Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DNA MICROSATELLITE MARKERS IN SERVICE OF SWORDFISH STOCK-STRUCTURE ANALYSIS IN THE ATLANTIC AND MEDITERRANEAN

SUMMARY Analysis of mtDNA variation has been successfully used to describe swordfish stock structure around the globe. Despite the great usefulness of this marker, we still need a lot of research to understand stock structure and migration of swordfish. To deal with complications like mixed fisheries or eventual hybridization between stocks, suitable markers alone do not suffice. Suitable sampling and continual population monitoring is necessary as well. We have been using nuclear markers, namely microsatellites on swordfish samples from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean to address questions related with the population structure and migration patterns. Here we present some preliminary results. RESUME
Age, Growth and Reproduction of Two Species of Scad, Decapterus macrosoma and D. macarellus in the Waters off Southern Kyushu

Growth and reproductive characteristics of shortfin scad Decapterus macrosoma and mackerel scad D. macarellus collected in the waters off southern Kyushu were determined based on otolith readings and gonad histology, respectively. Translucent and opaque zones on sectioned otoliths were identified, and the number of opaque rings counted. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters of both species did not significantly differ between males and females, and the combined growth curves of D. macrosoma and D. macarellus were as follows: FLt = 346 [1 - exp {- 0.456 (t + 0.771)}] and FLt = 428 [1 - exp {- 0.310 (t + 0.821)}], respectively, where FLt is fork length (mm) at age t. The spawning period was evaluated to be from May to August for D. macrosoma and from April to July for D. macarellus based on the monthly changes in the gonadosomatic index and histological observations. The fork length at 50% maturity of females was estimated as 238 mm for D. macrosoma and 258 mm for D. macarellus, and maturity age was estimated for both species as 2 years old.
Description of the last-instar larva and pupa and the bionomics of Smicridea ( Smicridea ) truncata Flint (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) in Central Amazonia, Brazil

The larva and pupa of Smicridea (Smicridea) truncata Flint 1974 (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) are described and illustrated. Larvae of S. truncata can be distinguished by the concave line on the median region of the frontoclypeus and presence of the tubular structures, located in the dorsolateral region of abdominal segment VIII, which were not observed in any of the described larvae of S. (Smicridea). This species was collected in a small wooden water trough at the Aruana Farm, Itacoatiara municipality, and in four streams in Presidente Figueiredo municipality in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. The larval diet was determined by stomach-content analysis; this caddisfly species feeds mainly on algae and diatoms.
Pulsed Excimer Laser Radiation Influences in Vitro Culture of Algerian Ivy

Table 1. Effect of pulsed excimer laser radiation on growth characteristics and root count of Algerian ivy grown in vitro as evaluated 30 days after treatment (n = 24). Use of gamma rays and X rays with in vitro cultures has been used to isolate unique plant types (Chevreau et al., 1989). Exposure of in vitro cultures to gamma and X-ray radiation has resulted in the mutagenesis of grape (Kim et al., 1989) and reduced regeneration of maize lants (Moustafa et al., 1989). Our study was initiated to find an alternative method for the elimination of biological contaminants from in vitro cultures of Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis L.). One-node explants of juvenile Algerian ivy were washed for 1 min in a 0.1 (w/v) Alconox solution, rinsed with sterile distilled water (SDW), soaked for 5 sec in 70% ethanol, rinsed with SDW, and soaked for 15 min in a 0.5% NaOCl solution containing 0.1% (v/v) Tween 20. Nodal segments were then rinsed three times (5 min each) with SDW and aseptically separated into 1.5 to 2.0-cm sections, each one containing a bud. Explants were placed on modified Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium (MS). Before autoclaving, the bactericide gentamicin sulfate was added at 3 mg·liter. The pH was adjusted to 5.7 and agar (7 g·liter) was added. The medium was autoclaved at 120C for 15 min. A single microshoot was placed into a 25 × 150-mm culture tube containing 15 ml of medium. Cultures were incubated
Withdrawal force capacity of mortise and loose tenon T-type furniture joints

The main goal of this study was to determine the effect of wood species and loose tenon length on the withdrawal force capacity of mortise and loose tenon (ML this trait was lowest in joints made from the light wood of poplar and fir. The glued-in length of the tenon exerted a significant influence on the withdrawal force capacity of the joints. The greatest withdrawal force capacity increment of M< T-type joints was obtained when the tenon length changed from 10 to 20 mm.
Mielichhoferia shevockii, comb. nov. (Mielichhoferiaceae)

Abstract The California endemic species described as Schiymenium shevockii A. J. Shaw is transferred to the genus Mielichhoferia because phylogenetic analyses have shown that peristome structure (exostomial versus endostomial) is not a reliable character for distinguishing these two genera.
Human, Rodent, and Canine Pancreatic β-cells Express a Sodium Channel α1-Subunit Related to a Fetal Brain Isoform

Voltage-dependent, tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ currents have been identified by the patch-clamp technique in rodent, canine, and human pancreatic β-cells, but their exact role in insulin secretion remains uncertain. Misler et al. recently reviewed data showing that human and rat β-cell action potentials differ, in that trains of Na+-dependent action potentials are seen in human (and canine) cells, but the vast majority of rat β-cell Na+ channels are inactivated. We have now identified Na+ channel α1-subunit mRNAs expressed in normal adult human, canine, and rat islets, and two insulinoma cell lines, by mRNA amplification (reverse transcription followed by polymerase chain reaction). cDNA sequencing showed that all amplified human islet products and the majority of rodent islet cDNAs are most closely related to the rat brain III α1-subunit isoform, previously found to be expressed primarily in fetal rat brain. Canine islets expressed both brain II and brain III isoforms. Reverse transcription followed by polymerase chain reaction experiments with hamster and mouse insulinoma cell lines also showed expression of the message related to the rat brain III isoform. In situ hybridization of human pancreas sections using a partial human Na+ channel III cDNA probe showed the message to be expressed in the majority of islet cells, and not in the acinar tissue, confirming its presence in pancreatic β-cells. Thus, the predominant Na+ channel α1-subunit gene expressed in human and rat insulin secreting cells is most highly related to a fetal rat brain isoform, despite the differences in the role of this channel in the β-cell action potentials of these two species.
Parasitoid assemblages reared from geometrid defoliators (lepidoptera: geometridae) of larch and fir in the alps

1 Geometrid larvae were collected from larch and fir in the Swiss Alps in 1991–94. Eight geometrid species were found in sufficient numbers to rear out parasitoids: Agriopis aurantiaria, Bupalus piniarius, Epirrita autumnata, Eupithecia lariciata, Odontopera bidentata, Lycia isabellae and Semiothisa liturata were collected from larch, and Puengeleria capreolaria was obtained from fir.
Genetic diversity and population genetic structure in the South African commercially important shark species, the common smoothhound (Mustelus mustelus)

ii Acknowledgements . vi Preface.vii 1. Published or submitted papers, to date, directly emanating from the work presented in this thesis.vii 2. Published or submitted papers with indirect relevance to the work presented in this thesis.vii 3. Local conference presentations . vii 4. International conference presentations . viii Table of
Evaluvation of artificially dried grass as a source of energy for sheep:II. The energy value of cocksfoot, timothy and two strains of rye-grass at varying stages of maturity

1. Four cuts of rye.grass S 23, three cuts each of cocksfoot S 37 and timothy S 48 and two cuts of rye-grass S 24 taken at different stages of growth and artificially (heat) dried were fed to mature sheep in a series of experiments designed to measure their value as sources of energy. The four cuts of rye-grass S 23 were each given to three sheep–two of the animals receiving it at five different levels of intake and the third at two levels. The other grasses were each given to four sheep at two levels of intake. The fasting heat productions of the sheep were measured at the beginning and end of the grass feeding periods. Altogether 152 experiments were made.
Evaluation of in vitro antimycobacterial activity of Nigerian plants used for treatment of respiratory diseases

The global threat of tuberculosis (TB) demands for search for alternative antimycobacterial drugs. Some Nigerian medicinal plants used in the treatment of TB and other respiratory diseases were evaluated for activity against a clinical isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and a strain of Mycobacterium bovis (BCG). The crude methanolic extracts of eight plant species were screened for activity against a clinical isolate of M. tuberculosis using broth microdilution method. Four out of the eight plant extracts exhibited inhibitory activities against M. tuberculosis at 78 and 1250 µg/mL. The crude extracts of Entada africana, Hymenocardia acida, Sterculia setigera and Stereospermum kunthianum did not inhibit significantly even at high concentration of 1250 ig/mL. The hexane fractions obtained after fractionation were the most active fractions for all the plants tested against BCG, having Anogeissus leiocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides exhibiting the highest activity at 312 and 200 µg/mL, respectively. Fractions Ta5 and Al4 obtained on further purification exhibited most significant activity (MIC of 4.7 and 7.8 g/mL, respectively). From the results of phytochemical analysis, terpenes and triterpenoid saponins are the most prominent compounds in these fractions and several reports earlier indicated that these metabolites are potential antimycobacterial agents. This class of metabolites presents interesting area for further investigation with special attention on the Combretaceae family from Nigeria flora.
Forage fish quality: seasonal lipid dynamics of herring (Clupea harengus L.) and sprat (Sprattus sprattus L.) in the Baltic Sea

This study investigates lipid content and fatty acid composition of two important forage fish, sprat (Sprattus sprattus) and herring (Clupea harengus) in the Baltic Sea ecosystem. Seasonal variation in lipids was studied during three periods following the annual reproductive cycle considering potential differences relating to fish size, sex, and reproductive status. The isopod Saduria entomon, being at times an important prey for predatory fish, was included for comparison. In both sprat and herring, lipid content and absolute contents of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) varied seasonally with high levels towards the end of the annual zooplankton production cycle, succeeded by a decline. Lipid content and fatty acid composition differed significantly between sprat and herring. Sprat lipid content was higher than herring, increasing with fish size and characterized by large proportions of monounsaturated fatty acids. Herring lipid content was related to the reproductive cycle and proportions of PUFAs were high compared with sprat. Levels of essential PUFAs were high in S. entomon compared with clupeids rendering it a valuable alternative prey species in the Baltic Sea ecosystem. The lipid dynamics of forage fish and benthos, combined with changes in availability and abundance, will affect growth and reproduction of their predators.
Movements During Colony Founding by Queens of the Honey Ant (Myrmecocystus mimicus Wheeler)

Abstract Habitat selection by ant queens has been little studied even though it may be a critical component of colony founding. We describe the movement pathways of honey ant queens (Myrmecocystus mimicus Wheeler) searching for sites on the ground to initiate nests. Typical paths may include segments of directional movement that are interrupted by segments of area-restricted search. Mechanisms producing area-restricted search might include variable step lengths and looping behavior. Cues that prompt the switch to local search remain undetected.
The Distribution, Ecology and Conservation Status of the Spinose Skipper Muschampia Cribrellum (Eversmann, 1841) At the Western Limit of Its Range in Europe (Hesperiidae)

Based both on published and original data, we provide an overview on the distribution, ecology and conservation status of Muschampia cribrellum (Eversmann, 1841) at the western limit of its range. We report the presence of the species in four countries (Romania, Bulgaria, Republic of Macedonia and Serbia) with a total of 28 confi rmed sites out of which 11 are mentioned here for the fi rst time. The presence of M. cribrellum in Hungary is questioned due to lack of relevant material. We discuss the past, current and potential distribution of M. cribrellum in each of the countries involved. Special attention is given to ecological and conservation aspects by discussing key factors (behaviour, phenology, habitat requirements and preimaginal stages) involved in the species distribution, dynamics and survival. Résumé. Basé sur des données publiées et inédites, nous fournissons une synthèse concernant la distribution, l’écologie et l’état de conservation de Muschampia cribrellum (Eversmann, 1841) aux limites occidentales de sa répartition. Nous rapportons la présence de l’espèce de quatre pays (Roumanie, Bulgarie, République de Macédoine et Serbie) avec au total 28 localités confi rmées dont 11 sont mentionnées ici pour la première fois. La présence de M. cribrellum en Hongrie est douteuse étant donné l’absence de matériel concret. Nous traitons la distribution historique, actuelle et potentielle de M. cribrellum dans les pays impliqués. Une attention particulière est accordée à l’écologie et à l’état de conservation, en discutant des facteurs clés (comportement, phénologie, exigences de l’habitat et états pré imaginaux) impliqués dans la répartition, la dynamique et la survie de l’espèce. Zusammenfassung. Auf Grundlage bereits publizierter sowie originaler Daten wird ein Überblick über die Verbreitung, die Ökologie und den Schutzstatus von Muschampia cribrellum (Eversmann, 1841) für das westliche Verbreitungsareal gegeben. Wir bestätigen das Vorkommen der Art für vier Länder (Rumänien, Bulgarien, Mazedonien und Serbien) mit insgesamt 28 Vorkommen, wovon 11 zum ersten publiziert werden. Die Anwesenheit von M. cribrellum in Ungarn ist mangels relevanten Materials fraglich. Wir diskutieren die historische, rezente und zukünftige Verbreitung von M. cribellum für die in diese Studie einbezogenen Länder. Durch die vertiefte Diskussion über Schlüsselfaktoren (wie Verhalten, Phänologie, Habitatansprüche und Präimaginalstadien) werden besonders ökologische wie auch Naturschutzaspekte berücksichtigt, die entscheidend für die Verbreitung, Dynamik und das Überleben dieser Art sind.
Gene sequence analysis of an opportunistic wheat pathogen, an isolate of Fusarium proliferatum

A fungal endophyte of wheat causing seedling necrosis when plants are grown under stressed conditions was identified as a Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg isolate (NRRL 31017). The wheat isolate grew rapidly on potato dextrose agar as lanose to cottony colonies and rarely produced macroconidia under ultraviolet light. Microconidia were produced both in false heads and chains; sporodochia and chlamydospores were not found. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the genes for β-tubulin, mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal DNA, calmodulin, and elongation factor 1-α from the wheat isolate showed affinity with other F. proliferatum isolates. The closest relationship was with an isolate with ligninolytic potential obtained from forest litter in Spain (F. proliferatum MUCL 31970). Nucleotide sequences of genes encoding laccases, which are quite divergent between fungal species, showed 99% identity between the wheat and the forest litter isolates.Key words: Fusarium proliferatum, lacca.
Optimization of Some Factors Affecting Genetic Transformation of Semi-Dry Egyptian Date Palm Cultivar (Sewi) Using Particle Bombardment

Establishment of regeneration/transformation system for date palm is a key step towards improvement of date palm via genetic engineering. Herein, we reported the establishment of a particle bombardment transformation system for the Egyptian date palm cultivar (Sewi). A construct harboring cholesterol oxidase gene, which render plant resistance against insect attack was introduced into embryogenic date palm callus using PDS1000/He particle bombardment system. Three sorts of calli colonies out of 200 putative transformants microcalli colonies, which have been bombarded with DNAcoated particles, gave positive GUS expression. The successful integration of GUS gene in GUS-positive clones was verified by PCR. The reported system involves the establishment of embryogenic callus cultures from shoot tip explants, followed by shooting of the embryogenic callus by DNA coated particles under the optimized physical conditions. The developed system can be seen as a first step towards production of transgenic date palm autoresist notorious pests.
Forty years of alternative management practices in second-growth, pole-size northern hardwoods. I. Tree quality deveSopment

The effects of six cutting methods on tree quality were observed for 20 years in a northern hardwood stand in Wisconsin. Cutting treatments included an uncut control, three levels of individual tree selection (heavy, medium, and light), crop tree release, and diameter limit. Average annual diameter growth was least in the control treatment (0.13 in./year, 0.33 cm/year) and greatest in the heavy individual tree selection and diameter-limit cuts (0.18 in./year, 0.46 cm/year). Cull in trees in 1992 was significantly higher in the control and diameter-limit treatments. Changes in merchantable height (number of 16-ft (4.9-m) logs) over the period were not significantly different among treatments, but average merchantable heights were significantly greater in the individual tree selection treatments in 1992. Average tree grade increases were significantly better in the medium selection plots than in all other treatments except the crop tree release. Nearly a third of the sawlog-size trees in both the control an.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Yeast, Zeolite and Active Charcoal as Aflatoxin Absorbents in Broiler Diets

2 Abstract: A total of 630 day old chicks were used in a completely randomized design to investigate the effects of yeast, zeolite and active charcoal, alone or in combination, in aflatoxin B1 contaminated diets on the performance, biochemical traits and the internal organ weights of broilers. Three pen replicates with 30 chicks in each pen were assigned into each of the 7 dietary treatments comprising: 1) basal diet containing 200 ppb of aflatoxin B1; 2) basal diet + %0.5 yeast; 3) basal diet + %1.5 zeolite; 4) basal diet + %0.5 yeast + %1.5 zeolite; 5) basal diet + %0.5 yeast + %1.5 active charcoal; 6) basal diet + %1.5 zeolite + %1.5 active charcoal; and 7) basal diet + %0.5 yeast + %1.5 zeolite + %1.5 active charcoal. The addition of absorbents to diets improved weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of chicks. Serum concentration of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin and uric acid were also increased in chicks fed on absorbent added diets. Supplementation diets with absorbents reduced the relative weights of proventriculus, gizzard, liver, spleen and pancreas of broiler chicks, but their relative bursa weight were increased. In conclusion, results of the present study indicated that the mixtures of the tested absorbents were more effective for reducing the signs of aflatoxin B1 toxicities in growing broiler.
Cluster Algorithm for Genetic Diversity

— With the hardware technology advancing, the cost of storing is decreasing. Thus there is an urgent need for new techniques and tools that can intelligently and automatically assist us in transferring this data into useful knowledge. Different techniques of data mining are developed which are helpful for handling these large size databases [7]. Data mining is also finding its role in the field of biotechnology. Pedigree means the associated ancestry of a crop variety. Genetic diversity is the variation in the genetic composition of individuals within or among species. Genetic diversity depends upon the pedigree information of the varieties. Parents at lower hierarchic levels have more weightage for predicting genetic diversity as compared to the upper hierarchic levels. The weightage decreases as the level increases. For crossbreeding, the two varieties should be more and more genetically diverse so as to incorporate the useful characters of the two varieties in the newly developed variety. This paper discusses the searching and analyzing of different possible pairs of varieties selected on the basis of morphological characters, Climatic conditions and Nutrients so as to obtain the most optimal pair that can produce the required crossbreed variety. An algorithm was developed to determine the genetic diversity between the selected wheat varieties. Cluster analysis technique is used for retrieving the results.
Gene cloning and characterization of NADH oxidase from Thermococcus kodakarensis

The genome search of Thermococcus kodakarensis revealed three open reading frames, Tk0304, Tk1299 and Tk1392 annotated as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidases. This study deals with cloning, and characterization of Tk0304. The gene, composed of 1320 nucleotides, encodes a protein of 439 amino acids with a molecular weight of 48 kDa. Expression of the gene in Escherichia coli resulted in the production of Tk0304 in soluble form which was purified by heat treatment at 80°C followed by ion exchange chromatography. Enzyme activity of Tk0304 was enhanced about 50% in the presence of 30 µM flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) when assay was conducted at 60°C. Surprisingly the activity of the enzyme was not affected by FAD when the assay was conducted at 75°C or at higher temperatures. Tk0304 displayed highest activity at pH 9 and 80°C. The enzyme was highly thermostable displaying 50% of the original activity even after an incubation of 80 min in boiling water. Among the potent inhibitors of NADH oxidases, silver nitrate and potassium cyanide did not show any significant inhibitory effect at a final concentration of 100 µM. Detergents, ionic as well as nonionic, did not display any notable effect on the enzyme activity. The presence of salts in the reaction mixture enhanced the enzyme activity. The Km and Vmax values toward NADH were calculated as 80 µM and 110 µmol min -1 mg 1
ZOOIDS AND EXTRAZOOIDAL SKELETON IN THE ORDER TREPOSTOMATA (BRYOZOA)

Abstract Reconsideration of the nature of zooids in trepostomate Bryozoa defines them as physically connected and asexually replicated colony members that housed systems of organs necessary to perform vital functions for the colonies. Zooids known to contain organs in trepostomes are limited to autozooids, the requisite feeding and sexual units, and polymorphs, including macrozooids and two rare zooids of unknown function. Other colony structures are extrazooidal and remain outside zooidal boundaries throughout colony life. They include the commonly occurring mesopores, exilapores, and styles. This two-part morphologic division of colonies reveals two correlated functions. The essential autozooids dominated the growth patterns and physiology of trepostome colonies; the extrazooidal parts grew concurrently and passively to connect autozooids and to support and strengthen colonies.