Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improvement of okra seed germination by drying within the fruit during development and after-ripening treatment

Okra is a vegetable crop cultivated in West Africa, India, southeast Asia, southern United States, Brazil, Turkey and Northern Australia (Düzyaman, 1997). Slow and erratic germination is a common physiological phenomenon in okra which mainly results from its hard seed coat (Egley & Elmore, 1987). Afterripening treatments at high temperature and moisture combinations have been found to be effective in improving germination rate and capacity of pepper (Edwards & Sundstrom, 1987), rice (Leopold et al., 1988), and okra seeds (Demir, 2001). Okra seeds are subjected to maturation drying, and seed moisture declines to below 10% in the mother plant in the final maturation stages (46 days after anthesis and onwards). This exacerbates the percentage of seeds with impenetrable seed coat. Demir (1997) reported that harvesting seeds at earlier stages of development, when seed moisture is still high (28 / 40%) and drying seeds within the pod (slow drying) might eradicate the occurrence of hard seed coat and stimulate germination. If the combination of slow drying and after-ripening improves germination in seeds harvested at earlier stages of development (before seeds are dry and hardness has developed), then it may be possible to improve the germination of okra seed simply by modifying the traditional time of harvest, and introducing new drying procedures. This could also have practical implications in the production of okra seed. The objective of this work was to determine the combined effects of drying within the pod and after-ripening treatment of 408C with 75% relative humidity, which was obtained by keeping seeds over saturated NaCl solution, on okra seed germination during development.
Environmental and Evolutionary Preconditions for the Origin and Diversification of the C4 Photosynthetic Syndrome

: C4 photosynthesis is an evolutionary solution to high rates of photorespiration and low kinetic efficiency of Rubisco in CO2-depleted atmospheres of recent geologic time. About 7500 plant species are C4, in contrast to 30 000 CAM and 250 000 C3 species. All C4 plants occur in approximately 90 genera from 18 angiosperm families. In all of these families, the C4 pathway evolved independently. In many, multiple independent origins have occurred, such that over 30 distinct evolutionary origins of the C4 pathway are recognized. Fossil and carbon isotope evidence show that the C4 syndrome is at least 12 to 15 million years old, although estimates based on molecular sequence comparisons indicate it is over 20 million years old. The evolutionary radiation of herbaceous angiosperms may have been required for C4 plant evolution. All C4 species occur in advanced angiosperm families that appeared in the fossil record in the past 70 million years. Most of these families diversified in terms of genera and species numbers between 20 to 40 million years ago, during a period of global cooling, atmospheric CO2 reduction and aridification. During the period of diversification, numerous traits arose in the C3 flora that enhanced their performance in arid environments and atmospheres of reduced CO2. Some of these traits may have predisposed certain taxa to develop the C4 pathway once atmospheric CO2 levels declined to a point where the ability to concentrate CO2 had a selective advantage. Leading traits in C3 plants that may have facilitated the initial transition to C4 photosynthesis include close vein spacing and an enlargement of the bundle sheath cell layer to form a Kranz-like anatomy. Ecological factors not directly connected with photosynthesis probably also played a role. For example, extensive ecological disturbance may have been needed to convert C3-dominated woodlands into open, high-light habitats where herbaceous C4 plants could succeed. Disturbances in the form of fire, and browsing by large mammals, increase during the time of C4 plant evolution and diversification. Fire increased because of the drying climate, while browsing increased with the evolutionary diversification of the mammalian megafauna in the Oligocene and Miocene epochs. In summary, the origin of C4 plants is hypothesized to have resulted from a novel combination of environmental and phylogenetic developments that, for the first time, established the preconditions required for C4 plant evolution.
X-RAY IRRADIATION AFFECTS MORPHOLOGY, PROLIFERATION AND MIGRATION RATE OF HEALTHY AND CANCER CELLS

Cytoskeleton plays a central role in many cellular processes, such as migration, adhesion and proliferation. Alterations of its structural properties are commonly associated with different diseases (malignancy, cardiac hypertrophy, etc.). In this work, we studied the effects of X-radiations on cytoskeleton architecture of two cell lines: BALBc/3T3 and Simian virus 40-transformed BALBc/3T3 (SVT2) cells. In agreement with the current literature, we observed reduced adhesion and increased motility of SVT2 cells respect to non-transformed BALBc/3T3. In addition, we showed that two different doses of X-rays (1 and 2 Gy) increased cell-dish adhesiveness and reduced cell proliferation and cell motility of transformed cells, whereas minor effects were measured on the normal counterpart. These results suggested that low doses or fractioning of X-rays may have a normalization effect on the investigated parameters for the transformed cell phenotype.
Nutritional composition of new Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars

Six peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars (Col-24-Gro, Col-61-Gto, VA-81-B, Ranferi Diaz, NC-2 and Florunner) were studied for agricultural yield, chemical composition (protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber and ash), amino acid profile, digestibility, fatty acid profile, tocopherol and sterol contents. Results indicated that Ranferi Diaz and Col-61-Gto presented the highest yield (6.3 Ton/ha). Protein content was from 23.5 to 26.6% and fat content ranged from 49.8-53.4%. Mean digestibility was 86%. Lysine and threonine levels in all cultivars were sufficient to meet human requirements. Total saturated fatty acids ranged from 15-18%. The oleic/linoleic ratio was estimated 1.3-1.4. Tocopherol levels varied from 390 to 706 ppm. The highest tocopherol levels corresponded to the cultivars with the lowest yield. The alpha tocopherol content was estimated at 90-150 ppm, while gamma tocopherol was 270-570 ppm.The main sterol present was βsitosterol (approx. 65%). Ranferi Diaz variety presented the highest agronomic yield and the highest protein content but low oleic acid, low sterols and low total tocopherols. The differences among cultivars suggest differences in their applications.
Comparative Studies between Different Types of Live Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) Vaccine Strains in Egypt

This study was carried out to test the efficacy of different live infectious bursal disease (IBD) vaccines (intermediate; classical or intermediate plus) for controlling IBD or as it is more commonly known in Egypt as gumboro disease problems in the Egyptian poultry field. The efficacy of different living attenuated commercial vaccines were applied in ten groups of (20) Specific Pathogen Free chicks (SPF) for monitoring the immunosuppression effect. The immune response were determined in nine groups of (75) two weeks old SPF chicks “for each group” in vitro by measuring Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) and Serum Neutralization Test (SNT) titer post vaccination with estimation of bursal /body weight ratio and histopathological examination of bursa of fabricious; then in vivo by challenging birds with 10 3.5 EID50 / dose challenge IBD virus strains (variant; classical and very virulent strains). Results revealed that; protection percentages were ranged between 90%-100% in birds vaccinated with intermediate or intermediate plus IBD vaccine and between 90%-95% in birds vaccinated with invasive intermediate Bursa B2K. While birds vaccinated with classical D78 gave protection 95%-100% with highest antibody ELISA mean titer and SNT were “11344 and 1024”; respectively. This confirms that under field condition, poultry industry can be protect from gumboro disease if using commercial IBD vaccine
Inhibition of DNA synthesis in adrenocortical cells by cytochalasin B

ACTH inhibits DNA synthesis in normal rat and mouse tumor Y-1 adrenocortical cells within the same concentration range that it stimulates steroidogenesis. These processes can be independently regulated as demonstrated by the divergent actions of cytochalasin B on these cells. In the normal cells, cytochalasin B does not increase steroidogenesis in serum-free or serum-containing media, and it decreases the stimulation produced by ACTH. In the absence of serum, the Y-1 cells respond in a similar way. However, in serum-containing media, cytochalasin B increases steroidogenesis in these cells and does not inhibit the response to ACTH. In both cell types, cytochalasin B inhibits [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA by a mechanism different than that of ACTH. In the Y-1 cells, this inhibition is caused by a decreased uptake of [3H]thymidine into the cell, which probably reflects a decreased transport across the cell membrane. In the normal cells, cytochalasin B, like ACTH, does not affect [3H]thymidine transport, but it decreases DNA synthesis much more rapidly than does ACTH. This inhibition may be the result of the disruption of microfilaments by cytochalasinB, because our evidence indicates that it is not caused by a decrease in glucose uptake by the cells.
Timing and distance of dispesal by flight of adult yellow tea thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

In 2001 and 2002, dispersal by the flight of adult yellow tea thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood was studied using yellow sticky traps placed in tea groves and in an adjacent lawn, i.e., an open space. At the peak of the population density for each generation of S. dorsalis adults inhabiting the tea groves, the number of adults captured in each trap reached its peak. The number of S. dorsalis adults captured using the traps decreased with the increase in distance from the tea groves for each generation. These results suggest that S. dorsalis adults actively make shorts flights when their population density increases at their reproduction sites. The sex ratio (number of females/total number of males and females) of the adults captured by the traps was significantly biased toward females as compared to those inhabiting the tea groves.
Effects of Antidepressants on γ-Aminobutyric Acid- and N-Methyl-D-Aspartate-Induced Intracellular Ca2+ Concentration Increases in Primary Cultured Rat Cortical Neurons

We investigated the effects of antidepressants on the intracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup> concentration ([Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub>) increases induced by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) in primary cultured rat cortical neurons using fluorescence imaging. Acute treatment with imipramine inhibited GABA- and NMDA-induced increases in [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> in a concentration-dependent manner. Doses of 30 μM clomipramine, desipramine, amoxapine and maprotiline also inhibited both the GABA- and NMDA-induced [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> increases significantly. Both inhibitory effects of the five major antidepressants on the GABA- or the NMDA-induced [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> increases were well-correlated. Imipramine could inhibit significantly high-K<sup>+</sup>-induced [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> increases. Our previous study has already shown that the GABA-induced [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> increase involves a similar pathway to high-K<sup>+</sup>-induced Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx. In conclusion, imipramine and several other antidepressants have acute inhibitory effects on the GABA-, NMDA- and high-K<sup>+</sup>-induced [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> increases, suggesting that these inhibitory effects are not related to specific receptors. One possibility is that these effects may be commonly mediated via part of the high-K<sup>+</sup>-induced [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> pathway.
Using calls to estimate the abundance of inshore dolphins: a case study with Pacific humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis

* 1. Assessing the number of animals in a population is a fundamental requirement for effective wildlife management. Determining this information for cetaceans can be logistically difficult, and the abundance of inshore cetaceans along most of the world's coastline is unknown. * 2. In this study we illustrate the potential of using sound as a tool for estimating the abundance of inshore cetaceans, using Pacific humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis . * 3. Acoustic recordings of humpback dolphins were made in conjunction with visual observations of school size from a land-based platform on Stradbroke Island, Australia. * 4. The mean number of calls recorded per 3-min sample period was regressed against the number of dolphins observed using schools for which more than three sample periods were recorded. The relationship estimated number of dolphins = 2·39 × the mean number of calls per 3-min sample was used to estimate the number of dolphins in schools for which fewer than four samples were recorded. Comparing these results against known group sizes indicated that this estimation technique is acceptable. * 5. Recordings could be made using remotely deployed hydrophone units or submerged autonomous units to provide information on the occurrence and group size of inshore delphinids within an area. * 6. Inexperienced personnel could deploy and retrieve recording units. Analysis would require training to recognize sound types from different species, or computer-based sound recognition programs. * 7. We conclude that simple techniques using phonations can provide estimates of relative abundance for one species of inshore cetacean. The technique is acceptable for groups of fewer than nine individuals and should be developed to assess its usefulness for studying other species.
Nitrogen delivery to maize via mycorrhizal hyphae depends on the form of N supplied

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can enhance nutrient acquisition by a plant via their extraradical hyphae. This is particularly true for phosphorus, but the case for nitrogen (N) has been less clear. In our growth systems there was a small air-gap between root and hyphal compartments, which eliminated diffusion of nutrients between compartments. Moreover, our methods allowed us to distinguish between nitrate and ammonium. We found that N transfer to Zea maize L. depends on the sources fed to the hyphae of Glomus aggregatum Schenck & Smith. In experiment 1, despite the fact that plant demand for N was already met, plants received 10 times as much 15N from ammonium than from nitrate. In experiment 2, 74% of shoot-N was derived from the slow-release urea added to the hyphal compartment while only 2.9% was derived from the nitrate-N. Intraradical hyphae isolated from roots contained a considerable amount of 15N in the cell wall even when 15N-nitrate was the source. We conclude that the mycorrhizal fungus can rapidly deliver ammonium-N to the plants, and that while the fungus can absorb nitrate, it apparently lacks the capacity to transfer it to the plant.
Ultraviolet‐B Irradiation and Matrix Metalloproteinases

Abstract: Effects of sunlight have fascinated researchers for decades because nearly every living thing on earth is likely to be exposed to sunlight and the ultraviolet (UV) fraction of it. In addition to detrimental long‐term effects such as immunosuppression and skin cancer, premature aging of the skin (photoaging) is a well‐documented consequence of exposure to UVA and UVB. Photoaged skin is biochemically characterized by an overgrowth of abnormal elastic fibers in the dermis and by a dramatic decrease of distinct collagen types. Ultraviolet irradiation induces delayed UV‐responsive genes, among them matrix metalloproteinases, which degrade macromolecules of the extracellular matrix, a hallmark in carcinogenesis and aging. We are interested in UVB‐triggered initial events and in subsequent signaling resulting in enhanced expression of two major members of the matrix metalloproteinase family, the interstitial collagenase (MMP‐1) and stromelysin‐1 (MMP‐3), in human dermal fibroblasts. Especially, these skin cells play a central role in connective tissue breakdown in photoaging and as stromal cells in tumor invasion and metastasis by means of their capability to produce matrix metalloproteinases. In this review, we will focus on UVB‐triggered induction of matrix metalloproteinases, the so far identified components of the UVB‐modulated signal transduction pathway(s), and the UVB irradiation‐associated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Finally, a potentially novel aspect in UVB irradiation‐mediated expression of interstitial collagenase and stromelysin‐1—namely, the involvement of reactive nitrogen species (RNS)—is discussed.
Synthesis, characterization, and antifungal activity of nystatin—gum arabic conjugates

Nystatin, a polyene tetraene antibiotic widely used in the treatment of mycoses, was coupled with oxidized polysaccharide gum Arabic, by forming Schiff base structures between amine groups of antibiotics and aldehyde groups of modified carbohydrate. Imine conjugates synthesized in this way were reduced with sodium borohydride to secondary amines. Two imine and two amine conjugates were obtained with different nystatin content. The conjugates were characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, 1 H NMR spec- troscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Solubility in water, unlike nystatin, and significant activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger with minimum inhibitory concentrations in range of 3.125-6.25 l gm L � 1 and 6.25-25 l gm L � 1 , respectively, indicate that the chemical integrity and the biological function of these compounds were retained. A comparison of stability of the conjugates in the dry form, solution and under different pH values showed that the conjugates exhibited better stability than pure drug. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 127: 4736-4743, 2013
The reproduction and metamorphosis of the common eel (Anguilla vulgaris)

Four years of continual researches made by me in collaboration with my pupil, Dr. Calandruccio, have been crowned at last by a success beyond my expectations, that is to say, have enabled me to dispel in the most important points the great mystery which has hitherto surrounded the reproduction and the development of the Common Eel (Anguilla vulgaris). When I reflect that this mystery has occupied the attention of naturalists since the days of Aristotle, it seems to me that a short extract of my work is perhaps not unworthy to be presented to the Royal Society of London, leaving aside, however, for the present, the morphological part of my results.
Temperature effects on Pima cotton leaf growth

Temperature is a primary environmental factor affecting cotton growth. Information on temperature effects on Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) growth is limited. The objective of this paper is to provide quantitative estimates of temperature effects on leaf emergence rates, the duration of leaf expansion, and rate of expansion. Pima cotton plants were grown from seed in naturally lit controlled environments with unlimited water and nutrients under five day/night temperature regimes ranging from 20/12 to 40/32°C. Weighted average daily temperature was calculated from 900-s average temperatures. Carbon dioxide was maintained at 350 μL L −1 during the daylight hours. Leaf area expansion and biomass accumulation were monitored from emergence to 64 d after emergence [. ]
Rapid emergence of hybrids between the two subspecies of Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi with a high level of pathogenic fitness

During the 1970s Europe was invaded by two subspecies of the Dutch elm disease pathogen Ophiostoma novo-ulmi: subsp. americana from the west and subsp. novo-ulmi from the east. As a result their geographic ranges began to overlap in several areas. Only a weak prezygotic barrier to hybridization exists between the subspecies and in 1980 two hybrids were detected in the Netherlands. A subset of 107 O. novo-ulmi isolates collected in a subspecies overlap zone in Limburg, Netherlands in 1983 was characterized for three phenotypic markers and seven RAPD PCR markers. By phenotype, 33% were shown to be hybrid whereas by RAPD markers 69% were shown to be hybrid. Some isolates shown to be hybrid by phenotype were not revealed to be hybrid by PCR and vice versa. Combining the phenotype and RAPD data the estimated hybrid frequency was ∼78%. The mean growth rate of Limburg hybrid isolates was significantly faster than that of the Limburg subsp. novo-ulmi isolates but not significantly different from Limburg subsp. americana isolates. The Limburg hybrid isolates were just as pathogenic as the parent subspecies on both clonal Ulmus procera and on U. × Commelin. A subset of 100 isolates collected in another subspecies overlap zone at Orvieto, Italy in 1986 was also assessed with RAPD markers and ∼72% were shown to be hybrids. When 20 isolates of a ‘pure’ subsp. novo-ulmi population in the Baltic Ports area of Poland collected in 1980 were assessed by RAPD markers three isolates exhibited early introgression of subsp. americana DNA. This study therefore demonstrates very rapid emergence of O. novo-ulmi subspecies hybrids and introgressants in Europe in the early 1980s. In terms of two major fitness characters, growth rate and pathogenicity, these early hybrids were as fit as their parent subspecies. It is likely that complex hybrid swarms are now expanding across the continent.
Estabelecimento de colonia, em laboratório, de Lutzomyia intermedia Lutz & Neiva, 1912 (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae)

A laboratory colony of the sandfly Lutzomyia intermedia was established (at present in its seventh generation) in order to provide specimens for experimental infection and for experimental xenodiagnosis of natural infections due to cutaneous leishmanias in Rio de Janeiro. Date are presented on the methodology and on the yield and duration of each stage of development, during the first four generations.
SEED AND SOIL TREATMENT WITH SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDES TO PREVENT APHID COLONIZATION OF EMERGING BEET SEEDLINGS

Dimefox at 2 lb. or diethyl ethylthiomethyl dithiophosphate (Thimet) at 1 lb. applied at drilling in 100 gal. water along the drills, or seed treated at rates giving 6–8 oz. Thimet or 8–24 oz. diethyl ethylthioethyl dithiophosphate (Disyston) per acre†, made sugar beet seedlings toxic to aphids up to 30 days after sowing four root crops in April-May, and up to 30–40 days after sowing five steckling crops in autumn. Malathion, demeton, demeton methyl, bis (dimethylamino) azido phosphine oxide (N.C.7) and schradan were less effective. The infestation of green aphids was decreased by the treatments during what is often a critical period for virus infection in summer-sown stecklings and occasionally in spring-sown root crops. Germination was 73–100% of the control after soil treatments, 91–98% after Disyston seed treatments and 62–84% after Thimet seed treatments. The treatments slightly decreased Aphis fabae injury to steckling seedlings in 1955 and the number of plants with yellows in a steckling experiment in 1956.
Distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in some Nigerian species of Aneilema R. Br. (Commelinaceae)

Abstract The distribution pattern of calcium oxalate crystals in the leaf, stem, and root of four Nigerian species of Aneilema was investigated and reported for the first time. The histochemically localised crystals of calcium oxalate varied in shape and region of localisation depending on the vegetative part of these Aneilema species. In the leaf of these taxa, crystals were found in the basal cells of trichomes (A aequinoctiale, A. beniniense and A. umbrosum) and in the mesophyll region of the lamina. Variations in shape were apparent in the stem: rhomboidal (A. aequinoctiale and A. beniniense) and irregular (A. paludosum and A. umbrosum). The diversity in localisation and shape of calcium oxalate crystals among these investigated species of Aneilema is discussed in relation to their biological significance.