bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GIS-Based Spatial and Temporal Investigation of Groundwater Level Fluctuations Under Rice-Wheat Ecosystem over Haryana
Authors: Singh Omvir , Kasana Amrita
Published: May 2017

Groundwater irrigation is the most predominant method used across India and about 50% of the total irrigated area is dependent on it. The state of Haryana has witnessed a spectacular increase in agricultural production in the last few decades, and is largely dependent on groundwater for irrigation. Groundwater mining for irrigation has become a reality in the state over the years as the number of tube wells has increased from 0.02 million in 1966 to 0.73 million in 2012, showing alarming signs of over-exploitation. The impact of increased groundwater irrigation on groundwater levels has not been studied both spatially and temporally. Therefore, this study has been undertaken to investigate the groundwater level fluctuations in the state using geographical information system (GIS) from the groundwater level data of 893 observation wells obtained from Groundwater Cell, Department of Agriculture, Government of Haryana, Panchkula, for the period 2004-12. Many researchers have applied GIS to reveal the spatial and temporal structure of groundwater level fluctuation and as a management and decision tool. The analysis of results indicated a mix of negative and positive trends in the groundwater levels. However, the negative trends were much more pronounced than positive ones. Groundwater level in the state ranged between 0.16 to 65.97 m from the ground surface and per cent area with groundwater level depth more than 10 meter (critical category) was about 56% in 2004 and has increased to 64% by 2012. The average annual decline in groundwater level was observed to be above 32 cm/year, with the strongest decline (108.9 cm/year) in Kurukshetra district.
Geochemistry of Manasbal Lake Sediments, Kashmir: Weathering, Provenance and Tectonic Setting
Authors: Babeesh C. , Lone Aasif , Achyuthan Hema
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a detailed sediment chemistry investigation of the Manasbal lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, which is one of the high altitude lakes in the Kashmir valley. 22 lake floor sediment samples covering the entire lake were collected and analyzed for textural characteristics, CaCO3, organic matter, TOC, TN contents, C/N ratio, major and trace element chemistry. These analyses were conducted to trace the provenance of the sediments. Textural parameters reveal that the lake sediments consist predominantly clay and silt fractions. The C/N ratio of the sediments indicates a mixed source of TOC, both autochthonous and allochthonous in origin. The log (Fe2O3/K2O) Vs. log (SiO2/Al2O3) graph of the sediments discriminates the rock types of the catchment area that are Fe-shale, Fe-sand, wacke, shale and litharenite. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) falls between 59.11 to 90.16% and Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW) between 63.97 to 99.68% and these values are higher than the Post-Archaean Australian Shale (PAAS), indicating moderate to highly chemically weathered lake floor sediments. Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA) values (60.74-99.63%) suggests the occurrence of plagioclase feldspars in the lake floor sediments. Geochemical characteristics signify a mixed-nature of provenance of the lake floor sediments due to the tectonic settings of the lake basin in a complex catchment area.
A New Method for Processing of Low-Grade Monazite Concentrates
Authors: Borai E. H. , Hamed Mostafa M. , El-Din A. M. Shahr
Published: May 2017

It is very tedious to separate thorium and rare earth elements from their accompanying constituents in low-grade monazite (concentrate 50%) containing large amount of phosphorus species, illiminite, silica and zircon. Therefore, trials have been suggested to develop a new procedure to enhance the separation process of the light lanthanides from low-grade Egyptian monazite concentrates. The first point is focused on the removal of phosphorus species from the digested low-grade monazite with sulfuric acid in order to get more convenient separation. The removal was accomplished by extractive washing of sulfate paste with different alcohols. The results showed that the extractive removal of phosphorus species was not effective due to the complex nature of low-grade monazite concentrate. The second point is focused on the enhancement of separation process of uranium, thorium and rare earth elements by new ratio of sulfuric acid and develops the classical separation process. By this modified procedure, the overall results obtained revealed that the unleached residue contains mainly Si, Fe, Zr, and Ti while the elements of main consideration such as uranium, thorium and light rare earth elements were completely leached. Thorium and light rare earth elements (LREEs) were directly separated as white precipitate while the uranium was moved to the green acid solution with most of phosphorus species. This throws light on the possibility of separation of thorium and light rare earth elements from uranium, which represents a novel method.
Marketing for Sustainability: Extending the Conceptualisation of the Marketing Mix to Drive Value for Individuals and Society at Large
Authors: Pomering Alan
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this paper is to provide new theoretical perspective on marketing for sustainability, particularly for dealing with the environmental threat of climate change. We reconceptualise how marketing is operationalised through the conceptualisation of the marketing mix in order to permit the normalisation of sustainability considerations in business operations and consumption. To the traditional four Ps (product, price, promotion and place) we add but recalibrate for the specific purpose of sustainability participants, processes, and physical evidence, and introduce: promise, principles, and partnership, arguing that each of these may be considered a controllable marketing variable that will contribute to the creation/co-creation of individual and social value. This framework is developed and justified in order to make a novel contribution to marketing theory and practice. Limitations and future research directions conclude the discussion.
Developing global citizenship through critical media literacy in the social studies
Authors: Harshman Jason
Published: May 2017

The transnational movement of people and ideas continues to reshape how students and citizens imagine places and cultures. Considering our constant exposure to information delivered via mass media, global educators are tasked with engaging students in learning activities that help them develop skill sets that include a globally minded, critical media literacy. Grounded in cultural studies, and framed by Andreotti's (2006) work in critical global citizenship education (GCE) and Appadurai's (1996) concept of mediascapes, this article examines how eleven global educators in as many countries use films to teach about what they considered to be the “6 C's” of critical global media literacy: colonialism, capitalism, conflict, citizenship, and conscientious consumerism. How global educators foster globally minded, critical media literacy in their classrooms, the resources they use to teach about perspectives too often marginalized in media produced in the Global North, and how educating students about media informs action within global citizenship education in the social studies are discussed.
Elite preferences and transparency promotion in Kazakhstan
Authors: Öge Kerem
Published: May 2017

This paper evaluates the factors that shape the establishment of transparent institutions in resource-rich countries with a specific focus on Kazakhstan. Specifically, it draws upon indepth interviews and analysis of key institutions to understand the pace and intensity of transparency reforms in the Central Asian state. It argues that external transparency promotion can lead to institutional reform only when it is matched with strong elite incentives in favor of reforms. Kazakhstan has had few incentives to comply with Western-initiated norms before 2014, an era of relative economic security. As a consequence, the political elite often stalled the successful implementation of reforms. However, the economic turbulence following the fall of oil prices and Russia’s annexation of Crimea have motivated the Kazakh government to embrace the norm of transparency in order to attract foreign investment.
Lifangitis esclerosante no venérea del pene. Presentación de 2 casos y revisión de la literatura
Authors: Rivero Rodríguez Wilmer , Pradilla Valbuena Juliana
Published: May 2017

La linfangitis esclerosante no venérea del pene es una afección benigna, caracterizada por un cordón indurado e indoloro, en la proximidad del surco balanoprepucial que puede o no estar acompañado de dolor durante las relaciones sexuales. Afecta a hombres de diferentes edades, siendo más probable en su periodo de mayor actividad sexual, que ha sido relacionada en el marco de otras enfermedades siendo su principal diagnóstico diferencial la enfermedad de Mondor del pene, en la cual se evidencia una trombosis de la vena dorsal superficial del pene. Debido a que su curso es autolimitado en la mayoría de los pacientes, existe un subregistro de los casos, además de generar controversia en su abordaje terapéutico. Presentamos 2 casos de pacientes adultos jóvenes que ingresaron a nuestra institución, y fueron diagnosticados con esta enfermedad, en el primer semestre de 2016.
MYSTERY AND THE EVIDENTIAL IMPACT OF UNEXPLAINABLES
Authors: Klein Dominik , Colombo Matteo
Published: May 2017

What's the evidential impact of learning that something is a mystery? To answer this question, we first explicate the notion of a mystery in terms of unexplainability. After distinguishing different ways in which something can be unexplainable, we develop a test to evaluate the evidential impact of two distinct types of unexplainables: symmetrical and asymmetrical unexplainables. We argue that only asymmetrical unexplainables have evidential impact. We finally clarify how our explication of mysteries as unexplainables complements existing accounts of abduction and contributes to the literature on the mystery of consciousness.
Maternal protein restriction depresses the duodenal expression of iron transporters and serum iron level in male weaning piglets
Authors: Ma Wenqiang , Lu Jingyu , Jiang Shuxia , Cai Demin , Pan Shifeng , Jia Yimin , Zhao Ruqian
Published: May 2017

To investigate the effects of maternal dietary protein restriction on offspring Fe metabolism, twenty-four second-parity Landrace×Yorkshire sows were randomly allocated to standard-protein (SP) and low-protein (LP) groups. The SP sows were fed diets containing 15 and 18 % crude protein throughout pregnancy and lactation, respectively, whereas the LP sows were subjected to 50 % dietary protein restriction. Offspring birth weight was not affected, but the body weight at weaning (P=0·06) and average daily gain (P=0·01) of the female piglets were significantly decreased. Serum Fe level in the LP piglets was markedly decreased at weaning, especially in males (P=0·03). Serum ferritin level (P=0·08) tended to be lower, yet serum transferrin was greatly higher (P=0·01) in male weaning piglets of the LP group. Duodenal expression of the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and ferroportin (FPN) was surprisingly reduced (P<0·05) at the level of protein, but not at the mRNA level, in male weaning piglets of the LP group. Male weaning piglets born to the LP sows exhibited higher hepatic hepcidin levels (P=0·09), lower hepatic expression of transferrin (P<0·01) and transferrin receptor 1 (P<0·05) at the level of mRNA. However, no significant differences were observed for hepatic Fe storage, ferritin, transferrin and transferrin receptor 1 protein expression in male weaning piglets of the two groups. These results indicate that maternal protein restriction during pregnancy and lactation influences growth of female offspring at weaning, reduces duodenal expression of Fe transporters (DMT1 and FPN) and decreases serum Fe level in male weaning piglets.
Global phylogenetic relationships, population structure and gene flow estimation of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Greenhouse whitefly)
Authors: Wainaina J.M. , De Barro P. , Kubatko L. , Kehoe M. A. , Harvey J. , Karanja D. , Boykin L. M.
Published: May 2017

Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood, 1856) (Greenhouse whitefly) is an agricultural pest of global importance. It is associated with damage to plants during feeding and subsequent virus transmission. Yet, global phylogenetic relationships, population structure, and estimation of the rates of gene flow within this whitefly species remain largely unexplored. In this study, we obtained and filtered 227 GenBank records of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (mtCOI) sequences of T. vaporariorum, across various global locations to obtain a final set of 217 GenBank records. We further amplified and sequenced a ~750 bp fragment of mtCOI from an additional 31 samples collected from Kenya in 2014. Based on a total of 248 mtCOI sequences, we identified 16 haplotypes, with extensive overlap across all countries. Population structure analysis did not suggest population differentiation. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the 2014 Kenyan collection of samples clustered with a single sequence from the Netherlands to form a well-supported clade (denoted clade 1a) nested within the total set of sequences (denoted clade 1). Pairwise distances between sequences show greater sequence divergence between clades than within clades. In addition, analysis using migrate-n gave evidence for recent gene flow between the two groups. Overall, we find that T. vaporariorum forms a single large group, with evidence of further diversification consisting primarily of Kenyan sequences and one sequence from the Netherlands forming a well-supported clade.
Pluralism and the American Mainstream: The View from the World's Parliament of Religions
Authors: Seager Richard Hughes
Published: May 2017

TheExaminerreported that throughout the day hundreds of would-be spectators and scalpers charging three and four dollars for tickets gathered on Chicago's downtown streets. The evening plenary session was repeated twice; each time “three thousand men and women were on their feet waving handkerchiefs, clapping hands, and cheering.” Julia Ward Howe “kissed her hand in benediction of the Parliament”; the “Jewish rabbi and the Catholic Bishop asked God's blessing upon its work which is now a part of history.” Christian and Hebrew, Buddhist and Moslem, theExaminerannounced, all “spoke for a universal religion, advocated it in fact, and fervently hoped for some such … happy consummation as the outcome of this great and historic gathering.”
Maize root morphology responses to soil penetration resistance related to tillage and drought in a clayey soil
Authors: HE Y. B. , LIN L. R. , CHEN J. Z.
Published: May 2017

Crops often experience combined soil stresses. Root responses to soil penetration resistance (PR) and drought stress can be an important basis for crop management. In 2013/14, a 2-year experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of tillage treatment and drought stress (no irrigation for 4, 12 and 20 days during the V10–V16 growth stage) on the root length, diameter, cortex and cortical cell, and grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in a clayey red soil in southern China. Total root length and average root diameter were significantly correlated with soil PR and moisture. The cortical cell file number increased with soil PR and drought stress, while cortical cell size increased only with soil PR. Soil PR and moisture played different roles in maize root morphology modifications, but were both affected by tillage practices. Deep ploughing and conventional tillage increased soil moisture under severe drought stress conditions, whereas soil compaction and no-till significantly increased soil PR. The results indicate that high PR in clayey red soil was responsible for a decrease in maize root size and grain yield under drought conditions.
Opportunities and challenges in metabarcoding approaches for helminth community identification in wild mammals
Authors: AIVELO TUOMAS , MEDLAR ALAN
Published: May 2017

Despite metabarcoding being widely used to analyse bacterial community composition, its application in parasitological research remains limited. What interest there has been has focused on previously intractable research settings where traditional methods are inappropriate, for example, in longitudinal studies and studies involving endangered species. In settings such as these, non-invasive sampling combined with metabarcoding can provide a fast and accurate assessment of component communities. In this paper we review the use of metabarcoding in the study of helminth communities in wild mammals, outlining the necessary procedures from sample collection to statistical analysis. We highlight the limitations of the metabarcoding approach and speculate on what type of parasitological study would benefit from such methods in the future.
Solidaristic Unionism and Support for Redistribution in Contemporary Europe
Authors: Mosimann Nadja , Pontusson Jonas
Published: May 2017

Using data from the European Social Survey (2002–14), this article explores the effect of union membership on support for redistribution. The authors hypothesize that the wage-bargaining practices of unions promote egalitarian distributive norms, which lead union members to support redistribution, and that this effect is strongest among high-wage workers. Consistent with the authors’ expectations, the empirical analysis shows that the solidarity effect of union membership is strongest when unions encompass a very large share of the labor force or primarily organize low-wage workers. The authors also show that low-wage workers have become a significantly less important union constituency in many European countries over the time period covered by the analysis.
A review of biological and geomorphological processes involved in the initiation and development of incipient foredunes
Authors: Hesp Patrick A.
Published: May 2017

Synopsis

The evolution, ecological processes, aerodynamics, and morphology of incipient or new foredunes on the upper beach is reviewed. Four types of incipient foredunes may be distinguished, namely: type 1, those initiated by shadow dune formation within zones of discrete individual pioneer annuals (e.g. Cakile spp.), and perennials (e.g. Spinifex spp.; Ammophila spp.); type 2, those initiated by dunelet or hummock formation within discrete colonies of perennial grasses and herbs; type 3, those initiated by sand deposition within laterally extensive colonies of pioneer seedlings; and type 4, those initiated by sand deposition within a laterally extensive plant rhizome cover.

Type 1 dunes are dominated by high, local flow deceleration and 3-D flow separation. Shadow dunes form within and downwind of the discrete plants. If colonised by annual plants, invasion by perennial plants is necessary for survival. Later lateral plant spread and accretion produces hummocky terraces and ridges. Type 2 dunes (dunelets) are characterised by local landward flow deceleration and marginal high velocity side flows. Sand deposition results in the formation of low, discrete, semi-circular convex mounds (seedlings), or more elongate hummocks and mounds (rhizomes). Types 3 and 4 dunes are characterised by laterally extensive, often homogeneous vegetation canopies. High canopies display more rapid landward flow deceleration than low canopies, thus narrow, asymmetric ridges and longer convex ridges result respectively. High plant densities result in rapid down-canopy flow deceleration, maximum traction load retardation and the formation of narrow asymmetric ridges. Dune height decreases and dune length increases as plant densities decrease. Maximum deposition zones occur for each wind velocity range. Whether ramp, terrace or ridge morphologies are formed depends on mode of beach colonisation, plant density and distribution, sand volume, wind speed, and plant species type and morphology.

A range of variables which affect foredune morphology and evolution, including plant canopy density, height and distribution, wind velocity, and various ecological environmental processes are examined.
Invertebrates of Scottish sand dunes
Authors: Welch R. Colin
Published: May 2017

Synopsis

The first comparative study in Britain of the invertebrate fauna of a large number of coastal sites was carried out in Scotland in 1976/77. Fifty-eight sites were selected at fifty-four locations in four geographic areas: East Coast, Moray Firth, North & North-west Coast and the Outer Hebrides. Lepidoptera were collected in MV light traps, while Coleoptera, Araneae, Mollusca and Diplopoda were caught in pitfall traps. The results are analysed to show the relationships between the faunal elements of each region and how species distribution correlates with latitude and is affected by climate. Examples are given to illustrate the great range of distribution patterns of selected species in the five major invertebrate groups studied. Some priority areas for site conservation are listed and recommendations made for a different approach to dune management.
On toposes generated by cardinal finite objects
Authors: HENRY SIMON
Published: May 2017

We give a characterisations of toposes which admit a generating set of objects which are internally cardinal finite (i.e. Kuratowski finite and decidable) in terms of “topological” conditions. The central result is that, constructively, a hyperconnected separated locally decidable topos admit a generating set of cardinal finite objects. The main theorem is then a generalisation obtained as an application of this result internally in the localic reflection of an arbitrary topos: a topos is generated by cardinal finite objects if and only if it is separated, locally decidable, and its localic reflection is zero dimensional.
Use of Ambulatory Electrocardiography for the Detection of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Stroke
Authors: Bell Chaim , Kapral Moira ,   The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
Published: May 2017

Background:

Patients with stroke commonly undergo investigations to determine the underlying cause of stroke. These investigations often include ambulatory electrocardiography to detect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. There is conflicting evidence in the literature regarding whether routine ambulatory electrocardiography should be performed in all or selected stroke patients. This paper reviews the available evidence on (1) the yield of ambulatory electrocardiography in detecting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack and (2) the effectiveness of anticoagulation in preventing recurrent stroke in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Methods:

A MEDLINE search for primary articles was performed, and the references were reviewed manually. In addition, citations were obtained from experts. The evidence was systematically reviewed using the evidence-based methodology of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

Results:

Ambulatory electrocardiography can detect atrial fibrillation not found on initial electrocardiogram in between 1% and 5 % of people with stroke. Ambulatory electrocardiography is generally safe. The risk of recurrent stroke in the setting of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is uncertain, but appears to be similar to that seen with chronic atrial fibrillation (about 12% per year). Therapy with warfarin may reduce this risk by about two-thirds as compared to placebo. The annual risk of major bleeding with warfarin therapy is between 1% and 3% but rates for individual patients depend on various specific risk factors.

Interpretation:

There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the use of ambulatory electrocardiography for the detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in either selected or unselected patients with stroke (C Recommendation). There is fair evidence to recommend therapy with warfarin for patients with stroke and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (B Recommendation).
Predictors of Poor Outcome in Patients with a Spontaneous Cerebellar Hematoma
Authors: Louis Erik K. , Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Li Hongzhe , Atkinson John D.
Published: May 2017

Background and purpose:

The authors studied the clinical and neuroimaging features of cerebellar hematomas to predict poor outcome using comprehensive statistical models.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed clinical and neuroimaging features in 94 patients with spontaneous cerebellar hematomas to identify predictive features for a poor neurologic outcome, defined as death or dismissal to long-term care facility. Data were analyzed using chi square and Fisher's exact test with calculation of odd's ratios together with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

Clinical and neuroradiologic predictors for a poor outcome at p < 0.05 were admission systolic blood pressure > 200 mm Hg, hematoma size >3cm, visible brain stem distortion, and acute hydrocephalus. Presenting findings predicting subsequent death at p < 0.05 were abnormal corneal and oculocephalic responses, Glasgow coma sum score less than 8, motor response less than localization to pain, acute hydrocephalus and intraventricular hemorrhage.

Conclusion:

A tree-based analysis model using binary recursive partitioning showed that cornea reflex, hydrocephalus, doll's eyes, age, and size were the most important discriminating factors. Absent corneal reflexes on admission highly predicts poor outcome (86 percent, confidence limits 67-96 percent). When a cornea reflex is present, acute hydrocephalus predicts poor outcome but only when doll's eyes are additionally absent.
Generic Substitution for Brand Name Antiepileptic Drugs: A Survey
Authors: Guberman A. , Corman Céline
Published: May 2017

Background/Objective:

There are presently 26 different generic preparations for five brand name antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on the Canadian market with others likely to be released in the near future. The purpose of this review is to examine the basis for the controversy surrounding generic substitution for brand name antiepileptic drugs, to present the results of a survey of neurologists' and patients' attitudes toward generic substitution and to increase neurologists'awareness of the issues.

Methods:

The current federal and provincial regulations pertaining to generic drug approval and substitution are reviewed. Published anecdotal and survey reports of the effectiveness and tolerability of generic substitution for AEDs are reviewed. A pilot questionnaire survey of 83 patients from four adult epilepsy clinics and 46 neurologists from across Canada was undertaken to determine attitudes toward generic substitution.

Results and Conclusions:

Several authors have suggested that some AEDs, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic index, may pose problems with generic substitution. Although generic AEDs are lower in price, possible increased side effects and morbidity and the need for closer monitoring could partially offset the cost savings. The results of our survey highlight significant unawareness of the process of generic substitution among both patients and neurologists and reveal a general level of discomfort among neurologists to prescribe generic AEDs. Further data should be obtained about the potential consequences of generic substitution in epilepsy patients.
Craniotomy Revisited: Techniques for Improved Access and Reconstruction
Authors: Cusimano Michael D. , Suhardja Agustinus S.
Published: May 2017

Objective:

To describe simple modifications of the technique of opening and closure of the craniotomy to improve basal exposure and reconstruction.

Methods:

The modifications involve: a) additional soft-tissue dissection which is carried downward to the base of the ear and to the orbital rim, exposing the orbital rim and malar eminence without removing the bone; b) cutting the bone flap so that ‘bridges’ of bone remain that help to stabilize the flap when it is returned to the cranium at the end of the operation; c) the wedging of bone chips between the bone flap and native cranium at the time the bone is being reaffixed so as to provide firm stability by diminishing movement of the bone flap; d) the use of bone dust and bone chips mixed with the patient's blood to seal and bridge the gap between the bone flap and the native bone; e) reattachment of the temporalis muscle with the bone flap sutures. An ‘inlay’ technique of duraplasty is also described.

Results and Conclusion:

These simple modifications of craniotomy provide better basal exposure and reconstruction with little additional operating time at no additional cost.
Gene expression analysis of bovine embryonic disc, trophoblast and parietal hypoblast at the start of gastrulation
Authors: Pfeffer Peter L. , Smith Craig S. , Maclean Paul , Berg Debra K.
Published: May 2017

In cattle early gastrulation-stage embryos (Stage 5), four tissues can be discerned: (i) the top layer of the embryonic disc consisting of embryonic ectoderm (EmE); (ii) the bottom layer of the disc consisting of mesoderm, endoderm and visceral hypoblast (MEH); (iii) the trophoblast (TB); and (iv) the parietal hypoblast. We performed microsurgery followed by RNA-seq to analyse the transcriptome of these four tissues as well as a developmentally earlier pre-gastrulation embryonic disc. The cattle EmE transcriptome was similar at Stages 4 and 5, characterised by the OCT4/SOX2/NANOG pluripotency network. Expression of genes associated with primordial germ cells suggest their presence in the EmE tissue at these stages. Anterior visceral hypoblast genes were transcribed in the Stage 4 disc, but no longer by Stage 5. The Stage 5 MEH layer was equally similar to mouse embryonic and extraembryonic visceral endoderm. Our data suggest that the first mesoderm to invaginate in cattle embryos is fated to become extraembryonic. TGFβ, FGF, VEGF, PDGFA, IGF2, IHH and WNT signals and receptors were expressed, however the representative members of the FGF families differed from that seen in equivalent tissues of mouse embryos. The TB transcriptome was unique and differed significantly from that of mice. FGF signalling in the TB may be autocrine with both FGFR2 and FGF2 expressed. Our data revealed a range of potential inter-tissue interactions, highlighted significant differences in early development between mice and cattle and yielded insight into the developmental events occurring at the start of gastrulation.
Economic Pull Factors versus Political Push Factors: A Descriptive Analysis of Multidimensional Relations between Russia and Turkey
Authors: Çanci Haldun
Published: May 2017

This article analyses the economic cooperation and political disagreements between Russia and Turkey, focusing on the Putin–Erdogan (2003–2014) period. The analysis depends therefore on economic, socio-cultural, military and political dimensions of the relations between the two neighbouring countries. The article aims to contribute to efforts that try to comprehend the past, present, and future of Russian–Turkish relations. It can be mentioned that Russian–Turkish relations have both positive and negative aspects, and the crucial questions in this respect are: Will the pragmatism stimulated by economic expectations be sufficient to ignore political paradoxes? Are further political relations, such as strategic alliances and/or partnerships, possible between these two countries?
Relationships between blood hormonal concentrations and secondary fibre shedding in young cashmere-bearing goats at their first moult
Authors: Celi P. , Seren E. , Celi R. , Parmeggiani A. , Di Trana A.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate secondary fibre shedding in relation to seasonal hormonal changes in young cashmere-bearing goats reared in southern Italy. We used 14 cashmere-bearing kids, seven males and seven females, of a Scottish breed-population of goats specialized in cashmere production. Monthly, a hair patch of 4 cm2was clipped from both left and right mid sides alternately and cashmere length and its yield were determined. Blood samples were taken every 2 weeks and plasma was assayed for prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), progesterone and testosterone. With the same frequency, animals were monitored for onset of moult. Our data indicate that in young cashmere goats at their first moult, secondary fibre shedding is a seasonal event that is strictly related to changes in photoperiod and that PRL has a pivotal rôle in regulating this phenomenon. This corresponds with findings in adults. The observation that both thyroid hormones and sex steroids varied seasonally suggests that they are involved in the regulation of the moult cycle, but their precise rôle remains to be elucidated. Our data also indicate that GH seems to be implicated in the control of the moult cycle. The finding that maximal fibre shedding occurred earlier in males than females could be ascribed to differences in GH levels and to the earlier increase in plasma concentration of PRL observed in males.
Influence of floor type and stocking density on leg weakness, osteochondrosis and claw disorders in slaughter pigs
Authors: Jørgensen B.
Published: May 2017

The effects of floor type and stocking density on leg weakness, osteochondrosis and claw disorders in slaughter pigs were studied. Three hundred pigs were housed in pens with either solid floors with plenty of straw, solid floors without straw or fully slatted floors at either high (0·65 m2per pig) or low (1·2 m2per pig) stocking density from 25 to 105 kg. In each pen half of the pigs were boars and half gilts of the breeds Landrace and Yorkshire ✕ Landrace crossbred. There was no difference in growth rate between the three floor types. The growth rate of the boars was higher at low compared with high stocking density, while no effect of stocking density was seen in the gilts. The prevalence of leg weakness and claw disorders was different for the various floor types, while no effect of floor type could be found on joint changes. With regard to leg weakness, slatted flooring was significantly worse than solid floors with or without straw for standing under position on hind legs, while pens with plenty of straw were significantly better than the other floor types with regard to stiff movement and forelegs turned out. A calculated sum of the nine leg weakness symptoms showed that pens with straw were the best followed by solid floor without straw, while slatted floors were the worst. Regarding claw disorders, solid floors without straw were the worst. High stocking density affected four leg weakness variables (buck-kneed forelegs, turned-out fore- and hind legs, standing under position on hind legs), one joint change and three claw disorders negatively. Boars scored worse than gilts with regard to one leg weakness trait and one claw disorder and thickening of cartilage in two joints. Differences between breeds differed for the examined variables. Claw hardness was affected by floor type with regard to medial claws, which were softer on slatted floors. The hind claws were softer than the foreclaws on the volar surface, while there was no difference between the hardness of the topside of the fore- and hind claws. Claw hardness was not affected by sex. In conclusion, it can be said that the examined floor types do not have the same effect on the different aspects of leg weaknesses and claw disorders. Thus, clinical leg problems are worst on slatted floors and best in pens with straw, but claw disorders are worst on solid floors without straw. Further, high stocking density specifically affects the clinical leg weaknesses and claw disorders. Joint changes were not affected by floor type or stocking density.
Physiological and production responses when feeding Aspergillus oryzae to dairy cows during short-term, moderate heat stress
Authors: Ominski K. H. , Wittenberg K. M. , Kennedy A. D. , Moshtaghi-Nia S. A.
Published: May 2017

Dairy operations located in many temperate climates experience a decline in milk production associated with short-term moderate heat stress during the summer months. The duration and intensity of this heat stress differs dramatically from the sustained, intense heat experienced in many tropical and subtropical countries where the vast majority of heat stress research has been conducted. As such, many of the strategies utilized to ameliorate production losses associated with sustained, intense heat may not be effective in temperate climates. The objective of this research was to characterize the production responses of lactating dairy cows during and after short-term, moderate heat exposure and, to determine if feeding a fungal culture, Aspergillus oryzae, during a 5-day heat stress period, could effectively alleviate the associated production losses. In a two-period, cross-over design, eight mature lactating cows were given a total mixed ration with or without Aspergillus oryzae. Each 15-day period consisted of a 5-day thermoneutral phase, a 5-day heat stress phase and a 5-day thermoneutral recovery phase. When exposed to moderate heat stress for a 5-day period, cows experienced a rise in vaginal temperature and a decline in dry-matter intake. Following the 5-day heat stress phase, milk yield declined by a factor of 0·09. Supplementation with Aspergillus oryzae had no effect on vaginal temperature, dry-matter intake, water intake, milk yield or milk components. These data indicate that short-term, moderate heat stress, which occurs during the spring and summer months in temperate climates, will significantly decrease production in the lactating cow. Addition of fungal cultures to the diet during the period of imposed heat did not ameliorate production losses associated with this type of heat stress.
Effect of childhood nutrition counselling on intelligence in adolescence: a 15-year follow-up of a cluster-randomised trial
Authors: Munhoz Tiago N , Santos Iná S , Karam Simone de M. , Martines Jose , Pelto Gretel , Barcelos Raquel , Gonçalves Helen , Valle Neiva CJ , Anselmi Luciana , Matijasevich Alicia
Published: May 2017

Objective

The present study aimed to assess the effects of an early childhood nutrition counselling intervention on intelligence (as measured by the intelligence quotient (IQ)) at age 15–16 years.

Design

A single-blind, cluster-randomised trial.

Setting

In 1998, in Southern Brazil, mothers of children aged 18 months or younger were enrolled in a nutrition counselling intervention (n 424). Counselling included encouragement and promotion of exclusive breast-feeding until 6 months of age and continued breast-feeding supplemented by protein-, lipid- and carbohydrate-rich foods after age 6 months up to age 2 years. The control group received routine feeding advice. In 2013, the fourth round of follow-up of these individuals, at the age of 15–16 years, was undertaken. IQ was assessed using the short form of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III). Mental disorders (evaluated using the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA)) and self-reported school failure, smoking and alcohol use were also investigated. Adjusted analyses were conducted using a multilevel model in accordance with the sampling process.

Subjects

Adolescents, mean (sd) age of 15·4 (0·5) years (n 339).

Results

Mean (sd) total IQ score was lower in the intervention group than the control group (93·4 (11·4) and 95·8 (11·2), respectively) but the association did not persist after adjustment. The prevalence of any mental disorders was similar between intervention and control groups (23·1 and 23·5 %, respectively). There were no differences between groups regarding school failure, smoking and alcohol use.

Conclusions

Nutrition counselling intervention in early childhood had no effect on intelligence measured during adolescence.
Is maternal periconceptional smoking associated with 2D:4D digit ratio in their children?
Authors: Velez M. P. , Arbuckle T. E. , Monnier P. , Fraser W. D.
Published: May 2017

The 2nd--4th finger ratio (2D:4D) has been proposed as a potential indicator of greater androgen exposure during fetal development. Maternal periconceptional smoking may alter the homeostasis of fetal androgens, which could in turn result in differential development of 2D:4Ds in utero. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of maternal periconceptional smoking (i.e. 1 year before through the first trimester of pregnancy) on the 2D:4D of children within The Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. Maternal smoking history was obtained through questionnaires during the first trimester of pregnancy in 2001 women from 10 cities across Canada. The periconceptional smoking prevalence was 12%. A follow-up study was conducted to measure growth and development up to 5 years of age in a subsample of some 800 MIREC children (MIREC-CD Plus), and digital pictures of the ventral surface of both hands were obtained in mothers and children (2–5 years). The 2D:4D was calculated as the ratio of the 2nd and 4th fingers of each hand. Boys had lower mean 2D:4Ds compared with girls in both hands. Age and maternal 2D:4D were strong determinants of the children’s 2D:4D, however, the mean 2D:4D did not differ among children whose mothers had smoked during the periconceptional period compared with those who had not, irrespective of sex. In conclusion, we did not find an association between maternal periconceptional smoking and children’s 2D:4D, although the smoking prevalence was low.
The Right of Access to Environmental Information and Legal Transplant Theory: Lessons from London and Beijing
Authors: Whittaker Sean
Published: May 2017

This article analyzes the potential for legal transplant theory to strengthen the legal regimes that guarantee the right of access to environmental information in England and China. Guaranteed by the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, the right has a substantial impact on how individuals can act as environmental stewards. However, despite the framework provided by the Aarhus Convention, there are shortcomings in how these states guarantee the right when compared with the obligations set by the provisions of the Convention. The article applies Alan Watson’s legal transplant theory to the environmental information regimes in England and China and considers the likelihood of each jurisdiction sourcing legal reforms from the other. It also seeks to identify common trends shared by each jurisdiction and the impact of the Aarhus Convention on such transplants.
Deep Trouble! Common Problems for Ocean Observatories
Authors: Howe Bruce , McRae Eric
Published: May 2017

Ocean Observing Infrastructure and Sensing – Technical Lessons Learned and Best Practices; Moss Landing, California, 23–25 September 2016
MOF as an evolutionarily conserved histone crotonyltransferase and transcriptional activation by histone acetyltransferase-deficient and crotonyltransferase-competent CBP/p300
Authors: Liu Xiaoguang , Wei Wei , Liu Yuting , Yang Xueli , Wu Jian , Zhang Yang , Zhang Qiao , Shi Tieliu , Du James X , Zhao Yingming , Lei Ming , Zhou Jin-Qiu , Li Jiwen , Wong Jiemin
Published: May 2017

Recent studies indicate that histones are subjected to various types of acylation including acetylation, propionylation and crotonylation. CBP and p300 have been shown to catalyze multiple types of acylation but are not conserved in evolution, raising the question as to the existence of other enzymes for histone acylation and the functional relationship between well-characterized acetylation and other types of acylation. In this study, we focus on enzymes catalyzing histone crotonylation and demonstrate that among the known histone acetyltransferases, MOF, in addition to CBP and p300, also possesses histone crotonyltransferase (HCT) activity and this activity is conserved in evolution. We provide evidence that CBP and p300 are the major HCTs in mammalian cells. Furthermore, we have generated novel CBP/p300 mutants with deficient histone acetyltransferase but competent HCT activity. These CBP/p300 mutants can substitute the endogenous CBP/p300 to enhance transcriptional activation in the cell, which correlates with enhanced promoter crotonylation and recruitment of DPF2, a selective reader for crotonylated histones. Taken together, we have identified MOF as an evolutionarily conserved HCT and provide first cellular evidence that CBP/p300 can facilitate transcriptional activation through histone acylation other than acetylation, thus supporting an emerging role for the non-acetylation type of histone acylation in transcription and possibly other chromatin-based processes.
Alpine soil carbon is vulnerable to rapid microbial decomposition under climate cooling
Authors: Wu Linwei , Yang Yunfeng , Wang Shiping , Yue Haowei , Lin Qiaoyan , Hu Yigang , He Zhili , Van Nostrand Joy D , Hale Lauren , Li Xiangzhen , Gilbert Jack A , Zhou Jizhong
Published: May 2017

As climate cooling is increasingly regarded as important natural variability of long-term global warming trends, there is a resurging interest in understanding its impact on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Here, we report a soil transplant experiment from lower to higher elevations in a Tibetan alpine grassland to simulate the impact of cooling on ecosystem community structure and function. Three years of cooling resulted in reduced plant productivity and microbial functional potential (for example, carbon respiration and nutrient cycling). Microbial genetic markers associated with chemically recalcitrant carbon decomposition remained unchanged despite a decrease in genes associated with chemically labile carbon decomposition. As a consequence, cooling-associated changes correlated with a decrease in soil organic carbon (SOC). Extrapolation of these results suggests that for every 1 °C decrease in annual average air temperature, 0.1 Pg (0.3%) of SOC would be lost from the Tibetan plateau. These results demonstrate that microbial feedbacks to cooling have the potential to differentially impact chemically labile and recalcitrant carbon turnover, which could lead to strong, adverse consequences on soil C storage. Our findings are alarming, considering the frequency of short-term cooling and its scale to disrupt ecosystems and biogeochemical cycling.
Decoding and reprogramming fungal iterative nonribosomal peptide synthetases
Authors: Yu Dayu , Xu Fuchao , Zhang Shuwei , Zhan Jixun
Published: May 2017

Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) assemble a large group of structurally and functionally diverse natural products. While the iterative catalytic mechanism of bacterial NRPSs is known, it remains unclear how fungal NRPSs create products of desired length. Here we show that fungal iterative NRPSs adopt an alternate incorporation strategy. Beauvericin and bassianolide synthetases have the same C1-A1-T1-C2-A2-MT-T2a-T2b-C3 domain organization. During catalysis, C3 and C2 take turns to incorporate the two biosynthetic precursors into the growing depsipeptide chain that swings between T1 and T2a/T2b with C3 cyclizing the chain when it reaches the full length. We reconstruct the total biosynthesis of beauvericin in vitro by reacting C2 and C3 with two SNAC-linked precursors and present a domain swapping approach to reprogramming these enzymes for peptides with altered lengths. These findings highlight the difference between bacterial and fungal NRPS mechanisms and provide a framework for the enzymatic synthesis of non-natural nonribosomal peptides.