Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ROLE OF MICRONUTRIENTS IN CROP PRODUCTION AND HUMAN HEALTH 2567 Diagnosis of micronutrients

The soils in Pakistan across 22 Mha cultivated area are predominantly alluvial and loessal, alkaline in pH, calcareous and low in organic matter. These factors are mainly responsible for nutrient fixation in soil and low availability to plants. Zinc (Zn) deficiency in Pakistan was the first micronutrient disorder recognised in early 1970s as a cause of hadda disease in rice. After identification of Zn deficiency, extensive research has been carried out during last four decades on micronutrient deficiencies in soils and their drastic effects on crops. Subsequently, field-scale deficiencies of zinc (Zn) boron (B) and iron (Fe) have been established in many field and horticultural crops. The most widespread deficiency is of Zn as 70 % of the soils of Pakistan are Zn deficient and observed in rice, wheat, cotton, maize, sunflower, sugarcane, brassica, potato and in many other crops along with citrus and deciduous fruits. Boron deficiency is another major nutritional disorder which severely affects rice, cotton, wheat, sugarbeet, peanut, citrus and deciduous fruits. The third field-scale disorder is Fe chlorosis which has been exhibited in peanut, chickpea, cotton, citrus, ornamentals and many tree species. Copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) deficiencies are of localized occurrence. The mineral elements like Zn, Fe and Cu are as crucial for human health as organic compounds such as carbohydrates, fats, protein and vitamins. The daily dietary intake of young adult ranges from 10-60 mg for Fe, 2-3 mg for Cu and 15 mg for Zn. Intake less than these values can cause slow physiological processes. These micronutrients deficiencies in soil are not only hampering the crop productivity but also are deteriorating produce quality. High consumption of cereal based foods with low contents of micronutrients is causing health hazards in humans. The contents of micronutrients in food can be elevated either by supplementation, fortification or by agricultural strategies i.e., biofortification and application of micronutrients containing fertilizers. Food fortification and supplementation are too expensive, not practical to be applied on large scale and not easily accessible to poor masses. The development of micronutrient efficient genotypes can be a successive tool to overcome the micronutrient disorders in soil and for improvement in human health. However, the harvesting of micronutrient enriched grains from field would mine out more micronutrients. The cultivation of these genotypes can be integrated with the application of micronutrients containing fertilizers. Addition of such fertilizers will not only correct the deficiencies but also improve the fruit size and quality of crops. In general, 2-5 kg Zn ha may be adequate for improved crop production, however, soil applied Fe is generally ineffective except for Fe-sequestrine. Repeated sprays of Ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) or chelated Fe cure the chlorosis and improve the quality of food stuff. However, despite being highly cost effective, currently micronutrient use is negligible.
Cooperation between Rho-GEF Gef2 and its binding partner Nod1 in the regulation of fission yeast cytokinesis

Previous results showed that putative Rho-GEF Gef2 regulates division-site positioning during early cytokinesis in fission yeast. Here Nod1 is identified as a binding partner of Gef2. The two proteins form a complex to regulate division-site positioning and contractile-ring maintenance. In addition, Gef2 binds to GTPases Rho1, Rho4, and Rho5 in vitro.
Microwave-assisted extraction, HPLC analysis, and inhibitory effects on carbonic anhydrase I, II, VA, and VII isoforms of 14 blueberry Italian cultivars

Abstract The multi-component fingerprint and the biological evaluation of plant-derived material are indispensable for the pharmaceutical field, in food quality control procedures, and in all plant-based products. We investigated the quantitative content of biologically active compounds (anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid) of microwave-assisted blueberry extracts from 14 different Italian cultivars, using validated high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) method and routinely instrument configuration. The carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibition profiles against several pharmacologically relevant CA isoforms of blueberry extracts and some bioactive compounds were also investigated. The various cultivars showed a highly variable content in anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid, and their CA inhibitory effects were also highly variable. Overall these data prove that antioxidant natural products found in blueberries may be useful for designing pharmacological agents in which various CAs are involved, e.g., antiobesity, antitumor, or anticonvulsants agents.
A multi-agent system architecture for mobile robot navigation based on fuzzy and visual behaviour

A multi-agent system based on behaviour for controlling the navigation task of a mobile robot in office-like environments is presented. The set of agents is structured into a three-layer hybrid architecture. A high level of abstraction plan is created using a topological map of the environment in the Deliberative layer. It is composed by the sequence of rooms and corridors to traverse and doors to cross in order to reach a desired room. The Execution and Monitoring layer translates the plan into a sequence of available skills in order to achieve the desired goal and monitors the execution of the plan. In the Control layer there is a set of agents that implements fuzzy and visual behaviours that run concurrently to guide the robot. Fuzzy behavior manages the vagueness and uncertainty of the range sensor information allowing to navigate safely in the environment. Visual behavior locates a required door to cross and fixate it, indicating the appropriate direction to reach it. Artificial landmarks are placed beside the doors to show its position. The system has been implemented in a Nomad 200 mobile robot and has been validated in numerous experiments in a real office-like environment.
Why Model Complex Dynamic Systems Using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps

Today’s systems have become more and more complex and dynamic. The concept of complex dynamic systems (CDS) arises in many scientific fields, technological areas and everyday’s problems. The fundamental basics of complex dynamic systems are briefly presented and discussed. Modelling and controlling complex dynamic systems is a very difficult and challenging task. Different modelling approaches basically focus on the interaction between (microscopic) subsystems and the emergence of new qualities at the (macroscopic) system level. However, these models are not sufficient to describe the dynamic behavior of these systems. The need for new advanced and innovative approaches is justified. Theories of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps are proposed and mathematically formulated as a new way to model and control complex dynamic systems. Examples for modelling CDS are given and the obtained results are promising in provided a useful solution to many problems of CDS. Certain drawbacks and inefficiencies of FCM are described and certain solutions to overcome these drawbacks are given. Conclusions are given and future research directions are provided.
Equal loudness contours derived from sensory magnitude judgments.

Magnitude estimates were obtained for the loudness of 77 pure tones varying in frequency (11 values) and intensity (seven values) when (1) all 77 tones were presented intermixed within a session, and (2) all tones of one frequency were presented before presenting tones of another frequency. A power function described the growth of loudness for each frequency for both conditions 1 and 2, and the exponent of the power function varied with frequency. Equal loudness contours were derived from the power functions of Condition 1 and were compared to those obtained from other experiments using different procedures.
Mouse granulated metrial gland cells require contact with stromal cells to maintain viability

Granulated metrial gland (GMG) cells differentiate in the uterine wall in pregnancy in mice but the mechanisms which control their differentiation and maintenance are unknown. In vivo, GMG cells share an intimate association with fibroblast‐like stromal cells. The importance of this association has been assessed by examining the effects of withdrawal of stromal cell contact on GMG cell maintenance in vitro. When single cell suspensions of cells were prepared from mouse metrial glands there was a steady decline in numbers with days of culture but usually some remained at 7 d of culture. The ability of metrial gland cells to kill Wehi 164 target cells in 51Cr‐release cytotoxicity assays was retained by cells cultured for at least 3 d. When explants of metrial gland were maintained in culture to allow GMG cell migration onto the culture flask, the attached GMG cells were lost by 1 d later. Overall, these results suggest that a juxtacrine regulatory mechanism maintains GMG cells. The rapid loss of unsupported GMG cells in culture has major implications in the design of assays to examine GMG cell function.
Common voltage eliminating of SVM diode clamping three-level inverter connected to grid

A novel method of common voltage eliminating is put forward for SVM diode clamping three-level inverter connected to grid by calculation of common voltage of its various switching states. PLECS is used to model this three-level inverter connected to grid and good results are obtained. First analysis of common mode voltage for switching states of diode clamping 3-level inverter is given in detail. Second the common mode voltage eliminating control strategy of SVM is described for diode clamping three-level inverter. Third, PLECS is briefly introduced. Fourth, the modeling of diode clamping three-level inverter is presented with PLECS. Finally, a series of simulations are carried out. The simulation results tell us PLECS is a very powerful tool to real power circuits modeling. They have also verified that proposed common mode voltage eliminating control strategy of SVM is feasible to control the diode clamping three-level inverter. But further research has to be done to get rid of the common mode voltage completely by controlling the voltages of two capacitors at the input terminal.
Gender and Age Classification Based on Pattern of Human Motion Using Choquet Integral Agent Networks

Automated human identification from their walking behavior is a challenge attracting much interest among machine vision researchers. However, the systems which are able to detect pedestrian attributes based on their walking behavior remain to be developed. Here, a soft computing approach to determine walking behavior based on motion imagery is studied as the basis for developing pedestrian safety information systems. Gender and age are classified based on motion pattern derived in experiments. At the front end, image and video processing was performed to separate foreground from background images. The widths of silhouette were analyzed using two-dimensional (2D) Fourier transformation to extract human motion features. Feature sub-sets were then selected to find salient, effective classification features. Finally, Choquet integral agent networks (CHIAN) with a competitive learning algorithm were employed to classify gender and age into its classes. The experimental results demonstrated capability of the proposed system to classify gender and age in highly accurately.
Immune Complex-induced Integrin Activation and L-plastin Phosphorylation Require Protein Kinase A*

Integrins in resting leukocytes are poorly adhesive, and cell activation is required to induce integrin-mediated adhesion. We recently demonstrated a close correlation between phosphorylation of Ser5 in L-plastin (LPL), a leukocyte-specific 67-kDa actin bundling protein, and activation of αMβ2-mediated adhesion in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) (Jones, S. L., Wang, J., Turck, C. W., and Brown, E. J. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.95, 9331–9336). However, the kinase that phosphorylates LPL Ser5 has not been identified. We found that cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), but not a variety of other serine kinases, can specifically phosphorylate LPL and LPL-derived peptides on Ser5 in vitro. The cell-permeable cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP and the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin both induce LPL phosphorylation in cells. Two PKA inhibitors, H89 and KT5720, inhibited immune complex (IC)-stimulated LPL phosphorylation as well as IC-induced activation of αMβ2-mediated adhesion in PMN. The dose response of H89 inhibition of PMN adhesion correlated with its inhibition of LPL phosphorylation in response to IC. IC stimulation also transiently increased intracellular cAMP concentration in PMN. Thus, PKA functions in an integrin activation pathway initiated by IC binding to Fcγ receptors in addition to its better known role as a negative regulator of cell activation by G protein-coupled receptors. In contrast, LPL Ser5 phosphorylation and PMN adhesion induced by formylmethionyl-leucylphenylalanine or phorbol myristate acetate were not affected by PKA inhibitors, suggesting that a different kinase(s) is responsible for LPL phosphorylation in response to these agonists. Phosphoinositidyl 3-kinase also is required for FcγR but not formylmethionyl-leucylphenylalanine- or phorbol myristate acetate-induced LPL phosphorylation and activation of αMβ2. Two phosphoinositidyl 3-kinase inhibitors blocked FcγR-induced cAMP accumulation, demonstrating that this kinase acts upstream of PKA. These data demonstrate a necessary role for PKA in IC-induced integrin activation and LPL phosphorylation.
Hydroxyurea therapy associated with declining serum levels of magnesium in children with sickle cell anemia.

OBJECTIVE To obtain quantitative serum levels of total and ionized magnesium (Mg(2+)) in children with homozygous sickle cell anemia (SCA) undergoing therapy with hydroxyurea. STUDY DESIGN Five children, ages 11 to 14 years with homozygous SCA, were enrolled in a dose-escalating trial of hydroxyurea over an 18-month period. Serum levels of total and ionized magnesium together with ionized K(+), Na(+), and Ca(2+) were measured before hydroxyurea and every 6 months during hydroxyurea therapy. RESULTS Before treatment, 4 of the 5 patients had low or below-normal serum concentrations of Mg(2+) (normal range, 0.51-0.67 mmol/L). All 5 became Mg(2+)-deficient during hydroxyurea therapy, with no indication of recovery until after 12 to 18 months of drug administration (P <.05). Similar changes were noted for total magnesium concentrations. Mean serum levels of K(+), Na(+), and Ca(2+) remained consistently within normal ranges. CONCLUSIONS These findings warrant a controlled study of the effects of magnesium supplementation in patients with SCA receiving hydroxyurea. Potentially, such therapy could alleviate or prevent vaso-occlusive crises.
Fluorescence Spectroscopy Enhancement on Photonic Nanoantennas

This document briefly introduces the key concepts to understand the phenomenon of fluorescence enhancement with optical nanostructures. The equations remain simple, with the major goal to illustrate the different physical effects at play. It also provides an overview of different recent approaches to enhance single molecule fluorescence with plasmonic and non-plasmonic nanoantennas, and describes three main biochemical applications.
Ascorbic acid increases the yield of dopaminergic neurons derived from basic fibroblast growth factor expanded mesencephalic precursors

CNS precursors derived from E12 rat mesencephalon proliferate in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor and differentiate in vitro into functional dopaminergic neurons, which upon transplantation alleviate behavioral symptoms in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Here we show that the efficiency of dopaminergic differentiation decreases in the mesencephalic precursors that were proliferated or passaged for extended periods in vitro. Ascorbic acid treatment restored dopaminergic differentiation in these precursors and led to a greater than 10‐fold increase in dopamine neuron yield compared with untreated cultures. The effect of ascorbic acid was stereospecific and could not be mimicked by any other antioxidants. The expression of sodium‐dependent vitamin C transporter, a recently identified stereospecific ascorbic acid transporter, was maintained in mesencephalic precursors for extended in vitro periods. Pre‐treatment of in vitro expanded mesencephalic precursors with ascorbic acid might facilitate the large‐scale generation of dopaminergic neurons for clinical transplantation.
A Trial of Simple versus Intensified Dietary Modification for Prevention of Progression to Diabetes Mellitus in Women with Impaired Glucose Tolerance

Summary: Women with impaired glucose tolerance are at high risk of developing noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The Mercy Hospital for Women has a long‐term follow‐up programme for women with gestational diabetes, which identifies many women with impaired glucose tolerance. Two hundred of these women were entered into a randomized controlled trial of intensive versus routine dietary advice. Seven women were lost to follow‐up. The annual incidence rates of diabetes mellitus for the 2 groups were 6.1% (intervention) and 7.3% (control), an incident rate ratio of 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.47–1.48, p = 0.50. Overall, there was a return to normal glucose tolerance in 44% of patients. Multivariate analysis showed that body mass index, fasting and 2‐hour plasma glucose levels at trial entry were significantly associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus. Impaired glucose tolerance is an important condition that should be treated with advice about lifestyle modification (diet and/or exercise). We consider that future trials in the management of women with previous gestational diabetes who have impaired glucose tolerance should investigate the effect of pharmacological intervention in addition to diet and/or exercise, the latter providing a therapy that it would be unethical to exclude on the evidence presently available.
Solid lipid nanoparticle: an efficient carrier for improved ocular permeation of voriconazole

Abstract This research focuses on the fabrication and evaluation of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for improved ocular delivery of voriconazole (VCZ). Compritol and palmitic acid were selected as lipid carriers based on drug solubility and partitioning behavior. Poloxamer and soya lecithin were the choice for surfactant, while sodium taurocholate was used as a co-surfactant. The particle sizes of the SLNs determined by zetasizer and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were found within the desired range. The in vitro release study of SLNs exhibited a sustained-release property of the drug. The ex vivo studies displayed enhanced corneal drug permeation from SLNs in comparison to the drug suspension. Further, the corneal hydration studies, histopathology and Hen's Egg Test Chorio Allantoic Membrane (HETCAM) assay confirmed the non-irritancy of the nano-formulation. The in vivo study confirmed the higher availability of VCZ (from SLN) in aqueous humor with minimal nasolacrymal drainage in contrast to the drug suspension. A good in-vitro in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) further confirmed the potential of SLN as an effective carrier for ocular delivery.
HBc binds to the CpG islands of HBV cccDNA and promotes an epigenetic permissive state

HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is the template for the transcription of HBV. HBV core protein (HBc) is a main component of the HBV cccDNA minichromosome. However, the function of HBc in cccDNA is not fully understood. In light of recent findings that HBV cccDNA may be regulated epigenetically, we analyzed the binding of HBc to cccDNA and the impact of HBc on cccDNA epigenetic profile in the liver biopsy samples of 22 patients with chronic Hepatitis B (CHB). We found that HBc binding to HBV cccDNA occurred preferentially at CpG island 2, an important region for the regulation of HBV transcription. Furthermore, the relative abundances of HBc binding to CpG island 2 were positively correlated with the ratios of relaxed circular DNA to cccDNA and the levels of serum HBV DNA in those patients. Interestingly, the relative abundances of HBc binding to CpG island 2 were associated with the binding of CREB binding protein (CBP) and with hypomethylation in CpG island 2 of HBV cccDNA minichromosomes. However, relatively higher amounts of HBc binding to CpG island 2 of cccDNA were accompanied by lower amounts of HDAC1 binding. Multivariate analysis revealed that the abundances of HBc binding to CpG island 2 of cccDNA and positive HBeAg were independent factors associated with the replication of HBV (p = 0.001 for both). Apparently, HBc is a positive regulator of HBV transcription and replication, maintaining the permissive epigenetic state in the critical region of the HBV cccDNA minichromosomes.
Prolactin and risk of preeclampsia: A single institution, cross-sectional study

Objective: To illustrate the association between prolactin serum level and severity of preeclampsia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 31 pregnant women with preeclampsia were enrolled as Group I and 20 healthy pregnant women as Group II. Routine investigations and prolactin serum levels were assessed together with blood pressure changes. The unpaired t-test was used to determine the differences and correlation coefficient for the evaluation of correlation. Results: Prolactin serum levels were higher in preeclampsia patients compared with those of the healthy pregnant women (P<0.001). The severity of preeclampsia was linked with prolactin serum levels since 20 patients with preeclampsia showed mild preeclampsia that illustrated relatively lower prolactin serum levels compared with 11 patients with severe preeclampsia (P<0.001). The severity of mean arterial blood pressure was significantly correlated with prolactin serum levels (r=0.78, P<0.001). Conclusions: Prolactin serum levels are elevated in patients with preeclampsia and correlated with the severity of preeclampsia. High but not normal prolactin might be implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
Essential methodological considerations when using grounded theory.

AIM To suggest important methodological considerations when using grounded theory. BACKGROUND A research method widely used in nursing research is grounded theory, at the centre of which is theory construction. However, researchers still struggle with some of its methodological issues. DISCUSSION Although grounded theory is widely used to study and explain issues in nursing practice, many researchers are still failing to adhere to its rigorous standards. Researchers should articulate the focus of their investigations - the substantive area of interest as well as the focal population. This should be followed by a succinct explanation of the strategies used to collect and analyse data, supported by clear coding processes. Finally, the resolution of the core issues, including the core category and related categories, should be explained to advance readers' understanding. CONCLUSION Researchers should endeavour to understand the tenets of grounded theory. This enables 'neophytes' in particular to make methodological decisions that will improve their studies' rigour and fit with grounded theory. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This paper complements the current dialogue on improving the understanding of grounded theory methodology in nursing research. The paper also suggests important procedural decisions researchers need to make to preserve their studies' scientific merit and fit with grounded theory.