Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preservation of β-Carotene from Carrots

Beta-carotene acts as a pro-vitamin A or anti-cancer compound. Carrots contain the highest amount of beta-carotene of common fruits and vegetables, but each year 25% of carrot production is lost in the U.S. during processing and storage, while, at the same time, the market demand increases. This article is a review of the most recent studies concerning beta-carotene retention in carrots during processing and storage. Reducing the water activity by adding some aw lowering ingredients results in poor shelf-life. Drying or freezing gives better retention during storage than reducing the water activity, if the process is well controlled. Canning or freeze-drying were shown to be more effective. The trans form of beta-carotene in carrots is replaced by the cis form during processing. Beta-Carotene can be extracted from carrots, but the half-life of free beta-carotene is reduced to 2 d in the juice extract at room temperature. By encapsulation methods,the half-life can be increased by 6 months.
A Markov switching SVAR analysis on the relationship between exchange rate changes and stock returns in China

Acknowledgements We gratefully acknowledge Arne Risa Hole, Gurleen Popli, Karl Taylor and the conference participants at the York-MMF-Bank of England Macro PhD workshop 2015 (York, UK), the XVII Applied Economics Meeting (Gran Canaria, Spain), the 3rd White Rose DTC conference (Sheffield, UK) and the Sheffield economics PhD annual conference for their insightful comments and suggestions. We are very grateful to Margarita Zabelina and Tao Zha for their kind help on the technique issues of this study. Comments from two anonymous referees are gratefully acknowledged. The usual disclaimer applies.
Traits of Carcass Value in Duroc Pig Breed Depending on Sex

In pure pig breeds used for creation of final carcass hybrids in the Czech Republic a content of intramuscular fat (responsible for marbling) decreased during the process of selection on high meatiness. Duroc breed is mentioned as less affected by this process. The study evaluated 28 animals of Duroc breed, 14 hogs and 14 gilts and chosen traits were compared between sexes. Animals were slaughtered in average weight 102.1 kg with an average lean meat percentage 57.73 (hogs reached 57.61, gilts 57.84%). An average pH1 was measured on a level of 6.11 (hogs 6.07, gilts 6.14 with a statistically conclusive difference among sexes, p ≤ 0.05). PH24 reached values of 5.80 (hogs 5.74, gilts 5.86 with a statistically conclusive difference among sexes, p ≤ 0.01). Determined level of intramuscular fat was 1.67% (hogs reached 1.92% of intramuscular fat, gilts 1.42%). Values of pH1 and pH24 were on a really good level and showed good meat quality without tendency to some meat defect. Level of lean meat percentage corresponds with other authors. Level of an intramuscular fat content was lower than values mentioned by other authors, but close to an optimal level, so it is possible to confirm good quality of actual population of Duroc pig breed in the Czech Republic and recommend this breed for production of final carcass pig hybrids.
Molecular Biology of the Pore-forming Cytolysins from Staphylococcus aureus, α- and γ-Hemolysins and Leukocidin

Staphylococcus aureus is an important opportunistic pathogen. It produces a variety of extracellular proteins, which may play important roles in infections by this bacterium. Staphyloccal α-toxin is a pore-forming 33-kDa polypeptide. In the first part of this article, we will refer to the roles of cell membranes in the pore formation by α-toxin as well as the molecular dissection of α-toxin for understanding its pore-forming nature. Staphylococcal γ-hemolysin and leukocidin are bi-component cytolysins, which have different cell specificities towards erythrocytes and leukocytes, respectively. We have found that these bi-component cytolysins share a common component. In the second part of this article, we will refer to the current status of knowledge of molecular cloning of the genes coding for γ-hemolysin and leukocidin, molecular domains of the toxins which decide the cell specificities, and mode of action of these bi-component toxins.
Time patterns and metabolic rates of natural torpor in the Richardson's ground squirrel

Using radiotelemetry for body-temperature sensing in field animals, torpor season in the Richardson's ground squirrel (Spermophilus richardsonii) was found to commence from mid-July in adults and mid-September in juveniles and to terminate for both groups in mid-March. The duration of torpor averaged 3 and 4.3 days in July and August and gradually lengthened to 19.1 days in January, after which it shortened to 14.2 and 6.0 days in February and March. The duration of intertorpor homeothermy ranged from 300 to 1500 min. The metabolic costs associated with entry into torpor, during torpor, arousal from torpor, and intertorpor were quantified in the laboratory at ambient temperatures comparable with those observed in burrow. Applying these metabolic data to the time budget for torpor in field animals, the estimated seasonal energetic costs for entry into torpor averaged 12.8% of total, deep torpor 16.6%, arousal from torpor 19.0%, and intertorpor 51.6%. The monthly energy savings by utilization of torpor rang.
The Effect of Social Media on Students in India

: Purpose: Research in the field of Social Media have become a dynamic study area over the past few decades and is likely to become even more so as the importance of Digital media is rapidly gaining momentum. Therefore understanding this domain will be viewed as increasingly important. Researchon University students is gaining momentum. This article aims at examining the relationship between Social Media and University students in India.
The use of field–based social information in eusocial foragers: local enhancement among nestmates and heterospecifics in stingless bees

Abstract. 1. Foragers of social insects can be guided to profitable food sources by social information transfer within the nest. This study showed that in addition to such an information‐centre strategy, social information in the field also plays an important role in individual foraging decisions. The effect of the presence of a nestmate on individual decision‐making on where to forage was investigated in six species of stingless bee that differ in their recruitment system. Some species preferred to feed close to a nestmate (local enhancement) whereas other species actively avoided landing close to a nestmate. The term local inhibition is introduced for this avoidance behaviour.
Fatores intrínsecos a poedeiras comerciais que afetam a qualidade físico-química dos ovos

Brazil is the sixth country in egg production in the world scenario, with an approximate production of 48 billion eggs, moving an amount of R $ 13.5 billion, figures that represent the importance of the sector for domestic livestock. The main destination of Brazilian egg production is the domestic market, which holds 99.5% of production, with an estimated average consumption of 200 eggs per capita. Laying birds have evolved significantly in recent years, thanks to the genetic improvement that has provided more productive, long-lived and more health-resistant chickens. Besides the increase in productivity, there was an improvement in the animal as a whole, with greater rusticity, resistance to pathogens, adaptability to different types of climate and environment, better bark quality until the end of laying, persistence of peak production, greater efficiency. food and viability. But in order for this genetic potential to be fully utilized, it is vital that the birds are properly managed, and it is of fundamental importance
Effects of Belt and Road Initiative on port selection

Purpose: Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was announced by China in 2013. In the initiative, railway lines are operated (Belt), and sea transportation is continuing with sea routes (Road) between China and Europe. The geographical scope of the initiative covering the Chinese-European route is increasing day by day. The purpose of this study is to identify the strategies that container terminals in sea routes need to consider to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Methodology: To achieve the goal, I focused on the criteria that container ship operators considered in port selection as the main user of the container terminals. In the study, a qualitative research process was followed, and data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Results: It is seen that the bilateral agreements between the countries where the ports are located have gained importance especially with China and the other countries involving the initiative. Moreover, it has been determined that the connections with the railway infrastructure will create a competitive advantage. The contribution: The container terminals located on the route have not only enough with classical advantages such as location, equipment, and infrastructure to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. The new criteria found in the study are the areas where the port cannot directly intervene individually. However, the port operator may negotiate with the relevant parties.
Taxonomic Review of Creontiades Distant in Australia (Hemiptera: Miridae: Mirinae)

The two species of Creontiades Distant occurring in Australia, C. dilutus (Stål) (Australian endemic) and C. pacificus (Stål) (China, several countries in the Oriental and Australian regions including Tahiti and Micronesian islands) are redescribed, illustrated and their distributions are mapped. Megacoelum modestum (Distant) and C. virescens Reuter are synonymised with C. dilutus, and C. pallidifer (Walker) with C. pacificus. Available host plant information is provided for both species. C. dilutus, commonly known as green mirid, is a pest of cotton, potato, stone fruit, lucerne and other crops in certain parts of Australia. the generic limits of Creontiades and the closely related, world‐wide distributed Megaceolum Fieber are reviewed based on examination of Australian species and the type species.
Furanocoumarin phytoalexins, trichothecene toxins, and infection of Pastinaca sativa by Fusarium sporotrichioides

Many plant pathogenic fusaria produce trichothecenes, which are potent phytotoxins and inhibitors of protein synthesis in eukaryotes. In this study we show that a wild-type, trichothecene-producing strain of F. sporotrichioides, NRRL 3299, is pathogenic on Pastinaca sativa (parsnip) roots and produces T-2 toxin in planta. Parsnip roots infected with this strain also accumulate high levels of fungitoxic furanocoumarins, mainly xanthotoxin and angelicin. Analysis of serial sections of infected roots showed that furanocoumarin concentrations decease sharply at the infection boundary to levels apparently insufficient to completely block fungal growth or trichothecene production. The involvement of trichothecenes in pathogenesis was investigated by using three presiously isolated, complementary mutants of NRRL 3299, blocked at different steps in T-2 toxin biosynthesis. T-2 toxin production is restored when these mutants are grown together pairwise and each mutant accumulates different end products. In this study the ability of these mutants to infect parsnips correlates with their ability to produce certain trichothecenes. Thus, the mutant that accumulates 4,15-diacetoxyscirpenol, a trichothecene nearly as toxic as T-2 toxin, is as pathogenic as the wild-type parent. In contrast, neither the mutant that accumulates the less toxic calonectrin analogues nor the mutant that accumulates the nontoxic trichothecene precursor, trichodiene, is pathogenic. Furthermore, coinocul ation of these latter two mutants on parsnip roots results in infection.
Next Generation of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Therapy: Targeted and Immuno-Therapies

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. Current clinical trials are focused on developing the next generation of therapies that target novel anti-cancer mechanisms. One approach is to prime the immune system, as the cancer has been known to suppress immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Using immunotherapy, the immune system can be unleashed and suppress the cancer’s growth. Another pathway is targeting known oncogenic genes that are important for the cancer’s growth and survival. In lung cancer, the epidermal growth factor receptor and several other mutated proteins are targets of small-molecule inhibitors that have been shown to drastically improve patient survival and quality of life. Discussed in this review are broad highlights of the different immunotherapies and small molecule targeted therapies that have been studied in the latest clinical trials for lung
Interferon-γ Has Dual Potentials in Inhibiting or Promoting Cell Proliferation*

Many cytokines have dual functions of promoting or inhibiting cell proliferation; however, the molecular mechanism of the dual functions of cytokines is not well understood. Under normal conditions, interleukin (IL)-3 is required for Ba/F3 cell proliferation, whereas interferon (IFN)-γ inhibits Ba/F3 cell proliferation. It is known that Stat1 play a major role in inhibition of cell growth in response to IFN-γ. We have examined the possibility of whether IFN-γ can act as a growth-promoting cytokine if the Stat1 function is selectively blocked. We have established variant Ba/F3 cell lines in which Stat1 function is inhibited by a dominant-negative Stat1 mutant. Intriguingly, once Stat1 function is inhibited, IFN-γ can replace IL-3 acting as an essential growth factor for cell proliferation. To understand the molecular mechanism of regulation of cell proliferation by the cytokines, the signaling pathways and gene induction by IL-3 and IFN-γ are further studied. Although IL-3 activates mitogenic-activated protein kinase and Akt kinase, IFN-γ does not. Interestingly, both IL-3 and IFN-γ induce expression of the c-Myc gene that is not dependent on the Stat1 activity. Expression of a dominant-negative mutant Myc can block IFN-γ-mediated Ba/F3 cell proliferation, suggesting that c-Myc gene induction is required for IFN-γ-mediated cell proliferation. These findings suggest that IFN-γ intrinsically and simultaneously induces specific and conflicting signaling pathways and transcriptional programs that contribute to the potential dual effects of IFN-γ in promoting or inhibiting cell proliferation.
Stearoyl-CoA desaturase induces lipogenic gene expression in prostate cancer cells and inhibits ceramide-induced cell death

Abstract Perturbation of metabolism with increased expression of lipogenic enzymes is a common characteristic of human cancers, including prostate cancer. In the present work the overexpression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) in LNCaP cells led to increased mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA-carboxylase-α, whereas micro RNA-mediated silencing of SCD inhibited the expression of these lipogenic genes in LNCaP cells. Treatment with the FAS-specific inhibitor cerulenin inhibited SCD induction of LNCaP cell proliferation. In addition, a transient transfection assay revealed the capability of cerulenin to suppress SCD and dihydrotestosterone induction of androgen receptor transcriptional activity. Furthermore, overexpression of SCD in LNCaP cells produced marked resistance to ceramide-induced cell death with reduced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. In contrast, silencing of SCD expression increased Bax protein in LNCaP cells. Furthermore, addition of ceramide to SCD knockdown LNCaP cells increased cell death and caspase-3 activity with drastic increase of PARP cleavage. Together, the data indicate that SCD may provide resistance of prostate cancer cells to ceramide-induced cell death.
Análise do uso da cor no Diagrama de Classes da Linguagem Unificada de Modelagem (UML) | Analysis of the use of color in the Unified Modeling Language Class Diagram (UML)

O uso da cor em diagramas na Engenharia de Software nao e novidade, em especial na Linguagem Unificada de Modelagem (UML), que consiste em um conjunto de quinze diagramas utilizados para documentar e especificar a complexidade de um software . Porem, a aplicacao da cor muitas vezes e feita de forma aleatoria ficando a cargo da subjetividade do projetista ou dos softwares utilizados para o desenho destes diagramas. O presente artigo aborda o uso das cores no diagrama de classes da UML segundo o modelo proposto por Coad, Lefebvre e De Luca (1999), que aplica a cor a partir de uma pratica profissional utilizando post-its . O objetivo deste artigo e realizar uma analise descritiva da aplicacao da cor para demonstrar a importância desta nao so para melhorar a estetica, mas tambem como simbolo, facilitando a leitura, compreensao e o estabelecimento de relacoes no diagrama de classes. ***** The use of color in diagrams in Software Engineering is not new, especially in the Unified Modeling Language (UML), which consists of a set of fifteen diagrams used to document and specify the complexity of software. However, the application of color is often done in a random way, being in charge of the subjectivity of the designer or the software used to design these diagrams. This paper discusses the use of colors in the UML class diagram according to the model proposed by Coad, Lefebvre and De Luca (1999), who apply color from a professional practice using post-its. The purpose of this article is to perform a descriptive analysis of the application of color to demonstrate the importance of this not only to improve aesthetics but also as a symbol, facilitating reading, understanding and establishing relationships in the class diagram.
Partial cutting reduces species richness of fungi on woody debris in oak-rich forests

Partial cutting is increasingly applied in European temperate oak-dominated forests for biofuel harvesting, and to counteract succession in protected stands. Effects on biodiversity of these measures need to be carefully evaluated, and species-rich but neglected taxa such as fungi should be considered. We studied the effects of partial cutting on fungal fruit- ing bodies on woody debris. In 21 closed canopy forests rich in large oaks in Sweden, on average 25%-30% of the basal area was cut. Fruiting bodies were counted and some were collected in treated and control plots before and after treatment. We found 334 basidiomycete and 47 ascomycete species. Species richness of basidiomycetes declined significantly more in treated plots (on average 26%) than in control plots (on average 13%) between seasons. Species richness of ascomycetes increased by 17% in control plots and decreased by 2% in treated plots. Total species richness was significantly reduced on fine woody debris (1-10 cm in diameter), but not on coarse woody debris (>10 cm). Overall species composition did not change significantly as a result of partial cutting, but red-listed species tended to decrease more in treated plots. We suggest that approximately 30% of the stands should not be thinned, and dead stems and fallen branches should not be re- moved, to favor saproxylic fungi and their associated fauna.
Event Trigger Super Twisting Sliding Mode Control for DC Micro Grid With Matched/Unmatched Disturbance Observer

In this paper a novel concept of event triggering control (ETC) for effective resource utilization is proposed for dc microgrid. Matched uncertainty elimination is possible through sliding mode control (SMC) itself as addressed in the literatures. This paper proposes a new approach for suppression of both matched and unmatched uncertainties in grid connected and islanded mode through an integral disturbance observer (IDO) which is designed with super twisting SMC to provide dual filtering phenomena pertaining to system perturbations. The IDO facilitates control algorithm to manage effective event counts during disturbance conditions. The proposed controller is designed in order to regulate DC bus voltage and enhance the microgrid capability to perform stable operation in presence of uncertainties. Chattering free finite time convergent SMC is designed with super twisting reaching law to obtain robust behavior of dc microgrid. Results are compared with power rate reaching SMC, Nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) based controller and PI controller. In the proposed work event triggering condition is designed first time under super twisting reaching law. Comparative assessment is accomplished in lieu of demonstrating the superior performance of event trigger SMC through MATLAB/Simulink and Typhoon based controller hardware in loop (CHIL) platform.
Detection of BCR-ABL fusion gene and its transcript variants in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients - a multi-comparison study.

OBJECTIVE To compare blood cells and plasma for BCR-ABL quantification and to find out the frequency of b2a2, b3a2 and e1a2 transcripts in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients, and to assess the correlation of BCR-ABL transcripts with haematological counts, age and gender. METHODS The study was conducted in April 2018 at King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised chronic myeloid leukaemia patients from Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Ribonucleic acid was extracted using commercial extraction kits and detection of BCR-ABL messenger ribonucleic acid and its transcript variants was done by real time polymerase chain reaction. Data was analysed using SPSS 11.5. RESULTS Of the 48 patients, fusion of b3a2 was detected in 32(66.66%) and b2a2 in 10(32.10%), while fusion e1a2 was not detected at all. No co-expression of transcripts was seen in any patient. No significant correlation was found between transcript type and any of haematological parameters (p>0.05). No significant correlation of transcript type with gender and age was found (p>0.05). BCR-ABL/G6PD ratios in peripheral blood cells were higher than that of plasma (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Plasma can be used as an alternative to blood cells for BCR-ABL quantification, and transcript types cannot be easily explained by clinical factors.
Variation in Oidium neolycopersici development on host and non-host plant species and their tissue defence responses

Summary Detailed studies of the infection processes of Oidium neolycopersici (tomato powdery mildew) and plant tissue responses were carried out on 10 Lycopersicon spp. accessions and one of each species of Cucumis sativus, Datura stramonium, Lactuca sativa, Petunia hybrida and Pisum sativum with different levels of resistance. Germination of O. neolycopersici conidia was not inhibited by the host plant. However, in the early stages of O. neolycopersici infection significant differences in conidial germ tube development on resistant and susceptible plant lines were observed. The first substantial differences appeared after 24 h post inoculation (hpi). Mycelia and conidiophores developed on susceptible lines; however, there was no mycelial development on resistant plant lines. The most frequent resistant response in Lycopersicon species was the necrotic (hypersensitive) reaction (HR), occasionally followed by pathogen development. The completely resistant accession L. hirsutum (LA 1347) showed only a limited number of necrotic host cells per infection site (2%). In Oidium resistant tomato lines OR 4061 and OR 960008 the existence of adult resistance was detected. This phenomenon occurred mainly in accession OR 4061. Rapid development and profuse sporulation of O. neolycopersici was observed on juvenile plants (6–8 wk old), however this was in contrast to the slow development and sporadic sporulation observed on 4 month old plants. Evidence of posthaustorial resistance was observed in the interaction of O. neolycopersici with non-host species (Lactuca sativa and Pisum sativum.) This was in contrast to Datura stramonium and Petunia hybrida, where development of powdery mildew was delayed at a later stage in the infection cycle. With the exception of Pisum sativum, the necrotic (hypersensitive) response was observed often.