Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Color-Changing Indicator to Monitor the Time-Temperature History during Cooking of Meats.

Development of a time-temperature integrator based on color changes produced by the chemical reaction between reducing sugars (i.e. fructose, glucose, lactose) and 1-lysine (Maillard's reaction), is described. The indicator is particularly suitable to provide an objective method for confirming that a given temperature in the inner part of a meat product cooked in water in hermetically sealed packages, was achieved. This is needed to ascertain inactivation of the foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus and is required for meat imported from countries in which the FMD virus is present. The indicator is placed at the surface of the meat package and will avoid the need of opening the package for inspection.
Head dimorphism and burrowing speed in the African caecilian Schistometopum thomense (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)

We examined the sexually dimorphic head morphology of Schistometopum thomense, a West African species of caecilian. Morphometric data were correlated with experimentally deter- mined burrowing speeds for each sex to determine the relationship between morphology and bur- rowing proficiency. Males had larger heads and slower burrowing speeds. Field-collected individuals of this species bear marks indicative of biting. We examined the frequency, location, and nature of bite marks on a series of field-collected, preserved specimens of S. thomense. Bite marks occurred on the head region more frequently than expected. We discuss hypotheses regarding the potential functions of biting.
Reconstruction of global ex‐vessel prices of fished species

&NA; Economic dimensions of global fishery analyses are often limited by unavailable or inconsistent ex‐vessel price data from the world's fishing nations. We describe a novel method for estimating ex‐vessel price time series for individual species by converting export prices of fishery commodities into ex‐vessel prices and pairing these with species. The method relies exclusively on global, publicly‐available data from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO). National datasets of ex‐vessel prices are not used as inputs for the method, but comparisons of reconstructed ex‐vessel prices with actual prices from national datasets showed strong correspondence. Correlation coefficients for paired reconstructed prices and actual prices of the same species were typically between 0.60 and 0.75 annually in the past two decades. There was a tendency for reconstructed prices to be less variable than actual prices, over‐estimating actual prices at low values of actual prices and under‐estimating actual prices at high values, likely the result of incomplete price transmission or assigning a given price time series to multiple species. However, there was no evidence of overall bias between reconstructed prices and actual prices, and correlations were strongest for comparisons involving multiple taxonomic groups. The method described carries advantages of global comprehensiveness and consistency across countries in reconstructed ex‐vessel prices, reflecting the comprehensiveness and consistency of export price information. The method described links to species from the global FAO landings database, but can be modified to pair with other species lists or to focus on specific regions or countries. Data tables and source code are publicly available and ex‐vessel price estimates can be updated annually following annual releases of the FAO fishery commodities database.
NEW MATERIAL OF GANSUS AND A DISCUSSION ON ITS HABIT

Some newly discovered postcranial material of Gansus yumenensis are described,adding to our understanding of the skeletal anatomy of this basal ornithurine.Such anatomical features include a laterally exposed sternum with a sickle-shaped keel,the ulnare with small metacarpal incision,complete loss of ungual of the minor digit,and manual phalangeal formula of "2-3-1",as well as some more detailed features of the leg bones.The new material not only provided additional evidence of interdigital web but also preserved some scale-like skin impressions near the joint between the tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus.A statistic analysis of the measurements of the sternum and major elements of the leg of Gansus further supports the hypothesis that this bird was a volant and diving bird,similar to that of extant ducks.
Antibiotic activity of Cyanobacteria isolated from salt pans of Kanyakumari District (South India) against human pathogenic bacteria

Methanol extracts of salt Pans Cyanobacteria have been investigated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Escheriachia coli, Streptococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus facecalis and Bacillus subtilis using agar diffusion and Minimum inhibition concentration. The Cyanobacteria namely, Spirulina major, Oscillatoria salina and Plectonema terebram showed significant antibacterial activity than other tested salt Pan Cyanobacteria.
Impacts and management of feral cats Felis catus in Australia

Feral cats are among the most damaging invasive species worldwide, and are implicated in many extinctions, especially in Australia, New Zealand and other islands. Understanding and reducing their impacts is a global conservation priority. We review knowledge about the impacts and management of feral cats in Australia, and identify priorities for research and management. In Australia, the most well understood and significant impact of feral cats is predation on threatened mammals. Other impacts include predation on other vertebrates, resource competition, and disease transmission, but knowledge of these impacts remains limited. Lethal control is the most common form of management, particularly via specifically designed poison baits. Non-lethal techniques include the management of fire, grazing, food, and trophic cascades. Managing interactions between these processes is key to success. Given limitations on the efficacy of feral cat management, conservation of threatened mammals has required the establishment of insurance populations on predator-free islands and in fenced mainland enclosures. Research and management priorities are to: prevent feral cats from driving threatened species to extinction; assess the efficacy of new management tools; trial options for control via ecosystem management; and increase the potential for native fauna to coexist with feral cats.
Anti-diabetic effect of Rubus ellipticus fruit extracts in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Alloxan (2, 4, 5, 6-tetraoxypyrimidine; 2, 4, 5, 6-pyrimidinetetrone) is a toxic glucose analogue, which selectively destroys insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells and causes a non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), when administered to animal species. In this study, the protective effects of Rubus ellipticus fruit on glucose tolerance test and an alloxan induced diabetes were evaluated. An effort was also made to investigate the acute toxicity (LD50) of the extracts and the qualitative presence of phytoconstituents in the extracts. Male wistar albino rats of either sex (weighing 150-200 g) were studies for glucose tolerance test and alloxan induced diabetes. Pet.ether, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Rubus ellipticus fruit were selected for anti-diabetic activity. Blood glucose levels were estimated at different time intervals on 1st, 4th, 7th and 15th day of the treatment with Rubus ellipticus extracts and glibenclamide. These levels were compared with these of the diabetic control group. Phytochemical analysis of Rubus ellipticus fruit revealed the presence of flavonoids, carbohydrates, steroids, tannins and phenolic compounds. In acute toxicity study, no toxic neurological and behavioral symptoms were observed for the titled plant extracts up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg. All the extracts of Rubus ellipticus fruit exhibited significant anti-diabetic effect in both the experimental models of diabetes mellitus. The results justified the traditional use of fruits in the treatment of diabetes.
A critical review of the effect of water storage reservoirs on organic matter decomposition in rivers

Organic matter decomposition is vital in sustaining river food webs. However, little is known about the effect of water storage reservoirs on organic matter decomposition in rivers. In this paper, we reviewed and analyzed 37 studies that investigated the effect of man-made reservoirs on organic matter decomposition in rivers. Most studies focused on decomposition of tree leaf litter (54.1%) and macrophytes litter (43.2%), while fewer studies evaluated decomposition of wood (2.7%). Based on qualitative analysis, the effect of small weirs on organic matter decomposition is local and the effect on most habitat variables is minimal. Mean effect sizes (Hedges’ g) for organic matter decomposition were −1.98 for small weirs, −1.31 for small reservoirs, and −0.66 for large reservoirs. This review demonstrates that, in general, reservoirs have a negative effect on litter decomposition. Litter decomposition, an important ecosystem process, is sensitive to impacts of reservoirs in different types of rivers.
The impact of forage additive Sel-PlexTM containing organic selenium (Se) on morphological and biochemical blood parameters and activity of enzimes GPx and δ-ALRD in fattening pigs.

Vita Šarkūnienė, Vaidas Oberauskas, Dalia Baranauskienė, Danguolė Urbšienė, Jurgis Kulpys, Vaida Andrulevičiūtė, Mindaugas Šarkūnas Lietuvos veterinarijos akademija, Tilžės g. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas; el. paštas: vita.svedaite@lva.lt Biomedicininių tyrimų institutas, Kauno medicinos universitetas, Eivenių g. 4, LT-50009 Kaunas Gyvulininkystės institutas, Lietuvos veterinarijos akademija, R. Žebenkos g. 12, LT-82317 Baisogala, Radviliškio r. Gyvūnų sveikatingumo tyrimų laboratorija, Lietuvos veterinarijos akademija, Tilžės g. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas
Evaluation of Malva sylvestris and Pedalium murex mucilage as suspending agent.

Natural plant drugs and excipients have gained importance over synthetic materials because they are non toxic, less expensive and freely available. The purpose of this study is to search for a cheap and effective natural excipient that can be used as an effective alternative for the formulation of pharmaceutical suspensions. The suspending properties of Malva sylvestris and Pedalium murex mucilage were evaluated comparatively with Acacia at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% w/v in calcium carbonate suspension. Characterization tests were carried out on purified Malva sylvestris and Pedalium murex mucilage. Sedimentation profile, redispersibility, rheology, particle size analysis were employed as an evaluation parameters. The values obtained were used as basis for comparison of the suspending agents studied. The results suggested that, Malva sylvestris and Pedalium murex mucilage could be used as a suspending agent. They have low rate of sedimentation, high viscosity, slightly basic pH and are easily redispersible.
PIGMENT EPITHELIUM-DERIVED FACTOR INHIBITS OSTEOSARCOMA GROWTH AND METASTASIS2

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is the most potent endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis and decreased PEDF expression has been shown, in many tumours, to be associated with increased intratumoural microvascularity, enhanced tumour growth and metastases and poor patient prognosis. We evaluated the role of PEDF in osteosarcoma growth inhibition and examined it’s potential as a possible anti-cancer therapeutic agent. We investigated the effects of overexpressed and recombinant PEDF (rPEDF) in several cell-based assays and in two orthotopic models of osteosarcoma (UMR 106-01 and SaOS-2). In vitro, overexpression of PEDF significantly decreased cell proliferation, migration, invasion and increased adhesion to collagen-1. rPEDF resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation, increased collagen adhesion, decreased invasion, and down-regulation of VEGF. The pro-differentiation ability of rPEDF was confirmed by upregulation of several osteoblastic markers after treatment of a pre-osteoblastic cell line (UMR 201). Furthermore, both cell lines displayed increased mineralised nodule formation after administration. In vivo, PEDF inhibited osteosarcoma growth and metastasis when overexpressed and in the recombinant form. In addition, anti-tumour activity was observed upon testing with shorter peptides of PEDF. Pharmacoevaluation of rPEDF demonstrated stability within media over several days, and no significant side effects in terms of wound healing. From these results, PEDF demonstrates multi-modal anti-tumour activity via anti-proliferation, anti-angiogenesis, pro-differentiation and anti-metastasis. PEDF may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of patients with osteosarcoma.
fMRI Correlates of Reaction Time Prolongation during intentional False Responding; an inter-individual difference study

Reaction time (RT) is chiefly longer when people lie. However, the baseline speed in answering questions and the amount of RT prolongation during lying show considerable amount of inter-individual variability. In the current study, we exploited this fact to glean insights on the contribution of each lie-related brain region to hampering of response speeds when people try to be deceitful. In an event-related fMRI session, participants were interrogated by yes-no autobiographical questions and were instructed to intentionally provide false responses to a pre-selected subset of questions. Data from twenty healthy volunteers were analyzed. Baseline speed [RTtruth] and relative appended lie RT [(RTlie − RTtruth) ⁄ RTtruth] measures were calculated for each participant and were included in the group level analysis of [lie > truth] BOLD contrasts. Lying RTs were significantly longer than truth telling RTs. Lie-related increase in activity of right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) and bilateral paracingulate cortex correlated with the baseline speed of participants, while the increase in activity of Left VLPFC, left lateral occipital cortex and bilateral anterior cingulate areas directly correlated with the amount of lying reaction time cost. Activity within bilateral posterior cingulate cortex and right insular cortex inversely correlated with lying RT-cost. Bilateral supplementary motor areas, internal capsule white matter and left angular gyrus showed lie-related increase in activity but did not correlate with either of behavioral measures. Provisional implications regarding the contribution of these regions to RT prolongation and their cognitive role in deceitful behavior are discussed.
Diversity of growth hormone gene and its relation with average daily gain in Simmental cattle in West Sumatera Province, Indonesia

This study was aimed to analyse the genetic polymorphism of Growth Hormone (GH) polymorphism of Simmental cattle using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCRRFLP) method and its relation to average daily gain. The research was conducted in the Padang Mangatas Breeding Centre, Limapuluh Kota district, West Sumatera Province and Biotechnology Laboratory of Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Andalas University. The research used 100 Simmental calves. DNA were isolation from blood sample using DNA purification Kit from Pomega. The PCR procedure was used to amplify 591-bp of bGH exon 1 (GH1) and 694-bp exon 2 (GH2). The PCR product were digested by restriction enzymes MspI and AluI . Digestion of 591-bp GH gen PCR product with enzyme restriction MspI reveal allele A(+) and B(-) with frequency 0.875 and 0.125 respectively and digestion with restriction enzyme AluI revealed allele C(+) and D(-) with frequency 0.95 and 0.05 respectively and. Digestion of 694-bp PCR product by MspI represent allele P(+) and Q(-) with frequency 0.88 and 0.12 respectively and digestion with AluI enzyme represent allele R(+) and S(-) with frequency 0.94 and 0.06 respectivly. The observed heterozygosity, effective allele numbers and polymorphism information content of GH1/MspI, GH2/MspI, GH1/ AluI , and GH2 -AluI were 0.11/0.1948, 0.04/0.1889, 0.00/0.0927, and 0.00/0,1096 respectively. Using GLM, there was no relation between these polymorphic and avarage daily gain of calve. Key words : Simmental cattle, growth hormone (GH) gene, polymorphism, avarage daily gain growth.
The Association between Iron HFE Gene and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Iron accumulation in the brain and increased oxidative stress have been consistently observed in several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Amyothrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent studies have reported that mutations in the HFE gene, the gene involved in cellular iron regulation, are associated with iron accumulation in multiple organs including the brain. The two most common HFE gene variants are C282Y and H63D. The latter mutation has received more attention because it is more frequently associated with these neurodegenerative diseases. It has been reported that the altered HFE protein encoded by the H63D HFE gene variant increases oxidative stress, tau phosphorylation, and glutamate release. These cellular events are under investigation as contributing factors in neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on the association between the HFE gene variants and neurodegenerative diseases, especially ALS, AD, and PD. The role of quercetin in protecting against these diseases is also reviewed.
The effect of hyperthermia (45 C) on lymphoid cell aggregation

: Hyperthermia (45 degrees C) has found to decrease the rate of rat thymocytes as well as splenocytes aggregation induced by lectins (concanavalin A, wheat germ agglutinin) and sulphated polysaccharides (heparin, dextran sulphate-500) and to increase those induced by cationic dye alcian blue. Shedding of plasma membrane glycoproteins and changes of surface charge are supposed to affect the aggregation.
Non-contact and label-free biomechanical imaging: Stimulated Brillouin microscopy and beyond

Brillouin microscopy based on spontaneous Brillouin scattering has emerged as a unique elastography technique because of its merit of non-contact, label-free, and high-resolution mechanical imaging of biological cell and tissue. Recently, several new optical modalities based on stimulated Brillouin scattering have been developed for biomechanical research. As the scattering efficiency of the stimulated process is much higher than its counterpart in the spontaneous process, stimulated Brillouin-based methods have the potential to significantly improve the speed and spectral resolution of existing Brillouin microscopy. Here, we review the ongoing technological advancements of three methods, including continuous wave stimulated Brillouin microscopy, impulsive stimulated Brillouin microscopy, and laser-induced picosecond ultrasonics. We describe the physical principle, the representative instrumentation, and biological application of each method. We further discuss the current limitations as well as the challenges for translating these methods into a visible biomedical instrument for biophysics and mechanobiology.
Evolutionary Neural Topiary: Growing and Sculpting Artificial Neurons to Order

Designing artificial systems with ever more biologically-plausible ‘brains’ continues apace and permits investigations into the computational capabilities of engineered systems. Creating artificial neurons with biologically-realistic morphologies is however a non-trivial problem. This paper addresses growing neurons to order, neurons with morphologies exhibiting strong biological traits. A biologically-inspired simulator of neural development is coupled with a genetic algorithm to evolve 3-dimensional neuron morphologies. The morphology of a biological neuron provides the exemplar target against which the developmental evolution process is gauged
DTI-ALPS: An MR biomarker for motor dysfunction in patients with subacute ischemic stroke

Purpose Brain glymphatic dysfunction is involved in the pathologic process of acute ischemic stroke (IS). The relationship between brain glymphatic activity and dysfunction in subacute IS has not been fully elucidated. Diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index was used in this study to explore whether glymphatic activity was related to motor dysfunction in subacute IS patients. Methods Twenty-six subacute IS patients with a single lesion in the left subcortical region and 32 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited in this study. The DTI-ALPS index and DTI metrics (fractional anisotropy, FA, and mean diffusivity, MD) were compared within and between groups. Spearman's and Pearson's partial correlation analyses were performed to analyze the relationships of the DTI-ALPS index with Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scores and with corticospinal tract (CST) integrity in the IS group, respectively. Results Six IS patients and two HCs were excluded. The left DTI-ALPS index of the IS group was significantly lower than that of the HC group (t = −3.02, p = 0.004). In the IS group, a positive correlation between the left DTI-ALPS index and the simple Fugl-Meyer motor function score (ρ = 0.52, p = 0.019) and a significant negative correlation between the left DTI-ALPS index and the FA (R = −0.55, p = 0.023) and MD (R = −0.48, p = 0.032) values of the right CST were found. Conclusions Glymphatic dysfunction is involved in subacute IS. DTI-ALPS could be a potential magnetic resonance (MR) biomarker of motor dysfunction in subacute IS patients. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of IS and provide a new target for alternative treatments for IS.
Far Weld scattering pattern of diVerently structured butterXy scales

The angular and spectral reXectance of single scales of Wve diVerent butterXy species was measured and related to the scale anatomy. The scales of the pierids Pieris rapae and Delias nigrina scatter white light randomly, in close agreement with Lambert's cosine law, which can be well understood from the randomly organized beads on the scale crossribs. The reXectance of the iridescent blue scales of Morpho aega is determined by multilayer structures in the scale ridges, causing diVraction in approximately a plane. The purple scales in the dorsal wing tips of the male Colotis regina act similarly as the Morpho scale in the blue, due to multilayers in the ridges, but the scattering in the red occurs as in the Pieris scale, because the scales contain beads with pigment that does not absorb in the red wave- length range. The green-yellow scales of Urania fulgens backscatter light in a narrow spatial angle, because of a multilayer structure in the scale body.