Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pinus hartwegii Lindl. treeline ecotone: structure and altitudinal limits at Nevado de Toluca, Mexico.

Introduccion: La complejidad del ecotono del limite superior del bosque de Pinus hartwegii puede funcionar como una barrera para la migracion altitudinal. Objetivos: La estructura del bosque de P. hartwegii se caracterizo a traves del ecotono de su limite superior en el Nevado de Toluca; ademas, se determinaron los posibles cambios en los limites altitudinales en los ultimos 25 anos. Materiales y metodos: Se determinaron la densidad arborea, altura y diametro normal de cada arbol, y la regeneracion natural del bosque. Los limites altitudinales se determinaron mediante el metodo de la ventana movil en imagenes de satelite de 1989 y 2014. Resultados y discusion: La densidad del arbolado se redujo entre 8 y 70 % en el gradiente altitudinal. Los limites altitudinales (3,980-4,130 m) no presentaron diferencias significativas ( P = 0.07) entre los anos evaluados. El ecotono es de forma difusa, regulado por limitaciones al crecimiento. Esto implica que el bosque modificara su distribucion altitudinal en funcion de los cambios ambientales, de acuerdo con su amplitud ecologica y la rapidez con que puedan establecerse nuevos individuos a mayores altitudes. Conclusion: Es importante establecer monitoreos, a largo plazo, para saber si la especie es realmente capaz de migrar altitudinalmente como resultado del incremento de temperatura ambiental.
Effect of crossing on the performance of local chicken strains. 4 - effect of strain and laying age on egg quality characteristics.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Gimmizah (G), and Bandara (B) chicken strains and their crosses (G x B) and (B x G) on egg quality characteristics throughout two laying age periods (38-42) and (62-66) weeks. Chickens of each genotype were kept in family pens and randomly divided into 5 replicates (12 layer hens per pen). External and internal egg quality parameters were determined for both strains and their crosses at each laying age period. The phenotypic correlations between external and internal egg quality characteristics were detected. Also, hybrid vigor between crosses for egg quality characteristics was detected at two age periods. Gimmizah chickens strain significantly (p<0.01) produced heavier egg weight compared to those produced from B ones and crosses. Egg weight was significantly (p<0.01) increased with advancing layer age among all experimented genotypes. Eggshell weight was significantly heavier in eggs produced from G strain and its crosses (G x B) and (B x G) compared to those produced from B strain which recorded the lowest one. The highest numerical eggshell percentage was produced from G strain and its cross at early age period but this observation is not true in the later laying period. Age had a significant effect on eggshell thickness as it decreased with hen age. Bandara chicken strain recorded the lowest significant (p<0.01) yolk weight compared with those for crossing with G x B. The yolk weight was not affected by layers age in all experimented genotypes. The yolk percentage in G x B cross was significantly (p<0.01) superior to those for G and B strains. Haugh units were not significantly different between experimented pure strains and their crosses, but hen age significantly (p<0.01) affected this trait. Moreover, hen age had a
Cladistic analysis of Thoreyella and related genera (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae: Procleticini)

In this paper, the monophyly of the genus Thoreyella Spinola was tested, and a hypothesis of relationships among its species is proposed. Four known species of Thoreyella and two new species, as well as species of three other genera of Procleticini (Neoderoploa Pennington, Lobepomis Berg, and Procleticus Berg), were treated as the ingroup. The new species of Thoreyella will be published elsewhere. Two species of Dendrocoris were used for outgroup comparison. A cladistic analysis of 38 morphological characters supported a hypothesis of common ancestry for Thoreyella and the three genera of Procleticini included in the ingroup. The results also showed Thoreyella as a monophyletic taxon, and its sister group relationship with the monophyletic group including Neoderoploa, Lobepomis, and Procleticus. The geographical distribution of these taxa is discussed.
Effects of sun-blotch on the anatomy of the avocado stem.

Because of the comparatively recent discovery of the avocado disease called sunblotch, only a small amount of research has been done in determining the nature and effects of the disease. It has been shown by Horne and Parker that the disease is caused by a virus and can be transmitted from one plant to another only through living tissue by means of grafting or budding. The discovery of its mode of transmission is of utmost importance to the industry because only by careful bud selection can the disease be eliminated in future propagations.
Pedigree analysis of Polish warmblood horses participating in riding performance tests

Borowska, A. and Szwaczkowski, T. 2015. Pedigree analysis of Polish warmblood horses participating in riding performance tests. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 21-29. The aim of this study was to describe the population structure and genetic diversity in Polish warmblood horse population participating in the performance test. The reference population consisted of 596 stallions and 866 mares that participated in stationary performance tests conducted between 2002 and 2011 in Poland. The pedigree data contained 15 452 individuals. Completeness of pedigree information was assessed by two measures: percentage of animals with both parents known and discrete generation equivalent. Individual inbreeding coefficients, coancestry coefficient, individual increase in inbreeding, founder equivalent, founder genome equivalent, effective number of non-founders and genetic diversity loss were estimated to characterize the genetic diversity of the population. The average number of discrete generation equivalents reached 4.50 for observed stallions and 5.04 for mares, which shows good pedigree completeness. Pedigree analysis showed that 34% of the stallions and 44% of mares had inbreeding coefficients above zero. The average coancestry was 0.39% in the whole tested population. Average inbreeding rate of studied populations was very low (0.46%). The effective number of founders was 560. Generally, the inbreeding rate was low; genetic diversity was observed at a constant level for mares and only a small decrease was noticed for stallion. However, further studies are needed in this area.
Riboswitch-targeted Drug Discovery: Investigation of Factors that Affect the T Box Transcription Antitermination Mechanism

ZENG, CHUNXI, Ph.D., April 2016, Molecular and Cellular Biology Riboswitch-targeted Drug Discovery: Investigation of Factors that Affect the T Box Transcription Antitermination Mechanism Director of Dissertation: Jennifer V. Hines The T box riboswitch is a regulation mechanism at the level of transcription or translation which controls expression of amino acids related genes, including a lot of essential genes, in many bacteria. The T box riboswitch interacts with cognate tRNAs and senses their aminoacylation status. A charged cognate tRNA allows formation of the thermodynamically more stable terminator structure which induces transcription termination. An uncharged tRNA stabilizes the alternative antiterminator structure and prevents formation of the terminator. Transcription proceeds and leads to expression of the downstream gene(s). The T box riboswitch is a novel and promising drug target since multiple genes essential to bacterial survival are regulated by this mechanism in many pathogenic bacteria. In order to further study the T box riboswitch mechanism and screen a synthetic ligands library, a fluorescently monitored multi-round in vitro antitermination assay with an enhanced throughput was successfully developed and comprehensively evaluated. Using this assay, the effects of molecular crowding, spermidine and DMSO on the T box riboswitch function were studied and 304 ligands were screened. A total of nine ligands showed specific inhibition to the tRNA-induce antitermination. Combining melting 4 temperature analysis and structural probing, the binding of spermidine to the antiterminator was also characterized.
EFFICACY OF INDOLE BUTYRIC ACID (IBA) ON ROOTING OF STEM CUTTINGS OF STAR GOOSEBERRY (Phyllanthus acidus)

EFFICACY OF INDOLE BUTYRIC ACID (IBA) ON ROOTING OF STEM CUTTINGS OF STAR GOOSEBERRY (Phyllanthus acidus) Name of Student Major Advisor H. B. Parmar Dr. S. J. Patil Department of Fruit Science ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry Navsari Agricultural University Navsari – 396 450 Abstract The present study was carried out under poly house conditions at Regional Horticultural Research Station, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India during the year 2013 -14 to investigate the “Efficacy of Indole butyric acid (IBA) on rooting of stem cuttings of star gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus)”. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design with Factorial concept having fourteen treatment combinations, comprising with two factors (1) types of cutting (hardwood cutting and top cutting) and (2) different concentration of IBA (0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 and 3000 mg l -1 ). The treatments were repeated thrice. The effect of these treatments on sprouting, shoot and root growth parameters, root : shoot ratio and survival percentage were studied. The results of present investigation revealed that among the different cutting types and different IBA concentration, hardwood cutting and 2000 mg l -1 were individually as well as in their combination found to be the most beneficial for early sprouting and maximum sprouting percentage. Similar trend were observed on the growth parameters of shoot and root such as number of leaves and shoots, leaf area, length of longest shoot and root, fresh and dry biomass of root and shoot, root : shoot ratio and survival percentage. Hence, it can be concluded that hardwood cuttings of star gooseberry treated with 2000 mg l -1 gave maximum sprouting, root and shoot growth and survival percentage of star gooseberry cutting. Therefore, use of hardwood cuttings with combination of 2000 mg l -1 IBA can be utilized for producing healthy and vigour planting material of star gooseberry. DEPARTMENT OF FRUIT SCIENCE ASPEE COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE AND FORESTRY NAVSARI AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY NAVSARI – 396 450 GUJARAT Dr. S. J. Patil I/C Professor and Head C E R T I F I C A T E This is to certify that the thesis entitled Efficacy of Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) on rooting of stem cuttings of star gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus) submitted by Parmar Hardik Bipinbhai (Reg. No.: 2020213022) in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree of Master of Science (Horticulture) in Fruit Science of the Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat is a record of bona fied research work carried out by him under my guidance and supervision and the thesis has not previously formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma or other similar title. Place : Navsari Major Advisor Date : 4 th May, 2015 (S. J. Patil)
A survey of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) from Fars Province, Iran

We report 177 bee species from the Fars Province, Iran, of which 91 are new records for Iran, including seven undescribed species. Among the material examined are 56 species of Apidae, 49 of Halictidae, 39 of Megachilidae, 31 of Andrenidae, 1 of Melittidae and 1 of Colletidae. All specimens are deposited in the Museum of Iranian Pollinating Insects of Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran.
Determination of phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and organic acids contents of Prunus domestica L., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. and Prunus spinosa L. fruits by HPLC

The important role of fruits in human health and nutrition has been better understood with the recent studies on biochemical contents of fruits having antioxidant properties. Being one of the similar studies, in this study, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), phenolic compound, organic acid, and vitamin C contents of three plum species (Prunus domestica L., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., and Prunus spinosa L.) grown in Van locality (Turkey) were identified, and the correlation between the measured values was investigated. Phenolic compound, organic acid, and vitamin C contents were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Analysis of phenolic compound indicated that chlorogenic acid was the predominant phenolic compound, and the highest value was measured in P. spinosa L. as 12.985 mg kg−1. Malic acid was the predominant organic acids and the highest value was measured in P. spinosa L. as 1.245 g 100 g−1. The highest TAC and vitamin C contents were also measured in P. spinosa L. as 1.02.
Genetic studies in horsegram from NW Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand, India

Evaluation of 26 horsegram accessions alongwith two checks, VLG-1 and VLG- 10, revealed presence of moderate to high range of variation for all the characters. Coefficient of variation was high for pods/plant and yield/plant and low for days to maturity and seeds/pod. High broad sense heritability estimates were obtained for days to 50% flowering (73%), plant height (64%) and yield/plant (60%), and low for seeds/pod (14%). Genetic advance as per cent of mean was highest for pods/plant (19.32) and lowest for seeds/pod (0.14). Pods/plant exhibited highly significant and positive association with seed yield/plant (0.60). Pods/plant and 100-seed weight had positive direct effect, while plant height exhibited negative direct effect on seed yield/plant. The study suggested that emphasis may be placed on pods/plant and 100-seed weight in selecting superior genotypes. Three accessions IC 355888, PGR G-8 and PGR G-18 exhibited significantly higher yield than the best check VLG-10, suggesting scope for genetic enhancement of the crop by exploiting natural variation among the local cultivars and land races.
Hsp70 Genotypes and Heat Tolerance of Commercial and Native Chickens Reared in Hot and Humid Conditions

Heat tolerance in poultry production was obtained attention due to the need for genetic lines that can withstand climate changes. This study aimed at investigating heat tolerance in commercial and native broiler genetics, as well as the physiological and growth performance responses of HSP70 genotypes submitted to heat stress. In Experiment I, heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, as an indicator of heat tolerance, was compared between commercial broilers (n = 100) and Thai native chickens (n = 100). Growing chickens (with similar initial weight) of each genetic strain were randomly divided into two groups: 1) thermoneutral environment (26 oC ± 2 oC) and 2) heat stress (36 oC ± 2 oC). The results showed that native chickens originating from a tropical environment presented lower H:L ratio and mortality rate compared with commercial broilers. In Experiment II, HSP70 genotypes were compared. PCRRFLP was applied to identify the genotypes (C1C1, n = 38; C1C2, n = 38; and C2C2, n = 28). Ten-week-old chickens of each genotype were evaluated in the same environments described in Experiment I. Heat-stress indicators – respiratory rate (RR), cloacal temperature (CT), packed cell volume (PCV), and average daily gain (ADG) – were measured for three weeks. The significant difference in PCV indicated that C2C2 chickens were less tolerant to heat stress compared to other genotypes. The RR, CT, and ADG were not significantly different among all genotypes. Since the C2C2 genotype was shown to be sensitive to heat stress, C1C1 and C1C2 could be used as markers for heat-tolerant genetic strains of Thai indigenous chickens and hybrid commercial lines.
Astrocyte–endothelial cell calcium signals conveyed by two signalling pathways

Astrocytes and endothelial cells are in close contact with each other at the blood–brain barrier, where important molecular transports take place. Despite these key morphological and functional properties, little is known regarding the dynamic signalling processes that occur between these two cell types. We investigated astrocyte–endothelial cell calcium signalling mechanisms in a coculture model prepared from primary rat cortical astrocytes and ECV304 cells. We used flash photolysis of caged inositol‐trisphosphate (IP3) and gentle mechanical stimulation to trigger astrocyte–endothelial cell calcium signals and to investigate the underlying propagation mechanisms. Photolytically releasing IP3 in a single cell triggered increases in cytoplasmic calcium concentration that propagated between astrocytes and endothelial cells in either direction. These propagating calcium signals did not cross cell‐free zones and were not affected by fast superfusion or by the purinergic inhibitors apyrase and suramin, indicating that they are communicated through an intracellular pathway in conjunction with gap junctions. Electrophysiological experiments confirmed a low degree of astrocyte–endothelial cell electrical cell‐to‐cell coupling. Mechanical stimulation of a single cell also triggered astrocyte–endothelial cell calcium signals but, in contrast to the former triggering mode, these signals crossed cell‐free zones and were significantly inhibited by apyrase, thus indicating the involvement of an extracellular and purinergic messenger. Astrocyte–endothelial cell calcium signalling also occurred in cocultures prepared with astrocytes and primary rat brain capillary endothelial cells. We conclude that astrocytes and endothelial cells can exchange fast‐acting calcium signals (time scale of seconds) that can be communicated through an intracellular/gap junctional pathway and an extracellular purinergic pathway.
On the role of turf species as refuge in disturbed environments: A case study with polychaetes (Annelida: Polychaeta) in SW Mediterranean Sea

During the summer of 2014, a field survey was conducted in several littoral rocky sites on the southeastern coast of Spain. In this area, dense canopies of Cystoseira mediterranea characterize undisturbed locations and cover most of the available infralittoral fringe. Turfs composed mainly of the coralline algae Ellisolandia elongata replace the canopy in locations where some kind of anthropogenic disturbance has occurred. The main goal of this study was to compare the polychaete fauna dwelling within the two types of phytal substratum, and several univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to detect significant differences between the two assemblages. The analyses showed that the assemblage inhabiting E. elongata was characterized by a higher population density of polychaetes and was dominated by herbivores and filter-feeders, especially Fabricia stellaris and Amphiglena mediterranea . Polychaetes were less abundant in pristine sites covered by Cystoseira mediterranea , although a-diversity was slightly higher. This assemblage was characterized by a predominance of omnivores followed by herbivores, and by high relative abundances of Syllis prolifera and Salvatoria clavata . However, none of the detected differences was statistically significant and site to site comparison showed that differences between locations with the same phytal cover were similarly deep. Our data point out that the assemblage inhabiting turf algae in the region studied is not substantially different to that found in pristine areas and that this type of phytal covering can act as effective refuge for polychaetes under moderately disturbed condition.
Genomic Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance in Microbiota of Honey Bees

: The microbiota of an organism plays an essential role in maintaining the health of its host. Gut microbiota serve many functions such as aiding in host immunity and metabolism. When these communities are perturbed, they can deeply affect the livelihood of the host and increase their mortality. Agents such as antibiotics are prime examples of substances that can disrupt the gut microbial communities and weaken the hosts. This ultimately gives opportunistic pathogens the chance to overcome the natural flora. Honey bees are excellent models for studying the interactions between antibiotics and gut microbiota and can be used to further our understanding on these interactions in humans. In beekeeping and agriculture, the use of antibiotics is excessive. In beehives specifically, antibiotics such as tetracycline are used for larval protection against pathogens such as Serratia and Foulbrood. This prolonged exposure to antibiotics suggests the acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes in the microbiota of honey bees. Genomic analysis shows the presence of a family of tetracycline efflux pump genes in two core species, Gilliamella apicola and Snodgrassella alvi , in the honey bee gut. Further genomic analysis of Serratia isolated from local hives show the presence of MFS efflux pumps. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration assays performed on strains showing genetic markers for tetracycline resistance showed significant colony growth in the presence of antibiotics, even at the highest tested antibiotic concentrations. Further studies that determine precise inhibitory antibiotic concentrations, potential similarity between transpogenic elements and linkage between antibiotic resistance genes, and specific interactions between Serratia strains and core honey bee microbiota species can elucidate lingering questions regarding antibiotics and their effects on the microbiota. strains with tetracycline resistance genes to determine the level of resistance. These studies could illuminate how antibiotics like tetracycline are affecting honeybee microbiomes and help further our understanding of antibiotic effects on gut bacteria in honeybees and by extension, humans.
The Effect of Genetic Drift in a Young Genetically Isolated Population

The genetic make‐up of genetically isolated populations may differ from a general population as a result of genetic drift and founder effects. We assessed the extent of this deviation in a recently isolated population located in the southwest of the Netherlands and studied as part of the Genetic Research in Isolated Population (GRIP) program. A gene‐dropping experiment was performed in a large pedigree from this isolate, assuming different initial frequencies in the population founders came from. Allelic frequencies in the last generations of this pedigree were estimated. Simulation analysis showed large fluctuations, as measured by variation coefficient and sufficient loss probability, when initial frequencies were lower than or equal to 1%. For initial frequencies larger than 1% the fluctuations were small. We also analyzed mean heterozygosity and allele diversity of 592 markers in a random sample from the GRIP population. The results were compared with a general population (CEPH sample), old large isolate (Icelandic sample) and the small‐sized population of Talana (Sardinia). GRIP mean heterozygosity and mean number of alleles were significantly lower as compared with CEPH and Iceland, but much higher when compared with the Talana population. We also concluded that the findings from the GRIP population for common variants (>1%) are likely to be extendable to other young isolates in Europe as well as to outbred populations.