bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposure of mature Norway spruce to ozone in twig-chambers: effects on gas exchange
Authors: Wieser Gerhard , Havranek Wilhelm M. 
Published: February 2017

SynopsisLittle is known about ozone (O3) effects on adult trees in the field, where ecophysiological parameters control pollutant uptake. It was the goal of this study to examine how ambient and above ambient O3 concentrations affect gas exchange of mature Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). Therefore, twigs were enclosed in chambers and exposed to different O3 concentrations for one and two seasons over three years. During winter periods twigs were maintained under ambient conditions. Data from the shade crown of spruce trees at 1000 m a.s.l. are presented. After one and two fumigation periods no clear treatment effects on gas exchange were observed in twigs fumigated with O3 concentrations ranging from zero up to ambient (A) + 60 ppb. However, O3 at 90 ppb reduced photosynthesis and conductance. CO2 response curves indicated that in A + 90 twigs the efficiency of CO2 uptake was diminished. Observed losses in Pn of A + 90 twigs were greater than reductions in conductance indicating that stomatal closure alone did not limit CO2 uptake. We conclude that ambient and slightly above ambient O3 concentrations do not alter gas exchange of mature Norway spruce. Therefore, suppositions on O3 damage on mature spruce trees should be critically questioned.
Anaerobic germination and metabolism ofErythrinaseeds with special reference to mitochondria and nitrate reductase
Authors: Kemp Karin , Small J. G. C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSeeds ofErythrina caffraThunb. are able to germinate anaerobically. Cycloheximide, chloramphenicol and malonate depressed germination. N2-incubated seeds metabolised [2-14C] Na-acetate. Synthesis of ATP in embryonic axes of N2-incubated seeds occurred to the same extent as in air-germinated seeds. Cycloheximide but not chloramphenicol depressed ATP and ethanol contents and respiratory capacity of embryonic axes.Embryonic axis mitochondrial O2uptake capacity was similar for seeds incubated for 24 h in air and N2. The activities of five mitochondrial enzymes at this stage were slightly lower in N2-incubated than in air-incubated axes. However, at 12 h, i.e. prior to germination, activities in N2-incubated axes were higher for malate dehydrogenase, oxoglutarate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase, similar for succinate dehydrogenase and slightly lower for cytochrome oxidase than corresponding activities in axes of air-germinated seeds. Mitochondrial protein synthesis occurred in axes of N2-incubated seeds but at a slightly lower rate than in air-incubated seeds.When assayed anaerobically nitrate reductase activity was found associated with purified mitochondria. The nitrate reductase associated with mitochondria utilised NADH, succinate and to a lesser extent malate as electron donors. The activities measured were much lower than those of typical mitochondrial enzymes.It is concluded that mitochondrial activity occurs anaerobically inE. caffraembryonic seed axes and might possibly play a role in anoxic germination.
Fluorescence of farnesene oxidation products in extracts and intact fruits as related to the development of superficial scald during storage of ‘Antonovka’ apples
Authors: Merzlyak M. N. , Chivkunova O. B. , Pogosyan S. I. , Kuznetsova L. I. , Ponomareva N. P. , Gudkovsky V. A. 
Published: February 2017

SynopsisThe oxidation products of unsaturated hydrocarbon α-farnesene that accumulate in cuticular lipids of stored apple fruits and are involved in the development of superficial scald showed UV fluorescence. The fluorescence emission band was localised at about 330 nm; the fluorescence excitation spectrum resembles the absorption spectrum of the products, but was more resolved. The corresponding fluorescence was recorded from the surfaces of intact apple fruits. It appears that the fluorescence analysis of farnesene oxidation products is a useful, specific, and sensitive tool to follow their concentrations both in extracts and intact fruits.
Effect of postharvest application of acetaldehyde or a short period of anaerobiosis on fruit senescence
Authors: Pesis E. , Marinansky R. , Rot I. , Weksler A. 
Published: February 2017

SynopsisAcetaldehyde (AA) vapours exogenously applied or endogenously synthesised caused inhibition of fruit ripening process. Exposure of whole tomatoes to 6000 ppm AA vapour, for 6–24 h prior to storage, caused inhibition of fruit ripening, as expressed by reduced colour development. The endogenous levels of AA and ethanol found in the juice were positively correlated with the durations AA applied. Application of CO2or N2atmosphere resulted in production of endogenous AA and ethanol which also led to inhibition of ripening. Polygalacturonase (PG) activity was inhibited by the various AA treatments, as well as by CO2or N2pretreatments.Exposure of mango fruits to AA vapour (1500–3300 ppm) caused a delay in colour development of mango fruits cv. ‘Haden’. The higher the AA concentration applied, the more effective it was in delaying fruit colour development. In addition to delaying ripening, AA concentration of 2200 ppm was the most effective in reducing the amount of fruit infected withAlternaria alternata, which is a latent fungus in this fruit. In mango cv. ‘Tommy Atkins’ pretreatment with N2atmosphere prior to storage delayed ripening as expressed by less colour development.
The occurrence of a stable quinone radical accumulating in vivo during natural and induced senescence in a range of plants
Authors: Hendry George A. F. , Atherton N. M. , Seel Wendy , Leprince Olivier 
Published: February 2017

SynopsisA correlation has been firmly established, in a wide range of plants, between environmental stress, the onset of senescence, loss of viability in seeds and the development and accumulation of a stable organic free radical. On the basis of the EPR response obtained at 95 GHz (W-band) and ENDOR spectra, and comparisons with quinone radical anions, we present evidence from contrasted plant species, plant tissues and sub-cellular fractions that this stable radical originates from one or more quinones possibly, though perhaps not exclusively, associated with stressed or age-impaired photosynthetic and respiratory electron transport chains. The radical appears to be ubiquitously associated with sub-lethal stress-induced damage and with senescence and arises during the sub-cellular structural and biochemical processes associated with the final phases of metabolism prior to death. As the free radical persists for some considerable time after death, it may have value in long-term studies of seed viability and in broader areas of plant pathology and stress physiology.
Genotype by environment interactions for productivity and resistance to gastro-intestinal nematode parasites in Red Maasai and Dorper sheep
Authors: Baker R. L. , Mugambi J. M. , Audho J. O. , Carles A. B. , Thorpe W. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRed Maasai and Dorper sheep were evaluated for their resistance to gastro-intestinal (GI) nematode parasites (predominantly Haemonchus contortus), productivity and productive efficiency (assessed on a metabolizable energy basis) in experiments undertaken at the Kenyan coast (sub-humid environment) and the Kenya highlands (semi-arid environment). In both ewes and lambs there were few significant genotype by environment (G X E) interactions for either resistance (assessed by faecal egg counts-FEC) or resilience (assessed by blood packed red cell volume-PCV) to GI nematodes. Red Maasai sheep were consistently more resistant (low FEC) and more resilient (high PCV) than Dorper sheep. However, there were significant G X £ interactions for ewe reproductive performance and for ewe and lamb mortality rates and live weights. These interactions were due to very poor performance of the Dorper compared to the Red Maasai in the sub-humid coastal environment and to the much improved performance of the Dorper in the semi-arid environment. When these component traits were combined into estimates of flock productivity and productive efficiency there were highly significant GXE interactions with the Red Maasai sheep being considerably more efficient than Dorper sheep in the sub-humid environment, while in the semi-arid environment there was a negligible breed difference in productive efficiency. The results are discussed in terms of breeding strategies for smallholder farmers and pastoralists managing sheep in low-input systems in sub-humid and semi-arid environments.
Seasonal changes in tissue weights in Scottish Blackface ewes over multiple production cycles
Authors: Lambe N. R. , Simm G. , Young M. J. , Conington J. , Brotherstone S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHill ewes undergo large changes in body fat and muscle weight throughout the annual production cycle as they contend with the pressures of reproduction and lactation, as well as harsh environmental conditions. This study modelled seasonal changes in fat and muscle weights in Scottish Blackface hill ewes throughout their productive lifetime using random regression statistical techniques.Scottish Blackface ewes (no. = 308) were scanned using computed tomography (CT) four times per year, from 2 until 5 years old. Heritabilities of tissue weights were estimated at 2-weekly intervals throughout the productive life of the ewe. Genetic correlations between tissue weights at the same point in the production cycle at different ages, and between tissue weights at different events within each annual production cycle were predicted. Animal solutions from random regression analyses were used to estimate tissue weights, from pre-mating at 2 years old to weaning at 5 years old. The effects of litter size in the current and previous production years on fat and muscle weights were investigated.Correlations between CT tissue weights and those predicted by a sin/cos random regression model were 0.87, 0.84, 0.88 for carcass fat, internal fat and muscle respectively. Heritabilities ranged from 0.31 to 0.90 for carcass fat weight, 0.21 to 0.68 for internal fat weight and 0.26 to 0.57 for muscle weight, throughout the productive lifetime of the ewe. Heritabilities were highest during mating for fat weights, and during the dry period and lambing time for muscle weights. Heritabilities of tissue weights in 3-year-old ewes were higher than in other age groups. Genetic correlations were 1.00 between tissue weights at the same scanning event at different ages, but ranged from close to zero to 0.97 between scanning events within age groups. Clearly environmental variation across time was large. The number of lambs produced in both the current and the previous year influenced tissue levels. Ewes that did not produce lambs (barren) in a given year carried more muscle during that year than ewes producing lambs. As ewes aged, barren ewes carried increasingly more carcass fat and muscle than ewes with lambs. Barren ewes also had significantly more muscle during the following year than ewes that had weaned lambs. Ewes that reared twins had significantly less carcass fat the following year than singleton-bearing or barren ewes. These effects of previous litter size increased significantly with age.
Growth and carcass composition of lambs of two breeds and their cross grazing ryegrass and clover swards
Authors: Macfarlane J. M. , Lewis R. M. , Emmans G. C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe effects of sward, breed type and sex on lamb growth and carcass composition were measured at two degrees of maturity in live weight. The three breed types were Scottish Blackface (no. = 60), Suffolk (no. = 59) and their reciprocal crosses (no. = 60). The lambs grazed swards of either ryegrass, clover or a mixed sward intended to contain both. The proportion of the mixed sward as clover was only 0.014. Each lamb was scanned using X-ray computed tomography to measure the weights of fat, lean and bone in the carcass at two proportions of mature body weight (0.30 and 0.45). Live weights were recorded weekly. Average daily gains (ADG) in live weight and carcass tissues were calculated for each lamb between the 0.30 and 0.45 stages of maturity.At the 0-30 stage of maturity, breed type differences in carcass composition were small; the Scottish Blackface had 0.942 as much bone as the Suffolk lambs (P < 0.001), with the cross lambs intermediate. At the 0-45 stage of maturity, Scottish Blackface lambs had less fat (0.749 times as much; P < 0.001), more lean (1.065 times as much; P < 0.001) and more bone (1.055 times as much; P < 0-001) than did Suffolk lambs. The values for crossbred lambs were intermediate but closer to those of the Suffolk. Neither sward nor its interaction with breed type had any significant effect on carcass composition at either the 0-30 or 0-45 stage of maturity. The effect of sex on carcass composition was significant at the 0-45 stage of maturity when castrated male lambs had less fat (P < 0.001) and more lean (P < 0.001) than female lambs. There were breed type by sward interactions for ADG in live weight (P < 0.05), in carcass weight (P < 0.001), and in fat (P < 0.001) and bone weights (P < 0.05). The interactions were such that Suffolk lambs had higher growth rates than Scottish Blackface lambs on clover but not on ryegrass or the mixed sward. There were no significant differences between Suffolk and crossbred lambs in growth rates on any sward. In this, and in two other experiments, the extent to which growth rate declined as the nutritional environment became worse was greater (P < 0.05) in Suffolk than in Scottish Blackface lambs; that is, Suffolk lambs expressed greater environmental sensitivity than the Scottish Blackface.
Using visual image analysis to describe pig growth in terms of size and shape
Authors: Doeschl-Wilson A. B. , Whittemore C. T. , Knap P. W. , Schofield C. P. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRandom regression models were used to analyse the daily growth data for a total of 25 pigs of two commercial crossbred types between 75 and 140 days of age. A visual imaging system placed above a feeding station provided daily the plan area and length measurements of different body parts. Daily live-weight measurements of the pigs were obtained from a platform balance integrated into an electronic feeding station. Growth curves associated with different measures, pigs and types were compared. Significant differences in the age growth curves between the pig types could only be found in the ham width measurements (P < 0.05). The linear measure of ham width showed the greatest difference between the two types, and the lowest coefficient of variation among individual animals. Size measures were shown to be a more consistent indicator of pig performance during growth than live weight: pigs with a relatively large surface area or ham width at the early growth stage also have relatively large surface area or ham width at later stages and the between-animal variation in these measurements remains constant with age. Gain in live weight relative to increase in size differed significantly between the two pig types (P < 0.05). Pigs of the two types had significantly different shapes, but the change of shape during growth did not differ significantly between them. The allometric relationships between surface area and ham width1.85and between body length and ham width0.85indicate that the ham widths of pigs increase faster in proportion to full body measures. Variations between individual animals in size increase and shape change are significant (P < 0.05). The analysis suggests that VIA size and shape measurements provide valid descriptors of pig growth.
The effect of litter size and littermate weight on pre-weaning performance of low-birth-weight piglets that have been cross-fostered
Authors: English J. G. H. , Bilkeit G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTo evaluate the effect of litter size and littermate weight on low-birth-weight (< 1 kg) piglets that have been cross-fostered, piglets' pre-weaning performance in the following groups were compared. Group A (no. = 10), low-birth-weight piglets raised with equal number of heavy-birth-weight piglets in small (eight piglets) litters; group B (no. = 10), low-birth-weight piglets raised with equal number of heavy-birth-weight piglets in large (12 piglets) litters; group C (no. = 10), low-birth-weight piglets raised with equal number of average-birth-weight piglets in small (eight piglets) litters; D (no. = 10), low-birth-weight piglets raised with equal number of average-birth-weight piglets in large (12 piglets) litters; E (no. = 10), small (eight piglets) low-birth-weight litters; F (no. = 10), large (12 piglets) low-birth-weight litters.Mortality of low-birth-weight piglets in large litters was greater (P < 0.001) with heavy littermates, but in small litters was no different. Weight gain of piglets until day 3 post partum was not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by littermate weight and litter size, or their interaction. Weight at 21 days post partum was significantly affected by littermate weight, litter size, and their interaction. Low-birth-weight piglets in small litters had significantly higher 21-day weights in large litters (P < 0.01, P < 0.05 and P < 0.05 with littermates of low, average and heavy birth weight respectively). In large but not small litters, low-birth-weight piglets missed more nursing episodes and spent more time in teat disputes than their heavier littermates whether in heavy-birth-weight (P < 0.01), or average-birth-weight (P < 0.05) litters.Littermate weight may affect the performance of low-birth-weight piglets due to direct competition for access to a functional teat.
Effects of density from various hip prosthesis materials on 6 MV photon beam: a Monte Carlo study
Authors: Abdul Aziz M. Z. , Mohd Kamarulzaman F. N. , Mohd Termizi N. A. S. , Abdul Raof N. , Tajuddin A. A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn radiotherapy planning, computed tomography (CT) images are used to calculate the dose in the patient. However, a high density hip prosthesis can cause streaking artefacts in CT images, which make dose calculations for nearby organs inaccurate. This study aim to quantify the impact of a hip prosthesis on 6 MV photon beam dose distribution using the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. To quantify the radiation dose at the hip prosthesis accurately, image processing techniques were used to generate CT images free from streak artefacts. MATLAB software was used to produce computer-generated phantoms consisting of bone, titanium, stainless steel and CoCrMo. Percentage depth dose (PDD) and beam profile were used to analyse the impact of the hip prosthesis on the dose distribution of the photon beam. PDD showed that the absorbed dose was reduced as the density of the material increased, and the dose was reduced by as much as 49% when the photon beam struck the highest density material (CoCrMo, 8·2g/cm3). However, dose was increased at the tissue-hip prosthesis interface (depths of 4 and 19cm). As the depth increased, the absorbed dose decreased due to attenuation of photons by the tissue and the metal.
Protecting civilians in urban areas: A military perspective on the application of international humanitarian law
Authors: Durhin Nathalie 
Published: February 2017

AbstractImplementing the principles of international humanitarian law (IHL) represents a real challenge if the protection of civilians in today's urban armed conflicts remains a priority for armed forces. The application of the principle of distinction comes up against the difficulties of obtaining intelligence, in particular in the absence of troops on the ground. The minimalization of collateral damage requires putting in place very precise targeting procedures, and even the adoption of tactics designed to draw out traditional combat from cities. In terms of precautionary measures in attack or against the effects of an attack, these must be adapted to the context of urban combat. Nevertheless, IHL remains an essential instrument that must be analyzed and translated into action in a practical manner in order to conduct military operations that are at the same time effective and legally permissible.
Impulsiveness and Child-to-Parent Violence: The Role of Aggressor’s Sex
Authors: Rico Eva , Rosado Jaime , Cantón-Cortés David 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to analyze the role of minors’ impulsiveness in the perpetration of child-to-parent violence (CPV), controlling for sex, age, interest allocated to studies, and participant´s and parent´s drug consumption habits, as well as to test the moderating role of the aggressor’s sex on impulsiveness. The sample comprised 934 students from high school centers (438 boys and 496 girls), aged between 13 and 21 years. Impulsiveness was assessed through the Barratt’s Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), whereas CPV perpetration was assessed employing the Child-to-Parent Aggression Questionnaire. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that both attentional (β = .09,p< .05; β = .12,p< .001) and motor impulsiveness (β = .26,p< .001; β = .25,p< .001) were related to the perpetration of CPV. Interaction analyses showed a moderating role of the aggressor’s sex over motor impulsiveness in the case of CPV towards the father (β = .29,p< .05), and over attentional impulsiveness in the case of CPV towards the mother (β = .45,p< .001). Results confirm the idea that minors’ impulsiveness has an effect on the probability of CPV perpetration, which differs according to the sex of the perpetrator.
Enhanced expression of ADCY1 underlies aberrant neuronal signalling and behaviour in a syndromic autism model
Authors: Sethna Ferzin , Feng Wei , Ding Qi , Robison Alfred J. , Feng Yue , Wang Hongbing 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFragile X syndrome (FXS), caused by the loss of functional FMRP, is a leading cause of autism. Neurons lacking FMRP show aberrant mRNA translation and intracellular signalling. Here, we identify that, in Fmr1 knockout neurons, type 1 adenylyl cyclase (Adcy1) mRNA translation is enhanced, leading to excessive production of ADCY1 protein and insensitivity to neuronal stimulation. Genetic reduction of Adcy1 normalizes the aberrant ERK1/2- and PI3K-mediated signalling, attenuates excessive protein synthesis and corrects dendritic spine abnormality in Fmr1 knockout mice. Genetic reduction of Adcy1 also ameliorates autism-related symptoms including repetitive behaviour, defective social interaction and audiogenic seizures. Moreover, peripheral administration of NB001, an experimental compound that preferentially suppresses ADCY1 activity over other ADCY subtypes, attenuates the behavioural abnormalities in Fmr1 knockout mice. These results demonstrate a connection between the elevated Adcy1 translation and abnormal ERK1/2 signalling and behavioural symptoms in FXS.
Quantification of re-absorption and re-emission processes to determine photon recycling efficiency in perovskite single crystals
Authors: Fang Yanjun , Wei Haotong , Dong Qingfeng , Huang Jinsong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPhoton recycling, that is, iterative self-absorption and re-emission by the photoactive layer itself, has been speculated to contribute to the high open-circuit voltage in several types of high efficiency solar cells. For organic–inorganic halide perovskites that have yielded highly efficient photovoltaic devices, however, it remains unclear whether the photon recycling effect is significant enough to improve solar cell efficiency. Here we quantitatively evaluate the re-absorption and re-emission processes to determine photon recycling efficiency in hybrid perovskite with its single crystals by measuring the ratio of the re-emitted photons to the initially excited photons, which is realized by modulating their polarization to differentiate them. The photon recycling efficiencies are revealed to be less than 0.5% in CH3NH3PbI3 and CH3NH3PbBr3 single crystals under excitation intensity close to one sun, highlighting the intrinsically long carrier recombination lifetime instead of the photon-recycling-induced photon propagation as the origin of their long carrier diffusion length.