Analyzing and Predicting Forestry Accountancy Network Variables with Bayesian Belief Networks as Compared to Traditional Analyzing Methods

The tremendous variability in physical conditions of forest enterprises as well as attitudinal aspects of their managers is seen as a major impediment to the understanding and optimization of forest management. For this reason, former studies using several methodological approaches—including meta analysis of econometric studies, binary choice models and stochastic frontier models—in many cases remained on a qualitative and more holistic level. This paper assesses the applicability of Bayesian Belief Networks (BBN) for the analysis of net income based on detailed 2006 economic data from the German federal accountancy network of forest enterprises larger than 200 ha. A network with one dependent (target) and 30 independent (explaining) variables was designed. The BBN has proven helpful for qualitative and to some extent quantitative analysis of economic data. It has become obvious that the completeness of populating the BBN model must be seen as a constraint. The speed of the calculations and the use of dependent probabilities can be seen as benefits of the BBN approach that reduce the risk of misinterpretation in comparison with traditional analysis methods such as the comparison of different strata. The visibility and presentability of the BBN approach facilitates its use in controlling and optimizing processes.     

Antioxidant,nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of Garcinia kola and Chrysophyllum albidum from rainforest ecosystem of Ondo State,Nigeria

Tropical forests contain many tree species that have supplied edible fruits for centuries.These fruits have contributed to human diets due to their richness in nutrients,vitamins,minerals,antioxidants and their low antinutrients content.We investigated the antioxidant,nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of Garcinia kola and Chrysophyllum albidum fruit parts.The nutritional,anti-nutritional and antioxidant compositions differed depending on the fruit part.Irrespective of fruit part,moisture content was high(72–93 %).While the edible part(fruit pulp) of C.albidum proved a better source of protein(4),fibre(17 %) and fat(2 %),the seed kernel was a better source of ash(2 %) and carbohydrate(15 %).Carbohydrate(22 %),protein(2 %),fat(1 %) and fibre(3 %) were higher in G.kola seed kernel(edible part) than in the pulp and pod.Anti-nutrient content in G.kola and C.albidum fruits was low,indicating that their consumption would not pose nutritional or health problems.The antioxidant compositions(especially phenolic content(10–21 mg g-1) and DPPH(1,1-diphenyl–2 picrylhydrazyl)(26–55 %)) of C.albidum fruit pulp and G.kola seed kernel were high,implying that they could be good sources of natural antioxidants and could be used as supplements in food manufacturing.     

Molecular architecture of the multiprotein splicing factor SF3b

The splicing factor SF3b is a multiprotein complex essential for the accurate excision of introns from pre-messenger RNA. As an integral component of the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) and the U11/U12 di-snRNP, SF3b is involved in the recognition of the pre-messenger RNA's branch site within the major and minor spliceosomes. We have determined the three-dimensional structure of the human SF3b complex by single-particle electron cryomicroscopy at a resolution of less than 10 angstroms, allowing identification of protein domains with known structural folds. The best fit of a modeled RNA-recognition motif indicates that the protein p14 is located in the central cavity of the complex. The 22 tandem helical repeats of the protein SF3b155 are located in the outer shell of the complex enclosing p14.     

Small nuclear ribonucleoprotein remodeling during catalytic activation of the spliceosome

Major structural changes occur in the spliceosome during its activation just before catalyzing the splicing of pre-messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs). Whereas changes in small nuclear RNA (snRNA) conformation are well documented, little is known about remodeling of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) structures during spliceosome activation. Here, human 45S activated spliceosomes and a previously unknown 35S U5 snRNP were isolated by immunoaffinity selection and were characterized by mass spectrometry. Comparison of their protein components with those of other snRNP and spliceosomal complexes revealed a major change in protein composition during spliceosome activation. Our data also suggest that the U5 snRNP is dramatically remodeled at this stage, with the Prp19 complex and other factors tightly associating, possibly in exchange for other U5 proteins, and suggest that after catalysis the remodeled U5 is eventually released from the postsplicing complex as a 35S snRNP particle.     

Plant cuticular lipid export requires an ABC transporter

A waxy protective cuticle coats all primary aerial plant tissues. Its synthesis requires extensive export of lipids from epidermal cells to the plant surface. Arabidopsis cer5 mutants had reduced stem cuticular wax loads and accumulated sheetlike inclusions in the cytoplasm of wax-secreting cells. These inclusions represented abnormal deposits of cuticular wax and resembled inclusions found in a human disorder caused by a defective peroxisomal adenosine triphosphate binding cassette (ABC) transporter. We found that the CER5 gene encodes an ABC transporter localized in the plasma membrane of epidermal cells and conclude that it is required for wax export to the cuticle.     

Bericht über Sammelreisen in Tadzhikistan (1983–1988) zum Studium von mittelasiatischen Vertretern der GattungAllium L.

Zusammenfassung Im Zeitraum von 1983 bis 1988 wurden fünf Reisen zur Sammlung indigenerAllium-Vertreter in der Tadzhikischen SSR unternommen und dabei eine Kollektion von etwa 40 Arten (31 davon sind bisher definitiv bestimmt) zusammengetragen. Die bereisten Gebiete in den Gebirgsregionen des westlichen Landesteils und die Standorte der verschiedenen Taxa werden kurz vorgestellt. Es folgen Bemerkungen über Hausgärten und andere Kulturflächen sowie über die dort gesammelten Muster von Kulturarten und verwandten Wildformen.

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Report on missions for the collection of middle AsianAllium L. taxa in Tadzhikistan (1983–1988)

Summary In the mentioned period five missions have been undertaken to collect indigeneous material ofAllium species in the western part of the Tadzhik Socialist Soviet Republic. Hitherto nearly 40 species (31 of which were definitely determined) have been found there. The areas of the mountainous regions visited and the habitats of the taxa are shortly characterized. Some remarks on the fields and gardens as well as on the collected samples of cultivated taxa and of their wild relatives are also given.

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(1983–1988.) Allium

1983 1988. Allium 40 (31 ). . ¶rt; , , .

     

Influence of extraction parameters on the phytochemical characteristics of extracts from buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) herb

In recent years, the interest in herbal medicinal products, especially in the field of dermatology and cosmetics, has risen enormously. Many plant-derived substances show photoprotective properties in terms of absorption of UV radiation and preventing photodamage to molecular structures of human skin. Modern phytopharmaceutics as well as phytocosmetics require standardized, defined extracts from the herbal matrix. Buckwheat herb is rich in flavonoids, which have been identified as potent antioxidants. Up to now, there have been no systematic investigations available concerning the extraction conditions for phenolic substances from buckwheat herb. In this paper, we report the influence of three extraction parameters, ethanol concentration, temperature, and extraction time, on the response variables extractable matter, antioxidant activity, and content of fagopyrin, rutin, and chlorogenic acid. Our results suggest that an extract with good antioxidant activity, a high content of phenolics, and a low content of the phototoxic fagopyrin can be yielded by agitated maceration with 30% ethanol at 60 degrees C for 2 h. Furthermore, there is good correlation between the antioxidant activity and the rutin content, whereas the extractable matter is not an appropriate parameter for extract quality. Huge differences in the content of rutin and chlorogenic acid when using herbal drugs from different suppliers confirm the demand of standardized procedures for the production of herbal drugs.     

Taxonomy and evolution of cultivated plants: Literature review 1982/1983

Summary Important papers on taxonomy and evolution of cultivated plants published in 1982 and 1983 were compiled and briefly discussed.

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Taxonomie und Evolution der Kulturpflanzen: Literaturübersicht 1982/1983

Zusammenfassung Wichtige Arbeiten über Taxonomie und Evolution der Kulturpflanzen aus den Jahren 1982 und 1983 wurden zusammengestellt und kurz kommentiert.

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: 1982–1983

, 1982 1983 . .