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The differential cross section for Z0 production, measured as a function of the boson's transverse momentum (pT), provides important constraints on the evolution of the transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions (TMDs). The transverse single spin asymmetry (TSSA) of the Z0 is sensitive to one of the polarized TMDs, the Sivers function, which is predicted to have the opposite sign in p+p →W/Z+X from that which enters in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering. In this Letter, the STAR Collaboration reports the first measurement of the Z0/γ⁎ differential cross section as a function of its pT in p+p collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 510 GeV, together with the Z0/γ⁎ total cross section. We also report the measurement of Z0/γ⁎ TSSA in transversely polarized p+p collisions at 510 GeV.

We report on the charged-particle multiplicity dependence of net-proton cumulant ratios up to sixth order from s=200 GeV p+p collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The measured ratios C4/C2, C5/C1, and C6/C2 decrease with increased charged-particle multiplicity and rapidity acceptance. Neither the Skellam baselines nor PYTHIA8 calculations account for the observed multiplicity dependence. In addition, the ratios C5/C1 and C6/C2 approach negative values in the highest-multiplicity events, which implies that thermalized QCD matter may be formed in p+p collisions.

Abstract In this study, gold nanoparticles produced by eukaryotic cell waste (AuNP), were analyzed as a transfection tool. AuNP were produced by Fusarium oxysporum and analyzed by spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used before and after conjugation with different nucleic acid (NA) types. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS) was used to determine the AuNP concentration. Conjugation was detected by electrophoresis. Confocal microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to assess transfection. TEM, SEM, and EDS showed 25 nm AuNP with round shape. The amount of AuNP was 3.75 ± 0.2 µg/µL and FTIR proved conjugation of all NA types to AuNP. All the samples had a negative charge of − 36 to − 46 mV. Confocal microscopy confirmed internalization of the ssRNA-AuNP into eukaryotic cells and qPCR confirmed release and activity of carried RNA.

Tritrichomonas blagburni (previously called T. foetus) has been implicated as an aetiological agent of long-term large-bowel diarrhoea in cats in many countries worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of, and risk factors for T. blagburni among a cohort of cats living in different conditions in the Czech Republic. Samples were collected from 170 cats living in different environments. The InPouch™ TF-Feline medium method was used for diagnosis of feline trichomonosis. A single case (0.6%) with motile trichomonads identified as Pentatrichomonas hominis was found in a cat from a multi-cat household. Our study suggests that trichomonads and in particular, T. blagburni, infection may be much less common in the Czech Republic than in neighbouring countries, despite the inclusion of cats that were likely to be from higher-risk groups. A review of studies of the association of trichomonads and feline diarrhoea carried out in different countries revealed variation in the frequency of trichomonads detected. Different combinations of PCR or culture methods for screening or confirmation have been utilised, with or without species differentiation; however, this could not solely account for the variation in the occurrence between countries. From those studies where differentiation was performed, we calculated from the combined studies that T. blagburni occurred in six cats without diarrhoea (1.1%) and 47 cases with diarrhoea (5%). This finding supports an association with diarrhoea as well as the occurrence of asymptomatic cases. We note that in many studies, including our own, the occurrence of T. blagburni may well be underestimated and suggest that future studies use a combination of PCR screening of both faeces and faecal cultures, with differentiation of trichomonad species.

In the current human-modified world, or Anthropocene, the state of water stores and fluxes has become dependent on human as well as natural processes. Water deficits (or droughts) are the result of a complex interaction between meteorological anomalies, land surface processes, and human inflows, outflows, and storage changes. Our current inability to adequately analyse and manage drought in many places points to gaps in our understanding and to inadequate data and tools. The Anthropocene requires a new framework for drought definitions and research. Drought definitions need to be revisited to explicitly include human processes driving and modifying soil moisture drought and hydrological drought development. We give recommendations for robust drought definitions to clarify timescales of drought and prevent confusion with related terms such as water scarcity and overexploitation. Additionally, our understanding and analysis of drought need to move from single driver to multiple drivers and from uni-directional to multi-directional. We identify research gaps and propose analysis approaches on (1) drivers, (2) modifiers, (3) impacts, (4) feedbacks, and (5) changing the baseline of drought in the Anthropocene. The most pressing research questions are related to the attribution of drought to its causes, to linking drought impacts to drought characteristics, and to societal adaptation and responses to drought. Example questions include (i) What are the dominant drivers of drought in different parts of the world? (ii) How do human modifications of drought enhance or alleviate drought severity? (iii) How do impacts of drought depend on the physical characteristics of drought vs. the vulnerability of people or the environment? (iv) To what extent are physical and human drought processes coupled, and can feedback loops be identified and altered to lessen or mitigate drought? (v) How should we adapt our drought analysis to accommodate changes in the normal situation (i.e. what are considered normal or reference conditions) over time? Answering these questions requires exploration of qualitative and quantitative data as well as mixed modelling approaches. The challenges related to drought research and management in the Anthropocene are not unique to drought, but do require urgent attention. We give recommendations drawn from the fields of flood research, ecology, water management, and water resources studies. The framework presented here provides a holistic view on drought in the Anthropocene, which will help improve management strategies for mitigating the severity and reducing the impacts of droughts in future.

Obesity is recognised as the most common multiffactorial nutritional disorder of pet cats. Studies from several countries have indicated that between 11.5% and 63% of cats are overweight or obese. Breed, age, sex, reproductive status, the pet-owner relationship, owners' perceptions of their cats' body condition, type of diet, frequency of feeding, and environment have all been identified as potential risk factors for the development of obesity in cats. Obesity has significant implications for feline health and welfare as it has mechanical and metabolic effects and can predispose cats to conditions such as diabetes mellitus type 2, hepatic lipidosis, lameness, oral cavity disease, urinary tract disease, dermatological disease, and neoplasia. An important aspect of preventing and managing obesity is the evaluation of body condition to determine ideal body weight and to formulate an appropriate weight loss plan. Several methods have been developed for this purpose. This review uses recent scientific literature to discuss various aspects of feline obesity, including its prevalence, proposed risk factors, pathogenesis, associated conditions, and methods of assessment.

The effect of surgical castration with local anesthesia using lidocaine on neopterin, biopterin, and cortisol blood plasma concentrations in piglets was studied. Three groups of 12 piglets were investigated: one group castrated without lidocaine, one group castrated with lidocaine, and one group left as an uncastrated control group handled in the same way as castrated piglets. Blood samples were collected 4 min before castration, and 1 h and 24 h after castration. The time × treatment interaction (P < 0.01) was detected for neopterin concentrations, yielding the result that neopterin was higher (P < 0.01) in castrated piglets without lidocaine 1 h after surgical castration compared with all other groups. The time effect (P < 0.05) was detected for biopterin concentrations. The time × treatment interaction (P < 0.01) was detected for plasma cortisol concentrations, yielding the result that neopterin was higher (P < 0.01) in castrated piglets without lidocaine and in castrated piglets with lidocaine 1 h after surgical castration compared with pre-treatment and concentrations 24 h after surgical castration. The study showed that the use of lidocaine for the surgical castration of piglets may significantly influence the activation of the immune system. This is corroborated by a significant difference in blood plasma neopterin concentrations between piglets castrated with anesthesia and those castrated without it. The use of lidocaine had no effect on cortisol concentrations in comparison with the group castrated without lidocaine.

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a chronic allergic disease characterised by genetic predisposition. The exact pathogenesis of the disease is still not fully understood. Blood parameters, lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokines and other molecules involved in pro- and anti-inflammatory activities, and Th1/Th2 polarisation in peripheral blood were assessed in clinically healthy dogs and dogs with AD by haematological examination, flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. The group of diseased dogs was further divided into subgroups according to the severity of clinical signs expressed as CADESI-03 (canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index) values. The group of dogs with CAD showed mild neutrophilia without general leucocytosis, reduced numbers of B-lymphocytes (P < 0.05), increased relative numbers of T-lymphocytes (P < 0.01) decreased absolute numbers of double-positive lymphocytes (P < 0.001) and NK cells (P < 0.05) as compared with healthy controls. The expression levels of IL-10 mRNA were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the group with CAD. Correlation with CADESI-03 was observed in expression levels of CCL3 (P < 0.05), CCL5 (P < 0.05) and SOCS-3 mRNAs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the disease stage investigated in the present study is characterised by a chronic inflammatory response.

No abstract available.

Density of regeneration in European subalpine Norway spruce (Picea abies) forests is typically low with regeneration primarily located on dead or decaying wood. The post-disturbance development of this regeneration is crucial for natural forest succession. The aim was to identify the influence of disturbance on regeneration on decaying logs immediately after a severe disturbance event. Study plots were established in two subalpine spruce forests: the first, an undisturbed site located in the Hrubý Jeseník Mts. and the second site in the Šumava Mts. that has experienced recent severe disturbance. Regeneration density increased between 2008 and 2011 by 7% (0.29 individuals per square meter of log) at the undisturbed site and by 33% (3.24 individuals per square meter of log) at the disturbed site. The increased regeneration density observed at the disturbed site was mostly associated with the smallest saplings. The highest increase in regeneration density was observed on logs with the largest diameters. Three years after severe disturbance caused 100% mortality of the parent stand in the Bohemian Forest, no significant effect was recorded on the growth rate and survival of established spruce saplings on dead wood.

During April 2012, 34 dead wild boars (Sus scrofa) were found in the Tachov region (Czech Republic) directly in the River Mze or in its close vicinity. After infectious diseases were excluded, poisoning was suspected as the cause of death. The finding of cadavers directly in or close to a river was indicative of poisoning by a substance which causes thirst. Laboratory analysis excluded dietary salt poisoning. Later, the presence of ethylene glycol was proven in the stomach contents of the wild boars using HPLC. The diagnosis was confirmed by the typical autopsy findings on the kidneys. The kidneys were firm and of a pale brown colour with scattered petechiae on the surface and haemorrhagic stripes on the cut. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of oxalate crystals in the tubules and interstitial tissue of the kidneys.

Information on the historical background of the present forest conditions is needed for proper decisions on forest management. Disturbances play a major role in the formation of forest structure and composition. This paper compares the present break-up of mountain spruce stands in the Bohemian Forest (in the Šumava Protected Landscape Area) with conditions during their initiation using dendrochronological techniques. On three selected localities we established two study plots within relatively old stands of unknown origin. Stands were recently broken up by a windstorm. The present situation was described by diameter and decay class distribution. To describe the situation at the stand initiation, we cored at least 40 stems on each plot to get the age structure and growth series of trees. Disturbances were marked by discovering synchronous releases on tree-ring series. Main population waves were initiated in association with severe disturbances during a relatively short period, leading to the establishment of relatively even-aged, homogeneously looking stands. The disturbances were synchronized between plots and accounted for by historically known windstorms or bark beetle outbreaks; notwithstanding, logging as a disturbance factor is also particularly possible.

The Bohemian Forest Mts. (Šumava) were exposed to heavy atmospheric pollution in the last century. A possible negative effect of atmospheric pollution on tree physiology has been studied using the isotopic composition, Δ13C, of tree rings. The wood is depleted of 13C relative to the air due to isotopic discrimination against 13C and preferred uptake of 12C during photosynthesis. The ratio 13C/12C (Δ13C) reflects the relative magnitudes of net assimilation and stomatal conductance that relate to demand and supply of CO2. Carbon-13 data are thus a useful index for assessing intrinsic water use efficiency (mark period of drought or root system damages) and also could indicate assimilation organ injure (needle damage caused due to acid rain etc.). A decrease in Δ13C implies a negative effect of environmental conditions on tree physiology. Presumably, changes in soil pH and aluminium content as an indirect effect of atmospheric pollution could have an impact on tree physiology. Our results showed that the isotopic signal varied around the average, but the Δ13C signal was decreasing from the 1950s to 1980s and then increasing again starting in the 1990s. This trend is in accordance with the monitored atmospheric pollution and soil solution pH changes.

Two permanent sample plots (both 0.25 ha) were established in a mixed forest in the Orlické hory Mts. Protected Landscape Area (northeastern Bohemia) to analyze the natural regeneration of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) and silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). All the seedlings (height 0.1-0.5 m), saplings (height 0.5 m, d1.3 3 cm) and trees (d1.3 > 3 cm) were localized and measured. The analysis of the spatial pattern and statistical evaluation were carried out by means of Ripley's K-function. All the growth stages of the spruce and the fir showed an aggregated (clump) pattern, whereas the regeneration of fir was positively correlated with mature spruces and the regeneration of spruce was in a positive relation with mature firs. The results indicate that for germination and stable growth in the first stages of development, the fir can find more favourable conditions under the crowns of spruce trees and the spruce under mature firs.

The aim of the study was to compare physiological statuses of stripped and not stripped tench females with ovulation induced by GnRHa or carp pituitary extract (CPE). The comparison was based on selected biochemical stress indices (cortisol, glucose), condition (TP, TGA), and cell membrane characteristics (ALT, AST, CK). In the first and in the second year, 37 and 29 tench females were monitored, respectively. No differences in the values of biochemical parameters in either period were found between the two groups of stripped female tench whose ovulation was induced by GnRHa and CPE, respectively. No significant differences in TP, TGA, ALT, AST and CK values were found between the groups of stripped and not stripped females with ovulation induced by GnRHa or CPE. Different values were found in stress indices, specifically in glucose concentrations. A significant increase (P < 0.01) in glucose concentrations was found in tench females immediately after stripping and, in not stripped females, about 48 hrs after ovulation induction. Both artificial stripping and the inability to release eggs are important stress factors for female tench.

The aim of this study was to investigate an antibody response to tetanus toxoid in iron-deficient piglets. Ten piglets were not given any iron preparation until the age of 21 days. Ten piglets were given 200 mg Fe3+ dextran intramuscularly at the age of 3 days. All piglets were immunized with tetanus toxoid 14 days after birth. Reimmunization was performed 21 days after the first immunization. IgM and IgG titres were measured in weekly intervals after immunization. Haematological indices and iron concentration in the blood plasma of iron-deficient piglets characterized iron deficiency. The dynamic changes in IgM and IgG response to tetanus toxoid were similar in iron-deficient and iron-supplemented piglets and no significant differences in titres between the two groups were found in any period of the trial.

This paper presents detailed data on the biomass and element pools of six sample trees in the catchments of Plešné andČertovoLakes. Diameters and heights of the sample trees ranged from 28.0 to 63.7 cm and from 14.1 to 38.7 m. The age of the sample trees ranged from 84 to 177 years. Total biomass of the sample trees was in the range of 239.4 kg to 2,932.3 kg. Variation of total biomass between the sample trees was a consequence of the tree biometric data (height and dbh) and age differences. The proportion of stem wood and bark ranged from 63.5 to 69.5%, and from 4.6 to 7.2%, respectively. The proportion of foliage and fine branches ranged from 4.3 to 8.4%, and from 0.7 to 1.9%, respectively. The proportion of branch wood and bark ranged from 2.2 to 6.5%, and from 0.8 to 2.2%, respectively. Mean concentrations of C in different tree components were quite similar. Except C and compared to the other elements, N had the highest mean concentrations in tree components in all cases. Concentrations of P, Ca, Mg, and K showed similar patterns. Generally the highest concentrations of these elements were found in foliage, fine branches, fine roots and bark of stem and branches. Fe, Na, Al and Mn showed the lowest mean concentrations in tree components for all the analyzed elements. The total element pools per tree were highly variable because of the differences in total biomass between the individual trees. Generally, stem wood and bark, foliage, and roots contained the highest proportion of the elements. But there were differences between individual elements. Concerning the important nutrients, while the highest proportion of Ca and Mg was contained in stem wood and bark, the highest proportion of P was contained in foliage. The foliage contained a relatively high proportion of P and K, but a relatively low proportion of Ca and Mg.

Humus forms dynamics and characteristics of different forest sites were studied in the area of Smrčina Mt. in the Šumava National Park territory. The study was performed in vital Norway spruce forest, dead Norway spruce forest (bark beetle Ips typographus infestation) and on a clear-cut area (site conditions were comparable for all three plots). The amount of surface organic matter was not affected by forest decline or by clear-cut (95.5 t/ha, 73.1 t/ha and 100.2 t/ha, respectively), pH being comparable (between 2.3 and 3.2 pH KCl). A slight favourable effect of grass litter on pH increase was obvious; higher leaching of bases occurred in lower horizons. Nitrogen losses were detected from the L + F horizons, falling from 1.93-1.83% (living stand) to 1.73-1.83% (clear-cut area). Higher ammonia production was documented in substrates (F and H horizons) from the living stand (from 263 and 103 mg/kg before incubation to 610 and 248 mg/kg after incubation - nitrogen content in ammonia form), and higher nitrification rates (nitrogen content in nitrate form) were recorded on the clear-cut area (103 and 80 mg/kg to 153 and 87 mg/kg) and especially in the dead stand (160 and 93 mg/kg to 216 and 139 mg/kg). Respective values for the living stand increased from 52 and 61 mg/kg to 119 and 84 mg/kg. Respiration activity, both potential and basic, was more balanced, indicating more intensive dynamics in the case of dead stand and clear-cut area.

This paper deals with large-scale mountain forest decline in the Šumava National Park. The changes in biotic and abiotic properties of forest sites follow the tree layer disintegration. Changed microclimatic conditions such as intensity of irradiance, moisture and temperature of the top holorganic layers together with altered development of ground vegetation could strongly affect the values of microbiological respiration activity and the rates of nitrogen mineralization and nitrification. Soil substrates, built of organic mater, located on stony locations, are endangered by introskeletal erosion. This paper compares these features in pairs of research plots, consisting of dead or cut forest and of living stand. According to the results of this study, higher rates of organic matter decomposition, transformed dynamics of nitrogen and other nutrients and possible nutrient leaching from soil solutions were demonstrated in the forest floor under declined spruce stands. The extent and seriousness of these adverse processes for forest soils are strongly site dependent.

A British cat was presented with generalized fatty infiltration of the heart compromising both ventricles and atria, resembling arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Due to the nature and progression of the disease, the final diagnosis was achieved at necropsy. According to our knowledge only a few cases of fatty infiltration of the heart have been reported in cats, this being the first in which the pathological findings were seen in both atria.

This paper deals with the effects surrounding phenomenon of a mechanical force generated on a high voltage asymmetrical capacitor (the so called Biefeld-Brown effect). A method to measure this force is described and a formula to calculate its value is also given. Based on this the authors derive a formula characterising the neutral air flow velocity impacting an asymmetrical capacitor connected to high voltage. This air flow under normal circumstances lessens the generated force. In the following part this velocity is measured using Particle Image Velocimetry measuring technique and the results of the theoretically calculated velocity and the experimentally measured value are compared. The authors found a good agreement between the results of both approaches.