Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of Diode Array Detection with a C-30 Reversed Phase Column for the Separation and Identification of Saponified Orange Juice Carotenoids

Thirty-nine carotenoid pigments in saponified orange (Citrus sinensis) juice were separated using a water, methanol, methyl-tert-butyl ether gradient on a non-endcapped C-30 reversed phase column. Pigments were extracted using the International Fruit Juice Union method for orange juice carotenoids, which employs precipitation with Carrez reagent and resolubilizing with acetone. Chromatographic resolution, Rs, between lutein and zeaxanthin was 2.9. Pigments were identified on the basis of diode array spectral characteristics, retention times, and relative elution order compared to authentic standards and literature values. An examination of the diode array data from the chromatographically resolved peaks indicated that the most useful information could be obtained from monitoring the chromatographic effluent at 350, 430, and 486 nm. More carotenoid peaks were detected at 430 nm, but greater selectivity for several carotenoids was obtained at 350 and 486 nm. At 430 nm the six largest carotenoid peaks observ.
Mating structure and sex ratio variation in a natural population of Nasonia vitripennis

We use allozyme polymorphism to estimate foundress numbers and inbreeding in a Swedish population of the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis and compare observed sex ratios with the predictions of local mate competition theory. Foundress numbers per host patch estimated from electrophoretic data range from one to nine, with an arithmetic mean of 2.3 and a harmonic mean of 1.49. The inbreeding coefficient calculated directly from the genetic data (F = 0.312) was in agreement with that estimated from the foundress number distribution (F = 0.336). The proportion of males per patch increased as predicted by the estimated foundress numbers and the level of inbreeding, particularly when minimum numbers of males per brood and synchrony of emergence are taken into account. Superparasitism was more frequent than expected from experimental studies. The mating structure of this population implies that it is probably under selection for both female-biased sex ratios and facultative sex ratio behaviour because of variable opportunities for outbreeding.
The SPP1 connection

Abstract The connector of the virulent Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage SPP1 (Styloviridae) is a structure localized at the phage head vertex which attaches the tail. It is formed by oligomerization of SPP1 gene product 6 (gp6; portal protein). The purified protein is found in solution essentially as a homo-tredecamer. Its assembly pattern resembles the turbine-like organization found for other portal proteins and has a defined handedness (Dube et al. (1993) EMBO J. 12, 1303–1309). A preliminary reconstruction of the structure shows that gp6 is composed of a lower ring connected by a narrow region to the upper area consisting of 13 lobes radiating from an inner ring. The assembly is organized around a central channel which spans its full height. A functional characterization of gp6 mutants showed that substitutions of defined amino acids by more basic residues lead to packaging of reduced amounts of DNA into the phage head (Tavares et al. (1992) J. Mol. Biol. 225, 81–92). Since SPP1 encapsidates its DNA by a headful mechanism, these mutations ( siz ) affect most probably a function on the headful sensor—signal transduction—headful cut system. Combination of siz alleles has severe effects in packaging. The resulting gp6 versions lead to the encapsidation of shorter DNA molecules at a lower efficiency than single siz mutants. Gene 6 is expressed late during SPP1 infection. Interestingly, the mass of portal protein inside the cell then increases continuously until lysis, reaching a level several fold higher than the amount required to accomplish its role as a structural component of the virion.
Natural Disturbance and Nitrogen Mineralization: Wave-Form Dieback of Mountain Hemlock in the Oregon Cascades

Wave—form dieback of relatively pure stands of mountain hemlock provided an opportunity to study changes in nutrient availability following natural disturbance. Nitrogen mineralization rates of forest floor and mineral soil were estimated using laboratory and in situ incubations. Nitrogen mineralization rates in both the mineral soil and O2 horizon were at least doubled following the pathogen—induced disturbance. As the regenerating stands developed, rates declined again to the very low predisturbance levels. These changes in nitrogen availability may in turn influence tree resistance to the pathogen, suggesting that in this system the pattern of nitrogen availability is both a consequence and a case of natural disturbance. See full-text article at JSTOR
Occurrence of an unusual leucoanthocyanidin and absence of proanthocyanidins in sorghum leaves

Leaf tissue analysis of 47 sorghum lines after washing out interfering pigments did not show the presence of tannins. Leaf tissue of 16 lines contained polyvinylpyrrolidone-binding material with properties corresponding to monomeric flavan-4-ol. This leucoanthocyanidin was also present in seeds and was identified as apiforol. It yielded the yellow anthocyanidin, apigeninidin when heated in aq. acid and at low temp. in acid/alchohol mixtures was converted to an unidentified unstable pink anthocyanidin
CELLULAR DNA CONTENT OF MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON USING TWO NEW FLUOROCHROMES: TAXONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS 1

Two new fluorochromes, PicoGreen® and SYTOX Green™ stain (Molecular Probes, Inc.), are useful with flow cytometry for quantitative detection of cellular DNA in a variety of marina phytoplankton. The basic instrument configuration of modern low‐power flow cytometers (15 mW, 488 nm excitation) is sensitive enough to detect the DNA signal in nearly all of the 121 strains (from 12 taxonomic classes)examined. The major advantages of these dyes over others are 1)suitability for direct use in seawater, 2)green fluorescence emission of the DNA‐dye complex (wavelength 525 ± 15 nm) showing no overlap with the autofluorescence of the plankton pigments in the red band, 3) high fluorescence yield of the DNA‐dye complex with an increase in fluorescence > 100‐fold compared to the unstained cell, and 4)dyes can be used to quantify double‐stranded DNA. The high sensitivity allowed the quantification of the DNA of the smallest known phyto‐plankter (Prochlorococcus) as well as bacteria found in some of the algal cultures. Of the 12 taxonomic classes tested, only the 3 Nannochloropsis spp. (Eustagmatophyceae) stained poorly, and a few members of the Chlorophyceae and Pelagophyceae showed poor staining occasionally. In general, maximal fluorescence was achieved within 15 min after addition of the dye. Although the PicoGreen dye stained some living phytoplankton species, preservation is recommended for quantitation. SYTOX Green did not stain live cells. The combination of the dyes, therefore, allows the discrimination between live and dead cells in some algal groups (Prochlorococcus, diatoms, prasinophytes, and pelagophytes). Paraformaldehyde was preferred over glutaraldehyde for fixation to avoid (induced) green autofluorescence.
A conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplement containing trans-10, cis-12 CLA reduces milk fat synthesis in lactating goats

Abstract The efficacy of a lipid-encapsulated trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid supplement (LE-CLA) on milk production and milk fatty acid (FA) profile was investigated. Thirty multiparous Alpine lactating goats (50 ± 7.4 kg) in late lactation were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Does were fed a diet of bermudagrass hay, dehydrated alfalfa pellets, and concentrate. Does were randomly allocated to three treatments; A) unsupplemented (Control), B) supplemented with 30 g/d LE-CLA (low-dose; LLE), and C) supplemented with 60 g/d LE-CLA (high-dose; HLE). Milk yield, DMI, and milk protein content and yield were unaffected by treatment (P = 0.05). Compared with Control, milk fat yield was reduced 8.1% by the LLE treatment and 21.2% by the HLE treatment (P < 0.001), with milk fat content reduced 4.8 and 17.6% by the LLE and HLE treatments, respectively (P < 0.001). Milk fat content of trans-10, cis-12 CLA was 0.03, 0.09 and 0.19 g/100 g of fatty acids for the Control, LLE and HLE treatments, respectively. The transfer efficiency of trans-10, cis-12 CLA from the two levels of CLA supplement into milk fat was not different between treatments and averaged 1.85%. In conclusion, trans-10, cis-12 CLA reduced milk fat synthesis in lactating goats in a manner similar to that observed for lactating dairy cows and sheep. However, dose-response comparisons suggest that the degree of reduction in milk fat synthesis is less in goats compared with sheep and dairy cows.
Seasonal changes in body mass and body composition of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) on Svalbard

Seasonal changes in body mass and body composition of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from the Svalbard Islands are described. The blubber content of adult females decreased from a high of about 50% at the beginning of the pupping season in March–April to a low of 31% during moulting in June. In adult males, the blubber content decreased from 41% in March to 29% in June. By estimating an individual seal's body mass by 1 April from its standard body length, we calculated an average daily loss of body mass of 160 g/day in adult females and 100 g/day in adult males from the start of lactation to the middle of moulting. The blubber content of sexually immature seals was less in June and July than in April, but the seasonal changes were smaller than in adult seals. We found no evidence of significant changes in core mass in adult seals, and suggest that the seasonal body mass changes are mostly due to changes in body fat content.
Identification of Phytophthora species on the basis of restriction enzyme fragment analysis of the internal transcribed spacer regions of ribosomal RNA

There are approximately 60 described species in the genus Phytophthora. Despite the economic and ecological damage they cause worldwide, the genus is poorly understood. A major difficulty, with implications for scientific communication as well as phytosanitary regulations, is species identification. With a paucity of stable morphological characters, even specialists can have difficulty in identification beyond the genus level. Appropriate molecular methods offer an objective alternative. In this paper, the utility of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the subunit which encodes ribosomal RNA will be discussed. At the Scottish Crop Research Institute, an examination of the ITS restriction digest patterns of over 450 Phytophthora isolates representing almost all known taxa has allowed an evaluation of the method. Sophisticated band-matching software has been used to compare new isolates rapidly with those in the database. Limitations of such methods are also discussed. In some cases (e.g. closely related taxa with identical ITS regions, or where discrimination at the intraspecific level is needed), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis is necessary. The database of AFLP fingerprints developed in Plant Research International is discussed in this context.
HUMPBACK WHALE (MEGAPTERA NOVEANGLIAE) SOCIAL SOUNDS IN HAWAI'I

Numerous studies have been conducted on humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae song, but substantially fewer have focused on the acoustic properties of nonsong sound production on the breeding grounds (i.e., social sounds; Silber 1986). During the winters of each year, Pacific humpback whales migrate to Hawai'ian waters to engage in breeding and mating activities. The whales form a variety of transient social groups while in Hawai'i, ranging from single whales to large competitive groups (Baker & Herman 1984). Competitive groups are generally composed of many males surrounding one female. Displays between males include visual displays (inflating ventral pleats and blowing bubbles), chases, and even physical strikes (Baker & Herman 1984; Tyack & Whitehead 1983). Social sounds may also play a significant role in behavioural interactions within these competitive groups. We attempted to obtain high-quality recordings of social sounds with detailed data on concurrent behaviour using suction-cup acoustic and body orientation tags (DTAGs).
Identification of Spanish barbel species using the RAPD technique

The RAPD-PCR technique was employed to identify three endemic Spanish species of Barbus: Barbus bocagei, B. graellsii and B. sclateri, that present very similar morphologies. Using seven primers, six diagnostic bands were found in B. bocagei, 11 in B. graellsii and nine in B. sclateri. Cluster analysis of the genetic similarity values obtained from RAPD data indicated that the species B. bocagei and B. graellsii are more related to each other than to B. sclateri.
Improving salt tolerance of wheat and barley: future prospects

Cropping on saline land is restricted by the low tolerance of crops to salinity and waterlogging. Prospects for improving salt tolerance in wheat and barley include the use of: (i) intra-specific variation, (ii) variation for salt tolerance in the progenitors of these cereals, (iii) wide-hybridisation with halophytic ‘wild’ relatives (an option for wheat, but not barley), and (iv) transgenic techniques. In this review, key traits contributing to salt tolerance, and sources of variation for these within the Triticeae, are identified and recommendations for use of these traits in screening for salt tolerance are summarised. The potential of the approaches to deliver substantial improvements in salt tolerance is discussed, and the importance of adverse interactions between waterlogging and salinity are emphasised. The potential to develop new crops from the diverse halophytic flora is also considered.
The response of the macroinvertebrate community to low-flow variability and supra-seasonal drought within a groundwater dominated stream

Information regarding the instream response to long supra-seasonal droughts, extending over more than one season, in largely perennial riverine systems is fragmentary compared to knowledge regarding floods. The macroinvertebrate community of a groundwater dominated river was investigated over an eight-year period which included two supra-seasonal drought events (1992 and 1996-1997). The community responded directly to changes in the discharge regime. Significant differences in the community abundance, the abundance of the amphipod Gammarus pulex, diversity indices (Shannon Wiener and Simpson diversity) and the Berger-Parker dominance index were recorded between drought, flow recovery and other (non-drought) years. Drought conditions resulted in extremely low community abundance, Gammarus pulex abundance and the Berger-Parker dominance index, and extremely high values of the Shannon Wiener and Simpson diversity indices. Recovery of the community extended over a two-year period and reflected recovery of flow associated with recharge of the groundwater aquifer. The results underline the continuing need for medium to long-term data series to investigate the response of instream communities to flow variability so that extreme events can be placed within the context of natural variability.
Gas Exchange in Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri) with Varying Blood Oxygen Capacity

The effects of large changes in hemoglobin concentration were studied in rainbow trout in fresh water between 8 and 14 C. Anemia was produced by injecting phenylhydrazine hydrochloride or by replacing blood with either saline or plasma.No significant changes were observed in the rate of oxygen consumption, arterial or venous oxygen tensions, ventilation volume, inspired and expired water oxygen tensions, or dorsal aortic blood pressure. The primary compensatory mechanism invoked was an increase in the cardiac output, which was accomplished almost entirely by increases in stroke volume. Although the viscosity of the blood was reduced, there must also be large changes in the peripheral resistance to blood flow, since greatly increased cardiac output was achieved without significant increase in blood pressure.The change in blood oxygen capacity and increase in cardiac output caused significant lowering of the ventilation–perfusion ratio, but the capacity–rate ratio of water to blood varied only a little. A s.
Susceptibility to murine cytomegalovirus retinitis during progression of MAIDS: Correlation with intraocular levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ

Purpose. To correlate tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) synthesis with histopathologic disease and virus replication within murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV)-infected eyes during progression of murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS). Materials and methods. Groups of normal mice and mice with MAIDS of 2-weeks (MAIDS-2), 4-weeks (MAIDS-4), and 12-weeks (MAIDS-12) duration were infected uniocularly with MCMV by subretinal MCMV injection. MCMV-inoculated eyes from all mice were subjected to histopathologic analysis, quantitative plaque assay, or cytometric bead array analysis for quantification of TNF-α and IFN-γ. Results. Whereas MCMV-inoculated eyes of normal, MAIDS-2, and MAIDS-4 mice were resistant to MCMV retinitis, all MCMV-inoculated eyes of MAIDS-12 mice developed retinitis. Surprisingly, MCMV-inoculated eyes of MAIDS-4 mice without retinitis harbored high amounts of infectious virus at a level equivalent to that of MCMV-inoculated eyes of MAIDS-12 mice that developed retinitis. Intraocular TNF-α levels were consistently ∼50% greater in MCMV-inoculated eyes of MAIDS-12 mice when compared with TNF-α levels of normal, MAIDS-2, and MAIDS-4 mice. In contrast, intraocular INF-γ levels within MCMV-inoculated eyes progressively declined as animals became susceptible to retinitis. Conclusions. An inverse relationship exists between TNF-α and INF-γ production within MCMV-inoculated eyes during MAIDS evolution that is characterized by an increase in intraocular TNF-α levels and a concomitant decrease in intraocular INF-γ levels. Susceptibility of MCMV-inoculated eyes to virus replication and development of necrotizing retinitis are independent events with susceptibility to MCMV replication preceding susceptibility to MCMV retinitis by several weeks. Time of Th1/Th2 shift in cytokine profile appears to be a crucial event in the pathogenesis of MAIDS-related MCMV retinitis.
Differential inhibition of human placental DNA polymerases δ and α by BuPdGTP and BuAdATP

The p-n-butylphenyl- and p-n-butylanilino- substituted analogs of dGTP and dATP, respectively, were tested as inhibitors of purified human placental DNA polymerases alpha and delta. It was observed that DNA polymerase alpha activity was potently inhibited by these analogs with I0.5 values as low as the nanomolar range, whereas DNA polymerase delta activity was poorly inhibited, with I0.5 values of ca. 100 micromolar. These results argue for a distinct identity of these two enzymes, and demonstrate the usefulness of these analogs as probes of DNA polymerase structures. In addition, these analogs provide a rapid method for the discrimination of the two enzyme activities and a means for the selective assay of DNA polymerase delta. Aphidicolin inhibited both DNA polymerases.
Precipitação do inibidor de α-amilase de feijão branco: avaliação dos métodos Precipitation of α-amylase inhibitor from white beans: evaluation of methods

Dietas suplementadas por “starch blockers”, como sao popularmente denominados os inibidores de α-amilase, tem sido adotadas de forma crescente. O inibidor extraido do feijao branco diminui o conteudo calorico fornecido pela ingestao de carboidratos por inibir a enzima α-amilase. As tecnicas de precipitacao de proteinas em solucoes aquosas, com posterior recuperacao do precipitado, constituem uma das mais importantes operacoes unitarias de processos de recuperacao e purifi cacao destas moleculas. Neste contexto, o objetivo neste trabalho foi analisar o perfil da precipitacao do inibidor de α-amilase de feijao branco perante diferentes precipitantes em varias concentracoes de saturacao e sugerir o processo mais efi caz e vantajoso. Os resultados indicam a metodologia utilizando precipitacao por pH como opcao de menor custo e efi caz na precipitacao do inibidor quando comparada aos precipitantes acetona, etanol e sulfato de amonio.
Characterisation and determination of metabolites formed by microbial and enzymatic degradation of ergot alkaloids

Ergot alkaloids are frequent contaminants of cereal crops. Strategies for their inactivation include the use of microorganisms or enzymes as feed additives capable of degrading ergot alkaloids. Recently, an ergopeptine-degrading Rhodococcus erythropolis strain MTHt3 (DSM 25948) has been isolated from soil and the involved enzymes ErgA and ErgB have been identified. The aim of the current study was to characterise the metabolites formed by degradation of various ergopeptines with the MTHt3 strain, its lysate and the purified enzyme ErgA. Using preparative HPLC, 1H-, 13C- and 2D-NMR as well as HR-MS measurements, two main groups of metabolites formed during microbial and enzymatic degradation of ergopeptines were identified: diketopiperazines (cyclic dipeptides, DKPs) and unstable ergine hydroxy carboxylic acids. However, degradation by strain, lysate and enzyme yielded different end-products. Whereas DKPs were transient and lysergic acid the only final product upon incubation of ergopeptines with the R. er.
On the need for manipulating density in competition experiments

Summary It has recently been recommended that one can experimentally test the hypothesis of coexistence in competition experiments by varying the proportions of different species, with a fixed combined density. This recommendation is based on the use of the per-capita growth rate of rare species as a criterion for species coexistence. Here, I will discuss why this is not a good idea; it is argued that because mortality and reproduction in plants is known to be affected by density in nonlinear ways it is essential to include density as an experimental factor in competition experiments when making predictions about coexistence.
Bioconversion of β-myrcene to perillene by Pleurotus ostreatus

Submerged cultures of Pleurotus ostreatus, when supplemented with β-myrcene, produced perillene, a rare furanoid monoterpene with a unique flowery citrus-like flavour. The major volatile products of the conversion were identified from which a substantiated conversion pathway has been derived. The isomeric epoxides 1,2- and 3,10-epoxymyrcene were found among the first enzymatic oxidation products. An unusual opening of both oxirane rings to the E/Z isomers of α-acaridiol was thought to be key to the fungal formation of perillene. Further oxidation of α-(Z)-acaridiol via the corresponding hydroxyaldehydes and lactols resulted in perillene formation. A new natural compound, 3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-ol (α,α-acarilactol), was among the transformation products.
EGFR-targeting agents in oncology

Background: The ‘targeted therapy’ has been defined as an innovative therapy designed to interfere with molecular targets playing a critical role in tumour growth or progression. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a tyrosine kinase receptor mediating the effect of growth factors both in physiological and pathological conditions; aberrations in the EGFR may result in the development of a tumour phenotype. Objective: To summarise the current state of the development of anti-EGFR drugs. Methods: Patent literature and preclinical/clinical studies about EGFR inhibitors are analysed. Conclusion: Some monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been approved in several countries for the treatment of various human cancer types; moreover, more than ten EGFR-targeting agents are actually in advanced clinical development.