Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifoliaScop.) germplasm for agro-morphological traits and nutritive value

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is a bloat‐free, perennial forage legume adapted to the northern temperate regions of the world. This study was carried out to evaluate phenotypic variation and nutritive value of 38 sainfoin accessions from 21 different countries. A field trial was established in 2014 using a randomized complete block design with four replications near Saskatoon, Canada, with data collected in 2015 and 2016. Analysis of variance revealed significant (p < 0.05) differences among sainfoin accessions for winter survival, dry‐matter (DM) yield, regrowth per seed yield plant, 1,000‐seed weight, plant height, growth rate, spring vigour, days to flower, stem number, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF). Dry‐matter yield of sainfoin accessions ranged from 74 to 239 g/plant, plant height ranged from 37 to 70 cm, winter survival ranged from 20% to 94%, and seed yield ranged from 5 to 64 g/plant. Sainfoin accessions from North America produced the highest DM yield. Dry‐matter yield was positively correlated with plant height (r = 0.82), stem number (r = 0.75), growth rate (r = 0.72), spring vigour (r = 0.43), regrowth (r = 0.30), 1,000‐seed weight (r = 0.29), NDF (r = 0.71) and ADF (r = 0.74). Dry‐matter yield was negatively correlated with days to flower (r = −0.57) and CP concentration (r = −0.62). Sainfoin accessions were grouped into three main groups according to their agro‐morphological traits and nutritive value. Several promising sainfoin accessions have been identified to select for high forage yield and high winter survival in the cold climatic zone of temperate grassland.
Colony Size and Breeding Success of Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) on Peña Blanca Island, Colima, México

Abstract. The Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aetehreus) is a seabird that breeds on islands in tropical seas. The Mexican government has listed it as threatened; however, the International Union for Conservation of Nature considers it of least concern, although it recognizes that its global population is decreasing. Its breeding ecology was studied at Peña Blanca island, Colima, México, through monthly visits from 15 January 2008 to 10 December 2009. By extrapolating density in a 4,227-m2 survey area, 1,390 (2008) and 1,225 (2009) nests were estimated for the entire colony. In both years, the earliest eggs were laid in September, and the last active nests were recorded during 14 May–19 June, with peak activity on 7 March 2008 and 25 February 2009. Egg volume was not different between years (57.4 cm3 ± 5.1 vs. 56.8 ± 3.3), but nest success was higher in 2008 (77% vs. 57% in 2009). Highest nest densities occurred between January and May, coincident with regional upwelling processes (colder water and high concentration of nitrites, nitrates and chlorophyll-a). The Red-billed Tropicbird colony on Peña Blanca is the largest Mexican colony and one of the two largest colonies of the world.
Assessing Purchase Patterns of Price Conscious Consumers

Price greatly influences consumers’ purchasing decisions. Individuals whose decisions are primarily driven by price are said to be ‘price conscious’. To date, studies have focused on defining price consciousness and identifying factors that contribute to price-conscious behavior. However, research using visual attention to assess how price conscious consumers use in-store stimuli is limited. Here, consumers’ purchasing decisions are assessed using a rating-based conjoint analysis paired with eye tracking technology when shopping for ornamental plants. An ordered logit model is employed to understand price conscious consumers’ purchase patterns and choice outcomes. Overall, price conscious consumers are less attentive to price information. Being price conscious tends to reduce purchase likelihood, ceteris paribus. Increasing visual attention to price decreases consumers’ purchase likelihood, which is amplified for price conscious consumers. Price conscious consumers tend to be quicker decision makers than non-price conscious consumers. Results are beneficial to retailers interested in targeting or primarily catering to price conscious consumers.
Ultrastructure of Spermatozoa from Infertility Patients

Standard examination of human semen currently remains a main test for examination of male fertility disorders. Although parameters of sperm quality in fertile men are generally higher than in sterile ones, there is a substantial overlap between the two populations, indicating that other important factors affect fertility, but are not assessed in conventional assay. Currently, tests determining the functional properties of sperm have been intensively developed. This review considers an electron microscopic examination of sperm, which assesses the structure and function of the sperm nuclear, penetration and motor apparatus. The detection of sperm chromatin structure can help to understand the causes of early embryonic malformation. Genetically caused and functional disorders of the structure and function of spermatozoa are discussed. Indications for electron microscopic examination of spermatozoa in fertility disorders are given.
Molecular basis for a novel systemic form of human hereditary apoA-I amyloidosis with vision loss

Hereditary apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) amyloidosis (AApoAI) is a life-threatening incurable genetic disorder whose molecular underpinnings and the full spectrum of afflicted organs are unclear. We report a new form of AApoAI with amyloid deposition in multiple organs, including an unprecedented retinal amyloidosis. Genetic and proteomic analyses identified Glu34Lys apoA-I as the fibrillar protein causing the clinical manifestations. A life-saving combined hepatorenal transplantation was performed for one Glu34Lys carrier. To elucidate structural underpinnings for amyloidogenic properties of Glu34Lys, we generated its recombinant globular domain and compared the conformation and dynamics of its lipid-free form with those of two other naturally occurring apoA-I variants, Phe71Tyr (amyloidogenic) and Leu159Arg (non-amyloidogenic). All variants showed reduced stability and altered aromatic residue packing. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed local helical unfolding and suggested that transient opening of Trp72 induced mutation-dependent structural perturbations in a sensitive region, including the major amyloid hotspot residues 14-22. We posit that a shift from the “closed” to an “open” orientation of Trp72 modulates structural protection of amyloid hotspots, suggesting a previously unknown early step in protein misfolding.
Effect of plant densities and different environments on productivity and profitability of Yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata sub sp. sesquipedalis)

The present investigation was carried out during Kharif 2016 at ZAHRS, Navile, Shivamogga. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. There were 24 treatment combinations comprised of three different environments (polyhouse, shadenet and open field) and eight spacing treatments (45 cm x 30 cm, 45 cm x 45 cm, 45 cm x 60 cm, 45 cm x 75 cm, 60 cm x 30 cm, 60 cm x 45 cm, 60 cm x 60 cm, 60 cm x 75 cm). The obtained results showed that all the characters were markedly affected by different environments and spacing. Among different environments significantly higher plant height (325.17cm), number of primary branches (12.46), number of pods per plant (21.66), pod length (70.67 cm), pod girth (3.73 cm), pod weight per plant (31.13 g), yield per plant (458.21 g) and higher pod yield per 1000 m2 (1605.99 kg) were recorded in polyhouse. Among spacing treatments significantly higher number of primary branches (12.91), pods per plant (22.30), pod length (71.73 cm), pod girth (3.94 cm), pod weight per plant (33.11g) and pod yield per plant (547.86 g) were recorded with wider spacing of 60 cm x 75 cm. Highest plant height (294.29 cm) and yield per 1000 m2 (1791.68 kg) were recorded with the closer spacing of 45 cm x 30 cm. The interaction of different environments and spacing were found to be statistically non-significant for all the traits. The evaluation of production economics revealed that growing of Yardlong bean in open condition with 45 cm x 30 cm spacing was most remunerative option with a highest benefit: cost of 3.14.
AAV vector production: state of the art developments and remaining challenges

In 2012, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector reached the market following its approval by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of patients with lipoprotein lipase deficiency. This marketing authorisation represented an important step for the gene therapy field, moving from exploratory towards routine clinical use. However, a number of challenges remain in the production and manufacture of these therapies. In principle, four different production platforms (HEK293[T] transfection, stable packaging/producer cell lines, herpes simplex virus system and baculovirus system) have been developed and for some, scale-up to a 2000 L scale has already been performed. Despite these achievements and the well-advanced technological developments in manufacturing technology, further improvements in AAV technology are required to increase vector titers, and improve vector quality and potency. This article provides a review of the four vector production platforms, recent improvements and developments as well as perspectives on future requirements.
Alternative methods of biological control in maintaining the viability of stored coffee seeds

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of different alternative methods of biological control in maintaining the viability of coffee seeds. For the control of fungus contamination in seeds, dehydrated and powdered medicinal plants in doses of 200 g kg-1 of seed, were tested with chemical fungicides mancozebe (Dithane® NT 4 g kg-1 of seed), potassium sorbate (300 g L-1) and sodium benzoate (300 g L-1 ) and three biological products, Trichodermil® SP (1 g kg-1 of seed), Trichodel® (50 g kg-1 of seed) and Trichoplus® (50 g kg-1 of seed). Samples of 200 g of seeds were conditioned in three different packages: polypropylene flasks, kraft paper bags and polyethylene + nylon bags. After, they were stored in cold chamber at 16 ± 3°C of temperature, for a period up to 15 months with evaluations for each three months. Seeds conditioned in kraft paper bags presented percentage of germination higher than those conditioned in polypropylene flasks or polyethylene + nylon bags. In seeds treated with rosmarin, garlic and Trichoplus®, there was a reduction in the total microbial, and the best germinated on 12 and 15 months of storage. Key words: Coffea arabica, package, quality, storage.
Using demographic models to manage Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense Lour.)

ix Introduction . 1 Literature Review. 4 Taxonomy . 4 Life History Characteristics . 4 Extent of Invasion . 7 Effects on Native Species . 7 Wildlife Usage and Propagule Dispersal . 9 Management Techniques . 10 Demographic Modeling . 11 Materials and Methods . 14 Study Sites . 14 Vegetation Composition Surveys . 16 Life History Characteristics . 16 Stage-based Matrix Analysis . 23 Results . 28 Vegetation Composition Survey . 28 Life History Characteristics . 38 Analysis of Demographic Models . 41 Discussion . 47 Vegetation Composition Surveys . 47 Life History Characteristics . 49 Demographic Modeling . 50 Conclusion . 54
Genetic Fidelity Testing in Micropropagated Plantlets of Albizia procera (Roxb.) Using Rapd and Issr Markers

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were employed to check the genetic fidelity of Albizia procera plantlets multiplied in vitro by using nodal explant. A total of 33 distinct and scorable bands were produced by five RAPD primers with an average of 6.6 bands per primer while the number of bands for ISSR primers varied from two (UBC-840) to six (UBC-812), with an average of four bands per primer. All bands were monomorphic across all the micropropagated plants studied. Amplification of monomorphic bands with both marker systems authenticated the true to type nature of the in vitro raised plantlets of Albizia procera . These results suggest that the micropropagation protocol followed in this study is appropriate and applicable for mass clonal propagation of true-to-type superior Albizia procera trees.
Review: Minimally invasive sampling media and the measurement of corticosteroids as biomarkers of stress in animals

Cook, N. J. 2012. Review: Minimally invasive sampling media and the measurement of corticosteroids as biomarkers of stress in animals. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 227-259. The measurement of corticosteroid hormones is commonly used as a biomarker of an animal's response to stress. The difficulties in obtaining blood samples and the recognition of the stressor effect of blood sampling are primary drivers for the use of minimally invasive sample media. In mammals these include saliva, feces, urine, hair, and milk. In birds, samples include excreta, feathers, egg yolk and albumin. In fish, corticosteroids have been measured in excreta and swim-water. Each of these sample media incorporate corticosteroids in accordance with the processes by which they are formed, and this in turn dictates the periods of adrenocortical activity that each sample type represents. Cortisol in saliva represents a time-frame of minutes, whereas the production of feces may be hours to days depending on the species. The longest time-integrations are for hair and feathers which could be over a period of many weeks. The sample media also determines the structural changes that may occur via processes of conjugation to glucuronides and sulfides, metabolic conversion via enzymatic action, and bacterial breakdown. Structural changes determine the optimum methodologies used to measure corticosteroid hormones. In most sample media, measurement of a specific corticosteroid is a requirement depending on the species, e.g., cortisol in most mammals, or corticosterone in birds. However, in samples involving products of excretion, methodologies that measure a broad range of structurally related compounds are probably optimal. The utility of minimally invasive sample media as biomarkers of stress responses depends on the degree to which the corticosteroid content of the sample represents adrenocortical activity. Commonly, this involves comparisons between corticosteroid concentrations in blood plasma with concentrations in the alternative sample media. This review focuses on the methodological and biological validation of corticosteroid measurements in minimally invasive samples as biomarkers of adrenocortical responses to stress.
GERANIUM ( Pelargonium graveolens ) EXTRACT AND MECHANICAL TREATMENT IMPROVE WATER RELATION, ENZYME ACTIVITY AND LONGEVITY OF CUT CHRYSANTHEMUM ( Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura) FLOWERS

Application of safe organic compounds for the environment is an important approach to increase the longevity of cut flowers. Essences and herbal extracts are compounds having antimicrobial properties, thereby increasing the post-harvest life of cut flowers. Mechanical treatments such as splitting in the stem end also increase longevity of cut flowers. Essences and extracts of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) are biological compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can be used as a vase solution. In this study, different concentrations of rose scented geranium extract and stem end slot were used to improve post-harvest life of cut chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura) flowers. The results showed that longevity of cut flowers treated in vase solution containing 100 mg l rose scented geranium extract (18.43 days) with a slot of 5 cm at the stem end was significantly more than that of the control (8.11 days). Water status, microbial population in vase solution and stem end, ionic leakage, and enzymes activities were significantly different between treated cut flowers and control.
Genotoxic and antiproliferative potential of extracts of Echinodorus grandiflorus and Sagittaria montevidensis (Alismataceae)

Abstract The economic potential of the germplasm of medicinal species is a rich resource that should be preserved and used. The medicinal species Echinodorus grandiflorus and Sagittaria montevidensis belong to the family Alismataceae. Depurative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antivenin, and anti-rheumatic actions have been associated with E. grandiflorus, where the leaves are the main part used. Sagittaria montevidensis does not yet have its medicinal properties known and has a wide morphological variability, and is sometimes confused with E. grandiflorus. The present study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic and antiproliferative potential of extracts of dry leaves of E. grandiflorus and S. montevidensis on the cell cycle of Allium cepa, as well as undertake analysis by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) for the quantification of the compounds from the extracts. A. cepa bulb rootlets were submitted to the extracts for 24 h, prepared from plant material at two concentrations, 6 g dm−3 and 24 g dm−3 for each species, and two controls. Afterwards, the analysis of cell division and calculation of the mitotic index was undertaken. Part of the extracts was analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The results differed significantly between the controls and the treatments of both groups; the species did not have antimutagenic activity. The phytochemical analysis presented higher levels of caffeic acid and flavonoid glycoside in E. grandiflorus and phenolic glycoside in S. montevidensis. This study showed that the extracts of E. grandiflorus and S. montevidensis contain genotoxic potential and when used in high concentrations, anti-proliferative potential. HPLC-DAD revealed flavonoids and phenolic acids for both species.
Association of fibroblast growth factor 23, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D with acute kidney injury

Introduction Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) plays an important role in regulating phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis. Elevated levels of FGF23 are independently associated with mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease and End stage renal disease (ESRD). Whether FGF23 levels are elevated and associated with adverse outcomes in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) has not been studied so far. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between FGF23 levels in patients with AKI and morbidity, mortality, and/or the need for renal replacement therapy. Patients and methods The study included two groups: group 1, which included 30 AKI patients from the general medical ward and ICUs [identified in accordance with the criteria established by Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) grading of AKI]; and group 2, which included 30 healthy controls matched with the patients as regards age and sex. Plasma levels of C-terminal FGF23, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured within 24 h of AKI onset and 5 days later. The composite end point was death or need for renal replacement therapy. Results FGF23 levels on day 1 were significantly higher among participants with AKI than among controls (mean level: 278.20 ± 220.58 vs. 14.60 ± 9 pg/ml). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between FGF23 and vitamin D on day 1, with a P-value of less than 0.023, whereas there was no statistically significant negative correlation between FGF23 and vitamin D on day 5, with a P-value of 0.102. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between FGF23 on day 1 and both Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, with a P-value of less than 0.001. FGF23 proved to be a good predictor of mortality (sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 85%) at a cutoff value of 280 pg/ml. Conclusion FGF23 levels are elevated in AKI patients and are associated with increased mortality. AKI is also associated with significant reduction in the level of 1,25(OH)2D and with significant elevation of PTH.
Encapsulation characteristics of protein hydrolysate extracted from Ziziphus jujube seed

ABSTRACT Food protein hydrolysates and peptides are known as a promising functional food ingredient. Encapsulation can be used for improving the bioavailability and organoleptic properties of peptides. In the present study, good entrapment efficiency was obtained when 2.5% sodium alginate, 3% protein concentration, and 2% calcium chloride. Fourier transform infra-red analysis (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope presented that papain hydrolysate was cross-linked in calcium alginate beads. The peptide showed high antioxidant activity, metal ion chelation activity, and reducing power as compared to encapsulated peptide.
Modeling Future Spatial Distribution of Shorea palosapis (Blanco) Merr and Shorea polysperma (Blanco) Merr in Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park Using Maxent

This study determined the potential effects of present and future climates on the geographical distribution of Shorea palosapis (Blanco) Merr. and Shorea polysperma (Blanco) Merr in Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP) using Maximum Entropy model. A total of seven models were generated for each species: one Climatic-Only model, four Partial models (combination of four variable groups with climatic variables), one Full model (used 30 original variables), and one Final model (used 18 uncorrelated variables after a series of variable reduction methods). The models’ relative predictive performance was evaluated using Area Under Curve (AUC) and True Skill Statistics (TSS). The Final model performed best both for S. palosapis (AUC = 0.8763; TSS = 0.8176) and S. polysperma (AUC = 0.8626; TSS = 0.8332). Analysis of variable importance revealed that species distributions were largely determined by climatic variables (34.35%) followed by anthropogenic variables (27.25%) and topographic variables (24.15%), while vegetation-related (7.58%) and edaphic variables (6.67%) had relatively lesser contribution. The probabilities of occurrence of the species changed and were found to benefit from future climate with increasing suitable habitat range. This study will provide practitioners with early warning estimates of how climate change may affect the distribution of endangered species. Furthermore, this will also assist decision-makers especially in mainstreaming climate change in the NSMNP management plan to better conserve potential suitable habitats of priority species.