Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced decomposition and nitrogen mineralization sustain rapid growth of Eucalyptus regnans after wildfire

Eucalyptus regnans grows rapidly from seed after wildfires, out‐competing other species, thereby forming pure stands of mature forests that rank amongst the world's most carbon dense. By global standards, these forests grow on infertile soils. It is unclear how E. regnans is able to obtain large amounts nitrogen (N) from these infertile soils to support its rapid growth after fire. We measured carbon (C) and N stored in plant biomass and photosynthetic rates of E. regnans 2 years after a wildfire and examined whether E. regnans stimulated its own N supply through root‐induced increases in microbial decomposition and N mineralization. We compared microbial biomass, gross N mineralization rates and soil C in trenched and rooted plots. Photosynthetic rates of E. regnans seedlings were high and comparable to photosynthetic rates observed in fertilized crops. Presence of roots of E. regnans and allied microflora enhanced gross N mineralization more than fivefold compared to soil without roots present. Soil microbial biomass was more than doubled by root presence. The soil N pulse caused by the fire and N mineralization rates in the absence of roots were too small to account for the large amount of N stored in E. regnans 2 years after the fire. Our results suggest that E. regnans facilitated its rapid growth by enhancing microbial activity and N mineralization. This enhanced microbial activity also contributed to a substantial loss of soil C (˜62% of carbon gained in plant biomass was concurrently lost from soil). Synthesis. At the ecosystem scale, the synergistic effects of plant growth and soil N mineralization need to be carefully assessed against costs to soil C for forests regenerating after disturbance.
THE YIELD GAP: CLOSING THE GAP BY WIDENING THE APPROACH

SUMMARY The yield gap has arisen again as a focus for agricultural research to ensure food security and economic growth for farmers around the world. To examine this renewed interest, we carried out a review of key literature in the field of yield gap analysis to identify important gaps in research and analysis. In so doing, both the complexities in yield gap studies emerged along with some significant omissions. Much of the literature and research on the yield gap has been framed by larger concerns and initiatives to raise agricultural productivity. This focus has led to an emphasis on technical solutions such as crop breeding, fertilizer application and other methods to increase production. However, this concentration on the technical usually ignores the wider social, economic and political context that shapes farmer decision-making about agricultural production. This context can either discourage or enable farmers to close their yield gap. Additionally, the impact of increased agricultural production through certain technical solutions also often overlooks the wider impact on the landscape and the ecosystem services which underpin agricultural production and livelihoods. We argue that increasing agricultural productivity, and closing the yield gap, must be addressed with this broader approach.
Hantaviren in Deutschland: Gefahren für Zoo-, Heim-, Haus- und Nutztier?

Hantaviren werden aufgrund ihres neuen oder plotzlichen Erscheinens als „emerging“ und „re-emerging“ Viren bezeichnet. Beim Menschen konnen Hantaviren zwei unterschiedliche Krankheitsbilder hervorrufen, das Hamorrhagische Fieber mit Renalem Syndrom und das Hantavirale Cardiopulmonale Syndrom. Die heute bekannten humanpathogenen Hantaviren werden von Nagetier- Reservoiren auf den Menschen ubertragen. In Deutschland kommen drei Nagetier-assoziierte Hantaviren vor. Das Rotelmaus-assoziierte Puumalavirus (PUUV) verursacht die meisten humanen Hantavirus-Erkrankungen, die von einigen Autoren auch als Nephropathia epidemica bezeichnet werden. Das mit der Brandmaus assoziierte Dobrava-Belgrad-Virus (DOBV) verursacht humane Erkrankungen in Nord- und Nordostdeutschland. Die Humanpathogenitat des Tulavirus (TULV) ist bisher wenig charakterisiert – das Virus wurde bisher vor allem in der Feldmaus, dem Reservoirwirt, gefunden, aber molekular auch in Erd- und Schermaus nachgewiesen. Neben diesen Hantaviren sind kurzlich in Deutschland auch zwei Spitzmaus-assoziierte Hantaviren gefunden worden, das Seewisvirus in der Waldspitzmaus und das Asikkalavirus in der Zwergspitzmaus. Zur Infektion gefahrdung von Haus-, Heim-, Zoo- und Nutztieren gibt es bisher keine systematischen Studien. Der vorliegende Ubersichtsartikel soll einerseits den gegenwartigen Kenntnisstand dazu zusammenfassen und andererseits die Aufmerksamkeit der Tierarzte fur moglicherweise bisher unbeachtete Erkrankungsbilder erhohen.
Exploring the star formation history of elliptical galaxies

We study the stellar populations of a sample of 14 elliptical galaxies in the Virgo cluster. Using spectra with high signal-to-noise ratio (S / N (cid:2) 100 Å − 1 ) we propose an alternative approach to the standard side-band method to measure equivalent widths (EWs). Our boosted median continuum is shown to map the EWs more robustly than the side-band method, minimizing the effect from neighbouring absorption lines and reducing the uncertainty at a given S/N. Our newly deﬁned line strengths are more successful at disentangling the age–metallicity degeneracy. We concentrate on Balmer lines (H β , H γ , H δ ), the G band and the combination [MgFe] as the main age and metallicity indicators. We go beyond the standard comparison of the observations with simple stellar populations (SSPs) and consider four different models to describe the star formation histories, either with a continuous star formation rate or with a mixture of two different SSPs. These models improve the estimates of the more physically meaningful mass-weighted ages. Composite models are found to give more consistent ﬁts among individual line strengths and agree with an independent estimate using the spectral energy distribution. A combination of age- and metallicity-sensitive spectral features allows us to constrain the average age and metallicity. For a Virgo sample of elliptical galaxies our age and metallicity estimates correlate well with stellar mass or velocity dispersion, with a signiﬁcant threshold around 5 × 10 10 M (cid:2) above which galaxies are uniformly old and metal rich. This threshold is reminiscent of the one found by Kauffmann et al. in the general population of Sloan Digital Sky Survey galaxies at a stellar mass 3 × 10 10 M (cid:2) . In a more speculative way, our models suggest that it is formation epoch and not formation time-scale what drives the mass–age relationship of elliptical galaxies.
Identification of Yeast Strains Isolated from Agricultural Soils for Releasing Potassium-bearing Minerals

ABSTRACT Thirty-five yeast strains were isolated from soil samples that were collected from different locations in Upper Egypt. The purified isolates were screened for the release potassium from mica on Aleksandrov agar medium. Two yeast isolates (KSY-29 and KSY-33) showed an ability to solubilize potassium by inducing clear zones around their colonies. They were identified as Pichia anomala and Rhodotorula glutinis, respectively, based on PCR analysis of the ITSI-26S region that was amplified by NL1/NL4 species-specific primers. The amount of K released from muscovite mica in the broth culture of the yeast isolates was measured after 5, 10, 15 and 20 days of the incubation at 25°C. Both yeast isolates were very effective in releasing K of muscovite in broth culture, recording 8.11–13.21 μg/ml that were released from muscovite mica after 20 days of incubation. The inoculation of maize (Zea maize) plants with these yeast isolates under different K levels (25, 50 and 100% of recommended dose of potassium, RDK) as potassium sulfate was tested on growth and K uptake by these plants in the greenhouse. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in plant height, root and shoot dry weights as well as K uptakes by shoots and roots maize plants occurred through the inoculation with KSY-29 or KSY-33 isolates.
The entangled relations of humans and Nile crocodiles in Africa, c.1840-1992

The nature of European explorers’ and hunters’ perceptions of the wildlife they encountered during their travels, and how this shaped their responses to it, has been surprisingly little studied. This may in part be because of the wealth of primary material and the dearth of secondary sources. Animal studies has come of age in recent decades, with a focus on how humans have conceptualised and related to animals, but much of this new field concerns domesticated or captive animals and has tended towards philosophical, political and theoretical approaches. Yet there is much to be gained from a historical exploration of the abundant sources on Europeans’ encounter with wildlife, notably during the height of colonial exploration and adventuring in Africa. This review focuses on the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) in Africa. Crocodiles had a major impact on European travellers, elicited extreme reactions and reveal an irrational difference in attitudes to large mammalian predators, as opposed to reptilian. The oft-repeated statement that Nile crocodiles kill more humans and are more hated than any other predator (or even, all other predators) in Africa is still current. The expansion of human settlement and activities into the habitats of crocodiles and increasing demands on water supplies is resulting in escalating conflicts and some experts regard crocodiles as a ‘growing threat to rural livelihoods and development’. If these important apex predators of the continent’s waterways are to be conserved, then a good place to start seems to be with an exploration of the long history of interactions with them that have shaped expert and public perceptions of crocodile.
Protective effects of Selenium and/or Melatonin against Cadmium Chloride induced Chromosomal aberrations in Swiss Albino mice Mus musculus BALB/c

The present study was aimed to investigate the protective role of selenium and melatonin with concentration (0.2 mg /kg b.wt./day) for selenium and (2.5 mg/kg b. wt./day) for melatonin. The doses were administered for five weeks five day per week against the genotoxic effect of orally given Cadmium chloride (1mg/kg b.wt. /day) to male albino mice for five weeks (five day per week). Thirty five male albino mice were divided into seven groups; each group contained five mice. Chromosomal studies in bone marrow cells were used as parameters in this evaluation. It was observed that the administration of Cadmium chloride generally produced more chromosomal aberrations such as (gap, break, ring, dicentric, centric fusion, end to end association, aneuploidy and polyploidy) compared with control. Chromosomal aberrations were reduced in treatment with the antioxidants (Selenium, melatonin) and their combinations . Finally, it was concluded that selenium and melatonin can serve as possible anti-genotoxic agent against the clastogenic effect of Cadmium chloride.
Genetic diversity of Hajar1 and Hajar2 local Saudi chicken lines using mitochondrial DNA D-loop markers

This study was conducted to assess genetic diversity of Hajar1 and Hajar2 local Saudi chicken lines using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop partial sequences. One hundred blood samples were obtained equally from Hajar1 and Hajar2 Saudi chicken lines as 50 samples from each line. The D-loop region was partially amplified from genomic DNA with a conserved primer set, and the fragments were sequenced. Eight published reference mtDNA sequence data from the GenBank were used for comparisons, and multiple alignments were performed. The most common haplotype was assigned as a basic sequence for comparing within each line. Entropy plot and conserved region analysis were performed. Genetic distances and neighbour-joining (NJ) phylogenetic trees were estimated. The results indicated haplotype variations within and between local Saudi chicken lines, which could explain the phenotypic variation reported earlier. A close genetic relationship was shown between the Saudi local chicken lines. Unique conserved regions and nucleotide substitutions were observed between the two lines. Both lines have a close relationship with the reference Asian local chicken population, especially local Chinese and Indian chicken breeds. The current results are considered the first report of mtDNA sequence diversity for Hajar1 and Hajar2 lines. Further detailed molecular genetic studies of both lines are indispensable to genetic conservation and development. Keywords: chicken population, diversity, D-loop, Hajar1, Hajar2, mtDNA
Stomatafrequenz bei Blättern von Vitis-Arten und -Sorten

Bei 14 Vitis-Arten und -Sorten wurden die Stomata der Blatter gezahlt. Hierbei wurde zwischen einzelnen Blattpartien, jungen und ausgewachsenen Blattern sowie Gewachshaus- und Freilandpflanzen unterschieden. Die Blatter der untersuchten V. -Formen sind als hypostomatisch anzusprechen; d. h. die Stomata liegen ausschlieslich auf der Blattunterseite. Bei ausgewachsenen Blattern von Freilandpflanzen ergeben sich Stomatazahlen, die zwischen 173,6 (V. rupestris) und 349,3/mm 2 ( V. cinerea ) liegen; bei der Mehrzahl der Formen liegt die Stomatafrequenz zwischen 200 und 250/mm 2 . Die Stomatafrequenz einzelner Blattpartien ist nur in wenigen Fallen unterschiedlich. Bei ausgewachsenen Blattern ist bei den V. -vinifera -Sorten eine hohere, bei allen anderen Arten eine geringere Stomatafrequenz festzustellen. Junge und ausgewachsene Blatter von Freilandpflanzen besitzen in allen Fallen mehr Stomata/mm 2 als die entsprechenden Blatter von Gewachshauspflanzen. Stomata frequency of leaves of Vitis species and cultivars The number of stomata per unit leaf area of 14 Vitis species and cultivars were counted, distinguishing between different parts of a leaf, between young and mature leaves and between leaves taken from the greenhouse and from the field. Leaves of all vines were shown to be hypostomatal, i. e. stomata were located on the lower leaf epidermis only. Stomatal frequency of adult leaves taken from field-grown plants ranged from 173.6 ( V. rupestris ) to 349.3 ( V. cinerea ) per mm 2 , the majority of species and cultivars indicating a stomatal frequency of 200-250 per mm 2 . In most cases there was no difference in the number of stomata per mm 2 located near to the central vein, in the middle part of a leaf half or near to the margln of a leaf. Except of V. vinifera cultivars mature leaves had a smaller number of stomata per mm 2 compared to young leaves. Young and mature leaves of field-grown grapevines had always more stomata per mm 2 than corresponding leaves taken from the greenhouse.
Engineering Gene Control Circuits with Allosteric Ribozymes in Human Cells as a Medicine of the Future

Systems and synthetic biology promise to develop new approaches for analysis and design of complex gene expression regulatory networks in living cells with many practical applications to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. In this chapter the development of novel universal strategies for exogenous control of gene expression is discussed. They are based on designer allosteric ribozymes that can function in the cell. The synthetic riboswitches are obtained by a patented computational procedure that provides fast and accurate modular designs with various Boolean logic functions. The riboswitches can be designed to sense in the cell either the presence or the absence of disease indicative RNA(s) or small molecules, and to switch on or off the gene expression of any exogenous protein. In addition, the riboswitches can be engineered to induce RNA interference or microRNA pathways that can conditionally down regulate the expression of key proteins in the cell. That can prevent a disease’s development. Therefore, the presented synthetic riboswitches can be used as truly universal cellular biosensors. Nowadays, disease indicative RNA(s) can be precisely identified by employing next-generation sequencing technologies with high accuracy. The methods can be employed not only for exogenous control of gene expression but also for re-programming the cell fate, anticancer, and antiviral gene therapies. Such approaches may be employed as potent molecular medicines of the future.
Quels idéotypes de plantes fourragères pour des prairies adaptées au changement climatique

Le changement climatique se traduit en France par une augmentation des temperatures et de la frequence des secheresses intenses qui devraient favoriser la production fourragere des zones 'nord' gagnantes et reduire celle des zones 'sud' perdantes, avec une limite entre ces deux zones se deplacant rapidement en latitude vers le nord. Alors que les cultivars d'especes fourrageres perennes d'origine mediterraneenne et adaptes a la secheresse representent moins de 2 % des cultivars disponibles, cette revue donne la vision des selectionneurs et des chercheurs francais sur les ideotypes a envisager et le travail de selection necessaire pour obtenir des cultivars fourragers assurant des prairies perennes sous contraintes croissantes. Dans les zones a faible risque de secheresse severe, une meilleure valorisation de saisons de croissance plus longues, notamment au printemps et sous secheresse estivale, ainsi qu'un remplacement possible d'especes plus adaptees et la constitution de melanges aux caracteristiques complementaires sont les principales voies d'amelioration envisagees. Pour les zones a fort risque de secheresse severe, la creation d'une gamme de graminees a niveau eleve de dormance estivale combinee a une productivite amelioree aux saisons pluvieuses, ainsi que l'exploration de materiel original dans des zones semi-arides, sont des objectifs en cours. L'amelioration vegetale doit continuer a etre raisonnee pour la qualite fourragere et la resistance aux pathogenes et en fonction des imperatifs techniques et socio-economiques, en recherchant une bonne competitivite pour la production de semences.
Anti-Predator Responses of Squid Throughout Ontogeny

ANTI-PREDATOR BEHAVIOR OF SQUID THROUGHOUT ONTOGENY Carly Anne York Old Dominion University, 2016 Director: Dr. Ian K. Bartol Multiple sensory modalities and a complex array of escape behaviors have evolved as components of anti-predator responses in squids. The goals of this study include: (1) examine the role of the lateral line analogue and vision in successful predator evasion; (2) measure kinematics of escape jetting; (3) document how chromatic patterning, posturing and inking in squid change in response to predators; and (4) investigate escape jet hydrodynamics of squid. Given that squids undergo considerable morphological, ecological, and behavioral changes throughout ontogeny, the goals above were all investigated across different life history stages. To test the respective roles of vision and the lateral line analogue, squid of different life stages were recorded in the presence of natural predators under light and dark conditions with their lateral line analogue intact and ablated via a pharmacological technique. Anti-predator behaviors of squid throughout ontogeny were studied in a series of predator-prey trials using high-speed videography. Additionally, the hydrodynamics and kinematics of high velocity escape jets in squid were examined using a combination of 2D/3D velocimetry. The lateral line analogue played a role in initiation of an escape response at the earliest life stages, and continued to contribute to successful evasion by aiding visual cues in juvenile/adult squid. Paralarvae relied heavily on stereotyped swimming behaviors and translucent coloration to avoid capture, while juvenile and adults used multiple cues associated with the predator’s approach to determine whether posturing or inking and escape jetting is the most suitable anti-predator behavior. Throughout ontogeny, squid produced two escape jet patterns: (1) escape jet I characterized by short rapid pulses resulting in vortex ring formation and (2) and escape jet II characterized by long high volume jets, often with a leading edge vortex ring. Paralarvae exhibited significantly higher propulsive efficiency (94.55%) than adult squid (87.71%) during jet ejection. These results indicate that all life stages of squid are well adapted for predator avoidance; they employ multiple sensory modalities for predator detection, use a variety of anti-predator behavioral responses, and utilize a highly efficient and flexible escape jet to maximize escape from predation.
Antifungal activities of Monsonia burkeana and Euphorbia ingens extracts against Penicillium digitatum, the causal agent of citrus green mould

Citrus green mould, caused by Penicillium digitatum, is a serious postharvest disease which affects oranges during storage and in transit. The disease is mainly managed by application of postharvest fungicides. Some plant extracts have been shown to effectively inhibit P. digitatum growth. The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of methanolic extracts of Monsonia burkeana and Euphorbia ingens on P. digitatum growth and citrus green mould severity under laboratory conditions. M. burkeana and E. ingens samples were collected from Sekhukhuni district in Limpopo, dried under shade and extracts were prepared using methanol. The final extract powder was used to amend growth medium and to prepare a water-based spray for artificial fruit infection. Both tested plant extracts inhibited P. digitatum growth in vitro. All concentrations of E. ingens had an equally significant effect on the pathogen growth when compared with the control. M. burkeana concentrations displayed varying suppressive effect on pathogen growth. Extracts of both plants were also able to significantly reduce disease severity in artificially infected citrus fruits when compared with the control. In conclusion, these results showed both extracts of M. burkeana and E. ingens had suppressive effects against P. digitatum.
Cinétique des anticoprs après traitement trypanocide chez des bovins infectés expérimentalement ou naturellement intérêt épidémiologique

La cinetique des anticorps anti-trypanosomes a ete etudiee en immunofluorescen ce indirecte (IFI) et en ELISA chez des bovins infectes experimentalement par Trypanosoma congolense ou naturellement dans une zone a forte pression glossinaire. Les anticorps ne sont plus decelables dans le plasma des animaux 4 mois apres le traitement en utilisant la technique ELISA et 6 mois apres en utilisant la technique IFI. Ces resultats presentent un interet epidemiologique. En effet, il apparait possible d'affirmer que des serums positifs correspondent a des infections actives, en l'absence de reaction croisee, s'il n'y a pas eu de traitement trypanocide depuis 4 ou 6 mois, selon la technique utilisee. (Resume d'auteur)