Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Original article: Hepatotoxicity of Microcystis aeruginosa Strains Growing as Blooms in Certain Eutrophic Ponds

Critical assessment of five eutrophicated ponds of Varanasi city (India) revealed the presence of heavy blooms of cyanobacteria consisting mainly of Microcystis aeruginosa. Crude aqueous extracts of blooms as well as laboratory grown M. aeruginosa isolated from three ponds, namely Lakshmikund, Durgakund and Adityanagar showed toxicity in mouse bioassay test. Crude aqueous extracts from these samples caused death of test mice within 1h of administration (i.p.) with a LD50 of 60 mg/kg body weight and the treated animals showed clinical signs of hepatotoxicity. However such an effect was not associated with the blooms from Laatbhairov and Surajkund ponds suggesting that not all strains of M. aeruginosa are toxic. Based on spectral properties (λmax 230 nm), and comparison with standard microcystin-LR, the toxin is tentatively identified as microcystin-LR. The purified toxin caused death of test mice within 40 min of its administration with a LD50 of 100 µg/ kg body weight and induced gross morphological and functional changes in liver. A 1.55 fold increase in liver weight accompanied by deep red coloration most probably due to hemorrhage and blood pooling suggested the hepatotoxic properties of the toxin. Hepatotoxicity was also evident from the drastic increase (up to 2.5 fold) in activity of serum enzymes such as glutamate pyruvate transaminase/alanine aminotransferase (GPT/ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (APase) following toxin treatment. 14 C-labelling experiments demonstrated maximum accumulation (∼15%) of 14 C- toxin after 20 min. of toxin administration. Appreciable level of toxin was also detected in water of four ponds. In conclusion these results clearly demonstrate that microcystinproducing blooms of M. aeruginosa are common in eutrophicated ponds of Varanasi city but not all ponds harbour toxic blooms.
Monetary Policy with Imperfect Signals: The Target Problem in a New Monetarist Approach

The target problem considers the central bank's use of optimal tools and targets for purposes of stabilization and welfare optimization. In this study, this question is answered anew in a microfounded approach. By adding imperfect information to the model of [Berentsen and Waller, 2011], a divide between an interest rate policy and a money stock policy emerges. Given this, the usefulness of each policy is analyzed, with the ultimate result being the dominance of a pro-cyclical interest rate-based policy. This finding stands in contrast to the well-known macrofounded answer of [Poole, 1970]. The inconsistency is resolved by an examination of some of the axioms underlying New Keynesian and New Monetarist models.
Board Size and Corporate Risk Taking: Further Evidence from Japan

Evidence based on US firms suggests that large boards restrain risk taking. We investigate whether a similar effect exists in Japan. Our results confirm that firms with larger boards exhibit lower performance variability relative to firms with smaller boards. However, this effect is less significant when firms have plenty of investment opportunities, but considerably stronger when firms have few growth options. This new finding is consistent with recent evidence indicating that larger boards are not necessarily detrimental to firm performance. The results are shown to be robust to the endogeneity of board structure and the use of alternative risk measures and estimation methods.
Experimental investigation of fracture toughness in Al 356-SiCp aluminium matrix composite

The developed aluminum matrix composite (AMC) is considered to be a promising material for low and high-temperature applications. Fiber reinforced AMC materials have high specific strength and modules of elasticity, together with excellent heat resistance. This experimental investigation was initiated to study the low-toughness fracture in Al 356-SiCp (silicon carbide particles) with respect to the role of the various elements of the microstructure and their probable contribution. The fracture in this composite is studied experimentally, in terms of fracture toughness testing. The low-toughness fracture is believed to be an inherent property of this composite and is caused mainly by the differential elastic and thermal properties of the two constituents. These differentials degrade the matrix alloy near the interface by its strain hardening capacity and by stress intensification introduced by the SiC particle geometry. Consequently, the matrix near the interface is subjected to high localized damage leading to premature fracture. It is found that the matrix alloy controls both flow properties and fracture in the materials investigated. It is concluded that a higher toughness composite requires a proper choice of constituent properties which dominate the stress state at the interface.
A dichotomy for P-ideals of countable sets

A dichotomy concerning ideals of countable subsets of some set is introduced and proved compatible with the Continuum Hypothesis. The dichotomy has influence not only on the Suslin Hypothesis or the structure of Hausdorff gaps in the quotient algebra P(N)/fin but also on some higher order statements like for example the existence of Jensen square sequences. The purpose of this note is to show that a dichotomy about P-ideals of countable subsets of ω1 appearing previously in a number of restricted contexts (see e.g., [1], [10], [11]) can be lifted without difficulties to the most general and optimal form: (∗) For every P-ideal I of countable subsets of some set S, either (1) there is an uncountable A ⊆ S such that [A] ⊆ I, or (2) S can be decomposed into countably many sets orthogonal to I. Recall that an ideal I is a P-ideal if for every sequence {In} of elements of I there is J ∈ I such that In \J is finite for all n. We shall consider here only ideals of countable subsets of some index set S and we shall implicitly assume that every finite subset of S belongs to the ideal we consider. A subset B of S is orthogonal to a family F of subsets of S if B ∩ F is finite for every F ∈ F . This notion of orthogonality comes from the classical writings of Hausdorff, Luzin and Rothberger about the gaps in the quotient algebra P(N)/fin. This connection will be discussed in more detail below. The formulation of (∗), however, has its roots in a quite different area. This is the area that grew out of the famous problem of Suslin and studies the Ramsey-type properties of uncountable structures. We shall not reproduce here a historical analysis of this (which can be found e.g. in [1], [10], [11]) but instead concentrate on reproducing the analysis of (∗) and its consequences in the present unrestricted form. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 03E05, 03E35, 03E65.
1 Evolution of human respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ) 2 over multiple seasons in New South Wales , Australia 3 4

There is an ongoing global pandemic of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection 24 that results in substantial annual morbidity and mortality. In Australia, RSV is the major cause of 25 acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI). Nevertheless, little is known about the extent and 26 origins of genetic diversity of RSV in Australia, nor the factors that shape this diversity. We conducted 27 a genome-scale analysis of RSV infections in New South Wales (NSW). RSV genomes were 28 successfully sequenced for 144 specimens collected between 2010-2016. Of these, 64 belonged to the 29 RSVA and 80 to the RSVB subtype. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a wide diversity of RSV lineages 30 within NSW and that both subtypes evolved rapidly in a strongly clock-like manner, with mean rates 31 of approximately 6-8 x 10-4 nucleotide substitutions per site per year. There was only weak evidence 32 for geographic clustering of sequences, indicative of fluid patterns of transmission within the infected 33 population, and no evidence of any clustering by patient age such that viruses in the same lineages 34 circulate through the entire host population. Importantly, we show that both subtypes circulated 35 concurrently in NSW with multiple introductions into the Australian population in each year, and 36 only limited evidence for multi-year persistence. 37
Lattice expansion of Ti – 6 Al – 4 V by nitrogen and oxygen absorption

Article history: Received 27 November 2006 Accepted 20 December 2006 The effects of nitrogen and oxygen absorption on lattice expansion of Ti–6Al–4V have been investigated by high-temperature X-ray diffractometry. Experiments have been performed on stress-free powder for its high surface–volume ratio and to avoid possible effects on diffraction patterns due to texture change and recovery of defective structures induced by the measurement cycle at temperature. Cell parameters a and c, measured at increasing temperatures up to 600 °C, show linear trends with different slopes. As temperature increases, the cell volume expands and the c/a ratio changes. This is due to both lattice thermal expansion and absorption of oxygen and nitrogen. Part of the gas remains entrapped in the metal after cooling to room temperature causing a residual lattice distortion. Results have been compared with literature data obtained in analogous tests performed on bulk Ti–6Al–4V alloy both in vacuum and in inert gas atmosphere. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Biodiversity of benthic assemblages on the Arctic continental shelf: historical data from Canada

This study describes patterns of abundance, diversity, and assemblages of benthic macrofauna within the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. A review of data reports and the published literature yielded 219 stations and 947 taxa from 7 sources in various regions of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (i.e. Beaufort Sea and Mackenzie Shelf, Victoria Island, Hudson and James Bays, Frobisher Bay, Ungava Bay, and Southern Davis Strait). In general, we observed that eastern regions of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago showed greater values of species richness (or α diversity) than the western and central regions, whereas no specific patterns were observed for Shannon-Wiener's diversity (H') and Pielou's evenness (J') indices. The Beaufort Sea and Mackenzie Shelf region exhib- ited high values of taxonomic distinctness (Δ + ), whereas Hudson Bay showed low values. However, the Hudson Bay region showed high values of turnover (βW) diversity. A non-metric multi-dimen- sional scaling plot of similarity (Bray-Curtis index) and analysis of similarity revealed that species composition differed among regions, even those located in close proximity to one another. These investigations were conducted at different levels of taxonomic resolution (Species, Order, Class and Phyla) and the results demonstrated that most patterns were maintained up to the Order and Class level. A relatively small number of taxa, mainly annelids, were responsible for most of the dissimilar- ity among regions. Bottom salinity and temperature were the most important environmental variables (among depth of site, bottom temperature, salinity, physical and chemical sediment characteristics) for determining these assemblage patterns. Multiple regression analyses also demonstrated that vari- ance in species richness and diversity (H') was best explained by variance in salinity (55 and 43% respectively). The analysis of a time series from Frobisher Bay revealed that the temporal (mo/yr- scale) variability of assemblages was of the same order as the spatial (km-scale) variability among sites.
"To Entertain, Inform, and Educate": Still the Role of Public Television

The introduction of commercial television in West European countries during the 1980s was accompanied by a fierce discussion about the consequences of ending the monopoly of public broadcasting. While proponents of market liberation argued that the outcome would produce greater diversity of contents and audiences, opponents feared negative consequences from this development. Against this background, the study reported here analyzes data from the EU member states to assess the relationship between preference for either public or commercial television and political knowledge. Findings show that in most countries preference for public television goes hand-in-hand with greater knowledge of EU political matters. The conclusion considers the consequences of these findings.
Non Drainage Scleral Buckling Surgery

Purpose: To determine safety and efficacy of non-drainage scleral buckling in selected cases of retinal detachment. Study design: Descriptive interventional case series. Place and duration of study: This study was performed at eye unit, Khyber Girls Medical College, Hayatabad medical complex, Peshawar from 1st Feb 2016 till 31st Jan 2017 (1 year). Methods: Total of 23 eyes of 23 patients of both gender having RD, were selected. Cases of RD with single break (preferably) or dialysis (≤ 3 clock hours) with PVR ≤ Grade B. Patients were included irrespective of macula status. We excluded cases with giant retinal tear, choroidal detachment, pseudophakic or aphakic eyes with rented posterior capsule and vitreous face disruption. Eyes with media opacities dense enough to obstruct satisfactory examination of posterior segment and eyes which had previous surgical interventions to reattach retina were also excluded. Retinal detachments of more than six clock hours (extent) were excluded. Cases which had accidental suture needle penetration, eyes with inferior bulbous RD, eyes in which tears could not be localized pre operatively and patients above 50 years of age were also not included. All cases underwent SB (non-drainages) surgery as primary intervention by a single surgeon. Silicone buckles were used as per patient’s requirement and retinal cryopexy was done in all cases. A/C paracentesis were performed in 22 (96%) cases. All patients were followed daily till resolution of SRF or for maximum of 7 days (postoperatively) & at final follow up (120th day) postoperatively. Results: A total of 23 eyes of 23 patients were included. Mean age was 25.35 years (SD 9.49). In 11 cases (48%), macula was on at the time of presentation while in 12 cases (52%), macula was off. PVR was grade A in 20(87%) cases and in remainder it was grade B. Primary surgical success rate in our procedure was 21(91%) and final re-attachment rate after secondary interventions was 100%. Mean pre-operative BCVA was 0.97 logMAR which is equivalent to 6/60. Research Article
Holocene vegetation and biomass changes on the Tibetan Plateau – a model-pollen data comparison

Abstract. Results of a transient numerical experiment performed in a coupled atmosphere-ocean-vegetation model with orbital forcing alone are compared to pollen-based vegetation reconstructions covering the last 6000 yr from four representative sites on the Tibetan Plateau. Causes of the vegetation change and consequences of the biomass storage are analysed. In general, simulated and reconstructed vegetation trends at each site are in good agreement. Both methods reveal a general retreat of the biomass-rich vegetation that is particularly manifested in a strong decrease of forests. However, model and reconstructions often differ with regard to the climatic factors causing the vegetation change at each site. The reconstructions primarily identify decreasing summer monsoon precipitation and changes in the temperature of the warm season as the responsible mechanisms for the vegetation shift. In the model, the land cover change mainly originates from differences in warm/cold seasonal temperatures and only to a lesser extent from precipitation changes. According to the model results, the averaged forest fraction on the Plateau shrinks by almost one-third from mid-Holocene (41.4 %) to present-day (28.3 %). Shrubs, whose fraction is quadrupled at present-day (12.3 %), replace most of this forest. Grass fraction increases from 38.1 % during the mid-Holocene to 42.3 % at present-day. This land cover change results in a decrease of living biomass by 0.62 kgC m−2. Total biomass on the Tibetan Plateau decreases by 1.9 kgC m−2, i.e. approx. 6.64 PgC are released due to the natural land cover change.
Learning from and Adapting the Theory of Realistic Mathematics education

This article focuses on the critical role of design theory in our work as mathematics educators. We give particular attention to a specific design theory, Realistic Mathematics Education (RME). We first clarify the enduring contributions of RME to design in mathematics education and then discuss three adaptations that we made to RME theory while conducting a series of classroom design experiments. The first of these adaptations involves taking a broader perspective on the means of supporting students’ mathematical learning to include both the organization of classroom activities and the nature of classroom discourse. The second adaptation involves a change in orientation that acknowledges the mediating role of the teacher. The goal of instructional design then becomes to develop resources that teachers can use to achieve their instructional agendas rather than to support students’ learning directly. The third adaptation again centers on the teacher and concerns the potential contribution of designed instructional resources as a means of supporting teachers’ as well as students’ learning.
How Sports Entertain: Enjoyable and Meaningful Experiences for Sports Audiences

This study explores how sports media entertains audiences. A survey found that sports media provides both enjoyable experiences and meaningful experiences for audiences. In doing so, this study illuminates how and why sports media entertains audiences. Watching sports can be understood as a hedonic media experience that is fun and pleasurable, but this study shows that sports media consumption can also be a deeper, meaningful experience that gives insight into the human condition. This shows that even for an audience member who is not enjoying an event, they still might be deriving meaning from the event. Further, this study examines how sports media might generate these experiences as the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, the dimensions of self-determination theory and affective state of audience members, are explored. The dimensions of self-determination theory were instrumental in predicting audience enjoyment while affect was instrumental in predicting meaningful experiences for audiences. Overall, this study provides information relevant in understanding how and why people consume sports media - which should be of interest to practitioners and scholars alike.
Relative intake, eating pattern, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen metabolism, fermentation pattern and growth performance of lambs fed organically and inorganically produced cowpea hay- barley grain diets

In a feeding experiment, 2 groups of 6 male lambs (13.1 ± 0.52 kg) were offered cowpea hay ad lib and barley grain grown under inorganic and organic management and feed intake and liveweight change were measured. After 60 days, a digestion trial was conducted to assess the dietary effects on nutrient digestibility and N metabolism. After 195 days, rumen liquor and blood samples were collected for determination of rumen metabolites, microbial activity and blood parameters. Dry matter intake was similar in lambs in both groups, while nutrient digestibility was 2–2.5 units higher in lambs fed the organic diet (P>0.05). Eating pattern and rate of feed intake were comparable in both groups. Lower urinary nitrogen concentration in the organic group resulted in higher N retention in this group. At 4 h post feeding, total volatile fatty acid and total N concentrations were higher (P 0.05). Results indicate that lambs fed a diet based on organically produced cowpea hay and barley grain should perform at a similar level to those fed on a conventional diet produced with inorganic fertilisers.
Different estrous induction protocols during the transition period in lactating turkish saanen does following Ai

The objective of this study was to evaluate the duration of three progestagen treatments for estrous synchronization in lactating Turkish Saanen goats during the transitional period from anestrous. All does (n=60) were divided into three equal groups and the estrous period of the does was synchronized using intravaginal sponges (20 mg FGA) for either 11 days (Group 1), 9 days (Group 2) or 6 days (Group 3). In addition, 24h before sponge removal (on the 10th day, 8th day and 5th day, respectively) each doe was injected with 0.075 mg cloprostenol (PGF2 ) and 500 IU eCG. Cervical artificial inseminations (AI) with frozen-thawed semen were performed at fixed intervals (36 and 48 h) following progestagen withdrawal. The total estrous response following the first withdrawal was 12±6h within 66 h. Time to onset and duration of the induced estrous, and pregnancy rates were recorded to be 30.0%, 100%, 23.9±0.7 h, 29.4±1.3 h, and 28.3%, respectively. There were significant differences between Group 1 and the other groups, in terms of the onset of induced estrus (P<0.05) and estrous response for the first 12±6h (P<0.05) and between Group 2 and Groups 1 and 3 in terms of the duration of induced estrous (P<0.05). Each of the three protocols was effective in inducting and synchronizing estrus in lactating Turkish Saanen goats.
WHO SUPPORTS REDISTRIBUTION ? * By

Using an original data set, we investigated the determinants of individual preferences over income redistribution in Japan. Although income level is negatively correlated with support for redistribution, it does not explain much; there are other important factors that relate to dynamics and uncertainty, such as income risk. Even after controlling for income, both risk-averse individuals and those who expect to be unemployed in the future favour greater redistribution. Interaction of ageing and mobility prove important. The relatively poor elderly, who presumably have few prospects of upward mobility, strongly support greater redistribution, whereas younger people are less sympathetic to such a policy. JEL Classification Numbers: D31, H23, I38
Local and remote forcing of currents and temperature in the central Southern California Bight

[1] A comprehensive study of the central Southern California Bight shows that subtidal currents are dominated by relatively long time scales (10–25 days), large alongshore scales, and significant offshore and upward phase propagation. A one-dimensional model shows that observed fluctuating, poleward propagating (speeds 140–260 cm s−1) alongshore pressure gradient disturbances account for a much larger fraction of the alongshore velocity variance than local wind stress (at least 40% in both seasons) and have the longer periods of the dominant currents. With the addition of local wind stress, about half the velocity variance can be accounted for, and overall, about 5% more variance in spring than in summer. Results are consistent with generation of disturbances by remote wind stress several hundred kilometers equatorward of the bight and alongcoast propagation as low-mode coastally trapped waves. The large-scale remote forcing is also responsible for much of the velocity variance on the adjacent shelf, the semienclosed Santa Monica Bay. A nonlinear, three-dimensional model shows that water is pushed into the bay initially as part of a throughflow, later becoming an eddy that gradually fills the bay, producing counterflow on its shoreward side. On the shelf, local alongshore wind stress accounts for only 25% of the velocity variance in spring and none in summer. The large-scale disturbances also produce significant temperature fluctuations throughout the region, via lateral advection of the mean alongshore temperature gradient. Local wind-driven coastal upwelling is responsible for temperature fluctuations on the inner shelf during several 2–4 day events in spring, but only very near the coastal wall.