Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facilitation and competition affecting the regeneration of Quercus pubescens Willd.

Abstract We investigated the effects of competition, abiotic factors and defoliation on the emergence, survival and growth of downy oak (Quercus pubescens Willd.). Acorns were sown in three types of vegetation (annuals, perennials, perennials and Brachypodium phoenicoides), combined with two abiotic factors (addition of water and nutrients, shade). Three months after emergence, three defoliation treatments were performed including the ablation of stem and leaves, removal of half of the leaves and removal of the half blade of each leaf. Seedlings from heavier acorns emerge more frequently and survive better after browsing than those with a lighter mass. The highest percentages of seedling emergence were observed in the plots with Brachypodium phoenicoides, showing a facilitative effect of grasses. Shade as well as water and nutrient addition increased the survival of seedlings after defoliation. Seedlings whose stems were cut had lower survival rates than controls. Competition with Brachypodium phoenicoides significantly decreased leaf biomass but did not increase the mortality of individuals. Overall, our results have shown that the effects of biotic factors may change from facilitation at emergence, to competition at the seedling stage. Finally, emergence, survival and the responses to herbivory depended on physical stress, and on the intensity and distribution of damage, while growth depended on the competitive conditions.
Purification and Characterization of Two Endoxylanases from an Alkaliphilic Bacillus halodurans C-1

Two endoxylanases from an alkaliphilic bacterium, Bacillus halodurans C-1, were purified 3.8- and 7.9- fold with specific activities of 9.4 and 19.8 U/mg protein, respectively. The molecular masses of both purified enzymes were 23 and 47 kDa, respectively, and 23 kDa xylanase I (Xyl I) exhibited an optimum pH at 7.0, whereas 47 kDa xylanase II (Xyl II) showed a broad pH range of 5.0 to 9.0. The temperature optima of both xylanases were 60"C and 70"C, respectively. Both were stable in the pH range of 6.0 to 9.0 and 5.0 to 10.0, respectively, and they were stable up to 60°C and 70°C, respectively. The K m and V max of Xyl I were 4.33 mg/ml and 63.5 μmol/min/mg, respectively, whereas Xyl II had a K m value of 0.30 mg/ml and V max of 210 μmol/min/mg. Both xylanases hydrolyzed xylans from birchwood, oat spelt, and larchwood. However, they showed different modes of action; a series of xylooligosaccharides larger than xylotriose were released as the major products by Xyl I, whereas xylobiose and xylotriose were the main products by Xyl II. The maximum synergistic action of the two enzymes on hydrolysis of xylan was 2.16 with the ratio of Xyl I to Xyl II at 1:9.
Securing Our Future Health: Taking a Long-Term View. Scenarios

The Wanless Report â? ~Securing Our Future Health: Taking A Long-Term Viewâ? T - an independent review by Derek Wanless - is the first ever evidence-based assessment of the long-term resource requirements for the NHS. It concludes that in order to meet peopleâ? Ts expectations and to deliver the highest quality over the next 20 years, the UK will need to devote more resources to health care and that this must be matched by reform to ensure that these resources are used effectively. - aims: 1. To examine the technological, demographic and medical trends over the next two decades that may affect the health service in the UK as a whole. 2. In the light of (1), to identify the key factors which will determine the financial and other resources required to ensure that the NHS can provide a publicly funded, comprehensive, high quality service available on the basis of clinical need and not ability to pay. 3. To report to the Chancellor by April 2002, to allow him to consider the possible implications of th
Predator feeding ecology on Patagonian rocky outcrops: implications for colonies of mountain vizcacha (Lagidium viscacia)

ABSTRACT On 10 rocky outcrops with mountain vizcacha colonies, diets and trophic relations of five predator species were analyzed to evaluate their impact in vizcacha populations. Diets included 17 prey items of which mammals represented 97% of biomass. Lagomorphs were the most important prey, followed by sigmodontines, tuco-tucos, and mountain vizcachas. The Barn Owl was a specialized predator, while the culpeo and lesser grison were generalized consumers. Predation of mountain vizcacha by Magellanic Horned Owls and culpeo foxes could increase vizcacha vulnerability because vizcacha populations are small and fragmented, and females produce only one offspring per year.
Population dynamics of feral horses (Equus caballus) in an exotic coniferous plantation in Australia

Abstract Context. Understanding population dynamics of invasive species is crucial for the development of management strategies. Feral horses (Equus caballus) are a growing problem in the Tuan–Toolara State Forest (TTSF), a coniferous plantation in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. Aim. The population dynamics of the TTSF feral horses was not known. Therefore, the study was designed to characterise the major vital parameters of this population and, using these data, develop a long-term management plan. Methods. The study was conducted over 3 years (2011–14) involving 522 individually identified horses. Foaling rates were used to calculate fecundity. Body fat distribution was estimated using body condition score (BCS), which reflects the nutritional, metabolic and general health of individual animals. Multi state mark–capture population models were used to estimate age-specific survival, and the Leslie age-structured projection matrix model was used to determine the annual rate at which the population increased. Key results. The mean annual fecundity was low (0.23 ± 0.07 s.d.). The mean BCS of the population was mid-range (2.55 ± 0.51 s.d.) with adult females having lower scores than other age and gender groups. Survival estimates were consistently high (0.92–0.95) across all age groups. The average annual finite rate of population increase (λ) for the 3 years of the study was 1.09. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the population growth rate was almost seven times more sensitive to changes in adult survival compared with juvenile survival, and almost twice as sensitive to changes in fecundity. Key conclusions. Population dynamics of the TTSF feral horses were comparable to other feral horse populations similarly challenged by environmental nutritional limitations. Implications. Defining population dynamics of the TTSF feral horses permits the formulation of management goals that can be audited and adapted as required. The most effective strategy for controlling population growth in the TTSF would involve the continuing removal of substantial numbers of adult females or manipulation of survival and/or fecundity. As selective removal will likely alter the adult sex ratio and age structure of the population, ongoing assessment is necessary to minimise adverse welfare outcomes.
Effect of Planting Time and Phosphorus Dosage on Growth, Yield and Quality Attributes of Indian bean (Lablab Purpureus L.)

Indian bean is one of the most important leguminous vegetable crops grown widely in the North Eastern Region of India. The crop is having great demand in the region and it is grown for tender pods as vegetable and seeds as pulse. To ensure the availability of vegetables during off- season with higher yield an experiment was conducted to study the response of semi-dwarf photo-insensitive line of dolichos bean (RCDL-10) to time of planting (May, June, July, August, September and October) and graded dosage of phosphorus (30, 40, 50 and 60 kg/ha P2O5) for growth, flowering behaviour, yield and quality traits. Longest vine (331.16 cm) and highest number of primary branches (15.31) were recorded in the July sowing whereas, shortest vine length (158.66 cm) and lowest number of branches per plant was recorded in October sowing (10.08). May sowing took the least number of days to complete the physiological and developmental stages. May planting gave the highest yield (168.70 g/plant) and yield attributes as well as highest crude protein (25.3%) content of the pods. Similarly, phosphorus dose of 60 kg/ha recorded the highest plant growth, number of flowers per panicle (9.41), yield (123.04 g/plant) and maximum crude protein content (25.22 %) of the pods as compared to the lower dosage. Hence, photo-insensitive line RCDL-10 can be cultivated as an off season crop during may having higher yield with the application of 60kg P2O5.
GENE ACTION OF SOME AGRONOMIC, YIELD AND QUALITY CHARACTERS IN AROMATIC RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.) VARIETIES AND THEIR F1 HYBRIDS UNDER LOWLAND AND UPLAND ENVIRONMENTS

Gene action for twenty-one F1 hybrids along with their parents were evaluated in a experiment designed with randomized complete block design having three replications in two environments. Significant differences were observed among parents, hybrids and hybrids versus parents for most of the agronomic, yield and quality characters of hybrids in both environments. Genotype x environment interaction was also significant in most of the traits studied. Results based on combining ability tests showed that, gene action for yield and agronomic traits was dominant while gene action for quality traits was additive. Results reveal that specific combining ability (SCA) variances were higher than the general combining ability (GCA) variances under lowland and upland environments for all the characters studied, except number of productive tillers per plant, number of non- productive tillers per plant, length of panicle, percent filled grains per panicle and grain breadth. These data suggest that non-additive gene action is important. Estimates of GCA effects under both environments of this study revealed that lines Sugdasi, Bengalo and DR65 were the best general combiners for grain yield and tester, Pandan was the best potential source of desirable genes for yield and yield related traits. Heterosis breeding may be utilized to improve quality traits with dominant gene action.
Germination of Cutleaf Groundcherry (Physalis angulata), Smooth Groundcherry (Physalis virginiana), and Eastern Black Nightshade (Solanum ptycanthum)

Factors that govern the germination of cutleaf groundcherry (Physalis angulata L. # PHYAN), smooth groundcherry [Physalis virginiana var. subglabrata (Mackenz. and Bush) Waterfall # PHYSU], and eastern black nightshade (Solanum ptycanthum Dun. # SOLPT) were evaluated. Maximum germination of all three species occurred at a constant 30 C or alternating temperature regimes that included 30 C. Seed of all species germinated in light and dark, but germination was reduced in the dark. Germination and seedling vigor of all species decreased as substrate pH decreased. Cutleaf groundcherry seed were slightly less sensitive than seed of other species to simulated moisture stress. All species produced 90% or more viable seed by 8 weeks after anthesis.
THE EFFECTS OF NATIVE CULTURE AND RELIGIOUS BELIEFS ON HUMANINFERTILITY AND ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TREATMENT: A FOCUS ON THEIJEBU PEOPLE OF NIGERIA

This paper seeks to empirically explore the social, cultural and religious factors that guide the choice of human fertilization and reproductive health among the Ijebu indigenous people in South West Nigeria. Data were collected from Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu North Local Government Areas (LGA). Ecological Model was used as a theoretical guide to cross-sectional design method to select the respondents. Further random selection of five enumeration areas in each LGA were conducted. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Majority of the respondents were not favourably disposed to the use of assisted reproductive treatment. Respondents had a negative perception of the technology. The majority of people living with infertility-PLWI- did not use the ART facility due to religious belief. ART specialists said that PLWI did not access ART service because of social costs, in term of lack of support from the religious community. Religion and belief system hindered the use of ART, which also reinforced its poor adoption. Increase in the level of reproductive health education, knowledge about the technology will improve acceptance and public enlightenment and social-marketing are needed to promote the adoption of the technology by persons with infertility.
Cellular Mechanisms of Salinity Tolerance

Salinity is a significant limiting factor to agricultural productivity, impacting about 9 × 108 ha of the land surface on the earth, an area about 3 times greater than all of the land that is presently irrigated (17, 18). Reduced productivity occurs as a result of decreased yields on land that is presently cultivated [about one-third of all irrigated land is considered to be affected by salt (18, 45)], as well as due to the restriction of significant agricultural expansion into areas that presently are not cultivated. In the United States, salinity is a major limiting factor to agricultural productivity, and as the quality of irrigation water continues to decline this problem will become more acute (1, 56). About 1.8 million ha of land are salt-affected in California (56), the major agricultural state in the nation. Annual losses to crop production in the salt-affected areas, including the Imperial, Coachella, and San Joaquin valleys, are substantial and are increasing at a significant rate each year (56).
Genetic distance based on SSR and grain yield of inter and intrapopulational maize single cross hybrids

The objective of this work was to correlate the genetic distances between the progenitors obtained by microsatellite markers with the grain yield of inter and intrapopulational maize single cross hybrids. Three s 0 populations derived from commercial single cross hybrids were used to obtain 163 hybrids (110 interpopulational and 53 intrapopulational). The two best hybrids and two worst hybrids of each the inter- and intrapopulational crosses were selected and their progenitors maintained through self-pollination of the second ear of each s 0 plant, genotyped with 47 SSRs. The Modified Roger's Distance (MRD) between each pair of s 1 inbred lines, the number of alleles and the polymorphic information content (PIC) of each primer were estimated. The genetic distances between progenitors were correlated with the grain yield of the inter- and intrapopulational hybrids. The number of obtained alleles was 186, with a mean of 3.96 alleles. The PIC varied from 0.49 to 0.80, with a mean of 0.65. The mean genetic distance between all s 1 inbred lines was 0.75, varying from 0.40 to 0.89, indicating the existence of variability between the s 1 inbred lines. The correlation between MRD and grain yield was high and significant for the interpopulational crosses (r = 0.84, P ≤ 0.01) and low and not significant (r = 0.18, P ≥ 0.05) for intrapopulational crosses.
Effect of Yeast Culture on Steer Performance, Apparent Diet Digestibility, and Carcass Measurements When Used in a Barley and Potato Finishing Diet

Yeast culture has been used in corn and milo diets to improve animal performance and stabilize shifts in ruminal microbial populations due to diet changes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of yeast culture in a barley and potato processing residue diet on steer growth performance, apparent diet digestibility, carcass characteristics, ruminal VFA, and liver mineral concentrations. Seventy-two crossbred beef steers were assigned to one of two treatments in a completely randomized design. The control treatment received a finishing diet consisting of 84% (DM basis) barley and potato residue. The yeast culture treatment received the same diet plus 85 g of yeast culture per steer daily for the first 28 d, then 28 g per steer daily for the remaining 85 d. Total trial steer ADG (1.46 and 1.56 kg/d) and gain:feed (151.8 and 158.6 g:kg DM) control and yeast, respectively, were increased (P 0.24) were noted for total DMI. Carcass characteristics also did not differ (P>0.38). Liver mineral concentrations were within normal ranges and were similar (P>0.14) for control and yeast culture treatments. Apparent DM, CP, ADF, NDF and GE diet digestibilities were similar (P>0.21) between treatments. No difference (P>0.86) was noted in total ruminal VFA concentration, however the acetate:propionate ratio decreased (P<0.05) for the yeast culture treatment due to increased propionate concentration in steers fed yeast culture. Feeding yeast culture in a barley and potato processing residue finishing diet improved ADG 6.9% and feed efficiency 4.5%.
Synchronous settlement of barnacle larvae at small spatial scales correlates with both internal waves and onshore surface winds

: Larval settlement of Chthamalus spp. barnacles was measured daily at small spatial scales (~1 km) at 3 sites in Baja California, Mexico, along with water-column temperature, currents, and coastal winds. Synchronous settlement occurred at all sites throughout the 2 mo study. In general, no significant spatial pattern in settlement rate was detected, but on occasions when spatial differences occurred, the exposed and bay sites showed significantly greater settlement than the reef site. Autocorrelation artifacts in the environmental and settlement time series were removed with autoregressive integrated moving average analyses and their residuals were used in a principal component analysis to determine the independent modes of variability in environmental factors that explained the settlement patterns at each site. We found that settlement at the exposed site was only associated with the wind, which had not been detected pre -viously. Settlement at the 2 other sites was associated with vertical isotherm displacements, suggesting the importance of internal waves at these more southern sites. Our results suggest that (1) the offshore larval pool does not vary greatly at the small spatial scales (~1 km) of this study, resulting in generally homogeneous, synchronous settlement, (2) a complex suite of factors may interact to result in settlement at the same site, and (3) settlement may be forced by different factors at sites in very close proximity due to differences in geomorphology and/or bathymetry, resulting in alongshore variability in transport mechanisms, which may explain the occasional spatial heterogeneity in settlement detected in this study. therm displacements, maximum semidiurnal tidal range, wind, percent lunar illumination.
The Genus Diplasiolejeunea (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiopsida) in the Tropical Andes, with description of two new species

Two new species of the genus Diplasiolejeunea from the Andes of southern Ecuador, D. erostrata and D. grandirostrata, are described and figured. A key to and a synopsis of the Andean species of Diplasiolejeunea are presented. Diplasiolejeunea caribea subsp. latetruncata, D. caribea subsp. microstipulata, D. caribea subsp. subcaribea, D. arietina, D. caricae, D. crassidentata, and D. reyesiana are considered to be conspecific with D. caribea.
Studies on mass production of beauveria bassiana (Bals.) vuill., its efficacy and compatibility wit some new generation insecticides against pigeonpea pod borer

Title of the thesis : “Studies on mass production of Beauveria bassiana, its efficacy and compatibility with some new generation insecticides against pigeonpea pod borer complex” Student’s Name : Narendra Tank Permanent address : VillageRunija TehshilBadnagar DistUjjain (M.P.) Pin – 456776 Name and address of Major advisor : Dr. A.K. Saxena, Associate professor Department of Entomology, JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P.) Degree to be awarded : Master of Science in Agriculture Year of award of degree : 2015 Major subject : Entomology Total no. of pages in the thesis : 147 Number of words in the abstract : 510 Signature of Advisor ( Dr. A.K. Saxena) Signature of Head of Department (Dr. A. K. Bhoumick) Signature of Student
CHARACTERIZATION OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM, SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS AND SALMONELLA ALBANY ISOLATED FROM CHICKENS AND DUCKS USING RANDOM AMPLIFIED POLYMORPHIC DNA (RAPD)-PCRF

Accepted: 15/06/2015 Abstract The objective of this study was to characterize Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Albany strains isolated from chicken and ducks to determine their relatedness using Random Amplified Polymorphic Deoxyribonucleic Acid (RAPD)-PCR. RAPD-PCR analysis of the Salmonella serovars produced DNA bands that ranged from 242 to 3189bp for Salmonella Typhimurium, 252 to 2756bp for Salmonella Enteritidis and 232 to 2612 bp for Salmonella Albany. Cluster analysis at a coefficient of 0.85 grouped the Salmonella serovars into various clusters and singletons. Salmonella Typhimurium were grouped into 4 clusters and 1 singleton at a discriminatory index of 0.85. Salmonella Enteritidis were grouped into 2 clusters and 2 singletons at a discriminatory index of 0.64. Salmonella Albany were grouped into 3 clusters and 1 singleton at a discriminatory index of 0.71. One Salmonella Typhimurium isolated from chicken carcass was not characterized as the RAPD-PCR employed failed to produce any DNA band from that isolate. Characterizing Salmonella serovars from different sources is important to determine their genetic relatedness, and source of contamination and spread.
Efficient Micropropagtion Protocol for Portulaca grandiflora. Hook. Using Shoot Tip Explants

A rapid clonal multiplication protocol comprising direct multiple shoot induction from shoot apex of Portulaca grandiflora Hook was developed. Shoot apex from healthy grown plants were used as explants for culturing. Explants were cultured on standard Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of benzyl amino purine (BAP) or kinetin (KIN) for primary shoot proliferation. The best shoot proliferation (27.3 per explants with 98% induction) was observed in MS medium containing 2.5mgl -1 BAP. For rooting of microshoots, half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.75mgl -1 Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) showed best results with 9.2 roots per shoot at an average root length of 6.0 cm with average rooting response of 95%. After acclimatization and transplantation, 100% of the In- vitro derived plants were found healthy in ex vivo conditions. (New York Science Journal. 2010;3(10):112-116). (ISSN: 1554-0200). Key word: Acclimatization, Portulaca grandiflora Hook, In-vitro, Shoot proliferation.
Control of cytotoxic responses on human neonates: naïvety or tight regulation?

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