Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
METODOLOGIA ALTERNATIVA NA DETERMINAÇÃO DO CONSUMO SELETIVO EM VACAS LEITEIRAS NO PERÍODO DE TRANSIÇÃO ALIMENTADAS COM GLICEROL

The objective of this study was to compare the standard methodology with an alternative method to determine feed sorting in dairy cows during the transition period. Twenty-six Holstein multiparous cows were paired by expected calving date and fed diets containing either glycerol or high moisture corn from -28 through +56 days relative to calving (DRTC). Feed sorting was determined on -16, -9, +9, +15 and +51 DRTC in two different ways. Firstly, it was determined as the actual intake of each screen of the Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS) consumed between 0-4, 4-8, 8-12 and 12-24 hours post feeding, and expressed as a percentage of the predicted intake of that correspondent screen. Secondly, by measuring the particle size distribution of feed consumed between 0-4, 4-8, 8-12 and 12-24 hours post feeding. The total mixed ration (TMR) at feeding and at each time post feeding was separated by size using the 3-screen (19, 8, and 1.18 mm) Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS) to yield long (>19 mm), medium ( 8 mm), short ( 1.18 mm), and fine particles ( 19 mm) and reduced (P 1.18 mm) and fine particles ( 0.05) the proportion of DM% retained as medium particles ( 8 mm). Cows fed prepartum glycerol increased (P 19 mm) according to the standard methodology (77.2 vs. 101.5%, control vs. glycerol) and also in the alternative methodology (9.2 vs. 17.8%, control vs. glycerol). Cows fed prepartum glycerol discriminated against (P 1.18 mm) in the standard methodology (102.6 vs. 94.2%, control vs. glycerol) as well as in the alternative methodology (42 vs. 37.3%, control vs. glycerol). There was no response (P>0.05) of diet on feed sorting of fine particles ( 8 mm) according to the standard methodology (108.6 vs. 116.5%, control vs. glycerol), but did not (P>0.05) according to the alternative methodology. Cows fed postpartum glycerol discriminated against (P 1.18 mm) according to the standard methodology (100.6 vs. 96.6%, control vs. glycerol), but did not (P>0.05) according to the alternative methodology. Feeding prepartum glycerol to transition dairy cows increases the preference for the long-stem forage particles of the diet. The alternative methodology proposed in this study is more reliable than the standard methodology to determine feed sorting. KEYWORDS: Biodiesel, byproduct, particle size, preference.
Reproduction of Eyestalk‐Ablated Penaeus stylirostris Fed Various Levels of Total Dietary Lipid

Effects of total dietary lipid (TDL) on reproduction of Penaeus srylirostris were compared using a series of diets ranging from 7.8% to 13.9% TDL. In addition, a commercial feed was compared to the experimental feeds, and a single fresh diet component (squid as 40% of diet) was compared to a multiple fresh component portion (squid, bloodworms, shrimp, and brine shrimp as 40% of diet). The control diet consisted of the four fresh components in equal proportions. Significant differences among diet treatments during 87 days of evaluation were observed for mean percent hatch, number of nauplii per spawn, and percent females mating per night. A new parameter, protozoea I length, was evaluated also and appeared to be a sensitive measure of treatment differences. In general, the all-fresh component diet (control) and diets with multiple fresh components performed better than those with a squid-only component. Among the three diets varying only in total lipid content, the middle level (11.1% TDL) treatment means were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the highest lipid treatment (13.9% TDL) based on number of nauplii per spawn, percent females mating per night, and protozoea length. The middle level treatment means were also higher than the low lipid level tested (7.8% TDL) for these parameters, but only protozwa length was significantly higher (P < 0.01). In the best treatment (100% Fresh), there were 189,000 ± 10,300 eggs per spawn (mean ± SE), 103,000 ± 10,400 nauplii per spawn, 51.3 ± 4.3 percent hatch (N = 64), and 7.0 ± 0.7 percent females mating per night (N= 174). The High Lipid treatment, in which the poorest results were obtained, produced 164,000 ± 11,100 eggs per spawn, 39,000 ± 9,400 nauplii per spawn, 23.0 ± 4.8 percent hatch (N = 40) and 3.9 ± 0.5 percent females mating per night (N= 174). Results indicate that dietary lipid levels affect reproduction and that 10% to 11% total lipid produced better results than 7.8% and 13.9%.
Determinação da área foliar em videira cultivar Niagara Rosada

Width of leaf blade was closely correlated with leaf area in leaves of grapes cv. Niagara Rosada. It was found that the shape of any leaf was similar to a circle. A short-cut procedure for estimating easily, rapidly and precisely the leaf area was developed. The equation relating leaf area (AF) to width of leaf blade (L) was: AF = 0.85 p (L/2)2.
Tiotropium therapy and mortality risk in COPD patients: the most severe, the most protected?

Importance of the field: Tiotropium bromidum is an inhaled long acting anticholinergic used as first line monotherapy in stable COPD due to its beneficial effects on the lung function, respiratory symptoms, quality of life or disease morbidity. However there is limited data on its effects on mortality. Areas covered in this review: The results of the UPLIFT (Understanding Potential Long-Term Impacts on Function with Tiotropium) study evaluating the effects of 4 year therapy with tiotropium on above mentioned outcomes including mortality. What the reader will gain: Tiotropium demonstrated an uniform beneficial effect on mortality risk reduction but subset analyses yielded relevant results as well. Take home message: On long-term basis tiotropium therapy can reduce mortality rate overall and can exert such protective effects in various subsets such as patients with very severe COPD.
The reliability and validity of the SF-36 health survey questionnaire for use with individuals with traumatic brain injury

In order to examine the reliability and validity of the SF-36 for use with individuals with TBI, the SF-36 and three measures of health-related problems in persons with TBI (BDI-II, TIRR Symptom Checklist, Health Problems List) were administered to 271 individuals without a disability, 98 individuals with mild TBI, and 228 individuals with moderate? severe TBI. Internal consistency (reliability) was demonstrated for all SF-36 scales. Significant correlations were found between the SF-36 scales and the other measures, with stronger correlations emerging in the TBI groups. The TBI groups obtained significantly lower SF-36 scores than the comparison group, and the mild TBI group scored lower than the moderate? severe group. For the most part, the differences between the TBI groups disappeared when BDI-II scores were controlled for. These findings suggest that the SF-36 is a reliable and valid measure for use with persons with TBI.
Vitamin E Distribution and Metabolism of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols In Vivo

We present here current data on the distribution and metabolism of vitamin E analogs in vivo. There are eight different naturally occurring forms of vitamin E: four tocopherols (α-, β-, γ-, and δ-Toc) and four tocotrienols (α-, β-, γ-, and δ-Toc-3). With regard to the bioavailability of vitamin E, it has been established that the affinity of various vitamin E analogs for α-tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP), which may determine their plasma levels, is a major determinant of their biological activity. However, a novel function of Toc-3 has been noted as a result of its unique distribution in the skin and the adipose tissue. In addition, following the discovery that the final metabolites of Toc and Toc-3 are in the form of carboxyethyl hydroxychroman, it is now possible to examine the intermediary metabolites of vitamin E analogs. The metabolism of vitamin E is known to be involved in the actions of drug metabolic enzymes (CYP3A, CYP4F2). However, the relationship between α-TTP and the metabolic enzymes that are responsible for the regulation of vitamin E metabolism has yet to be clarified. Future research will focus on the elucidation of the vitamin E metabolic regulation system.
Mate choice in the amphipod Eogammarus oclairi bousfield: The role of current velocity, random assortment, habitat heterogeneity and male's behavior

Field studies on the mating system of the amphipod Eogammarus oclairi Bousfield in the intertidal shell habitat of Grays Harbor estuary (WA, USA) showed weight assortative mating. There was no spatial difference in the size distribution of individuals, and assortativeness was not affected by habitat complexity. Laboratory experiments showed that males tended to select larger females, and that larger males may either outcompete or take over the females of smaller males. Interaction between a lone, searching male and an amplexing couple was influenced by proximity of the female's molt, the size of the female and size of the intruder male compared to the amplexing male. Males increased the tenacity of their hold on a female during interactions with intruder males as pending female molt grew closer. Among environmental variables, flow velocity up to 30 cm.s−1 in an artificial flume did not affect males’ ability to pair and carry a female. Males were able to remain in amplexus for 24 h with females larger than.
Quality of detritus impacts on spatial variation of methane emissions from littoral sediment of a boreal lake

Spatial variation in CH 4 emissions in relation to net primary production (NPP) of vegetation was studied in a reed (Phragmites australis) -dominated littoral zone of a boreal meso-eutrophic lake during three growing seasons. In a healthy reed stand close to the shoreline, the proportion of CH 4 released to the atmosphere varied between 4 % and 5 % of NPP of P. australis. In a continuously flooded sparse reed stand in the middle infralittoral zone, this proportion was higher; plant-mediated emission was 18-24% of the NPP by P. australis, and the proportion of total emission (including ebullition) related to the NPP of all vegetation (including algae and Lemma trisulca) was 15-20%. In a batch experiment in the laboratory, detritus from L. trisulca and littoral algae maintained significantly higher CH 4 production than detritus from P. australis. The results support the hypothesis that the high spatial and temporal variability in CH 4 emissions in the littoral zone of the study lake was influenced by the quality and distribution of detritus in the anaerobic sediment.
On the Status of the Deep-Sea Echinoids, Echinosigra Phiale and E. Paradoxa

Variation in morphological characters seen in a large collection of specimens of the genus Echinosigra from the Rockall Trough can be arranged in a continuous ontological series. This growth series embodied forms agreeing with Mortensen's (1907) descriptions of both E. phiale and E. paradoxa. Bivariate biometrical study showed a well-defined allometric relationship of test length to other body dimensions, particularly the width of the ‘head’ and the width and height of the ‘body’. Immature specimens corresponded to E. phiale whilst the typically elongated ‘neck’ of adults corresponding to E. paradoxa was developed, along with the opening of the genital pores, at around a test length of 20–24 mm.
Genetic variation and reproductive isolation among phenotypically divergent amphipod populations

We examined the degree of reproductive isolation and patterns of genetic structure and diversification within and among seven populations of the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca. Hyalella occurs across ecologically dissimilar habitats in southeastern Michigan and exhibits substantial, and apparently adaptive, genetically based phenotypic variation among populations. Habitats with predatory centrarchid fish contain a small‐bodied Hyalella ecotype, whereas habitats lacking these predators contain a large‐bodied ecotype. Hierarchical F statistics showed that allele frequency variation at six electrophoretic loci is greater among populations within an ecotype than between ecotypes, a result also reflected in a cluster analysis based on genetic distances among the seven populations. Despite the lack of clear genetic differentiation between ecotypes, gene flow between ecotypes appeared restricted or absent. Physically adjacent large‐ and small‐ecotype populations in the same drainage differed appreciably in allele frequencies. Within‐population genetic structuring also differed between ecotypes. Whereas genotype frequencies never differed from Hardy‐Weinberg expectations in large‐ecotype populations, all small‐ecotype populations exhibited a significant deficiency of heterozygous genotypes at one or more loci. Interbreeding trials demonstrated that individuals from different populations of the same ecotype readily interbreed, but no interbreeding was observed in crosses involving individuals of dissimilar ecotypes. Interbreeding results, considered together with between‐ecotype differences in allele and genotype structure, suggest that Hyalella ecotypes in southeast Michigan form at least two separate species. Furthermore, the lack of distinct allelic differences and the relative levels of allele frequency differentiation within and between ecotypes suggest recent local speciation in this taxon.
The Fish Size, Prey Size, Handling Time Relation in Several Sunfishes and Some Implications

The relation between fish size, prey size, and handling time was determined for bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and green (L. cyanellus) sunfishes with both artificial and natural prey. When scaled by plotting handling time against the ratio of prey size to mouth size, the relation was quite general across fish size and species and is described by a modified exponential equation. Handling time increases fold as fish approach satiation. Curves of handling time/unit return define optimal prey size for fish of different size and/or species and illustrate comparative aspects of the breadth of diet for different sized sunfish. Certain life history features of the bluegill are interpreted on the basis of these curves. Optimal prey size occurs at a prey size to mouth size ratio of 0.59 regardless of fish size.
SIBLING RIVALRY AND INTERGENERATIONAL SUCCESSION IN FAMILY BUSINESS: A THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE

This paper deals with sibling rivalry dynamics and their impact on the succession outcome within family enterprises. While sibling rivalry plays a critical role in the succession process, there is only limited literature that addresses this important subject. This theoretical study reveals valuable insights on this topic and contributes to the existing literature. Particular attention is placed on parental behavior and attitude during childhood, sibling characteristics and the perception of parental fairness by the successors, which we advocate are the principal factors conducive not only to the emergence of rivalry among heirs but also to influencing the succession outcome.
Antibodies to the C-type lectin, L-SIGN, as tentative therapeutic agents for induction of antigen-specific tolerance

Antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which capture and process antigens for presentation to T cells, are critical in initiating not only T cell immune responses, but also T cell tolerance. APCs express calcium-dependent carbohydrate-binding proteins called C-type lectin receptors that bind and internalize antigens. An important class of such receptors is represented by dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) and its close homolog, liver specific-SIGN (L-SIGN). Whereas DC-SIGN is predominantly expressed on DCs and macrophages, L-SIGN is mostly expressed on liver and lymph node sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs), a specialized population of non-myeloid APCs that is thought to be primarily involved in immune tolerance. Thus, it has been postulated that targeting an antigen to SECs via L-SIGN may induce tolerance to this antigen. To that aim, the present application describes novel L-SIGN specific antibodies that are rapidly internalized within SECs upon binding to L-SIGN. It is claimed that these antibodies may be linked to an autoantigen for selective delivery to SECs, which might provide a potential therapeutic strategy to promote autoantigen-specific T cell tolerance in the treatment of autoimmunity.
Cyclic sulphone MMP inhibitors

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) inhibitors have therapeutic potential in a variety of human diseases such as cancer, arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Over the last decade a large number of pharmaceutical companies have had active programmes in the area resulting in several orally bioavailable MMP inhibitors advancing into clinical trials. This patent claims a structurally relatively unique series of MMP inhibitors based on a novel cyclic sulphone scaffold. Compounds within this application have promising in vitro profiles, with nM potency against MMP-13, however since there is no in vivo efficacy or pharmacokinetic data as of yet, it is not possible at this time to ascertain if this series will offer any advantage over the current series of inhibitors.
Mechanism of mitochondrial respiratory control in caspase-3 induced positive feedback loop in apoptosis

Caspase-3 plays a central role in the execution of apoptosis. Besides many substrates of caspase-3, mitochondria seem to be one of the candidate targets in the apoptotic process. We evaluated the effects of caspase-3 on the isolated mitochondria in detail, and especially focused on the mechanism involved in mitochondrial functions, which were not fully assessed till now. Our results showed that recombinant caspase-3 induced the increase of Superoxide production, the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential and rate increasing of mitochondrial state 4 respiration. Caspases inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk can inhibit these effects of caspase-3 on mitochondria. Bcl-xL and cyclosporin A were also shown to be able to inhibit these changes. These results suggested a possible mechanism in caspase-3 induced disrup/6tion of mitochondrial membrane barrier which formed a positive feedback loop in apoptosis.
Antibody-mediated blockade of interferon-γ for the treatment of Crohn’s disease and psoriasis

Interferon (IFN)-γ, a cytokine secreted by subsets of T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, plays an important role during protective immune responses by the activation of macrophages, NK cells and effector T cells, but can also mediate detrimental effects related to chronic immune activation. Thus, an overproduction of IFN-γ is suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of certain autoimmune conditions, such as Crohn’s disease (CD), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Both of these diseases are without cure and often difficult to treat, which warrants the continued evaluation of new therapeutic approaches to facilitate their medical management. Experimental evidence from animal models has suggested that blocking IFN-γ may represent one such approach. This may be achieved through using a humanised neutralising monoclonal antibody to human IFN-γ, as proposed in this patent application. The results from clinical studies presented in the application and from more recent trials will be discussed to appraise this claim.
Abundance estimates of Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika Lagoon, India, using photo-identification based mark-recapture methods.

[Extract] The conservation status of the Irrawaddy dolphin, Orcaella brevirostris, population in Chilika Lagoon, India (Fig. 1A) has not been assessed using the IUCN Red List criteria, but five other subpopulations of the Irrawaddy dolphin are listed as Critically Endangered (IUCN 2009). These subpopulations are small, isolated and live in human-dominated environments; most subpopulations have fewer than 50 mature individuals (IUCN 2009). A robust estimation of abundance is a key factor in assessing conservation status and to inform future conservation policy for Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika Lagoon. Estimating abundance to predict trends in small populations of marine mammals is particularly difficult (Aragones et al. 1997, Taylor et al. 2007, Dawson et al. 2008) because (1) detection probability is affected by observer and sea state variables and (2) increases in population size are typically slow due to the low maximum rates of natural increase of cetacean populations. There are no similar constraints on population decline, but in the absence of catastrophes, most declines are also likely to be relatively slow and difficult to detect (Taylor and Gerrodette 1993).
Modified Chitosan Cross-linked Starch Polymers for Oral Insulin Delivery

A chitosan, with citric acid cross-linked CMS grafted with methacrylic acid and poly(ethyleneglycol monomethyl ether methacrylate), was prepared for oral delivery of insulin. Increases in chitosan content increased the bioadhesivity. The equilibrium swelling and in vitro release profiles in enzyme-free simulated gastric (SGF) and intestinal fluids (SIF) by the insulin entrapped gels were established. Increasing the chitosan content in the copolymer enhanced the hydrolysis in the SIF. In all cases, the biological activity of insulin was retained. The antimicrobial activity of hydrogels was examined against a Staphylococcus aureus. Based on these results, new designs to improve insulin release behavior are being carried out.
Toxicity of an Organophosphate Pesticide (chloropyrifos) on a common Niger Delta Wetland Fish - Tilapia guineensis (Blecker 1862)

The acute and sublethal toxicity of an organophosphate pesticide (Chloropyrifos) on the juvenile of Tilapia guineensis was evaluated to determine its effect on the survival, body functions and heamatological values. The fish was exposed to varying levels of the toxicant (0.0125mg/l; 0.025mg/l; 0.05mg/l and 0.1mg/l) using 96hrs static bioassay to determine the median lethal concentration and median lethal time for the different concentrations. The mortality was found to increase with exposure and increase in concentration. The 96hrs median lethal concentration was 0.002mg/l while the 96hr median lethal time of 56.2hrs; 42.7hrs; 31.1 hrs and 18.2hrs were recorded for 0.0125mg/l; 0.025mg/l, 0.05mg/l and 0.1mg/l respectively. The operculum beat frequency (F = Cal 6.89 > P = 3.49) 0.05 and Tail beat frequency (F = Cal 4.46 > P (3.49) 0.05 were significantly affected by the exposure. A sublethal exposure to various concentrations (0.0006mg/l; 0.00125mg/l, 0.0025mg\\l, 0.005mg/l) were observed to cause a progressive reduction in the number of leucocyte (F - Cal 15.4 > P (3.01)0.05 and erythrocyte (F- Cal 14.39 > P(3.01)0.05 of the fish.The reduction in leucocye and erythrocyte number was significant indicating that the fish became anaemic.These conditions were more severe in the higher concentrations of the pesticide. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 8(2) 2004: 11-17