Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic study on binding of cationic Pheophorbide-a to antiparallel quadruplex Tel22

Binding of water-soluble cationic Pheophorbide-a derivative (CatPheo-a) to Na+–stabilized antiparallel quadruplex formed by 22-mer oligonucleotide d[AG3(T2AG3)3], a fragment of human telomeric DNA (Tel22, PDB ID: 143D), has been examined using experimental techniques of absorption and polarized fluorescent spectroscopy as well as absorption melting. The binding affinity of CatPheo-a to Tel22 was studied in titration experiments registering the dependence of the dye fluorescence intensity and polarization degree on molar phosphate-to-dye ratio (P/D). CatPheo-a was found to bind effectively to the quadruplex, and two competitive binding modes were detected. The first one predominates at the dye excess and results in the fluorescence quenching, whereas the second one is preferential at the biopolymer excess and results in the enhancement of pheophorbide emission. The effect of CatPheo-a on thermodynamic parameters of Tel22 quadruplex unfolding was estimated using a two-state model. It was found that CatPheo-a destabilizes the quadruplex structure of Tel22 slightly decreasing its 4→1 transition midpoint temperature, gives destabilizing increment into Gibbs standard free energy and 2-fold decrease in the equilibrium quadruplex folding constant at 37°C. In ethanol CatPheo-a exhibits 15% higher efficiency of singlet oxygen generation as compared to the parent Pheo-a compound that makes it a promising photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy.
The circulating levels of CTRP5 and the ratio of CTRP1 to CTRP5 plasma levels are significant predictors for cIMT value in patients with type 2 diabetes: A case-control study

Background: There is growing evidence that the C1qTNF-related protein (CTRP) family has a crucial role in the physiology and pathophysiology of metabolic disorders such as Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and obesity. We sought to identify the association of CTRP1 and CTRP5 circulating levels with various obesity parameters such as visceral adipose tissue (VAT) thickness, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in patients with T2D and healthy subjects. Methods: This case-control study recruited subjects with T2D patients (n=42) as case group (all men) and without T2D (n=42) as controls (all men). cIMT and VAT thickness measurement was performed using an Accuvix XQ ultrasound. Circulating CTRP1 and CTRP5 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: CTRP-1 and CTRP1/CTRP5 ratio were markedly higher in patients with T2D compared to controls (p < 0001 and p = 0004 respectively). Interestingly, binominal logistic regression revealed that a higher circulating level of CTRP1 was associated with the presence of T2D (odds ratio [OR]: 13203.554 [95% CI: 65.186-2674407.708]; P=.000). When considering the study population as a whole, CTRP1 circulating levels were correlated with WHR, VAT, and HOMA-IR. Also, we observed that the ratio of CTRP1 to CTRP5 plasma levels (β = 0.648, P=0.005) and CTRP5 circulating levels (β = 0.444, P=0.049) are significant predictors for cIMT value. Conclusions: Our results indicated that CTRP1 and CTRP5 concentrations were correlated with atherosclerosis in human subjects and these adipokines might have a causal role for cardiometabolic risk in type 2 diabetes disease
Comprehensive analysis of human hookworm secreted proteins using a proteogenomic approach

The human hookworm Necator americanus infects more than 400 million people worldwide, contributing substantially to the poverty in these regions. Adult stage N. americanus live in the small intestine of the human host where they inject excretory/secretory (ES) products into the mucosa. ES products have been characterized at the proteome level for a number of animal hookworm species, but until now, the difficulty in obtaining sufficient live N. americanus has been an obstacle in characterizing the secretome of this important human pathogen. Herein we describe the ES proteome of N. americanus and utilize this information to conduct the first proteogenomic analysis of a parasitic helminth, significantly improving the available genome and thereby generating a robust description of the parasite secretome. The genome annotation resulted in a a revised prediction of 3,425 fewer genes than initially reported, accompanied by a significant increase in the number of exons and introns, total gene length and the percentage of the genome covered by genes. Almost 200 ES proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS with SCP/TAPS proteins, ‘hypothetical’ proteins and proteases among the most abundant families. These proteins were compared to commonly used model species of human parasitic infections, including Ancylostoma caninum, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Heligmosomoides polygyrus. Our findings provide valuable information on important families of proteins with both known and unknown functions that could be instrumental in host-parasite interactions, including protein families that might be key for parasite survival in the onslaught of robust immune responses, as well as vaccine and drug targets.
A guide to no-touch automated room disinfection (NTD) systems

Abstract: Conventional disinfection methods are limited by reliance on the operator to ensure appropriate selection, formulation, distribution and contact time of the agent. ‘No-touch’ automated room disinfection (NTD) systems remove or reduce reliance on operators and so they have the potential to improve the efficacy of terminal disinfection. The most commonly used systems are hydrogen peroxide vapour (H2O2 vapour), aerosolised hydrogen peroxide (aHP) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These systems have important differences in their active agent, delivery mechanism, efficacy, process time and ease of use. The choice of NTD system should be influenced by the intended application, the evidence base for effectiveness, practicalities of implementation and cost constraints.
Non-motion multi-planar coherent diffraction imaging with multimode fiber source

Coherent diffractive imaging (CDI) is a lensless, high-resolution imaging method. In order to overcome the problems of poor-quality image and slow convergence of iterative algorithm in traditional CDI, here multimode fiber source is selected as the lighting source to replace the traditional plane-wave. A phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM) is used as a negative lens instead of a positive lens in a 4f imaging unit. The diffraction field can be rapidly changed at a very short distance so as to realize a fast convergence and then save a lot of iteration times. This proposed setup has advantages such as a simpler structure and static recording. Both simulations and visible-light experiments demonstrate the good imaging quality and robustness of this method.
Molécules antibactériennes issues d'huiles essentielles: séparation, identification et mode d'action

La resistance bacterienne aux antibiotiques est un probleme majeur de sante publique. L'emergence et la propagation de bacteries multi-resistantes, associees au nombre limite d'antibiotiques en cours de developpement, ont conduit a une impasse therapeutique. La decouverte de molecules antibacteriennes innovantes, capables d'agir par de nouveaux modes d'action, est donc devenue indispensable. Dans cette etude, nous avons recherche dans les plantes et, plus precisement, dans leurs huiles essentielles des molecules susceptibles d'inhiber la croissance de bacteries pathogenes. Pour cela, nous avons crible 11 huiles essentielles par la methode de diffusion par disque, en vue d'evaluer leur activite contre Stahylococcus aureus. Les huiles essentielles d'Inula graveolens et de Santolina corsica, qui se sont revelees particulierement efficaces contre cette bacterie Gram positive, ont ete selectionnees afin de caracteriser leur mode d'action. Leurs effets sur la croissance et l'ultrastructure bacteriennes ont ete determines par mesure de la concentration minimale inhibitrice, experience de mort cellulaire, bacteriolyse et microscopie electronique a transmission. Ces deux huiles bactericides n'entrainent pas de lyse bacterienne et semblent agir simultanement sur la paroi cellulaire et la membrane plasmique. L'huile essentielle de Cistus ladaniferus inhibe egalement la croissance de S. Aureus mais son spectre d'action est plus large car il s'etend a plusieurs pathogenes, incluant des bacteries Gram positives (Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes) et des bacteries Gram negatives (Enterobacter aerogenes, Campylobacter jejuni), ainsi qu'a une bacterie Gram negative multi-resistante (Enterobacter aerogenes EA289). Dans le but d'identifier les molecules responsables de cette activite, l'huile de C. Ladaniferus a ete separee chimiquement en une fraction hydrocarbonee et trois fractions oxygenees. La fraction oxygenee qui concentre les alcools terpeniques, demontre la plus haute activite contre toutes les bacteries testees. La souche multi-resistante est particulierement sensible a l'action de cette classe de molecules, qui semble s'exercer sur la paroi bacterienne.
Anti Helminthis Activity of Alangium salviifolium against Pheretima posthumous

Trematodes, the causal agents of schistosomiasis an important parasites of economic and public health implications. Schistosomiasis affects over 240 million people worldwide, with up to 700 million individuals living at risk of infection (Cala et al., 2012). The disease caused up to 250,000 deaths per year in the last decade (Kumarasingha et al., 2016). Similarly, Helminthis infection causes huge revenue in agro farming. There have been several synthetic chemical compounds and nanoparticles proven their anti helminthis activity. However, it is also observed that these compounds are mostly toxic to the environment. In this juncture it is essential to develop suitable ethnobotanical agents against this threat (Khan et al., 2018).
Temporal and Spatial Characteristics and Optimization of the Intensive Use of Cultivated Land in Maoming City

Abstract: Improving the level of intensive cultivated land use is an important measure to ensure food security and promote the sustainable development of the regional society and economy. Based on data from the statistical yearbook of Maoming City and its counties and districts from 2005 to 2018 and the land use change database of Maoming City for 2018, this study constructed an evaluation index system for four aspects: cultivated land use intensity, cultivated land use degree, cultivated land output benefit and cultivated land sustainable use status. The level of intensive use of cultivated land in Maoming City from 2004 to 2017 was evaluated by AHP, the range method and the comprehensive evaluation model, and its temporal and spatial characteristics were evaluated. The results revealed three major points. (1) The intensive use of cultivated land in Maoming City in the past 14 years was good, and its level showed an overall upward trend, with the intensive use degree of cultivated land rising from 0.4045 in 2004 to 1.3148 in 2017. (2) The levels of intensive use of cultivated land in each county and district of Maoming City were generally on the rise, with no significant differences between them. However, according to the regional distribution, the intensive use level of cultivated land was highest in Maonan District, while it was relatively low in Dianbai County. The largest increase in the level of cultivated land intensive use was in Gaozhou, and the smallest was in Dianbai County. (3) According to the existing problems of cultivated land utilization in Maoming City, combined with the current international and domestic measures to effectively improve the level of intensive use of cultivated land, four suggestions are put forward: to improve the efficiency of cultivated land utilization and effectively protect basic farmland; to improve the overall urban planning and rationally adjust the layout of construction land; to raise farmers' awareness of the intensive use of cultivated land; and to increase agricultural investment and improve agricultural infrastructure.
Análisis de la variabilidad genética en poblaciones españolas de ceratitis capitata wied mediante la utilización de marcadores moleculares

SE HA ANALIZADO LA VARIABILIDAD GENETICA PRESENTE EN 10 POBLACIONES NATURALES DE DIFERENTES ZONAS GEOGRAFICAS Y UNA POBLACION DE LABORATORIO MEDIANTE EL ESTUDIO DE 25 LOCI ISOENZIMATICOS, 226 BANDAS DE RAPD Y POLIMORFISMOS DE LONGIDED PARA FRAGMENTOS DE RESTRICCION EN ADN MITOCONDRIN, EN CERATITIS CAPITATA.LOS RESULTADOS MUESTRAN UNA ELEVADA CONGRUENCIA ENTRE LAS 3 TECNICAS Y UNA ESTRATEGIA DE GRANO FINO EN ESTA ESPECIE. NO OBSTANTE EXISTEN DIFERENCIAS DEPENDIENTES DE FRUTO HOSPEDADOR, Y MAS IMPORTANTE AUN UNA ELEVADA DIFERENCIACION GEOGRAFICA CAUSADA POR UN LADO POR FENOMENOS HISTORICOS Y POR OTRO POR LA ACCION DE LA SELECCION NATURAL Y UNA FALTA DE MIGACION IMPORTANTE ENTRE ZONAS DISTANTES GEOGRAFICAMENTE. TAMBIEN SE OBTIENEN DATOS QUE APOYAN LA IDEA DE LA COLONIZACION DE LA PENINSULA DESDE EL SUR SIGUIENDO U MODELO RADIAL, Y DE CAMBIOS ASOCIADOS A LA ADAPTACION A LAS CONDICIONES DE LABORATORIO.
Enter the matrix: Interpreting unsupervised feature learning with matrix decomposition to discover hidden knowledge in high-throughput omics data

High-dimensional data is currently standard for biological inquiry. Biological systems are comprised of interrelated gene regulatory mechanisms, gene-gene interactions, and cellular interactions. These interactions induce low-dimensional structure within the high-dimensional data. Matrix factorization, also known as compressed sensing, learns low-dimensional mathematical representations from high-dimensional data. These factorization techniques can embed assumptions about pleiotropy, epistasis, inter-relationships between complex traits, and context-dependent interactions. They have been applied to uncover new biological knowledge in a breadth of topics ranging from pathway discovery to time course analysis. These techniques have been applied to data from diverse high-throughput omics technologies, including bulk and single-cell data. There are numerous computational techniques within the class of matrix factorization, each of which provides a unique interpretation of the processes in high-dimensional data. We review the visualization and applications of matrix factorization to systems-level analyses, which are diverse and require standardization to enable biological interpretation. Codifying the techniques to decipher biologically relevant features with matrix factorization enables their broad application to discovery beyond the limits of current biological knowledge — answering questions from high-dimensional data that we have not yet thought to ask.
Molecules and morphology reveal a new aberrant harvestman genus of Ortholasmatinae (Opiliones, Dypsnoi, Nemastomatidae) from Mexico

Ortholasmatinae is one of the most striking groups of Opiliones, because its members exhibit a peculiar dorsal ornamentation pattern of cells, formed by fusion of anvil-shaped tubercles. During the systematic revision of several specimens of ortholasmatines, we found specimens with shared morphological characters with two genera Trilasma Goodnight & Goodnight, 1942 and Dendrolasma Banks, 1894. In order to investigate their phylogenetic relationships, we performed model-based phylogenetic analyses using the mitochondrial protein-encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and the complete nuclear ribosomal small subunit 18S, including members of the five genera of this subfamily. The results support the creation of Cryptolasma Cruz-López, Cruz-Bonilla & Francke, gen. nov., and two new species: Cryptolasma aberrante Cruz-López, Cruz-Bonilla & Francke, sp. nov. (type species) and Cryptolasma citlaltepetl Cruz-López, Cruz-Bonilla & Francke, sp. nov., which are from Xalapa and Orizaba Volcano, Veracruz, respectively. Additionally, our results suggest Ruaxphilos petrukenvitchou Goodnight & Goodnight, 1945 is a nomina dubia. This study represents the first molecular hypothesis of Ortholasmatinae relationships, with Cryptolasma as the sister of the remaining ortholasmatine.www. zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3730EE48-9802-4B06-9DDF-EC1AFE9A3B61
Experimental study on characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW) in typical cites of Indonesia

A clear understanding of the basic characteristics of municipal solid waste is the basis for the investigation of appropriate disposal technique. Municipal solid wastes subdivided into 7 categories were sampled in 7 typical cities of Indonesia in this study. The physical composition, chemical properties of the municipal solid waste, as well as the impact of seasonal and geographical changes on the physical composition have been investigated. The physical and chemical characteristics of municipal solid waste in Indonesia is understood in detail.The average percent content of each Indonesian waste category in sequence is 27.50% food waste, 20.42% mixture waste, 19.41% plastic waste, 14.54% paper waste, 9.25% wood waste, 4.90% textile waste, and 3.98% non-combustible waste. It is found that the seasonal changes have weak impact on the composition of MSW in Indonesia. The moisture content of each type of waste is above 30%, and the lower heating value on a wet basis of the overall municipal solid waste reaches 8.6MJ/Kg, which is well above the World Bank-recommended value (6MJ/Kg) for utilization in thermochemical conversion processes. The results prove that Indonesian municipal solid waste is potential for converting waste to renewable power or other energy products.
Orbitalordering probed by electron-spin resonance method in magnetic semiconductors

~ (110…120) K and T ~ (230…260) K, thecorrelation between the magnetic and electric subsystemshas been found [3]. The presence of this correlation isconfirmed by the magnetic field dependence of thetemperaturevariationofthepermittivityhavingmaximumatthesetemperatures.Thefirstmaximuminthelow-temperaturerange is caused by the change in the orbital ordering forcobalt ions surrounded with manganese ions; the secondmaximumisrelatedtotheorbitalorderinthemanganesesystem.The reduced ordered moment μ
Effect of Body Weight on Reproductive Fitness in Spodoptera Litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The exact nature and even existence of the balance between natural and sexual selection are still controversial. Body size is a key determinant of an organism’s ecological and physiological properties. It is widely accepted that selection for higher fecundity is the main force behind the selection for larger body size. However, there are conflicting selection pressures operating on body size of both sexes in many organisms, for instance, natural selection for higher survival might reduce body size. In the present study, we found that in the common cutworm moth, Spodoptera litura, female fecundity and fertility significantly increased with her body weight, while male body weight or female–male weight interaction had no effect on female reproductive output. Results of this study also showed that heavier parents have heavier male and female offspring than those from lighter parents. Although not statistically significant, offspring from heavy and light parents showed lower survival rate than those from average weight parents.
An innovative monitoring and maintenance model for the INFN CNAF Tier-1 data center infrastructure

During the last years we have carried out a renewal of the Building Management System (BMS) software of our data center with the aim of improving the data collection capability. Considering the complex physical distribution of the technical plants and the limits of the actual building hosting our center, a system that simply monitors and collects all the necessary information and provides alarms only in case of major failures has proven to be unsatisfactory. In 2017 we suffered a major flood due to one main water pipeline failure in the public street. After this disastrous event, clearly far beyond our control, we were however forced to reconsider completely the physical site robustness of our building in addition to the current monitoring and alarm system capabilities. It was clear that in some specific cases, alerts should be triggered hours or days before the actual main problem arises in order to allow efficient human intervention and proper escalation process. This paradigm could be easily applied to almost all the infrastructure components in our site, mainly the electric power distribution and continuity systems as well as the whole cooling devices. For this reason, in parallel to a consistent increase in the sensor widespread distribution of our BMS data collector system, a study of a predictive maintenance approach applicability to our site has been started. Predictive maintenance techniques aims at prevent unexpected infrastructure components failures or major events with the study of the whole monitoring data collection and the creation of appropriate statistical models with the help of big data analysis and machine learning techniques. An improvement in the Power Distribution Units (PDUs) monitoring in our site and the introduction of a dedicated network of water leak sensors were the first steps for increasing the data collection information at our disposal. With sufficient monitoring statistical information stored in our BMS system a preliminary and exploratory predictive data analysis proof of concept could be constructed. This could lead to the model building phase and the creation of a prototype with the aim of forecasting future infrastructure main failure events and forthcoming error conditions. The general idea is, conceivably, an approach to the predictive maintenance model where it would be possible to introduce scheduled corrective actions for the purpose of preventing potential failures in the next future and increasing the site overall reliability.
Orientation and Mobility Practices within the Expanded Core Curriculum with Effective Parental Involvement of Visually Impaired Learners in Pakistan.

The aim of this study was to observe Orientation and Mobility (O&M) with effective parental involvement within the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for visually impaired learners (VILs) to make them independent in their environment in Pakistan. O&M practices have become significant as these are essential in independence and one of the main components of the ECC for VILs. This research explores O&M practices within the ECC from the perspectives of the teachers by using a qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews of O&M teachers were conducted from two public secondary level institutes of VILs Lahore, Pakistan. This paper endeavors to answer the question: What are the O&M practices within ECC that needed for VILs to enhance their independence in classroom settings? The findings of the study indicate that VILs need to use the knowledge of O&M practices to get their independence in their environment. Therefore, it is appropriate for O&M teachers to add the skills of mobility techniques under the subsection of O&M practices within the guidelines of ECC. The VILs seemed to benefit from immediate instructions from their O&M teachers. However, the VILs still need more help in O&M practices with effective parental involvement under the guidance of ECC. So, in the context of the study, it is the urgent need of VIL to align their O&M practices with mentioned instructions in ECC.