Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF GENETIC VARIATION IN PLANT POPULATIONS

The documentation of spatially restricted dispersal in a wide variety of plant species has led to the prediction that plant populations will often be genetically subdivided on a local scale, as the result either of spatial variation in selection (environmental heterogeneity) or of local genetic drift (isolation by distance) (4, 5, 32, 49). The potential for environmental heterogeneity to generate significant spatial structuring of genotypes in plant populations that occupy pronouncedly patchy habitats is well documented (e.g. 38, 88). In contrast, the effects of isolation by distance (IBD) on the internal structuring of plant populations are less well studied. This review critically examines the methodologies currently available for the analysis of spatial genetic variation within continuously distributed populations, with special emphasis on plant populations and on the detection of structure attributable to IBD. Except where explicitly stated otherwise, conclusions will refer to diploid nuclear genes. The extensive literature on the detection of spatial associations between genetic and environmental variables has been reviewed several times (see 34) and is specifically omitted here. Therefore, in reviewing the empirical evidence for local structure, studies deliberately conducted with populations occupying manifestly heterogeneous habitats have been excluded.
Modified Pattern Matching (MPM) Algorithm for Detecting the Ribosome Binding Sites: Trends for Bioinformatics Analysis of Escherichia coli K-12 (MG 1655) Genome

Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence is found just 5' to the translation initiation codon, part or all of a polypurine domain UAAGGAGGU is found in the prokaryotic mRNA ribosome binding site (RBS). The importance of the SD sequence for identification of the translation initiation site on the mRNA by the ribosome is very much clear, and thereby, translational efficiency is strongly affected by the spacing between the SD and the initiation codon. Although, whether there is a unique optimal spacing is not as clear. The definitions of the spacing as well as secondary structures have been complicated and obscured matters. A systematic study installed by the development of a novel modified algorithmic approach to detect the most probable RBS which is located at upstream of any gene of E. coli genome were undertaken by us, and in addition we have also developed an algorithm which picks up the absolute spacers between each RBS and AUG start codon. Moreover, in order to determine their expression rate in E. coli K-12 (MG1655) genomes all genes on the basis of their spacer lengths between RBS and AUG start codons of that gene were classified. A new insight to disclose the actual happening and ambiguity of E. coli K-12 (Mg1655) genome in a more efficient manner might be provided by this global gene analysis.
Synthesizing the Evidence on Classroom Goal Structures in Middle and Secondary Schools

This meta-analysis and narrative review synthesizes the literature on classroom goal structures and their relationships with student outcomes, focusing additionally on the ways in which these constructs are operationalized across research studies. Specifically, this study evaluates the relationships between students’ perceptions of mastery and performance classroom goal structures and secondarily of teacher support as related to academic achievement and motivational and psychological outcomes. The findings document that students’ perception of the mastery emphasis of their classrooms is related to a number of positive socio-emotional outcomes and to academic achievement measures and that extrinsically focused classroom goal structures have an overall negative effect on academic achievement. Also, teachers’ socio-emotional and instructional support was found to relate positively to students’ academic achievement, particularly to normed achievement measures rather than grades, as well as to socio-emotional factors including self-efficacy, interest in class, and prosocial behaviors and goals.
Altitudinal trends in photosynthetic rate and leaf characteristics of Miscanthus populations from central Taiwan

Leaf photosynthetic rate and leaf characteristics including chlorophyll content, leaf width, leaf mass per area (LMA), stomatal density and the dimensions of guard cells were measured in C 4 Miscanthus spp. growing along an altitudinal gradient from 390 to 2700 m in central Taiwan. The main objective of this study was to understand if morphological and physiological variation occur in leaves of the C 4 plants growing along the altitudinal gradient. Measurements were taken during the growing season, May, July and September, of 1997. Photosynthetic rate, leaf width and guard cell dimensions decreased while LMA and stomatal density increased with altitude. The pattern of continuous variation in the analysed parameters suggests that it is related to some underlying environmental factors (mainly air temperature and CO 2 concentration) associated with changing altitude.
Expression of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases in the Guinea Pig Cochlea

Background and Objectives：Damage in the auditory sensory epithelia is irreversible and the resulting hearing loss is permanent in mammals. Nevertheless, mammals like birds can recover their auditory function anatomically and physiologically after the sensorineural hearing loss. One of the functions of a receptor tyrosine kinase is to controll the cellular metabolisms like motility, growth, differentiation, regeneration, and ion transport via various pathways. There are no reports on the distribution of receptor tyrosine kinases in the guinea pig cochlea. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the expression of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR and transforming growth factor receptor (TGFR-β , type II in the cochlear sensory epithelia of guinea pigs. Materials and Methods：We investigated the immunoreactivity and functional roles of the receptor tyrosine kinases-FGFR and TGFR-β (type II - by using surface preparation technique in the cochlea of the Preyer’s positive, pigmented guinea pig. Results：The results showed that receptor tyrosine kinases were expressed in the cytoplasm of Deiter’s and Hensen’ s cells to FGFR and TGFR-β (type II, and the stereocillia of inner and outer hair cells to FGFR by surface preparation technique. Conclusion：The findings suggest that receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in the cellular growth, differentiation and regeneration in the cochlear supporting cells, and ion transport in the hair cells of the mammals. We found that receptor tyrone kinases are not related to outer hair cells participating in the PLCγ 1-IP3 second messenger system. (Korean J Otolaryngol 1998;41(8 :971-975
The cryptic and the apparent reversed: lack of genetic differentiation within the morphologically diverse plexus of the planktonic foraminifer Globigerinoides sacculifer

Abstract Previous genetic studies of extant planktonic foraminifera have provided evidence that the traditional, strictly morphological definition of species in these organisms underestimates their biodiversity. Here, we report the first case where this pattern is reversed. The modern (sub)tropical species plexus Globigerinoides sacculifer is characterized by large morphological variability, which has led to the proliferation of taxonomic names attributed to morphological end-members within the plexus. In order to clarify the taxonomic status of its morphotypes and to investigate the genetic connectivity among its currently partly disjunct (sub)tropical populations, we carried out a global survey of two ribosomal RNA regions (SSU and ITS-1) in all recent morphotypes of the plexus collected throughout (sub)tropical surface waters of the global ocean. Unexpectedly, we find an extremely reduced genetic variation within the plexus and no correlation between genetic and morphological divergence, suggesting taxonomical overinterpretation. The genetic homogeneity within the morphospecies is unexpected, considering its partly disjunct range in the (sub)tropical Atlantic and Indo-Pacific and its old age (early Miocene). A sequence variant in the rapidly evolving ITS-1 region indicates the existence of an exclusively Atlantic haplotype, which suggests an episode of relatively recent (last glacial) isolation, followed by subsequent resumption of unidirectional gene flow from the Indo-Pacific into the Atlantic. This is the first example in planktonic foraminifera where the morphological variability in a morphospecies exceeds its rDNA genetic variability. Such evidence for inconsistent scaling of morphological and genetic diversity in planktonic foraminifera could complicate the interpretation of evolutionary patterns in their fossil record.
Response of growth and carbon allocation to elevated CO2 in young cherry (Prunus avium L.) saplings in relation to root environment

summary The hypothesis that inadequate rooting volume may reduce the growth stimulation by elevated CO2 in ported tree seedlings and saplings was tested experimentally and by surveying the literature. One-year-old cherry saplings were grown for one season in naturally lit growth chambers in eight combinations of CO2 concentration (ambient: ambient+ 250 ppm) and root environment (four types), The latter included (1) moderately restrictive pot volume (41) in combination with two levels of fertilizer addition (la. 1b); (2) 10 l pots with total fertilizer content per pot as in treatment la, and (3) 20 l pots with five plants sharing live times the space and nutrient resources of treatment la. Plants were harvested in April, May, June, August and September. The overall mean effect of high CO2 on plant dry mass by the end of the season was +24%. Interactive effects of root environments and CO2 concentrations on dry mass were not significant at the 5% level, but repealed measurements of basal stem diameter of individual plants indicated a significant impact of root environment on the response to CO2. Overall growth enhancement by elevated CO2 did not differ significantly between harvests, but it tended to increase during the season in those root environments which restricted growth in ambient CO2 most strongly (la and 3). The hypothesis was rejected for this experiment. Leaf area and stem height were not affected by any treatment. The variation of carbon allocation to roots and shoots with plant size was very similar in all treatments. Plants grew faster in elevated CO2 very early in the season, and this resulted in small but significant differences between seasonal patterns of biomass partitioning in ambient and elevated CO2. A survey of 33 studies on growth responses of 47 tree species to elevated CO2 (600–800 ppm) showed that the relative change in biomass was not related to the ratio of plant biomass and pot volume found in either ambient or elevated CO2. We conclude that there is no evidence that inadequate pot volume had a negative impact on the stimulation of growth of true species in elevated CO2.
Dry heat inactivation of Bacillus cereus in rice

The aim of this work was to validate the method of decontamination of rice at the temperature of 120°C (determined as optimal in previous experiments). Bacillus cereus was selected as the marker micro-organism for the monitoring of decontamination. The spores of Bacillus cereus are moderately heat resistant. In order to show the efficacy of our decontamination process, we artificially contaminated the rice under study with B. cereus. Decontamination was carried out in a homogenising steriliser about 20 h after contamination. The sample was first heated to 90°C and held at this temperature for 70 minutes. Then the temperature was increased to 120°C and held for 3 hours. Five samples were taken for microbiological analyses as follows: before the experiment, on reaching 120°C, and then after 1, 2, and 3 h of decontamination. Decontamination of rice from vegetative forms and spores of B. cereus present at the level of 400 CFU/ml was effected by heating to 120°C and holding for 1 hour.
Review: Potential of High Hydrostatic Pressure and Pulsed Electric Fields for Energy Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Food Processing

The application of emerging, novel processing techniques such as high hydrostatic pressure or pulsed electric fields can be utilized to replace, enhance or modify conventional techniques of food production. In addition to quality improvements and consumer benefits by gentle microbial inactivation and improvement of mass transfer processes, their potential to improve energy efficiency and sustainability of food production will be discussed within this review.
RESVERATROL attenuates kainic acid-induced epilepsy in male swiss albino mice.

Epilepsy is a highly prevalent serious brain disorder, and oxidative stress is regarded as a possible mechanism involved in epileptogenesis. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential protective and beneficial effect of resveratrol (RESV) on kainic acid (KA)-induced epilepsy in mice. Twenty four male Swiss Albino mice were divided into four groups. Group Ι:(Control group) mice received no drugs. Group Π:(epilepsy-induced group): mice administered with a single dose of KA (10 mg/kg b.wt) intraperitoneally (i.p). Group III:(epilepsy+RESV protected group) mice received RESV (10 mg/kg b.wt/day/i.p.) for 7 days before KA administration. Group IV: (epilepsy+RESV treated group): mice first injected with KA(10 mg/kg b.wt/i.p.) then after 15 min. RESV was administered as in group III for 3 consecutive days. Blood samples for serum separation and brain tissue specimens were collected after 12 hours and 3 days from the onset of KA administration for determination of serum sialic acid (SA) and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), brain tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), L-Malondialdehyde (LMDA), nitric oxide (NO), caspase-3 and DNA-fragmentation. The obtained results showed that, KAinduced epilepsy in mice caused significant decrease in serum SA and brain tissue SOD, CAT, GPX activities and GSH concentration. However, serum TNF-α and brain tissue NO, L-MDA level, caspase3 activity and DNA-fragmentation were significantly increased. Administration of RESV was able to mitigate epilepsy induced by KA through increasing of SA and brain tissue SOD, CAT, GPX activities and GSH in addition to declining NO, L-MDA, caspase-3 and DNA-fragmentation in brain tissue. These results suggest that, resveratrol administration attenuate kainate-induced epileptic seizures in mice and may be potential effectiveness for the prevention and control of seizure development, has anticonvulsant therapies of brain epilepsy by its anti-inflammatory effect, radical scavenging and anti-apoptotic activity, inhibited caspase-3 and regenerating endogenous antioxidant mechanisms in brain tissues.
Do above-ground growth dynamics of poplar change with time under CO2 enrichment?

• In a free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) study, above-ground growth of Populus alba, Populus nigra and Populus×euramericana was followed continuously during the first rotation cycle of a short rotation culture (SRC) plantation to test possible changes in the response to elevated CO2 occurring from planting until canopy closure. • Height, stem basal area, stem volume index, branch production, and bud phenology were monitored for 3 yr. Moreover the coefficient of variation and a competition index were calculated to analyse the onset and the typology of competition. • Volume index was higher under elevated CO2 by 77%, 24% and 22%, as mean value for the three species, in the first, second and third years, respectively. The stimulating response, although univocal, differed in extent among species. Branch production was stimulated only in the first year, whereas bud phenology was unaffected. • The analysis of these results show that growth was stimulated by elevated CO2 only in the first year, although differences in volume index remained significant even in the second and third years. In the third year, under canopy closure, only competitively advantaged individuals profited by the FACE treatment.
A Study on Optimal Treatment Conditions and Operational Characteristics of Nutrient Removal using Microalgae

This study intended to evaluate the removal efficiency of nutrients in wastewarer using the symbiosis relationship of microalgae-bacteria. Also, in order to confirm optimal culture conditions, growth characteristics of Chlorella sp. and Scenedesmus sp. on the temperature, L:D cycle, and CO injection were identified, and then the possibility of wastewater treatment by the symbiosis relationship of microalgae-bacteria through the evaluation of nutrients removal efficiency, was identified as well. As the results, Chlorella sp. showed the highest growth rate at 25 ~ 30 C, 24:0 L:D cycle, and 5% of CO injection concentration, and Scenedesmus sp. showed it from 25 ~ 30 C, 24:0 L:D cycle, and 2% CO injection concentration, respectively. In addition, the nutrients removal efficiency under the optimal culture conditions was resulted in the followings: Chlorella sp. showed the removal efficiency of COD 63%, BOD 70%, SS 48.3%, T-N 70.5%, and TP 76.4% and Scenedesmus sp. showed COD 66%, BOD 72.3%, SS 56.5%, T-N 67.1%, and T-P 70.1%, respectively.
The Effect of Phosphorus on Nodulation, Growth and Dinitrogen Fixation by Beans

ABSTRACT The effect of phosphorus on nodulation, dry matter yield and dinitrogen fixation (as determined by the 15N technique) of bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris) was evaluated in a field experiment at three growth stages. Application of phosphorus increased nodule mass, dry matter yield, nitrogen yield and dinitrogen fixation at all the three stages (i.e. flowering, pod-filling, and physiological maturity) but the effects of phosphorus were more pronounced at the flowering and pod filling stages. The highest dinitrogen fixation was recorded within the pod filling stage where phosphorus was applied. The results clearly demonstrate that availability of phosphorus can be an important factor in symbiotic biological nitrogen fixation by beans. For these studies the best sampling time appears to be within the pod-filling stage. A biological approach in solving phosphorus problems in symbiotic biological nitrogen fixation by grain legumes is suggested.
Examination of rodents (Rodentia) for emmonsiosis in the Czech Republic, Israel and Africa.

Lung tissue of 156 rodents (genera Apodemus, Myodes, Microtus, and Muscardinus) from the Czech Republic, 29 rodents of the species Spalax ehrenbergi from Israel and 106 rodent specimens from Africa (genera Heliophobius, Mastomys, Acomys, Aethomys, Saccostomus, Tatera, Mus, Cryptomys, Dasymys, Dendromus, Grammomys, and Steatomys) were examined for presence of adiaspores of the fungal genus Emmonsia. In the Czech Republic, nine (5.8 %) animals revealed adiaspores of E. crescens. The positive samples were found in rodents sampled in three of the five Czech areas studied. Out of six species of the Czech rodents, three species were positive: Apodemus flavicollis, Myodes glareolus and Microtus agrestis. A. flavicollis was the most frequently infected species, whereas A. sylvaticus, Microtus subterraneus and Muscardinus avellanarius were negative. Adiaspores were recorded in five females and four males. A significant preference of the fungus for the host sex was not observed. Tissue samples of rodents from Africa and Israel were all negative.
SCREENING OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL STRAINS FOR THEIR EFFICIENCY IN BIOCONTROL OF MYCOTOXIGENIC CONTAMINANTS OF FOOD

The goal of the present paper was to present the results of the research carried out for selecting the most efficient bacterial or fungal strains against certain mycotoxigenic contaminants of vegetal food products in order to use them as biological control agents. Generally, the presence of moulds in foods is associated with decay, spoilage and in certain cases with poisoning, due to dangerous fungal metabolites well-known as mycotoxins. In agriculture, the mycotoxin problem is results of a series of events started from the field, due to fungal infestation of a host plant during the vegetation cycle and the effect are found at the end of the chain, in food and feed. Inappropriate preservation of food during storage can lead to mycotoxin contamination with severe effects on human health. After discovering in 1960 the aflatoxins, carcinogenic metabolites of Aspergillus flavus, research showed that a large number of fungal species could form mycotoxins (e.g. a variety of Fusarium species can release mycotoxins of the class trichotecenes, zearalenone and fumosins). For the screening purpose, a series of lactic acid bacteria selected from fresh or fermented vegetables such as cucumbers, cabbages, from cereals, as well as fungal isolates from cereals, fruits and rhizosphere were tested for their antagonistic effect on the mycotoxigenic fungal species belonging to genera Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium, contaminants of fresh and preserved fruits, vegetables or cereals. Adapted dual culture technique was employed for testing the antagonism between lactic acid bacteria and mycotoxigenic fungi on MRS agar medium and between non-mycotoxigenic and mycotoxigenic fungi on Czapek agar medium.Bacterial and fungal extracts from liquid culture media were used on paper disks method to assess the inhibitory effect on the growth of Fusarium mycotoxigenic species. The paper presents original photographs of the Petri dishes with visible inhibition zones around bacterial extracts from lactic acid bacteria, pseudomonads, as well as from fungi belonging to genus Trichoderma when interacted with mycotoxigenic species of Fusarium. Lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Trichoderma spp. and Myrothecium verrucaria showed important antagonistic effect against mycotoxigenic Aspergillia and Fusaria. They can also be useful for including in biotechnological methods of food preservation.
Performance of Broiler - Chickens Fed on Maggot Meal in Place of Fishmeal

Ninety 3-week old broiler-chickens were fed five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets in whic h maggot-meal (MGM) which was first subjected to proximate analysis replaced 25, 50, 75 and 100% fishmeal (FM). The proximate analysis showed that MGM had 55.1% crude protein, 20.7% fat and 0.2% NFE. The data analysis, showed that weight gain (WG) Feed consumption (FC) and Feed efficiency (FE) for the chickens between 3-6 weeks of age were not significantly influenced by the dietary treatment whereas the WG, FC, FE, the nitrogen retention (NR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) for the 3-9 week old were significantly (P>0.05) influenced by dietary treatment: The diet with 25% of FM protein replaced with MGM was the most efficient in terms of average weekly WG and PER. The live, dressed and eviscerated weights as well as the relative length, breadth and weights of the pectoral and gastrocnemius muscles of the chickens at 9 weeks were not significantly influenced by the diets. It was concluded that MGM is an inexpensive replacement for FM in broiler-chick feeding.