Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinetic Modeling of the Autohydrolysis of Lignocellulosic Biomass for the Production of Hemicellulose-Derived Oligosaccharides

Xylose-based oligosaccharides produced from xylan-rich hemicelluloses (xylo-oligomers) are carbohydrates with potential food and pharmaceutical uses. Autohydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass is an efficient way to produce xylo-oligomers in a reasonable yield and a wide variety of compositions (anhydroarabinose/anhydroxylose and acetyl/anhydroxylose mass ratios). In this work, we develop a kinetic model for the autohydrolysis of xylan in lignocellulosic biomass that describes the yields of the different reaction products and explains the changes in the chemical composition of the xylo-oligomers due to reaction temperature and time. This model assumes that xylan is made up of three monomers (xylose, arabinose, and acetic acid) and that there are two xylan fractions with different compositions and reactivities toward hydrolysis. Both fractions are hydrolyzed to xylo-oligomers, which are hydrolyzed to xylose, arabinose, and acetic acid. Finally, monosaccharides dehydrate to furfural and degradation products.
Ectomycorrhizal Associations of the Dipterocarpaceae

Dipterocarps are one of the most important tree families in the lowland forests of Southeast Asia and are somewhat unusual among tropical trees in that they form ectomycorrhizal (EcM) symbiotic root‐inhabiting fungal associations. It has been hypothesized that dipterocarps have been partnered in this mutualistic association prior to the separation of Gondwana. Under many conditions EcMs form rapidly on dipterocarp seedlings through inocula present in the soil, although few studies have been conducted to provide evidence that they improve seedling establishment and performance. There are hundreds of EcM species associated with dipterocarps. Fungal fruit body surveys suggest that the most important families are Amanitaceae, Boletaceae, and Russulaceae, although Thelephoraceae also become numerically important when root tips are examined. EcM communities are affected by various biotic and abiotic factors, as well as anthropogenic perturbations, and the importance of these in structuring EcM communities is examined herein.
Effects of Growth Phase and Cell Density on Cryptogein-induced Programmed Cell Death in Suspension-cultured Tobacco BY-2 Cells: Development of a Model System for 100% Efficient Hypersensitive Cell Death

We developed a novel model system for hypersensitive cell death, in which the elicitor induced cell death in suspension-cultured cells with 100% efficiency. The 100% efficient cell death was achieved when tobacco BY-2 cells at stationary-phase were diluted to 1×105 cells/ml with conditioned medium and treated with 1.5 μM of cryptogein, an oomycete-derived proteinaceous elicitor. During the cell-death process, nuclear chromatin fragmentation, activation of several genes associated with hypersensitive response (HR), and induction of several genes related to antimicrobial activity were observed. The results strongly suggest that the cells undergoing HR cell death activated antimicrobial mechanism while executing cell-death program.
An Instagram-Based Study to Understand Betel Nut Use Culture in Micronesia: Exploratory Content Analysis

Background A 2012 World Health Organization report recognizes betel nut use as an urgent public health threat faced by the Western Pacific region. However, compared with other addictive substances, little is known about how betel nuts are depicted on social media platforms. In particular, image-based social media platforms can be powerful tools for health communication. Studying the content of substance use on visual social media may provide valuable insights into public health interventions. Objective This study aimed to explore and document the ways that betel nut is portrayed on the photo-sharing site Instagram. The analysis focuses on the hashtag #pugua, which refers to the local term for betel nut in Guam and other parts of Micronesia. Methods An exploratory content analysis of 242 Instagram posts tagged #pugua was conducted based on previous research on substance use and Instagram and betel nut practices in Micronesia. In addition, the study examined the social engagement of betel nut content on the image-based platform. Results The study findings revealed content themes referencing the betel nut or betel nut tree, betel nut preparation practices, and the unique social and cultural context surrounding betel nut activity in Guam and Micronesia. In addition, certain practices and cultural themes encouraged social engagement on Instagram. Conclusions The findings from this study emphasize the cultural relevance of betel nut use in Micronesia. These findings provide a basis for empirically testing hypotheses related to the etiological roles of cultural identity and pride in shaping betel nut use behavior among Micronesians, particularly youths and young adults. Such research is likely to inform the development of culturally relevant betel nut prevention and cessation programs.
Effects of season and intensity of sheep grazing on a British upland woodland: Browsing damage to planted saplings

Summary The effects of experimental alteration of season (summer/winter) and intensity of sheep grazing on browsing damage to planted saplings in an upland broadleaved woodland in Cumbria are reported. For saplings of Fraxinus excelsior, Ilex aquifolium and Quercus petraea planted in 1986, browsing of current year's shoots was greatest in summer but browsing of previous years' shoots was greatest in winter. For saplings planted in 1988, season of grazing only significantly affected Quercus petraea, with more damage in winter than summer. Intensity of grazing affected saplings planted in 1988 of all three species, with increased damage at higher grazing intensities. It is suggested that, for sheep, the availability of non-woody forage may be an important determinant of the degree of browsing damage to saplings, which has implications for the choice of herbivore for woodland grazing management.
Predators and the decline of New Zealand forest birds: An introduction to the hole‐nesting bird and predator programme

Abstract The role of predators in the decline of New Zealand forest birds, and specifically the roles of mustelids and rodents, is reviewed. Hole‐nesting forest birds are particularly vulnerable to predation because they display few predator‐avoidance behaviours. Mohua (Molnia ochrocephala) and parakeets are especially at risk because they nest when stoat (Mustela erminea) numbers in the forest are highest, and, because only females incubate, nest predation causes a biassed sex ratio. The Department of Conservation's hole‐nesting birds and predator research programme aims to investigate three questions: (1) Are contemporary predators still having a significant impact on the long‐term viability of forest bird populations? (2) Can we predict when predators will affect forest bird populations? (3) Can we increase the productivity and viability of forest bird populations by controlling predators? Mohua and yellow‐crowned parakeets were used as indicator species to answer these questions, and the resulting eig.
Seed Germination and Bolting in Red Beet as Affected by Parent Plant Environment

Low temperature and long day regimes applied during seed development and maturation of red beet (Beta rulgaris var. rubra L.) increased the proportion of empty seed balls and reduced the germination ability of normally developed seeds. Low seed development temperatures also greatly increased the bolting susceptibility of seedlings grown at low temperatures or temperatures which are marginal for bolting, but were not able to bring about bolting under conditions which are not themselves inducive to flowering. In a field experiment a significant reduction of the root tuber yield was associated with these effects.
Isoquinoline alkaloids and keto-fatty acids of Argemone ochroleuca and A. mexicana (mexican poppy) seed. I: an assay method and factors affecting their concentration

An assay for the isoquinoline alkaloids of Argemone ochroleuca and A. mexicana seeds is described. The method consists of extraction into weakly acidified methanol and ion-pair high performance liquid chromatography with sodium lauryl sulfate and tartaric acid in acetonitri1e:water as eluent. Analysis of A. ochroleuca seed showed it to contain dihydrosanguinarine and dihydrochelerythrine (c. 3 : 2) as major alkaloid components with minor amounts of protopine, sanguinarine, berberine and chelerythrine. A single sample of authenticated A. mexicana seed contained dihydrosanguinarine as the major alkaloid with minor amounts of sanguinarine and berberine, in agreement with earlier studies. Dihydrosanguinarine and dihydrochelerythrine were measured as their oxidized products, sanguinarine and chelerythrine, after U.V. irradiation. A crystalline solid which separates from A. ochroleuca seed oil was shown to contain 11-oxo-octacosanoic acid and 11-oxo-triacontanoic acid, which are also the major components of a similar solid from A. mexicana seed oil. Mexican poppy seed (probably A. ochroleuca) collected from various regions of Queensland during 1987-89 showed that place of origin and length of storage of intact seed had little effect on alkaloid levels. Exposure of crushed seed to light, however, caused a rapid decrease in the concentration of dihydro-alkaloids. Total alkaloid content correlated with seed maturity, with immature seed containing much less than mature seed.
Daylength responses, flowering time, and seed filling in lupins

Narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) is now an established major crop in southern Australia, albus lupin (L. albus) is grown on a smaller scale, and there is interest in cultivating other lupin species. With any new crop, it is crucial that its phenology, particularly times of flowering and maturity, matches the target environment. We investigated times of flowering, maturity, and seed filling of several lupin species of agricultural interest to southern Australia. Established genotypes of L. angustifolius and L. albus flowered earliest, in 70-75 days, but L. luteus cv. Teo and some L. angustifolius lines with restricted branching matured earliest. Differences between genotypes in rates of seed filling and final seed weights meant that time of maturity was only poorly correlated with flowering time. We investigated the role of photoperiod in the timing of flowering and maturity in 12 lupin species/genotypes by: (a) growing plants under both long days in the UK and short days in Australia; and (b) growing plants under short days in Australia with or without lighting to extend the photoperiod. Flowering was clearly hastened by long days in all genotypes in both situations. However, the responses were much greater when days were naturally longer than when they were artificially lengthened. This was probably due to the illuminance requirements for perception of photoperiod by lupin not being saturated by the artificial lighting.
Basal Archosaurs: Phylogenetic Relationships and Functional Implications

ABSTRACT Archosaurs first appeared in the Middle Triassic and within a short interval of time came to dominate all faunas of large vertebrates for the remainder of the Mesozoic. It is widely held that shortly after archosaurs first appeared the group split into two clades, now termed “Pseudosuchia” and “Ornithosuchia. ” Each clade independently evolved a rotary-style ankle design (“crocodile-normal” and “crocodile-reversed,” respectively) and each independently evolved from semi-erect to erect limb posture. Erect posture, in turn, has been identified as the key adaptation (possibly associated with locomotor stamina) that resulted in the archosaurian radiation. These hypotheses are examined in light of a numerical cladistic analysis of basal archosaurs. Contrary to previous schemes, Archosauria is divided into Crurotarsi and Ornithodira. Crurotarsi (Suchia + Ornithosuchidae + Parasuchia) is characterized by the rotary crurotarsal ankle joint and other postcranial synapomorphies; this style of ankle joint th.
Protection of Marine Fish Stocks at Risk of Extinction

‘The American Fisheries Society (AFS) recommends that regt the Indian River Lagoon area of Florida; Puget Sound, Washington and adjacent Canadian waters; and the Gulf of California. Further AFS analyses show that certain groups of fishes are particularly vulnerable because they have slow growth and late maturity Severe population declines have been documented for several snappers and groupers (Lutjanidae, Serranidae) in the Atlantic and the Gulf of California, several rockfishes (Sebastinae) in the Pacific, and some sharks (Selachei), skates (Rajidae), and sawfishes (Pristidae). Regulatory agencies should be apprised that these groups are extraordinarily vulnerable, and priority management should be given to these species, The greatest threat to many long-lived marine species may be bycatch (including regulatory discard) in fisheries,targeting other, often more-productive species. Regulatory,agencies must monitor bycatch of long-lived species and move to implement conservation actions if population declines are recorded. The most effective management strategy for some species taken as bycatch and for targeted species such as deeper-water groupers and Pacific rockfishes, may be establishment of large, protected marine reserves to supplement traditional management practices outside of the protected areas. The AFS supports the development, use, and evaluation of large marine reserves or Marine Protected Areas to protect and rebuild vulnerable populations. These reserves must have clearly defined goals, include a wide variety of environmental conditions, be of sufficient number to protect marine ecosystems within each region, allow adaptive management, and be large enough to be self-sustaining. The AFS encourages its members to become involved by providing technical information needed for protection of at-risk marine stocks to international, federal, state, and provincial policy makers, so decisions are made on a scientific, rather than emotional or political, basis.
ACOUSTICAL INTERFERENCE IN THE ADVERTISEMENT CALLS OF THE MIDWIFE TOADS (ALYTES OBSTETRICANS AND ALYTES CISTERNASII)

We address the issue of whether call alternation is a mechanism for diminishing call overlap between male midwife toads who are competing acoustically. Additionally, we study the effect of call overlap on the calling behavior of males and on female preferences. In both species, naturally interacting males emitted calls that did not overlap less than expected when males called randomly. Interactive playback calls showed that males increase their calling rate when responded to by a non-overlapping call, and that they do not increase their calling rate when responded to by calls that overlap with their own calls. In phonotaxis tests, females discriminated against duets of males that overlapped their calls. Furthermore, when calling males overlapped the males' calls, females did not discriminate between the male who was leading a calling duet and the follower. We conclude, therefore, that call overlap plays an important role in communication, since overlapping calls are less attractive to females. However, timing of male calling interactions does not diminish the overlap between calls.
A quantitative measure of introgression between lodgepole and jack pines

Analyses of electrophoretic and morphological data for 37 populations of jack and lodgepole pine and their putative hybrids reveal (i) species are discrete, taxonomic entities that can be reliably distinguished; (ii) the two data sets yield concordant results with respect to species characterization and the detection and quantification of introgressive hybridization events; (iii) multiple localized introgressive hybridization events have occurred in Alberta and possibly the Yukon as a result of historical and ecological factors such as fire, glaciation, migration, edaphic preference; and (iv) introgression has probably had a significant evolutionary impact on these species in localized regions of the zone of species sympatry. Procedures developed elsewhere for the quantification of racial admixture in human populations provide sensitive estimates of gene exchange (introgression). Anderson's classic approach to the study of introgression using hybrid indices also provides relatively accurate accounting of .
An experimental examination of the colour component in visually mediated sexual arousal of the male chacma baboon (Papio ursinus)

Male chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) sexual arousal response as gauged by the coagulated seminal emissions resultant from masturbatory activity was experimentally assessed. Males were initially exposed to an ovariectomized female prior to and during daily oestradiol benzoate treatment. Males were then re-exposed to the same female prior to and during the wearing of a thermoplastic model of a swollen female perineum. A total of eight different colours were sequentially applied to the model. It was only the red model that elicited a response similar to that shown to the oestradiol-treated female. The behavioural data collected from the stimulus female supported the view that it was model colour that determined the differential male response.
Metabolic measurements in cell culture and tissue constructs

This paper concerns the study and use of biological cells in which there is a need for sensors and assemblies for the measurement of a diverse range of physical and chemical variables. In this field cell culture is used for basic research and for applications such as protein and drug synthesis, and in cell, tissue and organ engineering. Metabolic processes are fundamental to cell behaviour and must therefore be monitored reliably. Basic metabolic studies measure the transport of oxygen, glucose, carbon dioxide, lactic acid to, from, or within cells, whilst more advanced research requires examination of energy storage and utilisation. Assemblies are designed to incorporate bioreactor functions for cell culture together with appropriate sensing devices. Oxygen consumption by populations of cells is achieved in a flowthrough assembly that incorporates O2 micro-sensors based on either amperometry or fluorescence. Measurements in single cell are possible with intra-cellular fluorophores acting as biosensors together with optical stimulation and detection. Near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS) is used for analysis within culture fluid, for example for estimation of glucose levels, as well as within cell populations, for example to study the respiratory enzymes. £
Green tea extracts as ultraviolet protectants for the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, nucleopolyhedrovirus

Abstract The addition of a caffeinated green tea, Camellia sinensis L. , filtrate (1%) to the nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV) of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), provided almost complete protection following UVB irradiation (30 min) in laboratory tests. There were few differences in UV protection when extracts were prepared at 27 or at 90°C. Moreover, few differences in UV protection were demonstrated following infusion times of 5, 15, 30, and 60 min at 90°C. At a 1% concentration, decaffeinated and caffeinated green teas were equally effective as UV protectants. At lower concentrations (0.1, 0.01, and 0.001%) caffeinated green tea provided greater UV protection (UVB/UVB 30, 60 min). Virus/tea extracts (caffeinated), under field conditions at 1 and 5%, were ineffective as UV screens. At a 10% concentration, some UV protection was provided and UV protection further increased in a concentration-dependent manner.
Ultrastructural studies of ascospore liberation in Pyronema domesticum

Ascospores of Pyronema domesticum contain three distinct spore wall layers. The liberation of ascospores presumably commences immediately after the three spore wall layers are formed. This is evidenced by the fact that vesiculation of the investing membrane was observed at the time when three wall layers could be distinguished. Vesiculation continues until the total disappearance of the perispore. Concurrently the epiplasm of the ascus degenerates and converts into a large vacuole within the ascus. Spores are violently ejected through the apical pore that is surrounded by a weakened apical ring. Presumably eight ascospores are discharged at the same time but do not adhere as a single unit. The operculum is generally not hinged to the main body of the ascus and an ascus without ascospores degenerates.
A novel proteotoxic stress‐associated mechanism for macular corneal dystrophy

Purpose Macular corneal dystrophy is a rare autosomal recessive eye disease primarily affecting the corneal stroma. Abnormal deposits have been observed intra‐ and extracellularly in the stromal layer. In addition to the stromal keratocytes and corneal lamellae, deposits are also present in the basal epithelial cells, endothelial cells and Descemet's membrane. Misfolded proteins have a tendency to gather into aggregating deposits. We studied the interaction of molecular chaperones and proteasomal clearance in macular dystrophy human samples and in human corneal HCE‐2 epithelial cells in this disease.
Variation Among Student Chapters of The Wildlife Society

Abstract Student Chapters of The Wildlife Society serve the parent organization as a source of new members while promoting professional development among aspiring wildlife biologists. However, little is known about the operation of the Student Chapters across North America. I conducted an online survey between March and May 2006 to learn about variation among chapters and to define successful chapters with a quantifiable, objective parameter (e.g., the active members or budgets). I sent chapter advisors and student officers the online survey via e-mail. Of 92 Student Chapters known to the parent Society in 2005, 66 active and one inactive chapters responded. Activities, sizes, and budgets varied greatly among chapters. Additionally, perceived values of membership by survey participants matched the parent Society's goals. No clear definition of a successful chapter (e.g., those with the most money or members) emerged, but chapters faced some evident problems including apathy from students and advisors as well as a lack of support from the parent Society. Based upon the survey, I recommend Student Chapters have strong projects and activities as well as consider collaborating with other professional organizations. I recommend the parent Society continue to expand student programs and incorporate students into the Society.
Declining amphibians in Europe, with particular emphasis on the situation in Britain

Published information concerning the current status of Europe's amphibians is reviewed. A large proportion of species are categorized as endangered or vulnerable. For those species that have been the subject of intensive study, declines are attributed to a diversity of factors, all arising from human destruction or alteration of the habitat. Current evidence does not support the suggestion that amphibians are universally affected by a single common cause.Key words: amphibian, Europe, decline, habitat loss.