bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide scans identify known and novel regions associated with prolificacy and reproduction traits in a sub-Saharan African indigenous sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Dolebo Asrat Tera , Khayatzadeh Negar , Melesse Aberra , Wragg David , Rekik Mourad , Haile Aynalem , Rischkowsky Barbara , Rothschild Max F. , Mwacharo Joram M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMaximizing the number of offspring born per female is a key functionality trait in commercial- and/or subsistence-oriented livestock enterprises. Although the number of offspring born is closely associated with female fertility and reproductive success, the genetic control of these traits remains poorly understood in sub-Saharan Africa livestock. Using selection signature analysis performed on Ovine HD BeadChip data from the prolific Bonga sheep in Ethiopia, 41 candidate regions under selection were identified. The analysis revealed one strong selection signature on a candidate region on chromosome X spanningBMP15, suggesting this to be the primary candidate prolificacy gene in the breed. The analysis also identified several candidate regions spanning genes not reported before in prolific sheep but underlying fertility and reproduction in other species. The genes associated with female reproduction traits includedSPOCK1(age at first oestrus),GPR173(mediator of ovarian cyclicity),HB-EGF(signalling early pregnancy success) andSMARCAL1andHMGN3a(regulate gene expression during embryogenesis). The genes involved in male reproduction wereFOXJ1(sperm function and successful fertilization) andNME5(spermatogenesis). We also observed genes such asPKD2L2,MAGED1andKDM3B, which have been associated with diverse fertility traits in both sexes of other species. The results confirm the complexity of the genetic mechanisms underlying reproduction while suggesting that prolificacy in the Bonga sheep, and possibly African indigenous sheep is partly under the control ofBMP15while other genes that enhance male and female fertility are essential for reproductive fitness.
Observational and Reported Measures of Language and Pragmatics in Young People with Autism: A Comparison of Respondent Data and Gender Profiles
Authors: Sturrock Alexandra , Marsden Antonia , Adams Catherine , Freed Jenny 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFemale children with autism spectrum disorder (FwASD) and performance intelligence quotient (PIQ) over 70 were compared with male children with ASD (MwASD) and typically developing (TD) controls (age 8–11 years) using a range of language and pragmatic measures. Functional ability was assessed using clinical observations and parent, teacher and self-reports. Results were compared between measures, and with direct assessments of language and pragmatics, in order to identify potential biases. This study found that FwASD performed better than MwASD but worse than TD controls on clinical observations of pragmatic ability. FwASD also performed worst overall on a parental measure of emotions. Additionally, there were patterns of differences between clinician, parent, teacher and self- reports and direct assessments, which indicate the need for assessment data to be collected from multiple informants. Findings also have implications for the accurate identification of ASD in females and appropriate provision of support.
The Ethics of Laying Hen Genetics
Authors: Fernyhough Mia , Nicol Christine J. , van de Braak Teun , Toscano Michael J. , Tønnessen Morten 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDespite societal concerns about the welfare of commercial laying hens, little attention has been paid to the welfare implications of the choices made by the genetics companies involved with their breeding. These choices regarding trait selection and other aspects of breeding significantly affect living conditions for the more than 7 billion laying hens in the world. However, these companies must consider a number of different commercial and societal interests, beyond animal welfare concerns. In this article we map some of the relevant dilemmas faced by genetics companies in order to outline the scope of opportunities to improve welfare under current market conditions. This includes identifying cases where different animal welfare concerns conflict. We discuss the moral responsibility of laying hen genetics companies and the welfare implications that derive from the choices they make and the policies they follow. In addition to evaluating a selection of predominant current practices and breeding goals, we outline different angles from where to assess the moral legitimacy of various industry practices and policies. We discuss specific issues such as injurious pecking, bone health, induced moulting, chick culling and the circumstances of breeding stock.
Integrating Computational Thinking into Elementary Science Curriculum: an Examination of Activities that Support Students’ Computational Thinking in the Service of Disciplinary Learning
Authors: Waterman Kevin P , Goldsmith Lynn , Pasquale Marian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractUsing an example of a grade 3 science unit about population changes during competition for resources, we describe how we integrated computational thinking (CT) into existing curriculum identifying three levels of depth of integration: identifying connections that already exist, enhancing and strengthening connections, and extending units to include activities that more explicitly develop students’ CT. We discuss students’ understanding of the relationship between a simple model of an ecosystem and the actual phenomenon it represents, their engagement with the unit’s data-gathering and data analysis activities, their ability to engage in sense-making regarding data they generated and analyzed, and how collectively the study supports their understanding of the complex system. This example module is part of “Broadening Participation of Elementary School Teachers and Students in Computer Science through STEM Integration and Statewide Collaboration,” a National Science Foundation-funded collaboration among Massachusetts teacher educators, researchers, teachers, and state-level education administrators that developed and implemented a number of elementary grade, CT-integrated science and mathematics curriculum modules. Collectively, these modules are designed to develop practices related to several key CT topics: abstraction, data, modeling and simulation, and algorithms. These CT topics support the development of core skills related to, but not exclusively the domain of, computer science. The strategy of integrating CT into core elementary STEM subject areas was intended to cultivate CT practices in support of science learning.
New theoretical insights on tautomerism of hyperforin—a prenylated phloroglucinol derivative which may be responsible for St. John’s wort (
Hypericum perforatum
) antidepressant activity
Authors: Oziminski Wojciech P. , Wójtowicz Agata 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe thermodynamic aspects of keto-enol tautomerism of hyperforin were investigated theoretically using density functional theory methods. At the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ//B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ level of theory the enol tautomer dominates the tautomeric mixture and the second enol tautomer 1OH-HB has Gibbs free energy higher by 1.2 kcal/mol, despite possessing an intramolecular hydrogen bond. The purely keto tautomer is less stable by 3.3 kcal/mol compared with the 1OH tautomer, which means that the percentage of the keto tautomer in the tautomeric mixture is only about 0.4%. This is a different picture than in the parent compound of hyperforin—the phloroglucinol, where the keto tautomer is more stable than corresponding enol 1OH tautomer by 0.6 kcal/mol. To explain this difference, several in-between model molecules reflecting gradual transformation from phloroglucinol to hyperforin were build, and all the tautomeric forms were optimized for each molecule. It turned out that the addition of an aliphatic three-carbon bridge to phloroglucinol ring is crucial for the reversal of the tautomer stability order to that for hyperforin. The probable reason is the unfavorable strain in the keto tautomer introduced by the carbon bridge, which forces a specific geometric configuration which destabilizes in consequence the keto tautomer. This picture of hyperforin tautomerism underlines the dominance of enol tautomers, which can be important when studying the antidepressant activity of hyperforin—its interactions with neurotransmitters receptors.
Micro-livestock in smallholder farming systems: the role, challenges and opportunities for cavies in South Kivu, eastern DR Congo
Authors: Klapwijk Charlotte J. , Schut Marc , van Asten Piet J. A. , Vanlauwe Bernard , Giller Ken E. , Descheemaeker Katrien 
Published: November 2019

AbstractLivestock play multiple roles for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Mixed crop-livestock systems are common in South Kivu, eastern DR Congo, but herd sizes are small and numbers of large livestock (i.e. cattle) have declined, due to high population density, recent conflicts and extreme poverty. Over half of the farmers keep cavies, a type of micro-livestock fitting the circumstances of smallholders and a valuable asset especially for the poorest households. To characterize cavy husbandry practices, detailed monthly on-farm data on cavy numbers, weights, herd dynamics and feeding practices were collected over 15 months and from households in two contrasting sites in South Kivu. Cavy herds contained on average 10 animals and strongly varied in size over time and between households. The main reasons for keeping cavies were meat consumption, especially for children, and the opportunity to generate petty cash. A large difference was observed in adult cavy live weights between the sites (an average of 0.6 and 1.0 kg per animal in Kabamba and Lurhala, respectively) and attributed to differences in cavy husbandry and genetics. In both sites, quantities of fresh fodder on offer were larger than fodder demand by 50–100%, but no correlation was found between amount of fodder on offer and cavy weight. Farmers faced several constraints to cavy production, including substantial declines in cavy herd size due to predation or theft and a lack of knowledge regarding breeding and feeding. Hence, the introduction of cages to limit mortality and fodder cultivation to improve feed quality were opportunities for improving cavy production. Overall, micro-livestock present a promising entry-point for development initiatives, also outside DR Congo, because of their potential to decrease poverty and improve human nutrition.
The challenge of return to work in workers with cancer: employer priorities despite variation in social policies related to work and health
Authors: de Rijk Angelique , Amir Ziv , Cohen Miri , Furlan Tomislav , Godderis Lode , Knezevic Bojana , Miglioretti Massimo , Munir Fehmidah , Popa Adela Elena , Sedlakova Maria , Torp Steffen , Yagil Dana , Tamminga Sietske , de Boer Angela 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose
This study explored employer’s perspectives on (1) their experience of good practice related to workers diagnosed with cancer and their return to work (RTW), and (2) their perceived needs necessary to achieve good practice as reported by employers from nine separate countries.

Methods
Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were held in eight European countries and Israel with two to three employers typically including HR managers or line managers from both profit and non-profit organisations of different sizes and sectors. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A grounded theory/thematic analysis approach was completed.

Results
Employers’ experience with RTW assistance for workers with cancer appears to be a dynamic process. Results indicate that good practice includes six phases: (1) reacting to disclosure, (2) collecting information, (3) decision-making related to initial actions, (4) remaining in touch, (5) decision-making on RTW, and (6) follow-up. The exact details of the process are shaped by country, employer type, and worker characteristics; however, there was consistency related to the need for (1) structured procedures, (2) collaboration, (3) communication skills training, (4) information on cancer, and (5) financial resources for realizing RTW support measures.

Conclusions
Notwithstanding variations at country, employer, and worker levels, the employers from all nine countries reported that good practice regarding RTW assistance in workers with a history of cancer consists of the six phases above. Employers indicate that they would benefit from shared collaboration and resources that support good practice for this human resource matter.

Implications for cancer survivors
Further research and development based on the six phases of employer support as a framework for a tool or strategy to support workers with a history of cancer across countries and organisations is warranted.
Surrogate-Based Design Optimisation Tool for Dual-Phase Fluid Driving Jet Pump Apparatus
Authors: Mifsud D. , Verdin P. G. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA comparative study of four well established surrogate models used to predict the non-linear entrainment performance of a dual-phase fluid driving jet pump (JP) apparatus is performed. A JP design flow configuration comprising a dual-phase (air and water) flow driving a secondary gas-air flow, for which no one has ever provided a unique set of design solutions, is described. For the construction of the global approximations (GA), the response surface methodology (RSM), Kriging and the radial basis function artificial neural network (RBFANN), were primarily used. The stacked/ensemble models methodology was integrated in this study, to improve the predictive model results, thus providing accurate GA that facilitate the multi-variable non-linear response design optimisation. An error analysis of all four models along with a multiple model accuracy analysis of each case study were performed. The RSM, Kriging, RBFANN and stacked models formed part of the surrogate-based optimisation, having the entrainment ratio as the main objective function. Optimisation problems were solved by the interior-point algorithm and the genetic algorithm and incurred a hybrid formulation of both algorithms. A total of 60 optimisation problems were formulated and solved with all three approximation models. Results showed that the hybrid formulation having the level-2 ensemble Kriging model performed best, predicting the experimental performance results for all JP models within an error margin of less than 10 % in 90 % of the cases.
Determination of the critical value of damage in a channel-die rotational compression test
Authors: Pater Z. , Tomczak J. , Bulzak T. , Wójcik Ł. , Walczuk P. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis article describes the problems involved in modelling material cracking in skew rolling processes. The use of the popular damage criteria is impossible because of the lack of a calibration test that would make it possible to determine the critical value of material damage under conditions similar to those found in skew rolling. To fill this gap, a test called channel-die rotational compression was proposed. It consisted of rolling a disk-shaped specimen in a cavity created by two channels of cooperating tools (flat dies), which had heights smaller than the diameter of the specimen. When the rolling path was sufficiently long, a crack formed in the axial zone of the specimen. In this test, modelling using the finite element method made it possible to determine the critical values of material damage. As an illustration, the test was used to determine the critical damage value when conducting a rotational compression process on 50HS steel (1.5026) specimens formed in the temperature range of 950–1200 °C. The analysis was conducted using the Cockcroft–Latham damage criterion.
A Novel Reinforcement-Based Paradigm for Children to Teach the Humanoid Kaspar Robot
Authors: Zaraki Abolfazl , Khamassi Mehdi , Wood Luke J. , Lakatos Gabriella , Tzafestas Costas , Amirabdollahian Farshid , Robins Ben , Dautenhahn Kerstin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis paper presents a contribution aiming at testing novel child–robot teaching schemes that could be used in future studies to support the development of social and collaborative skills of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We present a novel experiment where the classical roles are reversed: in this scenario the children are the teachers providing positive or negative reinforcement to the Kaspar robot in order for it to learn arbitrary associations between different toy names and the locations where they are positioned. The objective is to stimulate interaction and collaboration between children while teaching the robot, and also provide them tangible examples to understand that sometimes learning requires several repetitions. To facilitate this game, we developed a reinforcement learning algorithm enabling Kaspar to verbally convey its level of uncertainty during the learning process, so as to better inform the children about the reasons behind its successes and failures. Overall, 30 typically developing (TD) children aged between 7 and 8 (19 girls, 11 boys) and 9 children with ASD performed 25 sessions (16 for TD; 9 for ASD) of the experiment in groups, and managed to teach Kaspar all associations in 2 to 7 trials. During the course of study Kaspar only made rare unexpected associations (2 perseverative errors and 2 win-shifts, within a total of 314 trials), primarily due to exploratory choices, and eventually reached minimal uncertainty. Thus, the robot’s behaviour was clear and consistent for the children, who all expressed enthusiasm in the experiment.
Guidelines for the management of myocardial infarction/injury with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA): a position paper from the Dutch ACS working group
Authors: Pustjens T. F. S. , Appelman Y. , Damman P. , ten Berg J. M. , Jukema J. W. , de Winter R. J. , Agema W. R. P. , van der Wielen M. L. J. , Arslan F. , Rasoul S. , van ’t Hof A. W. J. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPatients with myocardial infarction and non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), defined as angiographic stenosis <50%, represent a conundrum given the many potential underlying aetiologies. Possible causes of MINOCA can be subdivided into coronary, myocardial and non-cardiac disorders. MINOCA is found in up to 14% of patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome. Clinical outcomes including mortality, and functional and psychosocial status, are comparable to those of patients with myocardial infarction and obstructive coronary arteries. However, many uncertainties remain regarding the definition, clinical features and management of these patients. This position paper of the Dutch ACS working group of the Netherlands Society of Cardiology aims to stress the importance of considering MINOCA as a dynamic working diagnosis and to guide the clinician in the management of patients with MINOCA by proposing a clinical diagnostic algorithm.
Artificial intelligence supported patient self-care in chronic heart failure: a paradigm shift from reactive to predictive, preventive and personalised care
Authors: Barrett Matthew , Boyne Josiane , Brandts Julia , Brunner-La Rocca Hans-Peter , De Maesschalck Lieven , De Wit Kurt , Dixon Lana , Eurlings Casper , Fitzsimons Donna , Golubnitschaja Olga , Hageman Arjan , Heemskerk Frank , Hintzen André , Helms Thomas M. , Hill Loreena , Hoedemakers Thom , Marx Nikolaus , McDonald Kenneth , Mertens Marc , Müller-Wieland Dirk , Palant Alexander , Piesk Jens , Pomazanskyi Andrew , Ramaekers Jan , Ruff Peter , Schütt Katharina , Shekhawat Yash , Ski Chantal F. , Thompson David R. , Tsirkin Andrew , van der Mierden Kay , Watson Chris , Zippel-Schultz Bettina 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHeart failure (HF) is one of the most complex chronic disorders with high prevalence, mainly due to the ageing population and better treatment of underlying diseases. Prevalence will continue to rise and is estimated to reach 3% of the population in Western countries by 2025. It is the most important cause of hospitalisation in subjects aged 65 years or more, resulting in high costs and major social impact. The current “one-size-fits-all” approach in the treatment of HF does not result in best outcome for all patients. These facts are an imminent threat to good quality management of patients with HF. An unorthodox approach from a new vision on care is required. We propose a novel predictive, preventive and personalised medicine approach where patients are truly leading their management, supported by an easily accessible online application that takes advantage of artificial intelligence. This strategy paper describes the needs in HF care, the needed paradigm shift and the elements that are required to achieve this shift. Through the inspiring collaboration of clinical and high-tech partners from North-West Europe combining state of the art HF care, artificial intelligence, serious gaming and patient coaching, a virtual doctor is being created. The results are expected to advance and personalise self-care, where standard care tasks are performed by the patients themselves, in principle without involvement of healthcare professionals, the latter being able to focus on complex conditions. This new vision on care will significantly reduce costs per patient while improving outcomes to enable long-term sustainability of top-level HF care.
Revealing the Intrinsic Peroxidase-Like Catalytic Mechanism of Heterogeneous Single-Atom Co–MoS2
Authors: Wang Ying , Qi Kun , Yu Shansheng , Jia Guangri , Cheng Zhiliang , Zheng Lirong , Wu Qiong , Bao Qiaoliang , Wang Qingqing , Zhao Jingxiang , Cui Xiaoqiang , Zheng Weitao 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe single-atom nanozyme is a new concept and has tremendous prospects to become a next-generation nanozyme. However, few studies have been carried out to elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms for both the single atoms and the supports in single-atom nanozymes. Herein, the heterogeneous single-atom Co–MoS2 (SA Co–MoS2) is demonstrated to have excellent potential as a high-performance peroxidase mimic. Because of the well-defined structure of SA Co–MoS2, its peroxidase-like mechanism is extensively interpreted through experimental and theoretical studies. Due to the different adsorption energies of substrates on different parts of SA Co–MoS2 in the peroxidase-like reaction, SA Co favors electron transfer mechanisms, while MoS2 relies on Fenton-like reactions. The different catalytic pathways provide an intrinsic understanding of the remarkable performance of SA Co–MoS2. The present study not only develops a new kind of single-atom catalyst (SAC) as an elegant platform for understanding the enzyme-like activities of heterogeneous nanomaterials but also facilitates the novel application of SACs in biocatalysis.