Effects of litters with different concentrations of phenolics on the competition between Calluna vulgaris and Deschampsia flexuosa

We hypothesized that the outcome of competition between ericaceous plants and grasses is strongly affected by the concentrations of phenolics in the litter that they produce. To test the effect of phenolic-rich litter on soluble soil nitrogen concentrations, plant nitrogen uptake and inter-specific competition, we conducted a greenhouse experiment with the shrub Calluna vulgaris and the grass Deschampsia flexuosa and their leaf litters. Two litters of C. vulgaris were used, with equal nitrogen concentration but different (high and low) concentrations of total phenolics. The D. flexuosa leaf litter contained lower concentrations of phenolics, but higher concentrations of nitrogen than the C. vulgaris litters. The plants were grown in monocultures and in mixed cultures. Inorganic and dissolved organic nitrogen were measured monthly during the experiment. After four months, we measured above- and belowground biomass and the nutrient concentrations in above- and belowground plant parts. In monocultures, C. vulgaris produced more shoot and root biomass on its own litter than with no litter. Growth of Calluna was reduced on grass litter. D. flexuosa plants produced most biomass on their own litter type, whether in monocultures or in mixed cultures. Addition of Calluna litter stimulated the growth of D. flexuosa both in monoculture and in mixtures. The grass plants outcompeted Calluna both on shrub litter and on grass litter but not when grown without litter. The two C. vulgaris litter types that differed in their concentration of phenolics did not differ in their effects on the competition between the two species or on the production of inorganic and dissolved organic nitrogen. We conclude that the nitrogen content of the litter is more important as a plant feature driving competition between shrubs and grasses than the concentrations of phenolic

THE EFFECTS OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN SOIL ON DNA DEGRADATION AFTER DECOMPOSITION

The application of DNA is an ever-expanding field of research with many implications in the field of forensic investigation. Research into DNA obtained from soil is ongoing and suggests a new avenue in forensic investigation. This research seeks to understand the effects of heavy metal on the preservation of DNA within soil after decomposition of remains. Using pigs as a proxy for human remains, the effects of heavy metal contamination on the microbial environment and endogenous pig DNA was observed. This gave broad insight into the effect of surface burial and Western Montana; summer climate has on DNA degradation

Sacralization of the Fifth Lumbar Vertebra

Sacralization of the fifth lumbar vertebra, also known as Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) (Jancuska et al, 2015), is a common congenital pathology that may affect up to 30% of the population (Alonzo et al, 2018). This condition is characterized by the enlargement, psuedo-articulation or fusion of one or both transverse processes of the fifth lumbar vertebrae to the sacrum. FSD 19- 232 arrived at the University of Montana Forensic Anthropology laboratory and was assigned by Dr. Kirsten Green Mink to Samantha Ramey and Samantha Hofland for forensic anthropological analysis. This case present unilateral stage 2 sacralization of the fifth lumbar vertebra to the sacral alae on the individual’s right side. Lumbosacral transitional vertebra is a common anatomical variation, but it can lead to other pathological conditions including spinal disc herniation, cervical ribs and Bertolotti’s syndrome (Shiksha, 2015). Based on the level of sacralization found on FSD 19-232, it is possible that this individual suffered from Bertolotti’s syndrome

Anaesthetic aspects of simultaneous aortocaval occlusion

Major elective surgery is known to contribute to intensive care occupancy, with a significant mortality rate. Routine preoperative optimisation of patients undergoing major elective surgery is found to give a significant and cost effective improvement in perioperative care. Criteria that were used to select patients for routine preoperative optimisation for a large randomised controlled trial are shown at Table 1. When performing major surgery, the extent of necessary perioperative monitoring is usually dependent on the view of the anaesthetist, while the site of postoperative care is dependent on the anticipated development of complications and the availability of intensive care or high dependency beds