Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two-Dimensional Structure of β-Amyloid(10−35) Fibrils†

β-Amyloid (Aβ) peptides are the main protein component of the pathognomonic plaques found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. These heterogeneous peptides adopt a highly organized fibril structure both in vivo and in vitro. Here we use solid-state NMR on stable, homogeneous fibrils of Aβ(10-35). Specific interpeptide distance constraints are determined with dipolar recoupling NMR on fibrils prepared from a series of singly labeled peptides containing 13C-carbonyl-enriched amino acids, and skipping no more that three residues in the sequence. From these studies, we demonstrate that the peptide adopts the structure of an extended parallel β-sheet in-register at pH 7.4. Analysis of DRAWS data indicates interstrand distances of 5.3 ± 0.3 A (mean ± standard deviation) throughout the entire length of the peptide, which is compatible only with a parallel β-strand in-register. Intrastrand NMR constraints, obtained from peptides containing labels at two adjacent amino acids, confirm the secondary s.
Immunohistochemical Staining Methods for Connexin32 on Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Sections

Connexin32 (Cx32), one of the components of gap junction intercellular communication, is commonly detected by the fluorescent antibody method, although this method has some defects when conducting detailed histopathological investigations. In order to develop a new method to improve the fluorescent antibody method, the optimal immunohistochemical procedure on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections was examined. According to the results, the localization of Cx32 was observed on sections prepared with the Dako catalyzed signal amplification (CSA) method after 0.2% protease digestion for 30 minutes after a 3-day or 6-month fixation. As the CSA method is highly sensitive and based on signal amplification by biotinylated tyramide, the localization of Cx32 was clearly shown on the cell membranes of hepatocytes. In fact, by this CSA method, a decrease in the signals of Cx32 was shown in the liver of rats treated with phenobarbital or in hepatocellular adenoma, which were consistent with previous reports using cryosections. In conclusion, the CSA method is considered an appropriate method for the detection of Cx32 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections.
Sexual selection in Apis bees

Le comportement reproducteur des abeilles melliferes (Apis spp.) ressemble beaucoup a celui des autres insectes sociaux, bien qu'une serie de caracteristiques specifiques, que l'on ne retrouve que tres rarement chez les insectes sociaux, se soit developpee au cours de l'evolution. Par exemple, chez toutes les especes d'abeilles melliferes etudiees les reines s'accouplent avec plusieurs mâles (polyandres). En outre les mâles d'au moins deux especes sont capables d'ejaculer leur sperme directement dans le canal de la spermatheque. Enfin les abeilles melliferes produisent des mâles en tres grand nombre qui, consequence de ce sex-ratio defavorable aux mâles, ne peuvent s'accoupler qu'une seule fois et meurent au cours de l'accouplement. Ces caracteristiques font des abeilles melliferes un modele tres interessant de biologie de l'evolution pour etudier la presence et les consequences de la selection sexuelle sur la biologie de la reproduction de ces especes. Dans cette synthese je resume notre connaissance actuelle concernant la biologie de la reproduction chez les abeilles melliferes et replace ces donnees dans le cadre theorique de la selection sexuelle. Je developpe plus particulierement deux aspects qui ont fait recemment l'objet d'etudes intenses chez d'autres organismes : la competition spermatique et le choix mysterieux de la femelle. Il y a concurrence pour le sperme lorsque les spermes ejacules par plusieurs mâles concourent simultanement a la fertilisation des oeufs. Le choix mysterieux de la femelle existe lorsque les femelles manipulent dans leur propre interet les spermes ejacules des mâles et exercent ainsi une influence sur la paternite. La selection par la femelle des spermes ejacules se passe de facon mysterieuse, a savoir qu'elle n'est pas visible pour les mâles. Je montre ici que notre connaissance actuelle de la biologie de la reproduction des abeilles melliferes permet de conclure que tant la competition spermatique que le choix mysterieux de la femelle pourraient etre presents chez ces especes. Les donnees montrent en outre que la concurrence spermatique s'exerce pendant le processus de fertilisation des oeufs, alors que le choix enigmatique de la femelle a lieu principalement au cours de la copulation et du stockage du sperme.
Effects of beta-adrenergic receptor agonist and low environmental temperature on the immune system of growing lambs

Sixteen lambs were studied to examine the effects of cold environment and a beta-agonist on their immune status. The beta-agonist, L-646, 969, was fed for 4 wk at 0.28 or 0 mg kg−0.75 BW to animals housed in a warm (20 °C) or a moderately cold (0 °C) environment. The cold environment suppressed PWM-stimulated proliferation at week 3 (P < 0.03) and week 4 (P < 0.01). The percentage of CD4 cells and CD4:CD8 cell ratio were decreased at week 1 (P < 0.02; P < 0.05) and week 3 (P < 0.001; P < 0.003), and the percentage of CD2 cells (P < 0.05) was decreased at week 2 at the low-temperature. The beta-agonist did not influence leukocyte profile and lymphocyte functions. The results suggest that a cold environment may influence immune function by suppressing lymphocytes expressing CD2, CD4 and CD4:CD8 cell ratio, and changing lymphocyte proliferative response to a T cell mitogen. Further investigation is required to identify the effects of prolonged and intense cold exposure on the immune system with a large numbe.
Predicting the Incidence of Comandra Blister Rust on Lodgepole Pine: Site, Stand, and Alternate-Host Influences

Incidence of cankers caused by comandra blister rust (Cronartium comandrae) on lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and distribution of the rust's alternate host, pale comandra (Comandra umbellata subsp. pallida), were mapped in portions of two Wyoming forests. Rust incidence in 24 stands in the Shoshone National Forest varied from 14 to 64%, and rust incidence in 190 plots in the Medicine flow National Forest ranged from 0 to 36%. Comandra populations occurred on open, upper slopes surrounded by lodgepole pine stands in the Shoshone study area and on dry ridge tops along the eastern and western slopes of the Medicine flow study area [. ]
Some features in two Cape bays as deduced from satellite ocean-colour imagery

Imagery from the Nimbus-7 and Landsat-3 satellites shows pronounced mesoscale features in two bays on the west coast of South Africa. Sea surface truth measurements indicated that the high subsurface upwelling radiance at 520 nm in St Helena Bay was probably the result of the presence offish oil on the sea surface, a presence which could be associated with extensive pollution of the sea by fish processing factories in the area. The equally high radiance observed in False Bay was apparently not associated with pollution, and the crescent-shaped plume evident from the imagery was ascribed to natural oceanographic processes. It is concluded that satellite ocean-colour imagery has an application in monitoring the extent of organic pollution provided that sea truth measurements are made concurrently.
Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Small White Turkey Eggs from Older Commercial Breeder Flocks with an Examination of Changes Due to Weight and Time after Lay

Abstract Two commercial breeder flocks of Small White type turkeys that were older than average provided 8000 eggs. One flock (48 weeks of age) had a history of poor poult yield of eggs set while the other (55 weeks) was above average. Eggs saved for analysis (480) were selected on the basis of median weight within equal number groups categorized as being high, medium high, medium low, and low relative to the average for the entire population from each flock. Total egg, yolk, shell, outer, inner, and thick albumen weights were determined along with their solids content at 5, 6, 8, 11, and 14 days after laying (15°, 85% relative humidity). Albumen height and shell deformation were also ascertained. There were no interactions between egg source, size, and storage with all parameters measured. Both flocks had a normal frequency distribution of egg weights with the average from the older being heavier than that for the younger group (86.0 vs. 83.1 g). With both flocks the proportion of yolk and shell increased while albumen decreased as egg size was reduced. All three albumen fractions changed little in solids content and amount relative to their total as did albumen height and shell strength with changes in egg size. Small eggs lost more weight as a percentage of their initial size with time after lay than large which could be attributed to water evaporation that came in large part from the outer thin albumen. Yolk dry matter was unaltered with egg size but decreased upon storage. A comparison of shell strength between flocks showed that eggs from 55 week old breeders were poorer than 48 week hens. Conversely, the older birds had a better albumen height which was accompanied by a greater proportion of thick and less inner thin albumen than observed with eggs from the younger flock. The lower interior quality with 48- as opposed to 55-week-old birds was the only parameter measured which was in conflict with established observations based upon the chicken and suggested as a possible connection to a parallel situation involving prior reproductive capacity.
Damage potential and reproduction of Heterodera avenae on wheat and barley under Saudi field conditions

This study was conducted to determine the effect of H. avenae initial population densities ( Pi ) on the yield of wheat (two growing seasons) and barley (one season) and on nematode reproduction, under Saudi field conditions. At increasing Pi, H. avenae suppressed ( P lessequal 0.05) the number of spikes, weight of spikes, weight of 1000 kernels, grain yield and straw yield of wheat and barley. Grain yields were reduced by 40 to 92% for wheat (during the two seasons) and 17 to 77% for barley. Straw yields were also reduced, by 50 to 85 for wheat and 30 to 77% for barley. As Pi increased, final populations of H. avenae increased ( P lessequal 0.05) on both hosts, but the nematode reproduction factor ( Rf ) decreased. Significant negative linear regressions were obtained between H. avenae Pi and grain yield of wheat and barley. Final populations ( Pf ) were positively correlated with Pi on wheat and on barley. Rf was negatively correlated with Pi on wheat and barley. Schadigungspotential und Vermehrung von Heterodera avenae an Weizen und Gerste unter Freilandbedingungen in Saudiarabien - Die vorliegende Untersuchung wurde durchgefuhrt, um die Wirkung unterschiedlicher Ausgangspopulationen ( Pi ) von Heterodera avenae auf den Ertrag von Weizen (zwei Vegetationsperioden) und Gerste (eine Vegetationsperiode) sowie auf die Vermehrung der Nematoden unter saudiarabishen Freilandbedingungen zu ermitteln. Bei steigender Pi verminderte ( P lessequal 0.05) H. avenae die Anzahl der Ahren, das Ahrengewicht, das Tausendkorngewicht, den Korn- und den Strohertrag von Weizen und Gerste. Die Kornertrage wurden bei Weizen (zwei Vegetationsperioden) um 40-92% vermindert, bei Gerste um 17-77%. Auch die Strohertrage gingen zuruck, bei Weizen um 50-85% und bei Gerste um 30-77%. Mit zunehmender Pi stiegen die Endpopulationsdichten von H. avenae bei beiden Wirtspflanzen an ( P lessequal 0.05), doch nahm der Vermehrungsfaktor ( Rf ) der Nematoden ab. Zwischen Pi von H. avenae und dem Kornertrag von Weizen und Gerste wurden signifikante negative Regressionen erhalten. Die Endpopulationen ( Pf ) waren an Weizen und Gerste positiv korreliert mit Pi . Rf war an Weizen und Gerste negativ korreliert mit Pi .
Efficiency of Selection on Milk Yield To a Fixed Age

Abstract Selection on records in early life was compared for a) milk produced in a fixed lactating period, 305 days or complete lactation, regardless of age and b) for milk produced to a fixed age of 41 mo regardless of the lactational periods. The expected efficiency of selection for genetic gain in total milk produced up to 48 mo, 72 mo, and for the lifetime was the basis of comparison. Data consisted of monthly Dairy Herd Improvement lactation records on 1806 Holstein cows from 38 California herds. The heritability and genetic correlations indicated selection on total milk produced to 41 mo of age was more efficient than selection on milk produced to 305 days in first lactation by 16, 11, and 11% for genetic gain in total milk produced up to 48 mo, 72 mo, or for the lifetime, respectively. Genetic correlations between age at first calving and total milk produced to 48 mo, 72 mo, and lifetime became less negative as ages advanced, −. 57, −. 43, −. 37. Positive phenotypic correlations between the length of the first calving interval and total milk up to 48 mo, 72 mo, and lifetime declined as age advanced . 42, . 29, and . 18. Evaluating cows on total milk to a fixed age will lead to efforts in management and breeding which will affect tradeoffs between the rate of daily milk production and reproductive performance necessary to maximize total milk production for age.
Characteristics of Manchego Cheese Manufactured from Raw and Pasteurized Ovine Milk and with Defined-Strain or Commercial Mixed-Strain Starter Cultures

Microbiological, chemical, rheological, and sensory characteristics of Manchego cheese manufactured with raw or pasteurized milk and with a defined-strain starter culture made up of four Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis isolates from high quality artisanal Manchego cheese have been compared with those of cheese made with a commercial mixed-strain starter culture. Higher total viable counts and lower pH values after 24 h were detected in both raw and pasteurized milk cheeses made with the defined-strain starter culture, which survived better than did the commercial mixed-strain starter culture during ripening of pasteurized milk cheese. Differences in proteolysis of raw milk cheeses were reduced, whereas lower concentrations of residual caseins and higher concentrations of pH 4.6-soluble N and TCA-soluble N were observed in pasteurized milk cheeses made with the commercial mixed-strain starter culture. Elasticity, fracturability, and hardness were higher in raw and pasteurized milk cheeses made with the defined-strain starter culture. Flavor quality and intensity were not apparently affected by the starter culture used, whereas cheese bitterness was lower in raw and in pasteurized milk cheeses made with the defined-strain starter culture.
Microorganisms associated with sub-Clinical mastitis and their impact on milk production in camels (Camelus Dromedarius) in semi-arid lands of Northern Kenya

Camels are adapted to the arid and semi arid lands (ASAL), but their full milking potential is affected by udder infection especially sub-clinical mastitis. The purpose of this study was to identify the most common pathogens responsible for sub-clinical mastitis in camels kept under ranch conditions in Northern Kenya. A total of 435 camel milk samples were collected over a period of 11 months and examined for mastitis causing microorganisms. Mastitis causing bacteria were isolated from 66.7% of the samples. The most prevalent groups were group D streptococci (30%), coagulase negative staphylococcus (CNS) (20.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (16%), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (3.6%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (1.5%). Other isolates were Coliforms and Micrococci . Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Streptococcus agalactiae had a greater association with sub-clinical mastitis than the other pathogens. Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus were ranked as infectious pathogens while group D streptococci , Streptococcus dysgalactiae , CNS, Coliforms and Micrococci were ranked as environmental pathogens. The mean milk yield from quarters infected with infectious streptococcal pathogens was 1.58L per milking, which was lower than that from quarters infected with environmental streptococci (2.63L). Sub-clinical mastitis in camels has adverse implications and needs to be addressed in order to maximize camel production in the ASAL. Keywords : camels, sub-clinical mastitis, milk yield, ASAL, microorganisms International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development , Vol. 6 2005: 182-187
Economic Efficiency of One Cycle of Marker‐Assisted Selection

The efficiency of molecular markers to improve genetic prediction has been proved by many studies. Nevertheless, the additional cost due to marker genotyping is seldom considered in the comparison between marker-assisted selection (MAS) and phenotypic selection. In the context of plant breeding, the relative cost efficiency of MAS in the first cycle of selection is evaluated through an analytical approach taking into account the effect of the experimental design (population size, number of trials, and replications per trial) on quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection. The same global cost is assumed for both methods. In a first step, the optimal allocation of the experimental resources is studied for each method before comparing them at their optimum. For traits sensitive to genotype x environment interactions, unreplicated trials are optimal for both methods but the optimal number of trials is different. It increases with the investment for phenotypic selection while it becomes nearly equal to one for MAS. The loss of efficiency due to non-optimal designs is evaluated. The expected economic return of MAS compared with phenotypic selection decreases with the cost of genotyping. When this cost is high, MAS interest is limited to traits with a low heritability, provided that the investment is high enough to evaluate a large population size, which is the necessary condition to explain with markers a large part of genetic variation. The maximal genotyping cost that is acceptable for MAS to be efficient is given for different values of investment and trait heritability.
A pragmatic approach to estimating the distributions and spatial requirements of the medium‐ to large‐sized mammals in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa

Conservation planning in the Cape Floristic Region, a recognized world plant diversity hotspot, required systematic information on the estimated distributions and spatial requirements of the medium‐ to large‐sized mammals within each of 102 Broad Habitat Units delineated according to key biophysical parameters. As a consequence of a general lack of data, we derived a pragmatic approach for obtaining estimates of these two parameters. Distribution estimates were based on a combination of a literature survey (with emphasis on early texts) and the ecological requirements of the species. Spatial requirement estimates were derived from a simple spreadsheet model that is based on forage availability estimates and the metabolic requirements of the mammals in question. Our analysis incorporated adaptations of the agriculture‐based Large Stock Unit or Animal Unit approach. The predictions of the model were tested by comparing them with actual density data. The outcomes provided realistic estimates of the two parameters. However, they should be considered as testable hypotheses and the concept of adaptive management — or management by hypothesis — must apply. Examples of the outcomes are provided in the form of maps and tables.
RATES OF GROWTH, RESPIRATION AND PHOTOSYNTHESIS OF UNICELLULAR ALGAE AS RELATED TO CELL SIZE—A REVIEW 1, 2

The decline of growth rate with increasing species size of unicellular algae grown under uniform conditions is quantified by applying to published data the equation, growth, (cell · time)−1= a (cell carbon)b where a and b are coefficients. The degree of size‐dependence might be highest under optimal conditions of growth where b is 0.75. Respiration rate is shown to decline with size in the same manner. It is postulated that gross photosynthesis and processes underlying growth are similarly size‐dependent. Growth, efficiency (net over gross photosynthesis) cannot be shown to be size‐dependent. Cell size, expressed as carbon, is proposed as a scaling factor in comparative algal physiology.
Effect of Potassium on Proline Accumulation in Maize during Wilting

Leaf discs from maize (Zea mays) grown at high as well as low level of potassium, were treated with different concentrations of KC1 for 2 h in light before exposing to wilting conditions. An enhanced accumulation of free proline effected by wilting was observed in potassium treated discs. Although proline accumulation was much less in leaf discs exposed to short-term severe wilting conditions than in those exposed to long-term mild wilting conditions, the effect of potassium was still evident. Under long-term mild wilting conditions, the enhanced effect was greater in leaf discs from plants grown at high level of potassium than in those from plants grown at low levels of potassium. Treatment with NaCl instead of KC1 did not lead to extra accumulation of proline.
Modeling Customer Behavior for Efficient Recommendation Systems

Maintaining good relationships with customers is the need of the day for many companies.For maintain this relationship and loyalty,it is always preffered to design a good recommendation system which would always attract new customers and also retain the old ones. Current systems take the choice of customers and also measures similarity of the customer to different customers for recommendations. But reviews of the customers are not taken into consideration for recommendations. Hence,the proposed approach takes reviews of the buyers (textual and nontextual) and combines it with the current systems for an efficient recommendation. <br>
Acetylcholinesterase activity in embryonic and larval development of Artemia salina leach (crustacea phyllopoda)

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity has been studied in Artemia salina embryos and larvae by quantitative, histochemical, and electrophoretic methods. An AChE activity is present in dehydrated encysted gastrulae and remains low in rehydrated developing embryos, showing at hatching an increase that becomes faster during the nauplius stages (twice the gastrula activity at the nauplius II stage), and continues linearly in the first metanauplius stages. The histochemical staining, faint and diffuse in dehydrated gastrulae, in more advanced embryos becomes localized in cell membranes and stronger in differentiating tissues; most AChE activity is localized in the nervous and muscular cells, and a fainter one in the differentiating metanauplius segments. Dehydrated cysts show one electrophoretic AChE band, that is no longer detectable in rehydrated embryos and larvae, while two other bands appear, that migrate more slowly; in advanced larval stages, the more cathodic band is predominant. In dehydrated cysts, isoelectric focusing separates three AChE bands with isoelectric points (IP) at pH 5.0, 5.7, and 5.9; in hydrated embryos and larvae, the band at pH 5.0 is absent and another is seen at pH 5.5. Eserine, DFP, and BW284c51 inhibit the enzyme activity strongly and cause paralysis of larvae; also tubocurarine blocks the motility. These results are discussed in relation to the differentiation of the neuromuscular system and to the development of motility. As a hypothesis, in early embryonic stages, before any neuromuscular differentiation is evident, a cholinergic-like system might regulate non-neural cell activities and interactions, associated with embryogenetic events.