Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
To Study the Combining Ability and Gene Action Involve in Expression of Traits in Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex. Poir)

ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 06 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com The present investigation was carried out with aims to assess the combining ability involving 7 parents namely, Narendra Agrim (P1), Narendra Amrit (P2), Narendra Upkar (P3), NDPK-76-1 (P4), NDPK-724 (P5) and NDPK-39-2 (P6) and NDPK-12-10 (P7) of pumpkin and their 21 F1 hybrids produced in diallel mating design excluding reciprocals at MES, Vegetable Science, NDUA. &T, Kumarganj, Faizabad (U.P.) India in Zaid, 2016. The experiments were laid out in RBD with three replications having each experimental unit of single row with spacing of 3.0 m (R×R) × 0.5 m (P×P). The observations were recorded on parents and F1‟s for twenty quantitative traits including six quality traits viz., node number to first male flower appearance, node number to first female flower appearance, days to first male flower anthesis, days to first female flower anthesis, days to first fruit harvest, vine length (m), internodal length (cm), number of primary branches per plant, fruit weight (kg), number of fruits per plant, equatorial circumference of fruit (cm), polar circumference of fruit (cm), flesh thickness (cm), fruit yield per plant (kg), and six quality/biochemical traits namely ascorbic acid, reducing sugars (%) non-reducing sugars (%), total sugars (%), dry matter content and total soluble solids. The analysis of variance for combining ability revealed that there were significant differences for all the traits. Mean squares due to general combining ability were observed significant for all the traits and specific combining ability were observed significant for all traits except days first fruit harvest and average fruit weight. The parents Narendra Upkar (P3), NDPK-39-2 (P6) and NDPK-12-10 (P7) were found good general combiner for fruit yield per plant and number of fruits per plant. Out of the best five significant specific crosses with high per se performance for fruit yield per plant, three crosses NDPK-76-1 x NDPK-39-2 (P4 x P6), Narendra Upkar x NDPK-12-10 (P3 x P7) and (Narendra Upkar x NDPK-724) P3 x P5 indicated good specific combing ability. Both additive and dominance variance were found important in the inheritance of most of the traits, whereas dominance variance were found more prominent than the additive variance. Average degree of dominance revealed the presence of over dominance for all the traits. The proportions of genes ( 2 Ĥ /4 1 Ĥ ) in the parents were less than 0.25 for all the traits indicating asymmetrical distribution of alleles at loci showing dominance. In general the proportions of dominant and recessive genes in parents [4 D̂ 1 Ĥ ) 1/2 + F̂ / (4 D̂ 1 Ĥ ) 1/2 F̂ ] were more than unity with positive F̂ value for all traits indicating major contribution of dominant genes. K e y w o r d s Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex. Poir), Combining ability and gene action Accepted: 12 May 2019 Available Online: 10 June 2019 Article Info Int.J.Curr.Microbiol. App.Sci (2019) 8(6): 1535-1549
IMPACT OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI ON SOME DEFENSE ENZYME ACTIVITIES AT AN EARLY STAGE OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS. L) UNDER DIFFERENT ABIOTIC STRESSES

Environmental impacts on plants are becoming more extreme and their response to these effects is a key factor in plant production. Promoting the adaptability of plants is a priority area, one of the opportunities is the symbiotic system of mycorrhizal fungi with plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have beneficial effects on plants’ water and nutrient uptake and increasing plant defense mechanisms to alleviate different oxidative stresses. The aim of this study was to investigate how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi influence the changes in some plant defense enzymes (catalase (CAT), peroxidase (PER), glutathione S-transferase (GST), polyphenol oxidase (PPO)) together with gene expressions under salt, high temperature and drought stresses at an early stage of maize (Zea mays L.). The results suggest that AM fungi inoculation may take part in the alleviation processes caused by high temperature, salt and drought stresses. However, these mechanisms are influenced by the age of the plants which is most likely justified by energy considerations.
High-resolution genome-wide expression analysis of single myofibers using SMART-Seq

Skeletal muscle is a heterogeneous tissue. Individual myofibers that make up muscle tissue exhibit variation in their metabolic and contractile properties. Although biochemical and histological assays are available to study myofiber heterogeneity, efficient methods to analyze the whole transcriptome of individual myofibers are lacking. Here, we report on a single-myofiber RNA-sequencing (smfRNA-Seq) approach to analyze the whole transcriptome of individual myofibers by combining single-fiber isolation with Switching Mechanism at 5′ end of RNA Template (SMART) technology. Using smfRNA-Seq, we first determined the genes that are expressed in the whole muscle, including in nonmyogenic cells. We also analyzed the differences in the transcriptome of myofibers from young and old mice to validate the effectiveness of this new method. Our results suggest that aging leads to significant changes in the expression of metabolic genes, such as Nos1, and structural genes, such as Myl1, in myofibers. We conclude that smfRNA-Seq is a powerful tool to study developmental, disease-related, and age-related changes in the gene expression profile of skeletal muscle.
Replacing an oriental beech forest with a spruce plantation impacts nutrient concentrations in throughfall, stemflow, and O layer

Aim of study: To measure the nutrient leaching from canopy and the O layer in a natural oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) forest and a Norway spruce (Picea abies) plantation.Materials and methods: From mid-July to early November, 2013, we measured throughfall (TF) (n=45), stemflow (SF) (n=12) and leaching from the O layer (n = 30) in a 0.5 ha sample plot in the Caspian region, Mazandaran province in northern Iran.Main results: Concentrations of PO43-, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and K+ in the throughfall and the O layer in both beech and spruce forests significantly increased relative to gross rainfall. Concentrations of Ca2+ and Na+ in TF and SF were significantly higher in the spruce forest compared with the beech forest. Furthermore, in both forests, cumulative fluxes of all studied elements (with the exception of NH4+ and NO3-) during the study period were statistically different from those of GR (P<0.05). Research highlights: This study demonstrates that changing from a natural beech forest to a spruce plantation significantly alters nutrient fluxes exiting the canopy and the O layer. This information provides essential information on how planting exotic species will affect nutrient cycles in this region.Keywords: Beech forest; Norway spruce plantation; Throughfall; Nutrient leaching; O layer.
Transpeptidase PBP2 governs initial localization and activity of major cell-wall synthesis machinery in Escherichia coli

Bacterial shape is physically determined by the peptidoglycan cell wall. The cell-wall-synthesis machinery responsible for rod shape in Escherichia coli is the processive ‘Rod complex’. Previously, cytoplasmic MreB filaments were thought to govern formation and localization of Rod complexes based on local cell-envelope curvature. However, using single-particle tracking of the transpeptidase PBP2, we found strong evidence that PBP2 initiates new Rod complexes by binding to a substrate different from MreB or any known Rod-complex component. This substrate is likely the cell wall. Consistently, we found only weak correlations between MreB and envelope curvature in the cylindrical part of cells. Residual correlations do not require any curvature-based Rod-complex initiation but can be attributed to persistent rotational motion. Therefore, local cell-wall architecture likely provides the cue for PBP2 binding and subsequent Rod-complex initiation. We also found that PBP2 has a limiting role for Rod-complex activity, thus supporting its central role.
Length-weight relationship (LWR) of fish, Labeo rohita (Hamilton) from pond near Kalayat, Kaithal, Haryana India

The present study have been carried on the thirty one specimens of the rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton) collected from the pond near the Kalayat in Kaithal, Haryana, India. The total fish length ranged between 24.6-40.3 cm and the total weight of the fish varies between 190-455 gms. The present studies on Labeo rohita (Hamilton) from the pond near Kalayat in Kaithal, Haryana, shows a negative allometric growth pattern with ‘b’ value 2.263.
Choice-selective sequences dominate in cortical relative to thalamic inputs to nucleus accumbens, providing a potential substrate for credit assignment

How are actions linked with subsequent outcomes to guide choices? The nucleus accumbens, which is implicated in this process, receives glutamatergic inputs from the prelimbic cortex and midline regions of the thalamus. However, little is known about whether and how representations differ across these input pathways. By comparing these inputs during a reinforcement learning task in mice, we discovered that prelimbic cortical inputs preferentially represent actions and choices, whereas midline thalamic inputs preferentially represent cues. Choice-selective activity in the prelimbic cortical inputs is organized in sequences that persist beyond the outcome. Through computational modeling, we demonstrate that these sequences can support the neural implementation of reinforcement learning algorithms, both in a circuit model based on synaptic plasticity, and one based on neural dynamics. Finally, we test and confirm predictions of our circuit models by direct manipulation of nucleus accumbens input neurons. Thus, we integrate experiment and modeling to suggest neural solutions for credit assignment.
Determination of the protein quality of almonds (Prunus dulcis L.) as assessed by in vitro and in vivo methodologies

Abstract Almonds (Prunus dulcis), such as all nuts, are positioned within the protein foods grouping within the current U.S. Dietary Guidelines. The ability to make claims related to the protein content of almonds, within the United States, requires substantiation via the use of the Protein Digestibility‐Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS). The present study was designed to provide current estimates of PDCAAS, using both in vivo and in vitro assays, of key almond varietals from the 2017 California harvest. Additionally, historical protein and amino acid composition data on 73 separate analyses, performed from 2000 to 2014, were analyzed. Amino acid analysis confirmed lysine as the first‐limiting amino acid, generating amino acid scores of 0.53, 0.52, 0.49, and 0.56 for Butte, Independence, Monterey, and Nonpareil varietals, respectively. True fecal protein digestibility coefficients ranged from 85.7% to 89.9% yielding PDCAAS values of 44.3–47.8, being highest for Nonpareil. Similar, albeit lower, results were obtained from the in vitro assessment protocol. Analysis of the historical data again positioned lysine as the limiting amino acid and yielded information on the natural variability present within the protein and amino acid profiles of almonds. Comparison of the 2017 AA profile, averaged across almond varietals, to the historical data provided strong evidence of persistence of amino acid composition and indices of protein quality over time.
Epidemiologic evaluation of feline urolithiasis in Thailand from 2010 to 2017

This cross-sectional study describes the epidemiological data of feline urolithiasis in Thailand. Information on 923 feline uroliths submitted from Thailand to the Minnesota Urolith Center between January 2010 and December 2017 was evaluated. The frequency of urolith types, the relationships between urolith type and breeds and sex, were analyzed. Calcium oxalate was the most common urolith (49.5%) and was commonly found in male cats (OR = 1.81; 95%CI: 1.39, 2.36) with a mean age of 6.3±3.2 years. Struvite was the second most common urolith (38%), more frequently found in females (OR = 1.46; 95%CI: 1.11, 1.91) with a mean age of 5.1±3.1 years. Persians were significantly associated with the formation of CaOx urolith (OR = 1.65; 95%CI: 1.21, 2.21). Urate, cystine, calcium phosphate, and silica urolith were less common. Compound urolith was found in 7.6% of which 3 compound uroliths contained suture material as a nidus. During the study period, the proportion of CaOx urolith significantly increased from 35% in 2010 to 54% in 2017 (p < 0.01). The proportion of struvite urolith decreased from 54% in 2010 to 28% in 2017 (p < 0.01). The result of this study can be used for predicting the mineral composition of urolith and assist veterinarians to select diagnostic tests and to initiate therapy prior to urolith removal.
A comprehensive study of conditions of the biodegradation of a plastic additive 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol and proteomic changes in the degrader Pseudomonas aeruginosa san ai

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa san ai strain was investigated for its capability to degrade the 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (2,6-DTBP) plastic additive, a hazardous and toxic substance for aquatic life. This investigation was performed under different parameter values: 2,6-DTBP concentration, inoculum size, pH, and temperature. The GC-MS study showed that P. aeruginosa efficiently degraded 2,6-DTBP in the pH range of 5–8 at higher temperatures. Under exposure to 2,6-DTBP concentrations of 2, 10, and 100 mg L−1, the strain degraded by 100, 100, and 85%, respectively, for 7 days. Crude enzyme preparation from the biomass of P. aeruginosa san ai showed higher efficiency in 2,6-DTBP removal than that shown by whole microbial cells. Gene encoding for the enzymes involved in the degradation of aromatic compounds in P. aeruginosa san ai was identified. To complement the genomic data, a comparative proteomic study of P. aeruginosa san ai grown on 2,6-DTBP or sunflower oil was conducted by means of nanoLC-MS/MS. The presence of aromatic substances resulted in the upregulation of aromatic ring cleavage enzymes, whose activity was confirmed by enzymatic tests; therefore, it could be concluded that 2,6-DTBP might be degraded by ortho-ring cleavage. A comparative proteomics study of P. aeruginosa san ai indicated that the core molecular responses to aromatic substances can be summarized as the upregulation of proteins responsible for amino acid metabolism with emphasized glutamate metabolism and energy production with upregulated enzymes of glyoxylate bypass. P. aeruginosa san ai has a high capacity to efficiently degrade aromatic compounds, and therefore its whole cells or enzymes could be used in the treatment of contaminated areas.
GENE ACTION, GENETIC COMPONENTS AND GENETIC ADVANCEIN SWEET PEPPER (Capsicum annuum L.)

The present study were conducted at Privet Farm in Sedi-Salim district, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt, during two successive summer seasons of 2016 and 2017,to estimate the combining abilities, genetic components, heritabilities (broad and narrow sense) and genetic advance on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Six parental genotypes and their fifteen F1 hybrids in a half diallel cross system were used. The experimental genotypes were grown in randomized complete blocks design (RCBD), with three replicates on greenhouse. The traits were studied i.e., plant height (PH);branches number (BN); leaf area (LA); early and total yield traits as fruits number (FN) and fruit yield (Y); fruit length (FL); fruit diameter (FD);average fruit weight (AFW); locales number (LN);seeds number (SN); pericarp thickness (PT) and total soluble solids (TSS). The results revealed that, the mean squares for general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities were highly significant for all the studied traits, suggesting the presence of both additive and non-additive gene effects in the inheritance of the various studied characters, except SCA for (BN), suggesting that its only controlled by additive gene effects. Moreover, the ratio of GCA/SCA showed that GCA effects was more important than SCA effects in all traits except LA and FN in early yield, Y in total yield, AFW and TSS since, SCA were greater than GCA. The majority of GCA effects obscure that these traits would positively respond to direct selection. While, the majority of SCA effects implied that these traits would positively respond to hybridization. Conclusively, these results suggested that the hybrid vigour is available for commercial production of sweet pepper hybrid, and that
Painting a Picture of the Ovarian Cancer N-Glycome

Our story begins with the current clinical strategies that are used by clinicians today to (1) screen and detect ovarian cancer in the early-stages, (2) monitor treatment effectiveness, (3) detect ovarian cancer recurrence and (4) stratify ovarian cancer patients. However, these current strategies utilise FDAapproved ovarian cancer biomarkers, such as CA125 and HE4, which are relatively unsuccessful and lack specificity, especially for early stage patients. In the introduction, it is highlighted that these ovarian cancer biomarkers and other disease biomarkers are typically glycoproteins, but their glycan structureprotein function relationship remains unknown. Protein glycosylation is one of the most complex post-translational modifications (PTMs) found in humans, with N-linked glycans playing a significant role in protein folding and conformation, protein stability and activity, cell-cell interaction, and cell signalling pathways. The best approach to study and analyse N-glycans so far has been to structurally characterise them by firstly, releasing them from complex glycoprotein mixtures using PNGase F, and secondly, identifying specific structures using analytical strategies that may potentially translate into clinical strategies. Ultimately, this thesis focuses on analytical techniques, primarily mass spectrometry, that are available to qualitatively and quantitatively assess N-glycosylation while successfully characterising compositional, structural and linkage features with high specificity and sensitivity. Analytical techniques that were explored include liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). These analytical techniques have previously been implemented in the clinic for other diseases, however, not yet for ovarian cancer. It may be possible to implement either LC-ESI-MS/MS or MALDI-TOF-MS in the clinic for ovarian cancer using N-glycomic-based approaches since aberrant N-glycosylation patterns have been observed consistently between clinical samples, such as serum, plasma, ascites and tissue. MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has emerged as a platform to visualise N-glycans in tissuespecific regions. Outlined in this thesis, our group studied the intrapatient and interpatient variability between earlyand late-stage ovarian cancer patients. From our studies, specific N-glycan differences were identified between the earlyand late-stage tumour microenvironment that could lead to the development of ovarian cancer diagnosis and prognosis strategies for the clinic. This page is intentionally left blank Chapter 1 | Introduction: Setting the Stage
Relative efficacy of new generation insecticides against sucking insect pests of Green gram

A field experiment was conducted to determine the relative efficacy of different newer insecticides against sucking insect pest viz., white fly (Bemisia tabaci), jassid (Empoasca kerri), infesting Green gram at Agronomy Farm, S. K. N. College of Agriculture, Jobner (Rajasthan) during Kharif. The efficacy of eight insecticides tested against insect pest of green gram revealed that acetamiprid (0.004%) proved to be the most effective followed by imidacloprid (0.005%) and fipronil (0.01%). The treatments of thiamethoxam (0.005%) and dimethoate (0.03%) stood in middle order of efficacy followed by the treatments of spiromesifen (0.001%) and fenpropathrin (0.05%) which were proved to be least effective against insect pest of green gram. The total avoidable loss and percent avoidable loss was found to be zero in the treatment of acetamiprid (0.04%), whereas, maximum in spiromesifen (0.001%).
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Anthocyanins Extracted from Oryza sativa L. in Primary Dermal Fibroblasts

Flavonoids are naturally active substances that form a large class of phenolic compounds abundant in certain foods. Black rice (Oryza sativa L.) contains high levels of anthocyanin polyphenols, which have beneficial effects on health owing to their antioxidant properties. The breakdown of collagenous networks with aging or skin deterioration results in the impairment of wound healing in the skin. Accordingly, reviving stagnant collagen synthesis can help maintain dermal homeostasis during wound healing. This study presents an assessment of the cellular activity of anthocyanins (ANT) extracted from Oryza sativa L. , providing information necessary for the development of new products that support natural healing processes. The relative composition of ANT from Oryza sativa L. was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection. ANT promoted the migration of rat dermal fibroblasts (RDFs) and demonstrated antioxidant properties. ANT increased the mRNA expression of collagen type I alpha 2 (COL1A2) and upregulated type I collagen protein levels in H2O2-stimulated RDFs without cytotoxicity. Compared with the untreated group, treatment of RDFs with ANT in the presence of H2O2 led to the activation of signaling pathways, including the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and Akt, whereas it significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the phosphorylation of IκBα and suppressed the activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) subunits, p50 and p65, which are transcription factors responsible for inflammation. Taken together, our findings suggest that ANT from Oryza sativa L. have anti-inflammatory properties and antiaging potential by modulating type I collagen gene expression and suppressing H2O2-induced NF-κB activation in skin fibroblasts.