Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Drinking Reverse-osmosis Treated Deep Sea Water on Growth Performance and Immune Response in Broiler Chickens

ABSTRACT This study was executed to investigate the effects of drinking deep sea water treated by reverse osmosis process (RO-DSW) on growth performance, nutrient utilizability, relative weight of lymphoid organs and the concentration of serum immunoglobulin G(IgG) in broiler chickens. A total of 200 one day old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were equally and randomly distributed into 10 ground floor pens (20 chicks per pen, 5 pens per treatment) bedded with rice-husks. The broilers were offered either fresh tap water (Control) or RO-DSW for 28 days (from d 6 to d 33) as the drinking water. The same basal phase 1 diet for first 2 weeks and phase 2 diet for last 2 weeks were offered ad libitum to the birds. The RO-DSW was prepared by diluting 1:20 ratio with deionized water before offering to chickens. The diet for control birds was supplemented with 0.21 % of food-grade salt to satisfy salt need of the birds. Broiler feeding study resulted that there were no differences in amount of water consumption, mortality and FCR between RO-DSW and control chickens. However, feed intake and body weight gain were increased (p 0.05) difference in nutrients utilizability between RO-DSW and fresh water drinking. There were no (p>0.05) differences in the immune response between the control and treatment group. The serum IgG levels were 3.01 vs 2.87 mg/ml and the relative weights of spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius were 0.23, 0.18 and 0.20 vs. 0.20, 0.17 and 0.14 for RO-DSW vs. control birds, respectively. The immune responses were tended to be improved by RO-DSW drinking. This study showed an improvement in weight gain and feed intake that could be induced by RO-DSW drinking, although it is difficult to explain the reasons of the improvement at this moment. This study implied that RO-DSW could be successfully used as drinking water to broiler chickens. (
Wide‐ranging abundances of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria in the world ocean revealed by epifluorescence microscopy and quantitative PCR

Reports that aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (AAnPB) containing bacteriochlorophyll a (BChla) constitute 10% or more of total bacteria cell counts in seawater prompted us to quantify AAnPB abundances in local waters 15 km off the coast of Southern California and at 18 sites around the globe using infrared epifluorescent microscopy (IREM) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR). IREM‐estimated AAnPB comprised 1.66% ± 0.55% (mean ± SD) of total bacterial counts in the euphotic zone between April and September 2001 off Southern California. IREM counts of AAnPB need to be interpreted with caution due to detection sensitivity concerns and overlap between chlorophyll a and bacteriochlorophyll a autofluorescence at wavelengths >850 nm. QPCR‐estimated AAnPB were 1.17% ± 1.56% of total bacteria counts at 5‐m depth between January 2001 and July 2003 off the coast of Southern California (assuming one pufM gene cell−1 and 2.5 fg total DNA cell−1). Global QPCR surveys of AAnPB conducted in tropical to polar waters yielded low estimates (<2.5% of total bacteria counts) of AAnPB in most marine environments surveyed, but estimates >10% were observed in estuarine waters of Long Island Sound and Chesapeake Bay. AAnPB abundances are lower in most marine systems than previously reported from the Eastern Pacific and demonstrate that AAnPB abundances are more variable than previously realized. Our results do not support the notion AAnPB are more abundant in oligotrophic environments and, in fact, suggest the opposite. These results raise questions about where aerobic anoxygenic photosynthesis is advantageous in marine ecosystems.
The Language of Entertainment News Is a Serious Business.

Key words: entertainment news, structural complexity, semantic diversity ABSTRACT An essentially qualitative structural and semantic analysis is performed on the text of an ‘American Idol’ coverage posted on yahoo.com January 24th, 2013, constituting a micro corpus of 2,739 words. Being what it is, entertainment laced with a shot of drama and scandal, most of us share similar expectations as to what packaging such content will come in: in short, we anticipate relatively informal language and simple structures. However, a preliminary analysis of the story reveals at face value a fair amount of both phrasal and clausal complexity, with modification embedded at different levels of structures under investigation. Moreover, not only do the structures appear morphologically and syntactically complex, but their semantic representations also add to this diversity. Much as providing too much detail at word, phrase and clause level can easily lead to information overload, it also makes a clever tactic helping to transform a basically frivolous event into a top story of the day. It seems to be an attempt to ascribe relevance and newsworthiness to an affair that is nothing more than entertainment, but the aforementioned strategies almost make it look like a serious business.
Hepatic Iron In Type II Diabetes

The present work was carried on forty patients with type II diabetes of variable durations of the disease . They were selected from Internal Medicine Department, Sayed, Galal Al-Azhar University Hospital. They were 18 males and 22 females and their age ranged from 41 to 65 years. Twenty normal volunteer subjects were selected as a control group ( 9 males and 11 females and their age ranged from 45 to 65 years). A full clinical evaluation was done. Labaratory investigations were also performed that included measurement of plasma fasting and postprandial glucose, urea, creatinine, alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) , bilirubin (total and direct), ANA, iron, ferritin, insulin ( fasting and postgrandial as well as hepatitis markers (HbsAg and HCVAb). Liver biopsy was taken for assessment of hepatic tissue iron concentration and histologic assessment. The results revealed that there is a significant difference between cases with type II diabetes and normal control as regarding insulin level (P<0.05). Also a significant relation was noted between high fasting insulin level and increased body mass index (BMI) especially above 30 . Also cases with type II diabetes with steatosis or steatohepatitis had significantly higher fasting insulin level than cases without ( P<0.05). Our results showed that there is a significant high hepatic iron concentration, serum ferritin and serum fasting insulin in patients compared with control group (P<0.05). Also there is a significant increase in HIC and serum ferritin among cases with longer duration of diabetes, together with significant increase in steatosis and steatohepatitis among those cases. In addition, elevated serum ferritin in female cases were of high significance (P<0.01) in comparison to significant elevation in male cases [P<0.05], this may be explained by the fact that females have higher BMI than males.
Utilisation de differents types de grignons d'olive dans l'alimentation des lapereaux

Quatre aliments ont ete formules et testes. Le premier contient 34 % de farine de luzeme. Les trois autres rations comportent 30% d'un des trois types de grignons: grignon brut (aliment B), grignon epuise (aliment E) et grignon des chaines continues (aliment C). Le taux d'energie digestible des grignons a ete estime a 2200, 1700 et 835 kcal/kg respectivement pour le grignon brut, epuise et celui des chaines continues. A l'analyse, le taux de matiere seche de l'aliment C etait similaire a celui des autres regimes (89-90%) malgre la forte teneur en eau des grignons issus des chaines continues (60%). A part la matiere azotee totale, la digestibilite (etudiee sur 16 lapereaux ages de 8 semaines par traitement) des differentes composantes de la ration etait beaucoup plus faible avec les regimes contenant du grignon que celui a base de farine de luzeme. La digestibilite de la cellulose brute est passee de 22,4 % pour le regime temoin a 12,4-10,0 et 12,5 % respectivement pour les aliments contenant le grignon brut (8), epuise (E) ou celui des chaines continues (C). Les perfomances zootechniques ont ete suivies sur 160 lapereaux de la souche HYLA de 5 semaines en debut d'essai, sevres a 29 jours et d'un poids mayen de 1050 g. Entre 5 et 11 semaines les lots C et B ont eu les gains moyens quotidiens significativement plus eleves que le temoin ou le lot E (respectivement 31,7; 31,0; 28,6 et 29,9 g/j). La consommation globale d'aliment entre 5 et 11 semaines est plus importante avec les aliments B (5283 g) et E (5272 g) qu'avec l'aliment C (4850 g) ou encare l'aliment T (4564 g) soit des indices de consommation correspondants de 4, 10 - 4,26 - 3,70 et 3,83. L 'utilisation des grignons dans les aliments ne semble pas affecter les rendements des carcasses mais entraine un depot de gras plus important avec le regime contenant du grignon brut. Toutefois ce-ci peut etre attribue a des variations individuelles importantes ainsi qu'a un nombre d'animaux sacrifies reduit (8 lapereaux par traitement). L'incorporation du grignon d'olive (notamment le grignon epuise) dans les aliments lapin, pour son apport en fibres indigestibles, est possible et interessante. Elle entraine au niveau national une economie de devises et une diminution du prix de revient de la viande de lapin.
Estimation of Primary Traffic Statistics Based on Spectrum Sensing

Cognitive Radio (CR) systems can benefit from the knowledge of the activity statistics of primary channels, which can use this information to intelligently adapt their spectrum use to the operating environment and work more efficiently and reduce interference on primary users. Particularly relevant statistics are the minimum, mean and variance of the on/off period durations, the channel duty cycle and the governing distribution. The main aim of this thesis is to improve the estimation of the primary user statistics under different environments. At the beginning of operation, the CR does not have any information about the primary traffic statistics. Spectrum sensing is one of the key methods to obtain this knowledge. Unfortunately, the estimation of primary traffic statistics based on spectrum sensing suffers from some flaws, which are investigated in detail in this thesis. In general, two main working environments for the CRs can be identified based on the primary signal power, namely low and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the secondary users. For the high SNR scenario, an analytical model to link the sensing period with the observed spectrum occupancy and quantify its impact is proposed. Simulation results show that the proposed model captures with reasonable accuracy the spectrum occupancy observed at the CR. Moreover, the effect of the sample size (number of on/off periods) on the estimated accuracy is studied as well. Closed form expressions to estimate the statistics of the primary channel to a certain desired level of accuracy are derived to link such sample size with the accuracy of the observed primary activity statistics. The accuracy of the obtained analytical results is validated and corroborated with both simulation and experimental results, showing a perfect agreement. For the low SNR scenario, both local and cooperative estimation are considered based on the number of SUs performing the estimation. For the single estimation scenario, three novel algorithms are proposed to enhance the estimation of primary user activity statistics under imperfect spectrum sensing given the knowledge of minimum transmission time. Simulation results show that the proposed methods enable an accurate estimation for the primary user statistics. For the cooperative estimation scenario, a new reporting mechanism is proposed in order to increase the spectrum and energy efficiency of the cooperative network and improve resilience under Byzantine attacks. The proposed method is compared in terms of efficiency with methods proposed in the literature and the default periodic reporting method. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme not only reduces significantly the signalling overhead, but with a minor modification it can estimate the primary user distribution under Byzantine attacks with high accuracy. In summary, this thesis contributes a holistic set of mathematical models and novel methods for an accurate estimation of the primary traffic statistics in CR networks based solely on spectrum sensing.
Heritability estimates, correlation and path analysis studies for nut and kernel characters of Pecan ( Carya illinoensis (Wang) K. Koch)

This study was undertaken to work out heritability estimates, correlation and path analysis on 34 pecan selections and three standard cultivars Western Schley, Mahan, and Burkett. High heritability estimates coupled with low genetic advance for most nut and kernel characters indicate higher influence of environment and presence of non-additive gene action suggesting that selection in pecan may not be effective. However, relatively higher values of genetic advance with high heritability recorded in kernel recovery, fat content and nut length indicates that the selection can be exercised on the basis of these characters. Significant correlations have been observed between most of the nut and kernel characters. The positive correlation towards nut yield with other desirable characters like nut weight, kernel weight, nut length and kernel length would be favourable to breeders for their simultaneous genetic improvement.
Effects of Nutrient Addition and Competition on Biomass of Five Cirsium Species (Asteraceae), Including a Serpentine Endemic

Endemic plant species are often thought to be restricted to marginal habitats as a result of a trade‐off between fitness in high‐stress environments and competitive ability in benign environments. Here we provide a unique test of this hypothesis by manipulating competition and habitat quality across a gradient and contrasting closely related species that differ in their habitat specializations. We compared the competitive abilities of five Cirsium species that co‐occur in northern California and range from an endemic species to a noxious invader. The endemic species Cirsium fontinale var. fontinale is restricted to low‐nutrient serpentine habitats. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to compare the competitive abilities of all native species with those of conspecifics (intraspecific competition) and with those of the invasive species Cirsium vulgare (interspecific competition) under five nutrient treatments. We hypothesized that C. fontinale would have a poor competitive ability in a high‐nutrient environment compared with its congeners due to a stress‐competition trade‐off. In contrast to our expectations, however, we found that C. fontinale competed well, even in high‐nutrient environments. It was the only native species that showed no significant difference in biomass between intraspecific‐ and interspecific‐competition treatments. Its inability to expand its range beyond the serpentine habitat is likely explained by factors other than poor competitive abilities in less stressful environments. Understanding the mechanisms that explain why endemic species are restricted to harsh abiotic environments requires removing them from their specialized habitats and comparing their fitnesses and competitive abilities in more benign environments.
Co-segregation of AFLP and RAPD markers to apospory in Guineagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq.)

Synopsis A genetic linkage map of guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) was generated with nine of the AFLP markers found to be associated with apospory. These apospory-associated markers were assigned to a linkage group having previous association with microsporogenesis of the aposporous guineagrass cultivar ‘Natsukaze’. An aposporous linkage group was constructed utilizing 38 AFLP markers. Embryo sac analysis revealed that sexual and apomictic embryo sacs occurred at a frequency of 1 : 1, indicating simple inheritance of a single major gene controlling apospory in guineagrass. In addition, utilizing 56 AFLP primer combinations and 41 RAPD primers, 39 linkage groups and 360 simplex marker loci were assigned to the genetic map of the ‘Natsukaze’ cultivar. These markers covered 1703.5 cM of the autotetraploid guineagrass genome (2n = 4x = 32), with an average spacing of 4.7 cM. These tightly linked markers to apospory locus in guineagrass could be a powerful tool for marker-assisted selection of apospory and map-based cloning of the apospory gene.
Study of expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and histomorphological correlation in colorectal malignancies

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer of gastrointestinal tract. It is ranked fourth in causing cancer related deaths. Compared to western world, the incidence rates are low in India. The pathogenesis involved here is tumor induced angiogenesis which is the most important factor for tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to play a major role in angiogenesis. Aim: Is to study the expression of VEGF in colorectal malignancies and correlate the expression with histomorphological findings. Materials and Methods: Tissue samples from 30 patients with colorectal cancer of various stages, who had undergone resection during May 2016February 2018, were taken for the study. Out of 30 cases, 27 were of Adenocarcinoma, 2 were Neuroendocrine tumors and 1 was Rectal Gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Scoring system was applied to assess the VEGF expression. Results: Patients with stage 1, well differentiated and grade 1 tumors had predominantly score 2 of VEGF expression; patients with stage 2, grade 2 and moderately differentiated tumors with mucinous component had predominantly score 3 of VEGF expression and patients with stage 3, grade 3 and poorly differentiated tumors had predominantly score 4 of VEGF expression. Thus VEGF expression was positively correlated with tumor grade, and TNM stage (p<0.05). Conclusion: Quantification of VEGF expression in colorectal cancers may give a reliable prognostic information, which could further help in selecting patients of high risk of disease progression for adjuvant therapy.
Naturopathic Physicians’ Attitudes, Knowledge, and Practices Regarding Xylitol in Clinical Practice

Purpose: The intent of this study was to assess naturopathic physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of xylitol clinical practice. Methods: This study utilized a convenience sample of naturopathic physicians (NPs) (N=325) through an online survey via SurveyMonkey®. Results: The majority of NPs were knowledgeable of the medical and dental uses of xylitol (84%; n = 53 and 95%; n = 60, respectively). Ninety percent (n=57) viewed the current demand for naturopathic medicine as increasing. The medical literature was the highest ranked source of information on xylitol (45%; n = 28) with clinical practice guidelines being reported as the level of evidence required for adoption of xylitol. There is a significant correlation (p = 0.015) between NPs awareness of medical dental uses and having used xylitol as a preventive agent. There was also a significant correlation (p = 0.002) and relationship between strongly agreeing xylitol is useful in preventing dental caries and having used xylitol. Participants responded they would be highly likely to use xylitol, based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines, to prevent dental caries and having used it as a preventive agent. Conclusion: The majority of naturopathic physicians surveyed are aware of the use of xylitol in clinical practice as an evidence-based approach to preventing dental caries. Subsequently, approximately one-half of those surveyed utilize xylitol in clinical practice. Further investigation of opportunities for educational interventions and collaboration between naturopathic and dental professionals is of value considering the current trend toward complementary and alternative therapies.
Book Reviews

Given the increasing attention to children who are nowadays referred to as "at risk" of failure in school—poor, minority and otherwise bottom-reading group kinds of children, Fraatz's work is timely. Based on extensive open-ended interviews with classroom teachers, reading specialists, school administrators, and parents in four different districts serving culturally distinct communities, Fraatz captures the perceptions of those whose "experiences and exchanges are the substance of public education policy" (p. 2). Clearly believing that a political scientist like herself can and should cast an analytic eye on the construction of grassroots school policy, the author argues that "a close look at the ways in which people in schools negotiate the tasks of providing opportunities for learning can go a long way toward explaining the persistently lower educational outcomes of poor and minority children; furthermore, it can suggest strategies for improvement" (p. 2). Instead of isolating school programs which target disadvantaged children such as Chapter 1, Fraatz wanted to study schooling for the poor with a "wide-angle lens" within the system as a whole. Thus, by comparing and contrasting the commentary of classroom teachers with that of the other participants in the educational system. Fraatz proposes "connections" between the exercise of power and the access to opportunity. The focus of Fraatz's inquiry and analysis is reading instruction in Grades 1-4, chosen because reading is central to the enterprise of schooling at the elementary level and the ability to read both enables children to pursue further learning and is an end in and of itself. Faced with conflicting definitions of what constitutes "equal opportunity" in the policy literature, Fraatz turns to participants at the school level to determine how they perceive the goals of reading instruction and their jobs relative to student learning. Almost to a person, teachers and administrators alike shared the goal of "each child reading to the best of his or her ability" (p. 10). In order to achieve this goal, they believed their instructional job was to "meet individual needs. " Rather than attributing the unequal outcomes of such instruction to the prejudice or attitudes of teachers and administrators, Fraatz looks at the ways schools are organized to serve children for insight into the pervasive lower reading achievement of poor and minority students. Central to her analysis is the concept of mobilization of bias, used to describe how school people "interpret their goals, alternatives, resources, and personal contributions to the 'mission' of the institution" (p. 11). Within this organizational framework, Fraatz identifies