Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combining ability analysis in soybean

Combining ability analysis was conducted for yield components and quality attributes in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. ). Both additive as well as nonadditive gene effects were present. However, the ratio of nonadditive/additive gene effects showed the preponderance of nonadditive gene action for the expression of all the 14 traits under study. The genotypes viz. PK 416 and Pk 564 were the best general combiners for most of the yield and quality. traits. The high performing crosses for important characters like pods per plant, yield per plant, oil content and protein content showed that in general these crosses involved low X low, medium X low and high X low general combiners. The low X low crosses giving high sca values may be due to the genetic diversity of the parents and non allelic interaction.
The role of immune activation in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimers disease (AD) is the most common cause of progressive dementia and a neurodegenerative disorder, which despite scientific progress in recent years is still a disease of unknown etiology. One pathological hallmark of AD is the presence of neuritic plaques in the cortical gray matter. These extracellular depositions are mainly composed of aggregated amyloid-beta (A? ) peptides and are surrounded by dystrophic neurites and glial cells. The A? peptide is derived through changes in the processing of the amyloid-beta precursor protein and according to the amyloid cascade hypothesis these changes are central to the disease process. A? is a 4 kDa peptide of 39-43 amino acids and studies with synthetic A? show that it can act as a potent and direct neurotoxic agent. There is however an increasing amount of evidence that A? can be indirect neurotoxic by activating surrounding glial cells. Neuritic plaques, but not diffuse plaques, are reported to be surrounded by microglia. Since microglia are able to produce cytokines as well as chemotactic and neurotoxic factors a lot of research has focused on the ability of A? to induce these events in microglia. The scope of this thesis is to question the role of these surrounding glial cells, microglia and astrocytes, in the inflammatory process and the continuation of this process. The results presented in chapter 2 show the effect of A? (25-35) on the binding of A? (1-42) to macrophages and the consequent superoxide anion production. A? (25-35) markedly enhanced the effect of A? (1-42). Chapter 3 shows that both ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK signal transduction pathways as well as PKC are involved in the amyloid-? -stimulated superoxide anion production in macrophages. In contrast, only ERK 1/2 MAPK seems to be involved in TNF-? production, questioning the connection between PKC and ERK 1/2 activation. Chapter 4 shows that A? is able to induce TNF-? and superoxide anion production in macrophages and that astrocytes do not produce these inflammatory mediators. In cocultures however a decreased production of these putative neurotoxins was seen, probably due to the binding of A? to the astrocytes. A? is able to induce NF-? B activation in astrocytes. However, due to the already high NF-? B activity in macrophages, an additional effect of A? could not be detected. Chapter 5 shows the ability of A? (1-42) to stimulate the production, and expression of MIP-1? and MIP-1? in macrophages and MCP-1 in astrocytes and in cocultures their of. In chapter 6 the effectiveness of these CC-chemokines to attract monocytes was investigated. Using neutralizing antibodies it was shown that A? -stimulated macrophages produce MIP-1? , MIP-1? and MCP-1 in such amounts that they attract monocytes.
WINTER HABITAT AND NEST TREES USED BY NORTHERN FLYING SQUIRRELS IN SUBBOREAL FORESTS

Abstract We determined characteristics of nest trees and surrounding habitats used by northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) in subboreal forests of northwestern British Columbia during winters 1996–1997 and 1997–1998. Nineteen radiocollared flying squirrels (12 males, 7 females) were located in 82 daytime nests. Animals used an average of 5.6 nest trees (±0.5 SE; range, 3–10) per animal. Core nest areas used by flying squirrels averaged 2.74 ± 0.62 ha in size; areas were more variable for males (range, 0.86–8.58 ha) than females (range, 0.03–2.23 ha). Nest trees were highly variable, suggesting that animals select more for suitable nest sites than for tree size: diameter at breast height was 16.7–79.0 cm, age was 42–174 years, and height was 11.2–32.7 m. A significant proportion of nest trees, however, were larger, older, and taller than trees that were randomly available in the locale of nest trees. Variation in habitats used by flying squirrels in the subboreal spruce (Picea) zone of British Columbia is evidence of the ability of this animal to occupy a wide range of conditions in a region that is not typified by old-growth forests.
Growth of Honey Locust Seedlings during High Root-zone Temperature and Osmotic Stress

Growth of honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis Willd.) seedlings was studied during exposure to reduced osmotic potential and high temperature in the root zone. Half-sib plants were cultured in solution. Root-zone temperature was increased from ambient (23C) to 35C for 0, 6, 12, or 24 hours·day -l . Within each
Towards a Characterization of Working Forest Conservation Easements in Georgia, USA

We examine the attributes of working forest conservation easements in Georgia. Easement contracts and baseline reports are inspected to investigate easement themes, land use types, recreation opportunities, hydrological features, and forest management activity. Easement themes are heavily weighted towards themes of protecting natural habitat and preserving the conservation values of properties. Predominant land use types include wildlife food plots, bottomland hardwoods, and planted pine stands. Common hydrological features found were small creeks/streams and ponds. Lastly, forest management was characterized as having small amounts of restrictions present, with forest management being largely similar to other unencumbered property in the southeastern USA. This information can be used as a reference for landowners interested in establishing a working forest conservation easement (WFCE) on their property as well as a tool for comparison for researchers investigating easement characteristics in other regions.
How important is long‐distance seed dispersal for the regional survival of plant species?

Long‐distance seed dispersal is generally assumed to be important for the regional survival of plant species. In this study, we quantified the importance of long‐distance seed dispersal for regional survival of plant species using wind dispersal as an example. We did this using a new approach, by first relating plant species’ dispersal traits to seed dispersal kernels and then relating the kernels to regional survival of the species. We used a recently developed and tested mechanistic seed dispersal model to calculate dispersal kernels from dispersal traits. We used data on 190 plant species and calculated their regional survival in two ways, using species distribution data from 36,800 1 km2‐grid cells and 10,754 small plots covering the Netherlands during the largest part of the 20th century. We carried out correlation and stepwise multiple regression analyses to quantify the importance of long‐distance dispersal, expressed as the 99‐percentile dispersal distance of the dispersal kernels, relative to the importance of median‐distance dispersal and other plant traits that are likely to contribute to the explanation of regional survival: plant longevity (annual, biennial, perennial), seed longevity, and plant nutrient requirement. Results show that long‐distance dispersal plays a role in determining regional survival, and is more important than median‐distance dispersal and plant longevity. However, long‐distance dispersal by wind explains only 1–3% of the variation in regional survival between species and is equally important as seed longevity and much less important than nutrient requirement. In changing landscapes such as in the Netherlands, where large‐scale eutrophication and habitat destruction took place in the 20th century, plant traits indicating ability to grow under the changed, increasingly nutrient‐rich conditions turn out to be much more important for regional survival than seed dispersal.
Association study of common functional genetic polymorphisms in SLC6A4 (5-HTT) and MAOA genes with obesity in portuguese children

Abstract Objectives To investigate the association of polymorphisms in SLC6A4 and MAOA genes with obesity indices in children. Material and Methods A total of 637 Portuguese children (317 girls; 320 boys) aged 3–11 years-old were genotyped for the SLC6A4 polymorphisms, 5-HTTLPR and STin2, and for a MAOA VNTR. Polymorphisms were analysed by PCR-based methods. Results Although non-significant (p = .089), our study revealed the Stin2 10 minor allele with a marked higher frequency in girls with overweight/obesity (0.466) in comparison with controls (0.376). Combining the two SLC6A4 polymorphisms, haplotype S/12 revealed in girls significant or nominally significant protective effects against BMI (β = −0.615; p = .009), BMI Z-score (β = −0.251; p = .006), WC (β = −1.4; p = .02) and WHtR (β = −0.008; p = .04). Conclusions We found some evidences for the role of SLC6A4 gene in measures of childhood obesity, mainly in girls.
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PROTEOLYTIC BACTERIA FROM RAW MILK SAMPLES

Twenty five raw milk samples were collected in and around Kancheepuram and processed to identify the extent of contamination by methylene blue reduction test. The samples were subjected for identification of the number of bacterial contaminants by standard plate count method. The similar predominant colonies from each plate were isolated and identified using routine bacteriological technique. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteusand Serratia marcescens are identified. All those bacterial isolates were subjected for the identification of proteolytic activity. Bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Micrococcus luteusand Serratia marcescens are identified as proteolytic organisms. Raw milk was contaminated by bacteria and other microorganism. Sources of the contaminations were utensil, handlers, udders and teats of cow and buffalos. Proper cleaning of the vessels and cleaning of the udder and teats of the cow and buffalo minimize the contamination. Water is the source of contamination. Pure water is used to clean the vessel and processing machines. Protein is the major component in the milk. Proteolytic bacteria affect the nutritive value of milk. Psychrotrophic proteolytic bacteria survive in the milk during low temperature storage. Spore forming proteolytic bacteria resist at high temperature. Proteolysis is generally affecting the nutritive value of milk. So care must be taken to avoid proteolysis in each and every step involving collection transportation, storage etc., of milk. Proper pasteurization of milk destroys microorganisms in milk. Avoidance of post pasteurization contamination with microorganism improves the quality of milk. Proteolytic bacteria affect nutritive value of milk and lead to cause health hazards.
Parasitoids of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from a Traditional Maize Crop in the Mexican State of Yucatan

Studies on the natural enemies of the fall army worm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) have reported a great di versity of associated parasitoids. Approximately 150 species of FAW parasitoids from 13 families have been recorded occurring in the Americas (Molina-Ochoa et al. 2003). Twenty-two species have been reported for Mexico, and species compo sition seems to vary throughout the country (Molina-Ochoa et al. 2004). In Northern states of Mexico parasitoids associated to FAW are entirely hymenopterans, whereas FAW parasitoid assem blages in some Southern states, i.e., Tabasco, Quintana Roo and Chiapas, include wasps and tachinid flies (Mach? in et al. 1975; Zapata 1984; Cabrera & Garc? a 1985; Molina-Ochoa et al. 2001). Here we report for the first time parasitoids of FAW from the Southern Mexican state of Yucatan. Direct FAW larval collections were performed within a traditional maize crop (Zea mays Lin naeus) located 9 km from the locality of Teya Yucatan, from July 19th to Sep 27th 1999. All FAW larvae detected on plants in 3 transects (composed by 1 meter square quadrants) within a 2-hectares area were collected for 3 d continuously fortnightly (totaling 5 surveys during the overall period). Col lections corresponded with the rainy season, and started 3 weeks after maize seeding and ended when maize was ready for harvest. The maize crop was part of a "milpa", agro-system associating maize, bean, squash, chilli, and other crops, which was the main cropping system during the pre-His panic period and still in use in some parts of Mex ico. The milpa was surrounded by a patch of tropi cal deciduous dry-forest, and other maize crops. FAW larvae collected were taken to the labora
Theoretical expectations of the Isolation–Migration model of population evolution for inferring demographic parameters

The Bayesian inference of demographic parameters under an Isolation–Migration (IM) model of population evolution offers a major improvement over previously available approaches. This method is implemented in a popular program, IMa, widely used in population genetic studies. While the robustness of the method to deviations of the IM model has previously been evaluated, we assess the performance of the program with two populations when the model used to generate the analysed data meets the assumptions of the IM model completely; the goal is to identify the conditions under which the method works best. Overall, we test eighteen sets of conditions and analyse ± 500 simulated data sets, for a total of over 200,000 hours of analyses using a large computer cluster. Although we find clear differences in quality estimates among models, the best ranges of demographic parameter values to infer accurate estimates differ among parameters. Divergence time is best estimated in the absence of gene flow and when population sizes are large compared to divergence time. In contrast, the classic population parameter ϑ (= 4Nμ) is best estimated, for the two current populations, when divergence time is large compared to population size, with or without migration. The parameter is always poorly estimated in the case of the ancestral population. While it is possible to distinguish between scenarios with or without gene flow, estimating the extent of gene flow, when different from 0, is associated with relatively high error rates. In general, increasing the number of loci or the sample size reduces the variance and credible interval of the estimates, and only for the migration rate, it slightly improves the accuracy of the estimate as well. Increasing the prior distribution range of a parameter can dramatically increase that of its posterior distribution. Surprisingly, differences are highlighted among the estimates inferred from sequences generated by different simulation programs, especially for the simulation program SIMDIV. Overall, the performances of the method shown here probably reflect the limitation of the method in general and/or of the historical information contained in DNA sequence data.
Prohexadione-Ca Affects Vegetative Growth of the Rejuvenated Shoots in Walnut Trees

Prohexadione-calcium (ProCa), formulated as Regalis, was tested as a vegetative growth inhibitor in rejuvenated annual shoots of 14-year-old mother trees in the 'Franquette' walnut cultivar. ProCa was applied three times during growing seasons in 2005 (Y5) and 2006 (Y6). This was during the second half of spring growth flush, the resting phase between the first and second growth flushes, and in the middle of summer growth flush. As a result, treated shoots in the upper part of the canopy were shorter than untreated ones during the whole growing season in both years. In Y5, two treatments of ProCa (250 mg·L -1 ), applied until the middle of June, inhibited shoot elongation during summer growth, which was the main purpose of the experiment. The reduction of shoot elongation was between 18% [lower shoots in the canopy (LS)] and 33% [upper shoots (US)]. After three ProCa applications, also the final length of the shoots was reduced by 5% (US) and 18% (LS). In Y6, when 100 mg·L -1 of ProCa had been used, strong reduction (24%) was observed only in US after two treatments. Summer growth was not reduced, probably as a result of an interaction between lower concentration of ProCa and stress caused by a water deficit and extremely high temperatures during the summer. On the base of the shoots, three treatments of ProCa (100 mg·L -1 ) in Y6 increased the ratio between wood and pith and, consequently, increased the quality and uniformity of the scion wood. Further research into additional cultivars and ProCa concentrations is recommended to optimize the terms of application.
Some external and internal quality characteristics of partridge (A. graeca) eggs

In this study, some quality characteristics of rock partridge eggs were investigated and correlation coefficients between egg weights and quality characteristics were calculated. In the research material, of 100 eggs following values were found for quality characteristics: egg weight 22.43 g, specific gravity 0.933, shape index 77.04, yolk index 47.88, albumen index 1.56, yolk weight 8.41 g, albumen weight 11.68, shell thickness 0.22 mm, shell weight 2.34 g, membrane weight 0.47 g, membrane thickness 0.004 mm and Haugh Unit 96.94. Egg weight correlated significantly with membrane weight (r=0.22*), shell weight (r=0.56***), Haugh Unit (r=0.73***), yolk weight (r=0.43***) and and albumen weight (r=0.79***).
Influence of temperature on oil content and composition of sunflower seed

The influence of temperature on the oil content and composition of sunflower was studied on plants grown under field conditions and in a range of controlled environments. Traces of oil were detectable in cypsela (seed) almost immediately after pollination. Much of this appeared to be present in the hull (pericarp), which is well developed at this stage. Significant production of oil commenced with the development of the embryo about 150 day-degrees after pollination, and the oil content reached a maximum value just prior to physiological maturity of the seed. Linoleic acid constituted the major component of the oil at all stages of seed development, and under favourable temperature conditions increased from c. 50% soon after pollination to over 70% at physiological maturity. High temperature during the development of the seed was associated with a reduction in total oil yield. However, under field conditions this effect was variable owing to confounding with other environmental factors such as moisture stress, which also influence the yield of oil through their effects on growth and development of seed. Elevated temperatures, and in particularly high night temperatures, caused a marked reduction in the percentage of linoleic acid, apparently due to the effect of temperature on the activity of the desaturase enzymes which are responsible for the conversion of oleic to linoleic acid. These results support the hypothesis that reduced yields and altered composition of sunflower oil from crops matured under high temperature conditions in midsummer are due to the effects of heat stress on the biosynthesis of fatty acids.
Seeded Bermudagrass Tolerance to Simulated Athletic Field Traffic as Affected by Cultivars and Trinexapac-ethyl

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. Cynondon dactylon, plant growth regulators, sports fields, turfgrass wear, Brinkman traffic simulator SUMMARY. Use of seeded-bermudagrasses (Cynondon dactylon) is expanding rapidly, especially on high-use athletic fields. Previous work has defined significant differences in several parameters among cultivars. Experiments were conducted in Lexington, KY, in 2004 and 2005 to test the tolerance of the cultivars Riviera, Princess, Transcontinental, Savannah, Yukon, and the experimental line SWI 1012, with and without applications of trinexapac-ethyl to simulated athletic traffic. Plots were established in June of each year and managed as athletic field turf. Simulated traffic was applied using a Brinkman traffic simulator during high school football seasons in Kentucky at a level roughly equivalent to three games per week. Percentage of bermudagrass cover was visually rated weekly during the trafficking periods each year. Turfgrass quality was rated once before beginning traffic treatments each year. There were no consistent significant interactions (P > 0.05) among trinexapac-ethyl treatments and cultivars in either year of the study for either response variable. The main effect of cultivars was highly significant (P < 0.0001) for percentage of bermudagrass cover in both years of the study. Among cultivars, the ranges of percentage of bermudagrass cover at the end of the trafficking periods were 10.2% to 39.2% and 43.3% to 76.7% in 2004 and 2005, respectively. The main effects of trinexapac-ethyl on percentage of bermudagrass cover were significant (P < 0.0052) and more pronounced in 2004. Significant differences (P < 0.0200) were also recorded in 2005. Applications of trinexapac-ethyl resulted in increased tolerance to simulated traffic and improved turfgrass quality. Under the conditions of this study, data indicate that both cultivars and regular applications of trinexapac-ethyl have significant effects on overall turfgrass quality and the tolerance of these seeded bermudagrasses to simulated traffic.
Nesting Home Range and Movements of an Urban White-winged Dove Population

Abstract We monitored nesting home ranges of White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica) in Waco, Texas using field-implanted, subcutaneous radio transmitters. Mean nesting home-range size differed by gender (75.7 km2 for females, 31.9 km2 for males, P = 0.17). Mean nesting home-range for all individuals of known gender differed by year (75.6 km2 for 2002, 32.0 km2 for 2003, P < 0.001). Within-year mean nesting home ranges for individuals differed by gender for 2002 but did not for 2003. We received reports of 35 band recoveries (2.3% of those banded) through March 2004. Distance moved did not differ by year, gender for adults, or for gender by age. Distances of recoveries from banding sites ranged from 0 to 477.4 km.
Examining the intersection between marriage, perceived maturity and child marriage: perspectives of community elders in the Northern region of Ghana

Abstract Child marriage is a widespread global phenomenon that is prevalent in many developing countries including Ghana. The practice of child marriage has its roots in how marriage, adolescence and readiness for marriage are construed in practising communities. This study presents the views of community elders towards the practice and examines constructions of marriage and maturity and their influence on child marriage. Data were collected from seven elders from selected communities in the Northern region of Ghana. Individual in-depth interviews were used to gather participants’ perceptions of constructions of marriage and markers for determining maturity of girls for marriage. An inductive qualitative method was used to analyse transcribed data. Elders’ views indicated that early marriage was strongly influenced by community constructions of marriage and social indicators of readiness for marriage. The main indicators of maturity for marriage for men were economic independence and an awareness of sexual desire while the overt markers of physiological development and mastery of domestic tasks were indicators for girls. Knowledge about the cultural construction of marriage and readiness for marriage is helpful to influence policy making and interventions on early marriage.