Goal conflicts in long-term cropping system trials - the example of carrots

Agricultural research on multiple cropping systems in parallel increases the potential for knowledge transfer between organic and conventional systems. This project aims to develop cropping systems towards greater sustainability through work in long-term trials that have a unique opportunity to contribute to a holistic research perspective. Data on the fourth crop rotation (2007-2012) are now being compiled. This paper presents preliminary results from cultivation of carrots as an example to demonstrate goal conflicts in organic and conventional systems between good nutrient management and good economy on one hand and nematode control and intensive cropping systems (good short-term economy) on the other. Good productivity and sustainable production levels are major overall goals in the project. The conclusion is that more research on nematode susceptibility and propagating at different crops and varieties is very important

Analytic treatment of nuclear spin-lattice relaxation for diffusion in a cone model

We consider nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate resulted from a diffusion equation for rotational wobbling in a cone. We show that the widespread point of view that there are no analytical expressions for correlation functions for wobbling in a cone model is invalid and prove that nuclear spin-lattice relaxation in this model is exactly tractable and amenable to full analytical description. The mechanism of relaxation is assumed to be due to dipole-dipole interaction of nuclear spins and is treated within the framework of the standard Bloemberger, Purcell, Pound - Solomon scheme. We consider the general case of arbitrary orientation of the cone axis relative the magnetic field. The BPP-Solomon scheme is shown to remain valid for systems with the distribution of the cone axes depending only on the tilt relative the magnetic field but otherwise being isotropic. We consider the case of random isotropic orientation of cone axes relative the magnetic field taking place in powders. Also we consider the cases of their predominant orientation along or opposite the magnetic field and that of their predominant orientation transverse to the magnetic field which may be relevant for, e.g., liquid crystals. Besides we treat in details the model case of the cone axis directed along the magnetic field. The latter provides direct comparison of the limiting case of our formulas with the textbook formulas for free isotropic rotational diffusion. The dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation rate on the cone half-width yields results similar to those predicted by the model-free approach.Comment: 29 p., 7 fig. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1101.249

Short-Range Structural Transformations in Water at High Pressures

We report results of molecular dynamics simulations of liquid water at the temperature T=277 K for a range of high pressure. One aim of the study was to test the model Amoeba potential for description of equilibrium structural properties and dynamical processes in liquid water. The comparison our numerical results with the Amoeba and TIP5P potentials, our results of \emph{ab initio} molecular dynamics simulations and the experimental data reveals that the Amoeba potential reproduces correctly structural properties of the liquid water. Other aim of our work was related with investigation of the pressure induced structural transformations and their influence on the microscopic collective dynamics. We have found that the structural anomaly at the pressure $p_c\approx 2000$ Atm is related with the changes of the local, short-range order in liquid water within first two coordination shells. This anomaly specifies mainly by deformation of the hydrogen-bond network. We also discuss in detail the anomalous behavior of sound propagation in liquid water at high pressures and compare numerical results with the experimental data.Comment: 1 tex-file and 9 figure

Molecular characterization and expression pattern of zona pellucida proteins in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

The developing oocyte is surrounded by an acellular envelope that is composed of 2–4 isoforms of zona pellucida (ZP) proteins. The ZP proteins comprise the ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZPX isoforms. While ZP1 (ZPB) and ZP3 (ZPC) are present in all species, ZP2 (ZPA) is not found in teleost fish and ZPX is not found in mammals. In the present study, we identify and characterize the ZP1, ZP3 and ZPX isoforms of gilthead seabream. Furthermore, by analyzing the conserved domains, which include the external hydrophobic patch and the internal hydrophobic patch, we show that ZP2 and ZPX are closely related isoforms. ZP proteins are synthesized in either the liver or ovary of most teleosts. Only in rainbow trout has it been shown that zp3 has dual transcription sites. In gilthead seabream, all four mRNA isoforms are transcribed in both the liver and ovary, with zp1a, zp1b, and zp3 being highly expressed in the liver, and zpx being primarily expressed in the ovary. However, determination of the ZP proteins in plasma showed high levels of ZP1b, ZP3, and ZPX, with low or non-detectable levels of ZP1a. In similarity to other teleost ZPs, the hepatic transcription of all four ZP isoforms is under estrogenic control. Previously, we have shown that cortisol can potentiate estrogen-induced ZP synthesis in salmonids, and now we show that this is not the case in the gilthead seabream. The present study shows for the first time the endocrine regulation of a teleost ZPX isoform, and demonstrates the dual-organ transcriptional activities of all the ZP proteins in one species

Is it time to break up? - Localizing and analyzing framings surrounding the political debate on Scottish independence

By using the method of framing analysis this bachelor’s thesis investigates how the debate of Scottish independence is framed by leaders representing the four largest political parties in Scotland. The material consists of speeches the politicians have held in the year of 2013, all speeches addressing the 2014 referendum and the issue of Scottish independence. By deconstructing the arguments communicated in the respective speeches the author attempts to identify dominant narratives that serve the purpose of promoting certain political agendas and framing the perception of independence. This study also aims to determine whether the dispute on Scottish independence is best described as a policy disagreement or a policy controversy. This is done in accordance with the research on “intractable policy controversies” by Donald A. Schön and Martin Rein. The findings show that there are conflicting framings of the issue of independence and that three of those are predominant. They also show that the debate on independence is best described as a policy controversy

Reducing the cardiovascular disease burden for people of all ages in the Americas region: Analysis of mortality data, 2000–15

Background: In accordance with the age parameters specified in Sustainable Development Goal target 3.4, current policy and monitoring of non-communicable disease (NCD) mortality trends focus on people aged 30–69 years. This approach excludes the majority of NCD deaths, which occur at older ages. We aimed to compare cardiovascular mortality for different age groups in the WHO Region of the Americas. Methods: We extracted mortality data from the Pan American Health Organization regional mortality database for 36 countries for the period 2000 to 2015. We calculated age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs) from cardiovascular diseases for different age groups for these countries. Joinpoint regression models were used to estimate mortality trends, providing estimates of the average annual percentage change for the period 2000–15. Findings: Individuals aged 70 years or older accounted for the majority of cardiovascular disease deaths in all countries (range 52–82%). Considerable variation in cardiovascular deaths was observed between countries for all age categories. Between 2000 and 2015, in most countries, the largest reductions in ASMR were observed in the older age groups (aged ≥70 years). The total number of regional cardiovascular disease deaths that hypothetically could have been averted in 2015 for people aged 30–79 years was 440 777, of which 211 365 (48%) occurred among people aged 70–79 years. Interpretation: Data for the WHO Region of the Americas are sufficiently robust to permit comparative analysis of cardiovascular disease mortality trends for people aged 70 years and older over time and across countries. Although the reduction of cardiovascular disease mortality in individuals aged 30–69 years is a valid policy goal for the Americas region, this objective should be expanded to include people at older ages. Funding: None

Lipid biosynthesis monitored at the single-cell level in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

There is increasing interest in bioengineering of lipids for use in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a widely utilized cell factory for biotechnological production, thus a tempting alternative. Herein, we show how its neutral lipid accumulation varies throughout metabolic phases under nutritional conditions relevant for large-scale fermentation. Population-averaged metabolic data were correlated with lipid storage at the single-cell level monitored at submicron resolution by label-free coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. While lipid droplet sizes are fairly constant, the number of droplets is a dynamic parameter determined by glucose and ethanol levels. The lowest number of lipid droplets is observed in the transition phase between glucose and ethanol fermentation. It is followed by a buildup during the ethanol phase. The surplus of accumulated lipids is then mobilized at concurrent glucose and ethanol starvation in the subsequent stationary phase. Thus, the highest amount of lipids is found in the ethanol phase, which is about 0.3 fL/cell. Our results indicate that the budding yeast, S. cerevisiae, can be used for the biosynthesis of lipids and demonstrate the strength of CARS microscopy for monitoring the dynamics of lipid metabolism at the single-cell level of importance for optimized lipid production

Postural instability in an immersive Virtual Reality adapts with repetition and includes directional and gender specific effects

The ability to handle sensory conflicts and use the most appropriate sensory information is vital for successful recovery of human postural control after injury. The objective was to determine if virtual reality (VR) could provide a vehicle for sensory training, and determine the temporal and spatial nature of such adaptive changes. Twenty healthy subjects participated in the study (10 females). The subjects watched a 90-second VR simulation of railroad (rollercoaster) motion in mountainous terrain during five repeated simulations, while standing on a force platform that recorded their stability. The immediate response to watching the VR movie was an increased level of postural instability. Repeatedly watching the same VR movie significantly reduced both the anteroposterior (62%, p < 0.001) and lateral (47%, p = 0.001) energy used. However, females adapted more slowly to the VR stimuli as reflected by higher use of total (p = 0.007), low frequency (p = 0.027) and high frequency (p = 0.026) energy. Healthy subjects can significantly adapt to a multidirectional, provocative, visual environment after 4–5 repeated sessions of VR. Consequently, VR technology might be an effective tool for rehabilitation involving visual desensitisation. However, some females may require more training sessions to achieve effects with VR

Why powerful economic content and scientific language in social studies textbooks matters

The use of scientific economic terms is insufficient in Swedish social studies textbooks. Analysed textbooks do not offer optimal preconditions to develop in-depth economic knowledge. Insufficient use of economic terms may have negative impact on cumulative knowledge building. The insufficient use of economic terms may also lead to unequal economic education. Purpose: This article examines the prevalence of six economic terms in 17 Swedish upper-secondary school textbooks and how the language shifts between everyday and scientific language. Variations regarding content in the textbooks used in vocational programmes and preparatory programmes for higher education are also investigated. Design: Powerful knowledge (important knowledge within a subject) and semantic waves (variations between everyday and scientific language) are essential to cumulative knowledge building. These theories are used for quantitative and qualitative analyses of the textbooks. Findings: There are variations in the extent to which powerful economic terms appear and how the language shifts between everyday and scientific discourses in the textbooks analysed.Coverage and shifts are generally insufficient in textbooks used in vocational programmes. Practical implications: The importance of using powerful economic knowledge and shifting between everyday and scientific language in textbooks and teaching should be highlighted for policymakers, textbook authors and teacher educators