Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Karyological Studies in Gossypium herbaceum Cultivars of lran

Forty-two G. herbaceum cultivars available in Iran National Gene Bank were analysed karyologically showing 2n=26 chromosome number. The cultivars varied with regard to number of SAT-chromosomes and chromosomes carrying secondary constrictions. Karyotypes were of symmetrical type having small chromosomes. Factorial analysis showed significant difference for both the cultivars as well as chromosomes.Cluster analysis using UPGMA, single linkage and complete linkage methods grouped the cultivars in six distinct clusters. Principal coordinate analysis supports the clustering results and principal component analysis showed that chromosomes 4 to 10 and long arms of the chromosomes 2, 8, 10 and 13 and short arms of the chromosomes 3, 7 and 8 are the most variable chromosomes/chromosome arms among the cultivars studied.Present work indicates genomic differences among diploid G. herbaceum cultivars of Iran which can be used in hybridization programs. Crossing of the cultivars placed in distant clusters are suggested.
Gene action and combining ability estimates for yield and other quantitative traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum).

A diallel set of 6 parents and their 15 F[ hybrids were analyzed to understand the nature and magnitude of gene action and to identify the best combiners for yield and its component traits of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) The gca and sea components showed the predominance of additive gene action in governing days to flowering, days to poding, plant height, number of pods, number of seeds/pod, plant biomass, harvest index, grain yield and 100-seed weight and non-additive gene action for number of branches. Estimates of gca effects showed that the parent 'GL 98010' was the best general combiner, followed by 'GL 96010' and 'GL 90168'. Thus the ascochyta blight resistant parents 'GL 96010', 'GL 98010' and 'GL 90168' should be involved in the hybridization programmes for making yield breakthrough in chickpea. The cross combination 'GL 98010'x'GL 90168' showed significant and desirable sea effects for most of the traits including grain yield.
Effect of type of otolith and preparation techniqueon age estimation of larval and juvenile spot(Leiostomus xanthurus)

Otoliths of larval and juvenile fish provide a record of age, size, growth, and development (Campana and Neilson, 1985; Thorrold and Hare, 2002). However, determining the time of first increment formation in otoliths (Campana, 2001) and assessing the accuracy (deviation from real age) and precision (repeatability of increment counts from the same otolith) of increment counts are prerequisites for using otoliths to study the life history of fish (Campana and Moksness, 1991). For most fish species, first increment deposition occurs either at hatching, a day after hatching, or after first feeding and yolksac absorption (Jones, 1986; Thorrold and Hare, 2002). Increment deposition before hatching also occurs (Barkmann and Beck, 1976; Radtke and Dean, 1982). If first increment deposition does not occur at hatching, the standard procedure is to add a predetermined number to increment counts to estimate fish age (Campana and Neilson, 1985).
Large herbivore responses to water and settlements in savannas

Sustaining wildlife and pastoral communities in savannas worldwide depends on understanding how landscapes provide for their needs. The composite effects of multiple forces shape herbivore distribution in savannas. We propose a model describing the distribution of animal density along two resource utilization gradients. The model estimates where animals are most abundant in relation to water and pastoral settlements and how strongly they respond to these gradients, as indicated by the location of peak densities in landscape space and degree of attraction of animals to these locations. We use the model to show that distances to water and settlements interactively influence the distribution of wild herbivore and livestock densities in a semiarid protected and pastoral African savanna. The herbivores were distributed along distance from water and settlement gradients according to four distinct patterns, suggesting the preponderance of constrained foraging. The impact of distance to water and settlement on herbivore distribution was modified by land use type and temporal variation in rainfall, and also varied among different species of wildlife and between wildlife and livestock. Wild herbivores peaked in density farther from settlements than from water and were much more strongly attracted to their points of maximum density in the pastoral than in the protected land. The point of maximum density was farther removed from settlements in the protected than in the pastoral landscape where the wild herbivores were compressed into smaller suitable habitats. The interaction between distances from settlement and water produced discernible spatial segregation among species in terms of the locations of their points of maximum density, presumably to minimize interspecific competition for forage and water. Settlements exerted relatively stronger influence on livestock distribution than water, resulting in densities that declined exponentially away from settlements at all distances from water.
Acidification effects on microbial populations during initiation of cucumber fermentation

Addition of acetic acid (0.067M) or calcium acetate (0.133 M) to the cover brine (1.94M NaCl) of cucumbers reduced naturally occurring Enterobacteriaceae, but not lactic acid bacteria (LAB), during the first 5 days after brining. Naturally occurring LAB were predominantly heterofermentative (≥ 80%) 1 day after brining and homofermentative (≥ 90%) on the 5th day. Enterobacteriaceae survived longer within cucumbers than in brine, particularly in nonacidified cucumbers. Starter cultures of Lactobacillus plantation or Pediococcus pentosaceus decreased 90–99.9% during the first 10 hr after addition and did not increase until about 30 h after brining. Obtaining predominant fermentation of brined cucumbers by added cultures was difficult due to presence of natural microflora on/in the cucumbers and the harsh environment of the brine (high salt, low nutrients).
Body size, age and reproduction in the leopard toad, Bufo pardalis

Data on the relationships between body size and age were obtained for a sample of leopard toads Bufo pardalis from a breeding population of this species from the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. Age was determined by counting the number of lines of arrested growth in histological sections of a digit clipped from each individual. In males there was a positive, but weak, correlation (explaining only 18% of the variance) between body size and age, and in females no correlation at all existed between these two variables. Males which were successful in obtaining matings were not older than unsuccessful males. Age of males at the breeding site ranged from one to three years, whereas females ranged from two to six years old. This represents both the earliest age of reproduction, as well as the greatest difference in longevity between the sexes, documented for an anuran species.
EFFECT OF LEAF SUPPLIMENTATION WITH SECONDARY METABOLITES ON ECONOMIC TRAITS OF MULBERRY SILKWORM

Silkworms fed on supplemented leaves dipped in different lower and higher concentrations of three secondary metabolites to all the larval instars four times in a day. Lower concentrations of pectin, amino acid mixture and proline proved to be considerably effective showing higher shell ratio, weight of shell and cocoon was also noticed to be higher, reliability was significantly higher and lower renditta found to be superior in lower concentrations of secondary metabolites than the higher concentrations. These findings reported that economic traits was noticed and found to be superior in lower concentration of secondary metabolites, which performed best results amongst the treatments and natural diet, which showed that significantly, improved the silk production and they can recommend as leaf supplementation for increasing farmer’s income as well.
Effects of Different Edible Coatings in Physical, Chemical and Microbiological Characteristics of Minimally Processed Peaches (Prunus persica L. Batsch)

The present work aimed at evaluating the effects of tara gum, xanthan and sodium alginate as edible coatings in physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of minimally processed peaches. Peaches from Granada cultivar were peeled, cut into cubes and immersed in the solutions with the respective treatment. Four treatments were used. The minimally processed peaches were packed in PET packaging and stored at 4 ± 1C for 12 days. Physical and physicochemical analyses were performed, including mass loss, firmness (N), color (L*, a*, b* and Hue angle), pH, soluble solids (°Brix), and microbiological evaluations of psychotrophic microorganisms and mold and yeast. The treatment with tara gum associated to citric and ascorbic acids and sodium chloride presented the best results. Tara gum allowed a reduction of mass loss, firmness maintenance, lower color alteration and lower growth of molds and yeasts. Therefore, this gum presents potential for application as edible coating. Practical Applications Fresh-cut peaches are appreciated worldwide for their exotic flavor and nutritional composition. However, their shelf life is limited by changes in color, texture, appearance and microbial growth. An alternative to try to minimize the losses and increase the shelf life of this product is the use of edible coatings, maintaining the quality parameters of fresh fruit. Tara gum is a cheap gum that has not been used as coating on minimally processed fruit, and in this work, this gum showed significant results in the quality of fresh-cut peaches for a longer time. It can be considered useful to the minimal processing industry and used as an alternative to fast food and other ready-to-eat products, attending the demand for healthy and convenient foodstuffs.
EFFECTS OF WINTER ACCLIMATIZATION ON RESTING METABOLISM OF BEEF COWS

Twelve pregnant beef cows in average or fat body condition were overwintered in either heated housing (18 C) or outside and exposed to the naturally occurring cold winter conditions (5 to −10 C during early winter, 0 to −48 C during mid-winter). The housed and half of the outside cows were provided with woodshavings as bedding. In November (early winter) and again in January (mid-winter) metabolic measurements were made on each cow (22 h postfeeding) while exposed to test temperatures of −30, 0 and + 30 C. After adjusting for differences in body weight (kg3/4 basis), metabolic rate was not significantly influenced by either the body condition or by the availability of bedding. Metabolic rates were elevated in all cows when exposed to −30 C but, as evident from the decreases in rectal temperature, the housed cows were unable to maintain homeothermy during the tests at −30 C. Metabolic acclimatization occurred in the cows kept outside resulting in an increased resting metabolism and downward shift in their .
Effect of restricted feeding on metabolic adaptations of Kamphaengsaen and crossbred Brahman heifers

Metabolic adaptation during feed deprivation was determined in five Kamphaengsaen (KPS) and six crossbred Brahman (Crossbred Bra) heifers. All heifers were fed at the rate of 85% of the metabolizable energy requirement for maintenance. At the end of 20 days of restricted feeding, the Crossbred Bra heifers lost more bodyweight than the KPS heifers (12.0 vs. 7.2 kg) (P < 0.05). In both groups of heifers there was a similar depletion of back-fat thickness, however, the loin eye area of the Crossbred Bra heifers decreased more than KPS heifers (8.43 vs. 0.92%; P < 0.05). Feed restriction elevated the rate of lipolysis in adipose tissue, resulting in increased nonesterified fatty acids concentrations in plasma. The Crossbred Bra heifers had a greater serum high density lipoprotein triacylglycerol concentration than the KPS heifers (17.02 vs. 9.53 mg/dL; P < 0.05). This would suggest that the hepatic tissues in the Crossbred Bra heifers exported more triacylglycerols as very low density lipoprotein than in the KPS heifers. During the feed restriction period, the plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration for the heifers was elevated; however, Crossbred Bra heifers shown less plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration than KPS heifers (242 vs. 326 µmol/L; P < 0.05). This may be due to the difference in very low density lipoprotein secretion between the two groups of heifers. There were significant differences in plasma urea-nitrogen and plasma glucose concentrations (P < 0.05), with the KPS heifers showing less extensive plasma urea-nitrogen concentration and hypoglycemia, whereas the Crossbred Bra heifers had more extensive plasma urea- nitrogen concentration and euglycemia. These two metabolites were suggestive of a ketogenic effect on muscle protein catabolism. In conclusion, it was found that the underfed KPS heifers utilized ketone bodies as their energy source, thus limiting body protein degradation, whereas the Crossbred Bra adapted to feed deprivation by exhibiting an auto-regulation mechanism for ketogenesis and broke down body protein extensively to satisfy their demand for glucose.
Effect of Pythium spp. and glyphosate on phytoalexin production and exudation by bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) roots grown in different media

Kievitone, phaseollinisoflavan and phaseollin were detected in roots of bean seedlings (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in natural soil. Comparison of phytoalexin production by roots grown in different media indicated that these phytoalexins were probably induced by microorganisms in soil. The influence of common root rot pathogens of bean, Pythium spp. , on phytoalexin production was determined. Pythium ultimum elicited kievitone, phaseollinisoflavan and phaseollin in roots grown in sterilized silica sand. P. sylvaticum induced only kievitone and phaseollin in the same growth medium. Glyphosate did not significantly affect the accumulation of phytoalexins within 3 days. However, by day 5, significantly more phaseollin was detected in the roots of Pythium inoculated plants treated with glyphosate than in Pythium inoculated plants not treated with glyphosate. In a hydroponic system, both Pythium spp. elicited accumulation of kievitone and phaseollin in root tissue, and both phytoalexins were exuded into the bathing solution. Glyphosate application did not significantly affect accumulation or exudation of phytoalexins by bean roots in the hydroponic system. The results from this study illustrate the nature and extent of phytoalexin production by bean roots in the absence and presence of microbes.
Morphology of the female Myrmecolacidae (Strepsiptera) including the apron, and an associated structure analogous to the peritrophic matrix

Abstract Development in the totally endoparasitic female Strepsiptera has been clarified by light and electron microscopy. At the end of the 4th instar the cuticle sclerotizes anteriorly to form the cephalothorax and collar, the former of which is later extruded through the host cuticle. Posteriorly, the cuticle remains unsclerotized, and this region is within the host. The moult to the neotenic adult takes place within the 4th instar cuticle, and the epicuticles of the previous instars are retained as persistent sheaths. The gut, which is present in the earlier endoparasitic stages, is lost after extrusion of the cephalothorax, and a novel structure develops on the ventral surface of the neotenic female. Due to the position of this novel structure in the neotenic female, this area is called an apron . The detailed structure of the membranes in the apron in Stichotrema dallatorreanum Hofeneder from Oro Province, and of another female myrmecolacid (which has a different host) from West New Britain in Papua New Guinea, is described. A dual function for the apron is proposed.
Food consumption and growth of two piscivorous fishes, the mandarin fish and the Chinese snakehead

Rates of maximum food consumption and growth were determined for immature mandarin fish Siniperca chuatsi (47.2-540.2 g) and Chinese snakehead Channa argus (45.0-546.2 g) at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C. The relationship between maximum rate of food consumption (C-max), body weight (W) and temperature (T) was described by the multiple regression equations: lnC(max) = -4.880 + 0.597 lnW+0.284T - 0.0048T(2) for the mandarin fish, and lnC(max)= -6.718 + 0.522 lnW+0.440T-0.0077T(2) for the Chinese snakehead. The optimum temperature for consumption was 29.6 degrees C for the mandarin fish and 28.6 degrees C for the Chinese snakehead. The relationship between growth rate (G), body weight and temperature was ln(G+0.25)= - 0.439 - 0.500 lnW+0.270T - 0.0046T(2) for the mandarin fish, and ln(G+0.25)= - 6.150+ (0.175 - 0.026T) lnW+0.571T - 0.0078T(2) for the Chinese snakehead. The weight exponent in the growth-weight relationship was -0.83 for the mandarin fish, but decreased with increasing temperature for the Chinese snakehead. The optimum temperature for growth was 29.3 degrees C for the mandarin fish, but tended to decrease with increasing weight for the Chinese snakehead, being 30.3 degrees C for a 45-g fish, and 26.1 degrees C for a 550-g fish. (C) 1998 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.
Detection of invasion gene invA in Salmonella spp. Isolated from slaughtered cattle by PCR method

128 Detection of invasion gene invA in Salmonella spp. Isolated from slaughtered cattle by PCR method Arcan A N Al-Zubaidy , Afaf Abdulrahman Yousif , Mawlood A. A. Al-Graibawi , Jalil Darkhan 4 Veterinary Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture,Department of Internal and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zoonosis Unit, College of Veterinary Medicine, Baghdad University, Iraq. Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. E-mail: algraibawi_57@yahoo.com Accepted: 27/01/2015 Summary The present study was carried out for the identification and molecular characterization of Salmonella spp. isolated from cattle at abattoir by biochemical, serotyping and virulence gene based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Eleven Salmonella were isolated from cattle at abattoir, these isolates were cultured and biochemically characterized by double checking with a conventional method and by KB011 Hi Salmonella TM identification kit then confirmed by serotyping and testing for detection of the invA virulence gene by PCR by using a Salmonellaspecific 506 bp invA gene amplicon. The biochemical and serotyping results revealed that the 11 isolates belonged to four serotypes, S. enteritidis was the predominant serotype,5 isolates (45.45%) followed by S. newport 3 (27.27%), S. ohio, 2 (18.18%) and S. anatum, 1(9.09%). The PCR technique confirmed that all Salmonella isolates carried the invA gene (DNA amplification showed one distinct band with molecular weight of 506 bp amplified fragment on electrophoresis in agarose gel). The PCR assay described herein was found to be a rapid and simple method to confirm the isolates as Salmonella.
THE RESPONSE OF LARVAL GROWTH RATE TO TEMPERATURE IN THREE SPECIES OF COENAGRIONID DRAGONFLIES WITH SOME COMMENTS ON LESTES DISJUNCTUS (ODONATA: COENAGRIONIDAE, LESTIDAE)

Abstract Larval growth rate has the same temperature coefficient in three species of coenagrionids, but Argia vivida and Amphiagrion abbreviatum, which frequently live in geothermally heated water, grow fastest at 29.0–30.0°C compared with 23.4°C for Coenagrion resolutum, which lives in cooler water. Survival below 15°C in the laboratory was much better in C. resolutum. These characteristics are reflected in the distributions of the three species, C. resolutum ranging much further north in North America than the other two species, but not penetrating as far south. By contrast, the temperature coefficient for Lestes disjunctus is higher than that of the coenagrionids, and this is related to a different life history. In the coenagrionids, one or more winters are spent in the larval stage. In L. disjunctus, winter is spent in the egg stage, and larval growth must be completed quickly.
Effect of season on growth, fruit yield and nutrient profile of two landraces of Trichosanthes cucumerina L.

Studies were conducted in the early season of 2002 and late season of 2003 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria to determine the effects of season on growth, fruit yield and nutrient profile of two landraces (Variant I and II) of snake tomato (Trichosanthes cucumerina L.). Statistical analysis (P0.05) showed that the early season crop had significantly higher number of leaves, vine length, number of marketable fruits and fruit yield compared to the late season crop while the late season crop recorded significantly higher number of aborted flowers and cull fruits. Crop yield during the early season averaged 22.2 tons ha-1 while it was 13.3 tons ha-1 during the late season. The variants had no effect on fruit yield, number of marketable fruits, cull fruits and number of flowers aborted. The early season crop had significantly higher ascorbic acid composition (25.2 mg/100g) than the late season crop (18.0 mg/100 g) while the late season crop had significantly higher ether extract (0.94 g/100 g), crude fiber (3.40 g/100 g) and total sugars (0.95 g/100 g) compared to the early season crop which had 0.64, 1.60 and 0.50 g/100 g, of ether extract, crude fiber and total sugars, respectively. Variant I had significantly higher ether extract content (0.97 g/100 g) than Variant II (0.64g/100 g) while Variant II had significantly higher total sugar (0.98 g/100 g) compared to Variant I (0.60g/100 g). The anti-nutritional oxalate and crude protein compositions were neither affected by variant nor season nor their interaction.
A long-term study of weed flora shifts in different tillage systems

Knowledge of the long-term effects of tillage on weed flora will provide useful information to improve weed management in agroecosystems. Field studies were conducted from 1991 to 1997 to evaluate the effects of tillage systems on weed density and species composition before control methods in rotations including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), soyabean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] and maize (Zea mays L.). In wheat, annual broad-leaved species showed higher populations in conventional tillage in 4 out of 6 years, and grassy annuals and perennial species showed an erratic response with tillage systems. In summer crops, broad-leaved populations were higher under conventional tillage than non-tillage for the last 5 years in the wheat/soyabean rotation and for the last 4 years in the maize/soyabean rotation. The weed spectrum changed rapidly in non-tillage plots. With time, in the absence of tillage, grassy annual populations increased in the maize/soyabean rotation, and wind-dispersed weed populations increased in the wheat/soyabean rotation. Perennial weeds showed an inconsistent behaviour in relation to tillage systems in the maize/soyabean rotation.