bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental Strategies for a Water Quality Assessment Model with Limited Datasets – A Case Study from River Bhavani, India
Authors: Ravinashree A , Sivapragasam C , Vasudevan M
Published: July 2022

Understanding the significance of rational attributes for a water quality model depends largely on the availability and reliability of virgin datasets pertaining to their spatial-temporal variations and interactions. Present study aims to identify certain crucial attributes for deriving a water quality model for a selected reach of River Bhavani in Tamil Nadu, India using the results of the QUAL2K model based on a limited dataset. The spatial variations in the concentrations of inorganic suspended solids (ISS) and carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (cBOD) were studied in detail corresponding to the possible variations in other model parameters (pertaining to the hydraulic, environmental and climatic conditions). The results indicate that the cBOD has a significant dependency on temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH, while the ISS has shown more dependency on alkalinity, conductivity and bottom algae. It is further inferred that variations in pH and dissolved oxygen can impose triggering effects when external pollution loads (point and nonpoint sources) are introduced while generating the corresponding profiles of ISS and cBOD. Based on the results, the conceptual strategies for developing a data-limited model is presented, which can be further developed to simulate water quality profiles for similar data-limited scenario.
A study of Environmental and Ecological impacts due to Construction and Operation of Tehri-Polavaram Dam
Authors: Verma S K , Sahu R T. , Singh H , Prasad A.D. , Verma M K
Published: July 2022

Any water resources project has both a positive and a negative impact on the environment. Sometimes these environmental losses are unavoidable, so it is most important to minimize the environmental losses and their social-ecological and geopolitical impact. Environmental impact assessment plays an important role in identifying, predicting, and mitigating the various impacts on the environment. This paper presents the details of the construction of Tehri and Polavaram dam projects and their various impacts on the environment and ecological aspects. Any water resource expansion that fulfills minimum needs without endangering future generations’ ability to fulfils their own will be considered sustainable. There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to the long-term effects of dams on the surrounding environment, including redevelopment and relocation of people and businesses, socioeconomic influence on the surrounding area, and environmental concerns such as sedimentation, among others. Sustainable development also means that, in addition to minimizing the dam’s negative effects on the environment, making sure that the benefits of the dam outweigh the negative ones. As a result, it is recognized that water resource projects must be intended, implemented, and managed to meet future population demands while reducing disturbance to the existing eco-system and incorporating effective control measures at various phases to ameliorate any adverse effects.
Kimberlitic olivine – a proxy to kimberlite petrogenesis and ascent process
Authors: Mishra V. K. , Tiwari R. N. , Verma C. B. , Mukherjee A. , Dixit R. K. , Prabhakar G.
Published: July 2022

In kimberlite, olivine is an important constituent and it is found as mineral grains of different sizes, which can be of xenocrystic and magmatic origin. To know the processes, that are involved and controls the compositional variations of olivine, can provide distinct understanding into the genesis and evolution of kimberlites. In addition to this the textural features of kimberlitic olivine, which are recorded as textural events during magma assent constrains the ascent of kimberlite and the processes involved.

Unambiguous identification of kimberlitic olivine and its textural features require careful petrographic examination combined with mineral compositional analysis and use of high magnification images (BSE-SEM), all this is integrated to know the origin of olivine grain which in turn constrain the process involved in ascent of kimberlite and its petrogenesis. In this study we review the use of kimberlitic olivine in deducing the upper mantle conditions and process for kimberlite petrogenesis.
Challenges and solutions in COVID-19 related pandemic solid waste management (PSWM) - A detailed analysis with special focus on plastic waste
Authors: Upadhyay Kshitij , Bajpai Samir
Published: July 2022

A pandemic like novel coronavirus 2’ (SARS-CoV-2) not only poses serious public health repercussions but also affects the socio-economic and environmental conditions of the affected countries. The increased consumption of material resources in conjunction with ‘containment and preventive measures’ is generating an unprecedented amount of potentially infectious solid waste, especially that of plastic origin, which if mismanaged, is bound to affect the ecosystem and public health, as the virus can survive on fomites for longer duration. COVID-19 related pandemic waste, such as Personal protective equipment (PPEs), sanitizer and water bottles, disinfection wipes, and Single use Plastics (SUPs) products has already found its way to the aquatic and terrestrial environment. Even before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the management of plastic waste, an environmental stressor with trans-boundary migration capabilities, was a major environmental issue for every stake-holder.

In this paper, we propose a separate domain in the waste management framework for the effective management of pandemic related solid waste. Factors and sources contributing to increased plastic waste generation are discussed in detail. A concise picture of global plastic demand through sectors and polymer types is presented and speculations are made on how COVID-19 is going to affect the plastic demand. Current solid waste handling and management practices in developed and developing countries are critically examined from the perspective of this pandemic. We identified various challenges that waste management sectors are facing currently and offered possible solutions.

Concerns of transmission through fomites is bringing a change in public behavior and consumption pattern which affects 3R practices, while fear of secondary transmission from occupational infections is interfering with 3R practices at end-of-life plastic waste management. The legislative and restrictive frameworks on plastic use being currently put-on hold at the governmental level to ensure public safety are being used by the plastic industry to lobby for increased plastic consumption. The inability of the governments to win public confidence is further escalating unsustainable practices and slowing the shift towards sustainable economy. It is imperative to enforce sustainable practices without putting public safety at risk and to ensure that an unsustainable societal attitude wouldn’t be reinstated in the post-pandemic world. Lastly, eight research and policy points suggested here may guide future studies and governmental frameworks in the domain of COVID-19 pandemic related solid waste handling and management.
Critical analysis of hydrological mass variations of northwest India
Authors: Mira Shivani S , Srivastava S , Singh A
Published: July 2022

With current climate change, water availability is a huge concern. Ground-water (GW) is depleting at a steep rate globally and more specifically in Northwest India. Estimation and analysis of GW availability would be of great use for formulating a proper water management plan for the future. The study is carried out in the north-western part of India with the aim of generating a time series for total water storage (TWS) using different remote sensing and model-based data like GRACE, Landsat, MODIS. From the time series, it is clear-cut that, the TWS is showing a declining trend and this might be due to depletion of groundwater as, other variables like precipitation, evapotranspiration, soil moisture (obtained from MERRA-2 and CFSR data) are not showing any negative trend during the study period (2002 - 2021). Also, from the change detection analysis of land use land cover maps and crop yield statistics of water-intensive crops it can be concluded that croplands in the study area are increasing denoting the usage of water for irrigation at a large scale. Thus, better management of the groundwater is required for avoiding severe water scarcity in the future.
Coastal Vulnerability Assessment: A case study of the Ratnagiri coast, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Yadav A B , Mohanty P C , Singh A
Published: July 2022

The coastal zone is a vulnerable habitat that needs extra caution to protect ecosystems. Coastal systems are increasingly threatened by possible climate change consequences, as evidenced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s consecutive assessments. Increased tropical storm occurrences in recent years, in addition to the devastation caused by the tsunami in December 2004, have highlighted the necessity of analyzing the coast’s susceptibility to flooding-induced hazards to get a better knowledge of the factors that generate various hazards and, as a result, reduce the after-effects of future occurrences. The Ratnagiri coast in Maharashtra is prone to erosional hazards, periodic land rehabilitation, and sudden rises in sea level. The main objective is to calculate the CVI (Coastal Vulnerability Index) for the Ratnagiri coast. To analyze the vulnerability of the coastal region, eight risk parameters were used, viz. shoreline change rate, coastal elevation, sea level change rate, coastal slope, tide range, significant wave height, coastal geomorphology, and tsunami arrival height. The coastal vulnerability map was created by categorizing the numerous coastal portions into three vulnerability groups: high, medium, and low, which will aid coastal residents in risk mitigation in the future.
Igneous rock classification using Convolutional neural networks (CNN)
Authors: Patro Surendra , Jhariya D.C. , Sahu Mridu , Dewangan Pankaj , Dhekne P.Y.
Published: July 2022

This paper describes how convolutional neural networks are used to identify and classify igneous rocks (CNN). Igneous rocks are formed while still hot, hot magma crystallises and solidifies. Melt originates deep beneath the Earth’s surface, amid active plate borders or hot zones, and then rises to the surface. There are also various kinds of igneous rocks, which are addressed throughout this work, distinguishing each one is a difficult feat in and of itself. Machine learning, which is fundamentally a three-layer neural network, is a subset of deep learning. These neural networks attempt to mimic conscious brain function of humans by letting it to “learn” from massive volumes of data, but they continue to fail. A Convolutional Neural Network (ConvNet/CNN) is a Deep Learning approach for assigning priority (learnable weights and biases) to various aspects/objects in a picture while also identifying them. Classification of images, audio and video segmentation, decision support systems, speech recognition, and image analysis are just a few of the applications for CNNs.
Classifying Minerals using Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Singh Tajendra , Jhariya D.C. , Sahu Mridu , Dewangan Pankaj , Dhekne P.Y.
Published: July 2022

A mineral is an inorganic substance that occurs in nature with specific chemical content and an ordered atomic positioning. Minerals are identified by their physical properties. Minerals’ physical properties are related to their chemical composition and bonding. Quartz is extremely valuable economically. Valuable minerals and some examples of gemstones are citrine, amethyst, quartz with smoky texture and quartz of rose color can be said as rose quartz are some examples of gemstones. Sandstone, primarily composing quartz, is the most used building stone. Biotite has limited number of applications for commercial use. Deep learning is the subset of machine learning. It is based on self-learning and improvement through the examination of computer algorithms. TensorFlow library of machine learning combines a number of different algorithms and models which allows users to build deep neural networks for projects/model such as image recognition/classification and many more. Image Classification is the assignment of one label from a fixed set of categories to an input image. In this paper Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are used primarily for image processing, classification, segmentation, and other auto-correlated data. This paper will explain the techniques and explanation for classifying minerals images using a deep learning algorithm called a convolutional neural network. Identifying minerals on a field is a tedious activity and requires a lot of information and conformation here with the help of deep learning algorithms we made a deep learning model which has all its feature already embedded in it that can be used to classify minerals with a reasonable accuracy furthermore in future it can be made more accurate and fit accordingly to the conditions.
Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones in Koyna River Watershed, Maharashtra using Remote Sensing and GIS
Authors: Swain R C , Jhariya D C , Swain A , Mawale Y K , Rana S
Published: July 2022

Groundwater is considered as only source which provides water for meeting domestic, industrial and agricultural requirement. Continuous uses of water without any conservation cause lowering of Ground water level and thus living forms are facing many problems now-a-days. In current situation some existing wells getting dried up because of depletion of groundwater table as the natural groundwater recharge is not sufficient for requirements. As a result, the access to resources and their demand allows individuals to pick favorable locations for population increase. As the world’s population grows, so does urbanization and groundwater exploration. As a rising metropolitan region, it is critical to analyze the present groundwater scenario of the Koyna River watershed. This study is simple to do with the use of remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS) by cost-effectively incorporating factors impacting groundwater potential. We will combine numerous data sets and maps in this study, including satellite imaging, drainage, groundwater level, precipitation, LULC, slope, and its existing geological map. After including the groundwater potential, it was divided into five distinct zones: extremely poor, poor, moderate, good, and very excellent [1].
Roadmap for network-based biocomputation
Authors: van Delft Falco C M J M , Månsson Alf , Kugler Hillel , Korten Till , Reuther Cordula , Zhu Jingyuan , Lyttleton Roman , Blaudeck Thomas , Meinecke Christoph Robert , Reuter Danny , Diez Stefan , Linke Heiner
Published: July 2022

Network-based biocomputation (NBC) is an alternative, parallel computation approach that can potentially solve technologically important, combinatorial problems with much lower energy consumption than electronic processors. In NBC, a combinatorial problem is encoded into a physical, nanofabricated network. The problem is solved by biological agents (such as cytoskeletal filaments driven by molecular motors) that explore all possible pathways through the network in a massively parallel and highly energy-efficient manner. Whereas there is currently a rapid development in the size and types of problems that can be solved by NBC in proof-of-principle experiments, significant challenges still need to be overcome before NBC can be scaled up to fill a technological niche and reach an industrial level of manufacturing. Here, we provide a roadmap that identifies key scientific and technological needs. Specifically, we identify technology benchmarks that need to be reached or overcome, as well as possible solutions for how to achieve this. These include methods for large-scale production of nanoscale physical networks, for dynamically changing pathways in these networks, for encoding information onto biological agents, for single-molecule readout technology, as well as the integration of each of these approaches in large-scale production. We also introduce figures of merit that help analyze the scalability of various types of NBC networks and we use these to evaluate scenarios for major technological impact of NBC. A major milestone for NBC will be to increase parallelization to a point where the technology is able to outperform the current run time of electronic processors. If this can be achieved, NBC would offer a drastic advantage in terms of orders of magnitude lower energy consumption. In addition, the fundamentally different architecture of NBC compared to conventional electronic computers may make it more advantageous to use NBC to solve certain types of problems and instances that are easy to parallelize. To achieve these objectives, the purpose of this roadmap is to identify pre-competitive research domains, enabling cooperation between industry, institutes, and universities for sharing research and development efforts and reducing development cost and time.
Detection Rate and Influencing Factors of Microalbuminuria in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Xi Yang , Sun Ningling
Published: July 2022

Background

To investigate the detection rate and relevant influencing factors of microalbuminuria (MAU) in hypertensive patients in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 181,053 hypertensives from 600 hospitals across China. A questionnaire was used to collect information including patients’ risk factors, disease conditions, and antihypertensive drug treatment. Blood pressure was measured, and urine albumin to creatinine ratio was determined by urine strips. Patients were divided into the following subgroups: hypertension only, hypertension with and without MAU, cardiovascular risk factors, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and single or combination drug therapy.

Results

A total of 136,483 patients with hypertension were enrolled. Patients with MAU, risk factors, and ASCVD or treated with combination drug therapy had significantly higher blood pressure compared with their corresponding counterparts (all P < 0.001). The detection rate of MAU was 27.8%, 25.7%, 29.1%, and 33.4% in hypertension only, hypertension with cardiovascular risk factors, hypertension with ASCVD, and hypertension with cardiovascular risk factors and ASCVD, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age < 45 years, female, body mass index ≥ 28 kg/m2, living in Western China, living in Northeastern China, hypertension with risk factors and ASCVD, and combination drug therapy were positively correlated with MAU.

Conclusions

The detection rate of MAU is the highest in hypertensive patients with cardiovascular risk factors and ASCVD, and their blood pressure control is poor. Risk factor control and better blood pressure management are recommended.
Two Surgeons’ Approaches to the Upper Body Lift: A Video Discussion
Authors: Cinclair Richard , Aly Al , Kenkel Jeffrey
Published: July 2022

Body contouring post massive weight loss is becoming increasingly more common. In this article and accompanying video, 2 experienced surgeons, Jeffrey Kenkel, MD, and Al Aly, MD, discuss the upper body lift procedure through a moderated discussion. The goal of this article is to elucidate the similarities and differences between the surgeons’ guiding principles and specific approaches to this procedure. Topics covered in this discussion include indications, intraoperative sequencing, male chest, brachioplasty, closing technique, postoperative complications, and the typical postoperative course.

Level of Evidence: 4
Anti-skin-aging effects of human ceramides via collagen and fibrillin expression in dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Sugahara Yurika , Komorisono Masahiko , Kuwajima Mami , Yoshikawa Shuichi , Yoshida Shiori , Maeda Kazuhisa
Published: July 2022

Intercellular lipids comprise mainly ceramides, known to enhance the barrier function of the stratum corneum. However, the activities of ceramides inside the skin have not yet been fully elucidated. Here we examined how the human ceramide mixture (HC123) functions in the dermis. We treated human skin fibroblasts with HC123-expressed fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), collagen I, and fibrillin. We found that HC123 promoted the formation of collagen fibers and microfibrils (fibrillin) which affect the elasticity of the skin. We also confirmed that the gene expression of collagen and fibrillin is promoted via TGF-β and FGF2, respectively. We then investigated the permeability of HC123 for external use, in pursuit of evidence that HC123 may exert an anti-aging effect by penetrating into the dermis, activating fibroblasts, and promoting the production of collagen fibers and elastin-related microfibrils.
Online Multi-Component Cognitive Strategy Instruction for Cochlear Implant Users: Reading Comprehension
Authors: Akçakaya Hatice , Ergül Cevriye
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of online multi-component strategy instruction (MCCSI) on students with cochlear implants (CIs) regarding their reading comprehension. Moreover, it was to examine whether the students maintained and generalized the skills they acquired as well as the student’ and their mothers’ opinions regarding the intervention. This research was carried out with a multiple probe design across subjects. Three students with CIs who were in the fourth or fifth grade participated in this study. As a result, online MCCSI was found to be effective with a large effect size for all three students, and the students maintained their acquired skills at three and six weeks following the intervention. Additionally, two of the students were able to generalize the strategies they learned. Moreover, the opinions of the participating students and families regarding the social validity of the research were positive.
Low-flow/low-gradient aortic stenosis without contractile reserve—a case report
Authors: Stastny Lukas , Dumfarth Julia , Friedrich Guy , Bonaros Nikolaos
Published: July 2022

Background

Diagnosis and management of low-flow/low-gradient aortic stenosis are very challenging. Resting echocardiography is not capable of differentiating between different types and origins of low-flow and low-gradient state in aortic valve stenosis. Therefore, dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) are necessary. This case report should illustrate the importance of these assessments.

Case summary

A 73-year-old woman presented to our emergency department with New York Heart Association III symptoms of exertional dyspnoea. In addition, the patient complained of fatigue and low resilience. On physical examination, auscultation revealed a systolic murmur over the aortic valve. Further diagnostic steps revealed a low-flow/low-gradient aortic valve stenosis (LF/LGAS) without contractile reserve (CR) in DSE and massive valve calcification in CCT.

Discussion

In this case, we demonstrate the importance of different assessments and workflow. The prognosis of LF/LGAS has been re-evaluated during the last decade and the current guidelines recommend the treatment of such patients even in the absence of CR. Furthermore, we are discussing the results of LF/LGAS.
Futuristic robotic percutaneous coronary intervention with innovative physiology optimization: a case report
Authors: Vijayachandra Yerramareddy , Mani Shalini
Published: July 2022

Background

Robotic percutaneous coronary intervention (R-PCI) is being preferred over traditional PCI procedures owing to reduced radiation exposure to the personnel performing this technique. However, there are some challenges in using pressure wires in R-PCI.

Case summary

This is the first article reporting the usage of pressure wire navigation in R-PCI. We have discussed a case of severe mid-right coronary artery disease, managed with physiology-assisted R-PCI. Software features of R-PCI such as Rotate-On-Retract were effectively used to negotiate Pressure Wire™ X across the tortuous artery. Stenting was successfully carried out with Pressure Wire™ X/R-PCI without any adverse events during or after the procedure.

Discussion

Pressure Wire™ X was used with certain modifications to negotiate tortuous arteries. The R-PCI procedure was carried out successfully without any adverse events during or after the procedure.
Short Communication: Maternal obesity alters ovine endometrial gene expression during peri-implantation development
Authors: McCoski Sarah R , Cockrum Rebecca R , Ealy Alan D
Published: July 2022

Exposure to maternal obesity in utero is associated with marked developmental effects in offspring that may not be evident until adulthood. Mechanisms regulating the programming effects of maternal obesity on fetal development have been reported, but little is known about how maternal obesity affects the earliest periods of embryonic development. This work explored how obesity influences endometrial gene expression during the peri-implantation period using a sheep model. Ewes were assigned randomly to diets that produced an obese state or maintained a lean state. After 4 mo, obese and lean ewes were bred and then euthanized at day 14 post-breeding. The uterus was excised, conceptuses were flushed, and endometrial tissue was collected. Isolated RNA from endometrial tissues (n = 6 ewes/treatment) were sequenced using an Illumina-based platform. Reads were mapped to the Ovis aries genome (Oar_4.0). Differential gene expression was determined, and results were filtered (false discovery rate ≤ 0.05 and ≥2-fold change, ≥0.2 reads/kilobase/million reads). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (n = 699), with 171 downregulated and 498 upregulated in obese vs. lean endometrium, respectively. The most pronounced gene ontology categories identified were cellular process, metabolic process, and biological regulation. Enrichments were detected within the DEGs for genes involved with immune system processes, negative regulation of apoptosis, cell growth, and cell adhesion. A literature search revealed that 125 DEGs were associated with either the trophoblast lineage or the placenta. Genes within this grouping were involved with wingless/integrated signaling, angiogenesis, and integrin signaling. In summary, these data indicate that the peri-implantation endometrium is responsive to maternal obesity. Transcript profile analyses suggest that the endometrial immune response, adhesion, and angiogenesis may be especially susceptible to obesity. Thus, alterations in uterine transcript profiles during early embryogenesis may be a mechanism responsible for developmental programming following maternal obesity exposure in utero.
Bioactive supplements influencing bovine in vitro embryo development
Authors: Wooldridge Lydia K , Keane Jessica A , Rhoads Michelle L , Ealy Alan D
Published: July 2022

Ovum pickup and in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos are replacing traditional multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) as the primary means for generating transferable embryos from genetically elite sires and dams. However, inefficiencies in the IVP process limit the opportunities to produce large numbers of transferable embryos. Also, the post-transfer competency of IVP embryos is inferior to embryos produced by artificial insemination or MOET. Numerous maternal, paternal, embryonic, and culture-related factors can have adverse effects on IVP success. This review will explore the various efforts made on describing how IVP embryo development and post-transfer competency may be improved by supplementing hormones, growth factors, cytokines, steroids and other bioactive factors found in the oviduct and uterus during early pregnancy. More than 40 of these factors, collectively termed as embryokines, are reviewed here. Several embryokines contain abilities to promote embryo development, including improving embryo survivability, improving blastomere cell numbers, and altering the distribution of blastomere cell types in blastocysts. A select few embryokines also can benefit pregnancy retention after IVP embryo transfer and improve neonatal calf health and performance, although very few embryokine-supplemented embryo transfer studies have been completed. Also, supplementing several embryokines at the same time holds promise for improving IVP embryo development and competency. However, more work is needed to explore the post-transfer consequences of adding these putative embryokines for any adverse outcomes, such as large offspring syndrome and poor postnatal health, and to specify the specific embryokine combinations that will best represent the ideal conditions found in the oviduct and uterus.
Positive relationship of rectal temperature at fixed timed artificial insemination on pregnancy outcomes in beef cattle
Authors: Liles Hunter L , Schneider Liesel G , Pohler Ky G , Oliveira Filho Ramiro V , Neal Schrick F , Payton Rebecca R , Rhinehart Justin D , Thompson Kevin W , McLean Kyle , Edwards J Lannett
Published: July 2022

The overarching aim was to examine the relationship of rectal temperature at fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) on pregnancy outcomes in a typical breeding season with expected pregnancy rates approaching 50% using Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle. This represents a continuum of steps to test the hypothesis that elevated body temperature at or around insemination is functionally important to maximize pregnancy outcomes. Rectal temperature of Bos indicus cattle at FTAI ranged from 37.0 to 40.9 °C; 60.6% were hyperthermic. Positive factors impacting pregnancy outcomes were rectal temperature at FTAI, body condition, and estrus patch scores. Rectal temperature at FTAI was positively associated with pregnancy outcomes (P < 0.0001); per each 1 °C increase pregnancy odds increased 1.9 times (95% CI: 1.4 to 2.6). Highest pregnancy outcomes occurred with rectal temperatures exceeding 40 °C (P = 0.0004). Rectal temperature before FTAI in Bos taurus cattle ranged from 37.8 to 41.8 °C; 43.3% were hyperthermic. Factors impacting pregnancy were rectal temperature at FTAI, estrus activity, parity, and ambient conditions on day of FTAI. Rectal temperature of Bos taurus cattle at FTAI was positively associated with pregnancy (P = 0.0286); odds increased 1.45 times (95% CI: 1.0 to 2.0) per each 1 °C increase. Highest pregnancy outcomes occurred with rectal temperatures at FTAI exceeding 40 °C (P = 0.057). Moreover, positive relationship of rectal temperature at FTAI to pregnancy persisted in estrual females (71.25% of total; P = 0.0408; OR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0 to 2.2). Mindful that 1) elevated temperatures observed in Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle directly promote meiotic resumption of the oocyte in vitro and that 2) in vivo hyperthermia alters intrafollicular components which others have shown to potentiate ovulation and promote meiotic resumption, it is biologically plausible that an acute elevation in body temperature at or around time of insemination is functionally important to maximize pregnancy outcomes.
Heat-induced increases in body temperature in lactating dairy cows: impact on the cumulus and granulosa cell transcriptome of the periovulatory follicle
Authors: Klabnik Jessica L , Christenson Lane K , Gunewardena Sumedha S A , Pohler Ky G , Rispoli Louisa A , Payton Rebecca R , Moorey Sarah E , Neal Schrick F , Edwards J Lannett
Published: July 2022

Cows acutely heat stressed after a pharmacologically induced luteinizing hormone (LH) surge had periovulatory changes in the follicular fluid proteome that may potentiate ovulation and impact oocyte developmental competence. Because the cellular origins of differentially abundant proteins were not known, we have examined the cumulus and granulosa cell transcriptomes from the periovulatory follicle in cows exhibiting varying levels of hyperthermia when occurring after the LH surge. After pharmacological induction of a dominant follicle, lactating dairy cows were administered gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and maintained in thermoneutral conditions (~67 temperature–humidity index [THI]) or heat stress conditions where THI was steadily increased for ~12 h (71 to 86 THI) and was sufficient to steadily elevate rectal temperatures. Cumulus-oocyte complexes and mural granulosa cells were recovered by transvaginal aspiration of dominant follicle content ~16 h after GnRH. Rectal temperature was used as a continuous, independent variable to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) increased or decreased per each 1 °C change in temperature. Cumulus (n = 9 samples) and granulosa (n = 8 samples) cells differentially expressed (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05) 25 and 87 genes, respectively. The majority of DEGs were upregulated by hyperthermia. Steady increases in THI are more like the “turning of a dial” than the “flipping of a switch.” The moderate but impactful increases in rectal temperature induced modest fold changes in gene expression (<2-fold per 1 °C change in rectal temperature). Identification of cumulus DEGs involved in cell junctions, plasma membrane rafts, and cell-cycle regulation are consistent with marked changes in the interconnectedness and function of cumulus after the LH surge. Depending on the extent to which impacts may be occurring at the junctional level, cumulus changes may have indirect but impactful consequences on the oocyte as it undergoes meiotic maturation. Two granulosa cell DEGs have been reported by others to promote ovulation. Based on what is known, several other DEGs are suggestive of impacts on collagen formation or angiogenesis. Collectively these and other findings provide important insight regarding the extent to which the transcriptomes of the components of the periovulatory follicle (cumulus and mural granulosa cells) are affected by varying degrees of hyperthermia.
Form of dietary selenium affects mRNA encoding cholesterol biosynthesis and immune response elements in the early luteal phase bovine corpus luteum
Authors: Crites Benjamin R , Carr Sarah N , Matthews James C , Bridges Phillip J
Published: July 2022

Widespread regions of the southeast United States have soils, and hence forages, deficient in selenium (Se), necessitating Se supplementation to grazing cattle for optimal immune function, growth, and fertility. We have reported that supplementation with an isomolar 1:1 mix (MIX) of inorganic (ISe) and organic (OSe) forms of Se increases early luteal phase (LP) progesterone (P4) above that in cows on ISe alone. Increased early LP P4 advances embryonic development. Our objective was to determine the effect of form of Se on the transcriptome of the early LP corpus luteum (CL) with the goal of elucidating form of Se-regulated processes affecting luteal steroidogenesis and function. Non-lactating, 3-yr-old Angus-cross cows underwent 45-d Se-depletion, then repletion periods, and then at least 90 d of supplementation (TRT) with 35 ppm Se/d as either ISe (n = 5) or MIX (n = 5). CL were then recovered on day 7 of the estrous cycle, total RNA isolated, and the effect of TRT on the luteal transcriptome evaluated using bovine gene 1.0 ST arrays (Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, CA). The abundance of transcripts in each CL was subjected to one-way ANOVA using Partek Genomic Suite software to determine TRT effects. Microarray analysis indicated a total of 887 transcripts that were differentially expressed and functionally annotated, with 423 and 464 up- and down-regulated (P < 0.05) in MIX vs. ISe CL, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis) revealed the top TRT-affected canonical pathways to include seven specific to cholesterol biosynthesis and two to inflammatory responses. Results from the microarray analysis were corroborated by targeted real-time PCR. MIX CL had increased (P < 0.05) abundance of transcripts regulating cholesterol biosynthesis including DHCR7, DHCR24, and CYP51A1 (fold changes of 1.65, 1.48, and 1.40, respectively), suggesting MIX-induced increases in P4 to be due, in part, to increased availability of substrate to luteal cells. In addition, MIX CL had increased (P < 0.05) abundance of immune-response transcripts including C1QC, FAS, ILR8B, and IL1R1 (fold changes of 2.30, 1.74, 1.66, and 1.63, respectively). SREBF1 mRNA was also increased (1.32-fold, P < 0.05) in the MIX CL, which increases cholesterol synthesis and stimulates IL1B, linking effects of form of supplemental Se (TRT) on cholesterol biosynthesis and immune function in the CL.
Preovulatory serum estradiol concentration is positively associated with oocyte ATP and follicular fluid metabolite abundance in lactating beef cattle
Authors: Read Casey C , Edwards J Lannett , Schrick F Neal , Rhinehart Justin D , Payton Rebecca R , Campagna Shawn R , Castro Hector F , Klabnik Jessica L , Moorey Sarah E
Published: July 2022

Cattle induced to ovulate a small, physiologically immature preovulatory follicle had reduced oocyte developmental competence that resulted in decreased embryo cleavage and day 7 embryo quality compared with animals induced to ovulate a more advanced follicle. RNA-sequencing was performed on oocytes and their corresponding cumulus cells approximately 23 h after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration to induce the preovulatory gonadotropin surge suggested reduced capacity for glucose metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation in the cumulus cells and oocytes from follicles ≤11.7 mm, respectively. We hypothesized that induced ovulation of a small, physiologically immature preovulatory follicle results in a suboptimal follicular microenvironment and reduced oocyte metabolic capacity. We performed a study with the objective to determine the impact of preovulatory follicle diameter and serum estradiol concentration at GnRH administration on oocyte metabolic competence and follicular fluid metabolome profiles. We synchronized the development of a preovulatory follicle and collected the follicle contents via transvaginal aspiration approximately 19 h after GnRH administration in lactating beef cows (n = 319). We determined ATP levels and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in 110 oocytes and performed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry metabolomic studies on 45 follicular fluid samples. Intraoocyte ATP and the amount of ATP produced per mtDNA copy number were associated with serum estradiol concentration at GnRH and time from GnRH administration to follicle aspiration (P < 0.05). mtDNA copy number was not related to follicle diameter at GnRH, serum estradiol concentration at GnRH, or any potential covariates (P > 0.10). We detected 90 metabolites in the aspirated follicular fluid. We identified 22 metabolites associated with serum estradiol concentration at GnRH and 63 metabolites associated with follicular fluid progesterone concentration at the time of follicle aspiration (FDR < 0.10). Pathway enrichment analysis of significant metabolites suggested altered proteinogenesis, citric acid cycle, and pyrimidine metabolism in follicles of reduced estrogenic capacity pre-gonadotropin surge or reduced progesterone production by the time of follicle aspiration.
A Synopsis of the NE1727 Multistate Project Collection in the Journal of Animal Science
Authors: Ealy Alan D , Pate Joy L , Ron Butler W
Published: July 2022

Lay Summary

This article provides a synopsis of the collection of papers provided by participants of the NE1727 Multistate project. Five reviews and thirteen primary research articles are included that provide contributions the group has made to understanding the role of the corpus luteum in reproduction, describing how the ovary influences fertility, delineating mechanisms controlling oocyte quality and early embryo development, and exploring new reproductive management schemes.
Harnessing the value of reproductive hormones in cattle production with considerations to animal welfare and human health
Authors: Evans Holly C , Briggs Elanie F , Burnett Randy H , Contreras-Correa Zully E , Duvic Morgan A , Dysart Lacey M , Gilmore Alicia A , Messman Riley D , Reid Dana , Rasit Ugur Muhammet , Kaya Abdullah , Memili Erdogan
Published: July 2022

The human population is ever increasing while the quality and quantity of natural resources used for livestock production decline. This calls for improved product efficiency and the development of improved and sustainable cattle production methods to produce higher quality products to satisfy the demands of both the modern and transient world. The goal of this review was to summarize the interactions, challenges, and opportunities in cattle production relating to their endocrine system, and how reproductive hormones and others impact economically important traits, animal welfare, and human health. A comprehensive literature search was conducted with a focus on analysis of natural hormones and the use of exogenous hormone administration for reproduction, growth, and development of beef and dairy cattle. Hormones regulate homeostasis and enhance important traits in cattle, including fertility, growth and development, health, and the production of both meat and milk products. Reproductive hormones such as testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, and related synthetics like trenbolone acetate and zeranol can be strategically utilized in both beef and dairy cattle production systems to enhance their most valuable traits, but the impact of these substances must account for the welfare of the animal as well as the health of the consumer. This scientific review provides a comprehensive analysis of the bovine endocrine system’s impact on food animals and product quality which is vital for students, researchers, livestock producers, and consumers. Although important advances have been made in animal science and related technological fields, major gaps still exist in the knowledge base regarding the influence of hormones on the production and welfare of food animals as well as in the public perception of hormone use in food-producing animals. Filling these gaps through transformative and translational research will enhance both fundamental and applied animal science to feed a growing population.
Air-knife design for improved drying efficiency in manufacturing flat-panel displays
Authors: Park Seungeun , Park Kang
Published: July 2022

With the growing demand for flat-panel displays (FPDs), the size and production conveyance speed of glass are increasing to improve productivity. Improvement of productivity, speed, and efficiency in the drying process used in FPD manufacturing has become an important issue. Therefore, this study aims to improve the drying efficiency by optimizing the primary design variables of an air knife, the most common FPD drying system, through numerical analysis. To optimize the air-knife design, the feasible optimal values were fixed for the slit gap (0.15 mm) and glass gap (1.5 mm), and the optimized dimensions were determined by considering the nonsymmetric distance (0.5 mm) and installation angle (15°) of the end geometry of the air knife channel. The optimized air-knife design improved the drying efficiency by approximately 30% compared to that of the existing system; therefore, it can increase the productivity of the FPD manufacturing process.
Northward Expansion ofAmblyomma americanum(Acari: Ixodidae) into Southwestern Michigan
Authors: Fowler Peter D , Nguyentran S , Quatroche L , Porter M L , Kobbekaduwa V , Tippin S , Miller Guy , Dinh E , Foster E , Tsao J I
Published: July 2022

Amblyomma americanum (Linnaeus) (Acari: Ixodidae) (lone star tick) is an aggressive, generalist parasite that vectors numerous important human and animal pathogens. In recent decades its geographic range has expanded northwards from endemic regions in the southeastern and southcentral United States. In 2019 five questing A. americanum ticks, comprising two life stages were detected at one site in southwestern Michigan, satisfying one CDC criterium for an established population for the first time in recent history in the state. To better characterize the extent of emerging A. americanum, we conducted active surveillance (i.e., drag sampling) in summer 2020 throughout Michigan’s southern counties and detected one adult A. americanum from each of six widespread sites, including where they had been detected in 2019. A larger established population was identified at another site in Berrien County, which yielded 691 A. americanum comprising three life stages, and questing phenologies here were similar to that reported for other endemic regions. Statewide surveillance in 2021 revealed no A. americanum outside of Berrien County, but establishment criteria were met again at the two sites where established populations were first detected respectively in 2019 and 2020. These observations may represent the successful invasion of A. americanum into Michigan. Data from passive (1999–2020) and active surveillance (2004–2021) efforts, including a domestic animal sentinel program (2015–2018), are reported to provide context for this nascent invasion. Continued active surveillance is needed to help inform the public, medical professionals, and public health officials of the health risks associated with this vector.
Minority Adolescent Mental Health Diagnosis Differences in a National Sample
Authors: Martin Raquel , Banaag Amanda , Riggs David S , Koehlmoos Tracey P
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Mental health disparities and differences have been identified amongst all age groups, including adolescents. However, there is a lack of research regarding adolescents within the Military Health System (MHS). The MHS is a universal health care system for military personnel and their dependents. Research has indicated that the MHS removes many of the barriers that contribute to health disparities. Additional investigations with this population would greatly contribute to our understanding of disparities and health services delivery without the barrier of access to care.

Materials and Methods

This study analyzed the diagnostic trends of anxiety, depression, and impulse control disorders and differences within a national sample of adolescents of active-duty military parents. The study utilized 2006 to 2014 data in the MHS Data Repository for adolescents ages 13–18. The study identified 183,409 adolescents with at least one diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to assess the differences and risks for anxiety, depression, and impulse control disorders in the identified sample.

Results

When compared to White Americans, minority patients had a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with an impulse control disorder (odds ratio [OR] = 1.43; confidence interval [CI] 1.39–1.48) and a decreased likelihood of being diagnosed with a depressive disorder (OR = 0.98; CI 0.95–1.00) or anxiety disorder (OR = 0.80; CI 0.78–0.83). Further analyses examining the subgroups of minorities revealed that, when compared to White Americans, African American adolescents have a much higher likelihood of receiving a diagnosis of an impulse control disorder (OR = 1.66; CI 1.61–1.72) and a lower likelihood of receiving a diagnosis of a depressive disorder (OR = 0.93; CI 0.90–0.96) and an anxiety disorder (OR = 0.75; CI 0.72–0.77).

Conclusion

This study provides strong support for the existence of race-based differences in adolescent mental health diagnoses. Adolescents of military families are a special population with unique experiences and stressors and would benefit from future research focusing on qualitative investigations into additional factors mental health clinicians consider when making diagnoses, as well as further exploration into understanding how best to address this special population’s mental health needs.