A reference interval for plasma glutamate dehydrogenase (GD) (E.C. 1.4.1.3) activity, of 0-8 IU/L, was established for the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus). An automated modification of a commercial manual assay was used. This enzyme is considered liver specific in humans and numerous domestic animals, due to its organ distribution. A similar distribution was found in cockatiels in this study. Maximal enzyme activity was recovered from liver and kidney homogenate supernatants. Minimal activity was detected in skeletal muscle preparations. These results suggest a potential use for plasma GD activity in the evaluation of hepatocelluar injury/necrosis in cockatiels. 相似文献
This research analyzes patch development and determines tree spatial patterns along the lower mixed-conifer ecotone on the
North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona (U.S.A.). Patterns of patch development were interpreted from spatial analyses,
based on tree age and size, and past records of disturbance and climate. Five plots in the ecotone between mixed conifer forests
and monospecific stands of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) were studied for patterns of patch development. The methods used include: (1) size-structure analyses, to compare species
patch development; (2) dendrochronological dating of tree establishment; (3) tree ring master chronology, to determine periods
of suppressed growth, compared to a Palmer Drought Severity Index; and (4) spatial analyses by species composition, size and
age, with univariate and bivariate analyses of spatial association and spatial autocorrelation. We found an increased density
of shade-tolerant and fire-intolerant species namely clusters of pole-sized white fir, and fewer large ponderosa pine.
This revised version was published online in May 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.
This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. 相似文献
Cutaneous leiomyosarcomas are malignant mesenchymal tumors of smooth muscle origin and are reported occasionally in avian species. A 14-y-old male laboratory White Carneau pigeon (Columba livia) was presented for surgical excision of a cervical soft tissue mass. Ultrasonography with color flow Doppler imaging revealed multiple cavitations of mixed echogenicity within the mass and vascularization. Histologically, the dermis and subcutis were expanded by a densely cellular multinodular mass comprised of fusiform cells forming haphazardly arranged broad streams and short interwoven bundles, often surrounding blood vessels and variably sized cavitations. Neoplastic cells were strongly immunopositive for desmin and α–smooth muscle actin, and negative for pancytokeratin, S100, and von Willebrand factor. Based on histopathology and IHC findings, the cutaneous mass was diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma (LMS). The pigeon died 312 d post-operatively. Postmortem examination revealed masses infiltrating the left and right pulmonary airways and one hepatic nodule, but no regrowth at the surgical site. Histologic and IHC evaluation of the pulmonary and hepatic masses were consistent with LMS, representing metastatic foci from the primary cutaneous LMS. Our case highlights the malignant behavior and histomorphologic features of cutaneous LMS in an avian species. 相似文献
This study evaluated the influence of calcium and magnesium ions on the empirical rheological properties of wheat flour to verify possible effects of these ions on processing because, in addition to their nutritional importance, they are also responsible for water hardness. Calcium (0–1.30 g/100 g) and magnesium (0–0.34 g/100 g) ions from sulfate salts were added to wheat flour, according to a central composite rotatable design. The farinograph and extensigraph properties of wheat flour and its mixtures were evaluated. The results were analyzed by response surface methodology. Calcium ions stood out for increasing water absorption, decreasing mixing stability, and producing a delayed effect on dough extensibility (reduced at 135 min). Magnesium ions influenced most flour rheological properties in a similar manner to oxidizing agents (increased dough stability, increased resistance to extension, and reduced extensibility), thus proving to be a possible replacement agent for these additives. An interaction effect of the combined calcium and magnesium ions was observed on dough development time. The results showed that effects on processing can occur when wheat flour fortification is made, and adaptations on wheat flour specifications, product formulation, and processing parameters may be required. 相似文献
Conservation for the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), a federally endangered species in the United States of America, is typically focused on local maternity sites; however, the species is a regional migrant, interacting with the environment at multiple spatial scales. Hierarchical levels of management may be necessary, but we have limited knowledge of landscape-level ecology, distribution, and connectivity of suitable areas in complex landscapes.
Objectives
We sought to (1) identify factors influencing M. sodalis maternity colony distribution in a mosaic landscape, (2) map suitable maternity habitat, and (3) quantify connectivity importance of patches to direct conservation action.
Methods
Using 3 decades of occurrence data, we tested a priori, hypothesis-driven habitat suitability models. We mapped suitable areas and quantified connectivity importance of habitat patches with probabilistic habitat availability metrics.
Results
Factors improving landscape-scale suitability included limited agriculture, more forest cover, forest edge, proximity to medium-sized water bodies, lower elevations, and limited urban development. Areas closer to hibernacula and rivers were suitable. Binary maps showed that 30% of the study area was suitable for M. sodalis and 29% was important for connectivity. Most suitable patches were important for intra-patch connectivity and far fewer contributed to inter-patch connectivity.
Conclusions
While simple models may be effective for small, homogenous landscapes, complex models are needed to explain habitat suitability in large, mixed landscapes. Suitability modeling identified factors that made sites attractive as maternity areas. Connectivity analysis improved our understanding of important areas for bats and prioritized areas to target for restoration.
This study tested the feasibility of a low-cost seaweed biofiltration system for pond-based aquaculture through an indoor-integrated fish-seaweed culture experiment using weekly nutrient supply regime and different seaweed stocking densities. The culture experiment was conducted in glass aquaria that were stocked with Gracilariopsis bailiniae at 3 densities (low = 0.5 kg m?2, middle = 2 kg m?2 and high = 3.5 kg m?2) and provided either with effluents from intensive milkfish (Chanos chanos) culture or with effluent-free seawater (control) as nutrient source. Stocking density was used as a factor in optimizing nutrient availability for growth and nutrient removal under such low water exchange conditions. Our results showed that G. bailiniae cultivated in milkfish effluents had higher growth, biomass and nitrogen yields than those cultivated in effluent-free seawater. Among the different stocking densities tested, highest growth rate (1.03 % day?1) was obtained in the middle density. Increasing biomass and nitrogen yields were also obtained at this density until the end of the culture period. Poorer growth rates at low and high stocking densities were attributed to light limitation from phytoplankton and self-shading, respectively. Due to seaweed treatment, average outflow concentration of NH4+ was reduced from half of its pretreated level. This study showed that a weekly effluent supply at 2 kg m?2 seaweed stocking density can sustainably support the growth of G. bailiniae as long as the dissolved nutrients are present at high levels. 相似文献
Hypothalamic dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels exhibited marked day-night variations under ambient photoperiod and temperature (12L12D; 17±1°C) with peak values at mid-light phase. The 16L8D; 22±1°C treatment reversed the diurnal rhythm of 5-HT, but not that of DA and NA. However, there was an overall increase in the levels of the catecholamines on exposure to the long photoperiod and high temperature. The administration of melatonin in the fish held on 16L8D; 22±1°C regime restored the 5-HT rhythm to that of the 12L12D; 17±1°C control group, but with elevated mid-photophase value. However, there was no effect of the indole treatment on the 5-HT rhythm under the 12L12D; 17±1°C regime. Melatonin causes a significant reduction of NA level in both the groups, while DA level did not change in either group. 相似文献
Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Gmelina arborea (Gmelina) is a drought-tolerant tree species with rapid growth. It has excellent wood properties, and these have made this tree an... 相似文献