Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proteome Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum Extracellular Secretory Antigens at Asexual Blood Stages Reveals a Cohort of Proteins with Possible Roles in Immune Modulation and Signaling*

The highly co-evolved relationship of parasites and their hosts appears to include modulation of host immune signals, although the molecular mechanisms involved in the host-parasite interplay remain poorly understood. Characterization of these key genes and their cognate proteins related to the host-parasite interplay should lead to a better understanding of this intriguing biological phenomenon. The malaria agent Plasmodium falciparum is predicted to export a cohort of several hundred proteins to remodel the host erythrocyte. However, proteins actively exported by the asexual intracellular parasite beyond the host red blood cell membrane (before merozoite egress) have been poorly investigated so far. Here we used two complementary methodologies, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis/MS and LC-MS/MS, to examine the extracellular secreted antigens at asexual blood stages of P. falciparum. We identified 27 novel antigens exported by P. falciparum in the culture medium of which some showed clustering with highly polymorphic genes on chromosomes, suggesting that they may encode putative antigenic determinants of the parasite. Immunolocalization of four novel secreted proteins confirmed their export beyond the infected red blood cell membrane. Of these, preliminary functional characterization of two novel (Sel1 repeat-containing) parasite proteins, PfSEL1 and PfSEL2 revealed that they down-regulate expression of cell surface Notch signaling molecules in host cells. Also a novel protein kinase (PfEK) and a novel protein phosphatase (PfEP) were found to, respectively, phosphorylate/dephosphorylate parasite-specific proteins in the extracellular culture supernatant. Our study thus sheds new light on malaria parasite extracellular secreted antigens of which some may be essential for parasite development and could constitute promising new drug targets.
Molecular cloning, characterization, and expression profiles of the Sox3 gene in Chinese loach Paramisgurnus dabryanus

A number of studies have established that in vertebrates, Sox3 is involved in a wide range of developmental processes, including sex differentiation and neurogenesis. However, the exact functions of the Sox3 gene have not been documented so far in teleosts. Here, we cloned the full length cDNA of Sox3 from the teleost fish, Paramisgurnus dabryanus, which we designated PdSox3. Sequence analysis revealed that PdSox3 encodes a hydrophilic protein, and shares high homology with Sox3 in other species, ranging from mammals to fishes. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR, and in situ hybridization showed that PdSox3 is consistently expressed during embryogenesis, mainly localized in the developing central nervous system. Tissue distribution analyses revealed that PdSox3 is abundant in the adult brain, especially in particle cell layer. Furthermore, PdSox3 expression was higher in gonads, in primary spermatocyte cells, primary oocytes, and previtellogenic oocyte cells. All of these results suggest that PdSox3 plays an important role in early embryonic development, in particular the formation and development of the nervous system, and gonad development, similarly to other vertebrates. This is the first report describing Sox3 gene expression from this species, and the results are necessary to provide fundamental information on both the functional and evolutionary role of Sox3 across different species.
Capability of New High Strength ADI‐Materials for Automotive Components under Crash Loading

The development of new high strength ADI (Austempered Ductile Iron) materials and their evaluation for light weight design purposes are parts of the German research project LEA. The Fraunhofer IWM is investigating the capabilities of ADI materials under crash loading situations by conducting high rate tensile tests which quantify the material's strain rate sensitivity. These investigations result in a reduction of the austenitic phase content of initially about 35%, decreasing to 5–10% after fracture (as characterized by X‐ray diffraction), indicating a phase transformation comparable to a TRIP effect. Several ADI 1000 and ADI 1200 samples show an increase in strength of about 100 MPa up to crash‐relevant strain rates of 100 s−1, and the elongation at fracture is constant or increasing, in some cases up to more than 20%. Thus, the newly developed high strength ADI materials exhibit good potential for crash loaded automotive components.
More gratitude, less materialism: The mediating role of life satisfaction

An empirical relationship has been documented between gratitude and materialism, such that stronger feelings of gratitude are associated with lower materialism. Building on Fredrickson's (1998, 2001) theory that positive emotions ‘broaden’ and ‘build’ we sought to expand upon this finding by (1) examining satisfaction with life as a potential mechanism for this relationship, and (2) exploring the causal direction of this relationship through experimental means. Study 1 (n = 131) demonstrated that satisfaction with life mediated the relationship between gratitude and materialism. Study 2 (n = 171) showed that that experimentally induced gratitude resulted in higher satisfaction with life and lower materialism in a high gratitude condition compared to an envy (low gratitude) condition. Implications and directions for future research were discussed.
A fundamental analysis on additive manufacturing of a cemented tungsten carbide

A Fundamental Analysis on Additive Manufacturing of a Cemented Tungsten Carbide A.C. van Staden Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa. Thesis: MEng (Ind) December 2015 Cemented tungsten carbide tools, specifically tungsten carbide based alloys, have found a wide range of application fields that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and mining. These tools are used for their ability to resist the detrimental effects of several wear mechanisms, and have been developed specifically for each industrial application. Therefore, industry is consistently developing process technologies to produce customised tooling solutions using cemented tungsten carbide alloys. Additive manufacturing is chosen as a novel manufacturing process due to its superior material and process flexibility. Its flexibility in material applications, as well as its ability to produce highly complex geometries, makes additive manufacturing technologies a viable solution to the stringent requirements set by industries using cemented tungsten carbide tools. This study investigates the capability of an available selective laser melting (SLM) process to successfully produce single material layers from a cemented tungsten carbide powder. Specifically, the capability of the SLM process to fuse a tool grade cemented tungsten carbide material is investigated. The laser power, scan velocity, and hatch spacing are varied in a design of experiments. This is done in order to determine the optimum parameter combination (or processing region) to minimise the maximum surface height of each sintered layer. Samples, each produced using different parameter sets, are sintered onto a steel baseplate in an Argon environment. For each set of parameters the resultant single layer samples are analysed using microscope imaging, surface and roughness profile analyses, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses, as well as statistical analysis using the maximum surface height of each sample. The results are compared to a benchmark sample produced using a standard material and process parameter set that has been optimised to produce functional components. The results show that uniform single layers can be produced from the tool grade cemented tungsten carbide material and that the optimal parameter combination is one of high laser power, low scan velocity, and high hatch spacing. ii Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za
Standardised Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Healthcare: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of RCTs

Background Mindfulness-based therapies are being used in a wide range of common chronic conditions in both treatment and prevention despite lack of consensus about their effectiveness in different patient categories. Objective To systematically review the evidence of effectiveness MBSR and MBCT in different patient categories. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of systematic reviews of RCTs, using the standardized MBSR or MBCT programs. We used PRISMA guidelines to assess the quality of the included reviews and performed a random effects meta-analysis with main outcome measure Cohen’s d. All types of participants were considered. Results The search produced 187 reviews: 23 were included, covering 115 unique RCTs and 8,683 unique individuals with various conditions. Compared to wait list control and compared to treatment as usual, MBSR and MBCT significantly improved depressive symptoms (d=0.37; 95%CI 0.28 to 0.45, based on 5 reviews, N=2814), anxiety (d=0.49; 95%CI 0.37 to 0.61, based on 4 reviews, N=2525), stress (d=0.51; 95%CI 0.36 to 0.67, based on 2 reviews, N=1570), quality of life (d=0.39; 95%CI 0.08 to 0.70, based on 2 reviews, N=511) and physical functioning (d=0.27; 95%CI 0.12 to 0.42, based on 3 reviews, N=1015). Limitations include heterogeneity within patient categories, risk of publication bias and limited long-term follow-up in several studies. Conclusion The evidence supports the use of MBSR and MBCT to alleviate symptoms, both mental and physical, in the adjunct treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, depression, anxiety disorders and in prevention in healthy adults and children.
Ab Initio Study of MgSe Self-Interstitial (Mgiand Sei)

We present detailed calculations of formation and thermodynamics transition state energies of Mgi and Sei interstitial defects in MgSe using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and local density approximation (LDA) functional in the frame work of density functional theory (DFT). For both LDA and GGA the formation energies of Mgi and Sei are relatively low in all the configurations. The most stable Se interstitial was the tetrahedral (T) configuration having lower formation energy than the decagonal (D) configuration. The Mgi and Sei defect introduced transition state levels that had either donor or acceptor levels within the band gap. Sei acts as a donor or an acceptor and creates levels that were either deep or shallow depending on the configuration. Sei exhibit negative-U properties and show charge states metastability in the D configuration. Mgi acts as only shallow donor (+2/ + 1) in both T and D configurations, in addition we pointed out the role of Mgias electrically activating donor.
BIFURCATION OF ELASTIC MULTILAYERS

The occurrence of a bifurcation during loading of a multilayer sets a limit on structural deformability, and therefore represents an important factor in the design of composites. Since bifurcation is strongly influenced by the contact conditions at the interfaces between the layers, mechanical modelling of these is crucial. The theory of incremental bifurcation is reviewed for elastic multilayers, when these are subject to a finite strain before bifurcation, corresponding to uniform tension/compression and finite bending. The interlaminar contact is described by introducing linear imperfect interfaces. Results are critically discussed in view of applications and available experiments. 5.
Structural Basis for the Regulation of Maternal Embryonic Leucine Zipper Kinase

MELK (maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase), which is a member of the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase)-related kinase family, plays important roles in diverse cellular processes and has become a promising drug target for certain cancers. However, the regulatory mechanism of MELK remains elusive. Here, we report the crystal structure of a fragment of human MELK that contains the kinase domain and ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain. The UBA domain tightly binds to the back of the kinase domain, which may contribute to the proper conformation and activity of the kinase domain. Interestingly, the activation segment in the kinase domain displays a unique conformation that contains an intramolecular disulfide bond. The structural and biochemical analyses unravel the molecular mechanisms for the autophosphorylation/activation of MELK and the dependence of its catalytic activity on reducing agents. Thus, our results may provide the basis for designing specific MELK inhibitors for cancer treatment.
INFLUENCE OF POTASSIUM DEFICIENCY IN A MEDIUM ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL REACTION OF SEEDLINGS OF NEW RYE LINES

A hydroponic experiment has been conducted to determine the physiological and biochemical response of four new rye lines – S120, S76, OT1-3 and 541 – bred at the Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, Agricultural University in Szczecin. Seeds were sown into soil and placed into a phytotrone chamber with controlled atmosphere and photoperiod. The relative humidity was 80%, the temperature maintained at 20 o C and the intensity of photosynthetically active radiation (Phar) was 700 µmol⋅m-2⋅s-1. Seed germination occurred after about 5 days. The seeds were characterised by different germination ability: 80% for S120, 100% for S76, 82% in OT1, and just 50% for 541 line. Rye seedlings, at the 2-3 leaf stage, were placed in hydroponic units and a two-factor experiment was set up, with potassium deficiency being the first factor and rye lines the second one. The control variant consisted of seedlings placed on complete Hoagland’s medium, while potassium starvation was performed on a medium with 50% deficiency of this element. After seven days, fresh matter was weighed, proline content was measured according to the BATES method (1973) and amounts assimilation pigments were measured according to the method of ARNON et al. (1956). The results were processed statistically, performing a two-factor analysis of variance, while the significance of factors was tested using Tukey’s test at α = 0.05. The study aimed at examining selected physiological and biochemical indicators of the resistance response of four rye lines to stress induced by potassium deficiency. Application of 50% potassium deficiency in a medium induced an increase in the content of assimilation pigments in leaf fresh matter of S120 rye line. A correlation was found between proline content and that of assimilation pigments. The largest proline quantity, 27.2 µg⋅g-1 f.m. , was found in 541 rye line seedlings, but its content decreased together with fresh matter yield. It was also found that the total chlorophyll content was directly
Assessment of oral health parameters among students attending special schools of Mangalore city

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the oral health status and treatment needs and correlation between dental caries susceptibility and salivary pH, buffering capacity and total antioxidant capacity among students attending special schools of Mangalore city. Materials and Methods: In this study 361 subjects in the age range of 12–18 years were divided into normal (n = 84), physically challenged (n = 68), and mentally challenged (n = 209) groups. Their oral health status and treatment needs were recorded using the modified WHO oral health assessment proforma. Saliva was collected to estimate the salivary parameters. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17. Chicago. Results: On examining, the dentition status of the study subjects, the mean number of decayed teeth was 1.57 for the normal, 2.54 for the physically challenged and 4.41 for the mentally challenged study subjects. These results were highly statistically significant (P < 0.001). The treatment needs of the study subjects revealed that the mean number of teeth requiring pulp care and restoration were 1 for the normal, 0.12 for the physically challenged, and 1.21 for the mentally challenged study subjects. These results were highly statistically significant (P < 0.001). The mean salivary pH and buffering capacity were found to be lowest among the mentally challenged subjects. Physically challenged group had the lowest mean total antioxidant capacity among the study subjects. Among the study subjects, normal students had the highest mean salivary pH, buffering capacity, and total antioxidant capacity. These results were highly statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This better dentition status of the normal compared to the physically and mentally challenged study subjects could be due to their improved quality of oral health practices. The difference in the treatment needs could be due to the higher prevalence of untreated dental caries and also due to the neglected oral health care among the mentally challenged study subjects. The salivary pH and buffering capacity were comparatively lower among the physically and mentally challenged study subjects which could contribute to their increased caries experience compared to the normal study subjects. However, further studies are needed to establish a more conclusive result on the total anti-oxidant capacity of the saliva and dental caries.
Characterizing the Elastic Behavior of Textile Fabrics in Complex Deformations

The simulation of complex fabric deformations, in which the textile fabric is treated as a continuous sheet, requires a suitable formulation of the mechanical behavior of the fabric. The problem is considered within the basic framework of the engineering theory of shells and plates, including some features not previously noted in the textile literature. The validity of the assumption of continuity is discussed in view of the structure exhibited by textile fabrics.
Photoluminescence Spectroscopy for Understanding Light Management in Solar Cells

The purpose of applying a light management structure in a solar cell is to absorb the largest possible amount of incident radiation in the active layer. Independent of the material, thickness and structure of the solar cell, the fundamental approaches for light management are: A) reducing the proportion of the light being reflected out at the front surface and B) increasing the path length of the light within the absorbing substrate. Therefore, characterizing and optimizing the light management technique is essential for further improving solar cell efficiency. In this thesis, a method based on the generalized Planck’s law of radiation is developed to extract the band-to-band absorptance from the photoluminescence spectra of semiconductor materials. Unlike the traditional way of obtaining absorptance from the reflection and transmission measurement, this method is only sensitive to absorbed photons that can generate electron-hole pairs. Therefore, the parasitic losses such as free carrier absorption and the absorption in non-active layers can be automatically eliminated. With the extracted band-to-band absorptance, the implied photo-current of the sample is accurately estimated without the need of forming a p-n junction. By comparing the band-to-band absorptance of silicon wafers with and without light trapping structure, the optical enhancement is rapidly accessed. Using this method, a wide range of light trapping structures are studied on crystalline silicon wafers to improve the photo-current generation. Self-assembled plasmonic Ag particles (AgNP) together with a dielectric based diffuse reflector (DR) are applied on the rear side of silicon wafers to provide excellent optical enhancement without sacrificing the electrical performance of the device. AgNP have proven to scatter the light at wide angles, so that total internal reflection occurs and the light can be trapped in the solar cell. Dielectric based diffuse reflectors have the advantage of high reflectivity and low absorption loss compared to metal reflectors. The combination of DR and AgNP provides light trapping performance (62% of Lambertian enhancement) which is comparable with inverted pyramids (67% of Lambertian enhancement) on a 200 μm thick silicon wafer. By applying AgNP in the back of a silicon wafer with an interdigitated back contact (IBC) structure, a maximum of 53% of fraction of the Lambertian enhancement is achieved with an optimized capping layer. For a standard IBC cell with AgNP embedded in the rear side, the short circuit current density is estimated to enhance by 18% in the spectral range from 1000 nm to 1200 nm. Texturing is still the most widely applied light management technique in the c-Si solar cell industry. The textured surface produces broad-band anti-reflection properties as well as effective light trapping to the solar cell. We extend the application of the PL technique to evaluate the optical performance of textured samples. Several structures including reactive ion etched textures (RIE), metal-assisted textures (MET)
Knowledge of Nurses Working in Intensive Care Units in Relation to Preventive Interventions for Pressure Ulcer

Background: In intensive care units where there is high risk of development of pressure ulcer, it is very important for nurses to have a good level of knowledge about pressure ulcer and to reflect this knowledge in their caring practices. This study aims to identify knowledge of nurses working in intensive care units in relation to preventing pressure ulcer. Method: Target population of this study, which is descriptive and cross sectional in nature is all nurses working in the Adult Intensive Care Units of a university hospital located in Adana/Turkey. The study was completed with the participation of a total number of 73 nurses. The data were collected using “Personal Information Form” and “Pressure Ulcer Preventive Interventions Information Form” and “Pressure Ulcer Treatment: Quick Reference guide”. Results: Nurses’ total mean scores about preventive interventions for pressure ulcer was found 34.97±4.43 (min:24, max: 50) on the average. Majority of them (68.5%) had undergraduate degree and 43.8% worked in the intensive care unit between 2 and 6 years. Percentages of correct responses to the sub-titles about preventive interventions for pressure ulcer was 75% for “Risk Assessment”, 72.9% for “Assessment of the Skin”, 56.9 % for “Positioning and Movements”, 85.9% for “Regulating Nutrition”, 55.4% for “Use of Support Surfaces”, 98.6% for “Education”, and 99.3% for “Keeping Records” and 66.7% for “Special Patient Groups”. No statistically significant differences were detected between nurses’ mean scores for knowledge about preventive interventions for pressure ulcer and variables such as their age, education level, years of experience, and duration of working in the intensive care unit (p>0,05). Conclusions: The findings of the present study show that the majority of the participants’ knowledge about the preventive interventions for pressure ulcer was good. Percentages of correct responses in the “Education” and “Keeping Records” areas were found to be higher than the other areas.