bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlations of gestational hemoglobin level, placental trace elements content, and reproductive performances in pregnant sows
Authors: Guo Liu , Zhang Dongming , Tang Wenjie , Dong Zhenglin , Zhang Yawei , Wang Shangchu , Yin Yulong , Wan Dan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The iron status of sows has a great influence on reproductive performance. Iron deficiency reduces reproductive performance and newborn piglet survival rate of sow. The hemoglobin is a potential predictor for the iron status of sows and is convenient for rapid detection in pig farms. However, the relationship between iron status, hemoglobin, placental trace elements, and reproductive performance remains unclear. In this study, the hemoglobin and reproductive performance of more than 500 sows with first to sixth parities at different gestation stages (25, 55, 75, 95, and 110 d of gestation) in two large-scale sow farms were collected, and the content of placental Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu was analyzed. The results show that hemoglobin levels of sows during pregnancy (days 75, 95, and 110) decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.001). As the parity increases, the hemoglobin levels of sows at days 25 and 55 of gestation and placental mineral element contents including Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu at delivery decreased (P &lt; 0.05), while the litter size, birth alive, and litter weights increased gradually (P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, hemoglobin during pregnancy had a negative linear correlation with litter weight and average weight (P &lt; 0.05), and higher hemoglobin at day 25 of gestation may reduce the number of stillbirths (P = 0.05), but higher hemoglobin at day 110 of gestation may tend to be a benefit for the birth (P = 0.01). And there was a significant positive linear correlation between hemoglobin at day 110 of gestation and placental Fe and Mn levels (P = 0.002, P = 0.013). There was also a significant positive linear correlation among Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu in the placenta (P &lt; 0.001). The levels of Fe, Zn, and Mn in the placental at delivery were positively related to the average weight of the fetus (P = 0.048, P = 0.027, P = 0.047), and placental Cu was linearly correlated with litter size (P = 0.029). Our research revealed that the requirements for iron during gestation were varied in different gestation periods and parities. The feeds should be adjusted according to the gestation periods, parities, or iron status to meet the iron requirements of sows and fetal pigs.
Modifying the National Research Council weight gain model to estimate daily gain for stockers grazing bermudagrass in the southern United States
Authors: Woli Prem , Rouquette Francis M , Long Charles R , Tedeschi Luis O , Scaglia Guillermo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe energy requirements, feed intake, and performance of grazing animals vary daily due to changes in weather conditions, forage nutritive values, and plant and animal maturity throughout the grazing season. Hence, realistic simulations of daily animal performance can be made only by the models that can address these changes. Given the dearth of simple, user-friendly models of this kind, especially for pastures, we developed a daily gain model for large-frame stockers grazing bermudagrass sCynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], a widely used warm-season perennial grass in the southern United States. For model development, we first assembled some of the classic works in forage-beef modeling in the last 50 yr into the National Research Council (NRC) weight gain model. Then, we tested it using the average daily gain (ADG) data obtained from several locations in the southern United States. The evaluation results showed that the performance of the NRC model was poor as it consistently underpredicted ADG throughout the grazing season. To improve the predictive accuracy of the NRC model to make it perform under bermudagrass grazing conditions, we made an adjustment to the model by adding the daily departures of the modeled values from the data trendline. Subsequently, we tested the revised model against an independent set of ADG data obtained from eight research locations in the region involving about 4,800 animals, using 30 yr (1991–2020) of daily weather data. The values of the various measures of fit used, namely the Willmott index of 0.92, the modeling efficiency of 0.75, the R2 of 0.76, the root mean square error of 0.13 kg d−1, and the prediction error relative to the mean observed data of 24%, demonstrated that the revised model mimicked the pattern of observed ADG data satisfactorily. Unlike the original model, the revised model predicted more closely the ADG value throughout the grazing season. The revised model may be useful to accurately reflect the impacts of daily weather conditions, forage nutritive values, seasonality, and plant and animal maturity on animal performance.
Measurement of Perceived Importance and Urgency of Email: An Employees’ Perspective
Authors: Lanctot Andre , Duxbury Linda 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This article was motivated by the lack of research, and research instruments, informing academics and practitioners on the email factors used by knowledge workers when triaging their email. This article reports on the development and validation of two measures that categorize the types of emails employees send/receive into two different constructs based on the perceived importance and importance and urgency. The measures were developed using Buss and Craik’s Act Frequency Approach. Analysis determined that our six-item important email and our eight-item important and urgent email scales were both reliable and valid measures of the constructs. Construct validity was demonstrated by embedding our measures in a nomological network linking email demands to employee well-being. The measures were found to be significant predictors of work-role overload, even when the more traditional measures used to quantify the demands imposed on employees by email were taken into account.
Lay Summary
This article presents two scales that can be used to measure the extent to which an employee perceives an email to be: (a) important and (b) both important and urgent. As expected by theory, both measures were found to predict employees’ feelings of being overloaded by their work. The interesting findings from this study are the following. First, employees seem to consider urgent emails to be important, perhaps without consideration to the email’s actual importance to the employee. Second, emails that are both important and urgent usually involve a key stakeholder being impacted if the email is not acted on quickly. Third, important emails are not necessarily considered urgent. To make an email urgent the sender has to explicitly state how the contents of the email will negatively impact key stakeholders. Finally, our findings suggest that reducing the volume of email someone has to process may not, on its own, lead to reduced employee stress. Rather, employers who seek to improve employee well-being should focus their efforts on reducing the volume of emails employees consider to be important and both important and urgent.
Pyrethroid Susceptibility inCulex quinquefasciatusSay. (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations from Delta State, Niger-Delta Region, Nigeria
Authors: Ojianwuna Chioma C , Omotayo Ahmed I , Enwemiwe Victor N , Adetoro Fouad A , Eyeboka Destiny N , Adesalu Kemi , Egedegbe Allan , Esiwo Eric , Oyeniyi Tolulope A 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe development of insecticide resistance in different species of mosquitoes to Pyrethroids is a major challenge for vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. Failure of Pyrethroids in control of mosquitoes would impact negatively on the gains recorded in control of mosquito-borne diseases in previous years. In anticipation of a country-wide deployment of Pyrethroid-treated nets for control of mosquito-borne diseases in Nigeria, this study assessed susceptibility of Culex quinquefasciatus Say. (Diptera: Culicidae) to Pyrethroids in Owhelogbo, Ejeme and Oria-Abraka communities in Delta State, Niger-Delta, Nigeria. Three to five day old Cx. quinquefasciatus were exposed to Deltamethrin (0.05%), Permethrin (0.75%), and Alphacypermethrin (0.05%) using World Health Organization bioassay method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed in characterization of species and knockdown mutation. Results revealed that Cx. quinquefasciatus were generally susceptible (98-100%) to Deltamethrin, Permethrin, and Alphacypermethrin in the three communities with the exception of Owhelogbo where resistance to Deltamethrin (97%) was suspected. Knockdown time to Deltamethrin (11.51, 11.23, and 12.68 min), Permethrin (28.75, 13.26, and 14.49 min), and Alphacypermethrin (15.07, 12.50, and 13.03 min) were considerably low for Owhelogbo, Ejeme, and Oria-Abraka Cx. quinquefasciatus populations, respectively. Species identification result showed that all amplified samples were Cx. quinquefasciatus; however, no kdr allele was found in the three populations. Deployment of pyrethroid-treated nets for control of mosquito-borne diseases in Niger-Delta region of Nigeria is capable of reducing burden of diseases transmitted by Cx. quinquefasciatus as well as addressing nuisance value of the vector; however, caution must be entertained so as not to increase selection pressure thereby aiding resistance development.
Causes of fever in returning travelers: a European multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Camprubí-Ferrer Daniel , Cobuccio Ludovico , Van Den Broucke Steven , Genton Blaise , Bottieau Emmanuel , d'Acremont Valérie , Rodriguez-Valero Natalia , Almuedo-Riera Alex , Balerdi-Sarasola Leire , Subirà Carme , Fernandez-Pardos Marc , Martinez Miguel J , Navero-Castillejos Jessica , Vera Isabel , Llenas-Garcia Jara , Rothe Camilla , Cadar Dániel , Van Esbroeck Marjan , Foque Nikki , Muñoz Jose 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background
Etiological diagnosis of febrile illnesses in returning travelers is a great challenge, particularly when presenting with no focal symptoms [acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses (AUFI)], but is crucial to guide clinical decisions and public health policies. In this study, we describe the frequencies and predictors of the main causes of fever in travelers.

Methods
Prospective European multicenter cohort study of febrile international travelers (November 2017–November 2019). A predefined diagnostic algorithm was used ensuring a systematic evaluation of all participants. After ruling out malaria, PCRs and serologies for dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses were performed in all patients presenting with AUFI ≤ 14 days after return. Clinical suspicion guided further microbiological investigations.

Results
Among 765 enrolled participants, 310/765 (40.5%) had a clear source of infection (mainly traveler’s diarrhea or respiratory infections), and 455/765 (59.5%) were categorized as AUFI. AUFI presented longer duration of fever (p &lt; 0.001), higher hospitalization (p &lt; 0.001) and ICU admission rates (p &lt; 0.001). Among travelers with AUFI, 132/455 (29.0%) had viral infections, including 108 arboviruses, 96/455 (21.1%) malaria and 82/455 (18.0%) bacterial infections. The majority of arboviral cases (80/108, 74.1%) was diagnosed between May and November. Dengue was the most frequent arbovirosis (92/108, 85.2%). After 1 month of follow-up, 136/455 (29.9%) patients with AUFI remained undiagnosed using standard diagnostic methods. No relevant differences in laboratory presentation were observed between undiagnosed and bacterial AUFI.

Conclusions
Over 40% of returning travelers with AUFI were diagnosed with malaria or dengue, infections that can be easily diagnosed by rapid diagnostic tests. Arboviruses were the most common cause of AUFI (above malaria) and most cases were diagnosed during Aedes spp. high season. This is particularly relevant for those areas at risk of introduction of these pathogens. Empirical antibiotic regimens including doxycycline or azithromycin should be considered in patients with AUFI, after ruling out malaria and arboviruses.
Application limit of the photocentre displacement to fundamental stellar parameters of fast rotators – illustration on the edge-on fast rotator Regulus
Authors: Hadjara M , Petrov R G , Jankov S , Cruzalèbes P , Boskri A , Spang A , Lagarde S , He J , Chen X , Nitschelm C , de Almeida E S G , Pereira G , Michael E A , Gao Q , Wang W , Reyes I , Arcos C , Araya I , Curé M 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT
Differential Interferometry allows to obtain the differential visibility and phase, in addition to the spectrum. The differential phase contains important information about the structure and motion of stellar photosphere such as stellar spots and non-radial pulsations, and particularly the rotation. Thus, this interferometric observable strongly helps to constrain the stellar fundamental parameters of fast rotators. The spectroastrometry mainly uses the photocentre displacements, which is a first approximation of the differential phase, and is applicable only for unresolved or marginally objects. We study here the sensitivity of relevant stellar parameters to the simulated photocentres using the scirocco code: a semi-analytical algorithm dedicated to fast rotators, applied to two theoretical modelling stars based on Achernar and Regulus, in order to classify the importance of these parameters and their impact on the modelling. We compare our simulations with published VLTI/AMBER data. This work sets the limits of application of photocentre displacements to fast rotators, and under which conditions we can use the photocentres and/or the differential phase, through a pre-established physical criterion. To validate our theoretical study, we apply our method of analysis on observed data of the edge-on fast rotator Regulus. For unresolved targets, with a visibility V ∼ 1, the photocentre can constrain the main stellar fundamental parameters of fast rotators, whereas from marginally resolved objects (0.8 ≤ V &lt; 1), mainly the rotation axis position angle ($\rm PA_{\rm rot}$) can be directly deduced from the vectorial photocentre displacement, which is very important for young cluster studies.
Study of changes in the pulsation period of 148 Galactic Cepheid variables
Authors: Csörnyei G , Szabados L , Molnár L , Cseh B , Egei N , Kalup Cs , Kecskeméthy V , Könyves-Tóth R , Sárneczky K , Szakáts R 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT
Investigating period changes of classical Cepheids through the framework of O − C diagrams provides a unique insight to the evolution and nature of these variable stars. In this work, the new or extended O − C diagrams for 148 Galactic classical Cepheids are presented. By correlating the calculated period change rates with the Gaia EDR3 colours, we obtain observational indications for the non-negligible dependence of the period change rate on the horizontal position within the instability strip. We find period fluctuations in 59 Cepheids with a confidence level of 99 per cent, which are distributed uniformly over the inspected period range. Correlating the fluctuation amplitude with the pulsation period yields a clear dependence, similar to the one valid for longer period pulsating variable stars. The non-negligible amount of Cepheids showing changes in their O − C diagrams that are not or not only of evolutionary origin points towards the need for further studies for the complete understanding of these effects. One such peculiar behaviour is the large amplitude period fluctuation in short period Cepheids, which occurs in a significant fraction of the investigated stars. The period dependence of the fluctuation strength and its minimum at the bump Cepheid region suggests a stability enhancing mechanism for this period range, which agrees with current pulsation models.
Impact of guanidine-containing backbone linkages on stereopure antisense oligonucleotides in the CNS
Authors: Kandasamy Pachamuthu , Liu Yuanjing , Aduda Vincent , Akare Sandheep , Alam Rowshon , Andreucci Amy , Boulay David , Bowman Keith , Byrne Michael , Cannon Megan , Chivatakarn Onanong , Shelke Juili Dilip , Iwamoto Naoki , Kawamoto Tomomi , Kumarasamy Jayakanthan , Lamore Sarah , Lemaitre Muriel , Lin Xuena , Longo Kenneth , Looby Richard , Marappan Subramanian , Metterville Jake , Mohapatra Susovan , Newman Bridget , Paik Ik-Hyeon , Patil Saurabh , Purcell-Estabrook Erin , Shimizu Mamoru , Shum Pochi , Standley Stephany , Taborn Kris , Tripathi Snehlata , Yang Hailin , Yin Yuan , Zhao Xiansi , Dale Elena , Vargeese Chandra 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Attaining sufficient tissue exposure at the site of action to achieve the desired pharmacodynamic effect on a target is an important determinant for any drug discovery program, and this can be particularly challenging for oligonucleotides in deep tissues of the CNS. Herein, we report the synthesis and impact of stereopure phosphoryl guanidine-containing backbone linkages (PN linkages) to oligonucleotides acting through an RNase H-mediated mechanism, using Malat1 and C9orf72 as benchmarks. We found that the incorporation of various types of PN linkages to a stereopure oligonucleotide backbone can increase potency of silencing in cultured neurons under free-uptake conditions 10-fold compared with similarly modified stereopure phosphorothioate (PS) and phosphodiester (PO)-based molecules. One of these backbone types, called PN-1, also yielded profound silencing benefits throughout the mouse brain and spinal cord at low doses, improving both the potency and durability of response, especially in difficult to reach brain tissues. Given these benefits in preclinical models, the incorporation of PN linkages into stereopure oligonucleotides with chimeric backbone modifications has the potential to render regions of the brain beyond the spinal cord more accessible to oligonucleotides and, consequently, may also expand the scope of neurological indications amenable to oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Preferences or expectations: understanding the gender gap in major choice
Authors: Dasgupta Aparajita , Sharma Anisha 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
How do students decide what major to study and what explains the low enrolment of women in science and economics? Using data on the subjective expectations of undergraduate students who are in the process of selecting a major, we model major choice as a function of major-specific and job-specific attributes. We identify significant gender differences in the preferences for different attributes as well as in the expectations of future outcomes, especially of grades. Women are willing to pay twice as much as men for course enjoyment and higher grades, even as they expect lower grades in science and economics. This suggests that in addition to gender differences in preferences being shaped by pervasive norms about which subjects are considered more suitable for women, women also suffer from a relative confidence gap in their major-specific abilities.
Non-Exonuclease Domain POLE Mutations Associated with Immunotherapy Benefit
Authors: Dong Sharlene , Zakaria Heba , Hsiehchen David 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Inactivating mutations in the exonuclease domain of POLE induce somatic hypermutation resulting in a high tumor mutation burden (TMB) and are associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) benefit. POLE mutations outside the exonuclease domain predicted to be deleterious are also observed in cancers, but it is unknown whether they are similarly associated with response to ICIs. We present a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma with a rare POLE mutation (V1368M) outside the exonuclease-domain predicted to be deleterious, a low TMB (1 mut/Mb), and microsatellite stability, who demonstrated an exceptional response to pembrolizumab. To support the generalizability of this finding, an analysis of 1278 patients with advanced cancers harboring low or intermediate TMB treated with ICIs showed that missense non-exonuclease domain POLE mutations were associated with greater overall survival. In contrast, among patients with advanced cancers without ICI exposure, POLE mutations were not associated with overall survival. These results demonstrate that a subset of missense POLE mutations may represent predictive biomarkers independent of TMB. Pathogenic POLE mutations outside the exonuclease domain may result in altered functions beyond DNA replication and proofreading which render cancers sensitive to ICIs.
Relative forelimb–hindlimb investment is associated with flight style, foraging strategy, and nestling period, but not nest type
Authors: Kotnour Jess , McPeek Sarah J , Wedig Hannah , Dominguez Jonah , Wright Natalie A 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe investigated Dial’s 2003 hypothesis that birds that rely more heavily on flight as their primary mode of locomotion and thus invest more in their forelimbs than hindlimbs will experience selection for smaller body sizes, greater altriciality, and more complex nests. To test this hypothesis, we examined the skeletons of over 2,000 individuals from 313 species representing the majority of avian families and all major branches of the avian tree. We used the lengths of the sternal keel and long bones of the wing relative to the lengths of the leg long bones as an index of relative locomotor investment. We found that locomotor investment was predicted by flight style, foraging method, and length of nestling period, supporting Dial’s hypothesis. Soaring birds and birds with more acrobatic flight styles, birds whose foraging methods were heavily reliant upon flight, and birds whose young spent more time in the nest tended to invest more in their forelimbs relative to hindlimbs. Nest type and body size were not significant predictors of relative forelimb–hindlimb investment, however, suggesting that the relationships among flight style, locomotor investment, and life history are not as tightly intertwined as Dial originally hypothesized.
Renal mTORC1 activation is associated with disease activity and prognosis in lupus nephritis
Authors: Mao Zhaomin , Tan Ying , Tao Juan , Li Linlin , Wang Hui , Yu Feng , Perl Andras , Zhao Minghui 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Objective
This study was initiated to evaluate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation in renal tissue of LN patients.

Methods
This retrospective study included 187 LN patients, 20 diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients, 10 minimal change disease (MCD) patients and 10 normal controls (NCs). Seven of 187 LN patients had repeated renal biopsies. mTORC1/2 activation was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and multiplexed immunofluorescence. The association of mTORC1/2 activation with the clinicopathologic indices and prognostic outcomes was analysed among 187 LN patients. Proteomics was performed in renal biopsies of 20 LN patients. Proteomics was employed to comprehensively evaluate the impact of mTOR activation on intrarenal gene expression.

Results
mTORC1/2 was significantly activated in podocytes, mesangial cells, endothelial cells and tubular epithelial cells of LN patients as compared with those with MCD or NC. The glomerular mTORC1 activation was higher in LN patients compared with DN patients. mTORC1, but not mTORC2, activation strongly correlated with serum albumin, complement C3, proteinuria and the following pathological biomarkers of LN: crescent formation, interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, mTORC1 activation was identified as a prognostic marker in LN patients. Bioinformatic analyses of proteomics and immunohistochemical data unveiled increased complement activation, antigen presentation and phagocytosis in LN patients with mTORC1 activation.

Conclusion
Renal mTORC1 activation could be a biomarker to reveal disease activity and predict clinical prognosis in LN patients.