Electron-induced oxygen desorption from the TiO2(011)-2x1 surface leads to self-organized vacancies

When low-energy electrons strike a titanium dioxide surface, they may cause the desorption of surface oxygen. Oxygen vacancies that result from irradiating a TiO2(011)-2x1 surface with electrons with an energy of 300 electron volts were analyzed by scanning tunneling microscopy. The cross section for desorbing oxygen from the pristine surface was found to be 9 (+/-6) x 10(-17) square centimeters, which means that the initial electronic excitation was converted into atomic motion with a probability near unity. Once an O vacancy had formed, the desorption cross sections for its nearest and next-nearest oxygen neighbors were reduced by factors of 100 and 10, respectively. This site-specific desorption probability resulted in one-dimensional arrays of oxygen vacancies.     

Activation of endothelial cell protease activated receptor 1 by the protein C pathway

The coagulant and inflammatory exacerbation in sepsis is counterbalanced by the protective protein C (PC) pathway. Activated PC (APC) was shown to use the endothelial cell PC receptor (EPCR) as a coreceptor for cleavage of protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) on endothelial cells. Gene profiling demonstrated that PAR1 signaling could account for all APC-induced protective genes, including the immunomodulatory monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), which was selectively induced by activation of PAR1, but not PAR2. Thus, the prototypical thrombin receptor is the target for EPCR-dependent APC signaling, suggesting a role for this receptor cascade in protection from sepsis.     

Direct visual observation of thermal capillary waves

We studied the free fluid-fluid interface in a phase-separated colloid-polymer dispersion with laser scanning confocal microscopy and directly observed thermally induced capillary waves at the interface in real space. Experimental results for static and dynamic correlation functions validate the capillary wave model down to almost the particle level. The ultralow interfacial tension, the capillary length, and the capillary time are found to be in agreement with independent measurements. Furthermore, we show that capillary waves induce the spontaneous breakup of thin liquid films and thus are of key importance in the process of droplet coalescence.     

Effects of temperature and temperature‐humidity index on the reproductive performance of sows during summer months under a temperate climate

Heat stress is known to influence sow reproduction, but it is unknown to which extent under temperate climates. Therefore, the impact of temperature and temperature‐humidity index (THI) on the reproductive performance of sows during summer months from 2009 to 2011 were studied. Reproductive parameters of 22 264 inseminations and 21 610 resulting farrowings of 22 German commercial farms were analyzed. Climatic records were available from the nearest weather station. Effects of temperature and THI at different periods of the reproductive cycle were estimated from May to September where temperatures were expected to influence climatic conditions indoors. High temperatures and THI values 5 days pre‐ and 14 days post‐breeding reduced litter size by 0.01 to 0.03 piglets (P < 0.05). Prior to farrowing, the number of liveborn piglets was reduced (P < 0.05) and of stillborns increased with rising climatic variables (P < 0.001). On the day of farrowing, reduced numbers of weaned piglets were observed when temperature and THI values were elevated (P < 0.05), but pre‐weaning mortality was not influenced (P > 0.05). In conclusion, even under temperate conditions adverse effects of climatic variables on the reproductive performance of sows are present. Thereby, the number of liveborn piglets can be considered as the most sensitive parameter to heat stress. Considering the impact of climate change and predicted heat waves, strategies to mitigate the impact of heat stress are necessary.     

Wachstum und Ernährung von Eberesche,Buche und Fichte im Gefäßversuch mit immissionsbelasteten Bodensubstraten aus dem Erzgebirge

Influence of simulated sulphur and nitrogen depositions on biomass and nutrient relationships of mountain ash, European beech and Norway spruce in a pot experiment with two soil substrates from the Ore Mountains Growth and nutrient relationships of mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia), European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) were investigated in a pot experiment with the two substrates rhyolithe (acidic) and basalt (alkaline). Additionally, depositions of sulphur (S) and nitrogen (N) as expected to occur in the Ore Mountains (Saxonia, Germany) in the future were simulated in order to test the species′ suitability for forest regeneration. After two years, aboveground biomass was significantly higher on basalt compared to rhyolithe for all species. The amount of S given (0 and 100 kg ha^—1 a^—1) and the dominant form of N applied (NH₄⁺:NO₃^— = 1:4 and 4:1; total amount of N given 80 kg ha^—1 a^—1) were of minor influence only. The contents of N and K in leaves or needles were higher on rhyolithe, whereas P, Ca, Mg and Mn contents were higher on basalt. Nutrient contents were only slightly affected by the amount of S supply and the NH₄⁺:NO₃^— ratio. In contrast to mountain ash, beech saplings exhibited considerable growth on rhyolite. It is therefore concluded that beech may be a suitable species for forest regeneration even on acidic soils suffering heavily from S and N immissions, whereas spruce will not tolerate high S loads. However, increasing N depositions by stimulating growth may cause deficiencies of Mg and K in both species.