Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The primary electron acceptor of green sulfur bacteria is chlorophyll a esterified with Δ2,6-phytadienol

The primary electron acceptor of green sulfur bacteria, bacterio-chlorophyll (BChl) 663, was isolated at high purity by an improved purification procedure from a crude reaction center complex, and the molecular structure was determined by FAB-mass and NMR spectrometry. The FAB-mass spectra showed that the mass values in the macrocycle of BChl 663 and plant Chl a were the same, but the esterifying alcohol of BChl 663 was 2.0 mass units smaller than phytol. The NMR spectra showed that the macrocycle was identical to that of Chl a and that a C=C double bond between P6 and P7 in addition to that between P2 and P3 of phytol was present in the esterifying alcohol of BChl 663. The structure of BChl 663 was hence concluded to be Chl a esterified with ? 2,6-phytadienol instead of phytol. In addition to BChl 663, two molecules of the 132-epimer of BChl a, BChl a', were found to be present per reaction center, which may constitute the primary electron donor of green sulfur bacteria.
Effect of culture conditions on astaxanthin formation in red yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous mutant JH1

The formation of astaxanthin by Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous mutant JH 1 depends on the culture conditions. Therefore, the effects of inoculation rate (1-5%, v/v) and medium compositions (various carbon and nitrogen sources) on cell growth and astaxanthin formation in X. dendrorhous mutant JH1 were investigated. Inoculation at 3% (v/v) was optimal for cell growth and astaxanthin formation. The most effective carbon source for cell growth and astaxanthin formation was glucose, and the best nitrogen source was yeast extract. The 3% (w/v) glucose and 0.2% (w/v) yeast extract showed the best effect on cell growth and astaxanthin formation, compared with others tested. The 3% glucose, 0.2% yeast extract, 0.15% KH 2 PO 4 , 0.05% MgSO 4 , 0.01% MnSO 4 , and 0.01% CaCl 2 were selected for cell growth and astaxanthin formation. Under the conditions selected, the maximum concentrations of cell and astaxanthin obtained after 168 h of cultivation were 5.43 g/l and 28.20 mg/l, respectively.
The effects of cyclical higher incubation temperatures on body and organs weights, thyroid hormones and HSP70 gene expression of newly hatched broiler chicks.

The objective of present study was to evaluate the effects of cyclical higher incubation temperatures in different embryonic ages on liver HSP70 gene expression, plasma T3, T4 and triglyceride (TG) levels, hatchability, body, heart and liver weights of newly hatched chicks. For this purpose, 2.700 fertile eggs (average weight, 58±1 g) were obtained from Arian broiler breeder at 34 weeks age. In a completely randomized design, eggs were assigned to three incubation temperature treatments at 60% relative humidity with 6 replicate per each. The treatment groups were: 1) control group that eggs were incubated at 37.6°C during incubation period, 2) incubation temperature was increased to 39°C for 3 h daily at embryonic ages from 12 to 14 in treatment 1 (TT1) and 3) incubation temperature was increased to 39°C for 3 h daily at embryonic ages from 15 to 17 in treatment 2 (TT2). All above-mentioned parameters were assessed at the day of hatch. The results showed that cyclical higher incubation temperatures did not affect body and liver weights, plasma T3, T4 and TG levels (P>0.05), while heart weights of chicks in TT1 and TT2 were lower (P<0.05) than control group. Furthermore, TT1 significantly increased liver HSP70 gene expression compared to the control group and TT2. It was concluded that cyclical higher incubation temperatures at embryonic ages from 12 to 14 could increase liver HSP70 gene expression with no effect on body and liver weights, plasma T3, T4 and TG levels at day-old chicks.
Direct evidence of ancient DNA from human bones up to twelve thousand years old by probe hybridization

Efforts from many research groups, often in a hunt for the oldest sequences, showed that ancient DNA was a poor substrate for the enzymes used in molecular biology, present in tiny amounts, hard to purify, copurifying with inhibitors of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and frequently damaged. Inside ancient DNA extracts, the quantity of the DNA of interest and its genuine specie, have never been evaluated before, but with quantitative PCR. Herein, direct DNA quantitation method was applied. This method should be a useful tool for ancient DNA study as it is currently for forensic material. Among techniques performed on forensic samples, we chose a chemiluminescent method based on probe hybridisation to a human alpha satellite locus D17Z1. We thought that such a rapid and sensitive method, might be extended to the ancient human DNA applications, especially as the study of nuclear ancient DNA is growing up. We report now the successful quantitation of nuclear human DNA in DNA extracts prepared from very ancient bones. Twenty-four different human specimens, up to 12,000 years old, were analysed and the quantity of human DNA content determined for fourteen DNA extracts on twenty-nine tested.
Starch-based bioethanol process innovation

Starch liquefaction and saccharification are key processing steps in the bioethanol industry. The rate-limiting α-amylase plays an important role due to its endo-glycosidic activity. Work carried out in this thesis on barley α-amylase focused on ER retention to boost recombinant protein expression in planta and purification of the protein to facilitate a cascade refinery approach allowing other high value proteins to be co-produced together with starch for bioethanol production. Results obtained generated evidence for context-dependence of the ER retention motif HDEL, the existence of an HDEL-independent ER retention mechanism and quantitative data showing toxicity or detrimental effects of HDEL overdose. Results also revealed an effect of peptide tags on N-linked glycosylation as well as evidence that expression levels and systems can strongly affect glycosylation of proteins in the secretory pathway. Furthermore, α-amylase endo-glycosidic action on long glucan chains was shown not to be rate limiting in starch saccharification but the presence of short oligomers and their susceptibility to hydrolysis by fungal amyloglucosidase must be considered next. Interestingly, starch saccharification using acid hydrolysis was more efficient compared to enzyme catalysed hydrolysis. In order to optimise the saccharification process further, the research centred on exploring enzymes with raw-starch digesting properties at low temperature and increased specificity for low molecular weight oligosaccharides. Therefore, an alpha amylase-like gene was identified in ripening plantain (Musa acuminata × balbisiana) using degenerate primers. The gene encodes a putative protein product with close homology to chloroplast α-amylases from Ricinus communis, and Arabidopsis thaliana (AtAMY3).
Gilbert’s syndrome: protective effect on endothelial dysfunction

Abstract Objective Gilbert’s syndrome (GS), is a benign condition characterized by unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia related to a decreased hepatic glucuronidating activity without symptoms and signs of liver disease or overt hemolysis. In the present study, we aimed to assess circulating levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) between patients with GS and controls and determine the correlation of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) levels with these molecules as prognostic factors for vascular risk stratification and endothelial dysfunction. Methods Forty two patients with GS and 37 age and sex matched control subjects were enrolled in this study. The diagnosis of GS was made by unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (1 mg/dL or >17.1 μmol/L) on at least two occasions with normal values of other liver function tests, normal hepatic imaging, and absence of hemolysis. Results Serum ADMA, PTX-3 and hs-CRP levels were significantly lower in GS than the healthy controls (p=0.037, p=0.025 and p=0.040, respectively). In correlation analysis, UCB was negatively correlated with ADMA, PTX-3 and hs-CRP (r=−0.239, p=0.034; r=−0.280, p=0.012 and r=−0.224, p=0.047, respectively). Discussion and conclusion The present study showed for the first time that decreased levels of ADMA, PTX-3 and hs-CRP may prove the protective effects of hyperbilirubinemia on the endothelial dysfunction.
Growth performance and nutrient utilisation of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed graded levels of boiled sunflower (Helianthus annuus L) seed meal-based diets

Feeding trial was conducted in experimental plastic tanks (60 x 45x 30cm) to assess the performance of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed diets containing Boiled Sunflower Seed Meal (BSSM) for 15 weeks. Five diets composed of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% BSSM as a partial replacement for soybean meal were fed twice daily at 5% body weight. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 20 fish per replicate (mean initial weight 21.33  0.01 and length 12.42  0.22cm). Biological indices and mineral analysis were investigated. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at P= 0.05. Fish fed 20% inclusion of BSSM performed better than those fed other inclusions and the control. Mean Weight Gain (MWG) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) 52.50±2.52g, 0.62±0.02 obtained respectively at 20% BSSM were not significantly different from MWG and FCR at the control 49.69±3.87, 0.65±0.02 respectively. Significant (p<0.05) differences were observed in the mineral deposition (sodium, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus) of fish fed 20% boiled sunflower seed meal when compared with other treatments and the control and it was concluded that 20% BSSM can partially replace soyabean meal in the diet of Clarias gariepinus juveniles without compromising growth or nutrient utilization.
Growth and Shelf Life of Impatiens in Media Amended with Hydrophilic Polymer and Wetting Agent

Impatiens wallerana ‘Accent Red’ were grown in a peat : perlite : vermiculite (PPV) or bark : peat : perlite (BPP) medium amended with SuperSorb-C (SS) or Soil Moist (SM) hydrophilic polymer and/or AquaGro-G (AG) wetting agent. In PPV or BPP, neither SS nor SM significantly increased shoot dry weight. In PPV, quality ratings were higher for plants grown in nonamended or SSor SMamended medium than for plants in AG-amended medium. In BPP, quality ratings were highest for plants grown in nonamended, AG-, or SM + AG-treated medium. Number of days from final irrigation to permanent wilting point (PWP) was greater in AG, SS + AG, or SM + AG treatments in PPV than in control, SS, or SM treatments, due to smaller plants in AG-amended media. In both media, root dry weight was not significantly greater with the use of either hydrophilic polymer or wetting agent. However, in PPV, AG suppressed root growth compared to the control.
Financial and Ecological Implications of Global Seafood Mislabeling

Consumers and regulators influence conservation of marine finfish by controlling harvest demand and availability. Consumer power to choose sustainably‐harvested species is threatened by seafood mislabeling, which may be a product of fraud or human error. Here we examined the prevalence of mislabeling, and its financial and ecological implications, by compiling and analyzing an international dataset of DNA barcoding studies of marine finfish (n = 43). On average, DNA‐identified species sold were less expensive (−2.98% ex‐vessel price) and more sustainable (+3.88% IUCN status) than species listed on their label; thus, mislabeling had a net positive impact on the conservation status of sold species. However, ecological impacts of some frequently mislabeled taxa were potentially severe, suggesting eco‐conscious consumers may want to avoid certain genera. Mislabeling may be reduced by increasing traceability and identification of seafoods, particularly at points in the chain‐of‐custody beyond ports, where the majority of mislabeling occurred.
for food in a pelagic seabird

Here, we show that the per capita population growthrates of northern gannet Morus bassanus at colonies in Britainand Ireland have declined with increasing population size.Furthermore, direct observations reveal that the mean foragingtrip duration of breeding gannets is positively correlated withcolony size, both among colonies of different sizes in the sameyear, and within colonies as they change in size. To understandthis phenomenon, we have developed a model which demon-strates that disturbance of ﬁsh alone can readily generate condi-tions under which gannets at larger colonies have to travel furtherto obtain food.Some researchers have proposed that density-independent fac-tors may keep certain seabird populations below the levels at whichdensity-dependent factors act
Technical handbook of domestication and production of Diptera Black Soldier Fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, Stratiomyidae

This technical book aims to publish required key information for domestication and production of the insect Hermetia illucens. Also known as « Black Soldier Fly » (BSF), this cosmopolitan dipteran, belonging to the family of Stratiomyidae, is considered as non-pest. Being saprophagous at the larval stage, it is able to bio degrade various organic wastes. For years, recycling of domestic or agricultural wastes has been a continual concern and the potential use of BSF larvae in this field already raised the interest of many researchers. However, the recent awareness of the scarcity of food resources for livestock has led French and Indonesian researchers to consider BSF as a new animal food resource. This is the core of the Bioconversion Project held in Indonesia which -through the construction of an experimental pilotallowed the mass production of this insect. This book explains how to produce BSF adults, eggs and larvae for animal –feeding, with a particular emphasis on fishes. Besides methods of production of BSF, this technical handbook summarizes the successive steps of the project in order to specify the potentialities and limits of using BSF larvae for feeding fishes in tropical aquaculture. A thorough economic analysis stresses both strong and weak points of the pilot and provides elements of decision making for producers. BSF productions were mostly obtained while using Palm Kernel Meal (PKM) as a substrate. However, other substrates have been experimented at different scales to consider alternative productions.
Dilution reveals how viral lysis and grazing shape microbial communities

Grazing by protists and viral infection are the main known sources of marine bacterial mortality, and both processes shape the structure and ecology of microbial communities. We diluted planktonic microbial communities to determine how decreasing the encounter rate between bacteria, grazers, and viruses affects community structure. In experimental treatments, sea water was diluted 10‐fold in water from which protists and bacteria had been removed (0.2 μm filtered), or from which protists bacteria and viruses had been removed (0.02 μm filtered). In both dilution treatments, bacterial and protistan communities generally recovered within 3 d to near their original abundances, but viruses did not. The microbial community structure of bacteria in both diluted treatments was significantly different from untreated control communities, after 3 d, and significantly different between the 0.2 μm and 0.02 μm dilution treatments after 6 d. Diluted treatments were dominated by operational taxonomic units that are normally rare in near‐surface seawater, including some normally more abundant in the deep water at this location such as SAR324 and SAR406, while abundant surface taxa including SAR11 did not increase in abundance after dilution. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that microbes face a tradeoff between fast growth and resistance to predation and infection, and that microbes that are normally most abundant in the California coastal surface waters (such as SAR11 and Actinobacteria) are both more grazer resistant and slower growing than potentially opportunistic organisms that are rare in surface water but capable of fast net growth when grazers or viruses are removed.
The reasons for the different nest shapes of Megapis bees

Abstract Over a 37-year period, we observed 1011 active bee nests and abandoned combs of Apis dorsata and Apis laboriosa in Nepal, India, the Philippines, and Bhutan. This article focuses on the reasons for the different shapes of the nests. We discovered that differing ambient conditions were the reasons for the following three shapes of symmetrical nests: vertical semi-ellipse, semicircle, and the horizontal semi-ellipse. We noted that asymmetrical nests were constructed when there was lack of space to extend the comb equally in both external directions. An asymmetrical nest also appeared when remnants of a previous comb remained on one edge of the nest. Convex nests were constructed to avoid excess sun exposure. Concave nests appeared as a result of low temperatures during the night and part of the day (Nepal). An L-shape nest was constructed when there was lack of space available to extend the nest in a straight direction. The shape of the nests also determines the way the combs fall.
Extraction of microplastic from biota: recommended acidic digestion destroys common plastic polymers

&NA; The chemical digestion of tissue from marine biota for microplastic analysis is currently conducted following a variety of protocols published in scientific literature. Often there is a lack of information on whether and to which degree the applied chemicals are destructive to microplastic particles of various polymer types. In the present study we report that a digestion protocol recently recommended by ICES using nitric and perchloric acid has strong detrimental effects on several common plastic polymers, in particular polyamide and polyurethane and to a lesser degree acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polymethyl methacrylate and polyvinylchloride. Raman spectroscopic measurements revealed changes in peak occurrence and intensity for several polymers that did not otherwise show visual macroscopic changes. We developed and tested an alkaline digestion protocol in order to preserve small microplastic particles while removing organic tissue material. We recommend this method for the development of guidelines for plastic microplastic monitoring in biota.
Effects of microbial ecology and intestinal morphology on energy utilization in adult cockerels

Effects of Microbial Ecology and Intestinal Morphology on Energy Utilization in Adult Cockerels. (August 2009) Omar Gutierrez, B.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Christopher A. Bailey A series of four experiments were conducted to evaluate whether a preconditioning period, in which adult leghorn cockerels are allowed 3 weeks to adapt to diets containing relatively high levels of guar meal (GM) resulted in changes in digestive tract morphology and ecology. It was expected that these changes would result in increased utilization of GM as birds became acclimated to consuming it at high levels. In the 1 st experiment, 28 birds were fed diets containing 0, 6, 12, or 24% GM. Consuming the 24% GM diet resulted in decreased body weight, increased small intestine, liver, and pancreas weight, increased ceca and villus length, and increased severity of injury to the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05). In the 2 nd experiment, 28 cockerels were subjected to a partial cross-over experiment. Preconditioning to the 24% GM diet resulted in decreased TMEn of GM, decreased body weight, and decreased absorptive capacity of the GI tract as evidenced by increased energy lost via the excreta (P < 0.05). The 3 rd experiment evaluated how differences in endogenous energy losses (EEL) from 30 cockerels affected the TMEn content of GM in birds consuming 0, 6, or 12% GM. Decreased EEL
Population genetic structure and migration patterns of Dendrothrips minowai (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Guizhou, China

Dendrothrips minowai Priesner (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is one of the most destructive insect pests on tea plants. Although outbreaks of this pest occur annually in South China, especially in Guizhou Province, little is known about its population genetics, such as genetic diversity and gene flow. To investigate its population genetic structure and migration routes in Guizhou Province, we analyzed 24 D. minowai populations across Guizhou using six microsatellite loci. We detected the moderate genetic diversity and the population genetic structure of this thrip species. Neighbor‐joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree and STRUCTURE analyses recognized two clusters within the studied populations. No correlation between genetic and geographical distances (r = 0.0139, P = 0.5830) was detected and more than 89% of the variation occurred among samples within populations. Gene flow analysis revealed high migration rates (74.0 – 894.1) among D. minowai populations. Overall, the trend of asymmetrical gene flow was from northeast to southwest. Our analyses demonstrated that D. minowai derived or originated from multiple sites and could be eventually divided into two groups in Guizhou.
Ação de Polistes (Aphanilopterus) simillimus Zikán (HYMENOPTERA: VESPIDAE) na produtividade de lavoura de milho infestada com Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE)

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), in certain conditions cause severe damage to the corn plantation. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the predation of P. simillimus wasps on S. frugiperda, by means of measuring corn productivity. The experiment was carried out on a 500 m2 corn plantation in Piracicaba, SP, where 20 wasp nests were distributed in artificial shelters around it. The results obtained from the experimental area were compared with the ones from the control areas (200 m2 - free of wasp), infested or not with S. frugiperda. Experimental areas was higher, both comparatively, the productivity in terms of total gross weight (15,94%) and total weight of grains (13,07%).
Physical and chemical factors associated with the reduction or delay of seed germination and seedling emergence of bull thistle, Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. under leaf litter1

Abstract Leaf litter can affect seed germination and seedling emergence by altering both the physical and chemical environment. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate litter effects on germination and emergence of Cirsium vulgare seeds and seedlings. Thin (2 layers) and thick (5 layers) of leaf litter of Acer saccharum, Quercus alba, and Juglans nigra reduced and delayed seedling emergence of bull thistle (C. vulgare) in two greenhouse experiments. Leaves of J. nigra were less effective than those of the other two species. In one experiment, removal of the litter after seedling emergence had ceased was followed by a second flush of emergence, but no further emergence occurred in the non-litter control. However, in a second experiment no further emergence was recorded after litter removal. Artificial litter, chemical-free cotton paper cut in leaf shapes, reduced and delayed seedling emergence but to a lesser extent than natural leaf litter. Germination in distilled water in Petri dishes was not affected within a pH range of 3-10. However, black walnut leaf extract reduced seed germination, and extracts of all three species slowed germination rates. There was no effect of leaf extracts on rates or percent emergence from soil in the greenhouse. We concluded that leaf litter can have an important role in determining patterns of seedling emergence of C. vulgare, possibly because of physical effects on the dormancy status of its seeds.