Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Initial Determination of Polymorphism and In Vitro Conservation of Some Ramonda Serbica and Ramonda Nathaliae Populations from Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria

ABSTRACT The “resurrection plant” Ramonda serbica is included in the Albanian and Bulgarian list of endangered plants as a rare, Balkanic-endemic species and tertiary relic species, while R. nathaliae is characteristic in the FYROM area. Our research groups have established national in vitro collections of R. serbica in Albania and Bulgaria and R. nathaliae in Macedonia. The aim of this joint study is (1) the choice of successful micropropagation methods as the basis for the in vitro collections and (2) the evaluation of polymorphism of some natural populations. In both collections, seeds were used as a convenient starting point for micropropagation in the nutrient medium JG-B. In the Bulgarian in vitro collection, a dry sterilization of seeds was applied for a first time for Gesneriaceae family. The micropropagation and conservation of Ramonda seeds and plantlets were similar in Albanian and Bulgarian collections. The plantlets in vitro as an explant material were developed in JG-B medium with different phytohormones. The direct organogenesis of two Ramonda species is very similar models. The method of conservation in vitro with minimal growth method (modification of nutrient medium) was used. Meiosis and mitosis examinations of the natural populations and plantlets cultivated in vitro were carried out by standard Squash method. Cytogenetical study of natural populations showed polyploid forms as a mixture (2n=72) and (2n=96). Mitosis preparations in plantlets in vitro showed a predominance of the most frequent form (2n=96). The biodiversity in interspecific level of the natural populations of Ramonda serbica of Central Albania, R. nathaliae from Macedonia and cultivated plantlets in vitro from Albania and Bulgaria was evaluated via molecular markers (RAPDs). The micropropagation method is a convenient way for the international exchange of germplasm of rare and endemic plants. From the data obtained in this study it can be concluded that RAPD markers provided a useful technique to study genetic diversity in Ramonda serbica and R. nathaliae populations. This technology allows the identification of different populations as well as the assessment of the genetic similarity among different populations.
Utilization of hatchery waste meal in cassava products based broiler finisher diets

The trial reported herein investigated the use of hatchery waste meal as a replacement for fishmeal in a cassava products-based broiler finisher diet. One hundred and twenty five (125) four-week old broilers were randomly allotted to five iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous experimental diets such that each dietary treatment was replicated five times with five birds /replicate. All the diets contained whole cassava root meal (WCRM) as source of energy with soybean meal (SBM) and cassava leaf meal (CLM) (plant protein sources) supplying 50% and 25% of the total dietary protein respectively. The experimental treatment consists of fishmeal (FM) and hatchery waste meal (HWM) as animal protein sources supplying the remaining 25% of the total dietary protein. Additionally, In Diet 1(FM and HWM supplied 100.0 and 0% of dietary animal protein respectively), diet 2 (FM and HWM supplied 75.00 and 25.00% of dietary animal protein respectively), diet 3 (FM and HWM supplied 50.00 and 50.00% of dietary animal protein respectively), diet 4 (FM and HWM supplied 25.00% and 75.00% of dietary animal protein respectively) while in diet 5 (FM and HWM supplied 0 and 100.00% of dietary animal protein respectively). The diets were fed over a five-week period. Average daily feed intake was not significantly affected by dietary treatments; weight gain and feed conversion ratio were however significantly affected (P< 0.05) by dietary treatment. Protein retention was significantly influenced (P<0.05) by dietary treatments. Blood biochemical indices showed that hatchery waste meal was well utilized by finishing broilers. All hatchery waste meal based diets compared very favorably with the control, with Diet 3 appearing as the best with respect to performance indices and protein retention. In conclusion, the results of this experiment indicated that hatchery waste meal holds promise as a replacement for fishmeal in cassava root-cassava leaf-based diets. Keywords: Broilers performance. Hatchery waste meal. Fishmeal. Cassava. Replacement. Blood biochemical indices.
Variation in Sex Ratios of Offspring in Wild Bushy-Tailed Woodrats

We investigated the effects of maternal weight and age and density of breeding females on sex ratio (percentage of males) in litters of wild bushy-tailed woodrats ( Neotoma cinerea ), a sexually dimorphic rodent. Sex ratios in full-sized litters (i.e., those that had not likely experienced mortality during gestation or lactation) were unaffected by experimentally reduced densities of females, nor did they differ between litters born to yearling and adult (≥2 years) mothers. However, sex ratios in litters were strongly correlated ( R = 0.71, P = 0.0001) with prebreeding body weight in adult mothers, suggesting that adult woodrats adjust sex ratios in litters at conception or early gestation in relation to maternal condition. Although yearling mothers did not appear to adjust prebirth sex ratios, postbirth loss was more strongly male-biased in litters born to yearling mothers than in those born to adults, and we suggest that yearlings may adjust sex ratios during the investment period from birth to weaning.
Genetic Variability in Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Under High Altitude Temperate Environment

For genetic restructuring of bell pepper aimed for increasing the productivity, the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance was assessed. The present research study conducted at Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture during summer season 2009 and 2010 involving thirty four genotypes of bell pepper for nine quantitative characters. The results revealed that PCV was greater than corresponding GCV for all the traits. High GCV and heritability accompanied by moderate to high genetic gain was observed for number of fruits and fruit weight which could be improved by selection in early generations. Fruit length and fruit diameter exhibited high heritability coupled with moderate GCV and low genetic gain which needs selection over several successive generations following hybridization for their edification. Pimento, SH-SP-52-1, SH-SP-610-1, SH-SP-610, CITH-SP-2, SH-SP-603 and SH-SP-52 were found potential and can be exploited for their potential in the temperate region.
Factors Influencing Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation of Brassica rapa L.

Transgenic plants of Brassica rapa L. were produced by inoculating hypocotyl sections with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA101 carrying a binary vector plG 121Hm, which contains genes for kanamycin-resistance, β-glucuronidase (GUS) and hygromycin-resistance. A cocultivation medium at pH 5.2 with tobacco feeder cells was effective to enhance infection frequency evaluated by the number of hypocotyl sections with transient GUS expression. Transgenic plants in B. rapa cv. Osome were obtained by inoculating the hypocotyl sections in the bacterial inoculum for 30 min, and cocultivation at 25°C for 3 days with the highest transformation efficiency (percentage of stable transformants per total sections infected) as high as 5%. Evidence for the transformation was shown by histochemical GUS assay and Southern blot analysis, and segregation of kanamycin-resistance trait and GUS activity in the selfed progeny. The transformation procedure described here was applied to other recalcitrant cultivars in B. rapa.
Diallel Analysis in Wheat

Combining ability studies on seed yield per plant and its three components from an 8 × 8 half-diallel cross of wheat over two years indicated that both gca and sca variances were important for controlling the traits, Nonadditive gene effect was of greater importance in the genetic control of seed yield and number of productive tillers per plant, while preponderance of additive gene effect was noted for ear length and spikelets/spike, sea × year interaction exhibited greater importance as compared to gca × year interaction. UP 262 was a good general combiner for all the characters. The choice of cross for selection of desirable segregants in segregating generations has been suggested.
Dietary differences between Baltic ringed seals (Phoca hispida botnica) based on stable isotope and fatty acid analyses

The Baltic ringed seal (Phoca hispida botnica) is an endangered and protected species in the Baltic Sea which underwent a significant decline in the 20 th century mainly due to extensive hunting and environmental toxins. The species is currently increasing its numbers in the Bothnian Bay, where damage caused to fisheries by grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and Baltic ringed seals has also increased. Seals not only reduce the catch, but also damage fish and break fish traps. Damage has been highest for whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus (L.), zander (Sander lucioperca (L.), and salmon (Salmo salar L.) fisheries. The aim of this thesis was to study the feeding and foraging behaviour of 45 individual Baltic ringed seals to determine species-specific diet using two biochemical methods in combination: stable isotope analysis and fatty acid analysis. Carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δC and δN) were analysed from muscle and liver tissues, while fatty acid composition was determined from blubber tissues. Short-term diet (within weeks) was determined from isotopic values of liver tissue, and was compared with analyses of stomach contents. Long-term diet (within months) was analysed from isotope values of muscle tissue and fatty acid composition of blubber tissues. The ringed seal diet was concentrated on pelagic and benthic fish species on the Swedish side of the Bothnian Bay. In spring adult and juvenile seals had similar diets, but in autumn adult seals concentrated slightly more on predator fish (36 %) than juveniles (34 %). According to biochemical methods, the most common prey items for seals were Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras (L.) and three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.). There were differences between individuals. Benthic fish species such as eelpout (Zoarces viviparous) and fourhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus quadricornis) were also abundant in seal diets. There was no evidence of isopods being used as prey. The dietary and foraging behaviour of ringed seals is perhaps not as straightforward as previously assumed. Therefore, further research on diets of this endangered species is needed to help solve problems with fisheries while maintaining sustainable management of seals.
Haematological and biochemical blood parameters in horses used for sport and recreation

The study was conducted to determine and compare the resting values of haematological and biochemical blood indices in clinically healthy horses competing in show jumping and used for leisure activities. The experiment included twenty adult horses of Polish half-bred and Wielkopolska breed which were subjected to a daily training programme typical of their type of use. Blood samples were collected at rest before feeding from the jugular external vein. Show jumpers had higher (P < 0.05) red blood cell count, haematocrit value and haemoglobin concentration as well as the serum level of total protein, albumin, α2- and γ-globulin, HDL and iron. The level of β-globulin, magnesium and activity of creatine kinase were significantly higher in recreationally used horses. There were no differences in the values of red blood cell parameters (MCV, MCH, MCHC), number of leucocytes and the percentage of their respective kinds, platelets, concentration of urea, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, activity of AST, ALT, LDH and in the content of Na, K, Cl, P, Ca between the tested groups. The results of the present study indicate that the type of training influences some of the resting haematological and biochemical indices in adult horses. Horses used for show jumping have higher aerobic capacity and show a more beneficial lipid profile compared to horses used for recreation.
Efficacy of live yeast in lactating dairy cattle1

A 12-wk continuous lactation trial with 60 primiparous and multiparous Jersey cows was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Yea-Sacc TS (Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY). Cows were given fresh feed in a TMR twice daily, and at each feeding cows were individually provided top-dresses (50 g/animal) of either a ground corn control or ground corn mixed with Yea-Sacc TS (total of 100 g/animal daily). Cows received 1.94 × 1010 to 4.35 × 1010 cfu of Saccharomyces cerevisiae per animal per day for the Yea-Sacc TS treatment. Cows consuming Yea-Sacc TS increased (P = 0.01) DMI by 0.7 kg/d, which increased (P < 0.05) milk fat, milk protein, and energy-corrected milk yields by 0.067, 0.037, and 1.0 kg/d, respectively. Under our conditions, Yea-Sacc TS demonstrated efficacy for lactating cows fed moderately high starch diets primarily through increased DMI.
The Relationship Between CO2 Transfer Conductance and Leaf Anatomy in Transgenic Tobacco With a Reduced Content of Rubisco

The CO2 transfer conductance in leaves quantifies the ease with which CO2 can diffuse from sub-stomatal cavities to sites of carboxylation within the chloroplast. The aim of this work was to test the hypothesis that the CO2 transfer conductance is proportional to the surface area of chloroplasts exposed to intercellular airspaces. We compared two genotypes, wild-type and transgenic tobacco, that had been transformed with an antisense gene directed at the mRNA of the Rubisco small subunit. Transgenic tobacco had lower rates of CO2 assimilation than wild-type but similar chlorophyll contents. Leaf anatomy was altered by growing plants in two different environments: a high daily irradiance in a growth cabinet (12 h photoperiod of 1 mmol quanta m-2 s-1) and a sunlit glasshouse. The growth cabinet gave at least twice the daily irradiance compared to the glasshouse. The CO2 transfer conductance was calculated from combined measurements of gas exchange and carbon isotope discrimination measured in 2% oxygen. Following gas exchange measurement, leaves were sampled for biochemical and anatomical measure- ment. In transgenic tobacco plants, Rubisco content was 35% of that found in the wild-type tobacco, the CO2 assimilation rate was 50% of the wild-type rate and the chlorophyll content was unaltered. While leaf mass per unit leaf area of transgenic tobacco was 82% of that of the wild-type, differences in leaf thickness and surface area of mesophyll cells exposed to intercellular airspace per unit leaf area (Smes) were small (92 and 87% of wild-type, respectively). Leaves grown in the growth cabinet under high daily irradiance were thicker (63%), had a greater Smes (41%) due to the development of thicker palisade tissue, had higher photosynthetic capacity (27%) and contained more chlorophyll (58%) and Rubisco (77%), than leaves from plants grown in the glasshouse. Irrespective of genotype or growth environment, CO2 transfer conductance varied in proportion to surface area of chloroplasts exposed to intercellular airspaces. While the method for calculating CO2 transfer conductance could not distinguish between limitations due to the gas or liquid phases, there was no reduction in CO2 transfer conductance associated with more closely packed cells, thicker leaves, nor with increasing chloroplast thickness in tobacco.
Comprehensive mapping of mammalian transcriptomes identifies conserved genes associated with different cell differentiation states

Cell identity (or cell state) is established via gene expression programs, represented by “associated genes” with dynamic expression across cell identities. Here we integrate RNA-seq data from 40 tissues and cell types from human, chimpanzee, bonobo, and mouse to investigate the conservation and differentiation of cell states. We employ a statistical tool, “Transcriptome Overlap Measure” (TROM) to first identify cell-state-associated genes, both protein-coding and non-coding. Next, we use TROM to comprehensively map the cell states within each species and also between species based on the cell-state-associated genes. The within-species mapping measures which cell states are similar to each other, allowing us to construct a human cell differentiation tree that recovers both known and novel lineage relationships between cell states. Moreover, the between-species mapping summarizes the conservation of cell states across the four species. Based on these results, we identify conserved associated genes for different cell states and annotate their biological functions. Interestingly, we find that neural and testis tissues exhibit distinct evolutionary signatures in which neural tissues are much less enriched in conserved associated genes than testis. In addition, our mapping demonstrate that besides protein-coding genes, long non-coding RNAs serve well as associated genes to indicate cell states. We further infer the biological functions of those non-coding associated genes based on their co-expressed protein-coding associated genes. Overall, we provide a catalog of conserved and species-specific associated genes that identifies candidates for downstream experimental studies of the roles of these candidates in controlling cell identity. Highlights Comprehensive transcriptome mapping of cell states across four mammalian species Both protein-coding genes and long non-coding RNAs serve as good markers of cell identity Distinct evolutionary signatures of neural and testis tissues A catalog of conserved associated protein-coding genes and lncRNAs in different mammalian tissues and cell types
Frequency of Candida Species in the Oral Cavity of Narcotics and Stimulants Smokers in Isfahan, Using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Method

Background: Candida species are a group of coexistent microorganisms in the oral cavity that opportunistically cause disease in vulnerable people, including addicts. This study is aimed at identifying and determining the frequency of Candida species in the oral cavity of the addicts to inform the epidemiological panel and to warn to prevent the resistance of the species. Materials and Methods: In this study, sampling was done from the oral cavity of 83 addicts who referred to Addiction Treatment Centers in Isfahan, Iran, using moist sterile swab. The presence of yeast on the direct microscope slides of 58 samples was confirmed. To carry out culture and the primary identification, Sabouraud dextrose agar medium with chloramphenicol as well as HiCrome Candida agar medium was used. Isolates were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism (using specific primers ITS1-ITS4 and MSP I enzyme) and Duplex PCR test (using specific primers CDU1-CDU2/CAL1-CAL2). Results: Out of 93 Candida isolates which had been isolated from 58 culture-positive samples of the oral cavity, Candida albicans (41.93%) were the most prevalent species, followed by Candida dubliniensis (24.73%), Candida glabrata (21.50%), Candida kefyr (8.60%), Candida tropicalis (2.15%), and Candida parapsilosis (1.07%), respectively. In 33 cases (56.90%), the presence of more than one Candida species was observed. Conclusion: Compared to the studies conducted on the oral cavity of healthy controls, smoking certain drugs can have a significant effect on the presence and frequency of Candida species, particularly C. dubliniensis and C. glabrata.
GENE ARRANGEMENTS IN NATURAL POPULATIONS OF DROSOPHILA ROBUSTA STURTEVANT

The salivary gland method for the detection of natural chromosome variability in the genus Drosophila and other Diptera is of great value in the study of the structure and changes of natural populations. This is especially true in that the method permits, in some cases, the application of quantitative methods to the problems at hand. Recent penetrating explorations of the microand macro-structure of natural populations in this manner (e.g., Dobzhansky, 1944; Dubinin and Tiniakov, 1946) are the natural outgrowth of earlier more qualitative investigations (e.g., Dobzhansky and Sturtevant, 1938; Miller, 1939; Warters, 1944), in which the description, major geographical distribution and phylogenetic relationships of gene arrangements have been treated. Although many different species of Drosophila, Sciara, Chironomus and other Diptera have been studied in this manner, few of these investigations have presented quantitative data on major or local geographical frequency patterns for the various gene arrangements. Such information appears to be essential for the interpretation of evolutionary patterns in these forms, especially in wild species whose existing populations reflect past histories
Moderate and light cattle grazing effects on Chihuahuan Desert rangelands

Vegetation changes were evaluated over a 13 year period (1988-2000) on moderately grazed and lightly grazed rangelands in the Chihuahuan Desert of south central New Mexico. During the study period, grazing use of primary forage species averaged 49 and 26% on moderately and lightly grazed rangelands, respectively. Autumn total grass and black grama (Bouteloua eriopoda Torr.) standing crop were consistently higher on the lightly than moderately grazed rangeland throughout the study. Total grass standing crop declined on the moderately grazed rangeland when the last 3 years of study were compared to the first 3 years (10 versus 124 kg ha - 1 ), but showed no change on the lightly grazed rangeland (320 versus 357 kg ha - 1 ). Black grama, the primary perennial grass in the Chihuahuan Desert, increased in autumn standing crop on the lightly grazed rangeland, but decreased on the moderately grazed rangeland. Dropseed (Sporobolus spp.) autumn standing crop decreased on both rangelands during the study. However, this decrease was greater on the moderately grazed rangeland (97% decline) than on the lightly grazed rangeland (67% decline). Perennial grass survival following a 3-year period of below average precipitation was higher on the lightly grazed (51%) than the moderately grazed rangeland (11%). Severe grazing intensities on the moderately grazed rangeland during the dry period (1994-1996) appear to explain differences in grass survival between these 2 rangelands. Our study and several others show that light to conservative grazing intensities involving about 25-35% use of key forage species can promote improvement in rangeland ecological condition in the Chihuahuan Desert, even when accompanied by drought.
Studies of Horned Curassow Pauxi unicornis in Bolivia

Observations of the Horned Curassow Pauxi unicomis in Amboro National Park, depto. Santa Cruz, Bolivia, allowed us to assess the status of a species whose habits in the wild were virtually unknown. Vocalizations, including call notes and the deep booming song, are described. Density was estimated by counting booming birds in the breeding season using a three-hide triangulation method. The study showed birds to be aggregated in one part of the study area. A nest of was found and the incubating female was observed for nine days: the individual incubated alone, left the nest at night, and returned at first light. Observaciones de la Pava Copete de Piedra (Pava Crista Azul) Pauxi unicomis en el Parque Nacional Amboró, depto. Santa Cruz, Bolivia, nos permitió evaluar el estado de una especie cuyo comportamiento en el ambiente silvestre es prácticamente desconocido. Se describen vocalizaciones, que incluyen notas de llamada “call notes” y el profundo canto de estampida “deep booming song. ” Se estimó la densidad de las aves por conteo de los sonidos de estampida “booming birds” durante la estacion reproductiva, usando un método de triangulación con tres puestos de observatión. Este estudio mostró que las aves se agregaban en una parte del área del estudio. Se encontró un nido de Pauxi unicomis y al hembra fue observada durante nueve dias durante la incubación; la hembra incubaba sóla, dejaba el nido por la noche y regresaba a las primeras horas del amanecer.