Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative studies on ecdysone metabolism between mature larvae and pharate pupae in the fleshfly, Sarcophaga peregrina

Metabolites of radioactive ecdysone or 20-hydroxyecdysone in larvae and pharate pupae of Sarcophaga peregrina were separated and identified by using thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and chemical methods. At the larval stage ecdysone was metabolized to biologically less active ecdysteroids predominantly through 20-hydroxyecydsone, at the pharate pupal stage, to other ecdysteroids which were tentatively identified as 26-hydroxyecdysone, 3-epi-26-hydroxyecdysone, and 3-epi-20,26-dihydroxyecdysone. Ecdysteroid acids were found in the polar metabolites during pharate pupal-pupal transformation, but scarcely detected in the larval metabolites. These acids were presumed to be ecdysonoic acid, 20-hydroxyecdysonoic acid, and their epimers. The conjugates of ecdysteroid that released the free ecdysteroids by enzymatic hydrolysis were produced more in larvae than in pupae, whereas the very polar ecdysteroids that were not affected by the enzyme were found more in pupae. Therefore, there are different metabolic pathways of ecdysone between these two successive developmental stages, and the alteration of the metabolic pathway may serve as one of the important factors in a regulatory mechanism of molting hormone activity which is responsible for normal development of this insect.
Cajal Bodies and Plant RNA Metabolism

Intracellular location of components associated with RNA metabolism is a key feature of gene expression regulation, although it is often neglected in favor of more direct factors influencing expression. A number of nuclear and subnuclear compartments exist, each carrying out specific functions. This article focuses on Cajal bodies, a dynamic body composed of numerous proteins and small RNAs. Cajal bodies, or CBs, are universal entities found in both the nucleolus and nucleoplasm of most living cells. Their function relates to RNA metabolism, including transcription, splicing, stable RNA modification, small RNA biogenesis, gene silencing, nonsense-mediated decay and telomere maintenance. It is generally thought that CBs form docking stations for each of these functions so that the individual processes proceed quickly and in an organized manner. A brief introduction on what is known about the function and composition of CBs in animal cells is provided, followed by highlights of the latest research on CBs in plants.
Analyzing cellulose degree of polymerization and its relevancy to cellulosic ethanol

The degree of polymerization (DP) of cellulose in cellulosic biomass and how it changes during enzymatic and chemical transformations has remained a fundamental property of interest to numerous researchers. Currently, with increased interest in cellulosic biofuels, more attention is being focused on determining changes in cellulose DP before and during pre‐treatment, as well as the effect of DP on enzymatic deconstruction of cellulose to glucose. Different sources of celluloses from woody and non‐woody biomass have been isolated and the DP has been frequently examined as a key parameter contributing to efficient biomass deconstruction. The isolation and derivatization/dissolution of cellulose are crucial steps in determining cellulose DP. This review summarizes approaches to measuring DP developed over the past six decades and highlights opportunities for further improvements. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Safety and efficacy of Prunus africana and Warburgia ugandensis against induced asthma in BALB/c mice.

Aim: In-Vitro and In-Vivo safety and anti-asthmatic activity of stem bark extracts of Prunus africana and Warburgia ugandensis against induced asthma in BALB/c mice. Methodology: Cytotoxicity on Vero E6 cells were investigated using MTT assay. Acute toxicity was determined by administering single oral gavages of extracts to five groups of BALB/c at 500, 889.56, 1581.64, 2812.15 and 5000mg/kg body weight doses. Efficacy against induced asthma was determined by assaying heart blood serum for ovalbumin specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and quantification of eosinophil proportion in Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Eight sensitized groups were used, 2 were controls, 3 were treated with P. africana extract and 3 with W. ugandensis; each treatment group received one dose concentration of 125, 250 or 500mg/kg body weight of either plant extracts. Results: P. africana CC50 was 104. 08μg/ml while W. ugandensis had CC50 > 250 μg/ml. In acute toxicity, mortality and signs of toxicity were recorded within 24 hours and the mice monitored for 14 days. There was 20%, 60% and 100% mortality within 24 hours for mice that received P. africana extracts at 1581.64, 2812.15 and 5000mg/kg body weight respectively. Lethal dose (LD50) for P. africana was 2201.207mg/kg body weight. W. ugandensis extracts had no mortality recorded and the LD50 was >5000mg/kg body weight. Treatment with P. africana extracts at 500mg/kg body weight reduced the IgE and BALF Eosinophil to 0.100±0.0001 and 2.80±0.20 respectively which were significantly different from positive controls P<0.05. W. ugandensis extracts at the same concentration reduced the IgE and BALF eosinophils to 0.134±0.00016 and 3.80±0.20 respectively and were significantly different from positive controls P<0.05. Conclusion: The results attested that P. africana and W. ugandensis stem bark extracts have antiasthmatic property though there is need for further validation of anti-asthmatic chemical compounds to augment the findings.
On a collection of South African Polychaeta, with a catalogue of the species recorded from South Africa, Angola, Mosambique, and Madagascar

Summary This paper contains a catalogue of the species of Polychaeta recorded from South Africa, Angola, Mosambique, and Madagascar, with a reference to a good description in each case. Within the catalogue are included the names of seventy-eight specics collected in this region. Of these eight are new species, and many others havc not been previously recorded for this region. A short diagnosis is given of many spccics where such is not readily obtainable.
Effect of Ginsenosides and Red Ginseng Water Extract on Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Production by Rat Peritoneal Macrophages

The effects of ginsenosides and extracts containing melanoidins, which are components of red ginseng, on TNF-α production by rat peritoneal macrophages were examined. The ginsenosides by themselves had no effect on TNF-α production, whereas water extract containing melanoidins, which are Maillard reaction products, stimulated TNF-α production by rat peritoneal macrophages. The total ginsenoside fraction and ginsenoside Rc increased TNF-α production with LPS, as did stimulation by ginsenosides with the water extract. These results suggest that for a healthy immune response it might be better to consume red ginseng itself, which contains a mixture of ginsenosides, polysaccharides and Maillard reaction products, rather than ingesting pure ginseng alone. Red ginseng as an immuno-modulator may be effective in defending against infections or tumors.
Pre-slaughter handling and slaughtering factors influencing poultry product quality

Over the past 15 years, the European processing industry has gradually increased the availability of poultry meat in a large variety of processed ready-meals, which follows recent trends in North America. The shift towards further processed products has underscored the necessity for higher quality standards in poultry meat in order to improve sensory characteristics and functional properties. Poultry meat quality is a complex and multivariate property, which is affected by multiple interacting factors including genetics, feeding, husbandry, pre-slaughter handling, stunning and slaughter procedures, chilling, processing and storage conditions. However it is likely that the effects exerted by ante-mortem handling (feed withdrawal, catching, crating, transport and lairage) and slaughter (hanging, stunning, killing, scalding, plucking, evisceration, chilling and processing) conditions on final product quality may be greater than those attributable to variation in husbandry practises. Many problems may occur at these stages that potentially increase the rate of mortality, carcass downgrading and meat quality. This paper is aimed at making a general statement of recent studies on the effects exerted by pre-slaughter handling and slaughtering on product quality.
DNA‐DNA hybridizations support ungulate ancestry of Cetacea

Recent morphological data on Pakicetus spp. and Basilosaurus spp. fossils suggest that cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) originate from carnivorous Mesonychid land mammals (Condylarthra) and made a gradual transition from land to sea in early Eocene (Gingerich et al. 1983; 1990). On the other hand, there is convincing evidence that Artiodactyla and Perissodactyla have evolved from Condylarthra (Van Valen 1978, Carrol 1988). Therefore, the Pakicetus and Basilosaurus data suggest a close genetic relationship between cetaceans and ungulates. An approach based on molecular genetics was used in this study to test the morphological hypothesis. Liver samples of two Delphinoidea species were obtained from animals caught in a Peruvian gillnet fishery. 32P‐ or 35S‐labeled single copy nuclear genomes (scn‐DNA) of the two cetacean species were hybridized each with unlabeled total DNA of various cetaceans, ungulates and other mammals including primates, rodents, lagomorphs and carnivores. The Tmedian (Tm) and Tmode of all melting curves, used as a measure of the DNA‐DNA hybrids stability, clearly show a greater sequence similarity — and thus a lower genetic distance — between cetaceans and ungulates than between cetaceans and other mammals.
Partikel-Swerm-Optimering (PSO) toetsbank vir globale wiskundige minimeringsprobleme

’n Partikel-Swerm-Optimering (PSO) toetsbank is ontwikkel om verskillende algoritmes te vergelyk. Die toetsbank stel ons in staat om te bepaal watter tipe algoritmes verskillende probleme die beste oplos. Hierdie referaat sal eerstens wiskundige optimering definieer, kortliks PSO verduidelik, die toetsbankstelsel opsom en laastens na resultate verwys.
Evolutionary ecology of seed dormancy and seed size

The theoretical ideas underpinning the evolution of seed dormancy and seed mass are briefly reviewed. Comparative tests of these theoretical ideas are then presented; all tests use modern comparative methods to allow accurate, meaningful comparisons across species. The comparative analyses of seed dormancy demonstrate that species that average the environment across time, by having long-lived adults or space as a result of clonal growth, typically have less dormant seeds. Amongst species with seeds unspecialized for spatial dispersal, seed mass is not related to dormancy. However, in species with wind- or animal dispersed seeds those with heavy seeds typically have less dormancy. This is consistent with heavy seeds having better establishment success and /or suffering higher levels of herbivory. The relationships between seed mass and plant height, lateral spread and adult longevity are explored using the Sheffield dataset. The complex pattern of relationships between these variables is interpreted in terms of dispersal limitation, escape from competition with clonal ramets and differences in establishment conditions. Some of the problems that are frequently encountered in the interpretation of comparative data are briefly discussed.
Evaluation of Xylene Substitutes For A Paraffin Tissue Processing

AbstractThe toxicity of xylene to human health and the environment warrants its careful control or, ideally, its elimination from the laboratory. Although several xylene substitutes are now available, a comprehensive evaluation of them has yet to be published. This study investigated the use of 7 xylene substitutes of 2 classes, limonenes and alkanes, for paraffin tissue processing. Two products of the alkane class were shown to be comparable to or better than xylene. (The J Histotechnol 17:143, 1994)
Conteúdo de gordura sólida da gordura abdominal de frango, de suas estearinas e de suas misturas binárias com toucinho

Solid fat content is a parameter used to define the most appropriate applications of a fat or fat blends in a specific product. This parameter is normally measured by the nuclear magnetic resonance method, and it is related to the consistency of fat. Dry fractionation of oils and fats is the separation of high melting from low melting triacylglycerols by crystallization from the melt. Apart from blending, this is the most economical process in oil and fat processing. It is a purely physical process compared to other chemical modification processes, such as hydrogenation and interesterification, which modify the triacylglycerols. The interactions that occur among the triacylglycerols in the mixtures change the physical properties of the fat. The objective of the paper was to analyze the interactions that occur in binary mixtures of two animal fats (abdominal chicken fat and bacon fat), regarding their solid fat content at different temperatures. A mathematical model of multiple regression of the quadratic type was applied. The results showed that an eutectic effect and compound formation can be observed.
Analysis of mRNA expression of genes related to synthesis of fatty acids in goose fatty liver

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of overfeeding on mRNA expression levels of genes involved in lipogenesis, in order to understand the mechanism of hepatic steatosis in the goose. Using Landes geese (Anser anser) and Sichuan White geese (Anser cygnoides) as experimental animals, we quantified the mRNA expression of lipogenic genes, acetyl-CoA carboxylase-α (ACCα) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), and of two transcription factors, sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1 (SREBP-1) and carbohydrate responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and measured the lipid and triglyceride (TG) content in the liver and the plasma level of glucose, insulin and TG. Our results indicated that compared to the control group, the overfeeding induced an increase of the lipid and TG content in the liver and also of the plasma insulin and TG concentration in both breeds. However, the plasma glucose level decreased after overfeeding in the Sichuan White goose, and there was no evident change in the Landes goose. Lastly, the mRNA expression of ACCα, FAS, SREBP-1 and ChREBP in the overfed group was lower than in the control group in both breeds. We concluded that the lipogenesis pathway plays a role in overfeeding-induced hepatic steatosis and that the decreased mRNA level of related genes may be the indicator of hepatic steatosis.
On the monoterpene emission under heat stress and on the increased thermotolerance of leaves of Quercus ilex L. fumigated with selected monoterpenes

Leaves of the monoterpene emitter Quercus ilex were exposed to a temperature ramp with 5 °C steps from 30 to 55 °C while maintained under conditions in which endogenous emission of monoterpenes was allowed or suppressed, or under fumigation with selected exogenous monoterpenes. Fumigation with monoterpenes reduced the decline of photosynthesis, photorespiration and monoterpene emission found in non-fumigated leaves exposed to high temperatures. It also substantially increased respiration when photosynthesis and photorespiration were inhibited by low O2 and CO2-free air. These results indicate that, as previously reported for isoprene, monoterpenes may help plants cope with heat stress. Monoterpenes may enhance membrane stability, thus providing a rather non-specific protection of photosynthetic and respiratory processes. Monoterpene emission was maximal at a temperature of 35 °C and was inhibited at higher temperatures. This is likely to be the result of the temperature dependency of the enzymes involved in monoterpene synthesis. In contrast to other monoterpenes, cis- and trans-β-ocimene did not respond to exposure to high temperatures. Cis-β-ocimene also did not respond to low O2 or to fumigation. These results indicate that cis and trans-β-ocimene may have a different pathway of formation that probably does not involve enzymatic synthesis.
SCOUT HULLESS BARLEY

Scout is a high energy, two-rowed, hulless feed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) developed at the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan from the cross Centennial/Fergus//Hulless Betzes. Its main attribute is its hulless nature which makes it a high-energy feedstuff. It is best adapted to the two-rowed barley areas of Saskatchewan and Alberta.Key words: Barley, Hordeum vulgare L. , naked barley, energy
Rice (Oryza sativa) and Corn (Zea mays) Response to Simulated Drift of Glyphosate and Glufosinate1

Field research was conducted during 3 yr to evaluate response of rice and corn to simulated drift rates representing 12.5, 6.3, 3.2, 1.6, and 0.8% of the usage rates of 1,120 g ai/ha glyphosate (140, 70, 35, 18, and 9 g/ha, respectively) and 420 g ai/ha glufosinate (53, 26, 13, and 4 g/ha, respectively). Early-postemergence applications were made to two- to three-leaf rice and six-leaf corn, and late-postemergence applications to rice at panicle differentiation and to corn at nine-leaf stage (1 wk before tasseling). Crop injury was generally greater for the two highest rates of both herbicides when applied early. Little to no reduction in rice or corn height was observed with glufosinate. Glyphosate consistently reduced rice plant height when the two highest rates were applied early, and heading was delayed 2 to 5 d. In 2 of 3 yr, the highest rate of glyphosate reduced rice yield 99 and 67% when applied early and 54 and 29% when applied late. Germination of rice seeds from glyphosate-treated plants was reduced in 1 of 2 yr and for only the highest rate. For glufosinate, rice yield was reduced 30% and in only one year when applied late at the highest rate. Early application of glyphosate reduced corn yield an average of 22 to 78% for the three highest rates, but only for the highest rate at the late timing (33%). Corn yield was reduced an average of 13 and 11% for the highest rate of glufosinate at the early and late timings, respectively. In greenhouse studies, five rice varieties were equally sensitive, as were five corn varieties, to reduced rates of glyphosate and glufosinate. Nomenclature: Glufosinate; glyphosate; corn, Zea mays L. ‘Asgrow 897’, ‘Dekalb 687’, ‘Mycogen 8460’, ‘Pioneer 3223’, ‘Terral 2930’; rice, Oryza sativa L. ‘Bengal’, ‘Cocodrie’, ‘Cypress’, ‘Drew’, ‘Jefferson’. Additional index words: Crop injury, herbicide drift, off-target movement, rice germination, rice vigor. Abbreviations: DAP, days after plating; DAT, days after treatment.
The rapid northward shift of the range margin of a Mediterranean parasitoid insect (Hymenoptera) associated with regional climate warming

Many species are undergoing range shifts to higher latitudes in response to global warming. Whereas several studies of insects have examined causes of variability in the rate of range expansions, few studies have investigated species occupying higher trophic levels, where the effects of climate change are predicted to be particularly strong. Here, we analyse changes in the geographical range of Leptopilina boulardi, a small parasitoid of Drosophila larvae, in relation to temperature changes in the study area.
If medfly infestation triggered a trade ban: Embargo on California produce would cause revenue, job loss

The establishment of the medfly in California would have significant impacts, particulary on the citrus industry. This study investigates the economic impacts that might arise if Asian countries imposed an embargo on California produce. Increased costs of controlling an established medfly, whether or not an embargo were imposed, would range from $493 million to $875 million. The imposition of an embargo would result in additional revenue losses of $564 million. The state economy could lose $1.2 billion in gross state product and more than 14,000 jobs.
Phenology and the life history in culture of Porphyra leucosticta (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) from Britain

Abstract A seasonal study of field-collected individuals of Porphyra leucosticta at Sidmouth, Devon, UK showed that the blade phase was present from April to September 2001. Specimens of P. leucosticta were epiphytic on Fucus serratus, Mastocarpus stellatus, Chondrus crispus and Osmundea pinnatifida, and epizoic on Mytilus edulis, often found growing in layers on the host. Field material was monoecious, with male and female gametangia in separate sori, but intermixed along the margins of thalli. Mean size (wet mass and dry mass, length and width) was lowest in April and greatest in July. All spores released in culture from field-collected material developed into conchocelis, except one individual, which released archeospores that developed into blades. The life history was completed in culture at both 15°C/long days (16:8 h light:dark cycle) and 15°C/short days (8:16 h light:dark cycle). A protothallus developed directly on the vegetative conchocelis filament by divisions of one of the vegetative cells and either detached and dropped to the bottom of the culture dish or remained as part of the conchocelis. The protothallus produced either archeosporangia or male and female gametangia or both. Chromosome numbers of n=3 in male gametangia, 2n=6 in zygotosporangia and 2n=6 in the conchocelis phase suggest that fertilisation had taken place.
A simple model relating yield loss to weed density

SUMMARY A simple model is developed to describe crop yield loss as a function of weed density. The model, a rectangular hyperbola, has two agronomically meaningful parameters which together can be used as indices of competitiveness. Examples are given where the model is fitted to experiments from the literature. Seventeen other models are compared through application to 22 data sets. It was found that for the data available two-parameter yield loss models were generally sufficient. The hyperbolic model gave the best description of data, but this was only marginally better than three other models. This conclusion is discussed with reference to the popular sigmoidal model.
Physical Oceanography of the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia

A descriptive and quantitative analysis of the physical oceanography of the Strait of Georgia has been made.The area has been characterized by extreme seasonal and regional variability of the surface waters. Deep water undergoes only small change. Runoff, principally from the Fraser River, is the major cause of salinity variation. Surface warming by insolation is reflected in high summer surface water temperatures in the Central and Northern Strait.Analysis of the Strait of Georgia has been based on a hypothetical model of a deep, rectangular basin connected to the sea by mixing baffles and a long channel. Fresh water inflow is concentrated near the southern end of the basin. The Strait of Georgia–Juan de Fuca Strait system has basically three water masses: (1) the brackish surface water from runoff in the Strait of Georgia; (2) the deep water of oceanic origin in Juan de Fuca Strait; and (3) a mixture of (1) and (2) which forms at the sills. This mixture contributes to the deep water in the Strait of Geo.