Tree root dynamics in montane and sub-alpine mixed forest patches.

Background And Aims: The structure of heterogeneous forests has consequences for their biophysical environment. Variations in the local climate significantly affect tree physiological processes. We hypothesize that forest structure also alters tree root elongation and longevity through temporal and spatial variations in soil temperature and water potential.

Genetic analysis of milking ability in Lacaune dairy ewes.

The milking ability of Lacaune ewes was characterised by derived traits of milk flow patterns, in an INRA experimental farm, from a divergent selection experiment in order to estimate the correlated effects of selection for protein and fat yields. The analysis of selected divergent line effects (involving 34 616 data and 1204 ewes) indicated an indirect improvement of milking traits (+17% for maximum milk flow and -10% for latency time) with a 25% increase in milk yield. Genetic parameters were estimated by multi-trait analysis with an animal model, on 751 primiparous ewes.

[Nitric oxide: a different kind of gas].

Nitric oxide (NO), the first gas to obtain temporary approval for use in medicine, is regulated in private and public health care facilities by the supply, prescription and dispensing rules applied for drugs with special modalities controlling its administration. This apparently simple gas which diffuses easily from one cell to another is actually very complex in its form and reactivity, making it an unconventional messenger. The life time of a molecule is very short.

Study protocol: stability of morphine injected without preservative, delivered with a disposable infusion device.

Background And Objective: Morphine hydrochloride, a major analgesic drug, is being increasingly administered using portable disposable infusion devices. The objective of this study was to investigate the stability of morphine in such a system at two concentrations (2.50 and 5.