Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterisation of a novel gene a1gK from the alginate biosynthetic cluster of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause chronic pulmonary infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common, lethal, hereditary disease amongst the Caucasian population. Colonisation of the CIF lung by P. aeruginosa is greatly facilitated by the production of an exopolysaccharide called alginate and the formation of mucoid microcolonies. Such microcolonies have enhanced survival in the host respiratory system, with the alginate coating preventing phagocytosis, impeding antibiotic penetration and facilitating bacterial cell adherence to host tissue. Once P. aeruginosa is established in the airway it releases proteases which cause tissue damage and impair the hunioral response further. The alginatecoated microcolony is also thought to elicit a hyper-responsiveness reaction within the lung and this together with protease action is considered to contribute substantially to the immune-mediated damage which ensues. Chronic pulmonary infection by mucoid P. aeruginosa frequently leads to mortality amongst CIF patients as a consequence of the pulmonary stress which inevitably follows. In P. aeruginosa, the majority of genes involved in alginate synthesis and export are clustered as a polycistronic operon at 34 minutes on the chromosome. Within this operon are two uncharacterised regions, thought to encode the final unidentified steps in alginate exopolysaccharide production. The characterisation of one of these two regions is reported here. Initially, Southern blot analysis was undertaken on plasmids bearing fragments from the 34 minute region to identify a putative ATP binding cassette transporter. However, this proved unsuccessful. As an alternative approach, the region between alg44 (which encodes a protein of unknown function) and algE (which encodes an outer membrane, alginate-permeable pore) was subcloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed a continuous open reading frame of 1475 base pairs which encodes a putative polypeptide of 475 amino acids with a predicted
A rapid, non-invasive, PCR-based method for identification of sex of the endangered Old World vultures (white-backed and long-billed vultures) - : Implications for captive breeding programmes

The rapid and inexplicable decline of the Old World vulture populations across the Indian subcontinent is a cause of growing concern among ecologists and conservationists. Survival of these threatened birds may depend on breeding programmes where sex identification plays an important role. Here, a PCR-based method that amplifies a region of the chromo-helicase-DNA-binding gene was modified to identify the sex of individuals of two Gyps species. The results were further reconfirmed by amplification refractory mutation system. This study allowed for the rapid and safe assessment of sex and will facilitate all future efforts in the captive breeding of these birds.
Compositional changes on colored and light-yellow-fleshed potatoes subjected to two cooking processes

ABSTRACT Five potatoes varieties both raw and microwave (800 W, 8 min) and fried (180°C, 5 min) were evaluated. Colored-fleshed potatoes showed between 2- and 2.5-fold higher total polyphenols (TP, 2880.5–3241.6 mg GAE/kg DW) than the light-yellow. Chlorogenic acid was predominant. However, related to the others identified phenols, microwave and fried presented different phenolic profile. Vitamin C and total antioxidant capacity were also higher on colored ones with values in the range of 260.7–511.6 mg AA/kg DW and 344.1–527.8 mg GAE/kg DW respectively. Microwave and frying reduced TPs and vitamin C. Conversely, microwave increased total antioxidant capacity in 1–2-fold while frying reduced more than half compared to raw potatoes. Microwave and fried-colored potatoes represent an interesting alternative compared to light-yellow potatoes due to its contribution of phytochemicals to the consumer’s diet.
A commercially viable procedure for separating pasteurised egg yolk into three technologically and functionally valuable fractions.

Egg yolk is comprised of fractions: the water-insoluble, particulate granules, chiefly high-density lipoproteins (HDL), phosvitins, polar lipids and minerals; and the plasma, which includes water-soluble livetins and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as lipovitellins (BURLEY and VADEHRA, 1977; MCCULLY et al., 1962; TERNES et al., 1994). These two fractions can be separated by centrifugation easily, and the plasma can be further separated into two phases: a semisolid, floating, LDL-rich phase, and an aqueous phase with high amounts of IgY-rich livetins. However, such further separation of the plasma fraction has thus far only been reported on a laboratory scale (ANTON et al., 2003; CHANG et al., 2000; SHAH and SINGH, 1992). In those procedures, egg yolk spiked with sodium chloride (NaCl), ammonium sulphate, sodium carboxymethylcellulosis (CMC) or other hydrocolloids was centrifuged first in the range of 17,200 × g for 30 min to 10,000 × g for 10 min. CMC, an anionic, water soluble polymer derived from cellulose, is widely used as food additive and forms charge-charge electrostatic complexes with proteins (IMESON et al., 1977). Although there is great potential for the application of these three fractions in food processing, an industrial procedure for separation of egg yolk had used high centrifugal acceleration of 60,000 × g for 24 h only (NATH and NEWBOLD, 1976), which was not cost-efficient. At present there is an established separation method available only for the expensive egg yolk antibody, immunoglobulin Y (IgY) (AHN et al., 2006; HATTA et al., 1990; KO and AHN, 2007; KWAN et al., 1991). On the other hand, there is a well established procedure for separating milk for further processing in which milk is centrifuged at accelerations of below 10,000 × g for a few seconds or minutes only (EARLE and EARLE, 1983; WALSTRA et al., 2006). The aim of this study was thus to develop a commercially applicable, economically viable procedure for separating pasteurised egg yolk into its three technologically and physiologically valuable fractions by shorter centrifugation at lower accelerations in order to make possible a continuously working system as for milk. Using pasteurised egg yolk is also important to minimise the risk of contaminations of bacterica (e.g. salmonella) and viruses (e.g. avian influenza). With food-grade additives each egg yolk fraction can then be used separately in industrial food processing.
Acaricides impair prey location in a predatory phytoseiid mite

The use of predatory mites as the sole management tactic in biological control programmes frequently does not fully and reliably prevents damage of phytophagous mites on plants. Therefore, as an alternative, the integration of predatory mites with acaricides can provide more effective control of phytophagous mites than that of the predators only. However, for such integration, acaricides minimal negative impacts on predatory mites are required. In this study, we evaluated the sublethal effects of three acaricides on the foraging behaviour of Neoseiulus baraki (Athias‐Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in a coconut production system. The acaricides were assessed for interference with the location of prey habitat using a Y‐tube olfactometer and for interference with the location of the prey colony within the habitat using a video‐tracking system. In addition to the choice of odour source, the time required and the distance walked to make the choice were assessed. The acaricides tested were abamectin, azadirachtin and fenpyroximate. The predatory mite preferred coconuts infested with the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) over uninfested coconuts when not exposed to acaricides. However, when exposed to acaricides, the predator did not distinguish between infested and uninfested fruits. When exposed to abamectin, N. baraki spent more time resting and walked greater distances before making the choice of an odour source. Thus, the acaricides impair the ability of the predatory mite N. baraki to locate a prey habitat and to locate a prey within that habitat. The acaricides differentially affected prey foraging by interfering with odour perception.
Triplophysa lixianensis , a new nemacheiline loach species (Pisces: Balitoridae) from the upper Yangtze River drainage in Sichuan Province, South China

Triplophysa lixianensis, a new nemacheiline loach species, is described from the Min Jiang of the upper Yangtze River drainage in Sichuan Province, South China. It can be separated from all other species of Triplophysa by having a unique combination of the following characters: posterior chamber of gas bladder greatly reduced or absent; caudal peduncle columnar with a roughly round cross- section at its beginning; anterior edge of lower jaw completely exposed or uncovered by lower lip; intestine short, forming a zigzag loop below stomach; dorsal- fin origin closer to caudal- fin base than to snout tip; pelvic fin inserted anterior to dorsal- fin origin; snout length 50.6 - 57.5 % of head length; eye diameter 12.3 15.4 % of head length; caudal peduncle length 25.1 - 27.1 % of standard length; anal fin with five branched rays; lower lip greatly furrowed with two thick lateral lobes; and body smooth or scaleless.
Perch Usage by Hummingbirds in a Fragment of Atlantic Forest in Brazil

ABSTRACT We investigated if there are aspects of perches that are more attractive for hummingbirds, such as perch height, diameter, and distance from a food patch. The study was conducted in a fragment of Atlantic Forest of the Itacolomi State Park, in Minas Gerais, Brazil, with artificial feeders simulating a rich food patch. Characteristics of perches used by the recorded hummingbirds, such as height, diameter and distance from the food patch, were measured. From the six hummingbird species recorded visiting the artificial feeders, two preferentially used perches with certain characteristics: Thalurania glaucopis used more perches at a height of 0.51–1.0 m (intermediary high), and Leucochloris albicollis used more perches located 1.1–2.0 m distance from the food patch. T. glaucopis was territorial and defended the food patch; L. albicollis was subordinate and did not defend the food patch. The other species seemed to use perches randomly. Our results suggest that hummingbirds used perches according to their social status. Territorial species use perches primarily as platforms for defense and observation of the territory, as well as places of rest between feeding events; subordinate species use perches mainly as resting places during feeding bouts in the absence of the dominant species.
Genetic structure in two Phascolosoma species in the Pacific Ocean

ABSTRACT Phascolosoma agassizii, a commonly reported species of sipunculan worm, occurs at various depths throughout the north Pacific. However, previous studies have shown that this nominal species is actually comprised of two genetically divergent lineages. Phascolosoma agassizii is isolated to the eastern Pacific, whereas a second species, here referred to Phascolosoma sp. , is located in the western Pacific and represents a unique, non-sister taxon to P. agassizii. Both species exhibit the same developmental mode with a long-lived, planktotrophic, pelagosphera larval stage, which may facilitate long-distance dispersal, although developmental timing differs. Using an inter-simple sequence repeat polymerase chain reaction (ISSR-PCR) genetic fingerprinting approach, this study examines non-coding polymorphic regions of the nuclear genomes of P. agassizii from four eastern Pacific populations and of Phascolosoma sp. from six western Pacific locations. Small-scale spatial genetic variation was analysed separately for each coastline using an Analysis of Molecular Variance. The data pointed to the potential presence of fine-scale genetic structure within P. agassizii, and recovered significant genetic structure within Phascolosoma sp. from the western Pacific. This study shows that ISSR-PCR is a relatively fast and cost-effective way to study fine-scale genetic diversity in marine invertebrates, although possible analyses and interpretations of the data are subject to the same limitations as other size polymorphism-based approaches.
The ultrastructural immunolocalization of loricrin in the hairy epidermis of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus, Monotremata) indicates it contributes to the formation of the cell corneous envelope

The fine localization of loricrin, a major protein of the cell corneous envelope, is known for the epidermis of few species of placental mammals. The localization of this protein has been studied by immunocytochemistry in the hairy epidermis (orthokeratotic) of the platypus, a representative of monotremes, and compared with the localization of the protein in the epidermis of placental mammals. In the hairy epidermis small keratohyaline granules of 0.1-0. 3μm are present in transitional cells of the stratum granulosum. An anti-loricrin antibody labels the pale component of keratohyaline granules, the corneous mass of transitional corneocytes, and mainly the corneous cell envelope of corneocytes in the stratum corneum. The last pattern resembles that of the hairy epidermis of placental mammals and differs from the diffuse distribution of loricrin previously described in the parakeratotic epidermis of the platypus. The study confirms that the final pattern of distribution of loricrin in the hairy epidermis of the platypus is as previously observed in corneocytes of placental mammals.
Evaluating the germination capacity of commercial seedlots of Quercus petraea

About 120 000 kg of sessile Oak acorns (Quercus petraea Liedl.) are collected each fall in France. A part of them have to be stored from one year to the next for a regular production of plants. So far, only laboratory germination tests (8 weeks) are used to predict acorn viability. To improve the management of commercial seedlots and decide whether to store them or not, it would be useful to rapidly asses their viability. In the literature, two parameters present correlation with viability for artificially dehydrated seeds. We wanted to know if the same correlation existed for commercially stored acorns. Contrary to artificially dehydrated acorns, the moisture content of the embryonic axis of stored acorns does not correlate to the percentage of seedlings. A high embryonic axis moisture content (>60%) is necessary but not sufficient to indicate good viability of the seedlot. During long duration storage, even if water stress in the embryonic axis is moderate, germination physiology necessitates additional water. Electrolyte leakage directly evaluates the effects of this water stress, a decrease in membrane integrity. This test can be a good indicator of viability for acorns after long duration storage.
An Automated System for Monitoring Soil Moisture and Controlling Irrigation Using Low-cost Open-source Microcontrollers

Substrate volumetric water content (VWC) is a useful measurement for automated irrigation systems. We have previously developed automated irrigation controllers that use capacitance sensors and dataloggers to supply plants with ondemand irrigation. However, the dataloggers and accompanying software used to build and program those controllers make these systems expensive. Relatively new, low-cost open-source microcontrollers provide an alternative way to build sensorbased irrigation controllers for both agricultural and domestic applications. We designed and built an automated irrigation system using a microcontroller, capacitance soil moisture sensors, and solenoid valves. This system effectively monitored and controlled VWC over a range of irrigation thresholds (0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mm) with ‘Panama Red’ hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella) in a peat:perlite substrate. The microcontroller can be used with both regular 24-V alternating current (AC) solenoid valves and with latching 6to 18-V direct current (DC) solenoid valves. The technology is relatively inexpensive (microcontroller and accessories cost $107, four capacitance soil moisture sensors cost $440, and four solenoid valves cost $120, totaling $667) and accessible. The irrigation controller required little maintenance over the course of a 41-day trial. The low cost of this irrigation controller makes it useful in many horticultural settings, including both research and production.
Review article Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus - Gene Structure and Expression, and Genetic Manipulation

Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus spp. are entomopathogenic bacteria carried symbiotically by nematodes of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis respectively. This review describes the preliminary work done so far on the molecular genetics of the bacteria. This includes the cloning and partial characterization of less than 20 genes, the use of DNA sequence homology in taxonomic studies of the bacteria, and developments in DNA uptake methods including the preparation of transposon mutant banks. Many of the gene expression studies have focused on genes involved in phase variation and our knowledge of the regulation of this unique phenomenon is summarized.
Bacterial resistance in cosmetics industrial plant: connected problems and their solution

Two environmental bacterial strains isolated from contaminated cosmetic products in industrial plant of Bottega Verde S.r. l. have been compared with two ATCC bacterial strains for their resistance to four kind of frequently used cosmetic preservatives. Experimental results have shown that environmental strains are more resistant than ATCC ones. In particular, Enterobacter gergoviae is the most resistant strain to formaldehyde chemical donors. Environmental strains showed also higher resistance to preservatives mixtures than ATCC strains.
Biological, serological and physicochemical properties of Bermuda grass filamentous viruses from Iran

Bermuda grass plants in many parts of Iran show mosaic symptoms. Electron microscopy of crude extract: from these plants has shown presence of filamentous virus-like particles. In this study we have compared biological, serological and physicochemical properties of two isolates from Shiraz (Fars province) and Karadj (Tehran province), tentatively designated as BGMV-SHZ and BGMV-KJ, respectively. BGMV-SHZ infected bermuda grass, Eleusine compressa, Setaria viridis, Pennisetum sp. In addition to these plant species, Echinochloa crtiss-galli, Digitaria sanguinalis and inbred 602 of corn showed symptoms after inoculation with BGMV-KJ. Differential reactions of two isolates were also observed on sorghum cultivars. BGMV-KJ was transmitted non-persistently by Rhopalosiphum padi and Sipha elegans whereas Hysteroneura setariae, Schizaphis graminum and S. elegans were able to transmit BGMV-SHZ. Virions of BGMV-SHZ and BGMV-KJ were purified and antisera against two isolates were prepared. In serological assays the two isolates were closely related if not identical. No serological relationships were established between these viruses and Johnson grass mosaic virus, Maize dwarf mosaic virus, Sugarcane mosaic virus and Sorghum mosaic virus in indirect ELISA and AGD. The molecular weight of protein was estimated to be 39.2 kDa for BGMV-SHZ and 38.8 kDa for BGMV-KJ. The Size of genome for both isolates determined 3.71×10 6 Da. The normal length of flexuous rod-shaped particles was 891 nm for BGMV-SHZ and 879 nm for BGMV-KJ. Comparative studies demonstrated that the two isolates could be considered as different strains of the same virus. Based on particle morphology, transmissibility by aphids in non-persistent way and physicochemical properties, the isolates studied resembled cereal potyviruses But lack of serological relationship between these isolates and other potyviruses of cereals suggests that BGMV-SHZ and BGMV-KJ are probably viruses that have not been reported before.
WCIORNASTKI (INSECTA: THYSANOPTERA) JAKO ELEMENT MONITORINGU EKOLOGICZNEGO W PUSZCZY BIA£OWIESKIEJ THRIPS (INSECTA: THYSANOPTERA) AS AN ELEMENT OF ECOLOGICAL MONITORING IN BIA£OWIEA PRIMEVAL FOREST

The results of the monitoring researches on thrips fauna (Insecta: Thysanoptera) in Bia³owie? a Primeval Forest were presented. During 11 years (1989-1999) 39 species were collected, 9 of them are recognized as rare in Poland and one - Hoplandrothrips williamsianus Pries. is new for the Polish fauna. The Moericke traps situated at 1 m above the ground were the most effective in thrips catching. The connection between the type of forest and the structure of thrips species composition was observed.
Transient expression of β-glucuronidase gene transferred into leaf tissues of mulberry seedlings by the particle inflow gun

L 'expression transitoire reussie du gene de la β-glucuronidase (GUS) a ete observee dans les tissus basaux de feuilles de pousses de murier (Morus alba L. cv. Ichinose) en utilisant un dispositif de bombardement appele 'canon a flot de particules '. L 'efficacite de bombardement a ete augmentee de facon significative en optimisant les parametres et en selectionnant les tissus cibles. Une augmentation de la frequence de l'expression transitoire du gene GUS fut obtenue lorsque des feuilles detachees furent pre-cultivees sur un milieu contenant 10 -5 M de thidiazuron et 10 -7 M de 2,3,5-acide triiodobenzoique et enfin utilisees comme source de tissus cibles. En outre, l'efficacite du bombardement est dependante de deux parametres importants: la pression de l'helium et la distance entre un porteur avec des particules d'or recouvertes d'ADN et le tissu de la feuille a bombarder. La methode de bombardement par particules pour la delivrance du gene presente un potentiel pour la production de plants de murier transgeniques a partir de tissus de feuilles, etant donne que la regeneration de plants a partir de tissus basaux de feuilles de murier a recemment ete obtenue de maniere efficace.
Effects of mimosine and tannin toxicity on rabbits fed processed Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) De Wit. leaves

A sixteen-week study was conducted to investigate the effects of mimosine and tannin toxicity on rabbits ( Orytolagus cunniculus ) fed processed Leucaena leucocephala leaves (LLL). Thirty-six growing rabbits (mixed breed) of average weight of 625 g were used for the experiment. The rabbits were randomly allotted to nine experimental groups of four rabbits each in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement. LLL were either sun dried (SDLLL), hot water processed (HWLLL) or ensiled (ELLL) for six weeks and included in three diets at 0, 10 and 20% levels respectively. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and other performance characteristics of the fed rabbits. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) while the significant means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test. The anti-nutritional analysis showed that SDLLL contained highest tannin (1.20%) and mimosine (1.64%) contents but HWLLL had the least tannin (0.77%) and mimosine (1.25%) respectively. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 4.41 b and the highest (P < 0.05) weight gain were recorded by rabbits fed diets containing ELLL. The interaction effects showed that rabbits fed diets containing 20% SDLLL had alopaecia, necrotic spots, liver congestion, edema and highest percentage mortality. It was concluded that diets containing more than 1% of mimosine and tannin impaired the growth performance and had deleterious effects on liver of the rabbits.