Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the effects of cerium on calcium ion in the protoplasts of Arabidopsis thaliana with confocal microscopy

The laser-scanning confocal microscopy has become a routine technique and indispensable tool for cell biological studies. In this study, the probe Fluo-3 AM was used to research the instantaneous changes of calcium ion (Ca 2+ ) in the protoplasts of Arabidopsis thaliana . The laser-scanning mode of confocal microscope is XYT, and the time interval between two images is 10.635 s. 30 optical sections were acquired with the laser-scanning confocal microscope, and the different concentrations of trivalent cerium (Ce 3+ ) (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mmol/L) were added after four optical sections were scanned, respectively. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity of Ca 2+ in the 30 optical sections was quantified with Leica Confocal Software. The quantitative data was exported and the trend chart was made with Excel software. The results indicate that Ca 2+ concentration in the protoplasts of A. thaliana declined after 0.5 and 1.0 mmol/L Ce 3+ was added. However, Ca 2+ concentration slightly increased in the protoplasts treated with 0.1 mmol/L Ce 3+ . The data indicate that the appropriate amount of Ce 3+ can inhibit intracellular Ca 2+ concentration in the protoplasts of A. thaliana . Since Ca 2+ participates in signal transduction and plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development under environmental stresses, Ce 3+ may regulate plant metabolism, growth and development via the changes of Ca 2+ concentration. Key words : Cerium, calcium ion, protoplast, confocal microscope.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Studies on the role of glycosphingolipids in metabolism

Disclaimer/Complaints regulations If you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, please let the Library know, stating your reasons. In case of a legitimate complaint, the Library will make the material inaccessible and/or remove it from the website. Please Ask the Library: http://uba.uva. nl/en/contact, or a letter to: Library of the University of Amsterdam, Secretariat, Singel 425, 1012 WP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You will be contacted as soon as possible.
A Study on the Occurrence of Merismopedia Meyen (Cyanobacteria) Populations on the Littoral Sediments of İzmit Bay (Turkey)

In a previous study of epipelic diatoms on the littoral sediments of Izmit Bay (Marmara Sea, Turkey), which was carried out from March 1999 to September 2000, it was found that two Merismopedia Meyen species (Cyanobacteria) occurred frequently. In the present study, the seasonal variations of density and biomass of the Merismopedia species, which were dominant at certain times in the epipelic algal flora on the littoral sediments of Izmit Bay, were investigated. In addition, some physical and chemical parameters were measured. One of the species, Merismopedia glauca (Ehrenb.) Nageli, was dominant in terms of cell numbers and frequency while M. tenuissima Lemmerm. was found to be rare and was present in very low numbers. M. glauca was recorded at all seven stations and at certain times reached quite high numbers. The highest numbers were obtained from Station 4, which is characterised by being an area protected from wave action where the sediment is quite stable.
Genetic architecture of the Tetragonula carbonaria species complex of Australian stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)

A species complex is a group of closely related species whose ecological or morphological boundaries are sufficiently vague that delimiting one species from another is difficult. In Australia, a group of four stingless bee species – Tetragonula carbonaria Smith, Tetragonula hockingsi Cockerell, Tetragonula mellipes Friese, and Tetragonula davenporti Franck – form a species complex in which gross morphology is clinal and overlapping. The species are most readily distinguished by the morphology of their brood combs. Here we genetically characterize bees sampled in areas where the species do and do not have contact. Our data corroborate previous evidence that T. hockingsi and T. carbonaria are genetically distinct and that there are two genetically distinct groups of T. hockingsi – one in the north and the other in the south of Queensland. Curiously, northern populations of T. hockingsi, which are allopatric to T. carbonaria, are genetically closer to T. carbonaria than are southern populations of T. hockingsi, which are in sympatry with T. carbonaria. We detected three hybrid colonies that appear to have arisen because of anthropogenic movement of T. hockingsi colonies from north to south of Queensland where males mated with local T. carbonaria queens. We discuss the status of T. davenporti, a recently described species cryptically similar to T. hockingsi from south-east Queensland. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 113, 149–161.
Lichens from Tanzania and Kenya III : Macrolichens and calicioid lichens

156 species of macrolichens and calicioid lichens are reported from Tanzania and Kenya. 28 species are new for Tanzania and 2 for Kenya. New for Africa are Hypotrachyna novella, H. physcioides, Melanelia panniformis, Physcidia squamulosa, and Xanthoparmelia microspora.
Study and characterization of the Ph1 locus as tool to promote interspecific chromosome associations between wheat and barley species

Interspecific hybridization is used to introduce desirable characters from related species into allopolyploids such as wheat. The development of substitution and addition lines of related species in bread wheat can be useful as a genetic tool to transfer agronomic traits in the background of bread wheat. However, there is a low level of pairing and recombination between wheat chromosomes and those from the relative species. Different approaches have been carried out to promote pairing and recombination between related chromosomes such as the ph1b mutant, ionizing radiations and gametocidal genes. However, the most important discovery has been the Ph1 locus which regulates pairing and recombination between homologous chromosomes during meiosis in wheat. Thus, in its absence, related chromosomes could associate and recombine. Chapter 2 of this work examines the dynamic of DNA replication during premeiosis and early meiosis in wheat using flow cytometry, which has allowed the quantification of the amount of DNA in wheat anther in each stage meiotic stage. Chromosome replication was detected in wheat during premeiosis and early meiosis until the stage of pachytene, when chromosomes are associated in pairs to further recombine and correctly segregate in the gametes. Also, an important role of the Ph1 locus on the length of meiotic DNA replication in wheat was shown using flow cytometry. Chapter 3 deals with chromosome manipulation to induce meiotic recombination between barley and wheat in the absence of the Ph1 locus. Genetic crosses between the ph1b mutant and both wild and cultivated barley substitution and addition lines in wheat were carried out. More than.
An Investigation on Milk Yield and Reproductive Performance of Holstein Friesian Cows in Kocas State Farm 2. Reproductive Traits

This research was conducted to determine the characteristics of reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian cows raised at Kocas state farm in Central Anatolia. The material of the research was 362 dairy cows raised from 1988 to 1995 at Kocas State farm. Statistical analysis of records was conducted with the Minitab version 9.2 computer program. Significant differences between groups were determined by the method of Least Significant Difference (LSD). The general mean values of first breeding age, age at first calving, reproductive efficiency, calving interval, gestation length, dry period, service period and insemination number per conception were 18.04±0.10 months, 27.70±0.11 months, 96.50±0.32%, 12.30±0.05 months, 276.50±0.17 days, 65.37±0.78 days, 93.33±1.57 days and 1.33±0.02, respectively.
Anti-inflammatory activity of alkaloids: a twenty-century review

Many substances which interfere with the inflammatory response have been isolated from plants. This review shows some alkaloids of vegetal origin which in the period of 1907 to 2000 were evaluated regarding a possible anti-inflammatory activity. The alkaloids were classified in sub-groups in accordance with their chemical structures and the pharmacological data were obtained from different experimental models. Of the 171 evaluated alkaloids, 137 presented anti-inflammatory activity, and among those, the isoquinoline type was the most studied. The Carrageenin-induced paw edema was the most used model for evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity. In this review, 174 references were cited.
The combined effects of energy and disturbance on species richness in protist microcosms

The supply of energy, and the frequency of disturbance can both affect species diversity, often, although not always, producing unimodal diversity patterns along an energy or disturbance gradient. However, it has been suggested that diversity is a combined function of both factors, and the dynamic equilibrium model proposed by Huston (1979) is one formalization of this suggestion. This idea has received little direct testing. Here we carry out such a test using protist microcosms, in a factorial manipulation of six levels of energy (quantity of organic resource) and five levels of disturbance (frequency of temperature shock). Species richness responded to both energy supply and disturbance frequency, although not always unimodally. Patterns of response changed over time, and there was some evidence of an interaction between energy and disturbance at two of six time intervals. However, the specific form of this interaction differs from that predicted by the dynamic equilibrium model, and overall, the results provide little support for the model.
CD8α− and CD8α+ subclasses of dendritic cells undergo phenotypic and functional maturation in vitro and in vivo

Dendritic cells (DCs) are essential for the priming of immune responses. This antigen‐presenting function of DCs develops in sequence in a process called maturation, during which they become potent sensitizers of naïve T cells but reduce their ability to capture and process antigens. Some heterogeneity exists in mouse‐DC populations, and two distinct subsets of DCs expressing high levels of CD11c can be identified on the basis of CD8α expression. We have studied the phenotype and maturation state of mouse splenic CD8α− and CD8α+ DCs. Both subsets were found to reside in the spleen as immature cells and to undergo a phenotypic maturation upon culture in vitro in GM‐CSF‐containing medium or in vivo in response to lipopolysaccharide. In vitro and in vivo analyses showed that this maturation process is an absolute requisite for DCs to acquire their T‐cell priming capacity, transforming CD8α− and CD8α+ DCs into potent and equally efficient activators of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, these results highlight the importance that environmental factors may have on the ability of DC subsets to influence Th responses qualitatively; i.e., the ability to drive Th1 versus Th2 differentiation may not be fixed immutably for each DC subset.
Regulation of urease activity in the cyanobacterium Anabaena doliolum

The effect of nitrogen sources on the activity of urease has been studied in the cyanobacterium Anabaena doliolum. De novo synthesis of urease occurred in the absence of an added nitrogen source, and the enzyme activity was almost equal when the medium contained either N2, NO3−, or urea. Ammonium grown cell showed repression in urease activity which was freed by l-methionine, dl-sulphoximine (MSX), an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase. NH4+, must therefore, be metabolised through glutamine synthetase before repressing the urease activity. NH4+ (up to 10 mM) did not inhibit the urease activity in vitro, suggesting that NH4+ does not inactivate the enzyme but represses its biosynthesis. When NH4+ grown cells were transferred to medium containing urea, the ability to hydrolyse urea required approximately 5 to 6 h for maximal expression. Chloramphenicol (50 μg ml−1) completely prevented the rise in urease activity. Ni2+ at concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05 μM enhanced the urease activity; however, the addition of 10mM citrate to the medium resulted in a drop in the increase in urease activity. The cells treated with chloramphenicol in combination with Ni2+ showed a higher level of urease activity as compared to chloramphenicol treated cells only, suggesting the antagonistic nature of Ni2+ against chloramphenicol mainly at the level of synthesis/activity of proteases.
A critical reflection on the success of rearing and culturing juvenile freshwater mussels with a focus on the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera L.)

Freshwater mussels are in decline throughout their range. The lack of natural recruitment in freshwater pearl mussel populations and other freshwater molluscs has led to controversies about the usefulness and applicability of captive breeding techniques for their conservation. The current state of rearing and culturing programmes for freshwater mussels in Europe and North America is reviewed here with a focus on the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera). Different strategies of propagation and the key factors of success are addressed and conservation management decisions are discussed with respect to risk reduction and the intensity of the culturing system. Based on the rearing techniques applied for multiple species in North America, and for the genus Margaritifera in European countries, sufficient numbers of juveniles can be produced to sustain selected populations. However, captive breeding and stocking should be carefully documented and must not replace the restoration of functional stream habitats. From a conservation point of view, captive breeding of endangered mussel species can be a last-minute rescue tool in order to retain the evolutionary potential of priority populations which would not persist long enough to benefit from habitat restoration practices. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supplementing energy and protein source at different rate of degradability to mixture of corn waste and coffee pod as basal diet on rumen fermentation kinetic of beef cattle.

The use of corn waste and coffee pod as basal diet needs energy and protein supplementation in order to optimize rumen microbial growth. A research was done to study the appropriate supplement which is suitable based on the result of rumen fermentation kinetics. Four ruminally canulated cows, (205-224 kg of live weight) were placed in individual cages. The basal diet (BD) offered were corn waste and coffee pod mixture (80:20). Source of high degradable energy (HDE) was cassava pomace; while the low degradable energy (LDE) was arenga pinata waste. The high degradable protein (HDP) was mixed-concentrate while the low degradable protein (LDP) was leucaena leave meal. The supplementation of energy and protein to basal diet was in ratio of 50:50 based on dry matter. Feed offered were basal diet and the supplement at ratio of 60: 40 (3 % of LW). Observation was carried out for 4 periods (10 days/period). In each period, animal was fed one of the following diets: A = BD, B = BD+ HDE+LDP, C = BD+LDE+LDP, and D = BD+HDE+HDP. Rumen kinetics observed were: pH, and VFA, NH 3 and rumen microbial protein concentrations. Rumen fluid was taken at the end of each period gradually along the course of 24 hours fermentation. The results showed that the diets gave significant effect (P < 0.05) on rumen pH. The lowest rumen pH (5.76) was observed on diet D at 2:00, 12 hours after feeding. Meanwhile, the highest pH (7.22) was found in animal fed diet A at 16:00. The total VFA on diet D of periode:1, 3 and 4 showed the highest level: 68.1 mmol/l; 75.37 mmol/l and 85.14 mmol/l respectively. The highest NH3 concentration was found in diet D followed by diet C, B and A. At 12:00 observation or at 4 h after morning feeding the highest NH3 was observed from diet D (41.94 mg/100 ml). It is concluded that diet D resulted in the best rumen fermentation kinetic, therefore it could be used in feed formulation in cattle diets. Key words : Corn Waste, Coffee Pod, Degradation, Rumen Fermentation
Aspectos da biologia pesqueira em fêmeas de Cathrops spixii do estuário do rio Potengi, Natal/RN, com ênfase nos índices biométricos

This study describes the analysis of bimestral mean variations of repletion index, replection mean grade and condition factor of 445 females of Cathrops spixii , from Potengi river, Natal/RN, Brazil, captured between March, 1997 and February, 1998. The liver weight variation found is related to the transference of the energetic reserve necessary to the vitellogenesis process. The gonadosomatic index is a good indicative of the reproduction period. The condition factor, the repletion index and repletion mean grade indicate the time when fish are in their best feeding condition
An Evaluation of Meningitis Surveillance in Northern Ghana

Introduction: Public health surveillance is a key strategy in controlling and preventing meningitis outbreaks especially in northern Ghana which continues to suffer yearly focal outbreaks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the meningitis surveillance system and to determine whether the surveillance system as established within the Ministry of Health is achieving its objectives. Design: This was a cross sectional study conducted in the Talensi District between February and March, 2015. The study employed a qualitative method approach. Nine In-depth interviews (IDIs) and two Focussed Group Discussions (FGDs) were held with key informants involved in meningitis surveillance. Surveillance records for meningitis were also reviewed and analysed at community, sub-district, district and regional levels. Results: The study revealed that the surveillance system was simple, flexible and highly accepted Short Research Article Apanga and Awoonor-Williams; IJTDH, 12(2): 1-10, 2016; Article no.IJTDH. 22489 2 by healthcare workers. The system was fairly representative, stable with good data quality. However, it had a low sensitivity and a low positive predictive value in detecting/reporting cases of meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid samples of suspected cases were timely presented to the public health reference laboratory. On the contrary, feedback of confirmation results was delayed. Also, lack of funding and motivation for surveillance activities, inadequate technical personnel to carry out lumbar puncture and unavailability of case definition at health facilities were system challenges that affected meningitis surveillance. Conclusion: Relatively, some of the primary objectives of the surveillance system were met. However, we believe that motivation of the community-based surveillance volunteers, a construction of a regional public health laboratory and an effective training for healthcare workers would strengthen the surveillance system in northern Ghana. Consequently, adequate financial investment (especially through the government and other health-related international organisations) is required.
Levels of Serum Ascorbic Acid in a Population of North Jordan

Aim: Total serum vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) concentration was measured in a group of 499 individuals (males and females age range 18-60 years) with different health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, pregnancy) and a group of 432 healthy individuals (males and females age range 5-60 years) to assess whether serum vitamin C concentrations are affected (or not) by these medical conditions. Methodology: Total serum vitamin
Detection of Phytophthora nicotianae in Soil with Real-time Quantitative PCR

Phytophthora nicotianae is one of the most important soil-borne plant pathogens. A rapid, specific and sensitive real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection method for P. nicotianae was established, which used primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of rDNA genes of Phytophthora spp. Based on the nucleotide sequences of ITS2 of 15 different species of Phytophthora, the primers and probe were designed specifically to amplify DNA from P. nicotianae. With a series of 10-fold DNA dilutions extracted from P. nicotianae pure cultures, the detection limit was 10 pg/μl in conventional PCR, whereas in SYBR Green I PCR the detection limit was 0.12 fg/μl and in TaqMan PCR 1.2 fg/μl, and real-time PCR was 10 4 -10 5 times more sensitive than conventional PCR. The simple and rapid procedures maximized the yield and quality of recovered DNA from soil and allowed the processing of many samples in a short time. The direct DNA extractions from soil were utilized to yield DNA suitable for PCR. By combining this protocol with the real-time PCR procedure it has been possible to specifically detect P. nicotianae in soil, and the degree of sensitivity was 1.0 pg/μl. The system was applied to survey soil samples from tobacco field sites in China for the presence of P. nicotianae and the analyses of naturally infested soil showed the reliability of the real-time PCR method.
Photosynthetic and fluorescence light responses for kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) leaves at different stages of development on vines grown at two different photon flux densities

Potted kiwifruit, Actinidia deliciosa [(A.Chev.) C.F. Liang et A.R. Ferguson], vines were grown at two controlled photon flux densities (PFD) of 250 and 1100 mol m–2 s–1 for 110 d to examine ontogenetic and PFD responses of photosynthesis. Oxygen evolution of detached leaf disks and PFD responses of both photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence of attached leaves were measured. A range of leaves, at different nodal positions on the vines, were used and measurements were repeated over time on the same leaves as they expanded. Results showed that PFD responses of photosynthesis of the high- and low-PFD-grown vines are typical for sun/shade differentiation in Pmax and in the PFD for light saturation. The low-PFD-grown vines saturated at a PFD of 680 mol m–2 s–1 and had a mean maximum rate of 12.0 mol m–2 s–1 while high-PFD-grown vines saturated at 960 mol m–2 s–1, with a mean maximum rate of 15.2 mol m–2 s–1. There were similar differences between the two growth regimes in the electron transport rate (ETR) but non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was higher in the low than in the high-PFD-grown vines. Young expanding leaves were characterised by low efficiency of both photochemistry and photosynthesis, low capacity for both electron transport through photosystem II and CO2 fixation capacity but by high respiration and a high capacity for non-radiative thermal dissipation. When the leaves had fully expanded, there were marked shifts towards higher photon yields, ETR and Pmax and low respiration and NPQ. In comparison with the effects of growth PFD, ontogenetic effects on development of photosynthetic competence had greater influences on the PFD responses of photochemistry and photosynthesis.