bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depressive symptoms and risk of liver-related mortality in individuals with hepatitis B virus infection: a cohort study
Authors: Cho In Young , Chang Yoosoo , Sung Eunju , Sohn Won , Kang Jae-Heon , Shin Hocheol , Ryu Seungho
Published: November 2020

The impact of depression on the risk of liver-related mortality in individuals with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains unclear. We examined the association between depression, HBV infection, and liver-related mortality. A total of 342,998 Korean adults who underwent health examinations were followed for up to 7.8 years. Depressive symptoms were defined as a Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression score ≥ 16. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During 1,836,508 person-years of follow-up, 74 liver-related deaths and 54 liver cancer deaths were identified (liver-related mortality rate of 4.0 per 105 person-years and liver cancer mortality rate of 2.9 per 105 person-years). Subjects with depressive symptoms had an increased risk of liver-related mortality with a corresponding multivariable aHR of 2.00 (95% CI 1.10–3.63) compared to those without depressive symptoms. This association was more evident in HBsAg-positive participants with a corresponding multivariable aHR of 4.22 (95% CI 1.81–9.88) than HBsAg-negative participants (P for interaction by HBsAg positivity = 0.036). A similar pattern was observed in relation to liver cancer mortality. In this large cohort, depressive symptoms were associated with an increased risk of liver-related mortality, with a stronger association in HBsAg-positive individuals.
Reduced fatty acid uptake aggravates cardiac contractile dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Umbarawan Yogi , Kawakami Ryo , Syamsunarno Mas Rizky A. A. , Koitabashi Norimichi , Obinata Hideru , Yamaguchi Aiko , Hanaoka Hirofumi , Hishiki Takako , Hayakawa Noriyo , Sunaga Hiroaki , Matsui Hiroki , Kurabayashi Masahiko , Iso Tatsuya
Published: November 2020

Diabetes is an independent risk factor for the development of heart failure. Increased fatty acid (FA) uptake and deranged utilization leads to reduced cardiac efficiency and accumulation of cardiotoxic lipids, which is suggested to facilitate diabetic cardiomyopathy. We studied whether reduced FA uptake in the heart is protective against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy by using mice doubly deficient in fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and FABP5 (DKO mice). Cardiac contractile dysfunction was aggravated 8 weeks after STZ treatment in DKO mice. Although compensatory glucose uptake was not reduced in DKO-STZ hearts, total energy supply, estimated by the pool size in the TCA cycle, was significantly reduced. Tracer analysis with 13C6-glucose revealed that accelerated glycolysis in DKO hearts was strongly suppressed by STZ treatment. Levels of ceramides, cardiotoxic lipids, were similarly elevated by STZ treatment. These findings suggest that a reduction in total energy supply by reduced FA uptake and suppressed glycolysis could account for exacerbated contractile dysfunction in DKO-STZ hearts. Thus, enhanced FA uptake in diabetic hearts seems to be a compensatory response to reduced energy supply from glucose, and therefore, limited FA use could be detrimental to cardiac contractile dysfunction due to energy insufficiency.
Silver microsphere doping porous-carbon inspired shape-stable phase change material with excellent thermal properties: preparation, optimization, and mechanism
Authors: Zhang Junwei , Chen Yan , Nie Zeguang , Chen Zhengshou , Gao Junkai
Published: November 2020

In this study, silver microspheres (SMS) were introduced into cotton stalk porous-carbon (CSP) to prepare silver microsphere doping porous-carbon (SMS-CSP), and then SMS-CSP was used as the matrix of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to synthesize shape-stable phase change material of PEG/SMS-CSP. It was found that the introduction of SMS into CSP could not only greatly improve the loading capacity of the porous-carbon for PEG, but also could increase the thermal conductivity of PEG/SMS-CSP. Additionally, the method of introducing SMS into porous-carbon had the advantages of environmental protection and simple operation. Moreover, the raw material of cotton stalk is a kind of agricultural waste, which has the merits of wide source, low price and easy to obtain. Furthermore, in the preparation of cotton stalk porous-carbon, with the increase of pyrolysis temperature the thermal conductivity of PEG/SMS-CSP could be enhanced significantly. The mechanism about the enhancement of thermal conductivity was clarified, which could provide more basic theory for the study about the thermal conductivity of shape-stable phase change materials (ss-PCMs) based on porous-carbon.
Human volunteer study of the decontamination of chemically contaminated hair and the consequences for systemic exposure
Authors: Collins Samuel , James Thomas , Southworth Felicity , Davidson Louise , Williams Natalie , Orchard Emily , Marczylo Tim , Amlôt Richard
Published: November 2020

The decontamination of exposed persons is a priority following the release of toxic chemicals. Efficacious decontamination reduces the risk of harm to those directly affected and prevents the uncontrolled spread of contamination. Human studies examining the effectiveness of emergency decontamination procedures have primarily focused on decontaminating skin, with few examining the decontamination of hair and scalp. We report the outcome of two studies designed to evaluate the efficacy of current United Kingdom (UK) improvised, interim and specialist mass casualty decontamination protocols when conducted in sequence. Decontamination efficacy was evaluated using two chemical simulants, methyl salicylate (MeS) and benzyl salicylate (BeS) applied to and recovered from the hair of volunteers. Twenty-four-hour urinary MeS and BeS were measured as a surrogate for systemic bioavailability. Current UK decontamination methods performed in sequence were partially effective at removing MeS and BeS from hair and underlying scalp. BeS and MeS levels in urine indicated that decontamination had no significant effect on systemic exposure raising important considerations with respect to the speed of decontamination. The decontamination of hair may therefore be challenging for first responders, requiring careful management of exposed persons following decontamination. Further work to extend these studies is required with a broader range of chemical simulants, a larger group of volunteers and at different intervention times.
Growing and trapping pebbles with fragile collisions of particles in protoplanetary disks
Authors: Pinilla Paola , Lenz Christian T. , Stammler Sebastian M.
Published: November 2020

Recent laboratory experiments indicate that destructive collisions of icy dust particles occur with much lower velocities than previously thought. These fragmentation velocities play a crucial role in planet formation because they set the maximum grain size in collisional growth models. When these new velocities are considered from laboratory experiments in dust evolution models, a growth to pebble sizes (typically millimeter- to decimeter-sized particles) in protoplanetary disks is difficult. This may contradict (sub-) millimeter observations and challenge the formation of planetesimals and planets. We investigate the conditions that are required in dust evolution models for growing and trapping pebbles in protoplanetary disks when the fragmentation speed is 1 m s−1 in the entire disk. In particular, we distinguish the parameters controlling the effects of turbulent velocities (δt), vertical stirring (δz), radial diffusion (δr), and gas viscous evolution (α), always assuming that particles cannot diffuse faster (radially or vertically) than the gas (i.e., δr,z,t ≤ α). We compare our models with observations of protoplanetary disks at both the near-infrared and millimeter regimes. To form pebbles and produce effective particle trapping, the parameter that controls the particle turbulent velocities must be small (δt ≲ 10−4). In these cases, the vertical settling can limit the formation of pebbles, which also prevents particle trapping. Therefore the parameter that sets the vertical settling and stirring of the grains must be δz < 10−3. Our results suggest that different combinations of the particle and gas diffusion parameters can lead to a large diversity of millimeter fluxes and dust-disk radii. When pebble formation occurs and trapping is efficient, gaps and rings have higher contrast at millimeter emission than in the near-infrared. In the case of inefficient trapping, structures are also formed at the two wavelengths, producing deeper and wider gaps in the near-infrared. Our results highlight the importance of obtaining observational constraints of gas and particle diffusion parameters and the properties of gaps at short and long wavelengths to better understand basic features of protoplanetary disks and the origin of the structures that are observed in these objects.
Reaktive Arthritis – eine vergessene Erkrankung?
Authors: Märker-Hermann Elisabeth
Published: November 2020

Was ist neu?

Epidemiologie und Pathogenese Campylobacter jejuni/enteritidis ist in Westeuropa zu einem der häufigsten Erreger der ReA geworden. Auch nach mit Reisediarrhö assoziierten Escherischia-coli-Infektionen (DEC-Infektionen) können Arthralgien und milde ReA auftreten. HLA-B27 spielt eine Rolle bei der Erregerinvasion und -persistenz in Zellen der Mukosa und als antigenpräsentierendes Molekül. Neu sind Erkenntnisse, dass durch Auslösung einer Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) als Folge einer Fehlfaltung des HLA-B27-Moleküls eine proinflammatorische Stressantwort ausgelöst werden kann und dass enterobakterielle Infektionen diese Reaktion des angeborenen Immunsystems auslösen oder verstärken.

Diagnostik Die Diagnostik beruht nicht auf einzelnen Parametern, sondern auf einer Kombination von klinischen, anamnestischen und serologischen bzw. PCR-basierten Faktoren.

Therapie Antibiotika werden nur zur Therapie einer noch bestehenden Chlamydophilia-trachomatis-Infektion an der Eintrittspforte (urogenital) eingesetzt, nicht aber zur Therapie der posturethritischen oder postenteritischen ReA. Bei therapierefraktären chronischen Verläufen können Biologika (TNF-Inhibitoren) entsprechend ihrer Zulassung bei Spondyloarthritiden eingesetzt werden.
Therapie mit 177Lu-PSMA: Stand der Dinge
Authors: Essler Markus
Published: November 2020

177Lu-PSMA Radiopharmaka wurden in den letzten Jahren als fester Bestandteil der Behandlung des kastraktionsresistenten, metastasierten, progredienten Prostatakarzinoms etabliert. Zahlreiche deutsche Institutionen hatten hieran maßgeblichen Anteil. Eine retrospektive deutsche Multicenter Studie zeigte, dass die 177Lu-PSMA-Therapie effektiv und sicher ist. Zwar fand die 177Lu-PSMA-Therapie Eingang in die S3 Leitlinie zur Behandlung des Prostatakarzinoms, soll jedoch in der letzten Linie nach Ausschöpfen der empfohlenen Therapieoptionen erfolgen. Da keine zugelassenen 177Lu-PSMA Radiopharmaka verfügbar sind, ist die Behandlung nur in Ausübung der ärztlichen Heilkunde gemäß § 13 2b des Arzneimittelgesetztes möglich. Derzeit laufen mehrere teils globale prospektive, randomisierte Studien, die bei positivem Ergebnis eine Zulassung ermöglichen werden. Es wird 177Lu-PSMA Monotherapie im Vergleich zu „best supportive care“ (Vision Studie) und im Vergleich zu Carbazitaxel (TheraP Studie) getestet. Zudem werden Kombinationstherapien mit Pembrolizumab (PRINCE Studie) oder Olaparib (LuPARP Studie) in Phase I/II Studien geprüft. Vom Ausgang dieser Studien wird die zukünftige Rolle des 177Lu-PSMA abhängen.
Dynamics for pair of coupled nonlinear systems. II. Dicrete self-trapped model
Authors: Kovalev A. S. , Prilepskii Y. E.
Published: November 2020

In the framework of the discrete self-trapped model and its generalizations, the dynamics of two nonlinear elements of different physical origin is considered. The influence on the dynamics of their own nonlinearity, various types of interaction nonlinearity and nonequivalence of subsystems is investigated. Exact solutions of dynamic equations are found and investigated. Particular attention is paid to the study of essentially nonlinear inhomogeneous states with different levels of excitation for identical subsystems as a discrete analogue for different solitons.
Nanoindentation of pure and gas-saturated fullerite C60 crystals: Elastic-to-plastic transition, hardness, elastic modulus
Authors: Dub S. N. , Tolmachova G. N. , Lubenets S. V. , Fomenko L. S. , Rusakova H. V.
Published: November 2020

Elastic-plastic transition at nanoindentation of (111) plane of pure C60 fullerite single crystals was studied. The onset of plastic deformation in the contact was noted due to the plateau formation in the initial part of loading curve. The estimated stress of plasticity beginning was found to be on the order of the theoretical shear stress required for homogeneous dislocation nucleation in the ideal crystal lattice of C60. The empirical values of elastic modulus E ∼ 13.5 GPa, hardness of the ideal crystal lattice H ∼ 1.4 GPa, and hardness at different indentation loads were obtained. The hardness vs load dependence was found consistent with the model of geometrically necessary dislocations. The loading diagrams shape and the dependencies of contact pressure vs indentation depth were strongly affected by gaseous interstitial impurities (hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen) in C60 crystal; transition stress was essentially less and plateaus formation was observed at elevated indentation loads and depths as compared with pure fullerite crystal. For crystals, saturated with hydrogen, the enhanced value of elastic modulus (∼ 20.4 GPa) and hardness (∼ 1.1 GPa) were obtained. The results acquired at room temperature for C60 with face-centered cubic lattice are important for the description of the physical-mechanical properties of simple cubic lattice phase of C60 below 260 K (S. V. Lubenets, L. S. Fomenko, V. D. Natsik, and A. V. Rusakova, Fiz. Nizk. Temp. 45, 3 (2019) [Low Temp. Phys. 45, 1 (2019)]).
Spatial extent of invasiveness and invasion stage categorisation of established weeds of Queensland, Australia
Authors: Osunkoya Olusegun O. , Lock Claire , Buru Joshua C. , Gray Brad , Calvert Moya
Published: November 2020

The risk posed by invasive alien species is determined primarily by two factors: distribution (occupancy) and abundance (density). However, most ecological studies use distribution data for monitoring and assessment programs, but few incorporate abundance data due to financial and logistical constraints. Failure to take into account invaders’ abundance may lead to imprecise pest risk assessments. Since 2003 as part of the Annual Pest Distribution Survey (APDS) exercise in the state of Queensland, Australia, government biosecurity officials have collected data on distribution and abundance of more than 100 established and emerging weeds. This data acquisition was done at spatial grid sizes of 17–50 × 17–50 km and across a very broad and varied geographical land area of ~2 × 106 km2. The datasets provide an opportunity to compare weed dynamics at large-medium spatial scales. Analysis of the APDS datasets indicated that weed distributions were highest in regions along the southern and central, coastal parts of Queensland, and decreased in the less populated inland (i.e. western) and northern parts of the state. Weed abundance showed no discernible landscape or regional trends. Positive distribution–abundance relationships were also detected at multiple spatial scales. Using both traits of weed abundance and distribution, we derived a measure of invasion severity, and constructed, for several (64) weed species, ‘space-for-time’ invasion curves. State-wide and in each of Queensland’s 10 regions, we also categorised the invasion stages of these weeds. At the grassroots of local government area or regional levels, the derived invasion curves and stage categories can provide policy direction for long-term management planning of Queensland’s priority weeds.
Management options for improved survival of perennial ryegrass (
Authors: Rogers M. E. , Lawson A. R. , Chandra S. , Kelly K. B.
Published: November 2020

In northern Victoria, Australia, perennial pastures for the dairy industry have historically been based on perennial ryegrass. However, perennial ryegrass does not perform well under high summer temperatures and water stress. We investigated irrigation, renovation and grazing management strategies for improving the resilience and survival of perennial ryegrass over summer on two farms in northern Victoria over 2.5 years. At each farm, two irrigation bays were sown in March 2015. During summer (late December–mid-March), one bay was not irrigated and the other bay received a single mid-summer irrigation. Each bay was sown to 12 ryegrass cultures: five cultivars of perennial ryegrass either oversown or not oversown, and two oversown cultivars of short-lived ryegrass (SLRG). A mid-summer grazing treatment was applied to one-half of each of these plots. All plots at both sites received the same irrigation and grazing management at other times of the year. There were significant variations in dry matter (DM) production, nutritive characteristics and plant frequencies across sites and seasons, and across renovation, irrigation and grazing management strategies. Cumulative DM yields were higher in the perennial ryegrass than the SLRG cultivars. Summer DM removal was very low at both sites; the ungrazed plots recovered and produced more DM in the following cooler period than the grazed plots in the first year but not the second. Metabolisable energy concentration was higher for perennial ryegrass than SLRG cultivars and was also higher in plots that had been grazed over the summer. There were large differences in plant frequency between species, and there were some differences among perennial ryegrass cultivars. The effect of summer grazing on plant frequency varied at each site and was not significant within an irrigation treatment. This research confirms that perennial ryegrass is not well suited to the hot, dry summers of northern Victoria and suggests that, under conditions of limited summer irrigation, farmers should focus on plant survival rather than summer yield if they are to maximise annual DM production.
Reproductive biology of the finetooth shark (Carcharhinus isodon) in the northern Gulf of Mexico, with evidence of both annual and biennial reproduction
Authors: Higgs Jeremy M. , Hoffmayer Eric R. , Sulikowski James A. , Driggers William B. , Stiller David A. , Hendon Jill M.
Published: November 2020

Intraspecific variability in life-history patterns is well documented in elasmobranchs, and defining regionally specific parameters is essential for proper management and sustainability of species. Studies on the reproductive biology of finetooth sharks (Carcharhinus isodon) have noted a potential disparity in periodicity within North American waters. To better define regional variability, the current study collected 1490 finetooth sharks (831 female, 659 male) from the northern Gulf of Mexico. The size-at-maturity was determined to be 995- and 961-mm fork length for females and males respectively. In males, the peak gonadosomatic index (GSI) in March and presence of semen in the seminal vesicles in April suggested spermatogenesis occurs from March to April. In females, ovulation occurred from May to June, with a peak GSI occurring in May and maximum vitellogenic follicle diameter occurring in May and June. Gestation was found to be 11–12 months, with parturition occurring in May and June and a mean brood size was 3.8±0.1 embryos. Of the 50 females examined during the ovulatory period, 32 exhibited annual and 18 exhibited biennial reproductive periodicity. The results from this study will be impactful, because regionally distinct reproductive parameters can now be considered for future assessments.
Diagnostics of BLDC motor winding based on a model approach in the state space
Authors: Nikitin Yury
Published: November 2020

To diagnose a brushless direct current motor, its nonlinear discrete control model is developed in a rotating coordinate system in the state space. The problem of determining the identifiability of this model with different values of the resistance of the motor winding and at different load moments has been solved. This model of controlling a brushless direct current motor can be used to build real-time diagnostic systems.
Convergence to traveling waves for time-periodic bistable reaction-diffusion equations
Authors: Ding Weiwei
Published: November 2020

We consider the equation

u
t

=

u

x
x

+
f
(
t
,
u
)

u_t=u_{xx} +f(t,u)

,

x
∈

R

x\in \mathbb {R}

,

t
>
0

t>0

, where

f
(
t
,
x
)

f(t,x)

periodically depends on

t
t

and is of bistable type. Classical results showed that for a large class of initial functions, the solutions converge to a periodic traveling wave if it connects two linearly stable time-periodic states. Under some conditions on the initial functions, we prove this convergence result by a new approach which allows the time-periodic states to be degenerate.
Strong generators in 𝐷_{𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓}(𝑋) for schemes with a separator
Authors: Jatoba V.
Published: November 2020

This paper extends the result from Amnon Neeman regarding strong generators in

D

p
e
r
f

(
X
)

\mathbf {D}_{perf}(X)

, from

X
X

being a quasicompact, separated scheme to

X
X

being quasicompact, quasiseparated scheme that admits a separator with some conditions. Neeman’s result states a necessary and sufficient condition for

D

p
e
r
f

(
X
)

\mathbf {D}_{perf}(X)

being regular.

Together with being proper over a noetherian commutative ring, those conditions give an interesting description for when an

R
R

-linear functor

H
H

is representable.
On compact subsets of Sobolev spaces on manifolds
Authors: Skrzypczak Leszek , Tintarev Cyril
Published: November 2020

The paper considers compactness of Sobolev embeddings of non-compact manifolds, restricted to subsets (typically subspaces) defined either by conditions of symmetry (or quasisymmetry) relative to actions of compact groups, or by restriction in the number of variables, i.e. consisting of functions of the form

f
∘
φ

f\circ \varphi

with a fixed

φ
\varphi

. The manifolds are assumed to satisfy general common conditions under which Sobolev embeddings exist. We provide sufficient conditions for compactness of the embeddings, which in many situations are also necessary.
Impact of computed tomography window settings on clinical T classifications and prognostic evaluation of patients with subsolid nodules
Authors: Zhao Mengmeng , Deng Jiajun , Wang Tingting , Li Yingze , Wu Junqi , Zhong Yifang , Sun Xiwen , Jiang Gening , She Yunlang , Zhu Yuming , Xie Dong , Chen Chang
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the impact of lung window (LW) and mediastinal window (MW) settings on the clinical T classifications and prognostic prediction of patients with subsolid nodules.

METHODS

Seven hundred and nineteen surgically resected subsolid nodules were reviewed, grouping into pure ground-glass nodules (n = 179) or part-solid nodules (n = 540) using LW. Interobserver agreement on nodule classifications was assessed via kappa-value, and predictive performance of the solid portion measurement in LW and MW for pathological invasiveness and malignancy were compared using receiver-operating characteristic analysis. Cox regression was used to identify prognostic factors. Prognostic significance of T classifications based on LW (c[l]T) and MW (c[m]T) was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier method after propensity score matching. The performance of c(m)T for discrimination survival was estimated via the concordance index (C-index), net reclassification improvement and integrated-discrimination improvement.

RESULTS

By adopting MW, 124 part-solid nodules were reclassified as pure ground-glass nodules, and interobserver agreement improved to 0.917 (95% confidence interval 0.888–0.946). The solid portion size under MW more strongly predicted pathological invasiveness (P = 0.030), but did not better predict pathological malignancy. For remaining 416 part-solid nodules, c(l)T and c(m)T were both independent risk factors. c(m)T led to T classifications shifts in 321 nodules (14 upstaged and 307 downstaged) with no significant prognostic difference existing between the shifted c(m)T and matching c(l)T group after propensity score matching. The corrected C-index was improved to 0.695 (0.620–1.000) when adopting c(m)T with no significant difference in net reclassification improvement (P = 0.098) and integrated-discrimination improvement (P = 0.13) analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

As there is no significant benefit provided by MW in evaluating clinical T classification and prognosis, the current usage of LW is appropriate for assessing subsolid nodules.
Artificial intelligence and challenges for copyright law
Authors: Kariyawasam Kanchana
Published: November 2020

The question of who should own the copyright of a creative work by an artificial intelligence (Al) is as yet largely unanswered. Due to the author’s increased distance from the works being created, the granting of copyright protection to AI has not been forthcoming. This article assesses the prevalence of AI- and computer-generated works in which, beyond the initial input, the works produced involve more artificial than human contribution, and the impact this has on authorship. While the main geographical focus of this article is Australia, it makes comparisons with the UK and New Zealand (NZ) to explore how Australian copyright law can be adapted to incorporate positive aspects of UK and NZ law. This article explains how the statutory provisions in both the UK and NZ are undeniably far-sighted in the modern world, in which computer-generated programmes are increasingly used. This article argues that the case-by-case basis is most suitable when deciding the human entity who is the fortunate receiver of copyright protection in works that are essentially made by an advanced non-human entity.
Characterizing Peano and Symmetric Derivatives and the GGR Conjecture’s Solution
Authors: Ash J Marshall , Catoiu Stefan
Published: November 2020

We provide three characterizations of the $n$th symmetric (Peano) derivative $f_{(n)}^{s}(x)$ in terms of symmetric generalized Riemann derivatives of a function $f$ at $x$ and a characterization of the $n$th Peano derivative $f_{(n)}(x)$ in terms of generalized Riemann derivatives of $f$ at $x$. The latter has been a conjecture by Ginchev, Guerragio, and Rocca since 1998.
82 Struggle behavior and vocalizations of male piglets during castration
Authors: Lou Maria E , Li Yuzhi , Ventura Beth
Published: November 2020

Castration without the use of analgesia is routinely performed on male piglets. The objective of this study was to assess acute pain during castration through behavioral indicators. Piglets (n=88) were randomly allocated to one of two treatments: castration without the use of analgesia (C) and sham-castration (S). Within 24 hours after birth (birth weight = 1.78kg ±0.71), identical procedures were followed for both treatment groups, except sham piglets were not castrated. Struggle behavior (curl ups, leg kicks, and body flailing) and vocalizations were collected via continuous video recording as piglets received treatment from start (first application of scalpel) to end (application of iodine). Vocalization parameters (duration and peak frequency) were analyzed using the Raven Pro: Interactive Sound Analysis Software (Version 1.5). Peak frequency was defined as low (< 1000 Hz) and high (≥ 1000 Hz). Data were analyzed using the Glimmix Procedure of SAS. For struggle behavior, treatment did not affect curl up frequency. However, castrated piglets kicked more frequently than did sham piglets (C=28.8±0.9 vs. S=21.3±0.9 kicks/min; P=0.02). Additionally, 52% of castrated piglets displayed body flailing, whereas only 4.4% of sham piglets displayed the same behavior (Chi-Square = 24.2; P < 0.0001). For vocalizations, no difference was found for duration and peak frequency of low frequency calls. However, castrated piglets responded with more high frequency calls than sham piglets (C=23.6±0.3 vs. S=18.6±0.3 calls/min; P=0.04). High frequency calls tended to be of longer duration for castrated piglets (C=0.45±0.04 vs. S=0.27±0.04 sec/call; P=0.08). Results indicate that castration without the use of analgesia increased the frequency of leg kicks, body failing, and high frequency calls. This suggests that leg kicks, body flailing, and high frequency calls maybe useful behavioral indicators of acute pain in piglets.
216 Thermoregulatory and physiological responses of sows at different reproductive stages exposed to increasing ambient temperature
Authors: McConn Betty R , Duttlinger Alan W , Kpodo Kouassi R , Maskal Jacob M , Gaskill Brianna N , Schinckel Allan P , Green-Miller Angela R , Lay Donald C , Johnson Jay S
Published: November 2020

Pregnant sows, especially during late-gestation, may be susceptible to heat stress due to increased metabolic heat production and body mass. Therefore, the study objective was to determine the thermoregulatory and physiological responses of sows exposed to increasing ambient temperature (TA) at 3 reproductive stages. In 3 repetitions, 27 multiparous sows (parity 3.22±0.89) were individually housed and had jugular catheters placed 5.0±1.0 d prior to the experiment. To differentiate between reproductive stages, sows were categorized as open (not pregnant, n=9), mid-gestation (59.7±9.6 days pregnant, n=9), or late-gestation (99.0±4.8 days pregnant, n=9). During the experiment, sows were exposed to 6 consecutive 1 h periods of increasing TA (period 1, 14.39±2.14°C; period 2, 16.20±1.39°C; period 3, 22.09±1.87°C; period 4, 26.34±1.39°C; period 5, 30.56±0.81°C; period 6, 35.07±0.96°C), with 1 h transition phases in between each period. Respiration rate (RR), heart rate (HR), skin temperature, and vaginal temperature (TV) were measured every 20 min and the mean was calculated for each period. At the end of each period, blood gases, leukocytes, and red blood cell counts were measured. Overall, RR and HR were greater (P≤0.04; 45.6% and 12.9%, respectively) in late-gestation versus mid-gestation sows. Compared to mid-gestation and open sows, TV tended to be greater (P=0.06) during period 4 (0.18°C and 0.29°C, respectively) and period 5 (0.14°C and 0.18°C, respectively) in late-gestation sows. Blood O2 increased (P< 0.01; 18.1%) for all sows with advancing period, regardless of reproductive stage. Late-gestation sows had reduced (P=0.02; 16.1%) blood CO2 compared to mid-gestation sows, regardless of period. In summary, late-gestation sows appear to be more sensitive to increasing TA as indicated by increased RR, HR, TV, and blood O2, and reduced blood CO2 when compared to mid-gestation or open sows. This change in O2 and CO2, due to increasing RR and heat stress sensitivity of late-gestation sows, may suggest an alteration to the acid-base balance, leading to respiratory alkalosis.
190 Developing graduates with competitive and comparative backgrounds
Authors: Lattimer James M
Published: November 2020

Students enter graduate school with a primary species of interest and may have little to no desire for comparative and collaborative work. Indeed, intent focus on a single species is critical to their development as subject matter experts. But, working collaboratively with other graduate students and faculty in a secondary or tertiary species can be immensely beneficial to their education and growth. Upon graduation, whether in academia or industry, young professionals must collaborate with their colleagues in order to be successful. Commonly, this means working with others who are not directly involved in their area of focus. Developing these skill sets in graduate school promotes a more well-rounded applicant. Additionally, upon graduation, students may find their “perfect” position is not available. Working across multiple species affords them the opportunity to apply to a multitude of jobs that would otherwise be unavailable in a single species program.
8 How to drive efficiencies in pork production: What are the gaps in knowledge and obstacles?
Authors: Kitt Steve J
Published: November 2020

Swine nutrition and production has been the cornerstone scientific discipline of the Midwest Section ASAS meeting for decades. During this time, the impact of scientists’ work and the scientific application by swine professionals has been profound. However, if we are to double our food supply by 2050, we have much to do. This presentation will attempt to illustrate contrasting examples of production efficiencies associated with differing production goals, and highlight examples of processes that lead to improved pork production efficiency within the discipline of swine nutrition. This presentation will also cover obstacles and gaps in knowledge that practicing nutritionists, pork producers, and other professionals regularly encounter. Some knowledge gaps are within a single scientific discipline and if resources were put towards the problem would be relatively easily solved. Examples include: development of an inexpensive in vitro assay to assess DDGS amino acid digestibility, re-defining the upper and lower critical effective temperature for modern pigs, defining the minimum and best equipment for growing pigs, identifying additivity effects of various dietary compounds, scientifically sound method(s) to understand and resolve mycotoxin contamination of grains. Other gaps in knowledge are more complex and require multi-disciplinary scientific approach. Examples include: defining root causes of sow mortality, defining factors influencing pig and piglet mortality especially during health challenges, developing models to assist optimization of litter size and post-wean performance, determining best practices of cross-fostering. Pork production will continue to be a viable yet challenging endeavor. It will require persistence, collaboration, and ingenuity from our scientific and pork production community in order to adequately feed the growing population’s demand for protein.
43 Effects of steroidal implants on feedlot growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum and meat estradiol-17β concentrations of Holstein steers
Authors: Carvalho Pedro , Felix Tara , Perry George
Published: November 2020

Objectives were to determine the effects of implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations in the serum and longissimus muscle of Holstein steers fed a grain-based diet. Seventy Holstein steers (initial BW = 275 ± 6.4 kg) were assigned to treatments: (1) Implanted on d 0 with Component TE-IS with Tylan (Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) and on d 84 with Component TE-S with Tylan (Elanco Animal Health) of the experiment; or (2) not implanted (control). Implanted Holstein steers were heavier (P ≤ 0.01) than nonimplanted Holstein steers on d 84, at time of reimplant, and at the end of the experiment (d 186). Implanting Holstein steers increased (P < 0.01) average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) without affecting (P = 31) gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) when compared to steers that were not implanted. Carcasses from implanted Holstein steers had greater (P < 0.01) hot carcass weights (HCW) and longissimus muscle (LM) area than carcasses from nonimplanted steers. Implanting did not affect (P ≥ 0.21) other carcass characteristics. There was an increase (P = 0.03) of 1.3 pg of E2/g of muscle when LM from implanted Holstein steers was compared to LM from nonimplanted steers. There was an implant × day interaction (P < 0.01) in circulating serum E2 concentrations. Serum E2 concentrations remained relatively constant in nonimplanted Holstein steers. In implanted steers, serum E2 concentrations increased (P < 0.01) after each implant. Serum E2 peaked at 28 d after the first implant and then declined after d 56. Implanting Holstein steers fed grain-based diets increased ADG, HCW, and LM area due to increased circulating E2 concentrations. Implants did increase LM E2 concentrations; however, changes were minimal compared to E2 concentrations in other human foods and were not great enough to warrant concerns regarding meat consumption from implanted animals.
23 Protein Source Selection During Choice-Feeding in Nursery Pigs
Authors: Harr Jackie , Shannon Marcia , Firman Jeffre
Published: November 2020

Animal by-product feeding practices decrease waste from animal processing and create feedstuffs with favorable nutrient profiles. Including animal proteins has decreased recently due to consumer push to increase vegetarian fed animals. Pigs have demonstrated abilities to choose diets meeting their nutritional requirements when presented with a choice-feeding system (Rose and Kyriazakis, 1991). The objective of this study was to observe nursery pig behaviors in selecting animal and plant protein sources given a choice-feeding system. Pigs (n=72) were housed in groups of nine and given ad libitum access to ground corn, soybean meal (SBM), vitamin premix, ruminant blood meal (RBM), bovine meat and bone meal (BMB), and chicken by-product meal (CBP). Feedstuffs were randomly assigned to feeders and weighed daily. The study was repeated with individually housed pigs (n=8) to compare feeding behaviors. Pigs were weighed at the beginning of the trial with mean weights of 16.83 kg for group and 24.71 kg for individual and end of the trial with mean weights of 24.25 kg for group and 34.90 kg for individual. No intake differences were seen between housing treatment (P >0.05). Protein source intake differed (P< 0.0001), with CBP having the greatest consumption followed by SBM. A second trial (n=30) was conducted to determine preference when protein sources were mixed into corn-soy based diets and given ad libitum in a choice-feeding system for both groups of four (n=24) and individually housed pigs (n=6); starting mean weights of 14.83 kg and ending weights of 21.14 kg. Preference did not differ between housing or pen (P >0.05) showing no feeder preferences or diet preference (P=0.9997). Data concludes that pigs preferentially select animal by-products as part of their diet when presented with a choice-feeding system. Nursery pigs do not have a preference when choosing from diets.
200 Reduced growth performance of pigs fed methionine deficient diet may be associated with their reduced muscle cell differentiation
Authors: Liao Shengfa F , Yang Zhongyue , Shamimul Hasan M , Humphrey Rebecca , Feugang Jean , Burnett Derris , Htoo John K
Published: November 2020

Methionine (Met) is the second or third limiting AA in typical swine diets and plays important roles in promoting the growth, especially, the muscle growth of pigs. This research studied the effects of dietary Met restriction on growth performance and myogenic gene expression in growing pigs. Eight genes in two families, including myogenic regulatory factor family comprising myogenic differentiation 1 (MyoD1), myogenic factor 5 (Myf5), myogenin (MyoG) and myogenic factor 6 (Myf6), and myocyte enhancer factor 2 (Mef2) family comprising Mef2A, Mef2B, Mef2C and Mef2D, were selected for analysis. Individually penned barrows (crossbred, 23.6±2.4 kg) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments. A basal diet (Diet 1; Met-deficient) was formulated to contain 0.22% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Met and 0.52% SID Met+Cys but to meet the NRC (2012) recommendations for other nutrients. Crystalline DL-Met was added to the basal diet to generate Diet 2 adequate in Met (0.37% SID Met, 0.67% SID Met+Cys). During the four-week ad libitum feeding trial, ADG, ADFI and G:F were measured. Immediately before and after the trial, muscle samples were collected from the longissimus dorsi using a standard biopsy protocol. Total RNA was extracted from the muscle samples (TRIzol Reagent; Invitrogen) and subjected to cDNA reverse-transcription (QuantiTect Reverse Transcription Kit; Qiagen). Transcribed cDNA were used for qPCR analysis (Rotor-Gene Q System; Qiagen). Comparative ΔΔCT method was used for quantitation. Data were analyzed with Student’s T-test. Pigs fed Diet 1 (vs. Diet 2) had a lower ADG and G:F (P< 0.01). Before the feeding trial, all the tested genes had comparable mRNA levels between the two treatments (P >0.17). After the trial, Diet 1 pigs showed tendency for lower levels of Myf6 and Mef2D mRNA (P< 0.09). These results suggest that the reduced ADG and G:F is associated with the possibly-reduced muscle cell differentiation in pigs fed Met-deficient diet.
204 Piglets exhibited similar performance when fed OH-methionine or DL-Methionine during the post-weaning period
Authors: Gracia Lorenzo M I , Mercier Yves , Casabuena Rincon O , Laguna Jaime Sanchez , Batonon-Alavo Dolores I
Published: November 2020

This work aimed to compare piglet’s performance when fed DL-Methionine or Hydroxy-Methionine (OH-Met and OH-MetCa) at the requirements of sulfur amino acids (SAA) or above. 720 piglets (♀ large white*landrace x ♂ pietrain*duroc) were weaned at 28 days old (6.84 ± 1.07 kg) and randomly allocated to the experimental treatments for 42 days. The experiment was a factorial design with three Met sources (DL-Met, liquid OH-Met (acid form) or OH-MetCa under powder form) and two doses of SAA. Treatments were formulated to reach the adequate SID SAA/Lys ratio of 58% or exceeded the Spanish nutrient recommendations in SAA by 25% (0.79% SID SAA/Lys). Each treatment was replicated 12 times (6 pens of males and 6 pens of females). Growth performance was measured and data was analysed by mixed-effects models (R Core Team). The body weight was neither affected by SAA level, nor by the Met sources. The daily weight gain (DWG) was not affected by the dietary treatments from 0 to 21 days; whereas the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (P=0.01) improved when the SAA level was increased by 25% (1.272 and 1.184) due to the decreased feed intake (P=0.03). Significant interactions were found between the Sex and the SAA level for DWG (P = 0.04) and FCR (P = 0.03) from 0 to 21 days. From day 21 to 42 and from day 0 to 42, no performance criteria were different in all dietary treatments. For all criteria of performance, the three Met sources exhibited a similar response. These results confirmed that Met sources are equivalent in piglets.
175 Effects of dietary supplementation with xylanase and probiotics on growth performance and gut health of newly weaned pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic E. coli on d 7 post weaned
Authors: Duarte Marcos E , Tyus James , Kim Sung Woo
Published: November 2020

This study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with xylanase and probiotic on growth performance, and gut health of nursery pigs challenged with ETEC. Sixty-four weaned pigs (7.9 ± 0.4 kg) were allotted in a RCBD (2 x 2 factorial). ETEC (0, and ETEC, 6 x 109 CFU/mL) and synbiotic (0, and xylanase 10,000 XU/kg combined with Bacillus sp. 6 x 108 CFU/kg) were the factors. ETEC was orally inoculated on d 7. Growth performance were measured on d 7, 10, 15, and 21. On d 21, 48 pigs were euthanized for sampling to measure gut health parameters. Synbiotic increased (P < 0.05) ADG in P1 (53.5 to 96.0 g). Overall, ETEC reduced (P < 0.05) ADG (387.5 to 322.5 g) and G:F (0.810 to 0.706). ETEC increased (P < 0.05) fecal score from d 7 to 13, whereas synbiotic reduced (P < 0.05) it at d 9 and 11 in challenged pigs. ETEC increased (P < 0.05) MDA (0.259 to 0.818 μmol/mg), IL6 (2.96 to 4.30 pg/mg), ki-67+ (29.1 to 33.9%), and crypt depth (260 to 290 μm), whereas synbiotic tended to reduce TNF-α (1.05 to 0.87 pg/mg), protein carbonyl (3.13 to 2.51 nmol/mg), and IL6 (4.07 to 3.19 pg/mg); reduced (P < 0.05) crypt depth (290 to 260 μm), and ki-67+ (32.7 to 30.3%) and increased (P < 0.05) villus height (368.5 to 421.4 μm). ETEC reduced (P < 0.05) abundance of Veillonellaceae (7.11 to 3.02%), tended to reduce (P = 0.067) Clostridiaceae (1.1 to 0.55%), and Prevotellaceae (38.0 to 27.2%) and tended (P = 0.063) to increase Helicobacteraceae (34.5 to 49.5%). Collectively, ETEC reduced growth performance by affecting the microbiome, oxidative stress, and immune response. Synbiotic improve growth performance by enhancing gut health regardless of the challenge, whereas it reduced fecal score in challenged pigs.
265 Evaluating the route of antibiotic administration and its effect on nursery pig growth performance
Authors: Hutchens Wade M , Lerner Annie B , Williams Hadley , Tokach Mike D , Dritz Steve S , Woodworth Jason C , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D , Calderon Cartagena Hilda I , Habib Kellen A , Ishengoma Victor L , Nagaraja T G , Amachawadi Raghavendra G
Published: November 2020

A total of 2,592 pigs (L337×1050, PIC, Hendersonville, TN; initially 5.58 kg BW) were used in a 28-d study to evaluate the route of antibiotic administration (in-feed vs in-water) on pig performance. Pigs were weaned at 21 d of age and placed in a commercial research facility with 27 pigs per pen. After a 7-d pre-trial period, pens of pigs were assigned to weight blocks in a randomized complete block design. There were 12 replications per treatment with pen as experimental unit for in-feed medication treatments and a pairs of pens as the experimental unit for water medication treatments. Treatments included a control (no medication), chlortetracycline (CTC) provided via feed or water to achieve 22 mg/kg BW, tiamulin in feed (5 to10 mg/kg BW) or water (23 mg/kg BW), or a combination of CTC and tiamulin in feed. Experimental treatments were provided for 14-d followed by a 14-d period without medication. Data were analyzed using R Studio (Version 3.5.2). From d 0 to 14, there was an antibiotic×route of administration interaction for ADG and G:F. For ADG, pigs fed diets containing CTC had increased (P< 0.05) ADG compared with those fed tiamulin in feed, with pigs provided CTC or tiamulin in the water intermediate. For G:F, pigs provided tiamulin in feed had decreased G:F compared to pigs fed CTC in feed or CTC or tiamulin supplied in water. Pigs fed CTC in the diet had increased ADFI compared to the control with pigs provided antibiotics in the water or tiamulin in feed intermediate (P< 0.05). Pigs provided the combination of CTC and tiamulin in feed were not different than those provided CTC in feed. There was no evidence of difference among treatments in subsequent performance. In summary, providing CTC in feed with or without tiamulin improved nursery pig growth performance.