Inter-individual variation in DNA double-strand break repair in human fibroblasts before and after exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation

DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) are generally considered the most critical lesion induced by ionizing radiation (IR) and may initiate carcinogenesis and other disease. Using an immunofluorescence assay to simultaneously detect nuclear foci of the phosphorylated forms of histone H2AX and ATM kinase at sites of DSBs, we examined the response of 25 apparently normal and 10 DNA repair-deficient (ATM, ATR, NBN, LIG1, LIG4, and FANCG) primary fibroblast strains irradiated with low doses of ¹³⁷Cs γ-rays. Quiescent G₀/G₁-phase cultures were exposed to 5, 10, and 25 cGy and allowed to repair for 24 h. The maximum level of IR-induced foci (0.15 foci per cGy, at 10 or 30 min) in the normal strains showed much less inter-individual variation (CV ≈ 0.2) than the level of spontaneous foci, which ranged from 0.2–2.6 foci/cell (CV ≈ 0.6; mean ± SD of 1.00 ± 0.57). Significantly slower focus formation post-irradiation was observed in seven normal strains, similar to most mutant strains examined. There was variation in repair efficiency measured by the fraction of IR-induced foci remaining 24 h post-irradiation, curiously with the strains having slower focus formation showing more efficient repair after 25 cGy. Interestingly, the ranges of spontaneous and residual induced foci levels at 24 h in the normal strains were as least as large as those observed for the repair-defective mutant strains. The inter-individual variation in DSB foci parameters observed in cells exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation in this small survey of apparently normal people suggests that hypomorphic genetic variants in genomic maintenance and/or DNA damage signaling and repair genes may contribute to differential susceptibility to cancer induced by environmental mutagens.     

The effects of NH4+ and NO3− on growth,resource allocation and nitrogen uptake kinetics of Phragmites australis and Glyceria maxima

The effects of NH₄⁺ or NO₃⁻ on growth, resource allocation and nitrogen (N) uptake kinetics of two common helophytes Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel and Glyceria maxima (Hartm.) Holmb. were studied in semi steady-state hydroponic cultures. At a steady-state nitrogen availability of 34 μM the growth rate of Phragmites was not affected by the N form (mean RGR = 35.4 mg g⁻¹ d⁻¹), whereas the growth rate of Glyceria was 16% higher in NH₄⁺-N cultures than in NO₃⁻-N cultures (mean = 66.7 and 57.4 mg g⁻¹ d⁻¹ of NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻ treated plants, respectively). Phragmites and Glyceria had higher S/R ratio in NH₄⁺ cultures than in NO₃⁻ cultures, 123.5 and 129.7%, respectively.Species differed in the nitrogen utilisation. In Glyceria, the relative tissue N content was higher than in Phragmites and was increased in NH₄⁺ treated plants by 16%. The tissue NH₄⁺ concentration (mean = 1.6 μmol g fresh wt⁻¹) was not affected by N treatment, whereas NO₃⁻ contents were higher in NO₃⁻ (mean = 1.5 μmol g fresh wt⁻¹) than in NH₄⁺ (mean = 0.4 μmol g fresh wt⁻¹) treated plants. In Phragmites, NH₄⁺ (mean = 1.6 μmol g fresh wt⁻¹) and NO₃⁻ (mean = 0.2 μmol g fresh wt⁻¹) contents were not affected by the N regime. Species did not differ in NH₄⁺ (mean = 56.5 μmol g⁻¹ root dry wt h⁻¹) and NO₃⁻ (mean = 34.5 μmol g⁻¹ root dry wt h⁻¹) maximum uptake rates (V_max), and V_max for NH₄⁺ uptake was not affected by N treatment. The uptake rate of NO₃⁻ was low in NH₄⁺ treated plants, and an induction phase for NO₃⁻ was observed in NH₄⁺ treated Phragmites but not in Glyceria. Phragmites had low K_m (mean = 4.5 μM) and high affinity (10.3 l g⁻¹ root dry wt h⁻¹) for both ions compared to Glyceria (K_m = 6.3 μM, affinity = 8.0 l g⁻¹ root dry wt h⁻¹). The results showed different plasticity of Phragmites and Glyceria toward N source. The positive response to NH₄⁺-N source may participates in the observed success of Glyceria at NH₄⁺ rich sites, although other factors have to be considered. Higher plasticity of Phragmites toward low nutrient availability may favour this species at oligotrophic sites.     

Regulating effects of climate,net primary productivity,and nitrogen on carbon sequestration rates in temperate wetlands,Northeast China

Temperate wetlands in the Northern Hemisphere have high long-term carbon sequestration rates, and play critical roles in mitigating regional and global atmospheric CO₂ increases at the century timescale. We measured soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) from 11 typical freshwater wetlands (Heilongjiang Province) and one saline wetland (Jilin Province) in Northeast China, and estimated carbon sequestration rates using ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs dating technology. Effects of climate, net primary productivity, and nutrient availability on carbon sequestration rates (R_carbon) were also evaluated. Chronological results showed that surface soil within the 0–40 cm depth formed during the past 70–205 years. Soil accretion rates ranged from 2.20 to 5.83 mm yr⁻¹, with an average of 3.84 ± 1.25 mm yr⁻¹ (mean ± SD). R_carbon ranged from 61.60 to 318.5 gC m⁻² yr⁻¹ and was significantly different among wetland types. Average R_carbon was 202.7 gC m⁻² yr⁻¹ in the freshwater wetlands and 61.6 gC m⁻² yr⁻¹ in the saline marsh. About 1.04 × 10⁸ tons of carbon was estimated to be captured by temperate wetland soils annually in Heilongjiang Province (in the scope of 45.381–51.085°N, 125.132–132.324°E). Correlation analysis showed little impact of net primary productivity (NPP) and soil nutrient contents on R_carbon, whereas climate, specifically the combined dynamics of temperature and precipitation, was the predominant factor affecting R_carbon. The negative relationship observed between R_carbon and annual mean temperature (T) indicates that warming in Northeast China could reduce R_carbon. Significant positive relationships were observed between annual precipitation (P), the hydrothermal coefficient (defined as P/AT, where AT was accumulative temperature ≥10 °C), and R_carbon, indicating that a cold, humid climate would enhance R_carbon. Current climate change in Northeast China, characterized by warming and drought, may form positive feedbacks with R_carbon in temperate wetlands and accelerate carbon loss from wetland soils.     

Tillage effects on carbon footprint and ecosystem services of climate regulation in a winter wheat–summer maize cropping system of the North China Plain

Inappropriate farm practices can increase greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions and reduce soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, thereby increasing carbon footprints (CFs), jeopardizing ecosystem services, and affecting climate change. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess the effects of different tillage systems on CFs, GHGs emissions, and ecosystem service (ES) values of climate regulation and to identify climate-resilient tillage practices for a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-summer maize (Zea mays L.) cropping system in the North China Plain (NCP). The experiment was established in 2008 involving no-till with residue retention (NT), rotary tillage with residue incorporation (RT), sub-soiling with residue incorporation (ST), and plow tillage with residue incorporation (PT). The results showed that GHGs emissions from agricultural inputs were 6432.3–6527.3 kg CO₂-eq ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ during the entire growing season, respectively. The GHGs emission from chemical fertilizers and irrigation accounted for >80% of that from agricultural inputs during the entire growing season. The GHGs emission from agricultural inputs were >2.3 times larger in winter wheat than that in the summer maize season. The CFs at yield-scale during the entire growing season were 0.431, 0.425, 0.427, and 0.427 without and 0.286, 0.364, 0.360, and 0.334 kg CO₂-eq kg⁻¹ yr⁻¹ with SOC sequestration under NT, RT, ST, and PT, respectively. Regardless of SOC sequestration, the CFs of winter wheat was larger than that of summer maize. Agricultural inputs and SOC change contributed mainly to the component of CFs of winter wheat and summer maize. The ES value of climate regulation under NT was ¥159.2, 515.6, and 478.1 ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ higher than that under RT, ST, and PT during the entire growing season. Therefore, NT could be a preferred “Climate-resilient” technology for lowering CFs and enhancing ecosystem services of climate regulation for the winter wheat–summer maize system in the NCP.     

Inter-session reliability and sex-related differences in hamstrings total reaction time,pre-motor time and motor time during eccentric isokinetic contractions in recreational athlete

The purposes were twofold: (a) to ascertain the inter-session reliability of hamstrings total reaction time, pre-motor time and motor time; and (b) to examine sex-related differences in the hamstrings reaction times profile. Twenty-four men and 24 women completed the study. Biceps femoris and semitendinosus total reaction time, pre-motor time and motor time measured during eccentric isokinetic contractions were recorded on three different occasions. Inter-session reliability was examined through typical percentage error (CV_TE), percentage change in the mean (CM) and intraclass correlations (ICC). For both biceps femoris and semitendinosus, total reaction time, pre-motor time and motor time measures demonstrated moderate inter-session reliability (CV_TE < 10%; CM < 3%; ICC > 0.7). The results also indicated that, although not statistically significant, women reported consistently longer hamstrings total reaction time (23.5 ms), pre-motor time (12.7 ms) and motor time (7.5 ms) values than men. Therefore, an observed change larger than 5%, 9% and 8% for total reaction time, pre-motor time and motor time respectively from baseline scores after performing a training program would indicate that a real change was likely. Furthermore, while not statistically significant, sex differences were noted in the hamstrings reaction time profile which may play a role in the greater incidence of ACL injuries in women.     

A new parameter for quantifying the variability of surface electromyographic signals during gait: The occurrence frequency

Natural variability of myoelectric activity during walking was recently analyzed considering hundreds of strides. This allowed assessing a parameter seldom considered in classic surface EMG (sEMG) studies: the occurrence frequency, defined as the frequency each muscle activation occurs with, quantified by the number of strides when a muscle is recruited with that specific activation modality. Aim of present study was to propose the occurrence frequency as a new parameter for assessing sEMG-signal variability during walking. Aim was addressed by processing sEMG signals acquired from Gastrocnemius Lateralis, Tibialis Anterior, Rectus Femoris and Biceps femoris in 40 healthy subjects in order to: (1) show that occurrence frequency is not correlated with ON/OFF instants (R_mean = 0.11 ± 0.07; P > 0.05) and total time of activation (R_mean = 0.15 ± 0.08; P > 0.05); (2) confirm the above results by two handy examples of application (analysis of gender and age) which highlighted that significant (P < 0.05) gender-related and age-related differences within population were detected in occurrence frequency, but not in temporal sEMG parameters. In conclusion, present study demonstrated that occurrence frequency is able to provide further information, besides those supplied by classical temporal sEMG parameters and thus it is suitable to complement them in the evaluation of variability of myoelectric activity during walking.     

EPID-based in vivo dosimetry for stereotactic body radiotherapy of non-small cell lung tumors: Initial clinical experience

PurposeEPID-based in vivo dosimetry (IVD) has been implemented for stereotactic body radiotherapy treatments of non-small cell lung cancer to check both isocenter dose and the treatment reproducibility comparing EPID portal images.Methods15 patients with lung tumors of small dimensions and treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy were enrolled for this initial experience. IVD tests supplied ratios R between in vivo reconstructed and planned isocenter doses. Moreover a γ-like analysis between daily EPID portal images and a reference one, in terms of percentage of points with γ-value smaller than 1, P_γ<1, and mean γ-values, γ_mean, using a local 3%–3 mm criteria, was adopted to check the treatment reproducibility. Tolerance levels of 5% for R ratio, P_γ<1 higher than 90% and γ_mean lower than 0.67 were adopted.ResultsA total of 160 EPID images, two images for each therapy session, were acquired during the treatment of the 15 patients. The overall mean of the R ratios was equal to 1.005 ± 0.014 (1 SD), with 96.9% of tests within ± 5%. The 2 D image γ-like analysis showed an overall γ_mean of 0.39 ± 0.12 with 96.1% of tests within the tolerance level, and an average P_γ<1 value equal to 96.4 ± 3.6% with 95.4% of tests with P_γ<1 > 90%. Paradigmatic discrepancies were observed in three patients: a set-up error and a patient morphological change were identified thanks to CBCT image analysis whereas the third discrepancy was not fully justified.ConclusionsThis procedure can provide improved patient safety as well as a first step to integrate IVD and CBCT dose recalculation.     

Cool gleaners: Thermoregulation in sympatric bat species

Thermoregulatory behavior in temperate bats is influenced by gender, food availability, ambient temperature and reproduction. Ecologically and morphologically similar bat species (Myotis bechsteinii, M. nattereri, and Plecotus auritus; Vespertilionidae) facing similar diurnal conditions should therefore not differ in their thermoregulatory behavior. Identified day roosts (n = 23) of radio-tagged bats (n = 30) were spread over an area of 33.1 ha, but ambient temperature did not differ between roosting sites. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in cardinal direction, roost height, canopy coverage, and breast height diameter between day roosts used by the three species. Minimum roost temperatures and isolation values, however, differed significantly between our species with lowest values in P. auritus. The range of skin temperatures (min–max) recorded by temperature-sensitive transmitters was not species-specific with the lowest ranges in late pregnancy (mean ± SD: 7.1 ± 1.1 °C) and highest in post-lactation (mean ± SD: 13.1 ± 1.1 °C). The minimum skin temperature, however, was species-specific with the lowest values in P. auritus (mean ± SD: 20.2 ± 1.1 °C), intermediate in M. nattereri (mean ± SD: 23.4 ± 1.0 °C), and the highest in M. bechsteinii (mean ± SD: 26.8 ± 1.0 °C). Species-specific usage of energy-saving mechanisms might represent an important niche differentiation of species. Different mechanisms might allow, e.g. one species to occupy colder roosts with higher temperature variations or to shorten foraging times due to distinct thermoregulatory behavior.     

Intrarater reliability and agreement of linear encoder derived heel-rise endurance test outcome measures in healthy adults

A linear encoder measuring vertical displacement during the heel-rise endurance test (HRET) enables the assessment of work and maximum height in addition to the traditional repetitions measure. We aimed to compare the test-retest reliability and agreement of these three outcome measures. Thirty-eight healthy participants (20 females, 18 males) performed the HRET on two occasions separated by a minimum of seven days. Reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and agreement by a range of measures including the standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV), and 95% limits of agreement (LoA). Reliability for repetitions (ICC = 0.77 (0.66, 0.85)) was equivalent to work (ICC = 0.84 (95% CI 0.76, 0.89)) and maximum height (ICC = 0.85 (0.77, 0.90)). Agreement for repetitions (SEM = 6.7 (5.8, 7.9); CV = 13.9% (11.9, 16.8%); LoA = −1.9 ± 37.2%) was equivalent to work (SEM = 419 J (361, 499 J); CV = 13.1% (11.2, 15.8%); LoA = 0.1 ± 34.8%) with maximum height superior (SEM = 0.8 cm (0.6, 1.0 cm); CV = 6.6% (5.7, 7.9%); LoA = 1.3 ± 17.1%). Work and maximum height demonstrated acceptable reliability and agreement that was at least equivalent to the traditional repetitions measure.     

From instantaneous to continuous: Using imaging spectroscopy and in situ data to map two productivity-related ecosystem services

Spatially well-informed decisions are essential to sustain and regulate processes and ecosystem services (ES), and to maintain the capacity of ecosystems to supply services. However, spatially explicit ES information is often lacking in decision-making, or exists only as ES maps based on categorical land cover data. Remote sensing (RS) opens new pathways to map ES, in particular biophysical ES supply. We developed an observation-based concept for spatially explicit and continuous ES mapping at landscape scale following the biophysical part of the ES cascade. We used Earth observations in combination with in situ data to map ecosystem properties, functions, and biophysical ES supply. We applied this concept in a case study to map two ES: carbon dioxide regulation and food supply. Based on Earth observations and in situ data, we determined the ecosystem property Sun-Induced chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) to indicate ecosystem state and applied scaling models to estimate gross primary production (GPP) as indicator for ecosystem functioning and consequently carbon dioxide regulation and food supply as ES.Resulting ES maps showed heterogeneous patterns in ES supply within and among ecosystems, which were particularly evident within forests and grasslands. All investigated land cover classes were sources of CO₂, with averages ranging from ‐66 to ‐748 g C m^‐2 yr^‐1, after considering the harvest of total above ground biomass of crops and the storage organ, except for forest being a sink of CO₂ with an average of 105 g C m^‐2 yr^‐1. Estimated annual GPP was related to food supply with a maize grain yield average of 9.5 t ha^‐1 yr^‐1 and a sugar beet root yield of 110 t ha^‐1 yr^‐1. Validation with in situ measurements from flux towers and literature values revealed a good performance of our approach for food supply (relative RMSE of less than 23%), but also some over- and underestimations for carbon dioxide regulation. Our approach demonstrated how RS can contribute to spatially explicit and continuous ES cascade mapping and suggest that this information could be useful for environmental assessments and decision-making in spatial planning and conservation.     

Electromyographic,but not mechanomyographic amplitude–force relationships,distinguished differences in voluntary activation capabilities between individuals

The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of activation capabilities on the electromyography (EMG_RMS) and mechanomyography amplitude (MMG_RMS)–force relationships of the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF). Thirteen men (mean ± SD; age = 22 ± 3 year) performed nine submaximal contractions (10–90% maximal voluntary contraction [MVC]) with the interpolated twitch technique performed during a separate contraction at 90% MVC to calculate percent voluntary activation (%VA). Nine participants with >90% VA were categorized into the high-activated group with the remaining categorized into the moderate-activated group. Slopes (b terms) were calculated from the log-transformed EMG_RMS and MMG_RMS–force relationships. The b terms (collapsed across the VL and RF) for the EMG_RMS–force relationships were greater for the high- (1.29 ± 0.31) than the moderate-activated (1.10 ± 0.20) group. In contrast, there were no differences in the b terms for the MMG_RMS–force relationships between the high- and moderate-activated groups. For the EMG_RMS and MMG_RMS–force relationships, the b terms were greater for the RF (1.38 ± 0.30, 0.81 ± 0.20) than the VL (1.08 ± 0.19, 0.60 ± 0.13) collapsed across groups. The b terms from the EMG_RMS–force relationships, but not the MMG_RMS–force relationships, reflected differences in %VA.     

Quantifying thigh muscle co-activation during isometric knee extension contractions: Within- and between-session reliability

Muscle co-activation around the knee is important during ambulation and balance. The wide range of methodological approaches for the quantification of co-activation index (CI) makes comparisons across studies and populations difficult. The present study determined within- and between-session reliability of different methodological approaches for the quantification of the CI of the knee extensor and flexor muscles during maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs). Eight healthy volunteers participated in two repeated testing sessions. A series of knee extension MVICs of the dominant leg with concomitant torque and electromyographic (EMG) recordings were captured. CI was calculated utilizing different analytical approaches. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed that within-session measures displayed higher reliability (ICC > 0.861) and lower variability (Coefficient of variation; CV < 21.8%) than between-session measures (ICC < 0.645; CV > 24.2%). A selection of a 500 ms or larger window of RMS EMG activity around the PT delivered more reliable and less variable results than other approaches. Our findings suggest that the CI can provide a reliable measure for comparisons among conditions and is best utilized for within-session experimental designs.     

Community mapping of ecosystem services in tropical rainforest of Ecuador

Tropical forests provide a wide range of ecosystem services (ES), and their continuous supply depends on efficient and effective management against deforestation and forest degradation. In Ecuador, indigenous communities are highly dependent on the forest and therefore on forest ES. However, there is a lack of knowledge about their demands concerning ES. In order to better understand how local and indigenous people use the forest and to facilitate its management, this study completed a spatially explicit assessment of ES using participatory mapping in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve (Napo province, Central-Northern Ecuador). The Biosphere Reserve is suitable as a case study because it is a protected area with high land-use and population pressure and therefore requires the development and monitoring of management plans.First, semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts (n = 15) in order to identify the most important ES used by the communities in the study area. In a second step, members (n = 208) of 24 communities were asked to indicate on a 3-D map where they utilize the different ES (food, wood, water, tourism, hunting). The highlighted localities were digitized and then analyzed with statistical and GIS techniques. The results showed that the ES locations were not randomly distributed, but were most abundant four kilometers or less from roads. Spatial pattern analysis identified hotspots of ES provision, and the evaluation according to administrative units allowed us to identify five municipalities where demand for all assessed ES was high. In conclusion, the combination of participatory mapping of ES and GIS-based analysis can facilitate the identification of priority protection areas, provide guidance for developing specific forest management strategies, and also support monitoring systems to detect forest degradation.     

Carbon sequestration potential of green roofs using mixed-sewage-sludge substrate in Chengdu World Modern Garden City

Green roofs which use sewage sludge to sequestrate urban carbon dioxide may represent a potential opportunity to evaluate carbon sequestration benefits for the urban development under increasing global climate change. In this study, green roofs composed of 6 small green segments with two different substrates, mixed-sewage-sludge substrate (MSSS, volume ratio of sewage sludge and local-natural soil 1:1), and local-natural soil (LNS), three different substrate depths (20 cm, 25 cm and 30 cm), and three types of native plants (Ligustrum vicaryi, Neottia auriculata, and Liriope spicata) in Chengdu City were established to determine carbon sequestration from July 2012 to July 2013 through assessment of the carbon storage and sequestration. Results show that the average carbon storage of MSSS and LNS on green roofs was respectively 13.15 kg C m⁻² and 8.58 kg C m⁻², and the average carbon sequestration followed the order of LNS (3.89 kg C m⁻² yr⁻¹) > MSSS (3.81 kg C m⁻² yr⁻¹). Thus MSSS could be considered as a potential material for carbon sequestration. The carbon storage and carbon sequestration by native plants on the green roofs followed the order of L. vicaryi > L. spicata > N. auriculata. The whole green roof had a mean carbon storage of 18.28 kg C m⁻² and average carbon sequestration of 6.47 kg C m⁻² yr⁻¹ in the combined biomass and substrate organic matter. The best green roof configuration was L. vicaryi together with MSSS substrate, with a middle-high level of carbon sequestration. It will be feasible and worthwhile to scale-up the adaptable green roof configurations in Chengdu World Modern Garden City.     

Copper,zinc and iron levels in premature infants following red blood cell transfusion

This study aimed to investigate effect of erythrocyte suspension (ES) transfusion on Cu, Zn, and Fe levels. It was conducted on 53 premature infants who were admitted to Hacettepe Hospital and received EST for first time. Blood samples were drawn before and 96 h after ES transfusion to determine Cu, Zn, and Fe levels in plasma and/or erythrocytes. The mean plasma Cu levels were 99 ± 3 μg/dl and 113 ± 3 μg/dl; Zn levels were 105 ± 2 μg/dl and 115 ± 23 μg/dl; mean plasma Fe level was 58.1 ± 19.4 and 75.2 ± 25.4 μg/dl and mean erythrocyte Fe level was 4182 ± 2314 μg/ml and 7009 ± 5228 μg/ml, before and after ES transfusion. The differences between before and after ES transfusion in Cu, Zn and Fe levels were significant. Correlation between plasma and erythrocyte Fe levels was significant both before and after ES transfusion. Though Fe overload is a major cause of morbidity/mortality after ES transfusion, alterations in trace elements should also be considered when transfusing blood to infants and children.     

Copulation duration of bumblebee Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera: Apidae): Impacts on polyandry and colony parameters

The influence of copulation duration on mating frequency and colony development were studied in Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Copulation time was recorded in transparent plastic boxes and was manipulated by separating mating pairs. Mean copulation duration was found to be 30.0 ± 8.0 (mean ± se) minutes and most matings lasted 20 to 40 min. When queens were only allowed to mate for 2 to 5 min, the chance that they would accept a second mating was 7.2 ± 5.0 % (mean ± se). Incompletely mated queens delayed to initiate colonies but they did not show significant difference from fully mated queens in production of new queens and males. This study shows that colony development was not affected by short copulation duration.     

Estimating root zone soil moisture at distant sites using MODIS NDVI and EVI in a semi-arid region of southwestern USA

This study investigates the potential of using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) to estimate root zone soil moisture at native in-situ measured sites, and at distant sites under the same climatic setting. We obtained in-situ data from Soil Climate Analysis Network (SCAN) sites near the Texas-New Mexico border area, and NDVI and EVI products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor on board the Terra satellite. Results show that soil moisture values of the same depth are highly correlated (r = 0.53 to 0.85) among sites as far as 150 km apart, and that NDVI and EVI are highly correlated at the same site (r = 0.87 to 0.91). Correlation based on raw time series of NDVI and soil moisture is in general higher than that based on deseasonalized time series at every depth. The correlation reaches maximum value when vegetation index (VI) lags soil moisture by 5 to 10 days. NDVI shows a slightly higher correlation with soil moisture than EVI does by using the deseasonalized time series of NDVI and soil moisture. It is found that deseasonalized time series of NDVI and soil moisture are correlated at native sites (r = 0.33 to 0.77), but not at sites where soil moisture is very low. Regression analysis was conducted using deseasonalized time series soil moisture and deseasonalized time series NDVI with a 5-day time lag. Regression models developed at one site and applied to a similar distant site can estimate soil moistures, accounting for 50–88% of the variation in observed soil moistures.     

Effects of postmortem carcass electrical stimulation on goat meat quality characteristics

Electrical stimulation (ES) has been reported to improve meat quality, but the effects of postmortem ES have not been fully characterized in goats. This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of postmortem ES on meat quality in two breeds of goats. Uncastrated Spanish and crossbreds (Boer × Spanish females × Kiko male) yearlings (n = 10/breed, body weight 31.2 ± 2.43 kg) were transported to the slaughter facility, held overnight in pens without feed, and slaughtered on two different days. Immediately after slaughter each carcass was split into two halves along the vertebral column. The left half was subjected to a high voltage ES (580 V) at 5 s intervals during 120 s (treatment) and the right half was kept as a non-stimulated control. After 24 h of cooler storage (2 °C), the carcasses were fabricated into 2.5 cm-thick loin/rib chops. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle pH and temperatures were recorded at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 h postmortem. The pH values of LD muscle were lower in stimulated sides than control sides (P < 0.01), and pH decreased quadratically (P < 0.01) with advancing time during the 24 h postmortem period. Treatment had no significant effect on the LD muscle temperature, and the temperature decline followed a cubic pattern (P < 0.01) during the 24 h postmortem period. Muscle glycogen concentrations immediately after electrical stimulation (0 h) were lower (P < 0.05) in the stimulated sides compared to control sides. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values of loin chops were lower (P < 0.01) in stimulated sides (3.0 kg) compared to control sides (4.2 kg), and the chops from Spanish goats (3.9 kg) had higher (P < 0.05) WBSF values compared with crossbreds (3.3 kg). Color values (L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue angle) and sarcomere length were not affected by ES or breed. Heated calpastatin activities were not influenced by ES, but the activities were lower at day 4 compared with day 1 of aging (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects (P > 0.05) of ES or aging time on selected myofibrillar protein concentrations (myosin heavy chain, myomesin, desmin, actin, troponin-T, and myosin light chain, P > 0.05). However, desmin concentration tended to decrease at day 4 of aging (P = 0.08). The results indicate that ES significantly accelerated postmortem glycolysis and improved tenderness of loin chops, as indicated by WBSF values.     

Free-ranging domestic cats reduce the effective protected area of a Polish national park

Poland's Animal Protection Act, as of 2002, made it legal to shoot free-ranging cats and dogs. The act triggered substantial social debate with opponents arguing that this legislation was weakly supported by scientific evidence of the ecological impacts of free-ranging pets. Our main research goal was to examine the activity of free-ranging domestic cats within a Polish protected area by applying radio-telemetry methods to determine space use and degree of encroachment into the national park. We trapped and radio-tracked 19 animals from three sites (focal households) located in Ojcow National Park (ONP) in southern Poland from June 2003 to March 2006. Annual 100% MCP home range size varied from 0.02 km² to 1.46 km², and was significantly larger for males (mean ± SE = 0.79 ± 0.34 km²; median = 0.53 km²) than for females (mean ± SE = 0.13 ± 0.05 km²; median = 0.13 km²). The distance travelled by individual cats from focal sites did not significantly differ between males (mean ± SE = 232.00 ± 21.05 m; median = 191 m) and females (mean ± SE = 232.50 ± 12.47 m; median = 228 m), with maximum distances of 1.5 km for males and 1.1 km for females. All monitored cats were in close proximity to nature reserves and ranged into protected areas without any human control. Cats living in the households in the park and its surrounding buffer zone, roaming at 200 m and 1000 m radius distances from their households, occupied from 6% to 100% of the park area, respectively. Our results reveal that free-ranging domestic cats roam through and potentially impact the entire national park, thus reducing its effective protected area.     

Electromyographic responses of erector spinae and lower limb’s muscles to dynamic postural perturbations in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate electromyographic (EMG) responses of erector spinae (ES) and lower limbs’ muscles to dynamic forward postural perturbation (FPP) and backward postural perturbation (BPP) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and in a healthy control group. Ten right thoracic AIS patients (Cobb = 21.6 ± 4.4°) and 10 control adolescents were studied. Using bipolar surface electrodes, EMG activities of ES muscle at T10 (ES_T10) and L3 (ES_L3) levels, biceps femoris (BF), gastrocnemius lateralis (G) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles in the right and the left sides during FPP and BPP were evaluated. Muscle responses were measured over a 1s time window after the onset of perturbation. In FPP test, the EMG responses of right ES_T10, ES_L3 and BF muscles in the scoliosis group were respectively about 1.40 (p = 0.035), 1.43 (p = 0.07) and 1.45 (p = 0.01) times greater than those in control group. Also, in BPP test, at right ES_L3 muscle of the scoliosis group the EMG activity was 1.64 times higher than that in the control group (p = 0.01). The scoliosis group during FPP displayed asymmetrical muscle responses in ES_T10 and BF muscles. This asymmetrical muscle activity in response to FPP is hypothesized to be a possible compensatory strategy rather than an inherent characteristic of scoliosis.