Digital Commons Network^™

The Dama Protocol, An Introduction: Finding Pathogens Before They Find Us, Eric P. Hoberg, Walter A. Boeger, Orsolya Molnár, Gábor Földvári, Scott L. Gardner, Alicia Juarrero, Vitaliy A. Kharchenko, Eloy Ortiz, Wolfgang Preiser, Valeria Trivellone, Daniel R. Brooks

MANTER: Journal of Parasite Biodiversity

Globally, humanity is coming to recognize the magnitude of the interactive crisis for emerging infectious disease (EID). Strategies for coping with EID have been largely in the form of reactive measures for crisis response. The DAMA protocol (Document, Assess, Monitor, Act), the operational policy extension of the Stockholm paradigm, constitutes a preventive/proactive dimension to those efforts. DAMA is aimed at focusing and extending human and material resources devoted to coping with the accelerating wave of EID. DAMA is integrative, combining efforts to strategically document the distribution of complex pathogen and host assemblages in the biosphere in the context of dynamic …

The Assembly Of Mammalian Swi/Snfchromatin Remodeling Complexes Is Regulated By Lysine-Methylation Dependent Proteolysis, Pengfei Guo, Nam Hoang, Joseph Sanchez, Elaine H. Zhang, Keshari Rajawasam, Kristiana Trinidad, Hong Sun, Hui Zhang

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Research

The assembly of mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes is developmentally programed, and loss/mutations of SWI/SNF subunits alter the levels of other components through proteolysis, causing cancers. Here, we show that mouse Lsd1/Kdm1a deletion causes dramatic dissolution of SWI/SNF complexes and that LSD1 demethylates the methylated lysine residues in SMARCC1 and SMARCC2 to preserve the structural integrity of SWI/SNF complexes. The methylated SMARCC1/SMARCC2 are targeted for proteolysis by L3MBTL3 and the CRL4DCAF5 ubiquitin ligase complex. We identify SMARCC1 as the critical target of LSD1 and L3MBTL3 to maintain the pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells. L3MBTL3 also regulates SMARCC1/SMARCC2 proteolysis …

Oxidative Stress-Induced Cellular Senescence In Aging Retina And Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Ryo Terao, Tazbir Ahmed, Ayana Suzumura, Hiroko Terasaki

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Aging leads to a gradual decline of function in multiple organs. Cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are age-related ocular diseases. Because their pathogenesis is unclear, it is challenging to combat age-related diseases. Cellular senescence is a cellular response characterized by cell cycle arrest. Cellular senescence is an important contributor to aging and age-related diseases through the alteration of cellular function and the secretion of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes. As a driver of stress-induced premature senescence, oxidative stress triggers cellular senescence and age-related diseases by inducing senescence markers via reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, …

Suitability Of Compensatory Saltmarsh Habitat For Feeding And Diet Of Multiple Estuarine Fish Species, Thomas Stamp, Elizabeth West, Steve Colclough, Shaun Plenty, Benjamin Ciotti, Tim Robbins, Emma Sheehan

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Saltmarsh provides essential fish feeding and nursery habitat but has globally declined by 50%. We used a statistical block design to compare fish feeding activity within human-engineered or “re-aligned” saltmarsh to established saltmarsh. Linear and multivariate modelling highlighted that Thinlip Mullet (Chelon ramada) and European Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) feeding rates were 16% and 31% lower within re-aligned than established saltmarshes, whereas Gobies (Pomatoschistus spp.) fed at the same rate as in both habitats. Analysis of European bass and Goby gut contents highlighted that important detritivorous prey species were up to 85.6% lower in re-aligned sites. Lower vegetation density may have …

Supplementation Of Cattle With Rock Phosphate And Urea Treated Straw To Improve Manure Quality And Crop Yields In The Sahel Zone Of Senegal, Maimouna Cissé, M. N’Diaye, C. M. N’Dione

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Mineral deficiencies are a major constraint in improving animal production and crop yield in the Sahel zone (Cissé et al., 1996). Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea,) are two major food and cash crops in this zone. The purpose of this study was to assess effects of supplementing grazing cattle with rock phosphate and nitrogen enriched diets on animal performances, and the effects of the application of their manure on crop yield in a pearl millet-groundnut rotational system located in N Senegal.

Characterisation Of Soil Organic Matter From Pensacola Bahiagrass Pastures Grazed For Four Years At Different Management Intensities, J. C. B. Dubeux Jr., Lynn E. Sollenberger, N. B. Comerford, Ana C. Ruggieri, K. M. Portier

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Soil fertility and agricultural system sustainability depend upon soil organic matter (SOM), particularly in the tropics, because of highly weathered soils and low fertiliser inputs. Because of the beneficial effects of SOM on chemical, physical, and biological soil properties, Greenland (1994) suggested that SOM is an indicator of agro-ecosystem sustainability. Pasture management may affect SOM by altering the production/decomposition ratio of residues (Johnson, 1995). The objective of this study was to characterise the SOM of Pensacola bahiagrass pastures grazed for four years at a range of management intensities.

N-Mineralisation And Phosphorous: Important Elements In Decision Support For Grassland Systems, A. L. Nielsen, C. C. Hoffmann

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Leaching of N and P from extensively managed grasslands on organic soils varies considerably. In environmentally sensitive areas it is important to diminish leaching by appropriate agricultural management. In Denmark low grazing intensity and management without fertilisation have been given a high priority. The type of soil has not been equally in focus, and it seems that the effect of cutting, compared with grazing, results in a higher removal of nutrients (e.g. Benke et al., 1992) can be used more strategically. The objective of this case study was to combine data from management strategies with data from leaching studies …

Effect Of Different Carbon And Nitrogen Inputs On Soil Chemical And Biochemical Properties In Maize-Based Forage Systems In Northern Italy, S. Monaco, D. Hatch, L. Dixon, C. Grignani, D. Sacco, L. Zavattaro

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In agroecosystems, manure application and straw return affect carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling and affect soil organic matter (SOM), nutrient supply and losses to the environment. We examined effects of different organic sources on crop production, N uptake and surplus and SOM in maize systems.

Nitrogen Leaching From Cattle, Sheep And Deer Grazed Pastures In New Zealand, Keith Betteridge, Sterwart F. Ledgard, Coby J. Hoogendoorn, M. G. Lambert, Z. A. Park, Des A. Costall, P. W. Theobald

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The impacts of intensified grazing in New Zealand are being reflected in declining quality of groundwater, streams and lake water. Manipulation of ratios of grazing animal species may be one way farmers can reduce nitrogen (N) emissions to ground water. The present research quantifies nitrate and ammonium leaching losses from rotationally grazed sheep, cattle and deer pastures in a common environment.

Changes In Nutrient Turnover And Supply During The Reversion Of Arable Land To Acid Grassland/Calluna Heathland, A. Bhogal, B. J. Chambers, R. Pywell, K. Walker

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Lowland heath is of high conservation value because of the specialised and rare assemblages of plants and animals that it supports. Combinations of agricultural and urban development, and lack of appropriate management have resulted in large-scale loss and fragmentation of this habitat throughout the UK. Current UK conservation policies seek to re-create 6,000 ha of this habitat on land previously in agricultural and forestry production. Previous research indicated that high soil pH and fertility, together with a lack of propagules of heathland species, made it difficult to achieve this objective. The aim was to evaluate techniques to establish grass-Calluna …

The Effect Of A Reduction In Phosphate Application On Soil Phosphate Pools, C. Van Der Salm, J. Van Middelkoop, P. A. I. Ehlert

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Excessive use of manure and fertilisers in western Europe has led to high phosphorus (P) contents in many agricultural soils leading to environmental P losses by overland flow, subsurface drainage and leaching to groundwater. To stop phosphate build up in the soil and leaching to surface and ground waters, the Dutch government is gradually reducing allowable phosphate application on grassland from 130 kg/ha per year in 2005 to 90 kg/ha per year in 2015. This will lead to a reduction of the phosphate surplus from 40 in 2005 to 0 kg/ha per year. To investigate the impact of reductions in …

Within Resting Period Seasonal Soluble Carbohydrate Profiles Of Rotationally Grazed Elephant Grass, L. P. Passos, M. C. Vidigal, I. G. Perry, Fermino Deresz, F. B. De Sousa

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Recent evidence indicates that carbohydrate-rich grazed herbage is effective for improving milk production (Trevaskis et al., 2004). However, the dynamics of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) seasonal accumulation as related to forage availability remains unknown, especially during the growth stage of tropical forage grazing systems. The objective of the work was to verify the seasonal WSC profiles of rotationally grazed elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.), by making measurements within each 30-day resting period.

Field Experiments To Help Optimise Nitrogen Fixation By Legumes On Organic Farms, A. Joynes, D. J. Hatch, A. Stone, S. Cuttle, G. Goodlass

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

During an organic rotation, the aim is to increase the nitrogen (N) content of the soil (and hence build up soil fertility) by recycling crop residues, applying manures/composts and from N fixed by legumes. IGER, with ADAS, Duchy College Cornwall and Abacus Organic Associates are developing improved guidance for organic farmers in the use of fertility-building crops. The main questions are: how to maximise N fixation and how to make the most efficient use of the fixed N? Available soil mineral N, which is generally thought to reduce N fixation, will be increased by manure applications, cutting/mulching and grazing. We …

The Effect Of Forage Legumes On Mineral Nitrogen Content In Soil, M. Isolahti, A. Huuskonen, M. Tuori, Oiva Nissinen, R. Nevalainen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The cultivation of forage legumes is often suggested as a possibility to improve nitrogen (N) utilisation in farming. However, previous studies have indicated examples in which the cultivation of legumes such as white clover has led to accumulation of large amounts of N in soil (Adams & Pattison, 1985). In this study the potential risks of N leaching were estimated by determining amount of mineral N in the soil.

Study Of Characteristics Of Soil Animals In Halophilous Plant Communities Of Leymus Chinensis Grasslands Of Northeast In China, Xiuqin Yin, Y. Zhang, W. Dong

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

We have researched soil animals in 8 types of halophilous plant communities of Leymus chinensis grasslands of Northeast China to characterise soil animal groups and explain the role and function of soil animals in grassland ecosystems (Richard & Roger, 1998) and provide a scientific basis for research to improve alkaline lands in these grasslands.

Grassland Management Practices And The Diversity Of Soil Nematode Communities, R. Cook, P. J. Murray, K. A. Mizen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nematodes are numerically abundant in northern temperate grassland soils where, through their feeding on plants, soil microbes and each other as well as being a food resource, they contribute to soil functioning and affect plant soil interrelationships. Permanent plant cover and the consequent abundance of root tissue supply a year-round food supply. There are only limited data on the effects of root-feeding by nematodes on the growth and development of pasture plants but under some circumstances above-ground biomass may be reduced. Herbivory by specific nematode parasites may not only directly affect the host plant but also promote soil microbial activity …

Detection Of Group Sentiment For Dynamic Reaction Moments In Videoconferences, Ryan Fedyk, Justin Volz, Helena Stening, Henryk Porseland, Hengameh Rezaei

Defensive Publications Series

The present disclosure describes computer-implemented systems and methods for providing dynamic reactions in a synchronous videoconference by identifying the individual reactions of the participants and displaying a full-screen dynamic reaction moment when a number over a threshold of the participants share the same reaction. Dynamic reaction moments allow for the group in the videoconference to work together to convey the collective expression of the group. Participants will feel the celebration of the group and recognition from the team, encouraging the participants and enhancing team unity.

The Addition And Cessation Of Inorganic Fertiliser Amendments In Long-Term Managed Grasslands: Impacts On Above And Below-Ground Communities, C. D. Clegg, P. J. Murray, R. Cook, T. Tallec

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In recent times, land use in the United Kingdom has undergone considerable changes because of social and economic pressures, leading to a fine balance between the demands of highly productive intensive systems and practices which are perceived to be more environmentally acceptable. Plant productivity is governed by the supply of nutrients from the soil, which in turn is dependent on the dynamics of organic matter decomposition driven by soil micro-, meso- and macro fauna. Considerable information is available concerning the impact of inorganic fertiliser additions on communities of macro-fauna and flora, but the effects on specific microbial communities in soils …

Cycling Of N And P In Grass-Alone (Brachiaria) And Mixed Grass/Legume (Brachiaria/ Desmodium Ovalifolium) Grazed Pastures In The Atlantic Forest Region Of Brazil, R. M. Boddey, R. Tarré, R. Macedo, C. De P. Rezende, J. M. Pereira, B. J. R. Alves, S. Urquiaga

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There are estimated to be > 80 M ha of Brachiaria pastures in the tropical regions of Brazil. When continuously grazed with only modest fertiliser inputs (and no N) these pastures can maintain reasonable cattle weight gains (> 200 kg LWG/ha per year). However, without fertiliser and when overgrazed, LWGs fall rapidly to low levels. Recent studies have shown that N and P deficiency are the most important factors limiting productivity. The objective of this study was to study fluxes of N and P in the pasture system in order to understand resilience to poor management and minimum nutrient requirements to …

Integrating Below-Ground Ecology Into Sustainable Grassland Management, R. D. Bardgett

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Key points

1. Grasslands produce soils that sustain an abundant and diverse soil food web, providing tremendous opportunity for below-ground interactions to influence nutrient cycling processes and plant production.

2. Fast developing areas of ecological science offer scope to harness positive outcomes of below-ground ecology for enhancing efficient cycling of nutrients in sustainable grassland systems.

The Influence Of Burning On Soil Microbial Biomass And Activity Along The Boro Route In The Okavango Delta Of Botswana, Tabo Mubyana-John, A. Banda

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The Okavango Delta, a protected area in northeastern Botswana because of its annual flooding pattern, is the main source of water in an otherwise arid environment with a high diversity of plants and animals and forms the main tourist area in the region. However, the area is under threat from range fires. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of fire on soil microbial activity, biomass C, fungal population and diversity, and some soil properties along the Boro route of the Okavango Delta (Botswana).

The Benefits Of Animal-Assisted Therapy In A Nursing Care Facility, Cheydan Crump

Scholars Week

±Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a goal directed therapy in which animals, specifically dogs, are utilized in order to reach a variety of patient-oriented goals and outcomes. Research has shown that AAT is beneficial in aiding a patient in achieving both their emotional and physical goals or needs. Thus, evidence has shown that AAT is useful in the achievement of optimal patient outcomes. However, while evidence supports the notion that AAT would be beneficial if regularly implemented within a patient’s care, few facilities utilize this therapy on a semi-regular basis. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to further acknowledge the …

Fallen Kingdom: A Novella, Sarah Black

Scholars Week

Fallen Kingdom is a work of fiction that falls into the category of fantasy/romance. Exploring themes of PTSD and loss of self, we begin in a world on the brink of ruin. After The Fall, Scarlett finds herself in an unknown land, hunted, injured, and alone. She has few memories of her arrival or the time before--memories that become ever more frequent as a world of magic takes shape around her. Fallen Kingdom is a fast-paced, striking adventure that documents her struggle with responsibility, friendship, and love.

Women's Empowerment, Mindfulness, And Role Of Women In Eradicating Alcohol And Drug Addiction From Indian Society, Ranjit Singha, Yogesh Kanna S

Journal of International Women's Studies

Women’s empowerment and self-help groups are functional and successful in India in most instances; it is possible to improve them further by incorporating quality parameters in the various training programs. Most of the locally organized skill-training by different empowerment cells operates effectively. Training and operating procedures must be devised to ensure that self-help groups meet international standards for their products. The training is often held in remote locations, making it difficult for the facilitator to visit and provide instruction. There must be established criteria for selecting trainers and a planned curriculum for training. There is a social impediment in the …

Staying Engaged While Staying Home?: Service-Learning, Writing, And Covid-19, Christopher Iverson

The SUNY Journal of the Scholarship of Engagement: JoSE

As an approach to writing instruction that has traditionally required students to engage in in-person community projects, service-learning has also traditionally involved risks. For example, students engaging in service-learning without proper support often do not approach community partners with the appropriate respect, and when university stakeholders fail to make clear what their side can offer in a partnership, they can leave community partners in the lurch when the semester ends and students finish their community-engaged coursework. These risks can be mitigated through education and reflection for instructors and students alike. The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing social distancing orders, however, left …

Chemical Components And Effects On Soil Quality In Temperate Grazed Pasture Systems, M. H. Beare, D. Curtin, S. Thomas, P. M. Fraser, G. S. Francis

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Key points

1. Legume/grass pastures retain feedbacks on N supply that may help to reduce losses of N to the wider environment.

2. Intensive use of N fertilisers tends to increase SOM turnover and increase losses of N to the environment.

3. Increased use of fertilisers has contributed little to soil organic matter storage in grazed pastoral systems.

Physical Constraints In Grassland Ecosystems, I. M. Young, K. Ritz, C. S. Sturrock, R. Heck

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Key points

1. Grassland system management must account adequately for biophysical and biochemical processes.

2. Amenity turf, especially sports turf, provides an excellent case study on how biology and physics interact to impact on the functioning of a grass ecosystem.

3. Microorganisms produce hydrophobic compounds that act to decrease water ingress and alter the function of the soil-grass ecosystem.

Does Your Dog Really Have A Better Life Than Other Dogs?, Harold Herzog

Herzog - Companion Animal Issues

In a recent study, subjects rated the welfare of dogs, ranging from street dogs and fighting dogs to show dogs and personal pets. Nearly everyone thought their dog had a better life than other types of dogs—including other peoples' pets. This finding could be due to a cognitive bias called "the Lake Wobegon Effect"—the tendency for people think they are above average.

Bifidobacterial Carbohydrate/Nucleoside Metabolism Enhances Oxidative Phosphorylation In White Adipose Tissue To Protect Against Diet-Induced Obesity., Gihyeon Kim, Youngmin Yoon, Jin Ho Park, Jae Won Park, Myung-Guin Noh, Hyun Kim, Changho Park, Hyuktae Kwon, Jeong-Hyeon Park, Yena Kim, Jinyoung Sohn, Shinyoung Park, Hyeonhui Kim, Sun-Kyoung Im, Yeongmin Kim, Ha Yung Chung, Myung Hee Nam, Jee Young Kwon, Il Yong Kim, Yong Jae Kim, Ji Hyeon Baek, Hak Su Kim, George M Weinstock, Belong Cho, Charles Lee, Sungsoon Fang, Hansoo Park, Je Kyung Seong

Faculty Research 2022

BACKGROUND: Comparisons of the gut microbiome of lean and obese humans have revealed that obesity is associated with the gut microbiome plus changes in numerous environmental factors, including high-fat diet (HFD). Here, we report that two species of Bifidobacterium are crucial to controlling metabolic parameters in the Korean population.

RESULTS: Based on gut microbial analysis from 99 Korean individuals, we observed the abundance of Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium bifidum was markedly reduced in individuals with increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT), body mass index (BMI), blood triglyceride (TG), and fatty liver. Bacterial transcriptomic analysis revealed that carbohydrate/nucleoside metabolic processes of Bifidobacterium …

The Bison, November 4, 2022

The Bison Newspapers

No abstract provided.