The morphometrics and the proximate composition of the edible fresh water mussel Lamellidens lamellatus (Lea) from Bathalagoda tank, a man made reservoir in Sri Lanka

Morphometric characteristics of Lamellidens lamellatus were studied using a random sample of 138 individuals collected from Bathalagoda reservoir in Kurunegala district. The largest number of individuals in the collection was between 40-50 mm in length. They had a body weight between 60-80 gm. The most abundant bio-chemical component in the adductor and in the foot was protein. Carbohydrate and lipid quantities were almost equal while ash showed the least value. The total protein content ranged from 48.8% to 73.4%; the carbohydrate content from 12.64% to 23.8%; and lipid content from 12.0% to 28.1% of their dry weight. It was found that there were significant relationships between the length and the body weight; and between length and volume

Peixes Da Reserva Biológica Do Jaru, Drenagem Do Rio Machado, Bacia Do Rio Madeira, Estado De Rondônia, Norte Do Brasil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)This work assessed freshwater fishes collected at 12 stations located along the Tarumã River, middle Machado River, Madeira River basin. The fieldwork took place in May and September 2015 during the high and low water seasons, respectively. We gathered 1,482 specimens representing seven orders, 30 families, 54 genera and 74 species using seine, gill, and hand nets. The family Characidae was the most representative, exhibiting the highest number of species captured. The species with the greatest abundance were Hemigrammus vorderwinkleri, Hyphessobrycon bentosi, Hemigrammus cf. bellottii, Bryconella pallidifrons, and Apistogramma resticulosa. Two species that remained unidentified are probably a new species. This study represents the third fish survey totally conducted at a Conservation Unit in the Rondônia State, and will certainly provide valuable information for future investigations on biodiversity conservation in the Machado River. © 2017, Universidade Estadual de Campinas UNICAMP. All rights reserved.1712013/22473–8, FAPESP, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São PauloUERJ, Universidade do Estado do Rio de JaneiroFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Ultrasonic time of flight estimation for wind speed measurement based on time-frequency domain using STFT

Peer Reviewe

Comparison between light scattering and gravimetric samplers for PM10 mass concentration in poultry and pig houses

The objective of this study was to compare co-located real-time light scattering devices and equivalent gravimetric samplers in poultry and pig houses for PM10 mass concentration, and to develop animal-specific calibration factors for light scattering samplers. These results will contribute to evaluate the comparability of different sampling instruments for PM10, concentrations. Paired DustTrak light scattering device (DustTrak aerosol monitor, TSI, U.S.) and PM10 gravimetric cyclone sampler were used for measuring PM10 mass concentrations during 24 h periods (from noon to noon) inside animal houses. Sampling was conducted in 32 animal houses in the Netherlands, including broilers, broiler breeders, layers in floor and in aviary system, turkeys, piglets, growing-finishing pigs in traditional and low emission housing with dry and liquid feed, and sows in individual and group housing. A total of 119 pairs of 24 h measurements (55 for poultry and 64 for pigs) were recorded and analyzed using linear regression analysis. Deviations between samplers were calculated and discussed. In poultry, cyclone sampler and DustTrak data fitted well to a linear regression, with a regression coefficient equal to 0.41, an intercept of 0.16 mg m(-3) and a correlation coefficient of 0.91 (excluding turkeys). Results in turkeys showed a regression coefficient equal to 1.1 (P = 0.49), an intercept of 0.06 mg m(-3) (P < 0.0001) and a correlation coefficient of 0.98. In pigs, we found a regression coefficient equal to 0.61, an intercept of 0.05 mg m(-3) and a correlation coefficient of 0.84. Measured PM10 concentrations using DustTraks were clearly underestimated (approx. by a factor 2) in both poultry and pig housing systems compared with cyclone pre-separators. Absolute, relative, and random deviations increased with concentration. DustTrak light scattering devices should be self-calibrated to investigate PM10 mass concentrations accurately in animal houses. We recommend linear regression equations as animal-specific calibration factors for DustTraks instead of manufacturer calibration factors, especially in heavily dusty environments such as animal houses. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.The study was financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic affairs, Agriculture and Innovation. Authors wish to thank the Campus de Excelencia Internacional of the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (Spain) for funding Dr. Cambra-Lopez's postdoc contract.Cambra López, M.; Winkel, A.; Mosquera, J.; Ogink, NW.; Aarnink, AJA. (2015). Comparison between light scattering and gravimetric samplers for PM10 mass concentration in poultry and pig houses. Atmospheric Environment. 111:20-27. doi:10.1016/j.atmosenv.2015.03.051S202711

Airway wall extracellular matrix changes induced by bronchial thermoplasty in severe asthma

Background: Airway remodeling is a prominent feature of asthma, which involves increased airway smooth muscle mass and altered extracellular matrix composition. Bronchial thermoplasty (BT), a bronchoscopic treatment for severe asthma, targets airway remodeling.Objective: We sought to investigate the effect of BT on extracellular matrix composition and its association with clinical outcomes.Methods: This is a substudy of the TASMA trial. Thirty patients with severe asthma were BT-treated, of whom 13 patients were treated for 6 months with standard therapy (control group) before BT. Demographic data, clinical data including pulmonary function, and bronchial biopsies were collected. Biopsies at BT-treated and nontreated locations were analyzed by histological and immunohistochemical staining. Associations between histology and clinical outcomes were explored.Results: Six months after treatment, it was found that the reticular basement membrane thickness was reduced from 7.28 μm to 5.74 μm (21% relative reduction) and the percentage area of tissue positive for collagen increased from 26.3% to 29.8% (13% relative increase). Collagen structure analysis revealed a reduction in the curvature frequency of fibers. The percentage area positive for fibulin-1 and fibronectin increased by 2.5% and 5.9%, respectively (relative increase of 124% and 15%). No changes were found for elastin. The changes in collagen and fibulin-1 negatively associated with changes in FEV1 reversibility.Conclusions: Besides reduction of airway smooth muscle mass, BT has an impact on reticular basement membrane thickness and the extracellular matrix arrangement characterized by an increase in tissue area occupied by collagen with a less dense fiber organization. Both collagen and fibulin-1 are negatively associated with the change in FEV1 reversibility.</p