Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Commercial Berry Crop Producers' Production and Marketing Strategies in Virginia

Producers in Virginia’s agriculture sector are searching for alternatives that offer higher returns per acre than traditional commodity production. One possible alternative is the production of berries such as blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), blackberry (Rubus spp.), raspberry (Rubus spp.), and strawberry (Fragaria spp.) that offer a potentially high-value market and can be produced on smaller-scale farms that are characteristic of the state. A mail survey was used to collect data that were analyzed with cluster analysis with respect to farm characteristics, production techniques, marketing strategies, and producers’ socioeconomic characteristics. Three types of producers were identified: producers in Cluster 1 are large-scale producers who market the majority of their products through wholesale and retail outlets such as supermarkets, wholesalers, and auctions; producers in Cluster 2 are small-scale, less experienced growers who mostly sell their output directly to consumers, often through farmers’ markets; and producers in Cluster 3 are medium-sized, more experienced producers who are also heavily reliant on direct outlets, particularly pick-your-own operations, to sell their products. These characterizations carry implications for extension programming. For example, producers in Cluster 1 have the potential to increase their sales to market outlets, such as supermarkets, that seek larger volumes of production and that have relatively demanding entry requirements; they thus need programming to identify and respond to these needs. Producers in Cluster 2 are relatively new to production and marketing and would benefit from basic programming relating to farmbusiness planning, production methods, and marketing strategies. Finally, producers in Cluster 3 are distinguished by their diversity and experience in commercial production of berries and would benefit from programming that builds on their considerable experience in and outside of berry production to introduce innovative methods in production and marketing.
Up‐regulation of nuclear PLCβ1 in myogenic differentiation

Phospholipase C β1 (PLCβ1) signaling in both cell proliferation and differentiation has been largely investigated, but its role in myoblast differentiation is still unclear. The C2C12 myogenic cell line has been used in this study in order to find out the role of the two subtypes of PLCβ1, i.e., a and b in this process. C2C12 myoblast proliferate in response to mitogens and upon mitogen withdrawal differentiates into multinucleated myotubes. We found that differentiation of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells is characterized by a marked increase in the amount of nuclear PLCβ1a and PLCβ1b. Indeed, treatment with insulin induces a dramatic rise of both PLCβ1 subtypes expression and activity, as determined by immunochemical and enzymatic assays. Immunofluorescence experiments with anti‐PLCβ1 specific monoclonal antibody showed a low level of cytoplasmatic and nuclear staining during the initial 12 h of differentiation whilst a massive nuclear staining is appreciable in differentiating cells. The time course of PLCβ1 expression versus Troponin T expression clearly indicates that the increase in the amount of PLCβ1 takes place 24 h earlier than that of Troponin T. Moreover, the overexpression of the PLCβ1M2b mutant, lacking the nuclear localization signal and entirely located in the cytoplasm, represses the formation of mature multinucleated myotube. Taken together these results suggest that nuclear PLCβ1 is a key player in myoblast differentiation, functioning as a positive regulator of this process. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The pros and cons of cages

The main advantages of battery cages for laying hens over alternative husbandry systems are (1) increased hygiene resulting in a much lower incidence of diseases in which the infectious agent is spread through the droppings, (2) small group size resulting in a low incidence of social friction, (3) ease of management, (4) absence of litter problems, (5) better working conditions, and (6) a much lower cost of production. The disadvantages are (1) lack of physical and psychological space for the hens, (2) lack of exercise resulting in a higher incidence of metabolic disorders, (3) lack of nesting opportunities resulting in severe frustration for many birds each time an egg is laid, (4) lack of dust bathing opportunities which, although not a severe disadvantage, should still be charged to cages, (5) lack of other behavioural opportunities which again seem not to be a severe disadvantage and which await further elucidation, and (6) a higher incidence of foot lesions.
Development of Hyperparasitoid Wasp Lysibia nana (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in a Multitrophic Framework

Abstract Lysibia nana Gravenhorst (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is a solitary hyperparasitoid that attacks newly cocooned prepupae and pupae of braconid wasps in the subfamily Microgastrinae. One of its preferred hosts is Cotesia glomerata L. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a gregarious endoparasitoid of white butterfly caterpillars that feed exclusively on plants producing partly inducible glycoside toxins known as glucosinolates. Here, adult body size, egg-to-adult developmental time, and developmental mortality were compared in L. nana reared from prepupae of C. glomerata (the “primary host”) emerging from larvae of Pieris rapae (L.) and Pieris brassicae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) that were in turn maintained on two related crucifers, Brassica oleracea L. and Brassica nigra L. (Brassicaceae). Moreover, offspring sex ratio of L. nana reared in the laboratory was compared with that of field populations of C. glomerata reared on P. brassicae. Hyperparasitoids attained larger mass when “originating” from P. brassicae than P. rapae, a pattern that closely reflected host quality for C. glomerata. However, for a given host cocoon mass at parasitism, hyperparasitoid mass was greater on P. brassicae reared from B. oleracea than from B. nigra. Developmental time was more uniform across the different species combinations. Sex ratios in L. nana were higher than in C. glomerata, irrespective of the secondary (herbivore) host. Our results suggest that plant and herbivore quality are important factors affecting the development of L. nana as mediated through the primary parasitoid host. Consequently, both qualitative and quantitative constraints characterize interactions among L. nana and lower trophic levels.
EVOLUTIONARY STRATEGIES IN A TROPICAL BARRIER REEF SYSTEM: FUNCTIONAL‐FORM GROUPS OF MARINE MACROALGAE 1

Predictions of an evolutionary model were examined for 43 tropical macroalgae using a functional‐form group approach. The ranking from high to low primary producers (Sheet‐ and Filamentous‐Groups > Coarsely Branched‐ and Thick Leathery‐Groups > Jointed Calcareous‐ and Crustose‐Groups), and data from the literature, support the hypothesis that persistent forms which allocate resources for environmental resistance, interference competition or antiherbivory defenses do so at the cost of lower primary production rates. The results for percent thallus lost to fish grazing over a 24 h period support the hypothesis that members of the Thick Leathery‐, Jointed Calcareous‐ and Crustose‐Groups have evolved antipredator defenses, with a tendency for decreasing herbivore resistance toward the Sheet‐ and Filamentous‐Groups. The most heavily‐calcified species (e.g. crustose corallines) ranked among the most grazer resistant as did the thick rubbery or leathery species. The ranking of functional‐form group means for resistance to predation was as follows: Filamentous‐Group (62% lost‐24 h−1), Sheet‐Group (42%), Coarsely Branched‐Group (33%), Jointed Calcareous‐Group (10%), Thick Leathery‐Group (7%) and Crustose‐Group (0%), in accordance with the hypothesis. The algal groups generally showed an increase in mean penetration toughness from filaments (<200 g‐cm−2 to shear thallus) to sheets (216 g·cm2), coarsely branched forms (328 g·cm−2) and thick leathery species (1800 g·cm−2) in agreement with the predictions of the model. Contrary to earlier findings, there was no consistent gradation between the first four groups (i.e. fleshy algae) based on calorific values. However, in partial support of the functional‐form model, a seven‐fold difference was noted when the mean for these groups (1.7 kcal·g−1) was compared with that of the Jointed Calcareous‐ and Crustose‐Groups (0.2 kcal·g−1. The functional‐form group approach appears to have powerful capabilities in that it can indicate important morphological‐metabolic‐ecological interactions in a given community, where the macroalgae are known, without the need to examine each population in detail and without being constrained to a specific habitat or geographical region.
Vegetative development, nodulation and crude protein content of cowpea as affected by interference from maize

SUMMARY A study of the development of cowpea and maize was made in mixed and pure stands. The plants were sampled at various stages of growth. Generally, the vegetative growth of maize increased whilst that of cowpea decreased in mixed stands. Nodulation of cowpea in the mixed stand also decreased. The total stand yield of the mixture of cowpea and maize was higher than the mean of their monoculture yield especially, at the final harvest. Percent crude protein was higher in the leaves of cowpea than maize. Crude protein was decreased in cowpea by interference from maize especially, at the later stages of growth. There was some evidence ofN transfer from cowpea to maize especially, at H, and H.
Antibiotic resistance of Aeromonas salmonicida isolated from Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in Scotland

Antibiotic sensitivity patterns of 304 isolates of Aeromonas salmonicida from 229 outbreaks of furunculosis among salmon in Scotland between 1988 and 1990 were investigated. Fifty-five per cent were resistant to oxytetracycline and 37% resistant to oxolinic acid. Multiple resistance was common (52%) and 18 out of 19 antibiograms which were found in the first year recurred in the succeeding year. More than a quarter of the outbreaks were associated with two or more A. salmonicida variants distinguishable by their antibiotic sensitivity patterns. The implications of these findings in the control of furunculosis are considered.
Differential rates of seed abortion among trees of Dalbergia sissoo: role of post-dispersal sibling competition

It has been suggested that production of a high frequency of few-seeded pods in most trees of Dalbergia sissoo is due to the enhanced dispersal efficiency and reduced sibling competition among the seeds of such pods. However, a few trees exhibit a relatively low seed abortion and hence, a relatively lower frequency of one- and two-seeded pods. Such reduced seed abortion in one such tree (T-9) is shown to be due the lack of establishment of a strong dominance by the early fertilized over the late fertilized ovules. Unlike in the pods of the normal trees, the early fertilized ovules in this tree do not inhibit the metabolic activity of the late fertilized ovules. We show that such reduced abortion in such trees is favoured due to reduced gains to the survivor in the few-seeded pods. While the dispersal advantage of the single-seeded over many-seeded pods in this tree remains the same as in others, the post-dispersal negative interactions among the seeds of a pod are significantly lesser in it than that in the pods of normal trees. We discuss these results in the context of sibling rivalry among, and inclusive fitness of, the seeds developing within the pods of D. sissoo.
Genetic and phenotypic parameters for individual cow somatic cell counts in Zimbabwean Holstein-Friesian cattle

Dedicated to Professor Dr. Erhard Kallweit on the occasion ofhis 65,h birthday Summary Genetic and phenotypic parameters for lactation average individual cow SCC in Holstein cattle were estimated. Records from the Zimbabwe Dairy Services Association included a total of 7912 lactation records, from which were 1453 first lactation, 2211 second lactation and 4248 third and later lactation records for the period 1994 to 1998. SCC were transformed through a base 2 logarithm. Genetic parameters were estimated with the AIREML Programme. A univariate mixed animal model was used to estimate heritabilities and repeatabilities. The heritability estimates for log2SCC were 0.10, 0.12 and 0.14 for the respective first, second, third and subsequent lactations. Estimate of repeatability for logjSCC was 0.17. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated with a multivariate mixed animal model. Genetic correlation estimates between log2SCC and the production traits were low to medium and negative (-0.05 to -0.55) whilst the phenotypic correlation estimates were low and negative (-0.04 to -0.22). As individual cow SCC data collection continues in Zimbabwe, there are opportunities for genetic re-evaluation of this trait with a larger data set. This could possibly include udder type traits, most of which have been reported to be associated with SCC.
The Expression of δ- and κ-Opioid Receptor Is Enhanced during Intestinal Inflammation in Mice

In the gut, μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors are present in the submucous and myenteric plexi and in enterocytes. Using pharmacological methods, our group has shown that intestinal inflammation enhances the antitransit and antisecretory effects of systemic opioids. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the enhanced antisecretory effects of δ and κ-agonists were associated with an increased transcription and/or expression of these receptors at central (brain and spinal cord) and/or peripheral sites (gut); we also evaluated the expression of δ- and κ-opioid receptors in dissected sections of the gut containing the myenteric (MP/LM) or submucous (SP/M) plexi. The mRNA and protein levels of both opioid receptors were determined using a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunoprecipitation/Western blot, respectively. Intestinal inflammation significantly augmented the transcription of δ-opioid receptors in the spinal cord (34%) and in the whole gut (102%). Also increased mRNA and protein levels of δ-opioid receptors in the MP/LM and SP/M preparations. The κ-opioid receptors gene transcription was not altered by inflammation, whereas κ-opioid receptors protein levels were significantly enhanced in the SP/M preparation. No changes in gene transcription or protein levels for δ- and κ-opioid receptors could be demonstrated in the brain. These results suggest that local transcriptional and post-transcriptional changes of the δ- and κ-opioid receptors genes could be responsible for the enhanced antisecretory effects of δ- and κ-opioid agonists during intestinal inflammation.
The biosynthesis of two naturally-occurring auxins in Pisum sativum L

Auxins are a group of phytohormones, including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid (4-Cl-IAA), that are involved in many aspects of plant growth, including phototropism, gravitropism, shoot elongation, root initiation and flowering. The structure of the primary auxin—IAA—was determined over 70 years ago, but the biosynthesis of this molecule, and the other naturally-occurring auxins, has remained unclear. Five pathways have been proposed for IAA biosynthesis, one tryptophan (Trp)-independent pathway and four Trp-dependent pathways. Each of the Trp-dependent pathways is named after its primary intermediate, giving rise to the indole-3-acetaldoxime, tryptamine, indole-3-acetamide and indole-3-pyruvic acid pathways. At the outset of this research, the evidence for each of these pathways was incomplete, even in the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. This thesis reports the determination of the primary auxin biosynthesis route in the seeds of Pisum sativum (pea). The indole-3-acetaldoxime pathway was not investigated, as it has been shown previously that pea lacks the necessary enzymes for this pathway and is devoid of endogenous indole-3-acetaldoxime. First, the tryptamine pathway was examined. The mass spectral characterisation of authentic N-hydroxytryptamine (synthesised in our laboratory), a reported intermediate in the tryptamine pathway and the alleged in vitro product of the YUCCA enzymes, cast serious doubts over the role of this compound in auxin biosynthesis. It was also shown, through injection of labelled `[D_4]Trp` and \([D_5]tryptamine\), that tryptamine is not converted to IAA in pea seeds, indicating that this pathway does not function in these organs. This left three possible pathways to auxin. Through in vivo feeding experiments, the Trp-independent and the indole-3-acetamide pathways were eliminated as possibilities in pea seeds. The remaining pathway, the indole-3-pyruvic acid pathway, was investigated using a number of lines of enquiry. First, the functional activity of two Trp aminotransferase genes from pea (PsTAR1 and PsTAR2) was investigated using purified recombinant PsTAR1 and PsTAR2. This showed that these proteins convert Trp to indole-3-pyruvic acid and 4-chlorotryptophan to 4-chloroindole-3-pyruvic acid. A standard of the latter compound was synthesised in our laboratory, for comparison with the enzyme product. Secondly, feeding studies using \([^{13}C_6]IAA\) and \([D_5]Trp\) indicated that Trp is converted to 4-Cl-Trp, which is then converted to 4-Cl-IAA. Taken together, the evidence presented in this thesis supports parallel biosynthesis of IAA and 4-Cl-IAA by the IPyA pathway and its chlorinated version.
EFFECT OF ACCLIMATION TO HIGH NITRATE INTAKES ON SOME RUMEN FERMENTATION PARAMETERS IN SHEEP

Four sheep, fed a basal diet which included 44% cereal grain and 50% hay and which was supplemented with KNO3, were progressively acclimated to a KNO3 intake of 2.5 g∙kg body wt−1∙day−1. Nitrate and nitrite reducing activity in strained rumen fluid (SRF) collected 2 h after feeding showed maximum values of 45.3 μg N∙mL−1∙h−1 and 39.4 μg N∙mL−1∙h−1, respectively, at an intake of 1.5 g∙kg body wt−1∙day−1. The rate of nitrate reduction was threefold higher (P < 0.01), and that of nitrite reduction fivefold higher (P < 0.01), than in SRF from sheep not receiving KNO3. When the KNO3 supplement was withdrawn the reducing activities fell to their initial levels within 3 wk. In a second experiment, nitrate, nitrite and volatile fatty acids in SRF, and methemoglobin in peripheral blood, were estimated at 30-min intervals after feeding in four sheep, two of which received 1.5 g KNO3∙kg body wt−1∙day−1. In the animals fed KNO3 the peak concentration of nitrate in SRF (13.30 μg NO3−–N∙mL−1) was reached 30 min after f.
Production and Secretion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae β-Glucanases: Differences between Protoplast and Periplasmic Enzymes

SUMMARY: Cell-free extracts and culture medium from Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C contained the two glucan hydrolases that are known to be periplasmically located in vegetative cells of this yeast. These were an endo-1,3-β-glucanase and a much more abundant exo-1,3-β-glucanase. Cell-free extracts of strains carrying two different mutant alleles of the EXB1 gene were totally deficient in the latter enzyme, whereas the former appeared in multiple heterogeneous forms, probably due to incomplete glycosylation. In contrast, protoplast lysates of wild-type and exb1 mutant strains were identical in their complement of glucanases, which consisted of two enzymes clearly distinguishable from the periplasmic glucanases. One was an exo-1,3-β-glucanase, which was active on pustulan, p-nitrophenyl β-d-glucoside, salicin and cellobiose, and was of higher M r than periplasmic exoglucanase. The other was a hydrolase acting on 1,3-β-glucan and 1,6-β-glucan but not the simple glucosides, which was not retained by DEAE-Biogel. Wild-type and exb1 mutant protoplasts secreted portions of the glucanases detected in protoplast lysates, when cultured in osmotically stabilized regeneration medium; the former also secreted the periplasmic exo-1,3-β-glucanase but the latter consistently failed to secrete it. It is concluded that the classically known glucanases of S. cerevisiae, located in the periplasmic space, must be formed as active enzymes, upon secretion, from inactive cytoplasmic precursors. On the other hand, the two new protoplast glucanases could be secreted by an alternative route that assures their incorporation into the wall structure, thus making their release into the culture medium more difficult.
Selective consumption by predators of different body regions of prey: is rate of energy intake important?

If the energy-density of prey bodies is not uniform, predators usually should maximize their rate of energy intake while foraging by selectively consuming energy-rich regions of their prey and discarding other parts. In this study, the hypothesis of selective body-part consumption was tested using two species of dasyurid marsupials, Sminthopsis youngsoni and Ningaui ridei, and their invertebrate prey in arid central Australia. Energy-densities were similar for several divergent types of prey, including whole insects, centipedes, and spiders (20.2 ± 2.19 (sd) J/mg ash-free dry mass), but there were marked differences in energy-density among orders of insects and also between different body regions of invertebrates. In captivity, the two dasyurid species consumed different body regions of prey in the same way. For beetles and cockroaches, the rank order for selection of body parts was abdomen, thorax, head, then legs; for centipedes it was body, then head + legs; and for spiders it was opisthosoma, prosoma and then legs. Selection of prey body regions by the marsupials correlated closely with the energy-densities of these regions, and also with the rates of energy intake that they yielded. In the field, selection of body parts of arthropod prey by dasyurids probably occurs primarily when prey is abundant. This selection should allow maximization of rates of energy intake in favourable periods and should, in turn, allow dasyurid predators to effectively exploit pulses of prey resources in the temporally variable desert environment.
Significance of hibernated Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysan., Thripidae) adults in the epidemic of tomato spotted wilt virus

Abstract: Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV) was transmitted to indicator plants by Thrips tabaci, and was detected even in single specimens collected from different plants from September until May in Hungary. Consequently, the specimens of the hibernating generation are able to harbour TSWV from autumn until spring, for 6 months. They could infect the young seedling in the forced beds, or in the field in May, and thereby they have a significant role in the TSWV epidemic in spring under Hungarian climatic conditions.
Effect of Zn on the concentration of Cd and Zn in plant tissue of two durum wheat lines

Irrespective of fertilizer treatments, durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var durum) Cd concentration was lowest in the grain and highest in the roots and was in the order: root > leaf > stem > grain. Soil-applied Zn decreased the Cd concentrations in durum wheat grain, leaf, stem, and root. But, foliar application of Zn resulted in Zn loading of the leaf and stem and had little effect on plant Cd concentration. Application of P and N plus P fertilizer increased tissue Cd concentration and decreased stem and leaf Zn concentration to near insufficiency, while application of Zn to soil with N plus P fertilizers increased tissue Zn concentration to sufficiency level and decreased plant Cd concentration of the two durum wheat lines. Key words: Cd, durum wheat, Zn, dry matter, plant tissue