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This study examined the effects of cottonseed processing form and the inclusion of calcium lignosulfonate in high-concentrate diets for feedlot cull ewes on carcass traits and non-carcass components. Thirty Santa Inês cull ewes with an average body weight of 44.2 ± 5.2 kg and an average age of 50 months were distributed into collective stalls in a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of diets including whole cottonseed, crushed cottonseed, whole cottonseed treated with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg, as fed), crushed cottonseed treated with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg, as fed), and a control diet without cottonseed. The experimental diets did not influence (P>0.05) average daily weight gain (0.195 kg/day), slaughter weight (51.74 kg), or in vivo biometric and on-carcass measurements. There was no difference (P>0.05) in loin-eye area or subcutaneous fat thickness as evaluated in vivo by ultrasound. There was no diet effect on hot carcass weight and yield (24.8 kg and 47.8 %), cold carcass weight and yield (24.2 kg and 46.8 %), or chilling loss (2.1 %). Non-carcass components did not differ in response to the diets (P>0.05). Dietary inclusion of calcium lignosulfonate increases the proportions of udder and liver relative to empty body weight (P<0.05). Neither the cottonseed processing method nor the inclusion of calcium lignosulfonate in high-concentrate diets for cull ewes affects their performance, biometric or morphometric measurements, non-carcass components, or qualitative traits of their carcass.

The cottonseed cake has the necessary nutritional characteristics to be able to substitute the traditional ingredients (such as soybean meal) and reduce the costs of the diet. However, it is necessary to determine the best level of inclusion of cottonseed cake in the diets of fattening goats to improve meat production and quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass and meat traits of feedlot goats fed diets containing cottonseed cake replacing soybean meal (33 %, 66 % and 100 %). Thirty-two uncastrated Boer crossbred goats (4 months old, 16 ± 2 kg initial body weight) were used in a completely randomized experimental design. Replacing soybean meal with cottonseed did not compromise (P> 0.05) slaughter weight, carcass traits (dressing percentage, loin-eye area and back-fat thickness), primal cuts or carcass morphometric measurements; moisture, protein, or total lipid contents of meat; or the physicochemical traits of color (L*, a* and b* coordinates), pH, shear force, and cooking loss. However, there was a reduction (P=0.001) in the mineral matter content (from 1.08 % to 0.97 %) and an increase (P=0.006) in the cholesterol content (from 50.85 to 70.55 mg/100 g of meat) of the meat as the dietary levels of cottonseed cake were increased. Based on the results of production and meat quality, we recommend using cottonseed cake as an alternative protein source to replace up to 100 % of soybean meal in feedlot goat diets.

The 26Al abundance holds a special role in present-day astrophysics, since it is a probe of active nucleosynthesis in the Galaxy and a valuable constraint of Galactic core-collapse supernovae rate. It is estimated through the detection of the 1809-keV γ-line of the daughter 26Mg and from the superabundance of 26Mg in comparison with the most abundant 24Mg isotope in meteorites. Accurate knowledge of the reaction rates involving 26Al, its stable counterpart 27Al and 24Mg is then mandatory. Moreover, these nuclei enter the MgAl cycle playing an important role in the production of Al and Mg isotopes. Recently, high-resolution stellar surveys have shown that the Mg-Al anti-correlation in red giants of globular clusters may hide the existence of multiple stellar populations, and that the relative abundances of Mg isotopes may not show correlation with Al.The common thread running through these astrophysical scenarios is the 27Al(p,α)24Mg reaction, which is the main 27Al destruction channel and directly correlates its abundance with the 24Mg one. Since available reaction rates show an order of magnitude uncertainty owing to the vanishingly small cross section at astrophysical energies, we have applied the Trojan Horse Method to deduce the reaction rate with no need of extrapolation. The indirect measurement made it possible to assess the contribution of the 84-keV resonance and to lower the upper limits on the strength of nearby resonances, with potential important impact for astrophysics. In particular, modifications in the 27Al and 24Mg abundances up to ∼30% are predicted for intermediate mass stars.

In this intervention, we reflect on the potential of environmental justice and climate justice approaches to reveal the politics of climate change adaptation. Taking the attempts at dealing with extreme flooding events in Venice as an example, we illustrate that different dimensions at the core of the environmental justice concept (distributive and procedural justice and justice as recognition) are helpful to analyse and to politicise climate change adaptation interventions. We call for a transformative research agenda to reconfigure interventions and expertise to more closely account for the socio-political processes and narratives shaping coastal environments and to foster multiple epistemologies. Above all, this entails strengthening the inclusion of local (environmental) knowledge, the involvement of the populations affected by interventions in adaptation planning and the open discussion of political questions and values shaping interventions.

Background Sacubitril/valsartan, a first‐in‐class angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor, received US Food and Drug Administration approval in 2015 for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Our objective was to describe the sacubitril/valsartan initiation rate, associated characteristics, and 6‐month follow‐up dosing among veterans with HFrEF who are renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi) naïve. Methods and Results Retrospective cohort study of veterans with HFrEF who are RAASi naïve defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40%; ≥1 in/outpatient heart failure visit, first RAASi (sacubitril/valsartan, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor [ACEI]), or angiotensin‐II receptor blocker [ARB]) fill from July 2015 to June 2019. Characteristics associated with sacubitril/valsartan initiation were identified using Poisson regression models. From July 2015 to June 2019, we identified 3458 sacubitril/valsartan and 29 367 ACEI or ARB initiators among veterans with HFrEF who are RAASi naïve. Sacubitril/valsartan initiation increased from 0% to 26.5%. Sacubitril/valsartan (versus ACEI or ARB) initiators were less likely to have histories of stroke, myocardial infarction, or hypertension and more likely to be older and have diabetes mellitus and lower LVEF. At 6‐month follow‐up, the prevalence of ≥50% target daily dose for sacubitril/valsartan, ACEI, and ARB initiators was 23.5%, 43.2%, and 47.1%, respectively. Conclusions Sacubitril/valsartan initiation for HFrEF in the Veterans Administration increased in the 4 years immediately following Food and Drug Administration approval. Sacubitril/valsartan (versus ACEI or ARB) initiators had fewer baseline cardiovascular comorbidities and the lowest proportion on ≥50% target daily dose at 6‐month follow‐up. Identifying the reasons for lower follow‐up dosing of sacubitril/valsartan could support guideline recommendations and quality improvement strategies for patients with HFrEF.

This study was carried out to determine the optimal inclusion rate of palm kernel cake (PKC) in diets for lactating goats based on intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, milk production and nitrogen metabolism. Twelve goats were used, eight Saanen and four Anglo Nubian, with a body weight of 46.0 ± 9.4 kg and 105 ± 5 days of lactation, distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square design in triplicate. The diets were composed of increasing levels of PKC; 0, 80, 160 and 240 g kg−1 of dry matter (DM). The DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and non-fibrous carbohydrates intakes decreased (p < 0.01) with the PKC inclusion. Milk production and milk protein decreased (p = 0.001), and milk production efficiency was not affected (p > 0.05) by the PKC inclusion. The ether extract intake varied quadratically (p < 0.01). Feeding and rumination efficiencies of dry matter and NDF were reduced (p < 0.001). The fat and total solids contents of the milk were influenced quadratically (p < 0.05). Nitrogen excretion (feces and milk), and retained nitrogen decreased (p < 0.001). Moderate use of up to 80 g kg−1 DM of PKC in the diet of lactating goats is recommended since at these levels milk production or body weight are significantly affected.

Abstract Introduction Janssen received reports of needle detachments for Risperdal® CONSTA® and, in response, redesigned the kit. Objective The study objective was to estimate the rate of Risperdal® CONSTA® needle detachments prior to and after the introduction of a redesigned kit. Methods This retrospective study used record abstraction in the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The 3 phases included: (1) a pilot study for methods evaluation in a sample of 6 hospitals with previously reported detachments; (2) a baseline study to ascertain the baseline detachment rate; and (3) a follow-up study to ascertain the rate for the redesigned kit. Administrative codes and natural language processing with clinical review were used to identify detachments. Results Pilot: we identified a subset of spontaneously reported detachments and several previously unreported events. In the baseline study (original device), from January through December 2013, 22 needle detachments were identified among 47,934 administrations of the drug in a census of administrations in the VA; an incidence of 0.0459%. In the follow-up study (redesigned device), from December 2015 through December 2016, there were 14 reported detachments in 41,819 injections, 0.0335%. This represents a reduction of 27% from the baseline. Conclusion This approach enabled us to identify needle detachments we would not have otherwise found (“solicited”). However, it likely resulted in incomplete outcome ascertainment. While this may have resulted in lower overall rates, it did not bias the comparison of the baseline and follow-up studies. The results showed that the redesigned Risperdal® CONSTA® kit reduced the incidence of needle detachment events in the VA. Funding Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation testing is recommended in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of this study was to assess changes in EGFR mutation testing patterns and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) use in US veterans with stage III-IV NSCLC between 2013 and 2017. Patients and Methods: Retrospective study using linked data from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cancer Registry System, Corporate Data Warehouse, commercial laboratories, and clinical notes. Generalized linear mixed models accounting for clustering by VA facility were used to determine factors associated with EGFR mutation testing. Results: From 2013 to 2017, EGFR mutation testing increased from 29.5% to 38.4% among veterans with stage III-IV NSCLC and from 47.0% to 57.4% among veterans with stage IV non-squamous disease. Factors associated with increased odds of testing included being married, Medicare enrollment, and adenocarcinoma histology. Factors associated with decreased odds of testing included Medicaid eligibility, stage III disease, increasing age, being a current or former smoker, increasing Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score, and receiving cancer care in the South. Appropriate use of a TKI rose from 2013 to 2017 (17.2% to 74.1%). Conclusion: EGFR mutation testing rates increased to almost 60% in the stage IV non-squamous NSCLC population in 2017, with residual opportunity for further increase. Several sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and geographic regions were associated with EGFR mutation testing suggestive of inequitable testing decisions. Appropriate use of TKI improved drastically from 2013 to 2017 demonstrating rapidly changing practice patterns through the adoption phase of new treatment options.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary inclusion (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g/kg DM) of whole corn germ (WCG), an energy source, on the metabolic and productive performance of feedlot lambs. To this end, two complementary experiments were carried out. In Experiment I, we tested the effects of WCG inclusion levels on the metabolism of 10 uncastrated Santa Inês male lambs, which were distributed into two 5 × 5 Latin squares design. Non-fibrous carbohydrates digestibility decreased (p = 0.01), whereas ether extract digestibility increased (p < 0.01) with the inclusion of WCG. Retained nitrogen did not change (p = 0.99) with the WCG inclusion. In Experiment II, we tested the effect of WCG inclusion levels on the production performance of 40 uncastrated Santa Inês male lambs, in a completely randomized design. There was a reduction in the intake of nutritional components (p < 0.05), except EE (p < 0.01), which increased with the increasing WCG levels. Production performance and blood parameters did not change. Based on the observed metabolism, performance, and feed efficiency, the use of WCG at up to 120 g/kg DM, in the total diet, is recommended as an alternative energy source for feedlot lambs.

High energy gamma-rays from the 116Sn + 24Mg reaction at 23A MeV were measured using the MEDEA detector at LNS – INFN Catania. Combining this new data with previous measurements yields a detailed view of the quenching of the Giant Dipole Resonance as a function of excitation energy in nuclei of mass A in the range 120÷132. The transition towards the disappearance of the dipole strength, which occurs around 230 MeV excitation energy, appears to be remarkably sharp. Current phenomenological models give qualitative explanations for the quenching but cannot reproduce its detailed features. Keywords: Giant Dipole Resonance, Hot nuclei, Fusion reactions, Statistical Model

We investigated the effect of including palm kernel cake (PKC) at the levels of 0, 80, 160 and 240 g kg−1 in the diet of lactating goats on the quality and sensory parameters of Minas Frescal cheese. Twelve goats were used in a triple 4 × 4 Latin square design. The dietary addition of PKC was associated with a reduction in moisture (p = 0.004), which compromised the cheese yield (p = 0.030). The ether extract content showed a quadratic response. There was a decrease in caproic (p = 0.014), caprylic (p = 0.011), capric (p = 0.003) and palmitic (p = 0.049) acids and an increase in lauric (p = 0.012) and myristic (p = 0.02) acids. Monounsaturated fatty acids increased (p = 0.008), whereas the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids (p = 0.022) and thrombogenicity index (p = 0.023) decreased. Principal component analysis indicated that control treatment and the treatment with 80 g kg−1 PKC were the most acceptable to the cheese tasters. The use of palm kernel cake is a good alternative for lactating goats when added to the diet at levels up to 80 g kg−1.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding frequencies (one, two, three, and four times per day) on the performance of male feedlot lambs. Forty Santa Inês male lambs were used with an average age of 120 days approximately and initial body weight of 24.90 ± 1.8 kg (mean ± S.D.). The lambs were distributed to treatment groups in a completely randomized experimental design, with 10 animals per treatment, placed in individual pens. A standard diet consisted of Tifton-85 hay and concentrate with a ratio of 60:40, respectively. The different feeding frequencies did not influence (p > 0.05) the intake of nutritional components, blood parameters, weight gain, ingestive behavior, carcass characteristics, or meat quality of male feedlot lambs. The feeding frequency of 3 and 4 times per day promoted the highest digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF; p = 0.008) and total digestible nutrients (TDN; p = 0.002). The feeding frequency of 3 times per day promoted the highest digestibility of crude protein (CP; p = 0.005). The time devoted to rumination (min/kg DM) was increased (p = 0.029) when the diet was supplied once a day compared to the other feeding frequencies. Based on these results, the recommended feeding frequency for male feedlot lambs is once a day. When feeding at this frequency, the ingestive behavior, productivity, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of male feedlot lambs will not be compromised.

The whole corn germ (WCG), due to its desirable nutritional characteristics, has been studied as feed for ruminants. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of WCG inclusion as a linoleic acid source in diets for feedlot lambs on carcass characteristics, physicochemical composition, sensory attributes, and fatty acid profile of the meat. Forty non-castrated, crossbreed Dorper x Santa Inês lambs were distributed in a completely randomized design to evaluate the inclusion levels (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g/kg dry matter (DM)) of whole corn germ (WCG) in the diet. The dietary inclusion of WCG did not influence (p > 0.05) the weight gain and carcass characteristics, with the exception of the subcutaneous fat thickness (p < 0.01), which was higher in animals fed diets with higher levels of WCG. Lightness (L *; p = 0.04), yellowness (b *; p < 0.01), shear force (p = 0.04), linoleic fatty acid concentrations (p = 0.03), and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.04) had a quadratic increase due to WCG inclusion in the diets. The use of up to 120 g/kg DM of WCG in lamb diets does not affect the carcass characteristics, physicochemical composition, and sensory attributes of the meat. Despite this, the best polyunsaturated fatty acid profile in lambs’ meat is obtained using 76.7 g/kg DM of WCG.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of protected or unprotected fats in the diet of feedlot lambs on feeding behavior, productive characteristics, carcass traits, and meat quality. Forty male Dorper × Santa Inês lambs (22.27 ± 2.79 kg) were randomly assigned to treatments in a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments consisted of five diets: no added fat (NAF), whole soybeans (WSB), calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA), soybean oil (SO), and corn germ (CG). The total intake of dry matter (DMI) (p < 0.001) and neutral detergent fiber (NDFI) (p = 0.010) were higher in the CSFA and NAF diets. Feeding behavior, morphometric measurements, physicochemical characteristics, and centesimal composition of the Longissimus lumborum muscle were similar between treatments (p > 0.05). The CSFA diet provided higher production (p < 0.05) and better-quality carcasses. The inclusion of fat sources increased the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.05). The use of calcium salts of fatty acids in feedlot lambs’ diets provides better quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the meat and carcass.

The fragmentation of quasi-projectiles from the nuclear reaction 40Ca+12C at 25 MeV per nucleon bombarding energy was used to produce α-emission sources. From a careful selection of these sources provided by a complete detection and from comparisons with models of sequential and simultaneous decays, evidence in favor of α-particle clustering from excited 16O, 20Ne and 24Mg is reported. Keywords: Heavy ion reactions, alpha-particle clustering, alpha-conjugate nuclei, Cluster models

This study aimed to evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by detoxified castor bean meal on the intake and digestibility of nutrients, body weight gain, carcass yield, physiological and urinary parameters, and creep-feeding method effectiveness. For this trial, 43 male lambs were used, Dorper × Santa Inês, with an average initial body weight of 7.95 kg, 15 days old. Lambs were distributed in a randomized block design. Five experimental diets were provided: Without supplementation, with supplementation but without the use of castor bean meal, and with gradual levels of replacement of soybean meal by detoxified castor bean meal (33%, 67%, and 100%). Higher values of DMI and nutrient digestibility (p < 0.05) were observed for animals that received supplements. The milk intake did not differ among the diets. The DMD showed a linear effect, while NDFD had a quadratic effect, depending on castor bean meal inclusion. The carcass yield did not differ between experimental diets. There was no significant effect on the urinary volume and metabolites investigated. In conclusion, the replacement of soybean meal by detoxified castor bean meal does not compromise animals’ development. Besides, the creep-feeding method positively affects lamb development, with higher body weight gain for supplemented animals.