Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-Assembling Peptide—Polymer Nano-Objects via Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly

Self-assembling peptides (SAPs) have been extensively studied for their ability to form nanoscale ordered structures driven by noncovalent molecular interactions. Meanwhile, polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) has been exploited as a facile and efficient way to produce various amphiphilic block copolymer nano-objects, whose self-assembly was governed predominantly by the interactions of the different blocks with the polymerization medium. In this work, we combined PISA with SAPs to prepare novel peptide–polymer hybrid nano-objects, thus harnessing the advantages of PISA and the self-assembling driving force of SAPs. A tripeptide methacrylamide derivative (MAm-Gly-Phe-Phe-NH2, denoted as MAm-GFF, where MAm means methacrylamide) was copolymerized with glycerol monomethacrylate (GMA) to produce a P(GMA65-stat-(MAm-GFF)7) macro-chain transfer agent (macro-CTA) by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization in dimethylformamide. This peptide-based macro-CTA was then successfully chain-extended with poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PHPMA) by aqueous dispersion PISA, forming P(GMA65-stat-(MAm-GFF)7)-b-PHPMA28 self-assembled objects. Fibrous structures were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Cryo-TEM, in agreement with depolarized dynamic light scattering, static light scattering, and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments that also revealed long anisotropic morphologies. Such structures have not been reported previously for PISA-prepared nano-objects. This confirms the decisive influence of the GFF SAP on the self-assembly. In addition, annealing the PISA suspension at different temperatures led to a significant size decrease in the self-assembled objects and to a morphological transition caused by the thermosensitivity of both the core-forming PHPMA block and the stabilizing P(GMA-stat-(MAm-GFF)) block.
Job characteristics and influence on work-family conflict among nurses working in teaching hospitals in Anambra State, Nigeria

Nurses are faced with a lot of responsibilities, at work and home. This gives rise to work-family conflict. There are several factors which could affect work-family conflict. This study identifies specific job characteristics and their influence on work-family conflict among nurses working in the teaching hospitals in Anambra State. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study, as a proportionate sampling technique was used to select 257 nurses from the two teaching hospitals in Anambra State. The instrument for data collection was work-family conflict instrument, and Work-design questionnaire which was adopted, modified and revalidated. The data generated was statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23. Results stated that high level of work-family conflict was reported by nurses. Average number of patients served per day and workload influenced work-family conflict positively with a p-value of 0.044 and 0.00, respectively. Workload and average number of patient served per shift are the job characteristics that influence work-family conflict. Therefore, workload of nurses should be analyzed critically and the review of nurses workload for further adjustments so as to increase their productivity both at work and home. Key words: Job characteristics, work-family conflict, workload, job autonomy, Nigeria, Anambra State.
Reproductive skew affects social information use

Individuals vary in their propensity to use social learning, the engine of cultural evolution, to acquire information about their environment. The causes of those differences, however, remain largely unclear. Individuals that experience high reproductive skew are expected to favour high-risk strategies, whereas those that experience low reproductive skew are expected to favour risk-averse strategies. Using an agent-based model, we tested the hypothesis that differences in energetic requirements for reproduction affect the value of social information. We found that social learning is associated with lower variance in yield and is more likely to evolve in risk-averse low-skew populations than in high-skew populations. Reproductive skew may also result in sex differences in social information use, as females tend to be more risk averse than males. To explore how risk may affect sex differences in learning strategies, we simulated learning in sexually reproducing populations. Where both sexes share the same environment they adopt more extreme learning strategies, approaching pure individual or social learning. These results provide insight into the conditions that promote individual and species level variation in social learning and so may affect cultural evolution.
Domestic violence mandatory arrest policies and arrests for same-sex and opposite-sex intimate partner violence after legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States

ABSTRACT Historically, legal protection for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in same-sex relationships has been lacking. This changed with the 2015 United States Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which invalidated restrictions on same-sex marriage and made legal protections more widely available to survivors of same-sex IPV. In this paper, we analyze the arrest decision in cases of same-sex and opposite-sex IPV using data from the 2016 National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) – the first year of data post-Obergefell. We also compare our results to previous research and both replicate and extend earlier analyses to see if there are changes in arrest post-Obergefell. Since 1977, states have adopted one of the three types of domestic violence arrest laws: mandatory arrest, pro-arrest, and discretionary arrest. While mandatory arrest laws increase the likelihood of arrest for all and female same-sex couples, they do not have an impact on arrests for male same-sex couples. Pro-arrest laws do not increase the likelihood of arrest for same-sex couples. Finally, the decreased likelihood of arrest when the victim is ‘nonwhite’ is attributable to the impact of the victim being Black. These results are discussed in the context of previous research on IPV.
Corporate social responsibility, innovation capability and firm performance: evidence from SME

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its effect on small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) innovation capability and financial performance from the perspective of a developing country. It also aims to explore the role of innovation capability as a mediating factor in the linkage between CSR and SMEs’ financial performance. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was distributed among managers/owners of the sampled companies. Using a data set of 402 Eritrean firms and partial least squares structural equation modeling, direct and mediating effects were tested. Findings The result reveals that CSR has a positive and significant effect on the financial performance and innovation capability of SEMs. Besides, innovation capability has a positive and significant effect on the business performance of SMEs. The result also supports a partial mediation effect of innovation capability on the association between CSR and firm performance. Practical implications The findings from this research could enhance the awareness of the entrepreneurs, researchers and policymakers on CSR-SMEs’ relationship and help understand the importance of CSR as a crucial driver mechanism for companies to become more innovative and competitive. Originality/value By empirically examining the relationship between CSR, innovation capability and performance in SMEs, this study contributes to the ongoing scholarly discussion on the linkage between CSR and financial performance. Also, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other study investigated the mediating role of innovation capability on the link between CSR activities and firms’ financial performance in SMEs from a developing country perspective, making substantial contributions to research in terms of theory, practice and policy.
Diversity and community structure of gastrointestinal helminths of Rhabdomys spp. and other small mammals in South Africa

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Descriptive information forms the basis for broader ecological questions and therefore plays a vital role in studies that explore patterns in parasite diversity, distribution and species assemblages. Parasite-locality information can further aid in the development of species distribution maps that can be of value in the identification of disease risk and aid proactive disease management. As yet, current knowledge of helminth-host and helminth-locality associations in small mammals in South and southern Africa are scant. As a result, it is uncertain how host and environmental factors shape helminth infections and community structure across a climatically diverse landscape. To address this paucity of information the study aims to: (1) record descriptive information on helminth-host associations and the spatial and temporal distribution of helminth parasites associated with small mammals, (2) using two closely related murid hosts, Rhabdomys pumilio (Sparrman) and Rhabdomys dilectus (de Winton), as models, to investigate if between-host species differences in helminth infections are mainly caused by level of sociality (social R. pumilio and solitary R. dilectus) or environmental conditions (more xeric R. pumilio and more mesic R. dilectus), (3) investigate the effect of social and spatial behaviour, of R. pumilio and R. dilectus, on parasite community organization with reference to species co-occurrence and nestedness and (4) explore factors responsible for patterns in similarity in helminth species composition in R. pumilio and R. dilectus. In total 168433 specimens, comprising 56 helminth taxa were recovered from at least 16 rodent, and sengi and shrew species (n = 1079). The helminth species represented 26 genera of which 16 were nematodes, nine cestodes and one acanthocephalan. Overall, the most abundant helminth species was the nematode Heligmonina spira (133.8 ± 13.5), which was also the most prevalent (26.1%). Rhabdomys dilectus harboured 19 nematode and 7 cestode species while R. pumilio harboured 10 nematode and 5 cestode species. Seven helminth species (4 nematodes and 3 cestodes), were shared between the two rodent species, however, they also harboured their own specific helminths. In general, monoxenous (direct life cycle) nematodes were present in higher abundance compared to heteroxenous (indirect life cycle) nematodes and cestodes. Several novel helminth-host and helminth-locality records, in addition to several potentially new helminth species were noted. Life cycle-specific geographic distributions were recorded for monoxenous and heteroxenous nematodes. Helminth infections varied spatially and seasonally with significantly higher helminth abundance and prevalence in the months following the wet season. Cestode infection as well as nematode abundance, species richness or prevalence did not differ between R. dilectus and R. pumilio in between-host species comparisons. However, incidence of nematode infection was significantly higher in R. dilectus than in R. pumilio. Within-host species…
Relationships between resistance characteristics of honey bees (Apis mellifera) against Varroa mites (Varroa destructor)

Ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, today is one of the main reasons for colony losses worldwide. This study deals with relationships between measurements of resistance characteristics and measurements of bee infestation. During the trial, 105 Apis mellifera carnica colonies were tested according to AGT (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Toleranzzucht) breeding program. Data of hygienic behavior and mite population growth development were obtained. Further, they were evaluated for the traits SMR (Suppressed Mite Reproduction), recapping behavior (REC) and brood infestation. Significant influences of hygienic behavior, SMR and REC on the mite infestation were considered. SMR and REC show relatively high coefficients of regression on mite infestation values. The results show, that SMR and REC might be suitable selection traits to decrease the mite population growth within the colonies.
Perfil de ácidos grasos en leche de vacas chinampas (Bos taurus) alimentadas con forraje fresco o heno

"The objective of the present study was to determine the concentration of fatty acids (FA) in the milk of Chinampo cows (Bos taurus), with emphasis on conjugated fatty acids (CLA). A sample of 10 ml was collected from 32 cows that had been lactating at least 60 days, but not longer than 120 days. A group (FV, n = 25) was free-ranged grazed on green fresh pasture (sarcocaulescent shrub semiarid area, La Paz, B.C.S.) during the wet season (September- October 2009). The second group (HA, n = 7) was penned and fed fodder of alfalfa hey. The FA analysis revealed that there were less saturated FA in the FV group (P < 0.05). This difference was basically explained by the lesser content of 14:0, 15:0, and 16:0. The concentration of total monounsaturated FA was higher in FV (P < 0.05), given by the higher concentration of 18:1 n-9 and 18:1 n-7 trans-11. The total concentration of polyunsaturated FA was similar for both groups, but there was a higher concentration of 18:2 n-6 and 18:2 n-7 cis-9 trans-11 in the FV group (P < 0.01). The proportion of omega-3 FA was similar for both groups, but the concentration of omega-6 FA was higher in FV (P < 0.01), resulting in an increased omega-6:omega-3 ratios in the FV group compared to HA. It is concluded that Chinampo cows left to free-range on fresh green pasture reduced the total saturated FA of medium chain length, and increased the concentration of 18:1 n-9, 18:1 n-7 trans-11 and 18:2 n-7 cis-9 trans-11, a benefit for human health. However, an increase in omega-3 FA is desirable in the milk of free-ranging cows in the area. "
Cardiovascular responses to antigravity muscle loading during head-down tilt at rest and after dynamic exercises

The physiological processes underlying hemodynamic homeostasis can be modulated by muscle activity and gravitational loading. The effects of antigravity muscle activity on cardiovascular regulation has been observed during orthostatic stress. Here, we evaluated such effects during head-down tilt (HDT). In this posture, the gravitational gradient along the body is different than in upright position, leading to increased central blood volume and reduced venous pooling. We compared the cardiovascular signals obtained with and without antigravity muscle loading during HDT in healthy human subjects, both at rest and during recovery from leg-press exercises. Further, we compared such cardiovascular responses to those obtained during upright position. We found that loading the antigravity muscles during HDT at rest led to significantly higher values of arterial blood pressure than without muscle loading, and restored systolic values to those observed during upright posture. Maintaining muscle loading post-exercise altered the short-term cardiovascular responses, but not the values of the signals five minutes after the exercise. These results demonstrate that antigravity muscle activity modulates cardiovascular regulation during HDT. This modulation should therefore be considered when interpreting cardiovascular responses to conditions that affect both gravity loading and muscle activity, for example bed rest or microgravity.
Bacterial fingerprinting of faecal samples of pigs supplemented with plant sourced feed additives

The present study was aimed to see the faecal bacterial fingerprints of pigs applying terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. Sixteen crossbred (Large White Yorkshire X desi) grower pigs (body weight of 15.8±1.1 kg), were divided into four groups (control, antibiotic, herbal residue and prebiotic) with four in each treatment. T-RFLP analysis revealed comparable bacterial abundance in control - antibiotic and herbal residue - prebiotic groups. Abundance of Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (an antibiotic resistant pathogen) was higher in antibiotic supplemented pigs. Number of significantly responded operational taxonomic units (OTU) was higher in herbal residue and prebiotic supplemented pigs than control or antibiotic pigs. Bacterial abundance was significantly higher in pigs supplemented with prebiotic, followed by herbal residue, antibiotic, and control. The abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Sarcina maxima, Bacteroidetes sp. , Cetobacterium somerae, Selenomonas sputigera, Fecalibacterium prausnitzi were significantly higher in prebiotic groups. The present findings established that herbal residue and prebiotic are alternative to feed antibiotic in pigs.
Effects of flavonoids from Allium mongolicum Regel as a dietary additive on meat quality and composition of fatty acids related to flavor in lambs

Abstract: Sixty male Small-tailed Han sheep (initial body weight: 42.5 ± 4.1 kg) were assigned randomly and averagely into four groups to evaluate effects of flavonoids extracted from Allium mongolicum Regel (AMR) on meat quality and composition of fatty acids related to flavor in longissimus dorsi muscle of lambs. Lambs of four groups were fed a basal control diet (C), and basal diet + three different amounts of flavonoids extracted from the AMR; those were 11 mg kg−1 (Flav 11), 22 mg kg−1 (Flav 22), or 33 mg kg−1 (Flav 33), respectively. Dressing percentage, loin eye area, cooking loss, and pressing loss were affected by treatments (P < 0.05). Percentage of intramuscular fat, the concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid, C18:0, total saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acid, and 4-methyloctanoic acid in longissimus dorsi muscle were changed by treatments (P < 0.05). Addition of AMR to diet improved the meat quality and had favorable effects on fatty acid composition related to meat flavor in longissimus dorsi muscle.
Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio as an alternative to C-reactive protein in diagnostics of inflammatory state in patients with psoriasis

© Our Dermatol Online 1.2019 7 How to cite this article: Gruchała A, Cisłak A, Golański J. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio as an alternative to C-reactive protein in diagnostics of infl ammatory state in patients with psoriasis. Our Dermatol Online. 2019;10(1):7-11. Submission: 20.06. 2018; Acceptance: 24.08. 2018 DOI: 10.7241/ourd.20191. 2 Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio as an alternative to C-reactive protein in diagnostics of infl ammatory state in patients with psoriasis
Seasonal activity of Coleoptera attracted by fermental crown traps in forest ecosystems of Central Russia

The seasonal activity of Coleoptera was studied using fermental crown traps. The study was conducted from April to October 2019 in five forest biotopes (aspen, lime, pine, birch and oak) in the territory of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve (Russia, Republic of Mordovia). Eighty-three species are found from 31 families. Cerambycidae (13 species), Nitidulidae (11 species) and Curculionidae (9 species) had the greatest species diversity. A significant part of the identified taxa (57 species from 23 families) can be attributed to saproxylic beetles. The peak abundance of Coleoptera in four biotopes (aspen, lime, pine and birch forests) was in mid-May; in an oak forest, it was at the beginning of June. Seven species seasonal activity was monitored (Cryptarcha strigata, Glischrochilus hortensis, Glischrochilus grandis, Cychramus luteus, Soronia grisea, Protaetia marmorata and Anisandrus dispar).
Simulation of Karyotype Evolution and Biodiversity in Asexual and Sexual Reproduction

Whether sexual reproduction increases biodiversity remains controversial. Traditionally, sex within a species has been thought to increase genetic diversity, inferring an acceleration of macro-evolution, promoting biodiversity. Recently, it was suggested that the main function of sex is to maintain genome integrity, rather than increase genetic diversity or purify deleterious genes within populations, as the karyotype encodes/safeguards the genomic blueprint. As such, the contribution of sex to biodiversity needs to be re-examined. Since many simulation studies focus only on gene-level selection, it is important to investigate how sexual and asexual reproduction differentially impact patterns of genome-level evolution and biodiversity. Based on the key difference between sexual and asexual reproduction, that sexual individuals are required to mate with a partner of the same genome for successful reproduction, we have performed a simulation to illustrate how such differences impact genome-mediated biodiversity. Asexual populations displayed high genome-level diversity whereas sexual populations evidenced low genome-level diversity. Further analysis demonstrated that the requirement of finding a partner possessing a compatible genome prevents new sexual species from emerging, which may explain why geographic isolation can promote speciation: by increasing mating and survival-domination opportunities. This study challenges the traditional concepts of speciation and the function of sex.
The Paramecium histone chaperone Spt16-1 is required for Pgm endonuclease function in programmed genome rearrangements

In Paramecium tetraurelia, a large proportion of the germline genome is reproducibly removed from the somatic genome after sexual events via a process involving small (s)RNA-directed heterochromatin formation and DNA excision and repair. How germline limited DNA sequences are specifically recognized in the context of chromatin remains elusive. Here, we use a reverse genetics approach to identify factors involved in programmed genome rearrangements. We have identified a P. tetraurelia homolog of the highly conserved histone chaperone Spt16 subunit of the FACT complex, Spt16-1, and show its expression is developmentally regulated. A functional GFP-Spt16-1 fusion protein localized exclusively in the nuclei where genome rearrangements take place. Gene silencing of Spt16-1 showed it is required for the elimination of all germline-limited sequences, for the survival of sexual progeny, and for the accumulation of internal eliminated sequence (ies)RNAs, an sRNA population produced when elimination occurs. Normal accumulation of 25 nt scanRNAs and deposition of silent histone marks H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 indicated that Spt16-1 does not regulate the scanRNA-directed heterochromatin pathway involved in the early steps of DNA elimination. We further show that Spt16-1 is required for the correct nuclear localization of the PiggyMac (Pgm) endonuclease, which generates the DNA double-strand breaks required for DNA elimination. Thus, Spt16-1 is essential for Pgm function during programmed genome rearrangements. We propose a model in which Spt16-1 mediates interactions between the excision machinery and chromatin, facilitating endonuclease access to DNA cleavage sites during genome rearrangements.
Syzygium cumini Leaf Extract Showed Vibriocidal Activity on Selected Diarrhea Causing Bacteria

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of ethanolic leaf extract (ELE) of Syzygium cumini against Vibrio cholerae particularly two serogroups Ogawa and Inaba. The phenolic content of the ELE was found high which is comparable to ascorbic acid. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay was then performed to check the cytotoxic effects of ELE. The lower LC50 value of ELE obtained indicated its less cytotoxic properties. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was then evaluated by the disc diffusion method against multi-drug resistant Vibrio serogroups Ogawa and Inaba. The extract effectively inhibited the growth of both serogroups. Altogether, the results demonstrated that the ELE of S. cumini has a significant vibriocidal activity that might be useful as a drug for the treatment of cholera.