Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation and Population Structure in Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) in Algeria

In Algeria, Pinus halepensis covers about 850 000 ha in coastal and inland areas where populations are subjected to various selection pressures. A few studies have shown a substantial difference between population variation in phenotypes for adaptive traits and morphology suggesting geographic and ecotypic differentiation within the species. The present work, which is based on 49 open pollinated families of eight stands of Aleppo pine from the western coastal region of Algiers, is intended for getting information on within-population variation. There were small differences between stands for most traits suggesting that little genetic differentiation between stands exists within the studied region. Parameters as size and location of stands may play a role in shaping genetic variation within stands. This variation was generally of lesser importance in small and/or coastal stands. Given the size of the studied area, it was not expected to find marked links between traits and geographic variables such as altitude or longitude; nevertheless, it was observed west-east clines of variation for 100-seed weight and wing width, parallels with an increase in annual rainfall from western to eastern parts of the zone. As a direct implication for selection, it may not be of interest to retain for seed use purposes stands or restricted areas when prospecting at a local scale; rather, priority should be given to selecting families and/or individuals. And, at the whole population level, because of the weak level of differentiation among stands, it would be sufficient to preserve only a few of stands for ensuring efficient gene conservation.
Evaluación del nivel de excelencia en un centro científico agropecuario.

Con el objetivo de validar la adopcion de un modelo de evaluacion del nivel de excelencia organizacional como via para aumentar la competitividad de las instituciones cientificas, se aplico un modelo de Excelencia Organizativa Institucional (EOI) en un centro de investigacion agropecuaria del pais. En dicho trabajo se aprecio que el centro evaluado tiene un EOI de 59,7 %, valor favorable para las condiciones de Cuba. Se hace enfasis en los puntos debiles o limitaciones para potenciar el proceso cientifico y se rompe con el enfoque convencional.
Preliminary estimates of the population density of the Sokoke scops owl Otus ireneae Ripley in the East Usambara lowlands, Tanzania

Preliminary population density estimates are presented for a recently discovered population of the Sokoke scops owl Otus ireneae in the lowlands of the East Usambara mountains, Tanzania. Calling birds were mapped at two sites totalling 6·3 km2. Approximate densities were 3–4 territories/km2 in Kwamgumi Forest Reserve and <1·5 territories/km2 in Manga Forest Reserve, a much more heavily logged site. Densities in prime habitat in Arabuko-Sokoke forest, Kenya, the only other locality for the species, exceed seven territories/km2. The total population in the East Usambaras cannot be calculated, but it is probably markedly smaller than in Arabuko-Sokoke. Suggestions for more precise surveys are made.
A study on diseases of Vanilla planifolia and their management through Biocontrol Agents.

Ten new diseases affecting Vanilla in Kerala have been reported and described. They are Anthracnose ( Colletotrichum gleosporoides), Leaf blight ( C. gleosporoides, F. oxysporum ), Leaf scar ( C. gleosporoides), Foot rot ( S. rolfsii, Verticillium), Stem rot ( Fusarium spp), Bean rot ( C. gleosporoides, F. oxysporum) , Bean spot ( Fusarium sp), Thread blight ( Pellicularia filamentosa), Red rust ( Cephaleurosa parasiticus) and mosaic ( Virus). All these diseases are new reports on Vanilla. Antagonistic studies with Pseudomonas fluorescensagainst the fungal pathogens of Vanilla revealed almost complete inhibition under in vitro conditions. In dual culture technique the mycelial growth of all the pathogenic fungi was completely inhibited. In S.rolfsii, the sclerotial production was also inhibited to a satisfactory level. Antagonistic studies with T.viridae and T. harzianum also yielded positive results both species of the antagonists were very effective in inhibition of mycelial growth and sporulation by the pathogenic fungi. T.viridae was found to be more competitive than T. harzianum because of its metabolite production. Coconut water supplemented with 1% peptone was found to be cheap and effective medium for mass multiplication of P. fluorescens when compared to the standard KB medium. P. fluorescens was found to be compatible with all the nine pesticides tried. The best combination was obtained in the case of Imidacloprid and Mancozeb with synergistic effect. This also is a new attempt in the case of P.fluorescens.
Decreasing the Abundance of Juncus effusus on Former Agricultural Lands with Noncalcareous Sandy Soils: Possible Effects of Liming and Soil Removal

More and more agricultural land in the Netherlands is becoming available for ecological restoration projects. However, nutrient levels in the top layer of the soils are high because the agricultural lands have been heavily fertilized for decades. As drainage ditches are no longer maintained when agricultural use ends, the agricultural lands usually become much wetter. As a result, former agricultural soils tend to develop extensive monotonous stands of Juncus effusus, which have little value from an ecological point of view. In this article, we present the results of field measurements/observations and experiments to examine the relationship between nutrient availability and J. effusus growth. In addition, we present and discuss results of experiments to study the potential beneficial effects of liming. Our findings show that the growth of J. effusus on moist or wet soils seems to be strongly determined by the Olsen‐P concentration in the soil. The restoration of diverse, species‐rich vegetation types on former agricultural lands with a noncalcareous sandy soil will in most cases not be possible within a reasonable time span without topsoil removal. Liming might be a valuable additional measure to enhance the quality of the soil after topsoil removal, and to prevent mobilization of P to groundwater or surface water. If removal of the topsoil is considered to create P limitation, it is important to study P concentrations at various depths to establish the amount of soil that has to be removed.
Influence of Replacing Corn Grain by Enzose (Corn Dextrose) on Nutrient Utilization, Thyroid Hormones, Plasma Metabolites, and Weight Gain in Growing Lambs

The study was conducted to evaluate enzose (corn dextrose), a corn milling byproduct, as substitute for corn grain as energy in growing lambs. Five iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets were formulated. The control diet (E0) had no enzose whereas enzose replaced 20, 40, 60 and 80% corn grain in E20, E40, E60 and E80 diets on the basis of energy supply, respectively. Fifty growing lambs were divided into 5 groups, 10 animals in each, in a randomized complete block design. Nutrients (dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fibre) intake and digestibilities increased with gradual replacement of corn grain by enzose. Lambs fed E80 diet also retained higher nitrogen (N) than those fed E0 diet. Plasma glucose, T3 and T4 increased while urea N decreased in lambs receiving higher enzose content. Maximum weight gain was recorded in lambs fed diets containing maximum concentration of E as a replacement for corn grains. A better feed conversion ratio was recorded in lambs fed E80 compared with those fed E0 diet. The study suggests that enzose can be used as an economical feed ingredient to replace corn grain upto 80%, without any adverse effects on growth performance of growing lambs. (Key Words : Enzose, Thyroid Hormone, Biological Response, Lambs)
Studies on the unmasking of membrane-bound alkaline phosphatase during the differentiation of Dictyostelium discoideum

Evidence has been presented recently to suggest that the 5′-nucleotidase and alkaline phosphatase activities of culmination phase cells of Dictyostelium discoideum are due to a single protein. However, we find that the membrane bound 5′-nucleotidase activity is only marginally activated by either 50 °C treatment or by dialysis, conditions that markedly activate alkaline phosphatase activity. In contrast, the 5′-nucleotidase activity of Triton X-100 extracts is activated by dialysis to the same extent as alkaline phosphatase activity. The available evidence suggests that, although a single protein is responsible for both alkaline phosphatase and 5′-nucleotidase activities, the characteristics of binding of the two substrates p-nitrophenyl phosphate and AMP to this enzyme are somewhat different. The alkaline phosphatase activity of dialyzed vegetative cell membranes is inhibited by the addition of concentrated dialyzate and this inhibition is reversed by further dialysis. The culmination phase enzyme is als.
TWO-YEAR STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF PROCESSED ANIMAL PROTEINS IN FEEDINGSTUFFS

The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of processed animal proteins (PAP) in selected feed materials and feedingstuffs in Poland. For the detection of PAP, a microscopic method was used. In 2005, among 3 085 samples of feedingstuffs, 117 (3.79%) were contaminated by PAP of terrestrial animal origin. In 2006, out of 6 146 samples of feedingstuffs examined, PAP originating from terrestrial animals were detected in 429 (6.98%) samples. The overall percentage of positive samples of feed materials was ranging from 3.52% in 2005 to 9.60% in 2006. The growing tendency in number of positive samples was also observed in compound feedingstuffs for non-ruminants. In 2005 and 2006, the level of contamination of examined compound feedingstuffs reached 5.88 and 8.89%, respectively. On the other hand, a decreasing level of PAP contamination of feedingstuffs for ruminants should be noticed. In 2005, among 862 samples, PAP from terrestrial animals was detected in 9 (1.04%) samples and in 2006, out of 1 436 examined samples only 8 (0.56%) samples were contaminated. It should be pointed out that a microscopic method proved to be a useful and sensitive technique for the detection of PAP in feedingstuffs.
Soybean seed coat cup unloading on plants with low-raffinose, low-stachyose seeds

Abstract Sucrose, raffinose and stachyose accumulate in soybean [Glycine max L. (Merrill)] embryos during seed maturation. To determine the relationship of plant maternal composition on seed composition, soluble carbohydrates in three 1-cm2 leaf punches at three plant growth stages (R2, R3, R6) and in seed coat cup exudates in planta were analysed at four 30-min intervals on soybean plants (R5) with low-raffinose, low-stachyose (LRS) seeds expressing the mutant stc1 phenotype; low-raffinose, low-stachyose and low-phytin (LRSP1, LRSP2) seeds expressing the mutant mips phenotype; or normal raffinose, stachyose and phytin (CHECK) seeds expressing the Stc1 and Mips phenotype. Leaf sucrose (23.6 μg cm− 2), myo-inositol (9.3 μg cm− 2), d-chiro-inositol (6.7 μg cm− 2), d-ononitol (0.76 μg cm− 2), d-pinitol (50.1 μg cm− 2) and total soluble carbohydrates (107.1 μg cm− 2) were not significantly different between phenotypes. d-chiro-Inositol, myo-inositol, d-pinitol and sucrose were unloaded from soybean seed coat cups in planta at decreasing rates over the four sequential periods of sampling. Unloading rates of sucrose and myo-inositol were highest for LRS, d-pinitol was highest for LRSP2, and d-chiro-inositol was not different between LRS, LRSP1, LRSP2 and CHECK. Free cyclitols were 60% of total soluble carbohydrates in leaves and 20% in seed coat cup exudates. Except for sucrose and d-pinitol, seed phenotype had little influence on the composition of compounds unloaded from seed coats to maturing embryos of low-raffinose, low-stachyose seeds. Maternally supplied cyclitols may contribute, in part, to changes in the composition of cyclitol galactosides stored in mature seeds.
Climatic niche attributes and diversification in Anolis lizards

The aim of this study was to test the link between climatic niche dynamics and species diversification in Anolis on islands and on the mainland. We tested the hypotheses that lineages in warmer climates and with narrow climate niches diversified more than lineages in cold climates and with broad climate niches. We also tested the hypothesis that species‐rich clades exhibit greater niche diversity than species‐poor clades.
A Review of Methods for Genotyping Milk Proteins in Cattle

It is well known that first study of animal biodiversity is based on morphological, chromosomal and biochemical markers. Most of them are limited by gender, age and environment. In the last years with a significant progress in molecular biological techniques are discovered the molecular markers. They play a key role on population and species diversity. Molecular markers are specific pieces of DNA that can be identified within the genome and are inherited according to Mendel’s laws. They can be successfully utilized to detect mechanisms of polymorphic traits that contribute to genetic diversity. Moreover, molecular markers enable the detection of genetic variants at DNA sequence level are devoid of these limitations typical for morphological, chromosomal, protein markers and not influenced by environment.
INVESTIGATION OF Hoxa2 GENE FUNCTION IN PALATE DEVELOPMENT USING A RETROVIRAL GENE DELIVERY SYSTEM

Cleft palate is a common human birth defect caused by any process which interferes with palatogenesis. Studies in Hoxa2 mutant (Hoxa2) mice which exhibit a secondary cleft palate were reported to be due to an abnormal positioning of the tongue which prevents normal palatal shelf fusion to occur. To obtain direct evidence for the importance of Hoxa2 in murine palate development, an in vitro whole organ palatal culture model was developed, eliminating any influences from the tongue. A retroviral gene delivery system was employed, containing either Hoxa2 sense or Hoxa2 antisense cDNA, to respectively enhance or knockdown the expression of Hoxa2 mRNA in the developing palate. Our results show that palatal cultures infected with the lowest titer of Hoxa2 sense virus induce a fusion rate of 72.7%, which is similar to palatal cultures treated with the control virus (81.8%), although fusion rates of 41.2% to 50.0% were observed in palates infected with higher titers. With the antisense virus treated group, a more profound inhibition of the fusion rate was observed (27.7% 46.1%), which is comparable with the frequency of palatal fusion in Hoxa2 mice (44.4%). Additionally, the palatal shelves in both sense and antisense virus treated groups appear to be relatively shorter in length, than those measured in the control group. Interestingly, in the antisense virus treated group, the ratio of the length of the fused portion to the length of palatal shelves appears to be relatively large compared to the control group. Verification and quantification of Hoxa2 mRNA in the developing palate between E12.5 and E15.5 was performed by real-time RT-PCR. Hoxa2 gene expression was observed at all stages studied, with expression being the highest at E12.5 and declining from E13.5. The expression level remained constant from E13.5 through E15.5. These findings demonstrate for the first time that Hoxa2 may play a direct role in murine palate development.
The effect of a closed area and beach seine exclusion on coral reef fish catches

Fish landing data from the Mombasa Marine National Park (MNP) and a marine reserve exploited by various gears were studied over a 5-yr period to determine the influence of the closed area and diAerent gears in fisheries. The number fishing and boats per landing site was constant, but total and catch per unit eAort progressively declined in all sites on an annual basis irrespective of the existence of a marine reserve, exclusion of the beach seines or use of gear. DiAerences between landing sites were most pronounced when analysed on a catch per area as opposed to the more standard catch per fisherman, suggesting compensation in human eAort when catches decline. A marine reserve next to a closed area that excluded beach seines had the highest catch per area (5.5 kg ha )1 month )1 ) despite having the highest density of fishermen (0.07 a 0.02 fishermen ha )1 month )1 ). The annual rate of decline in the catch was lower than the other sites at around 250 g day )1 compared with 310-400 g day )1 in the other sites. One landing site, which excluded beach seine landings for more than 20 yrs, had a high catch per area (5.3 kg ha )1 month )1 ), but after experiencing a doubling in the eAort of other gears (line, speargun and trap), the catch per fisherman and area were reduced. Environmental or habitat degradation and excessive eAort remain the most likely explanation for the overall declines in catch from 1995 to 1999. Closed areas and beach seine exclusion have the potential to increase catch rates, but the first often reduces the total fishing area and possibly leads to a loss of total catch, at least on a time scale of less than 10 yrs. The exclusion of beach seines can lead to an increase in other gear types that can also cause reductions in catch.
The Yeast Nuclear Pore Complex: Composition, Architecture, and Transport Mechanism

An understanding of how the nuclear pore complex (NPC) mediates nucleocytoplasmic exchange requires a comprehensive inventory of the molecular components of the NPC and a knowledge of how each component contributes to the overall structure of this large molecular translocation machine. Therefore, we have taken a comprehensive approach to classify all components of the yeast NPC (nucleoporins). This involved identifying all the proteins present in a highly enriched NPC fraction, determining which of these proteins were nucleoporins, and localizing each nucleoporin within the NPC. Using these data, we present a map of the molecular architecture of the yeast NPC and provide evidence for a Brownian affinity gating mechanism for nucleocytoplasmic transport.
Thinking movement and the creation of dance through numbers

Abstract How do we think of movement? In other words, can ideas be generated in and on movement? How does the scientific (i.e. physical or anatomical) idea of movement become an artistic creation of dance? Taking Deleuze and Guattari's philosophy as a point of departure, this article proposes a non-phenomenological approach to dance and its encounter with digital technology. Beyond the notions of technology as a physical extension of the living organism, of its functional use by the conscious human subject or of its imitative aim (the machine unsuccessfully trying to render or substitute human movement), the essay explores if, and how, new and un-thought effects can derive from this encounter.
Influence of dietary protein levels and protein-oleaginous sources on carcass parameters and fatty acid composition of broiler meat.

The study was conducted to evaluate the influence of different dietary protein levels and two protein-oleaginous sources on carcass parameters and fatty acid composition of meat in broilers at 42 d. A total of 1200 broilers (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned in 6 groups with 4 replications per treatment. Broilers were fed 6 different isocaloric diets in a 3 x 2 factorial design with 3 levels of protein [medium protein (MP), high (HP) and low (LP)] and 2 protein-oleaginous sources [camelina cake (CC) and canola meal (CM)]. The proportion of CC and CM in broiler diets was 80 g/kg. Gas chromatography method was used to determine the fatty acid composition. Carcass yield and the percentage of broilers liver were not affected significantly (P>0.05) by the dietary treatments. Breast, leg and abdominal fat yield were influenced by the dietary protein level, irrespective of protein-oleaginous sources used. In LP diets breast and leg yield decreased (4.3%, P=0.04; respectively 4.4%, P=0.01) vs. MP diets; in contrast, abdominal fat yield was lower in HP and MP diets (0.8 fold) vs. LP diets (P 0.05) of dietary protein level or protein-oleaginous sources on the chemical composition of broiler meat. However, the quality of broiler meat, in terms of fatty acids profile was influenced positively by the use of CC as protein-oleaginous source. In broilers fed diets containing CC the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially α-linolenic was significantly increase in meat (6.36 fold in breast and 7.84 fold in leg meat; P<0.0001), compared to broilers fed with CM diets. Moreover, the use of CC decreased significantly n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio of meat (4.18:1 in breast, respectively 4.97:1 in leg meat; P<0.0001) compared to CM diets, at values recommended for human health. In conclusion, the results
Histogenesis of prostate gland in goat foetii (Capra hircus).

The study was conducted on 30 male goat fetii ranging from 0 day to full term, divided into five groups consisted of 6 animals in each group. Only pars disseminata of prostate gland was present in prenatal goat. The primordium of prostate gland appeared at 55 days of gestation. At 57 days of gestation, the submucosa of urethra showed solid prostatic ducts. At 81 days of gestation, the duct formation in the prostate glands was seen throughout the thickness of lamina propria submucosa in the caudal part of pelvic urethra. At 93 days of gestation, the capsule surrounding the lamina propria submucosa of pelvic urethra was distinct. At 150 days of gestation, a distinct capsule was formed composed of collagen, elastic and reticular fibres. Trabeculae from the capsule penetrated the lamina propria submucosa of pelvic urethra and divided the gland into distinct lobes.
Mer1p is a modular splicing factor whose function depends on the conserved U2 snRNP protein Snu17p

Mer1p activates the splicing of at least three pre-mRNAs (AMA1, MER2, MER3) during meiosis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We demonstrate that enhancer recognition by Mer1p is separable from Mer1p splicing activation. The C-terminal KH-type RNA-binding domain of Mer1p recognizes introns that contain the Mer1p splicing enhancer, while the N-terminal domain interacts with the spliceosome and activates splicing. Prior studies have implicated the U1 snRNP and recognition of the 5' splice site as key elements in Mer1p-activated splicing. We provide new evidence that Mer1p may also function at later steps of spliceosome assembly. First, Mer1p can activate splicing of introns that have mutated branch point sequences. Secondly, Mer1p fails to activate splicing in the absence of the non-essential U2 snRNP protein Snu17p. Thirdly, Mer1p interacts with the branch point binding proteins Mud2p and Bbp1p and the U2 snRNP protein Prp11p by two-hybrid assays. We conclude that Mer1p is a modular splicing regulator that can activate splicing at several early steps of spliceosome assembly and depends on the activities of both U1 and U2 snRNP proteins to activate splicing.
Teste de condutividade elétrica para sementes de feijão-mungo-verde

Good quality seeds are indispensable for successful crop establishment. A more precise analysis of seed quality requires a complementation of the information supplied by the germination with vigor tests to allow selection of the best lots for commercialization and sowing. Among these tests, the electric conductivity test is important. The objective of this study was to develop a suitable methodology for the electric conductivity test in mung bean seeds, with treatments of different imbibition periods and seed numbers. Six seed lots were used with the following treatments: 100, 75 and 50 seeds imbibed in 75 mL of 25 °C distilled water, and evaluations after 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 hours of imbibition. The electrical conductivity test done with four subsamples of 50 pure seeds soaked in 75 mL of distilled water at 25 °C, permits a separation of the lots after three hours of soaking, and this procedure would make a quality evaluation of mung bean seeds viable.