Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metabolic and cellular effects of carbohydrate-based preconditioning drinks

This thesis investigates the metabolic and cellular effects of carbohydrate-based preconditioning drinks in humans. Previous studies have demonstrated that preoperative carbohydrate loading, as opposed to overnight fasting, attenuated the development of postoperative insulin resistance by up to 50% and led to clinical benefits. Preconditioning with carbohydrate-based drinks was incorporated into enhanced recovery after surgery programs. The latter included interventions that aimed to minimise ‘metabolic-stress’ and hasten recovery after major surgery. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of preoperative fasting and the beneficial effects of preconditioning with carbohydrate-based drinks were hitherto unknown. In healthy volunteers, short-term fasting (up to 24 hours) reduced liver volume, depleted liver glycogen (-50%) and lipid reserves, and increased intramyocellular lipid concentrations (+23%), as measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Changes in liver glycogen were partially reversed following ingestion of a carbohydrate-based drink that also contained glutamine and antioxidants (ONS, Fresenius Kabi, Germany). Fasting also led to significantly decreased blood mononuclear cell mitochondrial complex activity. In patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, preoperative conditioning with ONS, compared to ingestion of a placebo-drink, significantly increased intraoperative liver glycogen by 50%, increased intraoperative plasma glutamine and antioxidant concentrations, led to lower expression of skeletal muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 mRNA and protein expression, and finally, reduced cellular oxidative stress, as indicated by a 1.5-fold lower expression of metallothionein-1A in the ONS group. Ingestion of ONS led to markedly differing hormonal and metabolic responses compared to those following a clear carbohydrate drink (preOp®, Nutricia Clinical Care, UK), with ‘blunted’ postprandial glucose and insulin responses following ONS. Supplementing preOp® with glutamine ‘blunted’ postprandial insulin and glucose responses but this was not due to differences in glucagon-like peptide-1 concentrations. Finally, the gastric emptying of these drinks was more dependent on carbohydrate content than macronutrient composition or osmolality.
CHARACTER ASSOCIATION AND PATH ANALYSIS IN CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) UNDER CONSERVED SOIL MOISTURE

Twenty-two genetically diverse genotypes of chickpea were evaluated under rainfed condition to understand the contribution of various characters to the yield. The genotypic correlation coefficients were higher than corresponding phenotypic ones for most of the character combinations. 100–seed weight and harvest index had a significant positive association with seed yield. Pods per plant and seed per pod had a positive association with seed yield. The maximum direct positive and negative contribution to seed yield was observed from biological yield per plant and days to maturity, respectively. The harvest index, 100-seed weight, pods per plant and earliness were most important characters which can be used to improve yield in chickpea under rainfed area.
Modelling and experimental characterization of an ionic polymer metal composite actuator

This study is about modelling an ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuator and the experimental characterization thereof. In this study a brief background on IPMCs are given to the reader and then the research that has been done in various fields that are of importance to this study was discussed. From this the equipment required to develop an experimental setup was determined. The experimental setup was designed and mainly consist of a load cell, a laser displacement sensor, a data acquisition system, and a clamp for the IPMC. A grey box model was used that consist of an electrical equivalent circuit and an electromechanical model. The model was implemented in Simulink and was verified by using parameters and results from literature. The parameter estimation that was done in Simulink was also verified with those values. The model was developed for a Nafion N117 sample plated with a Platinum loading of 10 mgPt/cm2. The model could sufficiently predict the absorbed current and the blocked force. The behaviour of seven different samples were investigated. Samples varied in terms of the Platinum loading and the membrane thickness. The response of each sample was investigated for different input voltages. The influence of input voltage, input frequency, humidity and temperature was also investigated. It was seen that the amplitude of the input voltage, the relative humidity and the temperature affect the response of the IPMC greatly. The experimental data from the sample was used to validate the model. The model could sufficiently predict the blocked forces and the displacement for a step input.
Phylogenetical Study of Wild Banana Species (Musa L.) in Sulawesi Inferred from Internal Transcribed Spacer Region of Nuclear Ribosomal DNA Sequences

Study to determine the phylogenetic relationship of wild banana species ( Musa ) in Sulawesi based on the ITS regions sequences has been done. A total of 28 samples including 16 ITS sequences from GeneBank were used. Species of Ensete and Musella were incorporated as an outgroup. Total DNA was extracted by the modified CTAB. ITS-5 and ITS-4 primers were used to amplify the ITS regions. Data sequences were edited by ChromasPro and were aligned by Muscle software. Some unique nucleotides were found in M. balbisiana , M. itinerans , and M. textilis sequences. Strict consensus tree revealed from Maximum Parsimony (MP) as well as Bayesian analysis showed Musa textilis was separated from other taxa in which M. textilis become as the basal sister to M. balbisiana . By using MP analysis, M. itinerans together with M. acuminata ssp. banksii , M. acuminata var. tomentosa , and M. celebica placed in the same clade, whereas Bayesian analysis showed M. itinerans was separated and placed in different clade. Normal 0 false false false IN X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
Effect of material on stress transmission to the supporting structures in Kennedy Class I restored by Telescopic-retained Removable Partial Denture. (Strain Gauge Study)

Objectives: The aim of this in-vitro study was to compare the stresses transmitted to the abutments in mandibular Kennedy class I restored with telescopic-retained removable partial denture (RPD) made from two different materials; PolyEther Ether Ketone (PEEK) and Co-Cr alloy. Materials and Methods: One mandibular model representing Kennedy class I, with second premolars as the last standing abutments, was fabricated using epoxy resin. Poly Vinyl Siloxane (PVS) impression material was used to simulate the mucosa and the periodontal ligament. The acrylic first and second premolar teeth bilaterally were prepared to receive primary telescopic copings. The latter and two removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks were fabricated out of PEEK and Co-Cr alloy. The 2 frameworks were then processed into fully finished RPDs using heat cured acrylic resin and acrylic teeth following the conventional techniques. Four strain gauges were installed in the epoxy resin model 1 mm mesial to the socket of the 1st premolar and 1 mm distal to that of the 2nd premolar, on the right and left sides respectively; channel 1, 2, 3 and 4. A load of 100 N was applied to the area of the first molar unilaterally on the right side and then bilaterally. The same procedure was repeated six times. Data on stresses were then collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD Test (P≤0.05). Results: In the unilateral loading condition, the highest compressive micro-strains were recorded at channel 3 for the Co-Cr alloy-group (-40±3.16 µm/m). While the least compressive micro-strains were recorded at channel 3 for the PEEK-group (-10±3.16 µm/m). The highest tensile micro-strains were recorded at channel 2 for the PEEK-group (540±10 µm/m). While the least tensile micro-strains were recorded at channel 4 for the PEEK-group (15±4.47 µm/m). In the bilateral loading condition, the highest tensile micro-strains were recorded at channel 2 for the PEEK-group (355±11.83 µm/m). While the least tensile micro-strains were recorded at the same channel for the Co-Cr alloy-group (50±3.16 µm/m). The highest compressive micro-strains were recorded at channel 1 for the PEEK-group (-170±11.4 µm/m). While the least compressive micro-strains were recorded at channel 3 for the Co-Cr alloy-group (-95±8.94 µm/m). Conclusions: The distal abutments always receive the highest stresses, regardless of the loading conditions and the materials from which the prosthesis was fabricated. Telescopic-retained RPD with metallic frameworks generate less strain to the supporting structures in Kennedy Class I compared to those with PEEK frameworks. The bilaterally applied force resulted in more favorable stress distribution pattern when compared to the unilateral one.
Genetic Diversity of in vitro Cultured Cymbidium spp. Irradiated with Electron Beam

The study was carried out to evaluate growth and genetic diversity among in vitro cultured protocorms of Cymbidium spp. that irradiated with 10 Gy~300 Gy of electron beam. Shoot induction and shoot length were decreased by an increase of intensity of electron beam, and shoot induction was significantly decreased over 200 Gy of electron beam irradiation in 10 weeks culture. As a result of ISSR (inter-simple sequence repeats) analysis, out of 80 bands detected overall, 10 bands were identified to be polymorphic with a rate of 12.5% at control group, and 90 bands detected overall, 38 bands were identified to be polymorphic with a rate of 42.2% at electron beam treatment. According to the RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) analysis, out of 92 bands detected overall, 12 bands were identified to be polymorphic with a rate of 13.0% at control group, and 121 bands detected overall, 53 bands were identified to be polymorphic with a rate of 43.8% at electron beam treatment. Genetic similarity matrix (GSM) of electron beam treatment was lower than that of control. The result indicates that the beam treatment accelerated genetic diversity by promoting polymorphism of DNA. According to the cluster analysis by using both ISSR and RAPD markers, individuals of C. spp. were divided into control and electron beam treatment group. Our results indicate that the electron beam irradiated in vitro cultured C. spp. might be resulted in promoting higher polymorphism but decreasing GSM.
Season-long abundance of generalist predators in transgenic versus nontransgenic potato fields.

We estimated the effect of deploying Cry3A-transgenic potatoes resistant to the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), on the season-long relative abundance of naturally-occurring generalist predators. Low inputs of foliar insecticides were used in the transgenic fields to suppress nontarget pests and in the nontransgenic fields to prevent total defoliation of potato plants by L. decemlineata. Dominant plant-foraging heteropteran predators and lady beetles were sampled by sweeping foliage, whereas, ground-foraging carnivorous carabids, ants, and spiders were sampled by trapping in pitfalls. Orius insidiosus (Say) was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) more abundant in transgenic treatment fields than in nontransgenic fields in 1994, but not in 1995. None of the coccinellids (3 taxa) were affected by the treatments in either season. The carnivorous carabids (3 taxa) and ants were not affected by either treatment, but spiders were significantly more abundant in the transgenic treatment fields in 199.
Paleological and Ecological Impacts of Virus Silicification

i Acknowledgments: . iii List of Tables. vi List of Figures. vii Chapter 1: Introduction. 1 1-1: History of microbial fossils. 1 1-2: Antiquity of viruses. 3 1-3: Fossilization processes. 4 1-4: Silica deposition. 6 1-5: Homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation of silica. 8 1-6: Effects of silicification. 14 1-7: Hypotheses. 16 Chapter 2: Virus Silicification. 18 2-1: Introduction. 18 2-2: Silicification Methods. 24 2-3: Environmental sinter collection, preparation and examination. 28 2-5: Results. 29 2-6: Discussion. 38 Chapter 3: Effects of Silicification on Virus Infectivity. 45 3-1: Introduction. 45 3-2: Methods. 47 Exposure System: . 47 Testing the exposure system: . 48 Virus and Host Stocks: . 49 Plaque Assay: . 52 Silicification: . 53 TEM Imaging: . 55 3-3: Results . 56 v Testing of exposure system: . 56 Virus stability in the bathing solution: . 56 Effect of silicification on infectivity: . 58 TEM Imaging: . 60 3-4: Discussion . 63 Testing exposure apparatus: . 63 Effect of silicification on virus infectivity: . 66 Chapter 4: Effects of silicification on drying tolerance . 76 4-1: Introduction . 76 4-2: Methods . 77 Virus and host stocks: . 77 Experimental methods: . 77 4-3: Results . 80 4-4: Discussion. 82 Chapter 5: Conclusions. 94 5-1: Viruses can silicify in some environmentally relevant concentrations of dissolved silica. 94 5-2: Silicified viruses will have some recognizable and detectable signature. 98 5-3: Silicification of viruses will impact their infectivity / Viruses will differ in the degree of silicification or in the impact that silicification has on their infectivity. 101 5-4: Future directions. 103 Cited references: . 104
Genetic variability of Alder yellows phytoplasma in Alnus glutinosa in its natural Spreewald habitat

Summary The genus ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ comprises wall-less bacteria colonizing the phloem of plants and insect tissues. Phytoplasmas are associated with diseases in over 1000 plant species worldwide, including many important crops as well as forest trees. Alder yellows (AldY) phytoplasma, which frequently infects Alnus spp. , is closely related to the economically important phytoplasma causing Flavescence doree (FD) in grapevines. In a natural habitat (Spreewald, Brandenburg, Germany), 57 Alnus glutinosa (black alder) trees were examined for phytoplasma infection in summer 2013. No phytoplasma typical infection-associated symptoms such as yellowing and decline were observable in this natural swamp-alder area. Amplification followed by a restriction fragment length polymorphism, and a sequence analysis of the 16S rDNA, allowed for the detection of AldY phytoplasmas in all examined trees and their assignment to the taxonomic group 16SrV-C. Additional analyses of the non-ribosomal marker gene methionine aminopeptidase (map) revealed diverse strains as well as mixed infections with closely related AldY strains, and the strains were assigned to phylogenetic clusters closely related to German Palatinate grapevine yellows, AldY or FD strains. The results confirmed that AldY phytoplasmas infection in A. glutinosa is prevalent. The results also indicate a presence of an established phytoplasma population in chronically infected black alder.
The role of Ikaros in CD8+ T cell biology

Naive CD8+ T cells represent one of the most potent cells in immunity, as they can differentiate into cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that lyses virally infected cells or tumor cells through the production of IFN-g, TNFa, Perforin and Granzyme B. Their ability to differentiate into highly potent CTLs needs to be a tightly regulated process in order to prevent autoimmunity and disease. However, activation in the absence of key support such as cytokine signals or CD4+ T cell help, or constant challenge with antigen can result in hyporesponsiveness of CD8+ T cells and their failure to mount a robust immune response. Interest has grown in studying the epigenetics of T cells, as chromatin accessibility of key cytokine and lytic mediator loci can determine the ability of the T cell to respond to antigen. Identifying the transcriptional regulators of naive CD8+ T cell differentiation and activation is key to learning how to modulate the CD8+ T cell response. Ikaros is a chromatin-remodeling factor that has been identified to regulate autocrine IL-2 production by and the differentiation program of CD4+ T cells in response to TCR and CD28 signals. As CD8+ T cells make little IL-2 and are dependent on paracrine IL-2 or inflammatory signals for their differentiation, we hypothesized that Ikaros could regulate naÃ ̄ve CD8+ T cell differentiation through restriction of autocrine IL-2 production. In this thesis, I demonstrate that naÃ ̄ve CD8+ T cells with only one copy of Ikaros can differentiate in vitro into cytolytic effectors with enhanced effector function, and this results from increased autocrine IL-2 production. This enhanced effector function also sparked an investigation into pre-clinical models of cellular immunotherapy for cancer, to determine if the Ikzf1+/CTLs had enhanced anti-tumor function. In conclusion, modulating Ikaros activity represents a new approach to controlling naÃ ̄ve CD8+ T cell differentiation and effector function. Through being able to produce more autocrine IL-2, an Ikzf1+/CD8+ T cell may not require paracrine IL-2 from CD4+ T cells and can possibly resist the "exhausted" CD8+ T cell effector state during chronic antigen exposure. Thus, investigating Ikaros' role in CD8+ T cell biology will help to elucidate how this chromatin remodeling factor can influence appropriate CD8+ T cells responses to self and foreign antigen, and ensure against inappropriate immunopathology caused by activated CD8+ T cells. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Immunology First Advisor Andrew Wells
Radio polarization measurement of meteor trail echoes during the 2012 Perseids

When using radio techniques to observe meteors, one way of gaining insights into the physical phenomena that produce the meteor echoes is by analyzing the radio polarization of meteor trail echoes (Billam and Browne, 1956; Sidorov et al., 1965; Cannon, 1986). For example, the time variation of the polarization of meteor echoes can, in principle, provide information about electron densities in the meteor trail as shown by Poulter and Baggaley (1977) and by Jones and Jones (1990). Furthermore, the physical phenomena that lead to specific signature of some echoes in the time-frequency domains, such as the multiple-branch echoes, the so-called “epsilons” (Steyaert, 2012), are still not fully understood. The analysis of the polarization of such echoes can be used to increase our knowledge in this field.
When Does the Uncertainty Become Non-Gaussian

The orbit state covariance is used in the conjunction assessment/probability of collision calculation. It can also be a valuable tool in track association, maneuver detection and sensor tasking. These uses all assume that the uncertainty is Gaussian. Studies have shown that the uncertainty at epoch (time of last observation) is reasonably Gaussian, but the neglected nonlinearities in the covariance propagation eventually result in the uncertainty becoming nonGaussian. Numerical studies have shown that for space objects in low Earth orbit the covariance remains Gaussian the longest in orbital element space. It has been shown that the covariance remains Gaussian for up to 10 days in orbital element space, but becomes non-Gaussian after 2-3 days in Cartesian coordinates for a typical LEO orbit. The fundamental question is when does it become non-Gaussian and how can one given the orbit state and covariance at epoch determine when it occurs. A tool that an operator could use to compute the approximate time when the when the uncertainty becomes non-Gaussian would be useful This paper addresses the development of such a tool.
Efflux and the Steady State in α-Methylglucoside Transport in Escherichia coli

Efflux and the steady state in a group translocation system, the α-methylglucoside (αMG) transport system, were investigated. The maximum intracellular level of α-methylglucoside is a function of a steady state. There is no inhibition of αMG influx as the intracellular pool of αMG, and α-methylglucoside-6-phosphate (αMGP) rises. This steady state has three components: αMG influx, action of an αMGP phosphatase, and αMG efflux. The phosphatase is the rate-limiting step (half-time = 5.0 min); thus, the true efflux rate (half-time = 2.0 min) cannot be simply measured from the kinetics of αMG loss from the cell. Under our steady-state conditions the percentage of intracellular radioactivity present as αMGP was 71%. Under conditions of zero influx, after an efflux of 12 min the percentage present as αMGP fell to 55%. However, when fluoride was present during the efflux period, the percentage of the sugar as αMGP increased to about 85%. Fluoride greatly inhibits both influx and phosphatase activity (half-time = 50 min). The efflux of αMG from the cell is apparently also fluoride-sensitive but to a lesser extent (half-time = 4.1 min). These data are summarized in a model describing the three components of the steady-state and effect of fluoride.
Influence of decapsulation and probiotics in the microbiome of Artemia franciscana

In aquaculture, the bottleneck of the production is often the larvae stage. In this stage reared animals are commonly fed with live Artemia franciscana. Adding bacterial supplements as probiotics can be used to diminish mortality. One way of delivering the probiotics is through Artemia, but this delivery system and associated microbiome changes are not thoroughly studied. The objectives of this thesis were to study: 1) the effect of decapsulation and probiotics on the microbiome of Artemia franciscana using the molecular technique denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and 2) the effects of these supplements on the crustacean growth and mortality. To achieve these objectives a commercial brand of probiotics (AquaStar® Growout) as well as the scarcely studied planctomycete Rhodopirellula rubra strain LF2 were assayed. Non-decapsulated (normal) and decapsulated Artemia were reared in 4 treatments: 1) control (no bacteria supplementation); 2) probiotic (supplementation with Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and Enterococcus); 3) planctomycetes 4) a mixture of the two. Studies on Artemia’s microbiome through DGGE and on Artemia’s growth and mortality were performed and analysed. DGGE data was analysed statistically with cluster analysis, nMDS, SIMPER and ANOSIM. Growth and mortality data were searched for significant differences with Tukey and Dunnett tests. Results indicate that decapsulation plays a major role in microbiome changes. The exposure to the different treatments showed that one hour was sufficient to impose differences in the Artemia’s microbiome. This was also observed, over time, within each specific treatment and among different treatments. Independently of decapsulation process, the cysts always clustered together in the DGGE gel analyses, indicating similarities between their microbiome. Normal Artemia microbiomes became more dissimilar than decapsulated ones did during the different stages of Artemia’s life cycle. Probiotics had a stabilizing effect in the microbiome. In Artemia growth assays, no significant differences in adult sizes among treatments were found. Control and probiotic plus algae treatments had significantly less mortality than the other treatments. Probiotic and planctomycetes do not serve as food for Artemia as 100 % mortality was attained. Planctomycetes affect the viability of Artemia. These studies showed that Artemia’s bacterial community is a dynamic and changeable one.