bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of flower colouration in 30 Rhododendron species via anthocyanin and flavonol identification and quantitative traits
Authors: Du H. , Lai L. , Wang F. , Sun W. , Zhang L. , Li X. , Wang L. , Jiang L. , Zheng Y. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Floral colour is a key reproductive character, often associated with environmental adaptation, and subject to human intervention. A large number of Rhododendron species differ widely in flower colour, providing a good model for flower colouration. The chromatic features and anthocyanin compositions of 30 species from seven subgenera were systematically analysed.

The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart and CIE L*a*b* system were employed to describe and investigate flower colours. The UPLC‐PDA/ESI‐MSn system was used to identify and quantify anthocyanins in petal extracts.

The flower colours of 30 Rhododendron species were categorised into four groups – red, purplish pink, purple and white. Seven anthocyanins were identified and quantified in petals: delphinidin, cyanidin and malvidin 3‐O‐arabinoside‐5‐O‐glucosides, cyanidin 3,5‐di‐O‐glucoside, 3‐O‐galactoside and 3‐O‐arabinoside, and delphinidin 3‐O‐glucoside. The red‐flowered species mainly contained cyanidin monoglycosides and had much higher total anthocyanin content than purplish pink‐ and purple‐flowered species. Purplish pink‐ and purple‐flowered species had similar anthocyanin types and content. The chromatic differences were significant among groups, except the purplish pink and purple groups. Statistical analysis showed that Cy3Gal and Cy3Arb are characteristic for red‐flowered species, and Mv3Arb5G and Dp3Arb5G play important roles in purple colouration; their contents were major components that greatly affected the chromatic parameters. In total, 21 flavonol derivates were identified. However, total flavonol content and co‐pigmentation index showed no significant difference or correlation among/with colour groups, suggesting that flavonols might not play a major role in colouration.

These results enhance our knowledge of the biochemical basis of flower colouration in Rhododendron species, and provide a foundation for genetic variation studies and aid in breeding cultivars with novel flower colours.
From pre‐ovulatory follicle palpation to the challenge of twin pregnancies: Clinical reflections following one million gynaecological examinations in dairy cows
Authors: López‐Gatius F. , Hunter R.H.F. 
Published: October 2017

ContentsBased on experimental studies and extensive field‐scale experience, this review offers new proposals for: (i) elevating the success of modern insemination procedures, (ii) emphasizing features of a pre‐ovulatory follicle in the context of optimum insemination timing, (iii) overcoming heat stress and its consequences using physiological processes or endocrine protocols, (iv) establishing a viable pregnancy or early pregnancy loss and (v) the challenge of twin pregnancies. In conclusion, the fertility of high‐yielding dairy cows can be further improved.
Increased sperm cell production in ageing roosters by an oral treatment with an aromatase inhibitor and a natural herbal extract designed for improving fertility
Authors: Adeldust H , Farzinpour A , Farshad A , Rostamzadeh J , Lopez‐Bejar M 
Published: October 2017

ContentsRooster fertility peaks between 30 and 40 weeks of age and declines rapidly from 50 weeks of age. This is linked to a reduction in the number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate due to high density of spermatids in the seminiferous tubules of low‐fertility roosters. In this study, we assessed the effects over spermatogenesis of both letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, and a commercial herbal extract designed for improving fertility composed by Tribulus, Cinnamomum, Zingiber and Sativus. Forty‐two‐week‐old Ross 308 roosters (n = 24) were distributed into four groups: control, letrozole (0.03 mg/kg), herbal extract (0.04 ml/kg) and letrozole+herbal extract. After 14 weeks of daily oral supplementation, their testes and epididymides were weighed, fixed and sectioned for assessment of spermatogenesis and quantification of sperm cells inside the lumen. Differences in seminiferous tubules measurements and density of sperm cells were tested using R software (version 3.0.1). Although body weight was not affected by the treatment, testes from animals treated with the combination of letrozole and herbal extracts were heavier than those from control animals. Animals treated with either letrozole or herbal extract, or their combination, showed a significant higher number of sperm cells inside the seminiferous tubules and epididymis than control animals (p < .05). These data suggest that the use of letrozole and the herbal extract could improve sperm cell production in ageing roosters. Future studies are needed to disclose the causal mechanisms involved and its effect on fertility and ejaculate features.
Voltage‐dependent anion channel 2 is involved in in vitro capacitation of boar sperm
Authors: Martínez‐Abad S , Castillo‐Martín M , Gadani B , Rodríguez‐Gil JE , Bonet S , Yeste M 
Published: October 2017

ContentsIon channels play an important role during sperm capacitation allowing the transport through plasma and mitochondrial membranes of specific molecules that are essential for the achievement of this physiologic status. Given that voltage‐dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2) is present in boar spermatozoa and is known to be involved in calcium transport in somatic cells, this study aimed at determining whether it is implicated in sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction. With this purpose, boar spermatozoa were capacitated in vitro for 4 hr, and acrosome reaction was induced with progesterone for a further hour, with or without the presence of two VDAC2‐inhibitors (erastin and olesoxime) at two different concentrations (10 and 100 μM). At different time points (0, 120, 240, 270 and 300 min), an aliquot was taken and sperm motility, membrane integrity and lipid disorder were evaluated using computer‐assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry. The addition of the two inhibitors resulted in opposite effects. While erastin 100 μM reduced the percentage of non‐capacitated spermatozoa, the presence of olesoxime at the same concentration prevented the increase in membrane lipid disorder, which is a feature of sperm capacitation. Such prevention was concomitant with a maintaining effect on sperm membrane integrity evaluated through SYBR14/PI. Our results suggest that VDAC2 is involved in the regulation of sperm capacitation, despite the fact that the mechanisms through which erastin and olesoxime act are different.
Altrenogest treatment before weaning improves litter size in sows
Authors: Lopes TP , Bolarín A , Martínez EA , Roca J 
Published: October 2017

ContentsThe study aimed to assess whether altrenogest treatment, fed before weaning (from −8 to −2 days), could improve fertility of sows showing reproductive seasonality. Ninety sows (50 in winter–spring [WS] and 40 in summer–autumn [SA]) were randomly selected and assigned to control (C; 27 in WS and 20 in SA) or altrenogest treatment (A; 23 in WS and 20 in SA) groups. The diameter and number of ovarian follicles were transrectally scanned at the onset of oestrus. Oestrus was evaluated twice daily from weaning to day 8 post‐weaning. Sows in oestrus were post‐cervically inseminated at 0 and 24 hr after the onset of oestrus with liquid stored semen (1.5 × 109 sperm/doses), and farrowing rates (FR) and total piglets born (LS) were recorded. More (p < .01) sows showed no signs of oestrus within 8 days after weaning in SA (30%) than in WS (2%), without differences between A and C groups. The diameter (cm) of the follicles at the onset of oestrus was larger in A than in C sows (0.76 ± 0.01 vs 0.73 ± 0.01; p < .01), irrespective of the season. No differences in the number of follicles were found. FR did not differ between seasons and groups, being always above 85%. LS was larger (p < .01) in A (14.00 ± 0.46) than C (12.27 ± 0.44) sows, irrespective of the season. In conclusion, a short‐term altrenogest treatment at the end of lactation improves the total number of piglets born from weaned sows, probably by promoting a better and more homogeneous follicular development at the start of oestrus.
Quantifying the interactions of land management practices and agricultural productivity using a soil quality index
Authors: de Paul Obade V. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIt is desirable to develop an objective Soil Quality Index (SQI) to guide sustainable agronomic intensification, thereby promoting socio‐economic well‐being. This study pioneers the use of Ward's cluster and principal component regression methods to evaluate soil homogeneity and construct a SQI (expressed as %). Field data were acquired from five different sites within Ohio, USA, that were under no‐till (NT), conventional till (CT) management and natural vegetation (NV) land use. Soil pH, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio, nitrate and soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations were identified as primary drivers of soil quality. Based on Ward's cluster method, the soil properties of croplands were not significantly different from those under NV land use. However, SQI ranked surface soils under CT management as higher in quality than NV and NT managed soils, respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2) between SQI and corn (Zea mays L.) and soya bean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields was 0.7 and 0.9, respectively, implying this SQI effectively relates soil properties, a function of anthropogenic land management practices, with crop yields. In future, time series analyses will be used to assess SQI versus crop yield dynamics, with key socio‐economic and climate variables.
Cold stored platelets in treatment of bleeding
Authors: Apelseth T. O. , Cap A. P. , Spinella P. C. , Hervig T. , Strandenes G. 
Published: October 2017

The success of whole blood transfusion in military operational settings has engaged a debate on reintroduction of cold‐stored whole blood in treatment of critical bleeding in civilian health care. The haemostatic function of platelets stored cold at 4°C has however been questioned. In this review, we discuss the effects of cold storage on platelets, whether stored in whole blood or as platelet concentrates. Cold storage of platelets was abandoned during the 1970s due to reduced circulation time. Haemostatic superiority of cold‐stored platelets was however suggested. In vitro studies show reduced risk of bacterial contamination and equal or superior haemostatic qualities in cold‐stored platelet concentrates when evaluated by metabolic measures and aggregation response. Data on cold‐stored platelet concentrates from thrombocytopenic patients and healthy volunteers indicate improved platelet aggregation and reduced bleeding. A randomized controlled trial in paediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery, showed reduced blood loss and improved platelet aggregation responses after transfusion with whole blood stored cold for up to 48 h, and platelets stored cold within whole blood for up to 15 days provide similar post‐storage platelet viability as platelet concentrates or apheresis platelets stored for less than 3 days. Animal studies also suggest efficacy of cold‐stored platelets. A study investigating the effects of cold‐stored apheresis platelets in patients undergoing cardiothoracic is currently being performed in Bergen, Norway showing promising results. We conclude that in vitro and clinical studies indicate that cold‐stored platelets may be beneficial in treatment of critical bleeding.
Multilocus phylogeny and taxonomy of East Asian voles Alexandromys (Rodentia, Arvicolinae)
Authors: Lissovsky Andrey A. , Petrova Tatyana V. , Yatsentyuk Svetlana P. , Golenishchev Fedor N. , Putincev Nikolay I. , Kartavtseva Irina V. , Sheremetyeva Irina N. , Abramson Natalia I. 
Published: October 2017

Phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy and nomenclature issues within East Asian voles Alexandromys were addressed using comprehensive species samples, including all 12 valid species of the genus, and multilocus analysis. We examined the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene and three nuclear genes in 36 specimens. Additionally, we examined a data set of 106 specimens using only the cytb gene. Our results did not confirm the aggregation of A. kikuchii, A. montebelli and A. oeconomus into a separate clade, namely the subgenus Pallasiinus. Analysis of incomplete lineage sorting using JML software highlighted both the cases of mitochondrial introgression and incomplete lineage sorting within the genus. Thus, the sister position of A. sachalinensis and A. maximowiczii in mitochondrial trees could be explained by mitochondrial introgression, while the sister position of A. limnophilus and A. fortis in mitochondrial trees could be successfully explained by incomplete lineage sorting. Very short genetic distances, together with an absence of monophyly, of the three species, A. evoronensis, A. mujanensis and A. maximowiczii, is supported by multiple morphological data, which indicates that these three taxa should be one species—A. maximowiczii. Analysis of genetic distances and tree topology revealed that three species of short‐tailed voles—A. middendorffii, A. mongolicus and A. gromovi—are more closely related to each other than to other established species of Alexandromys. The lacustrine vole, A. limnophilus, is closely related to the group of short‐tailed voles. Analysis of the type specimens of limnophilus and flaviventris confirmed that these taxa form one species together with A. l. malygini. Our results suggest that the mountains of western Mongolia are inhabited by a new taxon of short‐tailed voles of the same rank as middendorffii, mongolicus and gromovi—A. m. alpinus ssp. n.
Omecamtiv mercabil and blebbistatin modulate cardiac contractility by perturbing the regulatory state of the myosin filament
Authors: Kampourakis Thomas , Zhang Xuemeng , Sun Yin‐Biao , Irving Malcolm 
Published: October 2017

Key points
Omecamtiv mecarbil and blebbistatin perturb the regulatory state of the thick filament in heart muscle.
Omecamtiv mecarbil increases contractility at low levels of activation by stabilizing the ON state of the thick filament.
Omecamtiv mecarbil decreases contractility at high levels of activation by disrupting the acto‐myosin ATPase cycle.
Blebbistatin reduces contractility by stabilizing the thick filament OFF state and inhibiting acto‐myosin ATPase.
Thick filament regulation is a promising target for novel therapeutics in heart disease.
AbstractContraction of heart muscle is triggered by a transient rise in intracellular free calcium concentration linked to a change in the structure of the actin‐containing thin filaments that allows the head or motor domains of myosin from the thick filaments to bind to them and induce filament sliding. It is becoming increasingly clear that cardiac contractility is also regulated through structural changes in the thick filaments, although the molecular mechanisms underlying thick filament regulation are still relatively poorly understood. Here we investigated those mechanisms using small molecules – omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) and blebbistatin (BS) – that bind specifically to myosin and respectively activate or inhibit contractility in demembranated cardiac muscle cells. We measured isometric force and ATP utilization at different calcium and small‐molecule concentrations in parallel with in situ structural changes determined using fluorescent probes on the myosin regulatory light chain in the thick filaments and on troponin C in the thin filaments. The results show that BS inhibits contractility and actin‐myosin ATPase by stabilizing the OFF state of the thick filament in which myosin head domains are more parallel to the filament axis. In contrast, OM stabilizes the ON state of the thick filament, but inhibits contractility at high intracellular calcium concentration by disrupting the actin‐myosin ATPase pathway. The effects of BS and OM on the calcium sensitivity of isometric force and filament structural changes suggest that the co‐operativity of calcium activation in physiological conditions is due to positive coupling between the regulatory states of the thin and thick filaments.
The Research of the Model-Free Adaptive Control Method of Once-Through Steam Generator in Nuclear Power
Authors: Tao Mo , Ke Zhiwu , Li Xianling , Qu Ruotong , Zhao Zhenxing , Wu Jun , Li Yong 
Published: October 2017

Due to the increasingly complexity of the nuclear power device system, the demands for its performance and security become rather high. Once through steam generator (OTSG) has been widely researched and applied because of its practical advantages like simple structure and small volume, good static performance and mobility. It can produce superheated steam, can work without dehumidification device, and can improve the thermal efficiency of a system. However OTSG has evidently shortages on tight coupling, nonlinearity, large hysteresis and strong interference. That makes its controller designing faces with great challenges.
Keeping to the topic of OTSG (Including the feed pump and the feed valve), the main study subjects of this paper are:
Firstly, identifying the plant system and researching the four stages changing of the steam pressure by driving the feed valve with a step signal. Non-minimum phase characteristic is found in the second stage.
Secondly, discussing whether MFAC and PID are applicable to the non-minimum phase characteristic in the second stage of steam pressure changing. Whether they can eliminate the changing in the first stage, overcome the non-minimum phase characteristic, and finally reduce the cyclic stress damage of OTSG.
Thirdly, for the “feed valve-steam pressure” channel, adjusting the feed valve to track the steam pressure. Then, whether the adjusting of the feed valve can resist the disturbance on steam pressure is researched. This research can help us avoid adjusting the circuit and the feed pump frequently and enhances the reliability and security of the system on the premise that no adjust on feed valve and the power of the first circuit.
Compared with the simulation result of PID, the convergence rate of MFAC is evidently faster than PID’s. In brief, MFAC has obvious superiorities in tracking, adapting, anti-interference and overcoming large hysteresis when compared with PID controller.
The Influence of Time in the Management of the Weather and External Forces Hazard Regarding Mass Movements
Authors: Osorio Henry 
Published: October 2017

The Weather and External Forces hazard (WEF) is considered in ASME B31.8 as a non-time-dependent hazard due to its random nature and the high uncertainty of the effects on pipelines given the occurrence of natural events, especially associated with hydro and geotechnical processes. Although there is a wide range of events associated with geological, hydrological and hydraulic conditions (among other things) that can affect a certain infrastructure, only a limited number of these geohazards can cause direct damage to hydrocarbon transportation infrastructure.
The identification and understanding of a ground failure process and its association with the susceptibility or physical fragility of the pipeline facing the potential adverse effects of a hazard event, allow to estimate the conditional probability of pipeline failure under loading stresses induced by the event and to estimate the actions needed to mitigate this hazard with methodologies ranging from approaches of structured expert knowledge to methods of structured analysis that incorporate incorporating subsurface investigation, detailed study of the results from terrain monitoring, pipeline and triggering agents through mechanical modeling.
This document presents a technical proposal for the management of geohazards which, due to the nature and characteristics of the instability processes and its relation with the activity of triggering agents, and the vulnerability of the pipeline, allow them to be analyzed as time dependent.
Pipeline Failure Probability From Geohazard Loading
Authors: Simpson David , Young Andy 
Published: October 2017

Establishing pipeline failure frequencies enables designers and operators to make informed decisions on the allocation of resources to address different threats. Normally, this would involve the selection and timing of inspection, monitoring and protection activities. Typically, failure frequencies are defined based on the collection of historical statistics. This is difficult for geohazards due to the comparatively low incident rate compared to other hazards, however the consequences tend to be catastrophic. As a result, significant uncertainties are attached to predicted failure frequencies for geohazards.
Two principal areas of uncertainty cover the occurrence and nature of loading events and whether the pipeline will survive the loading. This paper addresses both of these key aspects. The occurrence and nature of loading can be determined from the examination of in-line inspection records through different terrains. The pipeline survival rate is based on the efficient execution of multiple analysis runs within a finite element code where the distributions of the key input variables are defined to cover either observed or potential variation in the field. These include landslide size, orientation, movement and soil stiffness values as well as considerations of tensile fracture limits. The calculation of the probability of pipeline failure due to landslide loading is illustrated using a case study.