Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene Action and Combing Ability of Some Agronomic Traits in Corn Using Diallel Analysis

ABSTRACT Combining ability estimates are important genetic attributes to maize breeders in anticipating improvement via hybridization and selection. To determine the combining ability for yield and yield associated traits, 8 diverse corn inbred lines were used in a half diallel mating design. Twenty eight F1 progenies along with their parents were planted in randomized complete block design with four replications in two locations during two years. Combined analysis of variance showed significant mean squares of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combing ability (SCA) for Days to silking emergence (DS), plant height (PH), 1000-kernel weight (KW), number of kernels in ear row (KR), number of rows in ear( NR ) , ear diameter (ED), cob diameter (CD), kernel yield (KY) indicating that the importance of both additive and non additive genetic effects for these traits. However, high narrow-sense heritability estimates, low degree of dominance and the ratio of estimates of GCA to SCA effects for DS , NR and CD indicated that additive genetic effect was more important for these traits. Most of the crosses with significant SCA effects for KY had at least one parent with significant GCA effects for the same traits. Significant positive correlations were detected between KY and other yield components including KW, KR, NR and ED, therefore these traits can be used as indirect selection criteria for KY improvement. The crosses MO17 × Line8, MO17 × Line 10 and MO17 × Line 12, Line 8 × Line 10 and Line 8 × Line 21 with high values of KY were considered as good cross combinations for improving the trait.
Subunit composition, assembly and regulation of human TIP48 and TIP49 complexes

The two closely related eukaryotic AAA+ proteins, TIP48 and TIP49, are essential components of large multi-protein complexes that are involved in diverse cellular processes. Specific mechanisms for their activity in transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodelling, DNA repair and apoptosis have not yet been characterised; however, different oligomeric forms, sub-cellular localisation and post translational modification of TIP48 and TIP49 may be important in co-ordinating these functions. The assembly of the human TIP48 and TIP49 into different oligomers was studied. Both proteins were mainly monomeric in the absence of nucleotide cofactors. Incubation with ATP or ADP in the presence of Mg2+ modified the distribution of TIP48 oligomers to favour hexamers, but this did not occur with TIP49. The double hexameric complex of TIP48/TIP49 was also analysed and indicated a heterodisperse population of species, which provided clues about assembly pathways. TIP48 and TIP49 are structurally homologous to the bacterial branch migration motor RuvB. TIP48 and TIP49 do not incorporate the DNA binding domain present in RuvB, and instead have acquired a novel domain (Domain II) inserted between the Walker A and B ATPase motifs. Using mutants, we demonstrated that TIP48 Domain II is critical for regulating nucleotide dependent hexamerisation of TIP48. Furthermore, TIP48/TIP49 complexes lacking Domain II indicated that hexamer-hexamer interactions are not exclusively mediated by Domain II; this domain may regulate the assembly of different forms of the heteromeric complex. Interactions between TIP48 and TIP49 and several putative binding partners were tested in vitro. The ATPase activity and oligomerisation of TIP48 and TIP49 were assayed in the presence of Hint1, which was reported to disrupt the homotypic and heterotypic interactions within the TIP48/TIP49 complex. Finally, the sub-cellular localisation and post translational modification of TIP48 and TIP49 were analysed. Using immunofluorescence and GFP-tagged TIP49, we confirmed that TIP48 and TIP49 associate with the mitotic spindle; however, TIP48 accumulates at the midbody during cytokinesis, while TIP49 does not. Furthermore, we investigated potential modifications of TIP48 and TIP49 by 2-D polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, which may account for the regulation of these distinct functions.
A Wading Component in the Origin of Hominin Bipedalism

For over 150 years the field of palaeo-anthropology has grappled with several problems of understanding human evolution, notably those explaining key differences between human beings and our most closely related species, the African great apes. The first difference to be explained, perhaps in terms of importance but certainly in terms of chronology, is our bipedality. This chapter will review the models of hominin bipedal origins published to date, and categorize them, as was done by Rose [1], by the adaptive mechanism being suggested. In addition, it will propose a new evaluative framework against which each model may be assessed and compared. In this evaluation, published wading models appear to be among the strongest although they are among the least well reported in university-level text books, a discrepancy attributed here to their association with the so-called ‘aquatic ape hypothesis’ (AAH). Despite their apparent strengths, published wading models do nevertheless contain weaknesses. This chapter addresses a few of those weaknesses either theoretically or through studies, such as one obtaining new empirical data comparing the energy efficiency of different bipedal gaits in water. Furthermore, a series of falsifiable predictions of the wading hypothesis are made about the postcranial anatomy of australopithecines. The chapter concludes by proposing a specific timescale and ecological niche where such wading behavior could have provided a stable evolutionary scenario in early hominins that is compatible with the fossil record and other models of human evolution.
Descripción del desarrollo embrionario y primer estadio larval del cangrejo violinista Uca cumulanta

El estudio del desarrollo embrionario en cangrejos violinistas es limitado por lo que se decidio iniciar el estudio con Uc a cumulanta distribuido a lo largo de la costa venezolana, conocido principalmenteÂ porÂ suÂ asimetriaÂ enÂ machosÂ caracterizado por la presencia de una quela de mayor tamano a su par. En el presente estudio, se colecto una hembra gravida y se procedio al analisis diario de la masa ovigera, tomando huevos (75 huevos O 20) diarios a lo largo del periodo de gestacion (18 dias O 1). Comparando los huevos observados con estudios previos en el cangrejo de manglar Perisesarma biden s se pudo determinar el dia inicial del estudio (3er dia de gestacion) excluyendo del estudio el de- sarrolloÂ inicialÂ embriologico. Â ElÂ presenteÂ trabajo tomo 16 dias, desde el dia de la primera observa- cion hasta la eclosion de los huevos, en condiciones semi naturales, variando unicamente la temperatura con respecto a las condiciones naturales. Los resultados fueron positivos y se encontro concordancia con estudios previos en crustaceos.
Loss of endogenous H2O2‐induced inhibition of ASIC1‐mediated Ca2+ influx in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells following chronic hypoxia

Our laboratory has demonstrated an important role for acid‐sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1) in mediating increased pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) Ca2+ influx and enhanced agonist‐induced vasoconstriction following chronic hypoxia (CH)‐induced pulmonary hypertension. ASIC1 activity is highly sensitive to changes in the redox state of the cell; in particular, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been shown to inhibit ASIC1 function. Furthermore, alterations in reactive oxygen species are known to contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, we hypothesize the increased ASIC1‐mediated store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) in PASMCs following CH is due to decreased H2O2, attributable to a down regulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD). We found that PEG‐catalase augmented ASIC1‐dependent SOCE in PASMCs from control rats, but was without effect on SOCE in PASMCs from CH rats (4 wks @ 380 Torr). However, the addition of H2O2 inhibited SOCE in both groups. Additionally, SOD1 and SOD3 protein expression were decreased in isolated pulmonary arteries from CH rats compared to control. Together these data suggest that downregulation of SOD1 and SOD3 following CH results in a loss of endogenous H2O2‐induced inhibition of ASIC1‐dependent SOCE in PASMC. This work is supported by NIH HL‐09258 (NLJ) and HL‐07736 (BRW).
Effects of organic farming on egg quality and welfare of laying hens.

In the present paper are shown the results of a trial carried out during the first year of the project concerning the influence of housing system (outdoor vs battery cages) and feeding (conventional vs. organic diets) on some egg qualitative characteristics. During a four month-period, four groups of 27 Warren Isa Brown (8.5-9-month-old) laying hens were studied: AT ( in which hens were kept outdoor and fed a conventional diet); AO (in which hens were kept outdoor and fed an organic diet); GT (in which hens were kept into battery-cages and fed a conventional diet) and GO (in which hens were kept into battery-cages and fed an organic diet). The diets were formulated so as to supply the same amount of protein and energy. Freshly laid eggs were collected at the beginning of the trial and every three weeks up to the end of the trial to determine some physical and qualitative parameters. Feed intake and egg production of groups AT and GT were, on the whole, higher than those of group AO+GO. All the eggs were classified into the category L, with a weight comprised between 63.00 and 72.99 g (Regulation EC No. 2295/2003, modified by Regulation EC No. 1515/2004). The experimental conditions did not effect the bird’s health and mortality rate was very low. No behaviorale anomalies were observed. At the end of the trial, the heavier eggs were observed in groups fed the conventional diet, while the higher percentage of eggshell was detected in eggs of group AT+AO. The natural daylight and motor activity of outdoor animals were supposed to increase mineral metabolism leading to a better mineral deposition into eggshell. Haugh index and pH values were improved in eggs deriving from hens allocated in cages. Yolk from groups AT and AO was heavier and more intensively coloured, owing to the possibility to eat feeds containing xanthophylls, such as grass, herbs and insects. The comparison between the type of diets (conventional vs organic) did not pointed out any significant difference. Based on these results, we can conclude that some egg quality characteristics can be significantly influenced by the housing system and only at a slightly extent by the diet.
Changes in the Number of Cataract Surgeries in Argentinean Provinces Between 2001 and 2008

Background To compare the number of surgeries in all Argentinean provinces between 2001 and 2008 to identify changes and trends with the aim of helping the authorities for better planning. Methods Data for cataract surgeries in the private and public sector were supplied by one or more ophthalmologists from each province, some of whom had already participated in the 2001 study. Estimates were cross-checked against intraocular lens market data. Results For the entire country, the number of cataract surgeries increased by 30% from 62,739 in 2001 to 89,255 in 2008, with increases in every province except Chubut and Cordoba. Because the population also increased by 9.4% during the same time period, the cataract surgery rate (CSR) increased modestly from 1,744 to 2,265 per million population. While a few provinces showed a decrease in the CSR (Cordoba, Tierra del Fuego, Rio Negro, and Chubut), large increases were observed in 7 other provinces. The percentage of public surgeries as a percentage of all surgeries also increased 2-4-fold with notable increases in Buenos Aires/CABA, Neuquen, and Santa Fe, substantial decreases in Cordoba, San Juan, and San Luis. In the absence of recent cataract surgery coverage data, to identify provinces with potential problems, the percentage increase in the population aged 65 years or more (those at high risk for developing cataract) was plotted versus the percentage increase in cataract surgeries. The results showed that least four provinces may not be keeping up with the incidence of new cases.
Age and growth of three species of seerfishesScomberomorus commerson, S. guttatusand S. lineolatus

Length-frequency an:(lysis indicates that the king seer (Scomberomorus cotnmerson) attains a size of 402 mim, 726 mm, 995 mm and 1186 mm total length at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years of age, respectively, the streaked seer (S. Uneolatus) reaches a size of 350 mm, 713 mm, 835 mm and 965 mm total length et 1, 2, 3 and 4 years, respectively, and the spotted seer (S. guttatus a size of 369 mm, 532 mm: and 640 mm at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Back-calculated lengths of fish at the time of ring formation on otoliths figree closely with the results of lengthfrequency analysis. The maximum lengths of king seer, streaked seer and spotted seer met with in the catches are 1936 mm (33 kg), 980' mm (4.6 kg) and 705 mm (2.1 kg), respectively. The theoretical maximum lengths (Lac) computed by Bagenal or Rafail method for the von Bertsfeaffy growth equation are found to be 2081 mm (46.7 kg) for the king seer, 1683 mm (15.7 kg) for the male streaked seer, 1447 ram (24.3 kg) for the female streaked seer and 1278 mm (9.6 kg) for the spotted seer. All the three species develop two rings a year in their otoliths at a regular interval of six months. For all the three species, the exponent in the length-weight relationship is found to be close to 3.
TEACHING ENGLISH TO GENERATION Z

Due to the formation of a new generation, the approaches and methods of teaching also evolved. The aim of our research is to disclose peculiar features of the Generation Z, generation that is getting its degree at higher educational institutions in Ukraine, and to call attention to a relatively new function of an educator – teacher as an instructor. Specifically, we aim to discover appropriate methods for teaching English to the new generation. In order to define Generation Z, we turned to the following researchers: Linda Nilson, Kaylene C. Williams and Robert A. Page, Eunjung Grace Oh and Thomas C. Reeves. Taking into account recent historical events, social processes and cultural trends in Ukraine, we define Generation Z as socially engaged, self-confident and empowered. Information Age made them high-tech driven, actively involved in social media, ready for self-education and self-development. They are inclined to study independently and to develop their skills using various digital resources. Unfortunately, self-education process among university representatives of Generation Z shows little effectiveness due to lack of particular instructions and assistance from their teachers. We defined following methods to improve independent studying among students: social media as a communication tool, usage of computer programs and online resources, culture of teamwork and project work.
Eimeria bareillyi from the domestic water buffalo, Bubalus bubalis, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ramirez, L. ; Berto, B.P.; Teixeira Filho, W.L. ; Flausino, W. ; Meireles, G. S. de; Rodrigues, J. da S. ; Almeida, C.R. R. & Lopes, C.W. G. Eimeria bareillyi from the domestic water buffalo, Bubalus bubalis, in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Eimeria bareillyi do bufalo domestico, Bubalus bubalis, no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.) Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinaria, 31(4):261-264, 2009. Curso de Pos-Graduacao em Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BR 465, Km 07, Seropedica, RJ 23890-000, Brasil. E-mail: landrynana@hotmail.com This study reports domestic water buffalos, Bubalus bubalis, parasitized by Eimeria bareillyi. Its oocyts were pyriform, with smooth, bilayered wall, 29.5 (27-33) x 21.3 (20-24) μm length and width respectively. Micropyle was present, without a micropyle cap. Polar granule and oocyst residuum were absent. Sporocysts were elongating ellipsoidal. Stieda body was present; however, substieda and parastieda bodies were absent. Sporocyst residuum was present and sporozoites presented a refractile body and a nucleus. Sporulated oocysts of E. bareillyi were uniforms in their distribution, evidencing the presence of a single species in spite of polymorphic in its shape.
Fusarium lateritium: A Pathogen of Spurred Anoda (Anoda cristata), Prickly Sida (Sida spinosa), and Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

An isolate of Fusarium lateritium (Nees) emend. Snyder and Hansen was associated with naturally occurring disease of spurred anoda [Anoda cristata (L.) Schlecht. ] and prickly sida (Sida spinosa L.) plants. In greenhouse inoculation studies, the Fusarium isolate was pathogenic to healthy spurred anoda and prickly sida plants. The disease symptoms were characterized by leaf, stem, and root lesions. The stem lesions enlarged with time and formed cankers that often girdled the stems and killed inoculated plants. In host-range studies, velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.), Venice mallow (Hibiscus trionum L.), okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench], and hollyhock [Althaea rosea (L.) Cav. ] were also susceptible to the pathogen. This is the first report of these six species as hosts for this pathogen. Corn (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. and G. barbadense L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ], and 18 other representative crop and weed species in eight families were resistant to the pathogen. F. lateritium may be a useful biological herbicide for susceptible malvaceous weeds.
Biochemical studies on suckling vs nonsuckling buffalo calves in relation to performance of dams

Effect of weaning on growth has been monitored through biochemical estimations of blood serum proteins, thyroid hormones and immunoglobulins in calves. Alterations in the levels of these biological entities have been considered as the variation due to differences in metabolic status of calves under 2 feeding management at the time of birth. These biochemical changes in serum indicate the metabolic compensation against energy drain due to weaning in the system. However, no differences in body weights were noted in suckling vs nonsuckling calves. The frequency of disease occurrence in nonsuckling calves was higher as compared to suckling calves.
Nitrates and nitrites in saliva, hemoglobin and methemoglobin in blood of vegetarians and people on traditional diet.

The contents of nitrates and nitrites in saliva and the blood levels of hemoglobin and methemoglobin were determined by analytical methods in vegetarians and in controls taking traditional food. In vegetarians the levels of nitrates and nitrites in saliva were significantly higher than these in controls, this was probably due to a higher intake of nitrates with diet in that group. Own studies showed that the intake of nitrates with diet by vegetarians was over twice as high as in controls [Traczyk, 1998]. Hemoglobin levels in vegetarians were statistically significantly lower than in controls. In a considerable part of vegetarians (36%) the hemoglobin level was below normal values. Significantly higher levels of methemoglobin were found in blood of vegetarians as compared to controls. In over 90% of subjects in that group these levels were above normal values.
Asymmetric Effect of Gold and Oil Prices on Stock Market Performance in Pakistan: New Evidence from Asymmetric ARDL Cointegration

The previous studies on stock market modelling in Pakistan context has assumed a linear relationship between stock market performance and its determinants. Most of the macroeconomic variables do not have linear properties, therefore considering asymmetric features of macroeconomic fundamentals, this study is a first attempt to explore the asymmetric impact of gold and oil prices on the stock market performance of Pakistan, covering the time period of 1990 – 2016. For the consideration of nonlinear, short-run and long-run associations between gold, oil prices and stock market performance, a novel approach of nonlinear ARDL or asymmetric ARDL is being used. The long-run parameters of the study affirm the asymmetric association between gold, oil prices and stock market performance, while short-run dynamics validate the asymmetric association between oil prices and stock market performance. Furthermore, negative and significant link between the exchange rate and the stock market was also found. The empirical outcomes propose that ignoring intrinsic asymmetries may lead to the misrepresentative implications in case of stock market performance. The achieved suggestion of asymmetries, both short and long-run dynamics could be of key prominence for more effective policy-making and to forecast the Pakistan Stock Market.
Medicated urea molasses mineral block and tannin on growth performance, nutrient utilization and nematodosis in goat kids

Indigenous goat kids (20; 3 to 5 months, average body wt-12 kg) were offered ad lib. rice straw and berseem hay (40:60) to assess growth performance and nutrient utilization. Group 1 was fed concentrate mixture (100g/d). Groups 2,3,4 and 5 were supplemented with urea molasses mineral block (UMMB), medicated urea molasses mineral block (Med-UMMB containing fenbendazole @0.5g/kg), tannin (5% of DM) and UMMB plus tannin (5% of DM) respectively. The animals were given trickle infection (200L3/d) of gastrointestinal nematodes (Haemonchus sp. and Cooperia sp. in the dose ratio of 9:1) for consecutive 10 days. Dry matter (DM) intake, total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake, growth performance and nitrogen (N) balance revealed no significance between treatment and control whereas digestible crude protein (DCP) intake, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) balance for T2, T3 and T5 showed significant improvement over control. Humoral immune response against calf red blood cells (CRBC) was significantly higher in T4 as compared to control. Thus it may be concluded that dietary supplementation of med-UMMB and tannin have no effect on growth performance whereas tannin significantly improved the humoral immune response of kids.
Relationships between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance: the role of family involvement amongst small firms in Vietnam

ii Finally, Study 4 explores the notion of becoming an entrepreneur and tests whether the employee’s turnover intentions, under the proximal withdrawal states approach, contribute to development of their entrepreneurial intentions. Results from a structural equation modelling analysis use a dataset of 147 employees to confirm that turnover intentions are positively related to entrepreneurial intentions, but this effect is fully mediated by personal attitudes towards being an entrepreneur. Overall, this thesis contributes to the literature of entrepreneurship and its intersections with family business and organisational behaviour. Based on the research findings, the thesis suggests further research and discusses implications for researchers, policy makers, and business practitioners