Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential use of energy expen- diture of individual birds to assess quality of their habitats

Since animals show behavioural strategies that are sensitive to costs as well as gains, and because low or reduced energy expenditures are associated with longevity, it is argued that animals may generally seek to reduce living costs. Furthermore, as optimal foragers they may seek to minimise the ratio of costs to gains, so habitat selection should take account of living costs. This leads to the hypothesis that high-quality habitats will be generally cheap to live in. A number of factors could complicate this prediction by elevating costs independently of habitat: the form of the relationship between fitness costs and energy expenditure; breeding-status; indeterminate growth; distribution of individuals within habitat; genetic heterogeneity; predation risk; and pathogens. It is suggested nevertheless that free-living energy costs could provide important information regarding habitat quality where traditional methods are either inadequate or impractical.
Control of nitrogen metabolism by Bacillus subtilis glutamine synthetase

Two recent papers describe the molecular mechanism by which the activity of GlnR, the repressor of the glutamine synthetase operon in Bacillus subtilis, is stimulated by glutamine‐bound (i.e. feedback‐inhibited) glutamine synthetase (FBI‐GS). Remarkably, FBI‐GS acts as a molecular chaperone to stabilize the association of GlnR dimers with their DNA binding sites. This mechanism allows the cell to shut off synthesis of GS, and hence of glutamine, when both the enzyme and its product are in excess. FBI‐GS also regulates the activity of TnrA, the global regulator of nitrogen metabolism genes, but by a very different mechanism. Thus, the same enzyme–metabolite complex has two different roles in transcriptional regulation.
Plasma Calcium and Calcitonin Levels at Food Intake in Eels and Goldfish

Abstract In order to examine whether calcitonin plays an important role in Ca homeostasis of teleosts, such as suppressing hypercalcemia at food intake, we compared the plasma Ca levels and calcitonin levels in eels fed normally with eels starved for one week (Experiment I), and in goldfish administered with a high Ca-consomme solution into the digestive tract with goldfish given physiological saline solution (Experiment II). In Experiment I, the plasma Ca levels and calcitonin levels in the fed eels were significantly higher than those in the starved eels after one week. In Experiment II, the plasma Ca levels in the high Ca-treated goldfish were significantly higher than those in the saline-treated goldfish after 1 hr and 3 hr. The number of goldfish showing over 500 pg/ml of plasma calcitonin was significantly higher in the high Ca-treated group than in the saline-treated group. From the results of both experiments, we conclude that in these two species, Ca and/or nutriment absorbed via the digestive tract may affect plasma calcitonin levels. However, more experiments are needed to directly demonstrate that calcitonin suppresses hypercalcemia at food intake.
Declaration of Helsinki (1964)

Medical progress is based on research which ultimately must rest in part on experimentation involving human subjects. In the field of biomedical research a fundamental distinction must be recognised between medical research in which the aim is essentially diagnostic or therapeutic for a patient, and medical research the essential object of which is purely scientific and without implying direct diagnostic or therapeutic value to the person subjected to the research.
Níveis de lisina digestível em dietas contendo ractopamina para suínos em terminação

The objective was to evaluate levels of digestible lysine in diets with 5ppm of ractopamine on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. Ninety-six pigs, 48 barrows and gilts with initial body weight of 83.57 ± 4.07kg, were sorted in a complete randomized design with four levels of digestible lysine (0.94; 0.96; 1.02 e 1.04%), with three replications and eight animals each. The experimental period lasted 28 days. The feed intake was reduced and feed:gain ration improved linearly with increase digestible lysine levels in diets. Final, slaughter and hot carcass weights, carcass yield, amount of lean meat and payment index increase linearly with increase of digestible lysine levels. There was no effect of digestible lysine levels on daily gain, farm to slaughter shrink and lean meat percent. In conclusion, in diets with 5 ppm ractopamine, 1.04% digestible lysine improve feed:gain ration and increase final weight, carcass weight and yield, amount of lean meat and payment index of carcass of pigs.
Assessment of quality attributes of endive (Cichorium endivia L.) depending on a cultivar and growing conditions

Endive plants were hydroponically grown in greenhouse control conditions. The aim of this investigation was to assess the biological quality of endive cultivated in three different growing media. Organic media: coconut fiber and wood fiber, were com- pared to rockwool, commonly used as a standard horticultural medium in greenhouse vegetable production. Three crispum leaf endive cultivars: 'Galanti', 'Perceval' and 'Ba- rundi' and one latifolium leaf cultivar (escarole chicory): 'Kethel' were examined during the spring time. At about 10 days before harvest the plants were covered with low tunnel made from double-sided black and white foil to bleach the leaves and at 5-7 days before the end of the experiment nutrient solution was replaced by water to reduce the nitrate concentration in the leaves of endive. The content of dry matter, ascorbic acid, total solu- ble solids (TSS), total sugars (TS), phenolic acids and nitrates (NO3), P, K and Ca was de- termined in leaves of both bleached and not bleached plants. Also the antioxidant activity was measured by two assays DPPH and FRAP. The effect of cultivation substrate, culti- var, and bleaching treatment on the quality of endive appeared diversed. The unbleached endive showed a higher content of dry mass, higher concentrations of sugars, TSS, potas- sium, and calcium than the bleached plants. The bleached plants had significantly lower fresh mass of plants (by 33% in average), but in turn were characterized by higher con- centrations of phosphorus and polyphenolic acids. Plants cultivated on wood fiber con- tained the smallest amount of nitrates, comparing to plants grown either on rockwool or coconut fiber. None of the investigated plants contained more nitrates than the acceptable level of nitrates for lettuce grown under cover. The antioxidant activity of endive plants measured by FRAP method was higher in not bleached endive plants than in the bleached ones. The antioxidant impact of endive plants expressed as DPPH was not reduced in re- sponse to bleaching. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in plants of 'Kethel'.
INCIDÊNCIA DE MOSCAS-DAS-FRUTAS EM CAFÉ E CITROS E TRATAMENTO QUARENTENARIO DE FRUTOS CÍTRICOS COM RADIAÇÃO GAMA

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fruit fly infestation on coffee and citrus, and also to determine gamma radiation doses for immature stages of Ceraiitis capitata and Anastrepha fraterculus, in order to satisfy quarantine regulations. Coffea arabica varieties "Icatu Vermelho', 'Catuai Amarelo', 'Mundo Novo' and 'Sarchimor' showed the highest infestation indices (pupa/berry): 0.53, 0.41, 0.33 and 0.36, respectively. 'Icatu Vermelho' and 'Catuai Vermelho' showed the highest values of pupa/ berry weight (0.49 and 0.39, respectively), and 'Robusta' {Coffea canephora) presented the lowest index (0.01). The following fruit flies were found in coffee berries: C. capitata (76.6%), Anastrepha spp. (7.4%) and Lonchaeidae (17.0%). In area near coffee plantation, fruit fly infestation indices in sweet oranges were of 4.77 larvae/kg and 0.55 larva/fruit. The infestation indices for sweet orange, collected from five regions of the State of Sao Paulo, ranged from 0.73 to 7.60 pupa/kg and 0.12 to 1.27 pupa/fruit. The same species of fruit flies were found in oranges. In the case of C. capitata eggs with 24-48 hours old, 20 Gy prevented completely adult emergence (artificial diet and orange). No emergence of adults occurred when C. capitata larvae of third instar were irradiated at 20 Gy in their rearing medium. But at 25 Gy, the number of adults was reduced by 54% and 97% from larval infestation in oranges and grapefruit, respectively. A dose of 30 Gy was required to prevent medfly emergence from third instar larvae in grapefruit. A dose of 15 Gy was required for third instar, to prevent adult emergence of A. fraterculus. No adult emerged from C. capitata pre-pupa irradiated at 30 Gy. One medfly adult emerged from pupa (3-4 days after pupating) irradiated at 120 Gy. At the same dose, sixteen A. fralercuhis adults emerged from irradiated pupa with 5-6 days old.
Diurnal vertical migration of a harmful dinoflagellate, Cochlodinium polykrikoides (Dinophyceae), during a red tide in coastal waters of Namhae Island, Korea

Abstract Since 1995, massive harmful blooms of the dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides have been an annual feature along the southern coast of Korea in late summer, leading to serious impacts on fin-fish farms covering huge areas. Because vertical migration is an important process involved in red tide formation, the vertical distribution and variation of C. polykrikoides were investigated with time at a fixed station off the coast of Namhae Island, Korea, elucidating the migration depth and velocity as well as the timing of downward and upward migration. The maximum cell density of C. polykrikoides was observed in the surface layer at 1600 hours. Subsequently, the population started to migrate downwards and reached a depth of 15 m at around 2000 hours. The upward migration began at around 0600 hours, and the population concentrated in the surface layer by 1100 hours. The speed of descent was faster than that of ascent, probably owing to gravity. The estimated velocity of vertical migration, based on the depth of maximum cell density and the migration time, was 3–4 m h−1, which is fairly high compared to the swimming speed of other dinoflagellates. Dividing cells were mainly observed from 0400 to 0800 hours, when the population of C. polykrikoides began to migrate upwards from the bottom. During this period of high cell division, the densities of long chain groups of ≥ 6 cells abruptly increased, while those of short chain groups of ≤ 5 cells decreased. After 0900 hours, the reverse was observed. These results suggest that the variation in the frequency of each type of chain could be an ecological strategy through which the population can produce sufficient propulsion while it has long chains to migrate upward from the sediments before sunrise, whereas the short chains, with a high area: volume ratio, may be more efficient in energy capture after arrival in the surface layers.
Phylogenetic relationships among the Iranian Triticum diploid gene pool as inferred from the loci Acc1 and Pgk1

In this study, 129 individuals belonging to the Iranian wild diploid Triticum gene pool were screened using PCR-SSCP based on Acc1 and Pgk1 loci. Sequencing of the representatives of different SSCP patterns allowed for detection of three haplotypes for each of the loci. The phylogenetic relationships among the Iranian wild diploid Triticum haplotypes and related genera were analyzed using DNA sequences from these two single copy loci. Despite previous reports that recommended the usefulness of nuclear single copy genes for phylogenetic inference, the Bayesian and parsimony analyses carried out in this study showed that these two loci were not applicable tools in the phylogeny reconstruction of diploid Triticum gene pool. Thus, our findings confirm that phylogenetic relationships among recently diverged species are often difficult to resolve due to insufficient phylogenetic signal in available markers and/or conflict among gene trees.
Nutritional value of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) meals for growing pigs and rats. 1. Energy content and protein quality

Two lines of chickpea meal (CPI 56296-b of low fibre content, and CPI 61277 of high fibre content) and one pigeonpea meal (UQ 50) were evaluated, relative to soybean meal, as energy and protein sources for growing pigs and rats. The digestible and metabolizable energy contents of the three protein sources were (MJ kg-', air-dry basis): chickpea CPI 56296-b, 16.2 and 15.3; chickpea CPI 61277, 14.9 and 14.3; and pigeonpea meal, 15.1 and 14.2, respectively. Both lines of chickpea produced a similar growth performance to soybean meal for growing pigs. Feeding pigeonpea meal resulted in a lower dressing percentage (P < 0.05), and growth rate and feed conversion ratio were inferior on a carcass basis (P < 0.01) relative to the other three diets. There were no differences in backfat thickness or lean content in the ham between the groups of pigs fed on the four diets. With rats, both lines of chickpea produced lower dressing percentages and carcass gains relative to soybean meal (P < 0.05). Pigeonpea was inferior, on a carcass basis, to both soybean and chickpea meals. We conclude that both chickpea meals were suitable as energy and protein sources for pigs, and that short-term rat assays predicted the pig response for pigeonpea but not for chickpea meal.
Are Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1-2518 G and Regulated Activation Normal T Cell Expressed and Secreted -403 A Alleles Risk Factor for Periodontitis?

Objective: We aimed to analyze the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) polymorphisms in relation to susceptibility to chronic periodontitis and influence of genotypes in response to non-surgical periodontal therapy. Methods: This cross-sectional clinical study was performed during 2005-2006 in Turkey. Gene polymorphisms were investigated in 51 periodontitis patients and 48 periodontally healthy subjects. Quadrant scaling and root planning was performed to periodontitis patients. Genomic DNA was analyzed for polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction amplification followed by restriction enzyme digestion. Results: Genotype distributions of related genes were similar between periodontitis and healthy subjects (P>0.05). In periodontitis group, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 -2518G allele frequencies were 25.5%, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted-403A allele frequencies were 30.4%. Percentage of bleeding sites were significantly higher in regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted gene A negative genotypes compared to A positive (P=0.023). Significant improvements in clinical parameters were found after periodontal therapy in both genotypes (P<0.05).
Costs of behavioral synchrony as a potential driver behind size-assorted grouping

Group-living animals must synchronize their behavior to maintain group cohesion. Synchrony is best maintained by individuals similar in size because they have similar activity budgets and thus can easily coordinate their behavior, which minimizes potential trade-offs. Many groups assort by size, presumably to reduce predation risk and foraging competition. However, because groups can only be maintained by individuals that synchronize their behavior, we propose that maintenance of synchrony may also be an important factor contributing to size-assorted grouping. Similar-sized individuals should maintain synchrony through similar swimming speeds, similar foraging activity and through cohesiveness with the group, and, therefore, pay the least costs of group-living: body mass should increase over time. However, odd-sized fishes may have to adjust their foraging activities and thus lose body mass because of the need of synchrony. We measured the aforementioned variables using varying sizes (large and small) and colors (red and wild-type) of heterogeneous (1 odd focal fish among 5 similar fishes) and homogeneous (6 similar fishes) groups of zebra fishes. Groups composed of similar-sized individuals had the highest degree of synchrony--small fishes gained mass, whereas large fishes grew very little or not at all. Groups composed of different-sized individuals, although able to maintain synchrony most of the time, did so at significantly lower levels than similar-sized fishes--odd small fishes in these groups gained significantly less mass, whereas odd large fishes did not. We show that synchrony in behavior is costly and that these costs may contribute, in part, to group choice. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
Tumor suppressor and growth regulatory genes are overexpressed in severe early‐onset preeclampsia – an array study on case‐specific human preeclamptic placental tissue

Background. Preeclampsia is an important clinical condition with unknown etiology. We used DNA array technique to compare placental gene expression profile in severe early‐onset preeclampsia from 25 to 27 gestational weeks with strictly non‐affected placental samples from similar gestational weeks.
~., Microbiological Quality of Mixed Fresh-Cut Vegetable Salads and Mixed Ready- to-Eat Fresh Herbs in Mashhad, Iran

This study aimed to determine the microbiological quality of mixed fresh-cut vegetable salads and mixed ready-to-eat fresh herbs produced in Mashhad, Iran. A total of 174 samples including 89 mixed fresh-cut vegetable salads and 85 mixed ready-to-eat fresh herbs were collected between July 2010 and Marcli 2011 . Samples were analyzed for aerobic plate counts, coli forms, enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli 0157:H7, Salmonella spp. , Staphylococcus aureus, and yeast and mold counts. The incidence levels of aerobic plate count bacteria indicated that 50.6% of mixed ready-to-eat fresh herbs and 49.4% of mixed fresh-cut vegetable salads contained less ! han 107 cfu/g. Enterobacteriaceae and total coliform levels ranged from 3 log cfulg to 8.3 log cfu/g. Lactic acid bacteria were present in mixed fresh-cut vegetable salads and mixed ready-to-eat fresh herbs at 5.9 log cfu/g and 4.88 log cfulg respectively. Yeasts and molds were found in mixed fresh-cut vegetable salads and mixed ready-to-eat fresh herbs at 5.68 log cfu/g and 5.78 log cfulg respectively. Yeasts and molds at~ 5 log cfu/g were recovered from 42.7% (38 of 89 samples) and 40% (34 of 85 samples) of mixed fresh-cut vegetable salads and mixed ready-to-eat fresh herbs respectively. While 19.1% of mixed fresh-cut vegetable salads and 27.8% mixed ready-to-eat fresh herbs contained E. coli, only 6.3% of all samples were contaminated with the microorganism at ~2 log cfu/g. E. coli 0157:H7 was detected in mixed fresh-cut vegetable salads and mixed ready-to-eat fresh herbs with an incidence of 6.5% and 11.4% respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 94.9% of san1ples, whereas coagulase-positive staphylococci were detected in 23.6% of samples. Our results also exhibited that 9.4% of mixed ready-to-eat fresh herbs and 5.6% of mixed fresh-cut vegetable salads were contaminated wilh Salmonella spp.
The karyotype of Sophora tetraptera (Fabaceae)

Abstract The karyotype of Sophora tetraptera (Fabaceae (Leguminosae), subfam. Papilionoideae) is reported for the first time. The chromosome number, 2n = 18, coincides with former reports and is the most common number for the genus. The chromosomes are small (average length 1.65 (Am). The karyotype is composed of 8 m (metacentric) + 1 sm (submetacentric) pairs. Microsatellites were observed on the short arm of the only sm pair. The intrachromosomal and interchromosomal asymmetry indices were A1 = 0.16 and A2 = 0.12, respectively. The nine species of Sophora analysed karyotypically so far in the literature suggest that karyotypic features are useful. The diversification of the group apparently has been accompanied by some chromosomal rearrangements yielding differences in karyotype formula and secondary constrictions. Thus, karyotypic data in Sophora are useful for elucidating its taxonomy and evolution.
A nutrition and health perspective on almonds

Almonds provide a nutrient-dense source of vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, fibre, riboflavin, monounsaturated fatty acids and protein. Although almost 50% of almond weight is fat, incremental intakes of 7 g day−1 of this tree nut reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration by 1%, especially within the context of diets recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program. Habitual almond consumption does not lead to weight gain, and their inclusion in low-calorie diets appears to promote more weight loss than a comparable carbohydrate-based low-calorie diet. Also, almonds have a low glycemic index and do not adversely impact insulin sensitivity. Almonds are an excellent source of bioavailable α-tocopherol, and increasing their intake enhances the resistance of LDL against oxidation. In addition, the polyphenolic constituents of almonds have been characterised recently and found to possess antioxidant actions. While benefits of almonds for cardiovascular health and obesity-related diseases appear promising, the potential allergenic reaction among susceptible individuals can present a risk. Further research is required to achieve a better understanding of the role that the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of almond constituents and the synergy between them play in their associated health outcomes. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Substratos no enraizamento de estacas herbáceas de amora-preta Xavante

The blackberry (Rubus spp.) stands out among the species that have good prospects for cultivation in areas of family farm agriculture. In order to optimize the multiplication of seedlings of this species, the aim of this research was to evaluate the use of different substrates and concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA) on the rooting of cuttings of blackberry Xavante. The experiment was performed using the completely randomized design in a 3x2 factorial arrangement (three substrates and two concentrations of IBA), with five replications of seven cuttings, and the following factors were adopted: types of substrates (vermiculite medium granules, carbonized rice husk and coconut fiber) and treated or not treated with IBA (0 and 1000mg L-1). After 80 days, the following variables were evaluated: cuttings survival; leaf retention; rooted cuttings; root number per cutting; length of the longest root; dry weight of roots per cutting; and pH; electrical conductivity; bulk density and water retention capacity of the substrates. There was no influence of the substrates and the IBA on the percentage of rooted cuttings, verifying the high efficiency on rooting of the blackberry Xavante cuttings (86.2%). For the percentage of cuttings survival the best result was obtained without the IBA application. It was concluded that the blackberry Xavante can be propagated by herbaceous cuttings efficiently, using the carbonized rice husk as low-cost option.
Characterisation of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki strains by toxicity, plasmid profiles and numerical analysis of their cryIA genes

In the present comparative study, four Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki strains (HD1, dipel, HD73, HD1dipel) were characterized by investigating their total plasmid profiling; cryIA genes profiling and toxicity towards local isolates of agricultural insects Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura. Result showed that LC50 for S. litura were 0.11 g of HD73, 0.027 g of HD1, 0.20 g of dipel and 0.018 g of HD1 dipel, while LC50 for H. armigera insect were 0.04 g of HD73, 0.031 g of HD1, 0.011 g of dipel and 0.008 g of HD1dipel. The native plasmid number and type varied from 4 - 8 among these strains and HindIII restriction showed 0.4 to 8.0 kb size fragments. The numerical classification of the cryIA gene profiles showed two distinct clusters at 48% similarity level. Cluster one of 80% similarity comprises of two strains HD73 and dipel, while cluster two of 65% consisted of HD1 and HD1dipel strains. Southern analysis of restricted plasmid combined with cryIA profile can provide an effective approach for investigation of taxonomic relationship within Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki strains.