bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in potassium and calcium uptake with time and root depth
Authors: McGonigle T. P. , Grant C. A.
Published: March 2015

McGonigle, T. P. and Grant, C. A. 2015. Variation in potassium and calcium uptake with time and root depth. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 771–777. Root uptake of calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) with depth in soil and through time are of interest not only as fundamental processes of plant physiology but also for the practical application of crop management. For K specifically, depth of band placement for fertilizer should be optimized for crop uptake. Environmentally rare strontium (Sr) and rubidium (Rb) are used as root activity tracers for Ca and K, respectively. We applied Sr and Rb to field micro-plots at depths 0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, and 10–15 cm. Tracer application throughout the entire rooting volume for a given depth interval eliminated confounding effects of age-related lateral root spread seen with point application. Soil analyses confirmed there was no within-profile movement of amendments. Maize (Zea mays L.) shoot Sr concentration was greatest at 16 d of growth for amendment to 0–5 cm, in keeping with expected restriction of Ca uptake to root tips. In contrast, maximum shoot Rb concentration was at 24 d and with amendment to 5–10 cm, indicating more proximal root uptake of K. Uptake of Sr and Rb was sustained for a longer period from 5 to 15 cm than from 0 to 5 cm, so that most of the Ca and K in shoots likely comes from this greater depth interval. Soil pasteurization reduced colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi but had no impact on tracer uptake, indicating these fungi do not influence uptake of Ca and K. Studies on maize root activity using Sr and Rb should apply tracers in the 5- to 15-cm depth interval and harvest shoots between 3 and 7 wk after planting. Based on Sr uptake, determination of soil Ca levels to predict early-season uptake by maize should focus on the 5- to 15-cm depth interval. Based on Rb uptake, banded application of K fertilizer is expected to be most effective to promote early-season growth when band placement is within 5- to 15-cm depth.
Estimating swath-grazed carrying capacity from plot-scale data
Authors: Doce Raquel R. , Baron Vern S. , Dick A. Campbell
Published: March 2015

Doce, R. R., Baron, V. S., and Dick, A. C. 2015. Estimating swath-grazed carrying capacity from plot-scale data. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 647–651. A spreadsheet calculator was developed to estimate farm-scale carrying capacities for swath grazing beef cows with forage yield and quality data from small areas within fields or paddocks. It could be used to compare agronomic treatments for swath grazing potential from plot data when combined with existing beef nutrition equations. Examples using either in vitro true digestibility at 30-h digestion or acid detergent fiber (ADF) in equations to estimate digestible energy were compared with actual field-scale carrying capacities to evaluate the ability of the methods to meet requirements of scale, precision and accuracy. Both methods were capable of estimating carrying capacity at a realistic whole-farm scale, but the ADF-based method was superior with respect to accuracy and precision characteristics.
Impact of common bacterial blight on the yield, seed weight and seed discoloration of different market classes of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgarisL.)
Authors: Boersma J. G. , Hou A. , Gillard C. L. , McRae K. B. , Conner R. L.
Published: March 2015

Boersma, J. G., Hou, A., Gillard, C. L., McRae, K. B. and Conner, R. L. 2015. Impact of common bacterial blight on the yield, seed weight and seed discoloration of different market classes of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 703–710. Common bacterial blight (CBB) is a seed-borne disease of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), causing significant economic loss to growers due to reductions in seed yield and quality and the need to annually purchase disease-free seed. Over the past decade a number of breeding lines and cultivars with resistance to CBB have been developed in several bean market classes including navy, black and cranberry beans. A comparison of three susceptible navy bean cultivars and seven resistant navy, three black and one cranberry bean entries in Manitoba revealed that most resistant navy and black bean lines had significantly reduced the incidence of leaf symptoms and their mean yield losses were reduced to less than 17%, while those of the susceptible lines were as high as 36% under severe disease pressure. Only the weakly resistant navy bean cultivar HR67 and the cranberry bean line F4GR1 failed to substantially reduce CBB symptoms or show a yield advantage. The Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) marker PVctt001 in combination with Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) marker SU91 was associated with a low incidence of CBB symptoms and a reduced yield loss in five navy bean lines, but not in the cranberry bean line F4GR1. Disease symptoms on the pods in the resistant black and navy beans and seed discoloration of navy beans caused by CBB were also significantly reduced by resistance. Seed weights were reduced by 2.1–4.7% in the susceptible cultivars, but there was only a slight or no decrease or no effect on the seed weight of the CBB-resistant lines and cultivars. Generally the magnitude of the reductions in yield was much greater than the impact on seed weight, which suggests that yield losses were caused by a combination of reduced seed weight and the number of seeds per plant.
AAC Foray red spring wheat
Authors: Brown P. D. , Randhawa H. S. , Mitchell Fetch J. , Fox S. L. , Humphreys D. G. , Meiklejohn M. , Green D. , Wise I. , Fetch T. , Gilbert J. , McCallum B. , Menzies J.
Published: March 2015

Brown, P. D., Randhawa, H. S., Mitchell Fetch, J., Fox, S. L., Humphreys, D. G., Meiklejohn, M., Green, D., Wise, I., Fetch, T., Gilbert, J., McCallum, B. and Menzies, J. 2015. AAC Foray red spring wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 799–803. AAC Foray, an orange wheat blossom midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana Géhin) tolerant hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), combined high grain yield and good agronomic performance with excellent resistance to leaf and stem rust, and improved resistance to Fusarium head blight. AAC Foray had maturity, straw strength, and test weight similar to the check cultivars. AAC Foray is eligible for grade of the Canada Prairie Spring Red wheat market class.
AAC Tenacious red spring wheat
Authors: Brown P. D. , Randhawa H. S. , Fetch J. Mitchell , Meiklejohn M. , Fox S. L. , Humphreys D. G. , Green D. , Wise I. , Fetch T. , Gilbert J. , McCallum B. , Menzies J.
Published: March 2015

Brown, P. D., Randhawa, H. S., Mitchell Fetch, J., Meiklejohn, M., Fox, S. L., Humphreys, D. G., Green, D., Wise, I., Fetch, T., Gilbert, J., McCallum, B. and Menzies, J. 2015. AAC Tenacious red spring wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 805–810. AAC Tenacious, an orange wheat blossom midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana Géhin) tolerant hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), combined good agronomic performance with excellent resistance to Fusarium head blight, leaf rust, stem rust, stripe rust, common bunt, loose smut, and preharvest sprouting. AAC Tenacious had similar maturity, acceptable straw strength, and higher test weight as compared with the check cultivars 5700PR and 5701PR. Based on end-use quality analyses, AAC Tenacious has excellent quality for the Canada Prairie Spring Red wheat market class.
Ride Comfort Analysis of Unsuspended Cabin Tractor Semi-Trailer
Authors: Velmurugan P. , Sankaranarayanasamy K. , Kumaraswamidhas L.A. , Pazhanivel K.
Published: March 2015

This research work uses parameter variation techniques for calculating the set of vehicle parameters that result in the best ride comfort for the driver. Tractor semi-trailer vertical dynamic ride model is developed using 9 degrees-of-freedom. The simulation of the model is conducted using MATLAB. The input to the system is a velocity amplitude function of the vertical road irregularities. Other inputs include the load conditions, vehicle speed and road conditions. The RMS vertical weighted acceleration at the driverâ€™s seat and at the centre of gravity of tractor and semi-trailer for different parameters of the vehicle are assessed for ride comfort analysis.
Musculoskeletal Discomfort Analysis in Forklift Operations
Authors: Gopanna Kuruva , Sankaranarayanasamy K. , Ganguli A.K. , Muthukumar K.
Published: March 2015

Although forklifts are well suitable for lifting and moving the goods, there are factors that cause musculoskeletal disorders to the forklift operators, such as severely twisted postures, prolonged sitting and poorly designed workplaces ultimately leading to low productivity. The main objective of this study is to analyze subjective evaluation of musculoskeletal discomfort assessed by the forklift operators using the Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire. A total of 47 operators aged between 20-58 years who are driving six types of forklifts in a heavy equipment manufacturing industry were selected for this study. The study revealed that forklift operators felt most of the musculoskeletal discomfort at lower back (65.45%) and in the neck (13.03%). Discomfort was less pronounced in the left upper arm (0.02%) and in the left lower leg (0.03%). Specifically, the results revealed that 40 out of 47 (85.11%) forklift operators sensed discomfort in the lower back 1-2 times per week; 41 out of 47 (87.23%) forklift operators reported discomfort was moderate and above. Because of this, 22 (46.8%) and 16 (34.04%) operators respectively have felt slight and substantial level of discomfort that has an effect on their ability to work.
Comparison of mercury concentrations measured at several sites in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Slemr F. , Angot H. , Dommergue A. , Magand O. , Barret M. , Weigelt A. , Ebinghaus R. , Brunke E.-G. , Pfaffhuber K. A. , Edwards G. , Howard D. , Powell J. , Keywood M. , Wang F.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Our knowledge of the distribution of mercury concentrations in air of the Southern Hemisphere was until recently based mostly on intermittent measurements made during ship cruises. In the last few years continuous mercury monitoring has commenced at several sites in the Southern Hemisphere, providing new and more refined information. In this paper we compare mercury measurements at several remote sites in the Southern Hemisphere made over a period of at least 1 year at each location. Averages of monthly medians show similar although small seasonal variations at both Cape Point and Amsterdam Island. A pronounced seasonal variation at Troll research station in Antarctica is due to frequent mercury depletion events in the austral spring. Due to large scatter and large standard deviations of monthly average median mercury concentrations at Cape Grim, no systematic seasonal variation could be found there. Nevertheless, the annual average mercury concentrations at all sites during the 2007–2013 period varied only between 0.85 and 1.05 ng m−3. Part of this variability is likely due to systematic measurement uncertainties which we propose can be further reduced by improved calibration procedures. We conclude that mercury is much more uniformly distributed throughout the Southern Hemisphere than the distributions suggested by measurements made onboard ships. This finding implies that smaller trends can be detected in shorter time periods. We also report a change in the trend sign at Cape Point from decreasing mercury concentrations in 1996–2004 to increasing concentrations since 2007.
The NOx dependence of bromine chemistry in the Arctic atmospheric boundary layer
Authors: Custard K. D. , Thompson C. R. , Pratt K. A. , Shepson P. B. , Liao J. , Huey L. G. , Orlando J. J. , Weinheimer A. J. , Apel E. , Hall S. R. , Flocke F. , Mauldin L. , Hornbrook R. S. , Pöhler D. , General S. , Zielcke J. , Simpson W. R. , Platt U. , Fried A. , Weibring P. , Sive B. C. , Ullmann K. , Cantrell C. , Knapp D. J. , Montzka D. D.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Arctic boundary layer nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO2 + NO) are naturally produced in and released from the sunlit snowpack and range between 10 to 100 pptv in the remote background surface layer air. These nitrogen oxides have significant effects on the partitioning and cycling of reactive radicals such as halogens and HOx (OH + HO2). However, little is known about the impacts of local anthropogenic NOx emission sources on gas-phase halogen chemistry in the Arctic, and this is important because these emissions can induce large variability in ambient NOx and thus local chemistry. In this study, a zero-dimensional photochemical kinetics model was used to investigate the influence of NOx on the unique springtime halogen and HOx chemistry in the Arctic. Trace gas measurements obtained during the 2009 OASIS (Ocean–Atmosphere–Sea Ice–Snowpack) field campaign at Barrow, AK were used to constrain many model inputs. We find that elevated NOx significantly impedes gas-phase radical chemistry, through the production of a variety of reservoir species, including HNO3, HO2NO2, peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), BrNO2, ClNO2 and reductions in BrO and HOBr, with a concomitant, decreased net O3 loss rate. The effective removal of BrO by anthropogenic NOx was directly observed from measurements conducted near Prudhoe Bay, AK during the 2012 Bromine, Ozone, and Mercury Experiment (BROMEX). Thus, while changes in snow-covered sea ice attributable to climate change may alter the availability of molecular halogens for ozone and Hg depletion, predicting the impact of climate change on polar atmospheric chemistry is complex and must take into account the simultaneous impact of changes in the distribution and intensity of anthropogenic combustion sources. This is especially true for the Arctic, where NOx emissions are expected to increase because of increasing oil and gas extraction and shipping activities.
Perceived temperature in the course of climate change: an analysis of global heat index from 1979–2013
Authors: Lee D. , Brenner T.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The increase in global mean temperatures resulting from climate change has wide reaching consequences for the earth's ecosystems and other natural systems. Many studies have been devoted to evaluating the distribution and effects of these changes. We go a step further and evaluate global changes to the heat index, a measure of temperature as perceived by humans. Heat index, which is computed from temperature and relative humidity, is more important than temperature for the health of humans and other animals. Even in cases where the heat index does not reach dangerous levels from a health perspective, it has been shown to be an important factor in worker productivity and thus in economic productivity. We compute heat index from dewpoint temperature and absolute temperature 2 m above ground from the ERA-Interim reanalysis dataset for the years 1979–2013. The data is provided aggregated to daily minima, means and maxima (doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.841057). Furthermore, the data is temporally aggregated to monthly and yearly values and spatially aggregated to the level of countries after being weighted by population density in order to demonstrate its usefulness for the analysis of its impact on human health and productivity. The resulting data deliver insights into the spatiotemporal development of near-ground heat index during the course of the past 3 decades. It is shown that the impact of changing heat index is unevenly distributed through space and time, affecting some areas differently than others. The likelihood of dangerous heat index events has increased globally. Also, heat index climate groups that would formerly be expected closer to the tropics have spread latitudinally to include areas closer to the poles. The data can serve in future studies as a basis for evaluating and understanding the evolution of heat index in the course of climate change, as well as its impact on human health and productivity.
Are biodiversity indices of spontaneous grass covers in olive orchards good indicators of soil degradation?
Authors: Taguas E. V. , Arroyo C. , Lora A. , Guzmán G. , Vanderlinden K. , Gómez J. A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Spontaneous grass covers are an inexpensive soil erosion control measure in olive orchards. Olive farmers allow grass to grow on sloping terrain to comply with the basic environmental standards derived from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). However, to date there are very few studies assessing the environmental quality and extent of such covers. In this study, we described and compared the biodiversity indicators associated to herbaceous vegetation in two contrasting olive orchards in order to evaluate its relevance and quality. In addition, biodiversity patterns and their relationships with environmental factors such as soil type and properties, precipitation, topography and soil management were analyzed. Different grass cover biodiversity indices were evaluated in two olive orchard catchments under conventional tillage and no tillage with grass cover, during 3 hydrological years (2011–2013). Seasonal samples of vegetal material and pictures in a permanent grid (4 samples ha−1) were taken to characterize the temporal variations of the number of species, frequency, diversity and transformed Shannon's and Pielou's indices. Sorensen's index obtained in the two olive orchard catchments showed notable differences in composition, probably linked with the different site conditions. The catchment with the best site conditions (deeper soil and higher precipitation), with average annual soil losses over 10 t ha−1 and a more intense management, presented the highest biodiversity indices. In absolute terms, the diversity indices were reasonably high in both catchments, despite the fact that agricultural activity usually severely limits the landscape and the variety of species. Finally, a significantly higher content of organic matter in the first 10 cm of soil was found in the catchment with the worst site conditions, average annual soil losses of 2 t ha−1 and the least intense management. Therefore, the biodiversity indicators associated to weeds were not found to be suitable for describing the soil degradation in the study catchments.
Exploring the utility of quantitative network design in evaluating Arctic sea-ice thickness sampling strategies
Authors: Kaminski T. , Kauker F. , Eicken H. , Karcher M.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. We present a quantitative network design (QND) study of the Arctic sea ice-ocean system using a software tool that can evaluate hypothetical observational networks in a variational data assimilation system. For a demonstration, we evaluate two idealised flight transects derived from NASA's Operation IceBridge airborne ice surveys in terms of their potential to improve ten-day to five-month sea-ice forecasts. As target regions for the forecasts we select the Chukchi Sea, an area particularly relevant for maritime traffic and offshore resource exploration, as well as two areas related to the Barnett Ice Severity Index (BSI), a standard measure of shipping conditions along the Alaskan coast that is routinely issued by ice services. Our analysis quantifies the benefits of sampling upstream of the target area and of reducing the sampling uncertainty. We demonstrate how observations of sea-ice and snow thickness can constrain ice and snow variables in a target region and quantify the complementarity of combining two flight transects. We further quantify the benefit of improved atmospheric forecasts and a well-calibrated model.
Vzdělání u osob se zkušeností s náhradní formou péče v dětství
Authors: Myšková Lucie , Smetáčková Irena , Novotná Hana , Onder Jakub , Kuželová Hana , Ptáček Radek
Published: March 2015

Cílem sdělení je představení dílčích výsledků výzkumu, který se zabýval vlivem dlouhodobého pobytu osob v náhradních formách péče (tj. v ústavní výchově a v náhradních rodinách) na různé oblasti života v dospělosti. Sledovanou oblastí v prezentované části studie byla dosavadní vzdělávací dráha respondentů. V první části jsou přiblíženy typy těchto forem péče v ČR s bližším představením ústavní výchovy. Druhá část příspěvku předkládá dílčí část studie, kde byla pomocí anamnestického dotazníku a baterie psychologických testů porovnávána výzkumná skupina dospělých osob se zkušeností s náhradní péčí v dětství (n = 128) a kontrolní skupina osob vyrůstajících v původních rodinách (n = 103). Třetí část příspěvku je věnována výsledkům týkajícím se nejvyššího dosaženého vzdělání, cesty k němu a dotýká se také pohledu na dosažené vzdělání přes rozdíly v osobnostních rysech. Ukázalo se, že lidé, kteří strávili celé či část svého dětství v náhradních formách péče, dosahují nižšího vzdělání, mají nižší vzdělanostní aspirace, ve své školní trajektorii se potýkají s většími potížemi a od okolí získávají menší podporu v učení. Z uvedeného vyplývají doporučení ve vztahu k vzdělávacímu procesu dětí umístěných v náhradních formách péče.
An MF Membrane Operation Gets a Reset After 10 Years
Authors: Shoaf Robert T.
Published: March 2015

What does a drinking water utility do when its existing microfiltration membranes need to be replaced but the original membranes are no longer manufactured? The village of Byesville, Ohio, retained a consultant to evaluate its water treatment plant and determine the best membrane‐replacement approach.
How Does Great Customer Service Convey Your Utility's Value?
Authors: McElroy Rob
Published: March 2015

Great customer service is the most cost‐effective program any utility company can launch. It's vital for your utility to effectively communicate the value you provide by consistently delivering a remarkable level of customer service.
Sarcomas de tecidos moles em caninos e felinos: aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos
Authors: Silveira Matheus Folgearini , Bonel Josiane , Pereira Simone Machado , Fernandes Cristina Gevehr
Published: March 2015

Na oncologia veterinária, os sarcomas de tecidos moles são denominados dessa maneira por se trataremde neoplasmas de tecido mesenquimal, os quais se desenvolvem em pele, tecido subcutâneo e vísceras,excluindo-se os que são encontrados em tecidos de sustentação como ossos e cartilagens. Este grupo écompreendido por fibrossarcomas, mixossarcomas, histiocitomas fibrosos malignos, lipossarcomas, leiomiossarcomas, rabdomiossarcomas, hemangiossarcomas, tumores de bainha de nervo periférico, sarcomassinoviais e sarcomas indiferenciados, por terem aspectos similares em seu desenvolvimento e comportamentobiológico. São neoplasmas de caráter maligno por causa de sua capacidade de infiltração local em cães e gatos, necessitando de margens cirúrgicas amplas e profundas em relação a outros neoplasmas. Nesta revisão de literatura, são caracterizados os neoplasmas que pertencem a este grupo, ressaltando aspectos epidemiológicos e histopatológicos dos sarcomas de tecidos moles em animais de companhia.
Adaptabilidade e estabilidade de genótipos de aveia branca
Authors: Nörnberg Rafael , Ribeiro Guilherme , Da Silveira Gustavo , Luche Henrique De Souza , Baretta Diego , Tessmann Elisane Weber , Woyann Leomar Guilherme , De Oliveira Antonio Costa
Published: March 2015

A produtividade da aveia branca (Avena sativa L.) é afetada por condições ambientais adversas no territóriobrasileiro, resultando em produtividade média instável ao longo dos anos. A compreensão da interaçãogenótipo x ambiente para o rendimento de grãos é muito importante na recomendação adequada de cultivaresde aveia branca. O objetivo, com o desenvolvimento do trabalho, foi estimar a adaptabilidade e aestabilidade de genótipos elites de aveia branca para o rendimento de grãos em diferentes locais e anos naRegião Sul do Brasil, utilizando dois métodos de avaliação, buscando auxiliar na indicação dos genótiposmais adaptados e estáveis para o cultivo. Foi avaliado o rendimento dos grãos (kg ha-1) de cinco genótiposelite de aveia branca. Os ensaios experimentais foram conduzidos utilizando delineamento em blocos casualizadoscom quatro repetições, nos anos de 2005, 2006 e 2007, nos municípios de Eldorado do Sul, PassoFundo e Pelotas no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, e Guarapuava, Londrina, Mauá da Serra, Ponta Grossa e PatoBranco no estado do Paraná. Os métodos de avaliação da adaptabilidade e estabilidade utilizados foram osdescritos por Eberhart e Russell e por Lin e Binns. Os dois métodos de avaliação mostram resultados semelhantespara os genótipos avaliados. As cultivares URS 21, Barbarasul e Brisasul apresentam os maioresrendimentos de grãos. As cultivares Brisasul e URS 21 mostram adaptação ampla, inclusive a cultivar URS 21 evidencia estabilidade de rendimento de grãos, sendo estes genótipos os mais indicados para o cultivona região Sul do Brasil.
Adubação mineral e orgânica na produtividade e aceitabilidade de pastejo do capim Elefante
Authors: Marcelo Erika Tagima , Meirelles Paulo Roberto de Lima , Factori Marco Aurélio , De Lima Vânia Luzia Fournou , Seraphim Luciane Do Carmo , Hadlich Janaina Conte
Published: March 2015

A cama de frango apresenta grande diversidade de nutrientes e por isso pode melhorar a produtividadedas pastagens, proporcionando capins com maior aceitabilidade para os animais. O objetivo deste trabalhofoi avaliar a produtividade e a aceitabilidade pelo bovino em parcelas adubadas com cama de frango emsubstituição ao adubo inorgânico em pastagem de Pennisetum purpureum cv. Napier. Foram realizados trêspastejos (nos ciclos do capim, a cada 42 dias) com animais mestiços da raça Nelore (380 kg de peso vivo). Aárea foi subdividida em cinco blocos com três parcelas de 6x7 metros, delimitadas externamente para livreacesso dos animais às parcelas. Nos três pastejos foram avaliadas três horas iniciais para quantificar a aceitabilidade dos animais às parcelas. Os tratamentos foram: T1 - cama de frango na dosagem de 20 t/ha, emuma aplicação; T2 - cama de frango na dosagem de 20 t/ha, dividida em 5 aplicações; T3 - ureia na dosagemde 70 kg de nitrogênio por hectare por ciclo, em delineamento em blocos ao acaso. As produtividades demassa seca foram diferentes em relação aos ciclos, não sendo diferentes entre tratamentos. A concentraçãode material morto foi maior no segundo corte, para T1. Houve maior aceitabilidade para os tratamentos T1e T2. Pode-se inferir que a adubação com cama de frango em substituição ao adubo inorgânico, pode ser utilizada, pois mantêm a produtividade de massa, além de proporcionar excelente aceitação da forragempelos animais.
Influência de indicadores de qualidade sobre a composição química do leite e influência das estações do ano sobre esses parâmetros
Authors: Henrichs Suellen Carolina , De Macedo Renata Ernlund Freitas , Karam Laura Beatriz
Published: March 2015

O Brasil ocupa a 4ª posição na produção mundial de leite. Apesar disso, a qualidade do leite brasileiro aindaé inferior à dos principais países produtores. A adoção de indicadores de qualidade no leite cru é umadas principais medidas para melhorar a qualidade dos produtos lácteos. Os objetivos deste trabalho foramavaliar a relação dos indicadores de qualidade, contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e contagem bacterianatotal (CBT) com a composição química do leite, e avaliar a influência que as variáveis climático-ambientaisexercem sobre esses parâmetros. Foram analisadas 6.692 amostras de leite cru colhidas em tanques derefrigeração na Região Metropolitana de Curitiba (PR). A composição química e a CBT foram determinadaspor espectrofotometria em infravermelho proximal e a CCS por citometria de fluxo. Os resultados foramanalisados por ANOVA, e as médias comparadas por teste de Tukey (P<0,05). A composição química médiado leite mostrou-se dentro da faixa considerada normal. No entanto, a CCS e a CBT apresentaram-se elevadas.Nessas condições, verificou-se aumento do teor de alguns componentes químicos do leite, principalmentea gordura. Essa condição pode mascarar a real qualidade do leite, haja vista a valorização de seuscomponentes sólidos. O verão foi a estação do ano em que o leite apresentou a pior qualidade. Sugere-seque os programas de pagamento por qualidade de leite aos produtores sejam baseados em um conjunto deatributos que deve levar em consideração não somente os componentes químicos do leite, mas também osindicadores de qualidade higiênico-sanitária.
Meios de contraste iodado: propriedades físico-químicas e reações adversas
Authors: Martín Cláudia Matsunaga , Lorigados Carla Aparecida Batista , Sendyk-Grunkraut Alessandra , Zardo Karen Maciel , Fonseca-Pinto Ana Carolina Brandão de Campos
Published: March 2015

Os meios de contraste iodado são substâncias que permitem a distinção de estruturas anatômicas com opacidadessimilares e, consequentemente, o detalhamento de órgãos internos durante procedimentos radiológicos.O crescente número de procedimentos de tomografia computadorizada em pequenos animais temaumentado a exposição dos pacientes a essas substâncias. Dessa forma, é imprescindível que os profissionaisque lidam diretamente com o paciente durante a execução do exame, bem como aqueles que o solicitam,estejam familiarizados com os diversos tipos de meios de contraste iodado, suas propriedades físico--químicas e possíveis reações adversas. O objetivo dessa revisão é abordar de forma simplificada conceitosrelacionados aos MCI e alertar para a possibilidade de ocorrência dessas reações em pequenos animais,embora existam poucas informações relacionadas na literatura veterinária.
A secretory kinase complex regulates extracellular protein phosphorylation
Authors: Cui Jixin , Xiao Junyu , Tagliabracci Vincent S , Wen Jianzhong , Rahdar Meghdad , Dixon Jack E
Published: March 2015

Although numerous extracellular phosphoproteins have been identified, the protein kinases within the secretory pathway have only recently been discovered, and their regulation is virtually unexplored. Fam20C is the physiological Golgi casein kinase, which phosphorylates many secreted proteins and is critical for proper biomineralization. Fam20A, a Fam20C paralog, is essential for enamel formation, but the biochemical function of Fam20A is unknown. Here we show that Fam20A potentiates Fam20C kinase activity and promotes the phosphorylation of enamel matrix proteins in vitro and in cells. Mechanistically, Fam20A is a pseudokinase that forms a functional complex with Fam20C, and this complex enhances extracellular protein phosphorylation within the secretory pathway. Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanism by which Fam20C and Fam20A collaborate to control enamel formation, and provide the first insight into the regulation of secretory pathway phosphorylation.
Magnetic field depression within electron holes
Authors: Vasko I. Y. , Agapitov O. V. , Mozer F. , Artemyev A. V. , Jovanovic D.
Published: March 2015

We analyze electron holes that are spikes of the electrostatic field (up to 500 mV/m) observed by Van Allen Probes in the outer radiation belt. The unexpected feature is the magnetic field depression of about several tens of picotesla within many of the spikes. The earlier observations showed amplification or negligible perturbations of the magnetic field within the electron holes. We suggest that the observed magnetic field depression is due to the diamagnetic current of hot and highly anisotropic population of electrons trapped within the electron holes. The required trapped population should have a density up to 65% of the background plasma density, a temperature up to several keV, and a temperature anisotropy T⊥/T∥∼2. We argue that the observed electron holes could be generated due to injections of highly anisotropic plasma sheet electrons into the outer radiation belt. These electron holes may present a source of the seed population due to transport of trapped electrons to higher latitudes and can be potentially used for distant probing of plasma properties in their source region.
Prions
Authors: Lawson Victoria A
Published: March 2015

Prion diseases are invariably fatal neurodegenerative disorders associated with the aberrant folding of the normal cellular prion protein. The disease affects both humans and animals and in humans occurs in sporadic, familial and acquired forms. In the absence of a conventional infectious agent, the acquired forms of the disease occur through the transmission of the misfolded form of the prion protein, or prion. This article highlights the evidence for the principle of a ‘protein‐only’ transmissible disease and addresses some of the controversies including the existence of prion strains and the species barrier. It will also consider the expanding spectrum of ‘prion‐like’ diseases.

Key Concepts

An overview of prion diseases that affect humans and animals.

Biology of the cellular prion protein.

Prion protein misfolding and disease.

Proving the ‘protein‐only’ hypothesis.

The molecular basis of the species barrier and prion strains.

An introduction to ‘prion‐like’ protein aggregation.
Protein Primary Structure
Authors: Schininà Eugenia M , Barra Donatella
Published: March 2015

The order of the amino acids in a polypeptide chain is referred to as its amino acid sequence or primary structure. It is specified by the nucleotide sequence of the encoding gene, and it is assembled in cells through the process called translation. The primary structure determines the shape into which a polypeptide chain naturally folds, and consequently allows its biochemical function. But highly regulated enzymatic activities in cells can drive the recoding of nucleotide messages. Moreover, after or even during the biosynthesis, specific amino acid residues often undergo specific chemical modifications. These posttranslational modifications, able to modulate the physical and chemical properties, folding, stability and ultimately the function of the polypeptide chains, are considered as features of the primary structure of proteins. A large community of scientists has been dedicated to setting up complementary methods to determine this first level in the hierarchical order of the protein structure. Thanks to these methodological efforts, millions of protein primary structures have been determined to date and deposited in large public specialised databases freely accessible for structural and evolutionary relationship studies.

Key Concepts

Proteins are built up from l‐alpha amino acid units

The amino acid linear arrangement determines the 3D structure and consequently the biochemical function of a protein

Amino acids are polymerised to a unique sequence by a biosynthetic process, according to which a nucleotide sequence is translated into an amino acid sequence

Recoding activities have been known, leading to alternative protein products in a regulated and controlled process

Posttranslational modifications can additionally modify an amino acid sequence to drive a sophisticated modulation of conformation and function of proteins

Biotechnological production of therapeutic proteins demands a highly accurate verification of the primary structure of products

Depending on the genome information available, the determination of the protein primary structure can be accomplished either by direct methods on isolated or partially resolved proteins or by the indirect deciphering of their nucleic acid sequences
Nuclear–Cytoplasmic Transport
Authors: McPherson Annie J , Lange Allison , Doetsch Paul W , Corbett Anita H
Published: March 2015

In eukaryotic cells, the genomic DNA in the nucleus is separated from the translational machinery in the cytoplasm by the nuclear envelope. Transport of macromolecules such as proteins and RNA across this membrane is essential for cellular function and requires active nuclear–cytoplasmic transport systems. These systems consist of soluble transport receptors, which recognise and bind cargo in one compartment, mediate transport through nuclear pore complexes embedded in the nuclear envelope and deliver cargo in the target compartment. Disruption of this highly regulated process results in abnormal cell function and is linked to human disease aetiology. Understanding the contribution of nuclear protein and RNA transport to cellular organisation is one of the major challenges in cell biology.

Key Concepts

Transport into and out of the nucleus is mediated by nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), which are large proteinaceous channels that perforate the nuclear membrane.

Proteins destined for import into the nucleus contain a nuclear localisation signal (NLS) and proteins destined for export from the nucleus contain a nuclear export signal (NES), each of which targets them for transport.

Soluble transport receptors called importins and exportins or karyopherins recognise and bind macromolecular cargos and facilitate transport through nuclear pore complexes.

The asymmetric distribution of RanGDP in the cytoplasm and RanGTP in the nucleus controls the directionality of nuclear transport.

Nuclear protein transport can be regulated through inter‐ or intramolecular occlusion of the NLS or NES, post‐translation modification of the targeting signal, compartmental sequestration of the cargo protein or altering properties of the nuclear transport machinery including receptors and nuclear pores.

Many classes of RNA are transported via Ran‐regulated, karyopherin‐dependent pathways.

mRNA export is highly coupled to mRNA processing and is mediated by distinct receptors.

Mutations in nuclear targeting signals and nuclear transport receptors have been linked to several human diseases.
History of Plant Sciences
Authors: Browne Janet
Published: March 2015

The study of plants has played a significant, if sometimes undervalued, role in history. Plants have been important in Western science, medicine and economic affairs since Antiquity and have always had a large role to play in non‐Western medicine, agriculture and cultural affairs. The herbal tradition dominated medical treatments until the Renaissance after which it ran alongside developing areas of expertise in classification and physiology. In the eighteenth century, plant sciences became significant in the expansion of empire into cash crop commodities, coal‐fuelled industries and plantation economies. Nineteenth‐century botanists used plants for investigating cell theory and early genetics, palaeontology and evolutionary biology. In the twentieth century, plant sciences were significant in the new topics of ecology and conservation. Some plants are now indispensible model organisms for laboratory research.
History of Comparative Anatomy
Authors: Cosans Christopher E , Frampton Michael
Published: March 2015

Comparative anatomy was first developed by Greek natural philosophers and physicians. It has had a rich interplay with Western culture since that time until the present. Our understanding of how the anatomy of plants and animals varies reflects the view we have of nature and the world. Comparative anatomy can be traced back to the ancient Greeks who made scattered anatomical observations. Aristotle, the student of Plato, made the first systematic dissections. Researchers made more detailed anatomical observations throughout antiquity, while thinkers of the Middle Ages incorporated anatomical ideas within a deeply religious culture. The Renaissance began around 1400 as an interest in early texts, including those on comparative anatomy, increased. The knowledge from ancient texts, fed by the advent of printing, led to the Scientific Revolution. Since the turn of the nineteenth century, much discussion of comparative anatomy has focused on the theory of evolution.

Key Concepts

Animal is a major kind of life form that has been distinguished from plants by virtue of possessing a sensorimotor system that gives it an ability to move around.

Antiquity in classical western European history is the time period from about 800bcto 450adwhen the oldest approaches to thought emerged and the oldest texts, mostly in Greek and Latin, were written.

Classification is the procedure of comparing different living things and assigning them to abstract groups such as species and genera according to specific anatomical or behavioural criteria.

Dissection is the procedure of intentionally cutting open a dead plant or animal in order to discern how its parts are interconnected and organised.

Evolution is the process by which one species changes into other species during long periods of time.

History is the process by which the ideas, beliefs, language, cultural practices and institutions of a people change over time, often in response to events, social interactions and technological inventions.

Middle Ages is the historical period from aboutad450 to 1400 which saw the rise and dominance of Christian religion and culture within the boundaries of the classical Roman Empire.

Nature encompasses those aspects of the world and the cosmos that exist independent of human institutions and technological contrivances, including such things as the developmental processes of plants and animal and the way bodies are.

Renaissance is the historical period in Western civilisation that succeeds the Middle Ages and precedes the Scientific Revolution of the seventeenth century, in which there is an intense desire to retrieve ancient Greco‐Roman knowledge and learning, which was accelerated by printing, the publication of books and the influx of Greek scholars after Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Empire.

Scientific change is the process by which scientific accounts are modified as investigators consider new texts, ideas, observations and experimental methods.
Shape Recovery Kinetics in Vascularized 3D‐Printed Polymeric Actuators
Authors: Balasubramanian Aditya , Bettinger Christopher J.
Published: March 2015

Rapid actuation of thermo‐responsive polymers is desirable for many applications including soft robotics and medical devices. Shape recovery rates in thermo‐responsive shape memory polymers (SMP) are governed by extrinsic diffusion length scales and intrinsic material properties including the thermal conductivity of bulk polymers and the nature of the temperature‐dependent modulus change during phase transitions. The sharpness of the glass transition is a strong function of the molecular heterogeneity of the SMP. Strategies to maximize the rate of shape recovery in thermo‐responsive SMP could improve intrinsic properties by increasing the bulk thermal conductivity and minimizing molecular heterogeneity. Extrinsic properties could be improved by choosing form factors that minimize the characteristic length scale for thermal diffusion. Shape memory actuators with embedded vascular structures can be fabricated using additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing. Here, we present the shape recovery kinetics in 3D‐printed vascularized thermoplastic structures. Experimental and modeled shape recovery rates are compared to validate the utility of finite element modeling (FEM) to predict shape recovery rates. Theoretical and experimental time scales for shape recovery are in close agreement. This framework can predict the intrinsic physical property of SMP that limits the actuation rate. Taken together, this analysis can provide forward guidance when designing next‐generation SMP with accelerated shape memory kinetics.
Graphene Potentiates the Myocardial Repair Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Stimulating the Expression of Angiogenic Growth Factors and Gap Junction Protein
Authors: Park Jooyeon , Kim Yong Sook , Ryu Seungmi , Kang Wan Seok , Park Subeom , Han Jin , Jeong Hae Chang , Hong Byung Hee , Ahn Youngkeun , Kim Byung‐Soo
Published: March 2015

Stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential modality for myocardial infarction treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exert reparative actions in the injured myocardium mainly through the secretion of paracrine factors. In addition, the overexpression of connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein, promotes cardiac repair and function restoration. It is known that MSCs in a spheroid form, which have enhanced cell–cell interaction, exhibit enhanced expression of paracrine factors and Cx43. However, cell‐extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, which also contribute to growth factor expression, are very limited in MSC spheroids. Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) shows high affinity toward ECM proteins, such as fibronectin (FN), and high electrical conductivity. In this study, by incorporating FN‐adsorbed RGO flakes into MSC spheroids, it is possible to enhance the cell–ECM interactions and, subsequently, the paracrine factor expression in the MSCs in spheroids. Cx43 is also upregulated likely due to the enhanced paracrine factor expression and electrical conductivity of RGO. The injection of MSC–RGO hybrid spheroids into the infarcted hearts enhances cardiac repair compared with the injection of RGO flakes or MSC spheroids. This study demonstrates that RGO can effectively improve the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs for ischemic heart diseases.
Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Amidation of Arenes Using Air as the Oxidant
Authors: Li Gang , Jia Chunqi , Chen Qingliang , Sun Kai , Zhao Feng , Wu Hankui , Wang Zhiyong , Lv Yunhe , Chen Xiaolan
Published: March 2015

The copper(I) bromide‐catalyzed intermolecular dehydrogenative amidation of arenes via CH bond activation assisted by a 2‐pyridyl or 1‐pyrazolyl chelating group using air as the terminal oxidant has been achieved at 140 °C. N‐Aryl amides, N‐alkyl amides, benzamide derivatives, imides, and lactams all are good coupling partners to obtain moderate to excellent yields. The amount of solvent is critical for the transformation: both increasing and decreasing the amount of solvent decreased the yield. Notably, the amidation of bimolecular 2‐phenylpyridine with the dual NH bonds of a primary amide proceeded smoothly in one‐pot to afford a good yield under the same conditions. The amidation can be performed with a good yield at the gram scale.

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Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Decarboxylation of Propargyl Carbonates: Reactivity Reversal of the Gold Catalyst from π‐Lewis Acidity to σ‐Lewis Acidity
Authors: Shen Ruwei , Yang Jianjun , Zhu Shugao , Chen Chao , Wu Luling
Published: March 2015

A cationic gold(I)‐catalyzed decarboxylative etherification of propargyl carbonates to selectively produce propargyl ethers is reported. In the reaction the gold(I) catalyst shows a distinct σ‐Lewis acidity rather than the commonly observed π‐Lewis acidity, and thus catalyzes the decarboxylation of a variety of propargyl carbonates to give the corresponding propargyl ethers with high selectivity. This reaction represents a rare example of the tunable reactivity of cationic gold(I) complexes between σ‐Lewis acidity and π‐Lewis acidity.

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Review of X‐linked syndromes with arthrogryposis or early contractures—aid to diagnosis and pathway identification
Authors: Hunter Jesse M. , Kiefer Jeff , Balak Christopher D. , Jooma Sonya , Ahearn Mary Ellen , Hall Judith G. , Baumbach‐Reardon Lisa
Published: March 2015

The following is a review of 50 X‐linked syndromes and conditions associated with either arthrogryposis or other types of early contractures. These entities are categorized as those with known responsible gene mutations, those which are definitely X‐linked, but the responsible gene has not been identified, and those suspected from family history to be X‐linked. Several important ontology pathways for known disease genes have been identified and are discussed in relevance to clinical characteristics. Tables are included which help to identify distinguishing clinical features of each of the conditions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Iron‐Catalyzed Kumada Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Pyrimidin‐2‐yl Phosphates: An Efficient Approach to C2‐Functionalized Pyrimidines
Authors: Xing Ting , Zhang Zhang , Da Yu‐Xia , Quan Zheng‐Jun , Wang Xi‐Cun
Published: March 2015

Iron‐catalyzed Kumada cross‐coupling reactions of pyrimidin‐2‐yl phosphates and Grignard reagents are described. The reaction proceeds at room temperature with a short reaction time of 15 minutes, and the corresponding products are obtained with moderate to high yields. A wide array of C2‐functionalized pyrimidines has been prepared in moderate to good yields and many functional groups are well tolerated.