Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Responses of choice-fed red jungle fowl and commercial broiler chickens offered a complete diet, corn and soybean

Equal number of red jungle fowl (JF) and commercial broiler chickens (CB), raised in battery cages, were provided a single complete diet (control) or a choice of a complete diet, ground corn and ground soybean from 21 to 56 days of age. There were significant genotype x feeding regimen interactions for several traits measured suggesting CB and JF responded differently to the two feeding regimens. The single fed CB had better growth and feed conversion ratios (FCR) than those under choice feeding. However, the body weight and FCR of JF were not affected by feeding regimen. While the single fed and choice-fed JF consumed similar amount of protein during days 21 to 55, the protein intake of the choice-fed CB was lower than the control. From days 21 to 55, irrespective of genotype, choice-fed chicks consumed less energy than their single fed counterparts. Regardless of genotype, the trend in the proportion of each feed consumed was similar with complete diet>corn>soybean. In conclusion, while choice-fed JF were capable to select nutrient necessary for maximum growth, choice feeding was detrimental to growth and feed conversion ratio in CB.
Association between Body Fat Percentage and Physical Performance in Male Korean Police Officers

Body composition can affect a police officer’s physical performance. We analyzed the correlation between body fat percentage (%fat) and physical performance in 326 male Korean police officers (age, 44.2 ± 9.2 years; height, 174.0 ± 4.5 cm; weight, 76.4 ± 8.8 kg) who were classified into two groups according to their %fat: high-fat (HFG, %fat ≥ 25%; n = 135) and low-fat (LFG, %fat < 25%; n = 191). Physical performance tests included a 100-m sprint, push-ups, sit-ups, and a hand-grip strength test. The results showed significant differences in performance between the groups in the 100-m sprint (p = 0.001) and in the sit-up test (p = 0.033), but not for push-ups (p = 0.130) or hand-grip strength (p = 0.255). A significant positive correlation was found between %fat and the 100-m sprint (r = 0.255, p < 0.000), and a negative correlation was found between %fat and push-ups (r = −0.117, p = 0.035) and sit-ups (r = −0.199, p < 0.000). However, there was no significant correlation between %fat and hand-grip strength (r = −0.093, p = 0.095). To improve physical performance, an intervention training program is recommended for reducing %fat, because high levels of %fat in male Korean police officers were associated with low levels of physical performance.
A Receptor-binding Region in Escherichia coli α-Haemolysin*

Escherichia coli α-hemolysin (HlyA) is a 107-kDa protein toxin with a wide range of mammalian target cells. Previous work has shown that glycophorin is a specific receptor for HlyA in red blood cells (Cortajarena, A. L., Goñi, F. M., and Ostolaza, H. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 12513–12519). The present study was aimed at identifying the glycophorin-binding region in the toxin. Data in the literature pointed to a short amino acid sequence near the C terminus as a putative receptor-binding domain. Previous sequence analyses of several homologous toxins that belong, like HlyA, to the so-called RTX toxin family revealed a conserved region that corresponded to residues 914–936 of HlyA. We therefore prepared a deletion mutant lacking these residues (HlyAΔ914–936) and found that its hemolytic activity was decreased by 10,000-fold with respect to the wild type. This deletion mutant was virtually unable to bind human and horse red blood cells or to bind pure glycophorin in an affinity column. The peptide Trp914–Arg936 had no lytic activity of its own, but it could bind glycophorin reconstituted in lipid vesicles. Moreover, the peptide Trp914–Arg936 protected red blood cells from hemolysis induced by wild type HlyA. It was concluded that amino acid residues 914–936 constitute a major receptor-binding region in α-hemolysin.
Some implications of a sexual cycle in Theileria

Summary Recent microscopic studies of Theilerial parasites in. ticks appear to provide convincing evidence for a sexual cycle for these parasites. This evidence would remove most of the objections to placing piroplasms in the same class as malarial and coccidial parasites. It is suggested, therefore, that the class Piroplasmasida (Piroplasmea) be abolished and that piroplasms be located in a sub-order Piroplasmorina alongside Haemosporina within the class Sporozoa (Teleospora). If the close relationship of Theilerial and malarial parasites is correct then by analogy meiotic or reduction division of Theileria probably occurs during sporogony in the tick salivary gland acinar cells. This means that all bovine stages are haploid. If these can be cloned and characterized by isoenzyme or drug resistance markers, then genetic recombinant studies, similar to those performed with malarial and coccidial parasites, could be conducted. The potential of genetic recombination greatly increases the scope of the parasite for developing new variants. This potential is greatest in areas where there is a variety of tick and host species which apply different types of selection pressure to parasites. Atypical strains of Theileria are usually isolated from such areas, and although the characteristics of these strains may not be expressed in the wild, unnatural selection by laboratory passage may reveal their presence. The apparent lability of such strains may simply be cloning of different genetic recombinants. If different strains can be cloned and characterized it may be possible by genetic recombination techniques to develop new clones which retain desired characters for use as avirulent protective vaccines, but from which undesirable characters have been eliminated.
Mitochondrial DNA variability in viviparous and ovoviviparous populations of the urodele Salamandra salamandra

Mitochondrial DNA analysis of 13 populations of S. salamandra along a transect across the North of the Iberian Peninsula showed values of divergence between haplotypes ranging from d = 0.41% to 5.91%. Phenetic and cladistic analysis grouped the isofemale lineages into two main clusters with contrasting phylogeographic patterns. The first group encompasses populations located at each extreme of the Iberian Peninsula. Despite the large geographic distance separating these populations, they exhibit only a minor degree of divergence among haplotypes. In contrast, much higher diversification, in both number of distinct haplotypes, and overall genetic divergence, was observed in the second group of phylogenetically related populations. Surprisingly, this process of radiation and divergence in mtDNA haplotypes occurred in populations in close geographic proximity. All populations sampled in this group are located within a 300 km range, in the central part of our transect across the Northern edge of the Peninsula. Most populations in the central range of our transect exhibit viviparous reproduction — which is derived and highly unusual among urodeles. The genetic distances measured among Asturian (central portion of our transect), viviparous populations are higher than the distances measured between the two main taxonomic clusters. A viviparous population showing an unusual level of mtDNA heterogenetiy is reported and the potential implications of this focus of localized variability are discussed. The dynamics of isofemale lineages among the two reproductive modes was further explored in combination with the previous allozyme data. Several nuclear markers suggest that major mtDNA divergences could be explained by long‐term extrinsic barriers to gene flow. Isofemale lineages indicate a narrow secondary contact zone among populations with different reproductive patterns. The existence of viviparous and ovovivparous populations sharing a common haplotype suggests that reproductive transition in S. salamandra could have arisen in absence of genetic mtDNA differentiation. We finally outline a genetic model system where the acquisition of water independence from a primitively aquatic dependent amphibian life cycle can be analyzed from a microevolutionary perspective.
Multiple Sclerosis: Lipids, Lymphocytes, and Vitamin D

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. We review the two core MS features, myelin instability, fragmentation, and remyelination failure, and dominance of pathogenic CD4+ Th17 cells over protective CD4+ Treg cells. To better understand myelin pathology, we describe myelin biosynthesis, structure, and function, then highlight stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) in nervonic acid biosynthesis and nervonic acid’s contribution to myelin stability. Noting that vitamin D deficiency decreases SCD in the periphery, we propose it also decreases SCD in oligodendrocytes, disrupting the nervonic acid supply and causing myelin instability and fragmentation. To better understand the distorted Th17/Treg cell balance, we summarize Th17 cell contributions to MS pathogenesis, then highlight how 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 signaling from microglia to CD4+ T cells restores Treg cell dominance. This signaling rapidly increases flux through the methionine cycle, removing homocysteine, replenishing S-adenosyl-methionine, and improving epigenetic marking. Noting that DNA hypomethylation and inappropriate DRB1*1501 expression were observed in MS patient CD4+ T cells, we propose that vitamin D deficiency thwarts epigenetic downregulation of DRB1*1501 and Th17 cell signature genes, and upregulation of Treg cell signature genes, causing dysregulation within the CD4+ T cell compartment. We explain how obesity reduces vitamin D status, and how estrogen and vitamin D collaborate to promote Treg cell dominance in females. Finally, we discuss the implications of this new knowledge concerning myelin and the Th17/Treg cell balance, and advocate for efforts to address the global epidemics of obesity and vitamin D deficiency in the expectation of reducing the impact of MS.
Cuticle, shell porosity and water uptake through hens’ eggshells

Abstract 1. There was no correlation between water uptake by a warm egg (37 °C) immersed in iced water and the shell's porosity as measured by water vapour conductance. 2. Eggs lacking cuticle on the shell took up more water than those having cuticle. There was no correlation between water uptake and the water vapour conductance of cuticle‐less eggshells. 3. In general there was no correlation between the amount of water taken up by an egg and the weight of cuticle on its shell. With some eggs there was an association between water uptake and the extent of fissuring of the cuticle. 4. It is postulated that the pore canals impede water flow such that osmotic forces acting across the shell membranes do not influence water uptake by eggs.
Regional Variations in α1‐Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes in Rat Brain

Abstract: α1‐Adrenergic receptor subtypes were differentiated by their affinities for the competitive antagonist WB 4101 and their sensitivities to inactivation by chlorethylclonidine (CEC) in eight rat brain regions. WB 4101 showed low Hill coefficients for inhibition of specific 125I‐[2‐β‐(4‐hydroxy‐phenyl)ethylaminomethyl]tetralone (125IBE) binding in all regions. Nonlinear regression analysis showed that there were two binding sites with different affinities for WB 4101 in each region. The proportions of these sites varied among regions, although the affinity of WB 4101 for each site remained constant. Thalamus and cerebral cortex had the highest proportion of low‐affinity sites, whereas hippocampus and pons‐medulla had the highest proportion of high‐affinity sites. Pre‐treatment with CEC in hypotonic buffer significantly reduced the density of 125IBE binding sites in all brain regions. Cerebral cortex and cerebellum had the highest proportion of CEC‐sensitive sites, whereas hippocampus and spinal cord had the highest proportion of CEC‐insensitive sites. There was a significant correlation between the proportion of binding sites with a low affinity for WB 4101 and those sensitive to inactivation by CEC
Non-linear mixed models in the study of growth of naturalized chickens

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to examine the inclusion of random effects in non-linear models, identify the most suitable models, and describe the growth of naturalized chickens. Live-weight records of 166 birds of the Grauna Dourada, Nordestina, and Teresina ecotypes were estimated. The asymptotic weight (A), integration constant, related to animal initial weight (B), and the maturing rate (k) parameters of the non-linear Gompertz, Logistic, and von Bertalanffy models were estimated and adjusted using the Gauss-Newton method. Residual variance decreased [. ]
Youth Labour Market in India

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 prioritizes active engagement of youth in achieving the targets. Aligning the pathway towards achieving youth specific SDGs (Target 4.4 and 8.5), the study examines the current situation of the youth labour market in India. For this purpose, the study analyzes National Sample Survey data on employment and unemployment from 50th round (1993/94) to 68th round (2011/12). The study engages trend analysis of key indicators of labour market. Logistic regression is applied to address the magnitude of socio-economic and demographic determinants on youth employment. The study finds an overall decline in the employment status of youth despite the ongoing demographic dividend phase. Postgraduate and graduate youth witness the highest unemployment indicating a grim role of labour market in engaging the educated youth. The findings raise concern for achieving the targets of SDGs, as a high share of educated youth strives for decent and gainful employment.
Cellular Aspects of Hormonally Controlled Pigment Translocations Within Chromatophores of Poikilothermic Vertebrates

Pigment movements triggered by the vertebrate melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) are known to be mediated at the cellular level by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). A similar role for cAMP is indicated in the melanosome-dispersing action of catecholamines acting via rβ3-adrenergic receptors. Thus, MSH and rβ3-adrenergic agonists cause an elevation of cAMP within chromatophores. On the other hand, a lowering of cAMP level seems to be associated with the paling action of melatonin and α-adrenergic agonists. Depending upon the cell type and species tested, cyclic guanosme monophosphate (cGMP) may have no effect or cause either darkening or paling. Although cGMP induces paling in frog skin, the lack of evidence for a physiological paling agent makes it difficult to assign a role for cGMP The mechanism of action of cyclic nucleotides and the details of the pigment-translocating mechanism are far from clear, but recent studies indicate that changes in free calcium ion levels play a critical role. This article will primarily review three areas' the paling action of cGMP, the darkening action of ionophore A23187, and the actions of enkephalms and endorphins on chromatophores. In addition, new data are presented to support the concept that the A23187-induced darkening of frog skin does not involve either prostaglandin biosynthesis or adenylate cyclase stimulation.
Transferable instance segmentation of dwellings in a refugee camp - integrating CNN and OBIA

ABSTRACT The availability and usage of optical very high spatial resolution (VHR) satellite images for efficient support of refugee/IDP (internally displaced people) camp planning and humanitarian aid are growing. In this research, an integrated approach was used for dwelling classification from VHR satellite images, which applied the preliminary results of a convolutional neural network (CNN) model as input data for an object-based image analysis (OBIA) knowledge-based semantic classification method. Unlike standard pixel-based classification methods that usually are applied for the CNN model, our integrated approach aggregates CNN results on separately delineated objects as the basic units of a rule-based classification, to include additional prior-knowledge and spatial concepts in the final instance segmentation. An object-based accuracy assessment methodology was used to assess the accuracy of the classified dwelling categories on a single object-level. Our findings reveal accuracies of more than 90% for each applied parameter of precision, recall and F1-score. We conclude that integrating the CNN models with the OBIA capabilities can be considered an efficient approach for dwelling extraction and classification, integrating not only sample derived knowledge but also prior-knowledge about refugee/IDP camp situations, like dwellings size constraints and additional context.
Resistência de genótipos de tomateiro à mosca-branca Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biótipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Aiming to evaluate the possible mechanisms of resistance of different tomato genotypes (Lycopersicon spp.) to the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B, assays were performed in greenhouse and laboratory. The evaluated genotypes were 'IAC-Santa Clara' (L. esculentum), PI-127826 (L. hirsutum), PI-134417 and PI-134418 (L. hirsutum f. glabratum), LA-716 (L. pennellii), LA-371 and LA-444-1 (L. peruvianum), LA-1584 and PI-126931 (L. pimpinellifolium). Under greenhouse conditions, LA-716, PI-134417 and PI-134418 were the least attractive to whitefly. The genotype LA-716 expressed high nonpreference level; PI-134417, PI-134418, PI-127826 and PI-126931 were also resistant, but in lower levels. Regarding the whole period of development (egg-adult), the genotypes PI-127826, PI-134417, PI-134418 and LA-444-1 increased the life cycle of the insect, indicating feeding nonpreference and/or antibiosis.
Estimate of outcrossing rates in a rice plant (Oryza sativa L.) under field conditions using a purple grain rice cultivar, Okunomurasaki

We studied outcrossing in a rice plant under field conditions over five years, to clarify the relationship between outcrossing, pollen flow, and meteorological factors. We employed two cultivars to discriminate hybrid grains: Okunomurasaki, a non-glutinous cultivar with purple grains, was used as the donor, and Himenomochi, a glutinous cultivar, was used as the recipient. Therefore, we could accurately discriminate hybrid grains by the presence of two phenotypic markers—the xenia grain and the leaf color of the F1 plant. The results indicated that outcrossing occurred when the difference in the heading date between the donor and recipient was 11 days or less. And it did not occur when the difference was 13 days or more. In 2004 and 2007, hybrid grains were detected at a distance of 20 m or more from the donor. The wind speed during the flowering period of the donor was higher in both of these years than during the other three years of the study period. This suggested that outcrossing often occurred when the flowering period of the donor and recipient overlapped and the wind speed was high. In addition, outcrossing was considerably depressed when the difference in the day of heading between the donor and recipient was large.
Leaf Essential oils of Salvia nilotica and Salvia schimperi: Their Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities

The compositions of the essential oils of the leaves of Salvia nilotica and Salvia schimperi were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results of the analyses indicated that the components of the two oils are qualitatively similar with significant quantitative differences. Twenty-seven compounds comprising 84.73% of the total peak areas were identified in S. nilotica oil with germacrene D (28.48%), guaiol (13.99%), and trans-caryophyllene (12.96%) as major components. The essential oil of S. schimperi was found to contain 42 compounds accounting for 88.3% of the total peak area, the major components being linalool (44.35%), and α-terpineol (9.27%). The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of both plants were studied against a wide range of medically important pathogens including Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as some fungal strains using a standard disc diffusion technique. The results revealed that the oils possessed significant activity against most of the bacterial and fungal strains used in the study. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 25 to 100 μg/ml against the bacteria and 1000 to 1500 μg/ml against the fungi. At similar concentrations, the oils and the standard antibiotic ciprofloxacin exhibited similar activities against various Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacterial strains. In addition, the essential oils of both plants were demonstrated to have a strong free-radical scavenging potential in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In light of the results obtained, it could be concluded that the study supports the various uses of S. nilotica and S. schimperi in traditional medical practices of Ethiopia. Keywords : Salvia nilotica , Salvia schimperi , essential oils, antimicrobial activity, radical scavenging potential Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Journal Vol. 26 (1) 2008: pp. 49-58
Palaemonid Shrimp, Macrobrachium Amazonicum: Effects of Salinity and Temperature on Survival

Abstract Survival of larval Macrobrachium amazonicum was evaluated at salinities of 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, and 15.0‰. The effects of acute cold shock and a gradual temperature decline (2.0°C/day) on larvae, postlarvae, and juveniles were also evaluated. Larvae metamorphosed to postlarvae at all salinities except 0.0‰; survival was 64% at 10.0‰ and 25% at 2.5‰. Larvae were most resistant to cold shock at 10.0‰ salinity. In gradually declining temperatures, all life stages began losing equilibrium at 14.0°C. Shrimp held in salinities within their optimal range (10.0 - 12.0‰) were the most resistant to low temperatures.
Perfil microbiano de infecções oculares em pacientes atendidos no hospital universitário do estado do Rio Grande Do Norte

The human eye is often susceptible to infections on its surface, either by imbalance of the normal microbiota or by the acquisition of exogenous microorganisms, as well as by the deficiency of the ocular immune system. The treatment of eye lesions is currently based on the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, however some species may acquire resistance, making it difficult to control these infections. This retrospective epidemiological study aimed to analyze the individual data (age and gender) and the microbiological diagnosis of eye infections in patients treated at Univeritary Hospital Onofre Lopes (Natal/RN) in the period between 2016 and 2017. It consisted of a descriptive research based on data collection on the prevalence of isolated agents, the type of clinical specimen, as well as the analysis of the sensitivity profile to antimicrobials used in the routine treatment of these infections. Among the microorganisms found, 58% were bacteria, and 42% fungi. Among Gram-negative bacteria, the most prevalent were Pseudomonas species, found in 44.8% of bacterial infections. Among the fungi, the most prevalent was Fusarium spp. , Found in 90.5% of fungal infections. There was a significant association between infection by the genus Fusarium and the age group between 25 and 49 years. Among the Gram-positive bacteria, the most prevalent was Staphylococcus aureus, found in 17.2% of bacterial infections. The clinical specimen with the greatest positivity in the cultures was the corneal scrape, representing 70% of the cases. Regarding the sensitivity profile to antimicrobials, most of the isolated bacteria proved to be sensitive to the drugs used in ophthalmological practice, however, some of them such as Pseudomonas spp. , Staphylococcus coagulase negative, Acinetobacter spp. and Enterobacter spp. proved resistant. It is concluded that the data reported here may contribute to the work of professionals working in the ophthalmological area and future epidemiological studies that portray the prevalence of eye infections, especially for the survey of outpatient microbial species with antimicrobial resistance.