till crop harvest. When exposure was limited to 2 or 4 weeks after seed shed, (M) over bar decreased to 18-57% or 28-67%, respectively. Differences between fields and weed species were mainly due to differences in the timing of seed shed. 6. Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that seed predation in organic cereal fields is an important factor shaping the population dynamics of arable weeds. A combination of environmental conditions (hot and dry weather) and agricultural practices (an early crop sowing) can advance weed phenology and postpone seed burial, resulting in higher proportions of weed seed loss to predation in cereals.
Changes in Population Densities of Meloidogyne Spp. and Paratrichodorus minor on Winter Rye Cover Crops

Field and microplot data collected over three seasons were used to determine relationships between initial (Pi) and final (Pf) population densities of Meloidogyne spp. and Paratrichodorus minor on winter cover crops of rye (Secale cereale) in north Florida. Log-transformed Pf and Pi were linearly related for Meloidogyne arenaria race 1 and M. incognita race 1. For data pooled across locations and seasons from sites at which M. arenaria predominated, the relationship between Pf and Pi was expressed by the equation log e (Pf+1) = 0.863 log e (Pi+1) - 0.26 (r=0.863; P 0.01). This equation indicates that existing population densities of M. arenaria will be nearly maintained by a winter cover crop of rye, but without increasing above Pi levels. Pf of P. minor was linearly related to Pi for each site and season, but there was no consistent relationship across sites and seasons.
DESEMPENHO AGRONÔMICO DE CULTIVARES DE FEIJÃO EM FUNÇÃO DA ADUBAÇÃO FOSFATADA NO SUL DO ESTADO DO TOCANTINS

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho agronomico de cultivares de feijao comum em funcao da adubacao fosfatada no sul do Estado do Tocantins. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com 4 repeticoes. Os tratamentos foram constituidos por 19 cultivares de feijao comum submetida a baixo e alto nivel de fosforo no solo (20 e 120 kg ha-1 de P2O5no plantio, respectivamente). O incremento de fosforo promoveu acrescimo nas medias de altura de planta, altura da insercao de primeira vagem, diâmetro de caule, numero de vagens por planta, numero de graos por vagem, numero de graos por planta, massa de cem graos e produtividade de graos nas cultivares IAC-Centauro, IAC-Galante, IPR-Jurriti e IPR-Eldorado. As cultivares IAC-Una e IPR-Siriri apresentaram maiores produtividades de graos quando submetidas a aplicacao de 120 kg de P2O5 ha-1.
Litter as seedbed: interactions between the soil, seedlings and litter of kauri (Agathis australis)

Plants have important impacts upon soil processes such as nutrient mineralisation and organic matter dynamics. They might even enhance their own fitness by improving soil quality or by making the soil less favourable for competing species. In the latter strategy, tannins in plant foliage might be important. To investigate this strategy we used the New Zealand kauri tree (Agathis australis), whose massive litter accumulation has a huge impact upon the soil, as an example. We hypothesised that kauri-tannins can reduce nitrogen mineralisation in the soil below the crown of a kauri tree and thus create an environment where kauri seedlings are better able to compete with angiosperm seedlings, resulting in natural selection for kauri trees with high tannin concentrations. To test this hypothesis, several descriptive and experimental studies were conducted. Nutrient concentrations in the foliage of a common shrub species show that below the crown of a kauri tree nutrient availability of the soil is lower than outside the kauri crown. Two studies on tree seedlings in kauri forest indicate that the lower nutrient availability below kauri reduces the competition for kauri seedlings from fast growing angiosperm seedlings. The results of a laboratory incubation study with purified kauri tannins suggest that kauri tannins contribute to the reduction of nitrogen availability below kauri by complexing proteins. A litterbag experiment provided no conclusive evidence in favour or against this effect of kauri tannins on nitrogen availability. Finally, a study on the variation in tannin concentration between kauri seedlings shows that the variation in tannin concentration of kauri foliage is partly genetic. Therefore natural selection of kauri individuals with high tannin concentration is possible. Overall the results of the different studies confirm the main hypothesis: kauri tannins can reduce nitrogen mineralisation in the soil under the crown of a kauri tree and thus create an environment where kauri seedlings are better able to compete with angiosperm seedlings. Natural selection for kauri trees with high tannin concentration, via the effects these tannins have upon nitrogen availability and thereby on the competition between seedlings, is plausible.
The Dynamics of the Psychological Approach in Designing Spaces: A Study of Architecture Students

The psyche of human mind is best expressed through architecture and the interior design of buildings. No doubt, architecture and psychology are interconnected domains of human experience; while building design is the physical illustration of the creative perception of human psyche. Human interaction with the built environment prompts the senses to perceive and react to it in different logical manners, exemplified through unique spatial expression of every single designer. It has been observed that students as future architects, while tackling with the design projects, put forth their own spatial experiences of interaction with the built environment. For this reason, students of Bachelors in Architecture program at the University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan were interviewed informally to document their psychological approach regarding spatial thinking and translating it into architectural designs of varying quality. The findings acknowledged that the architectural psychology of the designer and the psychological influences of environment impact the construction and building design industry. The diversity in design driven by the psyche of each student is interesting to note and it establishes the fact that every single design is dominated by the concepts developed during the design process. The study has significance as a vital contribution towards the psychological implications of architects for a well-designed built environment.
Individual variations of daily activity patterns in radiotracked European hares during winter

Daily movements during winter of 2 adult male (Nos 1 and 3) and 2 adult female (Nos 2 and 4) radiotracking hares Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778 were estimated from simultaneous bearings using a 50 x 50 m grid. As deduced every 4 h both from the average rate of recorded changes of squares on the grid, and from the average distance travelled, we found that the hares had a typically nocturnal locomotor activity pattern. However, when comparing individual data, we found that significant variations occurred from 12.00 to 15.59, and between 00.00 and 07.59. We also estimated that the average daily activity of the hares started near sunset (mean = 23 min after sunset, range ±110 min), and ended near sunrise (mean = 14 min before sunrise, range ± 60 min), male No 1 usually spending more time in activity than the 3 other specimens. Finally, we assessed the differences in nocturnal distance travelled between individuals (Nos 2, 3, and 4) for a given period (during week 6, mean = 3.91 km, range 6.02-2.62), and also during several nights (during weeks 6, 8, 10 and 12) for male No 3. We concluded that some inter- and intra-individual variations of activity patterns occurred on various time scales (day-to-day or during a given night), such differences probably contributing to confuse predators.
THE ANTAGONISTIC EFFECT OF CARCINOGENIC HYDROCARBONS ON MURINE VIRUS-INDUCED LEUKEMIAS

Previous studies using a combination of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oncogenic as well as nononcogenic viruses have always shown an enhancement of • the disease^process. In this investigation, using the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (IMRA) and 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) and the friend and Rauscher murine leukemia viruses, the reverse result was obtained as indicated by increased latent periods, increased survival times and smaller spleen weights. Tenfold dilutions of both the Priend and Rauscher viruses ranging from 10"1 to 10~7 were made from stock pools. The individual dilutions were inoculated intraperitoneally into three groups of five BALB/c mice each. The three groups of mice were treated in the follow­ ing manner immediately a:fter virus inoculation: Group I These animals received at weekly intervals subcutaneously 100 ug of LMBA or 100 ug of 3-MC dissolved in 0.1 ml. of corn oil. Group II 200 ug of EMBA or 3-MC dissolved in 0.05 ml. of reagent grade acetone were applied at weekly intervals to the hairless skin of each mouse. Group III These mice received only virus and acted as untreated virus controls. The animals were observed daily, and latent periods, survival times and spleen weights were recorded. Portions of the spleen and liver, the
Effect of phosphorus and sulphur application on performance of vegetable pea (Pisum sativum L.) cv. Pant Matar-2.

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2009-10 to find out the optimum dose of phosphorus and sulphur on growth, nodulation, yield attributes and yield of garden pea ( Pisum sativum L .). Four levels of P 2 O 5 (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) and three levels of sulphur (0, 20 and 40 kg/ha), were applied through single super phosphate and gypsum, respectively. Treatments were replicated three times in factorial randomized block design. Application of phosphorus and sulphur resulted in an increase in various growth characters, nodulation, yield attributing traits and yield of garden pea. The application of 60 kg P 2 O 5 produced the highest mature green pod yield (73.83 q/ha). Similarly the levels of sulphur up to 40 kg/ha showed linear increased in growth, nodulation and yield of garden pea. The application of 40 kg sulphur produced the highest yield of 66.51 q/ha.