Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of polymersomes in membrane protein study and drug discovery: Progress, strategies, and perspectives

Abstract Membrane proteins (MPs) play key roles in cellular signaling pathways and are responsible for intercellular and intracellular interactions. Dysfunctional MPs are directly related to the pathogenesis of various diseases, and they have been exploited as one of the most sought‐after targets in the pharmaceutical industry. However, working with MPs is difficult given that their amphiphilic nature requires protection from biological membrane or membrane mimetics. Polymersomes are bilayered nano‐vesicles made of self‐assembled block copolymers that have been widely used as cell membrane mimetics for MP reconstitution and in engineering of artificial cells. This review highlights the prevailing trend in the application of polymersomes in MP study and drug discovery. We begin with a review on the techniques for synthesis and characterization of polymersomes as well as methods of MP insertion to form proteopolymersomes. Next, we review the structural and functional analysis of the different types of MPs reconstituted in polymersomes, including membrane transport proteins, MP complexes, and membrane receptors. We then summarize the factors affecting reconstitution efficiency and the quality of reconstituted MPs for structural and functional studies. Additionally, we discuss the potential in using proteopolymersomes as platforms for high‐throughput screening (HTS) in drug discovery to identify modulators of MPs. We conclude by providing future perspectives and recommendations on advancing the study of MPs and drug development using proteopolymersomes.
Broadly tunable ultrafast pump-probe system operating at multi-kHz repetition rate

Femtosecond systems based on ytterbium as active medium are ideal for driving ultrafast optical parametric amplifiers in a broad frequency range. The excellent stability of the source and the repetition rate tunable to up to hundreds of kHz allow for the implementation of an advanced two-color pump probe setup with the capability to achieve excellent signal-to-noise performances with sub-10 fs temporal resolution.
Structural and Biofunctional Insights into the Cyclo(Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe-) Scaffold from Experimental and In Silico Studies: Melanoma and Beyond

Short peptides have great potential as safe and effective anticancer drug leads. Herein, the influence of short cyclic peptides containing the Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe sequence on patient-derived melanoma cells was investigated. Cyclic peptides such as cyclo(Leu-Ile-Ile-Leu-Val-Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe-), called CLA, and cyclo(Pro-homoPro-β3homoPhe-Phe-), called P11, exert the cytotoxic and the cytostatic effects in melanoma cells, respectively. CLA was the most active peptide as it reduced the viability of melanoma cells to 50% of control at about 10 µM, whereas P11 at about 40 µM after 48 h incubation. Interestingly, a linear derivative of P11 did not induce any effect in melanoma cells confirming previous studies showing that cyclic peptides exert better biological activity compared to their linear counterparts. According to in silico predictions, cyclic tetrapeptides show a better pharmacokinetic and toxic profile to humans than CLA. Notably, the spatial structure of those peptides containing synthetic amino acids has not been explored yet. In the Cambridge Structural Database, there is only one such cyclic tetrapeptide, cyclo((R)-β2homoPhe-D-Pro-Lys-Phe-), while in the Protein Data Bank—none. Therefore, we report the first crystal structure of cyclo(Pro-Pro-β3homoPhe-Phe-), denoted as 4B8M, a close analog of P11, which is crucial for drug discovery. Comparative molecular and supramolecular analysis of both structures was performed. The DFT findings revealed that 4B8M is well interpreted in the water solution. The results of complex Hirshfeld surface investigations on the cooperativity of interatomic contacts in terms of electrostatic and energetic features are provided. In short, the enrichment ratio revealed O…H/H…O and C…H/H…C as privileged intercontacts in the crystals in relation to basic and large supramolecular H-bonding synthon patterns. Furthermore, the ability of self-assemble 4B8M leading to a nanotubular structure is also discussed.
The Impact of Export Promotion Programs on Export Competitiveness and Export Performance of Craft Products

International trade is defined as economic transactions between countries worldwide. Promoting the export of craft products, which are valued products, is critical for international business as the sales growth increases worldwide. Moreover, the export of craft products has increased international trade and maximized economic value in the highly competitive global market. Therefore, businesses need to be promoted to increase their competitiveness. This study explores the impact of export promotion programs on export competitiveness and the performance of craft products. A self-administered questionnaire was used to correct the data. There were 400 respondents completing the questionnaires, who were working in craft product export companies using marine transport. The data analysis is conducted by using Structure Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings show that the export promotion program has a significant positive relationship with export competitiveness. A positive relationship between export competitiveness and export performance is also found. The results indicate that export competitiveness fully mediates the relationship between export promotion programs and export performance. The findings from this study contribute to craft product export businesses and provide a practical exporting approach. Marine transport is one of the critical international entry modes many companies use to expand businesses. It should be noted that shipping cost savings are related to export efficiency.
Soil Fungi as Biomediator in Silver Nanoparticles Formation and Antimicrobial Efficacy

Introduction and Objectives Biogenic agents in nanoparticles fabrication are gaining great interest due to their lower possible negative environmental impacts. The present study aimed to isolate fungal strains from deserts in Saudi Arabia and assess their ability in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) fabrication and evaluate their antibacterial effect. Methods Soil fungi were identified using 18s rDNA, and their ability in NPs fabrication was assessed as extracellular synthesis, then UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used for AgNPs characterization. The antibacterial activity of fungal-based NPs was assessed against one Gram-positive methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and three Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Ultrastructural changes caused by fungal-based NPs on K. pneumoniae were investigated using TEM along with SDS-PAGE for protein profile patterns. Results The three fungal isolates were identified as Phoma sp. (MN995524), Chaetomium globosum (MN995493), and Chaetomium sp. (MN995550), and their filtrate reduced Ag ions into spherical P-AgNPs, G-AgNPs, and C-AgNPs, respectively. DLS data showed an average size between 12.26 and 70.24 nm, where EDX spectrums represent Ag at 3.0 keV peak. G-AgNPs displayed strong antibacterial activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the ultrastructural changes caused by NPs were noted. Additionally, SDS-PAGE analysis of treated K. pneumoniae revealed fewer bands compared to control, which could be related to protein degradation. Conclusion Present findings have consequently developed an eco-friendly approach in NPs formation by environmentally isolated fungal strains to yield NPs as antibacterial agents.
Investigation on three-phase seven-level cascaded DC-link converter using carrier level shifted modulation schemes for solar PV system applications

Three-phase seven-level cascaded DC-link converter (CDCLC) is proposed for solar photovoltaic (PV) applications. The proposed configuration is integrated with stepped DC-link module (DCLM) and H-bridge inverter. In CDCLC configuration, the stepped DC-link voltage is attained through DCLMs with reduced inverter voltage stress. Compared with conventional two-level and three-level inverters, power spectral density in the multiples of switching frequency is significantly reduced. Elimination of inverter end filter components emphasises the advantage of CDCLC systems over conventional inverters. A reduction in DC sources, power switches, and gate driver units make the system more cost-effective over conventional cascaded multilevel inverter. To achieve the quality of power output in the proposed converter, carrier level shifted pulse width modulation (CLSPWM) schemes are developed for the DC-link converter switching. Simulated and experimental models of three-phase seven-level CDCLC configuration are developed and its performance is analysed for CLSPWM switching schemes.
Competing to Commit: Markets with Rational Inattention

Two homogeneous-good firms compete for a consumer’s unitary demand. The consumer is rationally inattentive and pays entropy costs to process information about firms’ offers. Compared to a collusion benchmark, competition produces two effects. As in standard models, competition puts downward pressure on prices. But, additionally, an attention effect arises: the consumer engages in trade more often. This alleviates the commitment problem that firms have when facing inattentive consumers and increases trade efficiency. For high enough attention costs, the attention effect dominates the effect on prices: firms’ profits are higher under competition than under collusion. (JEL D11, D21, D43, D83, L12)
Small mammals reduce distance dependence and increase seed predation risk in tropical rainforest fragments

Seed predation and reduced predation risk with distance from conspecific trees are important influences on tree regeneration in tropical forests. Shifts in animal communities, such as an increase in rodents and other small mammals due to forest fragmentation, could alter patterns of seed predation and affect tree regeneration and community dynamics in forest fragments. We performed a field experiment on four native rainforest tree species in the Western Ghats, India, to test whether fragmentation increases seed predation by mammals and alters the distance dependence of seed predation. We monitored seed predation within open and mammal exclosure plots, near and far from the canopies of conspecific trees, in contiguous and fragmented forests. Seed predation of Cullenia exarillata, Ormosia travancorica, and Syzygium rubicundum was markedly higher in forest fragments, and more so within open plots than exclosures, while the predominantly insect‐predated Acronychia pedunculata experienced similar predation in contiguous forests and fragments. Seed predation of C. exarillata and S. rubicundum was unrelated to distance from conspecific trees in open plots in both contiguous forests and fragments, in contrast to exclosures that showed marked near versus far differences in seed predation. Our findings suggest that by increasing overall seed predation risk and imposing similar seed predation risk near and far from adults variably across the tree species, small mammals could alter processes that shape tree diversity and species composition in fragmented tropical rainforests.
Nonlinear unified strength criterion for frozen soil based on homogenization theory

Abstract To establish a strength criterion that can consider the composite properties and internal non-homogeneity of frozen soil, a load sharing model is first defined based on homogenization theory and the binary-medium structure model, and then the strength functions of frozen soil on the p-q plane and the π plane are established, respectively. Finally, a three-dimensional nonlinear unified strength criterion for frozen soil is proposed. The applicability of the proposed strength criterion is verified based on the multi-group triaxial compression test results and the directional shear test results at different stress Lode angles.
Clinical validation of nursing diagnosis fatigue (00093) in women in the immediate hospital postpartum period

ABSTRACT Objective: To perform clinical validation of nursing diagnosis fatigue (00093) in women in the immediate postpartum hospital. Method: This is a methodological and clinical validation study of the diagnostic accuracy of nursing diagnosis fatigue (00093) components in women in the immediate postpartum hospital period. Data were collected with women in the immediate postpartum hospital. Sensitivity and specificity accuracy measures, positive and negative predictive values of the aforementioned nursing diagnosis were investigated. Results: The sample consisted of 153 women in the immediate postpartum period hospitalized in the rooming-in ward, with a mean age of 27 years, whose defining characteristic with statistical significance was tiredness. Conclusion: The defining characteristics of tiredness and pain and related factor sleep deprivation presented high prevalence and high values of fatigue (00093) accuracy measures, being validated. Thus, it is believed that this study will contribute to clinical practice nurses in the correct identification of postpartum hospital fatigue, a frequent phenomenon in this population that causes much damage throughout the puerperium period. Additionally, it will corroborate the immediate conduct aiming at good outcome.
Effects of Environmental Regulation Competition and Public Participation on Enterprise Location Selection Under Climate Change in COVID-19 Pandemic Conditions: An Analysis Based on the Chinese Provincial Spatial Panel Model

The deterioration of environmental quality has attracted the attention of the Chinese government and the public. The Chinese government has delegated part of the power of environmental regulation to local governments. To fulfill the KPI, local governments tend to loosen environmental regulations to attract more settlement of enterprises, thus leading to an increasingly fierce local environmental regulation competition. The improvement of people’s living standards makes it possible for the public to participate in environmental regulation. This article seeks to carry out the empirical study to interpret the relationship between local environmental regulation competition, public participation, and enterprise location selection through a random effects (RE) spatial Durbin model with 29 provincial panel data in China from 2004 to 2017. The results show that the provincial spatial spillover effect of enterprise location selection is significant. More intensified local environmental regulation competition can attract more investment but may harm sustainable economic development. Active public participation can effectively avoid the excessive investment caused by local environmental regulation competition and sustain economic development. Therefore, we should establish and improve the local environmental prevention and regulation system and establish an information disclosure mechanism to ensure public participation. The local government’s environmental regulation and public participation mechanism should be effectively coordinated.
A Comparison Study on Wear Behaviors of Mo and Al2O3-Mo Coatings from RT to 300 °C

Mo and Al2O3-Mo coatings are fabricated on a low-carbon steel substrate using atmospheric plasma spraying. The microstructure and mechanical properties of two as-sprayed coatings, with a particular focus on the tribological behaviors from room temperature to 300 °C, are comparatively investigated in this study. Microstructural analysis of the coatings shows that the porosity of the Al2O3-Mo coating is higher than that of Mo coating. The addition of Al2O3 particles reduces the coating–substrate adhesion strength. The Al2O3-Mo coating, in comparison to the Mo coating, shows improved mechanical properties, such as hardness and wear resistance. The friction coefficients of both coatings increase with further increases in test temperatures. The friction coefficient of the Al2O3-Mo coating, tested above 100 °C, is lower than that of the Mo coating. The wear failure mechanisms of the two coatings are delamination, brittle fracture, oxidation and adhesion wear. In addition, local plastic deformation was also found in the Mo coating.
Quality Characterization of Different Parts of Broiler and Ligor Hybrid Chickens

The quality characterization of different parts of male and female Ligor hybrid chickens was investigated and compared with those of commercial broiler. Genotypes, muscle types, and sex had effects on the composition, physicochemical, and textural properties of chicken samples. Ligor hybrid chicken contained higher percentages of protein, moisture, ash, and collagen content but lower fat content than those of commercial broiler (p < 0.05), except in the case of breast, where no significant difference in moisture and ash was observed (p ≥ 0.05). The pH in breast meat of both chickens was lower than that of thigh meat. The color (L*, a*, and b*) values of male and female chickens were not significantly different, except for the L* value of broiler chicken, which was higher in female chickens than in male chickens. Higher cooking loss and shear force were found in male Ligor hybrid chicken. A similar protein pattern was observed for the protein from the same muscle type, irrespective of sex and genotype tested. It was observed that Ligor hybrid chicken contained higher glutamic acid and aspartic acid than commercial broilers. Therefore, Ligor hybrid chicken is a promising new source of nutrition, which can be beneficial for consumers.
Chitin Synthase Genes Are Differentially Required for Growth, Stress Response, and Virulence in Verticillium dahliae

Crop wilt disease caused by Verticillium dahliae usually leads to serious yield loss. Chitin, an important component of most fungal cell walls, functions to maintain the rigidity of cell walls and septa. Chitin synthesis mainly relies on the activity of chitin synthase (CHS). Eight CHS genes have been predicted in V. dahliae. In this study, we characterized the functions of these genes in terms of growth, stress responses, penetration, and virulence. Results showed that VdCHS5 is important for conidia germination and resistance to hyperosmotic stress. Conidial production is significantly decreased in Vdchs1, Vdchs4, and Vdchs8 mutants. VdCHS1, VdCHS2, VdCHS4, VdCHS6, VdCHS7, and VdCHS8 genes are important for cell wall integrity, while all mutants are important for cell membrane integrity. All of the VdCHS genes, except for VdCHS3, are required for the full pathogenicity of V. dahliae to Arabidopsis thaliana and cotton plants. The in vitro and in vivo penetration of Vdchs1, Vdchs4, Vdchs6, and Vdchs7 mutants was impaired, while that of the other mutants was normal. Overall, our results indicate that the VdCHS genes exert diverse functions to regulate the growth and development, conidial germination, conidial production, stress response, penetration, and virulence in V. dahliae.
Candida albicans Sap6 Initiates Oral Mucosal Inflammation via the Protease Activated Receptor PAR2

Candida albicans Sap6, a secreted aspartyl protease (Sap), contributes to fungal virulence in oral candidiasis. Beside its protease activity, Sap6 contains RGD (RGDRGD) motif required for its binding to host integrins. Sap6 activates immune cells to induce proinflammatory cytokines, although its ability to interact and activate human oral epithelial cells (OECs) remain unknown. Addition of purified recombinant Sap6 (rSap6) to OECs resulted in production of IL-1β and IL-8 cytokines similar to live hyphal C. albicans. OECs exposed to rSap6 showed phosphorylation of p38 and MKP1 and expression of c-Fos not found with C. albicans Δsap6, heat-inactivated Sap6, or rSap6ΔRGD . Heat inactivated rSap6 was able to induce IL-1β but not IL-8 in OECs, while rSap6ΔRGD induced IL-8 but not IL-1β suggesting parallel signaling pathways. C. albicans hyphae increased surface expression of Protease Activated Receptors PAR1, PAR2 and PAR3, while rSap6 increased PAR2 expression exclusively. Pretreatment of OECs with a PAR2 antagonist blocked rSap6-induced p38 MAPK signaling and IL-8 release, while rSap6ΔRGD had reduced MKP1 signaling and IL-1β release independent from PAR2. OECs exposed to rSap6 exhibited loss of barrier function as measured by TEER and reduction in levels of E-cadherin and occludin junctional proteins that was prevented by pretreating OECs with a PAR2 antagonist. OECs treated with PAR2 antagonist also showed reduced rSap6-mediated invasion by C. albicans cells. Thus, Sap6 may initiate OEC responses mediated both through protease activation of PAR2 and by its RGD domain. This novel role of PAR2 suggests new drug targets to block C. albicans oral infection.
Effect of smooth switching the light on/off under intermittent LED lighting on the productivity of laying hens

The influence of smooth switching the light on/off on the productivity and viability of laying hens of the SP-789 cross was studied. In the experiments, three identical groups of 120-day-old birds were formed. In the first preliminary experiment, poultry was raised up to 410 days of age, in the second main experiment it was raised up to 350 days of age. All birds were kept in cage batteries under intermittent LED lighting. The light was turned on at 2-3 am, 8-12 am, and 2-5 pm. In both experiments, lights were switched on and off instantaneously in the control group. In the first preliminary experiment, the sunrise and sunset imitations took place each time the light was switched on and off, and lasted 3 minutes in the experimental group No.1 and 6 minutes in the experimental group No. 2. In the second main experiment, in the experimental group No.1 the mode of imitation of sunrise and sunset was similar to that of the experimental group No. 1 of the first preliminary experiment. In the experimental group No. 2, sunrise was simulated only during the first light turn on, and sunset was simulated during the last light turn off (3 min). The best results were obtained in the group with smooth switching the light on at the beginning of the first photoperiod and smooth switching the light off at the end of the last photoperiod (for 3 min). As compared with control, this group showed an increased livestock livability (91.7%) by 1.9%, egg production (171.6 eggs) and yield of egg weight (9.81 kg) per initial and average laying hen by 7.3% and 6.5%. Feed efficiency per 10 eggs (1.33 kg) and 1 kg of egg weight (2.32 kg) decreased by 5.0% and 4.5% respectively.
Linkcon: Adaptive Link Configuration over SDN Controlled Wireless Access Networks

High throughput wireless access networks such as IEEE 802.11ac show a significant challenge in choosing link configuration parameters dynamically based on channel condition. It is due to a large pool of design set like channel bonding, number of spatial streams, guard intervals, different modulation and coding schemes, frame aggregation etc. Selection of such parameters is far challenging in mobile environment where signal strength fluctuates frequently. In this paper, we design a software-defined networking (SDN) framework for link adaptation in mobile environment, that engages an adaptive learning-based methodology, ϵ--greedy policy. The proposed link adaptation mechanism, Linkcon, explores several possible configuration options on the basis of their impact on network performance in various channel conditions. We analyze the performance of Linkcon from simulation results. We observe that this approach provides a significant better performance compared to other competing schemes proposed in the literature.