Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distinct physiological, biochemical and morphometric adjustments in the malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae and A. coluzzii as means to survive dry season conditions in Burkina Faso

ABSTRACT Aestivation and dispersive migration are the two strategies evoked in the literature to explain the way in which malaria vectors Anopheles coluzzii and A. gambiae survive the harsh climatic conditions of the dry season in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the physiological mechanisms regulating these two strategies are unknown. In the present study, mosquito species were exposed to controlled environmental conditions mimicking the rainy and dry seasons of south western Burkina Faso. Survival strategies were studied through morphometric (wing length), ecophysiological (respiratory gas exchanges), biochemical (cuticular hydrocarbons composition) and molecular (AKH mRNA expression levels) parameters, variations of which are usually considered to be hallmarks of aestivation and dispersion mechanisms in various insects. Our results showed that ecophysiological and morphometric adjustments are made in both species to prevent water losses during the dry season. However, the usual metabolic rate modifications expected as signatures of aestivation and migration were not observed, highlighting specific and original physiological mechanisms sustaining survival in malaria mosquitoes during the dry season. Differences in epicuticular hydrocarbon composition and AKH levels of expression were found between the permanent and temporary A. coluzzii populations, illustrating the great phenotypic plasticity of this mosquito species. Altogether, our work underlines the diverse and complex pattern of changes occurring in the two mosquito species and at the population level to cope with the dry season and highlights potential targets of future control tools. Summary: A diverse and complex pattern of physiological mechanisms occurs in the Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquito species and at the population level to cope with the harsh dry season.
Temperature alters reproductive life history patterns in Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a lethal pathogen associated with the global loss of amphibians

Understanding how pathogens respond to changing environmental conditions is a central challenge in disease ecology. The environmentally sensitive fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes the amphibian disease chytridiomycosis, has spread globally causing amphibian extirpations in a wide variety of climatic regions. To gain an in-depth understanding of Bd's responses to temperature, we used an integrative approach, combining empirical laboratory experiments with mathematical modeling. First, we selected a single Bd isolate and serially propagated two lineages of the isolate for multiple generations in two stable thermal conditions: 4°C (cold-adapted lineage) and 23°C (warm-adapted lineage). We quantified the production of infectious zoospores (fecundity), the timing of zoospore release, and zoospore activity in reciprocal temperature transplant experiments in which both Bd lineages were grown in either high or low temperature conditions. We then developed population growth models for the Bd lineages under each set of temperature conditions. We found that Bd had lower population growth rates, but longer periods of zoospore activity in the low temperature treatment (4°C) compared to the high temperature treatment (23°C). This effect was more pronounced in Bd lineages that were propagated in the low temperature treatment (4°C), suggesting a shift in Bd's response to low temperature conditions. Our results provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which Bd can thrive in a wide variety of temperature conditions, potentially altering the dynamics of chytridiomycosis and thus, the propensity for Bd to cause amphibian population collapse. We also suggest that the adaptive responses of Bd to thermal conditions warrant further investigation, especially in the face of global climate change.
Creative and stylistic devices employed by children during a storybook narrative task: a cross-cultural study.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of culture on the creative and stylistic features children employ when producing narratives based on wordless picture books. METHOD Participants included 60 first- and second-grade African American, Latino American, and Caucasian children. A subset of narratives based on wordless picture books collected as part of a larger study was coded and analyzed for the following creative and stylistic conventions: organizational style (topic centered, linear, cyclical), dialogue (direct, indirect), reference to character relationships (nature, naming, conduct), embellishment (fantasy, suspense, conflict), and paralinguistic devices (expressive sounds, exclamatory utterances). RESULTS Many similarities and differences between ethnic groups were found. No significant differences were found between ethnic groups in organizational style or use of paralinguistic devices. African American children included more fantasy in their stories, Latino children named their characters more often, and Caucasian children made more references to the nature of character relationships. CONCLUSION Even within the context of a highly structured narrative task based on wordless picture books, culture influences children's production of narratives. Enhanced understanding of narrative structure, creativity, and style is necessary to provide ecologically valid narrative assessment and intervention for children from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Analysis of Draize Eye Irritation Testing and its Prediction by Mining Publicly Available 2008–2014 REACH Data

Summary Public data from ECHA online dossiers on 9,801 substances encompassing 326,749 experimental key studies and additional information on classification and labeling were made computable. Eye irritation hazard, for which the rabbit Draize eye test still represents the reference method, was analyzed. Dossiers contained 9,782 Draize eye studies on 3,420 unique substances, indicating frequent retesting of substances. This allowed assessment of the test’s reproducibility based on all substances tested more than once. There was a 10% chance of a non-irritant evaluation after a prior severe-irritant result according to UN GHS classification criteria. The most reproducible outcomes were the results negative (94% reproducible) and severe eye irritant (73% reproducible). To evaluate whether other GHS categorizations predict eye irritation, we built a dataset of 5,629 substances (1,931 “irritant” and 3,698 “non-irritant”). The two best decision trees with up to three other GHS classifications resulted in balanced accuracies of 68% and 73%, i.e., in the rank order of the Draize rabbit eye test itself, but both use inhalation toxicity data (“May cause respiratory irritation”), which is not typically available. Next, a dataset of 929 substances with at least one Draize study was mapped to PubChem to compute chemical similarity using 2D conformational fingerprints and Tanimoto similarity. Using a minimum similarity of 0.7 and simple classification by the closest chemical neighbor resulted in balanced accuracy from 73% over 737 substances to 100% at a threshold of 0.975 over 41 substances. This represents a strong support of read-across and (Q)SAR approaches in this area.
In vitro Antimicrobial Comparison of Taif and Egyptian Pomegranate Peels and Seeds Extracts

Punica granatum are utilized by local people as the part of their meal. Peoples supposed to consume Punica granatum seed and their peel was thrown as waste. Present study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the DMSO, ethanol and methanol extracts of Egyptian and Taif cultivars of Punica granatum peel and seeds extracts against five opportunistic pathogens namely Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. (as a gram positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila (as a gram negative bacteria). The antimicrobial activity of plant peels and seeds extracts were compared with that of Streptomycin, as reference antibiotics. Evaluations were based on the zone of inhibition using agar well diffusion assay. The inhibitory activity was found to be dose dependent. The methanol extract of the peels from the two cultivars at 15 mg/ml dosage were found to be active antimicrobials against all the test microorganisms. While, the maximum antimicrobial activity for the seeds extracts were reported at 60 mg/ml. Escherichia coli was reported to have significant susceptibility against most of the extract followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas sp. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of the peels and seeds extract on the DNA damage of the bacterial genome using the repetitive element PCR analysis technique (Rep-PCR). The Rep-PCR results significantly showed that there are a polymorphic numbers of genetic bands, which were found in E. coli treated bacteria and absent in the untreated bacteria. This study indicates that aqueous DMSO, methanol and ethanol extracts of peels and seeds of the two cultivars of Punica granatum may be utilizes as a potential source of antimicrobial and mutagen agents.
Untangling Cortical Complexity During Development

The cerebral cortex is composed of billions of morphologically and functionally distinct neurons. These neurons are produced and organized in a regimental fashion during development. The ability of neurons to encode and elicit complex cognitive and motor functions depends on their precise molecular processes, identity, and connectivity established during development. Elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate development of the neocortex has been a challenge for many years. The cerebral cortical neuronal subtypes are classified based on morphology, function, intrinsic synaptic properties, location, connectivity, and marker gene expression. Development of the neocortex requires an orchestration of a series of processes including the appropriate determination, migration and positioning of the neurons, acquisition of layer-specific transcriptional hallmarks, and formation of precise axonal projections and networks. Historically, fate mapping, genome-wide analysis, and transcriptome profiling have provided many opportunities for the characterization of neuronal subtypes. During the course of this review, we will address the regimental organization of the cerebral cortex, dissect the cellular subtypes that contribute to cortical complexity, and outline their molecular hallmarks to understand cellular diversity in the cerebral cortex with a focus on the excitatory neurons.
Use of Polyurethane Foam in Orthopaedic Biomechanical Experimentation and Simulation

Biomechanical experimentation and computer simulation have been the major tool for orthopaedic biomechanics research community for the past few decades. In validation experimentations of computer models as well as in vitro experimentations for joint biomechanics and implant testing, human cadaver bones have been the material of choice due to their close resemblance to the in vivo characteristics of bones. However, the challenges in using cadaveric bones such as availability, storage requirements, high cost and possibility of infection have made synthetic bone analogs an attractive alternative.
The Use of Growth Factors Fibrin Network to Enhance Architecture, Mechanical and Biological Aspect of the Graft Particles

Dental implants are the best choice to replace a missing tooth. But to place the implant, a certain quantity of bone surrounding the implant is needed. Sometime the height or the thickness of the natural bone where an implant should be placed is not sufficient. So in these cases bone grafting is recommended. In order to succeed the bone grafting, it is necessary to achieve a good stability of the graft, a good vascularisation and a good tension free closure of the flap. The use of screwed bone block may solve the stability problem. But it is hard to shape it, time consuming and it oblige the surgeon to open a second site to harvest the bone. Till today, the used of particles for the bone grafting is recommended for minor defects, because the particles are not stable and it is hard to keep it in place under the chewing forces and movements. The Mineralized Plasmatic Matrix solve this problem, and open a new age for the use of particles grafting, because by using the fibrin network, it link all the particles together and offers a very good stability for the
Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: cause, effect, and management

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most common form of ischemic optic neuropathy and the second most common optic neuropathy. Patients are generally over the age of 50 years with vasculopathic risk factors (eg, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea). The exact mechanism of NAION is not fully understood. In addition, several treatment options have been proposed. This article summarizes the current literature on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of NAION.
Isolation and Characterization of Dental Pulp Stem Cells from Primary and Permanent Teeth

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) share similar gene expression profiles and differentiation capabilities to that of bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSCs). DPSCs are potentially superior to other types of adult stem cell, as teeth are easy to access and are extracted routinely throughout life. The permanent (4 premolars and 2 third molars) and deciduous (4 first molars) teeth were removed using local anesthesia. The dental pulps were exposed using a sterile hand-held low-speed disc and the teeth were split using a chisel along the groove. The pulps of the teeth were then extracted with endodontic files or pansies and digested in collagenase type I and dispase. The resultant cell suspensions from each tooth were then centrifuged, cultured and evaluated by flow cytometry. The DPSCs from both permanent and deciduous teeth proliferated rapidly whilst attaching to the floor of the flask with a spindle- shaped morphology. More than 80% of the cell population exhibited the expression of surface antigens known to be found on mesenchymal lineages such as CD105, CD90, CD166, and CD73, whilst only less than 4% expressed endothelial-hematopoietic epitopes including, CD11b, CD34, CD133, CD64, CD106, CD31 and CD45. DPSCs and BMSSCs, which can differentiate into multiple mesenchymal cell lineages, are putative candidate cells for tooth and bone-tissue engineering, respectively. Considering the results, dental pulp stem cells can be thought of as being part
Camouflage through colour change: mechanisms, adaptive value and ecological significance

Animals from a wide range of taxonomic groups are capable of colour change, of which camouflage is one of the main functions. A considerable amount of past work on this subject has investigated species capable of extremely rapid colour change (in seconds). However, relatively slow colour change (over hours, days, weeks and months), as well as changes arising via developmental plasticity are probably more common than rapid changes, yet less studied. We discuss three key areas of colour change and camouflage. First, we review the mechanisms underpinning colour change and developmental plasticity for camouflage, including cellular processes, visual feedback, hormonal control and dietary factors. Second, we discuss the adaptive value of colour change for camouflage, including the use of different camouflage types. Third, we discuss the evolutionary–ecological implications of colour change for concealment, including what it can tell us about intraspecific colour diversity, morph-specific strategies, and matching to different environments and microhabitats. Throughout, we discuss key unresolved questions and present directions for future work, and highlight how colour change facilitates camouflage among habitats and arises when animals are faced with environmental changes occurring over a range of spatial and temporal scales. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Animal coloration: production, perception, function and application’.
Effect of a randomised 12-week resistance training programme on muscular strength, cross-sectional area and muscle quality in women having undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 12-week resistance training programme on fat-free mass (FFM), muscle cross-sectional area, muscular strength and muscle quality in women who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Participants were 16 women (mean age = 44.9 ± 10.2 years) from bariatric surgical groups who were randomly assigned into either a control or an intervention group. Air displacement plethysmography measured FFM and magnetic resonance imaging measured quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area and whole thigh muscle cross-sectional area. Muscular strength and quality was assessed using an estimated 1-Repetition Maximum assessment. All measurements were collected twice, at baseline and at a 12-week follow-up. There were significantly greater improvements in leg press strength (mean differences = 55.4%, P < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 2.4), leg extension strength (mean differences = 18.0%, P = 0.014, Cohen’s d = 0.86) and leg press muscle quality (mean differences = 54.5%, P < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.9) in the intervention group compared to the control group following the resistance training programme. The resistance training intervention significantly improved muscular strength and quality; however, it did not illicit changes in FFM or muscle cross-sectional area in women who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.
Isoniazid Inhibits the Heme-Based Reactivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Truncated Hemoglobin N

Isoniazid represents a first-line anti-tuberculosis medication in prevention and treatment. This prodrug is activated by a mycobacterial catalase-peroxidase enzyme called KatG in Mycobacterium tuberculosis), thereby inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acid, required for the mycobacterial cell wall. Moreover, isoniazid activation by KatG produces some radical species (e.g., nitrogen monoxide), that display anti-mycobacterial activity. Remarkably, the ability of mycobacteria to persist in vivo in the presence of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species implies the presence in these bacteria of (pseudo-)enzymatic detoxification systems, including truncated hemoglobins (trHbs). Here, we report that isoniazid binds reversibly to ferric and ferrous M. tuberculosis trHb type N (or group I; Mt-trHbN(III) and Mt-trHbN(II), respectively) with a simple bimolecular process, which perturbs the heme-based spectroscopic properties. Values of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters for isoniazid binding to Mt-trHbN(III) and Mt-trHbN(II) are K = (1.1±0.1)×10−4 M, k on = (5.3±0.6)×103 M−1 s−1 and k off = (4.6±0.5)×10−1 s−1; and D = (1.2±0.2)×10−3 M, d on = (1.3±0.4)×103 M−1 s−1, and d off = 1.5±0.4 s−1, respectively, at pH 7.0 and 20.0°C. Accordingly, isoniazid inhibits competitively azide binding to Mt-trHbN(III) and Mt-trHbN(III)-catalyzed peroxynitrite isomerization. Moreover, isoniazid inhibits Mt-trHbN(II) oxygenation and carbonylation. Although the structure of the Mt-trHbN-isoniazid complex is not available, here we show by docking simulation that isoniazid binding to the heme-Fe atom indeed may take place. These data suggest a direct role of isoniazid to impair fundamental functions of mycobacteria, e.g. scavenging of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, and metabolism.
Investigation of interfacial effects in ferromagnetic thin-films

The magnetic behaviour in thin-film structures has attracted considerable interest and also has importance for wide ranging technological applications. As the dimension of magnetic films reduce, they are able to exhibit different electrical and magnetic properties, where interfacial magnetism become more important. This thesis is centered on the interfacial effects in ferromagnetic thin-film structures with various adjacent materials. Within this framework, the ferromagnetic materials Co and CoFeB:Ta alloy have been investigated. A detailed investigation of the structural, magnetic and anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) properties of Co thin-films with Cu and Ir overlayers as a function of Co thickness was performed. Magnetic characterization of thin-films was performed to determine possible magnetic dead layer formations in these thin-films, where no magnetic dead layers were found to be present within these structures. Electrical resistivity measurements showed that the AMR is dependent upon on Co film thickness, where it decreases with decreasing of Co thickness, and it tends toward zero for Co thicknesses below 6 nm. The contribution to the AMR from a single Co/Ir interface is presented where the AMR is shown to vary inversely proportional to the Co film thickness with a Co/Ir interface. Interface magnetism and magnetic dead layers in amorphous CoFeB:Ta alloy thin-film multilayers were studied using polarized neutron reflectometry. Temperature dependent variations in the effective magnetic thickness of the film are found, and correlated with structural intermixing at interfaces. At the interface between ferromagnetic film and capping-layer the structurally graded interface appears to cause a concomitant grading of the local Curie temperature, and at the interface between ferromagnetic film and GaAs(001) substrate local interfacial alloying also creates a region where a magnetic dead-layer forms. The thickness of the magnetic dead layer at the ferromagnet-semiconductor interface is shown to be temperature dependent, which may have significant implications for room-temperature operation of hybrid ferromagnetic metal-semiconductor spintronic devices. Enhancement of Gilbert damping in Co thin-films of various thicknesses with Cu or Ir overlayers is studied under ferromagnetic resonance to understand the role of local interface structure in spin-pumping. Structural analysis indicates that Co films less than 6 nm have fcc(111)-dominated texture while thicker films are dominated by hcp(0001) structure. The intrinsic damping for Co thicknesses above 6 nm is weakly dependent on Co thickness for thin-films with both overlayers, and below 6 nm the Ir overlayers show higher intrinsic damping enhancement compared to Cu overlayers, as expected due to spin-pumping. The interfacial spin-mixing conductance is significantly enhanced in structures where both Co and Ir have fcc(111) structure in comparison to those where the Co layer has subtly different hcp(0001) texture at the interface.
Perfectionism and Motivation of Adolescents in Academic Contexts.

We examined the nature of self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism in relation to the motivation and achievement of 306 Korean 7th graders. We also tested the mediating role of domain-specific academic self-efficacy and achievement goals in the relationships between perfectionism and achievement-related outcomes across math and English. In the direct path model, self-oriented perfectionism related positively to academic achievement and negatively to acceptability of cheating and academic procrastination. Socially prescribed perfectionism, in contrast, related positively to test anxiety, acceptability of cheating, and academic procrastination. In the mediation models, self-oriented perfectionism related consistently and positively to academic self-efficacy, a mastery goal, and a performance-approach goal in the domain. Socially prescribed perfectionism related consistently and positively to a performance-approach and a performance-avoidance goal. Academic self-efficacy and a mastery goal mediated the paths from self-oriented perfectionism to acceptability of cheating, academic procrastination, and achievement, while a performance-avoidance goal in English mediated the path from socially prescribed perfectionism to test anxiety. Many of the paths from perfectionism to outcomes were thus mediated by domain-specific motivation. The direct paths from the 2 perfectionism dimensions to academic procrastination remained significant, however, even in the presence of the intervening motivation variables.