Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Involvement of ER-stress and ROS Generation in Difenoconazole-Induced Hepatocellular Toxicity

Difenoconazole is one of the triazole compounds, and is widely used as an environmental fungicide. Recently, it has been suspected that long-term exposure to difenoconazole through drinking water and food may induce health effects including hepatotoxicity and tumorigenesis. However, there is little information regarding the molecular mechanism of difenoconazole-induced cytotoxicity and/or human health risk. The present study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of difenoconazole on human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells in terms of cell viability, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular apoptosis. Difenoconazole significantly activated apoptosis related proteins, namely caspase-8 and -9, as well as cleavage of poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) in a dose-dependent manner whereas the IC50 value for difenoconazole was calculated to be 70 μM. Correspondingly, intracellular generation of ROS was also markedly increased after exposure to difenoconazole and was observed to occur specifically in mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), suggesting that mitochondria and the ER are target organelles for difenoconazole-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, phosphorylation of protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), followed by initiation of ATF4, phosphorylation of eif2α and activation of Chop were observed to be up-regulated by difenoconazole, indicating that difenoconazole is capable of inducing ER-stress in HepG2 cells. More interestingly, activation of caspase-8, -9 combined with cleavage of PARP and induction of ER-stress can be attenuated by pretreatment with either of the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or lipoic acid (LA), indicating that generation of ROS may result in the induction of apoptosis and cell death probably through an ROS-mediated mitochondria and ER-stress dependent signaling pathway.
Effects of the Foliar Application of Magnesium and Zinc on the Yield and Quality of Three Grape Cultivars Grown in the Calcareous Soils of Iran

A completely randomized factorial block designed experiment was carried out at Maragheh region during 2007-2008 to evaluate the effects of the foliar applications of magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) on the yield and quality of three grape cultivars. Factor one included three levels of Mg (0, 0.40 and 0.80% MgSO 4 x H 2 O); Factor two consisted of three levels of Zn (0, 0.20 and 0.40% ZnSO 4 .7H 2 O); and factor three involved three cultivars of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) namely ‘Sahebi’, ‘Soltani’ and ‘Ghezel’. The foliar applications were carried out in two stages, namely, during the enlargement of flower buds and three weeks after the flower petals dropped (late spring). Yield and quality characteristics such as total soluble solids (TSS), juice, pH and acidity were determined. The statistical analyses were performed using MSTATC software and Duncan tests. The analysis of variance demonstrated that the main effects of Mg, Zn and cultivars on yield were statistically significant at 1% level; and the interactive effects of the foliar application of Mg and Zn on the yield were significant at 5% level. The highest yield was obtained with the combined foliar applications of Mg and Zn-fertilizers. ‘Ghezel’ variety produced the highest yield of 47.11 tons ha -1 among the three cultivars. The main effects of Mg and Zn foliar application as well as of cultivars were significant. TSS contents were significant at 1% level. The highest pH values were obtained with the foliar application of Mg sulfate at 0.80% and Zn sulfate at 0.40%. Likewise, the main effects of foliar application of Mg and Zn were significant at 1% level in the lowering of juice acidity and K/Mg ratio. Foliar application did not decrease the K/Mg ratio to the desirable level, however in the deficient soils, foliar application was not enough. It means in additional of foliar application, soil application is also necessary for obtaining desirable grape yield and quality.
Impacto da refrigeração sobre variáveis de qualidade dos frutos do açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea)

Acai fruits (Euterpe oleracea) are processed between 24 and 72 hours post-harvest. They are strongly affected by local environmental conditions i.e. high humidity and temperature, leading to a rapid microbial growth and a high oxidation of the anthocyanins, its main antioxidant compounds. In order to reduce these degradations, temperature (5, 10, 15°C) and time of storage (around 70 hours) were evaluated on the fruit weight, the microorganisms and the anthocyanins. The time and temperature of refrigeration showed a highly signifi cant effect (p <0.001) on the three studied dependent variables. It was also determined the heat capacity of the fruits at 30 oC (3.84 kJ kg-1 C-1). The temperature of fruits stored at room temperature, grew from 25 oC up to 30 oC after 11 hours and stabilized between 29 and 31 oC the next 36 hours
Utilisation d'un système tris-glycocolle pour tamponner le dilueur d'insémination pour truite

Le pH du dilueur d'insemination pour Salmonides peut etre avantageusement stabilise avec le systeme tampon Tris-glycocolle . Les molarites les plus favorables sont de 0,05 M pour le glycocolle et 0,02 M pour le Tris. Apres dilution dans ce milieu (DIATG ) le sperme conserve son pouvoir fecondant pendant 4 min. ( dilution 10-4 ) ou 8 min. (dilution 103 et 102 ) alors que la dilution dans un milieu tamponne par le systeme carbonate bicarbonate entraine une chute de la fecondance apres une minute. Lorsque le DIATG est employe pour l'insemination d'ovules pollues par du vitellus provenant d'ovules ecrases, le taux de fecondation est significativement plus eleve que si l'insemination est pratiquee avec de l'eau.
Evaluation of petroleum based horticulture oil for the management of the tea red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae Neitner (Acarina: Tetranychidae)

The Servo agro spray oil (petroleum based horticulture oil) was evaluated in the laboratory against tea red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae to determine its effect on adult mortality, viability of eggs, oviposition deterrence and repellent properties. The same was also evaluated in the field to determine its effect on mite population. Direct spray method was used in the laboratory at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%. Mortality of O. coffeae was both concentration and time dependent. Deposition of eggs by adult mites on treated leaf surfaces decreased significantly and the viability of eggs was also significantly reduced. In addition, different concentrations of the Servo agro spray also exhibited repellent properties against adult mites. In the field Servo agro spray oil significantly reduced the mite population and its bio-efficacy was comparable to that of the synthetic pesticide (propargite 57 EC). No phytotoxic effect was observed when tea bushes were sprayed with different doses of Servo agro sp.
Differential foraging of oxpeckers on impala in comparison with sympatric antelope species

ummary Regression analysis performed on published observations of oxpeckers foraging for ticks on different species of ungulates revealed a significant positive relationship between number of red-billed oxpeckers per unit body surface area and species-typical body weight. The relationship suggests that the larger ungulate species maintain a higher density of tick mass per unit surface area. The impala is the smallest ungulate that oxpeckers are reported to attend. A field survey of attendance by red-billed oxpeckers on impala and four other sympatric antelope (Thompson's gazelle, Grant's gazelle, Coke's hartebeest and topi), two of which are larger than impala, revealed that only impala were attended by oxpeckers. Oxpeckers foraged upon areas of the body that impala cannot reach with their own mouths by oral grooming. The typical behavioural response of impala to oxpecker foraging was toleration or accommodation. These observations suggest that impala harbour a greater tick mass per unit body surface area than the other antelopes compared. This could reflect the fact that impala inhabit wooded areas, reportedly higher in tick density than grassland areas inhabited by the other antelopes. Resume Une analyse de regression executee a partir d'observations publiees de pique-boeufs cherchant les tiques sur differentes especes d'ongules a revele une relation positivement significative entre les nombres de pique-boeufs a bec rouge par unite de surface corporelle et le poids corporel de l'espece. La relation siuggere que les plus grandes especes d'ongules abritent une plus haute densite de tiques par unite de surface. L'impala est le plus petit ongule sur lequel on ait rapporte les 'services' des pique-boeufs. Une etude de terrain sur la presence de pique-boeufs a bec rouge sur l'impala et 4 autres antilopes sympatriques (gazelle de Thompson, gazelle de Grant, bubale de Coke et topi), dont 2 sont plus grandes que l'impala, montre que seul l'impala etait assiste par les pique-boeufs. Ceux-ci se nourrissent a des endroits du corps que l'impala ne peut atteindre de sa propre bouche en grooming oral. Le comportement reponse typique de l'impala a la presence des pique-boeufs est fait de tolerance et d'acceptation. Ces observations suggerent que l'impala abrite une plus grande densite de tiques par unite de surface corporelle que les autres antilopes de l'etude. Ceci peut refleter le fait que l'impala habite des zones boisees, bien connues pour abriter une plus grande densite de tiques que les zones herbeuses frequentees par les autres antilopes.
Rheological properties at small (dynamic) and large (yield) deformations of acid gels made from heated milk

The effect of a range of milk heat treatments on the rheological properties, at small and large deformations, of acid skim milk gels was investigated. Gels were made from reconstituted skim milk heated at 75, 80, 85 and 90°C for 15 or 30 min by acidification with glucono-δ-lactone at 30°C. Gels were also made from skim milk powder (SMP) samples that had been given a range of preheat treatments during powder manufacture. Heating milks at temperatures [ges ]80°C for 15 min increased the storage moduli (G′) compared with unheated milk and produced gels with G′ in the range 300–450 Pa. Acid gels made from high-heat or medium-heat SMP had higher G′ than gels made from low-heat or ultra-low-heat SMP. Cooling gels to low temperatures resulted in an increase in G′. The yield stress of gels slightly decreased with mild heat treatments of milk, and then increased again to a maximum, finally decreasing slightly with very high heat treatments of milk. The strain at yielding decreased markedly with increasing heat treatment of milk, making these gels brittle and easier to fracture. We propose that denatured whey proteins aggregated with casein particles during the acidification of heated milk and were responsible for most of the effects observed in this study.
Environmental control of univoltinism and its evolution in an insect species

Chrysopa downesi, a conifer-inhabiting unicyclic insect species, shares many features in its seasonal cycle with some well-studied single-brooded birds: a quantitative response to winter daylengths, reproduction in early spring, a summer 'photorefractory' phase, and a short-day requirement for termination of this phase. Under natural conditions, C. downesi has an aestival–autumnal–hibernal reproductive diapause that is primarily controlled by photoperiod. The short-day requirement for diapause termination is fulfilled in October. Subsequently, during winter, the rate of diapause development is directly related to the actual duration of daylength, and diapause ends between March 1 and March 21. Oviposition begins in mid-April. The rate of egg and larval development is primarily regulated by temperature; the lower thermal threshold for development (t) is 11 °C, and K value (heat-degree days) for the period from egg to adult emergence is 378 day °C.The late ending of C. downesi's diapause, its relatively hig.
Effects of nitrogen fertilizer source and application rates on foliar nitrogen concentration, photosynthesis, and growth of Douglas-fir

The effects of nitrogen fertilization on foliage nitrogen concentration, rates of photosynthesis, and stem diameter growth were studied for Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) trees, with a range of fertilizer applications from 0 to 896 kg N/ha. Ammonium nitrate (AN) and urea were compared as nitrogen sources. AN provided for a higher foliage nitrogen concentration and better growth the 1st year, but there was no source effect thereafter. A significant relationship was obtained between foliage nitrogen concentration and rate of photosynthesis, with an optimum rate at 1.74% foliar nitrogen and with no effect of nitrogen source. Stem diameter growth was increased at all fertilization rates, although no effect of the two lowest rates of fertilization (112 and 224 kg N/ha) was found on foliar nitrogen concentration.
Biological Management of Damping-Off, Buckeye Rot and Fusarial Wilt of Tomato (cv. Solan Lalima) under Mid-Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Disease management is often complicated by the presence of multiple types of pathogens; in an organic system, it is appropriate to develop disease control strategies. The available literature so far reflects that the management of important disease of tomato is through the integrated approaches and very few organic approaches have been tried with various degree of success. Boiopriming of seeds with biocontrol agents (Trichoderma viridae, Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens) in combination with different biofertilizers (Azotobacter, Azospirillum and PSB) and organic manures (FYM and vermi-compost) were tested against disease incidence and health management of tomato seedling under nursery as well as field conditions. The studies were conducted during two successive years (2012-2013) at farmer’s field with the objective to combat with the increasing disease incidence of three major disease damping-off, fusarium wilt and buckeye rot from nursery stage to the final harvesting. The study focused on the use of biocontrol agents as the suitable alternative to chemical pesticides with sustainable disease management without pesticide residues in foodstuff. The bio priming of seeds with fungal antagonist Trichoderma viridae and harzianum and bacterial antagonist Pseudomonas fluorescens significantly improved the germination behavior of tomato seeds as compared to untreated control. Highest mean germination (93.1%) and seedling vigour (953.33) was recorded in Treatment 3 (FYM @ 200 q/ ha + Azospirillum + PSB + Trichoderma herzianum (4 kg/ha each) and lowest in control (60.3%) and (304.83), thus indicating a significant per cent increase in seedling emergence (54.4%) and seedling vigour (95.23%). A considerable reduction in disease incidence (pre and post) of damping off was observed in treatment T? and T? (VC @ 50 q/ha + Azospirillum + PSB + Trichoderma herzianum @ (4 kg/ha) with 45.6% and 35.4% respectively). Treatment T? proved highest in terms of yield (665 Kg/Ha), Hence these diseases can be managed by successful application of Biocontrol agents.
Reproductive biology of mixed-species populations of Goodyera (orchidaceae) in northern Michigan

The reproductive biology ofGoodyera oblongifolia, G. repens var.ophioides andG. tesselata is discussed with emphasis on the reproductive isolating mechanisms operating in mixed-species populations. Cytology, phenology and pollination of the above three species were studied. Artificial hybridizations were made of these three species and ofG. pubescens. Results show that within mixed-species populations,G. oblongifolia,G. repens var.ophioides andG. tesselata are not completely isolated reproductively, and hybridization does occur. The deleterious effects of the loss of gametes to interspecific crosses are reduced by seasonal isolation, perennial growth and geitonogamous seed production which is encouraged by self-compatibility and clonal growth. Thus, hybridization in mixed-species populations is apparently kept to levels low enough to allow the species to maintain their identities.
Histopathology of adult Pacific herring in Prince William Sound, Alaska, after the Exxon Valdez oil spill

Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) sampled from oiled sites in Prince William Sound, Alaska, U.S.A. , 3 weeks after the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill had multifocal hepatic necrosis and significantly increased tissue concentrations of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). By comparison, Pacific herring from reference sites in 1989 and from all sites in 1990 and 1991 did not have hepatic necrosis or increased PAH concentrations. Adult Pacific herring were sampled for histopathology of liver, spleen, and kidney from oiled and reference sites in April (1989 and 1991) and October (1990 and 1991). Increased scores for macrophage aggregates contributed to significant differences in 1990, but these differences probably resulted from sampling older fish from the oiled site. Naphthalenes were the predominant PAH in all tissue samples. The development of hepatic necrosis and the predominance of naphthalenes in samples from 1989 is consistent with recent laboratory study in which crude oil exposure resulted in dose-dependent expression of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV). We conclude that Pacific herring were exposed to Exxon Valdez oil in 1989 and that development of hepatic necrosis in exposed fish probably was a result of VHSV expression. Resume : Des harengs du Pacifique (Clupea pallasi) echantillonnes a des sites mazoutes dans la baie Prince William, en Alaska (E.-U.), 3 semaines apres le deversement d'hydrocarbures de l'Exxon Valdez de 1989 ont montre une necrose hepatique multifocale et des concentrations tissulaires significativement accrues d'hydrocarbures aromatiques polycycliques (HAP). En comparaison, des harengs du Pacifique preleves en 1989 aux sites temoins et d'autres
Ecological patterns and processes in Sarracenia carnivorous pitcher plant fungi

The kingdom Fungi is taxonomically and ecologically diverse, containing an estimated 1.5 million species. Fungi include decomposers, pathogens, and plant and animal mutualists. Many fungi are microorganisms, and the processes shaping microbial diversity may be fundamentally different from those that shape plants and animals. However, ecologists do not yet fully understand how fungal species are distributed over space and time. Using fungi that inhabit the water of Sarracenia carnivorous pitchers, I describe inter and intraspecific fungal diversity and investigate the processes that shape fungal diversity. I introduce these concepts in Chapter 1. In Chapter 2, I describe changes in fungal species diversity over space and time. I enumerated fungal species in five Sarracenia populations across the United States and Canada, and show that thousands, but not hundreds of kilometers separate distinct fungal communities. I also sampled a single Sarracenia population over a Sarracenia growing season, and found that young fungal communities are significantly different from older fungal communities. Observed patterns correlate with environmental factors including temperature and pitcher pH, and with the presence or population structure of pitcher inhabiting arthropods. In Chapter 3, I describe dispersal of and competition among three common pitcher fungi. I tracked Candida glaebosa, Rhodotorula glutinis, and Pseudozyma aphidis appearances in pitchers in a single Sarracenia population, and show that different
Characterization of amaranth globulins by ultracentrifugation and chromatographic techniques

Globulins were extracted from Amaranthus hypochondriacus and studied by ultracentrifugation and chromatographic techniques. Ultracentrifugation of freeze-dried globulins gave sedimentation constants of 10 S and 12.7 S. Gel filtration chromatography of globulins gave a molecular weight of 166 000. This protein was fractionated and characterized by ultracentrifugation, electrophoresis, and ion-exchange and affinity chromatography. The major globulin fraction appeared to be 10 S, which showed association/dissociation phenomena
Competition Between Purple Nutsedge and Vegetables

Competition studies were conducted in Brazil during 1972 and 1973 between high populations (160 plants/0.1 m2 at 5 to 7 weeks after planting) of purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) and the following vegetable crops: garlic (Allium sativum L. ‘Mineiro’), okra (Hibiscus esculentus L. ‘UFV 1152’), carrot (Daucus carota L. ‘Nantes’ and ‘Kuroda’), bush-type green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. ‘Topcrop’), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. ‘Aldai’), transplanted cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata ‘Louco’) and transplanted tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. ‘Santa Rita’). Purple nutsedge grew all year with irrigation, although growth was greater during the warm, wet season (October to March). Crop losses due to purple nutsedge competition during the entire cropping season were as follows: garlic 89%; okra 62%; two carrot cultivars, ‘Kuroda’ and ‘Nantes’ 39% and 50%, respectively; green bean 41%; cucumber 43%; cabbage 35%; and tomato 53%. Critical periods of purple nutsedge competition occurred between 3 and 13 weeks for garlic; 3 and 7 weeks for okra, cucumber and the carrot cultivar ‘Nantes’; 3 and 5 weeks for tomato and the carrot cultivar ‘Kuroda’; and at approximately 4 weeks for cabbage and green bean. Purple nutsedge competed for light in the slow-growing, non-competitive crops and for nutrients in all crops. Competition for water was reduced because the vegetables were irrigated regularly. The rate of leaf area development for a competitive crop, green bean, was similar to the rate for purple nutsedge, whereas the rate was much lower for the non-competitive okra.
Cootie Genetics: Simulating Mendel's Experiments to Understand the Laws of Inheritance

Abstract “Cootie Genetics” is a hands-on, inquiry-based activity that enables students to learn the Mendelian laws of inheritance and gain an understanding of genetics principles and terminology. The activity begins with two true-breeding Cooties of the same species that exhibit five observable trait differences. Students observe the retention or loss of traits among first-generation heterozygotes, hypothesize what happened to these traits, and design an experiment to test their hypotheses by mating the first-generation Cooties. With the second generation, Mendel's principles of segregation and independent assortment of alleles are observed; dominant and recessive traits and tools students need to construct Punnett squares are apparent.
New species and new records of cheilostomatous Bryozoa from the Faroe Islands, collected by BIOFAR

Abstract Twenty-eight species of cheilostomatous Bryozoa are described from the extensive benthic collections made by the BIOFAR project. Fifteen new species are described in the genera Beania, Escharella, Hemicyclopora, Neolagenipora, Porella, Palmiskenea, Reteporellina, Escharina, Stomachetosella, Smittoidea and Pseudoflustra. Thirteen species with either Arctic or temperate distributions are reported for the first time from Faroese waters.
Reassessment of vegetative compatibility relationships among strains of Verticillium dahliae using nitrate-nonutilizing mutants

Twenty-two strains of Verticillium dahliae, originally assigned to 15 vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) using microsclerotial color mutants, were tested for vegetative compatibility using complementary, auxotrophic nitrate-nonutilizing (nit) mutants. Nit mutants were generated from wild-type strains of V. dahliae by selecting chlorate-resistant sectors on cornmeal agar with dextrose amended with potassium chlorate (15-25 g/l). Complementation tests between nit mutants derived from these strains led to the identification of only four distinct VCGs (.)