Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity among sunflower genotypes

Genetic divergence of 38 sunflower genotypes was assessed using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. These genotypes were grouped into 13 clusters, among which the cluster IX with 9 genotypes was the largest. This was followed by cluster X with 5 genotypes. Maximum inter cluster distance was recorded between cluster XII and XIII (39.58) followed by clusters II and XII (38.18). Hence hybridizing between these divergent groups may lead to higher variation in segregating population. Based on cluster means, the genotypes viz., GMU 463, GMU 475, GMU 498, GMU 1075 and GMU 1131-1 in the cluster X recorded highest seed yield per plant with high head diameter. The study revealed that the characters viz., 50% flowering followed by seed yield (35.00%) contributed more to the total genetic divergence in the genotypes. In this study, the genotypes viz., GMU 322, COSF3B and COSF4B in the cluster II, the genotypes viz., GMU 503, GMU 1074, GMU 1108 in the cluster XII and the genotype COSF1B in the cluster XIII are widely divergent and crosses may be effected among the genotypes of these clusters to get more heterosis among the hybrids.
Sterilization of the male by cadmium salts.

The effects of cadmium salts on the male rat gonads were studied. Injection of cadmium chloride caused complete necrosis of the testis within 10 days though the animals survived well for more than 2 years. Experiments with other organs strongly suggested than cadmium compounds are specific for the testis. Further experiments were conducted to illuminate the metabolic processes underlying specific testicular functions. After an initial decrease weights of the accessory sex glands increased after administration of cadmium indicating that the atrophied testes became a source of androgens though the rats remained sterile. Cadmium salt-induced testicular necrosis may be the result of primary circulatory failure in the testis or a primary action in the spermiogenic epithelium. The simulataneous administration of zinc appeared to have some protective effect against cadmium. It was also found that the effect of cadmium is not dependent on the presence of the pituitary or gonadotropins. However the uptake of zinc by the testis requires the presence of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The observed morphological changes produced by cadmium were found only in animals in whcih the testes were at a definite stage of maturity. Questions pertaining to the nature of the testicular changes brought about by cadmium injection are discussed.
Genetic Resistance to Pearl Millet Downy Mildew II. Resistance in Wild Relatives

Genetic resistance is the most economic and feasible method for control for downy mildew (DM) (Sclerospora graminicola) of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). To identify genes for DM resistance with diverse origin, we tested 539 accessions of 12 wild Pennisetum species from 17 countries, in the greenhouse and field-disease nurseries. A total of 223 accessions were found DM free in all the tests. P. violaceum was the most susceptible of all the species, both for the frequency of susceptible accessions (93% accessions with >10% DM) and for the level of susceptibility (accessions showing up to 94% DM). Freedom of most of the P. schweinfurthii accessions from DM, coupled with resistance to rust (Puccinia penniseti), is encouraging because of its cross-compatibility with pearl millet. DM resistance genes from these wild species will be useful in the control of this disease, if found different from those of pearl millet. Successful cross-inoculation of pearl millet with sporangia produced on five wild species (P. violaceum, P. mollissimum, P. purpureum, P. padicellatum, and P. polystachyon) shows that these species may be serving as collateral/alternative hosts and also helping the pathogen in creating pathogenic variability. As-these species are present in all pearl millet growing areas, a precise information on their role under farmers’ field conditions is necessary for the development of cultivars with durable DM resistance.
Vertical distribution pattern of ants in a bornean tropical rainforest (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

To investigate vertical distribution pattern of ants in a tropical rainforest, we collected ants from three vertical strata - canopy, tree-trunk and ground - in a rainforest of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Ants were collected by hand collecting on ground, by hanging pit-fall traps on tree-trunks, and by fogging in the canopy. Further, a survey of ant nesting sites was carried out to confirm whether ground-nesting and above-ground-nesting ants also appeared in other strata from their nesting stratum, or not. Previous studies have demonstrated that ants in tropical rainforests have static stratification between canopy and ground strata, with clear faunal boundaries and existence of distinct ant assemblages in the two strata. in the present study, we found that 40% of all species collected appeared in more than one stratum, and half of the ground-nesting and above-ground-nesting ants extended their distribution from their nesting stratum to other strata through the tree-trunk. Further, we found that both stratum-specialists and stratum-generalists occurred within the same ant genera and subfamilies, with variations in the proportion of specialists and generalists between taxonomic groups. The results suggest that ant species have a mix of broad and narrow vertical distribution ranges in a tropical rainforest, rather than static vertical stratification. Our research is unusual among studies of ant vertical distribution in sampling ants from tree-trunks and comparing ant samples from canopy and ground strata, which has not been done in the previous studies. We consider that the tree trunk is an important middle stratum to providing nesting and foraging places for ants, and a pathway between canopy and ground for flightless insects, including ants. Hence, those studies, which have focused only on comparing ant samples from canopy and ground strata, might have underestimated the proportion of stratum-generalists in ant assemblages.
Long-term observation of midlatitude quasi 2-day waves by a water vapor radiometer

Abstract. A mesospheric water vapor data set obtained by the middle atmospheric water vapor radiometer (MIAWARA) close to Bern, Switzerland (46.88∘ N, 7.46∘ E) during October 2010 to September 2017 is investigated to study the long-term evolution and variability of quasi 2-day waves (Q2DWs). We present a climatological overview and an insight on the dynamical behavior of these waves with the occurring spectrum of periods as seen from a midlatitude observation site. Such a large and nearly continuous measurement data set as ours is rare and of high scientific value. The core results of our investigation indicate that the activity of the Q2DW manifests in burst-like events and is higher during winter months (November–February) than during summer months (May–August) for the altitude region of the mesosphere (up to 0.02 hPa in winter and up to 0.05 hPa in summer) accessible for the instrument. Single Q2DW events reach at most about 0.8 ppm in the H2O amplitudes. Further, monthly mean Q2DW amplitude spectra are presented and reveal a high-frequency variability between different months. A large fraction of identified Q2DW events (20 %) develop periods between 38 and 40 h. Further, we show the temporal evolution of monthly mean Q2DW oscillations continuously for all months and separated for single months over 7 years. The analysis of autobicoherence spectra gives evidence that Q2DWs are sometimes phase coupled to diurnal oscillations to a high degree and to waves with a period close to 18 h.
Historical and phylogenetic constraints on the incidence of entire leaf margins: insights from a new South American model

Aim The relationship between the proportion of species with an entire leaf margin (pE) and mean annual temperature (MAT) is one of the most powerful tools for estimating palaeotemperatures. However, phylogenetic and phytogeographic constraints on this relationship have remained unexplored. Here we investigate the pE–MAT relationship for modern floristic assemblages from southern South American forests, assess its conformity to other models and test for the existence of historical constraints on pE–MAT models. Location South America. Methods We used samples from 30 sites located in Chile between 32° and 44° S to test for a pE–MAT relationship and compared it with four regional models. We assessed the reliability of these models for predicting MAT from instrumental records in eight modern temperate-forest localities in Chile. Additionally, palaeotemperatures for Cenozoic fossil floras were estimated. To assess historical constraints in pE, we measured the phylogenetic signal in leaf margin type and the association between leaf margin and phytogeographic affiliation, defined by the distribution of genera. Results We found a significant pE–MAT relationship for Chilean forest species that differed from Australia and Northern Hemisphere models, but not from tropical South America (TSA). Temperatures for southern South American localities predicted from the new regional model – combining Chilean and TSA datasets – were more accurate than those from previous models. We also showed that leaf margin type has a strong phylogenetic signal, which was further confirmed by the highly significant effect of phytogeographic element on leaf margin type. Main conclusions Differences between the Chilean and other regional models are explained by historical legacy, as Chilean leaf margin types are strongly affected by phylogenetic closeness and phytogeographic elements. We highlight that leaf margin analyses should be conducted within the context of a flora with a shared history. Thus, we propose a new model for South America to estimate palaeotemperatures for regional fossil floras.
Foraging Strategy of Wandering Albatrosses Through The Breeding Season: A Study Using Satellite Telemetry

Satellite telemetry of Wandering Albatrosses (Diomedea exulans) breeding on the Crozet Islands, southwestern Indian Ocean, revealed two distinct foraging strategies during successive stages of the breeding season: systematic foraging over extensive distances; and use of specific areas close to the colony. During early incubation, Wandering Albatrosses foraged over pelagic waters at an average range of 1,284 kin. The length of the foraging trips decreased towards the end of the incubation period. During the first month of chick rearing when parents brood alternately for short periods, the foraging range, distance covered, and area prospected were further reduced. Males tended to return to an individual foraging area, located at the edge of the continental shelf, that had previously been visited during the long trips of the incubation period. Females mostly prospected pelagic waters just off the shelf. After the chick had been left alone on the nest, birds exhibited a two-fold strategy, combining long foraging trips over pelagic waters with short trips over the shelf. Generally, both sexes headed for and foraged over an extensive pelagic sector. Some males also foraged over the Kerguelen shelf. Females tended to forage over more northerly waters than males. The duration of the foraging trips was most closely related to the total distance covered, but also to the maximum range during the long trips of the chick-rearing period and to a lesser extent during the incubation period. There were no such significant relationships in the case of short trips. During long pelagic foraging trips, the birds had a looping course that was determined by the wind direction, suggesting random foraging with respect to prey distri- bution. We were able to show that Wandering Albatrosses use two foraging strategies to cope with the constraints imposed by the different stages of the breeding cycle, the availability of prey, and the distribution of the prey. Use by Wandering Albatrosses of two foraging strategies may be a compromise based on the simultaneous need to satisfy the different food requirements of chicks and parents. Received 20 February 1992, accepted 23 October 1992. DURING THE breeding season, pelagic seabirds forage from a central place (often an island) and travel outward to feeding areas, where their foraging behavior is impossible to observe by island-based researchers. Heretofore, the only easily measurable feature of their foraging has been durations of foraging trips, determined from incubation bouts and chick feeding fre- quencies. Usually, it has been assumed that the duration of foraging trips depends on the dis- tance an adult has to travel from its nest to find food (Lack 1968, Pearson 1968, Croxall and
Effect of different treatments on ovarian condition and relative variationof steroids and insulin-like growth factor I in serum during induction of oestrus of seasonally acyclic sheep

Hormonal treatment during the non-breeding season is effective at precise synchronization of oestrus for fixed time insemination with the ability to increase ovulation rate in ewes. Three methods of assisted oestrus in Vallachian ewes were studied during the non-breeding season – group A: control, groups B, C: application of 20 mg flugestone acetate impregnated intravaginal sponges for 12 days + 1000 IU/500 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin, respectively, on day of sponge withdrawal, group D/ovsynch protocol (day –9: lecirelinum 0.0125 mg/head, day –3: cloprostenolum 0.0375 mg/head, day -1: lecirelinum 0.0125 mg/head), n=6 for each. Laparotomy was carried out on ewes of all groups 24 h after the last treatment. Ovaries were collected, measured, and their volume was calculated, surface follicles were counted and measured, too. Blood was collected on the last day of treatment and on the day of laparotomy and progesterone (P4), oestradiol-17ß (E2), and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations were analyzed in blood serums. E2 concentrations were significantly higher on day of laparotomy in groups A and C. P4 and IGF-I concentrations did not vary between or among groups. Volumes of the ovaries were significantly higher in control group when compared to groups B and D. Not a single treatment affected number or size of the follicles on the ovaries of Vallachian sheep positively, regardless the most effective treatment for assisted oestrous in the non-breeding season is found to be the use of progestogen vaginal sponges with 1000 IU eCG which may increase the ovulation rate.
Adaptive phenotypic plasticity in timing of metamorphosis in the common frog Rana temporaria

Abstract Unpredictable environments are expected to select for adaptive plasticity in traits enabling adjustment of phenotype to prevailing environmental conditions. Common frogs (Rana temporaria) breed frequently in ponds, which dry up before the aquatic larvae have metamorphosed, and consequently, plasticity in timing of metamorphosis in response to pond drying could be adaptive. We investigated the responses of half- and full-sib R. temporaria larvae to simulated pond drying in a factorial experiment to test whether there is adaptive phenotypic plasticity in timing of metamorphosis, and whether this plasticity is genetically determined. As expected under the adaptive hypothesis, we found that larvae exposed to the decreasing water treatment metamorphosed significantly faster than their sibs in the constant water treatments. Furthermore, age and size at metamorphosis were positively correlated in the constant water treatments, but negatively correlated in the decreasing water treatment. However, larvae from decreasing water treatment metamorphosed, on average, at a smaller size as compared to larvae from the constant water treatments, even after controlling for variation in developmental time. Since smaller size at metamorphosis is likely to be related to reduced fitness, this indicates that faster development may trade off with other components of fitness. The results further show that the amount of food received during the four first days of development influenced age and size at metamorphosis, reinforcing the view that early life nutrition may have a significant impact on later life fitness. Although there was a genetic component to developmental rates, we found no evidence for genetic variation in plasticity. In accordance with evidence from other studies, our results suggest existence of adaptive phenotypic plasticity in amphibian development.
Production of Botryosphaeria species Conidia using grapevine green shoots.

pycnidia produced on the media contained few conidia. An alternative method was developed, whereby grapevine green shoots were infected with Botryosphaeria species, the lesions air dried and then induced to sporulate under moist conditions. Botryosphaeria australis, B. lutea and B. stevensii produced abundant pycnidia oozing conidia within air dried stem pieces could still produce pycnidia that oozed Botryosphaeria parva produced few pycnidia that did not release any conidia. Botryosphaeria obtusa lesions were small and restricted to the inoculation point, with only a few pycnidia and conidia being produced.
INTAKE OF TROPICAL TANNINIFEROUS PLANTS BY GOATS AND SHEEP WHEN OFFERED AS A SOLE FEED

The intake of tropical tanniniferous plants (TTP) (Lysiloma latisiliquum, Piscidia piscipula and Acacia pennatula) when offered as a single feed to small ruminants could help to design a supplementation strategy looking for an anthelmintic effect. The objectives of the current study were: i) to determine the chemical composition of TTP offered to goats and sheep, ii) to determine and compare the total intake of TTP when offered as a single feed to goats and sheep. Adult sheep and goats, with experience in the intake of TTP, were allocated to individual pens. Three consecutive experimental period (15 d) separated by seven days were used. Each period consisted of 10 d adaptation and 5 days of experiment. During adaptation animals received 40 g of leaves of each TTP plant, fresh grass and concentrate feed on a daily basis. During the experimental period animals were fed ad libitum only with the fodder of a sole TTP. Between each period, animals were fed with fresh grass (ad libitum) and concentrate (200 g-1 day). Crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and lignin (L) were determined from each TTP. Total polyphenols (TP), total tannins (TT) and condensed tannins (CT) were also determined. During each experimental period, refused fodder and intake were measured every 24 h. A multivariate analysis was used in order to determine the effect of factors (animal species, plant species and individual animal within specie) on the dry matter intake. Factors with statistical effect (P<0.05) were analyzed by ANOVA (one way). The experiment with A. pennatula was suspended because animals refused to eat the plant. Piscidia piscipula and L. latisiliquum had similar quantities of CP. Lysiloma latisiliquum had the highest levels of polyphenolic compounds (TP, TT and CT) and lowest quantities of fibre components (NDF, ADF and L). The intake of P. piscipula was higher in goats than in sheep (P<0.01). However, the intake of L. latisiliquum was similar between both species. It was concluded that, when small ruminants eat a TTP as a single feed, the intake is mainly regulated by the fiber compounds.
Effect of defaunation of rumen functions in buffaloes fed high concentrate diet

An experiment was conducted to study rumen functions in the presence or absence of rumen protozoa in buffaloes maintained on high concentrate diet. The animals were defaunated by intra-ruminal infusion of sodium dioctyl sulpho-succinate. Rumen pH and total volatile fatty acids concentration in rumen did not differ significantly as a result of defaunation. whereas the molar proportion of propion ate increased and thatof acetate and butyrte decreased. Defaunated animals had significantly higher cellulose digestion, higher total bacterial count and microbial protein nitrogen, whereas total ruminalnitrogcn ano nitrogen concentrations decreased significantly.
Genetic and Molecular Characterization of ISWI Family Chromatin Remodelers in Wingless Signaling.

Increasing evidence suggests that chromatin plays an important role in transcriptional regulation of eukaryotic genes. We have identified Tou and Acf1, two closely related proteins in ISWI family chromatin remodeling complexes, as novel antagonists of Wnt signaling. Overexpression of tou or acf1 consistently blocks Wg signaling in fly eyes and wings. Loss of tou or acf1 has subtle or no detectable phenotype, respectively. In contrast, tou/acf1 double mutants have a more severe phenotype, indicating functional redundancy between these two genes. Consistent with the fly data, Tou and Acf1 redundantly repress Wnt targets expression in both fly and human cells. We conclude that Tou and Acf1 are not absolutely required for Wnt signaling, yet they might act as modulators in fine-tuning the pathway. The possibilities that a third protein acts redundantly with Tou/Acf1 in flies and that Tou and Acf1 repress Wnt targets in a tissue/cell specific manner are discussed.
An improved method of Newmark analysis for mapping hazards of coseismic landslides

Abstract. Coseismic landslides can destroy buildings, dislocate roads, sever pipelines, and cause heavy casualties. It is thus important but challenging to accurately map the hazards posed by coseismic landslides. Newmark's method is widely applied to assess the permanent displacement along a potential slide surface and model the coseismic response of slopes. This paper proposes an improved Newmark analysis for mapping the hazards of coseismic landslides by considering the roughness and effect of the size of the potential slide surfaces. This method is verified by data from a case study on the 2014 Mw 6.1 (the United States Geological Survey) Ludian earthquake in Yunnan Province, China. Permanent displacements due to the earthquake ranged from 0 to 122 cm. The predicted displacements were compared with a comprehensive inventory of landslides triggered by the Ludian earthquake to map the spatial variation in the hazards of coseismic landslides using the certainty factor model. The confidence levels of coseismic landslides indicated by the certainty factors ranged from −1 to 0.95. A hazard map of the coseismic landslide was generated based on the spatial distribution of values of the certainty factor. A regression curve relating the predicted displacement and the certainty factor was drawn, and can be applied to predict the hazards of coseismic landslides for any seismic scenario of interest. The area under the curve was used to compare the improved and the conventional Newmark analyses, and revealed the improved performance of the former. This mapping procedure can be used to predict the hazards posed by coseismic landslides, and provide guidelines for decisions regarding the development of infrastructure and post-earthquake reconstruction.