Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors involved in masspropagation of ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) using bioreactor system

We investigated suitability of media and the types and concentrations of growth regulators necessary for establishing bioreactor cultures of mountain-grown ginseng. Effects of cytokinin and auxin on root growth differed with culture and accession. Low levels of cytokinin and high levels of auxin proved to be superior root-growth regulators. SH (Sheck & Hildebrant) culture medium produced better growth than blends of MS (Murashige & Skoog) and WPM (Wood plant medium) media. The best suspension culture for induction of roots was SH medium supplemented with 4 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Root growth under 1700 lux illuminance was reduced by as much as 10% relative to that under 3500 lux.
Effects of group size, habitat and hunting risk on vigilance and foraging behaviour in the Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata pennata)

Abstract Gregariousness is a known anti-predator strategy, but factors other than the size of groups, such as the levels of predation pressure or habitat, can affect vigilance and foraging behaviour in birds. We studied the effects of group size, habitat (shrubland steppe v. meadows), and risk of hunting by humans (protected core area v. edge area exposed to poaching) on vigilance and foraging behaviour of wild populations of the Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata pennata), a near-threatened ratite, in north-western Patagonia, Argentina. On average, Lesser Rheas allocated 18% of their time to vigilance and 67% to foraging. Individuals tended to be more vigilant with declining group size, in areas with low visibility that hinders escape by running, and in areas exposed to hunting, than in open habitats with abundant food or sites with low risk of hunting. Although time spent foraging was also influenced by habitat type and hunting risk, there was no direct relationship between foraging time and group size. As in other species of ratite, Lesser Rheas seem to take advantage of flocking as an anti-predation strategy. Our data do not only confirm the influence of group size, but also of habitat structure and hunting risk, in determining the behaviour of this flightless bird in the wild.
The evaluation of ecological attributes in a natural deciduous forest using point‐centered quarter method

This study examined the ecological attributes of a natural deciduous forest using a point‐centered quarter method. Seventy two points were selected randomly to investigate the vegetation. The woody species of DBH≤6 cm (first group) and DBH>6 cm (second group) were analyzed separately. The result showed that the forest had comparatively high species diversity. The first group was dominated by Lindera obtusiloba with an importance value of 24.0% and the second group was dominated by Quercus variabilis with an importance value of 41.9%. The population of Pinus koraiensis in the first group had an inverse J‐shaped density distribution along the DBH class. For the inter‐species association, Lindera obtusiloba had a significant positive association with Betula davurica, Quercus dentata and Quercus variabilis; Lindera obtusiloba had a significant negative association with Styrax obassia and Quercus mongolica; Styrax obassia had a significant negative association with Quercus variabilis and Betula davurica; and Styrax obassia had a significant positive association with Quercus mongolica.
Autonomous Wide Aperture Cluster for Surveillance (AWACS): Adaptive Sampling and Search Using Predictive Models with Coupled Data Assimilation and Feedback

build-test-build approach, with evaluations at sea. The basic research formulates and tests hypotheses and new methodologies. Idealized and realistic data-driven simulations are utilized. Scientific investigations, development of methods and algorithms, and design of AWACS components are ongoing throughout the program, based on at-sea exercises and post-test analyses.
Volatile compounds produced by the reaction of leucine and valine with glucose in propylene glycol

Equimolecular amounts of amino acids (l-leucine and l-valine) and d-glucose were refluxed at 140 °C for 2 h in propylene glycol. The volatiles were isolated by simultaneous steam distillation and extraction. The extracts were separated in advance by column chromatography on silica gel with a benzene−ether gradient. The resulting fractions were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Twenty-seven compounds, including 13 pyrazines, 6 dioxolanes, 2 aldehydes, 2 acids, and 2 pyridines, were identified. Dioxolanes, aldehydes, and pyrazines are the major volatiles, and the percentages of their total gas chromatographic peak areas are 41.13, 23.67, and 17.69 respectively. Formation pathways and sensory properties are described. Keywords: Volatile compounds; Maillard reaction; model reaction system
Sugar metabolism of Vetiveria zizanioides cells cultured with Amberlite XAD-4. Uptake of radiolabelled sugars, cell wall invertase activity and gene expression

Abstract Activated and non-activated Amberlite XAD-4 was added to the cell cultures of vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides Stapf.) in order to study its effects as abiotic growth promoter. Amberlite XAD-4 increased vetiver cell viability, especially when used in the activated form. Results from labelling experiments in cell suspensions showed that XAD-4 prompted a significant decrease of sucrose Km, accompanied by an increased Vmax. Glucose uptake from the medium was almost doubled, as demonstrated by the increase of the radiolabelled fraction (25-fold the controls) in vetiver cells cultured with XAD-4. Affinity for fructose uptake by cells was not altered by the use of activated XAD-4, even though its uptake and Vmax increased. These results were further supported by a significant 7.5-fold increase in cell wall invertases (CWI) activity in XAD-4 elicited cells. Vetiver CWI gene expression was characterized by transcript RT-PCR analysis. The identity of the transcripts was confirmed by sequencing analysis. These results indicated the use of XAD-4 as an effective tool for vetiver cell biomass optimization.
FUNCTIONAL AND EVOLUTIONARY ASPECTS OF THE POSTCRANIAL ANATOMY OF DICYNODONTS (SYNAPSIDA, THERAPSIDA)

Abstract: Restoration of the major skeletal muscles and functional morphological analysis of the postcranium were carried out on two Triassic dicynodont genera, Wadiasaurus and Lystrosaurus. A phylogenetic analysis of 12 selected Permian and Triassic dicynodont taxa was conducted and the postcranial character states were then mapped onto the most parsimonious tree. The analysis revealed changes in pectoral girdle and forelimb morphology, which included reduction of the coracoid plate, increasing robustness of the deltopectoral crest, change in humeral orientation from lateral to caudolateral, increasing prominence of the humeral head, and increasing robustness of the radius. Such changes can be associated with a functional tendency to reduce the lateral component of the propulsive force while still in an abducted mode. On the other hand, changes associated with the pelvic girdle included expansion of the preacetabular iliac process, reduction of the postacetabular iliac process, craniocaudal expansion of the iliac blade, change in the shape of the pubis from flat and plate‐like to small and rod‐like with a cranial process, and change in acetabular orientation from lateral to caudolateral. The femoral head, starting from a cranioproximal position, progressively became dorsally pronounced and offset from the body. Other features/changes associated with the femur included increasing robustness of the trochanter major, and increasing flattening of the femoral midshaft. Changes in the axial skeleton included increasing stiffening of the trunk to reduce lateral undulations, increasing dorsoventral flexion, and increasing sacral vertebral count, which can be correlated with the preacetabular iliac expansion. These findings suggest that the dicynodont postcranial skeleton evolved towards more upright hindlimb morphology with the body held well off the ground.
ISOLATION AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF NEW FRUCTANS PRODUCED BY CHICORY

This report describes a new series of oligosaccharides, which is formed in chicory roots under forcing conditions and during in vitro experiments using purified chicory 1-FFT (fructan:fructan 1-fructosyl transferase). It was demonstrated that the three smallest members of this new series (disaccharide, trisaccharide and tetrasaccharide) contain exclusively β-D-fructosyl residues after hydrolysis. The present data demonstrate that the smallest compound is levanbiose and that the other oligomers of this new series of fructans do not belong to the linear 2→6 linked levan-oligosaccharides nor to the linear 2→1 linked inulo-oligosaccharides. A combination of several chromatographic techniques yielded a fraction that contained only the compound with degree of polymerisation (DP) 2 (levanbiose, β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→6)-D-fructofuranose), and a mixture of DP 3 of the new series and 1-kestose. Using homonuclear and heteronuclear 2D NMR experiments the complete 1H and 13C NMR assignments of levanbiose and DP 3 were obtained. From High Performance Anion Exchange Chromatography (HPAEC) and NMR experiments of DP 3 of the new series it was concluded that the molecule contains a β-D-fructofuranosyl residue 2→1 linked to the non-reducing moiety of levanbiose, and thus has to be named β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→1)-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→6)-D-fructofuranose. The simple and regular pattern of the HPAEC retention times of the new oligosaccharides suggests that it is a homologous series of oligomers build by 2→1 elongation with β-D-fructofuranosyl residues at the non-reducing residue of levanbiose.
Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in ticks from Uganda

Background: Tick Borne Diseases (TBDs) cause economic losses to individual farmers and governments, which can be classified into direct and indirect production losses; and costs pertaining to control, research, training and extension services. The most important tick-borne diseases of livestock in sub-Saharan Africa are East Coast fever (caused by Theileria parva), babesioses (caused by Babesia bigemina and B. bovis), anaplasmosis (caused by Anaplasma marginale) and heartwater (caused by Ehrlichia ruminantium). Methods: A molecular epidemiological investigation was undertaken using ticks collected from indigenous cattle in Uganda to determine the prevalence of pathogens of veterinary and public health importance. Tick species endemic in Uganda were identified morphologically and by molecular methods using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene sequence analysis. Pathogens screened in ticks included piroplasmids (B. bovis and B. bigemina), Anaplasma spp. , Borrelia spp. , Rickettsia spp. , Coxiella burnetii, Theileria parva, Theileria spp. , and Ehrlichia ruminantium. Results: The major tick species were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus and Amblyoma variagetum. The life cycle stage of ticks and sex of adult ticks were determined. We detected Babesia bovis, Rickettsia spp. , Coxiella burnetii and Anaplasma spp. Conclusion: These results provide an improved understanding of the epidemiology of TBDs in Uganda. DOI dx.doi. org/10.13070/rs.en. 1.767 Date 2014-05-08 Cite as Research 2014;1:767
SLC1A1, SLC16A9, and CNTN3 Are Potential Biomarkers for the Occurrence of Colorectal Cancer

Background This study is aimed at identifying unknown clinically relevant genes involved in colorectal cancer using bioinformatics analysis. Methods Original microarray datasets GSE107499 (ulcerative colitis), GSE8671 (colorectal adenoma), and GSE32323 (colorectal cancer) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Common differentially expressed genes were filtered from the three datasets above. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed, followed by construction of a protein-protein interaction network to identify hub genes. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and TIMER database analysis were used to screen the genes related to the prognosis and tumour-infiltrating immune cells of colorectal cancer. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess whether the genes could be used as markers for the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, colorectal adenoma, and colorectal cancer. Results A total of 237 differentially expressed genes common to the three datasets were identified, of which 60 were upregulated, 125 were downregulated, and 52 genes that were inconsistently up- and downregulated. Common differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the cellular component of extracellular exosome and integral component of membrane categories. Eight hub genes, i.e., CXCL3, CXCL8, CEACAM7, CNTN3, SLC1A1, SLC16A9, SLC4A4, and TIMP1, were related to the prognosis and tumour-infiltrating immune cells of colorectal cancer, and these genes have diagnostic value for ulcerative colitis, colorectal adenoma, and colorectal cancer. Conclusion Three novel genes, CNTN3, SLC1A1, and SLC16A9 were shown to have diagnostic value with respect to the occurrence of colorectal cancer and should be verified in future studies.
Do leaf‐cutting ant nests make “bottom–up” gaps in neotropical rain forests?: a critical review of the evidence

We discuss the role of leaf cutting ant nests (Atta sp.) on the formation of understory “bottom–up” gaps in tropical rain forests. We (i) describe the characteristics of Atta nests that qualify them as promoters of understory gaps; (ii) review the effects of Atta nests on the dynamics of systems other than tropical forests; and (iii) discuss the hypotheses that in neotropical rain forests Atta nests affect plant productivity, and also influence distribution and community composition of the flora. Finally, we discuss the importance of Atta nests in the dynamics of forests and compare their effects with the better-known effects of treefall gaps. Atta nests modify soil structure, soil nutrient content, light intensity at ground level, seed bank composition and understory structure. The presence of the nest and associated refuse also accelerates the soil nutrient cycles. The size, high frequency, turnover rate and duration of these nests could make them a good substrate for particular species of plants. In spite of their potential importance, little information exists on the effects of Atta nests on plant productivity and/or plant composition in neotropical rain forests.
Movement and habitat selection patterns of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu in an Ozark river

Limited information exists on 24-hr movement and habitat selection patterns of stream dwelling smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu. We monitored the 24-hr movement patterns of smallmouth bass in an Ozark river during three seasons: summer, autumn, and winter. During each season, fish were located every two hours throughout a 24-hr period; habitat data and water depth were collected at each fish location. Four random points representing available locations around each fish location were generated in ArcGIS. Habitat and depth data were collected at each of these points, and discrete choice models were fit to the data to predict habitat and depth selection by smallmouth bass. No significant differences in movement across seasons or time of day were evident, although the greatest observed displacement within a 2-hr tracking period occurred during the winter, with one bass moving over 630 m. Across all three seasons, water depth and habitat type were strong predictors of bass locations. Throughout our study, water depths used by smallmouth bass ranged from 0.6 to 3.7 m. Although depth of water used by fish did not differ by time of day, fish used the deeper waters of Big Spring during the winter and intermediate depths during the summer and autumn. Smallmouth bass utilized several habitat types; however, bass selected boulders more frequently in all seasons than any other available habitat type. Our work provides additional insight into smallmouth bass behavior that will help guide future management.
ON THE DEXTRAL CONFIGURATION OF THE ANURAN LARVAL VENT TUBE

Anuran larvae evacuate their feces through the vent tube, which communicates with the posterior intestine and opens to the exterior. In the dextral configuration, the vent tube extends posteriorly from the body wall to the right side. The morphology and microanatomy of the dextral vent tube configuration were studied in various species classified into three categories: (1) marginal external tube, (2) nonmarginal external tube, and (3) without external vent tube, but with an external aperture in the posterior wall of the body. These dextral configurations were compared to medial vent tube configurations in Orton larval types 2, 3, and 4. Although vent tubes show greater morphological diversity in the dextral than in the medial condition, the histological organization in all cases is based on the same tissues (dermis and epidermis), and, thus, the medial and dextral configurations are fundamentally similar. Part of the cloaca located in the pleuroperitoneal cavity has a region covered by ciliated epithelium, which suggests that it is derived from the proctodeum. Cilia remain in the cloaca, until at least Gosner Stage 34. The rectus abdominis muscle fibers are orientated in a different direction relative to the cloaca in tadpoles with different ecotypes.
The spatial variation of pH in the mor layer of some coniferous forest stands in Northern Sweden

The spatial pH‐variation is shown to be slightly decreasing when comparing different coniferous stands in northern Sweden with a 200 m2 respectively a 2 m2 sample plot within a stand. The result indicates that the pH‐variation in the mor layer to a great extent is to be found in a plot <2 m2. The hypothesis of Hesselman (1926) and Bergholm et al. (1985) that few samples should be enough for a reliable pH‐determination of a stand is questioned and critically discussed. The number of samples required to obtain a pH‐determination with an accepted accuracy is discussed. The spatial pH‐variation from the plots in the study suggests that approximately 12 samples are required to get a mean error of 2% at 95% confidence limits. But one should be aware of that, even with 12 samples, the difference between the highest and lowest value in a 2 m2 plot will be about 0.6 pH‐units.
Functional and Edible Uses of Soy Protein Products

Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in healthful foods and are open to soy protein in- gredients. Soybeans as food are very versatile and a rich source of essential nutrients. They are also an excellent source of good-quality protein, comparable to other protein foods, and suitable for all ages. Adverse nutritional and other undesirable effects followed by the consumption of raw soybean meal have been attributed to the presence of endogenous inhibitors of digestive enzymes and lectins, as well as poor digestibility. To improve the nutritional quality of soy foods, inhibitors and lectins are generally inactivated by heat or eliminated by fractionation during food processing. Soybeans provide an alternative source of protein for people who are allergic to milk protein. Soy protein is highly digestible (92% to 100%) and contains all essential amino acids. Although relatively low in methionine, it is a good source of lysine. Soy-protein products contain a high concentration of isoflavones, up to 1 g/kg. Increased acceptance of soy proteins is due to unmatched qualities like good functional properties in food applications, high nutritional quality, abundance, availability, and low cost. At present the various forms of soy proteins are primarily utilized for their functional effects rather than their nutritional properties. This article summarizes the integrated overview of the widely available, scattered information about the nutritional and functional uses of the soy proteins when applied in food systems and intends to present the most current knowledge with an interest to stimulate further research to optimize their beneficial effects.
Brood parasitism by the cuckoo on patchy reed warbler populations in Britain

1. Reed warblers are not known to be parasitized by cuckoos in Wales, and are rarely parasitized in some English populations, despite the presence of cuckoos. Nine hypotheses are proposed to explain regional differences in parasitism frequencies. They are tested against national and international data from the BTO, RSPB and EURING, and data from four study sites. 2. The frequency of parasitism of reed warbler populations was found to be negatively correlated with habitat patch size. Thus the frequency of parasitism experienced by reed warblers and the number of cuckoos parasitizing a reed warbler population do not increase in direct proportion to host abundance. 3. Population sizes of two unparasitized (Llangorse Lake and Oxwich) and one rarely parasitized population of reed warblers (Pannel Valley) are neither too large nor too small to be suitable for parasitism by cuckoos. 4. Cuckoos are not excluded from these populations by lack of perches in the habitat, because of a lack of prey in the immediate area, or by territorial competition with cuckoos of other host preferences. 5. There has been no decline in frequency of parasitism of reed warblers in Britain since 1932. Thus, reed warbler cuckoos are probably not declining in numbers and contracting their range away from these three geographically marginal sites. 6. Cuckoos parasitizing reed warbler populations at Llangorse Lake, Oxwich and Pannel Valley would achieve reproductive success equal to or higher than that attained with other local hosts, so that any host switches away from reed warblers would be unprofitable. 7. Reed warbler cuckoos may have dispersed to all or most of these study populations in the past. However, the cuckoo populations would have been small and highly vulnerable to extinction. Cycles of increases, declines and extinctions of local populations could explain the variance in parasitism frequencies and number of cuckoos often observed. 8. The most important factors considered in this study that affect the presence and number of cuckoos at a site appear to be competition between females, habitat patch size and structure, rates of dispersal and demographic stochasticity.
Genetic analysis of falling number in three bi-parental common winter wheat populations

The objective of the present study was to analyse the genetic basis of falling number in three winter wheat populations. Samples for falling number determination for each population originated from at least three test environments that were free from the occurrence of preharvest sprouting at harvest time. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis employing falling number values from single environments identified eight, five and three QTL in the populations Dream/Lynx, Bussard/W332-84 and BAUB469511/Format, respectively. A major QTL common to all three populations and consistently detected in each environment mapped to the long arm of chromosome 7B. The QTL was located to a similar genomic region as the previously described major QTL for high-isoelectric point α-amylase content. The T1BL.1RS wheat-rye translocation and the dwarfing gene Rht-D1 segregating in Dream/Lynx and BAUB469511/Format were found to be important factors of falling number variation. In both populations, the presence of Rht-D1b or the absence of T1BL.1RS increased falling number. The results indicate that late maturity α-amylase, responsible for low falling numbers, has now been documented in German wheat germplasm.