bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of total mixed ration composition and daily grazing pattern on milk production, composition and fatty acids profile of dairy cows
Authors: Hernández-Ortega Martha , Martínez-Fernández Adela , Soldado Ana , González Amelia , Arriaga-Jordán Carlos M. , Argamentería Alejandro , de la Roza-Delgado Begoña , Vicente Fernando 
Published: September 2014

The possibilities of using high quality pastures in conjunction with total mixed ration (TMR) during the grazing season have been examined. An experiment with sixteen Holstein cows blocked and randomly assigned to four treatments in a factorial arrangement was conducted in order to evaluate the influence of grazing time of day (day or night) and type of silage (maize or Italian ryegrass) included in the TMR of dairy cows grazing 12 h daily on milk yield, composition and fatty acid profile. The silage type had no effect on the dry matter intake, milk yield and fat and protein proportions. However, cows grazing during the night ate more grass than cows grazing during the day (8·53vs.5·65 kg DM/d;P<0·05). No differences were seen between grazing-time with respect to milk production, fat and protein contents. However, the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acid was higher in milk of dairy cows grazing at night-time than grazing at day-time, especially 18:2n-6 (2·37vs.2·12 g/100 g FA respectively,P<0·05) and 18:2cis9trans11 (2·08vs.1·74 g/100 g FA respectively,P<0·05).
Histological analysis of the effects of anti-adhesive haemostatic agents on the middle ear of the guinea pig
Authors: Kulduk E , Eren E , Soy FK , Dundar R , Aslan M , Basoglu MS , Simsek F , Katilmis H 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIntroduction:Adhesion formation is a frequent and serious post-operative problem in ENT surgery. This study assessed the effect of two anti-adhesive haemostatic agents on an experimental guinea pig model.Materials and methods:The middle-ear mucosa of 14 guinea pigs was exposed to surgical trauma. After surgery, Arista™ AH was injected into the right middle ear of seven animals, while Ankaferd Blood Stopper was injected into the right middle ear of the other seven animals. The left ears were left untreated and regarded as the control group. The three groups were compared by histological examination at post-operative week 4.Results:In each of the three groups, consolidation of the lamina propria and epithelium mucosae, increments in the number of active fibroblasts, collagen fibrils and inflammatory cells, and increased vascular dilation were observed on haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections, and were more prominent in the control and Ankaferd Blood Stopper groups. Epithelial thickness and capillary vasodilation were significantly lower in the Arista™ AH group compared with the control and Ankaferd Blood Stopper groups (p < 0.008).Conclusion:Arista™ AH may prevent the formation of adhesions in middle-ear surgery. Further experimental studies are required to determine its ototoxic potential.
The cost of hospital care for management of invasive group A streptococcal infections in England
Authors: HUGHES G. J. , VAN HOEK A. J. , SRISKANDAN S. , LAMAGNI T. L. 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYThe objective of this study was to estimate the direct financial costs of hospital care for management of invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections using hospital records for cases diagnosed in England. We linked laboratory-confirmed cases (n= 3696) identified through national surveillance to hospital episode statistics and reimbursement codes. From these codes we estimated the direct hospital costs of admissions. Almost all notified invasive GAS cases (92% of 3696) were successfully matched to a primary hospital admission. Of these, secondary admissions (within 30 days of primary admission) were further identified for 593 (17%). After exclusion of nosocomial cases (12%), the median costs of primary and secondary hospital admissions were estimated by subgroup analysis as £1984–£2212 per case, totalling £4·43–£6·34 million per year in England. With adjustment for unmatched cases this equated to £4·84–£6·93 million per year. Adults aged 16–64 years accounted for 48% of costs but only 40% of cases, largely due to an increased number of surgical procedures. The direct costs of hospital admissions for invasive GAS infection are substantial. These estimated costs will contribute to a full assessment of the total economic burden of invasive GAS infection as a means to assess potential savings through prevention measures.
Osteopontin is expressed in the oviduct and promotes fertilization and preimplantation embryo development of mouse
Authors: Liu Qian , Xie Qing-zhen , Zhou Yun , Yang Jing 
Published: September 2014

SummaryOsteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional phosphoprotein that is detected in various tissues, including male and female reproductive tracts. In this study, we evaluated OPN expression in mouse oviducts during the estrus cycle, and at days 1–5 of pregnancy and pseudopregnancy by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The mice oocytes, sperm and embryos were treated with different concentrations of anti-OPN antibody in vitro to detect the function of OPN in fertilization and preimplantation embryo development. OPN mRNA and protein expression in mouse oviducts were cyclic dependent throughout the estrous cycle, which was highest at estrous and lowest at diestrous. Such a phenomenon was consistent with the change in estrogen level in mice. The expression levels of OPN in mice oviduct of normal pregnancy and pseudopregnancy were significantly different, which indicated that OPN expression in mouse oviducts was depend on estrogen and preimplantation embryo. Furthermore, anti-OPN antibody treatment could reduce the rates of fertilization, cleavage and blastocyst formation in vitro in a dose-dependent way. Overall, our results indicated that the expression of OPN in mouse oviducts during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy is likely regulated by estrogen and the embryo, and OPN may play a vital role in oocyte fertilization and preimplantation embryo development.
Identification of amino acid determinants in CYP4B1 for optimal catalytic processing of 4-ipomeanol
Authors: Wiek Constanze , Schmidt Eva M. , Roellecke Katharina , Freund Marcel , Nakano Mariko , Kelly Edward J. , Kaisers Wolfgang , Yarov-Yarovoy Vladimir , Kramm Christof M. , Rettie Allan E. , Hanenberg Helmut 
Published: September 2014

Mammalian CYP4B1 enzymes are cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenases that are responsible for the bioactivation of several exogenous pro-toxins including 4-ipomeanol (4-IPO). In contrast with the orthologous rabbit enzyme, we show here that native human CYP4B1 with a serine residue at position 427 is unable to bioactivate 4-IPO and does not cause cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and primary human T-cells that overexpress these enzymes. We also demonstrate that a proline residue in the meander region at position 427 in human CYP4B1 and 422 in rabbit CYP4B1 is important for protein stability and rescues the 4-IPO bioactivation of the human enzyme, but is not essential for the catalytic activity of the rabbit CYP4B1 protein. Systematic substitution of native and p.S427P human CYP4B1 with peptide regions from the highly active rabbit enzyme reveals that 18 amino acids in the wild-type rabbit CYP4B1 protein are key for conferring high 4-IPO metabolizing activity. Introduction of 12 of the 18 amino acids that are also present at corresponding positions in other human CYP4 family members into the p.S427P human CYP4B1 protein results in a mutant human enzyme (P+12) that is as stable and as active as the rabbit wild-type CYP4B1 protein. These 12 mutations cluster in the predicted B-C loop through F-helix regions and reveal new amino acid regions important to P450 enzyme stability. Finally, by minimally re-engineering the human CYP4B1 enzyme for efficient activation of 4-IPO, we have developed a novel human suicide gene system that is a candidate for adoptive cellular therapies in humans.
Implementation of LZMA compression algorithm on FPGA
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Lin , Shang Zhuangzhuang , Dong Qian 
Published: September 2014

In the era of big data, compression techniques are needed to improve data processing bandwidth and data storage efficiency. Compared with software‐based compression techniques, hardware‐based compression techniques can improve speed and reduce power consumption. LZMA (Lempel–Ziv–Markov chain algorithm) is a lossless compression technology, and its hardware implementation has broad application prospects. A novel high‐performance implementation of the LZMA compression algorithm capable of processing up to 125 Mbit/s on a Virtex‐6 field programmable gate array (FPGA) chip is proposed. A typical application and its compression performance for a specific data sample are then presented.
142 GHz amplifier with 18.5 dB gain and 7.9 mW DC power in 65 nm CMOS
Authors: Meng Xiangyu , Chi Baoyong , Jia Haikun , Kuang Lixue , Wang Zhihua 
Published: September 2014

A single‐ended amplifier with a magnetic‐coupled feedback embedded network is proposed and its small‐signal equivalent circuit is analysed in detail. The embedded network cancels the effects of the gate–drain capacitor Cgd and introduces negative resistance into the transistor drain, so that the maximum power gain of the transistor could be achieved. Based on this design methodology, a 142 GHz amplifier with 18.5 dB power gain and 7.9 mW DC power has been implemented in 65 nm CMOS.
An Assessment of the Scale, Practices, and Conservation Implications of Florida's Charter Boat–Based Recreational Shark Fishery
Authors: Shiffman David Samuel , Hammerschlag Neil 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
Recent conservation efforts have advocated for SCUBA diving ecotourism as a nonconsumptive alternative use of sharks. Although generally overlooked by conservation advocates, another nonextractive use is catch-and-release fishing, which remains poorly characterized for shark fishing. In this study, we use a combination of website content analysis and surveys of charter boat captains to assess the scale of Florida's charter boat shark fishing industry. We further examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of charter boat captains whose clients fish for sharks in Florida. We show that recreational charter boat shark fishing occurs throughout the state but is heavily concentrated in the Florida Keys. Shark fishing is often the most expensive trip offered, suggesting that sharks are economically important to the charter boat fishing industry. Florida's charter boat shark fishers who show a strong conservation ethic toward sharks practice catch and release commonly. Our results suggest that although some species are better candidates for catch-and-release fishing than others due to inherent physiological vulnerabilities to postrelease mortality, Florida's charter boat shark fishery can augment the recent “ecotourism conservation” argument that sharks may be worth more alive than dead.
RESUMEN
actualmente, los esfuerzos de conservación han abogado por el ecoturismo mediante buceo SCUBA como una alternativa no consumista en cuanto al uso de los tiburones. Algo que generalmente ha pasado desapercibido por los conservacionistas en cuanto al uso no extractivo de los tiburones es la pesca de captura y liberación, la cual continúa estando pobremente caracterizada para el caso de los tiburones. En este estudio se utiliza una combinación de análisis de contenido de páginas web y sondeos a los capitanes de embarcaciones para evaluar la escala de la industria pesquera de Florida basada en botes de alquiler. Así mismo se examina el grado de conocimiento, actitudes y prácticas de los capitanes de botes de alquiler cuyos clientes pescan tiburones en Florida. Se muestra que la pesca recreativa de tiburones basada en botes de alquiler existe a lo largo de todo el estado pero se concentra principalmente en los cayos de Florida. La pesca de tiburón puede ser el viaje de pesca más costoso que se ofrece, lo que sugiere que los tiburones son económicamente importantes para la industria pesquera basada en botes rentados. En Florida, aquellos pescadores que mostraron una mayor ética de conservación hacia los tiburones, habitualmente practican la pesca de captura y liberación. Los hallazgos sugieren que si bien algunas especies son mejores candidatos para la pesca de captura y liberación debido a su inherente vulnerabilidad fisiológica a la mortalidad que ocurre tras la liberación, la pesquería de tiburones en Florida basada en botes rentados puede abonar al argumento de la conservación ecoturística de que los tiburones valen más vivos que muertos.
Agricultural credit rationing in Ghana: what do formal lenders look for?
Authors: Awunyo-Vitor Dadson , Mahama Al-Hassan Ramatu , Bruce Sarpong Daniel , Egyir Irene 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of agricultural credit rationing by formal lenders in Ghana.Design/methodology/approach– This study employed descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Heckman's two-stage regression model to identify types of rationing faced by farmers and investigate factors that influence agricultural credit rationing by formal financial institutions. Data used in this study are gathered through a survey of 595 farmers in seven districts within Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana.Findings– The result reveals that farmers face three types of rationing. Evidence from the Heckman two-stage models shows that engagement in off farm income generating activities, increase in farm size, positive balances on accounts and commercial orientation of the farmers has the potential to reduce rationing of credit applicants by formal lenders.Practical implications– The results provide information on the factors that need to be considered as important in an attempt to reduce agricultural credit rationing by formal lenders.Originality/value– The value of this study is that farmers would use the results of this study to improve access to required amount of agricultural credit from formal financial institutions. The information would also benefit stakeholders in the agricultural sector, particularly youth in agriculture program organized by Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Ghana as how to improve access to credit and reduce rationing of program participants by formal financial institutions.
Fertilizer adoption, credit access, and safety nets in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Million 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of access to credit and safety nets on fertilizer adoption in rural Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach
– A panel data set collected in 2005 and 2007 on 278 households and over 5,700 plots from the Southern Highlands of Ethiopia is examined. The authors developed a theoretical model relating input use and credit contract under third-party credit collateral agreement. The estimation is based on instrumental variables regressions to account for the endogeneity of credit access, and safety nets in fertilizer demand equation.

Findings
– Despite increasing trends in fertilizer and improved varieties adoption since mid-2003, only 22 percent of the plots in the sample is actually received fertilizer. Households with more assets measured by livestock wealth are more likely to adopt fertilizer but less likely to participate in the local credit market as they have better savings that could be used to buy fertilizer/improved seeds without credit contract. This suggests poorer farmers heavily depend on credit than wealthier. Participation in safety nets programs did not contribute for increased use of fertilizer suggesting that the program either competes with agricultural labor or the low wage income was not enough to pay for farm inputs.

Practical implications
– The findings show that with a heavier reliance on credit by poorer farmers it appears that much might be gained by targeting policies toward increasing credit access to this group.

Originality/value
– Studies that utilize repeated plot- and household-level observations are limited. To the knowledge, this is the first study showing the relationship between credit accesses, public work program and fertilizer adoption over time in rural Ethiopia.
Major factors contributing to wind power diffusion
Authors: Lehtovaara Matti , Karvonen Matti , Kapoor Rahul , Sakari Kässi Tuomo , Pyrhönen Juha 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to evaluate the linkages between the technological, market and political environment in the wind power industry and their contribution to market diffusion.Design/methodology/approach– The evaluation is based on a literature review of the wind power industry and policy issues in selected countries, patent and financial analyses of leading European firms and semi-structured interviews of energy experts.Findings– The results reveal that the industry is policy-driven and appropriate energy politics are crucial in continuing the rapid wind power market diffusion during the next decades. Wind power technologies are in an accelerating stage of evolution, and competitive technologies contribute to market diffusion and firms’ financial performance. However, without adequate energy subsidies and emission trading schemes, the industry will not be competitive in the energy markets, where other energy sources, including fossil fuels, are also subsidized.Research limitations/implications– This case focuses mainly on the leading European industry actors and has a European perspective in policy issues. The analyses are limited to the main support mechanisms and countries where the diffusion of renewable energy has been rapid.Practical implications– The wind power industry is still in the emerging phase in its life cycle, and well-planned and efficiently implemented public support schemes are needed in order for the firms to compete successfully in the markets. The industry will probably be competitive without subsidies in 10-20 years.Originality/value– The evaluation of the given indicators and political environment will give insight into the competitive environment and factors behind the diffusion of emerging technologies.
Procedural characteristics of the 4th Korean technology foresight
Authors: Choi Moonjung , Choi Han-Lim , Yang Heyoung 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– The aim of this paper is to describe procedural characteristics of the 4th technology foresight (TF) using search engines to discover emerging issues; analytic framework development to discover future needs; future technologies considering future needs as well as technology development; detailed description of future technology; analytical discussions of Delphi survey results; developing spatial-specific scenarios and illustrations; and examining possible adverse effects of future technologies. Korea performs TF every 5 years to establish science and technology policy and strategies. In the 4th TF, future technologies that might be developed by 2035 were discovered and Delphi survey was conducted to examine current development status, anticipated times of technology development and public use, plans to secure these technologies, etc.Design/methodology/approach– This paper divides procedure employed in the 4th TF into three steps and explains seven characteristics related to its procedure.Findings– Improvement of the TF procedure will increase the reliability and applicability of its results.Originality/value– This paper consists of original results which include improved procedure and its implication by researchers who participated in the 4th TF. It will provide a useful example for other nations, hoping to introduce TF to set up national science and technology policy.
The impact of climate change on cocoa production in West Africa
Authors: Ofori-Boateng Kenneth , Insah Baba 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The study aimed at examining the current and future impact of climate change on cocoa production in West Africa.

Design/methodology/approach
– A translog production function based on crop yield response framework was used. A panel model was estimated using data drawn from cocoa-producing countries in West Africa. An in-sample simulation was used to determine the predictive power of the model. In addition, an out-sample simulation revealed the effect of future trends of temperature and precipitation on cocoa output.

Findings
– Temperature and precipitation play a considerable role in cocoa production in West Africa. It was established that extreme temperature adversely affected cocoa output in the sub-region. Furthermore, increasing temperature and declining precipitation trends will reduce cocoa output in the future.

Practical implications
– An important implication of this study is the recognition that lagging effects are the determinants of cocoa output and not coincident effects. This finds support from the agronomic point of view considering the gestation period of the cocoa crop.

Originality/value
– Although several studies have been carried out in this area, this study modeled and estimated the interacting effects of factors that influence cocoa production. This is closer to reality, as climatic factors and agricultural inputs combine to yield output.