Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GENE EXPRESSION STUDIES AND FINE MAPPING OF GALL MIDGE RESISTANCE GENE GM-4, USING SSR, RGA AND CAPS MARKERS

Asian rice gall midge Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason) has been a serious pest across many south and Southeast Asian countries. Abhaya‘ is an indica rice variety carrying a dominant gene for gall midge resistance, Gm-4. Gm-4 provides resistance against four Indian gall midge biotypes and was reported to be located on Chromosome 8 of rice genome. An F4 mapping population of the cross between Abhaya‘ and Swarna‘ was screened for resistance to Indian gall midge biotype. The completely homozygous resistant and susceptible lines were used for the identification of markers linked to Gm-4. Two microsatellite markers RM6032, and RM3546 were found to be linked to Gm-4 and were found to be located at distances of 12.8cM, and 5.1cM, respectively from the gall midge resistance gene Gm-4. The region encompassing Gm-4 on chromosome 8 was functionally annotated and resulted in identification of one NBS-LRR region at 33kb distance away from the tentative position of Gm-4 which was supposed to be strong positional candidate for the gene. As the intron length of this region was big so three RGA primer was designed, in overlapping method, so that it may amplify the gene wherever it is in this big region. The polymorphism between the parents for the three RGA primers was checked. None of these RGA markers showed parental polymorphism. In order to find polymorphism using RGAs, restriction site analysis of RGA markers was carried out. The analysis revealed that these fragments contain specific recognition sites for several restriction enzymes. This presents the potential of converting these RGA markers into CAPs to generate length polymorphism. Among three RGA one RGA is seems to be polymorphic and this is showing that there is difference in the recognition site of the enzyme in the parents. It can provide a start point for map based cloning of this gene. Gm-4 shows HR + type of expression upon gall midge infestaion, which makes the gene a good candidate for expression studies. Research on plant signaling upon pathogen and herbivore attack has established the primacy of two pathways in plants, one involving JA and the other involving SA. The signaling pathway followed in a host-parasite interaction has been assumed by quantifying the array of defense genes expressed in each specific case. It was observed that Rice-gall midge interactions with HR + elicit jasmonic as well as salicyclic acid mediated defense signaling. Department of Biotechnology (Dr.S.B.Verulkar) College of Agriculture Major advisor I.G. K.V. , Raipur. Date:
Physical and chemical properties of primary defences in Tenebrio molitor

Prevention and reaction are the foundation for any defence system. In insects, the primary defences against pathogens and parasites limit invasion; the secondary ones (e.g. immune system) act when the cuticle and other primary defences fail. Because investment in both aspects of defence may be costly, they should be regulated in a plastic or variable way in accordance with the risk of infection. The mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor L. changes cuticle colour and its resistance to fungal infection when subject to high population density, although such resistance is a result of the primary (cuticle) defences rather than the secondary (immunological) ones. The present study tests the hypothesis that the physical and chemical properties of the primary defences in T. molitor change with cuticular darkness. Beetles expressing black phenotypes (or with darker cuticle) have a thicker cuticle, with four well organized layers (epi‐, exo‐, endocuticle and formation zone) and more melanin than tan beetles. The cuticle properties investigated in the present study are likely to be the underlying mechanisms of pathogen resistance in black beetles, including the content of carbonylated proteins, which in black beetles was almost half that of tan beetles after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It is proposed that, in polyphenic insects (such as mealworm beetles), primary and secondary defences are regulated pleiotropically, with the genes responsible for the expression of one defence having a positive effect on others, whereas, in polymorphic insects, there is no such link and so investment in one defence may impair others.
The effect of different housing systems on salmonella and antimicrobial resistance in laying hens

In all EU member states, Salmonella monitoring in poultry flocks is obligatory. In these monitoring programs a limited number of pooled faeces and / or dust samples are collected to determine whether Salmonella is present in the flocks or not. Whether these limited sampling protocols are sufficiently sensitive to detect expected low within-flock prevalences of an intermittently shed pathogen is not yet clear. In this paper, a comparison is made between different sampling procedures for the assessment of the between and withinflock prevalence of Salmonella in laying hens. In total, 19 flocks were sampled. All the sampled flocks were found negative for Salmonella based on the results from the official Salmonella control program. Using an extended on-farm sampling methodology, Salmonella could not be detected in any of the flocks. After transportation of the hens to the laboratory and subsequent analysis of cloacal swabs and caecal contents, Salmonella Enteritidis was detected in laying hens from 5 out of 19 farms. The observed within-flock prevalence ranged from 1 – 14 %. Based on the results of this study, it can be expected that, depending on the sampling procedure, different estimates of the prevalence of Salmonella can be obtained and the proportion of Salmonella infected flocks is underestimated based on the results of the official monitoring program.
Larval Salamandra drive temporary pool community dynamics : evidence from an artificial pool experiment

We assessed the impacts of fire salamander larvae, Salamandra salamandra infraimmaculata, on community structure in replicated artificial pools. Because this predator metamorphoses and exits early from temporary pools, we also examined the resilience of the community for a short interval after Salamandra metamorphosed. Salamandra had extensive impacts on the food web. It reduced invertebrate species richness by 53%. Salamandra significantly reduced populations of three of the four numerically dominant invertebrates. It eliminated the large cladoceran, Simocephalus expinosus, while densities of the smaller cladoceran, Ceriodaphnia cf. quadrangula, were not affected. Presumably, this differential effect on the two cladoceran species was due at least in part to size-selective predation. Densities of the calanoid copepod, Arctodiaptomus similis, and Chironomidae were largely reduced by the salamander larvae. Hyla savignyi and Bufo viridis hatchlings were heavily preyed upon by Salamandra but surviving anuran tadpoles tended to be larger in the salamander pools than those in the control pools. Salamandra caused a trophic cascade; they indirectly caused an increase in periphyton and bacteria, presumably by reducing populations of those species which graze on periphyton and bacteria and making more nutrients available through their excretion. Upon removing the salamanders, the invertebrate community in the former salamander pools then became indistinguishable from those of the control pools with respect to species richness after two weeks. Standing crop of filamentous algae became considerably higher in the control pools after the salamanders had been removed. Similarly, bacterial densities, higher in salamander pools during the salamander period, reversed to be higher in the controls during the post-salamander period although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Our results indicate that larval Salamandra directly and indirectly has large effects on temporary pool community structure. Thus, the absence of this species, which is presently on the endangered species list in Israel, can have large consequences for the entire temporary pool community.
Expression of FHIT and Ki-67 in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective:To investigate the expression o f FHIT and Ki-67 in human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and their correlation w ith clinical pathology. Methods:The expression of FHIT and Ki-67 antigen in 70 cases of human hepatocellul ar carcinoma ,10 cases of para-neoplastic liver tissue and 10 cases of normal li ver tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry staining (SP method). Results:All para-neoplastic liver tissues and normal liver tissues showed a strong expression of FHIT, while no Ki-67 was detected. In HCC, 4 1 of 70(58.57%)carcinoma showed a marked loss or absence of FHIT protein, and 31 of 70(44.26%) carcinoma expressed Ki-67 antigen. ①The d ifference of FHIT expression between carcinoma and normal or para-neoplastic liv er tissues was highly significant(P0.05). ②The expression level of FHIT ge ne was closely related to histological classification and the invasiveness in HC C(P0.05). The Ki-67 antigen were significantly correlated with histologica l grades,clinical stages and the invasiveness of HCC(P 0.05). The loss expr ession of FHIT was closely correlated with Ki-67 antigen. Conclusi on:FHIT gene may play a role in the regulation of proliferation o f hepatocellular carcinoma, the reduction of FHIT gene expression may be related to the pathogenesis and development of HCC.
The genus Scirtothrips Shull (Insecta, Thysanoptera, Thripidae) and three related genera in Japan

The genus Scirtothrips and related genera in Japan were studied, and the following four genera and eight species recorded: Anascirtothrips okinawanus n. sp. , Drepanothrips reuteri Uzel, Scirtothrips albidus n. sp. , S. dorsalis Hood, S. flavus n. sp. , S. katsura n. sp. and S. machili n. sp. , Parascirtothrips fagaceae n. gen. et sp. The male of D. reuteri is recorded from Japan for the first time. Ten genera are recognized in the Scirtothrips genus group, and relationships between these are discussed.
Helminth Community of Tree frogs at the Okomu National Park, Edo State, Nigeria

The tree frogs of the Okomu National Park were investigated for their helminth parasitic infections. The 24 species of tree frogs encountered belonged to the families Arthroleptidae, Hyperoliidae, Ranidae and Rhacophoridae. The helminth parasites encountered in the study included: Cestoda: Baerietta sp. (7.4%); Monogenea: Polystoma chiromantis (4.7%), Polystoma dorsalis (3.7%), Polystoma gracei (6.7%) and Polystoma okomuensis (15.6%); The trematodes encountered included Mesocoelium monodi, Mesocoelium monas and Ostioloides rappiae which were observed to be multi-host parasites. Among the nematodes, Cosmocerca ornata and an unidentified oxyurid nematode were also observed to infect a wide range of hosts. The filariid, Foleyellides sp. was only recovered from Hyperolius fusciventris burtoni (6.8%). Some of the parasites found in this study including Polystoma chiromantis, Polystoma dorsalis, Polystoma gracei and Ostioloides rappiae are being reported for the first time in Nigeria, thus increasing their geographical range. A summary of the helminth community of the frogs investigated showed that the transmission strategies employed by the parasites varied. They included a one host life cycle among the monogeneans, trophical transmission among the cestodes and trematodes, vectoral transmission in the filariid Foleyellides sp. and the use of frogs as transport (paratenic) hosts by the larval ascaridoid and other encysted parasites occurring on organs of the viscera. Keywords: Monogenea, Cestoda, Trematoda, Nematoda, Transmission strategy Nigerian Journal of Parasitology , Vol. 33 [1] March 2012, pp. 1-8
The Internationalization of Cooperative Education: A Thailand Perspective.

As the world moves to a situation of increasing globalization, cooperative education has experienced growth in demand for international placements. However, this globalization of cooperative education has not been accompanied by research to support the outcomes of such growth. Here we report on a case study involving research into Thai students’ experiences of international work placements in a variety of overseas countries, and overseas students completing work placements in Thailand. The research findings found similarities in this exchange between non-Western and Western countries, with other exchange arrangements between two Western countries. As might be expected, the students encountered some difficulties with immigration, language and communication difficulties. Advantages reported included perceptions of improved selfconfidence and career enhancement. The research also found that cultural differences are of particular importance in international exchange arrangements between non-Western and Western countries, or countries of different cultures. The findings reported here provide placement coordinators with an understanding of some of the challenges students face in a country different to their homeland and we conclude with recommendations to smooth this sometimes difficult transition. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 2003, 4(2), 1-6).
Tracking the development of the middle class in democratic South Africa

The middle class is generally regarded as the most pro-democratic social stratum in society. Most countries with a history of successful democratisation have in general also reported a significant enlargement of the middle class. It is, consequently, argued that increases in the middle class may affect democratisation positively. Employing survey data from 1994 and 2000 this article attempts to identify and describe the South African middle class from 1994 onwards and also to describe the link between this social grouping and democratisation. The analysis indicated that the middle class has increased during the nineties and that the African population is being bisected into a middle-high and a lower class.
Studies in the Physiology of Clostridium botulinum Type E.

Ten strains of Clostridium botulinum type E have been studied at 12 temperatures between 2·5 and 45°0. Growth proceeded consistently from spore inocula at temperatures between 5 and 37·5°0, but some strains developed slightly at ~empera· tures up to 45°0. Maximum rates of growth occurred at 35°0. The upper and lower temperature limits were several degrees lower than for type A and B strains.
Development of Micro-Diesel Injector Nozzles via MEMS Technology and Effects on Spray Characteristics

Micro-machined diesel injector nozzles have been designed, fabricated and used with commercially produced diesel injection systems in the study of spray dynamics. Such a system, properly designed, may improve spray behavior in DI diesel engines due to improved atomization and fuel-air mixing. In this work, fourteen micro-planar orifice nozzles were fabricated using the MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems) technique. Circular orifice diameters were varied from 40 to 260 microns and the number of orifices was varied from one to 169. Three plates with noncircular orifices were also fabricated to examine the effect of orifice shape on spray characteristics. These nozzles were then attached to commercial injectors and the associated injection systems were used for the spray experiments. Given these novel injection systems, jet spray characteristics of micro-planar orifice nozzles were investigated experimentally using optical diagnostic techniques in a pressurized constant volume cylindrical chamber. Local drop sizes were measured by the laser diffraction technique, and average drop sizes of the whole sprays were measured by the light extinction * Corresponding author : Address : 295 Roger Adams Laboratory, Box C-3, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA Tel: +1-217-333-5233 E-mail address: sbaik@scs.uiuc. edu 1 technique. Current test results show expected qualitative trends in spray kinematics and drop sizes, but quantitative magnitudes of the behavior are less dependent on orifice geometry than first anticipated. Droplet coalescence among adjacent sprays were apparent for the multiple orifice nozzles because all the orifices were aligned in the same direction with limited spacing. Non-planar configurations are under development and may show improved performance.
The effects of controlled grazing on phytomass dynamics of the dward shrub Indigofera spinosa in arid Kenya

Les methodes conventionnelles de rehabilitation des parcours font appel au pâturage controle, suivi d'une evaluation de la composition specifique, de la dynamique du couvert ou de celle de la phytomasse. On a compare les effets du pâturage controle et libre sur la dynamique de la fraction vivante (recoltes de l'annee en cours et des annees precedentes), morte sur pied et de la litiere de l'arbuste nain Indigofera spinosa (Forsk.) Mathew, entre 1986 et 1990, sur un parcours aride du nord-ouest du Kenya. A l'exception de la fraction morte sur pied et de la masse de litiere, les fractions de phytomasse vivante varient significativement selon les mois de croissance et de dormance entre les deux traitements. Generalement, les fractions de phytomasse disparaissent sur les parcelles pâturees, tandis qu'elles s'accumulent sur les parcelles temoin. Les parcelles temoin, cependant, atteignent un taux de renouvellement de la phytomasse plus eleve (50,1±15,8% an -1 ) que les parcelles pâturees (34,4±6,0% an -1 ). Les resultats montrent que le broutement, lorsqu'il est associe a des precipitations en declin, augmente la devalorisation du rendement fourrager, alors que des precipitations superieures a la moyenne accroissent la production de phytomasse. Etant donne le potentiel de recuperation rapide de l'arbuste, les tendances au declin des fractions vivantes dans les parcelles pâturees ne sont pas permanentes mais fluctuent selon les periodes de precipitations favorables et de secheresse. La relation entre les precipitations mensuelles totales, les precipitations cumulees des mois courant et precedents et la recolte de l'annee en cours, respectivement, est expliquee par un coefficient de correlation (r) de 0,23-0,30 sur les parcelles temoin et de 0,43-0,65 sur les parcelles pâturees (p<0,05). La productivite journaliere de matiere verte seche et l'efficience d'utilisation des pluies (RUE) de I. spinosa s'ameliore lorsque les evenements pluvieux sont rapproches et repartis sur les mois de croissance. Sur ce parcours aride, la production de litiere de l'arbuste nain est reguliere, alors que la fraction morte sur pied augmente d'environ 900% sur les parcelles temoin et decroit de 40% sur les parcelles pâturees. L'accumulation de la fraction de phytomasse morte sur pied sur les parcelles temoin caracterise une condition de deterioration du fourrage. Etant donne que I. spinosa est tres bien adapte a l'herbivorie, le retard des arbustes sur-pâtures ne devrait pas depasser 1 a 2 saisons de croissance. Cet article discute les implications de ces resultats pour la gestion.
Formaldehyde-mediated Hyperphosphorylation Disturbs The Interaction Between Tau Protein and DNA

Hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein and related neuron death is one of the most important characteristics of Alzheimer's disease.Our laboratory has shown that Tau protein is able to bind and protect DNA. It is still unknown whether phosphorylation affects the binding of Tau to DNA.Therefore,it is of importance to investigate the effect of phosphorylation on the interaction of Tau with DNA in cells.In this work,we treated N2a cells with formaldehyde and found that Tau protein was hyperphosphorylated in the cells under the experimental conditions.Phosphorylation was remarkably observed at both T181 and S396 of Tau protein in the cells in the presence of formaldehyde compared with those in the absence of formaldehyde.Cytoimmunofluorescence hardly showed that most of the nuclear phosphorylated Tau protein was co-localized with DNA,while Tau protein was partially co-localized with DNA in the absence of formaldehyde as control.Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed that phosphorylated Tau catalyzed by GSK-3β reduced the interaction between Tau protein and DNA in vitro.These findings reveal that hyperphosphorylation declines Tau protein to protect DNA,and may thereafter lead to damage of DNA and even cell death,giving a novel viewpoint to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease.
AMMONIA, HYDROGEN SULFIDE, ODOR, AND PM10 EMISSIONS FROM DEEP-BEDDED HOOP AND CURTAIN-SIDED PIG FINISHING BARNS IN MINNESOTA

The concentration and emission rate for ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), odor, and particulate matter or particulates under 10 microns in diameter (PM10), were measured in a representative deep-bedded hoop pig finishing barn and a slatted-floor, curtain-sided pig finishing barn during 2+ week periods in the winter and summer in Minnesota. NH3 and H2S were continuously measured with gas analyzers in an environmentally controlled instrument trailer while PM10 and odor were measured at least twice during the 2+ week sampling periods. NH3 concentrations inside both barns were quite similar in the winter and summer but the NH3 emissions were higher in the hoop barn on a per pig basis. H2S concentrations and emissions were lower in the hoop barn compared to the curtain barn during both the winter and summer except for the per pig emissions in the winter which were similar. PM10 concentrations and per pig emissions were almost the same for both barn types during the winter and summer. Odor concentrations and per pig emissions in the winter were lower in the hoop barn compared to the curtain barn and revealed a slight advantage of lower odor emissions in the hoop barn during warm conditions. Although these result are helpful in evaluating the air quality impacts between these different pig finishing housing systems, it should be remembered that the winter and summer values were not measured simultaneously because of the availability of only one set of gas analyzers, dust collectors, and a single instrument trailer.
Life history and dispersal of selected key species

Although the North Sea is a relatively small basin, its hydrodynamical range varies from fully mixed to stratified, with tidal regimes up to 6 m. Tidally induced currents and wind stress generate a complex pattern of local currents. Marine invertebrates and fish, inhabiting this environment, are characterized by a high potential for dispersal. However, the realized dispersal depends on how they behaviourally deal with the current dynamics they experience. Here we report on how dispersal patterns of a mysid and two fishes, all common inhabitants of the North Sea, are reflected in their life-history and in their genetic variation.