bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ensilage potential and nutritional value of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum Parodi) at different phenology and storage duration in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria
Authors: Usman Samaila , Jimoh Saheed O. , Amisu Ahmed A. , Dele Peter A. , Olanite Jimoh A. , Shen Yuying 
Published: December 2021

AbstractInsufficient forage supply from natural rangelands during the dry season hampers ruminants' performance in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria. Therefore, to provide alternative feed resources, we evaluated silage potential of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum Parodi) at boot, dough and maturity stages for 4‐, 8‐, 12‐ and 16‐week ensiling durations, in a 3 × 4 factorial experiment. The dry matter yield (DMY) was determined at each harvest stage, and the forages were subsequently ensiled. The results revealed that the DMY of S. almum at maturity was 8.98% and 18.67% higher than at dough and boot stages, respectively (p < 0.05). The silages were ranked “good silage” based on physical characteristics. Silage pH decreased with advancing ensiling duration from 4 to 16 weeks in boot (5.25–4.63), dough (5.63–4.11) and maturity (5.42–4.91), with a corresponding increase in lactic and volatile fatty acids. Crude protein (CP) was higher in forages ensiled at maturity and increased with ensiling duration after initial decline from 4 to 8 weeks. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and hemicellulose increased quadratically from boot to dough and subsequently declined at maturity. Growth stage, ensiling duration and their interactions influenced the macrominerals' content (p < 0.05). Silages' dry matter intake (DMI) declined from boot to dough stage across the ensiling durations, and except for 8 weeks, the DMI increased at maturity by 6.71%, 5.54% and 7.19% in 4, 12 and 16 weeks, respectively. Therefore, owing to the lower NDF and high DMY, CP and DMI of S. almum ensiled at maturity for 16 weeks, it could guarantee a quantitative and qualitative forage supply to maintain optimum animal performance throughout the dry season.
An Entirely Different ‘Theodicy’. Karl Barth’s Interpretation of Human Suffering in the Context of his Doctrine of das Nichtige☆
Authors: Wüthrich Matthias D. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBarth responds to the modern lack of language for talking of evil by developing the concept of das Nichtige (CD III/3, §50). ‘Das Nichtige’ – for which ‘nothingness’ is an insufficient translation – encompasses not only sin, but also the demonic dimension of evil, as well as physical suffering and death, without reducing it to a harmartiocentric perspective. Compared with traditional concepts, this leads to an almost unbearable incrimination on the idea of God. But it is only in this incrimination that the importance Barth places on the self‐justification of God in Jesus Christ is made visible. Barth's Christological ‘theodicy’ provokes critical questions: for instance, whether his view that, ultimately, God alone can judge which suffering in our life is truly evil really takes our experiences seriously. But his ‘theodicy’ is, in any case, a valid alternative to the free will defense. Barth's concept of das Nichtige is still well worth considering, especially in times of pandemics and natural disasters.
Hospitalisation, morbidity and outcomes associated with respiratory syncytial virus compared with influenza in adults of all ages
Authors: Leaver Benjamin Andrew , Smith Benjamin John , Irving Louis , Johnson Douglas Forsyth , Tong Steven Y. C. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is understood to be a cause of significant disease in older adults and children. Further analysis of RSV in younger adults may reveal further insight into its role as an important pathogen in all age groups.MethodsWe identified, through laboratory data, adults who tested positive for either influenza or RSV between January 2017 and June 2019 at a single Australian hospital. We compared baseline demographics, testing patterns, hospitalisations and outcomes between these groups.ResultsOf 1128 influenza and 193 RSV patients, the RSV cohort was older (mean age 54.7 vs. 64.9, p < 0.001) and was more comorbid as determined by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (2.4 vs. 3.2, p < 0.001). For influenza hospitalisations, the majority admitted were aged under 65 which was not the case for RSV (61.8% vs. 45.6%, p < 0.001). Testing occurred later in RSV hospitalisations as measured by the proportion tested in the emergency department (ED) (80.3% vs. 69.2%, p < 0.001), and this was strongly associated with differences in presenting phenotype (the presence of fever). RSV was the biggest predictor of 6‐month representation, with age and comorbidities predicting this less strongly.ConclusionRSV is a significant contributor to morbidity and hospitalisation, sometimes outweighing that of influenza, and is not limited to elderly cohorts. Understanding key differences in the clinical syndrome and consequent testing paradigms may allow better detection and potentially treatment of RSV to reduce individual morbidity and health system burden. This growing area of research helps quantify the need for directed therapies for RSV.
Risk factors for manifestations of frailty in hospitalized older adults: A qualitative study
Authors: Wray Faye , Coleman Susanne , Clarke David , Hudson Kristian , Forster Anne , Teale Elizabeth 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsTo explore the experiences of older people and ward staff to identify modifiable factors (risk factors) which have the potential to reduce development or exacerbation of manifestations of frailty during hospitalization. To develop a theoretical framework of modifiable risk factors.DesignQualitative descriptive study.MethodsQualitative interviews with recently discharged older people (n = 18) and focus groups with ward staff (n = 22) were undertaken between July and October 2019. Data were analysed using directed content analysis.ResultsThemes identified related to attitude to risk, communication and, loss of routine, stimulation and confidence. Using findings from this study and previously identified literature, we developed a theoretical framework including 67 modifiable risk factors. Risk factors are grouped by patient risk factor domains (pain, medication, nutritional/fluid intake, mobility, elimination, infection, additional patient risk factors) and linked care management sub‐domains (including risk factors relating to the ward environment, process of care, ward culture or broader organizational set up). Many of the additional 36 risk factors identified by this study were related to care management sub‐domains.ConclusionA co‐ordinated approach is needed to address modifiable risk factors which lead to the development or exacerbation of manifestations of frailty in hospitalized older people. Risk assessment and management practices should not be duplicative and, should recognize and address modifiable risk factors which occur at the ward and organizational level.ImpactSome older people leave hospital more dependent than when they come in and this is, in part, due to the environment and process of care and not just the severity of their presenting illness. Many of the risk factors identified need to be addressed at an organizational rather than individual level. Findings will inform a programme of research to develop and test a novel system of care aimed at preventing loss of independence in hospitalized older people.
A comparative ultrastructural study of tintinnid loricae (Alveolata, Ciliophora, Spirotricha) and a hypothesis on their evolution
Authors: Agatha Sabine , Bartel Heidi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTintinnid ciliates build loricae, whose structure, shape, and size still largely represent the basis for taxonomy and classification, although genetic analyses demonstrated their limited utility for inferring evolutionary relationships. The textures of the lorica walls, however, result from the chemical and physical properties of the forming material, which is supposed to be rather conserved in closely related taxa, viz., congeners and confamilial genera. Within a particular texture, small deviations in the chemical composition might affect the wall's stickiness and accordingly its capability to adhere foreign particles, explaining the intertwining of tintinnids with hyaline and agglutinated loricae in phylogenetic inferences. In a comprehensive comparative study, the lorica textures were electron microscopically and morphometrically analyzed in 21 species from 17 genera and more than nine families together with literature data. Most species were investigated for the first time, and the taxa cover a substantial portion of the molecular genealogy. The phylogeny‐aware analysis of the lorica‐related features provides a preliminary hypothesis on lorica evolution. Eventually, this conspectus suggests the dominance of hard lorica walls with an alveolar texture and proposes different modes of lorica formation.
Changes in community functional structure and ecosystem properties along an invasion gradient ofLigustrum lucidum
Authors: Fernandez Romina D. , Castro‐Díez Pilar , Aragón Roxana , Pérez‐Harguindeguy Natalia 
Published: December 2021

AbstractQuestionsIt is well documented that invasive alien plants can reduce species richness and diversity and modify the composition of invaded communities. However, our knowledge on the impacts of invasive alien plants on the community functional structure and ecosystem properties and the mechanisms underlying these changes is more limited. We evaluated how the community functional structure and ecosystem properties change along a gradient ofLigustrum lucidumabundance.LocationSubtropical mountain forest in NW Argentina.MethodsWe conducted tree vegetation sampling in 164 plots distributed along a gradient ofL. lucidumabundance. ForL. lucidumand for the most abundant tree species in these plots we estimated six functional traits (specific leaf area, leaf tensile strength, leaf nitrogen concentration, leaf water potential, wood density and maximum plant height), as well as their relative growth rates. Then, we calculated indices of community functional structure (community‐weighted means for each trait; richness, evenness, divergence and dispersion). We explored the extent to which the invasive success ofL. lucidumand its impact may be attributed to niche differentiation or to fitness superiority. Finally, we explored howL. lucidumabundance alters ecosystem properties.ResultsSome indicators of community functional structure changed linearly while others tended to saturate along the invasion gradient.L. lucidumhas a higher growth rate than resident species and it lays close to the periphery, but within the limits of the functional space defined by resident trees.L. lucidumtends to displace more functionally similar resident species. Soil moisture and N content declined, while soil C:N increased withL. lucidumabundance.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that both niche differentiation and fitness superiority contribute to explain the invasion success ofL. lucidumand the changes in functional structure of the community along the gradient ofL. lucidumabundance with evident impacts on ecosystem properties.
Global identification of full‐length cassava lncRNAs unveils the role of cold‐responsive intergenic lncRNA 1 in cold stress response
Authors: Li Shuxia , Cheng Zhihao , Dong Shiman , Li Zhibo , Zou Liangping , Zhao Pingjuan , Guo Xin , Bao Yan , Wang Wenquan , Peng Ming 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been considered to be important regulators of gene expression in a range of biological processes in plants. A large number of lncRNAs have been identified in plants. However, most of their biological functions still remain to be determined. Here, we identified a total of 3004 lncRNAs in cassava under normal or cold‐treated conditions from Iso‐seq data. We further characterized a cold‐responsive intergenic lncRNA 1 (CRIR1) as a novel positive regulator of the plant response to cold stress. CRIR1 can be significantly induced by cold treatment. Ectopic expression of CRIR1 in cassava enhanced the cold tolerance of transgenic plants. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that CRIR1 regulated a range of cold stress‐related genes in a CBF‐independent pathway. We further found that CRIR1 RNA can interact with cassava cold shock protein 5 (MeCSP5), which acts as an RNA chaperone, indicating that CRIR1 may recruit MeCSP5 to improve the translation efficiency of messenger RNA. In summary, our study extends the repertoire of lncRNAs in plants as well as their role in cold stress responses. Moreover, it reveals a mechanism by which CRIR1 affected cold stress response by modulating the expression of stress‐responsive genes and increasing their translational yield.
The Politics of the Humanitarian Gift Economy: Tamil Fishers and the 2004 Tsunami
Authors: Swamy Raja 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWhen recipients of humanitarian aid deployed their own calculus in determining the uses of the aid, nongovernmental (NGOs) and state officials read these actions as evidence of moral deficiency. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in the aftermath of the tsunami of 2004 in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam District, this article examines such actions in terms of the contradictions they illuminated and argues for an analytical strategy that foregrounds the politics of receiving and demanding aid. Reading fisher actions criticized by NGO or state officials as implicit critiques of the aims or claims of either, this article foregrounds a reading of humanitarian “gifts” as strategic and political maneuvering. Recipients rejected both the depoliticizing allure of NGO developmentalism and the state's unwillingness to link legality with rights. In one case study, fishers instead put a gift to use in ways that suited their most pressing concerns: sustaining their coastal life and the artisanal economy. The article also problematizes the divergent tendencies of a politics of rights and a hierarchically organized politics of caste identity. For the second case study, this article critically examines how fishers struggling with shoddy NGO housing turned their political ire against a far weaker community of Dalits. [NGO, humanitarianism, neoliberalization, India, gift]
A comparative transcriptome and proteomics study of post‐partum ovarian cycle arrest in yaks (Bos grunniens)
Authors: Huo Shengdong , Chen Zhou , Li Shuyuan , Wang Jine , Ma Junyuan , Yang Yanmei , Zhaxi Yingpai , Zhao Yongqing , Zhang Derong , Long Ruijun 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPost‐partum ovarian cycle arrest is the main factor affecting yak reproductive efficiency. There are few reports regarding the molecular regulatory mechanism of post‐partum oestrus at transcriptome and proteome levels in yaks. Our previous studies focussed on the ovaries of yaks with post‐partum ovarian cycle arrest and post‐partum oestrus yaks. In this study, RNA sequencing transcriptomic study was combined with quantitative proteomic analyses to identify post‐partum ovarian cycle‐related genes and proteins. Consequently, 1,149 genes and 24 proteins were found to be up‐ or downregulated during post‐partum oestrus. The analysis of differentially regulated genes identified three gene or protein pairs that were synchronously upregulated and no gene or protein pairs that were synchronously downregulated, suggesting that these upregulated genes may regulate the post‐partum ovarian cycle. The functional classification of these differentially expressed genes and proteins indicated their connection with the oocyte meiosis, the oestrogen signalling pathway, the progesterone‐mediated oocyte maturation and the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) signalling pathway. In this study, a total of six genes and two proteins involved in the oocyte meiosis, the oestrogen signalling pathway, the progesterone‐mediated oocyte maturation and the GnRH signalling pathway were identified. The CSNK1A1, M91_09723, M91_11326, M91_21439, M91_19073, SHC2, Atf6b, M91_03062, HSPCA and calmodulin could regulate oestrus, respectively, in the post‐partum so as to control the anoestrus status.
Retrospective evaluation of negative‐pressure pulmonary edema in dogs (2006‐2018): 35 cases
Authors: Herrería‐Bustillo Vicente J. , Adamantos Sophie , Lamb Christopher R. , García‐Arce Marta , Thomas Emily , Saiz‐Álvarez María Rocío , Cook Simon , Cortellini Stefano 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a population of dogs with negative‐pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) and to identify the main causes of the disease. To evaluate any associations with morbidity and mortality.DesignRetrospective study.SettingThree university teaching hospitals and 2 private referral centers in the United Kingdom.AnimalsThirty‐five client‐owned dogs presented with NPPE.InterventionsNoneMeasurements and main resultsData collected included patient characteristics, clinical history, clinicopathological abnormalities, radiographic features, treatments, and outcomes. The median age was 4 months (range 2–90) and median weight was 7.1 kg (range 1.7‐37.2). There were many causes of NPPE including leash tugs, near hanging, accidental choking, anatomical obstruction to airflow, and purposeful airway obstruction by people. The most common cause of NPPE was accidental choking (40% of cases). Dogs with an anatomical obstruction were older than 24 months. Hypoxemia with an increased alveolar‐arterial gradient was common on presentation. The majority of thoracic radiographs (65.7%) showed an alveolar or interstitial pattern in the caudodorsal area as previously described in the literature. Oxygen therapy was administered to 33 (94.3%) dogs. Furosemide was administered to 18 (51.4%) dogs. The median length of hospitalization was 2 days (range 0–14). Twenty‐eight (80%) dogs survived to discharge. Seven dogs were mechanically ventilated and only 2 of them (28.6%) survived to discharge. The requirement for mechanical ventilation was the only parameter associated with mortality (P < 0.001).ConclusionsMost cases of NPPE occur in juvenile dogs. Different incidents associated with upper airway obstruction can produce an episode of NPPE. Choking on food or toys and near hanging have not been previously described in the veterinary literature as inciting causes of NPPE. The overall prognosis is good.
Exact calculations of the thermal properties of two-electron GaAs quantum dots with inverse-square interactions
Authors: Nammas F.S. , Hasan Eyad Hasan , Alnowafa A.N. 
Published: December 2021

In this study, we theoretically scrutinize the effect of the inverse-square interaction on the thermal properties of two electrons trapped in a parabolic GaAs quantum dot. The analytical energy spectrum was used to calculate the thermal properties of the system using the canonical ensemble formalism. It was found that the thermal energy increased with the increase in temperature, while it remained almost constant for sufficiently low temperatures; it was also demonstrated that the inverse-square interaction increased the thermal mean energy. Moreover, the heat capacity increased sharply within a low-temperature window and saturated to the value of 2kB in the high-temperature limit. As expected, entropy increased linearly with increasing temperature. It was also shown that both entropy and heat capacity decreased rapidly when the confinement strength increased (or the dot size decreased) in the low-temperature limit, regardless of the influence of the interaction between the electrons. We also show that the number of allowed states of the system decreased as the interaction strength increased (Z(λ = 0) > Z(λ ≠ 0)). Finally, the stability of the system was investigated through F–T curves. The three-dimensional surface for the temperature-dependent mean energy and heat capacity was also plotted. It should be noted that, for the thermal mean energy, partition function, and Helmholtz free energy, the normal physical behavior of the two-oscillator system with Fermi statistics is recovered for λ → 0. However, heat capacity and entropy show exact two-fermion oscillator system behavior. The most impressive result found in this work is that the inverse-square interaction does not affect the heat capacity and entropy at all despite its noticeable effects on the thermal mean energy. This, in turn, facilitates theoretical studies related to finding the distinctive parameters of quantum dots without going into the heavy calculations resulting from the effects of interactions.
Spinning no-scale $${\mathcal {F}}$$-SU(5) in the right direction
Authors: Li Tianjun , Maxin James A. , Nanopoulos Dimitri V. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) recently announced confirmation of the Brookhaven National Lab (BNL) measurements of the $$g-2$$

g
-
2

of the muon that uncovered a discrepancy with the theoretically calculated Standard Model value. We suggest an explanation for the combined BNL+FNAL 4.2$$\sigma $$
σ
deviation within the supersymmetric grand unification theory (GUT) model No-Scale $${\mathcal {F}}$$
F
-$$SU(5)$$

S
U
(
5
)

supplemented with a string derived TeV-scale extra $$10+\overline{10}$$

10
+

10
¯

vector-like multiplet and charged vector-like singlet $$(XE,XE^c)$$

(
X
E
,
X

E
c

)

, dubbed flippons. We introduced these vector-like particles into No-Scale Flipped SU(5) many years ago, and as a result, the renormalization group equation (RGE) running was immediately shaped to produce a distinctive and rather beneficial two-stage gauge coupling unification process to avoid the Landau pole and lift unification to the string scale, in addition to contributing through 1-loop to the light Higgs boson mass. The flippons have long stood ready to tackle another challenge, and now do so yet again, where the charged vector-like “lepton”/singlet couples with the muon, the supersymmetric down-type Higgs $$H_d$$

H
d

, and a singlet S, using a chirality flip to easily accommodate the muonic $$g-2$$

g
-
2

discrepancy in No-Scale $${\mathcal {F}}$$
F
-$$SU(5)$$

S
U
(
5
)

. Considering the phenomenological success of this string derived model over the prior 11 years that remains accommodative of all presently available LHC limits plus all other experimental constraints, including no fine-tuning, and the fact that for the first time a Starobinsky-like inflationary model consistent with all cosmological data was derived from superstring theory in No-Scale Flipped SU(5), we believe it is imperative to reconcile the BNL+FNAL developments within the model space.