Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Risk Efficient Farm Structures along the Kızılırmak River in North Central Anatolia: An Application of Minimization of the Absolute Deviation

A risk-programming model was developed to evaluate the tradeoffs between risk and expected returns for farms along the K›z›l›rmak River in North Central Anatolia. Risk efficient farm structures were derived for representative farms by using minimization of the absolute deviation procedures, which permit the estimation of a farm's risk-return frontier. Research results reveal that farm plans are sensitive to the risk criteria in the research area. Rice and maize are the most high-risk activities, followed by lettuce and soybean. Wheat, sugar beet and dairy activities have a more stabilizing effect on farm income compared to others. Medium size and large farms prefer more high risk and cash crops such as rice and soybean compared to small farms. The results also suggest that the total net farm return increases for all sizes as the risk increases and that farmers tend to choose more stable farm plans in the research area. Tar›m ‹flletmelerinde Optimum ‹flletme Organizasyonlar›n›n Riskli Koflullarda Tahmini: Gercek Sapmalar›n Minimizasyonu Uygulamas› Ozet: Bu cal›flmada, Orta Anadolu Bolgesinin kuzeyinde K›z›l›rmak nehri kenar›nda yer alan tar›m iflletmelerinde risk ile beklenen gelir aras›ndaki iliflkiyi ortaya koymak icin risk programlama modeli gelifltirilmifltir. Tar›m iflletmelerine ait optimum iflletme organizasyonlar› ve riskleri, risk-gelir s›n›r›n›n tahmin edilmesini salayan gercek sapmalar›n minimizasyonu yontemi ile bulunmufltur. Araflt›rma sonuclar›, inceleme alan›nda iflletme planlar›n›n riske bal› olarak deifltiini gostermifltir. Celtik ve m›s›r riskli faaliyetlerin bafl›nda gelmekte, bunlar› lahana ve soya takip etmektedir. Buday, fleker pancar› ve sut s›¤›rc›l›¤› faaliyetleri daha istikrarl› gelir getiren faaliyetlerdir. Orta ve buyuk olcekli iflletmeler, celtik ve soya gibi riskli urunleri kucuk iflletmelere oranla daha fazla tercih etmektedirler. Araflt›rma sonuclar› ayr›ca, inceleme alan›nda butun iflletme buyukluk gruplar›nda risk artt›kca, toplam net iflletme gelirinin de artt›¤›n› ve ciftcilerin daha istikrarl› planlar› tercih etme eiliminde olduklar›n› gostermifltir.
Thymus*

The thymus gland arises as a paired structure from the entoderm of the third and fourth branchial clefts, the anlagen from the fourth cleft, however, remaining rudimentary in most animals. The lobes of the thymus are made up of numerous follicles, which consist of a reticulum containing the thymic cells (lymphocytes), which are more closely packed in the outer or cortical part than in the inner or medullary. The medulla, but not the cortex, contains the Hassall's corpuscles, the origin of which is doubtful.
A new species of Hechtia (Bromeliaceae: Hechtioideae) from Hidalgo (Mexico)

We propose that two populations previously referred to Hechtia epigyna , from the Mexican state of Hidalgo, represent a new species. Plants from the Hidalgo populations share the inferior ovary with Hechtia epigyna , an unusual trait in the genus, but they differ in their growth pattern (central vs. lateral inflorescence), characters of the adaxial foliar surface, petal color, and fruit position during dehiscence. We also provide a clarification on the typification of Hechtia epigyna . An assessment of the conservation status of the new species, Hechtia deceptrix following IUCN criteria resulted as CR (Critically Endangered).
Winter Planktonic Microbial Communities in Highland Aquatic Habitats

ABSTRACT Winter conditions in aquatic habitats of the temperate zone markedly differ from those present in warmer seasons, nevertheless, relatively scarce information is available on planktonic microbial composition, as sites are not easily accessible and it was supposed traditionally that microbial activity is low during this cold period. Since microorganisms could have great impact on the ecosystem even during winter, we explored various sites in the Eastern Carpathians regarding the abundance and taxonomic composition of planktonic microorganisms. Although many of the studied environments were extreme habitats, planktonic microbial communities were abundant and mostly diverse with the presence of previously unidentified taxa.
MITOCHONDRIAL VARIATION IN BOLIVIAN POPULATIONS OF THE VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (THAMNOPHILUS CAERULESCENS)

Abstract The Variable Antshrike (Thamnophilus caerulescens) is arguably the most polytypic thamnophilid, with males ranging from almost entirely jet black to nearly white. The four subspecies that occur in Bolivia are strikingly divergent in male plumage: T. c. aspersiventer (black with white-barred belly), T. c. connectens (black back and bib with white belly), T. c. dinellii (gray throat and back with rufous belly), and T. c. paraguayensis (light gray with white belly). To assess the genetic structure of those taxa in Bolivia, sequence variation at the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene was screened in 126 individuals collected across transects spanning the plumage and vocal variation in the four forms. A 95-km-wide cline in haplotype frequencies from T. c. aspersiventer to T. c. dinellii was centered in the Serrania Cochabamba across an ecotone from humid to dry Andean foothill habitats. Thamnophilus caerulescens connectens is not a valid taxon, instead representing an introgressed population near the dinellii tail of the T. c. aspersiventer-T. c. dinellii hybrid zone. Although direct contact between T. c. dinellii and T. c. paraguayensis remains undocumented, the mitochondrial data were consistent with introgression along a broad cline extending across most of southern Bolivia. Overall, the transitions in mitochondrial frequencies were remarkably concordant with clinal changes in vocalizations among those same populations (Isler et al. 2005). Both studies highlight the need for increased sampling, in both the geographic extent and number of individuals per population, to address adequately the potential for clinal variation between populations that are not isolated geographically. A more restricted sampling design in the present study might have led to the erroneous conclusion that T. c. aspersiventer, T. c. dinellii, and T. c. paraguayensis have reciprocally monphyletic mitochondrial lineages, making them full species according to some species concepts.
Feeding ecology of puma Puma concolor in Mexican montane forests with comments about jaguar Panthera onca

We analyse the diet and prey selection of puma Puma concolor and describe opportunistically the diet of jaguar Panthera onca in montane forest in the Sierra Nanchititla Natural Park, central Mexico. We analysed prey selection in relation to energy content and population abundance, inferred through camera trapping. Analysis of 209 puma scats showed that their main prey was nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus followed by white-nosed coati Nasua narica and white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus. Pumas did not take prey in proportion to their relative abundance, but selected energetically profitable prey such as nine-banded armadillo, which formed the bulk of their diet. In 13 scats of jaguar, nine-banded armadillo was also the most important prey followed by domestic goat Capra hircus. We discuss the implications for management of predators and prey.
Possible Localization in the Golgi Area AMYLASE

Colchicine inhibited amylase secretion by isolated rat parotid glands only 6 h after administration of the drug in vivo. This delayed effect was not the result of the inability of the drug to reach its reaction site. When parotid glands were emptied of their secretory granules by isoproterenol treatment, the subsequent replenishment of cells with granules was inhibited by colchicine. Colchicine concomitantly produced alterations of the Golgi complexes, the cisternae of which were reduced in size and surrounded by clusters of microvesicles. Incubation of parotid glands with colchicine for prolonged durations failed to alter stored amylase secretion as stimulated by isoproterenol, but it inhibited the release of de novo synthesized enzyme. Colchicine-binding activity of high speed supernatant parotid gland homogenates, likely to represent cytosolic microtubular protein, was similar to that of brain. Another colchicine-binding activity, firmly bound to the particulate fraction of homogenates, was found, of which a part may represent membranelocated microtubular protein. An assembly-disassembly cycle of microtubules appears to exist in the parotid gland, as in the liver. However, only 14% of tubulin was found to be polymerized as microtubules in parotid glands as opposed to 40% in the liver. The present data suggest that colchicine primarily inhibits the transfer of secretory material towards or away from the Golgi complexes but not the hormone-stimulated secretion of stored amylase.
Precipitation Regime and Nitrogen Addition Effects on Leaf Litter Decomposition in Tropical Dry Forests

We conducted a year‐long field experiment to investigate how nitrogen addition affected decomposition of Piscidia piscipula and Gymnopodium floribundum along a precipitation gradient in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Nitrogen addition did not affect decomposition rates at the drier sites. However, fertilization at the wettest site increased the decomposition of Gymnopodium litter and decreased the decomposition of Piscidia litter. Water‐soluble carbon and lignin, and water‐soluble carbon and nitrogen concentrations were the best predictors of decomposition for Gymnopodium and Piscidia litters, respectively. We conclude that the effects of nitrogen addition on decomposition will vary from site to site as a function of mean annual precipitation, inherent soil fertility, and species identity.
Unraveling the evolutionary history of the liverworts (Marchantiophyta): multiple taxa, genomes and analyses

Abstract Nucleotide sequence data from three chloroplast genes (rbcL, rps4 and psbA), one nuclear gene (the ribosomal LSU) and one mitochondrial gene (nad5) were assembled for 173 species in 117 genera of liverworts, making this the largest molecular phylogeny of the group to date. Analyses of these data provide support for the monophyly of the liverworts, and for previously resolved backbone relationships within the Marchantiophyta. The earliest divergence involves the “simple thalloid” taxa of the Haplomitriaceae and Treubiaceae. A Blasiaceae/complex thalloid clade is resolved as sister to all remaining liverworts. The leafy liverworts do not resolve as monophyletic. The separation of the Aneuraceae/Metzgeriaceae from all other simple thalloids and their placement within the “leafy” clade as sister to the enigmatic leafy genus Pleurozia, as suggested in earlier molecular phylogenies, is also supported by this far larger data set.
Macroecological analyses reveal historical factors influencing seed dispersal strategies in Brazilian Araucaria forests.

Aim Our objective was to evaluate the influence of distinct macroecological factors (space, floristics and environment) on the variation in seed dispersal strategies of shrubs and trees in the Araucaria forest biome in the southern and south-eastern Brazilian highlands. We hypothesize that history-related factors (space, floristics) are major determinants of the proportion of endo- and syn-zoochorous species in Araucaria forests, despite the current gradients in environmental conditions. Location Araucaria forest is the main forest biome in southern Brazil, at altitudes above 500 m a.s. l. (latitude ≤ 30° S). Their northern limit in Brazil is at latitude 20° S, where forests occur at elevations above 1000 m a.s. l. Methods We compiled information from 27 floristic checklists comprising shrub and tree species distributed along the geographical range of the Brazilian Araucaria forest biome. We classified species as zoochorous and non-zoochorous, based on morphological attributes of their diaspores. Sites were described by geographical coordinates (latitude, longitude) and five environmental variables. We evaluated separately the influence of floristic, spatial and environmental variables on zoochory using correspondence analysis and linear regressions. Further, we evaluated causal connections between these variable groups using Mantel tests and path analysis. Results Zoochory increased with both latitude and longitude. Regression analysis showed that rainfall seasonality was the only environmental variable explaining the variation in the proportion of zoochorous species. All pairwise Mantel correlations between space, rainfall seasonality, floristics and zoochory were significant. Path analysis showed that rainfall seasonality was strongly determined by spatial distances between sites, and floristics was directly determined by rainfall seasonality. Further zoochory was mostly determined by floristics. Main conclusions Taking into account historical factors in the interpretation of macroecological patterns improves our understanding of biodiversity gradients. Hypotheses based on long-term dynamics of distinct floristic groups provide some useful insights into patterns shown by studies elsewhere. Here we offer an analytical solution to incorporate history-related factors into macroecological analyses. While history-based hypotheses do not replace any other ideas concerning macroecological patterns, they are likely to improve our understanding on factors determining present-day ecological patterns.
EFFICACY OF FOOD GRADE LACTIC ACID PRODUCED THROUGH BACTERIAL FERMENTATION

The efficacy studies for lactic acid were conducted using rats to observe the toxicity of food grade lactic acid, produced in laboratory through fermentation process. The Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the evaluation of food grade lactic acid and was given in the feed to five groups of rats (A-E) at the dose of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4%, respectively. The behavioral changes, feed intake, body weight and hepatocytic changes were recorded during the experiment for 28 days. Incorporation of lactic acid in the diets at these concentrations did not manifest a significant (p<0.05) effect on behavior, feed intake and body weight in all the rats groups tested for lactic acid toxicity. Liver weight, relative liver weight, cell diameter and nucleus diameter remained unchanged (p<0.05) on ingestion of lactic acid suggesting that the consumption of lactic acid up to 4% is safe in the rats. However, these results are yet to be validated in the humans as far as the use of lactic acid produced through bacterial fermentation in the food is concerned.
Characterization of a cryptic plasmid from endophytic Enterobacter agglomerans isolated from Amazon's Copaifera multijuga

A small plasmid named pEA1 was isolated from Enterobacter agglomerans, an endophytic bacterium colonizing Copaifera multijuga (copaiba). The pEA1 sequence was determined by using the primer walking strategy and was deposited in GenBank (accession number DQ659147). pEA1 is a circular molecule with a length of 2,545 bp. Sequence analysis showed this plasmid has a GC content of 34% (Guanine and Citosine content in DNA sequence) and contains four open reading frames (ORFs) with capacity of encoding more than 100 amino acids. The ORF1, ORF2, and ORF3 showed homology to mobilization proteins. ORF4 showed homology to protein involved in replication in a plasmid originating from Pectobacterium atrosepticum.
Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations of fungicides against fungus Fusarium mangiferae.

Eight fungicides were evaluated for their In vitro effect on the colony growth of Fusarium mangiferae after 3, 8 and 16 days of inoculation in pre-amended Potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. The fungicides showed variable response in inhibiting the colony growth of the pathogen according to their nature and specificity at different minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Benlate 50 WP and Carbendazim proved to be the best fungicides giving 100% suppression of the colony growth. When decrease of colony growth over control was examined, Benlate and Carbendazim showed 100% decrease over control after 3, 8 and 16 days of inoculation. The fungicides Score 250 EC, Daconil W 75 and Captan 50 WP proved to be comparatively less effective. The fungicides were classified into three types i.e., I, II and III in reference to the sensitivity of F. mangiferae. Fungus proved highly sensitive to type-I fungicides (Benlate 50 WP, Carbendazim, Topsin-M 70 WP and Copper oxychloride 50 WP) with 100% suppression at tested MICs. The studies will be helpful to devise suitable control strategy to curb malformation in mango orchards.
Assessment of genetic relationships within Brassica rapa subspecies based on polymorphism

Genetic relationships of 10 subspecies of B. rapa was estimated using four isozyme systems. The interpreted genotypes were used to calculate genetic diversity measures (Mean number of alleles per locus (A), Proportion of polymorphic loci (P), observed and expected average heterozygosity, and F-statistics). Genetic distance matrix was used for clustering the collected subspecies. The UPGMA clustering based on Nei's genetic distance matrix separated B. rapa ssp. dichotoma and B. rapa ssp. oleifera ruvo-gruppe in one main cluster. In the remaining subspecies, B. rapa ssp. oleifera and B. rapa trilocularis were grouped together in a subcluster supporting the suggestion based on RFLPs that B. rapa ssp. oleifera had been derived from B. rapa ssp. trilocularis. The groupimg of B. rapa ssp. rapa, B. rapa ssp. chinensis and B. rapa ssp. pekinensis also supports the hypothesis that Chinese cabbage B. rapa ssp. pekinensis" originated from inter-specific hybridization between B. rapa ssp. rapa or B. rapa ssp. oleifera with B. rapa ssp. chinensis.
Vibrio mediterranei, a potential emerging pathogen of marine fauna: investigation of pathogenicity using a bacterial challenge in Pinna nobilis and development of a species‐specific PCR

Extreme mortality events affecting Pinna nobilis, some associated to Vibrio mediterranei, have depleted many populations of this bivalve. The objective of this study was to demonstrate pathogenicity of V. mediterranei in the host P. nobilis by performing a bacterial challenge in P. nobilis to understand if V. mediterranei has specific virulence in this host. To assist this objective, a secondary objective was to develop a species‐specific DNA diagnostic test.
Aquatic arthropods and forestry: effects of large-scale land use on aquatic systems in Nearctic temperate regions1

Aquatic arthropods can be affected by forest management through increased amounts of light, discharge, and sediment runoff, alteration of the supply of basal resources, changes in the supply of large wood, temperature modifications, and food-web effects. This syndrome of alterations varies geographically in magnitude, and the specific details depend on initial biotic and abiotic conditions, local topography, climate, and the particular management practices used. Impacts on standing water appear to be subtle, and most attention has focussed on streams, where changes are often more obvious. The intensity of any changes in processes affecting aquatic arthropods depends, in part, on the proximity of logging to the shoreline and the proportion of watershed harvested, and also on the condition and frequency of forest access roads crossing or near water bodies. Some groups of species are particularly vulnerable, but others, particularly generalist species such as some Baetis Leach (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) and some Chironomidae (Diptera), appear to benefit from harvesting. In general, outcomes of harvesting near streams are temporary increases in production and abundance but reductions in diversity. Impacts on all trophic levels, especially in streams, can occur from forest harvesting. The primary tool for mitigating these impacts is the use of riparian buffers, but there are still major uncertainties about the effectiveness of specific widths and configurations of buffers and their use for additional types of disturbance.
New Polymorphic Microsatellite Loci for the Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771), a Common Bioindicator

ABSTRACT To investigate the influence of environmental pollution on the population genetics of Dreissena polymorpha, we developed five new polymorphic micro satellite loci for the zebra mussel. This mussel is widely distributed and is a common bioindicator in the field of ecotoxicology. The amplification of the microsatellite loci was tested on a single population of 24 individuals. In this population, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 3–14, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.545–0.909 (mean, 0.772). All loci followed Hardy-Weinberg expectations, suggesting no evidence for null alleles. There was no significant genetic linkage disequilibrium, neither between the aforementioned loci nor between aforementioned loci and five previously published microsatellites for this species. All loci are valuable to investigate the influence of anthropogenic stressors on the bioindicator Dreissena polymorpha, and therefore on freshwater ecosystems in general.
Efficacy of combined antigravity treadmill and conventional rehabilitation after hip fracture in patients with sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND To compare long-term effects of antigravity treadmill (AGT) combined with conventional rehabilitation (CR) and CR after hip fracture in patients with sarcopenia. METHODS 45 patients were randomly allocated to AGT combined with CR (experimental group) or CR (control group) for 10 consecutive working days. Participants were evaluated prior to treatment, 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. Outcome measurement included Koval walking ability scores functional ambulatory category (FAC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Korean version of Mini-Mental Status Examination, Euro Quality of Life Questionnaire Five-Dimensional Classification, Korean version of modified Barthel index, and grip strength. RESULTS At 3 weeks and 3 months, the comparison of change scores in KOVAL between two groups revealed difference of 0.84 (95% CI: -1.19, -0.49; p for trend = .000) and 1.21 (95% CI: -2.05, -0.36; p for trend = .006) respectively. At 3 weeks, comparison of change score in FAC between two groups revealed a difference of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.28, 1.19; p for trend = .003). The comparison of change scores between two groups also showed a difference in the 6 months in KOVAL and in the 3 months and 6 months in FAC. The comparison of changes in scores in BBS between two groups revealed difference of 11.63 (95% CI: 5.85, 17.40; p for trend = .001), 9.00 (95% CI: 2.28, 15.71; p for trend = .006), and 11.05 (95% CI: 3.62, 18.48; p for trend = .006) respectively at each follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Both groups were improved after intervention. As additional benefits were evident among those who carried out AGT, it may be appropriate for patients with sarcopenia after hip fracture surgery.