Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical and Physical Predictors of the Nutritive Value of Wheat in Broiler Diets

The aim of this study was to establish relationships between chemical and physical parameters of wheat with performance and digestibilities of feed components in broiler chickens fed on wheat-based diets. Ninety-four wheat samples were selected for inclusion in four bird trials. Birds were housed in individual wire metabolism cages from 7 to 28 d and offered water and feed ad libitum. Dry matter intake (DMI), liveweight gain (LWG) and gain:feed were measured weekly. A balance collection was carried out from 14 to 21 d for determination of apparent metabolizable energy (AME), ME:gain, dry matter retention, oil and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility. At 28 d the birds were humanely killed, the contents of the jejunum removed for determination of in vivo viscosity and the contents of the ileum removed for determination of ileal dry matter, starch and protein digestibility. When wheat parameters were correlated with bird performance data, it was found that specific weight was not significantly (p>0.05) related to bird performance. Bird DMI, LWG and gain:feed were best correlated (p<0.05) with the rate of starch digestion, although the coefficients of correlation (r) were still low (0.246 to 0.523). A negative relationship (p<0.01) between AME and total (r = −0.432) and soluble (r = −0.304) non starch polysaccharide (NSP) was observed in this study. Thousand grain weight (TG) was positively correlated with DMI (r = 0.299), LWG (r = 0.343) and gain:feed (r = 0.371). When establishing multiple regression relationships, correlation coefficients greater than 0.8 were achieved for DMI, LWG, gain:feed and ileal crude protein digestibility. However, the economics involved in determining the parameters involved in the regressions make the process impractical.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

In chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy differing clinical subtypes are beginning to emerge as has already occurred with the Guillain-Barre syndrome. However, neither pathogenic correlates nor particular therapeutic approaches have yet been defined for these subgroups. The neurophysiological techniques of terminal latency index and of modified F ratio help differentiate chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy from IgM paraproteinaemic neuropathy. Diagnosis may be assisted by magnetic resonance imaging studies in which enlarged nerve roots and plexuses and gadolinium enhancement may be evident. Further insight into pathogenesis has come from studies showing pathogenic antibodies in a small percentage of patients. Immunohistological studies examining the presence of adhesion, co-stimulatory and antigen presenting molecules in nerve biopsies have shown that T cell activation can be initiated and perpetuated within nerve and that Schwann cells possess the necessary markers to function as antigen presenting cells. Recent clinical trials have confirmed the therapeutic short term efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin and Prednisone.
Multi-Objective Optimization During Machining Ti-6Al-4V Using Nano-Fluids

Several properties make titanium and its alloy the primary candidate to attain weight and functional advantages because of its promising properties such as high strength to weight ratio, high corrosion resistivity, and high yield stress. Although titanium alloys have superior properties, some inherent characteristics such as high chemical reactivity and low thermal conductivity lead to poor machinability and result in premature tool failure and shortened tool life. In order to overcome the heat dissipation challenge during machining of titanium alloys, nano-cutting fluids are utilized as they offer higher observed thermal conductivity values compared to the base oil. Thus, in the current work, multi-walled-carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) cutting fluids along with minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) have been employed during machining Ti-6Al-4V. On the other hand, developing a multiobjective optimization model for machining titanium alloys is a promising step in order to minimize machining cost, achieve excellent surface quality, and increase the cutting tool life by selecting the optimal cutting conditions (i.e. cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut). In this study, response surface methodology (RSM), and genetic algorithm (GA) are employed to model and optimize three main machining responses: tool wear, surface quality, and power consumption. Three main independent processes parameters are considered when machining titanium alloys, namely; cutting speed, feed rate, and percentage of added nano-additives. Keywords-machining; optimization; modeling; response surface methodology (RSM); nano-cutting fluid; genetic algorithm (GA),
Molecular Detection and Identification of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks Collected from the West Bank, Palestinian Territories

Background Tick-borne rickettsioses are caused by obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae. Although Spotted Fever is prevalent in the Middle East, no reports for the presence of tick-borne pathogens are available or any studies on the epidemiology of this disease in the West Bank. We aimed to identify the circulating hard tick vectors and genetically characterize SFG Rickettsia species in ixodid ticks from the West Bank-Palestinian territories. Methodology/Principal Findings A total of 1,123 ixodid ticks belonging to eight species (Haemaphysalis parva, Haemaphysalis adleri, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma aegyptium and Hyalomma impeltatum) were collected from goats, sheep, camels, dogs, a wolf, a horse and a tortoise in different localities throughout the West Bank during the period of January-April, 2014. A total of 867 ticks were screened for the presence of rickettsiae by PCR targeting a partial sequence of the ompA gene followed by sequence analysis. Two additional genes, 17 kDa and 16SrRNA were also targeted for further characterization of the detected Rickettsia species. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 148 out of the 867 (17%) tested ticks. The infection rates in Rh. turanicus, Rh. sanguineus, H. adleri, H. parva, H. dromedarii, and H. impeltatum ticks were 41.7, 11.6, 16.7, 16.2, 11.8 and 20%, respectively. None of the ticks, belonging to the species Rh. bursa and H. aegyptium, were infected. Four SFG rickettsiae were identified: Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia africae, Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae and Candidatus Rickettsia goldwasserii. Significance The results of this study demonstrate the geographic distribution of SFG rickettsiae and clearly indicate the presence of at least four of them in collected ticks. Palestinian clinicians should be aware of emerging tick-borne diseases in the West Bank, particularly infections due to R. massiliae and R. africae.
The Oligomycin-Sensitivity Conferring Protein of Mitochondrial ATP Synthase: Emerging New Roles in Mitochondrial Pathophysiology

The oligomycin-sensitivity conferring protein (OSCP) of the mitochondrial FOF1 ATP synthase has long been recognized to be essential for the coupling of proton transport to ATP synthesis. Located on top of the catalytic F1 sector, it makes stable contacts with both F1 and the peripheral stalk, ensuring the structural and functional coupling between FO and F1, which is disrupted by the antibiotic, oligomycin. Recent data have established that OSCP is the binding target of cyclophilin (CyP) D, a well-characterized inducer of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP), whose opening can precipitate cell death. CyPD binding affects ATP synthase activity, and most importantly, it decreases the threshold matrix Ca2+ required for PTP opening, in striking analogy with benzodiazepine 423, an apoptosis-inducing agent that also binds OSCP. These findings are consistent with the demonstration that dimers of ATP synthase generate Ca2+-dependent currents with features indistinguishable from those of the PTP and suggest that ATP synthase is directly involved in PTP formation, although the underlying mechanism remains to be established. In this scenario, OSCP appears to play a fundamental role, sensing the signal(s) that switches the enzyme of life in a channel able to precipitate cell death.
ACO vs EAs for solving a real-world frequency assignment problem in GSM networks

Frequency planning is a very important task for current GSM operators. In this work we present a new mathematical formulation of the problem in which the frequency plans are evaluated by using accurate interference information coming from a real GSM network. We have developed an ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm to tackle this problem. After accurately tuning this algorithm, it has been compared against a (1,10) Evolutionary Algorithm (EA). The results show that the ACO clearly outperforms the EA when using different time limits as stopping condition for a rather extensive comparison.
Eimeria infections in litter-based, high stocking density systems for loose-housed laying hens in Sweden

1. Coccidiosis, caused by different Eimeria species, is believed to be a more prominent problem in loose-housed layers kept on litter than in battery cages. In this study, the impact and development of Eimeria infections were investigated in layers kept in litter-based, high stocking density systems for loosehoused hens. 2. Layers from 57 flocks on 26 farms were followed by necropsy of a representative sample of birds that died or had to be culled. Coccidiosis was diagnosed in 11 flocks (19·3%) from 9 (31%) of the farms. The outbreaks occurred when the birds were 19 to 32 weeks old. E. maxima was identified in 6 and E. tenella in 3 of the outbreaks. 3. Sixteen of the flocks were also monitored with faecal and litter samples collected at regular intervals. Oocysts were detected in samples from all these flocks. The pattern of oocyst excretion was similar in most of the flocks, with maximum counts at 4 to 8 weeks after introduction to the laying house. There was no significant correlation between the levels of oocysts in faeces and clinical coccidiosis. 4. Raising pullets without any coccidiostat, to increase their chance to develop immunity against coccidia, was not found to decrease the risk of coccidiosis during the production period when compared to the practice of giving amprolium and ethopabate during the rearing period.
Assessment of owner-directed aggressive behavioural tendencies of dogs in situations of possession and manipulation

Excessive aggression is a common behaviour problem in dogs that can have various destructive effects on the affected people and the implicated dog. Aggressive behaviour directed towards the owner or other family members is one of the most frequently occurring aggressive phenotypes. Here, we examine the reliability of a short questionnaire assessing aggressive behaviours by two, contextually different behavioural tests: ‘take away bone’ and ‘roll over’. Based on dogs' behaviour in the tests, we sorted dogs (N = 93) in two groups for each test, namely a less and a more disobedient/resistant group. The two principal components obtained in our questionnaire—‘obedient’ and ‘aggressive towards owner’—showed significant differences between the behaviour groups. While dogs in the less disobedient/resistant groups had significantly higher ‘obedient’ and significantly lower ‘aggressive towards owner’ scores, dogs in the more disobedient/resistant groups had significantly higher ‘aggressive towards owner’ and significantly lower ‘obedient’ scores. Dogs' age, sex and neuter/spay status expressed their effect through interactions. Males, young dogs and intact dogs were less ‘obedient’ than older ones, while resistant spayed/neutered dogs were more aggressive towards the owner. The questionnaire used is a safe, easy to deploy and time-efficient tool to reliably assess certain owner-directed aggressive tendencies of family dogs.
C2H in prestellar cores

Aims. We study the abundance of C 2 H in prestellar cores both because of its role in the chemistry and because it is a potential probe of the magnetic field. We also consider the non-LTE behaviour of the $N = 1$-0 and $N = 2$-1 transitions of C 2 H and improve current estimates of the spectroscopic constants of C 2 H. Methods. We used the IRAM 30 m radiotelescope to map the N = 1-0 and N = 2-1 transitions of C 2 H towards the prestellar cores L1498 and CB246. Towards CB246, we also mapped the 1.3 mm dust emission, the J = 1-0 transition of N 2 H + and the J = 2-1 transition of C 18 O. We used a Monte Carlo radiative transfer program to analyse the C 2 H observations of L1498. We derived the distribution of C 2 H column densities and compared with the H 2 column densities inferred from dust emission. Results. We find that while non-LTE intensity ratios of different components of the $N = 1$-0 and $N = 2$-1 lines are present, they are of minor importance and do not impede C 2 H column density determinations based upon LTE analysis. Moreover, the comparison of our Monte-Carlo calculations with observations suggest that the non-LTE deviations can be qualitatively understood. For extinctions less than 20 visual magnitudes, we derive toward these two cores (assuming LTE) a relative abundance [ C 2 H] /[ H 2 ] of (1.0 ± 0.3)$\times$10 -8 in L1498 and (0.9 ± 0.3)$\times$10 -8 in CB246 in reasonable agreement with our Monte-Carlo estimates. For L1498, our observations in conjunction with the Monte Carlo code imply a C 2 H depletion hole of radius 9$\times$10 16 cm similar to that found for other C-containing species. We briefly discuss the significance of the observed C 2 H abundance distribution. Finally, we used our observations to provide improved estimates for the rest frequencies of all six components of the C 2 H (1-0) line and seven components of C 2 H (2-1). Based on these results, we compute improved spectroscopic constants for C 2 H. We also give a brief discussion of the prospects for measuring magnetic field strengths using C 2 H.
Effectiveness of Low-Frequency rTMS and Intensive Speech Therapy in Poststroke Patients with Aphasia: A Pilot Study Based on Evaluation by fMRI in Relation to Type of Aphasia

Aim: To assess the safety and clinical efficacy of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) combined with intensive speech therapy (ST) in poststroke patients with aphasia. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-four patients with left-hemispheric stroke and aphasia were subjected. During 11-day hospitalization, each patient received 10 treatment sessions consisting of 40-min 1-Hz LF-rTMS and 60-min intensive ST, excluding Sundays. The scalp area for stimulation was selected based on the findings of fMRI with language tasks and the type of aphasia. LF-rTMS was applied to the inferior frontal gyrus (IGF) for patients with nonfluent aphasia and to the superior temporal gyrus (STG) for patients with fluent aphasia. Results: On pretreatment fMRI, the most activated areas were in the left hemisphere (n = 16) and right hemisphere (n = 8). The types of aphasia were nonfluent (n = 14) and fluent (n = 10). The LF-rTMS was applied to the right STG (n = 5), left STG (n = 5), right IFG (n = 11) and left IFG (n = 3). Nonfluent aphasic patients showed significant improvement of auditory comprehension, reading comprehension and repetition. Fluent aphasic patients showed significant improvement in spontaneous speech only. Conclusion: The fMRI with aphasic type-based therapeutic LF-rTMS/intensive ST for chronic aphasia seems feasible and a potentially useful neurorehabilitative protocol.
A regulatory role of interleukin 15 in wound healing and mucosal infection in mice

IL‐15 plays a critical role in the development and maturation of γδ intraepithelial T lymphocytes (IEL), which are known to play important roles in wound healing and resolving inflammation in mice. In this study, we found that IL‐15 transgenic (Tg) mice, under the control of a MHC Class I promoter, exhibited accelerated wound healing but were highly susceptible to genital infection with HSV‐2. The IEL in the skin and reproductive organs of IL‐15 Tg mice produced an aberrantly higher level of TGF‐β1 upon TCR triggering than in control mice. In vivo neutralization of TGF‐β ameliorated the susceptibility of IL‐15 Tg mice to genital HSV‐2 infection. Taken together, overexpression of IL‐15 may stimulate IEL to produce TGF‐β1, promoting wound healing but impeding protection against genital HSV‐2 infection.
Anomalous chordae tendineae associated with mitral valve dysplasia in a cat.

A rare case of anomalous chordae tendineae associated with mitral valve dysplasia was observed during necropsy in a 5year-old male Persian cat with a history of sudden death. Grossly, there was thickening of the mitral valve, which was connected to numerous, short and thickened chordae tendineae that were ectopically inserted into the myocardium. In addition, marked left atrial dilation and pulmonary congestion and edema were present.
Dentigerous cyst associated with an impacted mesiodens: report of 2 cases

Dentigerous cysts are the most common developmental cysts of the jaws, most frequently associated with impacted mandibular third molar teeth. Dentigerous cysts around supernumerary teeth, however, account for 5% of all dentigerous cysts, with most developing around a mesiodens in the anterior maxilla. This report describes two cases of a dentigerous cyst associated with an impacted mesiodens. Both of the patients complained of swelling in the maxillary anterior region. Radiographic examination revealed an impacted mesiodens surrounded by a large corticated radiolucency in both cases. A provisional diagnosis of infected odontogenic cyst was made. The cysts were enucleated with the removal of the mesiodens in the two cases. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of infected dentigerous cyst associated with an impacted mesiodens in both cases. The patients remained asymptomatic, and no complications were noted.
Realizing “integral control” in living cells: How to overcome leaky integration due to dilution?

Feedback control systems with integral action have the unique ability to perfectly reach constant set-points and to reject constant disturbances. Due to these properties, they are ubiquitous in engineering systems and frequently found in natural biological systems that achieve homeostasis and adaptation. Recently, there has been increasing interest in realizing integral controllers in the synthetic biology community as a way to improve robustness of circuits and tightly regulate gene expression. Although a number of circuit designs have been proposed, their functionality often hinges on the critical assumption that species in the controller do not dilute, since dilution breaks the controller integration structure and leads to “leaky integration”. While this assumption is satisfied in cell-free systems, it is not met in implementations in living cells, where cell growth and division dictates species dilution. In this report, we abstract previously proposed designs of biomolecular integral controllers into two ideal integral control motifs (IICM), type I and type II. Based on these, we mathematically demonstrate how engineering a time-scale separation between the controller reactions and dilution, we can obtain quasi-integral control motifs (qICM) that recover almost perfect adaptation even in the presence of dilution. Contrary to previous hypothesis, our results show that implementing a fast integral action alone may not be sufficient to recover the adaptation property. Our results are based on a general dynamical model of a “plant” and a “controller” for which we provide easy-to-check algebraic conditions for almost perfect adaptation. These conditions can be used as guidance for design. Here, we propose two bimolecular implementations of qICMs both designed to reach adaptation of gene expression to fluctuations in cellular resources.
Anion Binding Studies on Receptors Derived from the Indolo[2,3-a]carbazole Scaffold Having Different Binding Cavity Sizes

The indolo[2,3-a]carbazole scaffold is a fused polyheteroaromatic system bearing two NH groups which suitably converge as hydrogen bond donor sites for the recognition of anions. A simple derivatisation of the indolocarbazole system at positions 1 and 10 with different functional groups, namely alcohols and amides, has contributed to modulate the anion binding selectivity and sensibility. A particularly good response has been obtained for the benzoate anion.
Reproductive Outcome following Hysteroscopic Monopolar Metroplasty: An Analysis of 203 Cases

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive outcome of women with history of infertility or recurrent miscarriage following hysteroscopic septum resection. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study performed on 263 patients, among whom 248 patients were infertile (79% with primary infertility and 21% with secondary infertility) and 15 patients presented with histories of recurrent miscarriage (three or more miscarriages) between 2005 and 2009. All participants underwent hysteroscopic septum resection using monopolar knife electrode. The main outcome measure was reproductive outcome after hysteroscopic metroplasty. Results: The septum was completely removed during the first hysteroscopy in 242 (92%) patients. A residual septum was seen in 21 (8%) patients who required a second sitting of surgery. Three cases were complicated by minor perforations which required no further interventions. One operation complicated with bleeding which was controlled by a Foley catheter. There were no cases of postoperative Asherman’s syndrome. Postoperatively, out of 263 patients, outcomes of 203 individuals were analyzed. According to the results, the miscarriage rate reduced significantly from 20.2 to 4.9%. Postoperative ectopic pregnancy rate and preterm labor were lower than prior to septum resection. Term deliveries increased significantly from 2.5 to 33.5%. Conclusion: Hysteroscopic septum resection is a safe and effective method for patients with history of infertility or recurrent miscarriage.
Tensor coordinates in noncommutative mechanics

A consistent classical mechanics formulation is presented in such a way that, under quantization, it gives a noncommutative quantum theory with interesting new features. The Dirac formalism for constrained Hamiltonian systems is strongly used, and the object of noncommutativity θij plays a fundamental rule as an independent quantity. The presented classical theory, as its quantum counterpart, is naturally invariant under the rotation group SO(D).