Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiphasic Model of Egg Production in Laying Hens

Egg production in laying hens was characterized by clutches. This study sought to examine the variability of the clutch characteristics and predictability of annual egg production by the multiphasic model of KOOPS and GROSSMAN (1992) with consideration of internal laying. Oviposition time of 135 and 123 hens in high and low lines, respectively, of a population divergently selected for yolk-albumen ratio, wree observed at four stages of a laying period. Observation duration in each stage was about 30 days. Clutch characteristics considered in this study were LAG (mean lag of oviposition time within clutch) and DELAY (mean delay of pause day between clutches) estimated by a multiphasic model, rate of internal laying (IP), the number of clutches (CN), average length of clutches (CL) and average size of clutches (CS). LAG in both lines did not significantly vary over the four observed stages. DELAY, IP, and CN markedly increased, while CL and CS significantly decreased by stages in both lines. LAG in high line was significantly shorter than that in low line, which suggested that egg production in high line should be higher than that in low line. However, because the rate of internal laying in high line was higher than that in low line, the egg production in two lines was not significantly different. Correlation of LAG with CN was high and positive, and that with CL and CS was medium and negative. LAG and IP showed negative correlation resulting from the inclusion of internal laying in the clutch definition. The information of clutch characteristics in stages 1 and 2 at 120 and 188 days from onset of lay, respectively, was used to predict egg number of individual hens for the periods of 270 and 360 days of egg production by the multiphasic model. Mean of predicted values was about 35 eggs higher than that of actual number of eggs with correlation coefficients from 0.6 to 0.8. (Jpn. Poult. Sci., 32: 161-168, 1995)
Effects of sex and energy intake between 48 and 90 kg live weight on protein deposition in growing pigs

Twenty four entire male and 24 female pigs growing from 48 to 90 kg live weight were used to investigate the effects of five rates of food intake supplying daily between 23 MJ digestible energy (DE) and 41·8 or 39·2 MJ DE for entire males and females respectively, on rate of protein deposition, and on growth and body composition. Entire males deposited protein faster than females, and for both sexes the rate of protein deposition increased linearly with increase in energy intake up to 33 MJ DE per day ( P Average daily gain increased quadratically ( P At 90 kg live weight entire males contained less fat and more protein and water in the empty body than females. For both sexes, body fat content increased at a decreasing rate with increase in energy intake up to 33 MJ DE per day, and at an increasing rate with further increase in energy intake. Total energy retained was linearly ( P 0·75 per day) and 12·4 MJ/day (0·51 MJ/kg M 0·75 per day) for entire males and females, respectively.
Biodegradable PLGA-b-PEG Nanoparticles Induce T Helper 2 (Th2) Immune Responses and Sustained Antibody Titers via TLR9 Stimulation

Sustained immune responses, particularly antibody responses, are key for protection against many endemic infectious diseases. Antibody responses are often accompanied by T helper (Th) cell immunity. Herein we study small biodegradable poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PEG-b-PLGA NPs, 25–50 nm) as antigen- or adjuvant-carriers. The antigen carrier function of PEG-b-PLGA NPs was compared against an experimental benchmark polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs, 40–50 nm), both conjugated with the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA-PS NPs, and OVA-PEG-b-PLGA NPs). The OVA-PEG-b-PLGA NPs induced sustained antibody responses to Day 120 after two immunizations. The OVA-PEG-b-PLGA NPs as a self-adjuvanting vaccine further induced IL-4 producing T-helper cells (Th2), but not IFN-γ producing T-cells (Th1). The PEG-b-PLGA NPs as a carrier for CpG adjuvant (CpG-PEG-b-PLGA NPs) were also tested as mix-in vaccine adjuvants comparatively for protein antigens, or for protein-conjugated to PS NPs or to PEG-b-PLGA NPs. While the addition of this adjuvant NP did not further increase T-cell responses, it improved the consistency of antibody responses across all immunization groups. Together these data support further development of PEG-b-PLGA NPs as a vaccine carrier, particularly where it is desired to induce Th2 immunity and achieve sustained antibody titers in the absence of affecting Th1 immunity.
Evaluation of Fatty Acid Composition, Tocols Profile, and Oxidative Stability of Some Fully Refined Edible Oils

Present study includes evaluation of fatty acid composition, tocols profile, and oxidative stability of some fully refined edible oils. Fully refined sunflower, soybean, corn, hazelnut, peanut, and canola oils were analyzed for fatty acids by capillary gas liquid chromatography, tocols by normal phase-high performance liquid chromatography and oxidative stability by rancimat. Free fatty acid, peroxide value, and iodine value of investigated oils were determined by titrimetric methods. Saturated, mono-, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were found to be in the ranges between 2.03–18.58, 23.39–77.26, and 14.39–58.52%, respectively. Tocols and oxidative stability of the investigated oils were found to be in the ranges between 488.88–913.51 mg kg−1 and 3.05–4.99 h, respectively.
Phytoplankton species diversity and abundance in satellite lakes of Lake Victoria basin (Tanzanian side)

Studies on phytoplankton species diversity and abundance were carried out in 8 selected satellite lakes within the Lake Victoria basin during two wet seasons (March-April 2002 and January-February 2003) and one dry season (August-September 2002). Higher species richness (76 species) of phytoplankton species was recorded in rain season than in dry season (47 species). The observed species represents six classes, cyanophytes, chlorophytes, cryptophytes, basillariophytes, euglenophytes and dinophytes, of fresh water algal flora. Species diversity was generally low, with diversity indices (H\') ranging from 0.21 for Lake Kyarano to 0.09 for Lake Ikimba. On the contrary, Lake Katwe was richer in terms of species (66) followed by Burigi (49) and Ikimba (47). Lake Kubigena represented a lowest number (17) of species. Lake Burigi showed the highest abundance (611624 cell/ml) in rain season, while Lake Kyarano showed the lowest abundance (1336 cells/ml) recorded in dry season. Cyanophytes dominated (75-98% of counted cells) the phytoplankton community throughout the study period followed by bacillariophytes (0.2 -14% of counted cells) in all lakes except Lake Kyarano, which was dominated by Dinophytes (71%), whereas euglenophyta and chrysophyta were rarely encountered. The results clearly show that the phytoplankton community of satellite lakes were largely dominated by cyanophytes. This may indicate high nutrient loading (pollution) in these lakes that are certainly resulting from the surroundings. These findings call for a special attention on cyanobacteria occurrence and their unforeseen effects such as toxin production and oxygen depletion during nights that may results into fish killings. Tanzania Journal of Science Vol.30(1) 2004: 83-91
Cut‐off values to evaluate exercise‐induced asthma in eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation test for children

Abstract Background and Aim The eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) testing is a diagnostic tool for diagnostics of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction; while the testing has become more common among children, data on the test's feasibility among children remain limited. Our aim was to investigate EVH testing feasibility among children, diagnostic testing cut‐off values, and which factors affect testing outcomes. Methods We recruited 134 patients aged 10–16 years with a history of exercise‐induced dyspnoea and 100 healthy control children to undergo 6‐min EVH testing. Testing feasibility was assessed by the children's ability to achieve ≥70% of the target minute ventilation of 30 times forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Bronchoconstriction was assessed as a minimum of 8%, 10%, 12%, 15% or 20% fall in FEV1. Patient characteristics were correlated with EVH outcomes. Results Overall, 98% of the children reached ≥70%, 88% reached ≥80%, 79% reached ≥90% and 62% reached ≥100% of target ventilation in EVH testing; of children with a history of exercise‐induced dyspnoea, the decline percentages were as follows: 24% (≥8% fall), 17% (≥10% fall), 10% (≥12% fall), 6% (≥15% fall) and 5% (≥20% fall) in FEV1, compared to 11%, 4%, 3%, 1% and 0% among the healthy controls, respectively. Healthy controls and boys performed testing at higher ventilation rates (p < .05). Conclusion Eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation testing is feasible among children aged 10–16 years and has diagnostic value in evaluating exercise‐induced dyspnoea among children. A minimum 10% fall in FEV1 is a good diagnostic cut‐off value. Disease status appears to be important covariates.
Enhancing the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Cellulose Nanocomposites with Aluminum Nanoadditives

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a common hydrophilic and biodegradable polymer that can form films. This study incorporated aluminum nanoadditives as an enhancement reagent into a HPMC matrix. Mechanical properties of nanocompoistes, including the tensile strength and the elastic modulus, were analyzed with a nano-tensile tester. The incorporation of additives in HPMC films significantly enhances their mechanical and film barrier properties. Evidence of bonding between the additive and matrix was observed by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer analysis. The additives occupy the spaces in the pores of the matrix, which increases the tendency of the pore to collapse and improves the chemical bonding between the base material and the additives. The incorporation of excess additives decreases the tensile strength due to ineffective collisions between the additives and the matrix. The wear test proves that the addition of nano-additives can improve the tribology performance of the HPMC composite while reducing the wear volume and the friction. Bonding between the nanoadditives and the matrix does not help release the nanoadditives into the wear interface as a third-body layer. The main reason to enhance the tribology performance is that the nanoadditives improve the load-capacity of the composite coating. This hybrid composite can be useful in many sustainability applications.
A Decentralized Low-Chattering Sliding Mode Formation Flight Controller for a Swarm of UAVs

In this paper, a nonlinear robust formation flight controller for a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is presented. It is based on the virtual leader approach and is capable of achieving and maintaining a formation with time-varying shape. By using a decentralized architecture, the local controller in each UAV uses information only from the UAV itself, its neighbors, and from the virtual leader. Also, a synchronization control objective provides a mechanism to weight between the fleet achieving the desired formation shape, that is, achieving the desired relative position between the UAVs, and each UAV achieving its desired absolute position. The use of a combination of a sliding mode controller and a low pass filter reduces the usual chattering effect, providing a smooth control signal while maintaining robustness. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed decentralized controller.
Hyaluronic acid reduction-sensitive polymeric micelles achieving co-delivery of tumor-targeting paclitaxel/apatinib effectively reverse cancer multidrug resistance

Abstract Multidrug resistance (MDR) of cancer cells is a significant challenge in chemotherapy, highlighting the urgent medical need for simple and reproducible strategies to reverse this process. Here, we report the development of an active tumor-targeting and redox-responsive nanoplatform (PA-ss-NP) using hyaluronic acid-g-cystamine dihydrochloride-poly-ε-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-lysine (HA-ss-PLLZ) to co-deliver paclitaxel (PTX) and apatinib (APA) for effective reversal of MDR. This smart nanoplatform specifically bound to CD44 receptors, leading to selective accumulation at the tumor site and uptake by MCF-7/ADR cells. Under high concentrations of cellular glutathione (GSH), the nanocarrier was degraded rapidly with complete release of its encapsulated drugs. Released APA effectively inhibited the function of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) drug pump and improved the sensitivity of MDR cells to chemotherapeutic agents, leading to the recovery of PTX chemosensitivity in MDR cells. As expected, this newly developed intelligent drug delivery system could effectively control MDR, both in vitro and in vivo.
Feeding preferences and related types of behaviour of Neomegalotomus parvus

Laboratory studies with Neomegalotomus parvus (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) with one nymph per Petri dish in multiple‐choice tests indicated that seeds of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Mills. ], lablab (Dolichos lablab L.), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] were visited before seeds of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). The percentage of individuals engaging in dabbing/antennation resulting in probing, and percentage probing resulting in feeding, were higher on common bean (97%) and pigeon pea (87%) seeds than on lablab (55%), soybean (50%), or rice (5%) seeds. No significant differences were found in preference (number of flanges) among pigeon pea, common bean, and lablab, and preference (insects on foods) varied throughout the assessment period (5 d). In tests using 10 nymphs per dish, pigeon pea was the preferred food (number of flanges and insects on plants) throughout the period (5 d). In no‐choice tests, the average duration of a feeding session and the longest feeding session were greater on lablab and common bean than on pigeon pea, soybean, or rice seeds. The number of feeding sessions was greater on seeds of common bean, pigeon pea, and soybean than on those of lablab or rice. Laboratory tests with N. parvus adults indicated that pigeon pea seeds were located faster, followed by common bean, soybean, and rice. When pods were tested, dabbing/antennation time was shorter on pigeon pea than on soybean, and probing time was longer on soybean than on pigeon pea or common bean. On pigeon pea, 100% of the insects probed the host, while on common bean and soybean pods, and on rice panicles, these values dropped to 71.8%, 46.0%, and 10.5%, respectively. Adults showed similar feeding times on pigeon pea, common bean, and soybean pods, but did not feed on rice panicles. Electronmicroscopical analysis showed the presence of two apical lobes with 12 peg sensilla on the labial tip. Sensillum tips were stained with silver nitrate solution, indicating a permeability of the cuticle and, therefore, their function as taste receptors.
Effects of dry and traditional bed bathing on respiratory parameters: a randomized pilot study

Objective: to compare the time for performance of dry and traditional bed bathing and its effects on transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation and respiratory rates in critical adult patients. Method: pilot study of a randomized, open, crossover clinical trial, performed with 15 adult critically ill patients. Each patient received a dry and a traditional bed bath. Analysis of variance with repeated measures was used, adopting p-value ≤ 0.05. Results: most patients were male (73.3%), white (66.7%), with a mean age of 69.7 years. The dry bath was faster (20.0 minutes) than the traditional bath (30.0 minutes) (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the patients’ saturation means between baths (p=0.381), with 94.7% for the dry bath and 95.2% for the traditional bath. During the traditional bath, the patients’ respiratory rate mean was higher (24.2 incursions per minute) and statistically different (p<0.001) from the value obtained for the dry bath (20.5 incursions per minute). Conclusion: the dry bath had a shorter duration than did the traditional bath, resulting in less patient exposure. The traditional bed bath had a negative effect on patients’ respiratory rate, increasing it. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC): RBR-5qwkqd
Design and Characterization of Spray-Dried Chitosan-Naltrexone Microspheres for Microneedle-Assisted Transdermal Delivery

Naltrexone (NTX) hydrochloride is a potent opioid antagonist with significant first-pass metabolism and notable untoward effects when administered orally or intramuscularly. Microneedle (MN)-assisted transdermal delivery is an attractive alternative that can improve therapeutic delivery to deeper skin layers. In this study, chitosan-NTX microspheres were developed via spray-drying, and their potential for transdermal NTX delivery in association with MN skin treatment was assessed. A quality-by-design approach was used to evaluate the impact of key input variables (chitosan molecular weight, concentration, chitosan-NTX ratio, and feed flow rate) on microsphere physical characteristics, encapsulation efficiency, and drug-loading capacity. Formulated microspheres had high encapsulation efficiencies (70–87%), with drug-loading capacities ranging from 10–43%. NTX flux through MN-treated skin was 11.6 ± 2.2 µg/cm2·h from chitosan-NTX microspheres, which was significantly higher than flux across intact skin. Combining MN-assisted delivery with the chitosan microsphere formulation enabled NTX delivery across the skin barrier, while controlling the dose released to the skin.
Encephalopathy and Encephalitis Associated with Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytokine Alterations and Coronavirus Disease, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 2020

There are few detailed investigations of neurologic complications in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. We describe 3 patients with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease who had encephalopathy and encephalitis develop. Neuroimaging showed nonenhancing unilateral, bilateral, and midline changes not readily attributable to vascular causes. All 3 patients had increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of anti-S1 IgM. One patient who died also had increased levels of anti-envelope protein IgM. CSF analysis also showed markedly increased levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10, but severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was not identified in any CSF sample. These changes provide evidence of CSF periinfectious/postinfectious inflammatory changes during coronavirus disease with neurologic complications.
Computational Characterization of the Dish-In-A-Dish, A High Yield Culture Platform for Endothelial Shear Stress Studies on the Orbital Shaker

Endothelial cells sense and respond to shear stress. Different in vitro model systems have been used to study the cellular responses to shear stress, but these platforms do not allow studies on high numbers of cells under uniform and controllable shear stress. The annular dish, or dish-in-a-dish (DiaD), on the orbital shaker has been proposed as an accessible system to overcome these challenges. However, the influence of the DiaD design and the experimental parameters on the shear stress patterns is not known. In this study, we characterize different designs and experimental parameters (orbit size, speed and fluid height) using computational fluid dynamics. We optimize the DiaD for an atheroprotective flow, combining high shear stress levels with a low oscillatory shear index (OSI). We find that orbit size determines the DiaD design and parameters. The shear stress levels increase with increasing rotational speed and fluid height. Based on our optimization, we experimentally compare the 134/56 DiaD with regular dishes for cellular alignment and KLF2, eNOS, CDH2 and MCP1 expression. The calculated OSI has a strong impact on alignment and gene expression, emphasizing the importance of characterizing shear profiles in orbital setups.
Opportunities to use Puławska pigs for heavy fattener production.

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the slaughter value of heavy fatteners weighing over 130 kg body weight. Fatteners were divided into three groups: I – Pulawska pigs fed alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) dietary supplement; II – Pulawska pigs; III – Pulawska × Duroc hybrids (50% × 50%). Analysis of slaughter value was performed based on cut weights, proportion of different tissues in primal cuts, and physical and chemical properties of ham and loin. The evaluation of physical properties of ham and loin tissues in heavy fatteners of particular genetic groups did not reveal quality deviations of lean, which indicates that the Pulawska breed can be used to produce fatteners with high body weight. In view of the fact that meat with a certain fat content is used for production of maturing products, Pulawska and Duroc crosses had the most advantageous values of that trait. The levels of fat determined in ham and loin were 2.78% and 3.05%, respectively, which was higher compared to the other groups.
Psychometric Properties of Turkish Version of the E-Cigarette Use Outcome Expectancies Scale.

OBJECTIVE This study was carried out to evaluate the validity and reliability of the E-Cigarette Use Outcome Expectancies Scale (EUOES) in the Turkish context. METHOD The sample for the study was composed of 1,725 first-, second-, third-, and fourth-year university students aged 18-25 years. The data from the study were collected using a sociodemographic data collection form and the EUOES. Numbers and percentages were used for the evaluation of the data. In addition, content validity index, Pearson's correlation analysis, a paired samples t test, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed for the analysis of language validity and expert opinions. FINDINGS As a result of the confirmatory factor analysis, the factor loadings of the scale were found to range from 0.450 to 0.939. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the fit indices of the scale were 0.90 and higher. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was determined as . 86. CONCLUSION As a result of the analysis, the EUOES was found to be a valid and reliable measurement tool for the Turkish sample.
Marker‐assisted backcross breeding to combine multiple rust resistance in wheat

A widely grown but rust susceptible Indian wheat variety HD2932 was improved for multiple rust resistance by marker-assisted transfer of genes Lr19, Sr26 and Yr10. Foreground and background selection processes were practised to transfer targeted genes with the recovery of the genome of HD2932. The near-isogenic lines (NILs) of HD2932 carrying Lr19, Sr26 and Yr10 were individually produced from two backcrosses with recurrent parent HD2932. Marker-assisted background selection of NILs with 94.38–98.46% of the HD2932 genome facilitated rapid recovery of NILs carrying Lr19, Sr26 and Yr10. In the BC2F2 generation, NILs were intercrossed and two gene combinations of Lr19+Yr10, Sr26 + Yr10 and Lr19+Sr26 were produced. A total of 16 progeny of two gene combinations of homozygous NILs of HD2932 have been produced, which are under seed increase for facilitating the replacement of the susceptible HD2932 with three of the sixteen improved backcross lines with resistance to multiple rusts.