Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in Abundance of Enzymes Involved in Organic Acid, Amino Acid and Sugar Metabolism, and Photosynthesis during the Ripening of Blackberry Fruit

Although information is available regarding the content of various metabolites such as sugars and organic/ amino acids in blackberry (Rubus L.), little is known about its enzyme composition. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the abundance of various enzymes during the ripening of blackberry. Blackberry is an aggregate fruit, composed of a receptacle and several drupelets attached to it, which in turn, are composed of the flesh (mesocarpplusepicarp)andseedenclosedintheendocarp; therefore,thesepartswere analyzedseparatelyalongwith the pedicel. The enzymes studied participate in organic/amino acid and sugar metabolism and photosynthesis, processes known to be important in fruit development. These enzymes were phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK (EC:4.1.1.49)), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC (EC:4.1.1.31)), pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK (EC:2.7.9.1)), cytosolic aspartate aminotransferase (cyt AspAT (EC:2.6.1.1)), aldolase (EC:4.1.2.13), glutamine synthetase (GS (EC:6.3.1.2)), and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RUBISCO (EC:4.1.1.39)). To avoid problems in measuring enzyme activity, the approach taken was to use antibodies specific for each enzyme in conjunction with immunoblotting of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. During ripening, there were marked changes in abundance of several of these enzymes and these changes were dependent on the tissue investigated. PEPCK appeared when organic acids decreased in the flesh and was only detected in this tissue, whereas PPDK was not detected in any tissue. In the flesh, there was a large decrease in abundance of RUBISCO, plastidic GS, and plastidic aldolase, but little change in cytosolic GS, cytosolic aldolase, and PEPC.Inseeds,therewasadecrease intheabundanceofallenzymes.Inthereceptacle andpedicel,apartfromalarge decrease in RUBISCO in the receptacle, there was little change in enzyme abundance.
Leptin, Thyroxin and Cortisol Hormones and Some Metabolic Products During Pre and Postpartum Periods in Cows in Relations to Their Body Weight of Newborn Calves

Relationships among plasma hormonal and metabolic variables in pre and postpartum of gestation in 10 crossbred dams and the BW of their offspring were investigated. Ten pregnant crossbred (Brown Swiss x ballady) cows were monitored 4 weeks pre and postpartum periods to study the levels of leptin, thyroxin (T4) and cortisol hormones levels as well as some metabolites during pre and postpartum periods and their relationships with calf birth weight. Blood samples were collected at -4,-3,-2,-1 week, before and +1,+2,+3,+4 weeks after parturition to assess leptin, thyroxin (T4) and Cortisol hormones levels in addition to glucose, NEFA, B- HBA, A significant decrease of glucose level and Leptin, T4 and Cortisol hormones were recorded. There was highly significant increase in NEFA, B- HBA, concentrations as effected by postpartum period. There is a significant positive correlation between calf birth weight and NEFA, B- HBA, this means that the energy metabolites is a good indicator to calf body weight and health.
Inability of Petite Mutants of Industrial Yeasts to Utilize Various Sugars, and a Comparison with the Ability of the Parent Strains to Ferment the Same Sugars Microaerophilically

A number of industrial strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were converted to the petite form and tested for the ability to utilize galactose, maltose, sucrose, α-methyl glucoside and raffinose. The parent strains all metabolized these sugars aerobically. Twelve of the petite forms did not utilize galactose, six failed to utilize maltose, 17 did not utilize x-methyl glucoside, and 18 did not utilize raffinose. The petites of two distiller’s yeast strains did not utilize sucrose. The respiratory-competent parent strains nearly all fermented galactose, maltose, sucrose and raffinose, though 19 strains did not ferment α-methyl glucoside microaerophilically. Three strains did not ferment galactose, two fermented it only after several days adaptation, one did not ferment raffinose, and two did not ferment sucrose under microaerophilic conditions. Six respiratory-competent strains which did not utilize galactose when in the petite form fermented higher (10%) concentrations of glucose and maltose under microaerophilic conditions, but only three of these fermented galactose. The implications of these findings for the use of such strains in industry are discussed briefly.
Extensive degradation of casein by plasmin does not impede subsequent curd formation and syneresis

The principal indigenous milk proteinase found in normal milk is the enzyme plasmin which originates from the blood (Kaminogawa et al. 1972; Eigel et al. 1979; Reimerdes et al. 1981; Andrews, 1983 a). Plasmin is a trypsin-like enzyme that cleaves polypeptide chains adjacent to Arg or Lys residues (Weinstein & Doolittle, 1972). It has optimal activity at pH 7-5-80 and 37 °C, and is very heat stable, surviving commercial ultra high temperature treatment of 142 °C for 2 s (Driessen & van der Waals, 1978). Isolated /? -casein is rapidly cleaved by plasmin, initially to y^, y2and y3-caseins (Gordon & Groves, 1975) and the proteose-peptone components 5 (PP5) (Andrews, 1978a) and 8-fast (PP8F) (Andrews, 19786). The asl-and as2-casein fractions are both hydrolysed almost as rapidly as /? -casein (Andrews & Alichanidis, 1983), but the breakdown products have not been as well defined as those of /? -casein. /c-Casein and the whey proteins, however, are very resistant to digestion by plasmin (Chen & Ledford, 1971; Eigel, 1977). An increase in the level of plasmin is associated with mastitic infection (Andrews, 1983a) and the later stages of lactation (Donnelly & Barry, 1983; Fox, 1982). The significance of milk proteinases for milk manufacturing processes is still unclear, but they have been implicated in the gelation of ultra heat treated milk, the formation of amino acids during Cheddar cheese ripening, the production of bitter flavours in milk and dairy products (Fox, 1982) and decreased cheese yield (Donnelly & Barry, 1983). It is also possible that proteinase(s) may alter the processing characteristics of milk for cheese manufacture. In this communication we report experiments which indicate that even when the major casein components have been extensively degraded by plasmin, artificial micelle milk (AMM) can still form a curd, the syneresis properties of which are little altered from those of untreated milk.
Population structure, recruitment, and mortality of the freshwater crab Dilocarcinus pagei Stimpson, 1861 (Brachyura, Trichodactylidae) in Southeastern Brazil

Freshwater crabs of the family Trichodactylidae are widely distributed in major river basins of the South American continent. The population structure of one species, Dilocarcinus pagei, was analyzed in an artificial reservoir in Southeastern Brazil, recording data on the sex ratio, recruitment, and mortality. A total of 1339 crabs were collected and included 804 males and 535 females (3 ovigerous and 4 with hatchlings); the sex ratio was 1:0.61 (males: females). Two modes of male and female carapace width (CW) were recorded, with means of 14.4 mm (n = 407) and 38.9 mm (n = 394) for males and 17.9 mm CW (n = 269) and 39.2 mm (n = 267) for females. The mean size of males (CW = 26.6 ± 13.8 mm) was significantly larger than that of females (CW = 28.5 ± 12.8 mm). The data indicated that recruitment occurs in summer (January–March), with the reproductive period in spring (October–December), periods with the highest rainfall and temperature values in the region. Reproduction leads to the death of the parents, influencing the sex ratio, which oscillates mainly during the reproductive period.
The effects of pinealectomy, melatonin injections and implants on the spatial memory performance of male Wistar rats

Melatonin is the main hormone of the pineal gland that informs the body about the environmental light and darkness regimen and is considered to regulate many important physiological and behavioural activities. In the present study, we examined the effects of pinealectomy, constant-release melatonin implants and timed melatonin injections on spatial memory in male Wistar rats by using Morris water maze. Pinealectomy, melatonin injection and melatonin implantation were performed on groups, including controls for all groups. After a week of the pinealectomy and melatonin implantation surgeries, we applied the injections and made the training trials throughout 4 days. At the fifth day, experiments were performed and recorded. Spatial memory performance of the rats was impaired by the pinealectomy and melatonin injections, since they elongated the latency and shortened the time passed in the correct quadrant. Melatonin implantation did not affect the spatial memory performance of the rats. The latency and the time passed in correct quadrant were not statistically different from their controls. The results suggest that while the removal of the pineal gland and exogenous administration of melatonin via injections are causing impairment, constant-release melatonin administration via implantation does not affect the spatial memory in Wistar albino rats.
Forest resource utilization assessment for economic development of rural community in northern parts of Pakistan

A study on the ethnobotanical investigation of some multipurpose fruit plants was conducted in three important sites of District Swat of Pakistan during summer, 2008. The aim of the study was to identify the multipurpose fruit plants growing in the area and to collect information on their uses by the local people. Ethnobotanical information was collected through the show-and-tell/semi-structured method and personal interviews during field trips. The methodology is largely based on the ‘sustainable livelihood framework’, which is based on the premise that livelihood is not about resource productivity, but about people and their lives. A total of 30 fruit tree plants were identified belonging to eleven angiosperm families and has multiple use value in the area. These species were widely used by the indigenous community in traditional system of medicine for the treatment of different human ailments. Similarly, these fruit plants were also used as fuel wood (21 spp.), fodder (16 spp.), agricultural tools making (12 spp.), furniture making (6 spp.), timber (7 spp), thatching (8 spp.), condiments and spices (3 spp.), shade (6 spp.), fencing and poles (7 spp.), tannins and dyes (2 spp.), ornamental purpose (2 spp.) and soil stabilization (8 spp.). These plants are of great importance in supporting people’s healthcare, income and culture. In spite of the scarcity of natural forests in the study area, the local populations continue to depend on indigenous and exotic trees in their surroundings for their survival. There is, therefore, need for cultivation, protection and sustainable management of these valuable resources for rural livelihoods. Key words: Ethno botany, local uses, fruit plants, economic development, livelihood.
Effects of Different Rearing Strategies and Ages on Levels of Natural Antibodies in Saliva of the Philippine Crocodile

The endemic Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) is a relatively small, critically endangered freshwater crocodile. In a head start program, crocodile hatchlings are caught in the wild, reared in captivity, and released back into the wild after two years. The current study aimed to determine optimal rearing strategies of Philippine crocodile hatchlings, including identification of possible diseases during rearing, and studying the effect of ages on natural antibody (NAb) levels. Thirty Philippine crocodiles were divided into two groups, half were reared with a hiding board, and half without the hiding board. Both groups received three different kinds of diets: meat, shrimp, or a combination of both. Saliva samples of the crocodiles were taken three times over a period of three months to test for NAb levels. Saliva samples were also taken from older crocodiles and crocodiles from different locations. NAb titres were compared to sheep red blood cells. Each time saliva samples were taken, a health check was done. The results showed that crocodiles would prefer the hiding board, and neither housing nor diet could affect the level of NAb titres in saliva. A positive correlation was found between NAb titres and body size, weight and age. Wild hatchlings had higher NAb titres than the hatchlings born in captivity, but the difference diminished with ageing. Five different diseases were found
SIMULATING NEW ZEALAND FOREST DYNAMICS WITH A GENERALIZED TEMPERATE FOREST GAP MODEL

A generalized computer model of forest growth and nutrient dynamics (LINKAGES) was adapted for the temperate evergreen forests of New Zealand. Systematic differences in species characteristics between eastern North American species and their New Zealand counterparts prevented the initial version of the model from running acceptably with New Zealand species. Several equations were identified as responsible, and those modeling available light were extended to give more robust formulations. The resulting model (LINKNZ) was evaluated by comparing site simulations against independent field measurements of stand sequences and across temperature and moisture gradients. It successfully simulated gap dynamics and forest succession for a range of temperate forest ecosystems in New Zealand, while retaining its utility for the forests of eastern North America. These simulations provided insight into New Zealand conifer–hardwood and beech species forest succession. The adequacy of the ecological processes, such as soil moisture balance, decomposition rates, and nutrient cycling, embodied in a forest simulation model was tested by applying it to New Zealand forest ecosystems. This gave support to the model’s underlying hypothesis, derived from LINKAGES, that interactions among demographic, microbial, and geological processes can explain much of the observed variation in ecosystem carbon and nitrogen storage and cycling. The addition of a disturbance option to the model supported the hypothesis that large‐scale disturbance significantly affects New Zealand forest dynamics.
Phylogenetic analysis of the Systropha Illiger 1806 (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Halictidae) and description of a new subgenus

Abstract The family Halictidae includes four subfamilies, Halictinae, Nomioidinae, Nomiinae and Rophitinae, apparently monophyletic. Systropha Illiger is the most diverse genus in Rophitinae (the Holartic genus Dufourea excluded). Several unique morphological, biogeographical and ecological features characterise the species within this taxon raising its interest for evolutionary studies. Now, to date there has been no extensive revision of the genus. The present work aims to alleviate this lack. In the first part, the authors propose an exhaustive catalogue, including the synonymy of the 26 described species. The last described species, Systropha heinzi Dubitzky 2004 syn. nov. is proposed as a junior synonym of S. kazakhstaniensis Patiny 2004, described one day earlier. The next parts of the study include a comprehensive key for the World species and the analysis of the species phylogeny based on 34 morphological characters. Converging with the conclusions of several former studies, this analysis points out the existence of 3 clades within the genus. These latter are described as 3 subgenera: S. (Systropha) Illiger 1806, S. (Systrophidia) Cockerell 1936 and S. (Austrosystropha) n. sg. Lastly, distribution and floral choices of taxa are specified.
Oilseed rape

Oilseed rape is currently the third most important crop in the UK after barley and wheat. Field experiments show that despite the already attractive yields the full potential of the crop has not yet been achieved. However, its future is uncertain in that the area devoted to it within the EEC—representing one-fifth of world production—is strongly influenced by the financial incentives offered. It is suggested that within the Community output should be limited to 3.3m tonnes p.a. for the next five years.
Parental balance in Douglas-fir seed orchards - cone crop vs. seed crop.

Les equilibres parentaux mesures d'apres les recoltes de cones et de graines de 30 arbres d'un verger a grai←nes cotier de Pseudotsuga menziesii ont ete compares. Les estimations basees sur la recolte de graines donnent une evaluation plus exacte de la diversite genetique et de la representation de la famille dans la recolte de graines resultante que la recolte de cones. La recolte des cones et l'extraction des graines de clones ou de familles individuelles sont recommandees
ECOTOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS OF COMMON HATCHERY SUBSTANCES AND PROCEDURES USED IN THE PRODUCTION OF SYDNEY ROCK OYSTERS SACCOSTREA GLOMERATA (GOULD 1850)

Abstract Progress in the Sydney rock oyster Saccostrea glomerata industry, through the adoption of oyster spat selected for faster growth and disease resistance, has been hampered by long-term variability in commercial hatchery spat supply. As part of a broader study to evaluate spat production impediments, the chronic toxicity of substances commonly used in bivalve hatcheries and the effects of handling procedures during early ontogeny (embryo to D-veliger) were evaluated. Among the substances tested, chlorine, Virkon S and Virkon S for Aquaculture (virucidal disinfectants, Antec International Limited, Suffolk, UK), bore water and stored rainwater were found to significantly affect larval development at practically/commercially-relevant concentrations. Toxicity was determined by quantifying embryo-larval development after 48 h exposure and three tests were performed for each substance or procedure. Concentrations of 0.83–1.66 mg L−1 of chlorine in seawater and 0.05–0.5 mg L−1 of Virkon S in seawater significantly decreased the normal development of embryos after 48 h exposure. An EC50 value of 0.76–1.18 mg L−1 for chlorine in seawater and 0.47–1.01 mg L−1 for Virkon S in seawater was derived. The EC50 value for Virkon S for Aquaculture was 0.99–1.12 mg L−1 and this substance caused significant development problems for larvae at a concentration of 0.5 mg L−1 in seawater. Tests that added stored rainwater to seawater had a significant decrease in the percentage of embryos developing to the D-veliger stage at concentrations greater than 1%, whilst no effect was detected at 0.1%. The EC50 value for rainwater was 0.67% to 2.29%. Similarly, bore water added to seawater caused a significant decrease in the percentage of embryos to develop to the D-veliger stage at a concentration of 10% and no effect was observed at 1%. The EC50 value for bore water ranged between 2.3 and 3.7%. Handling procedures for screening fertilized eggs did not significantly decrease development percentage after 48 h incubation time. Likewise, tests conducted with de-ionized water at concentrations up to 10% added to seawater did not significantly reduce the percentage of embryos to develop to the D-veliger stage after 48 h exposure. This study highlights the sensitivity of S. glomerata larvae to surfactants and disinfectants and identified contaminated water sources.
Dispersal and Abundance of Lygus hesperus in Field Crops

Abstract To predict Lygus hesperus Knight population dynamics in the field, a quantitative understanding of dispersal is needed. L. hesperus is a major pest of cotton and other seed crops in the San Joaquin Valley. Mark recapture experiments were performed that measured movement and abundance of L. hesperus in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and blackeye bean (Vigna sinensis L.). Male L. hesperus moved farther than females (4.6 versus 3.6 m/d). Movement was greater in the east-west axis than the north-south axis (7.0 versus 2.4 m/d). Calculations based on mark–recapture data suggest that a random walk model describes L. hesperus dispersal well. Diffusion estimates predict 98% movement radiuses in cotton, alfalfa, and bean as 15.6, 14.4, and 7.3 m/d, respectively. Estimates of absolute L. hesperus abundance were 45,000/ha in alfalfa during the August peak, approximately five times those in cotton. The results suggest that management of L. hesperus may be affected by greater dispersal along the east-west axis and the strong male bias in sweep-net samples.
Completeness of the mammalian fossil record in the Iberian Neogene

Abstract We infer the absolute completeness of the mammalian fossil record of the Iberian Neogene, from a compiled database of preserved stratigraphic ranges for both species and genera and by means of the analytical tools developed by Foote and Raup (1996). We conclude that the mammalian fossil record from the Neogene of the Iberian Peninsula is very complete (more than 75% at the specific level, and more than 90% at the generic one), being a good indicator of how complete the record of terrestrial organisms can be at least under certain favorable conditions. Comparison with previously published results for well-known marine invertebrates indicates that the continental Iberian Neogene record is not significantly less complete, thus raising doubts about the importance of more episodic deposition in continental environments. It remains to be seen if continental faunas in general are as complete as the marine invertebrate record.
Thermal inactivation of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase and Enterococcus faecium in milk-based systems

Summary Untreated whole milk, skim milk, sweetened milks, sweetened and unsweetened creams and ice-cream mixes were preincubated with a culture of Enterococcus faecium, then subjected to heat treatment in a pilot-scale plate heat exchanger using a hold of 15 s at 76°C. The liquids were examined for γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP) activity and total streptococcal count before and after heat treatment and the results plotted against water activity (aw). There was a good correlation between reduction in GGTP activity, destruction of streptococci and aw, demonstrating the potential of the enzymic assay for assessing the severity of HTST heat treatments above the minimum for pasteurization.
An Assessment of the Current Status of Bioavailable Metal Contamination Across South Australia Using Translocated Mussels Mytilus Galloprovincalis

Abstract This study presents results from the first regional assessment of metal levels in translocated blue mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819) in the nearshore coastal environment across South Australia. A total of 422 replicate samples of translocated mussels were deployed throughout 11 regions across the South Australian near shore marine environment. Mussels were recovered after approximately 70 days and analysed for total metal load in the flesh of the mussel. Results showed vast differences in metal concentrations between different regions and also compared to the baseline metal concentration. Many of these differences can be attributed to the level of industrial activity in the regions which may have implications for environmental regulation in these regions.