Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vertical distribution of nutrients in groundnut growing soils in semiarid region of Yerpedu mandal in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh

A survey was undertaken to study vertical distribution of nutrients in the soil profiles/ pedons arranged in groundnut growing areas of Yerpedu mandal in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh to understand nutrients supplying capacity of lower layers of soil profiles. The results revealed that, the available P in groundnut growing soils was sufficient in the surface and subsurface horizons of all pedons except pedon 5 wherein P was deficient in subsurface horizon while the available K was sufficient in surface horizons but deficient to sufficient in subsurface horizons in all the pedons. The exchangeable Ca and Mg and available S in groundnut growing soils were sufficient in surface and subsurface horizons of all the pedons. However, the available S in groundnut growing soils was high in surface horizons than in subsurface horizons whereas exchangeable Ca and Mg showed an irregular trend with depth. The DTPA-extractable Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn in groundnut growing soils were found to be above their critical limits in surface and subsurface horizons in all the pedons except in pedons 4 and 5 for Fe in surface and subsurface horizons and Mn in subsurface horizons. All the micronutrients were higher in surface soils than subsurface soils except in pedons 4 and 5 for Fe.
Transformation of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia to Acute Biphenotypic Leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder with clonal proliferation of all myeloid cell lines. The disease typically manifests in three phases: chronic course followed by an accelerated phase and finally a terminal blast crisis. A blast crisis is defined as the presence of > 20% blasts in the peripheral blood or bone marrow. The blasts could be characterized as either myeloid (60-80% of cases) resulting in acute myeloblastic leukemia or lymphoid (20-30% of cases) resulting in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In rare instances, a blast crisis could present with biphenotypic expression for both myeloid and lymphoid blasts. In such cases, about 6-10% of the time, the course of the disease is more aggressive and renders a poorer prognosis especially if there is evidence of extramedullary involvement. We present a case of a 41-year-old woman with history of CML who presented with acute biphenotypic blast crisis with extramedullary involvement in the context of aggressive chemotherapy. Literature review reveals < 10 reported cases of CML with biphasic transformation and only three cases of CML with acute leukemia on presentation. Most cases described are in pediatric patients with varied presentations and none involving extramedullary sites. Mortality rates in such cases are near 100% despite aggressive chemotherapy.
Predicting mRNA abundance directly from genomic sequence using deep convolutional neural networks

Algorithms that accurately predict gene structure from primary sequence alone were transformative for annotating the human genome. Can we also predict the expression levels of genes based solely on genome sequence? Here we sought to apply deep convolutional neural networks towards this goal. Surprisingly, a model that includes only promoter sequences and features associated with mRNA stability explains 59% and 71% of variation in steady-state mRNA levels in human and mouse, respectively. This model, which we call Xpresso, more than doubles the accuracy of alternative sequence-based models, and isolates rules as predictive as models relying on ChIP-seq data. Xpresso recapitulates genome-wide patterns of transcriptional activity and predicts the influence of enhancers, heterochromatic domains, and microRNAs. Model interpretation reveals that promoter-proximal CpG dinucleotides strongly predict transcriptional activity. Looking forward, we propose the accurate prediction of cell type-specific gene expression based solely on primary sequence as a grand challenge for the field.
Compression-Assisted Arthrocentesis of the Knee as a Quality Improvement Intervention

Objective The present study reports the introduction of mechanical compression of the knee for arthrocentesis as quality improvement intervention in a procedure clinic. Methods 430 consecutive symptomatic osteoarthritic knees underwent arthrocentesis followed by corticosteroid injection (1mg/kg of triamcinolone acetonide). The first 215 consecutive knees underwent conventional arthrocentesis and injection; the quality intervention of a mechanical compression brace was introduced, and the next 215 consecutive knees underwent mechanical compression-assisted arthrocentesis follow by injection. Pain scores, arthrocentesis success, fluid yield, time-to-next-intervention, injections/year, and medical costs were measured. Results No serious adverse events occurred in 430 subjects. Diagnostic synovial fluid (≥2 ml) was obtained in 9.3% (20/215) without compression and 40.9% (88/215) with compression (p=0.00001, z for 95% CI= 1.96, Pierson). Mechanical compression was associated with a 231% increase in mean arthrocentesis volume: compression 5.3±11.2 ml, conventional 1.6±6.4 ml (CI of difference 2.0 <3.7< 5.4; p=0.00001). Time-to-next-intervention after compression-assisted arthrocentesis was longer: 6.9±3.5 months compared to conventional: 5.1±2.7 months (p<0.00001, 95% CI of difference 1.2 <1.8< 2.3). Mechanical compression was associated with a reduction in the number of corticosteroid injections administered per year: mechanical compression: 1.7±0.9 injections/year; conventional: 2.4±0.5 injections/year (p<0.00001, 95% CI of difference −0.83 < −0.70< −0.56). Mechanical compression did not increase overall yearly costs associated with management of the symptomatic knee (mechanical compression: $293.30/year/knee, conventional: $373.29/year/knee) (p<0.0001, 95% CI of difference 47 <80< 112). Conclusions Routine mechanical compression of the knee for arthrocentesis and injection is an effective bioengineering quality improvement intervention in a procedure clinic.
Effects of salinity on sprouting and growth of three submerged macrophytes

Many freshwater ecosystems are facing salinity stress, but limited information is available about its effects on submerged macrophytes. Here, we assessed the effects of salinity on sprouting and growth of three submerged macrophytes—Potamogeton crispus, Hydrilla verticillata and Myriophyllum spicatum. We conducted experiments in the lab and the outdoor platform to test for the sprouting and growth responses of selected macrophytes to a gradient of salinity (0.32–10,000 mg Cl− L−1). Sprouting rate, biomass and other related physiological indices were measured in all treatments. We found that lower salinity (100 mg Cl− L−1) increased the turion sprouting rate, and higher salinity (greater than or equal to 5,000 mg Cl− L−1) significantly inhibited the sprouting of P. crispus turions. M. spicatum appeared to have higher tolerance of salinity than H. verticillata. The optimum salinity for the growth of H. verticillata and M. spicatum was 500–1,000 mg Cl−L−1 and 100–500 mg Cl− L−1, respectively. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and production of malondialdehyde (MDA) differed in salinity levels between submerged macrophytes, and higher SOD activity was observed in M. spicatum. This study helped clarify how physiological response mechanisms affecting sprouting and growth of submerged macrophytes are inhibited under high salinity and suggested that SOD plays an important role in the resistance to oxidative stress induced by salinity.
Correlation and path analysis of morphological parameters contributing to yield in rice (Oryza sativa) under drought stress

Current experiment is conducted to study correlation and path analysis among morphological traits and their contribution towards yield under normal and drought stress using twenty diverse rice genotypes at Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. Genotypes were significantly varied (p<0.01-0.05) in yield and yield related traits. In addition, growth (Plant height, r = 0.17**) and yield attributes such as panicle length (0.49**), grains/ panicle (0.69**), grain weight/ panicle (0.99**), tillers/ plant (0.14) and 1000-grain weight (0.11*) were positively correlated in all genotypes under normal or drought stress conditions. Among genotypes, highest plant height was observed in Basmati-140 (43.13cm) comparatively to lowest was found in Sufaida 20 (26.27cm) under drought condition. Plant height was significantly reduced under drought stress than control condition in Munji 78B-1 from 64.71cm to 35.30cm, respectively. Drought drastically affected the yield/plant in different genotypes. Under drought stress, Harandi-379, Munji-78B-1 and Basmati-242 performed well for yield/plant with values of 7.54g, 7.69g and 9.28g, respectively. Grain weight/panicle showed highest positive ef fect (0.914 and 0.788) on yield/ plant and followed by spikelet fertility (0.022 and 0.056) under both drought and normal conditions, respectively. Results suggest that grain weight/panicle, 1000 seed weight and plant height can be used as selection indices for drought resistance.
Vegetation over the last glacial maximum at Girraween Lagoon, monsoonal northern Australia

Abstract Northern Australia is a region where limited information exists on environments at the last glacial maximum (LGM). Girraween Lagoon is located on the central northern coast of Australia and is a site representative of regional tropical savanna woodlands. Girraween Lagoon remained a perennial waterbody throughout the LGM, and as a result retains a complete proxy record of last-glacial climate, vegetation and fire. This study combines independent palynological and geochemical analyses to demonstrate a dramatic reduction in both tree cover and woody richness, and an expansion of grassland, relative to current vegetation at the site. The process of tree decline was primarily controlled by the cool-dry glacial climate and CO2 effects, though more localised site characteristics restricted wetland-associated vegetation. Fire processes played less of a role in determining vegetation than during the Holocene and modern day, with reduced fire activity consistent with significantly lower biomass available to burn. Girraween Lagoon's unique and detailed palaeoecological record provides the opportunity to explore and assess modelling studies of vegetation distribution during the LGM, particularly where a number of different global vegetation and/or climate simulations are inconsistent for northern Australia, and at a range of resolutions.
Deciphering the enigmatic role of the amidotransferase LipL in Bacillus subtilislipoic acid utilization

Lipoate is an essential cofactor for key enzymes of oxidative and one-carbon metabolism. It is covalently attached to E2 subunits of dehydrogenase (DH) complexes and the GcvH subunit of the glycine cleavage system. Bacillus subtilis possess two protein lipoylation pathways: biosynthesis and scavenging. The former requires octanoylation of GcvH, amidotransfer of the octanoate to E2s, and insertion of sulfur atoms. Lipoate scavenging is mediated by a lipoate ligase (LplJ), that catalizes a classical two-step ATP-dependent reaction. Although these pathways were thought to be redundant, a ΔlipL mutant, unable to transfer the octanoyl group from GcvH to the E2s during lipoate synthesis, showed growth defects in minimal media even when supplemented with this cofactor, despite the presence of a functional LplJ. In this study we demonstrated that LipL is essential to modify E2 subunits of branched chain ketoacid and pyruvate DH during lipoate scavenging. LipL must be functional and it is not forming a complex with LplJ, which suggests that these enzymes might be acting sequentially. We also show that the E2 subunit of oxoglutarate DH is a good donor for LipL amidotransfer reaction. The essential role of LipL during lipoate utilization relies on the strict substrate specificity of LplJ, determined by charge complementarity between the ligase and the lipoylable subunits. LplJ does not recognize E2 subunits without a negatively charged residue in key positions of the target protein, and thus LipL is required to transfer the lipoate to them. This model of lipoate scavenging seems widespread among Gram-positive bacteria.
Value conflicts in academic teaching

Many professors will recognize the dilemma when having to choose between the values of professionalism and of collegiality. Everyone will endorse these two values as important in academic teaching, yet professors sometimes find them conflicting. The central research question of this manuscript is threefold: which value conflicts do academic teachers perceive in the Netherlands; what strategies are used to deal with these conflicts; and what value profiles do they have? The empirical study took place at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Data from Q-methodological and 32 semi-structured interviews were gathered and analysed to answer the research question. Thirty-five of the 41 dilemmas found fell within three categories: dilemmas in this particular case study of higher education occur mainly in the area of quality versus efficiency, quality versus equity and between equality and reasonableness. Mostly the old institutional professional values (quality of teaching, equality, and reasonableness) prevail among the academic teachers. Yet, in these times of cutbacks, the tensions between the professional and economic value systems are clearly prevalent in this Dutch case study. The most important coping strategy is hybridization. This indicates something important about the profession of academic teacher. Hybridization is a strategy often used when professionals cannot choose between two values because they value both too highly. For better or worse, the academic teachers (in this case) want to guard the quality of teaching against pressures from career demands (doing research and publish successfully) and from cutbacks and concomitant heavy teaching loads.
A Sugarcane Aphid “Super‐Clone” Predominates on Sorghum and Johnsongrass from Four US States

The sugarcane aphid [SCA, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner), Hemiptera: Aphididae], is the predominant pest of US-grown sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. A previous study found that a single clone was prevalent on samples collected from sorghum in seven states and one territory of the United States in 2015. We sought to determine if this clone was still prevalent on sorghum grown in 2016 and if this clone is also found on Johnsongrass [S. halepense (L.) Pers. ]. Forty-six SCA samples were collected from primarily sorghum and Johnsongrass from 10 cities in four states, and three aphid samples from different genera (Sipha, Rhopalosiphum, and Acyrthosiphon) were obtained. These aphid samples were genotyped with 43 SCA simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The predominant aphid clone found on sorghum in 2015 was again the predominant genotype in the 2016 SCA samples collected from sorghum. This same genotype was also found for the SCA samples collected from Johnsongrass in 2015 and 2016, although two samples differed at a single locus. Mixtures of this predominant genotype with three additional genotypes of SCAs were detected for three samples (excluding the control), indicating that multiple genotypes do exist in the United States but at low levels. This study provides evidence that a SCA “super-clone” has maintained its dominance on sorghum, and it is using the perennial Johnsongrass as an alternative host.
A Wesleyan work ethic? Entrepreneurship and Weber’s protestant work ethic in the case of Isaac Holden, c. 1807–1897

Abstract In recent years, business historians have started to become more interested in the relevance of Max Weber’s Protestant Work Ethic thesis. This article builds on this recent work by providing an in-depth case study of the career of the Wesleyan wool entrepreneur Isaac Holden (c. 1807–97) in order to assess and evaluate the usefulness of Weber’s work for our understanding of the ways in which religious beliefs can influence commercial decision-making. Ultimately, what it suggests is that, whilst Weber’s work offers a valuable starting point for business historians looking to explore the links between religion and business, there is a need for more consideration to be given not only to the theological differences that existed between different branches of Protestantism, but also the informal institutional pressures and constraints that influenced Protestant entrepreneurs in the past.
Rediscovery of Crocus biflorus var. estriatus (Iridaceae) and its taxonomic characterisation

The Italian endemic Crocusbiflorus usually shows white or lilac flowers with three-to-five striking violet longitudinal stripes on the outer tepals, but unstriped plants were recorded in the past. These plants were originally described as C.annulatussubvar. estriatus, and subsequently recombined as a variety of C.biflorus. The rediscovery of such plants in Toscana gave us the opportunity to clarify their systematic relationships, so that we typified the name, and performed karyological and ITS analyses. These plants share the same chromosome number (2n = 2x = 8) and ITS sequence with C.biflorus s. str.
Cadmium Toxicity in Female Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and Its Diminution with Silymarin

Received: Revised: Accepted: Published online: January 01, 2017 June 20, 2018 June 30, 2018 July 06, 2018 Present study was designed to investigate the toxico-pathological effects of cadmium in female Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and their attenuation by silymarin. A total of 120 quail chicks of four weeks of age were assigned into six groups and given basal feed, Cd1 (150 mg.kg feed), Cd2 (300 mg.kg feed) and SL (250 mg.kg feed) alone and in combinations for 60 days. Hematological parameters, serum biochemical profile, feed intake, bodyweights, relative organ weights, egg production and histopathological alterations in kidney and oviduct were noted. Our results showed dose dependent decrease in mean relative weight of oviduct but increase in liver, intestine, kidney and spleen in groups treated with Cd only. Feed intake was decreased in Cd groups compared with control and bodyweight of Cd treated groups was lower as compared with control and SL groups. The Hb and PCV values were low but higher values of blood urea, creatinine, and serum activity of AST and ALT were observed in Cd treated groups only. Reduced height of mucosal folds collapsed tubular glands, nuclear degenerative changes and infiltration of plasma cells in parenchymatous tissue of oviduct were observed in Cd treated groups only. Moreover, Cd exposure resulted into hemorrhage, casts in tubules, infiltration of mononuclear cells, tubular necrosis and fibrosis in kidneys. Egg production was also lower in Cd treated groups as compared with control group. It may be concluded that Cd has strong nephrotoxic and gonadotoxic effects and SL may effectively ameliorate these toxic effects completely at lower doses but partially at higher doses of Cd. ©2018 PVJ. All rights reserved
Leopard Panthera pardus density in southern Mozambique: evidence from spatially explicit capture–recapture in Xonghile Game Reserve

Abstract Rigorous status estimates of populations of large carnivores are necessary to inform their management and help evaluate the effectiveness of conservation interventions. The African leopard Panthera pardus faces rising anthropogenic pressures across most of its contracting sub-Saharan range, but the scarcity of reliable population estimates means that management decisions often have to rely on expert opinion rather than being based on sound evidence. This is particularly true for Mozambique, where little is known about the ecology or conservation status of leopard populations as a result of prolonged armed conflict. We used camera trapping and spatially explicit capture–recapture models to provide a leopard density estimate in Xonghile Game Reserve in southern Mozambique, which is part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier conservation initiative. The estimated population density was 2.60 ± SE 0.96 leopards/100 km2. Our study provides a baseline leopard density for the region and the first empirical density estimate for southern Mozambique. Our results also suggest that current methods used to set trophy hunting quotas for leopards, both in Mozambique and elsewhere in Africa, may be leading to unsustainable quotas, which highlights the importance of robust empirical data in guiding conservation policy.
Reasons for absenteeism in rural primary schools in two Colombian municipalities

Background: School absenteeism is a considerable problem generally related to higher dropout rates, poor academic achievement and school lag. This study determined the frequency and causes of overall and illness-related absenteeism of students in rural schools from two Colombian municipalities. Methods: A prospective and descriptive study was conducted in a population of 948 school children from 34 rural schools. Absenteeism data were collected for 2013 academic year consisted of the number of students registered and absent by grade, school, day and reason for absence. Absence rates (overall and illness-related absenteeism) were recorded, based on full or partial days absence, measured both as episodes, and accumulating the number of days. Results: From the students included in the study, 55.1% were male and 71.6% were between 5 and 9 years old. The overall absence rate was 5.7 episodes per child-year (95% confidence interval 5.5 to 5.8) and 8.6 days per child-year (8.4 to 8.9). The main reasons for non-attendance were illness (24.4%), medical or dental check-up (12.9%), travel (12.3%), lack of motivation to attend school (10.0%) and bad weather (9.3%). The illness-related absence rate was 1.4 episodes per child-year (95% confidence interval 1.3 to 1.5) and 2.5 days per child-year (2.4 to 2.6). The main reasons for illness-related absence were cold (37.0%), nonspecific fever (10.9%) and stomach pain or vomiting (8.4%). Conclusions: In this study, the most common reasons for non-attendance were illness-related. The importance of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in absenteeism was evident, showing rates similar to other urban school studies. Then, the results of this study provide knowledge on the magnitude and reasons for absenteeism in rural schoolchildren.
The effect of corporate social responsibility performance on financial performance: the case of food industry

The present study examines the impact of the different dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance on the financial performance of food companies. ,As proxies for the financial performance, two different indices are employed: a single index, namely, operating income and an aggregate financial index, namely, economic score. The CSR performance based on Thomson Reuter’s data stream methodology involves three distinct aspects of the CSR concept: environmental, social and governance for the time spanning 2012–2017. ,Findings based on estimated generalized least squares (EGLS) indicate that the higher level of environmental performance (as described by an aggregate environmental index), the publishing of a stand-alone sustainable report and the implementation of quality principles, such as Total Quality Management (TQM), Lean and Six Sigma positively affect the financial performance. ,The results provide useful implications to stakeholders, mainly to corporate managers and investors for uptaking initiatives aiming toward the eco-efficiency of the food company.