Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MICROBIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL AMELIORATION OF ALKALINE SOIL BY GROWING KARNAL GRASS AND GYPSUM APPLICATION

In a field experiment, microbiological and chemical amelioration of a highly deteriorated alkaline soil (pH 10.6, exchangeable sodium percentage 95) was undertaken during 1989–92 using two reclamation technologies: namely, growing Karnal grass (Leptochloa fusca) as a first crop in the absence of any amendment (biological reclamation) or applying gypsum as a chemical amendment for different cropping sequences. After ten months average dehydrogenase activity, used as a measure of catabolic activity of micro-organisms under anaerobic conditions, was 49.5 μg triphenylformazan (TPF) per g soil in treatments where the soil was reclaimed by growing Karnal grass, compared with 26.8 μg TPF by applying 50% of the estimated requirement of gypsum. After three years of reclamation, average dehydrogenase activity was 118.7 μg TPF per g soil with Karnal grass and 96.1 μg TPF with gypsum. After three years average microbial biomass carbon was 28% greater in the gypsum treatments (206.5 mg per kg soil) compared with Karnal grass treatments (161.7 mg). However, at this stage the ratio between average dehydrogenase activity and microbial biomass carbon was greater with Karnal grass (0.77) than in gypsum treatments (0.47). The microbiological properties changed more than the chemical properties of alkali soil as the time period advanced. After three years of reclamation, the average pH of the alkali soil dropped from 10.6 to 9.45 and the average exchangeable sodium percentage was reduced from 95 to 47.5. The increase in total organic carbon was 64% and in available nitrogen about 38% compared with the original soil. Higher microbial biomass carbon in gypsum treatments corresponded with lower exchangeable sodium percentage, higher availability of nitrogen and potassium and greater total yield of sensitive winter clovers.
Pasture herbage mass, quality and growth in response to three whole-farmlet management systems

The effects of different whole-farm management systems were explored in a farmlet trial on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia, between July 2000 and December 2006. The three systems examined were first, a moderate input farmlet with flexible grazing on eight paddocks considered ‘typical’ of the region (farmlet B), a second, also with flexible grazing on eight paddocks but with a high level of pasture renovation and increased soil fertility (farmlet A) and a third with the same moderate level of inputs as farmlet B but which practised intensive rotational grazing on 37 paddocks (farmlet C). The changes in herbage mass, herbage quality and pasture growth followed a seasonal pattern typical of the Northern Tablelands with generally higher levels recorded over spring–summer and lower levels in autumn–winter but with substantial differences between years due to the variable climate experienced. Over the first 18 months of the trial there were no significant differences between farmlets in total herbage mass. Although the climate was generally drier than average, the differences between farmlets in pasture herbage mass and quality became more evident over the duration of the experiment. After the farmlet treatments started to take effect, the levels of total and dead herbage mass became significantly lower on farmlet A compared with farmlets B and C. In contrast, the levels of green herbage were similar for all farmlets. Throughout most of the study period, pastures on farmlet A with its higher levels of pasture renovation and soil fertility, had significantly higher DM digestibility for both green and dead herbage components compared with pastures on either of the moderate input systems (B and C). Thus, when green herbage mass and quality were combined, farmlet A tended to have higher levels of green digestible herbage than either of the other farmlets, which had similar levels, suggesting that pasture renovation and soil fertility had more effect on the supply of quality pasture than did grazing management. This difference was observed in spite of the higher stocking rate supported by farmlet A after treatments took effect. Levels of legume herbage mass, while generally low due to the dry conditions, were significantly higher on farmlet A compared with the other two farmlets. While ground cover on farmlet A was found to be less than the other farmlets, this was largely associated with the higher level of pasture renovation. Generally, all three farmlets had ground cover levels well above 70% for the duration of the experiment, thus being above levels considered critical for prevention of erosion. A multivariate analysis showed that the main explanatory factors significantly linked (P 0.05) differences between farmlets. However, post hoc estimates of potential pasture growth rate using remotely sensed MODIS satellite images of normalised difference vegetation index captured weekly from each farmlet revealed a significant (P < 0.001) relationship with the seasonal pattern observed in the measurements of pasture growth rate.
Response of mucous cells of the gills of traíra (Hoplias malabaricus) and jeju (Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus) (Teleostei: Erythrinidae) to hypo- and hyper-osmotic ion stress

As celulas mucosas (CM) em traira, Hoplias malabaricus, e jeju, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus, dois eritrinideos ecologicamente distintos, foram analisadas em especimes expostos a agua deionizada (DW) e agua com alta concentracao de ions (NaCl + Ca2+, HIW) durante 15 dias para avaliar as respostas das CMs. As CMs estao localizadas no lado aferente e eferente e regiao interlamelar no epitelio do filamento branquial, mas em H. unitaeniatus, CMs estao presentes no epitelio respiratorio ou lamelar. A densidade de CMs e menor em H. malabaricus, especie com respiracao exclusivamente aquatica, do que em H. unitaeniatus, especie com respiracao aerea facultativa. A transferencia para AD e HIW nao alterou a densidade de CMs e a sua superficie, exceto em H. malabaricus, no primeiro dia de exposicao a AD. Um unico tipo de CM contendo tres tipos de glicoproteinas (neutra, acida e acida sulfatada) foi identificado no epitelio branquial de H. malabaricus e H. unitaeniatus. A quantidade das glicoproteinas (avaliada pela intensidade da reacao histoquimica) diferiu nas duas especies e foi alterada apos a transferencia para AD e HIW mostrando pequeno ajuste na quantidade de cada mucosubstância secretada pelas CMs em H. malabaricus e reducao de glicoproteinas acidas e sulfatadas em H. unitaeniatus. A diminuicao dessas glicoproteinas em H. unitaeniatus reduz a protecao do muco sobre o tecido branquial quando e alterada a concentracao de ions na da agua.
Effects of polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and polyacrylamide (PAM) as soil conditioners on erosion by runoff and by splash under laboratory conditions.

In this study, polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and polyacrylamide (PAM) were applied at different doses (0, 6.70, 13.40 and 26.80 kg/ha) to investigate the effects on erosion caused by runoff and by splash under laboratory conditions. PVA and PAM were sprayed on the surface of the soil samples in the erosion trays (30 x 30 x 14 cm; at a slope o f 9 %) and then simulated rainfall (60 mm/h) was applied to these trays for 1 hour. According to the results o f the research, increases in PVA and PAM doses reduced runoff, erosion by runoff, and by splash significantly (P<0.05 and 0.01).
Potential Allelopathic Effects of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) Leaf Tissues

Abstract Jerusalem artichoke has been reported to colonize several ecological niches and agronomic crops in southern Europe. This plant is also of interest because of its high biomass production and its potential to produce ethanol for biofuel. Allelopathy may be an advantageous trait in Jerusalem artichoke under cultivation, as it potentially reduces weed interference with the crop, theoretically allowing a reduction of mechanical or chemical input required for weed management. However, this trait may also be unfavorable if other crops are cultivated in rotation with Jerusalem artichoke or in areas infested by this species. The aim of this study was to investigate the sensitivity of selected diverse crops (wheat, lettuce, corn, tomato, rice, and zucchini) and weeds (barnyardgrass, black nightshade, common lambsquarters, common purslane, large crabgrass, and pigweed) to the presence of Jerusalem artichoke dried leaf tissues in laboratory experiments performed under controlled conditions. The simulated soil incorporation of different Jerusalem artichoke residues (four cultivars and a weedy population) was carried out in a series of laboratory and greenhouse experiments. Jerusalem artichoke reduced the radicle growth of seedling lettuce (60%), tomato (30%), large crabgrass (70%), and barnyardgrass (30%), whereas total germination of these species was less affected. Sensitivity to Jerusalem artichoke residues was species dependent; germination and initial growth of corn were not affected, whereas winter wheat, lettuce, tomato, rice, and zucchini seedlings were more sensitive to residue presence. Our experiments show that both wild and cultivated decomposing Jerusalem artichoke residues, particularly leaves and stems, possess phytotoxic potential. Additional field experimentation remains to be conducted to determine if allelopathy in the field contributes to its invasibility. Nomenclature: Jerusalem artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus L. ; barnyardgrass, Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. ECHCG; black nightshade, Solanum nigrum L. SOLNI; common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L. CHEAL; common purslane, Portulaca oleracea POROL; corn, Zea mays L. ; large crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. DIGSA; lettuce, Lactuca sativa L. ; pea, Pisum sativum L. ; redroot pigweed, Amaranthus retroflexus L. AMARE; rice, Oryza sativa L. ; tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. ; wheat, Triticum aestivum L. ; zucchini, Cucurbita pepo L.
Prevalence of nematode parasites in Sheep of Ladakh - India

Nematode parasite infections of sheep are a major problem throughout the world and are responsible for economic losses in a variety of ways. In the present study an attempt was made to find out the various nematode parasites and their prevalence infesting the sheep of Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir State in India. A total of 313 sheep of either sex and of different age groups belonging to different areas of Ladakh were examined for nematode parasites, out of these 136 (43.45%) were found infected. The study reveals the presence of four species of nematodes viz; Trichuris ovis, Haemonchus contortus, Dictyocaulus filaria and Chabertia ovina. It was also observed that among these T. ovis was most dominant followed by H. contortus, D. filaria and C. ovina, respectively. Furthermore season, sex, age and agro-ecology show an association with prevalence.
Effects of water temperature and thermoclines on larval behaviour and development in the giant crab Pseudocarcinus gigas (Lamarck)

Pseudocarcinus gigas is a deep-water commercial species. To date, only three larvae have been collected, despite extensive sampling. Therefore, to assist the targeting of field sampling of larvae, laboratory-based research was undertaken to identify temperature preferences. Two approaches were taken. The first investigated the behavioural responses of P. gigas larvae to temperature. Experimental columns with discontinuous temperature gradients were used to test the ability of P. gigas larvae to penetrate thermoclines vertically. Each trial also presented the larvae with a choice of two temperature options so results were used to infer preferred temperature ranges. In the second approach, we measured instar duration, somatic growth and survival of larvae reared at 12 temperatures between 10.5 and 21.1°C. Behavioural experiments indicated that zoeas I and II could readily penetrate experimental thermoclines of ∼2, 5 and 10°C. Upward swimming was induced in water temperatures ≤12.7°C and downward swimming or passive sinking induced by temperatures ≥16.2°C. Intermoult duration decreased with increasing temperature, although more rapid development was at the expense of somatic growth. Apparent temperature preferences of larvae from behavioural trials were also optimal for survival and growth. No larvae survived to megalopa in those treatments below the threshold temperature where upward swimming was induced in behaviour trials. Many megalopas died shortly after moulting from zoea V, particularly in treatments with rapid development (>16.8°C) and above those temperatures where downward migration of zoeas was induced. Highest abundance of P. gigas larvae in the field is predicted to be in water of 13-16°C.
On the regulation of central carbon metabolism in S. cerevisiae

In this work, we aimed to elucidate central carbon metabolism focusing on the aspect of regulation, especially by separating two regulatory levels: metabolic regulation, associated with direct interactions of metabolites and enzymes, and hierarchic regulation, associated with enzyme level change via regulation of de novo enzyme production. Our investigations were largely based on the analysis of three datasets from glucose limited continuous cultures of S. cerevisiae with five different oxygen provision levels ranging from anaerobic to highly aerobic. These datasets contained data on transcript levels, intracellular metabolite levels, and intracellular flux distributions, respectively. The experiments were performed by collaborators. Extracellular conditions on the macroscopic scale were investigated in Chapter 2. This was inspired by the perceived lack of clarity regarding an important aspect: concentration of glucose, the limiting nutrient and main carbon source in these cultures. The main outcome of this theoretical analysis was characterisation of the selection pressure in a chemostat culture, as selecting for cells (or metabolic states) which produce the growth rate, defined by the pre-set dilution rate, with lower external concentration of the limiting nutrient. Flux regulation on the scale of individual enzymes was investigated for selected reactions, and the phosphofructokinase fructobisphosphatase unit in Chapter 3. This analysis was based on the attempt to reproduce flux changes through these reactions, using enzyme kinetic expressions with inputs from the three aforementioned datasets. The notion of hierarchic and metabolic regulation was introduced and modified. System-level analysis of central carbon metabolism was undertaken in Chapter 4. Using the information on metabolite levels and flux, a kinetic model representing significant parts of central carbon metabolism was constructed. Most kinetic expressions in the model were taken from a pre-existing kinetic model (Teusink model). In order to arrive at feasible flux distributions, constrained metabolic flux balance analysis was performed, using a stoichiometric network, constructed to be consistent with the model’s stoichiometry. Fitting the model resulted in two sets of parameters corresponding to steady states reproducing, the nominal data values of the anaerobic and the fully aerobic conditions. Finally, an in silico perturbation experiment, mimicking the sudden introduction of oxygen into the system, was performed. No further modification or fitting of the model was undertaken for this purpose.
Habitat differences in the food composition of the wasp- like spider Argiope bruennichi (Scop.) (Aranei : Aranei- dae) in Poland

During the last few decades the wasp-like spider Argiope bruennichi Scopoli, 1772 expanded its wide geographical distribution in Europe. In this paper we describe and test differences in the diet composition of the wasp-like spider inhabiting a river valley (traditional habitat) and xerothermic grassland (new habitat) in Poland. From a total of 163 webs of A. bruennichi, 430 prey items were found, mainly insects : Coleoptera, Diptera, Homoptera, Heteroptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Mecoptera, Odonata, Orthoptera and Neuroptera. Moreover, a semi digested specimen of the common frog Rana temporaria was recorded. Habitats differed significantly in the percentage distribution of eleven general food categories. Among potential influencing factors the number of caught prey was correlated only with the height of the web hub above the ground. The wasp-like spider is ecologically flex- ible in the use of novel food spectra and this probably allows the colonisation of new localities, as well as habitats.
Gonad development and spawning in one and two year old mussels (Mytilus edulis) from Western Norway

Sexual maturation and spawning was followed in one and two year old rope cultured mussels (Mytilus edulis) from April to December. Development of gonad and storage tissue was followed using descriptive categories from histology, and development of total soft tissue was followed using meat yield and condition index. Both age groups were mature both during spring and autumn and had similar patterns of spawning and maturation. April and May were characterized by scattered spawning activity and accumulation of storage reserves at the same time, resulting in relative constant condition indices during this period. This was followed by ripening of the gonads and an increase in condition index that culminated in a spawning in late June. Parts of the population then entered a resting phase, while a part of the population underwent new maturation towards an autumn spawning in September. In December all the mussels had started the winter maturation. Condition index and meat yield were higher throughout the season in the one year old mussels. This was probably due to the sum of several factors, including differences in specific feeding rates and biomass density, rather than spawning. The present study is the first to compare the reproductive patterns over time of one and two year old mussels with reliable age determination, and provide information that there are no obvious differences in neither timing of gonad development nor spawning patterns between the age-classes.
AVALIAÇÃO DO SUCO RUMINAL DE BOVINOS “A FRESCO” E APÓS 12 HORAS DE CONSERVAÇÃO

Avaliaram-se no presente estudo os parâmetros fisicos (cor, odor, consistencia e tempo de sedimentacao e flotacao), quimicos (pH, e tempo de reducao do azul de metileno) e biologicos (avaliacao dos protozoarios in vitro, contagem de infusorios e percentagem de protozoarios viaveis) do suco ruminal de 50 femeas bovinas adultas clinicamente saudaveis, imediatamente apos a colheita e ao final de 12 horas de armazenamento em garrafas termicas comuns. Utilizaram-se animais em lactacao, da raca Girolando, e alimentados a pasto de Brachiaria decumbens. As analises foram realizadas em uma amostra individual de, aproximadamente, 400 ml de suco ruminal, colhida com sonda oroesofagica do tipo Schambye e Sorensen. Os resultados foram avaliados por meio de estatistica descritiva e teste “t” de student para amostras pareadas (P<0,05). Os aspectos fisicos, a avaliacao in vitro dos infusorios e o numero de protozoarios por mililitro encontravam-se dentro dos padroes de normalidade na primeira avaliacao, porem, apos 12 horas de conservacao, foram observadas alteracoes sugestivas de modificacoes na microbiota do suco ruminal. Constataram-se, apos conservacao, reducoes estatisticas significativas em relacao ao pH, percentual de protozoarios viaveis e aumento no tempo de reducao do azul de metileno (PRAM). Conclui-se que a garrafa termica comum pode ser usada como opcao na conservacao de suco ruminal de bovinos em situacoes de clinica de campo, porem a analise no momento da colheita apresenta resultados mais fidedignos. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Bovinos, fluido ruminal, metodos de conservacao, pH, protozoarios.
Sawfishes in The Gambia and Senegal – shifting baselines over 40 years

Historical and current information on sawfish distribution and abundance in African waters is limited, yet such information is essential in order to effect conservation strategies for this group of critically endangered elasmobranchs. During a study of sawfishes in the Gambia River in 1974 and 1975 fishermen were interviewed and sawfishes and rostra were collected in order to assess the species and size classes present and the spatial distribution of sawfishes. Largetooth sawfish (Pristis pristis) were common in the Gambia River during this period and could be found several hundred kilometres upriver, extending into Senegal. Interviews conducted with fishermen in 2014 at key fish landings sites along the Gambian coast and upriver suggest that sawfish are now rarely encountered, although a small number of fishermen stated that they had caught a sawfish within the last 5 years. The use of nets was perceived to be the main cause of sawfish decline. There was little mention of any cultural importance of sawfish, which were considered useful primarily as a source of food. Sawfish declines are resulting in a shifting baseline syndrome, whereby local knowledge of sawfish ecology and cultural importance is being lost in the West Africa region. These data demonstrate for the first time that the Gambia River was historically a key habitat for freshwater sawfish and as such, should be considered in any future conservation actions for sawfishes in the West Africa region. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Squirrel Monkey in Biomedical Research

adequately. Spleen cells and PEC from mice destined for euthanasia have been harvested, suspended in 90 percent serum and 10 percent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and frozen in liquid nitrogen. After thawing and viability counting, cells are seeded at 2 x 10 cells per well and 7 x 10 cells per well for spleen cells and PEC, respectively. It is imperative that mice used as cell donors not be infected with pathogenic viruses. Recently, interleukin-6 derived from a rodent bladder carcinoma cell line and used as a 5 percent v/v media supplement has been shown to adequately replace feeder cells (Dr. Kenneth Caroll, National Institute of Higher Education, Dublin, Ireland, personal communication, 1988). Considerations of cost and animal welfare encouraged this laboratory to examine alternatives to FBS. We have found that gamma globulin-free horse serum supports the growth of bovine hybridomas and MAB production in a manner similar to FBS. Media composed of 65 ml Dulbecco's minimal essential media (D-MEM), 25 ml of HL-1 (Ventrex Labs, Portland, Maine), 10 ml of Optimem (Gibco Labs, Gaithersburg, Maryland), plus 13 percent FBS was found to be superior to D-MEM plus 20 percent FBS for conducting fusions. I feel certain that there are people reading this journal who have pioneered methods to improve MAB production, reduce animal use, and improve animal welfare. It is of great importance that such information be circulated through the columns of this journal.
Future temperature projections for Hungary based on RegCM4.3 simulations using new Representative Concentration Pathways scenarios

In order to satisfy the continuous urging demands for updated and relevant information from various impact researchers, end-users, and decision makers, the RegCM4.3 model is used taking into account the new RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 radiative forcing scenarios to provide climate projection for Hungary with 10 km horizontal resolution. Overall, the results suggest significant warming in Hungary. The greatest temperature increase is likely to occur in summer, which is why the projected changes in warm extremes are also analysed in this study.
Traumatic Optic Neuropath: Is this the Ideal Management Protocol?

Background: The aim of this randomized prospective study was to evaluate the management protocol decided in the cases of Traumatic optic neuropathy. Subjects and Methods: All the cases with a diagnosis of Traumatic optic neuropathy were managed using medical management with the steroids and cases not responding were operated upon by transnasal trans sphenoidal optic nerve decompression and the results were evaluated. Results: Patients presenting early and those who were operated early in the course of their illness showed a better recovery. Conclusion: Early intervention and following a defined management protocol can help preventing the blindness in as many as 80% of the cases following the injury.