Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micropropagation of Cyrtopodium paludicolum (Orchidaceae) from root tip explants

Abstract: An efficient protocol for in vitro plant propagation of Cyrtopodium paludicolum has been developed using root tips dissected from well-developed seedlings. Root tips were cultured on Knudson medium supplemented with α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and/or thidiazuron (TDZ). TDZ did not induce protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) in the NAA absence, indicating phytoregulators synergistic effect. Medium supplemented with 1.34 μM NAA and 2.27 μM TDZ resulted in better response on PBLs, and subsequent shoot differentiation (55.25 shoots per explant), and in better rooting number and root length responses, favoring acclimatization with 90% of survived plants. However, the medium supplemented with only NAA (1.34 μM) resulted in 33.50 shoots per explant. Histological sections confirmed that only one PLB was induced per responsive root tip, and it showed numerous dispersed and extended meristemoids, or division centers that originated new PBLs. Additionally, this protocol could be an excellent model to study molecular aspects of root to shoot conversion.Key words
Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Regulates Regeneration in Diverse Tissues of the Zebrafish

Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Regulates Regeneration in Diverse Tissues of the Zebrafish Nicholas Stockton Strand Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Professor Randall T Moon Department of Pharmacology The ability to regenerate tissue after injury is limited by species, tissue type, and age of the organism. Understanding the mechanisms of endogenous regeneration provides greater insight into this remarkable biological process while also offering up potential therapeutic targets for promoting regeneration in humans. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been implicated in zebrafish regeneration, including the fin and nervous system. The body of work presented here expands upon the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in regeneration, characterizing roles for Wnt/β-catenin signaling in multiple tissues. We show that cholinergic signaling is required for blastema formation and Wnt/β-catenin signaling initiation in the caudal fin, and that overexpression of Wnt/β-catenin ligand is sufficient to rescue blastema formation in fins lacking cholinergic activity. Next, we characterized the glial response to Wnt/β-catenin signaling after spinal cord injury, demonstrating that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is necessary for recovery of motor function and the formation of bipolar glia after spinal cord injury. Lastly, we defined a role for Wnt/β-catenin signaling in heart regeneration, showing that cardiomyocyte proliferation is regulated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These data demonstrate a conserved role for Wnt/β-catenin signaling in promoting regeneration across multiple tissue types in the zebrafish, and further show conservation of some of these functions in human tissue. Table of
Sources and rates of nitrogen fertilizer used in Mombasa guineagrass in the Brazilian Cerrado region

Brazilian Cerrado is constituted largely by extensive grazing. In this region, livestock production indices are low, because the producers do not perform a soil amendment. The aim of this work was to study a pasture with high production potential using sources and rates of nitrogen (N). Nitrogen sources used were: Ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium sulphonitrate, sulfammo and urea applied on the basis of 100 kg ha -1 per harvest, and N rates (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha -1 per harvest), using urea as source, in five harvests. The forage used was [Panicum maximum (syn. Megathirsus panicum) cv. Mombaça], and were evaluated: Dry matter yield (DMY), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Dry matter yield increased on the second harvest, as a function of N rates. Acid detergent fiber and NDF concentrations there were no significant to the sources, and no adjustment with increasing of N rates. Crude protein content showed no adjustment for the N rates, as well as the N sources were not significant. Because the N performance, we recommend the urea, as this is more affordable and the application of 50 kg ha -1 of N for the maintenance of the Mombasa guineagrass.
Relationship of insulin resistance and hypertension

Studies have shown that hypertension is closely related with insulin resistance.Insulin re-sistance is an independent risk factor of hypertension,and there is causal relationship between them.Insulin resistance plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of hypertension,and hypertension also affects the metabolism of insulin.They complement each other,and then result in a series of serious chronic complications.Multiple antihypertensive drugs can improve insulin resistance through affecting glucose metabolism.On the other hand,some drugs which can improve insulin resistance can be used to treat primary hypertension.Therefore,understanding the relationship between insulin resistance and hypertension has an important significance in prevention and treatment of insulin resistance and hypertension. Key words: Insulin resistance; Hypertension; Insulin
First report of Lagenidium thermophilum isolated from eggs and larvae of mud crab (Scylla tranquebarica) in Sabah, Malaysia

In April 2014, marine Oomycetes were first isolated from mud crab Scylla tranquebarica eggs and larvae at the University Malaysia Sabah shrimp hatchery. A fungus was isolated from infected eggs and larvae using PYGS agar. It was thought that the same fungus infected both eggs and larvae; therefore, strain IPMB 1401 was randomly selected for further characterization in this study. The isolated fungus produced a discharge tube from the mycelium, and a vesicle was formed at the tip. The zoospores swam away after the vesicle separated from the discharge tube. The strain IPMB 1401 was classified as a Lagenidium sp. , closely related to L. thermophilum based on the mode of zoospore release. The differences between the strains IPMB 1401 and pathogenic Lagenidium spp. isolated from marine crustaceans were compared in nucleotide sequence of ITS 1 region. As a result, the IPMB 1401 showed high similarity of 99-100% and belonged to the same cluster with L. thermophilum. Therefore, the strain IPMB 1401 was identified as L. thermophilum. This is the first report of Lagenidium infection in Malaysia.
EFEK PAPARAN ARTEMISININ BERULANG TERHADAP PERKEMBANGAN PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM RESISTEN IN VITRO

1. Terjadi peningkatan nilai IC50 artemisinin yang dipaparkan berulang pada P. falciparum galur 2300 in vitro. 2. Terjadi peningkatan nilai IC50 artemisinin yang dipaparkan berulang pada P . falciparum galur 3D7 in vitro. 3. Paparan artemisinin berulang dapat mempercepat waktu viabilitas P.falciparum galur 2300 in vitro. 4. Paparan artemisinin berulang dapat mempercepat waktu viabilitas P.falciparum galur 3D7 in vitro. 5. Paparan artemisinin berulang dapat mempercepat perkembangan morfologi stadium intra eritrositik P. falciparum galur 2300 in vitro yang disinkronisasi setelah bertahan dalam bentuk dorman. 6. Paparan artemisinin berulang dapat mempercepat perkembangan morfologi stadium intra eritrositik P. falciparum galur 3D7 in vitro yang disinkronisasi setelah bertahan dalam bentuk dorman. 7. Paparan artemisinin berulang dapat mempercepat perkembangan siklus intra eritrositik P. falciparum galur 2300 in vitro yang tidak disinkronisasi setelah bertahan dalam bentuk dorman. 8. Paparan artemisinin berulang dapat mempercepat perkembangan siklus intra eritrositik P. falciparum galur 3D7 in vitro yang tidak disinkronisasi setelah bertahan dalam bentuk dorman. 9. Paparan artemisinin berulang dapat menyebabkan mutasi titik pada gen pfatpase6 P. falciparum galur 2300 in vitro. 10. Paparan artemisinin berulang dapat menyebabkan mutasi titik pada gen pfatpase6 P. falciparum galur 3D7 in vitro.
Composition and diversity of Mopaneveld herbaceous vegetation : an exclosure experiment

i Acknowledgements iii List of Figures vii List of Tables ix Chapter 1 1 1.1. Background 1 1.2. Motivation and Rationale 2 1.3. Aim and Objectives 3 1.4. Structure of the thesis 4 References 6 Chapter 2 13 2.1. Mopaneveld vegetation 13 2.2. Drivers of herbaceous vegetation patterns 14 2.2.1. Herbivory 15 2.2.2. Rainfall variability 16 2.2.3. Fire 17 2.3. Diversity measures: species vs functional approaches 17 2.3.1. Diversity at the species level: Defining components and importance 18 2.3.2. Diversity at the functional level: Defining components and importance 19 References 22 Chapter 3 35 3.1. History and significance of the Letaba Exclosures 35 3.2. Locality 35 3.3. Topography and Landscape 36 3.4. Climate (Rainfall &Temperature) 36
Cytogenetics abnormalities in a referred population for chromosomal analysis and the role of fluorescence in-situ hybridization in refining the diagnosis

Introduction This study presents the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in 12 884 patients referred to Genetics Clinics at National Research Centre over 10 years. This study aimed to assess the frequency and types of chromosomal abnormalities in referred cases, determine whether fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) refined the clinical diagnoses, and compare our findings with those of similar studies. Patients and methods On the basis of the reason for referral, patients were classified into one of the following six groups: intellectual disability/multiple congenital abnormalities (31.4%), disorders of sex development (24%), genetic counseling because of a previously affected child (10%), repeated abortions (10%), premarital counseling (9.2%), and a miscellaneous group (15.4%). Results The total proportion of chromosomal abnormalities was 19.3% and included autosomal anomalies (78.5%), numerical anomalies (50.5%), and structural anomalies (28%). Sex chromosome anomalies accounted for 21.5%, numerical anomalies for 15.7%, and structural anomalies for 5.8%. FISH increased the detection of chromosomal abnormalities by 0.4%, confirmed cytogenetics abnormalities, and identified sex chromosome abnormalities in disorders of sex development, the origin of the marker chromosome, and the near break points in translocations. Conclusion Conventional cytogenetics and FISH could diagnose ∼20% of our referred population; still, most of these patients need further genetic diagnoses. The application of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, array comparative genomic hybridization, and next-generation sequencing will allow for more accurate genetic testing.
Productivity and nitrogen benefits of late-season legume cover crops in organic wheat production

Cicek, H. , Entz, M. H. , Thiessen Martens, J. R. and Bullock, P. R. 2014. Productivity and nitrogen benefits of late-season legume cover crops in organic wheat production. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 771-783. When full-season cover crops are used in stockless organic rotations, cash crop production is compromised. Including winter cereals in rotations can widen the growing season window and create a niche for late-season cover crops. We investigated the establishment and biomass production of relay-cropped red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis L. ‘Norgold’) and double-cropped cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. ‘Iron and Clay’), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.), lentil (Lens culinaris L. ‘Indianhead’), soybean (Glycine max L. ‘Prudence’), pea (Pisum sativum L. ‘40-10’), and oil seed radish (Raphanus sativus L.) as well as wheat response to these crops under reduced tillage (RT) and conventional tillage (CT) at three locations in Manitoba, Canada. Red clover, sweet clover and pea produced from 737 to 4075 and 93 to 1453 and 160 to 2357 kg ha-1of biomass, respectively. All double crops, with the exception of soybean at 2 site years, established successfully under both RT and CT. The presence of cover crops increased wheat N uptake at stem elongation, maturity and yield, even when the biomass production of cover crops was modest. We conclude that late-season cover crops enhance the following wheat yield and facilitate reduced tillage in organic crop production.
Morphology and systematics of the genus Halymenia C. Agardh (Halymeniales, Rhodophyta) in the Philippines.

The vegetative and reproductive morphology and anatomy of Halymenia specimens from the Philippines were studied and four species recognised: H. dilatata Zanardini, H. durvillei Bory de Saint-Vincent, H. maculata J. Agardh and H. porphyraeformis Parkinson. As many Halymenia taxa have previously been reported from the western Pacific and Malayan region, specimens from neighbouring regions and type material of the most relevant taxa were compared with the collections from the Philippines. From these studies, H. ceylanica Harvey ex Ktitzing, H. durvillei var. denudata Weber-van Bosse, H. durvillei var. edentata Weber-van Bosse, H.formosa Harvey ex Ktitzing, H. microcarpa (Montagne) P. Silva and H. venusta B! 1! rgesen are considered to be synonyms of H. durvillei. H. porphyraeformis is reported from the region for the first time, but was found in earlier collections identified as the superficially similar H. dilatata.
Enzymatic digestion of stomachless fish Zenarchopterus buffonis

The absence of a stomach in halfbeaks (Hemiramphidae) does not restrain their capability in digesting food item. Halfbeak (Zenarchopterus buffonis) is known to have a wide spectrum of dietary preference. The present study investigates the activity of four digestive enzymes along the gut of halfbeaks to determine how they digest their diets as opportunistic omnivores. A total of 20 halfbeak samples were collected from the coastal waters of Peninsular Malaysia. Overall, we found that the αamylase shows the highest enzymatic activity, followed by lipase and relatively low activity of protease (trypsin and aminopeptidase) along the alimentary canal, even though all of the enzymes show no significant difference among the gut sections. The increasing activity of α-amylase from proximal to distal intestine but with a notably drop-off in rectum zone demonstrates its high consumptions on arthropods and plant materials which are available in the environment. Presence of lipase with uniform distribution along the gut is expected due to insectivorous nature of fish, which gives an indication that there is possibility for halfbeaks to assimilate a wider array of diet nutrients. Our findings in this study is thought to be beneficial for improving knowledge on the biology and nutrition physiology of examined species and may provide valuable information on current model of stomachless digestive system, yet further refinement may be necessary.
An improved canopy wind model for predicting wind adjustment factors and wildland fire behavior

The ability to rapidly estimate wind speed beneath a forest canopy or near the ground surface in any vegetation is critical to practical wildland fire behavior models. The common metric of this wind speed is the “mid-flame” wind speed, UMF. However, the existing approach for estimating UMF has some significant shortcomings. These include the assumptions that both the within-canopy wind speed and the canopy structure are uniform with depth (z) throughout the canopy and that the canopy roughness length (z0) and displacement height (d) are the same regardless of canopy structure and foliage density. The purpose of this study is to develop and assess a model of canopy wind and Reynolds stress that eliminates these shortcomings and thereby provide a more physically realistic method for calculating UMF. The present model can be used for canopies of arbitrary plant surface distribution and leaf area, and the single function that describes the within-canopy wind speed is shown to reproduce observed canopy wind sp.
Structure and function of Aspergillus niger laccase McoG

Abstract The ascomycete Aspergillus niger produces several multicopper oxidases, but their biocatalytic properties remain largely unknown. Elucidation of the crystal structure of A. niger laccase McoG at 1.7 Å resolution revealed that the C-terminal tail of this glycoprotein blocks the T3 solvent channel and that a peroxide ion bridges the two T3 copper atoms. Remarkably, McoG contains a histidine (His253) instead of the common aspartate or glutamate expected to be involved in catalytic proton transfer with phenolic compounds. The crystal structure of H253D at 1.5 Å resolution resembles the wild type structure. McoG and the H253D, H253A and H253N variants have similar activities with 2,2’-azino-bis(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid or N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine sulphate. However, the activities of H253A and H253N with 2-amino-4-methylphenol and 2-amino-4-methoxyphenol are strongly reduced compared to that of wild type. The redox potentials and electron transfer rates (ks) of wild type and variants were determined (McoG wt E°’ is +453 mV), and especially the reduced ks values of H253A and H253N show strong correlation with their low activity on phenolic compounds. In summary, our results suggest that the His253 adaptation of McoG can be beneficial for the conversion of phenolic compounds.
Antifeedant effects of common terpenes from Mediterranean aromatic plants on Leptinotarsa decemlineata

Essential oil terpenes are secondary metabolites produced in different biological pathways as pollinator attraction signals, but also as defense mechanisms against insect pests, herbivores, microorganisms, competing plants, etc. In this context, we have evaluated a total of 24 terpenes commonly found in Mediterranean aromatic plants, including 8 monoterpene hydrocarbons, 9 oxygenated monoterpenes, 2 esterified monoterpenes, 3 sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and 2 oxygenated sesquiterpenes in order to determine their antifeedant effects on the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say), a major pest of potato crops. Terpene hydrocarbons showed low antifeedant activity, whereas the oxygenated sesquiterpene (-)-α-bisabolol with an inhibition activity of 96.3% was the most active, followed by carvacrol (90.9%), (+)-Terpinen-4-ol (87.1%) and thymol (81.5%). Other terpenes like (1S)-(-)-verbenone (72.9%), (+/-)-camphor (63.4%) and linalyl acetate (60.7%) showed moderate activity. Subsequently, terpenes showing antifeedant activity against this insect were also tested in allelopathic assays to determine potential damage to the crops. Results showed phytotoxic effects for (1S)-(-)-verbenone on Lactuca sativa germination, and for carvacrol on both the seed germination and the leaf and root growth of Lolium perenne. In conclusion, (-)-α-bisabolol is the best option to develop natural antifeedant formulations against L. decemlineata on the basis of its high antifeedant and low phytotoxic activities.
DEVELOPMENT OF Tetranychus urticae KOCH (ACARI: TETRANYCHIDAE) IN DIFFERENT STRAWBERRY CULTIVARS

O acaro-rajado, Tetranychus urticae Koch, e considerado a principal praga da cultura do morangueiro. O controle desta especie e dificultado pela baixa eficiencia dos produtos atualmente empregados, pela ocorrencia de populacoes resistentes a acaricidas e ao alto potencial reprodutivo dessa praga. Isso induz ao uso de agrotoxicos e ao aumento de residuos de agroquimicos na fruta. O emprego de cultivares resistentes e um metodo de controle considerado ideal, pois permite a manutencao do acaro em niveis inferiores aos de dano economico, minimiza o impacto ambiental dos agrotoxicos, sem onus adicional ao agricultor, e serve como ferramenta auxiliar no manejo integrado da praga. Nesse sentido, o trabalho avaliou a resistencia de cultivares de morangueiro a T. urticae atraves do estudo do desenvolvimento de seus aspectos biologicos. Experimentos de biologia comparada, testes de nao preferencia a alimentacao e a oviposicao para o acarorajado foram conduzidos em 16 cultivares de morangueiro em condicoes de laboratorio. A partir dos estudos, constatou-se que as cultivares Camarosa, Florida Festival, IAC Campinas e Sabrosa indicaram a possibilidade da existencia de resistencia do tipo antibiose para o acaro-rajado, influenciando na preferencia a alimentacao, desenvolvimento e oviposicao, indicando a existencia de reacao diferenciada entre as cultivares estudadas.
The role of silicon (Si) in increasing plant resistance against insect pests review article

Silicon (Si) is reported to improve plant resistance to a range of biotic and abiotic stresses, with consequent yield increases. Silicon plays an important role in providing defense for crops of great economic importance against insect pests attack. In this study, the interaction between plants treated with silicon and reduced insect damage was reviewed. The current review presents the agronomic importance of silicon in plants, the control of insect pests in different major crop plants by silicon treatment, the different mechanisms of silicon- enhanced resistance, and the absence of silicon effects on insect pests. By integrating the data presented in this paper, a good knowledge of the association between silicon treatment, increasing plant resistance, and decreasing insect pest damage could be attainted.
Consumer research explores acceptability of a new Canadian apple - Salish™

Cliff, M. A. , Stanich, K. and Hampson, C. 2014. Consumer research explores acceptability of a new Canadian apple - Salish™. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 99-108. This research compared consumer preferences for a new Canadian apple, Salish™ (cultivar SPA493), with commercial cultivars using data collected at two University of British Columbia Apple Festivals (2008, 2010). Mean acceptability by mouth and visual acceptability scores for Salish™ were compared with those for each of three tart (subacid/acid) cultivars (Granny Smith, McIntosh, Spartan) (2008, n≈165) and two relatively new cultivars (Ambrosia, Honeycrisp) (2010, n=1182). T-tests on the 2008 data (n≈165) revealed that Salish™ had higher consumer acceptability than Granny Smith and McIntosh. Analysis of variance of the 2010 data evaluated the influence of ethnicity (ancestral origin), age, gender and stated apple preference (sweet, tart), for the two largest sub-groups of consumers (Asian ethnicity, n=353 European ethnicity, n=725). While 88% of consumers of Asian ethnicity categorized themselves as sweet apple eaters, consumers of European ethnicity were both sweet (55%) and tart (45%) apple eaters. The sweet apple eaters rated Ambrosia higher in acceptability by mouth than Salish™, while tart apple eaters preferred Salish™. On average, consumers' stated apple preference (sweet, tart) was consistent with their acceptability scores. Mean acceptability by mouth scores for consumers of Asian ethnicity were higher for Ambrosia and lower for Salish™ as compared with consumers of European ethnicity. The visual acceptability of red apples with a green ground (background) colour was significantly lower than those with a yellow ground colour. This suggested that sweet apple eaters of both ethnicities had a strong negative bias for apples with a slightly green ground colour. The work will assist industry in releasing and appropriately marketing cultivars to selected consumers in the metropolitan marketplace.