Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the herbicidal activity of Nep1, a fungal protein that induces the hypersensitive response in Centaurea maculosa

Abstract The fungal protein Nep1, produced by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. erythroxyli in liquid culture, caused extensive necrosis to Centaurea maculosa when water solutions of Nep1 (5 µg ml−1) and an organosilicone surfactant (1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxanyl propyl-methoxy-poly[ethylene oxide]) were applied as foliar sprays. Nep1 did not cause necrosis when applied with a nonionic surfactant or organosilicone surfactant plus unrefined corn oil. Plant age, protein concentration, organosilicone surfactant concentration, and the presence of a dew period influenced the amount of necrosis caused by Nep1. The addition of an 18-h dew period after treatment resulted in an increase of 10% or more in foliar necrosis at the 0.313 and 1.25 µg ml−1 (0.40 and 1.62 g ai ha−1) Nep1 concentrations. Increasing the spray volume from 129 ml m−2 (1,291.3 L ha−1) to 516 ml m−2 (5,165.2 L ha−1) more than doubled the amount of foliar necrosis caused by the 0.313 µg ml−1 (0.40 g ai ha−1 vs. 1.62 g ai ha−1) Nep1 concentration. A maximum necrosis rating of 95% was reached by 1.25 µg ml−1 Nep1 applied at 516 ml m−2 (6.46 g ai ha−1) followed by an 18-h dew period. Nep1 (6.46 g ai ha−1) remained active when coapplied to Centaurea maculosa with the herbicides 2,4-D or glyphosate (0.13 to 2.58 kg ai ha−1), causing foliar necrosis prior to the herbicides killing Centaurea maculosa. An increase in the organosilicone surfactant concentration from 1 to 2 ml ai L−1 was required to achieve levels of Nep1-induced necrosis on Centaurea maculosa acclimated to direct sun comparable to levels achieved on greenhouse-grown plants. Repeated application of Nep1 (6.48 g ai ha−1) 3 wk after an initial treatment (6.48 g ai ha−1) prevented the recovery of acclimated Centaurea maculosa. Greater damage was caused to acclimated Centaurea maculosa when Nep1 was applied near the middle of the day (80% necrosis at 10:00 a.m. and 85% necrosis at 2:00 p.m.) compared to early or late in the day (25% necrosis at 6:00 a.m. and 10% necrosis at 6:00 p.m.). Nomenclature: Glyphosate, monoisopropylamine salt of glyphosate; 2,4-D, sodium salt of 2,4-D; Centaurea maculosa Lam. CENMA, spotted knapweed; Fusarium oxysporum; Nep1.
Relations Among the Components of Avocado Seedlings (Persea americana Mill.)

Evaluating avocado seeds originating from the criollo (Mexican race) and cultivars Fuerte and Hass, the following conclusions were reached: (1) the mean seed size (all of its characteristics) increased from criollo to Hass; (2) the mean range of days to shoot emergence for criollo was 56.4-68.6, Fuerte 63.1-70.9, Hass 67.2-96 days; and this range correlated with the major residual dry matter content of the cotyledons; (3) the fresh residual weight of the cotyledons, estimated after the shoots reached 5, 15, and 45 cm, was higher than the seed size at the time of sowing; (4) the dry weight of the cotyledons diminshed with increase in shoot size; (5) the degree of hydration of the cotyledons (g H2Ogd.m.) increased with rise of shoot size in all three types of avocado seeds.
Phytotherapic Potentials of Xylopia aethiopica Dried Fruits （Grains of Selim） as Additive in Broiler Production

Xylopia aethiopica dried fruits (grains of selim) as an additive in starter broilers production was investigated. For this purpose, a total of 195-day old broiler chicks (Arbor acres) were randomly allocated into five treatments groups with 39 chicks and three replicates of 13 chicks in each. Blended grains of selim was given through drinking water on treatments T2, T3, T4 and T5 at concentrations of 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 g/L, while chicks on treatment T1 (control) received antibiotics (Doxy-gen 20/20 WSP: Doxycycline hyclate 200 mg and Gentamicine sulfate 200 mg) at 0.3 g/L of water. All the experimental chicks were fed ad libitum with diet containing 23% crude protein and 2,851.55 kcal/kg metabolizable energy for 28 d. The results revealed that there were similarities (P > 0.05) in final body weight, total weight gain, daily weight gain, total feed intake, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio among the treatments. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences in the microbial count of faeces before the birds received antibiotics and grains of selim, but count were similar (P > 0.05) after grains of selim and antibiotics were administered. Cost of total feed consumed, cost of per kg feed and cost of per kg weight were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in treatment T1, but cost differential and relative cost benefit were similar (P > 0.05). Results indicate that grains of selim have antimicrobial and anthelminthic properties, and promote growth in broiler chickens.
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF HONEYBEES (APIS MELLIFERA L.) AND BLOW FLIES (PHORMIA TERRONOVAE) IN ONION (ALLIUM CEPA L.) SEED SETTING

Effect of honeybee and blowfly pollination on onion (Allium cepa L.) seed production was studied at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad. Pakistan during 2005-06. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three treatments (caged plants with honeybee, caged plants with blow flies and caged plants without pollinators-control) and four replications each. Number of seed sets from 10 umbels, one from each replication were counted and weighed. The number of seed sets in caged plants with honeybees was maximum as compared to plants caged with blow flies and control. The same treatment also produced maximum seed weight as compared to other treatments. The results revealed that onion seed setting is dependent on insect pollination. The percentage of seed set for first treatment i.e. the plants caged with honeybees ranged from 62-93 with mean number of 80.7+0.93 (mean + SE), followed by caged plants with blow flies 51-91%, 72.16 + 1.31 (mean + SE)] and control [7-26%, 16.4 + 4.09 (mean + SE)]. The mean weight of seed produced from the plants caged with honeybees was higher (1.90 + 0.11 g) as compared to blow flies caged plants (1.55 + 0.89) and control (0.33 + 0.22). The weight analyses were significantly different in all treatments. It is concluded that honeybees visitation to the flowers is important for pollination but blow flies can be used as an alternate pollinator when honeybees are not available. However, blow flies are not feasible in commercial seed production due to high temperature during peak flowering season in seed production area whereas honeybees are feasible as they can thrive temperature over 40°C. Blow flies are equally good candidates for experimental purposes for pollination.
Kin selection and the evolution of leks: whose success do young males maximize?

A proper explanation for the evolution of lekking behaviour requires understanding the advantages that individual males obtain by aggregating. An uneven distribution of mating success gives rise to a conflict between males in the optimal level of aggregation, suggesting that low-rank males should prefer as large leks as possible. However, observations do not strongly support this outcome. We present a completely new hypothesis of kin selection affecting the formation of leks. Even a small probability of the top-rank male and his offspring displaying on the same lek suffices to enable indirect fitness components override the effect of direct mating success in young displaying males. Our model also produces cases with multiple optima, where young males are caught in a suboptimal, non-cooperative strategy. By using data on black grouse, Tetrao tetrix, and ruff, Philomachus pugnax, we show that criteria for kin selection altering the optima in observed leks are reasonable.
Radial F-actin configurations are involved in polarization during protoplast germination and thallus branching of Macrocystis pyrifera (Phaeophyceae, Laminariales)

Abstract The involvement of actin filaments (AFs) in polarization preceding the development of local outgrowths in protoplast-derived cells (PDCs), as well as in branch initials of Macrocystis pyrifera gametophytes was investigated after AF staining with Rhodamine–Phalloidin (Rh–Ph). A well-developed network of randomly distributed AF arrays was found to traverse the cortical cytoplasm of protoplasts and thallus cells. In some thallus cells, the cortical AFs were largely reorganized and radial AF configurations were formed in the prospective sites of branch emergence. Similar AF configurations were found in PDCs at the stage of formation of rhizoid-like protrusions (RLPs), as well as in young thalli regenerated from protoplasts. The pointed-radial AF formations seemed to change into circular radial structures, from the periphery of which AFs were radiating out. These AF structures were observed at the base of the outgrowths resulting in branch or RLP formation. At later stages the above AFs disappeared and the normal AF network was developed. In parallel, AF caps were found at the tip of the developing RLPs or young branches. The sites of convergence of the radial AFs might be considered as putative AF nucleating or organizing sites, or both. Treatment with Latrunculin B and Jasplakinolide resulted in the inhibition of new RLP formation in regenerating protoplasts, showing that dynamic actin is necessary for polarity establishment and the formation of RLP. The probable mechanism(s) by which the radial AF arrays are involved in polarization of the examined cells, defining the site of cell protrusion(s), are discussed.
Blastogenic response of peripheral blood lymphocytes to mitogens in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

Optimal conditions for mitogen‐induced transformation of cynomolgus monkey peripheral blood lymphocytes were determined. Maximal stimulation estimated by the incorporation of tritiated thymidine (3H‐TdR) occurred at the concentrations between 25 and 50 μg/ml with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A), and between 50 and 100 μg/ml with poke weed mitogen (PWM) in a culture volume of 120 μl containing 2 × 105 mononuclear cells supplemented with 10% fresh autologous serum. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), however, could induce no significant response. In most animals examined, a high response of blastogenesis was induced by Con A, moderate by PHA, and low by PWM. Optimal stimulation occurred after incubation for 78 hours followed by labeling with 1 μCi of 3H‐TdR per culture for 18 hours. Although the extent of blastogenic response was variable in individual animals, the general pattern of time‐course and dose‐response to mitogens was similar in all monkeys. With 40 monkeys tested, age nor sex did not markedly influence the extent of blastogenic response.
Abalone (Haliotis tuberculata) hemocyanin type 1 (HtH1)

We have identified two separate hemocyanin types (HtH1 and HtH2) in the European abalone Haliotis tuberculata. HtH1/HtH2 hybrid molecules were not found. By selective dissociation of HtH2 we isolated HtH1 which, as revealed by electron microscopy and SDS/PAGE, is present as didecamers of a ≈ 400 kDa subunit. Immunologically, HtH1 and HtH2 correspond to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)1 and KLH2, respectively, the two well-studied hemocyanin types of the closely related marine gastropod Megathura crenulata. On the basis of limited proteolytic cleavage, two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis, SDS/PAGE and N-terminal sequencing, we identified eight different 40–60 kDa functional units in HtH1, termed HtH1-a to HtH1-h, and determined their linear arrangement within the elongated subunit. From Haliotis mantle tissue, rich in hemocyanin-producing pore cells, we isolated mRNA and constructed a cDNA library. By expression screening with HtH-specific rabbit antibodies, a cDNA clone was isolated and sequenced which codes for the three C-terminal functional units f, g and h of HtH1. Their sequences were aligned to those available from other molluscs, notably to functional unit f and functional unit g from the cephalopod Octopus dofleini. HtH1-f, which is the first sequenced functional unit of type f from a gastropod hemocyanin, corresponds to functional unit f from Octopus. Also functional unit g from Haliotis and Octopus correspond to each other. HtH1-h is a gastropod hemocyanin functional unit type which is absent in cephalopods and has not been sequenced previously. It exhibits a unique tail extension of ≈ 95 amino acids, which is lacking in functional units a to g and aligns with a published peptide sequence of 48 amino acids from functional unit h of Helix pomatia hemocyanin. The new Haliotis sequences are discussed with respect to their counterparts in Octopus, the 15 A three-dimensional reconstruction of the KLH1 didecamer from electron micrographs, and the recent 2.3 A X-ray structure of functional unit g from Octopus hemocyanin.
Comparison of Odor and Taste of Commercial Brand Fish Sauces from East and South East Asian Countries

This study focused on the odor and taste components of 14 commercial brands of fish sauces from various Asian countries. Odor components were extracted by headspace monolithic material sorptive extraction techniques and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactometry. The taste compounds were identified from the concentration of sodium chloride, free amino acids, minerals, and 5´-nucleotides. The sensory evaluation was carried out by 11 trained tasters. Seventy-nine different types of volatile compounds were identified, described, and quantified by concentration and odor active value. Acid groups were the dominant volatile compounds. Trimethylamine, butanoic acid, and 2-methyl butanoic acid produced odors described as rotten fish, ammonia, rancid butter, cheesy, sweet, and rancid. The concentration of salt contents was estimated at 21.30% (w/v). Aspartic and glutamic acids gave high taste values and nutrients produced the umami taste. Analysis showed that the various flavors obtained from the fish sauces resulted from differences in ingredients and production techniques.
A revised classification of Santalales

We present here a revised classification of Santalales, an angiosperm order that contains 18 families, 160 genera, and over 2200 species. Both nonparasitic and parasitic flowering plants occur in the traditionally circumscribed family Olacaceae whereas all other families are composed entirely of parasites. The five evolutionary radiations of aerial parasitism produced mistletoes that constitute most of the generic and specific diversity seen in the order. This classification, although based primarily upon results from molecular phylogenetic investigations, brings together all currently available information that contributes to our understanding of relationships among these plants. Monophyletic groups (clades) obtained from molecular analyses were named using a Linnaean ranked system. Four new families are named that formerly resided in Santalaceae s.l. : Amphorogynaceae, Cervantesiaceae, Comandraceae, and Nanodeaceae. A new tribal and subtribal classification for Loran- thaceae is presented where nine new subtribe names are proposed.
Effects of period of decomposition of oilseed cakes in soil on Meloidogyne incognita juveniles

The toxicity of exudate from the soil amended with neem cake and Undi cake to Meloidogyne incognita increased upto 3 weeks of decomposition, where it was maximum, then decreased and by 6th week it was almost negligible. Undi cake was more toxic at 4th and 5th week than neem cake.
The Validity of Skeletochronology in Estimating Ages of Japanese Clouded Salamander, Hynobius nebulosus (Amphibia, Caudata)

Abstract: We assessed the accuracy of skeletochronology in estimating ages of Japanese clouded salamanders (Hynobius nebulosus) using the individuals whose ages (1–4 yr) are known by their cohort markings and the individuals that were consecutively captured at intervals of 4–7 yr. Skeletochronology correctly estimated the actual ages of 87.5% of individuals with known age. The errors in estimation ranged from -1 to +1 yr with an average of 0.03±0.11 (2SE) yr. In the consecutively captured samples, 77.3% of individuals were correctly estimated to age and the errors ranged from -1 to +1 yr with an average of -0.14±0.20 yr. Errors seem to be caused by either the timing of sampling bones or a rapprochement of the bone. However, our results demonstrate that skeletochronology is a valid tool for estimating individual age of H. nebulosus studied, with high accuracy and low degree of errors as a whole.
Interpreting genotype×environment interaction in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

An understanding of genotype by environment (G×E) interaction would be useful for establishing breeding objectives, identifying the best test conditions, and finding areas of optimal cultivar adaptation. Data from field assays including eight environments and eight elite lines were analysed to identify environmental and genotypic variables related with G×E interaction for yield in sesame multi-environment trials in Venezuela. Both predictable and unpredictable environmental variables were recorded. Yield components were recorded as genotypic variables. Yield and yield components were used to perform additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis. Significant differences (P<0·01) for G×E interaction were observed for all variables examined, except for the number of branches per plant. For yield, 0·28 of the total sum of squares corresponded to G×E interaction. Using environmental and genotypic data, correlation analysis was carried out between genotypic and environmental scores of the first interaction principal component axis (IPCA 1) for all variables examined. Significant correlations (P<0·05) were observed between IPCA 1 for yield and content of sand and silt in soil. No significant correlation was found between IPCA 1 score for yield and genotypic variables. These results indicate that edaphic properties at the trial locations play an important role in yield G×E interaction in Venezuelan sesame. These results should help select test sites for sesame in Venezuela to minimize G×E interaction and make selection of superior genotypes easier. Two strategies can be recommended: multi-environment trials at sites with average, not extreme, sand and silt content, or stratification of sites according to sand and silt content.
Impact of Calcitriol on Human Squamous and Transitional Bladder Carcinoma Cell Lines

Although the effect of vitamin D (calcitriol) on the risk of different malignant cells has been widely studied, few studies were examined its real effect on human bladder cancer cells. Our aim was to investigate the impact of calcitriol on human bladder squamous and transitional carcinoma cell lines. Bladder cancer cell lines (SCaBER and T24) and the normal transitional epithelial cells were treated with 40µM, 60µM and 80µM of calcitriol for 2 days. The viability of cells was determined by trypan blue stain. Apoptosis of normal and tumor cells were assessed by Giemsa, acridine orange and propidium iodide stains, whereas the total DNA fragments resulting from apoptotic DNA fragmentation was determined by DNA laddering assay. The results were reported as mean ± Standard deviation (SD). The P value of 0.05 indicates a non significant result. Growth inhibition of cancer cells were enhanced by calcitriol. At 40µM concentration, the cancer cell lines were inhibited by 18% after 24 hours and by 53% after 48 hours. With increasing the concentrations of calcitriol, the morphological changes, the growth inhibition and apoptosis of cancer cells were augmented reached to more than 98% after 24 hours with 80µM of calcitriol. The normal epithelial cells were tolerant to all concentrations. According to the DNA laddering assay, no ladder was detected in tumor cells in complete media, while with 80µM of calcitriol the DNA ladder in tumor cells were clearer and more than in normal epithelial cells. In conclusion, calcitriol induced not only growth inhibition but also apoptosis in the two different types of bladder cancer cell lines. Calcitriol showed promise as a chemopreventive agent for preventing and treating bladder cancer.
Baculovirus vector for gene delivery and vaccine development

The baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus has been widely used not only to acheive a high level of foreign gene expression in insect cells, but also for efficient gene transduction into mammalian cells. Recombinant and pseudotyped baculoviruses possessing chimeric or foreign ligands have been constructed to improve the efficiency of gene transduction and to confer specificity for gene delivery into mammalian cells, respectively. Baculoviral DNA CpG motifs induce proinflammatory cytokines through a Toll-like receptor (TLR9)/MyD88-dependent signaling pathway. Other baculovirus components produce type I interferons via a TLR-independent pathway. Baculovirus exhibits a strong adjuvant property and recombinant baculoviruses encoding microbial antigens elicit antibodies to the antigens and provide protective immunity in mice. This review deals with recent progress in the application of baculovirus vectors to gene delivery and vaccine development, and discusses the future prospects of .
Critical times of the year for Myotis myotis, a temperate zone bat: roles of climate and food resources

ABSTRACT In highly seasonal temperate zones climate may cause fluctuations in the accessibility of prey for insectivorous bats. The main objective of this project was to evaluate if these fluctuations can result in resource bottlenecks that affect the body condition of a temperate zone bat — Myotis myotis. Seasonal changes in body condition followed different patterns in Portugal and Germany, which have different climates. In Germany bats use thermally better hibernacula, which allow them to minimize energy expenditure, but because of the longer winters they emerge from hibernation in poorer condition. Except during the hibernation period, food was always abundant in Germany, but the condition of the animals was poor when bad weather constrained foraging, particularly in early spring. In Portugal food was limiting during the long dry summer, and this affected the condition of the animals for several months. The conclusion that food resources can act as a limiting factor is relevant for conservation because, like other bat species, M. myotis forages mostly in agricultural and forestry habitats, and can be affected by practices that accentuate resource bottlenecks. Where necessary, the management of agroecosystems near colonies of M. myotis and of other threatened bats should aim at minimizing seasonal food bottlenecks.