Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outlook for world fertilizer demand, supply, and supply/demand balance.

The outlook is driven by impressive economic growth in Asia, increasing demand for biofuel, and a tight grain market. As a result of tight supply/demand conditions, prices for almost all agricultural commodities are unusually high. The need to boost agricultural production worldwide is stimulating fertilizer consumption in Asia and the Americas, driving global demand to new record levels. For the production of most nutrients 2007 was a record year, as buoyant demand stretched the industry's capacity to meet global requirements. All supply and demand situations will be difficult to balance until 2011 due to sustained fertilizer demand. With nitrogen supply growing at a much faster rate than demand in the medium term, a significant urea surplus is likely until 2010. Other nutrient balances will be tight until 2011.
Effect of Chlorine Dioxide and Ascorbic Acid on Enzymatic Browning and Shelf Life of Fresh‐Cut Red Delicious and Granny Smith Apples

In this work, we tested the hypothesis that ascorbic acid (AA) reduces browning of fresh-cut apples (Red Delicious, RD, and Granny Smith, GS), and we investigated the impact of AA on phenylpropanoid metabolism of RD and GS. Apple slices were dipped in a solution of 100 mg/L of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and ClO2 + 3% AA and stored at 4C for 96 h. Flesh firmness, solid soluble content and browning index, total phenols and flavonoids, and the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were monitored upon storage (0, 48 and 96 h). Our results demonstrated that GS is less sensitive to browning and thus more suitable for minimally processed produce. Ascorbate reduces the browning index also in RD, a cultivar largely appreciated by consumers but more prone to browning. AA likely contrasts browning appearance by interacting with peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase and/or promoting the regeneration of phenols and flavonoids. Practical Applications Browning of fresh-cut apple is one of the main problems that limit the shelf life of this type of produce. Given that this produce is highly appreciated by consumers, different antibrowning treatments have been tested to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut apple. We found that treatment with 100 mg/L of ClO2 + 3% of ascorbic acid significantly reduces the browning appearance in apple slices. Browning was also reduced in Red Delicious cultivar that is more prone than Granny Smith to this phenomenon, but that is highly appreciated by consumers.
The roles of pre- and post-hatching growth rates in generating a latitudinal cline of body size in the eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)

Countergradient variation in norms of reaction can dampen the direct effects of environmental influences on phenotypic traits, allowing phenotypic similarity among populations despite exposure to different environmental conditions. Such norms of reaction may occur at any phase of the life-history (e.g. growth rates during both embryonic and postembryonic stages may influence geographical variation in adult body size). We collected gravid female lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) from northern (Indiana), central (Mississippi), and southern (Florida) populations, spanning almost the full latitudinal range of the species. Adult females from the southern population were smaller. Intrinsic growth rates of hatchlings were higher for the central population than for the other two populations. This pattern does not parallel the countergradient variation previously found in embryonic developmental rates among these populations. Earlier hatching enhanced survival rates of juveniles to a similar degree among populations, although juvenile survival rates in the field generally increase with latitude in this species. Our data reveal geographical variation in the ways in which intrinsic developmental/growth rates and survival shift during ontogeny, and suggest that latitudinal patterns in adult body size (such as Bergmann's rule) can result from both faster growth, and longer periods of growth. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 106, 202–209.
BENEFIT, COST, AND PHOSPHORUS USE EFFICIENCY OF MYCORRHIZAL FIELD-GROWN GARLIC AT DIFFERENT SOIL PHOSPHORUS LEVELS

ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and soil phosphorus (P) on bulb yield, benefit and cost analysis, and P use efficiency in garlic (Allium sativum L.). Treatments included application of the AMF Glomus mosseae inoculum to the planting furrows after treatment with different levels of P (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg P ha−1). Garlic cloves were planted in furrows within a day after treatments were imposed. AMF-inoculated plants had higher fresh bulb yields than plants in uninoculated plots regardless of P level. The enhancement in fresh bulb yield due to AMF-inoculation was highest in plots fertilized with 20 kg ha−1. The AMF-inoculated plants had less P use efficiency than uninoculated plants. Bulb yield differences between AMF-inoculated and uninoculated plants were considered the benefit derived by plants from AMF-root associations. Bulb yield differences between AMF-inoculated and uninoculated plants with similar P concentrations were considered the costs paid by plants for AMF-root associations. Values of benefit and cost analysis for AMF-root associations were highest when soil P was lowest and decreased with increasing P application. Benefit and cost analysis may be helpful in evaluating host plants to optimize efficiencies of AMF symbiosis under field conditions.
Effects of histone modifications on chromatin regulation

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) to histones have long been associated with the regulation of gene transcription, a crucial mechanism for cell differentiation. Significant progress has been made towards our understanding of how these modifications affect transcription, through genome-wide mapping (ChIP-seq) and advances in proteomics methodologies but there remains limited evidence pertaining to certain modifications (e.g. H3K4me1 and the combinatorial effects of two or more modifications within the same histone. Here, ChIP was used to determine the spatio-temporal distributions of H3K4 methylations and H3K27ac across the developmentally regulated sglobin locus in primitive (5DCE) and definitive chicken erythrocytes (15DCE). Surprisingly high enrichments of H3K27ac were found together with H3K4me1 at the inactive sH and sA genes in 5DCE. Since these genes will never be expressed in 5DCE, these PTMs may be related to their specific repression. However, in 15DCE the inactive genes carried lower H3K27ac than the active genes, so this modification is not simply linked to inactivity. In 5DCE, the enhancer was enriched in both H3K4me3 and K27ac but in 15DCE, increased enrichment of H3K4me3 and loss of K27ac was observed. These observations are consistent with the suggestion that H3K4me1 is a pioneering mark for establishment of the enhancer and an increase in modification status (to me3) is required for enhancer activity. H3K4me1 may also represent an additional mechanism to ensure gene repression. As observed in previous studies, H3K4me3 marked the active genes in both 5 and 15DCE. To identify effector proteins that bind H3K4me1 and/or K27ac to regulate transcription, histones carrying defined modifications were produced by reductive alkylation and genetic encoding and assembled into mono-nucleosomes for use in stable isotope labelling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) based nucleosome affinity pull downs (SNAP) coupled with tryptic MS analysis. These data show that the facilitates active chromatin transcription (FACT) complex binding was reduced by H3K4me1-containing nucleosomes, implicating H3K4 as a key residue for modulating FACT interaction with chromatin revealing at least one mechanism for transcriptional repression at inactive genes in this system.
Nucleated Wood Fibres in Some Members of Combretaceae

The wood fibres retain their living protoplast in eleven species of five genera of the Combretaceae. Among the species studied, those of Anogeissus and Terminalia are trees while those of Calycopteris, Combretum and Quisqualis are large scandent shrubs. Living fibres with oval to oblong or fusiform shaped nuclei were found among all the species but their occurrence is more persistent in trees than in scandent species. The fibres are septate, thick-walled with narrow lumen and possess slitlike simple pits. In Combretum ovalifolium prismatic crystals frequently co-occur with the nucleus in the same compartment of the fibres. The possible significance of living fibres is discussed.
Genetic analysis of a population of Tribolium. IX: Maximization of population size and the concept of a stochastic equilibrium

Motivated by the genetic hypothesis that natural selection results in the maximization of the equilibrium population size, we quantified this latter equilibrium for laboratory populations of the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, using the gamma probability density function. Gamma density functions were fitted to adult numbers for each of the experimental treatments that were started with frequencies of the corn oil sensitive (cos) allele in the range 0–1 at intervals of 0.1. The gamma density function adequately described all observed distributions. However, contrary to theory, statistical comparisons of the fitted distribution indicate that the polymorphic populations did not converge to the same identical distribution and that the polymorphic populations are intermediate in population size to the two homozygous groups. The need for a stochastic theory that combines both population size and genetic selection is discussed.Key words: natural selection, Tribolium, gamma distribution, maximum population size.
Ethanol Production from Timothy (Phleum pratense L.)

II Útdráttur . III Acknowledgements . IV Table of Contents . V List of Tables . IX List of Figures . XI List of Abbreviations . XIV List of Definitions . XVI 1. Introduction . 1 1.1 Sustainability . 1 1.2 Oil Production . 2 1.3 Oil Consumption in Iceland . 3 1.4 Bioethanol . 4 1.4. 1 Food vs. Fuel Debate . 6 1.5 Biomass . 6 1.5. 1 Sugars . 7 1.5. 2 Starch . 8 1.5. 3 Lignocellulose . 8 1.5. 4 Cellulose . 9 1.5. 5 Hemicellulose . 10 1.5. 6 Lignin . 10 1.6 Pre-­‐treatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass . 10
Differentiation of innate but not learnt responses to host‐habitat odours contributes to rapid host finding in a parasitoid genotype

Abstract In parasitoids, host‐habitat odour can influence host searching within the habitat. This is the case in Leptopilina sp. (Hymenoptera, Figitidae), a Drosophila parasitoid searching for larvae by ovipositor probes. This a behaviour can be conditioned to fruit odours. In a previous study, the latency of probing to a fruit odour is reported to have a genetic variability within a laboratory strain. This suggests a link between rapidity of host discovery and fitness. In the present study, this hypothesis is tested by comparing responses to host‐habitat odours between two genotypes of Leptopilina heterotoma Thomson, from the Mediterranean coast (Antibes) and from Burgundy (Tailly). The two genotypes present contrasting rhythms and levels of locomotor activity linked to contrasting interspecific competition in their area of origin. The high activity observed in the Mediterranean genotype is interpreted as an adaptive response to a limited time‐window to win against a competitor species absent in Burgundy. The present study finds differentiation in innate but not learnt responses to host‐habitat odours. The more active genotype (Antibes) has a higher probability and a shorter latency of innate probing to the odours than the less active genotype (Tailly); Antibes females also find larvae and complete infestations more rapidly. Learning equalizes the probability and the latency of probing to the odours in both strains, and increases the probing duration. Innate responses to host‐habitat odours would allow time‐limited insects to increase their reproductive rate, when host predictability is high in the habitat. Selection of faster innate responses to host and habitat cues without evolution of learnt responses indicates that the initial host discovery is more crucial to fitness than subsequent ones.
The untamed shrew : on the termination of an eradication programme for an introduced species

Summary 1 One option in managing introductions of non-native pest species is to eradicate the introduced species by trapping or otherwise removing individuals. A central issue in undertaking such a programme is deciding when it is reasonable to terminate the programme because all individuals have been removed. This decision requires knowledge of the probability that complete eradication has been achieved. 2 An objective Bayesian method is presented to determine the probability that all individuals of an introduced species have been removed. The method is based on the excess trapping times of individuals beyond a specified threshold, assuming a generalized Pareto distribution for excess trapping time. 3 The method is applied to data from an unsuccessful trapping programme of the Asian musk shrew Suncus murinus on the Mauritian island of Ile aux Aigrettes. The results suggest that, had the method been used, managers would have realized that the probability of complete eradication was not high and premature termination could have been avoided. 4 Synthesis and applications. A central issue facing the manager of an eradication programme for an introduced or pest species is deciding when it is reasonable to terminate the programme because all individuals have been removed. If termination is premature, the programme will fail; if termination is delayed beyond the point of eradication, unnecessary costs will be incurred. The statistical method described here for calculating the probability of complete eradication based on the record of removals provides information that is useful either in an informal assessment of progress or in more formal decision making regarding termination.
Tooth morphology and prey preference of Mesozoic marine reptiles

ABSTRACT The large reptilian marine predators of the Mesozoic preyed upon pelagic animals such as bony fish, sharks, soft cephalopods, belemnoids, ammonoids, and even each other. All had undifferentiated conical teeth of one of several forms ranging from a blunt, bulbous shape to a slender, sharply pointed cone, to a robust, slightly compressed cone with two distinct cutting edges. Tooth form, along with tooth wear and occasionally preserved stomach contents, suggests the preferred prey of each species. Seven somewhat overlapping predator types, or guilds, can be defined on the basis of tooth form and prey preference. Members of each guild have tooth morphologies which fall within a defined range, and thus they probably shared the same preferred prey. The guilds present in six well-preserved faunas of the Jurassic and Cretaceous illustrate the structure of and changes in the large marine predator adaptive zone. Six guilds co-existed for most of the Jurassic. Although the composition of some of the guilds .
Enzyme Markers in Frogs (Rana spp.) for Monitoring Risk of Aquatic Pollution

Induction of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity in frog tadpoles (Rana arvalis) by exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin was confirmed experimentally. In a field study on a polluted site, the Volgermeer, the ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activities in juvenile green frogs (Rana esculenta) were inhibited, despite an elevated Toxic Equivalency Quotienttcdd, indicative of exposure to dioxin-like contaminants. Aromatase activities in the frogs from the Volgermeer were inhibited, which is in line with exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in in vitro studies reported elsewhere. It is hypothesized that a non-identified (group of) contaminant(s) inhibits ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity and so interferes with the P450 enzyme system. The combined results suggest that dioxin-like contaminants may affect the reproductive performance of frogs in the Volgermeer. This study shows that the combined deployment of various biomarkers is needed in order to elucidate the possible risks that contaminants pose to amphibians. Enzyme activities in frogs appear suitable indicators, provided that a combined set of enzyme markers is investigated.
Kick it like Özil? Decomposing the Native-Migrant Education Gap 1

We investigate second-generation migrants and native children at several stages in the German education system to analyze the determinants of the persistent native–migrant gap. In particular, if migrant and native children shared the same socioeconomic family background, would we still observe differences in education outcomes? Applying linear and matching decomposition methods to carefully account for differences in background characteristics, we find no disparities in recommendations for and actual enrollment at secondary school types between migrant children and comparable native peers. Also, the native–migrant education gap at the age of 17 years can be entirely explained by differences in socioeconomic family background. We thus conclude that comparable natives face similar difficulties as migrant children in the German education system. There are more general inequalities in secondary schooling that are not migrant specific, but related to socioeconomic family background.
Skeletal muscle myocytes undergo protein loss and reactive oxygen-mediated NF-κB activation in response to tumor necrosis factor α

Skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness are thought to be stimulated by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in a variety of chronic diseases. However, little is known about the direct effects of TNF-α on differentiated skeletal muscle cells or the signaling mechanisms involved. We have tested the effects of TNF-α on the mouse-derived C2C12 muscle cell line and on primary cultures from rat skeletal muscle. TNF-α treatment of differentiated myotubes stimulated time- and concentration-dependent reductions in total protein content and loss of adult myosin heavy chain (MHCf) content; these changes were evident at low TNF-α concentrations (1–3 ng/ml) that did not alter muscle DNA content and were not associated with a decrease in MHCf synthesis. TNF-α activated binding of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) to its targeted DNA sequence and stimulated degradation of I-κBα, an NF-κB inhibitory protein. TNF-α stimulated total ubiquitin conjugation whereas a 26S proteasome inhibitor (MG132 10–40 μM) blocked TNF-α activation of NF-κ.
El peculiar mecanismo de degradacin de la ornitina decarboxilasa fngica

FC and FX mini-hubs with a limited number of ports, e.a. , 4-8 ports, provide a wide variety of configurations for small form factors. The mini-hubs provide compact, low cost hubs for form factors that can include PMC, CompactPCI, and VME. The mini-hubs are installed into an unused system slot of a host computer or as a mezzanine card for use in the host computer. Thus, the mini-hubs use power received directly from the backplane of the host computer so that no external power connections are required and mechanical support is provided by the system chassis or carrier card into which a mini-hub is installed. The mini-hubs eliminate external communication/control cabling since managed mini-hubs are controlled directly via the system bus of the host computer. This direct communication also reduces system latency.
Reforestation with planting in northern Europe

Abstract This paper reviews regeneration research during the past 20 years. The focus is mainly on planting of Norway spruce and Scots pine. Research on root morphology and nursery practices has played an important role in the introduction of containerized seedlings in northern Europe. In recent years, mini-seedlings have been tested. Conventionally, seedlings are planted in spring and early autumn but recent research indicates that Norway spruce seedlings can be planted from spring until the end of September. Soil temperature strongly influences seedling establishment in the harsh northern Scandinavian climate and a good way to increase soil temperature is to plant in elevated planting spots, which can be achieved by mounding. Soil scarification also reduces competition from field vegetation and damage by pine weevils. In southern Finland, Sweden and Norway, pine weevils are by far the most serious causes of damage to both Norway spruce and Scots pine. Therefore, designing regeneration treatments for decreasing pine weevil damage without using insecticides is one of the more important current research challenges. Examples of possible future trends in forest regeneration research are an emphasis on more basic research, use of fast growing tree species, multidisciplinary approaches and site-specific regeneration regimes.
Prerequisites and susceptibility of humic acids to microbial utilization and transformation – a review

In the last decades, structural complexity and importance to natural environments of humic substances have been elucidated. Their persistence and/or susceptibility to biological decomposition, however, requires further research. Here we present a contribution on humic acids (HA) extracted by alkali from soils differing in metal contents. These compounds represent organic-mineral-metal complexes naturally occurring in soils. If exposed to microbial activities, especially in the absence of easily utilizable carbon and nitrogen sources, HA from arable soils with elevated metal contents or from a soil site near a magnesium re-working factory and heavily contaminated with this element, were found to support the microbial growth. Simultaneously, different structural transformations occurred in the HA. Furthermore, the FT-IR spectroscopic investigations indicated a loss in metal and silicate constituents from the HAs preparations.