Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Metabolizable Energy Value of Some Feed Ingredients for Young Chicks

Abstract Metabolizable energy (M.E.) and metabolizable energy corrected to nitrogen equilibrium (M.E.n) were determined for raw and autoclaved samples of four grain legumes, seven oilseed meals and five animal protein concentrates, using 9-day old White Leghorn cockerels. The M.E. and M.E. n for the autoclaved legumes were superior to the raw, the improvement with autoclaving being most marked for bambara nut. Acacia seed had the least M.E. and M.E. n values among the legumes probably related to its high crude fibre content. The oilseed meals had M.E. and M.E. n values lower than for the autoclaved grain legumes, similar values being obtained for soybean, Sesame and palm kernel meals and slightly higher values for groundnut. Distinctly lower values were obtained for coconut and cotton seed meals. Raw and autoclaved rubber seed had M.E. and M.E. n values of 4.96 ± 0.29 and 4.83 ± 0.08 and 4.58 ± 0.16 and 4.63 ± 0.12 respectively, which were significantly higher than the corresponding values of 2.46 ± 0.37 and 2.38 ± 0.04 for the defatted rubber seed meal, due to its much lower oil content. Among the animal proteins concentrates, the M.E. and M.E. n for blood meal (3.49 ± 03 and 3.44 ± 0.03), were higher than for white fish meal (274 ± 0.13 and 2.63 ± 0.07), Menhaden fish meal (2.86 ± 0.05 and 2.74 ± 0.12) and an unspecified fish meal sample (2.47 ± 0.24 and 2.22 ± 0.17). Meat and bone meal, had the least M.E. and M.E. n values (2.14 ± 0.11 and 2.02 ± 0.08 respectively). The variable M.E. values for the fish meals did not appear to be related to variation in oil content but may be due to reduced availability of nutrients resulting from poor or long storage.
3D-printed Wideband Hyperbolic Lens Antenna for Ka-band

The design of a 3D-printed wideband hyperbolic lens antenna covering the complete Ka-band is presented in this work. The designed lens is totally flat as it is derived after an optic transformation. The lens was constructed using a 3D printer with ABS filaments that were characterized with respect to its infill percentage. Different strategies for the manufacturing will be evaluated.
Dihydrochalcones from the leaves of Lithocarpus litseifolius

Abstract Three new phlorizin derivatives, 6"-O-vanilloylphlorizin (1), 6"-O-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)phlorizin (2), 6"-O-feruloylphlorizin (3), along with four known dihydrochalcones, phlorizin (4), 3-hydroxyphlorizin, trilobatin, and 6"-O-acetylphlorizin were isolated from the leaves of Lithocarpus litseifolius. Their structures were established by analysis of extensive spectroscopic data. The new compounds were shown to be non-cytotoxic when tested against A549, HeLa, HepG2, and MCF-7 cell lines. Graphical abstract
Structural development of the shoot and root systems of two winter wheat cultivars, Triticum aestivum L.

The structural development of the stems and basal anchorage roots of Galahad and Hereward winter wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) were investigated and related to their mechanical function. Stem and root morphology, anatomy and mechanical properties were examined from tillering (March) up to maturity (August), together with plant weight distribution. This allowed us to calculate a'factor of safety'against root and stem failure throughout development. As the plants grew taller the stem and the anchorage «coronal roots» increased in bending strength countering the increasing mechanical demands. The bending strength, in turn, was correlated with the amount of lignified material around the stem and root perimeter
Spherical Harmonic Theory Investigations for Spherical Antenna Arrays

Low Earth Orbit satellite communications can be significantly improved by the omni-directional beamscanning ability of the spherical antenna arrays. The signal processing of spherical antenna arrays is essentially enhanced by employing spherical harmonic theory. Spherical harmonics (or spherical modes) exploit sphere’s perfect symmetry and demonstrate the feature to “reproduce” themselves in the farfield. First, this paper justifies the cost and performance superiority of the spherical arrays compared to the planar case. In addition, it presents several spherical array investigations that utilize spherical harmonic theory, offering substantial enhancement and simplifying the computational level of the array processing.
Design and Implementation of Timetabling Software for an Improved Decision Making at the Tanzanian Higher Education Context: A Design Science approach

The use of information systems in higher education institutions in Tanzania has led to improvement of different operations in these institutions though most of these information systems have no enough functionalities to support on data collections and processing for decision making support. Different information systems like Students' Academic Register Information System (SARIS) have been used to support different activities in managing students. Apart from systems like SARIS there have been other separate software which are used to support other operations like accounting, timetabling and others which recently their integration to these SARIS like information systems has been found very crucial to allow more data collection for decision making support. This work therefore involve the design science research in providing a solution to the timetabling process integration to SARIS for an improved decision making in Tanzanian higher education context. The implementation of the solution will ensure easy access of timetables to both students, lecturers and all decision makers while ensuring easy access of timetable data for different reports generation for decision support. Easy accessibility of timetable information to both students, lecturers and decision makers is expected to improve the quality of services in the higher education institutions in Tanzanian context.
Ovipositor internal microsculpture in the Braconidae (Insecta, Hymenoptera)

Variation in the microsculpture of the ovipositor egg canal, the morphology of the tip of the upper valve, the structure of the valvillus and the apex of the lower valve seals, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy is described for members of 52 genera representing 30 subfamilies of Braconidae. The possible phylogenetic implications of this variation are discussed. Characters supporting monophyly of the cyclostome clade, and of the non‐cyclostome subfamilies Agathidinae, Pselaphaninae and Sigalphinae are reported. Functional and phylogenetic implications are discussed and possible convergent evolution of some features associated with endoparasitism are considered in the light of recent molecular systematics findings. © 1998 The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters
The haematozoa of Australian mammals

Seven species of trypanosomes are known, of which Trypanosoma binneyi from Ornithorhynchus anatinus, T. thylacis from Thylacis obesulus, and T. hipposideri from Hipposideros bicolor albanensis are new. These are the first trypanosomes to be described from a monotreme, a marsupial, and an insectivorous bat in Australia. Six species of haemogregarines are known, of which Hepatozoon dasyuroides from Dasyuroides byrnei and H. pseudocheiri from Pseudocheirus laniginosus are new. One species of Hepatocystis is known from flying foxes, and one species of Polychromophilus from insectivorous bats. Four species of Babesia are known, of which B. thylacis from Thylacis obesulus is new. Four species of Theileria are known, of which Th. ornithorhynchi from Ornithorhynchus anatinus and Th. peramelis from bandicoots are new. The ox is the only domestic mammal harbouring sporozoan blood protozoa, three species being known, of which two are certainly pathogenic. Blood parasites, which appear to be related to bacteria or viruses, occur in cattle, rodents, and bandicoots. These include species of Anaplasma, Haemobartonella, and Eperythrozoon. Spirochaetes belonging to the genus Borrelia occur in the blood of cattle, rodents, kangaroos, and bandicoots.
Induction and characterisation of the ovine mucosal immune response to rotavirus

The local and systemic immune response to rotavirus was investigated, both in previously exposed adult sheep and gnotobiotic lambs. Vaccines were used parenterally to boost the local and systemic humoral immune response of adult sheep. The response was evaluated by assays for rotavirus (RV)-specific IgA and IgG antibodies and vims neutralising activity (VNT) in serum, nasal secretions, and intestinal scrapings. Sheep vaccinated (n=12) parenterally with a standard rotavirus vaccine (IFA and inactivated rotavirus lysate (low dose)) showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in RV IgA antibodies in nasal secretions and intestinal scrapings 2 weeks after vaccination. Sheep vaccinated (n=4) parenterally with different adjuvants and antigen doses showed both dose-related and adjuvant-related effects in RV IgG antibodies in serum and nasal secretions 2 weeks after vaccination. At a low virus dose, ISCOMs and IFA induced a significantly (p<0.05) higher humoral immune response compared with microspheres, however at a high dose (inactivated purified virus), ISCOMs and microspheres induced a significantly (p<0.05) higher humoral immune response compared with IFA. The immune response after parenteral vaccination is doseand adjuvant-dependent. Sheep vaccinated (n=4) orally with live virus, with different adjuvants and antigen doses showed no significantly increased humoral immune response. No dose effect or adjuvant effect was observed. More extensive techniques were used to characterise the primary immune response in gnotobiotic lambs after infection with a lamb-passaged rotavirus strain K923. Lambs (n=10) were infected at 6 days of age and killed over a 7 week time interval together with controls (n=6). RV antibodies and VNT were determined in serum, nasal secretions, and intestinal scrapings. RV antibody producing cells were enumerated in blood. Lymphocyte populations in blood and GALT were analysed. Lymphocyte proliferations were determined in blood and GALT and cytokine expression was analysed in JPPs and MLNs. Infected lambs cleared the virus by 8-9 days post-infection without showing any clinical signs. RV IgA antibody-secreting cells (ASC) in blood and RV IgA antibodies in serum and nasal secretions were detected from 7 days after infection
The West African species of Eleotris and their systematic affinities (Teleostei: Gobioidei)

The sleeper genus Eleotris Bloch and Schneider, 1801 (Teleostei: Gobioidei) is defined and five species recognized in tropical West African waters: E. vittata Dumeril, 1858, E. senegalensis Steindachner, 1870, E. feai Thys van den Audenaerde and Tortonese, 1974, E. daganensis Steindachner, 1870, and E. annobonensis Blanc, Cadenat and Stauch, 1968. These are defined by patterns of neuromast organs (sensory papillae) in comparison with counts of scales in lateral series. The systematic and phylogenetic position of the West African species is discussed in the light of a survey of type material representing New World and Indo-Pacific species. It is concluded that the West African species may represent at least three lines of evolution within the genus, and the possibility of dispersal across the Atlantic is discussed.
Supplementary oxygen and temperature management during live transportation of greenlip abalone, Haliotis laevigata (Donovan, 1808).

Live greenlip abalone, Haliotis laevigata, are highly valued in Australian export markets with demand increasingly being met with cultured stock. Live transportation of abalone requires the maintenance of favourable conditions within transport containers for periods exceeding 35 h. We examined the combined effects of temperature regulation (ice provision) and of supplemental oxygen (60% and 100% concentrations) on mortality rates of abalone over 7 days following a 35-h simulated live-transport experiment. We also examined the physiological condition of greenlip abalone (oxygen consumption rate, haemolymph pH and weight) during the simulation experiment. The provision of ice and supplementary oxygen reduced abalone mortalities. Omission of ice and supplementary oxygen during the transport simulation resulted in mortality rates ranging from 70% to 100%. The addition of ice to containers with ambient oxygen concentrations decreased average mortality rates by 50%. While supplementary oxygen further reduced these rates, the provision of both ice and 100% oxygen was by far the most effective combination, reducing mortalities to between 2% and 6%. Supplementary oxygen increased oxygen consumption rates of abalone above those transported at ambient oxygen concentrations. Live-transport decreased haemolymph pH in all treatments but was most pronounced in treatments without ice or supplementary oxygen. On average, abalone lost 7–13% of their weight during the simulation but this loss was independent of transport treatment.
Survival of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 in minced meat and hamburger patties

Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been recognized as human pathogen first in 1982. Its viability at lower temperatures has been proved in different in-vitro studies. It has been planned to determine the viability of inoculated E. coli O157:H7 strain in original flora of minced meat samples and original formula and microflora of hamburger patties as an actual model, during cold and frozen storage. For this purpose, minced meat and hamburger patty samples have been inoculated with 5 log cfu/g level and stored at 4.0qC or –18.0 qC and analyzed at days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9 and at days 10, 20, 30, 60, 120, 180, respectively. Reduction in E. coli O157:H7 numbers were found significant in hamburger patties. E. coli O157:H7 counts have been detected as 4.90 log cfu/g at the end of the 9 days storage and 4.01 log cfu/g at the end of the 180 days of storage in hamburger patties. Nevertheless, reduction levels were not as high as reported in previous in-vitro studies. There were no significant changes in inoculated minced meat samples at both cold and frozen storage. It has been concluded that E. coli O157:H7 was more stable in minced meat and hamburger patties, which have original formula and with accompanying microbial flora, when compared to in-vitro studies. Further studies should be held in order to investigate the behavior of E. coli O157:H7 in actual food chain of hamburgers.
Dynamics of a clinal hybrid zone and a comparison with island hybrid zones of flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca and F. albicollis)

Breeding data for pied flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca and collared flycatchers F. albicollis, from 47 localities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, were analysed. We show that co-existence and hybridization were mainly restricted to a rather narrow, latitudinal cline. The distribution of the two flycatchers coincides with topography and habitat, collared flycatchers dominating in warmer habitats than pied flycatchers. Maintained co-existence within the same locality was the exception rather than the rule and most matings occurred in allopatry. In sympatry hybridization occurred at a frequency that was much lower than expected from random mating. Hybrids had low hatching success but some hybrids were apparently fertile. Shortage of conspecific mates may explain why individual birds engage in mixed species pairs. The proportion of pied flycatchers that was involved in mixed pairs was high and increased with decreasing relative frequencies of pied flycatchers in the population. The proportion of collared flycatchers involved in mixed pairs was low, reflecting the higher relative frequency of this species in most mixed populations. Comparisons suggest that fewer hybrids are breeding in the Central European, clinal hybrid zone than in the isolated hybrid zones of the Baltic Isles. Moreover, hybrid fertility was apparently higher in the island zones than in the clinal zone. We suggest that more extensive introgression in the isolated island populations has resulted in an increase in hybrid fitness by an accumulation of fertile individuals of mixed ancestry (i.e. F2, F3 .F n-hybrids) acting as bridges for gene exchange. Differences in the dynamics of the two classes of hybrid zones, especially in pattern of gene flow, may explain these differences in frequency and fertility of hybrids.
Impact of p2/NC cleavage site polymorphisms on HIV-1 subtype C viral fitness.

Subtype C is the dominant HIV subtype in South Africa and has several distinct characteristics, which could be responsible for this. One such feature is the high degree of variation at certain Gag cleavage sites, in particular, the p2/p7 NC cleavage site. Previous studies on the Gag cleavage site mutations indicate that variation at the sites may have a significant influence on the virus. This study aims to determine the phenotypic effect of the genotypic variability. Computational methods will be used to identify a range of variants which will then be generated and characterized in terms of Gag cleavage and the replication capacity
Impact of the Local Inflammatory Environment on Mucosal Vitamin D Metabolism and Signaling in Chronic Inflammatory Lung Diseases

Vitamin D plays an active role in the modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses as well as in the protection against respiratory pathogens. Evidence for this immunomodulatory and protective role is derived from observational studies showing an association between vitamin D deficiency, chronic airway diseases and respiratory infections, and is supported by a range of experimental studies using cell culture and animal models. Furthermore, recent intervention studies have now shown that vitamin D supplementation reduces exacerbation rates in vitamin D-deficient patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma and decreases the incidence of acute respiratory tract infections. The active vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), is known to contribute to the integrity of the mucosal barrier, promote killing of pathogens (via the induction of antimicrobial peptides), and to modulate inflammation and immune responses. These mechanisms may partly explain its protective role against infections and exacerbations in COPD and asthma patients. The respiratory mucosa is an important site of local 1,25(OH)2D synthesis, degradation and signaling, a process that can be affected by exposure to inflammatory mediators. As a consequence, mucosal inflammation and other disease-associated factors, as observed in e.g., COPD and asthma, may modulate the protective actions of 1,25(OH)2D. Here, we discuss the potential consequences of various disease-associated processes such as inflammation and exposure to pathogens and inhaled toxicants on vitamin D metabolism and local responses to 1,25(OH)2D in both immune- and epithelial cells. We furthermore discuss potential consequences of disturbed local levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D for chronic lung diseases. Additional insight into the relationship between disease-associated mechanisms and local effects of 1,25(OH)2D is expected to contribute to the design of future strategies aimed at improving local levels of 1,25(OH)2D and signaling in chronic inflammatory lung diseases.
Tumor necrosis factor mimics the metabolic response to acute infection in healthy humans

To evaluate the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the initiation of the metabolic response to acute infection, we performed a crossover saline-controlled study in six healthy postabsorptive men, investigating the metabolic effects of a bolus intravenous injection of recombinant human TNF (50 micrograms/m2). TNF induced a transient stress hormone response, associated with an early and sustained rise in plasma glucose concentrations (percentage increase at 2 h 23 +/- 7; P less than 0.05). Glucose turnover, measured 7.5 h postinjection, was 10 +/- 3% higher after TNF administration (P less than 0.05). Plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and glycerol concentrations increased transiently after TNF injection, peaking after 4 h (percentage increase 363 +/- 83 and 67 +/- 14, respectively; both P less than 0.05). FFA turnover, determined 6.5 h postinjection, increased in five subjects to a variable extent (percentage increase 126 +/- 55; P less than 0.05). Finally, resting energy expenditure showed a transient rise after TNF injection (34 +/- 2% at 4 h; P less than 0.05). We conclude that intravenous TNF reproduces many of the metabolic changes observed in septicemia, suggesting that TNF may be an initiating factor in the development of the metabolic response to acute infection.
A Selective Inhibitor of eIF2α Dephosphorylation Protects Cells from ER Stress

Most protein phosphatases have little intrinsic substrate specificity, making selective pharmacological inhibition of specific dephosphorylation reactions a challenging problem. In a screen for small molecules that protect cells from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, we identified salubrinal, a selective inhibitor of cellular complexes that dephosphorylate eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit α (eIF2α). Salubrinal also blocks eIF2α dephosphorylation mediated by a herpes simplex virus protein and inhibits viral replication. These results suggest that selective chemical inhibitors of eIF2α dephosphorylation may be useful in diseases involving ER stress or viral infection. More broadly, salubrinal demonstrates the feasibility of selective pharmacological targeting of cellular dephosphorylation events.
α3 Domain Mutants of Peptide/MHC Class I Multimers Allow the Selective Isolation of High Avidity Tumor-Reactive CD8 T Cells1

The goal of adoptive T cell therapy in cancer is to provide effective antitumor immunity by transfer of selected populations of tumor Ag-specific T cells. Transfer of T cells with high TCR avidity is critical for in vivo efficacy. In this study, we demonstrate that fluorescent peptide/MHC class I multimeric complexes incorporating mutations in the α3 domain (D227K/T228A) that abrogate binding to the CD8 coreceptor can be used to selectively isolate tumor Ag-specific T cells of high functional avidity from both in vitro expanded and ex vivo T cell populations. Sorting, cloning, and expansion of α3 domain mutant multimer-positive CD8 T cells enabled rapid selection of high avidity tumor-reactive T cell clones. Our results are relevant for ex vivo identification and isolation of T cells with potent antitumor activity for adoptive T cell therapy.