Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TESTICULAR ASYMMETRY AND SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTERS IN RED JUNGLEFOWL

The left testis tends to be larger than the right in most avian species. Moller (1994) hypothesized that the degree of directional asymmetry in the testes should be greater in high-quality males and hence should be positively correlated with secondary sexual traits. We examined both directional and absolute testicular asymmetry in Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus), as well as the size of the left and of the larger testis, to determine whether these mea- sures correlated with any of several potential phenotypic indicators of male quality. Such in- dicators included comb size; body size and condition; and fluctuating asymmetry in skeletal, plumage, and ornamental head traits (because fluctuating asymmetry may reflect an individu- al's ability to overcome developmental stresses). We found no evidence to support Moller's (1994) hypothesis of a relationship between directional testicular asymmetry and our measures of male quality. Moreover, there was little evidence to suggest a relationship between absolute testicular asymmetry, size of the left testis, or size of the largest testis and any measure of male quality. Finally, unlike some other studies, we did not find a tendency for the left testis to be larger than the right. Only 4 of 16 sexually mature males had a larger left testis at 10 months of age, whereas 10 of 19 males had a larger left testis at 12 months of age. Received 22 March 1996, accepted 4 November 1996. MANY AVIAN SPECIES exhibit testicular asym- metry, with the left testis generally being larger than the right (Burke 1973, Lake 1981, Hocking 1992, Moller 1994), with some exceptions (Riddle 1918, Friedmann 1927, Law and Kosin 1958). Studies of domestic chickens have indi- cated that patterns of testicular asymmetry may be age-related, with larger left testes being found primarily in younger birds (Latimer 1924, Mimura 1928; but see Hocking 1992). The devel- opmental processes leading to testicular asym- metry are not well understood. At the end of embryonic growth, the left gonad has more pri- mordial germ cells than the right (Witschi 1935, Venzke 1954), although whether this leads to go- nadal asymmetries in adults is not known. If directional testicular asymmetry is adap- tive, then the degree of testicular asymmetry may correlate with measures of male quality. Re- cently, Moller (1994) suggested that the degree of directional asymmetry in the testes is posi- tively related to the size of male secondary sexual traits, because secondary sexual traits of- ten are indicators of male quality. This hypoth- esis makes two assumptions. First, there is a cost to developing two equally large testes. Such costs may be the greater immuno-suppressive
IMPACT OF FEEDING SYSTEMS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL, REPRODUCTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF SHAMI GOATS DURING DIFFERENT PHYSIOLOGICAL STAGES

SUMMARY The study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding systems that prevails in North Sinai on Shami goats productivity. Reproductive performance, blood metabolites, colostrum and milk composition as well as growth performance and carcass traits of their weaned kids were discussed. Three groups (20 each) of Shami goats (3-3.5 yrs old 42.5 ± 1.16 Kg body weight), were assigned to simulate one of the following feeding systems; S1 composed of four harvested annual plants as a sole diet without any supplements, S2 supplemented with yellow corn (500g/head/day) while, the third group (S3) was offered berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) hay ad libitum plus concentrates feed mixture (CFM). The treatments started at the breeding season (1 st June, 2004) up to weaning of kids (90 days) and continued on 10 weaned male kids from each respective group through fattening trail (120 day) and thereafter five kids per group were slaughtered; daily gain, carcass weight, grade and dressing percentage were also tested. Results showed that feeding system was of pronounced effect on crude protein intake (g/head/day) and gross energy (MJ / kg DM) from such simulated rations which was reflected in their milk yield and composition as well as productive efficiency of their kids (average daily gain and carcass traits) compared to the other two systems. During the experimental period, average DMI/ head/day was 1450.3, 1920 and 2375 g/head/day, respectively, being higher in S3 and S2 compared to S1. Likewise, milk yield was found to be 0.95, 1.400 and 1.800 kg/head/day as well as pre weaning daily gain of 119.4, 180 and 198.9 g. , respectively. In does, supplementary feeding (S2 group) had improved conception rate, kidding rate and fecundity by 10.0, 5.5 and 20.4%, respectively compared to S1 group. In the meantime, average daily gain (135 g/head/ day), carcass score (2.3) and dressing percentage (50.0%) were improved (P< 0.05) in S2 compared to S1 group (97.5 g/head/ day, 1.4 and 47.2 %, respectively). On the other hand, blood metabolites were fluctuated (P<0.05) among feeding systems during different physiological stages, although values were within the normal range reported in the literature. Time of parturition was accompanied with the lowest values of most blood parameters. Urea increased on the day of parturition and almost stabilized thereafter. Creatinine value was the highest just after kidding (1.04 g/dl). Activities of AST and ALT did not show regular trend. It could be concluded that extensive feeding, particularly the natural ranges, seemed to cover the maintenance requirements from crude protein and still suffering a shortage in energy. The urgent need to supplementary feeding is still required
Antioxidant and Radical Scavenging Properties of Carthamus caeruleus L Extracts Grow Wild in Algeria Flora

Four sub-fractions of Carthamus caeruleus L (whichbelongs to the family Asteraceae) root extracts, i.e., methanol (CE), chloroform (CHE), ethyl acetate (EAE) and aqueous (AE) extracts were screened for their total phenolics, flavonoids and possible antioxidant activities, using DPPH free radical-scavenging and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays. The results indicated that total polyphenols were highest in EAE followed by CHE. However, the free radical scavenging activity of CHE was higher than the other extracts with an IC50 value of 53.26 µg/mL. Determination of quercetin, gallic acid and rutin showed antioxidant activity as positive controls in parallel experiments. Moreover, oxidation of linoleic acid was effectively inhibited by AE, EAE and CE which were too close to each other. Also, the CHE was more effective compared to the synthetic antioxidant BHT. It could be concluded that Carthamus caeruleus L growing wild in the Mediterranean regions and especially in Algeria has a potent antioxidant activity and could be evaluated as a starting point for further investigations.
Feeding, Reproduction, and Morphology of Bothrops mattogrossensis (Serpentes, Viperidae, Crotalinae) in the Brazilian Pantanal

Abstract Bothrops mattogrossensis occurs in open wet habitats in the Pantanal of western Brazil. As part of a series of studies focusing on how ecological characters evolved in the genus Bothrops, we gathered information on diet, reproduction, and morphology for B. mattogrossensis using museum specimens. Bothrops mattogrossensis has a generalized diet (anurans, small mammals, lizards, snakes, and centipedes), a plesiomorphic character in the genus Bothrops. We found no evidence of an ontogenetic shift in diet from ectothermic to endothermic prey, as observed in other species of Bothrops. Feeding frequency is high (68.8%) compared to other Bothrops spp. Reproduction is seasonal, with a vitellogenic period concentrated at the end of the dry season. Fecundity is relatively high, with clutch size varying from 18–37. Females are significantly larger in snout–vent length and have significantly shorter tails and relatively larger heads than males. Although mostly terrestrial, B. mattogrossensis is relatively slender and has a longer tail than other terrestrial Bothrops, possibly an adaptation for climbing into vegetation during seasonal floods.
Aspectos reproductivos de Trichomycterus areolatus Valenciennes, 1846 (Pisces: Teleostei: Siluriformes) en Rio Angostura, Chile

Major aspects of the breeding biology of Trichomycterus areolatus (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) were studied from collections and observations made at Rio Angostura, Area Metropolitana. Individuals over 25 mm total length were found the whole year, whereas smaller individuals were found between September and May only. Males are more numerous than females. Individuals of this species are not sexually dimorphic. The minimum length of mature fishes was 56.7 mm for males and 51.1 for females which corresponds to about the half of the maximum length which the species reaches. During spawning (September to December) the mature ovocytes look bright yellow and their diameter ranges from 1,51 to 2,1 mm. Trichomycterus areolatus has an asynchronous development of the ovocytes; ovocytes in different stages of development are always found in mature ovaries which indicates that females have more than one spawning during breeding season.
Spatial variability in reproductive behaviour of green-lipped mussel populations of northern New Zealand

The reproductive behaviour of four intertidal and two subtidal mussel populations were investigated within two spatial scales at Ninety Mile Beach, northern New Zealand, where large quantities of seed mussels are collected for aquaculture. Reproductive cycles were compared between intertidal and subtidal populations and among intertidal populations along a 90-km coastal area. Histological sections of mussel gonads were used to identify the reproductive state of individual mussels collected monthly between July 1998 and April 2000. Gonad indices were calculated for populations each month at each site. Frequency distributions of different gametogenic stages were plotted and differences in reproductive cycle among populations were identified. Mussel shell sizes were also recorded and compared among populations. Although all intertidal and subtidal populations had similar temporal variations in reproductive behaviour, spatial patterns among various sites revealed clear differences in reproductive cycles among populations. In particular, mussel shell size and gonad indices were higher for subtidal sites compared to their intertidal counterparts. Among intertidal mussel populations, the northernmost population had the highest maximum shell length, gonad indices and percentage ripe and spawning individuals, followed by two populations at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach. A small mid-beach mussel population had the smallest mussels with the lowest gonad indices and few spawning mussels during the reproductive season. A prolonged spawning period was observed within the most reproductively active populations (two subtidal populations at the south end and one intertidal population at the north end of the beach) between June and December. However, the reproductive cycle of two intertidal populations at the south end of the beach indicated 2–3 spawning events during the same period. Differences in mussel shell size and reproductive behaviour among sites are likely to be related to variations in environmental conditions along Ninety Mile Beach. M e n C. Al r et
Invited perspective: bryophytes as models for understanding the evolution of sexual systems

One of the first life history characters that students of bryology learn is the bryophyte life cycle. Roughly half of the bryophytes have separate sexes (dioicous) and half are hermaphroditic (monoicous). This variation is important for taxonomic purposes but also has major consequences for nearly every aspect of bryophyte biology. For example, dioicous species generally reproduce less frequently than monoicous species (Longton & Schuster 1983) but harbor more genetic variation than monoicous species (Eppley et al. 2006). More broadly, however, the maintenance of both sexual systems at nearly equal frequencies in the bryophytes is quite unusual among the eukaryotes. This situation makes bryophytes an important model system for studying the evolutionary consequences of changes in sexual system. Bryophytes have a long history as model systems in cytology and genetics. Sex chromosomes in plants were first discovered in the liverwort Sphaerocarpus donnellii (Allen 1917), and the term ‘‘heterochromatin’’ was coined for the dark staining heteromorphic pair of chromosomes in many bryophytes (Heitz 1932). Bryophytes have long served as model genetic systems because the dominant part of the life cycle (i.e., the gametophyte) is haploid, and the phenotype of the plant directly reflects its genotype without the masking of dominance (Allen 1919; Ashton & Cove 1977; Engel 1968; von Wettstein 1924). More recently, efficient gene targeting via homologous recombination was discovered in Physcomitrella patens (Kammerer & Cove 1996; Schaefer & Zryd 1997; Strepp et al. 1998) and Ceratodon purpureus (Brucker et al. 2005; Mittmann et al. 2009; Trouiller et al. 2007). With this tool researchers can construct powerful tests for associations between genes and traits. In addition, the genome of P. patens has now been completely sequenced (Rensing et al. 2008), and sequencing projects for C. purpureus (http://www.jgi.doe.gov/ sequencing/why/ceratodon.html), Phaeoceros laevis (http://ldl.genomics.org.cn/page/searchplant. jsp? speciesname5phaeoceros), and Marchantia polymorpha (http://www.jgi.doe.gov/sequencing/ why/99191.html) are now underway. Together the natural variation in sexual system and the potential for laboratory study make bryophytes ideal for studying the causes and consequences of changes in sexual system. The purpose of this perspective is to highlight areas where interdisciplinary research can provide new insights into the evolution of bryophyte sexual systems. We have structured the perspective around three major evolutionary transitions: 1) the evolution of dioicy; 2) the evolution of sex chromosomes; and 3) the evolution of monoicy. We first provide a brief outline of the evolutionary theory underlying each of these phenomena. Since much of this theory was developed for angiosperms, we suggest how it can be applied to bryophytes. Second, we indicate how 3 Corresponding author’s e-mail: stuartmcdaniel@ufl.edu DOI: 10.1639/0007-2745-115.1. 1
Comparative assessment of soybean meal with high and low glucosinolate rapeseed–mustard cake as protein supplement on performance of growing crossbred calves

BACKGROUND: Feeding of high glucosinolate rapeseed–mustard cakes (RMCs) imparts adverse effects on dry matter (DM) intake, health and overall performance of animals. Recently, plant breeding efforts have resulted in many cultivars of RMCs containing low to moderate levels of glucosinolate in India. The feeding value of RMC cultivars with high and low glucosinolate was evaluated relative to commonly used soybean meal as a protein supplement in growing crossbred calves. RESULTS: Eighteen growing crossbred calves (62.9 ± 3.8 kg body weight) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments SBM, LG and HG containing soybean meal, low glucosinolate B. napus (15 µmol glucosinolates g−1) and high glucosinolate B. juncea (135 µmol glucosinolates g−1), respectively. Although daily intake of total DM and wheat straw did not differ (P > 0.05) among the dietary treatments, intake (g/kgW0.75) of concentrate moiety decreased quadratically (P 0.05) among dietary treatments. However, average daily gain (g) decreased and feed conversion ratio values increased quadratically (P < 0.05) with increasing glucosinolate levels. Serum metabolic profile and triiodothyronine remained within the normal range; however, thyroxine changed quadratically. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that while high glucosinolate RMCs may reduce the palatability and consequently growth rate in crossbred calves, SBM can be replaced completely by low glucosinolate rapeseed without compromising their performance. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in food and feed: an update

Based on the recent scientific opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain on the risks to human and animal health related to the presence of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in food and feed that was published by EFSA in the EFSA Journal, this article provides an update on the determination of these Fusarium mycotoxins. After a brief introduction into the chemistry of these toxins, both chromatographic and immuno-analytical methods are discussed for the determination of these type A trichothecenes. During the last decade, liquid chromatography with (tandem) mass spectrometry has become the most frequently used method for the determination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins, often within a multi-analyte approach. However, complex matrices and the resulting signal suppression effects, as observed particularly in electrospray-mass spectrometry methods owing to matrix effects, may require careful optimisation of clean-up, usage of matrix matched standards, or e.g. the use of internal .
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Macroinvertebrate Communities in the Du River Basin in Northern Vietnam

ABSTRACT Macroinvertebrates were sampled from summer 2006 until spring 2008 in the Du River basin in subtropical northern Vietnam. Seventy taxa were identified, which were dominated by aquatic insects, with Diptera, Hemiptera, Ephemeroptera, and Odonata being the orders with the highest diversities. Overall, macroinvertebrate diversity was higher during the wet season at upstream sites, while wide river sites downstream showed a higher diversity during the dry season. Spatial and temporal variations in the macroinvertebrate communities were driven by hydromorphological characteristics and especially by water quality issues reflecting anthropogenic impacts in the river basin. Multivariate analyses using canonical correspondence analysis discriminated between pristine and impacted sites. The caddisfly family Hydropsychidae, the mayfly family Caenidae, and the dobsonfly family Corydalidae were reliable indicators of sites with good ecological status. A relatively small temporal variation was detected in the macroinvertebrate community composition.
Sensitivity to gamma rays studies in two Iranian rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes

�Determination of effective irradiation dose is prerequisite for mutation breeding and development of genetic variations by induced mutation. In this study, two rice genotypes (cultivar Fajr and landrace Tarom mohalli) were used for effective dose determination and to compare their sensitivity to different doses of gamma rays in a completely random design. It was found that, irradiation reduced significantly adventure and survival percentages of seedlings in higher doses and this reduction was more pronounced in inbred cultivar. With attention to LD50 data, our results indicated that optimum doses for landrace Tarom mohalli and for cultivar Fajr were 220 and 200 Gy, respectively. Although LD50 was the same in both genotypes, but survival percentage of seedlings was more in landrace Tarom mohalli. We concluded that cultivars are more sensitive to gamma rays than landraces.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv:DRD1 Is More Virulent than M. bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin in Long-Term

Region of difference (RD1) genes are present in virulent My- cobacterium tuberculosis but not the vaccine strain M. bovis bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG). The deletion of RD1 from M. tuberculosis produces an attenuation strikingly like that of BCG, which suggests the use of RD1 mutant strains for im- provement of the tuberculosis (TB) vaccine. We performed long-term murine infection with M. tuberculosis H37Rv:DRD1 and BCG. Mice infected with H37Rv:DRD1 gained less weight than did BCG-infected control mice, and, after 11 year, their lungs harbored many more bacteria and displayed significant levels of inflammation. This difference in virulence has im- portant implications for the pursuit of strains lacking RD1 in the development of the TB vaccine.
Designing a practical and rigorous framework for comprehensive evaluation and prioritisation of environmental projects

Abstract Context. A framework was developed to help investors improve the delivery of environmental benefits from environmental programs. The framework, Investment Framework for Environmental Resources (INFFER), assists environmental managers to design projects, select delivery mechanisms and rank competing projects on the basis of benefits and costs. Aims. To identify design requirements for an environmental investment framework on the basis of consideration of lessons from practical experience, and established theory from decision analysis and economics. Methods. The design and delivery of the framework are based on extensive experience from working with environmental managers and policy makers. In addition, the developers have paid close attention to the need for processes that are theoretically rigorous, resulting in a tool that allows valid comparison of projects for different asset types, of different scales and durations. Key results. From the practical experience outlined, several important lessons and implications are identified, including the need for simplicity, training and support of users, trusting relationships with users, transparency, flexibility, compatibility with the needs and contexts of users, and supportive institutional arrangements. Use of a theoretically correct metric to rank projects can deliver dramatically improved environmental values relative to a commonly used weighted additive metric. Conclusions. Practical and theoretical considerations have strong implications for the design of a practical, effective and accurate tool to support decision making about environmental project priorities.
Dangerous Pleasures

of patients using four capsules (each containing 20 mg) per day had no disodium cromoglycate in a random urine sample taken at a suitable interval after they stated they had inhaled a capsule of the drug, and a further 16% had very small amounts in the urine, suggesting that very little of the drug had been absorbed. In most cases the inhalation of a capsule under supervision produced appreciable amounts in a sibksequent urine specimen, but in some cases the children appeared to be unable to inhale enough disodium cromoglycate from a single capsule to give appreciable absorption of the drug. It seemed possilble that the use of eight capsules a day instead of three or four might lead to a better therapeutic result. Eleven patients were chosen who all suffered from chronic perennial asthma which had not responded well to either three or four capsules of disodium cromoglycate daily. The average age of the group was 13-2 years and they had suffered from asthma for an average of 9 5 years. After an observation period of two weeks they were asked to take eight capsules (without isoprenaline) daily for three months. Their progress was assessed by clinical examination, ventilatory tests, and symptom record cards. The results are summarized in the table.
Morphological, Anatomical, Palynological and Cytological Investigation on Silene urvillei Schott. (Caryophyllaceae )

Silene urvillei Schott. (Caryophyllaceae) which is endemic to West Anatolia and Aegean Islands was investigated morphologically, anatomically, palynologically and cytologically. The plant is perennial and the leaves are spiny therefore it is different from other Silene L. species. Stem and leaves are covered with glandular hairs, the stem has multi-layered collenchyma. Petals are whitish, anthophore is hairy. Seeds are reniform, suture outlines of testa cells are lobed and sinuate. Pollens are tectate, spheroidal, microechinate and microperforate, 15-24 pores. Chromosome number was founded 2n= 24.