bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
cDNA cloning and mRNA expression of growth hormone in Belontiidae (Anabantoidei suborder)
Authors: Degani G. , Jackson K. , Yom-Din S. , Goldberg D. 
Published: February 2021

Complete cDNA encoding for the growth hormone (GH) of the Belontiidae fish family (Anabantoidei suborder) was cloned by RACE PCR using several sets of degenerate oligonu- cleotides. GH cDNA of the pearl gourami (Trichogaster leeri; pgGH), cloned from the pituitary, included the 5’ and 3’ noncoding sequences of 44 bp and 181 bp, respectively, and consisted of 840 bp that encoded for a prehormone of 204 amino acid (aa) residues. GH cDNA of the blue gourami (T. trichopterus; bgGH) and its deduced aa sequence had the same lengths as those of the pgGH, with nucleotide and aa identities of 97% and 99%, respectively. GH cDNA cloned from the dwarf gourami (Colisa lalia; dgGH) differed from both pgGH and bgGH. The identity of the dgGH cDNA nucleotides was 88%, compared to pgGH and bgGH. However, the identity of the deduced dgGH aa sequence was 97% when compared to bgGH and 96% when compared to pgGH. Nucleotides of GH cDNA of the fighting fish (Betta splendens; ffGH) had an identity of 82% to those of pgGH and bgGH, and 81% to the dwarf gourami. Higher identity was found among the aa sequences than among the nucleotide sequences. The identity of the cloned aa ffGH compared to bgGH, pgGH, and dgGH was 93%, 92%, and 91%, respectively. Higher levels of GH mRNA were found in females in immature, vitellogenic, and mature stages than in males in various stages of gonadal development. No significant differences in the GH transcription level were found between immature and mature females and males. However, the mRNA level decreased significantly during sexual behavior in males. GH sequence and expression may be used as systematic markers for Belontiidae fish and possibly other fish.
Use of PCR-RFLP Analysis of mtDNA Cytochrome-b Gene to Determine Genetic Differences in Capoeta spp.
Authors: Aksakal Ecrument , Erdogan Orhan 
Published: February 2021

Genetic differences between Capoeta capoeta capoeta, Capoeta capoeta umbla, and Capoeta tinca were determined using PCR-RFLP of mtDNA cytochrome-b (Cyt-b) by amplifying approxi- mately 400-500 bp of this region from each of the three subspecies. The restriction enzymes SpeI and HinfI did not indicate genetic differences but AluI and HpaII did. Thus, PCR-RFLP of the mtDNA was used to distinguish between closely related subspecies without having to ana- lyze the entire DNA sequence of specimens. Use of this technique demonstrated that the Cyt-b regions of the three subspecies have different base sequences. The similarity between C. c. capoeta and C. c. umbla is 71.4% while C. tinca is more distant (50% for C. c. umbla and 33.3% for C. c. capoeta). The Cyt-b similarity is consistent with morphological and taxonomical similar- ities. PCR-RFLP can serve as a tool for genetically identifying subspecies of fish in nature and in aquaculture.
Improved Induced-Spawning Protocol for the Spotted Rose Snapper (Lutjanus guttatus)
Authors: Ibarra-Castro L. , Alvarez-Lajonchere L. 
Published: February 2021

An improved protocol for hormonal induction of spawning in spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) resulted in increased spawning efficiency in newly-caught wild breeders and wild-caught adults maintained in captivity for more than a year. A controlled-release delivery system (implant) based on an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVAc) matrix was loaded with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). The required GnRHa dose was established in two stages. The first stage included meta-analysis of our earlier experiments with wild spawners; the second stage included new experiments with wild and captive breeders. A nomograph was devel- oped to calculate the required GnRHa implant dose, taking into account the origin of the female (wild vs. captive), the initial mean oocyte diameter, and body weight. The effective GnRHa dose was greater in wild than captive females and, in both cases, inversely related to mean oocyte diameter. Using this nomograph, over half the wild females with a mean oocyte diam- eter of ≥425 μm and over half the captive females with a mean oocyte diam- eter of ≥350 μm responded to GnRHa implant treatment (producing multi- ple spawning events in captives), with mean total relative fecundity ranging 80-278 x 103 eggs/kg body weight and 51-85% fertilization success. The nomograph can be used to calculate the GnRHa implant dose required to induce spawning in this species under commercial aquaculture conditions.
Identification and Antimicrobial Activity of Combined Extract from Azadirachta indica and Ocimum sanctum
Authors: Harikrishnan Ramasamy , Kim Man-Chul , Kim Ju-Sang , Balasundaram Chellam , Jawahar Sundaram , Heo Moon-Soo 
Published: February 2021

The chemical constituents of decoction (individual) and concoction (mixed) of ethanolic leaf extracts from Azadirachta indica (neem) and Ocimum sanctum (tulsi) were analyzed by gas chromatography-­mass spectro-­ photometery (GC-­MS). Decoctions of A. indica and O. sanctum had 24 and 33 constituents, respectively. Mixed together, 26 compounds were identified. Four major (high percentage) compounds were identified in A. indica: n-­hexadecanoic acid (14.34%), phytol (19.96%), 9,12,15-­octa-­ decatrienoic acid, (Z,Z,Z)-­ (18.57%), and vitamin E (11.37%). Three major compounds were identified in O. sanctum: phenol,2-­methoxy-­3-­(2-­ propenyl) (15.32%), 9,12,15-­octadecatrienoic acid,(Z,Z,Z)-­ (16.94%), and 9,12,15-­octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester,(Z,Z,Z)-­ (22.05%). Three major compounds were identified in the mixed extract: n-­hexadecanoic acid (16.58%), phenol,2-­methoxy-­3-­(2-­propenyl) (20.62%), and 9,12,15-­ octadecatrienoic acid,(Z,Z,Z) (25.98%). Four of the compounds in the mixed extract were new: eudesma-­4(14),11-­diene (0.18%), 6-­ azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane (0.51%), cyclohexane,1-­ethyl-­1-­methyl-­2,4-­ bis(1-­methylenyl)-­,[1S-­␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-­␣-­Elemen (0.77%), and globulol (1.45%). The mixed extract had a high level of antimicrobial activity against fish pathogens as indicated by zone of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration.
Low Mercury Levels in Lake Kinneret Fish
Authors: Blanchfield Paul J. , Shapiro James , Sukenik Assaf , Orihel Diane M. , Shefer Edna 
Published: February 2021

Human exposure to the neurotoxin, methylmercury (MeHg), occurs primarily through the consumption of contaminated fish that are present even in pristine freshwater ecosystems. Lake Kinneret is the sole freshwater lake in Israel and supports an important commercial fishery. We examined total mercury (THg; often equivalent to MeHg in fish muscle tissue) for nine fish species in Lake Kinneret. Concentrations were low for all fish species, 6-409 ng/g, and below 500 ng/g MeHg, the level generally considered safe for human consumption. Of particular relevance are the very low levels of THg (<60 ng/g) in Galilee St. Peter’s fish (Sarotherodon galilaeus) and lavnun (Acanthobrama terrascantae), the most commercially important species in Lake Kinneret. Biomagnification was apparent among trophic guilds, with THg concentrations increasing from primary to secondary to tertiary consumers. This study suggests that consumption of commercial species, especially primary consumers, will result in low MeHg exposure to humans.
Effect of Bacillus circulans and fructooligosaccharide supplementation on growth and haemato-immunological function of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings exposed to sub-lethal nitrite stress
Authors: Singh Soibam Khogen , Tiwari V K , Chadha N K , Prakash Chandra , Sukhamb Munilkumar , Das Pronob , Mandala S C , Chanu Thongam Ibemcha 
Published: February 2021

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a probiotic strain, Bacillus circulans (BC) and prebiotics fructooligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation in Labeo rohita fingerlings subjected to sub-lethal nitrite stress. Earlier a sixty days feeding trial was conducted using eight experimental diets viz. T1 (106 cfu/g BC+0%FOS), T2 (108 cfu/g BC+0% FOS), T3 (0BC+1%FOS), T4 (0BC+2%FOS), , T5 (106 cfu/g BC + 1% FOS), T6 (106 cfu/g BC+2% FOS), T7 (108 cfu/g BC+1%FOS), T8 (108 cfu/g BC+2%FOS) & control (0BC+0%FOS) assigned to triplicate groups. After the initial experiment, fishes were subjected to sub-lethal nitrite (1/5 96 h LC50 = 2.08 mg/L) for another 30 days. At the end of the experiment growth and feed utilization parameters viz. weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) & survival percentage were calculated. Haemato-immunological parameters viz. total leukocyte count (TLC), total erythrocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) values, lysozyme and respiratory burst activity were assayed after exposure to stress. Growth and feed utilization was significantly (p < 0.05) better in probiotic fed groups at all level of supplementation whereas prebiotics supplementation at 2% level had negative impact. Percentage survival was also better in the supplemented groups with highest survival observed in T4 group. Similarly, post challenge haemato-immunological parameters were better in supplemented group compared to control and higher levels were observed in combination groups (T4 and T5). From the present investigation, it can be concluded that probiotic B. circulans and prebiotics FOS supplementation improves immune status and thereby conferring better protection of L. rohita under sub-lethal nitrite stress.
Pharmacokinetic Profile and Muscle Residue Elimination of Tilmicosin after Oral Administration in Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Liu Yongtao , AI Xiaohui , Li Le , Yang Hong 
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and muscle tissue residue elimination of tilmicosin (TLM) in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) at water temperature of 26±1°C after administration of TLM at three different doses. The crucian carp were randomly divided into two treatment groups and a control group. TLM was administered at two different doses to the treatment groups. Group 1 received a single orally administered dose of TLM at the rate of 50mg/kg body weight, group 2 received three orally administered doses of TLM at the rate of 50 mg/kg body wt. on three consecutive days and Group 3 (the control group) received a normal, drug free diet (0 TLM). TLM concentrations in plasma and muscle tissue were analyzed with ultra highperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC, Waters, USA). Using the 3p97 software, the data of pharmacokinetics was conformed to a two-compartment model. The absorption rate constant (Ka) and absorption half-life (t1/2 kα) of TLM were 1.99 h and 0.349 h, respectively. The distribution half-life (t1/2α) and elimination half-life (t1/2β) of TLM were 2.87 h and 39.89 h, respectively. The maximum concentration (Cmax) of TLM in plasma was 19.36 μg/ml and the time to peak concentration (Tp) was 1.27 h. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was 240.326 µg·h/ml. The distribution volume (Vd/F) of TLM was calculated as 1.968 l/kg. for determination of the muscle residue elimination of TLM used by oral administration at a dosage of 50 mg/kg body weight per day for 3 days of TLM. The results revealed that the elimination of TLM in the crucian carp muscle tissue has a long half-life time of 3.12 d. Based on the above residues, we suggest the withdrawal time should be at least 33 days, calculated by the equation MRL=C0 ek(WDT).
Effects of Vinegars and Sodium Acetate on the Growth Performance of Pacific White Shrimp, Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Jamis J.O. , Tumbokon B.L.M. , Caigoy J.C.C. , Bunda M.G.B. , Serrano A.E. Jr. 
Published: February 2021

Vinegars and their salts have the potential to act as growth promoters and prophylactics against bacterial pathogens. This study aims to evaluate the effects of various vinegars and sodium acetate on the growth performance of white shrimp Penaeus vannamei. Groups of shrimps were fed diets containing 2% of either apple cider vinegar (ACV), coconut sap vinegar (CSV), sugar cane vinegar (CaV), or sodium acetate, and a diet with no vinegar (i.e. a control diet). Total acidity data of the diet showed that only the sodium acetate diet resulted in the highest total acidity after 60 min immersion in salt water (20 ppt). Attractability tests using customized repartitioned aquaria showed that the CSV diet attracted the highest significant percentage of shrimps after 10 min of feed placement in the feeding chamber. In the feeding trial that lasted for 60 days, results showed that the ACV and CSV groups of shrimps consumed significantly more feed than the other groups. All vinegar groups exhibited significantly higher final average body weight, weight gain, and specific growth, rate than either the control or sodium acetate group. The CSV group exhibited the significantly best feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio. Survival was statistically similar among all groups. Conclusion: the CSV group exhibited the significantly best growth performance and efficiency while both the control and sodium acetate groups exhibited the poorest.
Effects of Low Salinity on Growth, Survival, and Stress Response in the Longtooth Grouper, Epinephelus bruneus, and E. bruneus × E. lanceolatus Hybrid Grouper
Authors: Park Y. J. , Yoon N.J. , Kyu L.H. 
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the effects of low salinity on growth, survival, and stress response in longtooth grouper, Epinephelus bruneus, and the hybrid grouper resulting from crossing E. bruneus females and E. lanceolatus males. There were no significant differences in the hybrids for any of the above growth values among different salinity groups, however the percent weight gain was significantly lower in the 8 Practical Salinity Unit (psu) group than in the other salinity groups. As for survival, only longtooth grouper in the group reared at 8 psu died. The plasma cortisol levels tended to increase at lower salinities in both the longtooth grouper and the hybrids. Plasma Na+, K+, Cl– concentrations in the hybrid were not significantly different among the salinity groups, while Na+ and Cl– concentrations in the longtooth grouper were significantly lower in the 8 psu group than in the other treatments. The above results indicate that both the longtooth grouper and the hybrid grouper juveniles were highly adaptable to variations in salinity. The optimal salinity for rearing longtooth grouper was found to be 24 psu, while the hybrids had a larger tolerance range of 16-32 psu. Results therefore showed that the hybrid grouper has a higher tolerance than the longtooth grouper for low salinity.
Shewanella algae: an Emerging Pathogen of Black Spot Disease in Freshwater-Cultured Whiteleg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei),
Authors: Cao H. , Chen S , Lu L , An J 
Published: February 2021

Black spot disease causes significant economic losses in whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei yet only limited information is available on Shewanella algae as a bacterial pathogen of this disease. In this study, a virulent strain, temporarily named SFH3, was isolated from diseased freshwater-cultured P. vannamei suffering from black spot disease, identified phenotypically and molecularly as S. algae. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to examine the taxonomic position and relatedness of isolate SFH3 to other S. algae isolates. When screened against a range of common veterinary antibiotics, isolate SFH3 is apparently susceptible to aminoglycosides and quinolones antibiotics in aquaculture. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. algae as a causal agent of black spot disease in live freshwater-cultured P. vannamei.
A Study of Explicit and Implicit Means of Connection in Monologic Supraphrasal Reported Speech
Authors: Mkhitaryan Yelena , Tamoyan Nare 
Published: February 2021

The article, which views the monologic reported speech as a unique supraphrasal unity, aims to investigate the explicit and implicit means of connection that ensure the structural and semantic, as well as communication wholeness of the reported speech. The explicit means connecting the members of the monologic supraphrasal reported speech are anaphoric and cataphoric conversion, interjections and connective words, syntactic parallels, etc. while the implicit connection is expressed by semantic-logical relations (causal, adversative, time) existing between the other constituents of the monologic supraphrasal reported speech, rather than by linguistic means of connection.
The Importance of Teaching English through Armenian Culture
Authors: Ghonyan Meline 
Published: February 2021

Culture and art have always been indispensable parts of language teaching. Cultural texts and various cultural topics have been included in language books and textbooks. However, textbook developers and English teachers give priority to teaching the culture of the target language rather than that of native learners.
In the current paper we would like to state that it is beneficial to teach English through local culture materials as they increase the cognitive, communicative and social understanding of the learners.
Having based on our teaching experience, we can claim that specific topics like Armenian music, dances, customs and traditions, Armenian artists and their art works, the cities and architecture, filming and theatre, holidays and festivals and other culture-related topics are of great interest to Armenian learners of English. These topics are, to some extent, familiar to them, so they enhance the learners’ English communicative skills. Moreover, the learners obtain a full comprehension of Armenian culture and develop certain skills to present it to others.
Approximation as a Semantic Process of Occasional Modification of the Meaning
Authors: Yaghubyan Marine 
Published: February 2021

Approximation is a semantic process when occasional modification of meaning, i.e. partial actualization of a linguistic unit is carried out. This process takes place when one of the elements of a situation, an object, an action or a quality mentioned is questionable as to its correspondence to the referent. As a result of this the latter is denoted approximately, not precisely by the speaker or writer.
The paper examines different types of approximators (approximators proper, minimizers, compromizers) in order to assess the semantic relations between certain adverbs that function as approximators. The analysis shows that the adverbs used as approximators are not identical and cannot be called absolute synonyms. Vocabulary acquisition is not an easy job for foreign language learners. It becomes even more challenging when it comes to the learning of synonyms. Though synonymous approximators share some of the meanings, they are not interchangeable in all contexts. Furthermore, the analysis comes to prove that the occurrence of approximators across various registers differs.
Armenian Genocide Prerequisites in Travel Memoirs (With special reference to Noel Buxton and Harold Buxton’s accounts)
Authors: Gasparyan Naira 
Published: February 2021

The findings of our linguocognitive research on a sound historical perspective establish a number of undeniable facts which will elucidate the situation of Armenians in Western Armenia in the pre-genocidal period.
The linguistic material of Noel and Harold Buxtons’ accounts for the British Parliament, Travel and Politics in Armenia, published in 1914, has been studied with the application of a set of methods and approaches: the cognitive method of investigation combined with those of linguostylistic and linguocultural analyses on the extralinguistic basis and the method of purposive sampling. The book is an undeniable source of eyewitness facts which confirm the existing prerequisites for the 1915 Armenian genocide.
The Communicative Function of English Parenthetical Constructions
Authors: Yaghubyan Marine 
Published: February 2021

The main function of parenthetical constructions is to characterize the sentence from the position of the speaker to the listener. In English parenthetical constructions are essential, since they not only connect ideas, sentences, paragraphs making them more cohesive, but also introduce contrast or opposition, emphasis or agreement, purpose, result or conclusion, etc.
We try to demonstrate how parenthetical constructions provide and convey communicative functions in spoken and written discourse. However, one should also note that parenthetical constructions cannot carry out the communicative shifts independently; hence the certain communicative shift is relatively dependent on the context.
Dickens’s Victorian Novel versus Lean’s Modern Film Adaptation
Authors: Tchaparian Vicky 
Published: February 2021

Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations pinpoints his Victorian literary heritage. On the other hand, David Lean’s film adaptation of Dickens’ novel conveys it realistically in a period of post War II cinematic modernization.
In the present paper, different points are discussed and presented; First, different critical opinions, by earlier and modern critics, as well as David Lean’s personal opinion about film adaptation are revealed and discussed. Second, Dickens’s eccentric and grotesque Victorian characters that are presented through Lean’s visually and thematically rationalized postwar characters. Third, Dickens’s extraordinary characters are contrasted with Lean’s realistic ones. Moreover, Lean’s modernistic touches to the Dickensian novel which cater the postwar audience’s need (for which reason Lean’s film is a completely intellectual one and not at all Dickensian) are also unveiled.
Thus, trying to put some hope in the hopeless hearts of his audience in the aftermath of the Second World War, Lean’s modernization of the Dickensian era to fit in the world of his contemporary audience is proven.
Meeting the Goals and Challenges of Adult EFL Learners
Authors: Khachaturyan Veronik , Ghalachyan Armenuhi 
Published: February 2021

The paper addresses the goals and challenges of language instruction to adult learners over 30 in Armenia, with emphasis on oral speech. As the number of English learners among adults is growing, it is becoming urgent to study the peculiarities and specific learning needs of adults to organise an adequate teaching and learning environment.
The components of spoken language and the idea of communicative competence are discussed, followed by a consideration of what teaching adults should take into account and how the teaching process can be organised. The target group in this study encompasses three categories of adult learners. One refers to people who take up English for better employment opportunities and/or to meet on-the-job requirements; the second category consists in employees seeking to expand their professional development activities; the last one is represented by an increasing number of emigrants.