bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSVI-3 Estimation of the optimal standardized ileal digestible valine to lysine ratio required for growing-finishing pigs in low crude protein diets
Authors: Huang Q, , Pangeni D , Manu Hayford , Hanson L , Baidoo S K
Published: July 2019

Aim was to determine standardized ileal digestible Val to Lys ratios for growing - finishing pigs fed low CP diets on performance, BUN and carcass characteristics. SID Val to Lys ratios for BW 42.5 to 70.3 kg, 70.3 to 98.1 kg and 98.1 to 128.7 kg pigs. Pigs (n = 400, 10 pens / treatment, 8 pigs / pen) blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments. Diets were SID Val to Lys of 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70 and 0.75. Data analyzed as a RCBD with PROC MIXED procedure of SAS with pen (experimental unit), treatment (fixed effect), and BW block (random effect). In phase 1, linear and quadratic increase of ADG (Linear, P = 0.03; Quadratic, P = 0.04), BUN decreased (Linear, P = 0.01; Quadratic, P = 0.04). SID Val:Lys for ADG, linear broken-line and quadratic model were 0.64 and 0.66, respectively. BUN for SID Val:Lys were 0.63 (P = 0.01) and 0.70 (P = 0.04). In phase 2, ADG increased (Linear, P = 0.04; Quadratic, P = 0.01) and G:F increased (Linear, P = 0.02; Quadratic, P = 0.04). a linear (P = 0.04) and quadratic (P = 0.01) increase in ADG. SID Val:Lys ADG were 0.66 and 0.70. with the increase of SID Val:Lys ratios. SID Val:Lys for G:F were 0.70 and 0.75, respectively. In phase 3, the SID Val:Lys to maximize ADG were 0.67 (Linear, P = 0.04) and 0.72 (Quadratic, P < 0.01). as the SID Val:Lys increased. Supplementation of low CP diets with high levels of SID Val:Lys increase decreased (Linear, P = 0.02) fat depth, at 0.65. but no effect on other carcass characteristics. In conclusion, SID Val:Lys requirement for ADG in three phases were 0.64, 0.66, 0.67, and 0.66, 0.70, 0.72, using a linear broken-line and quadratic model respectively. BUN and fat thickness appears to be minimized at Val:Lys ratio of 0.65 and a potential to increase lean percentage.
PSVI-2 Identification of correlations between aldehyde profiles of thermally oxidized soybean oils and growth performance of broilers
Authors: Yuan Jieyao , Kerr Brian , Chen Chi
Published: July 2019

Feeding oxidized oils can cause adverse effects on the growth performance of broilers, which have largely attributed to the presence of lipid oxidation products (LOP) in oxidized oils. This study was conducted to identify the potential correlations between growth performance and aldehyde profiles of differently-prepared thermally oxidized soybean oils. Seventy-seven broilers were randomly assigned to one of seven diets containing 7.5% fresh soybean oil or thermally oxidized soybean oil (OSO), including 1) 22.5°C, 0h; 2) 45°C, 336h; 3) 67.5°C, 168h; 4) 90°C, 84h; 5) 135°C, 42h; 6) 180°C, 21h; 7) 225°C, 10.5h, respectively. Broilers were provided ad libitum access to experimental diets for 28 days. Broilers body weight (BW) and feed intake were recorded weekly to calculate the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed (GF) ratio. The aldehydes in these oils were determined by the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The correlations between individual aldehydes and ADG, ADFI, or GF were examined by partial least squares (PLS) analysis. Feeding 135°C, 42h oxidized oil significantly decreased the ADG, ADFI, and GF value compared with other groups (p < 0.001). Among 17 aldehydes identified in thermally oxidized soybean oils, C9-C11 unsaturated alkenals, including 2-decenal, 2-undecenal, 2,4-nonadienal, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, 2,4-decadienal, and 2,4-undecadienal, had better inverse correlations with growth performance than C5-C8 saturated alkanals in broilers, suggesting different toxic effects from these aldehydes.
PSVI-1 Evaluating the effects of feed form, with and without a nutritional water supplement, on the performance of piglets raised in a commercial research facility without feed grade antibiotics
Authors: Sandberg Fredrik , Soltwedel Kevin T , England Steve J , Bible Megan R
Published: July 2019

The objective of this experiment was to determine whether feed form and water supplementation could jointly affect performance of newly weaned piglets. A total of 1319 PIC 359 piglets were randomly allocated to 2 dietary treatments and 2 water treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design. The diet was either a crumbled pellet (COMPLETE), or a diet formulated using the same crumbled pellet as 70% of the diet together with other ingredients, in meal form, to make an isonitrogenous ration (PARTIAL). No feed grade antibiotics were used and from d 21 all pigs received a common diet. Water treatments were straight water (WATER) or a probiotic nutritional supplement (Furst Water Boost, FWB) that was administered at 16 oz per gallon of stock solution for the first 2 and ½ days post-arrival, metered at 1:128. Pigs were allocated by environment, sex and BW with 33 pigs per pen and 10 replications per treatment. Pens of pigs were weighed and feed disappearance was recorded on d 0, 21, 41, and 54 and used to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Dead (% mortality) and pulled (% morbidity) pigs were recorded. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with a randomized complete block design of 2×2 factorial arrangement. Pen served as the experimental unit. There were no diet by water interactions for any measurement. COMPLETE x FWB had the numerically highest ADG and 54-d BW. Overall COMPLETE increased BW, ADG and G:F (P < 0.01) and FWB tended (P < 0.10) to increase BW and increased ADG (P < 0.05) with no effect on G:F. From d 21-41 COMPLETE improved ADG (P = 0.0021) and FWB tended to improve ADG (P = 0.067). In conclusion, effects on piglet performance by diet form and water supplementation were found to be additive, with no interactions.
PSVI-18 Establishing ideal inclusion rate of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in nursery rations
Authors: Knapp Joshua , Tsai Tsung Cheng , Knapp Joshua , Maxwell Hannah , Maxwell Charles V , Mercado A J , Bass2 Benjamin , Weeden T
Published: July 2019

To determine the optimal level of fermented soybean meal (FSBM; Fermex 200, Purina Animal Nutrition, Arden Hills, MN) in nursery diets, a total of 176 weaned pigs (5.96 kg BW) were blocked by initial BW and allotted to 1 of 4 treatments: Control consisted of an enzymatic soybean protein (HP 300, Hamlet Protein, Horsens, Denmark)-poultry byproduct diet or formulated with 5%, 10% and 15% FSBM to achieve FSBM1, FSBM2, and FSBM3 treatments. Pigs remained on the same dietary treatment for phase 1 (d 0–14) and 2 (d 14–29), while a common diet was fed in phase 3 (d 29–40). Individual pig weights and pen feed disappearance were recorded weekly. Blood was taken via jugular venipuncture and analyzed for complete blood cell count on d 0, 14, 29 and 40 from one pig/pen (n = 44) that represented the average BW for each pen. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS (Cary, NC) with dietary treatment as the fixed effect, and initial BW block as the random effect. Orthogonal contrasts were performed to test for linear, quadratic and cubic responses to increasing levels of FSBM. A quadratic response to increasing FSBM was observed in ADG (P = 0.06) and ADFI (P = 0.04) during phase 1&2 (d 0–29). Moreover, the heaviest BW was observed in pigs fed 10% FSBM on d 29 (quadratic, P = 0.06), however the difference diminished by the end of the trial. A tendency for a linear increase with increasing level of FSBM was observed in overall feed efficiency (d 0–40, P = 0.07). Pigs fed 10% FSBM had the lowest WBC, neutrophil, and red blood cell count. Results of this study suggest FSBM fed to pigs improves growth performance and alters blood cell characteristics, and 10% is the optimal level of FSBM to include in early nursery diets.
PSVII-18 The influence of mealworm levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and immune response in weaning pigs
Authors: Oh Seung Min , Yoon SeYoung , Kim KwangYeol , Choi Jung Woo , Hosseindoust Abdolreza , Kim JinSoo
Published: July 2019

The aim of this trial was to determine the optimal supplementation mealworm on growth performance, apparent total tract retention of nutrients, hematological traits, immune response, and intestinal morphology in weaned pigs. A total of 180 weaned pigs (Landrace×Yorkshire×Duroc; 6.27 ± 0.15 kg) were randomly allotted to 3 treatments and 6 replicates on the basis of initial body weight and sex. The dietary treatments included a corn-based diet supplemented with 0, 2.5, or 5 % mealworm in 2 phases (0–14 and 15–28 d). The gain to feed ratio (G:F) was higher in pigs fed 2.5% mealworm compared with 2.5% during the first phase. Overall ADG was improved in pigs fed 2.5% mealworm compared with pigs fed 5% mealworm. No improvement in overall ADFI and G:F were observed. No digestibility responses were observed by adding mealworm to the diet, but the digestibility of DM and GE were tended to be higher in pigs fed 2.5% mealworm compared with control in phase 1. The number of monocytes tended to be increased in pigs fed 5% mealworm. The concentration of plasma IgG was higher in pigs fed mealworm, however, the plasma IL-6 was tended to be decreased when mealworm was added to the diet (P = 0.052). There was no change in intestinal morphology with increasing dietary levels of mealworm. The results showed that the dietary supplementation of 2.5% mealworm had beneficial effects on growth performance and immune system, however, no effects were detected on growth performance when 5% mealworm was added to the diet.
PSII-2 The impact of essential oil supplementation on sow milk composition and fecal dry matter
Authors: Dierking Shannon L , Monegue H J , Lindemann Merlin D
Published: July 2019

The transition from gestation to lactation greatly impacts the sow body. The expulsion of piglets, placenta, and fluids can result in dehydration and consequently constipation post-farrowing. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of an EO product (tradename Absorbezz) on sow fecal dry matter and milk composition. A total of 101 late-gestation sows from three farrowing groups (Group 1: 110 ± 3 d GEST, 263 ± 28 kg initial BW, Group 2: 109 ± 1 d GEST, 259 ± 26 kg initial BW, Group 3: 73 ± 5 d GEST, 238 ± 30 kg initial BW) were allotted to one of two treatments based on parity and BW in each group (Groups 1 and 2: CON: No EO, TRT: 10 mL/d of EO top-dressed; Group 3 received the EO as part of their diet, with a range dependent on the individual sow’s daily feed intake). Sows remained on their respective dietary treatments throughout the remainder of gestation and lactation. Samples were collected from each group (feces; d 110 of gestation, d 4 to 6 and day 14 to 17 of lactation; milk (Group 2 and 3); d 14 to 17). Analysis of variance was performed using PROC GLM of SAS. The TRT group did not experience any differences in the components of fat, protein, and total solids (P > 0.10), there was an increase in lactose (5.97 vs 5.84, P = 0.04), but a decrease in solids non-fat (10.91 vs. 11.00, P = 0.07), and gross energy compared to those of the CON group (4.29 mJ/kg vs. 4.45 mJ/kg, P = 0.08). Fecal DM was not affected at any collection time (P > 0.10). Overall, the addition of EO did not affect fecal DM, but did influence several milk components.
PSI-5 Effects of fat-soluble vitamin injection on plasma and tissue vitamin concentrations in nursery pigs
Authors: Isensee Paige , Rotering Mikayla , Rinholen Kirsten , Kelley Paige , Boston-Denton Carli , Stuart Robert , Jang Young Dal
Published: July 2019

An experiment was conducted to investigate distribution of injected fat-soluble vitamins in plasma and tissue of nursery pigs. A total of 16 pigs were allotted to 2 treatments at d 7 post-weaning and fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet with no supplemental vitamin A. Treatments were control (no vitamins) and intramuscular injection with 3 mL VITAL E-A+D (STUARTPRODUCTS, Inc.) containing retinyl palmitate (RP; 300,000 IU), d-α-tocopherol (900 IU), and vitamin D3 (30,000 IU). All pigs were bled at d 0, 3, 7, and 14 post-injection and tissue samples were collected at d 7 and 14 post-injection (3 pigs/treatment). Data were analyzed by MIXED procedure of SAS. Plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (3.44 vs. 71.00 ng/mL at d 3 post-injection) and retinol (0.09 vs. 0.18 µg/mL at d 3 post-injection) concentrations increased from d 3 to 14 post-injection (P < 0.05). Plasma RP was detected only in the vitamin treatment at d 3 and 7 post-injection (115.51 and 4.97 µg/mL, respectively). Liver retinol (0.63 vs. 19.10 µg/g at d 7 post-injection) and RP (43.33 vs. 199.13 µg/g at d 7 post-injection) concentrations increased at d 7 and 14 post-injection (P < 0.05) whereas those were not detected in the other tissues. The α-tocopherol concentrations increased in plasma (P < 0.05) at d 3 (0.99 vs. 17.14 µg/mL) and 7 post-injection and in liver (4.30 vs. 11.17 µg/g; P < 0.10), heart (4.60 vs. 24.80 µg/g; P < 0.10), and muscle (3.07 vs. 8.30 µg/g; P < 0.05) at d 7 post-injection. In conclusion, fat-soluble vitamin injection to nursery pigs increased plasma and liver status of α-tocopherol, retinol, and RP, and plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentrations. The α-tocopherol found in plasma post-injection was distributed to various tissues but RP only to the liver. Although plasma levels decreased post-injection, levels in liver increased for vitamins A and E, and vitamin E status was increased in all other tissues except brain.
Can Feeding of Silkworm on Different Mulberry Variety Affect Its Performance?
Authors: Khamenei-Tabrizi Ali Sadeghi , Sendi Jalal Jalali , Imaani Sohrab , Shojaee Mahmood
Published: July 2019

This study attempted to identify a suitable host plant for rearing hybrid 31*32 silkworms. Four varieties of mulberry leaves including Ichinose, Kenmochi, Kines, and local were supplied to hybrid 31*32 of silkworm and their performance was assessed. Variables measured included nutrition, biochemistry, and economic parameters of silkworm. Number of cocoons, individual and total cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, and cocoon yield/10,000 per larvae were significantly greater on the Kines variety compared with the others. Similarly, nutritional indices including efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD), relative growth rate (RGR), and consumption index (CI) were greater for the larvae fed on Kines. Digestive and antioxidant enzyme activity of the larvae differed with variety. Our results suggest that Kines could be considered as an appropriate host plant for rearing of silkworms based on the study parameters.
Introduction
Authors: Hazel Fox , Philippa Webb
Published: July 2019

The Introduction begins by defining the law of State immunity. The law of State immunity relates to the grant in conformity with the international law of immunities to States to enable them to conduct effective public functions and to the representatives of States to secure the correct conduct of international relations. The Introduction goes on to define the plea of immunity and outlines the functions which state immunity serves. It proceeds to examine the sources of the law of State immunity and looks in detail at recent developments in this. The Introduction then presents the three models on which immunity is based. These are: the absolute doctrine (the independence of the State), the restrictive doctrine, and immunity as a procedural plea. Finally, it outlines the structure of the rest of the book.
Part I General Concepts, 1 The Institution of Proceedings and the Nature of the Plea of State Immunity
Authors: Hazel Fox , Philippa Webb
Published: July 2019

This introductory chapter examines the nature of the plea of immunity and locates it as a preliminary procedural plea in relation to other preliminary pleas in national proceedings. The plea of State immunity prevents a foreign State being made party to proceedings in the national court of another State directly, or indirectly by the bringing of proceedings against its property, and thereby preventing the subjection of an independent State to proceedings in another country relating to a dispute about its activities. The recognizable attributes of a plea of State immunity are that it is a plea, that these are proceedings brought in a court, that they are against a foreign State, and that which by law results in the refusal of the forum court to hear the case.
Part II The Sources of the Law of State Immunity, 6 The Restrictive Doctrine of State Immunity: Its Recognition in State Practice
Authors: Hazel Fox , Philippa Webb
Published: July 2019

This chapter recalls the history of the law of State immunity through the decisions of the national courts in both common and civil law jurisdictions and recounts the general recognition in common and civil law jurisdictions of the restrictive doctrine as well as its adoption by national legislation in 1976 in the US (the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act 1976 (FSIA)) and in 1978 in the UK (the State Immunity Act 1978 (SIA)) followed by similar legislation in some Commonwealths and other countries. The conclusion drawn from State practice in surveys conducted by the International Law Commission (ILC) and the Council of Europe is that there is wide and ever increasing support for a restrictive doctrine of immunity.
Part II The Sources of the Law of State Immunity, 9 The 2004 UN Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and their Property: General Aspects
Authors: Hazel Fox , Philippa Webb
Published: July 2019

This chapter provides a general description of UNCSI, the travaux préparatoires relating to the work of the International Law Commission (ILC) and the discussions in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Sixth (Legal) Committee, and the exclusions, omissions, final clauses, as follows: the legislative history, which covers the ILC's work and its consideration in the UN; the status of the Convention; the Convention's relation to other international conventions; interpretation of the Convention; the structure of the Convention; the general rule of immunity in the Convention; the exclusions and matters omitted from the Convention; a general assessment of the Convention; and its implementation by States who have ratified the Convention.
Part III The Current International Law of State Immunity, 11 The Consent of the Foreign State: Waiver and the Arbitration Exception
Authors: Hazel Fox , Philippa Webb
Published: July 2019

This chapter examines UNCSI's provisions in respect of the consent of the State to the exercise of jurisdiction by the forum State, whether or not a restrictive doctrine is applied, by reference to state practice. State practice supports a general requirement of express and separate consent to both adjudication and enforcement of State immunity; which is set out in a detailed scheme in UNCSI in Articles 7, 8, 9, and 17 on express consent, participation in proceedings, counterclaims, and the effect of an arbitration agreement as an exception to immunity and in Part IV, particularly in Article 20, on the effect of consent to jurisdiction to measures of constraint.
Part III The Current International Law of State Immunity, 15 Immunity from Adjudication: The Territorial Tort Exception
Authors: Hazel Fox , Philippa Webb
Published: July 2019

This chapter critically examines the territorial tort exception in UNCSI, Article 12. With some understanding of its reach and any areas of inconsistency, it next evaluates the effect of the Jurisdictional Immunities judgment on this tort exception to State immunity. This evaluation of the ICJ judgment refers to the aspects mentioned above as they apply to a tort exception and apply it briefly to three well-known controversial areas of non-contractual delictual loss — loss arising from armed conflict, environmental loss, and loss resulting from violation of a procedural fundamental human right (violation of substantive human rights being barred by the ICJ ruling). The chapter then states whether the territorial tort exception continues today to represent a restriction on the bar of State immunity.
Part III The Current International Law of State Immunity, 16 State Immunity from Enforcement: General Aspects
Authors: Hazel Fox , Philippa Webb
Published: July 2019

This chapter provides a general survey of State practice and an analysis of the elements involved in immunity from enforcement as provided by UNCSI in its Part IV on State Immunity from Measures of Constraint. State immunity continues to bar to a very large extent the enforcement of judgments given by national courts against foreign States. Again and again thwarted judgment creditors have sought to attach assets of foreign States within the forum State territory, only to be refused orders for execution by national courts. Nonetheless, change is taking place, with a number of national courts, applying the now widely recognized exception to enforcement in respect of commercial property in commercial use, seeking additional ways to render enforcement immunity less absolute in respect of the adjudicated liabilities of the foreign State.
Part III The Current International Law of State Immunity, 17 The Three Exceptions to Immunity from Enforcement and the Five Categories of State Property listed as Immune
Authors: Hazel Fox , Philippa Webb
Published: July 2019

This chapter sets out the three exceptions which UNCSI permits in regard to immunity from enforcement — express consent, allocation of property, and relating to property of the State in use or intended for use for other than governmental non-commercial purposes. It then relates to the five categories of State property listed in UNCSI as property in use or intended for use for other than governmental non-commercial purposes. Finally, the chapter reveals that from the general account of immunity from enforcement in the previous and the account listed in this chapter, it is plain that the general legal bar on enforcement against States and their property continues with inconsistencies in its application in national courts and non-payment of dues adjudicated as owing by States, particularly in respect of certain categories of claimants such as employees of a foreign State in a third country.
Part IV Other Immunities, 19 International Organizations and Special Regimes
Authors: Hazel Fox , Philippa Webb
Published: July 2019

This chapter considers immunities that have their own special features, which have been codified in bilateral or multilateral agreements other than the UNCSI. It considers the scope of immunities granted to international organizations and their basis in specific agreements, and examines immunities subject to ‘special regimes’ in international law. These include diplomats and the diplomatic mission and consular relations, which are governed by the 1961 and 1964 Vienna Conventions. Another special regime is that which applies to visiting armed forces. Bilateral or multilateral conventions dealing with the status of forces govern these matters. The rules applicable to policing and law enforcement personnel present in another State's territory are also briefly addressed.
The eclipsing accreting white dwarf Z chameleontis as seen with TESS
Authors: Court J M C , Scaringi S , Rappaport S , Zhan Z , Littlefield C , Castro Segura N , Knigge C , Maccarone T , Kennedy M , Szkody P , Garnavich P
Published: July 2019

We present results from a study of TESS observations of the eclipsing dwarf nova system Z Cha, covering both an outburst and a superoutburst. We discover that Z Cha undergoes hysteretic loops in eclipse depth – out-of-eclipse flux space in both the outburst and the superoutburst. The direction that these loops are executed in indicates that the disc size increases during an outburst before the mass transfer rate through the disc increases, placing constraints on the physics behind the triggering of outbursts and superoutbursts. By fitting the signature of the superhump period in a flux-phase diagram, we find the rate at which this period decreases in this system during a superoutburst for the first time. We find that the superhumps in this source skip evolutionary stage ‘A’ seen during most dwarf nova superoutbursts, even though this evolutionary stage has been seen during previous superoutbursts of the same object. Finally, O–C values of eclipses in our sample are used to calculate new ephemerides for the system, strengthening the case for a third body in Z Cha and placing new constraints on its orbit.
Classifying exoplanet candidates with convolutional neural networks: application to the Next Generation Transit Survey
Authors: Chaushev Alexander , Raynard Liam , Goad Michael R , Eigmüller Philipp , Armstrong David J , Briegal Joshua T , Burleigh Matthew R , Casewell Sarah L , Gill Samuel , Jenkins James S , Nielsen Louise D , Watson Christopher A , West Richard G , Wheatley Peter J , Udry Stéphane , Vines Jose I
Published: July 2019

Vetting of exoplanet candidates in transit surveys is a manual process, which suffers from a large number of false positives and a lack of consistency. Previous work has shown that convolutional neural networks (CNN) provide an efficient solution to these problems. Here, we apply a CNN to classify planet candidates from the Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS). For training data sets we compare both real data with injected planetary transits and fully simulated data, as well as how their different compositions affect network performance. We show that fewer hand labelled light curves can be utilized, while still achieving competitive results. With our best model, we achieve an area under the curve (AUC) score of $(95.6\pm {0.2}){{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ and an accuracy of $(88.5\pm {0.3}){{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ on our unseen test data, as well as $(76.5\pm {0.4}){{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ and $(74.6\pm {1.1}){{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ in comparison to our existing manual classifications. The neural network recovers 13 out of 14 confirmed planets observed by NGTS, with high probability. We use simulated data to show that the overall network performance is resilient to mislabelling of the training data set, a problem that might arise due to unidentified, low signal-to-noise transits. Using a CNN, the time required for vetting can be reduced by half, while still recovering the vast majority of manually flagged candidates. In addition, we identify many new candidates with high probabilities which were not flagged by human vetters.
The stellar initial mass function of the solar neighbourhood revealed by Gaia
Authors: Sollima A
Published: July 2019

I use a sample of more than 120 000 stars in the solar neighbourhood, with parallaxes, magnitudes and colours estimated with unprecedented accuracy by the second data release of the Gaia mission, to derive the initial mass function of the Galactic disc. A full-forward technique is used to take into account, for the population of unresolved binaries, the metallicity distribution and the star formation history, including their variation across the Galactic disc, as well as all the observational effects. The shape of the initial mass function is well represented by a segmented power law with two breaks at characteristic masses. It has a maximum at M ∼ 0.15 M⊙ with significant flattening (possibly a depletion) at lower masses and a slope of α = −1.34 ± 0.07 in the range 0.25 < M/M⊙ < 1. Above 1 M⊙, the initial mass function shows an abrupt decline with a slope ranging from α = −2.68 ± 0.09 to α = −2.41 ± 0.11, depending on the adopted resolution of the star formation history.
Is there a fundamental upper limit to the mass of a star cluster?
Authors: Norris Mark A , van de Ven Glenn , Kannappan Sheila J , Schinnerer Eva , Leaman Ryan
Published: July 2019

The discovery around the turn of the millennium of a population of very massive (M⋆ > 2 × 106 M⊙) compact stellar systems (CSS) with physical properties (radius, velocity dispersion, stellar mass etc.) that are intermediate between those of the classical globular cluster (GC) population and galaxies led to questions about their exact nature. Recently a consensus has emerged that these objects, usually called ultracompact dwarfs (UCDs), are a mass-dependent mixture of high-mass star clusters and remnant nuclei of tidally disrupted galaxies. The existence of genuine star clusters with stellar masses >107 M⊙ naturally leads to questions about the upper mass limit of the star cluster formation process. In this work we compile a comprehensive catalogue of CSS, and reinforce the evidence that the true ancient star cluster population has a maximum mass of M⋆ ∼ 5 × 107 M⊙, corresponding to a stellar mass at birth of close to 108 M⊙. We then discuss several physical and statistical mechanisms potentially responsible for creating this limiting mass.
Radio–optical galaxy shape and shear correlations in the COSMOS field using 3 GHz VLA observations
Authors: Hillier Tom , Brown Michael L , Harrison Ian , Whittaker Lee
Published: July 2019

We present a weak-lensing analysis of the 3 GHz Very Large Array radio survey of the COSMOS field, which we correlate with overlapping Hubble Space Telescope-Advanced Camera for Survey optical observations using both intrinsic galaxy shape and cosmic shear correlation statistics. After cross-matching sources between the two catalogues, we measure the correlations of galaxy position angles and find a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.14 ± 0.03. This is a marked improvement from previous studies which found very weak, or non-existent correlations, and gives insight into the emission processes of radio and optical galaxies. We also extract power spectra of averaged galaxy ellipticities (the primary observable for cosmic shear) from the two catalogues, and produce optical–optical, radio–optical, and radio–radio spectra. The optical–optical autopower spectrum was measured to a detection significance of 9.80σ and is consistent with previous observations of the same field. For radio spectra (which we do not calibrate, given the unknown nature of their systematics), although we do not detect significant radio–optical (1.50σ) or radio–radio (1.45σ) E-mode power spectra, we do find the E-mode spectra to be more consistent with the shear signal expected from previous studies than with a null signal, and vice versa for B-mode and EB cross-correlation spectra. Our results give promise that future radio weak-lensing surveys with larger source number densities over larger areas will have the capability to measure significant weak-lensing signals.
Postsurgical Electrical Stimulation Enhances Recovery Following Surgery for Severe Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Power Hollie A , Morhart Michael J , Olson Jaret L , Chan K Ming
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Patients with severe cubital tunnel syndrome often have poor functional recovery with conventional surgical treatment. Postsurgical electrical stimulation (PES) has been shown to enhance axonal regeneration in animal and human studies.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if PES following surgery for severe cubital tunnel syndrome would result in better outcomes compared to surgery alone.

METHODS

Patients with severe cubital tunnel syndrome in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial were randomized in a 1:2 ratio to the control or stimulation groups. Control patients received cubital tunnel surgery and sham stimulation, whereas patients in the stimulation group received 1-h of 20 Hz PES following surgery. Patients were assessed by a blinded evaluator annually for 3 yr. The primary outcome was motor unit number estimation (MUNE) and secondary outcomes were grip and key pinch strength and McGowan grade and compound muscle action potential.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients were enrolled: 11 received surgery alone and 20 received surgery and PES. Three years following surgery, MUNE was significantly higher in the PES group (176 ± 23, mean + SE) compared to controls (88 ± 11, P < .05). The mean gain in key pinch strength in the PES group was almost 3 times greater than in the controls (P < .05). Similarly, other functional and physiological outcomes showed significantly greater improvements in the PES group.

CONCLUSION

PES enhanced muscle reinnervation and functional recovery following surgery for severe cubital tunnel syndrome. It may be a clinically useful adjunct to surgery for severe ulnar neuropathy, in which functional recovery with conventional treatment is often suboptimal.
The Changing Confidence Relationship Between the UK Executive and Parliament in Comparative Context
Authors: Schleiter Petra , Evans Georgina
Published: July 2019

Executive–legislative relations in the UK are undergoing a process of transformation, and the confidence relationship is part of that change. The confidence relationship not only ensures that the executive is responsible to the legislature, but it also structures bargaining between government and the legislature via the parliament-initiated vote of no confidence and the executive-invoked vote of confidence. The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 changes this relationship by removing from the prime minister the power to call an early election should confidence be lost, and by introducing one formal way of wording no-confidence and confidence motions. We place these changes in comparative context, showing that they strengthen parliament vis-à-vis the government, and discuss their implications against the background of contemporary constitutional practice in developed parliamentary democracies, medium-term electoral and political trends in the UK, and the 2019 Brexit deadlock.
Spatial links of phytoplankton abundance and community structure between shelf and slope waters off Oregon, USA
Authors: Du Xiuning , Peterson William
Published: July 2019

Coastal upwelling is known for inducing nearshore primary production, which can be advected to the offshore environment through offshore Ekman transport. However, this nearshore−offshore phytoplankton link has been less characterized at the community level. This study focuses on two shelf and slope sites off Oregon during years of 2013−2017 to examine the shelf−slope covariations in diatom and dinoflagellate abundance and community structure at seasonal and annual timescales. In general, the temporal changes of diatom and dinoflagellate abundance were coherent between shelf and slope. However, some differences were also noticeable. For example, diatom and dinoflagellate bloom magnitudes were higher in 2017 and 2014 on the shelf, but were higher in 2014−2016 at the slope. Diatom abundance had a stronger shelf−slope correlation than dinoflagellate correlation particularly in spring. The community structure was significantly correlated between shelf and slope during the annual upwelling period and in spring season. Ekman transport and nutrients played a significant role in shaping the diatom abundance and community structure temporal patterns at the slope. This shelf−slope correlation study infers that the benefits of nearshore upwelling blooms to the offshore food chains are season dependent and under high interannual variability.
The Historical Ontology of Art
Authors: De Clercq Rafael
Published: July 2019

In this article, I argue that our ontology of art has undergone a major change in the course of modern history. While we currently think of artworks as parts arranged in a certain way, there was a time when artworks were thought of as metaphysically more akin to ordinary artefacts such as tables and chairs; that is, as wholes having replaceable parts. This change in our ontology of art is reflected in our approach to art restoration. But what explains the change? I will suggest that the change took place because of a change in our conception of the function of art. More specifically, I will suggest that we have started to think of artworks as parts arranged in a certain way, because we have started to think of artworks as having, primarily, an aesthetic function.
Oxytocin Enhances an Amygdala Circuit Associated With Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: A Single-Dose, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover, Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Abram Samantha V , De Coster Lize , Roach Brian J , Mueller Bryon A , van Erp Theo G M , Calhoun Vince D , Preda Adrian , Lim Kelvin O , Turner Jessica A , Ford Judith M , Mathalon Daniel H , Woolley Joshua D
Published: July 2019

Negative symptoms are core contributors to vocational and social deficits in schizophrenia (SZ). Available antipsychotic medications typically fail to reduce these symptoms. The neurohormone oxytocin (OT) is a promising treatment for negative symptoms, given its role in complex social behaviors mediated by the amygdala. In sample 1, we used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design to test the effects of a single dose of intranasal OT on amygdala resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in SZ (n = 22) and healthy controls (HC, n = 24) using a whole-brain corrected approach: we identified regions for which OT modulated SZ amygdala rsFC, assessed whether OT-modulated circuits were abnormal in SZ relative to HC on placebo, and evaluated whether connectivity on placebo and OT-induced connectivity changes correlated with baseline negative symptoms in SZ. Given our modest sample size, we used a second SZ (n = 183) and HC (n = 178) sample to replicate any symptom correlations. In sample 1, OT increased rsFC between the amygdala and left middle temporal gyrus, superior temporal sulcus, and angular gyrus (MTG/STS/AngG) in SZ compared to HC. Further, SZ had hypo-connectivity in this circuit compared to HC on placebo. More severe negative symptoms correlated with less amygdala-to-left-MTG/STS/AngG connectivity on placebo and with greater OT-induced connectivity increases. In sample 2, we replicated the correlation between amygdala-left-MTG/STS/AngG hypo-connectivity and negative symptoms, finding a specific association with expressive negative symptoms. These data suggest intranasal OT can normalize functional connectivity in an amygdala-to-left-MTG/STS/AngG circuit that contributes to negative symptoms in SZ.
Identification of subgroups of chemotherapy patients with distinct sleep disturbance profiles and associated co-occurring symptoms
Authors: Tejada Maria , Viele Carol , Kober Kord M , Cooper Bruce A , Paul Steven M , Dunn Laura B , Hammer Marilyn J , Wright Fay , Conley Yvette P , Levine Jon D , Miaskowski Christine
Published: July 2019

Study Objectives

Purposes of this study were to identify subgroups of patients with distinct sleep disturbance profiles and to evaluate for differences in demographic, clinical, and various sleep characteristics, as well for differences in the severity of co-occurring symptoms among these subgroups.

Methods

Outpatients with breast, gynecological, gastrointestinal, or lung cancer (n = 1331) completed questionnaires six times over two chemotherapy cycles. Self-reported sleep disturbance was evaluated using the General Sleep Disturbance Scale (GSDS). Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct subgroups.

Results

Three latent classes with distinct sleep disturbance profiles were identified (Low [25.5%], High [50.8%], Very High [24.0%]) across the six assessments. Approximately 75% of the patients had a mean total GSDS score that was above the clinically meaningful cutoff score of at least 43 across all six assessments. Compared to the Low class, patients in High and Very High classes were significantly younger, had a lower functional status, had higher levels of comorbidity, and were more likely to be female, more likely to have childcare responsibilities, less likely to be employed, and less likely to have gastrointestinal cancer. For all of the GSDS subscale and total scores, significant differences among the latent classes followed the expected pattern (Low < High < Very High). For trait and state anxiety, depressive symptoms, morning and evening fatigue, decrements in attentional function, and decrements in morning and evening energy, significant differences among the latent classes followed the expected pattern (Low < High < Very High).

Conclusions

Clinicians need to perform in-depth assessments of sleep disturbance and co-occurring symptoms to identify high-risk patients and recommend appropriate interventions.
Engineered Cardiac Tissues Generated in the Biowire II: A Platform for Human-Based Drug Discovery
Authors: Feric Nicole T , Pallotta Isabella , Singh Rishabh , Bogdanowicz Danielle R , Gustilo Marietta M , Chaudhary Khuram W , Willette Robert N , Chendrimada Tim P , Xu Xiaoping , Graziano Michael P , Aschar-Sobbi Roozbeh
Published: July 2019

Recent advances in techniques to differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) hold the promise of an unlimited supply of human derived cardiac cells from both healthy and disease populations. That promise has been tempered by the observation that hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) typically retain a fetal-like phenotype, raising concern about the translatability of the in vitro data obtained to drug safety, discovery, and development studies. The Biowire II platform was used to generate 3D engineered cardiac tissues (ECTs) from hiPSC-CMs and cardiac fibroblasts. Long term electrical stimulation was employed to obtain ECTs that possess a phenotype like that of adult human myocardium including a lack of spontaneous beating, the presence of a positive force-frequency response from 1 to 4 Hz and prominent postrest potentiation. Pharmacology studies were performed in the ECTs to confirm the presence and functionality of pathways that modulate cardiac contractility in humans. Canonical responses were observed for compounds that act via the β-adrenergic/cAMP-mediated pathway, eg, isoproterenol and milrinone; the L-type calcium channel, eg, FPL64176 and nifedipine; and indirectly effect intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, eg, digoxin. Expected positive inotropic responses were observed for compounds that modulate proteins of the cardiac sarcomere, eg, omecamtiv mecarbil and levosimendan. ECTs generated in the Biowire II platform display adult-like properties and have canonical responses to cardiotherapeutic and cardiotoxic agents that affect contractility in humans via a variety of mechanisms. These data demonstrate that this human-based model can be used to assess the effects of novel compounds on contractility early in the drug discovery and development process.
Probabilistic Quantitative Assessment of Coronary Heart Disease Risk From Dietary Exposure to Industrially Produced Trans-Fatty Acids in Partially Hydrogenated Oils
Authors: Park Jin-Young K , Koehler Kathleen M
Published: July 2019

We conducted a probabilistic evaluation of changes in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk and public health burdens from industrially produced trans-fatty acids (IP-TFAs) exposure from the uses of partially hydrogenated oils in food. Our analyses used four quantitative methods based on human studies considering the uncertainty associated with risk parameters for CHD and IP-TFA daily dietary exposure of 0.05% of energy. Method 1 used experimental controlled feeding trial data for changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; Method 2 used changes in both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; Method 3 used changes in a combination of three emerging CHD risk factor biomarkers; and method 4 used prospective observational studies of CHD cases associated with long-term dietary exposure of trans-fatty acids. We estimated mean percent changes in CHD risk and annual CHD cases in U.S. adults, with lower and upper 95% uncertainty intervals. Our results show that consuming 0.05% of energy from IP-TFA, instead of cis-monounsaturated fatty acids, can cause annual mean increases in CHD cases of 814 (510–1151, method 1), 1502 (990–2043, method 2), or 6877 (3611–10 694, method 4) in U.S. adults. Results for method 3 were intermediate between those for methods 2 and 4. Sensitivity analyses using alternate risk parameters or an alternate exposure scenario resulted in minor changes in public health burden estimates. The results demonstrate that IP-TFA exposure as low as 0.05% of energy from partially hydrogenated oil uses in food can cause substantial public health burdens in the United States from increased CHD risk.
ULK2 is essential for degradation of ubiquitinated protein aggregates and homeostasis in skeletal muscle
Authors: Fuqua Jordan D. , Mere Caleb P. , Kronemberger Ana , Blomme Jay , Bae Dam , Turner Kristen D. , Harris Matthew P. , Scudese Estevão , Edwards Mitchell , Ebert Scott M. , de Sousa Luís G. O. , Bodine Sue C. , Yang Ling , Adams Christopher M. , Lira Vitor A.
Published: July 2019

Basal protein turnover, which largely relies on the degradation of ubiquitinated substrates, is instrumental for maintenance of muscle mass and function. However, the regulation of ubiquitinated protein degradation in healthy, nonatrophying skeletal muscle is still evolving, and potential tissue‐specific modulators remain unknown. Using an unbiased expression analysis of 34 putative autophagy genes across mouse tissues, we identified unc‐51 like autophagy activating kinase (Ulk)2, a homolog of the yeast autophagy related protein 1, as particularly enriched in skeletal muscle. Subsequent experiments revealed accumulations of insoluble ubiquitinated protein aggregates associated with the adaptors sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1, also known as p62) and next to breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein gene 1 protein (NBR1) in adult muscles with ULK2 deficiency. ULK2 deficiency also led to impaired muscle force and caused myofiber atrophy and degeneration. These features were not observed in muscles with deficiency of the ULK2 paralog, ULK1. Furthermore, short‐term ULK2 deficiency did not impair autophagy initiation, autophagosome to lysosome fusion, or protease activities of the lysosome and proteasome. Altogether, our results indicate that skeletal muscle ULK2 has a unique role in basal selective protein degradation by stimulating the recognition and proteolytic sequestration of insoluble ubiquitinated protein aggregates associated with p62 and NBR1. These findings have potential implications for conditions of poor protein homeostasis in muscles as observed in several myopathies and aging.—Fuqua, J. D., Mere, C. P., Kronemberger, A., Blomme, J., Bae, D., Turner, K. D., Harris, M. P., Scudese, E., Edwards, M., Ebert, S. M., de Sousa, L. G. O., Bodine, S. C., Yang, L., Adams, C. M., Lira, V. A. ULK2 is essential for degradation of ubiquitinated protein aggregates and homeostasis in skeletal muscle. FASEB J. 33, 11735‐11745 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Comparison of Effectiveness of Etoricoxib and Diclofenac on Pain and Perioperative Sequelae After Surgical Avulsion of Mandibular Third Molars
Authors: Isola Gaetano , Matarese Giovanni , Alibrandi Angela , Dalessandri Domenico , Migliorati Marco , Pedullà Eugenio , Rapisarda Ernesto
Published: July 2019

Objective:

The objective of this analysis was to compare the efficacy of etoricoxib and diclofenac in the management of perioperative sequelae following impacted mandibular third molar surgery.

Materials and Methods:

Ninety-seven patients who needed surgical avulsion of an impacted mandibular third molar were chosen for the study. All patients were randomly allocated to receive one of the following treatments, twice a day for 5 days after surgery: placebo (n=33), diclofenac (n=32), or etoricoxib (n=32). The primary outcome evaluated was postoperative pain, recorded by each patient and evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale score. The secondary outcomes chosen were, compared with preoperative ones, changes in postoperative swelling and maximum mouth opening.

Results:

Compared with placebo, treatment with etoricoxib and diclofenac demonstrated an enhancement in the primary outcome. Furthermore, when compared with the other groups, patients who had undergone etoricoxib presented a significant median reduction in postoperative pain at 2 hours (P<0.001), 12 hours (P=0.025), and at 48 hours (P=0.018) after surgery. Moreover, the linear regression analysis showed that diclofenac and etoricoxib determined a significant influence on Visual Analogue Scale at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours and at 10 days after surgery. There were no differences in swelling and maximum mouth opening values between groups.

Discussion:

This study demonstrated that both treatments were effective. However, treatment with etoricoxib showed a greater reduction in the incidence and severity of postoperative pain following third molar surgery compared with diclofenac and placebo.