Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antifungal effect of Cuminum cyminum extract on candida albicans ATCC 10231 (experimental laboratory)

Candida albicans causes persistent endodontic infections; however, current antifungal materials for C. albicans infection have some limitations. Because Cuminum cyminum (cumin) has antifungal properties, its efficacy against C. albicans ATCC 10231 was investigated using Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB). Steam distillation technique was used to obtain 5 different concentrations of cumin extract (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 μL/mL). To evaluate the antifungal effect of cumin extract, the turbidity of C. albicans was assessed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader. The cumin extract concentration that resulted in the lowest turbidity value of C. albicans ATCC 10231 was 0.4 μL/mL, which was significantly different from those produced by concentrations 0.1, 0.2 μL/mL, and the control. The concentration that resulted in the lowest turbidity of the biofilm was 0.1 μL/mL; however, this finding was not significantly different from biofilm turbidity values of other groups. Turbidity was lower for the planktonic form than for the biofilm which was significantly different from those produced by concentrations 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 μL/mL. In conclusion cumin extract has an antifungal effect on both planktonic and biofilm forms of C. albicans ATCC 10231. Furthermore, it is more effective against planktonic than biofilm form. Experimental article (J Int Dent Med Res 2019; 12(1): 101-104)
Selection for Earlier Flowering Crop Associated with Climatic Variations in the Sahel

Climate changes will have an impact on food production and will require costly adaptive responses. Adapting to a changing environment will be particularly challenging in sub-Saharan Africa where climate change is expected to have a major impact. However, one important phenomenon that is often overlooked and is poorly documented is the ability of agro-systems to rapidly adapt to environmental variations. Such an adaptation could proceed by the adoption of new varieties or by the adaptation of varieties to a changing environment. In this study, we analyzed these two processes in one of the driest agro-ecosystems in Africa, the Sahel. We performed a detailed study in Niger where pearl millet is the main crop and covers 65% of the cultivated area. To assess how the agro-system is responding to recent recurrent drought, we analyzed samples of pearl millet landraces collected in the same villages in 1976 and 2003 throughout the entire cultivated area of Niger. We studied phenological and morphological differences in the 1976 and 2003 collections by comparing them over three cropping seasons in a common garden experiment. We found no major changes in the main cultivated varieties or in their genetic diversity. However, we observed a significant shift in adaptive traits. Compared to the 1976 samples, samples collected in 2003 displayed a shorter lifecycle, and a reduction in plant and spike size. We also found that an early flowering allele at the PHYC locus increased in frequency between 1976 and 2003. The increase exceeded the effect of drift and sampling, suggesting a direct effect of selection for earliness on this gene. We conclude that recurrent drought can lead to selection for earlier flowering in a major Sahelian crop. Surprisingly, these results suggest that diffusion of crop varieties is not the main driver of short term adaptation to climatic variation.
Risk-return-volume relationship in an emerging stock market

This paper aims to provide empirical evidence for the risk-return-volume relationship in the Ýstanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) for the period 2 January 1992 to 29 May 1998. The Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity-in-Mean (GARCH-M) specification reveals that daily return volatility is time-varying and highly persistent. In addition, return is positively associated with risk, i.e. the estimate of the conditional standard deviation. Contemporaneous changes in volume have a positive effect on returns. The previous day's change in volume affects conditional volatility of returns positively.
A Tale of Two Paradigms: The Impact of Psychological Capital and Reinforcing Feedback on Problem Solving and Innovation

This study drew from two distinct paradigms: the social cognitively based emerging field of positive organizational behavior or POB and the more established behaviorally based area of organizational behavior modification or OB Mod. The intent was to show that both can contribute to complex challenges facing today's organizations. Using a quasi-experimental research design (N = 1,526 working adults), in general both the recently recognized core construct of psychological capital (representing POB) and reinforcing feedback (representing OB Mod), especially when partially mediated through a mastery-oriented mindset, were positively related to problem solving performance, reported innovation, and subsequent psychological capital. The implications for theoretical understanding and practice conclude the article.
Minding the Gap Between Awareness and Behavior: Roles of Mindfulness and Connectedness to Nature in Fostering Ecological Behavior

This study examined the interrelations among mindfulness, connectedness with nature, and ecologically sustainable behavior (ESB). Participants (N = 149), recruited online using Amazon Mechanical Turk, completed self-report questionnaires. Mindfulness represents a sociocognitive construct developed by Langer (1992), defined as “a state of openness to novelty in which the individual actively constructs categories and distinctions. ” There is emerging empirical evidence linking Eastern tradition meditationbased mindfulness and connectedness with nature to ESB. However, only one published study has investigated the association among these three constructs. Further, Langer’s sociocognitive mindfulness construct, originating from scientific research and not requiring meditation, has not been examined in relation to either ESB or connectedness with nature. Because her mindfulness state can be achieved in shorter time without regular practice, it may be employed to enhance programs designed to foster ecological behavior among the public. Key findings were that, after controlling for demographic variables, mindfulness is a significant predictor of ESB (Hypothesis 1) and that there is a positive relationship between mindfulness and connectedness with nature (Hypothesis 2). Further, mindfulness and connectedness with nature each provide unique predictions of ESB and collectively they predict ESB better than either alone (Hypothesis 3). Analysis of relations among mindfulness subcategories (Flexibility, Novelty Seeking, Novelty Producing, Engagement), connectedness to nature, and ESB provided support for Hypothesis 4 in that Novelty Seeking has the strongest relationship with ESB, but not Hypothesis 5 in that Engagement has the strongest relationship with connectedness to nature. Exploratory data analysis showed that both connectedness with nature and mindfulness have the strongest associations with Vicarious and Social Behaviors Toward Conservation in the ESB behavioral domain. Finally, demographic data analysis revealed between-sex differences in the main study variables and their relationships.
Effect of paddy storage and processing parameters on quality of Ofada rice in the production of ready to eat flakes

Effect of paddy storage duration and processing parameters (soaking time, parboiling temperature and drying temperature) were optimized using response surface methodology for the production of ready to eat Ofada rice flakes which serves as alternative mean of harnessing its potential. There exist significance differences at p<0.05 for all the parameters except carbohydrate and metabolizable energy. The quadratic models were fit for prediction of effect of storage and processing parameters on quality of flakes produced from ofada paddy. The R2 ranged from 0.9662 to 0.7318 which confirmed the fitness of the model. The predicted and validated values were related. The optimum storage duration and processing parameters for treatment of Ofada paddy in the production of ready to eat flake include storage of paddy for 9 months, soaking for 4 days and 17 h, parboiling at 106°C and drying at 30°C to yield optimum quality of Ofada rice flakes. The sensory assessment showed significant acceptability of colour, crispiness, aroma, taste and overall acceptability. Key words: Ofada, processing parameters, response surface methodology, ready-to-eat flakes, optimization.
Geodetic, teleseismic, and strong motion constraints on slip from recent southern Peru subduction zone earthquakes

We use seismic and geodetic data both jointly and separately to constrain coseismic slip from the 12 November 1996 M_w 7.7 and 23 June 2001 M_w 8.5 southern Peru subduction zone earthquakes, as well as two large aftershocks following the 2001 earthquake on 26 June and 7 July 2001. We use all available data in our inversions: GPS, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) from the ERS-1, ERS-2, JERS, and RADARSAT-1 satellites, and seismic data from teleseismic and strong motion stations. Our two-dimensional slip models derived from only teleseismic body waves from South American subduction zone earthquakes with M_w > 7.5 do not reliably predict available geodetic data. In particular, we find significant differences in the distribution of slip for the 2001 earthquake from models that use only seismic (teleseismic and two strong motion stations) or geodetic (InSAR and GPS) data. The differences might be related to postseismic deformation or, more likely, the different sensitivities of the teleseismic and geodetic data to coseismic rupture properties. The earthquakes studied here follow the pattern of earthquake directivity along the coast of western South America, north of 5°S, earthquakes rupture to the north; south of about 12°S, directivity is southerly; and in between, earthquakes are bilateral. The predicted deformation at the Arequipa GPS station from the seismic-only slip model for the 7 July 2001 aftershock is not consistent with significant preseismic motion.
An inherited mutation in NLRC4 causes autoinflammation in human and mice

Kitamura et al. identify NLRC4 as causing familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome using whole exome sequencing on a family with multiple affected family members. They identify a mutation in the NOD domain and show that the mutant protein increases Nlrc4 oligomerization and is associated with increased IL-1β. Transgenic mice with the same NLRC4 mutation are shown to develop a similar FCAS-like syndrome.
A Glyoxalase-1 Knockdown Does Not Have Major Short Term Effects on Energy Expenditure and Atherosclerosis in Mice

Objective. Glyoxalase-1 is an enzyme detoxifying methylglyoxal (MG). MG is a potent precursor of advanced glycation endproducts which are regarded to be a key player in micro- and macrovascular damage. Yet, the role of Glo1 in atherosclerosis remains unclear. In this study, the effect of Glo1 on mouse metabolism and atherosclerosis is evaluated. Methods. Glo1 knockdown mice were fed a high fat or a standard diet for 10 weeks. Body weight and composition were investigated by Echo MRI. The PhenoMaster system was used to measure the energy expenditure. To evaluate the impact of Glo1 on atherosclerosis, Glo1KD mice were crossed with ApoE-knockout mice and fed a high fat diet for 14 weeks. Results. Glo1 activity was significantly reduced in heart, liver, and kidney lysates derived from Glo1KD mice. Yet, there was no increase in methylglyoxal-derived AGEs in all organs analyzed. The Glo1 knockdown did not affect body weight or body composition. Metabolic studies via indirect calorimetry did not show significant effects on energy expenditure. Glo1KD mice crossed to ApoE−/− mice did not show enhanced formation of atherosclerosis. Conclusion. A Glo1 knockdown does not have major short term effects on the energy expenditure or the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Base Flipping in Open Complex Formation at Bacterial Promoters

In the process of transcription initiation, the bacterial RNA polymerase binds double-stranded (ds) promoter DNA and subsequently effects strand separation of 12 to 14 base pairs (bp), including the start site of transcription, to form the so-called “open complex” (also referred to as RPo). This complex is competent to initiate RNA synthesis. Here we will review the role of σ70 and its homologs in the strand separation process, and evidence that strand separation is initiated at the −11A (the A of the non-template strand that is 11 bp upstream from the transcription start site) of the promoter. By using the fluorescent adenine analog, 2-aminopurine, it was demonstrated that the −11A on the non-template strand flips out of the DNA helix and into a hydrophobic pocket where it stacks with tyrosine 430 of σ70. Open complexes are remarkably stable, even though in vivo, and under most experimental conditions in vitro, dsDNA is much more stable than its strand-separated form. Subsequent structural studies of other researchers have confirmed that in the open complex the −11A has flipped into a hydrophobic pocket of σ70. It was also revealed that RPo was stabilized by three additional bases of the non-template strand being flipped out of the helix and into hydrophobic pockets, further preventing re-annealing of the two complementary DNA strands.
Behavioral / Systems / Cognitive Retinal Waves Trigger Spindle Bursts in the Neonatal Rat Visual Cortex

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Retinal waves trigger spindle bursts in the neonatal rat visual cortex. Ileana Hanganu, Yehezkel Ben-Ari, Rustem Khazipov
Effect of Carbonation on the Microstructure and Moisture Properties of Cement-Based Materials

We provide a comprehensive understanding of the eff cts of carbonation on the microstructure, and the moisture properties of cement-based materials m de of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and fly ash (FA). The bulk porosity is measured on a large panel of non-carbonated or fully carbonated cement pastes and concrete specimens by hydrostatic weighing and by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The carbonatable amount of CH and C-S-H (corresponding to the maxim um degree of carbonation that is reached for these hydration com pounds) is assessed when the carbonation mechanism is considered stabilised. The induced red uction in porosity is correlated with the calcium carbonate (CC) content quantified by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and associated both with CH and C-S-H carbonation. The identified variation of molar volume occurring during the C-S-H carbonation is dependent on the CO 2 concentration and is different if pozzolanic C-S-H are considered since for this latter a negative differe nce of solid volume can be observed. The effect exerted by carbonation on the pore size distributio n (PSD) is also elucidated by means of MIP and by analysing the diagrams of the spin-lattice relaxati on time (T1) determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of proton H (NMR). The proportion of coar se capillary pores (radius>100 nm) increases with the degree of carbonation for materials of a h igh water/cement (w/c) ratio although a systematic reduction in total porosity for OPC systems is stil l measured. Moreover, this paper discusses the influence of carbonation on the water vapor desorpt i n isotherms (WVDIs). An analysis of the T 1diagrams and the WVDIs of carbonated and non-carbon ted materials made of OPC shows that the same fine-textured morphology of the C-S-H seems re mains in spite of a partial decalcification and polymerisation.
Bioefficacy of pyrazosulfuron and bensulfuron methyl in combination with pretilachlor against weeds in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) under temperate conditions of Kashmir.

Field experiment entitled “bioefficacy of pyrazosulfuron and bensulfuron methyl in combination with pretilachlor against weeds in transplanted rice under Kashmir conditions” was conducted at Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops, Sher-eKashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir during kharif 2014 and 2015. The experiment comprised of six treatments (W1:Pretilachlor+Bensulfuron methyl, W2:Pretilachlor+ pyrazosulfuron, W3:Butachlor, W4:Hand weeding twice (15 and 30 DAT), W5 :Weed free and W6:Weedy check) replicated four times in a randomized block design. The results revealed that application of Pretilachlor+Bensulfuron methyl, on an average caused a reduction of 7.44 and 79 per cent in weed population as compared to butachlor and weedy check, respectively. Pretilachlor+pyrazosulfuron application also proved effective in controlling the weeds and reduced their density by 10.25 per cent compared to commonly used butachlor. Among the tested herbicides, lowest weed dry matter of 9.45 (3.22) g m-2 was recorded with Pretilachlor+pyrazosulfuron application. Application of Pretilachlor+Bensulfuron methyl exhibited a superiority of 11.09 per cent in reducing the dry weight of weeds as compared to Butachlor and the corresponding figure for Pretilachlor+pyrazosulfuron was 17.06 per cent. Combination application of Pretilachlor+pyrazosulfuron recorded considerably higher grain yield (7.27 t ha-1) than butachlor (6.74 t ha-1) and weedy check (4.17 t ha-1). The superiority exhibited by Pretilachlor+pyrazosulfuron over butachlor was 7.35 and 7.76 per cent during 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Kegged Wine : Current Perceptions and Experiences within the U . S . Wine Industry

o The purpose of this paper was to investigate perceptions and current experiences with kegged wine (also known as wine-on-tap). Winery owners, winemakers, and other winery employees from various U.S. wine growing regions responded to an online survey. o Some wineries produce kegged wine on their own, while others use third-party kegging facilities. Eco-friendliness and wine quality preservation were considered important, yet not identified as primary motivators. Increasing sales volume and competitive advantages, on the other hand, were driving the adoption of kegged wine. o On average, the estimated sales price for a keg (5.16 Gallons) of white wine was US$ 174 and for a red wine keg US$225. Kegged wine accounted for almost 9% of the wineries’ annual production volume. Most wineries used the same brand for their kegged wine as for their bottled wine. o The findings of this study provide initial insights into experiences, reasons, and perceptions related to the adoption of a recent wine packaging innovation: kegged wine. The sample was mostly comprised of California wineries, a market where distances between wineries and third party kegging specialists are relatively short; therefore, the generalization of the results may be restricted.
The Pupillary Response in Cognitive Psychophysiology and Schizophrenia a

The human pupillary response, whose final neural pathways are mediated through the autonomic nervous system, has been shown to reflect more centrally occurring processes when examined from the perspective of information processing activities. This paper will examine components of information processing as reflected in the pupillary response, and its relation to other neurophysiological signs of cognitive activity, most notably, event-related brain potentials. Both the constriction of the pupil to light (miosis), as well as the dilation (dilatation; mydriasis) resulting from information delivery, have provided useful adjuncts in the study of psychopathology, especially with reference to schizophrenia. The time course of pupillary dilation, reflected in the morphology of the pupillographic record, indicates a high degree of similarity among related family members. Findings from psychiatric patients and their relatives will be reviewed. While the contributions of separate physiological components to the pupillary dilation response that relate to cognitive activity have never been adequately delineated, a review of findings indicates the possibility for experimental dissection of components. A model delineating likely psychophysiological contributions to the pupillary response, and approaches for testing the model, will be presented.
CEQer: A Graphical Tool for Copy Number and Allelic Imbalance Detection from Whole-Exome Sequencing Data

Copy number alterations (CNA) are common events occurring in leukaemias and solid tumors. Comparative Genome Hybridization (CGH) is actually the gold standard technique to analyze CNAs; however, CGH analysis requires dedicated instruments and is able to perform only low resolution Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH) analyses. Here we present CEQer (Comparative Exome Quantification analyzer), a new graphical, event-driven tool for CNA/allelic-imbalance (AI) coupled analysis of exome sequencing data. By using case-control matched exome data, CEQer performs a comparative digital exonic quantification to generate CNA data and couples this information with exome-wide LOH and allelic imbalance detection. This data is used to build mixed statistical/heuristic models allowing the identification of CNA/AI events. To test our tool, we initially used in silico generated data, then we performed whole-exome sequencing from 20 leukemic specimens and corresponding matched controls and we analyzed the results using CEQer. Taken globally, these analyses showed that the combined use of comparative digital exon quantification and LOH/AI allows generating very accurate CNA data. Therefore, we propose CEQer as an efficient, robust and user-friendly graphical tool for the identification of CNA/AI in the context of whole-exome sequencing data.
Challenges for Complex Microbial Ecosystems: Combination of Experimental Approaches with Mathematical Modeling

In the past couple of decades, molecular ecological techniques have been developed to elucidate microbial diversity and distribution in microbial ecosystems. Currently, modern techniques, represented by meta-omics and single cell observations, are revealing the incredible complexity of microbial ecosystems and the large degree of phenotypic variation. These studies propound that microbiological techniques are insufficient to untangle the complex microbial network. This minireview introduces the application of advanced mathematical approaches in combination with microbiological experiments to microbial ecological studies. These combinational approaches have successfully elucidated novel microbial behaviors that had not been recognized previously. Furthermore, the theoretical perspective also provides an understanding of the plasticity, robustness and stability of complex microbial ecosystems in nature.