Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Thermal Treatment and Soy Bean Protein Characteristics on Muscle Protein Emulsion Stability

The effects of heat treatment on the interaction of salt soluble muscle protein and soy protein isolate in model emulsions were studied. Three soy protein isolates (SPI) were used: a commercial one (CSPI) and two pilot plant samples: a native soy protein isolate (NSPI) and an acid treated soy protein isolate (ASPI). Emulsions were prepared with muscle protein (MP), NSPI, ASPI, CSPI and mixtures of MP and the different SPIs, and then treated at 20, 55, 70, 80 and 90°C. Coalescence, soluble protein and electrophoresis of the aqueous phase of the emulsions were evaluated for each temperature. At 20°C the more native soy protein (NSPI) was compatible with MP, producing a stable emulsion that became more stable during heat treatment. CSPI alone could not form a stable interfacial film through the temperature range, however emulsion stabilisation was achieved at 55°C and 70°C when adding MP. Emulsions prepared with MP ASPI were highly unstable at 20°C, while as the emulsion temperature increased, coalescence decreased abruptly and maintained low values at every temperature. MP, NSPI, ASPI and MP NSPI produced stable emulsions both at 20°C and higher temperatures.
Evaluation of Bulls for Nonreturn Rates Within Artificial Insemination Organizations

Abstract Programs have been written for use on microcomputers to utilize breeding receipt data collected by AI organizations to evaluate dairy bulls for nonreturn rates. The statistical model of analysis allows the user to have up to four fixed factors, as well as herd or herd-year effects, technician effects, and service sire effects. As an example, 137,874 AI in 1991 from one organization were analyzed. Data included information from 3609 herds, 80 technicians, and 464 sires. Although AI organizations traditionally compute 60- to 90-d nonreturn rates, these programs have caused organizations to consider using shorter period nonreturn rates in order to evaluate bulls sooner. Evidence from other work indicated that the evaluations of bulls from this analysis were more highly correlated with physiological characteristics of ejaculates than simple nonreturn rates.
Seasonal Changes in Reflectance of Two Wheat Cultivars1

Accurate crop identification from remote sensing signals is dependent on a knowledge of differences in characteristics of reflectance from various crop canopies. The objective of the present work was to follow changes in the reflectance of two dissimilar wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.)] cultivars through a growing season to determine which reflectance characteristics were suitable for use in the analysis and interpretation of spectral reflectance curves. Reflectance over the wavelength interval of 0.45 to 2.50 μm was measured with a ground-based spectroradiometer on nine cloud-free days between planting and maturity of wheat planted on Hidalgo sandy clay loam (Typic Calculstols) soil. Seeding rate affected the rate of ground cover, but not the spectral reflectance of either a winter or a spring wheat once about 25% of the area was covered by vegetation. All reflectance curves had the characteristic shape for vegetated surfaces by 4 weeks after emergence. The proportion of the ground covered by plants was more important than development stages of the plants in determining spectral responses, except at the end of the season when the plants senesced and lost pigmentation. Through the season soil was much less reflective than green vegetation at 0.75, 0.90, and 1.10 μm and much more reflective at 1.65 and 2.20 μm, making these wavelengths valuable for distinguishing vegetation from soil background and for assessing vegetation cover or density.
A comparison of controlled environment and field trials for detection of resistance in cereal cultivars to root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani

A screening test was developed to study the effect of different quantities of inoculum of Rhizoctonia solani on root rot and growth of cultivars of wheat, barley, oats, rye and triticale in a controlled environment and the field in two seasons. The ranking of relative susceptibility to disease of cultivars within a cereal differed between the controlled environment and field experiments, and between seasons in the field. The ranking of relative susceptibility between cereals also differed between experiments. In the controlled-environment experiment, wheat had the highest disease rating, followed by oats, barley, triticale and rye, but in the field barley had the highest rating followed by wheat and then oats. The overall differences between the cereals were small.
Primary production and physiological state of phytoplankton at the Ushant tidal front (west coast of Brittany, France

Physical, chemical, and biological parameters relevant to phytoplankton were measured in late summer 1982 across the southern part of the Ushant front. Daily primary production rates (g C m-' d-') increased and assimilation number decreased from the open sea to the frontal zone. However, productivity (mg C [mg Chl a]-' h-') in the frontal upper layers (> 10 O/ O light surface intensity) was significantly higher than in stratified and transitional waters. Offshore, no dinoflagellates but only nanoflagellates were observed, with diatoms (mainly Nitzschia seriata) in more coastal waters. On spring tides, diatoms were widespread over the transitional area, even on the stratified side. Physiological state of the phytoplankton was assessed on the basis of photosynthetic properties, adenylate energy charge, ATP: Chl a and POC: Chl a ratios, and specific growth rates. Physiological activity of nanoflagellates in well-stratified, nutrient-deplete waters was mainly influenced by light level. Physiological state of the diatom populations was not constant over the transitional area, but in the stratified frontal zone was greater in the upper layer. On the mixed side, by contrast, the physiological state of the phytoplankton was lower, particularly as regards light adaptation.
Diversity and host associations of ectomycorrhizae fungi in fallow lands of the mid-Zambezi valley area, Zimbabwe

Fallowing creates land mosaics characterised by vegetation communities at different stages of succession. Such mosaics are expected to harbour mycorrhizal associations that reflect host species composition and diversity. We investigated the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi and their host associations across a fallow crono-sequence of 1–14 years in the mid-Zambezi valley area, Zimbabwe. Five ectomycorrhizal fungi species: Lactarius gymnocarpus, Lactarius sp. , Boletus sp. , Thelephora terrestris and Amphinema byssoides were recorded from 13 tree species from six families: Combretaceae, Ebenaceae, Fabaceae, Simaroubaceae, Rhamnaceae and Tiliaceae. The results indicated low host specificity among the observed ectomycorrhizal fungi. A Spearman Rank correlation test showed no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between fallow age and ectomycorrhizal status. The Raup–Crick similarity cluster indicated an interaction between fallow age and ectomycorrhizal fungi status on tree species. Our results support reports on low host specificity for ectomycorrhizal fungi among tropical African plant communities.
A growth model for red oak in New England

Ecological, silvicultural, and financial equations were used to construct a single tree growth model for red oak (Quercusrubra L.) in New England, U.S.A. A two-phase strategy of forest management is proposed: phase l is early growth at high densities to promote rapid growth of clear boles (merchantable height); phase 2 is a series of thinnings at 10-year intervals to reduce density and so promote stem diameter growth. A dollar value per unit volume is applied to cordwood and sawlog products as a function of product size, and the combination of phase 1 and 2 lengths that maximizes net present value for a sustained series of rotations is determined. Over the range of site indexes 55 to 75, a phase l length of 45 years and total rotation length of 94 to 96 years maximizes financial returns. The trade-off in value growth between merchantable height growth and diameter growth, not the cost of precommercial thinnings, was critical to the determination of the length of phase l. Small changes in phase l length pr.
Modeling the Conformation of Side Chains in Proteins: Approaches, Problems and Possible Developments

Simulation of the correct side chain conformations of amino acid residues is an intriguing issue not only for computational biology, but also for practical outcomes in biotechnology and medicine. This is also a main challenge for molecular simulations, since even in the homology modelling strategy (which uses templates to predict the unknown structure of a protein), the conformation of a side chain generally cannot be easily deduced from the structure of the tem- plate. It is important also for applications such as molecular design and docking. Moreover, the correct simulation of the effects of amino acid mutations occurring in many genetic diseases may help in understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie those pathologies. This review aims to summarize the different strategies developed to predict side chain conformations in proteins. In the current review, differences in approaches are discussed and problems are analyzed, as well as parameters and criteria to compare and evaluate performances of the programs.
Occurrence of Amphiorchis solus (Simha & Chattopadhyaya, 1970) (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) Infecting the Green Turtle Chelonia mydas Linnaeus, 1758 (Testudines: Cheloniidae) in Brazil

Abstract The occurrence of one specimen of Amphiorchis solus (Simha & Chattopadhyaya, 1970) found in the heart of a green sea turtle Chelonia mydas Linnaeus, 1758 from Ceará state, Brazil, is reported. A comparison of the morphology of Amphorchis caborojoensis Fischthal & Acholonu, 1976 and A. solus also is presented. A new geographical distribution of A. solus is reported.
Ciliated protozoa and saprobical evaluation of water quality in the Taro River (northern Italy)

Abstract Ciliate protozoans were collected at three stations during one year from water‐sediment interface of a branch located in the hy‐porhithron section of the River Taro (northern Italy). A total of 89 species of ciliates belonging to 59 genera were found, of which 26 were bacterivorous, 31 algivorous, 21 omnivorous and 11 carnivorous. Their distribution varied both along the river and in time. Community structures were analysed using some statistical methods, and this allowed the determination of similarity among stations and between species and stations. The ciliate communities at the three stations proved quite similar. A saprobic evaluation of the section of the river was made using the taxocenoses observed, and the results showed that the microfauna was composed of ß‐mesosaprobic species typical of watercourses with moderate organic load content.
Activity patterns of carnivores in the rain forests of Madagascar: implications for species coexistence

Abstract Temporal partitioning of activity among sympatric species can be an important mechanism for species coexistence. Further, if exotic and native species overlap temporally, there is potential for direct competition and antagonism, which may lead to native species extirpation. We 1st assessed if ecologically similar native carnivores of Madagascar demonstrated activity pattern overlap and then explored whether overlap in activity might lead to negative impacts of exotic carnivores on native carnivores. We used photographic sampling to quantify the temporal activity patterns of carnivores at 4 study sites. The activity of the 2 smaller-bodied native species, Galidia elegans and Galidictis fasciata, overlapped minimally; these 2 carnivores share a similar generalist diet, which may drive their divergent temporal activity. In contrast, the medium-sized native species, Fossa fossana and Eupleres goudotii, were both highly nocturnal; these 2 species appear segregated in their diets. The largest native carnivore, Cryptoprocta ferox, selectively used crepuscular hours, but overall was cathemeral; it was notably absent or basically so at sites where dogs were most abundant and active throughout the diel cycle. We found G. elegans to shift from preferred activity periods in the presence of dogs and the exotic Viverricula indica. Our results suggest that the presence and activity of exotic carnivores can negatively impact native carnivores in fragmented rain forests.
Are similar worms different? A comparative tracer study on bioturbation in the three sibling species Marenzelleria arctia, M. viridis, and M. neglecta from the Baltic Sea

The invasive spionid polychaetes of the genus Marenzelleria spp. , consisting of the three sibling species M. neglecta, M. viridis, and M. arctia, has been found in the Baltic Sea since the 1980s. Because of difficulties in species identification, little is known about species‐dependent sediment reworking and solute transport. The closely related species are apparently similar in feeding and sediment‐dwelling behavior, but size and burrowing depth indicate differences in bioturbation and the biogeochemical consequences thereof. To investigate these potential differences, a tracer experiment with artificial particles (luminophores) and solute tracer (bromide) was conducted. Polychaetes were identified to species level using a molecular genetic key. Modeled results show that all three species display markedly low particle reworking rates with biodiffusion coefficients (Db) of 1.76 cm2 yr−1 (M. viridis) and 0.07 cm2 yr−1 (M. neglecta) at an abundance of 1273 individuals m−2 and 0.44 cm2 yr−1 (M. arctia) at twice that abundance. Nonlocal transport coefficients are negligible in all cases. Solute transport by M. neglecta and M. viridis are more similar to one another than to M. arctia, whose solute transport mode is much more diffusive in character (10.9‐fold enhanced diffusivity with nonlocal irrigation coefficients [α] of 55.3 yr−1) than that of the two other species, which affect tracer distributions in the sediment predominantly through a nonlocal, advective transport mode (α of 108.9 yr−1 M. viridis and 130.9 yr−1 M. neglecta). Thus, a functional grouping of the sibling species in terms of bioirrigation is not recommended.
An Sem Study of Injury Symptoms in Parmotrema Reticulatum Treated With Paraquat or Growing in Sulphur Dioxide-Polluted Air

Abstract The effect of Paraquat, a herbicide known to stimulate oxygen-centred free-radical production in green plants, is compared with visible injury symptoms due to air pollution in Parmotrema reticulatum, an SO2-sensitive lichen species. This is in order to verify the hypothesized SO2 toxicity mechanism via the generation of free radicals. A new SEM-visible symptom is described: the production of heavy crystalline deposition on the thallus surface in SO2-stressed and Paraquat-treated specimens. The examination of the crystalline deposition by X-ray diffraction, correlated with SEM studies, showed that it is calcium oxalate (weddellite).
α9 and β8 integrin expression correlates with the merger of the developing mouse eyelids

As previously reported, α9 integrin is expressed between the merged or fused eyelids of mice at birth, and changes in α9 localization occur during lid opening. To determine whether α9 and/or additional integrin subunits mediate the emergence and temporary fusion of the eyelids, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were used to evaluate the localization of various integrin subunits in the developing ocular surface of the mouse. No detectable β5, β6, or β7 integrins were observed on the epithelia of the ocular surface. α2, α3, αv, and β1 integrins were most abundant in the basal cells beginning at 13.5 days post conception and remained primarily localized to the basal cell layers throughout development. β4 was localized at the basal surface of the epidermal basal cells beginning at 13.5 days post conception but was not found on the corneal epithelial basal cells until after birth. α9 and β8 integrins were present on suprabasal cells of the epidermis at the leading edge of the eyelid before merger and on the epithelial bridge that forms immediately after these tissues merge, suggesting that they play a role in the initial fusion of the epithelial tissues of the eyelid and in stabilizing the epithelial junction. After birth and into adulthood, β8 was retained within the suprabasal cell layers of the epidermis, whereas α9 became localized to the basal cells of the epidermis, the conjunctiva, and the limbus. The lack of co‐localization of β4 with either α9 or β8 in double‐labeling studies suggests that α9 and β8 are restricted to the lateral and apical aspects of those cells in which they are expressed. The presence of tenascin‐C and laminin‐5 at the epithelial junction site suggests that α9: tenascin‐C and β4: laminin‐5 interactions may play a role in stabilizing the fusion between lids early on but do not appear to be involved in the movement of the lids across the cornea. The data presented identify specific integrins and matrix proteins that are likely to mediate eyelid fusion. Dev Dyn 1999;214:216–228. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Análise de imagens de plântulas para avaliação do potencial fisiológico de sementes de berinjela

Computerized seedling image analysis are one of the most recently techniques to detect differences of vigor between seed lots. The aim of this study was verify the hability of computerized seedling image analysis by SVIS® to detect differences of vigor between tomato seed lots as information provided by traditionally vigor tests. Ten lots of tomato seeds, cultivar Santa Clara, were stored for 12 months in controlled environment at 20 ± 1 °C and 45- 50% of relative humidity of the air. The moisture content of the seeds was monitored and the physiological potential tested at 0, 6 and 12 months after storage, with germination test, first count of germination, traditional accelerated ageing and with saturated salt solution, electrical conductivity, seedling emergence and with seed vigor imaging system (SVIS®). A completely randomized experimental design was used with four replications. The parameters obtained by the computerized seedling analysis (seedling length and indexes of vigor and seedling growth) with software SVIS® are efficient to detect differences between tomato seed lots of high and low vigor.
Dietary Protein Restriction Alters Lipid Metabolism and Insulin Sensitivity in Rats

Dietary protein restriction affects lipid metabolism in rats. This study was performed to determine the effect of a low protein diet on hepatic lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in growing male rats. Growing rats were fed either a control 20% protein diet or an 8% low protein diet. Feeding a low protein diet for four weeks from 8 weeks of age induced a fatty liver. Expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, a key lipogenic enzyme, was increased in rats fed a low protein diet. Feeding a low protein diet decreased very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion without statistical significance. Feeding a low protein diet down-regulated protein expression of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, an important enzyme of VLDL secretion. Feeding a low protein diet increased serum adiponectin levels. We performed glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). Both GTT and ITT were increased in protein-restricted growing rats. Our results demonstrate that dietary protein restriction increases insulin sensitivity and that this could be due to low-protein diet-mediated metabolic adaptation. In addition, increased adiponectin levels may influences insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, dietary protein restriction induces a fatty liver. Both increased lipogenesis and decreased VLDL secretion has contributed to this metabolic changes. In addition, insulin resistance was not associated with fatty liver induced by protein restriction.
Manganese accumulation in wood decayed by white rot fungi

Black regions and flecks in wood decayed by several white rot fungi ( Cerrena unicolor , Dichomitus squalens , Ganoderma applanatum , G. tsugae , Heterobasidion annosum , * 2Ischnoderma resinosum*1, and Perenniporia medulla-panis ) contained large concentrations of manganese. Two types of decay patterns occurred in wood degraded by these fungi: a selective delignification resulting in the removal of lignin and hemicellulose and a typical white rot causing simultaneous removal of all cell wall components. Atomic emission spectrometry and X-ray microanalyses detected manganese and determined its spatial relationship within selectively delignified wood. Black regions in eastern hemlock wood decayed by G. tsugae showed over a 100-fold increase of manganese when compared with sound wood. When black regions were compared with surrounding delignified wood and adjacent white-rotted wood, the increases of manganese were 24-fold and 51-fold, respectively. In contrast to the other decays examined, manganese deposits were found in white-rotted wood attacked by Fomes fomentarius . Micromorphological characteristics of decayed wood and manganese deposits were observed with scanning electron microscopy. Leucoberbelin blue reagent confirmed the presence of manganese oxides within the black regions.
Seed priming with brassinolide improves lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) seed germination and seedling growth in relation to physiological changes under salinity stress

Salt stress is an important constraint to lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) production in many parts of the world. Seeds of 3 lucerne varieties, cvv. Victoria, Golden Empress, and Victor, were used to investigate the effects of seed priming with 5 µm/L brassinolide on germination and seedling growth under a high level of salt stress (13.6 dS/m NaCl solution). The results showed that germination percentage, germination index, and vigour index of lucerne seeds primed with brassinolide were significantly higher than those of the non-primed seeds under salinity stress in each variety. Seed priming with brassinolide significantly increased the shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight in 2 varieties, and significantly increased the root length and root vigour in each variety. It also significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), in Victoria and Victor seedlings. During seedling growth, the primed seeds significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. This suggests that priming lucerne seed with brassinolide at a suitable concentration can improve germination and seedling growth under high-saline soils.