Diffuse Extreme-Ultraviolet Emission from the Coma Cluster: Evidence for Rapidly Cooling Gases at Submegakelvin Temperatures

The central region of the Coma cluster of galaxies was observed in the energy band from 0.065 to 0.245 kiloelectron volts by the Deep Survey telescope aboard the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer. A diffuse emission halo of angular diameter approximately 30 arc minutes was detected. The extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) emission level exceeds that expected from the x-ray temperature gas in Coma. This halo suggests the presence of two more phases in the emitting gas, one at a temperature of approximately 2 x 10(6) kelvin and the other at approximately 8 x 10(5) kelvin. The latter phase cools rapidly and, in steady state, would have produced cold matter with a mass of approximately 10(14) solar masses within the EUV halo. Although a similar EUV enhancement was discovered in the Virgo cluster, this detection in Coma applies to a noncooling flow system.     

Submicrometer metallic barcodes

We synthesized multimetal microrods intrinsically encoded with submicrometer stripes. Complex striping patterns are readily prepared by sequential electrochemical deposition of metal ions into templates with uniformly sized pores. The differential reflectivity of adjacent stripes enables identification of the striping patterns by conventional light microscopy. This readout mechanism does not interfere with the use of fluorescence for detection of analytes bound to particles by affinity capture, as demonstrated by DNA and protein bioassays.     

Expression study on the porcine PTHLH gene and its relationship with sow teat number

Teat number is an important trait in sows that should accompany the increase in litter size that has been achieved in the last decades through selection. We have previously identified a genome-wide significant QTL for teat number in porcine chromosome SSC5 by means of an experimental Meishan by Iberian F(2) intercross population. In the present report, we have studied the porcine parathyroid hormone-like hormone (PTHLH) gene, which maps to SSC5, as a candidate gene for this trait, as PTHLH is involved in nipple formation during embryogenesis and nipple development during pregnancy and lactation. We have found that porcine PTHLH gene is transcribed into three mRNA species differing in the 5'UTR region. Two of these variants are reported in pigs here for the first time: one was similar to variant 1 described in humans while the other, which was generated by the retention of two small introns, has not been identified before in any other species. In addition, mRNA expression profile for two of the mRNA variants was assessed in 19 pig tissues. Porcine PTHLH showed a widespread expression as it was present in all tested tissues and relative expression of each variant was tissue dependent. Finally, we have performed an association study between a non-synonymous mutation in the coding region of this gene and sow teat number. The PTHLH polymorphism was segregating in our Meishan by Iberian F(2) population at intermediate allelic frequencies. We compared here six different statistical models to choose the one with a better fit and a lower degree of complexity. However, despite the potential negative effect of the PTHLH mutation in the signal peptide of this protein, we did not detect any association between the PTHLH genotype and the sow teat number phenotype, concluding that the causal mutation of the observed QTL is very likely not related to this gene.     

The effect of heat treatment of whole cottonseed on site and extent of protein digestion in dairy cows

Six mature Holstein cows in late lactation and fitted with permanent ruminal, duodenal and ideal cannulae were used in a double 3 X 3 Latin-square design to study the effect of roasting or extruding of cottonseed on protein degradation in the rumen and availability of amino acids in the small intestine. Raw whole cottonseed (CS), extruded whole cottonseed (ECS), and roasted whole cottonseed (RCS) were fed in diets containing 17% crude protein and composed of 42% whole cottonseed, 26% corn grain and 29% hay supplemented with dry molasses, vitamins and minerals. The diets were isocaloric and contained 1.86 Mcal NEL/kg. Acid detergent lignin was used as a digesta marker, and diaminopimelic acid as a bacterial marker. Ruminal ammonia concentration was higher (P less than .05) for CS than for ECS and RCS (15.7, 12.7 and 10.2 mM). Concentrations of isobutyrate (1.3 vs 0.8 and 0.8 mM) and isovalerate (1.8 vs 1.1 and 1.1 mM) were higher (P less than .05) for CS compared with ECS and RCS. Non-ammonia nitrogen flow to the duodenum (g/d) was 248, 300 and 350 for CS, ECS, and RCS, with RCS higher (P less than .05) that in CS. Apparent absorption of total amino acids in the small intestine was .80, 1.01, and 1.24 kg/d, for CS, ECS, and RCS, respectively, with RCS higher (P less than .05) than CS. Apparent absorption of essential and non-essential amino acids was 376, 425; 458, 548;610 and 628 g/d for CS, ECS and RCS respectively, with RCS higher (P less than .05) than CS.     

Unmanned aerial vehicle to evaluate frost damage in coffee plants

Damage caused by frost on coffee plants can impact significantly in the reduction of crop quality and productivity. Remote sensing can be used to evaluate the damage caused by frost, providing precise and timely agricultural information to producers, assisting in decision making, and consequently minimizing production losses. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the potential use of multispectral images obtained by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to analyze and identify damage caused by frost in coffee plants in different climatic favorability zones. Visual evaluations of frost damage and chlorophyll content quantification were carried out in a commercial coffee plantation in Southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The images were obtained from a multispectral camera coupled to a UAV with rotating wings. The results obtained demonstrated that the vegetation indices had a strong relationship and high accuracy with the frost damage. Among the indices studied the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was the one that had better performances (r?=?? 0.89, R²?=?0.79, MAE?=?10.87 e RMSE?=?14.35). In a simple way, this study demonstrated that multispectral images, obtained from UAV, can provide a fast, continuous, and accessible method to identify and evaluate frost damage in coffee plants. This information is essential for the coffee producer for decision-making and adequate crop management.

     

The seroprevalence of canine respiratory coronavirus and canine influenza virus in dogs in New Zealand

Abstract

AIM: To determine whether canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV) and canine influenza virus (CIV) are present in dogs in New Zealand.

METHODS: Serum samples from 251 dogs of varying age, breed and clinical histories were tested for the presence of antibodies to CRCoV and CIV, using indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) analysis. The population sampled represented a wide geographic area but principally encompassed the central and lower North Island of New Zealand.

RESULTS: Seventy-three of the 251 samples (29%) were seropositive for CRCoV. Dogs <2 years old were less likely to be seropositive for CRCoV than older dogs. None was seropositive for CIV.

CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the presence of antibodies to CRCoV in dogs in New Zealand. Young dogs are less likely to be seropositive than older dogs, probably due to increased opportunity for exposure to CRCoV over time. Serum antibodies to CIV were not detected in any of the dogs sampled, suggesting that this virus is unlikely to be present in dogs in New Zealand.

CLINICAL RELEVENCE: Canine respiratory coronavirus is present in New Zealand. Although the role of this virus in canine infectious tracheobronchitis has not been fully elucidated, evidence suggests that it may have a causal role in this disease. Veterinarians should consider CRCoV as a differential diagnosis in cases of respiratory disease in dogs in New Zealand. While CIV appears not to be currently present in New Zealand, veterinarians should consider infection with this virus as a differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with respiratory signs.     

Phenology,photosynthesis, and phosphorus in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in two forest soils with contrasting P contents

Phosphorus (P) is often a limiting macronutrient in temperate forests, but knowledge on the phenological and physiological responses of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) to P deficiency is scarce. In this study, young beech trees were excavated with intact soil cores from two German forests, Unterlüss (LUE) with low soil P and Bad Brückenau (BBR) with high soil P concentrations. The trees were transferred to identical climatic conditions. In the subsequent growth phase phenological stages during bud burst and leaf unfolding were recorded; biomass production and total P concentrations in different tissues were measured. Seasonal fluctuations in photosynthesis and of soluble P in wood and bark exudates were determined. BBR beeches grew faster and produced more and larger leaves than the LUE beeches. Leaf extension and unfolding were delayed in LUE compared with BBR beeches, but not the time point of bud break. All plant tissues of BBR trees contained higher total P concentrations than those of LUE trees. Strong seasonal fluctuations for P in exudates of beech transport tissues, wood and bark, indicated higher P supply in BBR than in LUE plants, especially at the beginning of the growth phase until leaf maturity. Photosynthetic activity of LUE beeches was lower than that of BBR beeches due to stomatal limitations as the result of anatomically smaller stomatal pore widths, but not as the result of acute biochemical limitation of photosynthesis. Our results suggest that developmental retardation and lower photosynthesis under low P availability may be adaptation mechanisms that adjust the acquisition and recycling of P resources to seasonal growth demand.     

Effects of Melatonin Implants During Non‐Breeding Season on Sperm Motility and Reproductive Parameters in Rasa Aragonesa Rams

The effect of melatonin implants administered during non‐breeding season in Rasa Aragonesa rams on sperm motility parameters and other reproductive traits was assessed. In a first experiment, two Rasa Aragonesa rams were implanted (with melatonin group M), remaining other two males as control group (C). Semen of each group was collected from 1 May to 23 June, twice or three times a week, and motility parameters were assessed using a computer‐assisted sperm analysis system. Melatonin increased the percentage of progressive motile spermatozoa, particularly during 46–75 days after melatonin implantation (p < 0.01). In experiment 2, M and C in vitro fertilization ability had been determined by zona‐pellucida binding assays, using spermatozoa from experiment 1, obtained 60–70 days after melatonin was implanted. A significantly higher number of spermatozoa attached per oocyte was observed in frozen‐thawed immature ovine oocytes incubated with sperm from M animals than in those incubated with sperm from the C group (p < 0.01). Finally, a field assay (experiment 3) was performed. In this case, five Rasa Aragonesa rams were implanted with melatonin and three remained as control group. Sperm doses from those animals were used for artificial insemination of 2608 Rasa Aragonesa ewes from 39 different farms at non‐breeding season. Fertility, litter size and fecundity were studied. Semen from melatonin implanted rams seemed to increase both fertility and fecundity in ewes inseminated with spermatozoa obtained 46–60 days after implantation (p < 0.1). Thus, melatonin treatment in rams during non‐breeding season modifies sperm motility parameters and seems to improve the fertilization parameters obtained.     

Effect of β‐Carotene Supply During Close‐up Dry Period on the Onset of First Postpartum Luteal Activity in Dairy Cows

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of β‐carotene supply during the close‐up dry period on the onset of first postpartum luteal activity in dairy cows. Twelve cows were supplied with 2000 mg of β‐carotene (20 g Rovimix^®β‐Carotene containing 10%β‐carotene; DSM Nutrition Japan K.K., Tokyo, Japan) by oral administration daily from day 21 before expected calving date to parturition. Fourteen cows (control) did not receive β‐carotene supplementation. Blood samples were obtained on days 21, 14 and 7 before expected calving date and on days 1, 7, 14, 21 postpartum. When the plasma progesterone concentration exceeded 1 ng/ml by day 21 postpartum, luteal activity was assumed to have been initiated. The result showed that serum β‐carotene concentrations in the β‐carotene cows were higher than in the control cows during the experimental period (p < 0.01). The number of cows with the onset of luteal activity by day 21 postpartum was 9/12 in the β‐carotene cows and 4/14 in the control cows (p < 0.05). Retinol, certain metabolic parameters and metabolic hormones concentrations did not differ between β‐carotene and control cows. In addition, serum retinol concentration in β‐carotene cows without luteal activity was lower than in β‐carotene cows with luteal activity (p < 0.05), and serum gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase concentration in β‐carotene cows with luteal activity (p < 0.05) and control cows without luteal activity (p < 0.01) was higher than in control cows with luteal activity. In conclusion, β‐carotene supply during the close‐up dry period may support the onset of luteal activity during early lactation in dairy cows.