Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Screening of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterrenea Verdc. L.) Mutant Lines for Yellow Mosaic Virus Disease Resistance Using SSR Markers

Bambara groundnut is an important food legume crop grown by resource poor farmers mainly in semi-arid parts of African countries. In much of Africa, Bambara groundnut is the third most important legume after groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) (Howell 1994). Bambara Groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. ] is a member of family Fabaceae and subfamily Faboideae with a chromosome number 2n=22. It is an autogamous diploid grain legume (2n=22). It is cultivated principally by farmers as a “famine culture” crop because it has several natural agronomic advantages including high nutritional value, drought tolerance and the ability to produce in soils considered insufficiently fertile for cultivation of other more favoured species such as International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 04 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Selection Indices Studies in Maize (Zea mays L.) under Multiple Abiotic Stress Conditions

The present investigation was undertaken on maize ( Zea mays L.) under two abiotic stress conditions viz. low-nitrogen (low soil fertility) and excess soil moisture conditions (waterlogging) during kharif 2010. Studies were carried out for developing suitable selection indices in relation to multiple abiotic stress tolerance. The experimental material consisted of twelve lines and four testers and their 48 single crosses planted in Randomized Block Design. Analysis of variance revealed significance for all the traits studied in both the conditions, indicating there by the existence of high genetic variability in the genotypes. In low-N conditions, the best performing line was L 5 followed by and among testers T 3 ranked highest. Among the crosses, L 11 ×T 4 ranked highest followed by L 8 ×T 1 and L 11 ×T 3 . In waterlogging conditions, L 6 performed better followed by L 5 . Among the crosses L 6 ×T 4 ranked highest. Economic weights were assigned to various traits under low-nitrogen and excess soil moisture (ESM) conditions. Among the crosses, aggregate score were higher in most of the cases but general trend was that ESM traits had the lower score values. Crosses L 11 ×T 4 , L 8 ×T 1 , L 11 ×T 3 , L 7 ×T 2 and L 6 ×T 2 performed well in low-nitrogen conditions for the assigned selection criteria. In waterlogging trials, L 6 ×T 4 , L 7 ×T 2 and L 4 ×T 1 performed excellent while crosses L 5 ×T 1 , L 12 ×T 2 , L 5 ×T 4 , and L 3 ×T 3 ranked very low in ESM trials. Thus for ESM tolerance, the crosses L 6 ×T 4 and L 7 ×T 2 are the best available crosses according to the given selection criteria and for low-nitrogen tolerance, L 11 ×T 4 and L 8 ×T 1 were the best crosses.
Reproductive Biology and Developmental Osteology of the Florida Blenny, Chasmodes saburrae (Perciformes: Blenniidae)

Reproductive biology and larval development of the Florida blenny, Chasmodes saburrae, are described and figured; notes on life history are given. Adults spawn in the field from early March until early November with peak spawning in April/May and September. Nests, most often found in oyster shells, contain about 120 eggs/cm2• Eggs average 0.82 mm diameter and hatch in six days at 27° C. Larvae are planktonic and 3.2-3. 7 mm SLat hatching. Laboratory-reared larvae settle to the bottom in 21 days. The skeleton develops throughout larval and early juvenile stages. Adult lateral ethmoids are probably the result of fusion between two ossifications. The maxillae and premaxillae are partially resorbed during development. Some larval teeth are resorbed, while others transform into adult-type teeth. The ural centrum fuses with the dorsal and ventral hypural plates as they ossify. While hypurals 1-4 are difficult to distinguish during development, hypural 5 is nearly separate as cartilage before it fuses with the hypural plate. The Florida blenny, Chasmodes saburrae (Jordan and Gilbert, 1883), is a small, benthic fish inhabiting shallow coastal waters of Florida. Previous studies of C. saburrae were systematic or ecological in nature and contributed little information on their reproductive biology (Reid, 1954; Springer, 1959; Springer and Woodburn, 1960; Carr and Adams, 1973; Williams, 1979). The genus Chasmodes Valenciennes contains two species, C. bosquianus (Lacepede) and c. saburrae. Hildebrand and Cable (1938) reported on the embryology and newly-hatched larvae of C. bosquianus, which lay adhesive eggs in a single layer within oyster shells that are guarded by the male parent until hatching. Larvae are planktonic before settling to a benthic existence. Although the osteology of the family Blenniidae has been examined, little is known of their developmental osteology. Springer (1968) studied blenniid osteology and presented a detailed analysis of the generalized blenniid Entomacrodus nigricans Gill. Forty-one other blenniid genera, including C. bosquianus from the genus Chasmodes, where examined and 79 discussed when notably different from E. nigricans or when establishing evolutionary trends within the Blenniidae. Fishelson (1963) used stain to examine ossification in larval 8/ennius pavo Risso, but the developmental osteology of the larvae was not detailed. This study was designed to gather quantitative information on the reproductive biology of C. saburrae and to obtain a larval series for subsequent description of morphological development.
Evaluation of bacteriological quality and essential elements in commercially bottled/packaged water produced and marketed in Southeastern Nigeria

The bacteriological quality and levels of essential mineral elements and organic acids were evaluated in 33 randomly selected bottled/packaged water samples produced and marketed in Southeastern Nigeria. The microbiological assay, essential mineral elements and organic acids were determined using American Public Health Association (APHA) standard methods. The distinguishing characteristics of the microorganisms identified were their psychotropic growth capabilities, motility at 37°C, growth in air, negative phenylalanine, deaminase, positive urease, catalase, oxidase and coagulase activities. Data obtained were compared with the accepted standards for safe drinking water as recommended by WHO/UNICEF. Some of the bacteria species recovered from the water samples included Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The results show that only 9% of the samples investigated met the WHO/UNICEF standard of zero microbial load, 73% of the samples fell within 103 - 104 colony forming units (CFU)/100 ml, while 18% had the poorest with 106 CFU/100 ml. Major essential minerals found were calcium, sulphate, chloride, nitrate, bicarbonate and phosphate. Furthermore, the levels of these essential minerals were within the acceptable range in 76% of the samples while in others (24%) they were below the standard range recommended by WHO/UNICEF/APHA. There is need to maintain the approved standard level of chlorination in bottled /packaged water produced and sold in Southeastern Nigeria. Moreover, routine bacteriological quality assay by companies producing bottled/packaged drinking water should be enforced in Nigeria in particular and other developing countries in view of the findings in our study. Key words: Microorganisms, packaged water, psychotropic growth, bacteriological quality, essential minerals, organic acids.
PRODUKTIVITAS DUA JENIS JANGKRIK LOKAL Gryillus testaceus Walk. DAN Gryllus mitratus Burn. (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) YANG DIBUDIDAYAKAN

Study on the productivity of two species of local crickets; Gryllus testaceus Walk and Gryllus mitratus Burn which are generally found in the local market have been conducted with the main aim at obtaining information on the capability of those species in producing eggs including the length of production cycles.Three levels of box square density (50 female/box,100 female/box and 150 female/box) and two levels of additional feed (green master and papay leaves) were used as treatments.The results showed that the number of eggs produced by G.mitratus were larger with longer production cycles compared to those of G.testaceus. Species and density has highly significant effects on egg production and feed consumption, whereas,additional feed significantly influencing egg production and feed consumption of the two species.The use of green master as additional feed resulted in a higher egg production than those given papay leaves.
Influence of milling and extrusion on the sorption properties of sorghum

Abstract The processing to which a material is subjected can affect its physical or chemical structures, resulting in products with different hygroscopic behaviours. The present work studied the water adsorption properties of sorghum subjected to different types of processing: raw flour (produced by milling whole grain), extrudates (obtained using a double screw extruder) and extruded flour (obtained by milling the extrudates). The isotherms were obtained using an automated instrumental method. The tests were run in duplicate at 25 °C with relative humidity values ranging between 11 and 84%. The water adsorption data fitted the GAB model well, showing high coefficients of determination. The estimated water contents of the adsorption monolayer ranged from 5.3 to 6.9 g of water per 100 g of dry material. The sorption isotherms were affected by the type of processing, extrusion cooking resulting in products with less water in the monolayer (less hygroscopic). The milling process yielded high water contents in the monolayer, probably due to the breakdown of some polymer-polymer interactions, which exposed the binding sites. To ensure microbiological stability, the water contents in the materials should not exceed 6.9 g of water per 100 g of dry material for raw sorghum flour, 5.3 g of water per 100 g for sorghum extrudates and 6.7 g of water per 100 g for extruded sorghum flour.
Synthesis and characterization of caffeic acid and dihydrocaffeic acid derivatives as antifungal agents

Invasive fungal infection, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immuno-compromised hosts, is of importance and is significantly increasing in incidence in recent years. Although there are a number of antifungal agents currently available, they are associated with various limitations. Being inhibitors of fungal cell wall biosynthesis, the class of echinocandins is characterized by outstanding safety profiles and great potential in combination antifungal therapy, but they fall short in oral bioavailability. A discovery of peptidomimetic analogues of echinocandin B, with potential inhibitory activity against 1,3-β-D-glucan synthase (an enzyme essential for the biosynthesis of fungal cell walls), was initiated by our research group. A series of structurally related derivatives (chlorogenic, quinic, caffeic and dihydrocaffeic acid derivatives) were later designed to mimic the backbone of echinocandins. Further studies have been carried out on optimization of synthesis and modifications of a caffeic acid derivative. Due to the instability problems of previously reported compounds, a new molecule, a dihydrocaffeic acid derivative, has been designed and synthesized. It was found that adopting a few optimized procedures can not only improve the yield and purity of the caffeic acid derivatives, but also save a lot of time in synthesis.
First report of Orobanche cernua parasitism on Allium cepa in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT Orobanche cernua is a total root parasite that causes considerable economic losses in various agricultural crops such as vegetables, legumes, sunflower, and tobacco. A review of literature revealed that no comprehensive work on O. cernua parasitism on Allium cepa is reported so far. This study is the first report of nodding broomrape (O. cernua Loefl.) parasitizing onion (A. cepa L.) in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh, India. This report provides morphological description of O. cernua parasitizing A cepa.
Modulatory effect of Syzygium aromaticum and Pelargonium graveolens on oxidative stress and inflammation

Background Therapy combination is defined as disease treatment with two or more medication to acheive efficacy with lower doses or lower toxicity. Regarding its reported toxicities and efficacy, the Essential Oils (EOs) from Syzygium aromaticum (SA) and Pelargonium graveolens (PG) were combined for in vitro and in vivo assays and toxicities. Methods The Essential Oils and mixture were tested for in vivo/in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The assays included the animal model of acute inflammation (carrageenan model), the protective effect on H2O2/Sodium nitroprissude induced stress in Tetrahymena pyriformis, and the in vitro antioxidant assays. Results The chemical analysis of the investigated Oils has lead to the identification of Eugenol (74.06%), Caryophyllene (11.52%) and Carvacrol acetate (7.82%) as the major element in SA; while PG was much higher in Citronellol (30.77%), 10-epi-γ-Eudesmol (22.59%), and Geraniol (13.95%). In our pharmacological screening of samples, both Oils demonstrated good antioxidant effects. In vivo investigation of the antioxidant activity in the protozoa model (T. pyriformis) demonstrated a lesser toxic effect of EOs mixture with no significant differences when oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes (MDA, SOD and CAT) were evaluated. On the other hand the in vivo model of inflammatory response to carrageenan demonstrated a good inhibitory potential of both EOs. The EOs Mixture demonstrated equivalent bioactivity with lower toxic effect and minimal risk for each compound. Conclusions The results from this study indicate that EOs mixture from SA and PG demonstrated promising modulatory antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effect, which suggest an efficient association for therapy.
Engineered Microbes to Sense and Respond to Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Every year, Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), the most common form of traveler’s diarrhea, affects thousands of military personnel deployed overseas. The goal of this research was to engineer non-pathogenic E. coli to sense ETEC, respond to its presence, and package the non-pathogenic E. coli in a cellulose matrix to enable environmental detection of ETEC. Two plasmids were created: ‘sense-respond’; and ‘packaging’. The sense-respond plasmid detected autoinducer 2 (AI-2), a quorum sensing molecule created by most ETEC strains, by expressing LsrR which switches on the Lsr promoter. Activation of the Lsr promoter expresses superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP), indicating the presence of ETEC. The packaging plasmid expresses a fusion protein consisting of curli fibers and cellulose binding domains. These modified surface proteins permit the bacteria to bind to cellulose, encapsulating the sense-response module. This genetically engineered machine could be deployed in both the internal and external environment to detect ETEC.
Evaluation of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi Species for Their Efficiency Towards Nutrient Acquisition in Rhizospheric Soil of Maize

An investigation was carried out to evaluate the response of selected species of mycorrhizae for nutrient acquisition and phosphorus uptake by maize in an alluvial soils of Bihar. The study was undertaken during 2013 wet season (July to December) in a net-house at Bihar Agricultural University. Six treatments along with a control treatment were maintained with three replications for the experiment. Five species of AM fungi collected from TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) along with a local species from long term litchi orchard (Muzaffarpur), were evaluated on the basis of nutrient acquisition in the soil rhizospeheric region for maize crop. The results obtained clearly show that of all the species of mycorrhizae taken under consideration, Glomus mosseae was found to perform better in terms of nutrient acquisition and uptake of P to plant. The maximum P concentration (7.65 mg kg-1), organic carbon (0.60%) and Zn Concentration (6.48 mg kg-1) and P uptake (was also found with the application of G. mosseae. The AM (Arbuscular Mycorrhiza) species significantly increased the released of P and micronutrients in the soil of rhizospheric region of maize plant. The beneficial effect was more pronounced for the treatment in case of Glomus mossae among all the other species used. This may be due to the higher solubilization power of Glomus mossae for soil nutrients than other species. Art ic le History
Gametogenesis of an intertidal population of Mytilus trossulus in NW Greenland: not a limitation for potential Arctic range expansion

: The drivers determining species’ northern distribution limits remain elusive and, combined with inadequate knowledge of past and current distribution ranges, this prevents accurate de termination of potential changes in the Arctic. The northernmost population of the bivalve Mytilus trossulus is found in north Greenland, an area characterized by low temperature, pro-longed winters and a short productive period. This population, therefore, provides a unique op portunity to study whether a temperate bivalve species can sustain a population near its poleward distribution limit through reproduction. We assessed gametogenesis and biochemical composition in intertidal M. trossulus specimens during the ice-free period (July−September). Results showed that the qualitative traits of gametogenesis and oocyte production in this population were comparable to M. trossulus found in temperate regions. In addition, we found that M. trossulus larvae settle annually in the lowest intertidal zone, indicating successful fertilization of eggs and larval survival. Our combined results suggest that gonadal development or larval survival do not limit the northern distribution of this species, even in a region characterized by limited food supply and sub-zero water temperatures for 9 mo of the year. Instead, for this marine inver-tebrate with a larval life-stage, oceanographic conditions and dispersal barriers, rather than physiological constraints, could be more important in determining the northern range limit.
THE EFFECT OF AFLATOXIN B1 ON GROWTH RATE AND IRON METABOLISM IN JUVENILE MONGOLIAN GERBILS (Meriones unguiculatus)

Hastings, William Stanley, Jr., M.S., Virginia Common­ wealth University, May 1973. The Effect of Aflatoxin B on Growth Rate and Iron il1etabo1ism in Juvenile MonGolian G�rbils (Meriones unguiculatus). r.1ajor Professor. Gerald C. Llewellyn. The metabolic secretions from Aspergillus f1avus, af1a­ toxins, are often found as contaminants of agricultural pro­ ducts used for human and animal consumption. Aflatoxin Bl is the most toxic and carcinogenic of the af1atoxins. A reduction in weight gain has been observed when juvenile animals are fed aflatoxin B, over an extended period of time. This reduction in weight gain may possibly result from an anemic condition induced by an alteration of iron absorption and/or distribution. The effect of chronic sublethal levels of this hepatocarcinogen on weight gain and the uptake and distribution of 59pe++ were studied in this investigation. An experimental group consisting of 12 male gerbils was fed an agar-based diet containing 10 ppm aflatoxin Bl and a control group consisting of 6 male gerbils was fed an identi­ cal diet which did not contain aflatoxin B1 for a 75-day period. The total mean aflatoxin B1 consumption of the experimental group amounted to 0.170 mg aflatoxin B1/kg of body weight. At the termination of the investigation the mean percent iron absorption of the control and experimental groups was determined. Values of 6 . 25 and 6. 8 9 , respectively, were calculated. The difference between these means was not determined to be significant. At the termination of the investigation the mean weight gain of the control group animals was 36. 9 g as compared to 29. 8 g for the aflatoxin group. The difference indicated x that a significant reduction in weight gain was observed in the experimental group. It was apparent that neither the physical activity nor diet consumption measured in the inves­ tigation affected the weight gain . Pathological analysis indicated that one-third of the experimental animals had l iver injury and two of these had toxic hepatitis. The difference in the iron absorption between the afla­ toxin group and the control group was not found to be signi­ ficant but certain trends were observed. Animal number 1). the animal with the highest percent absorption, also had toxic hepatitis . However. contradictory evidence was also present with animal number 16 having toxic hepatitis and a very low perc ent iron absorption .
Hmgcr promotes a long-range signal to attract germ cells which is aided by Wunens but independent of hh

Summary Statement Migrating Drosophila germ cells are attracted by a long range Hmgcr mediated signal which is aided and acts simultaneously with Wunens suggesting that these pathways converge on a single chemoattractant. Abstract In a developing embryo, many cell types migrate from their point of specification to their final position. This usually involves highly stereotyped routes which are determined through deployment of cell surface or secreted guidance molecules. Whilst genetic techniques have been successful in identifying these molecules, the distances over which such signals operate in their native context can be difficult to determine. Here we have quantified the range of an attractive signal for the migration of Drosophila germ cells. Their migration is guided by an attractive signal generated by the expression of genes in the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (Hmgcr) pathway, and by a repulsive signal generated by the expression of Wunens. We demonstrate that the attractive signal downstream of Hmgcr operates over a long range and is sufficient to reach germ cells for the entirety of their migration. Furthermore, Hmgcr-mediated attraction and Wunen-mediated repulsion can operate simultaneously ruling out a model in which these pathways operate consecutively. Indeed, we show that Hmgcr-mediated attraction is boosted by Wunens suggesting the action of these two pathways is linked. Lastly, several papers have pointed to the secreted molecule Hedgehog (Hh) as being the germ cell attractant, whose secretion is increased by hmgcr. In this paper, we provide evidence that Hh is not downstream of hmgcr in germ cell migration.
Whole sorghum inclusion and feed form on performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens

A total of 432, one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned as a 2 × 4 factorial design (pellet or mash and 0, 25, 50, and 75% whole sorghum levels) in a completely randomised experiment, having six replicates with nine birds per replicate. Body weight and feed intake were measured on a pen basis at 10, 25, and 35 days of age and feed conversion ratio calculated. Pelleting diets significantly improved (P