Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender differences in T cell regulation and responsesto sex hormones

Conflicting effects of sex hormones could potentially explain the increased susceptibility of females developing autoimmune diseases. In this study I found that 5\(\alpha\)-reductase expression both on the mRNA and protein was unregulated in female T cells after stimulation, which was not observed in the male T cells. This was particularly interesting as 5\(\alpha\)-reductase is responsible for the synthesis of the most potent androgen DHT, which has shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects. I did not observe any significant differences in 5\(\alpha\)-reductase expression in T cells between SLE patients and healthy controls. However, I did find a significantly higher expression of 5\(\alpha\)-reductase in B cells from SLE patients compared to healthy controls. In vitro treatment of testosterone showed that high concentrations the proportion of IL-2-producing female CD4 T cells decreased (not in the male T cells) and lower concentrations had the opposite effect. This latter observation was shown to be oestrogen-dependent as experiments using tamoxifen abolosihed the effect. Overall, sex differences are present in the expression of 5\(\alpha\)-reductase in T cells upon stimulation and regulation of 5\(\alpha\)-reductase expression is altered in SLE B cells. IL-2 production is sensitive to changes in testosterone concentration and there is an element of gender dimorphism in the T cell response to testosterone.
Entrepreneurial Intention among Community College Students: A Conceptual Attempt to Understand Early Adoption of Entrepreneurial Career

A desire to engage in entrepreneurial endeavours is merely a behavior, which is intentionally planned. In this vein, competing models have been reported in the literature in an attempt to understand entrepreneurial intention phenomenon with Shapero's model of the entrepreneurial event taking the lead followed by Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior. The former model emphasized perceived desirability, perceived feasibility and propensity to act while the latter model introduced personal attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavior although conceptually both models’ proposed constructs are somewhat similar or identical. These constructs are widely used in the literature to understand the entrepreneurial intention in various contexts. However, viewing it from an academic institution’s perspective flagged that entrepreneurial education is equally important in activating entrepreneurial intention among students who are nascent entrepreneurs of the future. Therefore, this study is an attempt to suggest a conceptual framework linking entrepreneurial tendency driven by the Theory of Planned Behavior and entrepreneurial intention. Additionally, entrepreneurial education is proposed as a mediator in understanding the relationship between entrepreneurial tendency and entrepreneurial intention. This research also offers relevant supporting literature and direction for future empirical investigation in order to contextualize this study.
Different Responsiveness of Colony-forming Cells from Normal Subjects and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients to 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate

Abstract The effects of 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a potent inducer of differentiation, upon the in vitro proliferation of normal bone marrow and chronic myeloid leukemia granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells were investigated in the presence or absence of exogenous colony-stimulating activity. In the absence of colony-stimulating activity, no colony formation occurred, whereas its presence was followed by the appearance of colonies almost exclusively composed of macrophagic cells. However, both normal and leukemic granulocytemacrophage progenitor cells showed a different response to TPA in terms of colony number and size. The number of colonies obtained from normal bone marrow was reduced to about 45% at three TPA concentrations (1 × 10 -8 , 1 × 10 -10 , and 1 × 10 -12 m). By contrast, the plating efficiency of leukemic granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells was not significantly affected by 1 × 10 -10 and 1 × 10 -12 m TPA, but was strongly reduced by 1 × 10 -8 m. Moreover, TPA treatment did not significantly influence the size of colonies from normal bone marrow, while at 1 × 10 -10 and 1 × 10 -12 m, it remarkably increased that of the leukemic colonies. These different responses to TPA can be related to the abnormal sensitivity of chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells to factors regulating proliferation.
Studies on Genesis, Classification and Evaluation of Soils for Sustainable Land Use Planning in Yerpedu Mandai of Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh

Seven typical pedons representing major land forms (uplands and plains) of Yerpedu Mandal in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh developed from granite-gneiss and alluvium parent materials under varying land uses were studied for their morphological characteristics, physical and physico-chemical properties. The soils were slightly acidic to moderately alkaline (pH-6.5 to 8.9) in reaction, non-saline, deep to very deep in depth and have iso-hyperthermic temperature and usitc soil moisture regimes. Texture, organic carbon, CEC and base saturation ranged from loamy sand to sandy clay loam in surface whereas sandy to clay in sub-surface; 0.5 to 4.4 g kg−1, 8.80 to 30.67 cmol(p+)kg−1; and 37.73 to 88.06%, respectively. Soils were low to medium in available nitrogen and phosphorus, low to high in available potassium and sufficient in sulphur. The DTPA-extractable iron (Fe) was deficient whereas Cu and Mn were sufficient. However, the DTPA -Zn was sufficient in surface soils while deficient in sub-surface soils. The soils on very gently sloping (1–3%) topography exhibited the development of argillic horizon (Bt) whereas the soils on nearly level (0–1%) lands had cambic horizon (Bw). However, the Entisol pedons did not show presence of any diagnostic horizon. Soils were classified as Ultic Haplustalfs, Fluventic Haplustepts, Typic Ustipsamments and Typic Ustifluvents. All the soils of the study area fall under agricultural land with land capability classes ranging from II to IV. Further, the lands have limitations of slope and erosion. On the basis of major soil constraints, suitable land use plan for Yerpedu MandaI was suggested for sustainable management.
Positive selection for bone morphogenetic protein receptor type-IB promotes differentiation and specification of human adipose-derived stromal cells toward an osteogenic lineage.

Background: Adipose tissue represents an abundant and easily accessible source of multipotent cells that may serve as an excellent building block for tissue engineering. However, adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) are a heterogeneous group and subpopulations may be identified with enhanced osteogenic potential. Methods: Human ASC subpopulations were prospectively isolated based on expression of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type-IB (BMPR-IB). Unsorted, BMPR-IB(+), and BMPR-IB(−) cells were analyzed for their osteogenic capacity through histological staining and gene expression. To evaluate their in vivo osteogenic potential, critical-sized calvarial defects were created in immunocompromised mice and treated with unsorted, BMPR-IB(+), or BMPR-IB(−) cells. Healing was assessed using microcomputed tomography and pentachrome staining of specimens at 8 weeks. Results: Increased osteogenic differentiation was noted in the BMPR-IB(+) subpopulation, as demonstrated by alkaline phosphatase staining at day .
Synergistic effect of Rhizobium, PSB and PGPR on nodulation and grain yield of mungbean.

Presowing inoculation of mungbean seeds with different inoculants (Rhizobium, PGPR and PSB) alone or in combination, significantly increased the nodulation and grain yield over uninoculated control. Nodulation and grain yield was highest when seeds were inoculated with Rhizobium + PGPR + PSB followed by Rhizobium + PGPR and Rhizobium alone, in all the three kharif seasons (2003, 2005 & 2006) of experimentation. In pooled analysis also, combined inoculation mungbean seeds with Rhizobium + PGPR + PSB gave significantly highest number of nodules/plant (21.0), dry weight of nodules/plant (87.66 mg) and grain yield (12.94 q/ha). It was at par with Rhizobium + PGPR with grain yield of 12.14 q/ha.
High level of phenotypic homoplasy amongst eutardigrades (Tardigrada) based on morphological and total evidence phylogenetic analyses

Much of what is known about the phylogenetic relationships of the neglected phylum Tardigrada comes from molecular data, rather than from morphology-based phylogenetic studies. Several molecular phylogenies have been proposed, but morphological and total evidence phylogenetic approaches are scarce. We performed the first morphological phylogeny (based on maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference) including all genera from the class Eutardigrada. Furthermore, we carried out a total evidence approach adding molecular information available in public databases. We compared the morphological and total evidence phylogenies with current molecular hypotheses and Eutardigrada classifications, which our results partially support. These classifications were supported only when homoplastic characters (related to the buccopharyngeal apparatus) were excluded. The importance of morphological phylogenies is discussed as well as their utility for questioning current phylogenetic hypotheses and classifications based solely on molecular information. Lastly, we propose evolutionary hypotheses about eutardigrade phylogenetic relationships that should be tested based on our morphological results. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London
Combining ability analysis for yield and protein content in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum)

The experiment was conducted with 10 parents and their 45 F1s (half diallel) during crop seasons (2008/09 and 2009/10) under normal and heat-stress environment to find out combining ability effects. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences for all the traits at genotypic level under both normal and heat-stress environment. The significant additive variance (D) and dominance variance (H1) indicated that, expression of these traits is controlled by both additive and non-additive gene action. Among the parents, there was asymmetrical distribution of positive and negative dominant genes and preponderance of over-dominance gene action for all the traits under both the environment. Estimates of narrow-sense heritability were higher for days to 50% flowering; days to maturity; plant height and spike length. Our results also indicated that only three parents (HD 2285 for grain filling duration and thousand grains weight; PBW 373 for the days to maturity and plant height and UP 2425 for number of tillers and grain yield) had favorable general combining ability (GCA) effects under normal sown environment. While under heat-stress environment, cultivar HD 2285 showed highest GCA effect for days to 50% flowering, grain filling duration and thousand grain weight; HD 2733 for plant height and protein content; and PBW 373 for number of tillers and grain yield. Five cross combinations showed contrasting favorable specific combining ability (SCA) effect for more than one trait under both normal and heat-stress environment. Attempting combinations involving parents with high GCA for desirable yield components could be useful. The traits showing more than 35 percent narrow-sense heritability could be rewarding for further improvement of grain yield and protein content in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
DETERMINING THE OPTIMAL LOCATIONS FOR SHOCK ACCELERATION IN MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICAL JETS

Observations of relativistic jets from black hole systems suggest that particle acceleration often occurs at fixed locations within the flow. These sites could be associated with critical points that allow the formation of standing shock regions, such as the magnetosonic modified fast point (MFP). Using the self-similar formulation of special relativistic magnetohydrodynamics by Vlahakis & Königl, we derive a new class of flow solutions that are both relativistic and cross the MFP at a finite height. Our solutions span a range of Lorentz factors up to at least 10, appropriate for most jets in X-ray binaries and active galactic nuclei, and a range in injected particle internal energy. A broad range of solutions exists, which will allow the eventual matching of these scale-free models to physical boundary conditions in the analysis of observed sources.
THE INFLUENCE OF CLAMPING AND RESIDUAL STRESS ON SCALING EFFECTS IN Pb(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 THIN FILMS FOR PIEZOMEMS APPLICATIONS

Ferroelectric thin films such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) have high dielectric and piezoelectric properties which can be utilized in actuators, sensors, transducers, and energy harvesters in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). A small film thickness enables low voltage operation of such devices; however, property degradation limits the extent that the film thickness can be reduced while maintaining performance. This dissertation describes the impact that different electrical and mechanical boundary conditions have on the dielectric properties of PZT thin films for a variety of thicknesses (ranging from 0.27 to 1.11 μm). Specifically, variations in elastic layer thickness, substrate clamping, residual stress and domain state were investigated. A novel approach to quantitatively deconstruct the relative permittivity into three contributions (intrinsic, reversible extrinsic and irreversible extrinsic) was developed using a combination of Xray diffraction and Rayleigh analysis. This work aims to determine which factors are associated with scaling effects in tetragonal {001} textured Pb0.99(Zr0.3Ti0.7)0.98Nb0. 02O3 (PZT 30/70) thin films. It is generally accepted that scaling effects play a key role in the suppression of ferroelectric responses in thin films (< 1 μm), though the type and extent of this contribution is still debated. Scaling effects refer to the size-induced degradation of properties at length scales exceeding those associated with the ferroelectric stability limit. For a blanket PZT 30/70 film clamped to a Si substrate, the thickness dependence of the irreversible and reversible Rayleigh coefficients was investigated using Rayleigh analysis. The irreversible Rayleigh coefficient was found to be thickness dependent. By
Algal culturing techniques

1. Historical Review of Algal Culturing Techniques 2. Freshwater Culture Media 3. Marine Culture Media 4. Trace Metal Ion Buffers and Their Use in Culture Studies 5. Sterilization and Sterile Technique 6. Traditional Microalgae Isolation Techniques 7. Automated Isolation Techniques for Microalgae 8. Purification Methods for Microalgae 9. Isolation and Purification Techniques for Macroalgae 10. Perpetual Maintenance of Actively Metabolizing Microalgal Cultures 11. Long Term Macroalgal Culture Maintenance 12. Cryopreservation Methods for Maintaining Microalgal Cultures 13. Photobioreactors and Fermentors: The Light and Dark Sides of Growing Algae 14. Culturing Microalgae in Outdoor Ponds 15. Mariculture of Seaweeds 16. Counting Cells in Culture Using the Light Microscope 17. Phytoplankton Cell Counting by Flow Cytometry 18. Measuring Growth Rates in Microalgal Cultures 19. Using Cultures to Investigate the Physiological Ecology of Microalgae 20. Analysis of Algal Pigments by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography 21. Endogenous Rhythms and Daylength Effects in Macroalgal Development 22. Viral Contamination of Algal Cultures 23. Control of Sexual Reproduction in Algae in Culture 24. Microalgal Life Cycle Dynamics: Encystment and Excystment 25. Cultures as a Means of Protecting Biological Resources: Ex-situ Conservation of Threatened Algal Species
Education, Decision-Making, and Economic Rationality

This paper studies the causal effect of education on decision making. In 1972, England raised its minimum school-leaving age from 15 to 16 for students born after September 1, 1957. An online survey was conducted with 2,700 individuals born in a 36-month window on either side of this date. Participants made 25 incentivized risk choices that allow us to measure multiple dimensions of decision making. Despite the policy having effects on education, educational qualifications, and income, we find no effects of the policy on decision making or decision-making quality.
Genetic variability assessment of Fusarium wilt pathogen races affecting chickpea using molecular markers.

Genetic diversity in Chickpea wilt pathogen has been characterized using 14 isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (foc) collected from major pulse growing regions of India. Out of 247 bands produced by 24 Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers in Foc isolates, 210 (85%) were polymorphic. A maximum of 14 amplicons were generated by primer OPF 05 whereas minimum 7 amplicons were generated by primer K7. A total of 24 alleles were produced by twelve simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers with an average of two alleles per marker in foc isolates. The maximum number of 4 alleles was obtained with primer SSR 12. SSR amplicon size ranged from 100 to 400 bp. The Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis based on RAPD and SSR profiles grouped the fourteen foc isolates into four major clusters. The universal Inter Transcribed Spacer (ITS) primer pair amplified 630 bp bands in all fourteen foc isolates while significant length polymorphism was obtained only when analysed by restriction digestion with EcoRI and MspI enzymes. The cluster analysis of ITS-RFLP grouped all 14 Foc isolates into three major clusters. The cluster analysis using RAPD, SSR and ITS-RFLP markers show the grouping of Fusarium isolates strictly according to their cultural characteristics and degree of pathogenicity and not the geographical origin. This information will be helpful for pathologists and plant breeders to design effective resistance breeding programs in chickpea taking into account the diversity in wilt pathogen.
Dermal Denticles of Three Slowly Swimming Shark Species: Microscopy and Flow Visualization

Shark skin has for many years inspired engineers to produce biomimetic structures reducing surface drag or acting as an anti-fouling layer. Both effects are presumed to be consequences of the structure of shark skin that is composed of arrays of so-called dermal denticles. However, the understanding of the full functional role of the dermal denticles is still a topic of research. We report optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of dermal denticles from three slowly swimming shark species for which the functional role of the dermal denticles is suggested as one of defense (possibly understood as anti-fouling) and/or abrasion strength. The three species are Greenland shark (Somnosius microcephalus), small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) and spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). Samples were taken at over 30 different positions on the bodies of the sharks. In addition, we demonstrate that the flow pattern near natural shark skin can be measured by micro-PIV (particle image velocimetry). The microfluidic experiments are complemented by numerical flow simulations. Both visualize unsteady flow, small eddies, and recirculation bubbles behind the natural dermal denticles.
The Impact of Employees Motivation, Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use on Employee Performance among Selected Public Sector Employees

The current study is titled “The Impact of Employee Motivation, Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use on Employee Performance among Selected Public Sector Employees”. Selected staff from public sector positions were used in order to examine and analyze the factors which contribute to employee performance levels. The independent variables in this case are motivation, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. The dependent variable is employee performance. Questionnaires were distributed among 201 respondents who are employed in the public sector. The resulting data was processed through frequency analysis, reliability analysis, descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis by using SPSS version 21. The findings reveal that there exists a positive significant relationship between all the independent variables and the dependent variable, which is employee performance. The Research hypothesis is supported.
Probing the interaction of Hepatitis C virus glycoproteins with putative receptors and neutralising antibodies

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic blood-borne virus which causes chronic hepatitis in the majority of cases and represents a global health burden. In order for HCV to enter cells, proteins on the surface of the virus must interact and bind to receptors on target cells. HCV surface molecules involved with receptor binding, and cellular entry, as well as immune escape, are the glycoproteins E1 and E2. The cellular receptors SRBI, CD81, CLDNs and most recently occludin have been shown to facilitate HCV entry into hepatocytes. Several conservative regions on E1E2 have, through substitution mutagenesis, proven to be important for receptor binding and antibody neutralisation. We aimed to characterise one discontinuous region, amino acid residues 611, 613-619 and 621, and its role in the interaction with CD81 by single alanine substitution mutagenesis. Mutant plasmids were transfected into HEK 293FT cells and assessed for protein expression and binding by conformation-sensitive, CD81-inhibiting antibodies. Also, to investigate whether a conformational change of the E1E2 occurs upon SRB1 binding, rendering the CD81 binding domains accessible, two assays have been compared. A plate based experiment, exclusive of SRBI and a cell based assay, including SRBI was designed to examine the antigenic exposure of the CD81 binding regions to targeting monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, Huh-7 cells expressing different levels of SRBI were used to investigate whether some HCVpp isolates rely on high SRB1 levels for infectivity and sensitivity to neutralising antibodies. These studies were performed to help elucidate the regions and residues important in HCV E1E2: receptor interaction and their interplay with each other and with neutralising antibodies.
Understanding earwig phenology in top fruit orchards

Earwigs, Forficula auricularia, are key generalist predators to a variety of orchard pests. However, numbers of earwigs have declined in both organic and IPM orchards in recent years. Both Integrated and Organic fruit growers have tried to re-establish earwig populations, thus far with little success. To understand earwig population dynamics and to find measures to increase natural orchard populations, we conducted a detailed phenological survey of earwigs in orchards. Earwigs were sampled while sheltering during daytime in artificial refuges. They move into the trees from the third nymph stage onwards. In most orchards, a small second brood is produced in summer, and this has a positive impact on population size in fall. We see only minor differences in phenology between apple and pear orchards, mainly caused by differences in alternative hiding places. Earwigs show an inexplicable reduction in numbers at the timing of moulting into adults. When earwig phenology is correlated with pest phenology in apple and pear, its use for pest control of major pests is clear.
Net protein anabolic response is not altered during hyperaminoacidemic (hyperAA) clamp in men with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

Reduced 24h net protein balance in hyperglycemic T2D was explained by less protein accretion during hyperinsulinemic euglycemic, isoaminoacidemic (isoAA) clamps. We tested whether protein anabolism would worsen with glycemia at 8.0 mM and AA at iso (fasting) or hyper (postprandial). Eight T2D men (57±2 y; BMI: 34±2; FPG: 8.4±0.6mM) underwent hyperinsulinemic (600 pM), hyperglycemic clamps with glucose and leucine kinetics measured at 2 steady‐states: isoAA and hyperAA. Results are compared to 10 T2D and 10 lean nondiabetic men studied euglycemic, isoAA and 9 studied hyperglycemic, hyperAA.