bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of habituation to the milking parlour on the milk production and reproductive performance of first calving Holstein-Friesian and Norwegian dairy herd replacements
Authors: Wicks H. C. F. , Carson A. F. , McCoy M. A. , Mayne C. S.
Published: May 2019

Twenty-nine Holstein-Friesian and 20 Norwegian dairy herd replacements were used to investigate the effect of habituating heifers to the milking parlour environment prior to calving on subsequent lactational performance. The heifers commenced the study at 3 weeks prior to calving when they were allocated on the basis of breed, genetic merit and live weight to either a habituation or no habituation (control) treatment. Heifers were housed together in cubicle accommodation with grass silage offered ad libitum along with 1 kg of concentrates per head per day offered in the feeding passage (control treatment) or in the food managers in the milking parlour (habituation treatment). Animals in the habituation treatment were exposed to the full milking parlour routine once daily (afternoon milking) in a 20-point rotary herringbone parlour. Holstein-Friesian heifers averaged 2.6 kg/day more milk than the Norwegian replacements. Holstein-Friesian heifers also had higher fat and protein yields than Norwegian heifers, however they also lost more body condition during the first 3 months of lactation. Habituated heifers yielded on average 1.3 kg/day more milk (P < 0.001) than the control group of heifers over the first 100 days of lactation (26.7 v. 25.4 (s.e.d. 0.38) kg/day), with the difference being greatest in the first 2 to 3 weeks of lactation. In early lactation, animals on the habituation treatment lost more live weight (0.16 v. 0.02 (s.e.d. 0.061) kg/day) (P < 0.05) and body condition than those on the control treatment. Duration of milking was longer (P < 0.001) (378.4 v. 340.5 (s.e.d. 6.53) s) and milk flow rate slower (P < 0.001) (2.20 v. 2.46 (s.e.d. 0.041) kg/min) respectively for the habituation compared with control group. Somatic cell counts (SCC) were lower (P < 0.001) for habituation group (1.66 v. 1.79 (s.e.d. 0.037) log10SCC per ml), but there was no significant treatment effect on locomotion scores. Reproductive performance was lower for habituated heifers, with increased intervals to conception (P < 0.05) (102 v. 83 (s.e.d. 9.22) days). Habituating heifers to the milking parlour environment prior to calving increased milk production but appeared to have some detrimental effects on reproductive performance.
Genetic parameters forNematodirusspp. egg counts in Romney lambs in New Zealand
Authors: Morris C. A. , Bisset A. , Vlassoff A. , West C. J. , Wheeler M.
Published: May 2019

Genetic analyses were carried out on Nematodirus spp. egg counts (NEM) of lambs from a set of Romney breeding lines. The lines had been under selection for 22 seasons (1979 to 2000) for divergence in resistance to infection by strongyle nematodes other than NEM, using faecal egg count (FEC) as the selection criterion. Heritabilities and genetic correlations for NEM were estimated using residual maximum likelihood procedures. Correlated responses in NEM were also determined. Heritability estimates for loge(NEM + 100) in lambs at 4 months of age (NEM1) or 6 months of age (NEM2) were 0·15 (s.e. 0·03) and 0·26 (s.e. 0·04) respectively (c.f. 0·28 (s.e. 0·02) and 0·35 (s.e. 0·02) for loge(FEC + 100)). The genetic correlation between loge(NEM1 + 100) and loge(NEM2 + 100) was 0·85 (s.e. 0·08), while the genetic correlations between measurements of loge(NEM + 100) and loge(FEC + 100) on both sampling occasions had a weighted average of 0·43, with estimates ranging from 0·30 (s.e. 0·08) to 0·52 (s.e. 0·07). Divergence in loge(NEM + 100) between the high and low FEC lines, estimated over both sampling times combined, was 1·07 phenotypic standard deviations, compared with 3·6 phenotypic standard deviations for loge(FEC + 100). Expressed in terms of back-transformed eggs per g, the high and low FEC lines differed by factors of 7·6 and 32·2 for NEM and FEC, respectively. The results support earlier parasitological data indicating that the genetic mechanisms in sheep which are responsible for resistance to other strongyle nematodes probably also influence resistance to Nematodirus infection.
Effects of low doses of dexamethasone on productive traits and meat quality of veal calves
Authors: Tarantola M. , Schiavone A. , Preziuso G. , Russo C. , Biolatti B. , Bergero D.
Published: May 2019

An experimental administration of dexamethasone was carried out on 15 veal calves in order to assess the rôle of low doses of exogenous glucocorticoids on productive traits and meat quality. Three groups, of five veal calves each, were formed: one group received oral dexamethasone (0·4 mg per calf per day for 25 days), another intramuscular (i. m.) dexamethasone (2 mg at days 14 and 21), and the third was the control. Calves were slaughtered at 165 days of age (day 31). Food conversion ratio (FCR), hot dressing percentage (HDP), chilled dressing percentage (CDP) and shrinkage were determined. From all carcasses, samples of m. longissimus thoracis (between the 8th and 10th rib) were taken in order to evaluate the chemical composition and some organoleptic characteristics: meat colour, waterholding capacity and tenderness. The animals treated with oral dexamethasone showed the lowest daily weight gain (P 0·05) and the poorest FCR (P 0·05). Hot dressing percentage, cold dressing percentage and shrinkage were not affected by the oral treatment. The i. m. injections of dexamethasone did not influence the overall performance. Muscle chemical composition and pH were not affected by the treatments; the meat of calves treated with oral dexamethasone was significantly lighter (P 0·05) and tended to be paler, while i. m. treatment induced intermediate characteristics. The shear force of the meat was rather low. Shear force of cooked meat from animals treated with dexamethasone (both oral and i. m.) was significantly lower than the control (P < 0·05). Treatment with dexamethasone i. m. induced a decrease in water-holding capacity; the oral treatment had no effect on this parameter.
Effects of food quality on growth and carcass composition in lambs of two breeds and their cross
Authors: Lewis R. M. , Macfarlane J. M. , Simm G. , Emmans G. C.
Published: May 2019

The effects of food quality, breed type and sex (ram and ewe) on lamb growth and carcass composition, and their changes throughout growth, were measured. The three breed types were Scottish Blackface (B; no. = 24), Suffolk (S; no. = 28) and their reciprocal crosses (X; no. 33). The lambs had free access to a nutritionally non-limiting food, H, or a bulky food, L. Each lamb was scanned using X-ray computed tomography to measure the weights of fat, lean and bone in the carcass at three degrees of maturity (0.30,0.45 and 0.65) in live weight. Live weight and food intake data were recorded weekly. Average daily gains in live weight (ADG) and carcass tissues, intake (ADI) and efficiency (EFF = ADG/ADI) were calculated for each lamb between degrees of maturity. Gompertz and Spillman functions were used to investigate relationships between weight and both time and cumulative food intake.

There was a breed by food interaction for fat and lean proportions (P < 0.05). Only on H was there a breed difference (P < 0.05) with S having less fat and more lean than either B or X, which did not differ from each other (P > 0.1). On food L there were no breed effects (P > 0.1). Across breeds, sexes and stages of maturity, food L caused lambs to have 0.810 as much fat and 1.063 as much lean compared with H (P < 0.001). There were breed by food interactions for ADG (P < 0.05) and EFF (P < 0.01). ADG on L was 0.72 of that on H for S, as compared with 0.79 for B and X. EFF on L was 0.463 of that on H for S, as compared with 0.586 for B and X. These were such that S was more sensitive to food effects on growth. The Gompertz and Spillman functions described growth well.
Deposition of protein, fat and energy in lambs of the breed German Merino Landsheep
Authors: Bellof G. , Pallauf J.
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this study was to assess the deposition of fat, protein and energy during the growth period of lambs. Male and female lambs (no. = 54 of each) were fattened (three feeding levels) and slaughtered at various body weights (BW): 18, 30, 45, and 55 kg. Based on the method of the comparative slaughter technique the total body of each animal was analysed. From the data of empty-body gain, fat, protein and energy deposition in the different fattening periods was calculated.

The male lambs showed at all body weights tested and in all feeding level groups a lower daily fat deposition and a higher daily protein deposition compared with the female lambs. The deposition of fat increased in both genders with increasing body weight. The amount of increase differed between the three feeding levels. The male lambs showed at all body weights and in all feeding level groups a higher daily gain in body weight but a lower daily deposition of energy compared with the female lambs. However, for the latter, the gender difference rarely reached statistical significance. Parallel to the daily deposition of fat the daily deposition of energy increased in both genders with increasing body weight.

Based on the deposition of fat and protein during the growth period of the lambs the body composition was estimated by allometric equations. The equations showed a consistent pattern of protein concentration falling and fat concentration rising with increasing empty body weight. Compared with the literature a higher protein and lower fat concentration in empty body gain was predicted.
Describing and predicting potential growth in the pig
Authors: Wellock I. J. , Emmans G. C. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: May 2019

Most animal growth models contain an explicit growth function. It determines the pattern of growth over the lifetime of the animal and defines an upper limit to growth rate (the potential). The criterion of the ‘goodness-of-fit’ to one or more sets of data is frequently used to select a suitable growth function. Alternative criteria are described here that can be used to choose between forms that describe potential growth. Of the functions reviewed only a few fulfilled all of the proposed criteria. Of these the Logistic and Gompertz functions were favoured because of an economy of parameters and their ability to describe relative growth rate as a simple function of size. The Logistic function was rejected on the grounds of its numerical consequences for growth in pigs over a wide range of degrees of maturity, leaving the Gompertz function to be tested for its ability to make sensible predictions of potential growth. Pre-natal growth data, assumed to occur under non-limiting conditions as long as the mother is not subjected to extremely adverse nutritional conditions or incidence of infection, were used to estimate the values of the two Gompertz function parameters-the growth coefficient and the initial condition-given an estimate of mature size. The values were comparable with literature estimates based on post-natal growth and predictions of growth rate over a wide range of degree of maturity were thus sensible. On these grounds, and because it uses few parameters all with biological meaning, the Gompertz function is proposed as a suitable descriptor of potential growth.
Effect of a supplement rich in linolenic acid added to the diet of mares on fatty acid composition of mammary secretions and the acquisition of passive immunity in the foal
Authors: Duvaux-Ponter C. , Tournié M. , Detrimont L. , Clément F. , Ficheux C. , Ponter A. A.
Published: May 2019

Due to the structure of the placenta in the horse (epitheliochorial) and the as yet un-activated immune system of the foal at birth, the transfer of maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) is essential in the protection of the young foal until its own immune system develops. The fluidity of intestinal cell membranes may affect the transfer of IgG by receptor mediated endocytosis. In the present experiment we studied the effect of the addition of supplements rich in either alpha-linolenic acid or oleic acid to the diet of the mares starting 1·5 months before foaling and for 1 month after foaling on the passive transfer of IgG and the fatty acid composition of mammary secretions and plasma of foals. Twenty-six mares were allocated to one of two treatment groups (L: linseed supplement, no. = 13 and R: rapeseed supplement, no. = 13) according to date of foaling and live weight to produce two homogeneous groups. Mammary secretions were collected to measure IgG and fatty acid composition. Jugular blood samples were taken from the foals at time 0, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks after foaling to measure the concentration of IgG. A subsample of foals was used to measure the IgG absorption coefficient and the plasma fatty acid compositon. There was no effect of dietary treatment on the length of gestation, the production and transfer of IgG. Group L mares produced mammary secretions which were richer in C18: 3 and poorer in C18: 1 than group R mares (P < 0·001). Contrary to expectations the C18: 3 content of blood from foals at birth from both dietary treatments was very low and there was no difference between dietary groups. The percentage of C18: 3 and C18: 2 in fatty acids increased in foal blood only after sucking had occurred, with a difference between dietary groups (L > R). In addition, the percentages of C20: 3 and C20: 4 were higher in the foals at birth than 48 h later (P < 0·001) and at birth they were highest in the R group compared with the L group foals (P < 0·05 and P 0·10, respectively). In conclusion, the attempt to increase the supply of C18: 3 during gestation to foals and to improve the transfer of IgG post partum did not appear to succeed, perhaps because the foal uses C22: 6 (produced from C18: 3) for brain growth.
The interaction between lactofeed level and soya-bean meal on growth performance of weanling pigs
Authors: O’Doherty J. V. , Nolan C. S. , Callan J. J. , McCarthy P.
Published: May 2019

A 3 ✕ 2 factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the interaction between lactofeed 70 (LF70) (860 g/kg whey permeate, 140 g/kg soya-bean meal, Volac International, UK) levels and soya-bean meal inclusion (SBM) (90 and 225 g/kg) from day 0 to day 25 after weaning (starter period) on growth performance and diet digestibility. A common diet was offered from day 25 to day 38. Dietary treatments were established by substituting LF70 for extruded wheat and soya-bean meal for potato protein (PP) and soya protein concentrate (SPC). Digestible energy and amino acids were maintained by adjusting soya oil and synthetic amino acids. A total of 252 pigs (7·7 kg and 28 ± 2 days of age) were allotted randomly to six treatments containing (1) 0 LF70 with 40 g/kg PP and 40 g/kg SPC and 90 g/kg SBM (2) 0 LF70 with 225 g/kg SBM (3) 175 g/kg LF70 with 40 g/kg PP and 40 g/kg SPC and 90 g/kg SBM (4) 175 g/kg LF70 with 225 g/kg SBM (5) 350 g/kg LF70 with 40 g/kg PP, 40 g/kg SPC and 90 g/kg SBM and (6) 350 g/kg LF70 with 225 g/kg SBM. There was an increase in average daily gain (ADG) (0·182 v. 0·292 v. 0·318 kg, s.e. 0·0089; P < 0·001) and food intake (0·413 v. 0·472 v. 0·489 kg, s.e. 0·0139; P < 0·01) and an improvement in food conversion ratio (FCR) (2·31 v. 1·63 v. 1·55 kg, s.e. 0·037; P < 0·001) as the level of LF70 increased during the starter period. From day 25 to day 38, the pigs given the starter diets containing no LF70 had an improved ADG (P < 0·05) and FCR (P < 0·001) compared with the pigs given 175 and 350 g/kg LF70. The pigs offered diets containing 350 g/kg lactofeed had a significantly higher N digestibility (P < 0·05) than the pigs offered diets containing no lactofeed. There was a significant interaction (P < 0·001) between LF70 and SBM in the apparent digestibility of gross energy (GED). Pigs given higher SBM diets had a higher GED at the 350 g/kg LF70 inclusion than pigs given PP + SPC diets. However, there was no difference in GED at the 0 and 175 g/kg LF70 inclusion. In conclusion, the inclusion of LF70 increased ADG, food intake and apparent N digestibility and improved FCR.
Different modes of food restriction and compensatory growth in double-muscled Belgian Blue bulls: plasma metabolites and hormones
Authors: Cabaraux J.F. , Kerrour M. , Eenaeme C. van , Dufrasne I. , Istasse L. , Hornick J.-L.
Published: May 2019

The effects of different sequences of food restriction and fattening have been studied on plasma metabolites and hormones in double-muscled Belgian Blue bulls. Twenty animals were divided into five groups. The first group (control, CG) was given,ad libitum, a fattening diet based on sugar-beet pulp. In G2 and G3, fattening was interrupted after 103 and 187 days, respectively, by a period of food restriction lasting about 2 months during which the animals received a maintenance ration. They were finished with the same diet as CG. The last two groups, G4 and G5, received a limited amount of the restriction diet to support 0·5 and 0 kg gain per day, respectively, for 4 months, before being fattened as CG. Plasma glucose, alpha-amino nitrogen, non-esterified fatty acids, urea, creatinine, thyroxine (T4), 3, 3’, 5’-tri-iodothyroxine (T3), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were measured in blood samples taken every 2 weeks. Plasma GH and insulin profiles were measured in serial blood samples obtained at three different times during growth. Animals that showed compensatory growth had lower plasma urea, associated with high levels of T3, T4 and IGF–1. Animals from G2 and G3 failed to show compensatory growth. In Belgian Blue bulls, compensatory growth is markedly affected when food restriction is severe or fattening interrupted.
Body fat content, composition and distribution in Landrace and Iberian finishing pigs givenad libitummaize- and acorn-sorghum-maize-based diets
Authors: Morales J. , Baucells M.D. , Pérez J.F. , Mourot J. , Gasa J.
Published: May 2019

We aimed to determine whether the dietary carbohydrate source altered body fat composition and distribution in finishing lean (Landrace) and obese (Iberian) swine. To this end, twenty-four finishing castrated male pigs (12 Iberian and 12 Landrace; 108 kg live weight) were offered two diets differing in the main carbohydrates source, maize (diet M) or acorn-sorghum-maize (diet A). Diets were formulated to have the same nutrient content, except for carbohydrate fractions: diet M contained higher amount of starch (537v. 389 g/kg) but less non-starch polysaccharides (118v. 148 g/ kg) than diet A. At an average weight of 133 kg live weight pigs were slaughtered and their carcasses were sampled to study lipogenesis, backfat and intramuscular fat composition. Iberian pigs showed a higher voluntary food intake than Landrace pigs (3·6v. 2·4 kg/day;P< 0·001) but no significant differences in the daily weight gain. Diet M tended to promote the highest food intake (P= 0·09). Iberian pigs showed higher (P< 0·01) lipogenic enzyme activities, backfat thickness (71·7v. 31·9 mm) and intramuscular fat content (40 to 95 g/kg fresh muscle) than Landrace pigs, which was associated with their higher food intake. Furthermore, fat depots from Iberian pigs had higher (P< 0·001) monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and lower (P< 0·05) polyunsaturated (PUFA) proportions than those from Landrace pigs. The backfat thickness of pigs given diet M tended to be higher (P= 0·07) than that of pigs given diet A, without differences in the intramuscular fat content. The higher backfat thickness found for diet M was correlated with a lower PUFA proportion in diet than for diet A (P< 0·001). We conclude that body fat content, composition and lipogenic enzyme activities are markedly influenced by the animal breed and to a lesser extent by dietary characteristics.
Hope in the general Norwegian population, measured using the Herth Hope Index
Authors: RUSTØEN TONE , WAHL, ASTRID K. , HANESTAD, BERIT R. , LERDAL, ANNERS , MIASKOWSKI, CHRISTINE , MOUM TORBJØRN
Published: May 2019

Objective:The aims of this study were to describe hope in a large sample that was drawn from the general Norwegian population and to examine how sociodemographic and health-related variables were related to hope.

Methods:Of 4,000 adult citizens, randomly drawn from the National Register, 1,912 (49%) returned the Norwegian version of the Herth Hope Index (HHI).

Results:When demographic and health-related variables were controlled for, age, gender, marital status, and employment status were significantly related to hope. The most important health-related variable was self-assessed health status, with participants who were satisfied with their health reporting significantly higher levels of hope. Participants who indicated that they had a chronic disease reported significantly higher hope scores compared to those without a chronic disease. Older men, individuals who were receiving a pension or were unemployed, and individuals who were widowed or unmarried reported the lowest levels of hope. In this study, an individual's subjective evaluation of his/her health was the most important health-related predictor of hope.

Significance of the research: The most important health-related variable that predicted hope was self-assessed health in that participants who were satisfied with their health reported higher levels of hope. This finding suggests that an individual's subjective assessment of health is a better predictor of hope than the presence a chronic disease. Knowledge about levels of hope in the general population can be used as reference values against which an individual score or a group mean may be compared.
Design and performance analysis of a conformal CPW fed wideband antenna with Mu-Negative metamaterial for wearable applications
Authors: Negi Deepa , Khanna Rajesh , Kaur Jaswinder
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a flexible CPW fed ultrawide band (UWB) antenna with mu-negative (MNG) metamaterial is designed, fabricated, and tested for wearable applications. Initially, a UWB antenna of size 50 mm × 43 mm is fabricated on two different substrates, viz. flexible FR4 and semi-flexible Rogers RT/duroid 5880. A metamaterial structure fabricated on flexible FR4 shows a magnetic resonance from 7.2 GHz to 9.2 GHz with maximum stop band attenuation (−49 dB) and high MNG value (−2121.6) at 7.87 GHz. Then a (3 × 3) array of designed MNG metasurface is used as ground plane with flexible UWB antenna, which improves its overall gain and radiation pattern. The performance of the flexible antenna with/without metamaterial at various distances from flat and cylindrical three-layered human phantom of skin, fat, and muscle is studied. Further, the bending characteristics at different angles and performance over thin metallic sheet is also evaluated. Additionally, the peak specific absorption rate value averaged over 1 g of tissue at three chosen frequencies from UWB range (3, 5, 10 GHz) with/without metamaterial using 0.3 and 0.1 W of input power is also analyzed. The simulated and measured results are in good agreement which confirms that the designed antenna is a good candidate for wearable applications.
Hearing Loss: Stigma Consciousness, Quality of Life and Social Identity
Authors: Privado Jesús , Carrasco Luis , Durán Rocío
Published: May 2019

In the present research, three tests, Pinel’s Stigma Consciousness (1999); Quality of Life by Ruiz and Baca (1993); and the Social Identity by Cameron (2004), were adapted and validated by hearing loss of different ages, educational levels, marital status and occupation in order to make the sample more representative. The content validity was established using a group of experts formed by disabled people and technicians in disability with the purpose of adapting the items of the different tests. The reliability of the three tests was adequate with values higher than .70. The Stigma Consciousness test presented a unifactorial structure, that of Quality of Life with four factors (General Satisfaction, Free Time, Physical and Psychological Well-being and Social Support) and Social Identity with three factors (Centrality, Ingroup Ties and Ingroup Affect). Goodness-of-fit tests showed adequate values. We also analyzed the convergent and discriminant validity of the scale in order to see which tests presented major and minor associations and the criterion validity relating the scales to the level of studies, the percentage of disability and the work place of the evaluated ones. Finally, we analyzed the similarities between our results and those obtained in the original tests.
Profiling older community-dwellers with hypovitaminosis D: A classification tree analysis
Authors: Chevallereau Gaelle , Legeay Mathilde , Duval Guillaume T. , Karras Spyridon N. , Fantino Bruno , Annweiler Cedric
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Despite the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in older adults, universal vitamin D supplementation is not recommended due to potential risk of intoxication. Our aim here was to determine the clinical profiles of older community-dwellers with hypovitaminosis D. The perspective is to build novel strategies to screen for and supplement those with hypovitaminosis D. A classification tree (CHAID analysis) was performed on multiple datasets standardizedly collected from 1991 older French community-dwelling volunteers ≥ 65 years in 2009–2012. Hypovitaminosis D was defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D ≤ 50 nmol/L. CHAID analysis retained 5 clinical profiles of older community-dwellers with different risks of hypovitaminosis D up to 87.3%, based on various combinations of the following characteristics: polymorbidity, obesity, sadness and gait disorders. For instance, the probability of hypovitaminosis D was 1.42-fold higher [95CI: 1.27–1.59] for those with polymorbidity and gait disorders compared to those with no polymorbidity, no obesity and no sadness. In conclusion, these easily-recordable measures may be used in clinical routine to identify older community-dwellers for whom vitamin D supplementation should be initiated.
Soil Organic Matter Temperature Sensitivity Cannot be Directly Inferred From Spatial Gradients
Authors: Abramoff Rose Z. , Torn Margaret S. , Georgiou Katerina , Tang Jinyun , Riley William J.
Published: May 2019

Developing and testing decadal‐scale predictions of soil response to climate change is difficult because there are few long‐term warming experiments or other direct observations of temperature response. As a result, spatial variation in temperature is often used to characterize the influence of temperature on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks under current and warmer temperatures. This approach assumes that the decadal‐scale response of SOC to warming is similar to the relationship between temperature and SOC stocks across sites that are at quasi steady state; however, this assumption is poorly tested. We developed four variants of a Reaction‐network‐based model of soil organic matter and microbes using measured SOC stocks from a 4,000‐km latitudinal transect. Each variant reflects different assumptions about the temperature sensitivities of microbial activity and mineral sorption. All four model variants predicted the same response of SOC to temperature at steady state, but different projections of transient warming responses. The relative importance of Qmax, mean annual temperature, and net primary production, assessed using a machine‐learning algorithm, changed depending on warming duration. When mineral sorption was temperature sensitive, the predicted average change in SOC after 100 years of 5 °C warming was −18% if warming decreased sorption or +9% if warming increased sorption. When microbial activity was temperature sensitive but mineral sorption was not, average site‐level SOC loss was 5%. We conclude that spatial climate gradients of SOC stocks are insufficient to constrain the transient response; measurements that distinguish process controls and/or observations from long‐term warming experiments, especially mineral fractions, are needed.
Eric Strach: Four Decades of Detailed Synoptic Solar Observations (1969‐2008)
Authors: Carrasco V. M. S. , Vaquero J. M. , Olmo‐Mateos V. M.
Published: May 2019

Eric H. Strach (1914‐2011) studied medicine at University of Prague and graduated in 1938. Strach dedicated a great part of his life to astronomy becoming a consistent and meticulous observer. He joined the Liverpool Astronomical Association and British Astronomical Association during the 1960s and obtained two recognitions as proof of his great work in solar physics: the BAA's Merlin Medal and Gift in 1999 and Walter Goodacre Medal and Gift, 10 years later. Strach recorded four decades (1969‐2008) of systematic solar records in his observation notebooks although he started his observations from the late 1950s. In this work, we document the valuable effort made by Strach in getting four decades of solar records and the importance of this kind of long observation series for studies of space weather and climate. We present the sunspot group number series according to Strach's data and a long observation series of prominences recorded by Strach.
Mysterious Coral Reef Halos Can Be Seen from Space
Authors: Morton Mary
Published: May 2019

Grazing rings around reefs have the potential to be used as a tool for monitoring reef health, but first, scientists have to figure out what factors govern halo size differences.
High‐Resolution Potassium Observations of the Lunar Exosphere
Authors: Rosborough S. A. , Oliversen R. J. , Mierkiewicz E. J. , Sarantos M. , Robertson S. D. , Kuruppuaratchi D. C. P. , Derr N. J. , Gallant M. A. , Roesler F. L.
Published: May 2019

We observed lunar exospheric potassium D1 (7,698.9646 Å) emissions using a high‐spectral resolution Fabry‐Perot spectrometer in 2014. We present the first potassium line profile measurements, which are representative of the potassium velocity distribution. Inferred temperatures are greater during the waxing gibbous phase, 1920±630 K and lower at waning gibbous phase, 980±200 K. Exosphere models suggest that the measured line widths are a combination of photon‐stimulated desorption and impact vaporization sources. The relative potassium emission intensity decreases by ∼2.5 between lunar phases 80° and 30° and is brightest off the northwest limb near the Aristarchus crater, which is a potassium‐rich surface region. Additionally, the emissions off the northern limb are brighter than the southern limb. The intensity decrease and the greater line width during the waxing gibbous versus the waning gibbous phase suggests a dawn‐dusk asymmetry.
Lightwave trapping in thin film solar cells with improved photonic-structured front contacts
Authors: Sanchez-Sobrado Olalla , Mendes Manuel J. , Haque Sirazul , Mateus Tiago , Aguas Hugo , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo
Published: May 2019

Solar cell patterned with photonic elements on the front transparent contact. The photocurrent generated is boosted in a wide spectral incidence range.
W–Nb–O oxides with tunable acid properties as efficient catalysts for the transformation of biomass-derived oxygenates in aqueous systems
Authors: Delgado Daniel , Fernández-Arroyo Alberto , Domine Marcelo E. , García-González Ester , López Nieto José M.
Published: May 2019

The control of Nb incorporation in W–Nb–O system leads to tailored Brönsted/Lewis acid properties for the selective transformation of either glycerol or aqueous mixtures of short chain oxygenates into value added products.
Zeolite acidity strongly influences hydrogen peroxide activation and oxygenate selectivity in the partial oxidation of methane over M,Fe-MFI (M: Ga, Al, B) zeolites
Authors: Shahami Meysam , Shantz Daniel F.
Published: May 2019

Brönsted acidity plays a crucial role in the partial oxidation of methane to oxygenated products.
Highly selective C2H2 and CO2 capture and magnetic properties of a robust Co-chain based metal–organic framework
Authors: Ding Tao , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Weiqiang , Zhang Guofang , Gao Zi-Wei
Published: May 2019

A robust Co-MOF based on uncommon 1D alternate Co4 chain units was synthesized, which efficiently takes up C2H2 and CO2 with significant selectivity for C2H2 and CO2 over CH4, as well as shows a slow freezing process of magnetic behavior.
Discovery of (aza)indole derivatives as novel respiratory syncytial virus fusion inhibitors
Authors: Zheng Xiufang , Liang Chungen , Wang Lisha , Miao Kun , Wang Baoxia , Zhang Weixing , Chen Dongdong , Wu Guolong , Zhu Wei , Guo Lei , Feng Song , Gao Lu , Shen Hong C. , Yun Hongying
Published: May 2019

A new class of (aza)indole derivatives have been identified as potent RSV fusion inhibitors.
In situ alignment of graphene nanoplatelets in poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite fibers with controlled stepwise interfacial exfoliation
Authors: Xu Weiheng , Jambhulkar Sayli , Verma Rahul , Franklin Rahul , Ravichandran Dharneedar , Song Kenan
Published: May 2019

Exfoliated and aligned continuous graphene nanoplatelet channels with enhanced mechanical properties and superior electrical conductivity.
In situ synthesis of BiOCl nanosheets on three-dimensional hierarchical structures for efficient photocatalysis under visible light
Authors: Yan Xudong , Zhao Huamei , Li Tengfei , Zhang Wang , Liu Qinglei , Yuan Yang , Huang Lujun , Yao Lulu , Yao Jiahao , Su Huilan , Su Yishi , Gu Jiajun , Zhang Di
Published: May 2019

Assembling two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials into three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical structures with novel functions is challenging and has attracted considerable attention.
A facile sequential ion exchange strategy to synthesize CoSe2/FeSe2 double-shelled hollow nanocuboids for the highly active and stable oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Xu Chunyang , Li Qinghao , Shen Junling , Yuan Ze , Ning Jiqiang , Zhong Yijun , Zhang Ziyang , Hu Yong
Published: May 2019

A novel multicomponent metal selenide electrocatalyst based on CoSe2/FeSe2 double-shelled hollow nanocuboids (CoSe2/FeSe2 DS-HNCs) with a highly oxidative Co3+ species is reported for the first time.
Impact of cesium in methylammonium lead bromide perovskites: insights into the microstructures, stability and photophysical properties
Authors: Premkumar S. , Kundu Kaushik , Umapathy Siva
Published: May 2019

The effect of Cs substitution in MA1−xCsxPbBr3 perovskites was explored using Raman spectroscopy and XRD to identify the microstructural evolution.
Exploring wet chemistry approaches to ZnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles with different inversion degrees: a comparative study
Authors: Dolcet Paolo , Kirchberg Kristin , Antonello Alice , Suchomski Christian , Marschall Roland , Diodati Stefano , Muñoz-Espí Rafael , Landfester Katharina , Gross Silvia
Published: May 2019

ZnFe2O4 was synthesised through three different low-temperature routes to study the effect on the structural evolution of the compounds.
Double network nested foam composites with tunable electromagnetic wave absorption performances
Authors: Ye Xinli , Chen Zhaofeng , Zhang Junxiong , Wu Cao , Zhou Qianbo , Ai Sufen , Liu Hezhou , Cui Sheng
Published: May 2019

A double network nested SiCnw/CF foam composite was fabricated with outstanding absorbing properties.
Band structure engineering of boron–oxygen-based materials for efficient charge separation
Authors: Fan Xiaoyun , Zhong Kangdi , Zhang Yang , Yin Jiao , Zhai Yufei
Published: May 2019

The boron-based materials with indirect–direct band gaps can enhance the photo-generated electron–hole pair separation.
Iminyl radical-promoted imino sulfonylation, imino cyanogenation and imino thiocyanation of γ,δ-unsaturated oxime esters: synthesis of versatile functionalized pyrrolines
Authors: Wang Yuebo , Ding Jie , Zhao Jinghui , Sun Wan , Lian Chang , Chen Chen , Zhu Bolin
Published: May 2019

We reported an iminyl radical-promoted imino-functionalization of γ,δ-unsaturated oxime esters to synthesize versatile functionalized pyrrolines.
When the strategies for cellular selectivity fail. Challenges and surprises in the design and application of fluorescent benzothiadiazole derivatives for mitochondrial staining
Authors: Carvalho Pedro H. P. R. , Correa Jose R. , Paiva Karen L. R. , Baril Michele , Machado Daniel F. S. , Scholten Jackson D. , de Souza Paulo E. N. , Veiga-Souza Fabiane H. , Spencer John , Neto Brenno A. D.
Published: May 2019

Design, synthesis, molecular architecture and the unexpected behavior of fluorescent benzothiadiazole for selective mitochondrial and plasma membrane staining are investigated.
Copper-promoted dehydrogenative cross-coupling reaction of dialkyl phosphites with sulfoximines
Authors: Gupta Surabhi , Baranwal Siddharth , Chaudhary Priyanka , Kandasamy Jeyakumar
Published: May 2019

Synthesis of sulfoximine derived phosphoramidates was achieved in good to excellent yields from NH-sulfoximines and dialkyl phosphites.
Synthesis of β-hydroxysulfones through a copper(ii)-catalyzed multicomponent reaction with the insertion of sulfur dioxide
Authors: Zhang Jun , Xie Wenlin , Ye Shengqing , Wu Jie
Published: May 2019

A copper(ii)-catalyzed aerobic oxidative reaction of arylhydrazines, DABCO·(SO2)2 and alkenes is reported. Diverse β-hydroxysulfones are generated in moderate to good yields through the hydroxysulfonylation of alkenes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under mild conditions. In some cases, β-ketosulfones are produced.
Biodegradable nanosyringes for intracellular amplification-based dual-diagnosis and gene therapy in single living cells
Authors: Shen Xiaotong , Zhang Ying , Sun Jianghui , Lu Hua , Ouyang Jin , Na Na
Published: May 2019

Biodegradable nanosyringes were prepared to achieve efficient loading, delivery and release of biomolecules (enzymes, nucleic acids, and even silencing RNA (siRNA)) into living cells for amplification-based dual-detection of cancer biomarkers and gene therapy for cancer.
Complex-typeN-glycans on VSV-G pseudotyped HIV exhibit ‘tough’ sialic and ‘brittle’ mannose self-adhesions
Authors: Abeyratne-Perera Hashanthi K. , Ogharandukun Eric , Chandran Preethi L.
Published: May 2019

Mannose and sialic acid residues exhibit short-range brittle self-adhesion and long-range tough self-adhesion in both monolayers and complex typeN-glycans.
Item Bias: Predictors of Accuracy on Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test–Fourth Edition Items for Spanish-English–Speaking Children
Authors: Wood Carla , Schatschneider Christopher
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study examines the response patterns of 278 Spanish–English dual language learners (DLLs) on a standardized test of receptive English vocabulary.

Method

Investigators analyzed responses to 131 items on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test–Fourth Edition (Dunn & Dunn, 2007) focusing on differential accuracy on items influenced by (a) cross-linguistic overlap in phonology, (b) part of speech, and (c) word frequency.

Results

The differential response patterns showed cross-linguistic overlap, part of speech, and word frequency were significant predictors of the likelihood of obtaining a correct response above and beyond the expected difficulty level of the item.

Conclusions

All 3 factors predicted DLLs' response patterns beyond expected difficulty. Items with the highest likelihood of error included words with few or no shared features between Spanish and English translation equivalents, verbs or modifiers, and words with low frequency of occurrence.

Implications

Researchers should consider a cross-linguistic overlap in addition to part of speech and word frequency when designing vocabulary assessments for DLLs or utilizing such tests in research and clinical practice. Recognizing potential bias, clinicians should triangulate the appraisal of DLLs' language skills across multiple sources or measures and use caution when interpreting vocabulary assessments.
Impact of the development of an endoscopic eradication program for Barrett’s esophagus with high grade dysplasia or early adenocarcinoma on the frequency of surgery
Authors: Chilukuri Prianka , Gromski Mark A. , Johnson Cynthia S. , Ceppa Duy Khanh P. , Kesler Kenneth A. , Birdas Thomas J. , Rieger Karen M. , Fatima Hala , Kessler William R. , Rex Douglas K. , Al-Haddad Mohammad , DeWitt John M.
Published: May 2019

Background and aims The impact of the advent of an institutional endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) program on surgical practice for Barrett’s esophagus (BE)-associated high grade dysplasia (HGD) or suspected T1a esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is unknown. The aims of this study are to evaluate the different endoscopic modalities used during development of our EET program and factors associated with the use of EET or surgery for these patients after its development.

Methods Patients who underwent primary endoscopic or surgical treatment for BE-HGD or early EAC at our hospital between January 1992 and December 2014 were retrospectively identified. They were categorized by their initial modality of treatment during the first year, and the impact over time for choice of therapy was assessed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results We identified 386 patients and 80 patients who underwent EET and surgery, respectively. EET included single modality therapy in 254 (66 %) patients and multimodal therapy in 132 (34 %) patients. Multivariable logistic regression showed that, for each subsequent study year, EET was more likely to be performed in patients who were older (P = 0.0009), with shorter BE lengths (P < 0.0001), and with a pretreatment diagnosis of HGD (P = 0.0054) compared to surgical patients. The diagnosis of EAC did not increase the utilization of EET compared to surgery as time progressed (P = 0.8165).

Conclusion The introduction of an EET program at our hospital increased the odds of utilizing EET versus surgery over time for initial treatment of patients who were older, had shorter BE lengths or the diagnosis of BE-HGD, but not in patients with EAC.
Doppelangriff bei invasiver Pilzrhinosinusitis: Antimykotikum plus Debridement
Authors: Werner Franziska
Published: May 2019

Die akute invasive fungale Rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) ist eine potenziell letale Erkrankung – Inzidenz steigend. Entscheidend für das Überleben sind eine frühe Diagnosesicherung und ein frühzeitiger Therapiebeginn. Indische Forscher um R. Shanbag berichten nun über ihre positiven 2-Jahres-Erfahrungen mit einem primär medikamentös-chirurgischen Vorgehen – der Kombination von liposomalem Amphotherizin B (Lip AmB) und endoskopischem Debridement.
Tracheostomaversorgung: Pilotstudie sieht Optimierungsbedarf
Authors: Klemm Eckart
Published: May 2019

Untersuchungen haben gezeigt: Initiativen zur Qualitätsverbesserung können die Versorgung von Tracheostomapatienten verbessern. Als wesentliche Schwachstellen in der Tracheostomaversorgung gelten die unzureichende Patienteneinbindung und die mangelnde Vorbereitung auf die präoperative, die frühe postoperative und die nachstationäre Phase. Ein aktueller Online Survey unter Gesundheitsprofessionellen bestätigt dies und skizziert Lösungswege.
Reactions of t-Boc-Protected Amines with Difluorocarbene
Authors: Gerasov Andrii , Shivanyuk Alexander , Fetyukhin Volodymyr , Lukin Oleg
Published: May 2019

The reactions of t-Boc-protected secondary and primary amines with difluorocarbene generated from trimethylsilyl (fluorosulfonyl)difluoroacetate [Me3SiOC(O)CF2SO2F] (TFDA) in toluene at 110 °C results in the replacement of t-Bu by difluoromethyl in the t-Boc group. This reaction can be carried out in the presence of CH2Br and COOMe moieties in the structure of the protected amine. In the example of a t-Boc-protected amine containing a C=C double bond, replacement of the t-Bu group and/or cyclodifluoropropanation takes place. Difluoromethyl esters are shown to react with primary and secondary amines yielding the corresponding ureas.
Fluid Management in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Casey Jonathan , Semler Matthew , Rice Todd
Published: May 2019

One of the defining features of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, resulting from increased permeability of the alveolar–capillary barrier and passage of protein-rich fluid into the interstitium and alveolar spaces. The loss of protein from the intravascular space disrupts the normal oncotic pressure differential and causes patients with ARDS to be particularly sensitive to the hydrostatic forces that correlate with intravascular volume. Conservative fluid management, in which diuretics are administered and intravenous fluid administration is minimized, may decrease hydrostatic pressure and increase serum oncotic pressure, potentially limiting the development of pulmonary edema. However, the cause of death in most patients with ARDS is multiorgan system failure, not hypoxemia, and the impact of conservative fluid management on the incidence of extrapulmonary organ failure during ARDS is unclear. These physiologic observations have led to a series of studies examining the impact of fluid management on the development of, resolution of, survival from, and long-term outcomes from ARDS. While questions remain, the current literature makes it clear that fluid management is an integral part of the care of patients with ARDS.
Cholesterol Starvation and Hypoxia Activate the FVII Gene via the SREBP1-GILZ Pathway in Ovarian Cancer Cells to Produce Procoagulant Microvesicles
Authors: Koizume Shiro , Takahashi Tomoko , Yoshihara Mitsuyo , Nakamura Yoshiyasu , Ruf Wolfram , Takenaka Katsuya , Miyagi Etsuko , Miyagi Yohei
Published: May 2019

Interaction between the transcription factors, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1α and HIF2α) and Sp1, mediates hypoxia-driven expression of FVII gene encoding coagulation factor VII (fVII) in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (CCC) cells. This mechanism is synergistically enhanced in response to serum starvation, a condition possibly associated with tumor hypoxia. This transcriptional response potentially results in venous thromboembolism, a common complication in cancer patients by producing procoagulant extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, which deficient serum factors are responsible for this characteristic transcriptional mechanism is unknown. Here, we report that cholesterol deficiency mediates synergistic FVII expression under serum starvation and hypoxia (SSH) via novel sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP1)-driven mechanisms. Unlike conventional mechanisms, SREBP1 indirectly enhances FVII transcription through the induction of a new target, glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) protein. GILZ expression induced in response to hypoxia by a HIF1α-dependent mechanism activates SREBP1 under SSH, suggesting reciprocal regulation between SREBP1 and GILZ. Furthermore, GILZ binds to the FVII locus. Xenograft tumor samples analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed that HIF1α-aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translocator and GILZ bind to the TSC22D3 (GILZ) and FVII gene loci, respectively, thereby potentially modulating chromatin function to augment FVII transcription. Thus, deficiency of both O2 and cholesterol, followed by interplay between HIFs, Sp1, and SREBP1-GILZ pathways synergistically induce fVII synthesis, resulting in the shedding of procoagulant EVs.
Sciatic Nerve to Pudendal Nerve Transfer: Anatomical Feasibility for a New Proposed Technique
Authors: Agarwal Pawan , Sharma Dhananjaya , Wankhede Sudesh , Jain P. C. , Agrawal N. L.
Published: May 2019

Aim Restoration of bladder and bowel continence after pudendal nerve anastomosis has been shown successfully in animal models and may be applicable in humans. Aim of this cadaveric study was to assess feasibility of pudendal nerve neurotization using motor fascicles from sciatic nerve.

Methods Pudendal and sciatic nerves were exposed via gluteal approach in 5 human cadavers (10 sites). Size of pudendal and sciatic nerves and the distance between two nerves was measured.

Results There were four male and one female cadavers. Mean age was 62 (range, 50–70) years. Mean pudendal nerve diameter was 2.94 mm (right side) and 2.82 mm (left side). Mean sciatic nerve diameter was 11.2 mm (right side) and 14.2 mm (left side). The distance between two nerves was 23.4 mm on both sides.

Conclusion Transfer of the motor fascicles from sciatic nerve to pudendal nerve to restore the bladder and bowel continence is feasible.