The splanchnic bed is a group of organs (liver, intestines, stomach, pancreas and spleen) which are active in the metabolism of amino acids. However, the impact of this group of organs on the dietary requirements of humans has yet to be determined. The focus of this research will be the requirements of two indispensable amino acids, threonine and lysine, and the impact of the splanchnic bed on amino acid kinetics. Threonine is an indispensable amino acid which is critical in the production of mucins in the gut and contributes significantly to collagen, elastin and tooth enamel formation in mammals. The first study was designed to determine the threonine requirement for the parenterally-fed, stable, post-surgical neonate. The mean threonine parenteral requirement, as experimentally derived in human neonates, was 32.8 mg•kg-1•d-1 which was less than the recommended enteral intake of 76 mg•kg-1•d-1 suggesting a splanchnic uptake in humans of 57%. Lysine is an indispensable amino acid used primarily, in the mammalian body, for protein synthesis but it also acts as a precursor for carnitine synthesis. The second study was devised to determine the lysine requirement for the parenterally-fed, stable, post-surgical neonate. The mean lysine parenteral neonatal requirement as experimentally determined in human neonates, was 104.9 mg•kg-1•d-1 which was less than the recommended enteral intake of 119 mg•kg-1•d-1 suggesting a splanchnic uptake in humans of 12%. The third study was intended to increase our knowledge of the metabolism of threonine and lysine by the splanchnic bed. Adult humans were fed isotopic threonine and lysine both enterally and parenterally. We determined that retention of threonine and lysine by the splanchnic bed was 16.7% and 17.1% respectively, which were not significantly different. The conclusion was that, in healthy human adult males, there was no difference in the extraction of threonine and lysine by the splanchnic bed which was different from our findings in parenterally fed piglets and human neonates.

The splanchnic bed is a group of organs (liver, intestines, stomach, pancreas and spleen) which are active in the metabolism of amino acids. However, the impact of this group of organs on the dietary requirements of humans has yet to be determined. The focus of this research will be the requirements of two indispensable amino acids, threonine and lysine, and the impact of the splanchnic bed on amino acid kinetics. Threonine is an indispensable amino acid which is critical in the production of mucins in the gut and contributes significantly to collagen, elastin and tooth enamel formation in mammals. The first study was designed to determine the threonine requirement for the parenterally-fed, stable, post-surgical neonate. The mean threonine parenteral requirement, as experimentally derived in human neonates, was 32.8 mg•kg-1•d-1 which was less than the recommended enteral intake of 76 mg•kg-1•d-1 suggesting a splanchnic uptake in humans of 57%. Lysine is an indispensable amino acid used primarily, in the mammalian body, for protein synthesis but it also acts as a precursor for carnitine synthesis. The second study was devised to determine the lysine requirement for the parenterally-fed, stable, post-surgical neonate. The mean lysine parenteral neonatal requirement as experimentally determined in human neonates, was 104.9 mg•kg-1•d-1 which was less than the recommended enteral intake of 119 mg•kg-1•d-1 suggesting a splanchnic uptake in humans of 12%. The third study was intended to increase our knowledge of the metabolism of threonine and lysine by the splanchnic bed. Adult humans were fed isotopic threonine and lysine both enterally and parenterally. We determined that retention of threonine and lysine by the splanchnic bed was 16.7% and 17.1% respectively, which were not significantly different. The conclusion was that, in healthy human adult males, there was no difference in the extraction of threonine and lysine by the splanchnic bed which was different from our findings in parenterally fed piglets and human neonates.

Animal cell culture is widely used as a platform for the production of a variety of biopharmaceuticals. The development of an efficient and productive cell culture requires a deep understanding of intra-cellular mechanisms as well as extra-cellular conditions for optimal synthesis. Mathematical modeling can be an effective strategy to predict, control, and optimize cell performance under different culture conditions. This research presents the evaluation of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture secreting recombinant anti-RhD monoclonal antibody (MAb) through different processing modes, namely batch, fed-batch and perfusion operations. The ultimate objective of this study was to establish a comprehensive dynamic model which may be used for model-based optimization of the cell culture for MAb production in both batch, fed-batch or perfusion systems. In analyzing process performance, the key potential cause of cell growth inhibition was attributed to lowering of pH in the culture possibly due to the accumulation of dissolved carbon dioxide. The most important finding in this regard was the significantly different observed maximum total viable cell density in two identical cultures differing in culture volume only (250mL and 500mL). However, the other byproduct metabolites such as lactate and ammonia and glucose depletion were also capable affecting growth adversely causing growth arrest, viability reduction, apoptosis initiation and progress. Employing the experimental results of nutrient consumption, metabolite and biomass production, a metabolic flux based methodology was developed for modeling the metabolism of a CHO cell line. The elimination of insignificant fluxes resulted in a simplified metabolic network which was the basis for modeling the significant extracellular metabolites. Using kinetic rate expressions for growing and non-growing subpopulations, a logistic model was first developed for cell growth and dynamic models were formulated to describe culture composition and monoclonal antibody (MAb) secretion. The viable cell population was assumed to consist of normal growing, normal non-growing and apoptotic cell subpopulations. The rate of apoptotic cell formation was assumed to have a second order dependence on the normal cell concentration. The proposed mathematical model for metabolites included distinct terms that reflected the metabolic rates of growing and non-growing cell populations. The model was validated for a range of glutamine and glucose concentrations. Good agreement was obtained between model predictions and experimental data. In subsequent steps the attempt was to correlate the growth kinetics to significant variables of the culture. The regulatory effects identified through each culture condition were combined for a rational design of a dynamic model constructed for the viable cell subpopulation. A Tessier-based model was applied for defining the fraction of growing cells as a function of a growth inhibitor, presumably dissolved carbon dioxide. Although only few variables appeared in the biomass model, all equations were solved simultaneously. The parameters were estimated using the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm and the fmincon function in MATLAB. The final model adequately predicted the effect of significant variables on the metabolic behavior of CHO cells in batch, fed-batch and perfusion systems.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / James M. Lattimer / Three experiments were conducted to determine the impact of novel probiotic (NP) supplementation in monogastric livestock and poultry. Experiment 1 evaluated effects of the probiotic on growth performance and cecal parameters in broiler chickens (n = 2520). Birds in treatment groups 1 and 2 were administered NP culture as either an oral gavage (OG) or an aerosolized mist (AM), respectively. Treatment group 3 served as a negative control (C). Growth performance and feed efficiency (FE) were unaffected by treatment (P > 0.10). Cecal pH was reduced in AM and OG birds compared to C (P < 0.05). This novel probiotic is most effective in altering cecal VFA profile before d 21 post-administration, after which no differences in VFA concentrations were detected between treatments. Reduction in cecal pH in response to NP indicates potential application of this probiotic as an acidifier, commonly used in poultry production as an antibiotic alternative. Experiment 2 was a swine performance study conducted to determine effects of treating sows or piglets or both with an oral gavage of NP. Factor 1 consisted of administration of NP oral gavage administered to sows or a negative control (n = 28). Factor 2 consisted of either a negative control or oral gavage of NP administered to litters of piglets shortly after birth and at weaning. Sow weight loss during lactation was unaffected by treatment (P > 0.10). Feed intake upon introduction to the nursery was greater in piglets that received NP directly than those that did not (P < 0.05). Large intestinal fermentation in both sows and piglets was affected by NP administration. Fecal VFA concentrations tended to be greater in animals that received NP either indirectly through the sow or directly via oral gavage (P < 0.05). Direct supplementation of piglets with NP is more effective in altering fermentation after d 21 than indirect administration, as VFA concentrations in piglets that received NP indirectly are similar to the control by d 28. Butyrate concentrations were greater in piglets that received NP; this VFA is important in prevention of intestinal atrophy and recovery from physiological stress of weaning. Experiment 3 examined effects of NP administered as either an oral drench (OD) or a lyophilized powder (LP) on equine cecal fermentation compared to a negative control (NC). Cecally cannulated horses (n = 8) were transitioned to a 1:1 roughage to concentrate diet over a period of 5 d. Cecal pH was greater than NC in OD and LP horses on d 5 and d 7, respectively (P < 0.10). Acetate:propionate ratio, valerate, and caproate concentrations also were greater in LP horses than NC on d 7 (P < 0.05). This may indicate improved gut health and fiber digestion in supplemented horses. The novel probiotic used in these studies is able to effectively alter large intestinal fermentation in monogastric species and may have potential to improve gut health and performance of these species.

Yes / A type of telecommunication technology called an ultra-wideband (UWB) is used to provide a typical solution for short-range wireless communication due to large bandwidth and low power consumption in transmission and reception. Printed monopole antennas are considered as a preferred platform for implementing this technology because of its alluring characteristics such as light weight, low cost, ease of fabrication, integration capability with other systems, etc. Therefore, a compact-sized ultra-wideband (UWB) printed monopole antenna with improved gain and efficiency is presented in this article. Computer simulation technology microwave studio (CSTMWS) software is used to build and analyze the proposed antenna design technique. This broadband printed monopole antenna contains a jug-shaped radiator fed by a coplanar waveguide (CPW) technique. The designed UWB antenna is fabricated on a low-cost FR-4 substrate with relative permittivity of 4.3, loss tangent of 0.025, and a standard height of 1.6 mm, sized at 25 mm × 22 mm × 1.6 mm, suitable for wireless communication system. The designed UWB antenna works with maximum gain (peak gain of 4.1 dB) across the whole UWB spectrum of 3–11 GHz. The results are simulated, measured, and debated in detail. Different parametric studies based on numerical simulations are involved to arrive at the optimal design through monitoring the effects of adding cuts on the performance of the proposed antennas. Therefore, these parametric studies are optimized to achieve maximum antenna bandwidth with relatively best gain. The proposed patch antenna shape is like a jug with a handle that offers greater bandwidth, good gain, higher efficiency, and compact size.

Resistance exercise results in an increase in muscle protein synthesis (MPS); however, in the fasted state net muscle protein balance (synthesis minus breakdown) remains negative. With the ingestion of post-exercise amino acids, or protein, net protein balance becomes positive and protein accretion can occur over time. Previously, we found that resistance training elevated resting, fasted, mixed MPS, but blunted the acute resistance exercise-induced rise in MPS. We aimed to determine how resistance training would affect mixed MPS chronically and acutely, in the fed state. Young men (N = 10, 21 ± 0.47 yrs, BMI = 25.9 ± 1.4 kg·m^-2; means± SD) completed an 8-week unilateral leg resistance training protocol which consisted of knee extension exercise performed at ~80% 1 repetition maximum (1 RM) and resulted in one leg being trained (T), while the contralateral leg served as an untrained (UT) control. Strength gains were 3-fold greater in the T versus the UT leg (P < 0.05). As well, mean fibre cross-sectional area of Type I and Type II fibres increased (P < 0.05) in the T leg only. Following training, in the fed state, subjects underwent primed constant infusions of [ring-d_5 or -_13C_6]phenylalanine or d_3-(alpha)-ketoisocaproic acid in a randomized counterbalance manner to determine rates of MPS using the precursor product equation for incorporation into mixed muscle proteins, sampled via muscle biopsy of the vastus lateral is. MPS was assessed at rest, acutely following a bout of resistance exercise, which was at the same relative intensity for both legs, and approximately 28 h after the resistance exercise bout. Rates of MPS at rest were unchanged following training (P = 0.97). Following the resistance exercise bout, rates of MPS were elevated acutely in both the T and UT legs (4 h post-exercise; P < 0.01), but returned to baseline levels by 28 h post-exercise in the T leg only. We conclude that while resistance training did not alter resting MPS, it did affect the time course of MPS following an acute bout of resistance exercise compared to the UT leg. Hence, when taken with our previous results we conclude that resistance training attenuates the MPS response to an acute bout of resistance exercise when loads are matched at the same relative intensity, but the response is not altered by the nutritional status of the individual. / Thesis / Master of Science (MS)

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of various alternatives to antibiotics in broilers grown on used litter on performance, intestinal lesion scores, body composition, and cecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations. The first experiment used a corn-soybean meal based basal diet to generate a negative control (NC) diet (without treatment), a Bacillus licheniformis probiotic containing diet (NC + 0.10% DFM1), and four diets that contained various concentrations of a Bacillus subtilis probiotic (NC + 0.05% DFM2, NC + 0.10% DFM2, NC + 0.20% DFM2, and NC + 0.40% DFM2). Experimental diets were fed to broilers over a 42-day period. Body weight gain (BWG) was depressed from d 0-28 and d 0-42 with supplementation of 0.10% DFM1 and 0.05% DFM2 compared to NC fed birds (P ≤ 0.05), with no differences among the remaining treatments and the NC fed birds (P > 0.05). Feed intake (FI) and mortality corrected feed efficiency (FEm) were not different over the 0-42 day period. No differences in oocyst shedding, lesion scores, body composition or cecal VFA production were observed (P > 0.05). Consistently low lesion scores were indicative of a mild coccidial challenge. The second experiment utilized a corn-soybean meal basal diet to generate experimental treatment diets. The basal diet without additional supplements was fed to two groups of control birds, one on clean pine shaving litter (PC) and a second on used litter (NC). Treatment groups were fed the same diet, supplemented with butyrate for the first 14 days (NC + But 0-14), botanicals from d 15-43 (NC + Bot 15-43), butyrate from d 0-14 and botanicals from d 15-43 (NC + But 1-14/Bot 15-43), and butyrate from d 0-43 (NC + But 1-43). Butyrate supplementation reduced BWG from d 0-14 (P ≤ 0.05), but there were no differences in BWG from 0-43 d (P > 0.05). Feed intake was reduced for the NC + But 0-14 group from d 0-43 in comparison to both PC and NC. Lesion scores in the jejunum were reduced with supplementation of butyrate alone, fed for either d 0-14 or d 0-43 (P ≤ 0.05) and is an indication of a mild coccidial infection due to the used litter. Although there were no significant differences among treatments, overall performance was above industry expectations, likely due to the mild fall weather. These two experiments indicate that there are numerous factors involved in the efficacy of antibiotic alternatives, at least partially explaining the inconsistent results observed in the published literature. / Master of Science / Recently, increased regulations and customer demand have restricted and reduced the use of antibiotics in the poultry industry. Historically, antibiotics were used in poultry feed at sub-therapeutic levels to improve performance and prevent the incidence of clinical and subclinical disease. Since the reduction of antibiotic use, many producers have experienced reduced performance resulting in reduced profits. The limited use of antibiotics can also present an animal welfare issue associated with increased sub-clinical and clinical disease. Many researchers are investigating alternative feed additives that will both improve performance and prevent disease, including probiotics, organic acids, and botanical products. Previous research has demonstrated the ability of these alternative to positively, if inconsistently, influence the performance and health of broiler chickens. Therefore, the objective of this thesis is to investigate the effects of two probiotic bacteria fed at various concentrations and the effects of butyric acid and botanicals, fed alone, or in combination, on the performance, intestinal lesion scores, body composition, and cecal volatile fatty acid concentrations of broiler chickens raised on used litter. In these experiments, the used litter is representative of a mild disease challenge that would likely be present in a commercial poultry setting. Overall, there were few differences with the treatment of broilers with probiotic bacteria, but the lowest inclusions slightly reduced body weight gain compared to the control fed broilers. Butyric acid supplementation reduced body weight gain over the first 14 days, but these differences were no longer observed over the 0 to 42 day period. Although performance was not improved, butyrate did result in reduced intestinal lesion scores from the middle section of the small intestine, indicating potential health benefits with butyrate treatment. Overall, the data presented in this thesis suggest that there are a variety of factors that can alter the effectiveness of these alternatives in broiler production and care should be used in selection of antibiotic replacement tools.

Master of Science / Department of Agricultural Economics / Glynn T. Tonsor / The objective of this analysis is to develop econometric models for forecasting fed cattle basis as well as compare these models with historic averaging methods of forecasting basis popular in existing literature. The econometric analysis also aims to identify important determinants of fed cattle basis. Both monthly and weekly models were assessed with data provided by the Livestock Marketing Information Center. All models analyzed the three regions of Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. Monthly historic average approaches utilized historic fed cattle futures and fed cattle cash price series from January of 1995 through December of 2010. Weekly historic average approaches utilized historic fed cattle futures and fed cattle cash prices series from June of 2001 through December 2010. Data collected post mandatory price reporting implementation in 2001 was used in all econometric models. Overall lags of fed cattle basis, the spread between the nearby live cattle futures contract and the next deferred futures contract, and seasonality regularly proved to explain much of the variation in fed cattle basis in the econometric modeling. Multiple historic average based models were examined on both monthly and weekly frequencies. Once all competing models were estimated in-sample, out-of sample testing was conducted. The forecasting errors of all weekly models were compared to determine which methods prove to be dominant forecasters of fed cattle basis. This testing suggests historic averaging methods outperform the alternate econometric models in out-of-sample work. The econometric models helped to reveal some of the important factors determining fed cattle basis, however lags in collecting data on these factors may inhibit the forecaster’s ability to use these techniques in real time. One interesting revelation in regards to historic averages is the potential of Olympic averages as forecasters. These methods have not been explored in previous academic literature but tend to perform quite well in comparison with other methods explored.

Le vin est un milieu peu propice à la croissance de la levure mais il est néanmoins possible de la faire croître sur base de vin enrichit en nutriments et dilué pour diminuer la concentration en éthanol. En vue de l’élaboration des vins effervescents par une seconde fermentation, produire la levure Saccharomyces cerevisiae dans ces conditions est indispensable pour l’acclimater mais il s’agit d’un enjeu complexe qui doit prendre en compte de nombreux paramètres physico-chimiques mais aussi économiques. En effet, les paramètres opératoires peuvent induire des conditions de croissance pouvant affecter le développement de la levure. Seule la levure S. cerevisiae (Fizz+) a été utilisée car elle est spécialement sélectionnée pour cette seconde fermentation en vase clos. Le principal enjeu était donc d’obtenir une bonne adaptation de la levure à croître dans un milieu hydro-alcoolique, conditions contraignantes pour elle, mais aussi d’obtenir une production maximale.Nous avons tout d’abord étudié en fioles Erlenmeyer (250 mL) l’influence de divers paramètres : conditions physico-chimiques, concentrations en nutriments, concentration minimale en levure sèche active nécessaire à une bonne activité ainsi que son temps de réhydratation.Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons effectué des propagations en mode batch dans un bioréacteur (5 L) pour valider les conclusions réalisées à la suite de l’étude en Erlenmeyer et ainsi étudier l’influence de différentes aérations sur la production de S. cerevisiae. Les données obtenues ont servi de base pour comparer les améliorations apportées par le procédé développé en mode fed-batch. Les concentrations en levures obtenues suite à l’optimisation des conditions du milieu de culture en cinq litres sont supérieures d’un facteur cinq à celles obtenues dans la pratique en cave.Ensuite l’étude s’est concentrée sur le développement d’un nouveau procédé d’alimentation en nutriments pour cultiver S. cerevisiae en métabolisme respiratoire dans des cuves réalisées par la société partenaire du projet, OEno Concept. La nouveauté réside dans la façon de réguler la température de la culture qui se fait simultanément à l’apport des nutriments suite au dégagement de chaleur lors de la croissance de S. cerevisiae. Un brevet a été déposé sur cette technologie. Ce nouveau procédé a permis une augmentation de la productivité cellulaire, d’un facteur supérieur à quatre, car il a permis aux levures de s’adapter à cet environnement stressant et a favorisé l’oxydation du glucose au détriment de la fermentation. / Wine is an aggressive/stressful growth medium; it is depleted of micronutrients, rich in ethanol and very poor in assimilable nitrogen. Despite all these difficulties, it is possible to grow yeast in a medium largely based on wine by diluting the ethanol concentration and enriching the medium with micronutrients, a carbon source and assimilable nitrogen. It is, desirable to propagate Saccharomyces cerevisiae in such environment in order to produce a culture of yeast adapted to a second fermentation of alcoholic beverages. Production of microorganism in wine growing environment, is a complex issue that must take into account many, physicochemical and economic parameters. Indeed, the operating parameters can affect the development of yeast in a bioreactor. Therefore, it is important to know the most influential parameters on growth. The strain S. cerevisiae (Fizz+), a commercial strain that has been selected for the second fermentation in bottles, was used during this project. The propagation process served to increase the amount of yeast as well as to adapt the yeast to grow in an alcoholic environment. We first studied in shake-flasks cultures various physicochemical conditions such as nutrients concentration, the rehydration time and the minimum concentration of active dry yeast necessary for good yeast activity.In a second step, we performed batch fermentations in bioreactors (5 L) to confirm the conclusions from the shake-flask cultures and additionally to study the influence of aeration on S. cerevisiae production. The data obtained served as a basis for performing fed-batch cultures. The yeast concentrations obtained as a result of the optimization of the conditions of the culture medium in five liters were five times greater than those obtained in actual industrial production processes. The next step was to develop an automated fed-batch culture to grow S. cerevisiae respiratively in partnership with the industrial partner of the project, OEno Concept. The novelty of the process is the way in which the growth medium feed-rate is linked to the heat produced by the growing S. cerevisiae.This research has allowed an increase in cell productivity, by a factor greater than four, thanks to the novel process in stressful growth environment promoting respiration with regard to fermentation.

Student Number : 0002066T - MSc dissertation - School of Electrical and Information Engineering - Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment / Investigations of uni-directional, horizontally polarized waveguide antennas with longitudinal slotted arrays operating at 2.45GHz and their applications to wireless local area networks (WLAN) are presented in this paper. Requirements, considerations, and limitations associated with the design process of this particular waveguide are discussed and presented. Various antenna parameters were simulated using MATLAB® and SuperNEC® software simulation programs, and were applied to a sensitivity analysis of antenna design. End-fed and center-fed antennas were designed, built, and measured at WLAN frequencies. Measured antennas had high gain above 15dBi, broad beam around the azimuth, and high efficiency, but were limited by their impedance dependency and narrow bandwidth. The center-fed antenna had 3dBi higher gain than the 18dBi gain of the end-fed antenna. The VSWR ratio of both antennas was less than 1:1.5 at the operating frequency. The center-fed antenna had broader azimuth and elevation patterns by 40° and 10°, respectively. The end- fed antenna had more stable gain and VSWR, 50% wider VSWR bandwidth of 100MHz, and more directional elevation pattern. The design criteria generated using waveguide theory and simulated analysis was validated by the physical design and performance of the measured antennas.