Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Irreversibly sickled cell β‐actin: Defective filament formation

It has been demonstrated that cysteine modification in irreversibly sickled cell β‐actin slows down the remodeling of membrane skeletons [Shartava et al.: J Cell Biol 128:805‐812, 1995]. This slow remodeling can be due to alterations in spectrin‐actin binding and/or actin‐actin interactions in irreversibly sickled cell (ISC) membrane skeletons. In these studies we demonstrate that ISC actin binds spectrin normally. However, ISC β‐actin polymerizes and depolymerizes more slowly than control β‐actin, and forms unusual aggregates when placed under polymerizing conditions. Electron microscopic analysis of actin polymers indicated that ISC actin generates a large amount of aggregates which we conclude are due to the structural modification caused by the disulfide bridge between cysteine264 and cysteine373 in β‐actin. Am. J. Hematol. 55:97‐103, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stimulation of Various 17β and 20α-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activities by Progestins in Human Endometrium

The activities of 17β and 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in homogenates of human endometrium were measured using estradiol, testosterone, 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol, and 20α-dihydroprogesterone (20α-DHP) as substrates. All of these activities were about 20 times higher in secretory tissue than in proliferative endometrium. The rates of oxidation of the three 17β-hydroxysteroids tested were similar and about 4–8 times higher than the rate of oxidation of 20α-DHP under the same assay conditions. Fragments of proliferative endometrium were incubated under organ culture conditions for 1–3 days in either medium alone or medium to which various amounts of progesterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate were added. As reported before, 3 to 10-fold increases in 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity, determined by measuring the rate of conversion of estradiol to estrone, were noted during incubations in the presence of progestins. Similar increases were observed when testosterone, 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol, and 20.
Effects of different land-use types on soil quality in the hilly area of Rawalakot Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract Vegetative cover plays an important role for the quality of soil especially in hilly and mountainous areas such as Azad Jammu and Kashmir where erosion is a major threat to the ecosystem and productivity. The study focuses on the impact of land-use types on soil quality by measuring the differences in chemical and physical properties at three sites in adjacently located natural forest land (forest), fallow grassland (grass) and arable land (arable). Soil samples from 0-15 and 15-30 cm depth were collected and examined for particle distribution, dry bulk density, organic matter (OM), pH, macro- and micro-nutrients. Land-use types had a significant effect on primary soil particle distribution. Highest clay content was found in forest and highest sand content in arable. Forest had relatively the highest levels of OM, macro- and micro-nutrients and arable the lowest. Most of the properties of the 0-15 cm surface level of grass were similar to those observed in the 15-30 cm level in forest. Arable exhibited lowest nutrient status and poorest physical conditions, indicating a degrading effect of arable cultivation practices on soil. Grass and arable showed, compared to forest, a 30–60% average increase in bulk density and 26–66% average decrease in OM. Regression analysis showed a significant correlation of OM with available phosphorus and potassium while it had negative correlation with dry bulk density and pH. Natural vegetation appeared to be a main contributor of soil quality as it maintained the organic carbon stock, and increased the nutrient status of soil and is therefore important for sustainable development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and other similar areas. Furthermore, OM was shown to be an important indicator of soil quality.
Thermal dependency of osmolality in gastrocnemius muscles of the reptile, Uromastix hardwickii

This study deals with the observation of changes with temperature variations of the seasons in the muscular osmolality in the reptile Uromastix hardwickii. Freshly captured adult animals of both the sexes were used in all the experiments. The gastrocnemius (skeletal) muscles were dissected out and the reptilian buffer solution was used to keep the dissected muscles moist (to avoid any dryness/damage to the tissue) which were used in the experiment. The muscle sample solutions were prepared by heating/drying and incinerating/ashing the musclular tissues, treating with acid and deionized water, respectively. These samples were then used for the estimation of osmolality parameters, i.e. Na+, K+, and Cl− ions. The average mean values of the osmolality parameters were found to rise significantly (P < 0.05) from peak summer towards peak winter and vice versa. The thermal dependency of these parameters with seasonal variation, studied for the first time in the gastrocnemius (skeletal) muscles of Uromastix hardwickii, displayed changes as the animal passed from one seasonal phase temperature to another. Hence, seasonal thermal changes are invariably associated with the changes in environmental temperature, and are definitely responsible to change the active behavior and homeostasis of these animals from summer towards winter by variations in blood-borne humoral and hormonal substances along with the significant changes in osmolality.
Effect of nutrition of dairy cows in late pregnancy on milk production

Three experiments were carried out to examine the separate effects of rate of liveweight gain in late pregnancy and of body weight of cows at calving on subsequent milk production. In each experiment, cows were allocated to one of two treatments about 12 weeks before calving. They were then fed so that by six weeks before calving there was a difference of about 50 kg liveweight between the animals in the two groups. In the first experiment, the two groups were then fed to gain weight at either 1.0 or 0.5 kg day-l so as to calve in similar body condition. In the second experiment, the two groups were fed to gain 1.5 kg day-1 or maintain weight so that again they calved in similar condition. In the third experiment both groups had similar rates of liveweight gain, 0.7 kg day-1 in the last six weeks of pregnancy, so that there was a difference of 51 kg at calving. In the first two experiments there were no differences due to the contrasting pre-calving nutrition in the milk production of the two groups, but in the third experiment the cows calving with the heavier body condition had a 7% greater milk yield and a higher milk fat concentration in the first 100 days of lactation. The results demonstrate that body condition of cows at calving is the important factor affecting milk production and that liveweight trends per se prior to calving were unimportant in influencing subsequent milk production. These findings offer dairy farmers alternative choices of feeding and grazing management strategies to improve cow condition at any stage during the dry period.
Post establishment survival of Pinus patula in Mpumalanga, one year after planting

Recent evidence indicated that the pathogen Fusarium circinatum might be contributing significantly to post-planting mortality. Consequently, sixteen experimental sample plots, widely distributed over many localities in Mpumalanga, were established over two growing seasons to quantify the extent of pest and pathogen related in-field mortality. Survival in all treatments was extremely low. There was large variation in response to treatments and survival in the different trials. A single application of fungicide at planting improved survival by 13% on average, while a single application of fungicide and insecticide at planting improved survival by 29% on average. Most of the mortality occurred between 30 and 140 days after planting. Visual inspection of the dead plants indicated that White grubs and Hylastes angustatus caused most of the insect-related mortality. Pathogen isolation from a sub-sample of dying plants indicated that 49% of dying plants were pathogen-free, while F. circinatum was the prevailing fungus, isolated from 42% of the dying plants. It is estimated (95% confidence level) that F. circinatum was responsible for an 18.5% to 31.5% decline in survival in the monitored compartments, planted between November 2002 and March 2004 in Mpumalanga.
THERMAL RELATIONS OF GEOGRAPHIC RACES OF SALVELINUS

Two geographic races each of Salvelinus fontinalis and S. alpinus respectively were compared with respect to their upper lethal temperatures and the effect of temperature on cruising speed. The two races of S. fontinalis, which are not recognized morphologically as subspecies, could not be separated on the basis of these tests. A difference in the upper lethal temperatures was found between the two groups of S. alpinus, which are recognized as subspecies. No difference was found in the response of the cruising speed to temperature, however.
Study of the Physico-chemical quality of the Groundwater in the Sidi Taibi, Kenitra, Morocco

1Laboratory Environmental Development and Management, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco 22Laboratory Agroresource Biotechnology Environment and Quality, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco. 3Laboratory Genetics and Biometrics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Morocco. 4Laboratory Geosciences, Faculty of Sciences University Hassan II Casablanca, Marocco. * Corresponding Author: amina.elyemli@uit.ac. ma ______________________________________________________________________________________
Response of barley genotypes to terminal soil moisture stress: phenology, growth, and yield

Terminal drought is the main factor limiting the yield of cereals in the central area of Spain because rainfall is scarce and temperatures are high during the grain-filling period. The response of 12 cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes consisting of 6 breeding lines showing high yield under terminal water stress and 6 commercial varieties was studied in a rain shelter. Trials were performed over 3 years to determine the influence of terminal water stress on yield and yield components and the relationship between yield and phenological and agronomic traits. When the crop reached the flag-leaf stage, half of the experimental plots were subjected to a water-stress treatment and the remainder were maintained at optimal water conditions. Variations were observed in number of days to ear emergence, days to maturity, and length of grain-filling period. Precocity strongly influenced the length of the grain-filling period so that the earlier genotypes had the longest grain-filling periods. Among yield components, mean grain weight had the greatest influence on yield under terminal water stress conditions. Earliness and length of grain-filling period were the phenological traits that most influenced yield in water stress conditions. These traits and harvest index (HI) showed a significant correlation (P < 0.001) with grain yield. Earliness, mean grain weight, and HI contributed to greater yields under terminal water stress.
The response of lupins to waterlogging

The growth response of species and lines of lupin (Lupinus spp.) to short-term flooding of the root system during vegetative growth was measured in glasshouse and controlled environments. L. luteus was consistently more flood tolerant than L. albus, L. angustifolius and L. mutabilis. Some data showed also that lines within species may vary in their response to flooding but the differences among lines were less marked than those among species.
Nuevos Typhlocharis Dieck (Coleoptera, Caraboidea, Trechidae) de España

Four new species of the genus Typhlocharis Dieck, from Toledo mountains (Central Spain) are described: T. farinosae sp. n. , T. atienzai sp. n. , T. estrellae sp. n. and T. bullaquensis sp. n. ; and the taxonomic relationships with the related species are discussed. A key of six species groups in the genus is proposed, and the species of each one are listed.
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF CHRONIC OSTEOMYELITIS CASES IN ILE-IFE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

The bacteriological examination of chronic osteomyelitis cases in Ile-Ife, revealed Proteus mirabilis as the predominant isolate encountered (23.1%). Staphylococci constituted 30.7% of the total bacterial isolates with Staphylococcus aureus accounting for only 10.2%. Other Gram-positive cocci cultured include, Staphylococcus spp (20.5%), coagulase negative staphylococci (CONS) (12.8%) and Streptococcus spp (1.2%). Gram-negative rods constituted 55.1% of the total isolates with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being 8.5%, Escherichia coli 5.1%, Citrobacter freundii and Salmonella spp 2.5% each. Antibiotic sensitivity test revealed all isolates to be multi-resistant to traditional antimicrobials, which is of epidemiologcal importance in treating cases of chronic osteomyelitis in this environment. The study suggests institution of aggressive therapeutic interventions to avert possible sequalae. (Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 41-51)
Serum Lactate/Albumin Ratio as a Predictor Of Morbidity and Mortality In Patients with Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

Background: Severe sepsis is common and frequently fatal and represents a significant health care burden. Sepsis is a syndrome of physiologic, pathologic, and biochemical abnormalities induced by infection. Aim of the work: This study examines the ability of serum lactate/albumin ratio to predict outcome regarding organ dysfunction and mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective observational study conducted on 50 patients with severe sepsis and septic shock according to the (SCCM/ESICM/ACCP/ATS/SIS) International Sepsis Definitions Conference 2001 and fifty healthy age matched individuals as a control group. Results: Lactate/albumin ratio was higher on day 0 and 1 in the study group than in control group (p value <0.001). Also, it was significantly higher in patients that needed mechanical ventilation than patients who didn’t (p value p valuep value<0.001). Conclusion: Lactate/albumin ratio is a reliable biomarker for prediction of outcome as regards organ dysfunction and mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.
The Comparison on the Effect of Thoracic Flexibility Exercise and Lumbar Stabilization Exercise on Pain and Heart Rate Variability of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

To compare the effects of Thoracic Flexibility Exercise (TFE) with those of Lumbar Stabilization Exercise (LSE) in patients with chronic low back pain. Participants were randomly assigned to TFE (n=11) or LSE (n=11) groups. Chronic low back pain patients in both groups underwent standard physiotherapy for 35 minutes per session. Additionally, TFE and LSE exercises were performed 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The visual analog scale, autonomic nerve activity, and standard deviation normal to normal were measured after 4 weeks of training. After 4 weeks of training, the visual analog scale, autonomic nerve activity, and standard deviation normal to normal improved significantly in both groups after intervention compared to the baseline (p<0.05). Further, the visual analog scale, autonomic nerve activity, and standard deviation normal to normal improved more significantly in the TFE group than in the LSE group (p<0.05). This study demonstrates that TFE and LSE are both beneficial for improving pain and heart rate variability. However, TFE was superior to SLE with respect to improving the visual analog scale, autonomic nerve activity, and standard deviation normal to normal.
Recipient Environment More Important than Community Composition in Determining the Success of an Experimental Sponge Transplant

Human activities have inflicted profound damage upon many ecosystems, and ecologists are now seeking effective means of restoring ecosystems to their natural state. Industrial ports and harbors are highly modified and often depauperate in native fauna. They are typically characterized by poor water quality and modified community composition, both of which may hinder attempts to reintroduce native species. Here, we conducted a field experiment to separate the effects of the recipient environment and community composition on the success of endemic sponge explants in Port Kembla Harbor, NSW, Australia. A reciprocal transplant was conducted between communities originating from six sites that varied in water quality and community composition, enabling us to assess the relative factors simultaneously. A colony of the endemic sponge Tedania anhelans was then inserted into the center of each community, and we quantified the survival, growth, and metal bioaccumulation of sponges over three months. Endemic sponges consistently performed better against resident assemblages when water quality was good. Sponges transplanted to cleaner sites had over double the survivorship and approximately three times the surface area of sponges transplanted to disturbed sites. These patterns were independent of community composition. Bioaccumulation of metals in sponges was correlated with survival; however, other factors such as turbidity may be required to explain sponge mortality at some sites. This study adds to evidence that remediation of the physical and chemical environments may be a prerequisite for biological remediation and demonstrates the value of experimental transplants in assessing restoration potential.
Determination of the status of the etiological agent of American foulbrood, Paenibacillus larvae, in Swaziland

Summary American foulbrood (AFB) is a cosmopolitan disease affecting both larval and pupal stages of honey bees. There are considerable doubts about the true status of AFB in Africa and there is, indeed, some evidence that sub-Saharan Africa, until recently, was largely free of AFB. Requirements for honey imports into South Africa are governed by a concern for the potential introduction of AFB. The study describes a cost effective and simple methodology for science-based trade in honey from Swaziland into South Africa that complies with the guidelines developed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
An online survey of factors associated with self-perceived stress during the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak in Nepal

Background: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is global challenge humankind has ever witnessed in recent times After its outbreak in late December in Wuhan China, it has expanded to affect the entire world In as much as it is a new disease, there is dearth of evidence Aim: The aim of this study is to find and assess the factors associated with self-perceived stress during the COVID-19 outbreak in Nepal Method: We evaluated 374 respondents from an online survey, using the Sheldon Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, to assess stress levels during the COVID-19 outbreak in Nepal Results: Nearly three-quarters of the respondents rated their self-perceived stress as moderate to high, and about one quarter reported to have low self-perceived stress Age and employment status were associated with a greater psychological impact of the outbreak Conclusions: There is a need to carry out psychological intervention activities through various mediums to help people become more resilient during the COVID-19 epidemic
Growth Models with Corrections for the Retardative Effects of Tagging

Length increment data from mark–recapture experiments are commonly used to obtain information on animal growth, assuming that tagging does not affect the growth of marked animals. The assumption is violated in many studies, but the effects of tagging on growth and estimates of growth parameters have not been and cannot be examined without appropriate models. This paper describes a model allowing quantification and estimation of the retarding effects of tagging on animal growth simultaneously with growth parameters in all existing growth models, reduction or elimination of biases in growth parameters induced by tagging, and relaxation of a key assumption in growth analysis using length increment data. A special case of this model was applied to simulated data and to tagging data from a centropomid perch (Lates calcarifer) to demonstrate its general utility. Tagging was inferred to have stopped the fish growth for 36.44 d (ASE = 12.70 d) if von Bertalanffy growth is assumed, but the period of recovery from .
WING GEOMETRY ANALYSIS AS A POTENTIAL TOOL FOR SPECIES IDENTIFICATION FOR Anopheles MOSQUITOES (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) IN INDONESIA

In the last decade, wing geometry has been investigated intensively as an alternative powerful method for solving taxonomic problems in insects. The objectives of this research were to describe wing geometry variation among seven Anopheles species and confirm the sensitivity of wing geometry analysis for identifying single specimen of Anopheles mosquito. Thus, the potential of wing geometry analysis as an alternative tool for species identification for Anopheles mosquitoes can be recognized. Left wing of seven Anopheles species were detached and photographed. Wing geometry was represented by 18 landmarks (LMs). Wing geometry analysis was conducted by MorphoJ and tps software series. Comparison among species and identification simulation were done using canonical variate analysis (CVA). Wing geometry was successfully discriminated and grouped seven Anopheles species into correct subgenera and series. This method also gave good results in identifying single specimen. Nine out of 11 specimens (81, 8%) obtained identification results that match their phylogenetic relationships. Weakness using wing geometry in species identification can be overcome by adding template species. In conclusion, wing geometry analysis has good potential to be used as an alternative tool for species identification for Anopheles mosquito in Indonesia.
A model of the effects of water stress on seed advancement and germination

A model of seed germination is proposed which uses a variable with the units of an osmotic potential (virtual osmotic potential) to integrate the effect of a constant or a varying water potential. This differs from existing models that describe the effects of fixed water potentials on germination, or the effects of fixed priming water potentials on the subsequent germination at a fixed water potential. When a seed is sown, the virtual osmotic potential is assumed to fall at a rate that depends on the ambient water potential, and on the difference between its current and a minimum value. Radicle growth is assumed to initiate when the difference between the ambient water potential and the virtual osmotic potential exceeds a threshold. The germination of carrot and onion seeds at various fixed potentials below 0 MPa was well described by the virtual osmotic potential model. The model was also used to simulate the results of experiments in which seeds were given a single step change in water potential.
Experimental studies on the shoot apex of Helianthus annuus: the effect of surgical bisection on quiescent cells in the apex

When the shoot apex of Helianthus annuus cv. Peredovic is bisected surgically, two new apices are regenerated, each of which, 3 weeks after the operation, contains a quiescent central zone similar to that of the original apex. The operation destroys some cells of the original zone and stimulates others to become active in DNA synthesis. Regenerating apices, supplied with [H3] thymidine and autoradiographed at the end of the 2nd day after the operation, reveal no evidence of a quiescent zone. Evidence for the establishment of quiescence appears by the end of the 3rd day and becomes clearer on the 4th and 5th days after the operation. There is no evidence that the residual zone cells play any particular role in regeneration. It is suggested that quiescence in regard to DNA synthesis and mitosis appears sooner than the cytological features associated with quiescence in the sunflower shoot apex.