Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
90-Day Inhalation Toxicity Study of Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) Bio-Based Jet Fuel in Rats (Rattus norvegicus) with Neurotoxicity Testing and Genotoxicity Assay

Abstract : The Department of Defense is actively pursuing the development of alternative fuels to augment or replace petroleum-based jet fuels. All new fuels are potentially hazardous to Air Force personnel and require toxicity evaluation. Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids jet fuel (HEFA) is a type of hydrotreated renewable jet fuel currently under consideration. One specific type of HEFA is generated from oils extracted from the camelina plant (Camelina sativa; HEFA-C). In order to evaluate potential toxicity of HEFA-C, an in vivo 90-day whole body inhalation study was performed with the fuel (concentrations of 0, 200, 700 and 2000 mg/cu m for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week) using male and female Fischer 344 rats. There was no change in food consumption attributed to fuel exposure and the average body weight was found to slightly decrease (not statistically significant) in animals exposed to the high concentration. Micronucleus test was negative for evidence of genotoxicity. No significant effects were observed for clinical chemistry or hematology analyses and no significant neurobehavioral effects were observed based on functional observational battery and motor activity tests. Minimal effects attributable to HEFA-C exposure were observed with histopathology. These effects included goblet cell hyperplasia of nasal epithelium and olfactory epithelium degeneration at the highest concentration of exposure. These two nasal cavity locations were concluded to be the primary target tissues for HEFA-C in this 90-day study; HEFA-C toxicity overall was less than the current jet fuel, JP-8.
EPR and ENDOR studies of point defects in lithium tetraborate crystals

Abstract : Lithium tetraborate (Li2B4O7 or LTB) is a promising material for both radiation dosimetry and neutron detection applications. LTB crystals can be grown pure or doped with different impurities including transition-metal and rare-earth ions. Research in this dissertation focuses on undoped LTB crystals and LTB crystals doped with copper and silver. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) are used to characterize point defects in the lithium tetraborate crystals. Thermoluminescence (TL), photoluminescence (PL), photoluminescence excitation (PLE), and optical absorption (OA) are also used. An intrinsic hole trap associated with lithium vacancies is characterized with EPR and ENDOR and its thermal stability is determined using thermoluminescence. A perturbed hole trap due to Ag2+ ions is characterized in doped crystals using EPR data alone. This method is tested on a previously studied hole center where both EPR and ENDOR were used. New x-ray induced centers are identified in copper-doped crystals. These include two Cu2+ hole centers and two Cu0 electron centers. These centers are characterized with EPR and their thermal stability explains TL peaks in glow curves. Finally, a comprehensive study utilizing EPR, OA, PL, and PLE data provide convincing explanations for the absorption and emission features of silver-doped crystals.
THE EXPRESSION OF MICRORNA-744 (MIR-744) IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the level of miR-744 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumour tissue and to provide initial clue on its potential as biomarkers for early detection of NPC in a preliminary analysis. Total miRNAs was extracted from NPC tissue as well as normal nasopharynx tissue taken from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA), Kuantan and converted into cDNA. The level of miR-744 expression in the cDNA was quantified using quantitative reverse transcription polymserase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technique. The expression level of SNORD48 was measured simultaneously for each sample, which served as endogenous control. The difference in the expression of miR-744 in NPC and normal nasopharynx tissue were analysed using relative quantification, 2-ΔΔCT. In this preliminary analysis, this study found that miR-744 was upregulated in NPC as compared to normal nasopharynx tissue by 2.5 fold changes, respectively suggesting it may involve in progression of tumour. However, the finding is not significant and may not accurately reflect the overall population, due to small sample size involved in the study. Findings from the current study suggest the potential of miR-744 to serve as useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in NPC.
Attacked from above and below, new observations of cooperative and solitary predators on roosting cave bats

Predation of bats in their roosts has previously only been attributed to a limited number of species such as various raptors, owls, and snakes. However, in situations where due to over-crowding and limited roost space, some individuals may be forced to roost in suboptimal conditions, such as around the entrances of caves and may thus be vulnerable to predation by species which would normally be unlikely to predate bats whilst roosting inside caves. Here, we describe the first documented cooperative hunting of the Large-billed Crow, Corvus macrorhynchos Wagler, 1827 (Passeriformes: Corvidae) and opportunistic predation by the Yellow-headed water monitor, Varanus cumingi Martin, 1839 (Squamata: Varanidae) in the world’s largest colony of Geoffroy’s Rousette, Rousettus amplexicaudatus (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1810) (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in the Island of Samal, Mindanao, Philippines.
Selection of Tempoyak Lactic Acid Bacteria As Candidate Strain for Yoghurt Starter Culture

Selection of bacteria in yoghurt fermentation is important to produce yoghurt with good quality. Tempoyak lactic acid bacteria is potential to be yoghurt starter culture becouse tempoyak fermentation has similarities in producing lactic acid such as yoghurt. This study aimed to isolate and identify the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from tempoyak which will be used as a yoghurt starter culture. The methods used in this study included isolation and selection of acid-producing bacteria, lactase and protease activity test, identification of morphology and biochemistry as well as testing the quality of the yoghurt. The results of the study obtained 32 isolates of the LAB with the same characteristic colony, include the round shape, cream-coloured with convex elevation and, smooth surface and entire edge. Selection of acid-producing bacteria obtained 12 isolates with the ability to produce clear zones on MRSA + CaCO3 media ≥ 0.7 cm. Selection of lactase-producing LAB obtained six strains and the protease test obtained two superior strains. Two superior strains namely Tp 12 and Tp 28 have characteristics of coccus, gram-positive, negative catalase, non-endospore and non-motile forms. The organoleptic and several quality tests showed yoghurt using Tp 12 as starter has higher acceptability, the highest levels of lactic acid and lactose levels with values respectively 4.25, 0.84% and 24.53%. This study obtained the LAB strain which can be used as yoghurt starter culture. Tp 12 strain can be used to improve the quality of yoghurt and become a commercial starter that can be applied to various fermented products.
Intermolecular and interfacial forces: Elucidating molecular mechanisms using chemical force microscopy

Investigation into the origin of forces dates to the early Greeks. Yet, only in recent decades have techniques for elucidating the molecular origin of forces been developed. Specifically, Chemical Force Microscopy uses the high precision and nanometer scale probe of Atomic Force Microscopy to measure molecular and interfacial interactions. This thesis presents the development of many novel Chemical Force Microscopy techniques for measuring equilibrium and time-dependant force profiles of molecular interactions, which led to a greater understanding of the origin of interfacial forces in solution. In chapter 2, Magnetic Feedback Chemical Force Microscopy stiffens the cantilever for measuring force profiles between self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surfaces. Hydroxyl and carboxyl terminated SAMs produce long-range interactions that extend one or three nanometers into the solvent, respectively. In chapter 3, an ultra low noise AFM is produced through multiple modifications to the optical deflection detection system and signal processing electronics. In chapter 4, Brownian Force Profile Reconstruction is developed for accurate measurement of steep attractive interactions. Molecular ordering is observed for OMCTS, 1-nonanol, and water near flat surfaces. The molecular ordering of the solvent produces structural or solvation forces, providing insight into the orientation and possible solidification of the confined solvent. Seven
PENGARUH KEDISIPLINAN, PERHATIAN ORANG TUA DAN MINAT TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA

Abstrak : Tujuan penelitian ini Untuk mengetahui bagaimana Kedisiplinan, Perhatian Orang tua, Minat Belajar dan Hasil Belajar Matematika Siswa Kelas VII SMPN di Kecamatan Mattiro Sompe.Metode Penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian Ex-Post Facto dengan menggunakan Pendekatan Kausalitas yang berusaha menjelaskan pengaruh kedisiplinan, perhatian orang tua, dan minat belajar terhadap hasil belajar Matematika. Hasil Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa nilai rata-rata untuk variabel kedisiplinan adalah 57 dengan nilai tertinggi sebesar 63, nilai terendah adalah 48 dengan rentang 15. Standar deviasinya sebesar 4,565 dengan variansi sebesar 20,838. Kesimpulan Dengan menggunakan teknik proportional random sampling diperoleh 65 siswa yang dijadikan responden dalam penelitian ini.teknik pengumpulan adata penelitian yaitu menggunakan teknik angket dengan memberikan lembar angket kedisplinan, lembar angket perhatian orang tua dan lembar angket minat belajar serta menggunakan teknik tes dengan memberikan tes hasil belajar matematika berupa soal pilihan ganda sebanyak 40 nomor. Berdasarkan hasil analisis deskriptif menunjukkan bahwa nilai rata-rata variabel kedisiplinan, perhatian orang tua, minat belajar dan hasil belajar matematika siswa berada dalam kategori sedang dengan nilai rata-rata masing-masing sebesar 56,60 untuk variabel kedisiplinan, 48,40 untuk variabel perhatian orang tua, 118,94 untuk variabel minat belajar dan 76,55 untuk variabel hasil belajar matematika. Kata Kunci : SMPN, Orang Tua, Belajar, Matematika.
Strategies for Improving Acquisition and Integration of ICT Skills for E-learning by Agricultural Education Lecturers and Students in Colleges of Education in North East Nigeria

This study found out strategies for improving the acquisition and integration of ICT skills by Agricultural Education lecturers and students for e-learning in Colleges of Education in the North Eastern Nigeria. Related literature was reviewed to provide an in depth knowledge on the major variables of the study. A survey research design was adopted for the study. A population of 2443 Agricultural Education Students and 85 Agricultural Education Lecturers in Colleges of Education in the North Eastern Nigeria. Due to manageable size of Agricultural Education Lecturers the entire population was used for the study, while stratified random sampling technique was used to draw the sample from the population of Agricultural Education Students. Total sample was 324, structured questionnaire containing 16 items was used for data collection, 409 copies of questionnaires were returned. Grand mean was used to answer the research question and 3.50 was the cut off point for acceptance. Z-test was used to test null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The null hypothesis was accepted. The findings of study revealed the strategies that were found to improve the acquisition of ICT skills for teaching and learning of Agricultural Education in Colleges of Education, the strategies include: Establishment of ICT centres in Colleges can enhance acquisition of ICT skillsand Participation in certified computer programmes, conferences and workshops . This research recommended among others, tha t the College of Education Authorities should assist teachers and students to have access to technologies and opportunities to acquire the needed skills through sponsorship of their attendance to workshops and conferences.
Relative contribution of rainfall and coconut hybrids to the abundance and composition of the Auchenorrhyncha community as potential vectors of phytoplasmas in the state of Sergipe, Brazil

The quarantine disease Lethal Yellowing (LY) is currently the main threat to coconut cultivation in Brazil. LY is caused by phytoplasmas and is transmitted by Haplaxius crudus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae), although other planthoppers/leafhoppers could be involved. We assessed the Auchenorrhyncha community composition on various coconut hybrids, including association with parental and nonparental dwarf coconut accessions. The Auchenorrhyncha were trapped in 2016 between the dry and rainy seasons (March and April), in the rainy season (July and August) and in the dry season (November and December). Oecleus sergipensis (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) accounted for 73% of the individuals, with a predominance at the dry‐to‐rainy season transition. Curtara samera (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) was the best‐represented species on the hybrids Brazilian Green Dwarf × Brazilian Tall – Praia do Forte, Brazilian Green Dwarf × Vanuatuan Tall and Malayan Yellow Dwarf × West African Tall. Oecleus sergipensis was the best‐represented species on the hybrids Malayan Red Dwarf × Tagnanan Tall, Malayan Red Dwarf × Vanuatuan Tall and Malayan Yellow Dwarf × Brazilian Tall – Praia do Forte. Individuals of a species of Cenchreini and Omolicna nigripennis (Hemiptera: Derbidae) increase in the rainy season; Balclutha sp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and Cedusa sp. (Hemiptera: Derbidae) are prevalent in the transition period between the dry and rainy seasons. Knowledge about potential Auchenorrhyncha phytoplasma vectors on coconut hybrids could contribute to the development of strategies for use in breeding programmes for coconut LY prevention.
Inmunidad a la malaria letal en modelos murinos : adquisición espontánea o mediada por tratamiento quimioterapéutico.

La malaria es uno de los problemas sanitarios mas importantes en el mundo. La incompleta respuesta inmune a la malaria, junto con la falta de una vacuna eficaz y el aumento de la resistencia de los parasitos a los farmacos en uso dificultan el control de la malaria. La inmunidad que se adquiere de forma natural frente a la infeccion por Plasmodium falciparum en humanos es de corta duracion y solo la adquieren individuos adultos tras anos de repetidas infecciones, con la excepcion de mujeres embarazadas. Con el objetivo de examinar la respuesta inmune a la malaria adquirida tras tratamiento en modelos de raton utilizamos borrelidina que inhibe treonil-ARNt sintetasas. En el modelo de malaria letal por Plasmodium yoelii yoelii en ratones BALB/c, el antibiotico borrelidina protege al 100% de los ratones y produce la sincronizacion del parasito en el estadio de trofozoito. La borrelidina actua sobre P. falciparum, induciendo in vitro un efecto parcialmente parasitostatico en el estadio de anillo y parasiticida en los estadios maduros. Por otro lado, para examinar la respuesta inmune a la malaria adquirida naturalmente, utilizamos un nuevo modelo animal. Los ratones no consanguineos ICR que, infectados con P. yoelii letal, muestran tres evoluciones clinicas. El peor pronostico se relaciona con un aumento de celulas de la inmunidad innata, celulas CD4+CD25+ y celulas B inmaduras en circulacion y se acompana, en el momento mas critico de la infeccion, de una sobreproduccion citoquinas. Los ratones supervivientes se caracterizan por el incremento de celulas activadas T y B. En los individuos supervivientes, una sola infeccion es capaz de generar celulas B de memoria que se mantienen durante mas de un ano en bazo. Por ultimo, los ratones BALB/c e ICR que sobreviven, por tratamiento quimioterapeutico o espontaneamente respectivamente, a la infeccion tras mostrar una parasitemia, desarrollan una respuesta humoral protectora a largo plazo contra sucesivas reinfecciones homologas. La perdida de contacto parasito-hospedador que se produce entre reinfecciones disminuye la avidez de los anticuerpos por su antigeno, asi como la variedad de proteinas antigenicas de Plasmodium reconocidas por los anticuerpos.
A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Risk Of Metabolic Syndrome In Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

The menopausal state is itself noted to be an independent risk factor for the occurrence of metabolic syndrome. This study was conducted to find the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. It was an Observational study. Total 100 females were enrolled, 50 premenopausal(Group I) and 50 menopausal (Group II) were included in the study. There was a statistic significant increase in serum glucose, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol levels, insulin, insulin resistance in post-menopausal women. HDL-cholesterol level and estradiol concentration was significantly lower in postmenopausal women. Menopause leads to changes in blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid profile by reducing HDL, and elevating total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol, thus increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease. These changes are caused by reduced estrogen concentrations which are seen in menopause.
Single-Cell Virus Sequencing of Influenza Infections That Trigger Innate Immunity

Because influenza virus has a high mutation rate, many cells are infected by mutated virions. But so far, it has been impossible to fully characterize the sequence of the virion infecting any given cell, since conventional techniques such as flow cytometry and single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) only detect if a protein or transcript is present, not its sequence. Here we develop a new approach that uses long-read PacBio sequencing to determine the sequences of virions infecting single cells. We show that viral genetic variation explains some but not all of the cell-to-cell variability in viral gene expression and innate immune induction. Overall, our study provides the first complete picture of how viral mutations affect the course of infection in single cells. ABSTRACT Influenza virus-infected cells vary widely in their expression of viral genes and only occasionally activate innate immunity. Here, we develop a new method to assess how the genetic variation in viral populations contributes to this heterogeneity. We do this by determining the transcriptome and full-length sequences of all viral genes in single cells infected with a nominally “pure” stock of influenza virus. Most cells are infected by virions with defects, some of which increase the frequency of innate-immune activation. These immunostimulatory defects are diverse and include mutations that perturb the function of the viral polymerase protein PB1, large internal deletions in viral genes, and failure to express the virus’s interferon antagonist NS1. However, immune activation remains stochastic in cells infected by virions with these defects and occasionally is triggered even by virions that express unmutated copies of all genes. Our work shows that the diverse spectrum of defects in influenza virus populations contributes to—but does not completely explain—the heterogeneity in viral gene expression and immune activation in single infected cells. IMPORTANCE Because influenza virus has a high mutation rate, many cells are infected by mutated virions. But so far, it has been impossible to fully characterize the sequence of the virion infecting any given cell, since conventional techniques such as flow cytometry and single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) only detect if a protein or transcript is present, not its sequence. Here we develop a new approach that uses long-read PacBio sequencing to determine the sequences of virions infecting single cells. We show that viral genetic variation explains some but not all of the cell-to-cell variability in viral gene expression and innate immune induction. Overall, our study provides the first complete picture of how viral mutations affect the course of infection in single cells.
Motor neuroprosthesis implanted with neurointerventional surgery improves capacity for activities of daily living tasks in severe paralysis: first in-human experience

Background Implantable brain–computer interfaces (BCIs), functioning as motor neuroprostheses, have the potential to restore voluntary motor impulses to control digital devices and improve functional independence in patients with severe paralysis due to brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve or muscle dysfunction. However, reports to date have had limited clinical translation. Methods Two participants with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) underwent implant in a single-arm, open-label, prospective, early feasibility study. Using a minimally invasive neurointervention procedure, a novel endovascular Stentrode BCI was implanted in the superior sagittal sinus adjacent to primary motor cortex. The participants undertook machine-learning-assisted training to use wirelessly transmitted electrocorticography signal associated with attempted movements to control multiple mouse-click actions, including zoom and left-click. Used in combination with an eye-tracker for cursor navigation, participants achieved Windows 10 operating system control to conduct instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) tasks. Results Unsupervised home use commenced from day 86 onwards for participant 1, and day 71 for participant 2. Participant 1 achieved a typing task average click selection accuracy of 92.63% (100.00%, 87.50%–100.00%) (trial mean (median, Q1–Q3)) at a rate of 13.81 (13.44, 10.96–16.09) correct characters per minute (CCPM) with predictive text disabled. Participant 2 achieved an average click selection accuracy of 93.18% (100.00%, 88.19%–100.00%) at 20.10 (17.73, 12.27–26.50) CCPM. Completion of IADL tasks including text messaging, online shopping and managing finances independently was demonstrated in both participants. Conclusion We describe the first-in-human experience of a minimally invasive, fully implanted, wireless, ambulatory motor neuroprosthesis using an endovascular stent-electrode array to transmit electrocorticography signals from the motor cortex for multiple command control of digital devices in two participants with flaccid upper limb paralysis.