Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of equi-molar dietary betaine and choline addition on performance, carcass quality and physiological parameters of pigs

Betaine and its precursor choline were compared in their efficiency in affecting the performance, carcass traits, and liver betaine concentration of growing-finishing pigs. Individually penned Finnish Landrace and Yorkshire pigs and their crosses (30 kg; no. = 70) were offered the basal diet with no added betaine or choline, or the basal diet supplemented with low to moderate doses (250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg) of betaine (Betafin® S1), or with a similar molar amount of choline (578, 1155 or 2310 mg/kg of choline chloride). The maize-soya-bean-meal basal diet was formulated to contain 12·3 MJ/kg digestible energy, 155 g/kg crude protein and 7·4, 4·4 and 4·3 g/kg digestible lysine, threonine and methionine + cystine, respectively. Oat hull meal (100 g/kg) was added to reduce the dietary energy concentration. The pigs were on a restricted feeding level, 1·5 to 3·0 kg food per day (proportionately 0·8 of ad libitum intake) for 75 days. Daily weight gain and food-to-gain ratio improved linearly (P
Effect of Broiler Breeder Age on the Intestinal Mucosa Development of the Embryos at 20 Days of Incubation

This study investigated the effect of broiler breeder age on the morphological development of the small intestine broiler embryos (villus height, crypt depth, microvillus height, and villus density) at 20 day of incubation. Eggs obtained from 30- and 60-wk-old broiler breeders were used. The results showed that embryos from older broiler breeders presented longer villi in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared with younger broiler breeders. In addition, embryos from older broiler breeders presented deeper crypts in the jejunum and ileum, longer microvilli in jejunal enterocytes, and lower villus density (microvillus number/mm2) in the duodenum and ileum than younger breeders. These results suggest that breeder age influences the gut mucosa development of broiler embryos. Embryos from older broiler breeder showed greater development of the small intestine mucosa than those from younger broiler breeder.
Description of the immature stages and life history of Euselasia (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) on Miconia (Melastomataceae) in Costa Rica

The immature stages and life histories of Euselasia chrysippe (Bates, 1866) and E. bettina (Hewitson, 1869) are described, providing the first detailed morphological characters for the subfamily Euselasiinae. The larvae of Euselasia chrysippe and E. bettina specialize on several species of Miconia (Melastomataceae). The eggs are stalked (the first reported case of such in Lepidoptera) and laid in clusters on the underside of leaves. The larvae are gregarious and feed, rest, molt, and pupate ‘synchronously’. Both species have six larval instars which exhibit processionary behavior throughout their development. SD2 setae on the prothoracic shield are sensitive to airborne vibrations and are related to the head-flicking behavior exhibited by larvae while feeding, perhaps as a defensive strategy to deter attacks by parasitoids. Several morphological characters of first instar larvae are unique among Lepidoptera: extra setae, bifurcated dorsal setae on A1–8, and various organs. Sixth instar larvae possess subcircular plates on the dorsolateral surfaces of all segments of the thorax and abdomen. These smooth plates have a metallic-blue iridescence that is structural in nature. Pupation occurred singly or gregariously under laboratory conditions. The total duration of the life cycle under laboratory conditions lasted up to eight weeks. New records of parasitoids for Euselasia include Encarsia and Telenomus from eggs. A list of host plants recorded for Euselasiinae, a summary of parasitoid records for Euselasia, and summary tables of unique organs and setae of immature stages are provided. Euselasia chrysippe and E. bettina are currently considered potential biocontrol agents for Miconia calvescens DC in Hawaii.
Effect of glycerol derived co-surfactant on the ternary phase behaviour of palm-based microemulsions

An oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsion was prepared by mixing palm-based methyl esters (PME) with water at a 25:75 by weight ratio. The microemulsion was stabilised with C12-14 fatty alcohol ethoxylates (FAE) with 7 and 2 moles of ethylene oxide (EO), and palm-methyl ester sulphonate (MES) as mixed surfactants, and glycerol-derived co-surfactant (GTBE) and conventional 1,2-hexanediol as the cosurfactants. The mixtures were agitated vigorously and then stored at ambient temperature and 45oC. Phase behaviour of the ternary-phase systems was periodically observed using the polarised light sheets. The ternary phase diagrams were then mapped. The physical characterisations of any stable microemulsions, such as the conductivity and viscosity solutions were also determined. The optimum concentrations of mixed surfactants (MES/ FAE 7/ FAE 2) and GTBE to form stable microemulsions were 20% (w/w) and 10% (w/w), respectively. A larger microemulsion region was also obtained for other system consisting of mixed surfactants (FAE 7/ FAE 2) and GTBE with the optimum concentrations of mixed surfactants and co-surfactant for producing full microemulsions were 15% (w/w) and 10% (w/w), respectively. Physical characterisations of the stable microemulsion solutions showed that the conductivity values depended on the content of aqueous solution, while the viscosity values on the physical structures of microemulsion
Association study of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) in Toll-likeReceptor 9 gene with bovine tuberculosis

Toll-like Receptor 9 (TLR9) play an important role in recognition of components of intracellular pathogens like Mycobacterium bovis and subsequent activation of both innate and adaptive immune response and is potential strong candidates for investigating genetic basis of disease resistance. Present investigation was aimed at exploring the association of four SNPs in TLR9 gene with susceptibility/resistance against bovine tuberculosis infection in cattle. Three of SNPs under investigation (rs210982793, rs207807011, rs209190268) revealed polymorphism whereas monomorphism was observed in SNP rs55617140. SNP loci rs210982793 and rs207807011 were significantly (P less than 0.01) associated with susceptibility to bovine tuberculosis in the case control population. Both these SNPs loci were non-synonymous, thus suggestive of their functional role in the immune response against bovine tuberculosis.
Developmental Regulation of DNA Replication Initiation in Drosophila

Developmental gene amplification in the ovarian follicle cells of Drosophila provides a powerful system for the study of metazoan DNA replication. Amplification produces 100kb gradients of amplified DNA through repeated rounds of origin firing and bidirectional movement of replication forks from these origins. The Drosophila Follicle Cell Amplicon at the cytological location 62D, DAFC-62D, is uniquely regulated, with two separate rounds of amplification in developmental stages 10 and 13 of egg chamber development. We investigated mechanisms that control the unusual timing of DAFC-62D origin activation. We first defined origin sequences in DAFC-62D by analyzing the amount of nascent replicative DNA across this amplicon. Surprisingly, the origin coincides with the coding region of a gene named yellow-g2. ORC2 localizes to the origin, as well as two other sites that do not confer origin activity. Both ORC2 and MCM2-7 display differential association with these sequences, corresponding to the two rounds of amplification. All three elements, dispersed in a 7kb central amplified region, are required for either round of DAFC-62D amplification, because deleting any one completely abolished amplification in transposon experiments. Preceded by transcription yellow-g2 in stage 12, the late round of origin firing was ablated by the RNAPII inhibitor α-amanitin. This effect was absent from other amplicons and insulated transposons, and was stage-13 specific for amplification at either the endogenous DAFC-62D or heterologous transposons that did not have functional insulators. Therefore amplification at DAFC-62D in late follicle cell differentiation depends on transcription in cis. Molecularly, blocking RNAPII transcription compromises MCM2-7 recruitment. Additional transposon and histone modification analyses confirmed the involvement of RNAPII in amplification control, which may be facilitated by favorable chromatin structure. This work provides insights in developmental regulation of origin firing, revealing one mechanism for initiation of metazoan DNA replication: recruitment of MCM2-7 by RNA polymerase II transcription.
Avaliação da atratividade de feromônio sexual sintético da traça das crucíferas, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), em cultivo orgânico de repolho

This study evaluated the attractiveness of the artificial sex- pheromone Bioplutella, on Delta sticky traps. The sex-pheromone proved to be efficient in the capture of males of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L., 1758) and can be indicated for monitoring.
Assessment of genetic variability of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L.) verdc.) accessions using morphological traits and molecular markers

The efficiency of breeding can be improved by employing a number of genetic diversity measures of the crop germplasm. Genetic diversity and relatedness of 24 Bambara groundnut accessions (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc.) were estimated using 36 morphological characters, 201 Diversity Array Technology (DArT) and 65 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to assess the relationships between the material and also between the three marker types. These accessions were selected to represent the diversity within cultivated Bambara groundnut germplasm. A broader group of 119 Bambara groundnut accessions (87 from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and 37 from University of Nottingham stocks; three seeds per accession) were planted in an unheated glasshouse at University of Nottingham in May, 2008. Data on the variation for morphological and agronomic traits were recorded following the IPGRI descriptors (IITA, BAMNET (2000). Samples were also analysed with microsatellite markers which have been characterised in this project. In addition, DNA extracted from the 119 accessions was sent for DArT analysis. This study has demonstrated the utility of the three marker types for genetic diversity and relatedness analysis. The genetic distance (GD) among the landraces and the first two axes for the principal component analysis (PCA) were obtained. The highest average genetic distance (GD) was obtained using morphological marker (0.55) followed by DArT (0.43) and SSR marker (0.25). The estimated values of the genetic relationship between all the markers were significantly correlated at (P<0.01). The markers provided consistent information as they produced relatively similar patterns of clustering, but DArT markers produced a cluster which grouped landraces based on their areas of origin. SSR markers have the advantage of being co-dominant and were employed to investigate pure line selection of Bambara groundnut. The results revealed significant reduction in the levels of heterogeneity from the 1st season of selection to the 3rd season, with no signs of residual heterozygosity suggesting that these lines (81-Acc-385TZA, 84-Acc 696ZMB, 88-AHM 753NAM, S19-3NAM and Bots1-BWA) have been effectively selected as pure lines. The application of SSR markers in this study further demonstrates their effectiveness as an approach suitable for Marker Assisted Selection in Bambara groundnut breeding.
Structure of the 16S and 23S Ribosomal RNAs

INTRODUCTION The important role of the rRNAs in establishing and maintaining the structure of ribosomes has been clearly revealed by extensive studies on the reconstitution of ribosomal particles (see Nomura and Held, this volume). The rRNAs appear to provide the framework to which the ribosomal proteins are attached during assembly. In the mature ribosome, they hold the proteins in a configuration which permits the particle to correctly carry out its functions in protein biosynthesis. The conformations of the RNA and protein molecules and the manner in which they are associated together result from a variety of interactions, both inter- and intramolecular. These interactions, which are cooperative, cause the RNA and protein components to assume specific secondary and tertiary structures and to become attached to each other in a precise way. In view of the fundamental role of rRNAs, considerable efforts have been made in the last few years to determine their nucleotide sequences. Extensive information about the primary structures of these molecules is necessary in order to gain a more detailed understanding of their role in ribosome structure, function and assembly and might also provide a means of resolving several questions concerning the genetics and evolution of ribosomes. In particular, such knowledge should prove helpful in clarifying the following areas:Primary sequence data is expected to give some indication of the secondary structures of the rRNA molecules, both from consideration of the sequences themselves and from the relative susceptibilities of specific bonds within them to enzymatic digestion. In any.
Determination of Bicarbonate in Fermentation of Cyanobacterial by Non-Suppress Ion Chromatography

Separation of Bicarbonate had been investi gated using a non-suppress cation chromatography and conductivity detection. Analysis was performed on an Optimix C18/SCX Cation-exchange column coupled to a conductivity detector, with an injection volume of 25 μL and a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The leacheate was fermentation of cyanobacterial apart from sodium bicarbonate. Under the optimized conditions, the linear relationship of Bicarbonate was 0.99946 in the range between 01 and 500 mg/L. The relative standard derivations of Bicarbonate less than 1.0% (n = 8). The recoveries of Bicarbonate in the samples from 100.15% to 111.10% were obtained. The Limit Of Detection (LOD) was 0.5 mg/L. The result showed that the method was convenient and accurate for the determination of Bicarbonate in Cyanobacterial fermentation.
Abundance Dynamic of Vibrio Cells Associated with Freshwater ShrimpsAtyidae (Crustacea-Decapoda) in the Coastal Surface Waters of Cameroon(Central Africa): Assessment of the Role of some Environmental Factors

The abundance dynamics of planktonic Vibrio cells and those associated with the freshwater shrimps Atyidae were assessed in the coastal surface waters of Cameroon (Central Africa). Two pathogenic species V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus were identified. The concentration of Vibrio cells associated to shrimps was relatively high, as compared to the planktonic cells. This concentration was very high during the great rainy season. The concentration of Vibrio associated with Atyidae undergoes variations under the effect of the proliferation of shrimps and influenced by color and rainfall. The physico-chemical analyses showed a strong organic pollution. Low nutrient levels suggested high water column turnover rate, which Vibrio compensated for by using organic matters leaking from shrimp. Stepwise regression analyses showed that the concentration of plaktonic Vibrio cells increase significantly in response to changes to dissolved oxygen and organic matter accumulated in the water column due to anthropogenic activities. Vibrio associated with shrimp Atyidae in surface waters are a real risk of public health.
Metabolic status related to claw disorders

2 Material and methods In total 122 Holstein cows from 2 dairy farms in west Slovakia were observed. Sample of cows was collected between years 2012 and 2016. In this study the test-day records of fat and protein yield of cows between 8 and 150 days in milk (DIM) and the results of evaluation of claw disorder occurrence were used. The data of testday records were provided by the Breeding Services of Slovakia, s. e. Claw disorders as interdigital dermatitis and heel erosion (IDHE), digital dermatitis (DD) and sole Metabolic status related to claw disorders
Robustness of adult female survival maintains a high-density sika deer (Cervus nippon) population following the initial irruption

Abstract Context. Irruption of large herbivore populations is characterised by three distinct phases: (1) an exponential increase in population to a peak abundance; (2) a population crash; and (3) a second increase to another population peak, typically lower than the first peak of abundance. However, there has been little study of age- and sex-specific factors that affect the post-initial irruption interactions with food sources. Aims. We aimed to investigate annual survival rates of sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck, 1838) in the sequent irruption of a population on Nakanoshima Island, Lake Toya, Japan, with a chronically high density during the period 2002–12. Methods. Survival monitoring data were obtained for 219 individuals (93 males and 126 females) using radio-collars. Annual survival was quantified, and related factors, i.e. deer abundance and winter severity, were determined by model selection using Akaike information criterion values. Key Results. The results showed that annual survival rates across sexes and age classes (fawn, yearling, prime-aged, old) decreased with increasing population density, snow depth and winter precipitation. Winter severity had a greater effect on adult survival than density regulation. Nevertheless, female adult survival was maintained at a high level, with a mean of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.80–0.88). Key conclusions. Robust survival rates for adult females might contribute to the maintenance of a high-density sika deer population in the post-initial irruption. Implications. We suggest that in the absence of predation and hunting, sika deer population is not able to self-regulate to the density level that avoids an irreversible impact on plants.
The future of the b-lactams

In the 80 years since their discovery the b-lactam antibiotics have progressed through structural generations, each in response to the progressive evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms. The generational progression was driven by the ingenious, but largely empirical, manipulation of structure by medicinal chemists. Nonetheless, the true creative force in these efforts was Nature, and as the discovery of new blactams from Nature has atrophied while at the same time multi-resistant and opportunistic bacterial pathogens have burgeoned, the time for empirical drug discovery has passed. We concisely summarize recent developments with respect to bacterial resistance, the identity of the new b-lactams, and the emerging non-empirical strategies that will ensure that this incredible class of antibiotics has a future.
Modelling the factors influencing ontogenetic dietary shifts in stream-dwelling brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Biotic and abiotic variables shape ontogenetic trajectories of animals. This study modelled (i) the body length-related timing of the ontogenetic switch from aquatic to surface prey, and (ii) the impacts of habitat characteristics, prey availability, and fish densities on the relative contribution of surface prey to the overall diet of native brown trout. We used individual-based models of dietary data for 170 fish (length range: 48-343 mm). There was a high degree of individual variation in the use of surface prey, but logistic regression suggested that the shift from aquatic to surface prey was established at a body length of 81 mm (range: 36-127 mm). Results of linear mixed-effects models highlighted the importance of fish length, benthic invertebrates, brown trout density and water current velocity to the switch to surface prey by riverine brown trout, with fish length being the most influential variable. Our study provides evidence of the importance of ontogeny (intrinsic features of individuals link.
Feeding stimulatory effects of Cyperus rotundus tuber on Cirrhinus mrigala

Traditionally tubers of cyperus (Cyperus rotundus) and its extracts have been used for alluring fish during harvesting in India. An experiment was conducted to evaluate its feeding stimulatory activity and effect on the growth of a commercially important freshwater fish, Cirrhinus mrigala. Three isonitrogenous and isocaloric formulated diets viz. plant ingredient based control and control supplemented with cyperus tuber (CS) at 1% and 5% levels were fed to the fingerlings of mrigal, C. mrigala (2.68+0.20 g) for a period of 45 days. The growth performance and the activity of metabolic enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in liver, gill and muscle tissues of mrigal were studied during every 15 days interval. Highest relative growth (72.28%) was obtained in the mrigal fed with the diet containing 5% cyperus (5% CS), while the relative growths were 66.18% and 43.40% for the fish fed with the 1% CS diet and control respectively. The activities of AST and ALT were significantly higher (p<0.01) in both 1% and 5% CS diets as compared to the control in all the tissues studied. Higher aminotransferase activities were observed in the tissues of 5% CS group than in those of 1% CS group throughout the experimental period. The observed higher enzymatic activity was concomitant with the higher growth rate in fish. The results suggested that cyperus tuber supplementation increased feed palatability and growth.
Remobilization assay of dry matter from different shoot organs under drought stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Remobilization of dry matter during the grain filling period in wheat is capable of helping the plant recover its grain yield under drought stress. In this study, the genotypic variation of different traits related to dry matter remobilization were measured in seven genotypes of wheat under the three different environment conditions of well-watered, drought stress at heading stage with application of extra nitrogen fertilizer (30%), and drought stress in Isfahan, Iran. Analysis of variance showed that the genotypes were different not only in their dry matter remobilization from the spike, the stem, the peduncle, and the leaf sheath but also in their current photosynthesis. Different environmental conditions were found to affect dry matter remobilization from the leaves and sheath, current photosynthesis, grain yield, and the relative contributions by the stem and the spike to grain yield. The highest values of spike and stem contribution to grain yield were obtained under drought stress while current photosynthesis was found to be the sole supplier for grain filling in normal conditions. Application of extra nitrogen fertilizer under drought stress was found to reduce the loss of grain yield in some genotypes as a result of enhanced vegetative growth, reserve accumulation, and dry matter remobilization to the grain.
Locating the Modifie r of Segregation Distorter in Dorosophila Melanogaster

The Drosophila melanogaster meiotic drive system Segregation Distorter (SD) has been a topic of great interest over the past decades due to its implications for fertility issues in fruit flies and other species as well. Several genes have been associated with this system; however, little research has focused on a particular one of these genes—the Modifier of SD. The location of this modifier gene is still unknown, so multiple deleted segments of DNA that compose a suspect area along the 2 chromosome were tested here to see if some level of distortion is established in the absence of these segments. The DNA region from chromosomal segments 43E9 to 43E18 showed the highest level of distortion (k value = 0.828), so genes within this segment were tested for a possible correlation to Modifier of SD. The three genes torso, saxophone, and CG30497 were examined for this correlation, and torso showed a significant k value (0.689), indicating a possible relation to Modifier of SD.