Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early growth and development of morphological defenses in post-hatchling flatbacks (Natator depressus) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas)

Abstract Marine turtles produce hundreds of precocial offspring (“hatchlings”) that are virtually defenseless. Many are consumed by predators. Hatchlings improve their survival prospects by migrating to offshore “nursery” areas with lower predator densities and, as they grow, by developing morphological defenses. The flatback turtle (Natator depressus), however, remains in the predator-rich coastal waters of Australia. To gain insights into how they survive there, we compared patterns of early growth and morphological development in flatbacks to their closest relative, the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), which migrates offshore. We found that morphological structures likely to be used in defense are better developed in juvenile flatbacks than in juvenile green turtles. Those structures probably represent one of a suite of characters that enable young flatbacks to survive in coastal habitats where interactions with predators are likely to be more frequent.
Variation in testicular morphometric traits in Djallonke sheep of North and South ecotypes of Benin and their relationships with body weight and Characteristics

The study aims to determine the variability of testicular morphometric traits in Djallonke sheep reared under traditional system in Benin according to the ecotype and their relationships with their body traits. Data were collected from November 2014 to December 2015 on 21 rams of North ecotype and 24 rams of South ecotype of 12 months old. It appears that chest circumference, back width, pelvis length, paired testes weight, testes length, testes diameter, testes volume, testes density, paired epididymal weight, epididymal length, epididymal volume, and the epididymal density depend on ecotype (P˂0.05). The highest chest circumference (69.24 vs 73.29 cm), back width (15.78 vs 14 cm) and pelvis length (23.03 vs 16.8 cm) were recorded in the animals of North ecotype (P˂0.05). similarly, the highest values (P˂0.05) of paired testes weight, testes length, testes diameter, testes volume, testes density, paired epididymal weight, epididymal length, epididymal volume, and the epididymal density were found in rams of North ecotype (respectively of 300.86g, 6.91 cm, 4.82cm, 146.14 ml, 1.02 g/cm3, 27.8 g and 20.1 cm). However, the head length, whither’s height, scapulo-ischium length, scrotal length, scrotal circumference, epididymal volume and the epididymal density were similar among ecotypes and was respectively on average 18.21 cm; 54.64 cm; 60.61 cm; 14.09 cm; 22.17cm; 15.35ml and 0.87g/cm3. In sheep of South ecotype, the live weight was strongly and positively associated with scrotal length, scrotal circumference, paired testes weight, testes length, testes diameter, testes volume, paired epididymal weight, epididymal length and epididymal volume (0.80≤ r ≤0.90; P
I. AN HYPOTHESIS OF SERIAL ADJUSTMENT OF MATERNAL INVESTMENT DURING ONE REPRODUCTIVE SESSION

SUMMARY It is postulated that in one reproductive session the level of maternal expenditure of an angiosperm plant is determined by a temporal series of controls on the number of potential fruit in which an investment is made. The serial adjustment hypothesis has three parts: A. The amount of maternal expenditure is regulated at many developmental units, particularly single flowers and fruit, at three principal sequential stages - the determination of flowers, the development of ovaries and the maturation of fruit. B. At each stage, the initiation or continuation of an investment requires an amount of available resources above a certain threshold. Hence maternal expenditure is continually adjusted to the resources available at each developmental site. C. The pattern of controls that maximizes the maternal fitness of a plant is selected. Many factors affect the relative advantages of regulation at the three stages, therefore species and sexual morphs appear to vary widely in their proportional use of the three stages. Regulation of flower determination has the general advantages of offering bidirectional adjustment of maternal investment, maintaining a constant ratio of maternal to paternal investment, and reducing wasted expenditure. The later stages, ovary and fruit regulation, allow secondary adjustments of maternal investment in unpredictable circumstances and permit adjustment of the relative numbers of polliniferous and seminiferous flowers. The relative advantages of restricting the numbers of developing ovaries, or of maturing fruit, depend principally on the extent to which differences in the capacity of flowers to mature fruit are evident before anthesis.
CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS (L.) G. DON. AN IMPORTANT DRUG: ITS APPLICATIONS AND PRODUCTION

Catharanthus roseus is an important drug. Traditionally, different parts of it used in the treatments of various diseases (viz. diabetes, menstrual regulators, hypertension, cancer and antigalactagogue etc.), in numbers of countries (Australia, Brazil, China, Cook Island, Dominica, England, Europe, France, French Guina, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Mozambique, North Vietnam, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, South Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, Venda, Vietnam, West Indies etc.). Moreover, more than 130 alkaloids have been isolated from different parts; amongst which two important alkaloids (Vinblastine and Vincristine used in cancer treatment) present in very low concentrations. Keeping these views; researcher continuously using different approaches to enhance the level of important alkaloid to meet the required demand. Thus, in present communication various in vitro biotechnological and biochemical approaches (viz. effect of media composition, plant growth regulators, pH of the culture medium, temperature, light, aeration, elicitors, mutagenesis, high cell density culture, selection of superior cell lines, bioreactor and immobilization methods, hairy root culture, somatic embryogenesis, biosynthesis of alkaloids, metabolic and genetic engineering in alkaloids biosynthesis, coupling method for alkaloids biosynthesis, cellular compartmentation etc.) have been used worldwide; which directly concerning with the in-vitro micropropagation and the enhancement of important secondary metabolites present in different parts of Catharanthus and being used in the treatment of various diseases.
Early Development of Powdery Mildew on Cucumber Leaves Acclimatized to Illumination with Different Red-to-far-red Ratios

The development of powdery mildew fungus ( Podosphaera xanthii ) is suppressed on cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings acclimatized to higher red-to-far-red ratio (R:FR) than natural R:FR ( ’’ 1.2), but its early development and any limiting factors are still unclear. The present study evaluated conidial germination, initial invasion, and subsequent development of P. xanthii on cucumber seedlings raised under light-emitting diode (LED) lights with R:FRs of 1.2, 5.0, or 10. There were no differences in conidial germination or initial invasion between the treatments, so there was no effect of acclimatization to R:FR on either. But, the development of hyphae, hyphal cells, and haustoria after inoculation were suppressed on seedlings acclimatized to higher R:FR. Because differences occurred only after the initial invasion, nonstructural properties of the host leaves may have affected conidial development. Higher R:FR also suppressed conidial development under natural light ﬁltered through a photo-selective ﬁlm, which absorbs near-infrared (NIR)-light. However, this effect was reduced when the plants were moved to natural R:FR after inoculation, possibly because of reacclimatization of the seedlings. Host-plant resistance to foliar diseases can be increased by artiﬁcial lights with particular wavelengths (Chen
Human glial fibrillary acidic protein gene promoter targets hepatic and pancreatic stellate cells in transgenic Bama mini-pigs.

A B S T R A C T Hepatic and pancreatic stellate cells (HSCs and PSCs) have been considered to be closely associated with the pathogenesis of fibrosis, offering a hopeful therapeutic target for treating hepatic and pancreatic fibrosis. Recently, we have generated transgenic mini-pigs carrying astrocyte-specific expression of DsRed regulated by the 2.2-kb human glial fibrillary acidic protein (hGFAP) gene promoter. This study was intended to examine whether the targeted transgene expression of DsRed will be present in the porcine HSCs and PSCs. Histological fluorescent imaging showed several DsRed-expressing cells were interspersed between the parenchyma cells. Moreover, these DsRedexpressing cells were checked as indeed HSCs and PSCs by co-labeling with GFAP immunoreactivity. Thus, our results demonstrate the 2.2-kb hGFAP gene promoter holds matched regulatory elements therefore is capable of introducing specific expression of transgene in porcine HSCs and PSCs, providing a novel strategy to selectively manipulate the HSCs and PSCs in a large animal model.
Confirmation of SSR Markers and QTL for Seed Calcium Content and Hardness of Soybean

ABSTRACT Seed calcium content and hardness constitute determining characteristics of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] texture affecting soyfood quality. Molecular markers linked to these traits will accelerate breeding of soybeans for the soyfood market through the use of marker-assisted selection (MAS). Confirmation of linked markers and validation of quantitative trait loci (QTL), prior to their application through MAS, are the keys. The objectives of this study were to confirm previously reported QTL for calcium content and seed hardness and investigate the relationship between these traits. Evaluation of seven recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations with different genetic backgrounds, grown in two Arkansas locations for 2 years, showed inconsistent correlations between these traits. In general, a positive correlation was found in most of the populations and correlation was significant in six populations. Combined data showed a positive correlation between calcium content and seed hardness (r = 0.23 – 0.49). Furthermore, previously reported QTL for calcium content and/or hardness were evaluated in six different sub-populations and stable markers across environments were identified for potential use in MAS. Based on our results, markers Satt267 and Sat_345 on chromosome 1, Sat_288 on chromosome 7, Sat_228, Satt341, and Sat_392 on chromosome 8, Satt547 on chromosome 16, and Satt002 on chromosome 17, are reliable for calcium content selection; whereas, Satt267, Satt680, Satt341, and Sct_010 on chromosomes 1, 7, 8, and 19, respectively, can be used for selection for seed hardness. Findings of this research will facilitate MAS for seed calcium content and hardness in breeding programs aimed at improving food-grade soybeans.
Effect of foliar application of zinc on yield of wheat grown by avoiding irrigation at different growth stages

A field experiment was carried out at micronutrient experimental field of Soil Science Division, BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur to study the effect of foliar application of zinc on yield of wheat (BARI gom-25) grown by skipping irrigation at different growth stages of the crop. The experiment was designed in a split plot design on sixteen treatments comprising four irrigation treatments (regular irrigation, skipped irrigation at crown root initiation, skipped irrigation at booting stage and skipped irrigation at grain filling stages of wheat growth) and four foliar application of zinc (0.0%, 0.02%, 0.04% and 0.06% of zinc). Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate (ZnSO 4 . H 2 O) was used as a source of Zn. The interaction effect of irrigation and foliar application of zinc significantly influenced the yield and yield components of wheat. The highest yield (5.59 t ha -1 ) was recorded in normal irrigation which was identical with skipping irrigation at flowering and heading stage with 0.06% foliar application of zinc. Skipping irrigation at crown root initiation stage had the most negative effect on growth and yield. Skipping irrigation at flowering and heading stage of wheat with 0.04% foliar application of zinc gave the identical yield in regular irrigation with 0.04% and 0.06% foliar application of zinc. Thus, foliar application of zinc played a major role on yield and yield components of wheat at later stages of growth. The response of foliar application of Zn was positive and quadrate in nature. The optimum dose was appeared as 0.04% foliar application of zinc for grain yield of wheat in the study area of Joydebpur, Gazipur (AEZ-28). Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(2): 323-334, June 2016
Evaluation of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Populations’ Response to Salinity Stress

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a moderately salt-tolerant crop with high economic return and is therefore more suitable for production with lower quality water than most high-value crops. This study was conducted to examine the effect of water composition types (Cl⁻ or SO₄²⁻) of irrigation water and five salinity levels (electrical conductivity of irrigation water [ECᵢw] = 0.85, 8, 13, 18.3, and 24.5 dS m⁻¹) on biomass production, salt tolerance, and ion concentration of 15 alfalfa populations. The plants were grown in a greenhouse in 60 sand tanks for 347 d under salt treatment. There was no significant effect of water composition type on shoot and root biomass production. Water composition type × EC and water composition type x population interactions were also not significant. Salinity impact was population dependent (EC × population: P < 0.05), except at ECᵢw 18.3 dS m⁻¹. Across all populations, shoot biomass was significantly reduced with increasing salinity to 77, 50, and 27% of the control at 13, 18.3, and 24.5 dS m⁻¹, respectively. The ‘SISA14’ and ‘SW 8421S’ populations were the most productive under saline conditions with the highest degree of salt tolerance. The results showed that alfalfa biomass response to salinity did not depend on the type of salts (Cl⁻ or SO₄²⁻). Shoot Cl⁻ also did not correlate with relative biomass response. Thus, Cl⁻ ion toxicity does not appear to be a factor in alfalfa salt tolerance for these populations. Although there was a correlation between salt tolerance and shoot Na⁺, the shoot ion concentration provides only a partial explanation of the relative salt tolerance of the alfalfa populations.
Linking LiDAR with streamwater biogeochemistry in coastal temperate rainforest watersheds

The goal of this study was to use watershed characteristics derived from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data to predict stream biogeochemistry in Perhumid Coastal Temperate Rainforest (PCTR) watersheds. Over a 2-day period, we sampled 37 streams for concentrations of dissolved C, N, P, major cations, and measures of dissolved organic matter quality (specific ultraviolet absorbance, SUVA254) and bioavailability. Random forest – classification and regression tree analysis showed that aboveground biomass and structure and watershed characteristics, inclusive of mean watershed slope and elevation, watershed size, and topographic wetness, explained more than 60% of the variation in concentration for most measured constituents. These results indicate this approach may be particularly useful for predicting stream biogeochemistry in small forested watersheds where fine resolution is needed to resolve subtle differences in forest biomass, structure, and topography. Overall, we suggest that the use of LiDAR in.
Temporal dynamics of nutrient uptake by neighbouring plant species: evidence from intercropping

Summary The productivity of species-diverse plant assemblages strongly depends on the temporal dynamics of nutrient uptake by competing neighbouring plants. Our understanding, however, of how rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) uptake might change through time between neighbouring plant species under field conditions is still very limited. Here, we specifically measure the temporal trajectories of N, P and K uptake by staple food plants such as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) when growing either in monocultures or in intercropping systems. We ask how (i) plant species combinations, (ii) N fertilization and (iii) film mulching might affect key indexes of N, P and K uptake over time. We fit logistic models to characterize the nutrient uptake trajectories. Maximum cumulative N, P and K uptake (kg ha−1) by wheat and barley were significantly greater in wheat–maize or barley–maize intercropping systems than in wheat or barley monocultures. Cumulative nutrient uptake by intercropped maize (either with wheat or with barley) was reduced by interspecific competition at early growth stages, but it increased rapidly after wheat and barley were harvested. Maximum cumulative N and P (but not K) uptake by intercropped maize were significantly higher than the uptake by monoculture maize, particularly when N fertilizer or film mulching was applied. Intercropping induced a significant temporal niche differentiation in maximum daily nutrient uptake rates (kg ha−1 day−1) between intercropped species. Fertilization had much stronger effects on maximum cumulative nutrient uptake of maize than that of wheat and barley. Mulching significantly increased the maximum cumulative nutrient uptake of maize and advanced the time to reach its maximum daily P and K uptake rates. Our study provides evidence of an important temporal niche differentiation mechanism (‘temporal complementarity’) in nutrient uptake rates between neighbouring plant species. A better understanding of temporal trajectories of interspecific nutrient uptake rates remains crucial if we want to maximize the nutrient-use efficiency and sustain overyielding (i.e. high food production) in plant species-diverse systems such as intercropping.
Relationships between growth parameters and scrotal circumference in Simmentaler bulls

Data from 129 young Simmentaler bulls taken at the end of the Phase C growth tests, were used to study the relationship of mass and growth parameters on testes size. Scrotal circumference was positively correlated with body mass and average daily gain. Pre-weaning gain appears to positively influence testicular growth more than post-weaning gain during a feedlot test. Therefore the probability of finding bulls with relatively small testes among bulls selected for weaning mass would be relatively small. Minimum scrotal circumference at a specific age should be established for individual breeds.
Habitat correlated variation in firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii Gray : Scrophulariaceae) seed germination response

MEYER, S. E. (Intermountain Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Shrub Sciences Laboratory, 735 N. 500 East, Provo UT 84606). Habitat correlated variation in firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii Gray: Scrophulariaceae) seed germination response. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 119: 268-279. 1992. -Twenty Penstemon eatonii seed collections from a range of habitats were subjected to laboratory chilt treatments of 0 to 24 weeks. Germination response during and after chill was correlated with collection site climate. Seeds from sites with colder winters had longer chill requirements and were slower to germinate in continuous chill than seeds from sites with warmer winters. Seeds from variable-winter sites tended to have a large fraction not responsive to chill. Such site-specific responses may function to time germination appropriately and also to provide for between-year seed carry-over in this short-lived perennial species. Field retrieval studies supported these conclusions.
Stability of a candidate and cultivars (Hordeum vulgare L) by GGE biplot analysis of multi-environment yield trial in spring barley.

The explication of candidate line and new varieties is uncomfortable the affect of genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI). The AMMI (Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction) analysis and GEI is making to estimation grain yield and understands GxE interaction patterns by researches as differential ranking of variety yields in multi-environment trials. So, a candidate of release and three spring barley varieties which registered in different years were reclaimed at seven environments. The experiments were performed according to a complete randomized block design with four replications. The stability and superiority of genotypes for yield was determined using AMMI and GGE biplot analysis. Factors (G, GE, and GEI) were found to be highly significant (P < 0.01) for grain yield. AMMI analysis indicated that the major contributions to treatment sum of squares were environments (79.4%), GE (13.9%) and genotypes (6.4%), respectively, suggesting that grain yield of genotypes were effected environmental conditions. The GGE biplot indicated that PCA 1 and PCA 2 axes (Principal component) were significant as P<0.01 and supplied to 86.3% of the complete GxE interaction. The GGE biplot indicated that four mega-environment were occured in terms of varieties. The varieties and candidate line took part in an independent mega-environment. On the other hand, Candidate line showed general adaptability (E1, E2, E4, E5 and E7), while Altikat and Sur 93 showed specific adaptation to E3 and E6 respectively. According to both techniques, especially Sahin 91, Sur 93 and Altikat came forward with low yielding, while candidate line with high yielding, stability and general adaptability. Statistical results indicated that AMMI and GGE biplot are informative techniques to compare varieties with candidate lines to discover general stability, adaptation pattern for practical recommendations.
Evaluation of Trichoderma isolates as potential biological control agent against soybean charcoal rot disease caused by Macrophomina phaseolina

ABSTRACT Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid remains the prevailing causal agent of charcoal rot disease that significantly suppresses the yield of a variety of oilseed crops. Its wide host range and ability to survive under arid conditions, coupled with the ineffective use of fungicides against it, have spurred scientific endeavours for alternative avenues to control this phytopathogen. Hence, the present study aimed to provide empirical evidence of the efficacy of three fungal isolates (T2, T10 and T12) of Trichoderma harzianum as biological control agents against charcoal rot in soybean (Glycine max L.). The results of the in vitro studies revealed that all three fungal isolates significantly inhibited the growth of M. phaseolina phytopathogen, with T12 showing considerably higher inhibition effect than T2 and T10 isolates. T12 inhibited the growth of M. phaseolina in the dual culture (72.31%) and volatile production (63.36%) assays, and the hyperparasitism test indicated cell lysis following the interactions with T12 mycelia. T12 isolate was mostly effective in field experiments, observable in the attained minimum plant disease indices both in the soil incorporation (11.98%) and seed inoculation (5.55%) treatments, in comparison to isolates T2 and T10. Moreover, the stem and root lengths, as well as the seed weight, were considerably increased, as compared to the control. Hence, the findings reported in the present study supported the applicability of T12 isolate as possible alternative to fungicides for the control of charcoal rot in soybean.
Multivariate analysis of honeybees, Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Apidae), of the Horn of Africa

Morphometric characters and sting pheromones of worker honeybees, Apis mellifera Linnaeus, were analysed by multivariate methods to delineate the honeybee populations of the Horn of Africa. Four discrete and statistically homogeneous populations were identified: A. m. jemenitica Ruttner, A. m. bandasii Mogga, A. m. sudanensis Rashad in Ethiopia and an unclassified group in southwestern Somalia. Areas of high intercolonial variance are interpreted as zones of hybridization between the populations.