Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Chitosan of Milkfish Scales (Chanos chanos) on Bacteria Prophyromonas gingivalis & Agregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

This research was conducted to appear the effectiveness of milkfish scales chitosan gel (Chanos Chanos) against bacterial inhibition of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis which are pathogenic bacteria that cause periodontitis. This research was conducted with five treatments with five repetitions, the five treatments, namely: Positive control (metronidazole), negative control (aquadest), chitosan gel in milkfish scales concentration of 1%, 5%, and 10%. Measuring instrument of this research uses calipers with denominations of millimeters (mm). Based on the results of the Mann Whitney test, there was a significant difference in inhibition of chitosan gel on the scale of milkfish 1%, 5%, and 10% against the Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans & Porphyromonas gingivalis gel (p
Conceptualizing Control in Everyday Music Listening: Defining Dominance

Mehrabian and Russell’s Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance model states that people’s interactions and interpretation of their surroundings result from variations in three factors – pleasure, arousal, and dominance. Applied to music, pleasure has been operationalized as how much a person likes the music heard, arousal as how arousing the person considers the music to be, and dominance as the person’s control over the music heard. However, conceptualizing dominance broadly as control means that the construct is not well defined. This research aimed to define the elements related to a listener’s desire for control over music encountered in everyday life. Participants residing in Australia and USA (N = 590) completed an online questionnaire. An exploratory factor analysis of the quantitative items identified five components defining control over music listening: “being personally in charge”, “selection by other people”, “contextual control”, “playback variety”, and “no need for control”. A thematic analysis of open-ended responses indicated additional facets of control including mood regulation, emotional investment, and identity. While the quantitative findings reaffirm previous research, the qualitative findings indicate previous conceptualizations of the control dimension have been limited. These results contribute to our understanding of the model’s dominance component with regard to explaining everyday music listening.
Empirical comparison of microsatellite and SNP markers to estimate introgression in Apis mellifera mellifera

The genetic identity of the dark European honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera is currently under pressure throughout most of its native range due to large scale commercial trade and replacement with honey bees of mainly Eastern European ancestry (C-lineage: Apis mellifera carnica and Apis mellifera ligustica). To counteract this process, numerous conservation efforts for the protection of native honey bees are sprouting across Europe. For the management of such protected areas and conservation breeding purposes, honey bee subspecies have been routinely identified through wing morphology and through DNA-hybrid tests using microsatellite markers. Currently, new methods are evolving including rapid innovations in single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array technology and high-throughput sequencing. Here, we aim to quantify potential marker-specific biases of hybrid tests and give recommendations for applications in honey bee conservation management. Using an empirical dataset, we first assessed the accuracy of a recently developed reduced SNP panel to estimate C-lineage introgression in A. m. mellifera compared to whole-genome sequence (WGS) data. Using another independent data set, we estimated the differences in admixture proportions between the currently applied hybrid test based on microsatellites and the novel SNP test. We demonstrate that the SNP-based test which contains highly ancestry-informative markers is very efficient to estimate genome-wide ancestry. Furthermore, we report discrepancies between microsatellite and SNP-based admixture proportions. For conservation management, we, therefore, recommend the implementation of SNP-based hybrid tests to maintain high genetic variation within the breeding population, while minimizing influence of introduced honey bees.
Isolation of the drought- and salt-responsive galactinol synthase (GolS) gene from black poplar leaves and analysis of the transformants overexpressing GolS

hand, vitro studies show that Abstract Galactinol synthase (GolS), an enzyme synthesizing galactinol from myo -inositol and UDP-galactose, catalyzes the first step of the biosynthetic pathway of the raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs). A putative function of accumulated RFOs, galactinol and myo -inositol is compatible solute, but clear in vivo functions are uncertain. Six GolS genes were isolated from black poplar ( Populus nigra ) leaves. We characterized expression patterns of the GolS genes in response to either drought, salinity, cold stress or abscisic acid (ABA) and found the distinct GolS gene of which transcript level remarkably increased in response to drought- and salt-stress ( PnGolS2 ). The amounts of leaf rafﬁnose, galactinol and myo -inositol were signiﬁcantly larger in the poplar transformants overexpressing PnGolS2 (OXGolS) than those in non-transformants (NT). Leaf transpiration rate was signiﬁcantly lower in the OXGolS plants than that in the NT due to the reduced stomatal conductance in the OXGolS. Leaf osmolality was unaffected by the overexpression of PnGolS2 while the leaf water potential showed more negative values in the OXGolS plants than that in the NT plants. These results suggest that overexpressing the drought and salt-responsive GolS gene, PnGolS2 , reduces hydraulic conductance in black poplar.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as an inactivator of caprine lentivirus (CLV) in colostrum and milk

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the caprine lentivirus (CLV) in colostrum and milk. This was performed to develop a practical and efficient method of blocking the lactogenic transmission of the virus. In the in vitro experiment, colostrum and milk were treated with 0.25%; 0.50% and 1% SDS. Then, somatic cells of colostrum and milk were submitted to co-culture with caprine synovial membrane cells (CSM). In the in vivo test, goats were fed with colostrum and milk provided from CLV-positive goats treated with SDS in the same concentrations used in the in vitro experiment. Animals were tested by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) and Western blot (WB) assays. In the in vitro experiment, inhibitory activity against CLV without inactivation occurred in colostrum with all SDS concentrations. However, concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5% SDS presented only inhibitory activity against CLV in milk cells, and 1% concentration provided inactivation of the virus. In the in vivo tests, none of the three concentrations of SDS was effective in inactivating LVC in colostrum or goat milk, which was confirmed by seroconversion and presence of proviral DNA in animals afterwards.
Robust Control of Wireless Power Transfer Despite Load and Data Communications Uncertainties

This article focuses on the robust control of wireless power transfer (WPT) systems, to work satisfactorily around the desired resonant frequency in the presence of load and data communications uncertainties. The proposed robust control system is based on the quantitative feedback theory (QFT), consisting of a feedback compensator and a prefilter, which are designed by shaping the system’s frequency responses, to satisfy the design constraints defined in terms of stability, tracking, and other desired requirements. A feature of QFT is to provide the designer with interactive graphical tools for the design and tuning of the feedback compensator and prefilter. Without loss of generality, this article elaborates the design of the QFT-based robust control for a WPT system with a full-bridge inverter and series–series capacitor-based compensation circuits and uncertain direct-current (dc) load. The data communications uncertainties are also addressed in the design. The effectiveness of the proposed QFT-based robust control methodology is evaluated through simulations and practical experiments and compared with $H_{\infty }$ and Skogestad internal model control (SIMC) design methods. Since QFT is a model-based approach, this article also elaborates on small-signal transfer function modeling of WPT systems.
The life cycle of Oressinoma typhla Doubleday, [1849] (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)

The complete life cycle of Oressinoma typhla Doubleday, [1849] and the morphology of its immature stages are described. Biological and ecological information is provided for each stage, and its host plant is identified as Cyperus involucratus (Cyperaceae) in the mountains of northern Venezuela.
Behavioral Ecology and Associated Virology of Mosquito-Host Interactions in Southern California

Accumulating evidence suggests that mosquito vectors for pathogens such as West Nile virus (WNV) are influenced by host-bird interactions, such as mosquito preferences for specific species and developmental stages of host birds, host bird availability, and host defensive behavior. Here, we examined how the attack rate of five mosquito species in Southern California, USA, are influenced by the position of CO2baited traps in relation to distance from water and height above ground as a surrogate for nest or roost position of host birds. We identified 44,207 female mosquitoes representing five species: Aedes vexans Meigen, Anopheles franciscanus McCracken, Anopheles hermsi Barr & Guptavanij, and the two most abundant species which are also WNV vectors, Culex erythrothorax Dyar and Cx. tarsalis Coquillett. Mosquito-capture numbers decreased most markedly with height above ground, and also decreased with distance from a riparian area but not with distance from an open water source lacking a vegetated border. Ornithophilic mosquito species, such as those that are vectors for WNV in
Can Denture Wearing Increase the Nutritional Status in Pre-Elderly and Elderly Patients?

Objective: To investigate the relationships among tooth loss, denture wearing, nutrition intake, and nutritional status. Material and Methods: This observational cohort study was conducted on 26 patients (≥ 45 years old) at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia. Tooth loss was classified according to the Eichner Index. The Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to measure nutritional intake (kcal). Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) and Handgrip Strength (HGS) assessments were employed to measure the nutritional status at baseline (before denture insertion), 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after denture use . Results: Significant differences in nutritional intake (p<0.05) between the Eichner B and C groups were noted at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after using dentures. Significant increases in nutritional intake were noted after wearing the dentures (p<0.05) when compared with the baseline values. The nutritional status was considered normal in 65.4% of the patients at 12 months and 38.5% at baseline. Furthermore, the nutritional status 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after wearing denture was significantly improved compared with the baseline values (p<0.05). Significant differences in HGS (p<0.05) were observed between the Eichner B and C groups at 6, 9, and 12 months after using the denture. However, no significant differences in HGS were noted before and after wearing the denture (p<0.05) . Conclusion: Denture wearing can improve the nutritional intake and status of pre-elderly and elderly patients.
Linking Authentic Leadership and Employee Creative Behavior: The Mediating Role of Autonomous Motivation and Job Complexity

The main purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between authentic leadership and employee creative behaviour and to reveal two different mediating mechanisms (i.e., job complexity and autonomous motivation) through which authentic leadership influences employee creative behaviour. This study is based on selfdetermination theory. A total of (N = 354) respondents were asked to rate themselves on creative behaviour and their leader on authentic leadership style. The research used the internet-based survey tools in a cross-sectional. The study population was employees (mainly Software Developers) of software houses (software companies) working in Pakistan. Methodological tools of the research were partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) for measuring the relationship between the variables. The results of the study show that authentic leadership positively influences employee creative behaviour directly as well as through two competing mechanisms of job complexity and autonomous motivation. Job complexity and autonomous motivation were tested as mediators between authentic leadership and employee creative behaviour independently and comparatively. Both the mediators successfully mediated the relationship between authentic leadership and employee creative behaviour with variable strength. The mediation path of job complexity was stronger in comparison with the mediation path of autonomous motivation. Further examination revealed that job complexity and autonomous motivation both mediate the relationship between authentic leadership and employee creative behaviour in a sequential manner. The results of the study are useful for both practitioners and researchers equally. For practitioners, the authors laid out the process through which managers can foster the creative behaviour of their employees using an authentic leadership style (i.e., by giving increased opportunities to indulge in complex work). Furthermore, for researchers, this study revealed the mechanisms through which authentic leadership influences and predicts creative behaviour. The findings of the study would benefit the authentic leadership theory for further development as a predictor of positive employee outcomes as this study confirmed a relatively complex mechanism through which it influences the creative behaviour of his followers.
Tensorflow Based Deep Learning Model and Snakemake Workflow for Peptide-Protein Binding Predictions

In this study, we first present a Tensorflow based Deep Learning (DL) model that provides high performances in predicting the binding of peptides to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I protein. Second, we provide the necessary Python codes to run the model and also easily input large train and test peptide binding benchmark dataset. Third, we provide Snakemake based workflow that allows to run all the model and performance analysis over all the different test alleles at once in parallel over computer and clusters. We also provide comparison analysis of the performances of various models. Finally, in order to help attaining to the best possible DL model by a community effort, this work is intended to be a ready to modify base model and workflow for the global Deep Learning community with no domain knowledge in MHC-peptide binding problem and thus provides all the necessary reference code templates and benchmarking data sets for further developments on the presented model architecture. All the reproducible Python codes, Snakemake workflow and benchmark data sets and a tutorial are available online at https://github.com/altayg/Deep-Learning-MHCI.
Shelf life and proximate composition of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits as influenced by storage methods

Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a perishable fruit with a relatively short shelf life. The quality and nutritional value of fresh produce like tomato are affected by postharvest handling and storage conditions. This work aimed at evaluating the effects of storage methods on the shelf life and proximate composition of four varieties of local (Hausa and Yoruba Nigeran land races) and improved (Tropimech and Roma VF) tomato. The mature green fruits of each variety were manually harvested and stored. Three storage structures were employed viz., plastic crate, raffia basket and pot-in-pot refrigerator. Three botanical preservatives (plant byproducts) were used viz., wood ash from shea butter tree ( Vitellaria paradoxa ), sawdust from African mahogany ( Khaya ivorensis ) and rice ( Oryza sativa ) straw. Each preservative was mixed with each variety of tomatoes in 1:2 ratios (1.75 kg of preservative to 3.50 kg of fruits) in each storage device. Shelf life was determined when more than 50% of fruits showed symptoms of shrinkage or spoilage (fruit rot). Proximate analysis was carried out for the amounts of moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude protein, crude lipid and carbohydrate in the stored fruits. Shelf life of all the varieties was enhanced by pot-in-pot refrigerator. Proximate analysis revealed that moisture was highest, followed by carbohydrate in all varieties irrespective of storage structure and preservative. The improved varieties showed higher values of all the proximate parameters when compared to the two local varieties (Hausa and Yoruba). Out of the storage structures, pot-in-pot refrigerator seems to be more suitable to enhance shelf life of tomato fruits without compromising its quality.
Age, growth and mortality of white grunt caught in Pernambuco State, Brazil

The aim of the present study was to measure the primary growth parameters and to estimate the mortality of the white grunt Haemulon plumierii in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Sagittal otoliths were collected monthly from May 2013 to April 2014 from three different commercial fishing landings along the coast of Pernambuco. A total of 333 individuals measuring 10.5 to 32.2 cm total length were caught. The total length distributions were different between locations. The weight-length relationships and the von Bertalanffy equations were statistically different between the three fishing sites. The weight-length relationship indicated negative allometric growth, therefore the von Bertalanffy equation for pooled sexes was TLt = 31.1[1-e-0.1 (t +4.57)]. The maximum observed age was 21 years and the mortality rate was 0.21 year-1. The conducted analysis indicates a species with long life cycle and slow growth. Small reef fish with slow movement, such as the white grunt, are susceptible to fishing efforts, environmental factors and degradation, which affect growth and mortality. Therefore, we suggest an assessment of the status of the stock.
Association between Apolipoprotein E genotype and the gut microbiome composition in humans and mice

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype is the strongest prevalent genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Numerous studies have provided insights into the pathological mechanisms. However, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of APOE genotype on microflora speciation and metabolism is completely lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between APOE genotype and the gut microbiome composition in human and APOE-targeted replacement (TR, APOE3 and APOE4) transgenic mice. Faecal microbiota amplicon sequencing from matched individuals with different APOE genotypes revealed no significant differences in overall microbiota diversity (alpha or beta diversity) in group-aggregated human APOE genotypes. However, several bacterial taxa showed significantly different relative abundance between APOE genotypes. Notably, we detected an association of Prevotellaceae and Ruminococcaceae and several butyrate-producing genera abundances with APOE genotypes. These findings were confirmed by comparing the gut microbiota of APOE-TR mice. Furthermore, metabolomic analysis of faecal water from murine samples detected significant differences in microbe-associated amino acids and short-chain fatty acids between APOE genotypes. Together, the findings indicate that APOE genotype associated with specific gut microbiome profiles in both humans and in APOE-TR mice. This suggests that the gut microbiome is worth further investigation as a potential therapeutic target to mitigate the deleterious impact of the APOE4 allele on cognitive decline and the prevention and treatment of AD.
Antibodies to Oxidized LDL in Relation to Carotid Atherosclerosis, Cell Adhesion Molecules, and Phospholipase A2

Abstract—The role of the humoral immune response to oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) in atherogenesis is unclear and available studies are contradictory. The aims of the present study were (1) to compare antibody titers to modified LDL in a group of patients with hypercholesterolemia (n=102) with those in matched controls (n=102), (2) to analyze whether these titers were related to atherosclerosis development as measured by ultrasound, and (3) to analyze whether these titers were related to soluble cell adhesion molecules and secretory type II phospholipase A2 in plasma. The results showed that male patients with hypercholesterolemia had lower immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers compared with those in healthy controls. In the control group, there was an inverse correlation between intima-media thickness of the carotid artery bulb and IgM titers against Ox-LDL and malondialdehyde-LDL (r=−0.35, P=0.001; and r=−0.31, P=0.003, respectively). In the patient group, however, only weak associations were seen.
Birds of different feather flock together - genetic structure of Taiga Bean Goose in Central Scandinavia

Summary During their flightless summer moult, Taiga Bean Geese Anser fabalis fabalis gather at communal moulting sites. Individuals from the Nord-Trøndelag breeding area in Norway have been observed to join with local individuals on moulting sites in Vilhelmina Municipality, Sweden. These two groups show distinct features in breeding habitat and migratory behaviour, but are they also genetically distinct? We used 12 microsatellite loci for genotyping 109 blood, feather and faecal samples from three sampling areas (Røyrvik in Norway and Stalon and Nästansjö in Sweden) to examine genetic diversity and structure. Clustering and Principal Coordinate analyses of all samples unveiled at least two distinct clusters, which were unevenly distributed over the sampling sites. Grouped by sampling sites, AMOVA and FST analyses showed that samples from the three sites differed genetically. These differences were larger between Røyrvik and Nästansjö than between Stalon and the other two. Relatedness was high among the Røyrvik samples. From our results we conclude that one of the clusters describes the Røyrvik breeding subpopulation, while the other(s) breed mainly in Sweden. Although these subpopulations simultaneously use the same moulting area in Vilhelmina, they appear to be ecologically, behaviourally and genetically distinct, in particular the Røyrvik sub-population. For goose conservation and management, we suggest that the Nord-Trøndelag (Røyrvik) subpopulation is considered a separate flyway management unit. Unravelling the Swedish sub-populations will need further study. For bird conservation is general, we suggest active genetic sampling for detailed population structure analyses and subsequent differentiated conservation and/or management schemes.