Marked long-term decline in ambient CO mixing ratio in SE England, 1997–2014:Evidence of policy success in improving air quality

Atmospheric CO at Egham in SE England has shown a marked and progressive decline since 1997, following adoption of strict controls on emissions. The Egham site is uniquely positioned to allow both assessment and comparison of ‘clean Atlantic background’ air and CO-enriched air downwind from the London conurbation. The decline is strongest (approximately 50ppb per year) in the 1997–2003 period but continues post 2003. A ‘local CO increment’ can be identified as the residual after subtraction of contemporary background Atlantic CO mixing ratios from measured values at Egham. This increment, which is primarily from regional sources (during anticyclonic or northerly winds) or from the European continent (with easterly air mass origins), has significant seasonality, but overall has declined steadily since 1997. On many days of the year CO measured at Egham is now not far above Atlantic background levels measured at Mace Head (Ireland). The results are consistent with MOPITT satellite observations and ‘bottom-up’ inventory results. Comparison with urban and regional background CO mixing ratios in Hong Kong demonstrates the importance of regional, as opposed to local reduction of CO emission. The Egham record implies that controls on emissions subsequent to legislation have been extremely successful in the UK

Adsorption energy and spin state of first-row transition metals adsorbed on MgO(100)

Slab and cluster model spin-polarized calculations have been carried out to study various properties of isolated first-row transition metal atoms adsorbed on the anionic sites of the regular MgO(100) surface. The calculated adsorption energies follow the trend of the metal cohesive energies, indicating that the changes in the metal-support and metal-metal interactions along the series are dominated by atomic properties. In all cases, except for Ni at the generalized gradient approximation level, the number of unpaired electron is maintained as in the isolated metal atom. The energy required to change the atomic state from high to low spin has been computed using the PW91 and B3LYP density-functional-theory-based methods. PW91 fails to predict the proper ground state of V and Ni, but the results for the isolated and adsorbed atom are consistent within the method. B3LYP properly predicts the ground state of all first-row transition atom the high- to low-spin transition considered is comparable to experiment. In all cases, the interaction with the surface results in a reduced high- to low-spin transition energy

Salmonella in free-living exotic and native turtles and in pet exotic turtles from SW Spain

We screened 78 native and 94 exotic turtles from natural ponds and 39 exotic pet turtles for presence of Salmonella, resulting with infection rates of 6.61%, 6.4%, and 5.1%, respectively. Concurrent shedding of multiple serotypes of the bacteria was only detected in one pet turtle. Eleven isolates were obtained in free-living turtles, including serotypes commonly found in reptiles and also the serotype Typhimurium, which is commonly related to human infections. In pet turtles, the five serotypes isolated were different to those isolated in free-living turtles and had been reported to cause reptile-associated salmonellosis in humans. These results confirm the risk of transmission of Salmonella from free-living and pet turtles to humans, demanding the necessity of regulation of pet turtle trade in Europe. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Peer Reviewe

Leaf rust latent period in wheat and its relation with field resistence

A pesquisa teve o objetivo de determinar o período de latência de ferrugem-da-folha (Puccinia recondita f. sp. tritici) em dez cultivares de trigo e sua relação com a resistência observada em campo. Dois experimentos foram realizados em casa de vegetação, avaliando os períodos de latência em plântula e em planta adulta emborrachada, através de metodologia proposta por Parlevliet. Outros dois foram instalados em campo, um em pequenas parcelas adjacentes e o outro em parcelas isoladas. Constatou-se sensível variação de comportamento das cultivares testadas quanto ao período de latência da ferrugem-da-folha. O estádio de desenvolvimento das plantas influenciou significativamente este período, que se mostrou mais longo em plantas adultas do que em plântulas. As cultivares evidenciaram diferenças significativas nos níveis de infecção em campo, maiores em pequenas parcelas adjacentes do que em parcelas isoladas. Somente foram detectadas correlações entre período de latência e níveis de infecção em campo quando medidos: aquele, em plantas adultas, e estes, em parcelas isoladas. Os resultados sugerem aos melhoristas procurarem evitar que a pressão de inóculo de parcelas adjacentes mascare o comportamento de cultivares ou plantas segregantes sob seleção.The research aimed to measure the latent period of leaf rust (Puccinia recondita f. sp. tritici) in ten wheat cultivars and its relation with field resistance. Two experiments were conducted in greenhouse estimating the latent period in seedlings and in blooming stages through Parlevliet method. Other two experiments had been conducted in field, one in small adjacent plots and another in isolated plots. Significant variation on cultivars performance related to leaf rust latent period was evidenced. Age of plants influenced significantly this data, been longer in adult plants than in seedlings. Cultivars showed different infection levels on field, greater in small plots. Latent period and field infection were correlated only when measured the first in adult plants and the latter in small plots. Results recommend breeders to avoid inoculum pressure which modifies wheat performance on leaf rust presence

FLAP: a framework for linking free-text addresses to the Ordnance Survey Unique Property Reference Number database

Introduction: Linking free-text addresses to unique identifiers in a structural address database [the Ordnance Survey unique property reference number (UPRN) in the United Kingdom (UK)] is a necessary step for downstream geospatial analysis in many digital health systems, e.g., for identification of care home residents, understanding housing transitions in later life, and informing decision making on geographical health and social care resource distribution. However, there is a lack of open-source tools for this task with performance validated in a test data set. Methods: In this article, we propose a generalisable solution (A Framework for Linking free-text Addresses to Ordnance Survey UPRN database, FLAP) based on a machine learning–based matching classifier coupled with a fuzzy aligning algorithm for feature generation with better performance than existing tools. The framework is implemented in Python as an Open Source tool (available at Link). We tested the framework in a real-world scenario of linking individual’s ((Formula presented.)) addresses recorded as free text in the Community Health Index (CHI) of National Health Service (NHS) Tayside and NHS Fife to the Unique Property Reference Number database (UPRN DB). Results: We achieved an adjusted matching accuracy of 0.992 in a test data set randomly sampled ((Formula presented.)) from NHS Tayside and NHS Fife CHI addresses. FLAP showed robustness against input variations including typographical errors, alternative formats, and partially incorrect information. It has also improved usability compared to existing solutions allowing the use of a customised threshold of matching confidence and selection of top (Formula presented.) candidate records. The use of machine learning also provides better adaptability of the tool to new data and enables continuous improvement. Discussion: In conclusion, we have developed a framework, FLAP, for linking free-text UK addresses to the UPRN DB with good performance and usability in a real-world task

Molecular characterization, expression and localization of a peroxiredoxin from the sheep scab mite, Psoroptes ovis

The sheep scab mite, Psoroptes ovis, induces an intensely pruritic exudative dermatitis which is responsible for restlessness, loss of appetite and weight loss. Within the first 24 h of infection, there is a rapid inflammatory influx of eosinophils and apoptosis of the keratinocytes at the site of infection. The former cell type is capable of a sustained respiratory burst, toxic products of which may directly damage the mite and also contribute to lesion formation. Analysis of a P. ovis expressed sequence tag (EST) database identified a number of antioxidant enzyme-encoding sequences, including peroxiredoxin (thioredoxin peroxidase EC 1.11.1.15), all of which may help the mite endure the potentially toxic skin environment. A full length sequence encoding Po-TPx, a protein of 206 amino acids which showed high homology to a peroxiredoxin from the salivary gland of the tick Ixodes scapularis, was amplified from P. ovis cDNA. Recombinant Po-TPx was expressed in bacteria and antiserum to this protein was used to localize native Po-TPx in mite sections. Peroxiredoxin was localized, amongst other sites, to a subpharyngeal region in mite sections. The recombinant protein was recognized by sera from sheep infested with the mite suggesting that it may be secreted or excreted by the mite and interact with the host immune response

A rapidly-growing friable nodule on the cheek

Atypical fibroxanthoma and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma are on a spectrum of cutaneous tumors that present as ulcerated lesions in older adults. We present an 84-year-old man with pleomorphic dermal sarcoma, initially presenting as a bleeding lesion of the cheek that progressed to an eroded nodule

SVA: Shape variation analyzer

Temporo-mandibular osteo arthritis (TMJ OA) is characterized by progressive cartilage degradation and subchondral bone remodeling. The causes of this pathology remain unclear. Current research efforts are concentrated in finding new biomarkers that will help us understand disease progression and ultimately improve the treatment of the disease. In this work, we present Shape Variation Analyzer (SVA), the goal is to develop a noninvasive technique to provide information about shape changes in TMJ OA. SVA uses neural networks to classify morphological variations of 3D models of the mandibular condyle. The shape features used for training include normal vectors, curvature and distances to average models of the condyles. The selected features are purely geometric and are shown to favor the classification task into 6 groups generated by consensus between two clinician experts. With this new approach, we were able to accurately classify 3D models of condyles. In this paper, we present the methods used and the results obtained with this new tool

EFECTO DEL GENOTIPO ANIMAL SOBRE EL RENDIMIENTO DE LA RES Y CALIDAD DE LA CARNE DE NOVILLOS ALIMENTADOS SOBRE PASTURA Y SUPLEMENTADOS EN EL PERIODO INVERNAL

El estudio fue realizado con el objetivo de determinar el rendimiento de la res y caracterizar la calidad de carne de cuatro genotipos de bovino de carne. Fueron extraídos al azar cuatro cabezas de un total de 30 animales terminados por tratamiento, sometidos a similares condiciones de manejo, sanidad y alimentación, con edad promedio de 24 meses. Los tratamientos fueron: Criollo (Cr, Bos taurus adaptado), Indico (1, Bos indicus), Trihíbrido (Tr, Bos taurus adaptado x Bos indicus x Bos taurus continental) e Híbrido (H, Bos taurus ingles x Bos indicus). El Diseño experimental fue el de bloques completos al azar, los resultados obtenidos fueron sometidos a ANAVA, las diferencias fueron analizadas por el test de Tukey al 5%. Los resultados evidencian pesos superiores de los H y Tr (sin ayuno) con respecto al Cr, mientras con ayuno solamente el H fue estadísticamente superior al Cr. Los tratamientos H, Tre I fueron estadísticamente superiores en el rendimiento en peso de la res al Cr. Los rendimientos como porcentaje del peso vivo sin y con ayuno promediaron 52.3 y 56.3 %, resp. El desbaste promedio fué de 7 %. Los tratamientos H y Tr fueron superiores al Cr en relación al cuarto pistola corto y paleta+costillar, los mismos no arrojaron diferencia como porcentaje del peso vivo sin y con ayuno. El residuo blando y el residuo duro representan el 17.1 y e113.5 % del peso vivo sin ayuno. En cuanto a la calidad de carne los parámetros espesor de grasa y color de carne presentaron diferencias estadísticas, siendo el Cr superior a los demás tratamientos (6 mm y grado 5, resp.), no se encontró diferencias en los otros parámetros. El marmoreado obtenido fue pobre, aunque el color de carne y de grasa se cualificó como muy buena (Según Standard Japonés). Los pesos de cortes de lomito (Psoas mayor) y peceto (Semitendinosus) están en relación directa a los pesos vivos de los animales de cada tratamiento (H>Tr>I>Cr), encontrándose diferencia estadística solamente en el peceto entre H y Cr.

The effect of spray‐dried porcine plasma on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) intestinal microbiota

The effect of spray‐dried porcine plasma (SDPP) on the intestinal histological organization and autochthonous microbiota composition was evaluated in Sparus aurata. Fish were fed a basal diet (51 g/kg protein, 17 g/kg fat, 20.6 MJ/kg gross energy) and a diet containing 3 g/kg SDPP for 95 days (initial body weight, BW = 9.5 ± 0.2g, mean ± SD). The inclusion of SDPP promoted growth (p .05) between both groups. Intestinal microbiota was dominated by Proteobacteria (>85%) and Firmicutes (5%–12%), whereas Bacteroidetes never represented more than 1.5%. γ‐Proteobacteria, and Bacilli and Clostridia were the predominant classes. The short administration of SDPP (20 days) resulted in changes in microbiota diversity and richness associated with an increase in the sequences of the genus Lactobacillus and to a decrease in the genus Vibrio, whereas these changes were reverted at 95 days. Intestinal goblet cell density was not correlated to microbiota diversity and richness changes rather than to the immunostimulatory effect of the SDPP.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio