Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Analysis of a Hulless × Covered Cross of Barley Using Doubled‐Haploid Lines

The effects of the hulless (nud) and rough-awned (Raw1) genes are not fully understood in hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). A study was initiated to (i) determine the potential of hulless lines in a hulless × covered cross, (ii) detect additive × additive epistasis and estimate genetic correlations, and (iii) determine the effects of hulless and rough-awned genes on 11 agronomic traits of barley. Fifty covered lines and 48 hulless lines derived from a ‘Kunlun no. 1’ × ‘CIMMYT no. 6’ cross were evaluated for grain yield, test weight, seed weight, height, heading date, and maturity at two locations in Eastern Canada (Charlottetown and Ottawa) in 1998. Plant density, smut resistance, and scald resistance were also recorded at Charlottetown, while spike density was estimated at Ottawa. The 48 hulless lines contained 82 to 100% hulless kernels. At least one hulless line yielded similar to the highest yielding line if it was adjusted by the weight loss of the hull. This suggests that it is possible to breed for high-yielding hulless barley cultivars. Additive × additive epistasis was detected for some of the traits. Yield was significantly correlated with test weight, seed weight, and height. In Eastern Canada, hullessness was associated with 17% lower plant density, 11 to 18% shorter plant height, 15 to 19% lower seed weight, 20 to 21% higher test weight, and 21 to 36% yield reduction. Hullessness, however, was not associated with heading date, maturity, smut resistance, scald resistance, and spike density. Since hulless progeny could have lower emergence rates and shorter plant heights, hulless barley breeding programs should avoid propagating segregating materials from hulless × covered crosses in bulk populations, as many hulless plants may be eliminated by competition. Rough-awned hulless barley had more hulless kernels than smooth-awned. Therefore, selection for rough-awned plants could improve the threshability of hulless barley.
Process matters: a framework for conducting decision-relevant assessments of ecosystem services

Ecosystem Service Assessments (ESAs) have become a popular tool for science-based policy. Yet, there are few guidelines for developing an ESA to inform a decision-making process. This is an important area of inquiry since the process of conducting an ESA is likely to affect the quality of results and their influence on decisions. Drawing on the lessons of conducting ESAs around the world, we propose a set of enabling conditions and a framework for carrying out ESAs that foster high-quality results and drive action. Our framework includes an emphasis on iterative stakeholder engagement, advancing science to address policy needs, and capacity-building through six general steps: (1) scope the process, (2) collect and compile data, (3) develop scenarios, (4) analyze ecosystem services, (5) synthesize results, and (6) communicate knowledge. Our experience indicates that using this framework to conduct an ESA can generate policy-relevant science and enhance uptake of information about nature’s benefits in decisions.
The effects of beet yellows virus on the growth and physiology of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris)

The effect of beet yellows virus (genus Closterovirus, BYV) on sugar beet growth was studied in a series of field and glasshouse experiments. Infection reduced total plant weight by 20%, primarily through a 25% reduction in storage root growth. Sugar extraction efficiency was depressed by an increase in root impurities. BYV had little effect on above-ground yield or total crop cover but did decrease green cover significantly. Infection did not reduce water extraction depth in field experiments despite decreasing lateral root growth in the glasshouse. The growth reduction in infected plants resulted from both a decrease in net photosynthesis and an increase in the proportion of light intercepted by yellow leaves. Damage to the photosynthetic mechanism at least partly caused the reduction in net photosynthesis.
Recent shifts in the crustacean zooplankton community of Lake Huron

Cladoceran populations in the open waters of Lake Huron declined abruptly in 2003 and have since remained at historically low levels. The two dominant cladocerans, Daphnia mendotae and Bosmina longirostris, have been nearly ex- tirpated from the northern region of the lake and are present in only slightly greater numbers in the south. Average nonpre- datory cladoceran biomass in the lake has declined over 90% between 1998-2002 and 2003-2006. In addition, historically unprecedented declines in cyclopoid copepods were seen in the lake in 2005. These changes have occurred against the backdrop of declining nutrient levels in the lake and have coincided closely with declines in the amphipod Diporeia . W e speculate that a combination of reduced primary production in the open waters and intensified planktivory due to the con- tinuing disappearance of Diporeia has accounted for the losses in crustacean biomass seen in recent years. Resume´ : Les populations de cladoceres dans les eaux du large du lac Huron ont decru abruptement en 2003 et sont de- meurees ades densites historiquement basses. Les deux cladoceres dominants, Daphnia mendotae et Bosmina longirostris, ont etepresque extirpesd e la region nordique du lac et sont presents en nombres a peine plus eleves dans le sud. La bio- masse moyenne des cladoceres non predateurs dans le lac a diminuede plus de 90 % entre 1998-2002 et 2003-2006. De plus, il s'est produit des declins jamais vus chez les copepodes cyclopoo¨des dans le lac en 2005. Ces changements sont sur- venus dans des conditions de diminution des nutriments dans le lac et ont coo¨ncideetroitement avec les declins de l'am- phipode Diporeia. Nous avancons l'hypothese selon laquelle une combinaison de production primaire reduite dans les eaux libres et de planctonophagie accrue causee par la disparition persistante de Diporeia explique les pertes de biomasses des crustaces observees ces dernieres annees. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Potassium and Silicon Improve Yield and Juice Quality in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) under Salt Stress

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress which adversely affects the yield and juice quality in sugarcane. However, the mineral nutrient status of plant plays a crucial role in increasing plant tolerance to salinity. We investigated the effects of K and/or Si on plant growth, yield and juice quality in two sugarcane genotypes differing in salinity tolerance. Addition of K and Si significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased K and Si concentrations and decreased the accumulation of Na + in plants under salt stress. Cane yield and yield attributes were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher where K and Si were added. Juice quality characteristics like Brix (% soluble solids in juice), Pol (% sucrose in juice), commercial cane sugar (CCS) and sugar recovery in both sugarcane genotypes were also significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved with the supplementation of K and Si. For most of the growth parameters, it was found that K either alone or in combination with Si was more effective to alleviate salt stress in both sugarcane genotypes than Si alone. Moreover, the beneficial effects of K and Si were more pronounced in salt sensitive genotype than in salt tolerant genotype. The results suggested that K and Si counteracted the deleterious effects of high salinity/sodicity in sugarcane by lowering the accumulation of Na + and increase in K + concentration with a resultant improvement in K + /Na + ratio which is a good indicator to assess plant tolerance to salinity.
Adaptive Significance of Spination in Estuarine Crab Zoeae

Spines of zoeae of the mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii apparently have been selected primarily through predation by small fishes rather than by predatory inver- tebrates, and do not appear to have evolved either to stabilize the organism or to retard its sinking. The settling velocity and swimming and sinking behavior of spined zoeae vs. those with their spines removed were similar. Sinking slowed when the antennal spines were flared perpendicularly to their resting position, but zoeae do so only when molested. Only 1 of 10 planktonic and benthic invertebrates preyed on more despined than spined zoeae, but spines were effective against two fishes that predominate in upper estuaries of the east coast of the United States where larvae of R. harrisii develop. Spines limited the size at which planktivorous silversides, Menidia menidia, and opportunistic killifish, Fun- dulus heteroclitus, began preying on zoeae, but the effectiveness of spines in preventing predation appeared to diminish with each successive zoeal instar. Gape-limited fishes apparently exert strong selective pressure for crab zoeae to produce spines rather than a large unarmed body. Not only do spines increase the size of the zoeae, but spines are noxious, enhance survival of attacked zoeae, regenerate quickly, and are effective when partially regenerated. Spined first-instar zoeae were preyed upon by silver- sides less often than despined second-instar zoeae, in much the same numbers as despined third-instar zoeae, and more often than despined fourth-instar zoeae. The sharp multiple spines of zoeae prevented fishes from manipulating their prey for easy ingestion, so that zoeae often lodged in the pharynxes of small fishes and sometimes killed them. Rhithro- panopeus harrisii zoeae that were attacked by fishes had the same survival and time to metamorphosis as zoeae that were not attacked, whereas the shorter spines and larger bodies of zoeae of the marsh crab Sesarma reticulatum were less effective at preventing fatalities. Dorsal spines were broken most often during attacks. The partially regenerated spines of third-, but not fourth-, instar zoeae were as effective as unbroken spines in preventing predation by silversides. The effectiveness of spines as an antipredatory adaptation is enhanced, because fishes apparently detected spines and quickly learned to prefer despined to spined zoeae. Zoeae did not attempt to evade or escape attacks by fishes, but instead relied on armor and postcontact antipredatory behaviors for their survival. The differential effectiveness of spines of marine and freshwater zooplankters at deterring predation by fishes and inver- tebrates is discussed.
Subterranean biodiversity and depth distribution of myriapods in forested scree slopes of Central Europe

Abstract The shallow underground of rock debris is a unique animal refuge. Nevertheless, the research of this habitat lags far behind the study of caves and soil, due to technical and time-consuming demands. Data on Myriapoda in scree habitat from eleven localities in seven different geomorphological units of the Czech and Slovak Republics were processed. Based on previous studies, as well as knowledge of cave and soil fauna, it was hypothesised that the occurrence of a varied and peculiar fauna would show a pattern of depth distribution with variations due to local specificities. From 2005–2016 (at least one year on each site), macrofauna was collected via sets of three long-term exposed subterranean traps consisting of 110 cm long perforated tube, with ten cups located in a gradient at 5–95 cm below the soil surface. In total, 14 symphylans (not identified to species level), 271 centipedes (23 spp.) and 572 millipedes (32 spp.) were sampled. The overall depth distribution of centipedes and millipedes appeared to have relatively similar pattern, with both groups being found at all depth levels. Nevertheless, this pattern depends on locations. The depth distribution trend lines are mostly in the form of an asymmetric ‘U’, with decreased abundance until the middle of the gradient, followed by increase in the deepest levels. Epigeic species were sporadically distributed along the whole depth gradient, but concentrated at the soil surface, while some subterranean species, such as the centipede Lithobius lucifugus and the millipedes Geoglomeris subterranea, Cibiniulus slovacus and Archiboreoiulus pallidus, were recorded in the deepest parts of the gradient. This characterises the debris community as a mixture of soil and subterranean species with an absence of species exclusively found in caves. The use of different fixation methods in traps had a significant and selective impact on samples; millipedes were either attracted by ethylene glycol or repelled by formaldehyde. Centipedes were also captured more frequently in ethylene glycol; however, the species composition varied in each of the fixatives. Depth distribution of myriapods was similar in both fixative solutions. Traps with these fixatives could be recommended for similar ecological studies.
Effect of replacement of dietary fish meal with silkworm pupae meal on growth performance, body composition, intestinal protease activity and health status in juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian)

This study investigated the effect of replacement of graded dietary fish meal (FM) protein (0, 50%, 60%, 70% and 80%) with silkworm pupae meal (SP) in juvenile Jian carp. Triplicate groups comprising 18 fish (15.96 ± 0.66 g) were fed one of five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets (designated SP0, SP50, SP60, SP70 or SP80) for 8 weeks. The final body weight and specific growth rate of fish in the SP60, SP70 and SP80 groups were significantly lower than those for fish in the SP0 group (P < 0.05). The muscle protein content in the SP50 group was significantly higher than in the SP80 group (P < 0.05). With increasing FM replacement levels, the hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased among the groups, with the significant difference appeared in SP80 group. The gene expression level of heat shock protein 70 in the SP70 group was significantly higher than in the SP0 group (P < 0.05), while that in the SP80 group was significantly less than in the SP70 group (P < 0.05). Significantly decreased intestinal protease activity, increased serum ALT and AST activities, irregular-shaped hepatocytes and intestinal microvilli were found in the SP80 group. The study demonstrates that it is practical to replace 50% of the Jian carp dietary FM protein with SP, higher SP levels are not recommended and that oxidation status of the SP should be carefully assessed.
Leaf traits induce the feeding preference of a shredder of the genus Triplectides Kolenati, 1859 (Trichoptera) in an Atlantic Forest stream, Brazil: a test with native and exotic leaves

This study assessed the feeding preference of larvae of Triplectides sp. (Trichoptera, Leptoceridae) exposed to leaves of native (Hoffmannia dusenii Standley, 1931) and exotic (Eucalyptus globulus Labillardiere, 1799) trees. We hypothesized that, regardless of the origin of the leaves, larval preference is determined mainly by leaf anatomy and quality. Leaves from both species were conditioned with and without nutrient enrichment (NPK), and the four food items were offered in paired combinations to 162 larvae. Larval preference varied according to leaf combinations. In treatments containing both species, larvae preferred to feed on H. dusenii because of softer tissues and anatomical structure. The only exception was the treatment containing discs of enriched E. globulus and non-enriched H. dusenii where enhanced microbial activity on enriched leaves provided a softer resource to shredders. Our results corroborate the initial hypothesis and suggest that introduction of exotic leaves and changes in nutrient availability may affect shredder activity in streams and, consequently, organic-matter processing and ecosystem functioning.
Lipid-lowering therapy and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic

Prof. Dimitri P. Mikhailidis BSc, MSc, MD, FRSPH, FCP, FFPM, FRCP, FRCPath Department of Clinical Biochemistry Royal Free Hospital Campus University College London Medical School University College London (UCL) London NW3 2QG, UK E-mail: mikhailidis@aol.com 1 First Department of Internal Medicine, Diabetes Centre, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece 2 Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland 3 Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland 4 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, UK
A simple and nondestructive approach for the analysis of soluble solid content in citrus by using portable visible to near‐infrared spectroscopy

Abstract A simple and nondestructive method for the analysis of soluble solid content in citrus was established using portable visible to near‐infrared spectroscopy (Vis/NIRS) in reflectance mode in combination with appropriate chemometric methods. The spectra were obtained directly by the portable Vis/NIRS without destroying samples. Outlier detection was performed by using leave‐one‐out cross‐validation (LOOCV) with the 3σ criterion, and the calibration models were established by partial least squares (PLS) algorithm. Besides, different data pretreatment methods were used to eliminate noise and background interference before calibration, to determine the one that will lead to better model accuracy. However, the correlation coefficients are all <0.62 and the results of all pretreatments are still unsatisfactory. Variable selection methods were discussed for improving the accuracy, and variable adaptive boosting partial least squares (VABPLS) method was used to get higher robustness models. The results show that standard normal variate (SNV) transformation is the best pretreatment method, while VABPLS can significantly simplify the calculation and improve the result even without pretreatment. The correlation coefficient of the best prediction models is 0.82, while the value is 0.48 for the raw data. The high performance shows the feasibility of portable Vis/NIRS technology combination with appropriate chemometric methods for the determination of citrus soluble solid content.
THE PALLIAL EYES OF CTENOIDES FLORIDANUS (BIVALVIA: LIMOIDEA)

The structure of the pallial eye in the Limidae has never been elucidated properly, largely because they are difficult to see among the mass of surrounding mantle tentacles and because they are few, small, and lose their pigmentation when preserved. Possibly two eye types are present, simple cup-shaped receptors in species of Lima , like those seen in the Arcoida, and more complex invaginated ones in Ctenoides . The pallial eyes ( (cid:2) 18 on both lobes) of Ctenoides ﬂori- danus are formed by invagination of the middle mantle fold at the periostracal groove, so that all its contained structures are derived from the outer and light is perceived through the inner epithelia of this fold. The eye comprises a simple multicellular lens and a photoreceptive epithelium beneath it of lightly pigmented cells and alternating vacuolated, support cells.In some species of the Arcoidea, Limopsoidea and Pterioidea, pallial eyes occur on the outer mantle fold and thus beneath the periostracum (and shell). The pallial eyes of Ctenoides ﬂoridanus and other pteri-oideans, e.g. species of the Pectinidae, occur on the middle fold and may thus have improved vision. In the Cardiodea, Tridacniidae and Laternulidae (Ano- malodesmata) pallial eyes occur on the inner folds. There is thus a loose phylogenetic trend, in which Ctenoides is a critical link, of increasing eye sophisti-cation correlated with the historical age of the clades possessing them.
Genetic diversity of Verticillium dahliae from olive trees in Tunisia based on RAMS and IGS-RFLP analyses

Abstract Forty-two isolates of Verticillium dahliae were recovered from stem and root samples of olive trees showing symptoms of verticillium wilt in various olive-growing regions in Tunisia. Each isolate was identified based on microscopic observations of morphological and cultural characteristics, pathogenicity tests, as well as PCR amplification using Vd1/Vd2 primers. Genetic diversity among the isolates was investigated using random amplified microsatellites (RAMS) and PCR-RFLP of intergenic spacer region (IGS) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA). A single fragment of approximately 1.7–2.1 kb was amplified from all isolates by PCR using primers CNL12 and CNS1. Digestion of the amplified IGS region with restriction enzyme RsaI produced similar banding patterns (1200 and 800 bp) for 40 isolates while individual and distinctive banding patterns (1100, 850 and 150 bp) were observed for two isolates. Using RAMS primers, nine, eight and four bands were produced when using primers CGA (2200, 1400, 1200, 1100, 1000, 650, 550, 500 and 350 bp), CCA (2000, 1200, 950, 850, 800, 550, 500 and 400 bp) and GT (2500, 2400, 700 and 500), respectively. A total of 21 polymorphic markers were scored when data from the RAMS experiments were combined. Overall, the results of this study revealed associations between the genetic diversity of the isolates and their pathogenicity phenotype, but not between genetic diversity and the geographic origin, suggesting that they are randomly spread across Tunisia.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TOTALS AND RATIOS OF DIETARY CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS ON THE PERFORMANCE AND INCIDENCE OF LEG ABNORMALITIES IN MALE BROILER CHICKENS DERIVED FROM NORMAL AND DWARF MATERNAL GENOTYPES

A factorial experiment, with day-old Hubbard male broiler chicks (702 each from Normal and Dwarf maternal genotypes), assessed the effects of three levels of total calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (aP) at three different ratios (Ca:aP) during the starter (0–21 d) and finisher (22–40 d) periods. General performance was assessed as well as tibia characteristics (strength, ash, Ca, P), serum parameters (akaline phosphatase, Ca, P, Na, K, Cl) and leg abnormalities (tibial dyschondroplasia (TD), twisted legs (TL) and erosion of femoral head (EFH)). Nine starter and nine finisher diets were matched with percentages of Ca and aP ranging from 0.95 to 1.45 and from 0.41 to 0.73 for the starters and from 1.00 to 1.43 and from 0.31 to 0.51 for finishers, respectively. Increasing the total Ca + aP to 2.00 and 1.81 and the Ca:aP ratio to 2.65 and 3.55 for starter and finisher, respectively, reduced (P < 0.05) TD and other leg abnormalities but resulted in the poorest biological response. Ca levels between 1.02% a.
A New Ridge-Type Estimator for the Linear Regression Model: Simulations and Applications

The ridge regression-type (Hoerl and Kennard, 1970) and Liu-type (Liu, 1993) estimators are consistently attractive shrinkage methods to reduce the effects of multicollinearity for both linear and nonlinear regression models. This paper proposes a new estimator to solve the multicollinearity problem for the linear regression model. Theory and simulation results show that, under some conditions, it performs better than both Liu and ridge regression estimators in the smaller MSE sense. Two real-life (chemical and economic) data are analyzed to illustrate the findings of the paper.