bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of changes in feed intake around the time of insemination on systemic progesterone and embryo development and survival in cattle.
Authors: Dunne L.D. , Diskin M.G. , Boland M.P. , O'Farrell K.J. , Sreenan J.M.
Published: May 2019

Early embryo loss is the major cause of reproductive failure in cattle. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of changes in feed intake around the time of insemination on systemic progesterone and on embryo development and survival and in cattle. Nutrition treatments were designed to provide 0.8 times (Low, L) or twice (High, H) maintenance energy requirements. Oestrus was synchronised in heifers (n=314) using two injections of prostaglandin (PG; 50 μg Cloprostenol, Estrumate) administered 10 days apart. On the day of oestrus following the first PG injection, heifers were randomly allocated to L or H (pre-AI). At the oestrus following the second PG injection, heifers were inseminated with semen from the same Limousin bull and on the following day were randomly allocated to either L or H until embryo recovery at day 8 (n=25), 14 (n=57) or 16 (n=71) or pregnancy diagnosis at day 30 (n=161). Hence there were four nutrition treatments; L-L, L-H, H-H and H-L. There was no significant difference in embryo survival rate determined at day 14, 16 or 30 and so the data were combined for analysis. Overall embryo survival rate was significantly lower (P<0.001) in H-L (0.37) than L-L (0.70), L-H (0.71; P<0.001) or H-H (0.68; P<0.01) treatment groups. Nutrition treatment did not affect systemic progesterone measured on days 4, 5, 6 or 7 of the pre- or post-AI oestrous cycle. The total cell number of 8-day-old blastocysts was not significantly affected by nutrition treatment neither was the length, diameter or estimated total protein content of 14-day-old embryos. Reducing energy intake immediately after AI reduced embryo survival rate but there was no evidence that this effect was mediated through changes in systemic progesterone.
Early embryo development in nuclear transfer clones derived from somatic cells of a high genetic merit dairy cow
Authors: McMillan W.H. , Wells D.N. , Peterson AJ. , Donnison M.J.
Published: May 2019

The reported post transfer survival rate to term of cloned embryos derived from both undifferentiated blastomeres and differentiated foetal and adult cells is very low (typically less than 20%). Furthermore, it is acknowledged that there are many technical issues that remain to be resolved to improve the efficiency of nuclear transfer before the technique will find widespread, practical and cost-effective use in multiplying valuable livestock in agriculture. The purpose of this study was to compare early embryo morphology following embryo transfer of nuclear transfer blastocysts derived from somatic cells of an adult Friesian cow with that of standard in vitro-produced embryos. In the present study, 150 embryos were transferred in bulk (i.e., 15, 20 or 25 per recipient) to the ipsilateral uterine horn of 8 recipients using standard non-surgical embryo transfer procedures. Embryos were then recovered following necropsy on either Day 14 or Day 23 of pregnancy and developmental traits described. Embryo recovery and elongation rates were similar on Day 14 of pregnancy (Table 1), although cloned conceptuses were longer and narrower (P<0.05). Embryo recovery and viability rates by Day 23 were similar, although many of the developmental traits appeared more advanced in cloned conceptuses. (Table 1). Allantois development was different because of greater widths and the presence of ‘spurs’ that were not observed with in vitro-produced embryos. We conclude that apparently abnormal conceptus development occurs by about 3 weeks of pregnancy following nuclear transfer, but that embryo survival is not compromised at this early stage of development.
Investigation of infertility problems in dairy herds
Authors: McCaughey W.J. , McCoy M. , Mayne C.S. , Verner M. , Lennox S.D. , Catney D.C. , Wylie A.R.G. , Kennedy B , Gordon F.J.
Published: May 2019

Ten dairy herds reporting acute fertility problems were investigated by analysing records and cows, metabolic profiles, tests for infectious agents and milk hormone assays. The main problems were : heat detection (2), endometritis (3) and inadequate nutrition (5). In one herd no cause has yet been identified. On all farms the problem had been present from the start of the breeding period. Management changes, delayed analysis of herd records and over-estimation of forage nutritive value were underlying problems. A diagnostic analysis/decision process to highlight problems early is essential to minimise loss.
Reproduction, mastitis, and body condition scores among spring and fall calving dairy cows in pasture or confinement feeding systems
Authors: Washburn S. P. , White S. L. , Green J. T. , Benson G. A.
Published: May 2019

Dairy cows in confinement and pasture-based feeding systems were compared across 4 spring-calving and 3 fall-calving replicates for differences in reproduction, mastitis, and body condition scores. Each feeding system and replicate included both Jersey and Holstein cows. Cows in confinement were fed a total mixed ration with maize silage as the base forage along with a variety of concentrates. Cows on pasture were routinely supplemented with concentrates and were provided baled grass and/or legume silage when pastures were limiting. Breeding periods were for 75 days in spring or fall. Reproductive performance did not differ significantly due to feeding system but Jerseys had higher conception rates (59.6 vs. 49.5%) and overall pregnancy rates (78.0 vs. 57.9%) than Holsteins. Cows in confinement had significantly higher rates of clinical mastitis and culling for mastitis than cows on pasture. Within both feeding systems, Jerseys had less mastitis than Holsteins. Average body condition scores were higher for confinement cows than pasture cows except for one replicate. Jerseys maintained higher average body condition scores than Holsteins in all but one replicate. In summary, pastured cows produced less milk and had less mastitis but lower body condition scores than confinement cows. Holsteins produced more milk but were less likely to rebreed, had more mastitis, higher culling rates, and maintained lower body condition scores than Jerseys.
End compactifications in non-locally-finite graphs
Authors: KRÖN B.
Published: May 2019

There are different definitions of ends in non-locally-finite graphs which are all
equivalent in the locally finite case. We prove the compactness of the end-topology
that is based on the principle of removing finite sets of vertices and give a proof of the
compactness of the end-topology that is constructed by the principle of removing
finite sets of edges. For the latter case there exists already a proof in [1], which only
works on graphs with countably infinite vertex sets and in contrast to which we do
not use the Theorem of Tychonoff. We also construct a new topology of ends that
arises from the principle of removing sets of vertices with finite diameter and give
applications that underline the advantages of this new definition.
The quantization dimension of distributions
Authors: PÖTZELBERGER KLAUS
Published: May 2019

We show that the asymptotic behaviour of the quantization error allows the definition
of dimensions for probability distributions, the upper and the lower quantization
dimension. These concepts fit into standard geometric measure theory, as the upper
quantization dimension is always between the packing and the upper box-counting
dimension, whereas the lower quantization dimension is between the Hausdorff and
the lower box-counting dimension.
Turtle C-type horizontal cells act as push–pull devices
Authors: TWIG G. , LEVY H. , PERLMAN I.
Published: May 2019

Chromaticity (C-type) horizontal cells in the retina of
cold-blooded vertebrates receive antagonistic inputs from cone
photoreceptors of different spectral types leading to color
opponency. The relative contribution of each spectral type of
cones can be selectively altered by chromatic background
illumination. Therefore, the spectral properties of C-type
horizontal cells are expected to change when the intensity and
color of ambient illumination are altered. In this study, we
investigated the effects of chromatic background lights upon
color opponency in Red/Green (RGH) and Yellow/Blue (YBH) C-type
horizontal cells in the everted eyecup preparation of the turtle
Mauremys caspica. Photoresponses were elicited by
long-wavelength and short-wavelength light stimuli in the
dark-adapted state and under conditions of chromatic background
illumination. We found that the total voltage range, within
which graded depolarizing and the hyperpolarizing photoresponses
could be elicited, either increased or decreased depending upon
the color of the background light. However, the maximal and
minimal potential levels determined respectively by long-wavelength
and short-wavelength light stimuli of supersaturating intensity
remained unchanged, regardless of the wavelength and intensity
of the background. These findings indicate that turtle C-type
horizontal cells operate as push–pull devices. A sufficiently
bright short-wavelength stimulus can push them all the way to
the maximal hyperpolarizing level while a very bright
long-wavelength stimulus can pull them towards the most
depolarizing potential.
cDNA cloning and characterization of a novel squid rhodopsin
kinase encoding multiple modular domains
Authors: MAYEENUDDIN LINNIA H. , MITCHELL JANE
Published: May 2019

Rhodopsin phosphorylation is one of the key mechanisms of
inactivation in vertebrate and invertebrate visual signal
transduction. Here we report the cDNA cloning and protein
characterization of a 70-kDa squid rhodopsin kinase, SQRK. The
cDNA encoding the 70-kDa protein demonstrates high sequence
identity with octopus rhodopsin kinase (92%) and mammalian
β-adrenergic receptor kinases (63–65%), but only 33%
similarity with bovine rhodopsin kinase, suggesting that
invertebrate rhodopsin kinases may be structurally similar to
β-adrenergic receptor kinases. This cDNA encodes three distinct
modular domains: RGS, S/TKc, and PH domains. The native SQRK
is an eye-specific protein that is only expressed in photoreceptor
cells and the optic ganglion as determined by immunoblotting.
Purified SQRK is able to phosphorylate both squid and bovine
rhodopsin. Squid rhodopsin phosphorylation by purified SQRK
was sensitive to both Mg2+ and GTPγS but was
insensitive to Ca2+/CaM regulation. The ability of
SQRK to phosphorylate rhodopsin was totally lost in the presence
of SQRK-specific antibodies. Our results suggest that SQRK plays
an important role in squid visual signal termination.
Differential expression of cadherin-2 and cadherin-4 in the
developing and adult zebrafish visual system
Authors: LIU Q. , BABB S.G. , NOVINCE Z.M. , DOEDENS A.L. , MARRS J. , RAYMOND P.A.
Published: May 2019

Cadherins are homophilic cell adhesion molecules that control
development of a variety of tissues and maintenance of adult
structures. Although cadherins have been implicated in the
development of the brain, including the visual system, in several
vertebrate species, little is known of their role in zebrafish.
In this study, we examined distribution of cadherin-2 (Cdh2,
N-cadherin) in the visual system of developing and adult zebrafish
using both immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization
methods, and we compared Cdh2 distribution to that of the
previously reported and closely related cadherin-4 (Cdh4,
R-cadherin). As in other vertebrates, in zebrafish embryos Cdh2
was widely expressed in the early nervous system, but its
expression became more restricted as development proceeded.
Cdh4 was not detectable until later in development, at about
the time when the first ganglion cells are generated. Cdh2 and
Cdh4 were expressed in distinct regions of developing visual
structures, including the lens. We hypothesize that the
differential expression of these two cadherins in developing
zebrafish visual structures reflects functionally different
roles in the development of the vertebrate visual system.
Study on PREP localization in mouse seminal vesicles and its possible involvement during regulated exocytosis
Authors: Venditti Massimo , Aniello Francesco , Santillo Alessandra , Minucci Sergio
Published: May 2019

Prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) is a post-proline cleaving enzyme. It is involved in the regulation of multiple inositol polyphosphate phosphatase activity implicated in the pathway of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, resulting in the modulation of cytosolic Ca2+ levels. Besides its peptidase activity, PREP was identified as a binding partner of tubulin, suggesting that it may participate in microtubule-associate processes. In this paper, we evaluated the expression of PREP mRNA and protein by polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses and its co-localization with tubulin by immunofluorescence in adult mouse seminal vesicles. We showed that both proteins are cytoplasmic: tubulin is localized at the apical half part of the cell, while PREP has a more diffuse localization, showing a prominent distribution at the apical cytoplasm. These findings support our hypothesis of a specific role for PREP in cytoskeletal rearrangement that occurs during the exocytosis of secretory vesicles, and in particular its association with tubulin filaments. Moreover, it may regulate Ca2+ levels, and promote the final step of vesicular exocytosis, namely the fusion of the vesicles with the plasma membrane. These results strongly suggest that there is a pivotal role for PREP in vesicle exocytosis, as well as in the physiology of mouse seminal vesicles.
Cognitive Reserve Capacity: Exploring and Validating a Theoretical Model in Healthy Ageing
Authors: McGarrigle Lisa , Irving Kate , van Boxtel Martin P.J. , Boran Lorraine
Published: May 2019

Objective:Cognitive reserve (CR) capacity can be viewed as the maximum processing potential of neural systems that support adaptive cognitive performance in age-related cognitive decline. CR is a complex construct that can only be measured indirectly. Proxy measures (e.g., psychosocial/lifestyle variables) are traditionally used to reflect CR. However, strong relationships have been observed between these measures and cognitive functions (e.g., executive function [EF], processing resources [PR], fluid/crystallized abilities); therefore, the organizational structure of indicators implicated in CR remains unclear. The objective of this study was to test a hypothetical, theoretical model of CR capacity that includes both traditional CR proxy indicators and measures of cognitive function [Satz et al. (2011).Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology,33(1), 121–130], which remain, as yet, untested.Method:Construct validity of the model was investigated in healthy older adults through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) using data from the Maastricht Ageing Study (MAAS). A secondary CFA was conducted to validate the model using data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).Results:EFA and CFA in MAAS established a two-factor model comprising EF/PR and cumulative cognitive enrichment (CCE), which was further validated in a secondary analysis in TILDA. Convergent and discriminant validity was supported in MAAS (range ofR2= .228–.635; factor correlation confidence interval (CI) = .622, .740) and TILDA (range ofR2= .172–.899; factor correlation CI = .559, .624).Conclusions:A dual model of CR elucidated the relationships between hypothesized indicators of CR capacity and revealed a two-factor structure suggesting that both control (EF/PR) and representational processes (CCE) are involved in CR capacity.
A genetic evaluation of growth in sheep using random regression techniques
Authors: Lewis R.M. , Brotherstone S.
Published: May 2019

Repeated measures of live weight in growing animals are used to describe the path by which they travel from birth to maturity. A family of growth functions-the Gompertz is one in particular-has been used successfully to describe this journey with relatively few parameters (most importantly mature size and a rate parameter). However, using these functions to differentiate the genetic merit of individual animals to grow is problematic since the estimates of these parameters are highly correlated and are obtained with varying precision among animals. An alternative is random regression (RR) methodology. It allows environmental effects specific to the time of recording to be accounted for and can accommodate genetic differences in the shape of each animal’s growth curve. At present, though, only linear models (polynomials) can pragmatically be fitted with RR. This may be limiting since a priori beliefs about the appropriate form of a growth function, such as the non-linear Gompertz equation, cannot be accommodated. This paper describes the application of RR techniques to describe growth on a population of Suffolk sheep and compares the genetic evaluation predicted from a RR model with that obtained from a more traditional method based on a Gompertz form.

The RR model chosen as providing the best fit (P < 0·01) included additive genetic and permanent environmental (between repeat records of an individual) effects fitted to a fifth order polynomial, and dam effects fitted to a third order polynomial. Measurement error was modelled as six classes. The heritability varied at different points along the growth trajectory (from 0·09 at 15 days to 0·33 at 150 days), suggesting that live weight early in a lamb’s life is a different trait to live weight later in life. There was genetic variation in the growth curves of individual animals, which was accounted for by fitting a RR model. Breeding values obtained by RR and a Gompertz approach were moderately to highly correlated (0·81 at 56 days, 0·91 at 150 days). If breeding value for live weight at 150 days of age were the selection criterion, similar individuals would be chosen with both methodologies. The ‘better’ properties and greater flexibility of the RR approach are discussed.
The response of growing pigs to amino acids as influenced by environmental temperature: tryptophan
Authors: Ferguson N.S. , Gous R.M.
Published: May 2019

An experiment was performed to measure the response of young pigs to dietary tryptophan (TRP) concentrations and environmental temperatures. Seventy-two entire male Large White ✕ Landrace pigs were assigned to one of six dietary treatments (2·90 (T1), 2·46 (T2), 2·01 (T3), 1·57 (T4), 1·12 (T5) g/kg and T5 + supplemented TRP (T6)) and one of three temperature treatments (20, 25 and 30°C) at a mean starting live weight of 14·38 (s.e. 0·201)kg. Animals were given ad libitum access to food until a final weight of 26·42 (s.e. 0·479) kg. There were no significant interactions between temperature and dietary TRP on any production variable. There was a significant (P < 0·05) quadratic improvement in the rate of live-weight growth (ADG) as the concentration of dietary TRP increased and as the temperature decreased. However, the response to increasing dietary TRP was independent of the environmental temperature. Maximum ADG was attained on T2 (0·498 (s.e. 0·023) kg/day) and at 20ºC (0·412 (s.e. 0·024) kg/day). Final live weight was a significant (P < 0·001) covariate for ADG and food intake (FI) responses. With TRP as a precursor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates appetite, it was anticipated that food intake would be affected with decreasing dietary TRP levels. However, there was no response in daily food intake to decreasing TRP concentration. This lack of response in appetite to dietary TRP may have been a result of an increasing TRP to large neutral amino acid ratio, which is known to correlate with an increase in serotonin synthesis. Total heat loss followed a similar response to FI. The gain per unit of food consumed was significantly (P < 0·001) reduced as the TRP content of the diet was decreased. The most efficient treatments were T1 (506 (s.e. 1·90) g gain per kg food) and T2 (495 (s.e. 23·2) g gain per kg food) while the worst was T5 (237 (s.e. 22·3) g gain per kg food). There were significant quadratic responses to dietary TRP in protein content of the empty body (P < 0·05) and the rate of protein retention (PR) (P < 001) but only PR was affected by temperature (P < 001). Both temperature (P < 0·05) and dietary TRP (P < 0·001) had a significant effect on the lipid content of the body but only temperature affected the rate of lipid retention, with a significantly (P < 0·001) lower rate at 30 oC. The efficiency of TRP utilization improved with increasing temperature. It was lowest at 20ºC (0·60 g TRP per kg protein) and highest at 30ºC (0·86 g/kg), while the mean efficiency for pigs between 14 and 26 kg live weight, at thermoneutrality (25°C), was close to 0·71 g/kg.
Weaning date affects calf growth rates and hind conception dates in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Pollard J.C. , Asher G.W. , Littlejohn R.P.
Published: May 2019

To determine how weaning date affected productivity in deer farming systems, calf growth rate, hind conception date, and hind condition were monitored on 10 New Zealand deer farms located in Otago and Southland, from February/March until August/September in 1999 (no. = 551 hind-calf pairs) and 2000 (no. = 414 pairs). On each farm, in both years, half of the hind-calf pairs were separated for early weaning (mean date 11 March; range 25 February to 17 March), while the other half remained together for late weaning (mean date 28 May; range 12 May to 10 June). Deer in both treatments on each farm were of similar age and genotype and stags were added to hind groups on the same day in March. Calves were weighed in February/March, May/June and August/September. Scanning of hinds to determine date of conception was carried out in June.

Climatically the 2 years were very different with a summer drought preceding observations in 1999, nevertheless similar effects of weaning date were observed in both years. Calves weaned early gained less weight than the late-weaned calves (142 v. 210 g/day in 1999, and 131 v. 166 g/day in 2000) between February/March and May/June (P < 0·001). However mean conception dates were earlier in the early-weaned hinds compared with the late-weaned hinds (by 12 days in 1999 and 7 days in 2000,P < 0·001). Hind condition scores in May/June were higher for the early-weaned hinds compared with the late-weaned hinds (by 0·5 score units in 1999 and 0·3 score units in 2000, P < 0·001). For all measures the effects of weaning date varied between farms (P < 0·001). It was concluded that farmers weaning early could expect a positive effect on hind conception date and winter hind condition and a negative effect on calf growth rate, but management could override negative effects of weaning early or late.
Effect of nursing by two does on the performance of sucking and growing rabbits
Authors: Szendrö Zs. , Gyarmati T. , Maertens L. , Biró-Németh E. , Radnai I. , Milisits G. , Matics Zs.
Published: May 2019

Five hundred and eighty-four Pannon White kits of 73 newborn litters were submitted to one of five treatments. Control litters (SS) were nursed once a day for 35 days post partum (traditional method of nursing). DD litters were raised by two does and the kits were nursed both in the morning and in the evening until day 35 post partum. DS litters were nursed twice a day for 23 days, and then once a day until weaning at 35 days. Part of the DS litters were nursed at 08:00 and 20:00 h (i.e. every 12 h, DS12), the rest were nursed at 08:00 and at 16:00 h (DS8). Kits of the fifth treatment (D0) were nursed twice a day until day 23, and then immediately weaned.

Rabbit kits that were nursed twice a day (DD, DS12, DS8, D0) consumed on average 1·89 more milk compared with SS individuals until day 23 (overall treatment effect P < 0·001). The 21-day body weight of these young was 1·7 times greater than that of the SS kits (overall P < 0·001). D0 rabbits were weaned early and their growth curve showed a slight break at this point. However, they compensated for this lag by the end of the fattening period. SS rabbits and DD ones were respectively the first and the last to start consuming solid food. The food consumption of DS rabbits was similar to that of DD until day 23 and from then until day 35 it was not significantly different from that of SS. After having been weaned on day 23, D0 kits consumed only very small quantities of pellets for 2 days. Afterwards their food intake increased abruptly. Rabbits that were nursed twice a day (DD, DS12, DS8 and D0) consumed more food as compared with the SS individuals throughout the total period of fattening (157 v. 137 g/day; P < 0·05). The weight at 10 weeks of age was 2·49 v. 2·88 kg (overall P < 0·001), respectively for SS and doublenursed (DD, DS, D0) rabbits. Nursing twice a day did not affect dressing proportion but the proportion of the carcass in the front part of the body decreased slightly (318 v. 323 g/kg; P < 0·05) while that in intermediate part increased (321 v. 307 g/kg; P < 0·05). Nevertheless, rabbits that were nursed twice a day had more (P < 0·05) perirenal + scapular fat and produced heavier livers. Total fat content of the empty body, however, was not significantly higher, with the one exception of the DD rabbits which had higher levels than any other group. The results of our experiment show clearly that the growth potential of rabbit kits is strongly limited by the milk availability during the first weeks post partum.
Influence of level of maize cob meal on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in Large White, Mukota and LW × M F1 crossbred pigs
Authors: Kanengoni A.T. , Dzama K. , Chimonyo M. , Kusina J. , Maswaure S.M.
Published: May 2019

A study was conducted to compare the digestibility of organic matter (OM), neutral-detergent fibre (NDF), acid-detergent fibre (ADF), hemicellulose and nitrogen (N) and N balance in Mukota (M), Large White (LW) and the LW × M F1 pigs. Four male pigs of each breed, at proportionately 0·3 of their mature body weights, were randomly allocated to each of four diets in a cross-over design. The diets, which were formulated to contain similar levels of protein (ca. 160 g crude protein per kg) and energy (ca. 9 MJ metabolizable energy per kg), contained 0, 100, 200 and 300 g maize cob meal per kg, which corresponded to NDF levels of 276·4, 360·3, 402·9 and 523·5 g/kg dry matter, respectively. There was a negative correlation (P < 0·001) between the digestibility of OM, NDF, ADF and hemicellulose and the level of NDF in the diet. The digestibility of OM, NDF, ADF and hemicellulose decreased linearly (P < 0·05) with increase in the level of NDF among all three genotypes. There was a genotype × diet interaction on NDF and ADF digestibilities with digestibility in the LW decreasing faster (P < 0·05) than in the Mukota and LW × M F1 cross with increasing NDF. Both breed and level of maize cob meal affected N digestibility (P < 0·001), whilst the N retained per unit metabolic body weight was only affected by diet (P < 0·01). Increasing the level of maize cob meal beyond 100 g/kg, however, did not reduce N digestibility (P < 0·05). There was neither genotype nor dietary effect (P > 0·05) on N retained per unit N intake. These findings showed that the Mukota and the LW × M F1 cross were better able to digest the fibrous components than the LW. In addition, the Mukota and the LW × M F1 cross displayed an ability to retain protein to the same extent as the LW.
A dynamical systems model of the limiting oxygen index test
Authors: Nelson M. I. , Sidhu H. S. , Weber R. O. , Mercer G. N.
Published: May 2019

Oxygen index methods have been widely used to measure the flammability of polymeric materials and to investigate the effectiveness of fire-retardants. Using a dynamical systems framework we show how a limiting oxygen index can be identified with an appropriate bifurcation.

The effectiveness of fire-retardants in changing the limiting oxygen index is calculated by unfolding the bifurcation point with a suitable non-dimensionalised variable, which depends upon the mode of action of the additive. In order to use this procedure it is essential the model is non-dimensionalised so as to retain the variables of interest as distinct continuation parameters.
Growth theorems for homogeneous second-order difference equations
Authors: Stević Stevo
Published: May 2019

In this paper we investigate the boundedness and asymptotic behaviour of the solutions of a class of homogeneous second-order difference equations with a single non-constant coefficient. These equations model, for example, the amplitude of oscillation of the weights on a discretely weighted vibrating string. We present several growth theorems. Two examples are also given.
On competition between modes at the onset of Bénard-Marangoni convection in a layer of fluid
Authors: Hashim Ishak
Published: May 2019

In this paper we use classical linear stability theory to analyse the onset of steady and oscillatory Bénard-Marangoni convection in a horizontal layer of fluid in the more physically-relevant case when both the non-dimensional Rayleigh and Marangoni numbers are linearly dependent. We present examples of situations in which there is competition between modes at the onset of convection when the layer is heated from below.
Juglans regia (walnut) in temperate arable agroforestry systems: effects on soil characteristics, arthropod diversity and crop yield
Authors: Pardon P. , Mertens J. , Reubens B. , Reheul D. , Coussement T. , Elsen A. , Nelissen V. , Verheyen K.
Published: May 2019

Agroforestry (AF) is considered to be a sustainable land use practice as it combines agricultural production with multiple beneficial effects such as carbon sequestration, enhanced nutrient cycling and increased biodiversity. Quantification of these beneficial effects in temperate arable fields is still limited, however, and most studies focus on one sole parameter (i.e., impact on crop productivity, soil quality, biodiversity, etc.). Combined effects are only rarely considered, resulting in a lack of integrated quantification. Here we assess the effect of rows of walnut trees (Juglans regia L.) on soil organic carbon (SOC), soil nutrient status, the presence of potentially beneficial ground-dwelling arthropods and on the yield and quality of neighboring arable crops. Significantly higher SOC and soil nutrient concentrations were found near the trees, which is assumed to be primarily a result of tree leaf litter input. Abundance of macro-detritivorous arthropods was increased in and near the tree rows, whereas only limited effects of tree presence were found on the presence of the predatory arthropod taxa under study. The yield of all crops under study was reduced as a result of tree presence, with the strongest reductions observed for grain maize and sugar beet near the trees (<10 m). In addition, alteration of crop quality was observed near tree rows with decreased dry matter concentration of grain samples and increased crude protein concentration of winter cereals.
Species‐Dependent Chromium Isotope Fractionation Across the Eastern Tropical North Pacific Oxygen Minimum Zone
Authors: Wang Xiangli , Glass Jennifer B. , Reinhard Chris T. , Planavsky Noah J.
Published: May 2019

The stable chromium (Cr) isotope system is an emerging paleoredox proxy. Interpretation of sedimentary and seawater δ53Cr (53Cr/52Cr relative to SRM 979) hinges on our understanding of the isotopic fractionations during Cr sequestration from seawater to sediments. Seawater δ53Cr values reported thus far are for total dissolved Cr. This study reports the δ53Cr of both dissolved Cr (III) and dissolved Cr (VI) across the oxygen minimum zone in the eastern tropical North Pacific off Manzanillo, Mexico. Dissolved Cr (III) accounts for 48% to 54% total dissolved Cr in this region. There are no correlations between O2 and Cr concentrations, or O2 concentrations and δ53Cr throughout the water column. The δ53Cr of Cr (III) is lower than that of Cr (VI) by a relatively constant offset (0.42 ± 0.15‰, 1σ, n = 5) and is also uncorrelated with dissolved O2 concentration. These observations provide part of the foundation for using δ53Cr of the authigenic Cr in organic‐rich shales to reconstruct seawater δ53Cr. A survey of growing literature Cr concentration and δ53Cr data suggests that the Cr isotope fractionation factor in the global ocean is likely more complex than previously thought. More future species‐dependent Cr isotope studies could shed new light on the biogeochemical processes controlling the oceanic Cr isotope fractionation.
Shallow Low‐Frequency Tremor in the Northern Japan Trench Subduction Zone
Authors: Tanaka Sachiko , Matsuzawa Takanori , Asano Youichi
Published: May 2019

We found offshore shallow low‐frequency tremor in the northern Japan Trench subduction zone, using records from the Seafloor Observation Network for Earthquakes and Tsunamis along the Japan Trench. The tremor aligned with a narrow zone, which follows the 10‐ to 25‐km depth contours of the plate interface and occurred in two distinct areas, off Tokachi and Sanriku, separated by a gap. In the 1.75 years examined, two episodes lasting for a few weeks were identified off Tokachi. During these episodes, tremor occurred concurrently with swarms of very low frequency earthquakes and migrated laterally about 120 km along the trench strike. In contrast, tremor off Sanriku lasted shorter (half a day to 5 days) and repeated at shorter intervals (1–4 months). The variation in tremor behavior such as duration, recurrence, migration, and the association with very low frequency earthquakes suggests along‐strike heterogeneities in frictional properties at the shallow plate interface.
Identifying immunologically-vulnerable regions of the HCV E2 glycoprotein and broadly neutralizing antibodies that target them
Authors: Quadeer Ahmed A. , Louie Raymond H. Y. , McKay Matthew R.
Published: May 2019

Isolation of broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies (HmAbs) targeting the E2 glycoprotein of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has sparked hope for effective vaccine development. Nonetheless, escape mutations have been reported. Ideally, a potent vaccine should elicit HmAbs that target regions of E2 that are most difficult to escape. Here, aimed at addressing this challenge, we develop a predictive in-silico evolutionary model for E2 that identifies one such region, a specific antigenic domain, making it an attractive target for a robust antibody response. Specific broadly neutralizing HmAbs that appear difficult to escape from are also identified. By providing a framework for identifying vulnerable regions of E2 and for assessing the potency of specific antibodies, our results can aid the rational design of an effective prophylactic HCV vaccine.
Gas reactions under intrapore condensation regime within tailored metal–organic framework catalysts
Authors: Agirrezabal-Telleria Iker , Luz Ignacio , Ortuño Manuel A. , Oregui-Bengoechea Mikel , Gandarias Iñaki , López Núria , Lail Marty A. , Soukri Mustapha
Published: May 2019

Production of 1-butene, a major monomer in polymer industry, is dominated by homogeneous protocols via ethylene dimerization. Homogeneous catalysts can achieve high selectivity but require large amounts of activators and solvents, and exhibit poor recyclability; in turn, heterogeneous systems are robust but lack selectivity. Here we show how the precise engineering of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) holds promise for a sustainable process. The key to the (Ru)HKUST-1 MOF activity is the intrapore reactant condensation that enhances ethylene dimerization with high selectivity (> 99% 1-butene) and high stability (> 120 h) in the absence of activators and solvents. According to spectroscopy, kinetics, and modeling, the engineering of defective nodes via controlled thermal approaches rules the activity, while intrapore ethylene condensation accounts for selectivity and stability. The combination of well-defined actives sites with the concentration effect arising from condensation regimes paves the way toward the development of robust MOF catalysts for diverse gas-phase reactions.
Bacterial hopping and trapping in porous media
Authors: Bhattacharjee Tapomoy , Datta Sujit S.
Published: May 2019

Diverse processes—e.g. bioremediation, biofertilization, and microbial drug delivery—rely on bacterial migration in disordered, three-dimensional (3D) porous media. However, how pore-scale confinement alters bacterial motility is unknown due to the opacity of typical 3D media. As a result, models of migration are limited and often employ ad hoc assumptions. Here we reveal that the paradigm of run-and-tumble motility is dramatically altered in a porous medium. By directly visualizing individual Escherichia coli, we find that the cells are intermittently and transiently trapped as they navigate the pore space, exhibiting diffusive behavior at long time scales. The trapping durations and the lengths of “hops” between traps are broadly distributed, reminiscent of transport in diverse other disordered systems; nevertheless, we show that these quantities can together predict the long-time bacterial translational diffusivity. Our work thus provides a revised picture of bacterial motility in complex media and yields principles for predicting cellular migration.
Deep-sea benthic communities in the largest oceanic desert are structured by the presence of polymetallic crust
Authors: Delavenne Juliette , Keszler Louise , Castelin Magalie , Lozouet Pierre , Maestrati Philippe , Samadi Sarah
Published: May 2019

Based on the specimens collected during three deep-sea cruises, and deposited at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN) in Paris, we analysed the diversity of benthic communities within the EEZ of French Polynesia. The literature and the MNHN database allowed us to inventory 471 species of invertebrates, among which 169 were newly described. We mainly found data for Mollusca, Crustacea, Brachiopoda and Crinoidea. We also found samples from other taxa, which still remain unidentified within the collections of the MNHN. Although this inventory is incomplete, we demonstrate that the deep waters of French Polynesia host unique benthic communities and endemic species. Using diversity and multivariate analyses, we show that the deep-sea benthic communities are structured by depth, habitats, geography and also by the presence of polymetallic crust. Furthermore, by focusing on the molluscs of the central area of French Polynesia, we show that the spectrum of shell size differs among deep-sea habitats. Specifically, shells tend to be smaller on encrusted seamounts than on island slopes. Together with the size range of organisms, low abundance, rarity and endemism designate these habitats as sensitive. These results should thus be taken into account in the evaluation of the expected impact of mining activities on biological communities.
Plin2-deficiency reduces lipophagy and results in increased lipid accumulation in the heart
Authors: Mardani Ismena , Tomas Dalen Knut , Drevinge Christina , Miljanovic Azra , Ståhlman Marcus , Klevstig Martina , Scharin Täng Margareta , Fogelstrand Per , Levin Max , Ekstrand Matias , Nair Syam , Redfors Björn , Omerovic Elmir , Andersson Linda , Kimmel Alan R. , Borén Jan , Levin Malin C.
Published: May 2019

Myocardial dysfunction is commonly associated with accumulation of cardiac lipid droplets (LDs). Perilipin 2 (Plin2) is a LD protein that is involved in LD formation, stability and trafficking events within the cell. Even though Plin2 is highly expressed in the heart, little is known about its role in myocardial lipid storage. A recent report shows that cardiac overexpression of Plin2 result in massive myocardial steatosis suggesting that Plin2 stabilizes LDs. In this study, we hypothesized that deficiency in Plin2 would result in reduced myocardial lipid storage. In contrast to our hypothesis, we found increased accumulation of triglycerides in hearts, and specifically in cardiomyocytes, from Plin2−/− mice. Although Plin2−/− mice had markedly enhanced lipid levels in the heart, they had normal heart function under baseline conditions and under mild stress. However, after an induced myocardial infarction, stroke volume and cardiac output were reduced in Plin2−/− mice compared with Plin2+/+ mice. We further demonstrated that the increased triglyceride accumulation in Plin2-deficient hearts was caused by altered lipophagy. Together, our data show that Plin2 is important for proper hydrolysis of LDs.
Climate drivers of hospitalizations for mycoses in Brazil
Authors: Silva Fabrício Brito , Santos Jessflan Rafael Nascimento , da Silva Letícia Chagas , Gomes Wolia Costa , Villis Paulo Cesar Mendes , Gomes Eliane dos Santos , Pinheiro Edilene de Araújo Diniz , Azevedo Conceição de Maria Pedrozo e Silva , Dias Rosane da Silva , Monteiro Cristina de Andrade , Santos Julliana Ribeiro Alves
Published: May 2019

Climate can modulate human health at large spatial scales, but the influence of global, regional, and local environments remains poorly understood, especially for neglected diseases, such as mycoses. In this work, we present the correlation between climatic variables and hospitalizations for mycoses in Brazilian state capitals, evaluating the period of 2008 to 2016 at different time scales. The results indicate that climate modulates the hospitalizations for mycoses differently at annual and monthly time scales, with minimum temperature as a key climatic variable during periods of high prevalence in the 10 Brazilian capitals with the highest hospitalizations for mycoses rates. The greatest number of hospitalizations coincided with La Niña events, while a reduction was observed during El Niño events, thereby demonstrating the influence of the Pacific Interdecadal Climate Oscillation on the prevalence of mycoses in Brazil. At a regional scale, the mycoses burden in Brazil appears to respond differently to local and global climatic drivers.
MicroRNA-130b functions as an oncomiRNA in non-small cell lung cancer by targeting tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2
Authors: Hirono Takayuki , Jingushi Kentaro , Nagata Toshiyuki , Sato Masami , Minami Kentaro , Aoki Masaya , Takeda Aya Harada , Umehara Tadashi , Egawa Hiroshi , Nakatsuji Yoshino , Kitae Kaori , Ueda Yuko , Hase Hiroaki , Yamamoto Masatatsu , Shinsato Yoshinari , Kawahara Kohichi , Furukawa Tatsuhiko , Tsujikawa Kazutake
Published: May 2019

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most frequent cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although many molecular-targeted drugs for NSCLC have been developed in recent years, the 5-year survival rate of patients with NSCLC remains low. Therefore, an improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the biology of NSCLC is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of NSCLC. In this study, we examined the role of miR-130b in NSCLC. Our results showed that high expression of miR-130b in clinical specimens was significantly associated with poor overall survival in patients with NSCLC. Moreover, miR-130b expression was significantly increased in NSCLC clinical specimens from patients with vascular and lymphatic invasion. Consistent with this, overexpression of miR-130b promoted invasion and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity in A549 cells. Argonaute2 immunoprecipitation and gene array analysis identified tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) as a target of miR-130b. Invasion activity promoted by miR-130b was attenuated by TIMP-2 overexpression in A549 cells. Furthermore, TIMP-2 concentrations in serum were inversely correlated with relative miR-130b expression in tumor tissues from the same patients with NSCLC. Overall, miR-130b was found to act as an oncomiR, promoting metastasis by downregulating TIMP-2 and invasion activities in NSCLC cells.
Deep learning-based survival prediction of oral cancer patients
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Lee Sanghoon , Kwon Sunmo , Nam Woong , Cha In-Ho , Kim Hyung Jun
Published: May 2019

The Cox proportional hazards model commonly used to evaluate prognostic variables in survival of cancer patients may be too simplistic to properly predict a cancer patient’s outcome since it assumes that the outcome is a linear combination of covariates. In this retrospective study including 255 patients suitable for analysis who underwent surgical treatment in our department from 2000 to 2017, we applied a deep learning-based survival prediction method in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients and validated its performance. Survival prediction using DeepSurv, a deep learning based-survival prediction algorithm, was compared with random survival forest (RSF) and the Cox proportional hazard model (CPH). DeepSurv showed the best performance among the three models, the c-index of the training and testing sets reaching 0.810 and 0.781, respectively, followed by RSF (0.770/0.764), and CPH (0.756/0.694). The performance of DeepSurv steadily improved with added features. Thus, deep learning-based survival prediction may improve prediction accuracy and guide clinicians both in choosing treatment options for better survival and in avoiding unnecessary treatments.
26Al/10Be Burial Dating of the Middle Pleistocene Yiyuan Hominin Fossil Site, Shandong Province, Northern China
Authors: Guo Yun , Sun Chengkai , Luo Lan , Yang Linlin , Han Fei , Tu Hua , Lai Zhongping , Jiang Hongchen , Bae Christopher J. , Shen Guanjun , Granger Darryl
Published: May 2019

The Yiyuan hominin fossil site is one of the few localities in China where a partial skullcap and several loose teeth of Homo erectus have been discovered. Yiyuan was previously assigned broadly to the Middle Pleistocene by biostratigraphical correlation and ESR/U-series dating. Here, we report the first application of a radio-isotopic dating method to the site. 26Al/10Be burial dating results derived from two sand samples from the fossiliferous deposits show that the hominin fossils can be confidently dated to 0.64 ± 0.08 Ma (million years ago). The reliability of this age is supported by the zero age of modern fluvial sediment near the cave. Our result is consistent with the age estimation based on biostratigraphic correlation and supports the argument that the Yiyuan and Zhoukoudian Locality 1 H. erectus fossils are contemporaneous. The results presented here, along with other recent chronological studies on Chinese Middle Pleistocene hominin sites, indicate that the time span from 600–400 ka (thousand years ago) is a critical period for human evolution in East Asia. Importantly, this time bracket includes several major climatic changes that would have influenced hominins, both morphologically and behaviorally.