Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of grain yield and some agronomic traits in hulless barley

The choice of an efficient breeding procedure depends to a large extent on the knowledge of the genetic system controlling the character to be selected. An eight-parent diallel, involving hulless barley varieties ICNBF-582, ICB-102607, ICNBF93-328, SB91925, ICNBF8-613, BBSC congana, Petuina2 and ICNBF93-369, was evaluated to determine the genetic parameters contributing to plant height, days to maturity, number of tillers, number of grains per spike and grain yield per plant. Furthermore, generation mean and variance analysis was carried out on six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2) derived from the cross ICNBF93-369× ICNBF-582 and SB91925× ICB-102607 to complement the genetic information obtained from the diallel analysis. Wr/Vr graph in diallel analysis and average degree of dominance together with narrow-sense heritability values in both experiments revalued additive gene effects for plant height, number of tillers and days to maturity and over-dominance gene action for number of grains per spike. Although in cross ICNBF93-369× ICNBF-582 the dominance effects had a greater share, the additive effects in diallel analysis and cross SB91925× ICB-102607 played major role in the inheritance of grain yield per plant, since narrow-sense heritability of this trait was low. It can therefore be concluded that direct improvement of this trait is somehow problematic because environmental factors contribute greatly in the control of the trait.
The Aftermath of Bronchoconstriction

Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, airway remodeling, and excessive constriction of the airway. Detailed investigation exploring inflammation and the role of immune cells has revealed a variety of possible mechanisms by which chronic inflammation drives asthma development. However, the underlying mechanisms of asthma pathogenesis still remain poorly understood. New evidence now suggests that mechanical stimuli that arise during bronchoconstriction may play a critical role in asthma development. In this article, we review the mechanical effect of bronchoconstriction and how these mechanical stresses contribute to airway remodeling independent of inflammation.
Colonisation of grapevine wood by Trichoderma harzianum and Eutypa lata

Background and Aims: Trichoderma species have potential in biocontrol of eutypa dieback; however, little is known about their ability to colonise grapevine wood. The colonisation of vines by Trichoderma harzianum and its effects on colonisation by Eutypa lata were studied. Methods and Results: T. harzianum colonised canes over a total distance (above and below the inoculation point) of 10 cm or more in 12 weeks after inoculation. Application of T. harzianum to canes prior to E. lata, either at the same inoculation point or at a different point, reduced recovery of the pathogen. In the field, T. harzianum grew 3 cm from the inoculation point in 4 months in all seven of the mature vines treated. The fungus persisted for 20 months in four of the seven vines at 6 cm from the inoculation point and reached the crown of one vine. Prior inoculation of mature vines with Trichodowels, containing T. harzianum, reduced recovery of E. lata 14 months after inoculation. Conclusions: T. harzianum colonised wood of Chardonnay, Shiraz and Nyora and reduced colonisation by E. lata. T. harzianum persisted in wood of mature vines of Nyora for up to 20 months. Significance of the Study: The results support the potential of T. harzianum in the biocontrol of eutypa dieback.
White-Tailed Deer Antler Research: A Critique of Design and Analysis Methodology

Abstract Debate within the popular and technical literature regarding predictability of antler size at maturity based on 1.5-year antler size in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) has led to confusion and uncertainty within constituent groups. Koerth and Kroll (2008) provided measures of age-related antler development using recaptures of known-age males from 12 deer populations in southern Texas. Several design and analysis issues reduce the scope and validity of their conclusion that amount of growth in the first set of antlers was a poor predictor of antler growth at maturity. Although unstated, the statistical hypothesis they tested did not coincide with their specific conclusions. Using a simulation, we show that their methods were susceptible to measurement bias. Their results are applicable only to populations with similar culling and management programs. Additionally, we provide recommendations for future research projects that evaluate predictability of antler size at maturity based on antler size at younger ages.
Phytogeographic characterization of the temperate coast of Pacific South America

The benthic algal flora of Pacific South America (380 spp) includes endemic (32 · 3 %), subantarctic (34 · 4 %), tropical (3 · 4 %), widely distributed (22 · 8 %) and antitropical species (7 · 1 %).
Lipid production and fatty acid composition of selected strains belonging to Mucorales

The lipid accumulation, fatty acid composition and γ-linolenic acid (GLA) production by 28 strains belonging to Mucorales were investigated. The lipid content varied from 5 to 30% on dry biomass and the percentage of γ-linolenic acid in total intracellular lipid was in a range from 2.5 to 15.4% (w/w). The best yield of γ-linolenic acid (expressed as mg GLA per 1 g biomass) was found for Mucor mucedo CCF – 1384 (28.4) and Cunninghamella echinulata CCF – 103 (25.1).
Oral microbial ecology in chronic periodontitis and periodontal health

Our aim was to find out differences between chronic periodontitis (CP) and periodontally healthy subjects with respect to oral lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as well as subgingival microbial relations. Clinical data, salivary levels of lactobacilli and mutans streptococci, and subgingival microbial samples were obtained from 26 CP and 15 periodontally healthy subjects. Antimicrobial activity of LAB against periodontal pathogens was assessed. We found Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens in 54%, 23% and 73% of CP patients, respectively; the latter was also found in 47% of healthy subjects. The mean proportion of streptococci (27.0 vs 15.2%), particularly S. mutans group (5.7 vs 0.8%) and S. mitis group (18.1 vs 5.0%), as well as aerobic coryneforms (24.7 vs 11.9%) was higher in healthy persons (p < 0.05). An inverse relationship of subgingival streptococci and aerobic coryneforms with periodontal pathogens and deteriorated clinical parameters were seen. Salivary counts of mutans streptococci were higher in healthy persons. Inhibition of periodontal pathogens by LAB was observed. In conclusion, the proportions of oral LAB were significantly lower in CP than in healthy subjects, whilst being important antagonists against periodontal pathogens. These oral commensals may play an important role in the suppression of periodontal pathogens and maintenance of microecological balance in the oral cavity.
RETRACTED: Comparing Long-Term Outcomes Following Radical and Partial Nephrectomy for cT1 Renal Cell Carcinoma in Young and Healthy Individuals

Abstract Background Despite randomized data demonstrating better overall survival favoring radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy continues to be the treatment of choice for low-stage renal cell carcinoma. Methods We utilized the National Cancer Database to identify patients younger than 50 years diagnosed with low-stage renal cell carcinoma (cT1) treated with radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy (2004–2007). Inverse probability of treatment weighting adjustment was performed for all preoperative factors to account for confounding factors. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to compare overall survival of patients in the two treatment arms. Sensitivity analysis was performed to explore the interaction of type of surgery and clinical stage on overall survival. Results Among the 3009 patients (median age = 44 years [interquartile range (IQR) = 40–47 years]), 2454 patients (81.6%) were treated with radical nephrectomy and 555 patients (18.4%) with partial nephrectomy. The median follow-up was 108.6 months (IQR = 80.2–124.3 months) during which 297 patients (12.1%) in the radical nephrectomy arm and 58 patients (10.5%) in the partial nephrectomy arm died. Following inverse probability of treatment weighting adjustment, there was no difference in overall survival between patients treated with partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy (hazard ratio = 0.83, 95% confidence interval = 0.63 to 1.10, P = .196). There were no statistically significant interactions between type of surgery and clinical stage on treatment outcome. Conclusions There was no difference in long-term overall survival between radical and partial nephrectomy in young and healthy patients. This patient cohort may have sufficient renal reserve over their lifetime, and preserving nephrons by partial nephrectomy may be unnecessary.
Efficiency of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) pollination by bumblebees (Bombus terrestris).

The cucumber crop size depends not only on the cultivar and agrotechnical conditions but also on proper pollination of flowers. The aim of the work was the investi- gation of the efficiency of bumblebees used in the cultivation of cucumber on the yield, physical parameters and chemical traits of fruits. The investigations were performed on two cucumber cultivars Pavlina F1 and Natasia F1 obtained from Seminis company. It was established as a three factor experiment in four replications. The bumblebees from the Koppert company was introduced to the cucumber cultivation two times. Marketable yield, the numbers of flowers and fruits as well as physical and chemical traits were inves- tigated. Marketable yield of fruits from the treatment with bumblebees was at the similar level with marketable yield from the control treatment with significantly higher number of fruits in the bumblebees treatment. The yield of fruits of the first class was at the similar level in both treatments with significantly higher number of fruits in the control treatment. A higher firmness and better quality were characteristic for fruits in the treatments with bumblebees than from the control treatment. A higher nitrate content was characteristic for fruits from the control treatment and fruits from the second and third term of planting. A higher phosphorus content was noted in fruits from the treatment with bumblebees in the first and third term of cultivation and in fruits of the Pavlina F1 cultivar.
The Prouhet Tarry Escott Problem: A Review

This paper presents a review of the Prouhet Tarry Escott problem. The solutions of the Prouhet Tarry Escott problem are significant because of its numerous applications. Available literature about the present topic has been critically examined. The ideal and non-ideal symmetric solutions of the problem are pointed out. The present work also aims to familiarize one with the different existing methods of obtaining the solutions of the Tarry Escott problem. Difficulties and possible future research directions are addressed. This review contributes a clear picture of the Prouhet Tarry Escott problem.
Expression of Fibronectin, the Integrin α5, and α-Smooth Muscle Actin in Heart and Lung Development

The developmentally regulated expression of fibronectin (FN) in developing organs and FN's ability to stimulate cell migration and differentiation in vitro suggest a role in organogenesis. We examined the distribution of FN and the α5 subunit of its receptor, the integrin α5β1, in the lungs and hearts of murine embryos at 11, 13, 16, and 18 days of gestation. In the lung, FN staining was present in the mesenchyme and parabronchial cells at day 11, increased at day 13, and decreased after day 16. Increases in FN coincided with the period of branching morphogenesis, and FN was concentrated at areas of airway bifurcation, suggesting a role for FN in cleft formation. The α5 subunit appeared later at 13 days, co-distributing with FN only in well-developed primary bronchioles. At all stages, α-smooth muscle actin expression correlated temporally and spatially with that of the α5 subunit. In the heart, staining for FN, the α5 subunit, and α-smooth muscle actin were present at day 11 and increased at day 13. FN w.
Inheritance of resistance of white rust (Albugo candida race 2) in Brassica juncea

Two white rust resistant Canadian cultivars of Indian mustard, Domo and Cutlass, were confirmed to possess resistance to an Indian Collection of race 2 of Albugo candida. These were crossed with the most widely grown Indian mustard white rust susceptible cultivars, Varuna and Kranti, in all possible combinations. The reactions of F1S involving resistant X susceptible parents and their reciprocals were resistant indicating a dominance of resistance. The F2 segregation pattern of all the resistant Xsusceptible crosses revealed the single gene ratios of 3 resistant: 1 susceptible plants. The segregation pattern of F2 generation and test crosses indicated that white rust resistance in Domo and Cutlass is under the control of a single dominant gene.
Ecotoxicological and analytical assessment of effects of bioremediation on hydrocarbon‐containing soils

Ecotoxicological assessments of contaminated soils require an understanding of the impact of chemicals on the terrestrial ecosystem. Eight hydrocarbon‐containing field soils were evaluated using physical‐chemical, hydrocarbon, and ecotoxicological assays during 11 to 13 months of laboratory bioremediation. Ecotoxicity tests included earthworm (Eisenia fetida) 14‐d survival and reproduction assays and seed germination and root length assays using corn, lettuce, mustard, and wheat seeds. During bioremediation, freon‐extractable total petroleum hydrocarbon decreased by 26 to 84%, depending on the soil. In most soils, earthworm survival increased to or remained at 100% following bioremediation. Earthworm reproduction increased or remained the same relative to control soils. Lettuce and mustard seed germination increased following bioremediation except in two soils with high salt concentrations. Corn and wheat germination was high on most soils and did not change following bioremediation. Root length responses varied among seeds and soils, increasing in some soils and remaining unchanged in others. The responses of organisms to hydrocarbon‐containing field soils directionally improved with bioremediation.
The effect of milk yield on some reproductive parameters of the Elsenburg Holstein and Jersey herds

Extracted from text . The effect of milk yield on some reproductive parameters of the Elsenburg Holsteinand Jersey herdsC.J.C. Muller # , F.J. du Toit, C. Singhapol and J.A. BothaChief Directorate: Agriculture: Private Bag X1, Elsenburg, 7607# e-mail:carelm@wcape.agric. zaIntroductionProfitable milk production and genetic improvement of dairy herds depend largely on the reproductionefficiency maintained in herds. Various factors influence the reproductive performance of dairy cows. Some ofthese factors include accurate heat detection methods, insemination techniques such as storage, thawing andhandling of semen. Herd size and possible mineral imbalances may also affect the reproductive performance indairy herds. Recently the effect of milk yield on reproduction has also .
ScholarWorks ScholarWorks

This study investigated students’ perceptions of competence and enjoyment of a mobile game within the context of mobile game-based learning. The proposed model showed that perceived competence and game attitude were the main predictors of enjoyment, while no direct relationship was found between perceived competence and achievement. The model simultaneously considered other factors such as prior game experience and intensity of use, and final analysis revealed that these two variables were directly related. Another important finding was the strong impact of prior game experience on perceived competence. Results are interpreted with reference to implications for possible means of improving learning outcomes when using mobile learning games in the academic context.
Evaluation of the expression of Notch1 and related proteins in lung carcinoma cells

Introduction Notch signaling pathway has different roles in many human neoplasms, being either tumor-promoting or anti-proliferative. In addition, Notch signaling in carcinogenesis could be tissue dependent.Aim To study the relation between Notch1 protein expression in lung cancer cells to the following Notch related proteins: Hes1, c-Myc, Jagged1 and Jagged2.Materials and methods Notch1 and its related proteins were detected in human lung cancer cell lines and in 54 surgically resected different lung carcinoma tissues. Then, we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology, to down-regulate the expression of Notch1 in H69AR and SBC3 small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cells. Also, we transfected venus Notch1 intracellular domain (v.NICD) plasmid into human SCLC lines; H69. Result s: The expression of Hes1, c-Myc and Jagged2 is affected by Notch1 in SCLC.Conclusion There is a strong association between the expression of Notch1 protein and the expression of Hes1, c-Myc and Jagged2 proteins, which could aid in better understanding the tumorigenesis in SCLC.
Winning and losing: causes for variability in outcome of fights in male Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus)

Game theory models predict that fighting ability should be more important in contest outcome when the payoffs of winning are high for both contestants, and ownership should be more important when payoffs are low. Male Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) provide an opportunity to test these predictions in a natural setting because payoffs of winning are higher for penguins fighting before egg laying and lower for penguins fighting after egg laying, allowing the prediction of differences in who should win and lose. We watched an area of approximately 2000 Magellanic penguin nests from 1992 to 1996 at Punta Tombo breeding colony, Argentina; we quantified fighting behavior, banded contestants, measured their body size (here used as an index of fighting ability), determined ownership status when possible, and monitored their reproductive success. We determined that male Magellanic penguins fought for nests and mates. As theory predicts, before egg laying, body size difference was more important than ownership as a predictor of contest outcome and fight duration. After egg laying, owners won fights, and size did not predict who won or how long they fought. Our comparisons of nest ownership, nest quality, and chicks fledged by winners and losers suggested that our predictions on the change in benefits of winning before and after egg laying were correct. We conclude that game theory models are useful in predicting who won or lost fights in male Magellanic penguins and that ultimate benefits of winning fights are related to fitness. Key words: aggression, fight outcome, fighting, game theory, penguins, Spheniscus magellanicus. [Behav Ecol 13:462–466 (2002)]
Perception and Practice of Exercise during Pregnancy by Antenatal Women in Southeastern Nigeria

Background: Exercise in pregnancy is known to be beneficial to both the mother and the fetus during the course of pregnancy, labour/delivery and in postpartum recovery. There are few instances when exercise is contraindicated but even in most cases, the benefits outweigh the risks. It is important to study the level of awareness, perception and the practice of exercise in pregnancy which will form the reference point for policy formulation to address the identifiable areas of need. Aims and Objectives: To determine the perception and practice of exercise in pregnancy by women during an antenatal care outreach programme in Anambra state south-east Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study of 115 pregnant women who attended antenatal care outreach programme in two locations in Anambra state, south-east Nigeria. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: A little fewer than half of the respondents 52 (45.2%) were of age 26-30 years, while the predominant 79 (58.7%) gestational age group was ˂ 28 weeks and most parity79 (68.7%) was 1-4. Over half of the respondents 68 (59.1%) belonged to the social class 3 and nearly half of the respondents were traders 56 (48.7%). As high as 100 (87%) had heard about exercise in pregnancy while 80 (69.6%) had engaged in exercise while pregnant. Majority of the respondents 73 (63.5%) had engaged in walking as a form of exercise, while 21 (18.3%), 7 (6.1%), 4 (3.5%), 1 (0.9%), 1 (0.9%) had engaged in dancing, jogging, skipping, swimming and jumping respectively. Forty-two (36.5%) had engaged in exercise before 28 weeks of gestation while 18 (15.7%) and 2 (1.7%) did so at 28-36 weeks and 37-42 weeks respectively. The commonest exercise amongst the various social classes was walking, followed at a distance by dancing, jogging, skipping, jumping and swimming respectively. The most perceived benefits of exercise in pregnancy by the participants are as a necessity to life 105 (91.3%) and enhancement of labour/delivery 92 (80%) while 10 (8.7%) had the misconception that pregnant women should not engage in exercise. Conclusion: Although majority of the antenatal women in the population studied engage in exercise, this is oftentimes restricted to “walking”. In addition, a number of the respondents had negative perception as to the value of exercise in pregnancy. There is an urgent need to educate the women during the pre-conception and early pregnancy periods to initiate, sustain, modify and expand the range of exercises undertaken while pregnant. This will go a long way to avail the women and their unborn babies the potential benefits associated with attaining the recommended level of exercise in pregnancy.
HIGH LOCALIZATION OF RIBULOSE‐1,5‐BISPHOSPHATE CARBOXULASE/OXYGENASE IN THE PYRENOIDS OF CHLAMYDOMONAS REINHARDTII (CHLOROPHYTA), AS REVEALED BY CRYOFIXATION AND IMMUNOGOLD ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

The distribution of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) in the chloroplasts of the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Dangeard was examined using cryotechnique and conventional fixation for immunogold electron microscopy. Both methods provided essentially identical results, although somewhat higher densities of gold particles indicating Rubisco molecules were recognized in the pyrenoids of cryofixed cells. The gold particles were highly concentrated in the pyrenoid matrix within the chloroplasts. Even when considering the vast difference in volume between the pyrenoid and the rest of the Chloroplast, more than 99% of the total Rubisco labeling in the chloroplast was calculated to be present in the pyrenoid matrix. High localization of Rubisco in the pyrenoid matrix was also recognized regardless of cell age, based on immunofluorescence microscopy of the same en bloc samples. These results are inconsistent with a recent immunocytochemical study employing cryotechnique in which more than 90% of the total Rubisco was recognized in the thylakoid region (thylakoid membranes and stroma) of C. reinhardtii cells. Rubisco highly localized in the pyrenoid matrix may take part in active photosynthetic CO2 fixation and/or the CO2 concentrating mechanism.
LABORATORY REARING TECHNIQUE FOR THE NORTHERN CORN ROOTWORM, DIABROTICA LONGICORNIS (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE)

The northern corn rootworm, Diabrotica longicornis (Say), was first reported by Guibord (1976) in QuCbec corn fields, and has since been studied intensively as a potential pest of corn. Detailed field investigations of the bionomics were initiated at h4acdonald Campus in 1979, and laboratory research such as physiology and toxicology required the development of techniques for mass rearing of the insects.