bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucinous Cystadenoma Arising From Renal Pelvis
Authors: Biswas Swapan Kumar , Hossain Muhammad Mofazzal , Deb Arjun
Published: July 2020

Primary mucinous cystic tumors occurring in the renal pelvis or the entire pelvicaliceal system are uncommon. Most are mucinous cystadenoma and less frequently mucinous cystadenocarcinomas. In fact, the publications on these neoplasms are limited to a few cases. Because mucinous cystadenomas of kidney are exceedingly rare, little is known about their natural history, pathogenesis and clinicopathologic features. Herein, we describe a case of mucinous cystadenoma arising from the renal pelvis, which resembled hydronephrosis. The patient presented with a history of intermittent dull pain on the left loin for 6 months. He had no history of removing urinary calculus or long- standing chronic infection in urinary system. The histopathology was unique since the inner surface of the cyst was covered by a mucinous epithelium connected to a urothelium, a transition from non- neoplastic urothelium to mucinous epithelium. This suggests that mucinous cystadenoma of renal pelvis, like its malignant counterpart, may arise in foci of metaplastic mucinous areas.
Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jul 2019;14(2): 104-106
Lingual Thyroid Gland: A Case Report
Authors: Islam Md Shahriar , Sanjowal Lipika , Awual SM Abdul , Alam Mohd Rafiul , Islam Md Rafiqul , Afrin Anika , Tahsin Abu Saleh Mohammad
Published: July 2020

Ectopic thyroid tissue can be found anywhere between the foramen cecum and the normal position of the thyroidgland. Although very uncommon, it is most often found in the region of the foramen cecum, in patients in whom thegland fails to descend. It may present with symptoms of dysphagia, upper airway obstruction, or even hemorrhage atany time from infancy through adulthood. We present the case of a twelve-year-old male child with a midline cervicalmass clinically presented with high dysphagia suffering for one year. Dysphagia worsened over the past two monthsand was accompanied by increasing in nocturnal dyspnoea and recent onset of sleep apnea. Elements in the diagnosticand therapeutic evaluation are described with attention to the clinical findings, laboratory tests, and radiographicimaging studies employed in confirming the diagnosis and planning appropriate treatment. The natural history of thecondition is reviewed and a treatment strategy is outlined that focuses on the use of suppressive doses of thyroidhormone as the initial therapy. Surgical excision of the gland is reserved for more advanced cases of glandenlargement resulting in airway compromise, severe dysphagia that limits oral intake, or ongoing hemorrhage.
Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jul 2019;14(2): 107-109
Cytotoxic, anti-mitotic and cytogenetic effects of the leaves and stems of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. (Olacaceae) against Artemia salina nauplii and Allium cepa meristematic cells
Authors: Oladipupo Akolade R. , Alaribe Chinwe S. , Ariyo Idris A. , Coker Herbert A.B. , Ogunlaja Adeniyi S.
Published: July 2020

The search for novel, safe and effective anticancer agents has been a continuous and recurring objective in cancer research. Olax subscorpioidea is a medicinal plant used for ethnomedicinal treatment of cancer in Nigeria. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic, anti-mitotic and cytogenetic effects of methanol extracts of the leaves and stems of O. subscorpioidea. The cytotoxic activities were evaluated against brine shrimps (Artemia salina) nauplii and Allium cepa roots, while anti-mitotic and cytogenetic effects were assessed on Allium cepa meristematic cells. Cytotoxicity assays showed that the extracts demonstrated potent cytotoxic activities, having LC50 values of 10.7 and 45.2 µg/mL against brine shrimps and IC50 values in the range of 47.03 – 81.93 µg/mL on A. cepa roots. These activities were comparable to that of potassium dichromate and methotrexate used as positive control in each of the assays. Anti-mitotic results indicated that at a concentration of 10 µg/mL, the extracts demonstrated percentage mitotic inhibition (% M.I) of 35.95 – 70.12%, with greater or similar anti-mitotic effects to methotrexate at a concentration of 125 µg/mL, % M.I of 39.04 – 40.64%. Cytogenetic investigation revealed that the extracts showed chromosomal aberrations that were not considerably different from those observed in the negative control group. The current findings suggest that the plant extracts may contain cytotoxic and anti-mitotic compounds. Further research to investigate these extracts in more sophisticated test systems and to isolate and characterize their active principles is ongoing.
Tabula rasa como estrategia de investigación arquitectónica para la revolución 4.0
Authors: Castillo Molina Juan R.
Published: July 2020

La tabula rasa es un recurso que reacciona ante el statu quo de la arquitectura, es algo que impacta la contemporaneidad y que acompaña la práctica de investigación. El objetivo del presente artículo es establecer la tabula rasa como detonante de pensamiento propio en investigaciones arquitectónicas a través de la definición de tres aspectos disruptivos: realidad, radicalidad y universalidad. Como resultado, se explica que la tabula rasa es una estrategia de investigación efectiva basada en un proceso de abordaje, enajenación, improvisación y ensamblaje del conocimiento, siendo esta una táctica eficaz para acompañar la fase avanzada de la educación arquitectónica iniciada por la Cuarta Revolución Industrial 4.0.
NITROGEN FERTILIZER TRIALS ON PASTURES
Authors: O'Connor M.B. , Gregg P.E.H.
Published: July 2020

On twenty-four sites throughout the country the effect of time and rate of applied nitrogen on "out-of-season" pasture production was studied over two seasons (1969-70 and 1970-71). Responses to spring-applied nitrogen wem more reliable than to autumn-applied. Spring responses varied from slight (2-7 kg DM/kg N) in the Waik& o, Bay of Plenty and parts of Canterbury to very good (10-20 kg DM/kg N) in Taranati, Dannevirke, southern Wairarapa, northern South Island, Westland and parts of Southland. When yield responses are considered as a substitute for hay, or other supplementary feedstuffs, payable results occur above about 7 kg DM/kg N. Factors such as time of application, soil type, pasture composition and amount of nitrogen in the soil affected the response to applied nitrogen.
PROFESSOR JOHN WILLIAM CALDER
Authors: Blair I.D.
Published: July 2020

An overview of the life of Professor J. W. Calder
NUTRIENT RESPONSES ON EXPOSED MOUNTAIN SUBSOILS
Authors: Dunbar G.A. , Adams S.N.
Published: July 2020

The effects of different nutrient combinations on growth of Yorkshire fog and white clover were studied in the glasshouse at Lincoln with subsoils from ten high-altitude sites throughout the South Island. There were outstanding responses by Yorkshire fog to nitrogen and phosphorus in combination, and by white clover to phosphorus on all soils. In the presence of these nutrients substantial responses to magnesium, potassium, and magnesium and potassium in combination were obtained on many soils. Copper, boron and zinc generally gave no benefit, and sulphur and molybdenum produced few marked responses. Lime was beneficial on the more acid soils, but on others depressed growth unless magnesium and potassium were also applied.
THE NEED FOR PRECISION FEED BUDGETING AS A FARMING TOOL
Authors: Parker O.F.
Published: July 2020

Previously published data from Dairy Board surveys reveal declining trends of dairy production, on both a per-cow and a unit area basis, over the past five years, and only a very small 'average increase over the past twenty years. Reasons are advanced for introducing a feed budget approach to farming. This approach has been extremely useful in intensive stocking trials with dairy cows at the Ruakura Nutrition Centre over the past seven years. Experimental evidence is used to demonstrate the feasibility and desirability of using practised eye appraisal to assess pasture dry matter cover and how, on farms stocked to maximize pasture use, this information can then be applied to meeting the changing needs of cattle throughout the year. Acceptance of this approach has led to improved feeding and productivity of livestock, increased total production, and greater economic returns from dairy farms.
WEEDS AND THE PASTURE COMMUNITY
Authors: Rumball P.J. , Grant D.A.
Published: July 2020

Survey data on the spring pasture composition of lowland farms with better-than-average levels of animal production indicate that volunteer species make up about 20 to 60% of the herbage dry matter on offer, Reasons for this are suggested.
THE PATTERN OF DEFOLIATION OF COCKSFOOT BY GRAZING SHEEP
Authors: Mcivor P.J. , Watkin B.R.
Published: July 2020

The pattern of defoliation of cocksfoot by Romney sheep at two stocking rates (approximately 36 and 80 sheep/ha) was studied in the autumn. After an autumn "flush" of growth, pasture availability, pasture height and green leaf length showed a rapid then steady decline during the grazing period. The length of green leaf removed per defoliation was closely related to the length of leaf available - i.e.,-the shorter the length available, the shorter the length removed. The proportion of g&en leaf length removed, however, showed little change over the grating period. Tillers were, grazed every 5 or 6 days in the high-stocked treatment and every 7 or 8 days in the medium-stocked treatment. These were generally the taller tillers, particularly in the mediumstocked treatment. Evidence of preferential grazing of different aged tillers was not obvious. However, towards the end of ihe experimental period the youngest tillers in the, medium-stocked treatment were grazed less frequently but more severely than, older tillers. In the highstocked treatment the youngest tillers were less severely grazed than older tillers. Preference for the youngest leaves 0n.a tiller was evident in all treatments. The mean liveweight of sheep incre&ed on the medium-stocked treatment but decreased slightly on the high-stocked treatment. The plant and animal responses recorded are discussed.
PASTURE ESTABLISHMENT BY SURFACE SOWING IN THE TE ANAU DISTRICT
Authors: Marshall D.R.
Published: July 2020

Establishing pasture on ploughable land in the Te Anau district by surface sowing has been successful and this method proved less costly than conventional cultivation techniques. Clover must be inoculated, preferably coated and sown as soon as possible after inoculation. It is desirable to coat the grass seed, particularly if application is to be made from the air. At least 1,255 kg/ ha of superphosphate are recommended in the first twelve months, plus molybdenum. The herbage of ,the unimproved land should be adequate to protect the seedlings, yet not too dense to stop the pelleted seed making contact with the soil. Burning is undesirable. An even distribution of seed is essential. These areas will carry 9.5 stock units/ha in the fourth year.
THE SEED SOURCE OF CERTAIN GRASSES IN RELATION TO HIGH ALTITUDE REVEGETATION
Authors: Ritchie I.M.
Published: July 2020

The effects of seed source and seed size on germination and field performance were studied in five grasses. Greater seed weights were associated with better germination in Yorkshire fog, cocksfoot and timothy but not significantly so for Chewings fescue and browntop. In cocksfoot, Chewings fescue and timothy, higher seed weights were found in samples collected at altitudes above those generally used for the commercial seed production of the species. Results from field sowings of a range of provenances on an eroded high altitude site in Southland indicated that in most cases seed from local, high country sources gave the best results. This was usually due to high seedling numbers and/or good seedling growth rates.
A COMPARISON OF 'GRASSLANDS PITAU' AND 'HUIA' WHITE CLOVERS IN OTAGO
Authors: Mcdonald I.R. , Cullen N.A.
Published: July 2020

Pitau and Huia white clovers were sown with two rates of Ruanui, Ariki and Manawa ryegrass on high fertility soil at Invermay Agricultural Research Centre and lower fertility soil at Traquair. Although clover establishment in the Pitau white clover treatments was comparable with, or superior to that in the Huia treatments, the latter tended to have a denser growth habit, particularly during spring. Overall, there was little difference in total annual dry matter production between treatments but clover yields varied considerably in all trials. Huia clover dry matter production was superior to Pitau in the first two years but in later years the position was reversed.
THE GROWTH OF 'GRASSLANDS TAMA' WESTERWOLDS RYEGRASS ALONE: AND IN MIXTURE WITH CEREALS
Authors: Vartha E.W. , Rae S.J.
Published: July 2020

In autumn-sown greenfeed trials on a Templeton silt loam following cereal1 cropping, the herbage yield from 'Grasslands Tama' Westerwolds ryegrass at first grazing in July and the subsequent regrowth to late August was 27% higher than from 'Grasslands Paroa' Italian ryegrass. The margin in yield was less where both grasses were spelled until late August. Subsequent regrowth in spring was similar for both grasses where there was one prior grazing in late winter, but growth of. Paroa was less than Tama ryegrass where there were two prior grazings in mid- and late winter. Grazing twice in July and August gave a 27% higher total yield from Tama ryegrass than a single grazing in late August. Yields of both grasses were higher with 67 kg/ha than with 22 kg/ha of nitrogen at drilling. Both grasses responded to further nitrogen Bpplied in mid-winter, Paroas more so than Tama ryegrass. Up to late winter, Amuri oats outyielded Tama ryegrass and C.R.D. ryecorn. Yields from an oats-Tama ryegrass mixture were 25% higher than from Tama ryegrass alone. They gave higher yields than Tama ryegrass alone to mid-winter when the cereal dominated, and provided as good recovery growth as Tama ryegrass alone in late winter and spring. when ryegrass dominated.
TRACE ELEMENTS IN PASTURE AND THEIR EFFECTS ON ANIMAL HEALTH
Authors: Andrews E.D.
Published: July 2020

Recent investigations into the biochemical functions of selenium, cobalt, and copper are reviewed. From a practical viewpoint ,there is a need for continued investigation into the distribution of the corresponding trace element deficiencies and their interrelationships with internal parasitism.
FARMING IN THE TE KUITI DISTRICT
Authors: Wright D.B.
Published: July 2020

Farming patterns of the Te Kuiti district. are described. Progress is reviewed, and comments are made on significant trends and problems.
DEVELOPMENT ON THE PUMICE IN THE TAUPO AREA
Authors: Candy R.A. , Mcadam L.M.
Published: July 2020

A PROPERTY of 484.2 ha at Broladlands South, 22 km north-east of Taupo, was purchased in July 1964. The soils of the farm are derived directly from the Taupo ash shower, and there are four clearly defined areas on the property.
MYCORRHIZAS IN SOME NATIVE AND EXOTIC GRASSES (Ph.D. Thesis)
Authors: Crush J.R.
Published: July 2020

TUSSOCK GRASSLAND SOILS contain abundant coarse and fine VA endophytes. Rhizophagus tenuis is more prominent in high-altitude soils. This species is an effkieat symbiont with 'a variety of grasses but only under extreme phosphate deficiency; otherwise this endophyte may depress growth, probably by competing with its host for phosphorus.
FERTILIZER REQUIREMENTS OF MAIROA ASH SOILS
Authors: Karlovsky J.
Published: July 2020

Field experiments conducted on soils derived from Mairoa ash beds showed that they respond markedly to phosphate and require heavy phosphate applications for the maintenance of high pasture production. Thus, on Dunmore and Otorohanga silt loam annual rates of 375 and 750 kg/ha of superphosphate were needed for maintenance of 85 and 95% of maximum production, respectively. After cessation of phosphate dressings, the decline in pasture production was dramatic, even on plots with high initial dressings. In cases where soil test values for potassium were below 10, moderate and statistically significant potash responses were measured. Small annual applications of carbonate of lime (312 kg/ha) gave a slight but statistically non-significant increase in production (3%). However, heavier applications (625 and 1250 kg/ha) significantly decreased production on Dunmore silt loam, at pH of 5.8, after the sixth and seventh annual applications.
SOILS OF THE NORTHERN KING COUNTRY
Authors: Mccraw J.D.
Published: July 2020

The soil pattern of the King Country is dominated by soils developed on volcanic ash. The ash mantle is made ump of three broad groups: old ashes (Kauroa Ash and Hamilton Ash); middle age ashes (Rotoehu Ash, Oruanui Ash and Mairoa Ash) and young ash (Taupe Pumice). In the western part of the district the most extensive soils are yellow-brown loams formed on Mairoa Ash; in the eastern part, yellow-brown pumice soils on Taupo Pumice. It is only where erosion has partly or completely removed the ashes from the steeper slopes of the hill country that soils (mainly yellowbrown earths) can form on the underlying greywacke, sandstones and mudstones. Recent soils from alluvium, in association with swamps and peat bogs occur in the valleys of streams and rivers. Although the underlying rocks do not contribute extensively to the soils of the district, 'they do give rise to characteristic landscapes - e.g., greywacke gives steep, narrow valleys and ridges: mudstones give hummocky, slumped slopes; limestones give bluffs, isolated towers, dry valleys and tomos and sandstones and ignimbrites give prominent bluffs.
FODDER CONSERVATION IN GRAZING SYSTEMS
Authors: Hutchinson K.J.
Published: July 2020

Grazing experiments at Armidale have shown variable reiponses in sheep production to fodder conservation. (1) Responses to conservation vary with stocking rate. At low stocking levels, responses are very small. At very high stocking levels, conservation practice may result in a lower production. The greatest response occurs at an intermediate stocking rate. (2) Results depend on rainfall. (3) Wool production may be increased by conservation but reproduction and growth are much less respoilsive in the Armidale environment. These findings can be explained by a simple energy flow model. The model provides additional insights on factors such as the timing of feeding, Ihe importance of hay quality and the relatively low potential of fodder conservation for increasing meat, production.
EXPERIENCE WITH S470 TALL FESCUE ON THE RANGITAIKI PLAINS
Authors: Reeves J.D.
Published: July 2020

MY PRESENT concept of an ideal pasture is an old pasture with a wide-ranging composition. I feel that S 170 tall fescue has a place in a pasture of this nature, if present problems of supply and price of seed are overcome.
One Orthography, Four Lects: The Unified Berawan Orthography
Authors: Burkhardt Jürgen Martin , Burkhardt Jey Lingam , Lay Hoon Ang
Published: July 2020

Berawan is an endangered Austronesian language family consisting of four lects, which are Batu Belah, Long Teru, Long Jegan, and Long Terawan. Their settlements are located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. The impetus for a unified orthography came from the Berawan community, who desire to write their lects consistently and reflecting the way they speak. The unified orthography was developed starting with a phonological analysis of the Berawan lects. This was followed by several orthography workshops and discussions with individual Berawan communities, culminating in a combined orthography workshop in which a unified orthography was agreed upon. The aim of the paper is to provide the groundwork for establishing the unifed orthography of the Berawan language family. A phonological comparison of the four Berawan varieties is included for this purpose. The phonological descriptions are taken from Burkhardt (2014). Smalley’s (1959, 1965) maxim of ‘maximal representation of speech’ and Rogers’s (2005) ‘shallow orthography’ approach are employed. On this basis, issues that arise for graphemic representation of Berawan phonemes are then discussed and the decisions made by the participants of the combined workshops are described. The paper also touches on issues encountered throughout the discussion. The issues that arose are primarily related to the differences in orthographic systems between the Berawan lects and the Malay language. The paper ends with a proposed unified Berawan orthography
Sorting, shredding and smelting scrap
Authors: Laser Stefan
Published: July 2020

The global economy of e-waste recycling has received much attention in recent waste studies literature. This article gives an account from the inside of two different sites within a leading high-tech recycling and smelting company in which such e-waste is assessed; and discusses the valuation of electronic waste in the course of its industrial processing. Based on a two-month long ethnography by way of an internship, the article examines how the recycler manages to distinguish and separate out valuable ‘scrap’, in contrast to valueless ‘waste’. The article subdivides the inquiry into two questions. What practices are involved when transforming e-waste into scrap and waste? And how can we appreciate differences in how they are configured? The study of two different facilities in operation next to one another provides additional leverage to the inquiry since the valuation practices involved when assessing the incoming e-waste differ between them. Differences are tied to specificities in how the electronics are sorted out, shredded, and smelted. The article shows how these processes of deformation are linked to the valuation practices and the accounting system of the company. Calculations, it is argued, succeed only because things are literally broken.
Heparanase Promotes Syndecan-1 Expression to Mediate Fibrillar Collagen and Mammographic Density in Human Breast Tissue Cultured ex vivo
Authors: Huang Xuan , Reye Gina , Momot Konstantin I. , Blick Tony , Lloyd Thomas , Tilley Wayne D. , Hickey Theresa E. , Snell Cameron E. , Okolicsanyi Rachel K. , Haupt Larisa M. , Ferro Vito , Thompson Erik W. , Hugo Honor J.
Published: July 2020

Mammographic density (MD) is a strong and independent factor for breast cancer (BC) risk and is increasingly associated with BC progression. We have previously shown in mice that high MD, which is characterized by the preponderance of a fibrous stroma, facilitates BC xenograft growth and metastasis. This stroma is rich in extracellular matrix (ECM) factors, including heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), such as the BC-associated syndecan-1 (SDC1). These proteoglycans tether growth factors, which are released by heparanase (HPSE). MD is positively associated with estrogen exposure and, in cell models, estrogen has been implicated in the upregulation of HPSE, the activity of which promotes SDC expression. Herein we describe a novel measurement approach (single-sided NMR) using a patient-derived explant (PDE) model of normal human (female) mammary tissue culturedex vivoto investigate the role(s) of HPSE and SDC1 on MD. Relative HSPG gene and protein analyses determined in patient-paired high vs. low MD tissues identified SDC1 and SDC4 as potential mediators of MD. Using the PDE model we demonstrate that HPSE promotes SDC1 rather than SDC4 expression and cleavage, leading to increased MD. In this model system, synstatin (SSTN), an SDC1 inhibitory peptide designed to decouple SDC1-ITGαvβ3 parallel collagen alignment, reduced the abundance of fibrillar collagen as assessed by picrosirius red viewed under polarized light, and reduced MD. Our results reveal a potential role for HPSE in maintaining MD via its direct regulation of SDC1, which in turn physically tethers collagen into aligned fibers characteristic of MD. We propose that inhibitors of HPSE and/or SDC1 may afford an opportunity to reduce MD in high BC risk individuals and reduce MD-associated BC progression in conjunction with established BC therapies.
Filtering-Based Three-Axis Attitude Determination Package for Spinning Spacecraft: Preliminary Results with Arase
Authors: Soken Halil Ersin , Sakai Shin-ichiro , Asamura Kazushi , Nakamura Yosuke , Takashima Takeshi , Shinohara Iku
Published: July 2020

JAXA’s ERG (Exploration of Energization and Radiation in Geospace) Spacecraft, which is nicknamed Arase, was launched on 20 December 2016. Arase is a spin-stabilized and Sun-oriented spacecraft. Its mission is to explore how relativistic electrons in the radiation belts are generated during space storms. Two different on-ground attitude determination algorithms are designed for the mission: A TRIAD-based algorithm that inherits from old missions and a filtering-based new algorithm. This paper, first, discusses the design of the filtering-based attitude determination algorithm, which is mainly based on an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF), specifically designed for spinning spacecraft (SpinUKF). The SpinUKF uses a newly introduced set of attitude parameters (i.e., spin-parameters) to represent the three-axis attitude of the spacecraft and runs UKF for attitude estimation. The paper then presents the preliminary attitude estimation results for the spacecraft that are obtained after the launch. The results are presented along with the encountered challenges and suggested solutions for them. These preliminary attitude estimation results show that the expected accuracy of the fine attitude estimation for the spacecraft is less than 0.5°.
Sperm Morphology and Male Age in Black-Throated Blue Warblers, an Ecological Model System
Authors: Cramer Emily , Krauss Nicole , Rowlison Tricia , Comizzoli Pierre
Published: July 2020

Extra-pair paternity may drive selection on spermatozoa and ejaculate characteristics through sperm competition and cryptic female choice. Here, we examine sperm morphology in the black-throated blue warbler (Setophaga caerulescens), an ecological model species where extra-pair paternity is frequent and is linked with male age. We test whether sperm morphology relates to several aspects of male phenotype known or suspected to affect extra-pair paternity success. Sperm morphology did not correlate with the size of the white wing spot, a social status signal, nor with the volume of the cloacal protuberance. However, older males tended to have longer sperm cells. Although the sample size was limited, this pattern is intriguing, as longer cells may be advantageous in post-copulatory sexual selection and older males have larger testes and higher extra-pair paternity success in this species. Changes in sperm morphology with age are not observed in other birds, though they have been observed in insects and fishes. More research on sperm morphology is needed to clarify its role in extra-pair fertilizations in this well-studied species.
Phylogeography and Phylogenetic Evolution in Tibetan Sheep Based on MT-CYB Sequences
Authors: Liu Jianbin , Lu Zengkui , Yuan Chao , Wang Fan , Yang Bohui
Published: July 2020

To date, molecular genetics and population studies in Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) have been limited, and little is known about the phylogenetic evolution and phylogeography of Tibetan sheep populations. The aim of the present research was to explore phylogeography and phylogenetic evolution of Tibetan sheep populations, on the basis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene MT-CYB (1140 base pairs). Our dataset consisted of 641 MT-CYB sequences from the same amount of animals belonging to 15 populations of Tibetan sheep living in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, China. Haplotype and nucleotide diversities were 0.748 ± 0.010 and 0.003 ± 0.001, respectively. The analysis of phylogeography revealed the presence of two formerly described haplogroups in 15 populations of Tibetan sheep, however only one haplogroup was present in Awang sheep. Moreover, 641 Tibetan sheep were distributed into a minimum of two clusters by clustering analysis. The 15 Tibetan sheep populations and 19 reference populations of 878 individuals were separated into six main groups based on their substitutions per site, from which we constructed a phylogenetic tree. Minor differences in branching order of various taxa between trees acquired from either gene were observed. This study provides insights on the origins and phylogenetic evolution of populations residing in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, which will aid information of future conservation programs aimed at conserving this valuable genetic resource.
Morphometric Characterization of the Lidia Cattle Breed
Authors: Lomillos Juan Manuel , Alonso Marta E.
Published: July 2020

Morphometric studies in Lidia cattle are scarce due to the challenges of handling and approaching this breed of cattle. For this reason, the first morphological characterization of the Lidia breed was carried out using photogrammetry. In the present work, 264 adult individuals (184 males and 80 females), belonging to 21 different herds, were studied. A total of 20 morphological measurements and five indexes were determined in every individual. There were many positive correlations between the measures, giving the model great morphostructural harmony. Considerable internal variability of the studied parameters was observed. This breed reflected significant sexually dimorphic features and internal morphological differences between the different genetic lines of the breed. Lidia cattle are small and mostly have a sub-concave profile (58.4% males and 69.7% females). The male proportionality indexes and the relative depth of the thorax indicated great muscular development of the anterior third and high thoracic capacity. The phaneroptic information describes a mostly black animal with black mucous and hooves and an outstanding development of the dewlaps and the tail in the males.
Predicting Ewe Body Condition Score Using Lifetime Liveweight and Liveweight Change, and Previous Body Condition Score Record
Authors: Semakula Jimmy , Corner-Thomas Rene Anne , Morris Stephen Todd , Blair Hugh Thomas , Kenyon Paul Richard
Published: July 2020

The body condition score (BCS) in sheep (Ovis aries) is a widely used subjective measure of body condition. Body condition score and liveweight have been reported to be statistically and often linearly related in ewes. Therefore, it was hypothesized that current BCS could be accurately and indirectly predicted using a ewe’s lifetime liveweight, liveweight change, and previous BCS record. Ewes born between 2011 and 2012 (n = 11,798) were followed from 8 months to approximately 67 months of age in New Zealand. Individual ewe data was collected on liveweight and body condition scores at each stage of the annual cycle (pre-breeding, pregnancy diagnosis, pre-lambing, and weaning). Linear regression models were fitted to predict BCS at a given ewe age and stage of the annual cycle using a ewe’s lifetime liveweight records (liveweight alone models). Further, linear models were then fitted using previous BCS and changes in liveweight, in addition to the lifetime liveweight records (combined models). Using the combined models improved (p < 0.01) the R2 value by 39.8% (from 0.32 to 0.45) and lowered the average prediction error by 10% to 12% (from 0.29 to 0.26 body condition scores). However, a significant portion of the variability in BCS remained unaccounted for (39% to 89%) even in the combined models. The procedures found in this study, therefore, may overestimate or underestimate measures by 0.23 to 0.32 BCS, which could substantially change the status of the ewe, leading to incorrect management decisions. However, the findings do still suggest that there is potential for predicting ewe BCS from liveweight using linear regression if the key variables affecting the relationship between BCS and liveweight are accounted for.
Non-Typhoidal Salmonella at the Human-Food-of-Animal-Origin Interface in Australia
Authors: Sodagari Hamid Reza , Wang Penghao , Robertson Ian , Habib Ihab , Sahibzada Shafi
Published: July 2020

Non-typhoidal Salmonella is a major zoonotic pathogen that plays a significant role in foodborne human salmonellosis worldwide through the consumption of contaminated foods, particularly those of animal origin. Despite a considerable reduction in human salmonellosis outbreaks in developed countries, Australia is experiencing a continuous rise of such outbreaks in humans. This review of the literature highlights the reported non-typhoidal Salmonella outbreaks in humans as well as the occurrence of the pathogen in foods from animal sources throughout Australia. Non-typhoidal Salmonella infections from food animals are more often associated with at-risk people, such as immunocompromised and aged people or children. Although several animal-sourced foods were recognised as the catalysts for salmonellosis outbreaks in Australia, egg and egg-based products remained the most implicated foods in the reported outbreaks. This review further highlights the antimicrobial resistance trends of non-typhoidal Salmonella isolates at the human–food interface, with a focus on clinically important antimicrobials in humans, by collating evidence from previous investigations in Australia. The rise in antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella, especially to antimicrobials commonly prescribed to treat human salmonellosis, has become a significant global public health concern. However, the overall prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Australia is considerably lower than in other parts of the world, particularly in terms of critically important antimicrobials for the treatment of human salmonellosis. The present review adds to our understanding of the global epidemiology of non-typhoidal Salmonella with emphasis on the past few decades in Australia.
Alzheimer’s Disease, and Breast and Prostate Cancer Research: Translational Failures and the Importance to Monitor Outputs and Impact of Funded Research
Authors: Pistollato Francesca , Bernasconi Camilla , McCarthy Janine , Campia Ivana , Desaintes Christian , Wittwehr Clemens , Deceuninck Pierre , Whelan Maurice
Published: July 2020

Dementia and cancer are becoming increasingly prevalent in Western countries. In the last two decades, research focused on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cancer, in particular, breast cancer (BC) and prostate cancer (PC), has been substantially funded both in Europe and worldwide. While scientific research outcomes have contributed to increase our understanding of the disease etiopathology, still the prevalence of these chronic degenerative conditions remains very high across the globe. By definition, no model is perfect. In particular, animal models of AD, BC, and PC have been and still are traditionally used in basic/fundamental, translational, and preclinical research to study human disease mechanisms, identify new therapeutic targets, and develop new drugs. However, animals do not adequately model some essential features of human disease; therefore, they are often unable to pave the way to the development of drugs effective in human patients. The rise of new technological tools and models in life science, and the increasing need for multidisciplinary approaches have encouraged many interdisciplinary research initiatives. With considerable funds being invested in biomedical research, it is becoming pivotal to define and apply indicators to monitor the contribution to innovation and impact of funded research. Here, we discuss some of the issues underlying translational failure in AD, BC, and PC research, and describe how indicators could be applied to retrospectively measure outputs and impact of funded biomedical research.
Molecular Characterization and Determination of Relative Cytokine Expression in Naturally Infected Day-Old Chicks with Chicken Astrovirus Associated to White Chick Syndrome
Authors: Naranjo Nuñez Luis F. , Santander-Parra Silvana H. , Kyriakidis Nicolaos C. , Astolfi-Ferreira Claudete S. , Buim Marcos R. , De la Torre David , Piantino Ferreira Antonio J.
Published: July 2020

White chick syndrome (WCS) is an emergent disease that affects hatchability and hatched chicks, resulting in high mortality and economic losses, and is related to chicken astrovirus (CAstV). This syndrome has been reported in several countries worldwide, and groups A iii and B vi of CAstV have been determined; however, in Brazil, the virus has not been genotyped. The innate immunity of chicks affected by WCS or any CAstV is poorly understood and studied, and it is important to determine whether relative cytokine expression occurs during the early stages of the life of chicks. The aim of the present investigation is to detect and molecularly characterize CAstV associated with WCS, examine the macroscopic and microscopic lesions in the jejunum and spleen, and determine cytokine expression in the jejunum, liver, spleen and thymus of chicks naturally infected with WCS. To do so, we applied a pathological and molecular approach for CAstV detection and characterization, as well as the quantification of the relative mRNA expression of several cytokine genes. The phylogenetic analyses of the sequences obtained herein classified CAstV as uniquely belonging to group B iv, showing a high similarity of nucleotides (NT) (75.7–80.6%) and amino acids (AA) (84.2–89.9%) with the members of group B and a low similarity of NT (46.7–47.9%) and AA (37.8–38.9%) with the virus belonging in group A. CAstV was also detected and quantified in the serum, spleen, thymus and jejunum, the latter being the organ where CAstV had the highest viral concentration. However, this organ did not present any microscopical alterations. In contrast, we observed necrotic hepatitis in the liver of the affected subjects. On the other hand, we observed the activation of several T helper 1 (Th1)- and T helper 2 (Th2)-cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-8, IL-12p40, IL-15, TGF-β4, TNF-SF-15 and t-BET), without being able to control the viral replication due to the high concentration of viral particles in some organs, principally in the gut. One possible role of these cytokines is contributing to the control of inflammation and cell protection of intestinal cells, principally during the early activation of immune responses. However, the fact that these responses are not mature enough to control the viral infection means that more studies need to be carried out to elucidate this topic.
Effects of Supplementation with Natural Antioxidants on Oocytes and Preimplantation Embryos
Authors: Budani Maria Cristina , Tiboni Gian Mario
Published: July 2020

For most infertile couples, in vitro fertilization (IVF) represents the only chance to conceive. Given the limited success of IVF procedures, novel approaches are continuously tested with the aim of improving IVF outcomes. Growing attention is devoted today to the potential benefit of natural antioxidants in the optimization of infertility treatments. This review summarizes current data in this context, focusing on both experimental studies on oocytes/embryos and clinical trials on antioxidants supplementation. Based on information gained from experimental studies, antioxidant supplementation may have beneficial effects on IVF outcomes in terms of quality and cryotolerance of in vitro produced embryos, together with positive effects on in vitro maturation oocytes and on early embryonic development. Unfortunately, from the clinical side, there is a paucity of evidence favoring the protective qualities of antioxidants. Among the antioxidants considered, coenzyme Q10 may be regarded as one of the most promising for its positive role in rescuing the oxidative stress-induced damages, but further data are needed. It is concluded that further trials are necessary to characterize the potential clinical value of antioxidants in IVF treatments.
Observation of Distribution of π-Orbital-Oriented Domains in PAN- and Pitch-Based Carbon Fibers Using Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy
Authors: Harano Takayuki , Takeichi Yasuo , Usui Masafumi , Arai Yutaka , Murao Reiko , Negi Noriyuki , Kimura Masao
Published: July 2020

The mechanical properties of carbon fibers (CFs) can be controlled by their internal structures such as the distribution of π-orbital-oriented domains, as well as the diameter and cross-sectional shape of the fiber. In this study, we investigated the carbon chemical structure maps of commercial polyacrylonitrile (PAN)- and pitch-based CFs using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy to evaluate the differences in the distribution of π-orbital-oriented domains. The graphene sheets in the PAN-based CFs have a fiber texture that is aligned along the fiber direction and randomly oriented within the cross section. The domain sizes within the cross section are less than the resolution limit (i.e., 50 nm). By contrast, the graphene sheets in the pitch-based CFs are aligned parallel to each other and form aggregates with a size ranging from approximately 100 nm to 1 μm within the cross sections. They form 200–300-nm stripes along the CF axis in the longitudinal sections.
A Nonlinear Land Use Regression Approach for Modelling NO2 Concentrations in Urban Areas—Using Data from Low-Cost Sensors and Diffusion Tubes
Authors: Munir Said , Mayfield Martin , Coca Daniel , Mihaylova Lyudmila S
Published: July 2020

Land Use Regression (LUR) based on multiple linear regression model is one of the techniques used most frequently for modelling the spatial variability of air pollution and assessing exposure in urban areas. In this paper, a nonlinear generalised additive model is proposed for LUR and its performance is compared to a linear model in Sheffield, UK for the year 2019. Pollution models were estimated using NO2 measurements obtained from 188 diffusion tubes and 40 low-cost sensors. Performance of the models was assessed by calculating several statistical metrics including correlation coefficient (R) and root mean square error (RMSE). High resolution (100 m × 100 m) maps demonstrated higher levels of NO2 in the city centre, eastern side of the city and on major roads. The results showed that the nonlinear model outperformed the linear counterpart and that the model estimated using NO2 data from diffusion tubes outperformed the models using data from low-cost sensors or both low-cost sensors and diffusion tubes. The proposed method provides a basis for further application of advanced nonlinear modelling approaches to constructing LUR models in urban areas which enable quantifying small scale variability in pollution levels.
Calibration and Improved Speckle Statistics of IM-CW Lidar for Atmospheric CO2 Measurements
Authors: Liang Xindong , Liu Hao , Chen Tao , Kong Wei , Hong Guanglie
Published: July 2020

An intensity modulated, continuous-wave (IM-CW) integrated path differential absorption (IPDA) fiber-based lidar is developed herein for measuring atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). There are two main challenges in improving measurement accuracy, which have not been given enough attention in the previous research: one is that temperature sensitivity in optical components causes biases, due to the drift of component characteristic, and the other is that speckle noise deteriorates the signal-to-noise ratio. With the components thermally controlled, a target calibration accuracy of 0.003 dB is realized, corresponding to a CO2 concentration precision of better than 1 ppm for a 1 km path. A moving diffuser can reduce speckle noise by time averaging. In this paper, movement of the diffuser is substituted by the perturbation of the emitted laser beam by using a vibrating motor mounted on the optical antenna. Selecting on and off wavelengths with a small wavelength separation can improve the correlation between two laser speckle fields. These improvements result in the improved accuracy of the IPDA lidar system. Finally, the lidar performance was analyzed after the improvements described above were implemented. The diurnal variations of the atmospheric CO2 concentration using a topographic target were performed, and the results showed good agreement with the data measured by an in situ sensor. The root mean square (rms) of the deviation between the IPDA lidar and the in situ sensor was less than 1.4%.
Variations in Ozone Concentration over the Mid-Latitude Region Revealed by Ozonesonde Observations in Pohang, South Korea
Authors: Shin Daegeun , Song Seungjoo , Ryoo Sang-Boom , Lee Sang-Sam
Published: July 2020

Ozone absorbs harmful UV rays at high elevations but acts as a pollutant gas in the lower atmosphere. It is necessary to monitor both the vertical profile and the total column ozone. In this study, variations in the ozone concentration of Pohang were divided into three vertical layers: the stratospheric layer (STL), the second ozone peak layer (SOPL), and the tropospheric layer (TRL). Our results indicated that the ozone concentration in the STL, SOPL, TRL, and total column ozone increased by 0.45%, 2.64%, 5.26%, and 1.07% decade−1, respectively. The increase in the SOPL during springtime indicates that stratosphere–troposphere exchange is accelerating, while the increase during summertime appears to have been influenced by the lower layers. The growth of tropospheric ozone concentration is the result of both increased ozone precursors from industrialization in East Asia and the influx of stratospheric ozone. Our results reaffirmed the trend of ozone concentration in mid-latitudes of the northern hemisphere from vertical profiles in Pohang and, in particular, suggests that the recent changes of ozone in this region need to be carefully monitored.
Economic Perspectives of Biogas Production via Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Bhatt Arpit H. , Tao Ling
Published: July 2020

As the demand for utilizing environment-friendly and sustainable energy sources is increasing, the adoption of waste-to-energy technologies has started gaining attention. Producing biogas via anaerobic digestion (AD) is promising and well-established; however, this process in many circumstances is unable to be cost competitive with natural gas. In this research, we provide a technical assessment of current process challenges and compare the cost of biogas production via the AD process from the literature, Aspen Plus process modeling, and CapdetWorks software. We also provide insights on critical factors affecting the AD process and recommendations on optimizing the process. We utilize four types of wet wastes, including wastewater sludge, food waste, swine manure, and fat, oil, and grease, to provide a quantitative assessment of theoretical energy yields of biogas production and its economic potential at different plant scales. Our results show that the cost of biogas production from process and economic models are in line with the literature with a potential to go even lower for small-scale plants with technological advancements. This research illuminates potential cost savings for biogas production using different wastes and guide investors to make informed decisions, while achieving waste management goals.