Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Path-coefficient analyses and genetic parameters of the components of field resistance of potatoes to late blight.

Summary Variation, genetic parameters, interrelationships and phenotypic and genetic path analyses for components of field resistance of potatoes to Phytophthora infestuns were studied using detached leaves from 16 potato cultivars. Inter-genotypic variability was significant for the components and the Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC). The resistant cultivars generally had a longer latent period and lower lesion size and spore production than the susceptible cultivars. The correlations between AUDPC and infection efficiency, and between AUDPC and spore density were not significant, but latent period, lesion size and sporulation did correlate significantly with AUDPC. Genetic and phenotypic path-coefficient analyses indicated lesion size to be the most important component of field resistance. The genetic correlation coefficients between the AUDPC and infection efficiency, latent period and spore density arose mainly because of their indirect effects on AUDPC via lesion size. Lesion size and AUDPC had a high genetic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance (genetic gain).
Effect of grafting on growth, performance and yield of aubergine (Solanum melongena L) in the field and greenhouse

There is limited knowledge regarding the attachment of cell wall-deficient forms of Listeria monocytogenes to abiotic and food contact surfaces. A typical L-form phenotype of Listeria monocytogenes was induced, propagated and recovered in both broth and plate culture by exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of ampicillin. Attachment of both cell-walled and L-forms to stainless steel were compared using viable counts. L-forms possessed no cell wall material and were present as spherical cells or small rods. L-form cells had the capacity to attach sufficiently well to stainless steel (0.3% of cells attached) with a higher efficiency than parental cells (0.002%) after 8 h exposure to culture. After longer exposure times of 18 h, the parental cells attached with slightly higher efficiency (0.8%) than L-forms cells (0.625%). The ability of Listeria monocytogenes L-forms to attach to stainless steel may suggest that a classical rigid cell wall structure is not a prerequisite for cell adhesion in vitro.
The Antibacterial Activity of Haemocyte Clumps in the Gills of the Shore Crab, Carcinus Maenas

INTRODUCTION The shore crab, Carcinus maenas (L.), rapidly clears bacteria from the circulation to the tissues by virtue of the phagocytic and clumping capacity of circulating haemocytes and fixed phagocytic cells (Smith & Ratcliffe, 1978, 1980a, b; White & Ratcliffe, 1982). If re-infection resulting from the re-entry of sequestered micro-organisms into the circulation is to be prevented then the host must eliminate or incapacitate the foreign particles in some way. The migration of laden host cells to the exterior does not appear to be an important means of disposal of segregated non-self material in the Crustacea (Merril, Mongeon & Fisher, 1979; White & Ratcliffe, 1982), so that the ability to resist infection must reside with the cellular killing capacity, perhaps augmented by humoral antibacterial activity. Indeed, our earlier observations on the disappearance of bacteria from C. maenas gills seem to indicate that their loss resulted from the lytic action of host haemocytes (White & Ratcliffe, 1982), as does the elimination of micro-organisms from the hepatopancreas of the crayfish, Parachaeraps bicarinatus (McKay & Jenkin, 1970a).
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Suppression of Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) in Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum)1

Common ragweed is an annual weed problem after winter wheat harvest in southwest Michigan. Although an interseeded cover crop of red clover is known to reduce weed populations in winter wheat stubble, the most effective rates and cultivars for weed suppression under Michigan conditions have not been identified. Three red clover cultivars were planted in March at three seeding rates in established winter wheat; after wheat harvest, a section of each plot was mowed to mimic forage harvest of clover. The experiment was repeated in 2 yr. Mowing significantly reduced common ragweed biomass each year. All cultivars and seeding rates were equally effective at significantly reducing common ragweed biomass in each year, despite the variation among years, cultivars, seeding rates, and mowing treatments in production of clover biomass. Nomenclature: Common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. ;ns3 AMBEL; red clover, Trifolium pratense L. ; winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L. Additional index words: Cover crops, weed management.
Use of an adsorbent and antioxidants to reduce the effects of leached phenolics in in vitro plantlet regeneration of faba bean

Development of a reliable in vitro regeneration protocol is necessary to facilitate genetic transformation of faba bean. However, leaching of phenolics from the explants of most genotypes of faba bean to the culture medium causes browning, and eventually kills the explants, hindering in vitro regeneration. This study is aimed to minimize the effect of phenolics and to identify the most suitable types of explants for in vitro regeneration. We pre-treated faba bean seeds in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), then cultured different types of explants on tissue culture media supplemented with an adsorbent (activated charcoal) and antioxidants (ascorbic acid, cysteine and silver nitrate). Our results showed that treating the over night soaked seed (after removing the seed coat) with PVP solution (1000 mg/l) for 1 h, followed by culturing in Murashige and Skoog medium (MS medium) with 3% (w/v) sucrose, 0.8% (w/v) agar, 2 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine and 2 mg/l thidiazuron, supplemented with ascorbic acid (1 mg/l) or activated charcoal (10 g/l), greatly reduced lethal browning in explants and improved shoot regeneration. The shoots rooted on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l -naphthaleneacetic acid. The cotyledonary node is the most suitable type of explant for regeneration. Regenerated plantlets were successfully established in pots and set seeds in the green house.
Effects of dietary fish oil replacement by cottonseed oil on growth performance and fatty acid composition of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of replacing fish oil (FO) with cottonseed oil (CSO), as an alternative plant lipid source in diets for rainbow trout (89.3 ± 1.1 g mean individual weight), on the growth and fatty acid composition of fish. As a control diet, 5 experimental diets were formulated with pure FO and with partial or complete (25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% CSO, respectively) replacement of FO with CSO. The fish were fed 2% of their body weight per day for 60 days at an average water temperature of 10.2 °C. At the end of the feeding trial, the highest growth and the lowest FCR (1.28) were obtained in fish fed the CSO50 diet. The fillet lipid concentrations and fatty acid composition of the fish were significantly affected by the experimental diets. Fish fed the FO and CSO25 diets contained significantly lower lipid levels (6.8% and 6.5%, respectively) than those fed the 3 other diets. The viscerosomatic index (VSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) values increased with increasing cottonseed oil percentages in the diets. Fillet fatty acid composition reflected dietary fatty acid composition. The n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentration increased with increasing cottonseed oil levels in the diets. In contrast, the n-3 PUFA levels decreased with increasing cottonseed oil levels in the diets. The highest level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations were recorded in fish fed the FO diet and the lowest in those fed the CSO100 diet. Based on the results of growth performance and fatty acid composition of the experimental fish in the present study, it can be concluded that the 50% concentration of cottonseed oil performed best among the diets tested in the experiment.
Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Algerian Rosmarinus officinalis L. Extracts

Abstract This study was designed to examine the in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanol extracts and essential oils of three samples of Rosmarinus officinalis L. from different origins of Algeria. The compositions of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation were investigated by GC and GC-MS. A total of eighty components were identified in the oils and the main components of two samples were α-pinene (24.7-51.0 %), limonene (4.5-14.3 %) and camphor (7.8-13.8 %), while the third one was characterized by camphor (32.0 %), camphene (22.0 %) and α-pinene (20.9 %) as the main components. The antioxidant capacity of the oils and ethanol extracts was examined using an in vitro radical scavenging test and reducing power. In the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test system, ethanol extracts exhibited more efficiency (IC50=10.4-20.7 mg/l) than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (IC50=28±0.7 mg/l). In contrast, essential oils were less effective than BHT and failed to scavenge 50 % DPPH radical. The reductive potential of the ethanol extracts was also found to be higher than those of the oils. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against eight bacteria, six filamentous fungi and one yeast. In comparison with oils, the ethanol extracts were the most active, especially towards gram positive bacteria.
Effect of heavy metals induced toxicity on metabolic biomarkers in common carp (Cyprinus Carpio L.)

This research paper presents the pathological effects of a sub-lethal concentration of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, nickel, and chromium) on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Total protein and levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the liver tissue were measured. Compared with the control group a significant decrease of total protein (p < 0.001) was ascertained in the experimental group. The ALP on the other hand was significantly higher (p < 0.001). The values of ALT, AST, and LDH significantly decreased in the first day and then progressively increased afterwards (p < 0.001). The above results on the biochemical profile indicate marked hepatotoxic effects of heavy metals in common carp.
Antibacterial activity of Phoenix dactylifera L. leaf and pit extracts against selected Gram negative and Gram positive pathogenic bacteria

The crude methanol, acetone and water extracts of leaves and pits of three varieties ofPhoenix dactylifera were tested for antibacterial action against selected Gram positive and Gram negative pathogenic bacteria. Barring Enterococcus faecalis, the acetone and methanol extracts showed good antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella flexeneri, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes, whereas the water extract had very little effect on all test bacterial species and there was almost negligible effect on P. aeruginosa. Pits extracts of all three varieties of P. dactylifera were found to be more effective than leaves extracts. Results clearly showed that S.pyogenes was most sensitive pathogen to the crude extracts and had shown maximum zone of inhibition. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for S. pyogenes was found to be 1.3, 1.1, 1.6 and 1.4 mg/ml for methanol leaves and pits extracts and acetone leaves and pits extracts, respectively. Key words: Date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L, antibacterial, crude extracts.
GENE EFFECTS IN CORN (ZEA MAYS L.): II. RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF GENE EFFECTS FOR PLANT HEIGHT AND CERTAIN COMPONENT ATTRIBUTES OF YIELD

Estimates of mean effects, additive, dominance, additive × additive, additive × dominance, and dominance × dominance gene effects were obtained for 15 crosses from 6 inbred lines of corn for each of the following attributes: plant height, kernel row number, ear length, ear diameter, and seed weight.All the gene effects were found to contribute to inheritance of the attributes in the crosses studied. However, not all gene effects are present in all crosses. Mean effects were the most important contributors to the inheritance of the attributes. Of the gene effects, the dominance gene effects were the most important contributors to the inheritance of the attributes except for kernel row number. Additive, dominance and epistatic gene effects appear to contribute more or less equally to the inheritance of kernel row number. Additive gene effects were more important for these attributes than for yield. They were relatively more important for kernel row number, ear diameter, and seed weight than for plant height.
Symmetry and Scale Dependence in Functional Relationship Regression

Two complaints against the linear functional regression model have been that the estimated regression lines are not symmetrical in x and y and that they depend on the scale of the observed data in unpredictable ways. If one takes into account the ratio of measurement errors X, then the estimates from linear functional regression are symmetrical (i.e., the regression of y on x and x on y are the same line). Using nonlinear least squares estimation, functional regression is easily applied to fit both nonlinear and linear models. Again taking into account X, linear and nonlinear models can be naturally rescaled (as with ordinary regression estimates) according to the units of the observed variables. The log-transformed functional regression model and the relationships between principal axis methods and the linear functional regression model are considered. Controversies surrounding the "standard major axis" are discussed; sim? ulation results are presented, and the validity of the method is questioned. Treatment of the linear, allometry, polynomial, and von Bertalanffy models is discussed, and a numerical example is presented. [Functional regression; errors in variables; major axis; reduced major axis; standard major axis; nonlinear regression; allometry. ] The critical work of systematic biologists often deals with measuring ontogenetic changes and differentiating entities using regression. These problems have been made more interesting and difficult due to the realization that has grown since the days of Kermack and Haldane (1950) that ordinary least squares (OLS) is often not a suitable regression method; in biological contexts the estimated relationship be? tween any two variables can be biased by the existence of substantial measurement error and/or biological variation (Ricker, 1973). Alternatives to OLS usually fall under the heading of functional or structural re? gression. Kendall and Stuart (1973) pro? vided a clear introduction to these some? times confusing methods. In this paper I deal with only the func? tional relationship regression model be? cause it seems the simplest and most gen? erally applicable of the "errors in variables" models. However, there is a clear distinc? tion between the functional relationships posited between the mathematical vari? ables (e.g., linear, quadratic, allometric, etc.) and the functional regression method, which estimates parameters assuming that mathematical variables x and y are both observed with error. Least Squares Estimates Let two mathematical variables {xiry^,i = 1, . , n, be related through some func? tional relationship yi = i(xif fi), where xi and y{ are scalar but fi may be a vector of p variables. We are not able to observe xi and l/i directly but instead observe the ran? dom variables Xi = xi + 8{ and Yi = f(x{, fi) + ? i, where 5{ and ei are independent, nor? mal random variables with mean zero and variances a25 and a\, respectively. The mi? nus log likelihood for estimating the n + p unknowns (xlf., x? , fiu ., fip) is then (Fuller, 1987; Seber and Wild, 1989) -L = S {[Vi " ffe ? /(2a2f) + (X, x{)2/(2a28)}
Notice for ‘Cyberbullying in schools: A research of gender differences’

This study investigates the nature and the extent of adolescences’ experience of cyberbullying. A survey study of 264 students from three junior high schools was conducted. In this article, ‘cyberbullying’ refers to bullying via electronic communication tools. The results show that close to half of the students were bully victims and about one in four had been cyber-bullied. Over half of the students reported that they knew someone being cyberbullied. Almost half of the cyberbullies used electronic means to harass others more than three times. The majority of the cyber-bully victims and bystanders did not report the incidents to adults. When gender was considered, significant differences were identified in terms of bullying and cyberbullying. Males were more likely to be bullies and cyberbullies than their female counterparts. In addition, female cyberbully victims were more likely to inform adults than their male counterparts.
Biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance of coagulase-negative Staphylococci isolated from neonatal intensive care units

Late-onset neonatal sepsis is an obstinate complication frequently accompanying the use of central venous catheters (CVCs) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are the major cause of catheter-related late-onset
Survival of Listeria monocytogenes in Cottage Cheese.

Most studies on the behavior of Listeria monocytogenes in cheeses have focused on the soft, ripened types because of human listeriosis outbreaks linked to consumption of these foods, while observations in cottage cheese are limited and conflicting. Fresh market cottage cheese samples with and without sorbate, purchased in the United States and Canada, respectively, were contaminated with L. monocytogenes strain Scott A (103 CFU/g). Mean total plate counts/g, log10, in the fresh U.S. and Canadian cheeses were 3.54 and 5.22, respectively. After 24 days at 5°C, the respective numbers were 3.51 and 6.27. Mean pH values in the U.S. cheeses at freshness and after 24 days were 5.05 and 5.03, respectively, and values in the Canadian cheese were 4.89 and 4.77. Increases of >3 logs in cell numbers were seen at temperature abuse (10 and 20°C) in all cheese samples, although sorbate-containing cheese spoiled at a slower rate and samples were free of visible surface mold growth even after 21 days. Cottage cheese did not support growth of L. monocytogenes at any of the storage temperatures, and declines (0.35 and 0.81 log10, in sorbate-free and sorbate-containing cheese, respectively) were seen after 24 days at 5°C. Treatment with 3% sodium or calcium lactate did not affect listerial cell numbers. These findings demonstrate that sorbates in cottage cheese are effective as preservatives but not as antilisterials. Persistence of listeriae in cottage cheese emphasizes the need to prevent contamination during manufacturing and storage.
Ungulate cheek teeth : developmental, functional, and evolutionary interrelations

Developmental and functional factors interact in complex ways reflected in evolutionary patterns. The paper addresses problems of coronal morphogenesis, amelogenesis, food comminution and digestion, mastication, tooth eruption and wear, in order to identify functional interrelations and developmental constraints in the evolution of cheek tooth morphology. A general mechanism explaining differen­ tial (levelling) wear of teeth in a row is proposed. The paradox of predicted positive allometry but observed isometry of tooth size to body size is resolved by inclusion of the time dimension in the equation. The reasons for the commonness of isometric scal­ ing in animals are discussed. Relative width of antagonists is found to discriminate be­ tween functional categories in terms of the dynamics of the power stroke in mastica­ tion, and can be used to interpret the functional meaning of major patterns of dental morphological radiation. Enamel structure at the level of arrangement of Hunter­ Schreger bands is interpreted in terms of different mechanical requirements (resis­ tance to crack propagation) in major morphological and functional categories. It is concluded that many aptive features probably or certainly did not arise for their cur­ rent functions, but are one-time constraints which have become incorporated into functional systems ( exaptations rather than adaptations).
Phylogenetic relationships of Acronictinae with discussion of the abdominal courtship brush in Noctuidae (Lepidoptera)

We present results of an eight‐gene molecular study of the subfamily Acronictinae and related Noctuidae. Amphipyrinae are recovered as sister to Acronictinae, but with weak support – not surprisingly, the content of the two subfamilies has often been mixed in classifications. Balsinae, previously placed near Acronictinae or within Noctuinae, is recovered within an unresolved polytomy of Cuculliinae, Eustrotiinae, Raphiinae and Dilobinae. Gerbathodes Warren, Moma Hübner and Nacna Fletcher are excluded from Acronictinae. Three genera recently transferred into the subfamily – Cerma Hübner, Chloronycta Schmidt & Anweiler and Comachara Franclemont – are confirmed as acronictines. Lophonycta Sugi (the type genus of Lophonyctinae) is returned to the Acronictinae. Sinocharis Püngeler, formerly considered to be Acontiinae or as the basis of its own subfamily Sinocharinae, is nested within early diverging Acronictinae genera. Both subfamilies are formally synonymized: i.e. Lophonyctinae syn.n. and Sinocharinae syn.n. Nine acronictine genus‐level taxa were found to nest within the nominate genus Acronicta Ochsenheimer: Eogena Guenée, Hyboma Hübner, Hylonycta Sugi, Jocheaera Hübner, Oxicesta Hübner, Simyra Ochsenheimer, Subacronicta Kozhanchikov, Triaena Hübner, and Viminia Chapman. Eogena, Oxicesta, and Simyra, currently treated as valid genera, nest within terminal clades of the genus Acronicta and are here subsumed within the genus: Eogena syn.n. , Oxicesta syn.n. and Simyra syn.n. Four well‐supported species groups within Acronicta are identified: the alni clade, the leporina clade, the nervosa clade and the psi clade. While many previous treatments have stated explicitly that Acronictinae lack abdominal scent brushes, or excluded genera with brushes from the subfamily, we show that well‐developed brushes are present in three early diverging acronictine genera: Cerma, Lophonycta, and Sinocharis. We illustrate and describe the brushes of all three genera, and briefly review the taxonomic distribution of the anterior abdominal courtship brushes in Noctuidae, emphasizing the labile evolutionary distribution of these structures.
Family break-up in Black and Red Kites Milvus migrans and M. milvus: is time of independence an offspring decision?

I observed the natural process of family break-up in 13 families of Black Kites Milvus migrans and five families of Red Kites M. milvus in which fledglings had been individually marked. In other broods, I performed experiments which modified the parental investment fledglings received by supplementing nests of both species with food or transferring Black Kite chicks to nests with younger or older chicks of the same species. The time of family break-up in the Black Kite is mainly an offspring decision which is not affected by an artificial increase of parental investment. The duration of the post-fledging period was not increased in Black Kites that were given supplementary food. Chicks transferred to nests with a younger chick did not extend the post-fledging period, nor did chicks transferred to nests with an older chick shorten the post-fledging period. In Red Kites, parental investment seemed to have more influence on the timing of the family break-up. Red Kite adults invested less as parents than did Black Kites during the post-fledging dependence period, and in nests where supplementary food was given, Red Kite fledglings stayed attached for a longer period.