Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination of cassava products and maize grain from markets in Tanzania and republic of the Congo

Food safety and compliance with international standards is a major challenging to achieve food security in sub-Saharan Africa. The present study evaluated the occurrence of Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium spp. , and related fungi, and resultant aflatoxins and fumonsins in dried cassava and maize samples from various markets and villages in Tanzania and Congo. The relationship between mycotoxins and length of storage period was also elucidated. The levels of aflatoxin B1 varied from 0.3 to 4.4 ppb in cassava chips and flour, and from 0.1 to 13.0 ppb in stored cassava samples, with relatively high levels of contamination found in cassava stored for 4 months. Maize kernels showed high aflatoxin concentrations, with means ranging from 0.04 to 120 ppb. On maize, the dominant mycoflora were Aspergillus spp. (3.3%–39.5%) and Fusarium spp. (42%–70.5%), potentially causing serious health risks to consumers of these products. Low levels of fumonisin ranging from 0 to 0.07 ppm were found in cassava chips and flour with mean values ranging from 0.001 to 0.006 ppm. Maize recorded relatively higher fumonisin levels ranging from 0.02 to 9.4 ppm, indicating that maize is potentially a more serious risk to consumer health than cassava. This needs to be taken into account when developing strategies to reduce toxin contamination and improve health of populations. Aflatoxin in maize is a chronic problem in the two countries surveyed, limiting marketability and income. Nevertheless the collected cassava samples are also prone to aflatoxin contamination, but not fumonisin contamination.
Efficacy of Choline in Ameliorating Aflatoxicosis in Broiler Chickens

ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 02 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of choline in ameliorating aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens. Day-old broiler chicks (n=240) were divided into 6 treatment groups (T1-control, basal diet; T2-T1+250 ppb AFB1; T3-T1+ 200 ppm Choline; T4-T1+ 400 ppm Choline;T5-T2+ 200 ppm Choline and T6T2+ 400 ppm Choline). Each diet was fed to 4 replicated groups of 10 birds each from day-old to 42 days of age. During overall growth period (0-6 weeks), the BWG of control group (T1) was higher (P<0.05) than that of toxin fed group (T2). The BWG in T5 and T6 was higher (P<0.05) than that of toxin fed group (T2) but lower (P<0.05) than that of control, indicating that addition of choline to the aflatoxin contaminated diet partially ameliorated the adverse effects of aflatoxicosis on body weight gain. The feed intake did not vary significantly among various treatment groups. The FCR in control group (T1) was lower (P<0.05) than that of T2. The FCR in other treatment groups (T3 to T6) was statistically similar to that of control. The relative weight of liver in control group (T1) was lower (P<0.05) than that of aflatoxin fed group (T2). The relative weight of liver in groups T5 and T6 was significantly (P<0.05) lower than that of toxin fed group (T2), but significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of control (T1). The relative weight of bursa of Fabricius in control group (T1) was higher (P<0.05) than that of T2.The relative weight of bursa in group T6 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of T5, but lower than that of control (T1). The total serum protein, cholesterolanduric acid content of control group (T1) was higher (P<0.05) than that of T2.The total serum protein, cholesterol and uric acid content of groups T5and T6was higher (P<0.05) than that of T2 but lower than that of T1.The SGPT and SGOT activities in aflatoxin alone fed group (T2) were higher (P<0.05) than that of control (T1). The SGPT and SGOT value in groups T5 and T6 was lower (P<0.05) than that of T2 but higher than that of T1.It was concluded that aflatoxicosis caused by 250 ppb level of dietary aflatoxin resulted in depression of growth, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency; enlargement of liver, regression of bursa, decreased total protein, cholesterol, uric acid, and increased level of SGPT and SGOT activity. Inclusion of choline to the 250 ppb aflatoxin contaminated feed partially ameliorated the adverse effects of aflatoxicosis on production performance, organ weights and blood biochemistry in broiler chickens. K e y w o r d s Aflatoxicosis, Broiler chicken, Production performance, Choline Accepted: 18 January 2019
NEW AND POORLY KNOWN PARACHUTING FROGS (RHACOPHORIDAE: RHACOPHORUS) FROM SUMATRA AND JAVA

Abstract We report on a small collection of parachuting frogs from Sumatra and Java. Three new species are described. Rhacophorus achantharrhena is similar to R. dulitensis and R. prominanus and differs from these species by a suite of characters including morphology of the supratympanic fold, digital webbing, coloration, and morphometrics. These three species are unusual in having white visceral and parietal peritonea. Rhacophorus catamitus is a small species similar to R. angulirostris and differing from this species by having a calcar at the heel and reduced digital webbing. Rhacophorus barisani resembles R. baluensis but differs from this species in color pattern, habitus, webbing of the fingers, and morphology of the dermal appendages. A new specimen of Sumatran R. pardalis is described and compared to the holotype of R. pulchellus. Rhacophorus prominanus is reported from Gunung Rajabasa, Lampung. Two specimens are described and compared to Bornean R. dulitensis and R. prominanus from the Malay Peninsula. Rhacophorus tunkui Kiew is a junior subjective synonym of Rhacophorus prominanus Smith. Finally, we describe new specimens of Rhacophorus margaritifer from Cibodas, Java. Skeletons of the new species and of R. margaritifer are described in detail. Superficial jaw and throat musculature appears to be relatively conservative within the genus.
Estimation and Modeling of Electrofishing Capture Efficiency for Fishes in Wadeable Warmwater Streams

Abstract Stream fish managers often use fish sample data to inform management decisions affecting fish populations. Fish sample data, however, can be biased by the same factors affecting fish populations. To minimize the effect of sample biases on decision making, biologists need information on the effectiveness of fish sampling methods. We evaluated single-pass backpack electrofishing and seining combined with electrofishing by following a dual-gear, mark–recapture approach in 61 blocknetted sample units within first- to third-order streams. We also estimated fish movement out of unblocked units during sampling. Capture efficiency and fish abundances were modeled for 50 fish species by use of conditional multinomial capture–recapture models. The best-approximating models indicated that capture efficiencies were generally low and differed among species groups based on family or genus. Efficiencies of single-pass electrofishing and seining combined with electrofishing were greatest for Catostomidae and low.
NF-κB regulates the response of embryonic cells to heat shock

NF-κB was shown previously to regulate apoptotic cell death processes in various experimental systems. However, its role in controlling teratogen-induced cell death has not been established yet. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to explore the involvement of the p65 subunit of NF-κB in the response of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) to heat shock, using p65 knockout (p65−/−) cells. Indeed, we found p65−/− MEFs to be more susceptible to the exposure to heat shock, as compared with wild-type (WT) MEFs, as they demonstrated a more prominent decrease in cell survival and proliferation as well as the appearance of cells undergoing apoptotic cell death. These heat-shock-induced effects were preceded by a decrease in p65 expression in WT cells, which was accompanied by a decrease in IκBα expression in WT MEFs, while disappearing completely in p65−/− MEFs and accordingly, by an increase in p-IκBα expression in both cell lines, which was found to be more prominent in p65−/− MEFs. Interestingly, the heat shock-induced decrease in p65 expression was accompanied by an increase in HSP70 expression in both cell lines. However, it was again found to be more prominent in p65−/− MEFs. Taken together, our results suggest a protective role for the p65 subunit of NF-κB in mechanisms underlying the response of embryonic cells to heat shock.
Postbranding Survival of Steller Sea Lion Pups at Lowrie Island in Southeast Alaska

Abstract Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups (n = 366) were hot-branded at Lowrie Island, Southeast Alaska, USA, in June 2001 and 2002 for vital-rates studies. To assess potential mortality following branding, we estimated weekly survival to 12 weeks postbranding using mark–recapture models. Survival estimates ranged from 0.984/week to 0.988/week, or 0.868 over the 12-week period; varied little with sex, year, and capture area; and were higher for larger than smaller male pups and unexpectedly lower for larger than smaller female pups. Inclusion of resights at 1–3 years of age prevented a −4.5% bias in cumulative survival to 12 weeks postbranding by accounting for pups that survived but permanently emigrated from Lowrie Island during the 12-week survey. Data from double-marked pups (i.e., branded and flipper-tagged) indicated the low brand-misreading probability of 3.1% did not bias survival estimates. Assuming survival differences between the first 2 weeks postbranding and later weeks were due entirely to the branding event, potential postbranding mortality of branded pups attributable to the branding event was 0.5–0.7%, or one pup for every 200 marked. Weekly survival of branded pups was nearly identical to estimates from a control group of undisturbed, unbranded pups born to 10–11-year-old branded adult females in 2005 (0.987–0.988/week) and similar to pup survival estimates from other otariid studies. Available data did not indicate substantial mortality to 12 weeks postbranding resulting from the branding disturbance, suggesting branding of Steller sea lion pups can be used effectively for investigations of population declines without significantly affecting population health or study goals.
Comparative Life Table Parameters of the Beet Armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) on Five Host Plants

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) is an important cosmopolitan insect that attacks different plant species in Iran and many parts of the world. Life table parameters of S. exigua on different host plants including Zea mays (var. 704), Gossypium hirsutum (var. Varamin), Brassica napus (var. RGS), Glycine max (var. Sahar) and Chenopodium album were studied at 26 ± 1°C, 60 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. The larval period, development time and life span of S. exigua were longest on G. hirsutum and shortest on B. napus . The longest pupal period was on G. hirsutum and the shortest one was on G. max . Among different host plants, fecundity (total number of eggs laid per female) of S. exigua was the highest (948.0 eggs) on B. napus and lowest (426.3 eggs) on G. hirsutum . The highest net reproductive rate (R0) was on C. album (377.11 female/ female/ generation), whereas the lowest one was on G. hirsutum (126.39 female/female/generation). The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) varied from 0.1707 to 0.2644, which was the highest on B. napus and lowest on G. hirsutum . Our results indicated that G. hirsutum was the most unsuitable host plant as compared to other hosts tested .
Verifying commuting quantum computations via fidelity estimation of weighted graph states

The instantaneous quantum polynomial time (IQP) model is one of promising models to demonstrate a quantum computational advantage over classical computers. If the IQP model can be efficiently simulated by a classical computer, an unlikely consequence in computer science can be obtained (under some unproven conjectures). In order to experimentally demonstrate the advantage using medium or large-scale IQP circuits, it is inevitable to efficiently verify whether the constructed IQP circuits faithfully work. There exist two types of IQP models, each of which is the sampling on hypergraph states or weighted graph states. For the first-type IQP model, polynomial-time verification protocols have already been proposed. In this paper, we propose verification protocols for the second-type IQP model. To this end, we propose polynomial-time fidelity estimation protocols of weighted graph states for each of the following four situations where a verifier can (i) choose any measurement basis and perform adaptive measurements, (ii) only choose restricted measurement bases and perform adaptive measurements, (iii) choose any measurement basis and only perform non-adaptive measurements, and (iv) only choose restricted measurement bases and only perform non-adaptive measurements. In all of our verification protocols, the verifier’s quantum operations are only single-qubit measurements. Since we assume no independent and identically distributed property on quantum states, our protocols work in any situation.
The lichen genus Lepraria in Poland

The lichen genus Lepraria in Poland, comprising 17 species, is reviewed: for each taxon, remarks on the chemistry, distribution and habitat preferences are provided. Distribution maps are also presented, together with a key for determination of the Polish species. Lepraria diffusa var. chrysodetoides is reduced to a synonym of L. diffusa s. str. , a new chemotype with a new substance is reported for L. neglecta, and rangiformic acid is reported for the first time for chemotype III of L. caesioalba. Lepraria borealis is reported for the first time from Africa (Canary Islands) and L. nigrocincta from Nepal.
Neuroanatomy and rehabilitation of the directional motor deficits associated with unilateral neglect

A growing body of evidence suggests that depending on the presence of certain brainlesions, patients with unilateral neglect might exhibit directional motor deficits affecting the planning and execution of contralateral movements. However, studies examining the neuroanatomical basis of these deficits report seemingly contrasting findings concerning the participation of frontal and parietal brain areas. Moreover, clinical studies assessing the effectiveness of different therapeutic interventions in the treatment of unilateral neglect indicate that the presence of directional motor deficits seems to contribute to the efficacy of prism adaptation. Nevertheless, considerable debate remains as to whether additional aspects dealing with neuroanatomy and behavior might also determine the influence of this intervention in patient’s successful recovery. Considering the importance of identifying the neuroanatomical underpinnings of directional aiming movement, while at the same time shedding light on the mechanisms behind prism adaptation, this thesis combines experimentallyand clinicallyoriented research studies. Part of the motivation of these projects is expressed in an opinion article (Chapter 2) which provides some insights into the clinical and therapeutic implications of assessing and carefully examining directional motor deficits. The first study (Chapter 3) used transcranial magnetic stimulation to elucidate the participation of right angular and middle frontal gyri in the planning and execution of contralateral aiming movements. This study indicated that applying repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to the former gyrus affected the initial selection of contralateral movements, whereas stimulating the latter one interfered with control processes required to maintain the goal and commit to the decision to move toward the contralateral side under conditions of high sensory uncertainty. The second study (Chapter 4) employed a two-week protocol of prism adaptation together with a lesion analysis to explore behavioral and neuroanatomical aspects influencing the effects of this intervention in the initial response and lasting improvement of patients with unilateral neglect. This study revealed that the magnitude of the proprioceptive after-effect correlated significantly with patients’ improvement until the follow-up session in neuropsychological tasks with a high motor involvement. Furthermore, it was observed that patients showing a lower prism-related improvement in these tasks had lesions in temporoparietal areas, whereas those with predominant lesions in frontal and subcortical areas exhibited a higher improvement.
Drought effects on cellular and spatial parameters of leaf growth in tall fescue

The effect of drought and recovery on cellular and spatial parameters of the growth process in tall fescue leaves was studied in two experiments. In both experiments plants grown on vermiculite and maintained in a controlled environment were submitted to a 7 d drought period generated by withholding water. Drought was followed by a 3d recovery period in experiment II. As leaf elongation rate (LER) decreased during developing drought both the growth zone length (initially 40 mm) and the maximum relative elemental growth rate (initially 0.09 mm mm -1 h -1 during the dark period of diurnal cycles) within the growth zone declined. But the growth zone still exhibited a length of approximately 15 mm when LER approached 0 under severe drought (-2.0 MPa predawn leaf water potential). The growth potential of the basal 15-mm-long portion of the leaf was conserved during the period when drought effected the complete arrest of leaf elongation. A (retrospective) analysis of the position-time relationships of epidermal cells identified on leaf replicas (experiment II) indicated that the cell flux out of the growth zone responded very sensitively to drought. Before drought the flux was maximum at approximately 3.2 cells (cell file h) -1 during the dark period. Flux decreased to 0 when leaf elongation stopped. Flux also varied diurnally both under well-watered and droughted conditions. In well-watered conditions it was about 30% less during the light than the dark period. Cell elongation was also sensitive to drought. Under well-watered conditions epidermal cell elongation stopped when cells attained a length of approximately 480 μm. During developing drought cells stopped elongating at progressively shorter lengths. When LER had decreased to almost nil, cells stopped elongating at a length of approximately 250 μm. When drought was relieved following a 2d complete arrest of leaf elongation then cells shorter than 250 μm were able to resume expansion. Following rewatering cell flux out of the growth zone increased rapidly to and above the pre-drought level, but there was only a slow increase over time in the length at which cell elongation stopped. About 2 d elapsed until the leaf growth zone produced cells of similar length as before drought (i.e. approximately 480 μm).
Abundance and single‐cell activity of bacterial groups in Antarctic coastal waters

We estimated the abundance and single‐cell activity of bacterial groups in waters off the West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) using a combination of microautoradiography and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The abundance of the Ant4D3 subgroup, detected by a new FISH probe, was 10% of the total community and half of the gammaproteobacterial population. The Ant4D3, Polaribacter, and SAR11 subgroups accounted for the majority of the Gammaproteobacteria, Sphingobacteria–Flavobacteria, and Alphaproteobacteria, respectively. Approximately 40% of the total microbial community actively incorporated leucine (added at 20 nmol L−1), while a smaller fraction (12–22%) used protein and an amino acid mixture (added at tracer concentrations). The fractions of SAR11, Polaribacter, and Ant4D3 that were active differed from each other and varied among substrates. SAR11 had the largest fraction of active cells incorporating leucine, while Polaribacter dominated the community using protein. The fraction of Ant4D3 using different compounds did not vary, but this group dominated the incorporation of amino acids, and was an abundant and active component of the bacterial community. Bacteria in the WAP region were as active as bacteria in the Mid‐Atlantic Bight, even though total bacterial production was lower in the WAP. Though persistently cold (0–1°C) and dominated by different bacterial taxa, the single‐cell activity of this summertime Antarctic bacterial community was comparable to that of temperate communities.
Molecular genotyping of growth hormone and growth hormone receptor in surti buffalo

The study was conducted to find out polymorphism of different growth hormone (bGH) and growth hormone receptor loci (bGHR) by using PCR-RFLP technique and association of different polymorphic bGH and bGHR loci with milk production in Surti buffalo. 72 blood samples of Surti buffalo were collected from LRS, Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat. The DNA samples were subjected to PCR amplification using bGH and bGHR specific primers GH1, GH2, GH3 and GHR1. The PCR products of GH1 (427 bp), GH2 (891 bp), GH3 (441bp) and GHR1 (approx 640 bp) loci were digested with Alu 1, Msp 1, Hae III and Mae II restriction enzymes respectively. Only AA, CC, FF and RR genotypes were found in Surti buffalo. All the bGH and bGHR loci studied were monomorphic indicating monomorphism at these loci may be a species characteristic of Surti buffalo.
The Economics of Skyscrapers: A Synthesis

This paper provides a synthesis of the state of knowledge on the economics of skyscrapers. First, we document how vertical urban growth has gained pace over the course of the 20th century. Second, we lay out a simple theoretical model of optimal building heights in a competitive market to rationalize this trend. Third, we provide estimates of a range of parameters that shape the urban height proﬁle along with a summary of the related theoretical and empirical literature. Fourth, we discuss factors outside the competitive market framework that explain the rich variation in building height over short distances, such as durability of the structures, height competition, and building regulations. Fifth, we suggest priority areas for future research into the vertical dimension of cities.
Dream Jobs

Understanding why certain jobs are 'better' than others and what implications they have for a worker's career is clearly an important but still relatively unexplored question. We provide both a theoretical framework and a number of empirical results that help distinguishing 'good' from 'bad' jobs in terms of their impact on a worker's lifetime wage income profile through wage jumps occurring upon changing job ('static effects') or through increases in the wage growth rate ('dynamic effects'). We find that the distinction between internationally active firms and domestic firms is a meaningful empirical dividing line between employers providing 'good' and 'bad' jobs. First, in internationally active firms the experience-wage profile is much steeper than in domestic firms, especially for managers as opposed to blue-collar workers. Second, the higher lifetime wage income for managers in internationally active firms relies on the stronger accumulation of experience that these firms allow for and on the (almost) perfect portability of the accumulated dynamic wage gains to other firms. Static effects are instead much more important for blue-collar workers. Finally, the distinction between internationally active and domestic firms is relevant also at a more aggregate level to explain cross-sectional differences in wages among workers and spatial differences in average wages across regions within a country.