bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Rise and Fall of a Lisbon Family Business, 1710–1773: The Case of the House of Torres
Authors: Salvado João Paulo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBy weaving the political economy of the Portuguese empire into business history, this article highlights the role of metropolitan and colonial tax farming in the rise and fall of an elite that dominated the business scene in both mainland Portugal and colonial Brazil between roughly 1730 and 1760. It takes the Torres family business as a case study and argues that, while tax farming undoubtedly represented an opportunity to accumulate private wealth, it was also a risky business. Adding to the irregularity of fiscal income, tax farming imposed strict rules on tax farmers, deriving from the legal framework for public finance, while the Crown's policy of seeking to maximize revenue through competitive bidding also increased the risks to which they were exposed. While being highly concentrated on tax farming in Portugal and the South Atlantic empire allowed the Torres family business to amass extraordinary wealth, it also proportionately increased the firm's exposure to those risks, which were then further compounded by a succession problem that eventually led to its demise.
Embryonic-endometrial interactions during early pregnancy in the cow
Authors: Robinson R.S. , Mann G.E. , Lamming G.E. , Wathes D.C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn the cow, the embryo during the first three weeks of pregnancy is free living in the uterine lumen and is dependent on the maternal glandular secretions for its nutritional support. If the environment is appropriate, the embryo will develop sufficiently to prevent luteolysis. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of factors involved in embryonic-endometrial interactions during early pregnancy. Uterine horn sections were collected from 17 pregnant (PREG), 9 inseminated but no embryo present and 10 uninseminated cyclic control cows on days 12, 14, 16 and 18 after natural oestrus. The latter two groups were combined to form a single non-pregnant (NP) group. Trophoblast sections were also collected from the day 14, 16 and 18 embryos. The mRNA for interferon tau (IFNτ), oxytocin receptor (OTR), oestrogen receptor a (ER), prostaglandin G/H synthase -2 (PGHS-2), insulin-like growth factor (IGF) -I and IGF binding protein -1 (IGFBP-1) was determined by in situ hybridisation using 45 mer oligonucleotide probes end-labelled with35 S. The optical density (OD) readings were measured from the resulting autoradiographs. The expression of IFNτ mRNA in the trophodectoderm did not vary with embryo age. The expression of OTR mRNA in the luminal epithelium was first detectable on day 14 in 2 out of 5 NP cows and increased thereafter. Conversely, OTR mRNA was undetectable in all PREG cows except for one day 18 cow. In the NP cows, the first significant increase in ER mRNA concentrations in the luminal epithelium was observed on day 16. The pregnancy had no effect on ER mRNA concentrations in the luminal epithelium on days 12 and 14, but was significantly reduced on day 16 and was undetectable by day 18. On day 18, PGHS-2 mRNA was detectable in the luminal epithelium of all cows, but was unaffected by pregnancy status. The expression of IGF-I mRNA in the subepithelial stroma was maintained from days 12 to 18, but was reduced in the day 18 NP cows. IGFBP-1 mRNA concentrations in the luminal epithelium peaked on day 14 in both NP and PREG cows. Thereafter, concentrations declined in the NP group but were maintained in the PREG animals. In conclusion, the suppression of OTR mRNA expression by the embryo does not appear to require the prior suppression of ER mRNA. The continued expression of IGF-I and IGFBP-1 mRNA is likely to play an important role in the establishment of early pregnancy in the cow.
Effect of peri-parturient Monensin supplementation on endocrine and metabolic adaptation to early lactation as well as on postpartum reproduction in dairy cows calving in different body conditions
Authors: Kulcsar M. , Huszenicza Gy. , Korodi P. , Ribiczei-Szabo P. , Bartyik J. , Katai L. , Schmidt J. , Janosi Sz. , Dieleman S. , Nikolic J. A. , Kormanek L. , Rudas P. , Samanc H. , Ivanov I. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe consequences of peri-parturient Monensin administration were studied in two dairy herds in ≥ 2 parity HF cows (1) calving in moderate body condition (score, BCS: 3.25-3.75) and producing ≥8500 kg FCM in the previous lactation (Herd K), as well as (2) in those being overfed before calving (BCS: ≥3.75), but producing less milk (5-8000 kg FCM) (Herd S). In both herds on days 249-256 of gestation half of the cows received an intraruminal constant release capsule of Monensin (Rumensin® capsule, ELANCO) (Monensin-K and Monensin-S cows), the others remained untreated controls (Control-K and Control-S cows). Blood samples were taken on day 1-3 after calving and again 4 times with 7 days intervals to assay certain hormones and metabolites. On days 1-3 and again on days 28-35 also the ACTH induced Cortisol response and TRH induced T4/T3 responses were determined. The resumption of ovarian cyclicity was followed by milk progesterone profiles. In the first 10 weeks after calving the milk production of Monensin-K cows (n=13) did not differ from that of Control-K cows (n=14). The cows lost their body weight continuously in the first 10 weeks of lactation in Herd S, whereas only in the first 5 weeks in Herd K. Monensin only slightly influenced the degree of weight loss (on both farms), and the circulating leptin level (determined only in Herd S). Significantly lower insulin, IGF-1, T4, T3, glucose and cholesterol levels as well as less elevated βOH-butyrate and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations were seen in Control-S (n=13) than in Monensin-S (n=ll) cows, first of all in the first two weeks after calving. These ionophor-related differences were less obvious or disappeared in Herd-K. Monensin shortened the postpartum acyclic and anestrous periods as well as the calving to re-conception interval but this effect was significant only in the Herd S.
Copper responsive infertility in British cattle: the use of a blood caeruloplasmin to copper ratio in determining a requirement for copper supplementation
Authors: Kendall N. R. , Illingworth D. V. , Telfer S. B. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSigns of clinical copper deficiency in ruminant animals include infertility. Blood copper concentrations alone are not an adequate indicator of copper status, as they take no account of the thiomolybdate challenge to the animal. The use of the ratio of caeruloplasmin activity to plasma copper concentration should provide a better indicator of molybdenum induced copper problems. The objectives of this study were to obtain veterinary feedback on the University of Leeds Trace Element Laboratory's (ULTEL) assessment of copper status and responses to any recommended supplementation. Blood samples from 713 female cattle from 114 herds were assessed for copper status, including plasma copper concentrations, serum caeruloplasmin activities and the ratio between the caeruloplasmin and plasma copper (CP/PlCu ratio). On the basis of only plasma copper analysis 95.0 % of the cattle were classified as being of normal copper status using Veterinary Laboratory Agency reference ranges. However, when the CP/PlCu ratio was also considered only 35.6 % of the cattle would be classed as having normal copper status. Appropriate copper supplementation would be required by 30.7 % of the cattle and a further 27.8 % could also benefit from additional copper. Veterinary responses to a questionnaire (80 % returned) indicated that infertility was a major problem in their clients’ herds. Where copper supplementation was recommended and administered an increase infertility was observed. In herds showing poor or lack ofoestrous behaviour/ later embryo loss (signs of clinical copper deficiency), 91.7 % reported that these signs were reduced by copper supplementation. The relevance of the CP/PlCu ratio as a diagnostic aid in the identification of copper responsive infertility has been supported by the responses of the veterinary surgeons.
Maternal influence on oocyte collection and embryo development after transvaginal puncture and in vitro fertilisation in dairy cows
Authors: Chastant-Maillard S. , Quinton H. , Douar C. , Marchal J. , Richard C. , Heyman Y. , Renard J.P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe aim of the study was to evaluate differences between cows in the “quality” of their oocytes defined as their ability to support embryonic development. Ten cows from the same herd, all primiparous and non-pregnant were submitted for oocyte collection by Ovum-Pick Up (OPU). The oocytes were matured in vitro and fertilised with semen from the same bull. In vitro embryo development, both quantitatively (percentages showing cleavage and forming blastocysts) and qualitatively (differential cell counting in blastocysts) was determined at the blastocyst stage (Day 7). The number of oocytes collected, the number of blastocysts obtained and the blastocyst formation rate varied between cows (P<0.001). The mean percentage of inner cell mass cells tended to higher for embryos derived from one cow. These results provide evidence that the quality of the oocytes was influenced by their maternal origin. Follicular growth also varied between cows.
A meta-analysis of studies of the effect of GnRH 11-14 days after insemination on pregnancy rates in cattle
Authors: Peters A R , Martinez T , Cook A J C 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe aim of the study was to conduct a meta-analysis of published data on the effect of GnRH analogues given between 11 and 14 days after first insemination, on pregnancy rates of cattle, to ascertain if a consolidated estimate of treatment response could be determined. The results of 18 studies from 13 published papers were analysed. Odds ratios calculated for each study were found to be heterogeneous, i.e. there was significant variation in treatment response among studies, between 0 and 22% improvement in pregnancy rate. Logistic regression analysis showed that five variables affected the outcome of the model, viz., herd type (beef or dairy), age of animal (cow or heifer), oestrus synchronisation and method and time of pregnancy diagnosis. However when all variables were included only 6/13 of the publications could be analysed (2,541 /10,833 animals).
The effects of acute nutritional restriction on LH and oestradiol concentrations, follicle dynamics and fertility in heifers
Authors: Mackey D.R. , Roche J.F. , Sreenan J.M. , Diskin M.G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe effects of acute nutritional change on endocrine and ovarian parameters were studied in two experiments. In both experiments, cyclic beef heifers fed a diet of 1.2 times maintenance (1.2 M) were synchronised using an intravaginal progesterone releasing device which was removed after 8 days. In Experiment 1, heifers were randomly allocated to a diet of either 0.4, 1.2 or 2.0 M one day before progesterone withdrawal. The dominant follicle present at progesterone withdrawal (synchronised DF) failed to ovulate in 2/8 heifers fed 0.4 M, and both growth rate (P<0.05) and maximum diameter (P<0.05) of the first new follicular wave was less than in heifers fed either 1.2 or 2.0 M. There was no effect of diet on LH pulse characteristics at emergence, selection or dominance phases of the first follicle wave of the next cycle (P>0.10). Due to anovulation of the synchronised DF in Experiment 1, a further experiment was conducted (Experiment 2) to examine pro-oestrus oestradiol and LH concentrations at both ovulation of the synchronised DF and prostaglandin-induced ovulation of the first DF of the next cycle (when insemination was performed). All heifers had a pro-oestrus increase in the concentration of oestradiol following progesterone withdrawal, but 2 heifers fed 0.4 M did not have an LH surge and did not ovulate. The first DF after the synchronised DF failed to ovulate in 12/20 heifers fed 0.4 M (P<0.05), always preceded by absence of a pro-oestrus increase in oestradiol and an LH surge. Where heifers ovulated, there was no effect of diet on conception rate. We conclude that acute nutritional restriction of beef heifers caused an immediate suppression in the growth rate and maximum diameter of dominant follicles, but this occurred without any suppression effect on LH pulse characteristics. Restriction to 0.4 M induced anovulation in 60% of heifers within 14 days and this was preceded by the absence of an LH surge. Where ovulation did occur, acute NEB in the final stages of follicle maturation did not appear to affect pregnancy rate.
Comparison of growth and reproduction performance of dairy (Holstein-Friesian) and beef (Belgian Blue) replacement heifers in farms with both types of cattle
Authors: de Behr V. , Gérard O. , Hornick J.L. , Dufrasne I. , Istasse L. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn Belgium, both dairy and beef cattle are managed intensively. Three commercial farms owning both a Belgian Blue —double muscled type- suckler beef herd and a Holstein-Friesian dairy herd were surveyed between 1994 and 1998. The aim of the study was to compare growth and reproduction performances of both breeds in a similar farm environment. The replacement heifers of both breeds were kept together until advanced pregnancy. Reproduction data were collected monthly from heifers older than fourteen months. The live weight of the replacement heifers was recorded quarterly until 20 months of age. Breed influenced the growth of replacement heifers at 6, 9 and 12 months (P < 0.001). The growth rate of Belgian Blue heifers was reduced after the age of one year and the live weight difference between breeds was not significant anymore. Belgian Blue heifers were always heavier than Holstein-Friesian heifers. Successfully bred heifers had a greater growth rate than non successfully bred heifers within the Belgian Blue breed. This was significant for the weight at 6 months (P < 0.05) and at 12 months (P < 0.05). Such an effect was not detected for the Holstein-Friesian breed (P > 0.05). Weight was not a limiting factor for fecundity of the Holstein-Friesian heifers. Management policies other than growth performance explained the difference between optimal fecundity and the fecundity index met in this study. Non successfully bred Belgian Blue heifers were lighter than successfully bred animals. Unsufficient weight performance had an impact on fecundity in that breed.
The influence of early familial adversity on adolescent risk behaviors and mental health: Stability and transition in family adversity profiles in a cohort sample
Authors: Wadman Ruth , Hiller Rachel M. , St Clair Michelle C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAlthough familial adversity is associated with poorer outcomes in childhood and adulthood, little research has looked at the influence of stability or transition between distinct familial adversity subgroups or the impact in adolescence. Using data from the 9-month, 3-, 5-, and 14-year time waves of the Millennium Cohort Study (n > 18,000), we used latent class analysis to identify distinct classes of early familial adversity (marital instability/conflict, “suboptimal” parenting, economic disadvantage, and parental mental health problems) and the impact of these adversity classes on adolescent (a) mental health (including self-harm), (b) risk taking, (c) criminality, and (d) victimization. Four profiles were identified largely differing on economic hardship, family composition, and parental conflict. Across the first three time points, 72% of the sample remained stable, with the remainder transitioning between classes. Adolescents in the higher risk groups (particularly categorized by economic hardship or high parental conflict) had poorer outcomes in adolescence. Transitioning to a higher adversity group at any time in the first 5 years was associated with poorer outcomes but was particularly pronounced when the transition occurred when the child was under 3 years. These findings demonstrate the broad consequences of early familial adversity and the need for targeted early support for at-risk families.
Activating the Research Methods Curriculum: A Blended Flipped Classroom
Authors: van der Zwan Natascha , Afonso Alexandre 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTThe blended flipped classroom is a partially online, partially offline course to teach social science research methods. Online, students watch video lectures, do readings, and complete short exercises to acquire basic knowledge of research methodologies and academic skills. Being set up modularly, the online environment offers flexibility regarding not only when to study but also what to study: students choose the methods they find useful for their thesis project. They then apply these methods and skills in a series of face-to-face workshops, which incorporate several forms of active learning, such as small-group work, mini-games, and in-class writing. Although more demanding than a traditional lecture course, the blended flipped classroom has had a positive effect on student performance in the research methods course as well as in subsequent thesis projects.
Valuing Agricultural Mortgage-Backed Securities
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey R. , Brinch Brian M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA model to value Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) agricultural mortgage-backed securities (AMBS) is developed and numerically solved. The results suggest prepayment penalties currently being used by Farmer Mac reduce yields on AMBS considerably. Even with prepayment penalties, it can be advantageous for profit maximizing mortgagors to optimally prepay or even default on agricultural mortgages. The model is used to quantify prepayment and default risk by valuing the embedded options in the mortgages. Monte Carlo simulation is also used to determine the probability of optimal prepayment given the term structure assumption used to develop the model.
The Use of Biophysical and Expected Payoff Probability Simulation Modeling in The Economic Assessment of Brush Management Alternatives
Authors: Schumann Keith D. , Conner J. Richard , Richardson James W. , Stuth Jerry W. , Hamilton Wayne T. , Drawe D. Lynn 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWoody plant encroachment restricts forage production and capacity to produce grazing livestock. Biophysical plant growth simulation and economic simulation were used to evaluate a prescribed burning range management technique. Modeling systems incorporated management practices and costs, historical climate data, vegetation and soil inventories, livestock production data, and historical regional livestock prices. The process compared baseline non-treatment return estimates to expected change in livestock returns resulting from prescribed burning. Stochastic analyses of production and price variability produced estimates of greater net returns resulting from use of prescribed burning relative to the baseline.
Seasonality of Class I Price Differential Estimates for the Southeastern United States
Authors: Testuri Carlos E. , Kilmer Richard L. , Spreen Thomas 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study provides insight into the seasonality of Class I price differentials in the southeastern dairy industry. This is accomplished by analyzing monthly estimates of Class I price differentials obtained from the imputed price solution or dual solution of a generalized capacitated minimum cost network flow model of the dairy industry. A smooth seasonal pattern emerges through the monthly sequence with the lowest and highest estimated Class I price differentials occurring in April and September respectively. Miami and Jacksonville areas reach $ 5.40 and $ 4.36 per hundredweight in April and $ 6.79 and $ 5.53 per hundredweight in September.
Optimal Marketing Decisions for Feeder Cattle under Price and Production Risk
Authors: Wang Xuecai , Dorfman Jeffrey H. , McKissick John , Turner Steven C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn many parts of the U.S., beef cattle production is a large sector of the agricultural economy, yet few of the cattle are stockered; instead the production is focused on cow-calf operations only. Restricting their Operation to only the first phase of beef production may be limiting the cattle owners’ profit potential. This paper examines the opportunities for Operators to earn additional profit from stockering cattle. Using a representative risk-averse producer, a decision set with seven possible marketing strategies is evaluated for the optimal decision in a Bayesian framework which allows for price and production risk. We find that in many instances retaining the cattle for stockering is a superior decision when done in conjunction with specific hedging strategies utilizing options and futures contracts.
New Intrusion Analyses on the CVLT-3: Utility in Distinguishing the Memory Disorders of Alzheimer’s versus Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Graves Lisa V. , Holden Heather M. , Van Etten Emily J. , Delano-Wood Lisa , Bondi Mark W. , Salmon David P. , Corey-Bloom Jody , Gilbert Paul E. , Delis Dean C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectives: Research has shown that analyzing intrusion errors generated on verbal learning and memory measures is helpful for distinguishing between the memory disorders associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurological disorders, including Huntington’s disease (HD). Moreover, preliminary evidence suggests that certain clinical populations may be prone to exhibit different types of intrusion errors. Methods: We examined the prevalence of two new California Verbal Learning Test-3 (CVLT-3) intrusion subtypes – across-trial novel intrusions and across/within trial repeated intrusions – in individuals with AD or HD. We hypothesized that the encoding/storage impairment associated with medial-temporal involvement in AD would result in a greater number of novel intrusions on the delayed recall trials of the CVLT-3, whereas the executive dysfunction associated with subcortical-frontal involvement in HD would result in a greater number of repeated intrusions across trials. Results: The AD group generated significantly more across-trial novel intrusions than across/within trial repeated intrusions on the delayed cued-recall trials, whereas the HD group showed the opposite pattern on the delayed free-recall trials. Conclusions: These new intrusion subtypes, combined with traditional memory analyses (e.g., recall versus recognition performance), promise to enhance our ability to distinguish between the memory disorders associated with primarily medial-temporal versus subcortical-frontal involvement.