Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interpretations of orb-web variability: A review of past and current ideas

HEILING A.M., HERBERSTEIN M.E. : Interpretations of orb-web variability: a review of past and current ideas. In GAJDOS P., PEKAR S. (eds): Proceedings of the 18th European Colloquium of Arachnology, Stara Lesna, 1999. Ekologia (Bratislava), Vol. 19, Supplement 3/2000, p. 97-106. The understanding of web-building behaviour in orb-web spiders has undergone several paradigm shifts. In the past, orb-web construction was assumed to be limited to genetically-controlled design patterns, suggesting that meaningful variation only existed at the species level. Subsequently, it was recognised that variation in web design also exists within species and that this variation was linked to the prey capture ability of webs. Another approach to interpreting individual variation is within a decision-making construct. The web-building decisions of spiders may thus be ruled by algorithms or mechanical constraints. Similarly, individual decisions may reflect foraging strategies aimed to maximise food intake. Our own work suggests that experience in web-building and prey capture may also contribute to individual variation of orb-web design. Using several key publications as well as recently collected data we discuss past and current ideas to interpret orb-web variability. Orb-webs from a phylogenetic perspective
Detection of multi drug resistant bacteria in major hospitals in Kano, North-West, Nigeria

Two major hospitals in Kano, North West Nigeria have recorded increasing resistance of clinical pathogens to broad spectrum β lactams, mediated by extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESβL) and non ESBLs. A study was therefore undertaken to determine the occurrence and prevalence of plasmid and chromosomal mediated AmpC βL and carbapenemase in addition to already known ESBL due to increasing resistance of pathogens from the two hospitals to carbapenems, cephamycins and flouroquinolones. Antibiogram tests and ESBL, AmpC and carbapenemase production tests were performed on all the isolates. AmpC and carbapenemase producers were further screened for AmpC inducibility and metallo beta lactamase production respectively. Majority of the isolates (> 80%) were resistant to both β-lactam and non β-lactam antibiotics. Reduced susceptibility to levofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, nalidixic acid and ofloxacin among the isolates were observed with the exception of P. aeruginosa which is totally resistant to imipenem and levofloxacin. An overall prevalence of 14.4%, 11.9% and 11.9. 3% for ESβL, AmpC and carbapenemase was observed respectively. About 7.9% of the AmpC producers can over expressed the chromosomally mediated AmpC and 85.8% of the carbapenemase producers require metal for their action. Co-production of either of two and/or all of the enzymes was observed in E. coli, P. mirabilis and P. aeruginosa. Antibiotic resistance among isolates from the two hospitals is increasing and the major cause of this resistance in the pathogens studied are production of AmpC, carbapenemase (especially Metallo β-lactamase) in addition to already known ESBL enzymes by the pathogens. Some of the isolates also possess the capacity to elaborate two or more of the enzymes concurrently, which would renders them resistant to a multitude of antibiotics.
Chromosome Tips Damaged in Anaphase Inhibit Cytokinesis

Genome maintenance is ensured by a variety of biochemical sensors and pathways that repair accumulated damage. During mitosis, the mechanisms that sense and resolve DNA damage remain elusive. Studies have demonstrated that damage accumulated on lagging chromosomes can activate the spindle assembly checkpoint. However, there is little known regarding damage to DNA after anaphase onset. In this study, we demonstrate that laser-induced damage to chromosome tips (presumptive telomeres) in anaphase of Potorous tridactylis cells (PtK2) inhibits cytokinesis. In contrast, equivalent irradiation of non-telomeric chromosome regions or control irradiations in either the adjacent cytoplasm or adjacent to chromosome tips near the spindle midzone during anaphase caused no change in the eventual completion of cytokinesis. Damage to only one chromosome tip caused either complete absence of furrow formation, a prolonged delay in furrow formation, or furrow regression. When multiple chromosome tips were irradiated in the same cell, the cytokinesis defects increased, suggesting a potential dose-dependent mechanism. These results suggest a mechanism in which dysfunctional telomeres inhibit mitotic exit.
THE CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS AND CHALLENGES IN E-PROCUREMENT ADOPTION AMONG LARGE SCALE MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NAIROBI, KENYA

E-Procurement is more than just a system for making purchases online. Some companies implement e-procurement and succeed while others fail. This study was carried out on the adoption of e-procurement among large scale manufacturers in Nairobi, Kenya. The study had three objectives: To ascertain the extent to which large scale manufacturers in Nairobi have adopted e-procurement; to determine the critical success factors influencing the success of e-procurement in large manufacturing firms in Nairobi and to establish the challenges that face e-procurement adoption in large scale manufacturing firms in Nairobi. The research involved a cross-sectional survey of the large manufacturing companies operating in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive approach in trying to establish the factors that influence the success of e-procurement projects. A sample size of 46 respondents was selected from a list of 455 large manufacturing companies. Data was collected from the respondents through a questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS and presented in tables. The study revealed that majority of the large scale manufacturers in Nairobi, Kenya has adopted e-procurement with the following e-procurement practices: online advertisement of tenders, receiving online submission of proposals for the tenders, and short listing suppliers online among others. The five critical success factors identified were: employees and management commitment to success of adoption; reliability of information technology and supplier performance; monitoring the performance of e-procurement systems; European Scientific Journal May 2013 edition vol.9, No.13 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e ISSN 18577431 376 user acceptance of e-procurement systems and top management support. The challenges established are: resistance to change from employees, lack of e-procurement approval by company board, existence of old IT equipment among the firms that need overhaul and lack of managerial support. The study recommends that large scale manufacturers in Nairobi need to incorporate all the e-procurement activities into the system; they need to find out ways of encouraging employees to make use of e-procurement systems as well as find ways of addressing the factors that are critical to the success of e-procurement. This will enable them to improve adoption of e-procurement.
Articaine: a review of its use for local and regional anesthesia

Articaine is an intermediate-potency, short-acting amide local anesthetic with a fast metabolism due to an ester group in its structure. It is effective with local infiltration or peripheral nerve block in dentistry, when administered as a spinal, epidural, ocular, or regional nerve block, or when injected intravenously for regional anesthesia. In comparative trials, its clinical effects were not generally significantly different from those of other short-acting local anesthetics like lidocaine, prilocaine, and chloroprocaine, and there is no conclusive evidence demonstrating above-average neurotoxicity. Articaine proved to be suitable and safe for procedures requiring a short duration of action in which a fast onset of anesthesia is desired, eg, dental procedures and ambulatory spinal anesthesia, in normal and in special populations.
Experimental Investigation and Optimization of Minimum Quantity Lubrication for Machining of AA6061-T6

This study presents flank wear optimization with minimum quantity lubricant (MQL) for the end milling for the machining of aluminum alloy 6061-T6. Process parameters including the cutting speed, depth of cut, feed rate and MQL flow rate are selected for study to develop an optimization model for flank wear based on the genetic algorithm. The experiments are conducted based on the central composite design method. Three types of tools are used in this experiment, namely, uncoated carbide tools and two coated carbide tools. The study is conducted to perform the experimental investigation of the effects of minimum quantity lubricant (MQL) for the end milling of aluminum alloy 6061-T6, to investigate the relationships of feed rate, axial depth of cut, cutting speed and minimum quantity lubricant flow rate with respect to tool wear for MQL and to perform the optimization of the machining parameters for flank wear. The results of the study show that inserts coated with TiAlN and TiAlN+TiN show higher flank wear on account of the brittleness of the coatings. Uncoated carbide insert shows lower flank wear but the edge integrity is not maintained, so the resultant surface roughness is the worst among the three tools. In order to perform multi-objective optimization, the surface roughness and material removal rate are also measured along with flank wear. Optimization is performed using a genetic algorithm and the optimized designs are obtained in the form of Pareto optimal designs. The best compromised Pareto designs are selected using multi-criteria decision-making.
Novel Mixture of Materials Produces Bone- and Soft Tissue-Like Imaging Density

The objective of the present study was to access to imaging material density close to or identical density imaging of bone and soft tissue, from raw materials of nature to be used in different model applications and to provide comprehensive evaluation of the imaging system and techniques under realistic conditions in radiology departments for educational purposes. The palm tree of abundance in Saudi Arabia was chosen to study the date’s seeds and palm leaves in terms of photographic density. The results achieved were referring to the lack of imaging density of dates seeds and palm leaves compared to bone density. Thus, it was necessary to use two additional materials: Salt and eggshells in order to find the highest density and graphic approach to bone density. The present preliminary study indicated that the permanent and stable model can be achieved by palm leaves, salt & eggshell powder with imaging material density close to the imaging density of the bone and soft tissue for achieving more clinical skills and medical education.
Novel Aspects of Renal Magnesium Homeostasis

Magnesium (Mg2+) is indispensable for several vital functions, such as neurotransmission, cardiac conductance, blood glucose, blood pressure regulation, and proper function of more than 300 enzymes. Thus, Mg2+ homeostasis is subject to tight regulation. Besides the fast and immediate regulation of plasma Mg2+, a major part of Mg2+ homeostasis is realized by a concerted action of epithelial molecular structures that tightly control intestinal uptake and renal absorption. This mechanism is provided by a combination of para- and transcellular pathways. Whereas the first pathway provides the organism with a maximal amount of vital substances by a minimal energy expenditure, the latter enables controlling and fine-tuning by means of local and regional regulatory systems and also, hormonal control. The paracellular pathway is driven by an electrochemical gradient and realized in principal by the tight junction (TJ), a supramolecular organization of membrane-bound proteins and their adaptor and scaffolding proteins. TJ determinants are claudins (CLDN), a family of membrane spanning proteins that generate a barrier or a pore between two adjacent epithelial cells. Many insights into molecular mechanisms of Mg2+ handling have been achieved by the identification of alterations and mutations in human genes which cause disorders of paracellular Mg2+ pathways (CLDN10, CLDN14, CLDN16, CLDN19). Also, in the distal convoluted tubule, a basolateral protein, CNNM2, causes if mutated, familial dominant and also recessive renal Mg2+ wasting, albeit its true function has not been clarified yet, but is assumed to play a key role in the transcellular pathway. Moreover, mutations in human genes that are involved in regulating these proteins directly or indirectly cause, if mutated human diseases, mostly in combination with comorbidities as diabetes, cystic renal disease, or metabolic abnormalities. Generation and characterization of animal models harboring the corresponding mutations have further contributed to the elucidation of physiology and pathophysiology of Mg2+ disorders. Finally, high-end crystallization techniques allow understanding of Mg2+ handling in more detail. As this field is rapidly growing, we describe here the principles of physiology and pathophysiology of epithelial transport of renal Mg2+ homeostasis with emphasis on recently identified mechanisms involved.
Graph construction and random graph generation for modeling protein structures

Researchers often model folded protein structures as graphs with amino acids as the vertices and edges representing contacts between amino acids. The vertices in these graphs are naturally ordered in the amino acid sequence order. There are many different graph construction methods and there is no consensus about what construction to use or what the major issues are with each construction in the literature. We investigate different constructions and examine their effect on various graph measures. We also consider the small‐world network model for proteins, discuss its validity under the different constructions, and discuss random protein graph generation. We propose a new graph property for graphs with ordered vertices, the contact distribution, and propose a method of reciprocal attachment to merge neighborhoods for protein graphs. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 2013 DOI: 10.1002/sam.11203
Resveratrol ameliorates inflammatory damage and protects against osteoarthritis in a rat model of osteoarthritis

Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid polyphenol compound with a stilbene structure. As a type of phytoalexin produced under stress in plants, it improves the plant's resistance against pathogens and environment deterioration, and performs important functions beneficial to human health, such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, regulating blood lipid levels and prolonging life span. The effects of resveratrol were examined in a rat model of osteoarthritis (OA) and observed to ameliorate inflammatory damage and protect against OA. In the present study, resveratrol significantly inhibited the induction of clinical scores in rats with OA. Resveratrol inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-18 expression levels, and decreased caspase-3/9 activity in rats with OA. Inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, phosphorylated-(p)-AMP-activated protein kinase and sirtuin 1 protein expression were significantly suppressed and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) protein expression was stimulated in rats with OA treated with resveratrol. The current results indicate that resveratrol ameliorates inflammatory damage and protects against OA in a rat model of OA via NF-κB and HO-1/Nrf-2 signaling.
Quantitative Analysis of the Mitochondrial and Plastid Proteomes of the Moss Physcomitrella patens Reveals Protein Macrocompartmentation and Microcompartmentation1[W][OPEN]

Protein compartmentation in the moss Physcomitrella patens identifies the postendosymbiotic evolution of plastid and mitochondrial functions and pinpoints intercellular and intracellular organellar heterogeneity. Extant eukaryotes are highly compartmentalized and have integrated endosymbionts as organelles, namely mitochondria and plastids in plants. During evolution, organellar proteomes are modified by gene gain and loss, by gene subfunctionalization and neofunctionalization, and by changes in protein targeting. To date, proteomics data for plastids and mitochondria are available for only a few plant model species, and evolutionary analyses of high-throughput data are scarce. We combined quantitative proteomics, cross-species comparative analysis of metabolic pathways, and localizations by fluorescent proteins in the model plant Physcomitrella patens in order to assess evolutionary changes in mitochondrial and plastid proteomes. This study implements data-mining methodology to classify and reliably reconstruct subcellular proteomes, to map metabolic pathways, and to study the effects of postendosymbiotic evolution on organellar pathway partitioning. Our results indicate that, although plant morphologies changed substantially during plant evolution, metabolic integration of organelles is largely conserved, with exceptions in amino acid and carbon metabolism. Retargeting or regulatory subfunctionalization are common in the studied nucleus-encoded gene families of organelle-targeted proteins. Moreover, complementing the proteomic analysis, fluorescent protein fusions revealed novel proteins at organelle interfaces such as plastid stromules (stroma-filled tubules) and highlight microcompartments as well as intercellular and intracellular heterogeneity of mitochondria and plastids. Thus, we establish a comprehensive data set for mitochondrial and plastid proteomes in moss, present a novel multilevel approach to organelle biology in plants, and place our findings into an evolutionary context.
Computational approaches for the analysis of gene neighbourhoods in prokaryotic genomes

Gene order in prokaryotes is conserved to a much lesser extent than protein sequences. Only some operons, primarily those that encode physically interacting proteins, are conserved in all or most of the bacterial and archaeal genomes. Nevertheless, even the limited conservation of operon organisation that is observed provides valuable evolutionary and functional clues through multiple genome comparisons. With the rapid growth in the number and diversity of sequenced prokaryotic genomes, functional inferences for uncharacterized genes located in the same conserved gene neighborhood with well-studied genes are becoming increasingly important. In this review, we discuss various computational approaches for identification of conserved gene strings and construction of local alignments of gene orders in prokaryotic genomes.
Semantic Web Support for Business Processes

Development of semantic web technologies has been initiated to improve the utilization of web resources particularly by software applications. Semantic web is intended to extend the current web by metadata adding meaning to web resources. In an interorganizational business process context, semantic web could be an extension of the current intranet, extranet, and internet resources better enabling computers and people in business processes to work in cooperation. In the paper we will explore the possibilities of the semantic web technologies to support business processes. Particularly we will evaluate the possibilities and problems related to the utilization of RDF (Resource Description Framework), a method supporting the formal presentation of metadata and metadata schemas. We will use the Finnish legislative process as a case to demonstrate the issues discussed.
Introduction: what is chemesthesis?

The coolness of peppermint, the warmth of cinnamon, the heat of chilis, the tingling of carbonated beverages, the sting from a bee, the itch from a mosquito bite, the pungency of sniffed ammonia, the pain from an inflamed joint – these diverse sensations all share a common basis in chemesthesis. Not limited to the nose and mouth but experienced throughout much of the body, chemesthesis might simply be described as the chemical sensitivity of the body that is not served by the senses of taste or smell. But such a definition would not convey either the neurobiological complexity or the varied and important functions of chemesthesis. These and the concept of chemesthesis can be better appreciated by first considering the venerable concept that it replaced: “the common chemical sense”. For much of the 20th century, researchers in the chemical senses and related fields considered the common chemical sense to be a third specialized chemosense in addition to taste and smell. The concept was proposed by the Harvard zoologist G.H. Parker (1912) to describe the chemical sensitivity of the integument of fish and amphibians, which had previously simply been referred to as “the chemical sense” or “the undifferentiated chemical sense”. By cutting individual cranial nerves and observing behavioral responses to concentrated solutions of HCl, NaOH, NaCl, and quinine applied to the bodies and tails of two species of fish, Parker concluded the sensitivity to chemical irritants was a property of “ordinary spinal nerves” rather than of the gustatory and olfactory nerves. He further proposed that the common chemical sense was a sensory system in vertebrates “as distinct as smell or taste” (Parker, 1912, p. 221), though closer in sensitivity and function to taste than to smell. A few years later, Crozier (1916) performed experiments on frogs that he argued provided further support for a common chemical sense. Some decades later, in his book titled The Chemical Senses, Moncrieff (1944) lent further credence to the concept by describing the common chemical sense as a separate modality that functions in concert with taste and smell. However, some researchers were unhappy with the concept and argued instead that the chemical sensitivity of the skin and mucus membranes was a property of Introduction: what is chemesthesis?
Multi-layered archives of electronic conversations: how the past of the Internet becomes critically present again on Usenet Web archives

This paper is based on two studies we did on Usenet archives as an object of analytical and methodological research: 1/ a genealogy of its successive archival processes, with the archived collections ending up in the Google Groups web service, put in perspective with an analysis of the reception of this first heritage initiative by Usenet users themselves (Paloque-Berges, 2013); 2/ our own collection and analysis of a corpus of newsgroups’ messages in order to research a chapter of the French history of computer communication networks, with a socio-technical approach inspired by the sociology of innovation refined with the perspectives of infrastructure and code studies; followed by an attempt at engineering the corpus for structuration, standardization and interoperability purposes
A New Type of Metadata for Querying Data Integration Systems

Research on data integration has provided languages and systems able to guarantee an integrated intensional representation of a given set of data sources. A significant limitation common to most proposals is that only intensional knowledge is considered, with little or no consideration for extensional knowledge. In this paper we propose a technique to enrich the intension of an attribute with a new sort of metadata: the “relevant values”, extracted from the attribute values. Relevant values enrich schemata with domain knowledge; moreover they can be exploited by a user in the interactive process of creating/refining a query. The technique, fully implemented in a prototype, is automatic, independent of the attribute domain and it is based on data mining clustering techniques and emerging semantics from data values. It is parametrized with various metrics for similarity measures and is a viable tool for dealing with frequently changing sources.