Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Saccharomyces boulardii modulates necrotizing enterocolitis in neonatal mice by regulating the sirtuin 1/NF-κB pathway and the intestinal microbiota

Exaggerated inflammatory response and gut microbial dysbiosis play a crucial role in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) is a yeast that has a beneficial effect on NEC; however, the association between its protective effects and the regulation of the inflammation-related sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and gut microbiota in NEC is unknown. In the present study, the NEC model was established by artificial feeding and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), hypoxia and hypothermia stimulation. Mice were divided into normal, control (artificial feeding), NEC and NEC + SB groups. Hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated that SB improved the pathological damage of the intestine caused by NEC in neonatal mice. Furthermore, downregulation of SIRT1 and upregulation of NF-κB expression were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining, western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in NEC mice. SB treatment concurrently inhibited the NEC roles on the SIRT1 and NF-κB pathway at both the protein and mRNA levels. Deletion of SIRT1 [SIRT1 knockout (KO)] in the intestine abolished all the effects of SB in NEC mice, including protection of pathological damage and inhibition of the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway activation. The abundance of gut microbial composition, as determined by RT-qPCR, was significantly decreased in the control group compared with the normal group. A further decrease in microbiota abundance was observed in the NEC group, and SB administration significantly improved the enrichment of gut microbiota in neonatal mice with NEC. As anticipated, the increased abundance of gut microbiota modulated by SB was markedly reduced in SIRT1KO NEC mice. The present study revealed that the protective role of SB on NEC was associated with the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway and gut microbiota regulation.
Isolation of leishmanicidal triterpenes and lignans from the Amazonian liana Doliocarpus dentatus (dilleniaceae)

The in vitro antileishmanial activity of triterpenes and lignans of an Amazonian medicinal plant, Doliocarpus dentatus (Aublet) Standley, is reported for the first time against amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. Terpenes, for example, betulinic acid, betulin and betulinaldehyde were isolated by bioassay‐linked extraction. The lignans were characterized as (+) pinoresinol, (+) medioresinol and (−) lirioresinol B.
Does Corruption Boost or Harm Firms’ Performance in Developing and Emerging Economies? A Firm‐Level Study

In the last decade, a growing number of studies have addressed the ongoing debate about whether corruption &#8220;sands&#8221; or &#8220;greases&#8221; the wheels of business at the firm level. This study revisits this debate and proposes a comprehensive theoretical framework to test whether corruption harms or boosts firm performance, as well as the extent to which this relationship is mediated by the countries&#8217; institutional settings, the size and strategic behaviour of the firms, and market competition. Based on a sample of 21,250 firms located in 117 emerging and developing countries, and resorting to instrumental variable (IV) estimations, three main results were found: (a) regardless of the proxy used for corruption and firm performance, the former clearly harms the latter; (b) corruption &#8220;greases the wheels&#8221; of business for African firms but it &#8220;sands the wheels&#8221; for firms in Latin America, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Southern Asia; and (c) the negative impact of corruption on performance is mitigated for larger and exporting firms.
A Dual-Active-Bridge With Half-Bridge Submodules DC Solid-State Transformer for DC Distribution Networks

High-frequency dc solid-state transformer (DCSST) plays an important role in DC bus connection, voltage conversion, electrical isolation, and bidirectional power transmission in dc distribution networks. In various DSSCT topologies, the dual-active-bridge (DAB) scheme becomes a typical solution for DCSST due to its various advantages. However, the DAB scheme still has drawbacks during practical applications. In this article, a DAB with half-bridge submodules (HSDAB) is proposed. By replacing the switches in front bridge arm with half-bridge submodules (SMs), the proposed HSDAB scheme maintains the advantages of conventional DAB and obtains bidirectional dc fault-handling capability, reducing the application of large dc capacitors and dc circuit breaker; therefore, the volume and construction cost of DCSST can be effectively reduced. Besides, a high-frequency-link (HFL) voltage regulation strategy for HSDAB is also proposed in this article. The HFL voltages can be adjusted to match the HFL transformer voltage ratio during the whole operating range, reducing the current stress, HFL reactive power, and power loss of DCSST. Moreover, the proposed HSDAB scheme can also be applied as a basic circuit to establish multiple modular architecture DCSST, flexibly connecting low-voltage dc, medium-voltage dc, and high-voltage dc buses in the dc distribution network. The topology, operation principle, control structure, corresponding bidirectional dc fault handling, and HFL voltage regulation strategy of the proposed HSDAB scheme are investigated. The experimental results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the analysis and proposed scheme.
Doença de Newcastle. I. Estudo experimental da resposta imune às estirpes vacinais B1 e La Sota

Broiler chicks from a commercial flocks of immunized matrix were used to study the lentogcnic vaccine prepared with both B1 and La Sota strains of the Newcastle virus disease. B1 and La Sota strains were equally efficient (P<0,01) in protecting animals against the effects produced by 107.52/0,1 ml EID50 of a velogenic viscerotropic sample given by eye drop instillation. Further, the haemagglutination inhibition antibody titre (HI) observed after vaccination, increased until the 21st day, being most effective for La Sota strain (P<0,05).
Switchgrass Biomass Composition during Morphological Development in Diverse Environments

Production of herbaceous biomass for biofuel seeks to maximize lignocellulose yields and minimize N and mineral (especially K) concentrations in the biomass. Our objective was to relate changes in biomass composition of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) to thermal time [degree days (DD), base = 10°C] in several environments. 'Alamo' switchgrass at Stephenville, TX, was sampled weekly or every 2 wk from April to June in 1989 and April to September in 1990, 1991, and 1992. Field plots of Alamo and 'Cave-in-Rock' at Stephenville were sampled 17 times during 1993, and at Blacksburg, VA, were sampled on 11 dates in 1992 and nine dates in 1993 from May to September. Biomass samples were analyzed for lignocellulose, crude protein, total ash, K, and Ca concentrations. Linear and nonlinear regressions were used to relate concentrations of constituents to cumulative DD after burning in spring. Concentrations of each constituent were closely related to cumulative DD and a single equation was able to describe the relationship across several years. At Stephenville, lignocellulose concentrations increased linearly up to 800 to 1000 DD. At Blacksburg, lignocellulose concentrations increased linearly up to 400 to 800 DD after burning. At both locations, the time at which the rapid increase in lignocellulose concentration ended coincided with internode elongation. Crude protein, ash, and K concentrations decreased curvilinearly with accumulated DD. There were no differences in composition between Alamo or Cave-in-Rock at Blacksburg. At Stephenville, Alamo had a greater concentration of lignocellulose than did Cave-in-Rock, but similar concentations of crude protein, ash, and K. The close relation between DD and composition of switchgrass could be used for predictive purposes.
Efecto antitumoral del extracto acuoso de Bomarea cornigera (Alstroemeriaceae) en sarcomas inducidos en ratones

Se investigo el efecto antitumoral del extracto acuoso del bejuco Bomarea cornigera. Ratones de la cepa Swiss albina fueron inoculados con la linea tumoral TG-180 por 15 dias; luego del cual se separaron en 5 grupos (n=5 por grupo). Se administro intraperitonealmente ciclofosfamida (control positivo), agua destilada (control negativo) y el extracto en concentraciones de 1X, 2X y 4X; se evaluo la morbilidad, mortalidad, el peso y la longitud del sarcoma. Se encontro un efecto inhibidor del extracto de B. cornigera en el desarrollo del tumor solido en ratones en los cuales se les transplanto el sarcoma TG-180. Las tasas de inhibicion fueron 87,44 y 8,52% despues de 17 dias de tratamiento considerando la dosis 1X (mas baja) y 2X (intermedia), respectiva- mente. Estos resultados sugieren que la administracion de extracto acuoso de B. cornigera via intraperitoneal puede ser util como inhibidor del cancer.
The Key Factors That Determine the Economically Viable, Horizontal Hydrofractured Gas Wells in Mudrocks

We assemble a multiscale physical model of gas production in a mudrock (shale). We then tested our model on 45 horizontal gas wells in the Barnett with 12–15 years on production. When properly used, our model may enable shale companies to gain operational insights into how to complete a particular well in a particular shale. Macrofractures, microfractures, and nanopores form a multiscale system that controls gas flow in mudrocks. Near a horizontal well, hydraulic fracturing creates fractures at many scales and increases permeability of the source rock. We model the physical properties of the fracture network embedded in the Stimulated Reservoir Volume (SRV) with a fractal of dimension D < 2 . This fracture network interacts with the poorly connected nanopores in the organic matrix that are the source of almost all produced gas. In the practically impermeable mudrock, the known volumes of fracturing water and proppant must create an equal volume of fractures at all scales. Therefore, the surface area and the number of macrofractures created after hydrofracturing are constrained by the volume of injected water and proppant. The coupling between the fracture network and the organic matrix controls gas production from a horizontal well. The fracture permeability, k f , and the microscale source term, s, affect this coupling, thus controlling the reservoir pressure decline and mass transfer from the nanopore network to the fractures. Particular values of k f and s are determined by numerically fitting well production data with an optimization algorithm. The relationship between k f and s is somewhat hyperbolic and defines the type of fracture system created after hydrofracturing. The extremes of this relationship create two end-members of the fracture systems. A small value of the ratio k f / s causes faster production decline because of the high microscale source term, s. The effective fracture permeability is lower, but gas flow through the matrix to fractures is efficient, thus nullifying the negative effect of the smaller k f . For the high values of k f / s , production decline is slower. In summary, the fracture network permeability at the macroscale and the microscale source term control production rate of shale wells. The best quality wells have good, but not too good, macroscale connectivity.
Nutritional management of the transition cow in the 21st century – a paradigm shift in thinking

The transition period is defined as the 6–8 weeks encompassing late pregnancy and early lactation, involving coordinated changes across multiple tissues and an enormous increase in nutrient requirements. Failure to transition successfully can result in reduced DM intake, milk production, delayed oestrus, failure to conceive and increased incidence of metabolic and infectious diseases, many of which are inter-related. Modern technologies have enabled the measurement of transcriptional changes in genes involved in multiple biochemical pathways across the transition period, enabling a better understanding of the implications of management and nutritional changes on cow health and productivity. Most recent research efforts have focussed on the association between pre-calving energy intake and postpartum health and productivity, with a general recognition that the positive relationship between pre-calving energy intake (and relevant circulating metabolites) and postpartum health and productivity is, for the most part, not causative (i.e. responses are very likely to reflect the same metabolic perturbation, but one is not necessarily the cause of the other). This effect is consistent in both grazing systems and in systems where cows are fed total mixed ration in confinement. These results require a paradigm shift in the extension message to farmers. Because of the focus on energy nutrition, there has been only limited recent research on the requirements of cows for protein, with recommendations based largely on predicted requirements rather than measured responses. That said, metabolisable protein is unlikely to be a limiting nutrient for late-gestation dairy cows grazing up to 50% of their diet as high-protein forages, but could potentially be limiting prepartum mammary development in animals on lower-protein diets, such as total mixed rations formulated for dry cows. The physiological role of fatty acids, in addition to the role of fat as an energy source, is an emerging and important research area, with increasing evidence, at least in vitro, that specific fatty acids regulate metabolic processes. Knowledge gaps and future research areas that should be prioritised are identified and discussed.
Hospitality and tourism entrepreneurship: Administrative barriers in Imo state, Nigeria

Impeding factors to the operational efficiency of hospitality and tourism enterprises in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria, were examined in this study. The conceptual model considered if access to funds, government policies and infrastructure determine the efficiency of hospitality and tourism enterprises through the impact on sales volume, cost of operation and productivity. A 21-point questionnaire was administered to 384 respondents of 63 hospitality and tourism enterprises across the state, in which 311 valid instruments were used for analysis. Means and standard deviation were measured in relation to the consequent variables. Hypotheses were tested in Pearson Chi-square to determine significant relationships between the variables and to justify the research model. The result revealed that poor access to funds, inconsistent government policies (like multiple taxation) and poor infrastructure affect sales volume, operating cost and productivity of hospitality and tourism enterprises. The study equally exposed policy weaknesses of the government in providing enabling environment for sustainable hospitality and tourism entrepreneurship, thus leading to poor sectoral development and job loss. Recommendations include the expansion of road networks in the state and prioritization of waste management processes in order to enhance access to hospitality and tourism locations, as well as lessen the overwhelming burden of waste disposal which increases the operating cost of hospitality enterprises.
NITROGEN DELIVERY AND UTILIZATION BY SUBSEQUENT CROPS AFTER INCORPORATION OF LEYS WITH DIFFERENT PLANT COMPOSITION

ABSTRACT Leaching of nitrogen from arable land is an important factor contributing to increased nutrient loads to lakes and coastal waters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ley composition and time of incorporation on the nitrogen utilization by subsequent winter- or spring-sown crops and risks for nitrogen leaching. Therefore, a field investigation was carried out, using a split-plot design. Ten treatments with different preceding crops were used, i.e. five compositions of forage ley, three green manure treatments and two treatments with spring barley. Also three different times for incorporation of the crop residues were used (early autumn, late autumn or spring). No supplements of commercial fertilizer-N or manure were applied. The average grain yields were strongly influenced by the amounts of nitrogen in incorporated material. Early autumn incorporation gave acceptable grain yields, but rather large amounts of soil mineral nitrogen were found in late autumn which had disappeared be.
THE EFFECT OF A SPICE ON THE NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND MICROBIAL POPULATION OF STORED SOYBEAN FLOUR

Objective: To study the effect of ethanolic extract of a spice Aframomum meleguata on the nutritional quality and microbial population of stored soybean flour have been carried out.Method: The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract of A. meleguata shows the presence of tannins, polyphenols and saponins. The pH, moisture, fat ,crude protein and microbial load were evaluated in soybean flour treated with extract of A. meleguata at different concentrations of 1.0mg/10gm w/w, 0.5mg/10gm w/w and 0.1mg/10gm w/w for a period of 60 days. All the parameters listed above were investigated on weekly basis.Results: Results showed that the pH values of the control and treated samples changed significantly at different concentrations (P 0.05) while that of fungi was significant (P 0.05). Variation in crude protein with concentrations was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Comparing the results of the extract with the commercial preservative, sodium benzoate, for all the parameters tested , extract of A. meleguata performed better in the keeping quality of stored soybean flour and should be preferred than commercial preservative. However, this is a preliminary investigation, more work should be done to isolate pure component from this spice and compared with any known commercial preservative.
Marine protected areas rescue a sexually selected trait in European lobster

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly implemented worldwide to maintain and restore depleted populations. However, despite our knowledge on the myriad of positive responses to protection, there are few empirical studies on the ability to conserve species’ mating patterns and secondary sexual traits. In male European lobsters (Homarus gammarus), the size of claws relative to body size correlates positively with male mating success and is presumably under sexual selection. At the same time, an intensive trap fishery exerts selection against large claws in males. MPAs could therefore be expected to resolve these conflicting selective pressures and preserve males with large claws. We explored this hypothesis by contrasting claw size of males and females in three pairs of MPAs and nearby fished areas in southern Norway. By finding that male lobsters have up to 8% larger claws inside MPAs compared to similarly sized males in fished areas, our study provides evidence that MPAs rescue a secondary sexual trait. Recovery from harvest selection acting on claws is the most likely explanation; however, the higher abundance of lobster inside MPAs does not rule out a plastic response on claw size due to increased competition. Regardless of the underlying cause, our study demonstrates (a) the value of protected areas as a management tool for mitigating fisheries‐induced evolution and (b) that MPAs help maintaining the scope for sexual selection in populations with vulnerable life histories and complex mating system.
FDA TRANSMIT BEAMFORMING SYNTHESIS USING CHEBYSHEV WINDOW FUNCTION TECHNIQUE TO COUNTERACT DECEPTIVE ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES SIGNALS

—Frequency diverse array (FDA) has gained remarkable attention in both radar and communication applications over the years due to its unique range-dependent beamforming. On the other hand, extremely less attention is paid to the exploitation of FDA in electronic countermeasures (ECM). Hence, this paper proposes a symmetric frequency diverse array via Chebyshev window function in ECM applications. Speciﬁcally, we utilize Chebyshev window function to design the coeﬃcient of both transmit weights and frequency diverse increments to uncouple range-angle response of the true target to counteract deceptive ECM signals. In addition, we consider a real constraint scenario, i.e., the propagation of the electromagnetic signal arriving at the true target position. The attribute of the proposed scheme is that it is able to discriminate between true target location and false target(s) location. This implies that the generated false target(s) by the jammer can be suppressed signiﬁcantly in either angular or range proﬁle mismatch. Further, we adopt Swerling 1 model to devise generalized Neyman-Pearson design rule to evaluate the probability of detection of the proposed scheme. Numerical results illustrate the achievements of the proposed scheme.
Identification and Management of Perinatal Depression: Differences between Healthcare Providers

Objective: Pilot data was collected to examine providers’ beliefs, knowledge, self-efficacy, barriers, and practices related to perinatal depression and how they may differ across provider types. Background: High prevalence and detrimental impact of depression during pregnancy and the first year postpartum (i.e. perinatal period) on maternal and child health outcomes highlights the need for improving diagnosis and treatment during this critical period. Healthcare providers play a significant role in helping to identify and manage perinatal depression. Methods: Ninety-nine providers (e.g. physicians, nurses, mental health workers, public health practitioners) who provide care to pregnant women in Colorado completed a 64-item online survey. Results: Although 94% of providers reported it was their responsibility to recognize perinatal depression, variations across specialties with regards to responsibility to treat were found. Most providers (91%) reported use of a screening tool for depression, 60% of providers provide counseling on perinatal depression, and 80% of providers refer patients for treatment of perinatal depression on at least a monthly basis. Significant differences in knowledge, self-efficacy, current practices, and perceived patient barriers were found across provider specialties. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for expansion of online training programs to increase awareness of mental health resources in the community, improve confidence related to diagnosis and treatment of perinatal mood disorders, and to enhance communication between mental health specialists and healthcare providers in order to effectively identify and manage maternal depression.
Strawberry odor, but not red color, enhances the sweetness of sucrose solutions

Comparaison des resultats de deux methodes de mesure des interactions entre perception du gout sucre et de l'arome de fraise. Le mecanisme consisterait en une augmentation de la stimulation olfactive retronasale. La coloration rouge des solutions n'a pas d'effet sur la perception du gout sucre