Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phytate content is reduced and β‐glucanase activity suppressed in malted barley steeped with lactic acid at high temperature

The effect of different steeping conditions on phytate, β-glucan and vitamin E in barley during malting was studied by a full factorial experiment with three variables (steeping temperature, barley variety and steeping additions). Addition of lactic acid to the steeping water induced a reduction of phytate during steeping and germination, especially in combination with the high steeping temperature (48 °C). Furthermore, lactic acid and high temperature steeping inhibited β-glucanase development, resulting in a well-preserved β-glucan content after germination. When steeping was conducted without addition of lactic acid, the low steeping temperature (15 °C) promoted development of both phytase and β-glucanase activity during germination. A slightly higher level of tocopherols and tocotrienols was observed in samples steeped at 15 °C than in samples steeped at 48 °C. However, addition of lactic acid reduced the amount for both temperatures. When lactic acid bacteria were added to the steeping water none of the parameters studied differed from samples steeped with water only. The results show the possibility of combining phytate degradation with a preserved β-glucan content during malting and can thus be of interest for development of cereal products with improved nutritional value. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
A Model for Tropic Interaction

A nonlinear function general enough to include the effects of feeding saturation and intraspecific consumer interference is used to represent the transfer of material or energy from one trophic level to another. The function agrees with some recent experimental data on feeding rates. A model using this feeding rate function is subjected to equilibrium and stability analyses to ascertain its mathematical implications. The anaylses lead to several observations; for example, increases in maximum feeding rate may, under certain circumstances; result in decreases in consumer population and mutal interference between consumers is a major stabilizing factor in a nonlinear system. The analyses also suggest that realistic classes of consumer—resource models exist which do not obey Kolmogorov's Criteria but are nevertheless globally stable. See full-text article at JSTOR
Skull structure in post-Paleozoic lungfish

ABSTRACT Three dimensional reconstructions of the dermal skulls of Ceratodus sturii, Ptychoceratodus serratus, Asiatoceratodus (Arganodus) atlantis, and Mioceratodus gregoryi are described, and compared with adult skulls of Recent lungfish of the genera Neoceratodus and Protopterus. Inferred patterns of fusion and reduction of the skull bones of Neoceratodus, Mioceratodus, and Protopterus suggest that these form one natural lineage, excluding Ceratodus, Ptychoceratodus, and Asiatoceratodus. The study of skull roofing bones also indicates that Asiatoceratodus atlantis and Ptychoceratodus serratus are related to each other but not close to other Mesozoic and Cenozoic lungfish, and that Ceratodus sturii is a distinct taxon more distantly associated with other derived dipnoans. The dentitions of the different genera provide unifying characters as all are based on initially isolated cusps that fuse in a pattern of radiating ridges to form tooth plates.
Understanding pressures on fishery resources through trade statistics: a pilot study of four products in the Chinese dried seafood market

This study investigates the dried seafood trade, centred in Chinese markets, in order to better understand the pressures its demand exerts on global marine resource stocks. Using Hong Kong, the region's largest entrepot, as a focal point, the trade in shark fins, abalone, beche-de-mer and dried fish is characterized in terms of product history, volume, source fisheries and species composition. Trends identified in the Hong Kong market are interpreted in the context of the larger Chinese market. Shark fin imports grew 6% per year between 1991 and 2000, most likely because of market expansion in Mainland China, posing increasingly greater pressures on global shark resources. In contrast, the quantities of dried abalone traded through Hong Kong remained steady, but inferences based on this trend are discouraged by suggestions of increasing preferences for fresh product forms and growing domestic production in Mainland China. Hong Kong's imports of dried beche-de-mer (sea cucumber) have decreased, while the percentage of imports re-exported has remained steady, suggesting that Hong Kong continues as an entrepot for Mainland China despite declining domestic consumption. Few conclusions can be drawn regarding dried fish products, including whole fish and fish maws, because of a lack of product differentiation in customs data, but a market survey was conducted to provide information on species composition. Comparison of Hong Kong dried seafood trade statistics to those of other key trading partners indicates that, in general, Hong Kong's duty-free status appears to encourage more accurate reporting of traded quantities. Under-reporting biases ranged from 24 to 49% for shark fin and beche-de-mer, respectively. Comparison to United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) databases indicates additional under-reporting for shark fin such that an alternative minimum estimate of world trade is at least twice the FAO estimates in 1998–2000. The results of a survey of Hong Kong traders provide insight into their attitudes toward harvest, economic and regulatory factors, and suggest that conservation efforts are unlikely to emerge from, or be actively supported by, dried seafood trade organizations. The market's apparent sensitivity to economic sentiment, however, reveals an opportunity for consumer education to play a role in shaping future market growth and resource conservation. Recommendations are provided for improving trade statistics and for developing better analytical techniques to complement traditional methods for monitoring the exploitation and management of fisheries resources.
Oblique vegetation banding in the Australian arid zone: implications for theories of pattern evolution and maintenance

Abstract This paper describes strongly developed vegetation bands that are not aligned along the contour. This previously unreported oblique vegetation banding is developed in an arid region of mixed tussock grasses and chenopod shrubs in western New South Wales, Australia. In two of four contour-mapped, 0·5 ha quadrats, the vegetation bands are oriented at angles of 45–70° to the direction of slope. Various soil features indicative of a runoff and runon hydrology, very similar to those classically reported from contour-parallel vegetation banding, suggest that the oblique configurations have been stable for a considerable time. In addition to the unusual band orientation, marked variations in the ratio of intergrove width to grove width were found within the study area, spanning the range 0·21–4·95, and there was generally no correlation between intergrove width and the width of the grove receiving runoff water from it. These findings cast doubt on the supposed close adjustment of intergrove dimensions to grove water requirements. In nearby plots having ordinary contour-parallel vegetation banding, the absence of any upslope motion of the pattern was demonstrated using monuments installed at band margins 6 years previously. These properties do not accord with the predictions of many models of the development of vegetation banding. However, soil changes associated with the runoff–runon system operating within vegetation bands may be involved in stabilizing their configurations. Thus, future investigations into the origin of vegetation banding must distinguish between their form and hydrologic functioning once established, and the fundamental origin of the vegetation pattern, which may be altogether different. In addition, pedologic and other processes which may inhibit free pattern adjustments must be incorporated into models addressing the development of vegetation banding.
Putative diploid ancestors of 80-chromosome Glycine tabacina

The objective of this study was to discover the diploid progenitors of 80-chromosome Glycine tabacina with adventitious roots (WAR) and no adventitious roots (NAR). Three synthetic amphiploids were obtained by somatic chromosome doubling. These were (i) (G. latifolia, 2n = 40, genome B1B1,) × (G. microphylla, 2n = 40, genome BB) = F1(2n = 40, genome BB1) – 0.1% colchicine treatment (CT) – 2n = 80, genome BBB1B1; (ii) (G. canescens, 2n = 40, genome AA) × G. microphylla, 2n = 40, genome BB) = F1 (2n = 40, genome AB) – (CT) – 2n = 80, genome AABB; (iii) (G. latifolia, 2n = 40, B1B1) × G. canescens, 2n = 40, AA) = F1 (2n = 40, genome AB1) – (CT) – 2n = 80, genome AAB1B1. The segmental allotetraploid BBB1B1 was morphologically similar to the 80-chromosome G. tabacina (WAR), but meiotic pairing data in F1 hybrids did not support the complete genomic affinity. Despite normal diploid-like meiosis in allotetraploids AABB and AAB1B1, AABB was completely fertile, while pod set in AAB1B1 was very sparse. Morphologica.
The return rate of adult male Wood Warblers Phylloscopus sibilatrix to a peripheral breeding area

Delamere Forest in Cheshire is on the fringe of the Wood Warbler's breeding range and is over 12 km from other regular breeding sites. During 1981 to 1993 from one to eight males held territory in any year, but no more than one female was found annually and breeding success was poor. All territorial males were ringed, and at least eight out of 29 (28%) returned in a subsequent year, although others moved to breeding sites elsewhere. The return rate is far higher than that recorded in other studies of Wood Warblers, showing that the poor breeding success and peripheral nature of the area does not deter males from returning to the site.
Influence of variety on the within-plant distribution of cassava green spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae), and leaf anatomical characteristics and chemical components in relation to varietal resistance

The within-plant distribution of the cassava green spider mite, Mononychellus tanajoa Bondar, and the anatomical characteristics and the chemical components relating to varietal resistance of cassava, were studied using 11 cassava genotypes with varying levels of resistance for two dry seasons and one wet season. The results show that M. tanajoa aggregates on the top leaves of cassava at low levels of resistance as compared with a more even within-plant distribution at higher levels of resistance. Thus, for accurate sampling of mite populations, it might be important to consider young and old leaves, not just the young leaves, in fields containing resistant and susceptible cassava genotypes. Correlations between the anatomical characteristics and mite population density and damage scores were not consistent across months, either within or over seasons. This suggests that leaf anatomical characteristics may not be important in the varietal resistance of cassava to M. tanajoa. During the dry season, mite population density was positively correlated with leaf nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus and negatively correlated with leaf calcium and fat. Only calcium was negatively associated with mite damage at the peak of the dry season (January 1993 and 1994). Breeding cassava genotypes with high levels of leaf calcium and fat, and low levels of leaf nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, may improve the level of resistance to M. tanajoa.
An exceptional Calluna vulgaris winter die-back event, Abernethy Forest, Scottish Highlands

Background: Calluna vulgaris is a woody shrub forming plant communities of economic and international conservation importance. Following winter 2002–2003, there was exceptional Calluna die-back in the central Scottish Highlands. Aim: To understand the effects and causes of this die-back event at Abernethy Forest Nature Reserve, Cairngorms National Park. Methods: Patterns of weather, foliage moisture and microclimate were interpreted in relation to patterns of Calluna vulgaris die-back. Vegetation development was investigated over 4 years, based on pre-existing monitoring plots. Results: February 2003 included a period of exceptionally low air humidity, during which unusually low Calluna shoot moisture readings were made, particularly in areas that subsequently had severe die-back. In monitored areas, Calluna cover declined by a third, with minimal recovery after three growing seasons. Die-back was more severe where Calluna was longer-stemmed and less abundant, and where topography was flatter or more north-facing. These topographical features, and die-back, were correlated with colder winter microclimates. A doubling in Vaccinium myrtillus cover in forest plots was strongly correlated with the pattern of Calluna die-back. Meteorological data showed an eight-fold increase in the variability of winter humidity minima since 1983–1984. Conclusions: Die-back probably followed severe ‘winter desiccation’, caused by extreme low humidity conditions, combined with low temperatures, lack of snow cover, and Calluna vulnerability due to age. It led to a major vegetation change in the direction of management aims at this site, but contrary to aims at many other Calluna-dominated sites. The importance of climatic variability as a potential driver of major vegetation change is emphasised.
Improved Livelihoods, Genetic Diversity and Farmer Participation: A Strategy for Rice Breeding in Rainfed Areas of India

SUMMARY The present structure of plant breeding and seed multiplication in India is highly centralized. Furthermore, only a small number of new varieties is officially released each year. The system therefore appears inappropriate for the requirements of the large proportion of Indian farmers located in risk-prone and highly diverse environments. An alternative strategy is described whose central feature is close matching of the characteristics of farmers' traditional rice varieties with those of advanced breeders' lines. A selection from these lines is then distributed in small quantities for on-farm trials managed by farmers themselves. If the success of these initial efforts is to be sustained, a more decentralized approach to breeding and multiplication will be necessary.
Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) in the Skeletal Muscle of Pig

Abstract Skeletal muscle growth represents one of the main economic traits in pig production. To gain a better understanding of expressions profile in pig muscle, serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) was performed in Longissimus dorsi of two pigs at 3 and 9 months of age. A total of 53,120 long tags were obtained and sequenced from the four muscle SAGE libraries, representing 17,902 different tags, or putative transcripts, 0.64% (+0.09) of which had a relative expression level higher than 1‰. Overall, a total of 218 tags were highly expressed and 31 had a frequency higher than 3‰. Functional characterisation of the expression profiles was performed using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes metabolic maps and 139 pathways were identified for swine skeletal muscle. Focal adhesion, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase signalling, oxidative phosphorylation, ribosomal proteins, regulation of actin cytoskeleton and insulin signalling pathways showed an abundance of genes greater than 1.5% of all the expressed transcripts. A comparison with human SAGE library indicated no statistical differences for the frequency of genes involved in these metabolic pathways.
The removal of capped drone brood: an effective means of reducing the infestation of varroa in honey bee colonies

Some acaricides used as alternative controls against Varroa destructor, for example formic acid or essential oils, are not always sufficiently effective. We propose as complimentary measures the removal of drone brood or the division of young colonies in spring. These interventions serve to retard the development of varroa populations, and thus reduce the pressure of infestation. They have the advantage of being able to be carried out at the height of the beekeeping season when recourse to chemotherapy would present serious risks of contamination of the honey harvest.
The disturbing history of intermediate disturbance

P 0 Opinion is intended to facilitate communication between reader and author and reader and I I reader. Comments, viewpoints or suggestions arising from published papers are welcome. N Discussion and debate about important issues in ecology, e.g. theory or terminology, may I I also be included. Contributions should be as precise as possible and references should be P 0 kept to a minimum. A summary is not required. O N
CD8 Raft Localization Is Induced by Its Assembly into CD8αβ Heterodimers, Not CD8αα Homodimers*

The coreceptor CD8 is expressed as a CD8αβ heterodimer on major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted TCRαβ T cells, and as a CD8αα homodimer on subsets of memory T cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. Although the role of CD8αα is not well understood, it is increasingly clear that this protein is not a functional homologue of CD8αβ. On major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted T cells, CD8αβ is a more efficient TCR coreceptor than CD8αα. This property has for the mouse protein been attributed to the recruitment of CD8αβ into lipid rafts, which is dependent on CD8β palmitoylation. Here, these divergent distributions of CD8αβ and CD8αα are demonstrated for the human CD8 proteins as well. However, although palmitoylation of both CD8α and CD8β chains was detected, this modification did not contribute to raft localization. In contrast, arginines in the cytoplasmic domain are crucial for raft localization of CD8ββ. Most strikingly, the assembly of a non-raft localized CD8β chain with a non-raft localized CD8α chain resulted in raft-localized CD8αβ heterodimers. Using chimeric CD8 proteins, this property of the heterodimer was found to be determined by the assembly of CD8α and CD8β extracellular regions. The presence of two CD8α extracellular regions, on the other hand, appears to preclude raft localization. Thus, heterodimer formation and raft association are intimately linked for CD8αβ. These results emphasize that lipid raft localization is a key feature of human CD8αβ that clearly distinguishes it from CD8αα.
Suppression of clubroot disease under neutral pH caused by inhibition of spore germination of Plasmodiophora brassicae in the rhizosphere

To elucidate the mechanism of clubroot suppression under neutral soil pH, a highly reproducible germination assay system under soil culture conditions was designed based on the hypothesis that germinated spores of Plasmodiophora brassicae could be identified by the absence of a nucleus (i.e. having released a zoospore to infect a root hair of the host plant). Brassica rapa var. perviridis seedlings were inoculated with a spore suspension of P. brassicae at a rate of 2·0 × 106 spores g−1 soil and grown in a growth chamber for 7 days. The spores were recovered from rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils and stained with both Fluorescent Brightener 28 (cell-wall-specific) and SYTO 82 orange fluorescent nucleic-acid stain (nucleus-specific stain). Total numbers of spores were counted under UV-excitation, and spores with a nucleus that fluoresced orange under G-excitation were counted. The significant increase in the percentage of spores without a nucleus (germinated spores) in the rhizosphere after 7 days’ cultivation and the correlation with root-hair infections validated the assay system. Applications of calcium-rich compost or calcium carbonate to neutralize the soil significantly reduced the percentage of germinated spores in the rhizosphere, as well as the number of root-hair infections. The present study provides direct evidence that the inhibition of spore germination is the primary cause of disease suppression under neutral soil pH.
Effect of Soil pH and Previous Atrazine Use History on Atrazine Degradation in a Tennessee Field Soil

Abstract Field studies examined the interaction of soil pH with differing levels of atrazine exposure over 4 yr. Soil pH was 5.2 to 7.1 with atrazine exposures ranging from none (0) to eight applications over a 4-yr period (for each year, one application at planting and one early postemergence). The entire plot area was uniformly managed to reduce potential confounding effects due to cropping history, tillage, and other factors. Soil from all plots previously treated with atrazine displayed rapid atrazine dissipation, with half-lives under laboratory conditions being less than 4 d in plots of pH 5.5 or greater and less than 8 d in the field. Soil pH had a marked effect, with slower atrazine dissipation in those plots that had a pH 5.5 or less. This effect of pH and previous atrazine history was consistent in laboratory and field environments. Implications of these findings include probable reduction in weed control due to more rapid atrazine dissipation and potentially reduced loadings into surface water due to this phenomenon. Nomenclature: Atrazine.
PROBLEMS CONCERNING “NONCULTIVABLE” MYCOPLASMA CONTAMINANTS IN TISSUE CULTURES

The inadvertent contamination of cell cultures by a variety of agents-bacteria, fungi, bacteriophages, viruses, and mycoplasmas-has long plagued the cell biologist. ’,* Contamination of cultures with mycoplasmas is a particularly difficult problem because many of these agents exert no obvious effect on the appearance of the culture and hence go undetected unless the investigator makes a special effort to look for them. Indeed, experience has taught many that good cell husbandry can be effective in the elimination of these ubiquitous pests.3 Propagation of cell cultures in the absence of antibiotics, good handling techniques, and frequent monitoring are three of the major practices that can be used to eliminate contamination. Even under these conditions, however, one occasionally encounters mycoplasma contaminants that cannot be readily isolated by conventional techniques.4~5 The characterization and subsequent isolation of one such contaminant constitutes the subject of this report.
Influence of Temperature and Photoperiod on Guanine and Hypoxanthine Levels in Skin and Scales of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) during Parr–Smolt Transformation

The influences of temperature and photoperiod on the purine (guanine, hypoxanthine) levels in skin and scale silvery layers of Atlantic salmon at parr–smolt transformation were assessed by holding 2-year-old parr from December to June under four controlled temperature and photoperiod regimes: NLNT, 8LNT, NL3T, and 8L3T (where NL = naturally lengthening daily photoperiod; 8L = 8-hr daily photoperiod; NT = temperature held at 3 ± 1 C until mid-March and then rising to 14 C in June; 3T = temperature maintained at 3 ± 1 C throughout). From December through to March, levels of both purines increased under all four regimes. From April through to June purine levels continued to increase but were greater under NT than 8T regimes, showing that temperature influences purine deposition. Photoperiod changes did not modify purine levels appreciably. Other factors presumably influence silvering since under 8L3T (sustained "winter" conditions) purine levels more than doubled between December and June. The guanine/hypoxan.