bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major histocompatibility I gene diversity in the critically endangered Laysan duck (Anas laysanensis).
Authors: Lavretsky Philip , Engilis Jr Andrew , Peters Jefferey L
Published: November 2018

Quantifying the genetic composition of founder populations is important to the success of reintroduction programmes,
especially for bottlenecked and/or specialized species, such as island endemics. By implementing admixture schemes
based on genetic variability, captive breeding programmes can minimize the detrimental effects of bottlenecking,
inbreeding depression, outbreeding depression, etc. Particular attention has been given to genes within the major
histocompatibility complex (MHC) due to their direct correlation to an individual’s immunity. However, isolating and
amplifying MHC haplotypes remains difficult owing to the high diversity and paralogous nature. We describe a method
of MHC I haplotype isolation based on an iterative process of primer design for the endangered island endemic, the
Laysan duck (Anas laysanensis). Ultimately, haplotype-specific primers allow for direct genotyping after gel electrophoresis
based on the presence/absence of their respective amplicons. Using the developed techniques, a total of eight unique
haplotypes were isolated and assayed across 21 Laysan duck individuals from Laysan Island (N = 10) and Midway
Atoll (N = 11). The presence/absence of seven haplotypes were variable across individuals with three haplotypes present
in 95% of individuals, three in 38% of individuals, and one in 90% of individuals. The protocols described herein provide
a simple, cost-effective method for isolating haplotypes and monitoring existing MHC variation in Laysan ducks, and
the general approach can be applied to other molecular markers and species with low genetic diversity.
Preliminary re-survey of the land snail fauna of Rotuma: conservation and biosecurity implications.
Authors: Brodie Gilianne , Barker Gary M , Stevens Froseann , Fiu Monifa
Published: November 2018

In May 2012 Rotuma Island, the main island of the remote Rotuma Group (Fiji), was surveyed to document the
composition of the non-native land snail fauna and to investigate if populations of previously recorded native land snail
species persist. From sampling at nine locations, twenty-one land snail species from eleven gastropod families were
found. Of these, eight species are non-native and two of these Parmarion martensi Simroth, 1893 and Quantula striata
(Gray, 1834) (Ariophantidae) are new records for the Rotuma Group. Ten of the 13 species of native land snails found
— including the endemic partulid Partula leefi E. A. Smith, 1897 and the rhytidid Delos gardineri (E. A. Smith, 1897)
— were detected only as empty shells. The native Ouagapia perryi (E. A. Smith, 1897) and the endemic Succinea
rotumana E. A. Smith, 1897 and Sinployea rotumana (E. A. Smith, 1897) remain undetected on Rotuma Island since
their first collection in 1897. The non-native, invasive predatory flatworm, Platydemus manokwari, was also found and
represents a major threat to the island’s land snail fauna. This non-native species appears to be absent in many other
parts of the Fiji Island archipelago and thus a re-evaluation of existing quarantine measures is required to address its
potential spread to non-invaded areas. Comparisons with earlier surveys indicate a shift in the structure of the Rotuman
land snail fauna over a 115-year period, with declining native components and increasing prevalence of non-native
species. Further sampling, focusing on residual native habitat in less accessible areas such as coastal cliffs and offshore
islets, is urgently needed to establish the conservation status of Rotuman native land snails and determine the
threat posed by both, non-native snails and P. manokwari.
Collation and review of sightings and distribution of three coastal dolphin species in waters of the Northern Territory, Australia.
Authors: Palmer Carol , Parra Guido J , Rogers Tracey , Woinarski John
Published: November 2018

On a global scale, the coastal waters of the Northern Territory (NT), Australia, are relatively undisturbed, but the
pace and extent of coastal development is increasing. Three species of dolphin occur in these waters: the Australian
snubfin Orcaella heinsohni, Indo-Pacific humpback Sousa chinensis and bottlenose Tursiops sp., but their distribution
is poorly documented.
To provide a broader distributional context and complement recent local-scale population studies (Palmer in press),
we review the broader distribution of these coastal dolphins, via the collation of historic and contemporary data from
sighting surveys, stranding and museum records, and a community sighting programme. Records spanned 1948 to
2010, with Sousa (44%) the most frequently recorded followed by Orcaella and Tursiops (both 28%). The compiled
records indicate that the three species are widely distributed along the NT coast but with some apparent differences in
habitat use. All species were recorded within 20 km of a major tidal river; but fewer than 3% of Tursiops records were
from within tidal rivers, whereas nearly a quarter of Orcaella and Sousa records were as far as 20 to 50 km upstream.
Differences in environmental settings between Orcaella and Sousa were less pronounced, but a lower proportion of
Orcaella were recorded within 20 km of a river mouth. There are probable but unquantifiable biases in the record sources,
but most records of dolphins were from estuaries, tidal rivers and coastal areas within 20 km of river mouths, and
these sites probably represent important habitat for these species. The NT’s remote and relatively pristine waters likely
hold significant subpopulations of all three species. The information provided here should aid future research efforts,
however; further information on the dolphins’ population size, trend and structure are needed to resolve their conservation
status at state and national jurisdictions, inform environmental impact assessments and species management.
Queensland’s Threatened Animals.
Authors: Muller Eridani
Published: November 2018

THE explosion of the mining industry, recent change of government and ongoing debates over climate change and use of national parks makes threatened animals and their protection a red hot issue for many in the conservation sector in Queensland.

Under “How to use this book” (p. 16) Lee Curtis states that “we hope that the information offered will lead you quickly and efficiently to the next step that will help to halt the population declines of threatened animals in our state”; the naivety of such
a statement will not appeal to scientists in the field who constantly fight for increased legislative protections for threatened species, and actively work on on-ground management programs in attempts to halt such population declines. Anybody who has
reached a stage where they are able to effect such a change
Quantum Measurement and Stochastic Processes in Mesoscopic Conductors
Authors: Milburn G. J.
Published: November 2018

In quantum measurement theory it is necessary to show how a quantum source
conditions a classical stochastic record of measured results. We discuss
mesoscopic conductance using quantum stochastic calculus to elucidate the
quantum nature of the measurement taking place in these systems. To illustrate
the method we derive the current fluctuations in a two terminal mesoscopic
circuit with two tunnel barriers containing a single quasi bound state on the
well. The method enables us to focus on either the incoming/ outgoing
Fermi fields in the leads, or on the irreversible dynamics of the well state
itself. We show an equivalence between the approach of BÜttiker and the
Fermi quantum stochastic calculus for mesoscopic systems.
Characterising the Metal-Insulator Transition in Two Dimensions
Authors: Neilson D. , Thakur J. S. , Tosatti E.
Published: November 2018

We investigate the metal—insulator transition in 2D electron systems
assuming a percolation mechanism connecting through a network of metallic
domains. The size of the domains is determined by the level of disorder and
the strength of the electron correlations. The domains are linked through
quantum tunneling. We determine the dependence of the resistivity on electron
density and temperature by calculating the tunnelling transmission through the
potential barriers between the domains. The results are in good agreement with
recent experimental measurements.
Position Indeterminacy in Ortho-positronium Decay
Authors: Ruzzene Fosco
Published: November 2018

Position indeterminacy contributions to the decay width of ortho-positronium
(o-Ps)are calculated for lowest order. Contributions improve agreement between
theory and the Ann Arbor group measurements, while suggesting a value larger
than that of the Tokyo group.
Positron Lifetimes and Microhardness in Thermal Fatigued 4Cr5MoSiV Steel
Authors: Tang C. Q. , Xia Z. C. , Li X. Z. , Yao B. T.
Published: November 2018

Positron lifetimes and microhardness have been measured as a function of the
thermal fatigue cycle number N in 4Cr5MoSiV steel. It is
found that with increasing N: (a) the positron lifetime
parameters τ1, τ2, I1,
I2 and ôτ and the
microhardness parameter MH all exhibit quasi-periodic up-and-down variation;
(b) these parameters have the same period of variation; and (c) the period of
up-and-down variation becomes gradually longer. The variation of MH reveals
that fatigue hardening and fatigue softening occur alternately in the process
of thermal fatigue. The variations of positron lifetime parameters reveal
variations of defects in the fatigued materials. These variations are
attributed to microdeformation and dynamic recovery dominating alternately in
the process of thermal fatigue.
The Didjeridu: Lip Motion and Low Frequency Harmonic Generation
Authors: Hollenberg Lloyd C. L.
Published: November 2018

The dynamic acoustics of the Australian didjeridu are studied by separately
considering transverse and longitudinal lip vibration models in the context of
highly non-sinusoidal lip motion. Timedomain computer simulations are
performed based on these lip models coupled to the input impedance function of
a straight pipe. For the purposes of direct comparison, detailed results are
reported here for lip motion leading to both sinusoidal lip opening area
functions (characteristic of higher frequency brass instruments) and the more
complex non-sinusoidal (approximately half-closed cycle) case characteristic
of the didjeridu. Over a range of lip resonance frequencies, the sounding
frequency for the transverse (longitudinal) model is found to be below (above)
both the lip and fundamental pipe resonance frequencies, in qualitative
agreement with linear theory for these value types. A striking difference is
found between the two models when comparing the effect of significant lip
closure in the non-sinusoidal cycle—the sounding frequency in the
transverse case is raised by up to 10%, whilst essentially unaltered in
the longitudinal model. The effect the lips sticking during the non-sinusoidal
cycle was considered by increasing the damping force upon closure, and was
found in both transverse and longitudinal models to weaken significantly the
generation of harmonics in the sound.
Sharpening of Observational Data in Two Dimensions
Authors: Burr EJ
Published: November 2018

Distributions in two dimensions as measured are always blurred or smoothed by limitations in the observing technique. Recovery of the true distribution involves the solution of an integral equation of the form where the functions g, h are known from observation
Radio Echo Observations of Meteors in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Weiss AA
Published: November 2018

The results of a radio survey of meteor activity at Adelaide are presented. The radiants and activities of six major meteor showers (Geminids, day-time Arietids, ?-Perseids, d-Aquarids, Corona Australids, Orionids) have been measured by methods which are described, and the mass distributions in three of these showers are discussed. Seasonal and diurnal variations in the background activity of sporadic meteors are examined in relation to the radiation patterns of the aerial systems. Height distributions for meteors of three showers (Geminids, day-time Arietids, ?-Perseids) are given. Diurnal variations in the height distribution of sporadic meteors do not conform to those expected from the motion of the apex of the Earth's way.
Measurements of Counter?Gradient Heat Flows in the Atmosphere
Authors: Bunker AF
Published: November 2018

Heat flows and temperature gradients were measured in a stable atmosphere heated by the water during a United States east coast to Bermuda aeroplane flight. The flux was computed from , where w' and T' are the vertical velocities and temperature deviations of the individual gusts. It is found that the heat flow is directed up the gradient as predicted by Priestley (1954). The expression for the maximum heat flow to be expected derived by Priestley in terms of the standard deviation of the temperature fluctuations and the temperature gradient gives the correct order of magnitude for the observed flow.
On the Dipole Resonant Mode of an Ionized Gas Column
Authors: Keitel GH
Published: November 2018

In a recent paper, Makinson and Slade (1954) examined theoretically the scattering of a transverse-electric radio wave by an ionized gas column. In their treatment, a smooth radial distribution of ion density was replaced by a stepped approximation and the quasi-static equations (Kaiser and Closs 1952) were used to consider scattering by this stepped column. They claim that there exists a multiplicity of resonant dipole modes for a small cylindrical column in which the radial distribution of ionization is described by a Gaussian function. Previously, Kaiser and Closs (1952) had found a single, broad resonance peak by an approximate numerical solution of the quasi-static equations, using the Gaussian distribution itself. The purpose of this note is to suggest that the multiple resonances found by Makinson and Slade were created by the discontinuities in their approximation to the Gaussian function, and that the actual Gaussian distribution exhibits only one resonance.
Thermal Transients Associated with Natural Convection
Authors: Bosworth RCL , Groden CM
Published: November 2018

An electrical circuit, equivalent to the thermal processes concerned in the act of setting up a system of natural convection in a fluid, has been proposed. This circuit consists of parallel elements, one attributed to convection alone and one to conduction alone. The former consists of a resistance and an inductance in series, the latter of a resistance and a shunt capacity. The nature of the transients associated with each circuit has been derived by Heaviside analysis. Functions, at the most involving no more than two independent variables, are found connecting easily measured characteristics of the transients and the circuit parameters. These functions are, it is proposed, to be used to examine experimental thermal transients and through them to examine their circuit parameters.
The Possibility of Meson-Lepton and Dilepton Resonances
Authors: Choudhury SR , Joshi GC , McKellar BHJ , Vogt EW
Published: November 2018

Recent hints in experimental data of a fJ.1T resonance at 429 MeV have led us to speculate about the possibility of meson-lepton and dilepton resonances. We show that the proposed fJ.7T resonance at 429 MeV is not in conflict with the muon g-2 measurements, and that it could be interpreted as a partner of the excited charged leptons possibly seen at CERN. Moreover, a composite model by Fritzsch and Mandelbaum predicts not only a flavour octet of meson-muon resonances of which this could be one, but also dilepton resonances which were suggested by Ramm as an explanation of the lobe structure in the fJ.7T data. The observed widths and branching ratios of the resonances can be interpreted to suggest that the colour-octet states are considerably smaller than the colour singlets.
Cosmic Ray Anisotropy above 1015 eV
Authors: Clay RW
Published: November 2018

An examination is made of published data on cosmic ray anisotropy at energies above about 1015 eV. Both amplitude and phase results are examined in an attempt to assess the confidence which can be placed in the observations as a whole. It is found that whilst many published results individually may suggest quite high confidence levels of real measured anisotropy, the data taken as a whole are less convincing. Some internal consistency in the phase results suggests that a real effect may have been measured but, again, this is not at a high confidence level.
Correction of X-ray Intensities for Multiple Diffraction: Effects on Atomic Parameters and Charge Density
Authors: C Hauback Bjfrn , Mo Frode , Thorkildsen Gunnar
Published: November 2018

The standard theory for secondary extinction based on intensity transfer equations has been extended to three-beam diffraction for a finite crystal in the Laue case. The expression for the primary diffracted intensity was used to first order to calculate correction factors for the two-beam integrated power assuming a type I mosaic crystal. The corrections were employed to study the effects of multiple diffraction on structure parameters and deformation density for three different crystals with unit-cell volumes in the range 385-1410 A3. In these data sets, 5-8% of all reflections with (sinO/A) :S 0 -7 A-I had relative shifts in integrated power tl'P/'P> 10%. The weak intensities are affected the most, and thus, among the weakest third of the data, 15-21% had relative corrections >10%. The crystallographic Rand goodness-of-fit factors were significantly improved after correction of the data for multiple diffraction. Atomic positional and displacement parameters, obtained from the refinements on corrected and uncorrected data respectively, have been compared, as have also pairs of deformation density maps. Rather unexpectedly, all shifts were very small, within 20" for atomic parameters and within 2�50" for the deformation densities. This implies that the effects of multiple diffraction are nearly random relative to the structure model and even relative to the deformation density.
Foreword
Authors: Hannaford Peter
Published: November 2018

This special issue contains selected papers of Plenary and Keynote Lectures presented at the Tenth National Congress of the Australian Institute of Physics, held at the University of Melbourne from 10 to 14 February, 1992. The Congress was attended by nearly 1000 delegates, including numerous distinguished physici~ts from Australia and abroad, who were treated to a smorgasbord of physics ranging from astrophysics to particle physics. The Congress was organised around a series of fifteen separate sections, representing various branches of physics in which there is active Australian interest, and incorporated the First Conference of the Vacuum Society of Australia; the Fifth Gaseous Electronics Meeting; the Fourteenth AINSE Nuclear and Particle Physics Conference; the 1992 Physics Teachers Conference; the Third Australasian Conference on Remote Sensing of Atmospheres and Oceans; and the South Pacific Solar-Terrestrial and Space Physics Workshop.
Solar Flares: Current Dissipation or Magnetic Annihilation?
Authors: Melrose DB
Published: November 2018

Solar flares involve the explosive release of energy, 1022_1025 J in 102-103 s, in the solar corona. A substantial fraction of this energy goes into energetic (~10 keY) electrons, and these produce most of the familiar signatures of flares, such as Ha emission, hard X-ray bursts and type III radio bursts. Solar flares occur in magnetic flux tubes in which the fields are highly stressed with associated large currents, I ~ 1012 A, flowing into the corona. Despite the enormous variety of detailed data on solar flares, there is no wide consensus on the essential theoretical ingredients in an acceptable flare model. Since the first detailed flare models were proposed in the 1940s, there have been two competing types: models based on an electric-current viewpoint and models based on a magnetic-field viewpoint. In principle these are equivalent, but in practice they have led to different and seemingly incompatible models. In this paper the theory of solar flares is reviewed, comparing and contrasting these two viewpoints. It is argued that all models, as presently formulated, contain serious deficiencies. One feature that is unsatisfactory is the treatment of energy propagation into a flare kernel. A specific model for such energy propagation is outlined.
Lattice Dynamics of the High Tc Superconductor ErBa2Cu3O7
Authors: Mohan S , Kannan R
Published: November 2018

The lattice dynamics of the high Tc superconductor ErBa2Cu307 have been investigated in detail with a modified three-body force shell model. The model accounts for the effect of many-body interactions in the lattice potential. The aim of the present work is to treat the various interactions between the ions in generalised way without making them numerically equal. The values of the phonon frequencies calculated at the zone centre by this new approach are in good agreement with the available Raman and infrared data.
Approximate Formulas for Ion and Electron Transport Coefficients in Crossed Electric and Magnetic Fields
Authors: Robson RE
Published: November 2018

Momentum-transfer theory is used to derive approximate expressions for transport properties of electrons and ions in a gas in crossed electric and magnetic fields. Included in the formal discussion are the generalised Einstein relations, negative differential conductivity, Tonks' theorem and the equivalent reduced electric field concept. Specific topics dealt with include the ratio D II / D1. for electrons, which 'flips over' as the magnetic field is increased, the enhancement of negative differential conductivity through increased BIN, and a discussion of anisotropic scattering.
Cross-field Current Closure Below the Solar Photosphere
Authors: Wheatland MS , Melrose DB
Published: November 2018

A simple model is developed to describe how an externally imposed current closes as a function of time below the photosphere. A vertical current density is assumed to turn on at the photospheric boundary. The model implies that the subsequent closure of the current in the sub-photosphere depends only on the ratio RA/ R, where RA = /-LaVA is the Alfvenic impedance of the photosphere and = I/o-pI is the resistance corresponding to the conductivity O-p and a characteristic length 1. For RA/R � 1, current closure occurs at a front, propagating with the Alfven speed. For RA/ R 1, current closure is a diffusive process ahead and behind a slowly propagating Alfvenic front. The first case is the relevant one for the Sun, where RA/ R /VA, for VA in kilometres per second.
Density Functional Descriptions of Classical Inhomogeneous Fluids
Authors: Ashcroft NW
Published: November 2018

Microscopically inhomogeneous states such as crystals and amorphous phases are wide-spread in nature, and it has become relatively common to attempt to describe the thermodynamic functions of such structured systems by utilising the corresponding properties of their homogeneous counterparts. One route is via density functional theory, some aspects of which are reviewed and developed here for single-component systems. In particular the possible applicability of coarse-graining or weighted density approximations to the theory of the liquid–crystal transition are discussed in terms of physical implications stemming from the crucial change in symmetry that occurs. Some insight into the apparent inconsistency of weighted-density approaches can be gained by examination of the role of anharmonic terms in the structured phase, and their relation to the nature of the interactions which also control the range of the weight-functions.
Electromagnetic Absorption in Two-dimensional Systems under a Magnetic Field and a Unidirectional Periodic Potential
Authors: Zhang C.
Published: November 2018

The absorption of electromagnetic waves by a high mobility two-dimensional
electron gas subjected to a magnetic field and a weak periodic potential is
investigated. We show that the periodic modulation on the Laudau states has a
profound effect on the absorption of electromagnetic waves. We develop a
formalism which treats the electron–electron interaction beyond the
random-phase-approximation (RPA) and includes the electron-impurity scattering
in the lowest order. A RPA dielectric function was employed to study the
electromagnetic absorption in modulated systems. Simultaneous excitation of an
electron–hole pair with finite momentum contributes significantly to the
absorption around and below the cyclotron frequency. Such a process is absent
for a uniform electron gas under a magnetic field.
Atomic radii from electron densities.
Authors: Etschmann B. E. , Maslen E. N.
Published: November 2018

Bond lengths for diatomic molecules are predicted from atomic radii derived
from free atom one-electron densities by postulating shielding factors for
their valence electrons that depend on orbital angular momentum and on the
bond order. The predicted values are closer to spectroscopically measured bond
lengths than those based on earlier atomic radii inferred from a wider range
of structural evidence. The bond lengths predicted by the sum of the atomic
radii are corrected by a reduction that allows for charge transfer and by an
extension associated with exchange repulsion of the overlapping electrons in
the inter-nuclear region. Both corrections are related to free atom
one-electron densities.
On the radiative instability.
Authors: Rowe E. T. , Rowe G. W.
Published: November 2018

A thin beam of monoenergetic electrons and positrons may be described by a
single interface with a surface current and it is shown that wave modes (in
particular their growth rates) depend only on the form of this surface current
and not explicitly on the geometry, specifically whether it is planar or
cylindrical. We give general results for the wave modes which reproduce those
previously obtained in the planar and cylindrical geometries and discuss their
implications.
Freezing Sensitivity of Leaf Tissue of C4 Grasses
Authors: Rowley J.A , Tunnicliffe C.G , Taylor A.O
Published: November 2018

Eight C*4-photosynthetic pathway grasses were compared for freezing sensitivity and hardening ability. A temperature-gradient bar was used to freeze leaf samples, and the resulting damage was assessed by measuring electrical conductance of the electrolytes leached from injured tissues. Paspalum dilatatum and Eragrostis curvula were least sensitive to freezing and both exhibited considerable ability to harden. Setaria anceps cv. Narok and Digitavia sp. cv. Slenderstem were the most sensitive, and showed little or no ability to harden under the growing conditions used.
Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Plasma Membranes of Chara corallina. I The Hyperpolarized State
Authors: Doughty C.J , Hope A.B
Published: November 2018

Effects of 254 nm ultraviolet irradiation on the plasmalemma potential difference and conductance
in C, corallina have been further analysed. Following an increase in passive chloride permeability,
revealed from previous studies, and which is manifested as a depolarization of membrane potential
difference and an increase in membrane conductance, a secondary depolarization was prominent at
pH 7 and is attributed to u.v.-induced inhibition of an electrogenic pump. The secondary depolarization
was usually accompanied by a decrease in membrane conductance.
For doses of u.v. of 1400 J m-2, these effects were almost reversible within about 1 h
Stomatal Metabolism: Carbon Dioxide Fixation in Attached and Detached Epidermis of Commelina
Authors: Wilmer C.M , Thorpe N , Rutter J.C , Milthorpe F.L
Published: November 2018

Rates of accumulation of radioactivity and the nature of 14CO2 fixation products were measured in mesophyll, attached epidermis and detached epidermis of Commelina cyanea and C. communis. In the illuminated detached epidermis of C. cyanea, most of the fixation products were malate and aspartate (in almost equal proportions), with small amounts of sugars, sugar phosphates, serine, glycine, alanine and TCA cycle intermediates. In that of C. communis there was a smaller proportion of aspartate and a higher proportion of sugars, glutamate and tricarboxylic acids.
The much higher rates of accumulation of labelled fixation products in attached epidermis of C. cyanea can in part be attributed to glycine, serine and alanine, which appear to be imported from the mesophyll very shortly after the leaf is first exposed to 14CO2. Over longer periods of time, labelled sugars contributed an appreciable and increasing proportion. In C. communis, after 15-30 min, most of the difference between attached and detached epidermis was attributable to the presence of labelled sugars. The fixation pattern in the mesophyll of these species was typical of C*3-type photosynthesis. Autoradiographs of detached epidermis showed that the label was predominantly in stomata while those of attached epidermis showed more label in stomata than elsewhere after 1 min and they were uniformly labelled after 30 min.
These findings suggest that metabolites are translocated from the mesophyll to the epidermis fairly readily. There is probably flow in the reverse direction as well as gaseous exchange of 14C between these tissues.
Na+, C1- and K+ Concentrations in Chlorella emersonii exposed to 100 and 335 mM NaCl
Authors: Greenway H , Setter T.L
Published: November 2018

After 4-7 days growth of C. emevsonii in 100 and 335 m~ NaCl, Na+ and CI- concentrations in the
osmotic volume of the cells were usually only 20-40 m. Internal K+ concentrations did not change
appreciably during growth in NaCl or in isosmotic concentrations of neutral osmotica. Thus,
there were no large contributions of Na+, Cl- or K+ to osmoregulation of this slightly vacuolated
alga. The above usually applied even during periods when there was little or no formation of proline,
the main osmotic solute in C, emevsonii, i.e. in the dark and immediately following transfer of cells
to 100 mM NaCl in the light. However, transfer of cells from 1 to 335 m~ NaCl transiently increased
Na+ contents with concurrent, equivalent, decreases in K+ (cell volume basis).
Effects of Light and Leaching on Germination of Saffron Thistle (Carthamus lanatus L.)
Authors: Wright G.C , McWilliam J.R , Whalley R.D.B
Published: November 2018

Breaking of dormancy of saffron thistle 'seed' can be achieved by leaching during imbibition in the
presence of red light (600-680 nm). The results suggest a transient light sensitivity during the first
24 h of imbibition which, in non-leached seed, may be prevented independently by an inhibitor
present in the embryo. Leaching and imbibing seed in the light appears to entrain a series of responses
including changes in the properties of the seed hull and leaching and/or metabolism of endogenous
abscisic acid present in the embryo. Once these changes are completed, usually within the first 24 h,
the embryo initiates germination. This regulation of germination involving both light and leaching,
together with the species potential for long-term survival in a dormant stage, has obvious adaptive
significance and helps to explain why saffron thistle is such a persistent weed in cereal growing areas.
Generation of Torque by the Column of Stylidium
Authors: Findlay G.P
Published: November 2018

The gynostemium or column of the flower of Stylidium, when stimulated mechanically, flips through
an angle of about 4 rad in 15-20 ms and then resets to its original position in 300-600 s. The torque
causing this movement is produced in a specialized motor tissue when the angular displacement, 8,
of the column from its set position exceeds a threshold value of about 4 x lo-' rad. An experimental
apparatus has been developed to change 0 in a controlled manner and measure the resultant torque,
7, exerted by the column. For subthreshold angular displacement, the column opposes the applied
torque and the stiffness of the column, defined as d~/dOi,s 1.5 x 10' pN m rad-'. At threshold
displacement, 7 reverses in direction and the stiffness decreases to about 0.5 % of this value in about
2-4 ms. The stiffness remains low for the remainder of the fast movement and slow recovery, but
returns to the original high value after the column has been set for about 20-30 min. Most of the
stiffness of the set colunln seems to reside in very turgid cells within the concave or anterior side
of the motor tissue. The cells when turgid could provide a holding torque, maintaining the column
in the set position against an equal and opposite torque in the posterior layer. On stimulation, the
anterior cells apparently cease to exert torque, with subsequent movement of the column caused by
a torque within cells in the opposite, posterior, layer. The mechanism by which the column loses
stiffness in the short time of 2-4 ms is not clearly understood; two possibilities are considered.
Electrical Evidence from Perfused and Intact Cells for Voltage-dependent K+ Channels in the Plasmalemma of Chara australis
Authors: Smith P.T
Published: November 2018

The K+ conductance in Chara australis was studied using current-voltage relations (I- V curves) of
intact cells and perfused plasmalemmas in conditions which minimized H+ conductance.
The rapid I-V curves of perfused cells were dominated by K+ conductance, intersecting at the
calculated K' equilibrium potential. The steady state I-V curves were non-linear; the point of greatest
change in slope conductance has been called the 'switch potential'. At voltages more positive than
the switch potential, K+ conductance increased with potential. At more negative voltages, K+
conductance was constant and low. In high external K+ concentrations the steady state I-V curves
developed negative slope conductance near the switch potential. The switch potential behaved as a
function of the KC equilibrium potential.
During prolonged voltage pulses in perfused cells, the clamp current changed exponentially with
time. The values o f t , were affected by the size of the voltage pulse and the external KT concentration.
The results can be explained by time- and voltage-dependent K+ channels. It is suggested that
the voltage sensor, which supposedly regulates the opening and closing of the Kt channels, measures
a function of the membrane potential and the K+ equilibrium potential.
Domestic Violence again Women in Sri Lanka: The Role of Primary Health Care in Complementing Human Rights and Legal Responses
Authors: N Moonesinghe Loshan , Barraclough Simon
Published: November 2018

Using an analysis of primary documents and secondary sources, the problem of domestic violence against women in Sri Lanka is surveyed from the perspectives of public health, as well as human and legal rights. The limited Sri Lankan literature on the measurements, context and prevalence of such violence, as well as legislation for its prevention, is reviewed. Responses to the problem by the government and non-government organisations are described. These include using international organisations, forums and conventions to further the human rights dimensions of the problem, the establishment of support services and domestic legal reforms to accord greater protection to women. While The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act 2005 gave legislative recognition to the problem and put into place some welcome reforms, it lacked a comprehensive response to the problem. It is argued that health service providers need to be trained to be aware of domestic violence as the potential cause of physical injuries and mental conditions and that the medical record should document the circumstances and nature of domestic violence. Hospital outpatient departments should offer counselling, referrals to crisis centres and shelters, and should collect sex disaggregated data on domestic assaults. Finally, primary health care workers can both support women in dealing with domestic violence as well as performing a sentinel role in prevention. Specific and comprehensive public policy on violence against women must be developed to allow the health sector to play its role within a context of inter-sectoral collaboration.
Missing and Incomplete Data Reduces the Value of General Practice Electronic Medical Records as Data Sources in Research
Authors: A Jones Judith , Farnell Bruce
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to identify limitations to the use of electronic medical records (EMRs) in general practice and to identify consequent limitations to the value of EMRs as data sources for research or case finding. Patient demographic, diagnostic, therapeutic and administrative data pertaining to osteoporosis management during 2003 were extracted from the EMRs of participating general practitioners (GPs) in Bendigo, Victoria. Data quality was measured primarily by the absence of data from fields. Twenty-three of 60 eligible GPs participated; 29, 356 patient records were searched. Patient age or sex was missing from 1.2 per cent of records. For those with a diagnosis of osteoporosis on the record, reason for prescription was missing for 54 per cent of patients receiving osteoporosis medications, recording of Authority numbers was inconsistent and only 31 per cent of records noted fracture site in the prescription free-text detail field. The study concluded that missing data compromises the value of general practice EMRs as data sources. Researchers wishing to use EMR data will benefit from assisting GPs to appreciate and use EMR capabilities and to appreciate the value of maintaining accurate and complete datasets.
Clients’ experience of brief lifestyle interventions by community nurses
Authors: Christl Bettina , Chan Bibiana , Laws Rachel , Williams Anna , Davies Gawaine Powell , Harris Mark F. , The CN SNAP Trial Research Team
Published: November 2018

Lifestyle modification interventions in primary health care settings are an important means of addressing lifestyle risk factors. An essential factor for the success of lifestyle advice is the client’s acceptance. Lifestyle interventions offered in general practice are well accepted by clients. However, little is known about how lifestyle interventions are accepted if offered by community nurses in the client’s home. This study investigates the experience and perspectives of clients who were offered brief lifestyle interventions from community nurses, based on the 5As model. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 clients who had received brief lifestyle interventions from community nurses as part of a larger intervention trial. All clients perceived the provision of lifestyle interventions to be an appropriate part of the community nurses’ role. The advice and support offered was useful only to some, depending on personal preferences, experiences, perceived lifestyle risk and self-rated health. Offering brief lifestyle interventions did not affect the rapport between client and nurse and this puts community nurses in an ideal place to address lifestyle issues that can sometimes be sensitive. However, client-centredness must be emphasised to improve clients’ uptake of lifestyle advice and support.
Preantral follicle culture and oocyte quality
Authors: Heiligentag Martyna , Eichenlaub-Ritter Ursula
Published: November 2018

The formation of high-quality oocytes depends on complex stage-specific interactions between the germ cell and the somatic compartment involving endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine regulation. Cooperativity in bidirectional signalling and metabolism in response to factors in the microenvironment drive growth, proliferation, cell cycle regulation, spindle formation and the establishment of epigenetic marks in oocytes. This is essential to ensure faithful chromosome segregation and to achieve high oocyte quality, with far-reaching consequences for embryo survival, development and the health of offspring. Oocytes reach developmental capacity throughout early meiotic stages up to full growth and acquisition of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturational competence during folliculogenesis. Improved preantral follicle culture in which ideally intimate contacts between oocyte and somatic cells are retained provides unique opportunities to assess the effects of microenvironment, growth factors, hormones, cryopreservation and environmental exposure on folliculogenesis and oocyte quality. An optimised follicle culture can contribute to the generation of high-quality oocytes for use in fertility preservation in cancer patients, animal breeding and the preservation of endangered species. The past decade has brought about major advances in follicle culture from different species. Recent advances in preantral follicle culture are discussed to assess the effects of environment, adverse exposure, cryopreservation and age on oocyte quality.
144 Dynamic of Sperm Subpopulations in Red Deer Capacitated Samples
Authors: Ramón M. , Iniesta-Cuerda M. , Martín-Maestro A. , Peris-Frau P. , Sánchez-Ajofrín I. , Fernández-Santos M. R. , Garde J. , Soler A. J.
Published: November 2018

An ejaculate is a mixture of sperm subpopulations (SP) with varying motility characteristics. Moreover, males with high percentages of fast and linear-moving sperm have high rates of fertility (Ramón et al. 2003 Biol. Reprod. 89, 110). The objective was to assess dynamics, over time, of SP of capacitated red deer sperm. Thawed sperm were selected with 45/90% Percoll, diluted at 10 × 106 sperm mL−1 in SOF plus 10% oestrous sheep serum and incubated for 2 h at 38.5°C under 5% CO2. Sperm motility was assessed by computer-assisted semen analysis at 1, 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 120 min and 24 h. Sperm were classified as described previously (Martínez-Pastor et al. 2005 Biol. Reprod. 72, 316-327) and the evolution of SP during capacitation was characterised with piece-wise regression that identified change points. Five sperm SP were identified based on velocity according to an actual path (VCL), velocity according to a straight path (VSL), velocity according to the average, smoothed path (VAP), linearity (LIN), straightness (STR), wobble (WOB), amplitude of lateral displacement of sperm head (ALH), and frequency of the flagellar beat (BCF). Sperm in SP1 were fast, linear sperm with high ALH; they corresponded to capacitated sperm. In contrast, SP5 were slow, non-linear sperm, with low ALH (Table 1). The dynamics of each SP differed over time was different along the time. Percentages of SP1, SP4, and SP3 were significantly decreased at 60, 90, and 100 min, whereas percentages of SP2 and SP5 did not change over time. This study was consistent with previous reports that kinematic sperm characteristics change over time.

Table 1.Sperm subpopulations (SP) based on kinematic end points.
145 Effect of Dietary Organic Zinc Levels on Boar (Sus scrofa domesticus) Sperm DNA Fragmentation Dynamics
Authors: Martínez A. , Gosálvez J. , López-Fernández C. , González J. A. G. , Artiga C. G. , Ortega Y. D. L. , Kjelland M. E. , García-Contreras A.
Published: November 2018

Zinc (Zn) is essential for the development and activity of sperm, although its cytotoxic effect on sperm has been little studied. This study evaluated the effect of organic Zn; that is, Zn-methionate (Zn-Met), on the DNA fragmentation of boar sperm. Domestic boars (York × Landrace, Sus scrofa domesticus; n = 15) were randomly allocated into 3 levels of Zn dietary concentrations: 25 (Control), 150, or 200 ppm. Sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics were evaluated over an 8-wk period after Zn-Met supplementation. The Sperm-Sus-Halomax® Kit (Halosperm SL, Madrid, Spain), a 1:1 mixture of SYBR I (10×; Invitrogen Molecular Probes, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) in Vectashield Mounting Medium (Vector Laboratories Inc., Burlingame, CA, USA) for DNA staining, and fluorescence microscopy (Nikon Eclipse 80i; Nikon, Tokyo, Japan) were used to analyse DNA fragmentation dynamics; that is, sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test, of the boar sperm. Samples were diluted 2:10 (v:v) in either (a) Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) extender, or (b) PBS, to determine the effects, if any, of extender. Extended sperm were stored at 15°C for 8 days for daily SCD testing. Data were analysed as a completely randomised design with repeated-measures serially in time (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Main effects of the variables (i.e. dietary Zn and extender) and their interaction were studied. Means were compared using Tukey´s test, with significance set at the <0.05 α-level. Supplementation of the diet with 200 ppm of Zn-Met had an adverse effect on the integrity of pig sperm DNA from the beginning of supplementation to the last day of the experiment (i.e. fresh ejaculate 0 h = 9.44% fragmented, motility = 79.6%). However, Control and 150 ppm Zn-Met dietary levels did not significantly affect sperm DNA integrity (i.e. fresh ejaculate 0 h = 1.43% and 1.73% fragmented and motility = 84.1% and 84.5%, respectively). With regard to the semen extenders BTS and PBS, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics for the first 3 days in extender: Day 3 = 4.09 and 6.45%, respectively. However, the sperm DNA fragmentation index was different (P < 0.05) between extenders BTS and PBS based on extended sperm for Day 4: 4.28 and 7.28%, respectively, through Day 8 (5.52 and 10.02%). These results demonstrated the importance of providing the correct amount of organic Zn in boar diets and potential impacts on reproduction.
147 Dietary Zinc and its Effect on Collection Time and Training Quality of Young Boars for Obtaining Ejaculates
Authors: Ortega Y. D. L. , Artiga C. G. , González J. A. G. , Yagüe A. P. , Redondo B. I. , Kjelland M. E. , García-Contreras A. C.
Published: November 2018

It is known that Zinc (Zn) is important in several aspects of reproduction, including fertility and the production of sexual hormones. The aim of the present study was to evaluate different amounts and types of Zn on ejaculate collection time and training behaviour of young boars. For this purpose, non-castrated domestic boars (York × Landrace, Sus scrofa domesticus), with an average age of 6.8 months and initial weight of 120 kg (body condition score of 3), were assigned to 3 different groups (5 per group). The base diet consisted of cereal-soybean feed, complemented with a mixture of minerals and vitamins without the addition of extra Zn. The Zn concentration was determined using atomic absorption photospectrometry, specifically, with a Varian SpectrAA 220 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Varian, Palo Alto, CA, USA) and following manufacturer instructions. The effect of Zn was evaluated by administering the young boars different amounts and sources of the mineral: (1) Control = 25 ppm of Zn, (2) T1 = Control + 125 ppm ZnSO4 (inorganic), and (3) T2 = Control + 125 ppm Zn-methionate (Zn-Met, organic). The boars were given an adaptation period of 15 days to acclimate to the feed, and afterwards they underwent the training process for ejaculate collection for 4 more weeks. Boars were collected an average of 2.95, 2.67, and 2.69 times for Control, T1, and T2. Several variables were used in order to determine the existence of treatment effects, including number of training sessions (NTS); interval between training (days, IBT); false mounts (mounting dummy but dismounting before allowing semen collection, FM); effective mounts (duration of mounting dummy and completion of semen collection, EM); and duration of ejaculation (min, DE). The results were analysed with PROC MIXED using the statistical package SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA), with statistical differences set at α < 0.05. Even though significant differences were not observed between most of the variables analysed (e.g. NTS, FM, EM, DE), differences did exist between treatments for the variable IBT (P = 0.013). Notably, although there was no significant difference between treatments for the variable DE, it was higher for T3 (6.49 min, P = 0.54) than for T1 and T2 (5.87 and 5.27 min, respectively). In conclusion, the addition of 150 ppm of organic Zn (i.e. Zn-Met) significantly reduced the time interval for training the boars, which may be due to a better libido, and demonstrated the importance of considering types and dose amounts of dietary Zn and its effects on reproduction.