bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio-inspired smart hydrogel with temperature-dependent properties and enhanced cell attachment
Authors: Kim Young-Jin , Tachibana Misa , Umezu Mitsuo , Matsunaga Yukiko T.
Published: February 2016

Stimuli-responsive smart hydrogels have been exploited for various applications, including as biomaterials with environment-dependent changes in hydrophobicity, stiffness or volume.
Preparation of multi-layer graphene on nickel-coated silicon microchannel plates by a hydrothermal carbonization procedure and its improved field emission properties
Authors: Wu Dajun , Zhang Chi , Liang Cheng , Zhu Yiping , Xu Shaohui , Xiong Dayuan , Xue Shaolin , Wang Lianwei , Chu Paul K.
Published: February 2016

An emission cell comprising multi-layer graphene on nickel-coated silicon microchannel plates was prepared.
An ESIPT fluorophore with a switchable intramolecular hydrogen bond for applications in solid-state fluorochromism and white light generation
Authors: Sakai Ken-ichi , Tsuchiya Saki , Kikuchi Takemitsu , Akutagawa Tomoyuki
Published: February 2016

Acid/base-switched solid-state fluorochromism and excitation-wavelength-dependent fluorescence color tuning have been demonstrated using an ESIPT fluorophore with a switchable intramolecular hydrogen bond.
A method of coupling the Paternò–Büchi reaction with direct infusion ESI-MS/MS for locating the CC bond in glycerophospholipids
Authors: Stinson Craig A. , Xia Yu
Published: February 2016

Conducting the Paternò–Büchi reaction in a microflow photo-reactor enables its coupling with ESI-MS/MS and CC location determination for shotgun lipid analysis.
Degradation mechanism of a high-performance real micro gas sensor, as determined by spatially resolved XAFS
Authors: Wada Takahiro , Murata Naoyoshi , Uehara Hiromitsu , Suzuki Takuya , Nitani Hiroaki , Niwa Yasuhiro , Uo Motohiro , Asakura Kiyotaka
Published: February 2016

Of late, battery-driven high-performance gas sensors have gained acceptability in practical usage, whose atomic-scale structure has been revealed by μ-fluorescence X-ray absorption fine structure analysis.
Exploring the conformational heterogeneity of biomolecules: theory and experiments
Authors: Luchinat Claudio
Published: February 2016

This themed collection reports on recent progress in the investigation of the conformational variability of biomolecules (proteins and nucleic acids), both from an experimental and theoretical point of view.
Impact of {Os(pap)2} in fine-tuning the binding modes and non-innocent potential of deprotonated 2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-diol
Authors: Ghosh Prabir , Lahiri Goutam Kumar
Published: February 2016

{OsII(pap)2} directed feasible binding modes of deprotonated 2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-diol (H2L) and the non-innocent potential of coordinated HL−or L2−have been ascertained.
Positional isomerism makes a difference: phosphonic acid anchoring ligands with thienyl spacers in copper(i)-based dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Klein Y. Maximilian , Willgert Markus , Prescimone Alessandro , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: February 2016

Phosphonic acid-functionalized bpy ligands with 2-thienyl spacers are effective anchors in [Cu(Lanchor)(Lancillary)]+ dyes; DSC performance depends on the position of substitution of the PO(OH)2 group.
Fluorinated triazapentadienyl ligand supported ethyl zinc(ii) complexes: reaction with dioxygen and catalytic applications in the Tishchenko reaction
Authors: Kulkarni Naveen V. , Das Animesh , Ridlen Shawn G. , Maxfield Erin , Adiraju Venkata A. K. , Yousufuddin Muhammed , Dias H. V. Rasika
Published: February 2016

Ethyl, ethoxide and ethylperoxide zinc(ii) complexes featuring polyhalogenated 1,3,5-triazapentadienyl ligands and their chemistry are reported.
Phytochemical compounds or their synthetic counterparts? A detailed comparison of the quantitative environmental assessment for the synthesis and extraction of curcumin
Authors: Zerazion Elisabetta , Rosa Roberto , Ferrari Erika , Veronesi Paolo , Leonelli Cristina , Saladini Monica , Ferrari Anna Maria
Published: February 2016

LCA of the synthesis of curcumin and its direct conventional and microwave assisted extractions fromCurcuma longaL. were compared.
Lipase catalyzed synthesis of fluorescent glycolipids: gelation studies and graphene incorporated self-assembled sheet formation for semiconductor applications
Authors: Muthusamy Kumarasamy , Sridharan Vellaisamy , Maheswari C. Uma , Nagarajan Subbiah
Published: February 2016

Preparation of a graphene incorporated highly flexible bio-based polymerviaa self-assembly process is reported. The flexible polymer reported could be used for constructing semiconducting devices.
Protonation state of F420H2in the prodrug-activating deazaflavin dependent nitroreductase (Ddn) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Mohamed A. Elaaf , Ahmed F. Hafna , Arulmozhiraja Sundaram , Lin Ching Y. , Taylor Matthew C. , Krausz Elmars R. , Jackson Colin J. , Coote Michelle L.
Published: February 2016

Theoretical and experimental studies of the deazaflavin dependent nitroreductase (Ddn) enzyme bound cofactor F420demonstrate that the reduced cofactor is deprotonated in the holoenzyme form.
3-Component synthesis of α-substituted sulfonamides via Brønsted acid-catalyzed C(sp3)–H bond functionalization of 2-alkylazaarenes
Authors: Beisel T. , Kirchner J. , Kaehler T. , Knauer J. , Soltani Y. , Manolikakes G.
Published: February 2016

A Brønsted acid-catalyzed addition of 2-alkylazaarenes toin situgeneratedN-sulfonylimines through selective C(sp3)–H bond functionalization has been developed.
Assimilation of chitin with tin for defluoridation of water
Authors: Shekhawat A. , Kahu S. S. , Saravanan D. , Jugade R. M.
Published: February 2016

Chitin, a natural amino polysaccharide, has been incorporated with Sn(iv) for effective adsorption of fluoride from water. The material (SnC) was found to be an eco-friendly adsorbent with defluoridation capacity of 14.77 mg g−1.
Reversible photoresponsive chiral liquid crystal and multistimuli responsive organogels based on a cholesterol-azobenzene dimesogen
Authors: Tan Xiaoping , Li Zhi , Xia Meng , Cheng Xiaohong
Published: February 2016

Cholestrol-azobenzene dimesogens showing chiral induction and chiral amplification effects can self assemble into photoresponsive N* and SmC* phase and multiresponsive gels.
Self-assembly of well-defined fatty acid based amphiphilic thermoresponsive random copolymers
Authors: Maiti Binoy , Maiti Sankar , De Priyadarsi
Published: February 2016

Side-chain stearic acid containing thermoresponsive and crystalline random copolymers are synthesized via RAFT technique, which self-assembled to spherical micellar structures in aqueous solution depending on stearate content in the copolymer.
Graphene-supported binary active Mn0.25Co0.75O solid solution derived from a CoMn-layered double hydroxide precursor for highly improved lithium storage
Authors: Wang Fen , Zhang Shilin , Bai Daxun , Zhang Fazhi , Xu Sailong
Published: February 2016

Graphene-supported binary active solid solution (Mn0.25Co0.75O) is derived from CoMn-layered double hydroxide/graphene oxide precursor. Electrochemical test shows the highly improved electrochemical performances of the composite.
Quaternary ammonium bearing hyper-crosslinked polymer encapsulation on Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Rathod Prakash B. , Pandey Ashok K. , Meena Sher Singh , Athawale Anjali A.
Published: February 2016

Crosslinked anionic polymer encapsulation formed on Fe3O4 nanoparticles has been found to be selective towards the least hydrated competing anions.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Theoretical studies on a carbonaceous molecular bearing: association thermodynamics and dual-mode rolling dynamics”’ by E. M. Cabaleiro-Lago, J. Rodriguez-Otero and A. Gil, Chem. Sci., 2016, 7, DOI: 10.1039/C5SC04676A
Authors: Isobe Hiroyuki , Nakamura Kosuke , Hitosugi Shunpei , Sato Sota , Tokoyama Hiroaki , Yamakado Hideo , Ohno Koichi , Kono Hirohiko
Published: February 2016

We reply to the comments raised by Cabaleiro-Lago et al. on our article (H. Isobe et al., Chem. Sci., 2015, 6, 2746–2753).
Learning from microbial strategies for polysaccharide degradation
Authors: Hemsworth Glyn R. , Déjean Guillaume , Davies Gideon J. , Brumer Harry
Published: February 2016

Complex carbohydrates are ubiquitous in all kingdoms of life. As major components of the plant cell wall they constitute both a rich renewable carbon source for biotechnological transformation into fuels, chemicals and materials, and also form an important energy source as part of a healthy human diet. In both contexts, there has been significant, sustained interest in understanding how microbes transform these substrates. Classical perspectives of microbial polysaccharide degradation are currently being augmented by recent advances in the discovery of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) and polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs). Fundamental discoveries in carbohydrate enzymology are both advancing biological understanding, as well as informing applications in industrial biomass conversion and modulation of the human gut microbiota to mediate health benefits.
Carbohydrate-active enzymes: sequences, shapes, contortions and cells
Authors: Davies Gideon J. , Williams Spencer J.
Published: February 2016

The enzyme-catalysed degradation of oligo and polysaccharides is of considerable interest in many fields ranging from the fundamental–understanding the intrinsic chemical beauty–through to the applied, including diverse practical applications in medicine and biotechnology. Carbohydrates are the most stereochemically-complex biopolymer, and myriad different natural polysaccharides have led to evolution of multifaceted enzyme consortia for their degradation. The glycosidic bonds that link sugar monomers are among the most chemically-stable, yet enzymatically-labile, bonds in the biosphere. That glycoside hydrolases can achieve a rate enhancement (kcat/kuncat) >1017-fold provides testament to their remarkable proficiency and the sophistication of their catalysis reaction mechanisms. The last two decades have seen significant advances in the discovery of new glycosidase sequences, sequence-based classification into families and clans, 3D structures and reaction mechanisms, providing new insights into enzymatic catalysis. New impetus to these studies has been provided by the challenges inherent in plant and microbial polysaccharide degradation, both in the context of environmentally-sustainable routes to foods and biofuels, and increasingly in human nutrition. Study of the reaction mechanism of glycoside hydrolases has also inspired the development of enzyme inhibitors, both as mechanistic probes and increasingly as therapeutic agents. We are on the cusp of a new era where we are learning how to dovetail powerful computational techniques with structural and kinetic data to provide an unprecedented view of conformational details of enzyme action.
Galactokinase promiscuity: a question of flexibility?
Authors: McAuley Megan , Kristiansson Helena , Huang Meilan , Pey Angel L. , Timson David J.
Published: February 2016

Galactokinase catalyses the first committed step of the Leloir pathway, i.e. the ATP-dependent phosphorylation of α-D-galactose at C1-OH. Reduced galactokinase activity results in the inherited metabolic disease type II galactosaemia. However, inhibition of galactokinase is considered a viable approach to treating more severe forms of galactosaemia (types I and III). Considerable progress has been made in the identification of high affinity, selective inhibitors. Although the structure of galactokinase from a variety of species is known, its catalytic mechanism remains uncertain. Although the bulk of evidence suggests that the reaction proceeds via an active site base mechanism, some experimental and theoretical studies contradict this. The enzyme has potential as a biocatalyst in the production of sugar 1-phosphates. This potential is limited by its high specificity. A variety of approaches have been taken to identify galactokinase variants which are more promiscuous. These have broadened galactokinase's specificity to include a wide range of D- and L-sugars. Initial studies suggest that some of these alterations result in increased flexibility at the active site. It is suggested that modulation of protein flexibility is at least as important as structural modifications in determining the success or failure of enzyme engineering.
Sulfatases and radical SAM enzymes: emerging themes in glycosaminoglycan metabolism and the human microbiota
Authors: Benjdia Alhosna , Berteau Olivier
Published: February 2016

Humans live in a permanent association with bacterial populations collectively called the microbiota. In the last 10 years, major advances in our knowledge of the microbiota have shed light on its critical roles in human physiology. The microbiota has also been shown to be a major factor in numerous pathologies including obesity or inflammatory disorders. Despite tremendous progresses, our understanding of the key functions of the human microbiota and the molecular basis of its interactions with the host remain still poorly understood. Among the factors involved in host colonization, two enzymes families, sulfatases and radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine enzymes, have recently emerged as key enzymes.
Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) as an activator and structural component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore
Authors: Solesio Maria E. , Elustondo Pia A. , Zakharian Eleonora , Pavlov Evgeny V.
Published: February 2016

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) is a large channel located in the mitochondrial inner membrane. The opening of mPTP during pathological calcium overload leads to the membrane depolarization and disruption of ATP production. mPTP activation has been implicated as a central event during the process of stress-induced cell death. mPTP is a supramolecular complex composed of many proteins. Recent studies suggest that mitochondrial ATPase plays the central role in the formation of mPTP. However, the structure of the central conducting pore part of mPTP (mPTPore) remains elusive. Here we review current models proposed for the mPTPore and involvement of polyP in its formation and regulation. We discuss the underestimated role of polyP as an effector and a putative structural component of the mPTPore. We propose the hypothesis that inclusion of polyP can explain such properties of mPTP activity as calcium activation, selectivity and voltage-dependence.
Phosphate, inositol and polyphosphates
Authors: Livermore Thomas M. , Azevedo Cristina , Kolozsvari Bernadett , Wilson Miranda S.C. , Saiardi Adolfo
Published: February 2016

Eukaryotic cells have ubiquitously utilized the myo-inositol backbone to generate a diverse array of signalling molecules. This is achieved by arranging phosphate groups around the six-carbon inositol ring. There is virtually no biological process that does not take advantage of the uniquely variable architecture of phosphorylated inositol. In inositol biology, phosphates are able to form three distinct covalent bonds: phosphoester, phosphodiester and phosphoanhydride bonds, with each providing different properties. The phosphoester bond links phosphate groups to the inositol ring, the variable arrangement of which forms the basis of the signalling capacity of the inositol phosphates. Phosphate groups can also form the structural bridge between myo-inositol and diacylglycerol through the phosphodiester bond. The resulting lipid-bound inositol phosphates, or phosphoinositides, further expand the signalling potential of this family of molecules. Finally, inositol is also notable for its ability to host more phosphates than it has carbons. These unusual organic molecules are commonly referred to as the inositol pyrophosphates (PP-IPs), due to the presence of high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds (pyro- or diphospho-). PP-IPs themselves constitute a varied family of molecules with one or more pyrophosphate moiety/ies located around the inositol. Considering the relationship between phosphate and inositol, it is no surprise that members of the inositol phosphate family also regulate cellular phosphate homoeostasis. Notably, the PP-IPs play a fundamental role in controlling the metabolism of the ancient polymeric form of phosphate, inorganic polyphosphate (polyP). Here we explore the intimate links between phosphate, inositol phosphates and polyP, speculating on the evolution of these relationships.
Type III phosphatidylinositol 4 kinases: structure, function, regulation, signalling and involvement in disease
Authors: Dornan Gillian L. , McPhail Jacob A. , Burke John E.
Published: February 2016

Many important cellular functions are regulated by the selective recruitment of proteins to intracellular membranes mediated by specific interactions with lipid phosphoinositides. The enzymes that generate lipid phosphoinositides therefore must be properly positioned and regulated at their correct cellular locations. Phosphatidylinositol 4 kinases (PI4Ks) are key lipid signalling enzymes, and they generate the lipid species phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P), which plays important roles in regulating physiological processes including membrane trafficking, cytokinesis and organelle identity. PI4P also acts as the substrate for the generation of the signalling phosphoinositides phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). PI4Ks also play critical roles in a number of pathological processes including mediating replication of a number of pathogenic RNA viruses, and in the development of the parasite responsible for malaria. Key to the regulation of PI4Ks is their regulation by a variety of both host and viral protein-binding partners. We review herein our current understanding of the structure, regulatory interactions and role in disease of the type III PI4Ks.
Iminosugar inhibitors of carbohydrate-active enzymes that underpin cereal grain germination and endosperm metabolism
Authors: Andriotis Vasilios M. E. , Rejzek Martin , Rugen Michael D. , Svensson Birte , Smith Alison M. , Field Robert A.
Published: February 2016

Starch is a major energy store in plants. It provides most of the calories in the human diet and, as a bulk commodity, it is used across broad industry sectors. Starch synthesis and degradation are not fully understood, owing to challenging biochemistry at the liquid/solid interface and relatively limited knowledge about the nature and control of starch degradation in plants. Increased societal and commercial demand for enhanced yield and quality in starch crops requires a better understanding of starch metabolism as a whole. Here we review recent advances in understanding the roles of carbohydrate-active enzymes in starch degradation in cereal grains through complementary chemical and molecular genetics. These approaches have allowed us to start dissecting aspects of starch degradation and the interplay with cell-wall polysaccharide hydrolysis during germination. With a view to improving and diversifying the properties and uses of cereal grains, it is possible that starch degradation may be amenable to manipulation through genetic or chemical intervention at the level of cell wall metabolism, rather than simply in the starch degradation pathway per se.
Scale‐space theory‐based multi‐scale features for aircraft classification using HRRP
Authors: Liu Jia , Fang Ning , Jun Xie Yong , Fa Wang Bao
Published: February 2016

High‐resolution range profile is the significant characteristic of radar targets in automatic target recognition. Traditional feature extractions of range profiles in target classification are constrained to the original scale. This Letter proposes a multi‐scale target classification method based on the scale‐space theory. Target range profile feature is extended from single scale to multiple scales. The minimum Kullback–Leibler mean divergence (MKMD) algorithm is developed to achieve the automatic optimal scale factor selection. Classification evaluations on aircraft models using support vector machine and 3‐nearest neighbour classifiers demonstrate that the application of scale‐space theory in multi‐scale feature extraction could effectively enhance the classification performance. The feasibility of the proposed MKMD algorithm is also validated by an enumeration method.
Performance of peak signal‐to‐noise ratio quality assessment in video streaming with packet losses
Authors: Bondzulic B.P. , Pavlovic B.Z. , Petrovic V.S. , Andric M.S.
Published: February 2016

The effect of packet losses over error‐prone networks on visual quality of distributed video contents, estimated through subjective opinion and PSNR as an objective measure is analysed. It is shown that, within a fixed content, the variation of PSNR is a reliable indicator of the variation of packet loss rates. However, across different contents, the performance of PSNR is highly reduced. This performance drop can be corrected using the right pooling strategy.
Behandlung der akuten und chronischen Tendinitis beim Pferd mit lokaler Lasertherapie und Laserakupunktur
Authors: Petermann Uwe
Published: February 2016

In dieser Arbeit werden 30 Pferde mit akuter und chronischer Tendinitis der oberflächlichen Beugesehne und des Fesselträgers vorgestellt, die ausschließlich mit Laserakupunktur behandelt wurden. Neben der Diskussion des gesamten Patientengutes wird das Vorgehen und die Wirksamkeit der Laserakupunktur mit einem 904 nm Gallium Arsenit Laser bei der Therapie von vollständigen Durchtrennungen der oberflächlichen Beugesehne anhand von 2 Fallstudien demonstriert. Dabei wird die Wichtigkeit der Wahl des optimalen Lasers hervorgehoben, da speziell die Anwendung des 904 nm Impulslasers mit 90 Watt Impuls Spitzenleistung aufgrund seiner physikalischen Eigenschaften, d. h. der hohen Eindringtiefe in traumatisiertes Gewebe ohne eine thermische Reaktion im Gewebe, der Laser der Wahl ist. Diese Laser sind in der Lage, durch direkte ATP Bereitstellung, hohe Peroxid Clearance, Umstrukturierung der Bindegewebstextur und Anhebung der Produktion von Kollagenfasern eine hervorragende Heilungstendenz im traumatisierten Sehnengewebe zu bewirken. Zusätzlich zur lokalen Lasertherapie werden geeignete Akupunkturpunkte zur Verbesserung der Gewebsdemarkation (3E5), des Gewebeaufbaus und der Kollagenfasersynthese (MP2), der Stimulation des Immunsystems (MP4 und 3E5) und zur antiphlogistischen Therapie (Gb41) mit dem gleichen Laser stimuliert. Neben der Laserakupunktur wurden keinerlei adjuvante Therapien wie Antibiotika oder Antiphlogistika angewandt. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie zeigen, dass diese Therapie bei Patienten mit akuter und chronischer Tendinitis eine sehr effektive Heilmethode darstellt.
Multiscale modeling and simulation of brain blood flow
Authors: Perdikaris Paris , Grinberg Leopold , Karniadakis George Em
Published: February 2016

The aim of this work is to present an overview of recent advances in multi-scale modeling of brain blood flow. In particular, we present some approaches that enable the in silico study of multi-scale and multi-physics phenomena in the cerebral vasculature. We discuss the formulation of continuum and atomistic modeling approaches, present a consistent framework for their concurrent coupling, and list some of the challenges that one needs to overcome in achieving a seamless and scalable integration of heterogeneous numerical solvers. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is demonstrated in a realistic case involving modeling the thrombus formation process taking place on the wall of a patient-specific cerebral aneurysm. This highlights the ability of multi-scale algorithms to resolve important biophysical processes that span several spatial and temporal scales, potentially yielding new insight into the key aspects of brain blood flow in health and disease. Finally, we discuss open questions in multi-scale modeling and emerging topics of future research.
Comment on “Temperature dependence of atomic vibrations in mono-layer graphene” [J. Appl. Phys. 118, 074302 (2015)]
Authors: Susi T. , Kotakoski J.
Published: February 2016

In an interesting recent study [Allen et al., J. Appl. Phys. 118, 074302 (2015)] (see also their Erratum [Allen et al., J. Appl. Phys. 118, 159902 (2015)]), Allen and co-workers measured the mean square amplitudes of graphene lattice vibrations between 100 and 1300 K and used a simplified theoretical approximation for the acoustic phonon modes to evaluate the maximum phonon wavelengths supported by the lattice. By fitting their data using the smallest wave-vector as the fitting parameter, they found this to be significantly smaller than the physical size of the graphene crystallites.
Influence of the formation- and passivation rate of boron-oxygen defects for mitigating carrier-induced degradation in silicon within a hydrogen-based model
Authors: Hallam Brett , Abbott Malcolm , Nampalli Nitin , Hamer Phill , Wenham Stuart
Published: February 2016

A three-state model is used to explore the influence of defect formation- and passivation rates of carrier-induced degradation related to boron-oxygen complexes in boron-doped p-type silicon solar cells within a hydrogen-based model. The model highlights that the inability to effectively mitigate carrier-induced degradation at elevated temperatures in previous studies is due to the limited availability of defects for hydrogen passivation, rather than being limited by the defect passivation rate. An acceleration of the defect formation rate is also observed to increase both the effectiveness and speed of carrier-induced degradation mitigation, whereas increases in the passivation rate do not lead to a substantial acceleration of the hydrogen passivation process. For high-throughput mitigation of such carrier-induced degradation on finished solar cell devices, two key factors were found to be required, high-injection conditions (such as by using high intensity illumination) to enable an acceleration of defect formation whilst simultaneously enabling a rapid passivation of the formed defects, and a high temperature to accelerate both defect formation and defect passivation whilst still ensuring an effective mitigation of carrier-induced degradation.
Assessing individual differences in enteric methane emission among beef heifers using the GreenFeed Emission Monitoring system: effect of the length of testing period on precision
Authors: Renand G. , Maupetit D.
Published: February 2016

The GreenFeed Emission Monitoring system was used to measure individual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while recording feed intake of beef heifers. That technique provides spot-measures of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes at each visit to the GreenFeed feeder. A sampling variance is attached at each spot-measure due to circadian variation in GHG emission. Averaging spot-measures is required for reducing that sampling error when evaluating GHG emissions of individual cattle. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the length of test period and number of spot-measures for precisely assessing differences among beef heifers. The within-individual (σ2r) and across-individual (σ2i) variances of GHG-flux measures were estimated for 124 Charolais beef heifers fed a roughage diet during an 8-week test period, following 3–4 weeks of adaptation. High repeatability coefficients (>0.77) were obtained with 4-week test averages and ~100 spot-measures for CH4 and CO2 fluxes. Equivalent repeatability was obtained for dry matter intake (DMI). Lower repeatability (<0.7) was obtained for combined traits, namely, CH4/CO2, CH4/DMI and CO2/DMI. Higher precision would have been obtained if the first 2 weeks were not used but considered as further adaptation. In that case, about 50 spot-measures recorded during a 2-week test would be sufficient for a precise individual measure of CH4 emissions. For genetic evaluation, test duration of 5 weeks may be recommended for the simultaneous recording of CH4 emission and feed intake.
What is the best use of oil from cotton (Gossypium spp.) and canola (Brassica spp.) for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions: biodiesel, or as a feed for cattle?
Authors: Ludemann C. I. , Howden S. M. , Eckard R. J.
Published: February 2016

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) and canola (Brassica spp.) are significant crops worldwide. Vegetable oil extracted from the seed of these crops offers the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) through conversion into biodiesel to displace GHG associated with fossil-fuel diesel, or, by feeding the oil to cattle to reduce enteric methane emissions. Estimations of the net GHG effects of these two alternative uses of vegetable oil from cottonseed and canola were made in the present study for Australian conditions, using data from the literature and empirical data from livestock experiments. Results from the present study, which used a GHG accounting approach, indicated that feeding canola oil (as canola meal with 10.4% oil concentration) to cattle resulted in a net increase in GHG. However, GHG abatement from biodiesel produced from the oil (associated with the production of this same canola meal) exceeded the net increase in GHG from feeding the canola meal by-product to cattle. This means that there would be an overall GHG abatement from the combination of converting canola oil into biodiesel and feeding the resultant canola meal (with 10.4% oil concentration) to cattle. Feeding cottonseed oil in a supplement to cattle (whole cottonseed with 22% oil concentration) was estimated to result in GHG abatement, but to a lesser degree than would conversion into biodiesel. In both cases, major determinants of the GHG balance were the emissions arising from long-distance transport of the high-oil supplementary feeds fed to cattle, or of biodiesel to end-users.
Swine wastewater treatment technology to reduce nitrous oxide emission by using an aerobic bioreactor packed with carbon fibres
Authors: Yamashita Takahiro , Shiraishi Makoto , Yamamoto-Ikemoto Ryoko , Yokoyama Hiroshi , Ogino Akifumi , Osada Takashi
Published: February 2016

From a global warming perspective it is important to control emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from excreta and manure management. To mitigate emissions of N2O during swine wastewater treatment, we examined aerobic treatment technologies that use carbon fibre carriers as an alternative to conventional activated sludge treatment. We used scaled-up experiment equipment (water volume, 700 L) to evaluate the treatment performance. The N2O emission factor was 0.008 g N2O-N/g total N load in an aerobic bioreactor packed with carbon fibres (CF reactor), compared with 0.021 gN2O-N/g total N load in an activated sludge reactor (AS reactor). The CF treatment reduced N2O emissions by more than 60% compared with the AS treatment. Combined CH4 and N2O emissions from the CF reactor were 504 g-CO2 eq/m3.day, whereas those from the AS reactor were 1333 g-CO2 eq/m3.day. Interestingly, N2O emissions from the CF reactor were reduced even when nitrate and nitrite accumulated.
Proxies to adjust methane production rate of beef cattle when the quantity of feed consumed is unknown
Authors: Herd R. M. , Velazco J. I. , Arthur P. F. , Hegarty R. S.
Published: February 2016

The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the utility of carbon dioxide production rate (CPR; g CO2/day) and animal weight (WT) data as proxies for feed intake to adjust methane production rate (MPR; g CH4/day) in situations where dry-matter intake (DMI) is not known. This experiment measured individual-animal DMI, MPR and CPR in the feedlot, and then again on restricted quantities of grain and roughage diets in open-circuit respiration chambers. Of the 59 cattle tested in the feedlot, 41 had MPR and CPR recorded, and 59 and 57 had test results on the restricted grain and roughage rations. Methane production relative to DMI by individual animals was calculated as CH4 yield (MY; MPR/DMI) and as residual CH4 production (RMPDMI; calculated as MPR less predicted MPR based on DMI). A second form of RMP: RMPCO2, was calculated by regressing MPR against CPR to determine whether animals were producing more or less CH4 than predicted for their CPR. Carbon dioxide production rate was positively associated with DMI in all three test phases (R2 = 0.25, 0.45 and 0.47; all P < 0.001). The associations for MY with MPR : CPR were moderate and positive, as follows: R2 = 0.49 in the feedlot test; R2 = 0.37 in the restricted-grain test; and R2 = 0.59 in the restricted-roughage test, and with RMPCO2, values of R2 were 0.57, 0.34 and 0.59 in the three test phases (all P < 0.001). The R2 for RMPDMI with MPR : CPR in all three tests were 0.50, 0.79 and 0.69, and with RMPCO2, values of R2 were 0.68, 0.79 and 0.68 (all P < 0.001). The high R2 for MY with MPR : CPR and RMPCO2 and even higher R2 for RMPDMI with MPR : CPR and RMPCO2 in all three test phases showed that CPR can be used to adjust MPR data for DMI when DMI is not recorded. In the feedlot test, where animal WT data were recorded over 70 days, MPR adjusted for WT and WT gain had R2 with MY and RMPDMI of 0.60 and 0.83, respectively (P < 0.001), offering the possibility that animal WT data determined over an extended time period could also be used as a proxy for DMI in adjustment of MPR.
In vitro fermentability and methane production of some alternative forages in Australia
Authors: Durmic Z. , Moate P. J. , Jacobs J. L. , Vadhanabhuti J. , Vercoe P. E.
Published: February 2016

A study was conducted to examine in vitro ruminal fermentation profiles and methane production of some alternative forage species (n = 10) in Australia. Extent of fermentation was assessed using an in vitro batch fermentation system, where total gas production, methane production, and concentrations in ruminal fluid of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia were measured. Forages varied in their fermentability, with highest total gas, methane, VFA and ammonia production recorded from selected samples of Brassica napus L. cv. Winfred. Lowest methane production (i.e. 30% less than that formed by the highest-producing one) was observed in Plantago lanceolata L. cv. Tonic and Cichorium intybus L. cv. Choice. Selected plants, including P. lanceolata L. cv. Tonic, Brassica rapa L. cv. Marco, Brassica napus L. cv. Hunter had reduced acetate : propionate ratio and/or ammonia concentration, along with relatively low methane production compared with other species tested, while overall fermentation was not affected. It was concluded that selected novel forages have some advantageous fermentability profiles in the rumen and, in particular, inhibit methane production. However, before these can be recommended as valuable supplementary feedstuffs for ruminants in Australia, further studies are needed to confirm these effects over a range of samples, conditions and in vivo.
Methanogenic potential of forages consumed throughout the year by cattle in a Sahelian pastoral area
Authors: Doreau M. , Benhissi H. , Thior Y. E. , Bois B. , Leydet C. , Genestoux L. , Lecomte P. , Morgavi D. P. , Ickowicz A.
Published: February 2016

Methane (CH4) emission from ruminants in African pastoral systems may be affected by intake and type of plants, which vary highly between rainy and dry seasons. In each of two sites located in the semiarid Sahelian area of Senegal, three Gobra zebus were monitored throughout 1 year. A representative sample of their diet was obtained once every month. Diet was mainly composed of grasses, herbaceous legumes, tree and shrub foliage and pods, and dried forage residues. CH4 production and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, which reflects VFA production, were determined in vitro. Crude protein, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre were measured by near-infrared spectrophotometry. CH4 production varied between 24.6 and 35.2 mL/g forage dry matter (DM), being minimal in August (rainy season) and maximal in February (dry season). Seasonal difference disappeared when CH4 was expressed in mL/g NDF. The acetate : propionate ratio varied in the same way as CH4 (3.2 and 4.6 in August and February, respectively); VFA concentration was minimum in March and maximum in September (69.2 and 77.4 mmol/L, respectively). CH4 production was closely related to dietary NDF content (r = 0.82) and to acetate : propionate ratio (r = 0.96). For six successive periods (February to July), plant categories constituting the diet were incubated separately. Reconstituting the CH4 production and VFA concentration in the diet on the basis of the proportion of plant components gave values similar to those of the global diet (33.4 and 34.2 mL CH4/g DM and 75.9 and 70.9 mmol VFA/L, respectively). This result suggests the absence of interaction among plant components on rumen fermentation.
Effects of ruminal digesta retention time on methane emissions: a modelling approach
Authors: Huhtanen P. , Ramin M. , Cabezas-Garcia E. H.
Published: February 2016

The reasons for among-animal variations in methane (CH4) emissions are not fully understood. There is experimental evidence that ruminal digesta mean retention time (MRT) can affect CH4 emissions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of among-animal variations in MRT on CH4 emissions and nutrient supply for dairy cow (default MRT = 34 h) and sheep (default MRT = 41 h), using the mechanistic Nordic dairy cow model Karoline. The simulations (n = 100) were made for a cow (bodyweight 600 kg) and for a sheep (bodyweight 60 kg) eating 20 kg and 1.0 kg DM/day, respectively. The diet for the dairy cow consisted of grass silage, barley and rapeseed meal (60 : 30 : 10 on a DM basis; crude protein 156 g/kg DM, neutral detergent fibre 450 g/kg DM) and the sheep diet was grass alone. Normal distribution of MRT values was assumed. Variability (coefficient of variation (CV) = 0.086) on default MRT was introduced by random-number generator of Excel. Intake, diet composition and digestion kinetic parameters were constant in all simulations, only ruminal MRT variables were changed in each simulation. Predicted CH4 emission increased with increased MRT for dairy cow (range from 407 to 488 g/day) and sheep (from 25.0 to 29.2 g/day). Increases in predicted CH4 emissions were partly associated with enhanced organic matter (OM) digestibility in dairy cow (from 0.715 to 0.758) and sheep (from 0.731 to 0.773). Greater CH4 emissions per kilogram digested OM with increased MRT were mainly related to reduced efficiency of microbial cell synthesis in the rumen both for dairy cows (22.8 ± 0.91 g N/kg OM truly digested; CV = 0.040) and for sheep (20.7 ± 0.92 g N/kg OM truly digested; CV = 0.044). Predicted CH4 yield was 20% and 17% greater in dairy cow and sheep, respectively, with the short (n = 10) compared with the long (n = 10) ruminal digesta MRT. Linear regression indicated that CH4 emissions increased by 0.37 (dairy cow) and 0.33 (sheep) g/kg DM intake per 1 h increase in ruminal digesta MRT. It is concluded that among-animal variation in MRT can markedly contribute to among-animal variation in CH4 emissions from ruminants.
Forage brassica: a feed to mitigate enteric methane emissions?
Authors: Sun Xuezhao , Pacheco David , Luo Dongwen
Published: February 2016

A series of experiments was conducted in New Zealand to evaluate the potential of forage brassicas for mitigation of enteric methane emissions. Experiments involved sheep and cattle fed winter and summer varieties of brassica forage crops. In the sheep-feeding trials, it was demonstrated that several species of forage brassicas can result, to a varying degree, in a lower methane yield (g methane per kg of DM intake) than does ryegrass pasture. Pure forage rape fed as a winter crop resulted in 37% lower methane yields than did pasture. Increasing the proportion of forage rape in the diet of sheep fed pasture linearly decreased methane yield. Feeding forage rape to cattle also resulted in 44% lower methane yield than did feeding pasture. In conclusion, reductions in methane emission are achievable by feeding forage brassicas, especially winter forage rape, to sheep and cattle. Investigating other aspects of these crops is warranted to establish their value as a viable mitigation tool in pastoral farming.
Prediction of the methane conversion factor (Ym) for dairy cows on the basis of national farm data
Authors: Hellwing A. L. F. , Weisbjerg M. R. , Brask M. , Alstrup L. , Johansen M. , Hymøller L. , Larsen M. K. , Lund P.
Published: February 2016

Methane constitutes a significant loss of feed gross energy in ruminants, and there is an ongoing struggle for identifying feed and animal characteristics feasible for documentation of National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. The aim of the current study was to develop a model that predicts the methane conversion factor (Ym, % of gross energy) for dairy cows on the basis of data obtained from a range of our respiration studies, and, subsequently, to use this model to predict Ym for Holstein and Jersey cows on the basis of compiled average national farm data on dry matter intake, yield of energy-corrected milk and dietary composition. In total, 183 observations were compiled, including 41 rations from 10 experiments with Holstein dairy cows where methane emission was measured by means of indirect calorimetry using the same experimental equipment. Two models were developed; one using dry matter intake and feed composition as variables, and one using yield of energy corrected milk and feed composition as variables. The methane conversion factor was significantly reduced with increased content of starch and fat in the ration, whereas neutral detergent fibre content surprisingly did not have a significant effect in any model. On the basis of compiled data from practical Danish farms, the predicted Ym for dairy cows was 6.02% and 5.98% of gross energy intake for Holstein and Jersey cows, respectively, in the model with dry matter intake and 6.13% and 6.00% for Holstein and Jersey cows, respectively, in the model with energy-corrected milk yield. In conclusion, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change default value for Ym of 6.5% overestimates. Ym for both Holstein and Jersey cows fed rations typically used in intensive dairy producing countries in northern Europe.
Dose-response effect of nitrate on hydrogen distribution between rumen fermentation end products: an in vitro approach
Authors: Guyader J. , Tavendale M. , Martin C. , Muetzel S.
Published: February 2016

The objective of this work was to study the in vitro dose-response effect of nitrate (0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 mM) on metabolic hydrogen distribution between rumen fermentation end products. Three 48-h incubations were conducted using bovine rumen contents as an inoculum, and a mixture of hay and concentrate (50 : 50) as a substrate. Total gas production and composition (methane and hydrogen) were automatically analysed throughout the incubations. Volatile fatty acid and ammonium concentrations were analysed from samples taken after 48 h of incubation. Total gas production was decreased with the highest dose of nitrate (P = 0.002). Methane emissions linearly decreased as the nitrate dose increased (P = 0.005). Kinetics of methane emissions showed that metabolic hydrogen removal via nitrate reduction occurred mainly during the first 10 h of incubation. Gaseous hydrogen production was similar among treatments, despite higher hydrogen emissions for nitrate concentrations >4 mM. Concentrations and proportions of volatile fatty acids were not affected by treatments. The proportion of unaccounted metabolic hydrogen was positive for all treatments, and tended to linearly increase as the nitrate dose increased. In this in vitro work, we confirmed that nitrate is an efficient methane-mitigating compound in the rumen. We also suggest that nitrate or its reduced forms have a direct inhibiting effect towards methanogens, as indicated by the release of gaseous hydrogen and the high efficiency of methane mitigation. However, high nitrate concentrations also decrease overall fermentation.
Modelled greenhouse gas emissions from beef cattle grazing irrigated leucaena in northern Australia
Authors: Taylor Chris A. , Harrison Matthew T. , Telfer Marnie , Eckard Richard
Published: February 2016

Agriculture produces an estimated 14.5% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gases, with livestock emissions being the largest source of enteric methane. Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from production and processing of beef cattle will become increasingly important with time, particularly in line with global efforts to mitigate rising GHG emissions. The present study compared several GHG emission scenarios from beef cattle grazing on irrigated Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit cv. Cunningham (leucaena) in Queensland, Australia. Animals began grazing the leucaena paddocks when they were 16 months old and continued until ~240 days, before being sold to market. Three scenarios were modelled with cattle grazing leucaena and the resulting GHG emissions calculated, representing (1) the current leucaena paddock (current leucaena scenario), (2) clearing native vegetation and extending the leucaena paddock (extended leucaena scenario) and (3) extending the leucaena paddock onto previously cleared paddocks (alternative leucaena scenario). These were compared with a pre-scenario baseline, where the steers grazed on native vegetation until the time of sale. Herd GHG emission intensities (EI) were reduced in comparison with the baseline (EI of 8.4 tCO2-e/t liveweight sold) for all the leucaena scenarios, where reductions were modelled for the current, extended and alternative leucaena scenarios, which had an EI of 3.9, 3.7 and 3.6 tCO2-e/ t liveweight sold, respectively. Reductions were attributed to the higher growth rates of the steers on leucaena and the anti-methanogenic potential of leucaena. Where leucaena was planted on previously cleared paddocks, carbon stocks (t C/ha) nearly doubled a decade following planting, with most carbon sequestered in the soil. However, total carbon stocks on the property reduced over the modelled period (112 years), where native vegetation, e.g. eucalyptus woodland, was cleared for leucaena planting, but soil carbon yield increased. The combined sequestration of leucaena and the reduction of GHG emission intensities resulted in overall net reductions of GHG emissions for the three leucaena scenarios compared with the baseline. These results demonstrated that the use of leucaena for grazing can be an effective means for farmers to reduce the GHG emissions and increase productivity of their herds. The study also demonstrated that it would take 9 years of reduced emissions to compensate for the carbon lost as emissions from clearing the eucalyptus woodland, suggesting that farmers should use other methods of intensifying production from existing leucaena paddocks if their sole purpose is short-term emissions abatement.