Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
β‐Carotene Contents and Quality Properties of Set Type Yoghurt Supplemented with Carrot Juice and Sugar

The purpose of this study was to enhance the color and sensory quality and β-carotene content of yoghurt by addition of carrot juice (CJ). Yoghurt samples were produced using cow's milk with the addition of sugar (10%, w/v) and sugar-free (control), 15% CJ, 15% CJ plus 10% sugar, 20% CJ and 20% CJ plus 10% sugar and stored at 4 ± 1C. The chemical composition was determined after the first day; however, viscosity, syneresis, titratable acidity, pH, yeast and mould counts, color measurements, β-carotene contents and sensory qualities of yoghurt samples were determined after 1, 7, 14 and 21 days. The highest and lowest β-carotene amounts were determined in CJ20 (130.39 μg/100 g) and the control (2.87 μg/100 g) samples, respectively, at 14 days of storage. Depending on the concentration of CJ, β-carotene contents and color intensity values were high in the yoghurt samples with CJ. The yoghurt sample with 15% CJ and 10% sugar was the most favorable for all sensory attributes. Practical Application The purpose of this study is to enhance the color and sensory quality and β-carotene content of yoghurt by addition of CJ. The addition of CJ improved the nutritional value of yoghurt in terms of β-carotene. The increment of CJ ratio increased β-carotene contents and color intensity values of yoghurts. Yoghurt sample with 15% CJ and 10% sugar was the most favorable by the panelists.
Variability of Seed Traits in Interspecific and Intergeneric Combinations between Different Genotypes of Cactaceae

Based on aesthetic consideration of cacti plants and germination capacity of the pollen grains (more than 30%), 19 genotypes of cacti (including Aylostera narvaecensis, A. buiningiana, Rebutia kupperiana var. spiniflorum, R. donaldiana) have been used in cyclic cross-pollination pattern. Fruits and seeds obtained from 24 interspecific and intergeneric combinations were analyzed by studying their main traits. The highest weight was registered for fruit belonging to R. pseudodeminuta var. schumaniana x R. senilis (23.3 mg) and A. buiningiana x A. vallegardensis (20.4 mg). Coefficient of variability for fruit weight had large amplitude, between 12.3% (A. spinosissima x A. albiflora) and 98.4% (A. favistyla x A. archibuinigiana). The fruits belonging to A. muscula x A. vallegardensis were registered with the highest value of number of seeds/fruit (93.2). In the cross between genera, the greatest value of fruits weights mean was registered on R. senilis x A. archibuinigiana (29.2 mg) and R. cajasensis x A. muscula (23.1 mg). Peculiarities of the fruits and seeds resulted from intergeneric combinations presented closer connections than interspecific ones. The phenotypic traits of fruits and seeds did not influence the seeds germination, but germination was clearly influenced by compatibility between genitors.
Cytological Studies in Some Central and Eastern Himalayan Grasses:III. The Agrostideae, Aveneae, Brachypodieae, Bromeae, Festuceae, Phalarideae and Triticeae

Cytological investigations in 44 taxa belonging to 35 species and 18 genera of the tribes Agrostideae, Aveneae, Brachypodieae, Bromeae, Festuceae, Phalarideae and Triticeae were carried out from the hills of Darjeeling and Nainital. Ten species and a variety has been worked out for the first time and new cytological races were discovered for another two species.
Investigating the potential role of PIP4Ks in PI3K/Akt signalling

Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) generate the essential lipid second messenger PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 which plays a key role in the regulation of numerous cellular processes including cell growth and survival, gene transcription, cytoskeletal organisation and glucose metabolism through its downstream effectors and in particular the serine/threonine protein kinase Akt. Therefore, the PI3K/Akt signalling plays a critical regulatory role in diverse cellular processes and its dysregulation is implicated in the pathogenesis of many human diseases including cancer and type 2 diabetes. Overexpression of phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate 4-kinase ? (PIP4K? ), a lipid kinase which phosphorylates the poorly understood phosphoinositide phospholipid PtdIns5P to produce PtdIns(4,5)P2, has been demonstrated to lead to the attenuation of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 levels and decreased Akt phosphorylation in insulin-stimulated cells. Conversely, mice lacking PIP4K? exhibit increased insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation, suggesting a potential role of PIP4Ks in the regulation of PI3K/Akt signalling. The aim of this project was to investigate the potential role of PIP4K? , the most active isoform among PIP4Ks, in the regulation of PI3K/Akt signalling and whether its substrate, PtdIns5P, is involved in this regulation.While YM201636, an inhibitor of PIKfyve an enzyme believed to be involved in PtdIns5P production, markedly reduced Akt phosphorylation in PDGF-stimulated NIH/3T3 cells, contrary to expectations, overexpression of PIP4K? in NIH/3T3 and HeLa S3 cells had no effect on PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 levels or Akt phosphorylation upon stimulation with PDGF and IGF-1 respectively. However, PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 levels were significantly decreased in insulin-stimulated L6 myotubes overexpressing PIP4K? , indicating a possible cell type specific modulation of PI3K signalling by PIP4K? Interestingly, despite the decreased PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 levels, insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation remained unaffected in PIP4K? expressing L6 myotubes. PIP4K? overexpression also resulted in increased levels of PtdIns(3,4)P2. This suggests an increased 5-dephosphorylation of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 through the action of one or more 5-phosphatases. Although the precise 5-phosphatase(s) are not known, the data indicate that this cannot be SHIP2 which has previously been implicated in the regulation of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 levels in insulin signalling. Taken together, the data presented in this thesis indicate a role for PIP4K? in PI3K signalling in a cell type specific manner. This might have important physiological implications.
First occurrences of Ni-phosphides in chromitites from the ophiolite complexes of Alapaevsk, Russia and Gerakini-Ormylia, Greece

Small grains, approximately 15 μm in size, of a Ni-phosphide, have been discovered in two chromite deposits associated with altered mantle peridotite: (i) in Bakanov Kluch, Alapaesk ophiolite, Russia and (ii) in Agios Dimitrios, Gerakini-Ormylia ophiolite, Greece. On the basis of the chromite composition, both the Bakanov Kluch and the Agios Dimitrios chromitites are classified as Cr-rich chromitites with a boninitic affinity. Under reflected-light optical microscope, the Ni-phosphides are yellow in colour and isotropic. Their calculated stoichiometry, based on the average of 20 electron microprobe analyses, approaches the ideal formula (Ni,Fe) 5 P. One essential condition for the formation of terrestrial minerals in the Ni-Fe-P system is the presence of a highly reducing local geochemical environment. Serpentinization of oceanic peridotites produces reducing fluids containing dissolved H 2 resulting from the reduction of H 2 O. Therefore, we suggest that the (Ni,Fe) 5 P from the Alapaevsk and Gerakini-Ormylia were very likely formed after the precipitation of the host chromitites during the serpentinization process at low temperatures. Nickel may have been released during the alteration of olivine and phosphorous may represent an alteration product of apatite. The (Ni,Fe) 5 P grains analyzed in the present work contain the highest value of Ni and they are characterized by the highest Ni to P ratio reported so far from similar minerals. Their stoichiometry indicates that the (Ni,Fe) 5 P grains found in the Alapaevsk and Gerakini-Ormylia chromitites represent a new mineral species. However, their small size prevents the acquisition of crystallographic data to support this assumption.
Effect of saffron on levels of blood lipids in rats fed a high cholesterol diet

Saffron (Crocus sativus Linneatus), a precious spice, is used in food preparation for its yellow‐orange color and strong flavor.Saffron has biological activities including antihumoral, cytotoxic, hypolipidemic, anti‐inflammatory, etc. Rats fed a 2% cholesterol diet have been shown to develop hypercholesterolemia and triglyceridemia, risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Thus, in the present study weanling Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed a 2% cholesterol diet for 4 weeks with and without supplementation with water containing saffron (3 mg/L). The experimental groups were: 1, normal diet + water (controls); 2, normal diet + saffron; 3, 2% cholesterol diet + water; and 4, 2% cholesterol diet + saffron. Food and fluid intake was assessed daily and body weight was recorded at 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the rats were sacrificed after overnight fasting, blood was collected by cardiac puncture and serum was prepared. Serum glucose and lipid levels were assessed. No significant differences were seen in body weight, fluid and food consumption and serum glucose levels among the groups. Serum cholesterol was significantly elevated in the cholesterol‐fed, water‐drinking rats (8.9 + 0.74) and this increase was nearly abolished in the cholesterol‐fed rats drinking saffron (5.14 + 0.33). In comparison, cholesterol‐fed, water‐drinking rats had serum triglyceride (TG) levels equal to the rats fed a normal diet. In contrast, the cholesterol‐fed rats drinking saffron had serum TG levels lowered by more than 50% (p< 0.00001). Therefore, the results of this study indicate that consumption of saffron can reduce serum cholesterol and TG levels in cholesterol‐fed rats, suggesting that saffron may be useful in treatment of hyperlipidemia. This work was partially supported by the College of Graduate Studies, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
Development of bioactive bread enriched with a seaweed peptide fraction with potential heart-health effects

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently a global epidemic and is now the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The two major approaches for the prevention of CVD in the developed world are public health based Policies and clinical based Strategies focusing on high-risk individuals. Pharmaceutical companies have developed a range of treatments to tackle the causes of CVD and these include the development of anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive and anti-cholesterol drugs. However, unpleasant side-effects often exist with prescription drug-taking. Sourcing of natural food components from foods to provide protection against the development of CVDis a useful strategy to help combat illness. This thesis aims to utilise Irish macroalgae as a source of bioactive compounds which can be delivered in the food vehicle Bread to confer a Heart health effect to the consumer. Hypertension, one of the major risk factors associated with CVD may be controlled by inhibiting enzymes of the reninangiotensin aldosterone System (RAAS). Inhibition of the enzyme renin is an important strategy for the control of hypertension as renin is the initial and rate limiting enzyme of the RAAS. Inhibition of the circulating enzyme platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) is also important in the control of atherosclerosis development. PAF-AH generates two pro-inflammatory mediators lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and oxidized non-esterified fatty acids (oxNEFAs). Both of these mediators are involved in promotion of atherosclerotic plaque which may be lead to high blood pressure development. Macroalgae are part of the regular diet of many Asian cultures and have a tradition of being consumed in many coastal regions of the Western World. Regular consumption of macroalgae is associated with a decline in the prevalence of breast cancer and diabetes mellitus development. Species of macroalgae belonging to the group known as Rhodophyta or the red macroalgae are known to contain levels as high as 47 % protein. Several bioactive peptides, including ACE-Iinhibitory peptides were isolated previously from macroalgae protein extracts and hydrolysates. In this thesis the extraction and isolation of renin and PAF-AH inhibitory peptides from the macroalgae Palmaria palmata was carried out. The effectiveness of the isolated renin inhibitory tridecapeptide IRLIIVLMPILMA was further explored in terms of its capacity to survive gastrointestinal (GI) digestion and its ability to lower blood pressure in vivo in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The Palmaria palmata protein hydrolysate from which these peptides were identified was subsequently incorporated in to bread and the effects of its addition were observed in terms of volume, colour, texture profile, moisture, crumb structure, sensory attributes and renin inhibitory activity.
An isotopic assessment of protein from diet and endogenous stores: Effects on egg production and incubation behaviour of geese

Little empirical information exists to assess to what degree geese use a capital versus income breeding strategy for investing nutrients into eggs. We used stable isotope methods to directly estimate the sources of protein deposited into egg yolks of Brent Branta bernicla and Emperor Geese Anser canagicus on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, USA. Approximately 59 and 45% of protein in egg yolks of Brent and Emperor Geese, respectively, was derived from exogenous sources (i.e. food plants on the local breeding area). Within clutches of Brent Goose eggs, first-laid eggs exhibited slightly higher contributions from endogenous reserves than last-laid eggs. This pattern was less clear for Emperor Geese, which may have been a consequence of possibly analysing eggs that were laid by intraspecific nest parasites rather than by hosts. For both these species, individuals exhibited large variability in the percent contribution of exogenous versus endogenous stores to eggs, and future studies should identify ecological factors related to this variation. Those Emperor Geese in poor body condition incubated their nests less constantly, and based on δ 13 C values, they fed on terrestrial foods while off their nests. Although not a pure capital breeder, Emperor Geese used nutrients garnered on spring staging areas to fuel virtually all their own maintenance during incubation and to contribute half or more of the nutrients in eggs. These results highlight the ecological importance of these spring staging habitats to geese.
HOST SUITABILITY OF SOME POACEOUS CROP CULTIVARS FOR HETERODERA GOLDENI [SUSCEPTIBILIDAD A HETERODERA GOLDENI DE ALGUNOS CULTIVARES DE PLANTAS POÁCEAS]

Ibrahim, I. K. A. , S. F. A. Awd-Allah, and Z. A. Handoo. 2012. Host suitability of some poaceous crop cultivars for Heterodera goldeni. Nematropica 42:324-329. The host suitability of four corn, four sorghum and five rice cultivars to the cyst nematode Heterodera goldeni was determined in the greenhouse. The results showed that H. goldeni infected and reproduced successfully on all the testedpoaceous crop cultivars. The corn hybrids Pioneer 3062 and SC 10 were susceptible and moderately susceptible to H. goldeni, respectively, while the corn hybrids SC 123 and TWC 324 were moderately resistant. The sorghum cultivars Balady, Dorado, Giza 15 and H 1020 were susceptible to H. goldeni. The rice cultivars Giza 171, Giza 177, Giza 178, Sakha 101 and Sakha 102 were susceptible or highly susceptible to H. goldeni. Ibrahim, I. K. A. , S. F. A. Awd-Allah, and Z. A. Handoo. 2012. Susceptibilidad a Heterodera goldeni de algunos cultivares de plantas poaceas. Nematropica 42:324-329. En ensayos de invernadero, se determino la susceptibilidad al nematodo quiste Heterodera goldeni de cuatro cultivares de maiz, cuatro de sorgo, y cinco de arroz. Los resultados mostraron que H. goldeni infecto y se reprodujo de manera exitosa en todos los cultivares estudiados. El hibrido de maiz Pioneer 3062 fue susceptible y el hibrido SC 10 fue moderadamente susceptible a H. goldeni, mientras que los hibridos de maiz SC 123 y TWC 324 fueron moderadamente resistentes. Los cultivares de sorgo Balady, Dorado, Giza 15 y H 1020 fueron susceptibles a H. goldeni. Los cultivares Giza 171, Giza 177, Giza 178, Sakha 101 y Sakha 102 fueron susceptibles o altamente susceptibles a H. goldeni.
Succès invasif de deux insectes introduits aux îles Kerguelen : le rôle des ajustements morphologiques et écophysiologiques aux nouvelles conditions environnementales

Le succes des especes invasives depend de l'adequation entre leurs traits d'histoire de vie et les caracteristiques environnementales (biotiques et abiotiques) de leurs nouveaux habitats. Le succes invasif d'une espece peut donc reposer sur sa pre-adaptation, etre declenche par la levee de certaines pressions selectives, les perturbations, ou encore la reponse rapide de l'organisme aux nouvelles contraintes selectives. La plasticite phenotypique et les processus evolutifs sont ainsi des parametres essentiels dans les invasions biologiques, en faisant des situations privilegiees pour observer les processus ecologiques et evolutifs en temps reel. Nous nous sommes interesses aux reponses morphologiques et ecophysiologiques exprimees dans le temps et l'espace au cours de l'invasion des Iles Kerguelen (archipel subantarctique) par le carabique predateur Merizodus soledadinus et la mouche saprophage Calliphora vicina, dont les strategies de vie sont contrastees. Nous montrons la differenciation morphometrique de populations de M. soledadinus en fonction de leur temps de residence, ainsi que les changements rapides de la morphologie de l'aile de C. Vicina dans ces iles ou l'inaptitude au vol est la regle. Une attention particuliere est accordee au role de la plasticite phenotypique de M. Soledadinus dans la colonisation de nouveaux habitats (plasticite physiologique a la salinite) et dans son maintien durable malgre l'impact qu'il exerce sur la disponibilite des proies (plasticite trophique). Ces ajustements a plus ou moins long terme sont des elements determinants du succes invasif de ces deux insectes a mesure qu'ils progressent et rencontrent de nouveaux regimes de selection.
THE REPRESENTATIVES OF AMELANCHIER MEDIK. GENUS IN UKRAINE

Abstract. The information on fruit and decorative value, honey and medicinal propertiesof the genus Amelanchier Medik. is generalized. Their biological characteristics, chemicalcomposition and palatability traits of the fruit, the ways of consumption and processing, includingdrying, preparing juices, syrups, jams, candied fruit jellies, confiture, and fruit wine are specified.The environmental adaptability and effectiveness of using juneberry for phytomelioration arementioned. Several versions of the origin of the genus Amelanchier name and interpretationof its specific epithets are described. The controversial issues of the genus Amelanchiersystem were discussed from the classical and molecular genetic approaches. The attention isfocused on two main aspects of views on the place of the genus Amelanchier representativesof the family Rosaceae Juss. within the particular subfamily, namely the subfamily PyroideaeBurnett (Maloideae S. Weber) or the subfamily Amygdaloideae Arn. , which indicates thenecessity for further comparative morphological and molecular genetic studies of the familyRosaceae. The directions of evolution, habitat and invasive ability of some species of thegenus Amelanchier are characterised. The list of the genus Amelanchier representativescultivated in Ukraine is given.Key words: areal, biodiversity, number of chromosomes, DNA sequence, family, floristicregion, juneberry, phytomeliorative, taxonomy, tribe.
Revised taxonomy of albanerpetontid amphibians

Characters of the jaws and frontals are often used to differentiate albanerpetontid genera and species, yet the reliability of these characters has rarely been examined. Frontals are diagnostic for the genera Albanerpeton and Celtedens and for species in the latter genus. The value of frontals at the specific level in Celtedens may be inflated by lack of information about variation in jaw structure. Characters of the frontals, jaws, and body size differentiate species of Albanerpeton. Differential diagnoses are presented for the Albanerpetontidae based on cranial and vertebral characters and for the two named genera based on frontal characters. Each genus is characterized by one autapomorphy: fused frontals triangular in Albanerpeton and internasal process bulbous in Celtedens. An enigmatic albanerpetontid from the Middle Jurassic (upper Bathonian) of England has a unique mixture of frontal and premaxillary character states that precludes it from being included in either Celtedens or Albanerpeton. This leaves the oldest occurrences of the two genera in, respectively, the Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) and Early Cretaceous (latest Aptian/ earliest Albian).
Effect of salt stress on germination and early seedling growth stage of sugar beet cultivars.

The response of six sugar beet genotypes (H30916, H30917, H30918, H30919, H30938 and H30973) against five salinity levels (distilled water as control, 4, 8, 12 and 16 dS/m) were studied at germination and early seedling stages. An experiment with factorial arrangement was conducted by using a completely randomized design with three replications. Germination percentage, germination rate, the length of shoot and root, length of seedling, seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight and root to shoot ratio measured 12 days after germination. Results of data analysis showed that, there were significant differences between genotypes and salinity stress levels for all investigated traits except mean germination time. Result of means comparison showed that in all of genotypes there was a decrease in germination percentage due to salinity stress increment and maximum germination percentage was delayed. Results of this experiment showed that, under conditions of the highest saline stress that is 16 dS/m all genotypes had not any germination after 12 days. The maximum fall in germination percentage was detected in H30919. According to the results of this research, genotypes H30917 and H30938 are the most resistant and H30918 and H30973 are the most sensitive varieties at germination stage and early seedling growth.
Mortalité des arbres en forêt primaire de Guyane Française

La mortalite des arbres dans les parcelles-temoins du dispositif d'etude de Paracou (Guyane francaise) concerne aux alentours de 1,1 % du peuplement par an. Cette mortalite se divise en morts sur pied, chablis initiateurs et chablis induits. La proportion de ces differents types est respectivement de 0,48, 0,28 et 0,24 %. Cette mortalite cree des trouees dans la voute de la foret, affectant 1,33 % de la surface consideree par an. La mortalite post-exploitation augmente fortement par rapport aux parcelles-temoins. Cet effet reste cependant de courte duree; les taux de mortalite tendent de nouveau, en quelques annees, vers ceux des parcelles temoins. Les degâts occasionnes par la mort des arbres devitalises sont nettement inferieurs aux degâts provoques par des chablis de meme diametre (.)
Exotic bark and ambrosia beetles in the USA: potential and current invaders

Bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are among the most important insects affecting trees and forests worldwide. There are approximately 6000 scolytine species worldwide, with species found on all continents except Antarctica (Table 3.1) (Wood and Bright, 1992; Bright and Skidmore, 1997, 2002; Wood, 2007). The majority of species are found in the tropics, but many also occur in boreal forests. Undoubtedly, there are hundreds of additional species that have not yet been described. Many authorities now consider the bark and ambrosia beetles a subfamily (Scolytinae) of the weevil family (Curculionidae) (Alonso- Zarazaga and Lyal, 2009), while others continue to treat them as a distinct family (Wood, 2007). In this chapter, we will use the subfamily ranking Scolytinae, but recognize that most plant protection agencies worldwide continue to use Scolytidae.