Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soil Carbon Storage Response to Temperature: an Hypothesis

Abstract Recently, global and some regional observations of soil carbon stocks and turnover times have implied that warming may not deplete soil carbon as much as predicted by ecosystem models. The proposed explanation is that microbial respiration of carbon in ‘old’ mineral pools is accelerated less by warming than ecosystem models currently assume. Data on the sensitivity of soil respiration to temperature are currently conflicting. An alternative or additional explanation is that warming increases the rate of physico-chemical processes which transfer organic carbon to ‘protected’, more stable, soil carbon pools. These processes include adsorption reactions, some of which are known to have positive activation energies. Theoretically, physico-chemical reactions may be expected to respond more to warming than enzyme-mediated microbial reactions. A simple analytical model and a complex multi-pool soil carbon model are presented, which separate transfers between pools due to physico-chemical reactions from those associated with microbial respiration. In the short-term, warming depletes soil carbon. But in the long-term, carbon losses by accelerated microbial respiration are offset by increases in carbon input to the soil (net production) and any acceleration of soil physico-chemical ‘stabilization’ reactions. In the models, if net production rates are increased in response to notional warming by a factor of 1.3, and microbial respiration (in all pools) by 1.5, then soil carbon at equilibrium remains unchanged if physico-chemical reactions are accelerated by a factor of about 2.2 (50% more than microbial reactions). Equilibrium soil carbon increases if physico-chemical reactions are over 50% more sensitive to warming than soil respiration.
Genomic tools and germplasm diversity for chickpea improvement

Chickpea is the third most important grain legume grown in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. In spite of vast germplasm accessions available in different genebanks, there has been very limited use of these accessions in genetic enhancement of chickpea. However, in recent years, specialized germplasm subsets such as global composite collection, core collection, mini core collection and reference set have been developed. In parallel, significant genomic resources such as molecular markers including simple sequence repeats (SSRs), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), diversity arrays technology (DArT) and transcript sequences, e.g. expressed sequence tags, short transcript reads, have been developed. By using SSR, SNP and DArT markers, integrated genetic maps have been developed. It is anticipated that the use of genomic resources and specialized germplasm subsets such as mini core collection and reference set will facilitate identification of trait-specific germplasm, trait mapping and allele mining for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and for agronomic traits. Advent of the next generation sequencing technologies coupled with advances in bioinformatics offers the possibility of undertaking large-scale sequencing of germplasm accessions so that modern breeding approaches such as genomic selection and breeding by design can be realized in near future for chickpea improvement.
Herpes Simplex Virus Protein Targets for CD4 and CD8 Lymphocyte Cytotoxicity in Cultured Epidermal Keratinocytes Treated with Interferon-γ

In early recurrent herpetic lesions, CD4 T lymphocytes are the predominant infiltrating cells, and keratinocytes expressing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens, induced byinterferon-y (lFN-1'), are the major siteof herpes simplexvirus (HSV)replication.IFN-1'pretreat­ ment of human keratinocytes in vitro reduced MHC class I antigen down-regulation by HSV-1 infection and induced expression of HLA-DR that was unaltered by subsequent HSV-1 infection. Incubation of these infected keratinocytes with phosphonoacetic acid (PAA) almost completely inhibited expression of four major HSV glycoproteins, although expression of early proteins was not affected.Weak CD8 T lymphocytecytotoxicity against IFN-1'-stimulated, HLA-DR-expressing HSV-1-infected keratinocytes was consistently directed to the immediate early/early proteins (all 9 patients tested) but against late proteins to a lesser degree (4/9 patients). However, CD4 T lymphocyte cytotoxicity was much greater and directed predominantlyagainst late HSV-1 glycopro­ teins (all 9 subjects tested) in these cells. While neutralizing antibody is important in restricting the effects ofviremia following primary infection with herpes sim­ plex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2, T lymphocytes, their secreted cytokines, and macrophages appear to be more important in restricting the extent and perhaps the frequency of recurrent herpetic lesions [1-3] after reactivation of HSV-lor -2 infec­ tion in the dorsal root ganglia. Activation of various T lympho­ cyte functions, including cytotoxicity and cytokine production [4-8], appears to correlate with a reduction in the frequency of recurrent herpes [5, 6]. The predominant cells detected by immunohistochemistry in the early phase of human recurrent herpetic lesions were CD4 T lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages with a later influx of CD8 T lymphocytes. Epidermal cells developed major histo­ compatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen expression, probably induced by interferon-y (IFN-y) produced by CD4 T cells within the lesions [9,10]. Potential functions of HSV­ I-infected, MHC class II-expressing epidermal cells in rela­ tion to infiltrating CD4 T cells included accessory HSV-l anti
The evolution of permafrost in the taiga and in the forest–tundra, western Quebec–Labrador Peninsula

Major permafrost landforms of the discontinuous permafrost zone of Hudson Bay and James Bay, Quebec–Labrador Peninsula, are described and interpreted within an ecological perspective. These landforms are not fossil permafrost bodies; they are presently evolving under aggrading and degrading developmental stages. Permafrost peat complexes and permafrost mineral complexes are differentially distributed in the midtaiga, the forest–tundra, and the shrub–tundra zones of the study area. The wooded palsa complex is the most obvious permafrost complex in the midtaiga, and the palsa complex in the forest–tundra: The wooded palsa complex is related to the forest chronosequence, whereas the palsa complex, farther north, occurs where there is a suitable macroclimate for permafrost aggradation without the influence of cool forest microclimate. The wooded cryogenic mound complex in mineral landform is mainly distributed in the southern section of the forest–tundra and near the Hudson Bay shore; the cryogenic mineral mo.
Genetic control of wood properties in Picea glauca — an analysis of trends with cambial age

We investigated the genetic control of wood properties as a function of cambial age to enable improvement of juvenile wood attributes in white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss). Increment cores were taken from 375 trees randomly selected from 25 open-pollinated families in a provenance–progeny trial repeated on three sites. High-resolution pith-to-bark profiles were obtained for microfibril angle (MFA), modulus of elasticity (MOE), wood density, tracheid diameter and cell wall thickness, fibre coarseness, and specific fibre surface with the SilviScan technology. Heritability estimates indicated that genetic control of cell anatomy traits and wood density increased with cambial age, whereas the genetic control of MFA and MOE remained relatively low across growth rings. Wood density, radial cell diameter, cell wall thickness, and specific fibre surface were highly heritable, indicating that significant genetic gains could be expected in tree improvement programs, although cambial age at selection may stro.
Dairy farming: indoor v. pasture-based feeding

SUMMARY The current situation of volatile milk prices and rising costs of, e.g. grain and labour, suggests that it is worth studying productivity and efficiency in dairy farming. The objective of the current whole-system study, carried out in lowland Central Switzerland from 2007 to 2010, was to compare the performance, efficiency, land productivity and profitability of indoor-feeding (IF) dairy production with that of pasture-based feeding (PF) dairy production. An IF herd consisting of 11 Holstein–Friesian (HF) and 13 Brown Swiss (BS) cows was kept in a free-stall barn and fed a part-mixed ration (PMR) of maize silage, grass silage and protein concentrate. The cows were allocated 15·8 ha of agricultural land (AL). In the PMR, an average per lactation of 443 kg protein concentrate and 651 kg compound feed was fed by a concentrate dispenser according to the requirements of each cow. The PF herd comprised 14 Swiss Fleckvieh (SF) and 14 BS cows, which were kept in a free-stall barn throughout the winter; barn-ventilated hay was offered ad libitum during the lactation period. This herd was allocated 15·7 ha of AL. After calving in spring, the PF cows grazed on semi-continuous pastures; they consumed an average of 285 kg of concentrate per lactation. The IF cows of the BS breed produced significantly more energy-corrected milk (ECM) per standard lactation compared with PF cows (8750 v. 5610 kg), more milk fat (350 v. 213 kg) and more milk protein (306 v. 203 kg). However, the milk of PF cows had higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (1·9 v. 0·6 g/100 g fat) and ω−3 fatty acids (1·7 v. 0·9 g/100 g fat) than the milk of the IF cows. The calving interval (378 v. 405 days) and the empty time (87 v. 118 days) of the BS breed were significantly shorter in the PF in comparison with that of the IF production system. The IF herd yielded significantly higher ECM/ha AL and year (12 716 v. 10 307 kg), and showed a higher feed efficiency (1·3 v. 1·1 kg ECM/kg of total dry matter intake (DMI)). The productivity per hour was roughly similar in the two systems (IF: 76 v. PF: 73 kg milk/h). The PF system resulted in higher labour income compared with the IF system (20·7 v. 13·4 €/h), but the difference was not significant. In conclusion, land productivity and efficiency were higher with the IF herd than the PF herd due to the higher energy intake per kg feed. However, within the given conditions, the more interesting case, economically, might be the reduced costs and improved milk quality of the PF system rather than the increased milk yield of the IF cows.
Flexibility in spring arrival of migratory birds at northern latitudes under rapid temperature changes

Capsule Icelandic migrants have responded to rapidly increasing spring temperatures on the breeding grounds in recent years. Aims To determine how migrants respond to highly variable spring conditions in their northern breeding areas when they have to cross a barrier on migration. Methods First arrival dates of common Icelandic migrants between 1988 and 2009 were analysed in the light of climate conditions in the breeding and wintering areas. Results Most of the 17 species studied showed a tendency to arrive earlier. Six of the 17 species arrived significantly earlier after milder winters and nine arrived significantly earlier in warmer Icelandic springs. Species wintering further south than northern France showed no timing response to spring conditions in Iceland. Conclusions Migratory birds can respond to high inter‐annual variation in spring conditions on the breeding grounds even though they have to face a long journey over a migration barrier. Species that are wintering closer to the breeding grounds or migrating shorter distances in the last leg of the journey seem to be better informed about spring conditions in Iceland and show a more pronounced response to local temperatures.
Phylogeny and systematics of Diptera: Two decades of progress and prospects

The Diptera, or true flies (mosquitoes, gnats, and house flies) comprise 12-15% of animal species, and are the most ecologically diverse order of insects, spanning ecological roles from detritivory to vertebrate blood feeding and leaf mining. The earliest known fossil Diptera are from the early Triassic 240 mya, and the order probably arose in the late Permian. The earliest brachyceran fossils are found in the late Triassic and earliest Jurassic, but the diversification of the extremely diverse Calyptrata (ca. 30% of described species) began in the late Creataceous. The monophyly of the order is supported by numerous morphological and biological characters and molecular data sets. The major lineages within the order are well established, and we summarize major recent phylogenetic analyses in a supertree for the Diptera. Most studies concur that the traditional subordinal group Nematocera is paraphyletic, but relationships between the major lineages of these flies are not recovered consistently. There is particular instability around the placement of the tipulids and their relatives and the families of the Psychodomorpha as traditionally defined. The other major suborder, Brachycera, is clearly monophyletic, and the relationships between major brachyceran lineages have become clearer in recent decades. The Eremoneura, Cyclorrhapha, Schizophora and Calyptrata are monophyletic, however the “Orthorrhapha” and “Aschiza” are paraphyletic, and it is likely that the “Acalyptrata” are also. Ongoing phylogenetic analyses that span the diversity of the order shall establish a robust phylogeny of the group with increased quantitative rigor. This will enable a more precise understanding of the evolution of the morphology, biogeography, biology, and physiology of flies.
Studies of the Bronze Birch Borer, Agrilus anxius Gory, in New Brunswick

Agrilus anxius was described by Gory (1841), and later given the name “bronze birch borer” by Chittenden (1898). It was recently separated from a closely allied species attacking poplar, A. liragus (Barter and Brown, 1949; Smith, 1949). The borer is native to North America and occurs apparently throughout most of the range olf birch from Newfoundland to British Columbia, and south to New Jersey, Ohio, and Colorado (Barter and Brown, 1949; Fisher, 1928).
GREATER SAGE-GROUSE NESTING HABITAT SELECTION AND SUCCESS IN WYOMING

Abstract Nesting habitat degradation and its negative effect on nesting success might contribute to the recent population and distributional declines of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) throughout North America. We used radiotelemetry to locate greater sage-grouse nests in 7 different areas of central and southwestern Wyoming between 1994 and 2002; we studied each area for 2 to 4 years. Using binary logistic regression, we compared microsite vegetal data collected at nests (n = 457) and random (n = 563) sites and successful (n = 211) and unsuccessful (n = 238) nests to test hypotheses concerning greater sage-grouse nesting habitat selection and vegetal conditions associated with nesting success. We used Akaike's Information Criterion (AICc) and model averaging to make inference about the weighted support for the importance of individual habitat variables through the comparison of sets of competing models. Selected nest sites were located in areas with increased total shrub canopy cover (relative importance [RI] = 1.00), residual grass cover (RI = 0.47), and residual grass height (RI = 0.77) compared to random sites. Successful nests had increased residual grass cover (RI = 0.43) and height (RI = 0.48) relative to unsuccessful nests. Additionally, annual nest success rates (i.e., above vs. below our study's average) were related to the preceding year's spring (Apr–May; RI = 0.44) and winter–early spring (Jan–Jun) precipitation (RI = 0.32). Correct classification rates for weighted average models that we derived through the 3 comparisons were between 60 and 70%, suggesting the variables adequately differentiated between plot types. However, high model selection uncertainty (i.e., the total number of models included in the sets of AICc-selected models) suggested that nest site selection and nesting success may be influenced by factors not considered in the modeling process. Management strategies that protect dense sagebrush stands and enhance residual grass cover and height within those stands should be used to maintain nesting habitat and increase nesting success of greater sage-grouse.
Antiglycation, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) Fruits during Ripening Stages.

In present study, antiglycation, anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic potential of three different stages (Green (I), Greenish White (II), Whitish Red (III)) of strawberry was investigated. Time bound antiglycation activity of the extract was assayed by incubating guanosine with glucose or fructose with or without extract. To determine the anti-oxidant activity, antioxidant enzyme assays (Catalase, Peroxidase, Polyphenol oxidase) and free radical scavenging assays (Xanthine oxidase, superoxide anion free radical scavenging) were performed while anti-diabetic assays were carried out through measurement of inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. Maximum UV absorbance for glycation reactions was observed for 24 hrs. The superoxide scavenging activity of 100 µg fruit extract of stage I, II and III was found to be 4.35%, 18.74% and 16.28% respectively. Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity showed a maximum percent inhibition of 60.68% at concentration of 702.46 µg ± 1.53 at stage III. IC50 value for α-glucosidase and α -amylase activity at stage III was found to be 154.27 µg ± 33.12 and 195.28 µg ± 13.30 respectively. Present study demonstrates that strawberry during ripening stages exhibits potent antiglycation, antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities. Ripening stages of strawberry should further be investigated for mechanisms of antiglycation, antioxidant and
Higher-level relationships among the eucalypts are resolved by ITS-sequence data

This expanded survey of ITS sequences represents the largest analysis of molecular data ever attempted on Eucalyptus. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA were included in an analysis of 90 species of Eucalyptus s.s. and 28 species representing eight other genera (Allosyncarpia, Angophora, Arillastrum, Corymbia, Eucalyptopsis, Stockwellia, Lophostemon and Metrosideros). The results of the study indicate that Angophora and Corymbia form a well-supported clade that is highly differentiated from Eucalyptus s.s. Corymbia species are divided between two clades, one of which may be the sister to Angophora. Allosyncarpia, Arillastrum, Eucalyptopsis and 'Stockwellia' are also highly differentiated from Eucalyptus s.s. If the genus Eucalyptus is to be expanded to include Angophora and Corymbia (sensu Brooker 2000), ITS data suggest that Allosyncarpia, Eucalyptopsis, 'Stockwellia' and potentially Arillastrum should also be included in Eucalyptus s.l. The ITS data suggest that subg. Symphyomyrtus is paraphyletic and that subg. Minutifructus should be included within it. Within subg. Symphyomyrtus, only sect. Maidenaria appears to be monophyletic. Sections Adnataria and Dumaria are probably monophyletic; sections Exsertaria and Latoangulatae are very close and probably should be combined in a single section. Section Bisectae is polyphyletic and is divided into two distinct lineages. The phylogenetic groups depicted by ITS data are consistent with the frequency of natural inter-specific hybridisations as well as data from controlled crosses within subgenus Symphyomyrtus. The ITS data illustrate that subg. Idiogenes and western Australian monocalypts are early evolutionary lines relative to E. diverstfolia, E. rubiginosa (monotypic subg. Primitiva) and the eastern monocalypts and that subg. Primitiva should be sunk into subg. Eucalyptus. Subgenus Eudesmia may be monophyletic, grouping with subgenera Idiogenes and Eucalyptus. Further work is required to confirm the phylogenetic positions of the monotypic subgenera Alveolata, Cruciformes, Acerosae and Cuboidea.
FEEDING HABITS OF MEDITERRANEAN HORSE MACKEREL, TRACHURUS MEDITERRANEUS (CARANGIDAE), IN THE CENTRAL ADRIATIC SEA

The feeding habits of the Mediterranean horse mackerel, Trachurus mediterraneus from the central Adriatic Sea, were investigated with respect to fish size and seasons. Stomach contents of 1200 specimens, 11.6 - 38.0 cm TL, taken at monthly intervals (January-December, 1996) were analyzed. Of the total number of stomachs examined, 606 were empty (50.5%). The proportion of empty stomachs varied significantly among size classes and seasons. Maximum feeding intensity occurred during the summer and in size class > 32.2 cm TL. The food composition suggests that the Mediterranean horse mackerel is a carnivorous species. A total of 29 different prey species belonging to six animal groups were identified in stomach contents: Crustacea (Euphausiacea, Mysidacea, Decapoda), Teleostei, Cephalopoda and Polychaeta. Euphausiacea were the most important ingested prey (%IRI = 90.1), especially in small and medium size classes (up to 28 cm TL). At the species level, euphausiids Nyctiphanes couchii (%IRI = 69.7) and Euphausia krohni (%IRI = 16.4) were the most frequent prey. Teleosts, whose proportion increased in large size classes, were secondary food (%IRI = 9.1), while other animal groups were considered as occasional food. The mean weight of stomach contents increased significantly for fish larger than 26.1 cm TL, while mean number of prey items did not differ among the size classes. There was little seasonal variation in food composition. Euphausiids were dominant prey during all seasons, and were especially abundant from summer to winter.
Medicinal plants used in South Ecuador for gastrointestinal problems: An evaluation of their antibacterial potential

The present study aimed to identify the main medicinal plants used by people in Ecuador South Andes to treat gastrointestinal problems, and to evaluate their antibacterial effect. Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. , as gram-negative and Staphylococcus aureus as gram-positive bacteria were used as in vivo models for the antibacterial screening. An ethnobotanical survey about gastrointestinal problems was applied to known healers in the study area. Collected information was contrasted to results of interviews to 13 different yachaks from the same area. The antibacterial potential of chloroform and methanol extracts was evaluated by a micro – dilution technique, and IC50 and IC90 values of the bioactive extracts were estimated. Cytotoxicity of bioactive extracts was assessed using MRC-5 SV2 cells. The ethnomedical approach allowed collecting a total of 132 plants used for the treatment of 9 different gastrointestinal problems described by the consulted experts (yachaks). Among collected plants, 82 are native, 38 are introduced, and 3 are endemic of Ecuadorian Andes. Methanol and chloroform extracts of Hypericum laricifolium, Otholobium mexicanum and Peperomia sp. showed activity against S. aureus, while either chloroform or methanol extracts from other 13 plants were also active against the same bacteria. No activity against gram-negative bacteria was detected. The collected information was verified by yachaks and it agrees with previous ethnomedical reports. The results of antibacterial screening and cytotoxicity assays will contribute to a more rational and safer use of medicinal plants. Key words: Medicinal plants, ethnobotanical survey, gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, antibacterial effect, Cytotoxicity.