Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Islet T Cells Secreting IFN-γ in NOD Mouse Diabetes: Arrest by p277 Peptide Treatment

Abstract Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice spontaneously develop insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes mellitus (IDDM) caused by T cells which destroy the insulin-producing islet β-cells. Since cytokines are involved in this auto-immune β-cell damage, we used an ELISPOT assay to enumerate the islet-associated T cells that secreted interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) or interleukin-4 (IL-4). We used mitogenic anti-CD3 antibody to activate all the T cells capable of responding, irrespective of their antigen specificity. We found that NOD females, more susceptible than males to IDDM, accumulated islet IFN-γ producers more rapidly with age than did the males. Acceleration of male IDDM by cyclophosphamide led to a marked increase in IFN-γ secreting islet T cells. In contrast, a decrease in IFN-γ-producing islet T cells was associated with arrest of IDDM by administration of peptide p277 of the 60 kDa heat-shock protein (hsp60) to 12-week-old female NOD mice. The p277-treated mice later manifested a greater number of islets and fewer leukocytes per islet than did the mice treated with a bacterial hsp60 peptide. Thus, the development of diabetes could be correlated with the accumulation in the islets of T cells producing IFN-γ, and destructive insulitis could be downregulated by the administration of a single peptide.
Single-jet gas cooling of in-beam foils or specimens: Prediction of the convective heat-transfer coefficient

An experiment was designed to study the e ﬀ ect of the jet direction on convective heat-transfer coe ﬃ cients in single-jet gas cooling of a small heated surface, such as typically induced by an accelerated ion beam on a thin foil or specimen. The hot spot was provided using a small electrically heated plate. Heat-transfer calculations were performed using simple empirical methods based on dimensional analysis as well as by means of an advanced computational ﬂuid dynamics (CFD) code. The results provide an explanation for the observed turbulent cooling of a double-foil, Havar beam window with fast-ﬂowing helium, located on a target station for radionuclide production with a 66 MeV proton beam at a cyclotron facility.
On the astrobiological relevance of viruses in extraterrestrial ecosystems

Abstract Viruses are the dominant form of genetically reproducing entities on Earth. Yet, viruses are mostly neglected in the context of astrobiology due to their non-living nature. In this discussion it is considered whether viruses are likely to be transferred within bacterial endospores to other planetary bodies through lithopanspermia. Interestingly, it seems possible that ecosystems of panspermial origin might yield biospheres in which viruses are absent. The evolutionary pathway of life in these systems might differ significantly from the path observed on Earth. We hypothesize that the difference in the two potential ways for the emergence of life, those being panspermial or local origin, on any certain planet could be clarified by analyzing the diversity of virosphere on the planet. The use of viruses as putative biomarkers is also discussed and studied.
Optimization and Production of Hyaluronidase by Streptococcus mitis MTCC 2695

Hyaluronidase was produced by submerged fermentation from Streptococcus mitis. The possibility of using Streptococcus mitis for enzyme production has been recently investigated. In this study, the physical and nutritional parameters were optimized to improve the production of hyaluronidase by Streptococcus mitis and it was accessed. Maximum production of hyaluronidase was obtained when 5% starch supplemented as carbon source achieved by employing (98.7U/ml) and followed by ammonium chloride (140.4U/ml) incubation period about 48 hours showed (108.9U/ml) and temperature at 37°C showed (179.9U/ml). The maximum enzyme yield on pH 4 is (110.7U/ml). The production of hyaluronidase by means of immobilized Streptococcus mitis was evaluated and a maximum production was obtained with the medium was inoculated with 100 beads (591U/ml) which was more than that of mobilized cells.
The Anatomy of Stratesaurus (Reptilia, Plesiosauria) from the Lowermost Jurassic of Somerset, United Kingdom

ABSTRACT We provide a complete description of one of the oldest plesiosaurians, Stratesaurus taylori from the earliest Hettangian of the United Kingdom. At least 25 apomorphies distinguish S. taylori from the sympatric Thalassiodracon hawkinsii, to which all three specimens of S. taylori were originally referred. Several features of the skull of S. taylori suggest specialization on small prey items, or sieve feeding. In particular, it has anteriorly inclined premaxillary and mesial maxillary teeth and an only weakly heterodont maxillary dentition. This indicates niche partitioning among sympatric small-bodied plesiosaurians: T. hawkinsii has a pronouncedly heterodont dentition. With a body length estimated around 2 m, S. taylori is one of the smallest plesiosaurians, comparable to T. hawkinsii. Our anatomical review of S. taylori suggests difficulty determining its precise phylogenetic affinities. This is consistent with a general lack of phylogenetic resolution among earliest Jurassic plesiosaurians, which may result from missing data on their Triassic ancestry. However, due to its plesiomorphic morphology and well-characterized anatomy, we recommend S. taylori as an ingroup representative of Plesiosauria for future cladistic analyses of Triassic sauropterygians.
THE FORAGING PREFERENCES OF THE HAIRY-FOOTED FLOWER BEE (ANTHOPHORA PLUMIPES (PALLAS 1772) IN A SURBURBAN GARDEN

This paper is based on a project carried out as a requirement of a three-year Diploma in Applied Ecology at the University of Leicester (1997). The original report is extensively illustrated and stretches to 85 pages. This paper attempts to distill the main findings of the research. It is hoped that it will stimulate other entomologists in the county to carry out basic research literally on their own doorstep.
A Categorization Scheme to Data Mining: Practices Used in Public Health

Data mining researchers aim to find patterns and new intrinsic knowledge to a particular inquiry context. The health investigation field has been an encouraging promise to apply mining methods and algorithms hopeful to elicit knowledge at least, e.g., from data available in databases, questionnaires, and social networks. Hence, the systematic review presented in this study meant to consistently map the standing research on public health data mining, through the identification of good practices. The efforts result in a categorization of data mining techniques currently used in modern public health. The study associates the core purposes of the enclosed standard procedures and the chosen algorithms applied for data mining objectives.
Compressive properties optimization of a bio-inspired lightweight structure fabricated via selective laser melting

Compressive properties optimization of a bio-inspired lightweight structure is developed by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). Multi-layered bio-inspired structures of a Ti6Al4V alloy are designed and fabricated by Selective Laser Melting. The results show that the optimized structure parameters of bio-inspired structures can be obtained by RSM and NSGA-II. The relative error rate of experimental results and response values is less than 10%. Moreover, increasing the number of layers cannot effectively improve energy absorption (EA) and specific energy absorption (SEA) for multi-layered bio-inspired structures. The damage process of bio-inspired structures with different core-arranged configurations fails layer by layer. The load-displacement curves and damage process of FE simulations are consistent with the experimental results.
Development of high index contrast waveguide platform for fluorescence based optical nanoscopy

High-index contrast (HIC) based photonics integrated circuit platforms have played a vital role in integrating complex optical components in a small footprint. Here, we report chip-based nanoscopy (CbN) by using HIC waveguide platforms. In CbN, the waveguide chips generate, deliver and steer the laser illumination pattern. By using a nanoscopy technique of single molecule localization, we demonstrate CbN with a resolution of 50 nm. Furthermore, we show that chip-based structured illumination microscopy can overcome the 2 resolution enhancement set by the objective launch in conventional linear SIM.
Bark and Fruit Extracts of Gmelina arborea. Protect Liver Cells from Oxidative Stress

Abstract The effect of Gmelina arborea Roxb. (Verbenaceae) bark and fruit aqueous extracts on paraquat- and hydrogen peroxide–induced oxidative stress was investigated using liver slice culture. Both paraquat and hydrogen peroxide were found to be cytotoxic as measured by release of lactate dehydrogenase from liver slice culture. Addition of bark and fruit extracts along with these cytotoxic agents led to a decrease in lactate dehydrogenase release. Activities of three antioxidant enzymes, namely super-oxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase, were found to increase on treatment with these pro-oxidants. Addition of the plant extracts along with the pro-oxidants suppressed the enzyme activities. The extracts also displayed antioxidant activity in in vitro radical scavenging assays. Results indicate that Gmelina bark and fruit extracts protected liver slice culture cells by alleviating oxidative stress–induced damage to liver cells.
The food and feeding of common eiders in the St. Lawrence estuary in summer

The study was conducted in the St. Lawrence estuary during 1969 and 1970. The food abundance in the intertidal zone was measured in four Sampling stations located on the south shore of the river; the measurements revealed that over 95% of the available food of the common eider (Somateria mollissima) consisted of Littorina spp. , Mytilus edulis, and Gammarus oceanicus. Both adult and young birds showed a distinct rhythm of feeding activities associated with tidal level. During the prenesting period, herring eggs and Nereis virens made up most of the food of adult common eiders. When accompanying ducklings, females ate mostly Littorina spp. and amphipods. Littorina spp. made up between 30 and 97% of the diet of the ducklings, the importance of this gastropod growing with age of the bird. Energy requirements during maximum growth were evaluated at about 460 kcal/bird per day on ducklings (age 54 days) fed natural foods, while between week 3 and week 8 it stood at about 520 kcal/bird per day in ducklings fed ".
VALUE OF PURIFIED SCHISTOSOMA SNAILS ANTIGENS IN DIAGNOSIS OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS

Objectives: This study was done to assess the value of purified Schistosoma snails antigens in diagnosis of schistosomiasis. Materials and Methods: Five antigens were used, S.mansoni adult worm crude antigen, snails antigens (foot and visceral hump of B.alexandrina and B.truncatus ). Specific hyperimmune mice sera versus each antigen were prepared. Known positive and negative human sera and uninfected mice sera were used as control. Two ELISA techniques (conventional and sandwich) were performed. Results: There was high similarity between S.mansoni crude antigen and B.alexandrina foot antigen in detecting S.mansoni antibodies (100% and 80% respectively) at serum dilution 1:50. B.alexandrina visceral hump antigen detected only 33.3%. Both B.truncatus antigens gave negative results. Conclusion: Sandwich ELISA technique proved to be more species specific than conventional ELISA. B.alexandrina foot antigen was found to be the best antigen among the tested antigens that can replace S.mansoni adult worm crude antigen in diagnosis of schistosomiasis.
Energy-aware Collision Avoidance stochastic Optimizer for a UAVs set

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is one of the promising technology in the future. A recent study claims that by 2026, the commercial UAVs, for both corporate and customer applications, will have an annual impact of 31 billion to 46 billion on the country's GDP. Shortly, many UAVs will be flying everywhere. For this reason, there is a need to suggest efficient mechanisms for preventing the collisions among the UAVs. Traditionally, the collisions are prevented using dedicated sensors, however, those would generate uncertainty in their reading due to their external conditions sensitivity. From another side, the use of those sensors could create an extra overhead on the UAVs in terms of cost and energy consumption. To deal with these challenges, in this paper, we have suggested a solution that leverages the chance-constrained optimization technique for avoiding the collision in an energy-efficient manner. Building on the expressions for the non-central Chi-square CDF and expected value, and through the convexification of the resulting expressions, the chance-constrained optimization program is transformed into a convex Mixed Binary Nonlinear one. The resulting program allows us to find the optimal safety distance that extends UAVs life-time and allows every UAV to move with a guaranteed probability of collision between any pair of UAVs.
Giant Foxtail Seed Predation by Harpalus pensylvanicus (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Abstract The utility of biological control for weed management in agroecosystems will increase with a greater understanding of the relationships between common weed and granivore species. Giant foxtail is an introduced, summer annual grass weed that is common throughout the United States and problematic in numerous crops. Harpalus pensylvanicus (DeGeer) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) is a common, native, omnivorous carabid beetle with a range that overlaps giant foxtail. In 2004 and 2005, H. pensylvanicus was captured from farm fields in Centre County, PA, and subjected to laboratory feeding trials to test the preference of giant foxtail and other species on predation by H. pensylvanicus. Weed species seed preference experiments that included “Choice” and “No Choice” treatments were conducted using giant foxtail, common lambsquarters, and velvetleaf. When given a choice amongst the three weed species, H. pensylvanicus preferred giant foxtail and common lambsquarters seeds equally compared to velvetleaf seeds. When given the choice, H. pensylvanicus preferred newly dispersed giant foxtail seeds over field-aged seeds. Phenology of giant foxtail seed shed relative to H. pensylvanicus activity density was also quantified in field experiments in 2005 and 2006. Giant foxtail seed rain was determined by collecting shed seeds from August through October using pan traps. Activity density of H. pensylvanicus was monitored for 72-h periods using pitfall traps from June to October. Peak activity density of H. pensylvanicus occurred at the onset of giant foxtail seed shed in both years; however, giant foxtail seed shed peaked approximately 30 to 50 d after H. pensylvanicus activity density. Future research should focus on management practices that enhance and support H. pensylvanicus populations later in the growing season to maximize suppression of giant foxtail and other weeds that shed palatable seeds later in the season. Nomenclature: Harpalus pensylvanicus DeGeer, Giant foxtail (Setaria faberi Herrm.), common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.), and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.).
Determinants of growth of micro and small enterprises (MSEs): Empirical evidence from Ethiopia

Broad-based growth and transformation through the promotion of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) has been robustly underscored in various development plans in Ethiopia, but both the level of unemployment and quality of jobs remain a concern. In order to make the MSE sector the engine of economic growth and reduce the problem of unemployment, it is important to understand what factors determine growth and investment in innovation in MSEs in the context of Ethiopia. In this paper, we provide a microeconomic evidence on the determinants of firm performance in Ethiopia, with a focus on MSEs. The main objective of this study was to identify the determinants of growth and of investment in innovation in MSEs using a survey of 300 firm level data from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Both descriptive statistics and econometric methods have been used to analyse both internal and external factors, and the relative impacts of these factors on the performance of MSEs. The findings of the study reveal that MSEs suffer from a host of internal problems (e.g. weak human resources and other assets) and of external factors including lack of access to credit, limited market facilities, policy and regulatory bottlenecks. For small enterprises, access to credit appears to be a binding constraint for their growth as they are ‘too big’ for microfinance institutions, but they are ‘too small’ for formal banks in terms of the size of loan, reflecting the ‘missing middle financial intermediaries’ that serve small enterprises. Hence without renewed focus on promoting firm growth, especially MSEs through improving access to warehouses, relaxing credit constraints, and improving the macroeconomic and regulatory environment, the potential for MSEs for creating more jobs will be severely compromised.
Fungal communities in soil beneath Scots pine and their stumps. Effect of fungi on Heterobasidion annosum and Armillaria ostoyae growth

The soil beneath 30-year-old Scots pines, was inhabited by fungi communities which were at least iwicc as big as communities from ihe 49-year-old stand. The fungi communities in soil beneath the stumps were much smaller compared to those beneath the live trees and more abundant in the 30- than in the 49--year-old stand. The fungal communities in soil beneath the 30-year-old pines have bigger antagonistic effect on Heterobasidion annosum and Armillaria ostoyae than those beneath the 49-year-old stand. The decrease in density of fungi and in the frequency of species antagonistic to H. annosum and A. ostoyae resulted in the decrease of the antagonistic effect on both pathogens in soil beneath pine stumps.
Reachability Estimation in Dynamic Driving Scenes for Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles will find an infinite number of possible scenarios while driving in urban environments and need to react in a proper manner. For that reason, it is important to have algorithms that can propose driving alternatives for different type of scenarios in a global and unified way instead of using rule-based algorithms which depend on the driving scene. This paper presents a reachability estimation algorithm designed to obtain a safe and comfort-optimized trajectory set for different driving scenarios. First, a finite number of path candidates are created using Bézler curves. Then, all valid path candidates are combined with the reachable sets of dynamic obstacles to generate speed profiles consistent with safety and comfort requirements. The output of this algorithm would allow a decision-making strategy to select the optimum candidate depending on different criteria.
Development of sequence‐tagged microsatellites for the barley net blotch pathogen, Pyrenophora teres

A modified sequenced-tagged microsatellite (STM) profiling procedure was used to develop 80 STMs for the barley net blotch pathogen, Pyrenophora teres. Of these, 60 STMs amplified 67 loci in one or both of the spot (P. teres f. maculata) and net (P. teres f. teres) forms of the pathogen. When screened on six field-sampled isolates of each pathogen form, 25 STMs revealed 26 polymorphic loci, with an average of 3.2 ± 1.0 alleles and mean gene diversity of 0.59 ± 0.12.
THE EFFECT OF VIRTUAL SELLING AND BUYING OF VEHICLE ON THE ADOPTION OF E-COMMERCE SYSTEM BY CUSTOMERS

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of product perception, shopping experience, information provided or the level of perceived risk on the adoption of B2C e-commerce. To collect the data, a researcher-made questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale was used. To measure questionnaire's reliability, Cronbach's alpha was used which the value obtained was %925. Cocharan method was used to obtain the sample size. The results show that attitudes toward e-commerce, subjective norms and perceived risk are the main factors that affect the decision to purchase from electronic retailers.
MOLECULAR CLONING OF ADH GENE OF CANDIDA ALBICANS AND EVALUATION OF ITS IMMUNOGENICITY IN VITRO AND IN VIVO

The Candida albicans genomic DNA was isolated and confirmed on Agarose gel (0.5%). ADH gene (1305bp) was amplified using specific forward (31mer) and backward primers (29mer). This amplified ADH gene was ligated in pTargeT expression vector (5.67kb) and transformed in E.coli DH5 cells. The gene insert was confirmed by RE digestion, colony PCR and gene sequencing. Expression of recombinant plasmid DNA, pTargeT.caadh was done in HeLa cells. Transfected HeLa cell monolayer were detected by immunoperoxidase test and positive staining was observed showing expression of ADH gene product. Immunogenic study in mice was performed by immunizing four-week-old Swiss albino mice with pTargeT.caadh DNA 50g in 0.5ml per mouse intramuscularly. The antibody in sera of mice was assayed by ELISA and found to be positive as compared to healthy control group of mice. It was found that ADH gene is immunogenic as evidenced by high antibody titre (512 and 1024 after 21 and 28 days respectively). The immunized mice were challenged by Candida albicans (4x10 CFU in 200μl of sterile PBS) after 28 days of immunization and percent protection was found to be 72%. Present findings showed that ADH is an ideal immunogen and could be a potent candidate for anticandida vaccine preparation.
Microhabitat distribution of Drapetisca alteranda, a tree trunk specialist sheet web weaver (Araneae: Linyphiidae)

Abstract We conducted systematic sampling to examine the microhabitat distribution of the Nearctic linyphiid Drapetisca alteranda Chamberlin 1909; adults are found almost exclusively on tree trunk surfaces. Sampling was conducted in a 1 ha plot in which all trees over 10 cm dbh had previously been identified, mapped, and measured. Tree trunks were sampled for D. alteranda by brushing spiders into beating sheets. We sampled equal trunk surface areas (0.5–2.0 m) of the four most abundant tree species on the plot: Quercus alba, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Tilia americana, and Carya ovata. We measured tree bark furrowing depth at 15 locations around each tree. We analyzed the data with a General Linear Mixed Model, assuming Poisson distribution. Tree species and furrowing depth, but not tree size, were significant predictors of total number of D. alteranda collected. Eighty-four percent of the spiders were collected on T. americana, and the relationship between spider abundance and furrowing depth was negative. As a separate test for D. alteranda vertical distribution, we divided the lower 3 m of selected tree trunks into six 0.5 m sections, sampling each separately. Regardless of tree species, height above ground was a significant predictor of female (but not male) D. alteranda occurrence, with 52% of the females found 0.5–1.0 m above the forest floor. These results suggest that the microhabitat distribution of D. alteranda is broadly similar to that of the Eurasian species D. socialis, a species that matures in leaf litter and migrates mostly to the lower regions of tree boles to forage as adults.