Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Structural Resistance’s Anatomy of Sweet Potato Leaves to Fungal Pathogen Sphaceloma batatas

Anatomical characters can be used as instructions to the structural resistance of plants to pathogen attack. Various pathogens attack sweet potato plants, such as the Sphaceloma batatas fungus that causes scurvy disease (scab). The aims of this research t test the structural resistance of sweet potato plants based on leaf anatomical character and intensity of disease attack due to the inoculated of S. batatas. The research was conducted from June to November 2016, using the Completely Randomized Design Experimental (RAL) method with a factorial pattern. The first factor was ten sweet potato cultivars and the second factor was the inoculum of S. batatas fungus each treatment with five replications. The character of leaf anatomy observed was thick of cuticle, thick of mesophyll, size and number of stomata and number of trichomes per 1 mm2 leaf area. Based on the research result, it was concluded that the inoculation of the fungus of S. batatas caused the decrease of stomata length and width on ten sweet potato cultivars. The highest intensity of disease attack was 14.33% and correlated with stomata length (r = 0.49). The anatomical structural resistance to scurvy can be used as a basis for determining crosses for obtaining superior sweet potato cultivars. The benefit of the research is to advise the community to cultivate sweet potatoes that have structural resistance to scurvy, such as cuticle and thick mesophyll, high trichomata density.
Cover-Crop Usage in South Dakota: Farmer Perceived Profitability and Future Adoption Decisions

Using bivariate ordered logit models, we investigate factors that determine farmers’ perceptions of cover-crop profitability and likelihood of future usage in the climate transition zone of the Northern Great Plains. Our results indicate that approximately 40% of long-term (10+ years) users perceived a profit increase of more than 5%. Additionally, future adoption decisions are positively affected by environment-oriented attitudes and negatively affected by prioritizing short-term profitability. More efforts can be directed toward educational programs that enhance understanding of the shortversus long-term economic benefits of cover crops.
Detection of cellular microRNAs with programmable DNA nanoswitches

MicroRNAs are short non-coding regulatory RNAs that are increasingly used as disease biomarkers. Detection of microRNAs can be arduous and expensive, and often requires amplification, labeling, or radioactive probes. Here we report a single-step, non-enzymatic detection assay using conformationally responsive DNA nanoswitches. Termed miRacles (microRNA activated conditional looping of engineered switches), our assay has sub-attomole sensitivity and single-nucleotide specificity using an agarose gel electrophoresis readout. We detect cellular microRNAs from nanogram-scale RNA extracts of differentiating muscle cells, and demonstrate multiplexed detection of several microRNAs from one biological sample. We demonstrate one-hour detection without expensive equipment or reagents, making this assay a compelling alternative to qPCR and Northern blotting. Significance statement Detection of microRNAs play a key role in biological research and medical diagnostics, and current detection methods are expensive and require sophisticated processes. We present microRNA activated conditional looping of engineered switches (miRacles), a mix-and-read strategy that is based on conformational changes of DNA nanoswitches upon binding a target microRNA. MiRacles has a sensitivity of ∼4 copies/cell and specificity of a single nucleotide, and can be performed in one hour at a fraction of the cost of traditional microRNA detection techniques. Our method can also be multiplexed to detect multiple microRNAs from one biological sample. The minimalistic miRacles assay has immediate application in biomedical research and longer term potential as a clinical tool.
MYRACRODRUON URUNDEUVA FR ALL. (AROEIRA TREE) POPULATION DYNAMICS, DIAMETER GROWTH RATE AND ITS POTENTIAL FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT IN SUCCESSIONAL TROPICAL DRY FORESTS OF BRAZIL

Sofia Calvo Rodriguez, Julio Calvo Alvarado, Mario Marcos do Espírito-Santo, Yule Roberta Ferreira Nunes 1 Received on 14.06. 2016 accepted for publication on 24.05. 2017. 2 Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. E-mail: <calvorod@ualberta.ca>. 3 School of Forestry, Costa Rican Institute Of Technology,Cartago, Costa Rica. E-mail: <jucalvo@itcr.ac. cr>. 4 Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Doutorado em Ecologia, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil. E-mail: <marioesanto@gmail.com> and <yule.rfnunes@gmail.com>. *Corresponding author.
Overexpression of GmSnRK1, a soybean sucrose non-fermenting-1 related protein kinase 1 gene, results in directional alteration of carbohydrate metabolism in transgenic Arabidopsis

ABSTRACT Sucrose non-fermenting-1-related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1) plays an important role in plant carbohydrate metabolism and starch biosynthesis. The regulatory role of GmSnRK1 from soybean in regulating carbohydrate metabolism and starch accumulation has not been reported. In the present study, a gene encoding the SnRK1 protein, named GmSnRK1, was successfully isolated from soybean, and the functions of this gene were studied. Subcellular localisation analysis in onion epidermal cells indicated that GmSnRK1 protein was localised to the nucleus. The GmSnRK1 gene was introduced into Arabidopsis to obtain transgenic plants. Its overexpression significantly increased the starch content, as well as the sucrose, glucose and fructose content in the transgenic plants compared to the wild-type (WT). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed that overexpression of GmSnRK1 up-regulated the genes involved in starch biosynthesis, including sucrose synthase (AtSUS), phosphoglucomutase (AtPGM), ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AtAGPase), granule-bound starch synthases (AtGBSS I and AtGBSS II), soluble starch synthases (AtSSS I, AtSSS II, AtSSS III and AtSSS IV) and starch branching enzymes (AtSBE I and AtSBE II) genes. In contrast, the expression of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) gene was decreased in the transgenic plants. Meanwhile, the enzyme activity levels of the five starch biosynthetic enzymes (SUS, AGPase, GBSS, SSS and SBE) exhibited higher activities, while the SPS activity was decreased in the transgenic plants compared to WT. These results suggest that the manipulation of GmSnRK1 expression might be used for improving the starch content in engineered plants for biofuel production.
New Pliocene remains of Camelus grattardi (Mammalia, Camelidae) from the Shungura Formation, Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia, and the evolution of African camels

Abstract Camels are exceptionally rare in the Plio-Pleistocene fossil record of Africa, hindering attempts to understand the evolution of this family on the continent. Here we describe recently collected camel specimens from the Shungura Formation, Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia, and attribute these remains to Camelus grattardi. The new specimens date to the late Pliocene (~3 to 2.6 Ma) and consist of three upper molars, one upper premolar, and two proximal metatarsals. The dental specimens confirm this species’ small P4 relative to its molars, a trait that differs significantly from all extant and fossil Old World camels. The metatarsals indicate that C. grattardi was similar in size to the living Bactrian camel, C. bactrianus. Phylogenetically, we find no suitable ancestor, sister, or descendant of the eastern African fossil camel, which suggests greater lineage diversity in Plio-Pleistocene Camelus than previously recognised. Microwear analyses suggest that C. grattardi was likely a mixed-feeder preferring browse, which is consistent with carbon isotopes of enamel from the Turkana Basin. A review of the fossil record of African camels suggests no clear paleoenvironmental association, as fossil camels occur in a range of environments from dry savannas with no permanent water bodies to closed woodlands along the paleo-Omo River.
Modulation of the initial growth of Eucalyptus clones using paclobutrazol: when smaller is better

Modulating the growth rates of Eucalyptus during the initial vegetative phase via plant growth regulators can improve field establishment. The objective of this study was to verify the impacts of different concentrations of paclobutrazol (PBZ) on two Eucalyptus hybrids during the initial phase of growth. Experiments were conducted in a greenhouse using an E. urophylla x E. grandis hybrid (AEC 1528) and a spontaneous hybrid of E. urophylla (144 AEC). Both clones were subjected to PBZ concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm active ingredient (a.i.) applied to the soil. The treatments were part of a 2x5 factorial design, and they were arranged into randomized blocks and consisted of five replicates. Cuttings were transplanted into 20-L pots; each pot contained one cutting and was considered an experimental unit. At90 days after the application of PBZ, the growth and development of both Eucalyptus clones subjected to all concentrations were inhibited. The inhibition effects intensified as the concentration of PBZ increased until approximately 90 to146 ppm and increased the plant sturdiness ratio (H/D; S//diameter) due to the inhibition of height caused by PBZ. Clone AEC 144 performed better than clone AEC 1528with respect to dry mass accumulation, LN and leaf area. However, clone AEC 1528 was superior with respect to resource partitioning due to a lower S/R ratio, aiding survival underwater deficit conditions.
Relationship between pathogenicity, race and vegetative compatibility grouping among Algerian populations of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi causing pea wilt

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi (FOP) is a significant and destructive pathogen of field pea in Algeria. In the present study, 50 isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. pisi , the causal agent of pea ( Pisum sativum ) wilt, collected from different parts of western Algeria and representing four races of the pathogen, were analyzed for virulence. The wilt incidence ranged from 6.66 to 88.33% on a highly susceptible cultivar (Little Marvel). Twenty-one isolates belonging to four races of FOP and one nonpathogenic F. oxysporum (FO) isolate were analyzed for vegetative compatibility in order to reveal the genetic structure of the population and to check the reliability of the method for the identification of physiological races of FOP. Obtained results showed that the FOP isolates could be classified into four main vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) that corresponded to races l, 2A, 2B and 5. The race 6 isolate fell into the race 1 VCG. To our knowledge, this is the first such study in Algeria of its kind.
New record of Chaetomium iranianum MF787598 (Chaetomiaceae) for the Egyptian and African mycobiota

The first record of Chaetomium iranianum (Ascomycota, Chaetomiaceae) for the Egyptian and African fungi is reported here. The species was found during an extensive taxonomic and ecological revision of genus Chaetomium supported by Science and Development Technology Fund (STDF) in Egypt. Chaetomium iranianum identified phenotypically and was subjected to sequencing for confirmation of phenotypic identification. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1–5.8 s – ITS2 rDNA sequences obtained were compared with those deposited in the GenBank Database and registered with accession number MF787598 in the NCBI Database. We provide an updated full description and illustration of the species.
Comparative genomics and expression profile of lipid biosynthesis pathway genes in Camellia sinensis

The lipid biosynthesis pathway is directly associated with lipid content in plants. The genes involved in lipid biosynthesis of tea plant (Camellia sinensis) were identified through in-silico mining of available transcriptomic data in public domain. Seventy five homologous genes in tea were identified through comparative genomics and 56 sequences of them showed more than 50% sequence similarity with the Arabidopsis reference sequences. The expression pattern of five key genes biotin carboxylase (BC), Acyl CoA: diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), phosphatidylinositol synthase (PIS), monogalactosyldiacylglycerol synthase (MGDGS) and glycerol 3 phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) were analysed through qRT-PCR in roots, leaves, flowers, and seeds of three Tocklai released tea varieties (TV1, TV17 and TV20). Relative expression analysis showed that all the five genes were highly up-regulated in the seeds compared to the other parts of the studied tea varieties. Except biotin carboxylase, other four genes showed highest expression in TV1 seeds compared to TV17 and TV20. The overall increased expression of four key lipid biosynthesis genes give an indication that TV1 seeds may contain higher lipid content than the others in this study. DGAT, PIS and G3PDH also showed upregulation in the leaves and roots of some of the studied varieties which is an indication of possible involvement of lipid biosynthesis genes in various growth and developmental processes.
Flower color variability in double and three-way hybrids of ornamental peppers

The species and varieties of peppers can be discriminated by morphological traits of fruit and especially by the flowers. Hybridization is very important in plant evolution as a source of new genetic combinations and as a mechanism of speciation. The aim of this work was to describe the variations in flower color in double and three-way hybrids of ornamental chili pepper. The manual crosses were made in bud flowers at pre-anthesis stage. When the flowers were open, the color of corolla, anther, and filament were recorded in each of the twelve intra and interspecific hybrids. The percentages of each flower type in the F1 generation were calculated. The hybrid L2 x HS1 was incompatible. There was increased variation in flower color in each hybrid with a gradient between white and purple flower color. The cross L5 x HS1 was the only one with 100% of white flower. This variability found in the double and three-way hybrids significantly increase opportunities to develop unique ornamental pepper cultivars with different color of the flowers. The variations in flower color made the plants more attractive to the consumers and can be used in the Capsicum breeding program of the Universidade Federal de Vicosa and Universidade Federal da Paraiba, Brazil.
Effect of perches on morphology, welfare and behaviour of captive reared pheasants

Abstract This study investigated the effect of providing elevated perches in growing pens on the morphology and behaviour of young pheasants. Pheasants reared with perches from one week old were observed roosting off the ground significantly more frequently when moved into a pen containing trees at five weeks old than pheasants reared without perches (roosting pheasants: 24.3% vs. 6.7%; p < .01). The presence of perches reduced the level of plumage damage caused by feather pecking (damage scores: 2.3% vs. 2.1%; p < .05). Pheasants reared in huts with perching were larger overall than those from control huts, in particular were heavier (weights: 356.9 g vs. 345.2 g) and had longer and thicker tarsi than control pheasants (60.61 mm vs. 59.35 mm and 4.715–6.571 mm vs. 4.705–6.412 mm, respectively). Since roosting on tree branches is an important anti-predator behaviour, providing perches at an early stage of life in the captive rearing environment may be helpful in order to improve survival of the captive reared pheasant after release in the wild. Furthermore, the study suggests that a simple and easy husbandry technique, providing elevated perches, may improve the welfare and fitness of farm-reared game birds.
Expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors in the placental intervillous space during placental malaria

INTERVILLOUS SPACE DURING PLACENTAL MALARIA by CHRISTINA L. HARWELL (Under the Direction of Julie M. Moore) ABSTRACT Placental malaria (PM) causes 75,000-200,000 infant deaths and up to 500,000 cases of maternal anemia yearly. Effects of PM include maternal anemia, premature and/or low birth weight babies, and fetal mortality and are often more prevalent in paucigravid women. Given the profound immunological changes in a woman during pregnancy, the occurrence of malaria infection during pregnancy confounds the maternal immune system even further. In this study, chemokine levels and soluble ICAM-1 were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and correlated with chemokine receptor expression on maternal infiltrate and pathogenic factors of PM and pregnancy outcomes. Higher placental parasitemia, malaria pigment deposition and lower birth weights are associated with increased levels of MIG, IP-10, MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta and suppressed levels of RANTES in the placenta. The presence of cells responding to FKN and the increased levels of soluble ICAM-1 during PM infection may contribute to the protection against PM infection.
Growth rate assessment of high lipid producing microalga Botryococcus braunii in different culture media

The green colonial microalga, Botryococcus braunii is well known for its high lipid content and has already been proposed as a renewable energy source for various aquaculture and biotechnological applications. However, due to its slow growth rate compared with other microalgae, B. braunii has not yet been used in mass culture to produce more biomass. Therefore, in this study we tested different culture media to enhance the growth rate of B. braunii. B. braunii samples were collected from natural habitat, isolated and purified by repeated streaking on agar plate. The purified samples were cultured in six treatments containing different culture media with incubation conditions of pH 7.5, temperature 25±1°C under 1.2±0.2 klux light intensity with 12 hr photoperiod to observe their growth rate and morphology. The results of this study showed the highest growth rate (μ=0.20 day) in the autoclaved lake water with 427 colonies/ml. Bold’s basal medium (BBM) and modified Chu No. 10 medium showed moderate growth after 24 days of incubation. The growth rates amongst all media were significantly different (p<0.05) except between un-autoclaved lake water and autoclaved water medium added with half concentration of BBM. Morphological observation showed that B. braunii varied in different culture media. This study illustrated that autoclaved lake water has the highest growth rate compared to formulated media such as BBM and modified Chu No. 10 medium. This indicates that the autoclaved lake water medium had high concentration of nutrients and can be used for the mass production of B. braunii at lower cost.
DNA Barcoding of Endangered Sacred Plant (Stereospermum suavelons) in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India

In the present investigation, DNA barcodings were made for the sacred trees of Main (Big) Temples in Cuddalore district, namely , Stereospermum suavelons to document their reliable identification, conservation, discrimination, similarities and evolutionary trend among them and with their related taxa for future use. DNA isolation from leaf samples of present study species was carried out by using a modified CTAB method and good isolation was got for the species studied.Gradient PCR amplification was performed for the isolated DNA using matK gene and the primers matK472F & matK1248R. The amplification success was 90-95%. PCR amplification was tested with 1 % agarose gel electrophoresis using ethidium bromide and the products were confirmed. The PCR products were sent to Xcelris Labs Ltd. Sydney House, Premchand Nagar Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad 380054, India, for DNA sequencing and sequences were got for the species with the success rate of 95 %. Pairwise sequence alignments were made with BLAST and multiple sequence alignments are made with ClustalW, and based on the sequence alignments, dentrograms were constructed using software Mega 5 and Neighbor joining method to study the phylogenetic aspects of the species studied and with their related taxa. Keywords: DNA barcoding, matK gene, matK472F, matK1248R, sacred plants, Stereospermum suavelons , Phylogenetic tree, identification, conservation and documentation.
Physiological responses of watermelon grafted onto bottle gourd to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum infection

To explore the physiological bases of the resistance of grafted watermelon to Fusarium wilt, watermelon âSumi 1â (SM1) was grafted onto bottle gourd rootstock âChaofengkangshengwangâ (CFKSW) using the hole insertion grafting method. Grafted watermelon (SM1/CFKSW) and non-grafted plants were planted in soil infested with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum race 1 (FON 1). Resistance of grafted and non-grafted watermelon and rootstock against Fusarium wilt was evaluated, and the activities of plant defense enzymes, contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), along with activities of pathogenesis related proteases were determined. Results showed that grafted plants (2.3% disease incidence) were more resistant to FON 1 compared to non-grafted ones (95.7% disease incidence). Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity increased in all analyzed plants, but was higher in grafted plants and rootstock than in non-grafted plants up to 120 h after inoculation (HAI). The activities of the antioxidants peroxidase (POD) and polypheno1 oxidase (PPO) significantly increased in all plants within 12 HAI, and activities in grafted plants and rootstock remained at higher levels up to 120 HAI, whereas the level in SM1 gradually decreased. Content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in grafted plants and rootstock gradually decreased after 12 HAI and reached the lowest level at 120 HAI, while in SM1 the MDA content increased since FON 1 inoculation and was much higher than the other two samples at 120 HAI. By 24 HAI and 48 HAI, higher levels of I²-1,3-glucanase and chitinase accumulated in the grafted plants and rootstock, respectively. The grafted watermelon provided an intermediated resistant response to FON 1 under the experimental conditions of this study. These findings suggested that the resistance of grafted watermelon is associated with the high levels of defense enzymes and PR proteases in grafted plants.
Different Morphological Traits Influence Predator Defense and Space Use in Physa acuta

Abstract: Individuals can respond to predation risk by building morphological defenses or by altering their behavior. We tested whether freshwater Physa acuta (Draparnaud, 1805) snails with better morphological defenses against predation risk displayed lower or higher behavioral responses to predator cues compared to more poorly defended snails. We examined how the morphological traits of snails influence their risk of predation by crayfish, inferred by crush resistance, and how those same traits also influence their patch use in the absence and presence of predator cues. Using model selection, we found that a large shell width increased crush resistance. We also found that other morphological traits interacted with predator cues to influence the use of high resource patches, however shell width had almost no influence. Aperture length and aperture width both strongly interacted with cue: larger aperture length and larger aperture width snails decreased their use of the high resource patch substantially. Additionally we used a composite model to test whether estimated crush resistance, predator cue, or their interaction best predicted space use, and found no support that our estimate for crush resistance affected space use. Generally we found strong support that morphology effects crush resistance and also that morphology influences snail space use. However, crush resistance and space use are influenced by very different morphological traits.