Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PERICARP LOOSENING AND REDUCED LIPID PEROXIDATION ENHANCES SPINACH SEED PERFORMANCE AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION UNDER NORMAL AND SALINE CONDITIONS

Demand for the food and feed is increasing with the tremendous increase in population. The possible ways to satisfy future nutritional requirements are to increase the area under cultivation and yield per unit area. But, both options become less feasible due to various devastating problems, salinity is one of those. According to an estimate, global salt affected land is about 190 million hectares; 48 million hectares is in South and Southeast Asia (FAO, 2010). Salinity causes degradation of agricultural land and reduces productivity of crop plants (Viswanathan et al., 2005) by decreasing water uptake due to lower osmotic potential and change in metabolic activity (Yupsanis et al., 1994). Salinity reduces and delays seed germination, especially in direct seeded crops (Shannon, 1998). Spinach (Spinacia oleracea var. Inermis), a direst seeded vegetable crop from family Chenopodiaceae, is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins (A, B2, B6, C, E and K), and some minerals. It has been cultivated in Pakistan on 8635 hectares with production of 102.5 thousand tonnes, during 2013-14 (MNFSR, 2015). It is mostly used in fried snacks, locally known as pakora. Spinach has been classified as moderately salt tolerant vegetable crop (Langdale et al., 1971; Hussain et al., 2016). But, germination percentage and germination rate of spinach seed was decreased while mean germination time was increased up to 100 mM NaCl concentration (Keshavarzi et al., 2011). Salinity decreased uptake and endogenous level of K+, Ca2+ and NO3(Turhan et al., 2013), and oxygen uptake (75% reduction) thereby inhibiting the synthesis of enzymes like alkaline phosphatase in spinach plant (Ahmad and Huq, 1974) and thus affected various growth stages. Mwazi (2012) reported that saline irrigation water reduced germination, vegetative growth and yield of Spinach but increased leaf sugar contents. Moreover, seedling growth is also affected to variable extent at different levels of salinity. Further, germination of spinach seed is low even under favorable conditions. It has been attributed to chemical inhibitors such as abscisic acid (ABA) and non–hormonal inhibitors (coumarin, phenolic compounds) present in its pericarp (Leskovar and Esensee, 1999; Jaskani et al., 2006). Furthermore, pericarp also Pak. J. Agri. Sci., Vol. 54(2), 299-309; 2017 ISSN (Print) 0552-9034, ISSN (Online) 2076-0906 DOI: 10.21162/PAKJAS/17.3711 http://www.pakjas. com.pk
A real-world retrospective evaluation of glycaemic control and weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with canagliflozin 100 mg and canagliflozin 300 mg in an Indian setting

Background. Canagliflozin is a sodium glucose co-transporter2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that improves glycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by enhancing urinary glucose excretion (UGE). Indian data regarding comparative efficacy of canagliflozin 300 mg over canagliflozin 100 mg in reduction of body weight are scanty. Objectives. To evaluate and compare the efficacy of canagliflozin 100 mg versus canagliflozin 300 mg regarding loss of body weight retrospectively, in patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with other antihypergycaemic agents (AHA) in a real world setting in India. Material and methods. T2DM patients inadequately controlled (HbA1c > 8.5%) with diet, exercise and AHA who were prescribed canagliflozin 100 mg (n = 62) or canagliflozin 300 mg (n = 36) once daily, between May 2016 to May 2019 and were followed for at least 20 weeks, are included in the analysis. Changes in blood pressure and glycaemic parameters and body weight are studied. Results. Results show that addition of canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg provided statistically significant improvements in glycaemic control associated with weight loss. However no superiority of canagliflozin 300 mg to canagliflozin 100 mg is established. Conclusion. The present study shows that addition of canagliflozin 300 mg has no advantage over canagliflozin 100 mg on body weight when added on existing therapy with other AHA.
Potential Ebola drug targets – filling the gap: a critical step forward towards the design and discovery of potential drugs

Abstract Among the classified neglected infectious diseases, the Ebola virus (EboV) remains a challenging epidemic. This deadly virus has been reported as a category A bioweapon organism by the World Health Organization due to the serious threat it poses. To date, Ebola drug discovery proves challenging. Proteins need to be targeted at the relevant biologically active site for drug or inhibitor binding to be effective. Due to insufficient experimental data to confirm the biologically active binding site for novel protein targets, researchers often rely on computational prediction methods to identify binding sites. Many computational studies have attempted to identify the biological active site for EboV proteins, however, the methods employed are not sufficiently validated. This has prompted us to provide a comprehensive molecular understanding of the various targets of the EboV, including three-dimensional structures, active site identification and further validation. Herein we report the account of a three-dimensional homology model of the unresolved EboV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), as well as a comprehensive analysis of the binding site residues of all proteins of the EboV. Docking-aided active site determination was carried out to identify possible active sites on the homology model of RdRp. Binding free energy calculations revealed subtle differences in the binding at each site. These results can also provide some potential clues for further design of novel inhibitors to treat this killer virus and is a critical cornerstone of research into the EboV.
Studies on the Roles of Boron in Growth and Sugar- Transport Processes of Sugarcane

The essentiality of boron (B) for growth and development of higher plants is generally recognized, but the precise roles it contributes remained obscure prior to the mid-1950's (30). The research of Gauch, Dugger and associates (16,29) then indicated that boron enhances uptake and translocation of sugars. They proposed a micronutrient union with sugars giving an ionizable sugar-borate complex which more readily moves through cellular membranes than sugar alone (29). Subsequent studies by Dugger, Humphreys, and Calhoun (13,14) implied a direct involvement of boron in the enzymic reactions of sucrose and starch biosynthesis. In 1967, Lee and Aronoff (25) suggested that borate combines with 6-phosphogluconic acid to form an enzyme-inhibitor complex which regulates phenol synthesis, thereby preventing the typical necrosis and ultimate death of ¿-deficient plants. Van den Honert (31) and Martin (26) pioneered boron-nutrition studies in sugarcane during the early 1930's. Maximum growth and quality was not attained in the absence of boron. Detailed boron-deficiency symptoms were described by Martin (26) in 1934 and by Evans in 1956 (15). In 1963, Samuels and Cibes-Viadé (28) reported a general decline of growth and quality in boron free plants propagated in the greenhouse. Sugarcane studies by Bowen in Hawaii have stressed the physiological and biochemical effects of variable boron supply (10,12), and borate ionic species absorption (11). Work by Humbert et al. (23) in Peru has shown that excessive boron is restrictive against sugar and tonnage yields. In Puerto Rico, Acín-Díaz and Alexander (1) observed borate effects on the rate of sucrose diffusion from storage tissues bathed in distilled water. Greenhouse and laboratory studies of boron activity in immature sugarcane were completed recently at this Station. Evidence is presented herein of discrete growth, enzyme, and sugar-transport roles in plants having controlled water and nutrient supplies.
Evaluation of the hydro-ecological quality of the aquatic habitat of the Váh River

There is a cascade of hydroelectric power plants built on the Váh River. From a water-management point of view, the natural channel is used to drain extreme discharges. During most of the year, discharges are regulated by water-management structures. These discharges are not used for energy-related purposes; therefore, it is important to determine the optimal discharge that will not negatively affect the ecosystem of the stream. The minimum balance discharge (hydro-ecological discharge) was determined based on the instream flow incremental methodology (IFIM) using the riverine habitat simulation system (RHABSIM). Input data were obtained from direct measurements on three reference reaches in the area between the cities Piešťany and Nové Mesto nad Váhom. Hydraulic flow characteristics were derived from three measurements at different water levels. Habitat quality was represented by ichthyofauna. Data to determine the habitat suitability curves of fish were obtained using a diving technique to collect video footage. The modelling resulted in the quantification of the effect of discharge on ichthyofauna as a bio-indicator of habitat quality, which implied the need of 20 m 3 ∙s –1 for a minimum balance discharge in summer.
Influence of adrenergic stimulation and coronary blood flow on in vivo cardiac performance in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

In fish, the adrenergically-mediated stimulation of cardiac performance is an important physiological response to stress. However, few studies have evaluated the in vivo dose-response relationship for cardiovascular variables at physiological catecholamine (CA) levels, and no studies have evaluated whether repeated CA exposure reduces cardiac adrenergic sensitivity. In addition, information is lacking on how coronary flow (CF) and adrenergic stimulation interact to determine in vivo cardiac performance.
Impact of Vitamin D on Acute Ischemic Stroke Prognosis (IVASTO)

Background and Purpose: The correlation between acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and Vitamin D (VitD) was reported in many observational studies. This study aimed to investigate this association, the severity, and the short term outcome of AIS patients with different VitD levels. Methods: The patients were assessed at the onset by clinical and severity scores {National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS)}. In follow-ups after 3 months they were assessed by mRS and were classified according to VitD levels into control group 1(≥ 30 ng/ml) and abnormal group 2 (VitD < 30 ng/ml). Comparison and correlation of the VitD in AIS, NIHSS, and mRS were calculated between both groups. Results: The present single-center prospective crosssectional study during one-year duration was done on 59 patients with AIS. Vascular risk factors did not show any differences between both groups (P > 0.05). It showed statistically significant differences between both groups regarding VitD level, NIHSS, mRS after 3 months with P-value < 0.001, 0.0035, and 0.0167 respectively. There is a negative correlation between VitD level and NIHSS scores, VitD level and mRS scores at the onset, and after 3 months P < 0.0001, < 0.0001, < 0.00 respectively. Conclusion: AIS patients with VitD deficiency showed more stroke severity and poor outcomes. The VitD serum level should be examined as supplementation may have an important role in the guidelines of cerebral stroke treatment.
Characterization of bacterial strains isolated from natural sources involved in decolourization of malachite green dye

The wastes generated from the industrial dyes confer serious hazard to soil and water bodies. Various physicochemical methods have been employed for their elimination; however, owing to the less efficiency and their expensive nature, interest has been generated for searching microbial agents capable of decolorizing these dyes. In this study three bacterial strains were isolated from industrial effluent contaminated Ganges water and nearby locality having high effectiveness to decolorize Malachite green (MG), a triphenylmethane dye widely used in industries. The bacterial isolates were partially characterized as gram negative, Indole and MR negative, VP and citrate positive. The optimal MG decolourization conditions were when 50 ppm (mg/lt) dye was added in medium of pH 8.0 at 37 C. The strains decolorized MG in the range of 74 82% within just 4 hours and almost decolorized the dye (9196%) within 30 hours of addition. The decolorization of other dyes such as congo red, nigrosine, crystal violet and safranine was further exploited in these strains. The results provide evidence that the strains are potential candidates that can be exploited for industrial waste-water treatment.
Lewinskya transcaucasica (Orthotrichaceae, Bryopsida) sp. nov. A contribution to the bryophyte flora of Georgia

A new orthotrichaceous species, Lewinskya transcaucasica Eckstein, Garilleti & F.Lara, is described, based on several samples collected in the Georgian territories of Greater Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus. The species is best differentiated by its sporophytic characteristics. Its capsules are long ovoid to cup-shaped and smooth and show no differentiation of the longitudinal bands of the exothecial cells. The capsules vary from emerging fully from the perichaetial leaves to having a shortly exserted position. The peristome is double, with an exostome of eight pairs of orange to crimson teeth whose tips are variably cancellated and fenestrated and recurved when dry, and an endostome of eight segments that occasionally alternate with reduced intermediate segments. All of these segments are yellowish to pale orange, mainly linear, uniseriate or partially biseriate, and strongly ornamented on the inner side. The new moss is illustrated and compared with similar taxa around the world.
Issues in Information Systems

As individuals have become more dependent on mobile devices to communicate, to seek information, and to run business, their susceptibility to various threats to information security has increased. Although research has investigated user’s information security intention in recent years, not enough is currently known about how cognitive factors and personality traits impact the adoption and use of mobile device security technologies. The purpose of this research was to empirically investigate the influence of cognitive factors and personality traits on mobile device user’s intention to use mobile device security technologies. A research model was developed by combining constructs from both the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and the Big Five Factor Personality Traits. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze web-based survey data gathered from a total of 356 mobile device users. The findings of this study show that perceived threat severity, perceived threat susceptibility, perceived response costs, response efficacy, and mobile self-efficacy have a significant positive effect on user’s intention to use mobile device security technologies. Except for the trait conscientiousness, the personality traits were not found to significantly influence user’s intention to use mobile security technologies.
Are the Roads to Happiness the Same

The question of whether increasing income increase happiness has long been a concern, but consensus is hard to reach. The divergences mainly lie in studies of time series itself and the results of time series and cross-section studies. This paper uses 8-10 years of data from 124 countries to further explore this issue through three methods: Time series analysis, cross-section analysis and panel data analysis. We find that 33 out of 124 countries show no significant effect of income on happiness, while 56 countries show slightly positive effects and 35 countries show extremely high positive effects. Moreover, contrary to the intuition, there is no evidence that income no longer increases happiness in high-income countries, or that income can easily increase happiness in low-income countries.
High-resolution dispersion-based measurement of the electron beam energy spread

The energy spread of the electron beam is a critical parameter in x-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) and needs to be optimized for best performance. The uncorrelated energy spread of the electrons can be a few keVor less in XFEL injectors, thus very challenging to measure. The standard method to characterize the electron beam energy spread, consisting in streaking the beam with a transverse deflector and measuring the time-resolved beam size of the electrons in a dispersive location for a single electron beam energy, has a typical resolution of several keV. To overcome this limitation we introduce a novel method to measure the beam size at a dispersive location for different beam energies so that it is possible to disentangle the beam size contributions related to the energy spread, the intrinsic beam size and the monitor resolution. As a consequence, the energy spread can be characterized with a much higher precision and resolution than in the standard approach. We also suggest to perform measurements for different deflection amplitudes so that the energy spread induced by the transverse deflector can be subtracted properly. The scheme does not require any additional hardware and thus can be readily applied in any standard XFEL facility. Numerical simulations and experimental results at SwissFEL confirm the validity of our method. Our calculations show that the approach can be used to significantly overcome the resolution of the standard approach and measure energy spreads well below 1 keV. As an example we present energy spreads of few keV measured at the SwissFEL injector.
ADAPTIVE RESPONSE TO ALKYLATING AGENTS

The adaptive response to alkylalting agents was studied by the sex linked recessive lethal (SLRL) test in Drosophila melanogaster under different treatment procedures revealing involvement of DNA repair and/or detoxifying pathways. Pretreatment of males as well as treatment of females with low EMS doses (0.05–0.1 mM) did not affect SLRL rates in sperm cells and decreased fly fertility. Pretreatment of males with MMS (0.1 and 1 mM) enhanced high dose mutagenesis induced by EMS at different spermatogenesis stages, potentiating effects exceeding additive ones. Physiological indices were inhibited too. Contrary to this experimental series, larval pretreatment with adaptive EMS dose (0.05 mM) resulted in high protective effect in both SLRL and fertility assays. Thus, the adaptive response to alkylating agents was found by Drosophila SLRL test under conditions indicating involvement of detoxifying mechanisms rather than DNA repair, and the latter was likely to be mediated by constitutive enzymes in Drosophila germ cells.
Hour-To-Hour Variation in the Volume of Nocturnal Migration in Autumn.

Observers at 87 locations in North America have made 239 telescopic counts seven hours or more in duration of southbound migrants passing before the moon. When the numbers of birds seen each hour are adjusted for theoretic variations in the amount of observation space, their means follow a pattern of change very similar to that of spring. The computed volume of migration increases from dusk to the 10 p.m. hour and steadily declines thereafter. When these data are variously subdivided into component group­ ings, the general ascending-descending shape of the hour-to-hour patterns remains unaltered. Only the slope of the curves and the earliness or lateness of the distributions, as evidenced by mode and median, vary. From September to November, as twilight comes earlier and earlier, the median shifts approximately 40 minutes toward the early end of the time scale. Within each lunation, a night-to-night progression of the median takes place in the opposite direction, apparently in correlation with the changing time when the moon reaches the peak of its orbit. The pattern also varies somewhat with the total amount of migration taking place. Low-volume migration produces proportionately higher adjusted counts at the beginning of the night, and proportionately lower adjusted counts in the middle of the night, than migration in great volume. Flights in the wrong direction exhibit
Efficacy of eradication therapy in children with H. Pylori-associated diseases depending on levels of nitric oxide and vitamin D

Introduction: Nitric oxide (NO) and vitamin D (25(OH)D3) plays a crucial role in many physiological processes in the human body. Aim: To investigate the effect of 25(OH)D3 and NO on the efficacy of eradication therapy in children with H.pylori-associated ANALYSIS 24(104), July August, 2020 Medical Science ISSN 2321–7359 EISSN 2321–7367
Midpoints and Endpoints in Event Perception

Events unfold over time, i.e., they have a beginning and endpoint. Previous studies have illustrated the importance of endpoints for event perception and memory (Lakusta & Landau, 2005, 2012; Papafragou, 2010; Strickland & Keil, 2011; Zacks & Swallow, 2007). However, this work has not compared endpoints to other potentially salient points in the internal temporal profile of events (e.g., midpoints) and has only discussed events with a self-evident endpoint. In the present study, we explored sensitivity to event endpoints and midpoints in events of different types. Our results show that people are more disturbed by interruptions at the end compared to interruptions in the middle of an event – but only when perceiving a bounded event (i.e., an event with an inherent endpoint). This finding reveals complex tracking of the abstract internal temporal structure of events during event perception.
RANDOM WALK MEETING TIMES ON GRAPHS

We discuss the bounds on expected meeting times for a game involving two tokens which pass from vertex to vertex randomly on an arbitrary n-vertex graph. At each unit of time, the player chooses which token to move, and the game ends when the two tokens collide. We find the coefficients of the approximate bounds for the meeting times, which are of order n3, and the player strategies which give rise to such extremal meeting times.
Microbiological quality of raw cow milk and survival of Acinetobacter baumanii in processed cow milk

The aim of this study was to determine microbiological quality of raw cow milk, to compare the number of raw milk bacteria at different temperatures and to examine the adjustment of Acinetobacter bumanii in processed cow milk. A sample of raw milk is taken from the small family farm with one cow. Prior to milking, the udder was washed with warm water. Sample of 500mL was collected in a sterile bottle. For the determination of the microbiological quality the aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB), Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium spp. and Enterobacteriaceae were analysed. The samples of 100mL of raw milk was exposed to three different temperatures (4°C, 22°C and 37°C) and the AMB was monitored during 48 hours. The adaptation of A. baumanii was analyzed by inoculation of 10² CFU/mL in processed milk. The survival was monitored for 13 days at 22°C. The raw milk from the small family farm was good microbiological quality according to limits proscribed by “Guidelines of the microbiological food criteria”. A. baumanii showed a good adjustment in processed cow milk during the first 10 days at 22°C. From 11ʰ till 13ʰ day the number of A. baumanii was the same. Although A. baumanii has a good adoptable mechanisms, the acidic environment is not adequate for this species and this was also proven by the examination of the raw milk microflora on 37°C. On this temperature the growth of most bacterial species present in the raw milk was inhibited.