bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erratum to: 56 SINGLE LAYER CENTRIFUGATION THROUGH PURESPERM® 80 IMPROVES QUALITY OF CRYOPRESERVED DOG SPERMATOZOA
Authors: Alcaráz L. , Hidalgo M. , Galvez M. J. , Acha D. , Ortiz I. , Demyda-Peyrás S. , Gonzales C. , Portero J. , Quesada F. , Ramirez L. , Dorado J.
Published: November 2018

Density gradient centrifugation with PureSperm® (PureSperm® 40+PureSperm® 80; Nidacon International, Mölndal, Sweden) has been satisfactorily used to enhance the quality of dog semen samples; however, no studies have been performed on the effect of single layer centrifugation (SLC) with PureSperm® on frozen–thawed dog semen. The aim of this study was to investigate if SLC with PureSperm® 80 can improve the post-thaw semen quality of dog. Semen from 5 dogs was collected by digital manipulation. Two ejaculates from each dog were centrifuged with Tris-based extender, supernatant was removed, and sperm pellet was suspended to a final concentration of 300–400×106spermmL–1 with CaniPROTM Freeze A plus 20% egg yolk at 22°C. Extended semen was cooled to 5°C within an hour and then diluted to a final concentration of 150–200×106spermmL–1 in CaniPROTM Freeze B plus 20% egg yolk at 5°C, loaded in 0.5-mL plastic straws and frozen horizontally in ranks placed 4cm above the surface of liquid nitrogen vapors for 10min, after which they were directly placed in liquid nitrogen. After 24 to 48h of storage, straws were thawed in a water bath at 37°C for 30s. After thawing, semen samples were divided in 2 aliquots: one of them was used as control and the other one was processed by SLC PureSperm® 80. Assessment of sperm motility (assessed by computerized-assisted semen analysis), morphology (Diff-Quick staining), and viability [triple fluorescent stain of propidium iodine/isothiocyanate-labeled peanut (Arachis hypogaea) agglutinin/Rhodamine 123] were evaluated in control and treated semen samples. Data were studied by ANOVA. Results are expressed as mean ± SEM. Significant (P<0.001) differences were found between SLC-treated and control semen for sperm motility (percentage of total motile spermatozoa: 93.65±0.05 v. 83.79±0.13; percentage of progressive motile spermatozoa: 79.38±6.66 v. 54.61±16.11), morphology (86.45±0.01 v. 83.51±0.01), and viability (percentage of viable sperm with an intact acrosome: 58.32±0.04 v. 36.50±0.17; percentage of viable sperm with an acrosome reaction: 2.81±0.01 v. 9.74±0.21). Based on our results, we can conclude that SLC with PureSperm® 80 is an alternative and successful method for improving the quality of frozen–thawed dog spermatozoa, selecting good-quality spermatozoa (motile, morphologically normal, viable, and acrosome intact spermatozoa) from the rest of the semen sample.
143 The Dynamics of Spermatogenesis in Guinea Fowls
Authors: Volkova N. A. , Vetokh A. N. , Novgorodova I. P. , Dotsev A. V. , Zinovieva N. A.
Published: November 2018

Male gonads are valuable genetic material for creation of biomaterial cryobanks to preserve the genes of various animals, including poultry. Spermatogonia, which are stem cells of the testes, are of greatest interest. For effective selection of spermatogenic cells, including spermatogonia, it is necessary to know the specific features of spermatogenesis of the species of interest. In this regard, the aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of spermatogenesis in guinea fowl. Histological examinations of guinea fowl testes (n = 90 birds) were done for 9 age categories, from 2 wk to 6 months. For each individual, at least 30 seminiferous tubules were examined. Seminiferous tubule diameters and numbers and types of spermatogenic cells (based on morphology) were determined. Overall, the histologic structure of guinea fowl testes was similar to that of mammals. Cell populations of the seminiferous tubules included Sertoli cells and generative cells, including spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and sperm, at various stages of differentiation. Diameter of seminiferous tubules was (mean ± SEM) 36 ± 1, 58 ± 1, 64 ± 1, 65 ± 1, 110 ± 3, 178 ± 4, 233 ± 4, 274 ± 6, and 295 ± 5 µm at 2 wk, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months, respectively. Furthermore, at those ages, the number of spermatogenic cells per tubule was 18 ± 1, 20 ± 1, 29 ± 2, 30 ± 2, 68 ± 5, 114 ± 8, 186 ± 10, 400 ± 20, and 447 ± 24. Maximum percentage of spermatogonia was 72 ± 2% at 6 wk. Primary and secondary spermatocytes were first observed at 10 and 12 wk of age, respectively, whereas spermatids were first apparent at 4 months. Sperm were first identified at 5 months, with more present at 6 months. We concluded that the optimal age for retrieving testicular germ cells in guinea fowl was no later than 8 wk, as that represented the age when seminiferous tubules were dominated by spermatogonia.
The study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (Project no.16-16-04104).
169 Nuclear Maturation Kinetics and In Vitro Fecundation of Immature Bovine Oocytes Injected into Preovulatory Follicles
Authors: Simoes L. M. S. , Santos A. P. C. , Lima E. A. , Orlandi R. E. , Bottino M. P. , Pontes T. T. , DeOliveira R. C. , Silva L. O. , Rodrigues S. A. D. , Quintao C. C. R. , Dode M. A. N. , Camargo L. S. A. , Fernandes U. R. , DeSouza J. C. , Sales J. N. S.
Published: November 2018

The objective was to evaluate in vitro nuclear maturation and fecundation kinetics of oocytes injected into preovulatory follicles of synchronized cows using the intra-follicular oocyte injection (IFOI) technique. In experiment 1, 438 immature abattoir-bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) of grades I, II, and III were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: Matvitro (n = 111), COC matured in vitro for 22 h; Matvivo20 (n = 172) and Matvivo30 (n = 155), 30 oocytes were injected into each preovulatory follicle of pre-synchronized recipients. In Matvivo20, oocytes were matured for 19.8 ± 0.1 h and in Matvivo30, for 28.3 ± 0.1 h. All cows received 12.5 mg of LH (Lutropin, Bioniche, Canada) at IFOI (Matvivo20) or 10 h after IFOI (Matvivo30). Oocytes from Matvivo20 and Matvivo30 were aspirated 20 h after LH injection for assessment of oocyte maturation and recovery rates. Oocytes were evaluated according to maturation kinetics as germinal vesicle, metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase I, metaphase II, parthenogenetically activated, and degenerated (chromosomal aberrations, presence of diffuse or indefinite chromatin). In experiment 2, immature abattoir-bovine COC (n = 202) of grades I, II, and III were randomly distributed into 2 groups: Matvitro (n = 103), COC were matured and fertilized in vitro; Matvivo (n = 99), same as Matvivo20 protocol, and COC fertilized in vitro. Presumptive zygotes were evaluated as fertilized, unfertilized, or polyspermic. Statistical analyses were performed by the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Recovery rate was lower (P < 0.001) in Matvivo20 (52.9%, 91/172) compared with Matvivo30 (72.9%, 113/155). Germinal vesicle (P = 0.94), metaphase I (P = 0.98), anaphase I (P = 0.99), and telophase I (P = 0.20) rates were similar. However, there were differences in metaphase II [Matvitro: 81.0% (90/111)a, Matvivo20: 74.5% (35/47)a, and Matvivo30: 41.6% (32/77)b; P = 0.001], degenerate [Matvitro: 5.4% (6/111)c, Matvivo20: 21.3% (10/47)b and Matvivo30: 48.1% (37/77); P = 0.001] and parthenogenetically activated [Matvitro: 0.0% (0/111)b, Matvivo20: 0.0% (0/47)b and Matvivo30: 9.1% (7/77)a; P = 0.001]. Polyspermic (P = 0.18) and abnormal (P = 0.98) rates were similar. However, there was a higher rate (P = 0.05) of fertilized oocytes in Matvivo (60.6%, 60/99) than in Matvitro (46.6%, 48/103). In conclusion, oocyte maturation in vivo after IFOI for 20 h does not alter maturation kinetics and increases in vitro oocyte fertilization capacity. However, the 10-h increase in intra-follicular oocyte permanence decreased the proportion of viable oocytes. Thus, the oocyte maturation phase is not the limiting causative factor for the low IFOI-embryo production rates.
41 Effects of Dimethyl Sulfoxide- or Glycerol-Based Vitrification Protocols on Zona Pellucida Hardening in Mature Bovine Oocytes
Authors: Rogers K. D. , Foster B. A. , Guiterrez E. J. , Diaz F. A. , Bondioli K. R.
Published: November 2018

Zona pellucida hardening is a natural process that occurs after oocyte fertilization to prevent polyspermic fertilization and to protect embryonic development. Pre-fertilization hardening of the zona pellucida, however, decreases fertilization rates. Cryoprotectants have also been shown to negatively affect fertilization rates, one possible mechanism of which being through zona hardening. This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different cryoprotectants on hardening of the zona pellucida of mature bovine oocytes. Oocytes were collected by ovum pick-up (OPU) by transvaginal ultrasound guided aspiration (TUGA) from mixed-breed cows. After collection, oocytes were randomly assigned to 3 cryoprotectant treatment groups: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), glycerol, or PBS (control). Drops (50 µL) of each vitrification solution were placed under mineral oil. Vitrification solution 1 (VS1) contained 10% ethylene glycol (EG), either 10% DMSO or glycerol, and 0.5 M sucrose. Vitrification solution 2 (VS2) contained 20% EG, 20% DMSO or glycerol, and 0.5 M sucrose. All oocytes were held in VS1 for 5 min before being transferred to VS2 for 45 s. All oocytes were washed in a common dilution solution (80% PBS, 20% calf serum, 0.025 M sucrose) for 5 min. Next, oocytes were moved to 50-µL drops of protease solution (0.1% protease) under mineral oil. Control oocytes were held in PBS for ~10 min before entering the protease solution to represent the same period as the vitrification procedure. The oocytes were observed until the zonae pellucidae were completely digested and times were recorded for each oocyte. This experiment included 4 replicates with a total of 88 oocytes used, 32 each in DMSO and glycerol and 24 in PBS. The data were analysed using ANOVA. The DMSO group had the lower mean zona digestion time out of the 2 cryoprotectants at 15.75 min and glycerol had the highest mean digestion time at 19.3 min. The control group (PBS) had the lowest mean of the 3 treatments at 12.7 min. The differences between DMSO and glycerol, and between DMSO and PBS were not significant (P = 0.0654 and 0.1073, respectively). However, both glycerol versus PBS and the average of DMSO and glycerol versus PBS were significantly different (P-value = 0.0053 and 0.0119, respectively). These results suggest that glycerol hardens the zona pellucida more than DMSO or PBS; however, there is not enough evidence to determine whether DMSO hardens the zona pellucida compared with PBS. This would suggest that, in relation to zona hardening and ensuring proper fertilization, glycerol-based cryoprotectants may be a better option than DMSO-based ones. Further, these results may be important in embryo vitrification as zona hardening may prevent blastocyst hatching, suggesting that glycerol-based cryoprotectants should be investigated as the optimal cryoprotectant here also.
42 Glycerol Dilution in the Straw by Mixing Methanol and Sucrose for Bovine Embryo Cryopreservation
Authors: Takeda T. T.
Published: November 2018

This report focuses on post-thawing dilution of glycerol within the straws using a solution of methanol and sucrose. Dilution media contained 1.5 or 2.0 M methanol and 0 or 1.0 M sucrose (Suc). Straws of 0.25-mL were loaded as follows: (1) 15 mm of 10% glycerol (Gly) solution; (2) 7 mm of air layer; (3) 7 mm of Gly solution; (4) 7 mm of air layer; (5) 10 mm of Gly solution with an embryo; (6) 12 mm of air layer; and (7) 50 mm of dilution medium. Straws were then heat sealed. The ratio of Gly layer to dilution media layer was 1:6 after the solutions were properly loaded into the straw (post-thawing, 10% Gly then was diluted to 1.6%). For freezing, straws were held with cotton plug down and immersed in an alcohol bath to the column containing the embryo. The dilution media layer was not immersed in the bath immediately. When temperature reached –10°C or lower, the straw was taken out the alcohol bath and shaken towards a cotton plug, and the whole straw was immersed into the bath. By this operation, the air layer above the already frozen column containing the embryo was removed, and the dilution medium was directly mixed with Gly. For thawing, straws were kept in air for 5 to 8 s, and then immersed in a water bath at 25°C with cotton plug down for 3 or 10 min. All 18 fresh embryos exposed to 1.5 M methanol + 1.0 M Suc for 40 min at room temperature continued to develop for 48 h in TCM-199. Thawed embryos from diluting glycerol in the straw with methanol + Suc survived well regardless of sucrose concentration. All 28 embryos diluted in the straw with 1.5 M methanol + 1.0 M Suc, and all 14 from 2.0 M methanol without sucrose survived in culture. From 2009 to 2016, the direct transfer of in-straw glycerol diluted embryos using the 1.5 M methanol + 1.0 M Suc treatment led to 2,358/3,702 (63.7%) pregnancies. The mixtures of methanol and sucrose seemed to have no adverse effect on either fresh or frozen embryos. The hydrophilic methanol may absorb water from embryos at the same time that it antagonizes movement of glycerol into the embryo. This may allow gentle intracellular and extracellular glycerol equilibration.
70 Effect of Ovulation Stimulus on Biochemical Composition of the Oviduct of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: Hilari F. Y. , Villanueva J. C. , Huanca W. F. , Lira B. , Huanca W.
Published: November 2018

Experiments were designed to determine the effect of ovulation stimulus on the biochemical composition of oviduct fluid in alpacas (Vicugna pacos). Twenty-four adult females were used to determine profiles of protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides in oviduct fluid. The animals were stimulated with 1 mL of seminal plasma (SP), 0.042 mg of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue (buserelin acetate; Conceptal, Intervet, Holland), or PBS as control group. The oviduct was removed inmediately after slaughter on Day 2 or 4 after ovulation induction and washed with 3 mL of PBS solution. Determination of the biochemical composition was carried out with specific kits from the FAR Diagnostics Italia laboratory using a semiautomatic biochemical analyzer of the Sinowa China brand, which is based on spectrophotometric evaluation. The results are presented in Table 1. Our results suggest that the method of induction of ovulation affected the biochemical composition of oviduct fluid, including concentrations of albumin, cholesterol, total protein, triglyceride, and glucose.

Table 1.Biochemical composition of oviduct fluid (mean ± SEM).
71 The Effect of Two Different In Vitro Culture Media and Mice Embryo Groupings on Hatchability After 24 Hours of Culture
Authors: Negota N. C. , Mphaphathi M. L. , Nethenzheni L. P. , Rammutla T. L. , Serota N. R. , Nedambale T. L.
Published: November 2018

Mammalian blastocysts must hatch out from the zona pellucida before implantation. In vitro embryo culture and grouping of mice blastocysts are conducive options of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to speed up the hatching rate of mice embryos. The number of embryos per unit volume has the greatest impact on hatching rates due to autocrine signalling. The study aimed to determine the effect of two in vitro culture (IVC) media (TCM-199 and Ham’s F10) and embryo groupings (1, 2, 3, and 4 embryos per 50-µL droplet) after 24 h of culture on hatching rate. Breeds of C57BL/6 (n = 10) and BALB/c (n = 10) were raised until they reached maturity and bred naturally to produce the first filial generation. The photoperiod was 14 h of light followed by 10 h of darkness in the breeding house, and feed and water were provided ad libitum. Female mice were superovulated using eCG and hCG. The first filial generations from 2 breeds were used for the collection of 160 blastocysts and randomly allocated into 2 IVC media (80 embryos for TCM-199 and 80 embryos for Ham’s F10) and again subjected to 4 embryo groupings (1, 2, 3, and 4 embryos per droplet) treatments. Four replicates were done per treatment group. The general linear model of Minitab version 17 (Minitab Inc., State College, PA, USA) was used to analyse the data. The hatching rate of blastocyst stage was significantly higher for TCM-199 (56.9 ± 27.2) compared with Ham’s F10 (50.0 ± 35.1%). The comparison of all embryo groupings, 1 (20.0 ± 40.5), 2 (28.8 ± 29.7), 3 (59.1 ± 38.8), and 4 (43.8 ± 32.4%) per 50-µL droplet showed significant differences, irrespective of IVC medium and breed. In TCM-199, groupings of 1 (20.0 ± 41.0), 2 (30.0 ± 29.9), 3 (63.3 ± 40.3), and 4 (42.5 ± 33.5%) had a significant difference on blastocyst hatching percent. In Ham’s F10, groupings of 1 (20.0 ± 41.0), 2 (27.5 ± 30.2), 3 (55.0 ± 37.9), and 4 (45.0 ± 32.0%) were significantly different on blastocyst hatching rate. However, an increase in hatching rate was observed for the interaction of media and embryo groupings and especially when embryos were increased per droplet in all breeds. In conclusion, the use of TCM-199 and grouping of 3 embryos per 50-µL droplet during culture had the highest hatching rate compared with the use of Ham’s F10.
74 Treatment with Melatonin During In Vitro Culture Enhances Porcine Parthenogenetically Activated Embryo Development
Authors: Kim G. A. , Jin J.-X. , Lee S. , Taweechaipaisankul A. , Lee B. C.
Published: November 2018

Melatonin and its metabolites are powerful antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Because porcine embryos are vulnerable to oxidative stress in vitro, the addition of various protective chemicals to the culture medium, including melatonin, has been explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin on in vitro developmental competence of porcine parthenogenetically activated (PA) embryos. Immature cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) were collected and cultured in medium comprising TCM-199 supplemented with 10 ng mL−1 epidermal growth factor, 0.57 mM cysteine, 0.91 mM sodium pyruvate, 5 μL mL−1 insulin, transferrin selenium solution 100×, 10% porcine follicular fluid, 10 IU mL−1 eCG, and 10 IU mL−1 hCG for 44 h. Then, COC were denuded and PA with electrical stimulation, and PA embryos were cultured in porcine zygote medium 5 (PZM-5) supplemented with melatonin at increased concentrations (10−9, 10−7, 10−5 M) at 39°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% O2, 5% CO2, and 90% N2 for 7 days. Subsequent embryo development, including cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, and blastocyst cell numbers, was compared between groups (mean no. of embryos; control, 27.14; 10−9 M, 28.86; 10−7 M, 27.71; 10−5 M, 26.43). The experiments were repeated 7 times for each treatment group. Statistical analyses of all data were performed using one-way ANOVA with Dunn’s multiple comparison test. Results are expressed as the mean ± SEM and all differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. No apparent effect on cleavage rate of melatonin treatment of various concentrations was noted. Blastocyst cell number did not show any significant difference between groups. However, the potential of PA oocytes to develop into blastocysts was significantly higher in the group supplemented with 10−9 M melatonin compared with the control group (35.44 ± 3.84 v. 24.71 ± 1.59) and other melatonin treated groups (10−5 M, 21.35 ± 2.82; 10−7 M, 24.01 ± 2.31; P < 0.05). These indicated that treatment with 10−9 M melatonin in embryo culture might reduce the oxidative stress properly compared with other concentrations, which results in improvement of blastocyst rate formation. In conclusion, treatment with 10−9 M melatonin positively promoted the blastocyst formation rate of porcine PA embryos with no beneficial effects on their blastocyst cell numbers or cleavage rate.
This study was supported by the National Research Foundation (#2015R1C1A2A01054373; 2016M3A9B6903410), Research Institute for Veterinary Science and the BK21 PLUS Program.
91 Expression Pattern of Neuron-Specific Red Fluorescence Protein in Nervous System of Transgenic Dog with Human Synapsin I Promoter
Authors: Oh H. J. , Kim M. J. , Kim G. A. , Setyawan E. M. N. , Lee S. H. , Lee B. C.
Published: November 2018

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, affect neurons in large areas within the central nervous system. The selective expression of disease-causing and therapeutic genes in susceptible regions and cell types is critical to the generation of animal models. In our previous studies, we reported production of a transgenic dog by nuclear transfer using donor cells that had been stably transfected by vector containing the red fluorescence protein (RFP) and human synapsin I (SynI) promoter, a neuron-specific promoter. Here, we evaluated whether RFP expression in transgenic dog with SynI (SynI dog) had high neuronal specificity and strong transcriptional activity. For confirmation of neuron-specific RFP expression, tissue samples were obtained from a killed 4-year-old SynI dog. Quantification of RFP in heart, kidney, liver, lung, spleen, cerebrum, cerebrum, cerebellum, midbrain, hippocampus, peripheral nerves, skin, and spinal cord of SynI dog was analysed using ELISA (Cell Biolabs, San Diego, CA, USA). Moreover, the distribution of RFP activity in neural system of the SynI dog was determined by immunohistochemistry. The first antibody, rabbit polyclonal RFP antibody (1:200, ab62341, Abcam, Cambridge, MA, USA) was applied, and antibody labelling was visualised by incubation with avidin-biotinylated horseradish peroxidase complex (1:1,000; ABC Elite, Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, CA, USA). In the 4-year-old SynI dog, RFP was observed only in neuronal tissues including brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, but was not detected in non-neuronal tissue such as heart, kidney, and skin. In addition, robust RFP expression was observed in the neurons of the peripheral nerve, spinal cord, and prefrontal cortex. In the hippocampus and cerebellum, the RFP-expressing cells appeared heterogeneous in hippocampus neurons and purkinje cells. In conclusion, we report that human SynI promoter is functional in neural cells of dogs. A neural specific-transgene expressed dog could be applied as a research tool in the study of neurodegenerative disorders.
This research was supported by RDA (#PJ010928032017), Korea IPET (#316002-05-2-SB010), NRF (#2016R1D1A1B03932198), and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, the BK21 plus program.
A ground cover-based incentive approach to enhancing resilience in rangelands viewed as complex adaptive systems
Authors: Hacker Ronald B. , Jessop Peter J. , Smith Warren J. , Melville Gavin J.
Published: November 2018

Inconsistencies can commonly be expected between the financial goals of rangeland grazing enterprises and public conservation goals such as maintenance of ground cover to reduce erosion. Where the State wishes to promote conservation outcomes, incentive schemes which reward these outcomes on privately managed grazing lands are an option. We describe one such scheme intended to achieve conservation outcomes and support the development of resilience in the complex adaptive (human–environmental) rangeland system through payments related to measured ground cover. A pilot program in western New South Wales has shown that the practical operation of such a program is uncomplicated and that while several theoretical issues could be further refined there is a rationale for extension of the program based on parameters and processes that are agreed by the participants. We suggest that development of such a scheme should be considered as part of the policy mix related to natural resource management and drought assistance.
Resilience of floodplain ecosystems in a semi-arid environment
Authors: Colloff Matthew J. , Baldwin Darren S.
Published: November 2018

Implicit to loss of ecosystem resilience is that systems can shift from one stable state to another as a result of disturbance. We present a conceptual model of ecosystem resilience of floodplains and wetlands in semi-arid environments like those of the Murray–Darling Basin. The model is based on a single state characterised by fluctuating wet and dry phases driven by episodic floods and droughts. It might appear that such a single state is inherently unstable, but stability, and the measure of resilience, is conferred by the capacity of floodplains and wetlands to undergo drought and yet return to a functioning wet phase following inundation as well as to undergo flooding and return to the dry phase following flood recession. Floodplains and wetlands are driven by strong, periodic abiotic disturbances and their ecosystem functions and biogeochemical processes are highly rate-limited, spatiotemporally variable and driven by relatively species-poor assemblages of plants and animals adapted to withstand drought and flooding. Extreme drying due to climatic change and over-allocation of water resources represents the primary mechanism via which resilience is lost.
Adaptive capacity on the northern Australian rangelands
Authors: Marshall Nadine A.
Published: November 2018

This paper presents an overview of research that has recently been conducted on the northern Australian rangelands. The research has focussed on conceptualising and measuring the current capacity of cattle producers to adopt new strategies so as to better adapt to the impacts of climate change. The capacity to adapt is defined as comprising four essential elements: (i) managing risk and uncertainty, (ii) possessing strategic skill sets such as planning, experimenting, refining and learning, (iii) psychological and financial buffers, and (iv) an interest in change. However, there appears to be a lack of sufficient capacity currently existing within the industry to meet the challenges of the future: only 16% of producers are regarded to be sufficiently adaptive. Research also highlights that adaptive capacity can be enhanced, and here we highlight those factors that are known to influence adaptive capacity either positively or negatively. Producers with strong networks and trust in informal and formal connections, a strong locus of control, larger properties, a focus on profitability, and use technology, are more likely to persist within the industry through time. We propose that investing in the capacity of producers to better cope and adapt to change is a most logical approach to ensuring both the sustainability of the industry and of the rangelands. A range of strategies are proposed that may enhance adaptive capacity.
Individual and social optima of rural land allocation by stakeholders: a case study on eco-fragile areas of northern China
Authors: Liu Min , Heijman Wim , Zhu Xueqin , Dries Liesbeth , Huang Jikun
Published: November 2018

Divergences in preferences over the allocation of rural land among stakeholders are getting stronger with the decrease of rural land area. This paper analyses the degree of divergences among different stakeholders over the allocation of four types of land: cultivated land, grassland, forest and other land, and explores the optimal allocation from the social perspective of balancing economic and ecological benefits. Considering the heterogeneity of stakeholders that are concerned with land-use decisions, we distinguish four types of stakeholders, namely, ecological authorities, economic authorities, herders and farmers. The diverging preferences of these four stakeholder types over the different types of land use were quantified using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Weights for each stakeholder type were derived for three scenarios: equal weights, weights based on income distribution and weights based on labour force distribution. Welfare analysis was employed then to determine the individual optimal allocation by maximising the utility function of each stakeholder type. Social optimal allocation was derived by maximising the social welfare function, which is the weighted sum of individual utilities. Tai Pusi County, located in an eco-fragile area of northern China, was taken as a case to present the empirical analysis. Individual optima revealed the degree of divergences among stakeholders and the social optima revealed the optimal allocation based on social welfare. Our results provide policy insights on how to achieve an efficient allocation of rural land, balancing the ecological and economic benefits of different stakeholders from different types of land.
Reasons for delays in treatment of bacterial sexually transmissible infections in remote Aboriginal communities in Australia: a qualitative study of healthcentre staff
Authors: Hengel Belinda , Maher Lisa , Garton Linda , Ward James , Rumbold Alice , Taylor-Thomson Debbie , Silver Bronwyn , McGregor Skye , Dyda Amalie , Knox Janet , Kaldor John , Guy Rebecca , on behalf of the STRIVE Investigators
Published: November 2018

Background
Remote Aboriginal communities in Australia experience high rates of bacterial sexually transmissible infections (STIs). To control the transmission and decrease the risk of complications, frequent STI testing combined with timely treatment is required, yet significant delays in treatment have been reported. Perceived barriers to timely treatment for asymptomatic patients in remote communities were explored. Methods: A qualitative study was undertaken as part of the STRIVE (STIs in Remote communities, ImproVed and Enhanced primary health care) project; a cluster randomised controlled trial of a sexual health quality improvement program. During 2012, we conducted 36 in-depth interviews with staff in 22 clinics in remote Australia. Results: Participants included registered nurses (72%) and Aboriginal health practitioners (28%). A key barrier to timely treatment was infrequent transportation of specimens to laboratories often hundreds of kilometres away from clinics. Within clinics, there were delays checking and actioning test results, and under-utilisation of systems to recall patients. Participants also described difficulties in physically locating patients due to: (i) high mobility between communities; and (ii) low levels of community knowledge created by high staff turnover. Participants also suggested strategies to overcome some barriers such as dedicated clinical time to follow-up recalls and taking treatment out to patients. Conclusions: Participants identified barriers to timely STI treatment in remote Aboriginal communities, and systems to address some of the barriers. Innovative strategies such as point-of-care testing or increased support for actioning results, coupled with incentives to individual patients to attend for results, may also assist in decreasing the time to treatment.
A systematic analysis of the needs of people with HIV in Australia: stakeholder views of the key elements for a healthy life
Authors: Dodson Sarity , Batterham Roy , McDonald Karalyn , Elliott Julian H. , Osborne Richard H. , for the HealthMap Project Team
Published: November 2018

Background: The HealthMap project is developing an intervention to reduce cardiovascular risk in people living with HIV. As part of the formative stages of the intervention design, we sought to understand the needs of people with HIV (PWHIV). Methods: Two concept-mapping workshops with PWHIV (n = 10), and one with HIV care providers (n = 6) were conducted. The workshop findings were consolidated into a questionnaire administered to PWHIV (n = 300) and HIV care providers (n = 107). Participants were asked to rate the importance of each of 81 presented needs and the degree to which it was currently being met. Results: Workshops provided insights into what PWHIV perceive they need, to live with and manage their condition, and its impact on their life; these included: (1) clinical science research and development; (2) information and support; (3) personal situation; (4) healthcare quality; (5) access to services; (6) access to services specific to ageing; and (7) social justice. Questionnaire results revealed that PWHIV considered information and support, and research and development most important. For providers, healthcare quality, clients’ personal situation, and social justice were most important. In terms of unmet needs, PWHIV and providers both highlighted issues in the areas of social justice, and access to aged care services. Conclusions: PWHIV and HIV providers continue to report unmet needs in the areas of social justice and emerging concerns about access to aged care services. Services must continue to address these issues of access and equity.
Men’s use of sexual health and HIV services in Swaziland: a mixed methods study
Authors: Mak Joelle , Mayhew Susannah H. , von Maercker Ariane , Integra Research Team  , Colombini Manuela
Published: November 2018

Background: Over one-quarter of the adult population in Swaziland is estimated to be HIV positive. Men’s use of sexual health (SH) services has significant implications for HIV prevention. This study aimed to understand Swazi men’s health-seeking behaviours in relation to SH and HIV services. Methods: A household survey was conducted in Manzini (n = 503), complemented by 23 semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions (with a total of 10 participants). Results: One-third of male survey participants used SH services in the past year, most commonly HIV testing (28%). Service users were more likely to be sexually active (aOR 3.21, 95% CI: 1.81–5.68 for those with one partner; and aOR 2.35, 95% CI: 1.25–4.41 for those with multiple partners) compared with service non-users. Service users were less likely to prefer HIV services to be separated from other healthcare services (aOR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.35–0.71), or to agree with travelling further for their HIV test (aOR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.33–0.82) compared with non-users, after controlling for age-group and education. Men avoided SH services because they feared being stigmatised by STI/HIV testing, are uncomfortable disclosing SH problems to female healthcare providers, and avoided HIV testing by relying on their wife’s results as a proxy for their own status. Informal providers, such as traditional healers, were often preferred because practitioners were more often male, physical exams were not required and appointments and payment options were flexible. Conclusion: To improve men’s uptake of SH services, providers and services need to be more sensitive to men’s privacy concerns, time restrictions and the potential stigma associated with STI/HIV testing.
Obtaining approximate region of asymptotic stability by computer algebra: A case study
Authors: Prakash S , Vanualailai J , Soma T
Published: November 2018

One of the classical problems in nonlinear control system analysis and design is to find a region of asymptotic stability by the Direct Method of Lyapunov. This paper tentatively shows, via a numercial example, that this problem can be easily solved using Quantifier Elimination (QE). In particular, if the governing equations are described by differential equations containing only polynomials, then the problem can be conveniently solved by a computer algebra software packages such as Qepcad or Redlog. In our case study, we use a simple Lyapunov function and Qepcad to estimate the stability region, and the results are verified by an optimization method based on Lagrange's method.
Concentration of 7Be in surface air at Suva, Fiji
Authors: Garimella Sitaram , Koshy Kanayathu , Singh Shusendra
Published: November 2018

A high-volume air sampler and a high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometer have been used during the period 1999-2000 at the University of the South Pacific to measure the activity of 7Be in the surface air at Suva, the capital city of Fiji. The measurements indicate that the average concentration of 7Be in surface air is about 1.6 mBq m-3, which agrees closely with the corresponding values reported for other Pacific islands in the region. 7Be shows a significant correlation with nitrate in the atmosphere. This could imply long-range transport of anthropogenically-derived continental material to Fiji or the intrusion of nitrogen species from the stratosphere to surface air.
Trace metal levels in drinking water on Viti Levu, Fiji Islands
Authors: Singh Sarabjeet , Mosley Luke M.
Published: November 2018

Drinking water samples from several major source intakes and reticulation end points on Viti Levu, Fiji Islands were analysed for trace metal (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn) content. The objective of the study was to determine if metal concentrations were within the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. The concentrations of metals were determined using various atomic absorption techniques (flame, graphite furnace, hydride generation). In the source waters, concentrations of trace metals were generally very low (<0.5 mg/L) indicating that there are only small inputs of metals from anthropogenic or natural sources. Some of the reticulation end points were found to have higher levels of metals such as Cu. This is likely due to the leaching of metals from metal pipes and fittings within the distribution system. The majority of samples were within WHO guidelines indicating that Viti Levu's water appears safe for drinking from a trace metal perspective. A relatively high value for As was found at one site which was located downstream of a gold mine tailings pond discharge.
Detoxification of a toxic variety of Jatropha curcas using heat and chemical treatments, and preliminary nutritional evaluation with rats
Authors: Aregheore E. M. , Becker K. , Makkar H.P.S.
Published: November 2018

Seeds from a toxic variety of Jatropha curcas (Capo Verde, Nicaragua) were processed, defatted and ground to obtain the meal. The meal was subjected to heat and 14 different chemical treatments to detoxify the meal of lectin and phorbolesters. Heat treatment inactivated lectin, but not phorbolester. One of the treatments reduced phorbolesters to a tolerable level of 0.09 mg/g. The treated meals with other ingredients were used in diets to assess acceptance and nutritive value of detoxified Jatropha curcas meal in two experiments. Experiments 1 and 2 had twelve (12) male weanling rats each, Sprague Dawley strain, 28-30 days old, pre-experimental average body weights of 8379±7.2 and 84.6±6.4 g, respectively. They were divided into three groups according to body weight and fed casein diet (control) and two diets in which Jatropha curcas was the protein source. In experiment 1, the rats accepted diet 1, but did not fully accept diet 2. Food intake, growth rate, protein efficiency ratio (PER) and food transformation index (T1) were significantly better (P<0.05) in diet 1 than in the casein and diet 2. In experiment 2, casein diet was better (P<0.05) in food intake, growth rate, PER and TI than diets 1 and 2. Food intake with Jatropha meal was significantly reduced and the rats had drastic body weight loss (P<0.05) and this might be due to the presence of phorbolesters in the diets. Generally, the presence of phorbolesters in food has significant effect on its acceptance. Jatropha meal obtained from treatment 3 had a crude protein (CP) content of 68%, far higher than the CP content of most oilseed meals (soyabean). This treatment seems a better method of detoxifying Jatropha curcas meal for livestock but in economic terms it is expensive to produce a meal from it.
Partial identification and nutritional analysis of Kiribati algae
Authors: Maata M , Pickering T , Ali S , Bird C
Published: November 2018

A chemical analysis of the edible algae from the island of Beru in Kiribati revealed it contained relatively high concentrations of Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions. A fair amount of protein and other minerals such as Na+, K+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Zn2+ and Fe2+ ions are also present in it. The scientific identification revealed that the algae are made of a mixture of different species, which are not an entirely new species just discovered. In fact, the two major types of algae that were identified (Lyngbya perelegans and Chroococcus minutus) are known to exist in Hawaii, some areas in Europe and parts of South East Asia.
The Sabellariid worm colonies of Suva Lagoon, Fiji
Authors: Pohler Susanne M L
Published: November 2018

The nearshore area between USP?s Lower Campus and the Suva Bowling Club was investigated with regard to sabellariid worm colonies which are common on exposed bedrock, boulders and mangrove roots along that coastline. Polychaetous worms of the family SABELLARIIDAE build reef-like structures made of clusters of vertically oriented tubes composed of sand grains and cemented together by a proteinaceous substance. The structures reach considerable sizes of up to 1 m across and 30 cm height. They are indicative of sites along the coast where erosion is occurring and a combination of exposed bedrock and minor sand provides the worms with hard substrate to attach themselves and building material to construct their tubes. Their original habitat are the roots of mangroves most of which have been cleared from this stretch of the coast. Some findings about the habitat, morphology and biology of the sandbuilder worms are documented. Their regional significance and contribution to coast line development is investigated and the need for their preservation is highlighted.
Seed germination and seedling development in Taro (Colocasia esculenta)
Authors: Tyagi A P , Taylor M , Deo P C
Published: November 2018

Two taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott var. esculenta) cultivars from Fiji and Papua New Guinea were grown at the University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Fiji to produce seeds for seed storage experiments. Gibberellic acid at a 500ppm concentration was used to induce flowering. Very few flowering shoots (inflorescence) were observed in the Fiji cultivar and all pollinations were unsuccessful. However the PNG cultivar flowered well and was used to obtain seed after hand pollination. Hand pollination was carried out to ensure seed setting in developing fruits in the inflorescence. Seeds were extracted in the laboratory after harvesting mature inflorescences. Experiments were conducted on seed moisture content, desiccation, germination, seedling development and seed storage behaviour of taro (Colocasia esculenta) seeds. Seed moisture content was determined using oven methods and air-drying. Results demonstrated that taro seeds have a moisture content of 12-13% after air-drying for three to four weeks. Seeds were dried to desired moisture contents in a desiccator over silica gel. After drying to 5% moisture content seed viability was tested by germinating seeds on moist filter paper at room temperature with 65% relative humidity and seven to eight hours day length. Preliminary seed germination tests demonstrated up to 83% germination for seeds with 13% moisture content. Germination occurred within five to seven days. Maximum germination was achieved within 21 days. The highest germination (80%) was achieved with seeds with 12% moisture content. Results indicated there was no relationship between moisture content and seed germination. Normal seedling development and growth was recorded after germination.
Screening of some Leguminosae seeds for nematicidal activity
Authors: Khurma Uma R , Mangotra Anupama
Published: November 2018

Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., are the major nematode pests of economic crops worldwide. Use of conventional nematicides has been one of the most effective methods to reduce their populations. However, the ban on many effective nematicides in recent past has necessitated the search for alternative sources of effective and ecofriendly chemicals for nematode control. The nematicidal potential of fifteen Leguminosae seeds (wild and cultivated) was assessed, in vitro, against juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood. Each standard aqueous seed extract, 25g/100ml (w/v), was evaluated at dilutions, 1:10, 1:20, and 1:40 at 27+1�C for 24 hours. The majority of seed extracts caused high mortality rates, especially in 1:10 concentration. Trigonella foenum graceum, Sesbania sesban, Albizzia lebbak, Cassia fistula and Pongamia glabra were the most efficacious (above 90% mortality). S. sesban and P. glabra were significantly effective even in the lowest concentration (1:40).
Nonresponse in stratified sampling: a mathematical programming approach
Authors: Fatima Ummatul , Ahsan M. J.
Published: November 2018

In sampling theory the term nonresponse is used for not being able to obtain from some units selected in the sample. Among other reasons nonresponse may be due to the refusal to answer or due to evasive answers in response to a sensitive question. Warner (1965) presented the Randomized Response (RR) technique to estimate the proportion of respondents to a sensitive question without the knowledge of the respondents' personal status. This paper addresses the problem of optimum allocation in stratified sampling under RR model as an All Integer Nonlinear Programming Problem (AINLPP) in the presence of nonresponse. The solution to the formulated problem is obtained using optimization software.
Five new species of Sarcophyton (Coelenterata: Octocorallia) from the Fiji Islands
Authors: Feussner Klaus-D. , Waqa Talemo
Published: November 2018

This paper describes five new species of the soft coral genus Sarcophyton which were identified by their morphological characters (colony form and sclerite shape). The five species have been named: S. aalbersbergi sp. nov., S. aldersladei sp. nov., S. alexanderi sp. nov., S. skeltoni sp. nov and S. soapiae sp. nov. For the first time it is documented that there is a Sarcophyton species that does not have sclerites in the interior of the disc.
Variation of hydrocarbon constituents of epicuticular wax of leaves of Litchi chinensis Sonn.
Authors: Samanta Titil Datta , Ghosh Tithi , Laskar Subrata
Published: November 2018

Epicuticular wax of leaves of Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) collected all through the year and n-alkane extract was analysed by thin layer chromatography, infrared spectroscopy and gas liquid chromatography, using standard hydrocarbons. Twenty long chain hydrocarbons (n-C16 to n-C35) were identified and quantified. Distinct variation of hydrocarbon content has been observed during different time of the year. Scanning electron microscopic views of total epicuticular wax, hydrocarbon and upper surface of Litchi chinensis Sonn. leaf during the fruiting stage of the tree has also been done.
Behavioural response of free-ranging guanacos (Lama guanicoe) to land-use change: habituation to motorised vehicles in a recently created reserve
Authors: Marino Andrea , Johnson Andrés
Published: November 2018

Context
Guanacos, the only native ungulates inhabiting Patagonian arid lands, are perceived by local people as a threat to livestock production and, consequently, uncontrolled hunting and harassment are widespread across the region. In 2005, a traditional sheep ranch (RSP) was converted into a wildlife reserve, offering the opportunity to assess changes in guanaco tolerance to motorised vehicles after harassment ceased.

Aims
The aims of the present study were to address factors influencing guanaco flight response on RSP, to assess inter-annual variation in flight responses after management changed and to compare guanaco response to cars among the RSP population, neighbouring ranches with traditional management and a southern population (C2B) that has had effective protection since the early 1970s.

Methods
Field surveys using available roads at RSP were conducted during a 4-year period to assess inter-annual changes in guanaco flight probability. Current estimates of flight probability at RSP were then compared with point estimates obtained from neighbouring ranches and the C2B population.

Results
We found that flight probability at RSP decreased as groups were located farther from the transect line and groups with at least one juvenile were more likely to flee than were adult-only groups. Flight probability decreased progressively during the study and significant differences with initial conditions emerged during the fourth year of monitoring. The current flight response observed at RSP is consistent with an intermediate state between neighbouring ranches and C2B population.

Key conclusion
Our results support the hypothesis that guanacos can become rapidly habituated to vehicles if harassment ceases and subsequent traffic acts as a neutral stimulus for enough time.

Implications
Finally, we discuss how our results may be helpful for other recently created reserves and ecotourism oriented projects.