Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating nutrient budgets for prescribed thinning in a regrowth eucalyptus forest in south-west Australia

This paper reports an approach for estimating thinning-induced changes in N and P budgets in jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest in the Wungong catchment of Western Australia. Two thinning strategies, herbicide injection and selective removal, were tested and nutrient budgets were constructed for soil, litter and tree biomass. The effects of thinning were evaluated based on pre-thinning biomass allocation and on reductions in biomass after thinning. Tree above ground biomass was 399 ton ha(-1), from which the selective logging removed 18.7 ton ha(-1) or 5 per cent of the N and 4 per cent of the P. Thinning residues from stem injection of herbicide contained fivefold more nutrients than the ground litter. Top soil was the primary nutrient store but only 1-2 per cent of total N and P were in available forms. In contrast, fine litter materials in thinned sites may release 4.8-5.7 kg P ha(-1) via leaching over the rainy months. Cut branches and dead stems stored 176 kg N ha(-1) and 7.0 kg P ha(-1) but would decompose over many decades. Our results indicate that both thinning strategies would increase nutrient cycling in the forest, while the implications of thinning-induced nutrient supply for the growth of remaining vegetation, understorey competition and ecosystem health need further examination.
Vulnerability of South African animal taxa to climate change

The responsiveness of South African fauna to climate change events is poorly documented and not routinely incorporated into regional conservation planning. We model the likely range alterations of a representative suite of 179 animal species to climate change brought about by the doubling of CO2 concentrations. This scenario is expected to cause a mean temperature increase of 2 °C. We applied a multivariate climate envelope approach and evaluated model performance using the most comprehensive bird data set. The results were encouraging, although model performance was inconsistent in the eastern coastal area of the country. The levels of climate change induced impacts on species ranges varied from little impact to local extinction. Some 17% of species expanded their ranges, 78% displayed range contraction (4–98%), 3% showed no response and 2% became locally extinct. The majority of range shifts (41%) were in an easterly direction, reflecting the east–west aridity gradient across the country. Species losses were highest in the west. Substantially smaller westward shifts were present in some eastern species. This may reflect a response to the strong altitudinal gradient in this region, or may be a model artifact. Species range change (composite measure reflecting range contraction and displacement) identified selected species that could act as climate change indicator taxa. Red‐data and vulnerable species showed similar responses but were more likely to display range change (58% vs. 43% for all species). Predictions suggest that the flagship, Kruger National Park conservation area may loose up to 66% of the species included in this analysis. This highlights the extent of the predicted range shifts, and indicates why conflicts between conservation and other land uses are likely to escalate under conditions of climate change.
In the Rat, Interleukin- lα and -β Stimulate Adrenocorticotropin and Catecholamine Release*

Recombinant interleukin-1 alpha and -beta (Il-1 alpha and -beta) have been evaluated for their abilities to stimulate ACTH and catecholamine secretion in the intact adult male rat. Additionally, the role of adrenergic-dependent pathways in mediating Il-1-induced ACTH release has been assessed. The iv or intracerebroventricular injection of either Il-1 alpha or Il-1 beta caused dose-related increases in plasma ACTH, epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels. While at low iv doses (less than or equal to 10 ng), Il-1 beta was more effective than Il-1 alpha at releasing ACTH, no measurable differences were noted at higher doses. In contrast, Il-1 beta was significantly more active at all doses in elevating plasma ACTH levels after intracerebroventricular injection. Similarly, Il-1 alpha was more effective than Il-1 beta at stimulating epinephrine, but not norepinephrine, secretion after icv injection. Because of the ability of catecholamines to alter ACTH secretion, we then examined the role of adrenergic-dependent pathways as possible mediators of Il-1-induced ACTH secretion. Blockade of adrenergic receptors by the concomitant administration of prazosin and propanolol prevented the simultaneous actions of phenylephrine and isoproterenol on the corticotrophs, but did not significantly alter the effect of peripherally administered Il-1 alpha on ACTH release. These results suggest that both Il-1 alpha and Il-1 beta stimulate ACTH and catecholamine secretion in the rat. Despite the ability of the lymphokine to elevate plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine values, circulating catecholamines do not appear to represent essential modulators of ACTH release induced by acutely injected Il-1.
Variant IL-1 Receptor-Associated Kinase-1 Mediates Increased NF-κB Activity1

IL-1R-associated kinase (IRAK)-1 is a critical mediator of TLR/IL-1R-induced activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. We previously described that a commonly occurring IRAK-1 variant haplotype, containing amino acid changes from serine to phenylalanine at position 196 and from leucine to serine at position 532, is associated with increased activation of NF-κB in LPS-stimulated neutrophils from patients with sepsis-induced acute lung injury and also higher mortality and more severe clinical outcomes in such patients. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms, we examined the ability of wild-type and variant IRAK-1 to modulate NF-κB activation. We found increased NF-κB transcriptional activity and expression of NF-κB-dependent proinflammatory cytokines in IL-1β-stimulated IRAK-1-deficient cells transfected with variant IRAK-1 as compared with IRAK-1 wild type. IκB-α degradation was faster and p65 phosphorylation more prolonged after IL-1β stimulation in cells expressing the IRAK-1 variant. However, IL-1-induced activation of MAPKs and nuclear translocation of NF-κB are comparable in both IRAK-1 variant- and IRAK-1 wild-type-expressing cells. Autophosphorylation of the IRAK-1 variant is greater than that found with wild-type IRAK-1. Additionally, variant IRAK-1 has greater interaction with TNFR-associated factor 6 than does wild-type IRAK-1. The enhanced activity of variant IRAK-1 appeared to be due to the alteration at aa 532, with only minimal effects being associated with change at aa 196. These results demonstrate that variant IRAK-1 is associated with alterations in multiple intracellular events that are likely to contribute to increased NF-κB activation and inflammatory responses in individuals with this IRAK-1 haplotype.
Diversity of ectomycorrhizal morphotypes and oak decline.

KOVACS G. , PAUSCH M. & URBAN A. 2000. Diversity of ectomycorrhizal morphotypes and oak decline. Phyton (Horn, Austria) 40 (4): (109) (116). In two oak stands in the north-east of Austria, the root systems of declining oak trees (Quercus petraea and Q. robur) were compared to those of vigorous trees. Ectomycorrhizal roots were morphotyped and counted. Fortysix ectomycorrhizae could be differentiated. While all morphotypes occurred in Patzmannsdorf, only 38 morphotypes were found in Niederweiden. The presence of some morphotypes was highly correlated with the crown-status of the trees. In both stands, the Shannon index of diversity calculated for the ectomycorrhizal microcoenosis was higher for the root systems of vital trees. It was possible to construct a discriminant function which discerned the ectomycorrhizal microcoenoses of vital and of declining trees. The possibility of reducing the number of morphotypes selected for the construction of the discriminant function without significant loss of information about the tree status was tested. Possible implications of the correlation of morphotypes with the crown-status of oak trees are discussed.
Burrow development, nutrient fluxes, carnivory and caching behaviour by Calocaris macandreae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Thalassinidea)

Using aquaria containing natural sediment, medium-term burrow development was investigated. After initial construction, and over the first month, relatively little burrow development was observed in terms of the number of openings and tunnels created. After an additional six months, however, there was a significant increase in the number of openings and tunnels constructed. In contrast to what might be expected from the number of openings and tunnels created during this period, a significant proportion of the sediment movement was sub-surface and relatively little sediment expulsion occurred. The concentration of nitrite, ammonia and phosphate in the burrow water was generally greater than that of the surface water, whilst the nitrate and sulphate measurements showed no particular pattern. Only the differences in phosphate concentrations were found to be significantly different. These results were indicative of Calocaris macandreae influencing rates of denitrification. This study also provided further evidence of carnivory and caching behaviour in this species.
Temperature gradient chambers for research on global environment change. III. A system designed for rice in Kyoto, Japan

Synthesis and validation of crop models for assessment of of the impact of elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentration and anticipated global warming on crop production require crop response data obtained under field-like conditions. The temperature gradient chamber (TGC) with the facility for CO 2 enrichment allows the creation of various CO 2 and temperature regimes for crops over the entire growth period with relatively inexpensive construction and running costs. The TGC develops a temperature gradient along its longitudinal axis using solar energy during the day and heating at night while maintaining the natural diurnal cycle. The temperature gradient and the CO 2 concentration in the TGC are regulated by computer control of the air ventilation rate through the TGC and of the CO 2 release rate. Longitudinal gradients of CO 2 concentration and water vapour pressure deficit of air in the TGC were generally less than 5% and ±0.2 kPa, respectively. A CO 2 enrichment experiment on rice in the TGC showed that a doubling of the CO 2 concentration markedly enhanced crop dry matter production. Temperature had less effect on dry matter production, although panicle dry weight was greatly decreased at higher temperature as a result of high-temperature-induced sterility of rice spikelets. Since rice spikelets are most sensitive to high temperature at the moment of flowering, and their flowering habit is highly synchronized with the diurnal courses of environmental conditions, the TGC is a useful tool in understanding rice responses to changes in atmosphere and temperature.
Lighting spot around yield and technological characteristics of some sweet sorghum varieties

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is one of the most important multipurpose crop for production of golden syrup and treacle and alcohol from stalk juice. Its bagasse and green foliage could be used as an excellent fodder for animals, as organic fertilizer or for paper manufacturing. Sweet sorghum is adapted wildly to different climatic and soil conditions. It is a short term crop where it matures after about 120 days from sowing. Its water and fertilizer requirements are much less, resulting in lower cultivation cost compared to sugar cane. Sweet sorghum is a high-biomass and sugaryielding C4 plant containing approximately equal quantities of soluble glucose and sucrose, and insoluble carbohydrates (cellulose and hemicelluloses). So, it is one of the most important and useful crops in summer season. The great profitable of sweet ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 3 Number 4 (2014) pp. 843-850 http://www.ijcmas. com
Major gastrointestinal helminth parasites of grazing small ruminants in and around Ambo town of Central Oromia, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of small ruminant helminthosis and associated risk factors in and around Ambo town of central Oromia, Ethiopia between February and May, 2013. A total of 120 small ruminants were examined using standard parasitological procedures. The study showed that 49.2% of the study animals were found to harbor eggs of one or more gastrointestinal helminth parasites. Both sheep and goats have been shown to harbor strongyle species, Fasciola and mixed infections. The dominant helminth parasites observed in infected animals were strongyle species (81.4%). In addition, lower infection rate of Fasciola of 10.2% and mixed infections of 8.3% were found. The species level prevalence of the parasites was 47.8% (43/90) and 53.3% (16/30) in sheep and goats, respectively. Though the infection rate of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites was higher in goats than sheep, the difference was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). Moreover, statistically insignificant association (P>0.05) was observed between animal species and infection with strongyles species, Fasciola or mixed infections. In this survey, no statistically significant effect (P>0.05) of animal sex, age, location and management system on prevalence of the helminth parasites was observed. However, prevalence significantly varied ( 2 =15.16; P=0.000) among different body condition scores. Animals with thin (OR=9.24, 95% CI: 2.70-31.57) and moderate (OR=5.10, 95% CI: 1.70-15.26) body condition scores were associated with high relative risk of infection with GIT helminth parasites than fat animals. In conclusion, body condition score was found to be the potential risk factor and should be considered during designing control measures against helminthosis of small ruminants in the study area.
The Invertebrate Prey of the Northern Leopard Frog, Rana pipiens, in a Northeastern Ohio Population

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the feeding habits of the northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens, in northeastern Ohio. To accomplish this we examined the stomach contents of 13 adults and 19 juveniles collected from a restored wetland in Summit County, Ohio during the summers of 1996 and 1997. The adult and juvenile frogs ingested 142 invertebrates representing 2 phyla, 3 classes, 12 orders, and 34 families. Adult and juvenile frogs consumed both diurnal and nocturnal prey belonging primarily to the insect orders Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Hymenoptera. Although juvenile frogs consumed more individual prey items than adults (t = 2.196, p <0.05), neither age cohort specialized on active or inactive prey (X 2 = 3.84, p <0.05)- Approximately 67% of all prey consumed consisted of fossorial or crawling organisms. Our data suggest that R. pipiens is an efficient predator that maximizes prey diversity by employing more than one feeding strategy.
Synergisms between Alien Trees and the Argentine Ant on Indigenous Ant Species in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa

Alien trees and the invasive Argentine ant Linepithema humile are known individually to impact indigenous ant assemblages, many species of which are important functional components of South African fynbos ecosystems. We studied the effect of the two alien taxa, tree and ant, on various species of indigenous ants. Alien trees significantly influenced abundance and species richness of local ant assemblages, as a result of the dense alien tree canopy changing environmental conditions of the ants' habitat. The Argentine ant displaced Pheidole capensis and certain Camponotus spp. , and reduced abundance of other indigenous ants such as Lepisiota capensis and Plagiolepis spp. Displacement by the Argentine ant appears to arise from indirect competition for food resources. The effects of alien trees and the alien ant are synergistic, both positively and negatively, depending on the particular indigenous ant species in question. Thus the changes in the indigenous ant assemblage wrought by alien trees are further influenced by the presence of the alien ant. Removal of the alien trees disadvantages the Argentine ant and reverses the adverse synergism as a result of more sunlit natural conditions. We caution against the use of the word ‘synergistic’ to focus on particular species and interactions rather than being used as an umbrella term for general impact and threat to faunal assemblages.
STRATOCLADISTIC ANALYSIS OF PALEOCENE CARPOLESTIDAE (MAMMALIA, PLESIADAPIFORMES) WITH DESCRIPTION OF A NEW LATE TIFFANIAN GENUS

Abstract “Carpodaptes” jepseni is a morphologic intermediate between Carpodaptes and Carpolestes, with the number and position of cusps on p4 more consistent with placement in Carpodaptes but relative size of p4 more like Carpolestes. The type and only previously known specimen of “C. ” jepseni, a partial dentary with p4–m2, is from Divide Quarry (Tiffanian Land-Mammal Age) in the Fort Union Formation of the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming. New specimens of “C. ” jepseni from Divide Quarry include a nearly complete dentary with p4–m3 and alveoli for all anterior teeth, and the first known upper dentitions with P1–M2 and an alveolus for C1. Specimens of Carpodaptes cygneus are also described from Divide Quarry, demonstrating the occurrence of two distinct carpolestid species at the same locality. Stratocladistic analysis of the thirteen known carpolestid species, using thirty-two morphologic characters and stratigraphic order, produced eight most-parsimonious phylogenetic trees associated with a single cladogram. The topology of the cladogram generated using stratocladistics is identical to that of the single most-parsimonious cladogram from cladistic analysis of the same morphologic data, but stratocladistics allows greater resolution than cladistics at the level of phylogenetic trees. New specimens demonstrate extreme shortening of the anterior jaw of C. jepseni, a derived state not present in other carpolestids. This suggests that C. jepseni occupies a side-branch close to, but not at, the ancestry of the Carpolestes clade (an ancestor-descendant lineage composed of the sequence C. dubius, C. nigridens, and C. simpsoni, in that order). “C. ” jepseni is here placed in a new genus, Carpomegodon.
Moving Toward Sustainability with Alternative Containers for Greenhouse and Nursery Crop Production: A Review and Research Update

Market researchers have found that nursery and greenhouse production practices that reduce plastic use can increase consumer interest. However, there are broader crop performance, production efficiency, and environmental factors that must be considered before adopting containers made with alternative materials. This review highlights current commercially available alternative containers and parent materials. In addition, findings from recent and ongoing nursery, greenhouse, and landscape trials are synthesized, identifying common themes, inconsistencies, research gaps, and future research needs.
The distribution of Empoasca lybica (de Berg.) (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) on cotton in the Sudan

The distribution on cotton plants of the eggs, nymphs and to a lesser extent the adults of Empoasca lybica (de Berg.) was studied on the varieties Bar XL1 and BAJ 7/57 in the Sudan during 1961–64. Counts of jassid nymphs in the process of hatching from eggs buried in the leaf veins showed that hatchlings were most numerous on the third to fifth expanded leaves from the main-stem apex and that most eggs had been laid either close to the point of insertion of the petiole into the leaf lamina or about half-way along the length of the veins on the underside of the leaves. The greatest number of hatchlings was found in the central leaf vein. It was concluded that eggs are most frequently laid in this position on newly expanded leaves at the apices of the main stems or side branches. The distribution of the early instars on the main-stem leaves was peaked, with maximum numbers occuring on or about the fifth expanded leaf from the apex; a similar distribution with a less prominent peak nearer to the apex leaf was found on side branches. The later instars, being more mobile, had a more even distribution. In the over-all distribution of nymphs on a typical cotton plant, a combination of the patterns found on main-stem and side-branch leaves, the greatest numbers of jassids occurred in the upper half or upper third of the plant. Co-variance analyses showed that the relation between numbers of jassids per zone and number of leaves per zone was not close and that the manner in which the plants were divided into zones for analysis of the relation greatly affected the correlation coefficients obtained. Regular counts of nymphs and adults on the upper surface of leaves throughout a period of two complete days showed that both nymphs and adults moved to the upper surface of leaves each day between 1400 and 1800 hr. local time and returned to the under surface at about 0300–0400 hr. Neither the environmental factor that stimulated this movement nor the way in which it benefited the insect was clear.
Ethylene Biosynthesis and Polyamine and ABA Levels in Cut Carnations Treated with Aminotriazole

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. abscisic acid, ABA, aminotriazole, Dianthus caryophyllus, ethylene, polyamines, senescence ABSTRACT. Treatment of cut 'Master' carnations ( Dianthus caryophyllus L.) with 50 mM aminotriazole (ATA) in distilled water for 5 days retarded senescence, increased flower longevity by 4 days compared to the control carnations kept in distilled water and inhibited the climacteric peak of ethylene production normally produced during the senescence of these flowers. The treatment had no effect, however, on the levels of the polyamines putrescine and spermidine. Thus, the biosynthetic routes of ethylene and polyamines may not compete for the common precursor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). Also, in the petals of the control carnations, increased ethylene production was correlated with increased ion leakage and abscisic acid (ABA) levels. In the ATA treated petals, ion leakage and ABA levels increased later and reached values less than 50% compared to the control carnations. Chemical names used: abscisic acid (ABA), 3-1 H-amino-1,2,4-triazole-1- yl (aminotriazole), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), S-adenosyl methionine (SAM).
A Social-Cognitive Approach to Uses and Gratifications

Several studies have applied uses and gratifications to explain Internet usage. Like Bandura’s social-cognitive theory, the uses and gratifications framework explains media use in terms of expected positive outcomes, or gratifications. However, previous uses and gratifications research accounted for little variance in Internet behavior, although there were conflicting results. This research identifies new variables from social-cognitive theory that might further explain Internet usage and resolve inconsistencies in prior research. Measures of self-efficacy and self-disparagement were developed for the domain of Internet behavior. Internet addiction was interpreted as a deficient self-regulation within the social-cognitive framework. Finally, the negative outcomes of online behavior were analyzed for their impact on Internet usage. In a survey of 171 college students, the social-cognitive model explained 60% of the available variance in Internet usage using multiple regression analysis, a significant improvement over prior uses and gratifications research.