Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF IRON REGULATED TRANSPORTER GENE (IRT) – ASSOCIATED WITH GRAIN Fe CONTENT FROM LITTLE MILLET (Panicum sumatrense)

Genes in the ZIP family encode transcripts to procure and transport bivalent metal micronutrient(s), particularly Fe and or Zn. It constitutes the variety of functions involved in the developmental and physiological processes in many plant species, if not all, Poaceae plant species as well as the model species Arabidopsis. We present herein the report of genome wide investigation of orthologous ZIP genes in Setaria italica and identified 7 seven potential genes to possibly increase the bio-availability of zinc and iron content in grains. Out of seven single copy ortholog members of Rice and Arabidopsis, six of them were functionally active. Among 36 ZIP members, 25 genes have traces of signal peptide based sub-cellular localization, as
Hydrocarbon-degradation by isolate Pseudomonas lundensis UTAR FPE2

In this study, the potential of isolate Pseudomonas lundensis UTAR FPE2 as a hydrocarbon degrader was established. Their biodegradation activity was first detected with the formation of clearing zones on Bushnell-Hass agar plates, with the largest diameter observed on plates supplemented with paraffin, followed by mineral oil and petrol. Utilization of hydrocarbon sources were again detected in broth cultures supplemented with similar hydrocarbon substrates, where the mean viable cell count recovered from hydrocarbon-supplemented broth cultures were higher than the initial inoculum except for napthalene. In both tests, the isolate showed higher degradability towards aliphatic hydrocarbon sources, and the least activity towards the aromatic hydrocarbon naphthalene. The isolate P. lundensis UTAR FPE2 (8 log10 cfu/mL) also degraded crude diesel sample, with 69% degradation during the first three days. To conclude, this study suggests the potential use of this isolate for bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated environments.
Extreme soil erosion rates in citrus slope plantations and control strategies. A literature review

(1) University of Valencia, Department of Geography, SEDER Soil Erosion and Degradation Research Group, Valencia, Spain. artemio.cerda@uv.es. www.soilerosion. eu, (2) Department of Environmental Policy, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities g. 20, LT-08303 Vilnius, Lithuania, pereiraub@gmail.com, (3) Sección de Teledetección y SIG/ Remote Sensing and GIS Dpt.Instituto de Desarrollo Regional (IDR) www.teledeteccionysig. es Plaza de la Universidad, 3 02071 Albacete Spain. JoseReyes.Ruiz@uclm.es, (4) Environmental Soil Science Group. Department of Agrochemistry and Environment. Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad s/nl Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad s/n, Elche, Alicante, Spain, fue, ElcheAlicante, Spain, fuensanta.garcia@umh.es, (5) Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (IAS-CSIC), Department of Agronomy, University of Cordoba. Av. Menendez Pidal s/n Campus Alameda del Obispo, Apartado 4084, 14080, Córdoba, Spain mburguet@ias.csic. es
IN VITRO RESPONSE OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA TO SALINITY STRESS AND ITS EFFECT OF CERTAIN OSMOPROTECTANTS AND ANTIOXIDATIVE ENZYMES

Azadirachta indica is an important multipurpose social-forestry species moderately tolerant to salinity stress. There is an increase in the demand for saline tolerant lines of neem. In the present study, a tissue culture method was optimized to obtain callus and regenerates from nodal explants and exposed them to different levels of saline concentration in MS were selected for the determination of biochemical parameters. Increase in salinity caused a reduction in proliferation of calli and shoot growth and regeneration frequency. Proline, glycine betaine and peroxidase contents of calli and regenerated shoots increased with increase in salinity up to 150 and 200 mM, respectively. The catalase activity in the calli and regenerated shoot increased up to 150 mM saline and declined thereafter. These findings indicated that A. indica exhibited protection against the oxidative damage caused by salinity up to 250 mM, at least partly, due to constitutive and induced activities of antioxidative enzymes.
PDGF signaling directs cardiomyocyte movement toward the midline during heart tube assembly

Communication between neighboring tissues plays a central role in guiding organ morphogenesis. During heart tube assembly, interactions with the adjacent endoderm control the medial movement of cardiomyocytes, a process referred to as cardiac fusion. However, the molecular underpinnings of this endodermal-myocardial relationship remain unclear. Here, we show an essential role for platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (Pdgfra) in directing cardiac fusion. In both zebrafish and mouse, mutation of pdgfra inhibits cardiac fusion and can lead to cardia bifida. Timelapse analysis of individual cardiomyocyte trajectories reveals misdirected cells in zebrafish pdgfra mutants, suggesting that PDGF signaling steers cardiomyocytes toward the midline. Intriguingly, the ligand pdgfaa is expressed in the endoderm medial to the pdgfra-expressing myocardial precursors. Ectopic expression of pdgfaa interferes with cardiac fusion, consistent with an instructive role for PDGF signaling. Together, these data uncover a novel mechanism through which endodermal-myocardial communication guides the cell movements that initiate cardiac morphogenesis. IMPACT STATEMENT Studies in zebrafish and mouse implicate the PDGF signaling pathway in the communication between the endoderm and the myocardium that drives medial myocardial movement and thereby initiates cardiac morphogenesis.
EFFECT OF DIETARY COBAALT SUUPEMENTATION DURING LATE GESTATION AND EARLY LACTATION OF FRIESIAN COW ON: 2-PRODUCTIVE, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMICAL EFFICIENCY

Twenty lactating multifarious cows were divided into four groups, 5 in each. Cows in the 1st group (G1) were fed a control diet; while those in G2, G3 and G4 were fed the control diet supplemented with 0.19, 0.57 and 0.93 mg Co /kg diet on DM of concentrate feed mixture, respectively.This experiment aim to study to evaluate the effect of dietary cobalt (Co) supplementation at different levels on digestibility, milk production, some blood parameters of Friesian cows, growth performance of their offspring. and Economical efficiency. Total and Average daily milk yield (TMY, ADMY) as well as composition of milk was individually recorded. Blood samples were individually taken pre-partum and 30 and 60 day-postpartum for determination of Co, Fe, Cu and Zn contents and total cholesterol (CHO), IgG and estradiol concentrations in blood serum. Postpartum first estrous interval (PPFEI), conception rate (CR) after artificial insemination, number of services per conception (NSC), and days open (DO) were recorded. After calving, live body weight (LBW) of calves was recorded and average daily gain (ADG) was calculated during the suckling period Results indicated that, the rations supplemented with cobalt were high palatable in DM intake. Also, the digestibility's of all nutrients for the same rations were significantly (P 0.05) protein and lactose contents (4.55 and 6.83%) as compared to other groups (4.44-4.50 and 6.65-6.75%), respectively. Prepartum Zn content increased (P<0.05) in G3 and G4 as compared to G1 and G2. The effect of Co on mineral contents and on CHO and IgG concentrations was not significant within 30 day-postpartum. Within 60 day-postpartum, Cu content and IgG concentrations decreased (P<0.05) in Co supplemented groups than in G1, while Fe decreased (P<0.05) only in G3. Cows in G3 showed the shortest (P<0.05) PPFEI (40 d) and DO (78.7 d) and decreased (P<0.05) NSC (2.5 serv.). CR within 120 day-postpartum was 80% in G1 and G3, and 60% in G2 and G4. LBW and ADG of calves were higher (P<0.05) in G2 and G3 than in G4 and G1. Dietary Cobalt Supplementation tended to higher economical efficiency and with improving in economical return. In conclusion, there was tendency of increasing milk production and improve reproductive performance of dairy cows fed diet supplemented with 0.57 mg/kg diet as well as improving LBW and weight gain of their offsprings from birth up to 16 wk of age.
In Vivo Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Insulin Producing Cells on Electrospun Poly-L-Lactide Acid Scaffolds Coated with Matricaria chamomilla L. Oil

Objective This study examined the in vivo differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into insulin producing cells (IPCs) on electrospun poly-L-lactide acid (PLLA) scaffolds coated with Matricaria chammomila L. (chamomile) oil. Materials and Methods In this interventional, experimental study adipose MSCs (AMSCs) were isolated from 12 adult male New Zealand white rabbits and characterized by flow cytometry. AMSCs were subsequently differentiated into osteogenic and adipogenic lines. Cells were seeded onto either a PLLA scaffold (control) or PLLA scaffold coated with chamomile oil (experimental). A total of 24 scaffolds were inserted into the pancreatic area of each rabbit and placement was confirmed by ultrasound. After 21 days, immunohistochemistry analysis of insulin-producing like cells on protein levels confirmed insulin expression of insulin producing cells (IPSCs). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) determined the expressions of genes related to pancreatic endocrine development and function. Results Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results confirmed the existence of oil on the surface of the PLLA scaffold. The results showed a new peak at 2854 cm-1 for the aliphatic CH2 bond. Pdx1 expression was 0.051 ± 0.007 in the experimental group and 0.009 ± 0.002 in the control group. There was significantly increased insulin expression in the scaffold coated with chamomile oil (0.09 ± 0.001) compared to control group (0.063 ± 0.009, P≤0.05). Both groups expressed Ngn3 and Pdx1 specific markers and pancreatic tissue was observed at 21 days post transplantation. Conclusion The pancreatic region is an optimal site for differentiation of AMSCs to IPCs. Chamomile oil (as an antioxidant agent) can affect cell adhesion to the scaffold and increase cell differentiation. In addition, the oil may lead to increased blood glucose uptake in pathways in the muscles, liver and fatty tissue of a diabetic animal model by some probable molecular mechanisms.
Recommended procedures and guidelines for quality evaluation of Atlantic short-fin squid (Illex illecebrosus)

Proposition d'un systeme de classement comprenant 3 qualites (A, B et F) ; techniques de controle de qualite et de notation des echantillons de ce calmar de la cote atlantique du Canada a l'etat frais, congele ou seche
Communication about predation risk between parents and offspring groups in treehoppers

False alarms should be common and costly for group-living animals, but to limit false alarms, animals must evade a tradeoff between response sensitivity and accuracy. I investigated this topic in two closely-related species of treehoppers, Umbonia crassicornis and Platycotis vittata, in which mothers defend their group-living offspring from invertebrate predators. Umbonia offspring groups produce synchronous signals to alert their mothers of predator attacks, and U. crassicornis offspring groups are known to produce false alarms. I examined a) the function of vibrational signals by U. crassicornis mothers after predator attacks, b) the functions of P. vittata offspring and maternal signals during predator encounters, and c) the response of a vibrationally-sensitive insect predator to P. vittata familial vibrational signals. Results showed that U. crassicornis maternal signals function as negative feedback, dampening the collective signaling of their offspring after predator attacks. This likely reduces false alarms by offspring without reducing the sensitivity of predator detection. Platycotis vittata mothers and offspring also partition communicative roles, with offspring signaling predator presence and maternal signals dampening offspring signaling response. However, false alarms are unlikely in this species and thus benefits of negative feedback are unlikely to be the same as for U. crassicornis. Finally, P. vittata offspring signals attract a species of generalist insect predator, whereas P. vittata maternal signals had no effect on the same predator. Predator eavesdropping may favor maternal suppression of unnecessary offspring signaling.
Teratological morphology of copepods (CrustacIa) from Iceland

The teratological morphology in four copepod species from Iceland is described. In the brackish calanoid Eurytemora velox (LILLJEBORG, 1853) these abnormalities result in the appearance of additional seta and articles on fifth legs in males, and are with relatively high frequency in the studied population. The abnormalities in the three cyclopoid species from genera Eucyclops, Paracyclops and Acanthocyclops affect mostly the furcal rami and their ornamentation. These variations in the studied specimens are probably mutations due to the specific environmental factors.
COMPETING FOR A PLACE IN THE SUN: A SHORT STUDY WITH TROPIDURUS HISPIDUS AND TROPIDURUS SEMITAENIATUS (SQUAMATA: TROPIDURIDAE)

Competing for a place in the sun: a short study with Tropidurus hispidus and Tropidurus semitaeniatus (Squamata: Tropiduridae). The regulation of body temperature in lizards involves controlling the activity period as well as morphological and physiological adaptations. The sympatry of Tropidurus hispidus and T. semitaeniatus is well known and both are territorial, occupying rocky outcrops in Caatinga of northeastern Brazil. Therefore, this study tests the hypothesis that two Tropidurus species segregate temporal niche activity for thermoregulation in the rocky outcrops areas in the Caatinga at PARNA Catimbau, Pernambuco State, Brazil. The lizards were observed for time of sun exposure and niche overlap was calculated using Pianka Index. Tropidurus semitaeniatus presented a population about four times larger than T. hispidus, which is common in rocky outcrops. The niche overlap was low (Ojk = 0.38; p = 0.005) and this segregation seems
RESPIRATORY METABOLISM OF MACROBRACHIUM OLFERSII (WIEGMANN) ZOEAE DURING THE MOULTING CYCLE FROM ECLOSION TO FIRST ECDYSIS

The respiratory metabolism of first stage Macrobrachium olfersii (Wiegmann) zoeae was measured at 12 hr intervals with Cartesian diver microrespirometers throughout the 120 hr period from eclosion to first ecdysis. Weight-specific oxygen consumption rates, although slightly higher immediately after hatching, remained constant and did not differ significantly during the first moulting cycle. Larval dry weight decreased from 21.8 to 18.9 µg during this period. There was no evidence of a diurnal metabolic pattern. The moulting cycle was subdivided according to morphological characteristics, based on the degree of cytoplasmic homogeneity, epidermal retraction, and stage of setal development in the telson. Larval metabolism is suggested to be uniform throughout the eclosion—first ecdysis period, in spite of a distinct and divisible moulting cycle.
Study of Direct Semiconductor Materials for an Optically Controlled Switch

STUDY OF DIRECT SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS FOR AN OPTICALLY CONTROLLED SWITCH Sung Taek Ko Old Dominion University, 1989 Director: Dr, Vishnu K. Lakdawala A model for a bulk GaAs photoconductive switch has been developed and solved to determine the performance of the device in closing and opening switch applications. The GaAs material has been characterized by deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). Two electron traps (EL2 and EL5) and one hole trap (Cug) have been detected and were included in the model. Simulation studies are performed on several GaAs switch systems composed of different combinations and density of deep levels to investigate the influence of deep traps in a photoconductive switch system. The electron occupancy of each deep trap is traced in the simulation to investigate the roles of each trap during the turn-on and turn-off phase of the photoconductive switch. The computed results show that small concentration of recombination centers in the switch material drastically affects the turn-off performance of the switch. R eproduced with perm ission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without perm ission.
Comparative studies on species richness, diversity and composition of oak forests in Nainital district, Uttaranchal

Species richness, diversity and composition of herb species in oak forests, viz. Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) A. Camus, Tilonj oak (Quercus floribunda) Rehder and Kharsu oak (Quercus semecarpifolia) Smith were evaluated. The total number of species, genera and families observed for Kharsu oak forest was higher than Banj and Tilonj oak forests. Only a few species were dominant in all study sites. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were found to be the dominant families in all the forest types. Regarding ecological structure and composition, the study revealed that Banj and Tilonj oak forests were less complex in comparison to Kharsu oak forest.
Information Processing in the Rostral Solitary Nucleus: Modulation and Modeling

ii Vita . iv List of Tables . vi List of Figures . vii Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Chapter 2: The μ-Opioid Receptor Agonist DAMGO Presynaptically Suppresses Solitary Tract-Evoked Input to Neurons in the Rostral Solitary Nucleus . 17 Chapter 3: A Mathematical Model of Gustatory Processing in the Rostral Nucleus of the Solitary tract . 49 Chapter 4: Discussion . 101 References . 108
Detection of pathogenesis-related proteins-chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase in induced chickpea

Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase were extracted from induced chickpea plant and purified by gel filtration. Time-course accumulation of these PR-proteins in induced chickpea plants was significantly (P = 0.05) higher than the control. Maximum activities of these PR-proteins were recorded after three days of inoculation in all induced plants. Thereafter, the activity decreased progressively. Two chitinases and three β-1,3-glucanases were detected in induced chickpea plants. The molecular mass of the purified chitinases was 31 and 62 kDa and β-1,3-glucanases was 23, 27 and 39 kDa. Purified chitinases and β-1,3-glucanases also inhibited growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri and other phytopathogenic fungi.
Development of an extraction procedure for wheat red coat pigments and determination of varietal differences for this trait

The genes for red seed coat of wheat are known to have a relationship to tolerance to preharvest sprouting. We developed a method for extracting seed coat pigments controlled by the genes for red seed coat. Wheat cultivars used in this study were subjected to analysis of the genes for red seed coat prior to chemical analysis. The genotypes of Norin 66 and Fukuwasekomugi were identified as r1, R2, r3. Those of Norin 10 and Asakazekomugi were identified as R1, R2, r3. Those of Kitakamikomugi, Fukuhokomugi and Norin 61 were identified as R1, r2, R3, r1, R2. R3 and R1, R2, R3, respectively. Seed coat pigments were extracted from twelve cultivars (nine with red seed coat and three with white seed coat). The seeds were milled and the prepared bran was washed with hexane, acetone and diethyl ether to remove carotenoid pigments. The defatted bran was heated with 1M sodium hydroxide at 100°C for 30 min. The pigments were extracted with n-butanol after the pH of the solution was adjusted to acidic condition. The absorbance of the butanol extracts was determined at the region from 380 nm to 550 nm. The absorbance became higher as the number of the genes for red seed coat increased. The results showed that red seed coat pigments were extracted with these procedures.
Phosphoinositides and Rho proteins conspire to spatially regulate actin polymerization in motile cells

Cells that move in response to an external signal are crucial for diverse physiological processes such as embryogenesis, neurogenesis, wound healing and immune surveillance. Motile cells are also implicated in disease processes such as rheumatoid arthritis and metastatic cancer. Polymerization of the protein actin, one of the three proteins in a cell’s cytoskeleton, generates the force required to propel a cell in response to a stimulus. The goal of this thesis is to use mathematical modelling to gain a better understanding of how spatial asymmetries in signalling molecules are established and how these signalling molecules direct actin polymerization to produce characteristic actin densities and persistent directed motion. As a first step in understanding the complicated signalling cascades activated by an external signal, I identify modules important for regulation of actin polymerization in motile cells. Based on experimental evidence, I focus on phosphoinositides (PIs), membrane-bound lipids that mediate sensing of external gradients, and Rho proteins, potent regulators of the actin cytoskeleton. I consider models of actin dynamics, Rho proteins and PIs in isolation based on known or observed biochemical events. I then formulate a combined model that simulates actin polymerization dynamics under the regulation of both PIs and Rho proteins. I base all the models proposed here on experimental observations that indicate how PIs and Rho proteins interact with each other and how they affect actin dynamics. The models presented here generate behaviours consistent with experimental observations of both normal and mutant cells and suggest possible mechanisms for recent experimental observations. I show that a model based on biological evidence using reasonable parameter values gives rise to spatial profiles of signalling molecules and actin filaments that are consistent with experimental observations. I find that crosstalk between Rho proteins is required for maintenance of directed motion. I suggest how actin polymerization could be involved in the maintenance of the spatial gradients of PIs and propose experiments to test my hypothesis. These testable hypotheses can be used to guide experiments that could then be used to further refine the models
No-tillage Snap Bean Growth in Wheat Stubble of Varied Height

Bush-type snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were seeded by a no-tillage method into standing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stubble of 8, 15, 23, 30, and 38 cm in height to evaluate the effects of stubble height on pod mechanical harvest efficiency, plant morphology, and shoot component yield. Basal internode elongation, stem plus leaf yields, pod yields, efficiency of mechanical pod harvest (MH), and height of basal pod set were related in a positive linear or curvilinear fashion to wheat stubble height. Quantity of pods missed during MH was related negatively to height of basal pod set. Harvest efficiency was maximized with 15-30-cm stubble heights, and these notillage systems yielded MH pod levels that equaled or exceeded those of a conventional tillage (plow, disk 2 times) system. Superior MH efficiency was attributed to increased basal internode length and mechanical support of the shoots by the wheat stubble.