Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improvement of a maize population by full-sib selection alone versus full-sib with selection during inbreeding

Maize (Zea mays L.) improvement involves formation, evaluation, selection, and recombination of genetically variable families or inbred lines, and because cultivars must combine many desirable traits, the process can be complicated and lengthy. This study compared 12 experimental open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) developed from maize population Pool 9A by two approaches, full-sib (FS) selection alone and FS selection combined with inbreeding with selection for Maize streakvirus (MSV) resistance. The experimental OPVs were evaluated in 13 environments in Africa, including three sites with artificial MSV inoculation. Full-sib selection combined with inbreeding and selection for MSV resistance [with mild selection for gray leaf spot resistance (GLS, caused by Cercospora zeae maydis Tehon & Daniels)], reduced ear height and reduced days to flowering] resulted in OPVs with similar grain yield but superior MSV resistance (P < 0.01), fewer days to anthesis (P < 0.01), and lower ear height (P < 0.05) than OPVs developed by FS selection alone. Each generation (from So to S 3 ) of inbreeding with selection resulted in OPVs that were 16, 8, 2, and 1% improved for MSV and GLS resistance, ear height, and days to anthesis, respectively. Our results demonstrate improvement of a maize population for MSV resistance and other traits by selection during inbreeding (from So to S 3 ), without negative impact on gains for grain yield achieved by evaluation and selection among the progenitor FS families.
Reproductive characteristics of characid fish species (Teleostei, Characiformes) and their relationship with body size and phylogeny

In this study, I investigated the reproductive biology of fish species from the family Characidae of the order Characiformes. I also investigated the relationship between reproductive biology and body weight and interpreted this relationship in a phylogenetic context. The results of the present study contribute to the understanding of the evolution of the reproductive strategies present in the species of this family. Most larger characid species and other characiforms exhibit a reproductive pattern that is generally characterized by a short seasonal reproductive period that lasts one to three months, between September and April. This is accompanied by total spawning, an extremely high fecundity, and, in many species, a reproductive migration. Many species with lower fecundity exhibit some form of parental care. Although reduction in body size may represent an adaptive advantage, it may also require evolutionary responses to new biological problems that arise. In terms of reproduction, smaller species have a tendency to reduce the number of oocytes that they produce. Many small characids have a reproductive pattern similar to that of larger characiforms. On the other hand they may also exhibit a range of modifications that possibly relate to the decrease in body size and the consequent reduction in fecundity. Examples of changes in the general reproductive pattern include the following: reduction in the size of mature oocytes; increase in fecundity; production of several batches of oocytes; an extended reproductive period or even continuous reproduction that allows individuals to reproduce more than once a year; high growth rates; rapid recruitment of juveniles; presence of more than one reproductive cohort that increases the sexually active population; and multiple independent development of insemination as a reproductive strategy. These changes are possibly associated with adaptive pressures that are related to the reduction in body size. In addition, such reproductive characteristics or novelties may reflect the phylogenetic history of a given species.
Effect of housing conditions and owner’s schedule on daily total locomotor activity in dogs (Canis familiaris)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of housing conditions on daily rhythm of total locomotor activity in dogs. Seven clinically healthy dogs (Canis familiaris) were used and divided into two groups: Group A lived with its owner in indoor environment, Group B housed in individual box of 140 × 200 cm. Each dog was equipped by means of collar on the neck with an actigraphy-based data logger (Actiwatch-Mini®, Cambridge Neurotechnology Ltd, UK), that record a digitally integrated measure of motor activity. In both groups, a daily rhythm of locomotor activity was observed. In Group A, acrophase and robustness changed during the 10 days of monitoring. In Group B, no changes were observed, and robustness was lower than Group A. Our findings underline the high influence of human presence and care on the amount of activity and on daily rhythm in companion dogs.
Current Knowledge About the Avian W Chromosome

It is some 70 years since man first attempted to describe the chromosome complement of an avian nucleus (Loyez 1906). Only in the last 10 to 12 years has any significant progress been made toward achieving accurate karyotypes. Even so, there is still today some uncertainty about exact diploid numbers for avian species. The major reason for this is simply that bird chromosomes are numerous (range = 52-92) and range in size from 6 to 10 micra to barely visible by light microscopy. Of fundamental importance is the issue of whether the sex-determining mechanism in birds is ZZ(d)-ZO(9) or ZZ(d)-ZW(9). This is important because in the former case diploid numbers would differ by one chromosome between the sexes, and the possible genetic contribution of an additional chromosome, perhaps sex-determining, would be totally ignored. Interestingly, some of the very first reports on bird chromosomes were aimed at harmonizing the results of genetic studies in chickens (showing female heterozygosity for sex and sexlinked factors) with cytological data (Guyer 1916). The concept of an XX(d)-XO(9) sex chromosome mechanism soon developed. Unfortunately, the wrong chromosome, No. 1, was considered the X in Gallus domesticus.
Meiotic Behavior of Hybrids Involving Rosa laevigata.

The genus Rosa of the family Rosaceae comprises ca. 200 species and about twenty thousand cultivars (Krussmann 1981). Great variability in the chromosomal behavior during meiosis has been reported in different rose species and cultivars (Tackholm 1992, Erlanson 1933, Klasterska and Natarjan 1974b, Lata and Gupta 1975, Klasterska 1978, Lata 1982a, b) . Previous authors have mentioned the stickiness of chromosomes and the irregularity of chromosomal contraction in rose (Hurst 1928, Klasterska 1971, Klasterska and Natarajan 1974a, c). Extensive cytotaxonomic data were reported before 1940 for European and North American species (Tackholm 1922, Hurst 1928, Erlanson 1933), but these reports dealt with only a few introductions of Oriental species and thus missed the center of diversity of the genus in eastern Asia, where more than half of the species are native. Furthermore, the interpretation of their meiotic data was subjective in the absence of numerical models of meiotic chromosome association . This report documents meiotic behavior of diploid and induced tetraploid Rosa laevigata and two amphidiploids derived from hybrids of diploid R. laevigata with R. roxburghii and R . banksiae. The metaphase I configuration frequencies are interpreted with the aid of a numerical model of meiotic chromosome association to infer the evolutionary relationship of these three species .
Changes in plasma membrane glycoproteins of rat spermatozoa during maturation in the epididymis

Glycoproteins on the plasma membrane of testicular and cauda epididymidal spermatozoa have been labeled with galactose oxidase/NaB [3H]4 and sodium metaperiodate/NaB[3H]4, followed by analysis on SDS polyacrylamide gels. The major glycoprotein labeling on testicular spermatozoa has a molecular weight 110,000 whereas on cauda epididymidal spermatozoa greater than 90% of the radio-label is incorporated into proteins of molecular weight 32,000. These 32,000-mol wt X proteins are homologous with proteins of similar molecular weight purified from the epididymal secretion and which have been shown previously to be synthesized in the caput epididymidis under hormonal control. Immunofluorescence revealed that the 32,000-mol wt proteins are present on the flagellum of mature but not immature spermatozoa and that they have a patchy distribution suggesting that they are mobile within the plane of the membrane. The membrane-bound 32,000-mol wt proteins possess hydrophobic domains as revealed by charge-shift electrophoresis and they also label with a lipophilic photoaffinity probe suggesting that they are in contact with the lipid bilayer. The evidence indicates that there is a considerable reorganization of the molecular structure of the plasma membrane of spermatozoa during maturation in the epididymis and that some of the changes are brought about by a direct interaction with epididymal secretory proteins.
Changes in cell‐wall polysaccharides from the mesocarp of grape berries during veraison

Softening of grape berries (Vitis vinifera L. x V. labrusca L. cv. Kyoho) was evaluated by studying changes in composition and degradation of cell-wall polysaccharides. The grape berry softens at the beginning of the second growth cycle many weeks before harvest. The softening stage is called 'veraison' by viticulturists. On day 50 after full bloom, green hard berries (before veraison [BV]), softening berries (veraison [V]) and partly peel colored berries (C) were selected from the same clusters. In addition, mature berries (M) were collected on day 78 after full bloom. Mesocarp tissues at each stage were fractionated into hot water-soluble (WS), hot EDTA-soluble (pectin), alkali-soluble (hemicellulose) and residual (cellulose) fractions. Neutral and acidic sugar contents of WS and pectin fractions decreased only after the V stage, while the neutral sugar content of the hemicellulose fraction decreased from the BV to V stages. Cellulose content constantly decreased as the berry ripened, but the large decrease was found from the BV to V stages. Molecular masses of pectic and hemicellulosic polysaccharides decreased from the BV to V stages. Hemicellulosic xyloglucan was markedly depolymerized from the BV to V stages. The neutral and acidic sugar composition of each fraction changed little during the berry ripening. These data indicated that softening of berry during veraison involved the depolymerization of pectin and xyloglucan molecules and decrease in the amounts of hemicellulose and cellulose.
Behavioral Differences between Enallagma Species (Odonata) Influencing Differential Vulnerability to Predators

In previous research I have shown that fish predation contributes to the exclusion of a group of Enallagma species (Odonata: Zygoptera) from lakes containing fish, whereas dragonfly predation contributes to the exclusion of another group of Enal- lagma species from fishless lakes. In the study reported in this paper I performed a series of laboratory experiments to identify behavioral differences between the two groups that could contribute to their differential vulnerabilities to the two predators. In one experiment I observed the behaviors of four Enallagma species, two from fishless lakes and two from lakes containing fish, in the presence of no predators, dragonfly larvae (Anaxjunius), and fish (Lepomis macrochirus) to identify behavioral differences that may cause the species to be differentially detected by the predators. In another experiment, I observed Aeshna dragonflies feeding on Enallagma larvae to evaluate whether species in the two groups differ in how they attempt to avoid attacking dragonflies. The Enallagma species from fishless lakes walked in rapid bursts of 2-3 s and frequently performed a conspicuous behavioral display, while the Enallagma species from lakes containing fish walked very slowly for durations of 20-30 s and almost never performed the conspicuous display. The species from lakes containing fish also swam for longer durations and remained motionless longer following swims than species from fishless lakes. The species from fishless lakes also greatly reduced their movement and responsiveness toward prey and increased the duration of motionless periods in the presence of dragonflies, but only reduced the number and duration of the conspicuous display in the presence of fish. In contrast, the species from lakes containing fish reduced their movement and re- sponsiveness toward prey and increased the duration of motionless periods in the presence of both fish and dragonflies. In videotaped feeding trials, larvae of an Enallagma species from fishless lakes usually swam away from attacking Aeshna dragonflies. Larvae of an Enallagma species from lakes containing fish usually did not respond to attacking dragon- flies, and were usually captured without attempting to evade the dragonfly. These behavioral differences are consistent with observed differences in their vulnerabilities to predators, and probably contribute to causing the pattern of habitat separation observed in the field.
On the measure of sampling effort used in species accumulation curves

Summary 1 We agree with Willott (2001) that number of individuals would be an appropriate measure of sampling effort to compare species accumulation curves among sites, but the reason is not sampling bias. It has been shown theoretically that number of individuals is an unbiased effort unit when density varies among sites, although our results with bats do not prove this. 2 We compared our results using nights and individuals as measures of effort in bat species accumulation curves, but did not detect changes in the estimated richness using the two measures. 3 We maintain our position about the utility of species accumulation curves as practical tools for inventory assessment, even for very diverse groups. To compare curves from different sites, we agree that number of individuals may be an unbiased measure of effort. But to give practical recommendations for sampling, we suggest that effort also be expressed in standard sampling units.
Soil CO2 effluxes, temporal and spatial variations, and root respiration in shrub willow biomass crops fields along a 19‐year chronosequence as affected by regrowth and removal treatments

In shrub willow biomass crop (SWBC) production systems, the soil CO2 efflux (Fc) component in the carbon cycle remains poorly understood. This study assesses (i) differences of Fc rates among the 5‐, 12‐, 14‐, and 19‐year‐old SWBCs with two treatments: continuous production (regrowth) willow fields that were harvested and allowed to regrow, and willow fields that were harvested, killed, and then stools and roots were ground into the soil (removal); (ii) temporal and spatial variations of Fc rates; (iii) root respiration contributions to total Fc; and (iv) climatic variables affecting Fc. During the growing season (May to September), Fc rates showed no statistically significant differences across different ages (P = 0.664), and between treatments (P = 0.351); however, there was an interaction between age and treatment (P = 0.001). Similarly, during the dormant season (October to April), Fc rates revealed no statistically significant differences across different ages (P = 0.305) and treatment interaction with age (P = 0.097). Fc rates differed significantly (P < 0.001) among different times of the day and times of the year. Fc rates, between 00 and 1059 h, between 1100 and 1659 h, and between 1700 and 2400 h displayed consistency from May to November; however, Fc rates in these three time intervals showed significant differences (P < 0.0001). In December, Fc rates remained constant over 24 h. Fc rates demonstrated higher temporal and spatial variations among willow age classes than between regrowth and removal treatments. Temporal and spatial variations of Fc were higher during the dormant season than during the growing season. The proportion of root respiration to total Fc ranged from 18 to 33% across age classes. Fc rates showed strong association with soil and air temperatures, and relative humidity.
Use of a cold-active entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema kraussei to control overwintering larvae of the black vine weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in outdoor strawberry plants

The susceptibility of overwintering black vine weevil larvae Otiorhynchus sulcatus to a cold-active entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema kraussei (isolate L137) and a commercial proprietary biopesticide, Steinernema carpocapsae (Exhibit) was assessed on outdoor potted strawberry plants. Nematodes were applied at a range of doses in early winter at a field site located in Warwickshire, England. Three months later, infestation and mortality of vine weevils were assessed. There was a clear dose response observed for S. kraussei applications. Up to 81% of vine weevil control was recorded by this nematode at the highest dose of 60 000 nematodes per pot, whereas treatments with S. carpocapsae caused no significant mortality at the dose rates used. Dissection of vine weevil larvae showed infective juveniles had developed to adults within the host. Recovery of nematodes at the end of the experiment indicated that S. kraussei (L137) was able to survive winter field conditions including prolonged exposure to low temperatures (averaging 2.7°C during the experiment) in contrast to S. carpocapsae which showed poor survival. Of the two extraction methods used, the Baermann funnel technique was found to be more efficient than Galleria mellonella baiting, with up to 44% of the original highest dose of S. kraussei nematodes being recovered by Baermann funnel compared to 8% with G. mellonella at 18°C. These results suggest S. kraussei (L137) has potential as a commercial biocontrol agent against O. sulcatus at low temperatures.
UNIVERSIDADE ESTADUAL DE SANTA CRUZ

Santos, Regineide Xavier, M.Sc., Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus-Ba, February, 2008. Carbon source affects resistance to different mutagens of dikaryotic Moniliophthora perniciosa. Advisor: Prof a. Dra. Cristina Pungartnik. Co-advisor: Dr. Júlio C. M. Cascardo. Collaborators: Dr. Martin Brendel and Dr. Abelmon da Silva Gesteira. Witches ́ broom disease of cacao is caused by the hemibiothrophic basidiomycete Moniliophthora perniciosa. This work aimed to define how carbon source (glycerol or glucose) could affect survival during fungal growth when dikaryotic cells were exposed to different mutagenic agents (from natural or synthetic source). Synthetic mutagens used were paraquat, hydrogen peroxide, 4NQO e UVC and natural extracts were obtained from T. cacao (different parts of the plant). Results show that there is a clear dose x response correlation independent from the carbon source, i.e. increased dose x reduction of pseudo-colonies formed x increased sensibility. The same is not true for 4NQO, which renders cells resistant to all conditions tested (except for glucose). In order to understand resistance strategy, induction of gene expression was monitored via RT-PCR of genes related to possible fungus defense mechanisms, i.e. superoxide dismutase and catalase. Oxidative defenses of M. perniciosa were modulated by carbon source in the media. In order to identify possible antifungal molecules from natural source (T. cacao), M. perniciosa was exposed to different extracts (polar, water or ethanol or apolar, ethyl acetate). Amongst 19 different extracts, 15 did not show any antifungal potential, which means survival of M. perniciosa was above 80%. Only 4 polar extracts (water:alcohol, 1:1) showed survival below 40% (in glucose media. It is possible that one or more compounds present in these extracts have) potential antifungal action.
Greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in UK-grown short-day strawberry (Fragaria xananassa Duch) crops

SUMMARY Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and optimizing energy consumption are important for mitigating climate change and improving resource use efficiency. Strawberry (Fragaria xananassa Duch) crops are a key component of the UK soft fruit sector and potentially resource-intensive crops. This is the first study to undertake a detailed environmental impact assessment of all methods of UK strawberry production. A total of 14 systems with six additional sub-systems grown for between 1 and 3 years were identified. They were defined by the growing of short-day (Junebearer) or everbearer varieties, organic production, covering with polytunnels or grown in the open, soil-grown (with or without fumigation) or container-grown (with peat or coir substrate) and summer or spring planted. Pre-harvest, the global warming potential varied between 1·5 and 10·3 t CO2 equiv/ha/crop or 0·13 and 1·14 t CO2 equiv/t of class 1 fruit. Key factors included the use of tunnels, mulch and irrigation, sterilization of soil with fumigants and the use of peat substrate. Seasonal crops without covers grown where rotation of sufficient length reduced Verticillium (system 4) were the most efficient. System 4a (that did not use mulch) emitted 0·13 t CO2 equiv/t of class 1 fruit. A second or third cropping year in soil-grown systems prolonged the effect of mulch and soil fumigants. Greenhouse gases from system 4 (with mulch) averaged 0·30 t CO2 equiv/t of class 1 fruit after 3 years of cropping compared to 0·63 and 0·36 t CO2 equiv/t after 1 and 2 years, respectively.
Propanil tolerance in Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.) Beauv

Abstract Two morphological variants of Echinochloa crus‐galli were collected from rice fields of an area in Greece where rice has been grown for over a decade and growers have recently been complaining about reduced effectiveness of propanil. Seedling response of the two variants to propanil was compared with that of E. crus‐galli collected from vegetable fields in another area where rice has never been grown. Initial contact toxicity of propanil was similar in all collections. Growth inhibition thereafter was clearly different, resulting in death of the E. crus‐galli from vegetables but not of the E. crus‐galli from rice. The latter could overcome initial toxicity and resume growth at 8 kg/ha of propanil, whereas the former was killed at 2–4 kg/ha. Prevalence of E. crus‐galli forms of higher tolerance resulting from selection through rice husbandry and/or repeated use of propanil may account for the reduced effectiveness of propanil in the area of intensive rice growing.
Starch Granule and Protein Accumulation during Seed Development of Ginkgo biloba L.

We investigated starch and protein formation and accumulation in the seed of Ginkgo biloba L. In the testa, starch granules and protein bodies (PBs) started to form and accumulate 30 days after pollination; they decreased in size and completely disappeared before maturity. In the endosperm, starch granules began to accumulate 45 days after pollination, and the number and size of starch granules increased gradually within 65 days after pollination. Starch granules, which were mainly produced in plastids, proliferated mainly by constricting in the center and dividing to form smaller granules. Before harvest, there were ellipsoidal or irregularly shaped types, including A-type starch granules and some B- and C-type starch granules. In addition, PBI and PBII formed mainly in the outermost cells of the endosperm. However, the starch granules and protein bodies in endosperm cells around the embryo disappeared completely. The embryo cells contained many organelles, C-type starch granules, and PBI-type protein bodies. These results suggested that the starch granules were A-, B-, and C-types, and the protein bodies were PBI- and PBII-types in G. biloba. In addition, there were many significant differences in the formation, accumulation, and types of starch granules and protein bodies among the testa, endosperm, and embryo.