Monitoring of metallurgical process plants by using biplots

Characterization of amniotic fluid of Dohne Merino ewes (Ovis aries) and its possible role in neonatal recognition

Amniotic fluid (AF) was investigated as a possible source of the neonatal recognition cue that plays a crucial role in ewe–lamb bonding in sheep. A total of 70 of the 133 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), previously identified in the cranial wool of neonatal Dohne Merino lambs, was also identified in AF collected individually from neonatal twins. As in the case of the wool of neonatal lambs, the VOC profiles (GC-MS) of the AF of twins were remarkably similar. However, the VOC profiles of the AF differed from that of the wool VOCs of the same lambs. The VOCs that best represent the total variance in the AF and wool of neonatal lambs were not identified as ligands of the AF proteins. These observations suggest that it is unlikely that the neonatal recognition cue of sheep could be a maternal label derived from the AF in which a lamb is born, and that the neonatal recognition cue is probably produced by the lamb. Taking cognizance of the temporal changes that take place in the quantitative composition of the cranial wool VOCs, we hypothesize that components of the neonatal recognition cue are already produced by the lamb well before its birth and that the quantitative composition in which these volatiles are released into the AF does not correspond to the composition of the recognition cue of the lamb at its birth. When grooming the newborn lamb, its mother removes AF containing incorrect chemical information from her lamb’s body and this affords her enough time to learn its personal recognition cue.

Effects of five metals on the evolution of hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, and dimethyl sulfide during anaerobic storage of Chardonnay and Shiraz wines

The synergistic effects of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Al on the evolution of different volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in a Chardonnay and a Shiraz wine have been investigated. The evolution of H2S, MeSH, and DMS were influenced by metal addition, and in some instances, a combination of metals was responsible for the largest variation in the concentration of VSCs. The metals and metal combinations associated with significant changes in VSC concentrations in both Chardonnay and Shiraz samples after anaerobic storage were Cu, Fe, Zn, Al, Cu*Fe, Cu*Mn*Al, and Cu*Zn*Al for H2S; Cu, Zn, Fe*Mn, and Cu*Fe*Mn for MeSH; and Al and Zn*Al for DMS. The effect of Cu addition on the evolution of VSCs has previously been shown; however, this investigation has demonstrated that metals other than Cu could also be involved in the catalytic release of VSCs and that the interactions and combinations of metals are important. In some instances, the metal effect was reversed, associated with significant decreases during high oxygen conditions and with significant increases during low oxygen conditions.

Use of canonical variate analysis biplot in examination of choline content data of some foods

Adequate intake (AI) of choline as part of the daily diet can help prevent major diseases. Low choline intake is a major risk factor for liver and several neurological disorders. Extreme choline consumption may cause diseases such as hypotension, sweating, diarrhea, and fishy body odor. The AI of choline is 425 mg/day for adult women; higher for pregnant and lactating women. The AI for adult men is 550 mg/day. The total choline content of foods is calculated as the sum of free choline, glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine, phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin. These are called the choline variables. Observed values of choline variables may be different in amounts of nutrients. So different food groups in terms of choline variables are useful to compare. The present paper shows the advantages of using canonical variate analysis biplot to optimally separate groups and explore the differentiality of choline variables amounts in foods.