Application of the covariance function approach with an iterative two-stage algorithm to the estimation of parameters of a random regression test day model for dairy production traits.

The covariance function approach with an iterative two-stage algorithm of LIU et al. (2000) was applied to estimate parameters for the Polish Black-and-White dairy population based on a sample of 338 808 test day records for milk, fat, and protein yields. A multiple trait sire model was used to estimate covariances of lactation stages.

The effect of quantity and timing of brine addition on water binding and textural characteristics of cooked beef rolls.

The combined influence of quantity and timing of water/sodium chloride/phosphate addition on quality characteristics of beef rolls processed with 25 or 50% brine level was investigated. Properties of beef rolls were determined by measuring hydration and textural characteristics. The higher level of brine addition (50%) had detrimental effects on product water binding and textural characteristics.

Prevalence of infectious diseases in ring-necked pheasant flocks in Poland.

The health status of ring-necked pheasants in view of the prevalence of infectious diseases was estimated in Polish pheasantries in the years 1997-2000. Anatomicopathological, microbiological and serological examinations were carried out on birds derived from 26 pheasantries, including birds randomly selected from 18 flocks and sick or dead birds sent from 8 pheasantries. Antibodies specific to the following viruses were detected in serum blood samples: HE, AE, AP, REO, AI, Adeno group 1, MD, ND, as well as Mycoplasma gallisepticum specific antibodies.

Changes of pectic substances concentration in potatoes and French fries and the effect of these substances on the texture of the final product.

The texture of fried potato products depends on the building elements present in the cell walls, which play the structure-forming function, as well as on physical and biochemical changes of those elements which take place in the potato tissue, when it is exposed to blanching or frying. For the research the tubers of four potato varieties (Ekra, Orlik, Sumak, and Bryza) were used, which served as material for the production of French fries. In the samples of potato tubers before and after peeling, as well as in French fries blanched in the solutions of 0.

Oxalic acid production from lipids by a mutant of Aspergillus niger at different pH.

Crude rapeseed oil and post-refining fatty acids were used as substrates for oxalic acid production by a mutant of Aspergillus niger. Both the final concentration and the yield of the product were highest at pH 4 to 5. With a medium containing 50 g lipids l(-1), production reached a maximum of 68 g oxalic acid l(-1) after 7 d.

Effect of age on quality of fresh and frozen-thawed semen in White Italian ganders.

Aim: To comparatively evaluate the fresh semen quality of 1, 2 and 3-yr-old White Italian ganders (Anser anser L.) and the susceptibility of spermatozoa to freezing-thawing procedure.

Methods: Semen was collected by dorso-abdominal massage every 2 days~3 days from three groups of ganders: 1-yr-old (n=11), 2-yr-old (n=7) and 3-yr-old (n=9).

Binding and textural properties of beef gels processed with κ-carrageenan, egg albumin and microbial transglutaminase.

The combined influence of κ-carrageenan (κ-CGN, 0.5%) and egg albumin (EA, 2%) on quality characteristics of beef gels processed without or with 0.5% microbial transglutaminase (MTG) was investigated.

Evaluation of fresh and frozen-thawed semen of individual ganders by assessment of spermatozoa motility and morphology.

Individual differences in gander Anser anser L. reaction to semen collection procedure, quality and quantity of fresh semen and its susceptibility to the freezing process are discussed. Semen was collected individually by dorso-abdominal massage, from 1-year old White Koluda ganders (n = 12) every 2-3 days.

The effect of steric constraints on the adsorption of phenyltin onto the dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer.

In this paper, we present studies concerning phenyltin adsorption onto the dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer. Phenyltin compounds are known to be biologically active, and their molecular geometry makes it possible to study the effect of steric constraints on their ability to penetrate the model lipid membrane. Using a fluorescence probe as a reporter of the amount of adsorbed compound, we evaluated their affinity to the membrane as a function of the membrane state.

An effective method for freezing White Italian gander semen.

Efficiency of freezing method, worked out for the White Italian gander semen was evaluated by comparing motility, morphology and fertilizing ability of spermatozoa in fresh and frozen-thawed semen. A part of pooled semen, collected from 25 White Italian ganders by dorso-abdominal massage was used immediately for artificial insemination of 10 geese (the control group) with a dose of 80 microl. This insemination was performed six times at weekly intervals.

Production of lytic enzymes by Trichoderma spp. and their effect on the growth of phytopathogenic fungi.

The production of beta-1,3-glucanases and chitinases by three strains of Trichoderma in submerged cultures was determined. The synthesis of enzymes was induced by cell wall biopolymers of phytopathogenic fungi (Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium culmorum and F. oxysporum).

Application of a mixed inheritance model to the detection of quantitative trait loci in swine.

The primary goal of this study was to investigate statistical properties of a mixed inheritance model for the localization of quantitative trait loci (QTL). This is based on the analysis of phenotypic data for the amount of intramuscular fat (IMF) scored on 305 individuals originating from a cross between Duroc and Norwegian Landrace breeds. Marker genotype information is available for F1 and F2 generations.

Activity of glycogen depolymerizing enzymes in extracts from brain tumor tissue (anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme).

An approximately threefold increase in glycogenolytic activity of the neutral alpha-1,4-glucosidase and a twofold increase in the same activity of the acid isoform have been found in extracts of anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme tumors of brain tissue. "Maltase activity" of the respective enzymes increased by 60-80% in both kinds of tumor extracts. However a significant decrease in a-amylase and almost complete disappearance of phosphorylase activities have also been found in both kinds of tumors.

Protein fingerprinting as a complementary tool for the classification of Pseudomonas bacteria.

A collection of total 42 bacterial strains belonging to the genus Pseudomonas were characterised based on protein fingerprinting using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoregrams of cell-free extracts. Densitometrical analysis revealed unique and distinct profiles characteristic of the studied species. This comparison differentiated the isolates into four main clusters and twelve subclusters.

Identification and biochemical characteristics of yeast microflora of Rokpol cheese.

Yeast microflora on the surface and interior of Rokpol cheese was examined for cheeses produced at three dairies located in Lower Silesia, Poland. Yeast populations on the surface of the cheeses ranged from 10(5)-10(9) cfu/g, but were 10-100 times lower for interior samples. The occurrence and proportions of yeast species varied, depending on the dairy plant and cheese sample.

Effect of fat content and soy protein/carrageenan mix on the quality characteristics of comminuted, scalded sausages.

The effects of soy protein concentrate and κ-carrageenan mix (GELPRO, 3:1 ratio) (ranging from 0 to 3%) and varying levels of collar fat (ranging from 20 to 40%) on comminuted scalded sausage quality characteristics were investigated. Sausage quality was determined by measuring textural, hydration and colour characteristics. GELPRO preparate addition favourably affected WHC and thermal stability of sausages processed regardless of the fat content.

Effect of content of protein, fat and modified starch on binding textural characteristics, and colour of comminuted scalded sausages.

The effects of modified potato starch addition-distarch phosphate (ranging from 3.32 to 5.68%) and varying levels of fat and protein (ranging from 11.

Quantum mechanical and experimental oxidation studies of pentadecylresorcinol, olivetol, orcinol and resorcinol.

Resorcinols (pentadecylresorcinol, olivetol, orcinol and resorcinol) exhibit antioxidant properties in liposomal systems. Antioxidant potency depends on the length of the alkyl chain. Pentadecylresorcinol has been demonstrated to be the most active antioxidant, indicating significance of its alkyl chain in a lipid bilayer.

Interaction between model membranes and a new class of surfactants with antioxidant function.

The effect of two series of amphiphilic quaternary ammonium salts on some properties of phospholipid membranes was studied. The compounds of one series, N-benzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-alkyl ammonium bromides, exert a destructive effect on membranes and are treated as reference compounds. The compounds of the other series, N-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxy)benzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-alkyl ammonium bromides, are derivatives of the former ones, exhibit antioxidant properties, and do only relatively slight damage to the membranes.

Effects of N,N'-bisdimethyl-1,2-ethanediamine dichloride, a double-chain surfactant, on membrane-related functions in human erythrocytes.

The effects of N,N'-bisdimethyl-1,2-ethanediamine dichloride (dioctyldiQAS), a double chain surfactant with two positive charges in the polar head, on the erythrocyte membrane were studied. At sublytic concentrations dioctyldiQAS protected erythrocytes against hypotonic hemolysis, induced the formation of sphero-echinocytes, increased passive fluxes of potassium through the membrane, decreased the activity of the Na(+)-K(+)-pump and decreased the efflux of phosphate. The alterations in membrane-connected functions induced by dioctyldiQAS are qualitatively similar to those induced by its single-chain close analogue decyltrimethylammonium bromide.

Evaluation of functional properties of offal proteins.

Evaluation of functional properties of beef heart and lip tissue proteins was based on the data obtained in the following determinations: protein extractability, fat emulsifying capacity, emulsion stability, gel forming ability, and water holding capacity after heat treatment. Beef skeletal muscles were used as the control. It was found that extractability of proteins of the raw materials was low as well as their ability to stabilize emulsions was on a low level.

Oxidation of 3 beta- and 17 beta-hydroxysteroids by Nocardia rubra cells in heptane-water system.

Oxidation of cholesterol, beta-sitosterol, pregnenolone, androstenolone and 5-androsten-3 beta,17 beta-diol carried out by Nocardia rubra cells in a mixture of heptane-water (25:1 vol.) gave 4-en-3-oxo-steroids with the yield to 100% (cholesterol). Simultaneously oxidation of 17 beta-hydroxy group in androstendiol and in testosterone was observed as well.