Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE MATING SYSTEM OF YELLOW-LIPPED SEA KRAITS (LATICAUDA COLUBRINA: LATICAUDIDAE)

We studied sea kraits (Laticauda colubrina) on a small Fijian island during the mating season (September–December) in two successive years. These snakes forage at sea but return to islands to mate (and to lay their eggs, slough their skins, and digest their prey). On land, many females are accompanied by one or more courting males. The males align their bodies with that of the female and occasionally twitch spasmodically. These groups may remain together for days, with overt courtship by males much less frequent and intense than in most previously-studied snake species. Experimental trials in outdoor arenas showed that larger females attracted more intense courtship than did smaller animals. Females containing recently-ingested prey items were no more or less attractive to males than were unfed females. The intensity of courtship did not vary significantly among different times of day, nor was it consistently correlated with ambient temperature or with group size (operational sex ratio). Male sea kraits did not interact with each other in any overt way during courtship, and larger body size did not enhance male reproductive success. In several respects, the courtship of L. colubrina differs from that reported for other snake species.
Genetic mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorders

46 Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are childhood-onset developmental disorders which share core symptoms but show considerable variation in severity. The whole spectrum affects ~0.6-0.7% of children worldwide, inducing a substantial public health burden. Despite having a very high heritability, ASDs have shown exceptional genetic heterogeneity, which has complicated the identification of risk variants and left the etiology largely unknown. Recent studies suggest that rare, family-specific factors contribute significantly to the genetic basis of ASDs.
Managing a complex population structure: exploring the importance of information from fisheries-independent sources

Natural resource managers aim to manage fish stocks at sustainable levels. Often, management of these stocks is based on the results of analytical stock assessments. Accurate catch data, which can be attributed to a specific population unit and reflects the population structure, are needed for these approaches. Often though, the quality of the catch data is compromised when dealing with a complex population structure where fish of different population units mix in a fishery. The herring population units west of the British Isles are prone to mixing. Here, the inability to perfectly allocate the fish caught to the population unit they originate from, due to classification problems, poses problems for management. These mixing proportions are often unknown; therefore, we use simulation modelling combined with management strategy evaluation to evaluate the role fisheries-independent surveys can play in an assessment to provide unbiased results, irrespective of population unit mixing and classification success. We show that failure to account for mixing is one of the major drivers of biased estimates of population abundance, affecting biomass reference points and MSY targets. When mixing of population units occurs, the role a survey can play to provide unbiased assessment results is limited. Either different assessment models should be employed or stock status should be considered from the survey data alone. In addition, correctly classifying the origin of fish is especially important for those population units that are markedly smaller in size than other units in the population complex. Without high classification success rates, smaller population units are extremely vulnerable to overexploitation
Morphology and anatomy of the haustorium of the root hemiparasite Olax phyllanthi (Olacaceae), with special reference to the haustorial interface.

Cross morphology and internal structure of haustoria of Olax phyllanthi are described in parasitism with a range of hosts including roots of woody and herbaceous dicotyledons and certain monocotyledons, and occasional instances of autoparasitism and haustorial formation on monocotyledon rhizomes
Hastening Bud-Burst and Ripening in ‘Pusa Seedless’ Grapes (V1Tis Vinifera L.) with Dormex

In an effort to hasten the bud-burst and ripening of ‘Pusa Seedless’ grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) Dormex (Hydrogen cyanamide 49 per cent aqueous solution) was applied in 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 per cent a'i. concentrations alongwith control on February 1, 1988. The selected concentration of 1.5 per cent was applied alongwith control on 4th and 14th January, 1989. Dormex hastened bud-burst by 6 days in the previous year and 26 days in the latter year and ripening by 16 days when applied on 4th January, This treatment also increased berry weight and T. S. S. content significantly over control. Hastening of ripening of grapes to such an extent will save ripening grapes from the damage of rains which often coincides with ripening of this cultivar under North Indian conditions. This treatment gave additional yield of 567.5 kg grapes per acre and additional nett return of Rs. 1587.50 at the rate of Rs. 5/kg grapes.
Evaluation of Botanical Insecticides against flea beetles Podagrica sjostedti and Podagrica uniforma of okra

Manuscript History: Field trials were conducted during 2012 and 2013 cropping season to assess the efficacy of aqueous extract of leaves and bulb of some botanicals for the control of two species of flea beetles (Podagrica sjostedti and Podagrica uniforma), important destructive pests of okra, in Southern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria. Okra variety NHV47-4 was used for the study. The treatments consisted of leaf extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) and pawpaw (Carica papaya), and bulb extract of onion (Allium cepa) and untreated control. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Data were collected on abundance of insects a day before botanical application and for the three consecutive days after spraying of insecticides. Yield parameters data collected were number of fruits, weight of fruit and yield of fruits. The results showed that all the extracts of the three botanicals significantly (P ˂ 0.05) reduced the population of the two flea beetles with the least percent efficacy of 56.4% and the highest 83.8%. However, pawpaw leaf extract had highest significant effect (P ˂ 0.05) in reducing the population of the beetles. The order of effectiveness in decreasing sequence was found to be pawpaw leaf extract ˃ neem leaf extract ˃ onion bulb extract. Onion bulb extract showed a moderate level of effectiveness with (63.9%; 56.4%) and (75.6%; 71.1%) on P. uniforma and P. sjostedti in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Pawpaw leaf extract showed the highest level of effectiveness with (79.7%; 81.5%) and (76.5%; 83.8%) on P. uniforma and P. sjostedti in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Higher yield, higher number of fruits and improved fruits' weight of okra on treated plots indicated the efficacy of these botanicals. However, the effectiveness of neem leaf extract is comparable to pawpaw leaf extract.
Yield gap analysis of field crops: Methods and case studies

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl. edu/wffdocs Part of the Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Hydraulic Engineering Commons, Hydrology Commons, Natural Resource Economics Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Sustainability Commons, and the Water Resource Management Commons
REVIEW: MICROCYSTINS: POWERFUL CYANOBACTERIAL TOXINS

Toxins producing species of cyanobacteria have been detected worldwide in fresh and marine waters. Tthe most commonly cyanotoxins found in the aquatic medium are the hepatotoxic microcystins. These toxins are responsible for numerous cases of poisoning and death of animals and present a potential hazard to human health. The water eutrophication can enhance the toxic cyanobacteria growth hence increasing the risk of exposure to microcystins. The present paper aims at providing a short overview of cyanobacteria forming water-bloom and their ability to synthesize cyanotoxins, focusing on MCYSTs biosynthesis, occurrence and their in vitro and in vivo toxic effects. Microcystins toxic effects are largely due to the inbition of protein phosphatase and induction of oxidative stress. Consequences of exposure to high levels of microcystins include structural damage and apoptosis, whereas the exposure for long periods of time to lower toxin concentrations can lead to liver tumours.
Characteristics of Phytophthora infestans isolates from China

SUMMARY In several of the main potato production area’s in China the climate is favorable for P. infestans and consequently, potato late blight is one of the most serious threats to potato production in China. As part of a comprehensive monitoring program that we could establish for China we started genotypic studies on the current P.infestans population in China. We found much more genetic variation than previously reported. Nevertheless, the three mitochondrial haplotypes (Ia, IIa, IIb) and the SSR genotypes found in Chinese isolates were all strongly related to the region of origin. Many genotypes, as determined by multilocus SSR markers, are unique to specific regions and only two genotypes were found in multiple provinces located in the North of China. The genotyping analysis shows strong restriction of the spread of P. infestans but this could change radically if infected seed potatoes are transported between the different regions in China. Therefore we are currently intensifying our sampling and aim to set up a monitoring program similar to Euroblight.
Effect of Yeast and Fungi Culture on in vitro Ruminal Fermentation

Twelve cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and five cultures ofAspergillus oryzyae were evaluated as probiotic supplement under in vitro condition using rumen liquor from adult buffalo. Each microorganism of twelve cultures individually was added @109cfu/conical flask while keeping one group as control where no supplementation was made. Most of the strains of S. cerevisiae significantly increased the IVDMD.S. cerevisiae 225 increased the IVDMD to 47.16% as compared to 41.99% in control group. However, supplementation ofA. oryzae had no effect on the IVDMD. The TVFA concentration was also higher in S. cerevisiae group and highest value was observed in the group supplemented with strain 189 (7.77 meq/100 ml) followed by 225 (7.63 meq/100 ml). The concentration of ammonia was found lower both inS. cerevisiae and A. oryzae supplemented group except S. cerevisiae 39, 43 andA. oryzae 643 strains. The total gas production was higher in groups supplemented withS. cerevisiae 45, 50,186, 189, 225 and A. oryzae 152 as compared to control group (59.63, 62.37, 61.03, 61.23, 62.80 and 59.77 vs 57.50 ml/g OM digested, respectively) The methane production was less in A. oryzae 1122 supplemented group (14.06ml/g of OM digested), however, other strains of A. oryzae has no impact on the methane production. The methane production was also lower in groups supplemented with S. cerevisiae 41, 43, 45, 46, 50, 186, 189 and 225(14.60, 14.17, 12.60, 13.53, 12.87, 14.23, 14.00 and 13.2 ml/g of OM digested. The numbers of total bacteria was higher in groups supplemented withS. cerevisiae strains 42, 43, 45, 47, 50, 186, 189 and 225 and A. oryzae strains 152, 643, 1122 and 1846.
Pulse collision picture of inter-channel nonlinear interference noise in fiber-optic communications

We model the build-up of inter-channel nonlinear interference noise (NLIN) in wavelength division multiplexed systems by considering the pulse collision dynamics in the time domain. The fundamental interactions can be classified as two-pulse, three-pulse, or four-pulse collisions and they can be either complete, or incomplete. Each type of collision is shown to have its unique signature and the overall nature of NLIN is determined by the relative importance of the various classes of pulse collisions in a given WDM system. The pulse-collision picture provides qualitative and quantitative insight into the character of NLIN, offering a simple and intuitive explanation to all of the reported and previously unexplained phenomena. In particular, we show that the most important contributions to NLIN follow from two-pulse and four-pulse collisions. While the contribution of two-pulse collisions is in the form of phase-noise and polarization-state-rotation with strong dependence on modulation format, four-pulse collisions generate complex circular noise whose variance is independent of modulation format. In addition, two-pulse collisions are strongest when the collision is complete, whereas four-pulse collisions are strongest when the collision is incomplete. We show that two-pulse collisions dominate the formation of NLIN in short links with lumped amplification, or in links with distributed amplification extending over arbitrary length. In long links using lumped amplification the relative significance of four-pulse collisions increases, emphasizing the circularity of the NLIN while reducing its dependence on modulation format.
Fertility Rate of Seacoast Marshelder Stock Plants Influences Cutting Production and Rooting Characteristics of Stem Cuttings

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. indole-3-butyric acid, auxin, stock plant hedging, Iva imbricata SUMMARY. Seacoast marshelder (Iva imbricata) is an important coastal species contributing to building of foredunes along the Gulf of Mexico coastal regions. Hurricaneactivitydisruptsnaturalregeneration,andtheneedforsuccessfulnursery production of sufficient plants for restoration warrants development of efficient propagationand productionpracticesforrestorationefforts.The objectivesof these experiments were to investigate the effects of stock plant fertility on cutting production of seacoast marshelder and to evaluate the rooting qualities of cuttings harvested from hedged stock. Stock plants were established in 1-gal containers using a pine bark substrate amended with 6 lb/yard 3 dolomitic limestone. Plants were fertilized with 15N‐3.9P‐10K controlled-release fertilizer (Osmocote Plus, 8- to 9-month formulation at 21 � C) applied as a top dressing at the recommended full label rate of 11 g per pot and 5.5, 15, and 21 g per pot (12 pots each) using a completely randomized design. Cuttings were collected and stock plants hedged on a regular interval [Expt. 1 (May to August) and Expt. 2 (August to November)]. Hedging of stock plants reduced height to 20 cm after each successive harvest of cuttings, but stock plant growth index increased with each successive harvest. Stock plant growth and cutting production increased as fertility rate increased, but responses were not consistent across harvest times. This trend was also true for rooting percentage and measures of root quality. Seacoast marshelder stock plant size increased as fertility increased to 15 g but not at 21 g. Inconsistencies in rooting responses across the production period were evident and were attributed to seasonal growth effects. An inverse relationship between rooting percentage and fertility rate was evident from May through July suggesting high levels of fertility should be avoided because rooting percentage, root number, and root length were reduced as fertility rate increased during that time. Conversely, higher fertilizer rates had a neutral to positive effect on rooting of seacoast marshelder during the months of August through November.
Nutritional quality of carrot (Daucus carota L.) as influenced by farm yard manure

An experiment was conducted at the University of Rwanda, college’s farm located in Northern Rwanda in 2013. The main objective was to determine the effectiveness of farm yard manure on carrot nutritional quality. The experimental design applied was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates for each treatment. The treatments comprised five levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 tha -1 ) of decomposed farm yard manure. The quality parameters namely, ß-carotene, vitamin C and total soluble sugars were analyzed in harvested carrots for each treatment using standard methods. The results showed that farm yard manure had a positive effect on ß-carotene whereby the highest content of 11188 μg/100 g was recorded from the 20 tha -1 treatment, while the lowest content of 10287 μg/100 g was recorded from the carrots that did not receive any farm yard manure. The results on vitamin C showed that its content increased with the application rate of 20 tha -1 recording 7.980 g/100 g, while the lowest content was recorded in plots that did not receive any fertilization. However, FYM did not influence significantly total soluble sugars content in carrots whereby the highest TSS of 10.267% was obtained in plots without FYM, while the lowest TSS of 9.997% was obtained in carrots from the 20 tha -1
Socio-economic analysis of dairy buffalo enterprises in Afyonkarahisar province in Turkey

This research was carried out in order to evaluate dairy buffalo enterprises’ structural features and economical situations in Afyonkarahisar province in Turkey. Research material was collected by means of questionnaire from 66 enterprises, determined by randomly sampling method in 2005-2006 production periods. Producer’s education levels were determined as 62.12% primary school, 19.70% secondary school and 18.18% high school. Buffalo breeding was the main occupation in 87.88% of enterprises and a secondary profession for the rest with 12.12%. Buffalo cow was bred in 6.06% of the enterprises for 1-10 years, in 15.15% for 11-20 years and in 78.79% for 21 years and more. In different age groups, average animal number was 15.56 and average dairy buffalo number 6.74 in enterprises. Production was made completely intensive in 3% of enterprises. Pasture usage period was 5.06 months. In breeding of buffalo cow, average lactation period was 250.71 days and lactation milk yield 1078.59 kg. Enterprise cost factors were as follows: 42.84% feed; 27.48% labour; 2.98% vets and meds; 9.50% energy; 1.12% foreign capital interest; 3.49% cream pack; 3.24% repair and maintenance and 9.35% amortization. As for enterprise incomes, the results were: 75.78% cream sales revenue; 9.62% milk under cream sales revenue; 5.70% calf revenue and 8.90% inventory value increases. In enterprises, financial rantability rate was -6.08, economical rantability -5.69 and cost/benefit ratio 0.92. The economical evaluation results demonstrated that economical support and encouragement precautions should be applied towards buffalo breeding immediately to sustain the dairy buffalo breeding in the area.
Study of pH-dependent misfolding of surfactant protein C using state-of-the-art molecular modelling techniques

vii Resumo . viii Acknowledgements . xiv 1. Surfactant Protein C . 1 1.1. Lung Surfactant . 1 1.1.1. The discovery . 2 1.1.2. Synthesis . 4 1.1.3. Functions and properties . 6 1.2. Surfactant Protein C: Biochemistry . 10 1.2.1. Biosynthesis and sorting . 10 1.2.2. Structure . 12 1.2.3. Transmembranar structure . 15 1.2. 4. Functions . 16 1.3. pH-dependent misfolding of SP-C . 17 1.3. 1. Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis . 19 1.3. 2. The stability of SP-C structure . 21 1.4. Studying the Misfolding of SP-C by Molecular Modelling Methods . 24 2. Molecular Simulation . 25 2.1. Statistical Mechanics – From microscopic data to macroscopic properties . 26 2.1.1. The Ergodic Hypothesis . 27 2.2. Periodic Boundary Conditions . 29 2.3. Molecular Mechanics and Force Fields. 30 2.3. 1. Empirical Potential Energy Functions . 31 2.3. 2. Reducing the computational time . 34
freshwater crab species (Decapoda: Potamonautidae: Potamonautes) reveals the signature of historical climatic

Aim The phylogeographic relationships among populations of the common Cape River crab, Potamonautes perlatus, are examined to investigate whether the contemporary population genetic structure is congruent with the hypothesized hydrographic evolution of drainage systems established during the Pliocene, or whether it reflects an older Miocene climatic amelioration. Location 139 samples of P. perlatus were collected from 31 populations distributed among the five major perennial drainage systems and a number of smaller catchments in the Western and Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods Phylogeographic analysis using parsimony, maximum likelihood, minimum evolution and Bayesian inferences was employed for the 16S rRNA mtDNA gene region, while bootstrapping and posterior probabilities were used to assess the robustness of clades. In addition, nested clade analysis was performed in an attempt to disentangle the contemporary and historical factors that have sculpted genealogical relationships among conspecific populations of P. perlatus. Results Phylogenetic topologies were congruent irrespective of the evolutionary method employed. Two highly distinct reciprocally monophyletic clades characterized by marked levels of corrected sequence divergence were present, with no shared haplotypes between the two major phylogroups. Phylogroup one comprises the populations of the westward-flowing drainages (mainly the Berg and Olifants drainages), and phylogroup two comprises all of the southwardflowing drainages and can further be divided into two subclades ‐ one containing the Breede River populations, and the other containing the Gamtoos and Gourits drainage systems. The nested clade analysis demonstrated restricted gene flow and long-distance dispersal for a number of higher clade levels. The higher-level groups and results for the total cladogram suggest either fragmentation or isolation by distance. Main conclusions Freshwater crabs are generally highly philopatric, and dispersal, although not common, has occurred historically. The westward-flowing drainages (Berg, Olifants, Eerste, Liesbeeck and Tokai) are isolated from the southward-flowing drainages by the Cape Fold Mountains, while the southwardflowing drainages have a number of tributaries that extend into the low-lying regions, allowing for gene flow between these three major drainages systems (Breede, Gamtoos and Gourits). Among the westward-flowing drainages, a more intensive sampling regime is required to understand evolutionary relationships. Our molecular results suggest that the observed patterns pre-date the formation of contemporary hydrographic patterns in the Cape. This suggests that an older Late Miocene event has severely impacted the contemporary population structure