Some nematodes can survive almost complete desiccation by entering an ametabolic state called anhydrobiosis requiring the accumulation of protective molecules such as trehalose and LEA proteins. However, it is not known how anhydrobiotic organisms sense and regulate the response to water loss. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are highly conserved signalling proteins that regulate adapt...

Drying complex fluids is a common phenomenon where liquid phase transforms into dense or porous solid. This transformation involves several physical processes, such as the diffusion of molecules surrounding atmosphere and movement dispersed phases through evaporation-driven flow. As result, solute forming dried deposit exhibits unique patterns often displays structural defects like desiccation ...

AIMS The aim of this study was to optimize survival of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus during spray-drying and subsequent storage through optimizing the pH of growth conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS Cell concentrates previously grown without or with pH controlled were spray-dried and stored at 20 degrees C and heat treated at 57 degrees C. Cells grown under noncontrolled pH were mo...

To survive, plants must respond rapidly and effectively to various stress factors, including biotic and abiotic stresses. Salinity stress triggers the increase of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) via Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane, as well as bacterial flg22 and plant endogenous peptide Pep1. However, the interaction between abiotic stress-induced [Ca2+]i increases and biotic...

Displacements around a tunnel, occurring as a result of excavation, consist of the elastic and plastic parts. In this paper, we discuss the elastic part of displacements as a result of excavation, called net displacement. In general, the previous analytical solutions presented for determining the displacements around a circular tunnel in an elastic medium do not give the net displacements...

Tillage operations disrupt surface layers of agricultural soils, creating a loosened structure with a substantial proportion of interaggregate porosity that enhances liquid and gaseous exchange properties favorable for plant growth. Unfortunately, such desirable soil tilth is structurally unstable and is susceptible to change by subsequent wetting and drying processes and other mechanical stres...