Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF CYTOKININ INDUCED DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.)

Physiological basis of cytokinin induced drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Wheat is one of the premier cereal crops of worldwide importance and India is second largest producer of wheat. Water stress is a worldwide problem, which is a severe threat for sustainable production of wheat. Water stress during wheat developmental stages limits production and its extent vary with stage at which plant encounters water stress. PGRs plays important role in plant response to water stress, cytokinin is important among them it can induce water stress tolerance by delaying leaf senescence. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of cytokinin treatment under two different water regimes (Control and water stressed) in two contrasting cultivars, water stress tolerant C-306 and water stress susceptible PBW343. In water stressed plants significant reduction were observed in traits related to photosynthesis which includes RWC, MSI, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, photochemical efficiency, total sugar and total starch content. Cytokinin (BAP; 40 μM) treated plants were observed with higher activity of all the parameters studied in relation to photosynthesis and related traits in both the wheat cultivars under moisture deficit condition. Expression of Rubisco SSU was highest at anthesis stage but there was no significant effect due to cytokinin treatment under both water regimes. DHN and COR gene expression was more under water stress condition and expression was found to be increased on later developmental stages with no significant effect of cytokinin treatment. Nitrogen metabolism in plants is severely affected by water stress. There was decrease in activity of enzymes of nitrogen assimilation pathway viz., nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase which led to decrease in plant total nitrogen and total protein content. However, application of cytokinin was found effective under water stress to enhance activity of these enzyme and further increased leaf nitrogen and protein content in both cultivars. Total protease activity was enhanced significantly during water stress condition but it was decreased by application of cytokinin. Under water stress condition there was significant decrease in leaf area and total biomass of plants which increased by treatment of cytokinin in both wheat cultivars. Yield related attributes also showed enhancement due to application of cytokinin in both the cultivars under water stress conditions. However, sensitive cultivars PBW-343 was found more responsive to cytokinin treatment under water stress condition, in comparison to drought tolerant cultivar C-306. xsgwi 1⁄4fVafVde ,LVkboe ,y-1⁄2 esa lk;VksdkbfuuiZdh; vk/kkj
Rhizobial Inoculation, Alone or Coinoculated with Azospirillum brasilense, Promotes Growth of Wetland Rice

ABSTRACT Rhizobia and associative bacteria promote growth in rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) through a series of mechanisms, but most studies on inoculation have been performed based on inoculation with these bacteria in a separate or singular manner. The objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of single/isolated inoculation and inoculation combined with symbiotic rhizobia from forage legume and with Azospirillum brasilense on promoting growth and the root colonization process in wetland rice. Two rhizobia among four isolates [. ]
Prevalence and molecular detection of shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli from diarrheic cattle

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotically important pathogen which causes hemorrhagic colitis, diarrhea, and hemolytic uremic syndrome in animals and humans. The present study was designed to isolate and identify the STEC from fecal samples of diarrheic cattle. A total of 35 diarrheic fecal samples were collected from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The samples were primarily examined for the detection of E. coli by cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics, followed by confirmation of the isolates by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using gene specific primers. Later, the STEC were identified among the isolated E. coli through detection of Stx- 1 and Stx- 2 genes using duplex PCR. Out of 35 samples, 25 (71.43%) isolates were confirmed to be associated with E. coli , of which only 7 (28%) isolates were shiga toxin producers, and all of them were positive for Stx -1. However, no Stx -2 positive isolate could be detected. From this study, it may be concluded that cattle can act as a reservoir of STEC which may transmit to human or other animals. J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(1): 63-68, June 2016
Functional analysis of the promoter of a rice 18 kDa oleosin gene

The 18 kDa oleosin (Ole18) is a seed-specific protein expressed specifically in embryos and the aleurone layers of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds. Sequence analysis revealed that the promoter of the gene Ole18 contains many cis-acting elements, including seed-specific elements, ABA-responsive elements, and drought-responsive elements, mainly in the region between −400 and −100. To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of Ole18 gene expression, the 1249-bp Ole18 promoter and its internal deletion-derivatives were fused to the GUS reporter gene and introduced into rice. Histochemical analysis and fluorometric quantitative analysis in transgenic rice showed that GUS activity varied depending on the deletionderivative construct. GUS activity decreased as the deletion region increased (from −378 to −187, to −180, to −169, and to −130), suggesting the importance of known cis-acting motifs such as ABA-responsive elements and drought-responsive elements, and a novel motif within these regions. In addition, either the region between −378 and −179 or that between −179 and −130 was sufficient to induce high expression in the embryos and aleurone layers. This suggests the importance of the common cis-acting elements in the two regions: the drought-responsive element DRE2 and the ABA-responsive element ABI4-binding motifs.
Bestimmung des Körpergewichtes mit Hilfe des Brustumfanges beim Fleckviehjungrind

Abstract. Title of the paper: Prediction of the body weight of Simmental heifers using heart girth measurements The decision of the date of the first insemination of heifers is mainly based on the weight. In most of the dairy farm no scale exists, therefore a trial had been started to estimate a regression equation for the prediction of the body weight by the heart girth measurement. On seven farms the weight, heart girth and hip height of 324 heifers had been collected. The age of the heifers had been between 8 and 26 months. Additionally the results of heart girth and weight of 347 heifers out of 8 farms had been included. The analysis of the farm influence, adjusted by age, showed high significant effects in hip height, heart girth and weight. Heifers, grown up on farms with higher milk yield, had a larger size. For predicting the body weight of Simmental heifers using the heart girth measurement (BU) the following equation had been analyzed: ŶGEW = 137.6–2.647 a XBU + 0.024 a XBU2. The R2-value is 0.94.
Pancreatic and adrenal development and function in an ovine model of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder encompassing reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. Ovarian hyperandrogenism is an endocrine hallmark of human PCOS. In animal models, PCOS-like abnormalities can be recreated by in utero over-exposure to androgenic steroid hormones. This thesis investigated pancreatic and adrenal development and function in a unique model of PCOS. Fetal sheep were directly exposed (day 62 and day 82 of gestation) to steroidal excesses - androgen excess (testosterone propionate - TP), estrogen excess (diethylstilbestrol - DES) or glucocorticoid excess (dexamethasone - DEX). At d90 gestation there was elevated expression of genes involved in β- cell development and function: PDX-1 (P<0.001), and INS (P<0.05), INSR (P<0.05) driven by androgenic excess only in the female fetal pancreas. β- cell numbers (P<0.001) and in vitro insulin secretion (P<0.05) were also elevated in androgen exposed female fetuses. There was a significant increase in insulin secreting β-cell numbers (P<0.001) and in vivo insulin secretion (glucose stimulated) (P<0.01) in adult female offspring, specifically associated with prenatal androgen excess. At d90 gestation, female fetal adrenal gene expression was perturbed by fetal estrogenic exposure. Male fetal adrenal gene expression was altered more dramatically by fetal glucocorticoid exposure. In female adult offspring from androgen exposed pregnancies there was increased adrenal steroidogenic gene expression and in vivo testosterone secretion (P<0.01). This highlights that the adrenal glands may contribute towards excess androgen secretion in PCOS, but such effects might be secondary to other metabolic alterations driven by prenatal androgen exposure, such as excess insulin secretion Thus there may be dialogue between the pancreas and adrenal gland, programmed during early life, with implications for adult health Given both hyperinsulinaemia and hyperandrogenism are common features in PCOS, we suggest that their origins may be at least partially due to altered fetal steroidal environments, specifically excess androgenic stimulation
Population dynamics of small rodents in the southern boreal forest as influenced by furbearer harvest1

Abstract: We tested four predictions derived from the hypothesis that the guild of avian and terrestrial predators should regulate small mammal populations at low densities in relatively productive ecosystems of the southeastern part of the North American boreal forest. We estimated the density of two small mammal populations and the abundance of their predators for 3 y in two adjacent areas that differed with respect to trapping of furbearers. We predicted 1) that small mammal densities would not show multi-annual fluctuations in the two areas and 2) that densities would be much lower than peak densities reached by cyclic populations. Due to the harvest of furbearers in one area, we also predicted 3) that population densities and 4) survival of small mammals would be higher in the trapped than in the protected area. In agreement with our first two predictions, densities of the two main small mammal species (southern red-backed vole, Clethrionomys gapperi, and deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus) showed little variation between 1998 and 2000 in both areas, and additional data from the two previous years in the trapped area indicated that densities remained relatively stable and low over the 5-y period. However, contrary to our last two predictions, densities of the two most abundant species did not vary between areas, nor did survival rate of red-backed voles, the only species for which this variable could be estimated. Our findings show that the effect of trapping did not cascade down to small mammals. We have some evidence based on snow-tracking data that trapping, which focused on large generalist predators, may have relaxed intra-guild predation on small specialist predators and favoured an increase in abundance of specialist predators. Accordingly, we cannot reject the idea that a predation-based mechanism maintains small mammal densities at relatively low and stable levels in productive forests.
Population Size and Diet of Bush Hyrax Hetrohyrax brucei (Gray 1868) in the Isolated Romanat Michael Church Forest in Northern Ethiopia, Implication for Conservation

Fragmented sacred church forests in Ethiopia contribute about 5% of the vegetation cover in the country. These isolated forests harbour a variety of fauna and flora, including several indigenous species. A number of species in these forests however, are suffering from the effects of isolation and fragmentations which are poorly investigated issues. We studied population size and diet of bush hyrax, Heterohyrax brucei , in the isolated Romanat Michael church forest in Northern Ethiopia. The overall population size of the bush hyrax was about 20 individuals. The population suffered high adult mortality during the post-rainy season, between October and November. This season is also marked with the appearance of new pups. The bush hyraxes were observed predominantly browsing on the leaves, shoots, and flowers of 16 different plant species. There is a growing concern that the population may become locally extinct from demographic and/or genetic stochastic factors. We recommend immediate conservation measures to save the population from potential future factors causing an increase in the already high mortality rate. Keywords : Population size, Church forest, Diet, Heterohyrax brucei , Ethiopia.
Genetic architecture of craniofacial shape in the house mouse : a genetic and morphological perspective

Morphological diversity in nature is astounding. A remarkable example of such diversity is the vertebrate cranium. This structure is developmentally, anatomically, and functionally integrated with the many other tissues and sensory systems of the head. Because of this, it is under strong constrains to achieve an adult form (size and shape) compatible with the functional requirements of the individual. The genetic basis of craniofacial diversity has been traditionally studied from a macro-evolutionary perspective (i.e. at the between-species level), with special focus on adaptive radiation and domestication. The work presented in this thesis is an attempt to understand the genetic basis of craniofacial shape variation in the house mouse. By using between-subspecies and within population variation, I address the question from a micro-evolutionary perspective. In this thesis I also explore the genetic architecture of the traits (i.e. number, effect size, and genomic distribution of the causal loci), and the extent to which phenotypic variation can be explained by genetic variation – i.e. heritability of the traits. The first two chapters of this thesis are the first genome-wide approximation to the genetic architecture of craniofacial shape and size in mice. I combine highly recombinant mouse populations –wild hybrid mice and outbred lab mice- with dense marker coverage of the genome to map the loci underlying phenotypic variation. I identify genes previously known to be involved in craniofacial formation, and provide a list of genomic regions that contain new candidate genes for craniofacial development. Regarding the genetic architecture, I show that craniofacial traits are highly polygenic and highly heritable, with many loci of very small effect distributed uniformly along the genome. The last chapter of the thesis is an assessment of the morphological transition associated with the degree of admixture between two subspecies of the house mouse, Mus musculus musculus and Mus musculus domesticus. I show that craniofacial shape changes, but not size changes, are correlated with the level of admixture. The transition from M. m. musculus to M. m. domesticus is continuous, such mode would be expected from a trait with polygenic architecture, and therefore these results are in line with the genetic results obtained in previous chapters. Overall the work presented in this thesis is the first genome-wide analyses of the genetic basis and genetic architecture of craniofacial shape variation in the house mouse. It is also the first time shape variation is explored in a close-to-natural context; previous work used crosses between inbred mouse strains. Therefore, the results reported here are directly relevant to the understanding of complex traits evolution.
Sebae Anemone (Heteractis crispa) Venom as an Alternative Cell Lysis Buffer Reagent

Sea anemone venoms are rich reservoirs of biologically active proteins which include actinoporins, a large family of lethal pore-forming 20 kDa polypeptides. In this study, venom isolated from leathery sebae anemone Heteractis crispa, was examined for presence of actinoporins and its potential to be used as a substitute for commercial cell lysis buffers. Proteome profiling of the venom extract using SDS-PAGE and silver staining revealed proteins with molecular weights 20-215 kDa, indicating the presence of 20 kDa actinoporins among its active proteins. The venom extract was tested for functionality as a stand-alone cell lysis reagent or as a complement to established cell lysis solutions. Heteractis crispa venom when used with sodium dodecyl sulfate and proteinase K, demonstrated efficient isolation of highly pure DNA. The isolated nucleic acid samples were run in 1% (w/v) agarose gel and confirmed the absence of nuclease activity throughout all treatments. Taken together, venom isolated from H. crispa with detergent and protease additives, was found to be a viable alternative cell lysis reagent used in isolating undamaged genomic DNA with high purity.
Inner-outer scale interactions in turbulent Couette flow

The interscale interaction between small-scale structures placed near the wall and large-scale structures placed at large wall distances is investigated in turbulent plane Couette flow at Reτ = 101.7. The tool of choice are the exact budget equations for the second-order structure function tensor 〈 δuiδuj 〉 , i.e. the Anisotropic Generalised Kolmogorov Equations (AGKE). The AGKE are effective to study the production, transport and dissipation of every Reynolds stress tensor component, considering simultaneously the physical space and the space of scales, and properly defining scales in the inhomogeneous directions. The AGKE reveal that the large-scale energy-containing motions characterizing the Couette flow are also involved in the production and redistribution mechanisms of the turbulent fluctuations. The diagonal components of the AGKE reveal that both the bottom-up and the top-down interactions occur. In detail, 〈δuδu〉 and 〈δwδw〉 show that the small scales near the wall maintain the large scales away from the wall: both these components of the turbulent kinetic energy are mainly produced near the wall and partially transferred towards larger wall distances via the inverse cascade. On the contrary, 〈δvδv〉 shows the top-down interaction, revealing that the 〈δvδv〉 is produced by the redistribution of the pressure strain away from the wall and it is transferred towards larger scales placed in the wall vicinity. The Reynolds shear stress shows the top-down interaction; 〈−δuδv〉 is transferred from the channel core towards the wall exhibiting both the inverse cascade, even if for a limited range of scales, and the direct cascade. Overall, this study has provided a complete and new picture of the interscale inner-outer interactions that occur in a turbulent plane Couette flow. This may benefit both theoretical and modelling approaches to wall turbulence. For example, it may be used to improve existing models used in large-eddies simulations, where the effect of the small unresolved scales on the resolved motion should be accurately reproduced. Despite the innovative insights found already at this moderate Reynolds number, the present study may benefit from an extension to higher Reynolds numbers where a complete separation of scales occurs.
Learned avoidance of the large milkweed bug (Hemiptera, Lygaeidae, Oncopeltus fasciatus ) by jumping spiders (Araneae, Salticidae, Phidippus )

2. Summary In the laboratory, Phidippus jumping spiders often attacked, but seldom fed upon nymphs and adult milkweed bugs ( Oncopeltus fasciatus ) when these were reared on milkweed ( Asclepias ) seeds. Spiders readily attacked and fed upon Oncopeltus reared on sunflower (Helianthus ) seeds. Phidippus were shown to reject flies treated with either hemolymph, or with fluid from the lateral thoracic compartment, of Oncopeltus . They also rejected flies treated with ￻-Ecdysone, but accepted flies treated with lethal doses of the cardenolides gStrophanthin (Ouabain) and Digitoxin. Single encounters with Oncopeltus significantly reduced the probability of attack in a subsequent encounter for less than two hours. Repeated encounters with Oncopeltus led to greater avoidance than did a single encounter. In the absence of repeated experience with these bugs, however, Phidippus recovered their tendency to attack over a period of several days. More satiated spiders were more discriminating in their choice of prey. Negative experience with Oncopeltus did not necessarily impact their predation on other insects, including flies (Diptera).
Analysis of published data for standardized ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids in soy proteins fed to pigs

The present work was conducted to determine, via a summary of data from peer-reviewed publications, if differences in the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in different soy proteins exist when fed to pigs and to determine if the BW of pigs influences the SID of CP and AA. The following ingredients were included in the analysis: dehulled soybean meal (SBM) with 46 to 48% CP (SBM 48%), non-dehulled SBM with a CP concentration of 42 to 44% (SBM 44%), enzyme-treated SBM (ESBM), fermented SBM (FSBM), soy protein concentrate (SPC), and soy protein isolate (SPI). Results indicated that the SID of most AA was not different between SBM 48% and SBM 44%; however, for some AA, greater (P < 0.05) SID values in ESBM, SPC, and SPI were obtained compared with SBM 48%, SBM 44%, and FSBM. The least (P < 0.05) SID of Lys was observed in FSBM, which also had the least Lys-to-CP ratio, indicating that FSBM sometimes is exposed to excessive heat damage during drying of the fermented product. For SBM 48%, it was also possible to analyze the effect of pigs’ BW on the SID of CP and AA. Results indicated that the SID of CP and AA were less (P < 0.05) in pigs of BW less than 20 kg compared with pigs of BW above 20 kg. Therefore, it can be concluded that differences in SID of CP and AA among soy proteins exist and that for SBM 48%, SID values may be less in pigs less than 20 kg than in pigs above 20 kg.
Queen–worker conflict over male production and the sex ratio in a facultatively polyandrous bumblebee, Bombus hypnorum: the consequences of nest usurpation

Evolutionary conflicts among social hymenopteran nestmates are theoretically likely to arise over the production of males and the sex ratio. Analysis of these conflicts has become an important focus of research into the role of kin selection in shaping social traits of hymenopteran colonies. We employ microsatellite analysis of nestmates of one social hymenopteran, the primitively eusocial and monogynous bumblebee Bombus hypnorum, to evaluate these conflicts. In our 14 study colonies, B. hypnorum queens mated between one and six times (arithmetic mean 2.5). One male generally predominated, fathering most of the offspring, thus the effective number of matings was substantially lower (1–3.13; harmonic mean 1.26). In addition, microsatellite analysis allowed the detection of alien workers, those who could not have been the offspring of the queen, in approximately half the colonies. Alien workers within the same colony were probably sisters. Polyandry and alien workers resulted in high variation among colonies in their sociogenetic organization. Genetic data were consistent with the view that all males (n = 233 examined) were produced by a colony’s queen. Male parentage was therefore independent of the sociogenetic organization of the colony, suggesting that the queen, and not the workers, was in control of the laying of male‐destined eggs. The population‐wide sex ratio (fresh weight investment ratio) was weakly female biased. No evidence for colony‐level adaptive sex ratio biasing could be detected.