Beta-thujaplicin: new quantitative CZE method and adsorption to goethite

Beta-thujaplicin (beta-TH) is a toxic tropolone derivative present in the heartwood of western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and is used as a preservative and antimicrobial additive in a number of commercial goods. beta-TH released from western red cedar timber used outdoor and from other products containing beta-TH may transfer to soil and leach to groundwater and surface waters. The objective of this study was to quantify the adsorption of beta-TH to goethite as a typical model for geosorbents. Adsorption was studied using pH-adjusted goethite suspensions with solid:solution ratios of 1:500, 0.01 M NaNO(3) electrolyte, and 20 degrees C. beta-TH was determined using a new capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method providing a detection limit of 0.21 microM. Near-sorption equilibrium was attained within 48 h. beta-TH showed maximum adsorption at low pH (3.8) and a 70% drop in adsorption from pH 6.2 to 8.8. The Langmuir type adsorption isotherm at pH 5.5 approached a maximum adsorption of 220 micromol/g (= 6.2 micromol/m(2)), which is more than twice the amount of phosphate adsorbed under similar conditions. The affinity of beta-TH for goethite is low as compared with organic ligands such as citrate, oxalate, and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoate. The adsorption data and FTIR analyses indicate that beta-TH is most likely adsorbed as monodentate mononuclear surface complexes at the surface of goethite. Hydrophobic adsorption is thought to contribute to the adsorption, in particular at low pH. The strong adsorption of beta-TH to goethite suggests low mobility in most soil environments, the risk of contamination increasing in soils with high pH (calcareous material), low contents of iron and aluminum oxides, phyllosilicates, and organic matter.     

Effect of variable retention cutting on the relationship between growth of coarse roots and stem of Picea mariana

Silviculture heading for structural heterogeneity creates many single trees standing at stand margins, inner edges or in remnant tree groups. As they played just a minor role in the age class forest, the growth behaviour of strongly released trees is rather unexplored. Here we show how retention cutting, presently spreading in the boreal of Québec province, affects stem and coarse root growth of remained single black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton]. Increment cores from roots and stems of 125 trees show that retention cutting triggers coarse root growth of the remaining trees. Compared with reference trees retention trees accelerate root in relation to stem growth. Mean and variability of the root–stem allometry significantly rise after retention cutting. The found acceleration of root in relation to stem growth means mechanical stabilisation of the retention trees and corroborates the retention cutting method. Evaluation of silvicultural treatments can be incomplete and misleading as long as they are just based on aboveground reactions and neglect root growth.     

Performance and welfare of Atlantic salmon,Salmo salar L. post-smolts in recirculating aquaculture systems: Importance of salinity and water velocity

Producing a larger post-smolt in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) could shorten the production time in sea cages and potentially reduce mortality. Knowledge of the biological requirements of post-smolts in closed-containment systems is however lacking. In the present study, the effects of salinity and water velocity on growth, survival, health, and welfare of Atlantic salmon reared in RAS were examined. Salmon smolts were stocked in three separate RAS with salinities of 12, 22, and 32‰ and subjected to high (1.0 body lengths per s⁻¹) or low (0.3 body lengths second⁻¹) water velocity. Growth performance, survival, welfare, and physiological stress responses were monitored until the fish reached a bodyweight of around 450 g. Growth rate was higher at lower salinity and higher water velocity generally had a positive effect on growth in all salinities. Feed conversion ratio was lower at 12‰ compared to the 22 and 32‰ when the fish were between 250 and 450 g. Higher mortality, elevated plasma cortisol levels, higher incidence of cataract, and a higher expression of stress-induced genes in the skin (iNOS, Muc5ac-like) indicated a negative effect of higher salinity on fish welfare. Male maturation was low (<1%), and not affected by salinity or water velocity.     

Novel inhibitors of sterol C-14 demethylase and Δ14 Reductase/Δ8 → Δ7 isomerase for cereal disease control

The activity of five experimental fungicides combining structural elements responsible for sterol C-14 demethylase inhibition and sterol nuclear double-bond transformations has been investigated by examining sterol accumulation in Ustilago maydis (DC.) Corda, inhibition of sterol-biosynthesis enzymes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Meyer using a cell-free system and protective activity in cereals against Erysiphe graminis DC. and Puccinia coronata Corda. Combining the fenpropidin/fenpropimorph basic structure with a pyridine moiety offered no advantage in fungicidal activity. However, the combination of the pyrifenox structure with a morpholine moiety yielded a compound which was a good inhibitor of C-14 demethylase and Δ⁸ → Δ⁷ isomerase in vitro and gave good cereal protection.     

Polyuria and Polydipsia and Disturbed Vasopressin Release in 2 Dogs With Secondary Polycythemia

In dogs, secondary polycythemia (SP) may be associated with polyuria and polydipsia (PU/PD). The pathogenesis of this PU/PD has not yet been explained. We hypothesized that hyperviscosity and increased blood volume in SP might affect vasopressin (VP) release, resulting in PU/PD. This hypothesis was tested in 2 dogs with SP caused by renal neo-plasia and PU/PD. Osmoregulation of VP release was studied by a modified water deprivation test and by investigating the VP response to hypertonic saline infusion.
Water deprivation test results were consistent with an inability to produce concentrated urine despite increasing plasma osmolality. During hypertonic saline infusion, the osmotic threshold of VP release was markedly increased in both dogs, resulting in a delayed VP response to increasing plasma osmolality. The sensitivity of VP release was low normal in both dogs. We conclude that blood hyperviscosity and increased blood volume led to impaired VP release and polyuria.     

Using colour image analysis for quantitative assessment of powdery mildew on cucumber

Summary Visual assessment, black & white image analysis and colour image analysis of the severity of powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) infection on leaves of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) were compared. The extent of infection with powdery mildew was expressed as the number of spores per cm². Statistical treatment of the data showed colour image analysis to be superior to the other two methods of evaluation. Major veins, light reflections and variations in the colour of leaves can degrade the accuracy of colour image analysis somewhat. These problems are, however, surmountable. Colour image analysis qualifies as a valuable new tool for accurate, objective, reproducible and detailed quantitative assessment of disease on leaves of plants.Abbreviations H hue - I intensity - IA image analysis - PM powdery mildew - S saturation