Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Colonization processes of soil fauna and mycorrhizal fungi

Colonization consists of two parts, a dispersal phase followed by establishment and reproduction at a new site. Dispersal behaviour influences survival and the access to resources and mates of individuals and is thus closely linked to an organism's fitness. The dispersal ability of two collembolan species, Protaphorura armata and Folsomia fimentaria, was determined in a laboratory experiment. The dispersal ability of the two species did not differ in sieved soil and was low, 2 cm2 day-1, as calculated by a diffusion model. However, dispersal was four times lower in compact soil cores. Competition might play an important role during colonization, as a simulation shows that the proportion of an invading species compared to a resident species will not increase in the habitat even if its dispersal is high, unless its competitive ability increases. Many organisms with low abilitiy of active movement are dependent on biotic and abiotic agents to be dispersed. This is true for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which do not produce above-ground fruit bodies, that enable wind dispersal of their spores. In a laboratory experiment, the effect of collembolans and earthworms on the extension of the external mycorrhizal mycelium was studied. Even though fungal biomass increased in the presence of earthworms, this had no impact on the colonization of plant roots by AM fungi over a distance of 20 cm. When setting aside arable land, it will undergo a change from a high-nutrient input agricultural ecosystem to a later successional pasture or forest ecosystem. In a European project CLUE five field sites were established on abandoned arable land. Plant seeds were sown in a high and a low diversity mixture, and soil from a late successtional stage was inoculated to find out how these management practices affect the density and diversity of the soil faunal and mycorrhizal community. The management alterations had either a negative effect on the soil microbial and faunal community or no effect at all, over a time scale of three years. (Less)
TETRAPYRROLES: BIRTH, LIFE AND DEATH

Preface. - 1. An Historical Introduction to Porphyrin and Chlorophyll Synthesis. - 2. Biosynthesis of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid. - 3. 5-Aminolaevulinic Acid Dehydratase, Porphobilinogen Deaminase and Uroporphyrinogen III Synthase. - 4. Transformation of Uroporphyrinogen III into Protohaem. - 5. Inherited Disorders of Haem Synthesis: The Human Porphyrias. - 6. Heme Degradation: Mechanistic and Physiological Implications. - 7. Regulation of Mammalian Heme Biosynthesis. - 8. Tetrapyrroles in Photodynamic Therapy. - 9. Heme Transport and Incorporation into Proteins. - 10. Heme and Hemoproteins. - 11. Novel Heme-Protein Interactions-Some More Radical Than Others. - 12.Synthesis and Role of Bilins in Photosynthetic Organisms. - 13. Phytochromes: Bilin-Linked Photoreceptors in Bacteria and Plants. - 14. Biosynthesis of Chlorophyll and Bacteriochlorophyll. - 15. Regulation of Tetrapyrrole Synthesis in Higher Plants. - 16. Regulation of the Late Steps of Chlorophyll Biosynthesis. - 17. Chlorophyll Breakdown. - 18. Vitamin B12 Biosynthesis of the Corrin Ring. - 19. Conversion of Cobinamide into Coenzyme B12. - 20. The Regulation of Cobalamin Biosynthesis. - 21. Coenzyme B12-Catalyzed Radical Isomerizations. - 22. Biosynthesis of Siroheme and Coenzyme F430. - 23. Role of Coenzyme F430 in Methanogenesis. - 24. The Role of Siroheme in Sulfite and Nitrite Reductases. - 25. The Role of Heme d1 in Denitrification.
Immunomodulatory effects of piperine on dendritic cell function (50.36)

Piperine is a major alkaloid in black and long pepper and has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. In this study we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of piperine on dendritic cells (DC), key initiators and modulators of T cell mediated immune responses. C57BL/6 bone marrow derived DC were matured in the presence of 100 µM of piperine or vehicle control. DC maturation marker and chemokine receptor expression was assessed by flow cytometry. T cell proliferation was measured by CFSE dilution. Cytokine secretion was assessed by cytometric bead array assay. In vitro DC migration was assessed using CCL21 as the chemotactic stimulus. Piperine treated DC showed decreased expression of CD40, CD86, class II MHC and CCR7 and increased expression of CCR5, consistent with an immature phenotype. DC production of IL-6, TNF and MCP-1 was significantly reduced following piperine treatment. Treatment with piperine also reduced DC migration and DC induced T cell proliferation. In addition, naïve T cells activated with piperine-treated DC secreted lower levels IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, and IL-2. This study demonstrates that piperine inhibits DC maturation, migration and T cell stimulatory capacity. Further investigation of piperine mediated DC immunomodulation could lead to the development of novel therapies for the treatment of autoimmune disorders or allograft rejection. This research is supported by CIHR.
Variation in Six Innate Imune Genes Does Not Determine Protective Immunity Against SIV in Rhesus Macaques

HIV vaccine trials in humans have shown variability in vaccine responses among individuals. The SIV:macaque model can be used to understand the outcome of HIV vaccine trials in humans, specifically, the role of the innate immune system in inducing protective immunity. CXCL13, CCL20, CCL1, CCL2, CCL5, and TRIM5α, molecules of the innate immune system, were selected as part of a study into the relationship between these molecules and vaccine response. Sequence variation in the innate immune genes was determined in 25 rhesus macaques that were part of a SIV vaccine trial, a multiple low dose exposure study, or a control group. PCR primers were designed, based on the published rhesus macaque genome, to amplify approximately 2 kilobases of promoter region and the exons of the genes. Each amplicon was sequenced in at least 8 animals, and the sequences were visually screened for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Numerous SNPs were detected in all of these genes. Statistical analysis showed that there was no correlation between polymorphisms in these genes and protection against SIV challenge. Copy number variation (CNV) was also examined in these genes using either custom TaqMan copy number assays or SYBR Green assays and quantitative real-time PCR. The results of the TaqMan assay indicate that CXCL13 demonstrates CNV. Genetic variation in these innate immune genes is likely not important in rhesus macaque response to SIV challenge, although larger studies are needed to provide more definitive results. The public Health significance of this study is that understanding genetic factors that influence macaque responses to vaccination or SIV challenge will help us to understand HIV in humans with the goal of developing a more effective vaccine and the ability to predict individual’s susceptibility to disease or response to vaccination.
A New Model for Cross-polarization Scattering from Perfect Conducting Random Rough Surfaces in Backscattering Direction

Scattering from random rough surface has been of interest for decades. Several methods were proposed to solve this problem, and Kirchhoff approximation (KA) and small perturbation method (SMP) are among the most popular. Both methods provide accurate results on first order scattering, and the range of validity is limited and cross-polarization scattering coefficient is zero for these two methods unless these two methods are carried out for higher orders. Furthermore, it is complicated for higher order formulation and multiple scattering and shadowing are neglected in these classic methods. Extension of these two methods has been made in order to fix these problems. However, it is usually complicated and problem specific. While small slope approximation is one of the most widely used methods to bridge KA and SMP, it is not easy to implement in a general form. Two scale model can be employed to solve scattering problems for a tilted perturbation plane, the range of validity is limited. A new model is proposed in this thesis to deal with cross-polarization scattering phenomenon on perfect electric conducting random surfaces. Integral equation is adopted in this model. While integral equation method is often combined with numerical method to solve the scattering coefficient, the proposed model solves the integral equation iteratively by analytic approximation. We utilize some approximations on the randomness of the surface, and obtain an explicit expression. It is shown that this expression achieves agreement with SMP method in second order.
Genetic Analysis of Grain Yield per Spike and Some Agronomic Traits in Diallel Crosses of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

To introduce new germplasm into breeding programs in Turkey, 3 lines [Samsun - 46 (S - 46), Samsun/Bafra - 333 (SB - 333), Population - 311 (P - 311)] and 4 cultivars [Marmara - 86 (M - 86), Gonen, Golia, and Pehlivan] of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were crossed in 7 x 7 diallel crosses. The trials were conducted at Uludag University, Research and Training Center, Turkey, over 3 years (in 2000/01, in 2001/02, and in 2002/03). The 7 parents and 42 crosses were grown in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications for 2 years. The genetic analysis (variance, combining ability, correlations, and path coefficient analysis) of grain yield per spike (GYS) and some agronomic traits [plant height (PH), spike length (SL), spikelet number per spike (SNS), kernel number per spike (KNS), and 1000 kernel weight (TKW)] were evaluated. Differences among parents and hybrids were significant. General combining ability (GCA) effects were highly significant for all the components, while specific combining ability (SCA) effects were significant only for PH, GYS, and TKW. General reciprocal effects for PH and GYS and the correlations for GYS and yield components were significant in both years. Path analysis indicated that KNS had the highest effect on GYS, followed by TKW. The parents Gonen and S - 46 for KNS and P - 311 and SB - 333 for TKW and GYS showed positive GCA values in both years. They could be considered for developing desirable progenies in selection programs.
Developing an implementation plan for a career development program in small manufacturing businesses in Bloemfontein

In the current global market, businesses whether large or small, have competitors regardless of the industry. (Kunins, 2010:14). To remain competitive, it is important for businesses to leverage on, among other issues, the workforce as a competitive weapon (Miller, 2009:51). Businesses can utilise the workforce to gain competitive advantage by introducing career development programs. Career development is the series of activities or the ongoing/lifelong process of developing one’s career. It usually refers to managing one’s career in an intra-organizational or inter-organizational scenario. The implementation of career development programs helps organisations to retain best workforce. This study is based on the assessment of implementation of employees’ career development plans in small manufacturing businesses in Bloemfontein. The objective of the study is to assess the implementation of employees’ career development plans in small manufacturing businesses in Bloemfontein, with the focus on providing recommendations to enhance effective implementation of employees’ career development plans. A literature review was conducted to explore the impact of implementation factors. The six implementation factors and readiness factors were reviewed. A questionnaire constructed used to measure the importance of implementation factors, according to the respondents. A target group of 60 employees was identified and questionnaires were distributed to them. A total of 59 questionnaires were returned and all of them were deemed usable for the study. The validity of each variable was individually determined by the calculation of the Cronbach Alpha coefficient. Conclusions and recommendations for favourable conditions which will enhance a successful implementation of employees’ career development plans were made based on the empirical data obtained.
EFFECT OF SOME STABILIZATION METHODS ON NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF RICE BRAN

Rice bran (RB), a byproduct of rice milling industry and constitutes around 10% of the total weight of rough rice. It is primarily composed of aleurone, pericarp, subaleurone layer and germ. Rice bran is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, dietary fibers and other sterols. The main objective of this study is to describe the nutritional composition of rice bran that has been stabilized by either microwave or dry heat process which can be utilized as a functional food ingredient. The study also evaluated the influences of stabilization of rice bran in terms of free fatty acid and peroxide values. The results of this study suggested that dry heating and microwave heating were effective methods for stabilization of rice bran with lowering content of free fatty acids (FFA) and peroxide value (PV). These heating methods also provided higher contents of total phenolic compounds with increasing the antioxidant activities. However, it was suggested that microwave heating is not suitable to be used in small and medium scales in rural areas. But dry heating is a very efficient method for stabilization and could be applicable for small and medium scale operations in rural areas.
Cultivar and seasonal variation in bioactive compounds of highbush blueberry fruits (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

Abstract Seasonal and cultivar variations of the phenolic, thiol, and ascorbate compound contents as well as the antioxidative enzyme activity in six cultivars of highbush blueberry were investigated. Berries of the ‘Earlyblue’, ‘Patriot’, ‘Bluecrop’, ‘Duke’, ‘Darrow’ and ‘Lateblue’ cultivars were sampled in 2005 and 2006. Chlorogenic acid, (-)-epicatechins, and ascorbate contents and CAT activity were found to be at the lowest degree affected by growing season conditions. ‘Seasonal effect’ had, however, a huge impact on the GR activity, as well as L-cysteine and glutathione content, suggesting that the glutathione system was highly influenced through growing factors in blueberry fruit. Berries of ‘Earlyblue’ were the richest source of antioxidants, at the same time revealing their quite stable quantity over the examined years. The second highest in bioactive stability was ‘Duke’, classified as medium with respect to antioxidant content.
The temperature‐size rule emerges from ontogenetic differences between growth and development rates

Summary 1. The temperature-size rule (TSR) is a widespread phenomenon, which describes the phenotypic plastic response of species’ size to temperature: individuals reared at colder temperatures mature as larger adults than at warmer temperatures. 2. The TSR is driven by an unequal thermal response of growth and development rates. However, we currently lack an understanding of how these rates change through ontogeny and their decoupling. Further, we do not know how this decoupling varies across generations. 3. Using the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana as a model, we examine growth and development rates through ontogeny at different temperatures across two generations. 4. The slopes of natural-logged weight-specific growth rates against temperature are steeper in earlier than later larval stages, indicating their greater temperature dependence, whereas development rates maintain the same temperature dependence across life stages. An inverse TSR is generated in early larval stages; the typical TSR (smaller size at warmer temperatures) is only established later in ontogeny. 5. Phase-specific temperature dependence of growth and development rates is not significantly different across the 1st and 2nd generation, suggesting the TSR is primarily a within-generation outcome. 6. Ontogenetic size responses in Artemia are compared to other crustacean species to identify patterns within this subphylum. Data for a range of crustaceans follow the same ontogenetic pattern: early larval stages show an inverse or no TSR, with TSR being only established in later stages. Adults often, but not always, show the greatest response.
Una mirada hacia los jóvenes con trastornos de ansiedad

En este articulo, vamos a detenernos en conocer un poco mas algunos de los trastornos de ansiedad que pueden experimentar los adolescentes. Con la descripcion de los casos que se presentan, se intenta entender la sintomatologia por la que se manifiestan y el como lo experimentan los afectados. Se recalca la realidad existente referente a las dificultades que hay en cuanto a la deteccion, identificacion, evaluacion e intervencion en este tipo de trastornos, a pesar de ser uno de los mas frecuentes entre la poblacion infantil y adolescente. Se hace un repaso sobre como se han de evaluar estos trastornos, las intervenciones basadas en la evidencia disponibles, asi como alguna de las barreras existentes que pueden estar explicando el poco acceso al tratamiento adecuado por parte de los jovenes que sufren este tipo de trastornos.
Attitudes of Urban Residents’ Toward Tourism: Evidence from Bishkek

On a global scale, tourism is an actively developing industry, which is of great importance for the development of the economy of many regions of the world. Satisfaction of the local population with the development of tourism is closely related to the opportunities for active participation in the decision-making process on tourism development. The level of satisfaction with tourism can show the feelings and attitude of the residents toward tourism, and in particular, to tourists. Satisfied local people are more hospitable and willing to provide tourists with the necessary products and services. This paper aims to study the attitude of urban residents towards tourism and its development on the basis of a survey conducted among residents of Bishkek by random sampling. Bishkek is the capital of the country and the largest number of registered economic entities in the tourism sector is focused in Bishkek. Respondents (N=190) attitude toward tourism varied according to their age, education, gender, marital status. The study showed that urban residents have a mostly benevolent and supportive attitude to tourism. Among the negative consequences expected from tourism development is related with the risk of rising prices in accommodation facilities. The results can be useful for policy makers, business representatives, local government and researchers.
Leucism in the Amazonian diurnal frog Anomaloglossus stepheni (Martins, 1989) (Anura: Aromobatidae)

Phenotypic abnormalities in coloration patterns can occur in individuals of a certain species usually due to genetic or environmental factors that cause an excess or deficit in the metabolism of dermal pigmentation, restricted to a region or throughout the entire body (Duellman and Trueb, 1994; Hayley-McCardle, 2012). Several divergent classifications for these events are based on extent of pigmentation loss, but among the main recognized types we can cite the piebaldism, leucism and albinism (Miller, 2005; Abreu et al., 2013). Piebaldism occurs when there are depigmented blotches along the animal’s body (Acevedo et al., 2009) and leucism when the animal’s body is partially or totally depigmented, with remaining margins of the body and eyes pigmented, as albinism occurs in animals with
Electron microscopy of cryopreserved boar spermatozoa

Cryopreservation of boar spermatozoa is as yet sub-optimal, presumably owing to variation in dehydration and membrane intactness among boars. This thesis work investigated, using cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM), how cooling rates below –5oC/min affect the frozen structure of boar semen in four different packages/volumes (maxi-straws and medium straws, FlatPacks [FPs] and MiniFlatPacks [MFPs]). The hypothesis tested was that the degree of dehydration differs between containers, as well as by cooling rate, which would explain differences in post-thaw viability among boars. Cryo-SEM allows the study of the fully hydrated ultrastructure of frozen sperm samples without introducing artefacts caused by fixation or processing. It further allows visualisation of the topography of the sample, including the distribution and amount/area of the frozen water which, when sublimated, leaves the partly or fully dehydrated extender and the spermatozoa intact. Furthermore, the thesis work investigated the effect of cooling/re-warming on the localisation of the hexose substrate carriers GLUT-3 and GLUT-5 and water/cryoprotectant channels (Aquaporin 7 [AQP7]) in the plasma membrane. Use of different cooling speeds and containers clearly affected the degree of (de)hydration of the extender/spermatozoa, thus explaining recorded differences in post-thaw sperm survival, but not inter-boar variation. The degree of dehydration was most favourable for the MFPs owing to their cryogenic properties. Ultrastructural analyses by SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of immunolabelling clearly showed that boar spermatozoa express the hexose/glucose transporters GLUT-3 and GLUT-5 in both the outer and the inner plasmalemma. Their distribution in the plasma membrane changed during the process of cryopreservation, particularly for GLUT-3, whose labelling decreased dramatically post-thaw. Likewise, the channel protein AQP7, involved in the transport of water and glycerol through the plasma membrane, is present in boar spermatozoa collected from the cauda epididymides and from different fractions of the ejaculate. The domain localisation changed in ejaculated spermatozoa during cryopreservation, with a clear redistribution and increasing intensity following freezing-thawing. Both hexose (GLUT-) transporters and AQP7 are markers of interest for non-empirical studies of boar semen cryopreservation.
Characteristics of Red Palm Oil, a Carotene- and Vitamin E–rich Refined Oil for Food Uses

A novel process involving pretreatment of crude palm oil, followed by deacidification and deodorization using molecular distillation, can be used to produce a carotene-rich refined edible palm oil. the product is a refined red palm oil that meets standard refined edible oil specifications and retains up to 80% of the carotene and vitamin E originally present in the crude palm oil. the oil contains no less than 500 ppm carotene, 90% of which is present as α- and β-carotene. the vitamin E content is about 800 ppm, 70% of it in the form of tocotrienols (mainly as α-, β-, and γ-tocotrienols). Other valuable minor components present in this oil are ubiquinones and phytosterols. the process is also applicable for the commercial production of other natural vitamin-rich palm fractions, such as stearin, olein, and palm mid-fraction. Such products are currently available and can be used in various food applications, both as cooking media and as ingredients that enhance the appearance and nutritional value of foods.
Avian Incubation: Behaviour, Environment, and Evolution

1. Importance and Evolution of Incubation in Avian reproduction 2. Location Structure and Function of Incubation Sites 3. Functional Characteristics of Eggs 4. Embryonic Development and Utilisation of Egg Components 5. Hormonal Control of Incubation Behaviour 6. Behaviour Patterns During Incubation 7. Parent-Embryo Interactions 8. The Brood Patch 9. Maintenance of Egg Temperature 10. Nest Microclimate During Incubation 11. Patterns and Significance of Egg Turning 12. Microbiology of Natural Incubation 13. Underground Nesting in the Megapodes 14. Characteristics and Constraints of Incubation in Hummingbirds 15. Intermittent Incubation: Predictions and Tests for Time and Heat Allocations 16. Incubation in Extreme Environments 17. Tactics of Obligate Brood Parasites to Secure Suitable Incubators 18. Ecological Factors Affecting Initiation of Incubation Behaviour 19. Adaptive Significance of Egg Colouration 20. Energetics of Incubation 21. Incubation and the Costs of Reproduction 22. Perspectives in Avian Incubation