Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temperature distribution in magnetized neutron star crusts - II. The effect of a strong toroidal component

We continue the study of the effects of a strong magnetic field on the temperature distribution in the crust of a magnetized neutron star (NS) and its impact on the observable surface temperature. Extending the approach initiated in Geppert et al. (2004), we consider more complex and, hence, more realistic, magnetic field structures but still restrict ourselves to axisymmetric configurations. We put special emphasis on the heat blanketing effect of a toroidal field component. We show that asymmetric temperature distributions can occur and a crustal field consisting of dipolar poloidal and toroidal components will cause one polar spot to be larger than the opposing one. These two warm regions can be separated by an extended cold equatorial belt. As an example we present an internal magnetic field structure which can explain, assuming local blackbody emission, both the X-ray and optical spectra of the isolated NS RXJ 1856-3754, the hot polar regions dominating the X-ray flux and the equatorial belt contributing predominantly to the optical emission. We investigate the effects of the resulting surface temperature profiles on the observable lightcurve which an isolated thermally emitting NS would produce for different field geometries. The lightcurves will be both qualitatively (deviations from sinusoidal shape) and quantitatively (larger pulsed fraction for the same observational geometry) different from those of a NS with an isothermal crust. This opens the possibility to determine the internal magnetic field strengths and structures in NSs by modeling their X-ray lightcurves and spectra. The striking similarities of our model calculations with the observed spectra and pulse profiles of isolated thermally emitting NSs is an indication for the existence of strong magnetic field components maintained by crustal currents.
Benefits of participating in mastermind groups

The academic career path is seldom straightforward. Many health professionals and researchers face stress and uncertain employment opportunities. Joining a collegial support group, a so-called “mastermind” group, is one way to help navigate these challenges. We investigated postdoctoral researchers’ (N=16) experiences with participating in a mastermind group using an online survey. Four themes emerged from their responses: (I) A place that offers conversation in confidence; (II) An opportunity for personal and professional development; (III) A quality break and time for reflection, and (IV) Challenges experienced by mastermind group participants. This study establishes that taking part in a mastermind group can effectively help shift focus from the negative aspects of a challenge faced by its group members to the positive aspects of a potential solution. *Correspondence to: Pernilla Garmy, Department of Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Lund University, Sweden, E-mail: pernilla.garmy@med.lu. se
Mucosal or Parenteral Administration of Microsphere-Associated Bacillus anthracis Protective Antigen Protects against Anthrax Infection in Mice

ABSTRACT Existing licensed anthrax vaccines are administered parenterally and require multiple doses to induce protective immunity. This requires trained personnel and is not the optimum route for stimulating a mucosal immune response. Microencapsulation of vaccine antigens offers a number of advantages over traditional vaccine formulations, including stability without refrigeration and the potential for utilizing less invasive routes of administration. Recombinant protective antigen (rPA), the dominant antigen for protection against anthrax infection, was encapsulated in poly-l-lactide 100-kDa microspheres. Alternatively, rPA was loosely attached to the surfaces of microspheres by lyophilization. All of the microspheric formulations were administered to A/J mice with a two-dose schedule by either the intramuscular route, the intranasal route, or a combination of these two routes, and immunogenicity and protective efficacy were assessed. An intramuscular priming immunization followed by either an intramuscular or intranasal boost gave optimum anti-rPA immunoglobulin G titers. Despite differences in rPA-specific antibody titers, all immunized mice survived an injected challenge consisting of 103 median lethal doses of Bacillus anthracis STI spores. Immunization with microencapsulated and microsphere-associated formulations of rPA also protected against aerosol challenge with 30 median lethal doses of STI spores. These results show that rPA can be encapsulated and surface bound to polymeric microspheres without impairing its immunogenicity and also that mucosal or parenteral administration of microspheric formulations of rPA efficiently protects mice against both injected and aerosol challenges with B. anthracis spores. Microspheric formulations of rPA could represent the next generation of anthrax vaccines, which could require fewer doses because they are more potent, are less reactogenic than currently available human anthrax vaccines, and could be self-administered without injection.
An intrusion detection sensor for the NetVM virtual processor

In the wide scenario of packet processing architectures, the development of ever sophisticated applications faces the challenge of finding a balance between different requirements: ever increasing performance, flexibility, and portability of the software across different platforms and hardware architectures. The Network Virtual Machine (NetVM) aims at responding to such defy by taking into account all these elements and by providing an abstract architecture for developing today's packet processing applications. In order to demonstrate that the NetVM platform can be profitably employed for the development of complex applications, we developed a Snort-like network intrusion detection sensor. In this paper we present its architecture and show that NetVM represents an excellent target for the dynamic generation of packet processing programs.
Interactions between default mode and control networks as a function of increasing cognitive reasoning complexity

Successful performance of challenging cognitive tasks depends on a consistent functional segregation of activity within the default‐mode network, on the one hand, and control networks encompassing frontoparietal and cingulo‐opercular areas on the other. Recent work, however, has suggested that in some cognitive control contexts nodes within the default‐mode and control networks may actually cooperate to achieve optimal task performance. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine whether the ability to relate variables while solving a cognitive reasoning problem involves transient increases in connectivity between default‐mode and control regions. Participants performed a modified version of the classic Wason selection task, in which the number of variables to be related is systematically varied across trials. As expected, areas within the default‐mode network showed a parametric deactivation with increases in relational complexity, compared with neural activity in null trials. Critically, some of these areas also showed enhanced connectivity with task‐positive control regions. Specifically, task‐based connectivity between the striatum and the angular gyri, and between the thalamus and right temporal pole, increased as a function of relational complexity. These findings challenge the notion that functional segregation between regions within default‐mode and control networks invariably support cognitive task performance, and reveal previously unknown roles for the striatum and thalamus in managing network dynamics during cognitive reasoning. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2719–2731, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fertiliser Subsidy and Agricultural Productivity in Senegal

In a consistent effort to raise productivity and unlock the economic and social potential of the agricultural sector, the Senegalese government has implemented heavy subsidy programs, some of which target the use of inputs. This paper assesses the potential impact of the fertilizer subsidy on farmers' productivity. We use data envelopment analysis to generate efficiency scores, which are then related to the subsidy program using an endogenous treatment-regression model that accounts for potential endogeneity and self-selectivity issues. The results indicate that the subsidy program appears to be associated with increased efficiency, hence providing empirical support to the political will to revamp the program. The results also suggest ways to improve the effectiveness of the subsidy program, as well as additional policy options to further unlock the agricultural potential.
SILVIPASTORAL SYSTEMS IN TROPICAL CONTEXT

The smallholder farmers in the tropics apart from growing agriculture crops as the main production, also practise traditional silvipastoral systems by growing shrubs and trees and keeping livestock as sideline. In humid and sub-humid wet tropics the emphasis is on the production of trees for timber and energy, while in the semi-arid and arid dry tropics the emphasis is on the production of shrub and tree fodders and livestock. With the increasing knowledge of the adaptability of shrubs and trees to shading, heat and water stresses, production and nutritive values of the shrub and tree fodders and response of the livestock, new and non-traditional silvipastoral systems have been developed to suit the humid and subhumid wet tropics and semi-arid and arid dry tropics. Intercropping, alley cropping, taungya, sorjan, intensive feed garden, fodder bank, homeplot, sloping agriculture land technology, savannah and three strata forage systems are some of the potential sustainable silvipastoral systems. In view of their potential in helping to meet the increasing demand for timber, energy, livestock products and environmental conservation, the development of silvipastoral systems must be properly planned and evaluated. Success will be achieved, if a more holistic approach is adopted and research support is provided to put the new technologies of the silvipastoral system into practice.
Mechanoadaptation of developing limbs: shaking a leg

The proportion of total limb length taken up by the individual skeletal elements (limb proportionality), varies widely between species. These diverse skeletal forms have evolved to allow for a range of limb uses and they first emerge as the embryo develops, to achieve the characteristic skeletal architecture of each species. During this time, the developing skeleton experiences mechanical loading as a result of embryonic muscle contraction. The possibility that adaptation to such mechanical input may allow embryos to coordinate the appearance of skeletal design with their expanding range of movements has so far received little attention. This is surprising, given the critical role exerted by embryo movement in normal skeletal development; stage‐specific in ovo immobilisation of embryonic chicks results in joint contractures and a reduction in longitudinal bone growth in the limbs. Epigenetic mechanisms allow for selective activation of genes in response to environmental signals, resulting in the production of phenotypic complexity in morphogenesis; mechanical loading of bone during movement appears to be one such signal. It may be that ‘mechanosensitive’ genes under regulation of mechanical input adjust proportionality along the bone's proximo‐distal axis, introducing a level of phenotypic plasticity. If this hypothesis is upheld, species with more elongated distal limb elements will have a greater dependence on mechanical input for the differences in their growth, and mechanosensitive bone growth in the embryo may have evolved as an additional source of phenotypic diversity during skeletal development.
EFFECT OF GRAFTING ON YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF PEPPER ( CAPSICUM ANNUUM L . ) GROWN UNDER OPEN FIELD CONDITIONS

The aim of the study, determining of grafting could improve the agronomic behaviour of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), an open field experiment was carried out to determine growth, yield and fruit quality of long type pepper hybrid cultivar (ʻEfilʼ). As a scion plant material was used ʻEfil F1ʼ and rootstock ʻGuclu F1ʼ. ʻEfil/Efilʼ (ʻScion/Scionʼ), ʻEfil/Gucluʼ (ʻScion/Rootstockʼ) and non-grafted ʻEfilʼ (ʻSiconʼ) were used as the grafted combination. According to experiment, grafted plants were taller than control (non-grafted). Total yield, fruit number, fruit flesh firmness, fruit weight and stem diameter were influenced by rootstock and grafting. Grafted pepper produced 16% more yield than control plants for 'Efil/Guclu'. A similar trend was also observed on 'Efil/Efil'. The lowest yield recorded on ʻEfilʼ (nongrafted).
Use of Vetiver Grass for Soil and Water Conservation in Nigeria

Soil erosion persists on agricultural lands in Nigeria. To curb erosive land degradation requires soil conservation measures that are cheap, replicable and sustainable. The use of vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides) has offered such prospects in a wide range of climatic environments. Although the grass grows in Nigeria, its potential for soil and water conservation and improved crop yield has not been realized, let alone quantified. A study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University ofOf Ibadan, Nigeria (724' N, 3 54' E) for three growing seasons to assess (i) the effectiveness of vetiver grass on soil and water loss, (ii) soil moisture retention and (iii) crop yields. Vetiver strips were established on 6% slopes at a surface interval of 20m on erosion plots measuring 40m x 3m each. Plots with and without vetiver strips constituted the treatment and control, respectively. Each was replicated thrice and laid out in a randomized complete block design. Neutron probe access tubes were installed to a depth of 1m at 10m from the upslope end of the plots and 1m behind the first vetiver strip to enable soil weekly moisture measurements at those points using a neutron moisture meter at 10cm depth-intervals down to 80cm depth. The plots, laid bare in the first season to determine the maximum efficiency of the vetiver strips, were sown to cowpea in the second season and maize in the third season when actual runoff and soil loss from each plot were determined using soil and water collecting devices at the end of each plot. In the first season, soil accumulation at the vetiver strips was estimated using calibrated rods. Results showed that first vetiver strip on the slope accumulated 98% more soil than lower vetiver strips in the first year. Vetiver strips increased cowpea seed and stover yields by 11.1% and 20.6%, respectively and increased soil moisture storage by a range of 1.9% to 50.1% at various soil depths. Maize yield increased by 50%. Soil loss and runoff water were 70% and 130% higher on nonvetiver plots than vetiver plots. Eroded soils on non-vetiver plots were consistently richer in nutrient contents than on vetiver plots. Nitrogen use efficiency was enhanced by about 40%.
Grafting Success of Pinus caribaea under Varying Shade Intensities at National Tree Seed Center , Namanve , Uganda

The effect of shade intensity and grafting methods on grafting success and growth rate of Pinus caribaea was assessed in Uganda by subjecting grafts to different shade intensities. Scion growth and number of new leaves produced were counted and recorded for a period of 16 weeks. One-way ANOVA was used to statistically analyze the results. Shade intensity had a significant effect on height growth (P=0.000) and leaf production (P=0.027) but not on scion diameter growth (P=0.401). Different grafting methods showed a significant effect on scion height growth (P=0.000). Higher mean graft survival was observed with the top wedge method (49%). 95% shade intensity had the highest mean survival with a 38% graft survival. The mean scion height growth rate per week was 0.30 and 0.21 cm for top wedge and splice method, respectively. The mean scion diameter growth rate was higher with the splice method (0.032 cm) than with the top wedge method (0.017 cm). Shade intensity had a significant effect on mean height and diameter growth of scions for 0, 50 and 95% shade intensities, respectively. Although P. caribaea grafts’ survival and scion growth rate are highly influenced by both grafting method and shade intensity, a more extended study is still needed to elucidate the survival and growth rate of grafts in the field. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Gender Effects on Student Attitude Toward Science

The present study examined gender and attitude toward science in fourth- and eighth-grade students in the United States and also assessed to what extent the relationship between science attitude and science achievement differed by gender. Results showed that both fourth- and eighth-grade boys demonstrated more confidence in science than girls, while eighth-grade boys also showed greater liking for science than girls. Additionally, gender moderated the relationship between science achievement and (a) liking science (for fourth-grade students) and (b) confidence in science (eighth-grade students). Results are discussed in terms of addressing gender inequities in science education and career opportunities.
TNFRSF 10 A-LOC 389641 rs 13278062 But Not REST-C 4 orf 14-POLR 2 B-IGFBP 7 rs 1713985 Was Found Associated With Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Chinese Population

Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Disease, Beijing, China Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China Singapore Eye Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
FLORISTIC DIVERSITY OF TABUK PROVINCE , NORTH SAUDI ARABIA

The present study was aimed to investigate the floristic diversity and phytogeographical distribution of plant species along four sites i.e. Sharma, Alqan, Al-Lwaz Mountains and Alzetah from Tabuk region, Saudi Arabia. A total of 96 species belonging to 75 genera and 38 families (34 dicots and 4 monocots) were recorded. Asteraceae had the highest contribution (12.5% of the total species) followed by Fabaceae (10.42%), Zygophyllaceae (6.25%) and Lamiaceae (5.21%). The life form spectrum of the recorded species showed the prevalence of theorphytes (37%) followed by chamaephytes (32%), geeophytes (13%), hemicryptophytes (10%) and Phanerophytes (8%). The chorological analysis of the recorded species indicated the predominance of monoregional taxa over the other elements. In the same context, the flora of Tabuk region, as reflected by the present study findings, showed that most species belonged to Saharo-Arabian (37.21%), Irano-Turanian (11.63%) and Sudanean (10.47%) elements, and that constitute almost 60% of the total number of plant species. By comparing the plant diversity among the four studied sites, the highest plant diversity was reported in Alqan and Alzetah, while the lowest was reported in Sharma. It was concluded that Tabuk region had remarkable floristic diversity, however, this natural biodiversity hot spot is probably affected by several human activities including woodcutting and development. Therefore, a conservation program should be launched to protect the natural diversity in such important plant area.
Determinants that increase the serum resistance of Escherichia coli

The rfb locus, determining biosynthesis of O8-specific lipopolysaccharide side chains, was transferred to a rough mutant of Escherichia coli; recombinants producing a complete lipopolysaccharide were more resistant to the complement-mediated bactericidal action of human serum than the rough recipient. Inheritance of the his-linked genes for K27 antigen production did not alter the response to serum. The serum resistance of strains carrying O8 side chains, but not of strains with incomplete lipopolysaccharides, was further increased by inheritance of plasmids R1 and NR1.20
The implementation of Local Economic Development initiatives towards poverty alleviation in Big 5 False Bay Local Municipality

This article examines the implementation of Local Economic Development (LED) initiatives in poverty mitigation in Big 5 False Bay, KwaZulu Natal. The fundamental element of LED initiative is the local action where members work together to boost economic activities. The initiative focuses on creating competitiveness of utilizing local resources amongst local communities, increasing sustainable economic development by ensuring that it is inclusive. Focus group discussions were held with existing co-operatives of men and women and interviews were conducted with governmental officials and community members. A questionnaire was employed to confirm responses and test the validity of information from the interviews. This study found that 60% of the population was unemployed whereas forty percent was employed. It further found that 47% of the total population in the study was not involved in the LED projects, and that means the majority (53%) of the study population was involved in the LED projects. The study revealed that LED initiatives did not create job opportunities for the local community members. The findings also indicated that there was no budget for LED initiatives instead; LED unit opted to apply for funding in private and public institutions. The study recommends that the municipality should find a way of creating a specific budget for implementing LED projects. The municipality should also accelerate skills development and the reduction of illiteracy through partnerships with universities on training and skills development around the study area.
Automated genome annotation and pathway identification using the KEGG Orthology (KO) as a controlled vocabulary

MOTIVATION High-throughput technologies such as DNA sequencing and microarrays have created the need for automated annotation of large sets of genes, including whole genomes, and automated identification of pathways. Ontologies, such as the popular Gene Ontology (GO), provide a common controlled vocabulary for these types of automated analysis. Yet, while GO offers tremendous value, it also has certain limitations such as the lack of direct association with pathways. RESULTS We demonstrated the use of the KEGG Orthology (KO), part of the KEGG suite of resources, as an alternative controlled vocabulary for automated annotation and pathway identification. We developed a KO-Based Annotation System (KOBAS) that can automatically annotate a set of sequences with KO terms and identify both the most frequent and the statistically significantly enriched pathways. Results from both whole genome and microarray gene cluster annotations with KOBAS are comparable and complementary to known annotations. KOBAS is a freely available stand-alone Python program that can contribute significantly to genome annotation and microarray analysis.
Obtaining Critical Mass for the 21st Century Agricultural Education Student: Perspectives of a Rural Secondary Minority Educator

Obtaining critical mass within a larger population is instrumental for a diverse profession. The purpose of this individual case study was to investigate the experiences of a rural minority teacher of secondary agricultural education and interpret opportunities and limitations that exist for obtaining a critical mass. Five themes emerged during analysis: (a) teaching with passion results in modeling; (b) barriers limiting success; (c) embedded contextual frustrations; (d) willingness to obtain resources; and (e) active/non-active heterogeneity. Recommendations include critical examination of teacher certification exams, increasing ethnic minority representation on committees, showcasing ethnic minority teachers as models for recruitment, and increasing historical research about prominent minority agricultural educators.