Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linking dominant Hawaiian tree species to understory development in recovering pastures via impacts on soils and litter

Large areas of tropical forest have been cleared and planted with exotic grass species for use as cattle pasture. These often remain persistent grasslands after grazer removal, which is problematic for restoring native forest communities. It is often hoped that remnant and/or planted trees can jump‐start forest succession; however, there is little mechanistic information on how different canopy species affect community trajectories. To investigate this, I surveyed understory communities, exotic grass biomass, standing litter pools, and soil properties under two dominant canopy trees—Metrosideros polymorpha (‘ōhi‘a) and Acacia koa (koa)—in recovering Hawaiian forests. I then used structural equation models (SEMs) to elucidate direct and indirect effects of trees on native understory. Native understory communities developed under ‘ōhi‘a, which had larger standing litter pools, lower soil nitrogen, and lower exotic grass biomass than koa. This pattern was variable, potentially due to historical site differences and/or distance to intact forest. Koa, in contrast, showed little understory development. Instead, data suggest that increased soil nitrogen under koa leads to high grass biomass that stalls native recruitment. SEMs suggested that indirect effects of trees via litter and soils were as or more important than direct effects for determining native cover. It is suggested that diverse plantings which incorporate species that have high carbon to nitrogen ratios may help ameliorate the negative indirect effects of koa on natural understory regeneration.
Histopathological studies on grapevine die-back

Histopathological investigations of Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat. , Phomopsis uiticola Sacc. and Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. on artificially inoculated grapevine shoots revealed the induction of various cytological and histological defects. Immediately after inoculation (ai), the investigated sections exhibited similar structure in both inoculated and non-inoculated shoots. Seven days after inoculation (dai), B. theobromae induced disorganized epidermal and cortical cells with a dark brown color consisting of plasmolysis cells and tissues. No such disorders were noticed in case of Ph. viticola or F. solani. The above mentioned pathogenic fungal hyphae were clearly noticed 21 dai in both xylem parenchyma and xylem vessels causing necrosis at these tissues. Not only the pathogenic fungi caused necrosis in xylem parenchyma and xylem vessels, but also colonized the tissues with their hyphae and dark inclusions bodies as well as abundant production of tyloses were clearly noticed. There was a correlation between the histological changes and symptom development. At the time of inoculation, the shoots appeared vigorously green colored and erect. The inoculated shoots 7 dai were paler, less vigorous, and less-rigid than that of non-inoculated ones. Twenty-one dai, the inoculated shoots were drooped, flaccid, yellow in color and signs of wilting began to appear and finally shoots were dead, and turned brown in color.
Performances of an ELISA applied to serum and milk for the detection of antibodies to Coxiella burnetii in dairy cattle

SUMMARY The performances of an ELISA test based on an antigen recovered from a Coxiella burnetii ovine strain (CbO1) when applied to either milk and serum for the detection of antibodies against Coxiella burnetii in dairy cattle were compared using 448 matched milk/serum samples collected from cows of 6 dairy herds known to be infected. All tests were performed blind using ELISA LSI Fievre Q ruminants Serum®, (Laboratoire Service International, Lissieu, France). A total of 264 (257) serum (milk) samples were found positive (with an antibody titre > 40). In a first step, the level of agreement between results (positive vs negative) for serum and milk sample was determined by calculating the kappa statistic. In a second step, ELISA values in paired milk and serum samples were compared. The level of agreement between results for serum and milk samples was very good (kappa=0.89). The ELISA test applied to milk seems to be a convenient tool for establishing the serological status of lactating dairy cows towards Coxiella burnetii infection.
Seasonal availability of inoculum of the Heterobasidion root disease pathogen in central Wisconsin

After deposition of airborne basidiospores, the root disease pathogen Heterobasidion irregulare Garbelotto and Otrosina infects fresh conifer stumps and spreads through root grafts or by root contact to adjacent trees. Infection can be prevented, however, by borate application. Because the need for stump protection depends on inoculum availability, spore trapping was conducted (usually biweekly) from September 2009 through December 2011 in three infested plantations of predominantly red pine (Pinus resinosa Aiton) in central Wisconsin. A semiselective medium in Petri plates was exposed for 1 h in daylight at each of four locations in each plantation. After 7–10 days incubation at 20 °C, plates were examined and presence and abundance of colonies of the Spiniger asexual stage were recorded. Heterobasidion irregulare was detected on most dates during the two growing seasons, but colonies were most abundant during late summer, fall, and early winter. Relatively fewer colonies developed on medium exposed duri.
Split application of muriate of potash and sulphate of potash on growth, yield attributes, uptake and availability of nutrients in lowland rice CV. PY-5

Field experiments were conducted in Typic Chromusterts of the experimental farm of the Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India to study the split application vis-a-vis customary full dose/basal application of different Potassic fertilizers viz: muriate of potash (MOP) and sulphate of potash (SOP) on rice. The soil was low in available N, medium in available P, high in available K and low in available S. Results showed that split application of potassium was found to be better than entire basal application. Application of 50 per cent K 2 O each at tillering and panicle initiation stages increased the growth and yield attributes of rice and N, P, K and S uptake. Similarly it has a positive impact on available potassium and sulphur. However, available nitrogen and phosphorus was higher in treatment where the entire application of K was done as basal. Among the sources tried, MOP was superior to SOP.
Relationship between paired cord blood and milk POPs levels as a tool for assessing perinatal exposure, a pilot study

ABSTRACT The long-term health threats posed to humans exposed to pollutants acting as endocrine disruptors (EDs) is yet to be quantified. There is insufficient knowledge about the sources and magnitude of exposure to selected polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during the most sensitive period of fetal development, suggesting the need for a study. Organochlorine pesticides, classified as being persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and potential EDs, were also included in this analysis. Xenobiotics were measured in paired fetal cord blood and maternal breast milk samples. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of PCB-101, PBDE-47, and PBDE-99 between maternal milk and cord blood according to the Wilcoxon test, and the Spearman tests demonstrated significant correlations in β-HCH, γ-HCH, p,p'-DDE, and PCB-118 between maternal milk and cord blood from the same subjects. All others tested (HCB, β-HCH, γ-HCH, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT, PCB-101, PCB-138, PCB-153, PCB-170, PCB-180, PBDE-153) demonstrated significant differences in the same subject women with concentrations significantly higher in maternal milk than in cord blood. The presence of these compounds found in cord blood and maternal milk indicates that both are a source of perinatal exposure to these pollutants. This study opens up the opportunity for new research in estimating a prenatal exposure based on breast milk concentrations of organohalogen compounds.
Modelling of species distributions, range dynamics and communities under imperfect detection: advances, challenges and opportunities

Building useful models of species distributions requires attention to several important issues, one being imperfect detection of species. Data sets of species detections are likely to suffer from false absence records. Depending on the type of survey, false positive records can also be a problem. Disregarding these observation errors may lead to important biases in model estimation as well as overconfidence about precision. The severity of the problem depends on the intensity of these errors and how they correlate with environmental characteristics (e.g. where species detectability strongly depends on habitat features). A powerful modelling framework that accounts for imperfect detection in the modelling of species distributions has developed in the last 10–15 yr. Fundamental to this framework is that data must be collected in a way that is informative about the observation process. For instance, such data can be in the form of multiple detection/non-detection records obtained from several visits/observers/detection methods at (at least) some of the sites, or from data on times to detection within a survey visit. The framework can extend to studying species’ range dynamics and the modelling of communities, as well as approaches for analysing data on abundance and multiple occupancy states (rather than binary presence/absence). This paper summarizes these modelling advances, discusses evidence about effects of imperfect detection and the difficulties of working with it, and concludes with the current outlook for future research and application of these methods.
False Positive SOD Activity of Bifidobacterium spp. Grown in MRS Medium

The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of seven Bifidobacterium spp. strains was examined by an indirect SOD assay method. Some Bifidobacterium spp. showed significant levels of SOD activity. However, we could not observe any significant differences between anaerobic and aerobic cultures. Furthermore, although several Bifidobacterium spp. exhibited some degree of tolerance to paraquat which produces superoxide radicals, the apparent SOD activity of these strains was not correlated with their resistance to paraquat. In addition, when we added increasing amounts of manganese or iron to MRS medium which had been prepared without either of the metal ions, the apparent SOD activity of cell free extracts (CFEs) was increased with increasing concentration of both metal ions. To our surprise, the heat-denatured CFEs also showed nearly identical correlative patterns. Based on these results, the apparent SOD activity was likely due to a nonenzymatic dismutation. These results strongly suggest that high concentration of divalent metal ions (Mn 2+ , Fe 2+ ) in MRS medium result in nonenzymatic dismutation which can lead to false positive SOD activities in Bifidobacerium spp.
Potential metal ligands in photosynthetic water oxidation identified by site-directed mutagenesis of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

In order to identify amino acids that could serve as ligands to the manganese cluster, which comprises the active site of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC), and the calcium ion that affects the stability of the OEC, we have generated a series of site-directed mutants in the Dl polypeptide of the PS II reaction center. Our approach has been to emphasize characterization of mutants with reduced PS II activity rather than those that lack PS II activity altogether in order to address questions about the effects of the mutations on the functional properties of the Mn ensemble. A number of mutants have been isolated with impaired PS II activity and a characterization of in vivo photosynthesis from mutant and WT strains is presented. All of the mutants described in this report produce nearly WT levels of PS II in the thylakoid membrane. Non-conservative mutation at Asp-103 (DN103D1), Glu-104 (EQ104D1) or Glu-333 (EQ333D1) results in moderate (∼ 50%) inhibition of oxygen evolution, whereas mutation at Glu-65 (EQ65D1) or His-337 (HF337D1) results in cells that retain only 10 to 20% of WT activity. In vivo fluorescence induction kinetics are consistent with a lesion on the donor side of PS II in each of the mutants tested. We conclude that Glu-65 and His-337 are directly involved in binding manganese or calcium, and that Asp-103 and Glu-104 may be involved in calcium binding but are not manganese ligands.
Diagnosis of gastrointestinal nematodes infecting sheep in Qalubia Governorate by infective thrid stage larvae.

: A total of 300 faecal samples obtained from living sheep in Qalubia Governorate, 128 (42.66%) harboured eggs of nematodes. The gastrointestinal nematodes had been differentiated through the infective third stage larvae. Details of the general and differential categories of each were given. The recovered species were Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, Ostertagia circumcincta, Haemonchus contortus, Bunostomum trigonocephalum and Oesophagostomum venulosum.
SHEDDING OF VINES BY THE PALMS WELFIA GEORGII AND IRIARTEA GIGANTEA

Vines are abundant in tropical forests (Richards 1952) and can often be found erowing on arborescent palms. Do vines have detrimental effects on the palms on which they grow? Do palms have characteristics that protect them from vines? Herein, we survey the occurrence of vines in natural populations of the arborescent palms Welf.a georgii H. A. Wendl. ex Burret and lriartea gigantea H. A. Wendl. ex Burret in Costa Rica.and we discuss characteristics of palms that allow palms to avoid and shed vines. Vines are climbing plants that require other plants for mechanical support. Vines include both woody forms, or lianas, and non-woody forms. In some cases. vines srowing up tree trunks may become detached from the ground, as is common among aroids; and some may start growth on the trunk and secondarily become rooted in the ground, as in the case of some cyclanths. By using other plants for mechanical support, vines do not need to produce as much of their own support tis-sue
An Assesesment of Leaf Chlorophyll Concentration of Afforestation Tree Species in South-Eastern, Nigeria

Abstract Leaf chlorophyll content provides valuable information about physiological status of plants. However, fewer studies have investigated the difference in chlorophyll concentration in leaves of tropical afforestation tree species. Therefore, this study examines the difference in foliar chlorophyll contents of six tropical afforestation tree species namely: Tectona grandis, Pentaclethra macrophylla, Piptademiastrum africanum, Azadirachta indica, Brachystegia eurycoma and Gmelina arborea found in the relict forest in Umudike, South east, Nigeria. A single factor experiment in a completely randomised design in three replicates was employed to analyse the rate of leaf chlorophyll contents. Fisher’s least significant different was used to test for significance in mean difference in foliar chlorophyll contents between tree species at 95% confidence interval using analysis of variance. The results of this study showed a significant difference in foliar chlorophyll concentration between the tree species with Tectona grandis having a higher chlorophyll concentration than other trees this could be as a result of its higher vegetative activity which increases its primary productivity followed by Pentaclethra macrophyllawhile Azadirachta indica having least the chlorophyll concentration. The study further revealed that other indigenous tree species like Piptademiastrum africanum and Brachystegia eurycoma have higher chlorophyll concentration. Further studies should be carry out to examine factors that have contributed informed the differences in the chlorophyll concentration of these trees species, thus this would broaden the understanding of their physiological status and equally encourage there conservation.Key Words: physiological status, chlorophyll concentration, tree species, tree foliar, environmental stress, productivity
Exploration of the tuber production potential of yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urban) under field conditions in Sierra Leone

Yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) is one of the few tuber forming legumes with excellent multipurpose qualities and uses. Its production potential for it subsequent adoption into the farming system in Sierra Leone was evaluated. Preliminary trials for varietal evaluation with no agricultural inputs showed that the crop has great capability for increased tuber yields. Fresh tuber yield ranged from 10,190 kg/ha to 22,870 kg/ha. Out of fifteen varieties supplied by CERAAS, four (EC 201, EC 550, EC 114 and EC 117) were selected on the basis of yield potential for further crop development. To enhance maximum tuber production, the effect of fertilizer application and reproductive pruning on these four varieties was investigated. Reproductive pruning strongly influenced tuber production and resulted in an overall yield increase of 251%. Nitrogen fertilizer application had no effect on tuber yield. Pachyrhizus erosus was found to be most sensitive to water stress during reproductive stages with significant reduction in flower and pod production. Under the prevailing conditions tuber production was found to be greater in plants stressed before pod formation and during reproductive pruning. These findings provide evidence of the potential productivity of Pachyrhizus erosus and serve to justify the need for its introduction into farming systems in areas with low edaphic conditions for agricultural development and sustainable food production.
Megaspore Investigations of Selaginella Species from São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract The lycophyte genus Selaginella has a worldwide distribution with ca. 800 species. The genus is heterosporous and has ornamentation on the surface of both the megaspores and the microspores. Selaginella megaspore ornamentation is highly variable in both its macro- and microsculpture. Megaspore ornamentation is a species-specific morphological feature that can be used reliably for specimen identification. We present the first investigation of the megaspore surface of all 19 Selaginella species known from the state of São Paulo, Brazil, using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). This study also includes Selaginella species that are invasive in Brazil. Based on the SEM analysis and high-resolution photographs, we provide detailed megaspore descriptions and an identification key for all species from São Paulo state. We also describe the proximal and distal pole ornamentation of the megaspores as well as the form and proportions of the trilete aperture.
Study of the significant release of inorganic nutrients during eruptive and degasification stages by the submarine volcano Tagoro, El Hierro island S IGNIF ICANT RELEASE OF NUTR IENTS BY THE SUBMARINE VOLCANO TAGORO

_______________________________________________________________________ 4 MOTIVATION _____________________________________________________________________ 4 BACKGROUND ____________________________________________________________________ 5 INTRODUCTION ___________________________________________________________________ 7 METHODOLOGY __________________________________________________________________ 9 1. Oceanographic cruises ____________________________________________________________ 9 2. Hydrography __________________________________________________________________ 10 3. Nutrient analysis ________________________________________________________________ 11 4. Fluorescence data ______________________________________________________________ 12 5. Bathymetry ____________________________________________________________________ 12 6. Graphics and data analysis ________________________________________________________ 12 RESULTS _________________________________________________________________________ 13 1. Quantification of nutrient emissions _________________________________________________ 13 2. Spatial distribution of nutrient anomalies during eruptive stage ____________________________ 16 3. Spatial distribution of nutrient anomalies during degasification stage ________________________ 18 4. Nutrient ratios _________________________________________________________________ 20 5. Chlorophyll anomalies surrounding the main craters ____________________________________ 21 DISCUSSION _____________________________________________________________________ 23 CONCLUSIONS ___________________________________________________________________ 26 FUTURE WORKS __________________________________________________________________ 27 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ____________________________________________________________ 28 LIST OF FIGURES __________________________________________________________________ 29 LIST OF TABLES ___________________________________________________________________ 30 BIBLIOGRAPHY ___________________________________________________________________ 31 VALORACIÓN PERSONAL __________________________________________________________ 33 S IGNIF ICANT RELEASE OF NUTR IENTS BY THE SUBMARINE VOLCANO TAGORO
Size and activity of the soil microbial biomass under grass and arable management

The effects of 5 years of continuous grass/ clover (Cont grass/clover) or grass (Cont grass) pasture or 5 years of annual grass under conventional (Ann grass CT) or zero tillage (Ann grass ZT) were com- pared with that of 5 years of continuous barley (LT ar- able) on a site which had previously been under arable crops for 11 years. For added comparison, a long-term grass/clover pasture site (LT past) nearby was also sam- pled. Soil organic C (Corg) content followed the order LT arablepAnn grass CT~Ann grass ZT~Cont grasspCont grass/clover~LTpast. Trends with treat- ment for microbial biomass C (Cmic), basal respiration, flourescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolytic activity, argin- ine ammonification rate and the activities of dehydro- genase, protease, histidase, acid phosphatase and aryl- sulphatase enzymes were broadly similar to those for Corg. For Cmic, FDA hydrolysis, arginine ammonifica- tion and the activities of histidase, acid phosphatase and arylsulphatase, the percentage increase caused by 5 years of continuous pasture (in comparison with LT ar- able) was 100-180%, which was considerably greater than that for organic C (i.e. 60%). The microbial meta- bolic quotient (qCO2) was higher for the two treat- ments which were mouldboard ploughed annually (LT arable and Ann grass CT) than for the undisturbed sites. At the undisturbed sites, Corg declined markedly with depth (0-15 cm) and there was a similar stratifica- tion in the size and activity of Cmic and enzyme activity. The microbial quotient (Cmic/Corg) declined with depth whilst qCO2 tended to increase, reflecting a decrease in the proportion of readily available substrate with depth.