Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Grain Sorghum: A Conundrum for Chicken-Meat Production

The inclusion of grain sorghum in diets for broiler chickens is quite common; however, under Australian conditions, the utilisation of starch/energy by birds offered sorghum-based diets appears inadequate. Various factors inherent in sorghum, including kafirin, phenolic compounds and phytate, may limit energy utilisation. The recent quantification of kafirin, the dominant protein fraction in sorghum, has allowed its nutritional significance to be assessed. This is important as indirect evidence suggests that kafirin concentrations in local sorghums are increasing as an unintended consequence of breeding programs. Presently, Australian sorghums do not contain condensed tannin but, from analyses and assessments of other polyphenolic compounds and phenolic acids, “non-tannin” phenols appear to be negative influences. Anecdotally, white sorghums are considered to be superior to red varieties thus the fact that polyphenolic pigments are responsible for the “redness” of sorghum assumes relevance. Inclusions of sulphite reducing agents in broiler diets have generated promising responses but seem dependent on sorghum properties. Preliminary studies have shown the possibilities of using rapid visco-analyser (RVA) starch pasting profiles, promatest protein solubilities and grain textures to indicate sorghum quality and further studies are required to confirm these hypotheses. These assessments may indicate which sorghums will best respond to reducing agents such as sodium metabisulphite. Finally, the usually modest responses of broilers to exogenous feed enzyme inclusions in sorghum-based are considered in this review.
Cryogenic Behavior of Optoelectronic Devices for the Transmission of Analog Signals Via Fiber Optics

The transmission of analog signals via fiber optics is a subject of interest for applications with detectors operating at cryogenic temperature, at ground or on space borne instruments. For those detectors, both thermal and galvanic decoupling shall be required. For a better understanding of the cryogenic performance of cooled optoelectronic devices, we have investigated an infrared AlGaAs LEDs, a Si p-i-n photodiode, a Si photodiode, and an avalanche photodiode (APD). Results of a study related to the photodiode's dark currents at low temperature is presented. In fact, we have clearly measured a strong reduction of the dark current when these devices are cooled down
Mitotic repression of transcription in vitro

A normal consequence of mitosis in eukaryotes is the repression of transcription. Using Xenopus egg extracts shifted to a mitotic state by the addition of purified cyclin, we have for the first time been able to reproduce a mitotic repression of transcription in vitro. Active RNA polymerase III transcription is observed in interphase extracts, but strongly repressed in extracts converted to mitosis. With the topoisomerase II inhibitor VM-26, we demonstrate that this mitotic repression of RNA polymerase III transcription does not require normal chromatin condensation. Similarly; in vitro mitotic repression of transcription does not require the presence of nucleosome structure or involve a general repressive chromatin-binding protein, as inhibition of chromatin formation with saturating amounts of non-specific DNA has no effect on repression. Instead, the mitotic repression of transcription appears to be due to phosphorylation of a component of the transcription machinery by a mitotic protein kinase, either cdc2 kinase and/or a kinase activated by it. Mitotic repression of RNA polymerase III transcription is observed both in complete mitotic cytosol and when a kinase-enriched mitotic fraction is added to a highly simplified 5S RNA transcription reaction. We present evidence that, upon depletion of cdc2 kinase, a secondary protein kinase activity remains and can mediate this in vitro mitotic repression of transcription.
Language Mediated Concept Activation in Bilingual Memory Facilitates Cognitive Flexibility

This is the first attempt of empirical investigation of language mediated concept activation (LMCA) in bilingual memory as a cognitive mechanism facilitating divergent thinking. Russian–English bilingual and Russian monolingual college students were tested on a battery of tests including among others Abbreviated Torrance Tests for Adults assessing divergent thinking traits and translingual priming (TLP) test assessing the LMCA. The latter was designed as a lexical decision priming test, in which a prime and a target were not related in Russian (language of testing), but were related through their translation equivalents in English (spoken only by bilinguals). Bilinguals outperformed their monolingual counterparts on divergent thinking trait of cognitive flexibility, and bilinguals’ performance on this trait could be explained by their TLP effect. Age of second language acquisition and proficiency in this language were found to relate to the TLP effect, and therefore were proposed to influence the directionality and strength of connections in bilingual memory.
Phosphorylated cAMP response element‐binding protein levels in guinea pig brainstem auditory nuclei after unilateral cochlear ablation

After left unilateral cochlear ablation (UCA) in young adult guinea pigs, the appearance of plasticities in auditory pathways suggested altered gene expression and modified phenotypic behaviors of auditory neurons. Because phosphorylated cyclic‐AMP response element‐binding protein (CREB‐P) is a transcription factor that binds to certain genes to facilitate their expression, CREB‐P levels were measured after UCA and correlated with postablation plasticities. After UCA, Western blotting was employed to quantify CREB‐P levels and illustrate CREB levels in the anteroventral (AVCN), posteroventral (PVCN), and dorsal (DCN) cochlear nucleus; the lateral (LSO) and medial superior olive (MSO); the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB); and the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICc) for up to 145 days. We also quantified the levels of several protein synthesis regulators and synaptic markers in the AVCN at 60 days. Sucrose‐based extraction buffer improved CREB‐P recovery. CREB‐P levels became depressed at 3 and 7 postablation days, except in the PVCN, where they were elevated at 7 days, and in the ICc, where they were elevated at both times. At 60 days, CREB‐P levels in all the nuclei were elevated. In the AVCN, levels of the protein synthesis regulators and synaptic markers were also elevated at 60 days. By 145 days, CREB‐P levels again declined, except in the AVCN, where elevations persisted and increased on the ablated side, and in the ICc, where CREB‐P elevations remained. The changes in CREB‐P levels coincided with several plasticities in glutamatergic and glycinergic transmitter release and receptor activities, and alterations in neurotrophic support, that developed after UCA. These findings suggest that UCA altered CREB‐P levels, which in turn might have contributed to plasticities that appear after UCA. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Axon trajectories and pattern of terminal arborization during the prenatal development of the cat's retinogeniculate pathway

In this study we have examined the trajectories taken by populations of ganglion cell axons and the spatial gradients of terminal arbor maturity within the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) during the prenatal development of the cat's visual system. To do so, an in vitro method of labeling optic tract axons from fetal brains between embryonic day 37 (E37) and postnatal day 2 (P2) with horseradish peroxidose (HRP) was used.
Effects of Relative Humidity and Spraying Medium on UV Decontamination of Filters Loaded with Viral Aerosols

ABSTRACT Although respirators and filters are designed to prevent the spread of pathogenic aerosols, a stockpile shortage is anticipated during the next flu pandemic. Contact transfer and reaerosolization of collected microbes from used respirators are also a concern. An option to address these potential problems is UV irradiation, which inactivates microbes by dimerizing thymine/uracil in nucleic acids. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of transmission mode and environmental conditions on decontamination efficiency by UV. In this study, filters were contaminated by different transmission pathways (droplet and aerosol) using three spraying media (deionized water [DI], beef extract [BE], and artificial saliva [AS]) under different humidity levels (30% [low relative humidity {LRH}], 60% [MRH], and 90% [HRH]). UV irradiation at constant intensity was applied for two time intervals at each relative humidity condition. The highest inactivation efficiency (IE), around 5.8 logs, was seen for DI aerosols containing MS2 on filters at LRH after applying a UV intensity of 1.0 mW/cm2 for 30 min. The IE of droplets containing MS2 was lower than that of aerosols containing MS2. Absorption of UV by high water content and shielding of viruses near the center of the aggregate are considered responsible for this trend. Across the different media, IEs in AS and in BE were much lower than in DI for both aerosol and droplet transmission, indicating that solids present in AS and BE exhibited a protective effect. For particles sprayed in a protective medium, RH is not a significant parameter.
Thyroid Hormones and Antioxidant Systems: Focus on Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases

In previous works we demonstrated an inverse correlation between plasma Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and thyroid hormones; in fact, CoQ10 levels in hyperthyroid patients were found among the lowest detected in human diseases. On the contrary, CoQ10 is elevated in hypothyroid subjects, also in subclinical conditions, suggesting the usefulness of this index in assessing metabolic status in thyroid disorders. A Low-T3 syndrome is a condition observed in several chronic diseases: it is considered an adaptation mechanism, where there is a reduction in pro-hormone T4 conversion. Low T3-Syndrome is not usually considered to be corrected with replacement therapy. We review the role of thyroid hormones in regulation of antioxidant systems, also presenting data on total antioxidant capacity and Coenzyme Q10. Published studies suggest that oxidative stress could be involved in the clinical course of different heart diseases; our data could support the rationale of replacement therapy in low-T3 conditions.
[Expression of VEGF and NGF in gliomas of human].

OBJECTIVE To examine the expression of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in gliomas of human, and investigate the relationship between VEGF, NGF and pathologic grading as well as tumorigenesis of gliomas. METHODS Immunohistochemistry (SP) and Western blot were applied to evaluate the expression of VEGF and NGF in 5 cases of normal controls and 20 cases of human gliomas. RESULTS VEGF and NGF were expressed in both normal brain tissues and gliomas. VEGF was observed mainly in the cytoplasm of gliomas, while NGF were occurred in both cytoplasm and nucleus of gliomas. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the expression level of VEGF and NGF was significantly higher than that in normal controls (P< 0.05), and a significant difference in vary pathologic grading gliomas was also observed. CONCLUSION VEGF and NGF were expressed in both the normal brain tissues and gliomas. The level of VEGF and NGF in gliomas was upregulated than that of the normal controls. The results indicate VEGF and NGF may play an important role in the tumorigenesis of gliomas, and relate to the extent of gliomas malignant.
Sudden Onset of Oromandibular Dystonia after Cerebellar Stroke

Background We present the case of a 65-year-old female with sudden-onset involuntary mouth opening, deviation of the jaw, facial grimacing, and tongue movements that started 6 months prior to her admission. Case Report She was diagnosed with oromandibular dystonia. Differential diagnosis of oromandibular dystonia and various etiologies were investigated. Neuroimaging studies revealed a left cerebellar infarction. Discussion To our knowledge, this case is the first oromandibular dystonia presenting with cerebellar ischemic stroke. Possible roles of the cerebellum for the pathophysiology of oromandibular dystonia are discussed.
Evaluating the effect of using precision alignment dowels on connection repeatability of waveguide devices at frequencies from 750 GHz to 1.1 THz

This paper describes an investigation into the effects of using additional precision alignment dowel pins on the connection repeatability performance of waveguide interfaces at submillimeter-wave frequencies. The waveguide interface type that was used for this investigation is an adapted version of the `precision' UG-387 (i.e. based on the MIL-DTL-3922/67 design), manufactured by Virginia Diodes, Inc. The investigation was undertaken in the WM-250 waveguide band (i.e. at frequencies ranging from 750 GHz to 1.1 THz). Connection performance is compared with and without the use of added precision dowel pins in the inner dowel holes of this flange type. The repeatability of the measurements is assessed using statistical techniques, in terms of the experimental standard deviation in both the real and imaginary components of the complex-valued linear reflection coefficient.
Ideologies of Black churches in New York City and the public health crisis of HIV among Black men who have sex with men

Abstract Black men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS in New York City (NYC). Black churches in NYC have a history of engaging in community mobilisation; however, research suggests that churches play a role in promoting stigma against Black MSM, which impedes prevention efforts. The goal of this study was to explore church ideologies surrounding sexuality and health, and the relationship of these ideologies to church mobilisation in response to HIV/AIDS among Black MSM. We conducted interviews and focus groups with pastors and parishioners at Black churches in NYC. Three prominent themes were identified: (1) ‘Love the sinner, hate the sin’ – distinguishing behaviour and identity; (2) ‘Don't ask, don't tell’ – keeping same-sex behaviour private; and (3) ‘Your body is a temple’ – connecting physical and spiritual health. We discuss the implications of these ideologies for church mobilisation and HIV prevention efforts. In doing so, we pay close attention to how ideologies may both impede and facilitate church dialogue around sexuality and heightened responses to the HIV crisis affecting Black MSM.
An Induction Measure on A-terms and Its Applications

A useful induction measure on A-terms is presented here. Combining leftmost reduction with subterm reduction, we introduce a new notion called W-reduction for untyped A-calculus. Since a subterm reduction is only performed on a term when it is in an empty context, the H-reduction is really a relation in a more rigorous sense. We then prove the equivalence between strong normalisability and Ti-normalisability, which is essentially a bridge linking W-reduction to various strong normalisation problems. Exploiting the new notion, we present some simplified proofs for several fundamental theorems such as finiteness of developments, the conservation theorem for AK-calculus, and the strong normalisation theorem for simply typed A-calculus. Also a simplified proof of the characterisation theorem on perpetual redexes in [BK82] is included. Compared with other proofs in the literature, all presented proofs are quite concise and straightforward. In the case of the conservation therorem, the proof is also quite perspicacious. Finally, we give a brief comparison between W-reduction and other methods such as perpetual strategies. We claim ^-reduction is a clean presentation of many similar ideas mentioned in the literature.
Gaining Options: A Mathematics Program for Potentially Talented At-risk Adolescent Girls

In response to indicators that a decline in interest in mathematics occurs among girls—particularly those from low-income and minority groups—during middle school, the GO-GIRL (Gaining Options: Girls Investigate Real Life) program was designed to help potentially talented at-risk girls. The program aimed to build mathematical confidence, skills, and conceptual understanding by integrating mathematics and social science research in a single-sex, technology-rich environment supported by university student mentors. The program targeted seventh-grade urban girls from public and private schools. Participants met over the course of ten Saturdays to learn research methods, computer skills, mathematics, and descriptive statistics. Quantitative data from the girls indicate that participants demonstrated greater confidence in their mathematics ability and increased mathematics achievement after the program. Qualitative data confirmed these findings and supported the contention that multiple factors play a role in fostering girls' interest in studying mathematics and science.
Language Problems Among Abused and Neglected Children

Research data show that exposure to abuse and neglect has detrimental effects on a child’s language development. In this meta-analysis, we analyze studies (k = 23), to compare the language skills (receptive language, expressive language, pragmatics) of children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect with the language skills of children who have not experienced abuse and/or neglect and to examine whether age or type of maltreatment moderate the relationship between maltreatment and language skills. Results confirm that the language skills of children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect are delayed when compared to children who have not experienced abuse and/or neglect. Compared to older children, young children seem particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect. No significant differences were demonstrated concerning the type of maltreatment suffered by the child. These findings support the necessity of early detection of language problems in abused and neglected children as well as early intervention in order to implement interventions that will positively stimulate their development.
Radiative forcing by well-mixed greenhouse gases: Estimates from climate models in the Intergovernme

The radiative effects from increased concentrations of well-mixed greenhouse gases (WMGHGs) represent the most significant and best understood anthropogenic forcing of the climate system. The most comprehensive tools for simulating past and future climates influenced by WMGHGs are fully coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation models (AOGCMs). Because of the importance of WMGHGs as forcing agents it is essential that AOGCMs compute the radiative forcing by these gases as accurately as possible. We present the results of a radiative transfer model intercomparison between the forcings computed by the radiative parameterizations of AOGCMs and by benchmark line-by-line (LBL) codes. The comparison is focused on forcing by CO2, CH4, N2O, CFC-11, CFC-12, and the increased H2O expected in warmer climates. The models included in the intercomparison include several LBL codes and most of the global models submitted to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). In general, the LBL models are in excellent agreement with each other. However, in many cases, there are substantial discrepancies among the AOGCMs and between the AOGCMs and LBL codes. In some cases this is because the AOGCMs neglect particular absorbers, in particular the near-infrared effects of CH4 and N2O, while in others it is due to the methods for modeling the radiative processes. The biases in the AOGCM forcings are generally largest at the surface level. We quantify these differences and discuss the implications for interpreting variations in forcing and response across the multimodel ensemble of AOGCM simulations assembled for the IPCC AR4.
The Correlation between Chest X-ray Scores and the Clinical Findings in Children and Adults with Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia

Objective To compare the radiological and laboratory data of children and adults with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) and to evaluate the correlation between the total affected lung area and the clinical findings. Methods We retrospectively examined the data from MPP patients who visited our hospital during the period from April 2006 to July 2014. All data were retrieved at the time of the diagnosis of MPP and were analyzed to investigate the correlation between the clinical findings and the total affected lung area using a chest X-ray scoring system. Results We identified 71 children and 54 adults with MPP. The incidence of consolidation, which was the most common chest X-ray finding in both groups, was similar (children: n = 62, 87.3%; adults: n = 45, 83.3%). In contrast, air bronchogram, bronchial thickening, and atelectasis were observed significantly more frequently among children than among adults. In both groups, a chest X-ray scoring system revealed a zonal predominance of the affected area (middle-to-lower lung fields). The body temperature and serum data such as the C-reactive protein level, white blood cell count, and lactate dehydrogenase level were significantly higher in the child group than in the adult group. The total score did not significantly correlate with the above-mentioned inflammatory markers or the presence of hypoxemia in either group. Conclusion This study showed the first evidence of a correlation between the extent of lung abnormalities on chest X-ray (calculated as a total score) and the clinical findings, including the presence of hypoxemia, in children and adults with MPP.