Different methods for the evaluation of species of the genus Mesaphorura (Collembola, Tullbergiinae)

Field studies and laboratory investigations based upon cultures, isoenzyme electrophoresis and RAPD-PCR were carried out to get a better understanding of the value of morphospecies within the genus Mesaphorura.Culturing of seven Mesaphorura species under constant as well as variable conditions provided a basis for evaluation of morphological characters, but did not yield any statistically supportable evidence that intraspecific variability reached interspecific delimitations.In enzyme tests, esterases gave the best results. The search for species-specific band patterns is, however, time and material consuming. DNA investigations using RAPD-PCR resulted in band patterns that appeared to be species specific. Nevertheless, these require further investigations.None of the studies carried out gave any conclusive evidence for invalidation of the morphologically defined species of the genus Mesaphorura.     

Discrete coding of reward probability and uncertainty by dopamine neurons

Uncertainty is critical in the measure of information and in assessing the accuracy of predictions. It is determined by probability P, being maximal at P = 0.5 and decreasing at higher and lower probabilities. Using distinct stimuli to indicate the probability of reward, we found that the phasic activation of dopamine neurons varied monotonically across the full range of probabilities, supporting past claims that this response codes the discrepancy between predicted and actual reward. In contrast, a previously unobserved response covaried with uncertainty and consisted of a gradual increase in activity until the potential time of reward. The coding of uncertainty suggests a possible role for dopamine signals in attention-based learning and risk-taking behavior.     

Structure of the rotor ring of F-Type Na+-ATPase from Ilyobacter tartaricus

In the crystal structure of the membrane-embedded rotor ring of the sodium ion-translocating adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) synthase of Ilyobacter tartaricus at 2.4 angstrom resolution, 11 c subunits are assembled into an hourglass-shaped cylinder with 11-fold symmetry. Sodium ions are bound in a locked conformation close to the outer surface of the cylinder near the middle of the membrane. The structure supports an ion-translocation mechanism in the intact ATP synthase in which the binding site converts from the locked conformation into one that opens toward subunit a as the rotor ring moves through the subunit a/c interface.     

Towards breeding of triploid chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) – Ploidy variation within German chamomile of various origins

German chamomile is an important medical plant with a long history of usage and a wide range of medical applications. Wild forms are diploid, whereas cultivated ones are diploid and tetraploid. Ploidy level variation within 15 origins (varieties, accessions, populations) of chamomile was investigated. Both naturally occurring triploids and those induced through directed crosses between diploid and tetraploid parents were identified and analysed, and these data could facilitate the exploitation of triploidy in chamomile as in other crop plants (fruit and ornamental plants).     

Investigations concerning the use of the rumen fermentation regulator monensin in feeding fattening bulls

In two digestion experiments with wethers and seven feeding experiments with 198 fattening bulls with rations rich in (greater than 55% of the dry matter intake from roughage), the influence of the antibiotic monensin on the digestibility of the ration, on rumen-physiologic characteristic values and on fattening and slaughtering results was investigated. The digestibility of the organic matter and the crude nutrients was not significantly influenced by the use of monensin (20 mg/kg dry matter). The administration of 200 mg monensin per fattening bull and day resulted in an increase of the molar concentration of propionate in the rumen fluid by 9.7 mol%, the concentration of acetate and butyrate decreased by 7.3 resp. 2.8 mol %. On an average of the seven experiments the intake of dry matter was diminished by 5.1% through the use of monensin, the live weight increase remained almost unaffected (3.0% additional increase), feed and energy requirement per kg live weight were improved by 7.9%. The fattening results do not always correspond in the various experiments. The results of the dressing of the carcass, the composition of the carcass and the quality of the meat remained unaffected by the administration of monensin.     

Rabies in a 10-week-old puppy

A 10-week-old, male, border collie-cross puppy was examined for an acute onset of unilateral vestibular signs. Neurologic deterioration was rapid over the next 12 hours and the puppy was euthanized. Rabies was diagnosed by histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination.     

Estimating the mass of mango fruit (Mangifera indica, cv. Chok Anan) from its geometric dimensions by optical measurement

Uniform fruit mass and shapes of mangoes for export are required in order to ease handling and transportation, and to help satisfy consumer preferences. However, with its irregular shape, one which cannot be approximated by using standard geometrical figures, the mango is not as easy to model as round or oval-shaped fruits.In this study, more than 1000 mango ‘Chok Anan’ fruit were measured with respect to their length, maximum width and maximum thickness, to within an accuracy of 1.0  mm, and their weight was determined to within an accuracy of 0.1  g. Pictures were taken of 30 fruit, through the use of digital cameras, manually rectified and analyzed by use of “Measure 2.1” a computer code.An equation was proposed in order to calculate the mass of the mangoes based on three geometric dimensions, which then showed a high level of explanatory power of R² = 0.97. The root mean standard error of 12.22 was determined, and the mean relative deviation found was 0.05. Based on measurements taken from the digital photos, the equation was then used to determine the estimated mass based on three dimensions. Estimated and measured values were plotted against each other. A high correlation (R² = 0.96) was found between measured and calculated mass.It was shown that the mass can be estimated based on data obtained from two orthogonally taken photographs.     

Dendroecological assessment of the complex causes of decline and recovery of the growth of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) in Southern Germany

Causes of decline and silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) mortality in Central Europe have been controversially discussed for a long time. This contribution details a comprehensive dendroecological investigation of two basic and alternative hypotheses that explain the decline by either climatic influences or by SO₂ pollution as the primary factors. Growth reduction between the 1960s and 1980s as well as the recovery of growth during recent decades have be seen as a response to complex interactions of multiple factors. Herein, we undertake a multidisciplinary evaluation of a broad database, representing the long-term growth of 1010 firs from 51 sites, long-term climate records as well as data assessing the long-term pollution situation in Southern Germany. The results provide clear evidence that SO₂-immissions play a key role in decline and that tree growth corresponds with the regional and temporal pattern of SO₂ pollution. Calculations with a new complex growth model indicate that tree-ring widths of fir at many sites were more influenced by SO₂ than by any other growth-determining factor during the second half of the last century. Strongest coherence between measured and modelled ring widths are found if – in addition to temperature, available soil water content, heavy frost events and long-term growth trends – the site-specific trend of SO₂ pollution is included. Both the immediate response to SO₂ pollution and the quick recovery of fir since the beginning of the 1980s after the decrease of SO₂ emissions indicate a direct impact of SO₂ in gaseous form and not via the soil in terms of soil acidification. Tree-ring widths document that radial growth response occurs at air concentrations above 10 μg SO₂ m⁻³ (annual average), which can be thought of as a critical threshold for silver fir health. Since the beginning of the 1980s, increasing growth trends have been observed which predominantly result from decreased SO₂ pollution in most parts of Central Europe, although climate change, fertilization by nitrogen deposition and a reduced tree-to-tree competition are also relevant factors. The drastic reduction of SO₂ emission during the recent decades significantly improved the environmental conditions for fir. Consequently, an increased cultivation of silver fir on suitable sites is recommended.     

Who are the future farmers? Media representations of youth in agriculture,food security and ‘modern’ farming in Indonesia

In Indonesia, state and non-state actors frame youth attrition from agriculture as a food security concern and propose policy solutions focused on ‘modern’ farming techniques. Using a critical framing analysis of five national Indonesian news media sources from 2010 to 2020, we examine how government, development and private sector actors portray youth in agriculture, and the underlying assumptions that inform related policy and development agendas. Our analysis reveals contrasting portrayals of youth in agriculture. Youth are often depicted as averse to farming, while also being innovative adopters of modern farming techniques, equipment, and digital technologies. We argue that media frames reflect and reinforce the dominant discourses of state and non-state actors, which have a productivist orientation, proposing technical, capital-intensive agricultural solutions to food insecurity and related issues. News media pays comparatively less attention to structural barriers to youth entry and success in agriculture, such as limited access to land and finance and unfavourable terms of trade.