Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The α‐to‐β Conformational Transition of Alzheimer's Aβ‐(1–42) Peptide in Aqueous Media is Reversible: A Step by Step Conformational Analysis Suggests the Location of β Conformation Seeding

Current views of the role of β‐amyloid (Aβ) peptide fibrils range from regarding them as the cause of Alzheimer's pathology to having a protective function. In the last few years, it has also been suggested that soluble oligomers might be the most important toxic species. In all cases, the study of the conformational properties of Aβ peptides in soluble form constitutes a basic approach to the design of molecules with “antiamyloid” activity. We have experimentally investigated the conformational path that can lead the Aβ‐(1–42) peptide from the native state, which is represented by an α helix embedded in the membrane, to the final state in the amyloid fibrils, which is characterized by β‐sheet structures. The conformational steps were monitored by using CD and NMR spectroscopy in media of varying polarities. This was achieved by changing the composition of water and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP). In the presence of HFIP, β conformations can be observed in solutions that have very high water content (up to 99 % water; v/v). These can be turned back to α helices simply by adding the appropriate amount of HFIP. The transition of Aβ‐(1–42) from α to β conformations occurs when the amount of water is higher than 80 % (v/v). The NMR structure solved in HFIP/H2O with high water content showed that, on going from very apolar to polar environments, the long N‐terminal helix is essentially retained, whereas the shorter C‐terminal helix is lost. The complete conformational path was investigated in detail with the aid of molecular‐dynamics simulations in explicit solvent, which led to the localization of residues that might seed β conformations. The structures obtained might help to find regions that are more affected by environmental conditions in vivo. This could in turn aid the design of molecules able to inhibit fibril deposition or revert oligomerization processes.
Becoming an EFL Teacher: A Re-Investigation of Student Teachers’ Motivation

The aim of the study reported in this paper was to explore the issues of motivation of student teachers before and after their two practicum blocks which were held in the third and final years of teacher training. Participants provided quantitative and qualitative data through questionnaires and in-depth interviews which were conducted at four time-points over two years: pre-practicum and post-practicum in the third and final years of studies. This study adopted mixed methods to collect data—questionnaires, in-depth interviews and weekly log entries. Results showed that the origins of student teachers’ worries were originated from different aspects, of which some later became the sources of motivation. The four longitudinal qualitative cases herein demonstrate how student teachers sources of motivation change over time.
Examining Vocational Rehabilitation Services Provided to Incarcerated Persons With Disabilities

In the U.S. prison system, incarcerated persons with a disability represent a largely marginalized population with limited or inadequate provision of services in prison. In general, once released, ex-offenders face a number of challenges when they reenter society ranging from access to housing, employment, health care, and substance use services. These challenges are generally exacerbated for incarcerated persons with a disability. Overall, there is a dearth of research on rates of vocational services utilization among incarcerated persons with a disability. Using data from the Rehabilitation Services Administration for 30,170 inmates, the results indicate that inmates with cognitive and physical disabilities have the lowest utilization of vocational services overall and across all types of services (educational, job, disability, and other). Furthermore, vocational service utilization varies based on the nature of the disability suggesting distinct programming needs for each group. Implications for access to vocational rehabilitation services and current reentry programming for incarcerated persons with a disability are discussed.
Between- and within-tree variation in the anatomy and specific gravity of wood in Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana Dougl.)

In order to analyze the variation in wood properties within and between trees of an underutilized tree species, we sampled six Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana Dougl.) trees from an 80-year old mixed stand of Q. garryana and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) in the Coast Range of Western Oregon, USA. Fibre length, earlywood vessel diameter, tissue proportions, and specific gravity were measured on samples across the diameter at two heights. Trees had a slight lean (2-12°), so we sampled separately both radii of a diametric strip that ran from the lower to upper side of lean.
SHOULD GOLD BE HELD UNDER GLOBAL ECONOMIC POLICY UNCERTAINTY?

This paper investigates the ability of gold to hedge worldwide risks from the perspective of global economic policy uncertainty (GEPU). By applying the full- and sub-sample rolling-window bootstrap causality tests to analyze the dynamic interaction between GEPU and gold price (GP). It can be observed that gold can effectively hedge risks of GEPU during the Asian financial crisis, dot-com bubble and global economic crisis, but this result does not hold in non-crisis period. GEPU manifests two-way impacts on the GP in a few periods, this relationship between GEPU and GP being consistent with the hypothesis in the general equilibrium model, which states that changes in GEPU lead to the fluctuations of GP. In turn, GP has both positive and negative impacts on GEPU. In the current complex economic situation, governments and investors can consider gold to hedge risks of GEPU, especially during the economic crises.
Modulation of the Nonlinear Ion Acoustic Waves in a Weakly Relativistic Warm Plasma with Superthermally Distributed Electrons

In this article we investigated the modulation of nonlinear ion acoustic waves in a weakly relativistic, warm, unmagnetized and adiabatic plasma whose constitutes are ion fluid and superthermally distributed electrons using the multiple scales approach. The basic system of equations is reduced to a finite wave number nonlinear Schrodinger-type equation at the second order of the perturbation theory and for small wave number limit the nonlinear Schrodinger-type equation is derived. Moreover the reductive perturbation technique is applied to this system and Korteweg-de Vries equation is obtained. For small wavenumber limit, it is found that the dispersion coefficient and nonlinear coefficient of the nonlinear Schrodinger-type equation are reduced to the coefficients of nonlinear Schrodinger-type equation obtained from Korteweg-de Vries (K-dV) equation. The dependence of the phase velocity and the group as well as the domain of the stability and the instability on the temperature ratio, the relativistic factor u_0/(C ) and the superthermal parameter is investigated.
The Changing Face of Qualitative Inquiry

When examining the changes in society and the concomitant changes in research methods in the last century, unquestionably qualitative inquiry has been superseded by quantitative methods and had to work to find its niche in the social sciences. Here, I explore the push factors that have made space for the establishment and legitimization of qualitative inquiry. I discuss what we are doing well in qualitative methods, then examine the status quo—present worries, concerns, and future trends. I present three major problems that need attention, critique, and resolution in qualitative methods to further strengthen our foothold as we move forward. Methodological development is one of the primary purposes of the International Institute of Qualitative Methods (IIQM). In closing, I examine the role of the IIQM in the global development of qualitative methods.
A Study of Wind Turbine Performance Decline with Age through Operation Data Analysis

Ageing of technical systems and machines is a matter of fact. It therefore does not come as a surprise that an energy conversion system such as a wind turbine, which in particular operates under non-stationary conditions, is subjected to performance decline with age. The present study presents an analysis of the performance deterioration with age of a Vestas V52 wind turbine, installed in 2005 at the Dundalk Institute of Technology campus in Ireland. The wind turbine has operated from October 2005 to October 2018 with its original gearbox, that has subsequently been replaced in 2019. Therefore, a key point of the present study is that operation data spanning over thirteen years have been analysed for estimating how the performance degrades in time. To this end, one of the most innovative approaches for wind turbine performance control and monitoring has been employed: a multivariate Support Vector Regression with Gaussian Kernel, whose target is the power output of the wind turbine. Once the model has been trained with a reference data set, the performance degradation is assessed by studying how the residuals between model estimates and measurements evolve. Furthermore, a power curve analysis through the binning method has been performed to estimate the Annual Energy Production variations and suggests that the most convenient strategy for the test case wind turbine (running the gearbox until its end of life) has indeed been adopted. Summarizing, the main results of the present study are as follows: over a ten-year period, the performance of the wind turbine has declined of the order of 5%; the performance deterioration seems to be nonlinear as years pass by; after the gearbox replacement, a fraction of performance deterioration has been recovered, though not all because the rest of the turbine system has been operating for thirteen years from its original state. Finally, it should be noted that the estimate of performance decline is basically consistent with the few results available in the literature.
Meiotic Pairing and Chiasma Frequency in an Induced Trisomic of Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Meiotic pairing association and chiasma frequency were studied in a gamma-ray induced primary trisomic of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.). The trisomic was identified by phenotypic abnormalities, early maturity and presence of an extra chromosome (2n+1=15), while occurrence of 7 bivalents was the usual feature in normal diploids (2n=14). In the trisomic, formation of a univalent was more common than that of a trivalent, although bivalent association was predominant. Ring bivalents appeared more frequently than chain or rod configurations. Terminalization of 2 chiasmata in the 2 arms may give rise to ring bivalent, while a single chiasma may terminalize to form a chain. In the trisomic, frequent occurrence of linear or frying pan configuration and occasionally Y-shaped trivalent formation indicated unmodified nature of the extra chromosome; this characterized it as a primary trisomic. Terminalization of chiasmata in both the arms of a chromosome involving its 2 homologous partners may result in linear configuration, while a chiasma in the distal end with another chiasma in the same arm may give rise to frying pan configuration, but an interstitial chiasma accompanied with another chiasma formed at the terminal position distal to former might form Y-shaped trivalent. Configuration of trivalent may thus be influenced by the number and position of chiasmata. Compared to normal diploids chiasma frequency reduced in the trisomic. More frequent occurrence of unequal anaphasic separation of chromosomes may be attributed to reduced pollen fertility in the trisomic.
Effects of host plant drought stress on the performance of the bird cherry‐oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.): a mechanistic analysis

Abstract. 1. The growth (increase in height and leaf number) of four grass species was reduced by a −0.5 MPa drought stress, but the performance of an associated herbivore, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), was not affected consistently. The intrinsic rate of increase of R. padi was reduced by drought stress on three grass species, including Dactylis glomerata (L.), but was unaffected on Arrhenatherum elatius (L.). Therefore, there is no general relationship in the effect of plant drought on an insect herbivore, even among closely related host plant species.
The Association between Social Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Background: Special Region of Yogyakarta is one of Province which has an old population structure in Indonesia. Total elderly are 45,000 or 13.81% of the total population. House for elderly ( Rumah Sehat Lansia / rusela) is a pro­motive and preventive prog­ram to improve the quality of life of the elderly in Yogyakarta. This study aimed to know the association between health related quali­ty of life with social activity at Rusela Facility in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Subjects and Method: This was a cross-sec­tional study conducted at Rumah Sehat Lansia, in Yogyakarta. The dependent variable was health-related quality of life. The inde­pen­dent variable was social activity. A sample of 87 elderly was selected purposively. The data were collected by interviews using a struc­tured ques­tionnaire. The data were analyzed by Chi square test. Results: Sample characteristic were female (78.20%) and 56-65 years old (57.50%). There was a positive association between social acti­vity with health-related quali­ty of life in elderly (OR= 6.85; 95%CI= 2.64 to 18.91; p<0.001). Conclusion: There is a positive association between social activity with health-related quali­ty of life in elderly. Keywords: health-related quality of life, social activity, elderly Correspondence: Helfi Agustin. Department of Public Health, Ah­mad Dahlan University, Yogyakarta, Jl. Prof. Dr. Soe­po­mo, Janturan, Warung­bo­­to, Um­bul­harjo 55164, Yogyakarta. Email: helfi­agu­stin@­ik­m­. uad.ac. id. Mobile Phone: 0852­7455­4­­097. Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior (2020), 5(2): 87-95 https://doi.org/10.26911/thejhpb.2020. 05.02. 03
Spatiotemporal seismic hazard and risk assessment of M9.0 megathrust earthquake sequences of wood‐frame houses in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Megathrust earthquake sequences, comprising mainshocks and triggered aftershocks along the subduction interface and in the overriding crust, can impact multiple buildings and infrastructure in a city. The time between the mainshocks and aftershocks usually is too short to retrofit the structures; therefore, moderate‐size aftershocks can cause additional damage. To have a better understanding of the impact of aftershocks on city‐wide seismic risk assessment, a new simulation framework of spatiotemporal seismic hazard and risk assessment of future M9.0 sequences in the Cascadia subduction zone is developed. The simulation framework consists of an epidemic‐type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model, ground‐motion model, and state‐dependent seismic fragility model. The spatiotemporal ETAS model is modified to characterise aftershocks of large and anisotropic M9.0 mainshock ruptures. To account for damage accumulation of wood‐frame houses due to aftershocks in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, state‐dependent fragility curves are implemented. The new simulation framework can be used for quasi‐real‐time aftershock hazard and risk assessments and city‐wide post‐event risk management.
Diversidade de ácaros (Acari, Arachnida) em seringueiras (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg., Euphorbiaceae) na região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The mites of three rubber tree cultures (Cedral, Pindorama and Taquaritinga) in order to determine the abundance of populations, the richness, the diversity and the degree of similarity among the communities was studied. Twenty one species were found, five of which were common to the three cultures. The richness and the abundance were greatest at the beginning of the dry season. The composition of communities differed probably as consequence of the kind of neighboring vegetation to each area, and because of the acaricid pulverization on the culture of Taquaritinga, reductng the richness of mite species in that area. The influence of neighboring vegetation can be shown by the occurrence of Iphiseiodes zuluagui Denmark & Muma, 1972, a common species to citrus trees, on neighboring rubber trees in Taquaritinga, and Tenuipalpus heveae Baker, 1945, a common species on rubber trees, on a coffee culture neighbor to the rubber trees of Pindorama. This data suggests that mites move among neighbor cultures, and can be an importam factor towards pest management and control. The diversity was small on the three cultures, as a result of the occurrence of one dominam species on each area, Calacarus heveae Feres, 1992 or T. heveae, which are considered pests of the rubber tree. The small diversity and the occurrence of dominant species are patterns expected in monocultures, systems with small environmental heterogeneity.
A Logistic Regression Extension for the Randomized Response Simple and Crossed Models: Theoretical Results and Empirical Evidence

We propose some theoretical and empirical advances by supplying the methodology for analyzing the factors that influence two sensitive variables when data are collected by randomized response (RR) survey modes. First, we provide the framework for obtaining the maximum likelihood estimates of logistic regression coefficients under the RR simple and crossed models, then we carry out a simulation study to assess the performance of the estimation procedure. Finally, logistic regression analysis is illustrated by considering real data about cannabis use and legalization and about abortion and illegal immigration. The empirical results bring out certain considerations about the effect of the RR and direct questioning survey modes on the estimates. The inference about the sign and the significance of the regression coefficients can contribute to the debate on whether the RR approach is an effective survey method to reduce misreporting and improve the validity of analyses.
Nootropic potential of Bauhinia variegata: A systematic study on murine model

Objectives: Bauhinia variegata Linn (leguminosae) is one of the important medicinal herbs used traditionally to treat fever, as tonic, astringent, diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, piles, edema. Recent findings on Bauhinia variegata Linn have demonstrated its antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic, and hepatoprotective potential. The present work is focused to evaluate nootropic potential of Bauhinia variegata Linn in rats. Materials and Methods: The leaves of Bauhinia variegata were collected in the month of January from Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh). Leaves were subjected for isolation of crude flavonoids and characterized by total flavonoid content assay. Flavonoid-rich extract of Bauhinia variegata was studied for acute oral toxicity as per revised Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development guidelines No. 423. Nootropic activity was determined by elevated plus maze, rotating rod apparatus, baclofen-induced catatonia, diazepam-induced amnesia. Results: Flavonoid-rich fraction of Bauhinia variegata caused no alteration in locomotion in animals. In the current study, animals treated with flavonoid-rich fraction of Bauhinia variegata (400 mg/kg) showed a significant decrease in transfer latency as compared to the control group, which indicates cognitive enhancement effect flavonoid-rich fraction of Bauhinia variegata. In rota rod studies, flavonoid-rich fraction of Bauhinia variegata increased fall of time as compared to diazepam. In baclofen-induced catatonia, administration of flavonoid-rich fraction of Bauhinia variegata demonstrated protective effect on rats. Over all, flavonoid-rich fraction of Bauhinia variegata was found to enhance the performance of murine models. Conclusion: Thus, it could be concluded that flavonoids from Bauhinia variegata possess nootropic potential. However, more systematic studies are required to determine its exact mechanism of action.
Life history differences between central and marginal populations of the clonal aquatic plant Ranunculus lingua : a reciprocal transplant experiment

Different life-history traits of marginal and central populations of the pseudoannual aquatic plant Ranunculus lingua were compared in a reciprocal transplant experiment. Ramets from marginal and central populations performed relatively equal at the marginal habitat, whereas marginal ramets suffered a greater reduction in most growth measures at the central habitat. Insect herbivory and fungal infections had a great impact on ramets at the central site, but was insignificant at the marginal site. The allocation pattern to rhizomes differed between ramets from the two populations in two traits; viz. the number of rhizomes produced per mother ramet and the average rhizome size (.)
Quality of dried white salted noodles affected by microbial transglutaminase

To examine the potential application of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) in oriental noodle making, the effects of various MTGase addition levels on the rheological, textural and structural properties of noodles were investigated using good quality (‘Red Bicycle’) and poor quality (‘Sandow’) wheat flours. Addition of MTGase at 5–20 g kg−1 levels, but not at 1 g kg−1 level, to the two different wheat flours decreased rapid visco-analyser (RVA) parameters of hot paste viscosity and final viscosity while increasing breakdown. For fresh white salted noodle dough sheets, the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) increased significantly at 1 g kg−1 MTGase addition for both types of flour, but there was no clear trend with higher levels of MTGase. For dried white salted noodles, textural parameters (tensile force, hardness and gumminess) generally increased, cooking loss was little affected and the yield of the cooked noodle was significantly decreased by MTGase. Color was slightly adversely affected. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that physical properties of dry noodles were improved through the formation of cross-links [e-(γ-glutamyl)lysine] by MTGase. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry