Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Plant Density and NPK Levels on the Growth and Yield of Sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes

A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 1997–98 and 1998–99 to study the response of sesame genotypes viz., YMV 3, TMV 4, TMV 6, VRI 1 and VS 9104 to two plant densities (1,11,000 and 1,66,000 plants/ha) and two NPK levels (100 and 150 per cent of the recommendetl dose). The pooled results revealed that among the five genotypes, the pre release culture VS 9104 recorded higher number of branches, crop dymatter production and number of capsules/plant and seed yield (777 kg/ha). However it wason par with the variety TMV 6 (772 kg/ha). Under a plant density of 1,11,000 plants/ha (30x30 cm), yield parameters were significantly higher. However a plant population of 1,66,000 plants/ha (30x20cm) significantly recorded a higher seed yield of 768 kg/ha. Increasing NPK levels upto 150 per cent resulted markedly higher yield attributes and a seed yield of 734 kg/ha.
Effect of tea catechins on erythrocyte Ca++-pump in type 2 diabetes mellitus

An altered intracellular calcium metabolism is known to play an essential role in the pathophysiology of diabetes and its complications. Tea [Camellia sinensis L. (Theaceae)] contains polyphenolic compounds collectively known as catechins belonging to the flavonoids family. Catechins have been reported to possess several biological properties including an antidiabetic effect. The present paper reports the effect of tea catechins on erythrocyte membrane Ca++-pump in normal and type 2 diabetic patients. The activity of erythrocyte Ca++-ATPase was significantly decreased in type 2 diabetes. In vitro incubation with tea catechins (10−3-10−8 M) caused an increase in the activity of Ca++-ATPase in both normal and type 2 diabetic subjects; the effect was more pronounced in type 2 diabetes and was observed at much lower concentrations (10−5 M) compared to normal (10−3 M). The order of effectiveness of individual catechins was in the order: EGCG > ECG > EC > EGC. The increase in Ca++-ATPase activity after incubation with tea catechins may be explained on the basis of alteration in fluidity due to a direct effect of catechins on the membrane.
Influence of canopy cover and amount of open habitat in the surrounding landscape on proportion of alien plant species in forest sites1

Abstract: Most alien plant species are open-habitat species. Therefore, at the site scale, canopy openness should favour the germination and growth of alien species, and at the landscape scale the presence of open habitat should increase the seed rain and therefore the colonization rate of forest sites by alien species. We tested these two hypotheses by quantifying the proportion of alien understory plant species in 192 forest sites ranging in canopy cover and amount of open habitat in the surrounding landscapes. Our results supported both hypotheses, although the total amount of variance explained was low (12%). The proportion of alien plant species in forest sites increased with decreasing canopy cover at the site and with increasing amount of open habitat in the landscapes surrounding the forest sites. The effect of canopy cover was much stronger than the effect of amount of open habitat in the surrounding landscapes, suggesting that conditions for germination and growth are a stronger limitation on alien species incursion into these forest sites than is the availability of alien species propagules.
ANALYSIS OF KARYOTYPE OF THE SEX FORMS OF TRICHOSANTHES BRACTEATA AND THLADIANTHA DUBIA

Chromosome studies were carried out in two dioecious species of cucurbits, viz., Thladiantha dubia and Trichosanthes bracteata for a detailed comparison of the karyotype of their respective sexes. While the somatic chromosome number of each sex form of Thladiantha dubia was recorded as 2n = 18, the somatic chromosome count of male and female plants of Trichosanthes bracteata was found to be 2n = 22. In both genera the karyotype of male and female plants showed high homogeneity and no heteromorphicity was recorded in relation to sex. However, in comparison to symmetrical nature of chromosomes of Thladiantha dubia, a progressive asymmetry was observed in Trichosanthes bracteata.
Historical biogeography of southern South America

Historical biogeograpohic patterns of relationships among southern and northern South America, North America, and southern temperate areas were investigated by a cladistic biogeographic analysis of 17 taxon cladograms. Three techniques were applied: Wiley's biogeographic parsimony analysis, Nelson and Platnick's component analysis, and Humphries, Ladiges, Roos, and Zandee's quantification of component analysis. Biogeographic parsimony analysis yielded two general area cladograms (CI=0.74)
Interspecific Aggression and Resource Monopolization of the Invasive Ant Anoplolepis gracilipes in Malaysian Borneo

Invasions by introduced ant species can be ecologically destructive and affect a wide range of taxa, particularly native ants. Invasive ant species often numerically dominate ant communities and outperform native ant species in effective resource acquisition. Here, we describe interactions between the invasive ant Anoplolepis gracilipes (Smith) and resident ant species in disturbed habitats in NE Borneo. We measured interference competition abilities of A. gracilipes by performing arena bioassays between two A. gracilipes colonies and seven local ant species, and measured its effective resource competition at baits within supercolonies and at supercolony boundaries. Furthermore, we compared ant species diversity and composition at baits among (A) core areas of A. gracilipes supercolonies, (B) supercolony boundaries and (C) outside supercolonies. Anoplolepis gracilipes was behaviorally dominant over most ant species except Oecophylla smaragdina. Within supercolonies, A. gracilipes discovered all food baits first, and monopolized the vast majority throughout the course of the experiment. At supercolony boundaries, A. gracilipes discovered baits later than resident ant species, but subsequently monopolized half of the baits. Furthermore, the activity and diversity of the ant community within A. gracilipes supercolonies was lower than at its boundaries and outside supercolonies, and the ant communities differed significantly between infested and noninfested areas. Our study supports the hypothesis that successful establishment of A. gracilipes in anthropogenically disturbed habitats may negatively affect resident ant communities through high levels of direct interspecific aggression and almost complete monopolization of resources within high‐density supercolonies.
Natural Diet of the Namaqualand Speckled Padloper (Homopus signatus signatus)

Abstract Feeding in the wild of the tortoise Homopus signatus signatus in South Africa was recorded and the diet compared to previously reported fecal analysis. Several new plant species were identified in the diet, and analyses differed by ca. 24% in terms of species present. Tortoises did not feed on all plant species or parts to the same extent, indicating selective feeding.
Fluorescent Illumination with High Red-to-far-red Ratio Improves Resistance of Cucumber Seedlings to Powdery Mildew

We investigated the effects of fluorescent illumination with a high red-to-far-red ratio (R:FR) on the resistance of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) seedlings to powdery mildew fungus (Sphaerotheca cucurbitae; PM). Seedlings were grown at a photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) of 300 μmol·m 2 . s 1 provided by fluorescent lamps with high R:FR light (R:FR = 7.0; FL H ) or low R:FR light (R:FR = 1.1; FL L ) until cotyledons or the first foliage leaf were fully expanded. Spores of PM were then inoculated onto the leaves, and the seedlings were grown for 7 days (from cotyledon stage) or 9 days (from foliage-leaf stage) under FL H . The number of PM colonies on FL H seedlings was 0.80x (cotyledons) and 0.62x (foliage leaves) the number on FL L seedlings. The reduction on the FL H seedlings was probably the result of changes in leaf morphological characteristics such as a thicker epidermal tissue as a result of the higher R:FR illumination. The number of PM colonies on cotyledons of the FL H seedlings was also smaller than that on seedlings grown under metal-halide lamps providing a spectrum similar to that of natural light (R:FR = 1.2).
GENETIC FACTORS IN COPD: SPECIAL ATTENTION ON CANDIDATE GENES ENCODING PROTEASES/ANTIPROTEASES AND INFLAMMATORY MEDIATORS

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a slowly progressing lung disease characterized by irreversible airflow limitation in the lungs. COPD is a complex disease which is influenced by genetic factors, environmental agents, and gene-environmental interactions. Smoking is one major risk factors for the development of COPD, although other important risk factors have been also considered: occupational exposures, air pollution, age, sex, lung inflammation in childhood, airway hyperreactivity, and genetic predisposition. Considering the main processes and pathways implicated in pathogenesis of COPD, several genes grouped into 4 main panels, have been proposed and investigated as candidate genes for COPD: i) genes encoding xenobiotic-metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes; ii) genes encoding proteases and antiproteases; iii) inflammatory mediators and iv) genes encoding proteins involved in airway hyperreactivity. In this work we attempted to highlight the recent knowledge and evidence for the role of the candidate genes encoding proteases, antiproteases and inflammatory mediators in genetic susceptibility to COPD. Based on this short review it could be concluded that COPD is a polygenic disease and the individual genetic alterations have a relatively small impact on pathogenesis of this disease. Because the number of the genes and gene polymorphisms proposed to be implicated in the processes of COPD development is growing and the results from the associative and experimental analyses are frequently controversial it is required further substantial exploration.
Foraging and community consequences of seed size for coexisting Negev Desert granivores

We examined the effects of seed size on patch use and diet selection for three co-existing Negev Desert granivores: Allenby’s gerbil (Gerbillus allenbyi ), greater Egyptian sand gerbil (Gerbillus pyramidum), and crested lark (Galerida cristata). We manipulated size and spatial distribution of seeds in experimental food patches and quantified foraging behavior by measuring giving-up densities (GUDs: the amount of food remaining in a resource patch following exploitation by a forager). In one experiment, we presented small (B1.4 mm in diameter cracked wheat), medium (2.0‐3.3 mm), and large (\3.4 mm) seeds in separate trays; in a second, we presented small and medium seeds separately and mixed together. Gerbils had a higher handling time efficiency on smaller seeds, but a much higher encounter probability on larger seeds (20 times higher on large than medium seeds, and 2‐5 times higher on medium than small seeds). This led gerbils to have significantly lower GUDs on larger seeds than smaller seeds and to harvest a higher proportion of the larger seeds. When presented with rich and poor patches, G. allenbyi tended to equalize GUDs in both patches, indicating a quitting harvest rate rule for patch exploitation. In contrast, larks appeared to use a fixed time rule for patch exploitation. For larks, seed size did not influence encounter probabilities, and they showed no seed-size selectivity. Still, larks had higher handling efficiencies on smaller than larger seeds, and consequently had a significantly lower GUD on small than medium seeds. Despite large differences between the gerbils and larks in their foraging, our results do not support species coexistence via seed-size partitioning: the larks had much higher GUDs than the gerbils on all seed sizes. Nonetheless, seed size, seed abundance, seed distribution and the animal’s patch use behavior all played major roles in determining gerbils’ and larks’ diet selectivities and GUDs.
Physiological and biochemical differences among Ulmus minor genotypes showing a gradient of resistance to Dutch elm disease

Summary Dutch elm disease (DED) spread across Europe and North America in the 20th century killing most natural elm populations. Today, breeding programmes aim at identifying, propagating and studying elm clones resistant to DED. Here, we have compared the physiology and biochemistry of six genotypes of Ulmus minor of variable DED resistance. Leaf gas exchange, water potential, stem hydraulic conductivity and biochemical status were studied in 5-year-old trees of AB-AM2.4, M-DV2.3, M-DV2 × M-CC1.5 and M-DV1 and 6-year-old trees of VA-AP38 and BU-FL7 before and after inoculation with Ophiostoma novo-ulmi. Leaf water potential and net photosynthesis rates declined, while the percentage loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) increased after the inoculation in susceptible trees. By the 21st day, leaf predawn and midday water potential, stomatal conductance to water vapour and net photosynthesis rates were lower, and PLC was higher in trees of susceptible (S) genotypes inoculated with the pathogen than in control trees inoculated with water, whereas no significant treatment effect was observed on these variables in the resistant (R) genotypes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed a different biochemical profile for branches of R and S clones. R clones showed higher absorption peaks that could be assigned to phenolic compounds, saturated hydrocarbons, cellulose and hemicellulose than S clones. The differences were more marked at the end of the experiment than at the beginning, suggesting that R and S clones responded differently to the inevitable wounding from inoculation and repeated sampling over the experimental course. We hypothesize that a weak activation of the defence system in response to experimental wounding can contribute to the susceptibility of some genotypes to O. novo-ulmi. In turn, the decline in shoot hydraulic conductivity and leaf carbon uptake caused by the infection further exacerbates tree susceptibility to the fungus.
Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area

Abstract We examined bat collision mortality, activity and species composition at an 89-turbine wind resource area in farmland of north-central Iowa from mid-Apr. to mid-Dec., 2003 and mid-Mar. to mid-Dec., 2004. We found 30 bats beneath turbines on cleared ground and gravel access areas in 2003 and 45 bats in 2004. After adjusting for search probability, search efficiency and scavenging rate, we estimated total bat mortality at 396 ± 72 (95% ci) in 2003 and 636 ± 112 (95% ci) in 2004. Although carcasses were mostly migratory tree bats, we found a considerable proportion of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus). We recorded 1465 bat echolocation call files at turbine sites ( = 34.88 call files/detector-night) and 1536 bat call files at adjacent non-turbine sites ( = 36.57 call files/detector-night). Bat activity did not differ significantly between turbine and non-turbine sites. A large proportion of recorded call files were made by Myotis sp. but this may be because we detected activity at ground level only. There was no relationship between types of turbine lights and either collision mortality or echolocation activity. The highest levels of bat echolocation activity and collision mortality were recorded during Jul. and Aug. during the autumn dispersal and migration period. The fatality rates for bats in general and little brown bats in particular were higher at the Top of Iowa Wind Resource Area than at other, comparable studies in the region. Future efforts to study behavior of bats in flight around turbines as well as cumulative impact studies should not ignore non-tree dwelling bats, generally regarded as minimally affected.
Population biology and behavioural aspects of the squid Doryteuthis plei (Blainville, 1823) in the northern coast of São Paulo, with emphasis on reproduction and feeding

XIII RESUMO . XIV GENERAL INTRODUCTION . 2 CHAPTER 1 REPRODUCTIVE ACTIVITY OF THE TROPICAL ARROW SQUID DORYTEUTHIS PLEI AROUND SÃO SEBASTIÃO ISLAND (SE BRAZIL) BASED ON A 10YEAR FISHERIES MONITORING. 6
Impact of Different Cover Crops and Types of Transplanter Mounted Subsoiler Shanks on Tomato Yield

A 4-year experiment with different tillage practices for tomatoes was conducted in Cullman, AL, to determine the impact of plastic mulch (control), rye and crimson clover cover crops, and different subsoiler shanks (no shank, slim 13 mm thick and wide 20 mm thick) on tomato yield. Overall, during 2007 and 2008 growing seasons, total tomato yields (between 58,905 and 60,115 kgha -1 ) and marketable tomato yields (between 48,331 and 49,873 kgha -1 ) were significantly higher than in 2005 and 2006 (between 49,656 and 50,151 kgha -1 and from 40,581 to 41,194 kgha -1 ) for total and marketable tomato yields, respectively. During the 2006 and 2008 growing seasons, plastic cover provided higher yield (60,921 and 73,718 kgha -1 ) compared with rye and crimson clover overall shank treatments. In 2007, higher yield was produced following rye without shank (70,577 kgha -1 ) compared with plastic mulch and crimson clover treatments. Across years, tomatoyield after crimson clover was lower compared with rye and plastic. Percent of marketable fruit yield to total yield exceeded 80% in all treatments, including the plastic control. Cover crops and shank treatments did not affect percentage of marketable tomato yield compared with total tomato yield. Cover crops, especially rye, can provide an alternative in tomato production for those producers not wanting to use plastic mulches.
Isolation and Characterization of Keratinolytic Bacteria from Poultry farm soils

Keratinolytic microorganisms have a great importance in poultry waste degradation and its bioconversion to compost or animal feed. The present study aimed at selection of keratin degrading bacteria from poultry soil. The poultry farm soil samples were added in basal medium with feathers as a source of carbon and nitrogen. The enriched samples were streaked on nutrient agar and hichromebacillus agar for isolation of keratinolytic bacteria.15 isolates were obtained. All the isolates were screened for their keratinolytic potential on milk agar. Out of fifteen isolates five were keratinolytic.Five isolates were further studied for feather degradationin shake flasks.Of the five, four showed complete degradation of feather barbules within 120 h and one isolate showed degradation within 72 h. The isolate was identified morphologically and by 16 s rRNA sequencing as Breuvendimonosterrae. It produced maximum keratinase at 37 o C temperature and at 130 rpm speed within 72 h. Breuvendimonosterrae showed 76U/ml enzyme activity.The bacterium can be used for biotechnological purpose.
Isolation and identification of Dermatophytes from infected Camels

ءادلاب نم لقأ لب لأا نأو 3 نس تاو رثكأ تناك ةيمباق ةباصلإل . Summary One Hundred and thirty six skin scrapings from camels suspected to be infected with dermatophytes from Alshowak (90 samples) and Alobied (46) were collected and examined. Seventy seven Trichophyton verrucosum, 47 Trichophyton mentagrophytes, 9 Trichophyton schoenlenii and 3 Trichophyton tonsurans were isolated. Both female and male camels were susceptible and camels less than 3 year old were more susceptible to infection.
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION AND COEXISTENCE OF PREVALENT TREE SPECIES IN PEAT SWAMP FORESTS OF CENTRAL KALIMANTAN

SIMBOLON, H. 2009. Local Distribution and coexistence of prevalent tree species in peat swamp forests of Central Kalimantan. Reinwardtia 12(5): 373–382 -A study on the distribution and coexistence of prevalent tree species in peat swamp forests was conducted at Lahei and Kelampangan, Central Kalimantan. The prevalent species in both sites were Calophyllum canum, Combretocarpus rotundatus, Cratoxylum glaucum, Ctenolophon parvifolius, Elaeocarpus petiolatus, with Palaquium cochleariifolium at Kelampangan, and Buchanania sessifolia, Madhuca sericea, Semecarpus sp. , Shorea balangeran, Tetractomia obovata and Vatica oblongifolia at Lahei plot. The prevalent species were randomly distributed, however, when individuals were grouped into mature vs juvenile, the mature individuals of C. parvifolius tended to be clumped and the juvenile were randomly distributed; while in C. rotundatus, the mature individuals were randomly distributed and the juvenile were clumped. Pattern of the coexistence among the prevalent species in the study site were associated, and independent relationships, and almost no exclusion relationship was found. Independent and associated relationships among the coexisting species may be one of the explanations of the mechanism which maintain relatively high diversity of plant species in the tropical peat swamp forests, which has extreme habitat conditions and narrow habitat heterogeneity. Pattern of the coexistence relationships among mature vs juvenile individuals of the same species varied.
Screening for Hearing Loss in Older Adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

Age-related sensorineural hearing loss is a common health problem among adults. According to data from 2014-2016, approximately 16% of US adults 18 years or older reported difficulty hearing.1 In a study from 2014, the prevalence of perceived hearing loss increased with age; 43% of adults 70 years or older reported hearing loss, compared with 19% of adults aged 40 to 69 years and 5.5% aged 18 to 39 years.2 Hearing loss can adversely affect an individual’s quality of life and ability to function independently. Persons with hearing loss may have difficulty with speech discrimination and localization of sounds. Hearing loss also has been associated with increased risk of falls, hospitalizations, social isolation, and cognitive decline.3-5
Effects of seasonal variation and land cover on riparian denitrification along a mid-sized river

Urban areas contribute disproportional nitrogen (N) loads to downstream aquatic ecosystems resulting in potential hypoxic ‘dead’ zones. Riparian areas along streams and rivers reduce inorganic N concentrations through denitrification, an anaerobic microbial process. Our study objective was to investigate the denitrification potential of riparian areas with differing land cover composition along the Licking River in Kentucky, USA – a tributary of the Ohio River. For one year we collected monthly samples from four sites along a 60 km reach of the Licking River. We experienced substantial drought conditions in the first half of our study period followed by record precipitation and flooding in the second half of our study period. Land cover surrounding the sample sites was classified into distinct classes hypothesized to contribute to N loads. We found flooding increased denitrification potential, water nitrate concentration, and soil organic matter, while drought conditions increased soil ammonium concentrations. Our site with the greatest impervious surface had the highest denitrification potential, and soil and water ammonium concentrations. However, we determined that denitrification potential was mostly driven by soil organic matter content and only slightly by soil nitrate among all study sites. Our data demonstrate that riparian zones of mid-sized rivers in urban areas can be integral in removing excess N during flood events and can do so year-round provided sufficient N and carbon resources are present.
Influence of the Amount of Eggs and Larvae in Honeybee Colonies on Temporal Division of Labour

SummaryThe influence of the amount of eggs and larvae (unsealed brood) in honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies on temporal division of labour was investigated. Within normal ranges of unsealed brood, there were no changes in either foraging age or worker longevity (length of life) between colonies with low, medium and high amounts of eggs and larvae. Previous studies have shown positive correlations between unsealed brood and pollen collection. It is suggested that colonies responded first to changes in the quantity of eggs and larvae by changing the extent of pollen collection, rather than the age at which foraging occurs.