Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complex Temperature and Concentration Dependent Self-Assembly of Poly(2-oxazoline) Block Copolymers

The effect of polymer concentration on the temperature-induced self-association of a block copolymer comprising a poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) block and a random copolymer block consisting of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline and 2-n-propyl-2-oxazoline (PEtO80-block-P(EtOxx-stat-PropO40-x) with x = 0, 4, or 8 were investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmittance measurements (turbidimetry). The polymers reveal a complex aggregation behavior with up to three relaxation modes in the DLS data and with a transmittance that first goes through a minimum before it declines at high temperatures. At low temperatures, unassociated polymer chains were found to co-exist with larger aggregates. As the temperature is increased, enhanced association and contraction of the aggregates results in a drop of the transmittance values. The aggregates fragment into smaller micellar-like clusters when the temperature is raised further, causing the samples to become optically clear again. At high temperatures, the polymers aggregate into large compact clusters, and the samples become turbid. Interestingly, very large aggregates were observed at low temperatures when the polymer concentrations were low. The formation of these aggregates was also promoted by a more hydrophilic copolymer structure. The formation of large aggregates with an open structure at conditions where the solvent conditions are improved is probably caused by depletion flocculation of the smaller aggregates.
Genetic Structure of Southern Appalachian “Sky Island” Populations of the Southern Red-backed Vole (Myodes gapperi)

Abstract Sequence data from a 597–base pair region of the mitochondrial DNA control region and data for 19 presumed allozyme loci were used to examine genetic structure and to detect gene flow among populations of southern red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi, formerly known as Clethrionomys gapperi) inhabiting spruce–fir “sky-islands” in the southern Appalachians. Allozyme data showed a significant heterozygote deficiency for most populations. Average individual heterozygosity varied among populations from 1.75% to 16.78% (X̄ ± SE = 8.63% ± 2.03%). FST values between any 2 sites ranged from 0.100 to 0.517 (X̄ ± SE = 0.296 ± 0.026), with a significant metapopulation FST value = 0.599. Nei's genetic distances (based on allozyme data) among spruce–fir habitats ranged from 0.037 to 0.310 (X̄ ± SE = 0.139 ± 0.079). Analysis of molecular variance permitted determination of the extent of geographic subdivision of mitochondrial haplotypes for 3 hierarchically organized sampling regimes: 14 high-altitude sample sites; 7 spruce–fir islands within which the sample sites are located; and whether sample sites were located south or north of the dominant, low-altitude barrier, the French Broad River. Genetic variation among groups and ΦST values were highly significant for all sampling regimes, indicating significant population structure at all hierarchical levels tested. Mantel's general regression test indicated that gene flow and genetic relationships fit an isolation-by-distance model. Since the Pleistocene, gene flow within the metapopulation of M. gapperi appears to have declined as a result of increasing distances between habitat islands and because of population bottlenecks.
Two New Putative Plant Viruses from Wood Metagenomics Analysis of an Esca Diseased Vineyard

The concept of plant as a holobiont is now spreading among the scientific community and the importance to study plant-associated microorganisms is becoming more and more necessary. Along with bacteria and fungi, also viruses can play important roles during the holobiont-environment interactions. In grapevine, viruses are studied mainly as pathological agents, and many species (more than 80) are known to be able to replicate inside its tissues. In this study two new viral species associated with grape wood tissues are presented, one belongs to the Potyviridae family and one to the Bunyavirales order. Due to the ability of potyviruses to enhance heterologous virus replication, it will be important to assess the presence of such a virus in the grapevine population to understand its ecological role. Furthermore, the association of the cogu-like virus with esca symptomatic samples opens new questions and the necessity of a more detailed characterization of this virus.
Yield and Chemical Composition of Chlorella species cultivated in Pig, Poultry and Cow Dungs in southern Nigeria

A study was conducted to examine the yield and chemical composition of chlorella species, a single cell protein (SCP), cultivated on poultry, pig and cow dungs in southern Nigeria. The experiments were carried out using the completely randomized design in plastic bowls instead of ponds usually used for the culture. The cultures were enhanced by inoculating them with Actinomycetes bacterium which helps to break down the nutrients available in the organic materials for the chlorella species utilization. The yields of the chlorella from the poultry, pig, cow dungs and the control were 131.26, 128.42, 119.55 and 32.65, respectively, in 4 days harvesting interval. The crude protein values of 39.77% for poultry, 35.3% for pig, 35.3% for cow were not significant different values also range between 5.4 to 7.30% for ether extract while crude fibre varies between 4.64 to 5.47%. The ash contents were generally high in all cultures and there was no significantly difference (P>0.05) except the culture with pig dung having ash content of 10.90%. The nitrogen free extract content was significantly different (P<0.05) with the highest value obtained from poultry culture at 39.77%. The results have shown that chlorella species cultured in poultry droppings yielded the highest crude protein of 39.77%. For the cultivation of chlorella species, poultry dung is therefore recommended. Chlorella species is a suitable alternative source of protein in animal feeds.
Mechanisms of interferon-α inhibition by intravenous immunoglobulin

Several lines of evidence implicate type I interferons (IFN-I, including IFN-α and IFN-β) in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are specialized in the production of IFN-α and produce high concentrations of this cytokine following exposure to immune complexes (ICs) containing nucleic acids such as those that are found in the serum and tissues of patients with SLE. We previously reported that normal human serum inhibits IFN-α production by pDCs in response to SLE ICs and that inhibition is mediated, in part, by immunoglobulin G (IgG). IgG is the major component of intravenous Ig (IVIg), a therapeutic that is well known to exert anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat several diseases associated with increased IFN-I expression. Although the sialylated subfraction of IVIg has been implicated as the key anti-inflammatory component in murine models of arthritis and thrombocytopenia, the mechanism of inhibition of IFN-α by IgG and the importance of sialylation have not been studied. To address these questions we stimulated human primary cells with immune complexes or Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists and then evaluated their IFN-α production after addition of total IgG, its proteolytic fragments or differentially glycosylated subfractions. We discovered two very different mechanisms of inhibition by IgG. In the first, IgG potently inhibited IC-induced IFN-α by blocking binding of ICs to FcγRIIa on pDCs, which required the Fc portion of IgG but not sialylation. We also elucidated a novel second mechanism by which IgG inhibited TLR agonist-induced IFN-α that was independent of FcγR interaction. F(ab')2 fragments from the sialylated subfraction of IgG induced monocytes to produce prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) which potently inhibited pDC production of IFN-α. We found that PGE2 could inhibit IFN-α by direct activity on pDCs, but the signaling pathways involved in the inhibition of IFN-α by PGE2 are not well understood. We demonstrated that an activator of PKA (dibutyryl-cAMP) or a suppressor of mTOR (rapamycin) also inhibited IFN-α production, implicating the PKA and mTOR pathways as key regulators. Future studies will address the identification of the target molecule(s) on monocytes that are important for PGE2 production and the signal transduction pathways responsible for PGE2 suppression of IFN-α production by pDCs. These findings could lead to more efficient therapies for immune modulation in SLE and other diseases in which IFN-I is thought to play an important role.
Bilateral Comparisons of Quadriceps Thickness after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background and objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) often results in quadricep atrophy. The purpose of this study was to compare the bilateral thickness of each quadricep component before and after ACLR. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study design. In 14 patients who underwent ACLR, bilateral quadricep muscle thicknesses were measured using a portable ultrasound device, 1 h before and 48–72 h after ACLR. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare muscle thickness pre- and post-ACLR between the limbs. Results: The primary finding was that the vastus intermedius (VI) muscle was significantly smaller in the reconstructed limb after ACLR compared to that in the healthy limb (Reconstructed limb; RCL = Pre-operated (PRE): 19.89 ± 6.91 mm, Post-operated(POST): 16.04 ± 6.13 mm, Healthy limb; HL = PRE: 22.88 ± 6.07, POST: 20.90 ± 5.78 mm, F = 9.325, p = 0.009, η2p = 0.418). Conclusions: The results represent a selective surgical influence on the quadricep muscle thickness. These findings highlight the need of advanced strengthening exercises in order to restore VI thickness after ACLR.
A Robust Community Detection in Temporal Networks Based on Random Walks

Time-varying networks are common in many domains ranging from social media analytics to biology. An important task in these domains concerns the detection of community structures. Many existing algorithms for community detection in temporal networks attempt to detect communities in the whole evolution life of a network. In this paper, we propose a method to enhance the accuracy and robustness of the detection result of current network snapshot with the aid of previous and next snapshots. Our algorithm named STRW (Space-Time Random Walk) is based on a random walk on the multilayer network consisting of snapshots of a temporal network, and the transition probabilities deﬁning the random walk are adapted by the local topological and temporal similarity between successive snapshots. Based on this space-time random walk, nodes are clustered in a hierarchical fashion. Experimental results show that the performance of STRW is superior to related community detection algorithms.
Bioinformatic tools and guideline for PCR primer design

Bioinformatics has become an essential tool not only for basic research but also for applied research in biotechnology and biomedical sciences. Optimal primer sequence and appropriate primer concentration are essential for maximal specificity and efficiency of PCR. A poorly designed primer can result in little or no product due to non-specific amplification and/or primer-dimer formation, which can become competitive enough to suppress product formation. There are several online tools devoted to serving molecular biologist design effective PCR primers. This review intends to provide a guide to choosing the most efficient way to design a new specific-primer by applying current publicly available links and Web services. Also, the purpose here is to provide general recommendations for the design and use of PCR primers. (African Journal of Biotechnology: 2003 2(5): 91-95)
FIRST REPORT OF EUPHORBIA YELLOW LEAF CURL VIRUS INFECTING HIBISCUS SYRIACUS

Hibiscus syriacus is a flowering plant of the family Mal- vaceae known as a host of begomoviruses around the world. One plant showing symptoms of leaf curling and yellowing was collected along with a symptomless one from which total DNA was extracted using the CTAB method. Initial begomo- virus detection amplified a 570 bp product from the symp- tomatic plant identified as the viral coat protein (Wyatt and Brown, 1996), which was followed by rolling circle amplifica- tion (RCA) using random hexamer primers (Inoue-Nagata et al., 2004). The RCA product was digested with BamHI, yield- ing a ca. 2.8 kb DNA fragment that was subsequently cloned into pCambia1301. The sequence of the complete genome of a viral isolate denoted PK2 was deposited in GenBank under the accession No. KP780424. No associated genomic compo- nents (DNA-B/DNA β) were detected using the BC1F/BC1R (Hussain et al., 2004) and Beta01/Beta02 (Briddon et al., 2002) primer pairs. The isolate PK2 proved to be DNA-A (2,728 bp) with the typical old world begomovirus genomic orienta- tion. Identity scores were calculated by SDT, which showed that isolate PK2 had maximum 98.8% pairwise identity with Euphorbia yellow leaf curl virus (EYLCuV) (accession No. KM978186). According to the latest demarcation threshold of 91%, PK2 was identified as an isolate of Euphorbia yellow leaf curl virus (KM978186) (Brown et al., 2015). To the best of our knowledge it is the first report of EYLCuV infecting a member of the family Malvaceae.
A Propos D'observations Sur L'ultrastructure Du Cilié Cyrtolophosis Mucicola Stokes, 1885

RESUME L'etude detaillee du cortex et des organelles buccaux de Cyrtolophosis mucicola montre que ce Cilie possede une organisation structural corticale comparable a celle de Woodruffia, Platyophrya, Kuklikophrya et des Colpoda. Tout en restant conforme au plan general d'organisation de ces derniers, il a des variations specifiques decelees au niveau des organelles buccaux qui confirment la position de C. mucicola dans la famille des Cyrtolophosididae, incluse dans le sous-ordre des PLATYOPHRYINA. SYNOPSIS It is shown in a detailed study of the cortex and buccal organelles of Cyrtolophosis mucicola that, at the ultrastructural level, the general plan of organization of this ciliate conforms to that of Woodruffia, Platyophrya, Kuklikophrya and other Colpoda. Specific variations seen in the buccal organelles confirm the taxonomic position of C. mucicola in the family Cyrtolophosididae and in the suborder PLATYOPHRYINA.
A New Species of Camptosaurus (Ornithopoda: Dinosauria) from the Morrison Formation (Upper Jurassic) of Dinosaur National Monument, Utah, and a Biomechanical Analysis of Its Forelimb

ABSTRACT A new species, Camptosaurus aphanoecetes, is named for a partial skeleton of ornithopod dinosaur from the Morrison Formation (Upper Jurassic) of Dinosaur National Monument, Utah. The specimen was originally described as Camptosaurus medius Marsh, 1894, and later referred to Camptosaurus dispar (Marsh, 1879). Comparison of the specimen with a large sample of C. dispar from Quarry 13 shows differences in the proportions and shape of various axial and appendicular elements. Based on the dorsoventrally depressed form of the ilium, Camptosaurus depressus Gilmore, 1909 (Lower Cretaceous of South Dakota) is assigned to the Barremian genus Planicoxa DiCroce and Carpenter, 2001, as Planicoxa depressa, new combination. The well-preserved, undistorted forelimb material of C. aphanoecetes allows for a biomechanical analysis. The range of motion is rather limited throughout the forelimb. The analysis supports the quadrupedal locomotion previously hypothesized for Camptosaurus Marsh, 1885, from limb ratios, fusion of the wrist, and presence of short digits.
Structure-function relationship of cytokine induction by lipoteichoic acid from Staphylococcus aureus.

Lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) have been proposed as putative Gram-positive immunostimulatory counterparts to Gram-negative lipopolysaccharides. However, LTA from Staphylococcus aureus , the clinically most frequent Gram-positive pathogen, was inactive after purification. Here, a novel isolation procedure to prepare pure ( . 99%) biologically active LTA, allowing the first structural analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry, is described. A comparison with LTA purified by standard techniques revealed that alanine substituents are lost during standard purification, resulting in attenuated cytokine induction activity. In line with this finding, hydrolysis of alanine substituents of active LTA decimated cytokine induction. LTA represents a major immunostimulatory component of S. aureus.
Endovascular Treatment in Patients with Cerebral Artery Occlusion of Three Different Etiologies

Background and Purpose The outcome of endovascular treatment (EVT) may differ depending on the etiology of arterial occlusion. This study aimed to assess the differences in EVT outcomes in patients with intracranial arterial steno-occlusion (ICAS-O), artery-to-artery embolism (AT-O), and cardiac embolism (CA-O). Methods We retrospectively analyzed 330 patients with ischemic stroke who underwent EVT between January 2012 and August 2017. Patients were classified according to the etiology. The clinical data, EVT-related factors, and clinical outcomes were compared. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months, determined using ordinal logistic regression (shift analysis), was the primary outcome. Results CA-O (n=149) was the most common etiology, followed by ICAS-O (n=63) and AT-O (n=49). Age, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and rate of hemorrhagic transformation were significantly higher in patients with CA-O compared to AT-O and ICAS-O. The time from onset-to-recanalization was the shortest in the CA-O (356.0 minutes) groups, followed by the AT-O (847.0 minutes) and ICAS-O (944.0 minutes) groups. The rates of successful recanalization, mRS distribution, and favorable outcomes at 3 months (mRS 0–2; CA-O, 36.9%, AT-O, 53.1%; and ICAS-O, 41.3%) did not differ among the three groups. Baseline NIHSS score (odds ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.83 to 0.91) could independently predict a favorable shift in mRS distribution. Conclusions The functional outcomes of ICAS-O and AT-O were similar to those of CA-O, despite the delay in symptom onset-to-recanalization, suggesting that the therapeutic time window may be extended in these patients.
In Vitro Assessment of the Genotoxic Hazard of Novel Hydroxamic Acid- and Benzamide-Type Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDACi)

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are already approved for the therapy of leukemias. Since they are also emerging candidate compounds for the treatment of non-malignant diseases, HDACi with a wide therapeutic window and low hazard potential are desirable. Here, we investigated a panel of 12 novel hydroxamic acid- and benzamide-type HDACi employing non-malignant V79 hamster cells as toxicology guideline-conform in vitro model. HDACi causing a ≥10-fold preferential cytotoxicity in malignant neuroblastoma over non-malignant V79 cells were selected for further genotoxic hazard analysis, including vorinostat and entinostat for control. All HDACi selected, (i.e., KSK64, TOK77, DDK137 and MPK77) were clastogenic and evoked DNA strand breaks in non-malignant V79 cells as demonstrated by micronucleus and comet assays, histone H2AX foci formation analyses (γH2AX), DNA damage response (DDR) assays as well as employing DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair-defective VC8 hamster cells. Genetic instability induced by hydroxamic acid-type HDACi seems to be independent of bulky DNA adduct formation as concluded from the analysis of nucleotide excision repair (NER) deficient mutants. Summarizing, KSK64 revealed the highest genotoxic hazard and DDR stimulating potential, while TOK77 and MPK77 showed the lowest DNA damaging capacity. Therefore, these compounds are suggested as the most promising novel candidate HDACi for subsequent pre-clinical in vivo studies.
Blossom colour change after pollination provides carbon for developing seeds

Summary We tested the hypothesis that greening of the floral (involucral) bracts of Dalechampia scandens blossoms after pollination (when bracts are white) increases carbon assimilation and provides photosynthate to developing seeds. We investigated the importance of the involucral bracts for the process of seed development in two ways. First, we removed or shaded bracts of hand-pollinated blossoms to prevent their photosynthesis and tested the effects of these manipulations on seed development. Secondly, we measured the photosynthetic rate of blossoms with white vs. green bracts and compared these rates with those of leaves. After four weeks of development, seeds from blossoms with bracts removed or shaded were lighter than those produced by unmanipulated blossoms. Furthermore, although the area-based photosynthetic rate of green bracts was much lower than that of leaves, it was much greater than that of white bracts. Estimates of the daily carbon budget based on these measurements indicate that photosynthesis in green bracts is sufficient to meet the respiratory demand of the whole blossom, but not so in white bracts. Our results support the hypothesis that colour change in D. scandens bracts allows carbon assimilation that contributes to the carbon demand of nearby developing seeds.
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This article describes the process and findings of a community study that was part of a task force to improve educational experiences for new English learners, particularly the large number of Latinos. Based on the analysis of a series of focus group interviews and a survey, the article discusses how students coming from other countries are usually accustomed to a different classroom environment and may be confused about how to relate with their teachers and with other students during class. At the same time, educators may not possess adequate knowledge about students’prior educational experiences and the cultural models of schooling in Latino communities. The article argues that educators need to consider both the risk and success factors for new immigrant students and examine more closely the nature of communication between students, teachers, and parents.
CFD analysis on the effect of combining positive and negative pressure during the irrigation of artificial isthmuses

Fluid dynamics generated by irrigation needles have not been deeply analyzed in root canal irregularities such as apical ramifications or isthmus where the cleaning capacity of irrigants might be compromised and hence the treatment outcome. The goal of this study was to compare the key irrigation parameters (flow pattern, irrigant velocity, apical pressure, and shear stress) between two irrigation needles and the additional effect of aspiration cannulas through computational fluid dynamics. A 3D‐model consisting of two canals linked by an isthmus was modeled. The abovementioned needles irrigated the primary canal, whereas an aspiration cannula was located inside the secondary canal. Both the geometry definition and spatial discretization were carried out with ANSYS 16.2, through which six different simulations were performed: lateral exit (LE) needle, frontal exit (FE) needle, LE and cannula in crown (LEC), FE and cannula in crown (FEC), LE and cannula in middle third (LEM), FE and cannula in middle third (FEM). FE and FEM showed that the irrigation flow only passes through the isthmus in the most apical section (maximum irrigant velocity / shear stress = 8.44 m/s / 1628.44 Pa and 8.63 m/s / 1185.69 Pa, respectively). However, the remaining simulations showed the irrigation flow passing through the isthmus twice, through the most apical section first and through the upper part of the isthmus later (maximum irrigant velocity / shear stress = 8.48 m/s / 1298.24 Pa (LE), 8.61 m/s / 1261.36 Pa (LEM), 8.61 m/s / 1355.24 Pa (LEC), 8.59 m/s / 1256.87 Pa (FEC)). Furthermore, the highest velocity values were detected when aspiration cannulas were added.