Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of antifungal fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. on some horticultural and pastoral plants

Abstract Fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. from 62 root, leaf, and fruit samples covering 24 horticultural crops, and 8 pastoral soil samples, were tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit the growth of five pathogenic fungi—Botrytis cinerea Persoon, Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtendal f. sp. lycopersici (Saccardo) Snyder & Hansen, Phytophthora nicotianae van Breda de Haan var nicotianae, Pythium debaryanum auct. (non Hesse), and Pythium ultimum Trow. Bacterial isolates from 17, 15, 10, and 5 crops showed some degree of antagonism towards Pythium spp. , B. cinerea, P. nicotianae, and F. oxysporum respectively. The isolates from the rhizosphere of beetroot, lettuce, loquat, pasture, strawberry, and the fructoplane of lemon had the greatest percentage of antifungal bacteria. There were differences between plant species in the percentage of antifungal Pseudomonas spp. isolates showing antifungal activity against Pythium ultimum (P < 0.001), P. debaryanum (P<0.01), P. nicotianae (P<0.01), and B. cinerea (P<0.05).
Studies on combining ability and heterosis involving diverse cytoplasmic male sterility system in pearl millet.

Investigation was undertaken to study the combining ability and to quantify the magnitude of heterosis of alloplasmic isonuclear lines of pearl millet. The results revealed that the lines with A4 cytoplasm are significantly better general combiner for grain yield per ear, ear weight, ear length and productive tillers per plant than the lines with A1 and A5 cytoplasm. Pollinators IP-1497, IP-973, IP-872 and IP-10085 proved their utility for breeding high yielding hybrids. None of the pollinators proved to be good combiners simultaneously for all the traits. Majority of the hybrids carrying A4 cytoplasm were highly heterotic for the traits viz., days to maturity, plant height, ear head weight, grain yield/ear, grain yield/plant and ear length. On the other hand, majority of the A5 based hybrids were highly heterotic for productive tillers, ear length, flag leaf area and peduncle length. The mean as well as range of heterosis for days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, flag leaf area and 1000-grain weight was limited in all the three sources of cytoplasm. The magnitude of heterosis was high for ear weight, grain yield/ear and grain yield/plant and A4 based hybrids had maximum heterosis for grain yield per plant and other panicle components, followed by A1 and A5 indicating a distinct advantage of these cytoplasms.
High yield of Lactic acid production by Mutant Strain of L. delbrueckii U12-1 and Parameter Optimization by Taguchi methodology

We have investigated an experiment in order to get ethanol free lactic acid since brittle PLA is repor ted often in industry, therefore an adh -ve strain of Lactobacillus delbrueckii has been devel oped by mutating the cells by UV mutagenesis. The mutant cells were tested for its s tability on Allyl alcohol and one of the best stable strains out of several selections was named as U12-1. U12-1 strain thus produced more than 8 % lactic acid without an y alcohol. Subsequently nitrogen component was optimized by us ing L18 DOE applying Taguchi methodology. There was almost 20 % increase in lactic acid as compared to wild type. The new finding in this article is repla cement of costly yeast extract with CSL, and Vit-B 12 and also ethanol free lactic acid was produced conf irmed by Gas chromatography. Confirmed results under optimal co nditions fall in the 95 % confidence interval, indi cating the experiments are reproducible and reliable.
Extensive Robertsonian polymorphism in the African rodent Gerbillus nigeriae: geographic aspects and meiotic data

Robertsonian (Rb) fusions are one of the most frequent types of chromosomal rearrangements and have greatly contributed to the evolution of mammalian genome architecture. Apart from rare exceptions, investigations at the species level (i.e. polymorphism) are almost exclusively restricted to two mammalian models, namely the house mouse Mus musculus domesticus (2n = 22–40) and the common shrew Sorex araneus (2n = 20–33). Yet, these two species display important but usually locally restricted Rb polymorphisms. Another rodent species, Gerbillus nigeriae, has also been shown to display a wide range of diploid number variation (2n = 60–74) due to Rb polymorphism. However, data about the latter species are rather scarce. We provide here a survey including recapitulation of 137 available karyotypic data that were implemented with 241 new records, thus allowing us to draw the first map of 2n variation throughout the species range. First, truly segregating centric fusions are observed in almost all localities investigated. Moreover, the geographic patterns (from 79 West African localities in total) show that local 2n variations are clearly lower than those observed at a wider scale, thus leading to some spatial structuring that may reflect phylogeographic assemblages. The meiotic study of 13 male specimens allowed us to identify several instances of double and triple Rb heterozygous individuals, and strongly suggested that heterozygosity is more the rule than the exception in the species. From there, it is tempting to speculate that the extraordinary Rb plasticity observed in G. nigeriae may be selectively maintained and confer adaptability to this species, which inhabits unstable Sahelian environments, where it is able to colonize efficiently habitats that undergo rapid human-mediated and/or climatic changes.
Comparative morphological study of oral cavity in rabbits and guinea pigs.

In recent years, the species belonging to the order Lagomorpha and Rodentia are commonly used both as pets and in biomedical research, including in studies related to the digestive tract. The aim of this study was to perform a detailed anatomical description of the oral cavity of the two species. Due to their size and anatomical conformation is often difficult to make a proper examination of the oral cavity. Dissection was performed on 10 rabbits and 10 Guinea pigs of different sexes and ages. A very important and also quite confusing aspect is related to the dentition (some authors claim that the rabbits are monofyodont). Both species shows aradicular hypsodont dentition, (consisting of a short exposed crown and a long reserve crown with open root), elodont type (continuous growth throughout life). Rabbits are dyphyodont; they have deciduous and permanent sets of teeth compared to Guinea pigs that are monophyodont with a single set of permanent teeth without deciduous precursors. Both species share the same pattern of anisognathism, more pronounced in Guinea pigs, with the maxillary dental arch being wider than the mandibular dental arch. A large diastema separates the incisor and the cheek teeth in each jaw quadrant, being wider in guinea pigs compared to rabbits. Rabbits have one pair of mandibular incisors and two pairs of maxillary incisors with unpigmented enamel, two mandibular and three maxillary premolars and three molar teeth on each side in both the mandible and the maxilla. Guinea pigs have one pair of incisors, one pair of premolars and three pairs of molars on each dental arch. Contrary to rabbits, in Guinea pigs the mandibles (including premolar and molar teeth) are spaced further apart than the maxillae. The masseter muscle is well developed in both species. The temporomandibular joint in Guinea pigs does not subluxate in lateral movement, but allows a large degree of rostrocaudal movement. In rabbits the temporomandibular joint enables large lateral movement and low rostrocaudal movement. This morphological description helps both the clinicians and the researchers, being necessary for a proper understanding of the pathology of oral cavity in rabbits and Guinea pigs.
Implications of faecal removal by dung beetles for scat surveys in a fragmented landscape of the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract Monitoring rare and elusive species for effective management and conservation is particularly challenging and often demands the development of specialized techniques. Scat surveys have been applied to monitor a variety of rare species but relatively little attention has been given to the development of appropriate sampling designs. To determine if scat surveys could be applied to compare the distribution of species across three habitats of a fragmented region in the Brazilian Amazon, the removal of human (n = 27) and jaguar (n = 27) scat samples in forest, riparian corridor and pasture habitats was recorded for 24 hours. Dung beetles were responsible for removing the majority of samples (71%) and a generalized linear mixed effect model revealed significant influence of habitat and scat type on removal probability, with forest and riparian corridors having higher removal compared with samples in pasture habitats. Although non-invasive scat surveys can potentially address fundamental broad-scale conservation and management questions, our results demonstrate that scat surveys in the tropics must account for differences in scat removal rates between habitats and target species before conclusions can be drawn regarding patterns of habitat use.
WHY PENGUIN EGGSHELLS ARE THICK

Abstract Like most other penguin species, Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) are large-bodied birds that incubate their eggs for a prolonged period on hard substrates with little nesting material—all circumstances that could lead to high rates of egg breakage. However, Magellanic Penguin eggs at Punta Tombo, Argentina are seldom broken. From 1984 to 2001, only 2.6% of 10,023 eggs in our study areas broke or cracked. Most of those were broken in unusual or catastrophic events, mainly penguin fights and rainstorms. Low breakage rates appear to be attributable to thick eggshells. Shells of Magellanic Penguin eggs averaged 0.81 mm without the egg membranes—at least 56% thicker than expected for bird eggs of similar mass. The calcium required for those thick eggshells cannot be supplied by normal food intake because females lay eggs during a fasting period. It is also unlikely that sufficient skeletal calcium can be mobilized. An alternative potential calcium source is mollusk shells. To determine whether female penguins were selectively ingesting calcium to form thick eggshells, we examined stomach contents of birds during the egg period (settlement, egg laying, and early incubation) and the post-egg period (late incubation and chick rearing). Both females and males were more likely to have mollusk shells in their stomachs during the egg period than during the post-egg period. However, females were much more likely than males to have shells in their stomachs during the egg period, whereas the proportions of males and females with mollusk shells did not differ in the post-egg period. Selective ingestion of mollusk shells by Magellanic Penguins, resulting in thick eggshells, appears to be an adaptive response that reduces egg breakage.
Acute Toxicity of Euphorbia heliscopia in Rats

Fifty two Wistar albino rats of both sexes were used for determination of the LD50 and some toxicological studies of the active principles of Euphorbia heliscopia (sun spourge). The oral LD50 was 1211.7 mg/kg. b.wt. of crude ethyl alcohol extracts under our environmental conditions. The symptoms appear on the intoxicated animals were included increase activity and irritability, salivation, itching the nose and mouth on the cage floor, and diarrhea. The animals were tried to make tunnels under the bed and they were reluctant to stand at the cage corners. Finally the animals closed its eyes and become calm. The animals administered high dose were died after a latent period (3 hours) and some of the animals in other groups were died within 24 hours. Concerning the haematological changes, there were no significan t changes of PCV, Hb concentration , RBCs count, while there were significant increase of WBCs, and monocytes. Also there were highly significant increase and decrease of neutrophilis and lymphocytes respectively. The biochemical changes were reveled significant increase in creatinine, urea, uric acid, AST, ALP, cholesterol, T. protein and globulin. PM examination showed alveolar hemorrhages, proliferation of Kuppfer cells, necrosis infiltrated by lymphocytes in lung, liver and spleen. Hyaline deposits and pinkish staining proteineous deposits were seen in Bowman's space of some glomeruli. It is concluded that E. heliscopia was a moderate toxic materials and must be avoided to introduce in the animal feed.
Distinct physicochemical characteristics of different beef from Qinchuan cattle carcass

A total of 30 Qinchuan cattle were used to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of beef from three different parts of cattle carcass, namely longissimus dorsi (LD), serratus ventralis (SV) and semitendinosus (ST). Multiple parameters were ranked in the descending order of ST > SV > LD, and include muscle pH, protein, ash, drip loss, cooking loss, shear force and hydroxyproline (Hyp). In contrast, water, fat, lightness (L*) and redness (a*) was in the opposite order. C18:1 and C16:0 were the main intramuscular fatty acids (FA), and C19 - C22 were undetectable. The saturated fatty acids (SFA) content were ranked in the descending order of LD > SV > ST, whereas unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) were the opposite. The essential amino acid (EAA) content were ranked in the descending order of ST > SV ≥ LD. No significant differences in the contents of mineral elements were observed in LD, SV and ST. The ranking patterns were similar in both males and females. Taken together, these results revealed significant differences in physicochemical properties of LD, SV and ST, except the mineral elements. Key words: Cattle, Qinchuan breed, carcass, different beef, physicochemical characteristics.
Molecular characterization of grapevine from Santa Catarina, Brazil, using microsatellite markers

The objective of this work was to characterize the grape germplasm in Santa Catarina, Brazil, using microsatellite DNA markers (simple sequence repeats - SSR). The DNA samples were collected from leaves and shoots of accessions of public and private collections from the counties Urussanga, Nova Trento, Rodeio, Sao Joaquim, Campos Novos, Videira, and Agua Doce. Ten SSR loci (VVS2, VVMD5, VVMD7, VVMD27, VrZAG62, VrZAG79, VVMD25, VVMD28, VVMD31, and VVMD32) were analysed by capillary electrophoresis. Molecular profiling was conducted for 190 grapevines (European, American, and hybrids), and 67 genotypes were obtained. The data were compared with each other and with those from the literature and from online databases, in order to identify varieties and discover cases of synonymy and homonymy. Forty molecular profiles corresponded to known varieties, while 27 genotypes were described for the first time. The existence of typical germplasm composed mainly of American and hybrid varieties is an important finding for local viticulture. Applications of the results rely on quality control and certification at the nursery level. Increasing precision in the characterization of grapevine genotypes may help breeding programs.
Genetic relationships among populations of northern pike (Esox lucius)

We assessed genetic variation, using microsatellite markers, in 14 populations of northern pike (Esox lucius) in the North Central United States and in six populations from Quebec, Alaska, Siberia, and Finland. Eight of 13 loci examined were polymorphic in at least one population with an average heterozygosity at all loci and across all populations of 0.14. The Rst and Fst values indicated differentiation among populations (Rst = 0.61, Fst = 0.42). Although microsatellite variation found in northern pike was much lower than that found in sympatric and other fish species, the polymorphisms differentiated populations of greater geographical proximity than was possible in prior studies using allozymes and mitochondrial DNA. We generated UPGMA-clustering phenograms based on five genetic distance measures with 2000 bootstrap replicates per measure. All measures yielded highly repeatable population structure between continents (supporting values = 92.4-100%) and within Finland (42.3-98%). Four measures differen.
Inhibition of photosynthesis by osmotic stress in pea (Pisum sativum) mesophyll protoplasts is intensified by chilling or photoinhibitory light; intriguing responses of respiration

The effects of reduced osmotic potential on photosynthesis and respiration were studied in mesophyll protoplasts of pea (Pisum sativum). Osmotic stress was induced by increasing the sorbitol concentration in the medium from 0-4 kmol m −3 (−1.3 MPa) to 1.0 kmol m −3 (−3.1 MPa). Protoplasts lost up to 35% of the maximum capacity of photo-synthetic carbon assimilation (but not PS II mediated activity) soon after exposure to 1.0 mol m −3 sorbitol. The response of protoplast respiration to osmotic stress was intriguing. Respiration was stimulated if stress was induced at 25°C, but was inhibited when protoplasts were subjected to osmotic stress at 0°C. Photosynthesis was also much more sensitive to osmotic stress at 0°C than at 25°C. The inhibitory effects of osmotic stress on photosynthesis as well as respiration were amplified by not only chilling but also photoinhibitory light. The photosynthetic or respiratory activities of protoplasts recovered remarkably when they were transferred from hyperosmotic (1.0 kmol m −3 sorbitol) back to iso-osmotic medium (0.4 kmol m −3 sorbitol), demonstrating the reversibility of osmotic-stress-induced changes in protoplasts. Respiration was more resistant to osmotic stress and was quicker to recover than photosynthesis. We suggest that the experimental system of protoplasts can be useful in studying the effects of osmotic stress on plant tissues.
Ecological and behavioral correlates of coloration in artiodactyls: systematic analyses of conventional hypotheses

To test the generality of adaptive explanations for coat coloration in even-toed ungulates, we examined the literature for hypotheses that have been proposed for color patterns exhibited by this taxon, and we derived a series of predictions from each hypothesis. Next, we collected information on the color, behavioral, and ecological characteristics of 200 species of even-toed ungulates and coded this in binary format. We then applied chi-square or Fisher's Exact probability tests that pitted presence of a color trait against presence of an ecological or behavioral variable for cervids, bovids, and all artiodactyls. Finally, we reanalyzed the data by using concentrated-changes tests and a composite molecular and taxonomic phylogeny. Hinging our findings on whether associations persisted after controlling for shared ancestry, we found strong support for hypotheses suggesting even-toed ungulates turn lighter in winter to aid in concealment or perhaps thermoregulation, striped coats in adults and spotted pelage in young act as camouflage, side bands and dark faces assist in communication, and dark pelage coloration is most common in species living in the tropics (Gloger's rule). Whereas white faces, dark legs, white legs, dark tails, and white tails did not appear to assist in communication alone, legs and tails that were either dark or white (i.e., conspicuous) did seem to be linked with communication. There was moderate support for hypotheses that countershading aids concealment, that white faces are a thermoregulatory device, and that white rumps are used in intraspecific communication. There was weak support for spots in adults and stripes in young providing camouflage and for dark leg markings being a form of disruptive coloration. We found little or no evidence that overall coat color serves as background matching, that side bands are disruptive coloration devices, or that white rumps help in thermoregulation. Concealment appears the principal force driving the evolution of coloration in ungulates with communication, and then thermoregulation, playing less of a role. Copyright 2003.
An eco‐morphological explanation of individual variability in the shape of the fish otolith: comparison of the otolith of Hoplostethus atlanticus with other species by depth

Variation in otolith shape (otolith polymorphism) in Hoplostethus atlanticus, Hoplostethus mediterraneus, Paratrichichthys trailli, Pagrus major and Trachurus murphyi, quantified using principal components analysis based on Fourier transform decompositions of outlines of otolith shape, was particularly high among the samples of H. atlanticus from the North Atlantic, New Zealand, Australia and Namibia. The scatter was uniform, however, and did not show any significant differences among regions. The implication drawn from the high variability in otolith shape of H. atlanticus was that otolith shape polymorphism was maintained by some form of balancing selection across many small local environments which may result in k-selection with consequent poor response by H. atlanticus to maximum sustainable yield harvesting strategies. The variation in otolith shape defined by the otolith morphospace of the five species that were measured, showed a decreasing trend in scatter (i.e. decreasing complexity of shape) proceeding from the species with the deepest habitat (H. atlanticus) to the most shallow (T. murphyi).
The Laurentian Great Lakes in transition: A chronicle of research at the base of the foodweb

A unique science and management strategy has been developed for the Laurentian Great Lakes due to their enormous size, geographic-ecological diversity, political and economic importance. This article is a documentary of more than 40 years of research conducted at the base of the foodweb by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which has contributed significantly to the management of the Great Lakes. In the 1960s, the governments of Canada and the United States responded to the threat of cultural eutrophication which eventually resulted in the signing of the binational Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Dr. R. A. Vollenweider and Dr. J. R. Vallentyne were instrumental in developing a phosphorus abatement program, as well as the adoption of the “ecosystem approach” resulting in an holistic and integrated protocol for managing multiple environmental stressors. By showcasing some selected examples (Lake Ontario, Bay of Quinte, current research activities), an attempt is made to chronicle the evolution of phytoplankton, primary productivity and microbial foodweb research in the Great Lakes. Some of the research programs, techniques, models, policies and international cooperation are highlighted, in addition to the strong European influences on Great Lakes research. The lessons learned from the long-term Great Lakes research experience could be extrapolated and applied to enhance understanding of the ecology and management of other large lake ecosystems throughout the world.
GAMETOGENESIS AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE TEMPERATE CORAL ASTRANGIA DANAE (ANTHOZOA : SCLERACTINIA)

1. The coral Astrangia danae is dioecious, with an early age of first reproduction.2. In Narragansett Bay, this species exhibits an annual reproductive cycle with gametogenesis starting in March-April. Spawning occurs during August, and vestigial gametes are absorbed during the winter months.3. Gametes originate from interstitial cells which differentiate in the mesenterial mesoglea.4. Ova are 100-130-µm in diameter and sperm are 2-3-µm in length, excluding the tails. Egg production was estimated at up to 6000 eggs per polyp.5. Fertilization and development are external; no fertilization membrane was seen even though a layer of cortical vesicles was present before fertilization.6. Embryonic cell divisions are around 30 min apart and the larval planual stage is reached within 12-15 hr after fertilization. Larval settlement was not observed.7. Ova from colonies containing zooxanthellae did not contain zooxanthellae when spawned.