Search

Geosites, a precious and nonrenewable geosphere resource, constitute a wealth from educational, scientific, naturalistic and cultural points of view, capable of expressing an economic potential proportional to their tourist appeal (Bentivenga 2015). This study is part of an important methodological framework: Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA 2005), an international project that defines and quantifies ecosystem services (ES) and assesses changes and their consequences on human well-being. The methodology, which is progressively becoming as a cognitive support aimed at the environmental sizing of territorial policies, is considered particularly effective in assessing the impacts of choices associated with different land use scenarios as well as to protection and/or valorization policies. Adequate tool development for sustainable governance passes through a planning activity based on the integration of ecological, economic and sociopolitical elements within an interdisciplinary framework, to which the ecosystem analysis is able to provide important evaluation elements (Cowell and Lennon Environ Plann C Politics Space 32:263-282, 2014). According to MEA (2005), ES are grouped into four categories: supply, regulatory, support and cultural services. Starting from that, this work contributes to build an interpretative model for the evaluation of a relevant part of the fourth class: the territorial tourist attractiveness of the Basilicata region considering location and spatial distribution of the 113 regional geosites surveyed by ISPRA. Two different GIS-based methodologies have been applied to the context of the Basilicata region: the first based on linear geographical regression and the second through the use of InVEST, an open source suite. Comparing the results is useful to improve regional tourist attractiveness connected with territorial distribution of natural resources.

The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that increased dietary concentrations of a novel E. coli phytase (Smizyme) improve the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy, dry matter (DM), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and micro minerals in corn-soybean meal based diets fed to growing pigs. A total of 56 growing pigs (initial body weight: 13.6 ± 1.15 kg) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with 7 diets. Pigs were divided into 2 blocks with 28 pigs and 4 replicate pigs per diet in each block, for a total of 8 replicate pigs per diet. A positive control without phytase was formulated to contain 0.70% Ca and 0.33% standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P. A negative control diet that was similar to the positive control diet with the exception that the concentration of Ca and STTD P were reduced to 0.50 and 0.16%, respectively, was formulated by removing the dicalcium phosphate and increasing the concentration of limestone. Five additional diets that were similar to the negative control diet, but contained 250, 500, 1000, 1500, or 2500 units of microbial phytase per kg were also used. The ATTD of gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), Ca, P, sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in each diet were calculated. Data were analyzed using contrast statements. Data for ATTD and retention of P and Ca, were also analyzed using a single broken-line model. Results indicated that N retention and concentration of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) of diets increased (linear, P

All-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with inverted p-i-n configuration have not yet reached the high efficiency achieved in the normal n-i-p architecture. However, the inverted all-inorganic PSC are more compatible with the fabrication of tandem solar cells. In this work, a theoretical study of all-inorganic PSCs with inverted structure ITO/HTL/CsPbIxBr3−x/ETL/Ag, has been performed by means of computer simulation. Four p‐type inorganic materials (NiO, Cu2O, CuSCN and CuI) and three n-type inorganic materials (ZnO, TiO2 and SnO2) were used as hole and electron transport layers (HTL and ETL), respectively. A band gap of 1.78 eV was used for the CsPbI x Br3−x perovskite layer. The simulation results allow identifying that CuI and ZnO are the most appropriate materials as HTL and ETL, respectively. Additionally, optimized values of thickness, acceptor density and defect density in the absorber layer have been obtained for the ITO/CuI/CsPbI x Br3−x /ZnO/Ag, from which, an optimum efficiency of 21.82% was achieved. These promising theoretical results aim to improve the manufacturing process of inverted all-inorganic PSCs and to enhance the performance of perovskite–perovskite tandem solar cells.

Level of feed intake did not affect the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in gestating sows. Gestating sows had reduced ATTD of Ca and P compared with growing gilts. Formulating diets for sows using values obtained from growing pigs, therefore, may result in inaccuracies.

The objective was to test the hypothesis that increasing inclusion levels of full fat rice bran (FFRB) or defatted rice bran (DFRB) are not detrimental to growth or carcass characteristics, longissimus muscle (LM) quality, or fat quality when fed to growing-finishing pigs. A total of 224 barrows and gilts were randomly allotted to 7 treatments, with 4 pigs per pen and 8 pen replicates per treatment. Pigs had an average initial BW of 28.2 ± 4.1 kg and a 3-phase feeding program was used. A basal diet containing corn and soybean meal, 3 diets containing corn, soybean meal, and 10, 20, or 30% FFRB, and 3 diets containing corn, soybean meal, and 10, 20, or 30% DFRB were formulated within each phase. Daily feed allotments and pig BW at the start of the experiment and at the conclusion of each phase were recorded. On the last day of the experiment, 1 pig per pen was harvested and carcass characteristics, LM quality, and fat quality were determined. For the overall experimental period, no effects of dietary treatments were observed for average daily gain. However, average daily feed intake (ADFI) decreased (linear, P < 0.05) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) increased (linear, P < 0.05) for pigs fed diets with increasing concentrations of FFRB. In contrast, ADFI increased linearly (P < 0.05) and G:F decreased (linear, P < 0.05) as DFRB was included in the diets. There were no effects of dietary treatments on LM quality. The length of the bellies decreased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) as the inclusion of FFRB or DFRB increased in the diets. The concentration of crude fat in the adipose tissue of pigs increased linearly (P < 0.05) as the concentration of FFRB or DFRB increased in the diets. The concentration of saturated fatty acids in the adipose tissue of pigs fed diets containing FFRB decreased (linear, P < 0.05), whereas the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased (linear, P < 0.05). In contrast, addition of DFRB did not affect the concentration of fatty acids in adipose tissues. In conclusion, 30% FFRB included in diets for growing-finishing pigs may improve G:F without affecting carcass characteristics or LM quality with the exception that PUFA in adipose tissues will increase. However, inclusion of DFRB in diets for growing-finishing pigs will reduce G:F without affecting the LM quality or composition of adipose tissues.

An experiment was conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in brewers rice, full-fat rice bran (FFRB), defatted rice bran (DFRB), peanut meal, sesame meal, rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, soybean expellers, cassava meal, and bakery meal fed to young growing pigs. Twenty-two barrows (initial BW: 14.09 ± 1.48 kg) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and randomly allotted to a replicated 11 × 4 incomplete Latin square design with 11 diets and four 7-d periods in each square. Eleven experimental diets were prepared and test ingredients were the sole source of CP and AA in 10 diets and the eleventh diet was a N-free diet used to measure basal ileal endogenous losses of CP and AA. Chromic oxide (0.4%) was included in all diets as an indigestible marker and ileal digesta were collected on day 6 and 7 of each period. Results indicated that the SID of CP and AA was greatest (P < 0.05) in brewers rice and sesame meal and least (P < 0.05) in cassava meal. The SID of indispensable AA was greater (P < 0.05) in sesame meal compared with all other ingredients except brewers rice. Full-fat rice bran had greater (P < 0.05) SID of Arg, Ile, Leu, Lys, and Met compared with DFRB. The SID of CP and most AA was not different among rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, and soybean expellers. Bakery meal had the least (P < 0.05) SID of most AA compared with all other ingredients, with the exception of cassava meal. The concentration of standardized ileal digestible CP was greater (P < 0.05) in sesame meal and peanut meal (482.32 and 452.44 g/kg DM, respectively) than in all other ingredients. Soybean expellers had the greatest (P < 0.05) concentration of standardized ileal digestible Lys (22.98 g/kg DM) followed by rapeseed meal (16.11 g/kg DM) and rapeseed expellers (16.17 g/kg DM). Cassava meal and bakery meal had the least (P < 0.05) concentration of standardized ileal digestible CP and most AA compared with the other ingredients. Concentrations of standardized ileal digestible CP and AA in brewers rice, FFRB, and DFRB were less (P < 0.05) than in rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, and soybean expellers. In conclusion, peanut meal and sesame meal have greater concentrations of standardized ileal digestible CP and most AA, with the exception of Lys, than other ingredients. Rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, and soybean expellers have the greatest concentrations of standardized ileal digestible Lys.

This experiment was designed to determine nutrient composition and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE, DM, OM, and NDF and the concentration of DE and ME in 10 sources of wheat middlings and in 1 source of red dog that were obtained from different flour mills in the United States. Twelve growing pigs (initial BW: 31.0 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly allotted to a 12 × 8 Youden square design with 12 dietary treatments and eight 14 d periods. Pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for total collection of feces and urine. A basal diet based on corn and soybean meal, and 11 diets containing corn, soybean meal, and 39.4% of one of the 10 sources of wheat middlings or of red dog were formulated. The ATTD of GE, DM, OM, and NDF in all diets was calculated using the direct procedure, and the ATTD of GE, DM, OM, and NDF in each source of wheat middlings or red dog was calculated by difference. Values for DE and ME were calculated as well. The average concentration of CP was 17.67% in wheat midlings and 17.0% in red dog, and the concentration of acid hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE) and total dietary fiber (TDF) was 2.44 and 13.90% in red dog, but 4.07 and 36.45% in wheat middlings. Red dog also contained more starch (42.98%) than wheat middlings (20.28%). Red dog had greater bulk density (498.5 g/L) and smaller particle size (146 µm) compared with wheat middlings (315.1 g/L and 783 µm). The average ATTD of GE, DM, OM, and NDF in wheat middlings (67.2%, 71.2%, 72.9%, and 53.0%, respectively) was less (P < 0.05) than in red dog (79.35%, 82.9%, 86.6%, and 58.7%, respectively). The average concentrations of DE and ME in wheat middlings were 2,990 and 2,893 kcal/kg DM, and these values were less (P < 0.05) than the DE and ME in red dog (3,408 and 3,292 kcal/kg DM). In conclusion, wheat middlings contains more fiber and less starch than red dog and the ATTD of GE and nutrients is greater in red dog than in wheat middlings. As a consequence, concentrations of DE and ME are greater in red dog than in wheat middlings.

Alternative sigma (σ) factors govern expression of bacterial genes in response to diverse environmental signals. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa σPvdS directs expression of genes for production of a siderophore, pyoverdine, as well as a toxin and a protease. σFpvI directs expression of a receptor for ferripyoverdine import. Expression of the genes encoding σPvdS and σFpvI is iron-regulated and an antisigma protein, FpvR20 , post-translationally controls the activities of the sigma factors in response to the amount of ferripyoverdine present. Here we show that iron represses synthesis of σPvdS to a far greater extent than σFpvI . In contrast ferripyoverdine exerts similar effects on the activities of both sigma factors. Using a combination of in vivo and in vitro assays we show that σFpvI and σPvdS have comparable affinities for, and are equally inhibited by, FpvR20 . Importantly, in the absence of ferripyoverdine the amount of FpvR20 per cell is lower than the amount of σFpvI and σPvdS , allowing basal expression of target genes that is required to activate the signalling pathway when ferripyoverdine is present. This complex interplay of transcriptional and post-translational regulation enables a co-ordinated response to ferripyoverdine but distinct responses to iron.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA and concentrations of DE and ME in soy protein concentrate (SPC) ground to 3 particle sizes and in soybean meal and fish meal when fed to weanling pigs. An additional experiment was conducted to determine effects on growth performance and blood characteristics of including SPC in diets fed to weanling pigs. In Exp. 1, a N-free diet and diets containing soybean meal, fish meal, or SPC ground to a mean particle size of 70, 180, or 700 μm as the only source of AA were fed to 6 barrows (initial BW: 12.90 ± 1.51 kg) that had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum. In Exp. 2, 36 barrows (13.70 ± 1.86 kg BW) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with 6 diets and 6 replicate pigs per diet. A corn-based diet and diets containing corn and soybean meal, fish meal, or SPC ground to the 3 particle sizes were used. In Exp. 3, 160 pigs (initial BW: 7.06 ± 1.07 kg) were allotted to 4 dietary treatments with 8 pens per treatment and 5 pigs per pen. Pigs were fed one of 4 diets during phase 1 (d 0 to 14 postweaning), and a common diet in phase 2 (d 14 to 28 postweaning). The 4 diets used in phase 1 included a control diet containing fish meal and spray-dried plasma protein, and diets in which fish meal, spray-dried plasma protein, or both fish meal and spray-dried plasma protein were replaced by SPC ground to 180 μm. Results of Exp. 1 indicated that the SID of His, Lys, and Thr tended ( < 0.10) to be greater in SPC ground to 180 μm than in soybean meal, and the SID of Arg, Ile, Phe, and Trp was greater ( < 0.05) in SPC ground to 70 or 180 μm than in soybean meal. There were no differences in the DE and ME (DM-basis) among corn, soybean meal, fish meal, and SPC ground to 70, 180, or 700 μm. Results of Exp. 3 indicated that growth performance of pigs fed the 4 experimental diets in phase 1 was not different in phase 1, phase 2, or in the entire experiment. In conclusion, grinding SPC to approximately 180 µm maximizes SID of indispensable AA without impacting ME and diets based on soybean meal and SPC as the main protein sources may be fed to pigs during the initial 2 wk postweaning without affecting growth performance.

Zinc is a potent antimicrobial component of the innate immune response at the host-pathogen interface. Bacteria subvert or resist host zinc insults by metal efflux pathways that include cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) proteins. The structural and functional examination of this protein class has been limited, with only the structures of the zinc transporter YiiP proteins from E. coli and Shewanella oneidensis described to date. Here, we determine the metal binding properties, solution quaternary structures and three dimensional architectures of the C-terminal domains of the metal transporter CzcD proteins from Cupriavidus metallidurans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Thermotoga maritima. We reveal significant diversity in the metal-binding properties and structures of these proteins and discover a potential novel mechanism for metal-promoted dimerization for the Cupriavidus metallidurans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa proteins.

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that inclusion of the direct fed microbial Clostridium butyricum in diets for weanling pigs will improve growth performance, systemic immune function, microbiota composition, and gut morphology in weaned pigs. A total of 275 newly weaned pigs (20 ± 2 d of age) with an average initial BW of 6.4 ± 0.8 kg were allotted to a randomized complete block design with 11 pens per treatment. Diets included a positive control diet containing Carbadox, a negative control diet without Carbadox, and three treatment diets in which 1,250 × 108 cfu/kg, 2,500 × 108 cfu/kg, or 3,500 × 108 cfu/kg of C. butyricum was added to the negative control diet. A two-phase feeding program was used (phase 1, 14 d; phase 2, 21 d). At the conclusion of the experiment (day 35), a blood sample was collected from one pig per pen (11 pigs per treatment) and this pig was then euthanized and digesta and tissues samples were collected. Results indicated that for the overall phase, pigs fed the positive control diet had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI and tended (P = 0.064) to have greater final BW than pigs fed the negative control diet. The ADG and G:F increased and then decreased as increasing doses of C. butyricum were included in the diet (quadratic, P < 0.05). The concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α was less (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the positive control diet compared with pigs fed the negative control diet or diets containing C. butyricum. Crypt depth tended (P = 0.08) to be less in pigs fed the negative control diet compared with pigs fed the positive control diet and villus height tended to increase as the doses of C. butyricum increased in the diets (quadratic, P = 0.08). Villus height also tended (P = 0.084) to be greater in pigs fed diets containing C. butyricum compared with pigs fed the positive control diet. Crypt depth increased as the dose of C. butyricum increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) and villus width at the bottom tended to increase (linear, P = 0.072) as the dose of C. butyricum increased in the diet. Alpha and beta diversity indices of ileal and colonic microbiota were not affected by diet. In conclusion, addition of 1,250 × 108 cfu/kg of C. butyricum, but not greater levels, to diets fed to weanling pigs increased growth performance and tended to increase villus height and crypt depth, but changes in the abundance of intestinal microbiota were not observed.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of increased concentrations of full fat rice bran (FFRB) or defatted rice bran (DFRB) in diets without or with supplementation of an exogenous xylanase on growth performance and blood characteristics in weanling pigs. A total of 532 pigs (9.3 ± 0.5 kg initial BW) were allotted to 14 diets in 4 blocks and 8 replicate pens per diet in a randomized complete block design. There were 4 or 5 pigs per pen. A basal diet containing corn, soybean meal, and whey powder and 6 diets containing corn, soybean meal, whey powder, and 10, 20, or 30% FFRB or 10, 20, or 30% DFRB were used. Seven additional diets that were similar to the initial 7 diets with the exception that they also contained 16,000 units/kg of microbial xylanase were also formulated. On the last day of the 23-d experiment, 2 blood samples were collected from 1 pig in each pen. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IgA, and peptide YY (PYY) were measured in plasma samples and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total protein, and albumin were measured in serum samples. Initial and final BW were not affected by the inclusion level of FFRB or DFRB or by the addition of xylanase. The ADFI linearly decreased ( < 0.05) as inclusion of FFRB increased in diets and there was a tendency ( = 0.08) for reduced ADFI as DFRB was increased in the diets. Pigs fed diets containing DFRB had greater ADFI ( < 0.05) than pigs fed diets containing FFRB. The ADG increased and then decreased (quadratic, < 0.05) with increasing level of FFRB or DFRB in the diets. The G:F linearly and quadratically increased ( < 0.05) as the inclusion of FFRB increased, and the G:F was greater ( < 0.05) in pigs fed diets containing FFRB than in pigs fed diets containing DFRB. The concentration of BUN linearly decreased ( < 0.05) when pigs were fed diets containing increasing levels of FFRB or DFRB. There was a tendency for the concentrations of TNF-α and PYY to linearly decrease ( = 0.09 and = 0.075, respectively) as the inclusion of FFRB increased in the diet. In conclusion, ADG of weanling pigs was not affected by at least 20% FFRB or DFRB and inclusion of 30% DFRB had no effect on the G:F whereas 30% FFRB increased the G:F. However, microbial xylanase did not influence growth performance under the conditions of this experiment and there was minimal influence of rice coproducts or xylanase on blood characteristics.

Since the 1950’ties, most diets fed to commercially raised pigs have been formulated based on plant feed ingredients and without using animal feed sources. Cereal grains have historically been the main stable in pig diets, but because pigs require nutrients rather than specific feed ingredients, it is possible to provide a well-balanced diet that includes all necessary nutrients using a large number of different feed ingredients. Many of these ingredients are co-products from the human food industry, which often are excellent sources of nutrients. Co-products from other industrial processes, such as production of fuel ethanol, are also available and may be used in diet formulations. Over the last few years, new fermentation or processing technologies have been introduced as a way to improve the nutritional value of certain feed ingredients, which may broaden the usage of such ingredients. However, regardless of the ingredient being fed, the value of the ingredient is primarily determined by the concentration of metabolizable or net energy, the concentration and digestibility of indispensable amino acids, and the concentration and digestibility of phosphorus because energy, amino acids, and phosphorus are the most expensive components of diets fed to pigs. Ingredients may also contain anti-nutritional factors that limit the inclusion rate in the diet to all or some categories of pigs and knowledge about acceptable inclusion levels of ingredients is, therefore, required for successful use of these ingredients in diets fed to pigs. Inclusion rate of some feed ingredients may also be limited because of effects on the final products that are marketed from pigs and because any changes in the composition or characteristics of the final products may reduce the value of the product, knowledge about effects on final products are also important. Thus, for successful usage of feed ingredients in diets fed to pigs, it is required that knowledge about the chemical composition, the digestibility of energy and nutrients, and acceptable inclusion rates in diets fed to different categories of pigs is available. It is the objective of the present review to provide this knowledge for a number of plant feed ingredients that are commonly used in diets fed to pigs.

In the present work, citric acid accumulation and degradation was monitored during fruit development and ripening in two acidless varieties, Tarocco Ferreri (TF) and Vaniglia biondo (VB), in comparison with three acidic ones, namely Lanelate (L), Tarocco Meli (TM) and Mandalate [Fortune mandarin (2x) × Avana mandarin (4x)] (M), a tryploid hydrid. We evaluated titratable acidity (TA), pH and expression of genes involved in the critical steps of Krebs cycle, GABA shunt, acetyl-CoA metabolism and 'acid trap' from about 100 days post anthesis (DPA) until ripening. Based on the correlation between TA and pH, TF could not be considered a true ''acidless' as VB: even if the acidity levels of TF and VB at maturity reached lower values compared to acidic varieties (0.1 versus 1.6), the relation between TA and pH was negatively correlated in acidic varieties and TF, but weakly positively correlated in VB. The maximum of acidity in VB was identified at 160 DPA (0.28), while surprisingly TF anticipated the peak of acidity at 100 DPA, showing a higher value (2.35). Gene expression data showed marked differences between acidic and acidless varieties, as well as within acidic and within acidless ones. The main differences between acidic and acidless varieties were related to genes involved in Krebs cycle, as citrate synthase (CS), mitochondrial isoforms of aconitase (ACO) and NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP-IDH), higher expressed in acidic varieties. We also observed that differences in gene expression within the acidic varieties are likely associated with differences in their citrate content. Specifically, CS, NADP-IDH and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) are higher expressed in M, while ACO and ATP citrate lyase (ATP-CL) in TM, all compared to L. Differences between TF and VB were found in the expression of NADP-IDH, GAD, ATP-CL and H+ transporting ATPase isoform I, supporting the hypothesis of a different genetic basis of the acidless character in the two genotypes.

The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM, OM, fiber, and GE by weanling pigs and the concentration of DE and ME in full-fat rice bran (FFRB), defatted rice bran (DFRB), brown rice, and broken rice is improved if microbial xylanase is added to the diet. Eighty pigs (13.6 ± 0.8 kg initial BW) were allotted to 10 diets with 8 replicate pigs per diet in a randomized complete block design with 2 blocks of 40 pigs. A basal diet based on corn and soybean meal and 4 diets containing corn, soybean meal, and each of the 4 rice coproducts were formulated. The rice coproducts and corn and soybean meal were the only sources of energy in the diets. Five additional diets that were similar to the initial 5 diets with the exception that they also contained 16,000 units of xylanase (Econase XT-25; AB Vista, Marlborough, UK) were also formulated. All diets also contained 1,500 units of microbial phytase (Quantum Blue 5G; AB Vista). The DE and ME and the ATTD of DM, OM, fiber, and GE in diets and ingredients were calculated using the direct method and the difference method, respectively. Results indicated that the concentrations of DE and ME (DM basis) in FFRB and DFRB increased ( < 0.05) if xylanase was used. Broken rice had a greater ( < 0.05) concentration of DE and ME than FFRB and DFRB if no xylanase was added to the diets, but if xylanase was used, no differences in ME among FFRB, brown rice, and broken rice were observed. The ATTD of DM was greater ( < 0.05) in ingredients with xylanase than in ingredients without xylanase and there was a tendency ( = 0.067) for the ATTD of OM to be greater if xylanase was used. The ATTD of NDF in FFRB was greater ( < 0.05) when xylanase was added than if no xylanase was used, whereas the ATTD of NDF in DFRB was not affected by the addition of xylanase. In conclusion, if no xylanase was used, broken rice and brown rice have greater concentrations of DE and ME than FFRB and DFRB, and these values were not increased by microbial xylanase. However, xylanase increased the concentration of DE and ME (DM basis) in FFRB and DFRB.

The first objective of this experiment was to determine carbohydrate composition and coefficients of in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) in brown rice, broken rice, full fat rice bran (FFRB), defatted rice bran (DFRB), and rice mill feed. The second objective was to test the hypothesis that IVDMD and IVOMD in rice coproducts are negatively correlated with the concentration of fiber in the ingredients. Three samples of broken rice, brown rice, FFRB, DFRB, and rice mill feed were used. Each sample was analyzed in duplicate for gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), crude protein (CP), and acid hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE). The 5 rice coproducts were also analyzed for content of starch, and the fiber concentration was quantified as total non-starch polysaccharides (T-NSP), cellulose, soluble and insoluble non-cellulosic polysaccharides (NCP), and Klason lignin. In vitro total tract digestibility of DM and IVOMD were determined in 3 samples of each ingredient using a 3 step procedure. Correlation coefficients between IVDMD or IVOMD and fiber fractions were determined. Results indicated that broken rice and brown rice contained more than 80.0% starch, FFRB and DFRB both contained 26.7% starch, whereas rice mill feed only contained 11.2% starch. The concentration of soluble-non cellulosic polysaccharides (S-NCP) was in the range from 0.1% in brown rice to 1.9% in rice mill feed, whereas insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) was 1.5% in broken rice and 52.9% in rice mill feed. The insoluble non-cellulosic non-starch polysaccharide (I-NCP) fraction in all rice coproducts consisted mainly of arbinoxylan and the arabinose to xylose ratio varied from 1.37 in broken rice to 0.27 in rice mill feed. Broken rice and brown rice had greater (P < 0.05) IVDMD and IVOMD than the other rice coproducts. Concentrations of ADF, NDF, ADL, I-NCP, cellulose, T-NSP, SDF, IDF, TDF were all negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with IVDMD and IVOMD. In conclusion, arabinoxylan is the main polysaccharide in the NSP fraction of rice coproducts. Arabinoxylan in broken rice, brown rice, FFRB, and DFRB has a different structure and is more soluble, than arabinoxylan in rice mill feed, but IVDMD and IVOMD are negatively correlated with the concentration of fiber in rice coproducts.

Somatic mutations are a cause of intraspecific diversity in many fruit crops, including citrus. In the case of sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck], intraspecific variability is determined only by somatic mutations. Tools for clonal fingerprinting are required by breeders and nurserymen and have important implications for traceability. With the aim of studying genomic variability and identifying mutational events responsible for varietal diversification, we deep-resequenced 22 accessions including navel, common and blood oranges using an Illumina platform. We also resequenced an induced mutant of Tarocco 'Scire D2062' obtained using two cycles of gamma ray irradiation at 40 Gy. A robust and reliable set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), structural variants (SVs) and indels, specific of each accession or common to varietal groups, was identified both in natural and induced mutants. A subset of SNPs, transposable element insertions and small indels (2 to 18 base pairs) was validated by Sanger sequencing, PCR amplification and high resolution melting analysis, confirming the results of the bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, to identify a reliable marker set for traceability of specific cultivars, we collected leaf and juice samples from many Italian citrus growing areas and used a KASP platform for their fingerprinting. These tools will be useful to prove true-to-typeness of specific sweet orange cultivars.

A number of feed additives are marketed to assist in boosting the pigs' immune system, regulate gut microbiota, and reduce negative impacts of weaning and other environmental challenges. The most commonly used feed additives include acidifiers, zinc and copper, prebiotics, direct-fed microbials, yeast products, nucleotides, and plant extracts. Inclusion of pharmacological levels of zinc and copper, certain acidifiers, and several plant extracts have been reported to result in improved pig performance or improved immune function of pigs. It is also possible that use of prebiotics, direct-fed microbials, yeast, and nucleotides may have positive impacts on pig performance, but results have been less consistent and there is a need for more research in this area. Keywords: Acidifiers, Direct-fed microbials, Minerals, Plant extracts, Prebiotics, Pigs

Members of the Drosophila behavior human splicing (DBHS) protein family are nuclear proteins implicated in many layers of nuclear functions, including RNA biogenesis as well as DNA repair. Definitive of the DBHS protein family, the conserved DBHS domain provides a dimerization platform that is critical for the structural integrity and function of these proteins. The three human DBHS proteins, splicing factor proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ), paraspeckle component 1 (PSPC1), and non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein (NONO), form either homo- or heterodimers; however, the relative affinity and mechanistic details of preferential heterodimerization are yet to be deciphered. Here we report the crystal structure of a SFPQ/PSPC1 heterodimer to 2.3-A resolution and analyzed the subtle structural differences between the SFPQ/PSPC1 heterodimer and the previously characterized SFPQ homodimer. Analytical ultracentrifugation to estimate the dimerization equilibrium of the SFPQ-containing dimers revealed that the SFPQ-containing dimers dissociate at low micromolar concentrations and that the heterodimers have higher affinities than the homodimer. Moreover, we observed that the apparent dissociation constant for the SFPQ/PSPC1 heterodimer was over 6-fold lower than that of the SFPQ/NONO heterodimer. We propose that these differences in dimerization affinity may represent a potential mechanism by which PSPC1 at a lower relative cellular abundance can outcompete NONO to heterodimerize with SFPQ.

This study reported the synthesis of the new ligands, 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl-S-benzyldithiocarbazate (L1), p-chloro-benzyl-S-benzyldithiocarbazate (L2) and 2,6-dichlorobenzyl-S-benzyldithiocarbazate (L3). These three schiff base type ligands were respectively obtained by means of the reaction of 3,4-methylenedioxybenzaldehyde, p-chlorobenzaldehyde and 2,6-dichlorobenzaldehyde with S-benzyldithiocarbazate, at molar ratio 1:1. The respective Cu(II) complex C1, C2 and C3 were synthesized by the reaction of L1, L2 or L3, with CuCl2.2H2O, at molar ratio 1:1. The chemical identification of ligands and respective complexes was established through spectroscopic data (FT-IR, UV-Vis and 1H NMR). The ligand and complexes were subjected to in vitro radial diffusion assays against the gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and the fungus Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with good results for some of these compounds. Due to its promising antimicrobial property, complex C1 was subjected to EPR analyses aiming to establish its conformational structure. The prediction of biological activities of ligands and complexes were evaluated through the simulation carried out in silico using the web tools PASSonline and ChemMapper. Key words: Aryl-S-benzyldithiocarbazate, Cu(II) complexes, antimicrobial activity, PASSonline, ChemMapper

The global production of paddy rice exceeds 700 million tons per year. The primary objective of rice production is to produce polished white rice for human consumption, but in this process, several co-products that may be fed to livestock are also generated. The objective of this experiment was to determine the coefficient of ileal apparent digestibility (CIAD) and the coefficient of ileal standardized digestibility (CISD) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in 2 sources of full fat rice bran (FFRB), 1 source of defatted rice bran (DFRB), and in broken rice when fed to growing pigs. Seven finishing pigs with an average initial body weight of 70.1 ± 6.3 kg were used. Pigs were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum. Animals were allotted to a 7 × 7 Latin square design with 7 diets and 7 periods. Seven diets were prepared, but 1 diet was unrelated to this experiment; therefore only 6 diets were used in this experiment. One diet was based on bakery meal, and 1 diet was based on broken rice. Three additional diets were formulated by mixing bakery meal and each of the 2 sources of FFRB (FFRB-1 and FFRB-2) or DFRB. The last diet was an N-free that was used to estimate the basal ileal endogenous losses of CP and AA. The CIAD of CP and AA in bakery meal and broken rice was calculated using the direct procedure, but the CIAD of CP and AA in both sources of FFRB and in DFRB was calculated using the difference procedure. The CIAD and CISD of CP and AA in broken rice were greater (P

The objectives of this experiment were to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and the standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P and the effect of microbial phytase on ATTD and STTD of P in full-fat rice bran (FFRB), defatted rice bran (DFRB), brown rice, broken rice, and rice mill feed when fed to pigs. Ninety-six barrows (initial BW of 19.4 ± 1.4 kg) were allotted to 12 diets with 8 replicate pigs per diet in a randomized complete block design. A basal diet based on corn and soybean meal was formulated. Five additional diets containing corn, soybean meal, and each rice coproduct were also formulated, and the ratio between corn and soybean meal in these diets was similar to that in the basal diet. Six additional diets that were similar to the initial 6 diets with the exception that 1,000 units of microbial phytase were added to the diets were also formulated. The ATTD and STTD of P were calculated for each diet using the direct procedure, and the ATTD and STTD of P in each rice coproduct were calculated using the difference procedure. Results of the experiment indicated that the concentration of P in feces was reduced (P < 0.05) from pigs fed diets with microbial phytase compared with pigs fed diets without phytase. No differences were observed between the basal diet and the broken rice diet, but the ATTD and the STTD of P in those diets was greater (P < 0.05) than in all other diets both without and with phytase. Among the rice coproducts, the greatest (P < 0.05) ATTD and STTD of P were observed for broken rice regardless of inclusion of phytase. If no microbial phytase was used, the values for STTD of P in brown rice, FFRB, DFRB, and rice mill feed were not different, but if microbial phytase was included in the diet, ATTD and STTD of P in brown rice was greater (P < 0.05) than in FFRB, DFRB, and rice mill feed. The STTD of P in brown rice, FFRB, and rice mill feed was greater (P < 0.05) if microbial phytase was used than if no microbial phytase was used. Addition of microbial phytase to the diets also increased (P < 0.05) the ATTD of Ca regardless of the rice coproducts used. In conclusion, the STTD of P is greater in broken rice than in all other rice coproducts. The STTD of P in brown rice, FFRB, DFRB, and rice mill feed is relatively low due to the high concentration of phytate in these ingredients, but addition of microbial phytase will increase the STTD of P in most rice coproducts.

An integrated place-based approach for the improvement of territorial and social cohesion is the new instance for planning disciplines, coming from EU New Cohesion Policies. This paper considers the territorial impact assessment of regional development policies as a precondition in order to develop balanced and effective operative programs at national and regional levels. The contribution of ‘open data’ appears to be mature in order to support this application and in this paper we present a spatial analysis technique for the evaluation of EU funds effects at territorial level, starting from open data by Open Cohesion. The application is focused on internal areas of Basilicata Region: Agri river Valley. A complex contest, where environmental and agricultural traditional vocations conflict with a recent development of oil extraction industries. Conclusions concern further applications and perspectives to improve and support regional development planning considering the exploitation of open data sources and spatial analysis.

[EN] The effects of the offset level and of the doping level in the perovskite layer upon both the reverse saturation current (J0) and the series resistance (Rs) of p-p-n perovskite solar cells have been researched in this paper, using five different materials such as spiro-OMeTAD, Cu2O, CuSCN, NiO and CuI, as Hole Transporting Material (HTM). The analysis was carried out by means of the single and double-diode models of a solar cell and of genetic algorithms based on optimization technique, in order to extract the desired parameters. The minor degradation of J0 and Rs has been found for the condition offset equal to zero and for the highest doping level in p-type perovskite layer. Also, a comparison has been made of the behavior of two reverse saturation currents (J01 and J02). The power conversion efficiency (PCE) has shown to be more strongly dependent on J02 than on J01. Results obtained in this work can be used to improve the manufacturing process of these devices., This work was partially supported by the National Council Research (CONICET), Argentina, by the Universidad Nacional Arturo Jauretche, Argentina, by the Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Argentina, by the Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina and by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Grant ENE2016-77798-C4-2-R), Spain

An experiment was conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in brewers rice, full-fat rice bran (FFRB), defatted rice bran (DFRB), peanut meal, sesame meal, rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, soybean expellers, cassava meal, and bakery meal fed to young growing pigs. Twenty-two barrows (initial BW: 14.09 ± 1.48 kg) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and randomly allotted to a replicated 11 × 4 incomplete Latin square design with 11 diets and four 7-d periods in each square. Eleven experimental diets were prepared and test ingredients were the sole source of CP and AA in 10 diets and the eleventh diet was a N-free diet used to measure basal ileal endogenous losses of CP and AA. Chromic oxide (0.4%) was included in all diets as an indigestible marker and ileal digesta were collected on day 6 and 7 of each period. Results indicated that the SID of CP and AA was greatest (P < 0.05) in brewers rice and sesame meal and least (P < 0.05) in cassava meal. The SID of indispensable AA was greater (P < 0.05) in sesame meal compared with all other ingredients except brewers rice. Full-fat rice bran had greater (P < 0.05) SID of Arg, Ile, Leu, Lys, and Met compared with DFRB. The SID of CP and most AA was not different among rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, and soybean expellers. Bakery meal had the least (P < 0.05) SID of most AA compared with all other ingredients, with the exception of cassava meal. The concentration of standardized ileal digestible CP was greater (P < 0.05) in sesame meal and peanut meal (482.32 and 452.44 g/kg DM, respectively) than in all other ingredients. Soybean expellers had the greatest (P < 0.05) concentration of standardized ileal digestible Lys (22.98 g/kg DM) followed by rapeseed meal (16.11 g/kg DM) and rapeseed expellers (16.17 g/kg DM). Cassava meal and bakery meal had the least (P < 0.05) concentration of standardized ileal digestible CP and most AA compared with the other ingredients. Concentrations of standardized ileal digestible CP and AA in brewers rice, FFRB, and DFRB were less (P < 0.05) than in rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, and soybean expellers. In conclusion, peanut meal and sesame meal have greater concentrations of standardized ileal digestible CP and most AA, with the exception of Lys, than other ingredients. Rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, and soybean expellers have the greatest concentrations of standardized ileal digestible Lys.

Alternative sigma (σ) factors govern expression of bacterial genes in response to diverse environmental signals. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa σ

The objective of this experiment was to determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in 10 sources of wheat middlings and in 1 source of red dog. Ten diets that each contained 1 of the 10 sources of wheat middlings and 1 diet that contained red dog as the only source of protein and AA were formulated. An N-free diet was used to determine basal endogenous losses of CP and AA. Chromic oxide (0.4%) was added to all diets as an indigestible marker. Twelve pigs (BW: 29.23 ± 1.5 kg) were fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum. Pigs were allotted to a 12 × 8 Youden square design with 12 diets and eight 7-d periods. The initial 5 d of each period was the adaptation period, but ileal digesta were collected on the last 2 d of each period. Results indicated that the AID of CP in wheat middlings was 31.1 ± 6.9%, but the AID of CP in red dog (47.0%) was greater ( < 0.05) than the average AID of CP for wheat middlings. The AID of indispensable AA in wheat middlings ranged from 30.1 ± 5.4% for Lys to 67.7 ± 2.2% for His, and the AID of indispensable AA in red dog ranged from 53.7% in Val to 86.2% for Met. The average SID of CP in wheat middlings was 61.5 ± 5.1%, and there were no differences among the 10 sources of wheat middlings, but the SID of CP in red dog (78.5%) was greater ( < 0.05) than in wheat middlings. The SID of Arg, His, and Asp in wheat middlings was 81.4 ± 2.7%, 77.7 ± 2.1%, and 66.4 ± 2.7%, respectively, and no differences among sources of wheat middlings were observed for these AA. The SID of Met (73.6 ± 1.8%) and the SID of Ala (54.8 ± 4.9%) tended ( = 0.071 and = 0.090, respectively) to be different among sources of wheat middlings, and the SID of all other AA was different ( < 0.05) among the 10 sources of wheat middlings. There were no differences between red dog and wheat middlings for the SID of Arg, His, and Ser, and the SID of Cys was less ( < 0.05) in red dog than in wheat middlings, but for all other AA, the SID in red dog was greater ( < 0.05) than in wheat middlings. In conclusion, wheat middlings and red dog contain approximately the same quantities of AA, but the AID and SID of CP and most AA in red dog are greater than in wheat middlings.

The first objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE and nutrients in full fat rice bran (FFRB) and defatted rice bran (DFRB) determined in gestating sows is greater if feed is provided at 1.5 × the ME required for maintenance than at 3.5 × the ME requirement. The second objective was to test the hypothesis that the ATTD of GE and nutrients and the concentrations of DE and ME in FFRB and DFRB is not different between growing gilts and gestating sows if both groups of animals are fed 3.5 × the maintenance requirement for ME. Forty eight gestating sows (parity 2 to 6) were allotted to 3 diets and 2 levels of feed intake (i.e., 1.5 or 3.5 × the maintenance requirement for ME) in a randomized complete block design, with 4 blocks of 12 sows and 2 replicate sows per block for a total of 8 replicate sows per diet. Twenty four growing gilts (51.53 ± 3.1 kg BW) were randomly allotted to the same 3 diets, but all gilts were fed at 3.5 × the maintenance requirement for ME. A basal diet containing corn and soybean meal and 2 diets that consisted of 60% basal diet and 40% FFRB or DFRB were used. Results of the experiment indicated that there were no effects of level of feed intake of sows on ATTD of GE, DM, OM, or NDF, or on concentrations of DE and ME. However, concentrations of DE and ME were greater ( < 0.05) in FFRB than in DFRB regardless of feed intake level. The ATTD of GE, OM, DM, and NDF of diets containing FFRB or DFRB was less ( < 0.05) than in the basal diet, regardless of the physiological stage of the animals. However, the ATTD of GE, OM, and NDF of the basal diet and diets containing FFRB or DRFB was greater ( < 0.05) in gestating sows than in growing gilts. Concentrations of DE and ME in the diets were also greater ( < 0.05) if determined in gestating sows than in growing gilts. The ATTD of GE and the concentrations of DE and ME of FFRB were greater ( < 0.05) than in DFRB and these values were also greater ( < 0.05) in gestating sows than in growing gilts. In conclusion, the level of feed intake by gestating sows did not affect the digestibility of GE and nutrients or the concentrations of DE and ME in diets or in FFRB or DFRB, but the ATTD of GE and the concentration of DE and ME in diets and in FFRB and DFRB were greater in gestating sows than in growing gilts.

[EN] In this paper, a theoretical study of different p-p-n perovskite solar cells has been performed by means of computer simulation. Effects of the offset level upon the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of these devices have been researched using five different materials such as spiro-OMeTAD, Cu2O, CuSCN, NiO and CuI, as Hole Transporting Layer (HTL). The Solar Cells Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS)-1D has been the tool used for numerical simulation of these devices. A strong dependence of PCE has been found with the difference between the Maximum of the Valence Band of the HTL and perovskite materials, and with the doping level in p-type perovskite layer. A minimum value of hole mobility in the HTL has been also found, below which the PCE is reduced. Efficiencies in the order of 28% have been obtained for the Cu2O/Perovskite/TiO2 solar cell. Results obtained in this work show the potentiality of this promising technology., This work was partially supported by the Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Argentina, by the Universidad Nacional Arturo Jauretche, Argentina, by the Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina, by the National Council Research (CONICET), Argentina, and by the Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (Grant ENE2016-77798-C4-2-R), Spain.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA and concentrations of DE and ME in soy protein concentrate (SPC) ground to 3 particle sizes and in soybean meal and fish meal when fed to weanling pigs. An additional experiment was conducted to determine effects on growth performance and blood characteristics of including SPC in diets fed to weanling pigs. In Exp. 1, a N-free diet and diets containing soybean meal, fish meal, or SPC ground to a mean particle size of 70, 180, or 700 μm as the only source of AA were fed to 6 barrows (initial BW: 12.90 ± 1.51 kg) that had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum. In Exp. 2, 36 barrows (13.70 ± 1.86 kg BW) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with 6 diets and 6 replicate pigs per diet. A corn-based diet and diets containing corn and soybean meal, fish meal, or SPC ground to the 3 particle sizes were used. In Exp. 3, 160 pigs (initial BW: 7.06 ± 1.07 kg) were allotted to 4 dietary treatments with 8 pens per treatment and 5 pigs per pen. Pigs were fed one of 4 diets during phase 1 (d 0 to 14 postweaning), and a common diet in phase 2 (d 14 to 28 postweaning). The 4 diets used in phase 1 included a control diet containing fish meal and spray-dried plasma protein, and diets in which fish meal, spray-dried plasma protein, or both fish meal and spray-dried plasma protein were replaced by SPC ground to 180 μm. Results of Exp. 1 indicated that the SID of His, Lys, and Thr tended (0.10) to be greater in SPC ground to 180 μm than in soybean meal, and the SID of Arg, Ile, Phe, and Trp was greater (0.05) in SPC ground to 70 or 180 μm than in soybean meal. There were no differences in the DE and ME (DM-basis) among corn, soybean meal, fish meal, and SPC ground to 70, 180, or 700 μm. Results of Exp. 3 indicated that growth performance of pigs fed the 4 experimental diets in phase 1 was not different in phase 1, phase 2, or in the entire experiment. In conclusion, grinding SPC to approximately 180 µm maximizes SID of indispensable AA without impacting ME and diets based on soybean meal and SPC as the main protein sources may be fed to pigs during the initial 2 wk postweaning without affecting growth performance.

Fil: Cappelletti, Marcelo Angel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Electronica, Control y Procesamiento de Senales. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Electronica, Control y Procesamiento de Senales; Argentina. Universidad Nacional Arturo Jauretche; Argentina

The nutritional contribution of the dietary nitrogen, carbon and total dry matter supplied by fish meal (FM), soy protein isolate (SP) and corn gluten (CG) to the growth of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei was assessed by means of isotopic analyses. As SP and CG are ingredients derived from plants having different photosynthetic pathways which imprint specific carbon isotope values to plant tissues, their isotopic values were contrasting. FM is isotopically different to these plant meals with regards to both, carbon and nitrogen. Such natural isotopic differences were used to design experimental diets having contrasting isotopic signatures. Seven isoproteic (36% crude protein), isoenergetic (4.7 kcal g − 1 ) diets were formulated; three diets consisted in isotopic controls manufactured with only one main ingredient supplying dietary nitrogen and carbon: 100% FM (diet 100F), 100% SP (diet 100S) and 100% CG (diet 100G). Four more diets were formulated with varying mixtures of these three ingredients, one included 33% of each ingredient on a dietary nitrogen basis (diet 33FSG) and the other three included a proportion 50:25:25 for each of the three ingredients (diets 50FSG, 50SGF and 50GFS). At the end of the bioassay there were no significant differences in growth rate in shrimps fed on the four mixed diets and diet 100F ( k = 0.215–0.224). Growth rates were significantly lower ( k = 0.163–0.201) in shrimps grown on diets containing only plant meals. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values (δ 13 C and δ 15 N) were measured in experimental diets and shrimp muscle tissue and results were incorporated into a three-source, two-isotope mixing model. The relative contributions of dietary nitrogen, carbon and total dry matter from FM, SP and CG to growth were statistically similar to the proportions established in most of the diets after correcting for the apparent digestibility coefficients of the ingredients. Dietary nitrogen available in diet 33FSG was incorporated in muscle tissue at proportions representing 24, 35 and 41% of the respective ingredients. Diet 50GSF contributed significantly higher amounts of dietary nitrogen from CG than from FM. When the level of dietary nitrogen derived from FM was increased in diet 50FSG, nutrient contributions were more comparable to the available dietary proportions as there was an incorporation of 44, 29 and 27% from FM, SP and CG, respectively. Nutritional contributions from SP were very consistent to the dietary proportions established in the experimental diets.

The electrical parameters degradation of n-type GaAs solar cells exposed to radiation from high-energy particles has been analyzed by means of computer simulation. Specifically, the radiation damage caused by electron upon the diffusion and recombination currents and the series resistance of the solar cells with different base carrier concentrations have been researched using the NRL method, the PC1D program and a home-made numerical code based on genetic algorithms. Results obtained are useful to predict the behavior of these devices under extreme operating conditions.

An iterative method based on numerical simulations was developed to enhance the proton radiation tolerance and the responsivity of Si PIN photodiodes. The method allows to calculate the optimal values of the intrinsic layer thickness and the incident light wavelength, in function of the light intensity and the maximum proton fluence to be supported by the device. These results minimize the effects of radiation on the total reverse current of the photodiode and maximize its response to light. The implementation of the method is useful in the design of devices whose operation point should not suffer variations due to radiation.

La cirugía de terceros molares constituye en la práctica de la cirugía oral y maxilofacial, una de las intervenciones más realizadas. Las indicaciones son variadas, desde medidas profilácticas hasta grandes lesiones osteolíticas. Algunas de las consecuencias después de dicha intervención son; edema, trismus y dolor postoperatorio. En la técnica quirúrgica, el colgajo cobra gran importancia a la hora de minimizar estas consecuencias. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar el postoperatorio de la cirugía de terceros molares mandibulares incluidos, utilizando un colgajo lineal en un lado y un colgajo triangular en el otro lado del mismo paciente. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en 15 pacientes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Mayor. Se tomaron registros fotográficos estandarizados y se midió la apertura bucal máxima pre-quirúrgica de cada paciente. Se registró el edema, la limitación de apertura bucal y el dolor a las 48 horas y a los 7 días, además del tiempo intraoperatorio. Todos los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente. No existen diferencias significativas en el edema, limitación de la apertura ni dolor al utilizar ambos colgajos. Tampoco existe correlación entre el tiempo operatorio y las tres variables estudiadas. El postoperatorio de la cirugía de terceros molares mandibulares incluidos es similar al utilizar un colgajo lineal o un colgajo triangular. El cirujano puede optar por uno o el otro indistintamente, según su preferencia.One of the most common procedures in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is third molar surgery. From prophylactic measures to large osteolytic lesions, there are various indications. Some of the consequences of this procedure are; edema, trismus and postoperative pain. Flap design is an important feature of surgical technique that plays a vital role in minimizing these consequences. The objective of this study is a post operative evaluation of included third molar jaw surgery using a linear flap on one side and a triangular flap on the other side of the same patient. A prospective study of 15 patients from the Dentistry College at the Major University was carried out. Before surgery standard photos were taken and maximum oral opening was measured for each patient. The edema, maximum oral opening and pain were measured 48 hours and 7 days after surgery. All of the data were analyzed statistically. There are no significant differences in the edema, ability to open the mouth or the level of pain using the two types of flap. There also is no correlation between the operation time and the three variables studied. The postoperative edema, pain and trismus after included third molar surgery are similar when using linear or triangular flap designs. The surgeon can choose one or the other indistinctly, according to his/her preference.

High fiber co-products from the copra and palm kernel industries are by-products of the production of coconut oil and palm kernel oil. The co-products include copra meal, copra expellers, palm kernel meal, and palm kernel expellers. All 4 ingredients are very high in fiber and the energy value is relatively low when fed to pigs. The protein concentration is between 14 and 22% and the protein has a low biological value and a very high Arg:Lys ratio. Digestibility of most amino acids is less than in soybean meal but close to that in corn. However, the digestibility of Lys is sometimes low due to Maillard reactions that are initiated due to overheating during drying. Copra and palm kernel ingredients contain 0.5 to 0.6% P. Most of the P in palm kernel meal and palm kernel expellers is bound to phytate, but in copra products less than one third of the P is bound to phytate. The digestibility of P is, therefore, greater in copra meal and copra expellers than in palm kernel ingredients. Inclusion of copra meal should be less than 15% in diets fed to weanling pigs and less than 25% in diets for growing-finishing pigs. Palm kernel meal may be included by 15% in diets for weanling pigs and 25% in diets for growing and finishing pigs. Rice bran contains the pericarp and aleurone layers of brown rice that is removed before polished rice is produced. Rice bran contains approximately 25% neutral detergent fiber and 25 to 30% starch. Rice bran has a greater concentration of P than most other plant ingredients, but 75 to 90% of the P is bound in phytate. Inclusion of microbial phytase in the diets is, therefore, necessary if rice bran is used. Rice bran may contain 15 to 24% fat, but it may also have been defatted in which case the fat concentration is less than 5%. Concentrations of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) are slightly less in full fat rice bran than in corn, but defatted rice bran contains less than 75% of the DE and ME in corn. The concentration of crude protein is 15 to 18% in rice bran and the protein has a high biological value and most amino acids are well digested by pigs. Inclusion of rice bran in diets fed to pigs has yielded variable results and based on current research it is recommended that inclusion levels are less than 25 to 30% in diets for growing-finishing pigs, and less than 20% in diets for weanling pigs. However, there is a need for additional research to determine the inclusion rates that may be used for both full fat and defatted rice bran.

Interprotein electron transfer underpins the essential processes of life and relies on the formation of specific, yet transient protein-protein interactions. In biological systems, the detoxification of sulfite is catalyzed by the sulfite-oxidizing enzymes (SOEs), which interact with an electron acceptor for catalytic turnover. Here, we report the structural and functional analyses of the SOE SorT from Sinorhizobium meliloti and its cognate electron acceptor SorU. Kinetic and thermodynamic analyses of the SorT/SorU interaction show the complex is dynamic in solution, and that the proteins interact with Kd = 13.5 ± 0.8 μM. The crystal structures of the oxidized SorT and SorU, both in isolation and in complex, reveal the interface to be remarkably electrostatic, with an unusually large number of direct hydrogen bonding interactions. The assembly of the complex is accompanied by an adjustment in the structure of SorU, and conformational sampling provides a mechanism for dissociation of the SorT/SorU assembly. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.09066.001, eLife digest A key feature of many important chemical reactions in cells is the transfer of particles called electrons from one molecule to another. The sulfite oxidizing enzymes (or SOEs) are a group of enzymes that are found in many organisms. These enzymes convert sulfite, which is a very reactive compound that can damage cells, into another compound called sulfate. As part of this process the SOE transfers electrons from sulfite to other molecules, such as oxygen or a protein called cytochrome c. In the past, researchers have described the three-dimensional structure of three SOEs using a technique called X-ray crystallography. However, it has been difficult to study how SOEs pass electrons to other molecules because of the temporary nature of the interactions. McGrath et al. studied an SOE called SorT, which is found in bacteria. The SorT enzyme passes electrons from sulfite to another protein called SorU. McGrath used X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structures of versions of these proteins from a bacterium called Sinorhizobium meliloti. This included structures of the proteins on their own, and when they were bound to each other. These structures revealed that a subtle change in the shape of SorU occurs when the proteins interact, which enables an electron to be quickly transferred. McGrath et al. also found that the interface between the two proteins showed an unexpectedly high number of contact sites. These strengthen the interaction between the two proteins, which helps to make electron transfer more efficient. However, these contact sites do not prevent the two proteins from quickly moving apart after the electrons have been transferred. The next challenge is to find out whether these observations are common to SOEs from other forms of life. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.09066.002

Let P be a set of 3k points in the Euclidean plane. A 3-matching is a partition of P into k subsets of 3 points each, called triplets. The cost of each triplet {a, b, c} is given by min{|ab| + |bc|, |bc| + |ca|, |ca| + |ab|}, and the cost of the 3-matching is the sum of the costs of its triplets. The problem of finding a minimum cost Euclidean 3-matching is known to be NP-hard. Two integer programming formulations for this problem were introduced by Johnsson, Magyar, and Nevalainen. First, we prove that the linear programming relaxations of these two models are equivalent. Second, we introduce a new triplet integer programming model. Third, we compare the linear programming relaxations of these three models.