Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Repeated Regeneration of Degraded Red Beet Juice Pigments in the Presence of Antioxidants

Ascorbic, isoascorbic, metaphosphoric, and gluconic acids improved the regeneration of red beet juice pigments after heating, and resulted in greater retention of the pigments during processing and storage. Their effect varied depending on the pH of the juice solutions. Ascorbic and isoascorbic acids allowed for the greatest regeneration at pH 3.8. At pH 6.2, metaphosphoric acid and gluconic acid were more effective. Addition of ascorbic acid once prior to the first heating retained the initial concentration of pigments even after 5 cycles of heating (3 min at 100°C) and regeneration. Control solution lost red pigments completely.
A Chitinase-Like Protein with α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity from Kluai Hom Thong Banana Fruit: Musa (AAA group)

Diabetes is a syndrome of disordered metabolism resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). The one possibility of lowering postprandial glucose levels is by the inhibition of α-amylase activity. In this study, aqueous extracts from local Thai fruits were tested for their inhibitory effect on α-amylase. The results showed that the fruits of Kluai Hom Thong; Musa (AAA group) showed significant reduction in α-amylase activity. An α-amylase inhibitor was purified by using a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography with DEAE cellulose, and gel filtration chromatography with Superdex 75, respectively. The enriched preparation had a specific activity of 355.7 AI U/mg proteins for a yield of 18.5% total protein. The molecular weight of this α-amylase inhibitor was estimated by SDS-15% (w/v) PAGE to be about ∼20 kDa. Periodic staining and phenol-sulfuric assay showed that the α-amylase inhibitor was a glycoprotein and contained 10.74 ± 0.35% (by weight) carbohydrate moiety. The pH stability of this α-amylase inhibitor was between pH 4 and 7, and it is stable up to 40°C but is totally inactivated after exposure to 40°C for 120 min. The α-amylase inhibitory activity was stimulated by Ca2+ and Mn2 at less than 25 mM but not by Mg2+, Fe3+, Hg2+, Co2+, and EDTA. Determination of the kinetics of the inhibition of α-amylase by standard enzymatic methods indicated the Ki of this protein was 0.89 mg protein/mL. The amino acid sequence of an internal fragment of this purified α-amylase inhibitor had a similarity to the sequence from the plant lectin/endochitnase1 family.
Ornamentation Changes Associated With Growth of Falkland Island Populations of Paralomis Granulosa (Jacquinot, 1842-1847) (Decapoda, Lithodidae)

Thirty two species have been described of the lithodid genus Paralomis White, 1856. Many are known from original descriptions only and nearly all are deep water inhabitants (see Takeda, 1974; Haig, 1974; Eldredge, 1976; Sakai, 1978; Takeda & Ohta, 1979; Andrade, 1980; Sakai, 1980; Takeda & Miyake, 1980; Kensley, 1981; Macpherson, 1982, 1983). Although changes in surface ornamentation associated with growth has been little studied in lithodid crabs generally, within the genus Paralomis conspicuous differences between juveniles and adults have been noted for Paralomis inca Haig and P. ? spera Faxon (see Haig, 1974), and was also mentioned for P. granulosa (Jacquinot) (see Miers, 1881; Stebbing, 1900) but not described in any detail. Recently one of us (C.G.) investigated Falkland Island populations of Paralomis granulosa to assess their commercial potential. This study provided a suitable series of specimens for detailed examination of the changes in surface ornamentation which occur as the crab increases in size. Four female
Dissimilar spot welding of aluminium alloy and galvannealed steel by metal flow-application of friction anchor welding to aluminium alloy and Zn-coated steel

ABSTRACT Lap joints of an upper Al alloy (1.0-mm-thick A5052) and lower hot dip galvanized steel (1.2-mm-thick GI steel) were welded by a novel spot welding process for dissimilar metal lap joints using a new tool with the tip made of spherical ceramics, i.e. ‘Friction Anchor Welding. ’ As a result, the rotating tool was plunged only to 1.3–1.4 mm from the Al alloy surface, and accordingly, a steel projection was not formed in the Al alloy sheet. Further, the Al alloy near the rotating tool was removed. However, near this removed area, the Zn layer on the GI steel melted and was removed by friction heat, and consequently, the GI steel and the Al alloy were welded. Thus, the tensile shear strength reached about 2.6 kN/point.
Genetic variation in Sri Lankan leopards

Electrophoretic variation of 50 gene-enzyme systems was typed in a population of 33 captive leopards (Panthera pardus) from the island of Sri Lanka. The captive leopard population was composed of several lineages: (1) wild-caught leopards of the island subspecies (P. p. kotiya), (2) captive-born animals of the same subspecies, (3) a melanistic lineage whose founders were obtained from Malaysia (P. p. delacouri), and (4) leopards of known mixed lineage and unknown status. Two loci, APRT and PGD, were polymorphic in all samples, whereas 48 loci were invariant. Percent polymorphism (P) and percent average heterozygosity (H) were calculated as 4% and 1.4%, respectively, for the wild-caught leopards; 4% and 1.2% for the captive-born kotiya leopards; and 4% and 2.0% for the melanistic lineage. The overall results revealed a detectable decrease in genetic variability compared with a previous study of captive leopards from mainland origins. The mainland leopards had three additional polymorphic loci, ADA, ESI, and HBB. Reexamination of the TF locus using a revised protocol resolved a new allele in the sample of mainland leopards but not in the Sri Lankan sample. With this new polymorphism, recalculated P and H values for the mainland sample are 10% and 3.1%, respectively. No significant differences in polymorphic loci were observed between the leopard subspecies examined.
5-Oxo-prolinase in Nicotiana tabacum: catalytic properties and subcellular localization

5-Oxo-prolinase of cultured tobacco cells is a soluble enzyme predominantly localized in the cytoplasm. To get optimal enzyme activity, the presence of the monovalent cation ammonium and the divalent cations Mg2+ and Mn2+ in the assay mixture is necessary. The enzyme has an extremely alkaline pH—(9.5–10.5) and a high temperature - optimum (55°C). In contrary to the 5-oxo-prolinase from animal cells, where heat-stabilization by 5-oxo-proline is observed, the high temperature optimum of the tobacco enzyme is due to stabilization by ATP. High 5-oxo-prolinase activity in tobacco cell homogenates was not only shown with the co-substrate ATP, but with other purine-nucleotides, too, although ATP was the best co-substrate of the compounds tested. Substrate affinity of the tobacco enzyme (Km 5-oxo-proline = 30.5 μM) is similar to that demonstrated for wheat germ 5-oxo-prolinase. Competitive inhibition by the 5-oxo-proline analogues 2-imidazolidone-4-carboxylic acid(K1= 14.5 μM) and dihydroorotic acid (K1=2 mM) revealed a much higher sensitivity of tobacco 5-oxo-prolinase to these compounds than observed for the mammalian enzyme.
Expression and gene structure of the cold-stimulated gene Lcs19 of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.).

By data mining of EST databases and screening of a genomic library, the cold stimulated gene Lcs19 was isolated from Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). The amino acid sequence of the putative LCS19 was 74% identical to wheat (Triticum aestivum) WCS19. Transcripts of Lcs19 were detected after 8 h of cold treatment, and continued to increase up to 48 h after exposure. Lcs19 expression was induced only by cold temperature, and not by high salinity or exogenous abscisic acid. No Lcs19 expression was observed in seedlings that underwent the cold treatment in the dark. Comparison of the promoter of Lcs19 with that of homologous genes of wheat and barley (Hordeum vulgare) showed that regions that include the DRE/CRT cis-acting element sequence were conserved. These results suggest that Lcs19 expression is regulated by signal pathway mediated by the DRE/CRT element and other signal pathways reflecting photosynthetic conditions such as a redox signal.
Faecal streptococci as faecal pollution indicators: A review. Part II: Sanitary significance, survival, and use

Abstract Some New Zealand regional councils are examining the use of faecal streptococci (or the subset, enterococci) to assist in identifying pollution sources, or as better indicators of disease risk in bathing waters than faecal coliforms. However, in spite of worldwide investigation, faecal streptococci have largely failed to fulfil their potential as pollution source (human versus animal) indicators in receiving waters. Many qualifications accompany the use of faecal coliform: faecal streptococci (FC: FS) ratios, and the species identification approach (using biochemical and DNA‐based methods) has produced inconclusive results. Nevertheless, the FC: FS shift method (in which the ratio changes under sample storage) may warrant further investigation. Although reported results vary widely, most studies indicate that faecal streptococci outlive faecal coliforms in receiving waters and are more resistant to sunlight‐induced inactivation. USEPA epidemiological studies showed that enterococcus concentration.
Negative density–area relationships: the importance of the zeros

Aim Estimates of abundances and densities of birds and mammals have often been shown to be scale dependent, in that population sizes over large areas are overestimated if extrapolated from surveys of small plots. Previous tests of the mechanisms suggested to cause this decelerating scaling pattern found evidence of a biased choice of small plots in patches of homogeneous habitat. Here we show that negative density–area relationships can also arise as result of not considering plots where individuals of the species or assemblage of interest are absent in surveys of differing spatial resolution. Location We took a complete census of violets (Viola spp.) in 800 m2 of chalk grassland in Wye, Kent, UK, and used human population censuses for Finnish, Swiss and Italian municipalities, English districts, states of the USA and European countries. Methods We used mixed models of logarithmically transformed number of individuals or densities as a function of area. Results The census of violets shows that by increasing the survey resolution and by not considering plots without individuals, the effectively occupied area diminishes and a negative density–area relationship arises. The finding that negative density–area relationships are also common for people is evidence that the non-random choice of plots in population surveys of varying areas can be responsible for many observed negative density–area relationships. The shallower slope of the people–administrative area relationship for Switzerland and Finland compared with Italy, as well as for England and the USA compared with Europe, confirms that less than proportionate individuals–area relationships can be the consequence of larger plot areas containing a higher proportion of areas without individuals. Main conclusions Densities should be reported together with the effective areas for which they were estimated. It should be clearly conveyed whether or not plots where the surveyed species was absent were included in the density estimation.
Molecular analysis of bacterial communities in groundwaters from selected wells in the Hutt Valley and the Wairarapa, New Zealand

Abstract This study constitutes the first attempt to examine the microbial diversity in New Zealand groundwater samples using a culture‐ and cloning‐independent technique. In this investigation, 18 distinct terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) peak profiles were generated from groundwater samples collected from various sites and aquifers in the Hutt Valley and the Wairarapa. Most peak profiles were similar, implying only small differences in microbial community structure in the groundwater samples collected, and relatively low microbial diversity compared to non‐aquifer water samples. Nonetheless, subtle but systematic differences in T‐RFLP peak profiles were observed between the aquifers and, in some instances, for groundwater samples collected at different locations within a single aquifer. Differences in the peak profiles appeared to be related to groundwater chemistry, particularly to concentrations of iron, manganese, nitrogen, and sulfur.
The food of roach, Rutilus rutilus (Actinopterygii: Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae), in a biomanipulated water supply reservoir

Roach, Rutilus rutilus (Linnaeus, 1758); bream, Abramis brama (Linnaeus, 1758); and European perch, Perca fluviatilis Linnaeus, 1758 typically dominate fish stocks in water supply reservoirs (drinking water reservoir) of the Czech Republic (Pivnicka 1992). Roach are feeding generalists, usually utilising the most available food resource (Hellawell 1972, Prejs and Jackowska 1978, Prejs 1984, Horppila and Nurminen 2009). Such dietary plasticity allows it to find food in habitats offering less than ideal conditions for other species, whose feeding demands may be greater (Barus and Oliva 1995). Planktonic crustacean such as Cladocera and Copepoda tend to dominate in the food of younger age classes; Tarvainen et al. (2002), for example, found 0+ roach (71–90 mm) to be exclusively zooplanktivorous (Bosmina, Chydorus), while Hammer (1985) observed the same cladoceran species dominating roach fry diet in Lake Lankau (Germany). Similarly, Vasek et al. (2006) as well as Peterka and Matěna (2009) have both described ACTA ICHTHYOLOGICA ET PISCATORIA (2014) 44 (1): 15–22 DOI: 10.3750/AIP2014.44. 1.03
Mineral adsorbents for prevention of mycotoxins in animal feeds

Abstract Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by several fungi species, with the aflatoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, trichothecenes and ochratoxin A being the most important found in feedstuffs. The economic impact caused by mycotoxins motivated the investigation of detoxification strategies to reduce its bioavailability by enterosorption. Although there are several types of adsorbents, the efficiency of the adsorption depends on the physical and chemical characteristics of both the adsorbent and the mycotoxin. This review describes the most important types of mineral adsorbents [aluminosilicates, HSCAS, bentonites (montmorillonites), zeolites, sepiolite, diatomite and activated carbons] used in feeds, especially for poultry and pigs, and their adsorption mechanisms.
Movement patterns and study area boundaries: influences on survival estimation in capture-mark-recapture studies

The inability to account for the availability of individuals in the study area during capture-mark-recapture (CMR) studies and the resultant confounding of parameter estimates can make correct interpretation of CMR model parameter estimates difficult. Although important advances based on the Cormack-Jolly-Seber (CJS) model have resulted in estimators of true survival that work by unconfounding either death or recapture probability from availability for capture in the study area, these methods rely on the researcher's ability to select a method that is correctly matched to emigration patterns in the population. If incorrect assumptions regarding site fidelity (non-movement) are made, it may be difficult or impossible as well as costly to change the study design once the incorrect assumption is discovered. Subtleties in characteristics of movement (e.g. life history-dependent emigration, nomads vs territory holders) can lead to mixtures in the probability of being available for capture among members of the same population. The result of these mixtures may be only a partial unconfounding of emigration from other CMR model parameters. Biologically-based differences in individual movement can combine with constraints on study design to further complicate the problem. Because of the intricacies of movement and its interaction with other parameters in CMR models, quantification of and solutions to these problems are needed. Based on our work with stream-dwelling populations of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, we used a simulation approach to evaluate existing CMR models under various mixtures of movement probabilities. The Barker joint data model provided unbiased estimates of true survival under all conditions tested. The CJS and robust design models provided similarly unbiased estimates of true survival but only when emigration information could be incorporated directly into individual encounter histories. For the robust design model, Markovian emigration (future availability for capture depends on an individual's current location) was a difficult emigration pattern to detect unless survival and especially recapture probability were high. Additionally, when local movement was high relative to study area boundaries and movement became more diffuse (e.g. a random walk), local movement and permanent emigration were difficult to distinguish and had consequences for correctly interpreting the survival parameter being estimated (apparent survival vs true survival).
Effect of bioinoculants and superphosphate fertilizer on the growth and yield of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck)

A glasshouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of two species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus intraradices and Acaulospora laevis) and Pseudomonas fluorescens under three levels of superphosphate fertilizer (half dose, 40 kg/ha; recommended dose, 80 kg/ha; and double dose, 160 g/ha) on the growth and yield of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). There was negligible colonization of broccoli roots by the mycorrhizal fungi, demonstrating that they have no role in the growth of this plant. However, the strain of P. fluorescens used (MTCC No. 103) was found to have a potential role in enhancing the growth, phosphatase activity, chlorophyll content, nutrient uptake and yield of broccoli when combined with the recommended dose of fertilizer. By contrast, P. fluorescens combined with a half or double dose of fertilizer led to poor growth and delayed head formation. This suggests that root inoculation with P. fluorescens (MTCC No. 103) will improve plant growth, nutrient uptake and yield of broccoli when combined with the recommended dose of superphosphate fertilizer.
Effect of zilpaterol hydrochloride on animal performance and carcass characteristics in sheep: a meta-analysis

The present study constitutes a meta-analysis of the use of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) in sheep production (18 studies, n = 724 animals were evaluated), focused in its effects on productive performance and carcass characteristics in sheep who were given ZH in different doses (control 0, ≤0.50 and ≥0.54 mg/kg raised to the power 0.75 body weight (BW)). The analysis of the data assembled in the database was conducted by a statistical meta-analysis based on mixed model methodology. Results on weight gain were higher (P < 0.03) for the group supplemented with ≥0.54 mg vs. control treatment, feed conversion improved (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of ZH compared with the control group. Carcass yield and Longissimus dorsi area showed no differences (P > 0.05) between treatments, fat content in the carcass diminished in a linear effect (P = 0.02) with the inclusion of ZH. The results show a positive effect on improving animal performance, mainly in the characteristics on the fat deposition. The optimal dose varies depending on the variable to improve, ranged in 0.24 up to 1.21 mg ZH/kg BW0.75 to reduce fat and carcass get leaner or increase average daily gain, respectively.
Cellular Antioxidant Activity and Pharmacokinetic Study of Polymethoxylated Flavonoids in Extract of Citrus reticulata 'Chachi' Peel

A rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line was used to study the effects of several polymethoxylated flavonoids (PMFs) and extract of Citrus reticulata ‘chachi’ peel (ECRP) on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis. In PC12 cells, H2O2-induced apoptosis was accompanied by rising malondialdehyde (MDA) level, as well as reducing activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). However, treating PC12 cells with PMFs and ECRP blocked H2O2-induced apoptosis by decreasing the MDA level and augmenting the activities of SOD and GSH-Px. Moreover, liquid chromatography coupled with UV detection was developed to simultaneously determine nobiletin and tangeretin in rat plasma after oral administration of ECRP, using quercetin as the internal standard. Plasma samples extracted by liquid-liquid extraction were separated on a Phenomenex Luna C18 column and detected by a UV detector. The calibration curves were linear over the range of 5.5 _ 2757 ng mL _1 for nobiletin (r > 0.999) and 6.3 _ 2847 ng mL _1 for tangeretin (r > 0.999), respectively. The lower limits of quantification were 0.2 ng mL _1 for nobiletin and tangeretin. The intraand inter-day precisions were less than 15% and the accuracies ranged from 3.4% to 12.2%. The recoveries of nobiletin and tangeretin were 91.1% _ 95.4% and 93.7 _ 96.2% respectively. Nobiletin and tangeretin remained stable at low temperatures (_20°C and 4°C) and after freeze–thaw cycles. The validated method was successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the main PMFs of ECRP extract after oral administration to rat.
The effects of propolis on serum malondialdehyde, fatty acids and some blood parameters in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) under high stocking density

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary propolis supplementation of the basal diet on the fatty acids, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and some blood parameters of Japanese quail feeding under high stocking density (HS). For that, 256 Japanese quail were divided into four treatment groups. Group I- HS fed on a basal diet, II- (HS-0.5) was fed on a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 g propolis/kg, III- (HS-1) was fed on a basal diet supplemented with 1 g propolis/kg, IV- (HS-1.5) was fed on a basal diet supplemented with 1.5 g/propolis/kg. MDA levels in serum (P < .01) were found to be significantly higher in the unsupplemented HS group. Globulin, total protein, lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .001) and alanine aminotransferase (P < .01) levels of unsupplemented HS group were found to be significantly higher. Propolis supplementation significantly affected the lipid composition of internal organs (kidney and liver) of HS-0.5, HS-1 and HS-1.5 groups by decreasing saturated fatty acid contents and by increasing polyunsaturated fatty acid contents. Consequently, propolis supplementation improved the quality of lipid composition of the internal organs of quail. It might be considered to prevent the negative effects of stocking density.
The Application of Reverse Genetics to Polyploid Plant Species

Polyploidy events (polyploidization) followed by progressive loss of redundant genome components are a major feature of plant evolution, with new evidence suggesting that all flowering plants possess ancestral genome duplications. Furthermore, many of our most important crop plants have undergone additional, relatively recent, genome duplication events. Recent advances in DNA sequencing have made vast amounts of new genomic data available for many plants, including a range of important crop species with highly duplicated genomes. Along with assisting traditional forward genetics approaches to study gene function, this wealth of new sequence data facilitates extensive reverse genetics-based functional analyses. However, plants featuring high levels of genome duplication as a result of recent polyploidization pose additional challenges for reverse genetic analysis. Here we review reverse genetic analysis in such polyploid plants and highlight key challenges.