The effect of varying RDP: UDP ratios on intake and milk production efficiency in Saanen ewes fed a complete diet

(South African J of Animal Science, 2000, 30, Supplement 1: 138-139

Confinement and soliton solutions in the SL(3) Toda model coupled to matter fields

We consider an integrable conformally invariant two dimensional model associated to the affine Kac-Moody algebra SL(3). It possesses four scalar fields and six Dirac spinors. The theory does not possesses a local Lagrangian since the spinor equations of motion present interaction terms which are bilinear in the spinors. There exists a submodel presenting an equivalence between a U(1) vector current and a topological current, which leads to a confinement of the spinors inside the solitons. We calculate the one-soliton and two-soliton solutions using a procedure which is a hybrid of the dressing and Hirota methods. The soliton masses and time delays due to the soliton interactions are also calculated. We give a computer program to calculate the soliton solutions.Comment: plain LaTeX, 37 page

Toda equations associated with loop groups of complex classical Lie groups

A Toda equation is specified by a choice of a Lie group and a $\mathbb Z$-gradation of its Lie algebra. The Toda equations associated with loop groups of complex classical Lie groups, whose Lie algebras are endowed with integrable $\mathbb Z$-gradations with finite dimensional grading subspaces, are described in an explicit form.Comment: 39 page

Classification of brain tumor extracts by high resolution ¹H MRS using partial least squares discriminant analysis

High resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H MRS) can be used to detect biochemical changes in vitro caused by distinct pathologies. It can reveal distinct metabolic profiles of brain tumors although the accurate analysis and classification of different spectra remains a challenge. In this study, the pattern recognition method partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to classify 11.7 T ¹H MRS spectra of brain tissue extracts from patients with brain tumors into four classes (high-grade neuroglial, low-grade neuroglial, non-neuroglial, and metastasis) and a group of control brain tissue. PLS-DA revealed 9 metabolites as the most important in group differentiation: γ-aminobutyric acid, acetoacetate, alanine, creatine, glutamate/glutamine, glycine, myo-inositol, N-acetylaspartate, and choline compounds. Leave-one-out cross-validation showed that PLS-DA was efficient in group characterization. The metabolic patterns detected can be explained on the basis of previous multimodal studies of tumor metabolism and are consistent with neoplastic cell abnormalities possibly related to high turnover, resistance to apoptosis, osmotic stress and tumor tendency to use alternative energetic pathways such as glycolysis and ketogenesis.14916

Effects of culture media and suspension expansion technologies in mesenchymal stem cell manufacturing - A computational bioprocess and bioeconomics study

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) based therapies are promising for a large spectrum of unmet medical needs. Despite this promise, the scaling-up of production of clinical grade MSCs is hindered by the use of planar technologies that require intensive labor and are not enough to meet market demands, as well as due to high product and process variability introduced by the use of xenogeneic materials. This work presents a new bioprocess and bioeconomics model of stem cell expansion to support informed decisions for stem cells process scaling up at reduced annual costs. The intrinsic equations and parameters that capture the cell biological features, according with their source and media used, are embedded in the model. A target number of cells per dose of 140 million and a GMP facility of 400 sq mt with 4 BSCs and 8 incubators will be used as the baseline for expansion of both bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) and adipose stem cells (ASCs) using planar expansion technologies. The current standard medium for MSC culture containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) will be compared with the xeno-free alternative of human platelet lysate (hPL). The use of hPL for both cell sources results in an increase of the number of doses produced and a decrease of the cost of goods (CoG) per dose (Table 1). In order to improve the production capacity, 8 bioreactors with capacity up to 50L were input in the model, using xeno-free plastic microcarriers for cell adhesion and hPL as the culture medium. The model results indicate that the investment in the use of suspension cultures is valuable due to a considerable increase in the production and a decrease of CoG/dose. As the number of doses produced per year increases, the reagent costs dominate relatively to the facility costs (Fig. 1). Sensitivity analysis was performed by varying 11 model variables by +/- 33%. The main factors that influence annual capacity and CoGs are related to harvesting density and yield, growth rates and microcarrier area and concentration (Table 2). These findings may be used to improve the design of expansion methods with fully xeno-free materials and highlight the relevance of the optimization of harvesting and downstream processing protocols. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Effect of raw sugar cane bagasse on performance and ingestive behavior of beef cattle

Avaliou-se o efeito da utilização do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar in natura (BIN), obtido por dois métodos de extração do açúcar, moagem convencional ou difusão, como fonte de fibra em dietas que continham bagaço tratado sob pressão e vapor (BTPV), como principal fonte de volumoso sobre o desempenho e o comportamento ingestivo de bovinos confinados. Para avaliação do desempenho, foram utilizados 84 machos não castrados das raças Nelore, Canchim e Holandesa, com média de peso inicial de 270kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso. Para a avaliação do comportamento ingestivo, foram utilizados quatro garrotes da raça Nelore, em delineamento de quadrado latino 4 x 4. Os tratamentos consistiram na substituição do BTPV pelo BIN na matéria seca, constituindo as dietas experimentais: 5% BIN moagem convencional; 5% BIN difusão, 10% BIN difusão e 15% BIN difusão. O consumo de MS foi menor no tratamento com 15% de BIN obtido por difusão (BINdif), em relação ao teor de inclusão de 10%. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos para ganho diário de peso, conversão alimentar e peso vivo final entre os tratamentos. Os tempos despendidos com as atividades de ruminação (minutos/kg de MS) e mastigação (minutos/kg de MS ou de FDN) foram maiores (P<0,05) no tratamento com 15% de BINdif na dieta. O BINdif pode ser utilizado como fonte de fibra íntegra em até 15% da MS da dieta sem prejudicar o desempenho dos animais.This study was conducted to evaluate effects of replacing steam pressure treated sugar cane bagasse by two types of raw sugar cane bagasse extracted through grinding or diffusion, on performance and ingestive behavior of beef cattle. Eighty four young bulls (Nelore, Canchim and Holstein) with 270kg of body weight at the beginning of the experiment were used in a randomized block design. Ingestive behavior was evaluated using four Nelore young bulls in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Treatments were the direct substitution of steam pressure treated sugarcane bagasse by raw bagasse (RB), corresponding to the experimental treatments: 5% RB from grinding; 5% RB from diffusion; 10% RB from diffusion and 15% RB from diffusion. Dry matter intake was lower in treatment with 15% of bagasse obtained by diffusion (BINdif) in comparison to 10% BINdif. There were no differences (P>0.05) among treatments for average daily gain, feed conversion and final live weight. Ruminating time (minutes/kg of DM) and chewing time (minutes/kg of DM or NDF) was greater (P>0.05) when BINdif was added at 15% level to diets. BINdif can be added up to 15% of the dietary DM with no detrimental effect on beef cattle performance

Solving non-abelian loop Toda equations

We construct soliton solutions for non-abelian loop Toda equations associated with general linear groups. Here we consider the untwisted case only and use the rational dressing method based upon appropriate block-matrix representation suggested by the initial \bbZ-gradation.Comment: 28 page

Dried brewers grains in growing rabbits: nutritional value and effects on performance

[EN] Two assays were carried out to determine i) the nutritional value of dried brewers’ grains and ii) the effects of inclusion of this ingredient in growing rabbit diets on animal performance and economic performance of the breeding unit. In the digestibility assay, a total of 28 male rabbits were distributed in 2 groups differing in the diet offered to animals: a reference diet (35.51% neutral detergent fibre and 16.50% crude protein [CP]) and a test diet (60% of reference diet and 40% of dried brewers grains). The dried brewers’ grain contained 37.9% of CP and 3371 kcal digestible energy/kg dry matter. In the performance study, 80 weaned rabbits (40 males and 40 females) were allotted at 40 d of age to 5 groups differing in the inclusion levels of dried brewers’ grains (0, 7, 14, 21 and 28%) from 40 d to 90 d of age. Inclusion of dried brewers’ grains did not affect the live weight at 90 d, the feed intake between 40 d and 90 d or the dressing percentage of rabbits (on average 223 g, 96 g/d and 51.3%, respectively). There was no effect of diet on the meat quality parameters (69.5% water holding capacity, 25.6% cooking loss, 3.4 kg/cm2 Warner-Bratzler shear force and pH 5.70) and inclusion levels above 14% reduced the feed cost (–18%; P<0.001), while inclusion above 21% improved net income (+32%; P<0.001). In conclusion, these results suggest that the use of dried brewers’ grains in diets for growing rabbits could improve the economic performance of the production system without impairing the animals’ performance.Lima, P.; Watanabe, P.; Cândido, R.; Ferreira, A.; Vieira, A.; Rodrigues, B.; Nascimento, G.... (2017). Dried brewers grains in growing rabbits: nutritional value and effects on performance. World Rabbit Science. 25(3):251-260. doi:10.4995/wrs.2017.6813.SWORD251260253Albuquerque, D. M. N., Lopes, J. B., Klein Junior, M. H., Merval, R. R., Silva, F. E. S., & Teixeira, M. P. F. (2011). Resíduo desidratado de cervejaria para suínos em terminação. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, 63(2), 465-472. doi:10.1590/s0102-09352011000200026AOAC International. 2005. Official methods of analysis of Association Official Analytical Chemists International. AOAC, Arlington VA. USA.Briganó, M. V., Pacheco, G. D., Bridi, A. M., Oba, A., Fonseca, N. A. N., & Silva, C. A. da. (2008). Desempenho e características de carcaça de suínos submetidos a diferentes programas de restrição alimentar na fase dos 30 aos 118 kg. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, 37(8), 1398-1404. doi:10.1590/s1516-35982008000800009De Blas, J. C., Rodriguez, C. A., Bacha, F., Fernandez, R., & Abad-Guamán, R. (2015). Nutritive value of co-products derived from olivecake in rabbit feeding. World Rabbit Science, 23(4), 255. doi:10.4995/wrs.2015.4036Etchu K.A., Humbu M.E., Ndamukong K.J.N., Agbor E.B. 2012. Effect of varying levels of brewers' dried grain on the growth performance of weaner rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus). Greener J. Agric. Sci., 2: 237-245.Fazano A.R.T., Zinsly C.F., Mattos W.R.S., Packer I.H. 1986. Digestibilidade e valor biológico da proteína da levedura seca (Saccharomyces spp.) e do farelo de soja para coelhos. Boletim de Indústria Animal, 46: 185-191.Lounaouci-Ouyaed G., Lakabi-ioualitene D., Berchiche M., Lebas F. 2008. Field beans and brewers grain as protein source for growing rabbits in Algeria: first results on growth and carcass quality. Nutrition and Digestive Physiology. In: 9th World Rabbit Congress, June 10-13, Verona, Italy. 723-728.Matterson L.D., Potter L.M., Stutz M.W., Singsen E.P. 1965. The metabolizable energy of feed ingredients for chickens. Storrs: University of Connecticut; Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report, 11: 11.National Research Council. 2007. Nutrient requirements of small ruminants: sheep, goats, cervids, and New World camelids. Washington, D.C.: National Academic Press, 292.Partridge G., Wyatt C. 1995. More flexibility with new generation of enzymes. World Poultry,11: 17-21.SAS 2000. SAS/STAT User's Guide (Release 6.12). SAS Inst. Inc., Cary NC, EUA.Villamide, M. J. (1996). Methods of energy evaluation of feed ingredients for rabbits and their accuracy. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 57(3), 211-223. doi:10.1016/0377-8401(95)00855-

A lapa do Bugio

A jazida pré-histórica do Bugio constitui uma das mais importantes grutas sepulcrais da faixa estremenha. Encontrava-se intacta à data das primeiras escavações, realizadas em 1957 e 1958. Vicissitudes várias que motivaram a dissolução da primeira equipa e favoreceram diversas depredações, entretanto realizadas, impediram que, antes do recomeço dos trabalhos, em 1966, mesmo dos materiais recuperados, se pudessem extrair todas as informações neles potencialmente contidas. Foi possível, a partir do estudo exaustivo do espólio conservado no Museu de Sesimbra e no recolhido nas escavações de 1966, estabelecer a seguinte sucessão cronológica-cultural: Primeira ocupação - corresponde talvez à ocupação mais importante, integrável no Neolítico recente-final estremenho. Estreitas analogias com o "horizonte dolménico" identificado na vizinha Lapa do Fumo e datado pelo rádio-carbono de 3090 ± 160 a. C. (SERRÃO,1978). A datação realizada no Bugio deu 2800 ± 45 a.C. Segunda ocupação- corresponde muito provavelmente a momento inicial (ou pleno) do Calcolítico, definido pela presença de raros produtos, como o recipiente de osso recolhido na sep. 7 e "ídolos" de calcário, de osso e marfim. Terceira ocupação - Calcolítico final, campaniforme - representada pelos Grupos de Palmela e Inciso. Trata-se da ocupação menos importante, excessivamente valorizada em trabalhos anteriores, talvez pela grande dispersão de fragmentos cerâmicos que não ultrapassam, contudo, nove recipientes (alguns deles representados por apenas um fragmento): taças em calote - (I), de bordo espessado - (I), de tipo Palmela - (I), caçoilas acampanadas - (2), e vasos campaniformes - (2), além de dois recipientes de tipologia mal definida.Le gisement préhistorique de Bugio est l 'une des plus importantes grottes sépulcrales du littoral de l'Estrémadure. Elle a été trouvée intacte lors des premières fouilles, réalisées en 1957 et 1958. Diverses vicissitudes, qui devaient aboutir à la dissolution de la première équipe de fouilleurs et favoriser le pillage du site, empêchèrent la difusion de toute information avant la reprise des travaux en 1966, même sur le matériel récupéré. A partir de l' étude exhaustive du mobilier conservé au Musée de Sesimbra et de celui qui a été découvert en 1966, on a pu établir les niveaux chronologiques suivants: Première occupation, peut-être la plus importante, s'intégrant dans le Néolithique récent et final de l'Estrémadure, présentant d' étroites analogies avec "l'horizon dolménique" identifié sur le site voisin de Lapa do Fumo, daté de 3090 ± 160 a.C. par radio-carbone (SERRÃO, 1978). La datation obtenue à Bugio est de 2800 ± 45 a.C.. Seconde occupation, correspondant très probablement à la phase initiale ou médiane du Chalcolithique, définie par de rares productions, comme le récipient en os recueilli dans la sépulture 7 et les "idoles" en calcaire, en os et en ivoire. Troisième occupation (Chalcolithique final, Campaniforme) représentée par les Groupes de Palmela et incisé. Il s'agit d'une occupation moins importante, surévaluée dans les travaux antérieurs, peut-être en raison de la grande dispersion des fragments de céramiques qui ne correspondaient, cependant, qu'à neuf récipients: coupes en calotte (1 ), coupes au bord épais (1), coupes de type de Palmela (1), casseroles en forme de cloche (2), vases campaniformes (2) et deux récipients à la typologie mal définie