Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Total phenolic contents, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of some Thai medicinal plant extracts

Total phenolic contents, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Thai medicinal plants were investigated in this study. The antibacterial activity was carried out using agar disc diffusion and broth dilution methods against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Propionibacterium acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and methicillin resistant S. aureus. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of Senna alata showed the most effective activity against Gram positive bacteria, with inhibition zone ranging from 10.3 to 23.0 mm. The highest activity was observed from S. alata extracts against P. acnes, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 1.9 and 3.9 mg/ml, respectively. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’– azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) methods. The strongest antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of S. alata were 22.11 ± 0.324 mg gallic/g extract and 214.99 ± 17.279 mg trolox/g extract when determined by DPPH and ABTS assay, respectively. Moreover, the highest total phenolic content of 70.90 ± 1.048 mg gallic/g extract was measured from the aqueous extract of S. alata. Therefore, the biological activities of these plants observed in this study will be useful to develop the plant extracts for primary treatment of diseases as new therapeutic agents. Key words: Medicinal plants, antibacterial activity, pathogenic bacteria, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content.
Dynamic changes in prey choice by stickleback during simultaneous encounter with large prey

When a three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus encountered prey simultaneously the probability of hanging and the median pursuit time were greater than when prey were encountered sequentially. During simultaneous prey encounter fish did not choose to attack the more profitable prey but instead the nearer prey was handled first except when the difference between the two prey sizes was large. No difference was found in the level of total energetic intake by the fish regardless of prey size pairing. Fish that handled and ate the first prey of a pair in <5 s attacked the second prey with a high probability of success, demonstrating an opportunistic feeding strategy. Importantly however, the fish did not choose to maximize long term energy intake rate by eating both prey, but rather short-term considerations over the course of feeding took precedence. With an empty stomach, the probability of a fish eating (P eat ) the first prey handled was high regardless of prey size. As stomach fullness increased, the P eat the first prey handled decreased if was the larger prey. Hence, the fish were unselective when the stomach was empty but thereafter there was a shift in preference towards the smaller prey. The decision of which prey to attack and eat appeared to be based on short-term energy considerations and the level of stomach fullness. This study demonstrates that feeding on a short-term scale is a crucial factor to take account of when analysing fish feeding during simultaneous prey encounter.
The Phylogeny of the Extant Chelicerate Orders

The phylogeny of the extant chelicerate orders is examined in the light of morphological and molecular evidence. Representatives from each of the chelicerate ‘orders’ and mandibulate and onychophoran outgroups are examined. Molecular (small and large ribosomal subunit DNA) and morphological information is combined in a total evidence regime to determine the most consistent picture of extant chelicerate relationships for these data. Multiple phylogenetic analyses are performed with variable analysis parameters yielding largely consistent results. A normalized incongruence length metric is used to assay the relative merit of the multiple analyses. The combined analysis with lowest character incongruence yields the scheme of relationships (Pycnogonida+ (Xiphosura+((Opiliones+((Solifugae+Pseudoscorpiones)+Scorpiones))+((Ricinulei+Acari)+(Palpigradi+ ((Thelyphonida+Schizomida=Uropygi)+(Amblypygi+ Araneae))))))). This result is fairly robust to variation in analysis parameters, with the placement of solifugids and the status of the pedipalps responsible for most disagreement.
Bedload Transport of Newly-Settled Juveniles of the Manila Clam Ruditapes philippinarum Observed in situ at Banzu Tidal Flat, Tokyo Bay

ABSTRACT There have been numerous attempts to create and/or develop harvestable tidal areas where juveniles of the natural Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum may be abundantly stocked. To prevent erosion and/or promote the colonization of natural juveniles through improving the physical stability of bottom sediment, it is important to understand the mechanisms that regulate dispersal and recolonization of benthic juveniles. The physical transport of bottom sediment is known to have a substantial effect on the spatial distribution patterns of infaunal bivalves in intertidal soft-bottom habitats. During the summers of 2004 and 2005, we conducted field experiments to identify the physical transport mechanisms for newly-settled postlarval Manila clams until growth to a size of 1 mm shell length at the Banzu tidal flat of Tokyo Bay in Japan. We used sediment traps to collect natural and released hatchery-reared juveniles, in parallel to acquiring measurements of seawater flow and observations of the spatial distribution of newly-settled natural juveniles. There was a sharp increase in the number of clams that were collected in the traps placed on the soft-bottom surface when &tgr;w (wave shear stress) exceeded 0.3 N m-2. Because the &tgr;c (advection shear stress) was far lower than &tgr;w (&tgr;c/&tgr;w =1/60–1/130), the initiation of juvenile transport appeared to depend primarily on wave-generated oscillatory flow. The number of trapped juveniles regressed linearly to the weight of the sediment that was simultaneously collected in the trap (R2 = 0.99, 0.81), which indicated that clams were transported in a similar way to that of sediment grains, despite juveniles and sand particles exhibiting different physical properties (size and specific gravity). Hence bedload transport may have resulted from the biologically induced adhesion of juvenile clams to sediment grains and/or their burrowing behavior. In the release-recovery experiment of marked juveniles, a larger number of clams were recovered from traps that had been placed downstream of the water current from the release point. A denser distribution of the natural Manila clam population settled in mid-July 2004, and subsequently moved several hundreds of meters inshore within a one month period. The concurrent monitoring of bottom flow during a total 4 wk period in the summer of 2004 indicated that &tgr;w frequently exceeded the incipient threshold of bedload transport (assumed to be 0.3 N m-2). Consequently, the bedload movement of Manila clam juveniles in the study area was expected to be initiated at a wave shear stress that was greater than the incipient threshold, and in a downstream direction of the advection current. Because juvenile clams in the summer population appeared to be frequently subjected to hydrodynamic stress, which forces juveniles to move and halt incidentally in the early benthic stages, physical transport is likely to contribute to the changing pattern of juvenile distribution at the Banzu tidal flat of Tokyo Bay in Japan.
The Inheritance of Sterility in the Barleys

The following note is concerned solely with the behaviour of certain characters in hybrid barleys which bear on the inheritance of sterility and the question whether sex is, as it seems possible, a phenomenon of gametic segregation. I have used the term “sterility” in a broader sense than usual to include cases in which certain florets set no grain owing to the suppression of either the female or both the male and female reproductive organs. The plants themselves are in no cases completely sterile. The other characters occurring in the numerous varieties of barley will be considered in detail later.
EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND LIPOXYGENASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITIES OF THE PRENYLATED COUMARIN UMBELLIPRENIN

Background and objective: Umbelliprenin, the natural prenylated coumarin distributed in the plants of apiaceae family, has shown various biological activities, especially as a cancer chemopreventive agent. In the present study, umbelliprenin, was examined for in vitro antioxidant activity, in vitro inhibitory activity against lipoxygenase, and in vivo antiinflammatory activity. Methods: The applied tests were interaction with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) stable free radical, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, inhibition of soybean lipoxygenase and in vivo inhibition of the carrageenin-induced rat paw edema. Results: Umbelliprenin did not show any significant antioxidant activity but exhibited a remarkable and potent inhibition against soybean lipoxygenase (IC50 = 0.0725 μM). This compound, in the in vivo anti-inflammatory test, could also inhibit the carrageenin induced paw edema significantly (39 %). Conclusion: The observed inhibition of lipoxygenase may be a plausible mechanism for the potent cancer chemopreventive activity of umbelliprenin and may pose this compound as a valuable agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Functional analysis of the human inhibin α subunit variant A257T and its potential role in premature ovarian failure

BACKGROUND A nucleotide substitution in the inhibin alpha subunit (INHA 769G>A, A257T) has been associated with premature ovarian failure (POF). We hypothesize this mutation causes a reduction in inhibin bioactivity, removing its suppression on the pituitary FSH secretion. The aim of this study is to establish if A257T inhibin has reduced bioactivity. METHODS Mouse LbetaT2 pituitary gonadotrope, human granulosa (COV434) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells were co-transfected with an activin-responsive reporter and increasing amounts of wild-type or variant A257T inhibin alpha subunit, and the degree of inhibin antagonism of activin signalling determined. RESULTS A 5-fold inhibition was observed with wild-type inhibin alpha subunit overexpression (P A variant may increase susceptibility to POF with impaired inhibin B bioactivity and provides insight into the complex aetiology of POF.
The Role of Nutritional Principles in Biological Control

Abstract The role that nutrition plays in biological control may be seen in natural environments; but to understand and to make use of this role the principles concerned must be understood essentially in terms of specific chemical substances. A number of principles of insect nutrition particularly relevant to biological control concern the food of the host, the host itself, and its parasitoid. These principles may be generalized into three laws and they are called here the rule of sameness, the principle of nutrient proportionality, and the principle of cooperating supplements. Each is discussed in connection with its application in the laboratory or in natural environments, and a few examples of work relating to each are given. Most examples quoted are from work at Belleville, Ontario, on the parasitoid Pseudosarcophaga affinis Auct. nec. Fallén.
FECUNDITY AND SPAWNING FREQUENCY OF THE HAWAIIAN ANCHOVY OR NEHU, ENCRASICHOLINA PURPUREA

Female nehu can begin spawning at 35 mm standard length; almost all fish over 40 mm 8L from Kaneohe Bay were mature and in spawning condition. Mature females were found in all months of the year. Females from summer (May-October) had higher fecundity and relative cost per batch than fish from winter (November-April). In nehu and most other anchovies. fecundity appears to increase exponentially with weight. Nehu appear to be distinguished from other species by a higher exponent and consequently greater increase in relative fecundity over the reproductive size range. Nehu spawn during a short period 1 or 2 hours after sunset and begin hydrating ova only a few hours before spawning. Data on presence or absence of hydrated ova or postovulatory follicles along with differences in oocyte size in fish collected from throughout the diel cycle indicated that, after spawning, nehu can ripen a new batch of oocytes in 2 days and that most females spawn every other day. The estimated requirements for continued spawn­ ing at this rate indicate that individual variation in recent feeding success or stress could be responsible for observed scatter about fecundity-weight relationships and deviation from the normal spawning frequency. The nehu, Encrasicholinapurpurea, is a small an­ chovy endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is one of the dominant planktivorous fishes in enclosed, semi­ estuarine areas and is the major source of bait for the local skipjack tuna fishery. Nehu are short-lived; growth increments on otoliths indicate a maximum age of about 6 mo (Struhsaker and Uchiyama 1976). Leary et al. (1975) showed that nehu can reach maturity at 35 mm standard length (SL) and pre­ sented fecundity data for 41 females. Leary et al. found very few females with hydrated ova and, on that basis, suggested that nehu spawn only once per lifetime.
Peanut stripe potyvirus: prevalence, detection and serological relationships

Peanut stripe potyvirus (PStV) has been prevalent in five major peanut [groundnut] growing states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Surveys conducted over a 3-year period (1992-94) revealed its prevalence in two more states, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Direct antigen-coated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAC-ELISA) and immunosorbent electron microscopy (ISEM) were used to detect PStV in groundnut plants collected from these states. While PStV was detected in the majority of symptomatic plants, a significant proportion (31%) of asymptomatic plants were also PStV positive. PStV could not be detected in roots and seeds from PStV-positive plants. The virus was unevenly distributed in infected plants. Composite sampling comprising of quadrifoliates of different ages from the main axis and lateral branches is thus suggested for accomplishing reliable detection. The PStV isolate used in this study was serologically related to cowpea aphid-borne mosaic (CABMV)and soybean mosaic (SbMV) potyviruses.
Food Resource Use of Hyperparasitoid Trichomalopsis apanteloctena (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), an Idiobiotic Ectoparasitoid

Abstract The hyperparasitoid Trichomalopsis apanteloctena (Crawford) is an idiobiont ectoparasitoid that uses the prepupa or pupa of the primary parasitoid Cotesia kariyai (Watanabe), which is paralyzed by venom at parasitization. Changes in nutrient quality of the primary parasitoid were evaluated during its development. The primary parasitoid C. kariyai was available as a host for 5 d, because C. kariyai eclosed at 5 d after emergence. The lipid contents of the primary parasitoid decreased during these 5 d. The size of individual T. apanteloctena progeny paralleled the available nutritional resources of these primary parasitoids. A decrease in body mass, that is, the change in the quality of the fat body in the primary parasitoid development affected the adult size and sex ratio of the hyperparasitoid. The hyperparasitoid had no preference of developmental stage of the primary parasitoid. However, adult sizes of the individual progeny that parasitized at 4 d after pupation were smaller and the sex ratio was male biased.
Effect of Juice Clarification by Flotation on the Quality of White Wine and Orange Juice and Drink - Short Communication

White wines of Debina cultivar were made from musts clarified by flotation using nitrogen as foaming agent. Flotation using air as the foaming agent (must hyperoxidation), without SO 2 addition, was also applied. Turbidity and suspended solids were lower in must clarified by flotation using nitrogen than in that clarified by sedimentation (control). Flotation with hyperoxidation led to a reduction of must phenolics. All experimental wines exhibited similar gross compositions (alcohol, reducing sugars, total acidity, and volatile acidity). Wines made from musts clarified by flotation using nitrogen had similar total phenolic content, browning capacity, and organoleptic quality as the control wines. Wines made from musts clarified by flotation using air had lower total phenolic contents and browning capacity than were those in control wines. These wines were of well acceptable quality but exhibited a slightly oxidised aftertaste. The results indicate that flotation using nitrogen can be effective in the production of typical Debina wine, while flotation using air may be useful in that of table wine without SO 2 addition. Orange juice was clarified by flotation using nitrogen or air as the foaming agent. Orange juice clarified by flotation using nitrogen as the foaming agent exhibited lower turbidity and a similar pulp content to that clarified by centrifugal separator (control). It had an acceptable taste and aroma. Juice clarified by flotation using air as the foaming agent, along with pectolytic enzyme treatment, exhibited much lower turbidity and pulp content compared to control. The clear juice had an acceptable taste but no aroma. The fermented clear juice was averagely rated, exhibiting a pleasant aroma and only a slightly bitter taste. The results indicate that flotation using nitrogen can be effective in the production of natural orange juice, while flotation using air may be useful in the production of orange drink.
High-level erythroid expression ofhumana-globin genesin transgenic mice

Thehumanal-globin genewasfused down- stream oftwoerythroid-specific DNaseIsuper-hypersensitive sites that arenormally located upstream ofthehumanfi-globin locus. Thisconstruct wasi 'ected into fertilized mouseeggs, andexpression wasanalyzed in16-day fetal livers andbrains. All11fetuses thatcontained intact copies ofthetransgene expressed correctly initiated humana-globin mRNA inthe erythroid fetal liver butnotinbrain. Levels ofexpression ranged from4% to337%ofendogenous mouseP-globin mRNA.A humana-globin construct thatdidnotcontain super-hypersensitive sites wasnotexpressed. Theseresults demonstrate thathuman,8-globin locus activation sequences canstimulate high levels ofhumana-globin geneexpression in erythroid tissue oftransgenic mice. Theresults also provide a foundation forexperiments designed tocoexpress humana- andf-globin genes intransgenic miceandsuggest afeasible approach forproduction ofamousemodel forhumansickle cell disease. inserted twoerythroid-specific DNaseIsuper-hypersensitive (HS)sites fromthehumanfB-globin locus immediately up- stream ofthehumanal-globin gene. Tuanetal. (14) and Forrester etal. (15, 16)originally mappedthese twoHSsites 6 and11kbupstream ofthehumane-globin geneand suggested thatthesesequences andadditional HS sites farther upstream ofEanddownstream offmight specifically activate thehuman3-globin locus inerythroid tissue. Gros- veldetal. (17) thendemonstrated that afull complement of these sites (HSI-VI; seeref. 14fornomenclature) stimulates high-level expression ofhumanf3-globin genesinerythroid tissue oftransgenic mice. We haverecently demonstrated that HSsites IandIIaresufficient forthis high-level human ,f-globin expression (unpublished data), andinthis paper we demonstrate that sites IandIIcanalso stimulate high-level, erythroid expression ofhumana-globin genesintransgenic mice.
TESTING THE RELATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE INTERACTIONS IN ROCKY INTERTIDAL COMMUNITIES

In contrast to many other biotic forces, such as competition and predation, the role played by habitat modification by plants and sessile animals in natural communities has not been given the experimental attention it deserves. To test the hypothesis that habitat modification by seaweed canopies can have direct positive effects on rocky intertidal com- munities, we quantified habitat amelioration by Ascophyllum nodosum canopies and its consequences on understory organisms in the Gulf of Maine, USA. At the upper and lower elevational borders of the algal canopy, we examined the recruitment, growth, and survi- vorship of common benthic organisms in canopy removal, canopy control, and shaded canopy removal plots intended to mimic canopy habitat modification. The algal canopy greatly reduced potential physical stresses, particularly at high tidal heights. Maximum daily rock temperatures were 5? -10? C lower and evaporative water loss was an order of magnitude less under the canopy than in canopy removal plots. The response of understory organisms to canopy removal, however, was species specific and somewhat idiosyncratic. Nonetheless, in general, at the high intertidal border of the canopy the re- cruitment, growth, and survival of understory organisms were enhanced by the canopy, whereas at the low intertidal border canopy effects were negative or neutral. Nearly half of the interactions we studied were positive in the high zone. In contrast to positive canopy effects on understory organism recruitment and growth at high tidal heights, consumer pressure was severe under the canopy, particularly at low tidal heights. Green crab predation is likely responsible for limiting understory mussel densities, while grazing by the snail, Littorina littorea, keeps understory substrate clear of algal recruits. The amelioration of harsh physical conditions by algal canopies can have strong direct positive effects in high rocky intertidal communities by enhancing organism recruitment, growth, and survival. These canopy effects, however, may often be offset by increased consumer pressure at low tidal heights. These types of habitat modification effects are likely to be pervasive in many other terrestrial and marine communities exposed to harsh physical conditions.
Salmonella Typhimurium, Infantis, Derby, and Enteritidis survival in pasty dulce de leche Sobrevivência de Salmonella Typhimurium, Infantis, Derby e Enteritidis em doce de leite pastoso

Dulce de leche is a food obtained by concentration and heating of milk with the addition of sucrose. The common practice of opening the dulce de leche containers in retail markets can lead to food contamination by Salmonella. The objective of this study was to evaluate the survivability of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotypes Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Infantis and Derby in pasty dulce de leche. Aliquots of this sweet were experimentally contaminated with these microorganisms and later analyzed to evaluate microorganism viability after storage for 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 20 days. Salmonella was recovered up to the 20 th day. These results are a warning about the need to adopt proper sanitary