bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Recycled Concrete Aggregate for High Performance alkali Activated Concrete: Towards a Sustainable Building Solution
Authors: Hwang C L , Yehualaw MD , Vo D H
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study is to prepare environmentally friendly and highly sustainable concrete for an ever-increasing demand of concrete in the construction industry. In the study both natural course and fine aggregates were partially replaced by recycled concrete aggregate from construction and demolition wastes. High performance alkali activated concrete was prepared by utilizing pozzolanic industrial wastes as a binder which fully replaced cement powder. High volume of fly ash with 30%, 40% and 50% replacement of slag was used as a main binder. NaOH and Na2Si03 with an alkali modulus of 0.6 were used as an alkali activator solution. The findings of this research revealed that alkali activated recycled aggregate concrete have competitive engineering properties with respect to cement concrete with natural aggregate. The UPV and thermal conductivity test results were found to be 4302 m/s and 1.425 W- m-l-K-1 respectively. The results of this study will pave the way towards the better practice of sustainable concrete construction by replacing the cement and natural aggregate in one concrete mix.
Behaviour of the Undrained Shear Strength of Soft Clay Reinforced with Natural Fibre
Authors: Suffri N , Jeludin M , Rahim S
Published: December 2019

The term soil reinforcement is conventional since decades ago for the stabilization of soft ground such as of clay and peat. Numerous research has arisen in the utilization of natural fibres as the reinforcement materials. Cost reduction, increment of sustainability awareness and eco-friendly environment are some of the advantages when using natural fibres to stabilize soft ground. A research study was carried out to evaluate the strength of the soft soil when unreinforced and reinforced using natural fibres. The findings on the experimental investigation of the study will be presented in this paper. Crushed coir fibres were used to reinforce an intermediate plasticity soft clay where both materials were collected locally in Brunei Darussalam. The crushed coir fibres were added at 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% to the dry weight of the sample. A series of an unconsolidated undrained Tri-axial test was conducted on the unreinforced and reinforced samples where the behaviour of the samples were observed and compared. The results indicated that inclusion of fibres affects the soil’s undrained shear strength. It was observed that increasing the percentage inclusion increases the undrained shear strength of the soil, up to a certain amount. Further increment of fibres, however, does not show further improvement in the undrained shear strength.
Jakarta Groundwater Basin Recharge - Discharge Boundary Area Map: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Yosua Horas , Soeryantono Herr , Rika Marthanty Dwinanti
Published: December 2019

The most important component in groundwater basin are recharge and discharge area. The direction of recharge component is downward while discharge is upward. To discover local recharge and discharge boundary area of the Jakarta groundwater basin, this experimental research is using many cross sections and some hydraulic parameters of many studies that has been conducted before, then simulated it in finite element program SEEP2D (GMS) and finally validated it with bore log and monitoring wells. Ten cross sections selected from 3 studies based on head contour, stratigraphy and groundwater river interaction to be simulated in finite element method SEEP2D (GMS) then the result is validated. Since the result of the investigation is not finished yet, this paper wants to demonstrate the methodology that being conducted in the research with the horizontal map hypothesis. The map hypothesis is evident compare to the real situation of Jakarta groundwater basin today and it is approved that the method that is being used in this research is eligible and appropriate to find the boundary area of recharge and discharge. In the future this recharge and discharge boundary area horizontal map of Jakarta groundwater basin result will encourage many practical solutions in supporting Jakarta groundwater basin management.
A Study of Architectural Design of Thai Temples Influenced by Thai and Mon Ethnics in Sam-Khok District
Authors: Varodom Suksawasdi M.L.
Published: December 2019

This study aims to investigate and compare architectural design including layout planning and stupa design of Thai and Mon Buddhist temples in Sam-Khok district. The data collection is gained from literature reviews, field observation, and interview. It is found that the design of these two temples is slightly transformed from those of the royal temples in terms of the layout axis and size of stupa. The change of the main access from water-based to land-based approach effects the layout of Buddhavas and Sangkhawas zones. These findings can provide an understanding of influential factors on architectural design of Thai and Mon Temples. It is benefiting the cultural tourism development in Sam-Khok district.
Defect activation and annihilation in CIGS solar cells: an operando x-ray microscopy study
Authors: Stuckelberger Michael E , Nietzold Tara , West Bradley , Farshchi Rouin , Poplavskyy Dmitry , Bailey Jeff , Lai Barry , Maser Jörg M , Bertoni Mariana I
Published: December 2019

The efficiency of thin-film solar cells with a Cu(

In

1
−
x

Ga
x
)Se2 absorber is limited by nanoscopic inhomogeneities and defects. Traditional characterization methods are challenged by the multi-scale evaluation of the performance at defects that are buried in the device structures. Multi-modal x-ray microscopy offers a unique tool-set to probe the performance in fully assembled solar cells, and to correlate the performance with composition down to the micro- and nanoscale. We applied this approach to the mapping of temperature-dependent recombination for Cu(

In

1
−
x

Ga
x
)Se2 solar cells with different absorber grain sizes, evaluating the same areas from room temperature to

100

°
C

. It was found that poor performing areas in the large-grain sample are correlated with a Cu-deficient phase, whereas defects in the small-grain sample are not correlated with the distribution of Cu. In both samples, classes of recombination sites were identified, where defects were activated or annihilated by temperature. More generally, the methodology of combined operando and in situ x-ray microscopy was established at the physical limit of spatial resolution given by the device itself. As proof-of-principle, the measurement of nanoscopic current generation in a solar cell is demonstrated with applied bias voltage and bias light.
Explicit resolution of weak wild quotient singularities on arithmetic surfaces
Authors: Obus Andrew , Wewers Stefan
Published: December 2019

A weak wild arithmetic quotient singularity arises from the quotient of a smooth arithmetic surface by a finite group action, where the inertia group of a point on a closed characteristicppfiber is app-group acting with smallest possible ramification jump. In this paper, we give complete explicit resolutions of these singularities using deformation theory and valuation theory, taking a more local perspective than previous work has taken. Our descriptions answer several questions of Lorenzini. Along the way, we give a valuation-theoretic criterion for a normal snc-model ofP1\mathbb {P}^1over a discretely valued field to be regular.
Cooperative driver pathway discovery via fusion of multi-relational data of genes, miRNAs and pathways
Authors: Wang Jun , Yang Ziying , Domeniconi Carlotta , Zhang Xiangliang , Yu Guoxian
Published: December 2019

Discovering driver pathways is an essential step to uncover the molecular mechanism underlying cancer and to explore precise treatments for cancer patients. However, due to the difficulties of mapping genes to pathways and the limited knowledge about pathway interactions, most previous work focus on identifying individual pathways. In practice, two (or even more) pathways interplay and often cooperatively trigger cancer. In this study, we proposed a new approach called CDPathway to discover cooperative driver pathways. First, CDPathway introduces a driver impact quantification function to quantify the driver weight of each gene. CDPathway assumes that genes with larger weights contribute more to the occurrence of the target disease and identifies them as candidate driver genes. Next, it constructs a heterogeneous network composed of genes, miRNAs and pathways nodes based on the known intra(inter)-relations between them and assigns the quantified driver weights to gene–pathway and gene–miRNA relational edges. To transfer driver impacts of genes to pathway interaction pairs, CDPathway collaboratively factorizes the weighted adjacency matrices of the heterogeneous network to explore the latent relations between genes, miRNAs and pathways. After this, it reconstructs the pathway interaction network and identifies the pathway pairs with maximal interactive and driver weights as cooperative driver pathways. Experimental results on the breast, uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma and ovarian cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas show that CDPathway can effectively identify candidate driver genes [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of $\geq $0.9] and reconstruct the pathway interaction network (AUROC of>0.9), and it uncovers much more known (potential) driver genes than other competitive methods. In addition, CDPathway identifies 150% more driver pathways and 60% more potential cooperative driver pathways than the competing methods. The code of CDPathway is available at http://mlda.swu.edu.cn/codes.php?name=CDPathway.
Formal axioms in biomedical ontologies improve analysis and interpretation of associated data
Authors: Smaili Fatima Zohra , Gao Xin , Hoehndorf Robert
Published: December 2019

Motivation

Over the past years, significant resources have been invested into formalizing biomedical ontologies. Formal axioms in ontologies have been developed and used to detect and ensure ontology consistency, find unsatisfiable classes, improve interoperability, guide ontology extension through the application of axiom-based design patterns and encode domain background knowledge. The domain knowledge of biomedical ontologies may have also the potential to provide background knowledge for machine learning and predictive modelling.

Results

We use ontology-based machine learning methods to evaluate the contribution of formal axioms and ontology meta-data to the prediction of protein–protein interactions and gene–disease associations. We find that the background knowledge provided by the Gene Ontology and other ontologies significantly improves the performance of ontology-based prediction models through provision of domain-specific background knowledge. Furthermore, we find that the labels, synonyms and definitions in ontologies can also provide background knowledge that may be exploited for prediction. The axioms and meta-data of different ontologies contribute to improving data analysis in a context-specific manner. Our results have implications on the further development of formal knowledge bases and ontologies in the life sciences, in particular as machine learning methods are more frequently being applied. Our findings motivate the need for further development, and the systematic, application-driven evaluation and improvement, of formal axioms in ontologies.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/bio-ontology-research-group/tsoe.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Hawaii as a Microcosm: Advancing the Science and Practice of Managing Introduced and Invasive Species
Authors: Pejchar Liba , Lepczyk Christopher A , Fantle-Lepczyk Jean E , Hess Steven C , Johnson M Tracy , Leopold Christina R , Marchetti Michael , McClure Katherine M , Shiels Aaron B
Published: December 2019

Invasive species are a leading driver of global change, with consequences for biodiversity and society. Because of extraordinary rates of endemism, introduction, and extinction, Hawaii offers a rich platform for exploring the cross-disciplinary challenges of managing invasive species in a dynamic world. We highlight key successes and shortcomings to share lessons learned and inspire innovation and action in and beyond the archipelago. We then discuss thematic challenges and opportunities of broad relevance to invaded ecosystems and human communities. Important research needs and possible actions include eradicating mammals from mainland island sanctuaries, assessing hidden threats from poorly known introduced species, harnessing genomic tools to eradicate disease vectors, structured decision-making to achieve common objectives among diverse stakeholders, and enhancing capacity through nontraditional funding streams and progressive legislation. By shining a spotlight on invasive species at the front lines in Hawaii, we hope to catalyze strategic research and practice to help inform scientists and policymakers.
Long-term clinical outcome and performance of transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a self-expandable bioprosthesis
Authors: Testa Luca , Latib Azeem , Brambilla Nedy , De Marco Federico , Fiorina Claudia , Adamo Marianna , Giannini Cristina , Angelillis Marco , Barbanti Marco , Sgroi Carmelo , Poli Arnaldo , Ferrara Erica , Bruschi Giuseppe , Russo Claudio Francesco , Matteo Montorfano , De Felice Francesco , Musto Carmine , Curello Salvatore , Colombo Antonio , Tamburino Corrado , Petronio Anna Sonia , Bedogni Francesco
Published: December 2019

Aims 

In the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) replacement determined a paradigm shift in the treatment of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Data on long-term TAV performance are still limited. We sought to evaluate the clinical and haemodynamic outcomes of the CoreValve self-expandable valve up to 8-year follow-up (FU).

Methods and results 

Nine hundred and ninety inoperable or high-risk patients were treated with the CoreValve TAV in eight Italian Centres from June 2007 to December 2011. The median FU was 4.4 years (interquartile range 1.4–6.7 years). Longest FU reached 11 years. A total of 728 died within 8-year FU (78.3% mortality from Kaplan–Meier curve analysis). A significant functional improvement was observed in the majority of patients and maintained over time, with 79.3% of surviving patients still classified New York Heart Association class ≤ II at 8 years. Echocardiographic data showed that the mean transprosthetic aortic gradient remained substantially unchanged (9 ± 4 mmHg at discharge, 9 ± 5 mmHg at 8 years, P = 0.495). The rate of Grade 0/1 paravalvular leak was consistent during FU with no significant change from post-procedure to FU ≥5 years in paired analysis (P = 0.164). Structural valve deterioration (SVD) and late bioprosthetic valve failure (BVF) were defined according to a modification of the 2017 EAPCI/ESC/EACTS criteria. In cumulative incidence functions at 8 years, moderate and severe SVD were 3.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1–4.3%] and 1.6% (95% CI 0.6–3.9%), respectively, while late BVF was 2.5% (95% CI 1.2–5%).

Conclusion 

While TAVs are questioned about long-term performance and durability, the results of the present research provide reassuring 8-year evidence on the CoreValve first-generation self-expandable bioprosthesis.
Relation between resting heart rate and the risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in MADIT-RIT
Authors: Beinart Roy , Kutyifa Valentina , McNitt Scott , Huang David , Aktas Mehmet , Rosero Spencer , Goldenberg Ilan , Nof Eyal
Published: December 2019

Aims

To explore the association between resting heart rate (RHR) and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTA) events among patients who were enrolled in MADIT-RIT.

Methods and results

Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression modelling was employed to evaluate the association between baseline RHR [dichotomized at the lower quartile (≤63 b.p.m.) and further assessed as a continuous measure] and the risk for any VTA, fast VTA (>200 b.p.m.), and appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy, among 1500 patients who were enrolled in MADIT-RIT. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that at 2 years of follow-up the rate of any VTA was significantly lower among patients with low baseline RHR (≤63 b.p.m.) as compared with faster RHR (11% vs. 19%, respectively; P = 0.001 for the overall difference during follow-up). Similar results were shown for the association with the rate of fast VTA (8% vs. 14%, respectively; P = 0.016), and appropriate ICD therapy (10% vs. 18%, respectively; P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis, after adjustment for medical therapy, showed that low baseline RHR was associated with a significant 45% (P = 0.002) reduction in the VTA risk as compared with faster baseline RHRs. When assessed as a continuous measure, each 10 b.p.m. decrement in RHR was associated with a corresponding 13% (P = 0.014) reduction in the VTA risk.

Conclusion

In MADIT-RIT, low RHR was independently associated with a lower risk for life-threatening arrhythmic events. These findings suggest a possible role for RHR for improved selection of candidates for ICD therapy.
Forest Restoration Potential in a Deforested Mountain Area: An Ecosociological Approach towards Sustainability
Authors: Zerbe Stefan , Pieretti Lorenzo , Elsen Susanne , Asanidze Zezva , Asanidze Iveri , Mumladze Levan
Published: December 2019

Forest degradation worldwide stimulates efforts to restore forests. In particular, in mountain areas, where livestock agriculture and grazing have led to deforestation and a strong decrease in forest ecosystem services over centuries, it is necessary to develop sustainable strategies for the restoration of multifunctional forest ecosystems. We investigate the case study of the Javakheti Highland in the Southern Caucasus (Georgia), which is largely deforested because of long-lasting agricultural land use. We take into consideration the natural potential of forest development, the multifacetted potential of forest use, and those stakeholders directly and indirectly, respectively, involved in forest restoration. We show that neither the natural ecological site factors nor the potential of forest use, considering traditional and modern use, pose a limitation on forest restoration. Traditional ecological knowledge is still present, however hardly activated nowadays. However, social, cultural, and political obstacles have to be addressed for the development of a sustainable forest-management policy, which is rooted in the local communities. Environmental policy favoring forest development in Javakheti Highland should integrate national forest development policy with the perception, requirements, and traditions of local people.
303 Identification of candidate genes related to temperament in Brahman cattle
Authors: Paredes-Sanchez Francisco A , Casas Eduardo , Parra-Bracamonte G M , Arellano-Vera W , Riley David G , Welsh Thomas H , Sifuentes-Rincón A M , Randel Ronald D
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions and genes associated with beef cattle temperament. Temperament, measured as exit velocity (EV; m/s), was recorded in 1,370 Brahman cattle from Texas A&M AgriLife Research at Overton, TX. We identified two groups of temperament-contrasting animals. Cows were calm if their EV of 0.16–3.41 m/s and bulls if their EV was 0.4–3.12 m/s (n-119). Cows were temperamental if their EV was 3.55–7.66 m/s and bulls if their EV was 3.13–10.83 m/s (n = 79). The 198 animals were genotyped using the GGP-HD-150K chip. 139,376 SNPs were evaluated for association with temperament. 13 SNP′s were associated with EV (P < 4.0E-05). The SNPs GABRG2-26484, NRXN3-26436 and TBX20-191081 are located in introns of the GABRG2, NRXN3 and TBX20 genes, respectively. The GABRG2 gene encodes a GABA receptor, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. The NRXN3 gene encodes receptor proteins related to chemical transmission at synapses. TBX20 is a member of the T-box transcription factor family expressed in the developing stages of heart, limbs, eye and ventral neural tube. To test the effect of these 3 SNP′s on EV, Pen-Score and Temperament-Score, a general linear model was fitted including the fixed effects of sex of calf and year of birth, and the individual effect of the 3 SNPs. The marker TBX20-191081 was associated with the three traits evaluated (P < 0.01), where the GG genotype was associated with the calmest temperament. The GG genotype had a significant effect on EV (P < 0.0001) that was 1.35 and 1.95 m/s slower than AG and AA, respectively. For TS, the GG genotype had a TS that was 1.41 and 1.24 DS less than those of the AA and GA genotypes. Our study indicates that genetic control of cattle temperament has a wide network of genes with divergent functions and genetic background specificity.
193 Evaluation of copper and selenium metabolism in Bos indicus and Bos taurus cows
Authors: Ranches Juliana , Picollo Matheus , Silva Gleise M , Vedovatto Marcelo , Palmer Elizabeth , Gouvêa Vinicius N , Moreira Aline , Miranda Miguel , Aguiar Caio , Moriel Philipe , Vendramini Joao , Arthington John
Published: December 2019

A two-year study was conducted to evaluate the differences in metabolism of Cu and Se among Bos indicus and Bos taurus cows. Thirty-two pregnant cows were enrolled in the study (n = 16/ year; 8 Brahman and 8 Black Angus). Cows were randomly assigned to individual pens at the beginning of the study, which was divided in 3 phases: depletion, repletion and calving. Throughout the study cows were fed grain supplement and had access to hay. During the depletion phase grain supplement was enriched with S (50g/head daily) to promote a decline in Cu and Se status. During the repletion phase, the extra S was removed from the grain supplement and Cu (100 mg/head daily) and Se were added (3 mg/head daily). To evaluate the mineral status, liver samples were collected from cows every 30 days and from calves at birth. Initial data was evaluated using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. No treatment effects (P = 0.14) were observed for liver Cu concentration, excepted for a day effect (P ≤ 0.01) as expected by the study design. Although there was a treatment x year interaction (P ≤ 0.01) for liver Se concentration a tendency for treatment (P = 0.10) was observed, where Angus cows tended to have greater liver Se concentration than Brahman cows (0.81 and 0.71 mg/kg; SEM = 0.048). No differences (P = 0.71) were observed for calf liver Cu (265 and 345 mg/kg; SEM = 94; respectively for Angus and Brahman) and Se (1.13 and 1.07 mg/kg; SEM = 0.11; respectively for Angus and Brahman) concentrations at birth. Similarly, no differences (P = 0.39) were observed for cotyledon Cu (7.7 and 6.0 mg/kg; SEM = 1.02; respectively for Angus and Brahman) and Se (0.74 and 0.77 mg/kg; SEM = 0.06; respectively for Angus and Brahman) concentrations.
200 Effect of value-added health protocols within region on the sale price of beef calf lots sold through summer video auctions from 2010 through 2018
Authors: Smith Maggie J , McCabe Esther D , King Micheal E , Fike Karol E , Rogers Glenn M , Odde Kenneth G
Published: December 2019

The objective was to quantify effects of value-added health protocols within region on sale price of beef calf lots sold through video auctions while adjusting for all other factors that significantly influenced price. Descriptive characteristics of lots were obtained from a livestock video auction service in an electronic format. Data were available on 43,242 lots sold through video auctions from 2010 through 2018. All lot characteristics that could be accurately quantified were used to develop a multiple regression model that evaluated effects of independent factors on sale price using a backwards selection procedure. A value of P < 0.05 was used to maintain a factor in the final model. A lot was categorized into one of five health programs: 1) VAC 34 or 34+, 2) VAC 45 or 45+, 3) Weaned: viral vaccinated, 4) Non-weaned: viral vaccinated, and 5) VAC 24. Calf lots originated from one of five U.S. regions: West Coast, Rocky Mountain/North Central, South Central, Southeast, and Northeast (excluded due to few lots). In the West Coast, lots qualifying for VAC 45 or 45+ and Weaned: viral vaccinated sold for similar (P = 1.00) prices ($168.71 and $168.80/45.36 kg BW, respectively), but at prices greater (P < .0001) than calves administered all other health protocols within that region. Within the Southeast region, lots qualifying for VAC 45 or 45+ and Weaned: viral vaccinated sold for similar (P = .16) prices ($168.37 and $169.28/45.36 kg BW, respectively), and again at prices greater (P < .0001) than calves in all other health programs. In both the North Central and South Central regions, lots meeting the requirements for VAC 45 or 45+ sold for the greatest (P < 0.05) price ($175.25 and $171.80/45.36 kg BW, respectively). Differences in sale price of calves qualifying for various health protocols suggests the value of these programs perceived by buyers varies by region.
52 Genomic selection in the beef industry: Current achievements and future directions
Authors: Moser Daniel W , Miller Stephen P , Retallick Kelli J , Lu Duc , Kuehn Larry A
Published: December 2019

In the past decade, genomic testing of beef cattle has evolved from applications in research to a routine practice for many beef cattle seedstock breeders. Testing for lethal genetic conditions or parentage was many breeders’ first experience with genomic testing. While the American Angus Association (AAA) began utilizing 384 SNP genotypes in genetic evaluations in 2009, the adoption of genotyping with higher density (~50,000 SNP) arrays by AAA in 2010 launched large-scale genotyping of Angus cattle for genetic evaluation. AAA transitioned from semi-annual to weekly genetic evaluations in 2010, and cost of genotyping decreased from $139 per animal in 2011, to $37 in 2017. In fiscal year 2018, AAA members genotyped over 160,000 animals for genetic evaluation, and as of April 2019, the AAA and Canadian Angus Association joint genetic evaluation includes over 635,000 genotyped animals. Now genotyping arrays with Angus-specific SNP content are used. The primary benefit to Angus breeders has been increased accuracy of genetic prediction for young animals, especially for traits with limited phenotypic information such as carcass traits, feed intake and mature cow size. Future benefits from genotyping include identification and selection against embryonic lethal alleles, better characterization of inbreeding, and selection tools for additional traits relevant to or measured in unique environments. Electronic sensors and other novel approaches may yield previously unmeasurable phenotypes for health and efficiency traits, which can be extended to wider populations for selection using genomics. New techniques such as DNA pooling and genotyping by sequencing may reduce costs enabling widespread testing in commercial cow-calf and cattle feeding enterprises. The application of genomic selection has clearly been a significant advancement in genetic selection in Angus cattle in the past ten years. This early adoption will expedite subsequent genomic tools at an increasing rate and will foster innovation.
109 The National Center for Applied Reproduction and Genomics (NCARG): developing high-impact educational programs for beef industry participants
Authors: Haag Maria , Decker Jared E , Brown Scott , Smith Michael F , Lamberson William R , Taylor Jeremy , Spencer Thomas E , Poock Scott E , Thomas Jordan M , Patterson David J
Published: December 2019

The mission of the National Center for Applied Reproduction and Genomics (NCARG) is to provide education and training for active participants in the beef cattle industry. To provide these services, we have designed various educational programs targeted at different industry partners, including students, producers, and veterinarians. These programs are designed to supply introductory material through online courses followed by more advanced, in-person practicums. To adequately prepare learners for in-person training the online courses must provide meaningful online learning opportunities. The objective for this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of different e-learning elements for improving engagement, motivation, and learning gains across target audiences in one of the core online courses—Fundamentals of Beef Reproductive Management. Recommendations for adult learner courses encourage the integration of high levels of interactivity and real-world examples. However, online courses typically consist of recorded lectures with short, in-system quizzes. These courses do not motivate, or engage adult learners, leading to low completion rates and reduced learning gains. The same low-interactivity, passive learning courses are also offered to students. While completion rates in these courses remain high, students report low engagement, a lack of social interaction, and show lower retention. To improve interactivity, we designed, developed, and implemented five types of e-learning elements: short-readings, interactive videos, gamified elements, case studies, and lectures. These elements require learners to interact with the content improving reported engagement and motivation. By improving interactivity in our online courses, we aim to improve knowledge retention that will better prepare learners for in-person training and real-world situations.
129 Effect of Ronozyme® WX supplementation on apparent and true ileal amino acid digestibility coefficients in broiler chicks fed varying levels of rice bran
Authors: Omidiwura Richard B , Agboola Adebisi F , Makinde Taiwo O , Oyebode Grace O
Published: December 2019

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of rice bran (RB) and Ronozyme® WX on apparent and true ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility coefficients in broiler chicks using a regression approach. Two hundred and forty 21-day-old Abor Acre plus chicks were randomly allotted to six diets with varying levels of RB (100, 200 and 300 g/kg) without (0g/kg) or with Ronozyme® WX (25g/kg) supplementation in a 2x3 factorial arrangement using a randomized complete block design. Each treatment had 5 replicates with 8 birds each. The birds were fed for 5 days (d 22–26). On d 26, digesta was sampled from distal ileum. Data were analyzed using general linear model at α0.05. Lysine had the highest concentration among the essential amino acids (AAs) while the lowest concentration was observed for threonine. Rice bran at 10% for the essential amino acids with enzyme was significantly higher but compared with concentrations of RB at 10% and 20% without enzyme. There were no significant differences among the true ileal amino acid digestibility coefficients except lysine (10% RB) without enzyme (0.91) which was significantly higher than 20% RB with enzyme (0.84) but similar to other treatments. Rice bran with enzyme had a significant (P < 0.05) interactive effect on the apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of arginine, histidine, isoleucine methionine and phenylalanine. When RB was supplemented with enzyme, a significant (P < 0.05) interactive effect on true ileal digestibility coefficients of arginine and methionine was observed. Rice bran-enzyme interaction had no significant effect on the non-essential AAs. The slopes of the regression lines ranged from 0.77 (arginine) to 0.98 (phenylalanine). In conclusion, enzyme supplementation did not significantly influence the digestibility coefficients of AA in rice bran. However, the inclusion of 10% and 20% RB supplemented with Ronozyme® can help to improve the methionine content in rice bran.
284 Gene polymorphism of 5, 10-methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase is related to boar semen quality
Authors: lai wen , Wang chao , Peng Jian
Published: December 2019

5, 10-methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme in folate and homocysteine metabolism, and plays an important role in regulating folate levels, DNA synthesis and methylation in cells. Defects in the MTHFR gene can lead to spermatogenesis disorders and male sterility. Polymorphic loci of MTHFR gene and semen quality of 1,490 boars were examined to explore their relationship. Results showed there were 13 polymorphic loci on MTHFR gene exon in boars with different semen quality, among which loci 1 and 2 were missense mutations. For Duroc boars, although there were synonymous mutations at loci 3–5 and 11, the mutation had no effect on semen quality (P > 0.05). In addition to loci 13, loci 1–12 of the MTHFR gene had mutations, but it had no effect on semen quality in Yorkshire boars (P > 0.05). Interestingly, for Landrace boars, double mutation of MTHFR gene at 1–2, 6–10, and 12 loci (CC → TT) led to decreased sperm motility and increased abnormal sperm rate (P < 0.05). Further analysis showed seminal plasma MDA and hydrogen peroxide levels were increased in Landrace boars with the mutation of MTHFR gene at loci 1–2, 6–10 and 12 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, double mutation of MTHFR gene at 1–2, 6–10, and 12 loci decreased semen quality and increased oxidative stress in sperm, and these mutant loci may be potential biomarkers for predicting the semen quality of Landrace boars.
365 Effects of weaning ages on growth performance of nursery pigs fed diets with increasing lactose levels during at 7 to 11 kg body weight
Authors: Jang Kibeom , Purvis Jerry M , Kim S W
Published: December 2019

Lactose is an effective carbohydrate source for nursery pigs. Weaning age could influence needs for lactose. Weaning ages can vary among producers depending on preferred management programs. This study aimed to evaluate optimum levels of lactose for pigs at 7 kg BW weaned at different ages. A total of 1,632 pigs were weaned at d21 (d 21.2 ± 1.3) or d25 (d 24.6 ± 1.1). Pigs had a common diet until they reach 7 kg BW. Within a same weaning age group, when pigs reached 7 kg body weight, they were allotted to 4 dietary treatments with 6, 9, 12, and 15% lactose. Feed intake and BW were measured after 10d feeding when pigs reached 11 kg BW. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS for a slope ratio analysis to test effects of lactose levels on growth performance of pigs influenced by their weaning ages. Pigs weaned at d21 had Phase 1 for 11 days whereas pigs weaned at d 25 had Phase 1 for 2 days to reach 7 kg BW. According to the slope ratio analysis, as increasing lactose intake, ADG of pigs weaned at d21 responded greater (P < 0.05, 68.5%) than growth of pigs weaned at d25. There was no change of slope in feed intake of pigs weaned at d 25 by increasing lactose intake. However, G:F of pigs weaned at d 25 responded greater (P < 0.05, 250%) than G:F of pigs weaned at d21. In conclusion, pigs weaned at d21 grew faster from 7 to 11 kg BW as lactose intake increased compared with pigs weaned at d25 potentially because pigs weaned at d21 had an extended time for adaptation and recovery from weaning stress until they reached 7 kg BW.
140 ASAS-EAAP Exchange Speaker Talk: Effects of different sources of fat in the diet of pigs on the liver transcriptome estimated by 3`RNA-sequencing
Authors: Oczkowicz Maria , Świątkiewicz Małgorzata , Szmatoła Tomasz , Gurgul Artur , Koseniuk Anna , Smołucha Grzegorz , Witarski Wojciech
Published: December 2019

The effect of different fats [rapeseed oil (group I n = 6), beef tallow (group II n = 6), coconut oil (group III n = 5)] in the diet of pigs on the liver transcriptomic profile was analyzed using the 3`quant mRNA-sequencing method (Lexogen, Vienna, Austria). In this method the quantification of gene expression is based only on the 3 ‘UTR fragment of genes in contrast to traditional RNA-seq in which the analysis is based on the entire length of the transcripts. Thus, this method is much cheaper and some sources claim that it is also more sensitive. Using this method, we detected approximately 1000 Differentially Expressed genes (DEGs) between samples from the liver of individuals fed with the addition of rapeseed oil when compared to samples from animals receiving beef tallow in the diet (base mean >10, fold change >1.5, p-adjusted< 0.05). More than 700 DEGs and about 100 DEGs were identified in group I vs group III and group II vs group III comparisons respectively. Functional analysis with STRING software revealed 287, and 233 significant Biological Processes in group I vs group II and group I vs group III comparisons respectively. Among genes with altered expression, there were many genes playing a key role in signalling pathways, autophagy, mitophagy, complement and coagulation cascade, cholesterol metabolism, oxidative stress, RNA and protein processing. Significant part of these genes were strongly associated with human diseases: Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), cancer, Parkinson`s disease, Alzheimer`s disease and cardiovascular diseases. There were many overlapping genes and biological processes in results of comparisons of rapeseed oil group with beef tallow and coconut oil groups, however pathways connected to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases were only observed in group I vs group II comparisons. These results are preliminary and will be validated by qPCR.

Table 1. Top 20 DEGs identified in three comparisons.
376 Awardee Talk - Prenatal transportation stress alters physiology of suckling Brahman calves as mediated by changes in DNA methylation
Authors: Littlejohn Brittni P , Price Debbi M , Neuendorff Don A , Carroll Jeffery A , Vann Rhonda C , Riggs Penny K , Riley David G , Long Charles R , Welsh Thomas H , Randel Ronald D
Published: December 2019

Mechanisms by which prenatal programming alters the developmental trajectory of biological systems in utero is of relevance to animal agriculture. We hypothesized that prenatally stressed (PNS) calves would exhibit altered postnatal phenotype and differential methylation of DNA. Mature Brahman cows (n = 48) were transported for 2-h periods at 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 (± 5) d of gestation or maintained as non-transported Controls (n = 48). PNS calves exhibited more excitable temperaments and increased circulating concentrations of cortisol. In response to a glucose tolerance test administered to a subset of PNS and Control bulls, PNS calves returned to basal concentrations of insulin more rapidly and exhibited a lower total area under the insulin response curve. In response to a lipopolysaccharide challenge administered to a subset of PNS and Control bulls, PNS calves exhibited greater circulating concentrations of cortisol and a greater change from baseline for IFN-γ and monocytes. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing was used to assess methylation of DNA from white blood cells in a subset of 28-d-old bull calves. Because increased methylation of DNA in a gene promoter region typically results in decreased transcriptional activity, differentially methylated CG sites located within promoter regions (n = 1,205) were used to predict alterations to canonical pathways using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. There were 113 pathways altered (P ≤ 0.05) in PNS calves. Among these were pathways related to behavior, stress response, metabolism, and immune function. In support of our hypotheses, differential methylation in gene regions related to temperament, stress response, metabolism, and immune response corresponded to phenotypic differences observed in PNS calves, suggesting DNA methylation as a mechanistic basis for prenatal programming. The role of the prenatal epigenome in shaping postnatal outcomes provides novel opportunities to improve animal health and production traits.
378 Awardee Talk - Impact of fetal versus maternal contributions of Bos indicus and Bos taurus genetics on embryonic and fetal development
Authors: Fontes Pedro Levy Piza , Oosthuizen Nicola , Ciriaco Francine M , Sanford Carla D , Canal Luara Bertelli , Pohler Ky , Henry Darren D , Mercadante Vitor R G , Timlin Claire , Ealy Alan , Johnson Sally , DiLorenzo Nicolas , Lamb G Cliff
Published: December 2019

To evaluate how the inclusion of Bos indicus genotype influences early fetal development in cattle, a reciprocal embryo transfer approach was used in a completely randomized design with a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments in order to generate 55 pregnancies (n = 55). Recipient cows were randomly assigned to 1) a diet that met daily energy maintenance requirements (MAINT), or 2) a diet that restricted intake to 70% of the energy maintenance requirements (RESTR). Angus (AN) and Brangus (BN) embryo donors were superovulated and artificially inseminated with female sexed-sorted semen from the same breed. Embryos were then randomly transferred to either AN or BN recipients fed their respective diets for 28d. Recipients remained on the dietary scheme until d91 of gestation, and were then comingled and fed a common diet that met their requirements. Measurements included pregnancy establishment at d28 of gestation, pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG; using 2 commercial [A1 and A2] and 1 in-house assay), and fetal size (CRL). Recipients in the RESTR diet had lower BW and BCS (diet×day; P < 0.01) than MAINT recipients. Energy-restricted AN recipients experienced greater (recipient breed×diet, P < 0.01) pregnancy failure by d28 than the other recipient breed × diet combinations. Restricted recipients that received AN embryos experienced greater pregnancy failure than RESTR recipients receiving BN embryos (embryo breed×diet; P = 0.03). Brangus embryos resulted in greater plasma concentrations of PAG in both A1 (embryo breed×day, P < 0.01) and A2 (embryo breed P < 0.01). Alternatively, recipients that received AN embryos had greater plasma concentrations of PAG for the in-house assay (embryo breed×day; P < 0.01). In addition, fetuses from AN recipients had greater CRL on d91 (breed×day, P < 0.01). In summary, Bos taurus cows experienced greater pregnancy failure when nutrient restricted. Furthermore, fetal size and profile of PAG production during early gestation differed between Bos indicus-influenced and Bos taurus cattle.
418 Student reflections after completing a meat science course
Authors: Kelley Stanley F , Beverly Marcy , Anderson Mark
Published: December 2019

Students do not have accurate understandings nor opinions, supported with in-depth knowledge of meat science and preparation of meat animals for consumption. In 2014, Sam Houston State University conducted a quantitative student perceptions study of harvesting animals. In 2018, students reflected on their experience in the same course. Qualitatively, three major themes were gleaned from the reflection papers (n = 23); expectations of course content, its purpose; animal slaughter; and food safety/handling. Mixed opinions of course objectives were common, several expected a muscle biology/science approach with no content of muscle as food. Others did not understand why muscle contraction/muscle biology was critical and expected hand-on learning of slaughter and fabrication practices, only. After completing the course, students fully understood why the content was included. Others were unsure of actively participating in slaughter processes. Again, students changed opinions of harvesting animals and realized that social media was dramatized and provided false information. All students felt secure with participating in the slaughter process with no reservations of slaughtering animals, once they understood the regulations, observed humane slaughter procedures. Students did not have an understanding of food-borne illness, food safety and handling prior to the course, unaware of the regulations and precautions in food handling facilities to ensure a wholesome product, and unaware of the consumers role in food safety. Cross contamination, storage, proper temperatures were topics, students were uninformed and many documented how this changed their food handling habits. From a qualitative perspective, students are highly influenced by social media and have varying opinions of course objectives. Results parallel the quantitative study, and indicate actively involving students in a meat science course including muscle biology, animal slaughter, food safety and handling are essential outcomes for an animal science curriculum to provide scientific knowledge to students and provide an accurate understanding of the meat industry.
424 Do classroom assessment techniques improve student learning in an introduction to animal science laboratory course?
Authors: Abrams Amy , Zeamer Katelyn , Nold Rosemarie , Gonda Michael
Published: December 2019

Classroom assessment techniques (CATs) may be valuable for engaging students in the learning process, monitoring students’ learning, and establishing a communication feedback loop. However, CATs have not been evaluated in Animal Science classes. Our objective was to test if CATs affected final exam grades and students’ perception of learning among Animal Science students. Our sample consisted of students (n = 95) enrolled in four laboratory sections (n = 24 per lab section) of an Introduction to Animal Science course at South Dakota State University. Two sections were randomly selected to complete CATs at the conclusion of each laboratory period. Assessments forms encouraged students to reflect, seek clarification, and evaluate their confidence on that day’s material. A rubric was used to evaluate quality of the assessment responses throughout the semester. Feedback was provided at the beginning of the next week’s laboratory period to clarify material that students had expressed difficulty understanding. Final exam grades were compared between assessment and control groups using a Students t-test. Data were collected on student perception of classroom engagement, communication, and learning abilities through a Likert scale survey administered at the end of the semester. Surveys administered to students that participated in the CAT included additional questions to evaluate assessment effectiveness. Survey data was analyzed using a chi-squared test to evaluate differences between lab sections for general questions and within lab sections for assessment-specific questions. No differences (P > 0.05) between groups were observed for final exam grades. Students that participated in the CAT perceived that the CAT positively impacted their ability to learn, provided guidance for study material, and was an effective use of classroom time (P < 0.05). The CAT was viewed favorably by students who participated in the assessment activity, although participation in the CAT was not associated with increased final exam scores.