Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study on the mechanism of cadmium resistance in Phragmites australis

The influence of Cadmium (Cd) on physiolgical and biochemical growth parameters was studied to elucidate the mechanism of cadmium resistance in Phragmites australis. Cd levels in roots, rhizomes, stems and leaves increased with Cd pollution. The levels in roots were the highest, while that in leaves were the lowest. Using X-ray microanalysis revealed that Cd accumulated markedly in cell wall, cytoplasm, vacuole and intercellular space. A gradient of Cd levels occurred in different parts of root cortex cell with the sequence: intercellular cell wall vacuole cytoplasm. Sequential extraction revealed that the ratio of Cd extracted from different extraction media was markedly different, of which NaCl extractable-Cd was dominant in both roots and leaves of P. australis. Cd-binding proteins were found in both; root and leaf after gel filtration chromatograph. The Cd-binding protein in root might be a polymer of phytochelatins. In addition, a new polypeptides was found under Cd pollution, and at the same time the other protein disappeared. And the experiments of BSO also proved the detoxification of Cd by phytochelatins. All the above results suggested that detoxification of Cd in P. australis may involve different strategies: retention in root, accumulation in intercellular, deposition on cell wall, compartmentalization in vacuole, insoluble Cd-binding components and Cd-binding protein.
Consumer Preferences for Price, Color Harmony, and Care Information of Container Gardens

Retail sales of container gardens have increased dramatically in recent years, rising 8% from 2004 to 2005, to $1.3 billion. The objective of this study was to determine consumer preferences for three attributes of container gardens; color harmony, price, and amount of care information provided with the purchase. A hierarchical set of levels for each attribute was used in a 3 x 3 x 3 factorial conjoint analysis. A Web-based survey was conducted on 18 Oct. 2006 with 985 respondents. Survey participants were asked to complete a series of questions on a 7-point Likert scale. Survey participants also answered questions about past experiences with and future purchase intentions of container gardens as well as demographics. The three attributes accounted for 99.8% of the variance in container garden preference. Relative importance decreased from price (71%) to amount of care information (23%) to color harmony (6%). Survey participants preferred a container garden with a price point of $24.99, extensive care information, and complementary color harmony. A large portion (76%) of participants in this study indicated that they would be more likely to purchase a container garden if extensive care information was included with the purchase and 85% of participants said they would be willing to visit an Internet Web site that would provide more information on how to care for and maintain a container garden. Results of this study show that there is a potential to increase the value of a container garden through providing educational material with the purchase.
Silicon consumption and population density changes of dominant planktonic diatoms in Lake Constance

(1) Interactions between silicon concentration and diatom growth have been studied in Lake Constance with data on number and volume of cells per unit volume of water and concentration of dissolved reactive silicon. (2) Concentration of dissolved reactive silicon was found to decrease markedly during the spring and summer growth period of diatoms in 1979 and 1980. (3) Amounts of silicon taken up per cell and per unit cell volume have been calculated from the changes in silicon concentration and the increases in population density for several diatom species. The silicon to cell quotient (mg per million cells) varied over a wide range from 0.005 for Stephanodiscus hantzschii to 0.72 for Synedra acus, while that of silicon per unit cell volume (mg mm-3) varied over a narrower range from 0. 10 for Stephanodiscus hantzschii and Fragilaria crotonesis to 0.36 for Synedra acus. (4) A four-compartment model, that allows estimates of the rates of growth and of loss of diatom populations to be calculated, is outlined. (5) Summer succession from Asterionellaformosa to either Fragilaria crotonensis (in 1979) or Stephanodiscus binderanus (in 1980) is explained by interspecific differences in the effects of silicon concentration on growth and death. For Asterionellaformosa, silicon depletion did not stop cell-division but led to the death of most of the population. For Fragilaria crotonensis and Stephanodiscus binderanus cell division stopped but cells did not die and population growth continued after the concentration of dissolved silicon had increased again
Demography of Short-Lived Plants in Chalk Grassland. II. Control of Mortality and Fecundity

(1) Factors affecting the germination, survival and reproduction of field populations of a hemiparasitic summer annual (Euphrasia pseudokerneri) and two strict biennials (Linum catharticum and Gentianella amarella) were examined at two chalk grassland sites. Data are also provided on a second annual (E. nemorosa). (2) In the field, germination of E. pseudokerneri, Linum and Gentianella was restricted to a narrow 'window' of germination sites where mean turf height was only 1-3 cm. All three species germinated poorly in longer turf, and E. pseudokerneri and Linum also germinated less well in very short areas. Survival of E. pseudokerneri, Linum and Gentianella, and reproductive output of Gentianella, were higher in areas of short turf. Overall, Gentianella was the most sensitive to turf height and Linum the least. (3) Mortality rates of E. nemorosa, Linum, and (especially) E. pseudokerneri were higher during dry periods even over three years of normal rainfall, but Gentianella was not affected. (4) Experimental treatments, applied in the field, showed that E. pseudokerneri survival was decreased by adding nitrate, and increased by clipping the turf, by adding water and by excluding rabbits; E. pseudokerneri fecundity was increased by excluding rabbits and by adding phosphate; and Linum survival and fecundity were increased by regular applications of snail poison. (5) The performance of each species was affected by a unique suite of factors which varied between years.
Ion and Water Balance in the Ixodid Tick Dermacentor Andersoni II. Mechanism and Control of Salivary Secretion

1. An in vitro method is described for stimulating the salivary gland of Dermacentor andersoni to secrete fluid. In vitro glands require the presence of a catecholamine for salivation to occur. Natural haemolymph from salivating ticks does not trigger secretion suggesting that the tick does not produce a ‘salivation hormone’ analogous to the diuretic hormones of certain insects. 2. Piocarpine, glutamate and malate did not stimulate secretion in vitro . Isoproterenol and 5-hydroxytryptamine were relatively weak stimulants (threshold concentrations of approximately 10 -5 M and greater than 10 -4 M respectively). Adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine were highly effective stimulants, the threshold concentrations being no more than 10 -5 M. Adrenaline could also elicit a copious secretion in vivo at a final haemocoele concentration of about 2 x 10 -5 M. 3. We postulate that salivation occurs by means of a secretory rather than a filtration-resorption mechanism. Control of fluid secretion is probably neural rather than hormonal, the transmitter substance being a catecholaminergic substance.
Isolation, transformation, anticancer, and apoptosis activity of lupeyl acetate from Artocarpus integra

Lupeyl acetate -a major constituent of the bark of Artocarpus integra- was isolated and then transformed chemically into lupeol and lupenone by hydrolysis and oxidation reaction respectively. The molecular structures of the prepared compounds were determined based on FTIR, MS and NMR spectrum evidences. Their anticancer activities were determined against breast cancer cells MCF-7 using neutral red assay, while their apoptotic activity were confirmed by flowcytometric analysis using Annexin V-FTIC assay and DNA fragmentation. The IC50 of Lupeyl acetate, lupeol, and lupenone were 48.79; 43.09; and 8.07 µg/mL respectively. The results of flowcytometric analysis and DNA fragmentation showed that anticancer activity of the prepared compounds following apoptosis mechanism.
Molecular determinants of the response to malaria therapeutics

The overall aim of this thesis was the analysis of the genetic variability in genes coding for proteins important in drug metabolism. The analysis of the metabolism of antimalarial drugs, particularly amodiaquine, and the possible contribution of biotransformation for the susceptibility to the disease was also studied. The results obtained in the genotyping studies in the populations of GuineaBissau, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, Thailand and Zanzibar showed a high interethnic variability. A high variability in Africans was observed. The study of the effect of CYP2C8 genotype in the AQ treatment outcome revealed that none of the alleles analysed influence therapeutic efficacy. In the analysis of amodiaquine metabolism we focused particularly on the metabolite desethylamodiaquine. Using microsomes enriched with recombinant CYPs, a reduction in drug concentration was observed in the presence of CYP1A1. The posterior investigation of the genetic variation in CYP1A1 identified several SNPs, particularly in the Papua New Guinea population. However, this variability could not be associated with the extreme variability observed in pharmacokinetic parameters. The study on the influence of the GSTT1 null genotype in uncomplicated malaria revealed that the lack of this gene seems to be a protective factor in this disease.
Efficacy of Allium sativum Linn. against strongyles in naturally infected sheep

Helminth infection is a major cause for reduced productivity in livestock. Strongyles are the most common and the most pathogenic of the helminth parasites of sheep and goat. Indiscriminate use of chemical anthelmintics to control helminths has resulted in parasites refractory to chemotherapy. Therefore, phytomedicine with anti-parasitic properties offer an effective alternative. The present investigation was carried out to assess the efficacy of Allium sativum bulb extract (AsBE) at various concentrations (10, 20 and 30 mg ml−1) against strongyle infection in sheep. The eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces were found to be within the range 425–435 prior treatment in the different groups (Groups I, II and III), which significantly reduced post-treatment (PT). The faecal egg count reduction percentage (FECR %) calculated were 96.12 ± 1.70, 98.91 ± 1.52 and 98.72 ± 1.21 %, respectively, in Groups I, II and III PT which received AsBE orally @ 10, 20 and 30 mg ml−1. The haematological and biochemical profiles revealed anaemia and hypoproteinaemia in the infected groups. However, after treatment with AsBE, the infected sheep showed restoration of their haematological and biochemical profiles. It was concluded that AsBE could find application in anthelmintic therapy in veterinary practice.
Assessment of Cisplatin, Etoposide, Vinblastine and Piper betle Leaf Extract on Some Attributes of Cell Division in Lathyrus sativus L.

Summary The effective potentiality of anticancerous drugs, namely, cisplatin, etoposide and vinblastine, as well as the ethanolic extract of Piper betle L. leaves, is evaluated (concentrations used: 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 µ M for vinblastine; 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 µ M for other test materials) on germinating grass pea ( Lathyrus sativus L.) seedlings in relation to radicle length and mitotic index. Furthermore, inhibition in the frequency of dividing polyploid cells induced due to prior treatments of colchicine (0.5%, 8 h) and in vitro callus growth are also assessed following treatments with different concentrations of the test materials. The objective of the present study is to determine the effectivity of the test materials on a plant species with the view to develop a plant system (conve-nient to use and cost effective) as a model for preliminary screening of novel anticancerous drugs as well as plant extract(s) possessing such potentiality for further exploration.
Host Preference, Mode of Damage and Succession of Major Insect Pests of Brinjal

Brinjal is one of the most popular solanaceous vegetables worldwide because of its nutritive and nutraceutical values. In recent decades, brinjal cultivation has been experiencing increased biotic and abiotic stresses due to the climate changes, which had affected the cultivation practices, growers’ profit and consumers’ choice to a larger extent. Amongst different insect pests, brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB) is the major one causing significant reduction in economic yield followed by epilachna beetle, aphid, jassid and whitefly. On the other hand, proper knowledge on nature of damage, host preference, and seasonal abundance of insect pests is a pre-requisite for development and deployment of an appropriate, effective and timely management strategy against the pests. A pool of literatures on host preferences, damage pattern and succession of major insect pests of brinjal has been reviewed and presented in this paper.
Length–weight relationships of Dermogenys pusilla Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1823 (Zenarchopteridae) and Labeo bata (Hamilton, 1822) (Cyprinidae) from the Ganges River (NW Bangladesh)

Summary Length-weight relationships (LWRs) were determined for Dermogenys pusilla (n = 75) and Labeo bata (n = 304) from the Ganges River, northwestern Bangladesh, collected between July 2013 and June 2014, using traditional fishing gear (e.g. cast net, square lift net and gill net). Total length (TL) was measured to 0.1 cm and whole body weight (BW) was taken to the nearest 0.1 g for each individual. The TL varied from 6.60 to 16.10 cm for D. pusilla and 7.90–25.20 cm for L. bata. The BW ranged from 1.20 to 10.90 g for D. pusilla and 4.70–167.30 g for L. bata. All LWRs were highly significant (P < 0.001), with all r2 values ≥0.976. Moreover, the present study provides a new record of the maximum length (16.10 cm TL) for the D. pusilla female. The present study can assist in the management of these two endangered species in the Ganges River ecosystem.
Genetic variation in plasticity of life-history traits between Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) populations exposed to contrasting thermal regimes

We employed common-garden experiments to test for genetic variation in responses of larval life-history traits to temperature between two populations of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L., 1758) that naturally experience contrasting thermal environments during early life due to spatial and temporal differences in spawning. Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence cod larvae experienced faster growth in warmer water and low, uniform survival across all experimental temperatures (3, 7, 11 °C), consistent with previous studies on this spring-spawning population. In contrast, larvae from fall-spawning Southwestern Scotian Shelf cod collected near Sambro, Nova Scotia, lacked plasticity for growth but experienced much lower survival at higher temperatures. Phenotypes that are positively associated with fitness were observed at temperatures closest to those experienced in the wild, consistent with the hypothesis that these populations are adapted to local thermal regimes. The lack of growth plasticity observed in Sambro cod mig.
Deciphering the Mechanism of E. coli tat Protein Transport: Kinetic Substeps and Cargo Properties

The Escherichia coli twin-arginine translocation (Tat) system transports fully folded and assembled proteins across the inner membrane into the periplasmic space. The E. coli Tat machinery minimally consists of three integral membrane proteins: TatA, TatB and TatC. A popular model of Tat translocation is that cargo first interacts with a substrate binding complex composed of TatB and TatC and then is transported across the inner membrane through a channel comprised primarily of TatA. The most common method for observing the kinetics of Tat transport, a protease protection assay, lacks the ability to distinguish between individual transport sub-steps and is limited by the inability to observe translocation in realtime. Therefore, a real-time FRET based assay was developed to observe interactions between the cargo protein pre-SufI, and its initial binding site, the TatBC complex. The cargo was found to first associate with the TatBC complex, and then, in the presence of a membrane potential (∆ψ), migrate away from the initial binding site after a 20-45 second delay. Since cargo migration away from the TatBC complex was not directly promoted by the presence of a ∆ψ, the delay likely represents some preparatory step that results in a transport competent translocon. In addition, the Tat system has long been identified as a potential biotechnological tool for protein production. However, much is still unknown
Impact of Nutritional factors verses Biomass and Serralysin Production in isolated Serratia marcescens

A high proteolytic enzyme producing marine isolate has been evaluated for its extracellular protease production with respect to different major nutritional sources. The phylogenetic analysis (16S rRNA ribotyping) of the isolated strain revealed that the strain belongs to Serratia marcescens and the sequence has been submitted to EMBL under the accession No. HE613732. Carbon source utilization profile indicated that the isolate has potential to use wide range of carbohydrates ranging from monosaccharides to polysaccharides. This isolate produces cellulase, amylase and chitinase extracellularly. Among tested carbon sources, dextrose among monosacchardies, maltose among disaccharides and starch among polysaccharides supported the best growth as well as enzyme production. Maltose among all carbon sources revealed high ratio of biomass growth Vs enzyme yield. Type of complex nitrogen source influenced the enzyme and biomass production independently. Tryptone supported more than 95% improved enzyme yields compared to combination of yeast extract and peptone. Present study revealed that growth and enzyme production in this isolate is differently regulated by type of complex nitrogen source. Yeast extract supplementation supported for maximum biomass development while other complex nitrogen sources supported equally for biomass and enzyme production. To the best of our knowledge, this strain revealed higher enzyme yields compared to literature reports suggesting commercial potential of this isolate.
Demographic Characteristics of a Reintroduced Elk Population in Kentucky

We used radiotelemetry and field observations to study survival and reproduction of 718 reintroduced elk (Gervus elaphus) in eastern Kentucky, USA, from 1997 to 2001. Capture-related injuries accounted for 49% of the transit and post-release mortality. Annual survival was high across all age and sex classes, and ranged from 0.90 (adult females) to 0.97 (yearling females). Calving rates increased from 66% in 1998 to 92% in 2000. A high nutritional plane may explain the relatively high reproduction among females bred as yearlings, consecutive-year pregnancies, and twinning. Such high survival and reproductive rates are characteristic of colonizing ungulate populations in areas devoid of predators and competitors. Future research should focus on Kentucky-born calves to more accurately determine the effects of meningeal worm (Prelaphostrongylus tenuis) and other factors on recruitment, colonization, and population establishment.
Seasonal and spatial variations of macrobenthic community structure and diversity in the South Yellow Sea

Seasonal and spatial characteristics of the macrobenthic community in the South Yellow Sea were studied based on data from three voyages carried out in spring, summer and autumn, 2012. Twenty six stations were sampled and divided into three regions (west, middle and east region of South Yellow Sea). A total of 218 species were obtained with Polychaeta and Crustacea being the predominant groups. Mean abundance varied from 151.4 ind. m−2 in spring to 188 ind. m−2 in autumn showing an increasing trend with season, and mean biomass ranged from 12.1 g m−2 in spring to 33.4 g m−2 in summer. Mean secondary productivity varied from 0.21 g (AFDW)/(m2·month) in spring to 0.48 g (AFDW)/(m2·month) in summer. Biomass was significantly different among seasons, and number of species, secondary productivity and Shannon-Weiner index had significant differences among regions. Abundance, Pielou's evenness index and average taxonomic distinctness were not significantly different among seasons nor regions. Overall significant differences of community structure among both seasons and regions were detected. Depth and the distance from shore were important factors influencing the distribution of macrobenthos in South Yellow Sea.
Standard and enhanced genotypic assessment of HIV drug resistance and tropism in subtype-B and non-subtype-B HIV-1 infections

Sequencing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) for drug resistance mutations and viral tropism is crucial to the current HIV/AIDS personalized treatment approach. This thesis addresses particular areas where clinical utility data is lacking: First, current methods were validated as clinically useful with plasma viral RNA primarily from patients infected with subtype B HIV-1, the dominant strain in developed countries; however, globally most patients are infected with non-subtype B variants. Secondly, there is insufficient data available with respect to the newest classes of antiretroviral drugs (i.e. CCR5-antagonist and integrase inhibitors). Finally, modern antiretroviral therapies often lead to “undetectable plasma viremia” (i.e. successful ongoing treatment) which make plasma-based genotypic testing impossible; the utility of examining alternative sample types is being actively explored. The overall objective of this thesis is to evaluate genotypic assessment of HIV-1 using standard and “second generation” DNA sequencing methods for guiding clinical decisions in nonconventional sample types. Specifically, it is hypothesized that genotypic assessment of subtype A, C and D HIV-1, plasma viral RNA collected pre-therapy, and viral DNA archived in blood cells are useful predictors of in vitro phenotype and/or clinical outcomes. Chapter 1 and 2 examine the clinical utility of current genotyping approaches when applied to non-subtype-B HIV-1. Results suggest that (1) transmitted genotypic drug resistance predicted small but negative treatment outcomes in non-B infections, and (2) current genotypic tools for predicting viral tropism had poor sensitivities and/or specificities in subtypes A and D, but not C HIV-1. Chapter 3 and 4 examine the clinical utility of current genotypic approaches coupled with alternative sample types. Results suggest that (3) pre-therapy plasma sample tropism results predicted post-therapy post-suppression tropism in 90% of subjects, and (4) viral DNA archived in blood and plasma RNA had similar integrase inhibitor-associated mutations, but mutations in DNA were detected substantially later and were substantially less prevalent. In conclusion, genotypic assessment of HIV-1 using nonconventional sample types is clinically relevant, but has specific limitations. Further methodological research and clinical validation studies are needed to ensure proper interpretation of results.
A Review Paper On: Agricultural Plant Leaf Disease Detection Using Image Processing

This paper provides survey on leaf disease detection technique by using image processing. India is an agricultural country and most of peoples wherein about 70% depends on agricultural. So leaf disease detection is very important research topic. Number of crops caused by fungi, bacteria etc. To overcomes this by using automatic leaf detection of plant by different image processing technique.