Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Traditional land races of rice in Karnataka : Reservoirs of valuable traits

Traditional land races are important reservoirs of valuable traits and need special attention for future conservation. More than 50% of rainfed rice in Karnataka is under traditional rice, thus sheltering a potential genetic diversity. Drought stress is the major limiting factor for rice production and yield stability under rainfed regions. Diversity was evident in our traditional variety collection, which was more so in Uttara Kannada district. It possesses valuable traits, viz. medicinal properties, nutrition, taste, aroma, tolerance to drought and submergence, and other special uses. Majority of traditional varieties in rainfed uplands tolerate moisture stress and possess strong root system under field conditions. Land races, Dodiga and Navalisali in early and medium maturity groups respectively, were found significantly superior for yield and productivity traits under varied moisture stress situations over three years. Hence these land races are identified as good donors for drought tolerance in future breeding programmes.
Annual report on health monitoring of wild anadromous salmonids in Norway

www.vetinst. no www.imr. no Annual report on health monitoring of wild anadromous salmonids in Norway Abdullah S. Madhun*, Åse Helen Garseth**, Ann Cathrine B. Einen*, Ingrid U. Fiksdal*, Hilde Sindre**, Sten Karlsson***, Eirik Biering**, Bjørn Barlaup****, Egil Karlsbakk* * Institute of Marine Research, ** Norwegian Veterinary Institute, *** Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, ****Uni Research
PARASITES, BRIGHT MALES, AND THE IMMUNOCOMPETENCE

It has been argued that females should be able to choose parasite-resistant mates on the basis of the quality of male secondary sexual characters and that such signals must be costly handicaps in order to evolve. To a large extent, handicap hypotheses have relied on energetic explanations for these costs. Here, we have presented a phenomenological model, operating on an intraspecific level, which views the cost of secondary sexual development from an endocrinological perspective. The primary androgenic hormone, testosterone, has a dualistic effect; it stimulates development of characteristics used in sexual selection while reducing immu- nocompetence. This "double-edged sword" creates a physiological trade-off that influences and is influenced by parasite burden. We propose a negative-feedback loop between signal intensity and parasite burden by suggesting that testosterone-dependent signal intensity is a plastic re- sponse. This response is modified in accordance with the competing demands of the potential costs of parasite infection versus that of increased reproductive success afforded by exaggerated signals. We clarify how this trade-off is intimately involved in the evolution of secondary sexual characteristics and how it may explain some of the equivocal empirical results that have surfaced in attempts to quantify parasite's effect on sexual selection.
Influence of Genotype and Cytokinins on in Vitro Shoot Proliferation of Grapes

The in vitro shoot proliferation responses of 4 Vitis genotypes in the presence of 3 cytokinins was examined. All genotypes grew best in media containing 6-benzyladenine (BA), but the concentration response was variable. Kinetin had no effect upon the 2 interspecific hybrid cultivars but evoked a slight response with 2 genotypes of V. labrusca and V. labruscana. Adenine sulfate had no effect alone; however, when combined with BA, it decreased the rate of shoot proliferation. Addition of the auxin picloram (PIC; 0.1–2.5 μm) to BA-containing (5.0–10.0 μm) medium reduced the rate of shoot proliferation. Using low concentrations of PIC combined with 0.0 or 1.0 μm BA, there was a small increase in shoot tip multiplication. Callus growth was rapid in the presence of 5–10 μm BA and 1–2.5 μm PIC. In summation, the rate of shoot proliferation in grape shoot tip cultures is governed to a large extent by the interaction of cytokinins and genotypes.
NGS-based reverse genetic screen reveals loss-of-function variants compromising fertility in cattle

We herein report the results of a large-scale reverse genetic screen, based on next generation sequencing (NGS) of the exome or whole genome of more than 500 animals, to identify highly deleterious mutations that cause embryonic lethality in domestic cattle. We first demonstrate that as in human domestic cattle carry of the order of 100 loss-of-function (LoF) variants per genome. We then present evidence for significant depletion in homozygosity for at least tens of candidate deleterious variants in Belgian Blue Cattle, strongly suggesting that these act as embryonic lethal (EL) or at least juvenile lethal (JL) mutations. We finally formally demonstrate the embryonic/juvenile lethality of a handful of common LoF variants compromising fertility in domestic cattle of Belgium and New Zealand.
Spillover of commercially valuable reef fishes from marine protected areas in Guam, Micronesia

Does adult spillover (movement out of marine protected areas [MPAs]) of fish create a net export of fish biomass from MPAs to adjacent fished reefs? Biomass of five commercial reef fish species was estimated by visual census within and outside three MPAs in Guam, Micronesia. For most species and sites, biomass was significantly higher within the MPAs than in adjacent fished sites. Movement of fishes into and out of the MPAs was determined by markrecapture experiments, in which fishes were tagged both inside and outside of MPAs. Four out of five species studied showed little or no net movement out of MPAs. However, the orangespine surgeonfish (Naso lituratus) showed a net spillover of biomass from all three MPAs; 21.5% of tagged individuals and 29% of the tagged biomass emigrated from MPAs. Patterns of spillover were strongly influenced by physical habitat barriers, such as channels, headlands, or other topographic features. MPAs that are physically connected by contiguous reef structures will likely provide more spillover to adjacent fished sites than those that are separated by habitat barriers. This study demonstrates that MPAs can enhance export of fish biomass to fished areas, but spillover is species-specific and depends on factors such as species size and mobility.
Constant flood irrigation (CFI) : an automated subirrigation system with individual supply to each container

Fig. 1. Schematic diagram of the controlled flood irrigation (CFI) system. The constant flood irrigation (CFI) system (Fig. 1) consisted of large saucers that were kept filled with water or fertilizer solution so that growth media in containers standing in the liquid remained at container capacity. Flow of liquid to the saucers through microtube emitters was controlled by an irrigation timer. Compared with the capillary mat irrigation system, the saucer system avoided leachate contamination between pots and provided greater air circulation around containers. Compared with microtube irrigation to the growth medium surface, the saucer system eliminated the need to install or remove microtubes from the growth medium surface and avoided water channelling whereby growth medium directly under the weighted end becomes preferentially wetted. CFI permitted complete wetting of the growth medium to container capacity irrespective of shrinkage during dehydration. Further requirements of the irrigation system were reduction of leachate loss from the containers, prevention of cross-contamination between containers, and low maintenance. To provide fertilizer solution or water simultaneously to containers placed anywhere on the bench, the 19-mm-diameter polyethylene (PE) pipe was secured to the mesh bench to form two U-shaped headers with insertells making the comers. A 15-cm section of PE pipe was connected to the middle of the base of each U-header by means of an inserttee. At the end of this short section was inserted a 19-mm male adapter (insert × male international pipe thread), which, in turn, was attached to an adapter bushing (19-mm pipe female international pipe thread to 19-mm female garden hose thread). Short sections
Toxin Production by Psychrotrophic Bacillus spp. Present in Milk.

Using a reversed passive latex agglutination assay, about 85% of psychrotrophic Bacillus spp. tested were shown to produce diarrhoegenic toxin during growth on brain heart infusion broth at 25°C. The majority of these strains were identified as Bacillus cereus or cereus -related strains. However, a number of other species was capable of synthesizing the toxin. Further investigation of four psychrotrophic Bacilli showed that the toxin was produced during growth in milk at temperatures ranging from 6 to 21°C. Toxin production increased with increasing temperatures and was not synthesized in appreciable quantities until the bacterial count exceeded 1 × 107 cfu/ml.
Agro-physiologic effects of compost and biochar produced at different temperatures on growth, photosynthetic pigment and micronutrients uptake of maize crop.

The production and use of biochart and compost present many opportunities for soil improvement and agricultural productivity. However, the yield and performance of biochar depend on the feedstocks, pyrolysing temperatures and rate of application. Experiments were conducted to find out the effect of compost and biochar produced from two different feed stocks (Rice husk and Mexican sunflower) and pyrolysed at different temperatures (300, 350 and 400°C) on the growth, yield, nutrient uptake and chlorophyll contents of maize (Zea mays L.,). These were applied at three levels (5, 10 and 15 ton/ha) and the pots were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replicates. Data were collected on growth and yield attributes of maize, photosynthetic pigments and nutrient uptake by maize crop.The results showed that the feedstock pyrolyzed at temperature between 300 to 350°C and compost applied at higher rate between 10 to 15 ton/ha performed better. On the growth and yield parameters, compost and biochar at relatively low temperature and applied at 15 t/ha performed better than other treatments including control both at the main and residual experiments On the residual effect, the two types of biochar performed better than compost most especially sunflower biochar pyrolysed at 300 and 350°C and applied at 15 t/ha. The chlorophyll formation was enhanced more in maize treated with higher rates of biochar than lower rates. The result indicates that depending on feedstock, biochar and compost have potentials to serve as nutrient sources. Key words: Biochar, bioenergy, chlorophyll, pyrolysis, plant nutrition, photosynthesis.
Effect of pesticide amended soil on population of Pseudomonas fluorescens under green house conditions

Pseudomonas fluorescens is an important beneficial microorganism that enhances growth of a crop plant and is used as a bioagent. It is ecofriendly and inhabitant of soil, which play an important role in integrated disease management. Isolates of P. fluorescens were selected on the basis of morphological and biochemical tests. All isolates were Gram negative and rod shaped. They were positive for arginine dihydrolysis, catalase and H2S gas production. Amongst them, four isolates showed their ability to hydrolyze starch, two isolates showed citrate utilization, 13 isolates showed KOH test and 12 isoates showed urease test whereas, four isolates showed oxidase test. Among fifteen isolates, Pf2 gave maximum growth inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (60.36%) and also of Rhizoctonia bataticola (60.50%). Enumeration of P. fluorescens population was high in the soil where P. fluorescens was added @ 15g/kg in pesticides amended soil. Whereas, P. fluorescens population was increased up to 60 days after incubation and decline at 90 days. All pesticides under test were compatible with P. fluorescens.
Laser refractometry in medicine and biology

The intracavity laser refracometry in reflection (ILRR) method is developed for investigating liquid biological media. The ILRR method was used for determination of the blood refractive index values of healthy and sick persons and animals. The refractive index correlates with the course of the disease. It can serve as an objective parameter for estimating the level of inflammatory processes on an organism. The real-time investigations of blood to low-level laser irradiation photoresponse showed that it is characterized by slow and fast processes caused by thermal and biochemical phenomena, respectively. The investigations of photoresponse of plasma, leukocytes, and erythrocytes showed that the erythrocytes are the main photoreceptors of red light on the cellular level. Haemoglobin is responsible for the fast photoresponse on the molecular level. The refractive index behavior in real time allows determination of the maximum therapeutic dose on tissue, cellular, and molecular levels.
Cellular Structures, Plasma Membrane Surface Areas and Plasmodesmatal Frequencies of the Stem of Phaseolus vulgaris L. in Relation to Radial Photosynthate Transfer

At an early stage of secondary development, the metaphloem sieve elements appeared to be the only functional axial transport conduit in fully elongated stems of P. vulgaris plants. There is no apparent barrier to the radial transfer of solutes in the stem apoplast. However, radial transfer through the stem symplast could be limited by discontinuities resulting from protoplast degeneration of the protophloem fibres and developing secondary xylem fibres. Estimates of possible sucrose fluxes through the apoplastic and symplastic routes indicated that radial photosynthate transfer from the sieve element-companion cell (se-cc) complexes of the stem metaphloem could follow either cellular route. In the case of apoplastic transfer, the plasma membrane surface area of the se-cc complexes is only sufficient to support some form of facilitated movement of sucrose. In contrast, the plasma membrane surface area of the phloem parenchyma is sufficient to permit passive diffusion of sucrose to the apoplast. Plasmodesmatal frequencies suggest that any symplastic transfer to the phloem parenchyma from the sieve elements would be via the companion cells.
Response of Maize Seed Number to Solar Radiation Intercepted Soon after Anthesis

A versatile method for predicting maize (Zea mays L.) seeds per plant would be valuable for simulating maize yield with different population densities. The objective of this work was to characterize the form of the response of seeds per plant to intercepted photosynthetically active radiation per plant in the 10 d following silking and to test the generality of the response function across several hybrids at different locations. Data from the literature and results with 2 yr of field experiments at Temple, TX, on Houston Black clay (fine montmorillonitic, thermic Udic Haplusterts) and 1 yr in central Pennsylvania on Hagerstown silt loam (fine, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludalfs) were used to evaluate this seed number response. The data support a linear response function, with values being on a plateau when the potential number of seeds of a hybrid has been reached. A single regression equation was adequate for 10 hybrids at Temple and/or in central Pennsylvania. Several other hybrids at these or other locations showed significantly different responses. Prediction functions for other hybrids can be derived with similar linear models, with a plateau defined by the potential seeds per plant produced at low planting densities
Physicochemical and Gel Properties of Myofibrillar Protein from Sin Croaker (Johnius dussumieri) Fish During Ice Storage

ABSTRACT The physicochemical and gel properties of myofibrillar protein (MFP) from sin croaker fish were studied during ice storage for 18 days. Significant changes in the trends of solubility, Ca2+ ATPase enzyme activity, surface hydrophobicity, and water holding capacity of extracted MFP were observed by the 6th day of storage. The Ca2+ ATPase enzyme activity reduced significantly (p < 0.05) by the 6th day of storage. However, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) did not show a remarkable change in the concentration of myosin heavy chain. Surface hydrophobicity increased almost four times from its original value of 18.98 µg; whereas, water holding capacity showed a fluctuating trend during storage. The emulsion capacity of the MFP was in the range of 0.89- to 1.92-mL oil/mg protein during storage. The gel strength value (313.45 g.cm) of heat-induced gel prepared from fresh minced meat decreased significantly (p < 0.05) by the 6th day of ice storage. Texture profile analysis revealed that changes in hardness and gumminess were concurrent to steeply reducing breaking force up to the 6th day. The histological observation showed gradually increasing gaps between muscle fibers. The histological observations and physicochemical quality indicated that the sin croaker fish can be used for producing good quality surimi when stored for up to 6 days in ice.
Preliminary investigations on the nutrient removal efficiency of a wetland-type ecosystem

Effluent waters of intensive fish production plants contain high levels of nutrients both in dissolved and particulate forms. Biological filtration of fish farm effluents by aquatic ecosystems prevents eutrophication in recipient shallow water bodies. A combined wetland-type ecosystem was designed and constructed for nutrient removal from the effluent water of an intensive catfish production farm. This combined system involves two ponds and two wetlands of 2500 m 2 area of each. The ponds were stocked with carps in polyculture, and the wetlands were partially covered by aquatic macrophytes like cattail, reed, duckweed, reed-grass and filamentous algae species. The objective of the study was to examine the nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter removal efficiencies during a 6-month experimental period in 2001. The daily load to the pond system was 1.1 g m -2 for organic matter, 0.19 g m -2 for nitrogen, and 0.1 g m -2 for phosphorus. Results of the study showed that the nutrient removal efficiency of the system was about 90% for ammonium, orthophosphate and organic suspended solids. Lower removal rates were found for nitrate (38%), inorganic nitrogen compounds (79%), total nitrogen (67%) and total phosphorus (75%). The actual size and nutrient processing capacity of the investigated wetland-type ecosystem allowed an efficient nutrient removal at 200-250 m 3 daily effluent water introduction.
Interaction of Nitrogen Fertility and Plant Populations on Transplanted Broccoli and Cauliflower Yields

As broccoli populations increased from 24,000 to 72,000 plants/ha at N rates of 112, 168, or 224 kg/ha, head weight decreased linearly. Increasing the N rate from 56 to 224 kg/ha at any population linearly increased broccoli head weight and marketable yields, and decreased cull yields. Broccoli yields were highest at 72,000 plants/ha and 224 kg N/ha. No marketable cauliflower curds were produced at 56 kg N/ha at any population evaluated. As populations increased from 24,000 to 72,000 plants/ha with N rates held constant at either 112 or 224 kg/ha, marketable curd weight decreased linearly and cull production increased linearly. Increasing the N rate from 112 to 224 kg/ha did not increase marketable curd weight or yields at any population. Increasing the N rate to 112 kg/ha or higher reduced cull production at 24,000 plants/ha, but not at populations of 36,000 or higher. Cauliflower yields were optimized at 24,000 plants/ha and 112 kg N/ha based on reduced cull production, satisfactory curd weights, and transplant economy.
Availability of Morphologically Similar, Genetically Diverge Penaeus Monodon Populations in Sri Lanka

Morphological and genetic variations of three Penaeus monodon populations in Sri Lanka were determined using data from truss network method and partial amplification of mitochondrial control (mtC) gene region respectively. Total of 37 morphometric characters were collected from 168 individual representing three populations (eastern, western and southern) and subjected to Principle Component Analyses (PCA) to determine the morphological variation among three populations. Two principal components derived from PCA analysis with the accumulated variance for the two PC represented as 75% of the total. The plot against first and the second principal components scores revealed great morphological similarity among three populations. For genetic analysis, total of 600 bp DNA fragment was amplified from mtC gene region using 63 individuals. Total of twenty five haplotypes were produced for three populations and one haplotype was common between southern and eastern populations. Mean haplotype diversity (h) and nucleotide diversity (π) among three populations were ranged from 0.35 (southern) to 0.92 (eastern) and from 0.5% (southern) to 2.5% (western) respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated within population variation as 78.89% and among population variation as 21.11% indicating high intra-population diversity. The overall Fst value indicated significant genetic structure among three populations (Fst = 0.2111, P = 0.00
Survey of heavy metals in Turkish white cheese

Various heavy metals were determined in commercial Turkish white cheese by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Mean concentrations (μg/g) ofPb, Cd, Ni, Co, Cr, Cu, Zn and Fe in cheeses were 0.415, 0.127, 1.057, 0.470, 0.131, 0.629, 15.576 and 3.610, respectively. The results were compared with those reported in recent years. Overall metal levels were comparable with previous data for different cheeses, but Pb, Cd, Ni and Co levels were found to be slightly higher. The overall mean concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn and Fe levels were in agreement with the literature data.
The Influence of Carbohydrate and Mineral Nutrient Supply on the Growth of Potato Tubers

The uptake and distribution of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium has been studied throughout the life of potato plants. There appears to be a net loss of all three elements from the plant during emergence growth even though uptake occurs. When daughter tubers are formed they very quickly become the dominant sink for mineral nutrients, the concentrations of N, P, and K remaining steady for a long period. These concentrations are maintained in spite of decreasing rates of uptake, indicating the transference of mobile ions from the haulm to the growing tubers. 14C tracer experiments have shown that after tuberization there is a greater export of recently incorporated photosynthate from the leaves than takes place before tuberization. There is no good correlation between the size of individual tubers and the amount of photosynthate transported into them. This is thought to be because the largest tubers are not necessarily growing faster than the smaller tubers. The most active sinks are also most active in converting the mobile 14C into storage compounds. The mother tuber continues to import 14C until it is detached from the plant, but over much of this period there is no change in the tuber dry-weight, indicating that there is an equivalent export from the tuber. The similarities between these distribution patterns and those found in tubers showing second-growth are described and the implications with respect to the control of tuber growth discussed.