Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant Breeders' Perspectives on Improving Yield and Quality Traits in Horticultural Food Crops

Breeders of horticultural food crops are usually concerned with multiple traits related to yield and quality as well as other traits such as biotic and abiotic stresses. Yield in these crops is not solely tonnage of biomass produced in the field. Rather, it is the proportion of the crop that can be harvested and brought to market in a condition and at a price acceptable to the consumer. Quality may include flavor, color, shape, size, degree of damage, nutrient levels, and traits that permit greater perceived food safety or environmental sustainability. Some traits may exhibit phenotypic associations. Traits with unfavorable associations will be of concern to the breeder if the cause is unfavorably correlated genetic effects, especially those resulting from pleiotropy. Several multiple trait selection schemes have been developed, including independent culling levels, tandem selection, and index selection. These schemes can result in improvement even for traits with unfavorable associations. However, the breeder must have a strong rationale for each trait addressed in a breeding program because each additional trait necessitates larger breeding populations and more resources. Thus, the breeder's first challenge for each crop is to determine which traits are most important and which issues are most amenable to a breeding solution.
EFFECTS OF COVERAGE BY BENTHIC SEAWEED MATS ON (NORTHERN QUAHOG = HARD CLAM) MERCENARIA MERCENARIA IN A EUTROPHIC ESTUARY

Abstract Along the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States in numerous areas where the water is shallow enough for light to reach the bottom, heavy spring-summer growth of drift seaweed (macroalgae) covers sessile benthic fauna for periods of days to weeks. Coverage for such prolonged periods can exert sublethal effects and eventually lead to death. This study examines the effects of seaweed coverage on body weight, relative abundance, and mortality in an economically important bivalve Mercenaria mercenaria Linnaeus (hard clam) within the Delaware Inland Bays, a shallow estuary representative of systems in which the species occurs and where mortality events have been observed in recent years. Mean body weights (dry weight) were compared between five groups of clams (80–90 mm shell length), taken from two paired sites (each of which had adjacent areas of heavy and light seaweed), and one seaweed-free site during September of 1999. Heavy seaweed density persisted into mid-to-late summer and the groups of clams from these sites had the lowest mean weights. Both heavy seaweed areas also had low abundance of live clams and numerous recently dead clams, identified as such by their shells being still hinged together. Clams at heavy seaweed density sites were consistently out of the bottom, indicating stress. No hinged-dead were found at either of the light seaweed areas and clams were always buried as normal. These results confirm that prolonged coverage by heavy density mats of drift seaweed affects M. mercenaria detrimentally, and document a negative result of human-accelerated eutrophication in coastal waters. The findings emphasize the importance of good management of nutrient loads entering these and other similar shallow estuaries such that the ecological benefits of moderate seaweed growth are retained, whereas extremely dense growth that harms clams and other fauna, creating a public nuisance, is minimized.
Fine‐scale spatial patterns in populations of the clonal moss Hylocomium splendens partly reflect structuring processes in the boreal forest floor

Spatial patterns of important population or individual characteristics are expected to reflect structuring ecosystem processes to the extent that populations with strikingly different spatial patterns most likely have been structured by different processes. Few studies of spatial pattern in plant assemblages, bryophyte assemblages in particular, still exist and pattern has only vaguely been linked with process. In this study we describe fine-scale spatial variation in size and the occurrence of terminated (non-branching) segments in 21 Norwegian populations of the dominant boreal forest moss Hylocomium splendens, in search for general patterns of spatial structure. All Hylocomium splendens segments in the investigated plots were followed for a 10-year period; their size (dry mass, estimated from in situ measurements) and fate (terminated or ramifying) were recorded annually. The spatial structure of size and terminating segments at scales from 0.5 to 16 cm was described for each population as fractal dimension profiles, derived from semi-variograms. For about one half of the populations size and terminating segments could be assigned to a specific spatial pattern, the predicted outcome of one of three main structuring processes: (i) negative spatial dependence (fractal dimension F>3.0) on the scale of individuals (below 2 cm), indicative of negative interactions; (ii) positive spatial dependence (F<3.0) on the scale of individuals, indicative of positive interactions; and (iii) positive spatial dependence on broader (4–8 cm) scales, indicative of structuring by environmental factors or patchy disturbance. Patterns (i) and (iii) were observed both for size and terminated segments more often than expected. Fractal dimension profiles for size obtained separately for each year revealed temporal patterns of spatial structure that tended to be invariant over years. Negative spatial dependence of size, possibly due to large size difference between buried segments and other segments during self thinning, was typical of populations rapidly growing in number. Positive spatial dependence with a range of influence by the spatial process of 4–8 cm was observed in plots with sparse bryophyte cover and high cover of deciduous litter, probably due to accumulation of litter in depressions between shoots or groups of shoots. The main finding of this study is that different populations of the same species in the same type of ecosystem can be spatially structured in different ways. This accords with a model for the studied system as consisting of a mosaic of cells, of spatial extent of a few cm or larger, intergrading in space and temporally dynamic, the population characteristics of each cell being shaped by several structuring processes that vary, temporally and spatially, in their relative importance.
NECTAR PRODUCTION OF SOME SUNFLOWER HYBRIDS

Summary This study analysed the results of nectar production, sugar concentration and calculated the sugar value of some sunflower hybrids in Hungary. The influence of the main climatic factors on the nectar production and sugar concentration was also studied. The experiment was carried out at two different sites in Hungary, in the Ecotoxicological Laboratory at Facankert and in the Institute for Small Animal Research at Godollo (samples were collected from Kerekharaszt, ABM-Gramina Ltd.). The average nectar production per flower was 0.12-0.21 mg at Facankert and 0.08-0.15 mg at Kerekharaszt. The refraction values were 44.8-59.0% and 45.7-61.3%. Honey bees visited the fields all day, even in the hot midday hours. From the beginning of the year, the precipitation was less and the temperature was higher at Kerekharaszt, thus, the nectar production was lower but more concentrated at this site. In the previous years in Hungary very low sunflower nectar collection of honey bees and honey yield was observed. However, the current results show that it did not directly relate to the
Oligosaccharide Content and Composition of Legumes and Their Reduction by Soaking, Cooking, Ultrasound, and High Hydrostatic Pressure

ABSTRACT Oligosaccharides, including raffinose, stachyose, ciceritol, and verbascose, are commonly found in legumes and often result in flatulence in humans. Effects of soaking, soaking with ultrasound (47 MHz), soaking with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP, 621 MPa), and subsequent cooking on the oligosaccharide content of lentils, chickpeas, peas, and soybeans were investigated. Legumes were soaked for 3 or 12 hr in water, soaked for 1.5 or 3 hr with ultrasound, or soaked for 0.5 or 1 hr with HHP. Oligosaccharides of lentils and chickpeas were mainly composed of raffinose, ciceritol, and stachyose, while those of peas and soybeans were raffinose and stachyose. Verbascose was the minor oligosaccharide in lentils and peas and was absent in chickpeas and soybeans. Ciceritol was not detected in peas and soybeans. Total oligosaccharide content of raw legumes ranged from 70.7 mg/g in yellow peas to 144.9 mg/g in chickpeas. Soaking was effective for the reduction of oligosaccharides in the tested legumes. Compar.
Dietary Variation within the Andean Lizard Clade Proctoporus (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae)

Abstract Proctoporus consists of six high-elevation lizard species distributed in the cloud forest and puna habitats of Peru and Bolivia. Proctoporus ecology is poorly understood despite a recent increase in phylogenetic research on the clade. To examine differences in diets among species, stomach contents of Proctoporus from 24 sites in central and southern Peru were analyzed, including individuals of all six species. Feeding niches were compared among the species, and differences caused by species, sex, age class, and body size were examined. Proctoporus ate prey items that were large in relation to lizard body size. Collectively, Proctoporus species had broad diets with 10 different arthropod orders represented. Beetles, ants, and spiders made up the largest proportions of diets. Diet overlap was high among species but did not appear to be directly connected to species relatedness. Sex and age class were not important determinants of diet. Despite the small body size and reclusive nature of Proctoporus lizards, they possess the ability to subdue and consume heterogeneous prey species.
The Role of Neural Crest Cells in Vertebrate Cardiac Outflow Development

The Role of Neural Crest Cells in Vertebrate Cardiac Outflow Development by Martha R. Alonzo-Johnsen Department of Biology Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Kathleen Smith, Co-Supervisor ___________________________ Margaret Kirby, Co-Supervisor ___________________________ David McClay ___________________________ Gregory Wray ___________________________ Mary Hutson An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Biology in the Graduate School of Duke University 2014 Copyright by Martha R. Alonzo-Johnsen 2014
Roadside Reclamation Outside the Revegetation Season: Management Options under Schedule Pressure

Roadside reclamation involves standard revegetation practices that often fail under the adverse conditions imposed by subordination to the infrastructure construction schedule. We experimentally tested for seed and microsite limitations on roadslopes by assessing the effects of seed addition and habitat suitability upon plant cover and species richness. The relative contributions of topsoil seed bank, seed rain, and hydroseeding with standard or native seed mixtures were analyzed in relation to soil texture, fertility, and stability. In order to increase applicability, this research was fitted into the actual construction design and schedule of a highway in central Spain, which resulted in topsoil of varying quality, steep roadcuts and embankments (34°), and out‐of‐season hydroseedings. During the first 2 years following roadslope construction, there was an uneven but sustained increase in plant cover and species richness. Topsoil spread on embankments led to greater plant cover in a shorter time and to lower sedimentation rates at slope bases. The topsoil seed bank was extremely poor. Hydroseeding invariably failed, regardless of seed mixture and roadslope type. The seed rain provided seven times more seeds than hydroseedings, and was correlated with the distance to vegetation patches. Recruitment, however, was limited by microsite suitability, as the initial soil content in nitrate, total nitrogen, and organic matter explained up to 80% of variation in plant cover. In conclusion, when revegetation was performed outside the optimal season due to schedule constraints, measures aimed at overcoming microsite limitation were more cost‐effective and enhanced roadside carrying capacity for local species.
The sources of diurnal variation in caching behaviour of South Island Robins (Petroica australis australis)

Abstract There have been few studies of the food-storing behaviour of short-term scatter-hoarding birds in relation to differences in ambient temperature. In this study we examined the patterns of caching behaviour of 13 male South Island Robins (Petroica australis australis) in relation to the time of day and ambient temperature. We predicted that cold conditions would cause a stress-induced increase in caching behaviour in birds. We also predicted that birds would cache the greatest number of food items (mealworms) in the morning and that the numbers of items cached would decline throughout the day. We found that there was a negative relationship between the numbers of mealworms cached and temperature and that the numbers of mealworms that birds cached throughout the day declined. Finally, we also found that there was a positive relationship between the total number of mealworms that birds cached and their daily gains in mass. This study shows that at low temperatures, energy is more valuable to birds when stored internally than it is for other caching species as other taxa (e.g. parids) increase caching as temperature decreases. Our results also support theoretical models of avian caching behaviour, which show that birds should reduce the absolute number of food items they cache throughout the day as they prepare for their nightly fasts.
Characterisation of spray‐dried microparticles containing iron coated by pectin/resistant starch

Summary Iron is one of three major minerals in human body. However, the iron deficiency is a medical problem in developed and underdeveloped countries due to its poor oral absorption or insufficient iron intake. Encapsulation could solve problems associated with oral iron consumption. Various advantages including low cost, biodegradability, biocompatibility and large-scale production have been included in the current study. In a modified encapsulation method, iron microparticles were prepared using low methoxy pectin and resistant starch during spray drying. Covalent and hydrogen bonds were formed between iron and pectin and between polymers, respectively. Particles sized 3.5 ± 1.14 μm and showed spherical shapes. The yield of particles was 72.07%, and solubility and loading efficiency were 33.64% ± 0.88 and 34.79%, respectively. In conclusion, using iron as a cross-linker of pectin molecules resulted in microparticles with appropriate properties of lowering organoleptic changes and a better bioavailability especially in dairy-based products for food fortification.
Temperature affects food-chain length and macroinvertebrate species richness in spring ecosystems

Abstract. I assessed effects of the widest range of temperatures ever examined on maximal food-chain length (L) and macroinvertebrate species richness (S) by a worldwide comparison of spring ecosystems with mean water temperatures (T) ranging from 4.5 to 93°C. Eukaryotic L averaged ∼3.2 and varied independently of T between 4.5 and 31°C. However, over the relatively narrow T range of 35 to 50°C, L dropped abruptly to 0 and remained so up to 91°C. The negatively nonlinear relationships of L vs T and macroinvertebrate S vs T both deviated from predictions based upon metabolic theory, and the negative effect of T on S contrasted with positive relationships observed at larger regional scales. Thermal tolerance limits apparently play a major role in causing these relationships, but other factors also may be involved (e.g., availability of colonists adapted to different temperatures and temperature-dependent rates of resource use and species interactions that affect population establishment and persistence).
Careerists Versus Coal-Miners: Welfare Reforms and the Substantive Representation of Social Groups in the British Labour Party

Many parties have seen declines in working-class legislators and increases in professional career politicians. I argue that career politicians are more likely to adopt policies for strategic political reasons, whereas working-class politicians are more likely to represent the interests of working-class voters. Changes in the representation of these occupational groups matter substantively whenever legislators’ strategic concerns contradict the interests of working-class voters. Welfare reforms adopted in the 1990s and 2000s by the British Labour Party exhibit this divergence. The two types of politicians held very different policy positions, which I measure using a scaling method applied to all speeches made about welfare in the House of Commons from 1987 to 2007. The results carry over to voting behavior and are robust to alternative explanations, including other characteristics of both MPs and their voters. The changing representation of occupational groups has therefore had substantive policy effects, lowering the political influence of working-class voters.
GC-MS Analysis and anti-microbial activity of Psidium Guajava (leaves) grown in Malva region of India

The essential oil of the leaves of Psidium guajava grown at Ujjain M.P. (India) was isolated and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The components of the essential oil were identified by comparing their retention indices and mass spectra fragmentation patterns with those stored on the MScomputer library and also from the published literatures. The present study describes the phytochemical profile and anti-microbial activity of essential oil of P. guajava. Furthermore, anti-microbial activity of oil was evaluated using agar well diffusion method. The anti-microbial test results showed that the oil had a potential anti-microbial activity against all twelve Gram+ ve and Gram-ve bacterial strains such as: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptoccocus faecalis, Bacillus subtillis, Lactobacillus spp . , Enterococcus aerogenes, Acinetobacter spp. (Gram Positive) and Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgari, Enterobacter aerogenes , Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginoso, Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram Nagative) . Essential oil showed maximum zone of inhibition and minimal inhibition concentration against Bacillus subtillus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains. These results permitted the conclusion to be made that, it is the first report of the GCMS analysis and anti-microbial activity on a P. guajava. , a naturally growing species from Malva Region of India.
LOCAL ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) IN THE NEARSHORE WATERS OF VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

We investigated patterns of abundance and distribution for coastal migratory Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that appear seasonally in the nearshore waters of Virginia Beach, Virginia. The study was conducted along 24 km of shoreline at the southern point of the Chesapeake Bay mouth from April 1994 to March 1995. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between the abundance of coastal migratory dolphins and factors that might affect their movement. A profile analysis of variance revealed significant differences in local abundance and distribution throughout the year. Dolphin number was positively correlated with water temperature and not correlated with photoperiod. Although prey distribution and abundance are two factors thought to affect dolphin presence, in this study the relationship between these two factors and dolphin abundance was unclear. Greater numbers of dolphins were found in the ocean section of the study area. However, significantly higher ratios of neonatal dolphins were observed in the bay section, suggesting the bay serves as a nursery area. The observed relationship between local dolphin abundance and environmental factors in Virginia may provide insight into dolphin distribution and migration along the Atlantic coast of the United States.
Effects of Spring Wheat Seed Size and Reduced Rates of Tralkoxydim on Wild Oat Control, Wheat Yield, and Economic Returns1

Spring wheat competitive ability has recently been demonstrated to co-vary with seed size. The objective of this study was to determine if spring wheat seed size would influence the effects of variable tralkoxydim rates on wild oat control, wheat yield, and economic returns. The factorial treatment arrangement consisted of three spring wheat seed size classes and five tralkoxydim rates. Wild oat density, panicles, and biomass decreased as spring wheat seed size and tralkoxydim rate increased, with the combined effect being additive. Wild oat variables decreased in a log-logistic manner as tralkoxydim rate increased during both years. However, tralkoxydim was less effective in 2000 than 2002, as indicated by the higher dosage required to reduce the wild oat variables by 50% (greater I50 values). In contrast, the effect of large seeded wheat in suppressing wild oat was more consistently expressed, with wild oat variables decreasing linearly as seed size increased. Wheat yield and economic returns increased exponentially as tralkoxydim rate increased. At the same time, wheat yield and economic returns were greater for wheat plants derived from large seed compared to those derived from small seed. Averaged over all other factors, adjusted gross returns of 578, 657, and 703 $/ha were realized for the small, medium, and large seed size classes, respectively. The combined use of large seeded wheat plus tralkoxydim applications provided greater wild oat control than did either single tactic. The use of large seeded wheat had a stabilizing effect that increased the consistency and durability of the weed management system while simultaneously improving economic returns. Nomenclature: Tralkoxydim; wild oat, Avena fatua L. #3 AVEFA; wheat, Triticum aestivum L. ‘McNeal’. Additional index words: Seed size, dose response, integrated weed management. Abbreviations: AGR, adjusted gross return; TKW, thousand kernel weights.
The relative performance of umbrella species for biodiversity conservation in island archipelagos of the Great Lakes, North America

ABSTRACT Managers often face the dilemma of planning reserve networks with limited data on species' distributions; “umbrella species,” as surrogates for other co-occurring taxa, were thus proposed. Here, the relative efficiencies of “target species” representation in reserves selected using “single-species umbrellas” and “umbrella species groups” are compared, both relative to each other and to target species representation in randomly selected reserve areas. Distribution data for vertebrates and plants on islands of six Great Lakes basin archipelagos were analyzed. Reserves selected using “umbrella groups” contained more species than did those selected using “single-species umbrellas. ” Random selection constrained to the same total area occupied by umbrellas typically performed as well as umbrellas of any type. Reserve systems selected at random but constrained to the same number of islands occupied by umbrellas, however, contained lower proportions of target species than did reserve systems selected using umbrellas. Where data are limited, managers may be consoled by the result that random reserve selection appears to perform at least as well as any of the traditional applications of “umbrella species. ”