Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of elutriation and sieving processing (Elusieve) of distillers dried grains with solubles on the performance and carcass characteristics of male broilers.

SUMMARY A technique combining elutriation (air classification) and sieving was developed to remove some of the fiber component of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Herein, DDGS were sieved into 4 different sizes: large, medium, small, and pan. Fiber was removed from the 3 largest sizes by elutriation via an aspirator, whereby air was blown through the different size categories at a predetermined velocity as the product was falling from the sifter, through the aspirator, and into a collection container. This air movement resulted in a portion of the lighter fiber component being blown into a separate chamber of the respirator and thus into a separate container. The DDGS product obtained by mixing the material that underwent this procedure was called “big DDGS. ” The pan material, which was in the smallest size category, has a lower fiber concentration and thus underwent no elutriation (pan DDGS). Four different dietary treatments with 12 replicates each were fed to Ross × Ross 308 male broilers from hatch until 42 d of age. A corn- and soybean meal-based diet without DDGS served as the control (treatment 1); treatment 2 had conventional DDGS included at a concentration of 8% (unmodified DDGS); treatment 3 consisted of 8% big DDGS inclusion (partially modified DDGS, PMD), and the fourth treatment consisted of 8% pan DDGS (ED). Final BW was observed to be superior for the birds fed the ED-based diets compared with the BW of those birds fed the control diet and the PMD-based diet. However, contrast analysis showed a significant difference in BW (P = 0.08), with birds fed ED-based diets exhibiting higher BW compared with birds fed unmodified DDGS-based diets. Feed intake was numerically higher for birds fed ED-based diets compared with all other treatments and was significantly greater for birds fed ED-based diets vs. those fed PMD-based diets for the 0- to 42-d period. No other differences were found in bird performance or carcass traits. Results showed some improvement of DDGS via the use of this technology, judging by a marginal improvement in final BW.
Candida Dubliniensis Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection following Elective Surgery

Invasive fungal infections are typically associated with immunosuppression and critical illness and occur often as the result of Candida albicans. Immunocompetent individuals are rarely susceptible to these often deadly infections. We report the case of invasive fungal necrotizing soft tissue infection secondary to Candida dubliniensis in a healthy, young patient after undergoing an elective laparoscopic operation. This rare emerging infectious entity produced a unique constellation of indings not previously reported. The importance of a high index of suspicion in concordance to wide, aggressive surgical debridement and early, empiric amphotericin B is highlighted.
Dynamic Data-based Modelling of Synaptic Plasticity: mGluR-dependent Long-term Depression

Recent advances have started to uncover the underlying mechanisms of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) dependent long-term depression (LTD). However, it is not completely clear how these mechanisms are linked and it is believed that several crucial mechanisms still remain to be revealed. In this study, we investigated whether system identification (SI) methods can be used to gain insight into the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. SI methods have shown to be an objective and powerful approach for describing how sensory neurons encode information about stimuli. However, to the author’s knowledge it is the first time that SI methods are applied to electrophysiological brain slice recordings of synaptic plasticity responses. The results indicate that the SI approach is a valuable tool for reverse engineering of mGluRLTD responses. It is suggested that such SI methods can aid to unravel the complexities of synaptic function.
Spatial Dependence and Heterogeneity in Bayesian Factor Analysis: A Cross-National Investigation of Schwartz Values

In this article, we present a Bayesian spatial factor analysis model. We extend previous work on confirmatory factor analysis by including geographically distributed latent variables and accounting for heterogeneity and spatial autocorrelation. The simulation study shows excellent recovery of the model parameters and demonstrates the consequences of ignoring spatial dependence. Specifically, we find inefficiency in the estimates of the factor score means and bias and inefficiency in the estimates of the corresponding covariance matrix. We apply the model to Schwartz value priority data obtained from 5 European countries. We show that the Schwartz motivational types of values, such as Conformity, Tradition, Benevolence, and Hedonism, possess high spatial autocorrelation. We identify several spatial patterns—specifically, Conformity and Hedonism have a country-specific structure, Tradition has a North–South gradient that cuts across national borders, and Benevolence has South–North cross-national gradient. Finally, we show that conventional factor analysis may lead to a loss of valuable insights compared with the proposed approach.
Serotonin-immunoreactive Neurons in the Antennal Sensory System of the Brain in the Carpenter Ant, Camponotus japonicus

Abstract Social Hymenoptera such as ants or honeybees are known for their extensive behavioral repertories and plasticity. Neurons containing biogenic amines appear to play a major role in controlling behavioral plasticity in these insects. Here we describe the morphology of prominent serotonin-immunoreactive neurons of the antennal sensory system in the brain of an ant, Camponotus japonicus. Immunoreactive fibers were distributed throughout the brain and the subesophageal ganglion (SOG). The complete profile of a calycal input neuron was identified. The soma and dendritic elements are contralaterally located in the lateral protocerebrum. The neuron supplies varicose axon terminals in the lip regions of the calyces of the mushroom body, axon collaterals in the basal ring but not in the collar region, and other axon terminals ipsilaterally in the lateral protocerebrum. A giant neuron innervating the antennal lobe has varicose axon terminals in most of 300 glomeruli in the ventral region of the antennal lobe (AL) and a thick neurite that spans the entire SOG and continues towards the thoracic ganglia. However, neither a soma nor a dendritic element of this neuron was found in the brain or the SOG. A deutocerebral projection neuron has a soma in the lateral cell-body group of the AL, neuronal branches at most of the 12 glomeruli in the dorsocentral region of the ipsilateral AL, and varicose terminal arborizations in both hemispheres of the protocerebrum. Based on the present results, tentative subdivisions in neuropils related to the antennal sensory system of the ant brain are discussed.
Optimized Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Polygonum cuspidatum

In this study the phenolic compounds piceid, resveratrol and emodin were extracted from P. cuspidatum roots using ultrasound-assisted extraction. Multiple response surface methodology was used to optimize the extraction conditions of these phenolic compounds. A three-factor and three-level Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to evaluate the effects of the operation parameters, including extraction temperature (30–70 °C), ethanol concentration (40%–80%), and ultrasonic power (90–150 W), on the extraction yields of piceid, resveratrol, and emodin. The statistical models built from multiple response surface methodology were developed for the estimation of the extraction yields of multi-phenolic components. Based on the model, the extraction yields of piceid, resveratrol, and emodin can be improved by controlling the extraction parameters. Under the optimum conditions, the extraction yields of piceid, resveratrol and emodin were 10.77 mg/g, 3.82 mg/g and 11.72 mg/g, respectively.
Recent retreat of major outlet glaciers on Novaya Zemlya, Russian Arctic, influenced by fjord geometry and sea-ice conditions

Abstract Substantial ice loss has occurred in the Russian High Arctic during the past decade, predominantly on Novaya Zemlya, yet the region has been studied relatively little. Consequently, the factors forcing mass loss and the relative contribution of ice dynamics versus surface melt are poorly understood. Here we evaluate the influence of atmospheric/oceanic forcing and variations in fjord width on the behaviour of 38 glaciers on the northern ice cap, Novaya Zemlya. We compare retreat rates on land- versus marine-terminating outlets and on the Kara versus Barents Sea coasts. Between 1992 and 2010, 90% of the study glaciers retreated and retreat rates were an order of magnitude higher for marine-terminating outlets (52.1 ma-1) than for land-terminating glaciers (4.8ma-1). We identify a post-2000 acceleration in marine-terminating glacier retreat, which corresponded closely to changes in sea-ice concentrations. Retreat rates were higher on the Barents Sea coast, which we partly attribute to lower sea-ice concentrations, but varied dramatically between individual glaciers. We use empirical data to categorize changes in along-flow fjord width, and demonstrate a significant relationship between fjord width variability and retreat rate. Results suggest that variations in fjord width exert a major influence on glacier retreat.
New agents, the circle system and short procedures

Sevoflurane, desflurane and isoflurane were compared using a circle system in 97 patients undergoing short surgical procedures. Using initial high flows, the time intervals to equilibration between inspired and end‐expired agent concentrations were measured; equilibration was defined as FE/F1 =0.8. The mean (SD) times obtained for sevoflurane, desflurane and isoflurane were 8.2 (2.1) min, 3.8 (0.7) min and 19.7 (6.5) min, respectively. These times were significantly different from each other (p <0.0001). After equilibration total flows were reduced to 500 ml.min−1; at these flows the initial decline in end‐expired agent concentration was minimal with desflurane, intermediate with sevoflurane and greatest with isoflurane. Both desflurane and sevoflurane are appropriate for efficient use of the circle system during short anaesthetics.
TcsL Is an Essential Virulence Factor in Clostridium sordellii ATCC 9714

ABSTRACT Clostridium sordellii is an important pathogen of humans and animals, causing a range of diseases, including myonecrosis, sepsis, and shock. Although relatively rare in humans, the incidence of disease is increasing, and it is associated with high mortality rates, approaching 70%. Currently, very little is known about the pathogenesis of C. sordellii infections or disease. Previous work suggested that the lethal large clostridial glucosylating toxin TcsL is the major virulence factor, but a lack of genetic tools has hindered our ability to conclusively assign a role for TcsL or, indeed, any of the other putative virulence factors produced by this organism. In this study, we have developed methods for the introduction of plasmids into C. sordellii using RP4-mediated conjugation from Escherichia coli and have successfully used these techniques to insertionally inactivate the tcsL gene in the reference strain ATCC 9714, using targetron technology. Virulence testing revealed that the production of TcsL is essential for the development of lethal infections by C. sordellii ATCC 9714 and also contributes significantly to edema seen during uterine infection. This study represents the first definitive identification of a virulence factor in C. sordellii and opens the way for in-depth studies of this important human pathogen at the molecular level.
Modeling biomass burning and related carbon emissions during the 21st century in Europe

In this study we present an assessment of the impact of future climate change on total fire probability, burned area, and carbon (C) emissions from fires in Europe. The analysis was performed with the Community Land Model (CLM) extended with a prognostic treatment of fires that was specifically refined and optimized for application over Europe. Simulations over the 21st century are forced by five different high‐resolution Regional Climate Models under the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios A1B. Both original and bias‐corrected meteorological forcings is used. Results show that the simulated C emissions over the present period are improved by using bias corrected meteorological forcing, with a reduction of the intermodel variability. In the course of the 21st century, burned area and C emissions from fires are shown to increase in Europe, in particular in the Mediterranean basins, in the Balkan regions and in Eastern Europe. However, the projected increase is lower than in other studies that did not fully account for the effect of climate on ecosystem functioning. We demonstrate that the lower sensitivity of burned area and C emissions to climate change is related to the predicted reduction of the net primary productivity, which is identified as the most important determinant of fire activity in the Mediterranean region after anthropogenic interaction. This behavior, consistent with the intermediate fire‐productivity hypothesis, limits the sensitivity of future burned area and C emissions from fires on climate change, providing more conservative estimates of future fire patterns, and demonstrates the importance of coupling fire simulation with a climate driven ecosystem productivity model.
Increased Intravascular Coagulation Associated With Pregnancy

Based on an increased turnover of the hemostatic system, it is believed that pregnancy is associated with “hypercoagulability. ” However, this hypothesis is based primarily on the measurement of specific coagulation factors or functional tests reflecting hemostatic activity in vitro. Using recent technological advances, we determined the effect of pregnancy on hemostasis in vivo by measuring 11 specific hemostatic indices simultaneously in 28 healthy pregnant women and in 24 nonpregnant female controls. Significant increases were found in fibrinopeptide A (P < .01), beta thromboglobulin (P < .001), platelet factor 4 (P < .02), and fibrin(ogen) degradation products (P < .001), suggesting increased platelet turnover, clotting, and fibrinolysis. This state of compensated, accelerated intravascular coagulation may be necessary for maintenance of the uterine-placental interface and preparation for the hemostatic challenge of delivery.
High Rates of Depression and Depressive Symptoms among Men Referred for Borderline Testosterone Levels.

INTRODUCTION Men referred for borderline testosterone levels represent an increasingly common clinical scenario, yet there is little literature on this population. AIM We hypothesized that men referred for borderline testosterone levels would have higher rates of depression and depressive symptoms than the general population. METHODS Subjects included 200 adult men (mean age of 48 years old) referred for borderline total testosterone levels between 200 and 350 ng/dL (6.9-12 nmol/L). Collected data included demographic information, medical histories, medication use, signs and symptoms of hypogonadism, and assessments of depressive symptoms and/or a known diagnosis of depression or use of an antidepressant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measure was a combination of known depression, current use of an antidepressant, and/or depressive symptoms according to the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) with scores ≥10 considered positive. RESULTS Depression and/or depressive symptoms were present in 56% of the subjects. This rate was significantly higher than rates of 6-23% (PHQ-9 scores ≥10) seen in general populations. Antidepressant use was 25%. The population was notable for high rates of overweight/obesity and physical inactivity. Common symptoms were erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, fewer AM erections, low energy, and sleep disturbances. CONCLUSIONS While sexual and nonspecific symptoms (i.e., fatigue) likely prompted measurements of testosterone in this selected population, clinicians should recognize the high rates of depression and depressive symptoms in men referred for borderline testosterone levels. Clinicians should consider screening for depression/depressive symptoms and overweight and unhealthy lifestyle risk factors in men referred for tertiary care for potential hypogonadism.
Prevalence of Bile Duct Injury Following Cholecystectomy

Bile duct injury (BDI) following cholecystectomy has always been a challenging surgical problem since long time, representing the most serious complication, potentially life-threatening, of cholecystectomy. Since the introduction of cholecystectomy (by laparotomy) in 1882 by Carl LANGENBUCH, many reports in the literature have stressed the potential severity of BDI, including major morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, high costs and litigation (1). The introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in 1987 by Philippe MOURET in France has been associated all over the world with a rise in surgically-induced bile duct injuries. The early series of LC reported an incidence of BDI from 0.1 to 0.6% (Table 1) (2-6), but up to 1% of BDI rate has been reported in a national survey in the Netherlands (7, 8). So the rising concern of the laparoscopic approach for cholecystectomy become the question of a specific risk of bile duct injury during LC. However, the laparoscopic approach for cholecystectomy is now considered as the gold standard, due to its minimal invasive aspect and to its excellent results in term of morbidity and mortality. These features were demonstrated in many series of LC (Table 2) (6, 9-13) and in comparative series of open and laparoscopic cholecystectomies during the same period (Table 3) (11, 12, 14, 15). The purpose of this paper is thus to critically evaluate the prevalence of BDI since the event of the laparoscopic era.
Markedly reduced toxicity of a hydrogen sulphide‐releasing derivative of naproxen (ATB‐346)

Background and purpose: Hydrogen sulphide is an important mediator of gastric mucosal defence. The use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs continues to be limited by their toxicity, particularly in the upper gastrointestinal tract. We evaluated the gastrointestinal safety and anti‐inflammatory efficacy of a novel hydrogen sulphide‐releasing derivative of naproxen, ATB‐346 [2‐(6‐methoxy‐napthalen‐2‐yl)‐propionic acid 4‐thiocarbamoyl‐phenyl ester].
Early ocular and non‐ocular indications of diabetes mellitus

This article aims to review the early indications of diabetes, both ocular and non‐ocular. Epidemiological data is showing an increase in both non‐insulin dependent and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. It is therefore important that diabetes mellitus is detected early so that regular screening and good metabolic control can be encouraged. Strict glycaemic control is important in order to delay the onset or slow the progression of diabetic complications.
QoS-Guaranteed Power Control Mechanism Based on the Frame Utilization for Femtocells

The paper focuses on a power control mechanism and proposes a novel approach for dynamic adaptation of femtocells' transmitting power. The basic idea is to adapt the transmitting power of femtocells according to current traffic load and signal quality between user equipments and the femtocell in order to fully utilize radio resources allocated to the femtocell. The advantage of the proposed scheme is in provisioning of high quality of service level to the femtocell users, while interference to users attached to macrobase station is minimized. The paper proposes the power adaptation algorithm and evaluates its performance in terms of mobility events, achieved throughput, and FAPs transmitting power. Performed simulations show that the proposed scheme can significantly reduce the number of mobility events caused by passerby users and thus to minimize signaling overhead generated in the network. In addition, our proposal enhances overall throughput for most of the investigated scenarios in comparison to other power control schemes.
Paralleled Operation of High-Voltage Cascode GaN HEMTs

Paralleling devices is an effective way to achieve a higher power application while still having the convenience of using discrete devices. However, the mechanisms of potential failures and the circuit design considerations have not been thoroughly studied yet, when paralleling gallium nitride high-electron-mobility transistors (GaN HEMTs) in cascode configuration. This paper presents a comprehensive study of paralleled high-voltage cascode GaN HEMTs, evaluating both circuit design and device characteristics. The mechanisms of current oscillation, which occurred during the cascode GaN HEMT parallel operation, are analyzed in detail. The Q3D tool and Spice-based simulation model jointly quantify the sensitivity of the circuit parasitic parameters and the cascode GaN HEMT mismatches during the paralleled operation. General design guidelines are provided in the paper as well. A group of experimental results ultimately validate the analysis toward parallel operation.
4-Chlorobenzoate Uptake in Comamonas sp. Strain DJ-12 Is Mediated by a Tripartite ATP-Independent Periplasmic Transporter

ABSTRACT The fcb gene cluster involved in the hydrolytic dehalogenation of 4-chlorobenzoate is organized in the order fcbB-fcbA-fcbT1-fcbT2-fcbT3-fcbC in Comamonas sp. strain DJ-12. The genes are operonic and inducible with 4-chloro-, 4-iodo-, and 4-bromobenzoate. The fcbT1, fcbT2, and fcbT3 genes encode a transporter in the secondary TRAP (tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic) family. An fcbT1T2T3 knockout mutant shows a much slower growth rate on 4-chlorobenzoate compared to the wild type. 4-Chlorobenzoate is transported into the wild-type strain five times faster than into the fcbT1T2T3 knockout mutant. Transport of 4-chlorobenzoate shows significant inhibition by 4-bromo-, 4-iodo-, and 4-fluorobenzoate and mild inhibition by 3-chlorobenzoate, 2-chlorobenzoate, 4-hydroxybenzoate, 3-hydroxybenzoate, and benzoate. Uptake of 4-chlorobenzoate is significantly inhibited by ionophores which collapse the proton motive force.
Protective effect of vitamins K2 and D3 on prednisolone-induced loss of bone mineral density in the lumbar spine.

BACKGROUND Although vitamin K2 has been shown to prevent prednisolone-induced loss of bone mineral density of the lumbar spine in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis, the magnitude of this effect remains to be clarified. The aim of this prospective study is to compare the protective effect of vitamin K2 with that of vitamin D3 on prednisolone-induced loss of bone mineral density in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis. METHODS Sixty patients (28 men, 32 women) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 15 each group): control (group C), vitamin D3 alone (alfacalcidol, 0.5 microg/d; group D), vitamin K2 alone (menatetrenone, 45 mg/d; group K), and vitamins D3 plus K2 (group D + K). Alfacalcidol and menatetrenone therapy were started at the same time as prednisolone. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (L2 to L4) was determined by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and various biochemical parameters of calcium and bone homeostasis were assessed before and at the end of week 8 of treatment. RESULTS Treatment with prednisolone alone caused loss of bone mineral density, which could be fully prevented in groups D, K, and D + K. However, marked reductions in levels of several biochemical markers of both bone formation and resorption also were observed in all groups. The preventive effect in groups K and D + K on loss of bone mineral density induced by prednisolone was similar to that in group D. The elevation in serum calcium levels observed in group D was attenuated in group D + K. CONCLUSION Protective effects of vitamin K2 or vitamins D3 and K2 on prednisolone-induced loss of bone mineral density are similar to that of vitamin D3.