Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic fitness and horizontal gene transfer in stochastic evolutionary dynamics

The evolution of species is shaped by processes such as selection, mutations or genetic drift. Still, we are far away from a complete understanding of how these processes drive evolutionary dynamics in detail. Therefore, we need basic models which capture the essence of evolutionary dynamics to understand the mechanisms underlying evolution. The basis of many such models is the so-called fitness of the individuals which measures how many offspring a certain individual will produce. Often, such fitness is assumed to be constant over time, although interactions between different individuals can lead to dynamically changing fitnesses. Here, we analyze the evolutionary dynamics of a population exhibiting such dynamic fitness. Our results reveal that dynamic fitness can lead to evolutionary dynamics which stochastically switch between multiple stable points. Furthermore, in the last decades an increasing evidence has been found that apart from selection, mutation and genetic drift another process drives evolution. This process is horizontal gene transfer (HGT), i.e. the exchange of genetic material between individuals of one generation. However, how evolution proceeds under the influence of HGT is still unclear. Here, we provide a new model for HGT and show how it drives evolutionary dynamics in populations exhibiting a high or a low competence for HGT. We demonstrate how frequently occuring HGT can lead to an evolutionary state where no distinct species can be distinguished. Thus, our work points toward a probable mechanism how the first species may have emerged from a primordial reactive soup in which no species existed and individuals exchanged genes frequently via HGT.
Symbiosis and Nitrogen Cycling: Physiological Effects of Anemone Shrimps on Host Sea Anemones in the Caribbean Sea

ii Acknowledgments.iv List of Tables.vi List of Figures.vii Chapter I. General Introduction.1 Chapter II. Effects of Symbiotic Cleaner Shrimp on Caribbean Sea Anemone Physiology: Nitrogen Cycling in a Coral Reef Mutualism.9 Introduction.9 Methods.17 Results.25 Discussion.33 Cumulative References. 67
Agroinoculation: a method of screening germplasm resistance to mungbean yellow mosaic geminivirus

Agroinoculation of dimeric constructs of cloned DNA- A and DNA-B of an isolate of mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV- Bg) to different varieties of six grain legumes, blackgram (Vigna mungo), cowpea (V. unguiculata), Frenchbean ( Phaseolus vulgaris), mungbean (V. radiata), pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan) and soybean (Glycine max) was tested. Two methods of agroinoculation i. e. , sprouted seed and seedling inoculation were used and both were found equally effective. Agroinfected plants took longer time to develop symptoms as compared to those inoculated by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) transmitted plants. Symptomatic and symptomless infection of plants was confirmed by nucleic acid spot (NASH) and Southern hybridization. Some symptomless plants showed positive signal by NASH test but not by Southern hybridization. Contrasting results were, however, obtained for some varieties which could be infected by whitefly inoculation, but not by the agroinoculation. Agroinoculation can be a useful tool for screening for resistance in the breeding programme
The relationship between liking of children and job satisfaction among preschool teachers

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between liking of children and job satisfaction among preschool teachers. This cross-sectional analytical study included 140 teachers who volunteered to participate. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form, the Barnett Liking of Children Scale (BLOCS), and the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 21 package program was used for statistical analysis and p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. There was a statistically significant difference in the preschool teachersâ€™ job satisfaction scores according to age, marital status, and the facilities in their school (p
Physicochemical Quality of Raw and Pasteurized Milk from Sebeta and Bishoftu Urban Areas, Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was aimed at analyzing physicochemical quality of raw and pasteurized milk of crossbred dairy cows from Sebeta and Bishoftu area of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of hundred raw milk and twelve pasteurized milk samples were used to analyze the physicochemical qualities. The General Linear Model (GLM) was utilized for variance analyses of data on milk physicochemical parameters. Difference in sample type significantly affected physical parameters of milk pH, specific gravity and freezing point. The results for the percentage overall raw milk sample of Sebeta and Bishoftu area showed that lactose (4.91 ± 0.12), protein (3.28 ± 0.08)%, fat (3.68 ± 0.25)%, solid not fat (8.93 ± 0.22)%,total solid (12.61 ± 0.41)%, ash (0.74 ± 0.02)% and lactose (4.36 ± 0.06)%, Protien (2.90 ± 0.04)%, fat (3.59 ± 0.13)%, solid not fat (7.93 ± 0.11)%, total solid (11.52 ± 0.20)%, ash (0.66 ± 0.01)% respectively. Significant difference was observed in lactose, protein, solid-non-fat, total solid and ash values between the study sites. Raw milk samples from Sebeta areas had higher percentage of composition whereas physicochemical components of pasteurized milk was significantly lower than that of raw milk and also below the minimum requirement of Ethiopian standard for protein, fat, total solid and specific gravity. Results of this finding of raw milk fulfill minimum requirements of standards to be accepted. The finding of this study provided up to date information on raw and pasteurized milk physicochemical quality which can be an important input for regulatory bodies.
Acoustic communication in the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)

Abstract : The focus of this thesis is the use of sound for communication by the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis). The surface active group (SAG) is the predominant social interaction in this species for which use of sound has been documented. Different group compositions in SAGs indicate that both potentially reproductive and non-reproductive groups have been combined under one label. Sound production in SAGs suggests that females form and maintain the groups by producing Scream calls. Males produce Upcalls and Gunshot sounds. Some calves produce Warble sounds in SAGs. Acoustic recordings confirm that SAGs are complex interactions between individuals, rather than simple groups with only one whale producing all the sounds to attract other whales to the group. Playback experiments demonstrate that right whales can use sounds from SAGs to locate the groups. Male right whales approached both North Atlantic and Southern right whale SAG playbacks. Female right whales only approached Southern right whale playbacks. Anatomical modeling resulted in a frequency range of hearing for the right whale (10 Hz - 22 kHz) that is consistent with the sounds that they produce and overlaps the frequency range of most anthropogenic noise sources. This combination of research provides a thorough description how North Atlantic right whales use sound in SAGs and how increasing levels of noise in the oceans may impact right whales in these groups. (25 tables, 68 figures, chapter refs.)
Relationship between seed yield and its component characters in Cenchrus spp.

Cenchrus setigerus, C. sp. , eleven obligate apomictic cultivars and a sexual line of Cenchrus ciliaris L. were studied to determine the relationship between seed production and its component characters, through principal component analysis, path correlation analysis and analysis of variance. A completely randomized field design was used. Ten vegetative and reproductive morphological characters were measured. Seed production was influenced directly by panicle weight and indirectly by panicle length, 1000 seed weight, length and width of flag leaf lamina and length of flag leaf sheath. Panicle weight showed high heritability and variability among genotypes. Hence, panicle weight can be considered a selection criterion to obtain increased seed production in Cenchrus. The cultivar Lucero INTA PEMAN exhibited the highest panicle weight and, therefore, greatest seed production, which makes it suitable for selection as parental cultivar to obtain new germplasm in Cenchrus with high seed yield.
Violencia y risa contra la política en el Santiagueñazo. Indagación sobre el significado de una rebelión popular

El objetivo general de este articulo es dar cuenta del Santiaguenazo en tanto accion colectiva, especificamentee n tanto una protesta. En vistas de ello, se presenta un analisis de la proresta desde el angulo de sus rasgos caracteristicos, lo que llamaremos la forma, y otro desde el angulo de su significacion, lo que llamaremos el sentido.
Growth, phenology, and biomass allocation of alien Solidago species in central Europe

Plant invasion is a major threat to the integrity of an ecosystem. Exceptionally successful invaders in Europe are the American species of Solidago genus. In this study we examined growth, reproduction, and phenology of Solidago species, of American origin, growing in central Europe (S. altissima, S. canadensis, S. gigantea, S. graminifolia). These taxa were compared with two native species: Solidago virgaurea and Tanacetum vulgare. We observed high differentiation in height, number of shoots, and biomass production between individuals within taxa. Generally, the invasive species produced substantially (two to five times) more biomass than the native ones, being statistically significant in the comparison of alien Solidago graminifolia and S. gigantea versus native S. virgaurea and T. vulgare. The ratio of biomass of reproductive parts to overall biomass varied considerably among years, but generally the lowest one was for Solidago altissima, and the highest for S. graminifolia. It shows a lack of a clear pattern of differentiation between alien and native species in terms of biomass investment in reproduction. We observed a general tendency of allocation of a major part of biomass in rhizomes by phalanx species (S. graminifolia and S. gigantea), while species with guerrilla strategy (S. altissima and S. canadensis) invested more biomass in stems and leaves. However, because of the high variability there was no clear, stable pattern of statistically significant differences between these two groups. The results suggest that S. graminifolia reveals a strong potential of invasion, in spite of its, so far limited, distribution in Europe.
Spruce beetle in the Rockies.

This report summarizes the literature on the spruce beetle in the western United States, primarily in the Rocky Mountains. Information is presented on life history and behavior, host relationships, mortality agents and impacts of infestations. A section on suppression details the current status of chemicals, pheromones, trap trees and silvicultural treatments. The initial steps in managing spruce beetle populations are stated in the final se<;tion on beetle management policy. Although this report discusses research involving pesticides, such research does not imply that the pesticide has been registered or recommended for the use studied. Registration is necessary before any pesticide can be recommended. If not handled or applied properly, pesticides can be injurious to humans, domestic animals, desirable plants, fish, and wildlife. Always read and follow the till P~. s'"JJ; directions on the pesticide con. -T . ~IJ ", . 'ml'"'' UIKt\"n tainer. The use of trade and company names is for the benefit of the reader; such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of any service or product by the u.s. Department of Agriculture to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.
Germination and viability of mesquite (Prosopis pallida) seed following ingestion and excretion by feral pigs (Sus scrofa).

A study in northern Queensland aimed to determine if feral pigs disperse viable seeds of the invasive woody weed, Prosopis pallida. Thirty-eight dung samples were collected, 19 from within a dense P. pallida infestation and 19 from an adjacent area that had been mechanically cleared of P. pallida. Ail seeds were removed from the dung and undamaged seed tested for germination and viability. Mean (+/- s.e.) dry weight of collected dung samples averaged 51.1 (+/- 2.9)g, with no difference between infested and cleared sites. Visual estimation of the contents of these samples showed that P. pallida seed pods were the major component of the dung, averaging 69 (+/- 4)% from samples collected within dense infestation and 57 (+/- 4)% for those from the adjacent area. Fifty-eight % and 42% of the pig dung samples collected from within and adjacent to the infestation, respectively, contained viable seed. No significant difference (P>0.05) was found between the number of viable seeds present in dung samples from the two areas; an average of 2.4 seeds per sample was recorded with a range of 0-19. The germinability of this seed was high, with 70% of all viable seed germinating within 21 days and the remainder germinating immediately after scarification.
Distribution and diversity of aquatic Oligochaeta in small streams of the middle taiga

The goal of the present study was to describe the fauna, community structure, distribution, diversity, abundance, and ecology of Oligochaeta in small streams of the Komi Republic. The work was performed in 13 streams located in the Vychegda River basin during the month of July, 2005-2008. During the study, 48 taxa from 7 families were collected. The habitat of each study stream was determined with respect to chemical water composition (Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl-, and total phosphorus (Ptot), among others) and some environmental factors: bottom structure (hard or soft), water temperature, depth, flow velocity, moss or algae cover, etc. The species composition, diversity, and determination of the small streams' aquatic Oligochaeta as well as the influence of different ecological factors on these characteristics were analyzed and discussed. The number of species, their composition, and the average abundance and biomass of Oligochaeta were found to depend upon bottom texture, current velocity, moss or algae cover, water temperature, and changes in the water chemicals (Na+, Mg2+, and Ptot concentrations), as well as the nitrogen, carbon, and humus contents in the bottom sediments.
An assessment of the competitiveness of Polish exports to Germany in respect of sectors based on market attractiveness and market position

onaselectedmarket. Theresearchwasconductedatsectorallevel. Theresearchmethodemployedistheattractivenessandpositionindicator(AP-indicator). TheAP-indicatoradoptstheportfoliomodelsapproach. Themethodenabledtoquantifytargetmarket’sattractivenessandthecompetitivepositionofPolishexportsonthatmarket. Theresearch
Fate of stocked trout Salmo trutta L. in Danish streams : Survival and exploitaiton of stocked and wild trout by anglers

Sub-legal sized trout age 1 and 2 years were stocked in Danish lowland streams in summer or autumn and survival, emigration, and anglers catch and effort was monitored. Initial mortalities were high but decreasing after 8-20 days. 0-33% survived the first winter and maximal observed emigration was 35 %. Angling could be responsible for a maximum of 5.3% of total mortality, and return rates to anglers were between 0.5-5.1%. Between 0-13.2% of the stocked trout inside the experimental sections were caught by angling each month. The relative CPUE increased for stocked trout with increasing effort. Angling was size selective (larger specimens having higher catchability) and the impact from angling on wild trout populations varied between 3-132% of observed populations of legal-sized trout inside the experimental area.
Resultados de puesta y crecimiento de una poblaciónde gallinas de raza menorca

Se ha creado una poblacion control en el proceso de recuperacion y caracterizacion de la raza de gallina Menorca, impulsada por la Associacio de Gallines Menorquines y el Institut de Biologia Animal de Balears. Dicha poblacion se ha creado a partir de huevos recogidos de un total de 66 gallinas procedentes de 10 grupos de cria, constituidos por 5 a 12 gallinas y 1 a 4 gallos cada uno, que habian sido seleccionados y separados en funcion de su morfologia de entre todos los animales que existian en todos los origenes localizados en la isla de Menorca. La comunicacion presenta los datos de crecimiento y puesta de la poblacion formada de gallina Menorca. La poblacion compuesta por 100 gallinas y 16 gallos esta ubicada en las instalaciones del Centre de Capacitacio i Experiencies Agraries "Sa Granja" del Consell Insular de Menorca. El crecimiento observado en la poblacion estudiada se encuentra dentro del marco de las razas autoctonas espanolas que se han estudiado (2466 y 2795 g de peso adulto para hembras y machos respectivamente). En cuanto a la puesta, el numero total de huevos ha sido relativamente bajo (120 huevos hasta la semana 72 de vida), lo que se puede explicar por una madurez sexual tardia (26 semanas de vida) y la posible presencia de gallinas muy poco productivas dentro de la poblacion.
Reproduction, Development, and Growth Response to Captive Diets in the Shangcheng Stout Salamander, Pachyhynobius shangchengensis (Amphibia, Urodela, Hynobiidae)

The Shangcheng stout salamander (Pachyhynobius shangchengensis) is a poorly known stream dwelling hynobiid salamander from China. We studied the reproduction, development and growth response of the salamander to different diets in captivity. Two females each produced two unique, striated egg sacs, with each containing 18 and 20, and 22 and 32 white eggs with an average diameter of 3.3 mm. Hatchlings (n = 27) had front- and hind-limb buds with interdigit membranes and a large yolk sac, and developed cornified finger and toe tips during further development. Metamorphosis occurred between d 441 and d 454 after hatching at an average total length of 94.8 mm (n = 21). These reproductive and developmental traits fit in well with the ancestral state reconstruction in hynobiids. If corrected for dry mass, feed conversion ratios obtained by feeding bloodworms (Chironomidae) to R shangchengensis larvae and mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) to postmetamorphs, were very low (0.33 and 0.34 respectively), equaling a very high mass conversion efficiency.
Role of Siglec-7 in ganglioside recognition and modulating NK cell biology

XIV 1.1 Vertebrate immune system . 1 1.2 Innate immune system . 2 1.3 Adaptive immune system . 3 1.4 NK Receptors . 5 1.4. 1 Activating receptors . 8 1.4. 2 Inhibitory receptors . 15 1.4. 3 Signalling in NK cells . 16 1.4. 4 NK cell licensing . 21 1.4. 5 Siglec-7 . 22 1.5 Siglec family of receptors . 24 1.6 Gangliosides and tumour associated carbohydrate antigens . 31 1.6. 1 Gangliosides and biosynthetic pathways . 32 1.6. 2 Carbohydrates modulate tumour immune responses . 35 1.6. 3 Ganglioside complexes . 37 1.7 Aims of thesis . 40 2.1 Reagents . 41 2.2 Primary and secondary antibodies . 42 2.3 Molecular biology techniques . 44 2.3. 1 Vectors . 44 2.3. 2 Extraction of mRNA . 45 2.3. 3 Reverse transcription of RNA to Cdna . 46 2.3. 4 PCR amplication of cDNA . 46 2.3. 5 Agarose electrophoresis . 47 2.3. 6 Gel extraction of DNA and purification . 47 2.3. 7 Measuring concentration of DNA/RNA/purified protein . 48 2.3. 8 Restriction enzyme digestion . 48 2.3. 9 DNA ligation . 49 2.3. 10 Bacterial transformation of ligation reactions or plasmid DNA . 49 2.3. 11 Bacterial culture . 50 2.4 Cell culture techniques . 50 2.4. 1 Culture conditions for cell lines used in this project . 50 2.4. 2 Cellular transfection methods . 51 2.4. 3 Enrichment of transfected cells . 53
Metabolic changes in groundnut leaf due to infection by leaf spot pathogens

Changes in specific activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) peroxidase (PO), catalase and levels of total phenols, total soluble sugars and mineral elements in the healthy and diseased leaves of susceptible (MH-l, JL-24) and tolerant (MH-2, C-333) cultivars of groundnut were studied. Total phenols were markedly higher in tolerant than in susceptible cultivars. Amount of phenol decreased after infection in all the cultivars, conversely, total soluble sugar increased after infection. The specific activities of PPO remained higher while that of PO was lower in tolerant cultivars than in susceptible ones. In response to infection, the activities of both the enzymes increased sharply. However, this increase was more associated with susceptibility. Catalase activity, however, was observed only in healthy leaves and comparatively higher in tolerant cultivars. Nitrogen (N) content was lower in tolerant than in susceptible cultivars and it decreased after infection. Following infection, phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) were found to decrease while potassium (K) and iron (Fe) increased in all the cultivars. These changes were quite considerable in susceptible compared with tolerant cultivars.
Occurrence and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Chicken Eggs, Eastern Ethiopia

A total of 335 egg samples were obtained from open market (n = 174) and poultry farm (n = 161) to isolate Staphylococcus aureus present on eggs, and determine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. A sterile cotton swab was used to sample the surface of eggs. After sterilizing the shells, the egg contents were sampled. Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus was done based on culture characteristics, Gram staining and biochemical tests. The isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disc diffusion method. Out of the total 335 eggs sample examined, 93(27.8%) samples yielded S. aureus. Out of these, 28(17.4%) were from poultry farm while 65(37.4%) were obtained from open market. Similarly, 63(18.8%) were from the shell while 30(8.9%) were from the content. The occurrence of S. aureus in the egg shell collected from open market was significantly higher than egg shell obtained from poultry farm (P = 0.021). The level of S. aureus in egg contents was also significantly higher in the open market (P = 0.003). All 76 S. aureus isolates were resistant to at least one of the antimicrobials tested with overall 3.9-92.0% level of resistance pattern showing higher resistant to penicillin (92%), ampicillin (89.5%) and amoxicillin (55.3%). Multiple drug resistance to more than two antimicrobial agents was detected in 86.8% of the total S. aureus isolates. The study showed high level of S. aureus with considerable antimicrobial resistant pattern. Further study is needed to better define bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents with emphasis on surveillance of multiple drug resistant.