Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of heat treatment and acidification on the dissociation of bovine casein micelles

Summary The effects of heat treatment and subsequent acidification of milk on the distribution of proteins, Ca and Pi, between the serum and micellar phases were examined using ultracentrifugation. After heating milk at 85 °C for 10 min, and storing for 22 h at 4, 20 or 30 °C, there was a marked increase in the concentration of κ-casein in the serum. At 4 and 20 °C there was also slightly more β-casein in the serum from heat-treated milk than in that from the corresponding raw milk. The whey proteins were extensively denatured, and were almost equally distributed between the supernatants and micellar pellets. After storage for 22 h the distribution of Ca and Pi between soluble and colloidal phases in heat-treated milk was similar to that in raw milk. After acidifying heat-treated milk by the addition of glucono-δ-lactone and storing for 22 h at 4, 20 or 30 °C there was progressive solubilization of colloidal calcium phosphate with decreasing pH, and at pH 5·0 almost all of the Ca and Pi was present in the serum. At 20 °C, and even more so at 4 °C, serum concentrations of the individual caseins increased considerably with decreasing pH, reaching maximum levels of about 25 and 40% of the total casein at pH 5·7 and 5·5 respectively, and then decreasing rapidly at lower pH. Compared with raw milk, maximum dissociation in heat-treated milks stored at 4 and 20 °C occurred at higher pH, and the overall levels of dissociation of individual caseins from the micelles were lower. At 30 °C, the concentrations of individual caseins in the serum of heat-treated milk decreased steadily as the pH was reduced, and did not show the slight increase found previously for raw milk. The role of the denatured whey proteins in interacting with κ-casein and in promoting aggregation of the micelles on acidification is discussed.
Socio-economic impacts of Parthenium hysterophorus L. in East Shewa and West Arsi zones of Ethiopia

Parthenium hysterophorus L . is non-native invasive plant species belongs to the family Asteraceae. Currently it is a notorious weed in Ethiopia. Socio-economic impacts as well as the local peoples perception towards P. hysterophorus are poorly understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to generate information for a better understanding of the means of dispersal, source introduction and socio-economic impacts, of P. hysterophorus in East shewa and West arsi Zones of the Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. The study revealed that parthenium was introduced mainly by following vehicles road and railways. This weed grows throughout the year. This results in its fast dispersal. Many mechanisms were assumed by respondents for fast distribution of P. hysterophorus in the study zones. Among these vehicles and wind are the major agents, which proliferate the seeds of the weed. Based on the study it grows in roadsides, grazing land, cropland, village sides and wastelands. Most of respondents also indicated that the weed first appeared on roadside and propagated to other habitats. This finding indicated that the weed high in disturbed habitats. Control methods, which are mostly practiced by local people, were tillage and hand weeding. However, these methods were not an efficient to control the weed distribution; rather it is expanding from time to time since its invasions. P. hysterophorus has a number of socioeconomic impacts that include effect on crop and livestock production, human health, soil fertility and biodiversity. This finding showed that it competes and suppress the growth of crops due its allelopathic nature. Seeds of this weed changes the normal flavor of food when mix with it. It also colonized grazing fields, thus causing animal food scarcity, animals health defect. This finding also reported that P. hysterophorus has health hazards on human being, which include allergic, skin itching (irritation), cough and hemorrhage. Generally, P. hysterophorus is a foremost troublesome weed and subterfuge threat on agriculture, biodiversity and on human health. Therefore, proper and targeted control methods should be employed to control the further spread and reduce the adverse impacts. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 6 (2): 5-11, December, 2016
The Early Miocene Odontocete Araeodelphis natator Kellogg, 1957 (Cetacea; Platanistidae), from the Calvert Formation of Maryland, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT On the basis of an assigned specimen (USNM 526604, from the Plum Point Member of the Calvert Formation, Early Miocene, Maryland, U.S.A.), Araeodelphis natator Kellogg, 1957, is referred to the Platanistidae. A phylogenetic analysis identifies A. natator as the most stemward member of the family. By contrast, the extant river dolphin, Platanista gangetica (Platanistidae), is one of the most specialized odontocetes. Araeodelphis natator exhibits the following unique combination of characters: overall skull length (condylobasal length) estimated at about 50 cm; rostrum twice the length of the facial region; rostrum wider than deep throughout its entire length; approximately 50 teeth in each quadrant of rostrum; mesorostral canal closed dorsally through anterior half of rostrum by apposition of contralateral premaxillae; cranium with elevated orbits directed anterolaterally; maxillary crest (supraorbital process of frontal and overlapping maxilla) modestly thickened laterally and elevated above midline of skull; non-pneumatized supraorbital eminences; lobe of the pterygoid airsac sinus occupying orbital surface of frontal; zygomatic process compressed transversely; no postglenoid process; and glenoid facet faces medially. Araeodelphis provides new data about the definition and phylogenetic relationships of platanistids with other platanistoids, confirming the sister-group relationship with the extinct squalodelphinids and the ancestral platanistid skull morphology preceding the platanistine-pomatodelphinine split.
Lichens and allied fungi of Salmonier Nature Park, Newfoundland1

Abstract We conducted the first comprehensive floristic study of the lichens and allied fungi of Salmonier Nature Park on the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland, Canada. By comparing our results to those from other provincial parks in Newfoundland, we show that Salmonier Nature Park has a regionally rich lichen biota that includes several uncommon species. We carry out an assessment of landscape-level drivers including geographic location and land cover diversity to determine whether lichen richness corresponds to patterns at the landscape extent. Within Salmonier, one species (Erioderma pedicellatum) is listed as “special concern” by the federal Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada and “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Two species are new to the island of Newfoundland: Phaeophyscia ciliata and Stereocaulon subcoralloides. Six species are new to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador: Ephebe hispidula, Muellerella lichenicola, Mycoblastus sanguinarioides, Placynthium flabellosum, Usnea flammea, and Xanthoparmelia angustiphylla. Our results provide baseline knowledge that allows changes in the lichen community to be monitored, the discovery of new species in the park to be acknowledged, regional distributions and frequencies to be better understood, and accurate comparisons to be made with other parks.
Range extension and conservation of Psophia interjecta Griscom & Greenway, 1937 (Aves: Psophidae) in the Tocantins–Araguaia interfluve, state of Tocantins, Brazil

The genus Psophia includes terrestrial birds endemic to the Amazon. The number of species in this genus is still controversial, with alternative taxonomic treatments currently available. We present new and historical records of P. interjecta for the state of Tocantins, which extend this species’ range to the Tocantins–Araguaia interfluve, in southeasternmost Amazonia. Psophia interjecta is considered Vulnerable in Brazil, but we discuss that the species is likely more Critically Endangered in Tocantins due to drastic deforestation and hunting.
Dynamic comparison of early immune reactions and immune cell reconstitution after umbilical cord blood transplantation and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

Umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) are effective allogeneic treatments for patients with malignant and non-malignant refractory hematological diseases. However, the differences in the immune cell reconstitution and the immune reactions during initial stages post-transplantation are not well established between UCBT and PBSCT. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the differences in the immune reactions during the early stages (days 7-100 post-transplantation) such as pre-engraftment syndrome (PES), engraftment syndrome (ES), and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and the immune cell reconstitution between the UCBT and the PBSCT group of patients. We enrolled a cohort of patients that underwent UCBT or PBSCT and healthy controls (n=25 each) and evaluated their peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples and plasma cytokine (IL-10 and GM-CSF) levels using flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. Our results showed that the incidences of early immune reactions such as PES, ES, and aGVHD were significantly higher in the UCBT group compared to the PBSCT group. Furthermore, in comparison with the PBSCT group, the UCBT group showed higher proportion and numbers of naïve CD4+ T cells, lower proportion and numbers of Tregs, higher proportion of CD8+ T cells with increased activity, and higher proportion of mature CD56dim CD16+ NK cells during the early stages post-transplantation. Moreover, the plasma levels of GM-CSF were significantly higher in the UCBT group compared to the PBSCT group in the third week after transplantation. Overall, our findings demonstrated significant differences in the post-transplantation immune cell reconstitution between the UCBT and the PBSCT group of patients. These characteristics were associated with significant differences between the UCBT and the PBSCT groups regarding the incidences of immune reactions during the early stages post transplantation.
Defining the synaptic mechanisms that tune CA3-CA1 reactivation during sharp-wave ripples

During non-REM sleep, memory consolidation is driven by a dialogue between hippocampus and cortex involving the reactivation of specific neural activity sequences (‘replay’). In the hippocampus, replay occurs during sharp-wave ripples (SWRs), short bouts of excitatory activity in area CA3 which induce high frequency oscillations in the inhibitory interneurons of area CA1. Despite growing evidence for the functional importance of replay, its neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we develop a novel theoretical model of hippocampal spiking during SWRs. In our model, noise-induced activation of CA3 pyramidal cells triggered an excitatory cascade capable of inducing local ripple events in CA1. Ripples occurred stochastically, with Schaffer Collaterals driving their coordination, so that localized sharp waves in CA3 produced consistently localized CA1 ripples. In agreement with experimental data, the majority of pyramidal cells in the model showed low reactivation probabilities across SWRs. We found, however, that a subpopulation of pyramidal cells had high reactivation probabilities, which derived from fine-tuning of the network connectivity. In particular, the excitatory inputs along synaptic pathway(s) converging onto cells and cell pairs controlled emergent single cell and cell pair reactivation, with inhibitory inputs and intrinsic cell excitability playing differential roles in CA3 vs. CA1. Our model predicts (1) that the hippocampal network structure driving the emergence of SWR is also able to generate and modulate reactivation, (2) inhibition plays a particularly prominent role in CA3 reactivation and (3) CA1 sequence reactivation is reliant on CA3-CA1 interactions rather than an intrinsic CA1 process.
Analysis of genetic variability of grain mould resistance in grain sorghum

48 Introduction . 50 Materials and methods . 53 1. Genetic material and fungal cultures. 53 2. Sources of isolates. 54 3. Inoculum production . 54 4. Plant inoculation . 55 5. Ergosterol extraction and determination . 55 6. Statistical analysis. 57 Results and discussion . 58 Conclusion . 63 References . 63
Genetic diversity of Meloidogyne spp. parasitising potato in Brazil and aggressiveness of M. javanica populations on susceptible cultivars

Root-knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp.) significantly impact potato production worldwide and in Brazil they are considered one of the most important group of nematodes affecting potatoes. The objectives of this study were to survey Meloidogyne spp. associated with potatoes in Brazil, determine their genetic diversity and assess the aggressiveness of M. javanica on two susceptible potato cultivars. Fifty-seven root-knot nematode populations were identified using esterase phenotyping, including Meloidogyne javanica , M. incognita , M. arenaria and M. ethiopica . Overall, root-knot nematodes were present in ca 43% of sampled sites, in which M. javanica was the most prevalent species, and the phenotypes Est J3, J2a and J2 occurred in 91.2, 6.7 and 2.1% of the positive samples, respectively. Other species, such as M. incognita , M. arenaria and M. ethiopica , were found less frequently and occurred at rates of 6.4, 4.3 and 2.1% of the samples, respectively. Sometimes, M. javanica was found in mixtures with other root-knot nematodes in ca 10.6% of sites containing Meloidogyne . After confirming the identification of 17 isolates of M. javanica and one isolate each of M. incognita , M. arenaria and M. ethiopica by SCAR markers, the populations were used to infer their genetic diversity using RAPD markers. Results revealed low intraspecifc genetic diversity among isolates (13.9%) for M. javanica . Similarly, M. javanica sub-populations (J2a) clustered together (81% of bootstrap), indicating subtle variation from typical J3 populations. The aggressiveness of four populations of M. javanica from different Brazilian states on two susceptible potato cultivars was tested under glasshouse conditions. Results indicated differences in aggressiveness among these populations and showed that potato disease was proportional to nematode reproduction factor.
PERFORMANCE OF BREAD WHEAT [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol] CULTIVARS IN RELATION TO NITROGEN

A field experiment entitled Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol] cultivars in relation Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during rabi 2011-12. The experimental soil was loamy sand in texture, low in organic carbon and available nitrogen but medium in available phosphorus and potassium. The experiment comprising four wheat varieties in main plots (HD 2967, PBW 621, DBW17 and PBW 550) and five nitrogen levels in sub plots [0, 90, LCC>4 100 kg/ha (25 kg N/ha basal + 45 kg N/ha at 1 irrigation + 30 kg N/ha at 2 irrigation), 120 and 150 kg N/ha] was conducted in split plot design in four replications. The variety PBW 550 had significantly higher plant height, chlorophyll index and dry matter accumulation upto 90 days after sowing. The leaf area index and photosynthetically active radiation interception (PAR) was significantly higher in variety PBW 550 upto 60 DAS but there after in variety PBW 621. The 1000-grain weight and grains per ear were significantly higher in variety PBW 550 than other varieties. The variety DBW 17 had significantly higher tiller density. The variety PBW 550 gave significantly higher grain yield but statistically on par with variety PBW 621. The variety PBW 550 had significantly higher hectolitre weight and grain hardness which was statistically on par with variety DBW 17. Nutrient uptake was significantly higher in variety PBW 550 as compared to other varieties. The variety PBW 550 had significantly higher returns and B:C ratio. The yield attributes, grain yield and quality parameters were highest under nitrogen level of 150 kg/ha. With increase in nitrogen level upto 120 kg N/ha, there was significantly increase in grain yield and net returns which were statistically on par with 150 kg N/ha. Agronomic, recovery and physiological efficiencies were significantly higher at 120 kg N/ha than other N levels.
Hydroxyanthracene derivates citotoxicity: A differential evaluation between single molecule and whole plant extract

Hydroxyanthracene derivates (HADs) are a group of natural or synthetic compounds with a wide range of biological activities (for instance, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiarthritic). In addition, because of their properties for helping the normal bowel function, HADs are widely used in constipation as pharmacological drugs and nutritional supplements. Nevertheless, during the past years, a safety usage of HAD products has been under consideration because some studies reported that HADs are not lacking toxicity (i.e., genotoxic and carcinogenic activity). Thus, the first objective of this study is to shed light on the large variability in composition of botanical food supplements containing HAD by a systematic analysis of the qualitative and quantitative composition of a cohort of extracts and raw materials of plants with high levels of anthraquinones commercially available (Cassia angustifolia, Rhamnus purshiana, Rhamnus frangula, Rheum palmatum, and Rheum raponticum). To date, the investigation of HAD toxicity was based on in vitro and in vivo studies conducted mainly on the use of the single molecules (emodin, aloe-emodin, and rhein) rather than on the whole plant extract. The qualitative-quantitative characterization was the starting point to select the most appropriate products to be used as treatment for our in vitro cell studies. Thus, the second objective of this study is the investigation, for the first time, of the toxic events of HAD used as single molecule in comparison with the whole plant extracts containing HAD in an intestinal in vitro model using human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2). In addition, a shotgun proteomics approach was applied to profile the differential protein expression in the Caco-2 cells after a single-HAD or whole–plant extract treatment to fully understand the potential targets and signaling pathways. In conclusion, the combination of a detailed phytochemical characterization of HAD products and a largely accurate analysis of the proteomic profile of intestinal cells treated with HAD products provided the opportunity to investigate their effects in the intestinal system.
Corrections and amendments to the 2016 classification of lichenized fungi in the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota

Abstract The following corrections and amendments are made to the 2016 classification of lichenized fungi published in the previous issue of this journal. Four families are added: Harpidiaceae (Pezizomycotina incertae sedis), with the two genera Euopsis and Harpidium; Pleomassariaceae (Pleosporales), with the genus Splanchonema; Squamarinaceae (Lecanorales), with the two genera Herteliana (moved from Ramalinaceae) and Squamarina (moved from Stereocaulaceae); and Trichosphaeriaceae (Sordariomycetes: Trichosphaeriales), with the genus Cresporhaphis. The following previously overlooked genera are also added: Allophoron (Pezizomycotina incertae sedis), Cresporhaphis (Trichosphaeriaceae), Gabura (Arctomiaceae), Julella (Trypetheliaceae), Knightiella (Icmadophilaceae), Porpidinia (Lecideaceae), Protoroccella (Roccellaceae), Psoromidium (Pannariaceae) and Tremotylium (Arthoniales incertae sedis). The classification is adjusted for four genera: Asteroporum (moved from Pezizomycotina incertae sedis to Dothideomycetes incertae sedis), Eremastrella (moved from Psoraceae to Lecideaceae), Hosseusia (moved from Pannariaceae to Lecanoromycetes incertae sedis) and Joergensenia (moved from Lecanorales incertae sedis to Pannariaceae). Further, the following overlooked generic synonyms are listed: Buscalionia (= Marcelaria [nom. cons. prop.]), Degeliella (= Psoromaria), Dirinastrum (= Buellia), Gymnographa (= Phaeographis), Kroswia (= Fuscopannaria), Marfloraea (= Lepra), Medusulina (= Fissurina), and Phaeographina (= Pliariona); the genus Anapyrenium is discussed as a potential synonym of Thelomma. Species numbers are adjusted for nine genera: Austrella (Pannariaceae; 3 spp.), Icmadophila (Icmadophilaceae; 5 spp.), Lepidocollema (Pannariaceae; 23 spp.), Massalongia (Massalongiaceae; 6 spp.), Parmeliella (Pannariaceae; 70 spp.), Psoromidium (Pannariaceae; 1 spp.), Pyrgillus (Pyrenulaceae; 7 spp.), Siphula (Icmadophilaceae; 17 spp.) and Synarthonia (Arthoniales incertae sedis; 5 spp.). The fossil lichen Honeggeriella (complexa) is validated by adding MycoBank registration numbers, the validity of the genus name Pallidogramme (Graphidaceae) is discussed and confirmed, and the authorship of the name Thallinocarpon (Lichinaceae) is clarified. Several genera are (continued to be) considered non-lichenized, namely Chaenothecopsis (Eurotiomycetes: Mycocaliciales: Sphinctrinaceae), Limboria (newly lectotypified with L. constellata; Pezizomycotina incertae sedis), Naetrocymbe (Dothideomycetes: Pleosporales: Naetrocymbaceae), and Obryzum (Dothideomycetes incertae sedis: Obryzaceae); the status of the genus Pleurotrema (Dothideomycetes incertae sedis: Pleurotremataceae) is also discussed. Seven genera are corrected to have molecular data available: Adelolecia, Aspiciliopsis, Aspilidea, Crocodia, Parasiphula, Vezdaea and Xylopsora. With these corrections, the number of lichenized species is now tabulated at 19,409 and the number of fungal genera, families, and orders including lichens at 1,002, 119, and 40, respectively.
The high-dimensional incipient infinite cluster

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Tumor Angiogenesis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas: The Significance of Endothelial Markers and Hotspot Selection

The intensity of angiogenesis affects the prognosis for many malignant tumors, but there is no consensus about the association between the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the intensity of angiogenesis. This discrepancy might be caused by different endothelial markers used and by hotspot selection. The aim of this study was to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of different endothelial markers for evaluating microvessel density (MVD) in OSCCs. We also examined the effect of hotspot area selection in association with clinicopathological features of OSCCs. Methods: We collected 84 OSCC specimens for immunohistochemical staining for three common endothelial makers: van Willebrand factor (vWF), CD31 and CD34. Peritumoral and intratumoral vascular hotspot areas were selected separately for MVD counting. Results: There was no significant association between peritumoral MVD and clinicopathological parameters. However, the intratumoral MVDs determined using CD31 and CD34 were significantly associated with tumor size (P=0.003 and P＜0.0001, respectively), with histological differentiation (P=0.0025 and P=0.018, respectively) and with tumor stage (P=0.001 and P＜0.0001, respectively). In addition, the intratumoral MVD counted using CD34 immunostaining was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis of OSCC (P=0.005). Conclusions: Tumor angiogenesis and the density of newly formed vessels are of potential prognostic relevance in the assessment of malignant neoplasia. The endothelial marker CD34 was better in the assessment of tumor vascularization of OSCCs. Furthermore, hotspot selection, especially intratumoral MVD, is important in examining OSCC progression.