Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Lowering Dietary Protein with Constant Energy to Protein Ratio on Growth, Body Composition and Nutrient Utilization of Broiler Chicks

A trial was conducted to determine the effect of low crude protein (CP) diets with constant metabolizable energy to crude protein (ME:CP) ratio on growth, body composition and nutrient utilization of broiler chicks from 1 to 26 days of age. Four dietary treatments having four levels of CP and ME as 23, 22, 21 and 20% and 3,036, 2,904, 2,772 and 2,640 kcal/kg, respectively, were formulated and a ME:CP ratio of 132 was maintained in all the diets. Digestible lysine was maintained at 1.10 of the diet. A total of 1,760 day-old Hubbard broiler chicks were randomly divided into 16 experimental units and each diet was offered to four experimental units at random. Feed intake was increased (p<0.05) while weight gain and feed conversion ratio were adversely affected (p<0.05) when the diets with low CP and ME were fed to broilers. Total protein intake and total ME intake were linearly decreased (p<0.05) and protein efficiency ratio and energy efficiency ratio were lower (p<0.05) than in the chicks fed dietary regimen with 22% CP and 2,904 kcal/kg ME. The whole body analysis of the birds revealed that chicks fed the lowest dietary regimens retained less (p<0.05) nitrogen and more ether extract than chicks fed the control diet, however, body dry matter, total body ash and fat free body protein were not affected. Similarly, protein and energy utilization were also unaffected by the dietary treatments. In summary, chicks fed low CP diets with
Pre-Clinical Studies with D-Penicillamine as a Novel Pharmacological Strategy to Treat Alcoholism: Updated Evidences

Ethanol, as other drugs of abuse, is able to activate the ventral tegmental area dopamine (VTA-DA) neurons leading to positively motivational alcohol-seeking behavior and use, and, ultimately to ethanol addiction. In the last decades, the involvement of brain-derived acetaldehyde (ACD) in the ethanol actions in the mesolimbic pathway has been widely demonstrated. Consistent published results have provided a mechanistic support to the use of ACD inactivating agents to block the motivational and reinforcing properties of ethanol. Hence, in the last years, several pre-clinical studies have been performed in order to analyze the effects of the sequestering ACD agents in the prevention of ethanol relapse-like drinking behavior as well as in chronic alcohol consumption. In this sense, one of the most explored interventions has been the administration of D-Penicillamine (DP). These pre-clinical studies, that we critically summarize in this article, are considered a critical step for the potential development of a novel pharmacotherapeutic strategy for alcohol addiction treatment that could improve the outcomes of current ones. Thus, on one hand, several experimental findings provide the rationale for using DP as a novel therapeutic intervention alone and/or in combination to prevent relapse into alcohol seeking and consumption. On the other hand, its effectiveness in reducing voluntary ethanol consumption in long-term experienced animals still remains unclear. Finally, this drug offers the additional advantage that has already been approved for use in humans, hence it could be easily implemented as a new therapeutic intervention for relapse prevention in alcoholism.
Ranking related entities for web search queries

Entity ranking is a recent paradigm that refers to retrieving and ranking related objects and entities from different structured sources in various scenarios. Entities typically have associated categories and relationships with other entities. In this work, we present an extensive analysis of Web-scale entity ranking, based on machine learned ranking models using an ensemble of pairwise preference models. Our proposed system for entity ranking uses structured knowledge bases, entity relationship graphs and user data to derive useful features to facilitate semantic search with entities directly within the learning to rank framework. The experimental results are validated on a large-scale graph containing millions of entities and hundreds of millions of entity relationships. We show that our proposed ranking solution clearly improves a simple user behavior based ranking model.
Response-based approachability with applications to generalized no-regret problems

Blackwell's theory of approachability provides fundamental results for repeated games with vector-valued payoffs, which have been usefully applied in the theory of learning in games, and in devising online learning algorithms in the adversarial setup. A target set S is approachable by a player (the agent) in such a game if he can ensure that the average payoff vector converges to S, no matter what the opponent does. Blackwell provided two equivalent conditions for a convex set to be approachable. Standard approachability algorithms rely on the primal condition, which is a geometric separation condition, and essentially require to compute at each stage a projection direction from a certain point to S. Here we introduce an approachability algorithm that relies on Blackwell's dual condition, which requires the agent to have a feasible response to each mixed action of the opponent, namely a mixed action such that the expected payoff vector belongs to S. Thus, rather than projections, the proposed algorithm relies on computing the response to a certain action of the opponent at each stage. We demonstrate the utility of the proposed approach by applying it to certain generalizations of the classical regret minimization problem, which incorporate side constraints, reward-to-cost criteria, and so-called global cost functions. In these extensions, computation of the projection is generally complex while the response is readily obtainable.
The functional fidelity of individual differences research: the case for context-matching

Applying basic research on individual differences in performance requires a kind of ‘functional fidelity’. That is, the laboratory environment must elicit individual differences in cognition and emotion similar to those seen in the operational setting. Studies of conventional personality traits and performance often lack this functional fidelity. Four research directions for enhancing functional fidelity are proposed. First, a greater focus on simulated operational tasks that require cognitive skills is requisite. Second, contexts relevant to specific personality traits, such as social demands, may be simulated in the laboratory. Third, traits linked to a specific performance context, such as vehicle driving, may be developed and validated. Fourth, psychophysiological responses to tasks that reproduce operational cognitive demands may be used as predictors, as exemplified in recent studies of vigilance. Enhancements to functional fidelity will assist human factors practitioners in accommodating the role of individual differences in operator selection, diagnostic monitoring and augmented cognition.
Ilex paraguariensis extracts extend the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster fed a high-fat diet

Studies have suggested that total energy intake and diet composition affect lifespan and ageing. A high-fat diet induces oxidative stress and affects the development of diseases. In contrast, antioxidants are capable of reducing its harmful effects. Yerba mate beverages are an important source of antioxidants, but there is scarce knowledge about their effects on suppressing fat accumulation. Here, we investigated the compounds present in yerba mate extracts and assessed their effects on Drosophila melanogaster given a high cholesterol diet. LS-ESI-MS analysis showed the presence of matesaponins, phenolic compounds and methylxanthines in all of the examined extracts. In Drosophila, under extract treatment conditions, the mean lifespan was significantly extended from 38 to 43 days, there was an increase in the ability to support induced stress and decrease in lipid peroxidation products. Moreover, yerba mate extracts recovered the glutathione S-transferases (GST) activity and reduced the cholesterol level. Taken together, our results support that extracts can extend lifespan by reducing the detrimental effect of a high-fat diet in D. melanogaster, and this outcome can be associated with the compound content in the extracts. This study improves the understanding of natural interventions that reduce stress-induced oxidative damage, which is fundamental in promoting healthy ageing.
Composition and Biophysical Properties of Myelin Lipid Define the Neurological Defects in Galactocerebroside‐ and Sulfatide‐Deficient Mice

Abstract: Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cell‐specific proteins are assembled with a highly ordered membrane lipid bilayer to the myelin sheath of axons, which functions as an insulator and allows rapid saltatory conduction. We approached the question of the function of the CNS and PNS myelin‐specific galactospingolipids cerebrosides and sulfatides by generating a ceramide galactosyltransferase null allelic mouse line (cgt−/−). Galactocerebroside‐ and sulfatide‐deficient myelin loses its insulating properties and causes a severe dysmyelinosis that is incompatible with life. Here, we describe the biochemical and biophysical analysis of the myelin lipid bilayer of cgt−/− mice. The lipid composition of CNS and PNS myelin of cgt−/− mice is seriously perturbed and the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway altered. Nonhydroxy and hydroxy fatty acid‐substituted glycosylceramides (GlcC) are synthesized by oligodendrocytes and sulfated GlcC in addition in Schwann cells. The monogalactosyldiglyceride fraction is missing in the cgt−/− mouse. This new lipid composition can be correlated with the biophysical properties of the myelin sheath. The deficiency of galactocerebrosides and sulfatides leads to an increased fluidity, permeability, and impaired packing of the myelin lipid bilayer of the internodal membrane system. The loss of the two glycosphingolipid classes causes the breakdown of saltatory conductance of myelinated axons in the cgt−/− mouse.
Punishment for Criminal Attempts: A Legal Perspective on the Problem of Moral Luck

In the criminal law, the law of attempts is of comparatively recent vintage. It is part of an important contemporary legal trend towards early intervention in the criminal process. There are now a substantial number of crimes on the books that, like the crime of attempt, only require that the perpetrator start down the road to carrying out his criminal intentions and do not require him actually to have harmed (or, in some cases, even identified) his victim. Besides the law of attempts, these new crimes include conspiracy and solicitation, forgery and counterfeiting, the possession offences (drugs, burglary tools, counterfeit money, automobile master keys, etc.), even corruption of youth (children). In all these cases, the law is stepping in to forestall harm, rather than waiting until a harm has already happened.
The Roles of Multiple Proteomic Platforms in a Pipeline for New Diagnostics

Numerous recent reports (e.g. Refs. 1‐3) suggest that proteome studies are in the process of finding a range of novel disease biomarkers in plasma and serum, giving rise to the hope that the declining trend in new protein diagnostics over the last decade (4) will be reversed and the obvious benefits of early (5) and correct diagnosis will be extended to many diseases. The path to this bright future is, however, proving to be difficult for reasons both technical and scientific, highlighting the need for a well conceived pipeline process for diagnostic development. Here I review some of the important factors constraining successful protein diagnostic development and propose a three-stage technology roadmap for accelerating the introduction of new clinical tests. At the outset, it is useful to compare the process of developing new diagnostics (Dx) 1 with the relatively well understood pipeline process for developing new drugs (Rx). Drug development usually begins with molecular target identification and progresses through the discovery and gradual winnowing of lead compounds (through studies of preclinical toxicology, tissue disposition, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, etc.) to produce high value drug candidates that go into a series of increasingly large and expensive clinical trials. In the pharmaceutical industry, all of these steps are integrated under a single business management motivated to increase the output of approved drugs by optimizing the allocation of resources to each pipeline stage. In diagnostics, such an integrated pipeline is a rarity if it exists at all: in general, marker candidates are discovered in the course of academic, government-funded research, and only the final stages of clinical validation are carried out by the manufacturers of commercial in vitro diagnostics (IVD). The middle section of the Dx pipeline, where winnowing of candidates occurs to yield the highest value tests, is not explicitly funded by either government or industry and for this reason is not carried out systematically. This gap in the middle of the Dx pipeline largely accounts for the shortfall of new markers reaching clinical use. Lack of unified responsibility for the Dx development or even a well understood cooperative “virtual” Dx pipeline process inhibits solution of the problem. The ability of proteomics to survey large numbers of proteins at once ought to substantially increase the flow of new candidate diagnostics into the Dx pipeline, and in the view of some, proteomics should be able to carry these candidates all the way to routine use. A number of factors blunt the value of proteomics in this respect of which three can be singled out as producing particularly troublesome consequences.
Démarches environnementales volontaires, conflit d’usage et proximité. Le cas de la viticulture et de l’arboriculture fruitière

L’article propose une analyse en termes de proximite geographique et organisee de la contribution des Demarches Environnementales Volontaires (DEV) a la resolution du conflit d’usage diffus sur l’eau dans la viticulture et l’arboriculture fruitiere. Dans une premiere partie, les DEV seront presentees comme une reponse specifique des producteurs a ce type de conflit, la seconde partie se concentrant sur une lecture des DEV en termes de proximite. Une enquete realisee aupres des producteurs inscrits en agriculture raisonnee ou biologique permet de montrer que la proximite organisee ne peut etre porteuse a elle seule de solutions aux divergences d’interets entre acteurs.
Localization of phencyclidine binding sites on alpha and beta subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo ocellata electric organ using azido phencyclidine

A photolabile derivative of phencycliding (PCP), azido phencyclidine (AZ-PCP), was synthesized and used to localize PCP binding sites on the acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo ocellata electric organ. In the dark, the binding of micromolar concentrations of [3H]AZ-PCP to a receptor-enriched membrane preparation fits a single dissociation constant (Kd = 2.65 microM) and is very similar to the binding of [3H]PCP. The agonist carbamylcholine increases the association rate (and the affinity) of these ligands to the receptor, but it does not alter the total number of available binding sites. Following UV irradiation and gel electrophoresis, [3H]AZ-PCP was found to label specifically the alpha and beta subunits of the receptor. The labeling of the alpha subunit band was heavier, and it was inhibited by tetracaine and PCP but not by alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-Bgt). The addition of carbamylcholine enhanced the labeling of the beta subunit; this effect was diminished by alpha-Bgt. The labeling of the beta subunit was also inhibited by tetracaine and PCP. The effect of carbamylcholine, which binds to the alpha subunit, could be the result of an induced conformational change, which is propagated to the beta subunit and increases its labeling by [3H]AZ-PCP. A simple model which accommodates the binding and photoaffinity labeling data is described. According to the model, the high affinity PCP binding site is located between the alpha and beta receptor subunits, and the drug thus becomes attached simultaneously to both. Hypothetical overlapping recognition sites for PCP on these receptor subunits would allow binding (and labeling) with increased affinity in the presence of carbamylcholine with no increase in the number of available sites.
Wireless positioning technologies and applications

At last--here's a comprehensive book that puts full details on all short-range wireless-positioning methods at your command for instant access and use. This one-stop resource surveys each technique's theory of operation, advantages and disadvantages, applicability in different domains, implementation procedures, and accuracy to help you select the right technology for any application and ensure the best results possible. Real-life examples together with 161 diagrams help bring all options into sharp focus. After introducing wireless positioning fundamentals along with various personal, commercial, and industrial applications, the book guides you step by step through radio signal time of flight methods, the signal strength method, the angle of arrival system, and the geometric use of distance measurement to determine location. It discusses location awareness applications and implementations using cellular networks. You are brought up to speed on fast-developing techniques involving local area networks (WLANs), personal area networks (WPANs), and radio frequency ID (RFID). Moreover, you find coverage of the distance measurement features in the new IEEE 802.15. 4a spec for low rate wireless personal area networks. This practical resource offers detailed guidance on how to implement important technologies, including direct sequence spread spectrum, frequency hopping spread spectrum, and ultrawideband (UWB). The book also explores ways to counteract accuracy impairments caused by noise, multipath and fading, and limitations of antenna directivity and time measurement precision.
Bandwidth estimation for wireless video transmission

This work deals with layered video transmission over wireless networks. We focus on deriving the required bandwidth provisioning for each layered video given their respective QoS target. We model the layered video traffic by a discrete time batch Markovian arrival process (DBMAP) with marked transitions. We assume the link level behavior of the wireless channel can be modeled by a hidden Markov model (HMM), and the network supports automatic repeat request (ARQ) operation. We show that the video data transmission buffer can be modeled as a G/D/c queue with time dependent feedback, and propose to approximate the ARQ feedback traffic by an HMM modulated DBMAP process. Based on the effective bandwidth approach, we derive the required channel capacity for both the input video traffic and the ARQ feedback traffic in order to meet the given QoS targets.
Sensory, digestive and metabolic influences on preference and intake

In the 1960s. scientific work on the mechanisms of appetite began to shift from the effects of deprivation on reinforcement, motivation and sensation (hunger and thirst) to the influences of ingestion itself on what and how much was chosen at a bout of eating and drinking (the sating of appetite). This personal overview starts with John D. Davis's involvement in this trend to studying sensory, digestive and metabolic controls of meal volume, as he and the author each joined the field. The main topic is the diverse series of innovative experiments that Davis carried out in the author's research group in 1970 1971. This work exemplified Davis's technical inventiveness and theoretical precision. It generated influential findings on behavioural roles of dietary flavours, gastric distension and hepatic metabolism.
Placing Latin America: Contemporary Themes in Human Geography (review)

Studying Latin America can seem like a fatalistic endeavor, with the heavy burden of structural legacies weighing down on progress and change. In Plac­ ing Latin America, Edward Jackiewicz and Fernando Bosco have assembled a volume that not only addresses the stifl ing effects of these legacies but also, and more importantly, highlights the role of human agency in exploiting the spaces made available to local actors as they stimulate change. As the editors rightfully claim, the underlying themes throughout the work are the seem­ ingly contradictory, and yet related, concepts of continuity and change. The 14 chapters bring together an impressive collection of submis­ sions from established Latin American geographers and fresh faces as well. Conceived as a thematic textbook, it diverges from the traditional pattern of focusing on general themes with interspersed case studies. Instead, the submissions present more specific topics with general themes developed in the process. While this style takes a little adjusting to, it does provide an exciting way to cover the human geography of Latin America in the class­ room. For example, Kent Mathewson’s contribution focuses on psychoactive drug production, processing, and trafficking as both a way of exploring this specific issue and covering the historical legacy of Latin American agriculture as a source of luxury crops for the global North. While the same can be done with bananas, I doubt it would be as effective in capturing the attention and imagination of students. The beginning half of the textbook deals more with continuity than change. In the first chapter, Edward Jackiewicz and Linda Quiquivix provide
School Context, Principal Leadership, and Student Reading Achievement

In this article, we explore the nature and extent of the school principal's effects on reading achievement in a sample of 87 U. S. elementary schools. Our study responded to prior critiques of the literature in school administration by formulating and testing a multidimensional model of principal effects on student learning. By using principal and teacher questionnaires and student test scores, we examined relations between selected school context variables (student SES, parental involvement, principal gender, and teaching experience), principal instructional leadership (principal activity in key dimensions of the school's educational program), instructional climate (school mission, opportunity to learn, teacher expectations), and student reading achievement. Results showed no direct effects of principal instructional leadership on student achievement. The results did, however, support the belief that a principal can have an indirect effect on school effectiveness through actions that shape the school's learning climate. We also found that principal leadership itself is influenced by both personal and contextual variables (SES, parental involvement, and gender). The study confirmed the appropriateness of viewing the principal's role in school effectiveness through a conceptual framework that places the principal's leadership behavior in the context of the school organization and its environment and that assesses leadership effects on student achievement through mediating variables.