Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early Life History of Marine Fishes

The life cycles of fishes are complex and varied, and knowledge of the early life stages is important for understanding the biology, ecology, and evolution of fishes. In "Early Life History of Marine Fishes", Bruce S. Miller and Arthur W. Kendall Jr., bring together in a single reference much of the research available and its application to fishery science - knowledge increasingly important because, for most fishes, adult populations are determined at the earliest stages of life. Clear and well written, this book offers expert guidance on how to collect and analyze larval fish data and on how this information is interpreted by applied fish biologists and fisheries managers.
Investigating the role of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in cartilage catabolism

NAMPT (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase) is a universally expressed protein elevated in the serum and synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sufferers. NAMPT is a rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) NAD+, an essential cellular coenzyme, and has also been shown to exert cytokine-like activities as a mediator of innate immunity. However little is currently known of the role of NAMPT in cartilage metabolism. In this thesis, the role and regulation of NAMPT was studied in a variety of model systems. Addition of exogenous (e)NAMPT to fibroblasts in vitro increased MMP-3 release, an effect attenuated by APO866. In vivo studies in a murine arthritis model showed APO866 treatment reduced arthritis index, with a slight reduction in synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltrate and cartilage degradation. In vivo imaging with MMP activatable fluorescent probes showed a reduction in MMP activity in APO866-treated animals compared with placebo. Analyses of archived tissue indicated that APO866 reduced MMP gene expression in affected limbs in a time and dose dependent manner. In a cartilage explant culture system, APO866 significantly attenuated cytokine-mediated proteoglycan (PG) depletion and MMP-2 and -9 release. This was associated with a dose-dependent loss of cell viability. These effects were reversed by co-incubation with NAD+ metabolites NMN and NA, suggesting that cell survival was highly NAD+-dependent, and that cytokine-induced MMP expression could be NAMPT independent. Finally, in vitro studies in RA synovial fibroblasts revealed that intracellular (i)NAMPT is upregulated by cytokine stimulation, with concurrent upregulation of MMPs -1 and -3. The data emphasise the pleiotropic function of NAMPT in health and disease, and suggest a role for extracellular (but not intracellular) NAMPT in cartilage catabolism. Finally, NAMPT inhibition is highlighted as a promising therapeutic strategy for RA.
Integrated management of banana nematodes: lessons from a case study in the French West Indies

Plant-parasitic nematodes are tiny worms that live in soils and roots; in the case of banana plants, they spend most of their life cycle in root and corm tissues. Their proliferation mainly disrupts nutrient and water uptake, delays growth, and may cause the banana plants to topple over. Until recently, most methods for the control of banana nematodes relied on the use of chemical nematicides, many of which are gradually being banned in Europe. This guide reviews the main steps of alternative integrated plant parasitic nematode management in banana cropping systems in the French West Indies. This includes i) soil sanitation measures such as improved fallow to cleanse the soil of the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis, water isolation ditches to delay recontamination of fallows and already sanitized plots, along with the use of non-host plants including cash crops, pasture grasses, and legumes; ii) monitoring of soil sanitation before planting new banana crops; iii) use of healthy planting material, mainly tissue culture banana plants; iv) use of nematode tolerant banana varieties, and in the medium-term, nematode resistant varieties; and v) further integration of management strategies and the reintroduction of biodiversity to ensure sustainable control of nematodes. (Author's abstract).
Bio-efficacy of neonicotinoids against Aphis gossypii Glover of okra.

An experiment was conducted to observe the efficacy of some neonicotinoidsagainst aphid of okra during pre- kharif season of 2010 and 2011 at Instructional Farm , Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya. Imidacloprid 17.8 SL@ 50 g a.i. ha -1 was found as a most effective neonicotinoid insecticide against aphid. It recorded least aphid infestation and 84.54 % reduction of population over control. To control aphid populationof okra the other two neonicotinoidsviz. , thiamethoxam25WG @ 50 g a.i. ha -1 and acetamiprid 20SP @ 40 g a.i. ha -1 were also found at par with imidacloprid and showed better result than acephate 75WP and dimethoate 30EC. Considering incremental cost ben efit ratio acetamiprid 20SP @ 40g a.i. ha -1 was found most economic over other neonicotinoids . None of the neonicotinoids haveadverse effect on natural enemies of aphid in okra ecosystem.
Determination of Campylobacter spp. in poultry slaughterhouses and poultry meat.

GRANIC, K. , D. KRCAR, S. UHITIL, S. JAKSIC: Determination of Campylobacter spp. in poultry slaughterhouses and poultry meat. Vet. arhiv 79, 491-497, 2009. ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Campylobacter spp. in poultry carcasses in poultry slaughterhouse areas and in poultry meat samples from the examined poultry slaughterhouses, following its placement on the market. The research was conducted in spring 2007 at 5 poultry slaughterhouses in Međimurje County, followed by an examination of poultry meat placed on the market for sale. A total of 75 poultry meat swabs, 15 samples of carcass cooling water and 15 samples of poultry meat collected in retail shops were examined. None of the samples collected in the premises of poultry slaughterhouses was found positive for Campylobacter spp. In 10 samples of poultry meat collected at the retail level the presence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli was determined.
Nutrigenetic Effect of Moringa oleifera Seed Meal on the Biological Growth Programme of Young Broiler Chickens.

A Nutrigenetic study of the effects of graded levels (0%, 5% and 10%) of undecorticated undefatted Moringa oleifera Seed Meal (UUMOSM) on the biological growth programme of 48 young broilers of two genotypes (Marshall and Arbor Acres) was conducted. Rates of change (%) of Body Weight (WTR), Length (BLR) and Girth (BGR), and Lengths of Shank (SLR), Thigh (TLR), Wing (WLR) and Keel (KLR) between 1 and 4 weeks age were measured. The effect of Genotype and Diet on growth rate was defined by fitting a univariate General Linear Model, while the strength of relationship between traits was examined by use of Pearson's bivariate correlation method. Only BLR was significantly (P<0.05) affected by genotype, while diet significantly (P<0.05) determined WTR, BGR, TLR, WLR, and KLR. Significant (P<0.05) effects of Genotype x Diet interaction on WTR, BLR, BGR, WLR and KLR were observed. The level of correlation between trait rates varied with increasing levels of UUMOSM in both genotypes; exhibiting a direct, inverse, parabola or inverted parabola shaped relationship curve. These results showed that subtle variations in dietary levels of UUMOSM significantly influence the biological growth programme of young broilers, with implications for size and interrelationship of body parts, including shape/conformation. They further showed that substructures within populations such as clusters with non-overlapping nutritional habits (voluntary or forced) influence overall population estimates of inter-trait relationships. The transcriptomic (gene expression) and metabonomic correlates of the phenomenon reported here will be examined in further studies and should yield evidence of underlying mechanisms. Keywords : Moringa oleifera seed meal, Broiler, Growth rate, Correlationand Regression.
Effects of harvesting time on some yield and quality traits of different maturing potato cultivars

The effect of harvesting time was investigated on yield and quality traits for spring season production in different maturing potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars under agro-climatic conditions of southern of Turkey in 2006 and 2007. The experimental layout was a randomized split plot with three replications, including six potato cultivars as main plots and four harvesting times as subplots. The cultivars tested were adora (early), carrera (early), felsina (mid-early), marfona (mid-early), mondial (mid-late) and vangogh (mid-late). Samples of tubers were harvested at 75, 90, 105 and 120 days after planting (DAP) in spring crop. Early cultivars carrera and felsina gave more than 2 t ha -1 tuber yield at 120 DAP. However, vangogh and mondial (mid-late cultivars) proved to be superior cultivars in relation to dry matter, specific gravity or starch content at 105 DAP. Key words: Potato, harvesting time, cultivar, yield, quality.
Intake and digestion of herbage diets by Angora goats and Merino sheep.

Three wether sheep (40-45 kg) and three wether goats (33-36 kg) were offered the following diets once daily at 30% above appetite: Diet 1 chopped subterranean clover hay (2.8% N, 38.2% cell wall constituents); Diet 2 chopped wimmera ryegrass hay (0.7% N, 71.6% cell wall constituents); and Diet 3 chopped mature grass-clover hay (1.1% N, 75.8% cell wall constituents). Each diet was fed for a five-week period. The fourth week of each period comprised a nitrogen balance and digestion trial, and the mean rumen retention time of 103Ru-phenanthroline was calculated from faecal excretion data in the fifth week. Results are summarized in Table 1.
Reproductive performance of Sahiwal and its F1 crossbreds with Jersey and Holstein-Friesian

Age at first calving, inter-calving period, dry period and number of inseminations per conception were studied for Sahiwal and F1 crossbreds with Jersey and Holstein-Friesian in a herd of Dairy Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. Age at first calving in Sahiwal, Jersey x Sahiwal (J x S) and Holstien-Friesian x Sahiwal (H-F x S) crossbreds was 1215.82±10.15, 971.47±11.59 and 1021.48±14.45 days, respectively. The inter-calving period in the respective breeds group was 502.12±3.17, 444.97±4.96 and 453.64±4.32 days. The dry period was significantly less in the both crossbreds J x S (104.59±2.75 days) and H-F x S (113.64±3.45 days) compared to parental zebu breed (202.29±2.24 days). The average number of inseminations required per conception were 3.88± 0.07, 2.75±0.07 and 2.94±0.08 in Sahiwal, J x S and H-F x S crossbreds, respectively. The results further revealed that age at first calving is reduced significantly by introduction of exotic germplasm. Jersey crossbreds were better than Holstein-Friesian crossbreds in their reproductive performances.
Genetic Diversity of Chinese Bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) Accessions Revealed by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to analyze genetic diversity of 100 accessions of Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.), one of the widely cultivated fruit tree crops in southern China. Six E-NN/M-NNN primer combinations were selected and a total of 236 bands were obtained, of which 177 were polymorphic (75.01%). An unweighted pair-group method of the arithmetic averages (UPGMA) was used to analyze the genetic relationships. The Dice's similarity coefficient among the Chinese bayberry accessions ranged from 0.75 to 1.00 and was 0.49 between Chinese bayberry and wax myrtle (M. cerifera L.). The 100 accessions of Chinese bayberry were clustered into two groups and seven subgroups. Subgrouping of Chinese bayberry was not related to the sex of the plant and color or size of the ripe fruit, but to some extent the region where the accession originated. However, the accessions from the same region did not necessarily belong to the same group or subgroup, which suggested the presence of extensive gene flow among different regions. Furthermore, close relationships between some morphologically similar accessions were found.
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen promote muscle hypertrophy and strength gains during resistance exercise in the elderly

This study examined the influence of chronic consumption of ibuprofen or acetaminophen during 12 weeks of knee‐extensor resistance training (3d/wk, 70% 1RM) in the elderly. Thirty‐six individuals were randomly assigned to one of three groups and consumed the drugs in double‐blind placebo‐controlled fashion: Placebo (67±2 y; 8M, 4F), Ibuprofen (64±1 y; 9M, 4F; 1.2g/d), or Acetaminophen (64±1 y; 7M, 4F; 4g/d). Resistance training alone (Placebo) increased (p<0.05) quadriceps muscle volume (M only: 8±2%; M+F: 9±1%) and muscle strength (M only: 20±3%; M+F: 23±2%). Compared to Placebo, muscle volume increases were greater in the Ibuprofen (M only: 11±2%, p<0.05; M+F: 11±2%, p=0.06) and Acetaminophen (M only: 13±1%, p<0.05; M+F: 13±1%, p=0.06) groups. Muscle strength increases were also greater than Placebo in the Ibuprofen (M only: 29±4%, p<0.05; M+F: 30±3%, p=0.06) and Acetaminophen (M only: 26±3%, p<0.05; M+F: 28±3%, p=0.06) groups. These results suggest that chronic consumption of ibuprofen or acetaminophen during resistance training induces intramuscular changes that enhance the metabolic response to resistance exercise, which promotes additional muscle hypertrophy and strength gains during resistance training in the elderly.
The Effects of Instant Messaging on the Quality of Adolescents’ Existing Friendships: A Longitudinal Study

Recent studies suggest that instant messaging (IM) is positively related to the quality of adolescents’ existing friendships. However, most of these studies were based on cross-sectional correlational data. In addition, most studies have focused on direct effects of IM on the quality of friendships without exploring mediating variables that may explain these effects. The aim of this study was to fill these two lacunae in the literature. We hypothesized that IM, which is mostly used to communicate with existing friends, stimulates the quality of friendships, via its potential to stimulate intimate online self-disclosure. A sample of 812 Dutch adolescents between 10 and 17 years of age were surveyed twice within a 6-month interval. IM had a positive longitudinal effect on the quality of adolescents’ existing friendships. This direct positive effect could be explained entirely by adolescents’ tendency to disclose intimate information online.
17β‐oestradiol up‐regulates longevity‐related, antioxidant enzyme expression via the ERK1 and ERK2[MAPK]/NFκB cascade

Females live longer than males. Oestrogens protect females against aging by up‐regulating the expression of antioxidant, longevity‐related genes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Mn‐superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD). The mechanism through which oestrogens up‐regulate those enzymes remains unidentified, but may have implications for gender differences in lifespan. We show that physiological concentrations of oestradiol act through oestrogen receptors to reduce peroxide levels in MCF‐7 cells (a mammary gland tumour cell line). Oestradiol increases MAP kinase (MAPK) activation as indicated by ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation in MCF‐7 cells, which in turn activates the nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signalling pathways as indicated by an increase in the p50 subunit of NFκB in nuclear extracts. Blockade of MAPK and NFκB signalling reduces the antioxidant effect of oestradiol. Finally, we show that activation of MAPK and NFκB by oestrogens drives the expression of the antioxidant enzymes Mn‐SOD and GPx. We conclude that oestradiol sequentially activates MAPK and NFκB following receptor activation to up‐regulate the expression of antioxidant enzymes, providing a cogent explanation for the antioxidant properties of oestrogen and its effects on longevity‐related genes.
Mathematical Modelling and Color Characteristics of Purslane (Portulaca oleraceae L.) Leaves Using Different Drying Methods

The effects of microwave (180, 360, 540, 720 and 900 W), convective (100, 160 and 220 °C), and combined microwave (180 and 540 W) and convective drying (100, 160 and 220 °C) on drying time, drying rate and color degradation of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) leaves were investigated. The drying data were applied to nine different mathematical models, namely, the Newton, Page, Henderson and Pabis, Logarithmic, Wang and Singh, Diffusion Approach, Verma, Two-Term Exponential and the Midilli-Kucuk Equation Model. The performances of these models were compared based on the coefficient of determination (R²), the standard error of estimate (SEE) and the residual sum of squares (RSS), between the observed and predicted moisture ratios. The Midilli-Kucuk model described the drying curve best in all drying methods (R²= 0.9996–1.0000, SEE = 0.0014–0.0208, RSS = 0.0001–0.0047). After the drying process, the color of the samples was determined in terms of CIE L*, a*, b*, Chroma* and α values. The color quality of products dried using 180 W microwave drying alone, 160 °C convective drying alone, or combined microwave-convective drying 180 W-100 °C was the best compared with that of the other treatments. Key Words: color, drying, modelling, Portulaca oleracea L. , purslane
Mitotic Kinases in Meiosis

The goal of the first meiotic division is the faithful segregation of homologous chromosomes to produce a gamete with proper ploidy. To achieve this, chromosomes must align at the metaphase plate of a bipolar meiotic spindle, biorient and separate equally at anaphase. Compared to mitosis, meiotic divisions are associated with extra challenges for the mitotic cell division machinery. First, meiotic spindles are acentrosomal, and bipolarity establishment is more complex than during mitosis. Second, homologous chromosomes must biorient and separate during meiosis I, unlike during most other cell divisions, which separate sister chromatids. Meiotic cells have adapted the mitotic enzymatic machinery to regulate these meiotic processes. This dissertation describes the uniquely meiotic properties of two mitotic master regulators, Aurora B kinase (AURKB) and Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). Chapter 2 addresses why mammalian oocytes have a germ-cell specific homolog of Aurora B kinase, Aurora C (AURKC). AURKB is required for chromosome biorientation and segregation during mitosis and meiosis, and most experimental evidence suggests that AURKC is not functionally different. To investigate the role of AURKC, the current study takes advantage of AURKC knock-out mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Chapter 2 shows that the effect of lacking AURKC becomes more pronounced and deleterious as meiosis and early embryonic divisions progress. I conclude that AURKC is likely required to compensate for the loss of AURKB protein, which is rapidly degraded during meiosis. Chapter 3 investigates CDK1 as the molecular clock responsible for the timing of kinetochore-microtubule attachments during meiosis I. Likely because of the prolonged spindle formation and bipolarity establishment in the acentrosomal mouse oocyte meiosis, kinetochore-microtubule attachments are delayed until late in metaphase I. This is unlike mitosis, where attachments are constantly made and broken. Chapter 3 answers the long-standing question of how attachments are timed. Using CDK1 inhibition and precocious activation techniques, I find that this kinase controls the timing of kinetochoremicrotubule binding. The studies reported in this dissertation demonstrate the unique adaptations found in mitotic kinase AURKB and CDK1 functions to the unique requirements of meiotic divisions. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Biology First Advisor Michael A. Lampson
Rock art and ritual function: The northern running figures of Western Arnhem land

This paper explores the distribution, abundance and diversity of Northern Running Figure (NRF) rock art motifs and their archaeological contexts from two study areas in western Arnhem Land, Jabiluka and Red Lily. Motif design elements in the NRF style such as the inclusion of sex and material culture are indices used to explore social function in NRF art. The relationship between NRF archaeological contexts (i.e., distribution, abundance, diversity and overall rock art site contexts) and the variables of sex and material culture are explored via statistical analysis and suggest that NRF art performed a ritual function in the culture(s) of ancient Arnhem Land peoples.
Influence of energy supply on microbial protein synthesis and renal urea handling in Corriedale sheep

The effect of high energy intake on microbial protein production and renal urea kinetics was studied in Corriedale sheep by the urinary allantoin method and renal functional tests. High energy diet increased microbial protein production (6.61±0.90 vs 4.30±0.60 g/d in normal energy diet, P<0.05). The effi ciency of N utilization by rumen microbes tended to improve (19.8±4.2 vs 16.8±1.9 g microbial N/kg DOMR, NS). A reduction in fractional excretion of urea and a tendency to decrease of urinary urea elimination were also observed. This renal urea sparing reduced N losses, contributing to the blood urea pool available for rumen recycling.
Diagnoses of new species of Macrurous Decapod Crustacea from the „Siboga-Expedition”

Related to Iconaxiopsis spinigera Mac Gilchrist. Rostrum triangular, depressed, little longer than broad, with rather obtuse extremity, reaching about to the middle of the 2nd joint of the antennular peduncle, its lateral margins serrulate and continued as entire ridges on to the carapace; median crest, on the anterior inclined part of the gastric region, smooth and running out in two distinct, smooth, arcuate ridges, that reach as far backward as the described lateral carinae. Telson once and a half as long as broad, lateral edges toothed, a little more convergent and the posterior margin, that has a tooth in the middle, rather convex in the males and young females, less convergent and the posterior margin nearly straight in the old females.
Breeding biology and nesting success of the Eastern Yellow Robin and the New Holland Honeyeater in a southern Victorian woodland

Abstract This study examines the nesting success and the role of nest predation in the breeding biology of birds in a woodland remnant of southern Victoria. In total, 225 nests of 21 species were found within the study area during the 1999–2000 breeding season, including 90 nests of the Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis), and 52 nests of the New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae). Overall, only 39% of nests were successful, and 48% of nests were preyed upon. For nests of the Eastern Yellow Robin and the New Holland Honeyeater, the predation rate was 50% and 42%, respectively. The mean clutch size was 2.3 (±0.06, s.e.) for the Eastern Yellow Robin and 2.1 (±0.05, s.e.) for the New Holland Honeyeater. Eastern Yellow Robin clutches of three eggs were initiated significantly later in the season than clutches of two eggs. The clutch initiation dates of successful New Holland Honeyeater nests were significantly earlier than New Holland Honeyeater nests that were preyed upon, but this was not the case for the Eastern Yellow Robin. Nests of the Eastern Yellow Robin with two eggs were no more successful than nests with three eggs. The incubation and nestling periods of the Eastern Yellow Robin were 15.9 (±0.1, s.e.) and 12.9 (±0.2, s.e.) days, respectively, and for the New Holland Honeyeater were 13.6 (±0.2, s.e.) and 12.2 (±0.3, s.e.) days, respectively. There was no significant difference in the nestling periods of Eastern Yellow Robin nests with a clutch size of two and three.