Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of seed size on germination and early growth of maize ( Zea mays )

The effect of seed size on germination and early growth of maize plant, was examined within three weeks to determine the best seed size require for planting. The larger size seed produced significant growth compared to medium size and small size. The seedling height, seedling width, and seedling biomass increased in larger size seed. The significant growth observed in larger size seed showed that larger size seed are good seed size for maize planting.
Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism of cattle in Banskhali upazilla, Chittagong, Bangladesh

The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism (GP), and to determine the effects of age, sex, breed, body score and body weight in the occurrences of GP of cattle in Banskhali Upazilla, Chittagong, Bangladesh. A total of 50 fecal samples were randomly collected directly from rectum of cattle. The samples were examined by routine coproscopical methods for the presence of different parasites and oocysts. Overall prevalence of GP infestation was 72% (n=36/50). Prevalence of Paramphistomum spp. infestation was found to be the highest (30%; n=15/50) followed by Toxocara spp. (12%; n=6/50), Fasciola spp. (10%; n=5/50), Oesophagostomum spp. (8%; n=4/50), Moniezia spp. (6%; n=3/50) and Trichostrongylus spp. (2%; n=1/50). Young cattle were mostly infested as compared to adult and calf. The results of this study provides an epidemiological forecast showing the prevalence of GP in cattle, which can be helpful for the clinician in diagnosis of such infections.
Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐1, ‐3, and ‐9 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐dependent respiratory networks by the rapamycin‐sensitive PI3K/p70S6K cascade

This study was designed to investigate the role of the phosphatidyl inositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT/p70S6K signaling path on regulation of primary normal human bronchial epithelial cell‐derived matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, ‐3, and ‐9 expression in tuberculosis (TB). These MMPs are key in pathological extracellular matrix degradation in TB. Normal human bronchial epithelials were stimulated with conditioned medium from monocytes infected with virulent TB (CoMTb) and components of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway blocked using specific chemical inhibitors and siRNA. MMP gene expression was measured by RT‐PCR and secretion by ELISA, luminex, or zymography. Phospho‐p70 S6Kwas detected by Western blot analysis and activity blocked by rapamycin. Chemical blockade of the proximal catalytic PI3Kp110 subunit augmented MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 in a dose‐dependent manner (all P<0.001) but suppressed MMP‐3 (P<0.01). Targeted siRNA studies identified the p110α isoform as key causing 5‐fold increase in TB network‐dependent MMP‐1 secretion to 4900 ± 1100 pg/ml. Specific inhibition of the AKT node suppressed all 3 MMPs. Phospho‐p70S6K was identified in the cellular model, and rapamycin, a p70S6K inhibitor, inhibited MMP‐1 (P<0.001) and MMP‐3 (P<0.01) but not MMP‐9. Controls were epithelial cells that were unstimulated or exposed to conditioned medium from monocytes not exposed to TB. In summary, blockade of the proximal PI3K catalytic subunit increases MMP‐1 and MMP‐9, whereas rapamycin decreased both MMP‐1 and MMP‐3. The regulation of the PI3K path in TB is complex, MMP specific, and a potential immunotherapeutic target in diseases characterized by tissue destruction. —Singh, S. , Saraiva, L. , Elkington, P. T. G. , Friedland, J. S. Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐1, ‐3, and ‐9 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis dependent respiratory networks by the rapamycin‐sensitive PI 3‐kinase/p70S6K cascade. FASEB J. 28, 85–93 (2014). www.fasebj. org
Does Health Insurance Matter for Entrepreneurship ? by Ankur Chavda

We study the effect of improved access to health insurance on entrepreneurial rates across industries. We use the 2006 reform of the Massachusetts health care market as our shock. In contrast to previous research, we use our shock to test which kinds of startups were more likely to be created in addition to whether individuals became more likely to become entrepreneurs. We develop a theoretical model uses institutional heterogeneity to make predictions on how the reform should affect the distribution of entrepreneurs across industries. We see evidence that although non-profit entrepreneurship was significantly affected, overall entrepreneurship is constrained by factors other than access to health care. Thesis Supervisor: Scott Stern Title: David Sarnoff Professor of Management
Catalytic and structural role of the metal ion in dUTP pyrophosphatase

The metal ion dependence of the catalytic activity of recombinant Escherichia coli dUTP pyrophosphatase (dUTPase), an essential enzyme preventing incorporation of uracil into DNA, has been investigated by steady-state kinetic, electron paramagnetic resonance, and electron nuclear double resonance methods. Values of kcat and kcat/Km were 4.5 ± 0.1 s−1 and 0.49 ± 0.1 × 106 M−1⋅s−1 in the absence of divalent metal ions, 14.7 ± 2.2 s−1 and 25.1 ± 7.4 × 106 M−1⋅s−1 in the presence of Mg2+ or Mn2+, and 24.2 ± 3.6 s−1 and 2.4 ± 0.7 × 106 M−1⋅s−1 when supported by VO2+ or bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV). Binding of VO2+ to the enzyme in the presence of dUDP, a nonhydrolyzable substrate analog, was specific and competitive with Mg2+. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the ternary enzyme–VO2+-chelate–dUDP complex revealed a pattern of 31P superhyperfine coupling specifying two structurally equivalent phosphate groups equatorially coordinated to the VO2+ ion. Proton electron nuclear double resonance spectra revealed an equatorial acetylacetonate ligand, indicating that one of the organic ligands had been displaced. By molecular graphics modeling, we show that the diphosphate group of enzyme-bound dUDP is sterically accessible to a hemi-chelate form of VO2+. We propose a similar location compatible with all kinetic and spectroscopic results to account for the reactivity of VO2+ and the VO2+-chelate in dUTP hydrolysis. In this location the metal ion could promote an ordered conformation of the C-terminal fragment that is obligatory for catalysis but dynamically flexible in the free enzyme.
A Comparative Evaluation of Subgingival Occurrence of Candida Species in Chronic Periodontitis and Peri-implantitis: A Clinical and Microbiological Study

Aims: To determine the distribution of subgingival occurrence of Candida species in chronic periodontitis and peri-implantitis. Materials and methods: A total of 20 patients with chronic periodontitis and 20 patients with peri-implantitis were evaluated. Periodontal parameters that include mean periodontal or peri-implant pocket depth, mean clinical attachment level or relative attachment level, mean gingival index, and mean plaque index were evaluated. Pooled subgingival sample from the deepest pockets using sterile paper points and sterile curettes was obtained from each patient and immediately streaked on to Sabouraud’s dextrose agar. Species identification was done by colony color on Chrom agar medium and Dalmau plate culture technique on corn meal agar. Results: In periodontitis, the prevalence of Candida species in periodontal pockets was 26.8%, while in peri-implantitis, it is 27.2%. Comparing the prevalence of various sub-species of Candida between the two groups, we did not find any significant statistical differences. Also, there were no significant statistical differences between the two groups in terms of mean plaque index, mean gingival index, mean probing depth, and mean CAL (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Candida albicans was the most common Candida species isolated from both the groups. It is followed by Candida dubliniensis, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis. No significant statistical difference was detected in the Candida count between the two groups.
Adaptation strategies to climate variability and change and its limitations to smallholder farmers. a literature search

In sub-Saharan Africa, knowledge on adaptation strategies to climate variability and change are scattered and fragmented due to lack of standpoints adaptation framework. This paper intends to analyse differences in adaptation strategies across agro-ecological zones, and finding out factors dictating adaptation to climate variability and change to smallholder farmers. The paper is based on documentary review methodology in which journals and books on adaptation were used as the main sources of information. The collected information were analysed by using content analysis. This paper found that smallholder farmers use a variety of practices to adapt to climate variability and change. These practices include: crop management, livestock management, diversification of livelihood strategies and land use management. Availability of extension services, climate change information and membership to social networks were among the factors identified dictating smallholder farmers adaptation to climate variability and change. The paper recommends to the Government of sub-Saharan Africa and development partners to come up with adaptation framework that takes into consideration differences in geographical location. They are needed also to provide enabling conditions to smallholder farmers through strengthening farmers’ supportive services to enhance their adaptive capacities
RNA Polymerase III Regulates Cytosolic RNA:DNA Hybrids and Intracellular MicroRNA Expression*

Background: RNA:DNA hybrids exist in the nucleus and mitochondria but not in the cytosol, except in viral infection. Results: RNA:DNA hybrids exist in the cytosol of various human cells and are mediated by RNA polymerase III (Pol III), which regulates the microRNA machinery. Conclusion: Cytosolic RNA:DNA hybrids are regulated by Pol III. Significance: Previous unknown cytosolic RNA:DNA hybrids may have physiological relevance to miRNA machinery and RNA transport. RNA:DNA hybrids form in the nuclei and mitochondria of cells as transcription-induced R-loops or G-quadruplexes, but exist only in the cytosol of virus-infected cells. Little is known about the existence of RNA:DNA hybrids in the cytosol of virus-free cells, in particular cancer or transformed cells. Here, we show that cytosolic RNA:DNA hybrids are present in various human cell lines, including transformed cells. Inhibition of RNA polymerase III (Pol III), but not DNA polymerase, abrogated cytosolic RNA:DNA hybrids. Cytosolic RNA:DNA hybrids bind to several components of the microRNA (miRNA) machinery-related proteins, including AGO2 and DDX17. Furthermore, we identified miRNAs that are specifically regulated by Pol III, providing a potential link between RNA:DNA hybrids and the miRNA machinery. One of the target genes, exportin-1, is shown to regulate cytosolic RNA:DNA hybrids. Taken together, we reveal previously unknown mechanism by which Pol III regulates the presence of cytosolic RNA:DNA hybrids and miRNA biogenesis in various human cells.
Renoprotective Effects of Various Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers in Patients with Early-Stage Diabetic Nephropathy

Background: There is increasing evidence that inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system provides renoprotection independent of blood pressure lowering. The aim of the present study was to determine whether various angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) affect urinary albumin excretion (UAE), urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in early-stage diabetic nephropathy patients with microalbuminuria. Methods: Sixty-eight diabetic nephropathy patients with microalbuminuria were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatment groups: losartan 100 mg/day (group A), candesartan 12 mg/day (group B), olmesartan 40 mg/day (group C), or telmisartan 80 mg/day (group D). Treatment was continued for 12 months. UAE, L-FABP and 8-OHdG excretion, serum creatinine, and 24-hour creatinine clearance (Ccr) were measured. Results: The serum creatinine and 24-hour Ccr were not affected during the experimental period in any of the groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, UAE, urinary L-FABP and 8-OHdG excretion were significantly reduced after 6 and 12 months compared with baseline in any of the groups. ΔL-FABP and Δ8-OHdG were significantly greater in group D than in the other 3 groups after 12 months. Conclusions: ARBs have renoprotection and this effect of telmisartan appears to be more potent than that of losartan, candesartan, or olmesartan in early-stage diabetic nephropathy patients.
Diagnostic yield of small bowel capsule endoscopy depends on the small bowel transit time.

AIM To investigate whether the small bowel transit time (SBTT) influences the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy (CE). METHODS Six hundred and ninety-one consecutive CE procedures collected in a database were analyzed. SBTT and CE findings were recorded. A running mean for the SBTT was calculated and correlated to the diagnostic yield with a Spearman's correlation test. Subgroup analyses were performed for the various indications for the procedure. RESULTS There was a positive correlation between the diagnostic yield and SBTT (Spearman's rho 0.58, P < 0.01). Positive correlations between diagnostic yield and SBTT were found for the indication obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (r = 0.54, P < 0.01), for polyposis and carcinoid combined (r = 0.56, P < 0.01) and for the other indications (r = 0.90, P <0.01), but not for suspected Crohn's disease (r = -0.40). CONCLUSION The diagnostic yield in small bowel capsule endoscopy is positively correlated with the small bowel transit time. This is true for all indications except for suspected Crohn's disease.
Insects on Plants: Diversity of Herbivore Assemblages Revisited

▪ Abstract The diversity and composition of herbivore assemblages was a favored theme for community ecology in the 1970s and culminated in 1984 with Insects on Plants by Strong, Lawton and Southwood. We scrutinize findings since then, considering analyses of country-wide insect-host catalogs, field studies of local herbivore communities, and comparative studies at different spatial scales. Studies in tropical forests have advanced significantly and offer new insights into stratification and host specialization of herbivores. Comparative and long-term data sets are still scarce, which limits assessment of general patterns in herbivore richness and assemblage structure. Methods of community phylogenetic analysis, complex networks, spatial and among-host diversity partitioning, and metacommunity models represent promising approaches for future work.
Return prediction and stock selection from unidentified historical data

The experimental approach was applied to test the value of historical return series in technical prediction. Return sequences were randomly drawn cross-sectionally and over time from S&P500 records and participants were asked to predict the 13th realization from 12 preceding returns. The hypothesis that predictions (nominal or real) are randomly assigned to historical sequences is rejected in permutation tests, and the best-stock portfolios by experimental predictions significantly outperform the worst-stock portfolios in joint examination of mean return and volatility. The participants dynamically adjust their predictions to the observed series and switch from momentum riding to contrarian extrapolation when recent trends get extreme. The implicit tuning of predictions to specific series captures variabilities that could not be inferred by schematic statistical forecasting.
Psychological outcomes following maternal serum screening: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND Maternal serum screening is used to assist in the prenatal detection of congenital anomalies. Its use is controversial, and one concern that has been expressed is its psychological effects on women. The authors examined whether this test leads to an increase in anxiety and depression among women who have a false-positive result as compared with those who have a true-negative result or do not undergo testing. METHODS A prospective cohort study with baseline assessment at 15 to 18 weeks' gestation and follow-up at 24 weeks' gestation was conducted. Pregnant women at 8 geographically diverse sites across Ontario were recruited. The main outcome measures were the state portion of the State--Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. RESULTS Of the 2418 potential subjects 2020 (83.5%) were enrolled and eligible; 1741 (86.2%) completed the follow-up. A total of 1177 women (67.6%) underwent maternal serum screening. No overall adverse psychological effects as a result of testing were found at 24 weeks' gestation. Women with a false-positive result had a mean increase in anxiety score of 1.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] -1.7 to 4.9), whereas women with a true-negative result had a mean decrease of 1.1 (95% CI -1.8 to -0.3) and those not tested had a mean decrease of 0.4 (95% CI -1.3 to 0.5). The mean depression score increased by 0.5 (95% CI -0.9 to 2.0) in the false-positive group, was unchanged (95% CI -0.3 to 0.4) in the true-negative group and increased by 0.2 (95% CI -1.7 to 1.2) in the not tested group. Of the women who underwent testing, 87 (7.6%) were unsure of their result at the time of follow-up. INTERPRETATION The results suggest that maternal screening in Ontario is not causing serious psychological harm to women. Communication regarding test results could be improved, since a substantial proportion of women were unsure of their test result.
Variation in Pesticide Tolerance of Tadpoles among and within Species of Ranidae and Patterns of Amphibian Decline

Abstract: There is significant variation among and within amphibian species with respect to reports of population decline; declining species are often found in environments that are physiograpically similar to environments where the same species is thriving. Because variability exists among organisms in their sensitivity to environmental stressors, it is important to determine the degree of this variation when undertaking conservation efforts. We conducted both lethal (time‐to‐death) and sublethal (activity change) assays to determine the degree of variation in the sensitivity of tadpoles to a pesticide, carbaryl, at three hierarchical levels: among ranid species, among several populations of a single ranid species ( Rana sphenocephala), and within populations of R. sphenocephala. We observed significant variation in time to death among the nine ranid species and among the 10 R. sphenocephala populations we tested. Four out of eight R. sphenocephala populations exhibited significantly different times to death among families. The magnitude of the activity change in response to exposure to sublethal carbaryl levels was significantly different among species and within R. sphenocephala populations. Chemical contamination, at lethal or sublethal levels, can alter natural regulatory processes such as juvenile recruitment in amphibian populations and should be considered a contributing cause of declines in amphibian populations.
Characterization of the mRNA Capping Apparatus of Candida albicans *

The mRNA capping apparatus of the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans consists of three components: a 520- amino acid RNA triphosphatase (CaCet1p), a 449-amino acid RNA guanylyltransferase (Cgt1p), and a 474-amino acid RNA (guanine-N7-)-methyltransferase (Ccm1p). The fungal guanylyltransferase and methyltransferase are structurally similar to their mammalian counterparts, whereas the fungal triphosphatase is mechanistically and structurally unrelated to the triphosphatase of mammals. Hence, the triphosphatase is an attractive antifungal target. Here we identify a biologically active C-terminal domain of CaCet1p from residues 202 to 520. We find that CaCet1p function in vivo requires the segment from residues 202 to 256 immediately flanking the catalytic domain from 257 to 520. Genetic suppression data implicate the essential flanking segment in the binding of CaCet1p to the fungal guanylyltransferase. Deletion analysis of theCandida guanylyltransferase demarcates an N-terminal domain, Cgt1(1–387)p, that suffices for catalytic activity in vitro and for cell growth. An even smaller domain, Cgt1(1–367)p, suffices for binding to the guanylyltransferase docking site on yeast RNA triphosphatase. Deletion analysis of the cap methyltransferase identifies a C-terminal domain, Ccm1(137–474)p, as being sufficient for cap methyltransferase function in vivo and in vitro. Ccm1(137–474)p binds in vitro to synthetic peptides comprising the phosphorylated C-terminal domain of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. Binding is enhanced when the C-terminal domain is phosphorylated on both Ser-2 and Ser-5 of the YSPTSPS heptad repeat. We show that the entire three-component Saccharomyces cerevisiae capping apparatus can be replaced by C. albicans enzymes. Isogenic yeast cells expressing “all-Candida” versus “all-mammalian” capping components can be used to screen for cytotoxic agents that specifically target the fungal capping enzymes.
Estimation of the carnosine content of different fibre types in the middle gluteal muscle of the thoroughbred horse.

1. Skeletal muscle samples were obtained by needle biopsy from one of two depths of the m. gluteus medius in a group of twenty race‐trained thoroughbred horses. 2. The content of carnosine was determined in each muscle sample, part of which was used for histochemical analysis. Fibres were classified as type I, type IIA or type IIB on the basis of the pH dependent lability of the myosin ATPase reaction. 3. Muscle samples with a higher type II fibre section area (FSA) have a higher carnosine content than those with a higher type I FSA. 4. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to estimate the mean carnosine content of individual fibre types. The results estimated a mean carnosine content in type I fibres of 54 mmol (kg dry muscle (DM))‐1, in type IIA fibres 85 mmol (kg DM)‐1 and in type IIB fibres 180 mmol (kg DM)‐1. 5. Based on the estimated values of single fibre carnosine content, there was close concordance between the estimated and the measured carnosine content of mixed fibre samples. 6. It would appear from this and other studies that carnosine has an important role as a physico‐chemical buffer in equine middle gluteal muscle and that this is greatest in type IIB fibres, where it may account for up to 50% of physico‐chemical buffering of H+ produced by muscle in the pH range 7.1‐6.5.