Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy requirements for pregnant dairy cows

This study aimed to estimate energy requirements of pregnant Holstein × Gyr cows. Different planes of nutrition were established by two feeding regimens: ad libitum or maintenance. Sixty-two nonlactating cows with average body weight of 480 ± 10.1 kg and an age of 5 ± 0.5 years were used. Cows were divided into three groups: pregnant (n = 44), non-pregnant (n = 12), and baseline reference (n = 6). The 56 pregnant and non-pregnant cows were randomly allocated into a feeding regimen: ad libitum or maintenance. To evaluate the effects of days of pregnancy, pregnant and non-pregnant animals were slaughtered at 140, 200, 240, and 270 days of pregnancy. Energy requirements for maintenance differed between pregnant and non-pregnant cows, thus two equations were developed. Net energy and metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance of non-pregnant cows were 82 kcal/kg empty body weight0.75/day and 132 kcal/kg empty body weight0.75/day, respectively. The efficiency of use of metabolizable energy for maintenance of non-pregnant cows was 62.4%. Net energy and metabolizable energy for maintenance of pregnant cows were 86 kcal/kg empty body weight0.75/day and 137 kcal/kg empty body weight0.75/day, respectively. Efficiency of use of metabolizable energy for maintenance of pregnant cows was 62.5%. The efficiency of use of metabolizable energy for gain was 41.9%. The efficiency of use of metabolizable energy for pregnancy was 14.1%. Furthermore, net energy requirement for pregnancy was different from zero from day 70 of pregnancy onwards. In conclusion, net energy and metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance of non-pregnant cows are different from pregnant cows. Furthermore, we believe that the proposed non-linear equations to estimate net energy requirements for pregnancy are more adequate than current NRC equation, and should be recommended for Holstein × Gyr cows.
Variability in the effects of prehospital advanced airway management on outcomes of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Objective To investigate variations in the effects of prehospital advanced airway management (AAM) on outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients according to regional emergency medical service (EMS) systems in four Asian cities. Methods We enrolled adult patients with EMS-treated OHCA of presumed cardiac origin between 2012 and 2014 from Osaka (Japan), Seoul (Republic of Korea), Singapore (Singapore), and Taipei (Taiwan). The main exposure variable was prehospital AAM. The primary endpoint was neurological recovery. We compared outcomes between the prehospital AAM and non-AAM groups using multivariable logistic regression with an interaction term between prehospital AAM and the four Asian cities. Results A total of 16,510 patients were included in the final analyses. The rates of prehospital AAM varied among Osaka, Seoul, Singapore, and Taipei (65.0%, 19.2%, 84.9%, and 34.1%, respectively). The non-AAM group showed better outcomes than the AAM group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for neurological recovery 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24–0.38]). In the interaction model for neurological recovery, the aORs for AAM in Osaka and Singapore were 0.12 (95% CI, 0.06–0.26) and 0.21 (95% CI, 0.16–0.28), respectively. In Seoul and Taipei, the association between prehospital AAM and neurological recovery was not significant (aOR 0.58 [95% CI, 0.31–1.10] and 0.79 [95% CI, 0.52–1.20], respectively). The interaction between prehospital AAM and region was significant (P=0.01). Conclusion The effects of prehospital AAM on outcomes of OHCA patients differed according to regional variability in the EMS systems.
Advantage of Organic Supplementation of Inorganic Fertilizer in Walleye (Sander vitreus) Hatchery Ponds at Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, KY

Abstract We used inorganic fertilizer in three ponds at the Minor Clark Fish Hatchery and compared results with three ponds treated with a traditional combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer. Organic augmentation resulted in significantly higher water concentrations of chlorophyll a (16 vs. 7 µg L−1), total P (167 vs. 89 µg L−1), SRP (9.3 vs. 6.6 µg L−1), and inorganic nitrogen (230 vs. 184 µg L−1). Secchi depth and DO (7.9 vs. 11.2 mg L−1) were lower in the organically fertilized ponds. No filamentous algal blooms occurred in any ponds. Rotifers were the predominant zooplankton in all ponds; but traditionally fertilized ponds had greater copepod biomass. Fish survival (37%) and yield (36 kg ha−1) in inorganically fertilized ponds were much lower than previously found at Minor Clark Hatchery (about 90% survival). Although use of inorganic fertilization alone may reduce fertilizer and supplemental aeration costs in some hatcheries, it did not offset lost fish production in this study.
Reasons for non-vaccination against influenza among older adults with hypertension in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of non-vaccination against influenza among Brazilian older adults with systemic arterial hypertension and determine the main reasons for non-adherence. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from older adults (≥ 60 years of age) with hypertension who participated in the 2013 National Health Survey and reported not having been vaccinated against flu over the previous 12 months (n = 1,295). The analyses were performed using the Stata 14.0 software. The data were weighted because of the sampling design. An estimated 3,026,080 older adults with hypertension had not received a flu vaccine over the 12 months prior to the survey (22.6%). No significant associations were found with sex, age group or schooling. The prevalence of unvaccinated older adults was lower in the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil than in the northern and northeastern regions, even after adjusting for age. The prevalence was higher among individuals without private health insurance. The main reasons for non-vaccination were fear of a reaction, rarely having the flu and not believing in the protection of the vaccine. The present findings underscore the need for healthcare professionals to explain to the population the benefits of the vaccine for preventing severe influenza (protective effect and possible reactions) and for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Increasing the prevalence of vaccination in older adults with hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases is of fundamental importance within the realm of public health as a strategy for reducing occurrences of complications and deaths associated with influenza.
Gonad development stages and reproductive traits of Diadema mexicanum (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) from Oaxaca, Mexico

Diadema mexicanum is a common inhabitant of the Mexican Pacific coast and a key species for coral reefs dynamics. Several reproductive traits of D. mexicanum throughout one year at La Entrega Bay, Oaxaca (15°44′N), in the Mexican tropical Pacific, were analyzed. Maturity index or microscopic maturity index “MI” was calculated. Annual ratio of males to females (1:1) was not significantly different. Five gonad development stages “GDS” (i.e. development, mature, spawning, post-spawning, nutritive) were recognized. The nutritive stage was noticeably later to post-spawning. High values of gonadosomatic index “GSI” in December 2008 and February/March 2009 did not correspond to maturity but to the nutritive stage. MI values ratified the periodicity of each GDS and spawning preparedness. MI was a better descriptor than GSI for reproductive season of D. mexicanum, and probably for all sea urchins exhibiting the nutritive stage. D. mexicanum has a single annual reproductive season (maturity/spawning) from April to October, similar to the population of Panama (9°00′N), without a second season, as proposed previously for the population of Colima, Mexico (19°10′N). Previous disparities in its reproductive season reflect differences of the environments it inhabits, rather than an effect of the latitudinal gradient in the tropical region.
Rheological and Morphological Properties of Non-Covalently Functionalized Graphene-Based Structural Epoxy Resins with Intrinsic Electrical Conductivity and Thermal Stability

In this paper, a non-covalent π–π interaction between graphene nanoparticles (G) and a pyrene-based molecule (py) has been successfully accomplished to give the functionalized nanofillers (G-py). The proposed modification has proven to be a winning solution aimed at safeguarding the graphene’s notable electronic properties, while promoting a more effective nanofiller dispersion attributable to a decrease in viscosity with consequent improvement of the rheological properties of the formulated nanocomposites filled with G-py. The electrical current maps of the G-py based epoxy composites, loaded with filler weight percentages both above and below the electric percolation threshold (EPT), were obtained by tunneling atomic force microscopy (TUNA) technique. The possibility to detect low currents also for the sample at lower concentration (0.1 wt%) confirms the good electrical performance of the nanocomposites and, consequently, the successful performed functionalization. The non-covalent modification significantly improves the thermal stability of the unfunctionalized G of about 70 °C, thus causing an increase in the composite oxidative thermostability since the evolution of CO2 shifts to higher values. Moreover, non-covalent functionalization proved to be impactful in imparting an overall enhancement of the nanocomposite mechanical properties due to good bonding between graphene and epoxy matrix, also showing a greater roughness which is decisive in influencing the interface adhesion efficiency.
Taxa de passagem e parâmetros ruminais em bovinos suplementados com enzimas fibrolíticas

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of fibrolytic enzymes (cellulase and xylanase) on particle passage rate, dilution rate and ruminal parameters (pH and ammonia N) in animals fed diets containing corn silage or Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.). Eight bovines fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were randomly assigned to two 4 x 4 Latin squares in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (two forage sources supplemented or not with fibrolytic enzymes). A commercial enzymatic complex containing enzymes extracted from Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma longibrachiatum fungi was mixed in the ration and fed (12 g) daily to each animal. Chromium-mordant and Co-EDTA were used as solid and liquid phase markers, respectively, to estimate passage rates. There was no effect of enzymatic supplementation on ruminal pH and ammonia N averaging 6.5 and 22.10 mg/100 mL, respectively, across diets. Similarly, ruminal particle passage rate was not affected by the enzymatic supplementation with mean values of 3.4 and 3.0%/h for animals fed corn silage and Tifton hay, respectively. However, ruminal dilution rate increased from 10.07 to11.84%/h with enzymatic supplementation. Feeding fibrolytic enzymes to bovines had little effect on the measured variables.
Optical Characterization of AsxTe100−x Films Grown by Plasma Deposition Based on the Advanced Optimizing Envelope Method

Three AsxTe100−x films with different x and dissimilar average thickness d¯ are characterized mainly from one interference transmittance spectrum T(λ = 300 to 3000 nm) of such film on a substrate based on the advanced optimizing envelope method (AOEM). A simple dual transformation of T(λ) is proposed and used for increasing the accuracy of computation of its envelopes T+(λ) and T−(λ) accounting for the significant glass substrate absorption especially for λ > 2500 nm. The refractive index n(λ) of As40Te60 and As98Te2 films is determined with a relative error <0.30%. As far as we know, the As80Te20 film is the only one with anomalous dispersion and the thickest, with estimated d¯ = 1.1446 nm, ever characterized by an envelope method. It is also shown and explained why the extinction coefficient k(λ) of any of the three AsxTe100−x films is computed more accurately from the quantity Ti(λ) = [T+(λ)T−(λ)]0.5 compared to its commonly employed computation from T+(λ). The obtained results strengthen our conviction that the AOEM has a capacity for providing most accurate optical characterization of almost every dielectric or semiconductor film with d¯ > 300 nm on a substrate, compared to all the other methods for characterization of such films only from T(λ).
Obesity is associated with senescence of mesenchymal stromal cells derived from bone marrow, subcutaneous and visceral fat of young mice

White adipose tissue (WAT) is distributed in several depots with distinct metabolic and inflammatory functions. In our body there are subcutaneous (sWAT), visceral (vWAT) and bone marrow (bWAT) fat depots. Obesity affects the size, function and inflammatory state of WATs. In particular, obesity may affect the activity of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) present in WAT. MSCs are a heterogeneous population containing stromal cells, progenitor cells, fibroblasts and stem cells that are able to differentiate among adipocytes, chondrocytes, osteocytes and other mesodermal derivatives. In the first study of this kind, we performed a comparison of the effects of obesity on MSCs obtained from sWAT, vWAT and bWAT. Our study showed that obesity affects mainly the biological functions of MSCs obtained from bone marrow and vWAT by decreasing the proliferation rate, reducing the percentage of cells in S phase and triggering senescence. The onset of senescence was confirmed by expression of genes belonging to RB and P53 pathways. Our study revealed that the negative consequences of obesity on body physiology may also be related to impairment in the functions of the stromal compartment present in the several adipose tissues. This finding provides new insights as to the targets that should be considered for an effective treatment of obesity-related diseases.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein variant D614G increases infectivity and retains sensitivity to antibodies that target the receptor binding domain

Virus genome sequence variants that appear over the course of an outbreak can be exploited to map the trajectory of the virus from one susceptible host to another. While such variants are usually of no functional significance, in some cases they may allow the virus to transmit faster, change disease severity, or confer resistance to antiviral therapies. Since the discovery of SARS-CoV-2 as the cause of COVID-19, the virus has spread around the globe, and thousands of SARS-CoV-2 genomes have been sequenced. The rate of sequence variation among SARS-CoV-2 isolates is modest for an RNA virus but the enormous number of human-to-human transmission events has provided abundant opportunity for selection of sequence variants. Among these, the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein variant, D614G, was not present in the presumptive common ancestor of this zoonotic virus but was first detected in late January in Germany and China. The D614G variant steadily increased in frequency and now constitutes >97% of isolates world-wide, raising the question whether D614G confers a replication advantage to SARS-CoV-2. Structural models predict that D614G would disrupt contacts between the S1 and S2 domains of the Spike protein and cause significant shifts in conformation. Using single-cycle vectors we showed that D614G is three to nine-fold more infectious than the ancestral form on human lung and colon cell lines, as well as on other human cell lines rendered permissive by ectopic expression of human ACE2 and TMPRSS2, or by ACE2 orthologues from pangolin, pig, dog, or cat. Nonetheless, monoclonal antibodies targeting the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein retain full neutralization potency. These results suggest that D614G was selected for increased human-to-human transmission, that it contributed to the rapidity of SARS-CoV-2 spread around the world, and that it does not confer resistance to antiviral therapies targeting the receptor binding domain.
Relationship Between Gender, Stress, and Quality of Social Support

Background Research suggests that gender differences exist in both stress and how social support is utilized and that the relationship between stress and social support may not be linear. Methods An internet survey of n = 1080 participants was conducted evaluating quality and quantity of social support, gender, age, and perceived stress and coping. Results Reported quality of social support, gender, and age significantly predicted perceived stress and that there was a curvilinear interaction between the quality of social support and gender which significantly predicted perceived stress. Conclusion The current findings supported Taylor’s Tend and Befriend theory that females have higher reported stress levels, a larger support network, and report more quality in their social support. Practitioner points: • Males and females may manifest stress differently in their relationships. • When working with males and females in practice it may be important to understand the depth and breadth of their social networks and how they utilize those networks. • Females indicate higher levels of stress and greater social support quality. • It is important to understand that one’s social network can be an important source of support (a coping mechanism) but that it can also serve as a stressor in some cases.
Cape mountain zebra in the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve, South Africa : resource use reveals limitations to zebra performance in a dystrophic mountainous ecosystem

Resource use of Cape mountain zebra was studied in the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve (BNR) over concerns of the poor performance in population growth. We assessed the seasonal diet, habitat suitability and forage quality of the Bergplaas area in BNR for mountain zebra. Grasses contributed 95.2% to the annual diet of mountain zebra, Tristachya leucothrix contributing the most (39.4%), followed by Themeda triandra (27.6%). Seasonally, T. triandra contributed most to the diet in winter, while T. leucothrix became more important in the summer and also was the only species preferred in all seasons. Mountain zebra concentrated their feeding in Kouga Grassy Fynbos and from our assessment this was the only habitat suitable for mountain zebra. Our analysis of mountain zebra dung indicated that the seasonal nitrogen and phosphorus content was below the threshold values prescribed for grazers, and our study suggests that mountain zebra at Bergplaas are severely resource limited. We emphasize the importance of fire and access to nutrient-rich lowlands in influencing the nutritional ecology of mountain zebra and provide conservation management recommendations. Resume Nous avons etudie l'utilisation des ressources de la Reserve Naturelle de Baviaanskloof (BNR) par le zebre de montagne du Cap, en raison d'inquietudes dues aux performances mediocres de la croissance de leur population. Nous avons evalue le regime saisonnier, l'adequation de l'habitat et la qualite de la nourriture de la zone occupee par le zebre de montagne a Bergplaas, dans la BNR. Les graminees constituaient 95,2% du regime annuel du zebre de montagne, avec Tristachya leucothrix comme composant principal (39,4%), suivi de Themeda triandra (27,6%). En hiver, T. triandra composait la plus grande partie du regime alimentaire alors que T. leucothrix devenait plus important en ete et etait aussi la seule espece preferee en toute saison. Les zebres de montagne concentraient leur consommation dans le Kouga Grassy Fynbos et, d'apres nos estimations, c'etait le seul habitat qui convenait aux zebres de montagne. Nos analyses des crottes des zebres de montagne indiquaient que le contenu saisonnier en azote et en phosphore etait situe sous les valeurs seuils prescrites pour les animaux qui mangent de l'herbe, et notre etude suggere que les zebres de montagne qui vivent a Bergplaas ne disposent que de ressources gravement limitees. Nous insistons sur l'influence importante que des feux et l'acces a des plaines riches en nutriments pourraient avoir sur l'ecologie alimentaire du zebre de montagne et nous fournissons quelques recommandations pour la gestion de leur conservation.
Adaptation to an Unfamiliar Accent by Child L2 Listeners

The study examines school-aged L2 listeners’ adaptation to an unfamiliar L2 accent and learner variables predicting such adaptation. Fourth-grade Mandarin L1 learners of English as a foreign language (N = 117) listened to a story twice in one of three accent conditions. In the single-talker condition, the story was produced by an Indian English (IE) speaker. In the multi-talker condition, the story was produced by two IE speakers. In the control condition, the story was produced by a Mandarin-accented speaker. Children’s (re)interpretation of IE words/nonwords was assessed by referent selection tests administered before and after the first and the second exposures to the story. Repeated exposure to IE-accented speech forms influenced performance: the participants demonstrated better recognition of IE words across the referent selection tests but worse (re)interpretation of IE nonwords sounding similar to existing lexical items. Exposure to an IE-accented story yielded an additional advantage in word recognition, but the advantage was limited to words heard in the story. Furthermore, children’s English phonological awareness, phonological memory, and vocabulary predicted their reinterpretation performance of the accented forms. These results suggest that school-aged L2 listeners with better phono-lexical representations develop better capacity in adapting to an unfamiliar accent of a foreign language by loosening their acceptability criteria for word recognition but the adaptation does not necessarily entail perceptual tuning to the specific phonological categories of the accent.
Observations on the haematopoietic systems in tropical lead poisoning.

The haemopoietic system was one of the earliest principal targets of lead (Pb) to be recognized and intensely studied but largely from temperature developed countries. This study reports investigations into the haemotobiochemical variations associated with occupational Pb poisoning in a tropical developing country. One hundred and thirty seven (137) subjects comprising 86 lead workers and 51 appropriately matched controls were studied. The lead workers all males included battery workers home and autopainters automechanics welders gasoline dispensers and ceramic workers. They were classified according to exposure categories based on the prevailing air lead level (PbA) at the occupational environment. Blood lead (PbB) was significantly higher in lead workers than in controls (P 0.05) in all cases. There was also no alteration in RNA metabolism as indicated by the absence of basophilic stippling in the erythrocytes of lead workers. Some indices of erythropoietic activity Hb PCV and MCHC were all significantly decreased in lead workers compared with controls (P<0.001) in all cases. In contrast the haem cofactor metals copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels were significantly elevated in lead workers compared with controls (P<0.01; P<0.001) respectively. There was no variation with exposure category. These complex observations may suggest the interplay of acute phase and antioxidant responses of Cu in cacruloplasmin and Copper-Zinc super oxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD) as well as the inhalation (supplementation) of Zn fume from the occupational environment. This synergy appears to have significantly restored the activity of the major haem pathway enzyme d-aminolaevulinate dyhydratase (ALA-D) a Zn dependent enzyme that is exquisitely inhibited by Pb. Thus modulating the deleterious effect of Pb on the haemopoietic system. These observations imply that the combination of the well known Zn deficiency in many tropical countries and the substantial environmental lead pollution may predispose the general population to a significantly depressed haemopoietic system. This may in turn increase the prevalence of subclinical or overt anaemia of uncertain aetiology in the presence of other haem pathway stressors such as malnutrition. (authors)