Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Removing Cryptosporidium by dissolved‐air flotation

Bench-scale studies were used to investigate the effectiveness of dissolved-air flotation (DAF) for the removal of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts from a drinking water supply. Oocysts were spiked into a natural water at a concentration of 3-4 x 10 5 oocysts/L. Results indicate that DAF achieved a >2-log removal of oocysts under a variety of conditions. In addition, flotation was a superior clarification process to sedimentation for the conditions tested. Coagulation and DAF conditions that minimize residual turbidity and maximize the removals of organic matter are conditions that produce high log removals of Cryptosporidium.
Recuperação de carbono obtida por três métodos em frações da matéria orgânica de latossolo, sob consórcio milho-forrageiras, no cerrado = Carbon recovery obtained by three methods in organic matter fractions of latosol under maize-grass intercropping...

A dinâmica da materia orgânica do solo (MOS) pode ser melhor compreendida apos identificadas suas fracoes labeis e estaveis. Diante da importância crescente do uso de tecnicas de fracionamento fisico da MOS, torna-se necessario a acuracia de sua determinacao. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os teores de carbono em diferentes fracoes da materia orgânica determinados por tres metodos, num Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrofico sob consorcio milho-forrageiras. Foram determinadas as fracoes: (i) carbono orgânico total do solo (COT), (ii) carbono da materia orgânica particulada (COP) e (iii) carbono orgânico associado aos minerais (COM). Tres metodos de determinacao do carbono orgânico do solo foram utilizados: (i) Walkley & Black modificado, (ii) Meibus modificado, e (iii) combustao via seca, em analisador elementar (CHN). Foram utilizadas amostras de solos de tres sistemas de manejo dispostos em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com tres repeticoes para determinacao do carbono orgânico do solo: (i) milho solteiro; (ii) milho consorciado com capim coloniao (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana); e (iii) milho consorciado com braquiaria (Brachiaria humidicola). As amostras de solo foram coletadas na profundidade de 0 – 5 cm. As fracoes da MOS (COP e COM) quando determinadas pelas metodologias de Walkley & Black, Meibus e por oxidacao por via seca apresentam valores muito proximos, ao contrario do carbono orgânico total do solo.
A família Leguminosae no Parque Estadual de Itapuã, Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

O presente trabalho e parte integrante do projeto intitulado “Estudo da diversidade de vegetais e fungos do Parque Estadual de Itapua, Viamao, Rio Grande do Sul - segunda etapa” e teve como objetivo realizar o levantamento das especies da familia Fabaceae a fim de enriquecer o conhecimento da flora do Parque. Alem das coletas nos diferentes habitats da area de estudo, realizou-se uma revisao bibliografica e de herbarios regionais. A familia Fabaceae esta representada por 32 generos e 60 especies, sendo 22 generos e 40 especies de Faboideae, sete generos e 15 especies de Mimosoideae e tres generos e cinco especies da subfamilia Caesalpinioideae. Os generos com maior numero de especies sao Mimosa e Desmodium, com seis e cinco especies, respectivamente. O trabalho consta de uma listagem das especies confirmadas, chave para a identificacao dos generos e especies, fotografias, habitat e comentarios adicionais.
Two xylanases from Gaeumannomyces graminis with identical N-terminal amino acid sequence

Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae produces extracellular xylanase activity when grown in minimal medium containing xylan as sole carbon source. A 26·5 kDa and a 28 kDa xylanase were isolated from culture filtrates of the fungus grown on xylan. Both xylanases had a pI of 10·5 and behaved very similarly during hydrophobic interaction, cation exchange, and size exclusion chromatography. Enzyme activity of the combined xylanases was maximal at 50 °C and between pH 5·0 and 5·5. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of the two xylanases were identical and showed strong homology with xylanase from Schizophyllum commune and three other microbial xylanases. Xylanase activity with similar properties to the enzymes purified from culture fluids was detected in oat and wheat roots infected with G. graminis var. avenae but was not detected in healthy roots.
Micropropagation of Cold Resistant Blackberry Cultivar 'Gazda'

Blackberries are some of the most consumed berries in the world. Areas planted with blackberry in Europe and especially in Romania are limited mainly due to low frost resistance of traditional varieties. One of the most frost resist ant cultivar, suitable for cold Romanian winters, i s the variety 'Gazda'. Due to several drawbacks of the co nventional propagation of this cultivar when using root cuttings, the efficiency of a micropropagation protocol was tested, in order to obtain high quali ty planting material. For the in vitro culture establishment axillary dormant buds were i ncubated on MS medium supplemented with BAP. Proliferation of the regenerated shoots was tested on MS and DKW media using different concentrations of plant growt h regulators: BAP, 4-CPPU and Zeatin. BAP caused average proliferation rates but also generat ed large masses of basal callus. 4-CPPU was the solely plant hormone that did not generate severe c allus at any concentration and also provided the highest proliferation rate. It was also tested the callus induction potential from in vitro obtained leaves using 15 hormonal variants (5 hormone types in diff erent concentrations). For most variants it was achieved a substantial mass of callus, however no d irect regeneration was obtained. In vitro plantlets were successfully rooted and acclimatized directly ex vitro in Jiffy-7 pellets.
Movement of insect pests in agricultural landscapes

Insect pests continue to exact a high toll on agricultural production, in spite of intense agrochemical input. The movement of insect pests from one place to another underlies their abundance and distribution in space and time, hence, ultimately, the extent of the inflicted crop damage. An improved understanding of dispersal mechanisms assists the deployment of sustainable pest management practices. Here, we review the latest advances in the study of the dispersal of herbivore insect pests in contemporary agro-ecosystems. We address the factors triggering dispersal in typical agricultural landscapes, the contribution of agro-ecosystem design and management to dispersal patterns, and the wider implications of natural and human-mediated dispersal. Integrating practical knowledge with evolutionary theory holds the potential to improve predictions on how insect pests respond to present and future challenges imposed by changes of climate and land use.
Collagenolytic Activity of Serine Protease of Perionyx excavatus

A serine collagenolytic protease was purified from the earthworm Perionyx excavates by DEAE-Sephadex A-50 and DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column. The molecular mass of the earthworm serine protease was estimated to be 35 kDa. The purified serine protease was optimally active at pH 6.8-7.8 and 55°C. In vitro studies on collagenolytic activity of this enzyme was also carried out using type I collagen. Hydrolysis of collagen using serine protease was characterized by the collagenolytic activity. The amount of hydroxyproline released (μg/ml) on untanned and tanned leather was monitored. Zymographic analysis was carried out using Collagen as substrate.
Protein interactions and functionality of milk protein products

Abstract: Milk proteins are nutritionally important and provide a wide range of dynamic functional properties which are widely exploited by the food industry. Several methods for the industrial-scale production of milk proteins have been developed over the last 40 years. As a result, a vast range of milk protein products, specifically designed for particular applications, is manufactured by the dairy industry. These products include the traditional milk protein products, such as skim milk powder and whey powders, and higher protein products, such as caseins and caseinates, whey protein concentrates and isolates and milk protein concentrates and isolates. The processes used in the manufacture of these products can modify the native structures of proteins which can lead to further protein–protein interactions, consequently impacting on the protein functionality. This chapter provides an overview of the manufacture, composition and functionality of milk protein products and milk powders. It also considers possible interactions of proteins during the manufacture of milk protein products and their consequences for the functional properties and applications of the products.
Population Genetic Structure of Southern Flounder Inferred from Multilocus DNA Profiles

Abstract Determination of stock structure is an important component of fisheries management; incorporation of molecular genetic data is an effective method for assessing differentiation among putative populations. We examined genetic variation in Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma within and between the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico basins to improve our understanding of the scale of population structure in this wide-ranging species. Analysis of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprints and analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences found clear divergence between ocean basins. Based on mtDNA sequences, no genetic differentiation was detected within the U.S. South Atlantic at spatial scales that were broad (among states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida) or fine (among estuarine regions within North Carolina). Increased genetic resolution was observed with AFLP fingerprint data, and we found significant subdivision between nearly all Southern Flounder geographic populations, suggesting the presence of finer-scale genetic population structure within the U.S. South Atlantic. However, AFLP genetic cluster analysis also revealed evidence for a high degree of mixing within the Atlantic basin; patterns of variation, which included genetic similarity between South Carolina and Gulf of Mexico samples, were not aligned closely with geography. We examined the partitioning of genetic variation among groups by using analyses of molecular variance and found no evidence that North Carolina Southern Flounder, which are managed on the state level as a unit stock, are differentiated from the remainder of U.S. South Atlantic Southern Flounder. Our findings indicate only weak structure and the potential for basinwide mixing among Atlantic Southern Flounder, suggesting that cooperation among U.S. South Atlantic states will be essential for the effective assessment of stock dynamics and future management plans.
Screening for Novel Genes Contributing to the Transformed Status of Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS)

textabstractAlveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is the second most common subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma, accounting for approximately 20% of cases. ARMS is associated with the chromosomal translocations t(2;13)(q35;q14) and t(1;13)(p36;q14) resulting in the fusion proteins PAX3-FOXO1 and PAX7- FOXO1, respectively. The molecular mechanisms by which PAX3-FOXO1 contribute to ARMS formation remains to be fully determined. However the data reported in this thesis demonstrate the functional interaction of novel ARMS associated genes with PAX3-FOXO1 and their contribution to the development of ARMS. The research performed in our laboratory is focused on defining the molecular biology behind PAX3-FOXO1-induced tumorigenesis. Published and unpublished data from this laboratory shows that expression of PAX3-FOXO1 alone is not sufficient for the transformation of primary mouse myoblasts (Lagutina, Pritchard and Grosveld, unpublished data). Abrogation of both the p53 and Rb pathways is required in order to allow PAX3-FOXO1 driven transformation (Lagutina, Pritchard and Grosveld, unpublished data). My research is focused on the identification of these PAX3-FOXO1-complementing secondary events using a cDNA library screen. To this end, chapter 3 describes the identification of a novel gene named IRIZIO and its cooperation with PAX3-FOXO1 in transforming Arf-/- myoblasts in vivo. Similarly, chapter 4 illustrates the effect of lysil hydroxylase 1 (PLOD1) and its tumorigenic capacity when over expressed together with PAX3-FOXO1 in myogenic cells. Together, these results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which PAX3-FOXO1 and its cooperating proteins mediate myogenic cell transformation. Hopefully our findings will eventually contribute to improve the treatment of ARMS.
Disentangling the coevolutionary histories of animal gut microbiomes

Animals associate with microbes in complex interactions with profound fitness consequences. These interactions play an enormous role in the evolution of both partners, and recent advances in sequencing technology have allowed for unprecedented insight into the diversity and distribution of these associations. However, our understanding of the processes generating those patterns remains in its infancy. Here, I explore variation in microbiomes across two animal lineages—ants and mammals—to tease apart the role of these process in the evolution of gut microbiota. First, I explore patterns of phylogenetic correlation in gut microbiota of herbivorous Cephalotes ants and hominid apes. By examining the sensitivity of phylogenetic correlation to analytical parameters, I show that these outwardly similar patterns are likely to be the result of very different processes in each host lineage. Next, I examine in more depth the interacting effects of diet and phylogeny on the structure of baleen whale microbiomes. Whales consume a diet that differs dramatically from that of their closest extant relatives, the herbivorous artiodactyls. I use a combination of marker gene and shotgun metagenomic sequencing to show that a phylogentically conserved host trait, the multichambered gut, leads to functional and taxonomic similarities of whale gut microbiomes to those of their herbivorous ancestors via the fermentation of animal polysaccharides in the exoskeletons of their prey. Finally, I return to ants to examine how major shifts in the nature of gut microbial association correspond to host ecology. Using measures of absolute bacterial abundance, rather than iii diversity, I test the hypothesis that evolution of symbiosis with microbes has facilitated ants’ dominance of tropical rainforest canopies. Surprisingly, I find differences in the abundance of gut bacteria in different ant lineages that span many orders of magnitude, suggesting that evolutionary transitions in the functional role of symbiosis in this animal lineage correspond not only to changes in the diversity of these associations, but to changes in kind. The results of these studies help to clarify the roles of history and selection in structuring animal gut microbiota, hinting that the interaction of these factors may fundamentally differ between animal lineages.
Influência das épocas de colheita na qualidade de tomate cultivado em sistemas alternativos

Na producao de tomate no Brasil, aproximadamente dois tercos sao destinados ao consumo “in natura”. Assim, o aspecto externo e a sua qualidade tornam-se um fator importante na decisao de compra. O tomate apresenta elevado conteudo de agua, estando sujeito as variacoes de temperatura e umidade relativa do ambiente onde se encontra. A perda de agua ocasiona perda de peso e aparencia do fruto, afetando a qualidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a influencia das epocas de colheita na qualidade de frutos de tomateiro cultivados em sistemas alternativos, orgânico e biodinâmico. Foram avaliadas caracteristicas de qualidade dos frutos de tomate, que incluiram perda de massa, textura, pH, solidos soluveis, acidez titulavel e acucares redutores. O estadio do ciclo do tomateiro interfere nos parâmetros de qualidade dos frutos. A terceira, quarta e quinta colheita foram as que apresentaram maiores valores para os parâmetros de qualidade, com frutos mais firmes. A sexta colheita apresentou frutos com alto teor de solidos soluveis e acucares. Na avaliacao de tres epocas de colheita quanto a perda de massa, constatou-se que a primeira colheita apresentou menor perda. O comprimento do ciclo no decorrer das colheitas interfere no tempo de armazenamento, e os frutos colhidos na primeira colheita tem maior periodo de conservacao em relacao as demais colheitas.
Income and Employment Generation Opportunities and Potential of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)

Abstract The study reveals that a greater potential lies in generating income and employment through development of NTFPs for the underprivileged tribal population in Gujarat. It is estimated that NTFPs generate, on an average, employment equal to some 3.7 million man-days and an income of Rs 62.7 million (approximately $1.8 m) per annum. In addition, many NTFPs, are collected for household consumption and thus provide food security to several needy people. Most NTFPs have potential for value addition at local level so that more employment and income can be generated in the village economy. The multiplier impacts of this is expected to be substantial in the local economy. The scope for value addition is high and is possible by 200% or more of the value of the raw or unprocessed NTFPs. Enforcement of grades and standardization is another way of adding value to raw produce of NTFPs. The concerns about the diminishing stocks of NTFPs are raised and the need for a national economic policy for the NTFPs is est.
Somatic cell count as an indicator of sub-clinical mastitis. Genetic parameters and correlations with clinical mastitis

Both clinical mastitis (CM) and soma-tic cell count (SCC) have complex biological background. Schukken et al. (1997) reviewed defence mechanisms against mastitis, such as mechanical prevention of microorganisms entering the udder; cellular innate immunity for immediate response to infection; and adaptive immunity involving antibody producing B-lymfocytes and T-lymfocytes. Bacteria causing intramammarian infection can be grouped in three major classes. Gramnegative bacteria like E.coli; S.aureus; and non-agalactiae streptococci (S.uberis and S.dysgalactiae), the last two groups being gram-positive. These bacteriaclasses differ with regard to prevalence through lactation, ability to cause clinical symptoms, defense mechanisms activated in the udder, and pattern in SCC response (de Haas et al., 2002; Schukken et al., 1997).
Assessing habitat use and movement

Sharks occur in all of the world oceans and in waters that include deep-sea, oceanic, neritic, and estuarine habitats. In addition, a few specialized species also occur in rivers and lakes connected to the ocean. The occurrence of sharks within these broad regions is well understood for most species. For example, the gummy shark, Mustelus antarcticus, is known to occur in the neritic waters of southern Australia, or the salmon shark, Lamna ditropis, is known to inhabit the boreal waters of the north Pacific. However, a shark will not occur in all of the habitats within its range; instead, it is more likely to have specific habitats in which it spends most of its time. It is this detailed analysis of the habitats that a species uses that is discussed here.
THE ROLE OF CO-INFECTION IN THE SPREAD OF HIV IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

OF DISSERTATION Diego Fernando Cuadros The Graduate School University of Kentucky 2011 THE ROLE OF CO-INFECTION IN THE SPREAD OF HIV IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATIONOF DISSERTATION A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky By Diego Fernando Cuadros Lexington, Kentucky Director: Dr. Gisela Garcia-Ramos, Assistant Professor of Biology Co-Director: Dr. Philip H. Crowley, Professor of Biology Lexington, Kentucky 2011 Copyright © Diego Fernando Cuadros 2011 ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATIONOF DISSERTATION THE ROLE OF CO-INFECTION IN THE SPREAD OF HIV IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA The cause of the high HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa is incompletely understood, with heterosexual penile-vaginal transmission proposed as the main mechanism. Heterosexual HIV transmission has a very low probability; further, a single estimation of heterosexual probability of HIV transmission fails to reproduce the variation associated with important biological cofactors. In particular, studies of HIV incidence suggest that co-infection with other infectious diseases influence the HIV transmission, and therefore might substantially vary the pattern of the spread of the infection. To assess the effect of co-infection on the spread of HIV, I developed and analyzed several mathematical and statistical models based on published data. The results show that despite the low probability of heterosexual transmission per sexual contact, the inclusion of individual variation generated by transient but repeated increases in HIV viral load associated with co-infections may provide a biological basis for the accelerated spread of HIV in subSaharan Africa, and raises the possibility that that the natural history of HIV in subSaharan Africa cannot be fully understood if individual variation in infectiousness is neglected. Co-infection might be a key explanatory variable for the rapid spread of HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa; in fact, co-infection may be a necessary factor, rather than merely being a contributing factor, in the successful spread and survival of HIV in populations where heterosexual vaginal-penile contact is the main mechanism of transmission. Consequently, broad population based control strategies to decrease infectivity and reduce the incidence of other sexual and parasitic infectious diseases might be effective strategies in diminishing the spread of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
Application and statistical analysis of terrestrial laser scanning and forest growth simulations to determine selected characteristics of Douglas-Fir stands.

Among others, the dbh, basal area, and tree height are the most important parameters to describe tree dimensions in forest inventories. In traditional forest inventories, these parameters are measured manually. In times of forest staff reduction and amalgamation of forest districts, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) could evolve as a fast, efficient and automatic tool for the determination of basic inventory parameters such as the number of trees, diameter at breast height (dbh), basal area, tree height as well as stem and crown shape parameters. Since there has so far been little attention drawn to the accuracy and precision of TLS itself, we statistically investigated TLS in comparison with traditional inventory methods. We developed an investigation procedure, exemplified for a 49-year-old Douglas-Fir stand (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. Viridis Mirb.) near Eberswalde in the northeastern part of Germany to analyse the potential of TLS in terms of diameter at breast height (dbh) and height measurements. The results of the study suggest that the precision of the dbh measured from the laser scan point cloud return is sufficient. However, TLS was linked to an underestimation of dbh in comparison to the reference values measured with a diameter tape. Stand volume was accurately measured only if multiple scan positions were distributed in the forest stand.