The brain of LB1, Homo floresiensis

The brain of Homo floresiensis was assessed by comparing a virtual endocast from the type specimen (LB1) with endocasts from great apes, Homo erectus, Homo sapiens, a human pygmy, a human microcephalic, specimen number Sts 5 (Australopithecus africanus), and specimen number WT 17000 (Paranthropus aethiopicus). Morphometric, allometric, and shape data indicate that LB1 is not a microcephalic or pygmy. LB1's brain/body size ratio scales like that of an australopithecine, but its endocast shape resembles that of Homo erectus. LB1 has derived frontal and temporal lobes and a lunate sulcus in a derived position, which are consistent with capabilities for higher cognitive processing.     

工厂化水产养殖智能监控系统设计

提出了一种工厂化水产养殖中具有可溯源功能的智能监控系统.系统利用PROFIBUS-DP总线和工业以太网技术实现了数据的传输与共享,利用模糊控制与神经网络相结合的算法实现了对数据的处理分析,并得到控制信号,进行闭环控制,利用无线射频识别技术( RFID)实现了水产品质量的可溯源功能.结果表明,养殖环境各关键环境因子均满足控制精度,水产品的可溯源信息写入与读出均完整有效,完全达到了设计要求,能够满足工厂化水产养殖智能化的需要.     

Foliar residue dynamics of azadirachtins following direct stem injection into white and green ash trees for control of emerald ash borer

BACKGROUND: Azadirachtins are natural insecticides derived from the neem tree. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic invasive insect pest that infests various ash tree species and has the potential for significant economic, aesthetic and ecological impacts throughout North America. The initial translocation and foliar residue dynamics of azadirachtins were examined following direct injection into white and green ash trees growing in urban scenarios as a potential control for EAB. RESULTS: Substantial concentrations of azadirachtins A and B [mean maxima > 0.98 mg kg^?1 fresh weight (f.w.)] were observed within 2 days of injecting a specifically designed formulation of azadirachtins. Foliar residues declined exponentially through time, with half‐life estimates ranging from 5.1 to 12.3 days. At the time of leaf senescence, foliar residue levels approximated 0.01 mg kg^?1 f.w., strongly mitigating the potential effects of non‐target biota in soil or aquatic compartments. CONCLUSION: The magnitude and duration of exposures observed in this field study were considered to be above the thresholds required for biological effectiveness against both larval and adult life stages of EAB. Results support the use of azadirachtins as an environmentally acceptable systemic insecticide for control of EAB and protection of high‐value ash trees in urban environments. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Soil amino acid composition quantified by acid hydrolysis and anion chromatography-pulsed amperometry

Soil organic N accounts for 95-98% of the total soil N content with amino acids (AAs) and amino sugars (ASs) identified as the major soil organic N compounds, but traditional 6 M HCl with reflux or sealed digestions for 24 h and various detection systems have accounted for only 30-40% of soil total N content as AA-N. This study compared traditional HCl extraction methodology with methanesulfonic acid (MSA) hydrolysis and nonderivatized AA and AS quantification by ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection for determination of the AA composition of plant litter and soils. MSA (4 M) gave AA-N recovery comparable to or better than 6 M HCl for plant AA digestions (16 h, 121 degrees C, 104 kPa). Use of 4 M MSA (0.5-1.5 h, 136 degrees C, 112 kPa) increased the total recovery of organic N as AAs, ASs, and NH(4)(+) by 46% from soils (n = 22) compared with 6 M HCl (12 h, 110 degrees C, reflux) with a MSA recovery rate of 85.6% of the total N content (n = 22 soils). The shorter MSA soil digestions (0.5-1.5 h) suggested that the majority of soil organic N was not present as protein forms found in plant litter analysis (16 h of digestion). MSA ion chromatographic analysis for soil AA/AS composition is a robust nonderivatization method requiring little sample preparation that can distinguish between small changes in soil AA composition during one growing season due to vegetation and tillage managements.     

Compartmentalization of mercury in biotic components of terrestrial flood plain ecosystems adjacent to the South River AT Waynesboro,VA

Water, Air, & Soil Pollution - Aquatic Hg contamination extending more than 200 km along the South River, South Fork of the Shenandoah River, and Shenandoah River in western VA has been...     

Arthroscopic removal of dorsoproximal chip fractures of the proximal phalanx in standing horses

OBJECTIVE: To report a technique for, and outcome after, arthroscopic removal of dorsoproximal chip fractures of a proximal phalanx in standing horses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 104 horses, 1 to 13 years of age, with a dorsoproximal chip fracture of a proximal phalanx. METHODS: Horses were restrained in standing stocks and sedated with intravenous xylazine, detomidine, or a combination of both drugs. Local analgesia was achieved with 2% mepivacaine administered intra-articularly and by subcutaneous infiltration in a crescent-shaped block dorsal to the fetlock. Sterile drapes were placed on the surgical field, and impervious drapes were used on the hoof and floor. Arthroscopic portals were created in the dorsal pouch of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints to remove chip fractures. Statistical analysis was performed on race records for all Thoroughbred racehorses and compared with previously published studies. Operative and hospitalization times were compared with those of the general hospital population, and risks associated with general anesthesia were examined. RESULTS: No major operative or postoperative complications occurred. Ninety-one percent of racehorses raced after surgery with 78% returning to race at the same or higher level. CONCLUSION: Standing arthroscopic surgery can be performed successfully to remove dorsoproximal chip fractures of the proximal phalanx. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Standing arthroscopic surgery is a valid alternative treatment for experienced surgeons to avoid the expense and potential risks associated with general anesthesia.     

Abscisic acid improves tomato fruit quality by increasing soluble sugar concentrations

Abscisic acid (ABA) is crucial in fruit maturation and senescence and is considered as the other ripening control factor other than ethylene. Important components in ripening fruit are soluble sugars, which make the fruit sweeter and carotenoids, important flavor compounds in ripened fruit. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of foliar ABA and calcium (Ca) fertilizer treatments (individually and in combination) on determinate beef-steak greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaf chlorophylls and carotenoids, fruit carotenoids, and soluble sugar concentrations. Foliar spray treatment of 500 mg L^?1 ABA increased zeaxanthin (ZEA) and β-carotene (BC) in tomato leaf tissue. Increases in Ca fertilizer treatments significantly decreased tomato leaf violaxanthin (VIO), but no effect on other carotenoids. The application of 500 mg L^?1 ABA foliar spray significantly increased glucose and fructose concentrations in tomato fruit tissue. Foliar application of ABA treatments can increase overall chlorophyll, carotenoid content, and fruit quality.     

Transesophageal monitoring of aortic blood flow during nonemergent canine surgeries

Objective: To establish baseline values for descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters as determined with a transesophageal combined M‐mode and pulsed Doppler ultrasound‐based monitoring method. Design: Preliminary observational study. Setting: University small animal teaching hospital. Animals: The study population consisted of anesthetized canine patients undergoing nonemergent surgeries. Prospectively set criteria for inclusion were adequate body size for placement of the esophageal probe and a nonemergent reason for surgery. The criterion for exclusion was recent trauma. Interventions: Placement of the transesophageal probe. Measurements and main results: Data was collected during 15 surgeries. Data from three dogs was excluded from data analysis (two recently hit by motor vehicles, one recently having undergone a total hip replacement). Each parameter was stable across time within each individual dog. The ranges of the descending thoracic aortic parameters across the 12 nonemergent cases were as follows: blood flow, 0.038–0.085 L min^?1 kg^?1; blood flow per beat, 0.31–0.84 mL kg^?1; blood acceleration, 6–29 m s^2?1; blood peak velocity, 38–105 m s^?1; left ventricular ejection time interval 331–492 ms; and diameter, 0.30–0.93 mm kg^?1. Conclusions: The range of descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters encountered in this small group of dogs during nonemergent surgeries was broad; however, each parameter was quite stable across time with little change occurring in any dog during monitoring.