Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of water stress in plant disease resistance and the impact of water stress on the global transcriptome and survival mechanisms of the phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae

iv General Introduction . 1 Dissertation organization . 2 Chapter 1. Literature Review . 3 The leaf as a habitat for bacterial colonization . 3 Cellular water movement and bacterial adaptation to water stress . 5 Disease mechanisms of Pseudomonas syringae . 8 Plant defenses against bacterial pathogens . 12 References . 16 Chapter 2. Bacterial growth restriction during Arabidopsis thaliana resistance to Pseudomonas syringae is associated with leaf water loss and localized cessation of vascular activity . 25 Abstract . 25 Introduction . 26 Materials and Methods . 29 Results . 31 Discussion . 47 Acknowledgements . 52 References . 53. 25 Introduction . 26 Materials and Methods . 29 Results . 31 Discussion . 47 Acknowledgements . 52 References . 53 Chapter 3. Whole-genome transcript responses of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae B728a and pv. tomato DC3000 to osmotic stress. 57 Abstract . 57 Introduction . 58 Materials and Methods . 59 Results . 62 Discussion . 75 Acknowledgements . 80 References . 80. 57 Introduction . 58 Materials and Methods . 59 Results . 62 Discussion . 75 Acknowledgements . 80 References . 80 Chapter 4. Identification of the trehalose biosynthetic loci in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato and their contribution to osmotolerance and phyllosphere fitness . 86 Abstract . 86 Introduction . 87 Materials and Methods . 89 Results . 93 Discussion . 102 Acknowledgements . 104 References . 105. 86 Introduction . 87 Materials and Methods . 89 Results . 93 Discussion . 102 Acknowledgements . 104 References . 105 Chapter 5. Conclusions and future directions . 107 References . 110
Adaptation of Dunaliella salina (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae) to growth on NH4+ as the sole nitrogen source

Abstract The green, wall-less microalga Dunaliella salina. (Dunal) Teodoresco (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae) UTEX 200 was cultured at air-equilibrium CO2 concentration, at 1.5 M NaCl, in the presence of either 10 mM NO3− or 10 mM NH4+ as the sole N source. The N source strongly influenced photosynthesis and C metabolism, and it altered the cell size. Growth on NH4+ caused a 20% increase of the cell volume. Chlorophyll, β-carotene, and protein content were higher by 49%, 75%, and 104%, respectively, in NH4+-grown cells compared to their NO3−-grown counterparts. By contrast, glycerol decreased by about 20% when N was supplied as NH4+ rather than as NO3−. Cells adapted to growth on NH4+ were more efficient at using light and inorganic C for photosynthesis and showed a greater affinity for photons and CO2 than cells cultured in medium containing NO3−. Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) protein and activity were present at about the same level in both NO3−- and NH4+-grown cells, but in vivo Rubi.
Is it appropriate to support the farmers for adopting conservation agriculture? Economic and environmental impact assessment

Conservation agriculture (CA) in the last decades has been spread in several parts of the world, especially in South and North America and Australia. In Italy, however, its adoption is often restrained by the risk to have a reduction in crop production in the early years of transition from conventional (CT) to CA. To quantify sufficient financial support to promote no-tillage and CA, a mini-review about main effects of CA was conducted. The effect on crop yield, soil fertility - especially as it is influenced by the chemical, physical and microbiological factors - on soil compaction, the economic balance of the farm and the cost of equipment for direct seeding, the influence of environment on soil erosion, water retention, emissions of greenhouse gases, and carbon sequestration are briefly treated. The paper reports findings from national and international scientific literature and some results from long-term experiments conducted in Southern Italy. The main conclusions are about the reduction of yield in the first years of transition from CT to CA (from -5 to -10%), an improvement of soil fertility (soil organic carbon increases in the upper layers), reduction of management cost (less machinery operations), improvement of soil C sequestration (in specific conditions), a reduction of greenhouse gases emission and soil erosion risk. The paper provides the scientific basis in order to justify and quantify the amount to be paid to the farmers who decide to adopt the model of CA, oriented to protect the agro-ecosystem and to promote the principle of subsidiarity. Finally, a proposal of public subsidy in cash and for machinery purchase has been described.
Isophya sicula sp. n. (Orthoptera: Tettigonioidea), a new, morphologically cryptic bush-cricket species from the Eastern Carpathians (Romania) recognized from its peculiar male calling song

The morphology and pair-forming acoustic signals of Isophya sicula sp. n. , a new phaneropterine bush-cricket species from the Eastern Carpathians (Romania) is described. The species is morphologically similar to I. posthumoidalis and I. camptoxypha, but the male calling song differs clearly from the songs of those species. The male calling song is a long series of evenly repeated, very short syllables. Syllables are much shorter than in I. camptoxypha, and the song is composed from only one syllable type differently from I. posthumoidalis, where the male calling song is composed of two syllable types. Pair formation is achieved during an acoustic duet. The delay of female response (40–70 ms) is shorter than in I. camptoxypha and I. posthumoidalis. Basic descriptive statistics of sonometric and morphometric characters of the new species as well as SEM photos of the male stridulatory file and female stridulatory bristles are presented.
Response of Nitrogen on Growth and Flowering Parameters in Rose

The higher level of N (80 g/m2) significantly increased number of leaves/plant, leaf biomass, leaf area, height of plant, number of flowers/plant, during various months and weight of flowers/m2/year, which were at par with 60 g N/m2 treatment. Plants receiving lower dose of N (20 g/m2) gave poor growth and lower yield of flowers. The split application of nitrogen failed to exert any striking effect on various growth and flowering attributes except number of leaves/plant and leaf area index on which three split application of nitrogen doses gave higher value which were at par with two split application of nitrogen. Therefore, it may be concluded that 60 g N/m2 and its two split application can be followed in rose cv. Gruss-an-Teplitz cultivation under tarai condition of Uttranchal.
Stocking location and predation by marine fishes affect survival of hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon smolts

Release strategies of hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. , smolts were compared by studying survival and migration of smolts (n = 99) and their predators (Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., n = 8; and saithe, Pollachius virens (L.), n = 2) during the first 37 km of the marine migration using acoustic telemetry. Survivorship was higher in smolts released at the river mouth (30%) compared with smolts released in the river (12%). This was likely due to mortality or reduced migratory behaviour in fresh water. The marine mortality was 37% during the first 2 km after leaving the river (at least 25% mortality because of predation from marine fishes), and total marine mortality over 37 km was 68%. Detection-depth data were useful for evaluating whether the tagged smolts were alive or predated; mortality during the first 2 km of outward migration would have been underestimated at 26% instead of 37% without the analysis of depth detection. Transmitters from consumed post-smolts remained in predators for up to 47 days (average 29 days).
Successful artificial reproduction of the African carp : Labeo parvus Boulenger, 1902 (Pisces : Cyprinidae)

The effectiveness of hormonal treatments to induce gamete emission in Labeo parvuswas investigated in two spawning seasons (2007 and 2008). Brood fishes measuring 15 to 30 cm were gill netted in the Oueme River (Benin) during their migration to their spawning habitat and then held in captivity (ponds). Captive fish (N = 30 males and N= 37 females) were treated with GnRHa combined with a dopamine antagonist during their natural spawning season from July through October. Ovulation was stimulated in four experimental groups of females by injecting Dagin (0.2 to 0.3 mlkg−1 body weight) and Ovaprim (0.5 to 0.6 mlkg−1 body weight). No female ovulated either in the groups receiving normal (as recommended by the manufacturers) dose injections of Dagin and Ovaprim (0.2 and 0.5 mlkg−1 body weight respectively) or in the group treated with a Dagin injection of 0.3 mlkg−1 body weight. Successful ovulation was only obtained with Ovaprim in the group treated with 0.6 mlkg−1 body weight. Latency times ranged from 10 to 14 h after hormone injection. L. parvus eggs were nonadhesive and transparent at ovulation. Fertilisation rates ranged from 74.0 to 97.7%. Hatching occurred after 10 to 14 h of incubation at 27 to 30°C and lasted 5 to 7 h. Hatching rates ranged from 70.0 to 83.3%. Larvae were 3.0 ± 0.4 mm long (total length) at hatching. In the two reproductive seasons, fertilisation rates and hatching were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The water temperature was shown to significantly affect spawning latency and incubation time. Our study demonstrated that captive L. parvus could be successfully induced to produce sperm and ova using injection of a synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone coupled with a dopamine antagonist (Ovaprim). Their ova could also be artificially fertilised in an experimental hatchery at water temperatures ranging from 27 to 30°C. The results obtained indicate that Ovaprim is the most effective agent for inducing artificial reproduction in L. parvus. Key words: GnRH analogues, Induced spawning, Labeo parvus.
EVALUATION OF AGRONOMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NEW LINES OF TRITICUM DURUM DESF. IN TURKEY

Wheat ( Triticum durum Desf.) lines obtained from F9 with special emphases to some agronomical and biochemical characters were selected as genotypes suitable for the production of food commodities. The new genotypes [Samples (a) and (h)] by crossing T. durum were found to be more productive (5283 and 4818 kg/ha) and more suitable for specific technological use than the older varieties.
Temperature‐induced bleaching of corals begins with impairment of the CO2 fixation mechanism in zooxanthellae

The early effects of heat stress on the photosynthesis of symbiotic dinoflagellates (zooxanthellae) within the tissues of a reef-building coral were examined using pulse-amplitude-modulated (PAM) chlorophyll fluorescence and photorespirometry. Exposure of Stylophora pistillata to 33 and 34 degrees C for 4 h resulted in (1) the development of strong non-photochemical quenching (qN) of the chlorophyll fluorescence signal, (2) marked decreases in photosynthetic oxygen evolution, and (3) decreases in optimal quantum yield (F-v/F-m) of photosystern II (PSII), Quantum yield decreased to a greater extent on the illuminated surfaces of coral branches than on lower (shaded) surfaces, and also when high irradiance intensities were combined with elevated temperature (33 degrees C as opposed to 28 degrees C), qN collapsed in heat-stressed samples when quenching analysis was conducted in the absence of oxygen, Collectively, these observations are interpreted as the initiation of photoprotective dissipation of excess absorbed energy as heat (qN) and O-2-dependent electron flow through the Mehler-Ascorbate-Peroxidase cycle (MAP-cycle) following the point at which the rate of light-driven electron transport exceeds the capacity of the Calvin cycle. A model for coral bleaching is proposed whereby the primary site of heat damage in S, pistillata is carboxylation within the Calvin cycle, as has been observed during heat damage in higher plants, Damage to PSII and a reduction in F-v/F-m (i.e. photoinhibition) are secondary effects following the overwhelming of photoprotective mechanisms by light. This secondary factor increases the effect of the primary variable, temperature. Potential restrictions of electron flow in heat-stressed zooxanthellae are discussed with respect to Calvin cycle enzymes and the unusual status of the dinoflagellate Rubisco, Significant features of our model are that (1) damage to PSII is not the initial step in the sequence of heat stress in zooxanthellae, acid (2) light plays a key secondary role in the initiation of the bleaching phenomena.
Moult in the Mediterranean monk seal from Cap Blanc, western Sahara

ABSTRACT At birth, the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is covered with dark lanugo. This is shed earlier and faster in females, so they complete the moult when they are significantly younger (64 days) than males (82 days). Moulted pups present a greyish dorsal and a white ventral pelage. Only the hair is shed in the first moult. In subsequent moults, the hairs are shed along with large sheets of cornified epidermis. A series of sequential stages were identified, which included a long pre-moult phase (brown pelage) and a post-moult phase (dull appearance). The shedding process lasted 15 days. It is different to that of the Hawaiian monk seal and elephant seals, as Mediterranean monk seals partly moult in the water. The intermoult period was close to one year except in females nursing a pup. Such females have longer intermoult periods and can even moult whilst still lactating. In males, the process of developing the mature pelage pattern of bulls is gradual. It involves at least two annual moults and can be completed by the age of 4 years.
Effects of physical preservation methods on sclerotial germination in Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ochraceus in stored grain

Germination of sclerotia of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ochraceus was assessed following gamma irradiation during exposure to different levels of relative humidities or to various modified atmospheres. The effect of combined treatments on germination was also studied. No sclerotia of either fungi germinated following irradiation with 2.5 kGy. At 80% relative humidity, germination was almost completely inhibited during 50 days of exposure. Sclerotia of A. flavus were found to tolerate higher levels of CO2 than those of A. ochraceus, and 100% germination of the former, but not the latter, occurred at 80% CO2 (given with either 20 or 5% O2). Germination of A. flavus sclerotia was markedly reduced only at modified atmospheres of 40% CO2 and 1% O2. Working with two sublethal dosages of gamma irradiation, 1.0 and 1.5 kGy, it was demonstrated that less CO2 was needed in the atmosphere (with 20% O2) to reduce germination as the irradiation dosage increased. The advantages of the combined treatment compared.
HAEMATOLOGY OF NILE TILAPIA, Oreochromis niloticus FED Mytilus edulis SHELL MEAL SUBSTITUTED FOR DI CALCIUM PHOSPHATE

The effect of the inclusion of Mytilus edulis shell collected from the Lagos Lagoon front, University of Lagos, in diets of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on the haematology of the fish was investigated in the Marine Research Laboratory of the University. Ten fingerlings each of O. niloticus were placed in plastic tanks and fed for 12 weeks with feed containing milled M. edulis shell substituted for Di calcium phosphate (DCP), in other to utilize locally available and abundant non conventional food materials. The substitutions were at the rate of 100% (T4), 75% (T3), 50% (T2), 25% (T1) and 0% (T0) the control diet. Each feeding regime was in triplicates. The mean water parameters during experimental period were within the normal range for tropical fishes, and were: mean temperature (27.78±0.57 28.17±0.570C); pH(4±0.07 7.49±0.10) and dissolved oxygen (6.19±0.633 6.46±0.633mg/l). The proximate analysis of M. edulis shell showedhigher crude protein content compared to DCP; this probably had a positive effect on the growth of the fish fed M. edulis shell. Fish fed with M. edulis shell showed a remarkable significant decrease (P>0.05) amongst diet in haematological parameters (Hb, WBC and RBC). However, the PCV values was highest in T3 (0.363±0.465) and lowest in the control diet (T0) (0.133±0.015). In conclusion, 75% level of substitution of Di calcium phosphate with M. edulis shell in the diet O. niloticus yielded a better haematological parameter
Nest Defence Behaviour of the Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) Against Human Predators

Man has become the main predator of many animal species. Because the characteristics of humans are quite distinct with respect to other terrestrial predators, the cost and benefits of defence behaviour may also diAer. In this paper, we study the factors aAecting nest defence behaviour of the Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis) against a potential human predator throughout the reproductive cycle, as well as the balance of cost and benefits of this behaviour. The study population inhabits the island of Tenerife, and the nests are located on cliAs. The intensity of the defensive behaviour was unrelated to the frequency of human visits, prey abundance (Orthoptera, Coleoptera, lizards, birds and rodents), laying date, or number of oAspring in the nest. Both males and females increased their defensive behaviour as the nesting period advanced, particularly when the chicks were older than 15 days. Moreover, the intensity of the defensive behaviour, especially of males, decreased when nests were more inaccessible. Although nest defence behaviour against humans appeared to be similar to those against other predators, the benefits are not clear because the probability of nest robbing was greater for these more aggressive pairs.
Response of Rice (Oryza sativa) to Glyphosate Applied to Simulate Drift1

Field studies were conducted in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000 to determine the effect of glyphosate (isopropyl amine salt) on rice injury and yield when applied postemergence at 0, 70, 140, and 280 g ai/ha to dry-seeded rice in the three- to four-leaf (3- to 4-L), midtiller (MT), panicle initiation (PI), and boot (BT) growth stages. Glyphosate at 140 and 280 g ai/ha applied at the 3- to 4-L, MT, and PI growth stages resulted in the greatest foliar injury, and 280 g ai/ha was more injurious than 140 g ai/ha at the first rating, with the exception of MT and PI 2000, where they were equal. Glyphosate treatments resulted in the least visible foliar injury when applied at the BT stage. Rough rice yield was reduced by glyphosate applied at 280 g/ha to rice in the MT growth stage three out of four years. Applied to rice at PI, glyphosate at 140 g/ha reduced yields two out of four years, and three out of four years when applied at 280 g/ha. BT-stage applications of glyphosate at 70, 140, and 280 g/ha reduced yields two out of four, three out of four, and four out of four years, respectively. Nomenclature: Glyphosate; rice, Oryza sativa (L.) ‘Cypress’, ‘Lemont’, ‘Priscilla’. Additional index words: Rice growth stage. Abbreviations: BT, boot; MT, midtiller; PI, panicle initiation; 3- to 4-L, three- to four-leaf.
Accumulation of RXRα During Activation of Cycling Human T Lymphocytes: Modulation of RXRE Transactivation Function by Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways1

We have previously reported that the activation of resting human immature peripheral blood T (PBT) lymphocytes is associated with the loss of retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) expression. In the present study, we have demonstrated that, unlike resting cells, activation of cycling human mature PBT lymphocytes, and T lymphocyte leukemia cell lines is accompanied by the accumulation of RXRα mRNA and protein. Interestingly, cyclosporin A further augmented RXRα expression, indicating the involvement of calcineurin pathways in the process. 9-cis retinoic acid inhibited the accumulation, suggesting that retinoids can regulate the synthesis of their own receptors during T cell activation. Transfection analysis in Jurkat cells, using RXRE-dependent reporter assays, showed that RXRα accumulated during T cell activation was transcriptionally inactive. To investigate the mechanism of such inhibition, the role of two mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), in modulating RXRE-dependent transcription, was explored. The expression of constitutively active MAP/ERK kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1) inhibited RXRE-dependent transcription, whereas dominant negative MEKK1 increased the transcription, indicating the involvement of JNK signaling pathways in the process. In contrast, expression of constitutively active MEK1, which activates ERK pathway, enhanced RXRE-dependent activation. When both were activated simultaneously, JNK pathway was dominant over ERK pathway and resulted in inhibition of RXRE-mediated transcription. These data demonstrate a dual regulatory control of RXRα expression during the activation of resting and cycling T lymphocytes and indicate a dynamic balance between JNK and ERK pathways in modulating RXRE-mediated transactivation.
Age-based demography and reproductive ontogeny of angelfishes belonging to the family Pomacanthidae

There is an urgent need to understand population dynamics and life history characteristics of reef fishes that are highly exploited and limited in distribution to facilitate effective management and make predictions of potential impact. This is important within the pomacanthids family in which no demographic studies has been done. This study aims to explore the demographic features and reproductive ontogeny of a group of pomacanthids species, Pomacanthus sexstriatus, Centropyge bicolor and C. loricul. P. sexstriatu and C. bicolor were collected from the Great Barrier Reef and C. loricul. two species are in the first two species and from Kiritimati, Kiribati in the Central Pacific. An age-based approach combined with gonad histology was used in this thesis to examine the growth and longevity, reproductive ontogeny and the mechanism underlying larger male size in the study species.
The inheritance of life-cycle differences in Myzus persicae (Sulz.) (Hem., Aphididae)

The response to short photoperiod (10 h) of the F 1 and F 2 sexual generations of Myzus persicae (Sulz.) resulting from a cross between oviparae from a holocyclic clone and males from an androcyclic clone were examined and compared in experiments done at Imperial College Field Station, England. F 1 and F 2 progeny segregated into three distinct phenotypes; holocyclic, androcyclic and intermediate. Intermediate clones reared at 10 h photoperiod produced alatae which were physiologically intermediate between gynoparae and virginoparae, because their progeny consisted of oviparae, apterous virginoparae and intermorphs. Intermediacy was not affected by temperature and seems to be genetically determined. Segregation ratios in the F 1 and F 2 indicate that the androcyclic condition is induced by a recessive ‘ switch-gene ’ which completely suppresses the production of sexual females, and partially suppresses male production. This gene could be present in the heterozygous condition in a large proportion of parthenogenetic lines of the aphid, and thus confer a latent potentiality for anholocycly on populations even where conditions will not regularly permit this method of overwintering. Conversely where anholocycly is strongly favoured many aphids would be homozygous for the recessive, androcyclic character, but the potential for gamic reproduction could remain widespread.