Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between body weight and level of fat supplementation on fatty acid digestion in feedlot cattle.

Eight Holstein steers with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a split-plot design experiment to evaluate the interaction of body weight (175 vs. 370 kg) and level of fat supplementation (0, 3, 6, and 9% yellow grease) on characteristics of digestion and feeding value of fat in finishing diets. Dry matter intake was restricted to 2% of BW. There were no interactions between BW and level of fat supplementation (P > 0.10) on ruminal or total-tract digestion. Level of supplemental fat decreased (linear, P < 0.01) ruminal digestion of OM and NDF, and increased (linear, P < 0.05) ruminal N efficiency. There were no treatment effects (P > 0.10) on postruminal digestion of OM, NDF, and N. There tended to be an interaction (P < 0.10) between BW and level of fat supplementation on postruminal starch digestion. Increasing level of fat supplementation increased postruminal digestion of starch in heavier steers but did not affect starch digestion in lighter steers. There were no interactions (P > 0.10) between BW and level of fat supplementation on postruminal fatty acid digestion. Increasing level of fat supplementation decreased (linear, P < 0.01) postruminal fatty acid digestion, which was due to a decreased (linear, P < 0.01) postruminal digestion of C16:0 and C18:0. Supplemental fat decreased (linear, P < 0.01) total-tract digestion of OM and NDF. The estimated NEm (Mcal/kg) of yellow grease averaged (linear, P < 0.01) 6.02, 5.70, and 5.06 for the 3, 6, and 9% of level supplementation, respectively. We conclude that intestinal fatty acid digestion (FAD, %) is a predictable function (r2 = 0.89; P < 0.01) of total fatty acid intake per unit body weight (FAI, g/kg BW): FAD = 87.560 - 8.591FAI. Depressions in fatty acid digestion with increasing level of intake were due primarily to decreased intestinal absorption of palmitic and stearic acid. Level of fatty acids intake did not appreciably affect intestinal absorption of unsaturated fatty acid. Changes in intestinal fatty acid digestion accounted for most of the variation in the NE value of supplemental fat.
Introduction of Peptidase Genes from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis into Lactococcus lactis and Controlled Expression

ABSTRACT Peptidases PepI, PepL, PepW, and PepG from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis, which have no counterparts in Lactococcus lactis, and peptidase PepQ were examined to determine their potential to confer new peptidolytic properties to lactococci. Controllable expression of the corresponding genes (pep genes) was achieved by constructing translational fusions with the promoter of the nisA gene (PnisA). A suitable host strain, UKLc10, was constructed by chromosomal integration of the genes encoding the NisRK two-component system into the fivefold peptidase-deficient mutant IM16 of L. lactis. Recombinants of this strain were used to analyze growth, peptidase activities, peptide utilization, and intracellular protein cleavage products. After nisin induction ofPnisA::pep fusions, all of the peptidases were visible as distinct bands in protein gels. Despite the fact that identical transcription and translation signals were used to express the pep genes, the relative amounts of individual peptidases varied considerably. All of the peptidases exhibited activities in extracts of recombinant UKLc10 clones, but only PepL and PepG allowed the clones to utilize specific peptide substrates as sources of essential amino acids. In milk medium, induction ofpepG and induction of pepW resulted in growth acceleration. The activities of all five peptidases during growth in milk medium were revealed by high-performance liquid chromatography analyses of intracellular amino acid and peptide pools.
Public Participation in Contaminated Communities

The present study examines seven current, ongoing cases of public participation across a broader spectrum of communities. In contrast to earlier notorious historical failures, such as those at Love Canal, Woburn, and Times Beach, the cases in this study explore experiences considered relatively successful by both the agencies and the communities. The study sought to better understand the determinants of successful public involvement in contaminated communities where: (1) site characterization, cleanup options, and economic redevelopment were issues of concern and conflict; (2) more than one federal agency was involved; (3) state and local agencies were also involved; and (4) environmental justice was often an issue. The purposes of the study were to: (1) identify those factors most important to, and essential for, successful community involvement, (2) evaluate or suggest initiatives to further enhance successful public participation, and (3) identify options for more successful interaction and coordination of federal, state, and local agencies in their efforts to promote environmental and public health goals in contaminated communities.The study focused on initiatives which: enhance communication, outreach, and learning in the community; build skills and capability in the community; and provide for increased community participation in, and access to, government decisions. Special attention was paid to public participation problems in economically disadvantaged and minority communities with disproportionate environmental burdens (i.e., environmental justice communities), and to mechanisms for improving interagency coordination at all levels of government.
SLCO1B1 gene variability influences lipid-lowering efficacy on simvastatin therapy in Southern Brazilians

Abstract Background:Variants in uptake and efflux transporters can influence diverse statin pharmacokinetics in different populations. This study aimed to investigate the influence of SLCO1B1 gene polymorphism on simvastatin treatment efficacy in a Brazilian population of European ancestry. Methods: Two hundred and sixteen hypercholesterolemic patients were treated with 20 mg/day simvastatin for 6 months. Plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels were measured at baseline and after 2 and 6 months of treatment. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) c.388A>G, c.463C>A and c.521T>C at SLCO1B1 gene were determined by allelic discrimination with TaqMan 5'-nuclease assays. The 388G allele was observed in 160 patients, the 521 C allele was observed in 64 individuals, whereas 61 subjects were 463 A allele carriers. Results: Carriers of the SLCO1B1 388G allele had a greater reduction of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol with simvastatin treatment, when compared with 56 388A homozygotes (–28.8% vs. –15.8%, p=0.005 and –39.0% vs. –30.6%, p=0.003; respectively). The c.463C>A and c.521T>C SNPs were not associated with simvastatin treatment. The SLCO1B1 haplotypes showed no statistically significant differences in mean percentage reductions in lipid and lipoprotein levels after simvastatin treatment. Conclusions: The present study suggests that the SLCO1B1 c.388A>G polymorphism could play a role in the inter-individual variation of clinical response to simvastatin in Brazilians. These results add to those that suggest that the effects of SLCO1B1 variants may be statin specific.
Laboratory mating trials indicate incipient speciation by sexual selection among populations of the cichlid fish Pseudotropheus zebra from Lake Malawi

It has been suggested that sexual selection may have played a major role in the rapid evolution of hundreds of species of cichlid fishes in Lake Malawi. We report the results of a laboratory test of assortative mating among Lake Malawi cichlid fishes from five closely related geographical populations differing in male courtship colour. Paternity of clutches was tested using microsatellite DNA typing of offspring. Out of 1955 offspring typed, 1296 (66.3%) were sired by the male from the same population as the female, which is more than three times the rate expected if females do not differentiate among males of the different populations (20%). This result indicates that mate preferences of geographical races are strongly differentiated, consistent with the races representing incipient geographical species diverging under sexual selection exerted by female preferences for different male courtship colours.
Expression of ADAMTS homologues in articular cartilage.

Articular chondrocytes possess the capacity to express a number of ADAM (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase) family members, thereby implicating a role for such proteins in the turnover of cartilage extracellular matrix molecules. Recently, the sequence for the human orthologue of an "aggrecanase" isolated from bovine nasal cartilage has been elucidated, and the recombinant protein product shown to be capable of cleaving aggrecan specifically at the relevant peptide bonds which are hydrolyzed in situ during cartilage degradation. The sequence for the human "aggrecanase" exhibits homology with that of murine ADAMTS-1, an ADAM with thrombospondin type I motifs. In the present study we have identified additional ADAMTS homologues and have examined their mRNA expression profiles in freshly excised human articular cartilage and in human cartilage explant cultures stimulated with IL-1, TNF-alpha, or retinoic acid, agents which enhance "aggrecanase" activity in vitro. Significantly, cartilage exposed to retinoic acid showed a marked increase in the release of "aggrecanase"-generated aggrecan catabolites with no concomitant increase in mRNA levels for any of the ADAMTS homologues investigated. These findings indicate that enhanced "aggrecanase" activity, which may be attributed to known ADAMTS homologues, may be predominantly regulated by post-transcriptional mechanism(s), and may raise the possiblility for the existence of other as yet unidentified "aggrecanase(s). "
Réforme des critères de convergence et cyclicité de la politique budgétaire en Zone franc

Cet article se propose de tester la reforme en Zone franc qui vise a renforcer la nature contra-cyclique des politiques budgetaires. Le modele teste la relation entre le caractere discretionnaire de la politique budgetaire et la cyclicite des economies de 1990 a 2014 en comparant les criteres de solde budgetaire (avant reforme/propose par la reforme). Les resultats indiquent que la plupart des pays experimentent une politique pro-cyclique mais que la reforme permettrait davantage de regulation conjoncturelle, meme si l’instrument budgetaire reste faible pour absorber les chocs.
Ultrastructural Studies of Henneguya rhamdia n. sp. (Myxozoa) a Parasite from the Amazon Teleost Fish, Rhamdia quelen (Pimelodidae)

Abstract. Henneguya rhamdia n. sp. is described in the gill filaments of the teleost fish Rhamdia quelen, collected from the Peixe Boi River, State of Pará, Brazil. This myxosporean produced spherical to ellipsoidal plasmodia, up to 300 μm in diameter, which contained developmental stages, including spores. Several dense bodies up to 2 μm in diameter were observed among the spores. The spore body was ellipsoidal (13.1 μm in length, 5.2 μm in width, and 2.5 μm in thickness) and each of the two valves presented a tapering tail (36.9 μm in length). These valves surrounded the binucleated sporoplasm cell and two equal ellipsoidal polar capsules (4.7 × 1.1 μm), which contained 10–11 (rarely 12) polar filament coils. The sporoplasm contained sporoplasmosomes with a laterally eccentric dense structure with a half‐crescent section. Based on the data obtained by electron microscopy and on the host specificity, the spores differed from previously described Henneguya species, mainly in their shape and size, number and arrangement of the polar filament coils, and sporoplasmosome morphology.
Cell-mediated immune response to Salmonella typhimurium infection in mice: development of nonspecific bactericidal activity against Listeria monocytogenes

Generation of the cell-mediated immune response of CBA/H mice against Salmonella typhimurium (C5S) was monitored by measuring the nonspecifically increased bactericidal activity of macrophages against Listeria monocytogenes. The appearance of detectable levels of macrophage activation was inversely related to the initiating infectious dose. With 3 X 10(3) infecting C5S organisms, significant activity was demonstrable after day 3. Immunity controlled a challenge with a streptomycin-resistant strain of S. typhimurium (C5R) successfully only by approximately day 7. In the period of increasing activity against L. monocytogenes, growth of C5R was only delayed. Since such an effect could not be demonstrated in Listeria-infected mice, these findings suggest that immunity against C5R necessitates specific factors besides macrophage activation.
Type, size and age of vehicles driven by teenage drivers killed in crashes during 2008–2012

Given teenagers’ elevated crash rates, it is especially important that their vehicles have key safety features and good crash protection. A profile of vehicles driven by teenagers killed in crashes was developed. Data on vehicles of drivers ages 15–17 and ages 35–50 who died in crashes during 2008–2012 were obtained from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Using vehicle identification numbers, the vehicle make, model and model year were identified. 29% of fatally injured teenagers were driving mini or small cars, 82% were driving vehicles at least 6 years old, and 48% were driving vehicles at least 11 years old. Compared with middle-aged drivers, teenagers’ vehicles more often were small or mini cars or older vehicles. Few teenagers’ vehicles had electronic stability control or side airbags as standard features. Parents should consider safety when choosing vehicles for their teenagers.
Molecular mechanisms of spontaneous and directed mast cell motility

Migration is a fundamental function of immune cells, and a role for Ca2+ in immune cell migration has been an interest of scientific investigations for many decades. Mast cells are the major effector cells in IgE‐mediated immune responses, and cross‐linking of IgE‐FcɛRI complexes at the mast cell surface by antigen activates a signaling cascade that causes mast cell activation, resulting in Ca2+ mobilization and granule exocytosis. These cells are known to accumulate at sites of inflammation in response to parasite and bacterial infections. Using real‐time imaging, we monitored chemotactic migration of RBL and rat BMMCs in response to a gradient of soluble multivalent antigen. Here, we show that Ca2+ influx via Orai1 plays an important role in regulating spontaneous motility and directional migration of mast cells toward antigen via IgER complexes. Inhibition of Ca2+ influx or knockdown of the Ca2+ entry channel protein Orai1 by shRNA causes inhibition of both of these processes. In addition, a mutant Syk− shows impaired spontaneous motility and chemotaxis toward antigen that is rescued by expression of Syk. Our findings identify a novel Ca2+ influx‐mediated, Orai1‐dependent mechanism for mast cell migration.
Prospects and Options for Sustainable and Inclusive Crowdfunding in African Cities

The utility of crowdfunding in promoting sustainable development is beyond doubt due to its popularity in the Global North. The application of this concept in the Global South, especially in Africa, is illunderstood and questionable considering the high levels of corruption, poverty, and poor governance. Applying the concept of crowdfunding in Africa then becomes problematic. The chapter aims to undertake a critical analysis of the concept of crowdfunding and its sustainability in advancing the success of urban-based projects in African cities. What can (or should) be the defining pillars for sustainable and inclusive crowdfunding? What are the known (or even unknown) limits and prospects to initiatives like crowdfunding? What are the answers to the colonial legacy derived scepticisms about self-worth and context? What options do the African cities have? The chapter engages a mix of methodologies including literature review, document review, and case studies. Thematic content analysis is applied in building up the discourse. From the study, five critical observations emerge.
Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies directed against the lipopolysaccharide of Francisella tularensis

Two monoclonal antibodies (FT14 and FT2F11) directed against the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Francisella tularensis were produced for use in tests to detect the organism in environmental samples and clinical specimens. The specificity of the antibodies was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting. Both antibodies detected LPS from F. tularensis by ELISA, but only one antibody, FT14, was serologically active in an immunoblot. Treatment of the LPS with detergents prior to ELISA eliminated its binding to FT2F11 but not FT14. Qualitatively, both antibodies detected 10 different strains of F. tularensis by ELISA, but quantitatively, FT14 gave a detectable reaction with 10(3) organisms, whereas FT2F11 was able to detect only 10(5) organisms. FT14 did not cross-react with LPS from a range of other gram-negative species of bacteria, whereas FT2F11 cross-reacted against Vibrio cholerae LPS. Neither antibody showed cross-reactions when entire gram-negative organisms were used as antigens. In a competition ELISA, the two monoclonal antibodies were shown to compete for different epitopes. FT14 was strongly inhibited by purified O side chain from F. tularensis LPS, but FT2F11 was only weakly inhibited. It was inferred from those results that FT14 is directed against the O side chain and that FT2F11 is directed against the core.
Young people's sexual health literacy: seeking, understanding, and evaluating online sexual health information

Background: Improving the sexual health of young people is a key policy focus in Scotland. As the influence of the internet has grown within a rapidly changing health information landscape, so have opportunities for both sexual health promotion, and concerns about the challenges faced by young people in navigating this online environment. This study explores young people’s sexual health literacy (SHL), primarily within this online context. Methods: Paired interviews with friendship groups and observational online activities were used to explore young people’s experiences of finding, understanding and evaluating online sexual health information. A purposive sample of 49 participants (aged 16-19), diverse in terms of gender, sexuality and religion, were recruited from across Scotland from areas that varied in terms of deprivation and urban/rural classification. Findings: Participants varied in their confidence and ability to find and identify reliable information, and typically regarded identifying and filtering reliable sources as challenging. Barriers to accessing information on websites included: inaccessible language; inappropriate or non-relatable information; and websites that were difficult to navigate or did not function correctly. Concerns about stigma and ‘being seen’ seeking sexual health information was a key barrier. Stark differences, often mediated by gender, sexuality and educational circumstances, emerged in perspectives towards accessing sexual health information and support online. Findings suggest that different social media platforms present different opportunities and challenges; for example, social content sharing services such as YouTube may be useful venues for developing critical SHL, while social networking sites such as Facebook, may be less suitable to user’s active engagement in identity construction. Dissatisfaction with school-based sexual health education appears to be a catalyst for online information-seeking, but school-based sexual health education did little to equip young people to use the online environment effectively. Conclusions: Gender, sexual identity, stigma, structural factors and social support converge and intersect around young people’s SHL. A broad range of targeted interventions are needed to improve SHL, focusing on overcoming stigma, presenting positive messages and developing interactive and critical skills. Schools could do more to develop SHL skills, including teaching the digital and critical skills to seek and appraise online information. Expanding online sexual health services may effectively complement traditional services and encourage uptake, but it is essential that research establishes a robust, comprehensive conceptualisation of SHL, and develops measurement tools specific to SHL such that interventions can be evaluated and refined.
Effects of growth factors and L-arginine on ischemic skin flaps in rats.

This study determined the effect of the polypeptide growth factors transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and growth hormone (GH) alone and in combination with dietary L-Arginine HCL (ARG) on skin flap survival in rats. Caudally based dorsal skin flaps were created in 110 Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly assigned into three treatment groups, based on drinking water supplementation. Group 1 (n = 50) received ARG in their drinking water, group 2 (n = 50) received tap water alone, and group 3 (n = 10) received N-omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) and hydralazine. Groups 1 and 2 were divided into subgroups of 10 rats each based on treatment with either: TGF-beta, IGF-I, GH, or IGF-I + GH. All subgroups that received GH had significantly greater (P < .0001) median body weight gains when compared with subgroups not receiving GH. L-arginine HCL when added to IGF-I negated the positive effects of IGF-I on both flap survival and weight gain. Although the rats in all subgroups from groups 1 and 2 had an increase in mean percent skin flap survival when compared with the water alone subgroup, only rats receiving IGF-I, or the combination of ARG with either TGF-beta or GH, had statistically significant enhanced skin flap survival. Rats in group 3 did not show an increase in skin flap survival when compared with the control subgroup.
Correlation Between the Diameter of the Main Renal Artery and the Presence of an Accessory Renal Artery

Objective. To evaluate whether the diameter of the main renal artery is an indicator of the presence of an accessory renal artery in sonographic examination. Methods. Of cases undergoing renal intra‐arterial digital subtraction angiography for any reason, those with no renal arterial disease detected on digital subtraction angiography were included in the investigation. Accessory renal arteries were disclosed by digital subtraction angiographic examinations. The dimensions of the kidney were measured sonographically. The lowest, highest, and mean values of diameters of main renal arteries were determined by sonography and angiography in both the group with accessory renal arteries and the group without accessory renal arteries. Results. Of kidneys with sonographically normal dimensions, angiographic evaluation was made in 107, and sonographic evaluation was made in 97, the renal arteries of which could be visualized optimally. Both radiologic methods showed that diameters of main renal arteries were significantly smaller in the presence of the accessory renal artery (P < .001, Student t test, Mann‐Whitney U test, and receiver operating characteristic curve). Conclusions. In sonographic examination, the presence of the main renal artery with a diameter smaller than usual in a kidney with normal dimensions is indicative of the presence of an accessory renal artery. Taking this into account, we can obtain higher rates of detection of accessory renal arteries in sonographic examinations.