Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fator estimulante de colônias de granu-lócitos e macrófagos (GM-CSF) não aumenta a eficácia ou potência da vacina de subunidades da febre aftosa em suínos

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most feared diseases of livestock worldwide. Vaccination has been a very effective weapon in controlling the disease, however a number of concerns with the current vaccine including the inability of approved diagnostic tests to reliably distinguish vaccinated from infected animals and the need for high containment facilities for vaccine production, have limited its use during outbreaks in countries previously free of the disease. A number of FMD vaccine candidates have been tested and a replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) vector containing the FMDV capsid (P1-2A) and 3C protease coding regions has been shown to completely protect pigs against challenge with the homologous virus (FMDV A12 and A24). An Ad5-P1-2A+3C vaccine for FMDV O1 Campos (Ad5-O1C), however, only induced a low FMDV-specific neutralizing antibody response in swine potency tests. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been successfully used to stimulate the immune response in vaccine formulations against a number of diseases, including HIV, hepatitis C and B. To attempt to improve the FMDV-specific immune response induced by Ad5-O1C, we inoculated swine with Ad5-O1C and an Ad5 vector containing the gene for porcine GM-CSF (pGM-CSF). However, in the conditions used in this trial, pGM-CSF did not improve the immune response to Ad5-O1C and adversely affected the level of protection of swine challenged with homologous FMDV.
The Effect of Aβ Conformation on the Metal Affinity and Aggregation Mechanism Studied by Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy

The conformational change and associated aggregation of beta amyloid (Abeta) with or without metals is the main cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In order to further understand the effects of Abeta and its associated metals on the aggregation mechanism, the influence of Abeta conformation on the metal affinity and aggregation was investigated using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The Abeta conformation is dependent on pH and trifluoroethanol (TFE). The binding of metals to Abeta was found to be dependent on the Abeta conformation. The aggregation induced by Abeta itself or its associated metals is completely diminished for Abeta in 40% TFE. Only in 5% and 25% TFE can Abeta undergo an alpha-helix to beta-sheet aggregation, which involve a three-state mechanism for the metal-free state, and a two-state transition for the metal-bound state, respectively. The aggregation-inducing activity of metals is in the order, Cu2+ > Fe3+ > or = Al3+ > Zn2+.
Variation in weaning mass of pups in relation to maternal mass, postweaning fast duration, and weaned pup behaviour in southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) at South Georgia

Female southern elephant seals, Mirounga leonina, assemble in large groups and each gives birth to a single pup which is nursed for some 3 weeks. Weaning mass is highly variable; some pups are three times as heavy as others at weaning. After weaning, the pup fasts for several weeks before departing to sea. The function of this fast is unknown. We examined the relationships between maternal mass, pup weaning mass, and pup behaviour during the postweaning fast in 377 pups and 128 adult females over four breeding seasons at South Georgia. Pup weaning mass was positively related to maternal postpartum mass, which accounted for 55% of the variation in weaning mass. Over all 4 years male pups were significantly heavier at weaning than female pups (130 vs. 123 kg) but this difference disappeared after maternal mass was controlled for. After fasting for 21–66 days, weaned pups went to sea at an average of 68% of weaning mass. Heavier pups remained on the beach longer after weaning than lighter pups. There was no .
Deficiency of xanthine dehydrogenase activity in the oq oily mutant of the silkworm, Bombyx mori

To investigate the mechanism of gene expression responsible for the oily character of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, xanthine dehydrogenase activity and the amount of its metabolites in the oq oily mutant larvae were determined. The enzyme activity in the fat body of the mutant was markedly lower than normal. Uric acid was not present in the feces and the integument of the mutant, whereas a large amount of xanthine accumulated in the mutant feces. Thus, the oq mutant is enzymatically deficient. A previous report, which described that a locus (og) controlled xanthine dehydrogenase activity, and the discovery of this new mutant demonstrated that the synthesis of this enzyme in the silkworm is controlled by at least two different loci, og (9-7.2) and oq (12-26.3).
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites in Parnassius apollo and Euphydryas aurinia (Lepidoptera)

Microsatellite loci were developed from Parnassius apollo and Euphydryas aurinia , two endangered Palaearctic butterfly species. Respectively, six and five polymorphic loci were characterized from an enriched partial genomic library. Genetic diversity range from three to 25 alleles for the first species and from seven to 21 for the second. Although the presence of null alleles is suspected, these polymorphic loci are likely to provide important information on the fine scale genetic structure among populations of these species.
The Torsion Theory Cogenerated by δ–M-Small Modules and GCO-Modules

Let M be a module and K a submodule of a module N in σ[M]. We call K a δ–M-small submodule of N if whenever N = K + L, N/L is M-singular for any submodule L of N, we have N = L. Also we call N a δ–M-small module if N is a δ–M-small submodule of its M-injective hull. In this article, we consider , the reject of 𝒟 ℳ in N, where 𝒟 ℳ is the class of all δ–M-small modules. We investigate the properties of and consider the torsion theory τδ V in σ[M] cogenerated by 𝒟 ℳ. We compare the τδ V and the torsion theory τ V cogenerated by M-small modules and finally we give a characterization of GCO-modules.
In Vitro Multiplication of Intra- and Interspecific Solanum Hybrids through Somatic Embryogenesis and Adventitious Organogenesis

Hypocotyl explants from the seedlings of Solanum melongena, S. melongena var. insanum and their F1 hybrids showed embryogenic potential when cultured on murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.5 to 2.0 mg•liter-1 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D). Solanum gilo, S. integrifolium and their F1 hybrids with S. melongena did not produce embryogenic callus even on the MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D, indole-3-acetic acid, 3-indolebutyric acid, or 1-naphthaleneacetic acid, combined with or without 6-benzylaminopurine. Therefore, embryogenic response in Solanum through 2, 4-D appeared to be controlled by recessive gene(s), or this response was suppressed in interspecific F1 by intergenomic epistasis. Adventitious shoots were regenerated in all the Solanum species on hormone-free medium. However, only a few were produced in genotypes which showed embryogenic potential. In the histological study on somatic embryogenesis, secondary growth on embryogenic calli was observed to occur before pro-embryos developed. Sequential stages of somatic embryo development identical to those of zygotic embryo development was observed.
Coviability analysis of Western Mediterranean fisheries under MSY scenarios for 2020

An ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) seeks tomanage fisheries sustainably, including all dimensions of fisheries: biological, social and economic aspects. The separatemanagement of these aspectsmay lead to conflicting objectives. Coviability analysis helps us to ranka setof choices (alternative managementmeasures) objectively, allows us to explore which policies will ensure strong sustainability, and formally recognizes themulti-objective nature of fisheriesmanagement. The coviability of themainWesternMediterranean Spanish fisheries was examined with a bioeconomic simulation model under alternative management strategies that implement strong fishing mortality reduction policies. Based on a joint (biological and economic) viability assessment, it has been shown that Western Mediterranean fisheries require the reduction of fishing effort to 10% of the 2010 levels. This strong conservation measure would need to be applied as soon as possible in order for European Mediterranean fisheries to be managed at MSY, as required by legally binding international agreements, which may be unrealistic. Large reductions in fishing mortality for stocks that have been subject to high exploitation rates for decades are difficult to achieve with the current paradigm of effort control in the Mediterranean. Instead, reorienting the exploitation ofMediterranean fish stockswithmanagementmeasures that combine changes in exploitation patterns with seasonal or spatial area closures, should help meet the policy goals of fishing mortality levels compatible with MSY by 2020.
Competitive Absorption of Cadmium, Zinc, and Lead by Velvet Bean (Stizolobium Aterrimum) and Metal Distribution among Soil Fractions

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interactions among cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) regarding their distributions among soil fractions and absorption by velvet bean. Solutions containing 20, 150, and 150 mg kg−1 of Cd, Zn and Pb, all together, combined 2 by 2, or alone, were added to the soil. Plants were grown for 35 days. Biomass and metal contents in plants and soil fractions were measured. The results showed that Zn was the most phytotoxic metal. Competition among Cd, Zn, and Pb influenced their distribution into soil fractions; Pb prevailed on the organic-matter fraction, Zn on the water-soluble fraction, and Cd on the water-soluble and organic-matter fractions. Competition between Cd and Zn influenced the absorption and translocation of Zn. Soil Pb had no influence on the distribution of Pb in plant aboveground parts but increased its concentration in the root and favored Zn translocation.
The cuticle of the cockroach Periplaneta americana. III. The hardening of the cuticle: impregnation preparatory to phenolic tanning

The changing properties of the outer layers of the cuticle of Periplaneta during preparation for phenolic tanning are due to the passage into them, by different routes, of a lipoid and a protein. Both inner and outer zones of the pre-exuvial endocuticle become impregnated, but the final concentration of the lipoprotein mixture is much greater in the outer zone than in the inner. The lipoid is a sterol which imparts a yellow colour to the cuticle, and the protein is rich in phenolic groups owing to the presence of tyrosine. The isoelectric point of the protein is similar to that of tyrosine.
Haematological and sperm count changes following Exposure to Hyptis suaveolens , Cleome viscose and Urena lobata in rats

The plants Hyptis suaveolens, Clome viscosa and Urena lobata are herbs commonly found growing in pasture and also used as medicinal plant in Nigeria. They were suspected to be toxic following a pilot toxicity study, and their toxic effects were thus evaluated on haematological parameters and sperm count of albino rats. The crude aqueous extract of the leaves of these plants were administered orally for 28 days and the haematological analysis of the rats treated with Cleome viscosa showed a significant decrease (p 0.05) in the erythrocyte indices, white blood cell count and differentials. The neurophils number also increased significantly (p<0.05) in rats treated with Urena lobata. The sperm count of the rats treated with Cleome viscosa showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in sperm concentration, while sperm morphological analysis showed significant decrease (p<0.05) in headless tail sperm cell abnormality. The rats treated with Hyptis suaveolens also showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in headless tail which may be of significant effect to their fertility, while the rats treated with Urena lobata extract showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in headless tail sperm cell abnormality
Influence of Oscillating Temperatures on the Competitive Infection and Colonization of the Migratory Grasshopper byBeauveria bassianaandMetarhizium flavoviride

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the effects of temperature on the competitive infection and colonization of grasshoppers (Melanoplus sanguinipes) byBeauveria bassianaandMetarhizium flavovirideapplied alone and in combination. Nymphal mortality and proliferation of the fungi in the hemocoel were measured in four environments with the same mean daily temperature (25°C) but differing in the degree to which they oscillated daily (constant 25°C, 20 to 30°C, 15 to 35°C, or 10 to 40°C). For nymphs inoculated withB. bassianaand to a lesser extentM. flavoviride,mortality decreased as the amplitude of temperature increased. Fungal populations in the hemocoel of nymphs increased over time in all environments, but fewer colony-forming units (CFU) were recovered from nymphs as the degree of temperature oscillation increased. Densities of CFU were significantly correlated with mortality. BothB. bassianaandM. flavoviridewere isolated from the hemocoel of nymphs that were coinoculated, but coapplication of the two fungi did not significantly affect the prevalence of mortality. In some instances total fungal populations in the hemocoel of nymphs coinoculated withB. bassianaandM. flavoviridewere smaller than those in nymphs treated with each fungus alone, indicating a degree of interspecies antagonism. Furthermore, moreB. bassianathanM. flavovirideCFU were recovered from coinoculated nymphs at constant 25°C, but as the amplitude of temperature increased, populations ofM. flavovirideincreased relative toB. bassiana,suggesting that temperature influenced their competitiveness. The results of this study indicate thatM. flavovirideis superior toB. bassianaagainst grasshoppers under conditions of oscillating temperature and that the advantage of applyingB. bassianain combination withM. flavoviridewill primarily be when daytime conditions are overcast and/or cool.
Predators of fig wasps

Predators inflict high mortality on the four species of wasps associated with the fig Ficus pertusa L. in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Because one of these wasps is the obligate pollinator of the fig, predation may have a strong impact on successful pollen donation by the plant. The natural histories of several predators are described: an ant that feeds on wasps arriving to oviposit, moth and weevil larvae that destroy wasps as they develop within the fruits, a staphylinid beetle that feeds on mature wasps before they leave the fruits, and a group of birds that gleans wasps as they leave. The synchrony of arrival and departure of pollinators from the fig trees probably make them the species least vulnerable to predation. FIGS (Ficus SPP.) AND THEIR POLLINATOR WASPS form a "keystone mutualism" (Gilbert 1980), an interaction upon which other species depend and around which they accumulate. The dependence of frugivorous birds (Snow 1981, Beehler 1985), bats (Heithaus et al. 1975, Morrison 1978), and primates (Raemaekers 1979, Milton 1980, Terborgh 1983) on ripe figs is well known. Several insects (Smilanick & Ehler 1976, Janzen 1979, Frank 1983) and birds (Janzen 1981) are major seed predators when fruits are still on the tree, and a large group of lygaeid bugs feeds exclusively on seeds of fallen figs (Slater 1972). Such interactions have a major impact on the female reproductive function of seed production in figs. Less well known are species that interact with the mutualism via their impact on the pollinator wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Agaonidae), and thus potentially limit the figs' male reproductive function of pollen donation. The larvae of certain chalcidoid wasps are known to kill developing agaonid larvae (Kuttamathiathu 1955, Galil & Eisikowitch 1968), and ants (Frank 1983), dragonflies, and birds (Janzen 1979) have been observed to prey upon adults. Here I describe the suite of insects and birds that are major predators of four wasp species associated with one Costa Rican fig, and speculate on the extent to which they specialize on fig wasps. I then consider how great an impact predation has on the pollinator species, and thus indirectly on the fig itself. STUDY SITE AND NATURAL HISTORY Ficus pertusa, a small (5-12 m), hemiepiphytic or freestanding tree, is one of the two most common Ficus species in Central America (Condit 1969). It is found from 0 to 2000 m in moist highland to lowland forests and savannas and in both disturbed and undisturbed habitats (Burger 1977). F. pertusa grows abundantly in pastures and remnant patches of primary and secondary forest throughout the community of Monteverde, Costa Rica, located just below the Continental Divide on the Pacific slope of the Cordillera de Tilaran (10? 12'N, 84? 42'W, elevation 13501450 m). Undisturbed forest in the area is transitional between lower montane wet and moist forest (Holdridge
Trend of Congenital Hypothyroidism Incidence and Its Affecting Factors in Shahr-e-Kord, Western Iran

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disrupters and metabolism, and is one of the most important preventable causes of physical and mental disabilities. Methods: This was a case-control study, in which 54468 infants were screened from 2006 to 2014 in Shahre-Kord, western Iran. To describe the data, central and dispersion indices such as mean and standard deviation was used. For modeling, logistic regression was used. All the tests were performed at the significant level of 5%. Results: Overall, 111 cases were diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which made the prevalence value equal to 2 cases per 1000 births. The prevalence in females and males was 1.9 and 2.2 per 1,000 birth, respectively. The odds ratio for this disorder was 4.47(2.42–9.28) for the neonates with a family history of hypothyroidism and 1.72(1.05–2.82) for those born through cesarean. Conclusion: The incidence of this disorder is similar in males and females, and the incidence of this disease in people with a family history is far more than others.
Accuracy and Precision in Anuran Morphometrics: Artifacts of Preservation

Lee,J. C. (Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33124) 1982. Accuracy and precision in anuran morphometrics: artifacts of preservation. Syst. Zool. , 31: 266-281. -Univariate comparisons of twenty morphometric characters of sixty adult Bufo marinus recorded before preservation and six and 14 months after preservation reveal a statistically significant heterogeneity among group means of fourteen characters. After six months in preservative, the means of six of these 14 characters are significantly larger, and eight are significantly smaller, than for the same individuals prior to preservation. After eight. additional months in preservative, the means of five of these 14 characters differ significantly in the opposite direction of that initially detected. Linear regressions and analyses of covariance suggest that over the range of sizes considered here, preservation effects the elevations but not the slopes of the regressions between pairs of morphometric characters. Sexual size dimorphism in six characters is documented for the fresh material; certain of these intersexual differences are reduced or are undetectable in the preserved material, and in one instance a new, marginally significant, difference is apparent after 14 months in preservative. Not all characters are measurable with equal precision, and there is a highly significant rank correlation between precision and inter-individual character variance. Principal component analyses confirm and extend the univariate findings, and discriminant function analysis reveals differences between fresh and preserved specimens of roughly the same magnitude as those commonly used to justify taxonomic decisions. The assumption that preservation induces tolerably little morphological distortion in frogs appears to be substantially violated, but an unknown proportion of among-group character variation may be attributable to measurer bias. [Bufo marinus; univariate analysis; discriminant function analysis; principal component analysis; morphometrics; accuracy; precision. ]
Influence of Tire-Recycled Steel Fibers on Strength and Flexural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete

Tire production is increasing every year due to the increase in vehicle sales. The generation and disposal of waste are inherent to life itself and have presented very serious problems to the human community in China. Recently, some research has been devoted to the use of tire-recycled steel fibers in concrete. This study is focusing on the use of tire-recycled steel fibers. Several volume ratios of tire-recycled steel fibers were used in concrete mix to fabricate and test. Reinforced concrete obtains evidence and satisfactory improvement by adding tire-recycled steel fibers, mostly in compressive strength, splitting strength, flexural tensile strength, and flexural toughness. The strength and flexural toughness of the tire-recycled steel fiber reinforced concrete are lower than those of industrial steel fibers. To obtain concrete with approximately the same strength or toughness, the content of tire-recycled steel fibers should be about 1%-2% higher than that of industrial steel fibers. In addition, the load-deflection curve tends to become fuller after the first crack, and the second peak of the load continues to increase. The steel fiber reinforced concrete is getting closer to the ideal elastic-plastic material.
Epizoic Algae from Freshwater Turtles in Nova Scotia

ABSTRACT Nineteen Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), eight snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) and fourteen painted (Chrysemys picta) turtles trapped in Nova Scotia in 2005 were examined for epizoic algae. Algae were macroscopically apparent on 14 Blanding's and seven snapping turtles; microscopic examination of material scraped fiom various surfaces of these turtles revealed the predominance of two algal taxa. The cladophoroid green alga Basicladia chelonum was common on the shell of both Blandiig's and snapping turtles and also present on the head and tail of the latter. B. chelomun is reported for the first time in Canada east of Ontario. A filamentous cyanobacterium, Komvophoron sp. , formed extensive colonies solely in the leg bases of Blanding's turtles, where B. chelonum was absent. Although the nature of the interaction is unknown, this is the first potential symbiosis between a cyanobacterium and a turtle. Examination of a historical (2001–05) photographic database for Blanding's turtle in Nova Scotia revealed a colonization rate of 10% for B. chelonum and 46% for Komvophoron sp. It also revealed population and age-specific differences in frequency of the two algal taxa on Blanding's turtles.
Analysis of relative operating characteristic and economic value using the LAPS ensemble prediction system in Taiwan area

Measurement of the usefulness of numerical weather prediction considers not only the forecast quality but also the economic value (EV) of their actual use in the daily decision-making process of users. Discrimination ability, which can be assessed by the relative operating characteristic (ROC), is one way to evaluate the quality of forecasts and is closely related to the EV provided by the same forecast system. Focusing on short-range probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecasts (PQPFs) for typhoons, this study demonstrates the consistent and strongly related characteristics of ROC and EV based on the Local Analysis and Prediction System (LAPS) operated at the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) in Taiwan. Sensitivity experiments on ROC and EV show that the potential EV provided by a forecast system is mainly determined by the ROC of the same system. The ROC and maximum EV (EVmax) of a forecast system are insensitive to calibration, but the optimal probability threshold to achieve the EVmax becomes more reliable after calibration. In addition, ensemble probabilistic forecasts (EPFs) have the advantage over deterministic forecasts (DFs) in respect of both ROC and EV, and such an advantage grows with increasing precipitation intensity.