Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perennial pastures for recharge control in temperate drought-prone environments. Part 2: soil drying capacity of key species

Abstract Perennial-based pasture swards potentially offer land managers the capacity for recharge control in temperate cropping zone environments to satisfy the dual role of fostering increased agricultural productivity and reduced deep drainage. This study used a neutron moisture meter to monitor levels of stored soil water to 1.70 m under pastures sown to lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.), chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), perennial veldt grass (Ehrhata calcycina Sm.), grazing brome (Bromus stamineus E. Desv.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea syn. Lolium arundinaceum Schreb. syn. Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub. ) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) in two contrasting environments in the cropping zone of southern New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Performance of two cultivars with contrasting levels of summer activity of each of the latter two species was also assessed. Differences in soil water between the various treatments were small but significant throughout the 5-year study due to successive below average rainfall years. However, the study demonstrated that lucerne remains the perennial pasture species with the greatest capacity to dry the soil profile for recharge control. Lucerne was the most persistent species under drought of all species evaluated, creating the largest total dry soil deficit at both sites (214 and 138 mm at Cootamundra and Wagga Wagga, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation (P<0.05) between persistence (measured as basal frequency from year 3 onwards) and percentage decrease in soil water content at both sites (R 2=0.63 and 0.68, respectively). Kasbah cocksfoot, Fraydo tall fescue, phalaris, chicory and perennial veldt grass all persisted moderately well and created dry soil buffers that were not significantly lower than lucerne at both sites (mean 200 and 133 mm, respectively). In contrast to previous findings, summer-active cultivars of cocksfoot and tall fescue did not show any advantage in drying soils in low-rainfall environments compared with more summer-dormant cultivars. The summer-dormant cultivars of each species were shown to be more persistent, enabling them to dry the soil profile incrementally over a longer period of time. This study has demonstrated the importance of increased plant persistence on reducing the water content of the soil profile in drought-prone environments.
Histological Rearrangement in the Facial Nerve and Central Nuclei Following Immediate and Delayed Hypoglossal-Facial Nerve Anastomosis

The timing of hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis is controversial. The present study was performed to clarify the influence of the timing of hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis on histological changes in the facial nerve and central nuclei using guinea pigs. The facial nerve was transected first at the labyrinthine portion, and then transected again at the stylomastoid foramen. Hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis was carried out immediately or 3 months later. Nerve regeneration and survival of the neurons in the facial and hypoglossal nuclei were evaluated by toluidine blue staining and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Immediate anastomosis resulted in better nerve regeneration of the facial nerve, but the numbers of surviving neurons in the facial and hypoglossal nuclei were almost the same in both the immediate and delayed anastomosis groups.
Extraction and classification of lipids from seeds of persea Americana miller and chrysophyllum albidum g. Don.

Seed lipids of Persea americana and Chrysophyllum albidum were studied. Lipids were extracted with chloroform-methanol, analysed with silicic column chromatography and thin layer chromatography. The total lipid content of Persea americana was 10.8% while that of Chrysophyllum albidum was 7.7%. Fractionation of the total lipid fraction of Persea americana using silicic acid column chromatography showed the occurrence of neutral lipids 6.5%, glycolipids 2.1% and phospholipids 2.2% while those of Chrysophyllum albidum were 4.2%, 1.7% and 1.8% for neutral lipids, gycolipids and phospholipids, respectively. Thin layer chromatography separation showed three classes of lipids in Persea americana and Chrysophyllum albidum which were oleic acid, palmitic acid and cholesterol. The colour of these lipids was yellow and solid at room temperature. These studies suggest that oil extracted from seeds of Persea americana and Chrysophyllum albidum could be used for the manufacture of industrial products.
Effects of diazinon on large outdoor pond microcosms

An aquatic microcosm study (simulated aquatic field study) was conducted with the technical grade of the organophosphorus insecticide diazinon. Eighteen fiberglass tanks, each 3.2 m in diameter and 1.5 m in depth, were established with sediment and water (11.2 m 3 ) from natural ponds and stocked with 40 juvenile bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrachirus). Diazinon was applied in aqueous solution three times at 7-d intervals. Eight loading rates were used, with two microcosms at each level plus two controls. The amounts of diazinon added during each application corresponded to theoretical concentrations from 2.0 μg/L to 500 μg/L. The most sensitive ecological components of the microcosms were Cladocera (zooplankton), and Pentaneurini and Ceratopogonidae (insects), which were reduced at all treatment levels. Effects on many zooplankton and macroinvertebrate taxa occurred at diazinon concentrations (time-weighted averages) of 9.2 μg/L and higher. Total fish biomass was reduced at 22 μg/L and higher, and fish survival was reduced at 54 μg/L and higher. Odonates, some dipterans, and plants were not adversely affected by diazinon at 443 μg/L, the highest concentration tested. Microcosm results were consistent with laboratory toxicity data for some taxa (e.g., cladocerans, Ephemeroptera, and bluegill sunfish), but differed substantially for others (e.g., rotifers, Chironomini, and odonates). The no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) in the microcosms (70-d time-weighted average) was near the 10th percentile of single-species LC50 values.
A Study analysing inconsistent responses from people with multiple sclerosis in a recent national audit

Abstract Purpose. An audit of NHS services for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) revealed inconsistency in individuals’ responses to different types of questions. The main aim of this subsequent study was to analyse systematically the qualitative data gathered as part of the audit and use the findings to investigate the disparity between the global expressions of satisfaction and the negative, and at times heart wrenching, free text comments made. Method. This study analysed questionnaires completed by 557 PwMS, 336 of which had made free text comments. This qualitative data was analysed using content analysis by grouping content into positive and negative comments and then into more detailed categories and sub-categories. Inter-coder and intra-coder reliabilities were confirmed and the data manipulated to address the aim of the study. Results. The study found that PwMS who gave conflicting reports of satisfaction with services were more likely to give negative comments regarding the provision of service rather than the quality of service. Conclusion. This study has revealed that simple, single questions on satisfaction with services do not offer a valid measure of patient experience. It has shown that there is a place for qualitative research in the area of patient satisfaction.
Effects of laboratory rearing conditions on the predatory mite Neoseiulus womersleyi (Schicha) (Acari: Phytoseiidae): I. genetic diversity

Abstract Neoseiulus womersleyi (Schicha) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is one of the most important predators of spider mites of the genus Tetranychus in Japan. We investigated the effects of laboratory rearing on the genetic diversity of N. womersleyi. Five geographical populations were reared under two conditions (in an artificial arena and a detached-leaf culture) that represent the most popular rearing methods for predatory mites. In the artificial arena, 40 to 60 adult females per arena were maintained per generation, whereas 10 females were maintained in each detached-leaf culture. Genetic analysis was conducted using microsatellite markers. After rearing of N. womersleyi in the artificial arena for 12 months (about 25 generations), neither allelic richness (Rs) nor gene diversity (Hs) changed. In contrast, after rearing for this period in the detached-leaf culture, both Rs and Hs decreased significantly. The genetic differentiation parameter (Fst) showed that populations reared in the artificial arena did not differ from the original populations, whereas those reared in the detached-leaf culture differed significantly from the original population. These results suggest that the artificial arena conserved the original genetic diversity, whereas the detached-leaf culture significantly decreased genetic diversity.
Detecting footprints of selection in Ovis aries by a spatial analysis approach

Abstract Detecting adaptive loci in the genome is essential as it gives the possibility to understand what proportion of a genome or which genes are under the pressure of natural selection. In this paper, we used a Spatial Analysis Method (SAM) recently developed to detect signatures of natural selection in sheep breeds. With the contribution of Geographical Information Systems, environmental variables, and AFLP data, multiple univariate logistic regressions are run to test for association between allelic frequencies at marker loci and environmental variables. The results of the application of this method to sheep breeds are compared with those obtained with a standard population genetics approach.
Choice of pollen parent affects red flesh colour in seedlings of diploid Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit)

Flowers of diploid Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit) were hand-pollinated with pollen from either hexaploid A. deliciosa or diploid A. chinensis males and the subsequent fruit were evaluated. Following pollination with A. deliciosa pollen, fruit set, fresh weight, dry matter content, and seed weight and number were reduced. However, the most striking effect was on fruit flesh colour: the proportion of seedlings expressing red pigmentation, the intensity of pigmentation and the anthocyanin concentration were greatly reduced. The effects on maternal fruit tissues were probably indirect consequences of a reduction in the number of fertilized ovules due to partial pollen incompatibility. Effects on seed development could be explained largely by the ploidy difference between the seed and pollen parents. Growers should be cautious about using A. deliciosa pollen to pollinate diploid A. chinensis females, especially red-fleshed cultivars.
Colchicine Encapsulation within Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Coated Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(?-Caprolactone) Microspheres-Controlled Release Studies

Smooth muscle cell proliferation plays a major role in the genesis of restenosis after angioplasty or vascular injury. Local delivery of agents capable of modulating vascular responses have the potential to prevent restenosis. However, the development of injectable microspheres for maintaining high tissue levels of drugs at the site of vascular injury is a major challenge. We demonstrated the possibility of entrapping an antiproliferative agent, colchicine, in polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated biodegradable microspheres composed of poly(lactic acid)/poly("-caprolactone) blends, with a mean diameter of 3–6 1m. A solution of colchicine and blends of polylactic acid (PLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL)dissolved in acetonedichloromethane mixture was poured into an aqueous solution of PEG (or polyvinyl alcohol) with stirring by a high-speed homogenizer to form microspheres. Colchicine recovery in microspheres ranged from 30–50% depending on the emulsi cation system and the ratio of polymer blends used for the preparations. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the PLA/PCL microspheres were spherical in shape and had a smooth surface texture. Results of in vitro release studies showed that it is possible to control the colchicine release by choosing the appropriate particle size, loading, and PLA/PCL composition. Water permeability through the PLA membrane was greater, when compared with PCL blends. The amount of drug release also was much higher (58.3%) in PLA compared with PCL (39.3%) microspheres, for 30 days. Therefore, we concluded that the drug release from the microspheres followed a diffusion mechanism where bulk erosion and surface deposition
Clinical "Pneumococcal Pneumonia" Due to Moraxella osloensis: Case Report and a Review

A previously healthy 6-y-old girl presented with a disease very similar to pneumococcal pneumonia. However, Moraxella osloensis was isolated by lung tap. The patient responded well to a course of parenteral penicillin. This is probably the first documented case of community-acquired pneumonia associated with this agent. Clinical isolates of M. osloensis are rare and its pathogenesis has not been delineated; however, a literature review suggests that the organism is more common than is generally recognized.
Identification of QTLs Conferring Genetic Variation for Heading Date among Rice Varieties at the Northern-limit of Rice Cultivation

Appropriate variation of heading date within the optimum range in a particular region is an important objective in rice breeding programs. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) conferring genetic variation for heading date were identified among the rice varieties in the northern-limits of rice cultivation, Hokkaido (Japan), Portugal, Hungary and Italy. Based on segregation analyses of heading date, these varieties were categorized into two groups: one included the Hokkaido varieties and the other included the European varieties. Two QTLs controlling heading date were detected on chromosomes 6 and 7 using backcross inbred lines (BILs) derived from a cross between Hayamasari (Hokkaido) and Italica Livorno (Italy). The most effective QTL, qDTH-7 on chromosome 7, accounted for 64.5% of total phenotypic variation. Also, clear relationships between days to heading and the marker genotypes that were located in the region of qDTH-7 were observed in the two BIL populations from the crosses of Hoshinoyume (Hokkaido) with Arroz Da Terra (Portugal) or Dunghung Shali (Hungary). Estimation of the photoperiod sensitivity for these varieties indicated that qDTH-7 is involved in photoperiod sensitivity. These results indicate that qDTH-7 was responsible for distinguishing the varieties in the northern-limits of rice cultivation into the two groups.
Forage Legume Seeds Submitted to in Vitro and in Situ Fermentation Techniques

The present study was carried out to evaluate the survival rate of four tropical legume seeds submitted to different periods of ruminal incubation simulated by in vitro and in situ fermentation. The species studied were butterfly pea, stylosanthes, archer and perennial soybean. Four Holstein dairy cows fistulated in rumen were used in the in situ stage. A completely randomized design was used, in a 4 × 6 factorial arrangement (four species, six treatment periods) in the in vitro stage, with four repetitions. A completely randomized block design, arranged in a 4 × 6 factorial scheme (four species × six incubation periods), was used in the in situ stage, with four repetitions. The seeds (50 units of only one species at each repetition) were placed in erlenmeyer flask (250 mL) and were put in a 10 × 15 cm nylon bag in the in vitro stage. The times of incubation were: 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 and 144 hours and the time zero was estimated in the laboratory. The results demonstrate that, when submitted to ruminal incubation, due to their hard and impermeable teguments, legume seeds presented high resistance potential, and, thus, greater chances of germinating after passage through the gastrointestinal tract of bovines, when defecated in pastures. However, stylosanthes are not recommended for insertion in bovine feeding for this purpose, because they do not resist ruminal digestion.
TMSOTf-Catalyzed Silylation: Streamlined Regioselective One-Pot Protection and Acetylation of Carbohydrates

A highly efficient TMSOTf-catalyzed HMDS silylation of sugars, which can easily be integrated with subsequent reactions in one-pot fashion, has been developed. Its usefulness was demonstrated by applications to streamlined regioselective one-pot protection and nonenzymatic acetylation of un
The biology of Barbus mattozi Guimaraes (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) in a Zimbabwean reservoir. 3. Numbers, biomass and mortality

The population of B. mattozi in the Mtsheleli Dam, Zimbabwe, was estimated to be about 55 000 fish in July 1974 but fell to about 370 by June 1975. The total biomass followed a similar trend, reaching 2 000kg (43kg ha–1) in July and falling to 130kg (2.8kg ha–1) after one year. The mortality rate was very high (Z = 5.00) and considerably higher than in a number of other fishes, many of them considerably smaller than B. mattozi. The reasons for this decline are discussed and they include the effects of humans who removed about 17.5% of the total population, cannibalism, otters and birds. A remarkable feature of the population was the lack of small fish (<12cm FL), which was attributed to a failure of spawning during a serious drought in 1972–1973. The numbers of small fish began to increase from June 1975 and these were most likely the cohort spawned during the good rains of 1973–1974. Fluvial fishes in semi-arid parts of southern Africa are likely to experience wide variations in numbers determined by the success or failure of spawning in wet or dry years.
DNA Metabolism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Implications for Drug Resistance and Strain Variability

In this paper, we review the evidence supporting the notion that the genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis sustains considerable damage as a result of exposure to nitrosative and oxidative stress. On these grounds, we propose a model in which stress-induced DNA damage in M. tuberculosis plays a role in the evolution of chromosomally encoded drug resistance mutations by altering the global mutation rate by mechanisms akin to SOS mutagenesis. Finally we review some of the factors determining the evolution of PE/PPE and MIRU (There are many abbreviations in this paper which are not defined, e.g. SOS, PE/PPE and MIRU. Please indicate whether these are well known and will be understood by readers or whether they should be defined at first mention) loci whose sequence characteristics are suggestive of their classification as heritable local mutators.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM of Mimosa scabrella IN CONSECUTIVE REPRODUCTIVE EVENTS IN THE MOUNTAINOUS REGION OF SANTA CATARINA STATE

The reproductive system determines evolutionary inheritance of populations by establishing patterns of gametes union to originate the next generation. The objective of this study was to investigate the mating system of Mimosa scabrella Benth. (bracatinga), a Brazilian tree species with socioeconomic and ecological importance, in a population of the mountainous region of Santa Catarina state, in two consecutive reproductive events. The analyzes in the 2015 and 2016 reproductive events were lead with isoenzymatic markers and the mating system characterization was performed based on mixed crosses and correlated crosses models, and the means of each parameter were statistically compared. Among the results, the multilocus outcrossing rates (tm(2015): 0.925 and tm(2016): 0.845) showed high magnitude and differed from the unit; the self-fertilization rates were significantly different from zero (s (2015): (0.075 and(2016): 0.155) indicating that the species does not show self-incompatibility. In addition, the positive outcrossing rates among relatives (tm-ts(2015): 0.142 and tm-ts(2016): 0.170) suggest inbreeding crosses in the population. The highest proportions in offspring were half-sibs (2015: 0.736 and 2016: 0.579), suggesting predominance of randomness at crossings. From this it is concluded that M. scabrella has a mixed mating system, with predominance of crossing at population level.
EFFECTS OF VARYING LEVELS OF GMELINA ARBOREA BARK SUPPLEMENTED WITH AFZELIA AFRICANA LEAVES ON CARCASS CHARCTERISTIC OF GOATS

The study was conducted to determine the effects of varying levels of Gmelina arborea bark supplementation with Afzelia Africana leaves on carcass characteristic of goats. Twenty five (25) bucks with body weight of 18.25-19.00 kg, were used for the study. The bucks were weighed and divided into five (5) groups. Each group of five (5) bucks were randomly assigned to one of the 5 treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). Fresh Afzelia Africana leaves was fed as basal diet. The basal diet was fed ad libitum, while Gmelina bark was fed as supplement at the levels of 0, 100, 150,200 and 250 g/head/day for T1 (control), T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Clean drinking water and mineral salt lick were provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Data were collected on carcass characteristic, offals and organs weight. Significantly (P<0.05) different were observed among treatments groups on carcass measurement. The result of the offals and organ weights also differ significantly (P<0.05) between treatments except head, skin and omasum which did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the treatments. Treatment 3, 4 and 5 recorded the highest fasting weight, slaughter weight, dresses weight, weight of neck and hind limb while T1, T2 T3 recorded the highest dressing percentage. T4 and T5 recorded the highest loin and fore limb weight while T1 and T2 recorded the lowest. Treatments T4 and T5 recorded the highest abdominal fat while T3, T4 and T5 recorded the highest weight of liver, heart and spleen. Treatment (3) recorded the lowest weight of abomasum.
Measuring technical efficiency of bottle gourd and brinjal farming in Dhaka district of Bangladesh: Stochastic frontier approach

Shortage and inefficient use of resource in agricultural activities in Bangladesh are emphasizing to measure efficiency for increasing productivity with the highest efficiency and ensure the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. The motive of the study is to estimate technical efficiency by using stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) of brinjal and bottle gourd cultivation in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Tobit regression was applied to determine the elements affecting the efficiency and Cobb-Douglas production model was applied to pick out elements affecting the gross return of bottle gourd and brinjal. 100 (50 Brinjal +50 Bottle gourd) farmers were selected randomly as well as interviewed for collecting information through one set of questionnaires. The result revealed that bottle gourd and brinjal farmers were not perfectly efficient in Bangladesh. The mean efficiency of bottle gourd and brinjal observed 0.79 and 0.81, respectively. According to mean efficiency, farmers can be efficient in bottle gourd and brinjal farming through increasing 21 % and 19 % output, respectively with on-hand resources and technologies. Tobit model suggests that the education level of farmer, training program, choosing high yielding variety and the size of the farm have an effect on farmers’ efficiency positively and significantly. In addition, we observed that human labor cost, seed cost, irrigation cost, fertilizers cost, and pesticides and insecticides cost have a significant positive impact on bottle gourd and brinjal production. Key word: Technical efficiency, brinjal, bottle gourd, agriculture, farmer. Journal Appl Journal of Applied Horticulture ISSN: 0972-1045