bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intake Approach and Dam Passage by Downstream‐migrating Atlantic Salmon Kelts
Authors: Nyqvist D. , Bergman E. , Calles O. , Greenberg L.
Published: February 2017

Abstracts

Studying fish behaviour at hydropower dams is needed to facilitate the design and improvement of fish passage solutions, but few studies have focused on Atlantic salmon kelts. Here, we used radio telemetry (n = 40, size range = 50–81 cm) and acoustic sonar to study kelt movements in the forebay as well as their dam passage survival and subsequent migration success past multiple dams. We also compare radio telemetry and acoustic sonar observations of fish behaviour and used acoustic sonar to measure the depth distribution of fish approaching the turbine intake zone. Passage success at the dam was 41%, and mortality was largely associated with turbine passage (62%). The two fish that passed via the spill gates survived and continued their downstream migration. At the dam, all but one radio‐tagged kelt approached the intake zone shortly after arrival to the forebay, and sonar data showed that approaching fish were predominantly surface oriented (72%, 88% and 96% of the observations were less than 1, 2 and 3 m deep, respectively). Turbine passage rate from the intake zone was higher at night than at day, indicating that the lack of visual cues may reduce the barrier effect of the 70‐mm conventional trash rack. Turbine passage rate also increased with increasing hydropower generation. The percentage of observed upstream movements away from the intake zone compared with the total number of observations was considerably greater in the radio telemetry data (41%) than in the sonar data (4%). Only one fish survived passage of all eight hydropower dams to reach the lake. This low‐passage survival underscores the need for remedial measures to increase the survival of migrating kelts, and the fish's surface orientation as well as their rapid approach to the intake rack should be taken into account when designing such measures. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancement of β-Globin Gene Expression in Thalassemic IVS2-654 Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Erythroid Cells by Modified U7 snRNA
Authors: Phanthong Phetcharat , Borwornpinyo Suparerk , Kitiyanant Narisorn , Jearawiriyapaisarn Natee , Nuntakarn Lalana , Saetan Jirawat , Nualkaew Tiwaporn , Sa-ngiamsuntorn Khanit , Anurathapan Usanarat , Dinnyes Andras , Kitiyanant Yindee , Hongeng Suradej
Published: February 2017

The therapeutic use of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is emerging as a potential treatment of β-thalassemia. Ideally, patient-specific iPSCs would be genetically corrected by various approaches to treat β-thalassemia including lentiviral gene transfer, lentivirus-delivered shRNA, and gene editing. These corrected iPSCs would be subsequently differentiated into hematopoietic stem cells and transplanted back into the same patient. In this article, we present a proof of principle study for disease modeling and screening using iPSCs to test the potential use of the modified U7 small nuclear (sn) RNA to correct a splice defect in IVS2-654 β-thalassemia. In this case, the aberration results from a mutation in the human β-globin intron 2 causing an aberrant splicing of β-globin pre-mRNA and preventing synthesis of functional β-globin protein. The iPSCs (derived from mesenchymal stromal cells from a patient with IVS2-654 β-thalassemia/hemoglobin (Hb) E) were transduced with a lentivirus carrying a modified U7 snRNA targeting an IVS2-654 β-globin pre-mRNA in order to restore the correct splicing. Erythroblasts differentiated from the transduced iPSCs expressed high level of correctly spliced β-globin mRNA suggesting that the modified U7 snRNA was expressed and mediated splicing correction of IVS2-654 β-globin pre-mRNA in these cells. Moreover, a less active apoptosis cascade process was observed in the corrected cells at transcription level. This study demonstrated the potential use of a genetically modified U7 snRNA with patient-specific iPSCs for the partial restoration of the aberrant splicing process of β-thalassemia.
Extracellular Vesicles from Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Survival from Lethal Hepatic Failure in Mice
Authors: Haga Hiroaki , Yan Irene K. , Takahashi Kenji , Matsuda Akiko , Patel Tushar
Published: February 2017

Stem cell-based therapies have potential for treatment of liver injury by contributing to regenerative responses, through functional tissue replacement or paracrine effects. The release of extracellular vesicles (EV) from cells has been implicated in intercellular communication, and may contribute to beneficial paracrine effects of stem cell-based therapies. Therapeutic effects of bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and vesicles released by these cells were examined in a lethal murine model of hepatic failure induced by d-galactosamine/tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Systemically administered EV derived from MSC accumulated within the injured liver following systemic administration, reduced hepatic injury, and modulated cytokine expression. Moreover, survival was dramatically increased by EV derived from either murine or human MSC. Similar results were observed with the use of cryopreserved mMSC-EV after 3 months. Y-RNA-1 was identified as a highly enriched noncoding RNA within hMSC-EV compared to cells of origin. Moreover, siRNA mediated knockdown of Y-RNA-1 reduced the protective effects of MSC-EV on TNF-α/ActD-mediated hepatocyte apoptosis in vitro. These data support a critical role for MSC-derived EV in mediating reparative responses following hepatic injury, and provide compelling evidence to support the therapeutic use of MSC-derived EV in fulminant hepatic failure.
Highly Efficient Neural Conversion of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Adherent and Animal-Free Conditions
Authors: Lukovic Dunja , Diez Lloret Andrea , Stojkovic Petra , Rodríguez-Martínez Daniel , Perez Arago Maria Amparo , Rodriguez-Jimenez Francisco Javier , González-Rodríguez Patricia , López-Barneo José , Sykova Eva , Jendelova Pavla , Kostic Jelena , Moreno-Manzano Victoria , Stojkovic Miodrag , Bhattacharya Shomi S. , Erceg Slaven
Published: February 2017

Neural differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can produce a valuable and robust source of human neural cell subtypes, holding great promise for the study of neurogenesis and development, and for treating neurological diseases. However, current hESCs and hiPSCs neural differentiation protocols require either animal factors or embryoid body formation, which decreases efficiency and yield, and strongly limits medical applications. Here we develop a simple, animal-free protocol for neural conversion of both hESCs and hiPSCs in adherent culture conditions. A simple medium formula including insulin induces the direct conversion of >98% of hESCs and hiPSCs into expandable, transplantable, and functional neural progenitors with neural rosette characteristics. Further differentiation of neural progenitors into dopaminergic and spinal motoneurons as well as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes indicates that these neural progenitors retain responsiveness to instructive cues revealing the robust applicability of the protocol in the treatment of different neurodegenerative diseases. The fact that this protocol includes animal-free medium and human extracellular matrix components avoiding embryoid bodies makes this protocol suitable for the use in clinic.
‘How would you call this in English?’: Being reflective about translations in international, cross-cultural qualitative research
Authors: Helmich Esther , Cristancho Sayra , Diachun Laura , Lingard Lorelei
Published: February 2017

Introduction Medical education researchers increasingly collaborate in international teams, collecting data in different languages and from different parts of the world, and then disseminating them in English-language journals. Although this requires an ever-present need to translate, it often occurs uncritically. With this paper we aim to enhance researchers’ awareness and reflexivity regarding translations in qualitative research.

Methods In an international study, we carried out interviews in both Dutch and English. To enable joint data analysis, we translated Dutch data into English, making choices regarding when and how to translate. In an iterative process, we contextualized our experiences, building on the social sciences and general health literature about cross-language/cross-cultural research.

Results We identified three specific translation challenges: attending to grammar or syntax differences, grappling with metaphor, and capturing semantic or sociolinguistic nuances. Literature findings informed our decisions regarding the validity of translations, translating in different stages of the research process, coding in different languages, and providing ‘ugly’ translations in published research reports.

Discussion The lessons learnt were threefold. First, most researchers, including ourselves, do not consciously attend to translations taking place in international qualitative research. Second, translation challenges arise not only from differences in language, but also from cultural or societal differences. Third, by being reflective about translations, we found meaningful differences, even between settings with many cultural and societal similarities. This conscious process of negotiating translations was enriching.
Marketing Shareholder Democracy in the Regions: Bell Telephone Securities, 1921–1935
Authors: COLLIER DEIRDRE , CHANDAR NANDINI , MIRANTI PAUL
Published: February 2017

This study widens the historical perspectives of how a firm coordinates its activities to simultaneously achieve financial and political ends while using regional efforts to enact a national strategy. It examines how AT&T organized Bell Telephone Securities (BTS), a transitional subsidiary during the period 1921–1935, to broaden ownership of corporate shares and to develop political and cultural identities with Bell among small investors, particularly in the South and West. Equally significant was BTS’s maintenance of liquidity of the Bell shares in the stock market, particularly in support of periodic rights offerings and debt conversions that were primary channels for increasing corporate equity. The subsidiary was eventually disbanded when its defining financial policies became unsustainable because of the radical socioeconomic and regulatory changes brought on by the Great Depression, but by this time many of its original objectives had been realized.
Evolution of the velocity gradient tensor invariant dynamics in a turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Bechlars P. , Sandberg R. D.
Published: February 2017

In order to improve the physical understanding of the development of turbulent structures, the compressible evolution equations for the first three invariants $P$, $Q$ and $R$ of the velocity gradient tensor have been derived. The mean evolution of characteristic turbulent structure types in the $QR$-space were studied and compared at different wall-normal locations of a compressible turbulent boundary layer. The evolution of these structure types is fundamental to the physics that needs to be captured by turbulence models. Significant variations of the mean evolution are found across the boundary layer. The key features of the changes of the mean trajectories in the invariant phase space are highlighted and the consequences of the changes are discussed. Further, the individual elements of the overall evolution are studied separately to identify the causes that lead to the evolution varying with the distance to the wall. Significant impact of the wall-normal location on the coupling between the pressure-Hessian tensor and the velocity gradient tensor was found. The highlighted features are crucial for the development of more universal future turbulence models.
Vortex breakdown, linear global instability and sensitivity of pipe bifurcation flows
Authors: Chen Kevin K. , Rowley Clarence W. , Stone Howard A.
Published: February 2017

Pipe bifurcations are common flow configurations in both natural and man-made systems. This study follows our previous report (Chen et al., Phys. Fluids, vol. 27, 2015, 034107) by describing three aspects of flows through junction angles of $70^{\circ }$, $90^{\circ }$ and $110^{\circ }$, with a square cross-section. First, the inflow creates tightly spiralling vortices in four quadrants of the junction. For sufficiently large Reynolds number $Re$, these vortices undergo behaviour resembling steady near-axisymmetric breakdown. With increasing $Re$, the flow through the $90^{\circ }$ junction remains steady and stable until the first Hopf bifurcation. Beyond the Hopf bifurcation, the vortices undergo a helical instability. The $70^{\circ }$ and $110^{\circ }$ junctions, however, first exhibit pitchfork bifurcations leading to asymmetric solutions. Second, the direct eigenmodes of the linearised flow are large in vortices in the outlet pipes, whereas the adjoint eigenmodes primarily reside in a small region in the inlet and the junction, near the front and back walls. Third, the sensitivities of the eigenvalues to spatially localised feedback and base flow modifications are greatest in and near the junction vortices. We highlight the regions of high growth rate and frequency sensitivity, as well as regions where the production and transport of perturbations by modifications of the base flow contribute most to the base flow sensitivity. The flow separation at the corners of the junction does not coincide with the eigenmodes or sensitivity regions.
ON THE ASYMPTOTIC BEHAVIOR OF THE LINEARITY DEFECT
Authors: NGUYEN HOP D. , VU THANH
Published: February 2017

This work concerns the linearity defect of a module $M$ over a Noetherian local ring $R$, introduced by Herzog and Iyengar in 2005, and denoted $\text{ld}_{R}M$. Roughly speaking, $\text{ld}_{R}M$ is the homological degree beyond which the minimal free resolution of $M$ is linear. It is proved that for any ideal $I$ in a regular local ring $R$ and for any finitely generated $R$-module $M$, each of the sequences $(\text{ld}_{R}(I^{n}M))_{n}$ and $(\text{ld}_{R}(M/I^{n}M))_{n}$ is eventually constant. The first statement follows from a more general result about the eventual constancy of the sequence $(\text{ld}_{R}C_{n})_{n}$ where $C$ is a finitely generated graded module over a standard graded algebra over $R$.
Iodine intakes and status in Irish adults: is there cause for concern?
Authors: McNulty Breige A. , Nugent Anne P. , Walton Janette , Flynn Albert , Tlustos Christina , Gibney Michael J.
Published: February 2017

I is an important mineral for health, required for the production of key thyroid hormones, which are essential for cellular metabolism, growth and physical development. Hence, adequate I is crucial at all stages of life, but imperative during pregnancy for fetal brain development and during a child’s early life for neurodevelopment. Within Ireland, limited information exists on population I intakes and status. Therefore, the purposes of the present analysis were to estimate dietary I intakes and to analyse urinary iodine (UI) status using the cross-sectional National Adult Nutrition Survey 2008–2010 and the most recent Irish Total Diet Study. Median I intakes in the total population (n1106) were adequate with only 26 % of the population being classified as below the estimated average requirement (EAR). Milk consumption was the major source of I in the diet, contributing 45 % to total intake. Likewise, median UI concentrations (107 µg/l) indicated ‘optimal’ I nutrition according to the WHO cut-off points. In our cohort, 77 % of women of childbearing age (18–50 years) did not meet the EAR recommendation set for pregnant women. Although I is deemed to be sufficient in the majority of adult populations resident in Ireland, any changes to the current dairy practices could significantly impact intake and status. Continued monitoring should be of priority to ensure that all subgroups of the population are I sufficient.
Dietary fat and physiological determinants of plasma chylomicron remnant homoeostasis in normolipidaemic subjects: insight into atherogenic risk
Authors: Irawati Deasy , Mamo John C. L. , Slivkoff-Clark Karin M. , Soares Mario J. , James Anthony P.
Published: February 2017

TAG depleted remnants of postprandial chylomicrons are a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that in the fasted state, the majority of chylomicrons are small enough for transcytosis to arterial subendothelial space and accelerate atherogenesis. However, the size distribution of chylomicrons in the absorptive state is unclear. This study explored in normolipidaemic subjects the postprandial distribution of the chylomicron marker, apoB-48, in a TAG-rich lipoprotein plasma fraction (Svedberg flotation rate (Sf>400), in partially hydrolysed remnants (Sf 20–400) and in a TAG-deplete fraction (Sf<20), following ingestion of isoenergetic meals with either palm oil (PO), rice bran or coconut oil. Results from this study show that the majority of fasting chylomicrons are within the potentially pro-atherogenic Sf<20 fraction (70–75 %). Following the ingestion of test meals, chylomicronaemia was also principally distributed within the Sf<20 fraction. However, approximately 40 % of subjects demonstrated exaggerated postprandial lipaemia specifically in response to the SFA-rich PO meal, with a transient shift to more buoyant chylomicron fractions. The latter demonstrates that heterogeneity in the magnitude and duration of hyper-remnantaemia is dependent on both the nature of the meal fatty acids ingested and possible metabolic determinants that influence chylomicron metabolism. The study findings reiterate that fasting plasma TAG is a poor indicator of atherogenic chylomicron remnant homoeostasis and emphasises the merits of considering specifically, chylomicron remnant abundance and kinetics in the context of atherogenic risk. Few studies address the latter, despite the majority of life being spent in the postprandial and absorptive state.
Income Inequality Influences Perceptions of Legitimate Income Differences
Authors: Trump Kris-Stella
Published: February 2017

This article argues that public opinion regarding the legitimacy of income differences is influenced by actual income inequality. When income differences are perceived to be high, the public thinks of larger income inequality as legitimate. The phenomenon is explained by the system justification motivation and other psychological processes that favor existing social arrangements. Three experiments show that personal experiences of inequality as well as information regarding national-level income inequality can affect which income differences are thought of as legitimate. A fourth experiment shows that the system justification motivation is a cause of this effect. These results can provide an empirical basis for future studies to assume that the public reacts to inequality with adapted expectations, not increased demands for redistribution.
THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION IN CONFLICTED SOCIETIES: THE EXPERIENCE OF NORTHERN IRELAND AND TURKEY
Authors: Bakircioglu Onder , Dickson Brice
Published: February 2017

Since the entry into force of the European Convention on Human Rights there have been many serious conflicts in Europe. This article examines the role played by the Convention in two of those conflicts: that in Northern Ireland between supporters of the territory remaining part of the United Kingdom and supporters of Northern Ireland becoming part of a reunified Ireland, and that in Turkey between those who advocate for a unified Turkish State and those who want a Turkey which grants greater rights to Kurds and accepts greater autonomy for the Kurdish-dominated southeast region. The principal goal is to compare how the institutions in Strasbourg have responded to applications lodged by victims of human rights abuses allegedly committed during the two conflicts. The comparison seeks to identify to what extent the European Court of Human Rights has adopted principles and practices which can contribute to a reduction in human rights abuses during times of conflict.
SHOULD INTERNATIONAL LAW RECOGNIZE A RIGHT OF HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTION?
Authors: O'Meara Chris
Published: February 2017

The ongoing Syrian civil war calls for a re-evaluation of using force to protect human rights. This article does not rake over the much-debated issue of whether a right of humanitarian intervention exists aslex lata. Instead, it addresses the little reviewed normative issue of whether the rightshouldexist in international law to support and reflect a pluralistic understanding of sovereignty. Despite advancements in international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international criminal law, this wider fabric of international law preserves Westphalian sovereignty and the principle of non-intervention. It denies any right of humanitarian intervention.
Bloom dynamics of noxious Chattonella spp. (Raphidophyceae) in contrastingly enclosed coastal environments: a comparative study of two coastal regions
Authors: Yamaguchi Haruo , Tanimoto Yuko , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Suzuki Satoshi , Yamaguchi Mineo , Adachi Masao
Published: February 2017

Harmful algal blooms caused by raphidophyte species of the genus Chattonella (i.e. Chattonella antiqua, Chattonella marina and Chattonella ovata) have been documented in temperate coastal regions around the world. To understand the effects of physicochemical factors on bloom development of Chattonella spp., we investigated the variations of vegetative and resting cells (i.e. cysts) of Chattonella spp. and environmental variables in two coastal environments, Uranouchi Inlet (extremely closed) and Nomi Inlet (semi-closed), with contrasting enclosed natures. Although the vegetative cells and cysts of Chattonella spp. were distributed in both coastal regions, the densities were remarkably higher in Uranouchi Inlet than in Nomi Inlet. The mud content in the sediments of Uranouchi Inlet was also higher than that in the sediments of Nomi Inlet, meaning that fine particles such as cysts are likely to accumulate in the former region. Because of the extremely closed nature of Uranouchi Inlet, warm oceanic waters of the Kuroshio Current penetrate the inlet only infrequently. These results suggest that the closed nature of coastal regions is an important factor influencing either water exchange or the resultant accumulation of Chattonella cells in coastal environments.
Elizabethan Priest-Holes: II—Ufton, Mapledurham, Compton Wynyates
Authors: Hodgetts Michael
Published: February 2017

At the end of the Harleyford conference Southwell rode back to London, to Lord Vaux's house at Hackney, and Garnet moved on to either Harrowden or Shoby. Weston himself says simply that he gave them ‘the names of Catholic houses where they might go and make their residence, and arranged for reliable guides to take them there': phrases which imply two important feats of organisation. There had been a number of young Catholics who acted as guides and escorts to the priests since at least the middle of 1580, led first by George Gilbert and then in 1585-6 by Lord Vaux's son Henry. But it is clear from an Italian memorandum written by Gilbert not long before his death in 1583 that the early seminary priests were itinerant and did not ‘make their residence’ in any one house. This is confirmed by a letter to Agazzari written by a priest (probably Persons himself) in August 1581, in which it is said that priests rarely stayed more than a night in one house, ‘ne longiori morapericulum creetur’. That explains why, although Gilbert advises priests to avoid discovery by changes of name, address, clothes and horses, he nowhere mentions priest-holes. It is significant that he says it will be necessary (sarà necessario) for priests to be distributed in various places, and for each one of them to stay in a gentleman's house (ogni uno stia nella casa di qualche gentilhomo), with responsibility for the household and for ‘a certain circuit around’ (un certo circuito intorno); as if this was not yet normal practice. He also suggests that the priest should pass as a relative, friend or steward of the owner, or that he should hold some honourable sinecure which will not interfere with his priestly work. As is well known, St John Payne had been doing this at Ingatestone as early as 1577, but most priests in the early 1580's seem to have been constantly on the move, at a heavy cost to their physical and psychological stamina. For them to ‘make their residence’ in a particular manor-house was a consequence of the Harleyford conference, and meant planning, direction—and priest-holes.
Goosnargh Baptismal Register, 1770–77
Authors: Adamson J. H.
Published: February 2017

The register of the Hill Chapel, Goosnargh, Lancashire, from 1777 to 1856 was published in C.R.S. 31, with historical notes by the Rev. R. L. Smith. Amongst the Hill Chapel papers deposited at the Lancashire Record Office in May 1956 by the Rev. A. Richardson are two foolscap sheets recording baptisms between 1770 (when the chapel was founded) and 1777.
Art. XVI.—A Memoir of the Primitive Church of Malayála, or of the Syrian Christians of the Apostle Thomas, from its first rise to the present time
Authors: Swanston Charles
Published: February 2017

The Syrian or primitive church of Malayála Christians acknowledges Saint Thomas for its founder; and from the earliest dawn of Christianity in India, the tomb of that apostle has been as much venerated in the East as the tomb of Saint Peter was at Rome. This is not asserted on the authority of any obscure tradition, but unites in its favour all the proofs which can warrant its correctness: the accumulated testimonies of the first ages of the church; of Saint Jerome; of Saint John, surnamed Chrysostom; Athanasius, and Eusebius.
Art. XVII.—On Female Infanticide in Cutch
Authors: Burnes Alexander
Published: February 2017

As the following remarks by a member of the Council of the Royal Asiatic Society may be considered an appropriate introduction to this subject, they are here prefixed.

I Have perused with attention the report on Hindú Infanticide in Cutch, by Mr. Burnes, affording evidence of the assiduity which marks all his researches.

Its publication in our Journal I should judge every way desirable; for it calls the notice of the public to the circumstance that the total suppression of this practice has not been effected; and we cannot aspire to higher merit than in laudably exerting ourselves to the promotion of such public measures as may tend to the well-doing of our fellow-creatures.
On the margins of minority life: Zoroastrians and the state in Safavid Iran
Authors: Ghereghlou Kioumars
Published: February 2017

This article looks at the treatment of the Zoroastrians by central and provincial authorities in early modern Yazd, Kirman and Isfahan, emphasizing the institutional weaknesses of the central orkhāṣṣaprotection they were supposed to benefit from under the Safavids (907–1135/1501–1722). It is argued that the maltreatment the Zoroastrians endured under the Safavids had little to do with religious bigotry. Rather, it arose from rivalries between the central and the provincial services of the Safavid bureaucracy, putting Zoroastrians in Yazd, Kirman, Sistan and Isfahan at risk of over-taxation, extortion, forced labour and religious persecution. The argument developed in this article pivots on the material interest of the central and the provincial agents of the Safavid bureaucracy in the revenue and labour potentials of the Zoroastrians, and the way in which the conflict of interest between these two sectors led to such acts of persecution as over-taxation, forced labour, extortion and violence.
Canary in the coal mine? China, the UNGA, and the changing world order
Authors: Brazys Samuel , Dukalskis Alexander
Published: February 2017

How China assumes its position of superpower is one of the most important questions regarding global order in the twenty-first century. While considerable and sustained attention has been paid to China’s growing economic and military might, work examining how China is attempting, if at all, to influence the ecosystem of global norms is in its earlier stages. In this article we examine China’s actions in an important venue for the development of global norms, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Using a unique dataset that captures how other countries move into or out of alignment with China on UNGA resolutions that are repeated over time, we find statistical evidence that China used diplomatic and economic means in an attempt to subtly alter international norms. We further illustrate these findings by examining four states that made substantive moves toward China on resolutions concerning national sovereignty, democracy, international order, non-interference, and human rights.
Magnetic focusing of emitted ions from laser-generated plasma: enhancement of yield and energy
Authors: Torrisi L. , Costa G.
Published: February 2017

A ns Nd:Yag laser, at intensity of 1010 W/cm2 is employed to generate carbon and aluminum non-equilibrium plasmas at a temperature of about 33 eV accelerating ions at energies of the order of 130 eV per charge state. The ion emission occurs manly along the normal to the target surface and can be detected using ion collectors employed in time-of-flight configuration. The application of magnetic field along the axe of the ion emission permits to focalize the ion emission enhancing the detected ion current. The formation of electron traps, due to the magnetic force lines, drives the ion acceleration improving their kinetic energy. Different applications can make use of these results to increase the flow of charged particles and their energy employing appropriate static magnetic fields, as it will be presented and discussed.
Public Reason
Authors: Gauthier David
Published: February 2017

Law is the expression of public reason. I want to explicate and justify this assertion, which lies at the core of a normative theory of law. Primarily, I want to focus on the concept of public reason, showing what it is, relating it to private or individual reason, and finding its rationale in that relation. I shall then argue that public reason exhausts the normative space where law may be found. Appealing to public reason, I shall show that the authority that law claims over the judgments and actions of citizens must ultimately be grounded in their own rationality.
Oxygen and environmental stress in plants: and evolutionary context
Authors: Hendry George A. F.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Contemporary plant species show a wide range of responses to oxidative attack. Much of this variation may reflect the different environmental selective pressures operating at different geological periods over the course of angiosperm evolution. Evidence is provided to show that the wide range of contemporary responses to oxidative stress may directly reflect the persistence of genes controlling free radical processes under environments of the past.
Chilling, oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme responses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Burdon Roy H. , Gill Vera , Boyd Pat A. , O'Kane Damian
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Although chilling of Arabidopsis thaliana cells to 4°C reduced respiration and superoxide generation, the latter still appears significant. Superoxide may contribute to the observed chilling-induced cellular lipid peroxidation and through processes that may be facilitated by the up-regulation of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase activity.
The occurrence, and influence on photolithotrophs, of high oxygen concentrations
Authors: Raven John A. , Johnston Andrew M. , Parsons Richard , Kübler Janet
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Hyperoxia (O2in solution in excess of air-equilibrium values) occurs in certain photosynthesising cells which use inorganic C concentrating mechanisms, and as a result of abiological mechanisms. Geochemical evidence suggests that the atmosphere may have had significantly higher O2partial pressures in the past (e.g. the Upper Carboniferous) than occurs today. Biochemical effects of high O2concentrations in solution include inhibition of RUBISCO (competitive with CO2) and nitrogenase, as well as damage caused by higher levels of toxic O species (H2O2, O2and, especially,1O2and OH). The influence of high (twice the extant level) atmospheric O2on growth of non-N2-fixers is as predicted from the properties of RUBISCO and the occurrence of inorganic C concentrating mechanisms. Acclimation of N2-fixers to twice the extant O2level involves increased restriction on O2diffusion to nitrogenase so that growth is not inhibited (unless the high O2has access to the C3photosynthesis apparatus). Evidence as to the effect of hyperoxia on quenchers and scavengers of toxic O species is equivocal. Cells exposed to high O2probably have higher mutation rates as a result of higher levels of toxic O species, although the production and maintenance of ‘stem’ cells may occur in parts of the plants with relatively low O2levels.
Generation of free radicals in germinating Norway spruce. Differences in the effect of two different phenolic compounds
Authors: Segura-Aguilar Juan , Hakman Inger , Rydström Jan
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

We have studied the defences of Norway spruce seeds against pollutants during germination, using two different phenolic compounds, 5-OH-1,4-naphthoquinone (5-OH-NQ)3and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T).

Only small effects of 5-OH-NQ on germination of seeds were observed at concentrations up to 200 μM, which could be explained by the formation of a less reactive metabolite of 5-OH-NQ. These results suggest that Norway spruce seeds have a very effective defence system against quinone and quinonederived reactive oxygen species.

The effect of 2,4,5-T on seed germination was, however, more pronounced, resulting in an abnormal growth of the seedlings. This behaviour was probably due to a strong increase in ethylene production (10-fold) in these seedlings. Also fatty acyl-CoA oxidase activity, a peroxisomal enzyme of β-oxidation that catalyses the formation of H2O2, was found to increase 6.9-fold in seedlings germinated in presence of 2,4,5-T. A strong decrease in the activity of photosystem II and an increase in lipid peroxidation in chloroplasts was also observed.
Singlet molecular oxygen and primary mechanisms of photo-oxidative damage of chloroplasts. Studies based on detection of oxygen and pigment phosphorescence
Authors: Krasnovsky A. A.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Photogeneration of singlet oxygen molecules (1O2), their vibrationally excited stateand dimols (1O2)2has been shown by measuring photosensitised delayed luminescence in pigment-containing media. All singlet oxygen species are formed as a result of energy transfer to O2from triplet pigment molecules. Monomeric pigment molecules are the most efficient singlet oxygen generators. The1O2quantum yields are 40–80% in aerobic solutions of monomeric chlorophylls and pheophytins. Pigment aggregation causes a strong decrease in singlet oxygen production. The1O2quantum yield in chloroplasts has been estimated using literature and experimental data on formation of the chlorophyll triplet states in the photosynthetic apparatus. The most probable value is 0.1%. One of the major sources of singlet oxygen is likely to be the triplet states of newly formed pigment molecules which are not quenched by carotenoids and can be detected by measuring low-temperature pigment phosphorescence. Quenching of singlet oxygen by the thylakoid components has been analysed and the1O2lifetime estimated. The data suggest that carotenoids and chlorophylls are the most efficient physical1O2quenchers and the1O2lifetime is about 70 ns in thylakoids. The quantum yield of1O2-induced pigment photodestruction was estimated to be about 10−6–10−5. This value is close to the quantum yield of chlorophyll photobleaching experimentally observed in aerobic suspensions of isolated chloroplasts. The intensity of pigment phosphorescence at 77 K correlates with the rate of chlorophyll photobleaching in plant materials. The data suggest that1O2generation by the pigment triplet states is the most likely reason for chloroplast photodamage. The intensity of pigment phosphorescence can be used as an index of the degree of plant photo-oxidative stress.
Antioxidants and free radical oxidation as regulators of ATP biosynthesis in chloroplasts
Authors: Budagovskaya N. V.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

A study has been made of the effects of natural antioxidants (cysteine and ascorbate), commonly used in media for isolation of organelles and in reaction mixtures, on light-induced proton uptake and photophosphorylation in chloroplasts of pea and maize. These plants were chosen because of their different levels of resistance to unfavourable environmental conditions. Conditions for studying chloroplasts in different functional states were modelled and it was shown that the antioxidants exerted a regulatory effect on light-induced proton uptake and ATP formation. The direction of the response was dependent on the initial state of the chloroplasts and was correlated with the concentrations of free and total sulfhydryl groups. A scheme for regulation of energy transformation in chloroplasts, including antioxidants and free radical oxidation, is proposed.
Hydroxyl radical scavenging properties of cyclitols
Authors: Orthen Birgit , Popp Marianne , Smirnoff Nicholas
Published: February 2017

Cyclitols are low molecular weight substances which accumulate in plant cells in response to various environmental stress situations, for example drought (Ford 1984), salinity (Gorham et al. 1984), low temperature (Richter et al. 1990).

Apart from their more general role in osmotic adjustment, only in the case of salt stress is their mode of function well understood. Cyclitols (e.g. pinitol) accumulate when plants are exposed to increasing salt concentration (Paul & Cockburn 1989) and act as compatible solutes (Sommer et al. 1990) as defined by Brown & Simpson (1972).

The significance of cyclitol accumulation in stress adaptation of plants to drought and cold still remains uncertain. However, it is generally accepted that drought and cold as well as several other stress situations lead to an enhanced generation of oxygen free radicals (Elstner 1990; Smirnoff & Colombe 1988), including the hydroxyl radical as the most harmful one. The report by Smirnoff & Cumbes (1989) that myo-inositol is an effective hydroxyl radical scavenger prompted us to test other naturally-occuring cyclitols like pinitol, quebrachitol, 1-D-1-O-methyl-muco-inositol, ononitol and quercitol for their ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals.
The effects of reactive hydrocarbons on plants
Authors: Stokes N. J. , Terry G. M. , Tabner B. J. , Hewitt C. N.
Published: February 2017

Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), of biogenic or anthropogenic origin, are important reactants in most atmospheric environments. Oxidation of NMHC can result indirectly in the formation of ozone (Crutzen 1988). In addition to the direct toxic effects of ozone on plants, reaction of alkenes with ozone can produce organic hydroperoxides which are highly reactive and have been implicated in plant damage, especially in those species which are alkene-emitters (Hewitt et al. 1990a, b).
Modelling of in situ oxygen transport and aerobic metabolism in the hydrophyte Eleocharis sphacelata R. Br.
Authors: Sorrell B.K. , Brix H. , Boon P.I.
Published: February 2017

Eleocharis sphacelata (Cyperaceae) is a common emergent hydrophyte in wetlands throughout Australasia, and is notable as a particularly large member of its genus, able to grow in water up to 2 m deep (Sainty & Jacobs 1981). It is a perennial species, supporting live emergent shoots throughout the year, and grows only on flooded sediments. In Australia, the water temperature in E. sphacelata wetlands remains mild in winter (c. 6°C) but is high (25–30°C) during summer (Brix et al. 1992; Sorrell & Boon 1992). In this paper we present an analysis of the mechanisms of internal ventilation in this species and their ability to aerate the submerged tissue.
Metabolite accumulation during ice encasement of timothy grass (Phleum pratense L.)
Authors: Gudleifsson Bjarni E.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Plants are killed by prolonged ice encasement at slightly subzero temperatures and under these anoxic conditions a number of metabolites are accumulated. Timothy grass plants encased in ice at −2°C can survive these conditions for many weeks and accumulate mainly CO2 and ethanol and lower levels of malate, oxalate, citrate, fumarate and pyruvate. While the accumulation of most of the metabolites increases towards the end of the encasement period the amount of malate decreases, indicating utilisation. Late in the encasement period lactate, butyrate, and traces of malonate, formate and tartarate were detected which might be of bacterial origin. The bacteria most commonly isolated from ice-encased plants is Pseudomonas fluorescens (Trevisan) which in most cases is saprophytic. All of the above-mentioned metabolites were also detected from thaw water in the field after long duration of ice encasement, butyrate attaining the highest concentration.
Hormone action and plant adaptations to poor aeration
Authors: Jackson Michael B.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

The actions of endogenous plant hormones are invoked to explain several morphological adaptations to poor aeration. These include changes to the growth and internal morphology of inundated roots, the promotion of extension growth by stems or leaves of aquatic and semi-aquatic species by submergence, and morphological changes in shoots where only the roots and lower shoot are inundated. This article considers ethylene-promoted aerenchyma formation in maize (Zea mays) and compares the promoting action of ethylene, low oxygen partial pressures and carbon dioxide on shoot extension in rice (Oryza sativa), a rice mimicEchinochloa oryzoidesand a submersed aquatic monocotPotamogeton pecrinatus. Different kinds of hormonal messages (positive, negative, accumulative and debit) passing between roots and shoots co-ordinate shoot development with the roots and their environment. Recent progress in quantifying the delivery of abscisic acid (ABA) or the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-car-boxylic acid (ACC) from roots to shoots in the transpiration stream is summarised in relation to control of stomatal closure and leaf epinastic curvature in flooded plants.
Is long-term hypoxia met by the Pasteur effect in roots of wheat seedlings?
Authors: Albrecht G. , Wiedenroth E.-M.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

It has been argued, whether or not the Pasteur effect occurs in plant tissues as a response to long-term hypoxia. To study this question roots of wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivumL. cv. Alcedo) were analysed following acclimation to oxygen shortage by a prior 6-d-cultivation in a nitrogen-flushed nutrient solution. A Pasteur Quotient of approximately one suggested the absence of a significant Pasteur effect. This conclusion was supported by finding an accumulation of soluble carbohydrates.

A progressive adaptation of hypoxically pretreated wheat roots was indicated by measurements under low oxygen tension of 2 kPa, when half of the produced carbon dioxide was generated by fermentation (Gas exchange Quotient, GQ≈2.1) with no apparent increase in the glycolytic substrate flux. The remaining oxygen uptake was even higher in hypoxically grown roots than in the aerobically grown control specimens. When whole seedlings were placed in oxygen-free conditions for 2 h, roots of seedlings pretreated hypoxically suffered a 50% loss in the concentration of ATP, while 90% of the ATP was lost in roots transferred from an aerated solution directly into an anaerobic environment. This was interpreted as an improvement in hypoxia tolerance by minimising the fermentation rate (low PQ) but in particular the ATP requirements by metabolic arrest strategies.
Long-term oxygen shortage induces sugar accumulation – particularly fructans in wheat seedlings
Authors: Albrecht G. , Kammerer S. , Praznik W. , Wiedenroth E.-M.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

In response to long-term oxygen shortage in the rooting medium (>7days), there was an accumulation of soluble carbohydrates in shoots as well as in roots of wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Alcedo). The content of fructo-oligosaccharides had increased five-fold in the roots and seven-fold in the shoots. This fails to fit the assumption that higher substrate consumption is accompanied by the fermentation under oxygen shortage.
The relationship between starch content in rhizomes of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. and trophic conditions of habitat
Authors: Kubin P. , Melzer A. , Čižkova H.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

The hypothesis of reed decline being a consequence of eutrophication has been proved. Rhizomes of P. australis from two habitats differing in nutrient availability were collected during one year. In the nutrient-poor habitat, less aboveground biomass and greater starch reserves were formed in comparison with the nutrient-rich one. In the stand with a high nutrient availability, a decrease in starch content was observed in horizontal rhizomes during autumn.
The involvement of oxygen-derived free radicals in plant–pathogen interactions
Authors: Goodman B. A.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Plants have evolved a multiplicity of defence mechanisms against pathogen attack. Their modes of action may be to (i) kill the pathogen directly, (ii) block the action of enzymes required for infection, or (iii) erect barriers to pathogen growth. Some of these reactions proceed via free radical intermediates and make use of either atmospheric oxygen or reactive oxygen species. This paper reviews the various types of reaction involving oxygen-derived free radicals that are initiated in plant tissue when it is invaded by pathogenic organisms. Both the production of free radicals by plants in defensive processes and the utilisation of free radicals by pathogens in offensive reactions are considered and particular attention is given to the use of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy for the direct observation of such free radical reactions.
Design and testing of twig chambers for ozone fumigation and gas exchange measurements in mature trees
Authors: Havranek Wilhelm M. , Wieser Gerhard
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

A twig chamber system was developed for the exposure of mature trees to ozone (O3) under field conditions. The fumigation system allowed the exact control of O3 concentrations in the chambers, the measurement of O3 uptake as well as gas exchange measurements under ambient and controlled conditions during and after O3 fumigation. Because of differences in individual twigs the system should provide the exposure of replicates to different O3 treatments. Tests showed that temperature, humidity and O3 concentrations inside the chambers were comparable with diurnal courses observed in the field. Comparative gas exchange measurements indicated that there were no differences in net photosynthesis and conductance of twigs outside the chambers and twigs which remained within the chambers for 23 weeks receiving ambient air.