Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salinity and water stress : improving crop efficiency

1. Strategies for Crop Improvement against Salinity and Drought Stress: An Overview H.R. Athar, M. Ashraf. - PART I: Salt and Water Stress. 2. Prediction of Salinity Tolerance Based on Biological and Chemical Properties of Acacia Seeds S. Rehman et al.- 3. Antioxidant-Enzyme system as Selection Criteria for Salt Tolerance in Forage Sorghum Genotypes (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) M. Hefny, D.Z. Abdel-Kader. - 4. Genetic Variation in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seedlings for Nutrient Uptake at Different Salinity and Temperature Regimes E.V. D. Sastry, M. Gupta. - 5. The Role of Plant Hormones in Plants under Salinity Stress C. Kaya et al.- 6. Effects of Temperature and Salinity on Germination and Seedling Growth of Daucus carota vs. Nantes and Capsicum annuum cv. Sivri and Flooding on Capsicum annuum cv. Sivri M. Ozturk et al.- 7. Triticeae: the Ultimate Source of Abiotic Stress Tolerance Improvement in Wheat S. Farooq. - 8. Water Loss and Gene Expression of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Plants under Dehydration T. -R. Kwon. - 9. Effect of Different Water Table Treatments on Cabbage in Saline Saemangeum Soil M. Jamil, E.S. Rha. - 10. How Does Ammonium Nutrition Influence Salt Tolerance in Spartina alterniflora Loisel? H. Kamel et al.- PART II: Improving Crop Efficiency. 11. Strategies for Crop Improvement in Saline Soils R. Munns. - 12. Role of Vetiver Grass and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Improving Crops against Abiotic Stresses A.G. Khan. - 13. Cell Membrane Stability (CMS): A Simple Technique to Check Salt Stress Alleviationthrough Seed Priming with GA3 in Canola M. Jamil et al.- 14. Using Resources from the Model Plant Arabidopsis thaliana to Understand Effects of Abiotic Stress M.G. Jones. - 15. Improvement of Salt Tolerance Mechanisms of Barley Cultivated under Salt Stress Using Azospirillum brasilense M.N. Omar et al.- 16. Genetic Resources for Some Wheat Abiotic Stress Tolerances A. Mujeeb-Kazi et al.- General Topics. 17. Survival at Extreme Locations: Life Strategies of Halophytes H. -W. Koyro et al.- 18. Adaptive Mechanisms of Halophytes in Desert Regions D.J. Weber. - 19. Is Sustainable Agriculture with Seawater Irrigation Realistic? S. Breckle. - 20. Enhanced Tolerance of Transgenic Crops Expressing both Superoxide Dismutase and Ascorbate Peroxidase in Chloroplasts to Multiple Environmental Stress S. -S. Kwak et al.- 21. Adaptation to Iron-Deficiency Requires Remodeling of Plant Metabolism: An Insight in Chloroplast Biochemistry and Functionality A. Castagna et al.- 22. Boron Deficiency in Rice in Pakistan: A Serious Constraint for Productivity and Grain Quality A. Rashid et al.- 23. Potential Role of Sabkhas in Egypt: An Overview H.M. El Shaer. -
Observations on the links between the architecture of a tree (Dicorynia guianensis Amshoff) and Cerambycidae activity in French Guiana

The development of a given species in a natural forest depends on a multitude of factors. Insects are one of the factors that have an important impact. We would like to present initial observations about the behaviour of longicorns of the Onciderini tribe and their impact on the development of Dicorynia guianensis. A study of the development of D. guianensis was conducted in French Guiana (5°18'N, 5°48'W), at the Paracou silvicultural facility. We studied plots where the Dicorynia inventory was extended to trees 1 m tall or over. In order to describe the impact of longicorn activity on a Dicorynia stand in which spatial distribution is aggregative (Kokou 1992), we chose trees (156 observed trees) in a control plot (plot 11, area: 17 500 m2). Height, trunk basal diameter and DBH were measured on each tree. A precise morphological description was established for each tree. It was during morphological description that the signs of longicorn attacks were sought. In all the species of the genus Oncideres, the female girdles the tree by removing the bark and some of the wood using its mandibles. It then digs deep into the wood above the cut and lays its eggs. The branch then breaks and falls to the ground (Hequet 1996). All that is left on the tree is a stump with characteristic signs of insect activity (Figure 1a). When such signs were seen on a plant, the type of structure (trunk, branch) was noted.
Comparison of the meat quality, post-mortem muscle energy metabolism, and the expression of glycogen synthesis-related genes in three pig crossbreeds

Post-mortem muscle energy metabolism plays an important role in pork quality. To analyse the differences of meat quality and energy metabolism, three commercial pig crossbreeds frequently used in China were studied, they were DT (Duroc × Taihu; n = 16), PIC (five-way crossbreed from Pig Improvement Co., UK; n = 29) and DLY (Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire); n = 19) pigs. The results showed that DT pigs had a higher post-mortem pH45 min and pH24 h, lower shear force and drip loss, higher muscle free-glucose and glycogen contents, and lower lactic acid content than did PIC and DLY pigs. Post-mortem muscle free-glucose content of these three pig crossbreeds changed little, from 45 min to 96 h post-mortem. The expression levels of PRKAG3 (encoding a regulatory subunit of the AMP-activated protein kinase) and GYS1 (encoding muscle glycogen synthase) genes of DT pigs were significantly lower than those of PIC and DLY pigs. DT pigs had a higher expression level of glycogenin-1-like (encoding glycogenin) gene than did PIC and DLY pigs. In conclusion, DT pigs had better meat quality than did the other two pig crossbreeds. We deduced that the post-mortem muscle energy status and metabolism of DT pigs might be an important reason for their good meat quality, and future research should focus on the molecular and physiological mechanism of post-mortem muscle energy metabolism to find ways to improve meat quality.
Evaluation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume in patients with lichen planus -

Aim: In recent years, neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet / lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) has been shown to be important indicators of systemicinflammation. Studies have shown that NLR and PLR are higher and that MPV is lower in lichen planus patients compared to the control group. In this study, NLR, PLR and MPV values of lichen planus patients were calculated and investigated whether these parameters were related to nail and oral mucosal involvement. Material and Methods: Eighty one patients with lichen planus without any systemic, infectious and autoimmune disease were included in this study while 81 patients who were admitted to the outpatient clinic for any non-inflammatory condition and whom had blood picture were included in the study as control group. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, leukocyte count, platelet count, NLR and PLR values in LP patients and control group (p> 0.05). MPV value of LP patients had a mean of 8.10 ± 1.40 , and controls had a mean of 7.21 ± 1.45, and the difference was statistically significant (p 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that NLR and PLR were not suitable parameters to show inflammation in LP. The significant higher values of MPV in LP patients suggests that it may be used as a better marker of inflammation in LP patients than NLR and PLR. Nevertheless, the lack of significant association of MPV with nail involvement and oral mucosal involvement may restrict clinical use of it in LP.
Investigating novel pathways in B cell mediated autoimmunity in the context of the disease juvenile dermatomyositis

The Inflammatory Idiopathic Myopathies (IIM) are a rare group of myopathic autoimmune diseases diagnosed in both adults and children. Patients present with proximal muscle weakness and Gottron’s papules. Immunohistochemical analysis of muscle tissue from these patients has identified immune cell infiltrate and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines however, little is known about the peripheral immunological profile in juvenile and adult patient groups. There are three aims: Firstly, to investigate mechanisms driving B cell lymphocytosis and define pathological features of B cells in the blood of Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) patients. Secondly, to identify specific immune cell signatures and cytokine profiles for myositis disease subtypes and correlate this data with measurements of disease activity. Finally, to delineate a correlation between the up-regulated type I interferon signature and dysfunction of cholesterol homeostasis in immune cells. Using a combination of cell culture, flow cytometry, RNA-seq, q-PCR and ELISA techniques this study has assessed the immune cell signature, B cell biology and IFN related mechanisms in patients with IIM. The results identified that JDM patients with active disease have a significantly expanded immature B cell population which was correlated with a type I IFN signature. Activation through TLR7 and IFN- may drive the expansion of immature B cells in JDM and skew the cells towards a more pro-inflammatory phenotype. There are unique immune signatures in adult disease sub-types, one example was an expanded Th17 population seen in adult dermatomyositis (ADM). Lastly, IFN- stimulation of T and B cells does change the expression of some genes that are part of the Hallmark cholesterol homeostasis pathway. In conclusion, the work undertaken during my thesis provides further evidence that anti- IFN biologics could be efficacious in the treatment of JDM. Also, the need for further investigation for the use of IL-17A inhibitors in the treatment of IIM.
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) and glutathione S-transferases (GST) polymorphisms (CYP1A1, CYP1B1, GSTM1, GSTP1 and GSTT1) and urinary levels of 1-hydroxypyrene in Turkish coke oven workers

Genetic polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes have been associated with cancer risk. We evaluated the influences of genetic polymorphisms of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolizing enzymes on urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) excretion in Turkish coke oven workers. Urinary 1-OHP was analyzed by HPLC after enzymatic hydrolysis. Lymphocyte DNA was used for PCR-based genotyping of cytochrome P450 (CYP) polymorphisms (CYP1A1 and CYP1B1) and glutathione S-transferases (GST) polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1). The mean urinary 1-OHP levels of coke oven workers were significantly higher than that of controls. No significant difference was detected in the mean urinary 1-OHP levels of smokers and non-smokers either for coke oven workers or controls. Genetic polymorphisms of the CYPs and GSTs studied had no significant influence on 1-OHP excretion in coke oven workers, but in the control group the urinary 1-OHP levels of individuals carrying the GSTT1- genotype were significantly higher than those of individuals carrying GSTT1+ genotype. The duration of occupational exposure and metabolic genotype for GSTT1 were the significant predictors of urinary 1-OHP levels. The control individuals carrying combined GSTM1-/GSTT1- genotypes also had significantly higher levels of urinary 1-OHP than those of individuals carrying GSTM1+/GSTTI+, GSTM1-/GSTT1+, and GSTM1+/GSTT1- genotypes. These results indicate that urinary 1-OHP is a sensitive indicator of recent human exposure to PAHs and that genetic polymorphism of GSTT1 may also to some extent reflect the interindividual variation in susceptibility to PAHs only at low PAH exposure.
Neutral red retention by lysosomes from earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus) coelomocytes: A simple biomarker of exposure to soil copper

A simple subcellular histochemical staining technique employing the lysosomal probe neutral red has been developed for use with the epiendogeic earthworm Lumbricus rubellus Hoffmeister. Coelomocytes extracted from the coelomic cavity of earthworms into an isotonic earthworm Ringer solution were allowed to adhere to a microscope slide for 30 s before the application of a neutral red dye. This red dye was rapidly accumulated within the lysosomes. Observation of the loss of this dye from these lysosomes into the surrounding cytosol has enabled the quantification of the degree of lysosomal damage caused to earthworms with exposure to an increasing range of soil copper concentrations, in both laboratory and mesocosm studies. This simple in vitro biomarker has potential for the rapid assessment of the toxic effects to earthworms from soils contaminated with heavy metals and metalloids.
Spatial and temporal effects of interspecific competition between Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) in winter

Previous work has shown that juvenile stream-dwelling salmonids become predominantly nocturnal during winter by emerging from daytime refuges to feed, with several species having been shown to prefer slow-flowing water while active at night. We used seminatural stream channels, landscaped to provide a choice of water depths, and hence velocities, to test whether Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, and brown trout, Salmo trutta, show similar habitat preferences during winter. We also tested whether there was any spatial or temporal displacement of Atlantic salmon when in sympatry with brown trout. Nighttime observations revealed that Atlantic salmon did have a preference for slow-flowing water. However, when in direct competition with trout, salmon either remained predominantly nocturnal but occupied shallower water, or became significantly less nocturnal, spending more time active during the day than when in allopatry. These results, which were especially marked in relatively larger fish, indicate that competit.
Diel vertical migration of copepods in mountain lakes: The changing role of ultraviolet radiation across a transparency gradient

The transparency regulator hypothesis (TRH) proposes that water transparency determines the relative importance of visual predation vs. ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in driving zooplankton out of the surface waters during the day. To test this hypothesis, we used a combination of observational and experimental approaches to examine the effects of UVR, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), fish, temperature, and food resources on the daytime vertical distribution and diel vertical migration (DVM) of the copepod Hesperodiaptomus arcticus in a set of lakes in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Across lakes, H. arcticus daytime vertical distribution increased with both UVR transparency and depth of food resources, and was not related to PAR, thermal structure, or the presence of fish. We also observed a strong positive relationship between UVR and H. arcticus daytime depth distribution in a single lake that varied in transparency over time. The presence of substantial DVM in H. arcticus in two transparent lakes coupled with the lack of DVM in a less transparent lake indicated a weakening effect of UVR in lower transparency conditions. Finally, we deployed open‐bottomed vertical columns constructed of UVR‐blocking and UVR‐transmitting material overnight in two lakes of contrasting transparency. The following day, we observed significantly more copepods in UVR‐blocking columns in the more transparent lake but no UVR effect in the less transparent lake. Collectively, our results provide multiple lines of evidence supporting the TRH by highlighting the changing role of UVR as a driver of DVM across lakes of varying transparency.
Comparison of reproductive characteristics among populations of Dendropoma petraeum-complex (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda), an endemic Mediterranean reef-building vermetid

We examined the density and reproductive characteristics of the Israeli population of the cryptic species complex Dendropoma petraeum—a Mediterranean endemic reef-building gastropod. The population is gonochoristic, with a peak of gonad activity from October–November to May–June. We present here for the first time histological evidence of its reproductive cycles, hermaphroditism and gonadal parasitic infestation. The characteristics studied (gonad activity period, number of egg capsules per female, capsule size and number of eggs/embryos per capsule) were markedly different from those reported for the D. petraeum-complex population in south-east Spain. Our findings on the population's reproductive characteristics provide new information on the differences between the Mediterranean populations of D. petraeum-complex.
Regulation of Pituitary α-Subunit, β-Luteinizing Hormone and Prolactin Messenger Ribonucleic Acid by Gonodotropin-Releasing Hormone and Estradiol in Hypogonadal Mice

We have investigated the effects of three different GnRH injection regimens and the effects of estradiol benzoate (EB) on expression of the common α-subunit, β-LH, and PRL genes in male and female hpg mice. GnRH was injected once daily (100 ng), every 2 h (100 ng) or every 30 min (25 ng), and EB (10 μg) was injected once daily. The effects of continuous exposure to the superactive agonist D-Trp6-GnRH released from microcapsules were also studied. Northern blot analysis showed that administration of GnRH increased α-subunit mRNA levels 2- to 10-fold in male and female hpg but not normal mice and had no significant effect on β-LH or β-TSH mRNA levels. The greatest increase in α-mRNA occurred when 100 ng GnRH were injected every 2 h and could be detected within 6 h of the first GnRH injection. More frequent injections (25 ng every 30 min) were less effective in increasing α-mRNA, as was prolonged exposure to the D-Trp6-GnRH superagonist. The increase in α-mRNA was associated with an increase in pituitary FSH.
Habitat Selection by Mountain Plovers in Shortgrass Steppe

ABSTRACT Much of the breeding range for the mountain plover (Charadrius montanus) occurs in shortgrass steppe and mixed-grass prairie in the western Great Plains of North America. Studies of mountain plovers in shortgrass steppe during the 1970s and 1990s were focused in Weld County, Colorado, which was considered a key breeding area for the species. These studies, however, did not include habitats influenced by black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) or prescribed fire. The role of these 2 rangeland disturbance processes has increased substantially over the past 15 years. During 2008–2009, I used radial distance point count surveys to estimate mountain plover densities early in the nesting season in 4 habitats on public lands in Weld County, Colorado. All 4 habitats were grazed by cattle during the growing season at moderate stocking rates but had different additional disturbances consisting of 1) dormant-season prescribed burns, 2) active black-tailed prairie dog colonies, 3) black-tailed prairie dog colonies affected by epizootic plague in the past 1–2 years, and 4) rangeland with no recent history of fire or prairie dogs. Mountain plover densities were similar on active black-tailed prairie dog colonies ( = 6.8 birds/km2, 95% CI = 4.3–10.6) and prescribed burns ( = 5.6 birds/km2, 95% CI = 3.5–9.1). In contrast, no plovers were detected at randomly selected rangeland sites grazed by cattle but lacking recent disturbance by prairie dogs or fire, even though survey effort was highest for this rangeland habitat. Mountain plover densities were intermediate (2.0 birds/km2, 95% CI = 0.8–5.0) on sites where black-tailed prairie dogs had recently been extirpated by plague. These findings suggest that prescribed burns and active black-tailed prairie dog colonies may enhance breeding habitat for mountain plovers in shortgrass steppe and illustrate the potential for suppressed or altered disturbance processes to influence habitat availability for declining wildlife species.
Effect of Fermented Katuk Leaf (Sauropus androgynus L. Merr.) in Diets On Cholesterol Content of Broiler Chicken Carcass

Chicken meat is very nutritious. It is sometimes blamed to cause stroke attack and coronary heart disease in human, because of high fat and cholesterol contents in the chicken meat. Therefore, the aim of this experiment is to evaluate the effect of fermented katuk leaf levels in diets on the cholesterol content of broiler chicken carcass. The experiment was based on completely randomized design with eight experimental diets containing 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10,12 and 14% of fermented katuk leaf. All diets were formulated to contain 21% crude protein and 3200 kcal/kg. Each treatment had three replicates with ten chickens per replicate. Two hundred and forty day old unsexed Lohmann broiler chicks were fed ad lib for eight weeks and then slaughtered. Feed consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and cholesterol content of carcass were taken as variable responses. Data were analyzed based on analysis of variance and orthogonal comparisons. Results showed that feed consumption, daily weight gain, FCR and carcass content were not affected by the levels of fermented katuk leaf in the diet. However, cholesterol content of broiler carcass was significantly (p<0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. Cholesterol content of th e carcass was reduced processed 19.32% 72.48 to 58.48 mg/100 g chicken meat. The lowest cholesterol level was obtained by feeding the chickens with diets containing 14% fermented katuk leaf.
Taylor flow hydrodynamics in gas-liquid-solid micro reactors

The gas hold-up in nitrogen-water Taylor flows in a glass micro channel of rectangular cross-section (100x50 μm 2 ) was shown to follow the Armand correlation when inertial effects are significant. The validity of the Armand correlation implies that the fraction of crosssectional channel area occupied by the liquid film is not a function of the bubble velocity, which was varied between 0.24 and 7.12 m/s. This behaviour differs from the results reported for viscous fluids, where inertial effects were not significant, and the fraction of cross-sectional channel area occupied by the liquid film increases with increasing bubble velocity. Images of the Taylor flow were captured at a rate of 10,000 frames per second and were used to obtain the bubble and liquid slug lengths, the bubble velocity, and the number of bubbles formed per unit of time. A mass balance based Taylor flow model was used to calculate the superficial gas velocity and gas hold-up at the imaging location from the data obtained from imaging.
Trends In The Numbers Of Red Kangaroos And Emus On Either Side Of The South Australian Dingo Fence: Evidence For Predator Regulation?

Most of Australia’s sheep rangelands are enclosed by a dingo-proof fence. Within these rangelands, where dingoes (Canis lupus dingo) are rare, red kangaroos (Macropus rufus) are considered to be food limited because their numbers respond to fluctuations in pasture biomass that are driven by highly variable rainfall. Outside this region, where dingoes are common, kangaroo densities are generally substantially lower, suggesting that dingoes are an important limiting factor. However, it is unclear whether dingoes can regulate kangaroo populations. In this study, red kangaroo and emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) numbers were monitored for varying periods during 1978–92 by aerial survey on both sides of the dingo fence in three areas in the north of the South Australian pastoral zone. Densities of red kangaroos and emus were lower outside the fence, although the disparity varied between areas and over time. The similarity in the environments on both sides of the fence and the marked step in kangaroo density at the fence are consistent with dingoes strongly limiting these prey populations. In the north-east of the pastoral zone, where kangaroo and emu densities are greatest, the contrast in density across the fence was most pronounced. Furthermore, the trends in density over time differed across the fence. Outside the fence, red kangaroos and emus remained at low densities following drought as dingo numbers increased. Inside the fence, red kangaroo and emu populations showed a ‘typical’ post-drought recovery. The data therefore suggest that, in some situations, dingoes may not simply limit red kangaroo and emu populations, but also regulate them. For this to occur, predation rate would need to be density dependent at low prey densities. The availability of alternative prey, and the reduction in the numbers of all prey during drought may provide the mechanism.