bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A year of lava fountaining at Etna: Volumes from SEVIRI
Authors: Ganci G. , Harris A. J. L. , Del Negro C. , Guehenneux Y. , Cappello A. , Labazuy P. , Calvari S. , Gouhier M.
Published: March 2012

We present a new method that uses cooling curves, apparent in high temporal resolution thermal data acquired by geostationary sensors, to estimate erupted volumes and mean output rates during short lava fountaining events. The 15 minute temporal resolution of the data allows phases of waxing and peak activity to be identified during short (150‐to‐810 minute‐long) events. Cooling curves, which decay over 8‐to‐21 hour‐periods following the fountaining event, can also be identified. Application to 19 fountaining events recorded at Etna by MSG's SEVIRI sensor between 10 January 2011 and 9 January 2012, yields a total erupted dense rock lava volume of ∼28 × 106 m3, with a maximum intensity of 227 m3 s−1being obtained for the 12 August 2011 event. The time‐averaged output over the year was 0.9 m3 s−1, this being the same as the rate that has characterized Etna's effusive activity for the last 40 years.
Electric structure of dipolarization front at sub‐proton scale
Authors: Fu H. S. , Khotyaintsev Y. V. , Vaivads A. , André M. , Huang S. Y.
Published: March 2012

Using Cluster data, we investigate the electric structure of a dipolarization front (DF) – the ion inertial length (c/ωpi) scale boundary in the Earth's magnetotail formed at the front edge of an earthward propagating flow with reconnected magnetic flux. We estimate the current density and the electron pressure gradient throughout the DF by both single‐spacecraft and multi‐spacecraft methods. Comparison of the results from the two methods shows that the single‐spacecraft analysis, which is capable of resolving the detailed structure of the boundary, can be applied for the DF we study. Based on this, we use the current density and the electron pressure gradient from the single‐spacecraft method to investigate which terms in the generalized Ohm's law balance the electric field throughout the DF. We find that there is an electric field at ion inertia scale directed normal to the DF; it has a duskward component at the dusk flank of DF but a dawnward component at the dawn flank of DF. This electric field is balanced by the Hall (j × B/ne) and electron pressure gradient (∇ Pe/ne) terms at the DF, with the Hall term being dominant. Outside the narrow DF region, however, the electric field is balanced by the convection (Vi × B) term, meaning the frozen‐in condition for ions is broken only at the DF itself. In the reference frame moving with the DF the tangential electric field is almost zero, indicating there is no flow of plasma across the DF and that the DF is a tangential discontinuity. The normal electric field at the DF constitutes a potential drop of ∼1 keV, which may reflect and accelerate the surrounding ions.
Response to Olsson and Forkman
Authors: Trewavas Anthony J , Baluska Frantisek
Published: March 2012

Recognising that every organism is conscious opens opportunities for experimental investigation and evidence‐based understanding of this crucial biological capability.
Poor maternal nutrition programmes a pro-atherosclerotic phenotype in ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Blackmore Heather L. , Piekarz Ana V. , Fernandez-Twinn Denise S. , Mercer John R. , Figg Nichola , Bennett Martin , Ozanne Susan E.
Published: March 2012

Numerous animal studies have consistently shown that early life exposure to LP (low-protein) diet programmes risk factors for CVD (cardiovascular disease) such as dyslipidaemia, high BP (blood pressure) and cardiac dysfunction in the offspring. However, studies on the effect of maternal under-nutrition on offspring development of atherosclerosis are scarce. Applying our LP model to the ApoE−/− atherosclerosis-prone mouse model, we investigated the development of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root of 6-month-old offspring. In addition, markers of plaque progression including SMA (smooth muscle actin) and Mac3 (macrophage marker 3) were studied. Pregnant dams were fed on a control (20% protein) or on an isocaloric LP diet (8% protein) throughout pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, male offspring were maintained on 20% normal laboratory chow. At 6 months of age, LP offspring showed a significantly greater plaque area (P<0.05) with increased cholesterol clefts and significantly higher indices of DNA damage compared with controls (P<0.05). The expression of HMG-CoA reductase (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase) (P<0.05) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) receptor in the liver of LP offspring were increased. Furthermore, LP offspring had higher LDL-cholesterol levels (P<0.05) and a trend towards elevated insulin. There were no differences in other lipid measurements and fasting glucose between groups. These observations suggest that early exposure to an LP diet accelerates the development and increases the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in young adult offspring. Future studies are needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms linking in utero exposure to a diet low in protein to the development of atherosclerosis.
Subacute exposure to 50-Hz electromagnetic fields affect prenatal and neonatal mice’s motor coordination
Authors: Sakhnini Lama , Ali Hassan Al , Qassab Narjis Al , Arab Eman Al , Kamal Amer
Published: March 2012

In this study, we investigate the possible effect of ELF-EMFs on motor performance in mice (prenatal and neonatal exposed mice). The mice performance is evaluated after 5 days of subacute exposure. Immature mice have been chosen for this study because the immature rodent brain still has the capacity to undergo proliferation, differentiation, and reorganization. Results from the rotarod experiments demonstrated a pronounced deficit in the learning abilities of the prenatal exposed groups, but no pronounced effect was observed for the neonatal exposed group.
Tracer design for magnetic particle imaging (invited)
Authors: Ferguson R. Matthew , Khandhar Amit P. , Krishnan Kannan M.
Published: March 2012

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) uses safe iron oxide nanoparticle tracers to offer fundamentally new capabilities for medical imaging, in applications as vascular imaging and ultra-sensitive cancer therapeutics. MPI is perhaps the first medical imaging platform to intrinsically exploit nanoscale material properties. MPI tracers contain magnetic nanoparticles whose tunable, size-dependent magnetic properties can be optimized by selecting a particular particle size and narrow size-distribution. In this paper we present experimental MPI measurements acquired using a homemade MPI magnetometer: a zero-dimensional MPI imaging system designed to characterize tracer performance by measuring the derivative of the time-varying tracer magnetization, M’(H(t)), at a driving frequency of 25 kHz. We show that MPI performance is optimized by selecting phase-pure magnetite tracers of a particular size and narrow size distribution; in this work, tracers with 20 nm median diameter, log-normal distribution shape parameter, σv, equal to 0.26, and hydrodynamic diameter equal to 30 nm showed the best performance. Furthermore, these optimized MPI tracers show 4 × greater signal intensity (measured at the third harmonic) and 20% better spatial resolution compared with commercial nanoparticles developed for MRI.
Spin-glass magnetic ordering in CoMgGaO2BO3 ludwigite
Authors: Ivanova N. B. , Platunov M. S. , Knyazev Yu. V. , Kazak N. V. , Bezmaternykh L. N. , Eremin E. V. , Vasiliev A. D.
Published: March 2012

Single crystal, needle shaped samples of diamagnetically diluted cobalt ludwigite CoMgGaO2BO3 have been grown by the flux method. X-ray diffraction and both dc and ac magnetic measurements are described. The unit cell volume changes significantly with dilution, from 328.31 Å3 for the parent compound Co3O2BO3 to 345.46 Å3 for CoMgGaO2BO3. The magnetic transition temperature is considerably lower for the latter compound (25 K against 43 K for Co2O2BO3). The dc magnetization temperature dependences are split between the field cooled and zero-field cooled regimes and the ac magnetic susceptibility temperature curves are frequency dependent, which indicates possible spin-glass freezing in the magnetic system.
The mechanical properties of various chemical vapor deposition diamond structures compared to the ideal single crystal
Authors: Hess Peter
Published: March 2012

The structural and electronic properties of the diamond lattice, leading to its outstanding mechanical properties, are discussed. These include the highest elastic moduli and fracture strength of any known material. Its extreme hardness is strongly connected with the extreme shear modulus, which even exceeds the large bulk modulus, revealing that diamond is more resistant to shear deformation than to volume changes. These unique features protect the ideal diamond lattice also against mechanical failure and fracture. Besides fast heat conduction, the fast vibrational movement of carbon atoms results in an extreme speed of sound and propagation of crack tips with comparable velocity. The ideal mechanical properties are compared with those of real diamond films, plates, and crystals, such as ultrananocrystalline (UNC), nanocrystalline, microcrystalline, and homo- and heteroepitaxial single-crystal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond, produced by metastable synthesis using CVD.

Ultrasonic methods have played and continue to play a dominant role in the determination of the linear elastic properties, such as elastic moduli of crystals or the Young’s modulus of thin films with substantially varying impurity levels and morphologies. A surprising result of these extensive measurements is that even UNC diamond may approach the extreme Young’s modulus of single-crystal diamond under optimized deposition conditions. The physical reasons for why the stiffness often deviates by no more than a factor of two from the ideal value are discussed, keeping in mind the large variety of diamond materials grown by various deposition conditions.

Diamond is also known for its extreme hardness and fracture strength, despite its brittle nature. However, even for the best natural and synthetic diamond crystals, the measured critical fracture stress is one to two orders of magnitude smaller than the ideal value obtained by ab initio calculations for the ideal cubic lattice. Currently, fracture is studied mainly by indentation or mechanical breaking of freestanding films, e.g., by bending or bursting. It is very difficult to study the fracture mechanism, discriminating between tensile, shear, and tearing stress components (mode I–III fracture) with these partly semiquantitative methods. A novel ultrasonic laser-based technique using short nonlinear surface acoustic wave pulses, developing shock fronts during propagation, has recently been employed to study mode-resolved fractures of single-crystal silicon. This method allows the generation of finite cracks and the evaluation of the fracture strength for well-defined crystallographic configurations. Laser ultrasonics reaches the critical stress at which real diamond fails and therefore can be employed as a new tool for mechanistic studies of the fracture behavior of CVD diamond in the future.
Magnetic structure and resonance properties of a hexagonal lattice of antidots
Authors: Marchenko A. I. , Krivoruchko V. N.
Published: March 2012

Static and resonance properties of ferromagnetic films with a hexagonal lattice of antidots (pores in the film) were studied. The description of the system is based on micromagnetic modeling and analytical solutions of the Landau–Lifshitz equation. The dependences of ferromagnetic resonance spectra on the in-plane direction of applied magnetic field and on the lattice parameters were investigated. The nature of the dependences of a dynamic system response on the frequency at fixed magnetic fields and on the field at fixed frequency when the field changes were explored. They cause the static magnetic order to change. It was found that the specific peculiarities of the system dynamics remain unchanged for both of these experimental conditions. Namely, for low damping the resonance spectra contain three quasi-homogeneous modes which are due to the resonance of different regions (domains) of the antidot lattice cell. It is shown that the angular field dependences of each mode are characterized by a twofold symmetry, and the related easy axes are mutually rotated by 60 °. As a result, a hexagonal symmetry of the system’s static and dynamic magnetic characteristics is realized. The existence in the resonance spectrum of several quasi-homogeneous modes related to different regions of the unit cell could be fundamental for the function of the working elements of magnonics devices.
Influence of external magnetic field on the parameters of a surfaced two-focus spin-wave ferromagnetic lens
Authors: Reshetnyak S. A. , Berezhinskiy A. S.
Published: March 2012

Presented are the results of a study of the influence of external magnetic field on the refraction of a surface spin wave propagating through an inhomogeneity in the form of a lens that is a biaxial ferromagnet placed into a uniaxial ferromagnetic medium.
Field-induced transitions from negative to positive exchange bias in nanoparticles with inverted ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic core-shell morphology
Authors: Hu Yong , Wu Guo-Zhen , Liu Yan , Du An
Published: March 2012

In an antiferromagnetic (core)/ferromagnetic (shell) nanoparticle, the transition behaviors from negative (NEB) to positive exchange bias (PEB) at low temperature after field cooling are studied in detail. The NEB field may exhibit an oscillatory behavior due to the competition between interfacial coupling and cooling field. The critical cooling fields, at which the transitions occur, exhibit a logarithmic decrement with the decrease of interfacial coupling, but indicate a linear decrease with the decrease of antiferromagnetic coupling or with the further dilution in the antiferromagnetic core. With the further increase of cooling field, the PEB field increases linearly and finally levels off. Moreover, the weaker antiferromagnetic coupling may enhance the NEB field value, whereas the suppression of PEB may be observed by diluting the antiferromagnetic core. The magnetization reversal by coherent rotation strongly depends on the variation of the magnetic parameters, because its occurrence just needs to consume a lower additional energy, which is the main reason for these unique phenomena. We have shed new light on the microscopic origin of the peculiar magnetic properties in the nanoparticles with such an inverted magnetic structure.
Is it effective to harvest visible light by decreasing the band gap of photocatalytic materials?
Authors: Fu Ning , Tang Xinhu , Li Dongyang
Published: March 2012

In situ variations in the electron work function and photo-current of TiO2 nanotubes demonstrate that long-wavelength illumination only has a minor effect on the excitation of electrons in the nanotubes after being exposed to short-wavelength light or when the short-wavelength light coexisted, indicating that the solar spectrum may not be utilized as efficiently as expected by extending the absorption spectrum of the photocatalytic material to visible light range with decreased band gaps.
Acoustic omnidirectional superabsorber with arbitrary contour
Authors: Wei Q. , Cheng Y. , Liu X. J.
Published: March 2012

Using transformation acoustics we have constructed an arbitrarily contoured acoustic omnidirectional superabsorber (AOSA) which consists of a guiding shell of negative-index metamaterial and a sound absorptive cavity. A square AOSA with anisotropic parameters and a circular AOSA with isotropic parameters are demonstrated. The consistent results by numerical full-wave simulation, analytic scattering-theory derivation, and sound ray tracing show that the AOSA can completely absorb the incident acoustic waves with arbitrary incident angle. For theoretically unlimited bandwidth, the absorption across section of the AOSA in a fixed geometric size can be made arbitrarily larger than the size of itself. Interesting applications of the proposed superabsorber such as ventilated sound insulation window are further discussed.
Field enhancement by longitudinal compression of plasmonic slow light
Authors: Miyata M. , Takahara J.
Published: March 2012

We propose a new approach for field enhancement by using plasmonic slow light (PSL), which is one of the phenomena unique to surface plasmon polariton (SPP). PSL shows a remarkably low group velocity and high field confinements beyond the diffraction limit. This phenomenon induces “longitudinal compression” of optical energy in nanoscale regions, resulting in a large field enhancement. The longitudinal compression by PSL opens a new dimension for field enhancement by SPP propagation. This approach will be applied to various prospective applications based on field enhancement in nanoplasmonics.
Terahertz emission from a two-color plasma filament in a slot waveguide
Authors: Dietze D. , Unterrainer K. , Darmo J.
Published: March 2012

Terahertz emission in forward direction from a long two-color filament placed in the center of a slot waveguide is reported. The waveguide improves the collection and imaging of the generated THz radiation. By tuning the plate separation and position of the waveguide along the filament axis, the emitted mode can be matched to the collection optics. We achieved an increase of the detected electric field by 40% and of the THz pulse energy by four times compared to the case without waveguide.
Surface-dependent chemical properties of silicon nanowires: The acceleration of copper oxidation
Authors: Liao Fan , Liu Shanshan , Shao Mingwang , Lee Shuit-tong
Published: March 2012

HF-treated silicon nanowires exhibited surface-dependent chemical property and accelerated the oxidation rate of copper with the enhancement factor of 10 000, confirmed by x-ray diffraction semi-quantitative analysis. This unexpected oxidation characteristic would make HF-treated silicon nanowires valuable for catalysis applications.
The Netherlands Spatial Planning Doctrine in Disarray in the 21st Century
Authors: Roodbol-Mekkes Petra H , van der Valk Arnold J J , Altes Willem K Korthals
Published: March 2012

The concept of a planning doctrine can be used to analyse spatial planning systems, making reference to the ways in which their performance is influenced by patterns of thought. In the Netherlands the performance of the planning system has been attributed to a strong national consensus on a set of interrelated and enduring notions on spatial configurations and development strategies and how they should be handled: in plain terms, a ‘spatial planning doctrine’. The spatial planning context has changed so much in the past fifteen years that many critics are questioning whether Dutch spatial planning can continue to live up to its internationally acclaimed reputation. We analyse the workings of the planning doctrine and conclude that it is still having an effect on planning practice. However, if it does not evolve more dynamically, it might be wrenched out of joint by the constantly changing planning context. We furthermore reflect on the potential role of a planning doctrine in the analysis of planning systems.
How the Cake is Distributed: The Case of Portuguese Decentralized Grants
Authors: Mourão Paulo Reis
Published: March 2012

This paper will discuss how the distribution of decentralized grants for Portuguese municipalities affects the evolution of the total amounts given by the Portuguese government to Portuguese municipalities. After a review of the literature I discuss a model based on a Bergson–Samuelson function. I used official data (from Portuguese Budget Reports) since 1982 for studying the decentralized grants. I also regress on other Portuguese time series in order to control for the effect of inequality series. Applying cointegration techniques and testing the causality direction, I conclude that there is a statistical validation that, as the distribution becomes more unequal, the total amounts of the transferred grants decrease.
On the Sociospatial Dynamics of Personal Knowledge Networks: Formation, Maintenance, and Knowledge Interactions
Authors: Huber Franz
Published: March 2012

Whilst personal knowledge networks between organisations have been argued to be important for regional economic development, their functioning and, within this context, the exact role of spatial proximity has been empirically underexplored. This paper addresses these issues by, first, examining the dynamic mechanisms of the formation, maintenance, and knowledge interaction of important knowledge relationships of R&D workers in the Cambridge information technology cluster in the UK. It is demonstrated that personal relations tended to transform from an initially professional context into privately governed relationships. Furthermore, it is argued that a sophisticated understanding of the role of spatial proximity requires an investigation of the spatiality of several stages of the network mechanisms. The results show that permanent spatial proximity and face-to-face interaction are more important for the formation of relationships than for the maintenance stage and, in particular, for work-related knowledge interactions. Finally, it is argued that, in contrast to the emphasis in much of the literature on communities of practice and epistemic communities, the knowledge relationships do not tend to be anchored in collective groups. Instead, the paper highlights the usefulness of the concept of individualised networks.
Perceived Externalities of Cell Phone Base Stations: The Case of Property Prices in Hamburg, Germany
Authors: Brandt Sebastian , Maennig Wolfgang
Published: March 2012

We examine the impact of cell phone base stations on prices of condominiums in Hamburg, Germany. This is the first hedonic study on this subject for housing prices in Europe and the first ever to examine the price impact of base stations within a whole metropolis. We distinguish between individual masts and groups of masts. On the basis of a dataset of over 1000 base stations set up in Hamburg, we find that only immediate proximity to groups of antenna masts is perceived as harmful by residents of nearby condominiums. For individual masts no effect on residential property prices in the surrounding areas was observed, indicating that cell phone service providers should prevent installation of groups of masts in a single location. We control for spatial dependence and show that the influence of cell phone base stations on adjacent residential property prices can be overestimated, if other negative externalities that are typically correlated with the proximity to base stations are neglected.
Local Distribution and Subsequent Mobility of Immigrants Measured from the School Census in England
Authors: Jivraj Stephen , Simpson Ludi , Marquis Naomi
Published: March 2012

This paper provides an examination of the initial location of recent pupil immigrants in England and their subsequent internal migration and emigration. The unique analysis is conducted using data from the School Census, with a focus on migrants from A8 countries between 2003 and 2007. Recent pupil immigrants, including A8 migrants, initially concentrate in London, though A8 pupil immigrants are much more geographically dispersed than all other pupil immigrants. Overall, pupil immigrants are highly geographically mobile in the short period following their arrival. This may reflect an inability to select appropriate housing and environments when families first arrive because they are limited to low-cost private housing. A8 pupil immigrants, in particular, have tended to move away from the areas where they are initially concentrated through internal migration. On average, 10% of all pupil immigrants are also identified as emigrants in the period between 2004 and 2007, suggesting that permanent settlement in England is not the experience for many immigrant families. These findings contribute to policy-based migration research indicating where resources to assist immigrant groups should be directed and whether, as a result of subsequent dispersal, resources will need to be redistributed as immigrants move within England and beyond.
Cost-effectiveness of pedometer-based versus time-based Green Prescriptions: the Healthy Steps Study
Authors: Leung William , Ashton Toni , Kolt Gregory S. , Schofield Grant M. , Garrett Nicholas , Kerse Ngaire , Patel Asmita
Published: March 2012

This paper reports on the cost-effectiveness of pedometer-based versus time-based Green Prescriptions in improving physical activity and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) in a randomised controlled trial of 330 low-active, community-based adults aged 65 years and over. Costs, measured in $NZ (NZ$1 = A$0.83, December 2008), comprised public and private health care costs plus exercise-related personal expenditure. Based on intention-to-treat data at 12-month follow up, the pedometer group showed a greater increase in weekly leisure walking (50.6 versus 28.1 min for the time-based group, adjusted means, P = 0.03). There were no significant between-group differences in costs. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, for the pedometer-based versus time-based Green Prescription, per 30 min of weekly leisure walking and per quality-adjusted life year were, (i) when including only community care costs, $115 and $3105, (ii) when including only exercise and community care costs, $130 and $3500, and (iii) for all costs, −$185 and −$4999, respectively. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curves showed that the pedometer-based compared with the time-based Green Prescription was statistically cost-effective, for the above cost categories, at the following quality-adjusted life year thresholds: (i) $30 000; (ii) $30 500; and (iii) $16 500. The additional program cost of converting one sedentary adult to an active state over a 12-month period was $667. The outcomes suggest the pedometer-based Green Prescription may be cost-effective in increasing physical activity and health-related quality of life over 12 months in previously low-active older adults.
Plant mutation breeding in agriculture.
Authors: Pathirana R.
Published: March 2012

A mutation is a sudden heritable change in the DNA in a living cell, not caused by genetic segregation or genetic recombination. Mutation breeding is the purposeful application of mutations in plant breeding. Unlike hybridization and selection, mutation breeding has the advantage of improving a defect in an otherwise elite cultivar, without losing its agronomic and quality characteristics. Mutation breeding is the only straightforward alternative for improving seedless crops. Since the first release of mutant cultivars that resulted from basic mutation research in Europe, mutation breeding has found a niche in plant breeding because of these advantages. Methodologies for mutation induction have been improved in main crops for both physical and chemical mutagens, and selection methodologies for mutant populations have been described. New mutagenic agents such as ion-beam radiation and cosmic rays are being investigated and a hitherto undescribed wide spectrum of mutations has been observed. Nevertheless, alkylating agents and ionizing radiation are still popular. The development of robust
in vitro
techniques for many crop species has contributed to improving the efficiency of mutation breeding. The ability to handle large mutagenized populations in a confined space, faster progeny turnover in vegetatively propagated species and the ability to screen for several biotic and abiotic stress factors in the culture environment make
in vitro
approaches very efficient. Mutant screening has undergone revolutionary changes in the past decade with reverse genetic approaches taking precedence. Therefore, integration of mutation techniques with molecular approaches is providing exciting opportunities for modern plant breeding.
Does brain lateralization have practical implications for improving animal welfare?
Authors: Rogers L. J.
Published: March 2012

Many vertebrate species are known to have a similar pattern of brain lateralization, often expressed as eye preferences or side biases. Fear and aggression are specializations of the right hemisphere, expressed as left-side biases. The left hemisphere categorizes stimuli and follows learnt rules of behaviour. Here, it is argued that eye, ear and nostril preferences could be useful in interpreting cognitive processes of individual animals and beneficially applied to predicting behaviour and improving welfare. Knowledge of lateralization may be particularly useful in reducing accidents involving large animals (e.g. flight and aggression of horses is stronger on their left side). The right hemisphere is highlighted as being important in welfare since its activity involves stress responses and the expression of intense emotions. It is hypothesized that a balance between left and right hemisphere activity aids welfare by preventing aggression, excessive fear, depression or negative cognitive bias. Ideas on how a balance between the hemispheres might be reinstated in animals suffering chronic stress and persistent right-hemisphere dominance are discussed. Limb preferences may reflect hemispheric dominance and be associated with different temperaments or personalities, as first found in primates. A relationship between limb preference and temperament, as well as state of health, is also present in four-legged animals. Lateral biases in moving a medial appendage, as seen in the tail wagging of dogs, can indicate which hemisphere is dominant and could be a social signal valuable in assessing welfare. In conclusion, knowledge of lateralization may be applied constructively to improving animal welfare.
Bioinformatics approaches to livestock animal genomics research.
Authors: Hu Z. L. , Koltes J. E. , Park C. A. , Fritz E. R. , Reecy J. M.
Published: March 2012

The unprecedented advancement of genomics research in the past 20 years has led to the phenomenal development of bioinformatics as an emerging field of science. Bioinformatics has been shaped largely by the biology while also changing how genetic and genomic studies are carried out. Animal genomics studies have benefited greatly from bioinformatics, not only by the incorporation of its tools for data handling but also by the adoption of new strategies based on virtual analysis, for how biology research is carried out. This review summarizes the progress in the application of bioinformatics to animal genomics research over the past 20 years and previews future development possibilities. Because the rise of next-generation sequencing has significantly changed the landscape in terms of the scale of bioinformatics in genomic/genetic analysis, it is a critical time to recognize the new needs and challenges that lie ahead, and to optimize resources and efforts in bioinformatics research to embrace the upcoming boom in livestock animal genomics.
High-sugar grasses.
Authors: Parsons A. J. , Rowarth J. S. , Rasmussen S.
Published: March 2012

Perennial ryegrass diploids with elevated concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), commonly termed 'high-sugar grasses' (HSGs), have been promoted as a tool for increasing the efficiency of the use of protein (nitrogen (N)) in the rumen and thus offering scope for increasing milk production and animal growth rates, while reducing N losses (in the form of urine) to the environment. Much controversy has arisen about efficacy, largely because benefits have not been seen in all trials, and partly because of variation in the degree to which the sugar trait has been present, or expressed, in several cases reflecting gene × environment or gene × management interactions. Combining the data from multiple trials shows that there is a continuum of response in N-use efficiency (NUE) to WSC:crude protein (CP) ratio, and so 'proof of concept' has been shown. A considerable amount of research is still required to demonstrate a consistently high expression of the trait, and to demonstrate reliably the potential for yield gains and reduced N loss. Associated reductions in nitrous oxide emissions (a potent greenhouse gas (GHG)) are yet to be confirmed. Even more uncertain is the prospect for reducing methane emissions, whether per hectare or per unit energy intake or animal product. Nonetheless, there has been a determined effort to pursue this trait, and to confirm the long-standing hypothesis for NUE. There is no basis as yet for dismissing the prospects of success. The trait remains one of very few low-cost tools being investigated for its potential to mitigate the environmental footprint of livestock production.
Estimating the economic costs of invasive alien species as a tool for prioritization.
Authors: Oreska M. P. J. , Aldridge D. C.
Published: March 2012

Studies frequently quantify the economic impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) by estimating their management and damage costs. Despite uncertainties in the cost estimation process, the resulting figures potentially allow managers to weigh species' relative impacts. However, IAS economic cost estimates are not the only factors that determine which species receive management priority, as evidenced by prominent eradication programmes in the UK and by the British Environment Agency's (EA's) 2006 list of target IAS. This literature review investigates British IAS cases to determine whether policy-makers utilize economic cost figures when prioritizing species for management. We focus specifically on the EA's ten priority IAS and consider whether the exclusion of other prominent British IAS from the EA's 'most wanted' list relates to their estimated costs. Comparing the various cases underscores the importance of cost estimation and also highlights three other factors that feature prominently in IAS prioritization: threat to biodiversity, IAS distribution and management feasibility. Certain costly IAS do not currently receive national management attention (e.g. the pondweeds
Elodea
spp.) because they are either too widespread or too difficult to manage in a coordinated, national campaign. In comparison, the EA quickly prioritized the new arrival
Ludwigia grandiflora
(water primrose) for management because of its high potential costs, limited dispersal and feasibility of eradication.
The mechanisms of prion disease.
Authors: Gill A. C. , Lane F. M. , Alibhai J. , Manson J. C. , McCutcheon S.
Published: March 2012

Prion diseases are enigmatic, neurodegenerative disorders affecting several mammalian species. The family of diseases include scrapie of sheep, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) of humans and chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk. Prion diseases are believed to be caused by the misfolding of an endogenous host protein and the abnormal, protease-resistant isoform of this protein is suggested to represent the infectious entity. Through many transmission experiments, we know much about the course of prion diseases and the ensuing pathology in the central nervous system. However, few of the causative mechanisms have been deciphered at a level that allows prediction of the disease characteristics of novel prion strains or that allows rational design of chemo-therapeutics. This review article outlines the state of our knowledge of prion disease mechanisms from the concept of protein misfolding, through the factors that may encode different strains of disease, mechanisms of neuronal loss and the ways that disease are transmitted.
Animal diet formulation models: a review (1950-2010).
Authors: Pratiksha Saxena Pratiksha Saxena , Mukesh Chandra Mukesh Chandra
Published: March 2012

Mathematical models have been used for the purpose of maximization of animal yield and weight gain. These models vary in formulation, solution and complexity according to the objective of study. This review focuses on optimization techniques that are used to formulate animal diet, taking into consideration different aspects of ration formulation. It then describes the fluctuations in the objective of diet formulation which have occurred over time. It also discusses actions to control environmental factors that contribute to variation in the responses of laboratory animals to scientific manipulation. The objective is to review techniques and models developed by researchers and nutritionists in detail. Additionally, a non-linear technique to take simultaneous effect of nutrient ingredient with the objective of maximization of animal yield is proposed. Overall, this review contributes a history of animal diet formulation models for the last 60 years.
Rates and risk factors for contagious disease and mortality in young dairy heifers.
Authors: Johnson K. , Burn C. C. , Wathes D. C.
Published: March 2012

Dairy heifers, particularly when <3 months, are at high risk for mortality and morbidity. Accurate data are lacking because of poor recording on farm, difficulties over disease diagnosis and potential bias of farm selection. Mortality during rearing varied from 6 to 14% between studies. The range from 0 to 30% on individual farms suggested that deaths are preventable with good husbandry. Contagious disease was the major cause of mortality at <6 months, with trauma, accidents and infertility more important in older animals. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and diarrhoea were the most common diseases. Both are endemic, low-mortality and high-morbidity conditions. The prevalence of diarrhoea was 19-35%, with higher incidences during disease outbreaks.
Cryptosporidium parvum
and rotavirus were the dominant pathogens. The causative pathogens for BRD were harder to identify, with large differences between levels of farmer- and veterinarian-diagnosed disease and higher incidences in North America (around 16%) than Europe (around 3%). Analysis of the risk factors for disease and mortality highlighted that closed herds, good hygiene and availability of roughage were consistently associated with improved outcomes. Some common practices were challenged by the results of large, prospective studies. Calf diarrhoea was only weakly associated with good passive transfer of immunity via colostrum, suggesting other control strategies are required. Morbidity with small group housing demonstrated no disadvantages compared with contiguous single pens, so this system should be encouraged to improve welfare. Routine use of antibiotics in calf diarrhoea was associated with negative outcomes, so is actively discouraged.
Shock wave compression and self-generated electric field repolarization in ferroelectric ceramics Pb0.99[(Zr0.90Sn0.10)0.96Ti0.04]0.98Nb0.02O3
Authors: Jiang Dongdong , Du Jinmei , Gu Yan , Feng Yujun
Published: March 2012

The shock wave induced depoling current of Pb0.99[(Zr0.90Sn0.10)0.96Ti0.04]0.98Nb0.02O3 ceramics was investigated with a system composed of a resistive load and an unpoled ceramic. Disparity in the depoling current was explained by considering the drawing charge effect of unpoled ceramic. The drawing effect for poled ceramics was analysed by developing a model incorporating a time- and electric-field-dependent repolarization. This model predicts that the high-impedance current eventually becomes higher than the short-circuit current, which is consistent with the experimental results in the literature. This work indicates that both the repolarization of uncompressed ceramics caused by the self-generated electric field and depolarization of compressed ceramics caused by the shock wave govern the output current.
Evaluating Online Labor Markets for Experimental Research: Amazon.com's Mechanical Turk
Authors: Berinsky Adam J. , Huber Gregory A. , Lenz Gabriel S.
Published: March 2012

We examine the trade-offs associated with usingAmazon.com's Mechanical Turk (MTurk) interface for subject recruitment. We first describe MTurk and its promise as a vehicle for performing low-cost and easy-to-field experiments. We then assess the internal and external validity of experiments performed using MTurk, employing a framework that can be used to evaluate other subject pools. We first investigate the characteristics of samples drawn from the MTurk population. We show that respondents recruited in this manner are often more representative of the U.S. population than in-person convenience samples—the modal sample in published experimental political science—but less representative than subjects in Internet-based panels or national probability samples. Finally, we replicate important published experimental work using MTurk samples.
Eulerian–Lagrangian analysis for particle velocities and trajectories in a pure wave motion using particle image velocimetry
Authors: Umeyama Motohiko
Published: March 2012

This paper investigates the velocity and the trajectory of water particles under surface waves, which propagate at a constant water depth, using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The vector fields and vertical distributions of velocities are presented at several phases in one wave cycle. The third-order Stokes wave theory was employed to express the physical quantities. The PIV technique's ability to measure both temporal and spatial variations of the velocity was proved after a series of attempts. This technique was applied to the prediction of particle trajectory in an Eulerian scheme. Furthermore, the measured particle path was compared with the positions found theoretically by integrating the Eulerian velocity to the higher order of a Taylor series expansion. The profile of average travelling distance is also presented with a solution of zero net mass flux in a closed wave flume.
Nonlinear water waves
Authors: Constantin Adrian
Published: March 2012

This introduction to the issue provides a review of some recent developments in the study of water waves. The content and contributions of the papers that make up this Theme Issue are also discussed.
Role of the oocyte nucleus in determination of the dorsoventral polarity of Drosophila as revealed by molecular analysis of the K10 gene
Authors: Prost Edouard , Deryckere François , Roos Christophe , Haenlin Marc , Pantesco Véronique , Mohier Eliane
Published: March 2012

In Drosophila, the establishment of dorsoventral polarity of the developing embryo depends on the expression of at least 11 maternally acting genes. Mutant females that lack any of these gene activities produce normally shaped eggs that develop into dorsalized embryos. The female sterile K10 mutation differs from these mutants, because in addition to the dorsalized development of the embryo, it causes a dorsalization of the egg shape. During oogenesis, the K10 gene is specifically expressed in the oocyte. Antibodies raised against a β-galactosidase-K10 fusion protein were used to visualize the K10 product in ovaries by indirect immunofluorescence. The protein, which contains a putative DNA recognition helix, accumulates in the nucleus of the oocyte, where it is assumed to have a regulatory function. Our results thus indicate that the controlled expression of some of the genes of the oocyte nucleus is essential for the determination of the dorsoventral polarity of the oocyte and possibly of the developing embryo.
Autonomous industrial mobile manipulation (AIMM): past, present and future
Authors: Hvilshøj Mads , Bøgh Simon , Skov Nielsen Oluf , Madsen Ole
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the interdisciplinary research field, autonomous industrial mobile manipulation (AIMM), with an emphasis on physical implementations and applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction to AIMM, this paper investigates the missing links and gaps between the research and developments efforts and the real‐world application requirements, in order to bring the AIMM technology from laboratories to manufacturing environments. The investigation is based on 12 general application requirements for robotics: sustainability, configuration, adaptation, autonomy, positioning, manipulation and grasping, robot‐robot interaction, human‐robot interaction, process quality, dependability, and physical properties.

Findings

The concise yet comprehensive review provides both researchers (academia) and practitioners (industry) with a quick and gentle overview of AIMM. Furthermore, the paper identifies key open issues and promising research directions to realize real‐world integration and maturation of the AIMM technology.

Originality/value

This paper reviews the interdisciplinary research field, autonomous industrial mobile manipulation (AIMM).
Robustness analysis of uncalibrated eye‐in‐hand visual servo system in the presence of parametric uncertainty
Authors: Umer Khan Muhammad , Jan Ibrar , Iqbal Naeem
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the methodology to the robust stability analysis of a vision‐based control loop in an uncalibrated environment. The type of uncertainties considered is the parametric uncertainties. The approach adopted in this paper utilizes quadratic Lyapunov function to determine the composite Jacobian matrix and ensures the robust stability using linear matrix inequality (LMI) optimization. The effectiveness of the proposed approach can be witnessed by applying it to two‐link robotic manipulator with the camera mounted on the end‐effector.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of this research is the analysis of uncertain nonlinear system by representing it in differential‐algebraic form. By invoking the suitable system representation and Lyapunov analysis, the stability conditions are described in terms of linear matrix inequalities.

Findings

The proposed method is proved robust in the presence of parametric uncertainties.

Originality/value

Through a differential‐algebraic equation, LMI conditions are devised that ensure the stability of the uncertain system while providing an estimate of the domain of attraction based upon quadratic Lyapunov function.
Optimum motion control of palletizing robots based on iterative learning
Authors: Luan Nan , Zhang Haiqing , Tong Shanggao
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a maximum speed algorithm for serial palletizing robots, which guarantees relatively low system modeling requirements and can be easily implemented in actual applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Operation speed is an important index of palletizing robots performance. In order to improve it, features of palletizing motions are analyzed, and a refined iterative learning control algorithm for maximum speed optimization is proposed. The refined algorithm learns to increase local speed when the following error does not exceed a predefined tolerance, unlike conventional applications which make actual output identical to its reference. Furthermore, experiments were developed to illustrate the new algorithm's ability to take full advantage of motor capacity, drive ability and repetitive link couplings to improve palletizing efficiency.

Findings

Experiments show that motion time decreases more than 20 percent after optimization.

Originality/value

The new iterative control algorithm can be easily applied to any repetitive handling operations where manipulating efficiency matters.