bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using MDECR‐PECVD to study the impact of ion bombardment energy on microstructural properties of μc‐Si:H thin film grown from an SiF4/H2 chemistry
Authors: Wang Junkang , Florea Ileana , Bulkin Pavel V. , Maurice Jean‐Luc , Johnson Erik V.
Published: September 2016

The matrix‐distributed electron cyclotron resonance plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MDECR‐PECVD) technique has been shown to achieve high deposition rates for hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (μc‐Si:H) thin film. Due to the fact that plasma is sustained by a microwave discharge, by biasing the substrate holder with additional power supply, one can achieve independent control over the plasma density and the maximum ion bombardment energy (IBE). In this work, we present studies of the impact of IBE on the microstructural properties of the μc‐Si:H film deposited by MDECR‐PECVD. Insufficient ion bombardment is found to be responsible for the substantial presence of nano‐porous regions within the material, resulting in significant post‐deposition oxidation. Good agreement between transmission electron microscopy (TEM) Fresnel contrast analysis and the results of infrared absorption and hydrogen effusion measurements for the deposited films suggest that moderate IBE is of vital importance to achieve high quality μc‐Si:H. In doing so, denser films with significantly decreased nano‐porous regions and better stability are obtained, which is of great interest to optimize the process parameters for solar cell applications. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Strength and weakness of rare earths based phosphors: Strategies to replace critical raw materials
Authors: Chiriu Daniele , Stagi Luigi , Carbonaro Carlo Maria , Ricci Pier Carlo
Published: September 2016

Rare earth based phosphors are largely the most applied luminescent materials in the present lightening devices. Their ubiquity in lighting system, like light emitting diodes or compact fluorescent lamps, is related to the optical high efficiency of the rare earth as luminescent ions but also to the relative easiness of growth technique as well high structural stability of rare earth based host matrices, like garnets, perovskites and oxyorthosilicatas. On the other hand, the need of new devices virtually free of any elements with high supply disruption, the ones classified by EU community and US government as critical raw materials, boosts the research for alternatives materials. In this paper, we focalize on the optical properties of the REE based phosphors with the intent to underline the performances the new materials should grant, thus addressing the possible direction for new material development. In particular the features related to the possibility of tuning the luminescence, the interaction among doping ions and with surface defects were analysed. Finally, a general model to predict the role of the REE in a host matrix is analysed. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Perioperative Bromelain Therapy after Wisdom Teeth Extraction – A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Double‐Blinded, Three‐Armed, Cross‐Over Dose‐Finding Study
Authors: Bormann Kai‐Hendrik , Weber Kristina , Kloppenburg Heike , Koch Armin , Meiser Peter , Gellrich Nils‐Claudius
Published: September 2016

Reduction in postoperative edema and inflammatory reactions is the key to the posttraumatic regeneration process. Use of bromelain is well established in this indication, but there is some controversy with regard to the optimal dosing of this drug. The aim of our study was therefore to investigate the efficacy of dosage‐dependent therapy with bromelain in patients after wisdom teeth extraction by comparing the registered dosage 1000 FIP (Fédération Internationale Pharmaceutique) against higher dosages of 3000 FIP and 4500 FIP. A total of 75 patients were randomized to one of the three dosage arms, and 68 of these patients were finally analyzed in the modified intention‐to‐treat population. Patients involved underwent two surgery sessions: one study period being conducted under treatment with bromelain and the other with placebo. Postoperative swelling determined by a 3D face scanning system was defined as the primary endpoint; further efficacy parameters were maximum swelling, pain, difficulty in swallowing, and use of analgesics. A superiority of treatment with 3000 FIP and 4500 FIP versus 1000 FIP could not be demonstrated. The analysis of pooled bromelain treatments versus placebo did, however, show a clear trend in favor of bromelain for all assessments. Adverse events did not occur more frequently under bromelain therapy compared with placebo. This study thus clearly supports the clinical relevance of treatment of postoperative conditions with bromelain, and the recommended daily dose was sufficiently effective in this trial and indication. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depicting electronic distributions from accurate computational first principles: On the relationship between the complex patterns of bonding interaction and the back‐donation phenomenon
Authors: Lobayan Rosana M. , Bochicchio Roberto C. , Pérez del Valle Carlos
Published: September 2016

A detailed theoretical description of metal–ligand interactions in the case of the simple isoelectronic transition metal seriesand oneligand is presented. This task is performed in terms of the local and nonlocal topology‐based formalisms of the electronic density and its decomposition into paired and unpaired contributions. The analysis is mainly focused on the nature of the carbon–metal interactions under the traditional chemical back‐donation phenomena and the relationship with the existence of two‐electron three‐center (2e‐3c) complex patterns of bonding, that is, 2e‐3c atomic interactions. For these simple prototypical systems, which seem to be adequate examples to describe the topologic features of such electron distribution in terms of the density point of view, both phenomena, that is, the back‐donation and the 2e‐3c interactions, are mutually exclusive.
Automatic annotation and visualization tool for mass spectrometry based glycomics
Authors: Xu Guang , Liu Xin , Liu Qing Yan , Li Jianjun , Zhou Yanhong
Published: September 2016

Rationale

With the development of glycomics, a large number of glycan structures have been determined by using mass spectrometry (MS)‐based techniques. However, most glycan MS data needs to be manually annotated which is time‐consuming, unreliable and inaccurate.

Methods

Herein we report a tool for automatically annotating and browsing N‐glycan masses and isotopic distributions. We first constructed a training dataset using the Consortium for Functional Glycomics database, in conjunction with data preprocessing and filtering by composition matching. In addition, we improved a matching glycan isotope abundance algorithm through identifying potential overlap region and constructing an optimization model so that it can deconvolute the overlapped glycan isotopic clusters.

Results

In the matching process, if them/zdifference of two detected ions was close to an integer from 1 to 5, them/zrange was considered as a potential overlapped region, from the lowerm/ztom/z + 5. It was found that there were more than 20 potential overlap regions in each group of data from CHO sample and human testing sample. Because the training dataset was imbalanced, we combined the Supporting Vector Machines (SVMs) algorithm with different sampling techniques, including Synthetic Minority Over‐sampling Technique (SMOTE), to classify all potential candidate compositions. The results demonstrated an average of 26.8% increase in annotation sensitivity through the SMOTE‐SVMs algorithm. The source code can be obtained fromhttps://sourceforge.net/projects/glycomaid/.

Conclusions

We have developed a new tool which facilities high‐throughput glycomics research and assists mass spectrometrists in the interpretation and annotation of glycan samples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Evolution of Wireless Communication Technologies and Spectrum Sharing for Public Safety: Policies and Practice
Authors: Kapucu Naim , Haupt Brittany , Yuksel Murat , Guvenc Ismail , Saad Walid
Published: September 2016

The field of emergency and crisis management continuously strives to enhance collaboration, communication, and coordination among public safety organizations. Successful integration is challenging due to current policies and regulations. Moreover, policymakers must predict future needs. Regardless of the challenges, development and growth of a national public safety communication system is no longer a hopeless cause and is anticipated to mitigate challenges by enhancing security, dependability and fault tolerance, cost effectiveness, interoperability, spectral efficiency, and advanced capabilities. Although this national public safety communication system is in the process of being implemented by various local, state, and federal agencies, such adoption is voluntary and attributes to a disconnect between policies and stakeholders. This study reviews the evolution of public safety communication system and discusses benefits and challenges of a national system, the policies and regulations affecting wireless communication technologies and spectrum sharing, and the influence of evolving technologies.
Disaster's Impact on Livelihood and Cultural Survival: Losses, Opportunities, and Mitigation by Michèle Companion (Ed.)
Authors: Rivera Jason D.
Published: September 2016

This essay reviews the edited volume, Disaster's Impact on Livelihood and Cultural Survival: Losses, Opportunities and Mitigation, by Michèle Companion. An overview of the book and the sections contained it are presented, and then a discussion of overarching themes is summarized. Finally, a discussion of recommendations for maintaining peoples' livelihoods and cultures in the aftermath of disasters are provided.
Sector‐based DNA information hiding method
Authors: Santoso Kevin , Lee Suk‐Hwan , Hwang Won‐Joo , Kwon Ki‐Ryong
Published: September 2016

As the next generation sequencing and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis technologies rapidly develop, DNA engineering became faster and cheaper with higher accuracy than before. External information such as secret messages or digital archives can be embedded into the DNA sequence by mutating its molecular sequence according to a certain algorithm. This study presents a sector‐based DNA steganography method using non‐coding regions of the DNA sequence as the host for carrying binary data. The aim of the sector‐based embedding is to have a high level of security, data capacity, and error handling while preserving the organism's life information. A sector consists of reference bases, segmented message bases, and parity bases. The parity bases can detect and handle mutation errors in each sector. The sector length controls the data capacity and security. Our in silico experiments verified that the bit‐per‐nucleotide of our method can be [1.2, 2.0] by controlling the sector length, which is 0.2 point higher than that of conventional methods. As many as 104 base mutations in the DNA sequence can be handled for perfect message retrieval. Furthermore, the probability for message detection without keys is lower than 1.3949 × 10−62, which is very low. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetically Propelled Fish‐Like Nanoswimmers
Authors: Li Tianlong , Li Jinxing , Zhang Hongtao , Chang Xiaocong , Song Wenping , Hu Yanan , Shao Guangbin , Sandraz Elodie , Zhang Guangyu , Li Longqiu , Wang Joseph
Published: September 2016

The swimming locomotion of fish involves a complex interplay between a deformable body and induced flow in the surrounding fluid. While innovative robotic devices, inspired by physicomechanical designs evolved in fish, have been created for underwater propulsion of large swimmers, scaling such powerful locomotion into micro‐/nanoscale propulsion remains challenging. Here, a magnetically propelled fish‐like artificial nanoswimmer is demonstrated that emulates the body and caudal fin propulsion swimming mechanism displayed by fish. To mimic the deformable fish body for periodic shape changes, template‐electrosynthesized multisegment nanowire swimmers are used to construct the artificial nanofishes (diameter 200 nm; length 4.8 μm). The resulting nanofish consists a gold segment as the head, two nickel segments as the body, and one gold segment as the caudal fin, with three flexible porous silver hinges linking each segment. Under an oscillating magnetic field, the propulsive nickel elements bend the body and caudal fin periodically to generate travelling‐wave motions with speeds exceeding 30 μm s−1. The propulsion dynamics is studied theoretically using the immersed boundary method. Such body‐deformable nanofishes exhibit a high swimming efficiency and can serve as promising biomimetic nanorobotic devices for nanoscale biomedical applications.
Exploiting spatial code proximity and order for improved source code retrieval for bug localization
Authors: Sisman Bunyamin , Akbar Shayan A. , Kak Avinash C.
Published: September 2016

Practically all information retrieval based approaches developed to date for automatic bug localization are based on the bag‐of‐words assumption that ignores any positional and ordering relationships between the terms in a query. In this paper, we argue that bug reports are ill‐served by this assumption because such reports frequently contain various types of structural information whose terms must obey certain positional and ordering constraints. It therefore stands to reason that the quality of retrieval for bug localization would improve if these constraints could be taken into account when searching for the most relevant files. In this paper, we demonstrate that such is indeed the case. We show how the well‐known Markov Random Field based retrieval framework can be used for taking into account the term‐term proximity and ordering relationships in a query vis‐à‐vis the same relationships in the files of a source‐code library to greatly improve the quality of retrieval of the most relevant source files. We have carried out our experimental evaluations on popular large software projects using over 4000 bug reports. The results we present demonstrate unequivocally that the new proposed approach is far superior to the widely used bag‐of‐words based approaches. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Whisker Formation in Porosity in Al Alloys
Authors: Griffiths William David , Elsayed Ahmed , El-Sayed Mahmoud Ahmed
Published: September 2016

An examination of the fracture surfaces of tensile test bars from Al alloy castings held in the liquid state for up to 20 minutes revealed porosity which in some cases contained whisker-like features. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis in a SEM suggested that these might be oxide whiskers forming in an oxide-related pore or double oxide film defect. Such entrainment defects (also known as bifilms) may entrap a small amount of the local atmosphere when they form and become incorporated into the liquid metal. This atmosphere may be predominantly air, which then subsequently reacts with the surrounding melt, firstly by reaction with oxygen and secondly by reaction with nitrogen. A CFD model of the heat distribution associated with the reactions between the interior atmosphere of a double oxide film defect and the surrounding liquid alloy suggested that highly localized increases in temperature, up to about 2000 K to 5000 K (1727 °C to 4727 °C), could occur, over a scale of a few hundred micrometers. Such localized increases in temperature might lead to the evaporation or disassociation of oxide within the pore, followed by condensation, to form the whisker structures observed. Hydrogen might also be expected to diffuse into the bifilm and may play a role in the chemical reactions associated with the development of the bifilm.
Stress and behavioral risk among young expectant couples
Authors: Divney Anna , Gordon Derrick , Magriples Urania , Kershaw Trace
Published: September 2016

Few studies have explored stress and coping among adolescents who are expecting a baby. In particular, young men's experiences during pregnancy have largely been ignored, despite the fact that a young man's experiences and behaviors carry implications for his own, his partner's and his child's health. This study examined the association between maternal and paternal experiences of stress during pregnancy with one's own and one's partner's health behaviors and depressive symptoms among 294 young expectant couples in the U.S. Multilevel modeling showed that one's own experiences of stress were associated with more unhealthy behaviors and more depressive symptoms among both expectant mothers and fathers. Paternal experiences of stress were predictive of more maternal conduct problems, while maternal experiences of stress were predictive of more paternal depressive symptoms and less paternal substance use. These findings highlight the importance of social relationships in affecting health behaviors and mental health among expectant adolescents.
Combining seasonal yield, silage dry matter yield, quality and persistency in an economic index to assist perennial ryegrass variety selection
Authors: O'DONOVAN M. , MCHUGH N. , MCEVOY M. , GROGAN D. , SHALLOO L.
Published: September 2016

A total economic merit index (Pasture Profit Index, PPI) for perennial ryegrass variety selection was developed to rank perennial ryegrass varieties (Lolium perenneL.) based on their economic potential for grass-based ruminant production systems. The key traits of importance identified were: spring, mid-season (April 11–August 10) and autumn dry matter (DM) yield, first and second cut silage DM yield, grass quality April to July (inclusive) and sward persistency. Variety persistency was quantified by determining the ground score (GS) change across years, which was associated with a yield threshold which triggered sward replacement. Each one-unit decline in GS was associated with a 1683 kg loss in DM yield. Data generated in the Irish recommended list trials for value for cultivation and use were analysed to quantify the relative performance of each variety for each of the aforementioned traits. A previously developed methodology to generate economic values was used with updated price assumptions to develop economic values, which were applied to the analysed performance data of individual varieties. These data were used to estimate the total economic merit of each variety. Thirty-nine varieties were ranked on total economic merit with the highest performing variety (Cv111) generating €213 per ha/year compared withCv201, which was the lowest ranking variety generating −€31 per ha/year. Use of the PPI provides information to end users in relation to the economic merit of one variety over another, facilitating a more informed decision-making process at farm level.
Nutrient composition, rate of fermentation andin vitrorumen methane output from tropical feedstuffs
Authors: BHATTA R. , SARAVANAN M. , BARUAH L. , MALIK P. K. , SAMPATH K. T.
Published: September 2016

In vitrorumen methane output (IRMO) of over 200 feed/feed mix samples representing approximately 74 feed types was investigated in a series of completely randomized experiments. The samples comprised dry fodder, grass, tree leaves, cultivated grasses, cereal by-products, cereal grains, oilseed/meals, compound feeds and total mixed rations (TMRs) from the tropical regions. These samples were subjected to threein vitrogas production tests at 39 °C in 100 ml Heberle syringes. The first incubation was conducted with 200 mg dry matter (DM) substrate for 96 h to determine half-time gas production (t1/2, h) value of each sample. The second and third incubations were carried out simultaneously. The second incubation was done with 200 mg DM substrate untilt1/2time to determine IRMO and third with 500 mg DM to estimatein vitrodry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of each samples, respectively. The IRMO was expressed as ml/100 mg digestible substrate. Crude protein content (g/kg DM) was lowest in dry fodder samples and highest in oilseed meals, whereas it was similar in local grass and tree leaves. The IVDMD values ranged from 0·48 to 0·87; the lowest digestibility was recorded in tree leaves. The potential gas production (PGP, ml/200 mg DM) ranged from 9·76 to 61·3. The PGP from grasses and compound feeds was similar, whereas it was lowest in tree leaves. The rate constant (mg/h) was maximum in compound feed followed by oilseed meal. The rate constant was similar among other group of feedstuffs. Thet1/2time ranged from 9·8 to 19·4 h. The highestt1/2time was recorded in local grass samples followed by dry fodder and cultivated grasses. However, they were similar among tree leaves, cereal grains, by-products and compound feeds. The methane % in the total gas varied from 9·79 (tree leaves) to 20·2 (local grasses). Among straw, IRMO varied from 3·88 (Zea maysfodder) to 12·0 (Sorghum vulgare) and it was lower in fruit tree leaves than cultivated grasses. Among protein and energy sources, IRMO was higher in cereal by-products as compared with cereal grains, oil meals and compound feed. The IRMO was similar among TMR, irrespective of the composition of the concentrate mixture. Nevertheless, it varied with the amount of concentrate in the TMR. This is the first exhaustive data on IRMO from the tropical region. Because of the substantial amount of dietary gross energy lost in methane, knowledge of the methane output from these feed ingredients will help in formulating low methane emitting diets for ruminants. Incorporation of tropical tree leaves in the diets and feeding TMR are potential strategies to reduce enteric methane emission in ruminants.
Identification of alleles and genotypes of beta-casein with DNA sequencing analysis in Chinese Holstein cow
Authors: Dai Ronghua , Fang Yu , Zhao Wenjing , Liu Shuyun , Ding Jinmei , Xu Ke , Yang Lingyu , He Chuan , Ding Fangmei , Meng He
Published: September 2016

The study reported in this Regional Research Communication aimed to analyse the genetic polymorphisms of β-casein in Chinese Holstein cows. β-casein has received considerable research interest in the dairy industry and animal breeding in recent years as a source not only of high quality protein, but also of bioactive peptides that may be linked to health effects. Morever, the polymorphic nature of β-casein and its association with milk production traits, composition, and quality also attracted several efforts in evaluating the allelic distribution of β-casein locus as a potential dairy trait marker. However, few data on beta-casein variants are available for the Chinese Holstein cow. In the present paper, one hundred and thirty three Holstein cows were included in the analysis. Results revealed the presence of 5 variants (A1, A2, A3, B and I), preponderance of the genotype A1A2 (0·353) and superiorities of A1/A2 alleles (0·432 and 0·459, respectively) in the population. Sequence analysis of β-casein gene in the cows showed four nucleotide changes in exon 7. Our study can provide reference and guidance for selection for superior milk for industrial applications and crossbreeding and genetic improvement programmes.
Lactose behaviour in the presence of lactic acid and calcium
Authors: Wijayasinghe Rangani , Vasiljevic Todor , Chandrapala Jayani
Published: September 2016

Physical properties of lactose appeared influenced by presence of lactic acid in the system. Some other components such as Ca may further attenuate lactose behaviour and impact its phase transition. A model-based study was thus implemented with varying concentrations of Ca (0·12, 0·072 or 0·035% w/w) and lactic acid (0·05, 0·2, 0·4 or 1% w/w) in establishing the effects of these two main acid whey constituents on lactose phase behaviour. Concentrated solutions (50% w/w) containing lactose, lactic acid and Ca were analysed for thermal behaviour and structural changes by Differential Scanning Colorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. Presence of 1% (w/w) lactic acid and 0·12% (w/w) Ca in lactose solution significantly increased the evaporation enthalpy of water, delayed and increased the energy required for lactose crystallisation as compared to pure lactose. FTIR analysis indicated a strong hydration layer surrounding lactose molecules, restricting water mobility and/or inducing structural changes of lactose, hindering its crystallisation. The formation of calcium lactate, which restricts the diffusion of lactose molecules, is also partly responsible. It appears that Ca removal from acid whey may be a necessary step in improving the processability of acid whey.
Effect of season on fatty acid and terpene profiles of milk from Greek sheep raised under a semi-extensive production system
Authors: Papaloukas Loukas , Sinapis Efthymios , Arsenos George , Kyriakou George , Basdagianni Zoitsa
Published: September 2016

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of season on the fatty acid and terpene composition in ewe milk. A total of 760 samples of bulk sheep milk were collected during winter (147 samples), spring (314 samples) and summer (299 samples) of 2011, from 90 commercial farms of dairy sheep from the prefecture of Grevena, Greece. Regarding fatty acid composition, summer samples had higher concentrations of α-linolenic acid, cis-9, trans 11- CLA, trans-11, C18 : 1 and PUFAs but lower content of saturated fatty acids particularly C12 : 0, C14 : 0 and C16 : 0. The winter milk had the lowest content of terpenes, in particular sesquiterpenes, compared to spring and summer milk. The terpene profile of milk samples, in all three seasons, revealed the presence of monoterpenes: a-pinene, b-pinene and D-limonene, especially with a higher frequency of appearance in summer. The most common and abundant sesquiterpenes found in milk samples were β-caryophyllene and α-caryophyllene with a higher frequency of appearance in summer. In conclusion, the available pastures in semi-extensive farming systems can contribute to the production of high quality milk.
Changes in oxidation-reduction potential during milk fermentation by wild lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Morandi Stefano , Silvetti Tiziana , Tamburini Alberto , Brasca Milena
Published: September 2016

Oxidation-reduction potential (Eh) is a fundamental physicochemical property of lactic acid bacteria that determines the microenvironment during the cheese manufacture and ripening. For this reason the Eh is of growing interest in dairy research and the dairy industry. The objective of the study was to perform a comprehensive study on the reduction activity of wild lactic acid bacteria strains collected in different periods (from 1960 to 2012) from Italian dairy products. A total of 709 strains belonging to Lactococcus lactis, Enterococcus durans, E. faecium, E. faecalis and Streptococcus thermophilus species were studied for their reduction activity in milk. Kinetics of milk reduction were characterised by the minimum redox potential (Eh7) and time of reaching Eh7 (tmin), the maximum difference between two measures (Δmax) and the time at which these maximum differences occurred (t*). Broad diversity in kinetic parameters was observed at both species and strain levels. E. faecalis and L. lactis resulted to be the most reducing species, while S. thermophilus was characterised by the lowest reducing power while the greatest heterogeneity was pointed out among E. durans and E. faecium strains. Considering the period of collection (1960–2012) we observed that the more recently isolated strains generally showed less reducing activity. This trend was particularly evident for the species E. durans, E. faecium and L. lactis while an opposite trend was observed in E. faecalis species. Data reported in this research provide new information for a deeper understanding of redox potential changes during milk fermentation due to bacterial growth. Gain knowledge of the redox potential of the LAB cultures could allow a better control and standardisation of cheesemaking process.
Measurement of heat stress conditions at cow level and comparison to climate conditions at stationary locations inside a dairy barn
Authors: Schüller Laura K , Heuwieser Wolfgang
Published: September 2016

The objectives of this study were to examine heat stress conditions at cow level and to investigate the relationship to the climate conditions at 5 different stationary locations inside a dairy barn. In addition, we compared the climate conditions at cow level between primiparous and multiparous cows for a period of 1 week after regrouping. The temperature-humidity index (THI) differed significantly between all stationary loggers. The lowest THI was measured at the window logger in the experimental stall and the highest THI was measured at the central logger in the experimental stall. The THI at the mobile cow loggers was 2·33 THI points higher than at the stationary loggers. Furthermore, the mean daily THI was higher at the mobile cow loggers than at the stationary loggers on all experimental days. The THI in the experimental pen was 0·44 THI points lower when the experimental cow group was located inside the milking parlour. The THI measured at the mobile cow loggers was 1·63 THI points higher when the experimental cow group was located inside the milking parlour. However, there was no significant difference for all climate variables between primiparous and multiparous cows. These results indicate, there is a wide range of climate conditions inside a dairy barn and especially areas with a great distance to a fresh air supply have an increased risk for the occurrence of heat stress conditions. Furthermore, the heat stress conditions are even higher at cow level and cows not only influence their climatic environment, but also generate microclimates within different locations inside the barn. Therefore climate conditions should be obtained at cow level to evaluate the heat stress conditions that dairy cows are actually exposed to.
Shorter sampling periods and accurate estimates of milk volume and components are possible for pasture based dairy herds milked with automated milking systems
Authors: Kamphuis Claudia , Burke Jennie K , Taukiri Sarah , Petch Susan-Fay , Turner Sally-Anne
Published: September 2016

Dairy cows grazing pasture and milked using automated milking systems (AMS) have lower milking frequencies than indoor fed cows milked using AMS. Therefore, milk recording intervals used for herd testing indoor fed cows may not be suitable for cows on pasture based farms. We hypothesised that accurate standardised 24 h estimates could be determined for AMS herds with milk recording intervals of less than the Gold Standard (48 hs), but that the optimum milk recording interval would depend on the herd average for milking frequency. The Gold Standard protocol was applied on five commercial dairy farms with AMS, between December 2011 and February 2013. From 12 milk recording test periods, involving 2211 cow-test days and 8049 cow milkings, standardised 24 h estimates for milk volume and milk composition were calculated for the Gold Standard protocol and compared with those collected during nine alternative sampling scenarios, including six shorter sampling periods and three in which a fixed number of milk samples per cow were collected. Results infer a 48 h milk recording protocol is unnecessarily long for collecting accurate estimates during milk recording on pasture based AMS farms. Collection of two milk samples only per cow was optimal in terms of high concordance correlation coefficients for milk volume and components and a low proportion of missed cow-test days. Further research is required to determine the effects of diurnal variations in milk composition on standardised 24 h estimates for milk volume and components, before a protocol based on a fixed number of samples could be considered. Based on the results of this study New Zealand have adopted a split protocol for herd testing based on the average milking frequency for the herd (NZ Herd Test Standard 8100:2015).
Polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation: effects of seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum and flaxseed on milk production and fatty acid profile of lactating ewes during summer
Authors: Caroprese Mariangela , Ciliberti Maria Giovanna , Marino Rosaria , Santillo Antonella , Sevi Agostino , Albenzio Marzia
Published: September 2016

The research reported in this Research Communication was undertaken to evaluate the effects of different sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplemented in the diet on milk production and milk fatty acid profile of lactating ewes exposed to long term heat stress. The experiment was conducted during summer, involved 32 ewes divided into 4 groups of 8 each, and lasted 6 weeks. The ewes in all groups were fed twice daily and received 1·8 kg/d of oat hay and 1 kg/d of concentrate. Flaxseed group (FS) was supplemented with 250 g/d of whole flaxseed, Ascophyllum nodosum group (AG) was supplemented with 25 g/d of seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum, and the combination group (FS + AG) received both flaxseed and Ascophyllum nodosum supplementation. The control group (CON) was fed with 1 kg/d of pelleted concentrate without PUFA supplementation. Milk samples were collected twice daily per week, and analysed for fat, total protein, casein, and lactose content. At the beginning and then at 2, 4 and 6 week of the experiment each milk sample was analysed for milk fatty acids. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated daily. Supplementation of flaxseed and of the combination of flaxseed and Ascophyllum nodosum increased milk yield. The total content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in milk decreased for ewes fed FS, followed by FS + AG. On the contrary, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) increased for ewes fed FS and FS + AG. The total n-3 FA was found higher in FS and FS + AG than in AG and CON groups mainly because of the increase in C 18 : 3 n-3 in FS and FS + AG milk. Milk from FS + AG resulted in the highest n-3/n-6 ratio and decreases in atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. The combination of seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum and flaxseed can be suggested as an adequate supplementation to sustain milk production and milk fatty acid profile of sheep during summer season.
Interferences on microbial inhibitor tests related to ivermectin treatment in lactating dairy goats
Authors: Romero Tamara , Moya Vicente Javier , Fernández Nemesio , Althaus Rafael , Reybroeck Wim , Molina María Pilar
Published: September 2016

This Research Communication reports interferences related to the administration of ivermectin in lactating dairy goats on the response of microbial tests for screening antibiotics in milk. Twenty-eight Murciano-Granadina goats, naturally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei var. caprae, were treated with a subcutaneous injection of ivermectin (200 µg/kg b.w.). To prevent re-infestation, a second dose was applied 7 d later. Individual milk samples were collected, daily, up to 15 d post-treatment. Milk samples were analysed by microbial inhibitor tests (BRT MRL, Delvotest SP-NT MCS and Eclipse 100) and ivermectin residues were quantified by HPLC. A large number of positive results were obtained for all microbial tests, especially on the first day after treatment (BRT MRL = 46·4%; Delvotest SP-NT MCS = 14·3%; and Eclipse 100 = 17·8%). However, the highest concentration of drug residues in milk (24·3 ng/ml) was detected on the tenth day after treatment, when positive outcomes were relatively lower (BRT MRL = 17·8%; Delvotest SP-NT MCS = 10·7%; and Eclipse 100 = 7·4%). Results herein suggest that factors related to the ivermectin treatment other than drug residues in milk, or alterations produced by the parasitic disease itself affecting the immune response of animals, could be the cause of false-positive results in microbial tests. It can be concluded that the application of ivermectin in dairy goats infested with sarcoptes mange during lactation produces persistent drug residues in milk, and could also cause false-positive results in microbial inhibitor tests for screening antibiotics.
Upscaling of integrated photoelectrochemical water-splitting devices to large areas
Authors: Turan Bugra , Becker Jan-Philipp , Urbain Félix , Finger Friedhelm , Rau Uwe , Haas Stefan
Published: September 2016

Photoelectrochemical water splitting promises both sustainable energy generation and energy storage in the form of hydrogen. However, the realization of this vision requires laboratory experiments to be engineered into a large-scale technology. Up to now only few concepts for scalable devices have been proposed or realized. Here we introduce and realize a concept which, by design, is scalable to large areas and is compatible with multiple thin-film photovoltaic technologies. The scalability is achieved by continuous repetition of a base unit created by laser processing. The concept allows for independent optimization of photovoltaic and electrochemical part. We demonstrate a fully integrated, wireless device with stable and bias-free operation for 40 h. Furthermore, the concept is scaled to a device area of 64 cm2 comprising 13 base units exhibiting a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 3.9%. The concept and its successful realization may be an important contribution towards the large-scale application of artificial photosynthesis.
High cell-surface density of HER2 deforms cell membranes
Authors: Chung Inhee , Reichelt Mike , Shao Lily , Akita Robert W. , Koeppen Hartmut , Rangell Linda , Schaefer Gabriele , Mellman Ira , Sliwkowski Mark X.
Published: September 2016

Breast cancers (BC) with HER2 overexpression (referred to as HER2 positive) progress more aggressively than those with normal expression. Targeted therapies against HER2 can successfully delay the progression of HER2-positive BC, but details of how this overexpression drives the disease are not fully understood. Using single-molecule biophysical approaches, we discovered a new effect of HER2 overexpression on disease-relevant cell biological changes in these BC. We found HER2 overexpression causes deformation of the cell membranes, and this in turn disrupts epithelial features by perturbing cell–substrate and cell–cell contacts. This membrane deformation does not require receptor signalling activities, but results from the high levels of HER2 on the cell surface. Our finding suggests that early-stage morphological alterations of HER2-positive BC cells during cancer progression can occur in a physical and signalling-independent manner.
DNA transposon activity is associated with increased mutation rates in genes of rice and other grasses
Authors: Wicker Thomas , Yu Yeisoo , Haberer Georg , Mayer Klaus F. X. , Marri Pradeep Reddy , Rounsley Steve , Chen Mingsheng , Zuccolo Andrea , Panaud Olivier , Wing Rod A. , Roffler Stefan
Published: September 2016

DNA (class 2) transposons are mobile genetic elements which move within their ‘host’ genome through excising and re-inserting elsewhere. Although the rice genome contains tens of thousands of such elements, their actual role in evolution is still unclear. Analysing over 650 transposon polymorphisms in the rice species Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima, we find that DNA repair following transposon excisions is associated with an increased number of mutations in the sequences neighbouring the transposon. Indeed, the 3,000 bp flanking the excised transposons can contain over 10 times more mutations than the genome-wide average. Since DNA transposons preferably insert near genes, this is correlated with increases in mutation rates in coding sequences and regulatory regions. Most importantly, we find this phenomenon also in maize, wheat and barley. Thus, these findings suggest that DNA transposon activity is a major evolutionary force in grasses which provide the basis of most food consumed by humankind.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Electrical and Optogenetic Deep Brain Stimulation at the Rat Nucleus Accumbens
Authors: Albaugh Daniel L. , Salzwedel Andrew , Van Den Berge Nathalie , Gao Wei , Stuber Garret D. , Shih Yen-Yu Ian
Published: September 2016

Deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens (NAc-DBS) is an emerging therapy for diverse, refractory neuropsychiatric diseases. Although DBS therapy is broadly hypothesized to work through large-scale neural modulation, little is known regarding the neural circuits and networks affected by NAc-DBS. Using a healthy, sedated rat model of NAc-DBS, we employed both evoked- and functional connectivity (fc) MRI to examine the functional circuit and network changes achieved by electrical NAc stimulation. Optogenetic-fMRI experiments were also undertaken to evaluate the circuit modulation profile achieved by selective stimulation of NAc neurons. NAc-DBS directly modulated neural activity within prefrontal cortex and a large number of subcortical limbic areas (e.g., amygdala, lateral hypothalamus) and influenced functional connectivity among sensorimotor, executive and limbic networks. The pattern and extent of circuit modulation measured by evoked-fMRI was relatively insensitive to DBS frequency. Optogenetic stimulation of NAc cell bodies induced a positive fMRI signal in the NAc, but no other detectable downstream responses, indicating that therapeutic NAc-DBS might exert its effect through antidromic stimulation. Our study provides a comprehensive mapping of circuit and network-level neuromodulation by NAc-DBS, which should facilitate our developing understanding of its therapeutic mechanisms of action.
Physical Realization of a Supervised Learning System Built with Organic Memristive Synapses
Authors: Lin Yu-Pu , Bennett Christopher H. , Cabaret Théo , Vodenicarevic Damir , Chabi Djaafar , Querlioz Damien , Jousselme Bruno , Derycke Vincent , Klein Jacques-Olivier
Published: September 2016

Multiple modern applications of electronics call for inexpensive chips that can perform complex operations on natural data with limited energy. A vision for accomplishing this is implementing hardware neural networks, which fuse computation and memory, with low cost organic electronics. A challenge, however, is the implementation of synapses (analog memories) composed of such materials. In this work, we introduce robust, fastly programmable, nonvolatile organic memristive nanodevices based on electrografted redox complexes that implement synapses thanks to a wide range of accessible intermediate conductivity states. We demonstrate experimentally an elementary neural network, capable of learning functions, which combines four pairs of organic memristors as synapses and conventional electronics as neurons. Our architecture is highly resilient to issues caused by imperfect devices. It tolerates inter-device variability and an adaptable learning rule offers immunity against asymmetries in device switching. Highly compliant with conventional fabrication processes, the system can be extended to larger computing systems capable of complex cognitive tasks, as demonstrated in complementary simulations.
Correction: Corrigendum: A new family of bizarre durophagous carnivorous marsupials from Miocene deposits in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, northwestern Queensland
Authors: Archer M. , Hand S. J. , Black K. H. , Beck R. M. D. , Arena D. A. , Wilson L. A. B. , Kealy S. , Hung T.-t.
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 26911; published online: 27 May 2016; updated: 07 September 2016 The original version of this Article contained the genus and species name of an unpublished taxon ‘Whollydooleya tomnpatrichorum’. In the Introduction section: “Most recently, an isolated M2 or M3 has been ascribed to a new genus and species, Whollydooleya tomnpatrichorum from Whollydooley Site on Whollydooley Hill, west of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area20.
Melatonin prevents acute kidney injury in severely burned rats via the activation of SIRT1
Authors: Bai Xiao-Zhi , He Ting , Gao Jian-Xin , Liu Yang , Liu Jia-Qi , Han Shi-Chao , Li Yan , Shi Ji-Hong , Han Jun-Tao , Tao Ke , Xie Song-Tao , Wang Hong-Tao , Hu Da-Hai
Published: September 2016

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after severe burns. Melatonin has been reported to protect against multiple organ injuries by increasing the expression of SIRT1, a silent information regulator that regulates stress responses, inflammation, cellular senescence and apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of melatonin on renal tissues of burned rats and the role of SIRT1 involving the effects. Rat severely burned model was established, with or without the administration of melatonin and SIRT1 inhibitor. The renal function and histological manifestations were determined to evaluate the severity of kidney injury. The levels of acetylated-p53 (Ac-p53), acetylated-p65 (Ac-p65), NF-κB, acetylated-forkhead box O1 (Ac-FoxO1), Bcl-2 and Bax were analyzed to study the underlying mechanisms. Our results suggested that severe burns could induce acute kidney injury, which could be partially reversed by melatonin. Melatonin attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis accompanied by the increased expression of SIRT1. The protective effects of melatonin were abrogated by the inhibition of SIRT1. In conclusion, we demonstrate that melatonin improves severe burn-induced AKI via the activation of SIRT1 signaling.
Using a low melting solvent mixture to extract value from wood biomass
Authors: Hiltunen Jaakko , Kuutti Lauri , Rovio Stella , Puhakka Eini , Virtanen Tommi , Ohra-Aho Taina , Vuoti Sauli
Published: September 2016

Green chemistry, sustainability and eco-efficiency are guiding the development of the next generation of industrial chemical processes. The use of non-edible lignocellulosic biomass as a source of chemicals and fuels has recently raised interest due to the need for an alternative to fossil resources. Valorisation mainly focuses on cellulose, which has been used for various industrial scale applications for decades. However, creating an economically more viable value chain would require the exploitation of the other main components, hemicellulose and lignin. Here, we present a new low melting mixture composition based in boric acid and choline chloride and demonstrate its efficiency in the fractionation of wood-based biomass for the production of non-condensed lignin, suitable for further use in the search for sustainable industrial applications and for the selective conversion of hemicelluloses into valuable platform chemicals.
Effect of sulfurization time on the properties of copper zinc tin sulfide thin films grown by electrochemical deposition
Authors: Aldalbahi Ali , Mkawi E. M. , Ibrahim K. , Farrukh M. A.
Published: September 2016

We report growth of quaternary Cu2 ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films prepared by the electrochemical deposition from salt precursors containing Cu (II), Zn (II) and Sn (IV) metals. The influence of different sulfurization times t (t = 75, 90, 105 and 120 min) on the structural, compositional, morphological and optical properties, as well as on the electrical properties is studied. The films sulfurized 2 hours showed a prominent kesterite phase with a nearly stoichiometric composition. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Raman and UV-VIS-NIR spectrometer at different stages of work. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analyses confirmed the formation of phase-pure CZTS films. (FESEM) shows that compact and dense morphology and enhanced photo-sensitivity. STEM - EDS elemental map of CZTS cross-section confirms homogeneous distribution. From optical study, energy gap was enlarged with a changed sulfurization times in the range of 1.37–1.47 eV.