Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant growth-promoting activity of beta-propeller protein YxaL secreted from Bacillus velezensis strain GH1-13

YxaL is conserved within Bacillus subtilis species complex associated with plant and soil. The mature protein YxaL contains a repeated beta-propeller domain, but the subcellular location and function of YxaL has not been determined. The gene encoding the mature YxaL protein was PCR amplified from genomic DNA of B. velezensis strain GH1-13 and used for recombinant protein production. A rabbit polyclonal antibody against the purified YxaL was generated and used for western blotting to determine the constitutive expression and secretion of YxaL, which exhibited a half-life of 1.6 h in the culture medium of strain GH1-13. In this study, we show that seed treatments of Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa L) with less than 1 mg L−1 of purified YxaL in a soaking solution were effective at improving the root growth of plants. The seedlings of the treated Arabidopsis seeds markedly increased transcription of a 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthetase marker gene (ACS 11) but reduced expression of auxin-and abscisic acid-responsive marker genes (IAA1, GH3.3, and ABF4), especially when provided exogenous auxin. The horticulture experiments showed that pepper (Capsicum annum) seeds treated with 1 mg L−1 YxaL in soaking solution increased shoot growth and improved tolerance to drought stress. We hypothesize that YxaL secreted from plant growth-promoting Bacillus cells has a significant impact on plant roots, with the potential of improving plant growth and tolerance against stress.
Tick‐defense grooming patterns of two sympatric Tibetan ungulates

Grooming is an important behavioral defense against tick infestation for ungulates. The ‘programmed grooming model’ explains the endogenous regulation of tickdefense grooming and predicts different interand intra-specific grooming patterns owing to the body size principle. Here, we studied the summer grooming behaviors of two sympatric Tibetan ungulates, to explore whether or not body size principle works interand intra-specifically. The ungulates were sexually and body-size dimorphic Tibetan antelopes (Pantholops hodgsonii) with body weight of c. 33 kg and sexually dimorphic but body-size monomorphic Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata) with body weight of c. 14 kg. Group size was also included in our negative binominal regression model to determine whether or not the ungulates groomed more or less with the increasing group size. Results showed that large Tibetan antelopes groomed much less than small Tibetan gazelles inter-specifically. Intra-specifically, sex–age significantly affects the grooming rate of Tibetan antelopes. The largest adult males groomed the least, whereas the smallest fawns groomed the most. However, this sex–age effect is not found in Tibetan gazelle: males and females groomed similarly. These findings indicate that body size principle is fully supported interand intra-specifically. Positive group size effect on grooming is observed in Tibetan gazelle, suggesting that released vigilance time from group size effect is probably transferred to grooming. From a conservation point of view, we suggest further studies on the testosterone effect on grooming patterns during the rut as well as on tick biology on the plateau.
Political Aspects of ‘Buffer Stock’ Employment: A Reconsideration

Advocates of Job Guarantee (JG) or Employer of Last Resort (ELR) schemes have suggested that if the state provides ‘buffer stock’ employment to workers displaced from private employment, then full employment can be maintained over the course of the business cycle. Kalecki was sceptical about the prospects for maintaining full employment in capitalist economies, without fundamental institutional change that would alleviate certain political constraints on the maintenance of full employment. We argue that in and of themselves, JG/ELR schemes do not create the fundamental institutional change required to address Kalecki’s concerns and so ensure that full employment becomes achievable as a permanent state.
Host plant resistance genes to Fusarium head blight of wheat : sources, inheritance and determination of genetic control /

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease of wheat and barley. It is caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum and related species. In recent years, it has emerged as a threatening disease for all classes of wheat worldwide. FHB has caused an overall economic loss of $2.6 billion over the past six years in the United States. The state of Ohio suffered losses of $180 million in 1996 alone due to FHB. Severe epidemics of FHB have been occurring frequently on wheat crops in the north central United States and southern Canada due to the widespread use of conservation tillage. No chemical and biological control for the disease has been identified so far. Breeding for resistance is fairly complicated because of the quantitative nature of inheritance with few major and few minor genes for resistance. The studies performed in this research identify new sources of resistance to FHB of wheat, map major quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistant to FHB and establishes a relationship among FHB resistant germplasm using pedigree and molecular analysis.
Assessment of Avifauna and Water Quality Parameters of Mangla Wetland, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Muhammad Umar1, Muhammad Arshad2, Mubashar Hussain1*, Moazama Batool3 and Muhammad Faheem Malik1 1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan 2Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan 3Government College Women University, Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan Article Information Received 03 April 2017 Revised 25 July 2017 Accepted 30 October 2019 Available online 13 July 2020
The FXR2P low complexity domain drives assembly of multiple fibril types with differing ribosome association in neurons

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) typically function in higher order assemblages to regulate RNA localization and translation. The Fragile X homolog FXR2P is an RBP essential for formation of Fragile X granules, which associate with axonal mRNA and ribosomes in the intact brain. Here we performed an unbiased EGFP insertional mutagenesis screen to probe for FXR2P domains important for assembly into higher order structural states in neurons. Fifteen of the 18 unique in-frame FXR2PEGFP fusions tested formed cytosolic granules. However, EGFP insertion within a 23 amino acid region of the low complexity (LC) domain induced formation of distinct FXR2PEGFP fibrils (A and B) that were found in isolation or assembled into highly ordered bundles. Type A and B complexes exhibited different developmental timelines, ultrastructure and ribosome association with ribosomes absent from bundled Type B fibrils. The formation of both fibril types was dependent on an intact RNA binding domain. We conclude that formation of these higher order FXR2P assemblages with alternative structural and compositional states in neurons requires collaboration between the LC and RNA binding domains. Summary Statement The Fragile X protein FXR2P forms multiple types of fibrillar assemblages with differential ribosome associations in neurons through cooperation between its RNA binding and LC domains.
Fuzzy Relation-Based Analysis of Korean Foods and Adjectives for Taste Evaluation

In this paper we analyze the Korean foods and sensory adjectives that can be used for the taste expression of corresponding food based on the fuzzy relation. In order to construct fuzzy relation we gathered and chose 87 related Korean adjectives for expressing not only taste but also smell from foods. After then we performed a sensory evaluation for 51 Korean foods with 20 subjects to check the proper adjectives when they take a food. Based on the data collected by the evaluation a fuzzy relation is constructed and used for the analysis of the properties of food and adjectives. In addition the composition of the fuzzy relation provides the fuzzy tolerance(compatibility) relation among foods as well as that among adjectives. From the fuzzy complete α-cover of the relations we could explore the taxonomy of food or adjectives. We expect that the fuzzy relation-based scheme in the paper can be utilized for analysis of the sensory adjectives like smelling and tactile sensation.
Cryo-EM structure of gamma secretase in complex with a Notch fragment

Aberrant cleavage of Notch by γ-secretase leads to several types of cancer, but how γ-secretase recognizes its substrate remains unknown. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of human γ-secretase in complex with a Notch fragment at a resolution of 2.7 A. The transmembrane helix of Notch is surrounded by three transmembrane domains of PS1, and the carboxyl-terminal β-strand of the Notch fragment forms a β-sheet with two substrate-induced β-strands of PS1 on the intracellular side. Formation of the hybrid β-sheet is essential for substrate cleavage, which occurs at the carboxyl-terminal end of the Notch transmembrane helix. PS1 undergoes pronounced conformational rearrangement upon substrate binding. These features reveal the structural basis of Notch recognition and have implications for the recruitment of the amyloid precursor protein by γ-secretase.
Macroeconomic Determinants of House Prices in Malaysia

House prices in Malaysia are considered to be seriously unaffordable as the median all-house price is relatively higher than the annual median income. Although the issue of house prices is prevalent in the country, few studies have been done to determine factors that influence its movement. The current paper, therefore, attempts to investigate the causal relationship between macroeconomic variables and house prices in Malaysia by accounting for the existence of a structural break for the variables. It is identified that in the long run, macroeconomic variables are collectively significant in influencing house price movement while the individual impact of macroeconomic variables is varied. The rise in the level of interest rates, housing supply, and inflation will result in the decline in house prices while gross domestic product and local currency appreciation cause the price to increase. It was found that stock prices do not significantly influence house prices. Of all the macroeconomic factors analyzed, exchange rate fluctuations appear to be most significant in explaining the movement of house prices. In the short-run, all macroeconomic factors are individually significant in influencing house prices and it is also identified that house prices tend to move back into their long-run state after temporary macroeconomic shocks with the speed of adjustment around 5.2 percent quarterly. It is advised for the policymakers to constantly monitor the movement of macroeconomic factors and take necessary actions to cushion the adverse impact of the movement of house prices in the country.
Integrin α6β4 recognition of a linear motif of bullous pemphigoid antigen BP230 controls its recruitment to hemidesmosomes

Mechanical stability of epithelia requires firm attachment to the basement membrane via hemidesmosomes. Dysfunction of hemidesmosomal proteins causes severe skin blistering diseases. Two plakins, plectin and BP230 (BPAG1e), link the integrin α6β4 to intermediate filaments in epidermal hemidesmosomes. Here, we show that a linear sequence within the isoform-specific N-terminal region of BP230 binds to the third and fourth FnIII domains of β4. The crystal structure of the complex and mutagenesis analysis revealed that BP230 binds between the two domains of β4. BP230 induces closing of the two FnIII domains that are looked in place by an inter-domain ionic clasp required for binding. Disruption of the BP230-β4 interface prevents the recruitment of BP230 to hemidesmosomes in human keratinocytes, revealing a key role of the BP230-β4 interaction for hemidesmosome assembly. Phosphomimetic substitutions in β4 and BP230 disrupt binding. Our study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of hemidesmosome architecture and regulation.
In Silico Analysis of Non Synonymous SNPs in DHCR7 Gene

DHCR7 gene (7-dehydrocholesterol reductase) provides the necessary instruction for synthesis of the enzyme 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase which is needed for cholesterol synthesis. Cholesterol plays an important role as a precursor for synthesis of hormones, bile acids and acts as a structural component of cell membranes and myelin. One of the main health problems resulting from mutations in this gene is Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome. It is an autosomal recessive inheritance disease characterized by failure to thrive, intellectual disability and multiple anomaly. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effect of non-synonymous SNPs (ns SNPs) of DHCR7 gene in protein function and structure using different computational software. Materials and Methods: Different nsSNPs and protein related sequences were obtained from NCBI and ExPASY database. Deleterious and damaging effect of SNPs were analyzed using SIFT, Polyphen 2, Provean and SNPs & GO software. Protein stability was investigated using I-Mutant and MUpro software. The interaction of DHCR7 with other genes was studied using GeneMANIA software. The structural and functional impact of point mutations was predicted using Project Hope software. Results: DHCR7 gene was found to have an association with 20 other genes such as TM7SF2 and LBR using GeneMANIA. After retrieval of SNPs from the NCBI database, 437 SNPs were classified as non synonymous SNPs (missense). Following analysis using SIFT software, a total of 74 SNP were predicted to have a deleterious effect. Using Polyphen– 2 (25 SNPs) were found to be benign, (11) were found to be possibly damaging, (39) SNPs were found to be probably damaging. Regarding the protein stability, using I-Mutant and MUpro software revealed that 55 SNPs showed decrease protein stability. To confirm the SNP effect two software were also used SNPs & GO and PHD-SNP. The results of these two software showed that 53 SNPs had a disease effect. After analysis using the different software, a total of 33 SNPs were found to be disease related. Some of these SNPs have previously been reported using DNA sequencing and were confirmed using the different software. Some new SNPs were identified to be disease related.
Multiauthority Access Control With Anonymous Authentication for Personal Health Record

A personal health record (PHR) system is a smart health system that serves patients and doctors. A PHR is usually stored in a cloud and managed by a semitrusted cloud provider. However, there is still a possibility of the exposure of personal health information to semitrusted parties and unauthorized users. To protect the privacy of patients and ensure that patients can control their PHRs, a patient-centric PHR sharing framework is proposed in this article. In this framework, all PHRs are protected with multiauthority attribute-based encryption before outsourcing, which solves the key hosting problem and achieves fine-grained access control to PHRs. Furthermore, an anonymous authentication between the cloud and the user is proposed to ensure data integrity on the cloud while not exposing the user’s identity during authentication. The proposed authentication is issued from a new online–offline attribute-based signature. It can make the encrypted PHRs resist collusion attacks and not be forged during the period of sharing, which enhances patients’ control of their PHRs. Online–offline and outsourcing decryption also reduces calculation costs and improves operational efficiency. Finally, comparisons are given based on numerical experiments.
A Voltage Support Control Strategy for Grid Integrated Solar PV System During Abnormal Grid Conditions Utilizing Interweaved GI

The prime facets for the control of grid integrated voltage source converters (VSC) during abnormal grid variations are the control of voltage as well as power quality. In this article, a unique control strategy is presented for the control of solar photovoltaic (PV) system interfaced to the grid utilizing an interweaved generalized integrator. A single-stage three-phase topology is considered. The primary purpose of control is to deliver the PV power to the grid even during various abnormal grid variations. During normal operation, the system delivers power at unity power factor. However, during variations in the grid voltage, the profile of the PCC voltage is maintained within prescribed limits by reactive power injection. Moreover, LVRT operation is undertaken during severe voltage sags. The utilization of the system is increased in the absence of PV generation during night, the VSC and dc link capacitor act as a distribution static compensator. Contrary to traditional control techniques, power quality of the system is not compromised. The achievements of the control are demonstrated through simulation as well as with hardware implementation. Furthermore, a comparative analysis, with the state-of-the-art techniques, is highlighted, which shows the efficacy of the presented control.
Hippocampal theta bursting and waveform shape reflect CA1 spiking patterns

Brain rhythms are nearly always analyzed in the spectral domain in terms of their power, phase, and frequency. While this conventional approach has uncovered spike-field coupling, as well as correlations to normal behaviors and pathological states, emerging work has highlighted the physiological and behavioral importance of multiple novel oscillation features. Oscillatory bursts, for example, uniquely index a variety of cognitive states, and the nonsinusoidal shape of oscillations relate to physiological changes, including Parkinson’s disease. Open questions remain regarding how bursts and nonsinusoidal features relate to circuit-level processes, and how they interrelate. By analyzing unit and local field recordings in the rodent hippocampus, we uncover a number of significant relationships between oscillatory bursts, nonsinusoidal waveforms, and local inhibitory and excitatory spiking patterns. Bursts of theta oscillations are surprisingly related to a decrease in pyramidal neuron synchrony, and have no detectable effect on firing sequences, despite significant increases in neuronal firing rates during periods of theta bursting. Theta burst duration is predicted by the asymmetries of its first cycle, and cycle asymmetries relate to firing rate, synchrony, and sequences of pyramidal neurons and interneurons. These results provide compelling physiological evidence that time-domain features, of both nonsinusoidal hippocampal theta waveform and the theta bursting state, reflects local circuit properties. These results point to the possibility of inferring circuit states from local field potential features in the hippocampus and perhaps other brain regions with other rhythms.
Optimal Energy Dispatch of Distributed PVs for the Next Generation of Distribution Management Systems

Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) are being widely adopted by electric utilities for managing and optimizing the operations of their distribution systems. Distributed photovoltaic (DPV) systems with smart inverters can be controlled to adjust active power and reactive power outputs, and they are envisioned to become a part of (centrally or distributed) controllable assets managed by the ADMS for optimizing grid operations. This paper proposes an optimal energy dispatch strategy controlling DPV systems for regulating distribution voltages and achieving conservation voltage reduction. A convex optimization model is proposed with the use of linearized power flow, and the gradient projection algorithm is used to solve the optimal active power and reactive power outputs of smart inverters. The proposed optimal energy dispatch is implemented using an open-source ADMS platform, and simulation results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach on improving distribution grid operations.
Factor of Security (FoS): Quantifying the Security Effectiveness of Redundant Smart Grid Subsystems

According to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61850-90-4, most smart grid substations are designed with redundancy in order to improve their availability in case of failures. Redundancy usually takes the form of having multiple subsystems with identical functionality based on the assumption that failures in one subsystem are isolated from other subsystems. However, this is not necessarily true in the case of failures caused by malicious attacks, because attackers can easily reuse their skills and tools across different subsystems under similar configurations. Taking this into consideration, this article introduces the factor of security (FoS) metrics to quantify the security effectiveness of redundant subsystems in smart grids. Specifically, we first apply the attack graph model to capture various threats in smart grids and substations; we then formally define the FoS metric and the probabilistic FoS metric, and finally we evaluate those metrics through simulations.
The effect of n-hexane extract of andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) fruit in the liver tissues of mice during post implantation of pregnancy

The aim of this research was to analyze the effect of n-hexane extract of andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) fruits in the liver tissues of mice during post implantation of pregnancy.This study used female Mus muculus strain DDW of pregnant which were divided into 5 groups: (i) negative control group (K0), (ii) solvent control treatment carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) 1% (K+), (iii) n-hexane extract of andaliman fruit 2% (P1), (iv) 4% (P2), and (v) 6% (P3). The treatments were conducted for 6-14 days during post implantation of pregnancy. At the end of treatment, the liver tissues were collected and analyzed morphologic and histology. The result showed that a pale and spotted on liver surface found in treatment groups. The P1, P2, and P3 treatment increased of hepatocyte damage (p> 0.05) than in K0 and K+ treatment groups. From the result of this analysis, it could be then concluded that the n-hexane extract of andaliman fruit has negative impact on liver histology of treated mice.
Honey bee workers reared in a neonicotinoid contaminated in-hive environment

With the currently updated risk assessment of three neonicotinoid pesticides, the European Food Safety Authority has confirmed that different applications of these substances represent a risk to wild and managed bees and their use was therefore severely restricted. However, to close further gaps in knowledge, this experiment covers exposure of honey bee worker brood reared in a neonicotinoid contaminated in-hive environment with focus on the individual. In a worst case scenario, mini-hives were fed chronically with a sublethal concentration of clothianidin (15 µg/kg), which is highly toxic to bees already in small amounts. Freshly hatched workers from these colonies were subsequently marked and introduced into non-contaminated colonies, where their lifespan and behavior was monitored. Nineteen days after exposure, clothianidin treated bees had no reduced lifespan or showed any signs of behavioral impairment when compared to the control, demonstrating that social buffering is not a simple substitution of dead bees by rearing more brood. Our results suggest that the social environment plays a crucial role for the individual in terms of “superorganism resilience”. These findings are discussed in context with the current use of lower tier test systems in risk assessment and contrary results obtained from laboratory experiments. HIGHLIGHTS Sublethal clothianidin treatment did not affect lifespan nor behavior of workers. Effects on individual bees reared within a mini-hive are translatable to full-sized colonies. “Superorganism resilience” is not a simple substitution of dead bees by rearing more brood. Laboratory testing in the risk assessment of plant protection products bears severe weaknesses.