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Irisin is a 112-amino acid peptide hormone that is cleaved from fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), a type I transmembrane protein abundantly found in muscle tissue. Irisin is a putative mediator of the benefits of exercise, neuroprotection, bone growth, and cardiac health. However, few studies have focused on irisin in domestic animals. Further, whether processed irisin is detectable in domestic animal tissues remains uncertain. To address this, we determined FNDC5 mRNA and protein concentration in anatine (duck) and porcine (pig) skeletal muscle, and in equine (horse), swine, and anatine serum samples. RT-PCR analysis identified FNDC5 mRNA in all pig and duck skeletal muscle samples. An approximately 25 kDa band representing FNDC5 was detected in both pig and duck skeletal muscle. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry using a rabbit monoclonal FNDC5/irisin primary antibody and a goat polyclonal anti-rabbit secondary antibody localized FNDC5/irisin-like immunoreactivity in both the glandular and muscular regions of pig stomach. FNDC5/irisin-like immunoreactivity was also identified in horse, pig, and duck serum using a multispecies irisin ELISA. The average values of irisin-like immunoreactivity were 13.7 (duck), 15.4 (horse), and 7.0 (pig) ng/mL in samples tested. Our results support the presence of irisin precursor in several domestic animals. Processed irisin, however, was not detectable. Further studies are required to validate reliable tools to detect and quantify processed irisin in domestic animals. • FNDC5 mRNA was detected in duck and pig skeletal muscle. • While FNDC5 precursor was detectable in pig and duck muscle, processed irisin was not. • FNDC5-like immunoreactivity was detected in serum of domestic animals. • Non-specificity exists in commercially available FNDC5 antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CO2CRC is undertaking a feasibility study for a planned controlled release and monitoring experiment at a shallow fault at the CO2CRC Otway Project site in 2018. Interpretation of pre-2016 seismic data could trace the height of the fault to approximately 100 m below the ground surface, at which point the resolution of the existing seismic data was insufficient to delineate the fault any further. To better understand the shallow geology at the Otway Project site and to map the extent of the shallow fault, new geophysical surveys were acquired over the Otway site during 2016. This included a high resolution, shallow focused, 3D seismic survey to provide greater delineation of the newly identified fault in the Port Campbell Limestone on the Otway Project site, and a high resolution resistivity survey to map the vertical extent of the fault towards the ground surface. Aerial imagery and LIDAR data were also collected. The seismic survey data exhibit greatly improved vertical and lateral resolution compared to previous seismic surveys. Preliminary pre-stack time migration (PreSTM) processing of the data show that the target fault can be clearly imaged at 30 ms TWT and the fault tip can be mapped to within approximately 25 m of the surface. Approximately 5 m of throw is identified at approximately 140 m depth and the throw appears to decrease in magnitude as the fault extends towards the surface. This, plus an identified dip angle of ∼70° (east), suggests that it is most likely a normal fault. There is no evidence of topographical features associated with the surface expression of the shallow fault using LIDAR and aerial imagery. Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) results indicate that there are 3 distinct layers in the shallow geology of the Otway site, including a higher resistivity, more clay influenced, 3-5 m thick layer at the surface. The resistivity is also surprisingly heterogeneous over the site, suggesting that the shallow geology is complex. Preliminary hydraulic conductivity measurements confirm that the Port Campbell Limestone is highly permeable in the vicinity of the Otway Project site. The target fault at the CO2CRC Otway Project site appears to be a suitable candidate for a shallow CO 2 injection experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Irisin is a highly conserved peptide in domestic animals. • Irisin is abundant in many tissues in animals. • Irisin has the potential to be used as a biomarker and therapeutic agent. Irisin is a 112 amino acid peptide hormone cleaved from the fibronectin type III domain-containing protein. Irisin is highly conserved across vertebrates, suggesting evolutionarily conserved common functions among domestic animals. These functions include the browning of white adipose tissue and increased energy expenditure. Irisin has been detected and studied primarily in plasma, serum, and skeletal muscle, but has also been found in adipose tissue, liver, kidney, lungs, cerebrospinal fluid, breast milk, and saliva. This wider tissue presence of irisin suggests additional functions beyond its role as a myokine in regulating energy use. We are beginning to understand irisin in domestic animals. The goal of this review is to provide an up-to-date commentary on irisin structure, tissue distribution, and functions across vertebrates, especially mammals of importance in veterinary medicine. Irisin could be explored as a potential candidate for developing therapeutic agents and biomarkers in domestic animal endocrinology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemistry of anodic oxygen evolution on iridium in silicate-containing molten oxides at 1570 °C was experimentally investigated using both direct and alternating current methods. Static and rotating electrode results show the presence of anodic reactions of iridium in addition to oxygen evolution. In the context of electrochemical engineering of molten oxide electrolysis, the results confirm prior theoretical calculations (Allanore, 2013) that suggested an essential role of convection and electrolyte composition on the ability to sustain oxygen evolution at high current densities. In addition, the reported results show that electrochemical measurements in molten oxides coupled with mass-transfer models are complementary characterization tools for oxygen chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenosine (Ado) mediates vasoconstriction via A1-Ado receptors and vasodilation via A2-Ado receptors in the kidney. It interacts with angiotensin II (Ang II), which is important for renal hemodynamics and tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). The aim was to investigate the function of Ado receptors in the Ado–Ang II interaction in mouse microperfused, afferent arterioles. Ado (10−11–10−4 mol/l) caused a biphasic response: arteriolar diameters were reduced (−7%) at Ado 10−11–10−9 mol/l and returned to control values at higher concentrations. Treatment with Ang II (10−10 mol/l) transformed the response into a concentration-dependent constriction. N6-cyclopentyladenosine (A1-Ado receptor agonist) reduced diameters (12% at 10−6 mol/l). Application of CGS21680 (10−12–10−4 mol/l, A2A receptor agonist) increased the diameter by 13%. Pretreatment with ZM241385 (A2A-Ado receptor antagonist) alone or in combination with MRS1706 (A2B-Ado receptor antagonist) resulted in a pure constriction upon Ado, whereas 8-cyclopentyltheophylline (CPT) (A1-Ado receptor antagonist) inhibited the constrictor response. Afferent arterioles of mice lacking A1-Ado receptor did not show constriction upon Ado. Treatment with Ado (10−8 mol/l) increased the response upon Ang II, which was blocked by CPT. Ado (10−5 mol/l) did not influence the Ang II response, but an additional blockade of A2-Ado receptors enhanced it. The action of Ado on constrictor A1-Ado receptors and dilatory A2-Ado receptors modulates the interaction with Ang II. Both directions of Ado–Ang II interaction, which predominantly leads to an amplification of the contractile response, are important for the operation of the TGF.Kidney International (2006) 70, 690–698. doi:10.1038/sj.ki.5001650; published online 28 June 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under current operational conditions, the control of liquid fill levels within bottling plant does not provide the accuracy or sensitivity to improve the process to meet waste reduction targets. This paper describes an intelligent fuzzy controller based on the use of ultrasound as a primary measurement tool for fill level and flow rate determination. A Kalman filter has also been used to provide a robust measurement environment on which the strategy can be implemented. Simulation results of a multiple-valve filling machine are presented, demonstrating the potential of the system for reducing waste in the bottling industry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]