Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of vitamin E supplemented diet on charque quality and lipid stabilization

The present work evaluated and compared the lipid oxidation of charque, taken from, the semi-tendinosus muscle of animals from the Nelore breed (Bos taurus indicus), supplemented with α-tocopherol. Charque was produced submitting the samples to salt moisture, salt drying and exposition to the sun for dehydration until water activity values (Aw) reached 0.75. The statistical analysis of the results showed that there were no significant differences in the values of cholesterol, total lipids, fatty acids and substances relative to tiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and tocopherol as the samples were controlled and supplemented, respectively. Despite this, the values of TBARS and cholesterol were lower in the samples with the supplement of α-tocopherol. The supplementation, at the levels used showed no significant result in the addition of α-tocopherol in the feeding of animals destined for the processing of charque.
A role for rhamnolipid in biofilm dispersion

Biofilms are often considered as localized zones of high cell density. Quorum sensing provides a means for control of population processes and has been implicated in the regulation of biofilm activities. We present a role for quorum sensing in programmed detachment and dispersal processes. Biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and its isogenic homoserine lactone (HSL) mutant P. aeruginosa PAO-JP2 were grown in batch culture on glass substrata; differences were found in the rate and extent of formation of biofilm. Climax communities were observed for PAO1 at 24 h. These were later accompanied by foaming, a drop in the surface tension of culture media and dispersal of the biofilm, after which no subsequent biofilm accretion occurred. PAO-JP2 cultures reformed biofilm post-detachment and did not foam. Prevention of biofilm reformation in the wild type was related to some component excreted into the culture medium. Rhamnolipid, a biosurfactant regulated by quorum sensing, was detected in PAO1 cultures. When rhamnolipid was added to freshly inoculated substrata, biofilm formation was inhibited. At 20 h, PAO1 biofilms were transferred to medium with added rhamnolipid: biofilm was relatively unaffected. Biofilm events were also studied in medium supplemented with N -butyryl- L -homoserine lactone, which is involved in the regulation of rhamnolipid synthesis. Both strains exhibited similar trends of rapid biofilm formation and dramatic changes in the rate and extent of biofilm accretion. In both cases, there was premature foaming, lowered surface tension and elevated rhamnolipid levels. A role for HSLs in maintenance of biofilm and events leading to dispersion of cells is proposed. This role would encompass dispersion but not necessarily detachment of cells from biofilm and supports a new function for rhamnolipid in pathogenesis, whereby rhamnolipid would promote the dissemination of cells from a nidus of infection.
Changes in bird abundance following Common Myna control on a New Zealand island

We censused land bird populations on a small island during a year of intense trapping of the Common Myna Acridotheres tristis. We successfully removed mynas on Moturoa Island, Bay of Islands, with populations on the island decreasing In most areas, while holding steady on other, nearby islands where no trapping was conducted. The populations of many other bird species increased coincidently with the removal of mynas. This was most notable in the Tui Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae, Grey Warbler Gerygone igata, and Blackbird Turdus merula. Of 60 species-route comparisons, we found that 23 (38%) increased, 33 (55%) had no change, and only four (7%) decreased. The relative role of rats Rattus spp. and succession is also discussed. Tile historical decline of many species in the North Island of New Zealand may have been related to the concomitant increase of tile myna, and control of this species may be warranted in some cases, especially where restoration of the native fauna is the objective.
The Role of DNA Secondary Structures at Human Chromosomal Fragile Sites

DNA has the ability to form a variety of secondary structures that can interfere with normal cellular processes, and many of these structures have been associated with neurological diseases and cancer. Secondary structure- forming sequences are often found at chromosomal fragile sites, which are hotspots for sister chromatid exchange, chromosomal translocations, and deletions. Structures formed at fragile sites can lead to instability by disrupting normal cellular processes such as DNA replication and transcription. The instability caused by disruption of replication and transcription can lead to DNA breakage, resulting in gene rearrangements and deletions that cause disease. In this review, we discuss the role of DNA secondary structure at fragile sites in human disease.
The Major Architects of Chromatin: Architectural Proteins in Bacteria, Archaea and Eukaryotes

The genomic DNA of all organisms across the three kingdoms of life needs to be compacted and functionally organized. Key players in these processes are DNA supercoiling, macromolecular crowding and architectural proteins that shape DNA by binding to it. The architectural proteins in bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes generally do not exhibit sequence or structural conservation especially across kingdoms. Instead, we propose that they are functionally conserved. Most of these proteins can be classified according to their architectural mode of action: bending, wrapping or bridging DNA. In order for DNA transactions to occur within a compact chromatin context, genome organization cannot be static. Indeed chromosomes are subject to a whole range of remodeling mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the role of (i) DNA supercoiling, (ii) macromolecular crowding and (iii) architectural proteins in genome organization, as well as (iv) mechanisms used to remodel chromosome structure and to modulate genomic activity. We conclude that the underlying mechanisms that shape and remodel genomes are remarkably similar among bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes.
DAILY PATTERNS OF LOCOMOTION EXPRESSED BY AMERICAN LOBSTERS (HOMARUS AMERICANUS) IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT

Abstract The local movements and activity patterns of American lobsters, Homarus americanus, were monitored inside a 50 m by 50 m underwater enclosure (mesocosm) using ultrasonic telemetry. Forty-four lobsters of both sexes, ranging in size from 62 to 93 mm in carapace length, were continuously tracked for 2-10 days in 2002 and 2003. As a population, the movement rate of lobsters depended on time of day, as defined by dawn, day, dusk or night. Lobster movement rates were significantly higher during night and dawn than day and dusk hours. Movement rates did not differ by lobster sex, size or between years of the study. The effect of time of day differed between lobsters, and there was considerable variability in the time of day when individual lobsters were most active. Thirty lobsters moved significantly more during the night, five moved significantly more during the day, and nine did not move significantly more during the day or night. Therefore, while there was a general tendency for lobsters in this study to be more active at night, certain factors in their natural habitat modulated this nocturnal bias, which led to a tremendous amount of variability in their daily patterns of behavior.
A Natural Hybrid of Leuciscus leuciscus (L.) and Alburnus alburnus (L.) (Osteichthyes: Cyprinidae) from the Bystrzyca River (Poland)

Abstract. A hybrid Leuciscus leuciscus × Alburnus alburnus was found during the ichthyofaunistic studies in the Bystrzyca River, a left-bank tributary of the Odra River (SW Poland). The hybrid was identified on the basis of its intermediate features and characteristics of the parent species (biometrical, osteological and anatomical) such as opercular and dental bones, pharyngeal bones and teeth, shape of scales, number, form and structure of radial canals of the scales, and air bladder and a complex of meristic and morphometric characters. With respect to its characteristics, the hybrid is closer to dace than to bleak. The small abundance of the hybrid shows that the hybridisation was rather accidental.
EVOLUTIONARY VARIATION IN FEATHER WAXES OF PASSERINE BIRDS

Abstract Feather waxes are ubiquitous in passerine birds, but their composition, phylogenetic distribution, and function are poorly characterized. We used gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to survey the diversity of saturated fatty acids in feather waxes of 91 taxa representing most major passerine groups, and used an independent phylogenetic hypothesis to explore evolutionary variation in the expression of those compounds. Saturated fatty acids are highly stable, and we obtained congruent results in comparisons of extracts from fresh material and from museum skins as much as a century old. All taxa expressed unbranched fatty acids, but in a broad range of proportions relative to their total saturated fatty-acid profile. The expression of three other classes of fatty acids was more variable, although each showed a high degree of conservation at the phylogenetic level corresponding approximately to avian families. The 2-methyl fatty acids were expressed in a number of families, often in high proportions, but were absent or low in all fringillid taxa surveyed except the Dickcissel (Spiza americana). The 3-methyl fatty acids were common only in fringillids and allies and in one genus of turdids (Zoothera). The 4-methyl compounds were comparatively rare and were abundant only in the Paridae, Polioptilinae, and Troglodytidae. Feather-wax composition is unlikely to be highly informative for reconstructing phylogenetic relationships, but study of secretion diversity in a comparative phylogenetic context holds promise for characterizing the functions of those compounds.
Population Dynamics of a Colony of Little Egrets Egretta garzetta at an Estuary in Northern Spain

Summary. The population of little egrets Egretta garzetta in Spain is over 20,000 adult breeding birds, making it one of the largest in Europe. Apart from its population size and population trends, the parameters associated with the dynamics (e.g., survival) of the species in Spain are virtually unknown. Our aims were to develop models to assess (1) the colony growth rate, and (2) apparent survival rate of a colony of little egrets breeding in northern Iberia. We used capture-recapture data of little egrets ringed as chicks within the colony, of normally < 30 adult breeding pairs, over a 14-year period starting in 1999. Colony size was observed to be increasing in a linear tendency broken by specific catastrophic events: a very strong hailstorm in 2004 and a pair of peregrines Falco peregrinus that killed several adults in 2005. By 2012, the colony had still not reached the size that it was before the decrease, so it can be concluded that sporadic catastrophic events can have a significant effect on colony size and subsequently population size, especially in small colonies. Annual apparent survival (±SE) was constant and differed between age classes (first-years: 0.15 ± 0.05; adults: 0.78 ± 0.06). Our survival estimate was relatively high compared with other little egret populations, especially for adults. This result, however, may not necessarily apply to other colonies given our small sample size and the lack of data on other factors that also affect the dynamics of the study population.
ESTIMATING DETECTION PROBABILITIES FROM MULTIPLE-OBSERVER POINT COUNTS

Abstract Point counts are commonly used to obtain indices of bird population abundance. We present an independent-observer point-count method, a generalization of the dependent-observer approach, based on closed-population capture- recapture methods. The approach can incorporate individual covariates, such as detection distance, to account for individual differences in detection probabilities associated with measurable sources of variation. We demonstrate a negative bias in two-observer estimates by comparing abundance estimates from two- and four- observer point counts. Models incorporating data from four independent observers were capable of accounting for this bias. Modeling individual bird differences in detection probabilities produced abundance estimates 15–21% higher than models that did not account for individual differences, in four out of five data sets analyzed. Although independent-observer methods are expensive and impractical for large- scale applications, we believe they can provide important insights into the sources and degree of perception bias (i.e., probability of detecting an individual, given that it is available for detection) in avian point-count estimates. Therefore, they may be useful in a two-stage sampling framework to calibrate larger surveys based on single-observer estimates. Estimación de Probabilidades de Detección a Partir de Conteos en Puntos Hechos por Varios Observadores
A review of the hyperiidean amphipod superfamily Lycaeopsoidea Bowman & Gruner, 1973 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Hyperiidea)

A taxonomic review of the superfamily Lycaeopsoidea is presented. The superfamily currently consists of one family represented by one genus with two species. A detailed morphological examination of many specimens, of both species, supports the superfamily status, based on the extreme sexual dimorphism and characters of the antennae and mouthparts unique to the Hyperiidea. In males the peduncle and first flagellar articles of the first antennae form a triangular structure with the remainder of the flagellum inserted subterminally. Contrary to recent literature, second antennae are present in both sexes, although much reduced in size, consisting of five articles. The mandible is reduced to an elongate bifid pincer, without a palp in females but in males the palp usually consists of one elongate article, resulting from the fusion of the three articles normally found in the Amphipoda. New information and a key is provided to separate the two closely related species.
Cloning and characterization of a second α‐amylase gene (LKA2) from Lipomyces kononenkoae IGC4052B and its expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Lipomyces kononenkoae secretes a battery of highly effective amylases (i.e. α‐amylase, glucoamylase, isoamylase and cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase activities) and is therefore considered as one of the most efficient raw starch‐degrading yeasts known. Previously, we have cloned and characterized genomic and cDNA copies of the LKA1 α‐amylase gene from L. kononenkoae IGC4052B (CBS5608T) and expressed them in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Here we report on the cloning and characterization of the genomic and cDNA copies of a second α‐amylase gene (LKA2) from the same strain of L. kononenkoae. LKA2 was cloned initially as a 1663 bp cDNA harbouring an open reading frame (ORF) of 1496 nucleotides. Sequence analysis of LKA2 revealed that this ORF encodes a protein (Lka2p) of 499 amino acids, with a predicted molecular weight of 55 307 Da. The LKA2‐encoded α‐amylase showed significant homology to several bacterial cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferases and also to the α‐amylases of Aspergillus nidulans, Debaryomyces occidentalis, Saccharomycopsis fibuligera and Sz. pombe. When LKA2 was expressed under the control of the phosphoglycerate kinase gene promoter (PGK1p) in S. cerevisiae, it was found that the genomic copy contained a 55 bp intron that impaired the production of biologically active Lka2p in the heterologous host. In contrast to the genomic copy, the expression of the cDNA construct of PGK1p–LKA2 in S. cerevisiae resulted in the production of biologically active α‐amylase. The LKA2‐encoded α‐amylase produced by S. cerevisiae exhibited a high specificity towards substrates containing α‐1,4 glucosidic linkages. The optimum pH of Lka2p was found to be 3.5 and the optimum temperature was 60 °C. Besides LKA1, LKA2 is only the second L. kononenkoae gene ever cloned and expressed in S. cerevisiae. The cloning, characterization and co‐expression of these two genes encoding these highly efficient α‐amylases form an important part of an extensive research programme aimed at the development of amylolytic strains of S. cerevisiae for the efficient bioconversion of starch into commercially important commodities. The nucleotide sequence of the LKA2 gene has been assigned GenBank Accession No. AF443872. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Propagating native Salicaceae for riparian restoration on the Hopi Reservation in Arizona

The USDA Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Hopi Tribe Office of Range Management have been working together on native plant restoration projects in northeastern Arizona. The aggressive exotic plants, Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L. [Elaeagnaceae]) and salt-cedar (Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. [Tamaicaceae]), have invaded many wetland and riparian areas on the Hopi Reservation, excluding willows (Salix L.), cottonwoods (Populus L.), and other native plants. The tribe has been mechanically removing the invasives and has asked for help in propagating native species to plant in these project areas. Although much information is available on how to collect willows and cottonwoods and propagate them, some unique challenges exist on Hopi lands. Some species are common, while others are very rare and in some cases only a few individual plants exist. The scattered locations of streams, wetlands, and seeps must be considered during plant material collections to ensure that both genetic and sexual diversity are adequately represented. Another challenge is the determination of target plant stock types that are appropriate on the diverse hydrologic conditions on the various project sites. Collected plant materials were taken to the NRCS Plant Materials Center in Los Lunas, New Mexico, for both seed and vegetative propagation.
Floral Anatomy and Pollination Biology of Cyrilla racemiflora (Cyrillaceae)

Abstract Features of floral anatomy and pollination biology of Cyrilla racemiflora were studied to complement existing data on pollinators. Floral anatomy and development were observed through bright field, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy. Pollination biology was investigated through a pollinator-exclusion bagging experiment. During maturation the floral parts undergo a number of color changes, chief among them being the greening of the nectary at the base of the ovary. The bilobed stigma surfaces are of the wet type, the fluid being lipoidal. The ovarian nectary possesses papillate epidermal cells, a distinct cuticle, and stomates through which secretion probably occurs. Petals have an adaxial thickening whose precise function is unknown. Calcium-containing crystals appear at certain sites in the anthers and might influence the process of dehiscence. No self-incompatibility exists as regards pollen-tube germination and growth, although pollination is rare in the absence of a vector. Self-pollination can lead to seed set.
Effect of Artemia feeding schedule and density on the survival and development of larval mud crab Scylla serrata.

: Two experiments were conducted to determine a suitable feeding schedule and the optimal density of Artemia nauplii on the survival and development of mud crab Scylla serrata larvae. The first experiment consisted of 10 treatments, where rotifers were shifted to Artemia nauplii at the zoea (Z) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 stages. Five other treatments were similar to these first five; however, rotifers were continuously added together with Artemia nauplii. The second experiment consisted of five treatments that were carried out to determine the optimal Artemia nauplii density. Four treatments fed different Artemia densities (0.5, 1, 1.5, 4 individuals (ind.)/mL) and in the fifth treatment the density of Artemia nauplii was increased with the developing zoeal stage. The survival rate until the Z5 stage was higher when Artemia were supplied from the Z3 stage (P < 0.05). Mortality caused by cannibalism was observed either when Artemia feeding was delayed or when fed at a low density (0.5 ind./mL). In contrast, feeding Artemia from the early zoeal stage or at a high prey density (4 ind./mL) accelerated metamorphosis and caused the acceleration of morphological characteristics, such as a greater chela length, carapace length and setae bearing pleopods at the Z5 stage. The chela length at the Z5 stage decreased proportionally with the delay of Artemia feeding or a decreasing prey density. The chela to carapace length ratio (ChL/CL ratio,%) could be used as an indicator to predict the success of survival to megalops. A ChL/CL ratio over 45% produced a high percentage of megalopal molting failure. Therefore, to avoid cannibalism or excessive feeding in the larval mud crab, Artemia should be given from the Z3 stage at an optimal level of 1.5 ind. /mL or increasing density according to the zoeal stage.
Newly developed PCR primers for polymorphic microsatellite loci from the marine isopod Limnoria sp.

Nine microsatellite loci are isolated and characterized for the marine isopod Limnoria sp. , a model invertebrate species for the study of connectivity of marine brooders with high potential of dispersal through rafting. Analysis of 35 individuals of one population revealed a mean number of alleles of 12.66 and mean expected heterozygosity of 0.83, indicating a high level of variability at most loci. These polymorphic microsatellite loci should be useful to the study of the geographical distribution of the genetic diversity of this species of Limnoria .
Selective synthesis of panthenyl esters by a kinetically controlled enzymatic process

Abstract Panthenyl esters (panthenyl monoacetate and panthenyl diacetate) were synthesized in high yields (≈100%) by a kinetic reaction control using a commercial immobilized Candida Antarctica lipase B (Novozyme 435) in acetonitrile. The enzyme showed excellent synthetic activity, regioselectivity, and operational stability under the conditions used.
Occurrence of Blarina brevicauda in Arkansas and Notes on the Distribution of Blarina carolinensis and Cryptotis parva

We provide an update on the species and distribution of shrews occurring in Arkansas. Shrews were collected within Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Management Areas and along the Buffalo National River. We also searched mammal collections at several institutional museums to provide additional locality records for Cryptotis parva. Specimens of Blarina were identified to species by DNA sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Previously, Blarina hylophaga was believed to occur in the northwest corner of Arkansas and B. carolinensis throughout the rest of the state. However, our genetic analysis revealed that it is B. brevicauda that occupies the northwestern portion of the state. We also document several new county records for B. carolinensis and C. parva in Arkansas.