Zone Of Central Europe Research Articles

Mid‐Pleistocene events influenced the current spatial structure of genetic diversity in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)

AbstractScots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one of the most important tree species of the temperate and boreal zones in Eurasia. Its wide distribution range and current patterns of genetic variation have been influenced by Quaternary climatic oscillations and the demographic processes connected to them. In order to better understand the relationship between evolutionary history and demographic factors in a widespread species with a large genome, we used the single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to genotype thousands of SNP markers across 62 natural populations (N = 686 trees) of Scots pine in Eurasia. This provides the largest range‐wide SNPs' genetic diversity assessment of Scots pine to date. Our findings show evidence of past admixture events between genetic clusters that were retained despite the potential for effective pollen‐mediated gene flow across the species' distribution range. We also examined the contemporary population structure of the species and analyzed the range‐wide genetic diversity patterns. Phylogenetic analyses and demographic modeling suggest that the observed divergence patterns between genetic lineages likely predate the last glaciation events. Two of the most distinctive groups are represented by trees from the eastern parts of Fennoscandia and Eastern Russia, which have remained separated since the mid‐Pleistocene. The patterns of genetic variation also confirm the dual colonization of Fennoscandia and the existence of an admixture zone in Central Europe that was formed during multiple waves of postglacial recolonization. This study provides insights into the genetic relationships of Scots pine populations from Europe and Asia and offers a more comprehensive understanding of the species' history.

Distribution pattern of major crops and their cultivation intensity indicated by soil phosphorus concentrations in Europe

AbstractThe sowing area and yield of crops are primarily determined by climatic suitability and modified by terrain conditions. This study presents the actual sowing area of 10 major crops in Europe and reveals the spatial pattern of available soil phosphorus (P) concentrations between and within the sowing areas of the crops, based on the Land Use/Land Cover Area Frame Survey (LUCAS) database. A great variance in cropping pattern over Europe was observed, especially for crops with a broad climatic tolerance. Results show significant differences between soil phosphorus concentrations under different agricultural crops, indicating the differences in management intensities of major crops. A strong relationship between high yields and P‐fertilizer use was found, as indicated by soil P concentration. In the context of environmental zones, P‐concentration values were higher in northern zones, medium in the zones in central Europe, and lower in the Mediterranean zones. The more suitable the climate is for growing crops, the more it pays to apply P fertilizers. Consequently, soil P‐concentration is a good indicator of crop cultivation intensity, land productivity, P‐fertilizer use, and the total P demand of plants. Among the most commonly cultivated crops, maize seems to be the most dependent crop for the level of P‐concentration of soil or the P inputs. For more sustainable P use in Europe, further research is needed to calculate how the P‐requirements of yields compare to the P‐fertilizer use in the case of different crop types.

Growth and Morphological Patterns of Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) Juveniles in Response to Light Intensities

(1) Background: The growth and morphology of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) juveniles were observed under different light conditions due to overstory canopy openness. The aim was to investigate the photo-morphological responses of juveniles for the development of a desirable forest structure. The research was located in a higher altitude zone in central Europe. (2) Methods: Light was estimated using hemispherical photographs. Eight different parameters of natural regeneration were measured on individuals within 1 × 1 m around each point on a 3 × 3 m grid. A total of 1214 sapling measurements (from 10 to 431 cm in height) were taken. (3) Results: Light affected the growth and morphological development of juveniles, resulting in variation in the lateral crown growth and crown length. Acclimations manifested as trade-offs between height and lateral crown growth. Similar shifts were found within relative height growth (the terminal length to the total height) and apical dominance ratio (the terminal length to the branch length). The crown length was proven to be highly capable to acclimation. Light influenced the density weakly, however, when a regeneration index (density × median height) was considered, significant relations with light conditions were discovered.

Assessing patterns of spatial distribution of large wood in semi-natural, single-thread channels of Central Europe

Spatial distribution of large wood (LW) is frequently assessed in a simplified form as a degree to which wood is clustered into jams usually as the consequence of previous wood mobility in the stream. In this study, longitudinal patterns of LW distribution in ten semi-natural, single-thread reaches (catchment area 0.10–1479 km2, channel width 2.5–34 m, bed slope 0.0009–0.23 m m−1) of watercourses of the temperate climatic zone in Central Europe were quantitatively evaluated using a one-dimensional Ripley’s K statistic and the parameter of concavity. Although these metrics could not indicate clear differences in distribution patterns between the mountain confined and the lowland unconfined reaches, they helped reveal some specific features of LW spatial organisation. Ripley’s K statistic indicated a higher degree of LW aggregation in the reach recently disturbed by a high-magnitude debris flow/debris flood event and the reaches with suggested intensive LW transport. A regular pattern of LW distribution with respect to the recurrent LW retention features was suggested by a reversal of the trend in calculated concavity values, as channel bins with the lowest values of the parameter roughly equalled the spacing of meanders. Moreover, the used metrics indicated somewhat contradictory distribution patterns in some of the study reaches, with Ripley’s K demonstrating the occurrence of LW aggregation along the whole longitudinal profile and concavity values indicating downstream variation in LW counts and volumes between short subsequent channel sections. Both quantitative metrics can provide valuable information about longitudinal patterns of LW storage and they have a potential to be used in geomorphic research focused on any features distributed along line structures.

Phenotypic differentiation of the slow worm lizards (Squamata: Anguis) across their contact zone in Central Europe.

BackgroundThe application of molecular-phylogenetic approaches to taxonomy has had a dramatic effect on our understanding of the diversity of reptiles. These approaches have allowed researchers to reveal previously hidden lineages as well as taxonomic overestimation in morphologically plastic taxa. Slow worms, legless lizards of the genus Anguis (Squamata: Anguidae), were previously considered to comprise either one or two species, and morphology-based intraspecific taxonomy of Anguis fragilis remained controversial throughout the 20th century. After the discovery of deep genetic divergences within the genus, its taxonomy was reconsidered, and as a result, five extant species have been recognized. In order to better understand the patterns of their interspecific differentiation, here we studied phenotypic differences between the two most widespread of them—A. fragilis and A. colchica, and their putative hybrids across the contact zone of both species in Central Europe.MethodsWe used multivariate and univariate statistics and analyzed ten metric, eleven meristic, and six categorical phenotypic variables in material comprising a total of 326 individuals. We also genotyped individuals from the contact zone for one mitochondrial and two nuclear DNA fragments in order to delineate the distribution of individuals of hybrid and non-hybrid origin. The clines in morphological traits were studied using HZAR.ResultsWe show that the two species are morphologically differentiated. Anguis fragilis has a less robust head, fewer scales covering the body, lower frequency of the external ear opening presence, lower frequency of separated prefrontal scales, higher frequency of prefrontal scales in contact with each other, and body coloration more similar to the juvenile coloration than A. colchica. Slow worms from the contact/hybrid zone are characterized by an intermediate morphology, with more similarities to A. fragilis than to A. colchica.DiscussionNone of the analyzed characters alone proved to be fully diagnostic, although more than 90% of all individuals could be successfully assigned to one or another species based on numbers of scales around the body. Our results indicate concordant, coincident, and steep clines in character states change. We present several hypotheses on the origin and evolutionary maintenance of the morphological divergence between both species and suggest that different evolutionary histories of the taxa rather than recently acting selection explain the observed morphological variation.

500 Jahre Rezeption der Reformation in Siebenbürgen und Ungarn: Anfänge und Netzwerke von Konfessionspluralismus in der Überlappungszone von West- und Ostkirche

Abstract This thematic issue of the Journal of Early Modern Christianity focuses on the reception of the Reformation in Transylvania and especially on the development of Protestant churches oriented towards Luther and influenced by Melanchthon. In the late Middle Ages, Transylvania had become part of the cultural influence zone of Central Europe, but throughout the sixteenth century the region became permeated by religious developments in Western Europe too. Here, a very peculiar constellation of religious pluralism and co-existence emerged, and the different contributions examine the premises and networks behind these dynamics. In this joint effort, it becomes clear how Transylvania turned into a pioneer region of religious freedom, as it witnessed simultaneously the development of Catholic, Orthodox and various Protestant confessional cultures.

Protocol for rapid in vitro shoot multiplication of ancient apple cultivars and landraces, grown in Czech Republic

The apple fruit is the most economically important fruit species in the temperate climatic zone of central Europe. In 2012, a project was initiated to test the resistance of apple landraces and older cultivars to fire blight. The aim of this study was to develop a protocol for rapid in vitro shoot multiplication of selected apple cultivars. Successful in vitro propagation, which can be carried out all year round, could provide an alternative method to produce stock material of particular cultivars for experiments with artificial inoculation in safe and controllable laboratory conditions. Selected genotypes were successfully established in vitro using 0.15% mercuric chloride as disinfectant solution. To determine favourable conditions for shoot initiation and development, six proliferation MS media containing 1, 2 and 4 mg L(‑1) BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), 0.5 and 1 mg L(‑1) TDZ (thidiazuron) or 10 mg L(‑1) 2iP (6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino) purine) were tested. All apple genotypes in this study responded favourably to micropropagation in MS medium. The multiplication rate varied depending on the cultivar and concentration of cytokinins between 1.1 and 7.1. The highest proliferation rate was obtained for apple cultivar ‘Hvezdnata reneta’ which produced 7.1 in vitro shoots (longer than 10 mm) on MS medium containing 1 mg L(‑1) TDZ. On the contrary, the lowest proliferation rate 1.1 in our experiments was obtained for cultivar ‘Kminova reneta’ on MS medium with 10 mg L(‑1) 2iP. Our results confirmed the preliminary findings which indicated that TDZ was an important plant growth regulator for proliferation and growth in apple micropropagation. However, some abnormalities such as swollen shoots shorter than 10 mm with narrow leaves were observed during shoot multiplication on MS media with TDZ. The cytokinin BAP gave satisfactory results for multiplication in a concentration of 4 mg L(‑1). All cultivars had well-developed leaves on media containing BAP.

U–Pb ages of magmatic and detrital zircon of the Döhlen Basin: geological history of a Permian strike-slip basin in the Elbe Zone (Germany)

The post-orogenic evolution of Variscan Central Europe is characterized by the formation of numerous basins. The early Permian Dohlen Basin is located in the Elbe Zone (Germany) and is bordered by metamorphic rocks of the Erzgebirge and numerous Variscan magmatic complexes. The NW–SE-oriented basin is evidence for a major rearrangement of stress fields during the post-Variscan reactivation of fault zones in Central Europe. Eleven samples of magmatic rocks and sediments have been analyzed with respect to their U–Th–Pb isotope ratios and geochemical composition. Of three magmatic samples (two tuffs, one trachyandesite), we analyzed 170 zircon grains. The Unkersdorf Tuff of the Unkersdorf Formation gave an age of 294 ± 3 Ma (Upper Asselian to Sakmarian), whereas a trachyandesite of the same formation was dated at 293 ± 5 Ma (Lower Artinskian to Lower Asselian). The Wachtelberg Ignimbrite (Upper Bannewitz Formation) showed an age of 286 ± 4 Ma (Artinskian to Lower Kungurian). As the first study, we also analyzed 984 detrital zircon grains of nine Late Paleozoic Central European sandstone and conglomerate samples of the Niederhaslich Formation and the Bannewitz Formation with respect to their U–Pb age composition. All sediments but two yielded two distinct age groups between 295 and 340 Ma and 530–750 Ma, as well as a minor amount of Precambrian zircon ages. Geochemical data points to an active margin setting with developing strike-slip basins. The data suggests a c. 10 Ma lasting basin formation during the second culmination of volcano-tectonic activity with basic to intermediate melts. The second youngest formation (Niederhaslich Formation) consists predominantly of pre-Permian basement material, which implies only minor volcanic activity and erosion from adjacent basement blocks. On the contrary, the uppermost and youngest Bannewitz Formation features strong evidence for volcanic activity in the neighboring area of the basin. The present study strongly suggests a rapid basin development and further shows how the evolution of the Dohlen Basin is proof for several post-Variscan tectonic reactivation phases in Sakmarian and Lower Kungurian of Central Europe. Finally, our results exemplarily show how basin evolution may be characterized by radiometric data of detrital zircon grains.

New evidence for an old idea: Geochronological constraints for a paired metamorphic belt in the central European Variscides

New geochronological data reveal a prolonged tectonothermal evolution of the Variscan Odenwald-Spessart basement, being part of the Mid-German Crystalline Zone in central Europe. We report the results from (i) secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) U-Pb dating of zircon, rutile and monazite, (ii) SIMS zircon oxygen isotope analyses, (iii) laser ablation-multicollector-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS) zircon Lu-Hf isotope analyses and, (iv) LA-ICPMS zircon and rutile trace element data for a suite of metamorphic rocks (five amphibolite- and eclogite-facies mafic meta-igneous rocks and one granulite-facies paragneiss). The protoliths of the mafic rocks formed from juvenile as well as depleted mantle sources in distinct tectonic environments at different times. Magmatism took place at a divergent oceanic margin (possibly in a back-arc setting) at 460 Ma, in an intraoceanic basin at ca. 445 Ma and at a continental margin at 329 Ma. Regardless of lithology, zircon in eclogite, amphibolite and high-temperature paragneiss provide almost identical Carboniferous ages of 333.7 ± 4.1 Ma (eclogite), 329.1 ± 1.8 to 328.4 ± 8.9 Ma (amphibolite), and 334.0 ± 2.0 Ma (paragneiss), respectively. Rutile yielded ages of 328.6 ± 4.7 and 321.4 ± 7.0 Ma in eclogite and amphibolite, and monazite in high-temperature paragneiss grew at 330.1 ± 2.4 Ma (all ages are quoted at the 2σ level). The data constrain coeval high-pressure eclogite- and high-temperature granulite-facies metamorphism of the Odenwald-Spessart basement at ca. 330 Ma. Amphibolite-facies conditions were attained shortly afterwards. The lower plate eclogite formed in a fossil subduction zone and the upper plate high-temperature, low-pressure rocks are the remains of an eroded Carboniferous magmatic arc. The close proximity of tectonically juxtaposed units of such radically different metamorphic conditions and thermal gradients is characteristic for a paired metamorphic belt sensu Miyashiro (1961). Thus, the Odenwald-Spessart basement represents the first recognised paired metamorphic belt in the European Variscides.

Genetic patterns reflecting Pleistocene range dynamics in the annual calcicole plant Microthlaspi erraticum across its Eurasian range

The range-wide genetic diversity of Microthlaspi erraticum (Brassicaceae), a Eurasian calcareous annual plant, was investigated with respect to its migration and post-glacial re-colonisation of Central Europe. Both AFLP and sequence data (ITS, matK, trnL-F) were used to analyse 85 populations of the species sampled across its range, including Europe and Anatolia as well as the disjunct populations in Central Asia. A substantial portion of the explainable genetic variation was found to be correlated with climatic heterogeneity. A low level of within-population genetic diversity throughout the range, and a clear genetic differentiation among populations is consistent with the mainly selfing nature and fragmented distribution of the species. The highest within-population genetic diversity was found in Central Europe. However, the number of rare and private fragments was substantially higher in southern Europe and Anatolia, the inferred ancestral range of M. erraticum, whereas populations found in Kazakhstan originated from Anatolia, following a profound population bottleneck. The diversity patterns found in Central Europe and migration models support postglacial re-colonisation from two regions; the south-western Alps and the Balkans. Hence, our results provide molecular evidence for a suture zone in Central Europe, where advancing genotypes from different refugia meet and mix.

Analysis of Copy Number Variation in the Abp Gene Regions of Two House Mouse Subspecies Suggests Divergence during the Gene Family Expansions.

The Androgen-binding protein (Abp) gene region of the mouse genome contains 64 genes, some encoding pheromones that influence assortative mating between mice from different subspecies. Using CNVnator and quantitative PCR, we explored copy number variation in this gene family in natural populations of Mus musculus domesticus (Mmd) and Mus musculus musculus (Mmm), two subspecies of house mice that form a narrow hybrid zone in Central Europe. We found that copy number variation in the center of the Abp gene region is very common in wild Mmd, primarily representing the presence/absence of the final duplications described for the mouse genome. Clustering of Mmd individuals based on this variation did not reflect their geographical origin, suggesting no population divergence in the Abp gene cluster. However, copy number variation patterns differ substantially between Mmd and other mouse taxa. Large blocks of Abp genes are absent in Mmm, Mus musculus castaneus and an outgroup, Mus spretus, although with differences in variation and breakpoint locations. Our analysis calls into question the reliance on a reference genome for interpreting the detailed organization of genes in taxa more distant from the Mmd reference genome. The polymorphic nature of the gene family expansion in all four taxa suggests that the number of Abp genes, especially in the central gene region, is not critical to the survival and reproduction of the mouse. However, Abp haplotypes of variable length may serve as a source of raw genetic material for new signals influencing reproductive communication and thus speciation of mice.

Postglacial recolonization shaped the genetic diversity of the winter moth (Operophtera brumata) in Europe.

Changes in climate conditions, particularly during the Quaternary climatic oscillations, have long been recognized to be important for shaping patterns of species diversity. For species residing in the western Palearctic, two commonly observed genetic patterns resulting from these cycles are as follows: (1) that the numbers and distributions of genetic lineages correspond with the use of geographically distinct glacial refugia and (2) that southern populations are generally more diverse than northern populations (the “southern richness, northern purity” paradigm). To determine whether these patterns hold true for the widespread pest species the winter moth (Operophtera brumata), we genotyped 699 individual winter moths collected from 15 Eurasian countries with 24 polymorphic microsatellite loci. We find strong evidence for the presence of two major genetic clusters that diverged ~18 to ~22 ka, with evidence that secondary contact (i.e., hybridization) resumed ~ 5 ka along a well‐established hybrid zone in Central Europe. This pattern supports the hypothesis that contemporary populations descend from populations that resided in distinct glacial refugia. However, unlike many previous studies of postglacial recolonization, we found no evidence for the “southern richness, northern purity” paradigm. We also find evidence for ongoing gene flow between populations in adjacent Eurasian countries, suggesting that long‐distance dispersal plays an important part in shaping winter moth genetic diversity. In addition, we find that this gene flow is predominantly in a west‐to‐east direction, suggesting that recently debated reports of cyclical outbreaks of winter moth spreading from east to west across Europe are not the result of dispersal.

Birth and demise of the Rheic Ocean magmatic arc(s): Combined U–Pb and Hf isotope analyses in detrital zircon from SW Iberia siliciclastic strata

Paleozoic continental reconstructions indicate that subduction of Rheic oceanic lithosphere led to collision between Laurussia and Gondwana which was a major event in the formation of the Ouachita-Appalachian-Variscan orogenic belt and the amalgamation of Pangea. However, arc systems which record Rheic Ocean subduction are poorly preserved. The preservation of Devonian detrital zircon in Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous siliciclastic rocks of SW Iberia, rather than arc-related igneous rocks indicates that direct evidence of the arc system may have been largely destroyed by erosion. Here we report in-situ detrital zircon U–Pb isotopic analyses of Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous siliciclastic rocks from the Pulo do Lobo Zone, which is a reworked Late Paleozoic suture zone located between Laurussia and Gondwana. Detrital zircon age spectra from the Pulo do Lobo Zone Frasnian formations show striking similarities, revealing a wide range of ages dominated by Neoproterozoic and Paleoproterozoic grains sourced from rocks typical of peri-Gondwanan terranes, such as Avalonia, the Meguma terrane and the Ossa-Morena Zone. Pulo do Lobo rocks also include representative populations of Mesoproterozoic and Early Silurian zircons that are typical of Avalonia and the Meguma terrane which are absent in the Ossa-Morena Zone. The Famennian–Tournaisian formations from the Pulo do Lobo Zone, however, contain more abundant Middle–Late Devonian zircon indicating the contribution from a previously unrecognized source probably related to the Rheic Ocean magmatic arc(s). The Middle–Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous zircon ages from the siliciclastic rocks of SW Iberia (South Portuguese, Pulo do Lobo and Ossa-Morena zones) have a wide range in εHfT values (−8.2 to +8.3) indicating the likely crystallization from magmas formed in a convergent setting. The missing Rheic Ocean arc was probably built on a Meguma/Avalonia type basement. We propose for the Pulo do Lobo Zone that the Frasnian sedimentation occurred through the opening of a back-arc basin formed along the Laurussian active margin during Rheic Ocean subduction, as has been recently proposed for the Rhenohercynian Zone in Central Europe. Detrital zircon ages in the Frasnian siliciclastic rocks indicate provenance in the Meguma terrane, Avalonia and Devonian Rheic Ocean arc(s). As a result of back-arc basin inversion, the Frasnian formations underwent deformation, metamorphism and denudation and were unconformably overlain by Famennian to Visean siliciclastic strata (including the Phyllite-Quartzite Formation of the South Portuguese Zone). The Latest Devonian–Early Carboniferous detritus were probably shed to the Pulo do Lobo Zone (Represa and Santa Iria formations) by recycling of Devonian siliciclastic rocks, from the South Portuguese Zone (Meguma terrane) and from a new distinct source with Baltica/Laurentia derivation (preserved in the Horta da Torre Formation and Alajar Mélange).

Echoes of the Jagiellonian Idea in the Present Polish Military Assistance Programs

Echoes of the Jagiellonian Idea in the Present Polish Military Assistance Programs
 The exchange of ideas, views and mutual benefit from the experience of the traditions that prevailed in Central Europe in the Jagiellonian era also embraced the military area. Similarly, today the European Union, and especially NATO, unknowingly still refer to the Jagiellonian idea. It is certainly done by Poland, actively involved in the process of building a security and democracy zone in Central Europe. Actions called Military Assistance, which will be discussed in this article, are an important element of these activities in the area of security.

The prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in cats, healthy dogs and dogs with concurrent babesiosis in an expansion zone in central Europe

BackgroundDirofilaria repens is a mosquito-transmitted, filarial nematode parasitizing dogs, cats and other carnivores. Recently, this parasite has spread in central Europe, including Poland. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of D. repens in cats and dogs in different regions of the country and to investigate the occurrence and consequences of co-infection with another fast-spreading vector-borne parasite, Babesia canis.ResultsIn the period 2013–2015, 147 blood samples from cats from central Poland and 257 blood samples from dogs from central, northern, southern and western Poland were collected. Prevalence of D. repens was determined by amplification and sequencing of the 12S rDNA gene fragment. Among dogs, 94 samples originated from clinically healthy dogs from central Poland (Masovia) and 58 samples originated from dogs that were infected with B. canis. Prevalence of D. repens was compared between these two groups of dogs.For the first time D. repens was identified in a cat from central Europe (0.7 % [95 % CL: 0–4.1 %]). The DNA of the filarial endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia was detected in two cats (1.4 % [95 % CL: 0–5.5 %]). In dogs, the parasite was detected only in samples from central Poland (Masovia) (local prevalence = 38 % [95 % CL: 25.9–51.8 %]). Prevalence of D. repens was significantly higher in dogs with babesiosis (90 % [95 % CL: 81.6–94.5 %]). Co-infections of D. repens and B. canis were confirmed by sequencing in 30 dogs with babesiosis, but no co-infections were identified in healthy dogs from Masovia. Statistical analyses of blood parameters revealed that dogs with co-infections suffered more severe anemia and thrombocytopenia, but presented milder changes in biochemical parameters (i.e. less elevated concentration of alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and serum urea) suggesting lower risk of hepatic or renal failure in comparison to dogs infected only with B. canis.ConclusionsThese findings are important due to the spread of dirofilariosis and babesiosis in central Europe, as microfilaraemic dogs seem to be more prone to babesiosis. The possible protective effect of the nematode infection against hepatic or renal failure in canine babesiosis and its mechanisms require further investigations.

Geophysical and petrological modeling of the lower crust and uppermost mantle in the Variscan and Proterozoic surroundings of the Trans-European Suture Zone in Central Europe

High-quality seismic data on the lower crust and uppermost lithospheric mantle in the Central European part of the Trans European Suture Zone, together with thermal and gravimetric data, enables the quantitative modeling of the rocks occurring in those parts of the lithosphere, including their mineral compositions and the chemical composition of individual minerals. The P3 seismic profile is located at the SW margin of the East European Craton. The lower crust is dominated by gabbronoritic intrusions (plagioclase An45Ab55, clinopyroxene Di80Hed20, orthopyroxene En74Fs26), and the uppermost mantle is harzburgitic (olivine and orthopyroxene Mg# 0.91). The lower crust and upper mantle of the P1 seismic profile belong to the Trans European Suture Zone, albeit the upper crust is of Variscan affinity. The P1 lower crust has gabbronoritic composition which is layered from plagioclase-rich compositions on the top to the orthopyroxene-rich ones at the bottom (plagioclase An45Ab55, clinopyroxene Di80Hed20, orthopyroxene En85Fs15), and is lithologically different Proterozoic and Variscan surroundings. The 100×200km eclogite slice (garnet Alm48Gr25Py27, clinopyroxene Di51Hed10Jd39), with a thickness of 5–10km, occurs in the uppermost mantle sampled by the P1 profile. The Niedźwiedź Massif is located at the NE margin of the Bohemian Massif, which shows an exposed Variscan basement. The lower crust beneath the Niedźwiedź Massif consists of gabbroic rock of variable proportions of plagioclase (An45Ab55) and clinopyroxene (Di80Hed20), whereas the uppermost mantle is supposedly spinel harzburgite (olivine, ortho- and clinopyroxene Mg# 0.90). Our models show that the lowermost crust and uppermost mantle of the East European Craton do not continue to the SW into the Trans European Suture Zone in its Central European section in Poland.

Maternal Genetic Composition of a Medieval Population from a Hungarian-Slavic Contact Zone in Central Europe.

The genetic composition of the medieval populations of Central Europe has been poorly investigated to date. In particular, the region of modern-day Slovakia is a blank spot in archaeogenetic research. This paper reports the study of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in ancient samples from the 9th–12th centuries originating from the cemeteries discovered in Nitra-Šindolka and Čakajovce, located in western Slovakia (Central Europe). This geographical region is interesting to study because its medieval multi-ethnic population lived in the so-called contact zone of the territory of the Great Moravian and later Hungarian state formations. We described 16 different mtDNA haplotypes in 19 individuals, which belong to the most widespread European mtDNA haplogroups: H, J, T, U and R0. Using comparative statistical and population genetic analyses, we showed the differentiation of the European gene pool in the medieval period. We also demonstrated the heterogeneous genetic characteristics of the investigated population and its affinity to the populations of modern Europe.

Conservation tillage vs. conventional tillage: long-term effects on yields in continental, sub-humid Central Europe, Hungary

The present study reports novel data concerning Conservation Tillage (CT) in the continental sub-humid climate zone in Central Europe (Hungary), an area which has been mostly neglected in the course of previous CT studies. The results of a 10-year (2003–2013) comparative study of mouldboard ploughing tillage (PT) and CT (no inversion, using a reduced number of tillage operations and leaving min. 30% crop residues on the soil surface) types are reported. Our extensive monitoring system has provided new and detailed information concerning technologies and yields both from the first, transitional period and, over the following years, of adapted technology. Our results suggest that tillage type was a more important factor in the question of yields than either the highly variable climate of the studied years, or the diverse slope conditions of the plots. During the first three years of technological changeover to CT (2003–2006), a decrease of 8.7% was measured, respective to PT. However, the next seven years (2007–2013) brought a 12.7% increase of CT yields. Our study revealed key factors in the initial reduction of crops during the technological change, and may accordingly serve as a guideline for the shortening or avoidance of decline in the transitional period.

Water level changes affect carbon turnover and microbial community composition in lake sediments.

Due to climate change, many lakes in Europe will be subject to higher variability of hydrological characteristics in their littoral zones. These different hydrological regimes might affect the use of allochthonous and autochthonous carbon sources. We used sandy sediment microcosms to examine the effects of different hydrological regimes (wet, desiccating, and wet-desiccation cycles) on carbon turnover. 13C-labelled particulate organic carbon was used to trace and estimate carbon uptake into bacterial biomass (via phospholipid fatty acids) and respiration. Microbial community changes were monitored by combining DNA- and RNA-based real-time PCR quantification and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis of 16S rRNA. The shifting hydrological regimes in the sediment primarily caused two linked microbial effects: changes in the use of available organic carbon and community composition changes. Drying sediments yielded the highest CO2 emission rates, whereas hydrological shifts increased the uptake of allochthonous organic carbon for respiration. T-RFLP patterns demonstrated that only the most extreme hydrological changes induced a significant shift in the active and total bacterial communities. As current scenarios of climate change predict an increase of drought events, frequent variations of the hydrological regimes of many lake littoral zones in central Europe are anticipated. Based on the results of our study, this phenomenon may increase the intensity and amplitude in rates of allochthonous organic carbon uptake and CO2 emissions.

Transcurrent nature of the Teisseyre–Tornquist Zone in Central Europe: results of the POLCRUST-01 deep reflection seismic profile

Teisseyre–Tornquist Zone (TTZ) corresponds to a crustal boundary between the Precambrian East European Platform (EEP) and the Palaeozoic West European Platform. Although the zone has been controlling Phanerozoic evolution of large parts of Central Europe, its course, geometry and origin are still poorly constrained. Deep reflection seismic profile POLCRUST-01, recently acquired in SE Poland, for the first time allowed a precise comparison of the Ediacaran and later tectonic patterns to the deep crustal features of the TTZ and adjacent areas. The TTZ corresponds to the subvertical Tomaszow Fault separating the Radom–Kraśnik Elevation, composed of the typical EEP crust, from the Bilgoraj–Narol Block (BNB) in the SW, with a thinned crystalline basement showing affinities to the EEP crust. The BNB is a part of the larger Caledonian Łysogory Terrane as evidenced by its Lower Palaeozoic stratigraphy and gravity data. Thus, for the first time, the proximal Baltican affinity of this unit has been documented unambiguously. The Łysogory Terrane is delimited from the SW by the subvertical Cieszanow Fault Zone, corresponding to the Holy Cross Suture. The adjacent Malopolska Terrane is characterized by a distinct Early Palaeozoic stratigraphy, and lower-middle crust exhibiting SW-dipping reflective packages interpreted as NE-verging thrust and shear zones of a Neoproterozoic orogen. The observations from the POLCRUST-01 profile and regional comparisons indicate that the TTZ is a major Caledonian transcurrent zone between Poland and East Romania. In central Poland, the TTZ likely forms a narrow subvertical contact between the EEP and a proximal Kuiavia Terrane, as constrained by the deep refraction seismic data. To the NW, the zone extends towards the Pomeranian part of the Caledonide fold-and-thrust belt related to the Avalonia–Baltica collision zone (Thor Suture). South-east of Poland the TTZ corresponds to the Rava Ruska Fault Zone established as a Caledonian suture separating adjacent terrane, probably of a Baltican affinity. The East Romanian part of the TTZ conforms with the Sfântu Gheorghe Fault separating reworked EEP crust of the Pre-Dobrogean Depression from the North Dobrogea unit bearing a strong Variscan and Cimmerian overprint.