Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Polyamines on Chilling Tolerance in Seed Imbibition and Seed Germination in Maize

Chilling injury caused by low temperature happens frequently during seed imbibition in maize (Zea mays L.). Polyamines (PAs) such as putrescine (Put), spermindine (Spd), and spermine (Spm) are accumulated in plants, maintaining the stability and integrality of membrane under low temperature stress and eliminating free radicals in cells. They have been used by presoaking and leaf spray in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) respectively to improve the tolerance to abiotic stresses. In the present study, Spd and Spm were used as an inducer to investigate chilling tolerance during seed imbibition and seed germination in maize. Seeds of maize inbred lines ‘Hung C' (chilling-tolerant) and ‘Mo17' (chilling-sensitive) were soaked with 0.25 mmol L1 of Spd and Spm, respectively for 72 h under dark at 15℃, and the control was not treated with PAs.Part of the seeds were germinated for 7 d under 25℃ after imbibition for 48 h under 5℃ in dark. The germination rates were tested every day with 4 replicates (25 seeds per replicate) each. Other part of seeds were imbibed for 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h, respectively at 5℃ in dark. The embryos were separated from the seeds for testing the activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidese (APX) as well as the contents of proline (Pro), soluble protein, and nucleic acid in embryo leakage. All measurements repeated 3 times with 15 seeds each time. Under chilling stress, both Spd and Spm treatments increased the activities of POD, CAT, SOD, and APX, raised soluble protein and Pro contents, and reduced nucleic acid content in embryo leakage. The treatments also increased seed germination percentage and shortened the mean germination time (MGT) which increased by 18.5% and 14.0%, and decreased by 1.21 d and 1.14 d for Spd and Spm treatments, respectively as compared with those of control. During the imbibition under chilling stress, the activities of POD, CAT, SOD and APX, Pro and soluble protein contents in embryos and germination percentage were higher, whereas the content of nucleic acid and MGT were lower in untreated Huang C seeds than in untreated Mo17 seeds. The results suggested that Spd and Spm treatments can improve the chilling tolerance during seed imbibition, and enhance the germination of maize seeds.
Investigation of Starch Synthesis in a TILLING Mutant of Maize

INVESTIGATION OF STARCH SYNTHESIS IN A TILLING MUTANT OF MAIZE Sarah C. Massey Advisor: University of Guelph, 2014 Dr. Michael J. Emes Starch is an important polymer made up of amylose and amylopectin. ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), starch synthases (SS), starch branching enzymes (SBE), and starch debranching enzymes (SDE) are involved in starch synthesis. SSI, SSIIa and SBEIIb associate in phosphorylation-dependent multisubunit complexes in maize. This investigation aimed to characterize new mutations in the SBEIIb gene using a TILLING technique. A single nucleotide substitution (G>A) in the SBEIIb gene was generated, translating to a cysteine to tyrosine amino acid change (C663Y) in a putative protein-protein interaction domain. C663Y SBEIIb appears to have reduced activity compared to the reference genotype, and the SBEIIb-SSIIa interaction is weakened. Starch granules from the C663Y mutant appear to possess SBEIIb as well as another branching isoform, SBEI, which is not normally found in the starch granule. The work presented here suggests altered protein-protein interactions in the C663Y mutant resulting in a change in starch structure.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF ADMINISTERED BROMIDE IN COMPARISON WITH CHLORIDE AND ITS RELATION TO BODY FLUIDS

1. The distribution of administered bromide in various tissues of body was determined and compared to that of chloride normally present. 2. It was found that wet tissue/serum ratios of bromide and chloride were in close agreement for all tissues except the brain, showing that these anions distribute in a similar manner in these tissues. 3. With the general acceptance of the evidence that chloride is distributed mainly, if not entirely, in extracellular fluid in inorganic form, it is concluded from our experiments that bromide is distributed in organs in like manner. 4. The similarity of distribution of chloride and bromide makes a selective chemical or physical relationship of the latter to tissue cells improbable.
In‐Season Nitrogen Status Assessment and Yield Estimation Using Hyperspectral Vegetation Indices in a Potato Crop

The rate and timing of N applications are important issues in precision agriculture because of the within-field spatial and temporal variability of soil N availability. In-season assessment of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) crop N status (CNS) is required to better match N fertilizer supply to crop N demand and improve N use efficiency. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of hyperspectral vegetation indices (HVIs) to assess the CNS and tuber yield of irrigated 'Russet Burbank' potato at different growth stages. A 2-yr field experiment was conducted near Quebec City, QC, Canada, on plots receiving five different N rates ranging from 0 to 280 kg N ha⁻¹, with 40% applied at planting and 60% at hilling. Entire plant samples were collected biweekly for determination of the N nutrition index (NNI) as the N status reference method. In-field hyperspectral reflectance derived from a handheld spectroradiometer and using two fields of view (FOV; 7.5° and 25°) was obtained on several dates during both growing seasons. The sensitivity of the five HVIs most correlated to the NNI was evaluated by analyses of variance and least significant differences. It was found that HVIs computed from reflectance in the red-edge spectral region and using a wider FOV were the most appropriate indices to detect potato crop N stress. Among these indices, the CI1red-edge (red-edge chlorophyll index 1) was the most sensitive to potato N content and could explain 76% of the variability in total tuber yield at 55 d after planting (DAP).
Nutritional Availability of Livestock from Different Feed Resources in Kumaon Hills of Uttaranchal

Availability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) for livestock from different feed resources were assessed under different categories of farmers during different seasons of Almora district of Uttaranchal Availability of DM (7.01kg on pooled basis) per livestock unit (350 kg b.wt) was contributed through green fodder (1.90), dry fodder (3.21), concentrate (0.32) and grazing (1.57) round the year. Deficiency of DM, CP and ME was 15.45,32.99 and 18.71 per cent, respectively. In case of different categories of farmers, supply of green fodder and concentrate were higher in large category (>50 Nali) compared to small (<25 Nali) and medium (25–50 Nali). The average deficiency of DM was higher in medium category (18.38%) followed by small (15.54%) and large (11.08%) but did not different significantly. Among seasonal availability of nutrients through green fodder and concentrate was significantly (P<0.05) higher in rainy season whereas through dry fodder in winter as well as in summer season. Deficiency of DM, CP and ME was significantly lower (4.38, 23.47 and 9.89%) in winter and highest (27.32, 42.59 and 31.33%) in summer season. It can be concluded that availability of nutrient was little influenced by land holding capacity of farmers while highly influenced by seasons.
ASSOCIATION AND PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)

An investigation was carried out on correlation and path analysis for 11 characters on 40 F1s of maize, their 14 parents (10 lines + 4 testers) along with two standard checks raised during rabi, 2004-05. The correlation coefficient of grain yield with plant height, ear height, number of leaves above ear, flag leaf area, chlorophyll content at 50 per cent flowering, ear length, ear girth and 100 seed weight was positive and significant at genotypic level except anthesis silking interval and days to physiological maturity. With these two characters, the association of yield was negative and significant. All other possible correlations were positive and significant. Path analysis revealed that 100 seed weight exerted maximum positive direct effect followed by plant height and number of leaves above ear on grain yield. Positive indirect effect on yield was by plant height via plant height, ear height, number of leaves above ear, chlorophyll content at 50 % silking, flag leaf area, ear length, ear girth and 100 seed weight. Different yield related traits influenced not only through their direct effects but also through indirect contributions towards grain yield.
Le Natoufien Final et les Nouvelles Fouilles a Mallaha (Eynan), Israel 1996-1997

Les travaux repris a Mallaha en 1996 ont porte sur l'etendue du gisement et sur les couches superieures, Natoufien final. Ils ont montre que l'occupation se poursuit au moins 25 m a l'est de la fouille principale. Le Natoufien final a livre plusieurs niveaux d'architecture avec des "maisons" jusque-la inconnues et de nouvelles sepultures. La materiel, ou figure un peu d'obsidienne, est tres abondant mais les vegetaux ne sont pas conserves. Son analyse permet de mieux comprendre un stade culturel peu documente qui semble s'inscrire dans la tradition anterieure mais dont certains traits annoncent le PPNA. La recherche a venir devrait eclairer le mode de vie, et en particulier le degre de sedentarite, maintenu a cette epoque.
Cidofovir, a New Agent with Potent Anti-Herpesvirus Activity

Cidofovir is a potent, broad spectrum antiviral agent with activity in vitro and in vivo against cytomegalovirus and other members of the herpesvirus family, as well as certain other DNA viruses. After uptake into cells it is converted enzymatically to cidofovir diphosphate, a structural analogue of deoxycytidine triphosphate, which selectively inhibits viral DNA polymerases relative to host cell polymerases. Cross-resistance to cidofovir is not usually seen with human cytomegalovirus isolates that are foscarnet-resistant, or isolates that are ganciclovir-resistant due to a deficiency in ganciclovir phosphorylation. Cross-resistance is seen, however, with isolates that are ganciclovir resistant due to polymerase mutations. A prolonged elimination phase seen in vivo, correlates with a long intracellular half-life seen in vitro and allows for efficacy in animal models of virus infection with infrequent dosing or prophylaxis. Clinical studies of intravenous cidofovir in cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS are claimed to show delay of retinitis progression with maintenance doses given once every 2 weeks.
Whitefly management in Arizona: looking at the whole system

Whiteflies remain a threat to p roduction of cotton in Arizona. Looking at a series of commercial-scale trials, levels last season were delayed compared to previous years, but at higher densities than in 1995, an outbreak year. Efforts must be expended to optimize insect growth regulator (IGR) use and integrate these tactics with other aspects of crop and pest management. Broad spectrum insecticide use prior to treatment for whiteflies with IGRs alters the ecology of the system. Whitefly densities consistently increased after disruption with a Lygus insecticide relative to Lygus-untreated areas. While Lygus control is a production imperative, guidelines are presented for minimizing the impact of this disruption. The modes of action for the two IGRs differ substantially and result in subtle changes in population age structure and dynamics. The consequences of these changes impact natural enemies and should be noted by producers when selecting an IGR or monitoring populations after treatment. Re-treatment after initial IGR sprays depends on many factors. While apparently similar levels of suppression are possible when only one IGR is used, regimes using both available IGRs resulted in the fewest number of damaging large nymphs late in the season, just prior to defoliation. Conventional insecticides rotated according to pre-IGR introduction guidelines (‘ 95IRM’) also suppressed populations significantly and comparably to IGR regimes until late in the season. Then, whitefly densities rose aggressively just prior to defoliation and pyret hroid susceptib ility was significantly reduced in the 95IRM regime. Full adoption of IGR-based technology along with ‘Bt’ cotton allows growers to better manage whiteflies with fewer disruptions which can lead to secondary pest outbreaks, pest resurgence, and insecticide resistance.
Age and individual differences influence prospective memory

The influence of age and individual ability differences on event-based prospective memory was examined using an adapted version of G. O. Einstein and M. A. McDaniel's (1990) task. Two samples of younger and older adults who differed in educational attainment, occupational status, and verbal ability were compared. Results yield comparable prospective performance for the younger groups and higher ability older adults; lower ability older adults performed more poorly by comparison. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that working memory span and recognition accounted for small but significant proportions of variance in prospective performance. The contribution of ability level to prospective memory remained significant even after statistically controlling for self-reported health and social activity characteristics. Implications for current views on prospective memory aging are discussed.
Efficacy of feeding Lactobacillus acidophilus and Sacchromyces cerevisiae 1026 on performance of broilers

Efficacy of feeding Lactobacillus acidophilus and Saccahromyces cerevisiae 1026 was studied on performance and nutrient utilization in broilers. Moderate numerical improvement was noted in body weights, in yeast (T3) supplemented group whereas incorporation of Lactobacillus acidophilus alone and in combination with yeast did not show any differences in body weights and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Non-significant increase in nitrogen, ether extract and calcium retention was observed in all treated groups. The dressing yield was considerably high in all treated groups. The feeding of yeast recorded higher net return whereas remaining treated groups revealed negative returns when compared with control. Supplementation of yeast in broilers at the rate of 0.05% resulted in overall improvement in performance of broilers along with enhanced dressing percentage.
Propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario Maltrato en el Noviazgo en una muestra de mujeres estudiantes mexicanas de nivel medio superior y superior

Objetivo. Modificar y adaptar el Cuestionario Maltrato en el Noviazgo (CMN), version binacional Italia-Mexico, a una muestra de mujeres estudiantes de nivel medio superior y superior del Distrito Federal y del Estado de Mexico. Material y metodos. Estudio transversal en el que participaron 2157 estudiantes de edades entre 14 y 33 anos. Los reactivos se analizaron mediante el metodo elemento-escala; se aplico un analisis factorial confirmatorio. Resultados. El CMN mostro una consistencia interna de α=0.95; el analisis factorial confirmatorio corroboro las cinco areas teoricas planteadas, con indices de ajuste satisfactorios. Conclusiones. Las caracteristicas psicometricas de esta version del CMN son adecuadas para evaluar confiablemente el maltrato en el noviazgo
Pesticide Risk Behavior and Knowledge of Chili and Tomato Farmers

ABSTRACT Intensification of agricultural land use in developing countries is coincident with increased use of synthetic pesticides, which could lead to misuse and overuse. For measures to reduce risk from pesticides to be effective, it is necessary to understand farmers’ rationale for pesticide use. This study was undertaken to analyze the relationship between pesticide use and farmers’ risk behavior and knowledge of pesticide risk. Data were gathered from 200 Thai farmers growing hot (chili) pepper (Capsicum annuum L) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L). Pesticide risk knowledge was measured using a pesticide risk beliefs inventory. Risk behavior was measured with farmers making pesticide use decisions under hypothetical situations. Farmers were highly risk averse because they preferred to incur a high cost of pesticides to quickly eliminate pest problems. Regression analysis indicated that pesticide use is positively associated with lower levels of pesticide knowledge and higher levels of risk aversion. Enhancing farmer knowledge about pesticide risk can make an immediate contribution to lowering pesticide use.
Activation of exemplars in the process of assessing social category attitudes.

Three experiments used process measures of concept activation to provide evidence--consistent with previous research, which had used only outcome and self-report measures-that people use category exemplars to assess their social category attitudes. The studies were based on the well-established principle that individuals selectively activate different aspects of their knowledge about a topic, depending on which aspect is relevant for a specific judgment. Exemplar activation was measured through ambiguous anagrams (Experiment 1), word fragment completions (Experiment 2), and response latencies (Experiment 3). In each case, exemplar activation was greater when participants had recently judged their attitudes toward a social category than when they had recently judged a definition of the category. Implications for theories of attitude change and attitude--behavior consistency are discussed.
Performance, haematological parameters and faecal egg count of semi-intensively managed West African dwarf sheep to varying levels of cassava leaves and peels supplementation.

Thirty West African dwarf (WAD) sheep aged 18-24 months with average weight of 17.96±0.89kg, managed under semi-intensive system, were used in a 56-day experiment to investigate the effects of varying levels of cassava leaves (CL) and cassava peels (CPL) supplementation on the performance, haematological indices and faecal egg count of sheep. Animals were subjected to 6 dietary treatments of 100% CL, 100% CPL, 75% CL/25% CPL, 25% CL/75% CPL, 50% CL/50% CPL, and natural pasture (0% CL/0% CPL) in a complete randomized design. Results showed that weight gain (g/day) varied (P<0.05) across treatments from 26.25 to 44.64 with sheep supplemented with 75CL/25CPL having the highest (P < 0.05) growth rate and the least values observed in sheep on control treatment. The dry matter and crude protein digestibilities were least (P<0.05) in sheep supplemented with 100%CPL relative to other treatments. The white blood cells and total protein of sheep varied (P<0.05) across treatments, while supplementary diets of CL reduced faecal egg count in sheep. It was therefore concluded that the performance of sheep managed under the semi-intensive system, grazing natural pasture could further be enhanced through the supplementation of cassava leaves and peels with dietary levels of 75% CL/25% CPL recommended for sheep’s optimum performance.
Performance of lactating dromedary camels maintained on different energy rations under arid ecosystem

In a lactation trial of 194 days, 10 Jaisalmeri breed camels aged 10–20 years having body weights of 607.90 ± 24.63 kg in their 2–4 parity were fed on iso-nitrogenous (12%) complete feed blocks having 50 (G1), 55 (G2) and 60% (G3) levels. Milk yield of group G1 was minimum 7.69 litres per day and it was maximum of 8.44 litres/d in group G3 indicating positive effect of higher dietary energy level. During the experimental period group G1 lactating camels lost their body weights (49 kg or -256.54 g/d), group G2 camels maintained whereas the lactating camels of group G3 lost marginally (−5.75 kg or -29.64 g/d) live weights. The dry matter intake (DMI) kg/d or kg/100 kg body weight was 9.77 ± 0.07 or 1.72 ± 0.03 in group G1 and 9.84 ± 0.12 or 1.65 ± 0.04 in group G 2 which were statistically similar but significantly (P<0.5) increased to 11.57 ± 0.81 or 1.99 ± 0.08 in group G3, respectively. Digestibility coefficients of OM and NFE proximate principles differed significantly (P<0.05) among three groups which increased from group G1 to group G3. The digestibility of DM, CP, EE and CF was similar among group G1 and G2 but was significantly (P<0.05) different and lower than that in group G3. The daily intake of DCP (g), TDN (g) and ME (MJ)/kg metabolic body weight was significantly (P<0.05) different among 3 groups and increased from group G1 to G3 with increase in dietary energy level. The daily intake of DCP (g), TDN (g) and ME (MJ)/kg metabolic body weight was 5.07 ± 0.07, 43.19 ± 0.53 and 0.65± 01 in group G1; 5.32 ± 0.13, 44.19 ± 1.12, 0.67 ± 0.02 in group G2 and 6.79 ± 0.03, 60.32 ± 1.53 and 0.91 ± 0.03 in group G3, respectively. It was inferred that lactating camels of group G3 given complete feed block containing 6.97% DCP and 107.21 ME MJ performed better in terms of milk yield, body weight maintenance and nutrient utilisation.
Influence of delayed basal dressing and split application of nitrogen in wet-seeded rice (Oryza sativa)

A field experiment was conducted during samba (September-January) 1998-99 and 1999-2000 to study the effect of skipping basal dressing and split application of nitrogen in wet-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.). Skipping basal N and applying it 21 days after sowing increased the plant height, leaf-area index (LAI) and dry-matter production (DMP). Split application of N in 5 splits promoted these parameters significantly. These treatments increased the yield parameters and yield of wet-seeded rice. Delayed basal application of N at 21 days after sowing (DAS) and fractional application N in 5 splits increased the soil available nutrients and N uptake. Fertilizer-use efficiency, viz. N-use efficiency and recovery fraction, also increased by adopting this method of N application.
Molecular evidence for cryptic species in Pteroclava krempfi (Hydrozoa, Cladocorynidae) living in association with alcyonaceans

Hydrozoans are able to establish intimate relationships with several other organisms. The hydroid Pteroclava krempfi lives in association with different alcyonacean taxa from Indo-Pacific and Atlantic coral reefs, growing partially embedded within host tissues. In this study, we found P. krempfi associated with four alcyonacean hosts from the Maldives, namely Sinularia, Sarcophyton, Lobophytum and Paraplexaura, the latter representing a new record. We provided the first molecular phylogenetic evaluation of the genus Pteroclava. Pteroclava krempfi clustered with Cladocoryne floccosa, confirming its position into the family Cladocorynidae. We also performed the first morpho-molecular assessment of P. krempfi diversity. All the colonies growing on different hosts revealed polyps and medusae matching published descriptions of P. krempfi, showing no morphological differences. However, analysing both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, two highly supported molecular lineages were identified. These two clades were highly divergent and were specifically associated with hosts belonging to different families (Alcyoniidae and Plexauridae). Therefore, our results suggest that P. krempfi from the Maldives is a complex of cryptic species in which the main diagnostic feature between different species could be the host specificity.
Aliso : A Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany

Justicia medrani and J. zopilot ensis are described as new species while Anisacanthus gonzalezii is transferred into Justicia. The triad all have floral venation similar to red, tubular-flowered species of Just icia, though they differ from most Justicia in their tricolporate pollen with distinct pseudocolpi. In pollen and anther characters they are similar to Anisacanthus and Carlowrightia, but they differ from these in corolla vascularization and anther presentation and from Carlowrightia in corolla size. As the three taxa do not appear to represent a monophyletic group, and as Stearn has placed taxa with similar pollen into what has become a holding genus, Justicia, we include these in Justicia by default until further studies can decipher relat ionships within the genus .