Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ANÁLISE FÍSICO-QUÍMICAS DE AMOSTRAS DE MEL DE JANDAIRA PURO (MELIPONA SUBNITIDA) E COM MISTURAS.

O mel e considerado um dos alimentos mais puros da natureza, apreciado por seu sabor caracteristico e consideravel valor nutritivo, seu preco e relativamente alto, o que incentiva muitas vezes a sua adulteracao. E necessario que haja algumas analises para a determinacao da sua qualidade para que seja comercializado. O objetivo de contribuir para o conhecimento das caracteristicas fisico-quimicas desse produto. A maioria dos parâmetros fisico-quimicos apresentou valores adequados para o consumo humano.
Biologia reprodutiva de Sphoeroides testudineus (Linnaeus) (Pisces, Osteichthyes, Tetraodontidae) da gamboa do Baguaçu, Baía de Paranaguá, Paraná, Brasil

The present study seeks to elucidatc reproduetive aspects of Sphoeroides testudineus (Linnaeus, 1758), Tetraodontidae. Monthly collections were accomplished for one year (November/98-October/99), in the gamboa do Baguacu, Bay of Paranagua with a Fyke net. The macroscopic analysis of the gonad stages allowed us to estimate the sexual proportion as 1:1 during the whole period, except in the months of May and October, when the proportions of two females for one male and two males for one female were observed respectively. The analysis of the relative frequency of the monthly gonad stages and the Curve of Maturation aided in the determination of the reproduetive period, that oceurred from September to January. Microscopic analyses of the female gonads allowed us to characterize four develo-pment phases of the ovarian follicle, six stages of ovarian development and the type of spawn, which was parceled. The first maturation for females was estimated to be betwecn 10-11 cm of length.
Robust support for tardigrade clades and their ages from three protein-coding nuclear genes

Coding sequences (5,334 nt total) from elongation factor-1α, elongation factor-2, and the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II were determined for 6 species of Tardigrada, 2 of Arthropoda, and 2 of Onychophora. Parsimony and likelihood analyses of nucleotides and amino acids yielded strong support for Tardigrada and all internal nodes (i.e., 100% bootstrap support for Tardigrada, Eutardigrada, Parachela, Hypsibiidae, and Macrobiotidae). Results are in agreement with morphology and an earlier molecular study based on analysis of 18S ribosomal sequences. Divergence times have been estimated from amino acid sequence data using an empirical Bayesian statistical approach, which does not assume a strict molecular clock. Divergence time estimates are pre-Vendian for Tardigrada/Arthropoda, Vendian or earlier for Eutardigrada/Heterotardigrada, Silurian to Ordovician for Parachela/Apochela, Permian to Carboniferous for Hypsibiidae and Macrobiotidae, and Mesozoic for Isohypsibius/Thulinia (both within Hypsibiidae) and Macrobiotus/Richtersius (both within Macrobiotidae).
Perfil lipídico e composição química de tilápias nilóticas em diferentes condições de cultivo

This study aimed to evaluate the lipid profile and the chemical composition of the fillets of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) maintained under three raising conditions, for a period of 120 days. A total of 2075 sexed males of tilapia were utilized, allotted into two ponds and one alvenaria pond. The applied treatments were: feeding with a basal diet in the alvenaria pond; feeding with the basal diet in the earthen pond and natural feeding through chemical and organic fertilization. The experimental design was in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and ten replicates. The evaluated parameters were: identification of plankton, profile of fatty acids and contents of moisture, crude protein, etereo extract and ashes of the fillets. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means of the treatments were evaluated by Tukey´s test (5% of significance). A total of five predominant distinct genera of zooplankton and four genera of phytoplankton were found. The results shown any statistical differences for the moisture and ashes contents of the fillets over all treatments tested. Therefore only the animals raised under the fertilization system shown increased crude protein content and decreased lipid content. The fatty acid profile of the fillets shown better omega-3/omega-6 ratio, with higher amounts of docosahexaenoic fatty acid in fertilization system.
Mutant Presenilin 1 Increases the Levels of Alzheimer Amyloid β‐Peptide Aβ42 in Late Compartments of the Constitutive Secretory Pathway

Abstract: Mutations in the presenilin 1 (PS1) gene are associated with autosomal dominant, early‐onset, familial Alzheimer's disease and result in increased release of the hyperaggregatable 42‐amino acid form of the amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ42). To determine which subcellular compartments are potential source(s) of released Aβ42, we compared the levels and spatial segregation of intracellular Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides between N2a neuroblastoma cells doubly transfected with the “Swedish” familial Alzheimer's disease‐linked amyloid precursor protein variant and either wild‐type PS1 (PS1wt) or familial Alzheimer's disease‐linked Δ9 mutant PS1 (PS1Δ9). As expected, PS1Δ9‐expressing cells had dramatically higher levels of intracellular Aβ42 than did cells expressing PS1wt. However, the highest levels of Aβ42 colocalized not with endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi markers but with rab8, a marker for trans‐Golgi network (TGN)‐to‐plasma membrane (PM) transport vesicles. We show that PS1 mutants are capable of causing accumulation of Aβ42 in late compartments of the secretory pathway, generating there a readily releasable source of Aβ42. Our findings indicate that PS1 “bioactivity” localizes to the vicinity of the TGN and/or PM and reconcile the apparent discrepancy between the preponderant concentration of PS1 protein in proximal compartments of the secretory pathway and the recent findings that PS1 “bioactivity” can control γ‐secretase‐like processing of another trans‐membrane substrate, Notch, at or near the PM.
Effects of Age and Gender on Sleep Habits and Sleep Trouble for Aged People

The healthy 455 subjects above 60 years of age were questioned on their sleep habit inventory and the morningness-eveningness questionnaire. We analyzed the effects of age and sex on sleep habits and sleep-related trouble. Bedtimes on weekdays and weekends became earlier with aging, and women went to bed significantly later than men did. The length of sleep on weekdays slightly increased with aging, and it was longer for men than for women. The number of urinations and awakenings during nocturnal sleep and the amount of daytime napping increased with aging. The score on morningness-eveningness shifted toward the morning type with aging. In comparison with men, women had significantly longer sleep latency; and a higher percentage of subjects who reported that they sleep for only a short time, have sleep trouble, have received medical treatment for their sleep trouble, and take sleep medication. From these results, we deduced that the phase of sleep shifted forward in subjects above 60 years of age, and they showed frequent interruptions during nocturnal sleep and long daytime napping. We discussed the factor of gender difference in sleep in relation to social and cultural factors, particularly the household activities of women.
Botswana: fencing out the equity issue. Cattleposts and cattle ranching in the Kalahari Desert

Abstract This paper examines the advantages of the traditional cattlepost system against the recent drive towards the fencing of Botswana's rangelands and the establishment of privatised, commercial beef ranches. Consideration of operational and environmental factors emphasise the benefits of the cattlepost system, while socio-economic and political factors explain why the current drive towards fenced ranches will continue for the foreseeable future. It is concluded that while the degradation issue on Botswana's rangelands has been overstated, alleged concern for the conservation of the grazing resource is explicitly driving Botswana's current New Agricultural Policy. By accentuating the existing marked socio-economic inequalities within the livestock sector, such misplaced policies will fuel much graver environmental problems, as the underlying equity issue remains unaddressed.
The effect of total water supply, and frequency of application, upon lucerne. II.* Chemical composition

Total water supply, expressed as a proportion of class A pan evaporation (Epan), and frequency of water application were varied independently during summer. The phosphorus concentration in the shoots of lucerne increased by 35% when the total water supply was increased from 0.1 to 1.0Epan; the nitrogen concentration was not significantly affected. The in vitro digestibility of leaf and stem fractions decreased with increasing total water supply, and the proportion of highly digestible fractions (leaf and flower) also decreased, so that total shoot digestibility decreased from 65% at 0.24 Epan to 55% at 0.58 Epan. Frequency of water application had no significant effect upon phosphorus or nitrogen concentration or in vitro digestibility. ____________________ *Part I, Aust. J. Agric. Res., 23: 239 (1972)
Cash Dividend Change Announcement Effect on Share Price Returns: Evidence from Nairobi Securities Exchange

Whether to pay dividends or not is a critical decision that every company must make. Conversely, whether to invest in a divided paying company is decision investors must consider. However, the relationship between dividend and share returns is not clear and how shareholders react to dividend increases or decreases is still a puzzle. This paper seeks to identify if cash dividend change announcements have any effect on share returns. It also examines whether stock price returns react the same to an increase and a decrease in dividend announced. Using daily closing prices from 2005-2012, the paper employs a 40-day event methodology to examine the reaction of share price returns to dividend change announcements before, during and after the event. Results show, dividend announcements have a significant effect on share price returns. Dividend decreases resulted in negative returns while dividend increases resulted in positive returns. Dividend decreases cause a larger decline in returns than an increase leads an increase in returns. Based on this evidence, dividend announcements have information content and hence dividend-paying companies listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) should consider this before announcing a change in dividend
Dynamics of ovarian maturation during the reproductive cycle of Metynnis maculatus, a reservoir invasive fish species (Teleostei: Characiformes)

In this study, we evaluated the dynamics of ovarian maturation and the spawning processes during the reproductive cycle of Metynnis maculatus. Adult females (n = 36) were collected bimonthly between April 2010 and March 2011. The mean gonadosomatic index (GSI) was determined, ovarian and blood samples were submitted for morphometric evaluation and the steroid plasma concentration was determined by ELISA. This species demonstrated asynchronous ovarian development with multiple spawns. This study revealed that, although defined as a multiple spawning species, the ovaries of M. maculatus have a pattern of development with a predominance of vitellogenesis between April and August and have an intensification in spawning in September; in October, a drop in the mean GSI values occurred, and the highest frequencies of post-ovulatory follicles (POFs) were observed. We observed a positive correlation between the POF and the levels of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone. Metynnis maculatus has the potential to be used as a source of pituitary tissue for the preparation of crude extracts for hormonal induction; the theoretical period for use is from September to December, but specific studies to determine the feasibility of this approach must be conducted.
Nutritional profile of some selected food plants of Otwal and Ngai sub counties, Oyam District, Northern Uganda.

Wild food plants play an important role in the diet of inhabitants of Oyam District. Some of these plants are drought-resistant and gathered throughout the year. These wild foods are an important source of nutrients. However, there is a lack of comprehensive data regarding the nutrient contents of these indigenous plants. The purpose of this study was to document and assess the nutrient and mineral contents of the selected food plants. Ethnobotanical surveys were used to collect data through formal and informal interviews and focused group discussions. Voucher specimens were collected during field excursions and taken to Makerere Herbarium for proper identification. Nutrients and mineral analyses of wild and cultivated fruits, seeds, underground organs and vegetables from Ngai and Otwal sub counties were carried out using known procedures. They were analysed for mineral nutrients such as calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus concentrations. Additionally nutrients such proteins, beta carotene, vitamin C and dietary fibre were determined. On average, vegetables were found to be richer in organic nutrients and minerals followed by fruits and seeds in that order. Generally the wild food plant species were found to be richer sources of mineral nutrient than their cultivated relatives. For example, the highest concentration of calcium 867.59 mg/100g was found in Acalypha bipartita leaves compared to 294.18 mg/100g in Cleome gynandra . Plant species that showed high iron contents [>30%] were leaves of swamp hibiscus, African spider flowers, fruist of Tamarind, Black night shade and Jews mallow. It was also noted that among the food plant species analysed, fruits were low in nutrients and mineral elements. Some of these food plants were also considered to have medicinal properties by the locals such as African spider flower, Rattle pod among others. However, it should be noted that there is a general decline in the consumption of wild plants, despite the apparent high nutritional values. The conservation of wild food plants is not taking place among the communities in the study area, thus the poor rural communities who are limited on balancing their diet could be faced with diseases associated with nutrient deficiencies.
Seasonally Changing Preen-Wax Composition: Red Knots' (Calidris Canutus) Flexible Defense Against Feather-Degrading Bacteria

Abstract During incubation, ground-breeding sandpipers such as Red Knots (Calidris canutus) create a warm, humid microclimate in the nest, conditions that favor the growth of feather-degrading bacteria present in their plumage. Just before incubation, the composition of waxes secreted by the uropygial gland of Red Knots and other sandpipers changes quickly and completely from a mixture of only monoesters to a mixture of only diesters. We hypothesized that the change in composition of the preen wax helps protect the plumage against feather-degrading bacteria. We tested the hypothesis by studying growth of the feather-degrading bacterium Bacillus licheniformis, which we found in the plumage of Red Knots. The removal of preen waxes from feathers resulted in faster bacterial degradation, confirming earlier findings that preen wax inhibits growth of feather-degrading bacteria. However, the degradation rate of feathers with preen wax based on diesters did not differ from that of feathers with preen wax based on monoesters. We suggest that preen waxes protect feathers by forming a physical barrier to microbes rather than through chemical properties of the waxes.
Fat deposition in Hereford and Friesian steers: 2. Cellular development of the major fat depots

SUMMARY The size and number of recognizable fat cells (diameters greater than 5 μm) were examined at several sites in 42 Hereford and Friesian steers. Four, two and 15 animals from each breed were slaughtered at 6, 13 and 20 months of age, respectively, after ad libitum feeding. For the 15 animals of each breed slaughtered at 20 months, biopsy samples of adipose tissue were removed at 10, 13 and 17 months from the 12th rib, midloin, rump and perirenal sites. Samples from these sites and from the brisket (subcutaneous), prescapular (intermuscular) and omental sites were also removed from the carcasses of slaughtered animals. Fat cell diameter (microscopic technique) and dry matter (from which lipid content was predicted) were measured on all samples. Measurement of fat depth (ultrasound) and surface area at the subcutaneous sites allowed changes in relative number of cells to be estimated during growth. From biopsied samples it was apparent that the perirenal depot grew almost exclusively through cell enlargement in both breeds. In contrast, the subcutaneous depot grew principally through cell enlargement to about 13 months of age and thereafter through both increase in number of cells and cell enlargement. The trigger for this increase in number of cells was possibly a critical average cell size, although this clearly did not operate in perirenal fat. Slaughter samples showed that cellularity changes with growth were similar in the perirenal and omental depots (intra-abdominal) whereas changes in the prescapular (intermuscular) site tended to parallel those in the subcutaneous depot. In relation to fat-free body weight (and therefore taking body size into account) both breeds had similar numbers of intra-abdominal and prescapular fat cells, but the Herefords had approximately double the number of subcutaneous fat cells compared with the Friesians.
Phenotypical characterization of indigenous freshwater crayfish populations

The morphology of an animal is known to reflect both genetic variation and adaptation to the environment. Thus, phenotypic criteria have been used to characterize indigenous crayfish populations. Twenty-one morphometric parameters were measured on crayfish from 25 waterbodies in the Austrian and Italian parts of Tyrol. They were analysed with hierarchical cluster analysis to obtain the population structure based on morphological similarity between and within the freshwater crayfish species Astacus astacus (noble crayfish), Austropotamobius torrentium (stone crayfish) and Austropotamobius pallipes (white-clawed crayfish). Furthermore, a stepwise discriminant analysis was applied to the morphometric data to test their differentiating power between populations. Both analyses resulted in a clear differentiation of species and populations, and reflected geographic separations. Thus, the developed morphometric methods were shown to be applicable to characterize the phenotype in freshwater crayfish and seem appropriate to be used for stock identification and the effective characterization of management units in decapod crustaceans.
Reduction of β-Catenin/T-Cell Transcription Factor Signaling by Aspirin and Indomethacin Is Caused by an Increased Stabilization of Phosphorylated β-Catenin

Constitutive activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is thought to play a central role in colorectal carcinogenesis. A key output in this pathway is the nuclear level of β-catenin, which determines the transcription of T-cell transcription factor (TCF)/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor-responsive target genes. In unstimulated cells, β-catenin is continuously targeted for ubiquitin-dependent degradation, which depends on its NH2-terminal phosphorylation by glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) in association with a multiprotein complex. Previously, we have shown that the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) aspirin and indomethacin down-regulate β-catenin/TCF signaling in colorectal cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that the reduced signaling activity of β-catenin in response to NSAIDs is a result of its enhanced phosphorylation. In SW948 and SW480 colorectal cancer cells, phosphorylation of NH2-terminal S/T residues time dependently increased in response to aspirin and indomethacin. In contrast, in 293 cells, NSAID treatment failed to induce detectable levels of β-catenin phosphorylation but resulted in degradation of β-catenin within 24 h in serum-deprived cells. The aspirin-induced β-catenin phosphorylation in colon cancer cells preceded down-regulation of β-catenin/TCF signaling, suggesting a causal relationship. Inhibition of this process by LiCl pointed to participation of GSK-3β. Unexpectedly, GSK-3β was also phosphorylated upon aspirin treatment in six colorectal cancer cell lines. We present evidence that inactivation of a phosphatase rather than stimulation of a kinase or interference with the ubiquitination machinery may be the cause of the stabilized phosphorylation. The data emphasize the importance of β-catenin in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer and define it as a key target for anticancer therapeutics.
Effects of biological and physical factors on seasonal oxygen dynamics in a stratified, eutrophic coastal ecosystem

Using a dual‐budget approach based on oxygen concentrations and stable isotopes, we examined primary production, respiration, and production to respiration ratios (P : R) across the Louisiana continental shelf to determine the relative roles of biological and physical factors in controlling seasonal oxygen dynamics. Regression models for δ18O and P :R indicated that the concentration of algal biomass explained most of the variability of the seasonal oxygen dynamics in surface waters. Physical factors, such as salinity, temperature, water‐column stability, and station depth were only of minor importance. Seasonal oxygen dynamics were more pronounced in bottom waters than in surface waters as hypoxia was common in bottom waters during summer months (May‐October). During cooler winter months (November‐April), oxygen concentrations throughout the water column were close to equilibrium with the atmosphere. The relative importance of benthic respiration to water‐column respiration in bottom waters was more pronounced during summer months when the water column was stratified. A strong physical disturbance caused by Hurricane Claudette during the summer of 2003 resulted in lower surface productivity relative to the calm 2001 and 2002 summertime conditions. Even though estimates of surface primary production and P :R were lower in July 2003 compared to July 2002, concentration of algal biomass (particulate organic carbon, C: N) remained the most important factor for d18O and P :R dynamics. The physical disturbance due to the hurricane, however, diminished the relative importance of benthic respiration, so that the system rather resembled wintertime conditions.
Seed Production and Litter Fall in Some Eucalypt Communities in Central Queensland

Seed production and litter fall were studied for seven woodland communities, dominated by Eucalyptus spp. , in central Queensland. Seed and capsule fall are usually completed between annual flowering periods, for each of the Eucalyptus spp. studied. A pattern of light and heavy seed production is common over different years. Annual seed yields up to 20 kg ha-1 (or c. 49 million seed ha-1) were estimated over the varying 1-3-year study periods. Litter fall followed expected trends, ranging from 900 to 2700 kg ha-1 year-1, with peak production in the warmer months. These litter yields, coupled with understorey grass production, could provide adequate fuel for a ground fire to occur in most years. The implications of these findings for woodland management under pastoral use are discussed.