Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The roles of anti-GM1 complex antibodies in autoimmune neuropathies

Anti-ganglioside antibodies have been implicated in autoimmune neuropathies for several decades. They are thought to elicit injury through binding to sites in the peripheral nervous system, where they activate the complement pathway to induce cell death. Patient serum is therefore regularly screened for these antibodies to aid in the diagnosis of various conditions. Recent work has found that complexes composed of gangliosides and other glycolipids can improve the detection of these antibodies beyond the signals detected to the single ganglioside species. In MMN research, complexes comprised of GM1 and GalC have been found to significantly enhance antibody detection in patient sera. In certain patients, however, antibody binding was only detected against these complexes and not the single antigens. This led some researchers to hypothesise that an unidentified class of antibody may have arisen that binds specifically to a neoepitope formed by the combination of the two glycolipids. It has also been hypothesised that that this complex may be the true target of immune mediated attack in MMN. This thesis sought to address this hypothesis by either cloning these antibodies directly from patient serum or through active immunisations with mice. Analysis of previously generated human monoclonal antibodies indicated that their behaviours were modified by complexes containing particular gangliosides or glycolipids. Furthermore, the antibodies behaviours were found to diverge, when they were screened against complexes comprised of gangliosides and different concentrations of accessory lipids. These findings suggested that the accessory lipids were interacting with the ganglioside headgroups to modify the presentation of different binding epitopes. This indicated that conformational modulation, rather than neo-epitope formation, may be responsible for complex enhancement Cloning antibodies from patient sera was unsuccessful but examination of the screening techniques suggested that the appearance of complex-dependent antibodies may have been an artefact. Attempts to induce complex-specific responses in mice were similarly unsuccessful but several anti-ganglioside and anti-sulfatide antibodies were created. The subsequent chapters focused on the characterisation of these antibodies and indicated that most of them bound well to solid-phase assays, cells and tissue and may therefore be of use in future studies. Taken together, the data from this thesis suggests that complex-dependent antibodies may not exist but are merely low concentrations of anti-ganglioside antibodies that are cis-enhanced by particular lipids. Future work should therefore focus on assessing how the ganglioside microenvironment modifies epitope presentation and how this affects the binding capabilities of antiganglioside antibodies.
The plastid development and the changes of flesh color during fruit ripening of loguat

【Objective】To illustrate the relationship between the plastid development and the flesh colorduring fruit ripening. 【Methods】The flesh at different fruit developmental stages from three loquat culti-vars with distinct flesh color(‘Huangjinkuai',HJK,salmon flesh;‘Jiefangzhong',JFZ,yellow flesh;‘Baiyu',BY,white flesh) were used as experimental materials,and the size,color and ultrastructure ofplastid of flesh cell were investigated by light and electron microscope. 【Results】At different fruit develop-mental stages,the transformation of chromoplast from chloroplast in the flesh cell of HJK and JFZ was ob-served under a light microscope,however,a similar transformation was not found in BY. Moreover,theultrastructure of plastid showed that the plastoglobulus developed gradually in HJK and JFZ with the fruitmaturing,and plenty of plastoglobulus were observed when the fruits were ripe. In contrast,only a fewplastoglobulus formed in BY. 【Conclusion】These results suggested that the formation of chromoplast in lo-quat with different color is different,whereas the development of plastoglobulus will affect the formationof chromoplast. These differences eventually result in different color of fruit flesh.
Sexual Differences in Foraging Behavior in Two Species of Dendrocopos Woodpeckers

Two recent studies on woodpeckers (Kilham, 1965; Selander, 1966) support the hypothesis of Rand (1952), which states that within a species sexual dimorphism may aid in reduction of competition for food. In an extensive discussion of intraspecific differences in foraging, Selander (1966: 143-145) diagrams the solutions open to birds faced with decreased availability of food, and Kilham (1965) discusses possible causes, other than those directly related to food supply, for the evolution of traits that reduce intersexual competition for foraging sites. Neither author discusses in detail the problem of origin of stereotyped behavioral differences between the sexes. Sexual differences in foraging behavior of two species of Dendrocopos, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (D. borealis) and the Arizona woodpecker (D. arizonae), are described in this report, and a discussion of the possible origin of this phenomenon in woodpeckers is presented. These two species differ greatly in the degree of sexual dimorphism of body size and bill length, to which much importance has been attached (Selander and Giller, 1963; Selander, 1965, 1966). The Red-cockaded Woodpecker inhabits open pine forests of the southeastern United States. It is found only in areas where pines predominate and is probably most common on the Atlantic coastal plain. The range of this species extends northward to Virginia and Kentucky, and westward to Oklahoma and Texas (A.O.U., 1957). The range of the Arizona Woodpecker extends from extreme southern Arizona and New Mexico, where it is associated with oak woodland, south into Michoacan (Davis, 1965: 537).
Prevalence and growth of Listeria on naturally contaminated smoked salmon over 28 days of storage at 4°C

Only limited data are available on the growth characteristics of Listeria in naturally contaminated ready-to-eat foods. To evaluate Listeria contamination patterns and growth in smoked salmon, 72 smoked salmon product samples from two processing plants were tested for Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes. Samples were divided into four approximately equal portions: one portion was tested on receipt, and the other three were vacuum sealed and stored at 4° C for 7, 14, and 28 days. Listeria testing was performed using both an enrichment procedure and direct plating to enumerate Listeria in samples that contained >2 to 10 CFU/g. Five samples were positive for Listeria spp. , including one sample that was positive for L. monocytogenes. Most samples yielded only sporadic positive results among the portions tested on days 0, 7, 14, and 28. Only one sample contained Listeria spp. in numbers above the detection limit for enumeration. For this sample, the portions tested on days 7 and 28 contained 46 and 52 CFU/g, re.
Dissipation of fenitrothion and esfenvalerate in wheat grains, bran and flour

Chemical insecticides are commonly used to control insect pests in stored wheat. However, the presence of insecticide residues in food may endanger consumers. We studied the degradation and persistence of two insecticides, fenitrothion and esfenvalerate, in wheat grain, bran, and flour. The application system was calibrated to treat grain at theoretical concentrations of 10 and 0.5 mg kg−1 of fenitrothion and esfenvalerate, respectively. Samples treated with the insecticide mixture were collected at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 360 days after treatment. Samples were analyzed quantitatively by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (ECD, Ni63). The experimental design was completely randomized with three replicates. Esfenvalerate was more persistent than fenitrothion, with the residues of both insecticides concentrated mainly in the bran, and with least amounts in the flour. The concentrations of fenitrothion residues during the 120-day preharvest interval exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 1 mg kg−1 set by Brazilian legislation. We discuss the factors that influence the degradation/persistence of fenitrothion and esfenvalerate.
Transversal designs and induced decompositions of graphsT1

We prove that for every complete multipartite graph F there exist very dense graphs Gn on n vertices, namely with as many as ( n 2 ) − cn edges for all n, for some constant c = c(F ), such that Gn can be decomposed into edge-disjoint induced subgraphs isomorphic to F . This result identifies and structurally explains a gap between the growth rates O(n) and Ω(n) on the minimum number of non-edges in graphs admitting an induced F -decomposition. AMS 2000 subject classifications: Primary 05C35, 05C70; secondary 05C75.
Ecological studies on mango fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel

The influence of ecological factors, viz., biotic (host plant) and abiotic factors (weather parameters) on the abundance and population of fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis on mango were worked out. Peak indidence of fruit fly activity was observed during last week of May (6 to 9 infected fruits 20 fruits). However, a gradual increase was observed during first week of April (24 infested fruits/20 fruits) and declined during fourth week of June (5.5 infected fruits/20 fruits). Correlation studies between incidence and weather parameters showed significant positive relationship with maximum and minimum temperatures and negatively correlated with rainfall and relative humidity (morning and evening). Older mango trees (15 and above years old) were more susceptible to fruit fly damage than young trees.
Influence of the biocides PPMtm and Vitrofural on bacteria isolated from contaminated plant tissue cultures and on plant microshoots grown on various media

Summary Bacterial contamination is often a serious problem during plant micropropagation. When disinfection of the initial explants fails, and bacteria are not detected at the initial stage of propagation, they can survive unobserved as a contamination in the plant explants and only appear when the population of microshoots is large. Biocides added to the culture media can be used to help reduce bacterial multiplication. This research was aimed at determining whether the use of PPM™ and Vitrofural could restrict the growth of various bacteria (Methylobacterium lusitanum, Paenibacillus spp., Pseudomonas putida, Serratia marcescens, and Staphylococcus pasteuri) isolated from plant cultures, and whether these biocides were detrimental to shoot multiplication and rooting in anthurium, blackberry, chrysanthemum, hosta, raspberry, and strawberry microshoots. PPM™ and Vitrofural restricted the growth of bacteria in agar-diffusion assays for periods of 1 d to 21 d, depending on the bacterial genotype, the type and concentration of biocide, and the number of days from the start of the assay. PPM™ inhibited the growth of M. lusitanum for 21 d, P. putida for 14 d, S. pasteuri for 3 d, and Paenibacillus spp. and S. marcescens for 2 d. Vitrofural limited the growth of M. lusitanum for 21 d, P. putida for 14 d, Paenibacillus spp. for 7 d, and S. marcescens for 1 d. PPM™ at 3 ml l–1, 5 ml l–1,or 10 ml l–1, and Vitrofural at 25 mg l–1, 35 mg l–1, or 45 mg l–1 significantly affected the multiplication and rooting characteristics of microshoots. The influence of each biocide depended on its concentration, the plant genotype, and the type of medium used. In most cases, both biocides decreased shoot and root lengths and shoot and root numbers, compared to the untreated controls. Both biocides also showed some positive effects on selected plant genotypes. At all concentrations, PPM™ increased the number of axillary shoots in anthurium, while all concentrations of Vitrofural increased the number of axillary shoots in blackberry. Although PPM™ and Vitrofural decreased shoot multiplication and some rooting characteristics, if necessary they may be added to plant tissue culture media. However, their toxicity towards explants of a given plant genotype should first be tested.
Genetic diversity of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.) landraces of South Africa assessed by morphological traits and simple sequence repeat markers

Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. ) is an important crop in rural communities in South Africa but it remains under-researched. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity present amongst bottle gourd landraces grown by smallholder farmers in South Africa using morphological traits and 11 selected polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Marked phenotypic differences were observed amongst bottle gourd landraces. Principal component analysis on quantitative traits identified seven principal components, which accounted for 87% of the total variation. Number of alleles varied from 3 to 9 with a mean of 6 per SSR locus. Number of effective alleles ranged from 1.99 to 6.72 with a mean of 3.75. Shannon's information index varied from 0.95 to 2.01 with a mean of 1.41. Expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.5 to 0.87 with a mean of 0.71 with polymorphic information content values of 0.5 to 0.85 and a mean of 0.7. Morphological traits and SSR marker analyses showed a significant correlation in clustering the landraces. The present study demonstrated the presence of genetic diversity amongst bottle gourd landrace collections from South Africa useful for strategic improvement, direct production or conservation.
Temporal Variability of Internal Wave‐Driven Mixing in Two Distinct Regions of the Arctic Ocean

12 This work investigates how internal wave-driven turbulence varies in time, from hourly 13 to yearly timescales, and in space, across two distinct regions of the Arctic Ocean. We 14 apply a shear-based finescale parameterization to mooring records in Nares Strait and 15 on the Beaufort Sea shelf-slope that sampled the upper stratified water column every 16 30-45 minutes and span 2003-2006 and 2003-2004 respectively. In doing so, we gener17 ate over 600,000 estimates of the internal wave-driven dissipation rate. These estimates 18 exhibit large temporal variability in both regions, spanning over 3 orders of magnitude. 19 Despite these wide ranges, we find distinct distributions at each site. In Nares Strait, 20 the time series of dissipation shows systematic variation at tidal frequencies, and tidal 21 forcing appears to influence dissipation more strongly than winds, sea ice, and stratifi22 cation on daily timescales. On longer timescales, dissipation exhibits a weak seasonal cy23 cle, being elevated when the stratification is high and during the ice melt season. In the 24 Beaufort Sea, we detect no dominant timescales or significant relationships with forc25 ing metrics, but note that the dissipation rate is typically 2 orders of magnitude lower 26 than that in Nares Strait. This region is characterized as being in a turbulent mixing 27 regime for only 2% of the record, compared to 73% of the Nares Strait record, imply28 ing that turbulence here is rarely energetic enough relative to the stratification to drive 29 a turbulent heat flux. Inferred Beaufort Sea heat fluxes are an order of magnitude lower 30 than the O(1) W m−2 average value found in Nares Strait. 31 Plain Language Summary 32 Arctic Ocean mixing rates and how they vary in space and time have important 33 consequences for the transport of heat, salt, and nutrients. However, the tasks of under34 standing how mixing changes water properties and of predicting future changes to Arc35 tic Ocean mixing rates remains challenging, particularly given that most observations 36 used to study mixing in the Arctic Ocean to date are geographically and temporally lim37 ited. In this study, we infer mixing rates by using an estimation technique that relates 38 ocean turbulence to properties of internal waves in the ocean interior. We apply this tech39 nique to highly-resolved, multi-year measurements obtained from two distinct regions 40 of the Arctic Ocean. Using these estimates, we characterize the statistical distributions 41 of mixing metrics and find strong regional differences between the two study sites. We 42 find that one region is highly energetic and displays systematic patterns in mixing in43
Photogrammetry using in-field calibration: a non-invasive tool for predicting sex and life stages tested on Hector's dolphins in the wild

ABSTRACT Accurate data on sex and life stage are essential for building realistic population models, which in turn are essential for sustainable conservation management. This case study develops and validates an improved photogrammetry method that allows for in-field calibration. The method was used to measure Hector's dolphins’ dorsal fins in the wild. Seven independent measurements of one dolphin resulted in a coefficient of variation of 1.39% for fin base length and 2.33% for fin height. Test measurements on shore at different distances and angles resulted in a mean error smaller than 1% up to a distance of 10 m and an angle of 40°. Dorsal fin dimensions from necropsied Hector's dolphins were analysed to evaluate the potential of predicting sex and life stage based on a dorsal fin measured in the wild. Dorsal fin shape was significantly related to sex. However, sex estimations based on this model turned out to be not accurate enough to replace traditional sexing methods for Hector's dolphins. Fin base length was significantly related to life stage for females. Estimations based on this model appear to be accurate.
Effect of watermelon rind powder on physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties of wet yellow noodles

ABSTRACT The physical, chemical, and sensorial properties of the control noodle (WRP0), noodles incorporated with watermelon rind powder (WRP) at the levels of 50, 100, and 150 g/kg (WRP5, WRP10, and WRP15, respectively), were investigated. Ash, crude fiber, crude fat, carbohydrate, and total phenolic content (TPC) of WRP-containing noodles increased gradually on increasing the level of replacement compared to the control. However, a decreasing trend was observed in moisture and protein contents. Incorporation of WRP in noodles did not affect the lightness value and cooking yield. However, the yellowness and greenness indices increased gradually on increasing the level of powder substitution compared to the control. A decreased trend was observed for the firmness, cooking loss, and pH values on increasing the level of replacement. Sensory evaluation results showed that WRP10 had the highest acceptability.
Characterization of Haemolysin of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Food of Animal Origin

Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen bacteria causing food poisoning and various infection in animals and humans. Haemolysin is one of the virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus. The aims of the research were to characterize haemolysins of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from various food of animal origin, phenotypic- and genotypically. In the present study, eleven Staphylococcus aureus isolated from various food of animal origins from traditional markets and supermarkets in Yogyakarta, Sidoarjo, Jakarta, and Bandung were characterized for haemolysin, pheno- and genotypically. Characterization of haemolysin phenotypically based on haemolysis pattern of Staphylococcus aureus on sheep blood agar plate. Genes encoding hemolysin were amplified with specific primers by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The results of the studies showed that Staphylococcus aureus on sheep blood agar plates revealed an alpha haemolysis pattern (18,18%), beta haemolysis (27,27%) and gamma haemolysis (54,55%). Based on amplification of the gene encoding haemolysin of Staphylococcus aureus with specific primers showed hla genes (81,81%), and hla combined with hlb genes (18,18%). The amplification of gene hla and hlb had a single amplicon with a size of approximately 534 bp and 833 bp, respectively. The haemolysin characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus from various food of animal origin could be used as important information to control staphylococcal food poisoning. Keywords : Staphylococcus aureus, haemolysin, PCR, food of animal origins
Effect of Manager’s Characteristics on Budget Participation mediated by Perception of Procedural Justice

Objective: To examine the relationship between managerial characteristics, perception of procedural fairness and budget participation. Method: A survey was conducted with 94 managers of large hotels in Brazil. We adopted the technique of Structural Equation Modeling for data analysis, performed in the software SmartPLS version 3. Originality/Relevance: The proposal indicates that decisions taken during the budget process are related to managers’ characteristics. These characteristics influence budget participation and the perception of procedural justice. The relevance of the research is to check the mediation of procedural justice in the relationship between managers’ characteristics and budget participation. Results: The results indicate that managers’ characteristics are directly related to budget participation, and managers' perception of procedural justice is related to budget participation. Also, it has a mediating relationship between managers’ characteristics and budget participation. Based on the findings, it appears that the characteristics of Brazilian hotel managers determine the way managers feel procedurally justified and improve their budget participation. Theoretical/Methodological contributions: This paper makes a relevant contribution to the literature on the study theme, as there is still little knowledge of how procedural justice can mediate this relationship between managerial characteristics and budget participation. Social/management contributions: The present research contributes to hotel management because it is a sector characterized by a high level of competition and risk, in which budget efficiency can be one of the key success factors.
Field Diagnosis of Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Larval Mortality Caused by Entomophaga maimaiga and the Gypsy Moth Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus

Cadavers of late instars of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), that were attached to tree boles were examined to determine cause of death. Cadavers of gypsy moth larvae killed by the fungal pathogen Entomophaga maimaiga Humber, Shimazu & Soper were predominantly oriented vertically with heads downward, all prolegs were frequently at a 900 angle to the axis of the body, and older cadavers were usually dry in appearance. By contrast, larvae killed by the L. dispar nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) were predominantly positioned with anterior prolegs attached to the bole, the anterior section of the body hanging unattached, and the body bending at an angle of <90°. Cadavers of NPV-killed larvae remained soft and moist when older, and all prolegs were seldom at a 90° angle to the body. In 4.4% of cadavers analyzed, mixed infections with both fungus and virus were evident. Individual samplers with little field experience with these pathogens averaged correct field diagnosis of 69.9% of cadavers of pathogen-killed larvae in the field using these criteria. Cadavers of larvae that had died only recently were more frequently incorrectly diagnosed. It is concluded that field diagnosis of the cause of death of gypsy moth larvae due to E. maimaiga or NPV leads to an unacceptably high level of error for quantitative ecological studies. Nevertheless, cadaver signs and symptoms can provide generalized information on the occurrence of these pathogens.