Dynamical superconducting order parameter domains in Sr2RuO4

We present direct evidence for complex p-wave order parameter symmetry and the presence of dynamical chiral order parameter domains of the form px +/- ipy in the ruthenate superconductor Sr2RuO4. The domain structure creates differences in the magnetic field modulation of the critical current of Josephson junctions fabricated on orthogonal faces of Sr2RuO4 single crystals. Transitions between the chiral states of a domain or the motion of domain walls separating them generates telegraph noise in the critical current as a function of magnetic field or time and is responsible for hysteresis observed in field sweeps of the critical current. The presence of such domains confirms the p-wave triplet spin and complex (broken time-reversal symmetry) nature of the superconducting pairing state in Sr2RuO4.     

"Time sweet time": circadian characterization of galectin-1 null mice

Background  

Recent evidence suggests a two-way interaction between the immune and circadian systems. Circadian control of immune factors, as well as the effect of immunological variables on circadian rhythms, might be key elements in both physiological and pathological responses to the environment. Among these relevant factors, galectin-1 is a member of a family of evolutionarily-conserved glycan-binding proteins with both extracellular and intracellular effects, playing important roles in immune cell processes and inflammatory responses. Many of these actions have been studied through the use of mice with a null mutation in the galectin-1 (Lgals1) gene. To further analyze the role of endogenous galectin-1 in vivo, we aimed to characterize the circadian behavior of galectin-1 null (Lgals1 ^-/-) mice.     

EFFECT OF CONTRAST MEDIUM DOSE AND IMAGE ACQUISITION TIMING ON URETERAL OPACIFICATION IN THE NORMAL DOG AS ASSESSED BY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Computed tomography (CT) excretory urography was performed in five adult female dogs after intravenous injection of a bolus of four different doses of water-soluble iodinated contrast medium (100, 200, 400, and 800 mg1/kg). CT images centered over the urinary bladder were performed before injection and 1,3,5,7,9,11,15,20,25,30,40,50, and 60 minutes after injection. Opacification of both ureters was evaluated by measuring maximum CT number of individual ureters at each time. Time opacification curves were generated for each dose. Best opacification of the ureters was obtained with 400 and 800 mgl/kg, with a constant peak at 3 minutes and durable opacification for 1 hour. Insufficient opacification was obtained with lower dose of 100 and 200 mgI/kg.     

Progressive myelopathy due to a spontaneous intramedullary hematoma in a dog: pre- and postoperative clinical and magnetic resonance imaging follow-up

A 4-year-old, male Jack Russell terrier was presented for a 6-month history of progressive right hemiparesis with episodic cervical hyperesthesia. The neurological examination showed a right-sided, upper motoneuron syndrome and partial Horner's syndrome. Two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were performed 3 months apart and revealed a persistent cervical intramedullary hematoma. A dorsal myelotomy was performed. A subacute hematoma was confirmed histologically without underlying lesions. Eighteen months later, the dog's clinical signs were minimal. Two MRI examinations were performed 2 weeks and 5 months after surgery and revealed regressing signal abnormalities at the surgical site, consistent with a surgical scar.     

phlb 基因对普通小麦×易变山羊草Ae.variabilis杂种F1、BC1、BC2、BC3及转移抗禾谷类根结线虫 M.naasi基因影响的研究

Courtot 4 phlb、Courtot 2 phlb、Courotot与 Ae.variabilis杂种F_1平均每PMC在MI染色体交叉数(Xta)分别为15.18、11.62、1.67。杂种F_1育性极差,自交不结实。Courtot 4phlb、Courtot 2 phlb与Ae.variabilis杂种F_1回交难,回交结实率仅分别为0.13％、1.66％;BC_1植株染色体少,93.1％的植株为2n=35-44,且减数分裂行为极不规则。在2phlb×Ae.variabilis×2phlb×Ph×Ph BC_3群体中可获遗传性较稳定、育性较正常、对 M.naasi抗性一致的重组系或易位系。而Courtot×Ae.variabilis杂种F_1回交较易成功（6.81％）。93.8％的BC_1植株染色体数变化在2n=47-56,BC_3中仅获抗M.naasi单体附加系。     

Ovatoxin-a and palytoxin accumulation in seafood in relation to Ostreopsis cf. ovata blooms on the French Mediterranean coast

Dinoflagellates of the genus Ostreopsis are known to cause (often fatal) food poisoning in tropical coastal areas following the accumulation of palytoxin (PLTX) and/or its analogues (PLTX group) in crabs, sea urchins or fish. Ostreopsis spp. occurrence is presently increasing in the northern to north western Mediterranean Sea (Italy, Spain, Greece and France), probably in response to climate change. In France, Ostreopsis. cf. ovata has been associated with toxic events during summer 2006, at Morgiret, off the coast of Marseille, and a specific monitoring has been designed and implemented since 2007. Results from 2008 and 2009 showed that there is a real danger of human poisoning, as these demonstrated bioaccumulation of the PLTX group (PLTX and ovatoxin-a) in both filter-feeding bivalve molluscs (mussels) and herbivorous echinoderms (sea urchins). The total content accumulated in urchins reached 450 μg PLTX eq/kg total flesh (summer 2008). In mussels, the maximum was 230 μg eq PLTX/kg (summer 2009) compared with a maximum of 360 μg found in sea urchins during the same period at the same site. This publication brings together scientific knowledge obtained about the summer development of Ostreopsis spp. in France during 2007, 2008 and 2009.     

Assessment of yield monitoring equipment for dry matter and yield of corn silage and alfalfa/grass

Whole farm evaluations have shown that accurate yield data are difficult to collect for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and grass mixtures and corn (Zea mays L.) silage fields. Additionally, on-farm research, a recommended tool for adaptive management, is hindered by lack of practical ways to collect yield data. Recently, forage yield monitors have become available on self-propelled forage harvesters (SPFHs), but precision and accuracy of this technology are unknown. The objective of this project was to evaluate accuracy of yield and moisture sensing components of forage yield monitors for use in alfalfa/grass and corn silage. Moisture content, mass flow weights, total area harvested and total dry yield per hectare were measured on 11 farms in 2013; forage samples were collected for truck loads, analyzed for dry matter content, and compared to monitor-registered dry matter. Truck weights were used to compare monitor-derived yield to actual yield on two farms for alfalfa/grass and three farms for corn silage. Moisture sensors estimated crop moisture content within 3.7 % DM for alfalfa/grass and 3.0 % DM for corn silage of the oven dry value. Flow sensors estimated alfalfa/grass yield to ±0.5 and ±1.1 Mg DM/ha for corn silage. When calibrations are done regularly, forage yield monitors can provide an accurate and precise measure of dry yield for adaptive management. It is concluded that this technology can be used when plots are large and large treatment-driven yield differences are expected.     

The effects of burning forest biomass on the yield of plantain (cv. Ebang,Musa spp. AAB,false horn) after hot-water and boiling-water treatment in southern Cameroon

Plantain grown after forest slash-and-burn raises concerns due to the release of CO₂ and the destruction of biodiversity. Plantain yields are presented after forest biomass was burned or retained in combination with sucker sanitation versus traditional planting. Biomass burning did not affect plant crop and total yield. Soil chemical properties were weakly positively affected by burning. Sucker sanitation increased total yield at one site from 6.2 to 9.7 Mg ha^?1 (p = 0.015), without effects on root health. In the second site, sucker sanitation had no effect on fresh bunch yield (mean 8.59 Mg ha^?1), yet significantly improved root health parameters. Thus, at the first site, sucker sanitation elicited a positive response via a mechanism different from nematode control. At the second site, by contrast, nematode control was not the most important factor in yield formation. These data do not support the notion that retaining biomass increases plantain production. Other factors related to labor requirements and later weed infestation are probably more important in farmers' decision making on biomass management.     

Connectivity measures: a review

One of the central problems in contemporary ecology and conservation biology is the drastic change of landscapes induced by anthropogenic activities, resulting in habitat loss and fragmentation. For many wild living species, local extinctions of fragmented populations are common and recolonization is critical for regional survival. Successful recolonization depends on the availability of dispersing individuals and the degree of landscape connectivity. The obvious implications of landscape connectivity for conservation biology have led to a proliferation of connectivity measures. However, general relationships between landscape connectivity and landscape structure are lacking, and so are the relationships between different connectivity metrics. Consequently, there is a need to develop landscape metrics that more accurately characterize the landscape with an emphasis on the underlying processes. Here we review various definitions of landscape connectivity, explain their mathematical connotations, and make some unifying conclusions and suggestions for future research.     

In vitro susceptibility patterns of fungi associated with keratomycosis in horses of the northeastern United States: 68 cases (1987-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To determine in vitro susceptibility patterns of fungi associated with keratomycosis in horses in the northeastern United States and compare those patterns with results of studies from other geographic regions. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 68 horses with keratomycosis. PROCEDURES: Medical records of horses with a clinical diagnosis of keratomycosis, positive results of corneal fungal cultures, and susceptibility data were reviewed from the years 1987 to 2006. Fungal identification and in vitro antifungal susceptibility test results were recorded. The percentage of susceptible isolates was compared among antifungals for all isolates together and for the most common genera individually. RESULTS: 74 fungal isolates from 68 horses that met inclusion criteria were identified. Aspergillus, Candida, and Fusarium spp were the most frequent isolates. Grouped isolates had the highest percentage of susceptibility to nystatin (87.7%), natamycin (87.5%), and clotrimazole (80.6%). Grouped isolates had the lowest percentage of susceptibility to fluconazole (15.8%) and miconazole (27.5%). Aspergillus spp (> or = 81.0%) were most susceptible to nystatin, clotrimazole, itraconazole, and natamycin. Candida spp (100%) were most susceptible to ketaconazole, natamycin, and nystatin. Fusarium spp (100%) were only consistently susceptible to natamycin. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: On the basis of in vitro susceptibility testing, nystatin, natamycin, or clotrimazole is recommended for initial topical treatment of keratomycosis in horses from the northeastern United States. Contrary to results of studies of ocular fungal isolates of horses from other regions, Candida spp were identified more frequently and miconazole had lower in vitro efficacy in the present study.