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The article focuses on the sodium leak channel (NALCN) is essential for survival in mammals. It mentions the resulting NALCN channel complex is constitutively active and conducts monovalent cations but is blocked by physiological concentrations of extracellular divalent cations; and also mentions that voltage-sensing domains can give rise to a broader range of gating phenotypes than previously anticipated.

In this article, magnetization loops under mechanical stress and magnetostriction loops under quasistatic magnetic excitation conditions are discussed. In both cases, the hysteresis loops are modeled using the Preisach theory. The identification procedure of the material parameters is described. The article discusses first the shape of the Preisach distribution function for the study of magnetostriction loops. Next, a Preisach model is proposed for the description of magnetization loops under mechanical stress starting from the magnetization loop obtained without applying mechanical stress. A setup has been constructed for the measurement of magnetization loops under compressive or tensile stress. Also, a measuring system based on a single sheet tester and on optical displacement measurement techniques is used to establish the magnetostrictive behavior of laminated SiFe alloys. It is shown that a good correspondence between the calculated and measured magnetization and magnetostriction loops is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological niches of organisms vary across geographical space, but niche shift patterns between regions and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We studied shifts in the pH niche of 42 temperate forest plant species across a latitudinal gradient from northern France to boreo-nemoral Sweden. We asked 1) whether species restrict their niches with increasing latitude as they reach their northern range margin (environmental constraints); 2) whether species expand their niches with increasing latitude as regional plant species richness decreases (competitive release); and 3) whether species shift their niche position toward more acidic sites with increasing latitude as the relative proportion of acidic soils increases (local adaptation). Based on 1458 vegetation plots and corresponding soil pH values, we modelled species response curves using Huisman-Olff-Fresco models. Four niche measures (width, position, left and right border) were compared among regions by randomization tests. We found that with increasing latitude, neutrophilic species tended to retreat from acidic sites, indicating that these species retreat to more favorable sites when approaching their range margin. Alternatively, these species might benefit from enhanced nitrogen deposition on formerly nutrient-poor, acidic sites in southern regions or lag behind in post-glacial recolonization of potential habitats in northern regions. Most acidophilic species extended their niche toward more base-rich sites with increasing latitude, indicating competitive release from neutrophilic species. Alternatively, acidophilic species might benefit from optimal climatic conditions in the north where some have their core distribution area. Shifts in the niche position suggested that local adaptation is of minor importance. We conclude that shifts in the pH niche of temperate forest plants are the rule, but the directions of the niche shifts and possible explanations vary. Our study demonstrates that differentiating between acidophilic and neutrophilic species is crucial to identify general patterns and underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement of tendon loading patterns during gait is important for understanding the pathogenesis of tendon 'overuse' injury. Given that the speed of propagation of ultrasound in tendon is proportional to the applied load, this study used a noninvasive ultrasonic transmission technique to measure axial ultrasonic velocity in the right Achilles tendon of 27 healthy adults (11 females and 16 males; age, 26 ± 9 years; height, 1.73 ± 0.07 m; weight, 70.6 ± 21.2 kg), walking at self-selected speed (1.1 ± 0.1 m/s), and running at fixed slow speed (2 m/s) on a treadmill. Synchronous measures of ankle kinematics, spatiotemporal gait parameters, and vertical ground reaction forces were simultaneously measured. Slow running was associated with significantly higher cadence, shorter step length, but greater range of ankle movement, higher magnitude and rate of vertical ground reaction force, and higher ultrasonic velocity in the tendon than walking ( P < 0.05). Ultrasonic velocity in the Achilles tendon was highly reproducible during walking and slow running (mean within-subject coefficient of variation < 2%). Ultrasonic maxima ( P1, P2) and minima ( M1, M2) were significantly higher and occurred earlier in the gait cycle ( P1, M1, and M2) during running than walking ( P < 0.05). Slow running was associated with higher and earlier peaks in loading of the Achilles tendon than walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of salivary cortisol is increasingly used to assess stress responses in horses. Because spontaneous or experimentally induced increases in cortisol concentrations are often relatively small for stress studies, proper controls are needed. This requires an understanding of the factors affecting salivary cortisol over longer times. In this study, we have analyzed salivary cortisol concentration for 6 mo in horses (n = 94) differing in age, sex, reproductive state, and housing. Salivary cortisol followed a diurnal rhythm with the highest concentrations in the morning and a decrease throughout the day ( P < 0.001). This rhythm was disrupted in individual groups on individual days; however, alterations remained within the range of diurnal changes. Comparison between months showed highest cortisol concentrations in December ( P < 0.001). Cortisol concentrations increased in breeding stallions during the breeding season ( P < 0.001). No differences in salivary cortisol concentrations between nonpregnant mares with and without a corpus luteum existed. In stallions, mean daily salivary cortisol and plasma testosterone concentrations were weakly correlated ( r = 0.251, P < 0.01). No differences in salivary cortisol between female and male young horses and no consistent differences between horses of different age existed. Group housing and individual stabling did not affect salivary cortisol. In conclusion, salivary cortisol concentrations in horses follow a diurnal rhythm and are increased in active breeding sires. Time of the day and reproductive state of the horses are thus important for experiments that include analysis of cortisol in saliva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, readability of reduced-size microchips in horses and the response to implantation were analysed. It was hypothesised that small microchips can be implanted stress-free but are less readable than larger microchips. Adult mares (n=40) were implanted with a reduced-size microchip (10.9×1.6 mm) at the left side of the neck (size of conventional microchips 11.4×2.2 mm). Microchips were identified with three different scanners (A, B, C) immediately, and at 6, 12 and 28 weeks after implantation. Twelve out of the 40 mares were submitted to microchip implantation and control treatments and cortisol, heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) were determined. From the chip-bearing side of the neck, microchips were identified with all scanners in all horses at all times. From the contralateral side, correct readings were always 100 per cent with scanner C and with scanners A and B ranged between 60 and 100 per cent. Heart rate and HRV variable sd of beat-to-beat interval increased slightly (P<0.01) at microchip implantation and control treatment, but cortisol concentration did not increase. In conclusion, reduced-size microchips are highly reliable for identification of horses. Compared with conventional microchips, the reduction in size did not impair readability. Microchip implantation is no pronounced stressor for horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of horses by microchip transponder is mandatory within the European Union with only a few exceptions. In this study, the readability of such microchips in 428 horses with three different scanners (A, B and C) and the histological changes at the implantation site in 16 animals were assessed. Identification of microchips differed between scanners (P < 0.001), and with 'side of neck' (P < 0.001). Scanners A, B and C identified 93.5%, 89.7% and 100% of microchips, respectively, on the 'chip-bearing' side of the neck. From the contralateral side, scanners A, B and C identified 21.5%, 26.9% and 89.5% of transponders, respectively. Microchip readability was affected by age (P < 0.001), but not by breed of horse. At necropsy, transponders were found in the subcutaneous fat (n = 3), inter- or peri-muscular connective tissue (n = 8), or musculature (n = 5), where they were surrounded by a fibrous capsule ranging in thickness from 12.7 to 289.5 µm in 15 animals. In two animals, immature granulation tissue with attendant granulomatous inflammation, and a granulomatous myositis, surrounding the microchip were identified, respectively. Severe (n - 1), moderate (n = 1), and mild (n - 3) lymphohistiocytic inflammation was noted within the fibrous capsule. Microchip transponders were found to be a highly reliable and biocom-patible method of horse identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clin Microbiol Infect 2012; 18: 147-152 Abstract In order to perform a cost-effective search and destroy policy for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a quick and reliable typing method is essential. In an area with a high level of animal-related MRSA ST398, pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing and spa-typing are not sufficient to discriminate between co-incidental findings and true transmission of MRSA. This study is the first to retrospectively show the performance of Raman spectroscopy in 16 well-documented outbreaks. We analysed 525 isolates, 286 MRSA ST398 and 239 from other PFGE clusters with Raman spectroscopy. When epidemiologically linked isolates from the outbreaks were analysed with PFGE as the reference standard, Raman spectroscopy correctly identified 97% of cases that were indistinguishable from the index case. With Raman cluster analysis, the most dominant distinction was between MRSA ST398 and other MRSA of human clonal lineages. Within MRSA ST398, 22 different Raman clusters were identified. Raman typing correctly identified an ST398 ( spa type t567) outbreak in a hospital setting. No direct correlation was observed between Raman clusters and spa types. We conclude that Raman spectroscopy is a quick and reliable method of MRSA typing, which can be used in outbreak settings and it is comparable to PFGE, with the added advantage that PFGE non-typeable isolates can also be readily typed using the same sample preparation protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Branding is the traditional and well-established method used to mark horses, but recently microchip transponders for implantation have become available. In this study, behaviour, physiological stress variables and skin temperature in foals were determined in response to hot-iron branding (n = 7) and microchip implantation (n = 7). Salivary cortisol concentrations increased in response to branding (1.8 ± 0.2 ng/mL) and microchip implantation (1.4 ± 0.1 ng/mL), but cortisol release over time did not differ. In response to both manipulations there was a transient increase in heart rate (P < 0.001) and heart rate variability (P < 6.01). Branding and microchip implantation induced a comparable aversive behaviour (branding, score 3.86 ± 0.85; microchip, score 4.00 ± 0.82). Both techniques thus caused similar physiological and behavioural changes indicative of stress. Acutely, implantation of a microchip was as stressful as branding in foals. Branding caused a necrotising skin burn lasting at least 7 days. Moreover branding, but not microchip implantation (P < 0.001), was accompanied by a generalized increase in skin temperature which was comparable to low degree post-burn hypermetabolism in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the emergence of animal related methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 in an area with a high density of pig farms. A retrospective analysis was performed of all MRSA isolates in the laboratory database from 2002 till 2008 including typing results and clinical data from infection control archives and patient charts. The implementation of the screening of people in contact with pigs and veal calves for MRSA led to an increase in the average number of newly identified carriers from 16 per year between July 2002 and July 2006 to 148 between July 2006 and December 2008. This is a 925% increase of which 82% (108/132) was due to ST398. The majority (74%) came from targeted screening but 7% was due to unexpected findings. A wide range of infections with ST398 occurred in patients with and without contact with livestock varying from post-operative wound infections to sepsis and post-trauma osteomyelitis with an overrepresentation of spa type t567 among the clinical isolates. ST398 isolates were more often multi-resistant than isolates of other spa-types. The emergence of MRSA ST398 led to an increase in both MRSA carriers and MRSA infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of monoacylated glycolipids with even-numbered acyl chain lengths ranging from saturated C11 to C15 and an unsaturated C17:1 fatty acid connected by an amide in linkage to the disaccharide head groups maltose, melibiose and lactose were synthesized. The structural polymorphism of the glycolipids was investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry for the detection of the gel to liquid-crystalline acyl chain melting behaviour and small-angle X-ray scattering for the elucidation of the physical structure of the lipid aggregates. Also, the phase morphology was studied by polarizing microscopy in contact preparations. The data clearly show the existence of uni- and multilamellar structures. Although only one acyl chain is present, there is no evidence for the existence of micelles – of spherical or of cylindrical (HI) type – or of interdigitated phases. The preference for lamellar phases seems to be correlated with the intrinsic high conformational order of the amide linkage of these compounds which inhibits the formation of highly curved structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pig farmers and veterinarians in contact with livestock in The Netherlands have a higher risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage than the general population. The objective of this study was to investigate whether this is also true for other professionals in contact with pigs in an international setting. A convenience sample of 272 participants at an international conference on pig health in Denmark was screened for MRSA carriage using combined nose/throat swabs and were asked to complete a questionnaire concerning animal contacts, exposure to known MRSA risk-factors, and the protective measures taken when entering pig farms. In total, 34 (12.5%) participants from nine countries carried MRSA. Thirty-one of these isolates were non-typeable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis following SmaI digestion of chromosomal DNA. All of the non-typeable isolates belonged to spa types (t011, t034, t108, t571, t567 and t899) that correspond to multilocus sequence type 398. All of the above-mentioned spa types, with the exception of t899, have been isolated previously from either Dutch pigs, pig farmers and/or veterinarians. Protective measures, e.g., masks, gowns and gloves, did not protect against MRSA acquisition. Transmission of MRSA from pigs to staff tending to these animals appears to be an international problem, creating a new reservoir for community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) in humans in Europe, and possibly worldwide. The rise of a new zoonotic source of MRSA could have a severe impact on the epidemiology of CA-MRSA, and may have consequences for the control of MRSA, especially in those countries that maintain a low prevalence by means of search-and-destroy policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In vivo and in situ methods were used to determine whether chemical methods designed to protect feed crude protein (CP) against ruminal degradation were also effective in protecting crude fat (CF). Four diets were formulated: two rapeseed diets, consisting of (g/kg dry matter (DM)) 400 grass hay, 250 ground barley grain and 350 untreated (RM) or xylose-treated (RMT) expeller rapeseed meal and two soybean diets, consisting of (g/kg DM) 400 grass hay, 300 ground barley grain and 300 untreated (SB) or formaldehyde-treated (SBT) ground soybeans. Four German Red Pied steers, fitted with a ruminal cannula, were used in a 4×4 Latin square arrangement of treatments and fed once daily at 07:00h. Each treatment period lasted 11 days. Ruminal fluid samples were collected and pH values were measured before feeding (0h) and 2, 3 and 5h after beginning of feeding on day 9. On day 11, the rumens of the steers were completely emptied manually 24h after the last feeding. Additionally, feed samples were incubated in situ in the rumen of the steers for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 336h. In vivo, steers fed the soybean diets had less CF and more DM, organic matter, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre in the rumen compared to the steers fed the rapesed diets at 24h after feeding. In situ, CF of all feedstuffs extensively disappeared from the bags and no treatment effect occurred. Concentrations of ammonia–N in ruminal fluid were lower for RMT and SBT than for RM and SB, indicating that CP of the treated feeds was protected against ruminal degradation, findings that are consistent with the in situ data. Treating ground soybeans with formaldehyde and expeller rapeseed meal with xylose, did not protect against CF degradation in the rumen, although CP protection was effective. Both in vivo and in situ methods were suitable to assess CP degradation in the rumen and both methods also indicated that chemical treatment had no effect on ruminal CF degradation, but the estimated extent of CF disappearance differed between the in vivo and in situ estimates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A solid phase sintering diffusion (SPSD) method was used at the production of the soft magnetic alloys Fe100-x-ySixPy (0

Screening of pig farmers and pigs in The Netherlands has revealed that >20% of pig farmers and 39% of slaughterhouse pigs are positive for an unusual strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) belonging to sequence type (ST) 398. It is now clear that the emergence of ST398 is not just a Dutch problem, with human infections being described in several European countries, Canada and Singapore. Furthermore, some human isolates have now acquired the genes encoding Panton–Valentine leukocidin. Livestock may become an important source of community-acquired MRSA. A concerted effort on the part of clinicians, infection control practitioners and veterinarians will be required to prevent further spread of this novel strain of MRSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The electromagnetic shielding of high-voltage (HV) cables has been studied both by numerical computations and by experiments performed in real-life practical situations. Two shield topologies have been considered, i.e. open- versus closed-shield configurations. The open-shield configuration consists of placing horizontally plates on the ground. The closed-shield configuration consists of a formed cable conduct base in which the HV cable is placed, and on which a cover is mounted. HV cables (150kV) were studied in both experimental trials. With respect to the considered materials in the experiments, the ferromagnetic hot-rolled low-carbon material Magnetil® is used (ferromagnetic material), and its behaviour is compared to the shielding based on aluminium (conductive non-magnetic material). Briefly, the following average shielding factors (SF) are obtained with open-shield configurations: SF around 2 when using Magnetil®, SF around 4 when using aluminium. In closed-shielding configurations, a much more performant shielding behaviour is experimentally obtained, namely SF around 20 when using Magnetil®, while SF around 8 when using aluminium. The optimum shielding behaviour is thus obtained by a ferromagnetic closed shield. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Maternal lineage influences performance traits in horses. This is probably caused by differences in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transferred to the offspring via the oocyte. In the present study, we investigated if reproductive traits with high variability—gestation length and fetal sex ratio—are influenced by maternal lineage. Data from 142 Warmblood mares from the Brandenburg State Stud at Neustadt (Dosse), Germany, were available for the study. Mares were grouped according to their maternal lineage. Influences on the reproduction parameters gestation length and sex ratio of offspring were analyzed by simple and multiple analyses of variance. A total of 786 cases were included. From the 142 mares, 119 were assigned to six maternal lineages with n≥10 mares per lineage, and 23 mares belonged to smaller maternal lineages. The mean number of live foals produced per mare was 4.6±3.6 (±SD). Live foal rate was 83.5%. Mean gestation length was 338.5±8.9 days (±SD) with a range of 313 to 370 days. Gestation length was affected by maternal lineage (p<0.001). Gestation length was also significantly influenced by the individual mare, age of the mare, year of breeding, month of breeding and sex of the foal (p<0.05). Of the 640 foals born alive at term, 48% were male and 52% female. Mare age group and maternal lineage significantly influenced the sex ratio of the foals (p<0.05). It is concluded that maternal lineage influences reproductive parameters with high variation such as gestation length and foal sex ratio in horses. In young primiparous and aged mares, the percentage of female offspring is higher than the expected 1:1 ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bringing the head and neck of ridden horses into a position of hyperflexion is widely used in equestrian sports. In our study, the hypothesis was tested that hyperflexion is an acute stressor for horses. Salivary cortisol concentrations, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and superficial body temperature were determined in horses ( n = 16) lunged on two subsequent days. The head and neck of the horse was fixed with side reins in a position allowing forward extension on day A and fixed in hyperflexion on day B. The order of treatments alternated between horses. In response to lunging, cortisol concentration increased (day A from 0.73 ± 0.06 to 1.41 ± 0.13 ng/ml, p < 0.001; day B from 0.68 ± 0.07 to 1.38 ± 0.13 ng/ml, p < 0.001) but did not differ between days A and B. Beat-to-beat (RR) interval decreased in response to lunging on both days. HRV variables standard deviation of RR interval (SDRR) and RMSSD (root mean square of successive RR differences) decreased (p < 0.001) but did not differ between days. In the cranial region of the neck, the difference between maximum and minimum temperature was increased in hyperflexion (p < 0.01). In conclusion, physiological parameters do not indicate an acute stress response to hyperflexion of the head alone in horses lunged at moderate speed and not touched with the whip. However, if hyperflexion is combined with active intervention of a rider, a stressful experience for the horse cannot be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of horses has traditionally been facilitated by hot iron branding, but the extent by which branding symbols and numbers can be identified has not been investigated. The local pathological changes induced by branding are also unknown. This study analysed the readability of branding symbols and histomorphological alterations at the branding sites. A total of 248 horses in an equestrian championship were available for identification of symbols and numbers. A further 28 horses, euthanased for other reasons, provided histological examination of the branding site. All except one horse had evidence of histological changes at the brand site, including epidermal hyperplasia, increase of dermal collagenous fibrous tissue and loss of adnexal structures. In two foals, an ulcerative to necrotizing dermatitis was observed and interpreted as a complication of recent branding lesions. Despite the fact that hot iron branding caused lesions compatible with third degree thermal injury, it did not allow unambiguous identification of a large proportion of older horses. While the breed-specific symbol was consistently identified by three independent investigators in 84% of the horses, the double-digit branding number was read correctly by all three investigators in less than 40%. In conclusion, hot iron branding in horses causes lesions compatible with third degree thermal injury but does not always allow identification of horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, effects of oral β-carotene supplementation to mares (β-carotene group: 1000 mg/day, n = 15; control group: n = 15) from 2 weeks before foaling until 6 weeks thereafter on concentrations of β-carotene, vitamin A and α-tocopherol in plasma, colostrum and milk and plasma of their foals were determined. In addition, effects on fertility were studied. Beta-carotene concentrations increased in plasma and colostrum of β-carotene-supplemented mares compared to control mares (p < 0.05). In mares of both groups, β-carotene concentrations were higher in colostrum than in milk (p < 0.05). In foals, β-carotene concentrations increased with colostrum uptake and were higher in foals born to supplemented mares (p < 0.05; control group: 0.0003 ± 0.0002 μg/ml on day 0, 0.008 ± 0.0023 μg/ml on day 1; β-carotene group: 0.0005 ± 0.0003 μg/ml on day 0, 0.048 ± 0.018 μg/ml on day 1). Concentrations of vitamin A and α-tocopherol were higher in colostrum than in milk (p < 0.05) but did not differ between groups. Concentration of α-tocopherol in plasma of mares decreased over time and in foals, increased markedly within 4 days after birth. All but one mare (control group) showed oestrus within 2 weeks post-partum. Occurrence of oestrus did not differ between groups. More mares of the control group (7/7 vs. 5/12 in the β-carotene group) became pregnant after being bred in first post-partum oestrus (p < 0.05). In conclusion, β-carotene supplementation to mares increased β-carotene concentrations in plasma, colostrum and milk of mares and plasma of their foals but had no positive effects on fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Evaluation of a new surface treatment method to obtain a good bond strength between a luting composite and several ceramics.Methods. Specimen preparation and test procedure were done according to ISO 10477 Amendment 1. The surfaces of Empress II, InCeram-Alumina, InCeram-Zirconia and Frialit (ZrO2) were ground under water-cooling with 400 grit grinding paper, afterwards polished with 800 grit and air-dried. Each ceramic material investigated was divided into three groups of 10 specimens each. Group 1 was flame-treated with the PyrosilPen for 2.5 s, group 2 for 5 s and group 3 for 10 s/cm2. After the flame treatment, a methacryl silane was applied followed by a luting composite. Prior to measuring shear bond strength, the specimens were thermocycled 5000 times in a water-bath between +5 and +55 °C. Furthermore, SEM- and Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR)-investigations were done. As a control, Empress II etched and silaned was used.Results. Shear bond strength measurements indicated that the optimal treatment time was 5 s/cm2. Regarding this time the following bond strength values between the luting composite and the various ceramics were obtained: Empress II 23 (5) MPa, InCeram-Alumina 23 (5) MPa, InCeram-Zirconia 13 (8) MPa, and Frialit 16 (6) MPa. The control achieved 27 (6) MPa. On all surfaces of the flamed specimens Si could be detected by FT-IR.Significance. The PyrosilPen-Technology is an easy and effective method for surface-treating silicate, aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide ceramics to obtain good bonding to luting composites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electrical steel with a Si content up to 6.5 wt% is a good soft magnetic material, because the power losses are reduced through the increased electrical resistivity of the bulk material, by the presence of alloying elements like Si and Al. Nevertheless, with the increasing of the alloying elements, the concentration of Fe atoms in the bulk is reduced and a lower magnetic saturation is reached. Samples are produced by hot dipping in a Si-Al hypereutectic bath, followed by annealing treatments for diffusion. Series of different concentration profiles have been Obtained and the magnetic properties measured. A short immersion is sufficient to form a Si-Al enriched layer with D03 ordered structure (25at% Si-Al) in the steel surface: 10 μm of D03 or more can be obtained after 20s immersion (dependent on substrate and experimental conditions). A short diffusion annealing lowers and broadens this level, e.g., to a classical level of 6.5 wt% of Si, while the center of the steel remains at the original level (e.g., 3 wt% Si). Similar gradients are obtained with the simultaneous presence of Si and AL Magnetic measurements were performed at 50 and 400 Hz after different thermal cycles, leading to different gradients of Si and Al. The power losses are reduced more than 50% in the final material compared with the original. It appears that a short annealing after the dipping already gives low power losses, even before a homogeneous concentration profile is obtained over the sample thickness. A smooth concentration gradient is preferable, with a lower SI content in the center, in order to maintain a good magnetic saturation. This can also be shown through modeling of the magnetic behavior with the concentration gradient. The reduction of power losses is more pronounced at 400 Hz,. proving the importance of the skin effect A further advantage of this procedure is the shorter annealing time after hot dipping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which described a procedure that allows magnetic measurements in different directions with respect to the direction of applied stress. Methods; Results; Discussion.

Climate change is driving movements of many plants beyond, as well as within, their current distributional ranges. Even migrant plants moving within their current range may experience different plant–soil feedbacks (PSF) because of divergent nonlocal biotic soil conditions. Yet, our understanding to what extent soil biotic conditions can affect the performance of within‐range migrant plants is still very limited.We assessed the emergence and growth of migrant forest herbs (Milium effusum and Stachys sylvatica) using soils and seeds collected along a 1,700 km latitudinal gradient across Europe. Soil biota were manipulated through four soil treatments, i.e. unsterilized control soil (PSFUS), sterilized soil (PSFS), sterilized soil inoculated with unsterilized home soil (PSFS+HI) and sterilized soil inoculated with unsterilized foreign soil (PSFS+FI, expected to occur when both plants and soil biota track climate change).Compared to PSFS, PSFUS had negative effects on the growth but not emergence of both species, while PSFS+FI only affected S. sylvatica across all seed provenances. When considering seed origin, seedling emergence and growth responses to nonlocal soils depended on soil biotic conditions. Specifically, the home–away distance effect on seedling emergence differed between the four treatments, and significant responses to chemistry either disappeared (M. effusum) or changed (S. sylvatica) from PSFUS to PSFS.Soil biota emerge as an important driver of the estimated plant migration success. Our results of the effects of soil microorganisms on plant establishment provide relevant information for predictions of the distribution and dynamics of plant species in a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the magnetic properties of nonoriented electrical steel under sinusoidal and distorted excitations are investigated for the whole range of unidirectional mechanical stresses. The distorted flux obtained from the tooth tip of 3 kW induction machine at no-load test was put into the measurement system. The total losses increase for compressive stress both under sinusoidal and distorted excitations. For tensile elastic stresses, the total losses first decrease and then increase in a very similar way for both excitations. In contrast, the difference between total losses under sinusoidal and distorted magnetic fluxes becomes smaller with increase of the plastic strain. This work is a serious step toward complete characterization of the magnetic properties of electrical steel in the teeth area of induction machines. A deeper insight of that problem can improve the design of induction machines and other electromagnetic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alloys with a Si content of 4.2 and 5.4 wt % Si were produced to investigate the effect of increasing the Si on the materials processing and properties and to understand the effect of the order -- disorder phenomenon on its magnetic properties. Different cooling rates after hot rolling were applied: Slow cooling from 780 °C to room temperature in 26 h, air cooling and water quench, followed by cold rolling until 0.5 to 0.7 mm thickness. Magnetic properties were measured after pickling and annealing at 950 °C for 2 h. [SUP57]Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy was used to study the effect of thermomechanical cycles on the ordering phenomena. It was noticed that the quenched samples have the highest values for the magnetic polarization, while slowly cooled samples have the lowest, for the power losses higher values are obtained for the quenched materials. The highest values for the polarization in the quenched samples were explained as a result of a higher B2 ordering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate projections indicate that temperatures will increase by up to 4.5 °C in Europe by the end of this century, and that more extreme rainfall events and longer intervening dry periods will take place. Climate change will likely affect all phases of the life cycle of plants, but plant reproduction has been suggested to be especially sensitive. Here, using a combination of approaches (soil heaters and different provenances along a latitudinal gradient), we analyzed the regeneration from seeds of Acer platanoides and A. pseudoplatanus , two tree species considered, from a management point of view, of secondary relevance. We studied germination, seedling survival and growth in a full-factorial experiment including warming and changes in watering frequency. Both species responded to warming, watering frequency and seed provenance, with stronger (negative) effects of warming and provenance than of watering frequency. In general, the central provenances performed better than the northernmost and southernmost provenances. We also detected interactive effects between warming, watering frequency and/or seed provenance. Based on these results, both species are expected to show dissimilar responses to the changes in the studied climatic factors, but also the impacts of climate change on the different phases of plant regeneration may differ in direction and magnitude. In general increases in the precipitation, frequency will stimulate germination while warming will reduce survival and growth. Moreover, the frequent divergent responses of seedlings along the latitudinal gradient suggest that climate change will likely have heterogeneous impacts across Europe, with stronger impacts in the northern and southern parts of the species’ distribution ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is acting on several aspects of plant life cycles, including the sexual reproductive stage, which is considered amongst the most sensitive life-cycle phases. In temperate forests, it is expected that climate change will lead to a compositional change in community structure due to changes in the dominance of currently more abundant forest tree species. Increasing our understanding of the effects of climate change on currently secondary tree species recruitment is therefore important to better understand and forecast population and community dynamics in forests. Here, we analyse the interactive effects of rising temperatures and soil moisture reduction on germination, seedling survival and early growth of two important secondary European tree species, Acer pseudoplatanus and A. platanoides. Additionally, we analyse the effect of the temperature experienced by the mother tree during seed production by collecting seeds of both species along a 2200-km long latitudinal gradient. For most of the responses, A. platanoides showed higher sensitivity to the treatments applied, and especially to its joint manipulation, which for some variables resulted in additive effects while for others only partial compensation. In both species, germination and survival decreased with rising temperatures and/or soil moisture reduction while early growth decreased with declining soil moisture content. We conclude that although A. platanoides germination and survival were more affected after the applied treatments, its initial higher germination and larger seedlings might allow this species to be relatively more successful than A. pseudoplatanus in the face of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, horse riding has been restricted to men but today equestrian sports are dominated by women. We hypothesised that men and women differ with regard to riding and the response they evoke in their horse. Cortisol and heart rate variability (HRV) were studied in male (n=8) and female riders (n=8) and in horses (n=8) ridden by men and women over a jumping course. Saliva for cortisol analysis was collected, cardiac beat to beat (RR) intervals were recorded and heart rate and HRV variables SDRR (standard deviation of RR interval) and RMSSD (root mean square of successive RR differences) calculated. In another experiment, saddle pressure was compared between male and female riders (n=5 each). Cortisol did not differ between male and female riders and increased in horses (P<0.001) irrespective of the sex of the rider. Heart rate in riders increased from walk to jumping (P<0.001) while HRV decreased (P<0.001) to the same extent in men and women. In horses, heart rate increased (P<0.001) and SDRR and RMSSD decreased during walk and remained low at trot and canter (P<0.001) irrespective of the riders' sex. In trot (P<0.05) and canter (P<0.01) saddle pressure was slightly lower in female versus male riders. This is due to weight differences and not to a different seat. In conclusion, no fundamental differences existed in the physical effort, stress response and seat between male and female riders and in the response of horses to men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Blue LED light treatment during winter affected pregnancy outcome in horses. • Gestation was shorter in blue LED light-treated than in control pregnancies. • Height at birth was reduced in foals born to blue LED light-treated mares. • Hair length was reduced in foals born to blue LED light-treated mares. • Blue LED did not affect foal birth weight. Blue light directed at 1 eye advances the equine ovulatory season but may also advance foaling. In this study, effects of blue LED light on pregnancy outcome were assessed. A total of 20 mares with singleton pregnancies were studied over 2 consecutive years in a cross-over design. In 1 year, mares received an extended photoperiod using 50 lux of blue LED light (468 nm) directed at a single eye from 08:00 until 23:00 daily via head-worn light masks starting mid-December and in the other year remained untreated as controls. Gestation was shorter in blue LED light-treated than in control pregnancies (median 333.0 vs 338.5 days, P = 0.036). Foals born to blue LED light-treated mares had lower wither heights (median 103.0 vs 104.5 cm, P = 0.023), similar weights (median 55.8 vs 54.8 kg, P = 0.732) and took less time to stand after birth than control foals (median 35.0 vs 53.5 min, P = 0.036). Foals born to blue LED light-treated mares had reduced hair length compared to controls (median 12.0 vs 20.0 mm, P = 0.009) and hair regrowth in treated mares was reduced (P = 0.036). In conclusion, blue LED light directed at 1 eye advanced foaling and influenced height and hair coat but not weight in foals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The mechanisms leading to parturition in the horse in many aspects differ from those in other species. Pregnancy is maintained not by progesterone but by 5α-pregnanes and the progestin precursor pregnenolone originates from the fetus. As parturition approaches, the fetal adrenal switches from pregnenolone to cortisol synthesis but it is not known whether cortisol crosses the placenta. We hypothesized that in parallel to fetal cortisol release, cortisol in the maternal circulation increases before foaling and this increase can be determined in both saliva and plasma. In addition, maternal, fetal and neonatal heart rate and heart rate variability were measured. In 25 pregnant mares, saliva for cortisol analysis was collected 4 times daily from 15 days before to 5 days after foaling. In 13 mares, in addition, fetomaternal electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were made and blood samples for progestin and cortisol analysis were collected once daily. Heart rate (HR) was recorded until 5 days after foaling. The heart rate variability (HRV) variables standard deviation of the beat-to-beat (RR) interval (SDRR) and root mean square of successive RR differences (RMSSD) were calculated. From Days 15 to 4 before parturition, progestin concentration increased (peak 267 ± 42 ng/mL) and decreased thereafter (P < 0.05, day of foaling 113 ± 18 ng/mL). A prepartum increase in maternal cortisol concentrations was evident in blood (P < 0.05) and saliva (P < 0.05) and paralleled the decrease in progestin concentrations. In mares, HR remained constant during the last days of pregnancy but decreased within one day after parturition (P < 0.05) while maternal HRV did not change. In the fetus and neonate, HR increased from before to after birth (P < 0.05) indicating increasing demands on the cardiovascular system with adaptation to extrauterine life. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The shielding of buried three-phase high-voltage power lines can be done by placing them in conducting ferromagnetic U-shaped gutters covered with plates. In case of a perfect electrical contact between adjacent gutters and between adjacent cover plates, induced currents in the shield efficiently reduce the magnetic field generated by the cables. As however a perfect contact cannot be guaranteed, in practice, it is useful to quantify the effect of a defective electrical contact on the field reduction. From two-dimensional/three-dimensional finite element computations and experiments, the influence of the contact resistance on the shielding efficiency is investigated, as a function of the ratio of axial length to height of the shield elements. Furthermore, the effect of other parameters on the shielding efficiency is studied: the ratio of axial length to height, a parasitic air gap between the gutter and the cover plate and the type of the shield material. It was found that a low contact resistance deteriorates much more the shielding in case of an aluminium shield than in case of a steel shield. As expected, the effect is larger for shield elements with relatively short axial length with regard to the other dimensions. Nevertheless, the effect remains quite significant for aluminium shields with practically convenient dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 17: 1704-1710 Abstract Multiple body site screening and pre-emptive isolation of patients at risk for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage are considered essential for control of nosocomial spread. The relative importance of extranasal screening when using rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) is unknown. Using data from a multicentre study evaluating BD GeneOhm™ MRSA PCR (IDI), Xpert MRSA (GeneXpert) and chromogenic agar, added to conventional cultures, we determined cost-effectiveness assuming isolation measures would have been based on RDT results of different hypothetical screening regimes. Costs per isolation day avoided were calculated for regimes with single or less extensive multiple site RDT, regimes without conventional back-up cultures and when PCR would have been performed with pooling of swabs. Among 1764 patients at risk, MRSA prevalence was 3.3% ( n = 59). In all scenarios the negative predictive value is above 98.4%. With back-up cultures of all sites as a reference, the costs per isolation day avoided were €15.19, €30.83 and €45.37 with 'nares only' screening using chromogenic agar, IDI and GeneXpert, respectively, as compared with €19.95, €95.77 and €125.43 per isolation day avoided when all body sites had been screened. Without back-up cultures costs per isolation day avoided using chromogenic agar would range from €9.24 to €76.18 when costs per false-negative RDT range from €5000 up to €50 000; costs for molecular screening methods would be higher in all scenarios evaluated. In conclusion, in a low endemic setting chromogenic agar screening added to multiple site conventional cultures is the most cost-effective MRSA screening strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-emptive isolation of suspected methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriers is considered essential for controlling the spread of MRSA, but noncolonized patients will be isolated unnecessarily as a result of a delay in diagnosis of 3-5 days with conventional cultures. We determined costs per isolation day avoided, and incremental costs of rapid MRSA screening tests when added to conventional screening, but with decisions on isolation measures based on PCR results. A prospective multicentre study evaluating BD GeneOhm MRSA PCR ('IDI') (BD Diagnostics, San Diego, CA, USA), Xpert MRSA ('GeneXpert') (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) and chromogenic agar (MRSA-ID) (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Etoile, France) was performed in 14 Dutch hospitals. Among 1764 patients at risk, MRSA prevalence was 3.3% (n = 59). Duration of isolation was 19.7 and 16.1 h with IDI and GeneXpert, respectively, and would have been 30.0 and 76.2 h when based on chromogenic agar and conventional cultures, respectively. Negative predictive values (at a patient level) were 99.5%, 99.1% and 99.5% for IDI, GeneXpert and chromogenic agar, respectively. Numbers of isolation days were reduced by 60% and 47% with PCR-based and chromogenic agar-based screening, respectively. The cost per test was ϵ56.22 for IDI, ϵ69.62 for GeneXpert and ϵ2.08 for chromogenic agar, and additional costs per extra isolation day were ϵ26.34. Costs per isolation day avoided were ϵ95.77 (IDI) and ϵ125.43 (GeneXpert). PCR-based decision-making added ϵ153.64 (IDI) and ϵ193.84 (GeneXpert) per patient to overall costs and chromogenic testing would have saved ϵ30.79 per patient. Rapid diagnostic testing safely reduces the number of unnecessary isolation days, but only chromogenic screening, and not PCR-based screening, can be considered as cost saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenged by scattered understanding of protective immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), we have mapped peptide epitopes to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*0101, A*0201, A*1101, A*2402, B*0702, B*0801 and B*1501 of the secreted mycobacterial antigen Ag85B, a vaccine candidate that may be associated with immune protection. Affinity (ED50) and half-life (t1/2, off-rate) analysis for individual peptide species on HLA-A and HLA-B molecules revealed binding ranges between 10−3 and 10−7 M. After selection of the best matches, major histocompatibility complex class I/peptide tetramer complexes were constructed to measure the CD8+ T-cell responses directly ex vivo in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from 57 patients with acute pulmonary tuberculosis. Three patterns of (allele-) specific CD8+ recognition were identified: (a). Focus on one dominant epitope with additional recognition of several subdominant T-cell epitopes (HLA-A*0301, A*2402, B*0801 and B*1501); (b). Co-dominant recognition of two distinct groups of peptides presented by HLA-B*0702; and (c). Diverse and broad recognition of peptides presented by HLA-A*0201. Peptides that bound with slow off-rates to class I alleles, that is HLA-A*0201, were associated with low frequency of CD8+ T cells in PBMCs from patients with tuberculosis. HLA-B alleles showed fast off-rates in peptide binding and restricted high numbers (up to 6%) of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.Genes and Immunity (2007) 8, 334–343; doi:10.1038/sj.gene.6364392; published online 12 April 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the synthesis and physical properties of a chiral bent-core liquid crystal containing the chiral non-aromatic central ring system 1,5-anhydro-2-desoxy- d - arabino -hexitol. The preparation involved a stepwise construction of the mesogenic side chains via a selective diesterification of glucal at positions three and six with 4- O -acetylbenzoyl chloride followed by selective deacetylation. Repeated esterification of the aromatic hydroxy group with a substituted benzoic acid and hydrogenation of the double bond resulted in the desired product. To our knowledge, this is the first banana shaped liquid crystal synthesized containing a sugar derivative as a chiral core. Investigation of the mesogenic properties and electro-optic experiments showed traditional calamitic phases along with banana phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV) and salivary cortisol concentrations were determined in foals (n = 13) during the perinatal phase and until 5 months of age. In the fetus, HR decreased from 77 ± 3 beats/min at 120 min before birth to 60 ± 1 beats/min at 5 min before birth (P < 0.01). Within 30 min of birth, HR increased to 160 + 9 beats/min (P < 0.01). Salivary cortisol concentrations immediately after birth were 11.9 ±3.6 ng/mL and within 2 h increased to a maximum of 52.5±12.3 ng/mL (P<0.01). In conclusion, increases in HR and salivary cortisol concentrations in foals are not induced during parturition, but occur immediately after birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]