bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synchronization Protocols in Spanish Merino Sheep: Reduction in Time to Estrus by the Addition of eCG to a Progesterone-Based Estrus Synchronization Protocol
Authors: Gardón Juan Carlos , Escribano Begoña , Astiz Susana , Ruiz Salvador 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
An appropriate management of reproduction allows ewes to breed at a more intensive rhythm, more compatible with economic efficiency of farms. Hence, the objectives of the present work were to evaluate a traditional estrus synchronization protocol (based on medroxyprogesterone acetate-impregnated intravaginal sponges combined or not with equine chorionic gonadotropin) on a Merino sheep herd during the breeding season, in order to determine the best working protocol for this breed. A total of 277 sheep, blocked by age (200 ewes and 77 ewe lambs) were randomly allocated to four groups, two of ewes (E and Ee) and two of ewe lambs (L and Le). All females received 60 mg MAP (medroxyprogesterone acetate) sponges on the first day. At the day of removal the animals of groups Ee and Le received 450 IU of eCG (equine chorionic gonadotropin). Mean estrus synchronization rate was 92.06% and similar among groups. Time to estrus was shorter for Ee (46.93±12.44 h) and Le (44.34±10.76 h), when compared to treatments without eCG (60.60±20.46 h and 58.68±17.72 h for E and L, respectively; P<0.05 for both). Pregnancy rates were 71.35 and 72.86% for ewes and ewe lambs, respectively, and similar among groups. Lambing rates were lower in ewes (1.36) than in ewe lambs (1.85) with no significant effect of eCG. The study demonstrates the efficacy of the synchronization method with MAP and the reduction in the time to estrus induced by eCG in Spanish Merino ewes and ewe lambs during the breeding season.
Incidence of Footpad Dermatitis and Hock Burns in Broilers as Affected by Genotype, Lighting Program and Litter Type
Authors: Škrbić Zdenka , Pavlovski Zlatica , Lukić Miloš , Petričević Veselin 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The aim of this study was to define the conditions for improving broiler leg health, thus ultimately promoting broiler welfare and greater economic efficiency of production, by investigating the effects of litter type, lighting program, or genetic predisposition on the incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis and hock burns. The study was conducted on broiler genotypes (G) Hubbard Classic and Ross 308. Litter (L) was either chopped straw or wood shavings. Lighting programs (LP) were applied when broilers were eight days old. One lighting program (LP1) was designed so that chicks between 8 to 39 days of age were exposed to 16L:4D:2L:2D, and received 23L:1D between 40 to 42 days of age. The other lighting program (LP2) was a gradual extension of photoperiod after restrictions in the second week: 16L:8D (8-14 days), 16L:3D:2L:3D (15-21 days), 16L:2D:4L:2D (22-28 days), 16L:1D:6L:1D (29-35 days) and 23L:1D (36-42 days). Evaluations of footpad lesions and hock burn, according to the method described by Thomas et al. (2004), were carried out individually for each bird, on days 21 and 42. Based on the average score and the frequency of the worst forms of footpad dermatitis, better growing conditions for broilers were found when wood shavings were used as litter material rather than the chopped straw (P<0.01), and when a lighting program with gradual lengthening of photoperiod and with intermittent light/ dark periods (LP2) was applied, compared to a moderate-constant photoperiod lighting program (LP1) (P<0.01). The Ross 308 broiler genotype, despite its lower body weight, showed a greater tendency to develop footpad dermatitis and hock burns. Hock burns developed more slowly than footpad dermatitis, and thereby, would be likely to exhibit a smaller adverse effect on broiler welfare and quality of chicken feet.
Polymorphism and Bioinformatics Analysis of Growth Differentiation Factor 9 Gene in Lori Sheep
Authors: Zamani Pouya , Abdoli Ramin , Deljou Ali , Rezvan Hosein 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is a fecundity major gene affecting prolificacy in sheep. In the present study, genetic variation of a 380-bp fragment in GDF9 gene exon 1 was investigated in 100 Lori ewes. Single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and DNA sequencing methods were used to detect single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the studied fragment. A SNP (g.306G>A), known as G1 mutation, with two genotypes (GG and AG) was found in two different SSCP patterns of GDF9 gene exon 1, deducing an amino acid (AA) exchange (p.Arg87His). Frequencies of the AG and GG genotypes were 37.65% and 62.35%, respectively. Also, the estimated allelic frequencies for the A and G alleles were 18.825% and 81.175%, respectively. The observed nucleotide sequences were subjected to alignment analysis and it was found that the studied fragment had more than 99.7% similarity with some sequences reported for other breeds of sheep. Two different secondary and 3D protein structures were predicted for A and G alleles. Moreover, the A and G alleles had different isoelectric pH values (8.7 and 9, respectively). The observed genotypes tended to have a significant association with litter size (P<0.10) where average litter size of GG ewes was slightly (20%) higher than for AG animals. With respect to the results of the present study, it seems that more studies are needed to evaluate the mutations in other fragments of this gene or other genes in Lori sheep.
Changes of Nitrogen Compounds During Ensiling of High Protein Herbages – A Review
Authors: Fijałkowska Maja , Pysera Barbara , Lipiński Krzysztof , Strusińska Danuta 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Losses of crude protein during ensiling of herbages, in contrast to carbohydrates, do not affect the reduction of its content; their form is changed into greater solubility non-protein compounds and also highly degraded forms, which lower the efficiency of the microbial protein synthesis in the rumen. These processes are accompanied by a change of amino acid composition of herbage protein and decrease in intestinal digestibility of protein from feeds as a result of the formation of indigestible complexes with carbohydrates (ADIN). Reduction of protein degradation in silages is achieved by accelerated acidity through addition of acids or dominance of homofermentative bacteria. The positive effects of fermentation inhibitors or sorbents use, as well as the wilting of raw material on the level and rate of protein degradation were demonstrated by many researchers. A greater contribution of protein nitrogen and reduction of deamination in silages can also be obtained by using bacteria inoculants. Increasing the proportion of protein nitrogen is accompanied by the improved efficiency of microbial protein synthesis.
Knitting Technologies And Tensile Properties Of A Novel Curved Flat-Knitted Three-Dimensional Spacer Fabrics
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Jiang Gaoming , Nie Xiaolin , Ma Pibo , Gao Zhe 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
This paper introduces a knitting technique for making innovative curved three-dimensional (3D) spacer fabrics by the computer flat-knitting machine. During manufacturing, a number of reinforcement yarns made of aramid fibres are inserted into 3D spacer fabrics along the weft direction to enhance the fabric tensile properties. Curved, flat-knitted 3D spacer fabrics with different angles (in the warp direction) were also developed. Tensile tests were carried out in the weft and warp directions for the two spacer fabrics (with and without reinforcement yarns), and their stress–strain curves were compared. The results showed that the reinforcement yarns can reduce the fabric deformation and improve tensile stress and dimensional stability of 3D spacer fabrics. This research can help the further study of 3D spacer fabric when applied to composites.
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Carriers of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli (STEC) in Dairy Cattle Farms in the Governorate of Blida (Algeria)
Authors: Baazize-Ammi Djamila , Gassem Ouahiba , Derrar Fawzi , Izri Kahina , Brahim-Errahmani Mohamed , Gagnon Jean , Guetarni Djamel , Chebloune Yahia 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
We investigated whether dairy beef cattle raised in Algeria are Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) carriers. Stx1 and stx2 genes were analysed in DNA isolated from 200 faecal samples collected from adult dairy cows from 27 randomly selected farms in Blida, North Algeria, after amplification by PCR. Samples from 61 (30.5%) animals out of the 200 were positive and were located in 18 farms with a prevalence of 66.7%. Interestingly, no sample from any cow was positive for only the stx2 gene, while in contrast, samples from 51 cows were positive for the stx1 gene alone (83.6%) and those from 10 other cows were positive for both stx1 and stx2 genes (16.4%). It should be noted that the faecal samples infected with pathogens carrying the two genes originated from 4 out of the 18 farms that were found to be positive, with a rate of 22.2%.
Chlamydia Psittaci Strains from Broiler Chickens Induce Histopathological Lesions and Mortality in SPF Chickens
Authors: Yin Lizi , Kalmar Isabelle , Chiers Koen , Debyser Isolde , Vanrompay Daisy 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
A detailed study on histopathological lesions induced by two C. psittaci outer membrane protein A (ompA) genotype B strains (10/423 and 10/525) and one genotype D strain (10/298) in experimentally infected (aerosol) specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens was performed. The strains were derived from Belgian and French commercially raised broilers with pneumonia. Both genotype B and D strains induced conjunctivitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonitis, airsacculitis, splenitis, hepatitis, nephritis, and enteritis in sequentially (days 2 to 34 post infection) euthanized chickens. Inflammation of the ovaries was only observed in genotype D infected chickens. Overall, the genotype D strain caused more severe gross and histopathological lesions and mortality (54.5%) early upon infection. The genotype D strain seemed to replicate faster as severity of the lesions increased more quickly. C. psittaci is a primary pathogen in chickens, and efficient monitoring and control of this emerging zoonotic pathogen is urgently needed.
Occurrence of Animal-Origin Constituents in Feeds
Authors: Weiner Anna , Paprocka Ilona , Gołębiowska Agata , Kwiatek Krzysztof 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The aim of the study was to gather and analyse available data concerning the presence of terrestrial animal constituents in feeds in Poland. A microscopic method of identification of the contaminants was used. Between 2012 and 2013, overall 16 139 samples of feeds were analysed, from which 282 (1.75%) contained elements from terrestrial animals. The percentage of feeds contaminated with such elements was lower in 2013. In 2012, among 8 499 samples analysed, 203 (2.39%) contained ingredients of animal origin, and in 2013, the elements were found in 79 (1.03%) out of 7640 samples. The percentage of feed samples positive for processed animal protein was relatively low and steadily decreasing. Furthermore, the microscopic method demonstrated to be a very sensitive technique for the detection of constituents of animal origin.
Commercial Metal-Based Nanocolloids - Evaluation of Cytotoxicity
Authors: Małaczewska Joanna , Siwicki Andrzej Krzysztof 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to determine the cytotoxicity of commercial silver, gold, and copper nanocolloids towards two established cell lines (NIH/3T3 and GMK) and primary chick embryo cell culture (CECC), using routine colorimetric assays: MTT, NRU, and LDH, which enable a preliminary evaluation of the mechanism of cytotoxic effect of the tested substances. The MTT assay evaluates the activity of mitochondria, NRU assay reveals the damage to lysosomes, while LDH assay shows injuries to the cytoplasmic membrane. The NRU assay proved to be non-applicable to the tested nanocolloids, most probably due to the interaction of nanoparticles with neutral red dye, which affected the colorimetric reaction. The MTT assay was more sensitive than LDH because the intercellular effect of a substance occurs before permanent damage to the cytoplasmic membrane. Silver nanocolloid was distinguished by the highest cytotoxicity, irrespective of the applied cell model, although the other two metals showed some cytotoxic effects as well, with gold nanocolloid being more toxic than copper one. Although the primary chick embryo cell culture, as a model reflecting more faithfully the conditions in a living organism than continuous cell lines, was undistinguished by elevated tolerance to the most toxic silver nanocolloid, it showed the tendency to recovery from the growth suppression with longer exposure after the application of less toxic gold and copper nanocolloids.
Prediction of the Spatial Distribution of Bovine Endemic Fluorosis Using Ordinary Kriging
Authors: Li Lin , Dong Jing , Dong Jiageng , Yu Bo , Peng Jichang , He Jianbin 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The aim of the studies was to develop an alternative method which could overcome the lack of sampling to improve the efficiency of control efforts for bovine endemic fluorosis. The spatial distribution characteristics of the disease were analysed and a prediction model for the estimation of fluorosis distribution in some districts in northwest Liaoning province in China was established. The model used ordinary kriging, and was evaluated using cross-validation. Analysis showed that the distribution of the disease was spatial autocorrelation. The prediction error of the cross-validation (ME = -0.0092, PMSE = 0.627, AKSE = 0.597, and RMSP = 1.007) and comparison with the actual disease distribution indicated that the prediction map accurately distributed bovine endemic fluorosis. It is feasible to predict bovine endemic fluorosis in the area by using ordinary kriging and limited data.
Effect of 28-Day Exposure to Fenpropathrin on the Activities of Serum Alanine Transaminase and Liver Antioxidant Enzymes in Mice
Authors: Nieradko-Iwanicka Barbara , Borzęcki Andrzej 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Fenpropathrin (FEN) was administered intraperitoneally in doses of 2.38 mg/kg, 5.9 5mg/kg, or 11.9 mg/kg b.w. to mice for 28 consecutive days. FEN did not significantly affect the activity of alanine transaminase (ALT) in the sera. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly elevated in the liver after a 28-d exposure to moderate or highest doses of the pesticide. These results demonstrate that the 28-day exposure to FEN leads to an up-regulation of expression of antioxidant enzymes in response to an oxidative stress in mouse liver without causing a significant increase in ALT activity.
Synthesis, biological evaluation, quantitative-SAR and docking studies of novel chalcone derivatives as antibacterial and antioxidant agents
Authors: Alam Mohammad Sayed , Rahman S. M. Mostafizur , Lee Dong-Ung 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn the present study, a series of chalcone derivatives including 17 new compounds were synthesised; their antibacterial activities against eleven bacteria, and their free radical-scavenging activities using DPPH were evaluated. All compounds showed significant antibacterial activities against both Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria. In particular, compound IIIf strongly inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (JMC 2151) and Enterococcus faecalis (CARS 2011-012) with MIC values of 6.25 μg mL
Misdiagnosis of macroamylasemia in pregnancy as pancreatitis
Authors: Eser Ayla , Akgun Nilufer , Yuce Ebru , Kafali Hasan 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Background: While elevated serum amylase in the presence of abdominal pain can be indicative of pancreatitis, differential diagnosis of macroamylasemia depends on additional assessment of serum lipase and urinary amylase. The present report concerns misdiagnosis of pancreatitis in a pregnant woman with elevated serum amylase but normal lipase.

Highlights: The patient was a nulligravid woman on her first pregnancy diagnosed with pancreatitis in her 32nd week plus 3 days of gestation, on the basis of elevated serum amylase and abdominal pain, after treatment for premature contractions and antepartum vaginal bleeding with ritodrine HCl and nifedipine. She was started on painful and invasive intravenous hydration; oral intake was stopped. Repeat elevated serum amylase suggested that the patient might in fact have macroamylasemia, not pancreatitis.

Conclusions: Normal serum lipase levels should be considered as a likely indication of an alternative cause of elevated serum amylase to pancreatitis, and urinary amylase should be routinely checked to assist in differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary and invasive treatment and stress to pregnant women.
The Decomposition Process of Insurance Operations
Authors: Gąsiorkiewicz Lech 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
This study sets out an original concept of the decomposition process of insurance operations. The first part of the paper presents the concept of the process, the process-based approach and process management. The further part identifies the processes carried out in insurance companies and discusses the purposes of implementing them. The final part of the study presents an example of the practical application of the process-based approach to issues of financial management of an insurance company.
Mind-Set Metrics: Consumer Attitudes and the Bottom Line
Authors: Srinivasan Shuba 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Including mind-set metrics like cognitions, affects and intentions in marketing models helps explain the effect of marketing on hard facts like sales and profit and also improves marketing decisions. Mind-set metrics have longer wear-in times than most marketing mix activities and can therefore serve as leading indicators. They allow time for managerial action before market performance itself is affected.
The mind-set effects are not identical for all types of products or in all marketing settings. Four criteria – potential, responsiveness, stickiness and sales conversion – help determine and make clear the connection between marketing actions, attitudinal metrics and sales outcomes for different product types and brands. These criteria can also be used in prediction models and to determine the optimal budget for individual marketing activities.
The joint modeling of mind-set metrics, marketing mix actions and financial outcomes are relevant and helpful to CMOs and CFOs alike. Such information enables marketing managers to understand the effect of marketing actions while offering financial accountability of marketing to CFOs.
Humor as an abrasive or a lubricant in social situations: Martineau revisited
Authors: Janes Leslie , Olson James 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn Martineau’s seminal chapter on the social functions of humor, he postulated some of the ways in which disparagement humor shapes social behavior. This research paper discusses three research studies that compared the effects of other-deprecating humor and self-deprecating humor on the observer and examines how they relate to Martineau’s theory. In our research, we hypothesized that people who observe ridicule of others experience “jeer pressure.” This inhibiting effect on behavior was expected to result in conformity to others’ opinions, fear about failing or standing out, and conventional thinking. In the first two studies, participants observed videotapes containing self-ridiculing humor, other-deprecating humor, or non-ridiculing/no humor. Participants then completed tasks assessing conforming, fear of failure, and creativity. Results of both studies showed that participants who observed ridicule of others were more conforming and more afraid of failing than participants who observed self-deprecating humor or the control condition. Study 3 examined the effects of ridicule of others versus self-deprecating humor on creativity using a more sophisticated creativity measure, and less caustic humor. Results supported the hypothesis that observing self-deprecating humor would result in higher levels of creativity compared to the other-ridicule condition. Implications of these findings for Martineau’s model are discussed.
Hung out to dry: use and consequences of disparagement humor on American Idol
Authors: Montemurro Beth , Benfield Jacob A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractHumor can be a means of social control and establishing boundaries between social groups. Disparagement humor, which is belittling and degrading while laughing at a target, is such a means of social control. Through the use of disparagement humor, people establish in-groups and out-groups and audiences of disparagement can enjoy vicarious superiority, as long as they are not members of the targeted out-group. In this paper, we look at the way disparagement humor is used on a mass stage, the popular reality television program
The rhetoric of disparagement humor: An analysis of anti-semitic joking online
Authors: Weaver Simon 
Published: April 2015

AbstractStudies of humor informed by an understanding of rhetoric offer a number of conceptual tools for the analysis of disparagement humor. This article examines recent rhetorical approaches to humor analysis and evaluates their strengths and weaknesses. Where possible, it seeks to synthesise these approaches for what might be called an emerging methodological branch of humor studies. Although not all rhetorical analysts can be considered critical theorists, the article argues for the particular usefulness of these approaches for critical humor studies. A sample of 28 online anti-Semitic jokes is used to illustrate the various methods of rhetorical humor analysis. The discussion examines the fundamental assumptions, propositions, uniqueness and limitations of each theory. The central observation is that rhetorical humor analysis provides methods that add to disparagement theory. This central observation is supported by three points: that humor is structured with rhetorical devices that might, in various ways, convince; that the context of utterance influences the meaning of humor and thus the context of utterance is rhetorical; and, that the discursive content of humor provides the material to be reinforced.
It’s just a (sexist) joke: comparing reactions to sexist versus racist communications
Authors: Woodzicka Julie A. , Mallett Robyn K. , Hendricks Shelbi , Pruitt Astrid V. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTwo experiments test whether using humor moderates the effect of the type of prejudice (racist or sexist) on evaluations of discriminatory communications. Experiment 1 examined a) the offensiveness of sexist and racist humor and b) whether jokes were judged as confrontation-worthy compared to statements expressing the same prejudicial sentiment. Racist jokes and statements were rated as more offensive and confrontation-worthy than sexist statements and jokes, respectively. Additionally, sexist jokes were rated as less offensive than sexist statements. Experiment 2 examined a) the perceived appropriateness of three responses (ignoring, saying “that’s not funny,” or labeling as discrimination) to sexist or racist jokes and b) the likeability of the confronter. Saying “that’s not funny” was the most acceptable response to jokes, but labeling a racist joke as racism was perceived as more appropriate than labeling a sexist joke as sexism. Finally, confronters of racism were liked more than those who confronted sexism.