Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular and agronomic characterization of wheat!Agropyron intermedium recombinant chromosomes

Thirty! six wheat A‘ropyron intermedium "host# Beauv[ Syn[ Trich! opyrum intermedium "host# A[ Love\ Elytri‘ia intermedia "host# Nevski\ Thinopyrum intermedium "host# Barkworth and Dewey 6A:6Ai! 0 recombinant chromosomes were characterized using DNA markers[ Analysis of recombinant chromosomes using 04 restriction fragment length polymorphism probes identi_ed the homoeologous crossover products that had varying length of A[ intermedium chromatin intro! gressed onto chromosome 6A of common wheat[ The linear order of the probe loci was established along the lengths of the chromosomes[ The short arm recombinants that had A[ intermedium chromatin distal to the locus Xpsr097 and proximal to the locus Xpsr008 were resistant to wheat stem rust\ indicating that the rust resistance gene "Sr33# was located on the distal part of chromosome arm 6Ai! 0s[ The barley yellow dwarf virus "BYDV# resistance gene reported to be present on the long arm of chromosome 6Ai! 0 was found to be ine}ective against the BYDV serotype used in the present study[
Yeast selection for high resistance to and uptake of Se: Cultural optimization of organic selenium production

Se-rich yeast within animal feeds is much more effective than additions of inorganic Se in increasing the concentration of Se in eggs, milk and meat. This study was conducted in order to select mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae which produce higher levels of organic selenium (Se) and to improve the productivity of this Se-rich yeast by optimization of the culturing condition. Among 13 ATCC strains of S. cerevisiae, ATCC 560 showed a higher tolerance towards Se, exhibiting a total Se uptake rate of 6.69 mg/l. The mutant S. cerevisiae 6M, which is an ATCC 560 derivative developed through UV mutagenesis, showed about 20% increased Se production rates (8.0 mg/l). Optimal culturing conditions were determined, in terms of the timing and addition of inorganic Se, initial pH, and overall culturing time. The optimal concentration of inorganic Se was determined to be 125 ppm, the optimum time for the addition of which was determined to be at the start of incubation. The optimal initial pH of the medium and culturing time was 6.0 and 9 h, respectively. Under these conditions, S. cerevisiae 6M showed a total Se production of 10.87 mg/l, a 63% increase compared to that of with ATCC 560 under normal culture conditions. Key words: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, organic selenium, UV mutagenesis, culture condition .
Spatial variations of photosynthetic parameters in equatorial Pacific: forcing by vertical mixing and light penetration

Laboratory experiments already showed that the most significant photoacclimation strategy deployed by Prochiorococcus sp. would consist of changing the number of photosynthetic units per cell' and, thereby, the minimal turnover time for in vivo electron transport from water to CO2 (t). As a result, the saturation parameter Ek, would tightly covary with growth irradiance. Also, because the zeaxanthin cellular content in Prochiorococcus sp. is quite stable, the ratio of zeaxanthin-to-dv-chl a would also covary with irradiance. A study in the Atlantic Ocean already showed that, to some extent (i.e. by a factor of 3), the maximum quantum yield of carbon fixation, , is proportional to the ratio of nonphotosynthetic pigments (mostly zeaxanthin) to all phytoplankton pigments (hereafter denoted the "non-photosynthetic pigment index; NPP index)2. In turn, the NNP index is linearly correlated with the mean irradiance in the mixed layer. The present study aims at documenting the above mentioned relationships in the equatorial and sub-equatorial Pacific, where prokaryotic photoautrotrophs dominate the phytoplankton community.
Evaluation of Mango Varieties in Madhya Pradesh

Fifteen mango varieties collected from various parts of India were studied for their performance at Fruit Research Station, Rewa during the period from 1982 to 1987. The varieties Langra, Summer Bhaist Chausa, Mallika, Dashahari and Neelum seem to be vigurous so far as the vegetative characters like, height of plant, canopy height, spread of the plant (N↔S) and (E↔W), volume of the plant, circumference of root stock and scion are concerned. On the basis of first year of flowering behaviour, the varieties Suvarnrekha, Vanraj, Langra, Kesar and Fernandin appeared to be earlier. Neelum, Fajri, Bangalora and Mulgoa proved as late varieties. Neelum, Langra and Bangalora were higher yielder, as compared to other varieties under investigation. Physical and chemical analysis showed better values of the chemical constituents in reputed varieties like Langra, Mallika, Dashahari and Alphanso.
Factors affecting first lactation performance of Sahiwal cattle in Pakistan

Abstract. To study the environmental and genetic factors affecting productive and reproductive traits, data on 5,897 cows from five main recorded herds (for 1964–2004) of Sahiwal cattle in Pakistan were used. A general linear model was applied on the data. The 305-day milk yield, total milk yield, lactation length, age at first calving, dry period, calving interval and service period averaged 1,393 ± 12 kg, 1,429 ± 11 kg, 235 ± 2, 1,390 ± 4, 244 ± 3, 464 ± 3 and 1,78 ± 3 days, respectively. The age at first calving was effected by herd, year and season of birth. The 305-day and total milk yields were affected by herd, year, season of calving, age at first calving, service period and lactation length while all other first lactation traits were affected by herd, year, season of calving and 305-day milk yield. Animal model heritability estimates for these traits were 0.11 ± 0.029, 0.11 ± 0.028, 0.09 ± 0.027, 0.02 ± 0.019, 0.05 ± 0.019, 0.12 ± 0.027 and 0.04 ± 0.020, respectively. Rate of decline in first lactation milk yield was 7 l per year over the last 35 years with genetic trend close to zero. Lactation length and service period decreased and age at first calving increased by 2, 1 and 6 days per year, respectively. Herd differences for most of the traits were significant. Improved feeding and management may improve performance traits of Sahiwal cattle. Accurate recording of pedigrees and performance traits would help improve genetic param
Effects of scale and skin on chemical and sensory quality of marinated sea bass filets (Dicentrarchus labrax, L. 1758) in sunflower oil during storage at 4°C

In this study, the effects of descaling and skin removal on chemical changes and sensory attributes of marinated sea bass filets (Dicentrarchus labrax) in sunflower oil stored at 4oC were investigated. In terms of overall acceptability, although skinless sea bass fillets reached consumable limit values at the 70th day, scaly and descaled samples did not reach limits even at the end of the 90-day storage. During 90-day storage, (Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen) TVB-N and (Trimethylamine-nitrogen) TMA-N values of sea bass fillets were found to be below consumable limits. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value reached the consumable limit of 8 mg malonaldehyde/kg at the 56th day for skinned fillets and at the 70th day for descaled fillets. Scaly fillets did not reach the TBA limit during 90-day storage time. According to obtained results, scaly and descaling sea bass fillets were found to be more appropriate for marination in terms of brightness, juiciness, tenderness, acid and salt transition and hygiene. It was detected that descaling has some disadvantages on texture (acid and salt transition) and hygiene of fish. Comparing the scaly and descaled fillets, it was found that scales effect the brightness of brine solution and also cause undesirable colour changes as the scales stick to the fish skin.
Do tropical species invest more in anti-herbivore defence than temperate species? A test in Eucryphia (Cunoniaceae) in eastern Australia

Tropical plants have been suggested to have higher levels of mechanical, chemical and biotic defences than temperate plants. However, comparisons have usually included deciduous species within the temperate group, which confounds the analysis since deciduous species are predicted to have a different strategy with respect to investment, nutrition and defence than evergreen species. In this study we examined levels of defence and nutrition in five evergreen species of Eucryphia occurring along a latitudinal gradient in eastern Australia, grown under common conditions in a glasshouse. From the resource-availability hypothesis we predicted the opposite gradient in defence investment, i.e. that lowest levels of defence will occur in tropical species with potentially high growth rates and annual productivity. However, we found an increase in cell wall content, total phenolics and tannin activity, and a decrease in protein availability, with decreasing latitude and/or increasing mean annual temperature. Hence, there was a trend of increasing defence (although not in leaf toughness) and declining nutritional quality towards the tropics. These latitudinal trends were recorded in both mature and expanding leaves. The same trends were observed in leaves of two species collected from the field, indicating that the results were not peculiar to the experimental growth regime. The latitudinal trend in defence did not support our prediction based on the resource availability hypothesis and may indicate that herbivore pressure is providing an overriding selection pressure, although there are alternative explanations.
IDENTIFYING THE MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF EARLY CACHEXIA USING WHOLE TRANSCRIPTOME SEQUENCING IN MUSCLE AND FAT BIOPSIES FROM CANCER PATIENTS

Cancer cachexia is responsible for one third of cancer–related deaths and contributes to the death of many others. More than 80% of cancer patients are cachectic towards the end of life. Despite intensive research, the mechanisms of cancer cachexia are still poorly understood. It is our hypothesis that identification of early changes in gene expression in cachexia will lead to an improved understanding of the mechanism that trigger this important problem in cancer patients. Thus, to shed light on the mechanisms involved in the major cachexia target tissues, we investigated the entire transcriptome in muscle and fat to identify altered expression of genes in cancer patients with and without cachexia. Samples of rectus abdominis muscle and visceral fat were collected at surgery from patients exhibiting 5-10% weight loss prior to surgery, compared with stable-weight patients. Analysis of all expressed genes was carried out using next generation sequencing (Illumina HiSeq 2500). Also, selected differentially expressed genes were confirmed using real time RT-PCR. In muscle, 30 genes showed highly significant changes in expression (25 downregulated and 5 upregulated: P<0.0005 P<0.00001, FDR 0.2). Analysis of the 25 downregulated genes involved included 7 that are involved with metabolism (5 of which are mitochondrial); 4 with signaling; 4 with ubiquitination; and 3 with intracellular trafficking. There was marked downregulation of multiple genes involved in glycogen metabolism which correlates with the lack of glycogen, muscle weakness, and fatigue; characteristic of cachexia. The 5 upregulated genes include 2 involved with calcium signaling and 2 with cell matrix interactions. Expression of genes previously thought to be important in cachexia, including several inflammatory cytokines, was not significantly different. FBXO32, which encodes atrogin-1, upregulated in an in vitro cachexia model, was actually downregulated. No transcripts for the dermicidin gene, which contains the sequence that codes for the backbone peptide of proteolysis-inducing factor, were detected. Expression of myostatin was significantly decreased as was its receptor (ACVR2B), possibly reflecting end organ adaptation to tumor produced myostatin.
Diversity versus disparity and the role of ecological opportunity in a continental bird radiation

The Neotropical parrots (Arini) are an unusually diverse group which colonized South America in the Oligocene. The newly invaded Neotropics may have functioned as an underused adaptive zone and provided novel ecological opportunities that facilitated diversification. Alternatively, diversification may have been driven by ecological changes caused by Andean uplift and/or climate change from the Miocene onwards. Our aim was to find out whether Arini diversified in a classical adaptive radiation after their colonization of South America, or whether their diversification occurred later and was influenced by more recent environmental change.
Phosphorus nutrition of grain legumes in the semi-arid tropics

This book contains papers presented at an international workshop on this topic held at ICRISAT Center on 8-11 Jan 1990. The workshop was the culmination of a 5-year special project at ICRISAT funded by the Government of Japan. The first part of the book. covers phosphorus availability in soils of the semi-arid tropiCS (SAT). focusing on appropriate methods of measurement Then follows a section on mechanisms by which plant roots take up soil phosphorus. highlighting the role of root exudates. Specific root exudates of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. ] are described in detail. Subsequent chapters deal with options for improving the phosphorus nutrition of grain legumes. particularly chickpea and pigeonpea. in the SAT. Noteworthy are discussions on how to manipulate favorably mycorrhizal associaLions. Final chapters cover phospHorus fertilization from the point of view of entire cropping systems. Recommendations are made for a better understanding of the dynamics of phosphorus cycling in target cropping systems. and the need for better use of current knowledge in improving phosphorus fertilizer-use efficiency in these systems.
Studies On In Vitro Colonization, Karyomorphology, And Temephos Susceptibility Of Simulium Damnosum Theobald Complex.

The strategy of using insecticides against Simulium damnosum s.I. vectors, adopted by Control Programmes for human onchocerciasis in West Africa has led to increased vector biology studies and has at the same time also revealed the paucity of our knowledge in this areaTo effectively control the vectors means that laboratory colonies need to be established to enable experiments to be carried out. It also means there is a need to intensify research on aspects of the biology that determine the epidemiological importance of the various species. For the first part of the present study, a simple but effective technique was developed and used in various ways, including simulated group oviposition, to study in vitro oviposition of female flies. It was found that using a dripping effect of water was an improvement over the water immersion method that was used by most researchers. For the second part of the study, cytotaxonomic studies for species distribution and for / the revision of S. sanctipauli s.I. populations from the major river systems in South West Ghana, were carried out. Two different populations of S. sanctipauli s.s were recognized with a newly identified inversion, that occurred in the R. Tano populations which is named inversion IS-25. For the final part of the study, tests were carried out on S. sanctipauli s.s. populations from two sites on the Rivers Pra and Tano, with the aim of relating chromosomal inversions to Temephos (an organophosphate insecticide) susceptibility levels. It was found that S. sanctipauli s.s. populations from Sutri rapids (R.Tano) were resistant to Temephos, whilst those from Sekyere-Heman (R. Pra) were susceptible at the recommended diagnostic dose. A chromosomal analysis however, did not show the presence of any unique inversion or differences in the chromosomal inversion frequencies between the general populations and xiv University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug. edu.gh
Global Change Experiments: Challenges and Opportunities

Manipulation experiments are invaluable tools in global change ecology because they enable causal and process-based understanding. However, artifacts and inherent limitations can lead to misinterpretations. Across the wide range of approaches to set up such studies, we distill the main challenges associated with the imposed treatment(s), the spatial and time scale, proposing solutions and outlining the limitations in interpreting and extrapolating results. The inherent trade-offs between experimental realism (facilitating extrapolation) and control (facilitating the attribution of observed responses) resonate throughout this review. The focus on realism or control determines which issues become more important and how they should be handled. For example, covarying factors such as temperature and moisture can be explicitly separated to attribute effects more precisely but could also be left uncontrolled to increase realism. Ultimately, combining results across gradients of scale and control, including the use of "natural laboratories," stimulates fundamental understanding, enabling more confident predictions of responses to global change.
MARINE FISHES NEW TO CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES WATERS, NORTH CAROLINA, AND THE GULF OF MEXICO

Abstract Along the southeastern coast of the United States, hardground systems support a high diversity of sub-tropical and tropical fishes. Many of these hardgrounds occur in deep (ca. ≥ 50 m) waters and their fauna is still poorly described; however, with concentrated sampling in these deeper areas, new records of fishes continue to emerge. In the northeastern Gulf of Mexico and off North Carolina, we used the Johnson-Sea-Link submersible, remotely operated vehicles, trawling gear, and angling gear to sample deep reef systems (38–248 m). We document five records of fishes new to continental United States waters, including Liopropoma aberrans, Parasphyraenops incisus, Lipogramma regia, Apogon gouldi, and Prognathodes guyanensis. We also report range extensions for eleven species: Gymnothorax hubbsi, Gymnothorax vicinus, Lepophidium staurophor, Cypselurus comatus, Liopropoma mowbrayi, Serranus annularis, Rypticus saponaceus, Caranx lugubris, Prognathodes aculeatus, Centropyge argi, and Canthigaster jamestyleri.
NEMATODES IN TERRESTRIAL GASTROPODS FROM CENTRAL MAINE1

Seventeen-hundred terrestrial gastropods collected in central Maine were examined for Parelaphostrongylus tenuis and other nematodes. Prevalence of nematodes was 4 to 7% in most gastropod species, but was 19% in Pallifera spp. Cosmocercoides dukae and Rhabditis spp. were the most common nematodes recovered. Only four P. tenuis larvae (prevalence 0.1%) were found. Foci important for transmission of P. tenuis in Maine have not yet been found.
Energy potential of poultry litter for the production of biogas

Poultry litter, a waste product from broiler farming, can be transformed into biogas when subjected to anaerobic biodigestion. This study proposes to evaluate the potential of poultry litter for energy generation in order to meet the energy demands of the poultry production chain in the southwest region of the state of Parana - Brazil, when used as a substrate for the production of biogas. Based on the volumes of biogas produced, the viability of biogas production was determined. The results reveal that the anaerobic biodigestion process was efficient in biogas production. It was also possible to determine that the use of poultry litter in biogas production is viable, since the raw material for its production is available in the entire southwest region of Parana. The presentation of the three treatments proved to be important, because in the three systems the production of significant quantities of biogas was possible, constituting a potential replacement for non-renewable fuel sources derived from petroleum. Key words: Biogas, energy, waste, biomass.
Can age be predicted from diameter for the obligate seeder Allocasuarina littoralis (Casuarinaceae) by using dendrochronological techniques

In fire-prone regions, assessing stand age of obligate-seeding species provides an estimate of time since last fire. If a relationship exists between tree age and diameter, measuring the stem diameter of trees is a simple field method for determining age-class distribution within a stand. In this study, we examined whether age of the obligate seeder Allocasuarina littoralis could be estimated from diameter by using dendrochronological applications. Analysis of radial samples established that A. littoralis puts down annual growth rings. The relationship between the number of growth rings and stem diameter was tested for both male and female stems by using regression analysis. For female plants, this relationship varied significantly between sites. In contrast, male stems provided a strong relationship between age (as a function of the number of growth rings) and diameter, regardless of site. A regression model estimating age from stem diameter, based on male trees only, was subsequently developed and tested with data collected from trees of known age. Predicted estimates from stem diameter were within 3.76 years of the true age. Field measures of stem diameters can therefore provide a tool for estimating the fire history, especially time since last fire, in areas where stands of this species occur.
Male kids and lambs response to supplementation under intensive system of management

Thirty each of growing male kids and ram lambs were stall fed ad libitum on fresh, hand chopped Napier Bajra-21 (NB-21) and supplemented with either concentrates (Maize grain (MG) + deoiled groundnut cake (GNC) alone (T-1) or along with groundnut haulms (T-2), dried leaf meal of Leucaena leucocephala (T-3), Sesbania grandiflora (T-4), Gliricidia maculata (T-5) or Ficus bengalensis (T-6) to meet 30% of DM requirements. The effect of supplementation on rumen fermentation pattern, digestibility of nutrients and growth performance was studied in two parallel growth trials (180 days). The concentration of rumen metabolites except total N was higher (P<0.01) in rams than in bucks across treatments and among the treatments, T-1 or T-4 sustained higher (P<0.01) concentration of rumen metabolites. Nutrient digestibility except CP was higher (P<0.01) in kids than in lambs while among treatments, the digestibility of OM, CF, ADF and cellulose was comparable.The digestibility of CP and NDF was lower (P<0.05) in T-6 than in other treatments. The nitrogen retention (g/d) and % of intake or absorbed in lambs was higher (P<0.05) in kids than in lambs and among treatments, higher (P<0.01) nitrogen retention was observed in T-3 or T-4 fed animals. The ADG was less (P<0.01) and the EFU was inferior (P<0.01) in kids than in lambs due to lower (P<0.01) DMI from NB21, and roughage supplements. Among treatments, the ADG was comparable while the EFU was superior (P<0.01) in animals fed T-3, T-4 or T-5 than in T-2 or T-6. Supplementation with legume tree leaves (T-3 to T-5) was beneficial for economic and sustainable production of ram lambs whereas, intensive system of management was not successful with kids due to low DMI from basal roughage and roughage supplements.