Revealing magnetic interactions from single-atom magnetization curves

The miniaturization of magnetic devices toward the limit of single atoms calls for appropriate tools to study their magnetic properties. We demonstrate the ability to measure magnetization curves of individual magnetic atoms adsorbed on a nonmagnetic metallic substrate with use of a scanning tunneling microscope with a spin-polarized tip. We can map out low-energy magnetic interactions on the atomic scale as evidenced by the oscillating indirect exchange between a Co adatom and a nanowire on Pt(111). These results are important for the understanding of variations that are found in the magnetic properties of apparently identical adatoms because of different local environments.     

Daily variation in concentration of cortisol in plasma in intact and hypophysectomized gulf killifish

A daily variation in concentration of cortisol in plasma is synchronized by a 12-hour daily photoperiod in intact as well as in hypophysectomized fish. The daily rhythm in concentration of the adrenal steroid does not depend on a daily rhythm in the concentration of pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone.     

Importance of reservoirs for the conservation of freshwater molluscs in a tropical urban landscape

Freshwater species and ecosystems are gravely imperiled, particularly within urban landscapes of tropical Asia. In one of the region’s most urbanized landscapes (i.e., Singapore), we determined: (1) the importance of six different habitats (i.e., catchment reservoirs, estuarine reservoirs, forest streams, rural streams, ponds and monsoon canals) for conserving the diversity of freshwater molluscs; (2) key environmental factors (e.g., pH) affecting molluscan distribution; (3) important biogeographical determinants (e.g., area) of molluscan richness within each habitat; and (4) the habitat affinities of introduced species. High sampling saturation was achieved at most study habitats with minimal sampling effort, suggesting that the utilization of molluscs as bioindicators can expedite freshwater conservation initiatives. Estuarine reservoirs (6.0 ± 2.0) had the highest molluscan richness, vis-à-vis catchment reservoirs, forest streams, rural streams, ponds and monsoon canals (3.0 ± 1.5; 0; 3.3 ± 2.0; 1.8 ± 0.5 and 3.5 ± 0.5 respectively). Both reservoir types possessed species compositions distinct from other habitats and contained majority (76%) of the sampled species. Reservoirs therefore serve to conserve the bulk of local freshwater malacofauna, especially if they are maintained at near-neutral pH levels (i.e., ∼7.3) and contain large substrates (i.e., rocks). Area was the best predictor of molluscan richness across all habitats, implying that larger freshwater habitats require higher conservation priorities than smaller ones. Introduced (non-native) species (e.g., Pomacea canaliculata) had high affinities for reservoirs, which are in need of monitoring to curb population expansions. The interminable growth of human settlements urgently requires a reconciliatory approach, which includes the ecologically-sound design and management of modified habitats to complement reserves in sustaining native freshwater species.     

Interactive effect between Cu‐adapted arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and biotreated agrowaste residue to improve the nutritional status of Oenothera picensis growing in Cu‐polluted soils

The interactive effect of sugar beet (SB) agrowaste and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi inoculation in response to increasing Cu levels was evaluated in the metallophyte Oenothera picensis. Plants were grown in a Cu‐added soil (0, 100, or 500 mg Cu kg^?1), in presence or absence of SB, and inoculated with: (1) indigenous Cu adapted mycorrhiza (IM) isolated from Cu‐polluted soils; (2) Claroideoglomus claroideum (CC); or (3) maintained uninoculated (control). Sugar beet application produced an increase in shoot biomass of 2 to 7 times, improving plant nutritional status and allowing their survival at the highest Cu concentrations. Moreover, AM fungi utilization had a positive effect promoting the plant establishment; nevertheless, Cu plant concentration as well as the mycorrhizal development in terms of AM colonization, AM spore density, and glomalin production were strictly dependent of the AM fungi strains used. Remarkable differences between AM fungi strains were observed at the highest soil Cu level where only plants colonized by IM were able to survive and grow when no SB residue was added. An interactive effect between AM fungi and SB produced a higher plant growth than plants without the amendment application, improving the plant establishment and allowing their survival at highest copper concentrations, suggesting that this combination could be used as a biotechnological tool for the phytoremediation of Cu‐polluted soils.     

Fish and their significance from the international and Swiss viewpoints

In landlocked countries, the role of fish is often poorly known and/or propagated. In many countries fish represent the biggest and qualitatively most valuable protein source (24% of the worldwide available animal protein) for human consumption. At present the economic significance of the production and trade of fish is already very high. However, according to FAO, the future demand of proteins can only be covered by a considerable expansion of the aquaculture production, in particular because of a stagnated fish catch and a continuous reduction of the agricultural production. The ideational value of ornamental fish appears obvious however pet fish keeping represents also a value worth of many millions US dollars worldwide. Finally the importance of fish will not only increase for economic, but certainly also for ecological reasons, because it is well established as an incorruptible bioindicator of our environment.     

Effect of native crude fiber on the digestibility of nitrogen and amino acids in pigs

In experiments with fattening pigs peas and lupines were used, both pealed and unpealed, in order to investigate the influence of native crude fibres on the true digestibility of nitrogen and the amino acids in pigs. The results of the experiments allow the conclusion that native crude fibres, as long as they remain in the normal range between 3 and 7% in the ration does not cause a depression in the true digestibility of nitrogen and the amino acids in the feeding of fattening pigs. Only the increased content of native crude fibres in the ration has a negative effect on true digestibility.     

Influence of mechanical and thermal treatment of animal feed on the true digestibility of amino acids. 2. True digestibility of amino acids in treated horse beans]

Trials were performed to investigate in which way mechanical and/or thermal treatment of horse beans would have an effect on the harmful components that were shown to be present in horse beans. In the course of these trials amino acids from heat-treated horse beans (variety Fribo) were analyzed for their true digestibility. Apart from heat-treated horse beans the investigation included undecorticated and decorticated beans and a mixture of horse beans with spring barley.