bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of variety, growing region and growing season on digestible energy content of wheats grown in Western Australia for weaner pigs
Authors: Kim J. C. , Mullan B. P. , Simmins P. H. , Pluske J. R.
Published: May 2019

An experiment was conducted to examine the digestible energy (DE) content for weanling pigs in a cohort of wheats grown in Western Australia, and to establish relationships between DE content and their chemical composition. The 3 ✕ 3 ✕ 2 factorial experiment examined the wheat variety (Arrino, Stiletto and Westonia), growing location (high, medium and low rainfall zone) and harvest year (1999 and 2000). Pigs (no. = 5 per diet) aged about 28 days were given a diet at a level of 0·05 ✕ live weight containing 900 g/kg of the wheat and an acid-insoluble ash marker for 10 days, with samples of faeces collected from each pig for the final 5 days. The average live weight of pigs was 6·6 (s.d. 0·77) kg. The DE content of wheats harvested in 1999 varied by up to 1·3 MJ/kg, while wheats harvested in 2000 varied by up to 1·8 MJ/kg. When the 2 years’ data were combined, the DE content ranged from 12·5 to 14·4 MJ/kg. Both the variety and growing region significantly influenced (P < 0·05, P < 0·001, respectively in year 1999; P < 0·001, P < 0·01, respectively in year 2000) the DE content of wheat. Also, DE content of wheat differed significantly due to growing season (P < 0·001). Correlation studies between chemical composition and DE content of the wheats found significant inverse relationships between DE content and total xylose (r = –0·719, P < 0·05), insoluble xylose (r = –0·742, P < 0·05), neutral-detergent fibre (r = –0·839, P < 0·01), total-P (r = –0·833, P < 0·01), and phytate-P (r = –0·753, P < 0·05) contents with the wheats harvested in 1999. However, such relationships were not significant (P > 0·05) with the wheats harvested in 2000. In addition, the precipitation level (mm) during the growing season of wheats was strongly correlated (r = –0·821, P < 0·01) to the DE content of wheat in year 1999, but was not correlated in 2000. The results indicate that the genetic and environmental conditions during the growth of wheat have a significant impact on the utilization of plant energy in weaner pigs, and that greater attention needs to be paid to these influences in the assignment of energy values for wheats given to weaner pigs.
Individually assessed creep food consumption by suckled piglets: influence on post-weaning food intake characteristics and indicators of gut structure and hind-gut fermentation
Authors: Bruininx E. M. A. M. , Schellingerhout A. B. , Binnendijk G. P. , Peet-Schwering C. M. C. van der , Schrama J. W. , den Hartog L. A. , Everts H. , Beynen A. C.
Published: May 2019

Individual food intake characteristics and indicators of gut physiology of group-housed weanling pigs were measured in relation to pre-weaning consumption of creep food. Additionally, the effects of creep food consumption on pre-weaning body weight and gain were assessed. A total of 48 litters was used in two trials. From 11 days of age until weaning (day 28), all 48 litters were given a creep food (12·7 MJ net energy (NE) per kg, 15·2 g lysine per kg) supplemented with 10 g chromium III oxide per kg. Piglets showing green-coloured faeces on three sampling days were designated as good eaters, whereas piglets that never showed green faeces were labelled as non-eaters. Piglets having green faeces once or twice were designated as moderate eaters. Based on availability, body weight, litter origin, genotype and gender 29 good eaters, 32 moderate eaters and 29 non-eaters were selected in the first trial. In the second trial there were 30 good eaters, 33 moderate eaters, and 27 non-eaters. In each trial eight piglets of each creep-food eating type were immediately killed to serve as a reference group. The remaining piglets of each eating type were weaned and placed in pens equipped with computerized feeding stations so that distributions of body weight, litter origin, and gender were similar within pens. In each trial, eight pigs of each eating type were killed 5 days after weaning in order to determine villous heights and crypt depths in the proximal small intestine and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in the colon. While being suckled, body weight was not related to the pre-weaning consumption of creep food (P > 0·1) whereas average daily gain of the good eaters during the creep feeding period was higher (P 0·05) than that of the moderate and non-eaters. Both morphology measures and VFA concentrations on the day of weaning were unaffected (P > 0·1) by the pre-weaning food consumption. After weaning, food intake and gain of the total group of good eaters were higher (P 0·05) than that of the non-eaters, whereas villous height and villous height: crypt depth ratios did not differ (P > 0·1). Neither total VFA concentration nor the proportion of branched-chain VFA were affected by creep food consumption while being suckled. Total VFA concentration in the colon was positively associated with body-weight gain (P 0·001). This study confirms earlier findings that consumption of creep food while being suckled stimulates food intake and growth after weaning. However, the beneficial effects were not associated with a prevention of damage to morphology of the small intestine.
Genetic parameters for reproductive performance of breeding cows and carcass traits of fattening animals in Japanese Black (Wagyu) cattle
Authors: Oyama K. , Katsuta T. , Anada K. , Mukai F.
Published: May 2019

Reproductive performance is receiving increased attention from beef cattle producers. There are concerns that intensive selection for carcass traits might reduce the reproductive performance of females. Genetic parameters among six carcass traits and, age at first calving (AFC), gestation length (GL), days open (DO) and calving interval (CI) under year-round artificial insemination were estimated. Reproductive traits were extracted from 174005 calving records of Japanese Black cows and were analysed with 31364 carcass records. The restricted maximum likelihood procedure under animal models was used to estimate the parameters. Heritabilities of AFC, GL, DO and CI were estimated to be 0.20, 0.40, 0.05 and 0.05, respectively, and those of carcass traits were higher, ranging from 0.38 to 0.56. Genetic correlations of CI with AFC and GL were 0.25 and 0.16, respectively, while no relationship was observed between AFC and GL. Correlations among carcass traits were generally favourable and a slightly negative estimate was obtained between subcutaneous fat thickness and marbling score. Genetic correlations for AFC were -0.27 with carcass weight and -0.24 with marbling score. In contrast, GL, DO and CI were genetically independent of carcass traits. Genetic relationships between reproductive and carcass traits were generally low, and therefore serious antagonism was not observed. The results suggested that selection for carcass traits would not compromise genetic progress in reproductive traits.
Breeding for improved welfare in pigs: a conceptual framework and its use in practice
Authors: Kanis E. , van den Belt H. , Groen A. F. , Schakel J. , de Greef K. H.
Published: May 2019

Welfare of animals can be defined as the kind of feelings the environmental conditions bring about in the animals. These feelings depend on the needs of the animals and their degree of satisfaction. Needs of animals, and so their welfare, are partly genetically determined. Therefore, welfare can be changed by breeding. The aim of this study was to investigate how welfare of pigs under modern intensive farm conditions can be improved by genetic selection, with emphasis on the precise definition of the breeding goal and determination of the animal characteristics on which selection can be based in practice.

The existing thermoregulation model was used to develop a conceptual framework that describes welfare of growing pigs and production sows with respect to each of their needs as a curvilinear function of the respective environmental conditions. The framework assumes that welfare in terms of feelings is reflected by the physiological and behavioural mechanisms the pig has to activate in order to cope with the various environmental conditions it encounters. Based on those physiological and behavioural responses to changing conditions, five welfare zones can be distinguished for each need. Breeding goals for welfare were defined in terms of the transition points between these welfare zones, such that future pigs would better cope with unfavourable or unfamiliar farming conditions, therewith quickening the domestication process, to some extent. However, as long as genetic parameters for these transition points are not available, more common welfare-related characteristics like temperament, stress resistance and robustness can be included in the breeding goal, as an alternative.

For selection among potential breeding candidates, transition points between welfare zones can be determined in sib tests, thereby also collecting the data for estimating genetic parameters. As a cheaper alternative, breeding candidates could be tested under hard conditions and selected on their coping success. In addition, various behavioural tests and operant conditioning tests (to test a pig's motivation to change its actual environment) can be carried out. Under common conditions on the farm, problems associated with coping (like incidences of diseases, injuries, and stereotypies) and/or other relevant traits (e.g. saliva cortisol levels, longevity and even production traits) should be recorded routinely and used as selection index information. Selection for improved welfare should lead to more tolerant pigs that are better able to cope with possible unfavourable farm conditions by a more efficient use of the adaptation mechanisms they already possess. It should, however, not result in lowering husbandry standards. More research is needed to assess genetic correlations among various welfare aspects and with production traits to prevent undesired side effects in future populations of pigs.
Modelling the effect of heat stress on food intake, heat production and growth in pigs
Authors: Fialho F. B. , van Milgen J. , Noblet J. , Quiniou N.
Published: May 2019

A heat balance model was combined with a food intake model and a metabolism model, to form a larger model which estimates a pig’s response to heat stress. The combined model was implemented as a computer program, and used to calibrate, test and validate parts of the heat balance model. Heat transfer modes considered were convection, radiation and evaporation of water at the skin, and heating and humidification of air by breathing. Sensitivity analysis revealed a large effect of air temperature, humidity and velocity on heat loss, especially in a hot environment. It also showed that wetting of the pig’s skin is the most effective means to alleviate heat stress. The calibration procedure confirmed that characteristics related to heat tolerance in pigs must be re-evaluated, due mainly to the changes brought about by genetic improvement (such as reduced backfat thickness). The model was challenged using two different data sets. Although simulated results varied in the same way as measured data, more research is needed to determine more precisely some of the parameters. Long-term predictions were more reliable than those for short (1-day) periods.
Effects of two dried forages, and a choice between them, on intake, growth and carcass composition in lambs of two breeds and their cross
Authors: Macfarlane J. M. , Lewis R. M. , Emmans G. C.
Published: May 2019

The effects of forage type, breed type and sex on lamb growth and carcass composition, and their changes throughout growth, were measured. The three breed types were Scottish Blackface (no. = 31), Suffolk (no. = 28) and their reciprocal cross (no. = 30). The lambs were given ad libitum a pelleted ryegrass alone, pelleted lucerne alone or a choice of both. Each lamb was scanned using X-ray computed tomography to measure the weights of fat, lean and bone in the carcass at three proportions of mature body weight (0·30, 0·45 and 0·65). Live weights and food intake data were recorded weekly. Average daily gains in live weight and carcass tissues, food intake and efficiency were calculated for each lamb between degrees of maturity. Relationships between weight and food intake were investigated using a Spillman function.

Breed type had no effect on fat or lean proportion in the carcass but Scottish Blackface lambs had 1·04 times the carcass bone proportions of the Suffolk or crossbred lambs. Diet had no effect on carcass tissue proportions. The effect of sex on carcass composition changed with stage of maturity. Breed type and sex effects on intakes and gains in live weight and tissue weights were related to mature size differences. Scaling by (mature size)0·73did not fully remove these differences. There were no effects of breed type, sex or diet on efficiency. Lambs on ryegrass had lower intakes (0·878 as great) and slower growth (0·851 as fast) than those on lucerne or the choice treatment. The mean proportion of ryegrass in the choice diet was 0·366 (s.e. 0·0273); it increased slightly with time. There was no breed type by diet interaction for any of the variables examined. The Spillman function described growth well and showed that there were no effects of breed type, diet or sex on efficiency.
Plant extracts as supplements for lactating sows: effects on piglet performance, sow food intake and diet digestibility
Authors: Ilsley S.E. , Miller H.M. , Greathead H.M.R. , Kamel C.
Published: May 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the plant extracts Yucca shidigera, Quillaja saponaria and a combination (a blend of capsicum, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde) to stimulate piglet and sow performance when used as supplements in the diets of lactating sows. These extracts were selected for their potential benefits to health, appetite and digestion. Eighty hybrid sows were housed in conventional indoor farrowing crates from day 107 of gestation until weaning. Sows were allocated according to parity, live weight, fatness and past reproductive performance, to one of four dietary treatments: control (C), combination (COM, 100 g/t food), yucca (Y, 200 g/t), quillaja (Q, 250 g/t). Between days 107 to 114 of gestation, sows received 2·5 kg food per day of their respective diet. During lactation food was offered ad libitum with sow food intake (FI) recorded daily. Faecal samples were obtained from sows daily in order to measure diet digestibility using titanium dioxide as an external marker. Piglet live weight and sow P2 backfat were recorded on days 1, 7, 14 and 21 and at weaning on day 23 (s.e.2·5). Piglet live weight and rectal temperature were measured at birth and 24 h of age. Piglet growth between birth and 24 h was significantly affected by sow treatment. Litters from COM sows held the greatest advantage (117 v. C 99, Q 77, Y 107 g per pig per day, P < 0·01, s.e. = 7·9). Piglet body temperature at birth was also higher in COM litters when compared with treatment C (38·58 v. 37·95oC, P < 0·05)). Q and Y piglets were intermediate between the two. Sow treatment had no effect on piglet performance between day 1 and 14 of lactation. However, between days 15 and 21, piglets from COM sows again significantly outperformed all other treatments (COM 290, C 246, Q 235, Y 255 g per pig per day, P < 0·001, s.e. = 9·3). Piglet weights on day 21 were also significantly greater for the COM sows (6878 g v. C 6584 g, Q 6330 g, Y 6498 g, P < 0·05 s.e. = 132). No benefit was seen from supplementation with either yucca or quillaja extracts on piglet growth. Sow FI and P2 backfat loss between parturition and weaning were unaffected by treatment. However, diet digestibility was enhanced by all supplements during week 1 of lactation in terms of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein. It is concluded that some plant extracts may enhance piglet and sow performance prior to weaning.
Modelling the effects of thermal environment and dietary composition on pig performance: model logic and concepts
Authors: Wellock I.J. , Emmans G.C. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: May 2019

A deterministic, dynamic pig growth model is described that predicts the effects of genotype and the thermal and nutritional environments on food intake, growth and body composition of growing pigs. From the daily potential for protein gain, as determined by pig genotype and current state, the potential gains of the other chemical components, including ‘desired’ lipid gain, are calculated. Unconstrained voluntary food intake is predicted from the current protein and lipid contents of the pig, and the composition of the food, as that which is needed to permit potential growth to be achieved. The model allows compensatory lipid gain. The composition of the food is described in terms of its digestible energy content (DEC), ideal digestible crude protein content (IDCPC) and bulkiness. Both energy and protein can be limiting resources and the bulk of the food may constrain intake. The animal’s capacity for bulk is a function of its size. The thermal environment is described by the ambient temperature, wind speed, floor type and humidity and sets the maximum (HLmax) and minimum (HLmin) values possible for heat loss. A comparison with heat production (HP) determines whether the environment is hot (HP > HLmax), cold (HP < HLmin) or thermoneutral (HLmin< HP < HLmax). A constraint on intake operates in hot environments, while in cold environments, there is an extra thermal demand. If conditions are thermoneutral no further action is taken. Daily gains of each of the chemical components are calculated by partitioning energy intake between protein and lipid gains according only to the energy to protein ratio of the food. The model builds on the work of others in the literature as it allows predictions on how changes in: (i) the kind of pig; (ii) the animal’s current state, which is particularly relevant in cases of compensatory growth; (iii) the dietary composition, and; (iv) the climatic environment, affect food intake and growth, whilst maintaining simplicity and flexibility.
Modelling the effects of thermal environment and dietary composition on pig performance: model testing and evaluation
Authors: Wellock I.J. , Emmans G.C. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: May 2019

A deterministic, dynamic pig growth model predicting the effect of genotype, and the thermal and nutritional environments on food intake, growth and body composition of growing pigs was tested and evaluated against experimental data from the literature. Four sets of experiments meeting the necessary requirement of feeding the pigs ad libitum and reporting sufficient information on trial conditions were chosen to test the model. The parameters used in the model to describe the kind of pig were protein weight at maturity (Pm) the Gompertz rate parameter (B) and the ratio of mature lipid weight (Lm) to Pm. Values for Pm and B used to apply to the pigs in the four experiments were selected as those which gave the maximum daily gains equal to those reported at thermoneutral temperatures on diets not limiting in protein. The value of Lm was chosen as that which gave a value for food conversion ratio close to that seen in the experiment, again at a thermoneutral temperature and on a non-limiting diet. The model was run for each of the experiments from the given start weight until slaughter weight was reached. All pigs were assumed to have their desired bodily composition at the start of the experimental period, which is determined by their genetic descriptors and weight. From the conditions of the experiments, average daily gain (ADG) average daily food intake (ADFI) food conversion ratio (FCR) final body weight, body composition, average daily gains of each of the chemical body components and heat production (HP) were predicted. Generally as temperature increased or the crude protein content of the food increased, ADFI, ADG and the fatness of the pig decreased, whilst protein content increased. Quantitative differences between the model predictions and the observations, were probably due to the greater sensitivity of the model to temperature. This is likely to reflect the omission of long-term adaptation and acclimatization, or to incorrect estimation of the wetness of the pig’s skin. However, model predictions were generally in good quantitative agreement with the observed data over the wide range of treatments tested. This gives support to the value and accuracy of the model for predicting pig performance when the thermal and nutritional environments are manipulated.
Appearance of immunoglobulin G in the plasma of piglets following intake of colostrum, with or without a delay in sucking
Authors: Bland I.M. , Rooke J.A. , Bland V.C. , Sinclair A.G. , Edwards S.A.
Published: May 2019

The intake of immunoglobulin G (IgG) by sucking piglets from colostrum was estimated over the first 24 h of sucking by the weigh-suck-weigh technique using experimentally determined correction factors for metabolic and urinary losses and was related to appearance of IgG in piglet plasma. Colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations declined rapidly from 61 mg/ml at the start of sucking to 9·0 mg/ml after 24 h sucking. IgG was first detected in piglet plasma after 4 h sucking, increased to a maximum after 12 to 16 h sucking and thereafter declined. In piglets allowed to suck from birth, there was no significant relationship between estimated IgG intake and plasma IgG concentration suggesting that IgG intake did not limit acquisition of IgG by the piglet. When sucking was delayed by 8 or 12 h, colostrum intakes by piglets were not different from piglets allowed immediate access to the udder but IgG intakes were significantly (P< 0·001) decreased. Total plasma IgG (g/kg live weight) did not decline significantly as a result of delayed sucking. In conclusion, under the experimental conditions employed, the appearance of IgG in piglet plasma was limited by factors other than by colostrum IgG intake.
MULTIASSET MARKET DYNAMICS
Authors: WESTERHOFF FRANK H.
Published: May 2019

This paper explores multiasset market dynamics. We consider a limited number of markets on which two types of agents are active. Fundamentalists specialize in a certain market to gather expertise. Chartists may switch between markets since they use simple extrapolative methods. Specifically, chartists prefer markets that display price trends but that are not too misaligned. The interaction between the traders causes complex dynamics. Even in the absence of random shocks, our artificial markets mimic the behavior of actual asset markets closely. Our model also offers reasons for the high degree of comovements in stock prices observed empirically.
PRICE IMPACT OF LARGE ORDERS USING HAWKES PROCESSES
Authors: AMARAL L. R. , PAPANICOLAOU A.
Published: May 2019

We introduce a model for the execution of large market orders in limit order books, and use a linear combination of self-exciting Hawkes processes to model asset-price dynamics, with the addition of aprice-impact functionthat is concave in the order size. A criterion for a general price-impact function is introduced, which is used to show how specification of a concave impact function affects order execution. Using our model, we examine the immediate and permanent impacts of large orders, analyse the potential for price manipulation, and show the effectiveness of the time-weighted average price strategy. Our model shows that price depends on the balance between the intensities of the Hawkes process, which can be interpreted as a dependence on order-flow imbalance.
Oral administration of Lactobacillus casei Shirota can ameliorate the adverse effect of an acute aflatoxin exposure in Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Nikbakht Elham , Jamaluddin Rosita , Redzwan S. Mohd , Khalesi Saman
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a toxic compound commonly found in some crops with an adverse health effect on human and animals. Some beneficial microorganisms (or probiotics) such as lactic acid bacteria have shown the ability to reduce the bioavailability of aflatoxins and its intestinal absorption. However, the dose and duration of aflatoxins exposure and probiotic treatment can influence the ability of probiotics to remove aflatoxins. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the efficacy of oral probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain (LcS) induction in an acute exposure to AFB1 in rats. Experimentally, Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: AFB1 only (n = 9); AFB1 treated with LcS (n = 9); and control (no AFB1 exposure) (n = 6) groups. The blood AFB1 level of rats treated with LcS was slightly lower than the untreated AFB1 induced rats (11.12 ± 0.71 vs 10.93 ± 0.69 ng g–1). Also, LcS treatment slightly moderated the liver and kidney biomarkers in AFB1 induced rats. However, a trend for a significant difference was only observed in ALT of AFB1 induced rats treated with LcS compared to their counterparts (126.11 ± 36.90 vs 157.36 ± 15.46, p = 0.06). Rats’ body weight decreased in all animals force-fed with AFB1 with no significant difference between LcS treatment compared to the counterpart. In conclusion, this experiment indicated that probiotic LsC was able to slightly ameliorate the adverse effect of an acute exposure to AFB1 in rats. However, future studies with longer probiotics treatment or higher probiotics dose is required to confirm these findings.
Paleomagnetic Secular Variation and Relative Paleointensity During the Holocene in South China—Huguangyan Maar Lake Revisited
Authors: Sheng Mei , Wang Xisheng , Dekkers Mark J. , Chen Yun , Chu Guoqiang , Tang Ling , Pei Junling , Yang Zhenyu
Published: May 2019

The scarcity of reliable paleomagnetic secular variation (PSV) records from East Asia especially from low‐latitude regions impedes better understanding of global PSV mechanisms. Here we report on a radiocarbon‐dated Holocene PSV record from a composite ~6.7‐m‐long core collected from the high‐sedimentation‐rate Huguangyan Maar Lake (HML) in subtropical‐tropical South China. Rock magnetic results demonstrate that the natural remanent magnetization resides in single‐domain magnetite. Alternating field demagnetization experiments at 1‐cm spacing on u‐channel samples reveal six distinct inclination highs at ~7,500 BCE, ~5,100 BCE, ~4,600 BCE, ~3,600–3,400 BCE, ~1,600–1,200 BCE, and 600–800 CE; three inclination lows at ~4,800 BCE, ~600–300 BCE, and ~1,000–1,300 CE; and three eastward declination trends at ~3,600–3,200 BCE, ~2,600–2,400 BCE, and 400 BCE to 200 CE. The similarity between the HML PSV record and other independently dated records from East Asia and geomagnetic field models corroborates the robustness of our age model and Holocene PSV record. Strikingly, centennial‐ to millennial‐scale PSV features of the HML are comparable, within age uncertainties, with other Holocene records from Europe, North America, and Canada, suggesting that such directional patterns are likely to be hemispheric in scale. Although relative paleointensity data of HML are affected by environmental factors (e.g., organic matter diagenesis), the record still provides a regionally important new PSV reference curve whose conspicuous features may serve as stratigraphic markers for East Asian paleorecords.
Mapping Fluid‐Filled Inclusions in Stalagmites Using Coupled X‐Ray and Neutron Computed Tomography: Potential as a Water Excess Proxy
Authors: Wortham Barbara E. , Montañez Isabel P. , Rowland Doug J. , Lerche Michael , Browning Alyssa
Published: May 2019

Application of novel proxies, such as the stable isotope compositions and noble gas concentrations of fossil drip water trapped as inclusions in stalagmites, have the potential to provide unique constraints on past hydroclimate states and surface temperatures. Geochemical analysis of inclusion waters, however, requires an understanding of the three‐dimensional spatial distribution of dominantly liquid‐ versus air‐filled inclusions in a given stalagmite. Here we couple neutron computed tomography and medium‐ to high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography to map out the three‐dimensional calcite density and distribution of liquid‐ versus air‐filled inclusions within a Sierra Nevada stalagmite (ML‐1), which formed during the last deglaciation (18.5 to 11.7 ka). Comparison of coupled neutron computed tomography‐X‐ray computed tomography results with a time series of stalagmite calcite fabrics indicates that although highest density calcite contains abundant liquid (fluid)‐filled inclusions, calcite density and fabric overall were secondary controls on the liquid inclusion distribution (LID). Furthermore, a multistatistical evaluation of the stalagmite time series indicates a significant relationship at the multicentury‐ to millennial‐scale between LID and calcite δ18O and δ13C that suggests a potential link between LID and water availability to the cave.
Evaluation of Plasma Properties From Chorus Waves Observed at the Generation Region
Authors: Juhász Lilla , Omura Yoshiharu , Lichtenberger János , Friedel Reinhard H.
Published: May 2019

In this study we present an inversion method which provides thermal plasma population parameters from characteristics of chorus emissions only. Our ultimate goal is to apply this method to ground‐based data in order to derive the lower‐energy boundary condition for many radiation belt models. The first step is to test the chorus inversion method on in situ data of the Van Allen Probes in the generation region. The density and thermal velocity of energetic electrons (few kiloelectron volts to 100 keV) are derived from frequency sweep rate and starting frequencies of chorus emissions through analysis of wave data from the Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science on board the Van Allen Probes. The nonlinear wave growth theory of Omura and Nunn (2011, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010JA016280) serves as the basis for our inversion method, assuming that the triggering wave is originated by the linear cyclotron instability. We present 16 consecutive rising‐tone emissions recorded in the generation region between 11 and 12 UT on 14 November 2012. The results of the inversion are compared with density and thermal velocities (parallel and perpendicular) of energetic electrons derived from the unidirectional flux data of the Helium, Oxygen, Proton, and Electron instrument, showing a good agreement: The normalized root‐mean‐square deviation between the measured and predicted values are less than ∼15%. We found that the theoretical amplitudes are consistent with the measured ones. The relation between linear and nonlinear wave growth agrees with our basic assumption; namely, linear growth is a preceding process of nonlinear wave growth. We analyze electron distributions at the relativistic resonant energy ranges.
Geometry Tuning of an Electrically Small Antenna for Ionospheric Heating
Authors: Esser B. , Mankowski J. J. , Dickens J. C. , Neuber A. A.
Published: May 2019

A modification of a previously introduced electrically small antenna is presented with tuning methods for continuous band coverage for ionospheric heating (~3–10 MHz). Consisting of a small loop antenna inductively coupled to a capacitively loaded loop (CLL), the design may be tuned ±50% of the center of the band by simply adjusting the capacitance of the CLL. Abandoning the use of lossy materials for tuning such as solid dielectrics or ferrites, the antenna is greater than 80% efficient across its tuning range. A tenth scale prototype with electromechanical geometry tuning is tested for frequency range and tuning capability especially at the low‐frequency end where port reflection losses tend to dominate. Tuning of the small loop antenna‐CLL coupling is used to mitigate this matching issue, which was demonstrated on the physical antenna model. Experimentally, a tuning range of 33.5–117.5 MHz is achieved with low reflection achievable across the range.
Characterizing Maritime Snow Canopy Interception in Forested Mountains
Authors: Roth T. R. , Nolin A. W.
Published: May 2019

Air temperature (Tair) plays an important role in determining how a canopy intercepts snow and apart from event size is the single most important micrometeorological variable found to adequately influence interception rates and magnitude. We present results from a 6‐year study on snow‐forest interactions. This data set reveals the central role Tair plays in how a forest intercepts snow and the need to effectively incorporate this within snow process models. Warm temperature events show a higher canopy interception efficiency (CIE) for all sites across the study period, while colder Tair events demonstrated a lower corresponding CIE. Additionally, there is a structural component of the forest itself that plays a role in the ability of canopy to intercept snow. Recognizing the physical vertical structure of a forest as nontrivial, we present a simple canopy interception model that includes a novel three‐dimensional forest metric that captures canopy complexity, Gz, combined with event size and Tair to adequately predict event‐based interception. Low complexity forests decrease interception capacity from the outset, whereas a highly complex or diverse forest increases interception potential and leads to a nonlinear increase in temperature‐based canopy interception due to more surface area able to intercept falling snow. Essentially, forest structure sets the boundary condition of the potential to intercept, while event size and Tair determines the rate or amount of interception. We develop a simple canopy snow interception model from these data and compare modeled output against three commonly used interception models in both a maritime and continental snow climate. Partitioning the relative importance of snow‐forest interactions on canopy interception will help provide the information to accurately model snow‐forest interactions and also aid in our water resources predictive capabilities now and into the future.
Machine Learning in Geoscience: Riding a Wave of Progress
Authors: Trugman Daniel , Beroza Gregory , Johnson Paul
Published: May 2019

2nd Annual Machine Learning in Solid Earth Geoscience Conference; Santa Fe, New Mexico, 18–22 March 2019
Rate of Melt Ascent Beneath Iceland From the Magmatic Response to Deglaciation
Authors: Eksinchol Isarapong , Rudge John F. , Maclennan John
Published: May 2019

Observations of the time lag between the last deglaciation and a surge in volcanic activity in Iceland constrain the average melt ascent velocity to be ≥50 m/year. Although existing theoretical work has explained why the surge in eruption rates increased 5–30‐fold from the steady‐state rates during the last deglaciation, they cannot account for large variations of Rare Earth Element (REE) concentrations in the Icelandic lavas. Lavas erupted during the last deglaciation are depleted in REEs by up to 70%; whereas existing models, which assume instantaneous melt transport, can only produce at most 20% depletion. Here we develop a numerical model with finite melt ascent velocity and show that the variations of REEs are strongly dependent on the melt ascent velocity. When the average melt ascent velocity is 100 m/year, the variation of La calculated by our model is comparable to that of the observations. In contrast, when the melt ascent velocity is 1,000 m/year or above, the model variation of La becomes significantly lower than observed, which explains why previous models with instantaneous melt transport did not reproduce the large variations. We provide the first model that takes account of the diachronous response of volcanism to deglaciation. We show by comparing our model calculations of the relative volumes of different eruption types (subglacial, finiglacial, and postglacial) and the timing of the bursts in volcanic eruptions with the observations across different volcanic zones that the Icelandic average melt ascent velocity during the last deglaciation is likely to be ∼100 m/year.
Domain State and Temperature Dependence of Pressure Remanent Magnetization in Synthetic Magnetite: Implications for Crustal Remagnetization
Authors: Volk Michael W.R. , Feinberg Joshua M.
Published: May 2019

Pressure remanent magnetization (PRM) is acquired when a rock is compressed in the presence of a magnetic field. This process can take place in many different environments from impact and ejection processes in space, to burial and subsequent uplifting of terrestrial rocks. In this study, we systematically study the acquisition of PRM at different pressures and temperatures, using synthetic magnetite in four different grain sizes ranging from nearly single‐domain to purely multidomain. The magnitude of the PRM acquired in a 300 μT field is, within error, independent of the domain state of the sample. We propose that the acquisition of a PRM is mainly driven by the magnetostriction of the magnetic material. We further show that compared to a thermal remanent magnetization, the acquisition of PRM in large multidomain grains can be quite efficient, and may represent a significant component of magnetization in low‐temperature–high‐pressure environments.
Marine Mineral Exploration With Controlled Source Electromagnetics at the TAG Hydrothermal Field, 26°N Mid‐Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Gehrmann R. A. S. , North L. J. , Graber S. , Szitkar F. , Petersen S. , Minshull T. A. , Murton B. J.
Published: May 2019

Seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits are of increasing economic interest in order to satisfy the relentless growth in worldwide metal demand. The Trans‐Atlantic Geotraverse (TAG) hydrothermal field at 26°N on the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge hosts several such deposits. This study presents new controlled source electromagnetic, bathymetric, and magnetic results from the TAG field. Potential SMS targets were selected based on their surface expressions in high‐resolution bathymetric data. High‐resolution reduced‐to‐the‐pole magnetic data show negative anomalies beneath and surrounding the SMS deposits, revealing large areas of hydrothermal alteration. Controlled source electromagnetic data, sensitive to the electrical conductivity of SMS mineralization, further reveal a maximum thickness of up to 80 m and conductivities of up to 5 S/m. SMS samples have conductivities of up to a few thousand Siemens per meter, suggesting that remotely inferred conductivities represent an average of metal sulfide ores combined with silicified and altered host basalt that likely dominates at greater depths.
Evaluation of Regional‐Scale Soil Moisture‐Surface Flux Dynamics in Earth System Models Based on Satellite Observations of Land Surface Temperature
Authors: Gallego‐Elvira Belen , Taylor Christopher M. , Harris Phil P. , Ghent Darren
Published: May 2019

There is a lack of high‐quality global observations to evaluate soil drying impacts on surface fluxes in Earth system models (ESMs). Here we use a novel diagnostic based on the observed warming of the land relative to the atmosphere during dry spells (relative warming rate, RWR) to assess ESMs. The ESMs show that RWR is well correlated with changes in the partition of surface energy between sensible and latent heat across dry spells. Therefore, comparisons between observed and simulated RWR reveal where models are unable to capture a realistic soil moisture‐heat flux relationship. The results show that in general, models simulate dry spell ET dynamics well in arid zones while decreases in evaporative fraction appear excessive in some models in continental climate zones. Our approach can help guide land model development in aspects that are key in simulating extreme events like heat waves.
Effects of Yak skin gelatin on platelet activation
Authors: Chen Qi , Yang Hongxia , Li Yan , Wang Xiaoxi , Wei Lixin , Du Yuzhi
Published: May 2019

Studies have shown that gelatin is not only a good hemostatic material, but also a food additive with potentially broad use.
Manganese influx and expression of ZIP8 is essential in primary myoblasts and contributes to activation of SOD2
Authors: Gordon Shellaina J V , Fenker Daniel E , Vest Katherine E , Padilla-Benavides Teresita
Published: May 2019

Trace elements such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) function as enzyme cofactors and second messengers in cell signaling. Trace elements are emerging as key regulators of differentiation and development of mammalian tissues including blood, brain, and skeletal muscle. We previously reported an influx of Cu and dynamic expression of metal transporters during differentiation of skeletal muscle cells. Here, we demonstrate that during differentiation of skeletal myoblasts an increase of Mn, Fe and Zn also occurs. Interestingly the Mn increase is concomitant with increased Mn-dependent SOD2 levels. To better understand the Mn import pathway in skeletal muscle cells, we probed the functional relevance of the closely related proteins ZIP8 and ZIP14, which are implicated in Zn, Mn, and Fe transport. Partial depletion of ZIP8 severely impaired growth of myoblasts and led to cell death under differentiation conditions, indicating that ZIP8-mediated metal transport is essential in skeletal muscle cells. Moreover, knockdown of Zip8 impaired activity of the Mn-dependent SOD2. Growth defects were partially rescued only by Mn supplementation to the medium, suggesting additional functions for ZIP8 in the skeletal muscle lineage. Restoring wild type Zip8 into the knockdown cells rescued the proliferation and differentiation phenotypes. On the other hand, knockdown of Zip14, had only a mild effect on myotube size, consistent with a role for ZIP14 in muscle hypertrophy. Simultaneous knockdown of both Zip8 and Zip14 further impaired differentiation and led cell death. This is the first report on the functional relevance of two members of the ZIP family of metal transporters in the skeletal muscle lineage, and further supports the paradigm that trace metal transporters are important modulators of mammalian tissue development.
Tuning alkynyl-extended 9,10-dihydroanthracene-based systems into aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminophores
Authors: Johnson Matthew A. , Tabasi Zahra A. , Zhao Yuming
Published: May 2019

Incorporation of polar end groups (OMe, CN) to the structure of 9,10-bis(1,5-diphenylpenta-1,4-diyn-3-ylidene)-9,10-dihydroanthracene (BDPPD-DHA) led to enhanced intermolecular attractions in the aggregated state and hence brought about aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties.
Dual-channel surface plasmon resonance monitoring of intracellular levels of the p53-MDM2 complex and caspase-3 induced by MDM2 antagonist Nutlin-3
Authors: Wu Ling , Hu Yuqing , He Yuhan , Xia Yonghong , Lu Hanwen , Cao Zhong , Yi Xinyao , Wang Jianxiu
Published: May 2019

The simultaneous and label-free monitoring of p53-MDM2 complex and caspase-3 levels in cancer cells before and after Nutlin-3 treatment is proposed using dual-channel surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
A novel molecular quantitative method for rapid and sensitive detection ofEscherichia colifrom roof-harvested rainwater
Authors: Deshmukh Rehan Ahmed , Bhand Sunil , Roy Utpal
Published: May 2019

Comparison of the sensitivity and specificity of CoDEX-qPCR with that of the U.S. EPA MI agar method 1604 anduidA,yaiOandtufgene-based qPCR.
Detection of circulating tumor cells based on improved SERS-active magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Xue Ting , Wang Siqi , Ou Guoyu , Li Yong , Ruan Huimin , Li Zihou , Ma Yuanyuan , Zou Ruifen , Qiu Jiaoyan , Shen Zheyu , Wu Aiguo
Published: May 2019

A SERS-active magnetic nanoparticle was developed for capture, enrichment and detection of cancer cells from blood samples. The isolated CTCs can also be released for further cell expansion, phenotype identification and molecular analysis.
Detection of squamous cell carcinoma antigen in cervical cancer by surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based immunoassay
Authors: Lu Dan , Xia Ji , Deng Zhuo , Cao Xiaowei
Published: May 2019

In this study, a highly specific, sensitive and reliable immunosensor has been developed for the quantitative detection of the squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) in cervical cancer, based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).
Fabrication of an antibiotic-sensitive 2D-molecularly imprinted photonic crystal
Authors: Wang Yi-fei , Fan Jing , Meng Zi-hui , Xue Min , Qiu Li-li
Published: May 2019

A 2D-molecularly imprinted colloidal array was fabricated for the visual detection of clindamycin hydrochloride and the LOD is 0.01 mM.
Dual-loaded, long-term sustained drug releasing and thixotropic hydrogel for localized chemotherapy of cancer
Authors: Cao Han , Duan Yu , Lin Qinrui , Yang Yuhong , Gong Zuguang , Zhong Yiming , Chen Xin , Shao Zhengzhong
Published: May 2019

A thixotropic injectable regenerated silk fibroin/hydroxypropylcellulose (RSF/HPC) hydrogel for highly sustainable dual-drug release with improved anticancer therapy and alleviated side effects.
Visualizing peroxynitrite fluxes in myocardial cells using a new fluorescent probe reveals the protective effect of estrogen
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liang Muwen , Wang Xu , Li Yong , Jiao Xiaoyun , Xie Xilei , Tang Bo
Published: May 2019

A tetraphenyl ethylene (TPE)-based fluorescent probe specific for ONOO− was developed to evaluate and verify the protective effect of estrogen on myocardial cells during OGD/R.
Hollow copper–ceria microspheres with single and multiple shells for preferential CO oxidation
Authors: Yu Xie , Wu Jinfang , Zhang Aiai , Xue Lei , Wang Qi , Tian Xiaopeng , Shan Shiyao , Zhong Chuan-Jian , Zeng Shanghong
Published: May 2019

The triple-shelled CuO/CeO2 exhibits superior catalytic performance for CO-PROX due to its fine-tunable geometric and electronic interactions.
One-step reducing and dispersing graphene oxide via hydroxypropyl hydrazine and its applications in Cu2+ removal
Authors: Liu Haohao , Hu Xinxin , Guo Haiquan , Zhao Jianying , Li Furong , Zhu Deshuai , Liu Shaomin
Published: May 2019

Typical photographs of GO, HH-rGO and HPH-rGO suspensions in water and 11 organic solvents for 2 weeks.
Study of perovskite solar cells based on mixed-organic-cation FAxMA1−xPbI3 absorption layer
Authors: Yang Yufeng , Luo Jundong , Wei Aixiang , Liu Jun , Zhao Yu , Xiao Zhiming
Published: May 2019

Mixed-organic-cation FAxMA1−xPbI3 films were prepared using a one-step solution deposition method in ambient air.
Carbonate encapsulation from dissolved atmospheric CO2 into a polyoxovanadate capsule
Authors: Mulkapuri Sateesh , Kurapati Sathish Kumar , Das Samar K.
Published: May 2019

A fully reduced polyoxovanadate compound [Na6(H2O)24][H8VIV15O36(CO3)]·3N2H4·10H2O (1) with CO32− encapsulation in its internal cavity (from dissolved aerial CO2 in the synthesis reaction mixture) is reported. Compound 1 crystals, on exposure of HCl vapor, excludes carbonate as a CO2 gas that can be reacted with a Grignard reagent to produce triphenylcarbinol as a major product.
Emerging investigator series: protein adsorption and transformation on catalytic and food-grade TiO2nanoparticles in the presence of dissolved organic carbon
Authors: Kim Junyeol , Doudrick Kyle
Published: May 2019

The adsorption and unfolding behavior of bovine serum albumin onto catalytic- and food-grade titanium dioxide nanoparticles is dependent on the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles and their environmental exposure history.
Protective effects of polysaccharides fromCordyceps gunniimycelia against cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression to TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB signalling in BALB/c mice
Authors: Meng Meng , Wang Haiyong , Li Zhibin , Guo Mingzhu , Hou Lihua
Published: May 2019

Polysaccharides are closely associated with immune regulation.
Fabrication of prime number checkers based on colorimetric responses of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Zhenzhen , Duan Bohui , Li Jinshuo , Wang Min , Yang Wensheng
Published: May 2019

In this work, we demonstrated the fabrication of molecular prime number checkers based on the concentration- and sequence-dependent colorimetric responses of citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to two simple model chemicals, i.e. cysteine (Cys) and Hg2+ ions.