Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Clamshell on Mechanical Properties of Non-Structure Concrete as Artificial Reef

Clamshell waste had higher chemical content of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) than the limestone, egg shells, ceramic, or other materials. These physical properties gave the potential for material substitution as coarse aggregate in concrete artificial reefs. In addition, the utilization of leather waste in concrete structures could function as taxis for fish in the vicinity. This study utilized two types of coarse aggregate (filler) which were crushed stone and/or clamshell waste of the blood clamshells and kurkur clamshells. The test was to identify the mechanical properties of concrete artificial reef namely: Hammer test (ASTM C805), abrasion test (ASTM C779), the pressure test (SNI 03-1974-1990), split tensile test (ASTM C496 / C496M-11), Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) test (ASTM C597-16), Porosity test (C642-13), permeability test (SN 505 252/1). The Concrete mixing is conducted according to SNI 03-2834-2000 standard and quality standard of solid concrete brick (SNI 03-0349-1989). Before the test, the concrete soaked in fresh water and sea water and left in the open air until 28 days. The results showed that the use of clamshell waste as filler had potential as a concrete compressive strength of non-structure approaches to the quality of solid concrete brick, as artificial reef material.
Evaluación de la calidad poscosecha en frutos de guayabo del país (Acca sellowiana (Berg) Burret)

El guayabo del pais o feijoa ( Acca sellowiana (Berg) Burret- Rutaceae) se explota de manera comercial en varios paises, por lo que ha despertado el interes de los programas de mejoramiento nacionales a fin de identificar los que se adapten a la explotacion comercial. En este trabajo se evaluo el comportamiento de frutos de 14 materiales geneticos durante la conservacion por 8 y 15 dias a 5 ± 1 °C. Se evaluaron la firmeza de la pulpa, que fue mayor en los materiales 171 y 191, disminuyendo entre un 10-38 % y entre 30-63 % luego de 8 y 15 dias a 5 ± 1 °C respectivamente. Tambien se midieron los solidos solubles totales (SST) que se mantuvieron constantes con el transcurso de la conservacion, siendo mayores en los materiales 84 y 246. El contenido de acido ascorbico (AA) disminuyo con el transcurso del tiempo, siendo mayor en el material 191 , con 48,92 ± 1,74 mg AA/100 g peso fresco (PF). Tambien se encontraron diferencias en los polifenoles totales (PT) donde los valores estuvieron entre 359,04 ± 4,12 y 196,5 ± 8,37 mg equivalentes de acido galico/ 100 g PF en cosecha, siendo mayores en los materiales 171, 191 y 204. La capacidad antioxidante total (CAT), al depender directamente de los componentes anteriores, tambien reflejo diferencias entre materiales , siendo mayor en el 44, 60, 171, 191 y 204. Tanto los PT como la CAT disminuyeron con el transcurso de la conservacion. Los resultados obtenidos evidencia n diferencias entre los materiales donde los de mayor interes corresponden a los identificados con los numeros 171, 191 y 204.
The Effects of Super-dosing Phytase in the Growing Pig

Microbial phytase enzymes are commonly added to monogastric diets at 500 FTU/kg feed (as fed) to improve phytate phosphorus (P) bioavailability and reduce P excretion. The use of super-doses of phytase (>1,500 FTU/kg as fed) is currently generating much interest, as recent studies have demonstrated that such high doses can improve the growth performance of monogastrics. However, the underlying mechanism for this response remains unclear. At present, there is a dearth of information available on the effects of super-dosing in the pig. Therefore, this research set out to determine the effects of super-dosing phytase on the growing pig, with a view to shedding light on underlying mechanism, particularly in relation to the possible involvement of myo-inositol (MYO). Through three separate feeding trials, this work found that super-dosing phytase improved the growth performance of weaner pigs, but had no influence on the growth performance of grower or finisher pigs. Ileal digesta were collected and analysed for inositol phosphate content by HPIC. Standard doses of phytase resulted in a small accumulation of InsP4 and InsP3 phytate esters in the ileal digesta of weaner and finisher pigs. This build-up was effectively diminished when supplemented with a phytase super-dose, resulting in more complete phytate degradation. High doses of phytase consistently increased circulating levels of MYO in both the portal and peripheral blood in weaner, grower and finisher pigs. Super-doses of phytase were consistently associated with increases in Ca, P and Mg bioavailability across all stages of production. Moreover, there were also indications of improved trace mineral (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) digestibility; however, this effect was less consistent. From this thesis it can be concluded that super-doses of phytase are associated with an increase in phytate hydrolysis and a concomitant increase MYO absorption. However, these effects do not always translate into improved pig performance. Further research is needed to elucidate the factors responsible for the inconsistencies observed.
Low apoplastic water potential in trees - dehydration stress on living cells and embolism in xylem

Low apoplastic water potentials can affect trees by decreasing the hydraulic conductivity of xylem due to embolism and by causing dehydration stress in living cells. Low apoplastic water potentials regularly occur in trees during summer and winter. These can either be caused by loss of water due to transpiration or by freezing due to the chemical properties of ice. In this thesis the effects of low apoplastic water potential on trees were studied by causing low water potentials with three different methods: desiccation, freezing and by adjusting the osmotic concentration of xylem sap. Tree responses in this thesis were measured with stem diameter changes, leaf gas exchange, tree temperature and xylem water potential. Living parenchyma cells are thought to have negligible effect on xylem diameter changes but this thesis shows that the role of parenchyma can, in fact, be much more significant. Evidence for the major role of parenchyma cells in the diameter changes of frozen xylem also supported the theory of extracellular freezing. Furthermore, mesophyll cells were shown to react to freezing with a rapid depression of photosynthesis. It was also studied how a pressure increase in the xylem conduits, resulting from low water potentials, affects tree water relations during embolism formation and ice propagation. A gas burst was detected emerging from the tree stem during freezing. A decrease in the amount of gases in the xylem conduit can benefit trees in avoiding winter embolism. It was also experimentally confirmed that the formation of embolism in trees can temporarily even help relieve water stress due to the so called ́capacitive effect ́. Low apoplastic water potential affects both the xylem and living cells in trees, and the interconnectedness of these responses are also shown in this thesis.
Antioxidant potential from stem bark of Juglans regia L.

Natural antioxidants can protect the human body from free radicals and retard the progress of many chronic diseases as well as lipid oxidative rancidity in foods. The role of antioxidants has attracted much interest with respect to their protective effect against free radical damage that may cause many diseases including cancer. Juglans regia L. is a valuable medicinal plant. Its root, stem, bark, leaves, fruits, seeds and seed oil are applied in traditional medicines to cure various health complaints. The solvent extracts of stem bark exhibit indicative to prominent antimicrobial activity. Antioxidant potential of various extracts is determined using spectrphotometric methods. Results of DPPH and Nitric Oxide assay confirm that extracts obtained from stem bark of J. regia L. possess significant antioxidant property.
Stable Isotope Signatures Reveal Cryptic Differences in Diet of Sociable Weavers

Foraging habits of animals are a critical component of their ecology; however, estimates of feeding that rely solely on observation may not detect all of the factors that affect foraging decisions. Importantly, few studies have examined the influence of sociality on dietary regimes in avian species. The stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13Q and nitrogen (δ15N) were used to assess the foraging habits of Sociable Weavers (Philetairus socius) at a field site in Namibia. Sociable Weavers were sampled from three different nests, at two different time points over the course of a year. We found significant differences in stable isotope composition between nests, and subsequently compared the isotopic profile to the isotopic profile of the preferred food item. Isotopic structuring between nests suggests that sociality may constrain foraging decisions and could be a common feature of species of animals where foraging groups are temporally stable. We also found that larger nests are more isotopically similar to the preferred foraging source, and thus larger populations may be supported by nearby foraging resources.
Differential expression of four vision‐related genes in the bird cherry‐oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi

Aphids use their visual systems to detect information about the external environment, and visual genes are likely to have a role in host plant searching and environmental adaptation. Yet, there is little understanding of the presence and expression of visual opsin genes in aphids. In this study, we cloned and identified four vision‐related genes (LW‐OPN, UV‐OPN1, UV‐OPN2, and rhodopsin) from a cosmopolitan serious cereal pest, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and evaluated their expression patterns. Transcription of the four genes was detected at all developmental stages. The inducing conditions (short photoperiod and low temperature) significantly affected the expression of the UV‐OPN1 and rhodopsin genes. The highest levels of transcription of all genes were observed in males, and the lowest in oviparae. The expression levels in wingless virginoparae were markedly lower than those in gynoparae and winged virginoparae. The starvation treatments resulted in a decline in the survivorship of adults. The mortality rates increased with increasing duration of starvation. The four genes tended to be upregulated following starvation for 24 h, and their expression levels were considerably decreased after subsequent feeding. These results are of importance for further understanding the evolution and function of visual opsins in aphids.
In vitro and in vivo analyses of Morus alba Polish var. wielkolistna zolwinska leaf ethanol–water extract—antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activities in hyperlipideamic rats

We previously reported that mulberry leaf extracts possess in vitro antioxidant activity and show antihypergliceamic activity in diabetic rats. The aim of this study was to: quantify bioactive components of Morus alba (Polish variety: wielkolistna zolwinska) ethanol-water extract and to examine the effect of different doses of extract on plasma lipids and plasma antioxidant capacity in rats fed high-fat diet for six weeks. The composition of phenolic compounds and DNJ content by chromatography analyses in the ethanol-water extract from Morus alba L. leaves as well as the results of ABTS and DPPH assays were determined. The effect of the extract addition to the diet of hyperlipidaemic Wistar rats was also measured. In the in vivo study, conducted in rats fed high-fat (˜45% energy from fat) diet for six weeks, we found that Morus alba leaf extract supplement ingested with food (6 g kg −1) decreased total cholesterol (24.1%) and LDL-c fraction (21.0%). Morus alba ethanol-water extract showed a significant effect on lowering plasma total and LDL cholesterol and antioxidant activity measured by the ferric reducing ability of plasma. The extract is a good source of natural antioxidants and could be potentially used as a dietary supplement in future human studies. Practical applications: Morus alba L. (Polish variety: wielkolistna zolwinska) leaf ethanol-water extract with high antioxidant activity and rich in chlorogenic acids and flavonols in in vitro analyses and shows an effect on lowering plasma total and LDL cholesterol and antioxidant activity in hyperlipideamic rats could be a dietary supplement in food for hypercholesterolemic individuals.
Molecular breeding techniques to improve egg quality

Since the release of the chicken genome sequence in 2004 (Hillier et al., 2004), the tool box available for genetic improvement of the multiple traits that define egg quality has improved tremendously. That initial sequence has been revised and improved several times with Gallus_gallus-4.0 now available in multiple publicly accessible websites. An improved Gallus_gallus-5.0 version is soon to be released. Genome sequence comparisons between mammalian and avian species have allowed for the identification and subsequent annotation of genes, and initiated the understanding of the functions of the genes and the interdependent relationships between the thousands of genes that comprise multicellular organisms'. The recent sequencing of multiple breeds of chickens, both research and commercially utilized lines, revealed the presence of millions of genetic variants and resulted in the development of a commercially available chip that can simultaneously query 600000 single DNA base sequence variants (Kranis et al., 2013). Numerous methodologies are now available that allow for detection of gene expression in specific tissues or relative gene expression between different treatments or individuals (Rapaport et al., 2013). To aid in the analysis of the large amounts of genetic information that is generated, various computer programmes have been developed that allow for the integration and eventual application of this information into a breeding programme (Wolc et al., 2016). Disciplines Animal Sciences | Genetics and Genomics | Molecular Genetics | Poultry or Avian Science Comments This chapter is published as Wolc A. , Fulton JE. 2017. Molecular breeding techniques to improve egg quality. In: Achieving sustainable production of eggs. Ed Julie Roberts. Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing. Posted with permission. This book chapter is available at Iowa State University Digital Repository: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/ans_pubs/671
Selection on morphological traits and fluctuating asymmetry by a fungal parasite in the yellow dung fly

Evidence for selective disadvantages of large body size remains scarce in general. Previous phenomenological studies of the yellow dung fly Scathophaga stercoraria have demonstrated strong positive sexual and fecundity selection on male and female size. Nevertheless, the body size of flies from a Swiss study population has declined by almost 10% from 1993 to 2009. Given substantial heritability of body size, this negative evolutionary response of an evidently positively selected trait suggests important selective factors being missed (e.g. size-selective predation or parasitism). A periodic epidemic outbreak of the fungus Entomophthora scatophagae allowed assessment of selection exerted by this parasite fatal to adult flies. Fungal infection varied over the season from ca. 50% in the cooler and more humid spring and autumn to almost 0% in summer. The probability of dying from fungal infection increased with adult body size. All infected females died before laying eggs, so there was no fungus impact on female fecundity beyond its impact on mortality. Large males showed the typical mating advantage in the field, but this pattern of positive sexual selection was nullified by fungal infection. Mean fluctuating asymmetry of paired appendages (legs, wings) did not affect the viability, fecundity or mating success of yellow dung flies in the field. This study demonstrates rare parasite-mediated disadvantages of large adult body size in the field. Reduced ability to combat parasites such as Entomophthora may be an immunity cost of large size in dung flies, although the hypothesized trade-off between fluctuating asymmetry, a presumed indicator of developmental instability and environmental stress, and immunocompetence was not found here.
DIVERSE ROLES FOR EGF RECEPTOR SIGNALING IN THE BREAST CANCER TUMOR MICROENVIRONMENT

By NIKOLAS G. BALANIS The ligand/ cell surface receptor interaction is a paradigm for how cells utilize extracellular cues to ‘signal’ to their intracellular environment. Ligand/receptor interactions are important in almost all biological processes. However, focusing solely on the ligand/receptor interaction excludes the many possible ‘ligand-independent’ modes of surface receptor action, vis a vis those that occur in ‘trans’. Our studies sought to uncover the role of extracellular matrix, important molecules in the tumor microenvironment, as they function through integrin receptors to regulate the receptor tyrosine kinase, EGF Receptor (EGFR). This thesis links EGFR/integrin crosstalk to the control of cellular protrusions such as lamellipodia and filopodia, as well as the control of stress fiber formation necessary for cell contractility. We have also linked EGFR/integrin crosstalk to activation of the Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3). We have shown that activation of Stat3 is necessary for EGFR induced transformation of normal mammary epithelial cells. We provide mechanistic insights into how certain breast
Traditional Norwegian Kveik Yeasts: Underexplored Domesticated Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeasts

Human activity has resulted in the domestication of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts specifically adapted to beer production. While there is evidence beer yeast domestication was accelerated by industrialization of beer, there also exists a home-brewing culture in western Norway which has passed down yeasts referred to as kveik for generations. This practice has resulted in ale yeasts which are typically highly flocculant, phenolic off flavour negative (POF-), and exhibit a high rate of fermentation, similar to previously characterized lineages of domesticated yeast. Additionally, kveik yeasts are highly temperature tolerant, likely due to the traditional practice of pitching yeast into warm (>30 °C) wort. Here, we characterize kveik yeasts from 9 different Norwegian sources via PCR fingerprinting, phenotypic screens, lab-scale fermentations, and flavour metabolite analysis using HS-SPME-GC-MS. Genetic fingerprinting via interdelta PCR suggests that kveik yeasts form a lineage distinct from other domesticated yeasts. Our analyses confirm that kveik yeasts display hallmarks of domestication such as loss of 4-vinylguaiacol production and high flocculation, and show superior thermotolerance, ethanol tolerance, fermentation rate, and unique flavour metabolite production profiles in comparison to other ale strains, suggesting a broad industrial potential for this group of yeasts.
Under this weight: embodiment in dance choreography

In this chapter I place embodiment and the corporeal body as central to examination. I argue that the physical body is shaped by social and cultural practices. I apply Pierre Bourdieu’s concepts of field, capital and habitus as a way of understanding beliefs about the body, connections between body, gender and identity and broader social and power structures. This chapter uses creative contexts of dance and choreography to explore how the embodiment of dance movement is inscribed on a group of individuals and how previously known ‘rules of the game’ (norms, expectations and values) as ballet bodies, can be negotiated, subverted or broken. I interweave the lived experiences of a group of five, white, female, adult dancers, between the ages of 19-26 years as they engage in a choreography project that is in contrast to their ‘usual’ habitus, preferred style and way of working. I examine how the dancers’ embody the choreographic style and underpinning techniques emotionally and physically and social relevance and meaning.
Updated Checklist of Food Plants of Macrosiphini (Aphididae: Hemiptera) in India-1

The Macrosiphini is one of the 2 tribes of the subfamily Aphidinae (Aphididae: Hemiptera) containing about 2166 species/subspecies assigned to 242 genera. Out of these, only 96 genera and 374 species are recorded from India infesting hundreds of plant species belonging to several families. The food plants of Indian Macrosiphini is catalogued alphabetically (aphid species-wise) in three parts. In this contribution, food plants of only 25 genera and 109 species of aphids belonging to the tribe Macrosiphini (Acutosiphon to Dysaphis) are catalogued. These aphids feeds on 400 plant species belonging to 79 families. Most suffered families are Asteraceae (81 species) followed by Rosaceae (35 species), Fabaceae (27 species), Brassicaceae (22 species), Lamiaceae (18 species) and Solanaceae (17 species). Among them, several species are crops of agricultural and horticultural importance. The update checklist of food plants of rest of Macrosiphini will be dealt in successive articles.
INforE: Interactive Cross-platform Analytics for Everyone

We present INforE, a prototype supporting non-expert programmers in performing optimized, cross-platform, streaming analytics at scale. INforE offers: a) a new extension to the RapidMiner Studio for graphical design of Big streaming Data workflows, (b) a novel optimizer to instruct the execution of workflows across Big Data platforms and clusters, (c) a synopses data engine for interactivity at scale via the use of data summaries, (d) a distributed, online data mining and machine learning module. To our knowledge INforE is the first holistic approach in streaming settings. We demonstrate INforE in the fields of life science and financial data analysis.
Gestational age at birth and risk of intellectual disability without a common genetic cause: findings from the Stockholm Youth Cohort

Background Preterm birth is linked to intellectual disability and there is evidence to suggest post-term birth may also incur risk. However, these associations have not yet been investigated in the absence of common genetic causes of intellectual disability (where risk associated with late delivery may be preventable) or with methods allowing stronger causal inference from non-experimental data. We aimed to examine risk of intellectual disability without a common genetic cause across the entire range of gestation, using a matched-sibling design to account for unmeasured confounding by shared familial factors. Methods and Findings We conducted a population-based retrospective study using data from the Stockholm Youth Cohort (n=499,621) and examined associations in a nested cohort of matched siblings (n=8,034). Children born at non-optimal gestational duration (before/after 40 weeks 3 days) were at greater risk of intellectual disability. Risk was greatest among those born extremely early (adjusted OR24 weeks=14.54 [95% CI 11.46–18.44]), lessening with advancing gestational age toward term (aOR32 weeks=3.59 [3.22–4.01]; aOR37 weeks=1.50 [1.38–1.63]); aOR38 weeks=1.26 [1.16-1.37]; aOR39 weeks=1.10 [1.04-1.17]) and increasing with advancing gestational age post-term (aOR42 weeks=1.16 [1.08–1.25]; aOR42 weeks=1.41 [1.21–1.64]; aOR44 weeks=1.71 [1.34–2.18]; aOR45 weeks=2.07 [1.47–2.92]). Associations persisted in a nested cohort of matched outcome-discordant siblings suggesting they were robust against confounding from shared genetic or environmental traits, although there may have been residual confounding by unobserved non-shared characteristics. Risk of intellectual disability was greatest among children showing evidence of fetal growth restriction, especially when birth occurred before or after term. Conclusions Birth at non-optimal gestational duration may be linked causally with greater risk of intellectual disability. The mechanisms underlying these associations need to be elucidated as they will be relevant to clinical practice concerning elective delivery within the term period and the mitigation of risk in children who are born post-term.