Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of allelochemicals on seed germination.

All kinds of allelochemicals can affect seed germination through affecting seed cell membrane permeability,cell division and differentiation,respiration,protein synthesis,gene expression,and hormone synthesis and equilibrium.The allelopathic effects on seed germination are related to the types and concentrations of alleochemicals,species of recipient plants,and environmental conditions.In this paper,the definitions of plant allelopathy and allelochemicals,and the releasing modes and types of allelochemicals were introduced,with the focus on the action mechanisms of allelochemicals on seed germination,their affecting factors,and ecological significances.
Pequeños vertebrados del relleno kárstico del Pleistoceno Superior de Avetrana (Apulia, Sur de Italia)

The fossiliferous deposit (karst cavity) in La Grave, a locality near the small town of Avetrana (Taranto, south­ern Italy), has yielded numerous fossils of vertebrates. The remains of large mammals have been the subject of several studies. This paper examines the remains of small vertebrates and identifies four taxa of amphibians ( Bufo bufo, Bufotes gr. B. viridis, Hyla gr. H. Arborea and Rana (s.l.) sp. ), four taxa of reptiles ( Testudo hermanni, Podarcis sp., Zamenis gr. Z. longissimus, Natrix natrix ), and nine taxa of small mammals ( Erinaceus europaeus, Crocidura suaveolens, Arvicola italicus, Microtus (Terricola) savii, Microtus (Microtus) arvalis, Apodemus gr. A. sylvaticus - A. flavicollis, Hystrix (Acanthion) vinogradovi, Oryctolagus cuniculus and Lepus corsicanus ). From a biochronological point of view, the data on small and large vertebrates indicate an age between the beginning of the Late Pleistocene (MIS 5e) and the central part of MIS 3. The most recent fossiliferous layer (bed 8) is likely to have been deposited during a cooler period when compared to the previous layers.The data from small fossil vertebrates combined with those emerging from the large mammals and birds evidence the presence, near the karstic cavity, of open spaces (prairies) with pools of water, bordered by wooded areas and, not far, the presence of a rocky coastline.
EXPLORING FACTORS AFFECTING ATTRACTION AND RETENTION OF HEALTH WORKERS IN RURAL AREAS-TANZANIA

ix INTRODUCTION . x CHAPTER ONE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION . 1 1.1 Country Profile and administration . 1 1.2 Political and Socio-economic situation . 1 1.3 Health Indicators . 1 1.4 health system . 2 1.4. 1 Policy and Decentralization . 2 1.4. 2 Public service pay and incentive policy 2010. 2 1.5 Government total expenditure on health . 3 1.6 The situation of the Health workforce . 3 Chapter 2. Problem statement, Justification, Objectives and Methodology . 5 2.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT . 5 2.2 Justification . 6 2.2 OBJECTIVE . 8 2.3 METHODology . 8 Conceptual Framework . 9 STUDY LIMITATION . 11 CHAPTER THREE: STUDY FINDINGS/RESULTS . 12 3.1 Personal origin and values: . 12 3.2 Family and community aspects . 14 3.3 Working and living conditions: . 15
Evaluation of Different Photosensitizers for Use in Photochemical Gene Transfection ¶

Many potentially therapeutic macromolecules, e.g. transgenes used in gene therapy, are taken into the cells by endocytosis, and have to be liberated from endocytic vesicles in order to express a therapeutic function. To achieve this we have developed a new technology, named photochemical internalization (PCI), based on photochemical reactions inducing rupture of endocytic vesicles. The aim of this study was to clarify which properties of photosensitizers are important for obtaining the PCI effect improving gene transfection. The photochemical effect on transfection of human melanoma THX cells has been studied employing photosensitizers with different physicochemical properties and using two gene delivery vectors: the cationic polypeptide polylysine and the cationic lipid 1,2‐dioleoyl‐3‐trimethylammonium‐propane (DOTAP). Photochemical treatment by photosensitizers that do not localize in endocytic vesicles (tetra[3‐hydroxyphenyl]porphyrin and 5‐aminolevulinic acid–induced protoporphyrin IX) do not stimulate transfection, irrespective of the gene delivery vector. In contrast, photosensitizers localized in endocytic vesicles stimulate polylysine‐mediated transfection, and amphiphilic photosensitizers (disulfonated aluminium phthalocyanine [AlPcS2a] and meso‐tetraphenylporphynes) show the strongest positive effect, inducing approximately 10‐fold increase in transfection efficiency. In contrast, DOTAP‐mediated transfection is inhibited by all photochemical treatments irrespective of the photosensitizer used. Neither AlPcS2a nor Photofrin affects the uptake of the transfecting DNA over the plasma membrane, therefore photochemical permeabilization of endocytic vesicles seems to be the most likely mechanism responsible for the positive PCI effect on gene transfection.
A SURVEY ON ECTOPARASITES OF SOME FRESHWATER FISH AT QENA GOVERNORATE, UPPER EGYPT

Three species of fish (Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias lazera and Lates niloticus) were collected from Qena, Upper Egypt during the period from April, 2012 to the end of March, 2013. Upon their inspection, of 6 of ectoparasites species were recovered 3 monogeneans (Cichlidogyrus arthracanthus, Euryhaliotrema lovejoyi and Dactylogyrus spp.), two crustaceans (Lamproglena monody and Ergasilus sarsi) and one protozoan (Henneguya assuiti). The overall prevalence of infection was 12.03% and the highest peak was observed in O. niloticus with 19.4% (14/72) and the lowest percent was recorded in L. niloticus with 5.6% (4/72). Also, seasonal dynamics among the examined fish were recorded.The study revealed the occurrence of one monogenean trematode; Euryhaliotrema lovejoyi for the first time in Upper Egypt.
Antioxidant potentialities of marine red algae Gracillaria dura: A search

Marine algae are proven sources of biologically active metabolites. The active principles produced by marine seaweeds were used in traditional and complementary medicine. Hence, phytochemical survey of the seaweeds will be a good preliminary need to reveal its secondary metabolite constituents and the resultant therapeutic values. In this study, the methanol extract of Gracilaria dura was subjected to phytochemical analysis to know the secondary metabolites present in the extract. The extract was purified by column chromatography. The resultant fraction was subject to GC-MS (Gas ChromatographyMass Spectrum) analysis. A pool of terpenes were identified. Four major terpenoids were noticed in the G.dura. The major terpenoid component was the hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester in G.dura as per the concentration percentage. The purified terpenoid extract showed remarkable antioxidant activity in terms of scavenging hydroxyl radicals in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, the extract exhibited strong inhibition on the FRAP and DPPH scavenging assay. The IC50 values were significant and comparable with the synthetic antioxidants like ascorbate and quercetin. The obtained results suggest the possible use of red algae, G.dura as a good candidate in terms of functional food supplement and also in combating carcinogenesis and inflammatory disorders. Thus, G.dura may be considered for future application in medicine, food and cosmetic industries.
The relationship between the polymorphism of apolipoprotein A5 gene 56C>G and the level of serum triglyceride

Objective To explore the relationship between the polymorphism of apolipoprotein A5 gene 56CG and the level of serum lipids and lipoproteins.Methods 226 subjects were collected to determine the genotype by using polymerase reaction restriction fragments length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP). Results There were only one heterozygous in 226 subjects.Conclusions The relationship between the site of apolipoprotein A5gene 56CG and the level of serum lipids and lipoprotein could not be established.The difference of gene background between different ethnic groups was great.
The association between real activities and accruals earnings management in Malaysian listed companies

This study aims to examine the association between accruals earnings management and real activities earnings management of listed companies in the main market of Malaysia. The study sample consists of 300 companies with the lowest positive earnings measured by the ratio of return on assets from 2013 to 2015. The study uses three proxies for accrual earnings management, namely, the Jones Model, Modified Jones Model (MJM) by ADDIN EN.CITE <Cite AuthorYear="1"> Dechow 1995 194 Dechow, Sloan, and Sweeney (1995) 194 <key app="EN" db-id="220z5dvr7xvdteetdv0xp9eseaeexp90wx5x" timestamp="1493373710">194 <ref-type name="Journal Article">17 Dechow, Patricia M Sloan, Richard G Sweeney, Amy P Detecting earnings management The Accounting Review The accounting review 193-225 70 2 1995 0001-4826 Dechow, Sloan, and Sweeney (1995) and MJM by ADDIN EN.CITE <Cite AuthorYear="1"> Kasznik 1999 201 Kasznik (1999) 201 <key app="EN" db-id="220z5dvr7xvdteetdv0xp9eseaeexp90wx5x" timestamp="1493373712">201 <ref-type name="Journal Article">17 Kasznik, Ron On the association between voluntary disclosure and earnings management Journal of Accounting Research Journal of Accounting Research J. Acc. Res. J Acc Res 57-81 37 1 1999 Kasznik (1999) . For real activities, the study uses the aggregate value of the three proxies introduced by ADDIN EN.CITE <Cite AuthorYear="1"> Roychowdhury 2006 64 Roychowdhury (2006) 64 <key app="EN" db-id="220z5dvr7xvdteetdv0xp9eseaeexp90wx5x" timestamp="1493373682">64 <ref-type name="Journal Article">17 Roychowdhury, Sugata Earnings management through real activities manipulation Journal of Accounting and Economics Journal of Accounting and Economics J. Acc. Econ. J Acc Econ 335-370 42 3 2006 0165-4101 Roychowdhury (2006) . The study uses the random effect panel data regression to test whether real activities and discretionary accruals are used as complementary or substituted techniques in manipulating earnings reporting. The results of the study provide evidence of a significant positive relationship between the real activities and discretionary accruals earnings management, which support the complement hypothesis. The same results are found either in Model of AEM, where the AEM included as an independent variable in the model. This indicates that managers jointly use these two techniques when they prepared the financial reports. The findings of the study could be of importance to policy-makers, regulators, investors and practitioners in all countries, particularly in Malaysia.
Topical Application of 5‐Aminolevulinic Acid and its Methylester, Hexylester and Octylester Derivatives: Considerations for Dosimetry in Mouse Skin Model ¶

Ester derivatives of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA‐esters) have been proposed as alternative drugs for ALA in photodynamic therapy. After topical application of creams containing ALA, ALA methylester (ALA‐Me), ALA hexylester (ALA‐Hex) and ALA octylester (ALA‐Oct) on mouse skin, typical fluorescence excitation and emission spectra of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) were recorded, exhibiting a similar spectral shape for all the drugs in the range of concentrations (0.5–20%) studied. The accumulation kinetics of PpIX followed nearly a similar profile for all the drug formulations. The fluorescence of PpIX peaked at around 6–12 h of continuous cream application. Nevertheless, some differences in pharmacokinetics were noticed. For ALA cream, the highest PpIX fluorescence was achieved using 20% of ALA in an ointment. Conversely, 10% of ALA‐Me and ALA‐Hex, but not of ALA‐Oct, in the cream was more efficient (P < 0.05) than was 20%. The cream becomes rather fluid when 20% of any of these ALA‐esters is used in ointment, whereas 10% and lower concentrations of ALA‐esters do not significantly increase fluidity of the cream. The dependence of PpIX accumulation on the concentration of ALA and ALA‐ester in the applied cream followed (P < 0.002) kinetics as described by a mathematical model based on the Michaelis–Menten equation for enzymatic processes. Under the present conditions, the PpIX amount in the skin increased by around 50% by the application of ALA‐Me, ALA‐Hex or ALA‐Oct for 4–12 h as compared with ALA for the same period. Observations of the mice under exposure to blue light showed that after 8–24 h of continuous application of ALA, the whole mouse was fluorescent, whereas in the case of ALA‐Me, ALA‐Hex and ALA‐Oct the fluorescence of PpIX was located only at the area of initial cream application. The amount of the active compound in the applied cream necessary to induce 90% of the maximal amount of PpIX was determined for normal mouse skin. Optimal PpIX fluorescence can be attained using around 5% ALA, 10% ALA‐Me and 5% ALA‐Hex creams during short application times (2–4 h). Topical application of ALA‐Oct may not gain optimal PpIX accumulation for short applications (<5 h). For long application times (8–12 h), it seems that around 1% ALA, 4% ALA‐Me, 6% ALA‐Hex and 16% ALA‐Oct can give optimal PpIX fluorescence. But for long application times and high concentrations, systemic effect of ALA applied topically on relatively large areas should be considered.
Analysis of Light Interception by Single Plants

The two traditionally distinct treatments of growth analysis, using either relative growth rate (RGR) or crop growth rate (CGR), can be integrated in a single treatment in which RGR is a component of CGR. CGR can alternatively be analysed as the product of incident light receipt, efficiency of light interception (as determined by leaf area index and extinction coefficient) and efficiency of use of intercepted light in dry-matter production or in canopy net photosynthesis. Further, the net assimilation rate or net photosynthetic rate can be resolved into two components which quantify the dependence of light interception on leaf area and of CO2 assimilation on intercepted light. These relations provide increased flexibility in the analysis of assimilation and growth in terms of light interception and the structure of plants and stands. The usefulness of growth analysis in elucidating physiological mechanisms is discussed in relation to the use of more complex mechanistic models.
Characterization of a novel barley β-amylase gene expressed only during early grain development

Abstract A developmentally regulated, novel β-amylase gene (ESDbamy) from Hordeum vulgare L. has 76% amino acid similarity with a previously described barley β-amylase. However, the 3' -end sequences of these β-amylases were different. The glycine-rich repeats, which are signature sequences of endosperm-type β-amylases, are absent in this novel ESDbamy gene. ESDbamy is highly expressed in the caryopsis during early development; however, it is not expressed in other tissues. Early seed development-specific (ESD) β-amylase mRNA levels and enzyme activities were higher in a shrunken endosperm mutant, seg8, than in the wild type. Seg8 has defective endosperm development, reduced starch synthesis and elevated monosaccharide concentrations
Trapping and Spectroscopic Identification of the Photointermediates of Bacteriorhodopsin at Low Temperatures ¶

Light‐driven transmembrane proton pumping by bacteriorhodopsin occurs in the photochemical cycle, which includes a number of spectroscopically identifiable intermediates. The development of methods to crystallize bacteriorhodopsin have allowed it to be studied with high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction, opening the possibility to advance substantially our knowledge of the structure and mechanism of this light‐driven proton pump. A key step is to obtain the structures of the intermediate states formed during the photocycle of bacteriorhodopsin. One difficulty in these studies is how to trap selectively the intermediates at low temperatures and determine quantitatively their amounts in a photosteady state. In this paper we review the procedures for trapping the K, L, M and N intermediates of the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle and describe the difference absorption spectra accompanying the transformation of the all‐trans‐bacteriorhodopsin into each intermediate. This provides the means for quantitative analysis of the light‐induced mixtures of different intermediates produced by illumination of the pigment at low temperatures.
Reactive Oxygen Species Formation by UV‐A Irradiation of Urocanic Acid and the Role of Trace Metals in This Chemistry ¶

We have extended our study of the decomposition of urocanic acid (UCA) with ultraviolet A radiation (UV‐A) by the self‐sensitized generation of singlet oxygen (see Photochem. Photobiol. 75, 565 [2002]). The chemistry has been found to be partially dependent on the presence of trace metal, most likely iron. Rigorous removal of metal impurities from the reaction mixture, using Chelex, retarded (but did not eliminate) the UV‐A–initiated UCA degradation. The addition of small amounts of ferric chloride to the Chelex‐treated solutions restored reactivity. Chelex treatment had a modest effect on the previously reported ability of UCA photoproducts to photonick supercoiled plasmid DNA. Also, photoinactivation of Sindbis virus on irradiation with the UCA photoproducts is now reported. Inactivation of the virus by a photoproduct mixture derived from a UCA solution that had been pretreated with Chelex was less rapid and gave better behaved time‐course plots than was observed for photoproducts from non–Chelex treated solutions. These results are particularly noteworthy in light of the ubiquitous presence of both UCA and iron in the skin.
EFFECTS OF ADDING ACETIC ACID AND FEED WITHDRAWAL PERIOD ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS DURING THE SUMMER SEASON

The present study evaluates the effects of feed withdrawal period and addition of acetic acid in drinking water on growth performance, physiological measurements, carcass traits, carcass chemical composition, intestinal microbial and economic efficiency of broiler chicks during the period of 22 to 42 days of age under Egyptian condition. A total number of 270 of Cobb broiler chick one day old were randomly assigned to six groups and fed a basal diet through the experimental period. The groups T1 (control), T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 were fed ad libitum, fasting 8 hours, addition of 6% acetic acid, fasting 8 hours with addition of 6% acetic acid, addition of 8% acetic acid and fasting 8 hours with addition of 8% acetic acid, respectively. The highest (P<0.05) final weight and weight gain were recorded for T5 group. While group T2showed the lowest (P<0.05) value. The highest (P<0.05) averages of daily feed intake were reported by T1, T5 and T3 groups. While, group T2 had (P<0.05) the lowest daily feed intake. The best feed conversion ratio (P<0.05) was recorded by the groups T2 and T4. Mortality rate was significantly the highest for the control. Blood serum traits are significantly affected by feeding dietary treatments within normal rage. Dressing carcass weight of T5 birds was significantly the highest compared to T2. Abdominal fat weight was significantly the highest for the control. The total bacteria account was (P<0.05) higher in birds treated acetic acid and the coliform bacteria was significantly lower. European production efficiency factor (EPEF) increased significantly for all treatments except the control. These results concluded that addition of acetic acids (6 and 8%) with feed withdrawal (8 hours at 22-42 days of age) in drinking water during summer season have a positive effect on growth performance of broiler.
36 years after the species' mass-mortality: Diadema antillarum test sizes, population densities, and substrate preferences in three Guna Yala reefs near Wichub Wala Island

2 Acknowledgements . 3 Introduction . 5 Coral reefs . 5 Diadema antillarum characteristics . 6 Mass-mortality and recovery . 7 Ecological roles . 9 Research location . 10 Diadema antillarum in Guna Yala . 10 Research Question . 11 Research Objectives . 11 Methods . 12 Study area . 12 Data collection . 13 Data analysis . 14 Ethical considerations . 14 Results . 15 Discussion.20 Density . 20 Test size . 21 Substrate . 22 Possible error sources and limitations . 23 Conclusions . 24 Works Cited . 25 Appendix . 29
Temporal and spatial variability of Chironomidae (Diptera) species emergence in a Neotropical estuary

We analyzed temporal (day-to-day) and spatial (site-to-site) variability of chironomid (Diptera) communities from Laguna del Tortuguero, Costa Rica, to refine a collection protocol that can be used in designs of bioassessments of Neotropical estuaries. We made chironomid pupal exuviae collections on 7 consecutive sampling dates at 3 fixed sampling sites during both the wet and dry seasons. We identified 98 species and 44 genera from 2601 specimens. The 4 most abundant genera accounted for 71% of exuviae. Species-accumulation curves reached saturation for both dry- and wet-season samples, and ∼70% of the cumulative species richness was detected after 3 sampling dates across 3 fixed sampling sites. Species diversity appeared to be structured by sampling-site location along a salinity gradient but not sampling date within a season. Based on the Sørensen incidence-based (SI) and abundance-based (SA) similarity indices, cumulative dry- and wet-season samples were highly similar (SI: 0.701, SA: 0.986). Similarity indices did not differ as a function of the number of days or sites between samples in the dry or wet seasons. Daily similarity ranged from low (SI: 0.188, SA: 0.372) in the dry season with 6 d between samples to high (SI: 0.410, SA: 0.750) in the wet season with 1 d between samples. Based on these results, we recommend that chironomid pupal exuviae collections be made over multiple sampling dates and sites from a Neotropical estuary, and these collections can be made during either wet or dry seasons to detect a large proportion of the chironomid community.
The Role of Elastases Secreted by Fibroblasts in Wrinkle Formation: Implication Through Selective Inhibition of Elastase Activity ¶

We have previously demonstrated that decreases in skin elasticity, accompanied by increases in the tortuosity of elastic fibers, are important early events in wrinkle formation. In order to study the role of elastases in the degeneration of elastic fibers during wrinkle formation we examined the effects of an inhibitor of skin fibroblast elastase, N‐phenethylphosphonyl‐l‐leucyl‐l‐tryptophane (NPLT), on wrinkle formation in hairless mice skin following UV irradiation. Dorsal skins of hairless mice were exposed daily to UV light for 18 weeks at doses of 65–95 mJ/cm2 and treated topically with 100 μL of 1 mM NPLT immediately after each UV irradiation. Wrinkles on dorsal skins were evaluated from week 6 through week 18. The daily exposure of mouse skin to UV light with less than 1 minimal erythemal dose significantly enhanced the activity of elastase in the exposed skin by week 4, and the elevated levels of elastase activity were significantly reduced by the in vitro incubation with NPLT in a dose‐dependent manner to a level similar to that in unexposed mice skin, indicating that NPLT can efficiently inhibit the UV‐inducible elastase activity. Topical application of NPLT significantly suppressed wrinkle formation when compared with vehicle controls by week 15 of treatment (P < 0.05). Histochemistry of elastic fibers with Orcein staining demonstrated that there were no obvious decreases of the fine elastic fibers in UV‐exposed NPLT‐treated skin in contrast to their marked decreases in the UV‐exposed vehicle‐treated skin. These findings suggest that skin fibroblast elastase plays a decisive role in wrinkle formation through the degeneration of elastic fiber.