Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High temperature stress tolerance in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) germplasm as evaluated by membrane stability index and excised-leaf water loss techniques

A total of 796 Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss. ] germplasm accessions including 4 checks were evaluated in augmented block design for their per se performance with respect to their high temperature stress tolerance at seedling stage. The traits assessed were percent population survival at 10 and 25 days after sowing, percent membrane stability index, percent relative water content, percent excisedleaf water loss, percent oil content, 1000- seed weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g). Eighty seeds of each germplasm including four checks were sown in the field under heat stress (26th September) conserved moisture conditions during Rabi 2012-13 in single rows of two metre length. Among all germplasm accessions tested, only 48 germplasm accessions were identified on the basis of percent population survival at 10 DAS (41.00C maximum temperature at 0-10 cm depths), and 25 DAS (40.20C maximum temperature at 0-10 cm depths). Correlation coefficients between seed yield per plant and heat stress traits indicated that seed yield per plant was positively associated with membrane stability index (r=0.282*), and 1000 seed weight (r=0.417**). On the basis of per se performance, germplasm accessions DRMR-1574, DRMR-1624, DRMR-1600, DRMR-1799 and Urvashi found to be tolerant to heat stress could be included in the breeding programme genotypes for high temperature stress conditions.
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF UNGULATE JAWS: CAN MODE OF DIGESTIVE PHYSIOLOGY BE DETERMINED?

In order to efficiently deal with cellulose-rich vegetation, different ungulate (hoofed) mammals utilize either foregut (e.g., ruminant artiodactyls) or hindgut fermentation (e.g., perissodactyls, proboscideans and hyraxes). Hindgut fermenters are known to have a greater food intake than ruminants (of similar size and diet), and horses may chew their food more thoroughly on initial ingestion. These facts have led to the prediction that jaws of hindgut fermenters should be more ‘robust’ than those of ruminants, and on this basis extinct hindgut or foregut fermenters may be identified in the fossil record. This hypothesis was tested by creating 2D finite element (FE) models of the mandible of six pairings of extant foregut and hindgut fermenters matched for body mass. All models were scaled to the same size, constrained at the jaw condyle and first molar, and loaded with 100 N of muscle force, divided between the temporalis and masseter muscles in proportion to the size of their relative insertion areas. Mean Von Mises stress through the mandible at a mid-point transect of the tooth row was recorded and the two groups compared with a paired t-test. The mandibles of extant hindgut and foregut fermenters differed significantly in robustness (p = 0.023) with very little overlap in mean stress values.
Biological modelling / Biomodélisation Contribution to the study of periodic chronic myelogenous leukemia

The period (in the order of 40 to 80 days) in periodic chronic myelogenous leukemia (PCML) oscillations is quite long compared with the duration of the cell cycle of the hematopoietic stem cells from which the oscillations are presumed to originate (in the order of one or two days). Our objective is to understand the origin of these long-period oscillations using aG 0 model for stem cell dynamics. We determine the local stability conditions and show under what conditions the Hopf bifurcation may occur. We interpret the role of each parameter in the loss of stability, and then examine a simpler model to try to deduce possible changes at the stem-cell level that might be responsible for the characteristics PCML. To cite this article:
VARIATION IN THE ILIUM OF NORTH AMERICAN BUFO (LISSAMPHIBIA; ANURA) AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR SPECIES-LEVEL IDENTIFICATION OF FRAGMENTARY

Abstract The ilium is widely considered to be the single best element upon which to base the identification of fossil anurans when isolated bones are all that are available. I tested the diagnostic utility of continuous and discrete ilial characters for toads of the genus Bufo by evaluating their distribution among an expanded taxonomic sample of 27 extant North American species. Support for species-level identifications and for the identification of traditionally recognized species groups based on ilial characters alone was assessed. Results indicate that no distinctive morphologies in the ilium of extant North American Bufo are known that permit a species-level identification or the diagnosis of any traditionally recognized species group. Two of the ten included extinct species, B. holmani and B. kuhrei, do contain ilial characters that fall outside the observed range of the examined extant species. The fact that both morphometric and discrete characters fail to support species-level identification of isolated ilia of extant Bufo indicates that identifications should be restricted to higher taxonomic levels until new ilial characters are established. Potentially informative characters should be tested against a comparative sample that reflects clade diversity rather than one that reflects our geographic and/or temporal assumptions. This approach helps to avoid circularity if the identifications are used subsequently in analyses of faunal dynamics.
Oyster and Associated Benthic Macrofaunal Development on a Created Intertidal Oyster (Crassostrea Ariakensis) Reef in the Yangtze River Estuary, China

ABSTRACT Oysters and the reefs they build are being recognized and restored increasingly for the broad suite of ecosystem services they can provide. However, surprisingly little effort has been devoted to documenting the outcomes of such restoration or creation projects through time, or to comparing projects from different regions. In this study, we examined the oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis) and benthic macrofaunal development on a created intertidal oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis) reef along a salinity and exposure (vertical position on reef) gradient 5 y after creation in the Yangtze River estuary, China. Three years after reef creation, sustainable oyster populations were established successfully and market-size oysters accounted for more than 24% of the total reef cover, with mean abundances ranging from 95–225 adult oysters/m2. Associated community metrics (species richness, abundance. and biomass) of benthic macrofauna showed generally increasing trends with reef development during the 5-y period; however, crustaceans and polychaetes were correlated most strongly with oyster development. Barnacle (Balanus alhicostatus) abundance and biomass were correlated negatively with oyster and reef development. Salinity and exposure frequently interacted, suggesting that development at different places along the reef or salinity gradient was dependent on the vertical position along the reef or the degree of exposure at low tide. Oyster development on this created reef appears to be at a self-sustaining level and provides habitat for associated benthic macrofauna comparable with other regions globally.
Apoptotic and antiproliferative activity of olive oil hydroxytyrosol on breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is a major worldwide public health concern for women. It still remains the second most prevalent form of cancer which is terminal despite the advances made in the therapeutic approach. Polyphenols in olive oil and leaves have been known for their medicinal properties. The objective of the present study was to investigate the anti-cancer effect of hydroxytyrosol and to determine the mechanisms underlying its effects. The cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of hydroxytyrosol were determined in SK-BR-3 and T-47D breast cancer cell lines using the WST-1 assay. Apoptosis was analysed using Annexin V, and cell cycle was investigated by flow cytometry. The key findings of the present study showed that hydroxytyrosol, a pharmacologically safe natural product of olive oil, has potent anti-breast cancer properties. Indeed, it exhibits specific cytotoxicity against SK-BR-3 and T-47D breast cancer cells. Furthermore, hydroxytyrosol triggered apoptosis that showed a dose-dependent increase in both cell lines. Moreover, hydroxytyrosol inhibited cell proliferation by delaying the cell cycle at G2/M phase. Therefore, hydroxytyrosol warrants further investigations to prove its utility in preventing/treating breast cancer. Key words: Breast cancer, hydroxytyrosol, apoptosis, cytotoxicity, cell proliferation.
Nutrient apparent digestibility and the performance of growing fattening pigs as affected by incremental additions of fat to starch or non-starch polysaccharides

In a factorial design, animal fat was added incrementally (0, 35, 70 and 105 g/kg) to maize starch (M) or to two sources of fermentable carbohydrates (260 g purified cellulose (C) per kg or 270 g soya-bean hulls (S) per kg). The 12 experimental diets were formulated by replacing maize starch in the control diet with fat, cellulose and soya-bean hulls of equivalent estimated net energy. Ninety-six castrated males were given these diets according to net energy. Apparent digestibilities of crude protein, crude lipid, crude fibre and nitrogen-free extract were measured and were compared with those expected from the separate ingredients. Net energy conversion ratio (nECR) was also measured. Results showed that in the C and the S diets prediction of the apparent digestibility of nutrients was worse than in the M diets (significant effect of source of carbohydrate). Prediction of apparent digestibility of crude protein and crude lipid improved as the added fat increased (significant effect of amount of fat), except in the C and S diets where for digestible crude lipid the 70 g added fat per kg gave the worst prediction (significant effect of the interaction). The net energy calculated from the experimental data on apparent digestibility was proportionately between 0·83 and 0·98 of that calculated from the expected data. The pigs on the C and S treatments showed a significant lower nECR when calculated from the expected apparent digestibility coefficients, but not when calculated from those which were measured. At the highest fat addition, the nECR was poorest. It is concluded that the amounts of digestible components in compound foods cannot always be obtained from those in the separate ingredients.
Development of embryogenic callus protocol for Brachylaena huillensis

The present investigation was conducted to explore em bryogenic potential of Brachylaena huillensis using leaves as explants. The second pair of juvenile leaves of tips of B. huillensis naturally growing seedlings were collected, sterilized and cultured on woody plant medium (WPM) containing various concentrations levels of 2, 4-D, BAP and a blend of the two phytohormones to induce embryogenic callus. For the first time, embryogenic callus was explored from leaf explants of B. huillensis in Tanzania using tissue culture techniques. The hormonal combination of BAP (5µM) and 2, 4-D (5µM) was recorded as most appropriate for high percentage (8.3 ± 3.3) of viable and healthy callus. Concentration of 5µM was the best in callus induction in the current study. Actually, the study of in vitro propagation focusing on callus induction using leaves in B. huillensis is novel; it is the corner stone for in vitro propagation for the tree species.
VIRULENCE AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF AEROMONAS SPP. FROM FISH SAMPLES USING ARDRA TECHNIQUE

The detection of Virulence factors of Aeromonas spp. is a key component in determining potential pathogenicity because these factors act Multifuntionally and Multifactorially. In this study, totally 50 carp fish samples were collected, Among these, 8 samples were found to be positive for Aeromonas hydrophila and 13 were found to be positive for Aeromonas salmonicida. Antibiotic resistant patterns were performed by Bauer-Kirby method. Both the species of Aeromonas showed the highest resistance patterns to Amoxicillin, Ampicillin/Cloxacillin, Cefotaxime, and Clarithromycin. This study showed a virulence character of Aeromonas hydrophila (8 isolates) positive for proteolytic (62.5%), lipolytic (75%), and β-Lactamase (100%), hemolytic (31.5%), slime production (100%). In Aeromonas salmonicida (13 isolates) showed positive for proteolytic (61.5%), lipolytic (69.2%), and β- Lactamase (84.6%), and slime production (100%) respectively. Aeromonas spp. isolated from fish samples were genetically characterized by Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA) of 16S rDNA gene by using EcoRI enzyme, previously proposed as a useful tool to identify Aeromonas spp. This present study revealed that the virulence and molecular characterization of Aeromonas spp. , is very important to detect the infection in fresh water fish, it should be essential to study the environmental factors, immunosuppressive factors and other adaptability factors of host and pathogen responsible for the establishment of pathogenic state.
In vitro antimicrobial agents of fruit peel extracts of Punica granatum L. and Citrus sinensis against many bacterial and fungal genera

Recently, natural products have been evaluated as sources of antimicrobial agents with efficacies against a variety of microorganisms. This study described the antibacterial and antifungal activities of fruit peels extract of Punica granatum L. and Citrus sinensis on the selected bacteria and fungi including Acidobacter sp. , Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia and the fungal isolates used are Fusarium graminearum and Candida albicans. The peel extract of Punica granatum L. has shown highest antimicrobial activity compared to the peel extract of Citrus sinensis. Among the selected bacterial and fungal cultures, the highest antibacterial activity was recorded against Acidobacter sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and among fungi high activity against fusarium graminaerum was recorded.
Condições de atmosfera controlada para pêssegos "maciel" colhidos em dois estádios de maturação

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of temperature and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage conditions on the quality of ‘Maciel’ peaches harvested in two ripening stages. The treatments were: refrigerated air storage (RA) at +0.5°C; RA at -0.5°C; 2.0kPa O 2 + 4.0kPa CO 2 plus -0.5°C; 1.0kPa O2 + 3.0kPa CO2 plus -0.5°C; 2.0kPa O2 + 6.0kPa CO2 plus -0.5°C. Evaluations of fruit quality were carried out after two months of storage plus two and four days at 20°C. Fruits stored in 2.0kPa O 2 + 4.0kPa CO 2 at -0.5°C showed the highest firmness independent of ripening stage. The solid soluble content was higher at mature stage independent of storage conditions. Occurrence of decay and internal browning were not influenced by ripening stage. However, the CA storage at 1.0kPa O 2 + 3.0kPa CO 2 plus -0.5°C provided the small occurrence of decay and internal browning of flesh pulp. After four days at 20°C fruits at mature stage were completely rotten, independently of storage condition.
Functional Characterization of Steam Jet-Cooked f3-Glucan-Rich Barley Flour as an Oil Barrier in Frying Batters

Introduction Frying has been commonly used as an easy, fast, and convenient preparation of foods at household and industrial levels. If performed properly, it can produce food products with several typical characteristics such as crispy texture, lightly golden color, and savory flavor. However, fried foods have generally a high content ofoil, even up to 50% ofthe total weight (Funami and others 1999). Thus, they can cause excessive consumption of oil, especially saturated fat, contributing to obesity and heart disease. Therefore, they have recently fallen into some disfavor due to rising health awareness of consumers. Abatter consists mainly of flour and water for dipping foods into before cooking (Suderman and Cunningham 1983). Some foods, such as fish and meat, are coatedwith batters priorto frying. Byforming a crispy and uniform layer in foods, it provides enhanced visual and structural qualities as well as a tender and moist inside (Loewe 1993; Fiszman and Salvador 2003). Furthermore, batter coatings can reduce oil uptake in fried foods since the surface properties offoods playa critical role in oil uptake during frying (Mellema 2003). Takinghealth concerns into consideration, the oil blocking properties of batters have received significant attention beyond their traditional functionalities. In previous studies, rice flour-based batters showed oil-resisting properties (Shih and Daigle 1999; Shih and others 2005) and the incorporation of pregelatinized tapioca starch to batters reduced significantly oil absorption of chicken nuggets. In addition to nonwheat flour/starch, several hydrocolloids such as methylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose are reported to behave as oil barriers due to their gelling and hydrophilic properties (Fiszman
A role for below‐ground biota in plant–plant facilitation

Plant–plant facilitation is an important driver of plant diversity, which in turn maintains ecosystem multifunctionality and can buffer some negative effects of climate change. Facilitation is classically attributed to the amelioration of environmental extremes and resource availability. Integrating below‐ground biota into the positive plant interactions framework should provide a more realistic understanding of this process, enabling us to gain insights into the dynamics of below–above‐ground communities. We tested the effect of below‐ground biota on the performance of a plant community and of individual species using soil extracts from the understorey of a benefactor plant species and adjacent open spaces. Soil bacteria from extracts and experimental microcosms were analysed using pyrosequencing. Soil biota had a significant effect on the abundance, growth, functional traits and reproductive output of beneficiary plant species through processes that are independent of the direct influence of the benefactor species. Different soil bacterial communities were associated with the benefactor species, the individual beneficiary plant species and the plant community, revealing complex below–above‐ground links between plants and soil microbiota. Synthesis. The below‐ground biota cultivated by benefactor plant species play a fundamental role in positive interactions between plant species contributing to the preservation of diversity and the evolution of plant communities.
Use of Ethyl (E,Z)-2,4-decadienoate in Codling Moth Management: Stimulation of Oviposition

The effect of the pear volatile, ethyl (E,Z)-2,4-decadienoate (Et-E,Z-DD), on oviposition by codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), was evaluated in a series of choice and nochoice laboratory experiments and in subsequent field tests conducted in apple and walnut. Gray halobutyl elastomer septa loaded with 1.0 and 100.0 μg Et-E,Z-DD significantly increased the numbers of eggs laid by a laboratory population in 96 h no-choice assays by 2-fold. In addition, the number of eggs laid near the Et-E,Z-DD versus a solvent blank dispenser was significantly higher in choice bioassays across a similar range of septa loadings. Oviposition rates by a field-collected post-diapause strain of codling moth were significantly increased by the addition of a 1.0-μg septa versus a solvent blank dispenser in a no-choice bioassay. Field trials were conducted in apple and walnut to develop an artificial egg trap baited with Et-E,Z-DD to monitor codling moth oviposition. Septa loaded with 0.1 to 10.0 mg did not significantly increase oviposition versus solvent blank dispensers on a Mylar plastic collar trap or on the adjacent leaves and fruit in apple. Significantly more eggs were laid on the fruit and foliage than on the plastic collar. No eggs were deposited on non-bearing apple shoots baited with 0.1 – 40.0 mg Et-E,Z-DD septa. Similarly, no eggs were deposited on cylindrical wax paper-covered plastic traps baited with 10.0 μg to 1.0 mg Et-E,Z-DD septa in walnut orchards. The potential of Et-E,Z-DD to monitor codling moth’s oviposition in the field, stimulate oviposition by field-collected strains under laboratory conditions, and to improve pest control by disrupting host location are discussed.
Evaluation of specimens in which the urine sediment analysis was conducted by full-automatic systems and a manual method together with urine culture results

The aim of the present study is to assess leukocyte and bacterial counts, and urine strip leukocyte esterase and as well as nitrite results from IQ200 and UriSed full-automatic urine sediment analyzers, with urine culture results. Six hundred urine cultures were performed in accordance with the routine laboratory procedures of the hospital. A growth 10); however, negative likelihood ratios (NLR) were inadequate for both devices and the manual method (NLR >0.3 for all). However, when the utilization of two tests in combination was analyzed, the diagnostic odds ratio was 48 for the IQ200 (95% confidence interval CI, 12.1-190) and 168 for the UriSed (95% CI, 20.6-1369) in cases in which leukocyte, bacteria, and nitrite measurements were high together. The results of the IQ200, UriSed, and urine strip test do not accurately reflect the urine culture results. Nevertheless, it was concluded that negative nitrite and leukocyte results of both automated and manual tests could be utilized in ruling out a urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosis.
Efficacy of yeasts in the management of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, in Flame Seedless grape vines and the consequent effect on the productivity of the vines

Abstract Twenty-two yeast strains were screened for their efficacy in suppression of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita on Flame Seedless grapevines. The most effective seven strains were chosen to study their effect on nematode population in vitro and in vivo as well as their impact on crop productivity and fruit quality. Data showed that all treatments significantly reduced the number of juveniles in vitro after 24 and 48 h. The highest percentage of nematode mortality was achieved by the application of Pichia gluilliermondii Moh10, Pachytrichospora transvaalensis Y-1240, Candida albicans Moh Y-5 and Geotichum terrestre Y 2162. Similarly, under greenhouse conditions, all treatments significantly reduced the number of juveniles and disease index compared to the untreated plants during both incubation periods (30 and 50 days). Under field conditions, the tested yeast strains as well as Nemacour (nematocide) resulted in a significant reduction (P<0.05) of populations of Meloidogyne incognita compared to the control in two successive seasons tested. The beneficial impact of application of yeast strains was reflected in crop productivity on Flame Seedless grapevines as well as fruit quality. Percentages of vegetative buds, flower buds, shoot length and leaf number were significantly enhanced as a result of application of the different yeast strains and Nemacour. Bunch weight, berry weight and berry numbers were significantly increased by Pachytrichospora transvaalensis Y-1240, Geotichum terrestre Y-2162 and Candida albicans Moh Y-5. Nemacour and other yeast strains did not show any significant differences compared to the infected vines. Percentage of total soluble solids (TSS%) increased by applying all yeast strains, whereas Nemacour treatment gave the highest value of both TSS percent and percentage of acidity and increased anthocyanins in the skin of berries.