Impact of wind direction on diurnal and seasonal changes in wind profiles

We explored the relationship between directional variation (changes in direction from a reference point) in vegetation and wind profiles, and propose an empirical wind profile model that may reproduce the wind profile within the canopy (such as secondary wind maximum) and reduce calculation loads. Based on the results of our observations in secondary broad-leaved forest, we clarified the variation in secondary wind maximum and aerodynamic parameters in wind direction, and assessed the influence of forest structural heterogeneity on the wind profile. Wind blew from specific directions depending on the time of day and season, and secondary wind maxima were observed in particular wind directions. Outlier estimations of aerodynamic parameters were determined for wind directions of 45°, 120–210°, and 300°, and these did not show a logarithmic distribution. Our proposed model reproduced the wind profile within and above the canopy, closely resembling K-theory and closure models, and reduced the required number of calculations and observations. The influence of forest structural heterogeneity was greatest in the upper part of the canopy (9.14 m), and reproducibility of the wind profile was improved by 0.05 m/s (3.4% on average) by changing the forest structural parameters of the model according to the wind direction. It was clear that forest structural heterogeneity did not cause critical errors in estimation of the wind profile, even at our study site, which had complex forest structure.     

Toll-like receptor 4-dependent activation of dendritic cells by beta-defensin 2

beta-Defensins are small antimicrobial peptides of the innate immune system produced in response to microbial infection of mucosal tissue and skin. We demonstrate that murine beta-defensin 2 (mDF2beta) acts directly on immature dendritic cells as an endogenous ligand for Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), inducing up-regulation of costimulatory molecules and dendritic cell maturation. These events, in turn, trigger robust, type 1 polarized adaptive immune responses in vivo, suggesting that mDF2beta may play an important role in immunosurveillance against pathogens and, possibly, self antigens or tumor antigens.     

Effects of Popping on Nutrient Contents of Amaranth Seed

Amaranth seeds can be popped by heating. The traditional method of popping in a skillet is simple, but it is difficult to control the heating time and temperature. To overcome these disadvantages, we developed a fluidized bed continuous processing system based on hot air heating for producing popped amaranth seeds in bulk. Using this system, we evaluated the effects of heat treatment at 260 °C for 15 s on the contents of B-group vitamins and essential and trace elements in amaranth seeds. The results showed that the treatment did not affect the content of B-group vitamins, and the recovery for essential and trace elements was 97–196 %. This popping system is useful for processing amaranth seeds in terms of the product quality and nutrition.