Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Mediated Islet Hypervascularization and Inflammation Contribute to Progressive Reduction of b-Cell Mass

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) results from insulin resistance and inadequate insulin secretion. Insulin resistance initially causes compensatory islet hyperplasia that progresses to islet disorganization and altered vascularization, inflammation, and, finally, decreased functional b-cell mass and hyperglycemia. The precise mechanism(s) underlying b-cell failure remain to be elucidated. In this study, we show that in insulin-resistant high-fat diet-fed mice, the enhanced islet vascularization and inflammation was parallel to an increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF). To elucidate the role of VEGF in these processes, we have genetically engineered b-cells to overexpress VEGF (in transgenic mice or after adeno-associated viral vectormediated gene transfer). We found that sustained increases in b-cell VEGF levels led to disorganized, hypervascularized, and fibrotic islets, progressive macrophage infiltration, and proinflammatory cytokine production, including tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-1b. This resulted in impaired insulin secretion, decreased b-cell mass, and hyperglycemia with age. These results indicate that sustained VEGF upregulation may participate in the initiation of a process leading to b-cell failure and further suggest that compensatory islet hyperplasia and hypervascularization may contribute to progressive inflammation and b-cell mass loss during T2D.
THE SCREENING EFFECT IN KRIGING1 BY MICHAEL L. STEIN

When predicting the value of a stationary random field at a location x in some region in which one has a large number of observations, it may be difficult to compute the optimal predictor. One simple way to reduce the computational burden is to base the predictor only on those observations nearest to x. As long as the number of observations used in the predictor is sufficiently large, one might generally expect the best predictor based on these observations to be nearly optimal relative to the best predictor using all observations. Indeed, this phenomenon has been empirically observed in numerous circumstances and is known as the screening effect in the geostatistical literature. For linear predictors, when observations are on a regular grid, this work proves that there generally is a screening effect as the grid becomes increasingly dense. This result requires that, at high frequencies, the spectral density of the random field not decay faster than algebraically and not vary too quickly. Examples demonstrate that there may be no screening effect if these conditions on the spectral density are violated.
Determination of coconut milk’s volume to produce rendang tuna

Rendang is one of traditional Indonesian food made from meat and coconut milk. Fish meat is infrequently used for the production of rendang. Tuna can be used as a suitable raw material in the production of rendang. This research aimed to determine the volume of coconut milk to produce a preferable rendang tuna by sensory and proximate analysis and analyze changes in chemical composition (fatty acids and cholesterol). Four volumes of coconut milk (150, 250, 350, and 450 mL) were used in 500 g piece of flesh. The 150 mL coconut milk treatment gave the best sensory values. The fatty acid composition of rendang tuna had an n-6:n-3 ratio of 5.27 and 262.36 mg/100 g of cholesterol component.
Efficacy of anti-koi herpesvirus DNA vaccine in carp Cyprinus carpio fry by immersion method and hyperosmotic infiltration

Indonesian carp production has decreased due to mass mortality caused by herpesvirus koi infection. Safe prevention techniques can be applied en masse and are relatively inexpensive are needed. This study aimed to examine the effect of immunization using anti-koi herpesvirus (KHV) DNA vaccine at a dose of 1.3 × 108 cfu.mL-1 through immersion with different lengths of time after hyperosmotic infiltration for 2 minutes. There were six groups with three replications: vaccination with 60 minutes immersion (A), 90 minutes (B), 120 minutes (C), non-vaccinated fish but infected with KHV (positive control), non-vaccinated fish and not infected with KHV (negative control), control fishes soaked with whole bacteria (control bacteria without DNA vaccine). The results showed that vaccination for 60 minutes gave the highest relative survival (93.55%). Thus, vaccination by immersion and hyperosmotic infiltration effectively improves the survival and relative survival of fish, and this method can be an alternative in the early control of KHV infection in common carp and koi.
Effect of low percentage methanol blends in gasoline RON 90 on fuel volatility characteristics and spark ignition engine performance

Methanol is one of the promising alternative fuel for gasoline that can be made from renewable sources. Methanol has high octane number, which can increase octane number of gasoline. Methanol is also an oxygenate and contain less carbon content than gasoline, so combustion emission can be reduced. Blending methanol with gasoline influences the volatility characteristics of the fuel blend where it could influence engine performance. Fuel used in this study were gasoline RON 90 blended with methanol in percentage of up to 20%. In this study, distillation and Reid vapor pressure were measured, and then engine performance tests were performed using those fuel blends. The obtained result showed that the vapor pressure was increasing with addition of methanol up to 15% with maximum vapor pressure of 74.75 kPa and started to decrease at 20% methanol blends. The distillation curve showed that increasing methanol addition to the fuel blend flattened the distillation curve below the methanol boiling point. Engine performance test results revealed that addition of methanol in fuel blend resulted in decrease of torque, changes in specific fuel consumption, and reduced CO and HC emission.
Neural classifying system for predictive maintenance of rotating devices.

This paper presents the results of research on a neural classifier system for the recognition of electrical drive disturbances and its speed. The classification task is performed by a convolutional neural network implemented on an artificial intelligence accelerator. The operation of the drive is monitored using intelligent accelerometers. Based on the sensor data, it is possible to create spectrograms of the signal using Short Time Fourier Transformation. Since convolutional neural networks are excellent at recognizing images and detecting objects, the signal spectrograms were used as input data for learning the network. Transfer learning method has been used, to create a model of neural network.
Overcoming challenges for implementing nature-based solutions in deltaic environments: insights from the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta in Bangladesh

The Ganges-Brahmaputra (GB) delta is one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world due to a combination of high population density and exposure to tropical cyclones, floods, salinity intrusion and other hazards. Due to the complexity of natural deltaic processes and human influence on these processes, structural solutions like embankments are inadequate on their own for effective hazard mitigation. This article examines nature-based solutions (NbSs) as a complementary or alternative approach to managing hazards in the GB delta. We investigate the potential of NbS as a complementary and sustainable method for mitigating the impacts of coastal disaster risks, mainly cyclones and flooding. Using the emerging framework of NbS principles, we evaluate three existing approaches: tidal river management, mangrove afforestation, and oyster reef cultivation, all of which are actively being used to help reduce the impacts of coastal hazards. We also identify major challenges (socioeconomic, biophysical, governance and policy) that need to be overcome to allow broader application of the existing approaches by incorporating the NbS principles. In addition to addressing GB delta-specific challenges, our findings provide more widely applicable insights into the challenges of implementing NbS in deltaic environments globally.
Environmentally friendly cycling habit behaviour: could social influence, hedonic motivation and psychological needs develop it?

The COVID-19 pandemic has created new habits for the people of Indonesia. Cycling has become a more popular habit and hobby in some society members during mandatory work from home. Self Determination Theory, which explains the human motivation, personality development, and behavioural self-regulation, will be used in this research context to develop a research model. This research examines how hedonic motivation and psychological needs as inner resources for behavioural decision making and social influence as external coercion influences environmentally friendly behaviour. We used multiple regression analysis and found that hedonic motivation and psychological needs influence environmentally friendly behaviour. It can be concluded that environmentally friendly behaviour is more straightforward to develop with inner motivation than external coercion.
Effectiveness of LED light spectrum exposure on growth performance and color quality of juvenile polka dot grouper (Cromileptes altivelis)

Polka dot grouper (Cromileptes altivelis) is a saltwater ornamental fish that has a characteristic of black spots on the surface of its body. Polka dot grouper has a slow growth rate and color quality that fade in captivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the growth performance and color quality of polka dot grouper under exposure to different light-emitting diode (LED) spectrums in a recirculating system. Polka dot grouper was maintained in a 50×40×40 cm3 aquarium with a recirculating system for 30 days. This study used a randomized block design with five treatments and three groups. The treatments consisted of control (room light) and four types of the LED light spectrum with different wavelengths, i.e., red, green, blue, and white. The results showed that the best values for growth performance, physiological response, and color quality were found in the treatment of red LED light. Using a red LED light spectrum exposure in a recirculating system can improve the growth performance and color quality of the polka dot grouper.
The biochar-improved growth-characteristics of corn (Zea mays L.) in a 22-years old heavy-metal contaminated tropical soil

Biochar was suggested to lower the concentrations of heavy metals in contaminated soils and therefore may improve plant growth. This research was to evaluate the growth of corn (Zea mays L.) in a biochar-amended heavy-metal-contaminated tropical soil. Soil samples were collected from well-maintained experimental plots 22 years after amendment with heavy-metal containing industrial waste at 0 – 60 Mg ha-1. Corn plants were grown for 4 weeks in the soil samples amended with biochar at 0 – 10 Mg ha-1. The corn plant height and dry masses (roots, shoots, and the whole plants) were lowered by waste in relation to the increase in the soil Cu and Zn concentrations. The corn plant dry–weight masses (roots, shoots, whole plant) were well and negatively correlated with the soil Cu and Zn concentrations. The corn plant uptake of Cu and Zn decreased with the increase in the soil Cu and Zn concentration. Biochar improved the corn plant height and dry-weight masses, related to the decrease in the soil Cu and Zn concentrations. Biochar also increased the Zn uptake at waste level of ≥ 15 Mg ha-1 and increased the Cu uptake at waste level ≤ 15 Mg ha-1. The corn plant Cu uptake was linearly and positively correlated with plant dry-weight masses of roots, shoot, and whole plant masses.
Towards understanding Sure Start local programmes: Summary of findings from the national evaluation

Sure Start is the Government's programme to support children, families and communities through the integration of early education, childcare, health and family support. Sure Start local programmes are one element of this, based in areas of disadvantage, whose aim is to improve the health and well being of young children under 4 and their families, so that children have a greater opportunity to flourish when they start school. The National Evaluation of Sure Start local programmes has now been in place for 3 years, during which a large amount of information has been collected and reported. This summary draws together some of main published findings from the different strands of the evaluation and in particular highlights some of the newly published findings. These are only a very small selection of findings, intended to provide a flavour and whet the appetite to find out more. At this stage, findings from different parts of the evaluation are reported separately although these will be drawn together more substantially later in the year to assess the overall effect Sure Start local programmes have had on children, parents, families and communities and whether variations in implementation, local community context and costs can explain any differences in effects.
The Advantages of the Photolysis of Hydrogen Peroxide Utilizing LED Light as a Hydroxyl Radical-Based Disinfection Methodology for Photoeradication of Dental Plaque Biofilms

The selective “targeting” of cells utilizing dye photosensitizers inherent in the conventional PDT paradigm was originally developed for eukaryotic (mammalian) cells and tissues. However, this methodology and the confusing array of protocols associated with its use may not be the best approach in eradicating prokaryotic (bacterial) cells in dental biofilm microenvironments. The Photolysis of H2O2 utilizing LED light produces a more “global” eradication of microbes via the production of the lethal hydroxyl radical. This may be a more desirable approach, in part; due to the unique and structured way “pioneer” microbes form and grow in the oral plaque. Several dental researchers have investigated this methodology and have had notable success. It is proposed that the search for different dye photosensitizers, corresponding light sources and their affinities for different phenotypes of bacteria in oral plaque biofilm is overcome by utilizing the Photolysis of H2O2 to create hydroxyl radicals. The advantages of the use of the photolysis of H20 with LED light versus conventional Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) as it applies to oral plaque biofilms are discussed.
Molecular Characterization of Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes of J & K against BCMV

These genotypes were selected for their molecular characterization on the basis of phenotypic resistance/highly susceptibility against BCMV. Molecular characterization of 10 common bean genotypes was done using different micro-satellite markers. The total number of 148 bands were produced among them the number of polymorphic bands were 40 with an average of 3.07 per primer. Primer 841, BMD-3 and ROC-11 exhibited the highest PIC value of 0.49. Marker index (MI) value was highest (0.169) for SBD-5 primer whereas the lowest (0) was for primers BMD-3, BMD-2, BMD-6, EIF-4E and SG6. The similarity coefficient values ranged from 0.33 to 0.80 and the highest similarity coefficient amongst 10 genotypes (0.80) was observed between WB-967 and WB-335, which was closely followed by (0.79) between WB-359 and WB-335, 0.77 (between WB-335 and WB-933) and the lowest similarity index (0.33) was observed between WB-967 and WB-933).
CCL20/MIP3alpha is a novel anti-HIV-1 molecule of the human female reproductive tract.

PROBLEM CCL20/MIP3alpha is a chemokine for immature dendritic cells as well as an antibacterial against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The role of CCL20/MIP3alpha as an antiviral is unknown. In this study, we have examined the production of CCL20/MIP3alpha by epithelial cells from the upper female reproductive tract as well as its activity as an antiviral molecule. METHOD OF STUDY Primary uterine and Fallopian tube epithelial cells were treated with Poly(I:C) and CCL20/MIP3alpha mRNA and protein was measured by Realtime RT-PCR and ELISA assays. Anti-HIV activity was determined using an indicator cell line TZM-bl and quantified by using a luminometer. RESULTS Primary uterine and Fallopian tube epithelial cells produce CCL20/MIP3alpha constitutively and the production is enhanced following stimulation with viral double-stranded RNA mimic Poly(I:C). Recombinant CCL20/MIP3alpha was able to inhibit both T-cell-tropic X4/IIIB and macrophage-tropic R5/BaL HIV-1 when virus was directly incubated with CCL20/MIP3alpha but not when CCL20/MIP3alpha was added to cells either prior to infection or post-infection. This suggests that the mechanism of inhibition is likely to be a direct interaction between HIV-1 and CCL20/MIP3alpha. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that CCL20/MIP3alpha is an important endogenous anti-HIV-1 microbicide of the female reproductive tract.
Flavescence dorÃ©e phytoplasma titre in fieldâ•’infected <fc>B</fc>arbera and <fc>N</fc>ebbiolo grapevines

Flavescence dor ee phytoplasma (FDP) titre in two red grapevine cultivars, Barbera and Nebbiolo, was measured over the vegetative seasons of two consecutive years in two vineyards of the Piemonte Region (northwestern Italy), with a double absolute quantification of FDP cells and grapevine DNA in real-time PCR. The relationships of pathogen concentration to cultivar susceptibility and symptom severity were investigated. FDP titre was always higher in cv. Barbera than in cv. Nebbiolo infected vines, and this difference was significant at early and late summer samplings of 2008 and at early summer sampling of 2009. A seasonal trend in FDP concentration (low in spring, high in early summer and intermediate in late summer) was conserved for cvs Barbera and Nebbiolo in both years and vineyards. Considering both cultivars and years from both vineyards, a significant positive correlation between FDP concentration and symptom severity was found in the spring samples. Regarding the FDP strains (-C or -D), no differences in pathogen titres were detected for either cultivar. Similarly, the presence of another grapevine yellows phytoplasma, bois noir, a subgroup 16SrXII-A phytoplasma, in mixed infection with FDP strains had no effect on FDP concentration. These results demonstrate for the first time that grapevine cultivars with different susceptibility to FDP support different pathogen titres.
HighabundanceanddiversityofBacillus anthracis plasmid pXO1-like replicons inmunicipalwastewater

Water from the influent of a municipal wastewater treatment plant as well as soil samples collected from the shoreline of 10 lakes were screened for the presence of the Bacillus anthracis pXO1-like plasmid replicon repX using a PCR assay. Specific PCR products were retrieved from all samples, indicating a widespread presence of pXO1-like plasmid replicons in various environmental settings. Initial screening by restriction enzyme analysis revealed at least two forms of the repX gene in the wastewater sample, which was consequently subjected to further investigation. Nine of 51 Bacillus cereus group strains isolated from the wastewater sample were shown to contain a repX-specific gene sequence. Two of these strains were shown to have repX gene sequences with very high homology to the repX gene of plasmid pXO1. The same two strains also contained replicon-specific sequences with high homology to those of pXO2-like plasmids, but did not contain the pXO1associated cya and lef virulence genes. Collectively, the sequence information from the isolated strains and PCR products obtained using total genomic DNA as a template suggests the existence of three subgroups of pXO1-like plasmid replicons in the wastewater sample.
Effect of Processing on Physicochemical Properties and Fatty Acid Composition of Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) Seed Oil

This paper reports the physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition of the seed oil extracted from fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis). The extracted oil was degummed, neutralised and bleached. The oil yield was 42.26±0.20%. The specific gravity (at 25 °C) of the oil was 0.923±0.003 and the refractive index (at 25 °C) was 1.475±0.002. Processing of the crude oil resulted in progressive decrease in turbidity, colour, free fatty acid, acid value, peroxide value and saponification value. However, there was increase in smoke point (243.00±0.03 to 253.00±0.03 °C), flash point (285.00±1.20 to 304.00±1.10 °C) and fire point (345.00±1.10 to 358.00±1.55 °C) as well as iodine value (113.00 to 121.50 g/100 g) and fatty acid composition during the processing of the oil. The fatty acids detected in the oil samples were myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, arachidic, behenic, linoleic and linolenic acids. The predominant fatty acid was oleic acid (47.40-47.90%) followed by linoleic acid (26.36-30.44%) while the least fatty acid was linolenic acid (0.01-0.05%).
DMD051524 2206..2214

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the mechanism of absorption and metabolism of a PEGylated peptide, MRL-1 (46 kDa), after s.c. dosing in dogs and rats. Thoracic lymph ductcannulated (LDC) dog and rat models were developed that allowed continuous collection of lymph for up to 8 days. When [H]MRL-1 was administered s.c. to LDC dogs, ∼73% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in pooled lymph over a period of 120 hours, suggesting that lymphatic uptake is the major pathway of s.c. absorption for this peptide. In agreement with these data, the systemic exposure of radioactivity related to [H]MRL-1 in LDC dogs was decreased proportionately when compared with that in noncannulated control dogs. After i.v. dosing with [H]MRL-1 in LDC dogs, 20% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in pooled lymph over 168 hours, suggesting some level of recirculation of radioactivity related to [H]MRL-1 from the plasma compartment into the lymphatic system. Experiments conducted in the LDC rat model also resulted in similar conclusions. Analysis of injection site s.c. tissue showed significant metabolism of [H]MRL-1, which provides an explanation for the <100% bioavailability of therapeutic proteins and peptides after s.c. dosing. After s.c. dosing, the major circulating components in plasma were the parent peptide and the PEG-linker [H]MRL-2. The metabolism profiles in lymph were similar to those in plasma, suggesting that the loss of peptide was minimal during lymphatic transport. After i.v. dosing in rats, [H]MRL-1 was metabolized and excreted primarily in the urine as
Kaposi's Sarcoma Angioproliferation in a Murine Model of Chemokine Receptor Is Required for The Human Herpes Virus 8-Encoded

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus or human herpes virus 8 is considered the etiological agent of KS, a highly vascularized neoplasm that is the most common tumor affecting HIV/AIDS patients. The KS-associated herpesvirus/human herpes virus 8 open reading frame 74 encodes a constitutively active G protein-coupled receptor known as vGPCR that binds CXC chemokines with high afﬁnity. In this study, we show that conditional transgenic expression of vGPCR by cells of endothelial origin triggers an angiogenic program in vivo, leading to development of an angioproliferative disease that resembles KS. This angiogenic program consists partly in the expression of the angiogenic factors placental growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor B, and inducible NO synthase by the vGPCR-expressing cells. Finally, we show that continued vGPCR expression is essential for progression of the KS-like phenotype and that down-regulation of vGPCR expression results in reduced expression of angiogenic factors and regression of the lesions. Together, these ﬁndings implicate vGPCR as a key element in KS pathogenesis and suggest that strategies to block its function may represent a novel approach for the treatment of KS. The Journal of Immunology, 2005, 174: 3686–3694.