Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Food Concentration on the Juvenile Somatic Growth Rate of Body Length, Fecundity and the Production of Resting Eggs by Moina brachiata (Crustacea: Cladocera) Single Females

Received 13.12. 2012, received in revised form 20.12. 2012, accepted 27.12. 2012 The study addresses the effect of different food concentrations of green alga Chlorella vulgaris on the life cycle parameters (the body length, specific juvenile somatic growth rate of body length, the number of offspring in the first clutch of parthenogenetic females and the number of females producing resting eggs) of the individually cultivated females of M. brachiata. The lowest food concentration used in the experiment, 100 thousand cells/ml, had a limiting effect on such parameters as the size of females at the first reproduction, juvenile somatic growth rate of body length and fecundity; it also induced the production of resting eggs by females. With food concentration increase, the size of females at the first reproduction, their somatic growth rate of body length and fecundity also increased, and the number of females that produced resting eggs decreased. Under maximal food concentrations (400 and 800 thousand cells/ml) the size of females at the first reproduction, the somatic growth rates of body length and the number of hatched offspring were the largest, and there were no females producing ephippial eggs. We also tested the effect of food concentration under which the maternal generation was kept on the ability of the offspring generation to produce resting eggs. The production of resting eggs failed to occur only at the highest food concentrations for maternal females and their offspring (400 thousand cells/ml). Thus, we concluded that food concentration above 400 thousand cells/ml is favorable concentration for parthenogenetic reproduction of M. brachiata. Since there are no literature data on what food concentration induces the production of resting eggs for this species, the results define the trophic conditions that induce production of resting eggs in M. brachiata.
Early flower and inflorescence development in Dioscorea tokoro (Dioscoreales): shoot chirality, handedness of cincinni and common tepal-stamen primordia

Inflorescence and early flower development in the East Asian Dioscorea tokoro were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The synflorescence is typically a raceme of open thyrses. Lateral units of thyrses are cincinni, which in female plants are often replaced by single flowers with a bracteole. Phyllotaxy of thyrse axis follows the Fibonacci pattern. There is a correlation between clockwise or anticlockwise direction of phyllotaxy along the thyrse axis and handedness of lateral cincinni. Two types of this correlation are theoretically possible, and both have been recorded in different angiosperms. Flower orientation in Dioscorea is the same as in many other monocots that possess a bracteole, i.e. an outer whorl tepal is inserted opposite the bracteole and an inner whorl tepal is inserted on the same radius as the bracteole. The outer tepal opposite the bracteole is the first floral organ to initiate. In contrast to many other monocots that possess a bracteole, initiation of inner whorl tepals is synchronous in Dioscorea. This phenomenon is probably linked with the occurrence of common inner tepal-inner stamen primordia, delayed receptacle expansion and retarded carpel initiation. Common tepal-stamen primordia are reported for the first time for a member of Dioscoreales. Our data support the view that presence/absence of common primordia is homoplastic in lilioid monocots and correlates with timing of receptacle expansion.
In vitro antimitotic, antiproliferative and DNA fragmentation assay of ethanol extract of Carmona retusa (Vahl.) Masam

Carmona retusa leaf decoction is being used to treat cough and stomach ache root as antidote. This plant is also reported antibacterial, anti-inflam- matory, anti-analgesic and antidiabetic activity. Hence, our present study was performed to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity, antiproliferative, antimi- totic and DNA fragmentation assays. Fresh stem of Carmona retusa was collected from Hemagangothri Campus, Hassan district of Karnataka, In- dia. Flask extraction procedure was adapted for extraction with alcohol. Alcohol extract was subjected to in vitro anti-mitotic, anti-proliferative activity and DNA fragmentation assay. The alcoholic extract of C. retusa has shown significant antimitotic and antiproliferative activity. The mi- totic index was found to be 12.5 and 12.7 mg/mL respectively, which was near to standard, lapachol 12.2. Based on the results obtained, it is con- cluded that Carmona retusa may be the good candidate for the treatment of cancer as plant extracts have shown anti-mitotic and anti-proliferative activity A. cepa and yeast respectively.
Screening Indole acetic-acid over-producing rhizobacteria for improving growth of lentil under axenic conditions

Rhizobium inoculation has successfully been used for improving growth and yield of legume crops in different parts of the world. This study evaluated the in vitro auxin production of forty PGPR strains and the effect of eight selected superior strains on bacterization of lentil seeds under axenic conditions. Seed inoculation with superior IAA-producing bacterial strains and recommended Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar. viciae significantly enhanced seedling germination and vigour, root and shoot length, root and shoot fresh and dry weight The most pronounced increase in root length was observed with isolate 37P+R (7.7 cm) as compared to control (3.4cm). This increase may be attributed to the presence of IAA which increases root surface area and length, and thereby provides the plant greater access to nutrients. Similar result was found in case of shoot length where isolate 37P alone and in combination with Rhizobium boosted shoot length, maximum being 8.0 cm in comparison to control (2.1 cm). Three isolates 12B, 35P and 37P were found to be most promising in IAA, Gibberellins, Siderophore, HCN production and phosphate solubilization
Does Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) have Antibacterial Property

Introduction: The aim of this study was to see if Mormodica charantia, better known as bitter melon had any antibacterial property as claimed by many food and nutrition specialists. Materials and Methods: Bitter melon extract was obtained from its interior, middle, and outside skin and mixed with sterile distilled water. Agar gel disk diffusion method was used to look for clear zones of inhibition of the Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) colonies around the disks soaked with bitter melon extracts. Standardized Penicillin and Erythromycin disks were used as positive control for S. aureus while Gentamicin disks were used for E. coli. Unmedicated disks soaked with distilled water were used as negative control. Petri dishes with bacteria and the disks were incubated at 37°C. After 24 hours, the clear zones of inhibition around the disks were measured. In addition, liquid extract of bitter melon was put in liquid microKwik culture vials containing S. aureus and E. coli. These were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and observed for any color change. Results: After 24 hours of incubation, petri dishes containing S. aureus with Penicillin and Erythromycin disks showed clear zones of inhibition (average 12.9 mm, and 9 mm respectively). This was similar to the Gentamicin disks for E. coli (average 11 mm). There were no clear zones of inhibition around the unmedicated disks or the ones soaked in distilled water or bitter melon extract (interior, middle or exterior skin). Bitter melon extract did not change the color of liquid microKwik media containing the bacteria. Discussion/Conclusions: Contrary to common belief bitter melon does not have any antibiotic property. Though this study drew a negative conclusion, the inference has significant implication in the field of food technology, nutrition and alternative/herbal medicine.
Do parasites matter? Assessing the fitness consequences of haemogregarine infection in snakes

Although much research in evolutionary ecology is based upon the premise that high levels of parasitism impair the host's functioning, the assumed link between parasitism and fitness has been assessed for relatively few kinds of animals. At our study site in tropical Australia, keelback snakes (Tropidonophis mairii (Gray, 1841), Colubridae) are heavily infected with haemogregarine blood parasites: 90% of snakes that we tested carried the parasite, with the proportion of erythrocytes containing haemogregarines averaging 15% and ranging up to a remarkable 64%. Prevalence increased with snake body size, but intensity decreased with age. Unlike lizards studied previously, the snakes did not respond to haemogregarine infection by releasing immature erythrocytes into the circulation. In striking contrast to results from a recent study on a sympatric snake species, we did not find any empirical links between parasite numbers and several measures of host fitness (body condition, growth rate, feeding rate, antipre.
Control Combating Corruption: A Governance Model from Indonesians' Perspective

The purpose of this study is to propose an appropriate governance model to deal with corruption. This study reveals the indicators, from where and how corruption will be resisted. By using data governance and corruption control as well as the corruption perception index from WGI and TII in 2008-2018, this study proposed a quantitative approach to strengthen the results of the inference tests of the effect of good governance on the potential for corruption, confirming and expanding on work carried out with critical informants by Transparency International Indonesia (TII). The study found that, from the perspective of agency theory, the influence of governance on corruption has been proved, both in the context of the world and Indonesia. Good governance will make the trustee (agent) not arbitrarily follow their wishes through corruption to enrich themselves or other parties, but instead follow the mandate given by the principal (community). This study also shows, in the world context, that by adherence to ethical rules being followed by effective government, in stable political conditions, and public voices being heard, corruption can be eradicated. In the context of Indonesia, to suppress criminal acts of corruption, stable political conditions and guarantees for public votes must be done first, then effective government and compliance with regulations can follow.
SPECIES DIFFERENCES IN THE CONCENTRATION OF PURINE DERIVATIVES AND CREATININE IN SPOT URINE SAMPLES

A study was conducted to compare the concentration of purine derivatives (PD) and creatinine in spot urine samples of various species of ruminants and rabbit. Urine samples were collected from 80 adult animals of each species (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, and rabbit) and were analyzed for PD (allantoin, uric acid, hypoxanthine and xanthine) and creatinine. The concentration of allantoin (mg/L) was highest in the urine of cattle (1487.20) compared to other species. However, the level of uric acid (mg/L) was highest in goat urine (215.80). Xanthine and hypoxanthine were not detected in cattle, buffalo and rabbit urine. Sheep and goat had similar levels of PD in spot urine except for uric acid. The level of creatinine (mg/L) in the urine of rabbit (353.68) was lower compared to ruminants (588.12 to 685.60). The concentrations of allantoin and total PD when expressed as molar proportions of creatinine the values were highest in cattle and goat; and were lowest in buffalo urine. The study revealed that allantoin is the principal PD in spot urine samples of all the species studied while xanthine and hypoxanthine were absent in the urine of cattle, buffalo and rabbit.
Blood Biochemistry of the Oyster Toadfish

Abstract Blood biochemistry parameters were examined in the oyster toadfish Opsanus tau from the late spring through early fall for two consecutive seasons to establish baseline values and evaluate whether any of the parameters could be used as predictors of disease and mortality in this important experimental organism. The blood plasma was analyzed for alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, creatine, bilirubin, total protein, and glucose. Elevated levels of BUN (28.5 ± 4.1 mg/ dL) and depressed levels of cholesterol (83.0 ± 6.3 mg/ dL) were strongly correlated with disease and subsequent death in the oyster toadfish population and thus may serve as useful indices by which to exclude fish from experimental studies.
Mechanisms regulating drug and pesticide residue uptake by egg yolks: development of predictive models

Drug and pesticide residues in edible poultry tissues and eggs are a human food safety concern. Quantifying and predicting the concentrations of residues in eggs is a particular challenge because of the unique aspects of egg development and compartmentalisation of the yolk and white. For a number of years, research efforts have been directed at examining residue incorporation into eggs and developing models to predict residue incursion. This paper will review the physiology of egg yolk formation as it relates to residue incursion, the models developed to understand and quantify residue patterns, and the use of magnetic resonance imaging to detect residue incorporation into eggs.
Simulated water and heat cycles of the Baltic Sea using a 3D coupled atmosphere-ice - ocean model

The heat and water cycles of the Baltic Sea are calculated utilizing multi-year model simulations. This is one of the major objectives of the BALTEX program. For the period 1988-1993, results of a 3D ice-ocean model forced with observed atmospheric surface fields are compared with results of a fully coupled atmosphere-ice-ocean model using re-analysis data at the lateral boundaries. The state-of-the-art coupled model system has been developed for climate study purposes in the Nordic countries. The model domain of the atmosphere model covers Scandinavia, Europe and parts of the North Atlantic whereas the ocean model is limited to the Baltic Sea. The annual and monthly mean heat budgets for the Baltic Sea are calculated from the dominating surface fluxes, i.e. sensible heat, latent heat, net longwave radiation and solar radiation to the open water or to the sea ice. The main part of the freshwater inflow to the Baltic is the river runoff. A smaller part of about 11 % is added from net precipitation. The heat and water cycles are compared with the results of a long-term simulation (1980-1993) using the stand-alone Baltic Sea model forced with observed atmospheric surface fields. In general, both approaches, using the uncoupled or coupled Baltic Sea model, give realistic estimates of the heat and water cycles and are in good agreement with results of other studies. However, in the coupled model the parameterizations of the latent heat flux and the incoming longwave radiation need to be improved.
Insights Into the Effect of TiN Thickness Scaling on DC and AC NBTI Characteristics in Replacement Metal Gate pMOSFETs

Fast characterization methods are utilized to investigate DC and AC negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) characteristics in pMOSFETs with different TiN capping layer thicknesses (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${t} _{\mathrm{ TiN}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>). The impacts of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${t} _{\mathrm{ TiN}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> scaling on the threshold voltage shift (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\Delta }\text{V}_{\mathrm{ T}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>), pre-existing hole traps (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\Delta }\text{V}_{\mathrm{ HT}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>), generated traps (GTs), and their relative contributions are studied. The time exponents of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\Delta }\text{V}_{\mathrm{ T}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and GTs, and the impacts of stress voltage, temperature, frequency, and duty cycle on the NBTI degradation are analyzed. DC and AC NBTI degradations increase with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${t} _{T}{}_{iN}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. When <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${t} _{\mathrm{ TiN}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is scaled down from 3 nm to 1 nm, the maximum operation field is improved by 60%, which originates from the reduction in both <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\Delta }\text{V}_{\mathrm{ HT}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and GTs. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrate that bulk trap generation is an <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${f}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-dependent process and that its relative contribution to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\Delta }\text{V}_{\mathrm{ T}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> increases with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${t} _{\mathrm{ TiN}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, which is an important factor for the improvement of NBTI through <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${t} _{\mathrm{ TiN}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> scaling.
NMR techniques coupled with multivariate statistical analysis: tools to analyse Oryza sativa metabolic content under stress conditions.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important crops in the world and its growth is influenced by several environmental stresses, such as drought and high salinity. In our study, we first investigated the metabolic profile in shoots and roots of two rice cultivars (Arborio and Nipponbare) through 1 H-high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR MAS) and liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Drought and salt stress experiments on shoot and root growth showed Arborio seedlings to be more sensitive than those of Nipponbare to these abiotic stresses. Moreover, the metabolic content of the same samples was analysed by liquid-state NMR coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. Principal component analysis highlighted a significant accumulation of amino acids and sugars in shoots and roots under stress conditions and the existence of clear differences between the two analysed rice cultivars. In particular, Arborio seedlings accumulated a higher concentration of amino acids and sugars than Nipponbare seedlings. Furthermore, we also obtained preliminary data about metabolic changes in rice following infection with the fungus Magnaporthe grisea. This study proves that NMR technique coupled with multivariate statistical analysis is a powerful tool to assess a possible correlation between differences in metabolic profile and in tolerance/ sensitivity phenotype in rice cultivars.
Allocation and morphological responses to resource manipulations are unlikely to mitigate shade intolerance in Houstonia montana, a rare southern Appalachian herb

High light requirements limit the distribution of several rare plant species endemic to the southern Appalachian region. We studied the influence of light and nitrogen availability on carbon allocation and morphology in one of these species, Houstonia montana Small. Insights into growth and nutrition of H. montana are needed for predicting how it will respond to ongoing changes in its environment associated with atmospheric nitrogen deposition and resulting from succession and (or) management of grassy-bald habitats in which it occurs. We hypothesized that low light constrains belowground allocation, and that elevated N availability reduces limitations to aboveground growth at low light. We tested growth and mycorrhizal colonization of H. montana in response to interactions of light and N availability in a greenhouse experiment. Shade reduced plant biomass, root:shoot ratios, and mycorrhizal colonization, and increased specific leaf area (area/mass). Elevated N reduced root:shoot ratios and mycorrhizal co.
Downregulating sphingosine kinase-1 for cancer therapy

Background: The sphingolipids ceramide and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are key regulators of cell death and proliferation. The subtle balance between their intracellular levels is governed mainly by sphingosine kinase-1, which produces the pro-survival S1P. Sphingosine kinase-1 is an oncogene; is overexpressed in many tumors; protects cancer cells from apoptosis in vitro and in vivo; and its activity is decreased by anticancer therapies. Hence, sphingosine kinase-1 appears to be a target of interest for therapeutic manipulation. Objective: This review considers recent developments regarding the involvement of sphingosine kinase-1 as a therapeutic target for cancer, and describes the pharmacological tools currently available. Results/conclusion: The studies described provide strong evidence that strategies to kill cancer cells via sphingosine kinase-1 inhibition are valid and could have a favorable therapeutic index.
Sublethal injury makes Gram‐negative and resistant Gram‐positive bacteria sensitive to the bacteriocins, pediocin AcH and nisin

Gram‐negative and some Gram‐positive bacteria that are resistant to bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were subjected to sublethal stresses and treated with nisin and pediocin AcH. Both bacteriocins reduced the viability of cells surviving sublethal stresses. The results explain the possible mechanisms by which bacteriocins of LAB enter through the walls (or outer membranes) to destabilize the cytoplasmic (or inner) membranes and kill cells of sensitive Gram‐positive and resistant, but injured, Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria.
Effects of ultraviolet radiation, simulated or as natural sunlight, on conidium germination and appressorium formation by fungi with potential as mycoherbistats

Abstract Solar radiation, particularly its UV wavelengths, greatly influences conidium survival and this study looked at the impact of radiation and its interactions with temperature on Plectosporium alismatis and Colletotrichum orbiculare, two fungi that are potential mycoherbistats. UV radiation, rather than temperature, was found to be the primary cause of conidium mortality; however, there were interactions between these factors leading to the enhancement of the lethal effects of UVB on conidium germination at high temperatures. C. orbiculare was more sensitive than P. alismatis with conidium germination being halved by UVB doses of 1.47 and 13.1 kJ m−2, respectively, for the two pathogens. Conidium mortality was dose-dependent and for P. alismatis exposed to a dose of 3.7 kJ m−2 reciprocity was observed. However, for C. orbiculare equivalent doses were not reciprocal as higher doses for short periods were more lethal than lower doses of longer duration. Low UVB doses only caused delays in conidium germination, whereas higher doses killed conidia and caused delays in the germination of any survivors. Radiation also affected appressorium formation. Appressorium formation was stimulated by UVA and was dose dependent with P. alismatis requiring a higher dose than C. orbiculare to initiate formation. Microcycle conidiation by P. alismatis was observed following exposure to sunlight. This knowledge of how conidia of these potential mycoherbistats react to climate suggests that rapid conidium germination and appressorium formation could be achieved by manipulation of the time at which they are applied in the field. Conidia could be applied so that they receive sufficient UVA to stimulate appressorium formation but without receiving a dose that would significantly affect conidium germination. However, for this, additional protection from UVB may be needed.