Capsule Colour Research Articles

Comprehensive Evaluation and Selection of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) Germplasm Using Morphological Traits.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) plays a crucial role in Guatemala's agriculture, supporting local families and covering 169,429.29 ha (making it the world's leading producer). Since its introduction to Guatemala in 1910, limited research has focused on unraveling the diversity and defining morphological traits critical for selecting excellent accessions. In this study, we examined 17 morphological traits across 288 accessions to identify key features associated with the germplasm. The comprehensive analysis employed principal component analysis, a morphological composite value (F-value), linear regression, and hierarchical clustering. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index ranged from 0.10 to 2.02, indicating the variation in diversity among traits. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering revealed six distinct germplasm groups. The comprehensive analysis facilitated the selection of 14 excellent accessions, and the regression equation incorporating criteria such as plant height, capsule color, panicle number per plant, panicle length, rhizome color, cluster number per panicle, cluster node length, and capsule number per cluster to identify cardamom germplasm. To develop a conservation strategy for the two putative foreign varieties ('Malabar' and 'Mysore'/'Vazhukka') introduced in Guatemala based on plant height, another 12 accessions were selected with a second comprehensive evaluation. This information offers insights into cardamom diversity for informed selection enhancing national utilization, productivity, and conservation.

Seed Morphology of Three Neotropical Orchid Species of the Lycaste Genus

Neotropical orchids are vulnerable to extinction due to overharvesting, habitat destruction and climate change. However, a basic understanding of orchid seed biology to support conservation efforts is still lacking for most species. Seed morphology is linked to plant adaptation and evolution, influencing seed dispersal, dormancy, longevity, and germination, which are valuable traits for conservation. In this study, we characterized and compared the morphological traits of seed capsules (size, shape, and colour) and seeds (seed and embryo shape and size and internal airspace volume) for three epiphytic Neotropical orchid species of the genus Lycaste native to Guatemala: L. cochleata, L. lasioglossa, and L. virginalis. The three species show qualitative similarities in seed capsule colour and appearance and in seed morphology (i.e., scobiform oval-shaped seeds and prolate-spheroid embryos). All species have small-sized seeds (length of L. cochleata: 210 µm, L. lasioglossa: 230 µm, and L. virginalis: 260 µm), with proportionally large embryos (length of L. cochleata: 140 µm, L. lasioglossa: 120 µm, and L. virginalis: 150 µm) and an internal air-space volume that occupies less than half of the seed (L. cochleata: 17%, L. lasioglossa: 42%, and L. virginalis: 30%). This finding is consistent with previous reports for other epiphytic orchid species, which typically have lower air volumes than terrestrial orchids. These differences are likely a result of evolutionary changes associated with different habits and may influence seed dispersal. We also found some significant differences in seed morphology between the studied species, but their taxonomic, biological, and ecological relevance remain to be elucidated. More comparative studies, including on other Lycaste species with different habits, are needed to explore relationships between seed morphology, taxonomy, biology, and ecology in this genus to support its conservation.

Macroscopic aspects of glenohumeral synovitis are related to rotator cuff tear severity.

The microscopic pattern of inflammatory mediators associated with rotator cuff pathology is well documented; however, little is known regarding the contemporary presence of macroscopic inflammatory joint involvement. Our aim was to investigate shoulder synovitis in a large group of patients with different sized rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and to correlate the degree of macroscopic inflammatory changes of the glenohumeral joint with RCT severity. A total of 296 consecutive patients (169 F, 127 M; mean age ± standard deviation: 60.75 ± 7.91) submitted to arthroscopic RCT repair were enrolled. RCT was classified intraoperatively. Glenohumeral synovitis was investigated according to 4 parameters (Davis classification 2017: capsule color, villous projections, capillaries, and axillary recess). A total score was calculated, and a 3-grade severity scale was introduced. Statistics was performed. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) results show good to excellent reliability: capsule color (ICC: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89-0.99), villous projections (ICC: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85-0.95), capillaries (ICC: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.86-0.95), and axillary recess (ICC: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.80-0.89).The synovitis total score was found to be 1.47 ± 1.16, 2.86 ± 1.84, and 3.99 ± 1.64 in patients with type I, II, and III RCTs, respectively. A significant difference was found between groups (P < .001). The prevalence of all the examined parameters was found to be significantly different between the different sized RCT groups (capsule color: P < .001; villous projections: P < .001; capillaries: P < .001; and axillary recess: P < .001). According to a 3-grade severity scale, the prevalence of absent, mild, and severe glenohumeral synovitis significantly differed between the RCT severity groups (P < .001). The present study demonstrated that synovitis is a constant finding of rotator cuff pathology; it is present in 75% of patients with RCTs and correlates with tear severity. Whether synovitis is the cause or effect of RCT is still questionable. Further studies are also needed to better understand its role as a pain generator, as documented in other diseases.

캡슐 커피 패키지 색깔이 커피 맛의 예측과 평가에 미치는 영향

초록 · 키워드 목차 오류제보하기 Objective: This study was performed to examine the function of the coffee capsule colors by extending a previous study. It"s already known that the packaging color of food products affects consumers" flavor expectations and evaluations.Background: Integration of cues from multiple human senses is required to percept the food flavor. The color of the capsule coffee package is a significant factor having an effect on the consumers" flavor expectation and purchase. The coffee capsule package design color has not been studied enough.Method: The flavor attributes such as aroma, sweetness, acidity, intensity, and overall flavor of six capsule coffees were expected in the pre-test and evaluated in the post-test. The participants assessed the coffee flavor on the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) numbered between 0 and 10.Results: The participants expected a tasty flavor when the package hue was brownish similar to the roasted coffee bean color. The lower brightness of the capsule color let the participants expect the sweetness and strength of coffee flavor are lower and higher respectively. In other words, the brighter-colored package design makes the coffee flavor sweeter and weaker.Conclusion: Consumers might inspect the package design before purchasing and picking a preferred coffee. The color of the capsule only differentiates the capsule coffee appearance. The packaging color affects the consumers" expectations and evaluations for the coffee flavor. The coffee makers could conduct a simple focus group test when selecting a proper coffee capsule color offering suitable information about the coffee flavor to the customers.Application: The coffee makers can apply the results of the study to select wellmatching packaging colors for the capsule coffees. #Capsule coffee #Sensory test #Coffee flavor #Package design 1. Introduction2. Method3. Results4. ConclusionReferences

캡슐커피 포장 색깔이 소비자들이 기대하는 커피 맛에 미치는 영향

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate customers’ expecting capsule coffee flavor which is subjectively perceived by the packaging color.<BR>Background: The perception of taste is subjective multisensory. It is known the physical properties of a drink container influence customers’ perception and the package design affects customers’ consumption. Especially packaging color is significantly important for capsule coffee because the color is the main method to deliver information about the product.<BR>Method: 49 colors were selected after examining the colors of capsule coffees and the Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel. The participants imagined the taste of capsule coffee from the presented colors and chose 5 colors for each coffee taste attribute such as aroma, strength, body, and overall flavor online.<BR>Results: The participants expected brownish colored capsule coffee would have good aroma and taste, strong strength, and body. Green, blue, pink, purple, and gray colors were presumed to show bad aroma and taste. The dark-colored capsule was expected to be proper for the capsule coffee with strong strength and body and saturated colored capsules were believed good for weak strength and body coffee. Coffee aroma and overall taste were similarly evaluated and body and strength were also assessed correspondingly.<BR>Conclusion: Coffee is a necessary beverage for modern people, and its market size is steadily increasing. Packaging color is a significant marketing element for the capsule coffee. Customers would expect the corresponding coffee aroma, strength, body, and flavor from the coffee capsule color when proper packaging color is used for the capsule coffee.<BR>Application: Coffee makers can apply the results of study to select appropriate packaging color for the capsule coffee.

Integrating Multiple-capsule Traits Quantitative Evaluation of Seed Maturity by 3D Phenotypic Platform in Nicotiana tabacum

Many methods have been proposed for the identification of seed maturity, and almost all of them need to be performed after seed harvest. In this study, a real-time quantitative method that can be performed during seed development was used by integrating multiple-capsule traits using a high-throughput screening (HTS) technique. Capsule color, shape, and density parameters can reflect seed development and maturity. During seed development, we observed a fast decrease in color parameters (R, G, and B) and water content, as well as an increase in temperature sensitivity; an initial rise followed by decline in shape parameters [length, width, minimum circumscribed circle (MCC) diameter, area] was also observed; as well as irregular differentiation of density parameters of the capsules. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between seed maturity and capsule color, as well as its shape parameters (Table 1). In sum, our data demonstrate that that three-dimensional (3D) phenotypic platform can be used to differentiate seed maturity by quantitative evaluating multiple-capsule traits, which is a quantitative method for determining the maturity of seed while still growing in the fruit of the mother plant.

Classifying glenohumeral synovitis: a novel intraoperative scoring system

Synovitis of the shoulder is a common entity that is poorly described. This study aims to create a simple and reliable classification system for glenohumeral synovitis, which would benefit further research related to synovitis and outcomes. Twenty 30-second shoulder arthroscopy videos were distributed to 19 fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons. The observers responded with their years in practice, fellowship type, whether synovitis affects outcomes, and whether synovitis affects plans. The surgeons then rated the videos based on the following: color of capsule (pale, pink, or red); villous projections (none, few, or extensive); capillaries in capsule (scattered or hypertrophied); and axillary recess (normal or contracted). Scores ranging from 0 to 6 were assigned. The videos were randomized and redistributed at a later date. Statistical analysis used an intraclass correlation coefficient with a mixed-effects model to calculate variability based on observer. Nineteen observers completing the survey twice resulted in 760 videos being scored. There were 12 shoulder surgeons and 7 sports surgeons. Only 4 surgeons believed that synovitis did not affect outcomes, and the remaining 15 believed that it did. The intraclass correlation coefficient showed that 68% of the variation in measured scores was due to variation among patients and only 4% was due to variation among observers. There was no significant variation seen in scores due to surgeon experience, surgeon specialty, or first and second viewing. This interclass observer reliability shoulder synovitis study defined a system with excellent reliability among a range of surgeons with diverse training and experience. In addition, there was excellent reliability for the same surgeon between viewings.

The Colorful Phenology of Five Common Terricolous Mosses in London, England

Other than general statements about ‘fruiting’ seasons, published floras provide little or no instructive information on moss phenology. Moreover, detailed primary data on reproductive cycles are limited to a very few mosses and remain unknown for the majority of the commonest species. Thus we recorded, over a three year period, the reproductive stages of five very common mosses (Bryum capillare, B. radiculosum, Grimmia pulvinata, Schistidium crassipilum and Tortula muralis) growing on walls in London, England, relying throughout on freshly observed materials rather than dried specimens used in most previous studies. In addition to all the stages visible to the naked eye, which we photographed at regular intervals, specimens were examined microscopically for the presence of viable gametangia, young embryos and the condition of the stomata. Each species had its own distinct phenology and an unique sequence of capsule colour changes. In the two Bryum species, gametangium ontogeny, followed by fertilization, takes place in the spring but the embryos remain dormant until the autumn whereas these stages are autumnal in Grimmia pulvinata, Schistidium crassipilum and Tortula muralis with sporophyte development following immediately. Most stages in sporophyte ontogeny occur over the winter months. The time from embryo formation to spore release ranges from over fifteen months in the two Bryum species down to eight months in Schistidium. In all but this last species there is a delay of up to several months between sporophyte maturation and spore release. In Bryum, hygroscopic movements of the annular cells following heavy rain eventually leads to lid shedding. Over the three years of this study the reproductive cycles were generally the same except that damp weather in the autumn promoted capsule expansion in Grimmia and Schistidium and warm dry weather in the spring hastened capsule maturation in Bryum. Whatever the weather conditions, the stomata of the two Bryum species, Grimmia and Tortula were always open suggesting a primary role in capsule desiccation leading to spore discharge rather than the regulation of gaseous exchange.

Integrated Taxonomy and DNA Barcoding of Alpine Midges (Diptera: Chironomidae).

Rapid and efficient DNA-based tools are recommended for the evaluation of the insect biodiversity of high-altitude streams. In the present study, focused principally on larvae of the genus Diamesa Meigen 1835 (Diptera: Chironomidae), the congruence between morphological/molecular delimitation of species as well as performances in taxonomic assignments were evaluated. A fragment of the mitochondrial cox1 gene was obtained from 112 larvae, pupae and adults (Diamesinae, Orthocladiinae and Tanypodinae) that were collected in different mountain regions of the Alps and Apennines. On the basis of morphological characters 102 specimens were attributed to 16 species, and the remaining ten specimens were identified to the genus level. Molecular species delimitation was performed using: i) distance-based Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD), with no a priori assumptions on species identification; and ii) coalescent tree-based approaches as the Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent model, its Bayesian implementation and Bayesian Poisson Tree Processes. The ABGD analysis, estimating an optimal intra/interspecific nucleotide distance threshold of 0.7%-1.4%, identified 23 putative species; the tree-based approaches, identified between 25–26 entities, provided nearly identical results. All species belonging to zernyi, steinboecki, latitarsis, bertrami, dampfi and incallida groups, as well as outgroup species, are recovered as separate entities, perfectly matching the identified morphospecies. In contrast, within the cinerella group, cases of discrepancy arose: i) the two morphologically separate species D. cinerella and D. tonsa are neither monophyletic nor diagnosable exhibiting low values of between-taxa nucleotide mean divergence (0.94%); ii) few cases of larvae morphological misidentification were observed. Head capsule color is confirmed to be a valid character able to discriminate larvae of D. zernyi, D. tonsa and D. cinerella, but it is here better defined as a color gradient between the setae submenti and genal setae. DNA barcodes performances were high: average accuracy was ~89% and precision of ~99%. On the basis of the present data, we can thus conclude that molecular identification represents a promising tool that could be effectively adopted in evaluating biodiversity of high-altitude streams.

A key to larvae of Diamesa Meigen, 1835 (Diptera, Chironomidae), well known as adult males and pupae from Alps (Europe)

A key to species belonging to the genus &lt;em&gt;Diamesa&lt;/em&gt; Meigen, 1835 (Diptera, Chironomidae) well known as adult males and pupal exuviae from European Alps, is presented; the characters useful in species identification are pictured. The key considers both qualitative and quantitative characters. Thirteen morpho-species are distinguished, probably more species have a very similar larva and can be separated only in the adult or pupal stage. The most discriminant quantitative characters are the length and thickness of anal setae, among qualitative characters the most discriminant ones are the head capsule colour and the split of setae anteriores of labrum. The shape of mental and mandibular teeth are good taxonomic characters, but can be rarely used because teeth are often worn out in samples collected in the field. Quantitative characters show variability within each species, differing according to the sampled site and season, and must be used with caution. The following species groups can be easily separated in the larval stage: i) &lt;em&gt;dampfi&lt;/em&gt;, including &lt;em&gt;D. dampfi&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;D. permacra&lt;/em&gt;; ii) &lt;em&gt;latitarsis&lt;/em&gt; including &lt;em&gt;D. modesta&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;D. latitarsis&lt;/em&gt;; iii) &lt;em&gt;zernyi&lt;/em&gt; including &lt;em&gt;D. zernyi&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;D. vaillanti&lt;/em&gt;. &lt;em&gt;D. starmachi&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;D. steinboecki&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;D. goetghebueri&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;D. bertrami&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;D. aberrata&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;D. incallida&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;D. cinerella&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;D. tonsa&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;D. insignipes&lt;/em&gt; can be separated from all the other known species in larval stage, but some of them, &lt;em&gt;D. cinerella&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;D. insignipes&lt;/em&gt; for example, have a very similar larva, so are better separated on the basis of their distribution and collection of adults and pupae are strongly recommended to support identifications. A new character bound to head capsule colour is proposed to separate &lt;em&gt;D. insignipes&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;D. cinerella&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;D. tonsa&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;D. zernyi.&lt;/em&gt;

Capsule colour quantification-based evaluation of seed dryness and vigour during natural and artificial drying in Nicotiana tabacum

Capsule colour quantification-based evaluation of seed dryness and vigour during natural and artificial drying in Nicotiana tabacum

A key to larvae of species belonging to the genus Diamesa from Alps and Apennines (Italy)

A key to species belonging to the genus Diamesa Meigen, 1835 (Diptera, Chironomidae) from the Alps and Apennines (Italy) is presented using characters observable in the fourth-instar larva. The larvae are separated on the basis of qualitative and quantitative characters. At present fifteen species from the Italian Alps are described in all three life stages, but only twelve species groups can be separated as larvae. The separation is based on the length and thickness of anal setae, antennal ratio, head capsule color and few other characters of the labrum and mentum. The shape of mental and mandibular teeth is still a valid taxonomic character, but unfortunately these characters can be rarely used because teeth are often excessively worn in samples collected in the field. Quantitative characters show variability within each species, differing according to the duration of larval development and must be used with caution. The species groups which can be separated in the larval stage are: the dampfi group, which includes D. dampfi and D. permacra, the latitarsis group including D. modesta and D. latitarsis, the zernyi group including D. zernyi and D. vaillanti. The species within each of these groups at present cannot be separated. D. starmachi, D. steinboecki, D. goetghebueri, D. bertrami, D. aberrata, D. incallida, D. cinerella, D. tonsa and D. insignipes can be separated from all the other known species in larval stage.

Life History Traits and Rearing Techniques for Fall Webworms (Hyphantria cuneaDrury) in Colorado

The fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea Drury) is a moth species native to North America and an invasive pest in Europe and Asia. Hyphantria cunea larvae are noted generalists, and have been recorded feeding on dozens of plant families worldwide. There appear to be at least two forms of H. cunea that are distinguished by the larval head capsule color: black or red. Most previous accounts of H. cunea in the literature focus on the black-headed form. The three goals of the research we present here are to 1) detail successful rearing techniques for the red-headed form of H. cunea, 2) describe life history traits of red-headed H. cunea in Colorado and 3) test whether female pupal mass predicts potential fecundity for H. cunea as well as other lepidopteran species. Our data are compiled from two years of rearing experiments in the lab. In addition, we compare measures of life history traits from our research with those of other collections of H. cunea from Asia, Europe, Canada, and other regions of the United States to enable a better comparison between the black-headed and red-headed forms of H. cunea.

Development of extrusion-based legume protein isolate–alginate capsules for the protection and delivery of the acid sensitive probiotic, Bifidobacterium adolescentis

Entrapment of an acid-sensitive probiotic, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, within capsules comprised of biopolymer mixtures of chickpea, faba, lentil or pea protein isolates with alginate (AL) was developed and produced employing extrusion technology. Capsule size, colour and microstructure were assessed, along with the survival and release of B. adolescentis cells within synthetic stomach juice (SSJ) and synthetic intestinal fluid (SIF). Survival of free and entrapped B. adolescentis was also assessed in commercial yogurt products over time. Capsules were produced by extruding the biopolymer-probiotic solution through a needle into a calcium chloride cross-linking bath. Capsule size was initially examined as a function of needle gauge (16, 18, 19, 23 and 27G) yielding mean diameters ranging from 2.79 (16G) to 1.23mm (27G). All subsequent capsule designs were based on extrusion through an 18G needle (mean diameter of 2.23mm). Capsule colour and microstructure (internal and external) varied amongst the four different protein–AL formulations. All capsule designs showed improved probiotic survival relative to free cells within SSJ, where entrapped cells (~8.5logCFU/g of capsules) experienced an average 2.25log10CFU/mL reduction in viable cell number after 2h, as opposed to free cells which did not survive (<1.0log10CFU/mL) beyond 1h of SSJ exposure. All capsule designs showed an initial burst-release of ~5.2log10CFU/mL immediately after SIF exposure, followed by a more gradual cell release, releasing 6.2log10CFU/mL after 2h. Shelf life studies using yogurt (plain) as a model product over a 30d incubation period at 4°C demonstrated that entrapped cells underwent a ~3.0log10CFU/mL reduction in viable cell number for all capsule designs, relative to free cells which experienced a reduction of ~8.0log10CFU/mL within the first 7d. These results show that legume protein–AL capsules demonstrate promise for the encapsulation, protection and release of probiotics such as B. adolescentis as a supplement and/or food ingredient.

Geographical Patterns of Sesame Accessions Grown Under Mediterranean Environmental Conditions, and Establishment of a Core Collection

ABSTRACTThe exploitation of exotic germplasm resources in breeding programs is necessary to enhance the diversity of cultivars. The diversity and relationships in a worldwide collection of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) germplasm were determined in this study. A total of 345 accessions were assessed in relation to 12 qualitative and nine quantitative traits during two growing seasons. The accessions were grouped on the basis of their geographical patterns and morphological and agronomic characteristics. Specific accessions having high seed yield and number of branches and capsules, early maturity, yellow and brown seed color, purple stem and capsule color, hairiness, nonshattering capsules, and determinate growth habit were identified. Multivariate analysis revealed that genetic variation in the entire collection was mainly evident in days to maturity, stem length to the first capsule, plant height, and number of branches. Cluster analysis showed that the germplasm collection was representative of the geographical distribution of sesame. A core collection was developed, providing an indispensable resource for DNA and fatty acid composition studies based on analyses of fewer accessions than the entire collection. Comparison of the core and entire collections based on the qualitative and quantitative descriptors indicated that the core collection was optimal and appropriately represented the entire collection.

Simulium (Psilopelmia) virescens, a new black-fly species (Diptera: Simuliidae) from the southwestern region of the state of Bahia, Brazil

The last-instar larva, pupa, male and female of Simulium virescens sp. nov. are described and illustrated. This species has a peculiar larva, which has an elongated head capsule and light-green colour. The first thoracic segment has tubercle on its dorsal region and the third thoracic segment has one pair of tubercles; the first to the fourth abdominal segments have one pair of tubercles on each segment. Until now this new species had only been collected at the type locality, which is on the middle stretch of the Correntina River in the southwestern portion of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Females were voraciously biting humans during the field work. This new species represents the second species of Simulium (Psilopelmia) in Brazil and the first registered outside of the Brazilian Amazon Region.

Simple transmission Raman measurements using a single multivariate model for analysis of pharmaceutical samples contained in capsules of different colors

Direct transmission Raman measurements for analysis of pharmaceuticals in capsules are advantageous since they can be used to determine active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) concentrations in a non-destructive manner and with much less fluorescence background interference from the capsules themselves compared to conventional back-scattering measurements. If a single calibration model such as developed from spectra simply collected in glass vials could be used to determine API concentrations of samples contained in capsules of different colors rather than constructing individual models for each capsule color, the utility of transmission measurements would be further enhanced. To evaluate the feasibility, transmission Raman spectra of binary mixtures of ambroxol and lactose were collected in a glass vial and a partial least squares (PLS) model for the determination of ambroxol concentration was developed. Then, the model was directly applied to determine ambroxol concentrations of samples contained in capsules of 4 different colors (blue, green, white and yellow). Although the prediction performance was slightly degraded when the samples were placed in blue or green capsules, due to the presence of weak fluorescence, accurate determination of ambroxol was generally achieved in all cases. The prediction accuracy was also investigated when the thickness of the capsule was varied.

Effect of masking organoleptic properties of fat on diet self-selection by the sparid Diplodus puntazzo

Fish are able to select a balanced diet according to their nutritional needs by choosing among incomplete feeds or even pure macronutrients. However, the relevance of both the organoleptic properties of diet and the postingestive signals that they produce remains unclear. Thus, sharpsnout seabream were allowed to select between diets containing different edible oils with their organoleptic properties masked by using gelatine capsules. Fish were fed capsules of two different colours so that they could associate the capsule colour with its corresponding postingestive effect. The longitudinal experiment included a first phase during which the fish were adapted to consuming the gelatine capsules. In a second phase, the fish were challenged with two different encapsulated diets: one comprising a complete diet containing fish oil and the other a fat-free diet. Sharpsnout seabream showed a preference for the fish oil capsules (3.8 ± 1.1 g kg−1 body weight (BW), 66.8% of total intake) over the fat-free capsules, showing that they were able to associate the colour of the capsule with their nutritional content through postingestive signals. After that, the fish were challenged to select between the capsules containing the fish oil diet and capsules containing a vegetable oil (linseed or soybean), in which case they showed no preference between diets (2.4 ± 0.3: 2.1 ± 0.5 g kg−1 BW of fish oil versus linseed oil capsules and 2.2 ± 0.2: 1.8 ± 0.6 g kg−1 BW of fish oil versus soybean oil capsules), indicating that the fatty acid composition of the different oils was not sufficient to affect dietary selection through postingestive signals. So, in conclusion, when orosensorial information from food is absent, the fish are able to select between diets at a macronutrient level by using postingestive information. However, this information is not sufficient for distinguishing between diets that differ in the type of oil used.

Macronutrient selection in Nile tilapia fed gelatin capsules and challenged with protein dilution/restriction

Most animals, including fish, are known to possess "nutritional wisdom" which allows them to choose among different incomplete diets to self-compose a nutritionally balanced diet. The purpose of this research was to investigate dietary selection and the capacity of fish to associate between colour code of encapsulated diets and capsule contents. In addition, fish were subjected to different challenges (changing the relative position of capsules and their content, and protein dilution/restriction) to test whether tilapia defended a given intake target of macronutrients and energy. To help fish discriminate between diets, different relationships between capsule colour and content were used. The results revealed a clear pattern of selection: 45.4% P, 32.2% C, and 22.4% L. After diluting or restricting the protein, fish increased their intake of protein capsules to compensate for the dilution or restriction in such a way that their energy intake remained around 170 kJ/kg BW. These results confirm that tilapia, an omnivorous fish model, can select from individual macronutrients to self-compose a balanced diet, and are also able to regulate energy intake after protein dilution and selective protein deprivation. Besides, dietary selection and food intake regulation is not based on the oral properties of the diets because fish were fed tasteless gelatin capsules, suggesting that fish can associate the colour of the capsules with its nutritional effect.

Constructing and Phenotypic Analyzing an Activation-Tagging &lt;I&gt;Arabidopsis&lt;/I&gt; Mutant Pool

Activation tagging method is an effective tool of obtaining gain-of-function mutant and investigating the gene function,which plays an important role in plant functional genomics study. In this paper,we used Arabidopsis Columbia wild type as material to construct an activation tagging mutant pool by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation,the binary vector pCB260 contained two Ds elements,one GFP report gene and one basta resistance selection genes,which show more convenient and efficient to screen the transgenic plant. Until now,over ten thousand transformed plants were generated. Among them,about 50 dominant mutants with obvious phenotypes were isolated,including early or late flowering time,unmoral leaf shape and flower,sterility and thin seed capsule color. T-DNA flanking sequences of ten special mutants were validated by TAIL-PCR and sequencing,whose T-DNA insertion fragments distributed in all five chromosomes of Arabidopsis genome,respectively.