Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Silico study of anticarcinogenic potential of the selenoprotein BthD from Drosophila melanogaster. Identifying the anticancer peptide CRSUR from the conserved region

Drosophila melanogaster is used as a model system in biomedical studies. Selenoprotein is the major biological form of selenium in eukaryotes. Selenoproteins are generally involved in catabolic pathways in bacteria and archaea, whereas it participates in anabolic and antioxidant processes in eukaryotic. In this study, anticancer potential of selenoprotein BthD of D. melanogaster was investigated using bioinformatics methods. Results showed that selenoprotein BthD of D. melanogaster may have dual properties as evident by its orthology with selenoprotein H (SelH) of Homo sapiens and conserved domain of fructokinase-like protein 2 of Vitis vinifera. These dual properties were also revealed in the phylogenetic analysis, while further structural modeling showed that selenoprotein BthD possibly exists as homotetramer in the native functional structure. The anticancer property of selenoprotein BthD was proposed to be by synergy of antioxidant or redox activities of thioredoxin and glutathione reductase (TGR) domain and the signaling function of fructokinase-like protein 2 domain both in Golgi apparatus and cytoplasm, through energy deprivation. The anticancer peptide CRSUR was identified from conserved region of selenoprotein BthD, of which its cyclic form showed potential anticancer properties predictively through E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase regulating NF-kappa-B signaling by unleashing cells for spontaneous formation of the ripoptosome.
Influence of Thermal Processing Factors, Linked to the Destabilisation of Austenite, on the Microstructural Variation of a White Cast Iron Containing 25% Cr and 0.6% Mo

Hypoeutectic white cast irons containing 25% Cr are used in ore-processing industries due to their high resistance to erosive wear. Applying a Design of Experiments (DoE), the aim of this study is to analyse the influence of thermal processing factors on the microstructural variation of a white cast iron containing 25% Cr and 0.6% Mo. The carbides present in the as-cast state are of the M7C3, M2C, and M3C types. M2C carbides precipitate on the eutectic M7C3 carbides favoured by heterogeneous nucleation conditions. Two kinetics compete during the destabilisation of austenite. One dissolves those eutectic carbides precipitated as a result of non-equilibrium solidification (M7C3 and M2C), while the other enables the precipitation of secondary M7C3 and M23C6 carbides. The M7C3 carbides begin to precipitate first. Low destabilisation temperatures and short dwell times are insufficient to dissolve the precipitated eutectic carbides from non-equilibrium conditions, thus favouring the presence of M2C carbides, which are associated with Mo. The factor that has the greatest influence on hardness is the tempering temperature. The optimal tempering temperature is found to be 500 °C. Short tempering times maintain the distortion of the ferrite unit cell. The precipitation of Cr carbides during tempering requires a temperature of 500 °C and the prior dissolution of the carbon precipitated during the initial stages of said tempering. With short tempering times, the Cr atoms still remain dissolved in the ferrite, distorting its unit cell and increasing the hardness of the matrix constituent of the alloy.
The Protective Effect of Ocimum Basilicum on the induced Diabetic Colon of Adult Male Albino Rats: A histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical study

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitusi is a common endocrine and metabolic disease. It ischaracterized by hyperglycemia and abnormal metabolism of the lipid, carbohydrate, and protein that are caused bydeficiency of insulin or defective insulin action or both. Today,it is considered as one of the major health problems in the world. Ocimum basilicum (Basil) is one of the most widely grownpopular herbs in the world. It contains a large number of phytochemicals which have many significant health and nutritionalbenefits. It belongs to Lamiaceae (Mint family)and possesses marked anti-hyperlipidemic, anticancer and antioxidant activity. Objective: The aim of this work is to evaluate the possible protective effect of Ocimum basilicum administration on the induceddiabetic colon of adult male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Sixty adult male albino rats were used in the present study. They were divided into four groups, Group I (control group), Group II (ocimum basilicum received group), Group III (diabetic group) and Group IV (diabetic with ocimum basilicum group). After four weeks, the animals from all groups were anaesthetized and the blood samples were collected for biochemical study. The colon was dissected and the specimens were subjected to histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and scanning electron microscopic studies. Results: Diabetic colon revealed a significant increase in the depth of intestinal crypts and number of goblet cells with marked biochemical and histological alterationsas increase in plasma level of MDA, shedding of the surface mucosa and small size Aeurbach's myenteric plexus. Administration of Ocimum basilicum in rats with diabetes mellitus has ameliorating effect on the histological, biochemical and morphometric abnormalities of the colonic tissue. Conclusion: Ocimum basilicum has a protective effect on the histological, biochemical and morphometric changes of the colon of diabetic rats. It has also a protective effect on the intestinal myenteric nerve plexus.
Free radical scavenging and metal ion chelating properties of differently pigmented rice varieties

Pigmented rice (Oryza sativa L.) becomes interestingly important in agroindustry because it contains high phytochemical compounds that can be antioxidants and metal ion chelating. This study attempted to relate the content of phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanin, and bioactive phytochemicals activity from differently pigmented rice (red and black) varieties. The bioactive phytochemical activities were evaluated by measuring free radical scavenging, hydroxyl scavenging, and metal ion chelating activity. The result showed that the highest phenolic, flavonoids, and anthocyanin content found in black rice, followed by red rice and non-pigmented rice. The anthocyanin in black rice was significantly higher (p  0.05) than in red and non-pigmented rice. The chlorophyll and carotenoids contents in all samples varied from 0.03 to 1.42 µg g-1 and 0.26 to 0.53 µg g-1, respectively. The antioxidant and metal ion chelating activities in black and red rice were significantly higher than non-pigmented rice. The correlation analysis showed that the phenols, flavonoids, and phytochemical pigments have a positive correlation (p  0.05) with antioxidant and metal chelating activity. In this study, black and red rice varieties showed the potential natural resources for the important effect of nutraceutical food products and pharmaceuticals.
Epigenetic Regulation of IL-17-Induced Chemokines in Lung Epithelial Cells

Epithelial cells are known to have barrier functions in multiple organs and regulate innate immune responses. Airway epithelial cells respond to IL-17 by altering their transcriptional profiles and producing antimicrobial proteins and neutrophil chemoattractants. Although IL-17 has been shown to promote inflammation through stabilizing mRNA of CXCR2 ligands, how IL-17 exerts its downstream effects on its target cells through epigenetic mechanisms is largely unknown. Using primary human bronchial epithelial cells and immortalized epithelial cell line from both human and mouse, we demonstrated that IL-17-induced CXCR2 ligand production is dependent on histone acetylation specifically through repressing HDAC5. Furthermore, the chemokine production induced by IL-17 is strictly dependent on the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family as BET inhibition abolished the IL-17A-induced proinflammatory chemokine production, indicating a pivotal role of the recognition of acetylated histones. In combination with single-cell RNA-seq analysis, we revealed that the cell lines we employed represent specific lineages and their IL-17 responses were regulated differently by the DNA methylation mechanisms. Taken together, our data strongly support that IL-17 sustains epithelial CXCR2 ligand production through epigenetic regulation and the therapeutic potential of interrupting histone modification as well as the recognition of modified histones could be evaluated in neutrophilic lung diseases.
The gender wage gap among China’s rural–urban migrants

In this study, we present new empirical evidence on gender wage differences among rural–urban migrants in China. We use a data set that includes migrants residing in urban communities and those living at their workplaces—the latter were not included in the previous studies. We find that the gender wage gap among migrants is 16%–18% and does not differ between migrants living at workplaces and those living in urban communities. However, gender differences in industry sorting play a more important role for migrants living at their workplaces, whereas differences in education and experience are of importance for those living in urban communities. Overall, differences in the returns to characteristics are the main driver of the gender wage gap, especially for migrants living in urban communities.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – An Overview

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now a pandemic with a massive death toll across the world. The knowledge and understanding of this novel coronavirus transmission and pathogenesis are evolving. Although the landscape of vaccine and drug development is changing at an unprecedented pace, currently, there is no specific effective treatment. Proper and timely management of severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients is crucial to reduce deaths in the ongoing pandemic. Ramping up testing capacity alongside a test strategy in place, ensuring adequate resources, i.e., protective gear, O2 supply, ICU facilities are essential requirements in the fight against COVID-19. Infection prevention and control measures at a personal level (e.g., handwashing, wearing masks, proper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment), and at hospital settings (e.g., hospital cleanliness, safe handling, and disposal of waste) are extremely important to reduce the risk of infection. COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global crisis that requires a multidisciplinary response and concerted effort to ensure resilience in health systems. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38(0): 84-90
Network analysis for co‐occurrence of pest insects on host crops

In this study, the co‐occurrence patterns of 618 pest insects for 47 host crops, including vegetables, grains, and fruits, were identified. To identify the pest co‐occurrence patterns for various crops, and the interactions among the pest insects and crops, we employed social network analysis methods. We used three traditional centrality measures (degree, closeness, and eigenvector) to determine the relative significance of each crop and pest as a node in the network. Throughout the network analysis, crops and pest nodes were divided into six groups, based on modularity. Crops in the same group could be considered as alternate hosts for pests from the same group. There were clear differences in the cultural practices between groups (i.e., dryland farming versus wetland farming). This indicated that dryland crop pests do not use wetland crops as resources. Pome fruit trees, such as apple and pear, had high centrality indices, which indicated the importance of these crops in the network and their high vulnerability to damage by a multitude of pests. In this study, although it was assumed that all crops were cultivated on the same piece of land during a single growing season, the complex interactions between the whole units were visualized and analyzed as a computable network.
Genetic Structure and Pod Morphology of Inga edulis Cultivated vs. Wild Populations from the Peruvian Amazon

Research Highlights: This study assesses the genetic diversity and structure of the ice-cream-bean (Inga edulis Mart.; Fabaceae) in wild and cultivated populations from the Peruvian Amazon. This research also highlights the importance of protecting the biodiversity of the forest in the Peruvian Amazon, to preserve the genetic resources of species and allow further genetic improvement. Background and Objectives: Ice-cream-bean is one of the most commonly used species in the Amazon region for its fruits and for shading protection of other species (e.g., cocoa and coffee plantations). Comprehensive studies about the impact of domestication on this species’ genetic diversity are needed, to find the best conservation and improvement strategies. Materials and Methods: In the current study, the genetic structure and diversity were assessed by genotyping 259 trees, sampled in five wild and 22 cultivated I. edulis populations in the Peruvian Amazon, with microsatellite markers. Pod length was measured in wild and cultivated trees. Results: The average pod length in cultivated trees was significantly higher than that in wild trees. The expected genetic diversity and the average number of alleles was higher in the wild compared to the cultivated populations; thus, a loss of genetic diversity was confirmed in the cultivated populations. The cultivated trees in the Loreto region had the highest pod length and lowest allelic richness; nevertheless, the wild populations’ genetic structure was not clearly differentiated (significantly different) from that of the cultivated populations. Conclusions: A loss of genetic diversity was confirmed in the cultivated populations. The species could have been simultaneously domesticated in multiple locations, usually from local origin. The original I. edulis Amazonian germplasm should be maintained. Cultivated populations’ new germplasm influx from wild populations should be undertaken to increase genetic diversity.
Estimating Sensory Properties with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: A Tool for Quality Control and Breeding of ‘Calçots’ (Allium cepa L.)

Using trained panelists to evaluate sensory attributes is unfeasible when many samples must be evaluated, such as in quality control or breeding programs. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid inexpensive method often used in food quality evaluation. We assessed the feasibility of using NIRS to estimate sweetness, fiber perception, and off-flavors, the most important sensory attributes in cooked ‘calçots’ (the immature floral stems of second-year onion resprouts). The best results were achieved through models using interval partial least squares (iPLS) variable selection on spectra from pureed cooked ‘calçots’, which yielded values of the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) greater than 1.4 in all cases. Therefore, it would be feasible to use NIRS to estimate sensory properties in ‘calçots’. This approach would be useful in initial screening to discard samples that differ substantially from the ideotype; thus, sensory analysis by trained panels could be reserved for finer discriminations.
The complete mitochondrial genomes of the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora

Abstract Arthrobotrys oligospora is a potential candidate of biocontrol agents against plant and animal parasitic nematodes. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of A.oligospora was sequenced. This mitogenome is a circular molecule of 160,613 bp in length. Gene annotation showed that 44 putative protein-coding genes and 24 tRNAs, all located on the same strand. The evolutionary relationships between A. oligospora and other representative ascomycetes were revealed based on sequences at the 14 concatenated mitochondrial protein-coding genes.
Genetic and epigenetic alterations of human chromosome 3, investigated by NotI-microarrays in seven types of epithelial cancers

Aim. To identify common and specific genetic/epigenetic changes of human chromosome 3, using the data of NotI-microarrays in seven types of epithelial cancers. Methods. We used descriptive statistics for the comparative analysis of NotI-microarray data from seven types of epithelial cancers. Results. The analysis of the NotI-microarrays showed significant changes (deletion or methylation) in 74 genes/loci in seven different epithelial cancers, namely colorectal, ovarian, renal, lung, breast, cervical and prostate. Five genes from the 3p14-3p24 region ( FOXP1, LRRC3B, NKiRAS1, RBSP3, ZIC4) were altered in all cancer types. For fifteen genes deletion/methy lation was found in a majority of tumors. For example, ITGA9, GORASP1, IQSEC1, CGGBP1, NBEAL2 and VHL are localized in the 3p12-3p26 region; PPP2R3A, FGF12, ALDH1L1, GATA2 and PLCL2 are localized on the 3q13-3q28 region. Twenty-two genes out of 74 studied showed alterations specific for a single type of tumor. The largest number, 13 genes/loci was found in the prostate cancer. This suggests specific mechanisms of prostate cancer development. Conclusions. NotI-microarrays for human chromosome 3 al-lowed to identify several common genetic/epigenetic alterations and also tumor-specific changes in seven types of epithelial cancer.
An assessment of the causes of schedule and cost overruns in South African megaprojects: A case of the critical energy sector projects of Medupi and Kusile

Cost and schedule overruns are the most common challenges in mega construction projects around the globe, and South Africa is no different. Although comparatively small in number, megaprojects have an inordinate number of projects failing, due to budget overflow and schedule slippage. This article assessed the causes of cost and schedule overruns as well as the challenges with the implementation of critical construction megaprojects, using Kusile and Medupi energy-sector megaprojects in South Africa. Using a quantitative research method, which included a literature review and a questionnaire survey, identified the causes of schedule and cost overruns as well as the challenges militating against the project’s implementation success. Data was collected from engineers, quantity surveyors, architects, contractors, and project managers who were randomly selected from the two megaprojects, Medupi and Kusile. Data was analysed using mean score ratings and ranking. The results revealed that slow client decision-making, shortages of skilled Review articles • Oorsigartikels Acta Structilia 2020: 27(1) 120 labour, inaccurate material estimating, unforeseen ground conditions, poor material planning, changes in scope of work on-site, contractual claims, variation orders and poor site management were the major causes of schedule and cost overruns. Findings show that the top five challenges (poor site management, inadequate managerial skills, poor monitoring and control, unstable management structure, and lack of experience together with poor organisation structures) is all management and organisational related, showing that there is not enough local management and organisational expertise in South Africa to ensure the proper planning and effective implementation of energy megaprojects. This article is relevant, as it contributes to the understanding of key challenges faced by megaprojects in the context of a developing country. Specific solutions that mitigate the causes of schedule and cost overruns should be investigated in future studies.
Willingness To Accept Toward Negative Impact of TPA Jabon Existence

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management has become common problem in regional development especially in developing countries. In Indonesia, waste management still relies on landfilling system which generate both positive and negative externalities. Odour pollution is one of the negative externalities. This study aimed to find out the willingness to accept (WTA) of compensation funds by the community around TPA Jabon, Sidoarjo Regency. Primary data were conducted through questionnaire from 180 respondents scattered in four villages directly affected to the existence of TPA Jabon. Mean WTA of all society toward compensation of TPA Jabon existence was IDR 55,424/household per month. The highest mean WTA, IDR 65,033/household per month, occurs in Semambung Village. The second-highest mean WTA, IDR 56,765/ household per month, occurs in Tambak Kalisogo Village. Balongtani Village generate the lowest mean WTA among others, IDR 47,633/ household per month. This mean WTA is higher than both compensation set by te local government (IDR 45,000/household per month) and compensation that actually received by the household (IDR 22,486/household per month). The objection emerge in society because of wide gap between WTA and what t h e y a c t ua ll y received. Village go ve r n me n t need to improve the equal policy distribution of compensation with proportionated distribution.
Phytoplankton Prey Selection by Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Val. (Silver Carp) in a Lower Mississippi River Backwater Lake

Abstract Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Silver Carp) are invasive and abundant in the Mississippi River system, where they consume phytoplankton. There is concern that Silver Carp may influence phytoplankton community structure with cascading effects on other trophic levels. Information is needed regarding Silver Carp phytoplankton-consumption rates and prey selection to assess their potential impact on the food-web in the river. We investigated Silver Carp diets in a backwater lake of the Lower Mississippi River in order to quantify phytoplankton prey selectivity. We made measurements on 4 dates over a 2-y period, which spanned a range of hydrologic connectivity between the lake and the river and a variety of fish sizes. We quantified selection by comparing phytoplankton community composition in the lake to prey in foreguts of captured Silver Carp using Vanderploeg and Scavia's (1979) relativized selection index. With a possible exception of diatoms on 1 date, there was no relationship of sample date or fish size on prey selection. However, there was a consistent pattern in prey selection: euglenoid algae were positively selected, selection of colonial algae and diatoms was variable, and flagellates and filamentous cyanobacteria were negatively selected. Results are discussed in the context of a conceptual model for Silver Carp phytoplanktivory that incorporates the roles of habitat selection, prey availability, prey capture and processing, and digestive physiology.
Noise Reduction for Digital Communications—The Masterpiece, a Modified Costas Loop

An efficient way of noise reduction has been presented: A modified Costas loop called as Masterpiece. The basic version of the Costas loop has been developed for SSB SC demodulation, but the same circuit can be applied for QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) demodulation as well. Noise sensitivity of the basic version has been decreased. One trick is the transformation of the real channel input into complex signal, the other one is the application of our folding algorithm. The result is that the Masterpiece provides a 4QAM symbol error rate (SER) of 6 × 10−4 for input signal to noise ratio (SNR) of −1 dB. In this paper, an improved version of the original Masterpiece is introduced. The complex channel input signal is normalized, and rotational average is applied. The 4QAM result is SER of 3 × 10−4 for SNR of −1 dB. At SNR of 0 dB, the improved version produces 100 times better SER than that the original Costas loop does. In our times, this topic has a special importance because by application of our Masterpiece, all dangerous field strengths from 5G and WiFi, could be decreased by orders of magnitude. The Masterpiece can break the Shannon formula.