Food utilization in the fish Tilapia mossambica fed on plant and animal foods

Only a few publications are available concerning food utilization in herbivorous fishes (see PANDIAN, 1975). MENZEL (1959) found that angelfish Holacanthus bermudi? nsis, fed on epizoan-free filamentous algae, failed to deposit protein ; he concluded that, though the utilized algae were sufficient to meet the metabolic energy requirements, the animal matter ingested intentionally or accidentally by the angelfish was essential to insure "true growth" (GERKING, 1952)

Traveling-wave deceleration of SrF molecules

We report on the production, deceleration and detection of a SrF molecular beam. The molecules are captured from a supersonic expansion and are decelerated in the X$^2\Sigma^+ (v=0, N=1)$ state. We demonstrate the removal of up to 40% of the kinetic energy with a 2 meter long modular traveling-wave decelerator. Our results demonstrate a crucial step towards the preparation of ultracold gases of heavy diatomic molecules for precision spectroscopy

Molecular cloning of growth hormone encoding cDNA of Indian major carps by a modified rapid amplification of cDNA ends strategy

A modified rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) strategy has been developed for cloning highly conserved cDNA sequences. Using this modified method, the growth hormone (GH) encoding cDNA sequences of Labeo rohita, Cirrhina mrigala and Catla catla have been cloned, characterized and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. These sequences show 96-98% homology to each other and are about 85% homologous to that of common carp. Besides, an attempt has been made for the first time to describe a 3-D model of the fish GH protein

Molecular conservation of estrogen-response associated with cell cycle regulation, hormonal carcinogenesis and cancer in zebrafish and human cancer cell lines

BMC Medical Genomics4

Cloning of partial putative gonadotropin hormone receptor sequence from fish

A search for the presence of mariner-like elements in the Labeo rohita genome by polymerase chain reaction led to the amplification of a partial DNA sequence coding for a putative transmembrane domain of gonadotropin hormone receptor. The amplified DNA sequence shows a high degree of homology to the available turkey and human luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone receptor coding sequences. This is the first report on cloning such sequences of piscine origin

Construction, electroporatic transfer and expression of ZpβypGH and ZpβrtGH in zebrafish

Recombinant transformation vectors (ZPβypGH and ZpβrtGH) consisting of fish growth hormone cDNA, and a reporter gene β-galactosidase driven by fish promoter (Zp) were constructed. Freshly fertilized eggs of zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) were electroporated at optimum conditions (0.07 kV voltage; 25 μF capacitance; ∞ ohm resistance and 2 pulses) in the presence of one of these transformation vectors (100 μg circular DNA/ml). In either cases 72% of the electroporated eggs successfully hatched, in comparison to the 85% hatchability of the control eggs. Genomic DNA extracted from fins of randomly chosen F0 individuals was screened (by Southern blot hybridization); the transgenes were retained in the host genome of all the randomly chosen adult transformants. Fin-positive presumptive founder parents were crossed with control counterparts and the DNA of randomly chosen F1 progenies was screened for germline transformation. Southern analysis of chosen F1 progenies revealed the persistence of ZPβypGH or ZpβrtGH in 53% of the F1 progenies. Southern analyses of chosen F1 progenies and the frequency (53% of F1 ZpβrtGH and 53% of F1 ZP{β}ypGH) of transmission revealed the degree of mosaicism in F0 transformants. Expression was confirmed from the 3-4 times elevated levels of activity of the reporter gene and 30-40% accelerated growth of transgenic F0 and F1 progenies

Comparative Study of Amino Acids in the Life Stages of Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.)

The silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) undergoes distinct life stages, including egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult moth(imago), each with specific physiological requirements. Amino acids are essential for the growth and development of the silkworm. In this study, we work in paper chromatography to compare the amino acid profiles in different life stages of the silkworm. Samples were collected from eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult moths. Amino acids were extracted and separated on chromatographic paper using a suitable solvent system. The developed chromatograms were analyzed to determine the relative concentrations of specific amino acids. Our results revealed variations in the amino acid composition across the life stages. The amino acids such as glycine, methionine, leucine, and aspartic acid were common in all life stages of silkworms. These differences may be attributed to the physiological changes associated with metamorphosis and reproduction in adult silkworms. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the dynamic changes in amino acid profiles during the life stages of silkworms, highlighting the importance of amino acids in their growth, development, and silk production. And, this study demonstrates the utility of paper chromatography as a cost-effective and reliable method for analyzing amino acid composition in complex biological samples, providing valuable insights into the nutritional dynamics of the silkworm lifecycle

Automatic Detection of User Abilities through the SmartAbility Framework

This paper presents a proposed smartphone application for the unique SmartAbility Framework that supports interaction with technology for people with reduced physical ability, through focusing on the actions that they can perform independently. The Framework is a culmination of knowledge obtained through previously conducted technology feasibility trials and controlled usability evaluations involving the user community. The Framework is an example of ability-based design that focuses on the abilities of users instead of their disabilities. The paper includes a summary of Versions 1 and 2 of the Framework, including the results of a two-phased validation approach, conducted at the UK Mobility Roadshow and via a focus group of domain experts. A holistic model developed by adapting the House of Quality (HoQ) matrix of the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) approach is also described. A systematic literature review of sensor technologies built into smart devices establishes the capabilities of sensors in the Android and iOS operating systems. The review defines a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as search terms used to elicit literature from online repositories. The key contribution is the mapping of ability-based sensor technologies onto the Framework, to enable the future implementation of a smartphone application. Through the exploitation of the SmartAbility application, the Framework will increase technology amongst people with reduced physical ability and provide a promotional tool for assistive technology manufacturers

Gene transfer in Indian major carps by electroporation

The rainbow trout growth hormone gene has been successfully tranferred into three species of Indian major carps rohu (Labeo rohita), mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) and catla (Catla catla) through electroporated sperm cell. At 0.5kV/cm (25μF capacitance, a resistance, and 2 pulses) the gene transfer efficiency was 25% for rohu, 23% for mrigal and 13% for catla. This is the first report on gene transfer in Indian major carps