Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phase I dose-escalation study of the anti-VEGFR-2 recombinant human IgG1 MAb IMC-1121B administered every other week (q2w) or every 3 weeks (q3w) in patients (pts) with advanced cancers

B15 Background: VEGFR-2 is a key regulator of angiogenesis and cancer cell growth. IMC-1121B is a recombinant human IgG1 MAb targeted to VEGFR-2. Anti-VEGFR-2 antibodies inhibit the action of VEGF in a variety of preclinical leukemia and solid tumor models. Methods: Five dose-escalating cohorts of 3-6 patients (ECOG PS ≤ 2) with advanced cancer and no significant cardiovascular, thrombotic or bleeding disorders received IMC-1121B q2w (6, 8, and 10 mg/kg) or q3w (15 and 20 mg/kg). Patients in the q2w cohorts received three doses of IMC-1121B followed by a 2-week observation period in the initial treatment cycle. The q3w cohorts were treated without a 2-week observation period. Tumor assessments in all patents were performed every 6 weeks. DLT was determined during the initial treatment cycle for Cohorts 1-3, and the first 2 cycles for Cohorts 4 and 5. Patients with an objective response or stable disease (SD) received additional 4-week treatment cycles until PD or withdrawal. Anti-IMC-1121B antibodies and PK analyses were assessed with the initial and final infusions of each treatment cycle. Results: To date, a total of 14 pts (9 M; 5 F), have entered the study at the first 4 dose levels: Cohort 1 (n=4), Cohort 2 (n=5), Cohort 3 (n=4), and Cohort 4 (n=1). All patients in Cohorts 3 and 4 are presently receiving study drug. Enrollment continues in the q3w cohorts. Adverse events ≥ grade 3 considered to be at least possibly-related to IMC-1121B were reported for two pts: one pt (10 mg/kg q2w) with Grade 3 hypertension during Cycle 2; and one pt (8 mg/kg q2w) with prior history of peptic ulcer disease reported a Grade 4 duodenal ulcer/hemorrhage during Cycle 2, however the event resolved after drug discontinuation. No DLT occurred in the first 3 cohorts. Preliminary efficacy data reveal 4 pts have stable disease of ≥ 3 months duration with cancers of the colon (1 pt), ovary (1 pt), liver (1 pt), and kidney (1 pt). No anti-IMC-1121B antibodies have been detected in cohorts 1-3. Noncompartmental PK analysis reveals dose-dependent elimination and non-linear exposure, consistent with saturable clearance mechanism(s) during Cycle 1 at the 6, 8, and 10 mg/kg levels: mean t1/2=140, 149, and 233 hrs, mean Cmax=300, 258, and 445 µg/mL, mean AUC0-Inf=38255, 39535, and 73880 µg. hr/mL, and mean clearance=0.336, 0.214, and 0.153 mL/hr/kg, respectively. Conclusions: IMC-1121B has been well tolerated at doses of 6 to 10 mg/kg q2w. Target trough levels (approximately 20 µg/mL) associated with antitumor activity in preclinical xenograft studies have been achieved in the q2w cohorts. The study continues to enroll patients into the q3w cohorts.
Characterization of an orange variant of the Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) on La Désirade, Guadeloupe, French West Indies

JOCELYN HUDON,1'5 HENRI OUELLET,2 EDOUARD BtNrrO-ESPINAL,3 AND ALAN H. BRUSH4 1 Provincial Museum of Alberta, 12845-102 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N OM6, Canada; 2 Departement de sciences biologiques, Universite de Montreal, Case postale 6128, Succursale "Centre-Ville," Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada; 3B.P. 795, 97173 Pointe-d-Pitre, Cedex, Guadeloupe, Antilles francaises; and 4Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, U-156, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
Levels of metabolizable energy and digestible lysine for broiler chicks 1-10 days of age

This study evaluated the effect of different levels of metabolizable energy (ME) and digestible lysine (DL) on the rate of protein deposition, rate deposition body fat and intestinal morphology of broiler chicks 1 to 10 days of age. The study design consisted of 1,152 broilers, weighing 52 ± 5 g, distributed in a completely randomized, 4x4 factorial design, consisting of four levels of ME (2700; 2825; 2950 and 3075 kcal/kg) and four levels of DL (1,080; 1,187; 1,295 and 1,403%), with 16 treatments and three replicates, with 24 poultry in each experimental unit. The protein deposition rate (PDR) and fat deposition rate (FDR) were not affected (P > 0.05) by the ME, however, PDR was influenced linearly (P < 0.05) by increasing lysine. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) between the levels of ME and DL, whose increase resulted in a higher villus height of the duodenum, jejunum and a greater relation villus: crypt ratio of the ileum. Therefore, levels of DL and ME had positive effects on the intestinal development of broiler chicks in the pre-starter phase.
Advantages of hatching synchrony in the Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Many bird species begin incubation before the clutch is complete, which leads to asynchronous hatching of the young. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this hatching pattern, most of them assuming that asynchronous hatching is of adaptive value. Pied Flycatcher broods were induced to hatch either synchronously or asynchronously in order to compare the breeding success resulting from these two hatching patterns. Experimental maximization of hatching synchrony led to an increase in the production of young. Synchronously hatched young also had longer tarsi and higher fledging weights than young from asynchronous broods. Synchronous hatching was favourable in both years of study, even though one was cold and rainy and the other warm and dry. Survivors in asynchronous broods in which some mortality had occurred were not in better condition than young in synchronous and unreduced broods, in contrast to what the brood reduction hypothesis predicts. Thus, this study does not support Lack's (1947, 1954) original presentation of this hypothesis as an explanation for the presence of the semi-asynchronous hatching pattern occurring naturally in Pied Flycatchers. However, the raising of experimentally synchronous broods might induce a larger parental effort perhaps affecting parental survival probability or subsequent fecundity. It is not possible to decide whether the absence of complete synchrony in the Pied Flycatcher is due to hormonal constraints, or whether some factor, such as predation on the nest contents (eggs, young or adults), may also make hatching asynchrony adaptive.
Organism size, life history, and N:P stoichiometry

E cosystem science and evolution• ary biology have long been infrequent and uncomfortable bedfellows (Hagen 1992, Holt 1995, McIntosh 1985). However, the convf.rgence of a global decline in qiodiversity and global alterations in biogeochemical cycles provides motivation to overcome past inhibitions. Currently, attempts are being made (Jones and Lawton 1995) to understand relationships between the foci of evolutionary biology (the individual in its species population) and ecosystem science (energy and material flow and storage). Analysis of relationships between species and ecosystems requires a framework appropriate for moving between levels
Evaluation of water plantain (Alisma canaliculatum A. Br. et Bouche) and mistletoe (Viscum album L.) effects on broiler growth performance, meat composition and serum biochemical parameters

The present study was conducted to examine the potential use of water plantain (Alisma canaliculatum A. Br. et Bouche) and mistletoe (Viscum album L.) as alternative feed additives for broiler chickens. A total of 140 Ross broiler chicks were assigned to four dietary treatments over a five-week period. The dietary groups included; control (basal diet), antibiotic (basal diet + 0.005% oxytetracycline), water plantain (basal diet + 0.5% water plantain powder), and mistletoe (basal diet + 0.5% mistletoe powder). Results indicated that body weight gain and feed intake were not affected by the addition of water plantain and mistletoe to the diet. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the water plantain and mistletoe groups did not differ from the control group, although a better FCR was observed in the antibiotic group compare to the water plantain group. Crude protein as well as crude fat content of both breast and thigh meat in the water plantain group decreased, whereas crude protein content in breast meat was increased by the addition of mistletoe to the diet. When fatty acid composition was evaluated, a low n6/n3 ratio was found in the breast meat of the water plantain group, and supplemented groups exhibited a high polyunsaturated fatty acid content in thigh meat. The average thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values did not significantly change; however, breast meat of the water plantain group showed susceptibility to oxidation at Day 7. Serum biochemical data revealed that mistletoe had a hepatotoxic effect compare to water plantain, although both plants effectively enhanced immune function. It is suggested from the study results that water plantain could be incorporated into the diet of broiler chickens as an alternative feed additive. Key words: Water plantain, mistletoe, feed additive, broiler.
Identification of shoot traits related to drought tolerance in common bean seedlings

A BSTRACT . Drought is an important abiotic stress that limits common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) productivity. The objective of this study was to determine shoot traits that are associated with drought tolerance in common bean seedlings. Ten common bean genotypes consisting mainly of cultivars and breeding lines from the Mesoamerican race of the Middle American gene pool were ﬁrst evaluated in the greenhouse. Genotypes were grown in a shallow soil proﬁle to limit root growth and assess shoot phenotypes under stress. Water stress was imposed by withholding watering for 24 days after planting. Traits evaluated included wilting, unifoliate senescence, stem greenness, and recovery from drought. Biomass and number of pods/plant produced after drought recovery were evaluated to quantify the effect of early drought stress on bean growth and reproduction. A second group of 94 common bean genotypes from the Bean Coordinated Agricultural Project (BeanCAP) were evaluated using the same protocol to determine the genetic variability for the same traits in a wider range of genotypes. In general, genotypes known to possess drought avoidance in the ﬁeld conferred by deep rooting traits performed poorly in these conditions suggesting that the assay could be used to identify seedling shoot traits that contribute to drought tolerance. Genotypes from race Mesoamerica showed the greatest range in wilting. Genotypes that showed a slow rate of wilting maintained a green stem and had a higher recovery rate after watering. Importantly, these genotypes demonstrated a smaller reduction in biomass and pod number under stress compared with non-stress treatments. A few genotypes recovered completely despite expressing severe wilting, whereas the majority of genotypes with high wilting rates did not recover. Among the BeanCAP materials, genotypes bred in the rainfed midwestern United States showed overall better recovery than those bred under the irrigated production system used in the western United States. Because recovery from drought is a prerequisite to plant regrowth, biomass, and pod production after drought stress, factors that contribute to recovery were studied. Stem greenness was highly positively correlated to the recovery, whereas wilting was negatively correlated to the recovery. In a regression analysis, stem greenness and slow wilting were found to be important contributors to the variability of recovery. In addition, photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance ( g S ) explained variation in wilting and stem greenness. These results suggest that wilting and stem greenness might be useful traits to screen for drought tolerance in seedlings of common bean. to predict variables that are likely to inﬂuence seedling recovery. As results, only stem greenness and wilting ﬁtted in
Investigation on the diversity and function of microphytes and protists in the food web of marine and limnic sediments

Protists play an important role in the nutrient cycle of a pelagic microbial food webs as a link between the microbial and the “classic” food web. Detailed information about the function of protists in benthic microbial food webs is rare, although it is assumed that protists play an important role in benthic habitats. This study aimed at investigating the seasonally changing composition and the controlling factors of the microbial community in an intertidal mudflat. Samples of the upper 3 mm of the sediment were collected over a period of one year. Bacteria, cyanobacteria, diatoms and nanoflagellates (phototrophic = PNF and heterotrophic = HNF, both split in different size classes) were counted using epifluorescence microscopy. During summer diatoms were heavily grazed by large HNF (>10 μm) and an increasing number of ciliates and meiofauna. An enhanced activity of deposit feeders and thus an intensified positive feed-back to primary production was assumed to happen at the same time, whereas cyanobacteria and bacteria production appeared to be favoured by temperature and organic carbon input. Significant correlations between abundance of diatoms, bacteria and HNF led to the assumption that small HNF (2-5 μm) feed mainly on macromolecules, HNF 5-10 μm on bacteria and on smaller nanoflagellates (HNF and PNF 2-5 μm). The results of this study indicated that the benthic microbial systems of fine sediments went through a seasonal cycle with a primacy of bottom up control in winter and spring followed by an increasing top-down control (influence of grazing) from spring to summer. These results completed by literature data were assembled to a probable model of the major carbon and energy flow in the main seasons.
Physicochemical, Textural, and Sensory Properties of Low-fat/reduced-salt Sausages as Affected by Salt Levels and Different Type and Level of Milk Proteins

This study was performed to develop low-fat/reduced-salt sausages (LFRSS; ＜3% fat and ＜1.5% salt) containing milk protein (whey protein concentrate, WPC, or sodium caseinate, SC) that showed the similar cooking yield and textural characteristics to those of regular-fat/salt sausage control (RFC; 20% fat and 1.5% salt) or low-fat sausage control (LFC; ＜3% fat and 1.5% salt). Low-fat sausages (LFS) were formulated with a 2.5% fat replacer (konjac flour:carrageenan:soy protein isolate=1:1:3) and various salt levels (0.75, 1.0, 1.25, and 1.5%). LFS had differences in color and expressible moisture (EM, %) values as compared to those of RFC. A minimum salt level of 1% and addition of nonmeat proteins were required to manufacture LFRSS that have similar characteristics to those of RFC. However, LFS with 2% milk proteins reduced the hardness and gumminess as compared to LFC. These results indicated that 1% milk protein in combined with 1% salt was a proper level for manufacturing of LFRSS.
Correlates of local variation in the abundance of hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus

1. Principal environmental factors predicting local variations in hedgehog abundance were sought from surveys of 58 fields of grazing pasture at six sites of 12-15 km 2 in Oxfordshire, UK. Comparable surveys were additionally conducted on 31 mown grass playing fields in the same region. Complementary information on presence or absence of hedgehogs was obtained from a questionnaire survey of farmers. 2. Presence or absence of hedgehogs and their abundance in the pasture fields correlated with the magnitudes of five environmental variables. In a Principal Components Analysis, pasture fields in which hedgehogs were present were grouped together along a predator axis, characterized by indicators of badger activity and distance from town, and a resource axis, characterized by indices of earthworm availability
Variability studies in galgal (Citrus pseudolimon Tanaka) in upper Shivaliks of Himachal Pradesh

Galgal germplasm growing in subhumid-subtropical areas in the upper Shivalik ranges of Himachal Pradesh was randomly surveyed for the extent of variability with respect to various fruit characteristics and yield. Per cent juice content of the fruit and yield per tree were above average when fruit length/diameter ratio was between 1.2 to 1.4 and fruit weight was around 400 to 500 g. It is concluded that for preparing juice-based products, fruits of above mentioned length/diameter ratio should be preferred, whereas for pickle purpose, large size fruits were better as they possessed low juice per cent and thicker rind. The variation in tree volume, juice content and fruit length was moderate. Rind thickness, fruit and core diameter had a high level of variability in the studied germplasm.
The Ecology of Severe Moorland Fire on the North York Moors: Seed Distribution and Seedling Establishment of Calluna Vulgaris

1. Regeneration of Calluna vulgaris following normal heath fires is from surviving stem bases or, where survival is poor, from a seed bank. Severe fires causing ignition of surface organic horizons kill stem bases and cause a serious depletion of the seed bank, most of which (up to 10 6 seeds m −2 ) lies in the litter and upper 2-3 cm of soil or organic material. Germinable seeds were detected in appreciable numbers down to 6 cm beneath the boundary of the F/O soil horizons in soil cores from mature heath vegetation on a blanket peat and peaty stagnopodzol. However, severe fires in which more than 10 cm of peat is ignited will destroy all of the viable seed bank
Epidemiology of Airborne Virulent Rhodococcus equi at Horse Breeding Farms

Epidemiology of Airborne Virulent Rhodococcus equi at Horse Breeding Farms. (December 2011) Kyle Ryan Kuskie, B.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Noah Cohen Rhodococcus equi causes severe pneumonia, resulting in disease and sometimes death of foals. Infection is thought to occur by inhalation of dust contaminated with virulent R equi. A recent study of 3 horse breeding farms in Ireland found airborne concentrations of virulent R equi to be significantly higher in stables than in paddocks. More importantly, another study from Australia established an association of airborne concentrations of virulent R equi with the prevalence of R equi pneumonia at 28 farms. The extent to which these associations extend to other farms in different parts of the world is not known. Two farms in central Kentucky with recurrent R equi pneumonia in foals were studied from February through July 2008. Air samples were collected and environmental factors were measured hourly for a 24-hour period each month from stalls and paddocks used to house mares and their foals at each farm. In 2009, samples were collected from 47 foals from stalls at a single horse-breeding farm in central Kentucky on days 1-2, days 7-9, and days 14-16 of life. Concentrations of airborne virulent R equi were determined via a modified colony immunoblot technique.
188. Soil Erosion, Suspended Sediment Sources and Deposition in the Maw-Ki-Syiem Drainage Basin, Cherrapunji, Northeastern India

210Pbex and 137Cs activities in soil and sediments were used to investigate soil erosion, suspended sediment source and deposition in the Maw-Ki-Syiem drainage basin on the southern slopes of the Meghalaya plateau in northeastern India. This area is known for its high rainfall ranging from 8000 to 24,000 mm year−1. It is shown that in the grassland areas hillslope erosion rates are low (0.21 kg m2 year−1) with most of the mobilized sediment being trapped on the foot-slopes. Stream and recent flood plain sediments are derived primarily from gully and channel bank erosion. The estimated rates of sedimentation on the flood plain are 0.83 g cm-2 year−1 using 137Cs and 1.72 g cm−2 year−1 using 210 Pbex.
Two-tone interaction in the electrical and acoustic responses of the mammalian cochlea

Feedback amplification of responses within the mammalian cochlea, which is responsible for the remarkable frequency tuning, sensitivity and dynamic range of our hearing, is provided by the electromotile outer hair cells (OHCs). The cochlear amplifier is highly non-linear which results in nonlinear interaction between two tones when presented simultaneously. During two-tone interaction, the amplitude of a single probe tone is modulated by the presence of a simultaneously presented masker tone. In the first two chapters, the OHC gross AC potential (known as the Cochlear Microphonic or CM) associated with a probe tone was measured at the round window in the presence of a masker tone, and the effects of two-tone interaction were monitored for different levels and frequencies of the probe and the masker. It was found that not only is CM two-tone suppression better tuned to the probe tone frequency than previously thought, but also that high-frequency maskers produced evidence for a second resonant system, likely attributable to the tectorial membrane. The intermodulation distortion products of the CM produced by two tones were also measured and it was shown that their behaviours differ qualitatively, depending on whether the masker tone is below or above the probe tone. Specifically, at low sound levels, no distortion could be detected for maskers above the probe frequency, despite two-tone suppression. This also confirms the difference in suppression mechanisms for lowand high-side maskers. Phase slope group delay has been used to estimate latency of otoacoustic emissions, echoes recorded in the ear canal in response to acoustic stimulation. The final chapter explores sources of error in group delay estimates. Chiefly, errors in the group delay estimates were attributed to sound level dependent phase variation of emissions. In addition, other evidence was found to support conflicting theories of back propagation of emissions. It was concluded that the method of group delay estimation and the type of emission used were not suitable to identify the mechanism of back propagation of energy from the cochlea into the ear canal.