Effect of different heat ameliorating measures on the micro-climate of buffalo sheds during hot-dry summer

Present investigation studied the effect of heat ameliorating measures on micro-climate of sheds of Murrah buffalo heifers during hot dry summer. Buffalo heifers (24) were categorised in 4 groups (6 in each), viz. control (T0), cooling jacket (T1), cooling jacket+forced ventilation (T2) and sprinklers+forced ventilation (T3). Daily minimum and maximum and dry and wet bulb temperatures of both micro and macro-climate were measured at 10.00 AM and 2.00 PM of Indian Standard Time (IST) by using maximum and minimum and dry and wet bulb thermometer, respectively. Significant reduction in maximum temperature was observed in T3, T2 and T1 groups than control group. However, significantly higher minimum temperature was found in T0 group as compared to T3, T2 and T1 respectively. Relative humidity (RH) was significantly lower in T3 and T2 (65.67±0.48 and 65.97±0.53%, respectively) than T0 (68.51±0.56%) group at 10.00 AM whereas, at 2.00 PM significant reduction in RH was observed in T3, and T2 (55.31±0.51 and 57.20±0.62) than T0 (58.96±0.63%) group. During peak hot periods, significantly lower Temperature humidity Index (THI) was found in T3, T2 and T1 than T0 group. However, at 10.00 AM significant reduction in THI was found in T3 and T2 groups than T0 group. The findings of the present study indicated that forced ventilation along with sprinklers and cooling jacket had helped in protecting the animals from thermal stress under loose housing system during hot-dry summer

Wirkung des Fusarientoxins Deoxynivalenol beim wachsenden Schwein in Abhängigkeit von der Darreichungsform

In der Literatur finden sich zahlreiche widersprüchliche Angaben zur Wirkung des Mykotoxins Deoxynivalenol (DON) bei Schweinen, wobei meist für natürlich mit DON kontaminiertes Futter (DONnat) stärkere Wirkungen beobachtet wurden als für künstlich mit DON-Reinsubstanz kontaminiertes Futter (DONrein). In dieser Arbeit wurde der Einfluß von Deoxynivalenol (DON) auf die Entwicklung wachsender Schweine untersucht. Von besonderem Interesse war hierbei die Frage, inwieweit für natürlich kontaminiertes Futter beobachtete Wirkungen (DONnat) auch durch Verfütterung einer mit DON-Reintoxin künstlich kontaminierten, getreidefreien Futtermatrix (DONrein) reproduziert werden können. Hierzu wurden männliche Läuferschweine einerseits mit einer natürlich kontaminierten Getreideration und andereseits mit einer getreidefreien Ration auf Kartoffelbasis unter Zusatz von Reintoxin gefüttert. Aufgrund der baulichen Gegebenheiten sowie der tierschutzrechtlichen Bestimmungen, wurde das Projekt in Teilabschnitten umgesetzt. Neben den Leistungsparametern Futteraufnahme und Gewichtsentwicklung wurden ferner Parameter wie Blut, Darmenzymatik, Gewebeveränderungen und DON-Metabolisierung im Kot untersucht. Zur Abschätzung der erforderlichen Toxingehalte für ein sicheres Auftreten eines Toxineffektes wurden in einem Vorversuch (Durchgang A) jeweils 5 Tiere parallel mit 2000 mg/kg und 4000 mg/kg DONnat bzw. DONrein belastet. Das Fütterungsregime entsprach einer restriktiven Futtervorlage, welche so bemessen war, dass sie einer ad libitum-Fütterung entsprechen sollte. Zu jeder Belastungsgruppe in jeder Futtervariante wurde eine Kontrollgruppe mitgeführt. Die Ergebnisse aus dem ersten Durchgang (A) zeigten lediglich Trends hinsichtlich einer möglichen Toxinwirkung auf. Insbesondere Tiere der natürlichen Belastungsgruppe wiesen Gewichtseinbußen auf. Demgegenüber waren in der Gruppe DONrein, trotz der hohen Toxinbelastung, keine Unterschiede der Leistungsparameter festzustellen. In einem zweiten Durchgang (B) wurde daraufhin jeweils 5 Tieren ausschließlich eine kontaminierte Weizenration mit einer DON-Belastung von 4000 mg/kg und 6000 mg/kg verabreicht, und im Anschluß daran in einem dritten Durchgang (C) wiederum jeweils 5 Tiere ausschließlich mit DONrein in Höhe von 4000 mg/kg und 6000 mg/kg in einer getreidefreien Futtermatrix belastet. Auch das Fütterungsregime wurde in diesen beiden Abschnitten an eine ad libitum-Fütterung adaptiert. Das variierte Versuchsverfahren in Durchgang B ließ signifikante Unterschiede in Gewichtsentwicklung und Futteraufnahme der Tiere erkennen, im gleichermaßen gestalteten Durchgang C konnte jedoch kein Einfluß des zugesetzten reinen DON in der getreidefreien Diät abgeleitet werden. Die Untersuchung der Blutparameter lieferte keinen Anhaltspunkt auf einen systemischen Toxineffekt. Veränderungen einzelner Parameter traten sporadisch und inkonstant auf. Die Thyroxingehalte stiegen nur in der Versuchsgruppe mit reinem Toxin regelmäßig in den Durchgängen A und C gegen Versuchsende an. In den Durchgängen A und B lagen die T4-Werte der getreidehaltig gefütterten Gruppen deutlich höher, als die der getreidefrei gefütterten Tiere, was allerdings der Diät zuzuschreiben war. In Versuchsdurchgang B fiel der Blut-Triglyceridgehalt mit einem signifikanten Anstieg auf, allerdings nur in der mittleren Belastungsgruppe 4000 mg/kg DONrein. Dagegen konnte in diesem Abschnitt ein signifikanter SDH-Anstieg in der Gruppe DONnat gefunden werden. Bezüglich der IgA-Gehalte im Serum waren zwischen den Behandlungen keine Unterschiede zu erkennen. Mit zunehmendem DON-Gehalt im Futter ließ sich lediglich ein Trend zu höheren IgA-Gehalten feststellen, der bei Verabreichung von DONnat deutlich ausgeprägter erschien. Die Fähigkeit der Darmmikroflora (aus dem Rektum), DON zu dem Metaboliten Deepoxy-Deoxynivalenol (DOM-1) zu transformieren war sowohl von der Darreichungsform und der Toxinmenge als auch vom Fütterungsregime abhängig. Der Anteil transformierender Mikroorganismen im Kot nahm unabhängig von der Darreichungsform mit steigender Toxinkonzentration im Futter zu. Bei den Kontrolltieren dagegen war kein einheitliches Muster abzuleiten. Ein Einfluß des Toxins auf den Proteingehalt der Darmmukosa sowie der ALT- und -KGDH-Aktivität der Enterozyten war nicht eindeutig zu bestimmen. Histologisch ließen sich vereinzelt deutlich Veränderungen der Mukosa von Magen und Darm finden, allerdings traten diese Veränderungen ebenfalls unabhängig von der Behandlung auf. Diese Arbeit zeigt den grundsätzlichen Unterschied bezüglich der Efffekte von DON als Reinsubstanz und als natürlich gebildetes Toxin in kontaminiertem Getreide auf. Die bislang festgestellten toxischen Wirkungen von DON sind allein durch Verabreichung der Reinsubstanz ohne natürliche Matrix nicht reproduzierbar. Das heißt, dass im natürlich kontaminierten Futter ein oder mehrere andere toxische Agentien zu den Vergiftungssymptomen beitragen oder diese sogar ausschließlich verursachen. Andererseits ist bei Vergiftungsfällen in der Praxis immer auch DON in entsprechenden Mengen nachzuweisen, DON könnte somit als Leitsubstanz benannt werden. Um die Zusammenhänge und auch um eine sichere Einschätzung der Gefährdung durch diese Substanz gewährleisten zu können, sind hierzu weitere Untersuchung erforderlich. Aber sowohl hinsichtlich der Kosten und des Aufwandes als auch unter Tierschutzaspekten sind die aufzustellenden Versuchskonzepte nur sehr schwer umsetzbar.Publications show a considerable amount of inconsistant information for effects of mycotoxin deoxynivalenol in pigs. Naturally contaminated feeds (DONnat) seem to cause more severe effects than pure DON in artificially contaminated feed (DONpure). This study examined the development of growing pigs under DON-influence. Most interestingly was the question, wether effects of DON-contaminated feed (DONnat) could be replicated using a grainless diet containing pure DON (DONpure). Therefore a group of male pigs were fed a diet containing naturally contaminated wheat and compared to another group fed a grainless diet based on potato supplemented with DONpure. Due to the building capacity and for reasons of animal welfare, the project had to be divided in several parts. Beside the performance parameters feed intake and weight development other parameters (blood, intestinal enzymes, tissue alterations and DON-metabolisation in feces) were examined. To estimate the required DON dose to provide certain toxic effects a preceding study (Part A) was drawn consisting of 4 groups with 5 animals each. The treatment was both naturally contaminated wheat diet and pure DON in grainless potato diet. The contents in both diets were 2000 mg/kg and 4000 mg/kg DONnat respectively DONpure. The amount of food was calculated corresponding to ad libitum feeding. Every treatment group was compared to a control group. The results of Part A only showed slight trends concerning a possible toxic effect. Especially the naturally contaminated group demonstrated weight loss. In contrast, there was no evidence of any toxic effect in the DONpure –group concerning performance. In a second study (Part B) 3 groups comprising 5 animals each received wheat diet, exclusively, containing 4000 mg/kg and 6000 mg/kg DONnat and control group, followed by Part C, altered by feeding grainless potato diet with corresponding amounts of DONpure. Also the feeding regime was changed to a real ad libitum feeding. The trial variation in Part B showed significant differences in weight gain and feed intake. These were not reproducible in Part C, no effect of admitted DONpure in grainless diet was derived. The examination of blood parameters gave no evidence of a systemic toxic effect. Alterations of single parameters were inconstant and intermittent. Only the thyroxin levels increased in the grainless group during Parts A and C at the end of each trial. In Part A and B the levels in the wheat diet groups increased, indicating an effect of the diet. In Part B, the blood triglycerides showed a significant rise, but only in the group with medium exposure of pure DON (4000 mg DONpure /kg). In contrast, a significant rise of SDH contents was found in the contaminated wheat diet group (DONnat). Regarding the serum IgA-levels no differences between the treatments could be diagnosed. With higher DON-levels in food a distinct trend to higher IgA-levels, esp. in the naturally contaminated group (DONnat), could be assessed. The ability of Intestinal flora (rectum) for DON-degradation (DOM-1) depended on both, sort of food (ingredients) and dosage and also the feeding regime. The fraction of transforming microorganisms in faeces rose with increasing toxin contents independent of diet. In contrast, the control animals showed no consistent pattern. The influence of protein content of intestinal mucosa and activity of ALT and -KGDH in enterocytes could not be identified clearly. Several mucosal variations of stomach and intestine were determined in histological examination. These changes also appeared independent of treatment. This study showed basic differences of pure DON and DON from a naturally contaminated source, referring to toxic effects. Only pure DON without natural material cannot bring out any toxic effect, which was described up to now. That means, there must be ne or more further agents in naturally contaminated material, supporting or just releasing an intoxication. On the other hand, in cases of intoxication DON is detected regularly. Therefore the conclusion for DON as leading substance may be established. For connections and a reliable estimation of the risks through this substance, further examinations are necessary. But expenses, complexity and also animal welfare reasons make the realisation of required trials very difficult

Comprehensive study of the CuF<inf>2</inf> conversion reaction mechanism in a lithium ion battery

Conversion materials for lithium ion batteries have recently attracted considerable attention due to their exceptional specific capacities. Some metal fluorides, such as CuF2, are promising candidates for cathode materials owing to their high operating potential, which stems from the high electronegativity of fluorine. However, the high ionicity of the metal–fluorine bond leads to a large band gap that renders these materials poor electronic conductors. Nanosizing the active material and embedding it within a conductive matrix such as carbon can greatly improve its electrochemical performance. In contrast to other fluorides, such as FeF2 and NiF2, good capacity retention has not, however, been achieved for CuF2. The reaction mechanisms that occur in the first and subsequent cycles and the reasons for the poor charge performance of CuF2 are studied in this paper via a variety of characterization methods. In situ pair distribution function analysis clearly shows CuF2 conversion in the first discharge. However, few structural changes are seen in the following charge and subsequent cycles. Cyclic voltammetry results, in combination with in situ X-ray absorption near edge structure and ex situ nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, indicate that Cu dissolution is associated with the consumption of the LiF phase, which occurs during the first charge via the formation of a Cu1+ intermediate. The dissolution process consequently prevents Cu and LiF from transforming back to CuF2. Such side reactions result in negligible capacity in subsequent cycles and make this material challenging to use in a rechargeable battery.We acknowledge the funding from the U.S. DOE BES via funding to the EFRC NECCES, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences under Award Number DE-SC0001294 (support for Rosa Robert and Lin-Shu Du) and EPSRC via the “nanoionics” programme grant (support for Xiao Hua). Use of the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS), Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, under Contract No. DE-AC02-98CH10886. Use of the Advanced Photon Source, an Office of Science User Facility operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science by Argonne National Laboratory, was supported by the U.S. DOE under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357.This is the final published version of the article. It first appeared at http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jp503902z and is posted here under the terms of ACS's Editors' Choice scheme (http://pubs.acs.org/page/policy/authorchoice_termsofuse.html)

Chickpea

The narrow genetic base of cultivated chickpea warrants systematic collection, documentation and evaluation of chickpea germplasm and particularly wild Cicer species for effective and efficient use in chickpea breeding programmes. Limiting factors to crop production, possible solutions and ways to overcome them, importance of wild relatives and barriers to alien gene introgression and strategies to overcome them and traits for base broadening have been discussed. It has been clearly demonstrated that resistance to major biotic and abiotic stresses can be successfully introgressed from the primary gene pool comprising progenitor species. However, many desirable traits including high degree of resistance to multiple stresses that are present in the species belonging to secondary and tertiary gene pools can also be introgressed by using special techniques to overcome pre- and post-fertilization barriers. Besides resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses, the yield QTLs have also been introgressed from wild Cicer species to cultivated varieties. Status and importance of molecular markers, genome mapping and genomic tools for chickpea improvement are elaborated. Because of major genes for various biotic and abiotic stresses, the transfer of agronomically important traits into elite cultivars has been made easy and practical through marker-assisted selection and marker-assisted backcross. The usefulness of molecular markers such as SSR and SNP for the construction of high-density genetic maps of chickpea and for the identification of genes/QTLs for stress resistance, quality and yield contributing traits has also been discussed

Genomics-assisted breeding in four major pulse crops of developing countries: present status and prospects

The global population is continuously increasing and is expected to reach nine billion by 2050. This huge population pressure will lead to severe shortage of food, natural resources and arable land. Such an alarming situation is most likely to arise in developing countries due to increase in the proportion of people suffering from protein and micronutrient malnutrition. Pulses being a primary and affordable source of proteins and minerals play a key role in alleviating the protein calorie malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and other undernourishment-related issues. Additionally, pulses are a vital source of livelihood generation for millions of resource-poor farmers practising agriculture in the semi-arid and sub-tropical regions. Limited success achieved through conventional breeding so far in most of the pulse crops will not be enough to feed the ever increasing population. In this context, genomics-assisted breeding (GAB) holds promise in enhancing the genetic gains. Though pulses have long been considered as orphan crops, recent advances in the area of pulse genomics are noteworthy, e.g. discovery of genome-wide genetic markers, high-throughput genotyping and sequencing platforms, high-density genetic linkage/QTL maps and, more importantly, the availability of whole-genome sequence. With genome sequence in hand, there is a great scope to apply genome-wide methods for trait mapping using association studies and to choose desirable genotypes via genomic selection. It is anticipated that GAB will speed up the progress of genetic improvement of pulses, leading to the rapid development of cultivars with higher yield, enhanced stress tolerance and wider adaptability

Tcra gene recombination is supported by a Tcra enhancer- and CTCF-dependent chromatin hub

Antigen receptor locus V(D)J recombination requires interactions between widely separated variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) gene segments, but the mechanisms that generate these interactions are not well understood. Here we assessed mechanisms that direct developmental stage-specific long-distance interactions at the Tcra/Tcrd locus. The Tcra/Tcrd locus recombines Tcrd gene segments in CD4(-)CD8(-) double-negative thymocytes and Tcra gene segments in CD4(+)CD8(+) double-positive thymocytes. Initial V-alpha-to-J(alpha) recombination occurs within a chromosomal domain that displays a contracted conformation in both thymocyte subsets. We used chromosome conformation capture to demonstrate that the Tcra enhancer (E-alpha) interacts directly with V-alpha and J(alpha) gene segments distributed across this domain, specifically in double-positive thymocytes. Moreover, E-alpha promotes interactions between these V-alpha and J(alpha) segments that should facilitate their synapsis. We found that the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) binds to E-alpha and to many locus promoters, biases E-alpha to interact with these promoters, and is required for efficient V-alpha-J(alpha) recombination. Our data indicate that E-alpha and CTCF cooperate to create a developmentally regulated chromatin hub that supports V-alpha-J(alpha) synapsis and recombination