Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PRESSURE‐INDUCED SOLUBILIZATION OF MYOFIBRILLAR PROTEINS

In an earlier study it was found that the application of high pressure to homogenates of meat in saline solution could increase water-holding capacity and promote the solubilization of proteins. These studies have now been extended to myofibrils prepared from sheep semimembrano-sus muscle. The amount of protein solubilized by pressurization was found to be dependent on (1) temperature, generally being greater at 0°C than at 30°C; (2) the nature and the concentration of the salt; and (3) the pH. SDS gel electrophoresis indicated that solubilization of all the major constituent proteins of the myofibril could be promoted. It is suggested that the imidazole group is implicated in the pressure solubilization effect.
Phenotypic plasticity in fish life-history traits in two neotropical reservoirs: Petit-Saut Reservoir in French Guiana and Brokopondo Reservoir in Suriname

Fish species are known for their large phenotypic plasticity in life-history traits in relation to environmental characteristics. Plasticity allows species to increase their fitness in a given environment. Here we examined the life-history response of fish species after an abrupt change in their environment caused by the damming of rivers. Two reservoirs of different age, both situated on the Guiana Shield, were investigated: the young Petit-Saut Reservoir in French Guiana (14 years) and the much older Brokopondo Reservoir in Suriname (44 years). Six life-history traits in 14 fish species were studied and compared to their value in the Sinnamary River prior to the completion of Petit-Saut Reservoir. The traits analyzed were maximum length, absolute and relative length at first maturation, proportion of mature oocytes in ripe gonad, batch fecundity and mean size of mature oocytes. The results revealed a general increase of reproductive effort. All species showed a decrease in maximum length. Compared to the values observed before the dam constructions, eight species had larger oocytes and three species showed an increased batch fecundity. These observed changes suggest a trend towards a pioneer strategy. The changes observed in Petit-Saut Reservoir also seemed to apply to the 30 years older Brokopondo Reservoir suggesting that these reservoirs remain in a state of immaturity for a long time. Peixes sao conhecidos pela grande plasticidade fenotipica com que respondem as caracteristicas do meio, o que lhes permite aumentar as chances de sucesso frente a variacoes ambientais. No presente trabalho foram examinadas as respostas biologicas de teleosteos apos uma abrupta modificacao no ambiente provocada pelo represamento dos rios. Dois reservatorios de diferentes idades, situados no norte da America do Sul, foram investigados: um mais jovem (14 anos), Petit-Saut, na Guiana Francesa, e outro mais antigo (44 anos), Brokopondo, no Suriname. Em 14 especies de peixes foram avaliados seis atributos biologicos, os quais foram comparados com a situacao apresentada no rio Sinnamary antes do enchimento do Reservatorio Petit-Saut. Avaliamos o tamanho maximo dos individuos, os comprimentos absoluto e relativo de primeira maturacao, a proporcao de ovocitos maduros em gonadas desovantes, a fecundidade por lote, e o tamanho medio dos ovocitos maduros. Os resultados indicam ter havido aumento do esforco reprodutivo com a formacao dos reservatorios. Todas as especies tiveram reducao de tamanho. Comparados aos valores observados antes da formacao dos reservatorios, oito especies tiveram ovocitos maiores e tres especies mostraram aumento da fecundidade por lote. A constatacao dessas mudancas aponta para a adocao de estrategias de ocupacao pioneira. Aquelas observadas no Reservatorio Petit-Saut parecem tambem aplicar-se ao Reservatorio Brokopondo, 30 anos mais antigo, sugerindo que esses reservatorios mantem-se em condicao imatura por muito tempo.
Evaluation of the influence of Lupinus angustifolius kernel meal on dietary nutrient and energy utilization efficiency by rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study examined the utilization efficiencies of three diets when fed to rainbow trout in a 28-day growth study. Each of the diets was fed at one of three ration levels, and an additional starved treatment was also included. The diets differed by an increasing concentration of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius cv. Myallie) kernel meal (MKM) inclusion. Two lupin kernel meal inclusion levels of 15% (MKM15%) and 30% (MKM30%) were studied. The diets were formulated to equivalent digestible protein and energy specifications based upon the predetermined digestibility values for each of the ingredients used. There were no significant differences in digestible protein level among the diets. However, a significantly higher level of digestible energy of both MKM diets was measured, as well as a significantly higher level of digestible phosphorus in the MKM30% diet. No significant differences between the diets were observed with respect the utilization of dietary digestible energy. Over the full data range, the energy utilization efficiency was described by the linear equation of; y = 0.747x − 26.174, R2 = 0.985. Efficiency of protein utilization over lower digestible protein intake levels was also linear (y = 0.599x − 0.142, R2 = 0.905), but over the full range was better described by a nonlinear function. The comparison of the three diets in this study shows that the dietary inclusion of lupin kernel had no significant effect on the gain of either protein or lipid energy relative to protein or lipid energy intake, respectively. Protein energy use efficiency constants varied depending on the feed intake level, but were not significantly affected by diet type. The efficiency of use of lipid energy for lipid energy retention was also not affected by diet type. The findings of this study demonstrate that the inclusion of lupin kernel meal, at up to 30% of the diet, does not affect the ability of rainbow trout to utilize the dietary digestible protein and energy of diet in which it is included.
Isolation of the β-tubulin gene and characterization of thiabendazole resistance in Gibberella pulicaris

Gibberella pulicaris (anamorph: Fusarium sambucinum), is a common potato pathogen that produces trichothecene mycotoxins and reduces plant yield and tuber quality. Field isolates have been recovered from western Canada that are resistant to thiabendazole, a benzimidazole fungicide registered in many countries to control dry rot in storage. To characterize this resistance, homokaryons were derived from single ascospores that were produced in vitro from crosses of thiabendazole-resistant G. pulicaris field isolates with sensitive isolates of an opposite mating type. The β-tubulin gene was amplified from these homokaryons using degenerate oligonucleotides synthesized to conserved sequences of the β-tubulin gene derived from related fungi. An open reading frame containing three putative introns and a deduced amino acid sequence of 446 amino acids exhibited a high level of homology to the β-tubulin gene of other fungi. Although nucleotide and amino acid differences were observed in the β-tubulin gene, none were linked to the thiabendazole resistance. Linkage analysis confirmed that the isolated β-tubulin gene is single copy and was not linked to thiabendazole resistance in G. pulicaris.
The Role of Maturation Drying in the Transition from Seed Development to Germination. VI. Desiccation-Induced Changes in Messenger RNA Populations within the Endosperm of Ricinus communis L. Seeds

From 30 to 50 d after pollination (DAP) the total RNA content declines in the developing endosperm of castor bean and only a small amount is present in the mature dry (60 DAP) endosperm. During and following germination of the mature seed the RNA content of the endosperm increases up to 72 h after imbibition (HAI). A similar decline in RNA in the endosperm occurs when the seed is prematurely dried at 35 DAP and there is an increase again upon subsequent rehydration, although not to the level achieved in the endosperm of germinated mature seed. Quantitative and qualitative changes in the mRNA complement of the endosperm occur during development. In particular, messages coding for high mol. wt. proteins (putative storage protein precursors) decline substantially during maturation drying (50-60 DAP). A similar decline occurs as a consequence of premature desiccation at 35 DAP. Following rehydration of these dried seeds the pattern of proteins synthesized in vitro by the mRNAs extracted from the endosperm is very similar to that catalysed by messages from the mature seed endosperm during germination and growth. Some mRNAs associated with development, which persist in the endosperm following natural and imposed desiccation, decline during early imbibition. During germination and growth of mature and prematurely dried seeds a similar complement of mRNAs arise in the endosperm, in an identical temporal sequence. The mRNA for ricin D, a protein synthesized predominantly during development at 30-40 DAP, declines to a low level in the mature dry endosperm (60 DAP) and in that of the prematurely dried seed and does not increase substantially during germination or growth. Thus the changes in protein synthesis effected by drying in the endosperm of castor bean are mediated primarily through changes in their mRNAs, as a result of transcriptional control. Drying, whether occurring naturally or imposed prematurely, results in the permanent suppression of transcription of most developmentally-related messages and, upon subsequent rehydration, the induction of those associated with germination and growth. Some residual mRNAs for developmental proteins which are present in the dry seed are selectively degraded during germination. Thus there are some post transcriptional changes to the mRNA population following drying, in addition to the transcriptional modifications.
Methanotrophs and CH4 sink: Effect of human activity and ecological perturbations

Methane (CH4) is the most potent greenhouse gas and contributes significantly in global warming phenomenon. The lifetime of this gas in the atmosphere is about 8 to 12 years. Therefore, its continuous increasing concentration in the atmosphere due to imbalances between genesis and oxidation is a great cause of concern. Methanotrophs has been recognized as the only efficient bioagent responsible for CH4 uptake at higher rate in upland arable soil. A number of environmental and anthropogenic perturbations affect the methanotrophs community composition and CH4 sink phenomenon. The change in landuse patterns influences the methanotrophic diversity in the soil of different ecosystems. The changes in methanotrophic community composition may also have significant consequences for their potential capacity to respond to future changes in climatic conditions and the potential to restore CH4 sink after degradation. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of land degradation on soil methanotrophic community composition. However, the information related to this emerging environmental issue is scare. Therefore, in this article an attempt has been made to review on CH4 consumption and methanotrophs numbers as affected by the diverse environmental and man-made perturbations.
Effect of Diets Containing Different Qualities of Barley on Growth Performance and Serum Amylase and Intestinal Villus Morphology

A study was conducted to investigate protein metabolism and differences in length of intestinal villi in broiler chickens which consumed one of the barley based diets. The treatments were corn diet (1) as a control, barley diet with (4) or without (2) a commercial $-glucanase enzyme, barley treated with rumen fluid without protozoa (3) and hulless barley (5). The effect of treatments were investigated in a 42 d trial using 360 sexed, broiler chickens. In a digestibility trial, 15 male broiler chicks were used at 45 days old. In this regard, five treatments offered to chicken in three replicates individually. The experimental design for performance investigation was a completely randomized one with a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each of five treatments was replicated three times per sex (n = 3). The levels of barley in treatments of (2) to (5) were 35% during growing (14 to 42 d) and finishing (42 to 52 d) periods. At the end of trial, two birds from each pen were selected and slaughtered. For histological studies the length, width and surface area of intestinal villi has been determined on male chickens. Blood sample has been taken just before slaughter of birds. No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed between (3) to (5) treatments with corn diet for weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion, but barley with no treatment (2) has shown less weight gain to compare enzyme treatment and hulless barley diet (P<0.05). Digestibility of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) were less in barley diet with no treatment, to compare other treatments (P<0.05).
Inheritance of Cadmium Concentration in Five Durum Wheat Crosses

High cadmium concentration in cereal grains has been cited as a human health concern. Several reports showed that grain cadmium concentration was higher in durum (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum ) than in common wheat (T. aestivum L.). The objective of this research was to determine the inheritance of observed differences in grain cadmium concentration of durum wheat. This information could be used to facilitate breeding of cultivars with low grain cadmium concentration. Grain cadmium concentration was determined in the F 2 and in F 1:3 families of one cross and in F 2:3 and F 3:4 families of two crosses. Grain and leaf cadmium concentration was measured in random F 8:9 and F 8:10 families of three crosses. All trials were conducted in the field on Aridic Haploborall, Vertic Cryoborall, or Gleyed Black soils. Grain cadmium concentration was largely controlled by a single gene, with low cadmium dominant. Leaf cadmium concentration was highly correlated with grain cadmium concentration (r = 0.87-0.89. P < 0.01). Therefore, leaf cadmium concentration can predict the plant phenotype, which would be useful in backerossing the low cadmium trait into high cadmium cultivars. Heritability in standard units, estimated by F 2:3 progeny regression on F 2 parent or F 2:4 progeny regression on F 2:3 parent, ranged from 0.84 ± 0.06 to 0.88 ± 0.08, indicating that breeding of low grain cadmium cultivars is feasible. Heritability estimated from variance components (years, locations, replications, and genotypes) was 0.78, with 90% confidence limits of 0.88 and 0.67. The simple inheritance and high heritability of grain cadmium concentration will facilitate the breeding of low cadmium concentration durum cultivars.
Soil microorganisms have a threshold concentration of glucose to increase the ratio of respiration to assimilation

Abstract The ratio of respiration to assimilation of glucose in soil microorganisms is reported to increase as the concentrations of added glucose increase. To explain this, a conceptual model has already been proposed in which the glucose acquired by soil microbes is incorporated into either storage compounds or storage compounds together with structural compounds only if sufficient glucose is available for growth. The model also suggested that glucose incorporation into storage compounds required less respiration and more assimilation than incorporation into structural compounds. We hypothesized that soil microbes start to invest acquired glucose into the synthesis of structural compounds when added glucose exceeds a threshold concentration. To confirm this hypothesis we investigated the patterns of glucose use after the addition of glucose C at 23 to 311% of biomass C, levels that are much lower than those tested in previous studies. Respiration rates did not increase (zero-order types) when added glucose C ranged from 23 to 47% of biomass C, but they did increase (growth-associated types) when glucose C was more than 78% of biomass C. The ratio of respiration to utilized glucose was approximately 20% for the zero-order types, but was higher than 20% and increased as the concentrations of added glucose increased for the growth-associated types. In addition, the substrate-induced respiration rate at 12 h after the glucose addition increased only for the growth-associated types, although chloroform-labile C increased in both types as the concentrations of added glucose increased. These results suggested that structural compounds were synthesized only for the growth-associated types and, thus, there was a threshold concentration of glucose over which structural compounds started to be synthesized in soil microbes and the ratio of respiration to assimilation started to increase.
Endoglucanase S, a novel endocellulase exhibiting exoglucanase activity from a newly isolated Streptomyces sp. LX

A novel endocellulase, designated as endoglucanase S, was purified to homogeneity from culture supernatant fluids of the newly isolated Streptomyces sp. LX, and shown not to be identical with previously described endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanases. Both endo‐ and exo‐cellulase activities were found to reside on a monomeric protein of 48 kDa. Its temperature optimum is 50 °C, and it was stable at 60 °C. The optimum pH is 5·5, and it has a broad pH stability from pH 3·0–7·0. The action of the enzyme on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) suggested that the enzyme behaved as endoglucanase, whereas it was also active on crystalline cellulose with cellodextrin as end‐product. Fragmentation of filter paper revealed that the degree of polymerization of residual cellulose decreased with time but only 5·2% of filter paper was converted into soluble carbohydrate.
Isolation of an α-Methylene-γ-butyrolactone Derivative, a Toxin from the Plant Pathogen Lasiodiplodia theobromae

Lasiodiplodia theobromae is known as a multi-infectious microorganism that causes considerable crop damage, particularly to tropical fruits. When the fruits are infected by L. theobromae, the typical symptom is the appearance of black spots on the surface of the infected fruit. When injected in to the peel of banana, the culture filtrate of L. theobromae induced formation of black spots. The structure of the isolated compound responsible for this effect was determined to be (3S,4R)-3-carboxy-2-methylene-heptan-4-olide on the basis of analysis of MS, IR, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic data, including HMQC, HMBC, and 1H-1H COSY experiments. The active compound was not only isolated from the culture filtrate derived from potato dextrose medium, but also from the extract of infected peels of bananas.
Control of Carapa guianensis phenology and seed production at multiple scales: a five-year study exploring the influences of tree attributes, habitat heterogeneity and climate cues

Abstract: During 5 y, we monitored reproductive activity and seed production of Carapa guianensis in two forest types to test the hypothesis that seed production is influenced by multiple factors across scales (regional climatic cues, local habitat heterogeneity and individual tree attributes). Variability in seed production was moderate at the population (CVp = 1.25) and individual level (xCVi = 1.24). A mixed model with a Poisson regression revealed that seed production was explained by variables at all scales. Total seed production was significantly higher in occasionally inundated forests. Diameter at breast height, dbh2, crown cross-sectional area, liana load, density, dry-season rainfall and mean maximum temperature were also significant in explaining seed production variation. Seed production increased with dbh until 40–50 cm, then decreased. Liana load demonstrated a negative relationship with seed production, but only in terra firme forests. Climatic cues (rainfall and temperature parameters) were central to setting overall patterns in reproductive activity and seemed to best explain why years with high seed production were consistent across the two forest types (habitats) examined. Dry-season rainfall was positively correlated with seed production.
Marriage to First Birth Interval and its Associated Factors in Bangladesh

The purpose of this study is to examine the marriage to first birth interval and also to identify the socio-economic, demographic and cultural factors influencing the first birth interval among married women in Bangladesh. The study utilizes the data extracted from the 2011 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). In this analysis, the average marriage to first birth interval of the respondents’ is observed to be 28.86 months. Cox Proportional Hazard model is used for identification of significant factors contributing towards marriage to first birth interval in Bangladesh. The findings from the Cox proportional hazard model indicate that age at first marriage, division, religion, respondents’ education, partners’ education, respondents’ currently working, Partners’ occupation, ever use of any method, socio-economic status, respondents’ age at first birth are the most important significant covariates of ‘Marriage to first birth interval’ in Bangladesh.
Aspects of the breeding behaviour of the kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) before egg-laying

The breeding behaviour of individually marked Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) that retained mates from the previous year (SAME) was compared, over the period from pair-formation to egg-laying, with those that changed mates (CHANGE). Courtship behaviour and sequences are described. Position of nest-site in colony and breeding experience did not differ in the two groups. Pair-formation was later in CHANGE pairs but dates of egg-laying were similar. Birds in CHANGE pairs used a less efficient means of nest-site defense by incorporating up to 19% more attendance as a pair. Birds in CHANGE pairs left their nest-sites unattended up to 13% less often. Rates of greeting were up to 2.5 times higher in CHANGE pairs and energy requirements were probably higher as a result. There was no evidence that frequency and timing of courtship feeding or copulation differed in a manner that could explain the lower reproductive success in CHANGE pairs reported by other workers. Breeding and non-breeding males interfered in the copulations of others. Breeding males were more often than expected members of CHANGE pairs and interfered most often during the two week period before their females laid eggs. The effects of interference on disrupted pairs was minimal. The adaptive significance of interference is discussed. In general, there was greater variance in measures of behaviour in CHANGE pairs and differences between the two groups were usually greatest during the first two weeks after pair-formation. The causation of these difference's are discussed in terms of mate familiarity and presumed differences in paternity assurance in the two groups. The consequences are discussed in terms of breeding efficiency and the costs of mate change.
Genetic-Variation Among Insular Populations of the Sleepy Lizard, Trachydosaurus-Rugosus Gray (Squamata, Scincidae)

Seven island populations of the sleepy lizard, Trachydosaurus rugosus, in South Australia were studied to establish the genetic effects of isolation. These effects were assessed by comparing genetic characteristics (using allozyme electrophoresis) of the island populations with those of three adjacent mainland populations. Heterozygosity levels did not vary significantly among the populations although the island populations exhibited reduced allelic diversity. Alleles that were rare on the mainland were not present in the island populations. Genetic divergence among the island populations was much greater than among populations on the mainland, reinforcing the notion that evolutionary forces, probably genetic drift, were greatest among the insular populations. This study demonstrates that the intra-specific component of variation can be significant, and that the importance of this component will increase with the fragmentation and isolation of populations. This finding serves to emphasise the importance of considering the population as the unit of conservation.