Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targeting miRNAs in Osteoblast Differentiation under Malnutrition Conditions

Aims: Previous studies reported that reduced bone formation was identified in fasting adult female mice compared with the ad libitum control group. An increasing number of studies have shown that miRNAs contribute to bone homeostasis. Unfortunately, there are minor concerns about the underlying mechanisms in osteoblastic differentiation under malnutrition conditions. Methods: We investigated microRNAs (miRNAs) in osteoblastic differentiation under malnutrition conditions using high-throughput bioinformatics approaches. To screen for targeted microRNAs, sequences were quantified by aligning reads to miRbase using miRDeep2 software. Unadjusted p-values were calculated using the Student’s t-test. Genes with a p-value of <0.05 and log 2FC (fold change) ≥ 1 were considered differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DEGs were submitted to Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, respectively. Results: They were mainly enriched in biological process terms type and biological pathways, respectively. Particularly, we evaluated seven microRNAs, mir-494 3p, mir-466, mir-455, mir-708, mir-298, mir-92 and mir-224, which likely play roles in osteoblastogenesis in fasting adult mice. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study on the expression pattern of miRNA in osteoblasts of malnourished adult mice. These targeting miRNAs may provide a potential therapeutic approach to treat osteoporosis.
Five patterns of cell signaling pathways associated with cell behavior

Cell signaling pathway is complex systems. Here, we present a concept for a new approach to analyze cell signaling pathway associated with cell behavior. In theoretically, cell behavior is recognized by energy and fluctuation. In this study, we measured phosphorylation level of signal transducers in a cell and fluctuation of the phosphorylation level in the cell population using flow cytometry. Flow cytometric data of mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and coefficient variation (CV) were considered to the energy and the fluctuation, respectively. Topologically, the changes of MFI and CV were categorized into five patterns (we tentatively named as attractive, subsequent, passive, counter, and negative arbiter). In this study, we clarified the relationship between the cell behavior and the five patterns. Furthermore, combining the five patterns can define the signaling pathways, such as simple activated signal, oscillating signal, regulatory signal, robust signal, or homeostatic signal. These observations provide a proof of concept for general strategy to use the five patterns for connection between cell signaling pathway and cell behavior.
Conservation Strategies for Bats Flying at High Altitudes

Numerous bats use the troposphere for hunting, commuting, or migrating. High-altitude flying bats face various direct and indirect threats, including collision with tall anthropogenic structures and aerial vehicles, aerial fragmentation, reduced insect biomass, and the altered ambient conditions associated with climate change. Furthermore, dust and chemical pollutants in the troposphere might impair the health and survival of bats. Such indirect threats are diffuse regarding their origin and effect on bats, whereas direct threats are site and context specific. Overall, troposphere habitat conservation is hampered by the “Tragedy of the Commons” because its stewardship is in the hands of many. We conclude that high-altitude flying bats are likely to become more threatened in the near future because of the increased use of the troposphere by humans. Therefore, we should target the protection of the troposphere for organisms, such as high-altitude flying bats, that strongly depend on intact skies.
Activity of rhizobacteria antagonistic to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae in soils cultivated with monocotyledonous plants1

1. Manuscript received in Oct./2017 and accepted for publication in Dec./2017 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1983-40632017v4749752). 2. Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Cruz das Almas, BA, Brasil. E-mails: lucila_oliveira10@yahoo.com. br, elinadelane1@gmail.com. 3. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura), Cruz das Almas, BA, Brasil. E-mails: fernando.haddad@embrapa.br, harllen.alves@embrapa.br. In spite of the importance of passion fruit cultivation in Brazil, this activity has been forced to be itinerant, due to the occurrence of diseases in producing regions, in particular fusariosis. The use of rhizobacteria is a potential control alternative, but other improvements are necessary to guarantee the activity of these bacteria in the field. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of three monocotyledonous groups on the activity of rhizobacteria antagonistic to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae (Fop). Rhizobacteria were isolated from passion fruit plants and tested for the production of diffusible and volatile compounds, as well as chitinases that inhibit Fop. From a total of 167 isolates, two produced volatile compounds, 21 diffusible compounds and 32 chitinases. Three compatible combinations of isolates that had at least two action mechanisms against Fop and could grow in a wide pH range were applied in pots with sorghum, millet or maize, in addition to pots left fallow (control), in a greenhouse. The microbial biomass carbon, soil basal respiration, metabolic quotient and activity of the acid phosphatase enzyme were evaluated. The interaction between the cultivated species and rhizobacterial combinations was significant only for the metabolic quotient, whose values tended to be higher under millet cultivation in combination 3 (R77/R95/R104/R120), the most metabolically diversified one. The highest activity of acid phosphatase was also obtained with millet. The results for enzymatic activity and metabolic quotient indicate that millet provides a greater activity of the antagonists in the soil.
(A)synchronous Communication about TV Series on Social Media: A Multi-Method Investigation of Reddit Discussions

Audiences’ TV series entertainment experiences are increasingly shaped not only by the events on the ‘first screen’ but also by discussions on social media. While an extensive body of research has examined practices of ‘second screening,’ especially on Twitter, online discussions before and after the live broadcast and on other platforms have received less attention. On Reddit—one of the most important platforms for Social TV—discussions often take place in temporally structured threads that allow users to discuss an episode before (pre-premiere thread), during (live premiere thread), and after (post-premiere thread) it airs. In this project, we examine whether these spaces mainly indicate temporal preferences among users or are associated with different usage practices and motives. To do so, we conducted two case studies of the Reddit community r/gameofthrones: a survey about usage motives (n = 417) and an automated content analysis of approximately 1.2 million comments left on the episode discussion threads in which we examined thread use over time, interactions between users, and discussion content. The results revealed differing usage motives and practices for the three thread types, illustrating the distinct function that these communication spaces fulfil for users.
High Through-put Analysis Reveals Novel Maternal Germline RNAs Critical for PGC Survival, Migration, and Differentiation

of a dissertation at the University of Miami. Dissertation supervised by Professor Mary Lou King. No. of pages in text. (119) Xenopus laevis embryonic development requires the selective localization of maternal RNAs to the animal or vegetal pole. These RNAs include somatic and germline determinants, essential in establishing the embryo’s body plan. Such determinants are involved in primary germ layer formation and organization, dorsal/ventral axis specification, anterior/posterior axis specification, and germline development. In Xenopus laevis, germline development requires maternally inherited germplasm, a vegetally localized material that both specifies and protects primordial germ cells (PGCs) from adopting somatic fates throughout embryogenesis. The germline is unique in its ability to maintain heritable genetic material for many metazoans, including humans. It is, therefore, of great interest to understand what keeps the integrity of this cell population from becoming somatic cells. Previous studies utilizing microarray have confidently identified localized RNAs in the Xenopus laevis oocyte, but these studies were limited to known transcripts only. Therefore, we hypothesized that using high through-put RNA sequencing would identify novel vegetally localized transcripts that are required for PGC
Sustainable entrepreneurship development in the renewable energy sector: Insights from Gujarat, India

Sustainable development lies at the heart of sustainable entrepreneurship. In the context of this view, the current paper explores the linkages among sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Since Gujarat ranks among the five top Indian states in terms of renewable energy (RE) potential, we studied this sector using a case study approach. The study explores factors that affects the shift from conventional to sustainable entrepreneurship. These factors include major opportunities, as well as challenges for RE entrepreneurs. The findings suggest that RE entrepreneurs are driven by a mix of economic, personal commitment for the environment and social concerns. Institutional support in the form of skill development programmes, subsidies and easing entry level barriers to RE serve as opportunities for entrepreneurs. Technological expertise is another enabler for RE entrepreneurship. Major challenges identified in this study include inadequate access to formal and institutional finance, especially for start-ups, bureaucratic obstacles, limited number of government-accredited certification labs, and inconsistency in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) guidelines. Knowledge barriers in the form of lack of information regarding usage, maintenance and utility of solar technologies are also challenges for this sector. Technological risks related to the adoption of RE technologies also puts them at a cost disadvantage in comparison to conventional technologies.
Traits link drought resistance with herbivore defence and plant economics in semi‐arid grasslands: The central roles of phenology and leaf dry matter content

Despite progress in trait‐based ecology, there is limited understanding of the plant traits that structure semi‐arid grasslands. In particular, it remains unclear how traits that enable plants to cope with water limitation are related to traits that influence other key functions such as herbivore defence and growth. The hypothesis that drought and herbivory exert convergent selection pressures is supported for morphological traits, but largely untested for structural, physiological and phenological traits. Drought and economic traits can also covary, but where and to what degree remains uncertain. Here we address these uncertainties in semi‐arid shortgrass steppe and mixedgrass prairie, the largest remaining grasslands in North America. Using a broad selection of traits for 37 of the most common plant species in each ecosystem, we ask whether traits that confer drought tolerance, avoidance and escape covary with herbivore resistance traits and economic traits. Results reveal that both drought tolerance and escape are coordinated with other functions, but in opposite fashion. Drought‐tolerant species (low leaf osmotic potential and high leaf dry matter content, LDMC) were also herbivore resistant (high leaf toughness and cellulose) and at the ‘slow’ end of the economic spectrum (low leaf nitrogen, leaf phosphorus and high stem density). Conversely, drought escape via early senescence was associated with lower drought tolerance, lower herbivore resistance and ‘fast’ economic traits. Drought avoidance, as indicated by thick leaves, may also be associated with lower drought tolerance (LDMC). Senescence date and LDMC appear to be key traits in these semi‐arid grasslands, differentiating species along multiple axes of function. Synthesis. Covariation between drought, herbivory and economic traits means that, of the many potential trait combinations, few actually exist within these grasslands. Consequently, changes in land management and climate should have predictable effects on drought resistance, forage quality and productivity in the western Great Plains.
Widespread transcriptional scanning in testes modulates gene evolution rates

A long-standing question in molecular biology relates to why the testes express the largest number of genes relative to all other organs. Here, we report a detailed gene expression map of human spermatogenesis using single-cell RNA-Seq. Surprisingly, we found that spermatogenesis-expressed genes contain significantly fewer germline mutations than unexpressed genes, with the lowest mutation rates on the transcribed DNA strands. These results suggest a model of ‘transcriptional scanning’ to reduce germline mutations by correcting DNA damage. This model also explains the rapid evolution in sensory- and immune-defense related genes, as well as in male reproduction genes. Collectively, our results indicate that widespread expression in the testes achieves a dual mechanism for maintaining the DNA integrity of most genes, while selectively promoting variation of other genes.
The effect of nonwoven structure on thermomechanical properties of feather waste reinforced polyester composite

Natural fibers offer good prospective as reinforcements in polymer composites due to their superior properties, they are preferred over synthetic fibers in various applications such as construction, automotive and aerospace. This experimental study emphasizes the effect of nonwoven structure on the mechanical, thermal and biodegradability properties of feathers nonwoven reinforced polyester composite. Vacuum molding method was adopted for manufacturing of the biocomposites with two contents of polyester resin (30% and 50%) and different composition of nonwovens. As a result, the morphological analysis revealed excellent compatibility and regular distribution of fiber in the polyester matrix. The thermal conductivity of manufactured composites varies considerably from 0.0378 W/(m•K) to 0.0778 W/(m•K) at 10°C. The origin of the variation of this property is due to differences in composition of nonwovens, densities and the percentage of the resin. After soaking for 240 h, the biodegradability test show that the kinetics of degradation of the composites decreased with the addition of nonwovens. The biodegradability rate was found between 62 to 92% depending on the sample nature. The mechanical results showed that the nonwoven structure clearly affected the performance of the composites. The results obtained from this study can be useful to develop new low cost, sustainable, light product and environmentally friendly materials.
Thermally induced aggregation of whey proteins : characterization of protein isolates and beta-lactoglobulin/ pectin interactions

3.1 Heat-induced interactions of a whey protein isolate (WPI) were studied at neutral pH using size exclusion chromatography in combination with multi-angle laser light scattering. Temperature, time and concentration of protein were the conditions tested. While temperature significantly affected the molecular sizes of the aggregates, within the same temperature and concentration, heating time was not significant. No intermediate size aggregates were found, and WPI aggregates with a molar mass of > 10 g/mol were separated from the residual native protein using a Biosep S3000 size exclusion column. Concentration had a significant effect on the size and number of the aggregates formed, with larger aggregates forming at higher concentrations.
Additional information on ticks (Ixodidae) infesting birds in Atlantic Forest fragments in State of Paraná, South Brazil

Abstract Wild birds have an important role in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases, serving as reservoirs for some tick-borne diseases and in the maintenance and dispersion of ticks. During the years of 1999, 2000 and 2001, birds were captured in three Atlantic forest fragments of the state of Paraná. Overall, 1,122 bird specimens of 36 species were captured. Of these, 80 (7.1% prevalence) birds were parasitized by ticks, comprising females of Ixodes paranaensis Barros-Battesti, Arzua, Pichorim & Keirans, and immature stages of Amblyomma calcaratum Neumann, Amblyomma longirostre (Koch), Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas), Amblyomma ovale Koch, and Amblyomma parkeri Fonseca & Aragão. Two nymphs were identified as Amblyomma sp. , although their external morphology was very similar to the A. parkeri nymph. This study provides new tick-host records for the state of Paraná and for Brazil.
Right place, wrong time: the limitations of mental reinstatement of context on alibi-elicitation

ABSTRACT Although research has focused on how inconsistencies in alibi statements are perceived by law enforcement and legal decision-makers, less attention has been paid to the cognitive factors that may mitigate such inconsistencies. Using a novel, ecologically-valid paradigm, across two experiments (507 events for N=134), we examined the accuracy, level of detail, and memory characteristics of participant-generated alibis for schema-consistent and – inconsistent events, and whether mental reinstatement of context (MRC) led to improved alibis compared to time-cueing. Participants reported their typical weekly activities, provided real-time reports of their activities during a two-week period, and reported participant-specific schema-consistent and -inconsistent events using time-cues and MRC. Our results suggest schema-consistent events are reported more accurately than inconsistent events, and that MRC does not improve alibi accuracy over time-cueing. When reporting atypical events, participants provided alibis by reporting what they thought they would normally be doing during that time. Together, these findings quantify how difficult remembering an alibi can be, reinforce that people often rely on schemas, and that mnemonic strategies to increase alibi accuracy are likely to fail, even if they work in other domains. We discuss how the current research adds to recent work on boundary conditions for the efficacy of MRC.
DETERMINATION OF SHARE PRICE OF AGRO ALLIED FIRMS: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA

Purpose: The study aims to investigate the determinant of the share price of agro-related firms listed on the Nigerian stock exchange. Methodology: We employed regression analysis, unit root test as well as vector correction model to determine the degree of relationship between share prices and each of return on assets (ROA), earnings per share (EPS), dividend per share (DPS). Findings: The study found that share price is majorly influenced by earnings per shares, while other variables lag it. Practical implications: Results from the study have some possible policy implications, for instance, it is recommended that policymakers should put in place conducive market environments that will stimulate earnings from investments. Investors should on the other hand pay keen attention to information within and outside the economy when making investment decisions. Originality/Value: This study is one of the first studies on determinants of share prices with a focus on agro-allied firms.
How do role conflict intensity and coping strategies affect the success of women entrepreneurs in Africa? Evidence from Ethiopia

ABSTRACT While the relation between role conflict and coping strategies, and between coping strategies and entrepreneurship, have received attention in the literature, the literature has neglected whether and how the level of intensity of conflict affects the choice of coping strategies. The literature has also neglected how such coping strategies affects entrepreneurs’ subjectively experienced success. This article addresses these neglected aspects. It does so by studying 204 women business owners based on a survey conducted in 2015–2016 in Addis Ababa. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the structural relationships between role conflict, coping strategies, and entrepreneurial success is analyzed. It was found that women entrepreneurs’ coping strategies change when the level of role conflict intensity changes, and moreover that changes in coping strategies have different impacts on entrepreneurial success. Specifically, when the intensity of role conflict is relatively low, they cope by prioritizing their entrepreneurial roles, which affects financial success positively but nonfinancial success negatively. When the intensity of role conflict is relatively moderate, they cope by involving others or reacting to all roles, which positively affects both financial and nonfinancial success. However, when the intensity is relatively higher, they cope by prioritizing family and social roles, which affects nonfinancial success positively but financial success negatively. Practical implications and avenues for further research are noted.
Black pepper fruit (Piper nigrum L.) as antibacterial agent: A mini-review

Plants are known of their ability to maintain good health since antiquity. Nowadays, the interest in natural products as antimicrobial agents has greatly increased due to the gradual collapse of antibiotics in the front of the multi-drug-resistant pathogens.1 Spices are rich in bioactive chemical compounds and they have been used by several cultures for many centuries as food seasoning, preservatives, insecticidal, colorants, and natural flavoring.2,3 Many spices are used to extend shelf-life of food, prevent food spoilage and foodborne diseases, though some spices are used in food production industry and also many spices are used to inhibit infectious diseases and eradicate pathogens, particularly in traditional medicine.4 The antibacterial efficacy of some spices and seasonings have been proved scientifically, as example of these spices; black seed (Nigella sativa),5 garlic bulb (Allium sativum),6 onion (Allium cepa),7 thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum),8 cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum),9 oregano (Origanum vulgare),10 cumin (Cuminum cyminum)11 and many more. According to recent global interest in natural products, medicinal plants and traditional medicine, studies on spices should be revived in order to innovate new natural drugs. Encouraging this, is the fact that up to 80% of the world populations are still rely on medicinal plants and natural products in their primary health-care needs.12 The current brief review aimed to highlight the medicinal importance of black pepper fruits and its efficacy as antibacterial agent.