Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flow cytometric sperm sorting and PCR to confirm separation of X‐ and Y‐chromosome bearing bovine sperm

Abstract The successful separation of X‐ and Y‐chromosome bearing sperm is dependent on the accurate assessment of their proportion in a population. In this study, their proportion was determined by molecular genetic analysis of hundreds of single sperm or by flow cytometric measurement of thousands of sperm. Separation was achieved by staining the DNA of bovine sperm with a viable dye, Hoechst 33342, to enable flow cytometric resolution and sorting of purified X or Y sperm populations. The resulting proportions of X and Y sperm (sort purities) have routinely been determined by flow cytometric reanalysis of the sorted sperm for their DNA content and subsequent curve fitting. Additional sort purity validation can now be achieved through molecular genetic analysis of single sperm. In this report individual X‐ and Y‐bearing intact sperm, prepared from neat semen, were sorted based on their total DNA content. The highly conserved zinc finger allele which resides on both the X and Y chromosome (zfx and zfy) wa.
Impacts of Benthic Coarse Particulate Organic Matter variations on Macroinvertebrate Density and Diversity in the Njoro River, A Kenyan Highland Stream

ABSTRACT An investigation to assess the relationship between coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) and macroinvertebrate communities was undertaken in the Njoro River, Kenya during 2010. Significantly lower macroinvertebrate densities and diversities were observed in study sites with low Coarse Particulate Organic Matter (CPOM) content. The Mugo study site had the highest CPOM content and macroinvertebrate density and diversity. The unidentifiable detritus category (i.e. small CPOM fragments) had the highest influence on macroinvertebrate taxa whereas twigs had the least influence. The benthic samples were dominated by detritivores, but no shredders were recorded. Our results suggest that CPOM is an important determinant of the macroinvertebrate assemblages in streams. Given this, we believe that it is important to conserve tropical stream riparian vegetation due to their important role as a source of CPOM in streams.
Age, Growth, and Maturity of Chub Mackerel off Korea

Abstract The age, growth, and maturity of chub mackerel Scomber japonicus were determined by otolith analysis and gonad observation. Fish were subsampled monthly from Korean offshore commercial catches between September 1994 and August 1995. Gonad observations suggest that chub mackerel spawned mainly in May. The size at 50% maturity was calculated to be 28.8 cm fork length at an age of 1.01 years. Annuli in otoliths can be distinguished from false annuli because the true annuli were formed continuously all around the sagittal plane as distinct dark marks. They were mainly formed in May, coinciding with the main spawning season. Chub mackerel grew to over 20 cm by December and attained up to 28 cm in 1 year. Thereafter, the growth rate slowed down. The age composition was 40.2, 42.5, 15.4, 1.7, and 0.1% for age-groups 0–4, respectively. Using three different approaches, the von Bertalanffy growth parameter was estimated to be between 1.51 and 2.19 and the maximum length between 34.1 and 34.6 cm. The growt.
Interactions between food quantity and quality (long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations) effects on growth and development of Chironomus riparius

We quantified somatic growth, development, and emergence of the midge Chironomus riparius on experimental diets (oats, Spirulina, and Tetraphyll®) covering gradients in food quality (differing polyunsaturated fatty acids) and quantity (0.1–5.4 mg C·day–1). Additionally, similar incubations without food additions were made using a food-poor sediment containing peat and the green alga Scenedesmus obliquus. Larval and adult size was affected by both food quantity and quality and increased some three to four times across the food concentration gradients. Adult emergence, however, was affected only by food quantity. A type 3 response model showed that a saturation level was reached for the oats treatment at 2.7 mg C·day–1 (or 3.9 µg ω3 and 120 µg ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids·day–1), indicating that the quality of oats constrained further stimulation of larval growth. In the peat treatment, larval growth was very low, no adults emerged, and no larvae even made it to the pupa stage. Fatty acid analyses showed .
Pellicle Ultrastructure of Some Euglena Species

SUMMARYThe pellicle of five species of Euglena, belonging to three different groups (Catilliferae, Radiatae and Serpentes), was studied by transmission electron microscopy, in order to see if pellicular morphology could be taken as a valuable character to differentiate the groups. The data demonstrate that pellicular ultrastructure is not constant within the groups, and can therefore be considered a differential character only at the level of species.
Comparative characteristics during wilting for alfalfa conditioned by maceration or by a conventional roller-conditioner

A study was conducted to monitor nutrient and microbial count changes during wilting of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in response to varying degrees of maceration at mowing. Early bloom alfalfa was mowed with either a roller-conditioner (CONV) or a macerator set to deliver four degrees of maceration during alfalfa mowing: LIGHT, LIGHT+, SEVERE, and SEVERE+. Macerated alfalfa reached 80% dry matter in 9–11 h compared with alfalfa mowed by roller-conditioner, which required 54 h. The most rapid wilting rates were associated with LIGHT+, SEVERE, and SEVERE+ maceration treatments when alfalfa was not exposed to precipitation. The wilting coefficient in the first 24 h was increased by more than 100% for the SEVERE treatment compared with alfalfa mowed using a conventional roller-conditioner in alfalfa that was not exposed to precipitation. Precipitation at 1.5 h post-mowing increased wilting time by 8.3 h to achieve 45% DM, and by 17.5 to achieve 80% DM in the SEVERE+ maceration treatment relative to alfalfa fr.
The diet of a small group of extralimital giraffe

Giraffe are extralimital in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa where recent local introductions have persisted despite limited research into their impact on the indigenous flora. The diet of 15 giraffe at the Shamwari Game Reserve was recorded by direct observation during summer (March/April) and winter (July/August) 2001, quantifying diet by frequency of occurrence (individual records scored and expressed as a percentage of the total). Preference indices were also calculated. Habitat use was measured by the number of hours giraffe fed in different habitats. The diet comprised of 14 plant species, the most important species being Rhus longispina (47.9%), Acacia karroo (25.7%) and Euclea undulata (17.6%). Importance of R. longispina, A. karroo and Tarchonanthus camphoratus fluctuated seasonally. Rhus longispina was more important in winter with a corresponding decrease in feeding on A. karroo. Tarchonanthus camphoratus was only consumed during summer. Acacia karroo thickets (previously disturbed areas) were utilized most (summer 12 h; winter 9 h), with alternative habitats utilized more often in winter than in summer. We suggest that the seasonal fluctuation in the importance of R. longispina & A. karroo reflects the deciduous nature of A. karroo. Resume Des girafes vivent en dehors des limites de leur aire de repartition dans la Province Orientale du Cap, en Afrique du Sud, ou de recentes introductions locales se sont poursuivies malgre le manque de recherche sur leur impact sur la flore indigene. On a releve le regime alimentaire de 15 girafes de la Reserve de Faune de Shamwari par des observations directes en ete (mars-avril) et en hiver (juillet-aout) 2001, en le quantifiant au moyen de la frequence de l'occurrence (resultats individuels exprimes en pourcentage du total). On a aussi calcule les indices de preference. L'utilisation de l'habitat a ete mesuree au moyen du nombre d'heures que les girafes passaient a se nourrir dans les differents habitats. Le menu comprenait 14 especes de plantes dont les plus importantes sont Rhus longispina (47.9%), Acacia karroo (25.7%) et Euclea undulata (17.6%). L'importance de R. longispina, A. karroo et Tarchonanthus camphoratus fluctuait avec les saisons. Rhus longispinaetait plus important en hiver, ce qui correspondait a une diminution de l'absorption d'A. karroo. Tarchonanthus camphoratus n'etait consomme qu'en ete. Les buissons d'Acacia karroo (les zones anciennement perturbees) etaient les plus utilises (12 heures en ete, 9 h. en hiver) avec des habitats alternatifs, plus utilises en hiver qu'en ete. Nous suggerons que la fluctuation saisonniere de l'importance de R. longispina et d'A. karroo reflete la nature decidue de ce dernier.
Evaluation of Corn Gluten Feed as a Dietary Ingredient for Pond‐Raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract. — This study was conducted to evaluate corn gluten feed as an alternative feedstuff in the diet of pond-raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Three 32%-protein diets containing 0%, 25%, or 50% corn gluten feed were tested. Channel catfish fingerlings (average weight: 57 g/fish) were stocked into 15 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 18,530 fish/ha. Five ponds were used for each dietary treatment. Fish were fed to satiation once daily for a 147-d growing period. No differences were observed in feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, survival, or fillet protein concentration among fish fed the test diets. Fish fed diets containing 25% and 50% corn gluten feed exhibited a lower level of visceral fat and a higher carcass yield than fish fed the control diet without corn gluten feed. The diet containing 50% corn gluten feed resulted in a lower level of fillet fat and a higher level of moisture than the control diet. There were no visible differences in the coloration of skin or fillet of channel catfish fed diets with and without corn gluten feed. Results from this study indicated that channel catfish can efficiently utilize corn gluten feed at levels up to 50%n without adverse effect on feed palatability, weight gain, or feed efficiency. Corn gluten feed may be beneficial in reducing fattiness of channel catfish and improving carcass yield by reducing the digestible energy to protein ratio of the diet.
Tobacco Plants Transformed with the Bean αai Gene Express an Inhibitor of Insect α-Amylase in Their Seeds

Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds contain a putative plant defense protein that inhibits insect and mammalian but not plant alpha-amylases. We recently (J Moreno, MJ Chrispeels [1989] Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 86:7885-7889) presented strong circumstantial evidence that this alpha-amylase inhibitor (alphaAI) is encoded by an already-identified lectin gene whose product is referred to as lectin-like-protein (LLP). We have now made a chimeric gene consisting of the coding sequence of the lectin gene that encodes LLP and the 5' and 3' flanking sequences of the lectin gene that encodes phytohemagglutinin-L. When this chimeric gene was expressed in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), we observed in the seeds a series of polypeptides (M(r) 10,000-18,000) that cross-react with antibodies to the bean alpha-amylase inhibitor. Most of these polypeptides bind to a pig pancreas alpha-amylase affinity column. An extract of the seeds of the transformed tobacco plants inhibits pig pancreas alpha-amylase activity as well as the alpha-amylase present in the midgut of Tenebrio molitor. We suggest that introduction of this lectin gene (to be called alphaai) into other leguminous plants may be a strategy to protect the seeds from the seed-eating larvae of Coleoptera.
Shallow mechanical loosening of a soil under dairy cattle grazing: Effects on soil and pasture

Abstract Shallow mechanical loosening of soil to 22 cm deep (aeration) was investigated as a method for ameliorating soil compaction caused by dairy cattle treading. Soil physical and pasture measurements taken over 46 weeks compared plots grazed under normal grazing practice (non‐aerated) with plots under normal grazing practice where soil was mechanically loosened (aerated). Aerated soil initially showed reduced (P < 0.05) penetration resistance, degree of packing, and bulk density, and increased (P < 0.05) hydraulic conductivity, total porosity, macroporosity, and proportion of small aggregates, compared with non‐aerated soil. However, after 40 weeks aerated soil showed some reversion back to a non‐aerated state, and only the most sensitive measurements (penetration resistance, degree of packing, soil structure, and macroporosity) showed significant (P < 0.05) treatment differences. Pasture herbage yield, botanical composition, and root length were unaffected (P < 0.05) by aeration, but aeration increased (P < 0.05) root dry weight and decreased bare ground. This work suggests that timing of aeration with regard to soil moisture and atmospheric conditions is vital for optimal soil and pasture responses. The need to use methods which sample large volumes of soil and pasture to detect soil physical and pasture changes due to loosening is also stressed.
Energy utilization and metabolism in spawning migrating Early Stuart sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka): the migratory paradox

Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) were followed during their 1400-km-long migration from cessation of feeding outside British Columbia, Canada, up the Fraser River to spawning. Enzymatic capacity (indicative of glycolysis, β-oxidation, and respiratory chain ATP formation), muscle fibre size distribution, body and muscle conformation, and gross chemical composition in different parts of red and white muscle were monitored to determine energy strategies throughout the migration. The mobilization of extramuscular lipid depots was also monitored. The most conspicuous change in white muscle, concomitant with a large decrease in protein content, was an ordered reduction in muscle fibre size and lipid depots with distance covered, resulting in an accumulation of fibres with a cross section between 2000 and 6000 µm2 and a maintained level of 4% intramuscular fat. A peak in oxidative capacity was noted in red muscle during the strenuous passage of Fraser Canyon. In white muscle, glycolytic capacity was maintaine.
Herbivores and the Number of Tree Species in Tropical Forests

A high number of tree species, low density of adults of each species, and long distances between conspecific adults are characteristic of many low-land tropical forest habitats. I propose that these three traits, in large part, are the result of the action of predators on seeds and seedlings. A model is presented that allows detailed examination of the effect of different predators, dispersal agents, seed-crop sizes, etc. on these three traits. In short, any event that increases the efficiency of the predators at eating seeds and seedlings of a given tree species may lead to a reduction in population density of the adults of that species and/or to increased distance between new adults and their parents. Either event will lead to more space in the habitat for other species of trees, and therefore higher total number of tree species, provided seed sources are available over evolutionary time. As one moves from the wet lowland tropics to the dry tropics or temperate zones, the seed and seedling predators in a habitat are hypothesized to be progressively less efficient at keeping one or a few tree species from monopolizing the habitat through competitive superiority. This lowered efficiency of the predators is brought about by the increased severity and unpredictability of the physical environment, which in turn leads to regular or erratic escape of large seed or seedling cohorts from the predators.
Genetic Differentiation of Subpopulations of Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) Within Lakes of Alaska, British Columbia, and Kamchatka, Russia

Genetic differentiation among subpopulations of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) was investigated within nine intensively sampled lake systems located throughout the species' range using allozyme allelic frequency data collected by researchers in Canada, Russia, and the United States. Allelic frequencies at up to nine highly polymorphic loci were used to examine genetic diversity among 163 samples collected from 68 distinct spawning sites and to identify subpopulation structure within lakes. Significant heterogeneity was detected among sites within all lakes. The greatest differentiation was evident among subpopulations exhibiting different run timing (earlier vs. later) or utilizing different spawning habitat (tributary vs. littoral). These findings indicate that sockeye home precisely to natal streams, not just to lake systems, and underscore the importance of conserving individual spawning sites within sockeye populations.
SOME APPLICATIONS OF THIN‐LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY IN THE STUDY OF CEREBRAL LIPIDS

ANALYSIS of the phosphoand sphingolipids of the nervous system has been achieved by a number of methods varying in their ease of performance and their results. The technique of chromatography on open columns (thin-layer chromatography) as reintroduced and developed by STAHL (1956, 1958a,b) possesses not only all the merits of chromatography with silicic acid impregnated paper but also the capacity, resolving power and sensitivity of detection necessary for effective one-stage resolution of crude mixtures of these lipids (MANGOLD, 1961). However, it is not possible as yet, even with this method to separate the components of a particular phosphatide differing as to type of glycerol-substituted long-chain fatty derivative and it is therefore necessary to resort to a degradation procedure such as that used by DAWSON (1960) to analyse completely a single phosphatide. This communication describes the use of thin-layer chromatography, firstly, for quickly and conveniently surveying the phosphoand sphingolipid composition of tissues (in this case brain and spleen) and thus to indicate the facility with which metabolic disturbances may be detected. Secondly, the technique is employed to follow the chloroform-soluble substances remaining after the application of various degradative treatments to a chromatographically pure ethanolamine-containing phosphatide. Consideration is given to the identity of some of these products on the basis of their chromatographic behaviour and on their behaviour after further treatment. It is proposed that with this technique it is possible to analyse phosphatides with respect to the type of long-chain fatty substituent and the c( and ,i3 OH groups of the glycerol. M E T H O D S Lipid extracts of brain and spleen were obtained for chromatography by the method of FOLCH, ASCOLI, LEES, MEATH and LEBARON (1951) without further treatment. Some of the extracts which were not being examined for gangliosides were washed according to FOLCH, LEES and SLOANESTANLEY (1957). The pure ethanolamine phosphatide fraction was obtained from cerebral grey matter using the magnesium silicate column procedure of ROUSER, BAUMAN, KRITCHEVSKY, HELLER and O’BRIEN (1961). Chromatographic plates were prepared with Kiesel-Gel G (Merck) using the apparatus of STAHL (Camlab (Glass) Limited). Chromatography was carried out using the techniques of JATZKEWITZ and MEHL (1960), WAGNER, HORHAMMER and WOLFF (1961) and JATZKEWITZ (1961). Individual lipids were identified by specific spot tests, by comparison with ‘pure’ marker lipids and by direct analysis of the lipid-containing gel for phosphorus, sugars, neuraminic acid and sphingosine, as well as by their behaviour towards acid and alkali. As indicated later in the test, the chloroform-soluble, ninhydrin-positive products resulting from the degradative procedures of DAWSON (1960) and SCHMIDT et al. (1959) as applied to the pure ethanolamine phosphatide fraction were followed by thin-layer chromatography.
Growth of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fed with diets containing graded levels of green algae ulva meal (Ulva rigida) reared in geothermal waters of southern Tunisia

Summary The use of green algae ulva meal (UM) (Ulva rigida) was evaluated as a replacement for soybean meal in a practical diet formulated to contain 28% crude protein, 7.50% lipid and 15 kJ gross energy g−1. Soybean meal was replaced by 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% of UM (diets U0, U1, U2 and U3, respectively). The feeding experiment was carried out in an open circulation system. Each diet treatment was applied to triplicate groups of 30 fish (21.37 ± 0.193 g average wet weight) per tank (400 L) arranged in a completely randomized design. The fish were hand fed to satiation four times daily between 07.00 and 18.00 hours for 75 days. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in growth performance among fish fed with diets U0, U1 and U2. However, fish fed diet U3 had significantly lower growth (P < 0.05) than those fed diets U0, U1 and U2. Fish fed the control diet (U0) and diets including 10% and 20% UM had significantly (P < 0.05) better daily weight gain, relative growth weight, specific growth weight and protein efficiencies ratio than those fed with diet U3. Feed conversion ratio increased with increasing UM content, but only the value found in fish fed with diet U3 differed significantly (P < 0.05) from all other treatments. Survival rates ranged between 91.11% and 93.33%. No feed-related mortality was observed during the entire experimental period. Apparent protein digestibility (APD) of diets ranged from 87.06 to 69.91% and was lowest for fish fed with diet U3. In general, APD values decreased with increasing inclusion levels of UM, explained by the increase of anti-nutritional factors and high non-digestible fibre content. Compared to the control diet (U0), fish fed diets containing high levels of UM had lower levels of carcass lipid and higher levels of carcass moisture. Results show that this product can be included by up to 20% in practical male Nile tilapia diets with no detrimental effects.
The faunistic diversity of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of the Savanna Biome in South Africa

Invertebrates include more than 80% of all animals, yet they are severely under-represented in studies of southern African diversity. Site biodiversity estimates that ignore invertebrates, not only omit the greatest part of what they are attempting to measure, but also neglect major contributors to essential ecosystem processes. All available information on spider species distribution in the South African Savanna Biome was compiled. This is the largest biome in the country, occupying over one third of the surface area. A total of 23 739 records from 1260 localities were recorded in the South African Savanna Biome until the end of 2010. This included 1230 species represented by 381 genera and 62 families. The last decade has seen an exponential growth in the knowledge of the group in South Africa, but there certainly are several more species that have to be discovered, and the distribution patterns of those listed are partly unknown. Information is summarised for all quarter-degree squares of the biome and reveals considerable inequalities in knowledge. At a large scale the eastern region is much better surveyed than the western parts, but at finer scales throughout the region, several areas have little information. The Salticidae is the most diverse family (162 spp.) and also has the most endemic savanna species (42 spp.). An endemicity index indicates that 366 species are endemic to the biome, with 322 species that are near endemics, i.e., also occurring in an adjacent biome. An abundance index (1–3) was also calculated for each species based on numbers sampled. A rarity index for each species gives a preliminary indication of their conservation importance. Patterns of guild composition are summarised and species known to play a role as predators in agro-ecosystems found within the biome are also discussed.