Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response of Two Yellow Maize Hybrids to Irrigation Intervals and Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels

In order to study the response of two yellow maize hybrids i.e. SC 173 and TWC 352 to three irrigation intervals i.e. 12, 16 and 20 days and four nitrogen fertilizer levels i.e. 0, 45, 90 and 135 kg N/fad. The present investigation was carried out during two successive seasons of summer 2011 and 2012 at the Agriculture Research Station, Faculty of Agric. , Zagazig Univ., Ghazala Location, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. The combined analysis indicated that all growth characters as well as grain yield and its attributes except number of rows/ear and shelling percentage were significantly decreased when irrigation interval was prolonged from 12 or 16 days to 20 days. It was found that SC 173 surpassed TWC 352 in all growth characters, grain yield and its attributes except, number of ears/ plant, number of rows/ear and shelling percentage. On the other direction, TWC 352 surpassed SC 173 in ear diameter. Respecting to the influence of nitrogen fertilizer levels, the results indicated that ear length, ear diameter, 100-kernel weight, kernel weight/ear and grain yield/fad were significantly increased with each increase in nitrogen fertilizer level up to 135 kg N/fad. Whereas, plant height, chlorophyll content and number of kernels/row were significantly increased by raising nitrogen fertilizer level up to 90 kg N/fad while, number of ears/plant was responded only up to application of 45 kg N/fad. The results of interaction between the studied factors recorded significant increase in kernel weight/ear and grain yield/fad due to increasing nitrogen fertilizer level up to 135 kg N/fad under irrigation intervals of 12 or 16 days. In addition, SC 173 presented good response for N fertilizer up to 135 kg than TWC 352 in 100-kernel weight, kernel weight/ear and grain yield/fad. It could be recommended that irrigation of SC 173 hybrid at 16 days intervals with adding 135 kg N/fad maximized grain yield per unit area under clay soil condition of Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.
Complete mitochondrial genome of Ciconia nigra (Ciconiiformes: Ciconiidae), a threatened stork in China

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of black stork Ciconia nigra from North China was sequenced by shotgun genome-skimming method. The mitogenome of C. nigra was 17,787 bp in length and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and one non-coding control region (D-loop). All protein-coding genes initiate with ATG codon except for ND2, ND3, and COX1, which uses ATA, ATC, and GTG as their initiation codons, respectively. The termination codon of protein-coding genes shows rich diversity with six termination codons (TAA, AGG, AGA, TAG, T, and A). The phylogenetic trees based on 13 protein-coding genes showed that Ciconia formed a monophyletic group, which was sister to the clade clustered by Threskiorothidae species.
How Linkage Disequilibrium and Recombination Shape Genetic Variation Within and Between Species

How Linkage Disequilibrium and Recombination Shape Genetic Variation Within and Between Species by Katharine L Korunes University Program in Genetics and Genomics Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Mohamed Noor, Supervisor ___________________________ Mark Rausher, Chair ___________________________ Paul Magwene ___________________________ John Willis ___________________________ Jeff Sekelsky An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the University Program in Genetics and Genomics in the Graduate School of Duke University 2019 Copyright by Katharine L Korunes 2019
Nigerian Plants with Anti-Inflammatory and Antifungal Potential

Medicinal plants have been the popular remedy to treat different types of disease for a long term. This paper reviews some Nigerian plants and their main constituents which possess anti-inflammatory activities, this provides a brief overview on quick and early reading on the role and actions of these medicinal plants and their main constituents in inflammatory diseases. These Nigeria anti-inflammatory plants include D. cinerea , F. iteophylla , Alafia barteri, Combretum mucronatum and Capparis thoningii Schum, Zingeber officinate, Cassia occidentalis and Moringa oleifera. The inflammatory properties of these plants will provide additional information on therapeutic approaches for the various inflammatory conditions. Fungi which are microbial entities are not exempted from the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Most common fungicidal agents are becoming ineffective in treating fungal infections. Hence, the search for antifungal agents has double paced recently. Plants with antifungal agents are Ocimum gratissimum, Acalypha wilkesiana (Muell Arg.), Funtumia elastica (Preuss), Anogeissus leiocarpus, Terminalia avicennoides, Mallotus oppositifollius, Ssystasia gangetica, Carica papaya and Diodia scandens. This paper elucidates Nigerian plant with anti-inflammatory and antifungal potentials.
Comparison of Oxidative Stress Parameters in Heart Failure Patients Depending on Ischaemic or Nonischaemic Aetiology

Background Abnormalities in the oxidative and antioxidant states causing oxidative stress were both found in heart failure (HF) of various aetiologies and atherosclerosis. Aim of Study The goals of the study were as follows: comparison of oxidative stress parameters (OSP) in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) (n = 479) and nonischaemic cardiomyopathy (nICM) (n = 295) patients; assessment of the relationships of OSP with functional capacity (NYHA class), maximal oxygen consumption (max.O2), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), and NT-proBNP concentration; and determination of the mutual relations of OSP in subgroups of patients with ICM and n-ICM. Methods Serum concentrations of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), uric acid (UA), bilirubin, albumin, protein sulfhydryl groups (PSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The oxidative stress index (OSI) and MDA/PSH ratio were calculated. Results Higher concentrations of TAC (1.14 vs 1.11 mmol/l; p < 0.001) and MDA (1.80 vs 1.70 μmol/l; p < 0.05) and higher MDA/PSH ratios (0.435 vs 0.358; p < 0,001) were observed in ICM than in nICM patients. Simultaneously, lower values of the OSI index (4.27 vs 4.6; p < 0, 05), PSH (4.10 vs 4.75 μmol/g of protein; p < 0,001), and bilirubin (12.70 vs 15.40 μmol/l; p < 0,001) concentrations were indicated in ICM patients. There were no differences in TOS, UA, and albumin between the examined groups. The NYHA class and VO2max correlate with MDA, bilirubin, and albumin in both groups, while with UA only in the ICM group. Correlations between the NYHA class, VO2max, and PSH were indicated in nICM. The association of LVEF with UA, bilirubin, and albumin has been demonstrated in the ICM group. The study showed negative correlations between TAC, MDA, and PSH and positive between TAC and MDA in both groups. In ICM patients, MDA positively correlated with UA. A negative correlation between PSH and concentrations of UA and bilirubin was expressed only in the nICM group. Conclusion The obtained results confirm the relationship between the severity of HF and oxidative stress. The mechanisms of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence are partially different in the ICM and the nICM patients.
Science students misconceptions about birds

The aim of this study was to determine the misconceptions of science students attending the university on the classification and behaviour of birds, and their interaction with people. For this purpose, open questions, interviews and drawing methods were directed at 110 university science students. As a result of the analysis of data obtained, it was determined that the science students surveyed had various misconceptions with regard to the classification and behaviour of birds, and their interaction with people. Some of these misconceptions are described for the first time (the gizzard in their maw provides the digestion). Some suggestions have been put forward in light of findings both in the literature and the findings of this study. Key words: Misconceptions, bird, science student.
EFFECT OF ANTIBIOTIC ALTERNATIVES INCLUSION IN BROILERS DIET ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, CARCASS YIELD AND INTESTINAL HISTOLOGY

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the response of broilers fed diet supplemented with antibiotic alternatives, Probiotic (BioPlus 2B), Prebiotic (Techno MOs), Synbiotic and medicinal herbs (Mixture of Origanum majorana, Foeniculum vulgare and Carum carvi in ratio 1: 1: 1), on their performance and intestinal histology. A total of 125-day old chicks cobb (500) broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 5 treatments with five replicates of 5 chicks each and raised for 6 weeks. Chicks were kept in cleaned and fumigated cage of wire floored batteries. Experimental diets and water were offered ad-libitum over the experimental period starting from one day old. The experimental treatments received basal diets which were formulated to starter (121d) and growerfinisher (22-42d) broiler growth periods. During each growth period, birds received the control diet (un-supplemented), whereas the other groups fed diet contained either of tested feed additives (probiotic, prebiotic, synbiotic or medicinal plants mixture). The most important results obtained from this study could be summarized as follows: a highly significant effect (p≤ 0.05) on live body weight at the end of experiment period was observed due to the effect of synbiotic treatment compared the other treatments. A highest body weight gain was recorded by the synbiotic treatment compared the control ones. Different feed additives improved feed conversion ratio compared to control (p≤0.001, for the whole experimental period. All supplements effect the intestinal histology compared to that of the control in duodenum and jejunum, intestine region but the effect is not significant. Also, feed additives led to significant improvement in villus height and crypt depth in ileum region. In conclusion, results show that synbiotic treatment was the superior in improving productive performance of broilers. Further research is still need to verify current results.
Genetic Assessment for Fruit Yield and Horticultural Traits in Bacterial Wilt Tolerant Genotypes of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.)

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.), a member of family Solanaceae with chromosome number 2n=24 is popularly known as Sweet pepper or Capsicum or Shimla mirch. It is an important vegetable crop grown worldwide for its delicate taste, pleasant flavour and colour and is a leading crop under protected conditions. It is high value solanaceous vegetable and is an important cash crop for temperate and subtemperate regions. It is native to Mexico with secondary centre of origin in Guatemala (Bukasov, 1930). Bell pepper was introduced in India by the Britishers during the 19 th
Effects of Hydroponics Systems on Growth, Yield and Quality of Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.)

There is dearth of information pertaining to hydroponics production of zucchini in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of hydroponics systems on growth, yield and nutritional content of zucchini. The research was conducted in three greenhouses of the Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Luyengo Campus at the University of Eswatini between July and October 2018. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design replicated four times. Three hydroponics systems were used as the main plots, i.e. elevated tray, ground lay bed and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems. The sub-plots were allocated to the three varieties, i.e., Amanda, Hygreen and Terminator. The zucchini grown in elevated tray hydroponics system had the highest yield in all the varieties compared to the other hydroponics systems. The results showed that there were significant differences in the growth, yield and nutritional content of zucchini cultivars grown in the different hydroponics systems. The tallest plants (26.1cm) were obtained in cultivar Terminator grown in the elevated tray system and the highest number of leaves (15) was obtained in cultivar Terminator grown in the elevated tray system. Cultivar Terminator grown in the elevated tray system had the highest total yield (15.8 tons/ha) while Hygreen plants produced in the NFT system recorded the lowest total yield (1.04 tons/ha). There were no significant differences in the iron content of zucchini among the cultivars grown in the different hydroponics systems. The results of this study revealed that different zucchini cultivars responded differently when grown in the different hydroponics systems. Therefore based on the results of this study it is recommended that Terminator zucchini cultivar can be produced in the elevated tray hydroponics system.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Helan Mountain chukar Alectoris chukar potanini (Galliformes: Phasianidae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of Helan Mountain chukar (Alectoris chukar potanini) was first determined. The genome was 16,685 bp in length, comprising 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a putative control region. The phylogenetic analysis based on the complete mitochondrial genome sequences revealed a close relationship between A. chukar potanini and Tetraogallus tibetanus. This work is expected to provide a set of fundamental data on further genetic studies of this protected species.
Dietary effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) and liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on growth performance, antioxidant activities and stress resistance in Oreochromis niloticus

This work aimed to investigate the effect of dietary fenugreek seeds and liquorice roots on growth performance, immune status, antioxidant and stress resistance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). For this, five groups of fish each in duplicate were used, the 1 2 groups were fed daily on experimental diets 1% and 2% (wt/wt) fenugreek; the 2 2 groups were received 1% and 2 % (wt/wt) liquorice and the remaining group was fed on control diet for 90 days. Growth performance (ABW, WG, WGR, SGR, L and LGR) and intestino-somatic index of fish fed 2% fenugreek supplemented diet were significantly increased (P < 0.05) compared to control. Hematological parameters (RBCs, WBCs, PCV, hemoglobin concentration and DLC) revealed significant increase in groups fed 2 % fenugreek and 2% liquorice. Serum total protein and globulin were significantly increased in groups received 1 and 2 % liquorice supplemented diets. Liver enzyme (ALT) in fish fed 1 and 2 % liquorice diets was lower than control. Blood cortisol and glucose showed significant decrease with 1 % fenugreek. Liquorice treated groups exhibited significant decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Hepatic antioxidant enzymes [(SOD), (CAT), and (GSH)] showed significant increase with 2 % dietary fenugreek and 2% liquorice, while Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly decreased compared to control. Post feeding, sub-groups of fish were exposed to 6 days starvation and hypoxia stress and the results showed that, cortisol and glucose levels were significantly decreased in groups fed 2 % fenugreek and liquorice treated diets and the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH response were characterized by significant improvement with lower oxidative stress (MDA) level compared to control. Results suggested that dietary supplementation of fenugreek seeds and liquorice roots enhance growth performance and improve resistance against starvation and hypoxia in Oreochromis niloticus.
Detection Of Immunogenic Proteins From Rickettsia conorii And Rickettsia africae By Proximity Ligation Assay Based Western Blotting (PLA WB)

Rickettsia conorii , the causative agent of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) and Rickettsia africae , the etiologic agent of African tick-bite fever (ATBF), are strict intracellular bacteria transmitted by ticks belonging to the spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia. The laboratory diagnosis is based on serology, but remains not enough specific to provide the diagnosis at the species level. Here, we attempted to detecty immunogenic proteins specific from Rickettsia conorii and Rickettsia africae by proximity ligation assay based Western blotting (PLA WB). In general, we obtained better sensitivity and specificity of bands detection in PLA WB in case of proteins probed with IFA R. conorii or R. africae positive sera. In parallel, we have screened 20 rickettsial recombinant proteins by ELISA with sera infected by R. conorii and R. africae , respectively. We identified several potential markers which allowed infection due to R. conorii to be discriminated from those due to R. africae. Never the less, this technique must be optimized for use in laboratory diagnostic routine.
Fluridone and acetochlor cause unacceptable injury to pumpkin – CORRIGENDUM

Residual herbicides are routinely applied to control troublesomeweeds in pumpkin production. Fluridone and acetochlor, Groups 12 and 15 herbicides, respectively, provide broad-spectrum PRE weed control. Field research was conducted in Virginia and New Jersey to evaluate pumpkin tolerance and weed control to PRE herbicides. Treatments consisted of fomesafen at two rates, ethalfluralin, clomazone, halosulfuron, fluridone, S-metolachlor, acetochlor emulsifiable concentrate (EC), acetochlor microencapsulated (ME), and no herbicide. At one site, fluridone, acetochlor EC, acetochlor ME, and halosulfuron injured pumpkin 81%, 39%, 34%, and 35%, respectively, at 14 d after planting (DAP); crop injury at the second site was 40%, 8%, 19%, and 33%, respectively. Differences in injury between the two sites may have been due to the amount and timing of rainfall after herbicides were applied. Fluridone provided 91% control of ivyleaf morningglory and 100% control of common ragweed at 28 DAP. Acetochlor EC controlled redroot pigweed 100%. Pumpkin treated with S-metolachlor produced the most yield (10,764 fruits ha–1) despite broadcasting over the planted row; labeling requires a directed application to row-middles. A separate study specifically evaluated fluridone applied PRE at 42, 84, 126, 168, 252, 336, and 672 g ai ha–1. Fluridone resulted in pumpkin injury ≥95% when applied at rates of≥168 g ai ha–1; significant yield loss was noted when the herbicide was applied at rates >42 g ai ha–1. We concluded that fluridone and acetochlor formulations are unacceptable candidates for pumpkin production.
Pedigree Selection to Improve the Seed Yield in a Segregating Population of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The present investigation was conducted at Arab El-Awammer Agricultural Research Station, Assiut, Egypt during 2012, 2013 and 2014 summer seasons. Two cycles of pedigree selection method were applied on a segregating population of sesame in the F 3 , F 4 and F 5 generations to improve seed yield. The soil of the experiment site is sandy calcareous. Highly significant differences among F 3 families and a sufficient genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) were obtained for all studied traits. The coefficient of variability decreased from 49.88 % in the F 3 population to 22.68 % in the F 5 for seed yield/plant. Broad sense heritability estimates were high for most traits and reached 93.32 % for seed yield/plant after two cycles of selection. The observed gain in seed yield/plant was significant (P<0.01) and accounted for 80.27 % from the unselected bulk sample. All of the families in the F 5 generation showed significant increase in seed yield/plant. It could be concluded that pedigree selection was an efficient method to improve seed yield productivity in the studied population. Selection for productivity could be practiced in the early segregating generations and two cycles of selection were enough to detect the families with high productive. Otherwise, single trait selection accompanied with adverse effects on other traits, and selection index could be recommended to improve seed yield and other traits.
Transthyretin-stabilizing mutation T119M is not associated with protection against vascular disease or death in the UK Biobank

Background Destabilized transthyretin (TTR) can result in the progressive, fatal disease transthyretin-mediated (ATTR) amyloidosis. A stabilizing TTR mutation, T119M, is the basis for a therapeutic strategy to reduce destabilized TTR. Recently, T119M was associated with extended lifespan and lower risk of cerebrovascular disease in a Danish cohort. We aimed to determine whether this finding could be replicated in the UK Biobank. Methods TTR T119M carriers were identified in the UK Biobank, a large prospective cohort of ∼500,000 individuals. Association between T119M genotype and inpatient diagnosis of vascular disease, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and mortality was analyzed. Results Frequency of T119M within the white UK Biobank population (n=337,148) was 0.4%. Logistic regression comparing T119M carriers to non-carriers found no association between T119M and vascular disease (odds ratio [OR]=1.08; p=.27), cardiovascular disease (OR=1.08; p=.31), cerebrovascular disease (OR=1.1; p=.42), or death (OR=1.2; p=.06). Cox proportional hazards regression showed similar results (hazard ratio>1, p>.05). Age at death and vascular disease diagnosis were similar between T119M carriers and non-carriers (p=.12 and p=.38, respectively). Conclusions There was no association between the TTR T119M genotype and risk of vascular disease or death in a large prospective cohort study, indicating that TTR tetramer stabilization through T119M is not protective in this setting.
Super Absorbent Polymers Buried within Dry Soil Attract Formosan Subterranean Termites (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae)

Baiting is one of the main methods to control subterranean termites. Many previous studies showed that subterranean termites avoid making tunnels within dry soil and feeding on dry wood, which may decrease bait infestation and consumption in drought areas. Super absorbent polymers are a group of materials that can retain large amounts of water and improve the moisture content of soil and bait matrices, and therefore may attract termites. In the present study, choice tests were conducted in the laboratory to investigate the aggregation and feeding behaviors of Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, in response to the three super absorbent polymers—sodium polyacrylate (Na-PAM), potassium polyacrylate (K-PAM), and poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) potassium salt (P(AM/AA))—that were either placed within soil or filled in the void volume of baiting containers. Under dry-soil (30%-moisture) conditions, termites consumed significantly more wood in the chambers where super absorbent polymers were buried than in the control chambers (super absorbent polymer was not placed within soil). In addition, Na-PAM placed within dry soil significantly increased termite aggregation compared with the control chambers. However, no aggregation or feeding preference was detected when super absorbent polymers were placed within wet soil (60%-moisture). Also, filling super absorbent polymers into the void volume of baiting containers did not attract termites, whether the soil was dry or wet. Our study showed that placing super absorbent polymers within soil around bait stations may increase bait consumption by subterranean termites in drought locations.