bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The flow of forage particles and solutes through segments of the digestive tracts of cattle
Authors: Wylie M. J. , Ellis W. C. , Matis J. H. , Bailey E. M. , James W. D. , Beever D. E.
Published: February 2017

An experiment was conducted to investigate the compartmental mean residence time, (CMRT) of feed residues in segments of gastrointestinal digesta of mature Holstein steers. The objective was to evaluate assumptions that feed residues flow through ruminal digesta as sequential mixing pools having age-dependent (GN) and age-independent (G1) distributed residence times respectively (GN → G1 flow). The basal diet was a semi-tropical hay containing 98 g crude protein and 503 g apparently digestible DM per kg DM. The hay was consumed and feed residues of different size and/or previous digestion from the hay were inserted into the reticulo-rumen (rumen) and abomasum. Marker profiles appearing at the duodenum and faeces were fitted to various compartment models to estimate CMRT. Post-abomasal CMRT did not differ among solutes or feed residues of different size and previous digestion and constituted only 5·8 % of the CMRT for the entire gastrointestinal tract. Markers initially applied to orally or ruminally dosed feed residues exhibited profiles in duodenal digesta and faeces conforming to GN → G1 flow. Previously undigested, masticated feed residues inserted into the dorsal rumen digesta had longer ruminal CMRT in the GN pool but not the G1 pool than did similarly inserted faecal small particles or normally ingested hay. These results support model assumptions of GN → G1 flow within rumen digesta. The results support mechanisms proposed for the GN pool as the ‘lag-rumination pool’ and the G1 pool as the ‘mass action turnover pool’. If further validated, rumen CMRT in cattle could be estimated from marker profiles in more easily obtained faeces to estimate ruminal CMRT required for feed evaluation systems.
Influence of hepatic ammonia removal on ureagenesis, amino acid utilization and energy metabolism in the ovine liver
Authors: Milano G. D. , Hotston-Moore A. , Lobley G. E.
Published: February 2017

The mass transfers of O2, glucose, NH3, urea and amino acids across the portal-drained viscera (PDV) and the liver were quantified, by arterio–venous techniques, during the last 4 h of a 100 h infusion of 0 (basal), 150 or 400 μmol NH4HCO3/min into the mesenteric vein of three sheep given 800 g grass pellets/d and arranged in a 3 × 3 Latin-square design. Urea irreversible loss rate (ILR) was also determined by continuous infusion of [14C]urea over the last 52 h of each experimental period. PDV and liver movements of glucose, O2and amino acids were unaltered by NH4HCO3administration, although there was an increase in PDV absorption of non-essential amino acids (P= 0·037) and a trend for higher liver O2consumption and portal appearance of total amino acid-N, glucogenic and non-essential amino acids at the highest level of infusion. PDV extraction of urea-N (P= 0·015) and liver removal of NH3(P< 0·001), release of urea-N (P= 0·002) and urea ILR (P= 0·001) were all increased by NH4HCO3infusion. Hepatic urea-N release (y) and NH3extraction(x) were linearly related (R20·89), with the slope of the regression not different from unity, both for estimations based on liver mass transfers (1·16; SE 0·144;PB≠ 1= 0·31) AND [14C]UREA (0·97; se 0·123;Pb≠ 1= 0·84). The study indicates that a sustained 1·5 or 2·4-fold increase in the basal NH3supply to the liver did not impair glucose or amino acid supply to non-splanchnic tissues; nor were additional N inputs to the ornithine cycle necessary to convert excess NH3to urea. Half of the extra NH3removed by the liver was, apparently, utilized by periportal glutamate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase for sequential glutamate and aspartate synthesis and converted to urea as the 2-amino moiety of aspartate.
Realism in Film: Less is More
Authors: BENOVSKY JIRI
Published: February 2017

What is realism in film? Focusing on a test case of High Frame Rate (HFR) high-definition movies, I discuss in this article various types of realism as well as their inter-relations. Precision, recessiveness of the medium, transparency, and ‘Collapse’ are discussed and compared. At the end of the day, I defend the claim that ‘less is more’ in the sense that more image precision can actually have a negative impact on storytelling.
DEFINING TERRORISM: ONE SIZE FITS ALL?
Authors: Greene Alan
Published: February 2017

This article challenges the idea, both in domestic and international law, of defining terrorism. Using section 1 of the UK's Terrorism Act 2000 as an illustrative example, this article argues that a single definition of terrorism is invariably broad owing to the need to accommodate the lowest common denominator. This is damaging to the ‘principle of legality’ as recognized in British public law and the ECHR. Moreover, this problem is further exacerbated by the increasing application of counterterrorism legislation to non-international armed conflicts. This article therefore suggests an alternative solution: multiple definitions of terrorism whose breadth is dependent upon the specific circumstances for which they are designed. Fears that such an approach may amount to an ‘expression of inconsistency’ will be addressed by arguing that law's capacity to shape and frame public and political debate on the concept of terrorism is over-exaggerated. Legal definitions of terrorism therefore should remain primarily concerned with the legal rather than political function of defining terrorism.
Physiological determinants of storage root yield in three cassava genotypes under different nitrogen supply
Authors: PHUNTUPAN K. , BANTERNG P.
Published: February 2017

Physiological traits can be used to improve the efficiency of selecting suitable genotypes to grow under nitrogen (N) limitation. The objective of the current study was to investigate the relationship between physiological characteristics and storage root yield of three cassava genotypes under three rates of N fertilizer. The experiments were conducted from 2014 to 2016 at farm fields in Thailand. A split-plot randomized complete block design with four replications was used. Three different rates of N fertilizer, i.e., 46·9, 90·0 and 133·2 kg N/ha and three cassava genotypes, Rayong 9, Rayong 11 and Kasetsart 50, were used. Kasetsart 50 had the highest mean performance for most crop traits. Growth rate of stem (SGR), storage root (SRGR) and crop (CGR) during 180–210 days after planting (DAP) and leaf area index (LAI) at 120 DAP were related to storage root dry weight for all three rates of N fertilizer. Storage root growth during 90–120 DAP, CGR during 180–210 DAP and specific leaf area (SLA) at 210 DAP contributed most to storage root dry weight of the three genotypes grown at 46·9 kg N/ha, while the combination of SRGR during 90–120 DAP, SRGR during 180–210 DAP, LAI at 210 DAP and SLA at 210 DAP was best for N fertilizer at 90·0 kg N/ha and the combination of leaf growth rate (LGR) during 180–210 DAP and LAI at 210 DAP was best for N fertilizer at 133·2 kg N/ha.
Optimal Option Portfolio Strategies: Deepening the Puzzle of Index Option Mispricing
Authors: Faias José Afonso , Santa-Clara Pedro
Published: February 2017

Traditional methods of asset allocation (such as mean–variance optimization) are not adequate for option portfolios because the distribution of returns is non-normal and the short sample of option returns available makes it difficult to estimate their distribution. We propose a method to optimize a portfolio of European options, held to maturity, with a myopic objective function that overcomes these limitations. In an out-of-sample exercise incorporating realistic transaction costs, the portfolio strategy delivers a Sharpe ratio of 0.82 with positive skewness. This performance is mostly obtained by exploiting mispricing between options and not by loading on jump or volatility risk premia.
What Drives the Commonality between Credit Default Swap Spread Changes?
Authors: Anderson Mike
Published: February 2017

This paper documents an increase in the comovement between credit default swap (CDS) spread changes during the 2007–2009 crisis and investigates the source of that increase. One possible explanation is that comovement increased because fundamental values became more correlated. However, I find that changes in fundamentals account for only 23% of the increase in covariance. The remaining increase is attributed to changes in liquidity and the market price of default risk. In contrast, counterparty risk played an insignificant role. Although both contributed, the increase in covariance was driven more by variation in exposures than factor variance–covariance.
Helminth parasites of the chub mackerelScomber coliasoff the Tunisian coast and their use in stock discrimination
Authors: Feki M. , Châari M. , Neifar L. , Boudaya L.
Published: February 2017

Nine helminth parasites were used as biological tags to discriminate diverse areas ofScomber coliasGmelin, 1789. During three seasons, a total of 369 fish were examined in four zones off the Tunisian coast, including Bizerte in the north, Kelibia and Mahdia in the centre and Zarzis in the south. Discriminant analyses were used to identify distinct areas ofS. colias. Fish from Bizerte were grouped as one area and were correlated negatively with the monogeneanGrubea cochlearand the digeneanLecithocladium excisum. Specimens from Kelibia and Mahdia were grouped together and were characterized by the ectoparasitePseudokuhnia minorand by endoparasitesProdistomum orientalis, Monascus filiformisand anisakid larvae. Fish from Zarzis were grouped as one area and were positively correlated with the monogeneanG. cochlearand the digeneanL. excisum. These results were corroborated by comparing the prevalence and mean abundance of parasites among zones. Results of other discriminant analyses used for the classification ofS. coliasbetween localities after pooling specimens from the central areas of Kelibia and Mahdia also allowed the identification of three distinct areas: one in the north, correlated negatively withG. cochlearandL. excisum;one in the centre, characterized byP. minor, P. orientalis, M. filiformisand anisakid larvae; and one in the south, from Zarzis, characterized byG. cochlearandL. excisum. Results of comparisons of infection parameters between seasons and those of seasonal discrminant analyses showed a seasonal stability of communities from the northern and the southern areas. Specimens from the central regions showed variability between seasons, suggesting migratory movements.
The mitochondrial genome ofAncylostoma tubaeformefrom cats in China
Authors: Shi X.L. , Fu Y.Q. , Abdullahi A.Y. , Wang M.W. , Yang F. , Yu X.G. , Pan W.D. , Yan X.X. , Hang J.X. , Zhang P. , Li G.Q.
Published: February 2017

Ancylostoma tubaeformemay infect canids, felids and humans, and pose a potential risk to public health. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used to amplify the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome sequence ofA. tubaeformefrom cats and to analyse its sequence characteristics after molecular identification based on the internal transcribed spacer ITS1+ sequence. The results show that the complete mt genome sequence (GenBank accession number KY070315) ofA. tubaeformefrom cats was 13,730 bp in length, including 12 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, two non-coding regions and an AT-rich region. The nucleotide content of A and T was 77.93%, biased toward A and T. Twelve protein-coding genes used ATT, TTG and GTG as initiation codons, and TAA, TAG, TA and T as termination codons. The length of the 22 tRNA genes ranged from 52 to 62 bp, their predicted secondary structures were D loops and V loops. The lengths of the two rRNAs were 958 and 697 bp. Phylogenetic analyses showed thatA. tubaeformefrom cats was in the lineage ofAncylostoma, having a close phylogenetic relationship withA. caninum. This study reports for the first time the mt genome ofA. tubaeformefrom cats in China, which could enhance the mt genome database of Ancylostomatidae nematodes, and it offers the scientific basis for further studies in the genetic diversity of hookworms among different hosts.
The Ripon Diary, 1878–80: II
Authors: Rossi John P.
Published: February 2017

The second instalment of Lord Ripon's diary covers the period from March to September 1879, months when he was rapidly recovering his influence within the top levels of the Liberal leadership. With the Afghan war drawing to what appeared to be a successful conclusion, Ripon continued to serve as a valuable adviser to the party leaders on what Liberal policy should be toward post-war Afghanistan. The outbreak of yet another colonial conflict, this time in South Africa, the so-called Zulu war, deeply offended Ripon's sense of justice. But he possessed neither the interest nor the expertise in this area that he had in Afghanistan, and as a result his influence on Liberal policy on this question was negligible. Like most of his fellow-Liberals, Ripon believed that the British High Commissioner in South Africa, Sir Bartle Frere, the man responsible for initiating this war, should be recalled and censured. But otherwise Ripon had little to add in a constructive vein to a solution of British problems in South Africa. His diary contains none of the penetrating observations on the Zulu conflict that characterized his analysis of the Afghan war.
Philip II’s Armada Proclamation of 1597
Authors: Loomie Albert J.
Published: February 2017

In the summer of 1597, Philip II authorized the printing of a proclamation in English to be used in the event of a landing of his forces in England. This hitherto unpublished document has survived through a Spanish version prepared for his son, Philip III, a short time after his father's death. This was the only English proclamation that received Philip's official approval during his long naval war with England. Yet why was it prepared at all, when his priorities by 1597 were elsewhere, and even these were in jeopardy? His Council of War had made him aware of the loss of important advantages in France and the Low Countries, where the maintenance of his land forces was threatened by another bankruptcy. With reports of sporadic mutinies of garrisons arriving in Madrid, a naval expedition had to be conceived within the framework of restricted resources. This precise situation provides a fundamental insight into the proclamation. Upon examination, it is an appeal for local support from every quarter. In effect, the Spanish Armada of 1597 needed an insurrection in order to succeed. Since a large military commitment was unfeasible, the rhetoric of the proclamation had to by-pass religious differences and not solicit simply a Catholic loyalty.
Art. XXI.—Some Account of the Systems of Law and Police as recognised in the State of Nepál
Authors: Hodgson Brian Houghton
Published: February 2017

[With a view to obtain correct and authentic information on the subject of Nepálese law, both in its theoretical principles and practical administration, Mr. Hodgson addressed a series of questions to several individuals who were judged most capable of replying to them in a full and satisfactory manner. Copies of these series of interrogatories, with their respective answers, have been communicated by him to the Royal Asiatic Society (together with a separate paper on crimes and punishments); and the following article has been drawn up from a careful comparison of the whole, excluding as much as possible the repetitions unavoidably occurring, in many instances, in the various answers to any particular question. A reference to the works of Kirkpatrick, Hamilton, and others, will shew how little has hitherto been contributed to the knowledge of Europeans respecting Oriental systems of jurisprudence, as far as regards the kingdom of Nepal; it is therefore particularly gratifying to be enabled to produce so complete a view of the subject as has been furnished by Mr. Hodgson, whose perseverance and energy in obtaining an acquaintance with these and other matters hitherto kept sacred from all strangers, are only equalled by the intelligent and liberal manner in which he communicates to the public the information he has acquired.—Ed.
Art. XXII.—Some Account of the P'hansigárs, or Gang-robbers, and of the Shúdgarshids, or Tribe of Jugglers
Authors: Stevenson J. A. R.
Published: February 2017

The P'hansigárs are a tribe of, perhaps, the most deliberate and decided villains that stain the face of the earth. I hardly know whether they should be called a tribe, for they have no distinct religion or prejudices; they admit into their fraternity persons of all castes and persuasions; and the gangs which are found in different parts of the country appear to have no general knowledge of, or connexion with, each other, further than the diabolical compact existing among a few of the members who may at any period have acted in concert in their trade of villany. The following few particulars I gathered from the examination of part of a large gang which inhabited a village on the western frontier of the Nizáms country, not very far from Bíjápúr.
Art. XXIII.—On Female Infanticide in Cutch
Authors: Burnes Alexander
Published: February 2017

[Since the sheet containing the former paper on this subject, by Lieutenant Burnes, was printed off, the Society has been favoured, by that gentleman, with a copy of his letter to Lieutenant-Colonel Pottinger, detailing the substance of a conversation which took place between himself and some of the Jhárejá chieftains, shortly after the delivery of letters from the Bombay government to the Rao of Cutch, deprecating the continuance of the practice of female infanticide in his dominions. This document is curious as explaining the sentiments of these individuals in regard to this practice, almost in their own words, and will tend to the completion of the evidence in our possession as to the existence of this inhuman custom.]
The influence of ozone chemistry and meteorology on plant exposure to photo-oxidants
Authors: Cape J.N. , Smith R.I. , Fowler D.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Concentrations of ozone have approximately doubled over the past century. In polluted air, photochemical reactions may produce concentrations of ozone up to 100 ppbv or more, even in areas relatively remote from sources of industrial pollution. The large ozone concentrations observed in these episodes, which may persist for several days, are markers for the presence of intense photochemical activity in the atmosphere. Experiments designed to investigate the effects of ozone on plants rarely, if ever, reproduce the chemical conditions which are always associated with ozone episodes.

Exposure of plants to ozone is strongly influenced by topography and meterological conditions. Windy sites which are well coupled to the atmosphere experience only a small diurnal variation in ozone concentration, and peak concentrations during episodes are generally much larger than at sheltered sites.

Stomatal opening effectively controls the amount and rate at which ozone enters leaves. Factors which affect stomatal opening therefore determine the dose of ozone for a given concentration in air. Extrapolation of results from controlled experiments to the field must assess whether growing conditions, including stomatal conductance, are comparable between experiment and field.

The Critical Levels approach has shown that crop plants and natural vegetation are likely to be exposed to potentially damaging ozone concentrations in most industrialised countries.
The relative implications of ozone formation both in the stratosphere and the troposphere
Authors: Wellburn A. R. , Paul N. D. , Mehlhorn H.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Although ozone (O3) occurs in both the troposphere and the stratosphere, mechanisms of O3 formation and removal in both regions of the atmosphere are very different. Moreover, the presence of O3 in the two layers has very different implications for the biosphere, especially vegetation. This introductory paper gives an overall appreciation of the two pools of O3 and their relative influences upon plant life. In the troposphere, natural and unburnt hydrocarbons (HCs) not only participate in the formation of atmospheric O3 but are also involved in the formation of free radicals from O3 which go on to injure plant tissues. In the stratosphere, O3 absorbs significant amounts of ultraviolet radiation (285-315 nm, UV-B) from sunlight which would otherwise harm biological systems. Depletion of stratospheric O3 by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) has prompted urgent studies to assess the consequences of enhanced UV-B radiation on vegetation. Preliminary assessments of possible changes to UK crops are described in this paper.
Ozone- and UV-stress detected by photon emission of plants
Authors: Katzinger R. , Klima H. , Schwabl H.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

The photon emission (ultraweak photon emission and delayed luminescence) of duckweeds (Spirodela polyrrhiza) and 1–2 year old tree seedlings (Picea abies, Abies albaandFagus silvatica) was investigated by means of a single photon counting equipment. The decay kinetics of DL, the temperature dependence of UPE, and the anaerobic phase-induced kinetics of UPE were measured under/after treatment with ozone and UV-radiation. The results suggest that more consideration be given to photon emission as an indicator of stress-induced changes in plants.
Altitude-dependent ozone concentrations and changes of ozone-related plant-physiological parameters in the needles of Norway spruce
Authors: Smidt St. , Bermadinger-Stabentheiner E. , Herman F.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Two interdisciplinary projects of the Federal Forest Research Centre have been started in the last ten years as a contribution to the Austrian forest ecosystem research programme. Their main goal was an interdisciplinary investigation of interactions between air pollutants and various ecological parameters. Plant/physiological parameters were used to describe the naturally and anthropogenically induced stress patterns caused by different environmental conditions. Biochemical analyses of needles of Norway spruce (Picea abies) including ascorbic acid concentrations, peroxidase activity, thiols and pigments were taken at two altitudinal profiles.
Free radical processes induced by desiccation in germinating maize. The relationship with respiration and loss of desiccation tolerance
Authors: Leprince O. , Hendry G. A. F. , Atherton N. M.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Using germination of maize as a model, desiccation-induced free radical processes were studied with the object of understanding desiccation tolerance. Several significant elements of damage were observed in desiccated material associated with development of desiccation intolerance: increased lipid peroxidation, phospholipid de-esterification, build-up of a stable free radical, supression or repression of respiratory enzymes from complex I, II and IV. An EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) response was also detected in isolated mitochondria following in vitro desiccation. The loss of desiccation tolerance appeared to be dependent on oxygen concentration. Two highly significant correlations were independently found between respiration rates and production of a stable free radical detected by EPR. These data suggest that respiration is an important factor in the loss of desiccation tolerance. We present a model suggesting that activated oxygen formation during desiccation originates in the disruption of the mitochondrial electron transport chain with increasing leakage to oxygen so generating irreversible and lethal peroxidative damage, leading to the development of desiccation intolerance.
Changes in free radical profiles during the callogenesis of responsive and recalcitrant potato genotypes
Authors: Bailey E. , Deighton N. , Clulow S. A. , Goodman B. A. , Benson E. E.
Published: February 2017

Changes of the in vitro morphogenetic state may be achieved for some potato genotypes, but others are unresponsive (recalcitrant). Although the biochemical basis for somatic recalcitrance is unknown, evidence suggests that two different aspects of oxidative stress may be involved. Phenolic oxidation is a major problem in manipulating cultures of woody plant species (Thorpe & Harry 1990) and lipid peroxidation has been associated with recalcitrance in monocotyledonous plants (Cutler et al. 1989; Benson et al. 1992). Both oxidative phenomena are believed to be free-radical mediated, but to date there is no reported direct evidence for the formation of free radicals during plant tissue culture callogenesis. The objectives of the present study were twofold; to assess the feasibility of using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to detect free radicals directly in plant tissue cultures and to investigate free radical activity during dedifferentiation of responsive and unresponsive potato genotypes.
The chemical fate of the endogenous plant antioxidants carvacrol and thymol during oxidative stress
Authors: Deighton N. , Glidewell S. M. , Goodman B. A. , Deans S. G.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

The major antioxidants present in the essential (volatile) oils of oregano (Origanum vulgare, L.), summer savory (Satureja hortensis, L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris, L.) have been identified as carvacrol and thymol which have both been demonstrated to possess fungicidal and bactericidal properties. EPR spectra produced upon oxidation are inconsistent with the expected phenoxy free radicals (RO), but resemble those of galvinoxyl and anthronyl radicals. The EPR spectrum, in the case of carvacrol, is a pair of quintets with isotropic splittings, 0.325 and 0.080 millitesla (mT). ENDOR and TRIPLE resonance experiments have been performed and are indicative of the paramagnetic species being a substituted anthronyl. Further studies are being conducted to characterise these species and to investigate their potential roles during oxidative stress.
Are free radical generation and phytoalexin biosynthesis coupled?
Authors: Deighton N. , Lyon G. D. , Johnston D. , Glidewell S. M. , Goodman B. A.
Published: February 2017

The induction of plant defence mechanisms has been extensively studied in recent years and there appear to be three interdependent roles for free radicals in the host response (Sutherland 1991) viz; oxidation of specific host components, which may include lipid peroxidation (Rogers et al. 1988) and cell wall lignification (Bolwell et al. 1985), direct injury to the pathogen, and signal transduction upon infection. A potential messenger role has been proposed for the short-lived hydroxyl radical, HO˙ (Epperlein et al. 1986) and the superoxide radical anion, O2−˙ (Doke 1983; Doke et al. 1991).

The present study has utilised EPR spectroscopy and spin trapping with α-(4-pyridyl l-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone (POBN) to investigate the free radical chemistry of soybean cotyledons during incompatible infection, abiotic elicitation and wounding.
Effects of pulsed ultrasound and ultraviolet radiation on Vitamin E and olive oil
Authors: Muzzoli M. , Chicca M. C. , Pinamonti S.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

The effects of ultrasound and ultraviolet radiation on Vitamin E and its pharmacological excipient, olive oil, were tested by fluorescent analysis of DNA unwinding (FADU) on DNA extracted from human lymphocytes of healthy donors. The results show that Vitamin E may be inactivated and behave as a radical species, while olive oil appears unaffected by treatment either with ultrasound or with ultraviolet radiation.
Effect of oxidative stress during imbibition of soybean embryonic axes
Authors: Puntarulo Susana
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Both respiration andgeneration by soybean embryonic axes showed a sharp increase upon germination, leading to a significant increase in the steady-state concentration ofand H2O2after 6 h of imbibition. An assay was developed to assessin vivogeneration of reactive oxygen species, based upon DCFH-DA oxidation. Fluorescence of the external medium was dependent on reaction time and axes number and was inhibited by catalase.

α-Tocopherol content declined significantly after 24 h of incubation, as compared to the content at the onset of germination. Incubation in the presence of redox cycling agent paraquat (4 mM) for 24 h increased α-tocopherol content to 1.9±0.2 nmol per axis from 1.0 ± 0.1 nmol per axis in the absence of paraquat. Supplementation of the incubation medium with 500 μM Fe-EDTA increased α-tocopherol content to 1.8±0.1 nmol/axis and DCFH-DA oxidation by two-fold.

The data presented here showed that active metabolism at the onset of germination increased steady-state concentration of oxygen active species and suggest that cellular content of α-tocopherol is physiologically adjusted as a response to conditions of oxidative stress.
Effect of ageing on oxygen radical generation by soybean seeds
Authors: Simontacchi Marcela , Puntarulo Susana
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Rates of leakage of protein and electrolytes were measured in soybean embryonic axes from soybean seeds stored for 8–42 months. A significant increase in the content of proteins and electrolytes was determined in the external medium where aged embryonic axes were incubated. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated by the measurement of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in isolated axes from aged seeds. No significant differences were detected either in the contentin vivonor in the rate of generationin vitro. To assessin vivooxidative condition of the axes, an assay employing 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein (DCFH-DA) oxidation was used. Embryonic axes from seeds stored for 8 and 42 months showed 1.1±0.1 and 4.1±0.1 fluorescence units per min per axes, respectively, after 24 h of imbibition. This significant increase in fluorescence was measured at all the tested incubation times. Antioxidant defences, evaluated as chemiluminescence induced by t-butyl hydroperoxide and α-tocopherol content, showed a significant increase with storage time. These data suggest that the damage due to enhanced peroxidative events are limited by the increased amount of potent lipid soluble antioxidant.
Radiation-induced enhancement of jasmonic acid levels
Authors: Sprinz H. , von Sonntag C. , Franck U. , Miersch O. , Dahlhelm H.
Published: February 2017

In recent years, some experiments with low doses of ionising radiation have been performed, with reproducible results, which indicate a positive stimulus rather than a deletirious effect (Decker & Degner 1983; Wolff 1989).

The aim of our own studies was to establish whether low doses of ionising radiation can influence metabolism by means of a modification of the concentration of a plant hormone, in this particular case jasmonate. The multiple physiological effects caused by the plant bioregulator jasmonate, including response to stress, suggest their essential involvement in central genetic and metabolic processes (Sembdner & Parthier 1993).
Effects of oxygen and nitrate on ammonium uptake kinetics and adenylate pools inPhalaris arundinaceaL. andGlyceria maxima(Hartm.) Holmb
Authors: Brix H. , Lorenzen B. , Morris J. T. , Schierup H.-H. , Sorrell B. K.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

We studied the effects of oxygen (aerated versus O2depleted ∼0.5 mg 1−1O2) and nitrate (none versus 10 μmol 1−1) on the ammonium uptake kinetics and adenylate pools in two wetland plants differing in their degree of flood tolerance (Phalaris arundinaceaL. andGlyceria maxima(Hartm.) Holmb.). The study was performed as a random block design in a growth chamber. The-uptake kinetics were estimated by using a computerised nonlinear parameter estimation procedure to fit the differential form of a modified Michaelis–Menten model to solution depletion curves. The uptake kinetics fordiffered between the two species:Vmaxwas significantly higher forP. arundinacea(24.7 to 29.6 μmol h−1g−1root dry weight) than forG. maxima(4.6–10.3 μmol h−1g−1root dry weight). Theconcentration at which uptake ceases (Cmin) was 0.2 to 0.5 μmol 1−1forP. arundinaceaand significant higher (1.1–2.7 μmol 1−1) forG. maxima.Kmvaried between 3.1 and 6.2 μmol 1−1forP. arundinacea, and 1.6 and 3.0 μmol 1−1forG. maxima.The different uptake kinetics of the two species reflect the different structure of their root systems:P. arundinaceahas an extensive root system consisting of many thin roots whereasG. maximahas fewer but thicker roots. The uptake kinetics also suggest thatP. arundinaceais adapted to growing at lower ambientconcentrations thanG. maxima.Oxygen had no consistent effect onuptake kinetics. However, the plants that hadin the nutrient solution as well ashad slightly higherVmaxvalues and lowerCminandKmvalues than those without. Thus, both species were able to sustain their uptake characteristics at low external O2concentrations, probably because of internal aeration through the air-space tissue of the plants. Nitrate deprivation also lowered the energy charge ratio and adenine nucleotide content in roots. The roots recovered quickly fromdeprivation oncewas resupplied. The stresses imposed by partially O2-depleted conditions and lack of nitrate were therefore relatively mild and reversible. It seems that the inherent aerenchyma development under aerated conditions in these species is sufficient to maintain adequate root oxygenation under partially O2-depleted conditions.
Enzymatic defence against post-anoxic injury in higher plants
Authors: Wollenweber-Ratzer B. , Crawford R. M. M.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Plants tolerant of long-term flooding and oxygen deprivation in their perennating organs such as rhizomes and tubers are able to avoid the deleterious effects of anoxia and minimise the dangers of re-entry to air by reactions with antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and glutathione. In processes of detoxification of oxygen radicals, ascorbic acid is oxidised to dehydroascorbic acid and reduced glutathione to oxidised glutathione. Through the action of enzymes such as monodehydroascorbate reductase (MR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glutathione and ascorbic acid may be regenerated to maintain sufficient levels of antioxidants within the tissue in order to quench oxygen radicals.
Glutathione reductase activity following re-aeration of hypoxically pretreated wheat roots
Authors: Albrecht G. , Wiedenroth E.-M.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

During the first 2 h of oxygen re-exposure, the GSH level was almost constant, while the GSSG increased about 10-fold. This results in a decline of the GSH/GSSG ratio, which reflects oxidative stress induced by re-aeration following hypoxic pretreatment. Further evidence for this is an increase in lipid peroxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid-reactive material (TBA-rm) and the affected content of sulfydryl-groups in the root tissues.

In spite of the high level of reduced glutathione in the roots under hypoxia-inducing conditions, they contained a retarded glutathione reductase (GR) activity compared with aerobically grown roots. Re-aeration up to 2 h resulted in a further decrease in GR activity. Only at the end of the 16-h period of re-aeration the enzyme activity was able to recover, by overshooting slightly those values of the continuously aerated controls. This was accompanied by a restoring a high GSH/GSSG ratio and an enhanced level of GSH.
Effect of allopurinol treatment on the development of rust diseases of kidney-bean, broad-bean and wheat plants
Authors: Galal A. A. , Manninger K. , Barna B. , Adám A. L.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

The effect of a xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor, allopurinol, was studied in three host-rust interactions. Application of allopurinol in an incompatible interaction (wheat–Puccinia reconditaf. sp.tritici) did not significantly alter symptom expression nor result in an increase in lipid peroxidation (LP) and electrolyte leakage as compared to non-treated control plants. On the other hand, application of allopurinol in three compatible host–rust interactions suppressed, in a concentration-dependent manner, the formation of uredospores which was accompanied by a transient increase in electrolyte leakage and LP during the biotrophic fungal growth (5–6 days after infection). These results suggest that (i) allopurinol can inhibit fungal growth in later developmental stage (s) developing only in compatible hosts and (ii) XO is not the primary source of the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in incompatible rust combinations.
Polarographic oxygen electrodes and their use in plant aeration studies
Authors: Armstrong W.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

The electrolytic reduction of oxygen which occurs at a wetted ‘unattackable’ cathodic electrode of platinum or gold when polarised in conjunction with a Ag/AgCl anode, forms the basis of most polarographic oxygen measurements in plant biological work.

Various types of polarographic electrode and their uses are reviewed. These include cylindrical sleeving electrodes for quantifying localised oxygen fluxes from intact roots, ‘bare’, membrane-coated, and Clark-type microelectrodes suitable for measuring concentrations and profiles both inside roots and in the rhizosphere, and macro-Clark electrodes most frequently used in respiratory studies.

Some details concerning equipment and electrode construction are given and some pitfalls in electrode application are discussed.
Visible marking of wader nests to avoid damage by farmers does not increase nest predation
Authors: ZÁMEČNÍK VÁCLAV , KUBELKA VOJTĚCH , ŠÁLEK MIROSLAV
Published: February 2017

Only a few studies have assessed the predation risk on artificially marked nests, or have examined ways of marking nests to avoid destruction by machinery. Until now, however, neither type of study has directly addressed this apparent trade-off experimentally. The impact of marking the nests of Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus with thin 2 m-long conspicuous bamboo poles with the top end highlighted with reflective red or orange spray has been tested for three years in two breeding areas of waders in the Czech Republic. A total of 52 pairs of nests on agricultural land, with each pair consisting of one marked nest and one unmarked reference counterpart nest, were monitored for 2004 nest-days until hatching, agricultural operations or failure. The results proved that marking itself does not result in increased nest predation. The nests found in the early incubation stage were under higher threat of depredation, irrespective of the presence of marking. Our results show that it is possible to find a finely-tuned trade-off in nest marking of ground-nesting birds between risk of damage by agricultural machinery and risk of increased nest predation. Our positive experience with Northern Lapwing, and episodically with three other wader species in the Czech Republic, suggests that this direct nest protection could be used effectively for a wider variety of ground-nesting birds.
Experiences of Ebola Survivors: Causes of Distress and Sources of Resilience
Authors: Schwerdtle Patricia M. , De Clerck Veronique , Plummer Virginia
Published: February 2017

Introduction

An appreciation of the experience of Ebola survivors is critical for community engagement and an effective outbreak response. Few qualitative, descriptive studies have been conducted to date that concentrate on the voices of Ebola survivors.

Problem

This study aimed to explore the experiences of Ebola survivors following the West African epidemic of 2014.

Method

An interpretive, qualitative design was selected using semi-structured interviews as the method of data collection. Data were collected in August 2015 by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium, for the purposes of internal evaluation. Data collection occurred at three sites in Liberia and Sierra Leone and involved 25 participants who had recovered from Ebola. Verbal consent was obtained, audio recordings were de-identified, and ethics approval was provided by Monash University (Melbourne, Australia).

Findings

Two major themes emerged from the study: “causes of distress” and “sources of resilience.” Two further sub-themes were identified from each major theme: the “multiplicity of death,” “abandonment,” “self and community protection and care,” and “coping resources and activities.” The two major themes were dominant across all three sample groups, though each survivor experienced infection, treatment, and recovery differently.

Conclusions

By identifying and mobilizing the inherent capacity of communities and acknowledging the importance of incorporating the social model of health into culturally competent outbreak responses, there is an opportunity to transcend the victimization effect of Ebola and empower communities, ultimately strengthening the response.

SchwerdtlePM, De ClerckV, PlummerV. Experiences of Ebola survivors: causes of distress and sources of resilience. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(3):234–239.
Effects of trait definition on genetic parameter estimates and sire evaluation for clinical mastitis with threshold models
Authors: Chang Y. M. , Gianola D. , Heringstad B. , Klemetsdal G.
Published: February 2017

Clinical mastitis records on 36 178 first-lactation Norwegian dairy cattle (NRF) cows, daughters of 245 sires from 5286 herds, were analysed to study the impact of trait definition on estimates of genetic parameters and sire evaluations for clinical mastitis. The opportunity interval for infection, going from 30 days pre-calving to 300 days post partum, was divided into either 11 periods (each 30 days long); four periods ((-30, 0), (1, 30), (31, 120), (121, 300)); a single period (-30, 300) or defined as the interval currently used for sire evaluation in Norway (-15,120). Within each period, clinical mastitis was scored as 1 if it occurred at least once and 0 otherwise. Analysis was with Bayesian threshold models, assuming that mastitis (presence v. absence) was a different trait in each period. By use of multivariate or univariate normal link functions, unobserved liabilities to disease were modelled as a linear function of year of calving, age-season of calving, herd, sire of cow and residual effects. Estimates of heritability of liability to clinical mastitis ranged from 0-06 to 0-14, depending on the model and stage of lactation. In multi-period models, estimates of genetic correlations between periods were positive and ranged from 0-13 to 0-55. This suggests that clinical mastitis resistance is not the same trait in different periods of the first lactation, which is not captured by the single-interval models. The single-interval (-30, 300) model gave slightly smaller sire-specific posterior probabilities of clinical mastitis during the first lactation than the multi-period models. Furthermore, the interval used in current Norwegian sire evaluation understated the posterior probabilities of clinical mastitis, relative to the multi-period specifications. This led to some differences in sire rankings between the four models, although there was agreement between the four- and 11-period models. In conclusion, the multi-period models captured more genetic variation than the single-interval models, but the four-period model gave sire rankings that differed little from those obtained with an 11-period definition of clinical mastitis.
Analysis of associations between the prion protein genotype and reproduction traits in meat sheep breeds
Authors: de Vries F. , Hamann H. , Drögemüller C. , Ganter M. , Distl O.
Published: February 2017

The objective of this study was to analyse the associations between ovine prion protein (PrP) genotypes and reproduction traits in three German meat sheep breeds. Reproduction traits were age at first early lambing, age at first late lambing, first lambing interval, second lambing interval and total number of lambs born. The data set included 595 genotyped German Texel sheep among 5225 recorded sheep, 351 genotyped German Black-Headed Mutton among 10 177 sheep and 282 genotyped Suffolk sheep among 2849 sheep. Linear animal models were employed for the analysis of the PrP-genotype effect. The PrP-genotype effect was analysed by comparing the most frequent PrP genotypes ARR/ARR, ARR/ARQ, and ARQ/ARQ. In a more general analysis three PrP genotype classes of animals with two, one or no copy of the ARR allele were compared.

In most cases, no significant associations were found between the PrP genotypes and the reproduction traits investigated. Only for the traits age at first early lambing in German Texel and second lambing interval in German Black-Headed Mutton and Suffolk could a significant association with the PrP genotype be observed.
Intake, live-weight gain and carcass characteristics of beef cattle given diets based on forage maize silage harvested at different stages of maturity
Authors: Browne E. M. , Juniper D. T. , Bryant M. J. , Beever D. E. , Fisher A. V.
Published: February 2017

Advancing maturity of forage maize is associated with increases in the proportion of dry matter (DM) and starch, and decreases in the proportions of structural carbohydrates in the ensiled crop. This experiment investigated the effects of three maize silages of 291 (low), 339 (medium) and 393 (high) g DM per kg fresh weight on the performance of 48 Simmental X Holstein-Friesian cattle. Equal numbers of steers (mean start weight = 503 (s.d. 31.3) kg) and heifers (mean start weight = 378 (s.d. 11.2) kg) were offered individually isonitrogenous diets composed of the three silages plus a protein supplement with minerals once daily until slaughter at the target live weight of 575 and 475 kg for steers and heifers, respectively. Intake was reduced on the low diet (P < 0.01) compared with the other two treatments. Dietary starch intake increased by a total of 1 kg/day between low and medium diets but by only 0.2 kg/day between medium and high diets. Unlike starch intake, total neutral-detergent fibre intake showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between diets. There were no differences in live-weight gain between treatments but differences (F < 0.05) in food conversion efficiency indicated relative gains of 115,100 and 102 g gain per kg DM intake for diets low, medium and high, respectively. There were no differences between diets in carcass weights, fat score and overall conformation.
The effect of strain of Holstein-Friesian cow and feeding system on reproductive performance in seasonal-calving milk production systems
Authors: Horan B. , Mee J. F. , Rath M. , Connor P. O' , Dillon P.
Published: February 2017

Three strains of Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows: high production North American (HP), high durability North American (HD) and New Zealand (NZ) were assigned, within strain, to one of three pasture-based feeding systems: Moorepark (MP), high concentrate (HC), and high stocking rate (HS). The effects of strain of HF, feeding system and parity on milk production, body condition score (BCS), live weight, energy balance and reproductive performance were studied using a repeated measures model with a factorial arrangement of strain ofHF and feeding systems. Associations between these variables and conception to first service (CONCEPT1), conception to first and second service (CONCEPTl_2), pregnancy rate at 6 weeks (PREG6) and overall pregnancy rate (PREG) were assessed using logistic regressions. When treatment means were compared, the NZ strain had a shorter gestation length and a higher CONCEPT1J2 than both the HP and HD strains. Similarly, the NZ strain had a higher PREG6 and PREG than the HP strain. Feeding system had no significant effect on reproductive performance. The HP strain had the highest milk yield at first AI and peak milk yield, the NZ strain had the lowest milk yield while the HD strain was intermediate. The energy balance of the NZ strain was higher than that of the HP and HD strains. The NZ strain had the lowest live weight and highest BCS; the HD strain had the highest live weight and the HP strain had the lowest BCS. The results show that dairy cows with superior genetic merit for fertility traits have better reproductive performance.