Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of condensed tannin in Lotus corniculatus upon nutrient metabolism and upon body and wool growth in grazing sheep

Lotlrs cornicufatus containing 23 g/kg DM of extractable condensed tannin (CT) and 35 g total CT/kg DM was fed to sheep in two experiments. In both experiments half the sheep received supplementation with polyethylene glycol (PEG), which binds and inactivates CT, enabling the effects of CT to be quantified by comparing control sheep (CT operating) with PEG sheep (CT inactivated). Experiment 1 was conducted indoors, with sheep held in metabolism crates and fed hourly to determine the effects of CT upon apparent digestibility and upon plasma irreversible loss (IRL) rates of methionine, cystine and inorganic sulphate, using 3sS labelling. Experiment 2 was a field trial with weanedlambsgivenarestrictedallowanceofeitherIoruscorniculutus(CT-containing)orluceme(non CT-containing), WithorwithoutPEG supplementation. In Experiment 1, CT slightly lowered the apparent digestibility of organic matter (0.77 vs 0.80 ; F c 0. I), hemicellulose (0.61 vs 0.67 ; P =O. I 18) and markedly reduced nitrogen apparent digestibility (0.72 vs 0.80 ; P c O.Ol), but had no effect upon cellulose digestibility. CT increased the IRL of plasma cystine (13.1 vs 7.0 pmol/min ; P c 0.05) and reduced the IRL of plasma inorganic sulphate (36.8 vs 48.1 p.mol/min ; PC 0.01) but had no effect upon plasma methionine IRL. In Experiment 2, live weight gain and wool growth were similar for sheep grazing luceme (with and without PEG supplementation) and for sheep grazing lotus with PEG supplementation. In sheep grazing lotus, action of CT increased wool production (12.1 vs 10.9 gld ; P c 0.05) and slightly increased live weight gain (203 vs 188 g/d; P4.07). These experiments showed that CT in Lotus corniculutus increased the amount of cystine available for body synthetic reactions and increased wool growth.
Effects of diet on longevity and fecundity of the spined stilt bug, Jalysus wickhami

We evaluated the suitability of selected food items for the adult spined stilt bug, Jalysus wickhami Van Duzee (Hemiptera: Berytidae), by providing one of seven diet treatments: (1) prepupae of the parasitoid, Cotesia congregata (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), on a leaf of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., ‘NC 2326’) (Solanaceae); (2) C. congregata prepupae alone (i.e., no tobacco leaf); (3) eggs of the parasitoid's host, Manduca sexta (L.) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), on a tobacco leaf; (4) M. sexta eggs alone; (5) tobacco aphids, Myzus nicotianae Blackman (Homoptera: Aphididae), on a tobacco leaf; (6) a tobacco leaf alone; and (7) no prey and no tobacco. A tobacco leaf was necessary for the long‐term survival of stilt bugs, but prey source did not affect longevity. Regardless of the prey type, stilt bugs with access to a tobacco leaf lived 21–23 days, while stilt bugs without access to tobacco lived less than 12 days. Animal prey provided a protein source required for egg deposition in J. wickhami, and prey species differed in their relative nutritive values. Female stilt bugs that fed on M. sexta eggs or on C. congregata prepupae were significantly more fecund (102 and 106 nymphs per female, respectively) than females that fed on tobacco aphids (24 nymphs per female). Results suggest that stilt bugs may feed on tobacco aphids and C. congregata prepupae when other prey are unavailable.
Immunoglobulins and Immunoglobulin Fc Receptors in Nonhuman Primates Commonly Used in Biomedical Research

Antibodies neutralize and eliminate pathogens, malignancies, and toxins by acting either alone or in association with Fc receptors which, once engaged, activate the elimination mechanisms of phagocytic cells. Based on structural differences, antibodies are divided into functionally distinct classes (IgM, IgD, IgG, IgE and IgA). Structurefunction relationships within these classes are not well characterized. In addition, animal models for the assessment of potential therapeutic strategies for the modulation of the interaction between antibodies and Fc receptors are not established. Nonhuman primates are widely used to model human diseases and, represent excellent in vivo systems for this assessment. Therefore, we have studied nonhuman primate IgD as well as IgG and IgA specific Fc receptors in rhesus macaques, cynomolgus macaques, baboons and sooty mangabeys. IgD genes had not been identified in nonhuman primates nor the IgD receptors characterized in any species. We characterized IgD genes of the four monkey species, as well as chimpanzees and dogs. In contrast to other antibody classes, the IgD hinge regions are highly conserved between human and nonhuman primates, thus indicating a role in Fc receptor binding. In humans, Fc receptors CD16a (natural killer cells) and CD16b (neutrophils) bind IgG1 and IgG3, and CD89 (myeloid cells) binds IgA. To assess ligand binding and glycosylation properties of nonhuman primate CD16a, CD16b, and CD89, we sequenced, cloned, and generated recombinant molecules in a mammalian expression system. Our results verify the presence of CD16a, but not CD16b in nonhuman primates. CD16a is expressed on monocytes and a subpopulation of lymphocytes. In sooty mangabeys, CD16 is also expressed on neutrophils. Recombinant sooty mangabey/baboon CD16a binds to human IgG1 and IgG2, but not IgG3 and IgG4. Monkey CD89 has the same peripheral blood leukocyte expression profiles as humans, and binds human and recombinant macaque IgA. Blocking of N-glycans inhibited expression of CD89, but only marginally CD16a expression. Although extensive similarities of antibody/Fc receptor interactions exist between human and nonhuman primates, several differences must be considered when evaluating therapeutic strategies. However, these differences can be exploited to further characterize the structure-function relationships existing within antibody molecules and respective receptors. INDEX WORDS: Immunoglobulin, Immunoglobulin Fc receptor, Nonhuman primates, Therapeutic antibodies, Animal models, CD16, CD89 IMMUNOGLOBULINS AND IMMUNOGLOBULIN FC RECEPTORS IN NONHUMAN PRIMATES COMMONLY USED IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
Seasonal variations in the composition and thermal properties of New Zealand milk fat: II. Thermal properties of milk fat and their relation to composition

Summary Melting curves were determined by differential scanning calorimetry on 17 samples of milk fat obtained at approximately fortnightly intervals through one dairying season. Liquid-fat content at a number of temperatures was calculated from the melting curves. Correlation between percentage liquid fat at 12 and at 22 °C and weight percentage of short-chain fatty acids (C4–C8) was low (r = 0·45 and 0·58 respectively) as was that with cis-unsaturated acids (r = 0·39 and 0·29). Correlation with the sum of short-chain and cis-unsaturated acids was higher (r = 0·71 and 0·68). With a multiple regression model including short-chain and cis-unsaturated acids the values of the multiple correlation coefficient (R) were 0·75 and 0·78. The softening point showed a high correlation (r = 0·79) with weight percentage of long-chain saturated acids and also with the temperature at which 94 % of the fat was liquid (r = 0·75). Possible explanations of these findings are discussed.
Occurrence of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus on Volunteer Tomato, Jimsonweed, and Tobacco in North West Bank: Distribution of Virus Natural Reservoirs in Summer Season

Volunteer tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants were found to be natural reservoirs for Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) in the northern West Bank regions using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The virus can be maintained in these plants during the summer period in the studied regions. Volunteer tomato plants proved to be the most significant reservoirs for the virus because they are so abundant in all of the studied regions, and they demonstrated a high rate of infection, ranging from 52-95%. The maximum infection of volunteer tomato plants was recorded in the Jericho district and Al-Far'a region to be 95% and 93%, respectively. Under field conditions, TYLCV was found to infect tobacco in one of two ways; either as crops planted near the tomato fields or as volunteer plants scattered in tomato growing sites in the Jenin districts. The maximum infection rate of volunteer tobacco plants and tobacco crops was recorded in Qabatyya to be 11% and 6%, respectively. The research showed that tobacco seedlings in nurseries can be infected with TYLCV by 3.5% in the Jenin district. Jimsonweed was discovered to be a natural host of TYLCV, however with low proportion and only in the Jericho district (one out of every two samples collected).
PLACODERM BRANCHIAL AND HYPOBRANCHIAL MUSCLES AND ORIGINS IN JAWED VERTEBRATES

Abstract Muscle morphology in the Placodermi can be inferred by comparison to extant gnathostomes (Chondrichthyes (Actinopterygii + Sarcopterygii)). Examination of the chondrichthyan hypobranchial musculature suggested a comparable musculature for placoderms, including the coracomandibularis and coracohyoideus, acting separately to depress the mandible and hyoid arch. In sharks, this was associated with the absence of a mandibulohyoid ligament functioning in mandible depression, a characteristic feature of actinopterygians and sarcopterygians. Additionally, the coracobranchiales muscles depress the chondrichthyan ventral gill arches, the clavobranchiales being the corresponding muscles in actinopterygians and sarcopterygians. These muscles and ligaments are not preserved in placoderms, but their attachments can be compared to those of extant gnathostomes. On the placoderm lower jaw, attachment surfaces for the mandibulohyoid ligament are only present in derived taxa and position relative to the jaw joint suggests the ligament functioned poorly (or not at all). This compares to the chondrichthyan condition, but attachment surfaces on the placoderm trunkshield indicate that while some primitive placoderms possessed a coracobranchialis musculature, other derived taxa possessed a clavobranchialis. The Osteostraci are the most closely related agnathans to the jawed vertebrates, and lack muscles involved in active inspiration, the evolution of which was linked to increased activity near the origin of jawed vertebrates. Since overall morphology suggests osteostracans were active animals, absence of these muscles may instead relate to the absence of segmented gill arches and the anterior position of the osteostracan pectoral fin. The latter may affect development of the hypobranchial musculature, questioning homology of these muscles in lampreys and jawed vertebrates.
Residential exposure to air pollution and incidence of Parkinson’s disease in a large metropolitan cohort

Background: The literature on air pollution exposure and Parkinson’s disease (PD) reported controversial results. The aim of this study is to analyze the association of exposure to particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, PM2.5–10, PM2.5 absorbance), nitrogen oxides (NO2, NOx), and ozone (O3) with incidence of PD in a large administrative cohort. Methods: We followed 1,008,253 patients who are 50+-year-old residents in Rome (free from PD) from January 2008 to December 2013. We identified new cases of PD using data from several sources including drug prescriptions and hospital discharges. We estimated exposure at residence using land use regression models for particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, and a chemical dispersion model for summer ozone. We used Cox models (hazard ratio [HR]) to estimate the association between air pollution exposure and incidence of PD, adjusting for individual and contextual variables. Results: There were 13,104 new cases of PD during the follow-up. There was no evidence of a positive association between particulate matter exposure and PD. There was a negative association between PM absorbance, nitrogen oxides exposure, and incidence of PD with HR = 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.96, 0.99) per 10 &mgr;g/m3 increase in NO2 and HR = 0.97 (95% CI = 0.96, 0.98) per 20 &mgr;g/m3 increase in NOx. Long-term exposure to ozone was positively associated with incidence of PD, HR = 1.02 (95% CI = 1.00, 1.05) per 10 &mgr;g/m3 increase in summer ozone. Conclusions: Incidence of PD was not related to PM exposure in this study and a negative association was found for nitrogen oxides. The association found with ozone is new and should be further investigated.
Physiological Aspects of Cluster Root Function and Development in Phosphorus-deficient White Lupin (Lupinus albus L.)

Abstract Cluster root formation in white lupin ( Lupinus albus L.) is induced mainly by phosphorus (P) starvation, and seems to be regulated by the endogenous P status of the plant. Increased formation of cluster roots, when indole acetic acid is supplied to the growth medium of P sufficient plants, and inhibitory effects of kinetin application suggest the involvement of endogenous phytohormones (auxins and cytokinins), which may act in an antagonistic manner in the P-starvation response. Phosphorus deficiency-induced adaptations of white lupin, involved in P acquisition and mobilization of sparingly available P sources, are predominantly confined to the cluster roots, and moreover to distinct stages during their development. Increased accumulation and exudation of citrate and a concomitant release of protons were found to be mainly restricted to mature root clusters after prolonged culture (3–4 weeks) under P-deficient conditions. Inhibition of citrate exudation by exogenous application of anion channel antagonists such as ethacrynic- and anthracene-9-carboxylic acids may indicate involvement of an anion channel. Phosphorus deficiency-induced accumulation and subsequent exudation of citric acid seems to be a consequence of both enhanced biosynthesis and reduced turnover of citric acid in the cluster root tissue, indicated by enhanced expression of sucrose synthase, fructokinase, phosphoglucomutase, phosphoenol-pyruvate carboxylase, but reduced activity of aconitase and slower root respiration. The release of acid phosphatase and of phenolic compounds (isoflavonoids) as well as the induction of a putative high-affinity P uptake system was more highly expressed in juvenile, mature and even senescent cluster regions than in apical zones of non-proteoid roots. An AFLP-cDNA library for cluster root-specific gene expression was constructed to assist in the identification of further genes involved in cluster root development.
Scheduling model of power system with renewable energy and transaction mode of direct electricity purchase by large consumers considering network security constraints

The policy of transaction mode of direct electricity purchase by large consumers will further reduce the power system scheduling space. When large-scale non-controllable wind turbines and photovoltaic power stations are connected to the system, the optimal scheduling of the system will face even more severe challenges. In order to analyse the impact of the direct purchase of large consumers on the system capacity of renewable energy, this paper proposes a scheduling model of power system with renewable energy and transaction mode of direct electricity purchase by large consumers considering network security constraints. By taking into account the network security constraints, this model can compute large power system and analyse the impact of the direct electricity purchase unit access node on renewable consumption capacity of the system. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model, a real power system in a northern province of China is used in the case study. The consumed renewable energy is calculated and the reason for the wind and solar power curtailment is analysed. The influence of real-time price, contract size, and the unit access node of the direct electricity purchase on renewable energy consumption capacity of the system is analysed.
High-temperature tolerance of heritage river birch roots decreased by pot-in-pot production systems

Membrane thermostability of Heritage river birch ( Betula nigra L. Heritage) was measured by electrolyte leakage from excised roots of plants grown in pot-in-pot (PIP) and conventional aboveground production systems (CPS). The predicted critical midpoint temperature (Tm) for a 30-min exposure was 54.6 ± 0.2 °C for PIP and 56.2 ± 0.6 °C for CPS plants. Plants grown PIP had a steeper slope through the predicted T m, suggesting a decreased tolerance to high root-zone temperatures in relation to plants grown aboveground. Since the root systems of Heritage river birch grown PIP are damaged at lower tempera- tures than plants grown aboveground, growers should prevent exposure of root systems to high temperatures during postproduction handling of plants grown PIP. aboveground pots were placed on bare soil. All pots were fully rotated monthly to prevent elongation of roots passing through the drain holes into the surrounding soil. Plants were irrigated daily with 160°, low-volume spot spitters (Roberts Irrigation, San Marcos, Ca- lif.) at 3.8 L per container. Root systems were prepared for analysis on 16 Aug. 1994. Root substrate temperatures were recorded
GENETICS OF PIG MEAT QUALITY: A REVIEW

This paper is a review of current knowledge about genetic effects on technological and eating qualities of pork. These effects have been recognized as primordial sources of variation of meat quality in the porcine species. Nevertheless, some significant advances have recently been obtained in this area. This literature survey reveals that: The halothane sensitivity gene (HALn) explains to a large extent the overall genetic variation in technological quality and eating quality of pork. Evidence is accumulating that the halothane sensitivity gene is not completely recessive regarding its effects on quality traits. Producing slaughter pigs heterozygous at the HAL locus may result in deficiencies in meat quality, probably depending on slaughter conditions and perhaps also on slaughter weight. Breed differences in technological and sensory qualities of pork partly result from the large breed variation in incidence of halothane sensitivity, but other factors are implied, particularly ultimate pH and intramuscular fat content of meat. The major dominant gene RN-is probably at the origin of the previously described “Hampshire effect” on meat quality. Heritability of most traits referring to the technological quality of meat is low to moderate (0.15 to 0.30), whereas heritability of intramuscular fat content is high (0.40 to 0.50). A genetic antagonism exists between technological quality of pork and growth or body composition traits. The halothane sensitivity gene is the major factor responsible for the “meat quantity — meat quality” genetic antagonism.
Epidemiological factors associated with HBV infection and uptake of testing in south west region of Cameroon: What can be done to scale up HBV testing in our setting?

Hepatitis B infection affects millions of people globally, partly due to its high degree of transmissibility and asymptomatic nature. This study was aimed at identifying prevailing epidemiological factors associated with HBV infection and testing uptake in the South West region of Cameroon. This hospital-based case-control study enrolled HBV infected participants and “healthy” controls ≥18 years old. Venous blood collected from participants was used to conduct HBV panel test (HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc). Data on demographic and behavioral risk factors as well as reasons for taking the HBV test for the first time were collected using a questionnaire. A total of 424 participants were enrolled (212 “healthy” controls and 212 HBV infected cases). Male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.08, p = 0.010), ≤ secondary education level (OR = 4.83, p<0.001), low-income level (OR = 3.79, p<0.001), rural settlement (OR = 2.17, p = 0.031), history of sexually transmitted infections (STI) (OR = 4.24, p<0.001) and ignorance of sexual partners HBsAg status (OR = 2.70, p = 0.003) all had an independent and significant association with HBV infection. Top 3 reasons for doing HBsAg test were free screening (40.3%), blood donation (15.0%) and administrative requirements (14.9%). HBV testing uptake and early detection can be improved if more sensitization and free/opportunistic screenings are implemented. A significant drop in the cost of HBV test could encourage more people to get tested.
Fate of sciatic nerve palsy following hip arthroplasty

*These authors contributed equally to this work. Sciatic nerve palsy is a rare complication that occur after total hip arthroplasty but clinically this can result in significant functional deficit. The previous literature suggests most of the sciatic nerve palsy symptom to improve after a few weeks to a few months but in the real clinical setting, the result may vary and the symptom maybe significantly prolonged and some may not fully recover to the original state. Therefore, the current study aims assessed the fate of the patients who developed sciatic nerve palsy from hip arthroplasty operation. The authors have also looked at potential risk factors for poor outcome. This is the first case series in the Korean literature and we are reporting the result with the literature review.
Assigning birds to geographic origin using feather hydrogen isotope ratios (δ2H): importance of year, age, and habitat

In North America, gradients in the ratio of stable hydrogen isotopes in amount-weighted, growing-season mean precipitation (2H:1H; depicted as δ2Hp) form a largely latitude-sensitive isoscape that can be used to estimate the geographical origin of animals. Feathers are metabolically inert following growth and δ2Hf values retain information on geographical origins. However, there are important assumptions underlying this approach that can only be tested using birds of known origin. Here, we investigated sources of variation in δ2Hf measurements from Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla (L., 1766)) associated with year, age class, feather type, season, and habitat type in New Brunswick, Canada. The observed δ2Hf generally followed that predicted from the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation database. However, we found a strong year × age interaction on δ2Hf. Season, habitat type, and feather type explained only a small portion of the overall variation in δ2Hf. These results show the advantages of using ann.
Development of robust self-assembled microvalves for robust hydraulic actuators

Compact robust hydraulic actuators are very important for space related applications because of their capability of producing much larger forces per unite volume/mass than existing technologies. The major components of these actuators are PZT stacks (pusher) and microvalves. The PZT pusher works at high frequencies to produce large flow rates (proportional to displacement traveled) and high pressures. As a component of the hydraulic actuator, the microvalves are challenged in matching the requirements of the PZT in terms of high operational frequencies, large flow rates and high-pressure support capabilities. In order to fulfill these requirements, the authors have developed robust self-assembled solid nickel micro valve arrays consisting of 80 single micro check valves, to achieve the required flow rate (>10 cc/second). A single micro check valve consists of an inlet channel (200 μm in diameter), a specially designed valve flap held by four identical micro beams, and outlet channels. All these structures are made from electroformed nickel and are self-assembled during a novel in situ UV-LIGA fabrication process. Finite element simulation results show that the micro check valve has a 1st resonant frequency of 16 kHz and is able to support pressures greater than 10 MPa. Test results show the flow rate is 19 cc/s at a pressure difference of 100 psi, and is roughly proportional to the pressure applied. Based on Poiseuille's law, it is reasonable to predict larger flow rates if higher-pressure differences are applied.