Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Interplay between Cytoskeleton and Calcium Dynamics

Cell motility is a complex cellular event that involves reorganization of cytoskeleton. This reorganization encompasses the transient polarization of the cell to facilitate the plasma membrane ruffling, a rearrangement of cortical actin cytoskeleton required for the devel - opment of cellular protrusions. It is known that extracellular Ca 2+ influx is essential for cell migration and for the positive-feedback cycle that maintains leading-edge structures and ruffling activity. The aim of this review is to summarize our knowledge regarding the Ca 2+ dependent signaling pathways, Ca 2+ transporters and sensors involved in cell migration. Also, we show here reported evidences that support for a crosstalk between Ca 2+ transport and the reorganization of the cytoskeleton required for cell migration. In this regard, we will analyze the role of store-operated Ca 2+ entry (SOCE) as a modulator of cytoskeleton and cell migration, but also the modulation of this Ca 2+ entry pathway by microtubules and the actin cytoskeleton. As a main conclusion, this review will show that data reported in the last years support a role for SOCE in shaping cytoskeleton, but at the same time, SOCE is strongly dependent on cytoskel etal proteins, in an interesting interplay between cytoskeleton and Ca 2+ dynamics . complex of actin and myosin that drives the mechanical forces for cell contractility during migration. Nonmuscle formation, actomyosin contractility and it is critical to trigger the development of lamellipodia as the leading structure during migration. But this dependence is reciprocal and Ca 2+ influx through store-operated Ca 2+ channels at the plasma membrane is fully dependent on the formation of endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane juxtapositions that are shaped by the reorganization of the cytoskeleton. In the last few years valuable knowledge has been gained regarding the activation of STIM1 by Ca 2+ store depletion and how STIM1 relocalizes and activates ORAI1 at the PM-ER junc tions. Here we have shown that both STIM1 and ORAI1 are involved in many aspects of cell migration and that gene silencing and specific inhibitors point out these two proteins in the regulation of Ca 2+ influx pathways involved in supporting efficient cell adhesion and migration. However, a major lack of knowledge regarding the polarization of the signaling profile persists. Recent advances in genome editing will be valuable tools to knockout and knockin STIM and ORAI genes, as well as genes coding for cytoskeletal proteins involved in the reorganization of SOCE. With this coming era we will be able to monitor and study the behavior of tagged proteins at endogenous levels, as well as to study the loss of function of certain genes in any cell type, in an attempt to solve this open question in cell biology and signaling.
ANTIMICROBIAL POTENCY OF ANT-PLANT EXTRACT (Myrmecodia tuberosa JACK.) AGAINST Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, AND Staphylococcus aureus

The importance of finding a new natural source of antiinfective compounds has urged a research to explore antimicrobial activity of Ant-Plant (M. tuberosa) ethanol extract. This particular plant has been widely used in West Papua as part of traditional remedy. This research aimed to explore the antimicrobial potency of Ant-Plant ethanol extract against C. albicans, E. coli and S. aureus and to characterize the active compound group responsible for the activity. Dried powders were macerated in ethanol 70%, followed by evaporating the solvent. The extract was screened for antimicrobal activity against C. albicans, E. coli, and S. aureus by disc difussion method. A micodillution assay was performed to find out the MIC values, followed by MBC value determination in suitable solid media. Bioautography contact method was used to detect the antimicrobial active spots. The result revealed the extract’s MIC values against C. albicans, E. coli, and S. aureus were 0.8% w/v; 0.8% w/v; and 1.6% w/v respectively. MBC values were >6.4% w/v against C. albicans, 6.4% w/v against E. coli and 1.6% w/v against S. aureus. Active spot against E. coli and S. aureus shown by bioautography test results had hRf 0 (silica gel 60 F254, toluene: acetone: methanol: formic acid (26:8:5:1) v/v) while hRf 53 spot was active against C. albicans and S. aureus and detected as phenolic. It was concluded that the M. tuberosa ethanol extract contained active compounds which were potential to be developed as antimicrobial agent especially S. aureus.
Molecular Identification of Bovine Brucellosis Causing Organisms at Selected Private Farms in Pothohar Plateau, Pakistan

Shahzad Ali1,*, Heinrich Neubauer2, Falk Melzer2, Iahtasham Khan1, Shamim Akhter3, Tariq Jamil2 and Sajid Umar3 1University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Pakistan 2Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Jena, Germany 3Pir Mehr Ali Shah-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan Article Information Received 03 October 2016 Revised 11 November 2016 Accepted 28 January 2017 Available online 25 May 2017
Effect Induction Bio Hormone on Production and Content of Nutritional Substances on Tomato Fruit Variety Cherry Small Fry and Cherry Japan

Food quality could be determined based on the criteria of food security, nutrition content, and trade standard on foodstuffs to food and beverages (Anonymous, 1996). At the stage of production or tomato cultivation system, the treatment accorded aims to increase the quantity and quality of tomatoes such as increased shelf life, organoleptic quality, and nutritional content. The content of the most prominent nutrient in tomatoes are vitamin C and carotene as forming pro-vitamin A. The content of vitamin C and carotene in tomatoes was useful to help the healing process sprue disease and night blindness. This type of research is experimentally using factorial completely randomized design. Factor I: Varieties of tomatoes which consists of two varieties, namely Cherry Small Fry (CSF) and Cherry Japan (CJ) and the second factor is the addition bio hormone i.e. non-induction bio hormone (B0) and induction bio hormone (B1). Each treatment was repeated 3 times so that overall there are 12 experimental units. Duncan test showed the CJ tomato induced growth hormone has the highest production with the average amount of 2449.10 grams.
Overexpression of a thylakoid membrane protein gene OsTMP14 improves indica rice cold tolerance

ABSTRACT Cold has a major impact on rice, so rice can only grow in specific climate zones. TMP14 (thylakoid membrane protein of 14 kDa) is a nuclear genome-encoded chloroplast thylakoid membrane protein, which is involved in a wide range of abiotic stress responses. However, the knowledge of TMP14 roles in response to adverse stimuli is still very limited in rice. Based on the results of expression profiles, OsTMP14 (GenBank accession: BAF27084.1) was highly induced in both leaf and panicle at all the developmental stages of rice analyses under cold and drought stresses. Sequence analyses of OsTMP14 putative promoter regions identified nine cis-elements related to stress responses. Furthermore, transgenic rice plants with overexpression of OsTMP14 showed more tolerance to cold stress. Taken together, these results indicate that OsTMP14 is involved in stress tolerance in rice, which is useful in developing transgenic rice with enhancing tolerance to cold stress.
Effects of soil nutrient conditions on water transport properties and recovery from severe drought stress in Pinus densiflora saplings

ABSTRACT To evaluate the acclimation of water transport properties to soil nutrient conditions, morphological and hydraulic traits were measured in 4-year-old potted saplings of Japanese red pine that were grown under differing nutrient conditions for 3 years. To compare recovery from severe drought stress under differing nutrient conditions, the well-watered saplings were subjected to drought treatments of almost Ψ50 by stopping irrigation; this is equivalent to the xylem water potential at which 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity occurs. After resuming daily watering, the xylem water potential and gas exchange rate were measured. Whole-plant transpirational demand from large total-leaf area tended to be high for plants under high-nutrient conditions. However, no differences were observed in water transport properties, such as the conducting area, hydraulic efficiency, and cavitation resistance, suggesting that acclimation of the hydraulic architecture did not occur when plants were grown under sufficient soil moisture conditions. The root dry weight tended to be large and the belowground dry mass to root dry mass (T/R ratio) tended to be low for plants under high-nutrient conditions. Plants grown under high-nutrient conditions recovered their gas exchange rate and leaf-specific hydraulic conductance slightly during the month following severe drought stress by irrigation. The recovery of Japanese red pine appears to vary under different levels of nutrient availability probably because of the influence of root water absorption capacity.
Effects of selected non-digestible dietary carbohydrates on the composition of the large intestinal microbiota and susceptibility to salmonella infections

Certain indigestible carbohydrates, known as prebiotics, are claimed to be beneficial for gut health through a selective stimulation of beneficial gut microbes including Bifidobacterium. However, stimulation of beneficial microbes does not necessarily imply a preventive effect against pathogen infection. We recently demonstrated a reduced resistance to Salmonella infection in mice fed diets containing fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) or xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS). In the present study, faecal and caecal samples from the same mice were analysed in order to study microbial changes potentially explaining the observed effects on the pathogenesis of Salmonella. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis revealed that the microbiota in faecal samples from mice fed FOS or XOS was different from faecal samples collected before the feeding trial as well as from faecal profiles generated from control animals. This difference was not seen for caecal profiles. Further analysis of faecal samples by real-time PCR demonstrated a significant increase in the Bacteroidetes phylum, the Bacteroides fragilis group and in Bifidobacterium spp. in mice fed FOS or XOS. The observed bifidogenic effect was more pronounced for XOS than for FOS. The Firmicutes phylum and the Clostridium coccoides group were reduced by both FOS and XOS. Surprisingly, no significant differences were detected between faecal samples collected before and after pathogen challenge in any of the groups. Furthermore, no effect of diets on caecal concentrations of short chain fatty acids was recorded. In conclusion, diets supplemented with FOS or XOS induced a number of microbial changes in the faecal microbiota of mice. The observed effects of XOS were qualitatively similar to those of FOS, but the most prominent bifidogenic effect was seen for XOS. An increased level of bifidobacteria is thus not in itself preventive against Salmonella infections, since the same XOS or FOS-fed mice were previously reported to be more severely affected by Salmonella challenge than control animals.
A morphological phylogenetic analysis and generic revision of Australian Helicarionidae (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Stylommatophora), and an assessment of the relationships of the family

Helicarionidae is a diverse and widely distributed group whose delineation and phylogenetic relationships are poorly understood. We review the helicarionid fauna of Australia (excluding Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island) and carry out a phylogenetic analysis based on 54 morphological characters. The morphology of 22 Australian helicarionid species from 17 genera is described, including one new genus (Stanisicarion) and two new combinations (Stanisicarion freycineti, Stanisicarion virens). The taxonomic positions of the remaining Australian genera are discussed. In addition, morphological descriptions of 24 taxa closely related to Helicarionidae are presented. Morphological characters indicate that Euconulidae (with subfamilies Euconulinae and Microcystinae), Trochomorphidae and Cystopeltidae can be excluded from Helicarionoidea, supporting recent phylogenies based on molecular data. The Helicarionidae is redefined and most endemic Australian mainland taxa previously assigned to Euconulinae, Durgellinae and Sesarinae can be included within the family as redefined. Five Australian genera (Coneuplecta, Euconulus, Turrisitala, Wilhelminaia and Queridomus) are moved to Euconulinae, one (Liardetia) to Microcystinae and one (Theskelomensor) to Trochomorphidae, leaving 24 genera and 47 species of mainland Australian Helicarionidae. Our results show poor support for the monophyly of Helicarionidae and no synapomorphies can be identified. Helicarionoidea, which is monophyletic in some other recent morphological and molecular analyses, is supported by the shared presence of a flagellum with glandular walls and an axial filament and the presence of an epiphallic retractor caecum. However, one or both of these characters are missing in some helicarionoid taxa. Morphological characters alone give little support for branching patterns among the Australian taxa. This is partly due to high levels of convergence and loss in the data.
Colleters in Asclepiadoideae (Apocynaceae): Protection of Meristems against Desiccation and New Functions Assigned

Premise of research. Although colleters are one of the most studied glands of the Apocynaceae, very little is known regarding the composition of their secretion. The aim of this study was to analyze histochemically vegetative and floral colleters of Asclepiadoideae (Apocynaceae) and verify their function during organ development. Methodology. Shoot apex, leaves, and flowers in different developmental stages were processed according to usual techniques in plant anatomy and submitted to histochemical tests. Pivotal results. Foliar and floral colleters of Peplonia secrete mucilage exclusively, while those of Asclepias, Blepharodon, Fischeria, Matelea, and Oxypetalum secrete mucilage, proteins, phenolic compounds, and lipids, including fatty acids. The secretion permeates and involves shoot apex, floral buds, and the developing organs, protecting these meristematic regions. Conclusions. The secretion of colleters of Peplonia is efficient in preventing the desiccation of organs but allows fungal proliferation among colleters. The heterogeneous secretion of Asclepias, Blepharodon, Fischeria, Matelea, and Oxypetalum protects meristematic regions against desiccation due to the presence of mucilage; inhibits the growth of fungi due to the presence of lipids; and can immobilize phytophagous insects due to its high viscosity. Despite the general description of protection against desiccation by colleters in many plant families, colleters of Asclepiadoideae can protect their meristems in different ways. We demonstrate the antifungal property of the lipids present in some colleter secretions for the first time in angiosperms, which indicates the need to reevaluate the functions assigned to colleters in other groups.
The effects of dietary probiotic inclusion on skeletal health of poultry and its possible mechanisms

Author: Yan, Feifei. Ph.D. Institution: Purdue University Degree Received: December 2016 Title: The Effects of Dietary Probiotic Inclusion on Skeletal Health of Poultry and Its Possible Mechanisms. Major Professor: Heng-wei Cheng and Patricia Hester Probiotics are live microorganisms which may confer health benefits on the host when administered in appropriate amounts. Numerous studies have shown that probiotics improve bone health in humans and rodents with less information available on the skeletal health of avians given probiotics. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of probiotic supplementation on bone health of egg-laying and meat-type chickens. Dietary supplementation of a multi-species based probiotic reduced the percentage of shell-less eggs beginning at 4 wk following treatment and increased tibial and femoral bone mineral density in egg-laying hens at 7 wk post-treatment. Similarly, bone mineralization accrual of the tibia and femur was improved in broilers subjected to daily cycling heating episodes fed the same probiotic for 6 wk. Broilers consuming the probiotic also had a lower incidence of lameness as characterized by an improved gait score and longer latency to lie. The effects of a single-species based probiotic fed to broilers beginning at 1 d of age on bone health were investigated. Bone mineral densities of the tibia and femur were increased at 43 d of age. Concomitantly, serum calcium concentrations were increased at 14 d of age, serotonin levels were up-regulated in the raphe nuclei, and the catecholamine concentrations of NE and DA were down-regulated in the hypothalamus at 43 d of age. With the exception of bone mineral density, the bone health of probiotic-fed broilers was maintained under elevated temperature as indicated by larger bones and higher bone mineral content of the tibia and femur at 43 d of age accompanied by reduced plasma concentrations of TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory cytokine.
Population dynamics of Bagrada hilaris (Brumeister) on Indian mustard under semi arid conditions of Haryana, India

Population dynamics study of Bagrada hilaris on RH 30 showed that the pest reached its peak population twice in the cropping season, once at the seedling stage, and another at the maturity stage on both early, and late sown crop. The maximum population on early sown crop was observed with its first, and second peak observed on 48th SW, and 12th SW, respectively. While in the late sown crop the peaks in the pest population were noticed on 50th SW, and 17th SW of 2013-14, and 2014-15. The pest population had significant positive correlation with maximum temperature, and sun shine hours on both early, and late sown crops. However, the correlation with minimum temperature was non-significantly positive in early sown crop compared to significant positive correlation in late sown crop. Morning, and evening relative humidity showed highly negative significant correlation with the pest population. Wind speed had a significant negative effect on painted bug population in crop sown early in the season while the effect was positive, and non-significant in late sown crop. All weather parameters contributed to B. hilaris population fluctuation to the extent of 66 to 69, and 46 to 86 per cent during 2013-14, and 2014-15 respectively.
Inactivation of Selected Non-enveloped and Enveloped Viruses by High Pressure Processing: Effectiveness, Mechanism, and Potential Applications

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v VITA . vi LIST OF TABLES . xii LIST OF FIGURES . xiii ABBREVIATIONS . xvi 1. LITERATURE REVIEW . 1 1.
Prediction of fruit yield and firmness of tomato hybrids with BLUP and RR-BLUP using ISSR molecular markers

In the development of tomato hybrids, a large number of parental lines involves an excessively high number of possible hybrids, making their formation and evaluation problematic. The magnitude of this can be reduced to manageable levels with the use of hybrid performance prediction methods. In this study we compared two methods based on genomic fingerprints, mixed model theory and the experimental evaluation of a sample of hybrids: 1) best linear unbiased prediction or BLUP and 2) ridge regression BLUP. Thirty-six single crosses were performed with the objective of determining the number, firmness and total and commercial yield of fruits. With 1,000 size-independent random samples, = 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30, the behavior of the remaining 36- hybrids was predicted. The correlation coefficients between predicted and observed values ranged between 0.25 and 0.83. BLUP consistently recorded the highest values. In both prediction methods when increased the magnitude of the correlations also increased.
Trends in the development of mammalian pest control technology in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Rodenticide and vertebrate pesticide registrations have declined worldwide over the last 30 years. New Zealand has not followed this trend, instead retaining essential toxins and traps, improving their use and exploring new mammal control tools. Looking to the immediate future, as well as continuing to improve the use of existing tools, there are opportunities for further advances in emerging technologies such as wireless technology for species recognition and aiding trapping programmes, self-resetting traps and toxin-delivery systems to be enhanced with advanced lures, and new toxins which increasingly combine ‘low-residue’ characteristics with selectivity and humaneness. More selective baiting and delivery systems will enable more targeted control of possums, mustelids and rodents. The use of new toxins with advantages in specific settings should be complemented by improvements in resetting trap technology, barrier approaches, and novel biocontrol and genetic concepts. Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) and other important tools have been retained; we have the ingredients for transformational change, and new tools are emerging from a research and development pipeline. However, there has been limited practical experience with emerging technologies compared with traditional or 1080 baits. Additional investment and practical experience is imperative, at this stage, to enable the potential of new toxins and other tools to reach their potential. It is also important for the future of New Zealand’s biodiversity that research continues to be focused on emerging technologies as well as on completely novel ideas.
Toxic Effects of Essential Oils of Elattaria Cardamomum L. And Lambda- Cyhalothrin on Tribolium Confusum (Duval)

Toxic effect of Lambda-cyhalothrin and essential oils of cardamom seeds of Elettaria cardamomum (L.), individually or in combination, on the larva, pupa and adult stages of confused flower beetle, Tribolium confusum, through the topical application were studied. The percentages of mortality of larval stage exposed to Lambda-cyhalothrin, at concentrations of 0.25, 0.35, 0.50 and 0.75 µl/ larva were 13.33, 20, 36.67 and 46.67 % respectively. While, the percentages of mortality of pupa stage at concentrations of 0.25, 0.35, 0.50 and 0.75 µl/ pupa were 13.33, 16.67, 26.67 and 43.33 respectively. For adults, exposed to Lambda concentrations of 0.25, 0.35, 0.50 and 0.75 µl/ adult were 10.0, 13.33, 23.33 and 40.0 respectively. The percentages of mortality of larvae exposed to cardamom oil at concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 µl/ larva were 60, 76.67, 90 and 96.67% respectively, while the mortality of pupa exposed to concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 µl/ pupa were 46.67, 63.33, 83.33 and 90 respectively. The percentages of mortality of the adults exposed to concentrations 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 µl/ adult were 43.33, 60.0, 76.67 and 83.33 respectively. The synergistic ratios for larvae, pupae and adults exposed to mixture 1 (0.03 µl / insect cardamom oil and different concentrations of pesticide ), were 2.01, 1.70 and 1.60, respectively, where as the synergistic ratios of larvae, pupae and adults exposed to mixture 2 ( 0.07 µl / insect cardamom oil and different concentrations of pesticide) were 2.61, 2.34 and 3.10, respectively. This indicates that a combination of cardamom seeds oil with different concentrations of the insecticide Lambda produced synergistic effects.