bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

Abstract
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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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 (&gt;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

AbstractForest 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

Abstract
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 &lt; 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 &lt; 0.01), where the GG genotype was associated with the calmest temperament. The GG genotype had a significant effect on EV (P &lt; 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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 &lt; 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 &lt; .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 &lt; .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 &lt; 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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 &lt; 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 &lt; 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

Abstract
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 &gt; 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 &gt; 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 &lt; 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 &lt; 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

Abstract
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 &lt; 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 &lt; 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.