bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low loss factor Co2Z ferrite composites with equivalent permittivity and permeability for ultra-high frequency applications
Authors: Su Zhijuan , Chang Hong , Wang Xian , Sokolov Alexander S. , Hu Bolin , Chen Yajie , Harris Vincent G.
Published: August 2014

Ferrite composites of nominal composition Ba3Co2+xIrxFe24−2xO41 were studied in order to achieve low magnetic and dielectric losses and equivalent permittivity and permeability over a frequency range of 0.3–1 GHz. Crystallographic structure was characterized by X-ray diffraction, which revealed a Z-type phase accompanied by increasing amounts of Y-type phase as the iridium amount was increased. The measured microwave dielectric and magnetic properties showed that the loss tan δε and loss tan δμ decreased by 80% and 90% at 0.8 GHz with the addition of iridium of x = 0.12 and 0.15, respectively. An effective medium approximation was adopted to analyze the composite ferrites having mixed phase structures. Moreover, adding Bi2O3 enabled equivalent values of real permittivity and real permeability over the studied frequency range. The resultant data give rise to low loss factors, i.e., tan δε/ε′ = 0.008 and tan δμ/μ′ = 0.037 at 0.8 GHz, while characteristic impedance was the same as that of free space.
The plasma properties and electron emission characteristics of near-zero differential resistance of hollow cathode-based plasma contactors with a discharge chamber
Authors: Xie Kan , Farnell Casey C. , Williams John D.
Published: August 2014

The formation of electron emission-bias voltage (I-V) characteristics of near-zero differential resistance in the cathodic plasma contactor for bare electrodynamic tether applications, based on a hollow cathode embedded in a ring-cusp ionization stage, is studied. The existence of such an I-V regime is important to achieve low impedance performance without being affected by the space plasma properties for a cathodic plasma contactor. Experimental data on the plasma structure and properties downstream from the ionization stage are presented as functions of the xenon flow rate and the electron emission current. The electrons were emitted from the cathode to the cylindrical vacuum chamber wall (r = 0.9 m) under ≈10−5 Torr of vacuum pressure. The ring-cusp configuration selected for the plasma contactor created a 125-Gauss axial field near the cathode orifice, along with a large-volume 50-Gauss magnitude pocket in the stage. A baseline ion energy cost of ≈300 eV/ion was measured in the ionization stage when no electrons were emitted to the vacuum chamber wall. In addition, the anode fall growth limited the maximum propellant unitization to below ≈75% in the discharge loss curves for this ion stage. Detailed measurements on the plasma properties were carried out for the no-electron emission and 3 A emission conditions. The experimental data are compared with 1-D models, and the effectiveness of the model is discussed. The four key issues that played important roles in the process of building the near-zero different resistance I-V regime are: a significant amount of ionization by the emission electrons, a decrease in the number of reflected electrons in the plume, the electron-temperature increment, and low initial ion energy at the source outlet.
Highly birefringent suspended-core photonic microcells for refractive-index sensing
Authors: Wang Chao , Jin Wa , Liao Changrui , Ma Jun , Jin Wei , Yang Fan , Ho Hoi Lut , Wang Yiping
Published: August 2014

An in-line photonic microcell with a highly birefringent suspended microfiber core is fabricated by locally heating and pressurizing selected air-holes of an endless single mode photonic crystal fiber. The microfiber core has rhombus-like cross-sectional geometry and could achieve a high birefringence of up to 10−2. The microfiber core is fixed at the center of the microcell by thin struts attached to an outer jacket tube, which protects and isolates the microfiber from environmental contaminations. Highly sensitive and robust refractive index sensors based on such microcells are experimentally demonstrated.
Influence of optical polarization on the improvement of light extraction efficiency from reflective scattering structures in AlGaN ultraviolet light-emitting diodes
Authors: Wierer J. J. , Allerman A. A. , Montaño I. , Moseley M. W.
Published: August 2014

The improvement in light extraction efficiency from reflective scattering structures in AlGaN ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UVLEDs) emitting at ∼270 nm is shown to be influenced by optical polarization. Three UVLEDs with different reflective scattering structures are investigated and compared to standard UVLEDs without scattering structures. The optical polarization and therefore the direction of light propagation within the various UVLEDs are altered by changes in the quantum well (QW) thickness. The improvement in light extraction efficiency of the UVLEDs with reflective scattering structures increases, compared to the UVLEDs without scattering structures, as the fraction of emitted light propagating parallel to the QW plane increases. Additionally, the light extraction efficiency increases as the average distance to the reflective scattering structures decreases.
Strong enhancement in thermal conductivity of ethylene glycol-based nanofluids by amorphous and crystalline Al2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Gangwar J. , Srivastava A. K. , Tripathi S. K. , Wan M. , Yadav R. R.
Published: August 2014

In the present work, the temperature and concentration dependence of thermal conductivity (TC) enhancement in ethylene glycol (EG)-based amorphous and crystalline Al2O3 nanofluids have been investigated at temperatures ranging from 0 to 100 °C. In our prior study, nanometer-sized particles of amorphous-, γ-, and α-Al2O3 were prepared via a simple sol-gel process with annealing at different temperatures and characterized by various techniques. Building upon the earlier study, we probe here the crystallinity, microstructure, and morphology of the obtained α-Al2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) by using X-ray powder diffraction with Rietveld full-profile refinement, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, respectively. In this study, we achieved a 74% enhancement in TC at higher temperature (100 °C) of base fluid EG by incorporating 1.0 vol. % of amorphous-Al2O3, whereas 52% and 37% enhancement is accomplished by adding γ- and α-Al2O3 NPs, respectively. The amorphous phase of NPs appears to have good TC enhancement in nanofluids as compared to crystalline Al2O3. In a nutshell, these results are demonstrating the potential consequences of Al2O3 NPs for applications of next-generation efficient energy transfer in nanofluids.
Multi-resonator structure based on continuous silver thin films for transparent conductors
Authors: Soltanmoradi R. , Dyakov S. A. , Wang Q. , Qiu M. , Yan M.
Published: August 2014

A type of metal-dielectric multilayered structures is investigated theoretically and experimentally for achieving optical transparency with a high electrical conductivity. The structure in our demonstrated case comprises of two coupled metal-dielectric-metal planar optical resonators with metal-layer thicknesses near to its skin depth. Simulations show that the maximum transmittance for visible light can easily reach 90% for silver-based structures. Experimentally, the sample fabricated exhibits a transmission window with a bandwidth of 150 nm and a maximum transmittance of 76% around 643 nm wavelength at normal incidence. Its sheet resistance is measured to be less than 10Ω/□, much smaller than that of common indium-tin-oxide films. Transparent conductors functioning for blue light and even for the whole visible light are also shown to be theoretically possible. Owing to their simple fabrication procedure as well as design flexibility, such a layered structure can serve as a compelling alternative as transparent conductors for optoelectronic devices, especially for liquid-crystal displays and light-emitting diodes.
High performance organic integrated device with ultraviolet photodetective and electroluminescent properties consisting of a charge-transfer-featured naphthalimide derivative
Authors: Wang Hanyu , Zhou Jie , Wang Xu , Lu Zhiyun , Yu Junsheng
Published: August 2014

A high performance organic integrated device (OID) with ultraviolet photodetective and electroluminescent (EL) properties was fabricated by using a charge-transfer-featured naphthalimide derivative of 6-{3,5-bis-[9-(4-t-butylphenyl)-9H-carbazol-3-yl]-phenoxy}-2-(4-t-butylphenyl)-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3-dione (CzPhONI) as the active layer. The results showed that the OID had a high detectivity of 1.5 × 1011 Jones at −3 V under the UV-350 nm illumination with an intensity of 0.6 mW/cm2, and yielded an exciplex EL light emission with a maximum brightness of 1437 cd/m2. Based on the energy band diagram, both the charge transfer feature of CzPhONI and matched energy level alignment were responsible for the dual ultraviolet photodetective and EL functions of OID.
Variability in the seasonality of breeding by the common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula: its possible causes and management implications
Authors: Cowan Phil
Published: August 2014

Across its native range in Australia and its introduced range in New Zealand the common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, demonstrates significant flexibility in reproduction from breeding once a year in autumn, breeding in both autumn and spring, or breeding year round. Understanding variation in the seasonality of breeding has relevance to the management of possum populations for both management as a pest and their conservation. The success of possums as a colonising species in New Zealand has been attributed in part to their flexible breeding behaviour. Review of available evidence suggests that photoperiod and food quantity/quality influence the variation in seasonality of breeding and their effects are modulated by interactions with factors such as density, body weight and, possibly, genetics and plant secondary compounds. Future research is suggested to tease apart the relative contributions of these various factors to the observed variation.
A comparison of growth, carcass traits, and tissue composition of ‘Segureña’ lambs raised either in an extensive production system or an intensive one
Authors: Armero E. , Falagán A.
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the performance of lambs of a Segureña local breed for growth, carcass traits and tissue composition when raised either in an extensive or an intensive production system to produce carcasses of ~11 kg. In the extensive system lambs (n = 21) were raised on pasture with salt-tolerant forages (bermudagrass hybrid and ryegrass Westerwold) and were unweaned. In the intensive system lambs (n = 24) were weaned at 45 days and reared in stalls with concentrate feeding. Extensive lambs, especially twins, showed lower growth rates during the total growing period. Male extensive lambs had higher proportions of full digestive tract and stomachs and lower commercial dressing percentages. Extensive lambs had a lower percentage of valuable body parts such as liver and tenderloin. In addition they showed a higher percentage of head, shoulder and neck; and poorer conformation scores. Furthermore, their carcasses had a higher percentage of bone and a lower percentage of muscle. Nevertheless, other aspects should be taken into account, such as meat quality and meat production cost, animal welfare and taking advantage of high salinity soil and water to grow these forages. An alternative system in which grazing is supplemented with concentrates should be evaluated in future research.
Analysis of STAT1 expression and biological activity reveals interferon-tau-dependent STAT1-regulated SOCS genes in the bovine endometrium
Authors: Vitorino Carvalho A. , Eozenou C. , Healey G. D. , Forde N. , Reinaud P. , Chebrout M. , Gall L. , Rodde N. , Padilla A. Lesage , Delville C. Giraud , Leveugle M. , Richard C. , Sheldon I. M. , Lonergan P. , Jolivet G. , Sandra O.
Published: August 2014

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are critical for the regulation of numerous biological processes. In cattle, microarray analyses identified STAT1 as a differentially expressed gene in the endometrium during the peri-implantation period. To gain new insights about STAT1 during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy, we investigated STAT1 transcript and protein expression, as well as its biological activity in bovine tissue and cells of endometrial origin. Pregnancy increased STAT1 expression on Day 16, and protein and phosphorylation levels on Day 20. In cyclic and pregnant females, STAT1 was located in endometrial cells but not in the luminal epithelium at Day 20 of pregnancy. The expression of STAT1 during the oestrous cycle was not affected by progesterone supplementation. In vivo and in vitro, interferon-tau (IFNT) stimulated STAT1 mRNA expression, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation in IFNT-stimulated endometrial cells, we demonstrated an increase of STAT1 binding on interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CISH), suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and 3 (SOCS1, SOCS3) gene promoters consistent with the induction of their transcripts. Our data provide novel molecular insights into the biological functions of STAT1 in the various cells composing the endometrium during maternal pregnancy recognition and implantation.
Addition of glucose increases the activity of microbes in saline soils
Authors: Elmajdoub Bannur , Marschner Petra , Burns Richard G.
Published: August 2014

Adaptation of soil microbes to salinity requires substantial amounts of energy. We hypothesised that addition of glucose would increase microbial activity and growth and alleviate the negative effect of salinity on microbes. An incubation experiment was conducted with four salinity levels by using one non-saline and three saline soils of similar texture (sandy clay loam), with electrical conductivities (EC1:5) of 0.1, 1.1, 3.1 and 5.2 dS m–1. Glucose was added to achieve five organic carbon concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 g C kg–1). Soluble nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were added to achieve a carbon (C) : N ratio of 20 and a C : P ratio of 200 to ensure that these nutrients did not limit microbial growth. A water content of 50% of the water-holding capacity (optimal for microbial activity in soils of this texture) was maintained throughout the incubation. Soil respiration was measured continuously over 21 days; microbial biomass C and available N and P were determined on days 2, 5, 14 and 21. Cumulative respiration was increased by addition of glucose and was reduced by salinity. The percentage decrease in cumulative respiration in saline soils compared with non-saline soil was greatest in the unamended soil and lowest with addition of 5 g C kg–1. At this rate of C addition, the percentage decrease in cumulative respiration increased with increasing salinity level. Microbial biomass C (MBC) concentration on days 2 and 5 was strongly increased by ≥1 g C kg–1 but decreased over time with the strongest decrease at the highest C addition rate. The MBC concentration was negatively correlated with EC at all C rates at each sampling date. Addition of C resulted in N and P immobilisation in the first 5 days. Biomass turnover as a result of depletion of readily available C released previously immobilised N and P after day 5, particularly in the soils with low salinity. This study showed that over a period of 3 weeks, addition of glucose increased microbial activity and growth in saline soils and alleviated the negative impact of salinity on microbes.
Impact of organic soil amendments, including poultry-litter biochar, on nematodes in a Riverina, New South Wales, vineyard
Authors: Rahman L. , Whitelaw-Weckert M. A. , Orchard B.
Published: August 2014

This field trial investigated the effect on vineyard nematodes of organic soil amendments: poultry-litter (PL) biochar, composted cow manure, composted green waste and un-composted rice hulls. To investigate their effects on disease suppression, we chose a vineyard containing healthy grapevines proximal to grapevines with fungal root disease (caused by Ilyonectria spp.). Spring and winter surveys showed that nematodes did not interact with Ilyonectria root disease. Plant-parasitic citrus and ring nematodes predominated in deep soil (10–20 cm), whereas Rhabditis spp. (bacterial-feeder) and omnivorous Dorylaimidae (excluding plant-parasitic and predators) predominated in shallow soil (0–10 cm). After 2 years, the amendments generally decreased the total plant-parasitic nematode (TPPN) populations while increasing the total (non-plant-parasitic) free-living nematodes (TFLN), thus increasing the TFLN : TPPN ratios. PL biochar caused the greatest TPPN decreases (8.5- and 12.9-fold for diseased and asymptomatic grapevines, respectively). The changes caused by the organic amendments were less favourable in a drier season and for diseased grapevines, indicating the importance of seasonal conditions and initial disease status for interpretation of soil organic amendment trial results. This is the first vineyard investigation comparing the impact of PL biochar and other organic soil amendments on parasitic and non-parasitic nematodes.
Tip-link protein protocadherin 15 interacts with transmembrane channel-like proteins TMC1 and TMC2
Authors: Maeda Reo , Kindt Katie S. , Mo Weike , Morgan Clive P. , Erickson Timothy , Zhao Hongyu , Clemens-Grisham Rachel , Barr-Gillespie Peter G. , Nicolson Teresa
Published: August 2014

Significance

Our understanding of the molecular basis of our sense of hearing and balance has improved significantly, although some of the key players in sensory hair cells have yet to be identified. Sensory hair cells depend on extracellular filaments known as tip links to transduce mechanical stimuli into electrical signals. We demonstrate that the tip link protein PCDH15 interacts with two integral member proteins, TMC1 and TMC2, which have recently been put forth as candidates for the mechanotransduction channel.
Electron spin changes during general anesthesia in
Drosophila
Authors: Turin Luca , Skoulakis Efthimios M. C. , Horsfield Andrew P.
Published: August 2014

Significance

One hundred sixty years after its discovery, the molecular mechanism of general anesthesia remains a notable mystery. A very wide range of agents ranging from the element xenon to steroids can act as general anesthetics on all animals from protozoa to man, suggesting that a basic cellular mechanism is involved. In this paper, we show that volatile general anesthetics cause large changes in electron spin in
Drosophila
fruit flies and that the spin responses are different in anesthesia-resistant mutants. We propose that anesthetics perturb electron currents in cells and describe electronic structure calculations on anesthetic–protein interactions that are consistent with this mechanism and account for hitherto unexplained features of general anesthetic pharmacology.
Engineered kinase activation reveals unique morphodynamic phenotypes and associated trafficking for Src family isoforms
Authors: Chu Pei-Hsuan , Tsygankov Denis , Berginski Matthew E. , Dagliyan Onur , Gomez Shawn M. , Elston Timothy C. , Karginov Andrei V. , Hahn Klaus M.
Published: August 2014

Significance

Src family kinases (SFKs), critical in many aspects of homeostasis and disease, occur as multiple isoforms. It has been difficult to dissect the unique function of each isoform because their structures are so similar. Here we specifically activated each SFK isoform through insertion of an engineered domain. The domain caused the kinases to be catalytically inactive until they were reactivated by the small molecule rapamycin. Computational methods for quantifying dynamic changes in cell shape revealed that activation of each isoform produced dramatically different cell behaviors. Quantitative analysis showed that these behaviors correlated with specific patterns of subcellular trafficking, and depended on isoform acylation.
Immature truncated O-glycophenotype of cancer directly induces oncogenic features
Authors: Radhakrishnan Prakash , Dabelsteen Sally , Madsen Frey Brus , Francavilla Chiara , Kopp Katharina L. , Steentoft Catharina , Vakhrushev Sergey Y. , Olsen Jesper V. , Hansen Lars , Bennett Eric P. , Woetmann Anders , Yin Guangliang , Chen Longyun , Song Haiyan , Bak Mads , Hlady Ryan A. , Peters Staci L. , Opavsky Rene , Thode Christenze , Qvortrup Klaus , Schjoldager Katrine T.-B. G. , Clausen Henrik , Hollingsworth Michael A. , Wandall Hans H.
Published: August 2014

Significance

Cancer cells characteristically express proteins with immature O-glycosylation, but how and why cancer cells express immature O-glycans has remained poorly understood. Here, we report that one prevalent mechanism in pancreatic cancer is epigenetic silencing, rather than somatic mutations in a key chaperone, core 1 β3-Gal-T-specific molecular chaperone (COSMC), required for mature elongated O-glycosylation. We also demonstrate, with the use of well-defined cell systems generated by precise gene editing, that the aberrant O-glycophenotype by itself induces oncogenic features with enhanced growth and invasion. Our study suggests that the characteristic aberrant O-glycophenotype is critical for the development and behavior of cancer and further provides support for immunotherapeutic strategies that target aberrant O-glycans.
The human dynamic clamp as a paradigm for social interaction
Authors: Dumas Guillaume , de Guzman Gonzalo C. , Tognoli Emmanuelle , Kelso J. A. Scott
Published: August 2014

Significance

The human dynamic clamp (HDC) is proposed as a general paradigm for studies of elementary forms of social behavior in complex biological systems. HDC enables parametric control of real-time bidirectional interaction between humans and empirically grounded theoretical models of coordination dynamics. It thus provides necessary experimental access for laboratory investigations, while preserving the reciprocity and open boundary conditions inherent in daily life social interactions. As proof of concept, different implementations are illustrated, ranging from coordination of rhythmic and discrete movements to adaptive and directed behaviors. The HDC may be a powerful tool for blending theory and experiment at different levels of description, from neuronal populations to cognition and social behavior.
Nicotinic and muscarinic agonists and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors stimulate a common pathway to enhance GluN2B-NMDAR responses
Authors: Ishibashi Masaru , Yamazaki Yoshihiko , Miledi Ricardo , Sumikawa Katumi
Published: August 2014

Significance

The cellular mechanisms by which nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic systems facilitate learning and memory largely remain to be elucidated. This study identified a common signaling pathway stimulated by cognitive-enhancing drugs targeted to nicotinic and m1 muscarinic receptors and acetylcholinesterase. Stimulation of this signaling pathway induces significant increases in glutamate receptor, ionotropic, N-methyl D-aspartate 2B (GluN2B)-containing NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated responses at Schaffer collateral synapses in the hippocampal CA1 region, the most widely studied synapses for a cellular correlate of hippocampus-dependent memory. Because the GluN2B-containing NMDAR is a critical component for long-term potentiation and learning and memory, the identified signaling pathway is most likely involved in the cholinergic control of learning and memory. Thus, targeting components of the pathway may be effective treatment for memory impairment.
Global agriculture and carbon trade-offs
Authors: Johnson Justin Andrew , Runge Carlisle Ford , Senauer Benjamin , Foley Jonathan , Polasky Stephen
Published: August 2014

Significance

We assess how to meet growing demand for agricultural production to minimize impact on the environment. Higher levels of population and affluence may require expanding land in agriculture by converting grasslands and forests to cropland. Such conversions often reduce valuable ecosystem services. Our research identifies where are the best places to expand agricultural production that minimize the loss of one ecosystem service, carbon storage. We show that selectively choosing where to expand agriculture saves over $1 trillion (2012 US dollars) worth of carbon storage relative to a proportional expansion.
Nucleoprotein architectures regulating the directionality of viral integration and excision
Authors: Seah Nicole E. , Warren David , Tong Wenjun , Laxmikanthan Gurunathan , Van Duyne Gregory D. , Landy Arthur
Published: August 2014

Significance

Despite a vast array of genetic, biochemical, and structural data, there have not been any panoptic investigations designed to generate structural models for the large complexes responsible for λ Integrase protein (Int)-dependent site-specific recombination. Such ambitions, however, have been recently enabled by our maps of the bridges formed by heterobivalent Int protomers as they bind to core- and arm-type DNA sites in each recombinogenic complex. Using in-gel FRET on trapped Holliday junction recombination intermediates and in silico modeling, we characterize and differentiate the 400-kDa recombination intermediates formed during λ integrative and excisive recombination. The architectural models are robust; they explain how integrative and excisive site-specific recombination are regulated, and they gratifyingly account for key aspects of both pathways.
The role of economic models in forest management.
Authors: Hanewinkel M.
Published: August 2014

The review presents an overview of the role of economic models in forest management. After a brief introduction on the use of economic models, the basic Faustmann model and its major applications and extensions are presented. The use of the Faustmann model in timber management is demonstrated using the determination of the rotation time for even-aged forests, the management of uneven-aged forests and the conversion and/or transformation from pure/even-aged, to mixed/uneven-aged forests as examples. The integration of risk into classical economic models is then described. The review highlights how risk in economic models can be expressed either by adding a risk premium to the discount rate or by the application of Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Special attention is being paid to the introduction of the portfolio theory into forest economic models. Stochastic dynamic programming is briefly introduced as well as the integration of the attitude towards risk. The review then gives an overview on principal methods of valuating non-timber forest products. The main direct and indirect methods such as contingent valuation and travel cost are then discussed. The valuation of forest products such as carbon or biodiversity is presented in more detail together with optimization approaches. The review ends with an outlook on an alternative to the standard discounted cash flow used in forest investment analysis: the application of the real options theory and a brief introduction into the application of transaction costs to forestry and the ideas of New Institutional Economics and its application to forestry.
Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS): detection, distribution and combat.
Authors: Wahli T. , Bergmann S. M.
Published: August 2014

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) is considered to be one of the most economically important viral fish diseases. This review aims to summarize knowledge on the present distribution of VHS, advances in development of diagnostic methods and implications for resulting interventions against the disease. The disease was originally found as a problem in rainbow trout in European freshwater fish farms. However, the first detection of VHS virus (VHSV) in various marine species in the 1980s and 1990s initiated intensive investigation that have demonstrated the presence of the causative rhabdovirus in a broad range of marine and freshwater species of the Northern Hemisphere including the Atlantic and Pacific Coast of North America and the marine waters around Japan and South Korea. Recent mass mortalities in the Great Lake System of North America have also been attributed to VHSV. The number of known affected and susceptible fish species is steadily growing. At least three serotypes of the virus could be differentiated, which, however, do not allow discrimination between marine and freshwater isolates. Development of molecular methods allowed analysis of sequences of viral genes, particularly of the N, G and NV genes. These analyses revealed four major genotypes, which are divided into different sublineages. The genotypes appear to be more related to geographical than to species origin. The wide distribution of the virus, particularly in wild marine fish populations, requires new methods for the identification of genotypes, especially molecular tools and the investigation of the virulence of the different genotypes to potential aquacultural hosts in marine and freshwater. Further, it raises questions concerning actions to be taken against the disease and success of the initiated actions, particularly in the light of an apparently high adaptability of the virus to new environmental conditions and changes in virulence for certain fish species. These characteristics of the virus mean that taking different actions according to genotype is at least a questionable approach.
Cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants in saline environments.
Authors: Dagar J. C. , Minhas P. S. , Mukesh Kumar Mukesh Kumar
Published: August 2014

In the last few decades there has been probably more interest in drugs obtained from plant sources than at any time in history because of success with antibiotics, and other plant drugs showing encouraging results in controlling serious diseases such as cancerous tumours and acting as stimulants and contraceptives, controlling cardiac arrests, and in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and several other ailments. With an increase in population and decrease in per capita available arable land (particularly in developing countries), it has become very difficult to find fertile land for cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). The results reported in this review clearly indicate that cultivation of MAPs on degraded lands through biosaline agriculture is feasible and profitable. Experiments have been conducted in arid regions of the Indian subcontinent growing various MAPs on salt-affected lands and irrigating them judiciously with saline water. Several medicinal species (such as
Plantago ovata
,
Aloe vera
,
Catharanthus roseus
,
Cassia angustifolia
,
Withania somnifera
,
Asparagus racemosus
,
Emblica officinalis
,
Terminalia arjuna
,
Azadirachta indica
,
Lepidium latifolium
, etc.) and aromatic species (such as
Cymbopogon flexuosus
,
Cymbopogon martinii
,
Vetiveria zizanioides
,
Matricaria chamomilla
,
Mentha arvensis
,
Pandanus odoratissimus
, etc.) can successfully be cultivated on moderate alkaline/saline soils using saline irrigation, showing their potential. There are plenty of salt-tolerant species found in nature that can easily be domesticated to improve economic gains. Attempts should be made to educate the farming community about the practicalities of growing these plants and to create market avenues for procurement of these products. Scientists must develop more salt-tolerant and productive cultivars. These will not only provide better economic returns but also help in ameliorating the saline environment.
Hydrogen sulphide and signalling in plants.
Authors: Hancock J. T. , Lisjak M. , Teklic T. , Wilson I. D. , Whiteman M.
Published: August 2014

Several relatively reactive compounds exist that are considered to play major roles in plant cell signalling. These include reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide (NO). Until recently, hydrogen sulphide (H
2
S) has commonly been thought of as a phytotoxin, but a growing body of evidence now points to the fact that H
2
S may also have a signalling role and that it should be ranked as an important signal alongside NO and ROS. At high concentrations, H
2
S will inhibit enzymes such as cytochrome oxidase. However, at lower concentrations, it may act in a more positive manner. A renewed interest in the role of H
2
S in biological systems has been evidenced in the results of research investigating cell signalling in both animals and plants. The growth and development of plants may be affected, for example, during the promotion of adventitious root formation. Stomatal closure has also been shown to be altered by H
2
S and it has been reported to be involved in the tolerance of plants to metals such as aluminium and copper. The treatment of plant cells with H
2
S affects cysteine and glutathione metabolism and there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that the presence of H
2
S may impact on oxidative stress metabolism and NO signalling. New H
2
S donor molecules are appearing in the literature, such as GYY4137, and with such new tools the true extent of the role of H
2
S in the control of plant signalling will no doubt be unravelled in the future.
Stress and immunity in the pig.
Authors: Kick A. R. , Tompkins M. B. , Almond G. W.
Published: August 2014

One potential indication of decreased welfare in pigs is a greater prevalence of disease as a result of compromised immunity in 'stressed' animals. Various studies have endeavoured to assess the effects of stress on pigs. Stressors included social interactions from crowding or mixing pigs, ambient temperature variations, restraint, transportation, food deprivation, weaning and photoperiod manipulation. Typically, serum cortisol concentrations are used to quantify or confirm whether the animals were stressed; however, several methods were used to examine the influence of stress on immune function. The results of these studies varied in documenting whether the animals were stressed, what the general effects were on the porcine immune system and, in particular, which cells of the adaptive or innate immune systems were affected. This review is intended to provide an overview of previous methods of creating stressful conditions for pigs, techniques to assess immune function and finally, the interactions between stress and measurements of immune function in pigs. Emphasis is laid on the influence of stress on adaptive immunity.
Regulation of feed efficiency in dairy cattle.
Authors: Spurlock D. M. , VandeHaar M.
Published: August 2014

The efficiency with which dairy cows convert feed to milk impacts farm profitability and environmental stewardship. Thus, feed efficiency is a particularly critical trait to the dairy industry as feed costs increase. Feed efficiency is a complex trait influenced by many components, including milk output, nutrient intake, body weight and body weight change. Recent studies show that feed efficiency is low to moderately heritable, indicating it should respond to genetic selection. Progress is being made towards understanding the genetic regulation of feed efficiency, estimation of genomic breeding values and incorporation of feed efficiency into multi-trait selection programmes. However, underlying biological processes that contribute to variation in feed efficiency are poorly understood, particularly in lactating dairy cattle. Selection experiments in beef cattle, pigs, chickens and mice demonstrate that feed efficiency can be altered by selection. Heat production, activity or feeding behaviour, digestibility, muscle turnover and mitochondrial function are associated with variation in feed efficiency in many of these selection lines, but data from lactating dairy cows are currently lacking. A more detailed understanding of underlying biological processes and their relative importance to variation in feed efficiency is crucial for the development of novel strategies to further improve feed efficiency in dairy cattle. The objective of this review is to summarize our current understanding of the genetic and biological regulation of feed efficiency in lactating dairy cows. Insights from the evaluation of feed efficiency in beef cattle and other species are also considered.
Neosporosis in dogs.
Authors: Dubey J. P.
Published: August 2014

Neospora caninum
is a protozoan parasite of animals. Until 1988, it was misdiagnosed as
Toxoplasma gondii
. Since its first recognition in 1984 and the description of a new genus and species
N. caninum
in 1988, neosporosis has emerged as a serious disease of dogs and cattle worldwide. In addition, dog and other canids are the definitive hosts of the parasite that excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts in faeces. Neosporosis is a crippling disease of dogs, predominantly of Labradors and boxers. Currently available medicines do not eradicate the parasite from the body and some dogs die even after prolonged treatment. This paper reviews information on the life cycle, biology, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and control of neosporosis in dogs.
Hylemorphism, remnant persons and personhood
Authors: Toner Patrick
Published: August 2014

Animalism is the doctrine that we human beings are – are identical with – animals. Hylemorphism is a form of animalism. In this paper, I defend hylemorphism by showing that while other forms of animalism fall prey to the problem of ‘Remnant Persons, ’ hylemorphism does not. But hylemorphism’s account of personhood seems to have some very implausible implications. I address one of those implications, and argue that it isn’t nearly as objectionable as it might at first appear.
In vitro anticancer activity of loquat tea by inducing apoptosis in human leukemia cells
Authors: Zar Phyu Phyu Khine , Yano Satoshi , Sakao Kozue , Hashimoto Fumio , Nakano Takayuki , Fujii Makoto , Hou De-Xing
Published: August 2014

Fresh loquat leaves have been used as folk health herb in Asian countries for long time, although the evidence supporting their functions is still minimal. This study aimed to clarify the chemopreventive effect of loquat tea extract (LTE) by investigating the inhibition on proliferation, and underlying mechanisms in human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60). LTE inhibited proliferation of HL-60 in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular data showed that the isolated fraction of LTE induced apoptosis of HL-60 as characterized by DNA fragmentation; activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9; and inactivation of poly(ADP)ribose polymerase. Moreover, LTE fraction increased the ratio of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/anti-apoptotic myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) that caused mitochondrial membrane potential loss and cytochrome c released to cytosol. Thus, our data indicate that LTE might induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells through a mitochondrial dysfunction pathway. These findings enhance our understanding for chemopreventive function of loquat tea.
New series of avenanthramides in oat seed
Authors: Ishihara Atsushi , Kojima Kana , Fujita Takeshi , Yamamoto Yuya , Nakajima Hiromitsu
Published: August 2014

Avenanthramides are characteristic constituents of oat seeds. We analyzed the methanol extract of oat seeds by HPLC and detected three compounds 1, 2, and 3 eluted at retention times similar to avenanthramides. The three compounds were purified by column chromatography and HPLC. Spectroscopic analyses of 1, 2, and 3 suggested that they are amides of 4,5-dihydroxyanthranilic acid with caffeic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids, respectively. Their identities were confirmed by comparing spectra and chromatographic behavior with compounds synthesized from 4,5-dihydroxyanthranilic acid and N-hyrdroxysuccinimide esters of hydroxycinnamic acids. LC-MS/MS analysis with multiple reaction monitoring showed that the amounts of 1, 2, and 3 were 16.5–26.9% of corresponding avenanthamides with 5-hydroxyanthranilic acid. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 showed stronger 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity than the corresponding avenanthramides with 5-hydroxyanthranilic acid, indicating the involvement of 4,5-dihydroxyanthranilic acid moiety in the scavenging of DPPH radicals.
Information, Mobile Telephony, and Traders' Search Behavior in Niger
Authors: Tack Jesse , Aker Jenny C.
Published: August 2014

Information and communications technologies have spread rapidly in developing countries. We investigate the impact of mobile phones on traders' search behavior in Niger by constructing a theoretical model of search in which traders engage in sequential search for the optimal sales price. Using a trader panel dataset spanning 2005–2007, we find empirical support for the model in that the duration of mobile phone coverage is associated with increased search activity. This effect evolves dynamically over time and is stronger for larger traders, who engage in arbitrage over longer distances. Results provide empirical evidence for the observed linkages between mobile telephony and price dispersion.
Improvising Social Exchange
Authors: DeFrantz Thomas F.
Published: August 2014

This chapter explores African American social dance structures of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, in which improvisation operates as a crucial methodology and ideology. It demonstrates the unimpeachable centrality of the physical practice of improvisation and shows that “creating while doing,” or consistently asking questions while moving, becomes foundational to the emergence of a black social self in communion with others.
Multi-digit Number Processing
Authors: Nuerk Hans-Christoph , Moeller Korbinian , Willmes Klaus
Published: August 2014

Only recently the focus in numerical cognition research has considered multi-digit number processing as a relatively new and yet understudied domain in mathematical cognition. In this chapter: (i) we argue that single-digit number processing is not sufficient to understand multi-digit number processing; (ii) provide an overview on which representations and effects have been investigated for multi-digit numbers; (iii) suggest a conceptual distinction between place-identification, place-value activation, and place-value computation; (iv) identify language influences on multi-digit number processing along that conceptual distinction; and (v) argue that for numerical development indices of multi-digit number processing may be more suitable predictors of later arithmetical performance than classical single-digit measure such as the distance effect or non-numerical variables (e.g., working memory). In the final section, we summarize the important issues in multi-digit number processing, outline future directions and try to encourage readers to contribute to a new, exciting, yet understudied domain of numerical cognition.
Socio-cultural, Acoustic, and Environmental Imperatives in the World of Singing
Authors: Walker Robert
Published: August 2014

The practices of vocal music described in this chapter reflect major differences in cultural thinking, comparing those of non-literate societies with that of the West. The rise of vocally based noise music in popular entertainment is discussed as an example of an ersatz form of cultural behavior. The relative importance of acoustic analysis and socio-cultural contexts in the explanation of vocal practices is discussed. It cannot be claimed that a more sophisticated science or mathematics has produced a more powerful or efficient mode of vocal expression. Each cultural system and set of vocal practices has its own integrity and its own relevance to understanding the human condition, and it is only by studying the different vocal practices from within such contexts that their value to humanity as a whole can be appreciated.
American Political Development and Political History
Authors: John Richard R.
Published: August 2014

This essay traces the long and productive relationship between two genres of historical writing: American political development (or APD) and American political history. It is written primarily for political scientists; a secondary audience is historians who wish to become more familiar with APD. Its focus is on the period before the adoption of the federal Constitution in 1788 and the end of the Second World War in 1945, an epoch that has long been recognized as not only formative, but also distinct from the epoch that it followed and preceded. It is, in addition, an epoch that has spawned a dialogue between APD and political history that had proved to be particularly fruitful.
Hume’s Life and Works
Authors: Harris James A.
Published: August 2014

This summary account of Hume’s life and works challenges the usual way of telling the story of Hume’s career. It is generally believed that what Hume most wanted to be was a philosopher and that Hume turned to politics and history because that desire was frustrated, principally by the reputation for atheism he had acquired as a result of his writings on religion. The author argues that, from the beginning, Hume was as interested in politics as he was in philosophy; that a career as an independent man of letters, and not as a professional philosopher, was what he most wanted; and that that career was a success, with the History of England its triumphant culmination. Hume’s religious skepticism was no obstacle to his living the life that he most wanted to live, the life of a sophisticated and widely respected citizen of the European republic of letters.
Hume and Virtue Ethics
Authors: Swanton Christine
Published: August 2014

This chapter shows how Hume’s “sentimentalist” moral theory can be a version of virtue ethics and elaborates the kind of virtue ethics that best describes Hume’s moral philosophy. To accomplish this task, we need a definition of virtue ethics, an account of types of virtue ethical theory, and to place Hume’s ethics within this taxonomy. Three types of virtue ethics, are outlined. Hume is located within a pluralistic virtue ethics where virtue notions are central and a variety of features make traits “naturally fitted” to be approved as virtues. Hume’s virtue ethics is understood as response-dependent, being grounded in an emotional kind of “moral sense” as suitably objective and as conforming to his basic empiricism.
White Matter Connectivity
Authors: Passaro Antony , Christidi Foteini , Tsirka Vasiliki , Papanicolaou Andrew C.
Published: August 2014

The applications of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have increased considerably among both normal and diverse neuropsychiatric populations in recent years. In this chapter, the authors examine the contributions of DTI in identifying profiles of trait-specific connectivity in several groups defined in terms of gender, age, handedness, and general intelligence. Additionally, the DTI literature is reviewed across a range of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, and acquired neurological disorders resulting from neuronal injury such as traumatic brain injury, aphasia, agnosia, amnesia, and apraxia. DTI metrics sensitive to psychiatric disorders encompassing obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and alcoholism are reviewed. Future uses of DTI as a promising means of confirming diagnoses and identifying in vivo early microstructural changes of patients’ clinical symptoms are discussed.
Work First Versus Human Capital Development in Employability Programs
Authors: Lindsay Colin
Published: August 2014

Policymakers across advanced welfare states have prioritized programs to enhance the employability of unemployed people and help them to find and sustain work. In this regard, analysts have drawn attention to the difference between Work First and Human Capital Development (HCD) models. The former seek to direct people to any available job as quickly as possible; the latter seek to improve long-term employability through investments in human capital (typically via education and training). This chapter deploys a framework for comparing Work First‒ and HCD-oriented approaches to employability, identifying differences in rationales, content, and outcomes. A key conclusion is that policymakers (and indeed researchers) need to adopt a broader, more holistic view of the factors affecting the unemployed. A better understanding can inform the development of programs that combine Work First and HCD elements and address the problems that explain why some people face prolonged periods excluded from the workplace.