bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High genetic merit and high-producing dairy cows in commercial Australian herds don't have substantially worse reproductive performance
Authors: Morton J.M.
Published: May 2019

The National Dairy Herd Fertility Project (renamed the InCalf Project) consists of two large, prospective observational studies conducted in commercial dairy herds from 4 Australian states. The project aims to identify factors associated with variation in reproductive performance between cows and herds. The larger of the two studies included over 33,000 cows and 168 herds. The database has undergone extensive error checking and correction resulting in high quality data. Large variations in reproductive performance were observed between cows and herds, indicating that there are important risk factors for reproductive performance and that cows and herds are exposed to varying combinations of these risk factors. Models for several reproductive outcomes were constructed using multivariable stepwise logistic regression. No significant associations were detected between any measures of cow genetic merit and 6 week in-calf rate. Neither milk volume nor protein yield were significantly associated with 6 week in-calf rate. A weak negative association was detected between fat yield in the first 120 days of lactation and 6 week in-calf rate. However, differences in estimated 6-week in-calf rate between moderate and high producing groups (2 to 5 percentage points) were small when contrasted against the 63 percentage point range in performance observed between herds (23% to 86%).
The effect of crude protein and fermentable carbohydrate intake on blood metabolite concentrations and fertility in beef heifers
Authors: Kenny D.A. , Boland M.P. , Diskin M.G. , Sreenan J.M.
Published: May 2019

High intakes of crude protein (CP), in particular rumen degradable protein (RDP), have been associated with reduced fertility in cattle. This reduction in fertility has been attributed to putative toxic effects of elevated systemic concentrations of ammonia and, or urea, the by-products of protein metabolism, on gametes and embryos. The objective of the studies reported here was to examine the effect of CP and fermentable carbohydrate intake on various blood metabolites and on fertility, in beef heifers. In the first experiment, 40 heifers were randomly assigned to either low (no urea) or high (240 g urea) RDP, grass silage based diets, supplemented with 1.5 or 3.0 kg dry matter (DM) of either rolled barley (BAR) or molassed sugar beet pulp (MSBP) or no carbohydrate (control). The high RDP diet increased plasma ammonia and urea concentrations. MSBP at 3 kg DM/day was more effective than BAR in reducing ammonia (P<0.05) and urea (P<0.001). In animals fed no urea, MSBP at 3 kg DM/day was also more effective than BAR in reducing systemic ammonia (P<0.001) and urea (P < 0.05). In the second experiment, 83 beef cross-bred heifers were randomly assigned over two replicates to one of 4 treatment groups in a 2 x 2 factorial design. Animals consuming high (85 kg N/ha; HN) or low (0 kg N/ha; LN) nitrogen fertilised pastures were supplemented with either 0 or 3 kg dry matter (DM) MSBP daily as follows: 1) HN only (n=21); 2) HN + 3kg MSBP, (n=22); 3) LN only (n=21); 4) LN + 3kg MSBP (n=19). The HN pastures had higher (P<0.001) CP and lower (P<0.001) water soluble carbohydrate concentrations than LN pastures. Systemic ammonia (P<0.05) and urea (P<0.001) were higher in heifers on the HN pasture. Embryo survival rate was high overall (80%) and was not affected by systemic ammonia or urea concentrations or by supplementation with MSBP. Systemic progesterone, insulin and glucose were not affected by treatment. High CP intake coupled with low fermentable carbohydrate, lead to elevated systemic ammonia and urea concentrations in heifers. However, no adverse effect on fertility was observed.
The effect of a copper, cobalt and selenium bolus on fertility and trace element status of dairy cattle.
Authors: Mackenzie A.M. , Moeini M.M , Telfer S.B.
Published: May 2019

Infertility is one of the manifestations of clinical copper deficiency in dairy cattle that results from high dietary molybdenum intakes. This trial investigated the effects of slow release glass copper, cobalt and selenium boluses (Cosecure) on the number of inseminations required for confirmed pregnancy, calving interval and trace element status in dairy cattle. Sixty Holstein Friesian dairy cattle were allocated to one of two treatment groups, 30 cattle were treated with two soluble glass trace element boluses (Cosecure®,Telsol Ltd.) on day 0 and 169 while the remaining 30 cattle were left untreated (Controls). The cattle were grazed at pasture (day 0 to 165) which has been shown to contain high levels of molybdenum (range from 2.3 to 3.1 mg/kg DM). Blood samples were taken between days 0 and 280 to measure copper and selenium status and the number of inseminations and calving intervals were recorded. The control cattle required significantly more inseminations to confirmed pregnancy compared with the Cosecure treated cattle (2.5 v 1.7 SEmean 0.16, p<0.01) and had a significantly longer calving interval (397 v 372 days, SEmean 9.2, p<0.05). Plasma copper concentrations were significantly higher in the Cosecure treated cattle on days 30, 78 and 135 (p<0.01) compared with the controls, although the controls were all in the normal range (> 12 μmol/l). Cosecure treated cattle had significantly higher glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activities on day 246 (P.0.05). However, on all sample dates, the GSHPx activities were in the normal range for both treatment groups (>40units/ml PCV). The dietary cobalt intakes of the cows were measured (1.5 to 2.1 mg/kg DM in grass and 2.1 to 2.7 mg/Kg DM in compound) and found to be well in excess of the requirement of 0.2 mg/Kg DM. It was concluded that treatment with slow release glass copper, cobalt and selenium boluses (Cosecure) reduced the number of inseminations required for conception in the dairy cows due to the slowly released copper.
Relationship between genetic merit, milk production, body condition, blood parameters and reproductive performance of dairy cows
Authors: Snijders S.E.M. , Dillon P.G. , O'Farrell K.J. , Diskin M. , O'Callaghan D. , Rath M. , Boland M.P.
Published: May 2019

Based on their pedigree indices for milk production traits, 48 high (HM) and 48 medium (MM) genetic merit cows were studied in each of two years to determine the possible relationships between genetic merit, milk production, body condition, metabolite and hormone concentrations, feed intake and reproductive performance. The high genetic merit cows had higher milk production, greater body condition loss between calving and first service, lower plasma glucose and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and lower first and second service conception rates than the medium genetic merit cows. Furthermore, more high genetic merit cows were not pregnant at the end of the breeding period compared with medium genetic merit cows. Cows that did not conceive to first service were retrospectively compared to those that conceived to first service within each genetic merit category. Within the high and medium genetic merit category there were no significant differences between the cows that did not conceive and those that conceived to first service in terms of milk production, or plasma concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Although medium genetic merit cows that did not conceive to first service lost more body condition score between calving and first service than those that conceived to first service, there was no difference in body condition score (BCS) change between calving and first service between high genetic merit cows that did not conceive and those that conceived to first service. In the present study, high genetic merit cows had higher milk production and reduced reproductive performance in comparison with medium genetic merit cows. However, reproductive performance was not associated with milk production, energy balance or plasma concentrations of glucose, NEFA or IGF-1 between calving and insemination
Economic Incentives and Resource Allocation in U.S. Public and Private Plant Breeding
Authors: Fuglie Keith O. , Walker Thomas S.
Published: May 2019

Private investment in plant breeding has been increasing while public plant breeding has stagnated or declined. Moreover, research investment among crop commodities is uneven. Using a comprehensive survey of U.S. plant breeders from 1994, we use a simultaneous equations model to examine incentives and public-private tradeoffs in plant breeding research among 84 crop commodities. Allocation of private breeders among crops is strongly influenced by market size, hybrid seed technology, and ease of breeding improvement. In general, the allocation of public breeders does not appear to “crowd out” private breeders, but some competition may occur in applied breeding. Public breeding declines as private breeding increases on a commodity. Public breeding is also affected by market size, ease of breeding improvement, and political influence.
Genetic and nutritional effects on lactational performance of gilts selected for components of efficient lean growth
Authors: Cameron N.D. , Kerr J.C. , Garth G.B. , Fenty R. , Peacock A.
Published: May 2019

Lactational performance was measured in Large White gilts from lines that had been divergently selected over seven generations for daily food intake (DFI), lean food conversion ratio (LFC), lean growth rate with ad-libitum (LGA) or restricted (LGS) feeding during performance test. Control line gilts were included in the study. During the lactation period of 21 days, gilts were given to appetite five isoenergetic diets differing in ileal digestible lysine: energy (0·40, 0·58, 0·76, 0·94 and 1·12 g/MJ digestible energy). The study consisted of 223 gilts with a similar number of animals in each selection line.

Live-weight loss was greater in the low LFC and LGA lines than in the high lines and food intake was significantly lower in the low LGA line than in the high line. Litter-weight gain of the low LFC and high LGA lines were greater than in the complementary selection lines. Prediction equations for nutrient utilization were used to express the effect of diet and selection line in terms of energy and protein inputs and outputs. Selection on DFI or LGS resulted in gilts that did not mobilize lipid during lactation as sufficient energy for milk and maintenance was provided by dietary intake. In contrast, there was insufficient dietary energy with selection on LFC or on low LGA so lipid mobilization was required to achieve energy balance. The energy required to excrete excess protein and energy from lipid mobilization increased as the dietary lysine energy ratio increased, but there were no other dietary effects on energy and protein utilization. Genotype with nutrition interactions were detected for energy intake and lipid mobilization, which were due to the lines selected for low DFI and LGA. The general absence of genotype with nutrition interactions for lactational performance in gilts selected for components of efficient lean growth and the lack of significant dietary effects on energy utilization indicated that the consequences of changing nutritional inputs will be broadly similar for genotypes within the set of genotypes studied. Selection strategies which result in reduced food intake during lactation should be avoided if lipid mobilization is then required to attain energy balance and there are resultant negative effects on subsequent reproductive performance.
Endocrine changes and their relationship with body weight in growing yaks
Authors: Yongqiang Tian , Xingxu Zhao , Minqiang Wang , Zhonglin Lu , Rongchang Zhang
Published: May 2019

The concentrations of growth hormone (GH), insulin (Ins), tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in blood samples of growing yaks during different bimonthly seasons were determined by radioimmunoassay. The changes of body weight of growing yaks and composition of grass grazed were measured accordingly. The seasonal changes of hormones were significant (P < 0·01 or P < 0·05). Within season, the variances of hormones depended upon the different growing stages. The body-weight gains in the different groups varied in different seasons, increase being significant in May, July and September, decrease being significant from January to May. Correlation analysis indicated that T4 concentration had a significant positive correlation with the body weight of the growing yaks(r = 0·2509, P < 0·05) and other hormones did not have any significant correlation with body weight. The results showed that the annual cycle of weight loss and gain was attributed to the seasonal change of nutrition status. The seasonal change of the assayed hormones depended on the grass growth.
The effect of a neighbouring conspecificversusthe use of a mirror for the control of stereotypic weaving behaviour in the stabled horse
Authors: Mills D.S. , Davenport K.
Published: May 2019

Weaving behaviour involves the repetitive lateral swaying of the head, neck, forequarters and sometimes hindquarters of the horse and is generally believed to be indicative of poor welfare. The behaviour of six known weavers was recorded three times a day for 5 days in each of three different stable designs. These were a conventional loose-box, a conventional loose-box with a 1 m2 acrylic mirror and a conventional loose-box in which there was a grilled 1 m2 side window separating the resident horse from a non-weaving conspecific in an adjacent stable. Weaving and other stereotypic behaviours were significantly higher in the unmodified stable and during the late afternoon observation period. There was no significant difference in the amount of stereotypic behaviour recorded in the two modified stables. Significant differences in the behaviour patterns and location of horses during the study suggest that activity engaging with either a visual image of a horse or a hay net is associated with a reduction in weaving and other repetitive activities in the stabled horse.
Plasma concentrations of cortisol and progesterone during the period of reproductive development in beef and dairy heifers
Authors: Rawlings N. C. , Kastelic J. P. , Evans A.C. O. , Bartlewski P. M. , Beard A. P. , Chandolia R. K. , Cook S. J.
Published: May 2019

The plasma concentrations of cortisol and progesterone during reproductive maturation in the heifer calf were examined. Six beef heifer calves were handled and bled every 2 weeks (control), 30 were left unhandled (naive). At 13, 21, 30, 39 and 47 weeks of age, a different group of naive heifers and the control heifers were bled every day for 5 days (puberty seen at 57·4 (s.e. 1·3) weeks). Thirty-nine dairy heifer calves were allocated to seven groups to receive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) at either 4, 7, 9, 16, 26, 36 or 46 weeks of age (puberty expected around 43 weeks of age). Plasma concentrations of cortisol increased at 21, 30 and 39 weeks of age in frequently handled and naive beef heifers; the increase was greater at these ages in the naive beef heifers (age and treatment P < 0·01). No age trend was apparent for plasma concentrations of cortisol and progesterone prior to ACTH injections (t = 0) in frequently handled dairy heifers. Adrenal progesterone secretion did not change with age in beef heifers, but naive beef heifers had greater plasma concentrations than frequently handled beef heifers. ACTH induced cortisol release in dairy heifers as early as 4 weeks of age (P < 0·05), but the response was greater in dairy heifers 16 weeks old and older (P < 0·05). A progesterone response to ACTH in dairy heifers was not seen until animals were 9 weeks old. It is concluded that as heifers mature reproductively, there is a parallel increase in the sensitivity of the adrenal gland to ACTH and handling stress.
Wave motion in a conducting fluid with a layer adjacent to the boundary, II. Eigenfunction expansions
Authors: Smith William V.
Published: May 2019

The wave motion of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) systems can be quite complicated. In order to study the motion of waves in a perfectly conducting fluid under the influence of an external magnetic field in a stratified medium, we make the simplifying assumption that the pressure is constant (to first order). This is the simplest form of the equations with variable coefficients and is not strongly propagative. Alfven waves are still present. The system is further simplified by assuming that the external field is parallel to the boundary. The Green's function for the operator is constructed and then the spectral family is constructed in terms of generalized eigenfunctions, giving four families of propagating waves, including waves “trapped” in the boundary layer. These trapped waves are interesting, since they are not the relics of surface waves, which do not exist in this context when the boundary layer shrinks to zero thickness no matter what (maximal energy preserving) boundary condition is chosen. We conjecture a similar structure for the full MHD problem.
Validity Evidence of the Retirement Resources Inventory
Authors: Amorim Silvia Miranda , França Lucia Helena de Freitas Pinho
Published: May 2019

The current populational aging context requires that society reflect on the variables related with well-being and discuss ways of how to ensure them. The Conservation of Resources Theory (Hobfoll, 1989, 2002) posits that individuals who possess more material or social resources are more capable of resolving conflicts and dealing with stressful situations, thus maintaining good levels of well-being. However, there is a lack of instruments aimed at measuring the necessary resources for retirement well-being. The objective of this study was to translate and analyse the psychometric qualities of the Retirement Resources Inventory (RRI) (Leung & Earl, 2012) as applied to 1002 Brazilian retirees. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were undertaken using two independent subsamples consisting of 401 and 601 retirees respectively. Two viable models arose from the exploratory analysis: A five-factor model, χ2(gl) = 816.644 (271); CFI = 0.88; GFI = 0.98; RMSEA = 0.07; R2 = 0.55; and a six-factor model, χ2(gl) = 1028.291 (400); CFI = 0.88; GFI = 0.98; RMSEA = 0.03; R2= 0.53, with good fit indices, but similar to each other. Confirmatory analysis pointed towards an instrument consisting of 29 items and five factors with good fit indices, χ2(gl) = 1,274(364); CFI = 0.87; TLI: 0.86; RMSEA: 0.06, corroborating the model proposed by Wang and Shultz (2010). The analyses also highlighted the need for actions that take into account the gender, age and region of the country where the retiree lives. Future cross-cultural studies are recommended seeing that retirement planning is an emerging issue that affects the world as a whole.
Histopathological changes to the vascular wall after treatment of	great saphenous veins using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate
Authors: Novotny Karel , Campr Vít
Published: May 2019

Summary. Background: A histopathological examination was conducted on vein samples from six patients who had undergone great saphenous vein sealing with Histoacryl and Lipiodol to treat chronic venous insufficiency of the superficial venous system. Patients and methods: In each patient a sample of the complete vein including the surrounding tissue was obtained through a minor incision under perioperative sonographic monitoring. Each patient had signed an informed consent form. Samples were taken at the following intervals: six days, six weeks, six months, one year, two years, and three years after treatment. Results: N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate with Lipiodol induces a thrombotic reaction in the acute phase and endothelium is destroyed but no significant inflammation or substantial vascular wall damage is present. In the subsequent period, a foreign body giant cell reaction emerges accompanied by only moderate chronic inflammation that does not extend to the vascular wall or the surrounding tissue. The thrombus is organized with minimal recanalization. The foreign material is gradually degraded, and it is no longer detectable after three years. The vessel wall showed slight sclerotization. Conclusions: N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate that has been applied gradually degrades over the course of three years accompanied by a giant cell reaction, mild chronic inflammation and cicatrices, but there is minimal recanalization of the obturated section.
First Ground‐Based Conjugate Observations of Stable Auroral Red (SAR) Arcs
Authors: Martinis C. , Baumgardner J. , Mendillo M. , Taylor M.J. , Moffat‐Griffin T. , Wroten J. , Sullivan C. , Macinnis R. , Alford B. , Nishimura Y.
Published: May 2019

During the geomagnetic storm of 1 June 2013, all‐sky imagers located at geomagnetically conjugate locations at Millstone Hill, USA (42.6°N, 71.4°W, 50.9° mag lat) and at Rothera, Antarctica (67.5°S, 68.1°W, ‐53.2° mag lat), allowed us to measure a stable auroral red (SAR) arc simultaneously in both hemispheres for the first time. The arc measured in one hemisphere was observed very close to its conjugate location in the opposite hemisphere. While spatial characteristics, such as equatorward motion and latitudinal extent, were similar at both sites, morphological properties, for example, arc brightness and shape of the poleward edges, differed. The overall brightness of the northern hemisphere arc was considerably weaker, by a factor of ~2‐3, throughout the night. Reduced magnetospheric forcing, in a short time interval between ~0345 UT and 0445 UT, led to decreased SAR arc brightness and reduced equatorward motion at both sites. A substorm occurring near 0500UT provided additional energization that increased the SAR arc brightness as well as the speed of the equatorward motion. These results provide evidence of a complex coupling between energy sources in the inner magnetosphere and the ionospheric receptor conditions within the subauroral domain at opposite ends of the same geomagnetic field line.
Ocean Circulation in the Western Gulf of Mexico Using Self‐Organizing Maps
Authors: Meza‐Padilla Rafael , Enriquez Cecilia , Liu Yonggang , Appendini Christian M.
Published: May 2019

The ocean circulation in the western Gulf of Mexico is influenced by Loop Current eddies (LCEs), which affect the thermohaline structure and distribution of environmental variables as well as the design and management of offshore structures and maritime activities. In this study, we assess the ocean circulation and its variability by applying dual self‐organizing maps (SOMs) to a 20‐year data set (1993–2012) of salinity and currents at a depth of 200 m from a Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model. The geospatial variability is characterized via a 7 × 7 SOM, which is further grouped into seven patterns, while the temporal variability is characterized as six distinct regions using a 2 × 3 SOM. The influence of LCEs on the upper slope occurs along the 200‐m isobath, a zone under constant pressure by strong currents from impacting eddies. The temporal pattern variability also reveals a clear zone of LCE impact on the continental slope (between latitudes 22°N and 25°N) and a dominant offshore transport pattern around latitudes 25°N to 26°N. A rectified wavelet power spectral analysis reveals a frequency of LCE impact oscillating around four to five months with an estimated ring lifespan of 1 year.
Characterization of Suspended Particle Size Distribution in Global Highly Turbid Waters From VIIRS Measurements
Authors: Shi Wei , Wang Menghua
Published: May 2019

Normalized water‐leaving radiance spectranLw(λ) at the near‐infrared (NIR) bands from six years of observations (2012–2017) with the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on‐board the Suomi National Polar‐orbiting Partnership are used to derive both the power law slopeηof the particle backscattering coefficient spectrabbp(λ) and the particle size power law slopeξfor turbid coastal and inland waters. Based on the fact that the absorption coefficient of sea wateraw(λ) is generally much larger than those of the other constituentsaiop(λ) at the NIR wavelengths in coastal and inland waters, a NIR‐basedbbp(λ) algorithm for turbid waters has been used to derive the power law slopeη. A three‐order polynomial function betweenηandξin Kostadinov et al. (2009,https://doi.org/10.1029/2009JC005303) is applied to calculate the particle size slopeξ. Seasonal and interannual variations ofηandξin China's east coastal region, the Amazon River Estuary, the La Plata River Estuary, the Meghna River Estuary, and the Atchafalaya River Estuary are characterized and quantified. Except for the Amazon River Estuary,ηandξhave significant seasonal dependence in these highly turbid regions. Among the global highly turbid waters, the Meghna River Estuary shows the most significant seasonal variations inηandξwith the largest particle size in the surface layer. The peaks of the climatologyηandξare at ~ −1.2 and 3.2 in the Meghna River Estuary, respectively. Particle size parametersηandξare also shown to be related to the magnitude ofnLw(λ) (orbbp(λ)) at the NIR bands with strong regional dependence. This study demonstrates thatηandξincrease from the inshore to offshore regions in these highly turbid waters, illustrating the more large particles in the inshore waters than the offshore ocean regions. In addition, wind and precipitation data in the Amazon River Estuary and Meghna River Estuary show that wind forcing is the major driver for the particle size distribution dynamics in these highly turbid water regions.
Seismic Characterization of Debris Flows: Insights into Energy Radiation and Implications for Warning
Authors: Coviello V. , Arattano M. , Comiti F. , Macconi P. , Marchi L.
Published: May 2019

Debris flows represent a major hazard in mountainous areas, due to their rapid motion along steep channels and to the transport of large sediment volumes, including large boulders. In this paper, we present data of channelized debris flows characterized by different velocities and sediment concentrations recorded in an instrumented channel reach of the Gadria basin (eastern Italian Alps). From the analysis of the seismic energy produced by the interaction of solid particles with channel boundaries, we show that (i) the peak amplitudes are representative of the kinetic energy of each surge and (ii) most energy transfer occurs during the passage of the surge fronts. Then, we propose a debris flow detection algorithm based on the amplitude information gathered from a linear array of geophones installed along the channel. The short time average over long time average ratio of the seismic signal is used to early detect the debris flow occurrence in a continuous stream of seismic data. The algorithm recognizes moving, long‐lasting sources of ground vibration (i.e., debris flows) and filters out different seismic sources (i.e., anthropic noise, earthquakes, and rockfalls). The alarm is triggered when the short time average/long time average threshold is exceeded on two geophones, progressively with time from upstream to downstream. The algorithm is employed in the early warning system installed for research purposes at Gadria. Complementary data (rainfalls, flow stage measurements, and video recordings) permitted a detailed event characterization and alarm validation. During three monitoring seasons, all debris flows were successfully detected, with the alarm lasting for their entire duration, and no false positives were produced.
Real‐Time Techniques for Interpretation of Ionospheric Backscatter Sounding Data
Authors: Penzin M. S. , Ponomarchuk S. N. , Grozov V. P. , Kurkin V. I.
Published: May 2019

We present techniques and algorithms for automatic processing and interpretation of data of ionospheric backscatter sounding (BS) using a continuous chirp signal. Experimental ionograms are processed based on data filtration with further compression using the cellular automaton method. Interpretation of signals in a backscatter ionogram is carried out by calculating the backscatter leading edge. Slightly changing ratios of frequency dependences for group characteristics of oblique sounding and BS signals in various heliogeophysical conditions are used. Parameters of radio wave propagation are calculated within the waveguide approach using the International Reference Ionosphere model. The results of interpretation for a BS ionogram allow quick determination of maximum usable frequencies, from which characteristics of oblique sounding signals are corrected for given radio paths in the sounding sector of interest.
A Novel Method for Assessing Model Sensitivity
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: May 2019

This newly developed approach to assessing the quality of sensitivity analyses can be applied to any method without bootstrapping or additional model runs.
Hydrogen Limits Carbon in Liquid Iron
Authors: Hirose Kei , Tagawa Shoh , Kuwayama Yasuhiro , Sinmyo Ryosuke , Morard Guillaume , Ohishi Yasuo , Genda Hidenori
Published: May 2019

Melting experiments were performed on the Fe‐C‐H system to 127 GPa in a laser‐heated diamond anvil cell. On the basis of in situ and ex situ sample characterizations, we found that the solubility of carbon in liquid Fe correlates inversely with hydrogen concentration at ~60 GPa and ~3500 K, indicating that liquid Fe preferentially incorporates hydrogen rather than carbon under conditions with abundant C and H. While large amounts of both C and H may have been delivered to the growing Earth, C‐poor/H‐rich metals were likely added to the protocore in the late stages of core formation. We also obtained a melting curve of FeHx (x > 1) far beyond the pressure range in earlier determinations. Its liquidus temperature was found to be 2380 K at 135 GPa, lower than those of Fe alloyed with the other possible core light elements. Relatively low core temperature is thus supported by the presence of hydrogen.
Lead and Antimony in Basal Ice From Col du Dome (French Alps) Dated With Radiocarbon: A Record of Pollution During Antiquity
Authors: Preunkert Susanne , McConnell Joseph R. , Hoffmann Helene , Legrand Michel , Wilson Andrew I. , Eckhardt Sabine , Stohl Andreas , Chellman Nathan J. , Arienzo Monica M. , Friedrich Ronny
Published: May 2019

Lead and antimony measurements in basal ice from the Col du Dome glacier document heavy metal pollution in western Europe associated with emissions from mining and smelting operations during European antiquity. Radiocarbon dating of the particulate organic carbon fraction in the ice suggests that the basal ice dates to ~5,000 ± 600 cal years BP. In agreement with a precisely dated Greenland lead record, the Col du Dome record indicates two periods of significant lead pollution during the Roman period, that is, the last centuries before the Common Era to the second century of the Common Era. Atmospheric modeling and the Col du Dome record consistently show an overall magnitude of the lead perturbation 100 times larger than in the Greenland record. Antimony closely tracked lead, with antimony pollution about 2 orders of magnitude lower, consistent with European peat records.
Neuro-musculoskeletal flexible multibody simulation yields a framework for efficient bone failure risk assessment
Authors: Geier Andreas , Kebbach Maeruan , Soodmand Ehsan , Woernle Christoph , Kluess Daniel , Bader Rainer
Published: May 2019

Fragility fractures are a major socioeconomic problem. A non-invasive, computationally-efficient method for the identification of fracture risk scenarios under the representation of neuro-musculoskeletal dynamics does not exist. We introduce a computational workflow that integrates modally-reduced, quantitative CT-based finite-element models into neuro-musculoskeletal flexible multibody simulation (NfMBS) for early bone fracture risk assessment. Our workflow quantifies the bone strength via the osteogenic stresses and strains that arise due to the physiological-like loading of the bone under the representation of patient-specific neuro-musculoskeletal dynamics. This allows for non-invasive, computationally-efficient dynamic analysis over the enormous parameter space of fracture risk scenarios, while requiring only sparse clinical data. Experimental validation on a fresh human femur specimen together with femur strength computations that were consistent with literature findings provide confidence in the workflow: The simulation of an entire squat took only 38 s CPU-time. Owing to the loss (16% cortical, 33% trabecular) of bone mineral density (BMD), the strain measure that is associated with bone fracture increased by 31.4%; and yielded an elevated risk of a femoral hip fracture. Our novel workflow could offer clinicians with decision-making guidance by enabling the first combined in-silico analysis tool using NfMBS and BMD measurements for optimized bone fracture risk assessment.
A new class of protein biomarkers based on subcellular distribution: application to a mouse liver cancer model
Authors: Sajic Tatjana , Ciuffa Rodolfo , Lemos Vera , Xu Pan , Leone Valentina , Li Chen , Williams Evan G. , Makris Georgios , Banaei-Esfahani Amir , Heikenwalder Mathias , Schoonjans Kristina , Aebersold Ruedi
Published: May 2019

To-date, most proteomic studies aimed at discovering tissue-based cancer biomarkers have compared the quantity of selected proteins between case and control groups. However, proteins generally function in association with other proteins to form modules localized in particular subcellular compartments in specialized cell types and tissues. Sub-cellular mislocalization of proteins has in fact been detected as a key feature in a variety of cancer cells. Here, we describe a strategy for tissue-biomarker detection based on a mitochondrial fold enrichment (mtFE) score, which is sensitive to protein abundance changes as well as changes in subcellular distribution between mitochondria and cytosol. The mtFE score integrates protein abundance data from total cellular lysates and mitochondria-enriched fractions, and provides novel information for the classification of cancer samples that is not necessarily apparent from conventional abundance measurements alone. We apply this new strategy to a panel of wild-type and mutant mice with a liver-specific gene deletion of Liver receptor homolog 1 (Lrh-1hep−/−), with both lines containing control individuals as well as individuals with liver cancer induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Lrh-1 gene deletion attenuates cancer cell metabolism in hepatocytes through mitochondrial glutamine processing. We show that proteome changes based on mtFE scores outperform protein abundance measurements in discriminating DEN-induced liver cancer from healthy liver tissue, and are uniquely robust against genetic perturbation. We validate the capacity of selected proteins with informative mtFE scores to indicate hepatic malignant changes in two independent mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), thus demonstrating the robustness of this new approach to biomarker research. Overall, the method provides a novel, sensitive approach to cancer biomarker discovery that considers contextual information of tested proteins.
Evaluation of DNA interaction, genotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by iron oxide nanoparticles both in vitro and in vivo: attenuation by thymoquinone
Authors: Ansari Mohd Owais , Parveen Nuzhat , Ahmad Md Fahim , Wani Ab Latif , Afrin Shumaila , Rahman Yusra , Jameel Sana , Khan Yasir Akhtar , Siddique Hifzur R. , Tabish Mohammad , Shadab G. G. H. A.
Published: May 2019

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are known to induce cytotoxicity in various cancer cell lines through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the studies on its potential to induce toxicity in normal cell lines and in vivo system are limited and ambiguity still exists. Additionally, small molecules are known to interact with the DNA and cause damage to the DNA. The present study is designed to evaluate the potential interaction of IONPs with DNA along with their other toxicological effects and subsequent attenuation by thymoquinone both in vitro (primary lymphocytes) and in vivo (Wistar rats). IONPs were characterized by TEM, SEM-EDS, and XRD. The results from DNA interaction studies showed that IONPs formed a complex with DNA and also got intercalated between the base pairs of the DNA. The decrease in percent cell viability of rat’s lymphocytes was observed along with an increase in ROS generation in a dose-dependent manner (50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 μg/ml of IONPs). The genetic damage in in vivo might be due to the generation of ROS as depletion in anti-enzymatic activity was observed along with an increase in lipid peroxidation in a dose–dependent manner (25, 50, 100 mg/kg of IONPs). Interestingly, supplementation of thymoquinone in combination with IONPs has significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the genetic and oxidative damage in a dose-dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo. It can be concluded that thymoquinone has the potential to attenuate the oxidative stress and genetic toxicity in vitro and in vivo.
A rat model of complete atrioventricular block recapitulates clinical indices of bradycardia and provides a platform to test disease-modifying therapies
Authors: Kim Nam Kyun , Wolfson David , Fernandez Natasha , Shin Minji , Cho Hee Cheol
Published: May 2019

Complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) is a life-threatening arrhythmia. A small animal model of chronic CAVB that properly reflects clinical indices of bradycardia would accelerate the understanding of disease progression and pathophysiology, and the development of therapeutic strategies. We sought to develop a surgical model of CAVB in adult rats, which could recapitulate structural remodeling and arrhythmogenicity expected in chronic CAVB. Upon right thoracotomy, we delivered electrosurgical energy subepicardially via a thin needle into the atrioventricular node (AVN) region of adult rats to create complete AV block. The chronic CAVB animals developed dilated and hypertrophied ventricles with preserved systolic functions due to compensatory hemodynamic remodeling. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias, which are difficult to induce in the healthy rodent heart, could be induced upon programmed electrical stimulation in chronic CAVB rats and worsened when combined with β-adrenergic stimulation. Focal somatic gene transfer of TBX18 to the left ventricular apex in the CAVB rats resulted in ectopic ventricular beats within days, achieving a de novo ventricular rate faster than the slow atrioventricular (AV) junctional escape rhythm observed in control CAVB animals. The model offers new opportunities to test therapeutic approaches to treat chronic and severe CAVB which have previously only been testable in large animal models.
Environmental contaminants modulate the transcriptional activity of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA)
Authors: Routti Heli , Berg Mari K. , Lille-Langøy Roger , Øygarden Lene , Harju Mikael , Dietz Rune , Sonne Christian , Goksøyr Anders
Published: May 2019

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alfa (PPARA/NR1C1) is a ligand activated nuclear receptor that is a key regulator of lipid metabolism in tissues with high fatty acid catabolism such as the liver. Here, we cloned PPARA from polar bear liver tissue and studied in vitro transactivation of polar bear and human PPARA by environmental contaminants using a luciferase reporter assay. Six hinge and ligand-binding domain amino acids have been substituted in polar bear PPARA compared to human PPARA. Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCA) and perfluorosulfonic acids induced the transcriptional activity of both human and polar bear PPARA. The most abundant PFCA in polar bear tissue, perfluorononanoate, increased polar bear PPARA-mediated luciferase activity to a level comparable to that of the potent PPARA agonist WY-14643 (~8-fold, 25 μM). Several brominated flame retardants were weak agonists of human and polar bear PPARA. While single exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls did not, or only slightly, increase the transcriptional activity of PPARA, a technical mixture of PCBs (Aroclor 1254) strongly induced the transcriptional activity of human (~8-fold) and polar bear PPARA (~22-fold). Polar bear PPARA was both quantitatively and qualitatively more susceptible than human PPARA to transactivation by less lipophilic compounds.
IL-37 increases in patients after ischemic stroke and protects from inflammatory brain injury, motor impairment and lung infection in mice
Authors: Zhang Shenpeng R. , Nold Marcel F. , Tang Sung-Chun , Bui Christine B. , Nold Claudia A. , Arumugam Thiruma V. , Drummond Grant R. , Sobey Christopher G. , Kim Hyun Ah
Published: May 2019

Post-stroke inflammation may contribute to secondary brain injury and systemic immunosuppression. Interleukin(IL)-37 is an immunosuppressive cytokine belonging to the IL-1 superfamily with no mouse homologue yet identified, the effects of which have not been studied in stroke. Here we report: (1) the effect of ischemic stroke on circulating IL-37 in humans; and (2) the effect of IL-37 on stroke outcome measures in mice transgenic for human IL-37 (IL-37tg). We found that in the first 3 days after ischemic stroke in 55 patients, the plasma abundance of IL-37 was ~2-fold higher than in 24 controls. In IL-37tg mice, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion resulted in marked increases in plasma IL-37 (~9-fold) and brain IL-37 mRNA (~7,000-fold) at 24 h compared with sham-operated IL-37tg mice. Further, compared with wild-type (WT) mice subjected to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, IL-37tg mice exhibited less severe locomotor deficit, smaller cerebral infarcts and reduced bacterial lung infection. In the ischemic hemisphere, there were 60% fewer pro-inflammatory microglia-macrophages and up to 4-fold higher expression of anti-inflammatory markers in IL-37tg compared to WT mice. Our data show that IL-37 expression is increased following ischemic stroke in humans and IL-37tg mice, and may exert protective effects by modulating post-stroke inflammation in the brain and periphery.
From endohedral cluster superconductors to approximant phases: synthesis, crystal and electronic structure, and physical properties of Mo8Ga41−xZnxand Mo7Ga52−xZnx
Authors: Verchenko Valeriy Yu. , Zubtsovskii Alexander O. , Wei Zheng , Tsirlin Alexander A. , Dikarev Evgeny V. , Shevelkov Andrei V.
Published: May 2019

By employing the joint flux technique in the Mo–Ga–Zn system, the Mo8Ga41−xZnxand Mo7Ga52−xZnxintermetallics have been obtained.
Reducing metal uptake in vegetables irrigated with stormwater
Authors: Ng K. T. , McCarthy D. , Hatt B.
Published: May 2019

Increasing metal immobilization via modified biofilter media to improve safety of crops irrigated with stormwater runoff.
Long non coding RNA UCA1 contributes to the autophagy and survival of colorectal cancer cellsviasponging miR-185-5p to up-regulate the WISP2/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Liu Chao , Ji Le , Song Xue
Published: May 2019

The estimated number of new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) will increase to 140 250 in 2018 worldwide.
Seven coordinate Co(ii) and six coordinate Ni(ii) complexes of an aromatic macrocyclic triamide ligand as paraCEST agents for MRI
Authors: Pradhan Rabindra N. , Chakraborty Subhayan , Bharti Pratibha , Kumar Janesh , Ghosh Arindam , Singh Akhilesh K.
Published: May 2019

Co(ii) and Ni(ii) complexes of a macrocyclic triamide ligand act as paraCEST MRI contrast agents in HEPES buffer, FBS, rabbit serum and 4% agarose gel (w/w).
Metal-catalyzed radical-type transformation of unactivated alkyl halides with C–C bond formation under photoinduced conditions
Authors: Ye Shengqing , Xiang Tianyi , Li Xiaofang , Wu Jie
Published: May 2019

Recent advances in the metal-catalyzed radical-type transformation of unactivated alkyl halides with C–C bond formation under photoinduced conditions are summarized. Usually, a broad reaction scope is observed including tertiary, secondary, and primary alkyl halides, with good functional group compatibility.
Endosomal/lysosomal location of organically modified silica nanoparticles following caveolae-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Wu Changyue , Wu Yifan , Jin Yang , Zhu Piaoyu , Shi Weiwei , Li Jinlong , Wu Qiyun , Zhang Qinglin , Han Yu , Zhao Xinyuan
Published: May 2019

Organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in biomedicine.
Accelerated physical ageing of poly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene-co-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol terephthalate)
Authors: Andersen Emil , Mikkelsen René , Kristiansen Søren , Hinge Mogens
Published: May 2019

Poly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene-co-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol terephthalate) shows physical ageing, without chemical degradation, resulting in 80% impact toughness decrease.
Synthesis and antiproliferative assay of triazolyl-2,2-dimethyl-3-phenylpropanoates as potential HDAC inhibitors
Authors: El-Rayes Samir , M. S. Gomaa , A. Abouelmagd , Fathalla Walid , Ali Ibrahim. A. I.
Published: May 2019

Recently, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition has gained great importance in cancer treatment.
Effect of glyphosate on X-ray diffraction of copper films prepared by electrochemical deposition
Authors: Zhang Gaomin , Xu Bin , Chong Hui , Wei Wenxian , Wang Chengyin , Wang Guoxiu
Published: May 2019

Quantitative probing of glyphosate by combining electrochemical deposition and X-ray diffraction methods.
A step-wise synthetic approach is necessary to access γ-conjugates of folate: folate-conjugated prodigiosenes
Authors: Figliola Carlotta , Marchal Estelle , Groves Brandon R. , Thompson Alison
Published: May 2019

Despite the vast literature that describes reacting folic acid with a pharmacophore, this route is ineffective in providing the correct regioisomer of the resulting conjugate.
A ternary SnS1.26Se0.76 alloy for flexible broadband photodetectors
Authors: Du Lena , Wang Cong , Fang Jingzhi , Wei Bin , Xiong Wenqi , Wang Xiaoting , Ma Lijun , Wang Xiaofeng , Wei Zhongming , Xia Congxin , Li Jingbo , Wang Zhongchang , Zhang Xinzheng , Liu Qian
Published: May 2019

Bandgap engineering of a ternary SnS1.26Se0.76 alloy for flexible broadband photodetectors.
Co-cultivation of Rhodotorula glutinis and Chlorella pyrenoidosa to improve nutrient removal and protein content by their synergistic relationship
Authors: Li Huankai , Zhong Yuming , Lu Qian , Zhang Xin , Wang Qin , Liu Huifan , Diao Zenghui , Yao Chuang , Liu Hui
Published: May 2019

Aiming at treating piggery wastewater and producing useful products, a novel method using a co-culture of Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Rhodotorula glutinis in piggery wastewater was proposed in this study to improve nutrient removal and the protein content in the feed produced.
A supported manganese complex with amine-bis(phenol) ligand for catalytic benzylic C(sp3)–H bond oxidation
Authors: Karimpour Touraj , Safaei Elham , Karimi Babak
Published: May 2019

An environmentally friendly and efficient catalyst containing three interesting parts, Mn, the amine bis(phenolate) ligand (H3LGDC) and the magnetic nanoparticles for benzylic C–H bond oxidation.
Using molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate active designs of cephradine hydrolase by molecular mechanics/Poisson–Boltzmann surface area and molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area methods
Authors: Xue Jing , Huang Xiaoqiang , Zhu Yushan
Published: May 2019

A quantitative assessment method for computational enzyme design was developed to rank the active designs of cephradine hydrolase based on molecular dynamics simulation.
Linear α-olefin production with Na-promoted Fe–Zn catalysts via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Yang Sunkyu , Lee Sungwoo , Kang Seok Chang , Han Seung Ju , Jun Ki-Won , Lee Kwan-Young , Kim Yong Tae
Published: May 2019

Intimate contact between Fe5C2 and Na2O leads to high linear olefin selectivity with minimizing branched paraffin formation.
Facile one-pot synthesis of sulfonyl fluorides from sulfonates or sulfonic acids
Authors: Jiang Ying , Alharbi Njud S. , Sun Bing , Qin Hua-Li
Published: May 2019

A mild one-pot protocol for directly converting sulfonates or sulfonic acids into sulfonyl fluorides was developed.
A simulation study on the glass transition behavior and relevant segmental dynamics in free-standing polymer nanocomposite films
Authors: Li Shu-Jia , Qian Hu-Jun , Lu Zhong-Yuan
Published: May 2019

In polymer/nanoparticle composite (PNC) thin films, polymer chains experience strong confinement effects not only at the free surface area but also from nanoparticles (NPs).