Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of salinity on early reproductive physiology of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in relation to a heterogeneous distribution of toxic ions in flower organs.

The effect of short-term treatments (10 days) by a high salt level (150 mm NaCl) on vegetative and reproductive development was investigated in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Ailsa Craig) at two developmental stages. Salinity applied during flowering transition reduced shoot biomass and delayed the appearance of the first inflorescence. Both shoot and root biomasses were reduced when salt was applied during the development of the first inflorescence. At both stages, areas of young leaves decreased and time to first anthesis increased, while total number of flowers in the first inflorescence was not affected. Flower abortion, reduction of pollen number and viability were higher when salinity was applied during inflorescence development. Na+ accumulated in all organs while K+ decreased. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry microanalysis revealed that Na+ accumulated in style, ovaries and anther intermediate layers but not in the tapetum nor in the pollen grains when salinity was applied during inflorescence development. K+ was not significantly affected in these structures. Soluble carbohydrates dramatically increased in leaves and decreased in the inflorescence under salt stress conditions. The failure of inflorescence to develop normally under salt stress can be better explained in terms of altered source-sink relationships rather than accumulation of toxic ions.
Evaluation of Coccidioides posadasii antigens as recombinantly expressed monovalent, divalent, and chimeric vaccine candidates

Evaluation of recombinant proteins of C. posadasii for their protective efficacy in a murine model of coccidioidomycosis has revealed several potential vaccine candidates. One of the most promising is a proline rich-antigen (Ag2/Pra). However, contradictory results on the protection afforded by this antigen have been obtained depending on the strain of mice which are immunized, route of challenge (intranasal [i.n.] vs. intraperitoneal [i.p.]), size of inoculum, and the methods used to evaluate protection and immune response of the vaccinated animals. Earlier studies of C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice have demonstrated that immunization with recombinant antigen (rAg2/Pra) followed by i.p. challenge results in significant reduction of coccidioidal burden in the lungs and spleen of the vaccinated animals at 12-14 days post-challenge compared to controls. Although it is possible to induce disseminated coccidioidomycosis by i.p. inoculation, natural infection of the mammalian host with C. posadasii occurs via the i.n. route. In our current studies of this latter murine model, we have shown that rAg2/Pra vaccination results in a chronic pulmonary infection over a 90 day period after i.n. challenge. In addition, this report includes the introduction of Pra2, an Ag2/Pra homolog that has recently been isolated from C. posadasii. We present the results of the evaluation of the protective efficacy of rAg2/Pra and rPra2 singly and in combination in C57BL/6 mice following a lethal intranasal challenge, and preliminary evidence suggesting that rAg2/Pra and rPra2 may immunologically complement each other as vaccine candidates. The current belief is that a successful vaccine against coccidioidomycosis will be composed of multiple immunodominant proteins, activate a Th1 pathway of immune response, stimulate cellular immunity to different stages of the
The Ecotron: A Controlled Environmental Facility for the Investigation of Population and Ecosystem Processes

This paper reports on aspects of the design and philosophy of the Ecotron, an integrated series of 16 controlled environmental chambers at the NERC Centre for Population Biology. The Ecotron serves as an experimental means for analysing population and community dynamics and ecosystem processes under controlled physical conditions. Within the chambers, terrestrial experimental communities are assembled into foodwebs of desired complexity from a pool of species selected for their preadaptations to the physical conditions of the Ecotron. These species include decomposers (earthworms, snails, microarthropods and microbes), primary producers (16 species of plants), primary consumers (four species of herbivorous arthropods), and secondary consumers (four species of parasitoids). The design of the Ecotron is unique in several aspects with respect to its blend of biology and technology. It supports small, dynamic communities of up to 30 plant and metazoan species, thereby making it among the more biologically complex controlled environmental systems currently in use. Its architecture permits replication and variation of spatial scale in experimental design. Its artificial climate simulates natural environmental conditions within chambers allowing experimental control over light, water, temperature, humidity, and in the near future CO $_{2}$ and UV-B radiation. Sensors monitor both macro- and micro-environmental conditions of a number of physical factors within the chambers. Preliminary experiments show the Ecotron to be an excellent facility for long-term population and community-level experiments. We discuss the results of one of these early experiments and briefly consider ongoing and future experiments.
Elicitor and resistance-inducing activities of β-1,4 cellodextrins in grapevine, comparison with β-1,3 glucans and α-1,4 oligogalacturonides

Cellodextrins (CD), water-soluble derivatives of cellulose composed of beta-1,4 glucoside residues, have been shown to induce a variety of defence responses in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cells. The larger oligomers of CD rapidly induced transient generation of H2O2 and elevation in free cytosolic calcium, followed by a differential expression of genes encoding key enzymes of the phenylpropanoid pathway and pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins as well as stimulation of chitinase and beta-1,3 glucanase activities. Most of these defence reactions were also induced by linear beta-1,3 glucans (betaGlu) and alpha-1,4 oligogalacturonides (OGA) of different degree of polymerization (DP), but the intensity of some reactions induced by CD was different when compared with betaGlu and OGA effects. Moreover, desensitization assays using H2O2 production showed that cells treated with CD remained fully responsive to a second application of OGA, suggesting a different mode of perception of these oligosaccharides by grape cells. None of CD, betaGlu, or OGA induced HSR gene expression nor did they induce cell death. In accordance with elicitor activity in grapevine cells, CD-incubated leaves challenged with Botrytis cinerea also resulted in a significant reduction of the disease. Data suggest that CD could operate via other distinct reaction pathways than betaGlu and OGA. They also highlight the requirement of a specific DP for each oligosaccharide to induce the defence response.
Apprêtement des antigènes présentés par les molécules de classe I du CMH

Les defenses immunitaires de l’organisme vis-a-vis des agents pathogenes et des cellules malignes reposent en grande partie sur la surveillance par les lymphocytes T cytotoxiques. Cette surveillance est rendue possible par un systeme d’appretement (processing) des proteines cellulaires, qui fournit des echantillons peptidiques aux molecules de classe I exprimees a la surface cellulaire. Pour produire en permanence une gamme de peptides representative du monde des proteines fabriquees par la cellule, de facon fidele et quasiment en temps reel, ce systeme exploite des voies fondamentales du metabolisme cellulaire, auquel il associe certains acteurs ayant une fonction plus specialisee. Ainsi, un element clef du metabolisme des proteines cellulaires, le proteasome, principale protease du cytosol, est exploitee comme source de peptides, en prelevant une petite fraction de peptides pour la surveillance immunitaire. Ce sont les differentes etapes requises pour associer ces peptides aux molecules de classe I du CMH (complexe majeur d’histocompatibilite) qui sont discutees dans cet article.
The position of eyespots and thickened segments influence their protective value to caterpillars

It has long been believed that the paired circular markings (“eyespots”) of Lepidoptera larvae, combined with their defensive postures (where the larvae swell their anterior body segments) protect them from potential predators. These traits could inhibit attacks by enhanc-ing the similarity of the prey item to the predator’s own natural enemies (notably snakes), but alternatively, they may simply exploit the predator’s wariness of novel and/or conspicuous objects. To differentiate between these contrasting explanations, we evaluated the responses of naive chicks (
Troubles nutritionnels dans le syndrome des ovaires polymicrokystiques : implications physiopathologiques et thérapeutiques

Le syndrome des ovaires polymicrokystiques (SOPMK) est une maladie frequente. Pres de deux tiers des femmes qui en sont atteintes presentent une surcharge ponderale, s’integrant ou non dans un syndrome metabolique. Il semblerait qu’il existe un lien entre le SOPMK et les troubles du comportement alimentaire (TCA) de type boulimique. Les mecanismes biochimiques avances pour expliquer cette intrication entre SOPMK et comportement alimentaire, impliqueraient certains peptides comme la ghreline ou le cholecystokinine, mais restent encore obscurs. Neanmoins, tout SOPMK dans un contexte de surpoids doit faire rechercher un TCA, dont la prise en charge complexe devra etre multidisciplinaire. Il n’en reste pas moins que, meme en l’absence de TCA, la prise en charge nutritionnelle, qu’elle soit dietetique seule ou associee a des medicaments, reste un element essentiel du traitement des femmes ayant un SOPMK avec un surpoids.
Biological Relationships of an Intertidal Bryozoan Population

Summary The biological relationships of intertidal bryozoans from northern New Zealand are recorded. Bryozoans were found to be food organisms for echinoids, starfish, brittle-stars, chitons and opisthobranchs. Space competition between bryozoans and sessile organisms is discussed. Among opposing bryozoan colonies there are five growth responses that may be exhibited. Of the sessile organisms studied on the shore, bryozoans and Spirorbis occupied the most space. The association between Hippopodinella adpressa and gastropod shells is discussed with reference to current opinions regarding bryozoan-mollusc associations. It is concluded that the attractive factor to H. adpressa larvae is a calcareous substrate but that pagurid tenancy of gastropod shells may have reinforced the evolutionary forces responsible for the association with shells.
Lkk Biological and practical lessons associated with the use of sexed semen

Summary Numerous biological and practical lessons associated with the use of sexed semen have been learnt in the 15 years since it was released onto the commercial market. Over this time, concerns regarding the safety of sex-sorted spermatozoa have been largely allayed through the birth of several million pre-sexed calves, but the major issue that remains is that of reduced fertility. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the process of flow cytometric sorting and subsequent cryopreservation causes reduced in vitro and in vivo fertility of sexed semen, which cannot be wholly compensated for by increasing the number of spermatozoa inseminated. As a result of this diminished fertilising capacity, the use of sex-sorted bull spermatozoa was traditionally only recommended for insemination of heifers, not lactating, superovulated and/or synchronised animals due to the low fertility obtained. However, recent changes to the processing methods used during and after flow-sorting are showing the fertility of ‘sexed semen’ is improving for the first time in over a decade of commercial activity. With continued research and development of methods to improve the conditions under which spermatozoa are sorted and frozen and concurrent advancements in sorter technology, it is anticipated that the fertility and application of sexed semen will continue to increase.
Potential effects of earthworms on leaf-chewer performance

Detritivores affect plant performance and therefore have the potential indirectly to affect above-ground herbivore populations. 2. In a microcosm study we asked whether changes in the performance of two plant species, Cardamine hirsuta L. and Veronica persica Poiret. , arising from the activity of various earthworm communities influenced the consumption rate and development of a leaf-chewer, Mamestra brassicae L. 3. Earthworms increased soil nitrate and foliar nitrogen concentrations. There was no associated increase in plant biomass. 4. There was no significant effect of earthworm treatment on the biomass of M. brassicae larvae. However, highest larval mortality occurred in microcosms without earthworms, while the proportion of larvae that had reached the final instar was lowest. In a 24 h feeding trial, the consumption rate of V. persica foliage by M. brassicae was higher when plants were grown in soil containing earthworms. The complexity of earthworm communities did not affect M. brassicae consumption rates and consequen 5. This is the first study to show the potential of detritivore communities indirectly to affect leaf-chewing herbivores. It highlights the need to explore the interactions that occur between above- and below-ground components of plant-insect communities. [KEYWORDS: below-ground/ above-ground linkage ; earthworm ; indirect nutrient effect ; Mamestra brassicae ; microcosm]
Wave propagation using the SPH method

Conventional methods for numerical fluid simulation have characteristics that hinder analysis in free surface conditions. So, the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics model (SPH) can be used in these conditions. This method has the characteristics of being meshless, Lagrangian and divides the control volume into particles. In this study, a C ++ code was written using the SPH methodology for the fluid wave propagation situation.
On the size of man's brain as indicated by skull capacity

It has become an almost hackneyed phrase that of all vertebrates man shows the highest degree of ‘cerebration’l (v. Economo, ’28, ’29). His superior intelligence and his cultural achievements are generally thought of as being correlated with the size of his brain. Consequently, the evolutionary process of this organ is very often depicted as a continuous increase in bulk, from our simian ancestors, through Pithecanthropus (to which Sinanthropus should now be added), Neanderthal man, the Cro Magnon race, up to neolithic man, and finally to modern types. Nobody, of course, questions the truth of this statement as far as the earlier subhuman stages are concerned, but the evolution within the genus Homo is still imperfectly understood. Broca (1862), in a famous memoir, tried to show that this was the straightforward process one might expect to find a priori, but doubts were expressed by Retzius (’15) who based his objections on an extensive study of Swedish skulls ranging from early neolithic down to modern times. Few modern authors even touch upon this question. Of those who do, Martin (’28) mentions Broca and Retzius and adduces other material. He finally states that “der Schluss einer Abnahme der Intelligenz im Laufe der Zeiten durfte kaum zulassig sein” as though intelligence and cranial capacity were the
Editorial

In our conversations as editors, we often turn to consider how the different varieties of action research practice might be better understood in relation to each other and to the broader fields of inquiry for social change. How can we get the social educators into dialogue with the organizational development practitioners, or the scholars concerned with research to talk to the social activists concerned with emancipation? How can we make links between scholarship and activism, between theory and practice? This issue of Action Research draws our attention to the relationships between action research, more traditional research, and other disciplines of inquiry and social change We start with Stephanie Baker Collins, who draws on her PhD research to show how participatory research can help those in poverty articulate their experience and start to move on a path of self-reliance. This article fits clearly within the PAR tradition of research as emancipation, telling us both something of how the research was established as well as the results, and it is particularly gratifying to be able to show one way in which participatory research can contribute to a doctoral process. We follow this with Erica Gabrielle Foldy’s ‘Claiming a Voice on Race’ in which she gives a brave personal account of her learning from interviewing persons of colour as part of her PhD research, raising questions of how white persons learn about their racial identity. The review process for this article raised so many interesting issues that we decided to experiment with inviting a comment and response, and are thus delighted to include reflections on Erica’s article from ‘The European-American Collaborative Challenging Whiteness’ and Erica’s response. This public dialogue, we hope, contributes to ‘the formation of an open communicative space’ (Kemmis, 2001, p. 100) for a consideration of white identity by white people, to make it more ‘discussable’, and to show how processes of inquiry at personal levels are relevant to broader social issues. Erica’s article also shows how ‘first person’ reflective practices can contribute to research within qualitative research practice, thus linking action research with the broader field of social inquiry. In their comment, the Collaborative question whether Erica’s research is actually emancipatory, to which Erica responds with a strong assertion of the value of more traditional qualitative research practices. We are delighted to include the article by Robert Marshak and Loizos Action Research
Evaluation of the in vivo effect of ivermectin on Schistosoma mansoni in experimentally-infected mice

Objective: To evaluate the effect of ivermectin on mice experimentally infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Methods: Ivermectin was given to mice 42 days p.o. in two treatment regimens: a single dose of 25 mg/kg or the same dose for two consecutive days. Results: In both regimens, there were significant reductions in female worms, hepatic tissue egg count and early immature ova, in addition to significant reductions in the count and size of hepatic granuloma. The same dose for two consecutive days resulted in significant reductions in male, total worms, and intestinal tissue egg load. In both regimens, scanning electron microscopy revealed tegumental alternations as bleb formation, erosion and necrosis more evident with the double dose. In addition, high dose showed extensive erosions of male worms with destruction of the gynaecophoric canal. In females, marked destruction of the tegumental surface was extending to both ventral and oral suckers. Conclusions: Ivermectin has promising anti-schistosomal effects. However, further research is needed to test the effect of ivermectin on schistosomiasis especially in combination with other antischistosomal agents, to avoid any possible resistance from monotherapy.
Life cycle components and genetic variability in aphids

The degree of polymorphism, P, and the average heterozygosity, Hobs. (proportion of heterozygous loci) were correlated to different life cycle types in aphids. The species Macrosiphum rosae, Aphis pomi, Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum maidis, Schoutedenia lutea, and Sitobion avenae were considered.
Variation in the morphology and flowering time of cluster clover (Trifolium glomeratum L.) and its relationship to distribution in southern Australia

Cluster clover is a widely distributed and ecologically successful introduced legume in southern Australia. In an attempt to understand the role of genetic variation in this success, morphological and physiological traits were measured in 94 accessions from southern Australia and 6 from the Mediterranean basin. Flowering time ranged from 105 to 185 days after sowing, but was not strongly correlated with annual rainfall or length of growing season at the site of collection. Variation in other traits partitioned the populations into two morphs which, apart from flowering time and leaf marker, were largely homogeneous. The morphs differed significantly in floret number per inflorescence (22 v. 32-37) and seed mass (379 8g v. 523 8g), had different growth habits and strong within-morph associations between leaf markers and stipule and petal coloration. The morphs differed in their distributions within southern Australia and the pattern of distribution was related to summer maximum temperatures, winter minimum temperatures and spring rainfall. These results demonstrate that genetic variation has been important to the success of cluster clover and suggests that the variation is organized. The pattern of variation observed and its relationship to ecogeography is consistent with findings for other highly inbreeding species. A map of the species distribution in Western Australia is presented.
Recombinant Brucella abortus outer membrane protein 19 (rOmp19) significantly stimulates splenic lymphocytes of immunized BALB/c mice

Several live vaccines have been introduced so far to protect brucellosis but they have not been adopted broadly or their use has been discontinued for a variety of reasons. Immunity against facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen depends on acquired cell mediated immunity, distinguished by the activation of T-lymphocytes and subsequent activation of macrophages for increased killing of such intracellular pathogens. Three minor Outer membrane proteins (Omp19, Omp16.5 and Omp10) are expressed in all six Brucella species and all of their biovars. We investigated the capacity of Brucella abortus , outer membrane protein 19 (Omp19) to elicit splenic lymphocytes stimulation response. We assessed the use of this protein as vaccine against Brucella in BALB/c mice. B. abortus Omp19 was cloned in pET28a(+) vector and Competent E. coli BL21(DE3) was transformed with the corresponding constructs, and rOmp19 was successfully expressed after induction with 1 mM IPTG. The expressed protein was puriﬁed using nickel affinity chromatography and confirmed by western blot analysis using polyclonal rabbit antibodies. BALB/c mice immunization with rOmp19 conferred signiﬁcant protection against B. abortus infection. The potential usefulness of this antigen of B. abortus would be of great importance in eradication of brucellosis in future .
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF DISTRIBUTION OF THE SPECIES PRENOLEPIS NITENS (MAYR, 1853) (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE) IN THE SOUTHWEST PART OF THE BALKAN PENINSULA

Study of myrmecofauna in the southwest part of the Balkan Peninsula has a long tradition but it is also characterised by a small number of studies of exclusively faunistic character. Analysis of material collected at Popovo Polje yielded the first record of Prenolepis nitens (Mayr, 1853) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subsequent analysis of literature data showed that the species inhabits all of the countries of the western Balkans: Slovenia (Ljubljana), Croatia (wider area of Zagreb and Dalmatia), Montenegro (Kotor) and Serbia (Stara planina). Discovery of Prenolepis nitens (Mayr, 1853) in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents irrefutable evidence of continuity in the distribution area of the species along the southern boarder of the Balkan peninsula and it also makes a significant contribution to the knowledge of distribution of Prenolepis nitens (Mayr, 1853) species across the surveyed area.