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Most land surface models (LSMs), i.e. the land components of Earth system models (ESMs), include representation of nitrogen (N) limitation on ecosystem productivity. However, only a few of these models have incorporated phosphorus (P) cycling. In tropical ecosystems, this is likely to be important as N tends to be abundant, whereas the availability of rock-derived elements, such as P, can be very low. Thus, without a representation of P cycling, tropical forest response in areas such as Amazonia to rising atmospheric CO2 conditions remain highly uncertain. In this study, we introduced P dynamics and its interactions with the N and carbon (C) cycles into the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES). The new model (JULES-CNP) includes the representation of P stocks in vegetation and soil pools, as well as key processes controlling fluxes between these pools. We develop and evaluate JULES-CNP using in situ data collected at a low-fertility site in the central Amazon, with a soil P content representative of 60 % of soils across the Amazon basin, to parameterize, calibrate, and evaluate JULES-CNP. Novel soil and plant P pool observations are used for parameterization and calibration, and the model is evaluated against C fluxes and stocks and those soil P pools not used for parameterization or calibration. We then evaluate the model at additional P-limited test sites across the Amazon and in Panama and Hawaii, showing a significant improvement over the C- and CN-only versions of the model. The model is then applied under elevated CO2 (600 ppm) at our study site in the central Amazon to quantify the impact of P limitation on CO2 fertilization. We compare our results against the current state-of-the-art CNP models using the same methodology that was used in the AmazonFACE model intercomparison study. The model is able to reproduce the observed plant and soil P pools and fluxes used for evaluation under ambient CO2. We estimate P to limit net primary productivity (NPP) by 24 % under current CO2 and by 46 % under elevated CO2. Under elevated CO2, biomass in simulations accounting for CNP increase by 10 % relative to contemporary CO2 conditions, although it is 5 % lower compared to CN- and C-only simulations. Our results highlight the potential for high P limitation and therefore lower CO2 fertilization capacity in the Amazon rainforest with low-fertility soils.

By taking advantage of the outstanding intrinsic optoelectronic properties of perovskite-based photovoltaic materials, together with the strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption and electronic confinement in PbS quantum dots (QDs), sub-bandgap photocurrent generation is possible, opening the way for solar cell efficiencies surpassing the classical limits. The present study shows an effective methodology for the inclusion of high densities of colloidal PbS QDs in a MAPbI3 (methylammonium lead iodide) perovskite matrix as a means to enhance the spectral window of photon absorption of the perovskite host film and allow photocurrent production below its bandgap. The QDs were introduced in the perovskite matrix in different sizes and concentrations to study the formation of quantum-confined levels within the host bandgap and the potential formation of a delocalized intermediate mini-band (IB). Pronounced sub-bandgap (in NIR) absorption was optically confirmed with the introduction of QDs in the perovskite. The consequent photocurrent generation was demonstrated via photoconductivity measurements, which indicated IB establishment in the films. Despite verifying the reduced crystallinity of the MAPbI3 matrix with a higher concentration and size of the embedded QDs, the nanostructured films showed pronounced enhancement (above 10-fold) in NIR absorption and consequent photocurrent generation at photon energies below the perovskite bandgap.

The quasi-free scattering reactions 11C(p,2p) and 10,11,12C(p,pn) have been studied in inverse kinematics at beam energies of 300–400 MeV/u at the R3B-LAND setup. The outgoing proton-proton and proton-neutron pairs were detected in coincidence with the reaction fragments in kinematically complete measurements. The efficiency to detect these pairs has been obtained from GEANT4 simulations which were tested using the 12C(p,2p) and 12C(p,pn) reactions. Experimental cross sections and momentum distributions have been obtained and compared to DWIA calculations based on eikonal theory. The new results reported here are combined with previously published cross sections for quasi-free scattering from oxygen and nitrogen isotopes and together they enable a systematic study of the reduction of single-particle strength compared to predictions of the shell model over a wide neutron-to-proton asymmetry range. The combined reduction factors show a weak or no dependence on isospin asymmetry, in contrast to the strong dependency reported in nucleon-removal reactions induced by nuclear targets at lower energies. However, the reduction factors for (p,2p) are found to be 'significantly smaller than for (p,pn) reactions for all investigated nuclei. Keywords: Quasi-free scattering, Inverse kinematics, Shell model, Spectroscopic factors

The evolution of the traditional nuclear magic numbers away from the valley of stability is an active field of research. Experimental efforts focus on providing key spectroscopic information that will shed light into the structure of exotic nuclei and understanding the driving mechanism behind the shell evolution. In this work, we investigate the Z=6 spin-orbit shell gap towards the neutron dripline. To do so, we employed NA(p,2p)CA−1 quasi-free scattering reactions to measure the proton component of the 21+ state of 16,18,20C. The experimental findings support the notion of a moderate reduction of the proton 1p1/2−1p3/2 spin-orbit splitting, at variance to recent claims for a prevalent Z=6 magic number towards the neutron dripline.

Carrot is an edible tuberous root with high economic value in Brazil. Carrot seeds may present uneven germination due to the presence of inhibitors in the epithelium. The presence of cover crops in the growing area may generate allelopathic compounds, with the potential to inhibit or stimulate germination of cultivated species. The work objective was verifying effect of pigeon bean extract levels on germination and development of carrot seedlings. The research was conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 3x5 factorial scheme (cultivars,Danvers, Flakker Giant and Nantes Milena and extract concentrations, 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%). Were evaluate germination (first germination count, speed and final percentage), seedling root length and seedling dry mass. The data obtained were submitted to variance and regression analysis.

Abstract We present a new approach for the f(R, T) gravity formalism, by thoroughly exploring the extra terms of its effective energy-momentum tensor $$T_{\mu \nu }^\mathrm{eff}$$ Tμνeff , which we name $$\tilde{T}_{\mu \nu }$$ T~μν , so that $$T_{\mu \nu }^\mathrm{eff}=T_{\mu \nu }+\tilde{T}_{\mu \nu }$$ Tμνeff=Tμν+T~μν , with $$T_{\mu \nu }$$ Tμν being the usual energy-momentum tensor of matter. Purely from the Bianchi identities, we obtain the conservation of both parts of the effective energy-momentum tensor, rather than the non-conservation of $$T_{\mu \nu }$$ Tμν , originally occurring in the f(R, T) theories. In this way, the intriguing scenario of matter creation, which still lacks observational evidence, is evaded. One is left, then, with two sets of cosmological equations to be solved: the Friedmann-like equations along with the conservation of $$T_{\mu \nu }$$ Tμν and along with the conservation of $$\tilde{T}_{\mu \nu }$$ T~μν . We present a physical interpretation for the conservation of $$\tilde{T}_{\mu \nu }$$ T~μν , which can be related to the presence of stiff matter in the universe. The cosmological consequences of this approach are presented and discussed as well as the benefits of evading the matter energy-momentum tensor non-conservation.

In this paper we derive a novel cosmological model from the f(R,T) theory of gravitation, for which R is the Ricci scalar and T is the trace of the energy-momentum tensor. We consider the functional form f(R,T)=f(R)+f(T), with f(R) being the Starobinsky Model, named R+αR2, and f(T)=2γT, with α and γ being constants. We show that a hybrid expansion law form for the scale factor is a solution for the derived Friedmann-like equations. In this way, the model is able to predict both the decelerated and the accelerated regimes of expansion of the universe, with the transition redshift between these stages being in accordance with recent observations. We also apply the energy conditions to our material content solutions. Such an application makes us able to obtain the range of acceptability for the free parameters of the model, named α and γ.

Estudou-se a eficácia do uso tópico de um produto comercial constituído por uma associação fitoterápica como promotor da cicatrização de feridas induzidas em equinos. Uma lesão cutânea em forma de quadrado, com 5cm de lado, foi produzida cirurgicamente em ambos os lados da região glútea de oito cavalos adultos. Aleatoriamente um dos lados foi escolhido como tratado, permanecendo o contralateral como controle. As lesões do lado controle foram lavadas com água e detergente neutro e, no lado tratado, foi realizado o mesmo procedimento, seguido de aplicação tópica da associação fitoterápica. As evoluções macroscópica e microscópica do processo cicatricial foram avaliadas, e a área de cada ferida determinada no decorrer do período experimental. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os lados em relação aos valores de área das feridas. Na última avaliação, o lado controle apresentou valor médio de área de 0,70cm², e o lado tratado de 1,23cm². A contração cicatricial observada em 77 dias de evolução cicatricial foi de 97,57% para o lado controle e de 95,59% para o lado tratado.

Avaliaram-se, durante 60 minutos, 10 bovinos após administração intravenosa de 0,1mg.kg-1 de xilazina ou 10μg.kg-1 de detomidina, quanto às frequências cardíaca e respiratória, movimentos ruminais, pressão arterial média, temperatura retal e respostas comportamentais como ataxia ou decúbito, ptose palpebral, estado de alerta ou sedação e redução da altura da cabeça em relação ao solo, além da presença de salivação, micção e concentração sanguínea de glicose. Observou-se que a xilazina, via intravenosa, em bovinos, ao mesmo tempo que promove sedação mais intensa e prolongada que a detomidina, induz a uma maior quantidade de efeitos indesejáveis, como salivação e decúbito, e redução das frequências cardíaca e respiratória, da pressão arterial média, da motilidade ruminal e da temperatura, sendo estas alterações mais prolongadas. Conclui-se que a detomidina pode ser utilizada com segurança em bovinos na dose de 10μg.kg-1, promovendo sedação e permanência do animal em posição quadrupedal.

Estudou-se a eficácia do uso tópico de ketanserina como promotor da cicatrização de feridas cutâneas induzidas em equinos. As feridas foram produzidas em ambos os metâmeros na região da garupa de oito cavalos adultos, em formato quadrangular, medindo cinco centímetros de lado. Aleatoriamente um dos metâmeros foi escolhido como tratado, permanecendo o contralateral como controle. As lesões do grupocontrole foram lavadas somente com água e detergente neutro e no grupo tratado foi realizado o mesmo procedimento seguido de aplicação tópica de ketanserina. A evolução macroscópica e microscópica do processo cicatricial foi avaliada e a área de cada ferida determinada no decorrer do período experimental. Não foram verificadas diferenças significativas entre as feridas do grupo-controle e do grupo tratado com ketanserina durante 56 dias de avaliação.The efficiency of topical use of kentaserin on healing evolution of induced skin wounds in horses was studied. The experimental surgical wounds were made in both sides of the croup of eight adult horses. The wounds were square-shaped measuring 5cm of each side. One side was considered control and the opposite one treated. Both control and treated animals were rinsed with water and neutral soap. Additionally, the wound on the treated horses received the topical treatment with ketanserin. Macroscopic and microscopic healing evolution of the wounds was evaluated and their areas were determined during the experimental period. The use of topical ketanserin showed no difference between the control and the treated wounds during a period of 56 days.

Foram utilizados oito eqüinos distribuídos em dois grupos, submetidos ou não à obstrução experimental do jejuno mediante a colocação de um balão intraluminal. Os animais do grupo 1 foram submetidos à enterotomia com colocação do balão sem distensão suficiente para provocar isquemia e os do grupo 2 à isquemia por obstrução do jejuno durante quatro horas. Para determinação do hemograma e da hemogasometria foram obtidas amostras de sangue venoso em quatro momentos: uma hora antes do procedimento cirúrgico (M1), ao final da obstrução/isquemia (M2) e uma hora (M3) e 18 horas (M4) após o início da reperfusão/desobstrução. Não houve diferença entre grupos nas contagens de hemácias, leucócitos totais, neutrófilos bastonetes, neutrófilos segmentados, linfócitos e monócitos, bem como no teor de hemoglobina. Houve diferença no volume globular em M2 e na contagem de eosinófilos em M3. Na hemogasometria, em ambos os grupos, registrou-se diminuição dos teores de sódio, potássio, cálcio ionizado e cloro, da pressão parcial de oxigênio e da saturação de oxiemoglobina. Os resultados indicam que o hemograma, isoladamente, não fornece informações conclusivas, enquanto a hemogasometria possibilita determinar, precocemente, o volume de reposição hidroeletrolítica a ser administrado em eqüino com abdômen agudo decorrente de obstrução de jejuno, auxiliando no tratamento e no melhor prognóstico da afecção intestinal.Eight equines were distributed into two different groups. Those groups were submitted or not to an experimental jejunal obstruction. Animals from group 1 were submitted to an enterotomy with placement of an intraluminal balloon, without enough distention to cause ischemia; animals from group 2 were submitted to ischemia by jejunal obstruction during four hours. In order to determine the hemogram and blood gas analysis, blood samples from peripheral vein were obtained at four moments: one hour before the surgical procedure (M1); at the end of obstruction/ischemia (M2); one hour (M3) and 18 hours (M4) after the beginning of reperfusion/deobstruction. There was no difference among the groups related to the counting of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, total white cells, neutrophils (band), neutrophils (segmented), lymphocytes, and monocytes. There was difference in the globular volume in M2 and in the eosinophils counting in M3. In both groups, the blood gas analysis identified diminished of sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, and chloride amounts, and partial pressure of oxygen and oxihemoglobin saturation. The results indicate that the hemogram alone, do not give conclusive information while the blood gas analysis allows an early determination of the volume of hydroelectrolytic replacement to be given to one equine with acute abdomen due to jejunal obstruction, providing additional support to the treatment and a better prognosis to an intestinal affection.

Relata-se o caso de um eqüino com sinais clínicos clássicos e avaliação hormonal compatível com hipotireoidismo primário, decorrente do uso sistêmico contínuo de iodeto de potássio, na dosagem de 60g/dia. O tratamento consistiu na simples remoção da fonte de iodo, o que reduziu, gradualmente, as manifestações clínicas. Este relato de caso contribui com o estudo do hipotireoidismo iatrogênico em eqüinos adultos e, dessa forma, alerta para os possíveis efeitos colaterais indesejáveis de terapias à base de iodo.This report describes a case of an equine presenting classic clinical signs and hormonal profile related to primary hypothyroidism due to the continued systemic administration of 60g/day of potassium iodate. Remission of the problem required the elimination of iodine source, which led to a gradual reduction in the clinical manifestation. This case report contribute with the iatrogenic hypothyroidism study in adult horses and warn veterinarians to the possible undesirable collateral effects of iodine therapies.

Rainha Cláudia verde' (Prunnus domestica L. ssp Domestica) é uma variedade de ameixa conhecida como um produto regional típico do Alentejo, com interesse económico e social importante para a região e protegido com a Denominação de Origem “Ameixa de Elvas” reconhecida pelo decreto nº 49/94 20/01. Com este estudo pretendeu-se identificar quais os atributos sensoriais, que mais influenciam a Avaliação global das ameixas desta variedade e analisar a relação entre dados instrumentais e sensoriais. Para caracterizar a qualidade sob o ponto de vista instrumental foram analisados parâmetros físicos (perda de peso e cor da epiderme), reológicos (Firmeza da pele e da polpa) e químicos (concentração de sólidos solúveis totais e acidez). A qualidade sensorial foi estudada recorrendo-se a análise sensorial descritiva, para atributos visuais (Aspecto exterior, Cor da pele e Cor da polpa), de sabor e odor (Doce, Ácido e Sabores/aromas característicos da ameixa), texturais (Firmeza e Suculência) e a Avaliação global. Os atributos que mais contribuíram para a Avaliação global da qualidade destes frutos foram por ordem decrescente de importância: a Suculência, o Doce, os Sabores/aromas característicos da ameixa, a acidez e a Firmeza. No estudo das correlações entre parâmetros instrumentais e sensoriais foram encontrados correlações significativas entre o atributo Suculência e o parâmetro instrumental Firmeza da polpa (r = 0,72) e entre o atributo Firmeza e o parâmetro instrumental Firmeza da pele (r = 0,71). A medição da Firmeza de forma instrumental parece reflectir com bastante fiabilidade a avaliação da Textura e Suculência dos frutos por parte do painel de provadores, o que pode ter grande interesse para a avaliação da qualidade de forma expedita.'Rainha Cláudia verde' (Prunnus domestica L. ssp Domestica) is a regional commodity from Alentejo known with a Protected Origin Denomination of “Ameixa de Elvas” decree nº 49/94 20/01. The aim of this work is to identify the most important attributes determinant for the global evaluation of these fruits and to study the relation among instrumental and sensorial evaluation. In order to carried out an instrumental assessment the following quality parameters were evaluated: weight loss, external colour (L* a* b*), visual assessment of the epidermis, epidermis puncture test, mesocarp penetration test, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity and pH. Sensorial evaluation considered visual attributes (Outer aspect, Skin colour, Pulp colour), “flavour” (Sweetness, Acidity, Typical flavour), texture (Firmness and Juiciness) and Global evaluation. The most important attributes for final classification were by decreased order: Juiciness, Sweetness, Typical flavour, Acidity and Firmness. Correlation between instrumental and sensorial parameters were significant for Juiciness and Pulp firmness (r = 0,72) and Sensorial firmness and Skin firmness (r = 0,71). Instrumental firmness reflects textural and juiciness sensorial characteristics of these fruits, fact that could be very useful to preview the quality of plums ‘Rainha Cláudia verde’.

The effect of intratendineous injections of polysulphated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) as treatment of collagenase-induced tendonitis was studied. Two groups (GI and GII) of five Arabian horses each, males and females, two to six year-old, were submitted to experimental tendinitis of the superficial digital flexor tendon of the left thoracic limb by intratendineous injection of 1.0ml of collagenase (2.5mg/ml). Seven days after the induced-lesions were created, the horses of GI received five intralesional injections of 1.0ml (125mg) of PSGAG, every four days. Horses of GII received injections of saline in the same dose and rate. Clinical and ultrasonographic evaluations were performed periodically, during 150 days. All animals showed lameness, increased local pain, heat and swelling 24 hours after the injury was created. All signs, except to swelling, which remained visible by the end of the study, showed regression in all animals. Lesions of variable size, shape and position were evidenced by the ultrasonographic evaluation, reaching maximum severity between the seventh and the 23rd days. By the end of the study, the echogenicity grade ranged from 1 to 2, and the grade of fiber alignment from 0 to 2. The histopathologic analysis demonstrated repair areas with intense fibroplasia and neovascularization, collagen fibers poorly organized, and thickened hypercellular endotenon. The data of this study did not show significant differences between the treated and control groups, therefore leading to the conclusion that the intralesional injection of PSGAG did not have beneficial effects in the treatment of collagenase-induced tendinitis.Estudou-se o efeito de aplicações intratendíneas do polissulfato de glicosaminoglicanas (PSGAG) no tratamento de tendinite induzida pela colagenase. Dois grupos (GI e GII) de cinco eqüinos da raça Puro-Sangue Árabe, machos e fêmeas, com idades entre dois e seis anos, foram submetidos à tendinite do tendão flexor digital superficial do membro torácico esquerdo por aplicação intratendínea de 1,0ml de colagenase (2,5mg/ml). Decorridos sete dias da indução da lesão, os eqüinos do GI receberam cinco aplicações intralesionais de 1,0ml (125mg) de PSGAG, a intervalos de quatro dias, enquanto que os do GII receberam aplicações de solução fisiológica em igual volume e freqüência. Efetuaram-se avaliações clínicas e ultra-sonográficas, periodicamente, durante 150 dias. Todos os animais apresentaram claudicação e aumento local de sensibilidade, de temperatura e de volume 24 horas após a indução da lesão. Com exceção do aumento de volume, que permaneceu visível até o final do experimento, observou-se regressão de todos os sinais em todos os animais. A avaliação ultra-sonográfica evidenciou lesões de tamanho, forma e posição variados, de maior severidade entre o sétimo e 23º dia. Ao término do experimento, o grau de ecogenicidade encontrava-se entre 1 e 2, e o grau de paralelismo entre 0 e 2. A análise histopatológica evidenciou áreas cicatriciais com intensa fibroplasia e neovascularização, fibras colágenas pouco organizadas e endotendão hipercelular e espessado. Não se observou diferenças significativas entre os grupos quanto ao processo de reparação das lesões, concluindo-se que a aplicação intralesional de PSGAG não produziu efeito benéfico para tratar tendinite induzida por colagenase.

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The present study examines the effect of concanavalin A (Con A) on the blood insulin and glucose levels of rats. Male and female rats treated with Con A (62.5-500 µg/kg) for three days showed a dose- and time-dependent hyperinsulinemia that lasted more than 48 h. Male rats were more sensitive to Con A. Thus, 6 h after treatment with Con A the circulating insulin levels in male rats had increased by 85% (control: 10.2 ± 0.9 mU/l and Con A-treated: 18.8 ± 1 mU/l) compared to only 38% (control: 7.5 ± 0.2 mU/l; Con A-treated: 10.3 ± 0.9 mU/l) in females. An identical response was seen after 12 h. Con A (250 µg/kg) produced time-dependent hypoglycemia in both sexes but more pronounced in males. There was no correlation between the hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia described above. The Con A-induced hyperinsulinemia in rats of both sexes was abolished in gonadectomized animals (intact males: +101 ± 17% vs orchiectomized males: -5 ± 3%; intact females: +86 ± 23% vs ovariectomized females: -18 ± 7.2%). Pretreating intact male and female rats with human chorionic gonadotropin also significantly inhibited the Con A-induced hyperinsulinemia. Estradiol (10 µg/kg, im) significantly blocked the Con A-induced increase in circulating insulin in male rats (101 ± 17% for controls vs 32 ± 5.3% for estradiol-treated animals, P

a-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a-MSH; 0.6 and 3 nmol) microinjected into the anteroventral region of the third ventricle (AV3V) induced a significant increase in diuresis without modifying natriuresis or kaliuresis. Intraperitoneal (ip) injection of a-MSH (3 and 9.6 nmol) induced a significant increase in urinary sodium, potassium and water excretion. Intraperitoneal (3 and 4.8 nmol) or iv (3 and 9.6 nmol) administration of a-MSH did not induce any significant changes in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), suggesting that the natriuresis, kaliuresis and diuresis induced by the systemic action of a-MSH can be dissociated from the increase in plasma ANP. These preliminary results suggest that a-MSH may be involved in a g-MSH-independent mechanism of regulation of hydromineral metabolism

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of EGUS and to quantify serum gastrin levels in jumping horses during competition season and interseason period. Forty jumping horses, competing at high level were randomly allocated into two groups, the Training Group: twenty jumping horses undergoing intense training and participating in competitions, and the Rest Group: twenty jumping horses in the interseason (resting period). The gastroscopic examinations and blood samples of the horses in the training group were performed 1-2 days following the competition while in the horses of the rest group, following 4 weeks of rest. The serum gastrin levels were measured at two different times: pre-feeding and two hours after feeding the horses (postprandial) by ELISA kit. Gastric lesion score data were compared by the Mann-Whitney U test (α= 0.05) and the mean gastrin values were compared between the groups and between the two moments by the paired tet tests, respectively (α= 0, 05). Squamous gastric ulcers were detected in 42.5% of all jumping horses examined independent of the period, competition season or interseason. Serum gastrin levels were significantly higher in the Training Group with no difference between pre-feeding and postprandial values.

Handroanthus serratifolius produces flowers during the dry season in the Cerrado biome, and it may be an important food source to some bird species. For Psittacidae species, like Forpus xanthopterygius, flowers are important in their diet. This study intended to characterize the behavior of F.xanthopterygius and evaluate the damage to the flowering and in the reproduction of H. serratifolius. Four individuals of H. serratifolius were observed for 60 hours to register size of groups, the time and duration of visit, and the number of flowers predated by F.xanthopterygius. The groups that visited the plants had between 2 and 12 individuals. The mean time of visits was 60.31 minutes (±22.29). The size of groups was correlated to number of flowers predated and was influenced by number of flowers offered. During the flowering, each H. serratifolius individual loses approximately 1,052 flowers per week.