Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infrared thermography in marine ecology: methods, previous applications and future challenges

Infrared thermography (IRT) is being increasingly utilised by animal physiologists and ecologists to investigate the role of thermal stress and small-scale thermal variability on the distribution and abundance of species. Due to the inability of infrared cameras to work under - water, ecological studies that use IRT have largely been undertaken on terrestrial systems, while fundamentally limited to surfacing mammals in aquatic ecosystems. In recent years, however, IRT has been used to investigate the thermal ecology of intertidal organisms, which are intermittently exposed. The aim of this paper was to summarise the rapidly growing application of IRT in marine ecology, to discuss best practises for using IRT in the marine environment whilst outlining some common limitations, and to suggest future research directions. IRT has been successfully used to count and track the movements of a range of marine mammals as well as to quantify previously unobserved nocturnal feeding patterns. On rocky intertidal shores, IRT has largely been used to assess thermoregulatory processes in gastropods, mussels and sea stars and the effect of heat stress on barnacle recruitment. Ground-truthing and calibration procedures still remain the largest drawback for the use of IRT in ecological studies. However, once the appropriate calcula- tions and working procedures have been implemented, thermal imaging is a reliable and rapid tool for measuring environmental and biological temperature variability. We believe such techniques will become increasingly popular as global temperatures, and hence thermal stress, continue to rise.
Pectolytic Enzyme Activity During Intermittent Warming Storage of Peaches

Pectin enzyme evolution in peaches intermittently warmed at 15°C (15°C-IW) and at 20°C (20°C-IW) for 24 hr every 8 days of storage at 0°C, was followed. Cold storage increased PME activity until a constant level was reached, whereas PG decreased after 2 wk. 15°C-IW had a similar effect to conventional cold storage. 20°C-IW induced a different behavior, PG activity increasing and PME activity decreasing after 2 wk of storage. This different behavior seemed to be related to the development of chilling injury, since 15°C-IW did not alleviate chilling injury but 20°C-IW did. Chilling injury development during storage was associated with continuous PME activity and inhibition of endo-PG activity after the second week of storage, regardless of exo-PG activity.
Amoebae in the rhizosphere and their interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi : effects on assimilate partitioning and nitrogen availability for plants

Plants interact with multiple root symbionts for fostering uptake of growth-limiting nutrients. In turn, plants allocate a variety of organic resources in form of energy-rich rhizodeposits into the rhizosphere, stimulating activity, growth and modifying diversity of heterotrophic microorganisms. The aim of my study was to understand how multitrophic interactions feed back to plant N nutrition, assimilate partitioning and growth. Multitrophic interactions were assessed in a single-plant microcosm approach, with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus intraradices) and bacterial feeding protozoa (Acanthamoeba castellanii) as model root symbionts. Both organisms are common and abundant in the rhizosphere, contributing strongly to plant nutrient acquisition. Stable isotopes enabled tracing C (13C) and N (15N) allocation in the plant, into the rhizosphere and the microbial community. Microbial community composition was investigated by phospholipid fatty acid analysis. This study offers new perspectives for the microbial loop in soil concept. Plant species identity is a major factor affecting plant-protozoa interactions. N uptake was enhanced in the presence of protozoa for Zea mays and Plantago lanceolata. The presence of protozoa increased specific root area in both plant species, whereas specific leaf area was only increased in P. lanceolata. Holcus lanatus did not respond to any parameter studied. Protozoa in the rhizosphere mediate plant C allocation and nutrient mobilization. These responses depended on the quality of soil organic matter (assessed by C-to-N ratio of leaf litter). Plants adjusted the allocation of C resource to roots and into the rhizosphere depending on litter quality and the presence of bacterial grazers for increasing plant growth. The effect of protozoa on the structure of microbial community supplied with both, plant C and litter N, varied with litter quality. AM-fungi and protozoa interact to complement each other for plant benefit in C and N acquisition. Protozoa re-mobilized N from fast growing rhizobacteria and by enhancing microbial activity. Hyphae of AM fungi acted as pipe system, translocating plant derived C and protozoan remobilized N from source to sink regions. This strongly affected decomposer microbial communities and processes in distance to roots. Plant growth promoting effect of protozoa in the rhizosphere fostered synergistically the exploitation of nutrients. Major perspectives of this work will be to investigate (i) whether multitrophic interactions in our model system can be generalized to other protozoa-mycorrhiza-plant interactions (ii) whether these interactions are depending on plant phenology and plant community composition.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of some new N4-substituted isatin-3-thiosemicarbazones

A new series of 12 N4-substituted isatin-3-thiosemicarbazones 2a-l has been synthesized, characterized and screened for in vitro cytotoxic, phytotoxic and urease inhibitory effects. All the compounds proved to be active in the brine shrimp bioassay; 2a, 2b, 2d, 2f and 2h-l exhibited a high degree of cytotoxic activity (LD50 = 1.10 × 10− 5 M–3.10 × 10− 5 M). In urease-inhibition assay, compounds 2a, 2b, 2e, 2f, 2h-j and 2l proved to be potent inhibitors displaying relatively much greater inhibition of the enzyme with IC50 values ranging from 20.6 μM to 50.6 μM. Amongst these, 2a and 2f were found to be the most potent ones exhibiting pronounced inhibition with IC50 value 20.6 μM. All the synthetic compounds showed weak to moderate (10–40%) phytotoxicity at the highest tested concentration (500 μg/mL) indicating their usefulness as inhibitors of soil ureases.
Effect of cattle marketing method on beef quality and palatability

This study was conducted to determine the effect of direct consignment compared with saleyard marketing on beef quality and palatability. A total of 258 cattle (mean carcass weight 227 ± 19 kg) from nine vendor properties in Victoria, Australia were used. From each vendor group (about 30 cattle/vendor), half were either: (1) processed through a saleyard and then sent to the abattoir or (2) directly consigned to the abattoir. All cattle were slaughtered at the same abattoir and the lairage and postslaughter management of the cattle and their carcasses was standardised. The cattle that had been directly consigned were slaughtered the day after dispatch from the property, whereas saleyard cattle were slaughtered 2 days after dispatch. Striploin (longissimus lumborum) samples were evaluated 1 day postslaughter and after 14 days aging. Overall, marketing method had only a small impact on the various meat quality measures and palatability. A significant vendor × marketing method interaction was found for most traits including muscle glycogen (semimembranosus and semitendinosus), pH (1, 3 and 24 h postslaughter), L*, a* and b* colour values and consumer panel scores [tenderness, flavour and combined score (MQ4)]. Juiciness scores were unaffected by marketing method but were significantly influenced by vendor group (P < 0.001). For MQ4 score, there was a general trend showing that steaks from cattle that had been marketed through the saleyard had marginally lower MQ4 scores than those that had been directly consigned in five of the eight groups. However, this trend was only significant for two of the five groups. A significant three-way interaction between vendor group × marketing method × aging duration was found for shear force (P < 0.001) and cooking loss percentage (P < 0.001). The effect of marketing method on shear force was generally small and not always statistically significant but there was a trend indicating that saleyard marketing resulted in slightly higher shear forces at either 1 or 14 days postslaughter for the majority of the vendor groups. It was concluded that marketing method had a small but variable impact on palatability and meat quality.
Alteration of β‐catenin expression in esophageal squamous‐cell carcinoma

β‐catenin regulates cadherin‐mediated cell‐cell adhesion and also functions as a signaling molecule. In this study, we examined the expression pattern of E‐cadherin, α‐catenin and β‐catenin in 22 cases of esophageal squamous‐cell carcinoma by Western‐blot analysis. Expression of E‐cadherin, α‐catenin and β‐catenin was lower in carcinomas than in normal esophageal mucosa in 4 cases (18.2%) for E‐cadherin, 6 cases (27.3%) for α‐catenin and 9 cases (40.9%) for β‐catenin. Expression of β‐catenin was not always correlated with that of E‐cadherin. Over‐expression of β‐catenin was observed in 3 cases (13.6%). Of 3 cases that presented with over‐expression of β‐catenin, 2 showed cytoplasmic staining by immunohistochemistry. Nuclear localization of β‐catenin was observed in one case that had higher β‐catenin level in tumor tissue (1.4‐fold higher than normal mucosa). The genomic DNA sequences of the β‐catenin and the APC gene were analyzed. No mutation of the β‐catenin gene was observed in any cases. Silent mutation of the APC gene was found in all the cases that showed over‐expression or nuclear localization of the β‐catenin protein. These results indicate that alterations of the cadherin‐catenin complex may play an important role in a sub‐set of esophageal carcinogenesis. Furthermore, it is suggested that β‐catenin over‐expression is not caused by genetic alteration of either the β‐catenin or the APC gene. Int. J. Cancer 85:757–761, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mielato de Stigmacoccus asper (Hemiptera: Stigmacoccidae): recurso melífero de bosques de roble en Colombia

The honeydew produced by the scale insect Stigmacoccus asper (Hemiptera: Stigmacoccidae) is recorded an important source for honey production by honey bees. S. asper was found on oak trees, Quercus humboldtii (Fagaceae) at eleven sites in the states of Boyaca and Santander, at 2,400-2,800 masl, in the Oriental Cordillera of Colombia. The oak forests where S. asper was found are highly disturbed and fragmented and trees with honeydew are most abundant on the edge of the fragments. Based on a palynological study, we estimated that honeydew is as important as floral nectar in honey production in the areas studied. In some localities and seasons, honeydew is the main ingredient of local honey. Presence of honeydew in honey was estimated by the amount of hyphae, spores (associated with sooty molds) and oak pollen found in it. Their abundance was compared with pollen from nectar-producing plants, thus allowing the classification of sampled honeys into three types: honeydew honey, floral honey and mixed honey. 67 types of nectar-producing or potentially nectar-producing plants were identified. Beekeepers reported increased production of scale insect honeydew during dry periods and described the honey produced from the honeydew of S. asper as being dark and with an intense caramel flavor. Honeydew from oak forests is suggested as a resource for honey, which has the potential to become a new apicultural product in Colombia. Furthermore, honeydew honey is an economically important non-timber product, and is also environmentally important because it promotes the conservation of native oak forests.
Individual variability in the movement behaviour of juvenile Atlantic salmon

Stream-dwelling salmonid populations are generally thought to be composed of both relatively mobile and sedentary individuals, but this conclusion is primarily based on results obtained from recapture methods with low temporal resolution. In this study, the mobility of 50 juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) was monitored using a large array of passive integrated transponder antennas buried in the bed of a natural stream. Fish locations were recorded at a high frequency for a period of 3 months in a 65 m reach. Four types of daily behaviour were identified: stationary (detected primarily at one location), sedentary (limited movement between a few locations), floater (frequent movements in a restricted home range), and wanderer (movements across the reach). Most individuals exhibited low mobility on most days, but also showed occasional bouts of high mobility. Between-individual variability accounted for only 12%–17% of the variability in the mobility data. High mobility was more frequent at low flow, bu.
Experimental infection of commercial layers using a Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum strain: Leukogram and serum acute-phase protein concentrations

The aim of the present study was to evaluate white blood cell counts and serum protein profiles of commercial layers experimentally infected with Salmonella Gallinarum (SG) in order to better understand the pathophysiology of the disease caused by this bacterium. 180 five-dayold commercial layers were divided into 3 groups (G); G1 and G2 received 0.2 mL of inoculate containing 3.3x10 8 CFU or 3.3x10 5 CFU SG resistant to nalidix acid (Nal r )/mL, respectively, directly into their crops. G3 group did not receive the inoculum. Birds were sacrificed 24 hours before (T1) and 24 hours after the infection (T2), and three (T3), five (T4), seven (T5), and ten (T6) days after the administration of the inoculum. White blood cell counts were carried out in a Neubauer hemocytometer and in blood smears. Serum protein concentrations, including acute-phase proteins, were determined using sodium dodecyl sulphatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Data were submitted to analysis of variance, and means were compared by Tukey’s test (P <0.05). G1 and G2 groups presented higher leukocyte counts on T4 and T5, respectively, due to the increase of circulating lymphocytes and heterophils, with a significant difference relative to G3. In electrophoresis, an increase in the serum levels of ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, and hemopexin and a decrease in transferrin, which are acute-phase proteins, was verified. IgA serum levels did not change; however, IgG concentration increased during the infection. In conclusion, the results provide information for the better understanding of the pathophysiology of fowl typhoid.
Multiple gene analyses reveal extensive genetic diversity among ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ populations

This study focused on evaluating the genetic diversity among ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ (‘Ca. P. mali’) populations in orchards of north-western Italy, where apple proliferation (AP) disease is widespread and induces severe economic losses. ‘Ca. P. mali’ was detected through restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of PCR-amplified 16S rDNA in 101 of 114 samples examined. Collective RFLP patterns, obtained by restriction analyses of four amplified genomic segments (16S/23S rDNA, PR-1, PR-2 and PR-3 non-ribosomal region, ribosomal protein genes rplV-rpsC and secY gene), revealed the presence of 12 distinct genetic lineages among 60 selected representative ‘Ca. P. mali’ isolates, underscoring an unexpected high degree of genetic heterogeneity among AP phytoplasma populations in north-western Italy. Prevalence of distinct genetic lineages in diverse geographic regions opens new interesting avenues for studying the epidemiology of AP disease. Furthermore, lineage-specific molecular markers identified in this work could be useful for investigating the biological life cycle of ‘Ca. P. mali’.
The effect of liposome-encapsulated cyprosins on manchego cheese ripening

Abstract Cyprosins, the proteinases present in cardoon rennet, were extracted from dried flowers of cardoon ( Cynara cardunculus L.) and encapsulated in dehydration-rehydration liposomes. Liposomes were added to pasteurized ovine milk to accelerate the ripening of Manchego cheese. Encapsulated proteinases had no effect on whey composition, but DM and protein content were lower in 1-d-old experimental cheese than in the respective control cheese. Enhancement of proteolysis by encapsulated cyprosins was evident 24h after manufacture; 38.3% of α s -CN and 47.7% of β -CN that were initially present in milk had been degraded in l-d-old experimental cheese and 20.3 and 37.5%, respectively, in control cheese. At that time, amounts of N that were soluble at pH 4.6, in TCA, and in phosphotungstic acid were 15.70, 5.47, and 2.09% in experimental cheese and 9.32, 4.16, and 1.34% in control cheese, respectively. The hydrophobic and hydrophilic peptides that were separated by HPLC and measured at 214 and 280nm, and their ratio, were also higher in experimental cheese than in control cheese on d 1. However, some of the indices of proteolysis were higher in control cheese than in experimental cheese after 60 d of ripening. Experimental cheese was softer than control cheese 24h after manufacture, but texture was not different thereafter. Addition of encapsulated cyprosins to milk perceptibly accelerated development of flavor intensity in experimental cheese through 15 d of age without enhancing bitterness.
Promotion of individual happiness and wellbeing of students by a positive education intervention

In usual educational practice, it is common to observe a separation between the "academic" curriculum of the students from that of their personal and social development. Nonetheless, an increasing recognition of the value of the students’ personal and social development in the classroom, called “Positive Education”, is now in progress. Bases on such efforts we elaborated a Psycho-Educative Intervention (PEI), with the purpose of integrating professional learning with Happiness and Wellbeing (H&W) through the teaching of healthy lifestyles in students of Universidad Veracruzana (UV). The positive effects of PEI upon the students’ H&W were found to be significant. Herein we report the effects of PEI on the students’ “academic” curricula, and on their duration, as well as try to explain their effects under the light of Positive Education. The effects of PEI on H&W were higher after PEI, but decreased four months later, although the scores were higher than those before PEI. Also, PEI improved the students’ school performance. One way to explain these effects of PEI is through the perspective of the three points raised by Positive Psychology, which were worked within the 15 Sessions of PEI to promote positive emotions and traits in the students.
Water Use and Yield of Canola under Dryland Conditions in the Central Great Plains

Reduced tillage systems, compared with conventional tillage methods, have increased precipitation storage efficiencies and increased the amount of available water for crop production in the central Great Plains. Increased available water affords producers the opportunity to diversify and intensify their production systems from the traditional wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow system. This study was conducted to determine canola (Brassica napus L.) production potential under the limited and variable precipitation patterns found in dryland agricultural systems in northeastern Colorado. Water stress timing effects on canola yield components were determined under a rainout shelter in 1993 and 1994, with water withheld during either the vegetative, reproductive, or grain-filling growth stage. All treatments received the same total water application, equal to the long-term average growing season precipitation. Rooting depth was determined from water extraction patterns monitored with a neutron probe. A water use-yield function was determined for canola grown under a line-source gradient irrigation system. A non-water-stressed baseline was determined for future water stress research using an infrared thermometer in canola. Timing of water stress did not significantly affect yield. Canola can extract water from soil depths of 65 in. , but 92 to 95% of total seasonal water use comes from growing season precipitation and water extracted from soil depths above 47 in. An examination of the growing season precipitation records indicates that canola yields could range from 284 to 2358 lb/acre (averaging 1020 lb/acre), assuming 4 in. of stored soil water use in addition to precipitation. Dryland canola production may not be economically viable for northeastern Colorado at current market prices and yields.
Apolipoprotein E Attenuates β‐Amyloid‐Induced Astrocyte Activation

Abstract: A common feature of Alzheimer's disease pathology is an abundance of activated glia, indicative of an inflammatory reaction in the brain. The relationship between glial activation and neurodegeneration is not known, although several cytokines and inflammatory mediators produced by activated glia have the potential to initiate or exacerbate the progression of neuropathology. As β‐amyloid (Aβ) is one of several stimuli that can activate glia, it is important to determine how Aβ‐induced glial activation is influenced by other proteins present in the plaque, such as apolipoprotein E (apoE). We examined the effect of native preparations of apoE on activation of rat cortical astrocyte cultures by Aβ1–42. The apoE source was conditioned medium from human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably transfected with human apoE3 or apoE4 cDNA. By morphological criteria, apoE inhibited Aβ‐induced astrocyte activation in three experimental paradigms: apoE pretreatment blocked subsequent Aβ‐induced activation, Aβ aged in the presence of apoE did not activate astrocytes, and apoE addition to activated astrocytes transiently reversed the activated phenotype. No apoE isoform selectivity was observed. The effect of apoE appears to be specific to Aβ, as apoE did not attenuate cyclic AMP‐induced astrocyte activation. These data suggest that apoE may modulate the ability of Aβ to induce inflammatory responses in the brain.
Workplace Bullying and Employee Performance Among Bank Personnel in Pakistan

This study investigates the prevalence of workplace bullying for a sample of bank employees in Lahore. It also examines whether workplace bullying (measured as work-related bullying and person-related bullying) affects employees’ performance in this context. On analyzing the data in terms of frequency and correlation, we find evidence to support the prevalence of bullying in these organizations, but none to suggest any association between workplace bullying and work performance.