Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TENEBRIONID BEETLE DIVERSITY AND HABITAT COMPLEXITY IN THE

Tenebrionid beetle communities were examined in saltbush, creosote-bursage, and pure creosote habitats in the eastern Mojave Desert. Tenebrionid species richness was not correlated with vegetational complexity; each study area supported 14-15 species. Although beetle species composition differed somewhat between habitats, a nucleus of common tenebrionid species was found in all three plant communities. With regard to these common species, there was little evidence for seasonal or microhabitat niche separation. The "typical" North American desert tenebrionid is a black, flightless, nocturnal scavenger. By day these beetles seek refuge in rodent burrows, ant nests, or lie buried in the sand. At night, or on cool, overcast days, they forage on the ground surface where their primary food resource is the shed leaves and fruits of deciduous desert plants (Kramm and Kramm 1972; Alsopp 1980). They are also reported to feed on carrion, the discards of ant colonies, and fecal matter (Buxton 1924; Slobodchikoff 1979). Sympatric assemblages of darkling beetle species occur in all of the world's deserts. The objective of this report is to provide an analysis of the diversity and community structure of some of these beetle populations. From 1971 to 1975, I studied the darkling beetles of the eastern Mojave Desert. This study attempts to follow along the same lines as those on desert vertebrate communities, notably Brown (1975), Rosenzweig and Winakur (1969), and Pianka (1967). In these, and in the study presented below, an attempt is made to find a correlation between faunal diversity and habitat complexity. The relative simplicity of low elevational plant associations characteristic of deserts facilitates habitat comparisons. Three plant communities predominate in the eastern Mojave Desert and all three were sampled for beetle populations. The bajadas and alluvial slopes are vegetated by the creosote-bursage (Larrea-Franseria) association, a community characterized by a diverse mixture of perennial shrubs. Playas and floodplains are dominated by chenopods, primarily saltbush (Atriplex spp.). Relatively few and commonly no perennial plant species are shared between the saltbush and creosote-bursage communities. In some places a broad ecotone occurs between the two, but more frequently the division between them is quite sharp. In addition, parts of the Mojave Desert have extensive and virtually pure stands of creosote. This latter community provided a natural setting for studying the effect of low vegetational complexity on faunal diversity, in this instance the guild of darkling beetles. A dual approach is taken in analyzing the results of these studies. First, a comparison of beetle communities between different habitats is made. Second, the structure of a beetle community within a single intensively studied habitat
Next Generation Sequencing for a Plant of Great Tradition: Application of NGS to SNP Detection and Validation in Hops (Humulus lupulus L.)

Application of next generation DNA sequencing technology to hops yielded an unprecedented, large number of novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (17, 128 SNPs). The markers were detected and then validated for use in genotyping and control of quality for hops. By using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) and a universal network-enabled analysis kit (UNEAK) designed for species with no "reference genome", we generated a set of molecular markers with a genome-wide distribution. Validation of the markers was accomplished by observation of metrics of sequencing quality, by marker behavior in genetic segregation and by application to genetic distance and hierarchical cluster analyses across a set of commonly known cultivars. The SNPs were characterized by average read depth of 3.7 and a call rate across 178 diverse individuals of 0.82. Many SNP alleles segregated with near test cross ratios of 1 : 3 or 3 : 1 and intercross ratios of 0.50 among 103 full-siblings. Erroneous SNPs, with unusually high or low allele segregation ratios were detected at a rate of 4.1 % and could be removed from further analyses. Filtering of SNPs for potentially higher quality was accom- plished by selection of call rate thresholds above 0.5, 0.75 and 0.90 or, alternatively, by selection of markers with minimal segregation distortion. Genetic distance matrices and dendrograms for marker subgroups were similar as shown by Mantel's Z-tests and cophenetic correlation coefficients. Bootstrapping generated an exceptionally well-supported tree for genetic relationships among the hop cultivars.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETIC STUDY ON DAVALLIACEAE

In previous classifications based on morphological characters, Davalliaceae comprises from four to ten genera, whose concepts differ among authors. This study analyzed a molecular phylogeny of 36 species in five genera. Deduced phylogenetic relationships based on a combined dataset of five continuous chloroplast regions, atpB, rbcL, accD, atpB-rbcL spacer, and rbcL-accD spacer, are incongruent to any previous classifications, and none of the genera are monophyletic. Araiostegia is divided to two clades, one of which is the most basal and includes Davallodes, and the other is nested within the rest of the family. Davallia is divided into three clades, in accordance with three sections classified mainly by scale morphologies, and the clades are separated by the intervention of a clade of Araiostegia, Humata and Scyphularia. Humata and Scyphularia are also paraphyletic.
Not all that clear cut: intraspecific morphological variability in Squalus blainville (Risso, 1827) and implications for identification of the species

Of the three species of the genus Squalus that occur in the Mediterranean Sea, S. blainville and S. megalops are very difficult to distinguish. This study assesses the variability in morphological features that have been used to differentiate between these species. Squalus were collected from stations within the 25-nautical mile Fisheries Management Zone around the Maltese Islands; 349 specimens were dissected and categorized into male and female, mature and immature, and individuals were randomly selected from each category to make up a sample of 169 specimens. For each individual, total length and first dorsal fin parameters were measured, and morphology of denticles isolated from the laterodorsal area, of the upper and lower teeth and of the chondrocranium was analysed. The first dorsal spine was shorter that the fin base in 93% of the specimens, which is typical of S. megalops; this character was not related to either gender or maturity. Chondrocrania with one lateral process (typical of S. blainville) and two lateral processes (typical of S. megalops) were present. Teeth from the same individuals showed morphological features that overlap between S. blainville and S. megalops. Both unicuspid (typical of S. megalops) and tricuspid denticles (typical of S. blainville) were observed on the same individuals. Twelve specimens (six having one and six having two lateral chondrocranial processes) were analysed genetically by sequencing of the mtDNA marker Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI). All resulted to be S. blainville showing that intraspecific variability in supposedly diagnostic morphological features is large enough to render these unreliable to tell apart these two species, especially in the field.
Cytokines and Growth Factors in Implantation

Implantation failure is the most important rate limiting factor in the success of assisted reproductive techniques like In vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Cytokines are multifunctional signaling molecules having an implicit role in the human implantation process. This review focuses on the redundant roles of cytokines during the various stages of implantation. It also indicates that levels of cytokines in biological fluids like serum and follicular fluid obtained during oocyte retrieval might act as determinants of implantation potential of the blastocyst. Thus a holistic, metabolomic approach of analyzing biological fluids may provide a simpler approach to study the hitherto enigmatic process rather than the proteomic and genomic approach.
Causes of mortality of Black-fronted Terns Sterna albostriata on the Ohau River, South Island, New Zealand

We examined the carcasses of 148 Black-fronted Terns Sterna albostriata found during the 1998-2000 breeding seasons on the Ohau River, South Island, New Zealand. Predation was the primary cause of mortality of adults, juveniles and chicks, resulting in 47% of all deaths. Video footage showed Feral Cats Felis catus were responsible for 6% of all predator-caused deaths, and physical evidence at carcass remains linked cats to another 19% of predations. Further evidence suggested Norway Rats Rattus norvegicus and Stoats Mustela erminea were responsible for 51% and 6% of predator-caused deaths, respectively. The prey remains left by the different predator species are described. Other causes of mortality included starvation (4%), power lines (1%), road traffic (1%) and various natural causes of mortality (5%). Causes of mortality could not be assigned to 41 % of Black-fronted Terns, but most of these were young chicks that died at the nest soon after hatching. We suggest that predators are potentially the main cause of population decline in black-fronted terns and that predator control targeting cats and Norway Rats during the breeding season should be trialled.
Effect of different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on rooting of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) under mist house environment

The investigation was carried out in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Unit, Saidapur farm, Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka to study the effect of different concentrations of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on rooting of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) under mist house environment during the year 2015-16 and 2016-17. Two types of cuttings (Tip cutting and Median cutting) were treated with different concentrations of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (250, 500, 750 and 1000 ppm) by quick dip method. The cuttings treated with IBA were planted in polybags (containing red soil and FYM in equal proportion) and placed under mist house environment. There were 12 treatment combinations viz., T1- Tip cutting + water dipping (open), T2- Tip cutting + water dipping, T3- Tip cutting + IBA 250 ppm, T4- Tip cutting + IBA 500 ppm, T5- Tip cutting + IBA 750 ppm, T6- Tip cutting + IBA 1000 ppm, T7- Median cutting + water dipping (open), T8- Median cutting + water dipping, T9- Median cutting + IBA 250 ppm, T10- Median cutting + IBA 500 ppm, T11- Median cutting + IBA 750 ppm, T12- Median cutting + IBA 1000 ppm. Each treatment was represented by 100 cuttings replicated thrice. The experiment was laid out in two factorial randomised block design. It was observed that the rooting response of rosemary varied with type of cuttings and different concentrations of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Highest number of roots (41.83), length of longest root (19.76 cm) and per cent rooting (98.78 %) were recorded under tip cuttings treated with IBA 500 ppm followed by tip cuttings treated with IBA 750 and 1000 ppm which was placed under mist house environment. Hence, Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) 500 ppm was found to be the best for mass multiplication of this plant under mist chamber condition
Biofilm detection of Riemerella anatipestifer isolates of Kerala

Riemerella anatipestifer, causative agent of Riemerellosis, is a gram negative, non- sporulating and non-capsulated rod, which infects mainly domestic ducks. Kerala is experiencing great economic loss due to riemerellosis from 2008 onwards. It is very hard to control the infection in the field even after antibiotic therapy at right time. Resistant infection noticed among infected farms might have a link with biofilm forming capacity of the causative agent. Hence, in this study, formation of biofilm was estimated by tube (qualitative) and tissue culture plate (TCP) as quantitative method, using six representatives isolates of Riemerella anatipestifer (RA1, RA2, RA3, RA4, RA5 and RA6). It was identified that three of the isolates (RA1, RA5 and RA6) were biofilm formers and TCP method was considered as gold standard assay to detect the biofilm formation.
Effect of zinc application methods on zinc nutrition and nutrient concentrations of jerseymac apple grafted on M9 and MM106 rootstocks.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different Zn application methods on zinc nutrition and some other nutrient concentrations of Jersey Mac apple cultivar grafted on M9 and MM106 rootstocks. For this, Zn was given from the soil (30 g Zn as ZnSO4 7H2O), from the leaf (0.2 % Zn from ZnSO4 7H2O) and from the soil + leaf. Results showed that all zinc sulphate treatments were effective on increasing leaf zinc concentrations, but the effect of combined application of soil + leaf was found to be higher. It was concluded that all Zn application methods had significant effect on leaf Zn concentration and the highest effect was seen from the soil + leaf application.
Effect of bio-regulator treatment, wounding and growing media on survival and vegetative growth of stem cutting in lemon (Citrus limon Burm.)

The present investigation was carried out to know the effect of bio-regulator treatment, wounding and growing media on survival and vegetative growth of stem cutting in lemon (Citrus limon Burm). The results of the propagation study revealed that stem cuttings of lemon when treated with wounding + 4000 ppm IBA and grown in soil + sawdust + vermi-compost had recorded significantly earliest sprouting (6.92 days) and highest sprouting percent (79.38%), survival percent (76.38%), plant height (19.80 cm), number of shoots/cutting (7.34), number of leaves/cutting (12.88), stem girth (2.15 cm). The results also revealed that ‘wounding’ (without IBA treatment) was found to be least significant among chemical and mechanical treatments in respect of above parameters of stem cutting.
Cytomegalovirus Hepatitis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Cause of Fever of Unknown Origin

Acute hepatitis is most often self-resolving and a benign condition that rarely requires any anti-viral drugs. In immunocompromised patients (HIV-infected patients and transplant recipients), the morbidity and mortality associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection have been extensively reported in the medical literature. We are describing a rare case of acute severe cytomegalovirus hepatitis in an immunocompetent host. In immunocompetent individuals, in most cases, it causes a subclinical infection and hence doesn't require an anti-viral agent for treatment. Our patient was unique because it presented with clinically severe hepatitis and was uncharacteristically treated with the use of antiviral medications.
Epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil

In 2009, the epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis was studied in the state of Mato Grosso, which is a traditional beef exporter. The state was divided into four regions. In each region, properties were selected randomly. A predetermined random number of animals were chosen from these properties, and comparative cervical tuberculin tests were conducted. In total, 28,878 animals from 1,133 properties underwent examination. The animals with inconclusive results were reexamined with the same diagnostic procedure in a minimal interval of 60 days. In each sampled property, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted to identify possible risk factors for the disease. In the state, the prevalence of infected herds and animals was 1.3% [0.7; 2.4] and 0.12% [0.03; 0.44], respectively. Further, the prevalence of infected herds and animals were 0.0% [0.0; 2.0] and 0.0% [0.0; 0.08] in the Pantanal region, 1.3% [0.5; 3.1] and 0.04% [0.01; 0.17] in the dairy region, 0.7% [0.2; 2.7] and 0.01% [0.003; 0.04] in the fattening region, and 1.7% [0.7; 4.1] and 0.24% [0.06; 0.90] in the breeding region, respectively. It was observed that the condition of the herds infected with bovine tuberculosis was associated with milk production, European or mestizo breeds, degree of sophistication in the production mode, and herd size of up to 486 animals. Therefore, the implementation of a monitoring system for detection and elimination of the residual infected herds along with incorporation of risk-based monitoring elements is the best strategy for the state.
Infection process of Stagonosporopsis tanaceti in pyrethrum seed and seedlings

Ray blight disease of pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Schultz-Bip. ) is caused by Stagonosporopsis tanaceti; with infected seed being a major means of transmission of this fungal pathogen. The infection process of S. tanaceti in pyrethrum seed and seedlings was determined. Infection hyphae only infected the outer and inner layers of the seed coat and not the embryo of naturally infected pyrethrum seed. During the process of germination of infected seed, S. tanaceti from the seed coat infected the developing embryo and cotyledon resulting in pre- and post-emergence death depending on the level of infection in the seed coat. Pre-emergence death occurred due to disintegration of the infected embryo which was replaced by hyphae and extra-cellular anthocyanin-like material (EAM) at 7 days after incubation (dai). Post-emergence death occurred after both epidermal and cortical tissues of infected cotyledons at the crown/ hypocotyl region disintegrated due to colonisation by hyphae. Moreover, most of the tissues of the vascular bundles and cortical tissues contained heavy depositions of EAM at 10-14 dai. In six-week-old infected seedlings, hyphae were confined to the epidermis and the cortical tissues at the crown/ hypocotyl regions. However, the vascular bundles of both infected and uninfected regions, and cortical tissues of the uninfected regions of the seedlings were completely free from infection hyphae and EAM. These findings provide a better understanding of the early stages of the disease cycle of S. tanaceti and will lead to improved control measures for seed borne infection using seed treatments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Histology of larynx in the pigs

The present study was carried as a part of PhD programme in Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Veterinary college, Bengaluru, Karnataka. The histological studies was conducted on larynx of 10 adult healthy pigs. The larynx of the pig consisted of three unpaired and one paired cartilages namely epiglottis, thyroid, cricoid and paired arytenoids. The laryngeal cavity was divided into three different regions namely, anteriorly vestibule, middle glottis and caudal infraglottic cavity. The epithelial lining of the vestibule, glottis and initial portion of infraglottis was lined by stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium. Rest of the infraglottis was lined by pseudostratified non-ciliated columnar epithelium. Laryngeal recesses was well developed in the glottis region. Mucus, serous and seromucous glands were seen in the propria submucosa. Subepithelial lymphatic aggregates and venous caverns were also noted.
Epigenetics: from the past to the present

ABSTRACT The definition of epigenetics is still under intense debate; however, its concept has evolved since it was originally introduced in 1939 by Conrad Hal Waddington as a way to reconcile antagonistic views between the school of preformationism and the school of epigenesis. The characterization of a large number of phenomena that diverge from the dogmas of classical genetics, and the discovery of the molecular mechanisms through which these phenomena occur, has given rise to a new area of study with important implications for biological sciences. Interactions between the environment and the DNA through modifications on the chromatin are not only responsible for the expression of a normal phenotype, these may be involved in the development of various pathologies. The epigenome, as the bridge between the genome and the phenotype, is no doubt one of the most interesting current ideas in genetics and is so revolutionary that it may change our present notions about inheritance and evolution. In this review, we made a compilation of the most important events in the history of epigenetics, its implications and some perspectives to the future. Abbreviations: DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid; RNA: ribonucleic acid; DNMT: DNA methyltransferase; MBP: methyl-CpG-binding proteins; HAT: histone acetyltransferase; HDAC: histone deacetylase; SAM: S-adenosyl methionine; ncRNA: non-coding RNA; rRNA: ribosomal RNA; miRNA: microRNA; siRNA: small interfering RNA; piRNA: Piwi-interacting RNA; XiRNA: X-inactivation RNA; lncRNA: long non-coding RNA; GR: glucocorticoid receptor; IGF2: insulin-like growth factor II; HPA: hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal; TSA: trichostatin A; LINE: long interspersed nuclear elements; LOI: loss of genomic imprinting; MAS: McCune–Albright syndrome; AS: Angelman syndrome; PWS: Prader–Willi syndrome; FDA: Food and Drug Administration; AHEAD: International Human Epigenome Project; HEP: Human Epigenome Project; TMG: thiomethyl-β-D-galactoside
Seedling growth of maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines affected by seed treatment with pesticides

: Seed treatment is a common way of fungicide and insecticide use nowadays, since this way of pesticide application can provide the best protection in the vicinity of the future plant. The aim of research was to evaluate the effects of different seed treatments on germination and seedling growth in three maize inbred lines. The research included the seed treatment with several combinations of a fungicide Maxim XL 035-FS (a.i. metalaxil-M + fludioxonil) and neonicotinoid insecticides Gaucho 600-FS (a.i. imidacloprid) and Cruiser 350-FS (a.i. thiamethoxam), as well as untreated seed (control). The results indicated that inbred lines 21202 x 21101 NS and 317659 NS had a highly vigourous seed which was not affected by the seed treatments. The seed treatments with Maxim XL 035-FS+Gaucho 600-FS and Maxim XL 035-FS+Cruiser 350-FS led to a decrease in germination (90.25% and 89.50%, respectively) of maize inbred line 306081 NS as well as a decrease in root length (126.75 mm and 125.25 mm, respectively) and dry root weight (0.135 g and 0.1875 g, respectively) of maize inbred line 21202 x 21101 NS. All seed treatments had positive effects on root growth, as well as on fresh root weight of maize inbred lines 306081 NS and 317659 NS.
Genetics diversity based on agricultural traits and phytochemical contents in spiny bitter gourd (Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng).

1Plant Breeding Research Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Department of Plant Science and Agricultural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand 2Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand *Corresponding author’s email: patcharinso@kku.ac. th Email addresses of co-authors: namaoy_bio@hotmail.com, bsuriharn@gmail.com, kholom@kku.ac. th, kamol9@gmail.com
LIGON RA, MCCARTNEY KL: Regulation of physiological color change in vertebrates

The fundamental unit of rapid, physiological color change in vertebrates is the dermal chromatophore unit. This unit, comprised of cellular associations between different chromatophore types, is relatively conserved across the fish, amphibian, and reptilian species capable of physiological color change and numerous attempts have been made to understand the nature of the four major chromatophore types (melanophores, erythrophores, xanthophores, and iridophores) and their biochemical regulation. In this review, we attempt to describe the current state of knowledge regarding what classifies a pigment cell as a dynamic chromatophore, the unique characteristics of each chromatophore type, and how different hormones, neurotransmitters, or other signals direct pigment reorganization in a variety of vertebrate taxa [Current Zoology 62 ( ) : – , 2016 ].