bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sorption of 3-hydroxyflavone within channel type zeolites: the effect of confinement on copper(ii) complexation
Authors: Le Person A. , Moissette A. , Hureau M. , Cornard J. P. , Moncomble A. , Kokaislova A. , Falantin C.
Published: August 2016

The confinement effect on the complexation process of Cu(ii) by 3-hydroxyflavone (3HF) was investigated by studying 3HF incorporation in channel-type copper-containing ZSM-5 and mordenite (MOR) zeolites characterized by different pore diameters.
Nonresonant electronic transitions induced by vibrational motion in light-induced potentials
Authors: Sampedro Pablo , Chang Bo Y. , Sola Ignacio R.
Published: August 2016

We find a new mechanism of electronic population inversion using strong femtosecond pulses, where the transfer is mediated by vibrational motion on a light-induced potential.
Metabolization and degradation kinetics of the urban-use pesticide fipronil by white rot fungus Trametes versicolor
Authors: Wolfand Jordyn M. , LeFevre Gregory H. , Luthy Richard G.
Published: August 2016

The urban-use pesticide, fipronil, is metabolized to novel transformation products by white rot fungusT. versicolor.
The antioxidant effect of mulberry and jamun fruit wines by ameliorating oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats
Authors: Srikanta Akshatha Hosahalli , Kumar Anbarasu , Sukhdeo Shinde Vijay , Peddha Muthukumar Serva , Govindaswamy Vijayalakshmi
Published: August 2016

Polyphenols act by scavenging reactive oxygen species during oxidative stress and hence are useful in the treatment of metabolic disorders including diabetes.
Essential scientific mapping of the value chain of thermochemically converted second-generation bio-fuels
Authors: Zhang Xiaolei
Published: August 2016

A profound and comprehensive comparison of thermochemical techniques for second-generation biofuel production from technical, economic, commercial, and environmental perspectives.
Self-assembled micelles prepared from amphiphilic copolymers bearing cell outer membrane phosphorylcholine zwitterions for a potential anti-phagocytic clearance carrier
Authors: Zhao Yuping , He Guiqiang , Guo Weihong , Bao Lili , Yi Meijun , Gong Yongkuan , Zhang Shiping
Published: August 2016

A versatile strategy using amphiphilic copolymers to prepare micelles with cell membrane mimetic phosphorylcholine shell and PCL core showing potential anti-phagocytic clearance properties was reported.
Biodirected synthesis of palladium nanoparticles using Phoenix dactylifera leaves extract and their size dependent biomedical and catalytic applications
Authors: Tahir Kamran , Nazir Sadia , Ahmad Aftab , Li Baoshan , Ali Shah Sayyed Asim , Khan Arif Ullah , Khan Gul Majid , Khan Qudrat Ullah , Haq Khan Zia Ul , Khan Faheem Ullah
Published: August 2016

Graphical representation of green synthesis of PdNPs and their biological and catalytic applications.
A new model for prediction of drop size distribution in a liquid–liquid extraction column
Authors: Asadollahzadeh Mehdi , Torab-Mostaedi Meisam , Torkaman Rezvan , Safdari Jaber
Published: August 2016

In this study, a new model for prediction of drop size distribution is proposed in the asymmetric rotating disc pilot plant column (ARDC) by the maximum entropy density approximation technique.
Tunable nanocrystalline CoFe2O4 isotropic powders obtained by co-precipitation and ultrafast ball milling for permanent magnet applications
Authors: Pedrosa F. J. , Rial J. , Golasinski K. M. , Rodríguez-Osorio M. , Salas G. , Granados D. , Camarero J. , Bollero A.
Published: August 2016

Synthesis of nanocrystalline Co-ferrite powders with tunable magnetic properties is demonstrated by using co-precipitation and a novel ultrafast milling route.
Verification of the mixing processes of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, excipient and lubricant in a pharmaceutical formulation using a resonant acoustic mixing technology
Authors: Tanaka Ryoma , Takahashi Naoyuki , Nakamura Yasuaki , Hattori Yusuke , Ashizawa Kazuhide , Otsuka Makoto
Published: August 2016

Mixing processes are important for making high-quality pharmaceutical formulations and are related to dissolution and chemical stability in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Degradation of roxarsone in a sulfate radical mediated oxidation process and formation of polynitrated by-products
Authors: Ji Yuefei , Shi Yuanyuan , Kong Deyang , Lu Junhe
Published: August 2016

Organoarsenicals such as roxarsone (ROX) are extensively utilized in the poultry industry, and land application of poultry litter is an important route by which arsenics are introduced into the environment.
On the stability and chemorheology of a urea choline chloride deep-eutectic solvent as an internal phase in acrylic high internal phase emulsions
Authors: A. Carranza , K. Song , J. F. A. Soltero-Martínez , Q. Wu , J. A. Pojman , J. D. Mota-Morales
Published: August 2016

This study presents the first detailed investigation on the DES-non ionic surfactant HIPE systems.
Ordered intermetallic Pt–Cu nanoparticles for the catalytic CO oxidation reaction
Authors: Saravanan Govindachetty , Khobragade Rohini , Chand Nagar Laxmi , Labhsetwar Nitin
Published: August 2016

Intermetallic platinum (Pt) nanoparticles using the abundantly available element copper (Pt3Cu, PtCu, PtCu3) with an average particle size of 4–5 nm on a γ-Al2O3support were prepared to reduce the consumption of Pt for the removal of CO from gases.
Sub-stoichiometric WO2.9 for formaldehyde sensing and treatment: a first-principles study
Authors: Wang Dandan , Han DongXue , Liu Lei , Niu Li
Published: August 2016

A WO2.9 (010) surface exposes many active sites for HCHO absorption and dissociation. Sub-stoichiometric WO2.9 is a promising material for HCHO detection and elimination.
Na-ion dynamics in tetragonal and cubic Na3PS4, a Na-ion conductor for solid state Na-ion batteries
Authors: Yu Chuang , Ganapathy Swapna , de Klerk Niek J. J. , van Eck Ernst R. H. , Wagemaker Marnix
Published: August 2016

Tetragonal and cubic phase Na3PS4sodium electrolytes were successfully prepared by a relatively low rotation speed mechanical milling (400 rpm) route, aiming at homogeneous materials.
Structure, photoluminescence and abnormal thermal quenching behavior of Eu2+-doped Na3Sc2(PO4)3: a novel blue-emitting phosphor for n-UV LEDs
Authors: Wang Xicheng , Zhao Zhengyan , Wu Quansheng , Wang Chuang , Wang Qian , Yanyan Li , Wang Yuhua
Published: August 2016

A novel blue-emitting phosphor Na3Sc2(PO4)3:Eu2+was successfully synthesized by solid-state reaction.
Diacenopentalene dicarboximides as new n-type organic semiconductors for field-effect transistors
Authors: Dai Gaole , Chang Jingjing , Jing Linzhi , Chi Chunyan
Published: August 2016

Two diacenopentalene dicarboximides were synthesized, and their devices made with solution-processing technique exhibited n-type field-effect transistor behavior with electron mobility of up to 0.06 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Plasma metabolic profile delineates roles for neurodegeneration, pro-inflammatory damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in the FMR1 premutation
Authors: Giulivi Cecilia , Napoli Eleonora , Tassone Flora , Halmai Julian , Hagerman Randi
Published: August 2016

Carriers of premutation CGG expansions in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene are at higher risk of developing a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder named Fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Given that mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified in fibroblasts, PBMC and brain samples from carriers as well as in animal models of the premutation and that mitochondria are at the center of intermediary metabolism, the aim of the present study was to provide a complete view of the metabolic pattern by uncovering plasma metabolic perturbations in premutation carriers. To this end, metabolic profiles were evaluated in plasma from 23 premutation individuals and 16 age- and sex-matched controls. Among the affected pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction was associated with a Warburg-like shift with increases in lactate levels and altered Krebs' intermediates, neurotransmitters, markers of neurodegeneration and increases in oxidative stress-mediated damage to biomolecules. The number of CGG repeats correlated with a subset of plasma metabolites, which are implicated not only in mitochondrial disorders but also in other neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. For the first time, the identified pathways shed light on disease mechanisms contributing to morbidity of the premutation, with the potential of assessing metabolites in longitudinal studies as indicators of morbidity or disease progression, especially at the early preclinical stages.
Decoding common and divergent cellular functions of the domains of forkhead transcription factors Fkh1 and Fkh2
Authors: Shi Bu-Jun
Published: August 2016

Forkhead transcription factors play a key role in embryonic patterning during development. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two forkhead transcription factors, Fkh1 and Fkh2, regulate the transcription of CLB2 cluster genes important for mitosis. Fkh1 reduces, whereas Fkh2 elevates, the transcription of CLB2 cluster genes. However, the mechanism for this observation remains unclear. Fkh1 and Fkh2 each contain a forkhead domain (DNA-binding domain, DBD) and a forkhead-associated domain (FHAD), whereas Fkh2 possesses an extra C′ domain containing six consensus cyclin-dependent kinase phosphorylation sites. In the present study, roles of these domains in protein complexes, the regulation of cell growth and CLB2 cluster genes and protein interactions were investigated using various domain mutants. The result showed that the DBD was vital for ternary complex formation with Mcm1, whereas the FHAD was central for the regulation of cell growth and CLB2 cluster transcription and for interactions with Ndd1 and Clb2. However, the Fkh2 C′ domain was dispensable for the above functions. Both DBDs and FHADs had functional divergences in the cell, and Ndd1 functioned via its phosphorylated form. These data provide important insights into the functional mechanism of Fkh1 and Fkh2 in cell cycle control.
Methylglyoxal-induced dicarbonyl stress in aging and disease: first steps towards glyoxalase 1-based treatments
Authors: Rabbani Naila , Xue Mingzhan , Thornalley Paul J.
Published: August 2016

Dicarbonyl stress is the abnormal accumulation of dicarbonyl metabolites leading to increased protein and DNA modification contributing to cell and tissue dysfunction in aging and disease. It is produced by increased formation and/or decreased metabolism of dicarbonyl metabolites. MG (methylglyoxal) is a dicarbonyl metabolite of relatively high flux of formation and precursor of the most quantitatively and functionally important spontaneous modifications of protein and DNA clinically. Major MG-derived adducts are arginine-derived hydroimidazolones of protein and deoxyguanosine-derived imidazopurinones of DNA. These are formed non-oxidatively. The glyoxalase system provides an efficient and essential basal and stress-response-inducible enzymatic defence against dicarbonyl stress by the reduced glutathione-dependent metabolism of methylglyoxal by glyoxalase 1. The GLO1 gene encoding glyoxalase 1 has low prevalence duplication and high prevalence amplification in some tumours. Dicarbonyl stress contributes to aging, disease and activity of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. It is found at a low, moderate and severe level in obesity, diabetes and renal failure respectively, where it contributes to the development of metabolic and vascular complications. Increased glyoxalase 1 expression confers multidrug resistance to cancer chemotherapy and has relatively high prevalence in liver, lung and breast cancers. Studies of dicarbonyl stress are providing improved understanding of aging and disease and the basis for rational design of novel pharmaceuticals: glyoxalase 1 inducers for obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and glyoxalase 1 inhibitors for multidrug-resistant tumours. The first clinical trial of a glyoxalase 1 inducer in overweight and obese subjects showed improved glycaemic control, insulin resistance and vascular function.
Wideband compact single‐ridge waveguide to rectangular waveguide transitions with integrated E‐plane bend
Authors: Vincenti Gatti R. , Rossi R.
Published: August 2016

Two innovative single‐ridge waveguide to rectangular waveguide transitions with integrated 90° E‐plane bend are proposed. Since a single‐ridge waveguide standard is not available, such components become necessary whenever this technology is employed. Wideband performance, extreme compactness and easy manufacturing are core characteristics. The presented devices operate at Ku band, though the designs are fully scalable to any other frequency band of interest.
Vision‐based tactile sensor using depth from defocus for artificial finger in hand prosthesis
Authors: Jiang Hanjun , Zhu Xiyang , Xie Wenao , Guo Feng , Zhang Chun , Wang Zhihua
Published: August 2016

A vision‐based tactile sensor has been implemented to build an artificial fingers capable of grasping for the hand prosthesis. The tactile sensor hardware is composed of an elastomer sensing part with one layer of markers and an image sensor. By employing the depth from defocus technique, three‐dimensional contact force distribution can be reconstructed from the 2D images of only one layer of markers. The proposed hardware and algorithm have been validated through experiments.
Hierarchical and distributed control concept for distribution network congestion management
Authors: Kulmala Anna , Alonso Monica , Repo Sami , Amaris Hortensia , Moreno Angeles , Mehmedalic Jasmin , Al‐Jassim Zaid
Published: August 2016

Congestion management is one of the core enablers of smart distribution systems where distributed energy resources are utilised in network control to enable cost‐effective network interconnection of distributed generation (DG) and better utilisation of network assets. The primary aim of congestion management is to prevent voltage violations and network overloading. Congestion management algorithms can also be used to optimise the network state. This study proposes a hierarchical and distributed congestion management concept for future distribution networks having large‐scale DG and other controllable resources in MV and LV networks. The control concept aims at operating the network at minimum costs while retaining an acceptable network state. The hierarchy consists of three levels: primary controllers operate based on local measurements, secondary control optimises the set points of the primary controllers in real‐time and tertiary control utilises load and production forecasts as its inputs and realises network reconfiguration algorithm and connection to the market. Primary controllers are located at the connection point of the controllable resource, secondary controllers at primary and secondary substations and tertiary control at the control centre. Hence, the control is spatially distributed and operates in different time frames.
Source parameter estimation of aero‐acoustic emitters using non‐linear least squares and conventional methods
Authors: Ferguson Brian G.
Published: August 2016

Three passive acoustic data processing applications using a non‐linear least squares (NLS) approach are reviewed for parameter estimation of a variety of aero‐acoustic emitters and observables: (i) flight motion parameter estimation of a turboprop aircraft using a sequence of instantaneous frequency measurements from a single microphone, (ii) flight motion parameter estimation of a jet aircraft using the multipath time delay measurements from a single microphone located above the ground, and (iii) target motion parameter estimation of a ground vehicle using time difference of arrival measurements of its broadband radiated noise at pairs of microphones configured as a cross array. However, the results of processing acoustic sensor data using conventional methods such as time‐frequency analysis of narrowband signals and passive ranging by wavefront curvature of broadband signals show that both approaches to source parameter estimation are comparable. Conventional methods, which use basic data processing to extract source parameter information, are suited to implementation in embedded computers with limited data processing resources such as those found in networked wireless miniature sensing devices. Moreover, conventional methods can be used for initial estimation of the NLS parameter vectors.
Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report
Authors: Mehta Vishal , Morawski David
Published: August 2016

Patella instability is a rare but serious complication seen following total knee arthroplasty. The typical cause of patella instability in this setting is malpositioned components. While the mainstay of treatment is recognizing and correcting any malpositioning of the components, continued instability can remain and be a difficult problem to treat. Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction can be a helpful adjunct for the surgeon when faced with cases of continued instability. In this case report, we describe the successful use of MPFL reconstruction in conjunction with component revision for the treatment of postarthroplasty patella instability.
Asymptotic and spectral analysis of the gyrokinetic-waterbag integro-differential operator in toroidal geometry
Authors: Besse Nicolas , Coulette David
Published: August 2016

Achieving plasmas with good stability and confinement properties is a key research goal for magnetic fusion devices. The underlying equations are the Vlasov–Poisson and Vlasov–Maxwell (VPM) equations in three space variables, three velocity variables, and one time variable. Even in those somewhat academic cases where global equilibrium solutions are known, studying their stability requires the analysis of the spectral properties of the linearized operator, a daunting task. We have identified a model, for which not only equilibrium solutions can be constructed, but many of their stability properties are amenable to rigorous analysis. It uses a class of solution to the VPM equations (or to their gyrokinetic approximations) known as waterbag solutions which, in particular, are piecewise constant in phase-space. It also uses, not only the gyrokinetic approximation of fast cyclotronic motion around magnetic field lines, but also an asymptotic approximation regarding the magnetic-field-induced anisotropy: the spatial variation along the field lines is taken much slower than across them. Together, these assumptions result in a drastic reduction in the dimensionality of the linearized problem, which becomes a set of two nested one-dimensional problems: an integral equation in the poloidal variable, followed by a one-dimensional complex Schrödinger equation in the radial variable. We show here that the operator associated to the poloidal variable is meromorphic in the eigenparameter, the pulsation frequency. We also prove that, for all but a countable set of real pulsation frequencies, the operator is compact and thus behaves mostly as a finite-dimensional one. The numerical algorithms based on such ideas have been implemented in a companion paper [D. Coulette and N. Besse, “Numerical resolution of the global eigenvalue problem for gyrokinetic-waterbag model in toroidal geometry” (submitted)] and were found to be surprisingly close to those for the original gyrokinetic-Vlasov equations. The purpose of the present paper is to make these new ideas accessible to two readerships: applied mathematicians and plasma physicists.
Experimental investigation of primary and corner shock boundary layer interactions at mild back pressure ratios
Authors: Funderburk M. , Narayanaswamy V.
Published: August 2016

Unstart of rectangular inlets occurs as a result of interactions between shock-induced separation units along the floor/ceiling, corner, and sidewalls. While a significant body of literature exists regarding the individual flow interactions at the inlet floor/ceiling (called primary separation) and sidewalls, limited efforts have focused on the mean and dynamic features of the corner separation. Experiments are conducted to investigate primary and corner shock boundary layer interactions (SBLI) with the objectives of elucidating the flow interactions that occur in the corner, and characterizing the interaction between the corner and primary separation units at mild back pressure ratios. Surface streakline flow visualization and high-frequency wall static pressure measurements are performed along the centerline and corner regions of shock-induced flow separation generated by a 12° compression ramp in a Mach 2.5 flow. Sidewall fences that extend upstream of the leading edge of the flat plate generate corner separation of adequate size to determine the mean flow structures, characterize the unsteady motions, and investigate the mechanisms that drive the unsteadiness of primary and corner SBLI. Results show that the corner and primary SBLI units differ fundamentally in both their mean and unsteady features and their response to upstream and downstream flow perturbations. These observations suggest that the two behave as independent units at this relatively low shock-induced back pressure ratio.
Hotspot electron temperature from x-ray continuum measurements on the NIF
Authors: Jarrott L. C. , Benedetti L. R. , Chen H. , Izumi N. , Khan S. F. , Ma T. , Nagel S. R. , Landen O. L. , Pak A. , Patel P. K. , Schneider M. , Scott H. A.
Published: August 2016

We report on measurements of the electron temperature in the hotspot of inertially confined, layered, spherical implosions on the National Ignition Facility using a differential filtering diagnostic. Measurements of the DT and DD ion temperatures using neutron time-of-flight detectors are complicated by the contribution of hot spot motion to the peak width, which produce an apparent temperature higher than the thermal temperature. The electron temperature is not sensitive to this non-thermal velocity and is thus a valuable input to interpreting the stagnated hot spot conditions. Here we show that the current differential filtering diagnostic provides insufficient temperature resolution for the hot spot temperatures of interest. We then propose a new differential filter configuration utilizing larger pinhole size to increase spectral fluence, as well as thicker filtration. This new configuration will improve measurement uncertainty by more than a factor of three, allowing for a more accurate hotspot temperature.
Sub-millitesla magnetic field effects on the recombination reaction of flavin and ascorbic acid radicals
Authors: Evans Emrys W. , Kattnig Daniel R. , Henbest Kevin B. , Hore P. J. , Mackenzie Stuart R. , Timmel Christiane R.
Published: August 2016

Even though the interaction of a <1 mT magnetic field with an electron spin is less than a millionth of the thermal energy at room temperature (kBT), it still can have a profound effect on the quantum yields of radical pair reactions. We present a study of the effects of sub-millitesla magnetic fields on the photoreaction of flavin mononucleotide with ascorbic acid. Direct control of the reaction pathway is achieved by varying the rate of electron transfer from ascorbic acid to the photo-excited flavin. At pH 7.0, we verify the theoretical prediction that, apart from a sign change, the form of the magnetic field effect is independent of the initial spin configuration of the radical pair. The data agree well with model calculations based on a Green’s function approach that allows multinuclear spin systems to be treated including the diffusive motion of the radicals, their spin-selective recombination reactions, and the effects of the inter-radical exchange interaction. The protonation states of the radicals are uniquely determined from the form of the magnetic field-dependence. At pH 3.0, the effects of two chemically distinct radical pair complexes combine to produce a pronounced response to ∼500 μT magnetic fields. These findings are relevant to the magnetic responses of cryptochromes (flavin-containing proteins proposed as magnetoreceptors in birds) and may aid the evaluation of effects of weak magnetic fields on other biologically relevant electron transfer processes.
A frequency tunable, eight-channel correlation ECE system for electron temperature turbulence measurements on the DIII-D tokamak
Authors: Sung C. , Peebles W. A. , Wannberg C. , Rhodes T. L. , Nguyen X. , Lantsov R. , Bardóczi L.
Published: August 2016

A new eight-channel correlation electron cyclotron emission diagnostic has recently been installed on the DIII-D tokamak to study both turbulent and coherent electron temperature fluctuations under various plasma conditions and locations. This unique system is designed to cover a broad range of operation space on DIII-D (1.6-2.1 T, detection frequency: 72-108 GHz) via four remotely selected local oscillators (80, 88, 96, and 104 GHz). Eight radial locations are measured simultaneously in a single discharge covering as much as half the minor radius. In this paper, we present design details of the quasi-optical system, the receiver, as well as representative data illustrating operation of the system.
Field emission properties and strong localization effect in conduction mechanism of nanostructured perovskite LaNiO3
Authors: Kamble Ramesh B. , Tanty Narendra , Patra Ananya , Prasad V.
Published: August 2016

We report the potential field emission of highly conducting metallic perovskite lanthanum nickelate (LaNiO3) from the nanostructured pyramidal and whisker shaped tips as electron emitters. Nano particles of lanthanum nickelate (LNO) were prepared by sol-gel route. Structural and morphological studies have been carried out. Field emission of LNO exhibited high emission current density, J = 3.37 mA/cm2 at a low threshold electric field, Eth = 16.91 V/μm, obeying Fowler–Nordheim tunneling. The DC electrical resistivity exhibited upturn at 11.6 K indicating localization of electron at low temperature. Magnetoresistance measurement at different temperatures confirmed strong localization in nanostructured LNO obeying Anderson localization effect at low temperature.
The role of surface diffusion and wing tilt in the formation of localized stacking faults in high In-content InGaN MQW nanostructures
Authors: Nakajima Yoshitake , Dapkus P. Daniel
Published: August 2016

Yellow and green emitting multiple quantum well structures are grown on nanostripe templates with {10-11} facets. SEM and cathodoluminescence measurements show a correlation between rough surface morphology near the bottom of the stripes and non-radiative recombination centers. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis shows that these surface instabilities are a result of stacking faults generated from the quantum well (QW) regions near the bottom of the pyramid that propagate to the surface. HRTEM images show that the stacking faults are I1 type which is formed by removal of one half basal plane to relieve the compressive strain in the InGaN QW. Thicker QWs near the bottom as a result of growth rate enhancement due to the surface diffusion of the precursors from the mask regions cause increased strain. Additionally, the compressive strain induced by the bending of the nanostructure towards the growth mask further increases the strain experienced by the QW thereby causing the localized defect generation.
Design of a bilayer ceramic capacitor with low temperature coefficient of capacitance
Authors: Foeller P. Y. , Dean J. S. , Reaney I. M. , Sinclair D. C.
Published: August 2016

We show how a simple bilayer system that combines a layer of undoped BaTiO3 (BT) with a second layer of Ba0.975Na0.025Ti0.975Nb0.025O3 (2.5NNBT) can be used to improve the temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCC) of BaTiO3-based materials for capacitor applications. The bilayer system emulates the volume ratio between a conventional core and shell phase microstructure allowing a simple resource efficient approach to optimise the system for low TCC. Optimisation was achieved with a volume ratio of 0.67 2.5NNBT with 0.33 BT and results in a TCC of ±6% over the temperature range ∼25 to 125 °C whilst maintaining a permittivity of εr ∼ 3000 and low dielectric loss.
Update of model to predict sensible heat loss in broilers
Authors: Batista dos Santos Marcos José , Sakomura Nilva Kazue , Pereira da Silva Edney , Dorigam Juliano César de Paula , Maia Alex Sandro Campos
Published: August 2016

The present study was conducted to adjust and adapt some parameters of the model of production and heat loss by convection and conduction, so as to predict the actual feed intake (aFI) of broilers reared in sheds. The re-parameterised models were the sensible heat loss by convection from surface (HS) and by conduction (HC) in birds. The HS model was re-parameterised to calculate the heat loss of poultry reared in sheds and the parameters of thermal resistance of feathers (RF) and skin (RS) of poultry were inserted. The HC model was re-parameterised for birds in sheds and the RF, RS and the thermal resistance of the litter (R) were inserted. The re-parameterised HS model was HS = [A × QV × (TB – TA)]/[(TB – 17) × (RF + RS)], where TA is the air temperature, QV is the volume factor, TB is the surface temperature of the bird (°C) and A was estimated to be 11.94 watts (W). The values found in the model ranged from 0.75 W for birds with 100 g BW subjected to 33°C TA, 50% HU, 0.1 m/s wind speed (V) and 12.53 W for birds with 4100 g subjected to 33°C TA, 80% HU and 0.1 m/s V. The values found in the re-parameterised HC model (HC = [(TB – TC) × k × AR × QA]/[L × (RF + RS + R)], where K is the thermal conductivity of the litter, AR is the contact area of bird with the litter and QA is the area factor, and L is the litter height) ranging from 0.017 W to chickens with 100 g BW in comfortable conditions and 0.17 W for birds with 4100 g in thermal discomfort condition. The present study showed that the re-parameterisation of heat-loss equations is more accurate to predict the heat flux in broilers under different environmental conditions.
Modelling the influence of snowfall on cyanobacterial crusts in the Gurbantunggut Desert, northern China
Authors: Hui R. , Zhao R. M. , Liu L. C. , Li G. , Yang H. T. , Gao Y. H. , Wang X. Q.
Published: August 2016

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are widespread in arid and semiarid regions. They have long been regarded as a key biotic component of desert ecosystems. However, little information is available regarding the influence of snowfall on BSCs in desert ecosystems. Therefore, we conducted the present work in the largest fixed and semi-fixed desert in China, the Gurbantunggut Desert, where snowfall is a special form of precipitation, and snow cover is a prerequisite for BSC survival during the harsh winter. We investigated the effects of altered winter snowfall on biomass, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence, moisture content, and soluble-protein and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in cyanobacterial crusts in the early (March) and late (October) periods after snowfall in 2014. The results indicated that biomass (indicated by Chl a), Chl fluorescence (i.e. maximum photochemical efficiency, fluorescence yield and rates of electron transport) and the concentration of soluble protein of cyanobacterial crusts declined as a result of lower soil water content resulting from snow removal or reduction. Increased snowfall had positive effects on physiological properties associated with photosynthesis but induced dramatic decreases in the MDA concentration in cyanobacterial crusts. In addition, photosynthesis of cyanobacterial crusts was obviously higher in the late than in the early period after snowfall, which can be attributed to increases in the cover of cyanobacteria in the crust communities. These findings provided evidence that increased snowfall in the Gurbantunggut Desert could favour and help maintain the development of BSCs.
Testing the efficacy of probiotics for disease control in aquaculture
Authors: Partridge Gavin
Published: August 2016

Infectious diseases have been estimated to cost the global aquaculture industry billions of dollars annually1,2. With concerns over emerging resistance and residues of antibiotics in food3 many such chemicals are now being banned and environmentally friendly alternatives are being sought. Probiotics influence the composition of the gut microbiota and confer health benefits to their host4,5 and are one of several alternative approaches gaining significant popularity in aquaculture. Whilst primarily used to manage bacterial disease, there is also some evidence that probiotics can provide protection against parasites4 and viruses6. Probiotics can inhibit the growth of pathogens in the gut through the excretion of antagonistic substances including bacterocins6,7; prevent pathogen adhesion in the gut through competition of space and nutrients3 and by modulating the immune system5. Some probiotics have been reported to improve growth and feed utilisation efficiency5 and others can also improve water quality2,8,9, which confers indirect benefits to host healthsup>6.
Effects of fetal calf serum on cGMP pathway and oocyte lipid metabolism in vitro
Authors: Schwarz Kátia R. L. , Botigelli Ramon Cesar , Del Collado Maite , Cavallari de Castro Fernanda , Fernandes Hugo , Paschoal Daniela M. , Leal Cláudia Lima Verde
Published: August 2016

Intracellular levels of cyclic nucleotides, such as cGMP, are involved in the regulation of adipocyte lipolysis. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) express enzymes that both synthesise (guanylate cyclase) and degrade (phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5A) cGMP. Because serum interferes with lipid metabolism, its effects on the cGMP pathway and lipid content in bovine COCs were examined. COCs were matured in medium containing fetal calf serum (FCS; 2% or 10%) or 0.4% bovine serum albumin (BSA; control). At both 2% and 10%, FCS decreased cGMP levels in COCs compared with BSA (0.64 and 1.04 vs 9.46 fmol per COC respectively; P < 0.05) and decreased transcript levels of guanylate cyclase 1, soluble, beta 3 (GUCY1B3), whereas PDE5A levels were increased. FCS also affected the expression of genes related to lipolysis, increasing relative expression of perilipin 2 (PLIN2) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B (CPT1B) in cumulus cells. Effects of FCS and cGMP on the lipid content of oocytes and embryos were evaluated by Nile red staining. COCs were matured with 10% FCS, FCS + 10–5 M sildenafil (SDF), a PDE5 inhibitor, or 0.4% BSA. The lipid content was increased in oocytes matured in FCS compared with BSA (fluorescence intensity 20.1 vs 17.61 respectively; P < 0.05), whereas the lipid content in oocytes matured in FCS + SDF (fluorescence intensity 16.33) was similar to that in the BSA-treated group (P > 0.05). In addition, lipid content was higher in embryos from oocytes matured with FCS than BSA (fluorescence intensity 31.12 vs 22.31 respectively; P < 0.05), but was increased even further in the FCS + SDF-treated group (fluorescence intensity 40.35; P < 0.05), possibly due to a compensatory mechanism during embryo culture without SDF for the reduction in lipid content during IVM. The present study provides, for the first time, evidence that the cGMP pathway may be involved in lipid metabolism in bovine COCs and that this pathway is affected by FCS.
Vegetation management influences habitat use by mammalian herbivores in shrub-encroached grassy woodland
Authors: Davis Naomi E. , Di Stefano Julian , Coulson Graeme , Whelan Jim , Wright John
Published: August 2016

Context Restoration of disturbed vegetation communities commonly involves altering vegetation composition and structure, attributes that can influence the suitability of habitat for fauna. Feedbacks may occur whereby changes to the vegetation affect mammalian herbivores, and unintended changes may prevent managers from achieving conservation goals. Aims To understand how vegetation management affects habitat use by five mammalian herbivores, namely eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor), common wombat (Vombatus ursinus), European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and hog deer (Axis porcinus). Methods A management experiment (mechanical slashing of the encroaching shrub Leptospermum laevigatum) at Wilsons Promontory National Park, Australia, created slashed swales in addition to untreated dune and scrub woodland. In each vegetation stratum, we estimated the cover of L. laevigatum and quantified herbivore abundance by counting the standing crop of faecal pellets. Key results Relative to untreated vegetation, mechanical slashing of L. laevigatum substantially reduced cover of this species above 200 cm, but increased its cover below 30 cm. On the basis of faecal-pellet counts, multispecies use of managed and unmanaged parts of the landscape differed substantially, with the differences principally driven by higher abundance of European rabbits and eastern grey kangaroos at slashed sites. Conclusions The responses of three grazing species (kangaroo, rabbits and wombats) to vegetation management were predicted well by prior knowledge of diet and habitat preferences. This was not the case for the browser (swamp wallaby), nor for the grazer that consumes substantial amounts of browse in the study area (hog deer), and additional knowledge of the processes underlying their responses to vegetation change is required. Implications Our findings highlighted that vegetation management can influence herbivore abundances in the managed system. An improved understanding of these associations will allow vegetation management plans to incorporate herbivore responses.
An animal welfare assessment framework for helicopter darting: a case study with a newly developed method for feral horses
Authors: Hampton Jordan O. , Robertson Hamish , Adams Peter J. , Hyndman Timothy H. , Collins Teresa
Published: August 2016

Context Helicopter darting (chemical immobilisation) is a very useful technique for large wild herbivores, such as feral horses (Equus caballus). There is currently no reliable framework to report on the animal welfare impacts of helicopter darting methods. Aim The aim of this study was to develop an animal welfare assessment framework for helicopter darting methods, using quantifiable parameters, and to test it with a case study using a newly developed feral horse capture technique. Methods Quantifiable animal welfare parameters were recorded for 11 feral horses captured using a traditional helicopter darting method in north-western Australia in October 2014. Welfare parameters chosen focused on quantifying the duration of procedures and the frequency of adverse events. They included chase time (CT; min) before darting, induction time (IT; min) between darting and recumbency, recumbency time (RT; min), total time (TT; CT+IT+RT; min), repeat-darting rate (animals requiring >1 dart; %), target zone accuracy rate (darts striking the intended anatomical area; %) and mortality rate (at time of capture and 14 days post-capture; %). Results Median CT was 2 min, median IT was 19 min, median RT was 16 min and median TT was 38 min. Repeat-darting rate was 45%, target zone accuracy rate was 53% and mortality rates (time of capture and 14 days post-capture) were zero. Conclusions Animal welfare parameters can be quantified for helicopter darting through estimation of the duration of procedures and the frequency of adverse events. Use of this framework will allow the identification of parameters requiring refinement for newly developed helicopter darting techniques. Implications Animal welfare parameters are particularly important for helicopter-based darting methods. Pilot studies, using quantified parameters, should be performed for newly developed capture techniques before they are approved for large-scale programs.
The importance of land in rethinking rural transformation, agrarian revolution and unfinished liberation in Africa
Authors: Andrew Nancy
Published: August 2016

The Dar es Salaam debates of the 1970s provide a starting point for a discussion of the need for sweeping rural social transformation and ‘finishing’ liberation in Africa through examples of Zimbabwe’s ‘fast-track’, 20 years of failed land reform in South Africa and Burkina Faso’s short period of radical reform. Too often, liberation is conceptualised as correcting inadequate formal democracy. More than meeting the needs of the rural poor or righting historical wrongs, the struggle for land can open a pathway based on mobilising the population for developing a new system of agriculture, linked to an independent national economy and radically different society.
Old wine in new bottles? Revisiting contract farming after agrarian reform in Zimbabwe
Authors: Sachikonye Lloyd
Published: August 2016

This contribution explores emerging features of social relations of production as expressed through the contract farming system in Zimbabwe. It seeks to link earlier research on plantation-based outgrower schemes in tea and sugar that were on a modest scale, to contemporary contract farming in tobacco and cotton that has expanded to a relatively large scale in the post-land reform period. The article questions whether the current expansion wave is a qualitatively new process or a variant of ‘old wine in new bottles’ in terms of relations between growers and large capital. Some themes for research are then outlined potentially to address emerging pertinent issues arising out of contemporary contract farming arrangements.
Land, liberation and democracy: the life and work of Lionel Cliffe
Authors: Lawrence Peter
Published: August 2016

This paper is a revised version, for this issue, of the keynote address to the Colloquium in Cape Town in honour of Lionel Cliffe. It maps out the key features of Lionel’s life and his work starting in Tanzania in 1961, where through his long period of teaching, research and engagement, he formed much of what became his approach to the analysis of African social formations and appropriate policies for development and change. His founding role in this journal, his periods of further work in Zambia, the Horn, and then Southern Africa, are viewed through the three themes of the title. They add up to a major contribution to both theory and practice that has continuing relevance to answering the question he often put: what is to be done?
The amino-terminal hydrophilic region of the vacuolar transporter Avt3p is dispensable for the vacuolar amino acid compartmentalization of Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Kawano-Kawada Miyuki , Chardwiriyapreecha Soracom , Manabe Kunio , Sekito Takayuki , Akiyama Koichi , Takegawa Kaoru , Kakinuma Yoshimi
Published: August 2016

Avt3p, a vacuolar amino acid exporter (656 amino acid residues) that is important for vacuolar amino acid compartmentalization as well as spore formation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, has an extremely long hydrophilic region (approximately 290 amino acid residues) at its N-terminus. Because known functional domains have not been found in this region, its functional role was examined with a deletion mutant avt3(∆1–270) expressed in S. pombe avt3∆ cells. The deletion of this region did not affect its intracellular localization or vacuolar contents of basic amino acids as well as neutral ones. The defect of avt3Δ cells in spore formation was rescued by the expression of avt3+ but was not completely rescued by the expression of avt3(∆1–270). The N-terminal region is thus dispensable for the function of Avt3p as an amino acid exporter, but it is likely to be involved in the role of Avt3p under nutritional starvation conditions.
The influence of isometric preload on power expressed during bench press in strength‐trained men
Authors: Bartolomei Sandro , Fukuda David H. , Hoffman Jay R. , Stout Jeffrey R. , Merni Franco
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare the power expressed during the bench press exercise in resistance‐trained men following different pre‐activation conditions. Twenty‐two trained men (age 24.1 ± 1.7 years, height 178.6 ± 6.1 cm, body mass 81.1 ± 10.6 kg) completed a maximal effort bench press (1‐RM) test (100.0 kg ± 8.1 kg). In a subsequent assessment, each participant performed concentric bench press movements with loads of 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% of their 1‐RM preceded by either a concentric contraction (CC), a low isometric preload (LIP; 70% 1‐RM) or a high isometric preload (HIP; 100% 1‐RM) conditions. All movements were performed in a Smith machine with a settable quick‐release device. Participants performed all three conditions in randomized fashion. Results indicated that power outputs during the bench press exercise following HIP were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than CC at 20% 1‐RM (+9%), 30% 1‐RM (+16%) and 40% 1‐RM (+14%), and LIP at 20% 1‐RM (+4%), 30% 1‐RM (+20%) and 40% 1‐RM (+15%). No differences were found between conditions at 50% 1‐RM. Area under the force–power curve with HIP was greater (p < 0.05) than with CC and LIP. In conclusion, results of this study indicate that the use of a HIP (100% 1‐RM) in trained participants results in significantly greater power output during the concentric phase of a multi‐joint exercise when compared to standard concentric movement.
Fine Motor Skills Enhance Lexical Processing of Embodied Vocabulary: A Test of the Nimble-Hands, Nimble-Minds Hypothesis
Authors: Suggate Sebastian , Stoeger Heidrun
Published: August 2016

Research suggests that fine motor skills (FMS) are linked to aspects of cognitive development in children. Additionally, lexical processing advantages exist for words implying a high body–object interaction (BOI), with initial findings indicating that such words in turn link to children's FMS—for which we propose and evaluate four competing hypotheses. First, a maturational account argues that any links between FMS and lexical processing should not exist once developmental variables are controlled for. Second, functionalism posits that any link between FMS and lexical processing arises due to environmental interactions. Third, the semantic richness hypothesis argues that sensorimotor input improves lexical processing, but predicts no links between FMS and lexical processing. A fourth account, the nimble-hands, nimble minds (NHNM) hypothesis, proposes that having greater FMS improves lexical processing for high-BOI words. In two experiments, the response latencies of preschool children ( n = 90, n = 76, ages = 5;1) to 45 lexical items encompassing high-BOI, low-BOI, and less imageable words were measured, alongside measures of FMS, reasoning, and general receptive/expressive vocabulary. High-BOI words appeared to show unique links to FMS, which remained after accounting for low-BOI and less imageable words, general vocabulary, reasoning, and chronological age. Although further work is needed, the findings provide initial support for the NHNM hypothesis.
C9orf72 binds SMCR8, localizes to lysosomes, and regulates mTORC1 signaling
Authors: Amick Joseph , Roczniak-Ferguson Agnes , Ferguson Shawn M.
Published: August 2016

Hexanucleotide expansion in an intron of the C9orf72 gene causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. However, beyond bioinformatics predictions that suggested structural similarity to folliculin, the Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome tumor suppressor, little is known about the normal functions of the C9orf72 protein. To address this problem, we used genome-editing strategies to investigate C9orf72 interactions, subcellular localization, and knockout (KO) phenotypes. We found that C9orf72 robustly interacts with SMCR8 (a protein of previously unknown function). We also observed that C9orf72 localizes to lysosomes and that such localization is negatively regulated by amino acid availability. Analysis of C9orf72 KO, SMCR8 KO, and double-KO cell lines revealed phenotypes that are consistent with a function for C9orf72 at lysosomes. These include abnormally swollen lysosomes in the absence of C9orf72 and impaired responses of mTORC1 signaling to changes in amino acid availability (a lysosome-dependent process) after depletion of either C9orf72 or SMCR8. Collectively these results identify strong physical and functional interactions between C9orf72 and SMCR8 and support a lysosomal site of action for this protein complex.