Acidic deposition and its effects in southwestern China

The emissions of SO₂ in China correspond at present to 8–10 TgSyr^?1. The rapid industrialization has caused a dramatic increase in the emissions in recent years and this increase is likely to continue. This paper describes studies of concentrations and effects of acidifying substances in parts of the Guizhou and the Sichuan provinces where the S-emissions are large. A small catchment about 10 km from Guiyang centre was equipped with instruments for studies of soils, soil water and streamwater chemistry. The molar ratio Al/(Ca+Mg) is > 0.8 in soil water in some places. Two small streams have median pH-values about 4.6 and 5.1. Laboratory studies with selected Chinese soils showed that the anion adsorption was low. These studies gave also important information on soil sensitivity. The studies confirm that acid deposition may affect soils in parts of south-western China, but the sensitivity varies dramatically and there is a strong need for more information.     

A neutralizing antibody selected from plasma cells that binds to group 1 and group 2 influenza A hemagglutinins

The isolation of broadly neutralizing antibodies against influenza A viruses has been a long-sought goal for therapeutic approaches and vaccine design. Using a single-cell culture method for screening large numbers of human plasma cells, we isolated a neutralizing monoclonal antibody that recognized the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein of all 16 subtypes and neutralized both group 1 and group 2 influenza A viruses. Passive transfer of this antibody conferred protection to mice and ferrets. Complexes with HAs from the group 1 H1 and the group 2 H3 subtypes analyzed by x-ray crystallography showed that the antibody bound to a conserved epitope in the F subdomain. This antibody may be used for passive protection and to inform vaccine design because of its broad specificity and neutralization potency.     

Deriving river networks and catchments at the European scale from medium resolution digital elevation data

The extraction of drainage networks and catchment boundaries from digital elevation models (DEMs) has received considerable attention in recent years and is recognized as a viable alternative to traditional surveys and the manual evaluation of topographic maps. However, most studies have covered limited areas due to the lack of detailed information and/or the lack of highly efficient algorithms. In this paper we present an application that delineates river networks and catchment boundaries across the European continent from a medium resolution (250 m) DEM. We exploit novel algorithms based on the concepts of mathematical morphology and implement a landscape stratification for drainage density.A flow direction grid is computed using an efficient algorithm for the removal of spurious pits. River networks are then derived by imposing a variable threshold for the minimum contributing area needed to form and maintain a channel. This is achieved through a landscape stratification that reflects the ability of the terrain to develop different drainage densities. It is shown that the analysis of environmental characteristics coupled with the analysis of local slope versus contributing area enables river network mapping with a spatially varying drainage density. The result has been validated by comparing the derived data to digital river and catchment data from other sources and with varying scales of observation.     

RFLP analysis of Aegilops species belonging to the Sitopsis section

The phylogenetic relationships among theAegilops species belonging to the Sitopsis section were investigated using RFLP (restriction-fragment-length polymorphism) analysis. Twenty-five probes, each of which hybridised to oneor more restriction fragments located in the B-genomechromosomes of cultivated wheats, were used. At least one and in most cases two fragments were located in every B genome chromosome arm. Adendrogram derived from a cluster analysis of the complete RFLP dataset showed a subdivision of the species belonging to the Sitopsis section into one group comprising the species of the Truncata subsection and another group comprised of the species of theEmarginata subsection. Dendrograms also were produced using RFLP data from loci located in different combinations of only three chromosomes, and some of these showed different subdivisions of the species. This demonstrates the importance in obtaining reliable classification data of using probes that detect loci evenly distributed in the genome and located in each chromosomearm.     

Improving virgin olive oil quality by means of innovative extracting biotechnologies

Three major virgin olive oil varieties (Dritta, Leccino, and Coratina) extracted by a modern centrifugation system aided with a new plant enzyme preparation (having prevalently pectolytic activity) were characterized. These oils showed a clearly enhanced quality standard, owing to higher levels of some important minor components (phenolics, volatiles, tocopherols, carotenes, and chlorophylls) and to frequently lower concentrations of oxidized triglycerides and diglycerides. The oils were therefore characterized by lower susceptibility to oxidation and longer shelf life, and their flavor, aroma, and color features appeared to be significantly improved. The saponifiable fraction was practically not affected as the enzymatic effects involved only the membranes of the oil droplets, where the nonglyceridic compounds are essentially located.     

Heritability of susceptibility to scrotal herniation in swine

Data on 5,711 Duroc-sired, 2,227 Landrace-sired, and 2,494 Yorkshire-sired male pigs born over a 9-year period were used to evaluate the genetic influence on scrotal herniation. Differences in frequency of this defect among boar breeds (Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire) were significant (P less than 0.01). Differences among sires within the Duroc and Landrace boar groups were significant (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.05, respectively), but differences within the Yorkshire group were not significant. Frequency of scrotal hernia among male full siblings of affected males was consistently higher than the overall frequency of the defect among progeny in each of their respective breed of boar groups. Percentage of affected pigs among male full siblings of affected males for Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire groups, respectively, was 3.0, 3.0, and 2.7 times greater than the overall percentage affected in their respective breed groups. Heritability of susceptibility to scrotal hernia development was estimated to be 0.29 +/- 0.17, 0.34 +/- 0.23, and 0.34 +/- 0.19 in Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire-sired pig groups, respectively.     

Congenital meningocele-encephalocele in an experimental swine herd

Fourteen instances of meningocele-encephalocele in an experimental herd were recorded over a 5-year period. Thirteen of these affected animals were subjected to extensive pedigree analyses. Familial associations were strong, and clearly the meningocele-encephalocele in this herd was under genetic influence. However, additional studies are needed to clarify the mode of inheritance and, perhaps, to identify other factors that might be involved.