Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative morphoanatomical analysis of the leaves and stems of Daphne (Thymelaeaceae) species

Abstract A study on the morphological variability and ecological differentiation among the species in the genus Daphne was carried out which included seven species from the Balkan Peninsula: Daphne mezereum, D. laureola, D. alpina, D. oleoides, D. malyana, D. cneorum and D. blagayana. In the Balkan Peninsula, the ranges of the species in this genus overlap, which does not occur anywhere else in Europe. Descriptive statistics were measured for 20 quantitative characters of the leves and stems. A comparative analysis of the morpho-anatomical adaptations of these species shows that: D. cneorum, D. malyana and D. oleoides belong to the adaptive type of xerophytes; D. alpina is a xeromesophyte; D. blagayana and D. laureola are mesoxerophytes; and D. mezereum is a mesophyte. Principal component analysis shows the largest contribution to the formation of the variability between the different species is made by characters that are related to leaf shape (leaf length, distance between the largest leaf width and the leaf top, largest width of the leaf, leaf surface area), followed by surface area of abaxial stomata, stem characters (stem cortex thickness and stem diameter) and leaf anatomy characters (thickness of the palisade tissue, thickness mesophyll, number of palisade layers). These features can use to discriminate among the seven studied species, suggesting that leaves and stems of Daphne can represent a source for taxonomically useful characters. Canonical discriminant analysis and the clustering method based on Mahalanobis distances shows that there is significant morphological differentiation among the species studied. The results show that various combinations of morphological and anatomical features contribute to the adaptive capacity of plants to different degrees. The morpho-anatomical features found in all seven species agree with previous infrageneric taxonomic classifications of this genus.
Molecular Identification and Physiological Characterization of Alternative Oxidase Gene Family Members in Nicotiana tabacum

Two projects were undertaken to study the non-energy conserving alternative pathway present in the plant mitochondrial ETC. In the first project, a tobacco AOX2 gene was cloned and characterized. AOX2 showed tissue specificity in expression and could not be induced by common stresses. In the second project I carried out a physiological characterization of transgenic tobacco plants with increased or decreased expression of AOX1 subjected to cold stress. Under non-stress condition, a strong inverse relationship between levels of AOX1 and levels of oxidative damage was observed, while after cold treatment AOX1 transgenic lines and WT showed more complicated and differential responses in aspects of oxidative damage and the capacity of antioxidant system. I also discovered that the pool sizes of monosaccharides after temperature shift were proportional to AOX1 levels. These results indicated that AOX1 might have crucial but complex impacts on ROS balance and carbon metabolism during cold stress.
Linkage of morphological markers in Brassica.

Morphological markers play a pivotal role in selection of desirable traits in all plant breeding programs. The genetic linkage maps provide the basic information about the nature and place of genes on genetic maps. Two plant introduction (PI) germplasm of Brassica napus i.e. PI409024 and PI 535850 were interspecifically hybridized to 366 and 1203 lines of B. campestris. The hybrids i.e. 409024 x 1203 and crusher x 1203 were grown to produce F1 generation. The F1 populations were evaluated for genetic nature of four morphological qualitative traits like plant color, flower color, leaf shape and leaf pubescence at the KPK Agricultural University, Peshawar. In F1 generation dark green plant color (C), dark yellow flower color (Y), entire leaf shape (E1) and non-hairiness of leaf (h) were expressed as dominant traits. In F2 generation the hybrids segregated and were classified into their respective phenotypic classes. Linkages were detected between Y and H, and E1 and H, pairs of loci. The recombination frequency between Y and H loci was 17.7±10.3 cM, and between E1 and H was 32.3±9.9 cM.
Evaluation of Phytochemicals and Biological Activity of Silybum marianum L.

Aims: The goal of this work is the evaluation of phytochemicals and biological activity of Silybum marianum. Place and Duration of Study: S. marianum L. and seeds of Chenopodium murale L. were collected from different sites from Al Anbar, Iraq during the period of May 2017. Methodology: Total phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins, were determined. The antioxidant activity was measured based on the reduction of DPPH. Antibacterial activity of the extracts was determined against ten microorganisms using the disc diffusion method as well as the allelopathic potential of the S. marianum extract on the germination of C. murale was studied. Results: The IC50 values of Methanol extract of S. marianum extracts had the highest scavenging activity (1.99 mg.ml -1 ). The radical scavenging activity of the other extracts and standard decreased in the following order: catechol, ethyl acetate, hexane and petroleum ether. In the present study the S. marianum extracts exhibited different inhibitory activities against the tested microorganisms with different degrees, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of S. marianum showed the broad spectrum against the tested microorganisms. The pathogen E. coli was the most sensitive bacteria (25 mm), while A. fumigatus and A. niger were the most sensitive fungi (25 and 27 mm) in case of methanol extract. The phytotoxicity of S. marianum extracts was increased significantly with the increasing extract concentrations. At 25 g.l -1 and 20 g.l -1 the germination of C. murale was reached maximum inhibition (92.45% and 76.84, respectively). In case of C. murale radicle growth, the higher concentration (25 g.l) was strongly inhibited (97.23%) the C. murale. Similarity, the plant extract significantly reduced the plumule length of C. murale. The highest concentrations (25 g.l -1 ) of extract showed strong inhibition (87.29%) of plumule growth. Conclusion: S. marianum extracts can be used as natural antioxidant, antimicrobial agents pharmaceutical and bio-control of weeds.
VARIABILITY IN PRODUCTION OF GIBBERELLIC ACID AND FUSARIC ACID BY FUSARIUM MONILIFORME AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP

Foot rot (Bakanae) disease of rice caused by Fusarium moniliforme (syn. F. verticillioides) has been causing substantial loss in the production of high value basmati rice. The pathogen produces two virulence factors viz. gibberellic acid (GA) and fusaric acid (FA) which caused elongation and stunting, respectively, in rice plants. So, the present study was planned to quantify GA and FA production by different isolates of F. moniliforme and to find out their correlations with pathogenicity for better understanding the disease etiology. A total of 38 isolates of Fusarium moniliforme were isolated from foot rot infected basmati plants collected from different agro ecological zones of Punjab. Pathogenicity of the isolates was proved on susceptible basmati cultivar Pusa 1121 and was found positive for gibberellic acid production. Out of 38 isolates, 30 showed the qualitative presence of fusaric acid by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Quantitatively, all the isolates showed significant variation for GA and FA production and also for kind of symptoms produced. Amount of FA produced ranged between 0.8 to 6.4 µg/ml and GA between 3.2-23.4 µg/ml. A correlation of GA and FA production was worked with the number of plants showing elongation and stunting type of symptoms, respectively. FA production showed positive correlation with stunting type of symptoms whereas GA production was found to be positively correlated with elongation type of symptoms.
Identification and morphological characterisation of spiny rat louse (Polyplax spinulosa) from a laboratory rat

Lice infestation is uncommon in laboratory animals but accidental entry to animal facility may occur through wild rodent admittance or breach in strict quarantine procedures. A case of lice (Polyplax spinulosa) infestation was detected in rat during health monitoring of quarantined animals in experimental animal house facility of Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. A male rat of 8 weeks age, procured from another lab animal facility by road, was isolated to sick animal room upon observation of alopecia and restlessness. The observed clinical symptoms were decreased grooming behaviour, scratching, restlessness, debilitation, alopecia and paleness of eyes and mucous membrane. The parasite was isolated and identified as Spiny Rat Louse (Polyplax spinulosa) upon detailed microscopic examination. All stages of life cycle of the louse i.e. nit, nymph and adult were identified and detail morphological characterisation was done.
Acute Phase Response in Buffalo Calves Experimentally Infected with Salmonella typhimurium

Received: Revised: Accepted: Published online: September 07, 2015 October 06, 2015 November 01, 2015 January 22, 2016 The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes that occur in the acute phase response (APR) of experimentally-induced salmonellosis in buffalo calves and to identify potential indicators of infection. Five buffalo calves received 10 colonyforming units of Salmonella typhimurium, orally. Another five animals were used as control group. Clinical examinations were performed and venous blood was sampled before and throughout 7 days after inoculation. Red blood cell count (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), plasma fibrinogen, serum haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, transferrin and iron were measured. Severe diarrhea started 72-108 h after inoculation, in all animals. The infectious stimulus induced severe APR, characterized by pyrexia, lymphopenia (4.99±1.73x10 cells/L), increase in fibrinogen (24.7±4.91 μmol/L), haptoglobin (21.5±8.65 μmol/L) and ceruloplasmin (1370±374 mg/L), decreased transferrin concentration (3.90±0.69 g/L) and hypoferremia (15.2±11.2 μmol/L). These changes coincided with the onset of clinical signs. Alterations of lower intensity occurred in erythrogram. Based on the magnitude and duration of changes, it is suggested that the combined measurement of serum levels of iron and haptoglobin is a useful tool for identifying newborn buffaloes recently affected by bacterial disease and for monitoring the effectiveness of its treatment. ©2015 PVJ. All rights reserved
Causal analyses, statistical efficiency and phenotypic precision through Recall-by-Genotype study design

Genome-wide association studies have been useful in identifying common genetic variants related to a variety of complex traits and diseases; however, they are often limited in their ability to inform about underlying biology. Whilst bioinformatics analyses, studies of cells, animal models and applied genetic epidemiology have provided some understanding of genetic associations or causal pathways, there is a need for new genetic studies that elucidate causal relationships and mechanisms in a cost-effective, precise and statistically efficient fashion. We discuss the motivation for and the characteristics of the Recall-by-Genotype (RbG) study design, an approach that enables genotype-directed deep-phenotyping and improvement in drawing causal inferences. Specifically, we present RbG designs using single and multiple variants and discuss the inferential properties, analytical approaches and applications of both. We consider the efficiency of the RbG approach, the likely value of RbG studies for the causal investigation of disease aetiology and the practicalities of incorporating genotypic data into population studies in the context of the RbG study design. Finally, we provide a catalogue of the UK-based resources for such studies, an online tool to aid the design of new RbG studies and discuss future developments of this approach.
DNA-based population estimate for grizzly bears Ursus arctos in northeastern British Columbia, Canada

Current harvest management of grizzly bears Ursus arctos in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada, is based primarily on modeling of habitat capability/suitability. No research has been conducted in the northern half of B.C. to verify these habitat-based estimates. We estimated grizzly bear population size in a 8,527 km2 study area in northeastern B.C. that included the east slopes of the northern Rocky Mountains (Northern Boreal Mountains ecoprovince) and the boreal plains (Taiga Plains ecoprovince) using hair removal to sample bears, microsatellite profiling to identify individuals, and mark-recapture models. We placed bait sites encircled by barbed wire in a grid of 103 9 × 9 km (81 km2) cells. In each cell a different bait site was set for 12 days in each of five sessions. We collected 2,062 hair samples from 332 sites and detected grizzly bears at 113 sites. DNA profiling of grizzly bear samples identified 98 different bears; 44 of these individuals were females, 47 were males, and the remaining seven individuals could not be sexed. Forty-one grizzly bears were caught at >1 site. We used a closed mark-recapture model to obtain a naive population estimate of 148 grizzly bears (95% confidence interval (Cl): 124–182). We reduced this estimate by 6.8% to account for closure bias, which resulted in an adjusted population estimate of 138 grizzly bears (95% Cl: 114–172) within the study area (16 bears/1,000 km2; 95% Cl: 13–20). Within the two biophysical ecoprovinces we estimated a density (corrected for closure) of 29 bears/1,000 km2 (95% Cl: 23–37) for the Northern Boreal Mountains and 10 bears/1,000 km2 (95% Cl: 7–18) for the Taiga Plains. The current habitat-based capability ratings for grizzly bears in the boreal ecoprovinces of B.C. are supported by our results in the Taiga Plains, but are lower than densities we obtained in the Northern Boreal Mountains by about half. With further testing, habitat-based estimates of grizzly bear density in B.C. could be adjusted using the results of DNA-based population estimates.
Development of an Enzyme Immunoassay and Cellular Function Assays to Probe the Function of Teneurin C-terminal Associated Peptide (TCAP)

The teneurin C-terminal associated peptides (TCAP) are a family of four predicted peptides that are expressed in all metazoans where t teneurins have been studied to date. Of the four peptides, TCAP-1 has been studied most ext ensively. In vitro, TCAP-1 increases neuronal proliferation and neurite outgrowth. In vivo, the peptide reduces CRF-induced behavioural responses in rats. Despite the large b ody of evidence indicating a strong biological role for TCAP-1, little is known about the chemistr y and solubility of the peptide, or the signaling pathway(s) mediating these effects. The aim of this research was to appropriately solubilize the peptide and to develop detection ass ays for its study in greater detail. I have now established an appropriate formulation of TCAP-1 an d developed an immunoassay to assess its concentrations in tissues and in circulation. Also , by examining a number of transcriptional response elements, I have found two assays for prob ing the signal transduction mechanisms of
A review of the potential of Imperata cylindrica L raeusch as feed for ruminant animals

The shortage of feed, particularly during the dry season is one of the major factors limiting the productivity of livestock in the tropics. Imperata is a natural grass of which control is very difficult, but shows the potential to alleviate the problem because it is drought resistant and has a high nutritive value when it is young. An attempt to generate useful information for improving the utilization of this grass, its potential and limitations were described. Its chemical composition and nutritive value related to management and animal requirements were reviewed. Possible solutions were also discussed to increase animal production from this low quality Imperata grass.
Sensory processing in the mouse circadian system

10 Chapter 1: General Introduction . 15 1.1 Light parameters of the photic environment . 16 1.1.1 Timing . 16 1.1.2 Irradiance . 18 1.1.3 Contrast . 19 1.1. 4 Wavelength/colour . 20 1.2 Photic input to the circadian system . 21 1.2.1 The outer retina: rods and cones . 21 1.2.1.1 Rod & Cone opsins . 22 1.2.1.2 Phototransduction . 24 1.2.1.2.1 Activation of the transduction cascade . 24 1.2.1.2.2 Amplification of the transduction cascade . 25 1.2.1.2.3 Deactivation of the transduction cascade . 27 1.2.1.2. 4 Light adaptation . 27 1.2.1.3 Colour discrimination . 29 1.2.2 Signal processing within the retinal network. 30 1.2.2.1 Bipolar cells . 30 1.2.3 Retinal ganglion cells . 31 1.2.3.1 Melanopsin . 32 1.2.3.1.1 Melanopsin Phototransduction . 34 1.2.3.2 ipRGC subtypes . 35 1.2.3.3 Horizontal cells . 38 1.2.3.4 Amacrine cells . 38 1.2. 4 Photoreceptor contributions to photoentrainment . 39 1.2. 4.1 Rods . 41 1.2. 4.2 Cones . 41 1.2. 4.3 Melanopsin . 44 1.3 The SCN neuronal network . 45 1.3.1 The suprachiasmatic nuclei . 45 1.3.2 Single cell oscillators . 46 1.3.2.1 The molecular clock . 47 1.3.2.2 Ionic controls of SCN firing . 49 1.3.2.3 Calcium . 50
Impacts of river habitat quality on the conservation of endangered target species

This thesis analyzed spatio-temporal habitat quality dynamics and their scale dependent, life-stage specific effects on freshwater mussels and fishes. Performance and development success could be linked to physicochemical variables such as oxygen supply. The results suggest that the scale dependence of effects needs to be better considered in future conservation and restoration projects.
Genetic divergence in natural and farm populations of Pengba fish, Osteobrama belangeri (Valenciennes, 1844), an endemic fish of North-East India derived from mtDNA ATPase 6/8 gene

Abstract Pengba fish, Osteobrama belangeri is a freshwater inhabitant, highly endemic, threatened and economically important minor carp for its food value. In the present investigation, population structure of O. belangeri was examined using mitochondrial ATPase 6/8 gene from geographically distinct locations along the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. A total of 80 individuals were collected belonging to natural and farm populations. The hierarchical analysis of molecular variance and conventional Fst values (0.825 in ATPase 6/8, p < .05) indicated significant genetic structure among populations. The result showed that ATPase 6/8 genes are potential marker in determining the genetic divergence between natural and farm populations of O. belangeri from North-East India.
Bioconversion and bioethanol production from agro-residues through fermentation process using mangrove-associated actinobacterium Streptomyces olivaceus (MSU3)

ABSTRACT In the present investigation, an actinobacterial strain of Streptomyces olivaceus (MSU3) was isolated from a rhizosphere sediment sample of a mangrove environment, and it was confirmed through 16S rRNA sequencing. The isolated strain saccharified various agro-residues such as vegetable, banana, mango peel, sugarcane bagasse and sugarcane juice, followed by bioethanol production. Among the tested residues, the actinobacterial strain exhibited the maximum percentage of saccharification and bioethanol production in sugarcane juice-substituted medium at the optimized culture conditions of pH 6, temperature 30°C, innoculum size 2.5% and incubation time 72 h, substituted with 2.5% dextrose and 2.0% urea, respectively, as carbon and nitrogen sources. The concentration of produced bioethanol was estimated through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and it was exhibited as 76% with the retention time of 2.055 min and percentage area of 135694. 91μV/sec. In Fourier transmission infrared (FT-IR) analysis, six functional groups (O-H, C-O, C=O, C=C, -C=C and C-Br) from the produced bioethanol were denoted between the wavenumber of 3264.27 and 551.35 cm−1. Finally, the Gaschromatography-Massspectrphotometry (GC-MS) analysis confirmed that the functional group similar to bioethanol was detected in the chromatogram with a retention time of 2.50 as well as 13.87 min. Based on the results, it could be confirmed that the actinobacterial isolate is a potent strain and can also be used to hydrolyze agro-residues and to convert the agro-residues into economically important byproducts like bioethanol.
Mammalia, Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae, Lonchophylla hesperia G. M. Allen, 1908: second record of the Western Nectar Bat in Ecuador after 70 years

Herein we report the second record for Lonchophylla hesperia in Ecuador, and the first one since 1939. We captured an adult male in a mountainous dry valley at Comunidad San Jacinto, Catamayo Valley, Loja Province, southwestern Ecuador. The dominant landscape consists of agricultural lands, mainly of corn fields and pastures; while the natural forest is restricted to small patches. A description of the species’ shelter and a predictive distribution model in Peru and Ecuador are presented, indicating the areas between the two countries were the habitat is climatically suitable for its presence.
Shallow gas development and grassland songbirds: The importance of perches

Grassland bird species have declined more than birds of any other region in North America and industrial development may exert further pressure on these species. We evaluated effects of conventional natural gas infrastructure on the relative abundances of grassland songbirds in southeastern Alberta, Canada at sites with shallow gas well pad densities ranging from 0 to 16 pads/258 ha (0–24 well heads/258 ha). Conventional gas wells have a relatively small footprint and minimal associated noise and maintenance activities, allowing us to focus on effects of the infrastructure itself and vegetation surrounding wells. We conducted fixed-radius point counts and vegetation sampling at 34 sites in 2010 and 40 sites in 2011. We used generalized linear mixed models and information theory to evaluate effects of infrastructure on birds. Relative abundances of vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) and western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) increased near gas wells, whereas abundance of the threatened Sprague's pipit (Anthus spragueii) declined. Vegetation near infrastructure was shorter and sparser than locations farther from wells, but discrepancies with avian habitat preferences suggest that, in contrast to conclusions of previous studies, vegetation structure could not explain responses to infrastructure by birds. Instead, gas wells may have acted as artificial shrubs because they attracted species that use vegetation for perching but were avoided by species that avoid shrubs. Our results suggest that observed effects were a direct result of the presence of wells and associated fencing, and thus risk mitigation should focus on reducing the extent of aboveground infrastructure. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.