Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STRATEGIC PHOSPHORUS APPLICATION IN LEGUME-CEREAL ROTATIONS INCREASES LAND PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY IN WESTERN KENYA

SUMMARY Many food production systems in sub-Saharan Africa are constrained by phosphorus (P). We hypothesized that within legume-cereal rotation systems: targeting P to the legume phase leads to higher system productivity, and that use of grain legumes leads to better economic returns than use of herbaceous legumes. Four P application regimes: (i) no P, (ii) P applied every season, (iii) P applied in season 1 only and (iv) P applied in season 2 only were tested for four seasons in three cropping systems (continuous maize, mucuna-maize rotation and soybean-maize rotation) in a split plot experiment set up in Nyabeda, western Kenya. Treatments where P was applied were better than no P treatments. While continuous cereal systems showed the need for application of P every second season, rotation systems involving mucuna and soyabean indicated that application in one out of three seasons could be sufficient. Nitrogen fertilizer equivalence was 52 to >90 kg N ha−1 for soyabean and 37 to >90 kg N ha−1 for mucuna, depending on P fertilization and season. Analysis of marginal rates of return (MRR) showed that soybean-maize rotation with one application of P was the most economically viable option, with an MRR of at least 147% compared to other non-dominated options.
Forest Recovery Following Shifting Cultivation: An Overview of Existing Research

Shifting cultivation is a predominant practice in the majority of tropical hilly tracts. Relatively few studies have examined forest recovery following shifting cultivation and we have reviewed these studies to identify and synthesize general recovery patterns. Most studies report that, although pioneer tree species recover relatively faster, woody biomass of mature forest trees recovers several decades after suspension of cultivation. Analysis of bird-species inventories in 10 studies revealed that up to 70% of mature forest birds may recover in successional sites and that species composition is about 55% similar to that in mature forests within 25 years. Results of mammal studies were likely to have been confounded by hunting effects and therefore the effect of time since suspension of cultivation and hunting impacts need to be investigated separately. As shown by a few studies, we conclude that community recovery can be expected to be accelerated when relatively large forest tracts adjoin a shifting cultivation landscape, in comparison with recovery in sites with shorter fallow cycles in the absence of contiguous forests, which act as sources for recolonization of fauna and vegetation.
ATP‐binding Motifs

Adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) binds to a great number of proteins to elicit a wide variety of effects, including energy production and molecular signalling. Proteins have evolved different strategies to specifically recognize ATP, utilizing different ways of binding the phosphoryl moieties as well as the adenine base. The most common, conserved sequence and structural motif for binding ATP is the Walker-A motif, or P-loop, found in many different protein structural families. Greater variation in the sequence of the P-loop is being recognized, as more ATP-binding proteins are being structurally and functionally characterized. In contrast to the P-loop, recognition of the adenine base often makes use of conserved structural motifs of main-chain atoms via hydrogen-bonding interactions, or side-chains in stacking interactions, without a definitive amino acid sequence pattern. Key concepts: A major class of ATP-binding proteins are those that contain a P-loop or Walker-A motif. P-loops or glycine-rich loops function by binding the phosphoryl groups of ATP. Several sequence variations on the Walker-A motif are now known and have been functionally characterized. The Walker-B motif contains a conserved acidic residue (Glu/Asp) that functions to bind directly or indirectly a metal ion important in catalysis. Adenine-binding does not occur through specific sequence motifs, but rather uses a conserved pattern of polar and nonpolar interactions within a structural motif. Both main-chain hydrogen bonding and aromatic residue stacking contribute to adenine-binding by proteins. Keywords: P-loop; nucleotide-binding; protein fold; sequence motif; adenone-5′-triphosphate
Mechanisms of vegetation succession: a review of concepts and perspectives

Concepts 414 Vegetation 414 Succession 415 Kinds of succession: phenomenology 416 Causes, mechanisms and functions 417 Clarification of the framework 418 Vegetation mechanisms of succession 419 Seed bank 419 Establishment 419 Facilitation 420 Competition 421 Biogenic causes of vegetation succession 422 Herbivory 422 Vertebrate herbivores 422 Insect herbivores 423 Parasitism 424 Food webs 424 Ecosystem mechanisms of succession 425 Dune valleys 425 Moist grasslands 426 Salt-marshes 426 Mire systems 426 References 427
Effects of Ingestion of Long-chain and Medium-chain Triglycerides on Glucose Tolerance in Man

A mild hyperketonemia was induced in seven normal subjects by oral administration of a medium-chain tri-glyceride (MCT) composed of C8 and C10 fatty acids. One hour following MCT administration and during the period of hyperketonemia, an intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed on each subject. On other occasions, similar glucose tolerance tests were performed on the same subjects one hour following the ingestion of either water or corn oil. K values for the slopes of the disappearance curves following glucose administration were derived, and mean K values and their standard errors following water, corn oil, and MCT, respectively, were 1.80 ± 0.38; 2.64 ± 0.41; and 2.99 ± 0.89. Thus MCT-induced hyperketonemia did not inhibit the rate of disappearance of the intravenously given glucose. The apparent enhancement of glucose tolerance after ingestion of the MCT and corn oil meals is not readily explained. It is possible that the presence of these fats in the, gastrointestinal tract promoted the secretion of certain beta-cytotropic enteric hormones. In addition, the mild hyperketonemia induced by the MCT may, of itself, have accelerated the rate of glucose disappearance by stimulating insulin production. Finally, the medium-chain fatty acids derived from MCT may have enhanced glucose tolerance by virtue of an inhibitory effect on hepatic-glucose output.
PARASITE MEDIATION IN ECOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS

The interaction between two populations, whether of the same or different species, can often be influenced by a third population of a separate species. For example, the outcome of competition between two species can be modified by a predator, parasite, or pathogen (57, 88, 105). Consider Figure 1. Competitor A affects competitor B via three routes. The direct effect (-a) is called interference competition, and the effect via impact on a common resource (-g x +j) is called resource competition. The effect via a common
IL-33 (Interleukin 33)/sST2 Axis in Hypertension and Heart Failure.

IL-33 (interleukin 33) is type of cytokine designated an alarmin, which is released under stress conditions or by cell death to induce protective measures in neighboring cells. It signals via the ST2 (suppression of tumorigenicity 2) receptor, which is also expressed as a truncated and soluble form that acts as a decoy receptor soluble ST2 (sST2). Substantial evidence supports the use of sST2 measurement as an indicator of cardiac stress and remodeling in hypertension, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and aortic stenosis (AS). However, as discussed here, there are gaps in our understanding of the IL-33/sST2 axis, including the source of the components, stimuli for their expression and release, what it actually assesses, and the role of immune cells. Moreover, as discussed, the fundamental assumption that Il-33 has beneficial actions that are thwarted by sST2 requires further scrutiny.
Evaluation of smooth muscle relaxant potential of Bismarckia nobilis (Hildebr. & Wendl.) in diarrhea, hypertension and asthma by ex-vivo and in-vivo method

To explore the mechanistic basis behind smooth muscle relaxant prospective of Bismarckia nobilis in gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular ailments. The methanolic extract of B. nobilis and sub-fractions have been evaluated in vitro rabbit isolated tissues, in vivo castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats and charcoal meal activity in mice. The B. nobilis extract relaxed spontaneous and K+ (80 mM)induced contractions in rabbit isolated jejunum preparations, CCh (1 μM) and K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions in tracheal and bladder preparations, PE (1 μM) and K+ (80 mM)-induced concentrations in aorta preparations, likewise verapamil. Spasmolytic activity of dichloromethane fraction is stronger as compared to aqueous fraction. In vivo castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats and charcoal meal activity in mice further supported spasmolytic activity. B. nobilis extract possess anti-spasmodic, anti-diarrheal, airway relaxant and vasodilator activities possible mediated through calcium channel blocking mechanism, justifying therapeutic utility of B. nobilis in diarrhea, asthma and hypertension.
Expanding forests and changing growth forms of Siberian larch at the Polar Urals treeline during the 20th century

The ongoing climatic changes potentially affect plant growth and the functioning of temperature‐limited high‐altitude and high‐latitude ecosystems; the rate and magnitude of these biotic changes are, however, uncertain. The aim of this study was to reconstruct stand structure and growth forms of Larix sibirica (Ledeb.) in undisturbed forest–tundra ecotones of the remote Polar Urals on a centennial time scale. Comparisons of the current ecotone with historic photographs from the 1960s clearly document that forests have significantly expanded since then. Similarly, the analysis of forest age structure based on more than 300 trees sampled along three altitudinal gradients reaching from forests in the valleys to the tundra indicate that more than 70% of the currently upright‐growing trees are <80 years old. Because thousands of more than 500‐year‐old subfossil trees occur in the same area but tree remnants of the 15–19th century are lacking almost entirely, we conclude that the forest has been expanding upwards into the formerly tree‐free tundra during the last century by about 20–60 m in altitude. This upward shift of forests was accompanied by significant changes in tree growth forms: while 36% of the few trees that are more than 100 years old were multi‐stem tree clusters, 90% of the trees emerging after 1950 were single‐stemmed. Tree‐ring analysis of horizontal and vertical stems of multi‐stemmed larch trees showed that these trees had been growing in a creeping form since the 15th century. In the early 20th century, they started to grow upright with 5–20 stems per tree individual. The incipient vertical growth led to an abrupt tripling in radial growth and thus, in biomass production. Based on above‐ and belowground biomass measurements of 33 trees that were dug out and the mapping of tree height and diameter, we estimated that forest expansion led to a biomass increase by 40–75 t ha−1 and a carbon accumulation of approximately 20–40 g C m−2 yr−1 during the last century. The forest expansion and change in growth forms coincided with significant summer warming by 0.9 °C and a doubling of winter precipitation during the 20th century. In summary, our results indicate that the ongoing climatic changes are already leaving a fingerprint on the appearance, structure, and productivity of the treeline ecotone in the Polar Urals.
Induction of Hepatic Cytochromes P450 by Dietary 1,4-Bis[2–(3,5–dichloropyridyloxy)] benzene (TCPOBOP) in the B6C3F1 Mouse: Dose-Dependence and Pharmacodynamics

The dose-response relationships for hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) induction by 1,4-bis(2-[3,5-dichloropyridyloxy])benzene (TCPOBOP) were examined in the male B6C3F1 mouse. TCPOBOP, administered for 14 days at 0.393–96.2 ppm in the diet, caused concentration-dependent induction of hepatic CYP subfamily 2B (C YP2B) protein and of benzyloxy resorufin O-dealkylation. The ED50 values for CYP2B induction, calculated on the basis of immunoreactiveCYP2B protein and benzyloxyresorufln O-dealkylation, were 1.2 ppm and 2.2 ppm dietary TCPOBOP, respectively. The maximal catalytic activities observed were 74–95–fold higher than control values. These induction levels were 2.3–2.6–fold greater than those resulting from exposure of the mice to 500 ppm dietary phenobarbital (a prototypic CYP2B inducer). The EC50 values of TCPOBOP for hepatic CYP2B induction were < 0.3 μmol/1 (serum) and <3.3 μmol/kg (liver). Increases in immunoreactive CYP subfamily 1A and subfamily 3A proteins were also detected, although the maximal induction levels for these subfamilies were relatively low (< threefold, compared to control values). These results indicate that TCPOBOP is an effective CYP2B inducer in the mouse when administered at dietary concentrations well below the no-effect level (12.3 ppm) for the rat.
Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein Differently Regulates the JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway under Interleukin-6 and Interferon-γ Stimuli*

We established hepatitis C virus (HCV) core-expressing cells and investigated whether HCV core would modify the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator transcription factor (STAT) pathway under interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon (IFN)-γ stimuli. Phosphorylation of JAK1/2 and STAT3, and STAT3-mediated transcription, were prevented by HCV core under IL-6 stimulation. In contrast, HCV core increased phosphorylation of JAK1/2 and STAT1 and STAT1-mediated transcription under IFN-γ stimulation. Immunoprecipitation/Western blot analysis showed that HCV core could bind to JAK1/2. The PGYPWP sequences at codons 79–84 within HCV core were important for interaction with JAKs by in vitro binding analysis. In the reporter gene assay, HCV core-mediated suppression of JAK-STAT pathway under IL-6 stimulation was not observed by abrogation of PGYPWP sequence, suggesting that HCV core/JAK interaction may directly affect the signal transduction. In contrast, augmentation of JAK-STAT pathway was still seen by HCV core without functional PGYPWP sequence under IFN-γ stimulation. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that HCV core up-regulated of IFN-γ receptor 2 expression, which may be responsible for HCV core-mediated enhancement of JAK-STAT pathway under IFN-γ stimulation. In conclusion, HCV core has different effects on the JAK-STAT pathway under IL-6 and IFN-γ stimuli. This may be exerted by these two independent mechanisms.
Dietary Iron in Swine Rations Affects Nonheme Iron and TBARS in Pork Skeletal Muscles

Fifteen crossbred pigs (mean wt = 25 kg) were allocated to three groups and fed to market weight (mean wt = 103 kg) on corn-soy based diets containing either 62,131, or 209 ppm iron. After slaughter, the longissimus dorsi (LD) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles were dissected, cooked, and stored in oxygen-permeable bags for 12 days at 4°C. Cooking increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) but did not affect nonheme iron (NHI) or α-tocopherol. NHI and TBARS increased continuously during storage while α-tocopherol decreased. NHI and TBARS were higher in cooked pork from pigs fed high-iron diets. Liver iron correlated with muscle iron (p<0.05).
Dinâmica populacional de Bemisia tabaci biótipo B em tomate monocultivo e consorciado com coentro sob cultivo orgânico e convencional

Due to its high genotypic plasticity, the control of the silverleaf whitefly Bemisia tabaci B biotype (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is difficult. This insect may cause severe damage to the tomato crop as a vector of several viruses. The management of the production system and the consortium with other crops may have a direct effect on this herbivore population, without the need of chemical insecticide spraying. The effect of organic and conventional production systems and the tomato-coriander consortium were evaluated in this study, in field, during May-September 2006. Adults of whitefly and its natural enemies were monitored using yellow adhesive traps installed at the edge and inside the experimental plots, and nymphs were sampled by direct observation on tomato plants. Although adult populations in the neighborhood of the different treatments were equivalent, the abundance of whitefly adults was significantly lower in the plots with the consortium tomato-coriander in both systems, conventional and organic. Significant reduction in the amount of nymphs per plant was only observed in the consortium tomato-coriander when all treatments were compared. There were more natural enemies in organic system and a negative correlation was observed between natural enemies abundance collected in the traps and whitefly nymphs' density. The association tomato-coriander and the organic management of the agroecossystem favored natural biological control of B. tabaci.
On the Problems of Epibioses, Fouling and Artificial Reefs, a Review

Artificial reefs in marine environments are in most cases submerged structures consisting of dumped waste material or specific constructions made with the purpose of enriching the local fish populations and other marine life to the benefit of recreational and commercial fisheries. Such structures are susceptible to fouling and will successively develop assemblages, which may or may not resemble epibioses on natural substrata. Studies of artificial reefs have focused predominantly on fish assemblages and have largely disregarded the development of sessile biota and their structural and functional relationships. In addition, most studies are from tropical or subtropical environments. To manage and understand artificial reefs, a whole-ecosystem approach is necessary, incorporating studies of all aspects of hard substratum ecology including both structural and functional variables. This review is an attempt to evaluate the present knowledge of ecological aspects of artificial reefs, emphasising the role of sessile hard substratum biota.
Acute pneumonia: Facts and realities against etiological hypotheses and beliefs

Modern AP concepts are focused exclusively on the infectious nature of the disease and the presence of certain pathogens. This belief determines the principles of treatment, the lack of effectiveness of which remains a concern of health professionals. The article presents a fragment of the study devoted to the etiology of АP. 994 children aged 4 months to 14 years with various forms of so-called community-acquired pneumonia were examined and treated. Bacteriological examination of the material from the infl ammation zone was carried out in 542 patients. Experiments on modeling АP and its pleural complications were performed on 44 animals. The obtained results and critical analysis of the literature data and scientifi c facts allow us to consider bacteria only as one of the etiological elements of АP, which is not mandatory in all cases of the disease. Scientifi cally based revision of existing ideas about the causes and mechanisms of AP development leads to the need for a radical change in the principles of treatment and is a strategic direction in solving the problem. Research Article
Upwelling couples chemical and biological dynamics across the littoral and pelagic zones of Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

We studied the effects of upwelling on nutrient and phytoplankton dynamics in the pelagic and littoral zones of Lake Tanganyika near Kigoma, Tanzania. During the dry season of 2004, a rise in the thermocline and sudden drop in surface water temperatures indicated a substantial upwelling event. Increases in concentrations of nitrate, soluble reactive phosphorus, and silica in the surface waters occurred simultaneously after the temperature drop. Within days, chlorophyll a concentrations increased and remained elevated, while inorganic nutrient concentrations returned to preupwelling levels and organic nutrient concentrations peaked. We observed parallel temporal patterns of water temperature, nutrient concentrations, and phytoplankton chlorophyll in both the pelagic and the littoral zones, demonstrating that upwelling strongly affects the nearshore ecosystem as well as the pelagic zone. Concurrent records from 12 littoral sites indicated spatial variation in the timing, magnitude, and biological response to upwelling. There was no discernable latitudinal pattern in the timing of upwelling, suggesting that mixing did not result from a progressive wave. Our monitoring, as well as other multiyear studies, suggests that dry‐season upwelling occurs during most years in northern Lake Tanganyika. The observed sensitivity of littoral nutrients and phytoplankton to upwelling suggests that reductions in upwelling due to global climate change could strongly affect the dynamics of the spectacular nearshore ecosystem of Lake Tanganyika, as has been proposed for the pelagic zone.
Crossing the divide: a longitudinal study of effective treatments for people with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder across the lifespan

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently persist into adolescence and young adulthood. However, there are few clinical services that support those with these disorders through adulthood.Our aim was to determine if clinical services meet the needs of people with ASD and ADHD, who are ‘at transition’ from childhood to adulthood.A longitudinal study of individuals with ASD and ADHD, the impact of services and treatments.Our research methods included (1) interviewing > 180 affected individuals (and their families) with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD and/or ADHD, (2) screening for ASD and ADHD in approximately 1600 patients and (3) surveying general practitioner prescribing to 5651 ASD individuals across the UK. In addition, we tested the effectiveness of (1) new ASD diagnostic interview measures in 169 twins, 145 familes and 150 non-twins, (2) a magnetic resonance imaging-based diagnostic aid in 40 ASD individuals, (3) psychological treatments in 46 ASD individuals and (4) the feasability of e-learning in 28 clinicians.NHS clinical services and prisons.Focus – young people with ASD and ADHD as they ‘transition’ from childhood and adolescence into early adulthood.Testing the utility of diagnostic measures and services, web-based learning interventions, pharmacological prescribing and cognitive–behavioural treatments.Symptom severity, service provision and met/unmet need.People with ASD and ADHD have very significant unmet needs as they transition through adolescence and young adulthood. A major contributor to this is the presence of associated mental health symptoms. However, these are mostly undiagnosed (and untreated) by clinical services. Furthermore, the largest determinant of service provision was age and not severity of symptoms. We provide new tools to help diagnose both the core disorders and their associated symptoms. We also provide proof of concept for the effectiveness of simple psychological interventions to treat obsessional symptoms, the potential to run treatment trials in prisons and training interventions.Our findings only apply to clinical service settings.As individuals ‘transition’ their contact with treatment and support services reduces significantly. Needs-led services are required, which can both identify individuals with the ‘core symptoms’ of ASD and ADHD and treat their residual symptoms and associated conditions.To test our new diagnostic measures and treatment approaches in larger controlled trials.Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN87114880.The National Institute for Health Research Programme Grants for Applied Research programme.