bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of molybdenum, iron and sulphur supplementation on growth rate and copper status of lambs
Authors: Williams C.L. , Mackenzie A.M. , Illingworth D.V. , Wilkinson R.G.
Published: June 2019

For sheep and cattle, primary copper deficiency may occur due to a lack of copper within the feed or soil, whereas secondary copper deficiency may occur in the presence of a combination of high dietary levels of molybdenum (Mo), sulphur (S) and/or iron (Fe). This is due to the anaerobic interactions within the rumen (Phillippo et al., 1987) resulting in thiomolybdate production. Recent work suggests that iron may play a significant role in copper absorption. Mackenzie et al. (1997) proposed that a caeruloplasmin to plasma copper ratio may provide a more accurate biochemical indicator of copper status than other current techniques of assessment. A low ratio may suggest that thiomolybdate is being absorbed into the blood which reduces activity of the copper enzymes. The objective of this experiment was to assess the effect of molybdenum and iron in the presence of sulphur on the copper status and performance of intensively reared lambs, and to predict the accuracy of this ratio when assessing the effects of molybdenum or iron on copper metabolism.
Rumen microbial breakdown of plant secondary compounds in ruminants consuming mixed diets
Authors: Duncan A.J. , Young S.A.
Published: June 2019

Ruminants foraging under free-ranging conditions include a diversity of plants in their diet. A wide range of plant secondary compounds are broken down under microbial action in the rumen thus protecting the host animal from their otherwise toxic effects. For example, oxalic acid (OA), found in many tropical grasses, is effectively degraded by Oxalobacter formigenes following a period of adaptation of the rumen micro-flora (Allison et al, 1985). Similarly, butenyl nitrile (BN), a metabolite of glucosinolates, found in brassica plants, has been shown to degrade under rumen microbial action (Duncan & Milne, 1992). The purpose of this experiment was to investigate whether adaptation to the plant secondary compounds found in one food type might influence the degradation of other, unrelated secondary compounds and vice versa.
Flow of microbial and non-microbial N fractions entering the omasal canal in dairy cows
Authors: Ahvenjärvi S. , Vanhatalo A. , Huhtanen P.
Published: June 2019

In order to provide accurate estimates of protein supply for lactating dairy cows, the effect of feed ingredients on ruminal protein degradability as well as microbial protein synthesis must be determined. The omasal sampling technique coupled with a triple marker method allows the determination of N flow from the reticulorumen with relatively small contribution from endogenous sources (Ahvenjärvi et al., 2000). The objective of the current study was to assess the contribution of microbial and non-microbial fractions to the total flow of N leaving the rumen of lactating dairy cows fed typical feed ingredients.
Influence of diet acid binding capacity on gut morphology and digesta pH in piglets
Authors: Pickard J.A. , Wiseman J. , Varley M.A.
Published: June 2019

Newly weaned piglet diets are normally highly digestible, and as such are composed of ingredients with high acid-binding capacities (Bolduan et al., 1988), which are potentially detrimental to the maintenance of a low gastric pH. The most active element effecting the phenomenon of acid-binding capacity (ABC) is calcium, and a high concentration in pig starter diets can significantly reduce post-weaning growth performance (Hardy, 1992). However, the mechanism by which ABC retards growth performance is largely unknown. Accordingly a preliminary study was designed to examine the effects of ABC on gut morphological characteristics such as villous height, width and crypt depth, together with digesta pH which is an independent factor influencing microflora colonisation.
A survey to investigate the influence of commercial human-animal interaction during rearing on the welfare and subsequent production of the dairy heifer
Authors: Bertenshaw C. , Rowlinson P. , Ness M.
Published: June 2019

Recent increases in mechanisation, a trend towards larger dairy units and current financial pressure on dairy farmers all combine to result in a reduction in labour and therefore time available to spend with the animals. increasing numbers of stock per attendant allowing them less time and opportunity to spend with their animals. If we view the reduction in human-animal interaction in routine husbandry tasks as positive because it frees up more quality time to spend with the stock; how will this best be spent to enhance the animal-worker bond, is it feasible in a practical situation and can we back this ideal up with monetary values and benefits to the different interested parties of the industry? This survey was designed to compliment some experimental work being carried out at Newcastle University (see companion paper). The objective was to gather information from dairy farmers on the heifer rearing systems currently in use; establish the different levels of human interaction the heifer experiences during rearing in commercial practice and explore whether this relates to other indices of welfare and production.
The use of texture analysis to assess the structural strength of hoof horn of dairy cows
Authors: Winkler B. , Margerison J. K. , Brennan C.
Published: June 2019

The quality of hoof horn is related to 3 factors: architecture of the Stratum corneum (number of tubules and inter-tubular space), cellular factors (type of keratinization, orientation of keratin fibres) and inter-cellular factors (amount and chemical composition of the inter-cellular substance (Pellman et al., 1993). Kempson and Logue (1993) related poor hoof horn quality at 1 month before calving to the occurrence of moderate to severe solar haemorrhage at 10 to 20 weeks after calving. The objective of this experiment was to develop the use of texture analysis as a method to measure the structural strength of hoof sole tissue and assess the influence of sample width and bruising on structural strength.
Extended grazing of dry cows
Authors: Dewhurst R. J. , Davies D. W. R. , Fisher W. J.
Published: June 2019

Our earlier studies with dry cows have highlighted a number of factors that affect performance in the subsequent lactation, including forage intake in the peri-parturient period, body condition at calving and supply of Metabolisable Protein (MP) (Moorby et al., 1996; Dewhurst et al., 2000). There is now increased interest in making more use of grazed grass, as a cheap feed, particularly through extending grazing into the late-autumn and winter. Dry cows are suited to extended grazing because they do not need to be brought in for milking each day. The high voluntary intakes of grass may be beneficial for dry cows, though the low MP supply from autumn-grass might be a disadvantage. This experiment evaluated the effects of extended grazing, compared with housing and silage-feeding of dry cows.
The effects of feeding different starch sources and concentrations on milk production of high yielding Holstein cows
Authors: Lawson R.E. , Moss A.R. , Rymer C. , Blake J.S.
Published: June 2019

Mansbridge (1995) reported that replacing ground wheat with a mix of ground wheat and maize grain increased milk protein concentration, which led the authors to speculate that increased inclusion of maize grain increased rumen by-pass starch. Indeed, de Visseret al(1990) reported that feeding less rapidly degradable starches has led to increased milk protein concentration.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of starch concentration and source on feed intake, milk yield and milk composition of dairy cows.
Effect of acute nutritional restriction on periovulatory oestradiol and IGF-I in beef heifers
Authors: Mackey D.R. , Wylie A.R.G. , Roche J.F. , Sreenan J.M. , Diskin M.G.
Published: June 2019

Severe negative energy balance (NEB) in the postpartum period of dairy cows may be associated with declining fertility but the mechanisms by which nutrition influences reproduction are complex, poorly understood and confounded by lactation. Hence, both chronic and acute nutritional restriction of beef heifers have been used as models to examine the effects of NEB on ovarian and endocrine responses in the absence of lactation. Plasma IGF-I concentrations gradually decreased until the onset of anoestrus (Stagg et al., 1999) but concentrations may be confounded with stage of the oestrous cycle, especially around ovulation (Mackey et al., 2000). Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of nutritional restriction on periovulatory oestradiol (E2) and IGF-I concentrations.
Glucose metabolism of in vitro-produced bovine embryos in cell-free and co-culture systems
Authors: Orsi N.M. , Reischl J.B. , Leese H.J.
Published: June 2019

In vitro-produced (IVP) bovine embryos are used in a wide range of biotechnologies but develop less well than their in vivo counterparts and can give rise to foetal/neonatal anomalies after embryo transfer. The quality of bovine IVP embryos and the systems in which they are produced are traditionally assessed in terms of morphological and developmental criteria; namely, embryo grade and blastocyst formation rate. Lane and Gardner (1996) showed that mouse embryos selected for transfer on the basis of a low glycolytic activity (conversion of glucose to lactate), measured non-invasively, were 4 times more likely to implant than those selected randomly. Comparable data are not available for bovine embryos. The aim of this study was to assess linear glycolytic index of cattle blastocysts in vitro as a marker of viability. We have measured glucose consumption and lactate production by individual bovine IVP embryos grown in cell-free conditions and in a novel co-culture system (Orsi et al., 2000) involving confluent bovine oviduct epithelial cell monolayers on permeable supports. This preparation allows the epithelial cells to be fed by a nutritionally-rich medium via the physiological, basal, route, while the apical medium, containing the embryos, is more dilute, mimicking oviduct fluid.
Meat Tenderisation – The Role of Calpains
Authors: Sensky P. L. , Parr T. , Bardsley R. G. , Buttery P. J.
Published: June 2019

In recent years there has been a shift in emphasis in livestock production away from increased muscle growth towards improved meat quality. The final eating quality of meat depends on a number of organoleptic properties including appearance, colour, fat content, taste, texture and tenderness. Whilst colour and fat content are important in influencing meat purchase, consumer studies indicate that it is the degree to which muscle tenderises after slaughter that is the most important factor contributing to overall meat quality (Warkupet al, 1995). Despite efforts to standardise breeding, husbandry, nutrition, transport, lairage and slaughter regimes, ensuring a consistently tender product still remains difficult to control or predict. The problem is international, with beefsteak toughness a major concern in the USA and pork toughness difficult to eradicate in the UK. The tenderisation process involves complex changes in muscle metabolism in the immediate post slaughter period and is dependent on genetic makeup, protein complement, metabolic status and environmental factors such as physiological stress. In the early postmortem period, glycogen depletion, lactic acid accumulation, pH decline and rate of entry and exit into rigor can all influence the ultimate tenderness of the meat some 8 - 20 days later following a period of conditioning (Gollet al, 1995). However, the main determinant of ultimate tenderness appears to be the extent of proteolysis of key target proteins within muscle fibres (Tayloret al, 1995). Research in all major livestock species has pointed to the calpain proteolytic enzyme family being a major factor responsible for key peptide bond cleavage (Koohmaraie, 1996). Whilst opinion is divided as to which isoform of calpain is the most important under specified conditions, most workers agree that the major factor is the level at slaughter of the specific calpain inhibitor calpastatin. The evidence for this is reviewed here, highlighting potential means of regulating the system in order to assure a consistently high quality tender product.
Heart rate and behavioural correlates of anxiety assessment in horses
Authors: Marchant J.N. , Mills D.S. , Schofield E.
Published: June 2019

The aims of this study were to determine behavioural and heart rate responses to isolation and a novel stimulus and to investigate the relationships with scores from a questionnaire developed to assess anxiety in horses.
Do cows regulate diet choice within the short-term time frame of a meal?
Authors: Yeates M. P. , Tolkamp B. J. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: June 2019

When cows are offered a choice of foods they are able to select a consistent combination of these foods over long periods of time. Consistent long-term diet choice (DC) is the result of feeding behaviour, which may be regulated in the short-term. The shortest unit of feeding that can be measured is often a visit to a feeder supplying one food type only. These visits are usually clustered into meals, which are the shortest biological unit in which DC can be expressed. Previous work led us to hypothesise that animals may select a consistent diet within meals, thus ensuring nutrient synchronisation in the short-term. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether long-term average DC was a direct result of cows selecting a consistent diet within meals.
Factors influencing stereotypical behaviour patterns in horses: a review of 52 clinical cases
Authors: Casey R.A.
Published: June 2019

Behaviours such as weaving, box-walking and wind-sucking have traditionally been regarded as undesirable behaviours or ‘vices’ by horse owners, which has led to ‘treatment’ regimes that aimed to physically prevent the performance of the behaviour rather than understand the underlying causes for it. In recent years, however, a number of studies have shed light on the epidemiology of these behaviours (e.g. Luescher et al 1998), leading to the development of more welfare compatible treatment options. In this study, a clinical population of horses presented with stereotypical behaviours is examined for relationships between presenting signs and historical and observational findings.
Use of visual image analysis for the description of pig growth in size and shape
Authors: Doeschl A. B. , Whittemore C. T. , Green D. M. , Fisher A. V. , Schofield C. P.
Published: June 2019

Visual imaging systems provide daily plan (overhead) measurements of pigs. These allow monitoring and control of pig growth, as is essential to production efficiency. Schofield et al., 1999 suggest that size measurements can provide accurate estimates of live weight, but a description of growth in terms of size and shape may also give a direct quantification of body form and value. This report presents analyses of the growth of pigs of two commercial breed types in terms of live weight, body plan area and ham width, and examines the relationship between observed body shapes of living pigs and their dissected body composition.
Influence of duration of grazing on the fatty acid profile of M. Longissimus dorsi from beef heifers
Authors: Noci F. , Moloney A. P. , French P. , Monahan F. J.
Published: June 2019

Current medical advice is to reduce consumption of saturated fat, in favour of polyunsaturated fat, and to increase the consumption of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) at the expense of ω-6 PUFAs. Fat of ruminant origin, although it has a nutritionally favourable ω-6: ω-3 ratio, is rich in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), which have been linked to incidence of coronary heart disease in humans. However, when compared to non-ruminant fat, fat of ruminant origin has a high concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is considered to have anticarcinogenic properties (Belury, 1995). Grass finishing of cattle increased the concentration of CLA and the PUFA:SFA ratio (P:S) when compared with concentrate-based finishing (French et al., 2000). The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between duration of grass-finishing of cattle and the fatty acid profile of intramuscular lipid.
Preference of pigs for illuminance
Authors: Taylor N.R. , Perry G. , Potter M. , Prescott N.B. , Wathes C.M.
Published: June 2019

Pigs housed under artificial lighting currently experience a wide range of illuminances and photoperiods, which may be more appropriate to the visual capabilities and needs of stockpersons rather than pigs. Pigs and wild boar can show nocturnal, diurnal and crepuscular activity patterns, suggesting that their visual system may function well under a wide range of light levels, unlike humans. Inappropriate lighting affects many aspects of an animal’s physiology, anatomy and behaviour and may compromise welfare. This experiment was designed to investigate the preference of juvenile pigs to occupy and conduct certain behaviours in different illuminances, and gain some indication of their preferred photoperiod.
Effect of herbage allowance and concentrate feed level offered to ewes in late pregnancy on ewe and lamb performance
Authors: Carson A.F. , Dawson L.E.R. , Laidlaw A.S.
Published: June 2019

Lower cost systems of sheep production, with reduced labour inputs, require examination for the future viability of the sheep industry. Carson and Dawson (2002) demonstrated that ewes lambing under grass-based systems had similar lamb outputs and survival rates to ewes lambing under labour intensive, indoor lambing systems. Although there is a significant amount of information is available on the effect of conserved forage on ewe performance in late pregnancy, there is a scarcity of information on the effect of grazed grass and concentrate supplementation at grass in late pregnancy on subsequent ewe performance. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of herbage allowance and concentrate feed level during late pregnancy on ewe live weight and body condition change and lamb growth and development.
Effect of three types of polysaccharide on fermentation parameters of a pony faecal inoculum when incubated in vitro
Authors: Longland A. C. , Murray J.M.D
Published: June 2019

Hind-gut acidosis in equines is associated with a number of debilitating and often fatal metabolic disorders such as colic and laminitis. It is well known that feeding equines large amounts of cereal starch can elicit the onset of hind-gut acidosis, but the role of other dietary polysaccharides in the aetiology of these disorders is less certain. It is believed that starch causes hind-gut acidosis through its preferential and rapid fermentation in the caecum by lactate-producing bacteria causing a decline in caecal pH. The aim of this experiment was to examine the effect of three types of polysaccharide on culture lactate and pH when incubated with a pony faecal inoculum. The polysaccharides used were cellulose, cereal starch and fructan, the storage carbohydrate of temperate grasses, which has been implicated, but not proven to be the causal agent of laminitis in pastured equines (Hinkley, 1997)
Evaluation of an ensiled mix of moist sugar beet feed (pressed pulp) plus maize distillers dark grains as a supplement for twin-bearing March-lambing ewes fed straw-based diets
Authors: Chapple D. G. , Wheeler K. P. A. , Witt M.W. , Blackburn W. E.
Published: June 2019

Feeding lowland sheep on straw-based systems during pregnancy is practised on many livestock/arable farms. Simple mixes of molassed sugar beet feed and distillers dark grains have been cost effective supplements for March-lambing ewes fed straw and produced satisfactory ewe and lamb performance (Chappleet al., 1998 and 2001). An ensiled mix of pressed sugar beet pulp and dried maize distillers grains (Praize, Trident Feeds) has been fed as the sole diet for finishing lambs (Pattinsonet al., 2001) but there is little information on feeding Praize to pregnant ewes. The objective of this study was to compare ewe and lamb performance when March-lambing ewes were fed on a straw-based system and supplemented with either a cereal/protein home-mix, Praize or one of two dried sugar beet pulp/protein mixes.
Effect of salts of sulphite on yeast numbers and temperature of whole-crop wheat silage
Authors: Edwards R. R. , Margerison J. K. , Kuri V.
Published: June 2019

Maize and whole crop silages are particularly susceptible to spoilage from aerobic micro-organisms. As a consequence, the maintenance of aerobic stability of silage during the feed-out phase is important in the preservation of silage quality and animal health (Scudamore and Livesey, 1998). The aim of this study was to monitor the effect of low levels of salts of sulphite on the stability of whole crop wheat silage, pH, temperature and laboratory culture of yeast.
Effect of imbalance between energy and nitrogen supplies on microbial protein synthesis in growing double-muscled Belgian Blue bulls
Authors: Valkeners D. , Beckers Y. , Piron F. , Théwis A.
Published: June 2019

Balancing the supply of nitrogen and energy-yielding substrates to rumen micro-organisms was proposed as a mechanism to maximise the capture of rumen degradable nitrogen (RDN) and to optimise microbial growth rate and efficiency. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of various time periods of imbalance between nitrogen and energy supplies for the rumen micro-organisms on the microbial protein synthesis (SPM) in growing double-muscled Belgian Blue bulls. This was realised by giving the same feedstuffs according to different meal patterns, which is one of the most robust test of the ‘synchrony’ hypothesis (Dewhurst et al., 2000).
Genetic variation within and between five Iranian sheep populations using microsatellite markers
Authors: Banabazi M. H. , Esmaeelkhanian S. , Ashtiani S. R. Miraei , Shahrbabak M. Moradi
Published: June 2019

In Iran, sheep is a main domestic animal with population about 60 millions. So, evaluation of genetic variation in Iranian sheep is a critical necessity. This study is the first research on genetic variation within and between a small part of Iranian sheep using microsatellite markers.
Determination of dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N) degradability in forages by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS)
Authors: Cajarville C. , Repetto J. P , Curbelo A. , Soto C. , Cozzolino D.
Published: June 2019

The nutritive value of forage crops is related mainly to climatic conditions and stage of plant maturity, and its determination for any given crop is essential for optimum planning and animal feeding (Berardo et al., 1993; Deaville and Flinn, 2000). Worldwide the nutritive value of forages is often estimated by chemical or physical methods and is expressed as the concentration of chemical constituents in the plant tissue. There is little information in the literature about the use of NIRS to determine degradability in pastures with different conditions, season, different places (Wilman et al., 2000). The aim of the work to explore the use of NIRS as rapid tool for estimate DM and N degradability in forages.
Microbial protein kinetics for sheep fed with three different hays using15N as marker
Authors: Bueno I. C. S. , Filho S. L. S. Cabral , Longo C. , Abdalla A. L.
Published: June 2019

Non-degradable dietetic protein supply depends on rumen degradation. Determination of microbial protein synthesized in the rumen as the result of microbial fermentation is important because microbial protein synthesis could be influenced by diet (Dove and Milne, 1994). Several evaluation systems consider the contribution of microbial protein on protein intestinal flow as a constant, based on feed intake. But this approach has presented great variations. The purpose of this work was to determinein vivomicrobial protein kinetics for sheep fed with three protein level hays.
Study on phosphorus metabolism in growing sheep fed different sources of calcium by using the isotope dilution technique
Authors: Dias R. S. , Roque A. P. , Nascimento V. F. , Castilho L. A. , Peçanha M. R. S. R. , Vitti D. M. S. S.
Published: June 2019

The close association of calcium and phosphorus in bone, and the narrow relationship between these minerals makes this subject always an important aim of study for researches on animal nutrition (Braithwaite, 1984). The utilization of alternative sources of calcium has been studied in Brazil in the last years however there is a lack of information about the effects of these sources on phosphorus metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate phosphorus metabolism in sheep fed four different sources of calcium through determination of true absorption and endogenous faecal loss of phosphorus by using the isotope dilution technique (Vitti et al., 2000).
Animal health and welfare in organic livestock production – a review of the current situation
Authors: Hovi M.
Published: June 2019

According to the EC Regulation 1804/99, health and welfare of organic livestock should be promoted primarily by preventive measures using appropriate breeds, feeds and feeding practices and husbandry techniques for the species in question and by implementing stable social conditions for breeding animals (CEC, 1999). Whilst the EC Regulation on organic livestock production came into force fairly recently in August 2000 and has hardly had a chance to have an impact on existing organic production systems, there is a growing body of epidemiological evidence on the impact of organic management on the health and welfare of livestock. Furthermore, a three-year networking project, the Network for Animal Health and Welfare in Organic Agriculture (NAHWOA), between 17 institutes from 13 different EU countries has recently published their conclusions and recommendations on animal health and welfare in organic production systems (Anon, 2002). A recent review of literature (Hovi et al., in press) and the NAHWOA conclusions suggest that animal health situation in organic livestock systems is similar to that found in conventional systems. Some differences in the prevalence of different conditions exist. A typical example of higher dry period but lower lactation period levels of mastitis in organic than in conventional systems is presented in Figure 1. It has been suggested that the minimal organic standards and their implementation via certification procedure are likely to provide several preconditions for good living conditions for farm animals (Sundrum, 2001), and the NAHWOA concludes that the current evidence supports the claim that organic livestock production often provides better welfare than conventional production systems, particularly by providing more freedom for species-specific behaviour for livestock. It has, however, been suggested that the organic standards do not necessarily provide a balanced approach to animal welfare and that some conflicts between welfare aims and other organic farming objectives may exist (Anon, 2002). An example of how experts perceive the impact of organic standards on animal welfare is given in Figure 2.
Managing manures in organic farming
Authors: Shepherd M.A.
Published: June 2019

Knowledge of manure composition is important for farm nutrient management, either if importing manure onto a farm or transferring nutrients around the farm in ‘home produced’ manures. Many factors affect the nutrient content of the manure ready to spread onto the land (Smith & Frost, 2000): dietary input and quality, nutrient losses during housing and storage and additions of bedding material and/or water. There are many reports of average values for manures from conventionally raised livestock (e.g. Anon., 2000 for the U.K.). However, there are less data available for manures produced on organic holdings. It is probable that composition will differ from conventionally produced manures because of differences in diet and manure storage methods (composting and/or long-term storage). Therefore, we aimed to test this under U.K. conditions by analysing cattle manures from organic holdings for comparison with data on conventionally produced manures.
The Long View on Kiobel: A muted Victory for International Legal norms in the United States?
Authors: Basile Marco
Published: June 2019

Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. may be a Trojan horse. Observers who are sympathetic to the adjudication in U.S. courts of international legal norms—such as those against torture— have criticized the decision for limiting federal jurisdiction over human rights abuses abroad. Yet, despite this price, Kiobel might ultimately strengthen the foundation of international legal norms in U.S. courts. Chief Justice John Roberts's majority opinion, limiting the Alien Tort Statute (ATS) from reaching overseas, rested on the principle that one sovereign state should not usually apply its laws within the borders of another sovereign state, and that idea is a bedrock principle of international law. The majority avoided the connection to international law by dressing up the presumption against extraterritoriality in a foreign-policy rationale, but its argument does not square with the historical record, especially when it comes to piracy.
Science, Religion, and Evolution
Authors: Scott Eugenie C.
Published: June 2019

Evolution is one of the most controversial concepts for teachers to teach. The source of opposition to evolution primarily comes from a perception that acceptance of evolution is somehow incompatible with religion. In this paper, I shall discuss the sometimes bumpy relationships between science, religion and evolution, and what this history means for teachers. First, however, I should define the critical terms evolution, science, and religion.
Net Submarine Groundwater‐Derived Dissolved Inorganic Nutrients and Carbon Input to the Oligotrophic Stratified Karstic Estuary of the Krka River (Adriatic Sea, Croatia)
Authors: Liu Jianan , Hrustić Enis , Du Jinzhou , Gašparović Blaženka , Čanković Milan , Cukrov Neven , Zhu Zhuoyi , Zhang Ruifeng
Published: June 2019

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is a significant source of biogenic elements in estuaries, and relevant studies in karstic estuaries are scarce. Krka River Estuary (KRE), located on the eastern Adriatic Sea (Croatia), is a typical oligotrophic stratified karstic estuary. In this study, based on 226Ra and 228Ra, the total SGD flux into the KRE surface layer was estimated to be (12.8–16.2) × 105 m3/day. A conservative estimation of the fresh groundwater flux was (5.0–8.3) × 105 m3/day, which accounts for 10–17% of the Krka River discharge into the estuary. By establishing water and nutrient budgets in the KRE surface layer, we found that SGD dominated the nutrient sources, although it accounted for a small portion of the total inflow water. Specifically, net SGD‐derived dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and silicates contributed 58–90% and 24–64%, respectively, to the total input fluxes. These results indicate that SGD was a major external nutrient source, in which net SGD‐derived high DIN flux and high DIN to dissolved inorganic phosphorus ratio may affect productivity in the KRE ecosystem and nearby Adriatic Sea. Additionally, net SGD‐derived dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) flux in the KRE (1.53 mol · m2 · day) was much higher than those in most estuaries worldwide, suggesting that the DIC‐enriched karst aquifers are important sources for global carbon cycle. Therefore, the impact of net SGD‐derived DIC from karst aquifers on coastal seas will likely become more evident and substantial with further development of global climate change, such as sea level rise.
Multidimensional Geodynamic Modeling in the Southeast Carpathians: Upper Mantle Flow‐Induced Surface Topography Anomalies
Authors: Şengül‐Uluocak E. , Pysklywec R. N. , Göğüş O. H. , Ulugergerli E. U.
Published: June 2019

Spectral variations of gravity and topography data show nonisostatic compensation of elevation in the Southeast Carpathians that is consistent with our new residual topography calculations. Multidimensional thermomechanical models are created to consider a possible mantle flow component of the surface topography with varying temperature models and crustal configurations. The temperature anomalies derived from large‐scale P wave velocity anomalies and combined temperature model are estimated as input for the parametric numerical modeling experiments. Model results show that a surface uplift (up to ~1 km) develops in the southeastern Carpathians due to the rising hot upper mantle beneath the region. The upwelling flow is also in concordance with observations such as volcanism and enhanced surface heat flow in the region. Subsidence in the eastern part (0.5–1 km over the Vrancea zone and the Focsani Basin) forms in relation to the downgoing Vrancea slab. The findings indicate the significant role of upper mantle structures on the present‐day anomalous topography related to proposed postcollisional tectonics in the Southeast Carpathians.
Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Investigation of Molten Fe–Si–O in Earth's Core
Authors: Huang Dongyang , Badro James , Brodholt John , Li Yunguo
Published: June 2019

Silicon and oxygen are potential light elements in Earth's core because their stronger affinity to metal observed with increasing temperature posits that significant amounts of both can be incorporated into the core. It was proposed that an Fe–Si–O liquid alloy could expel SiO2 at the core‐mantle boundary during secular cooling, leaving the core with either silicon or oxygen, not both. This was recently challenged in a study showing no exsolution but immiscibility in the Fe–Si–O system. Here we investigate the liquidus field of Fe–Si and Fe–O binaries and Fe–Si–O ternaries at core‐mantle boundary pressures and temperatures using ab initio molecular dynamics. We find that the liquids remain well mixed with ternary properties identical to mixing of binary properties. Two‐phase simulations of solid SiO2 and liquid Fe show dissolution at temperatures above 4100 K, suggesting that SiO2 crystallization as well as liquid immiscibility in Fe–Si–O is unlikely to occur in Earth's core.
Solar Wind Dynamic Pressure Upstream From Saturn: Estimation From Magnetosheath Properties and Comparison With SKR
Authors: Thomsen M. F. , Jackman C. M. , Lamy L.
Published: June 2019

An analytical method is developed by which measurements made by the Cassini spacecraft in Saturn's magnetosheath can be used to infer the upstream solar wind parameters, specifically the solar wind speed (Vsw) and the dynamic pressure (Pd). The method is validated by comparing the results with other estimates of these parameters, including the mSWiM MHD model and magnetopause and bow shock models applied to observed boundary crossings. The comparisons suggest that the new inferred Vsw are on average ~40 km/s lower than the mSWiM values, and the dynamic pressure values are slightly lower as well. We find few of the lower Pd values predicted by mSWiM, probably because Cassini would have been inside the expanded magnetosphere under such conditions. Systematic temporal variations such as interplanetary shocks do seem to be captured well, with arrival times within several days of the MHD prediction. Compared to dynamic pressures estimated from boundary crossings with well‐known magnetopause and bow shock models, the magnetosheath‐inferred dynamic pressure tends to be somewhat lower, but within the uncertainties of the analytical derivation. Comparison of the inferred dynamic pressure with observed Saturn's kilometric radiation (SKR) activity reveals several episodes of very good temporal tracking between dynamic pressure and SKR intensity, with relatively short time delays (4–5 hr), suggesting rather direct driving. Such good tracking intervals occur almost exclusively on the dawnside of the magnetosphere, where the dominant SKR source is visible. When the tracking is good, the SKR fluxes vary roughly as the square of the dynamic pressure.
Seismic Velocity Estimation Using Passive Downhole Distributed Acoustic Sensing Records: Examples From the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth
Authors: Lellouch A. , Yuan S. , Spica Z. , Biondi B. , Ellsworth W. L.
Published: June 2019

Structural imaging and event location require an accurate estimation of the seismic velocity. However, active seismic surveys used to estimate it are expensive and time‐consuming. During the last decade, fiber‐optic‐based distributed acoustic sensing has emerged as a reliable, enduring, and high‐resolution seismic sensing technology. We show how downhole distributed acoustic sensing passive records from the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth can be used for seismic velocity estimation. Using data recorded from earthquakes propagating near‐vertically, we compute seismic velocities using first‐break picking as well as slant stack decomposition. This methodology allows for the estimation of both P and S wave velocity models. We also use records of the ambient seismic field for interferometry and P wave velocity model extraction. Results are compared to a regional model obtained from surface seismic as well as a conventional downhole geophone survey. We find that using recorded earthquakes, we obtain the highest P wave model resolution. In addition, it is the only method that allows for S wave velocity estimation. Computed P and S models unravel three distinct areas at the depth range of 50‐750 m, which were not present in the regional model. In addition, we find high VP/VS values near the surface and a possible VP/VS anomaly about 500 m deep. We confirm its existence by observing a strong S‐P mode conversion at that depth.
Transcriptome of dorsal root ganglia caudal to a spinal cord injury with modulated behavioral activity
Authors: Chariker Julia H. , Gomes Cynthia , Brabazon Fiona , Harman Kathryn A. , Ohri Sujata Saraswat , Magnuson David S. K. , Whittemore Scott R. , Petruska Jeffrey C. , Rouchka Eric C.
Published: June 2019

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating clinical condition resulting in significant disabilities. Apart from local injury within the spinal cord, SCI patients develop a myriad of complications including multi-organ dysfunction. Some of the dysfunctions may be directly or indirectly related to the sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), which signal to both the spinal cord and the peripheral organs. After SCI, some classes of DRG neurons exhibit sensitization and undergo axonal sprouting both peripherally and centrally. Such physiological and anatomical re-organization after SCI contributes to both adaptive and maladaptive plasticity processes, which may be modulated by activity and exercise. In this study, we collected comprehensive gene expression data in whole DRG below the levels of the injury to compare the effects of SCI with and without two different forms of exercise in rats.
Effect of Motor versus Sensory Nerve Autografts on Regeneration and Functional Outcomes of Rat Facial Nerve Reconstruction
Authors: Ali S. Ahmed , Rosko Andrew J. , Hanks John E. , Stebbins Aaron W. , Alkhalili Osama , Hogikyan Norman D. , Feldman Eva L. , Brenner Michael J.
Published: June 2019

Cranial nerve injury is disabling for patients, and facial nerve injury is particularly debilitating due to combined functional impairment and disfigurement. The most widely accepted approaches for reconstructing nerve gap injuries involve using sensory nerve grafts to bridge the nerve defect. Prior work on preferential motor reinnervation suggests, however, that motor pathways may preferentially support motoneuron regeneration after nerve injury. The effect of motor versus sensory nerve grafting after facial nerve injury has not been previously investigated. Insights into outcomes of motor versus sensory grafting may improve understanding and clinical treatment of facial nerve paralysis, mitigating facial asymmetry, aberrant reinnervation, and synkinesis. This study examined motor versus sensory grafting of the facial nerve to investigate effect of pathway on regeneration across a 5-mm rodent facial nerve defect. We enrolled 18 rats in 3 cohorts (motor, sensory, and defect) and recorded outcome measures including fiber count/nerve density, muscle endplate reinnervation, compound muscle action potential, and functional whisker twitch analysis. Outcomes were similar for motor versus sensory groups, suggesting similar ability of sensory and motor grafts to support regeneration in a clinically relevant model of facial nerve injury.
Ab initiomolecular dynamics studies of hydroxide coordination of alkaline earth metals and uranyl
Authors: Lynes Olivia , Austin Jonathan , Kerridge Andy
Published: June 2019

Proton dynamics of alkaline earth and uranyl hydroxide solutions are simulated, revealing substantial dependence on ion charge density.
Can the solvent enhance the rate of chemical reactions through C–H/π interactions? insights from theory
Authors: Jain Shailja , Vanka Kumar
Published: June 2019

The current computational study with density functional theory (DFT) shows that the explicit presence of C–H/π and π–π interacting solvent molecules is seen to enhance the rate of chemical reactions.
Nanostructured materials for photocatalysis
Authors: Xu Chunping , Ravi Anusuyadevi Prasaanth , Aymonier Cyril , Luque Rafael , Marre Samuel
Published: June 2019

Photocatalysis is a green technology which converts abundantly available photonic energy into useful chemical energy.
Using spectroscopy to probe relaxation, decoherence, and localization of photoexcited states in π-conjugated polymers
Authors: Barford William , Gardner John L. A. , Mannouch Jonathan R.
Published: June 2019

We use the coarse-grained Frenkel–Holstein model to simulate the relaxation, decoherence, and localization of photoexcited states in conformationally disordered π-conjugated polymers.
Identification of anti-inflammatory components of raw and steamedPanax notoginsengroot by analyses of spectrum-effect relationship
Authors: Zhang Zejun , Chen Lijuan , Cui Xiuming , Zhang Yiming , Hu Yupiao , Wang Chengxiao , Xiong Yin
Published: June 2019

The differentiated components related to the anti-inflammatory effects of raw and steamedPanax notoginsengwere uncovered by the analysis of spectrum-effect relationship.
Oxidatively induced exposure of active surface area during microwave assisted formation of Pt3Co nanoparticles for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Sandström Robin , Ekspong Joakim , Gracia-Espino Eduardo , Wågberg Thomas
Published: June 2019

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is efficiently facilitated platinum catalysts alloyed with Co and reveal high electrochemically active surface area via rapid microwave synthesis.
Lysine-based dendrimer with double arginine residues
Authors: Sheveleva Nadezhda N. , Markelov Denis A. , Vovk Mikhail A. , Mikhailova Mariya E. , Tarasenko Irina I. , Tolstoy Peter M. , Neelov Igor M. , Lähderanta Erkki
Published: June 2019

A new poly-l-lysine dendrimer with arginine residues was synthesized and its structure and physical–chemical properties were analyzed by NMR spectroscopy.
Origin of theoretical pseudocapacitance of two-dimensional supercapacitor electrodes Ti3C2T2 (T = bare, O, S)
Authors: Wang Lijing , Wang Jin , Zhang Zhenzhou , Wang Linxia , Wang Weihua , Liu Jieyu , Hong Zhanglian , Cho Kyeongjae , Wang Weichao
Published: June 2019

A high theoretical limit of supercapacitance of MXene Ti3C2 is predicted based on rigid band approximation (RBA).
Size-dependent antimycobacterial activity of titanium oxide nanoparticles against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ramalingam Vaikundamoorthy , Sundaramahalingam Subramaniam , Rajaram Rajendran
Published: June 2019

The titanium oxide nanoparticles showed excellent antibiofilm activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis by inhibiting the colony formation and damage the cell wall leads to immature biofilm formation as well as inhibition of metabolic activity.
Efficient perovskite nanocrystal light-emitting diodes using a benzimidazole-substituted anthracene derivative as the electron transport material
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Marcato Tommaso , Vasylevskyi Serhii I. , Jagielski Jakub , Fromm Katharina M. , Shih Chih-Jen
Published: June 2019

We report efficient perovskite nanocrystal LEDs based on a new electron transport material, BBIA, possessing high electron mobility of 4.17 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1. BBIA-based devices exhibit a nearly two-fold enhancement than TPBi counterpart.
UWB antenna with dynamically reconfigurable notch band using rectenna and active booster
Authors: Quddious Abdul , Abbasi Muhammad Ali Babar , Tahir Farooq A. , Antoniades Marco A. , Vryonides Photos , Nikolaou Symeon
Published: June 2019

In this study, an ultra‐wideband (UWB) monopole antenna with a dynamically reconfigurable notch band, along with the associated RF‐triggered power management unit (PMU) that enables the dynamic reconfigurability, are presented. The UWB monopole antenna has a rectangular slot which hosts a J‐shaped stub, electrically connected with the radiator using one PIN diode switch. When the diode is OFF, the monopole antenna has a UWB characteristic, while when it is turned ON a frequency notch is created at 5.6 GHz. The diode is fed from a PMU that consists of a rectenna and a DC‐to‐DC active booster. When the rectenna that consists of a patch antenna and a rectifier receives a −11 dBm or higher 5.6 GHz signal, it rectifies the RF signal into a sufficiently high DC voltage. The rectified DC voltage is applied to the cascaded DC‐to‐DC booster as enabling signal, and the booster provides at its output terminal sufficient DC power to actuate the PIN diode and thus dynamically reconfigure the UWB antenna. The dynamically reconfigurable notch band is created immediately in response to the reception of an external, −11 dBm RF signal at 5.6 GHz, and it disappears in real time immediately after the external RF signal is removed.
High‐efficiency topology‐morphing multi‐resonant DC–DC converter with wide voltage gain range for small‐scale wind generation applications
Authors: Han Fuqiang , Wang Yifeng , Yang Liang , Chen Mengying , Liu Ruixin , Xu Rong
Published: June 2019

In this study, a high‐efficiency topology‐morphing multi‐resonant DC–DC converter is proposed. The converter employs two auxiliary switches to control the equivalent resonant tank, and thus exhibits adaptive resonant characteristics for diverse situations. The dual‐transformer MRC structure is applied when high‐voltage gain is required, while a five‐element MRC operates at the rated state for high‐conversion efficiency. Besides, good protection for the over‐current issue is guaranteed. Also, beneficial from the topology‐morphing technology, the operating frequency range is very narrow and near every mode's high‐efficiency region. Therefore, the proposed converter has an expanded voltage gain range and maintains high‐efficiency throughout. These features make it well suitable for small‐scale wind generation applications. Finally, a 500 W prototype is fabricated in the laboratory to test the performances. The input voltage varies from 80 to 600 V and the output voltage is constant at 400 V. The efficiency remains high (>96.5%) among the entire voltage gain range and the peak value reaches 97.93%.