Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elevation-dependent response of vegetation dynamics to climate change in a cold mountainous region

Mountain regions are experiencing more pronounced climate change than other global land areas. How have vegetation dynamics responded to these changes and what are the implications for hydrology? To answer these questions, we examine the impacts of changes in mean air temperature (Tmean ), precipitation (P) and winter snow cover extent (SCE) in the headwaters of the Yellow River basin (HYRB) on two important vegetation dynamic metrics: (i) the maximum growing-season greenness (represented by the monthly maximum NDVI); and (ii) the beginning of growing season (BGS). Satellite-derived NDVI and SCE, along with observation-based gridded climate data, show that during the past 34 years (1982–2015) the HYRB experienced widespread vegetation greening, while no significant trend in BGS was observed. Spring greenness and phenology were significantly affected by SCE change, highlighting the importance of snow-related process to spring vegetation activity. We observed a clear signal of elevation-dependent warming below 4300 m elevation, which is absent at higher elevations. Changes in NDVI and BGS are elevation-dependent, and trends in Tmean, P, and SCE with elevation play different roles in this dependence. Both observed and estimated watershed annual evapotranspiration series show increasing trends, suggesting that vegetation greening imposes positive effects on evaporative fluxes. Given steady-state and non-stationary hydrological conditions, increasing evapotranspiration should result in runoff reduction, which agrees with catchment-scale runoff observations across the HYRB. These findings represent new knowledge regarding the vegetation response to climate change in alpine environments which has important implications for the hydrology of the region and for other high-water yielding mountainous regions worldwide.
Bioaccumulation of Trivalent Chromium in the Aquatic Macrophytes Typha domingensis L. and Pontederia parviflora Alexander

The phytoremediation employs the use of plants and is rapidly gaining interest due to effective and inexpensive cleanup of wastewater contaminated with metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides and chlorinated solvents. This study compares the performance of the Typha domingensis and Pontederia parviflora under similar conditions, in the absorption of trivalent chrome. The determination of the absorption capacity of the species was set in four tests of survival. The aquatic macrophytes were maintained in solution of 1.5L with concentration of trivalent chromium of 70mg.L. -1 for 72 hours. At the end of the experiment the concentration of chromium in T. domingensis was 85% and 60% in P. parviflora . The concentration of Cr in P. parviflora was high in shoots and high levels of Cr were found in roots of T. domingensis indicating that the plants have difficulties to translocate Cr from the roots to shoots. Thereby, our findings indicate P. parviflora for treatment of wastewater with high concentrations of chromium and T. domingensis has its use limited in this type of treatment.
Integrated single-nucleotide and structural variation signatures of DNA-repair deficient human cancers

Mutation signatures in cancer genomes reflect endogenous and exogenous mutational processes, offering insights into tumour etiology, features for prognostic and biologic stratification and vulnerabilities to be exploited therapeutically. We present a novel machine learning formalism for improved signature inference, based on multi-modal correlated topic models (MMCTM) which can at once infer signatures from both single nucleotide and structural variation counts derived from cancer genome sequencing data. We exemplify the utility of our approach on two hormone driven, DNA repair deficient cancers: breast and ovary (n=755 cases total). Our results illuminate a new age-associated structural variation signature in breast cancer, and an independently identified substructure within homologous recombination deficient (HRD) tumours in breast and ovarian cancer. Together, our study emphasizes the importance of integrating multiple mutation modes for signature discovery and patient stratification, with biological and clinical implications for DNA repair deficient cancers.
Protein engineering of haloalkane dehalogenase LinB:reconstruction of active site and modification of entrancetunnel

Haloalkane dehalogenase LinB is an enzyme isolated from lindan degrading bacterium Sphingobium japonicum UT26. LinBs 3D structure [1], catalytic properties and substrate specificity are known and well studied. Thanks to these facts LinB is great target for protein engineering experiments. Firts experiment, reconstruction of active site, was based on 68% sequence identity with ORF rv2579 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv genome. The homology model of protein Rv2579 was compared with the 3D structure of LinB. This analysis revealed that 6 out of 19 amino acid residues which form an active site and entrance tunnel are different in LinB and Rv2579. The 6 different amino acids were cumulatively mutated in LinB. Final six-fold mutant was presumed to have active site and entrance tunnel of Rv2579 and exhibited dehalogenase activity with the haloalkanes tested, confirming that Rv2579 is a member of the haloalkane dehalogenase family. Consequently the M. tuberculosis gene rv2579 was cloned into Escherichia coli. Heterogously produced Rv2579 shows hydrolytic dehalogenating activity, further confirming the conclusions based on the site-directed mutagenesis study. This comparison validated applicability of reconstruction of an active site of an enzyme with putative function in an enzyme with known function. Second experiment, modification of entrance tunnel, was based on following observations. Comparison of three known 3D structures of haloalkane dehalogenases suggested that substrate specificity of these protein family could be significantly influenced by the size and shape of its entrance tunnel. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that residue lokalized in the mouth of the entrance tunnel is the most variable pocket rezidue in haloalkane dehalogenase-like proteins with nine substitutions in 14 proteins. Mutant LinB proteins carrying all possible mutations in position 177 were purified to homogenity and specific activities with set of 12 halogenated substrates were determined. Multivariate statistics [2] of activity data revealed that catalytic activity of mutant enzymes generaly increased with the indroduction of small and nonpolar aminoacids. Rational engineering is power tool to develop mutant enzymes with modified enzymatic properties rather than combinatorial screening. References: 1. Marek, J., Vevodova, J., Kuta-Smatanova, I. , Nagata, Y. , Svensson, L.A. , Newman, J., Takagi, M. , Damborsky, J.: Crystal structure of the haloalkane dehalogenase from Sphingomonas paucimobilis UT26. Biochemistry, 2000. 39, 14082-14086. 2. Wold, S. , Esbensen, K. , Geladi, P.: Principal Component Analysis. Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems, 1987. 2, 37-52.
Population Structure of Acanthopagrus latus from the Northern Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman Based on Microsatellite Markers

Yellowfin seabream is reproduced both naturally and semi-artificially and is one of the most probable candidates for coastal aquaculture in Iran. Genetic structuring of wild Acanthopagrus latus populations from the Northern Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman was analyzed using microsatellite markers. Allelic diversity was estimated in 180 organisms (3 sample sites in the Persian Gulf and 3 in Gulf of Oman) in 8 microsatellite loci. Results showed a high level of polymorphism (HE=0.81, Ho=0.89), the number of alleles in polymorphic loci ranged from 9 to 14. High level of diversity between individuals but moderate diversity rate between populations was observed. AMOVA analysis showed low to medium but significant genetic differentiation between populations (p= 0.001) and significant genetic differentiation between Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf populations was detected. Results from this study differentiate four populations in the region: two in the Persian Gulf and two in Gulf of Oman. No evidence for recent population bottleneck was detected; however low allelic rate may relate to high fishing pressure on this species. This suggests that care should be taken for fisheries managers, for aquaculture and restocking programs.
Anti-oxidant and Selective Anti-proliferative Effects of the Total Cornicabra Olive Polyphenols on Human Gastric MKN45 Cells

Background According to the epidemiological studies, consuming olive products can decrease the incidence of the different types of cancers mostly due to the high anti-oxidant properties of their polyphenolic compounds. Objectives To evaluate the anti-oxidant and anti-proliferative potentials of the olive fruits total polyphenols on the gastric adenocarcinoma MKN45 cells in comparison to the normal Hu02 cells. Materials and Methods The total phenolic content of the olive fruits and radical scavenging activity were determined by Folin and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) tests respectively. MTT assay was performed for the evaluation of the cell viability. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured using DCFH-DA. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16 statistical software. Results Treatment of the MKN45 cells with the phenolic compounds extracted from olive fruits decreased growth and viability of the cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, treatment of the MKN45 cells with a combination of the phenolic compounds extracts and cytarabine further decreased cell compared to monotherapy of the cells with each compound alone. Mechanistically, we showed that the anti-cancer effects of the olive polyphenols in the MKN45 cells are mediated through depletion of ROS. Similarly, polyphenolic extracts were found to decrease ROS level in the normal cells at the concentrations of 500 and 1000 μg. mL-1 and short treatment times (6 h), but the viability of these cells did not significantly change. At high concentrations (2000 μg.mL-1) of the phenolic extracts or at longer times of incubation (12 h), however, both ROS levels and the viability of the cells were significantly decreased in the normal cells. Conclusions The olive fruits polyphenolic extract modulates ROS levels and selectively targets cancerous cells at low concentrations. Also, the effects of cytarabine could be potentiated by the olive fruits polyphenols. Thus, for a combined protocol of cancer cell therapy, olive fruit polyphenolic compound could be proposed as a proper candidate.
Experiences of practitioners implementing comprehensive student support in high-poverty schools

This US-based study examined the experiences of school counselors and social workers implementing a systems-oriented, programmatic student support practice model, City Connects, within high-need urban contexts. The City Connects model represents current best practices in student support, positioning school counselors and social workers primarily in the role of identifying students’ needs and strengths and making connections between students, families, teachers, and service providers. This stands in contrast to older models in which these professionals functioned primarily in a direct care role. The goal of the study was to understand practitioners’ experiences of efficacy, satisfaction, and engagement as well as the barriers to each of these within this best practice model. Acknowledging the documented challenges of working in high-need urban schools in the United States and the potential strains of systems-oriented practice, the study aimed to understand which aspects of their work enable practitioners to thrive, as well as which aspects do not. Qualitative analysis was used to examine written reflection data on the experiences of 35 practitioners implementing the model. Our analysis revealed six themes: (1) connecting/cultivating relationships (2) seeing impact, (3) having confidence in the effectiveness of the practice model, (4) having high levels of satisfaction with the practice, (5) managing role clarity, and (6) experiencing systemic barriers. Implications for practitioners, supervisors, clinician educators, and program designers are discussed.
Phase behaviour and magnetocaloric effect of poly(propylene imine) Iron(III) dendromesogen of the third generation

ABSTRACT The dendritic iron (III) complex of the third generation (3-K2.10-(FeCl3)9) has been synthesised by complex formation between metal salt and organic ligand and studied. The structural characterisation and mesomorphic properties of the synthesised dendritic complex were investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction measurements, polarising optical microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. It was shown that the given complex forms a columnar (Colh) mesophase with the transition to glass state upon cooling. The specific heat capacity of the complex was determined for the first time. The temperature dependencies of the specific heat capacity of the ligand and Fe(III) complex with the third-generation dendrimer show maxima that indicate a ‘crystal – mesophase’ transition. In order to determine the magnetocaloric effect, magnetisation experiments at fields from 0 to 1.0 T were performed from 263 to 358 К. The temperature dependence of the magnetocaloric effect is extreme. In the temperature range 340 – 350 К there is a sharp maximum indicating a magnetic phase transition. A correlation was found between the ‘crystal – mesophase’ transition and magnetic phase transition of the Fe(III) complex. The experimentally discovered fact of the existence of the liquid crystalline phase and the spin crossover in the same temperature region suggests the use of this compound in high-tech industries. Graphical abstract
Dwarfing Effects of Chlormequat Chloride and Uniconazole on Potted Baby Primrose

Baby primrose (Primula forbesii) is a newly cultivated and valuable ornamental plant with great market potential for both indoor and landscape use. As a container plant, baby primrose has long, weak flower stalks that can easily lodge, resulting in poor-quality plants, especially during transportation. To control plant height and subsequently prevent flower peduncle lodging, we investigated the effects of two plant growth regulators (PGRs), chlormequat chloride (CCC) at 0, 250, 500, or 750 ppm and uniconazole (UNI) at 25, 50, or 75 ppm on growth, development, and flowering of two cultivars of baby primrose, Fragrant Luolan and Red Star. Plant growth regulators at the proposed concentrations were applied twice throughout the experiment. Both PGRs significantly suppressed plant height in both cultivars, with a 16% to 27% reduction by CCC and 50% to 59% by UNI compared with untreated plants. Among CCC-treated groups, plants were shortest when CCC was applied at 500 ppm; plant height was suppressed more when treated with UNI. In both cultivars, UNI significantly suppressed the first, second, and third peduncle lengths. Furthermore, CCC affected peduncle length, but to a lesser extent than UNI. Plant growth regulator applications generally had little effect on flower characteristics of baby primrose. Neither PGRs influenced the inflorescence number and flower size; however, PGRs did increase the number of floral whorls and suppressed pedicel length of ‘Red Star’. New leaf growth was suppressed by both PGRs. In addition, peduncle cell length and width were both significantly suppressed by PGR applications. We concluded that two foliar applications of UNI at 25 ppm comprised the most effective method of controlling baby primrose plant height while maintaining desirable flower traits at a relatively low production cost. Results of this study provide guidance for techniques that can be used to effectively control the plant height of potted baby primrose for commercial greenhouse production.
Detection of Cytomegalovirus and Epstein Barr Virus in Placental Tissues of Aborted Women

Among many viral causes of miscarriage, maternal infections caused by Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus infections are important causes. The aim of this study was to detect the possible occurrence of Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus infections in placental tissues from patients with spontaneous abortion using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques. Immunohistochemistry technique and chromogenic in situ hybridization assay was used to detect placental infection with Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus in 40 women with spontaneous miscarriage and in 40 healthy delivery n Baghdad/Iraq. An equal detection rates of Epstein-Barr virus in placental tissues by either CISH or IHC were (22.5%), yet the validity results of Epstein-Barr virus VCA by IHC as compared to Epstein-Barr virus EBER by CISH have showed a sensitivity and specificity of 44.4% and 83.9%, respectively. The detection rates of Cytomegalovirus -DNA by CISH and Cytomegalovirus -protein by IHC were (30%), (37.5 %), respectively. The results of Cytomegalovirus -DNA -ISH as compared to this Cytomegalovirus IHC-protein had revealed a sensitivity and specificity of 41.7% and 64.3%, respectively. Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus are important causes of placental infections among miscarriage females in Baghdad, and Cytomegalovirus might be detected in placenta of normal delivery. Although CISH technique considered as the gold standard method for detecting of latent Epstein-Barr virus and /or Cytomegalovirus infection were IHC has showed a compatibility to that technique and might reach rates of high sensitivity and specificity similar to it.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Klebsiella Species from Various Clinical Samples at a Tertiary Care Hospital

The aim of the study was to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Klebsiella species from different clinical samples at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, India. Overall 189 samples out of 980 non repetitive clinical samples obtained from wound/pus, urine, sputum swab and blood by disc diffusion method and identified as Klebsiella and analysed. Out of total 189 Klebsiella isolates, 76 out of 155 K. pneumoniae (49%) were resistant and none out of 34 Klebsiella oxytoca (0%) showed resistance to cefotaxime and ceftazidime by disc diffusion method. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Klebsiella exhibited 100% resistance to Ampicillin. The present study highlights the need for the continued monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of important bacterial pathogens, so that rational antibiotic policies can be formulated.
When higher carrying capacities lead to faster propagation

This preprint has been reviewed and recommended by Peer Community In Ecology (https://dx.doi.org/10.24072/pci.ecology.100004). Finding general patterns in the expansion of natural populations is a major challenge in ecology and invasion biology. Classical spatio-temporal models predict that the carrying capacity (K) of the environment should have no influence on the speed (v) of an expanding population. We tested the generality of this statement with reaction-diffusion equations, stochastic individual-based models, and microcosms experiments with Trichogramma chilonis wasps. We investigated the dependence between K and v under different assumptions: null model (Fisher-KPP-like assumptions), strong Allee effects, and positive density-dependent dispersal. These approaches led to similar and complementary results. Strong Allee effects, positive density-dependent dispersal and demographic stochasticity in small populations lead to a positive dependence between K and v. A positive correlation between carrying capacity and propagation speed might be more frequent than previously expected, and be the rule when individuals at the edge of a population range are not able to fully drive the expansion.
Anthropometric measurements of foot length and shape in children 2 to 7 years of age

Background and purpose: A child’s foot changes shape and proportions during growth so that it adapts to function. The purpose of this article is to determine foot length in children aged 2-7 years as a fundamental unit for measuring the growth of the foot, with which it will be able to compare other anthropometric measures of the foot. Determination of the shape of the foot and interpretation of the growth curve of the foot in length are important for standardization of the foot.Materials and methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 2745 children, totalling 5490 feet. Of this, there were 1375 boys and 1370 girls. The population encompassed children aged 2 (1.50-2.49) to 7 (6.50-7.49) years and subjects were divided into 6 age groups. Foot length was measured by measuring tape, while shape was determined clinically.Results: There is no difference in length and shape between the left and right feet of boys and girls across all age and sex groups, and the most common shape was the Egyptian foot shape. The foot grows most rapidly between the 2nd and 3rd year. From the 3rd to 6th years, the foot grows by approximately 1cm yearly, while in girls between the 6th and 7th year the foot grows 5mm.Conclusions: Foot length is the basis for size comparison and determination of foot shape type. The results obtained demonstrate that the foot grows in length equally yearly and that there is no difference between the left and right feet.
THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE COMPANY MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Every year, in order to improve the modern economy, it is necessary to improve the company's activities for providing services, producing products and performing works. The main tasks facing companies are to improve the conditions of transportation of manufactured products, high efficiency of the service sector, and their quality. To achieve these goals, an important role is played by evaluating the company's financial performance. This will help to develop a strategic plan for the company's development and provide a full explanation of decisions and their implementation, as well as search for sources for improving the main indicators of financial and economic activity. Currently, in assessing the company's performance, it is necessary to conduct a policy of evaluating the results of its financial and economic activities, including monitoring the activities of partners and competitors. Assesses how much they guarantee the economic interests of the company and its partners, determining the state of business activity, reliability, competitiveness and business cooperation as an important part of the effective and sustainable functioning of the company's financial position. After conducting a financial analysis of the company's activities, you can see the most important aspects of its financial condition and in what direction you need to work. After conducting a financial analysis of the company's activities, work was carried out to determine the most powerful and key aspects of the company's financial condition. Using the results obtained, we have identified many effective ways to improve the financial condition of the company's operations. The main purpose of this analysis is to timely identify and eliminate deficiencies in financial performance, find ways to prevent and eliminate them, and find sources for improving the company's financial condition.