Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dimerization of Aβ40 inside dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer and its effect on bilayer integrity: Atomistic simulation at three temperatures

Amyloid‐beta (Aβ) protein is related to Alzheimer disease (AD), and various experiments have shown that oligomers as small as dimers are cytotoxic. Recent studies have concluded that interactions of Aβ with neuronal cell membranes lead to disruption of membrane integrity and toxicity and they play a key role in the development of AD. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been used to investigate Aβ in aqueous solution and membranes. We have previously studied monomeric Aβ40 embedded in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) membrane using MD simulations. Here, we explore interactions of two Aβ40 peptides in DPPC bilayer and its consequences on dimer distribution in a lipid bilayer and on the secondary structure of the peptides. We explored that N‐terminals played an important role in dimeric Aβ peptide aggregations and Aβ‐bilayer interactions, while C‐terminals bound peptides to bilayer like anchors. We did not observe exiting of peptides in our simulations although we observed insertion of peptides into the core of bilayer in some of our simulations. So it seems that the presence of Aβ on membrane surface increases its aggregation rate, and as diffusion occurs in two dimensions, it can increase the probability of interpeptide interactions. We found that dimeric Aβ, like monomeric one, had the ability to cause structural destabilization of DPPC membrane, which in turn might ultimately lead to cell death in an in vivo system. This information could have important implications for understanding the affinity of Aβ oligomers (here dimer) for membranes and the mechanism of Aβ oligomer toxicity in AD.
Colorimetric Urinalysis for On-site Detection of Metabolic Biomarkers.

Over the past few decades, colorimetric assays have been developed for cost-effective and rapid on-site urinalysis. Most of these assays were employed for detection of biomarkers such as glucose, uric acid, ions, and albumin that are abundant in urine at µM to mM levels. In contrast, direct assaying of urinary biomarkers such as glycated proteins, low molecular weight reactive oxygen species and nucleic acids that are present at significantly lower levels (nM-pM) remains challenging due to the interferences from the urine sample matrix. State of the art assays for detection of trace amounts of urinary biomarkers typically utilize time-consuming and equipment-dependent sample pre-treatment or clean up protocols prior assaying, which limits their applicability for on-site analysis. Herein, we report a colorimetric assay for on-site detection of trace amount of generic biomarkers in urine without involving tedious sample pre-treatment protocols. The detection strategy is based on monitoring the changes in optical properties of 3-alkoxy-4-methylthiophene (PT) upon interacting with an aptamer (Apt) or a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) in the presence and absence of target biomarkers of relevance for the diagnosis of metabolic complications and diabetes. As a proof of concept, this study demonstrates facile assaying of advanced glycation end products, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and hepatitis B virus DNA in urine samples at clinically relevant concentrations, with limits of detection of ~850 pM, ~650 pM and ~1 nM, respectively. These analytes represent three distinct classes of biomarkers; glycated proteins, low molecular weight reactive oxygen species and nucleic acids. Hence, the proposed methodology is applicable for rapid detection of generic biomarkers in urine, without involving sophisticated equipment and skilled personnel, thereby enabling on-site urinalysis. At the end of the contribution, we discuss the opportunity to translate the homogeneous assay into a paper-based format.
Decolorization of Reactive Black 5 by Micrococcus luteus and Candida albicans in Wastewaters

Biological decolorization of dye effluent is receiving much consideration due to cost effective and its safety use. A total of 24 isolates (9 bacteria and 15 fungi) were isolated from Al-Salam textile factory wastewater by the enrichment culture technique, using Reactive Black 5 (RB5) as a sole carbon source. A bacterial isolate (identified as Micrococcus luteus) showed the highest biodegradation activity. This isolate was able to remove up to 66% of the dye within 3 days of incubation. Comparatively, 53 % of the dye was decolourized by a yeast isolate (identified as Candida albicans) after 3 days of incubation. Addition of yeast extract at a concentration of 10 g L enhanced the biodegradation, where complete disappearance of the dye 1
Daily torpor during the active phase in free‐ranging rock elephant shrews (Elephantulus myurus)

In highly seasonal environments animals that use daily torpor usually do so during the rest phase. In subtropical and tropical environments, however, daily torpor may not necessarily be confined to the animals' rest phase. Animals may display torpor during the active phase. We investigated the daily rhythms and seasonal rhythms of body temperature ( T b ) in normothermic and torpid free-ranging rock elephant shrews Elephantulus myurus at Weenen Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. T b s were recorded using miniature dataloggers from May 2001 to May 2002. Daily patterns of T b in normothermic E. myurus suggested polyphasic T b patterns that nevertheless suggested a rest phase that was coincident with the daytime. When the elephant shrews used torpor, the lowest T b s were observed during the night-time, such that torpor was used during the coldest part of the night and arousal was associated with the 3-h period around sunrise. We suggest that the principal benefit of a flexible daily rhythm of T b was that it facilitated arousal by passive exogenous heating using ambient temperature cycles.
Hybrid Renewable Power System for Radio Networks in Mission Critical Applications

The most frequent problem detected by the companies in the telecommunications sector is the loss of power supply in site, usually located in remote zones. This is more delicate when the radio network has the specific objective to guarantee “mission critical” communications. The object of this study is to propose and evaluate a way to decrease the number of maintenance operations necessary to restore the correct functioning, aiming at previously defined critic and strategic sites in a wide and complex radio network. This to obtain an increased availability, longer continuity and technical and economic benefits. Finally, the developed methods and the algorithms are applied to a real “mission critical” case study.
Growth of Nestling Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia) in Relation toParental Experience and Hatching Date

Abstract In many avian species, reproductive success increases with parental age and experience, and declines seasonally. However, it is difficult to evaluate how parental attributes affect reproduction independently of date effects, because young, inexperienced pairs generally lay later than older, experienced pairs. We examined how parental experience and timing affected nestling growth in the Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia), an Arctic seabird that lays a single-egg clutch, by taking advantage of a natural contrast made possible by marked within-group synchrony. That is a common feature at murre colonies, and enabled us to monitor the breeding performance of experienced pairs over an extended period that overlapped with breeding by inexperienced pairs late in the season. Whereas growth of offspring raised by experienced parents was unaffected by their hatching date, offspring raised by inexperienced parents grew more slowly than those raised concurrently by experienced parents. Therefore, parental experience influenced nestling growth rates whereas timing did not, a result that accords with previous studies on this species. Absence of direct effects of timing of egg-laying on breeding success of Thick-billed Murres stands in sharp contrast to many other avian species, and seems surprising for an Arctic-nesting species often assumed to be strictly time-constrained in its breeding.
Butanolic Extract of Noni Inhibits Proliferation, Inflammation, and Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Expression in Cultured Smooth Muscle Cells

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) plays a central role in smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and inflammation, being involved in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We have previously found that butanolic extract of noni, a tropical plant belonging to the family Rubiaceae, exerts anti-inflammatory effects on endothelial cells exposed to advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Here, we examined the effects of noni extract on oxidative stress production, growth, and inflammatory reactions in PDGF-BB or AGE-exposed SMCs. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cell proliferation, and adhesion were measured by a fluorescent dye, a colorimetric agent, and labeled THP-1 cells, respectively. Gene and protein expression was evaluated by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Butanolic extract of noni reduced ROS production, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) expression, and proliferation in, and THP-1 cell adhesion to, PDGF-BB-exposed SMCs. Gene expression and protein level of receptor for AGEs (RAGE) were significantly decreased by noni extract in SMCs. Furthermore, AGEs significantly increased PCSK9 mRNA and protein levels in SMCs, which were inhibited by noni extract or an antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Our present study suggests that butanolic extract of noni not only inhibits the PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and inflammatory reactions in SMCs through its antioxidative properties but also reduces PCSK9 levels in AGE-exposed SMCs via suppression of RAGE expression. Butanolic extract of noni may play a protective role against atherosclerosis.
Identification of Patients with New-Onset Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction in Danish Administrative Registers

Background In Danish administrative registers, ejection fraction (EF) is not recorded, which is a considerable limitation for correct subclassification of patients with heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that a diagnosis of HF combined with the recorded prescription of both renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors and beta- blockers (RASi+BB) within 120 days could identify patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (EF ≤40%) (HFrEF). Methods On two sites, we identified all patients with a first-time registration of HF as primary hospital discharge diagnosis (ICD-10: I50) between June 1, 2016, and May 31, 2018 in inpatient or outpatient settings. Patients were included if they survived the initial 120 days after discharge. Reviewing patient records, we identified patients with HFrEF, based on EF ≤ 40% and reported HF symptoms. We registered the use of RASi+BB at 120 days and calculated sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. Results A total of 704 consecutive patients with a primary diagnosis of HF were included, of whom 541 (77%) fulfilled the HFrEF criteria. Patients with HFrEF confirmed from patient records were younger (median age 73 compared to 79 years) and less frequently women (31% compared to 56%) compared to non-HFrEF patients. At baseline, 24 (4%) of HFrEF patients were treated with RASi+BB compared to 22 (14%) of non-HFrEF patients. At 120 days, 460 (85%) of HFrEF patients received RASi+BB as compared to 25 (15%) of non-HFrEF patients. This resulted in a positive predictive value of 95%, sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 85%. Conclusion In Denmark, the ICD-10 HF diagnosis combined with recorded RASi+BB treatment by 120 days after discharge has high positive predictive value and can accurately be used to identify patients with HFrEF.
Zonation of mangrove flora and fauna in a subtropical estuarine wetland based on surface elevation

Abstract In the context of sea‐level rise (SLR), an understanding of the spatial distributions of mangrove flora and fauna is required for effective ecosystem management and conservation. These distributions are greatly affected by tidal inundation, and surface elevation is a reliable quantitative indicator of the effects of tidal inundation. Most recent studies have focused exclusively on the quantitative relationships between mangrove‐plant zonation and surface elevation, neglecting mangrove fauna. Here, we measured surface elevation along six transects through the mangrove forests of a subtropical estuarine wetland in Zhenzhu Bay (Guangxi, China), using a real‐time kinematic global positioning system. We identified the mangrove plants along each transect and investigated the spatial distributions of arboreal, epifaunal, and infaunal molluscs, as well as infaunal crabs, using traditional quadrats. Our results indicated that almost all mangrove forests in the bay were distributed within the 400–750 m intertidal zone, between the local mean sea level and mean high water (119 cm above mean sea level). Mangrove plants exhibited obvious zonation patterns, and different species tended to inhabit different niches along the elevation gradient: Aegiceras corniculatum dominated in seaward locations while Lumnitzera racemosa dominated in landward areas. Mangrove molluscs also showed distinct patterns of spatial zonation related to surface elevation, independent of life‐form and season. The spatial distributions of some molluscs were correlated to the relative abundances of certain mangrove plants. In contrast, the spatial distributions of crabs were not related to surface elevation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explicitly quantify the influences of surface elevation on the spatial distributions of mangrove fauna. This characterization of the vertical ranges of various flora and fauna in mangrove forests provides a basic framework for future studies aimed at predicting changes in the structure and functions of mangrove forests in response to SLR.
KİŞİSEL DEĞERLERİN YEŞİL PAZARLAMA FAALİYETLERİNDE BULUNAN OTEL İŞLETMELERİNE YÖNELİK TUTUMLAR ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİLERİ

Yesil pazarlama, 1970’li yillarin sonlari ile 1980’lerin baslarini kapsayan donem icerisinde pazarlama alaninda ortaya cikmaya baslamis bir kavramdir. Degisen cevresel kosullar karsisinda insanlarin gelisen cevresel degerlerini karsilamak adina bu kavram isletmeler tarafindan benimsenmeye baslanmistir. Ozellikle dogal kaynaklarin kontrolsuz bicimde kullanimi ve fiziksel cevrenin hizla kirlenmesiyle birlikte kisileri daha dogal, temiz ve cevreci urunleri talep etmelerine yoneltmistir. Ortaya cikan bu cevreci talepler karsisinda isletmeler, surdurmus olduklari faaliyetler icerisinde cevrenin korunmasina yonelik uygulamalari hayata gecirerek hem tuketicilerin cevreci hassasiyetlerini karsilamak hem de ekonomik maliyetlerini indirgeyebilmek adina yesil pazarlama faaliyetlerine dogru yonelim gostermeye baslamislardir. Farkli alanlarda faaliyetlerini surduren isletmelerin yesil uygulamalari tercih etmesiyle birlikte turizm endustrisi icerisinde faaliyet gosteren isletmeler tarafindan da bu uygulamalarin kullanimi yayginlasmaktadir. Cevre dostu (yesil) standartlara sahip olan otellerin sayilarindaki artisa bagli olarak turistlerin cevresel sorunlara karsi tasidiklari kisisel degerleri, onlarin tatil planlari icerisinde diger otel turlerine kiyasla yesil pazarlama faaliyetlerini uygulayan otel isletmelerine yonelik tutumlarini etkilemektedir. Yapilan calismada, turistlerin sahip olduklari kisisel degerlerin yesil pazarlama faaliyetinde bulunan otel isletmelerine yonelik tutumlari uzerindeki etkisi incelenmistir. Arastirmanin evrenini, Kultur ve Turizm Bakanligi’na bagli ‘‘cevreye duyarli tesis’’ statusundeki otellerde en az bir defa konaklayarak yesil otel deneyimine sahip olan, 18 yas ve uzeri yerli turistler olusturmaktadir. Evrene ulasmak adina yargisal ornekleme teknigine basvurularak cevreci oldugu dusunulen 476 katilimci ile anket formu paylasilmistir. Ancak katilimcilar icerisinde 100 kisinin yesil otel deneyimine sahip oldugu tespit edilmis ve bu kisilerden elde edilen veriler uzerinden calisma kapsaminda gerekli analizler gerceklestirilmistir. Yapilan calismada, turistlerin kisisel degerlerinin yesil otellere yonelik tutumlari uzerinde kismen etkili oldugu sonucuna ulasilmistir.
The fate of edited RNA in caenorhabditis elegans

In contrast to DNA, which functions to store genetic information, RNA effectuates genetic information. The versatility of RNA is evident in the multiple cellular functions RNA fulfills. RNA molecules are structural elements, catalysts, adaptors, messengers and regulators. Accordingly, RNA shows great diversity in nucleotide composition and structure. This dissertation explores how sequence and structural features of RNA influence the fate of RNA in nematode cells and impact the
Signatures of Selective Sweeps in Parasite Selection Flocks

Gastrointestinal nematodes are the single most costly disease facing sheep production in New Zealand. Production loss due to parasitism is two-fold; the direct cost of anthelmintic treatment combines with production losses due to weight loss and death, costing New Zealand farmers an estimated $300 million per year. In the face of increasing drench resistance and the need to minimise drench residues in animal products, new strategies for control are called for. Breeding for host resistance is a viable method of nematode control, and the identification of genes or linked markers that have a significant association to host resistance against internal parasites would greatly accelerate genetic improvement. Recent advances in genomic technologies have provided new opportunities to understand the infection process of internal parasites in sheep at the genetic level. This project builds on prior studies to use whole genomic screens for selection to identify loci that affect individual resistance or susceptibility to nematode parasites. Divergent lines of Romney and Perendale sheep have been selectively bred for high and low faecal nematode egg count (FEC) by AgResearch since 1978 and 1986 respectively; animals wereselected as lambs solely on the basis of FEC following a mixed species nematode challenge. The Illumina® Ovine SNP50 BeadChip was used to genotype a selection of progeny from each of thelines, as well as selected sires and dams. The resulting genome-wide SNP data was analysed for selective sweeps on loci associated with resistance or susceptibility to nematode infection using the FST and Peddrift statistics. Nine regions were identified as showing the highest signals of selection in both Romney and Perendale lines and two regions, one on chromosome 1 (92,508,85593,589,808bp) and another on chromosome 16 (18,182,900-19,903,458bp), were chosen for further analysis. This was achieved through fine-mapping with a denser set of SNPs, using Sequenom technology. The extended haplotype homozygosity (EHH) test and its derivatives, iHS and XP-EHH, were subsequently used to clarify the signals of selection observed in these regions. An undetermined variant in the region on chromosome one appears to confer susceptibility to gastrointestinal parasites in the
The Regulatory Role of Vα14 NKT Cells in Innate and Acquired Immune Response

A novel lymphocyte lineage, Valpha14 natural killer T (NKT) cells, is now well established as distinct from conventional alphabeta T cells. Valpha14 NKT cells express a single invariant Valpha14 antigen receptor that is essential for their development. Successful identification of a specific ligand, alpha-galactosylceramide(alpha-GalCer), and the establishment of gene-manipulated mice with selective loss of Valpha14 NKT cells helped elucidate the remarkable functional diversity of Valpha14 NKT cells in various immune responses such as host defense by mediating anti-nonself innate immune reaction, homeostatic regulation of anti-self responses, and antitumor immunity.
Molecular Authentication of Dendrobium Species by Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction and Amplification Refractory Mutation System Analysis

ThegenusDendrobiumisimportantintraditionalChineseherbalmedicine,andthepreciseidentificationof Dendrobium species is critical for the treatment and for pharmacological research. In the present study, a ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region-based analysis was used to ascertain the phylogenetic relationship among 20 Dendrobium species. The lengths of the ITS regions among the 20 species ranged from 636 to 653 bp, and the identities of the rDNA regions among the different species ranged from 75.7% to 99.1%. The results also showed that the ITS1 and ITS2 regions exhibit more variation than the 5.8S rDNA. A phylogenetic tree derived from the ITS sequence indicated that six medicinal Dendrobium species, of which five are common medicinal plants in the Taiwan market, were closely related and shared a common clade. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was successfully performed to identify the six medicinal Dendrobium species, and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) PCR was used to distinguish D. tosaense specifically from the 19 other Dendrobiumspecies. Theestablished PCR-based (multiplex and ARMS) analyses canbeusedfor theauthentication of the raw materials of medicinal Dendrobium from other species.
Poultry meat quality

The two most important quality attributes for poultry meat are appearance and texture. Appearance is critical for both the consumers' initial selection of the product as well as for final product satisfaction. Texture is the single most important sensory property affecting final quality assessment. Appearance quality attributes include skin colour, meat colour, cooked meat pinkness, and appearance defects such as bruises and haemorrhages. Since appearance is so critical for consumer selection, poultry producers go to great lengths to produce products with the appropriate colour for a particular market and to avoid appearance defects which will negatively effect product selection or price. Historically, meat tenderness was primarily associated with live bird quality factors such as breed, sex, or age. However, modern production practices produce highly uniform young birds in which the major problems associated with meat texture are the result of processing errors or early deboning. Although other quality issues such as juiciness and flavour are important, they are more a function of product preparation and infrequent, but acute, production or processing errors which are usually easily corrected or avoided. An understanding of the major issues contributing to poultry colour and meat tenderness is critical to producing uniform quality products.