Dormant Condition Research Articles

Effect of Photoperiod on Annual Growth Cycle of Two forest Tree Species at Seedling Stage

The seedlings of Pterygota alata and Manilkara bojeriwere exposed daily to normal day length (ND), short day (SD) and long day (LD) conditions. Relative rates of extension growth were calculated under each treatment.Under ND conditions, Pterygota plants assumed dormant condition from November to March with major part of season's growth occurring in August-September. Manilkara plants under similar conditions, continued to grow though the growth rates declined progressively and were of lower order during December-January.Under LD treatment, Pterygota plants became dormant one month later and resumed growth about two months earlier than ND plants; SD conditions, however, brought about dormant growth at the same time as ND treatment but the growth was resumed as under LD plants i.e. about two months earlier than ND. Manilkara plants were induced to dormant condition both under SD and LD treatments and the period corresponded exactly with small growth rates under ND conditions.It is concluded that these two species are by and large indifferent to LD and SD conditions and that the annual growth-cycle in nature is more under the changing influence of total sum of weather conditions rather than entirely on day lengths.

Thermal analysis of sustainable and micro-filler Basalt reinforced polymer biocomposites for lightweight applications

For the past ten years, there has been a trend toward strengthening polymer composites with the help of natural fibers derived from plant and animal sources, which has led to ecological imbalance. Hence, to maintain the ecological balancing factors, the researchers and industrial experts are concentrating on the reinforcement of naturally available mineral materials in polymer products to minimize the polymer percentage and boost the economic feasibility of products with lightweight properties. In fact, incorporating basalt mineral into different polymer matrices is a highly creative notion that might open up some very interesting, uncharted territory. Basalt helps to create a pollution-free environment and balance ecological challenges by reducing the polymer ratio in the objects without many changes in their core properties. Basalt is desirable because of its outstanding thermal and mechanical characteristics, simplicity of processing, affordability, and lack of toxicity. Concerning these points, the current study aims to fabricate mineral particles (basalt)-reinforced (30 wt%) different polymers (synthetic epoxy, bio-epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and high-density polyethylene) composite for lightweight thermal applications. The casting technique was used for the fabrication of thermoset polymer composites, whereas compression molding was employed to fabricate thermoplastic composites after an internal mixing process. The fabricated composites are subjected to thermogravimetric, thermomechanical, and dynamic mechanical analysis to analyze the thermal stability of the resultant composites. The Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that most of the samples exhibited good thermal stability with the addition of 30 wt% basalt fillers. As a result of moisture content as well as certain volatile compounds, if any, only a minimal weight loss in the range of 30 °C to 130 °C was seen at the early phase of heating for all neat and composite samples. The Thermomechanical analysis findings showed that basalt reinforcement at 30 wt% in synthetic epoxy, Polylactic acid, Polypropylene, and High Density Poly Ethylene polymers causes a reduction in dimensional variations up to 70 °C. This is because the basalt particles, particularly in the hard glassy area, limit the passage of molecules at lower temperatures. The higher stiffness of the basalt particles has significantly contributed to the viscoelastic properties of all the thermoset and thermoplastic composites. Because of the extreme closeness and thick packing of the components, which are in a dormant condition, the glassy areas in particular have a greater storage modulus. Based on these outcomes, these basalt-reinforced composites can be employed for lightweight thermal applications, which have the advantage of economic and eco-friendly features.

System of Biological Approaches to Interpret Seed Dormancy and Germination

Seed dormancy prevents an intact, viable seed from successfully germinating under ideal circumstances. In order for germination to occur when conditions are likely to be favourable for forming a new plant generation, this barrier to germination has developed differently among species through adaptation to the local environment. Although there is still a gap between biochemistry and morphogenesis, it is being bridged in many places slowly and methodically. This study attempts to evaluate the improvements made at a particular bridge, seed dormancy. One element of the phenomena of growth cessation is seed dormancy, which has as its central challenge the challenge of maintaining a growth potential without compromising biological integrity. It can be divided into primary and secondary dormancy. Due to endogenous causes and/or environmental conditions experienced by the mother plant, primary dormancy is developed during seed development. Non-dormant seeds can also enter a state of secondary dormancy, which is a form of dormancy that happens when germination conditions are unfavourable. This review will help in briefing the difference between dormant condition and quiescent condition of seed. Quiescence can be considered as a short period of dormancy. But, unlike dormancy, quiescence is reversible upon the return of suitable conditions. Numerous physical and physiological techniques, like as scarification and stratification, can be used to break the dormant state of seeds. Various dormancy breaking methods applied in several crop has been noted in this study. Roles of several plant hormones including Gibberellin (GA) and Abscisic acids (ABA) are regarded as the two main hormones that regulate seed development and germination in an antagonistic manner. This study focuses in particular on the molecular basis of ABA regulation of seed maturation, which includes regulation of dormancy. Various dormancy breaking methods applied in several crop mentioned in this review could also help researcher to further study the dormancy pattern and breaking of it on that particular crop.

The Role of IL-12 in the Aetiology of SLE and its Connection to HBV Infection in Iraqi Patients

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a significant social and public health issue because the medications used to treat it can only manage the symptoms and halt the progression of the disease, not totally cure it. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between the blood level of IL-12 and SLE, as well as its consequences, such as lupus nephritis (LN), and its active or dormant condition, in Iraqi patients.Method: The study enrolled 90 SLE patients from AL-Sadar teaching hospital, with 66(73.3%) developing lupus nephritis (LN) and 24(26.7%) without LN. Additionally, there were 60 (90.9%) and 6 (9.1) active patients. Only 48 of 90 individuals tested positive for HBsAg, whereas 42(46.6%) tested positive for HBV. Each participant donated 5 ml of blood for anti-dsDNA and IL-12 testing.Results: In SLE patients with LN, IL-12 serum levels were considerably higher than in those without LN(p = 0.05). Different levels of IL-12 were found in the LN groups. Serum IL-12 concentrations were considerably lower in patients with HBV-associated SLE (3.41±0.85 pg/ml), non-HBV-associated SLE (2.05±0.66 pg/ml), and healthy controls (0.53±0.28 pg/ml). WBC count, ESR, anti-ds antibody, and ANA levels were all elevated in lupus patients and in the active groups.Conclusion: Our research established that SLE patients have elevated IL-12 levels. IL-12 levels were significantly greater in SLE with LN as compared to SLE without LN, and they differed significantly between lupus nephritis classes II, IV, and V. Finally, significant differences in IL-12 levels were seen between HBV and non-HBV SLE patients.

Processing power sharing using a gadget 'Power Save' for downloading scientific research projects

In today's era users had become more uphill and expect to run compute-intensive apps in their smartphone devices. Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC) thus combines mobile computing and Cloud Computing (CC) in order to use offloading techniques to expand mobile computer capabilities. Computer offloading solves Smart Mobile Devices (SMD) limitations such as limited computing power, limited battery life and limited storage space by distributing output and workload to other rich systems with enhanced efficiency and resources. For data modelling and analysis, scientific research also needs a large amount of computing power. This paper explains about the donation of processing power from unused smartphone computing power to the mobiles that need to download projects of medicine, astronomy, geology and physics through mobile web services. This is accomplished by developing a cellular gadget called 'Power Save' that download and coordinate the projects to be downloaded during the dormant condition of the mobile. Once the project is downloaded, the status of project server is changed and a new task is assigned. This gadget-based processing power sharing would be assistive in saving mobile's battery life and performance level of CPU. The proposed gadget is compared against certain existing applications such as HTC power to give BOINC.

A comprehensive anatomical map of the peripheral octopaminergic/tyraminergic system of Drosophila melanogaster

The modulation of an animal’s behavior through external sensory stimuli, previous experience and its internal state is crucial to survive in a constantly changing environment. In most insects, octopamine (OA) and its precursor tyramine (TA) modulate a variety of physiological processes and behaviors by shifting the organism from a relaxed or dormant condition to a responsive, excited and alerted state. Even though OA/TA neurons of the central brain are described on single cell level in Drosophila melanogaster, the periphery was largely omitted from anatomical studies. Given that OA/TA is involved in behaviors like feeding, flying and locomotion, which highly depend on a variety of peripheral organs, it is necessary to study the peripheral connections of these neurons to get a complete picture of the OA/TA circuitry. We here describe the anatomy of this aminergic system in relation to peripheral tissues of the entire fly. OA/TA neurons arborize onto skeletal muscles all over the body and innervate reproductive organs, the heart, the corpora allata, and sensory organs in the antennae, legs, wings and halteres underlining their relevance in modulating complex behaviors.

The Use of Relational Maintenance Behaviors in Sustained Adult Friendships

The purpose of this study was to investigate the enactment of relational maintenance behaviors across three types of adult friendship. Participants (N = 139) completed an online questionnaire in which they were randomly assigned to an active, dormant, or commemorative friendship condition. After reading a description of the friendship type, participants identified one friend who met this description and indicated their use of relational maintenance behaviors with this friend. The results of multivariate analysis of covariance treating age as a covariate indicated that individuals reporting on an active friendship used the understanding, self-disclosure, assurances, and tasks relational maintenance behaviors at a higher rate than individuals reporting on a commemorative friendship.

Quantitative proteomic comparison of stationary/G0 phase cells and tetrads in budding yeast.

Most of the microbial cells on earth under natural conditions exist in a dormant condition, commonly known as quiescent state. Quiescent cells exhibit low rates of transcription and translation suggesting that cellular abundance of proteins may be similar in quiescent cells. Therefore, this study aim to compare the proteome of budding yeast cells from two quiescent states viz. stationary phase/G0 and tetrads. Using iTRAQ (isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation) based quantitative proteomics we identified 289 proteins, among which around 40 proteins exhibited ±1.5 fold change consistently from the four biological replicates. Proteomics data was validated by western blot and denstiometric analysis of Hsp12 and Spg4. Level of budding yeast 14-3-3 proteins was found to be similar in both the quiescent states, whereas Hsp12 and Spg4 expressed only during stress. FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) analysis showed that budding yeast cells were arrested at G1 stages both in tetrads as well as in stationary phase. We also observed that quiescent states did not express Ime1 (inducer of meiosis). Taken together, our present study demonstrates that the cells in quiescent state may have similar proteome, and accumulation of proteins like Hsp12, Hsp26, and Spg4 may play an important role in retaining viability of the cells during dormancy.

Seasonal variations in red pine (Pinus resinosa) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana) foliar physio-chemistry and their potential influence on stand-scale wildland fire behavior

The ‘Spring Dip’ in conifer live foliar moisture content (LFMC) has been well documented but the actual drivers of these variations have not been fully investigated. Here we span this knowledge gap by measuring LFMC, foliar chemistry, foliar density and foliar flammability on new and old foliage for an entire year from both Pinus resinosa (red pine) and Pinus banksiana (jack pine) at a site in Central Wisconsin. We found that needle dry mass increased by up to 70% in just three weeks and these increases were manifested as strong seasonal variations in foliar moisture content and foliar density. These needle dry mass changes were driven by an accumulation of starch in old foliage, likely resulting from springtime photosynthesis onset, and also by accumulations of sugar and crude fat in new needles as they fully matured. Foliar starch, sugar and crude fat content accounted for 84% of the variation in foliar density across both species. Flammability differences were also strongly related to changes in foliar density, where density accounted for 39% and 25% of the variations in foliar time-to-ignition of jack pine and red pine respectively. Finally, we use the computational fluid dynamics-based wildland fire model FIRETEC to examine how these foliar physio-chemical changes may influence wildland fire behavior. Under the lowest canopy density and windspeed, simulated fires in dormant condition stands did not propagate as crown fires while spring dip stands successfully spread as crown fires as a result of the higher potential energy content of the canopy. Simulated wildland fire spread rates increased by as much as 63%, nominal fireline width increased by as much as 89% and active fire area more than doubled relative to dormant season fuel conditions and the most significant changes occurred in areas with low canopy cover and low within-tree bulk density. Our results challenge the assumption that live conifer foliage flammability is limited only by its water content; this study suggests a new theory and an expanded view of the factors that dominate live fuel flammability and that subsequently influence larger scale wildland fire behavior.

Reliability and Mission Profiles of Photovoltaic Systems: A FIDES Approach

Current methods for reliability prediction are based on physics-of-failure approaches. Such is the case of the FIDES methodology that takes into account the times sequences of operation of an electronic assembly. In this paper, the reliability of a dc/dc converter aimed at photovoltaic applications is explored, considering the mission profiles for three different installations sites, at latitudes ranging from N 18.65 to N 32.67. Meteorological data collected in a ten-year time span were available for these sites. The mission profiles were obtained by first dividing the output power provided by a photovoltaic panel into ten levels, and then retrieving the temperature and humidity conditions that concur at each level. The components with the highest contribution to the overall failure rate λ were the diodes, followed by the capacitor at the output. The results indicate that the thermal factor has the largest impact on the failure rate λ, highlighting the importance of efficient heat-management techniques. When the effect of the individual operational phases was assessed, it was also found that those linked to power levels above 70% are responsible of the largest contribution to λ. In the case of the dormant condition, the highest humidity produces the highest failure rate.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis DosR Regulon Gene Rv0079 Encodes a Putative, ‘Dormancy Associated Translation Inhibitor (DATIN)’

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a major human pathogen that has evolved survival mechanisms to persist in an immune-competent host under a dormant condition. The regulation of M. tuberculosis metabolism during latent infection is not clearly known. The dormancy survival regulon (DosR regulon) is chiefly responsible for encoding dormancy related functions of M. tuberculosis. We describe functional characterization of an important gene of DosR regulon, Rv0079, which appears to be involved in the regulation of translation through the interaction of its product with bacterial ribosomal subunits. The protein encoded by Rv0079, possibly, has an inhibitory role with respect to protein synthesis, as revealed by our experiments. We performed computational modelling and docking simulation studies involving the protein encoded by Rv0079 followed by in vitro translation and growth curve analysis experiments, involving recombinant E. coli and Bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG) strains that overexpressed Rv0079. Our observations concerning the interaction of the protein with the ribosomes are supportive of its role in regulation/inhibition of translation. We propose that the protein encoded by locus Rv0079 is a ‘dormancy associated translation inhibitor’ or DATIN.

Innate immune system still works at diapause, a physiological state of dormancy in insects

Diapause is most often observed in insects and is a physiologically dormant state different from other types of dormancy, such as hibernation. It allows insects to survive in harsh environments or extend longevity. In general, larval, pupal, or adult non-diapausing insects possess an innate immune system preventing the invasion of microorganisms into their bodies; however, it is unclear whether this system works under the dormant condition of diapause. We here report the occurrence of innate cellular reactions during diapause using pupae of a giant silkmoth, Samia cynthia pryeri. Scanning electron microscopic analysis demonstrated the presence of two major types of cells in the body fluid isolated from the thoracic region of a pupa. Phagocytosis and encapsulation, characteristics of innate cellular reactions, by these cells were observed when latex beads as foreign targets were microinjected into the internal portion of a pupa. Such behavior by these cells was still observed even when pupae were continuously chilled at 4°C. Our results indicate that innate cellular reactions can work in diapausing insects in a dormant state.

The sprout inhibitors chlorpropham and 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene elicit different transcriptional profiles and do not suppress growth through a prolongation of the dormant state

Chlorpropham (CIPC) and 1,4-dimethylnapthalene (DMN) are used to control postharvest sprouting of potato tubers. CIPC alters microtubule structure and function resulting in inhibition of cell division. The mechanism of action of DMN is unknown but, because it is a natural product found in potato tubers, there is speculation that it inhibits sprout growth by prolonging the dormant state. To address this issue, the effects of CIPC and DMN on abscisic acid (ABA) content and gene expression in potato tuber meristems were determined and compared to those found in dormant and non-dormant meristems. Dormancy progression was accompanied by a dramatic decline in ABA content and the ABA levels in meristems isolated from CIPC- and DMN- treated tubers were identical to the levels found in nondormant meristems demonstrating that sprout repression is not a function of elevated ABA. Evaluation of transcriptional profiles using cDNA microarrays demonstrated that there were similarities between CIPC- and DMN- treated tuber tissues particularly in transcripts that encode phosphatases and proteins associated with oxygen-related metabolism. Despite these similarities, there were significant differences in transcript profiles derived from treatment with either CIPC or DMN and the dormant state. These results suggested the mechanisms-of -action of DMN and CIPC are distinct and not due to a prolongation of the normal dormant condition.

Enhancing Jatropha Productivity by Canopy Management

AbstractJatropha seed and oil yield is function of planting material used, growing conditions, plant architecture development and maintenance. Jatropha is hardy plant; thrives well in arid and semi arid regions with an average rainfall ranging from 500 to 1200 mm. It has been planted in varied soil types, marginal and waste lands; where in utilization of in situ resources by agronomic practices and development and management of canopy by pruning are very crucial for harvesting higher seed for biodiesel production. Building ideal canopy by pruning during first growing season is very important. Pruning is done during winter season when plants are in dormant condition.

Enhancing Jatropha Productivity by Canopy Management

Jatropha seed and oil yield is function of planting material used, growing conditions, plant architecture development and maintenance. Jatropha is hardy plant; thrives well in arid and semi arid regions with an average rainfall ranging from 500 to 1200 mm. It has been planted in varied soil types, marginal and waste lands; where in utilization of in situ resources by agronomic practices and development and management of canopy by pruning are very crucial for harvesting higher seed for biodiesel production. Building ideal canopy by pruning during first growing season is very important. Pruning is done during winter season when plants are in dormant condition.

Dispersal for distance? Acacia ligulata seeds and meat ants Iridomyrmex viridiaeneus

Abstract Ant seed dispersal distances are typically small, averaging less than 1 m in published studies. Here, a new record (180 m) for ant seed dispersal distance is reported, and preliminary observations are made on the interaction between meat ants Iridomyrmex viridiaeneus Viehmeyer (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and diaspores of the sandhill wattle, Acacia ligulata A. Cunn. ex Benth. (Fabaceae) in Kinchega National Park, New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Iridomyrmex viridiaeneus moved diaspores over distances of 7–180 m (mean 93.9 m) from the source trees to their nests, removed the arils underground and discarded the seeds over a 3000-m2 area surrounding the nest. A germination trial determined that the viability of discarded seeds was 40%, with 80% of the viable seeds in a dormant condition. Although the cumulative effects of I. viridiaeneus on A. ligulata recruitment require further investigation, this study and others raise the possibility that myrmecochorous systems in the Australian arid zone may be characterized by longer dispersal distances than those in other parts of the world. Long-distance seed movement by ants lends credence to the hypothesis that distance dispersal (in contrast to directed dispersal) could be of benefit to myrmecochorous plants.

A dormancy extension technique for biotechnical streambank stabilization in warm regions

Researchers identified four challenges to applying biotechnical streambank stabilization in warm regions. These challenges are strongly correlated to plant dormancy and planting period. Prompted by these challenges, researchers investigated the applicability of using the cold storage method to extend the dormant condition of live black willow (Salix nigra) cuttings for later planting. Black willow cuttings were harvested in February 2001 and stored in a refrigerator at 4.4 °C (40 °F). These cold-stored cuttings had survival rates of 81.3, 43.6, and 43.8% when they were planted in the field in March, April, and May 2001, respectively. These rates are considered satisfactory in biotechnical engineering. A cost analysis suggests that using cold storage in field conditions is feasible.

A dormancy extension technique for biotechnical streambank stabilization in warm regions

Researchers identified four challenges to applying biotechnical streambank stabilization in warm regions. These challenges are strongly correlated to plant dormancy and planting period. Prompted by these challenges, researchers investigated the applicability of using the cold storage method to extend the dormant condition of live black willow ( Salix nigra) cuttings for later planting. Black willow cuttings were harvested in February 2001 and stored in a refrigerator at 4.4 °C (40 °F). These cold-stored cuttings had survival rates of 81.3, 43.6, and 43.8% when they were planted in the field in March, April, and May 2001, respectively. These rates are considered satisfactory in biotechnical engineering. A cost analysis suggests that using cold storage in field conditions is feasible.

Dispersal for distance? Acacia ligulata seeds and meat ants Iridomyrmex viridiaeneus

Abstract Ant seed dispersal distances are typically small, averaging less than 1 m in published studies. Here, a new record (180 m) for ant seed dispersal distance is reported, and preliminary observations are made on the interaction between meat ants Iridomyrmex viridiaeneus Viehmeyer (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and diaspores of the sandhill wattle, Acacia ligulata A. Cunn. ex Benth. (Fabaceae) in Kinchega National Park, New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Iridomyrmex viridiaeneus moved diaspores over distances of 7–180 m (mean 93.9 m) from the source trees to their nests, removed the arils underground and discarded the seeds over a 3000‐m2 area surrounding the nest. A germination trial determined that the viability of discarded seeds was 40%, with 80% of the viable seeds in a dormant condition. Although the cumulative effects of I. viridiaeneus on A. ligulata recruitment require further investigation, this study and others raise the possibility that myrmecochorous systems in the Australian arid zone may be characterized by longer dispersal distances than those in other parts of the world. Long‐distance seed movement by ants lends credence to the hypothesis that distance dispersal (in contrast to directed dispersal) could be of benefit to myrmecochorous plants.

Changes in viability and macromolecular content of long-term batch cultures of Salmonella typhimurium measured by flow cytometry.

Exposure of many Gram-negative bacteria to prolonged starvation induces alternative programmes of gene expression, along with a transition into a dormant condition sometimes referred to as a viable non-culturable (VBNC) state. Knowledge of how pathogenic species respond to nutrient limitation is therefore important for their detection and dissemination. This study used flow cytometry, coupled with fluorescent dyes for viability and macromolecular content, to study the responses of the pathogen Salmonella typhimurium to prolonged batch culture. Statistical analysis of the flow cytometric data, together with total and culturable cell counts, failed to demonstrate a VBNC state in this pathogen, contrary to reports from other workers. Analysis of rRNA and protein content identified a small proportion of cells in 110 day-old cultures that represented an active sub-population. This observation may provide an explanation for the long-term survival properties of this organism during prolonged exposure to nutrient limitation, as well as the high degree of heterogeneity observed in labelled cells.