bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of trait definition on genetic parameter estimates and sire evaluation for clinical mastitis with threshold models
Authors: Chang Y. M. , Gianola D. , Heringstad B. , Klemetsdal G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractClinical mastitis records on 36 178 first-lactation Norwegian dairy cattle (NRF) cows, daughters of 245 sires from 5286 herds, were analysed to study the impact of trait definition on estimates of genetic parameters and sire evaluations for clinical mastitis. The opportunity interval for infection, going from 30 days pre-calving to 300 days post partum, was divided into either 11 periods (each 30 days long); four periods ((-30, 0), (1, 30), (31, 120), (121, 300)); a single period (-30, 300) or defined as the interval currently used for sire evaluation in Norway (-15,120). Within each period, clinical mastitis was scored as 1 if it occurred at least once and 0 otherwise. Analysis was with Bayesian threshold models, assuming that mastitis (presence v. absence) was a different trait in each period. By use of multivariate or univariate normal link functions, unobserved liabilities to disease were modelled as a linear function of year of calving, age-season of calving, herd, sire of cow and residual effects. Estimates of heritability of liability to clinical mastitis ranged from 0-06 to 0-14, depending on the model and stage of lactation. In multi-period models, estimates of genetic correlations between periods were positive and ranged from 0-13 to 0-55. This suggests that clinical mastitis resistance is not the same trait in different periods of the first lactation, which is not captured by the single-interval models. The single-interval (-30, 300) model gave slightly smaller sire-specific posterior probabilities of clinical mastitis during the first lactation than the multi-period models. Furthermore, the interval used in current Norwegian sire evaluation understated the posterior probabilities of clinical mastitis, relative to the multi-period specifications. This led to some differences in sire rankings between the four models, although there was agreement between the four- and 11-period models. In conclusion, the multi-period models captured more genetic variation than the single-interval models, but the four-period model gave sire rankings that differed little from those obtained with an 11-period definition of clinical mastitis.
Analysis of associations between the prion protein genotype and reproduction traits in meat sheep breeds
Authors: de Vries F. , Hamann H. , Drögemüller C. , Ganter M. , Distl O. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study was to analyse the associations between ovine prion protein (PrP) genotypes and reproduction traits in three German meat sheep breeds. Reproduction traits were age at first early lambing, age at first late lambing, first lambing interval, second lambing interval and total number of lambs born. The data set included 595 genotyped German Texel sheep among 5225 recorded sheep, 351 genotyped German Black-Headed Mutton among 10 177 sheep and 282 genotyped Suffolk sheep among 2849 sheep. Linear animal models were employed for the analysis of the PrP-genotype effect. The PrP-genotype effect was analysed by comparing the most frequent PrP genotypes ARR/ARR, ARR/ARQ, and ARQ/ARQ. In a more general analysis three PrP genotype classes of animals with two, one or no copy of the ARR allele were compared.In most cases, no significant associations were found between the PrP genotypes and the reproduction traits investigated. Only for the traits age at first early lambing in German Texel and second lambing interval in German Black-Headed Mutton and Suffolk could a significant association with the PrP genotype be observed.
Intake, live-weight gain and carcass characteristics of beef cattle given diets based on forage maize silage harvested at different stages of maturity
Authors: Browne E. M. , Juniper D. T. , Bryant M. J. , Beever D. E. , Fisher A. V. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAdvancing maturity of forage maize is associated with increases in the proportion of dry matter (DM) and starch, and decreases in the proportions of structural carbohydrates in the ensiled crop. This experiment investigated the effects of three maize silages of 291 (low), 339 (medium) and 393 (high) g DM per kg fresh weight on the performance of 48 Simmental X Holstein-Friesian cattle. Equal numbers of steers (mean start weight = 503 (s.d. 31.3) kg) and heifers (mean start weight = 378 (s.d. 11.2) kg) were offered individually isonitrogenous diets composed of the three silages plus a protein supplement with minerals once daily until slaughter at the target live weight of 575 and 475 kg for steers and heifers, respectively. Intake was reduced on the low diet (P < 0.01) compared with the other two treatments. Dietary starch intake increased by a total of 1 kg/day between low and medium diets but by only 0.2 kg/day between medium and high diets. Unlike starch intake, total neutral-detergent fibre intake showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between diets. There were no differences in live-weight gain between treatments but differences (F < 0.05) in food conversion efficiency indicated relative gains of 115,100 and 102 g gain per kg DM intake for diets low, medium and high, respectively. There were no differences between diets in carcass weights, fat score and overall conformation.
The effect of strain of Holstein-Friesian cow and feeding system on reproductive performance in seasonal-calving milk production systems
Authors: Horan B. , Mee J. F. , Rath M. , Connor P. O' , Dillon P. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThree strains of Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows: high production North American (HP), high durability North American (HD) and New Zealand (NZ) were assigned, within strain, to one of three pasture-based feeding systems: Moorepark (MP), high concentrate (HC), and high stocking rate (HS). The effects of strain of HF, feeding system and parity on milk production, body condition score (BCS), live weight, energy balance and reproductive performance were studied using a repeated measures model with a factorial arrangement of strain ofHF and feeding systems. Associations between these variables and conception to first service (CONCEPT1), conception to first and second service (CONCEPTl_2), pregnancy rate at 6 weeks (PREG6) and overall pregnancy rate (PREG) were assessed using logistic regressions. When treatment means were compared, the NZ strain had a shorter gestation length and a higher CONCEPT1J2 than both the HP and HD strains. Similarly, the NZ strain had a higher PREG6 and PREG than the HP strain. Feeding system had no significant effect on reproductive performance. The HP strain had the highest milk yield at first AI and peak milk yield, the NZ strain had the lowest milk yield while the HD strain was intermediate. The energy balance of the NZ strain was higher than that of the HP and HD strains. The NZ strain had the lowest live weight and highest BCS; the HD strain had the highest live weight and the HP strain had the lowest BCS. The results show that dairy cows with superior genetic merit for fertility traits have better reproductive performance.
Effect of reducing energy supply during the finishing of Belgian Blue double-muscled cull cows
Authors: Cabaraux J. F. , Dotreppe O. , Dufrasne I. , Clinquart A. , Istasse L. , Hornick J. -L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA 4-year experiment has been conducted on finishing Belgian Blue cull cows of double-muscled type in order to study the effects of diets containing adequate levels of metabolizable protein, but either normal (NENP), low (LENP) or medium (MENP) levels of metabolizable energy, on animal performance, carcass and meat characteristics, and plasma metabolites and hormones. The LENP diet was offered during the whole (LENP group) or second half of the finishing (NENP-LENP groups), and the MENP diet during the whole finishing (MENP group). The degree of fatness required for the slaughter of animals from NENP groups was close to 4-5 (scale from 0 (very lean) to 5 (very fat)). In each underfed group, the slaughter of the animals was synchronized to that of NENP cows, by degressive degree of fatness. The same duration of finishing was thus obtained for all groups.The experimental feeding strategies reduced the amounts of fat deposited in the carcass and the meat while muscle deposition was remarkably preserved. The proportions of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in intramuscular fat were also decreased while their proportions increased in plasma free fatty acids. Plasma insulin levels were also reduced and those ofIGF-1 were, surprisingly, maintained. The low energy diet promoted thus the settlement of a discrete lipolytic state while high levels ofIGF-1 preserved muscle deposition. This feeding strategy should be evaluated in other breeds of cattle.
Effect of rumen-protected supplements of fish oil on intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance of growing goats
Authors: Fernández J. R. , Rodríguez Osorio M. , Ramos E. , de la Torre G. , Gil Extremera F. , Sanz Sampelayo M. R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTwo groups of six male goats were used to assess the effects of rumen-protected supplements offish oil on intake, digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance. The animals were offered a diet consisting of forage and concentrate, the latter fraction supplemented with 0 (control) or lOOg/kg of rumen-protected fish oil supplement (PFO), containing a high proportion of the n-3 series (whole diet contained 0 or 60 g PFO per kg dry matter). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found between the two groups concerning live-weight gain, food intake, digestibility of DM, organic matter, N, neutral-detergent fibre and energy. In contrast, there were differences (P < 0.05) regarding the digestibility of fat and of acid-detergent fibre, which were higher among the animals given the PFO diet. With respect to the individual fatty acids, we observed higher digestibility (P < 0.05) of C14:0, C16:0, C18:0 and C20:0 among the animals given the PFO diet. The digestibility of C14:0, C18:0 and C20:0 was found to be negative among the animals given the control diet. No significant differences (P > 0-05) were found regarding digestibility of total C18:1. In contrast, the coefficients for C18:2 (n-6) and C18:3 (n-3) were higher (P < 0.05) among the non-supplemented animals. The intake and faecal flow values of C18:0 suggest that the mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids with 18 atoms of carbon may, in both cases, undergo partial hydrogenation, which would be greater among the control group. The utilization of C20:5 (n-3) and, especially, of C22 : 6 (n-3), which were consumed only by the animals given the PFO diet, was estimated at 1-000. The PFO diet also produced lower levels ofurinary-N excretion (P < 0.05), giving rise to higher N balances (P < 0.05).
Socio-economic differences in diet, physical activity and leisure-time screen use among Scottish children in 2006 and 2010: are we closing the gap?
Authors: McNeill Geraldine , Masson Lindsey F , Macdiarmid Jennie I , Craig Leone CA , Wills Wendy J , Bromley Catherine 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate socio-economic differences in children’s diet, activity and inactivity and changes in these differences over 4 years during which new policies on food in schools were introduced.DesignTwo cross-sectional surveys in which diet was assessed by FFQ and physical activity and inactivity were assessed by interviewer-administered questionnaire. Socio-economic status was assessed by the area-based Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.SettingScotland, 2006 and 2010.SubjectsChildren aged 3–17 years (n 1700 in 2006, n 1906 in 2010).ResultsIn both surveys there were significant linear associations between socio-economic deprivation and intakes of energy, non-milk extrinsic sugars (NMES) as a percentage of food energy, sugar-sweetened beverages, confectionery, crisps and savoury snacks and leisure-time screen use (all higher among children in more deprived areas), while intakes of fruit, fruit juice and vegetables showed the opposite trend. In 2010 children in more deprived areas engaged in more physical activity out of school than those in more affluent areas, but between 2006 and 2010 there was an overall reduction in physical activity out of school. There were also small but statistically significant overall reductions in intakes of confectionery, crisps and savoury snacks, energy and NMES and saturated fat as a percentage of food energy, but no statistically significant change in socio-economic gradients in diet or activity between the two surveys.ConclusionsInterventions to improve diet and physical activity in children in Scotland need to be designed so as to be effective in all socio-economic groups.
Correlating Atom Probe Tomography with Atomic-Resolved Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy: Example of Segregation at Silicon Grain Boundaries
Authors: Stoffers Andreas , Barthel Juri , Liebscher Christian H. , Gault Baptiste , Cojocaru-Mirédin Oana , Scheu Christina , Raabe Dierk 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn the course of a thorough investigation of the performance-structure-chemistry interdependency at silicon grain boundaries, we successfully developed a method to systematically correlate aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. The correlative approach is conducted on individual APT and TEM specimens, with the option to perform both investigations on the same specimen in the future. In the present case of a Σ9 grain boundary, joint mapping of the atomistic details of the grain boundary topology, in conjunction with chemical decoration, enables a deeper understanding of the segregation of impurities observed at such grain boundaries.
Understanding of Capping Effects on the Tip Shape Evolution and on the Atom Probe Data of Bulk LaAlO3 Using Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Kwak Chang-Min , Kim Young-Tae , Park Chan-Gyung , Seol Jae-Bok 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTwo challenges exist in laser-assisted atom probe tomography (APT). First, a drastic decline in mass-resolving power is caused, not only by laser-induced thermal effects on the APT tips of bulk oxide materials, but also the associated asymmetric evaporation behavior; second, the field evaporation mechanisms of bulk oxide tips under laser illumination are still unclear due to the complex relations between laser pulse and oxide materials. In this study, both phenomena were investigated by depositing Ni- and Co-capping layers onto the bulk LaAlO3 tips, and using stepwise APT analysis with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation of the tip shapes. By employing the metallic capping, the heating at the surface of the oxide tips during APT analysis became more symmetrical, thereby enabling a high mass-resolving power in the mass spectrum. In addition, the stepwise microscopy technique visualized tip shape evolution during APT analysis, thereby accounting for evaporation sequences at the tip surface. The combination of “capping” and “stepwise APT with TEM,” is applicable to any nonconductors; it provides a direct observation of tip shape evolution, allows determination of the field evaporation strength of oxides, and facilitates understanding of the effects of ultrafast laser illumination on an oxide tip.
Expert patient perspectives on radiotherapy: a phenomenological comparison
Authors: Carmichael M. , Bridge P. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundPatient involvement in health profession student training is becoming more common and includes clinical case studies, informing curriculum development and active teaching in dedicated patient experience sessions. Despite a growing evidence base supporting patient involvement, there is little published data concerning motivation for involvement. A qualitative study was performed to provide narrative relating to patient experiences in expert patient sessions on an undergraduate radiation therapy course.MethodsA phenomenological approach utilised semi-structured interviews with two expert patients from different backgrounds. A common set of questions were used for each participant. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed before thematic coding.ResultsBoth participants identified areas of similarity as well as key difference in their experiences. Both had different levels of public speaking experience as well as different levels of knowledge relating to radiation therapy treatment. Both found the initial session emotional but ultimately enjoyed the process and found it cathartic.ConclusionThe patients enjoyed this experience and identified clear value of the teaching for themselves and the students. Previous public speaking or clinical experience seemed to have limited impact on patient experience and suggested the vulnerability of the situation. Both had different perspectives of their fellow patients and their role in the healthcare partnership. These findings indicate the value of ensuring students have access to a range of perspectives from different patients.
Evaluating organic bread wheat as a rotation crop for organic dairy farms
Authors: Roche Erin H. , Mallory Ellen B. , Molloy Thomas , Kersbergen Richard J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe rising demand for local, organic bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the northeastern USA may be an economic and agronomic opportunity for organic dairy producers. Bread wheat must produce adequate grain yields and crude protein (CP) levels to be profitable as a food crop and must complement the on-farm production of high-quality dairy feed. A field study evaluated bread wheat and perennial forage performance in five 3-year crop sequences all ending in a perennial legume/grass forage. The sequences differed by wheat type (winter or spring) and the crop prior to wheat: (1) corn silage (Zea mays L.), (2) soybean (Glycine max L.) or (3) one-year-old perennial forage. Wheat sequences were compared with a sequence of two years of corn silage followed by a new perennial forage seeding and with a continuous perennial forage control. Winter wheat spike density, wheat aboveground biomass and nitrogen uptake were always greater than spring wheat. Wheat grain yield and CP were strongly affected by wheat type, with winter wheat having greater yield but lower CP than spring wheat. At one site-year, winter wheat CP was 15 g kg−1 higher following perennial forage than following corn. Only spring wheat met the bread flour industry standard for CP. Newly established perennial forage following wheat had higher yields and legume composition in both years, along with higher projected milk yields in one year, than the continuous perennial forage. Three-year net revenue based on off-farm sales were on average US$ 741 ha−1 higher for sequences with winter wheat than those with spring wheat, and were equal to the perennial forage control. Rotations that included wheat would likely be more competitive if straw were sold or used on the farm, or, if topdressing practices or varietal choice were used to increase grain protein levels of winter wheat.
Historical institutional determinants of financial system development in Africa
Authors: EMENALO CHUKWUNONYE O. , GAGLIARDI FRANCESCA , HODGSON GEOFFREY M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe literature on the determinants of cross-country variation in financial system development identifies historical institutional factors, mostly rooted in colonial effects, as key causes. Using a sample of 39 African former European colonies for 2006–11, this paper investigates the extent to which the historical institutional determinants identified by legal origins, disease endowment, religion-based and ethnic fractionalisation theories explain current differences in financial system development across Africa. While most existing research focuses only on one financial system development dimension, namely financial system depth, this article considers also financial system access. The results do not support any of the above theories when depth measures are used, while three of them (legal origins, disease endowment and ethnic fractionalisation theories) are validated when using access measures. This suggests that in Africa financial system depth and access do not have common historical institutional determinants, pointing to the need for greater fine tuning of prevalent theories and empirical measures.
An analysis of operational risk events in US and European Banks 2008–2014
Authors: Li Yifei , Allan Neil , Evans John 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper explores the characteristics of 2,141 operational risk events amongst European (EU) and US banks over the period 2008–2014. We have analysed the operational risk events using a method originating in biology for the study of interrelatedness of characteristics in a complex adaptive system. The methodology, called cladistics, provides insights into the relationships between characteristics of operational risk events in banks that is not available from the traditional statistical analysis. We have used cladistics to explore if there are consistent patterns of operational risk characteristics across banks in single and different geographic zones. One significant pattern emerged which indicates there are key, stable characteristics across both geographic zones and across banks in each zone. The results identify the characteristics that could then be managed by the banks to reduce operational risk losses. We also have analysed separately the characteristics of operational risk events for “big” banks and extreme events and these results indicate that big banks and small banks have similar key operational risk characteristics, but the characteristics of extreme operational risk events are different to those for the non-extreme events.
NOS1 S-nitrosylates PTEN and inhibits autophagy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhu Lingqun , Li Linlin , Zhang Qianbing , Yang Xiao , Zou Zhiwei , Hao Bingtao , Marincola Francesco M , Liu Zhengjun , Zhong Zhuo , Wang Meng , Li Xiaoxuan , Wang Qianli , Li Keyi , Gao Wenwen , Yao Kaitai , Liu Qiuzhen 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAutophagy is a cellular survival mechanism that involves the catabolic degradation of damaged proteins and organelles during periods of metabolic stress, and when overly stimulated, commonly contributes to cell death. Nitric oxide (NO), a potent cellular messenger, participates in a complex mechanism which assists in controlling autophagy. However, the mechanism by which endogenous NO formed by distinct isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) helps to regulate autophagy in cancer cells remains unclear. Here we report that NOS1 reduces excessive levels of autophagy and promotes the survival of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. We found that inhibition of NOS1 increased cell death resulting from siRNA or the use of pharmacologic agents; and this effect was reversed by the autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine. The role of NOS1 in the autophagy process depended on the activation of AKT/mTOR signaling by S-nitrosylation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) proteins. The mechanism by which NOS1 modifies PTEN protein might involve a direct interaction between these two molecules. Moreover, in an in vivo study, the NOS1 inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester activated AKT/mTOR signaling and promoted autophagy in xenograph tumors. Our studies demonstrated that NOS1 prevents excessive autophagy via S-nitrosylation of PTEN, and activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. PTEN and the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway are promising targets for improving the chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer.