Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variations of nutritional components in cockles (Tegillarca granosa) processed from the Southern Coast of Korea

Abstract Cockles (Tegillarca granosa) species that found throughout the Indo-Pacific region and this study was conducted in South Korea from late autumn (November 2015) through early spring (April 2016). The proximate composition, mineral content, free amino acid, and fatty acid (FA) profiles and the nutritional quality of the cockles were studied at different stages during the processing. The contents of protein (11.7–13.9/100 g), lipids (1.1–2.5/100 g) and ash (1.6–2.7/100 g) varied significantly (p < 0.05) based on seasonal variations and processing steps. Taurine, glutamic acid, lysine and arginine were the most abundant amino acids in the amino acid profiles. All samples contained limited concentrations of Cr, Pb, Cd, As, and Co. The FA profiles showed that n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) were the major fatty acids (28.7–37.0% of total FA, which was predominantly DHA and EPA (7.9–17.4%). Saturated FA (SFA) and monounsaturated FA (MUFA) levels were also observed throughout the experiment, as well as n − 3/n − 6 and PUFA/SFA ratios. The data obtained from this study may be useful to indicate the periods of the harvest season more suitable for consumption and the importance of processing chain on quality of cockle.
An economic analysis of Jara and Colombo lemon production in Bangladesh

The study was conducted in two districts namely Sylhet and Narsingdi to investigate the production technology of Jara and Colombolemon growers, estimate profitability and identify the constraints of Jara and Colombolemon. A total sample of 120 farmers taking 60 for Jara lemon from Sylhet and 60 for Colombolemon from Narsingdi was selected randomly for the study. Data were collected through face to face interview method by using structured questionnaire during April–May, 2016. Cost return analysis revealed that Jara and Colombolemon cultivation were profitable in the study areas. Jara lemon cultivation highest cost was estimated Tk. 413575/ha in (11–15) th year garden and lowest cost was Tk. 365777/ha in 2 nd year garden. Gross return was highest in 5 th year garden (Tk.1995750/ha) and lowest Tk. 975600/ha in (11–15) th year garden. The benefit cost ratio at 6.5% rate of interest was 2.85and IRR 78%. Colombo lemon cultivation highest cost was estimated Tk. 316505/ha in 4 th year garden and lowest cost was Tk. 257543/ha in (11–15) th year garden. Gross return was highest Tk. 841522 in 5 th year garden and lowest Tk. 413616/ha in (11–15) th year garden. The benefit cost ratio at 6.5% rate of interest was 1.81 and IRR 65%. Lack of improved production technology, poor quality saplings, insect/pest infestation, adulteration of fertilizer and insecticides and less number of export buyers were found major constraints both Jara andColombo lemon production. J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 15(2): 289-296, December 2017
Effect of bentonite clarification on concentration of anthocyanins and colour intensity of red and rosé wines

The objective was to follow losses of the concentration of total anthocyanin pigments in red and rosé wines clarified with various doses of two commercial types of bentonite and to perform a sensory and analytical evaluation of differences in colour intensity of clarified and non-clarified wines. The loss of anthocyanins increased with the increasing doses of bentonite but statistically significant differences existed only between doses of 0.5 and 1.5 g/l. Not the type of bentonite but its dose showed an important effect on the extent of changes in colour intensity of wine. A sensory evaluation of colour intensity showed that in rosé and red wines doses of 0.5 g/l and 1.5 g/l, respectively, reduced significantly the intensity of wine colour as compared with non-clarified samples.
Standardization of pre-sowing treatments for seed germination and seedling growth of Ginkgo biloba L. under temperate conditions of Kashmir Himalayas

The present investigation entitled “Standardization of pre-sowing treatment for seed germination and seedling growth of Ginkgo biloba L. under temperate conditions of Kashmir Himalayas was carried out at experimental field of Faculty of Forestry, Benihama, Ganderbal Jammu and Kashmir. Pre-sowing treatments viz, Stratification, Scarification and soaking seeds in water for 24 hours to stimulate the germination of seeds and early establishment of their seedlings revealed that 60 days stratification at 4±1oC have shown better results in terms of germination percentage (80.91%), germination energy (19.67). Percent increment in terms of seedling height (68.85%), collar diameter (17.49%), leaf area (63.92%), total fresh biomass (63.28 %) and total dry biomass (59.83 %) respectively. Therefore in order to obtain better seed germination and seedling growth, the seeds of Ginkgo biloba should be stratified for 60 days at 4±1oC before sowing.
Phylogeny and morphology of genus Nephrocytium (Sphaeropleales, Chlorophyceae, Chlorophyta) from China

The genus Nephrocytium Nageli is a common member of phytoplankton communities that has a distinctive morphology. Its taxonomic position is traditionally considered to be within the family Oocystaceae (Trebouxiophyceae). However, research on its ultrastructure is rare, and the phylogenetic position has not yet been determined. In this study, two strains of Nephrocytium , N. agardhianum Nageli and N. limneticum (G.M.Smith) G.M. Smith, were identified and successfully cultured in the laboratory. Morphological inspection by light and electron microscopy and molecular phylogenetic analyses were performed to explore the taxonomic position. Ultrastructure implied a likely irregular network of dense and fine ribs on the surface of the daughter cell wall that resembled that of the genus Chromochloris Kol & Chodat (Chromochloridaceae) . Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Nephrocytium formed an independent lineage in the order Sphaeropleales (Chlorophyceae) with high support values and a close phylogenetic relationship with Chromochloris . Based on combined morphological, ultrastructural and phylogenetic data, we propose a re-classification of Nephrocytium into Sphaeropleales, sharing a close relationship with Chromochloris .
Biofilm Formation in Staphylococcus Aureus and its Relation to Phenotypic and Genotypic Criteria

Background and Objective: Bioﬁlm is a complex microbial community embedded in a self-produced extracellular polymeric matrix. We aimed to study the extent of biofilm formation by S. Areas isolates and its relation to some phenotypic and genotypic criteria. Material and Methods: One hundred-fifty strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from Gorgan were studied. Microtiter plate assay method was used for investigation of biofilm formation.The biofilm formation of strains were recorded and its relation to accessory gene regulator (agr) and antibiotic resistance were assessed by X 2 test. Results: Eighty-four isolates (56%) were able to form biofilm. The strength of biofilm formation in agr group I was more than that of other groups. The biofilm formation among S. Areas isolated from the wound and urine (both with 75 %) had the highest capability. Methicillin-resistant isolates had a greater ability to biofilm formation. Conclusion: Methicillin resistant isolates had a greater ability to biofilm formation. Given the importance and treatment related problems of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) especially Community Acquired-Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA), it is a necessity to control or remove the biofilm formation alongside antibiotic treatment.
Slope aspect influences plant biomass, soil properties and microbial composition in alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau

Difference in soil moisture, temperature and microclimate on sunny and shady slope aspect can lead to various plant community, sequentially modify soil microbial community. In this study, we measured soil properties including soil temperature, soil moisture, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN); plant properties including aboveground and underground biomass, and microbial properties including microbial carbon (C), nitrogen (N) content and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) to evaluate the effects of slope aspect on plant biomass, soil properties and microbial community in the alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The results showed that sunny sites had higher soil temperature, organic C and underground biomass (UB), while shady sites had higher soil moisture, TN and aboveground biomass (AB). Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that bacteria were the dominant soil microbes at sunny sites, while the fungi was more abundant at sites with a shady aspect. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that temperature was the major factor affecting the composition of the microbial community. It can be concluded, that slope aspect can significantly alter microbial composition due to the differences in plant community, soil properties and especially environmental factors.
Comparison of anti-hyaluronidase activities and sugar compositions of extracts from four edible species of Nostoc (cyanobacteria)

The edible species of Nostoc are unique cyanobacteria because they can grow in some extreme environments, and some of these species are rare. Anti-hyaluronidase activity and sugar composition of the extracts were compared among five edible Nostoc strains which were cultured using 180 liter large scale reactor. The IC50 against hyaluronidase of the extracts of Nostoc sphaericum, Nostoc flagelliforme and Nostoc verrucosum were 14.4, 46.5 and 56.2 g mL, respectively. These anti-hyaluronidase activities were higher than disodium cromoglycate which is known as an anti-allergic drug and used as a positive control substance. The ratio of glucuronic acid in constituent sugar of N. sphaericum extract was 13.3%, it was the highest among the five strains tested. The extract of N. sphaericum had the highest yield and highest anti-hyaluronidase activity when compared with the other four Nostoc strains.
Foraging success of the cattle egret Bubulcus ibis in relation to insect abundance, herd and flock size

The success of foraging birds is attributed to a wide range of factors. For example, in the cattle egret Bulbulcus ibis , the presence of cattle, insects and other conspecifics is widely reported to enhance foraging success. However, few studies have considered the combined effect of insect abundance, herd and flock size on such commensalistic relationship particularly under the nomadic cattle management system practiced across West Africa. Thus, this study, compared cattle egret foraging success (prey capture rates and time interval between successive prey captures) between egrets foraging within cattle and those foraging solitary during the mid-wet season (June to July) 2013. Also, foraging success was related to insect abundance as well as herd and flock size. Study populations were randomly selected across 13-sites in Jos-east and north Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 100 cattle egrets were studied using the focal observation technique. Abundance of insect prey per site was quantified using both sweep net and direct counts. Irrespective of the number of cattle at a site, cattle egrets foraging within cattle, significantly captured more prey and spent less time between successive prey captures than those feeding solitarily. Also prey capture rates increased significantly ( P 0.05) and insect abundance ( P >0.05) for solitary feeding birds. These observations agree with previous studies that proximate benefits in terms of enhanced foraging success could be the reason for the strong association between the two organisms. Keywords: cattle egret, foraging success, herd size, flock size
Duplication assessments in Brassica vegetable accessions

Abstract There is extensive duplication of accessions among collection holders globally. To save costs, unwanted duplication should be avoided. This issue has been addressed internationally. In Europe, there are currently 35 Brassica collections located in 24 countries. Duplication may be identified not only by surveying passport data and seed transactions, but also by applying morphological or genetic characterization. Our study included two collections; one at the N. I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Genetic Resources in St. Petersburg (VIR) and one at the Nordic Genetic Resource Center (NGB). A random set of 13 accession pairs or triplets of cabbage, turnip and swede were selected on the basis of identical or similar accession names. The accessions could potentially be regarded as duplicates. Morphological characterization showed that in about 50% the pair/triplet, the accessions were identical and should thus be regarded as duplicate holding. Determining the status of the remaining accessions, which were more or less distinct but had identical or similar names, was more difficult. In this paper, possible explanations for the similarities in names are discussed, as is the need to include characterization in any duplicate assessment process.
Do forest decision-makers in Southeastern Norway adapt forest management to climate change?

ABSTRACT To study whether, why, and how forestry decision-makers in Southeastern Norway adapt to climate change, we conducted a series of semi-structured interviews in focus groups consisting of non-industrial private forest owners, forest managers, and forest advisors. Our results show that a majority of the participants believed in climate change as a phenomenon, and had experienced events or observed changes that they attributed to climate change. However, we found little evidence of concern regarding climate change impacts on forest ecosystems and forestry among the participants. Instead, the majority regarded climate change more as an opportunity for the Norwegian forest-based sector than a threat. A minority had implemented proactive practices motivated by climate change but in all but one case, the adjustments were adaptation of forest infrastructure. In general, the participants agreed that the uncertainty associated with the effects of climate change and the (economical) uncertainty associated with adaptation of forest ecosystems were too large to change forest management practices at present. However, many participants, in particular the managers, are already adapting in response to experienced problems, such as increased frequency and duration of periods with low carrying capacity of the ground implying reduced or no accessibility within and to stands.
Seasonal Changes in Bird Assemblages of a Forest-Steppe Ecotone in North Patagonia

We evaluate seasonal variations at the community level, analyzing changes in species richness, species composition and total abundance, and at the species level, evaluating differences in breeding and molting seasonality among bird species in a forest-steppe ecotone of north Patagonia. The bird assemblage showed a low seasonal variation in richness and total abundance, but a great change in species composition between spring-summer and fall-winter. The change in species composition promoted few seasonal variations in richness and total abundance, because they were compensated by the presence of abundant species that visit the area in different seasons. At the species level, resident birds and short distance migrants tended to begin breeding earlier than long distance migrants, and birds began to molt body and flight feathers after breeding. Therefore, we found a low overlap of these two demanding activities. Our results highlight the importance of bird movements in response to seasonal variations in the availability of resources, which promote migration or local displacements of birds. Resumen. Cambios estacionales en los ensambles de aves en un ecotono bosque-estepa del norte de Patagonia Evaluamos las variaciones estacionales a nivel comunitario, analizando la riqueza de especies, la composición de especies y la abundancia total, y a nivel de las especies, evaluando las diferencias en la estacionalidad reproductiva y de muda entre las especies de aves en un ecotono bosque-estepa del norte de Patagonia. El ensamble de aves mostró pocas variaciones estacionales en la riqueza y abundancia total, pero un notable cambio en la composición de especies entre la primavera-verano y el otoño-invierno. El cambio en la composición de especies promovió pocas variaciones estaciones en la riqueza y la abundancia total, porque fueron compensadas por la abundancia de las especies que visitan el área en las diferentes estaciones. A nivel de las especies, las aves residentes y migrantes de corta distancia tendieron a comenzar la reproducción antes que las migrantes de larga distancia, y las aves comenzaron la muda de plumas del cuerpo y del ala al finalizar la reproducción. Por lo cual encontramos una baja superposición de estas dos demandantes actividades. Nuestros resultados remarcan la importancia del movimiento de las aves en respuesta a las variaciones en la disponibilidad de recursos, que promueven la migración o el desplazamiento local de las aves.
Abnormal microtubule dynamics disrupt nucleocytoplasmic transport in tau-mediated frontotemporal dementia

The neuronal microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) is central to the pathogenesis of many dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease. Autosomal dominant mutations in MAPT cause inherited frontotemporal dementia (FTD), but the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are unclear. Using human stem cell models of FTD due to MAPT mutations, we find that tau becomes hyperphosphorylated and mislocalises to neuronal cell bodies and dendrites in cortical neurons, recapitulating a key early event in FTD. Mislocalised tau in the cell body leads to abnormal microtubule dynamics in FTD-MAPT neurons that grossly deform the nuclear membrane, resulting in defective nucleocytoplasmic transport. Neurons in the post-mortem human FTD-MAPT cortex have a high incidence of nuclear deformation, indicating that tau-mediated nuclear membrane dysfunction is an important pathogenic process in FTD. Defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport in FTD point to important commonalities in the pathogenic mechanisms of both tau-mediated dementias and ALS-FTD due to TDP-43 and C9orf72 mutations.
STABILITY OF REFERENCE GENES ESTIMATED BY REAL-TIME PCR IN PORCINE LIVER

It is essential for the method real-time PCR to control variables by validation of normalization of the data. The aim of this study was to develop a set of reference genes for relative quantification of mRNA expression in the porcine liver. The mRNA stability of expression was studied for five genes: GAPDH, HPRT1, PPIA, TOP2B, TBP1, where for each gene the Ct value characterized the level of expression in liver. With the help of geNorm range of stability of analysed genes was (from the most stable to the least): PPIA, TBP1, TOP2B, GAPDH, HPRT1.
Karyotype Analysis of Brassica Napus CV. Huayou No.2

Brassica napus is one of the important oil crops in the world and has important economic value, B. napus cv. Huayou No.2 has excellent characteristics of resistance to lodging and disease, and has been widely cultivated in all provinces of the Yangtze River Basin and Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in China. In this research, we try to obtain cytological parameters on 'Huayou No.2'. Seven chromosomal parameters were measured and calculated: chromosome length, relative length, index of relative length, type of relative length, arm ratio, centromere index, centromere type. The experiment results showed that the maximum chromosome length was measured 2.70 μm and max arm ratio was determined 2.12, relative length ranged between 3.54%-7.07%. There are fout types of relative length, including long (L), medium long (M2), medium short (M1) and short (S) chromosomes. In addition, the maximum centromeric index was measured in 47.70%, centromere type included submetacentric (sm) and metacentric (m) chromosomes. Karyotype asymmetry index was 60.52%, and the karyotype formula was 2n=38=28m+10sm (2SAT). The karyotype characteristics were type 2A according to Stebbins’s classification criteria. The findings revealed its karyotypic characteristics of 'Huayou No.2' from the cytogenetic aspects.
The endophytic bacteria producing IAA (Indole Acetic Acid) in Arachis hypogaea

Herlina L, Pukan KK, Mustikaningtyas D. 2017. The endophytic bacteria producing IAA (Indole Acetic Acid) in Arachis hypogaea. Cell Bio Dev 1: 31-35. Endophytic bacteria are bacteria living in plant tissue and forming colony without harms the host. Every cormophyte, plants that have a stem and root, may contain some endophytic bacteria which can produce biological compounds or secondary metabolites. The objective of the study was to obtain endophytic bacteria isolates from peanut plants (Arachis hypogaea) at three locations, and to test in vitro the ability of endophytic bacteria isolates for producing IAA, and also to analyze IAA on the growth and development of mungbean plants. The study was carried out in three stages; the first was the isolation of endophytic bacteria from the leaves, stems, and roots; the second was the test of in vitro endophytic bacteria isolates to know the ability of IAA production. IAA assay was measured by using a spectrophotometer with a wavelength of 535 nm, and the third was the introduction of IAA-producing endophytic bacteria in mungbean. The parameters observed were the length of sprouts and the number of lateral roots. The results showed that 16 isolates were selected based on IAA-producing ability. The isolates could produce different IAA with different morphological characteristics. After the fourth day of incubation, the highest and the lowest of IAA amount were 69.68 (mg L-1) and 8.50 (mg L-1) respectively. Isolates that produce high IAA levels are applied to mungbeans, it affects the number of lateral roots but it does not have effect on the length of the sprouts. DM and K1K1 isolates have the effect of increasing lateral root formation and are expected to be potential sources of bioactive metabolites.
Th17/regulatory T cells balance is predictive of Coccidioides infection outcome in pediatric patients

Background Protective immunity against the fungal pathogen Coccidioides requires specific T helper responses. Mouse vaccine and infection studies have defined CD4+ T helper (Th)1 and Th17 cells in the resolution of infection and in effective protection. Patients with persistent Coccidioides infection demonstrate reduced cellular responses. Methods Peripheral blood and serum were collected from 30 pediatric Coccidioides-infected patients and 20 healthy controls in the California San Joaquin Valley. Samples were evaluated by flow cytometry for innate and adaptive immune populations and cytokines to define the early immune response and identify clinically useful biomarkers for predicting disease outcome. Clinical and flow data were evaluated according to disease outcome (resolved or persistent) using principal component analysis, high-dimensional flow cytometry analysis tools, chi-square automatic interaction detection, and individual cell population comparisons. Results Patients with persistent infection had lower Th17 and higher Treg frequencies, but similar Th1 responses, relative to patients that resolved disease. Treg frequency, eosinophil numbers and neutrophil numbers together distinguish patients that resolve infection from those that develop persistent infection. Conclusions The inability to resolve Coccidioides infection may be a result of elevated Treg frequency and functional capacity, and Treg frequency may predict patient disease outcome at diagnosis. In our study, Th1 responses were similar in persistent and resolved infection, in contrast to prior human studies. Instead, our data suggest that Th17 cells provide an effective protection during Coccidioides infection, and that elevated Treg frequency inhibits protective immunity.