Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Water Relations of Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens - An Updated Review.

The effects of aw limitation on growth and metabolic activities of foodborne bacterial pathogens continue to be actively investigated in laboratories throughout the world. Perhaps the most intensive work over the past 10 years has centered on growth of Clostridium botulinum in multicomponent systems. This emphasis undoubtedly has been the result of concern about the role played by sodium nitrate in formation of nitrosamines and the possibility of a prohibition of the addition of this preservative to foods. While investigations have continued on C. botulinum and more "traditional" foodborne pathogens, a "new" group of pathogens, some of them opportunistic, has emerged. Several of these organisms are covered in this review whereas others are not for the simple reason that the water requirements of these organisms have not as yet been investigated. Particularly surprising is the lack of aw-related information on Listeria monocytogenes , Aeromonas hydrophila and colohemmorrhagic Escherichia coli . In fact, the water requirements of gram-negative bacteria in general and the Enterobacteriacae in particular seem to have been somewhat neglected. Researchers intending to do aw-related research should consider trends in the American diet and in commercial food processors that supply much of it. For example, no one can deny that consumption of fish and seafood products has increased in the diets of many Americans yet potential pathogens indigenous to these products have received little investigative work in terms of their water requirements. Scombroid poisoning, a form of histamine poisoning, may be caused by several species of gram-negative bacteria, yet we know nothing of the effect of aw on these organisms, their heat resistance, combinations with modified atmospheres, pH, preservatives, etc. Similarly, limited application of gamma irradiation for sterilization of spices has been approved by the FDA, however, the effect of aw in these irradiated systems is largely unknown. Certainly greater thermal resistance at low aw levels has been reported; however, it is surprising that investigators have not searched for a similar effect with irradiation. Despite these shortcomings, a sizeable body of literature and knowledge of aw and its effects on microorganisms has emerged. Some of the research has only begun to exploit the hard-won knowledge of how microorganisms adapt to, and cope with, environments of low aw. Based on extrapolations of these efforts and our greater awareness of these physiological facts, one can only predict even greater advancements during the next decade.
Formulating Oil Palm Investment Decision in Tidal Wetlands of South Sumatra, Indonesia

The research aimed to formulate an investment decision for oil palm plantation in tidal wetlands of PulauRimau, Banyuasin South Sumatra Indonesia. The research summarized that Land productivity and input amount will determine some differences of each soil suitability (S 1 , S 2 and S 3 ). The more land suitability level is, the more Fresh Fruit Bunches of Oil Palm (FFB) productivity per ha is produced and the less input is given. Net B/C Ratio, NPV and IRR for all land suitability classes are financially feasible for oil palm plantation development, however the most feasible and the most Expected Rate of Return (IRR) is in tidal wetlands with S 1 land suitability (very suitable), followed by S 2 (suitable) and S 3 (marginally suitable). Sensitivity analysis to feasibility for three land suitability is still economically feasible to build and to develop oil palm plantation, especially in large scale, thus its decision for capital investment is suitable.
Biological Control of the Invasive Weed Schinus terebinthifolia (Brazilian Peppertree): A Review of the Project with an Update on the Proposed Agents

Abstract Schinus terebinthifolia (Brazilian Peppertree) is a South American plant that has become invasive in many countries around the world. It was introduced into the US about 100 years ago as an ornamental. Escaping cultivation, it now occurs in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Texas, California, and Hawai'i. This species is one of the most invasive weeds threatening agriculture and natural areas in the Southeast. Efforts to manage Brazilian Peppertree populations with biological controls began in Hawai'i in the 1950s and resulted in the release of 3 insect species. However, the control agents have had minimal impact, and the weed continues to be a difficult problem. More recently, our international team of collaborators has discovered and tested numerous new species of potential biological control agents. These species attack different plant tissues and include defoliators, sap-suckers, stem borers, and leaf- and stem-gall formers. Despite difficulty finding an agent sufficiently specific for field release in Florida, we have narrowed the field to 2 promising species, the thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) and the foliage-gall former Calophya latiforceps Burckhardt. Results of no-choice and choice trials conducted overseas and in quarantine indicate that both species will safely contribute to the control of this invasive weed. Herbivorous feeding by immature and adult individuals of both herbivore species stunt growth, distort leaves, and should reduce reproductive output of Brazilian Peppertree.
The Economic Botany of Organic Cotton Farms In Telangana, India

Organic agriculture projects have advanced biodiversity as a key goal and outcome of their methods, in part by encouraging non-chemical inputs and non-genetically modified seeds. In India, organic cotton agriculture has been marketed as a specific alternative to genetically modified cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), India's only legal GM crop. However, previous work has shown that the same production pressures that drive GM agriculture to lack biodiversity do not necessarily apply to Indian cotton farms. On organic farms in the Adilabad district of Telangana, India, organic farmers are growing nearly 100 semi-managed foods, trees, and medicines belonging to 37 botanical families. However, organic groups target farmers that may be more inclined to cultivate agrobiodiversity anyway. This paper draws on household surveys, field interviews, and ethnographic research among ethnic Gond farmers participating in a corporate organic program to suggest that such alternative agriculture schemes find ways to reward farmers for biodiverse fields. Organic cotton farms contain significantly greater numbers of economic plants than GM cotton farms in Telangana and organic organizations ensure that this economic botany becomes institutionalized.
Application of linear regression to elucidate ileal inevitable flow and digestibility of amino acids and consequences for standardised digestibility system

Several techniques are available solely applicable to the study of inevitable endogenous flow or the digestibility of amino acids (AAs) at the terminal ileum. But the linear regression technique combines these tasks in one simple and flexible platform extendable to multifactorial evaluation of feedstuffs, for example under alternating dietary and physiological conditions. There is evidence that the amount and composition of inevitable endogenous flows are not constant. Also their estimates are dependent on assay protocols and other laboratory conditions. This variability is a drawback to methodological precision of the current conventional standardised digestibility (cSID) system, where inevitable endogenous flow is applied to correct apparent digestibility. Notably cSID may suffer systematic errors when used to assay low AA ingredients or those high in AAs and in anti-nutrients, leading to underestimation or overestimation of standardised digestibility, respectively. Thus a standardised system not encumbered by the need to determine inevitable flow should offer more latitude for precision. The latter approach is followed in linear regression. The linear regression approach is based on validated hypotheses both mathematical and physiological, which enable its ordinate intercept and slope respectively to be considered as inevitable endogenous flow and standardised digestibility. The literature shows that this method does not penalise ingredients low in AAs as its estimates are independent of dietary crude protein level; and it is efficient to determine standardised digestibility in feedstuffs which elevate the production of specific endogenous ileal AA flow. Nevertheless work remains to be done to standardise its protocols to improve comparability of data across investigations. It can be concluded that linear regression is a reliable path for routine determination of inevitable endogenous flow and standardised AA digestibility at the end of the ileum.
Market participation by subsistence farmers: evidence from the Himalayas.

The importance of market participation for poverty reduction and the wellbeing of the subsistence farmers is proven beyond doubt. Increased market integration and commercialisation of traditional agriculture in the Himalayas is part of a development strategy towards growth and poverty reduction for more than 97% of households who are dependent on agricultural and allied activities for livelihood. This paper examines the roles of physical capital, human capital and the transaction cost in market participation in food crops, cash crops and livestock separately. The results show that the land size, gender of the household head, livestock assets, ethnicity, education, distances to market and location are important determinants of commercialisation. To estimate the impact of market participation on household income and poverty level, this paper uses propensity score matching approach. The results show a positive and significant relationship between the market participation and the household income, and a negative and significant relation between market participation and poverty levels, indicating that market participation can increase the well-being of rural subsistence farmers by increasing income levels and reducing poverty levels considerably.
Distribution of interleukin-6 promoter region and AHSG gene polymorphism in patients with endometriosis

Objective:To detect the distribution of polymorphism at Sac I site G/C in the seventh extron of AHSG gene and IL-6 promoter region -572 C\G in patients with endometriosis and normal controls.Methods:Interleukin-6 gene promoter region and Sac I site in the seventh extron of AHSG gene polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in patients with endometriosis (n=98) and normal controls (n=99). Results:To IL-6 promoter region -572, the frequencies of CC,CG and GG genotypes were 55.10%,42.86% and 2.04% in patients with endometriosis, while 70.71%, 28.28% and 1.01% in normal controls. A significant difference was seen in the distribution frequency in two groups; To Sac I site G/C in the seventh extron of AHSG gene, the frequencies of GG, GC and CC genotypes were 32.65%, 57.14% and 10.20% in patients with endometriosis, while 74.75%, 23.23% and 2.02% in normal controls. A significant difference was seen in the distribution frequency in the two groups.Conclusion:The distribution frequency of interleukin-6 genotype and AHSG gene have something to do with morbility of endometriosis; Genotypes C/C in IL-6 gene and G/G in AHSG gene may have a protective effect against endometriosis; There may exist some interaction between polymorphisms of IL-6 gene and AHSG gene in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Cultivar response to refrigerated storage of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat)

The present investigation entitled “Cultivar response to refrigerated storage of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat)” was undertaken in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping and the Department of Botany, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2013-14. The stems of nine cultivars of chrysanthemum viz. Reagan Emperor, Sadbhavna, Flirt, Shyamal, Bravo, Winter Queen, Ravi Kiran, Jaya and Mauve Sarah were harvested when the flowers were half open. In experiment 1(a), the cut stems were subjected to wet refrigerated storage where as in experiment 1(b), the cut stems were subjected to dry refrigerated storage in LDPE (100 gauge thick) packages for 0 (control), 3, 6, 9 and 12 days. After storage, the stems were placed in vases containing distilled water in an air-conditioned laboratory at 22±3oC and 16 h light duration for the evaluation of keeping quality. The stems showed decrease in per cent fresh weight with increase in the duration of wet refrigerated storage. The increase was minimum in cultivar Sadbhavna and maximum in cultivar Shyamal. Cultivars Mauve Sarah, Reagan Emperor and Bravo took more number of days where as cultivar Winter Queen took the least number of days for initiation as well as complete senescence of florets. Increase in the storage duration also hastened yellowing of leavers. Cultivars Mauve Sarah, Bravo and Reagan Emperor took longer for the initiation as well as 50 per cent of yellowing of leaves. Chlorophyll content of leaves showed slight decline with increase in the duration of storage. MSI of both the florets and leaves did not show significant variations during wet storage. The stems showed decrease in per cent fresh weight with increase in duration of dry refrigerated storage. Cultivar Ravi Kiran exhibited the minimum where as cultivar Flirt showed the maximum loss of fresh weight. The days to the initiation and complete senescence of florets showed decrease with increase in the duration of dry storage. Cultivar Reagan Emperor took the maximum number of days for initiation as well as complete senescence of florets. The increase in duration of dry storage also hastened the yellowing of leaves. Cultivars Bravo, Reagan Emperor and Mauve Sarah took longer for the initiation as well as 50 per cent yellowing of leaves. Chlorophyll content of the leaves showed slight decline with increase in number of days in dry storage. The maximum spad value was observed in cultivar Flirt. MSI of both the florets as well as leaves did not show significant variations during dry storage. The absorption of water by the stems exhibited decrease with increase in the duration of dry storage. Cultivar Mauve Sarah showed the maximum water absorption followed by cultivars Reagan Emperor and Bravo. CO2 level exhibited increase where as that of O2 showed decrease during dry storage of the stems.
Aspects of the Ecology of Proteocephalid Cestode Parasites of Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (Daudin, 1803) and Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) from YSR (Kadapa) District, Andhra Pradesh, India

The Indian bull frog, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus Daudin, 1803 and Asian common toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus Schneider, 1799 are frequently found to be infected with the proteocephalid cestodes. The seasonal dynamics of the Proteocephalus sp. was studied in both amphibians during February, 2013 to January, 2015 from YSR (Kadapa) District, Andhra Pradesh. Of the total 300 H. tigerinus examined, only 18 frogs (6%) were infected with the cestode, Proteocephalus tigrinus and of the 46 D. melanostictus examined, only 15 frogs (32.6%) were found to be infected with Proteocephalus sp. Intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 11(n=31) in H. tigerinus and 1 to 2 (n= 19) in D. melanostictus. Monthly population dynamics of cestodesof H. tigerinus and D. melanostictus were analysed in terms of prevalence, mean intensity, mean abundance and index of infection. The effect of habitat predilection and the impact of season on the parasitic load were analysed. The impact of host size and sex on the intensity of infection was also studied. Short Research Article Hemalatha et al.; JALSI, 9(1): 1-11, 2016; Article no.JALSI. 29053 2
The contribution of fecundity and embryo quality to reproductive potential of eastern Bering Sea snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio)

Development of refined indices of female reproductive potential is needed for estimation of alternative biological reference points for the eastern Bering Sea (EBS) snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) fishery, which is managed with large male-only harvest regulations. Females were collected from 2007 to 2009 to investigate seasonal and interannual variation in fecundity with maternal size, shell condition (a proxy for age after maturity), and recent mating and again in 2010 to examine biochemical measures (carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen) of embryo quality. Mean model-adjusted fecundity was highest for primiparous and young multiparous females and declined with advancing shell condition, presumably from senescence. This pattern was also found for clutch fullness indices evaluated from 20 years of stock assessment survey data. Indicators of low female sperm reserves were associated with decreased (∼10%) fecundity for multiparous females. Seasonal comparison of size–fecundity relationships suggested that embryo .
STUDIES ON THE CORRELATION BETWEEN METABOLIC GRADIENTS, ELECTRICAL GRADIENTS, AND GALVANOTAXIS. I

1. The idea is advanced that differences of potential in organisms; particularly the permanent differences which exist along the main axis of animals, are due to differences in metabolic rate at different regions, the region of highest metabolic rate being the most negative in the external circuit, most positive in the internal circuit. It is further suggested that internal potential differences account for the galvanotactic response, in many animals at least. Data are presented in various groups of animals to show the correlation between metabolic differences, electrical differences, and galvanotactic orientation.2. In the sponges; Leucoselenia and Grantia, the oscular end has usually a higher metabolic rate than, and is electronegative (galv.) to, the basal end.3. In the colonial hydroids tested the apical hydranths and levels of colonies have a higher metabolic rate than, and are electronegative (galv.) to, basal hydranths and levels. In the one species tested the apical end of the hydranth is cathodic.
Non-Genetic Factors and Risk of Cervical Cancer: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies

Objectives: The association between non-genetic risk factors and cervical cancer (CC) remains controversial and unclear. This umbrella review was conducted to evaluate and synthesize previously published systematic reviews and meta-analyses related to non-genetic factors and CC risk. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE to identify studies investigating the association between extragenetic factors and CC risk. For each article, we calculated the summary effect size and the 95% confidence interval. Specific criteria were used to classify the association into four levels: strong, highly suggestive, suggestive, or weak. Results: A total of 18 meta-analyses of different risk factors for CC were examined; these studies covered risk factors related to diet, lifestyle, reproduction, disease, viral infection, microorganisms, and parasites. Oral contraceptive use and Chlamydia trachomatis infection were shown to increase CC risk, and this was supported by strong evidence. Additionally, there were four risk factors supported by highly suggestive evidence and six risk factors supported by suggestive evidence. Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a strong association between oral contraceptive use, Chlamydia trachomatis infection, and increased CC risk.
Genetic disorders of neurotransmitter release machinery

Synaptic neurotransmitter release is an evolutionarily conserved process that mediates rapid information transfer between neurons as well as several peripheral tissues. Release of neurotransmitters are ensured by successive events such as synaptic vesicle docking and priming that prepare synaptic vesicles for rapid fusion. These events are orchestrated by interaction of different presynaptic proteins and are regulated by presynaptic calcium. Recent studies have identified various mutations in different components of neurotransmitter release machinery resulting in aberrant neurotransmitter release, which underlie a wide spectrum of psychiatric and neurological symptoms. Here, we review how these genetic alterations in different components of the core neurotransmitter release machinery affect the information transfer between neurons and how aberrant synaptic release affects nervous system function.
Molecular data and ecological niche modelling reveal the evolutionary history of the common and Iberian moles (Talpidae) in Europe

According to mitochondrial data, the common mole, Talpa europaea, is paraphyletic. This could be explained by either an ancient introgression of mtDNA from the Iberian blind mole T. occidentalis to T. europaea, or the existence of a differentiated taxonomic entity in northern Spain that needs to be described. In this study, we combined mitochondrial (Cytb) and nuclear (HDAC2) data to investigate these two alternative hypotheses. Based on both mitochondrial and nuclear data and an extensive geographical sampling (399 sequenced individuals), we show that the populations of T. europaea from Spain and south‐western France (south of the Loire River) are phylogenetically closer to T. occidentalis than to T. europaea. The Spanish–French lineage has some morphological characters resembling more to T. occidentalis (e.g. eyes) and others resembling more to T. europaea (external measurements, mesostyle of the first upper molar). It also seems to have several distinctive dental characters, suggesting that it should be recognized as a new species. Within the three lineages, we found a marked phylogeographical pattern, with several allopatric or parapatric lineages, dating from the Pleistocene. Our genetic data combined with species distribution models support the presence of several putative glacial refugia during glacial maxima for each species.
Supplemental Lighting Orientation and Red-to-blue Ratio of Light-emitting Diodes for Greenhouse Tomato Production

Current greenhouse supplemental lighting technology uses broad-spectrum high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS) that, despite being an excellent luminous source, are not the most efﬁcient light source for plant production. Speciﬁc light frequencies in the 400- to 700-nm range have been shown to affect photosynthesis more directly than other wavelengths (especially in the red and blue ranges). Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) could diminish lighting costs as a result of their high efﬁciency, lower operating temperatures, and wavelength speciﬁcity. LEDs can be selected to target the wavelengths used by plants, enabling growers to customize the light produced, to enable maximum plant production and limit wavelengths that do not signiﬁcantly impact plant growth. In our experiment, hydroponically grown tomato plants ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) were grown using a full factorial design with three light intensities (high: 135 m mol · m L 2 · s L 1 , medium: 115 m mol · m L 2 · s L 1 , and low: 100 m mol · m L 2 · s L 1 ) at three red (661 nm) to blue (449 nm) ratio levels (5:1, 10:1, and 19:1). Secondary treatments for comparison were 100% HPS, 100% red LED light supplied from above the plant, 100% red LED light supplied below the plant, a 50%:50% LED:HPS mixture, and a control (no supplemental lighting). Bothrunsof the the provide a
Alteration of benzo(a)pyrene metabolism by acute ethanol or corticosterone.

: The effect of acute ethanol (3 g/kg and 5 g/kg) or corticosterone (12.5 mg/kg) on benzo(a)pyrene metabolism was measured in microsomes from 3-methylcholanthrene pretreated rats. BAP disappearance was inhibited 34% at 5 g/kg but unaltered at 3 g/kg ethanol. Corticosterone administration inhibited BAP metabolism 53%. In adrenalectomized (ADX) rats, alcohol or CS did not decrease BAP metabolism (compared to untreated ADX rats). However, corticosterone in vitro inhibited BAP metabolism in a dose-related fashion in washed microsomes from untreated rats. These results demonstrate that acute ethanol and corticosterone administration alter benzo(a)pyrene metabolism. Furthermore, the inhibition requires an intact adrenal.