Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Segregation at microsatellite loci in haploid and diploid gametes of Musa

The triploid genome of plantain (Musa spp., AA group) has been considered intractable to genetic improvement because of the producttion of putatively homogeneous 2n (= 3x ) gametes. Plantain breeding schemes have been based on the hybridization of 2n megaspores from the triploid plantain and haploid microspores from a wild diploid banana. The resultant full-sib populations of tetraploid hybrids exhibited extreme variation in phenotypic characteristics. This study was conducted to analyze the genetic constitution of tetraploid hybrids in order to characterize the nature of the gametes from which they were derived. Parental genotypes were screened with 31 primer pairs specific to different Musa microsatellite loci. Primers which detected polymorphisms between the parental genotypes were used to screen a population of 14 full-sib tetraploid hybrids A subset of primers was also used to screen a population generated by self-pollination of the parental diploid banana. During analysis of the tetraploid hybrid population, 75% of the alleles donated by the maternal genotype (Obino l'Ewai) were observed to segregate. These data demonstrate the occurrence of recombination during the formation of 2n megaspores in triploid plantain. Analysis of the paternal diploid banana accession (Calcutta 4) and its selfed progeny suggests that this accession is highly heterozygous. These data demonstrate the importance of genetic characterization to Musa breeding, and also indicate that microsatellite markers are well suited for marker-assisted selection systems in Musa.
Opposite Ability of Pre-TCR and αβTCR to Induce Apoptosis

In early CD4−CD8− pro-thymocytes, signaling through the pre-TCR is crucial for survival and differentiation into CD4+CD8+ cells. At this more mature stage, interactions between αβTCR and self-Ag/MHC complexes in turn lead either to cell survival and differentiation (positive selection) or to cell death (negative selection). Intrinsic differences must therefore exist between pre-TCR signals in CD4−CD8− thymocytes and αβTCR signals in CD4+CD8+ cells, since only the latter can mediate a death signal. In this work, we directly compared the capability of pre-TCR and αβTCR to induce apoptosis in a CD4−CD8− thymoma cell line following receptor cross-linking with mAbs. Cross-linking of αβTCR triggered high levels of programmed cell death, mimicking the negative selection signal usually induced in CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. In contrast, pre-TCR was very inefficient at inducing apoptosis upon cross-linking, despite similar levels of surface receptor expression. Importantly, inefficient apoptosis induction by the pre-TCR did not result from its weak association with TCRζ chain, since TCRs containing α-pTα chimeric chains, binding weakly to TCRζ, were still able to induce apoptosis. Although similar tyrosine phosphorylation and calcium influx were induced after either pre-TCR or αβTCR cross-linking, the two pathways diverged at the level of Fas ligand induction. Among putative transcription factors involved in Fas ligand mRNA induction, Nur77 and NFAT transcriptional activities were readily induced after αβTCR, but not pre-TCR, stimulation. Together, these results support the view that the structure of the pre-TCR and αβTCR directly influences their apoptosis-inducing capabilities by activating distinct signaling pathways.
Characterization of diameter distribution data in near-natural forests using the Birnbaum–Saunders distribution

The purpose of this study is to investigate the suitability of the Birnbaum–Saunders distribution to model diameter at breast height (DBH) distributions of near-natural complex structure silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) – European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests. The investigations were carried out in Świetokrzyski National Park, situated in Central Poland. To estimate the parameters of the Birnbaum–Saunders distribution, three methods were used: the maximum likelihood method (MLE) and the mean–mean estimator, the modified moment method (MME), and the graphical method (GME). The empirical DBH distributions in near-natural fir–beech stands, which arose according to the model taking into account the overlapping of fir mortality and beech regeneration, were generally conformed to the Birnbaum–Saunders distribution. In such forests, the Birnbaum–Saunders distribution approximated the empirical DBH distributions more precisely than the Weibull and gamma distributions.
PURIFICATION AND PROPERTIES OF THE MAJOR ANTIGENIC BEER PROTEIN OF BARLEY ORIGIN

The major antigenic beer macromolecule, Antigen 1, has been isolated from commercial lager beer by succesive use of ultrafiltration, alcohol precipitation, anion exchange, cation exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Amino acid analyses showed a composition identical with that of a major barley albumin, Protein Z, except for a 16% lower content of lysine. Like Protein Z, Antigen 1 showed a molecular weight (MW) near 40,000 in gel filtration and SDS-gel electrophoresis. Unlike Protein Z, Antigen 1 contained 2·5% carbohydrate and was more acidic. When properly standardised, the amount of Antigen 1 in beer could be determined immunoelectrophoretically. Contents ranged from 22 mg/litre in a pale ale (7·7°P; 36% brewers adjunct) to 170mg/litre in a stout (18·8°P). The results suggest that Antigen 1 may account for more than 10% of the total non-dialysable proteinaceous material in beer, and that about 25% of the Protein Z present in the brewing materials may be recovered with an almost unmodified protein structure as Antigen 1 of beer. Apparently, Antigen 1 was not affected by stabilisation of the beer with insoluble PVP or with papaya proteinases.
Genetic vs. morphological differentiation of Old World buzzards (genus Buteo, Accipitridae)

Kruckenhauser, L. , Haring, E. , Pinsker, W. , Riesing, M. J., Winkler, H. , Wink, M. & Gamauf, A. (2004). Genetic vs. morphological differentiation of Old World buzzards (genus Buteo, Accipitridae). — Zoologica Scripta, 33, 197–211.
Actions of TNF‐α on glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the central nervous system

Increasing attention is being paid to the role of inflammatory and immune molecules in the modulation of central nervous system (CNS) function. Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, the receptors for which are expressed on neurones and glial cells throughout the CNS. Through the action of its two receptors, it has a broad range of actions on neurones which may be either neuroprotective or neurotoxic. It plays a facilitatory role in glutamate excitotoxicity, both directly and indirectly by inhibiting glial glutamate transporters on astrocytes. Additionally, TNF‐α has direct effects on glutamate transmission, for example increasing expression of AMPA receptors on synapses. TNF‐α also plays a role in synaptic plasticity, inhibiting long‐term potentiation (LTP), a process dependent on p38 mitogen activated kinase (p38 MAP) kinase. In the following review we look at these and other effects of TNF‐α in the CNS.
Pollen morphology of Androsace (Primulaceae) and its systematic implications

A close relationship between Androsace and related genera (Douglasia, Vitaliana, and Pomatosace) has long been recognized. Recent molecular studies have provided abundant evidence that Douglasia, Vitaliana, and Pomatosace are nested within Androsace and together constitute the monophyletic “Androsace group”. We investigated the pollen morphology of 80 taxa representing all sections of Androsace s.s. as traditionally construed, as well as Douglasia, Vitaliana, and Pomatosace, to see whether they are congruent with phylogenetic relationships. We uncovered subtle variation in pollen morphology within the group. The shape of pollen grains ranges from spheroidal to perprolate. Pollen size ranges from 9.37 µm in Androsace sect. Samuelia to 20.68 µm in Douglasia. Exine ornamentation includes microreticulate, microechinate, perforate, and rugulate types. The polar view varies from circular, triangular and planaperturate, to triangular and angulaperturate. Various pollen morphological characters support the monophyly of major clades, including /Septentrionalis, /Pomatosace, /Orthocaulon, and /Megista, which were recognized previously based on molecular evidence.
Bacillus subtilis as a potent probiotic for enhancing growth in fingerlings of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

A feeding trial of 180 days was conducted to examine the effect of Bacillus subtilis, a probiotic bacterial strain isolated from the gut of common carp, on weight gain and growth performance in fingerlings of common carp. Three isonitrogenous diets were prepared and B. subtilis was incorporated in the experimental diets, D2 and D3 at two different levels viz.,4 x 106 and 4 x 108 cells per 100 g of feed, respectively along with a control diet D1 without incorporation of probiotic. Rearing of fingerlings on diet D3 (supplemented with 4 x 108 cells per 100 g) resulted in better growth, specifit growth rate (SGR), feed convertion ratio (FCR), feed convertion efficiency (FCE) and condition factor compared to D1 and D2. Increased RNA-DNA ratios were recorded in probiotic fed group with best result for D3. The results clearly indicate that B. subtilis can be used as a growth promoting probiotic in the diet of common carp fingerlings.
Seasonal wool production of Romney, Coopworth, Perendale, Cheviot, and Corriedale wethers

Abstract Seasonal wool production of Romney, Coopworth, Perendale, Cheviot, and Corriedale wethers born in 1969 and 1970 was studied for 4 and 3 years respectively. Weight of clean wool per midside patch at 28- or 56-day intervals, fibre diameter, and live weight were recorded from approximately 20 weeks of age. Live-weight change with season was similar for all breeds. A marked seasonal variation in wool production and fibre diameter on the midside patch occurred after animals reached 1 year of age. Clean wool growth from the patch was 3.3, 3.1, 3.0, 2.8, and 2.7 times greater for Perendale, Coopworth, Romney, Corriedale, and Cheviot respectively in summer than in winter. Summer fibre diameters were 1.3–1.4 times those of the winter diameters. Breed differences for weight of clean wool per patch and fibre diameter were most pronounced in the periods of higher wool growth rates.
Distribution, abundance and conservation of the highly endemic Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle, Cicindela albissima Rumpp

The Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle, Cicindela albissima Rumpp, occurs only within a small area of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes in southwestern Utah. Even within this dune field, most of the population is limited to a small core area about 2 × 0.5 km2 in size (adjacent areas sometimes contain beetles, but these appear to be demographic sinks). The core habitat is a transition zone of transverse dunes located between more dynamic dunes to the south (crests of these move upwards of 3 m/y) and more stabilised ones to the north. A candidate species since 1994, the beetle was recently proposed for listing as a threatened species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. A conservation agreement in 1997 established two off-highway-vehicle-free conservation areas, one of these supporting most of the population within the core habitat (A) and the other a potential site for establishing a second viable population (B). Annual population estimates of adults from 1999 to 2013 fluctuated significantly from a low of 558 to high of 2944. Despite a progressive increase in recent years, our studies including two population viability analyses confirmed the species remains at risk of extinction because of its localised distribution, fluctuating abundance apparently limited by reduced rainfall and the failure to establish a second population in Conservation Area B. The fate of the species is tied to the five inter-dunal swale rows that support most of the adults and larvae. Consequently, there are few options for conservation of the species. Proposed listing of C. albissima as a threatened species was recently withdrawn by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in lieu of a revised conservation agreement which modestly expands protection in Conservation Area A.
Campuran pulp tandan kosong kelapa sawit dan selulosa mikrobial nata de cassava dalam pembuatan kertas

Nowadays, forest-extracted wood cellulose still predominantly serves as raw material for pulp and paper manufacture in Indonesia. Consequently, the deforestation rate has alarmingly increased. The purpose of this research is to study the use of mixed microbial cellulose pulp from nata de cassava and pulp from empty oil palm fruit bunch (EOPFB) for paper manufacture. In this research, pulp of nata de cassava ’s microbial cellulose was mixed with EOPFB pulp at various proportions. Additives (i.e. 2% alum, 2.5% tapioca starch, and 5% kaolin) were added to such mixture. Sheet forming without additives was made as a control. Addition of microbial cellulose tends to increase the physical and strength properties of paper and decrease the capability to absorb water significantly. The mixture of pulp of empty oil palm fruit bunch and microbial cellulose from nata de cassava has a potency to substitute wood pulp for paper manufacture.
Digestibility studies in broiler chickens: Influence of genotype, age, sex and method of determination.

Abstract 1. The influences of genotype, age and sex on droppings digestibility coefficients of a compound food were studied using male and female broiler chickens of three different genotypes at 2, 4 and 6 weeks of age. 2. Because the traditional method of determination of droppings digestibility coefficients of nitrogen may lead to systematic errors in estimating the feeding value of foodstuffs, a method is proposed to determine the ileal digestibility coefficients. The ileal method is compared with the droppings method for a mixed food and for two foodstuffs: wheat and solvent‐extracted soyabean meal. 3. Birds selected for efficient food conversion showed distinctly higher digestibility coefficients for all nutrients than birds selected for high growth potential or birds from a commercial strain. 4. The influence of age on digestibility coefficients was not consistent. 5. Female birds showed digestibility coefficients which were, in general, 3% higher than those of male chickens. 6. Interactions between.
Effects of feeding methods on eating frustration in stabled horses

Five feeding methods were tested in stabled horses: (i) cutting hay (hay was cut into 5 cm lengths), (ii) delaying feeding time (feeding was delayed until 1 h after the usual time), (iii) increasing the feeding frequency (hay was divided into two portions; one half was given at the normal time and the other 1 h later), (iv) increasing the feeding locations (hay was available at three locations), and (v) increasing the hay varieties (three species of hay were used). The behavioral durations in the 2 h after the experimental feedings were compared with those after usual feeding. In the cutting hay treatment, hay-eating time decreased (P < 0.05), whereas bedding-eating time and resting time tended to increase. In the delaying feeding time treatment, bedding investigation time increased (P < 0.01) and hay-eating time tended to increase. In the increasing the feeding frequency treatment, hay-eating time tended to increase. In the increasing the feeding locations treatment, bedding investigation time tended to decrease. In the increasing the hay varieties treatment, resting time tended to decrease and hay-eating time tended to increase. It was suggested that the former two feeding methods might stimulate and the latter three feeding methods might suppress eating frustration in terms of increasing consummatory behavior (eating) and decreasing appetitive (investigating) and displacement behavior (resting).
Predictive Mapping of Species Richness and Plant Species' Distributions of a Peruvian Fog Oasis Along an Altitudinal Gradient

Tropical arid to semi‐arid ecosystems are nearly as diverse as more humid forests and occupy large parts of the tropics. In comparison, however, they are vastly understudied. For instance, fog precipitation alone supports a unique vegetation formation, locally termed lomas, on coastal mountains in the Peruvian desert. To effectively protect these highly endemic and threatened ecosystems, we must increase our understanding of their diversity patterns in relation to environmental factors. Consequently, we recorded all vascular species from 100 random 4 × 4 m plots on the fog‐exposed southern slope of the mountain Mongón. We used topographic and remotely sensed covariates in statistical models to generate spatial predictions of alpha diversity and plant species' distribution probabilities. Altitude was the most important predictor in all models and may represent fog moisture levels. Other significant covariates in the models most likely refer also to water availability but on a finer spatial scale. Additionally, model‐based clustering revealed five altitudinal vegetation zones. This study contributes to a better spatial understanding of the biodiversity and spatial arrangement of vegetation belts of the largely unknown but highly unique lomas formations. Furthermore, mapping species richness and plant species' distributions could support a long‐needed lomas strategic conservation scheme.
Hard-to-Cook Phenomenon in Beans: Changes in Protein Electrophoretic Patterns During Storage

Effect of storage at elevated temperature and relative humidity on black bean cotyledon proteins was examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) at pH 3.1. Electrophoregrams of acetic acid extracts of dehulled ground cotyledons of beans with storage-induced hardness showed concomitant changes with storage time. The changes were accelerated by higher temperature and humidity.
MOLECULES VS MORPHOLOGY IN PHYLOGENETICS: A NON-CONTROVERSY

Summary The so-called molecules vs morphology ‘controversy’ currently plaguing phylogenetic systematics is discussed within a historical and philosophical context. It is concluded that the controversy is an artifact of flawed philosophy, improper project design and incorrect methods of data analysis, and that the controversy is sustained primarily by conflict of personalities. Moreover, the controversy may be resolved simply by closer collaboration between morphologists and molecular biologists, and by the use of philosophically sound phylogenetic methods (i.e. cladistics), founded on consilience and parsimony, and by the standardized use of mathematically correct analytical procedures.
Microbial Profiles of Hands, Foods, Easy Contact Surfaces and Food Contact Surfaces: A Case Study of a University Campus

Human hands usually harbour microbes both as part of body normal flora as well as transient microbes acquired from the environment. One common way by which transient organisms of hand are picked up is by contact with food and surfaces. A total of 130 samples consisting of 40 hand swabs, 20 each of food samples and food contact surfaces and 10 each of swabs from banisters, table top, door handles, taps handles and toilet flushers were collected from different locations of the University campus. Samples were analyzed for total aerobic plate count, fungal count, coliform count and for specific organisms. About 98% of hand swabs, food contact and the easy contact surfaces were contaminated with diverse organisms. Hand swabs from the halls of residence and Library had higher levels of contaminations 2.1x105 and 1.9x105 cfu respectively. Toilet flushers and Banisters had TAPC of 8.3x106 and 4.8x106. Moin-moin, Fried rice and Coleslaw had counts of 3.2x107, 1.6x106 and 1.1x106 cfu/g. The predominant microorganisms isolated were Bacillus spp. , Staphylococcus spp. , Streptococcus spp. , Aspergillus spp. , Fusarium spp. , Penicillium spp. and Actinomycetes. Also present in the food samples and contact surfaces are Klebsiella spp. , Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Different types of organisms can be picked up from the environment specifically the easy contact surfaces and the hand can be the most important means by which enteric pathogens are transmitted. Likewise, the rate of food borne illness can be greatly reduced by effective HACCP, GMP and hand washing.
Effects of experimental warming, litter species, and presence of macroinvertebrates on litter decomposition and associated decomposers in a temperate mountain stream

Small woodland streams make the majority of water courses in most watersheds. Litter decomposition is a key ecosystem process in these shaded streams, and its response to warming can have profound consequences for food webs and the carbon (C) cycle. However, these responses can be modulated by litter identity and the structure of the detrital food web. Here we report on a manipulative study aiming at evaluating the effects of warming (+2.8 °C), litter identity (chestnut (Castanea sativa) or oak (Quercus robur) litter), and the structure of the detrital food web (presence or absence of macroinvertebrates) on litter decomposition and decomposers in a small, temperate woodland stream. Warming significantly stimulated overall (microbial- + macroinvertebrate-driven) decomposition of oak and microbial-driven decomposition of chestnut. The similar shredder densities at elevated and ambient temperatures suggest that stimulated overall decomposition of oak resulted from increased activity of macroinvertebrate individuals. Stimulated microbial-driven decomposition of chestnut resulted from higher fungal activity with warming. Stimulation of litter decomposition by warming can lead to increases in the amount of C returned to the atmosphere and to a faster disappearance of litter from the benthos, with consequences to the C cycle and aquatic food webs.
Phytochemical Evaluation of Ethanolic Extract of Aerial Parts of Albizia procera

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical activity of ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Albizia procera Roxb. ( Benth.) belonging to the family Mimosaceae. The aerial parts were collected and extract prepared from ethanol by hot continuous percolation method in Soxhlet apparatusfor 24 hrs and found triterpenoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins and flavonoids. Each active compound shows different activities against different type of diseases like cancer, liver disorders, diabetes, atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases etc. It also possesses antioxidant properties. According to their characteristics, they can be involved into medicinal plant category.
Predatory potential and life history characteristics of eleven spotted beetle, Coccinella undecimpunctata L. reared on cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley.

Cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis T. (Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) proved a menace to subcontinent South East Asia economy since 2005. After introduction of this notorious Caribbean pest it was necessary to identify biological control agents in country which are indigenous and successfully suppress the pest. In present studies eleven spotted ladybird beetle female (Coccinella undecimpunctata L.) predating efficiency was determined against cotton mealybug. Adult female during whole life consumed 1519 mealy bugs during whole life cycle through devouring 854, 308, 269 and 86 1, 2, 3 instar and adult stage cotton mealybug respectively. While adult male during entire life consumed 1420 cotton mealybug through consuming 792, 291, 263, 74 1, 2, 3 instars and adult cotton mealybug. The population structure and biological parameters were also determined through no choice feeding trials. Adult female of C. undecimpunctata consumed higher number of mealybug than adult male during its whole life. Experiment demonstrated that C. undecimpunctata is an effective bio control agent of cotton mealybug which can be used in integrated pest management program successfully for the management of this notorious pest on cotton crop.