Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of Cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-2) in Chronic Hepatitis C: Comparative Hybridocytochemical and Immunocytochemical Study in Children and Adult Patients

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the principal causes of hepatitis, which in more than 80% of cases leads to chronic lesions in the liver and involvement of extrahepatic organs. It remains unknown why the infection so frequently turns chronic, independently of patient age. Using immunocytochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) (both linked to the ImmunoMax technique) we examined cell sources of TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-2 in control and HCV-infected children and adults. We demonstrated augmented expression of all the cytokines in HCV-infected patients compared to controls. No differences were detected in amounts of studied transcripts or cytokine proteins between biopsies taken from HCV-infected children and adults. Expression of TNF-α was localized mainly in liver sinusoidal cells (macrophages, endothelial cells). A high proportion of hepatocytes demonstrated expression of TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-2. In both groups of patients, higher amounts of cytokine proteins than studied transcripts were demonstrated. The augmented expression of TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-2 in liver with a similar proportion of involved cells (mainly hepatocytes) in children and in adults points to participation of the cytokines in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C. The expression is insufficient to terminate the infection and may be linked with the comparably frequent chronic transformation of HCV infection noted in children and adults.
Optimal Solution14 bus system using MATLAB Simulation incorporating with FACTS devices

This research work presents a new approach for optimal location of FACTS controllers in a multi machine power system using MATLAB coding. Using the proposed method, the location of FACTS controller, their type and rated values are optimized simultaneously. Among the various FACTS controllers, Thyristor Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC) and Unified power Flow Controller (UPFC) are considered. Optimal Power Flow (OPF) is one of the most important processes in power system, which improves the system performance by satisfying certain constraints. Generally, different optimization methods are used in the literature to solve the OPF problem. In some research works, the optimization process is done by considering total fuel cost or by considering the environmental pollution that occurs during power generation. But in some other research works, FACTS controllers are used to improve the power flow without considering the power generation cost. The OPF problem is one of the most extensively studied topics in the power system community. In power system operation, OPF is an extended problem of economic dispatch (ED) which consider several parameters such as generator voltage, transformer tap change, SVC, and include constraints such as transmission line and transformer loading limits, bus voltage limit, and stability margin limit . The main function of OPF is to select the optimal operation state of a power system, in the time of meeting some particular constraints. OPF study plays a key role in the Energy Management System (EMS), where the entire operation of the system is regulated in each possible real time intervals
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA VARIATION AMONGANOPHELES ALBIMANUS POPULATIONS

Barriers to gene flow between Pacific and Atlantic coast populations of Anopheles albimanus were reported in an earlier study of variation in the intergenic spacer of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. We examined the distribution of mitochondrial DNA haplotypes among A. albimanus populations to test for gene flow barriers with an independent genetic marker. A region of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 gene was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 1,105 mosquitoes collected from 16 locations in Guatemala and in single collections from Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. The PCR products were tested for variation using single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and 45 haplotypes were detected. Haplotype fre- quencies did not vary between coasts in Guatemala. Populations within ;200 km of one another were panmictic. However, at distances . 200 km, FST and geographic distances were correlated suggesting that populations are isolated by distance. Anopheles albimanus is one of the major vectors of ma- laria in Central America, the Caribbean, and coastal regions of northern South America. It feeds more readily on animals than humans, 1-3 and is generally exophilic in host-seeking and feeding behavior. 4-6 Sporozoite rates are generally low, with the greatest reported rate at only 1.6% (1 of 63). 7 How- ever, these behavioral characteristics and vector competence estimates vary greatly among A. albimanus populations. 8 We have been testing for the presence of cryptic species within A. albimanus because of the strong historical precedence for the existence of cryptic, isomorphic Anopheles species. In an earlier study of Guatemalan A. albimanus popula- tions, we observed a high degree of variation both in the frequency and copy number of intergenic spacer (IGS) length variants among individual A. albimanus. 9 Regardless of the collection site, most of the variation either in fre- quency or intensity of IGS variants was detected among mosquitoes within a population. The next largest component of genetic differentiation was detected between populations on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of Central America. In contrast, populations from the Atlantic coast of Central America and from South America had similar IGS patterns. We suggested that the many mountain ranges that run through northern Central America could form barriers to gene flow among Atlantic and Pacific coast populations. However, extreme local variation in rDNA IGS has been found in many population studies of other insect species and is consistent with a model whereby molecular drive rapidly gives rise to unique spacer patterns in populations and then drives them to high frequencies.
BIOINFORMATICS OF MICROBIAL PROTEINASE THROUGH DIFFERENT TOOLS

Currently Bioinformatics includes various analytical tools to determine via computer vs experimental things like gene location within a chromosome, finding similar genes or proteins from other species and determining three dimentional structure, physiochemical properties and functions of different proteins. This analysis can enable or greatly accelerate drug target identification, drug lead validation and optimization, pharmacognostic studies and many o ther biotechnological application. The methodology of bioinformatics is based on the informational analysis of nucleotide and protein sequences. Molecular modeling represents a powerful experimental approach that provides understanding of numerous physical and chemical aspects of protein molecules. Such modeling methods resulted in appearance of adequate software such as Prot Param, SOSUI, Compute pI/Mw, Prot scale and Signal P. These
Potential and problems with high‐dose strategies for pesticidal engineered crops

We lack an empirical basis on which to judge the expected durability of crops that express one or more insecticidal proteins and must therefore rely upon theoretical population genetic models in assessing how best to delay pest adaptation to these toxins. A number of studies using such models indicate that expression of toxins at very high levels could slow pest adaptation to a crawl if the ecology and genetics of the pest and cropping system fit specific assumptions. These assumptions relate to: (1) inheritance of resistance factors; (2) ecological costs of resistance factors; (3) behavioral response of larvae and adults to the toxins; (4) plant‐to‐plant movement of larvae; (5) adult dispersal and mating behavior; and (6) distribution of host plants that do and do not produce the toxin(s). This paper includes a discussion of whether the biology of insect pests of a number of cropping systems that are targets for toxin‐expressing plants fit assumptions that are conducive to slowing pest adaptation. Emphas.
Comparative studies on the Effectiveness of Pesticides for Aphid control in Cowpea

Considering the importance of safe food globally and organic farming,the effectiveness of two biopesticides (Neem seed kernel extract and spinosad) with a synthetic pesticide (chlorpyriphos)were evaluated against cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora and its predator the ladybird beetle, Micraspis discolor (F.). The cowpea plant was sprayed with different pesticides when the aphid population reached at economic threshold level. Among the pesticides, Chlorpyriphos proved highly effective against aphids as compared to the rest of the pesticides. Furthermore, yield of cowpea was also higher in chlorpyriphos treatments. Thus, it is concluded that all the studied insecticides proved effective against the aphids but the toxicity studies of the insecticides was observed from maximum to minimum in the following order, Chlorpyriphos > Spinosad >Neem Seem Kernel Extract.
Dietary Etiological Factors Contributing to the Prevalence of Hyperuricemia in Makkah Region

Background: Recently there was an evolution in nutrition science, and scientific discoveries continued to highlight the importance of food in health maintenance and disease prevention. Aim of the work: to investigate the association between purine-rich foods and body composition with the prevalence of hyperuricemia in Makkah city. Methods: A convenes sample of one hundred subject’s male (n=77) and female (n=23) were chosen from inpatient and outpatient orthopaedic clinics and labs in hospitals in Makkah city, in the age range of 20-65 years. Data was collected through an interview with patients by using special questionnaire. A food frequency questionnaire was used to illustrate the consumption rate of purine foods. The weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was estimated. Body composition was evaluated by Bodystat® Omron device. Blood uric acid, urea and creatinine were determined. Results: About 23.4% of male subjects were Hyperuricemic patients. Mean value of uric acid was significantly higher for hyperuricemia subjects compared to Normouricemia (NU) (0.78 ±0.15 vs 0.33±0.06 μmol/l; p<0.001). There was a highly significant positive correlation (P<0.01) between hyperuricemia and each of age, waist, and visceral fat, as well as consumption of camel meat, fish, salmon, liver, lentil and beans. Conclusion: All hyperuricemic subjects were found to be male and the suspected cause was purine-rich diets and decreased activity. Hyperuricemia associated with increase of age and visceral fat level. Therefore, nutrition education is recommended to improving nutrition and health status and protective of hyperuricemia.
Male House Wrens provide more parental provisioning to nests with a brighter artificial egg

ABSTRACT Recent research suggests that male birds could use eggshell color as a signal of the quality of their offspring to decide how much parental care to provide. Previous studies have found support for this hypothesis in bird species that lay blue eggs, but it has not been as thoroughly tested in species that lay brown eggs, such as House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon). In this species, brighter eggs are associated with greater female investment. We tested whether males responded to this potential cue. We experimentally manipulated clutch brightness by randomly adding a white or brown plastic egg to nests during incubation and then compared the male provisioning rates between those two treatment groups. Male House Wrens whose nests had received a white egg provisioned their nestlings at significantly higher rates than males whose nests had received a brown egg. These results suggest that male House Wrens pay attention to female investment when deciding how much energy to spend on nestling provisioning. This study supports the generality of the hypothesis of egg color as a sexually selected signal by experimentally demonstrating that males of a species that lays brown eggs also can respond to egg color.
Are Non-Monetary Factors Important for Job-related Self-Fulfillment

This paper contributes to the literature explaining life satisfaction. It studies job-related well-being by exploring the influence of the perceived meaning of jobs. In particular, the analysis of this paper examines the degree to which non-monetary factors affect job-related well-being, together with monetary factors. Although the literature has explored job satisfaction, the analysis conceives job-related well-being as a broader concept than job satisfaction by incorporating factors such as the worthiness of jobs. The findings reveal the relative importance of non-monetary factors over monetary factors to improve job-related well-being. In addition, certain implications derived from this study on job satisfaction, such as those on the work environment and compensation, are shown to be not applicable to the analyses of this paper. JEL Classifications: J53, J81
Fungus Consumption by the Southern Red-backed Vole (Clethrionomys gapperi) in the Southern Appalachians

Abstract We examined fungus consumption (mycophagy) by the southern red-backed vole, Clethrionomys gapperi, at 4 sites within two mixed mesophytic forests in the southern Appalachians in 1996 and 1999. Fecal pellet analysis was used to determine the fungi consumed by 30 voles. Overall mean spore frequency, measured as the proportion of fields of view that contained a spore, was 0.68, whereas mean frequency of plant material was 0.57 and frequency of insect material was less than 0.04. Voles primarily consumed 5 types of fungi, consisting of 4 genera and Glomalean spores, although 29 unidentified spore morphotypes were also observed. Among identified spores, mean frequency of Melanogaster was greatest, followed by Coprinus, Elaphomyces and Glomalean spores. Spores of Hymenogaster were least frequent. The consistent presence of spores in fecal pellets suggests that fungi are an important food item and that C. gapperi may be an important disperser of fungal spores. Compared with previous studies, our research supports the notion that C. gapperi is a fungal generalist and analysis of vole diets may be useful for assessing the availability of fungi for other, more specialized small mammal mycophagists such as the northern flying squirrel, Glaucomys sabrinus.
The functional relationship between peak spring floods and survival and growth of juvenile Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) and Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

1. The effects of high spring floods on survival and growth of juvenile Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar, and Brown Trout, Salmo trutta, are explored, using data from a long-term study in the River Saltdalselv, northern Norway. The flow regime in this river is typical for northern rivers. 2. There was considerable variation in year class strength of both species. 3. Mortality of Atlantic Salmon increased significantly in years with high discharge during the alevin stage as well as the first week after emergence. High discharge during the egg stage and more than 1 week after emergence seemed to be of minor importance. Water temperature at emergence was rather high (average 10·5 °C) and did not significantly affect year class strength. 4. Brown Trout emerged earlier than Atlantic Salmon at an average water temperature of 8·2 °C. Highest mortality was observed in years with low water temperatures at emergence as well as high discharge during the alevin stage. 5. For 1-year-old fish or older, the size of the spring peak flood did not influence mortality significantly. 6. Growth of Atlantic Salmon parr was diminished in years with a high peak spring flood. A similar effect on Brown Trout was not detected.
UV‐B radiation causes early ripening and reduction in size of fruits in two lines of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

An open‐air experiment was performed in Pistoia (Italy) to investigate the possible protective role played by different contents of UV‐B absorbing compounds to realistic UV‐B supplementation and to study its effect on plant fruit production. A mutant line and its normal counterpart of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, which differ in the content of UV‐B absorbing compounds, were used. Additional UV‐B radiation in the field was supplied to simulate a 20% stratospheric ozone depletion. Two groups of plants were grown: ‘control’, where plants received only natural solar UV‐B radiation, and ‘UV‐B’ treatment, where plants were grown under supplemental UV‐B.
Implicit and Explicit Measures of Antisocial Attitudes of Criminal Offenders

At the present antisocial attitudes measured by implicit and explicit methods have been studied insufficiently. Research aim is to investigate attitudes towards violence of criminal offenders with Implicit Association Test (IAT) and self-report procedure. Participants: 53 convicted individuals, 28 ex-convicts and 78 previously not convicted individuals. Research methods: with an experimental procedure of IAT one variable was obtained – “implicit preference for verbal categories associated with physical violence”. By using self-report procedure, the second variable was obtained: “explicit attitude towards physical violence”. The results showed that there is a significant difference between explicitly measured variables of the groups “Convicts” and “Ex-convicts”. There was no significant difference found of implicitly measured attitudes between the groups, but a slight tendency of the fact that previously not convicted individuals had more negative attitude towards violence was revealed. A significant correlation was found between implicit and explicit measurement results for the group “Convicts”.
An Energy-Saving Home Energy Management Supporting Selling Operation and User Comfort

In this study, we investigate the operation of a home energy management system with integrated renewable energy system (RES) and energy storage system (ESS) in a smart home. In its operation, there is a focus on selling operation and user comfort, which are analyzed in detail. A multi-objective mixed integer nonlinear programming model is proposed to optimize different and conflicting objectives. Through incorporation of these varied objectives, our system not only reduces energy cost but also maintains user comfort and peak-to-average ratio (PAR) for residents. The effect of selling price on user comfort and PAR is also considered. Moreover, by applying the weight method of multi-objective optimization, we have more flexibility in setting trade-offs between the values of these objectives. A formula for the lower bound of energy cost is developed. This formula helps residents or engineers quickly choose best parameters of RES and ESS for their homes during the decision-making process. Performance of our system is verified through a number of simulations under different scenarios using real data, and simulation results are compared in terms of energy cost per day, PAR, user's convenience and waiting time to use appliances.
A proto-helium white dwarf with a non-interacting neutron star or black hole companion -- Uncovering the true nature of a candidate hypervelocity B-star

In the past, SDSS J160429.12+100002.2 was spectroscopically classified as a blue horizontal branch (BHB) star. Assuming a luminosity that is characteristic of BHB stars, the object's radial velocity and proper motions from the second data release of Gaia would imply that its Galactic rest-frame velocity exceeds its local escape velocity. Consequently, the object would be considered a hypervelocity star, which would prove particularly interesting because its Galactic trajectory points in our direction. However, based on the spectroscopic analysis of follow-up observations, we show that the object is actually a short-period ($P=0.14337069\pm0.00000018$\,d) single-lined spectroscopic binary system with a visible B-type star (effective temperature, $T_{\mathrm{eff}} = 15\,840\pm160$\,K, and surface gravity, $\log(g) = 4.86\pm0.04$) that is less luminous than typical BHB stars. Accordingly, the distance of the system is lower than originally thought, which renders its Galactic orbit bound to the Galaxy. Nevertheless, it is still an extreme halo object on a highly retrograde orbit. The abundances of He, C, N, O, Ne, Mg, Al, Si, S, and Ca are subsolar by factors from 3 to more than 100, while Fe is enriched by a factor of about 6. This peculiar chemical composition pattern is most likely caused by atomic diffusion processes. Combining constraints from astrometry, orbital motion, photometry, and spectroscopy, we conclude that the visible component is a stripped star of $0.25^{+0.15}_{-0.06}\,M_\odot$ that is evolving into a low-mass helium white dwarf. Based on the currently available data, the mass of the unseen compact companion is, with 99\% confidence, larger than $1.5\,M_\odot$, that is, it is most likely a neutron star or a black hole. There are very few other systems with similar properties known to date, all of them hosting millisecond pulsars.
A Survey of State-of-the-Art on Blockchains

To draw a roadmap of current research activities of the blockchain community, we first conduct a brief overview of state-of-the-art blockchain surveys published in the past 5 years. We found that those surveys are basically studying the blockchain-based applications, such as blockchain-assisted Internet of Things (IoT), business applications, security-enabled solutions, and many other applications in diverse fields. However, we think that a comprehensive survey toward the essentials of blockchains by exploiting the state-of-the-art theoretical modelings, analytic models, and useful experiment tools is still missing. To fill this gap, we perform a thorough survey by identifying and classifying the most recent high-quality research outputs that are closely related to the theoretical findings and essential mechanisms of blockchain systems and networks. Several promising open issues are also summarized for future research directions. We hope this survey can serve as a useful guideline for researchers, engineers, and educators about the cutting-edge development of blockchains in the perspectives of theories, modelings, and tools.
Towards Systematically Deriving Defence Mechanisms from Functional Requirements of Cyber-Physical Systems

The threats faced by cyber-physical systems~(CPSs) in critical infrastructure have motivated the development of different attack detection mechanisms, such as those that monitor for violations of invariants, i.e. properties that always hold in normal operation. Given the complexity of CPSs, several existing approaches focus on deriving invariants automatically from data logs, but these can miss possible system behaviours if they are not represented in that data. Furthermore, resolving any design flaws identified in this process is costly, as the CPS is already built. In this position paper, we propose a systematic method for deriving invariants before a CPS is built by analysing its functional requirements. Our method, inspired by the axiomatic design methodology for systems, iteratively analyses dependencies in the design to construct equations and process graphs that model the invariant relationships between CPS components. As a preliminary study, we applied it to the design of a water treatment plant testbed, implementing checkers for two invariants by using decision trees, and finding that they could detect some examples of attacks on the testbed with high accuracy and without false positives. Finally, we explore how developing our method further could lead to more robust CPSs and reduced costs by identifying design weaknesses before systems are implemented.