bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
167 Effect of Storage Time and Temperature of a Commercial Embryo Holding Medium on the Maturation Kinetics of Immature Bovine Oocytes
Authors: Pascottini O. B. , Catteeuw M. , Van Soom A. , Opsomer G.
Published: November 2018

The effect of holding time and temperature during storage of immature bovine oocytes in a commercial embryo holding medium (EHM; Syngro® Ltd., Livingston, United Kingdom) was evaluated. Ovaries were collected at the local slaughterhouse and processed within 2 h. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were collected and allocated to groups of 60. The COC were held in 1-mL sterile glass osmometer tubes, filled to the top with the EHM to limit the amount of air. Vials were capped and covered with parafilm to ensure a tight seal and prevent leakage. Tubes were stored for 6 h at 4°C, room temperature (RT), or 38.5°C; for 10 h at 4°C and RT; and for 14 h at RT. Next, oocytes were fixed after storage in EHM (immature holding) or fixed after being held in EHM and subsequent 22-h maturation at 38.5°C in 5% CO2 in humidified air (mature holding). Maturation medium consisted of modified bicarbonate-buffered TCM-199 supplemented with gentamycin and epidermal growth factor. During all experiments, a control group was included each time. The control consisted of groups of 60 COC immediately fixed after collection or transferred to maturation medium for 22 h and subsequently fixed. Nuclear maturation of oocytes was assessed after Hoechst 33342 staining, using a 400× magnification fluorescence microscope. A total of 3043 COC were evaluated in 3 replicates. Oocytes maturation stages were classified as (1) oocytes in germinal vesicle stage, (2) oocytes in meiotic progression (diakinesis, metaphase I, or anaphase), (3) matured (telophase I or metaphase II), and (4) degenerated (degraded chromatin). Oocytes remained at the germinal vesicle stage when held in EHM (without subsequent maturation) regardless of holding time and temperature (P > 0.05). When oocytes were held for 6 h and subsequently matured (Table 1), the number of matured oocytes was significantly lower for oocytes held at 38.5°C compared with the other groups (control, RT, and 4°C). When held for 10 h, the oocyte maturation rate was similar between the control and RT groups (P > 0.05), but it was significantly lower in oocytes held at 4°C. Last, when compared with oocytes held at RT for 14 h, the maturation rate was higher in the control group (P < 0.05). To conclude, immature bovine oocytes can be successfully held in EHM at RT for up to 10 h. Storing immature oocytes in EHM can delay oocyte maturation and concomitantly synchronize maturation.

Table 1.Kinetics of cumulus-oocyte complex nuclear status after storage in embryo holding medium for different times and temperatures and subsequent 22-h maturation
186 Improving Success Rate of Establishment and Maintenance of Porcine Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by Investigation of Colony Morphology
Authors: Setthawong P. , Phakdeedindan P. , Techakumphu M. , Tharasanit T.
Published: November 2018

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) are generated by reprogramming of somatic cells using ectopic introduction of 4 transcription factors, including OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC (OSKM). Fibroblast cells are the most commonly used as a primary cell source for iPS cells because they are easy to harvest and culture. However, reprogramming efficiency of porcine fibroblasts is poor (~0.1%). During reprogramming process, mixed populations of primary colonies become the major obstacle in iPS establishment. In this study, we characterised 2 different colony morphologies at colony pick-up (compact and loose iPS morphology). We hypothesised that compact colonies will proceed to long-term culture and pluripotency. The fibroblast cells were isolated from tails of piglets and transfected with retroviral vectors expressing OSKM. The primary colonies were counted on Day 7 after gene transduction. The iPS-like colonies were divided into compact (n = 10) and loose (n = 10) morphology at colony pick-up. The characteristics of iPS-like cell lines were analysed by morphology, alkaline phosphatase staining, G-banding karyotype, immunofluorescence staining (OCT4), pluripotent gene expression (RT-PCR), and embryoid body formation. A total of 1,697 iPS-like colonies (2.34%) were observed. The compact colonies contained with tightly packed cells with distinct border between iPS colony and feeder cells, while colonies with irregular shape and border were classified as loose colonies. These 2 types of iPS-like colonies expressed alkaline phosphatase and OCT4. A total 5 of 10 (50%) compact morphology cell lines could be maintained in the undifferentiated state for more than 50 passages. But only 3 of 10 (30%) loose morphology cell lines demonstrated pluripotent characteristics. G-Banding karyotype analysis revealed normal chromosome number (n = 38). All of the cell lines also expressed endogenous pluripotent genes, including OSKM and NANOG and formed three-dimensional aggregating masses. In this study, we found that the cell lines from compact morphology could be maintained for longer than those of the loose morphology. A high rate of differentiation of loose iPS colony may also indicate that this type of colony has different pluripotency signals or incomplete reprogramming compared with compact colony. In conclusion, selection of compact colony morphology at colony pick-up is simple and reflects long-term propagation of porcine iPS cell lines. This information is important for improving the success rate of establishment and maintenance of porcine iPS cells.
197 The Effect of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist on Superovulation and Estrous Synchronization in Female Sprague Dawley Rat
Authors: Jin Y.-K. , Bae H.-S. , Lee J.-Y. , Yum S.-Y. , Kim K.-M. , Koo O.-J. , Jang G. , Ailia M. J.
Published: November 2018

A large number of oocytes and adequate recipient conditions are required to produce genetically modified rats by embryo transfer. In this study, we investigated the effect of a synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, buserelin, on (1) superovulatory response in donor rats, and (2) oestrous cycle synchrony in recipient female Sprague Dawley rats at 8 weeks of age. First, for superovulation, donors were divided into 2 groups: control and buserelin injection group (42 μg mL−1). Superovulation was performed in both groups by injection of pregnant mare’s serum gonadotropin (PMSG, 150 IU) at Day −3 and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, 150 IU) at Day −1 (Day 0 = oocyte collection). In addition, the buserelin group was given 42 μg mL−1 buserelin on Day −4. Oviduct and ampulla were removed surgically to collect the oocytes. As results, more ovulations were detected in the 42 μg mL−1 buserelin group (6.18 ± 1.10 oocyte/rat, n = 240) than in the control group (5.06 ± 0.82 oocyte/rat; n = 124; t-test P = 0.038). Second, 2 groups were set up to investigate the effect of administration of buserelin on synchronizing the oestrus cycle of recipients. Because the oestrous cycle of the rat was 4 to 5 days, we examined the difference of vaginal impedance between the 2 groups on Day 4 after injection and checked whether there was a significant difference in the synchronization of the oestrous cycle. An impedance value >3.0 kΩ was considered as an indication for proestrus stage; therefore, we analysed the data >3.0 kΩ in both groups. In results, the incidence of proestrus was significantly increased in buserelin injection group (n = 128) than in the control group (n = 70). In addition, there was a significant difference in mean impedance in the 2 groups (buserelin injection group: 4.25 ± 3.79 kΩ; control group: 1.43 ± 1.20 kΩ; P < 0.005). In conclusion, administration of 42 μg mL−1 buserelin had a beneficial effect on oocyte ovulation and oestrous synchronization, and it will be usefully applied in the production of transgenic rats.
34 Recent Advances in Cloning by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer in Camelids
Authors: Wani N. A. , Binoy V. S. , Hong S.-B.
Published: November 2018

In addition to its application for production of elite males, racing champions, animals with the highest potential for milk production, and the prized beauty camels, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) can be utilised for the conservation of endangered wild Bactrian camels and vicunas by using the technique of interspecies SCNT (iSCNT). In the present study, embryos were reconstructed by using skin fibroblast cells from a Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), a llama (Llama glama), and a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) as donor karyoplasts and dromedary oocytes as recipient cytoplasts to evaluate in vitro and in vivo developmental potential of these embryos. Mature oocytes were collected from super-stimulated dromedary camels by ultrasound guided transvaginal ovum pick-up. Serum-starved skin fibroblast cells were injected into the perivitelline space of enucleated oocytes. The fibroblast cell and recipient cytoplasm were fused by 2 DC pulses of 100V for 15 µs each. Reconstructs were activated 1 to 1.5 h post-fusion with 5 µM ionomycin, followed by exposure to 6-DMAP for 4 h. The activated oocytes were then cultured at 38.5°C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 90% N2. The proportion of oocytes that cleaved was recorded on Day 3, and those that reached morula and blastocyst stages were recorded on Day 7 of culture. A lower blastocyst production rate was observed when llama fibroblast cells were used as karyoplast (13.3 ± 3.3) compared with those obtained from the embryos reconstructed with Bactrian (34.4 ± 3.9) and dromedary (32.2 ± 6.2) fibroblast cells; however, no difference was observed in their cell numbers. Out of 26 and 20 blastocysts from reconstructs with Bactrian and dromedary fibroblast cells, transferred to 23 and 12 synchronized dromedary recipients, 3 and 2 pregnancies were achieved at Day 60, respectively. One pregnancy from each group reached term and both (a Bactrian and a dromedary) calves were delivered normally after completing the gestation period. We demonstrated birth of a Bactrian calf conceived from the reconstructed embryo by iSCNT using the somatic cell from a Bactrian camel and enucleated dromedary oocyte. The present study also demonstrated that dromedary camel can be used as a surrogate to carry these pregnancies to term (Wani et al. 2017 PLoS One 12, e0177800; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0177800). This study has opened doors for enhanced multiplication and preservation of the wild Bactrian camels, which are threatened with extinction, being the eighth most endangered large mammal on the planet.
77 Monozygotic Twin Calves Production by Blastomere Separation Technique with Commercial Well-of-the-Well Culture Dish
Authors: Hashiyada Y. , Aikawa Y. , Matsuda H. , Yamanouchi T. , Goto Y. , Ohtake M. , Sugimura S. , Imai K.
Published: November 2018

Monozygotic twin bovine embryos can be produced by blastomere separation of 2-cell embryos and commercial well-of-the-well (WOW) culture dish (Hashiyada et al. 2016 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 28, 178) obtaining 60% and 48% of blastocyst formation and monozygotic blastocyst pairs, respectively. The present study was conducted to evaluate the fertility of blastocysts derived from this production system in Japanese Black beef cattle. Embryos were produced using oocytes collected by ovum pick-up technique. TCM-199 supplemented with 5% calf serum (CS), Brackett-Oliphant solution supplemented with 10 mg mL−1 BSA, and CR1aa containing 5% CS, were used for each culture step: in vitro maturation, fertilization, and culture (IVM,IVF, and IVC). Two-cell stage embryos were obtained 24 to 27 h post-insemination. Zonae pellucidae were removed by exposure to 0.25% pronase. Then, embryos were separated into blastomeres by gentle pipetting in IVC medium. Each blastomere was introduced into a single conical microwell of 25 wells, each having a diameter and depth of ~287 μm and 168 μm (Dai Nippon Printing, Tokyo, Japan). Blastomeres in wells were cultured covered with a droplet of 2.5 μL of IVC medium/well. The developed blastocysts in pairs on 7 days post-insemination were used for transfer. Single embryos of monozygotic twin embryos were transferred to Japanese Black cattle with a generally small body frame to produce twin calves from a set of recipients. Twin embryos were transferred in pairs to unilateral of uterus of non-lactating Holstein cows. Pregnancy and twin pregnancy were determined at 30 days of gestation by ultrasonography and were reconfirmed at 60 days with detection of fetal loss. Statistical significance was analysed by Fisher’s exact test. There was no significant difference in pregnancy rate or twin pregnancy rate between single embryo transfer (7/14, 50% and 2/7, 28.6%) and twin embryo transfer (9/21, 42.9% and 4/21, 19%). In either transfer method, fetal loss was not observed in diagnosis carried out at 60 days by ultrasonography. To date, 2 pairs of twin calves have been obtained from twin pregnant cows by twin embryo transfer within the normal range of gestation length (286 and 288 days) and birth weight (31-40 kg). These results indicate that blastocysts developed from blastomeres separated from 2-cell embryos by culturing with commercial WOW culture dish had fertility similar to that of intact embryos derived from standard in vitro culture and further demonstrate the possibility of production of normal twin calves.
78 Mito-TEMPO, a Scavenger for Mitochondria-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species, Enhances Porcine Pre-Implantation Embryo Development
Authors: Yang S.-G. , Park H.-J. , Kim J.-W. , Jung J.-M. , Jegal H.-G. , Kim I.-S. , Jeong P.-S. , Koo D.-B.
Published: November 2018

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from mitochondria contributes to redox signalling, mitochondrial functions, and apoptosis. However, the specific effects of mitochondria target superoxide (O2
•–) on porcine embryo development remain unclear. The objective of present study was to examine the differences of mitochondrial functions and dynamics in 2 subpopulations of porcine zygotes (G1 and G2), and to investigate the effects of Mito-TEMPO on porcine embryo development. Porcine embryos were visually classified in 2 groups [Grade (G)1: over 90%, and G2: below 90%] according to the lipid distribution at the zygote stage. The blastocyst development rate was greater in G1 than in G2 embryos (G1: 26.5 ± 5.9% v. G2: 16.2 ± 7.9%; P < 0.05). To evaluate blastocyst quality, we performed a 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI)-TUNEL assay. The proportion of TUNEL-positive cells was higher (P < 0.05) in G2 than G1 embryos. We measured superoxide production by MitoSOX staining as mitochondrial superoxide specific fluorescence dye by iRiSTM Digital Cell Image System (Logos Biosystems Inc., Gyeonggi-do, South Korea). Red fluorescence intensity of superoxide in G2 embryos significantly increased (P < 0.05) compared with that in G1. We investigated changes in mitochondrial functions using a Mitotracker JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential assay kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) and ATP determination kit, respectively. Mitochondria membrane potential and ATP production were lower (P < 0.05) in G2 embryos than in G1 embryos. To confirm the protein levels of mitochondria fission protein DRP1, we performed Western blot analysis (per 40 embryos). Phosphorylation DRP1-Ser616 was increased (P < 0.05) in G1 embryos at cleavage stage compared with that in zygote, but not significantly different in G2 embryos. Thus, G2 embryos showed low development rate until blastocyst via mitochondrial dysfunction, increase in fission protein expression and mitochondrial aggregation according to the elevation of mito-ROS. Subsequently, the effect of the adding superoxide scavenger Mito-TEMPO was investigated in G2 embryos. Blastocyst formation (G2+MitoTempo: 28.8 ± 4.0% v. G2: 19.1 ± 5.1%; P < 0.05) and mitochondrial aggregation were recovered by mito-ROS reduction mediated by Mito-TEMPO. Our observations demonstrated that regulation of superoxide in mitochondria is important in pre-implantation development of porcine embryos.
This work was supported by grants from the Next-Generation BioGreen 21 Program (PJ01117604) and the Bio-industry Technology Development Program (316037-04-2-HD020) through the Rural Development Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Republic of Korea.
86 Difficulty of Transfer of In Vivo-Derived Bovine Embryos and Route of Administration of Flunixin Meglumine at the Time of Transfer may Affect Pregnancy Rate
Authors: Duran J. , Argudo D. , Bravo S. , Soria C. , Guevara G. , Alberio R.
Published: November 2018

Recipient handling during embryo transfer (ET) induces prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) production in 2 periods: an early transient and rapid increase around the time of ET, followed by another 2 to 4 h later. This PGF2α is associated with embryonic loss during early gestation by affecting both the embryo and the corpus luteum. To control this, antiprostaglandins such as flunixin meglumine (FM) have been applied IM at the time of ET with varying results. In such studies, the interaction of IM administration of FM and difficulty of transfer has not always been evaluated, possibly confusing the interpretation of the results. Furthermore, IV FM injection at ET and its relationship with pregnancy rates (PR) has not been determined. The objectives were (1) to determine the relationship between difficulty of ET and PR; and (2) to evaluate the efficacy of IM v. IV FM on pregnancy outcomes. One hundred and ten crossbred (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) heifers (18-24 months old) from 3 farms were used as recipients. Two evaluation systems of ET difficulty were used: (1) duration of transfer (objective determination of the elapsed time measured in seconds between the introduction of the catheter and embryo release), and (2) level of difficulty experienced by the practitioner (subjective determination; 1 = minimum and 2 = medium to extreme manipulation). Quality 1 and 2 fresh embryos from superovulated cows were transferred by the same practitioner. At ET, recipients were randomly divided into 3 groups: (1) Control (no treatment, n = 31); (2) FM-IM (n = 39): injected IM with 2.2 mg kg−1 FM at ET; and (3) FM-IV (N = 40): injected with 2.2 mg kg−1 FM IV at ET. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 30 to 40 and 60 to 90 days after ET. Spearman’s test was performed to determine the correlation between duration and difficulty at ET and Chi-square test was used to compare PR. The mean duration of transfer for all heifers was 62.3 ± 57.5 s (11 to 357 s; median: 44.5 s). There was a high correlation (0.8; P < 0.001) between the ET difficulty evaluation systems. Overall, ET difficulty 1 had higher PR than ET difficulty 2 (64.2 v. 40.7; P = 0.013). The PR was significantly improved (P < 0.01) in the FM-IV group (75 and 70% at 30 and 60 days after ET) compared with control (45.2 and 32.3%) and FM-IM (33.3 and 30.7%). In conclusion, results indicate that the difficulty of transfer affects PR achieved following the transfer of in vivo-derived bovine embryos. Treatment with FM-IV following transfer resulted in significantly higher PR compared with control and FM-IM recipients. The IV injection of FM may antagonize the very early and transient increase of PGF2α caused by genital tract manipulation (even gently performed) at embryo transfer. Further research is necessary to confirm the results of the present study.
99 In Vitro Development of Alpaca Embryos Obtained by Bisection
Authors: Landeo L. , Molina R. S. , Zuñiga M. E. , Gastelu T. R. , Sotacuro C. , Ruiz J. A.
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro developmental competence of alpaca embryos bisected at different embryonic stages. Gametes were obtained from ovaries and testes collected from a local abattoir. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were recovered (n = 120) by aspiration of ovarian follicles using a 5-mL syringe with an 18-gauge needle. Then, COC with at least 3 layers of cumulus cells and a homogeneous cytoplasm were matured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% FCS, FSH (0.02 IU [JM1] [P2] [P3]), and 0.01 mg mL−1 oestradiol 17β [JM4] for 26 h at 38.5°C and 5% CO2 in air. After in vitro maturation, COC were placed in a 30-mL Petri dish containing FERT-TALP solution for 30 min. Then, epididymal alpaca spermatozoa (3 × 106 mL−1) were added to the dish and co-incubated with the COC for 20 h at 38.5°C and 5% CO2 in air. Motile epididymal sperm were selected by swim-up method centrifuged for 15 min at 350 × g in 2 mL of SPERM-TALP supplemented with 6 mg mL−1 of fatty-acid-free BSA. Sperm pellet was extended and culture in 5% CO2 in air at 38.5°C for 45 min. Thirty-three viable embryos at different stages [2-cells (n = 6), 8-cells (n = 15), and morulae (n = 12)] were bisected into approximately equal halves using a micro-surgical blade. The embryos were previously treated with 2 mg mL−1 of protease from Streptomyces griseus (P 8811, Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA) for 2 min to remove the zona pellucida. After bisection, the demi-embryos were cultivated in in vitro culture (IVC) medium containing 0.036 mg mL−1 sodium pyruvate, 0.146 mg mL−1 l-glutamine, 1% essential amino acids, 0.5% nonessential amino acids, and supplemented with 10% FCS using the well-of-the-well system. The demi-embryos were incubated for 7 days (changing the media every 48 h) in 5% CO2 in air at 38.5°C. Additional embryos (n = 60) were obtained using the same conditions described above and used as a control group (unmanipulated). We obtained 66 demi-embryos [2-cells (n = 12), 8-cells (n = 30), and morulae (n = 24)] after bisection that were considered for IVC. From 12 demi-embryos bisected at 2-cell and 30 bisected at 8-cell stages, 3 (25%) and 30 (100%) reached the morula stage respectively. However, they did not develop any further. Interestingly, 18 demi-embryos bisected in morula reached the blastocyst stage (80%). For unmanipulated embryos, we obtained 42% (25/60), 35% (21/60), 32% (19/60), and 28% (17/60) of cleavage, morulae, and blastocyst and hatched blastocyst rates, respectively. In conclusion, alpaca embryos bisected at earlier stages (less than 8-cell) are not suitable to produce blastocysts. The earliest stage to produce blastocyst from bisected alpaca embryos is the morula stage.
Mechanisms for high Cd activity in a red soil from southern China undergoing gradual reduction
Authors: Li Yichun , Ge Ying , Zhang Chunhua , Zhou Quansuo
Published: November 2018

Cadmium (Cd) activity may vary in flooded soils but the mechanisms underlying these variations have remained conflicting and ambiguous. In this study, a continuous N2 bubbling experiment was conducted using a red soil from the subtropical region of southern China to identify factors controlling Cd activity under reductive conditions. The results showed that Cd solubility, although very low, increased gradually with time during the experiment. From 0 to 14 h, the pH and pe+pH of soil suspension decreased, respectively, from 5.6 to 5.5 and from 11.1 to 9.6. The solubility of Cd was enhanced within this period due to the kinetics of solubilisation of salts or dispersion of colloids upon rewetting, the pH decrease resulting from the hydrolysis of soluble Al and Fe(III) and the competition for soil surface sites from dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and cations, including Al3+, K+, and Mg2+ in the soil solution. From 14 to 114 h, however, the reductive dissolution of Fe and Mn oxides, the DOC consumption by microbial respiration, and the competition of Cd2+ with K+ and Mg2+ for the soil surface sites were the major mechanisms promoting the release of Cd into the soil solution, as the pH of soil suspension increased from 5.5 to 5.8 and the pe+pH continued to decrease from 9.6 to 7.5. On the other hand, more than half of the total Cd was present in the exchangeable fraction during the experiment, indicating that Cd activity remained high. Further, it was observed that Cd transformed from the Fe-Mn oxide-bound fraction to the carbonate-bound fraction and Fe from the oxide- and carbonate-bound fractions to the exchangeable fraction during the experiment. Cadmium redistribution had a close relationship with Fe redistribution, suggesting that the chemical behaviours of Fe oxides affected the physicochemical properties of soil solid phases and further controlled Cd redistribution among soil solid phases. The above results implied that the mechanisms controlling the solubility of Cd were different within the different ranges of pH and pe+pH after rewetting of the air-dried soil, and Fe chemistry might be an important factor inducing the transformation of Cd among several soil solid phases when soil became reducing.
Soils fieldwork, analysis, and interpretation to support hydraulic and hydrodynamic modelling in the Murray floodplains
Authors: Vaze Jai , Jenkins Brian R. , Teng Jin , Tuteja Narendra K.
Published: November 2018

There are limited datasets which cover the heavy clays found in the Murray floodplain area. To understand the processes associated with the water balance within the Koondrook–Perricoota Forest (KPF), detailed hydraulic and hydrodynamic modelling of the flood inundation patterns and overland flow in the KPF is required. Reliable and accurate soils information is critical for any credible hydrologic or hydrodynamic modelling results. Extensive fieldwork across the entire KPF and detailed laboratory testing of the collected samples was undertaken to produce soils information including: spatial distribution of soil types, soil stratigraphy along the surface and subsurface flowpaths, soil hydraulic properties, soil salinity, and soil organic matter. Soil sampling and soil profile descriptions were undertaken at 26 sites spread across the forest. Deep drilling was done at 12 sites to check the existence of ancestral streams and for salinity profiles; soil hydrology testing to estimate infiltration rates was undertaken at 10 sites. Rapid appraisal methods for soil infiltration were developed for the project. Results were compared to soil pedotransfer functions generated from laboratory results; soil indexes including the dispersibilty index and electrochemical stability index; and typical infiltration and permeability rates inferred from soil texture and structure. The results from this study and the archived soil physical and hydraulic datasets can be used for any detailed hydraulic or hydrodynamic modelling exercise in the Murray floodplain area with similar soil properties.
Corrigendum to: Effects of nitrogen addition on soil oxidisable organic carbon fractions in the rhizospheric and bulk soils of Chinese pines in north-western China
Authors: Liu Hongfei , Xue Sha , Wang Guoliang , Liu Guobin
Published: November 2018

Increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition caused by human activities has potentially important effects on ecosystem carbon (C) dynamics and different effects on C fractions with different stabilities and chemical compositions. A better understanding of the responses of different C fractions to N addition is vital for maintaining soil quality and protecting vegetation. In order to investigate the differential effects of N addition on total soil organic carbon (SOC) and four SOC fractions with increasing degrees of oxidisability in Pinus tabuliformis rhizospheric and bulk soils, a 6-year pot experiment was performed testing the effects of the addition of N at rates of 2.8, 5.6, 11.2, 22.4 and 44.8g m–2 year–1 compared with a control (CK) group (no N addition). Addition of N addition had significant (P–2 year–1. Low rates (N2.8–N5.6) of N addition considerably increased C4 and the ratio of C4 to TOC in the rhizosphere, whereas addition of high rates (N11.2–N44.8) of N decreased these parameters. The responses of C1 and C4 in the bulk soil to N addition were opposite. The SOC fraction was significantly higher in the rhizosphere than in the bulk soil, indicating large rhizospheric effects. However, increased N addition weakened these effects. These findings suggest that low rates (N2.8–N5.6) of N addition stabilise SOC against chemical and biological degradation, whereas increased rates of N addition increase the lability of SOC in the bulk soil. Thus, the rhizosphere plays a vital role in soil carbon stability and sequestration in response to N addition.
A sampling strategy to assess the effects of land use on microbial functional diversity in soils
Authors: Degens Bradley P. , Vojvodi´c-Vukovi´c Maja
Published: November 2018

A suitable sampling strategy is necessary for broad-scale investigations of
the effects of land use on microbial functional diversity in soils. We report
on the development of procedures for sampling and handling field soils for
assessment of heterotrophic functional diversity [by analysis of
catabolic response profiles (CRPs)]. Individual CRPs were subject to
factor analysis and the results were used for statistical comparisons of the
soils. Transect sampling comparing CRPs in forest with pasture showed that
most variation was attributable to differences between land uses, followed by
field replication and laboratory replication. Differences in CRPs between
pasture compared with pine forest, horticultural cropping, or maize cropping
could also be determined by a similar sampling strategy. Variation in CRPs
between land uses by using these sampling approaches was greater than
variation within land uses. CRPs varied little between seasons in 2 land uses
and samples could also be stored up to 5 months at 5°C with little change
in CRPs. We recommend that microbial functional diversity (CRPs) can be
assessed in different land uses without laboratory replication and that
transect sampling strategies are suitable for distinguishing clear differences
between land uses.
Attributes of Tasmanian ferrosols under different agricultural management
Authors: Sparrow L. A. , Cotching W. E. , Cooper J. , Rowley W.
Published: November 2018

Attributes of 25 Tasmanian ferrosols under 5 forms of management (low-input
pasture, high-input pasture, intermittent cropping, continuous cropping, and
pyrethrum production) were assessed using field and laboratory techniques, to
see how these attributes changed as the intensity of land management
increased. Among the most notable changes were soil organic carbon (C) in the
top 150 mm, which was about 30% less in cropping and pyrethrum paddocks
than pasture paddocks, and microbial biomass C, which was about 60%
less. Earthworm numbers showed even greater differences, with virtually no
earthworms under pyrethrum. Pasture soils had higher shear strength and water
contents at the liquid limit in the top 150 mm, and more water-stable
aggregates in the subsurface soil. Despite these differences, the absolute
values of most attributes in cropping paddocks were of a magnitude, which
suggests that Tasmanian ferrosols even under continuous cropping are still in
good condition. This agreed with the views of the farmers, obtained by
individual survey. The decrease in organic C in the cropped soils has not
decreased the effective cation exchange capacity, probably because their
higher pH due to liming has compensated. Because ferrosols with organic C
contents of 1−2% elsewhere in Australia have been shown to have
serious management limitations, we need to know by how much the organic C
contents in Tasmanian ferrosols will continue to decrease under intensive
cropping to predict whether they might suffer in a similar way.
Predicting delay in residents’ decisions on defending v. evacuating through antecedents of decision avoidance
Authors: McNeill Ilona M. , Dunlop Patrick D. , Skinner Timothy C. , Morrison David L.
Published: November 2018

In the event of a wildfire, Australian residents of wildfire-prone areas have a choice to defend their home or evacuate early. However, rather than deciding on and preparing for one of these fire-responses ahead of time, most residents delay deciding on defending v. evacuating (e.g. they wait and see instead). Recent research has shown that delaying this decision is associated with reduced levels of preparedness for both responses and on the day of a fire, an increased risk to life and property. The current study empirically examined what predicts this decision delay regarding one’s fire-response by measuring two personality traits and several decision-related factors. A longitudinal survey study of residents of multiple wildfire-prone areas in Western Australia showed that the strongest predictor of delaying their decision to defend v. evacuate was a lack of difference in perceived values of defending v. evacuating. These findings have important implications for the design of interventions to reduce the risks associated with such delay. For one, agencies could utilise residents’ value base to reduce decision delay. Alternatively, they could focus on the formation of proper contingency plans and stress the necessity to prepare well for both defending and evacuating.
A probability model for long-term forest fire occurrence in the Karst forest management area of Slovenia
Authors: Šturm Tomaž , Podobnikar Tomaž
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study is to develop a long-term forest fire occurrence probability model in the Karst forest management area of Slovenia. The target area has the greatest forest fire occurrence rates and the largest burned areas in the country. To discover how the forest stand characteristics influence forest fire occurrence, we developed a long-term linear regression model. The geographically weighted regression method was applied to build the model, using forest management plans and land-based datasets as explanatory variables and a past forest fire activity dataset as a predicted variable. The land-based dataset was used to represent human activity as a key component in fire occurrence. Variables representing the natural and the anthropogenic environment used in the model explained 39% of past forest fire occurrences and predicted areas with the highest likelihood of forest fire occurrence. The results show that forest fire occurrence probability in a stand increases with lower wood stock, lower species diversity and lower thickness diversity, and in stands dominated by conifer trees under normal canopy closure. These forests stand characteristics are planned to be used in forest management and silviculture planning to reduce fire damage in Slovenian forests.
Conjugation of benzoic acid in marsupials
Authors: Awaluddin Almah Bt. , McLean Stuart
Published: November 2018

The urinary metabolites of benzoic acid have been studied in seven marsupial species and the rat. Benzoic acid was excreted mainly as the glycine conjugate, hippuric acid, with smaller, though variable, amounts as benzoyl glucuronide. Thus the overall pattern of metabolism was similar to that found in most other mammals. All species formed significant amounts of a recently discovered metabolite of benzoic acid, 0-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, suggesting that the metabolic pathway for its formation, involving the addition of a two-carbon fragment, may occur generally in other species.
GaP nanowire betavoltaic device
Authors: McNamee Simon , Wagner Devan , Fiordaliso Elisabetta M , Novog David , LaPierre Ray R
Published: November 2018

A betavoltaic device is reported that directly converts beta energy from a 63Ni radioisotope into electrical energy by impact ionization in a GaP nanowire array. The GaP nanowires are grown in a periodic array by molecular beam epitaxy on silicon using the self-assisted vapor–liquid–solid method. By growing GaP nanowires with large packing fraction and length on the order of the maximum beta range, the nanowires can efficiently capture the betas with high energy conversion efficiency while using inexpensive Si substrates. Monte Carlo simulations predict a betavoltaic efficiency in agreement with experimental results. The nanowire betavoltaic device can be used as a power source for nano-/micro-systems such as mobile electronic devices, implantable medical devices, and wireless sensor networks.
1. The art and science of music psychology
Authors: Margulis Elizabeth Hellmuth
Published: November 2018

Music can seem to be the human behavior that is least susceptible to explanation, but a long history exists of applying various frameworks to try to understand it. The cognitive science of music integrates ideas from philosophy, music theory, experimental psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, and computer modeling to answer questions about music’s role in people’s lives. The art of music psychology is to bring rigorous scientific methodologies to questions about the human musical capacity while applying sophisticated humanistic approaches to framing and interpreting the science.
Modern Architecture: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Sharr Adam
Published: November 2018

Modern Architecture: A Very Short Introduction explores the technical innovations that opened up the cultural and intellectual opportunities for modern architecture to happen. It shows how the invention of steel and reinforced concrete radically altered possibilities for shaping buildings, transforming what architects were able to imagine, as did new systems for air-conditioning and lighting. Focusing on a selection of modern buildings that also symbolize bigger cultural ideas, this VSI discusses what modern architecture was like, why it was like that, and how it was imagined. It also demonstrates how modern architecture owes much to the work of some of the historians and critics who helped to shape the field.
2. Iron and steel
Authors: Sharr Adam
Published: November 2018

‘Iron and steel’ explains how the Iron Bridge in Shropshire, UK, completed in 1779, illustrates the industrial cultures where modern architecture started to form. It indicates the beginnings of a shift in global culture, over two centuries, from artisan manufacturing towards mass production. The association of technology with progress became inseparable from modernity. Engineers such as Gustave Eiffel and Joseph Paxton reimagined iron as structural framing that could define the spaces of buildings. The development of less brittle steel resulted in new steel frameworks allowing walls—no longer loadbearing—to become separated conceptually from the building’s structure. The work of influential architects Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is also discussed.
Waves: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Goldsmith Mike
Published: November 2018

We live in a world of waves. The Earth shakes to its foundations, the seas and oceans tremble incessantly, sounds reverberate through land, sea, and air. Beneath the skin, our brains and bodies are awash with waves of their own, and the Universe is filled by a vast spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, of which visible light is the narrowest sliver. There are also mechanical waves, quantum wave phenomena, and gravitational waves. Waves: A Very Short Introduction considers waves of all kinds, their sources, effects, and uses. It discusses how wave motion results in a range of phenomena—from reflection, diffraction, interference, and polarization in the case of light waves to beats and echoes for sound—and considers the importance of understanding wave behaviour.
3. Sound waves
Authors: Goldsmith Mike
Published: November 2018

Sound is a small fraction of the pressure wave spectrum. In terms of wavelength, we can hear far more than we can see: while deep red light has waves about twice as long as those of deep violet, the lowest-pitched sound waves we can hear are about ten times longer than the highest. ‘Sound waves’ explains infrasound, the lower frequencies detectable by touch rather than hearing, and the audio range, describing the fundamental differences between sound power and loudness, and frequency and pitch. It also considers sound underwater. Sonar systems can be passive systems that simply detect sounds, while active sonar transmits sounds and detects those that are reflected.
1. On why medical ethics is exciting
Authors: Dunn Michael , Hope Tony
Published: November 2018

‘On why medical ethics is exciting’ provides an introduction to medical ethics, which deals with some of the big moral questions: easing death and the morality of killing, for example. It takes us into the realm of politics. How should healthcare resources, necessarily limited, be distributed; and what should be the process for deciding? It is concerned with legal issues. Should it always be a crime for a doctor to practise euthanasia? When can a mentally ill person be treated against his will? Medical ethics ranges from the metaphysical to the mundanely practical. It is concerned not only with these large issues, but also with everyday medical practice.
2. Assisted dying: good medical practice, or murder?
Authors: Dunn Michael , Hope Tony
Published: November 2018

Euthanasia is one form of assisted dying. Other forms include assisting suicide and the withholding or withdrawing of life-extending medical treatment. The practice of euthanasia—killing a patient for the patient’s benefit—under some circumstances, is morally required by the two most widely regarded principles for guiding good medical practice: respect for patient autonomy and promoting patients’ best interests. ‘Assisted dying: good medical practice, or murder?’ considers four tools of ethical reasoning: defining terms, elucidating concepts, case comparison, and logic. It argues in favour of the law allowing health professionals, under certain conditions, to assist patients to die, and illustrates one common and powerful method of argument: countering the counter-arguments.
3. A toolbox of reasoning
Authors: Dunn Michael , Hope Tony
Published: November 2018

‘A toolbox of reasoning’ discusses a further four tools of ethical reasoning: distinguishing facts from values; reasoning from principles; thought experiments; and spotting and avoiding fallacies in reasoning. Five fallacies are discussed: the no-true Scotsman move; the ten-leaky-buckets tactic; the argument from nature; the argument from playing God; and the slippery slope argument. It also explains how the analysis of medical ethics is organized around four principles—respect for patient autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—and their scope of application. Ethical reasoning cannot be reduced to algorithms. Situations are complex and doing the right thing will often require flexibility. Humane medicine, in addition to rationality, requires wisdom, imagination, and creativity.
4. People who don’t exist; at least not yet
Authors: Dunn Michael , Hope Tony
Published: November 2018

‘People who don’t exist; at least not yet’ discusses the non-identity problem by considering the analogy between the rules governing assisted reproduction and those governing adoption. It looks at the issues involved with comparing existence with non-existence, which considers the best interests of a child that is yet to be born, and then outlines the fundamental distinction between identity-preserving and identity-affecting actions. Three examples of the non-identity problem in which the actions are identity-affecting are discussed: preimplantation genetic testing, delaying pregnancy, and treating acne. It concludes that it is almost always wrong for doctors, or society generally, to refuse reproductive assistance on grounds of the welfare of the potential child.
6. Helping the helper
Authors: Dunn Michael , Hope Tony
Published: November 2018

‘Helping the helper’ shows how ethics support can be introduced to shape ethical understanding and good healthcare practice using an example from a care home setting where everyday care is provided to people with dementia. This case is one example of an ethical issue that arises frequently in the care of people with dementia: how to balance the person’s previous preferences and values with their current interests, when these conflict. This discussion raises some difficult philosophical questions about how a person’s identity should be understood when that person is cognitively impaired. Two concepts of personal identity are discussed: the psychological continuity account and the situated-embodied-agent account.
9. Culture, consent, and community
Authors: Dunn Michael , Hope Tony
Published: November 2018

Cultural differences within and across societies can also challenge our assumptions and approaches to medical ethics and require us to reconsider our ethical obligations to individuals. Medical research involving collaboration between widely varying cultures is one context that is particularly problematic. ‘Culture, consent, and community’ discusses the guidelines for medical research, which highlights four main ethical issues: respect for the autonomy of the potential participants in research; protection of participants from the risk of harm; the value and quality of the research; and aspects of justice. It then considers how to avoid the imposition of Western views and practices on non-Western countries by endorsing respectful collaboration through community advisory boards.
3. Presenting language
Authors: Luna Paul
Published: November 2018

‘Presenting language’ considers the visual presentation of language. Using the schema developed by Michael Twyman, it shows how graphic language can be presented by considering the method of configuration and the mode of symbolization. The categories in the schema allow us to understand how information can be presented in different ways to enable different reading strategies and outcomes. Directed and open reading is discussed along with hierarchy in text, and how text and documents can be described systematically. Markup languages are used to identify text structure so that texts can be manipulated digitally in different ways depending on the medium used. Prescription and house style are also explained.
The effect of summer drought on the yield of Arundo donax is reduced by the retention of photosynthetic capacity and leaf growth later in the growing season
Authors: Haworth Matthew , Marino Giovanni , Riggi Ezio , Avola Giovanni , Brunetti Cecilia , Scordia Danilo , Testa Giorgio , Thiago Gaudio Gomes Marcos , Loreto Francesco , Luciano Cosentino Salvatore , Centritto Mauro
Published: November 2018

Background and Aims

The development of Arundo donax as a biomass crop for use on drought-prone marginal lands in areas with warm to hot climates is constrained by the lack of variation within this species. We investigated the effect of morphological and physiological variation on growth and tolerance to drought under field conditions in three ecotypes of A. donax collected from habitats representing a climate gradient: a pre-desert in Morocco, a semi-arid Mediterranean climate in southern Italy and a warm sub-humid region of central Italy.

Methods

The three A. donax ecotypes were grown under irrigated and rain-fed conditions in a common garden field trial in a region with a semi-arid Mediterranean climate. Physiological and morphological characteristics, and carbohydrate metabolism of the ecotypes were recorded to establish which traits were associated with yield and/or drought tolerance.

Key Results

Variation was observed between the A. donax ecotypes. The ecotype from the most arid habitat produced the highest biomass yield. Stem height and the retention of photosynthetic capacity later in the year were key traits associated with differences in biomass yield. The downregulation of photosynthetic capacity was not associated with changes in foliar concentrations of sugars or starch. Rain-fed plants maintained photosynthesis and growth later in the year compared with irrigated plants that began to senescence earlier, thus minimizing the difference in yield. Effective stomatal control prevented excessive water loss, and the emission of isoprene stabilized photosynthetic membranes under drought and heat stress in A. donax plants grown under rain-fed conditions without supplementary irrigation.

Conclusions

Arundo donax is well adapted to cultivation in drought-prone areas with warm to hot climates. None of the A. donax ecotypes exhibited all of the desired traits consistent with an ‘ideotype’. Breeding or genetic (identification of quantitative trait loci) improvement of A. donax should select ecotypes on the basis of stem morphology and the retention of photosynthetic capacity.