Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does restored plant diversity play a role in the reproductive functionality of Banksia populations?

Vegetation structure and plant species diversity of restoration sites are predicted to directly affect pollinator attraction, with potential impacts on gene flow, reproduction, genetic diversity of future generations, and ultimately restoration success. We compared Banksia attenuata R.Br. (Proteaceae) in a low species diversity restoration site and an adjacent natural remnant. We assessed fecundity genetic diversity in adult plants and their offspring, mating system parameters and pollen dispersal using paternity assignment. Results were compared to an earlier study of reproductive functionality within a high species diversity restoration site that was restored in a similar manner, enabling us to investigate any association between plant species diversity and fecundity. Seed set data indicated no significant differences between restored and adjacent natural sites; however, seed set data between restoration sites was significantly different (2.08 ± 0.39 and 6.89 ± 1.12, respectively). The mean number of fruits (follicles) per inflorescence was not significantly different between restoration sites. Genetic diversity of adult plants and their offspring were comparable in all sites. Higher allelic richness and genetic differentiation in one restored site reflected sourcing beyond local provenance. Low correlated paternity indicated high levels of multiple siring of seeds and paternity assignment demonstrated strong genetic connectivity between sites. Reproductive functionality, as measured by fecundity and genetic diversity in the offspring of B. attenuata, is resilient to low species diversity within a restored plant community. We consider our results in the context of establishing seed production areas (SPAs) that maximize the quantity and genetic quality of Banksia seeds for restoration.
Enzymatic hydrolysis and ion exchange fractionation of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from Ulva lactuca and evaluation of their biological activity.

I would first like to thank my thesis advisors, Dr Daisy Felita and Dr Mayyada El Sayed, at the chemistry department, of the School of Sciences and Engineering at the American university in Cairo. The door to their office was welcoming whenever I had any trouble or had a question about my research or writing. I would also like to thank the person who was involved from the very beginning in this research project with great effort and support, Dr Dalia Refaat. Without her participation the study wouldn’t be successful. Last but not least, I would love to thank my parents, sisters and husband for their encouragement and support. All my colleagues and friends were very cooperative and I am very thankful to their support.
Fitness, acceptance and olfactory responses of Trichogramma pretiosum on eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda fed with Cry1Ac soybean

Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera Noctuidae) is naturally tolerant to MON 87701 × MON 89788 soybean that expresses the Cry1Ac protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Therefore, there are reports of outbreaks of this pest in fields where this technology has been cultivated. To support an environmental risk assessment, it is important to investigate the impacts of this technology on non-target organisms like the parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma, which can be used to manage this pest. In this study, we accessed: (i) the biology of a field population of S. frugiperda on MON 87701 × MON 89788 soybean; (ii) the impacts of the eggs produced by S. frugiperda fed with this soybean on the fitness and acceptance of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera Trichogrammatidae); and, (iii) the olfactory responses of this parasitoid to the volatiles of Bt and non-Bt soybean plants oviposited by S. frugiperda. The results of the biology of a field population of S. frugiperda when fed with Bt and non-Bt soybeans showed a similar total survival and cycle duration. No significant effects of the Bt soybean plants were observed in the life table parameters of S. frugiperda. Fitness and oviposition preference of T. pretiosum on eggs of S. frugiperda that fed with Bt and non-Bt soybeans were not different. Furthermore, the olfactory responses of this parasitoid to volatiles emitted by oviposited Bt and non-Bt soybeans were similar. These results suggest that there are no direct and indirect effects of S. frugiperda eggs fed with Bt soybean on the parasitoid fitness and acceptance, and also that T. pretiosum do not distinguish between Bt and non-Bt soybean plants oviposited by this pest. Therefore, this technology showed no adverse effects on T. pretiosum, which can help mitigate S. frugiperda outbreaks within an integrated pest management context.
Climatic and Structural Factors Influencing Epiphytic Bromeliad Community Assemblage along a Gradient of Water-Limited Environments in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

There is a lack of knowledge on the factors driving epiphytic community assemblage along water-limited environments. Epiphytic bromeliad and host communities were analyzed in a range of vegetation types, following a precipitation gradient from 500 to 1500 mm y−1. Plots were set up in scrub mangrove, coastal sand dune scrub, deciduous, semi-deciduous and sub-perennial forests within the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Identity and abundance of hosts and epiphytes, as well as host height and seasonal microenvironmental variables, were recorded at each vegetation type. The study found epiphytic bromeliads to be mainly located in the lower canopy strata of all but the wettest site (sub-peren nial forest). Total epiphyte richness (estimated using species accumulation curves) increased with annual precipitation. Bromeliad species density decreased with vapor pressure deficit and increased with host species density. Semi-variograms and kriging analysis showed a high spatial correlation in bromeliad and host species density. The species composition, however, was unrelated to space, according to a Mantel test, but related to host species composition. The current study shows that diversity and structural integrity of the canopy may be as important as climate in the conservation of epiphytic composition in water-limited environments, where epiphytes are found in sheltered, lower canopy strata.
Coordination of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen Metabolism in Rhodobacter sphaeroides

ii Dedication . iii Acknowledgments. iv Vita . v List of Tables . viii List of Figures . ix Introduction . 1 Chapter 1 : Characterization of the PHC Phenotype . 7 Introduction . 7 Materials and Methods . 10 Results . 21 Discussion . 38 Chapter 2 : Alterations to NifA Influence Nitrogenase Synthesis . 45 Introduction . 45 Materials and Methods . 49 Results . 54 vii Discussion . 64 Chapter 3 : Nitrogenase-Mediated Repression of cbb Transcription . 69 Introduction . 69 Materials and Methods . 72 Results . 76 Discussion . 87 Conclusions and Future Directions . 93 References . 98
Sequence grazing systems on the southern plains.

Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L. ) is a perennial warm-season bunchgrass that starts growth earlier in the spring than most other warm-season grasses. This suggests that combining eastern gamagrass with other warm-season grasses in a sequence grazing system could lengthen the period of rapid livestock gain. We studied sequence grazing systems consisting of eastern gamagrass and Old World bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum L.) (EG-OWB) as compared to native mixed prairie and Old World bluestem (Native-OWB) from 1993 to 1997. Crossbred beef steers averaging 239 kg grazed eastern gamagrass or native pasture from early May to early June and again from late July through August. Old World bluestem was grazed in mid season. We measured forage yield and nutritive value and steer gain. Standing forage of eastern gamagrass above a 15-cm stubble height averaged 895 kg ha-1 at the start of the first grazing period and 2,430 kg ha-1 at the start of the second grazing period. Dry, cold winter and spring weather reduced this amount to 80 kg ha-1 in May 1996 and precluded grazing the eastern gamagrass that season. Crude protein content of eastern gamagrass was greater than 14% and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) was greater than 65% in May. By August, crude protein content had dropped to 5-8% and IVDMD was 45-50%. Peak standing crop of Old World bluestem averaged 4,580 kg ha-1 over years. Steer gain over the entire grazing season, 103 days, did not differ between forage systems, averaging 1.02 kg head-1 day-1 in both systems. Steer gain was higher on native pasture than eastern gamagrass in the late grazing season (0.91 versus 0.60 kg head-1 d-1, p=0.02). As a result of higher stocking rates, steer gain was 257 kg ha-1 for the EG-OWB system and 103 kg ha-1 for the Native-OWB system (p<0.01).
VARIATION IN WOOD CHARACTERISTICS OF 20-YEAR-OLD HALF-SIB FAMILIES OF PINUS RADIATA

Increment core samples were collected at breast height (1.4 m) from 20-year-old trees of 30 of the top-ranked wind-pollinated progenies from the '268' series of Pinus radiata D.Don plus trees, and their wood properties were examined. The objectives were to establish the extent of any possible shift in average wood properties caused by intensive selection for growth rate and stem straightness, and to estimate genetic parameters (variances, narrow-sense heritabilities, and genetic correlations). Samples were also collected from control trees, representing a "felling select" seedlot, within the same progeny trial. Properties examined included growth rate, wood density, and resin content (all by five-ring core segments), heartwood percentage and compression wood rating (whole cores), and tracheid length (outerwood only). Although wood density was variable (coefficient of variation about 0.07), the average for the progenies overall was almost identical to that of the control trees. On the other hand, there were slight indications that, along with the improved growth rate of the progenies, compression wood and heartwood resin content levels increased whereas tracheid length decreased. Heritability estimates for all the actual wood properties were high, ranging from 0.4 upwards, and coefficients of variation for resin content variables and heartwood content were very high (0.4 or higher), suggesting good prospects for genetic manipulation.
Response of Manures and Industrial By-Products for Cane Yield and Post Harvest NPK Status

Field experiment was conducted in clay loam soil at Periyanellicollai village at Chidambaram taluka, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. The soil of Periyanellikollai was classified as Typic Haplustert comes under Kondal series having sandy loam texture. The available nutrient status was low in N, medium in P and K. The treatments considered of T 1 - Seasoned pressmud @ 25 t ha -1 , T 2 - T 1 + Enriched gypsum @ 1 t ha -1 , T 3 - T 2 + ZnSO 4 @ 37.5 kg ha -1 , T 4 - T 1 + Lignite fly ash @ 25 t ha -1 , T 5 - T 1 + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha -1 , T 6 - Vermicompost @ 5 t ha -1 + enriched gypsum @ 1 t ha -1 , T 7 - T 6 + ZnSO 4 @ 37.5 kg ha -1 , T 8 - Vermicompost @ 5 t ha -1 + lignite fly ash @ 25 t ha -1 , T 9 - Biocompost @ 5 t ha -1 , T 10 - T 9 + Enriched gypsum @ 1 t ha -1 , T 11 - T 10 + ZnSO 4 @ 37.5 kg ha -1 , T 12 - T 9 + Lignite fly ash @ 25 t ha -1 , T 13 - FYM @ 10 t ha -1 , T 14 - recommended dose of fertilizer. All the plots were applied with recommended of dose of fertilizers 275:62.5:150 of N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O kg ha -1 . The highest cane yield of 169.74 t ha -1 was obtained with T 3 received seasoned pressmud @ 25 t ha -1 + enriched gypsum @ 1 t ha -1 + ZnSO 4 @ 37.5 kg ha -1 . The highest content of post harvest nitrogen (278 kg ha -1 ) and post harvest phosphorus (19.3 kg ha -1 ) was maximum T 3 receiving seasoned pressmud @ 25 t ha -1 + enriched gypsum @ 1 t ha -1 + ZnSO 4 @ 37.5 kg ha -1 . The post harvest available potassium (156.4 kg ha -1 ) was recorded in treatment T 4 (Seasoned pressmud @ 25 t ha -1 + lignite fly ash @ 25 t ha -1 ).
Rauvolfia vomitoria and Gongronema latifolium stimulate cortical cell proliferations

Introduction: Rauwolfia vomitoria (RV) and Gongronema latifolium (Gl) are herbs with closely related and diverse medicinal properties. The combination of both plants is reported to have the potentials for brain functions and structure protection. Aim: This study therefore investigated the interaction of these herbs on the histomorphology of the cerebral cortex of mice. Materials and Methods: 24 male Wistar mice of body weight 15-26 g were divided into 4 groups. The mice were administered respectively, 0.5 mL of Tween 20, 150 mg/kg of R. vomitoria, 200 mg/kg of G. latifolium, and a combination of 150 mg/kg of R. vomitoria and 200 mg/kg of G. latifolium (RV+GL), orally, and daily for seven days. On day 8, the animals were sacrificed and their brains preserved, and the cerebral cortices were excised for routine histology. Cellular densities were quantified using ImageJ™. Results: All the groups gained body weight, which was however lower in the test groups compared with the control group. No difference was observed in whole brain weight in all the experimental groups, while histomorphological studies of the cerebral cortex showed higher cellular density and smaller cellular sizes in the RV, GL and RV+GL groups. The RV+GL group also showed slightly larger cells in the cortical plate compared with the control group. The mean cellular population of sections of the cerebral cortex were also higher in test groups RV and GL, but not the RV+GL group. Conclusion: This study showed that R. vomitoria root bark and G. latifolium leaf extracts either singly or in combination may stimulate cellular proliferation at the given dose, which may serve a protective or deleterious role.
Studies on Kinnow-aonla ready-to-serve beverages

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of herbals on Kinnow-aonla beverages during the year 2010–2011. This study aimed at formulation of Kinnow and aonla mix beverage with three levels of each cardamom and ginger as herbal additives. All the herbal treatments were found better in respect of TSS, pH, acidity and ascorbic acid content over control. Highest mean TSS (15.13°Brix), pH (3.50) and ascorbic acid content (19.4%) were observed in T5 (ginger extract 1%), all the sensory parameters were as based on the overall acceptability based on colour, texture and taste were recorded highest (7.78 score) in T5. Precisely, on the basis of results obtained it may be concluded that treatment T5 can be used in commercialization of Kinnow-aonla RTS. The studies on compositional changes in value-added Kinnow-aonla RTS revealed that there was increase in the level of TSS and pH during the storage period (six months).
Nutritional Assessment of Breakfast Foods Developed From Animal Polypeptide, Crayfish ( Euastacus Spp) and Maize ( Zea Mays)

Breakfast is the first food taken after waking up from a night's sleep, most especially early in the morning before undertaking the day's activity. Breakfast foods vary widely according to culture, location and resources but should contain major nutrient, a carbohydrate such as grains or cereals, fruit and/or vegetables, a protein food such as eggs, meat or fish, and a beverage such as tea, coffee, milk or fruit juice, Coffee, and milk. The objective of this study is to prepare breakfast foods from animal polypeptide, maize and crayfish were the sole energy and protein source respectively. Diet 1, nitrogen free diet (Basal), diet 2 (Crayfish: fermented maize 10g: 100g), diet 3 (Crayfish: fermented maize15g: 100g), diet 4 control (milk based). The formulated breakfast diets were fed to 50 albino rats. A commercial product, milk based commercial breakfast (MBCB) was used as standard diet. The results revealed that the growth response, (non protein dietary) declined from 24.62- 23.79g, (protein dietary) increased from 23.36-45.74, 24.50-40.77, and 24.43-37.81g, for diets 1 2, 3, and 4 respectively. Animal polypeptide (Diet 2) at combination of 10g: 100g performed better than 15g: 100g combination. It may be suggested that (Diet 2) at combination of 10g:100g could have complete amino acid profile that could sustained body for daily activities and meet daily requirements when compared to other formulated dietary. Animal polypeptide (crayfish) supplement to energy obtained from maize at 10g: 100g promoted the best growth performance.
Identification and characterization of LMX1B target genes

Mutations in the LMX1B gene are associated with a rare autosomal-dominant disorder called nail-patella syndrome which affects limbs, eyes, brain and kidneys. The main LMX1B targets in kidneys are the foot processes and slit diaphragms of podocytes. In search for the genes which are regulated by LMX1B, microarray studies on glomeruli isolated from inducible podocyte-specific Lmx1b knock-out mice were performed. This analysis revealed a significant increase in the mRNA levels of several genes compared to control mice. For further investigation three promising LMX1B target genes were chosen: Abra (Actin-binding Rho-activating protein), Arl4c (ADP-ribosylation factor-like 4C) and Crct1 (Cystein-rich C-terminal 1). The binding of LMX1B to its target genes is mediated by the central homeodomain which specifically recognizes so-called FLAT (FAR linked AT-rich) elements. Bioinformatic studies of promoter fragments of the putative LMX1B target genes led to the identification of LMX1B binding elements within the ABRA and ARL4C promoter regions which were then analyzed using luciferase reporter assays. Their importance was verified by site-directed mutagenesis studies. The subcellular and ultrastructural localization of the proteins under investigation by confocal and electron microscopy suggested their functional involvement with the actin cytoskeleton. Further studies on the putative LMX1B targets revealed that Abra, Arl4c and Crct1 lead to the increased formation of F-actin. The data obtained suggest a possible role of the putative LMX1B target genes in the dysregulation of the actin cytoskeleton by increasing its stiffness. In addition to the main topic of this thesis the role of LMX1B in the regulation of cell-matrix adhesion dynamics was investigated using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). These studies demonstrated for the first time that the protein turnover of α-actinin-1 and actin, but not α-actinin-4, was notably affected by the inactivation of Lmx1b. Taken together, the results reported in the present thesis demonstrated the role of the putative LMX1B target genes in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, as well as the role of LMX1B in the regulation of cell-matrix adhesion dynamics.
Cryptic species, life cycles, and the phylogeny of Clytia (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Campanulariidae)

Medusae and polyps of Clytia are abundantly found in coastal marine environments and one species in the genus—Clytia hemisphaerica (Linnaeus, 1767)—has become an important experimental model. Yet, only 10 species in the genus have had their life cycle investigated. Most species of Clytia are also poorly described, and detailed life cycle and morphological studies are needed for accurate species-level identifications. Here, we investigated the life cycle of Clytia elsaeoswaldae Stechow, 1914, a species described for the tropical western Atlantic and subsequently considered conspecific to the nearly-cosmopolitan species Clytia gracilis (Sars, 1850) and Clytia hemisphaerica, originally described for the temperate North Atlantic. Based on observations of mature medusae and multiple colonies from southeastern Brazil and the U. S. Virgin Islands (type locality), our results show that C. elsaeoswaldae is morphologically distinct from C. gracilis and C. hemisphaerica. The morphological results are corroborated by a multigene phylogenetic analysis of the genus Clytia, which shows that C. gracilis-like species form a polyphyletic group of several species. These results suggest that the nearly-cosmopolitan distribution attributed to some species of Clytia may be due to the non-recognition of morphologically similar species with more restricted ranges.
CYCLIC PATTERNS OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE, FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE, INHIBIN, AND PROGESTERONE SECRETION IN THE ASIAN ELEPHANT {ELEPHAS MAXIMUS)

Serum samples were collected one to three times weekly from four unanesthetized Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) for 6-18 consecutive months. Based on circulating progesterone pro files, 14 complete ovarian cycles were observed. The estrous cycle averaged 13.2 ? 0.7 wk in length, with an active luteal phase of 9.8 ? 0.7 wk. Increases in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) were observed immediately before or during the progesterone rise in 11 of 14 cycles. In eight cycles, a second LH surge was detected 11-19 days later. Radioimmunoassays for follicle-stimulating hor mone (FSH) and inhibin were validated for elephant serum. Fluctuations in FSH and inhibin secretion also were observed at 12-14-wk intervals, although their temporal profiles differed from each other and from that of progesterone. Follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations were lowest during the late follicular and early luteal phases and then increased to peak levels during the latter part of the luteal phase. In contrast, serum inhibin concentrations were inversely related to FSH levels throughout the estrous cycle (r = -0.78; P < 0.01). In summary, progesterone analyses confirm that the luteal phase in the Asian elephant is approximately 10 wk long. Furthermore, the 12-14-wk oscillations in serum FSH and inhibin secretion provide additional evidence that the ovarian cycle of this species is several months in duration. The inverse relationship between serum FSH and inhibin suggests that inhibin may regulate FSH secretion, as is described for other species. Elevated FSH secretion throughout the mid- and late luteal phase may stimulate waves of follicular growth that are responsible for the short "follicular cycles" described in earlier reports.
Climate, location, and growth relationships with wood stiffness at the site, tree, and ring levels in white spruce (Picea glauca) in the Boreal Plains ecozone1

We examined modulus of elasticity (MoE) derived from SilviScan in white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) at the site, tree, and ring levels across the Boreal Plains ecozone in Canada. Area-weighted averages of MoE were calculated for juvenile and mature wood and were examined in relation to radial growth, climate, and location. Correlations indicated that there was a negative relationship between radial growth and MoE in the juvenile wood that was detectable at the site and tree levels; however, the relationship weakened in the mature wood, particularly at the site level. Few climate variables were correlated with MoE in juvenile wood, whereas multiple summer and fall climate variables showed a significant correlation with MOE in mature wood. A model describing the radial profile of MoE explained 58% of the variability in MoE, with 10% of the random variability attributed to between-tree differences. Elevation and summer water balance accounted for nearly all of the between-site variability. A decrease.
Soil nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus in relation to growth response of western Hemlock to nitrogen fertilization

Etude de 16 stations a Tsuga heterophylla situees dans la zone cotiere et dans la zone des Cascades de l'ouest du Washington; modifications de l'azote, du soufre et du phosphore du sol en relation avec la reaction de croissance des arbres a la fertilisation azotee