Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Matrix vesicles (MVs) induce cell-cell communication that facilitates calcification of recipient vascular smooth muscle cells

In patients with CKD and ESRD, the major risk factor for progression of arterial calcification is the presence of existing (baseline) calcification. We hypothesized that calcification of arteries is extended from calcified vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to adjacent normal cells by matrix vesicle (MV) induced cell-cell communication. MV isolated from VSMC from CKD rats were co-cultured with VSMC from normal littermates and endocytosis of the vesicles by recipient cells confirmed by confocal microscopy. The addition of cellular MV with characteristics of exosomes and low fetuin-A content enhanced the calcification of recipient VSMC. Further, only cellular derived MV induced an increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca]i), NOX-1 (NADPH oxidase) and the anti-oxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD-2) in recipient normal VSMC. The increase in [Ca]i was due to release from endoplasmic reticulum and partially attributed to the activation of both NOX and MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase; MEK1 and Erk1/2) signaling, as inhibiting both pathways blocked the increase in [Ca]i in recipient VSMC. In contrast, MV isolated from the media had no effect on [Ca]i, MEK1 signaling, and did not induce calcification; however media MV did increase ERK1/2 although not to the level of cellular MV, NOX-1 expression and acutely increased reactive oxygen species. Blockade of NOX activity further inhibited the cellular MV induced accelerated calcification of recipient VSMC, suggesting a potential therapeutic role of such inhibition. In conclusion, the addition of cellular derived MV from calcifying VSMC can accelerate calcification by inducing cell signaling changes and phenotypic alteration of recipient
Why Is Europe More Equal than the United States?

This article combines all available data to produce pretax and post-tax income inequality series in 26 European countries from 1980 to 2017. Our estimates are consistent with macroeconomic growth and comparable with US distributional national accounts. Inequality grew in nearly all European countries, but much less than in the US. Contrary to a widespread view, we demonstrate that Europe’s lower inequality levels cannot be explained by more equalizing tax and transfer systems. After accounting for indirect taxes and in-kind transfers, the US redistributes a greater share of national income to low-income groups than any European country. “Predistribution,” not “redistribution,” explains why Europe is less unequal than the United States. (JEL D31, E01, H23, H24, H50, I38)
Wumuite (KAl0.33W2.67O9) – a new mineral with an HTB-type structure from the Panzhihua–Xichang region in China

Abstract. Wumuite, ideally KAl0.33W2. 67O9 , is a new mineral species found in the Neoproterozoic Sinian light-weathered biotite–quartz monzonite in the southern part of the Panzhihua–Xichang region (Nanyang village: 26 ∘ 46 ′ 8.21 ′′ N, 101 ∘ 27 ′ 13.86 ′′ E), China. It is associated with quartz, orthoclase, albite, biotite, hornblende, kaolinite, ilmenite, goethite, hematite, zircon, zoisite, tourmaline, monazite-(Ce), allanite-(Ce), scheelite, tellurite, tewite, and an unidentified, potentially new mineral corresponding to WO3 . Wumuite occurs as light green hexagonal tabular crystals, is up to 0.3 mm in diameter, and has a vitreous to adamantine luster and a white streak; i.e., it is transparent. The mineral is brittle with good cleavage parallel to { 10 1 ¯ 0 } and {0001} . It has a Mohs hardness of about 5–6 and a calculated density of 6.52 g cm−3 . Electron microprobe analyses yielded the following (in wt % – average of 10 spot analyses of one sample): K2O 5.55, WO3 91.16, TeO2 0.59, and Al2O3 2.52, with a total of 99.82. The empirical formula for wumuite calculated on the basis of Oapfu=9 is K0.80(W2.68Al0.34Te0.03)∑3.05O9 , ideally K(W2.67Al0.33)∑3O9 or KAl0.33W2. 67O9 . The strongest four diffraction lines [ d A ( I ) (hkl)] are 6.261(36)(010), 3.727(30)(001), 3.161(100)(020), and 2.413(40)(021). Wumuite is hexagonal, in space group P 6/mmm, with a=7.2952(5) A, c=3.7711(3) A, V=173.81(2) A 3 , and Z=1 . The crystal structure was solved and refined to a reliability factor of R1 [ F 2 > 4 σ ( F 2 ) ] = 0.025 (wR 2=0.072 ) based on 164 unique reflections (777 measured reflections, R(int)=0.011 ). Wumuite has a hexagonal tungsten bronze (HTB)-type structure. The layers of corner-sharing [(W,Al)O]6 octahedra, with the layers oriented normal to the short (3.7713 A) c repeat and along with the W–O–W links, connect to form a hexagonal ring channel (tunnel). K is distributed in the hexagonal channel. An associated new mineral, tewite, which was discovered in the same area, also has a new tungsten bronze (TB)-type-related structure and has a genetic connection with wumuite in both back-scattered electron (BSE) images and synthetic experiments. The formation of wumuite is likely related to the nearby quartz-vein-type Au mineralization. The mineral was formed by a metasomatic reaction between W-rich hydrothermal fluids and the potassium feldspar in the monzonite.
INFLUENCE OF AMYLOSE STARCH ON DEVELOPMENT AND LIFESPAN OF FRUIT FLY DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Last years, the concept of r esistant s tarch (RS) has evoked a new interest in researchers in the context of bioavailability of starch and its use as a source of dietary fiber. Based on clinical and animal research, RS has been proposed to be the most potentially beneficial starch fraction for human health. In this study, the effects of amylose starch as a fraction of RS on development and lifespan of fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster were investigated. In both Canton S and w 1118 strains, the diet with 20% amylose RS delayed fly development, increased triacylglyceride level in the body of adult insects and reduced their lifespan compared to the diet with 4% amylose starch. Thus, our data clearly demonstrate that amylose starch at high concentrations may negatively affect fruit fly.
Population dynamic of Diclidophlebia irvingiae, Burckhardt et al. (Hemiptera: Psylloidea), psyllid pest of Irvingia gabonensis Baill (Irvingiaceae, Rutales) in Bamenda, North-West region of Cameroon

Diclidophlebia irvingiae is a sap-sucking insect of Irvingia gabonensis inducing important damage to its host plant which has medicinal and nutritional importance in Africa particularly in Cameroon. The aim of the survey was to study numerical variation of the pest during the year and impact of biotic and abiotic factors on numerical variation. The study was carried in Bamenda from March 2018 to March 2019 where larvae and adults of D. irvingiae were collected monthly. The study permitted us to record 3290 individuals 1341 males, 1396 females and 553 larvae. Population fluctuation of the pest during the year showed five periods of individual outbreak corresponding to the generation number of the pest. As most tropical and sub-tropical psyllid species D. irvingiae is a multivoltine species with five annual generations. The outbreak periods depend principally on the phenology of host plant. The statistical test showed that the numerical individual variation of D. irvingiae is not directly related to climatic factors because they do not show significant probability.Keywords: Impact, Biotic, Abiotic, Factors, Insect, Faunistic.
Weed Control in Pinto Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) with Imazethapyr Combinations

Imazethapyr, alone and in combination with other herbicides, was applied PPI, PRE, and POST to pinto beans to determine weed control and selectivity to the crop. All of the herbicides improved pinto bean yield as compared with the unweeded control. Imazethapyr applied PPI and POST provided excellent control of black nightshade, kochia, Russian thistle, prostrate pigweed, and redroot pigweed. Barnyardgrass control with imazethapyr ranged from 58 to 96% and increased to 98% or greater when imazethapyr was combined with metolachlor, pendimethalin, trifluralin, or EPTC. Pinto bean yield was not reduced from any herbicide treatment compared to the handweeded control.
An updated survey on distance-based domination parameters in graphs

A subset D of a graph G = (V,E) is said to be a dominating set if every vertex not in D is adjacent to at least one vertex in D . The minimum cardinality of a dominating set of G is the domination number γ(G) of G . A set D ⊆ V (G) is a distance k -dominating set of G , if for every v ∈ V \D there exists u ∈ D such that d(u, v) ≤ k . The distance k -domination number γ≤k(G) is the minimum cardinality of a distance k -dominating set of G . In this survey, we present recent results on distance based dominating sets of graphs.
Risk factors of postoperative recurrence and potential candidate of adjuvant radiotherapy in lung adenosquamous carcinoma

Background Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) is a rare and aggressive histologic subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Little is known about the prognostic significance of routine immunohistochemical (IHC) markers and clinical value of adjuvant radiotherapy in completely resected lung ASC. Methods Consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed lung ASC receiving curative resection from January 2007 to December 2017 at our center were retrospectively reviewed. The prognostic significance of 14 routine IHC markers and potential candidate of adjuvant radiotherapy were investigated. Results With a median follow up of 35 (range, 3.0–138) months, 95 out of the 176 enrolled patients had disease recurrence. The 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative rate of recurrence was 25.8%, 55.8% and 63.1%, respectively. Using the Cox proportional hazard regression model, T stage, N stage, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), expression of CEA, expression of p53, but not EGFR mutations or expression of the other 12 IHC markers (CK20, CK5/6, PE10, ERCC1, Napsin A, RRM1, Ki67, CK7, P63, EGFR, HER2, TTF1), were significantly associated with postoperative recurrence. N stage, expression of CEA and LVI were identified as independent prognosticators of overall recurrence. Using competing risk methodology and distant recurrence chosen as a competing risk, T stage and N stage were identified as significant risk factors of loco-regional recurrence. Moreover, adjuvant radiotherapy significantly improved disease-free survival (DFS) (P=0.002) and was associated with non-significant longer overall survival (OS) (P=0.078) among 95 patients with either pathological T3–4 or N+ disease (collectively defined as pT3–4/N+ disease). Conclusions This study provides the proof of concept for using routine IHC markers, along with common clinic-pathological parameters, in predicting postoperative recurrence and identifying potential candidate for adjuvant radiotherapy in completely resected lung ASC.
Association studies for yield components in mustard (Brassica juncea and Brassica rapa) in Gangetic alluvium zone of West Bengal

The present field experiment was conducted at Teaching Farm, Mondouri of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya for two consecutive years during rabi 2016-17 and rabi 2017-18 to study the correlation and path analysis among 15 genotypes of Brassica juncea and 7 genotypes of Brassica rapa for yield and yield attributing traits grown under randomized block design with three replications. The statistical analysis was done using Windostat ® ver. 8.5 software. The genotypic correlations were observed higher value than the corresponding phenotypic correlations in both B. juncea & B. rapa over the years. The number of siliqua per plant, number of seeds per siliqua and 1000 seed weight were important yield contributing characters for both Brassica species. The plant height, 1000 seed weight, number of primary branches and number of siliqua per plant were the most pronounced characters which have a direct contribution on yield in both Brassica juncea and Brassica rapa.
Study on Two-Phase Fluid-Solid Coupling Characteristics in Saturated Zone of Subgrade Considering the Effects of Fine Particles Migration

The fluid seepage in saturated zone of subgrade promotes the migration of fine particles in the filler, resulting in the change of pore structure and morphology of the filler and the deformation of solid skeleton, which affects the fluid seepage characteristics. Repeatedly, the muddy interlayer, mud pumping, and other diseases are finally formed. Based on the theory of two-phase seepage, the theory of porous media seepage, and the principle of effective stress in porous media, a two-phase fluid-solid coupling mathematical model in saturated zone of subgrade considering the effects of fine particles migration is established. The mathematical model is numerically calculated with the software COMSOL Multiphysics®. The two-phase seepage characteristics and the deformation characteristics of the solid skeleton in saturated zone of the subgrade are studied. The research results show that the volume fraction of fine particles first increases then decreases and finally becomes stable with the increase of time, due to the continuous erosion and migration of fine particles in saturated zone of the subgrade. The volume fraction of fine particles for the upper part of the subgrade is larger than that for the lower part of the subgrade. The porosity, the velocity of fluid, the velocity of fine particles, and the permeability show a trend of increasing first and then stabilizing with time; the pore water pressure has no significant changes with time. The vertical displacement increases first and then decreases slightly with the increase of time, and finally tends to be stable. For the filler with a larger initial volume fraction of fine particles, the maximum value of the volume fraction of fine particles caused by fluid seepage is larger, and the time required to reach the maximum value is shorter. It can be concluded that the volume fraction of fine particles in the subgrade filler should be minimized on the premise that the filler gradation meets the requirements of the specification in actual engineering.
Correlation and path analysis in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

The present investigation was carried out to estimate phenotypic and genotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis were studied for various yield and its component characters in 21 different genotypes of pea during Rabi 2017-18 at Instructional-Cum-Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture Latur, Vasantrao Nike Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (M.S.). Correlation studies revealed that green pod yield per plant was positively and significantly associated with number of seeds per green pod and pod length. Path coefficient analysis revealed that traits like number of primary branches per plant, 50% flowering, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of seeds per pod and were recorded positive direct effect on green pod yield per plant. Therefore yield can be improved in pea by improving these traits.
Management for sustainability

In this, the fourth issue, we have the usual mix of reviews, essays and original research papers. Several articles address the complex issue of management for sustainability; what does this mean and how, for example, can we make use of forests without adversely affecting their biological processes and diversity? Another thought-provoking review considers the potential impacts of climate change and implications for conservation policy and planning. The research papers include one on rainforest expansion and another on the use of rainforest fragments by fauna; each of these is relevant to the management of tropical rainforests in north Queensland.
Chemical reactivity of thermal treated naturally occurring amphibole asbestos

This study investigates the modification of the morphological and chemical-structural features of two amphibole asbestos, tremolite and crocidolite, occurring during thermal inertization. Amphiboles were heated at several temperatures that promoted iron oxidation, migration and/or clustering, and the formation of new crystalline and amorphous phases. The fibrous aspect of asbestos was preserved on recrystallization minerals and nanoparticles and amorphous phases were detected after treatment. The effects of the thermal modifications on the toxicologically relevant asbestos reactivity were evaluated by quantifying oxygenand carbon-centred radical yields. Thermal treatments did not significantly alter carbon-centred radical yield, but they affected that of oxygen-centred radicals, namely •OH. At high-temperatures, structural breakdown of tremolite reduced the reactivity by sinking part of the reactive iron ions into the more stable TO4 tetrahedra of the newly formed pyroxene(s). The breakdown of crocidolite induced the formation of Fe-rich phases, cristobalite and amorphous material that account for the restoration of radical reactivity. Our finding suggests that thermally inactivated asbestos and its breakdown products may still share some toxicologically relevant properties with pristine fibre and that asbestos inertization studies should consider other parameters, such as morphology and surface reactivity, beyond crystallinity when proving that a thermal treated asbestoscontaining material is safe.
Climate Change in Sikkim: a SyntheSiS

Climate change is having a significant impact on biodiversity, natural resources and society in the Himalayas. Here we synthesize the work of 22 papers on climate change issues in the Sikkim Himalayas, and propose a framework for future research and action for adaptation and mitigation. The first section of the paper delineates the status of current data on changes in temperature, precipitation, snow cover and glacier volume. The second section summarizes efforts of documenting local community experiences, observations and traditional ecological knowledge developed over decades. These papers demonstrate that such knowledge can add considerably to scientific data. The third section deals with papers measuring impacts of climate change on water, biodiversity, agriculture and livestock. These employ approaches ranging from modeling based on remotely sensed data to ground-based observations. These papers again demonstrate the urgent need for systematic information on current effects of climate change on nature as well as on society. The fourth section assesses the various approaches to vulnerability assessments. Existing strategies to cope with the negative impacts of climate change are summarized in the next section. In the final section, we urge the establishment of a state-level inter-departmental authority, with representation from government departments, academia, and civil society, to develop and implement a state-wide framework for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Sikkim. This framework should include: monitoring of climate change and its impacts; development of systematic scenarios and improved modeling; vulnerability assessments; and the design and evaluation of interventions for adaptation and mitigation. keywordS: Himalayas, Climate Change, Framework
Effect of cow urine application at varying fertility and zinc levels on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under irrigated condition of Varanasi

The field experiment was carried out in two consecutive years of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (U.P.) to assess the effect of cow urine application at varying fertility and zinc levels on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under irrigated condition of Varanasi. Results showed that application of the fertilizer at 100% RDF (F1) recorded significantly higher growth parameters viz. plant height, number of tiller m row length; yield attributes viz. number of effective tiller m, spike length, grains spike and test weight as well as grain and straw yield than 75% RDF (F2) during both the years. Among the zinc levels, zinc applied at 10 kg ha though remained comparable to 5 kg Zn ha, recorded significantly higher values of these parameters over control. Cow urine @ 12000 l ha equally distributed at sowing, CRI and spike emergence stages (U2) gave higher values of plant height, number of tiller m row length, spike length, number of grain spike and grain and straw yield which being at par with U1 (8000 l cow urine ha equally distributed at sowing and CRI), both recorded significantly higher values than control. However, with respect to effective tillers m, significant increase was noticed with each increment of cow urine level, recording maximum at 12000 l cow urine ha during both the years.
The impact of morbid obesity on survival of endometrial cancer

Objective: Morbid obesity is identified as patients with a body mass index more than 40 kg/m2. Obesity is known as a risk factor for endometrial cancer due to the increase of the deposited estrogen. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of morbid obesity on the survival of endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: The archival records and pathologic reports of patients with endometrial cancer who underwent surgery and were followed up in Çukurova University Gynecologic Oncology Center between January 1996 and December 2018 were reviewed, retrospectively. Data regarding body mass index and survival was reported in 520 patients. These patients were stratified into two groups according to their body mass index, <40 and ≥40 kg/m2. The groups’ clinic, pathologic features, and survival rates were compared. Results: There were 146 patients in the morbidly obese group and 374 patients in the obese group. The mean age of the groups was 58.5 and 56.2 years, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 51.6 months. Comorbidities were significantly higher in the morbidly obese group. The five-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 78.3% and 85.3% in the morbidly obese group, and 81.6% and 90.1% in the obese group, respectively. Although the groups’ clinical and pathologic features were homogeneously distributed, disease-free and overall survival rates were significantly different (p=0.053 and p=0.054, respectively). Conclusion: Morbidly obese patients with endometrial cancer were associated with 2.7-fold increased risk of death and 1.7-fold increased risk of recurrence compared with those who had body mass index <40 kg/m2. It is important to deal with the frequent comorbidities in this special group, which could be simply altered by lifestyle changes. Morbidly obese patients with endometrial cancer should be encouraged in lifestyle changes and consulted by dieticians and endocrinologists.
Body weight and gain in weight of caged broilers as influenced by different lighting sources

The present experiment was conducted on 36 day old broiler up to four weeks of age to investigate “Body weight and gain in weight of caged broilers as influenced by different lighting sources” 36 day old Broiler chicks were randomly divided in to four groups with three sub groups of 3 chicks in each. Control (first) group received 100 watt incandescent bulb. Chicks in, second, third and fourth received 10 watt LED 60 watt incandescent bulb, 15 watt CFL 60 watt incandescent bulb and 5 watt CFL 100 watt incandescent bulb, respectively. Present result revealed that there was non-significant effect of different lighting sources on mean body weight and mean average gain in weight on performance of broilers was observed.