Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accumulation rates and sources of external nitrogen in decaying wood in a Norway spruce dominated forest

Summary 1.Microbial respiration in dead wood contributes substantially to the long-lived forest carbon (C) pool and has a significant role in the forest nitrogen (N) cycle. Wood N content has been found to increase during the decay process; however, temporal dynamics and the sources of this external N remain unclear. 2.To examine N dynamics at various stages of decomposition, we combined high variety of analytical methods on Norway spruce logs, including wood δ15N, N%, 14C-dating, fungal composition and N2 fixation rate. For N2 fixation rate we also determined its dependency on ambient temperature and decay class, when estimating annual N2 fixation rates for our study site. 3.N2 fixation was observed to have a major role in increasing wood N content during decay. For the most decayed wood it accounted for 60% of the total N accumulation. Compared to other reports, where the annual temperature was similar to our site, the calculated annual fixation rate of 85 g N/ha/a is a low estimate. However, previous studies have not taken appropriately into account the dependency of N2 fixation rate on ambient temperature and decay class. Our δ15N model describing the sources of external N, statistical analysis and the fungal DNA composition of decayed wood suggest that other sources of external N accumulating in wood were soil foraging wood-decay fungi and mycorrhizal fungi. 4.Our study improves knowledge of the temporal dynamics of N accumulation in wood with advancing wood decay, the potential sources of external N and their relative significance. All of these factors are important for nitrogen as well as carbon models dealing with ecosystem responses to climate change. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Integrated Selection Criteria in Melon Breeding

ABSTRACT Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) yield could likely be improved through genetic manipulation. Estimating genetic diversity and determining relationships among germplasm enhances efficiency of germplasm collection management and genetic improvement. Experiments were conducted with muskmelon from Mar. to June 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 to determine trait selection, which contributes to high yield. For all traits degree of genetic variation was determined to account for genetic and environment effects. Minimum genetic variance (9.66), along with high genetic interaction with the environment (19.33), led to low heritability (0.24) for yield. Broad sense heritability of traits included in the differentiating model was higher than in production. Number of fruit, fruit weight, fruit width, flesh diameter, and plant yield can differentiate genotypes with high or low production. Discriminant function of these traits, particularly fruit weight, for current outputs was used as an all-inclusive parameter for determining landraces with the highest yield. About three quarters of variation in yield can be explained with discriminant function, and weight is substantially related to total production (r = 0.72**), which can be beneficial in breeding. Variable importance in partial least squares analysis demonstrated that fruit number, fruit width, and fruit weight had the highest significance and can be used for predicting ultimate production. Selection using genetic variability can enhance genetic achievement of improved production.
Mast Cell-A Gatekeeper Of The Microvasculature In The Oral Cavity: A Review

Mast cells are multi-tasking cells. These enigmatic, multifacetted protagonists of natural immunity are functionally relevant to many more aspects of tissue physiology than just to the generation of inflammatory and vasodilatory responses. In the recent times their actions in various diseases have been investigated and have divulged many new facts owing to the plethora of cytokines secreted at different times under different conditions. All the aspects related to mast cells when put together explore the possibility of treatment modality options involving mast cells. This is an overview emphasizing on the role of mast cells in both physiological as well as pathological conditions.
Biotechnology of Wine Yeasts

The story of biotechnology of wine yeasts started a long time ago. The selection of yeasts from wineries for commercial purposes was developed from the 1970s. The aim was to display satisfactory fermentation profi les and to ensure product quality. From the 1980s, classical breeding, interspecifi c breeding and mutagenesis were applied for the improvement of existing strains. This resulted in many developments: for example, better nitrogen assimilation and fermentation kinetics were obtained by random mutagenesis (Salmon and Barre 1998). These classical approaches are still used; EMS (ethyl methyl sulfonate) mutagenesis resulted in the selection of commercial wine strain variants which produce less reduced hydrogen sulfi de due to mutations into genes encoding sulfi de reductase subunits (Cordente et al. 2009). But genomic features of wine yeasts were rapidly identifi ed as strong limitations for these approaches. Indeed, wine strains are mainly diploid, polyploid or aneuploid. They exhibit a chromosomal polymorphism (Bidenne et al. 1992). Chromosomal trisomies or tetrasomies result in impaired sporulation ability and in highly variable spore viability (Johnston et al. 2000). In addition, wine strains are generally homothallic, i.e., able to switch mating type when haploid, and highly heterozygous. All these features confer to wine yeast, high genome plasticity and limit the stability of lineage of variants.
Life History Traits of Tsuga caroliniana Engelm. (Carolina Hemlock) and Its Role in Community Dynamics

Four forest plots on Bluff Mountain in northwestern North Carolina, U.S.A. , with Tsuga caroliniana as a major component of the vegetation were used to study life history traits of T. caroliniana and its role in community dynamics. Growth rate of T. caroliniana was low, showed no difference among plots, and showed a slight relationship with age. Two of the plots contained old populations of T. caroliniana with low and moderate recruitment respectively. Both plots had small, declining populations of oaks (Quercus rubra, Q. alba). The third plot contained a younger population of T. caroliniana with high recruitment; oaks were more abundant but were declining. The fourth plot was dominated by oaks and contained a still younger, expanding T caroliniana population; oak populations were stable. Tsuga caroliniana appeared to be expanding from a population center near some bluffs to adjacent oak forests. There was indication that recruitment of T. caroliniana is episodic. Tsuga caroliniana had good recruitment under shaded conditions in which other species had low or no recruitment. Once established, it tended to suppress most other species. Many traits of T. caroliniana are compatible with the stress tolerant strategy of Grime. Consistent with Grime's proposals on life history strategies and plant succession the stress tolerant T. caroliniana is more abundant in more stressful habitats such as bluffs, but also appears as a late successional species in other habitats.
Different responses to larval crowding between 2 strains of Aedes albopictus (Diptera : Culicidae) from Japan and Thailand

: Responses of larval populations to crowding were compared between 2 strains ofAedes albQpictus and Thailand. Newly hatched larvae were reared with 6 different initial densities from 8 to 256 larvae/viaL The daily survival rate of old larvae and the number of produced pupae/ vial differed between the 2 strains in high density-cohorts, while in low density-cohorts both strains showed similar responses to larval crowding. The differences in developmental time from hatch to pupation and in size of pupae were not significant between the strains, although the increased density resulted in delayed development of larvae and smaller pupae in both strains. The analysis of density-dependence of laryal mortality showed different sensitivity to larval crowding between the 2 strains; the CM strain was more sensitive than the NG strain. Based on these results, the differences in growth pattern of laboratory populations between the 2 strains were discussed.
RAD Sequencing reveals genome-wide heterozygote deficiency in pair crosses of the Chilean mussel Mytilus spp

Mussels are increasingly important aquaculture species. Selective breeding utilizing genomic resources is at a formative stage. We develop genome-wide markers and investigate their inheritance in two Chilean mussel families using a restriction-site associated DNA (RAD) sequencing approach. A total of 4,537 SNP markers were discovered. RAD sequencing analysis indicated that mussels are among the most polymorphic species studied to date, with an average frequency of 1 SNP each 25bp. Familybased sequencing allowed us to examine the inheritance pattern of markers. The majority of SNPs (72%) deviate from Mendelian segregation ratios, showing a trend towards a deficiency of heterozygote genotypes in the offspring. Additionally, many alleles were observed in the mussel offspring without being present in their parents. Our results indicate that the inheritance of markers has yet to be fully understood before they can be applied for the genetic improvement of mussels.
Nutrient uptake kinetics of filamentous microorganisms: Comparison of cubic, exponential, and Monod models

In practical situations where direct observation of the morphology and biomass distribution of filamentous microorganisms is not feasible, there is at present some uncer- tainty concerning the appropriate mathematical model to use to describe the substrate uptake and growth kinetics of these organisms. Some authors have argued that a "cubic" model was superior to available alternatives. In the present article, the experimental evi- dence upon which this claim was based is reanalyzed in detail. We identify a conceptual flaw in the rationale that led originally to that conclusion; we show that equally good fits to experimental data are obtained with the classical exponential model as with the cubic model. Finally, we demonstrate that a Monod-based nutrient uptake model outperforms both the cubic and the exponential models, and allows the full data set to be fitted, includ- ing a transition phase during which the rate of oxygen uptake decreases. Consequences of these observations, and the simplifications they afford, for the modeling of environ- mental or engineered systems are briefly addressed.
Reduction of Campylobacter jejuni on Chicken Wingettes by Treatment with Caprylic Acid, Chitosan or Protective Cultures of Lactobacillus spp.

Poultry is one of the main sources of protein in the United States and in 2014 Americans ate approximately 100 lbs per person. However, consumption of poultry products is strongly associated with foodborne illness from Campylobacter. In the first study, chitosan, caprylic acid and their combination were evaluated as a coating treatment for the reduction of Campylobacter jejuni on poultry products. For the initial screening trials, chitosan of three different molecular weights (15-50 kDa, 190-310 kDa and 400-600 kDa) was evaluated at three concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%) and separately, caprylic acid was tested at 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% using chicken skin pieces. From these initial screenings a solution of 2% medium molecular weight (190-310 kDa) chitosan was chosen for continued evaluation, as was 1% and 2% caprylic acid. To determine short term and long term efficacy of the 2% chitosan, 1% caprylic acid, 2% caprylic acid individually and in combination wingettes were inoculated with Campylobacter, coated with a given treatment and sampled at 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. The 2% chitosan and both 1% and 2% caprylic acid continually reduced Campylobacter counts starting at day 3 through day 7. The combination of either 1% or 2% caprylic acid plus 2% medium molecular weight chitosan continuously reduced Campylobacter starting at day 0 through day 5. In the second study Lactobacillus spp. isolates with in-vitro anti-Campylobacter activity were evaluated for their efficacy as a protective culture when applied to chicken wingettes. An original 13 isolates of Lactobacillus were screened, resulting in the selection of 4 isolates for further evaluation. Wingettes were inoculated with Campylobacter jejuni and treated with either a Lactobacillus broth culture or a BPD control, followed by sampling at days 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7. All isolates were able to reduce Campylobacter counts by day 3, however two isolates produced more consistent reductions. These two isolates were combined with a 2% chitosan solution (190-310 kDa) and applied as a coating treatment for evaluation of increased efficacy. The combination of 2% chitosan plus either Lactobacillus isolate failed to increase the efficacy.
The Facial Carotid Artery in Snakes (Reptilia, Serpentes): Variations and Possible Cladistic Significance

It is reported that in henophidian snakes examined, except Acrochordus, the facial carotid artery passes forward ventral to the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve, and is typically of lesser diameter than the cerebral carotid. In contrast, in caenophidian snakes except Viperinae (not including Causus) and in Acrochordus, the facial carotid passes dorsal to the mandibular branch of the trigeminal, and is not of lesser diameter than the cerebral carotid. Viperinae except Causus show the ventral course. Because it also occurs in Scolecophidia, and is correlated with primitive states of many other characters, the ventral course seen in Henophidia except Acrochordus is interpreted as the primitive condition in snakes. The dorsal course seen in Caenophidia and Acrochordus is interpreted as a derived condition indicating that these two taxa form a monophyletic group. This is corroborated by presence of several other shared derived features in the group. The ventral course in Viperinae except Causus is interpreted as a derived reversal indicating the monophyly of 'true' Viperinae (ie. excluding Causus).
Methods of reducing the level of indoxyl sulfate – one of the most potent protein-bound uremic toxins

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with accumulation of uremic toxins, especially indoxyl sulfate (IS). IS has multi-directional, adverse influence on the organism, and is connected with cardiovascular and bone diseases. These properties make reducing level of IS so important issue. This article reviews methods allowing to reduce concentration of IS. Authors present methods like dialysis, using albumin-binding competitors, trans-cellular transporters and adsorbents, facilitation of dissociation from albumin, as well as modification of diet and intestinal bacteria. Despite the continued improvement and invention of new strategies, development of effective and safety methods of IS removing is still a challenge for researchers.
Compostos fenólicos, ácidos graxos e capacidade antioxidante do bagaço da vinificação de uvas tintas (Vitis vinifera e Vitis labrusca)

The wine production in Brazil is located mostly in Southern, Southeastern and Northeastern regions, being a well-established and of significant social and economical importance. In Santa Catarina state, vitiviniculture presents economical expression mainly in Vale do Rio do Peixe where majority of grape production is destined to table wine manufacture. This important economical activity produces high amounts of solid residues such as pomace which is discarded or misused. The aim of this work was to evaluate the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, anthocyanin stability and fatty acid composition of the oil extracted from grape pomace of different varieties of Vitis vinifera L. and Vitis labrusca L. produced in the region of Videira, Santa Catarina. As a first step, extraction methodology was optimized by testing different solvent systems of acetone and ethanol. Evaluation of anthocyanin stability was carried out in dried and defatted residue obtained from grape pomace. Fatty acid profile was also determined for all grape varieties tested. Phenolic acids present in of some varieties were identified too. Quantification of total phenolic compounds was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method and quantification of phenolic acids was performed by gas chromatography. Total monomeric anthocyanins was determined by pH difference and antioxidant activity by ABTS (2,2′-azinobis(3-etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfonic acid), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazil radical), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and β-carotene/linoleic acid system methods. In optimization of extraction it was verified that acetone, in concentrations of 50 % and 70 % in aqueous system, presented higher yield in extracting total phenolic compounds and in antioxidant activity and reducing power while alcoholic systems presented higher monomeric anthocyanin contents and efficiency in inhibiting oxidation of β-carotene/linoleic acid system. Ethanolic extract presented higher synergism on concomitant application of grape pomace extract and BHT. Anthocyanin stability, evaluated during 298 days, presented half-life times of 1680 and 1306 days for Ancelota and Tannat varieties and of 868 and 343 days for Regente and Pinot Noir varieties. Pomace oil of all grape varieties evaluated presented a fatty acid composition with high amounts of linoleic (47.63 % to 60.02 %) and oleic (9.48 % to 16.81 %) acids. Evaluation of phenolic acids from grape pomaces showed expressive contents of protocatechuic acid in fractions of free phenolic acids and of galic acid in fractions of esterified phenolic acids. It was observed a significant correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity and between antioxidant activity and phenolic acids content. Thus, pomaces from different varieties present large potential as a source of antioxidant phenolic compounds and of natural colorants. Key-words. grape pomace, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity.
Crude protein levels in diets containing pelleted concentrate for lactating goats: intake, digestibility, milk production and composition.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de proteina bruta (100; 130; 160 e 190 g kg-1 de materia seca) de dietas compostas por 200 g kg-1 de feno de capim Tifton 85 e 800 g kg-1 de concentrado peletizado sobre o consumo, digestibilidade dos nutrientes, producao e composicao do leite em cabras lactantes. Foram utilizadas oito femeas caprinas, da raca Saanen, com peso de 42,7 ± 1,43 kg e com 57,7 ± 7,37 dias de lactacao e producao de leite de 2 ± 0,22 kg ao inicio do experimento. Os animais foram confinados em baias individuais com dimensoes de 1,32 x 3,10 e distribuidos em um delineamento em quadrado latino 4 x 4. Cada periodo experimental teve duracao de 20 dias, sendo 15 dias de adaptacao a dieta e 5 dias de coleta de dados. Os consumos de materia seca, materia orgânica, proteina bruta, fibra em detergente neutro isenta de cinza e proteina, extrato etereo e, nutrientes digestiveis totais, apresentaram respostas quadraticas, com consumos maximos de 2.030; 2.000; 305; 769; 55 e 1.574 g dia-1, nos niveis de 140,7; 140,8; 189.2; 140,9; 144,9 e 142.7 g kg-1 de materia seca, respectivamente. As digestibilidades da materia seca, materia orgânica, proteina bruta, carboidratos nao fibrosos corrigidos para cinza e proteina, extrato etereo e os teores de nutrientes digestiveis totais variaram linearmente estimando-se aumento de 0,54; 0,50; 2,02; 0,49; 0,80 e 0,63 g/100g, para cada unidade percentual de proteina adicionada a dieta, respectivamente. A producao de leite foi afetada, apresentando acrescimo de 0,54 g para cada 1% de proteina bruta adicionada a dieta. O teor de lactose do leite diminuiu linearmente diferentemente do teor de gordura que aumentou linearmente. O teor de proteina apresentou comportamento quadratico com maximo de 36,7 g por kg de leite no nivel de 160,5 g de proteina por kg de MS na dieta. Recomendase a utilizacao de concentracoes de proteina bruta de 135 g ate 150 g por kg de materia seca de dietas constituidas por 800 g de concentrados peletizados (compostos por farelo de soja em substituicao ao feno de alfafa como fonte de proteina) por kg de MS para cabras lactantes produzindo 2 kg de leite por dia.
Postharvest Stimulation of Skin Color in Royal Gala Apple

The red color of Royal Gala apple (Malus domestics Borkh.) skin increased in intensity following irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) and white light. The enhanced red apple color was due to an increase in anthocyanin concentration and the increase was dose dependent. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that the composition of flavonoids in UV treated and natural red colored apple skins was similar. The red apple skin color further increased after storage at 4C in the dark. During the course of irradiation the enzymatic activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and chalcone isomerase (CHI) increased 10-to 20-fold. Northern analysis showed an increase in PAL transcripts during the irradiation treatment, suggesting that the increase in PAL enzymatic activity was due to de novo synthesis of the enzyme in apple skin cells.
Sensibilité tumorale aux agents anticancéreux

Au vu du nombre de molécules et de mécanismes pouvant être à l’origine d’une résistance (1), il est finalement surprenant que les cellules tumorales puissent être sensibles aux traitements anticancéreux. Pourtant, il est clair que les cellules tumorales des cancers qui répondent à la radiothérapie ou à la chimiothérapie sont plus sensibles que les cellules normales des tissus au sein desquels la tumeur se développe. Cette différence de sensibilité entre tumeur et tissu normal du site de la tumeur est à la base de la sélectivité des agents anticancéreux : la tumeur fond, mais l’organe cicatrise. Malheureusement, dans certains cas, la différence est trop faible, voire nulle, et les traitements n’atteignent le seuil de sensibilité tumorale qu’en étant hautement toxiques pour le tissu normal.
APPLICATION OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE FOR CONTROLLING VIROSIS AND BACTERIOSIS IN TASAR SILKWORM, ANTHEREAEA MYLITTA D

Les experiences en laboratoire et les essais sur le terrain avec l'hypochlorite de sodium (Naocl) comme desinfectant confirment qu 'il diminue la mortalite du ver a soie tasar, Anthereaea mylitta D. , provoquee par les viroses et les bacterioses, en enrayant le taux de multiplication et de transmission des pathogenes respectifs, les isolats d 'AmCPV et de Bacillus. On realise des experiences en laboratoire par inoculation de vers a soie tasar sains avec les isolats de AmCPV(1,5 × 10° POBs/ml) et de Bacillus (2 × 10 5 cellules/ml), suivi par le traitement avec les concentrations (0,001; 0,01 et 0,1 %) d'hypochlorite de sodium (chlorure disponible 4%P / v). Pendant les essais sur le terrain, on applique l'hypochlorite de sodium pendant l'elevage des vers a soie tasar a l'exterieur dans plusieurs Stations de Recherche Regionales sur le Tasar, et dans des Centres de Base de Multiplication des Graines et de Formation. Les resultats indiquent que l'application de ce produit chimique diminue significativement (P < 0,05) la mortalite (%), provoquee par la virose et par la bacteriose sans avoir d'effet negatif sur les larves.