Mechanics of standing in birds: Functional explanation of lameness problems in giant Turkeys

1. The parameters used for the mechanics of standing in birds are defined and compared for two strains of turkeys, a giant, broad‐breasted strain (up to 40 kg), the result of artificial selection, and a traditional, smaller bird (9 kg), in order to show whether the mechanics of standing are modified by selection.

2. Using a geometrical similarity hypothesis, it was found that, although the locomotor apparatus of both strains are similar, the stresses on the pelvic muscles of broad‐breasted turkeys are increased. This is induced by the anterior position of the centres of gravity of their trunks, the result of selected pectoral hypertrophy.

3. The modification to the mechanics of standing may be related to the increase in locomotor disease in strains of giant turkeys.     

Electrochemical detection of single molecules

The electrochemical behavior of a single molecule can be observed by trapping a small volume of a dilute solution of the electroactive species between an ultramicroelectrode tip with a diameter of approximately 15 nanometers and a conductive substrate. A scanning electrochemical microscope was used to adjust the tip-substrate distance ( approximately 10 nanometers), and the oxidation of [(trimethylammonio)methyl] ferrocene (Cp(2)FeTMA(+)) to Cp(2)FeTMA(2+) was carried out. The response was stochastic, and anodic current peaks were observed as the molecule moved into and out of the electrode-substrate gap. Similar experiments were performed with a solution containing two redox species, ferrocene carboxylate (Cp(2)FeCOO(-)) and Os(bpy)(3)(2+) (bpy is 2,2'-bipyridyl).     

Atmospheric CO(2) and the ratio of intercellular to ambient CO(2) concentrations in plants

Much attention is focused today on predicting how plants will respond to anticipated changes in atmospheric composition and climate, and in particular to increases in CO(2) concentration. Here we review the long-term global fluctuations in atmospheric CO(2) concentration as a framework for understanding how current trends in atmospheric CO(2) concentration fit into a selective, evolutionary context. We then focus on an integrated approach for understanding how gas exchange metabolism responds to current environmental conditions, how it previously responded to glacial-interglacial conditions, and how it may respond to future changes in atmospheric CO(2) concentration.     

香菇干制微机监控系统研究

本文研究香菇干制过程的计算机控制。在研制了系统硬件之后,根据实验结果,确定了控制对象的广义数学模型,用飞升曲线法求取模型中各参数。用计算机仿真技术对几种常用的算法进行比较,得出了采用大林算法的控制方案。     

A pulmonary granular cell tumour with associated hypertrophic osteopathy in a horse

Abstract Extract A 15-year-old pony mare developed firm irregular bony swellings on all four legs. These were most severe around the carpal and fetlock joints of the forelegs, restricting both flexion and extension. Over about 6 months the horse had periodic bouts of coughing. She showed moderate weight loss and a depressed demeanour.     

A review of antimicrobial peptides: defensins and related cationic peptides

Cationic antimicrobial peptides are present throughout the plant and animal kingdoms and bear striking structural and functional similarities across species lines. They provide primitive, nonspecific means of combating a variety of bacteria, fungi, enveloped viruses, and protozoa. Some are also cytotoxic against host cells, including neoplastic cells. Cationic antimicrobial peptides may play various roles in inflammation and tissue repair. Antimicrobial peptides are found in epithelial tissues regularly exposed to microbial attack as well as in cells whose primary function is defense against potential pathogens. They constitute an important part of the nonoxidative antimicrobial arsenal of leukocytes. They are preformed and/or readily synthesized when the cells are stimulated by exposure to pathogens. They exert their effects directly by inserting into membranes of target cells and forming ion channels which increase membrane permeability; however, antimicrobial peptides can also act as opsonins to facilitate phagocytosis. Resistance to defensins is a virulence factor for organisms such as Salmonella sp. The study of cationic antimicrobial peptides is increasing our understanding of innate immunity, inflammation, and the pathogenesis of genetic diseases such as specific granule disease in humans. Therapeutic applications of antimicrobial peptides are currently under investigation.     

Scale of heterogeneity of forage production and winter foraging by elk and bison

The relationship between fine-scale spatial patterns of forage abundance and the feeding patterns of large ungulates is not well known. We compared these patterns for areas grazed in winter by elk and bison in a sagebrush-grassland landscape in northern Yellowstone National Park. At a fine scale, the spatial distribution of mapped feeding stations in 30 m × 30 m sites was found to be random where there were no large patches devoid of vegetation. In areas similar to the mapped sites, the underlying spatial distribution pattern of biomass was also determined to be random. At a broad scale, forage biomass differed among communities across the northern range but forage quality did not. These results suggest that ungulates are feeding randomly within forage patches (fine scale) but may select feeding sites based upon forage abundance at broader, landscape scales. Contrary to what has been suggested in other systems, ungulates were not overmatching at finer scales.