Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of fatty acid profile and cholesterol content of egg yolks of different bird species

The aim of the study was to analyse the content of fatty acids, cholesterol and products of cholesterol oxygenation in eggs collected from different bird species, i.e. hens, quails, pheasants, ostriches and ducks. Lipids were extracted from homogeneous yolk samples with a mixture ofmethylene chloride: :methanol and processed to esters by the methylation reaction. The analysis of fatty acid profile was performed using gas chromatography GC/MS (Agilent Technologies). Separation of fatty acids was carried out in a column DB-225 MS. Cholesterol content was analysed using standard method with a gas chromatograph, 5890 Series II Hewlett Packard. Moreover, analyses of the cholesterol oxidation products were carried out using HPLC (Agilent Technologies). The results of the study showed that the average content of saturated fatty acids in all analysed eggs was at a level of 28%. Monounsaturated fatty acids content of egg yolks ranged between 46% and 47%. Eggs collected from hens and quails were characterised by significantly lower content ofmonounsaturated fatty acids. A higher concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids from group n-6 was observed in hen and pheasant eggs. Quail egg yolks had the highest level ofn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The best ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids was counted for quail eggs (5.6). In all other analysed bird eggs, the ratio was significantly higher. The highest cholesterol content was observed in ostrich and duck eggs, whereas the lowest in quail eggs. The oxidation products of cholesterol were not detected in all analysed eggs, which indicates perfect protective functions of the egg components.
Pasteurella haemolytica Found in the Respiratory Tract of Fowl

SUMMARY An incidence of Pasteurella haemolytica of 97% in the tracheal flora of 322 healthy chickens from 23 flocks was in contrast to its low incidence (3%) or absence in the tracheal flora of 91 healthy turkeys from eight flocks and 32 ducks from three flocks. This organism was infrequent or absent in the specimens from the trachea of nondomestic birds. In a collection of 68 P. haemolytica strains from cases of respiratory disease in poultry, the number of isolations was significantly high from chickens (87%) by comparison with isolations from turkeys (9%) and geese (4%). The biochemical characteristics and virulence of the P. haemolytica isolated did not appear to differ between healthy birds and birds with clinical symptoms. It is postulated that P. haemolytica is a member of the normal flora of the respiratory tract of chickens but not of turkeys or ducks. Under conditions of stress, however, this bacterium may acquire the role of an opportunist, participating in pathological processes.
Tree species composition and stand structure of woody savanna in Dahomey Gap

The Dahomey gap is a savanna region separating the West African rainforests to two regions. We set two sites in this woody savanna, at north and south regions in purpose to examine the differences in tree community properties between sites and among canopy-closure types, and to reveal the factors affecting the differences. Two sites are ca. 225 km distant from each other and have different rainfall patterns. Six 1-ha plots in each site were studied, which cover three types of canopy-closure (closed, semi-open and open). We recorded 3,720 trees that are equal to or more than 5 cm diameter at the breast height, consisted of 70 species belonging to 34 families. Most abundant three species, Isoberlinia doka, Vitellaria paradoxa and Pericopsis laxiflora appeared in both sites. The detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) based on species abundance divided 12 plots into groups of north and south sites along the first axis, whereas canopy-closure types were not associated with DCA axes. At any given total tree height, trees in the north site had slenderer stems with narrower crowns than those in the south site. The specific leaf area was smaller in the north site. Between-site differences in species abundance and allometry are possibly driven by rainfall variation.
Specific Leaf Weight in Zones of Cell Division, Elongation and Maturation in Tall Fescue Leaf Blades

Patterns of change in specific leaf weight (SLW), water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content and leaf width were used to delineate the region of secondary cell wall accumulation, and determine the rate of increase in structural material along a developing leaf blade of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Structural specific leaf weight (SSLW) was determined by subtracting WSC mass from dry weight to emphasize structural material. Because meristematic activity, cell elongation, and cellular maturation are arranged successively in the grass leaf, these patterns represent a developmental sequence through which each segment of the leaf blade passes. Patterns were generally similar for two genotypes, one selected for high (HYT) and the other for low (LYT) yield per tiller, for a single genotype grown at 17 or 25 °C, and for two field-grown populations which differed in leaf area expansion rate (LAER). In all three studies, the elongation zone of the developing leaf had 31 to 39 per cent WSC on a dry weight basis. The LYT genotype had a higher SLW at all stages of development when grown at 17 than at 25 °C, due to greater WSC accumulation. At 20 °C, the HYT genotype had a higher SLW all along the elongating leaf blade than the LYT genotype. This difference was due to a difference in SSLW, while WSC content was similar. The LER was 64 per cent higher in the high population than the low, but elongation zones were similar in WSC. In all cases, SSLW was high in the meristematic region, lowest near the distal end of the cell elongation zone, then increased linearly as tissue matured. Rate of increase in SSLW was 8.5 and 5.2 g m−2 d−1 for the HYT and LYT genotypes, respectively, and 7.6 and 6.7 g m−2 d−1 for the high and low LAER populations, respectively.
Effect of magnetic treatment on seed germination of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.)

Based on preliminary experiments, the speed of germination (SG) was in general increased for Pinus taeda L. seeds treated with a static magnetic field (B = 150 mT) for 10, 30 and 60 min. Negative impact was obtained for seeds treated with SMF for 24 h and 48 h. Mean germination time (MGT), the SG, and time required to obtain 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% of seeds to germinate (T10–T90) were calculated. Results showed a reduction of the MGT and T10–T90 for seeds treated with SMF for 10, 30, and 60 min; therefore, the germination speed was increased. Among various magnetic treatments, loblolly pine seeds treated with S3 (SMF60 min) yielded the peak performance.
Adaptive Flexibility in the Foraging Behavior of Fishes

Flexibility is an important adaptive feature of the foraging behavior of fishes, because most natural environments vary both spatially and temporally. Fish should respond to low levels of food availability by altering their behavior in ways which ensure higher feeding rates, larger feeding territories, and broader diets. It is shown that the gastric sensation of hunger and its rate of change may act as appropriate cues to food availability, and observed hunger-motivated changes in feeding behavior can produce all of these predicted effects. Data are presented to show that juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) alter their behavior in an adaptive manner when faced with variable degrees of threat of competition from territorial intruders, and of risk of predation. A review of similar studies on other species supports the generality of these results. Learning is an important mechanism providing behavioral flexibility, and changes in fish feeding behavior with experience are summarized. A graphical model.
Multiple NF-κB and IFN Regulatory Factor Family Transcription Factors Regulate CCL19 Gene Expression in Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells1

CCL19 chemokine has a central role in dendritic cell (DC) biology regulating DC traffic and recruitment of naive T cells to the vicinity of activated DCs. In this study, we have analyzed the regulation of CCL19 gene expression in human monocyte-derived DCs. DCs infected with Salmonella enterica or Sendai virus produced CCL19 at late times of infection. The CCL19 promoter was identified as having two putative NF-κB binding sites and one IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE). Transcription factor binding experiments demonstrated that Salmonella or Sendai virus infection increased the binding of classical p50+p65 and alternative p52+RelB NF-κB proteins to both of the CCL19 promoter NF-κB elements. Interestingly, Salmonella or Sendai virus infection also increased the binding of multiple IFN regulatory factors (IRFs), STAT1, and STAT2, to the ISRE element. Enhanced binding of IRF1, IRF3, IRF7, and IRF9 to the CCL19 promoter ISRE site was detected in Salmonella or Sendai virus-infected cell extracts. The CCL19 promoter in a luciferase reporter construct was activated by the expression of NF-κB p50+p65 or p52+RelB dimers. IRF1, IRF3, and IRF7 proteins also activated CCL19 promoter in the presence of Sendai virus infection. CCL19 promoter constructs mutated at NF-κB and/or ISRE sites were only weakly activated. Ectopic expression of RIG-I (ΔRIG-I, CARDIF) or TLR3/4 (TRIF, MyD88, IKKε, or TBK1) signaling pathway components induced CCL19 promoter activity, suggesting that these pathways are important in CCL19 gene expression. Our experiments reveal that expression of the CCL19 gene is regulated by a combined action of several members of the NF-κB, IRF, and STAT family transcription factors.
Immunogenic And Immunomodulatory Properties Of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells And Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

59 Introduction 60 Materials and Methods 62 Results 70 Discussion 80 References 83 CHAPTER 4: Equine Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Are Heterogeneous in MHC Class II Expression and Capable of Inciting an Immune Response in Vitro 89 Abstract 90 Introduction 91 Materials and Methods 92 Results 97 Discussion 115 References 119
Influence of the sardine run on selected nearshore predatory teleosts in KwaZulu-Natal

The relationships between shore-angling catch rates of nearshore predatory teleosts in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and the timing of the sardine run were examined using a multiple regression model. Results showed that catch rates of five (elf Pomatomus saltatrix, garrick Lichia amia, king mackerel Scomberomorus commerson, blacktip kingfish Caranx heberi and kingfish Caranx spp.) of the nine teleost predators selected for their predatory habits on sardine Sardinops sagax were significantly higher during the months of the sardine run (June–July/August). This corroborates anecdotal and scientific reports of close associations between these predatory fish and the run. It is not clear whether these relationships can be ascribed to a feeding migration by the predators, a reproductive migration by the predators or an extension of suitable habitat for both prey and predators during these months. It is possible that the misidentification of some predatory species may have confounded the results for some species, or that these species are not as strongly influenced by the sardine run as previously thought.
Biochemical Profile of Leaf, Silk and Grain Samples of Eight Maize Landraces (Zea mays L.) Cultivated in Two Low-Input Agricultural Systems

Highlights We analyzed total carotenoids, anthocyanins and phenolic acids in grains, leaves and silks of maize landraces. Higher amounts of secondary metabolites were found in leaves and silks. High performance liquid chromatography revealed the xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin as the major carotenoids in grains. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry of crude extracts showed a higher richness of anthocyanin in leaf samples than in silks. Abstract This research aimed to determine the biochemical profile of leaf, silk and grain samples of eight maize landraces (Zea mays L.) cultivated in southern Brazil. To accomplish this, reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography-UV-visible (RP-HPLC-UV-vis), UV-vis spectrophotometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and chemometrics were used to examine carotenoids and their isomers, anthocyanin and phenolic acids. Leaf tissue samples showed higher amounts of carotenoids (838.6 μg/g – Lingua de Papagaio variety), anthocyanins (405.8 μg/g – Palha Roxa variety) and phenolics (655.0 μg/g – Roxo variety), followed by maize silks and grains. RP-HPLC-UV-vis analysis of grain extracts revealed xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin as the major compounds. The anthocyanin profile by MALDI-TOF MS identified pelargonidin, cyanidin, peonidin, malvidin and glucoside derivatives in leaf extracts, and silk samples were shown to contain cyanidin, peonidin and 7-methoxy-apigeninidin glucoside. These findings indicate that the discarded material, i.e., leaves and silks, can be prospected as bioactive biomasses useful to industrial sectors. Practical Applications The present study indicates that leaves and silks of maize landraces, typically discarded in the normal process of agricultural production, can be prospected in food systems as potential sources of antioxidant compounds, such as carotenoids, anthocyanins and phenolics. Moreover, acquisition of these raw materials for development of new products in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries can be accomplished with no or negligible cost. Thus, the preservation of this valuable germplasm is to be encouraged, as it will increase the possibility of economic return to small farmers.
Review Scopoletin – A Coumarin Phytoalexin with Medicinal Properties

Coumarins have been found in many plant species and some have antimicrobial and antifungal activities as well as pharmacological effects. Scopoletin (6-methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin) is a coumarin compound with antifungal properties that has been isolated from several plant species. Although it is not yet fully understood, the biosynthesis of scopoletin is described. In addition, its induction upon attack by pathogens and abiotic stress as well as its inhibitory effects on bacteria and fungi are summarized in this review. The scientific information on the inhibitory effect of scopoletin on storage fungi is scarce.
Development of successful fish passage structures for downstream migrants requires knowledge of their behavioural response to accelerating flow.

Fish have evolved intrinsic flight responses, allowing pre-emptive avoidance of potentially threatening situations. To direct downstream migrant fish away from deleterious conditions at dams and other barriers, mechanical devices such as travelling screens and fish bypass systems are often installed. However, field observations suggest that if these structures create areas of rapidly accelerating flow, they do not effectively guide the fish. We studied the avoidance behaviour of actively migrating fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) smolts in controlled experiments of low-, medium-, and high-flow accelerations. We measured the response velocity (VR) and the velocity gradient (VG) over body length. Although VR varied significantly with flow conditions and increased with increasing water temperature, the median VG at the instant at which smolts displayed an avoidance response was similar over the range of accelerating flows tested. Results from this study present the first quantitative informatio.
The Early Eocene Rodent Tuscahomys (Cylindrodontidae) from the Great Divide Basin, Wyoming: Phylogeny, Biogeography, and Paleoecology

ABSTRACT A new species of the cylindrodontid rodent Tuscahomys Dawson and Beard, 2007, is very well represented by maxillary, mandibular, and dental remains from the late early Wasatchian Smiley Draw local fauna in the Great Divide Basin of Sweetwater County, Wyoming. Tuscahomys walshi , new species, is more derived than earlier Wasatchian members of the genus in showing greater lingual hypsodonty on its upper cheek teeth and a more discrete hypocone on P4, but less derived than its Bridgerian relative Mysops Leidy, 1871, in having less lingually hypsodont upper cheek teeth and a less trenchant protoloph on P4. Tuscahomys walshi thus partly fills a previously existing gap in the early fossil record of cylindrodontids. Tuscahomys shows an unusual pattern of faunal association and relative abundance. It typically occurs as a surprisingly common element of some, but by no means all, early Wasatchian faunas, and it frequently co-occurs with the “condylarths” Meniscotherium Cope, 1874, and Haplomylus Matthew, 1915. This highly selective pattern of relative abundance and faunal association suggests some form of niche specificity for early cylindrodontids, the details of which remain unknown. Phylogenetic analysis supports a relatively basal position for Tuscahomys (and Cylindrodontidae) within the Rodentia, rendering any direct derivation of earliest Wasatchian Tuscahomys from older North American paramyids suspect. An Asian origin for Cylindrodontidae, with subsequent dispersal of Tuscahomys into North America at or near the Clarkforkian-Wasatchian boundary, cannot be dismissed.
The effects of human disturbance on the seabirds and seals at sub-Antarctic Marion Island

The effect of human disturbance was investigated through standardised single-person approaches to individual wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) chicks in early May (n=27), late May ( n=39), June ( n=32) and November (close to Fledging) ( n=98) 2005, as well as to adults during t he Prospecting phas e i n D ecember ( n=72) 2005, Early Incubation i n J anuary (n=143), Late Incubation i n Febr uary ( n=139) and t he Brooding phase i n March ( n=55) 2006. These birds were in four areas and were exposed to different levels of chronic disturbance: near Repetto’s, a site far from the station (disturbance levels: research low; incidental low), close to the r esearch station (disturbance l evels: r esearch m edium; i ncidental hi gh); S ealer’s B each study colony (disturbance levels: research high, incidental low); and Macaroni Bay study colony (disturbance l evels: r esearch hi gh, incidental intermediate due to more pede strians a t boundaries). Behavioural responses were analysed according to Vocal Responses (VR), Nonvocal Responses (NVR) and O verall Responses (OR). In N ovember c hicks c lose to s tation tended to have smaller OR and fewer stood up than birds in other areas. All prospecting birds close to station stood up, compared to 67% far from station. The NVR and OR scores of birds far from station were smaller during Prospecting and Late Incubation t han birds with higher disturbance levels. Over the breeding season, birds far from station had larger NVR during Early Incubation, and tended to hav e l arger V R dur ing B rooding, than dur ing Prospecting. Chicks close t o s tation and adults f ar from s tation responded least. The c urrent zoning of t he i sland seems to be e ffective i n protecting the P rince E dward I sland wandering al batross popul ation from human disturbance. Un ive rsi ty of Ca pe To wn
Morphological diversity masks phylogenetic similarity of Ettlia and Haematococcus (Chlorophyceae)

Abstract: Ettlia is a green algal genus comprised of several economically important species that have contributed to a taxonomic nightmare for phycologists – the recognition that coccoid green algae are polyphyletic on a grand scale. This taxonomic confusion is slowly being resolved with the aid of molecular evidence and, in some cases, new structural data. The most recent investigation using 18S ribosomal (r)DNA data corroborated an extraordinarily close alliance between Haematococcus pluvialis, a predominantly flagellate unicell, and the coccoid alga, Ettlia carotinosa. This putative evolutionary relationship between the green algal species H. pluvialis and E. carotinosa has, once again, placed coccoid algae at the center of systematic debate. The only apparent similarity between these two species is the ability to produce astaxanthin. Because the 18S rDNA results were not particularly robust, additional data from the internal transcribed spacer 2 rRNA and 26S rRNA genes were collected. Results from analyses of these data corroborated a close alliance between E. carotinosa and H. pluvialis. In addition, the 18S rDNA data set was expanded using new, published data from other species of Ettlia. Phylogenetic analyses of this updated matrix confirmed the existence of at least four distinct Ettlia lineages. These observations indicated that (1) additional taxonomic revision of the genus Ettlia is needed, (2) E. carotinosa need not be merged into the genus Haematococcus, (3) the case of H. pluvialis and E. carotinosa is an example of cryptic similarity, and (4) the extraordinarily close alliance between E. carotinosa and H. pluvialis offers an ideal system to study patterns of gene expression and morphogenesis in unicellular eukaryotes.
Manures are good sources of phosphorus

Animal and poultry manures are often evaluated on the basis of their nitrogen content. Field experiments in the Antelope Valley on producing alfalfa fields have shown that poultry, steer, and dairy manure are also good sources of phosphorus. In this study, yield comparisons were made between treble superphosphate and manures when applied in amounts to provide the same rates of phosphorus as conventionally used on alfalfa.
Third-instar larvae of common carrion-breeding blowflies of the genus Calliphora (Diptera : Calliphoridae) in South Australia

Detailed morphological study was conducted on the third-instar larvae of seven common carrion-breeding species of blowflies of the genus Calliphora Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera : Calliphoridae) found in South Australia. The larval morphology of five species is revised: C. stygia (Fabricius),C. dubia (Macquart), C. augur (Fabricius), C. hilli hilli Patton and C. vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, while that of C. albifrontalis Malloch and C. maritima Norris is described for the first time. Examination of features neglected in descriptions by previous workers, particularly cuticular spinulation, has provided characters that make it possible to identify all species. An illustrated key is provided. Overall, substantial morphological distinctness exists only at the species-group level. Morphological differences at this level largely support species-group and subgeneric arrangements previously proposed for these taxa, as well as the separate status of C. vicina. However, the sister species within the C. stygia- and augur-groups are very difficult to separate, confirming the need for molecular identification in certain cases.
Milling—A Further Parameter Affecting the Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) Profile

ABSTRACT Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) profiles were recorded for raw maize grits and two extruded nonexpanded pellets based on wheat and maize. Large differences were found between the profiles obtained when an impeller mill was used to prepare the samples compared with a disk mill. The differences were related to differences in particle properties of the ground products (particle-size distribution, particle shape, and protein content). Generally, milling the samples with the impeller mill resulted in greater starch conversion than with a disk mill. For raw maize grits, this was shown by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and alkaline viscosity measurements. Several other laboratory mills were tested and all produced particulates with a sieve range of 125–212 μm that had substantially differing RVA profiles. Cooling the sample during milling did not nullify the milling effects. All the laboratory mills produced <20% of the particulates of the size range required for the RVA analysis.