Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro Culture of Abscissed Immature Avocado Embryos

The efficiency of an avocado hybridization programme, using small potted glasshouse plants, was reduced by a high rate of abscission of immature fruitlets bearing embryos too young for conventional germination. This was overcome in part by culture in vitro of the shed embryos on a liquid medium supplemented with 0-5 mg 1_1 benzyladenine. Most embryos younger than 6 weeks did not survive in culture, but older embryos slowly produced multiple shoots, with axillary shoot growth being further stimulated by removal of both cotyledons. Embryo response was not related to cultivar. Shoots removed from culture could be grafted to seedling rootstocks. Grafting was considered more reliable than dependence on growth of the main root or adventitious roots in vitro to produce established plants.
Effects of water depth on the seedling morphology and chlorophyll fluorescence of Vallisneria natans

ABSTRACT The responses of Vallisneria natans to different water depths were analyzed in potted plants cultivated in a pond. The aim of the present study was to outline the effects of turbid water (i.e. low light) on the morphological parameters and photosynthetic efficiency of V. natans. After 60 days, V. natans plants of morphological characteristics (blade length, width, area, and growth rate) at a depth of 140–170 cm showed a significant decrease with increasing water depth and each parameter was negatively correlated with water depth (p < 0.01); the growth rate was remarkably inhibited with increasing water depth. The portion of light energy absorbed for electron transfer through the antenna pigments gradually decreased at a water depth of 120–170 cm and the concentration of electrons involved in CO2 fixation and qP decreased. However, qN exhibited an opposite trend in the leaves (p < 0.01). The utilized light intensity decreased with the increasing depth. Thus, both the morphology and physiology of V. natans are significantly affected by water depth. Moreover, the development of PS II and growth characteristics provided a basis for theoretical comparative analysis of light-dependent fluorescence signals observed in different samples under various conditions.
A Comparison of Sod Type and Fertilization during Turf Establishment

Organic-(muck) and mineral-(sand) grown sods of ‘Floratam’ St. Augus tinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze] were planted on 27 Apr. 1982. Two fertilizer rates (5 g N m-2 and 10 g N m-2) were applied before planting (sodbed surface) or after planting (sod surface). Rooting strength and turf quality were evaluated at 2 and 4 weeks, and growth rate at 4 weeks postplanting. Mineral-grown sod had greater rooting strength at 2 and 4 weeks after planting. Fertilizer placement was a factor only at 4 weeks, with sod surface better than sodbed placement. Strongest rooting occurred at 5 g N m-2. Turf quality and growth rate were greatest for organic-grown sod whereas the 10 g N m-2 fertilizer rate produced the best quality and greatest growth rate.
LONG-TAILED FIELD MICE (APODEMUS SYLVATICUS). I. AN INTERPRETATION OF DEFENSIVE POSTURES

The social behavior of a group of four adult (2 ♂ ♂ and 2 ♀ ♀) long-tailed field mice (Apodernus sylvaticus) living together for a long period of time in a large terrarium is described and analyzed. As a rule, the social behavior patterns correspond to those described for other rodent species. Analysis of the occurrence of encounters involving defensive postures with other types of encounters, and the behavior of the mice before they display defensive postures suggest that not only attack and flight, but also amicable and non-social tendencies could be involved in the elicitation of this type of behavior.
The effect of the biochemical adaptations in the Manchu alder (Duschecia fruticosa (Rupr)) to an elevated natural radiation background on the survivability of seedlings and on the radiosensitivity of its seeds

Seeds and sprouts of bushy alder existing for long under the condition of the enhances natural radiation background (ENRB; from 1.4 to 72.0 mCu/(kg.s)) have been examined to determine biochemical adaptations to permanent low-level irradiation. To achieve this goal a combined cytological and biochemical technique for the assessment of the activity of genome of the sprout root meristem in response to translation, replication and reparation has been applied. The activity of antioxidant systems has been studied. The data obtained allow us to reveal mechanisms of alder bush biochemical adaptations to various ENRB rates and their effect upon seeds radiosensitivity and sprouts survival. It is determined that the increase in sprout vitality and high radioresistance of seeds ripened under the conditions of low-level natural radiation is due to the content of low molecular antioxidants and activation of systems of genome reparation.
Immunoreactivity and inhibition of angiotensin I converting enzyme and lactococcal oligopeptidase by peptides from cheese

Hydrolysis of angiotensin I by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) or hydrolysis of methionine enkephalin by 70 kDa metallo-oligopeptidase PepO from Lactococcus lactis was inhibited by β-casein (CN) fragments 58-72, 193-209 and 194-209; however, inhibition of PepO by each of these β-CN peptides was markedly stronger. Separation of the water-soluble extract from Norvegia (Gouda type) cheese by reversed-phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography and by gel filtration chromatography showed that highly active ACE-inhibitory peptides were not identical with peptides having a high inhibitory activity against PepO. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against β-CN f 58-72 and 193-209 conjugated to hemocyanin. Antibodies raised against β-CN f58-72 (1.68 kDa) were particularly immunoreactive with peptides in the range 1.0 to 2.5 kDa, but showed little or no reactivity against β-CN f58-70 or β-casomorphin (β-CN f60-66). Antibodies raised against β-CN f193-209 (1.88 kDa) recognised peptides in the range 1.0-2.5 kDa, although they also reacted strongly with whole β-casein. Immunoblotting and inhibitory ELISA showed that Cheddar, Jarlsberg, Norvegia and Blue cheeses contain variable amounts of peptides immunoreactive with antibodies specific for β-CN f58-72 and β-CN f193-209. Les proteines du lait contiennent des sequences de peptides bioactifs. Cette etude compare l'inhibition d'oligopeptidase de type PepO et d'enzyme convertissant l'angiotensine I (ACE) par des peptides dans l'extrait hydrosoluble de fromages, des peptides separes de fromage de Norvege et l'immunoreactivite de peptides de fromage avec des anticorps specifiques pour 2 fragments de β-caseine.
Multivariate analysis of sugar yield contributing traits in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum .L), in Ethiopia

Knowledge on performance of genotypes and interrelationships among traits is very important for sugarcane breeding programmes. The objectives of this study were to assess the phenotypic relationship among 49 sugarcane genotypes and the inter-relationships among traits considered. The cluster analysis demonstrated that the 49 sugarcane genotypes studied were clustered into nine groups and were highly different for Pol in juice, cane yield (tons ha-1m-1), number of tillers (ha-1), purity% and milleable stalk population (ha-1). The relationship among sugarcane genotypes was not dependent on geographic origin, suggesting that a high proportion of total genetic variation was retained within the groups of origin and active genetic ex-change was found between different origins. The principal component analysis indicated that cane yield, milleable stalk height and milleable stalk diameter were highly correlated with sugar yield while the correlation of quality traits with sugar yield was weak. In contrary, path and multiple regression analysis revealed that cane yield, recoverable sucrose percentage (%) and Pol contribute more to the variability of sugar yield; these are very important traits for high sugar yield that should be considered in sugarcane breeding programmes. Moreover, milleable stalk height and milleable stalk population via cane yield and Brix, Pol, purity and number of internodes via recoverable sucrose percentage had high indirect effects on sugar yield suggesting these traits should also be given consideration during selection for high sugar yield. Generally, similar and adequate information was generated following the use of cluster, principal component, linear discriminant, path coefficient and multiple regression analyses indicating the use of multivariate analyses was successful and results of the study were more substantial to give concrete recommendation. Key words: Clusters, genotypes, multiple regression, path coefficient, phenotypic correlation.
Fish farming status at Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar district, Bangladesh

The potential and prospect of fish farming of Sreemangal, Moulvibazar was carried out from January to December 2015 by interviewing of 90 fish farmers with a well-structured questionnaire. The survey revealed that 40% of the ponds were seasonal and 60% perennial, of which 85% with single ownership and 15% accompanied by multiple ownership. The average pond size was 0.13 ha and depth 2.6 m. The ponds were prepared using of lime, cow dung, urea and TSP at the rate of 250, 250, 40 and 20 kg/ha, respectively. Nearly all of the farmers practiced polyculture with Indian major carps and exotic carps. Fish was stocked from March to June and average stocking density was 15,500 fingerlings/ha. To sustain natural food production, farmers generally used cow dung, urea and TSP at the rate of 2,600, 300 and 150 kg/ha/yr, respectively. Healthy environmental condition was maintained by applying lime and salt at 600 and 60 kg/ha/yr, respectively. The fish were fed by supplementary feed (45% farm) e.g., rice bran and mustard oil-cake with an average quantity of 2,200 and 550 kg/ha/yr, respectively and artificial pellet feed (55% farm). The average fish production, production cost and profit were found 2,945 kg/ha/yr, 1,25,940 and 94,935 Tk. /ha/yr, respectively. The major constraints for sustainable pond fish farming were non-availability of fish fingerlings during stocking period, insufficient water in dry season, high production cost, poor technical knowledge, lack of money etc. By establishing more hatcheries, arranging training at farm level, providing interest free or at lower interest loan to the farmers the existing fish production could be increased. Res. Agric. , Livest. Fish.3(2): 361-368, August 2016
Components of partial resistance to black spot disease (Diplocarpon rosae wolf) in garden roses

Eleven rose (Rosa spp.) cultivars and advanced lines from the Morden rose breeding program were tested in controlled conditions for five components of partial resistance to two isolates of Diplocarpon rosae Wolf, the causal agent of black spot. The isolates were collected from diseased rose leaves in 1995 at Morden, Man. , and in Ottawa, Ont. The components examined include incubation period (IP), leaf area with symptoms (LAS), number of lesions (NL), lesion length (LL), and sporulation capacity (SC). Differences in cultivar responses were found for all components. Of the 11 rose genotypes, no visible symptoms developed on line 91V8T201 even at 14 days after inoculation. This line was considered completely resistant to the two isolates tested. X6, T5, and 'Prairie Joy' had a high level of partial resistance. N3 and 'Cuthbert Grant' were intermediate. The remaining five cultivars or lines exhibited a low level of partial resistance. Linear correlations among LAS, IP, NL, and LL were high. Correlations between SC with IP, NL, or LL were nonsignificant. Although each of the five components can be used in selection for partial resistance, any one component may not represent the complete potential for a particular rose genotype. Results of this study suggest that LAS and SC are preferable as criteria for resistance to minimize the labor requirement when evaluating large numbers of rose genotypes in the greenhouse.
Ecotourism marketing alternative to charismatic megafauna can also support biodiversity conservation

Charismatic species are the main attractor of ecotourists to protected areas, but this narrow interest leads to under‐appreciation of other biodiversity as well as cultural values of protected areas. Many protected areas with high conservation value, but little funding, lack charismatic species. Exploring tourists' preferences alternative to charismatic species may help identify ecotourism markets that are more likely to support such areas. We used a choice experiment and latent class model to explore tourists' heterogeneous preference for biodiversity and biodiversity‐related activities in South African national parks. We found that tourists' preferences were not restricted to charismatic species, but extended to less charismatic biodiversity, as well as to landscapes. In addition, biodiversity‐related activities, such as camping and game drives, the sense of wilderness attached to the place tourists were visiting and accessibility of protected areas, also affected tourists' preferences. Particularly, domestic tourists, as well as more experienced international tourists, were more likely to support initiatives that promote a broader biodiversity experience than charismatic species alone, and were prepared to travel longer distances to do so. Our results reveal new opportunities to promote and support biodiversity conservation at sites where only less charismatic biodiversity is present. In addition, our results may help inform land‐use planning based on public preferences for biodiversity conservation, incorporating sense of place.
Commercial Use of Long-term Storage of Lemon with Intermittent Warming

Long-term storage of lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm] at 13°C for 3 months and longer resulted in a high incidence of rot. The remaining sound fruit became dry, overripe in color, and therefore unmarketable. Storage at < 10°C caused chilling injury, including internal membranosis, peel pitting, and changes in juice composition (4). Intermittent warming for 7 days at 13° following 21 days at 2° eliminated chilling injury development in ‘Eureka’ and ‘Villa franca’ lemon, limons could be kept in storage for 6 months or longer and retain their marketing quality without chilling injury (5). Herein are presented the results of 2 years of commercial use of long-term storage of lemons at suboptimal temperature with intermittent warming.
Status of maize lethal necrosis in eastern Uganda

Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) is the latest emerging disease of maize in Sub-saharan Africa. It was first reported in Uganda in 2013. Consequently, information regarding its prevalence, yield loss, applicable mitigation measures and socio-economic effects is still scanty, hence this study. A survey involving 300 respondents on the status of the disease was conducted in seven districts of eastern Uganda. Results revealed that MLN became prevalent in eastern Uganda in the first season of 2012 (2012A), which stretches from March to June. The MLN disease symptoms, especially chlorosis, were prevalent in most of the farmers’ fields in all the districts surveyed but particularly in Tororo, Mbale, Greater Sironko and Busia. Almost all farmers from the lowland areas reported MLN to be more destructive in the second season (B), which stretches from August to November. The disease can attack at any stage of crop growth from two weeks after planting. Very low yields (0.25 to 1.0 t ha-1) attributed to the MLN epidemic, were obtained, causing an average yield loss of 50.5% valued at US$ 332 per hectare. Use of home saved seed especially in Busia, Tororo, Iganga and Mbale was common and partly explains the prevalence of MLN in these districts. Roguing emerged the most popular means farmers in eastern Uganda were using to control MLN. By intensifying MLN sensitization programmes, farmers will learn other management practices such as crop rotation, good sanitation practices and use of chemical sprays to control MLN. Finally expediting the breeding process for the development of MLN resistant or tolerant varieties will bring a lasting solution to the disease. Key words: Eastern Uganda, DAS-ELISA, maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV), maize lethal necrosis (MLN).
Application of Livestock Waste Compost as a Source of Nitrogen Supplementation during the Fall-winter Season Causes Dead Flower Buds in Japanese Pear ‘Kosui’

Dead flower buds were frequently observed in the Japanese pear cultivar ‘Kosui’ (Pyrus pyrifolia) when trees were cultured under open field conditions in the southwestern regions of Japan. To elucidate the causes of dead flower buds, we studied the effect of nitrogen (N) supplements using two experimental designs that included trees grown in pots and in the field. First, we investigated the effect of applying chemical N fertilizer during the winter using potted trees (controlled temperature experiment). We also investigated the effect of applying livestock waste compost during the fall-winter months on flower bud freezing tolerance and on the N and sugar contents of flower buds from trees cultivated in the field. In controlled temperature conditions, the percentage of dead flower buds significantly increased when N fertilizer was applied in December and January. In field conditions, compost application in the fall-winter months significantly reduced the freezing tolerance of flower buds concomitant with a significant increase in the percentage of dead flower buds compared to compost application in the spring. Application of compost in the fall-winter months resulted in a significantly higher N content compared to that in spring. In contrast, the relationship between the sugar content and freezing tolerance of flower buds is unclear. This potential connection remains to be elucidated in the near future. Collectively, these results suggest that compost application during the fall-winter season can adversely affect freezing tolerance through an increase in the N content, thus promoting dead flower buds.
Clutch size, breeding success and brood size experiments in Tengmalm's Owl Aegolius funereus: a test of hypotheses

During 1973-85, the mean clutch size and the mean number of fledglings in Tengmalm's Owl correlated positively with the spring trap index of the preferred prey (Microtus voles). The largest clutches (7-10 eggs) were more profitable both per egg and per clutch than the most common clutches (5-6) which, in turn, were more productive than the smallest clutches (1-4). Predation rate was higher on small clutches than on large ones. Broods with one young experimentally added did not suffer from a higher nestling mortality than control broods or broods with one young experimentally reduced. This suggests that the amount of food available to the egg-laying female is the critical factor for the determination of clutch size. However, young of enlarged broods tended to achieve slightly lower weight at fledging than did young from reduced broods, which indicates that their phenotypic quality and therefore later survival might be lower. This may select for smaller clutches than those producing the largest number of fledglings.
Genetic Analysis of Three Lithuanian Native Horse Breeds

This study was the first to analyze the polymorphic characteristics of a wide range of genetic markers in three Lithuanian horse breeds. Genetic variation at seven red blood cell alloantigen (blood group) loci, 10 biochemical genetic loci and 16 microsatellites was examinated in 31 Zemaitukai, 30 large-type Zemaitukai and 24 Lithuanian Heavy Draught horse and compared to that of other domestic horse breeds. Genetic variability of the Zemaitukai breeds based upon blood groups and biochemical loci was higher than average for domestic horse breeds. For microsatellite loci, the variability of the large-type Zemaitukai and the Heavy Draught breeds also was high compared to the mean variation for domestic breeds; however, for the Zemaitukai breed, variation levels were very near the average for horses.
Reconstitution of Munc18-Dependent Mast Cell Degranulation

ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . iv DEDICATION . v LIST OF TABLES . ix LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS . x LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . xi CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION . 1 Mast cells . 1 Mast cell origins and subtypes . 1 Mast cell granules . 2 Mast Cell Pathology and Physiology . 4 Mast cells in inflammatory disease . 4 Physiological roles of mast cells . 6 Mast cell activation . 9 IgE-mediated degranulation. 9 Allergen-independent activation. 11 SNARE-mediated Mast Cell Exocytosis . 12 Munc18 proteins . 14 Membrane fusion machinery in mast cells . 15 vii Specific Aims . 17 CHAPTER II – MATERIALS AND METHODS . 19 Expression and Purification of Recombinant Proteins . 19 SNARE proteins for proteoliposome preparation . 19 VAMP cytoplasmic domains . 20 Munc18 proteins . 21 Reconstituted Proteoliposome Preparation . 23 RPL Fusion Assay. 24 RPL Clustering Assay . 24 His6-tag Pulldown Assay . 25 CHAPTER III RESULTS . 26 Mast cell SNAREs forms at least six fusogenic trans-SNARE complexes . 26 Munc18a Selectively Stimulates Membrane Fusion Mediated by Four SNAREComplexes. 27 Munc18b and Munc18c Do Not Stimulate Lipid Mixing Reactions . 30 Munc18a Selectively Promotes Liposome Clustering in an R-SNARE-Dependent Fashion . 31 Munc18a Relies on Syntaxin N-terminus for RPL Clustering . 32 Munc18a Facilities RPL Clustering through Binding Syntaxin and VAMP2 Prior to Trans-SNARE Complex Formation . 34
Climate change impacts on agricultural crops in the Timiş Plain, Romania.

The paper is aiming to assess the climate change impacts on crop production in Timiş Plain – one of the most stable areas in terms of future climate change signals, using the CERES (Crop-Environment Resource Synthesis) model. This model combines database (climate, soil and crop) with simulation algorithms of the main processes related to crop pattern and statistical algorithms for biophysical, economic and strategic analysis. For the current research, the authors used two applications of CERES model: CERES-Wheat and CERES-Maize, overlapping two regional climatic scenarios for 2021-2050 and 2071-2100 periods. The models describe, on a daily data basis, the main biophysical processes witch occur at the soil-plant-atmosphere interface as a response to the variability of different processes such as: photosynthesis, specific phenological phases, evapotranspiration, water dynamics in soil etc. The winter wheat benefits from the interaction between the CO2 and air temperature increase, while the maize is more vulnerable to climate change, especially to hot and dry climate over the 2071-2100 period, under the SRES A1B scenario. Even though the study-area does not experience strong climate change signals, however, against the current climatic conditions, temperature rise, especially in the conditions of the second future projected period, brings about a decrease of the vegetation period for both crops. Consequently, the increase of atmospheric CO2 concentration has a positive effect on photosynthesis for winter wheat triggering increased yields, thus counteracting the negative effect of shortening the vegetation period. In the case of maize, the yields are subject to shrinkages, more acute over the 2071-2100 period, due to temperature rise and shortening of the vegetation period, coupled with water stress, especially during the flowering and yield formation interval.
Some observations on biochemical behaviour and antibiotic susceptibility pattern among. E. coli isolated from infantile diarrhoea cases

Sur 465 souches d'E. coli provenant de cas de diarrhee enfantile, 326 etaient resistantes a un ou a plusieurs medicaments et uniquement 139 etaient sensibles a tous les medicaments utilises. La gentamycine est l'antibiotique le plus efficace suivie de la neomycine, le furoxone et le cotrimoxazole