Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF LIPIDS DURING ALKALINE COOKING OF CORN

The effect of alkaline cooking on corn oil quality characteristics was investigated. This process is used to produce tortillas and snacks. The corn was cooked in a solution of calcium hydroxide at the concentrations of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0% for 45 min. The oil was then extracted from cooked grains and saponification (SV), iodine (IV) and peroxide (PV) values were determined. Color parameters L and b were also measured. The SV was 85.7 (mg KOH/g oil) in the absence of calcium hydroxide and increased to 89.9 for the 3.0% calcium hydroxide treatment. The IV decreased from 126.4 (g iodine/100 g oil) in the absence of calcium hydroxide to 102.6 in the treatment with 3.0% calcium hydroxide. The b and L color parameters increased as calcium hydroxide concentration increased. The calcium hydroxide concentration recommended for cooking of corn was found to be between 0.5 and 1.0%.
Detection of Borrelia-specific 16S rRNA sequence in total RNA extracted from Ixodes ricinus ticks

Para a deteccao de especies de Borrelia em carrapatos, desenvolveu-se a tecnica da transcricao reversa, seguida da reacao em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR). A tecnica baseou-se na amplificacao de 552 bases de nucleotideos de 16S rRNA, utilizando-se primers especificos de Borrelia. O RNA total extraido de amostras de carrapatos Ixodes ricinus foi usado como modelo. Verificou-se maior sensibilidade da RT-PCR, para a deteccao de Borrelia, em comparacao com a microscopia de campo escuro padrao. A especificidade da tecnica foi confirmada por clonagem e sequenciamento dos 552 pares de base obtidos. A analise filogenetica das sequencias obtidas revelou que pertencem a B. lusitaniae e genospecies B. afzelii. A RT-PCR apresentada neste trabalho podera ser muito util como teste de triagem para detectar a presenca do patogeno. Especialmente quando em investigacoes, e necessaria a extracao total de RNA de carrapatos.
INVESTIGATION INTO THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POLLEN SPECIFIC GENES PiVAMP721 AND PiSCP1 IN POLLEN TUBE GROWTH

Pollen tubes are a model system to study tip growth. Growing pollen tubes can be structurally and functionally divided into apical, subapical and distal regions. The apical region is the "clear zone" where transport vesicles are concentrated, while organelles are concentrated in the subapical region; the distal region is where the male germ unit and a large vacuole are located. Special actin organization, ion gradients and exo/endocytosis are necessary for maintaining this zonation of pollen tubes. The phospholipid signaling system which intersects the above three systems may provide communication between interdependent pathways. The zonation must be dynamically maintained, and endocytic recycling, proteolytic degradation, phosphorylation/dephosphorylation are among the mechanisms by which this is achieved. Endocytosis has only recently been widely accepted in plants, available genomic data suggest that plants possess the whole set of molecular machinery for endocytosis including receptor kinases, Rab GTPases, SNAREs and clathrins among others. Endocytosis in plants probably follows a plasma membrane, trans-Golgi network (TGN), prevacuolar compartment (PVC) to vacuole route with TGN and PVC corresponding to the early and late endosomes. Membrane fusion events involving endocytic vesicles are mediated by SNARE proteins. R.III VAMP7 family longin proteins are the R-SNARE proteins responsible for membrane fusion in endocytosis. Plants have an unusually large family of VAMP7 proteins relative to animals.
Expression of the Invasion Factor Laminin γ2 in Colorectal Carcinomas Is Regulated by β-Catenin

The migration-inducing γ2 chain of laminin-5, one of the best known invasion markers, is strongly overexpressed in disseminating and infiltrating tumor cells at the invasive front of colorectal carcinomas. The same tumor cells show nuclear accumulation of the oncoprotein β-catenin, which together with T-cell factor-DNA-binding proteins, functions as transcriptional activator of genes involved in tumor progression. Here we show that β-catenin activates the human laminin-5 γ2 gene through two T-cell factor-binding elements in a synergistic manner together with hepatocyte growth factor and conclude that laminin-5 γ2 is another important target gene of nuclear β-catenin during tumor progression.
Vertical distribution of early developmental stages in two coexisting clupeoid species, Sardinella aurita and Engraulis encrasicolus

In recent years a northward expansion of Sardinella aurita has been reported in the western Mediterranean. Considering the coexistence of its larvae with those of the dominant species Engraulis encrasicolus, the present study was conducted to compare their vertical distributions in 2 areas off the Catalan coast with different vertical environmental conditions. During summer, the water column was stratified with a deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) beneath the pycnocline. However, the southern area, under the influence of the Ebro River, was characterized by a secondary surface chlorophyll maximum. Vertical distribution of larval food, nauplii and copepodites showed good agreement with the high chlorophyll layers. In the earliest stages of development, larvae of both species remained in the upper levels. From 6 mm standard length on they developed a day/night migratory behaviour to search for food during the day (feeding period). Therefore, in the south, where the abundance of potential food in the upper layers was relatively high, larvae of both species remained in the upper levels during the day. However, in the north, where food was restricted to the DCM, only E. encrasicolus larvae were able to reach these deep levels. The low temperatures (~15°C) detected at the DCM may restrict the vertical migration of S. aurita in accordance with their thermophilic character. This limitation might represent a restriction for the northward expansion of this species in the western Mediterranean.
Predicting potential impacts of climate change on the geographical distribution of enchytraeids: a meta‐analysis approach

The expectation that atmospheric warming will be most pronounced at higher latitudes means that Arctic and montane systems, with predominantly organic soils, will be particularly influenced by climate change. One group of soil fauna, the enchytraeids, is commonly the major soil faunal component in specific biomes, frequently exceeding above‐ground fauna in biomass terms. These organisms have a crucial role in carbon turnover in organic rich soils and seem particularly sensitive to temperature changes. In order to predict the impacts of climate change on this important group of soil organisms we reviewed data from 44 published papers using a combination of conventional statistical techniques and meta‐analysis. We focused on the effects of abiotic factors on total numbers of enchytraeids (a total of 611 observations) and, more specifically, concentrated on total numbers, vertical distribution and age groupings of the well‐studied species Cognettia sphagnetorum (228 observations). The results highlight the importance of climatic factors, together with vegetation and soil type in determining global enchytraeid distribution; in particular, cold and wet environments with mild summers are consistently linked to greater densities of enchytraeids. Based on the upper temperature distribution limits reported in the literature, and identified from our meta‐analyses, we also examined the probable future geographical limits of enchytraeid distribution in response to predicted global temperature changes using the HadCM3 model climate output for the period between 2010 and 2100. Based on the existing data we identify that a maximum mean annual temperature threshold of 16 °C could be a critical limit for present distribution of field populations, above which their presence would decline markedly, with certain key species, such as C. sphagnetorum, being totally lost from specific regions. We discuss the potential implications for carbon turnover in these organic soils where these organisms currently dominate and, consequently, their future role as C sink/source in response to climate change.
Prominent Women Biologists

he perception that scientists are intelligent white men who are socially inept, absent-minded nerds seems to prevail among students at all levels, from elementary school to college (Schibeci & Sorensen, 1983; Fort & Varney, 1989; Evans, 1992; Rahm & Charbonneau, 1997; Barman, 1999). While media may, by chance or choice, promote this image, it is unfortunately a realistic one. For example, while women constituted 46% of the general workforce of the U.S. in 1997, they represented only 19% of the science, engineering, and technology (SET) workforce (National Science Foundation, 2000). This stereotypical image of scientists as white men has, in part, discouraged many women from pursuing any interest they may have in a science career because they do not want to (and cannot) be the people so often portrayed in the media.
Average Class Size Distribution Effects on Students’ Social Well-Being in University Teacher Education Programmes in Cross River State, Nigeria

Class size as a public good has its roots from socio-economic factors requiring effective management for the alienation of learners’ ill-being. Hence, this research aimed at examining the Average Class Size (ACS) distribution effects on students’ social well-being in university teacher education programmes in Cross River State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design conducted ex-post facto was used with one research question and two hypotheses to guide the study. The population comprised of 5,492 students in university teacher education programmes from two universities in the research area. Purposive sampling technique was applied to draw the entire subjects as sample size. A researcher designed inventory instrument, faced-validated by two experts was used to collect data. Tables, chart and independent t-test were applied to statistically analyze the data collected. Results obtained indicated that ACS distribution produced negative externalities on the university students’ social well-being. Female students possessed more healthy social well-being than their male counterparts in the various programmes. ACS distribution could determine students’ well-being in terms of concentration, sadness and anxiety; while it was not significantly dependent on dizziness. Therefore, effective management of the classroom situation valuechain could sustain healthy social well-being and equity in education opportunity among the students. Recommendations made included teachers’ effectiveness and active students’ engagement in optimum class-size distribution in order to internalize healthy values among students in their teacher education programmes.
Knockdown of HCN1 channels in the dorsal hippocampal CA1 region

The hippocampus is an integral brain region for affective disorders. HCN1 protein shows age-dependent increase in expression resulting in an increase in I[subscript h] in the dorsal hippocampal CA1 region. TRIP8b knockout mice lacking functional HCN channels as well as both HCN1 and HCN2 knockout mice have been shown to display antidepressant-like behaviors. The mechanisms or brain regions involved in these alterations in behavior, however, are not clear. We developed a lentiviral shRNA system to examine whether knockdown of HCN1 protein, and therefore h-channels, in the dorsal hippocampal CA1 region is sufficient to produce antidepressant-like effects. We found that silencing of HCN1 gene resulted in physiological changes consistent with a reduction of I[subscript h] and increased cellular excitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons. Rats infused with lentiviral-shRNA-HCN1 in the dorsal hippocampal CA1 region displayed antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like behaviors. Using voltage-sensitive dye imaging, we found that knockdown of HCN1 in the dorsal hippocampal CA1 region led to enhancement of hippocampal activity in large regions of the dorsal hippocampus. Our results demonstrate that changed hippocampal network activity by local manipulation of HCN1 channels in dorsal hippocampus led to anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like behaviors and suggest that HCN1 channels could be a potential target for treatment of anxiety and depression.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Allium roseum L. “Lazoul,” A Wild Edible Endemic Species in North Africa

Total polyphenolic contents (TPC), antioxidant and antibacterial activities of bulb, leaf and flower extracts of the North African endemic plant Allium roseum were studied using three different solvents. Flower and leaf TPCs were found significantly higher than that of bulb with the highest values in methanolic extracts reaching 736.65 ± 88.67 and 749.54 ± 129.15 mg catechol equivalent/100 g of dry material, respectively. The same trend was observed for antioxidant potentials using DPPH. and ABTS. + scavenging methods. Moreover, the A. roseum phenolic extracts strongly inhibited the growth of a range of microorganisms. Multivariate analysis showed that the extraction solvent and the plant material significantly affected the quantity and bioactivity of the phenolics. Almost all extracts exhibited antioxidant and antibacterial activity; however, the highest values were found in the methanolic extracts of leaves and flowers. These results provide the basis for the use of this edible spontaneous species for functional food ingredients and/or supplements.
Allozyme variation between South American geographic populations of Microctonus hyperodae.

Eight South American geographic populations of the parasitoid Microctonus hyperodae Loan (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) have been released in New Zealand to help suppress the pasture pest Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel) (Colepotera: Curculionidae). Parasitoids from each South American population were released in equal numbers throughout New Zealand. It was postulated that the population(s) best suited to the conditions encountered at each New Zealand release locality would eventually become prevalent there. Genetic markers which will enable the South American populations that have become successful in New Zealand to be identified are being developed, and this paper reports a preliminary assessment of M. hyperodae allozyme variation. Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) was the only variable enzyme of the six that were assayed and it exhibited variation consistent with the presence of two alleles. All parasitoids from east of the Andes (Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay) were heterozygous (MDH a /MDH b ), while all those from the west (Chile) were homozygous (MDH a /MDH a ). This corroborates earlier morphometric evidence of genetic differentiation between South American populations, and indicates that work with additional enzymes should yield more markers.
Influence of European Red Mite on Leaf and Whole-canopy Carbon Dioxide Exchange, Yield, Fruit Size, Quality, and Return Cropping in 'Starkrimson Delicious' Apple Trees

The hypothesis was tested that effects of late-season European Red Mite (ERM) ( Panonychus ulmi (Koch)) injury on apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) fruit development are better explained by carbon physiology than by pest densities. Midseason ERM populations were allowed to develop in mature semi-dwarf 'Starkrimson Delicious'/M26 trees with moderately heavy crops, then were controlled with miticides at different mite-day (activity of one mite per leaf for 1 day) levels as estimated by weekly leaf sampling. The range of final mite-days was from 250 to 2100 on individual trees. Seasonal fruit growth patterns were monitored. Diurnal whole-canopy net CO 2 exchange rate (NCER) was measured in eight clear flexible balloon whole-canopy chambers on several dates before and after mite infestations. Mite injury reduced fruit growth rates. Leaf and whole-canopy NCER were reduced similarly. Late season fruit growth and final fruit size were correlated with accumulated mite-days, but were better correlated to whole-canopy NCER per fruit. Fruit firmness, color, soluble solids and starch ratings showed no correlation to mite-days. Number of flower clusters per tree and final fruit per tree the following year were not related to accumulated mite-days, but final fruit per tree the following year were better correlated to whole-canopy NCER per fruit. These results generally supported the hypothesis.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging Protects Market Quality in Broccoli Spears Under Ambient Temperature Storage

Broccoli spears were packaged using a semipermeable polymeric film and stored 96 hr at 20 degrees C. CO2 and O2 Concentrations within the packages equilibrated to about 9 and 3%, respectively. Relative to nonpackaged spears, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll and moisture retention were greater; and peroxidase activity was lower in packaged broccoli. No differences were found in total aerobic microbial population growth or Instron shear values between packaged and control spears.
DECOMPOSITION RATES AND NUTRIENT CONTENTS OF ARTHROPOD REMAINS IN FOREST LITTER

Decomposition rates and amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus were measured for dead millipedes and crickets buried in forest litter in North Carolina and Georgia. An average of 30% of the original mass of millipedes and 14% of the original mass of crickets was recovered after 1 yr in the litter. Elemental losses generally followed the pattern: K ? P > Mg > Ca; however, elemental amounts ocassionally stabilized and in one experiment calcium increased in amount over time. Decomposition of arthropod carcasses was described by a two-component, negative exponential decay model. Decay coefficients were used with literature estimates of arthropod standing crops to estimate standing crops of mass and elements of arthropod remains in forest litter and soil. Estimates of standing crops of mass, calcium, and magnesium of arthropod remains were greater than those of living forest floor arthropods.
Effects of nitrate: ammonium nitrogen ratio on the oxalate level of purslane.

to yield NO 3 - -N: NH 4 + -N ratios of 1:0, 0.75:0.25, 0.5:0.5, and 0.25:0.75. The solutions also contained macronutrients (in µg mL -1 ) 31 P, 207 K, 200 Ca, 48 Mg, and 64 S and the micronutrients (in µM) 2 Na, 50 Cl, 25 B, 2 Mn, 2 Zn, 0.5 Cu, 0.5 Mo and 50 FeEDTA. The nutrient solutions in the hydroponic systems were aerated for 1 min every 30 min using a time-controlled air bubbler. The solution pH was monitored at 4 d intervals and maintained at 6.6 to 6.8 by adding 0.5 M HCl or NaOH as needed. Treatments were arranged in randomized complete blocks design with five replications. There were six plants in each treatment replication.
DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS IN JIZAN CITY, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Background: teenagers with immediate positive benefits, and serve to counteract consequences such as academic performance, substance abuse and suicidal behavior. Objective: students in Jizan City. Subjects and Methods: selected. A total of 772 students were included (350 boys and 402 for girls). questionnaire and the Arabic version of the Depression, collection. Results: had symptoms of stress (39%). Mean scores for depression, anxiety and stress were higher among older than younger students. Female students had significantly higher mean anxiety and stress (p=0.002, p<0.001 and stress were higher among smokers than nonsmokers. Students with a present history of chronic diseases had significantly higher s higher educational status was significantly associated with higher scores of anxiety (p=0.034). Students whose mothers were employed had significantly higher scores for anxiety and stress (p=0.001 and p=0.004, respectively). Students with a positive family history of psychiatric problems had significantly higher mean scores for negative emotional states. There were significantly positive correlation among the studied three negative emotional s Conclusions: students in Jizan City; Anxiety is the most prevalent negative emotional state among secondary school students followed by depression and significantly higher among older students, female students, students with chronic diseases and students with positive family history of psychiatric diseases. Mothers’ personal characteristic significant impact on their son’s and daughter’s emotional status. School health care providers should be trained to screen students for negative emotions.
The biometry of lactation

SUMMARY A consideration of input-output relationships relating energy intake to its probable utilization for growth, condition and lactation by dairy cows leads to a series of equations describing observable responses. Energy is expressed in terms of units of milk equivalent, common to all equations, and the lactation curve, yn = anò e−cn is shown to be capable of biological interpretation, having regard to the subordinate equations from which it is derived. This expression relates milk production yn during a time interval n through the parameters a, b and c. The validity of the steps by which the function is developed is examined by reference to published work.
Response of different cultivars of groundnut, Aarachis hypogaea L. (Fabaceae: Fabales) to aphids, Aphis craccivora K. (Aphididae: Homoptera) in interaction with local weather factors.

Field trials were conducted in randomized completed block design with three replications for the screening of five cultivars of groundnut (BARD-92, 699, 479, BARI-2000 and Golden) against aphid (Aphis craccivora). It was observed that BARD-699 cultivar showed comparatively high resistance with minimum aphid population (4.60 per leaf) and leaf infestation (22%) at 110 days after treatment (DAS). Whereas, the cultivar BARD- 479 was found to be highly susceptible with maximum aphid population (8.50 per leaf) and leaf infestation (55%) at 110 DAS. The peak population of A. craccivora was recorded 110 DAS (May-June). The order of cultivar resistance against aphid population and leaf infestation during the whole crop duration was BARD 699 < BARD 92 < Golden < BARI 2000 < BARD 479. Aphid showed significantly positive correlation with maximum temperature for BARD-92 and for negative correlation BARI-2000 cultivars. Minimum temperature however showed significant positive correlation with aphid for BARD-92, Golden, and BARD-699 cultivars. Aphid had significant positive correlation with relative humidity for BARD-479 and Golden cultivars. Whereas, rainfall had negative correlation with aphids on BARD-479, BARI-2000, BARD-92 and BARD-699 cultivars. Consequently, based on the aphid density and leaf injuries on plant, BARD-699 was more resistant and BRD-479 highly susceptible cultivar.
Actions of quasi-Möbius groups

This article is a survey on actions of quasi-Möbius groups. We focus on their applications to Riemannian geometry —in particular hyperbolic geometry— and to the geometry of metric compact spaces. We prepare these applications by providing ample background on quasi-Möbus maps and quasiconformal geometry. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 20F65, 20F67, 20F69, 22F, 30C62, 30C65, 30L, 51F, 53C23
Effects of Gibberellin and Growth-retarding Chemicals on Respiration and Catalase Activity in Various Organs of Cucumber Seedlings

Cucumber seedlings were grown in darkness on filter paper saturated with water, gibberellin (GA), growth-retarding chemicals (mainly Amo-1618) or both GA and Amo-1618. The effects on oxygen consumption and catalase activity were studied on cotyledons, radicles, and hypocotyl tips. GA increased respiration and catalase activity of hypocotyl and cotyledons, decreased radicle respiration, and had no significant effect on its catalase activity. Amo-1618 decreased respiration of hypocotyl and cotyledons and increased that of the radicles. It stimulated catalase activity in all three organs. The inverse effects of GA and Amo-1618 on oxygen uptake and catalase activity were mutually antagonized when both compounds were applied at concentra tions counteracting their opposite effects on hypocotyl elongation. No stimulating effect on catalase activity was found with most other growth retarding chemicals. Some of them had no significant effect on the enzyme, and one even decreased its activity.