Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers of Selenium Toxicity after Sub-Acute Exposure in Mice

Selenium (Se) is a trace element, essential for human health but it can be toxic at moderately higher intake levels. In this study biomarkers of Se toxicity after sub-acute intra-peritoneal exposure to Se (62.5 µg Se/kg bw/ day; 14 days) were investigated in mice. Such exposure corresponds to high human Se-intake levels. Focus was put on the biomarkers of systemic effects and on the toxicity in liver, kidney and brain. The sub-acute exposure to Se resulted in an increase in the concentrations of systemic inflammation biomarkers IL-6 (p=0.025) and resistin (p=0.049) and in a decrease of TNF-α (p=0.008). No effect on concentrations of MCP-1, tPAI-1, leptin and insulin was observed in serum. Also biomarkers of oxidative stress, anti-oxidant parameters and enzymes ALT and AST were not affected. In the tissue homogenates of liver, kidney and brain changes were observed in the activities of enzymes LDH (p=0.013), ALP (p=0.0009) and GGT (p=0.0047). In the brain homogenate an influx of TG (p=0.0044) and a decrease in the total GSH concentration (p=0.008) was observed. It was concluded that although the sub-acute exposure to a relatively high concentration of Se causes an increase in concentration of some biomarkers of intracellular processes, especially in the brain, the effect of Se can be considered as low toxicity.
Foxp3 Interacts With c-Rel to Mediate NF-\(\kappa \)B Repression

Expression of the lineage-specific DNA-binding factor Foxp3 controls the development and function of naturally occurring regulatory T cells. Foxp3 has been shown to interact with a multitude of transcriptional regulators including NFAT, NF-k B (p65), Runx1 and ROR c t, as well as the histone modification enzymes TIP60, HDAC7 and HDAC9. The sum of these interactions is believed to cause the change in the transcriptional program of regulatory T cells. Here we show that Foxp3 directly or as part of a multimeric complex engages with the NF-k B component c-Rel. We demonstrate that the N-terminal region of Foxp3 is required for the binding of c-Rel, but not NFAT. Conversely, deletion of the forkhead domain causes a loss of interaction with NFAT, but not c-Rel. Our findings are of particular interest, as c-Rel is crucial for the induction of Foxp3 in regulatory T cells during thymic development, but has to be repressed in mature regulatory T cells to maintain their suppressive phenotype.
RalGTPases contribute to Schwann cell repair after nerve injury via regulation of process formation

RalA and RalB are involved in cell migration and membrane dynamics. This study finds that ablation of RalGTPases impairs nerve regeneration and alters Schwann cell process formation; conversely, activation of RalGTPases enhancea Schwann cell process formation, migration, and axon myelination.
Vitamin D Supplementation Reduces Both Oxidative DNA Damage and Insulin Resistance in the Elderly with Metabolic Disorders

Background: Research evidence indicates that vitamin D deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR) and associated metabolic disorders including hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. It also suggested that vitamin D deficiency is associated with elevated levels of oxidative stress and its complications. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on DNA damage and metabolic parameters in vitamin D deficient individuals aged >45 with metabolic disorders. Material and Methods: Of 98 initially screened participants, 92 subjects deficient in vitamin D were included in the study. They were randomly assigned to the following group: with vitamin D supplementation (intervention group, n = 48) and without supplementation (comparative group, n = 44). The patients from both groups were divided into two subgroups according to the presence or absence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The intervention group was treated with 2000 International Unit (IU) cholecalciferol/day between October and March for three months. At baseline and after three-month supplementation vitamin D concentration (25-OH)D3 and endogenous and oxidative DNA damage were determined. In addition, fast plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin, HbA1c and lipid fraction (total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), triglyceride (TG)), as well as anthropometric measurements (weight, height) were gathered. The following IR-related parameters were calculated Homeostatic Model Assesment – Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and TG/HDL ratio. Results: Three-month vitamin D supplementation increased the mean vitamin D concentration to generally accepted physiological level independently of T2DM presence. Importantly, vitamin D exposure decreased the level of oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes of patients of intervention group. Among studied metabolic parameters, vitamin D markedly increased HDL level, decreased HOMA-IR, TG/HDL ratio. Furthermore, we found that HbA1c percentage diminished about 0.5% in T2DM patients supplemented with vitamin D. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that daily 2000I U intake of vitamin D for three months decreased the level of oxidative DNA damage, a marker of oxidative stress, independently on T2DM presence. Furthermore, vitamin D reduced metabolic parameters connected with IR and improved glucose and lipid metabolism. Therefore, our results support the assertion that vitamin D, by reducing oxidative stress and improving of metabolic profile, may decrease IR and related diseases.
Subject-specific finite element models of the tibia with realistic boundary conditions predict bending deformations consistent with in-vivo measurement.

Understanding the structural response of bone during locomotion may help understand the etiology of stress fracture. This can be done in a subject-specific manner using finite element (FE) modelling, but care is needed to ensure that modelling assumptions reflect the in-vivo environment. Here, we explored the influence of loading and boundary conditions (BC), and compared predictions to previous in-vivo measurements. Data were collected from a female participant who walked/ran on an instrumented treadmill while motion data were captured. Inverse dynamics of the leg (foot, shank and thigh segments) was combined with a musculoskeletal (MSK) model to estimate muscle and joint contact forces. These forces were applied to an FE model of the tibia, generated from computed tomography. Eight conditions varying loading/BCs were investigated. We found that modelling the fibula was necessary to predict realistic tibia bending. Applying joint moments from the MSK model to the FE model was also needed to predict torsional deformation. During walking, the most complex model predicted deformation of 0.5° posterior, 0.8° medial, and 1.4° internal rotation, comparable to in-vivo measurements of 0.5°-1°, 0.15°-0.7°, and 0.75°-2.2°, respectively. During running, predicted deformations of 0.3° posterior, 0.3° medial, and 0.5° internal rotation somewhat underestimated in-vivo measures of 0.85°-1.9°, 0.3°-0.9°, 0.65°-1.72°, respectively. Overall, these models may be sufficiently realistic to be used in future investigations of tibial stress fracture.
KLRG1 and NKp46 discriminate subpopulations of human CD117+CRTH2− ILCs biased toward ILC2 or ILC3

The human CD117+ CRTH2− ILC population contains ILC precursors. Nagasawa et al. segregate this population by the mutually exclusive expression of KLRG1 and NKp46. KLRG1+ ILCs are biased toward the ILC2 lineage, whereas NKp46 clearly defines ILC3-lineage–biased cells.
Cytosine-5 RNA methylation links protein synthesis to cell metabolism

Posttranscriptional modifications in transfer RNA (tRNA) are often critical for normal development because they adapt protein synthesis rates to a dynamically changing microenvironment. However, the precise cellular mechanisms linking the extrinsic stimulus to the intrinsic RNA modification pathways remain largely unclear. Here, we identified the cytosine-5 RNA methyltransferase NSUN2 as a sensor for external stress stimuli. Exposure to oxidative stress efficiently repressed NSUN2, causing a reduction of methylation at specific tRNA sites. Using metabolic profiling, we showed that loss of tRNA methylation captured cells in a distinct catabolic state. Mechanistically, loss of NSUN2 altered the biogenesis of tRNA-derived noncoding fragments (tRFs) in response to stress, leading to impaired regulation of protein synthesis. The intracellular accumulation of a specific subset of tRFs correlated with the dynamic repression of global protein synthesis. Finally, NSUN2-driven RNA methylation was functionally required to adapt cell cycle progression to the early stress response. In summary, we revealed that changes in tRNA methylation profiles were sufficient to specify cellular metabolic states and efficiently adapt protein synthesis rates to cell stress.
Opening the Black Box of Ambidexterity: Three Product Development Stories

Although the tensions between exploitation and exploration (and between adaptability and alignment) have been discussed at length in the classic management literature (March & Simon, 1958), Duncan (1976) was the first author to employ the term ambidexterity. He used it to refer specifically to the structure of organizations that are able to find a proper balance between the conflicting objectives of remaining aligned (i.e., maintaining coherence among the patterns of current activities) and adaptable (i.e., being able to quickly reconfigure activities to meet changing environmental demands). Duncan’s (1976) solution for finding a balance between alignment and adaptability objectives relied on creating dual structures within the same organization. This partitioning of the organizational groups for the purpose of focusing on separate objectives has been termed structural ambidexterity (Benner & Tushman, 2003; Duncan, 1976; Tushman & O’Reilly, 1996). More recently, Wang and Rafik (2014) have identified structural ambidexterity, cyclical ambidexterity, and reciprocal ambidexterity as the three different types of a “bi-polar construct”.
Formulation of Antimicrobial Tobramycin Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles via Complexation with AOT

Tobramycin is a potent antimicrobial aminoglycoside and its effective delivery by encapsulation within nanoparticle carriers could increase its activity against infections through a combination of sustained release and enhanced uptake. Effective antimicrobial therapy against a clinically relevant model bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) requires sufficient levels of therapeutic drug to maintain a drug concentration above the microbial inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the bacteria. Previous studies have shown that loading of aminoglycoside drugs in poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-based delivery systems is generally poor due to weak interactions between the drug and the polymer. The formation of complexes of tobramycin with dioctylsulfosuccinate (AOT) allows the effective loading of the drug in PLGA-nanoparticles and such nanoparticles can effectively deliver the antimicrobial aminoglycoside with retention of tobramycin antibacterial function.
Entrepreneurship and Labour Market Institutions

In this paper, we extend the theory of entrepreneurship to incorporate the effects of labour market institutions. Enterprise formation, wage determination, and optimal firm size are examined in an occupational choice model under two alternative wage-formation mechanisms. Our benchmark case with competitive labour markets shows that the entrepreneurship, firm size and the wage rate are all determined by the underlying technology. With union power in wage setting, standard results hold: firm size and the wage rate also depend on the relative bargaining power and unemployment compensation. There is a further implication: our main result indicates that, in the union model, the equilibrium rate of entrepreneurship decreases in the union's strength in wage setting. JEL Classification: J23, J24, J51, M13
The Y227N mutation affects bestrophin-1 protein stability and impairs sperm function in a mouse model of Best vitelliform macular dystrophy

ABSTRACT Human bestrophin-1 (BEST1) is an integral membrane protein known to function as a Ca2+-activated and volume-regulated chloride channel. The majority of disease-associated mutations in BEST1 constitute missense mutations and were shown in vitro to lead to a reduction in mutant protein half-life causing Best disease (BD), a rare autosomal dominant macular dystrophy. To further delineate BEST1-associated pathology in vivo and to provide an animal model useful to explore experimental treatment efficacies, we have generated a knock-in mouse line (Best1Y227N). Heterozygous and homozygous mutants revealed no significant ocular abnormalities up to 2 years of age. In contrast, knock-in animals demonstrated a severe phenotype in the male reproductive tract. In heterozygous Best1Y227N males, Best1 protein was significantly reduced in testis and almost absent in homozygous mutant mice, although mRNA transcription of wild-type and knock-in allele is present and similar in quantity. Degradation of mutant Best1 protein in testis was associated with adverse effects on sperm motility and the capability to fertilize eggs. Based on these results, we conclude that mice carrying the Best1 Y227N mutation reveal a reproducible pathologic phenotype and thus provide a valuable in vivo tool to evaluate efficacy of drug therapies aimed at restoring Best1 protein stability and function. Summary: Mice carrying the human Y227N mutation in the endogenous Best1 gene reveal a pathologic phenotype in testis providing an in vivo tool to evaluate therapeutic efficacies aimed at restoring protein function.
EFFECT OF INTERCROPPING HERBACEOUS LEGUMES WITH NAPIER GRASS ON DRY MATTER YIELD AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF THE FEEDSTUFFS IN SEMI-ARID REGION OF EASTERN KENYA

Semi-arid region of Kenya is faced with inadequate quantity and low quality of livestock feeds. Research was conducted in the semi-arid region of eastern Kenya to investigate the contribution of two legumes, Seca (Stylosanthes scabra cv. Seca) and Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro) to seasonal total fodder productivity and nutritive value when intercropped with Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Bana). The treatments consisted of Napier grass planted as pure stand and intercropped with legumes. During the production phase, the grass and legumes were harvested for dry matter yield after every 8 weeks for a period of four wet seasons and two dry seasons between April 2002 and September 2004. Overall total herbage yield of the mixtures was higher than those of sole fodder grass with the grass constituting the major component of the yield. Seca was more productive and had a relatively stable yield than Siratro. It accounted for higher proportion of total DM yield of 15 34%. in Napier compared to Siratro which had less than 5% except in the drier season when yield failed. Total DM yield was highest during the short rains of year 2002 and declined thereafter in subsequent seasons and was lowest during the dry seasons. It was observed that crude protein of Napier grass was significantly ( P< 0.05) enhanced by inclusion of the legume in the intercrop (CP 9.64 9.96% of DM) compared to sole Napier grass (CP 8.14% of DM). Napier grass intercropped with Seca was more degradable than sole Napier grass. It can be concluded that Seca formed a better association with fodder grass than Siratro and is recommended for intercropping in the semi-arid region of eastern Kenya.
Is there a connection between weather at departure sites, onset of migration and timing of soaring‐bird autumn migration in Israel?

Aims Different aspects of soaring-bird migration are influenced by weather. However, the relationship between weather and the onset of soaring-bird migration, particularly in autumn, is not clear. Although long-term migration counts are often unavailable near the breeding areas of many soaring birds in the western Palaearctic, soaring-bird migration has been systematically monitored in Israel, a region where populations from large geographical areas converge. This study tests several fundamental hypotheses regarding the onset of migration and explores the connection between weather, migration onset and arrival at a distant site. Location Globally gridded meteorological data from the breeding areas in north-eastern Europe were used as predictive variables in relation to the arrival of soaring migrants in Israel. Methods Inverse modelling was used to study the temporal and spatial influence of weather on initiation of migration based on autumn soaring-bird migration counts in Israel. Numerous combinations of migration duration and temporal influence of meteorological variables (temperature, sea-level pressure and precipitable water) were tested with different models for meteorological sensitivity. Results The day of arrival in Israel of white storks, honey buzzards, Levant sparrowhawks and lesser spotted eagles was significantly and strongly related to meteorological conditions in the breeding area days or even weeks before arrival in Israel. The cumulative number of days or cumulative value above or below a meteorological threshold performed significantly better than other models tested. Models provided reliable estimates of migration duration for each species. Main conclusions The meteorological triggers of migration at the breeding grounds differed between species and were related to deteriorating living conditions and deteriorating migratory flight conditions. Soaring birds are sensitive to meteorological triggers at the same period every year and their temporal response to weather appears to be constrained by their annual routine.
A Nobel Smart Antenna for Broad-Band Applications

In this research paper a short review on smart antenna is presented. The smart antenna consisting of micro strip patches array has been presented. It will enable a higher capacity in wireless networks by effectively reducing multipath and co-channel interference. This is achieved by focusing the radiation only in the desired direction and adjusting itself to changing or signal environment. A Nobel technique is investigated to form the desired shape forming of beam. This has become a part of range improvement and increase in capacity of smart antenna.
Aneuploidy in yeast: Segregation error or adaptation mechanism?

Aneuploidy is the loss or gain of chromosomes within a genome. It is often detrimental and has been associated with cell death and genetic disorders. However, aneuploidy can also be beneficial and provide a quick solution through changes in gene dosage when cells face environmental stress. Here, we review the prevalence of aneuploidy in Saccharomyces, Candida, and Cryptococcus yeasts (and their hybrid offspring) and analyse associations with chromosome size and specific stressors. We discuss how aneuploidy, a segregation error, may in fact provide a natural route for the diversification of microbes and enable important evolutionary innovations given the right ecological circumstances, such as the colonisation of new environments or the transition from commensal to pathogenic lifestyle. We also draw attention to a largely unstudied cross link between hybridisation and aneuploidy. Hybrid meiosis, involving two divergent genomes, can lead to drastically increased rates of aneuploidy in the offspring due to antirecombination and chromosomal missegregation. Because hybridisation and aneuploidy have both been shown to increase with environmental stress, we believe it important and timely to start exploring the evolutionary significance of their co‐occurrence.
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Differential-Fed Antenna with Improved Radiation Patterns

This study proposes a difierential-fed microstrip antenna, which is characterized with an ultra-wideband of 120% (3{12GHz), improved radiation patterns, stable gains, and compact size. Two symmetrical trapezoid shaped slots and four triangle-cut corners on the ground are used to improve the impedance matching over the UWB frequency band. To clarify the improved radiation characteristics, the simulated radiation patterns of the proposed antenna are compared with the conventional single- ended feed UWB antennas. The measured results show that, in the entire frequency band, the designed antenna exhibits a stable radiation patterns and the gain variation is less than 2dB. Furthermore, the polarization purity are increased compared with the conventional ones, especially in the high frequency band.
Effect of Varying Postmortem Deboning Time and Sampling Position on Visible and near Infrared Spectra of Broiler Breast Filets

Visible-Near Infrared spectroscopy (Vis-NIR) was used to characterize broiler breast filets with varied deboning times and identify how the side and position of the sampling affects the chemometric analysis and prediction capabilities. This study served to identify what differences, if any, exist when collecting spectra from the skin side and the medial side of the breast filets. In addition to the side of the filet, two different positions, anterior and posterior, on the filet were also probed spectroscopically. The comparison of the region and side of sampling of the breast filets has been previously unreported. The breast filets under investigation were subjected to different post-mortem deboning times. The right and left breast filets from each carcass were both used, but were deboned at different times. The results of this study show that the side of the filet has more impact on the spectra than does the position of the sampled area. The data analysis also shows that the spectra from the skin side are more useful for separation of samples by deboning time.
Electrochemical study of caffeine using iron oxide nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode and its electro catalytic activity

Iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by a simple, convenient and cost effective co-precipitation method using starch. The prepared iron oxide nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, SEM, IR and UV techniques. The size of the nanoparticles was calculated from XRD data using Debye-Scherer equation. The average particle size was found to be 11 nm. The electrochemical behaviour of caffeine was studied using glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with iron oxide nanoparticles by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry using 0.1M acetate buffer solution of pH-7.0. Caffeine gives an oxidation peak at 1.426 V with peak current at -5.6×10-5A for iron oxide NPs modified GCE whereas for unmodified GCE peak potential occurs at 1.426 V with peak current at -5.08 × 10-5A. The peak current intensity significantly increased while the peak potential shifted to lower oxidation potential, compared with the unmodified electrode. The results clearly indicated that the modified electrode exhibited excellent electro catalytic activity towards oxidation of caffeine.