Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recognition Specificity and RAR1/SGT1 Dependence in Barley Mla Disease Resistance Genes to the Powdery Mildew Fungus Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at www.plantcell.org/cgi/doi/10.1105/tpc.009258.

A large number of resistance specificities to the powdery mildew fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei map to the barley Mla locus. This complex locus harbors multiple members of three distantly related gene families that encode proteins that contain an N-terminal coiled-coil (CC) structure, a central nucleotide binding (NB) site, a Leu-rich repeat (LRR) region, and a C-terminal non-LRR (CT) region. We identified Mla12, which encodes a CC-NB-LRR-CT protein that shares 89 and 92% identical residues with the known proteins MLA1 and MLA6. Slow Mla12-triggered resistance was altered dramatically to a rapid response by overexpression of Mla12. A series of reciprocal domains swaps between MLA1 and MLA6 identified in each protein recognition domain for cognate powdery mildew fungus avirulence genes (AvrMla1 and AvrMla6). These domains were within different but overlapping LRR regions and the CT part. Unexpectedly, MLA chimeras that confer AvrMla6 recognition exhibited markedly different dependence on Rar1, a gene required for the function of some but not all Mla resistance specificities. Furthermore, uncoupling of MLA6-specific function from RAR1 also uncoupled the response from SGT1, a protein known to associate physically with RAR1. Our findings suggest that differences in the degree of RAR1 dependence of different MLA immunity responses are determined by intrinsic properties of MLA variants and place RAR1/SGT1 activity downstream of and/or coincident with the action of resistance protein–containing recognition complexes.
Gender and the placebo analgesic effect in acute pain

Our objective was to examine the placebo arms from a series of clinical trials in which the post–third molar extraction dental pain model was used to elucidate the time course of the placebo effect and the proportion of the population that are responders, as well as to evaluate whether the placebo analgesic response of female subjects may differ from that of male subjects.
How does daily treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin induce superovulation in the cyclic hamster?

Daily s.c. injection of 2.0 IU hCG per day, begun on Day 1 of the cycle (estrus), results in hamsters ovulating 20.7 +/- 0.7 eggs instead of the normal number of 13.3 +/- 0.5 (SEM). This is associated with a reduced rate of follicular atresia so that more of the 10 developing follicles per ovary (large preantral stages) normally recruited on Day 1 of the cycle mature and go on to ovulate. The hCG-treated follicles were larger than control follicles, but contained similar amounts of DNA/follicle; increased size of the antral cavity accounted for their greater size. Moreover, DNA synthesis was significantly reduced in the hCG follicles on Days 2 and 4. Thecal vascularity as judged by the number of red blood cells retained in the theca or microsphere uptake by follicles indicates that on Day 2, thecal blood flow was significantly lower in the hCG-treated animals than in controls. On the other hand, after hCG treatment begun on Day 1, serum levels and in vitro incubation of individual follicles revealed that on Day 2 and beyond, androstenedione (A) and estradiol (E2) levels were elevated. After hCG treatment, the elevated serum E2 correlated with reduced serum LH on Days 3 and 4 whereas FSH was unaffected. To study in vitro steroid accumulation, the 10 largest follicles (the developing follicles) were dissected from alternate left and right ovaries from control and hCG-treated animals and incubated individually, and their histology was then compared with the steroid profiles. Accumulation of A and E2 was significantly greater in the hCG-treated follicles than in controls in a 1-h basal incubation and after the addition of 50 ng LH. Progesterone accumulation usually did not differ between the control and hCG-treated follicles. Early stage 1 atretic follicles (judged by histology) were still capable of producing A and E2 in vitro, comparable to control follicles; but, as atresia progressed, the follicles synthesized only progesterone. This is consistent with the temporal pattern previously observed in a model of induced follicular atresia in the hamster [Greenwald, Biol Reprod 1989; 40:175-181]. It is concluded that superovulation resulting from hCG injections is due to thecal production of androgens from follicles normally destined for atresia. For the untreated cyclic hamster, the critical time for thecal androgen production is the first 2 days of the cycle. The aromatizable androgens are then converted into estrogens, which in turn may maintain the microenvironment of the antral cavity, which is essential for viability of the granulosa cells. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Reassessing the Association of Intent to Join the Military and Subsequent Enlistment

Intent to join the military, or propensity as labeled here, has traditionally been one of the best predictors of actual enlistment among American youth. Yet, the predictive validity of measures of propensity taken since the early 1990s has not been assessed. In the current study we reassessed the validity of measures of propensity from the Youth Attitude Tracking Surveys ( Barnas, Dempsey, Knapp, Lerro, & Schroyer, 1991) and Youth Polls ( Carvalho, et al., 2013) conducted from 1995 through 2003, attending to the format of the question and the demographic, temporal, local, and regional characteristics that may moderate the effect of propensity on enlistment. Results show that a single propensity item with four response options remains the best single predictor of enlistment. Several interesting moderators of this relationship also emerged, including time, location, race/ethnicity, and characteristics of one’s locality.
Epidemiology and Etiologic Diagnosis of Infectious Keratitis in Uberlandia, Brazil

Purpose. To study risk factors, microbiological characteristics, and clinical course of nonviral infectious keratitis diagnosed in a referral service of ophthalmology. Methods. A total of 65 charts of patients with microbial keratitis were retrospectively reviewed at the Clinical Hospital of Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil, from July 2001 through August 2004. All cases were submitted to microbiological tests and treated according to local protocol. Risk factors, clinical course, therapeutic keratoplasty, and visual outcomes were analyzed. Results. The mean age of patients was 45.9 years (2–83 years) and male to female ratio 2.6:1. Symptoms at presentation ranged from 1–3 days in 16 patients out of 65 (24.61%), 4–7 days in 19 cases (19/65; 29.23%), and more than 7 days in 27 patients (27/65; 41.53%). The major risk factor was trauma (28/65; 40%), predominantly by organic material. A total of 32 eyes out of 65 (49.23%) were culture positive. Fungi were the most common isolates (18/32; 56.25%), being headed by Fusarium sp (11/65; 16.92%), and the most common bacteria was Streptococcus pneumoniae (7/65; 10.77%). Final visual acuity was equal to or better than 20/60 in 20 patients out of 65 (30.77%), between 20/60 and 20/400 in 7 patients (7/65; 10.77%), and worse than 20/400 in 35 patients out of 65 (53.85%). A total of 48 eyes out of 65 (73.84%) presented corneal scar, 12 eyes (12/65; 18.46%) needed therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, and 2 eyes (2/65; 3.08%) were eviscerated. Conclusions. The high incidence of fungal keratitis in the studied population shows their vulnerability to such infections, which may result in devastating visual outcomes.
Iodide transport in primary cultured thyroid follicle cells: evidence of a TSH-regulated channel mediating iodide efflux selectively across the apical domain of the plasma membrane.

The transport of iodide was studied in porcine thyroid follicle cells cultured in bicameral chambers. The continuous layer of polarized follicle cells, joined by tight junctions, formed a diffusion barrier between the two compartments (apical and basal) of the culture chamber. Uptake and efflux of 125I- at either surface (apical and basolateral) of the cells were thus possible to determine. Protein binding of iodide was inhibited by methimazole (10(-3) M) in all experiments. Radioiodide was taken up by the cells from the basal medium in a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-dose dependent manner with a maximal cell/medium ratio of 125I- of about 50 in cultures prestimulated with 0.1 to 1 mU/ml for 2 days. This uptake was inhibited by perchlorate and ouabain. In contrast, 125I- was not taken up from the apical medium. In preloaded cells, iodide efflux was rapidly (within 1-2 min) and dose-dependently (0.1-10 mU/ml) stimulated by TSH. Bidirectional measurements revealed that TSH stimulated iodide efflux in apical direction, leaving efflux in basal direction unchanged. In experiments with continuous uptake of label from the basal compartment, the TSH-stimulated efflux in apical direction had a duration of 4 to 6 min and resulted in a reduction in the cellular content of radioiodide by up to 80%. Decreased levels of cellular 125I- remained for at least 15 min after TSH addition. From our observations we conclude that the TSH-regulated uptake and efflux of iodide take place at opposite surfaces of the porcine thyroid follicle cell. Acutely stimulated iodide efflux is not the result of an increased permeability for iodide in the entire plasma membrane but only in the apical domain of this membrane. This implicates the presence of an iodide channel mediating TSH-stimulated efflux across the apical plasma membrane of the follicle cell. The mechanism is suggested to facilitate a vectorial transport of iodide in apical direction, i.e., to the lumen of the intact follicle.
Hydrogel Networks Based on Aba Triblock Copolymers

Background Triblock copolymers from hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) segment A and oligo(propylene glycol) segment B, providing an ABA structure (OEG-OPG-OEG triblock), are known to be biocompatible and are used as self-solidifying gels in drug depots. A complete removal of these depots would be helpful in cases of undesired side effects of a drug, but this remains a challenge as they liquefy below their transition temperature. Therefore we describe the synthesis of covalently cross-linked hydrogel networks. Method Triblock copolymer-based hydrogels were created by irradiating aqueous solutions of the corresponding macro-dimethacrylates with UV light. The degree of swelling, swelling kinetics, mechanical properties and morphology of the networks were investigated. Results Depending on precursor concentration, equilibrium degree of swelling of the films ranged between 500% and 880% and was reached in 1 hour. In addition, values for storage and loss moduli of the hydrogel networks were in the 100 Pa to 10 kPa range. Conclusion Although OEG-OPG-OEG triblocks are known for their micellization, which could hamper polymer network formation, reactive OEG-OPG-OEG triblock oligomers could be successfully polymerized into hydrogel networks. The degree of swelling of these hydrogels depends on their molecular weight and on the oligomer concentration used for hydrogel preparation. In combination with the temperature sensitivity of the ABA triblock copolymers, it is assumed that such hydrogels might be beneficial for future medical applications – e.g., removable drug release systems.
Psychological Sources of Electoral Racism

This paper examines the effect of racial cues on candidate perception and evaluation. In an experimental setting, we manipulated the race of a hypothetical candidate. Our causal model then examines how the candidate's race influences voters through stereotyping biases as well as the more "affect-laden" impact of racial prejudice. The experimental design affords many advantages over traditional survey research because we possess (1) complete control over the policy stands taken by the candidate and (2) an ability to eliminate confounds among the explanatory variables. We conclude by noting the pervasive influence of cognitive and affective expectations on black candidate perception and evaluation, and how these psychological biases might inhibit the formation of a "nonracial, middle-of-the-road" campaign by black candidates. Additionally, we note limitations of the experiment design and propose an agenda for future research.
Macular pigment measurement by heterochromatic flicker photometry in older subjects: the carotenoids and age-related eye disease study.

PURPOSE To develop a standardized protocol for measuring macular pigment optical density (MPOD) of experimentally naïve subjects by heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP). METHODS MPOD in eyes of 54 women, age 50 and 79 years (mean, 66), was studied. The spatial profile of MPOD was measured in the right eye, and two spatial points were also measured in the left eye. Forty-eight of these inexperienced subjects completed the protocol on two separate visits. For a subset of the group, the MPOD at two different wavelengths was measured. RESULTS The test-retest correlation at 0.5 degrees eccentricity in the right eye was 0.9. On the second visit, more than 90% of the subjects were able to perform the HFP test with results that were consistent with the absorption spectrum of macular pigment. On the first visit, data from the inexperienced subjects deviated more from the expected relationships between the two wavelengths, presumably because they had less skill in performing the task. However, subjects with high or low macular pigment density were distinguished clearly. CONCLUSIONS Reliable and meaningful measurements of macular pigment density in older subjects can be made using HFP, with a standardized protocol in the limited time available in large epidemiologic studies. This protocol will be made freely available to other researchers on request.
Vancomycin Activates σB in Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Resulting in the Enhancement of Cytotoxicity

The alternative transcription factor σB is responsible for transcription in Staphylococcus aureus during the stress response. Many virulence-associated genes are directly or indirectly regulated by σB. We hypothesized that treatment with antibiotics may act as an environmental stressor that induces σB activity in antibiotic-resistant strains. Several antibiotics with distinct modes of action, including ampicillin (12 µg/ml), vancomycin (16 or 32 µg/ml), chloramphenicol (15 µg/ml), ciprofloxacin (0.25 µg/ml), and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SXT, 0.8 µg/ml), were investigated for their ability to activate this transcription factor. We were especially interested in the stress response in vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) strains treated with vancomycin. The transcription levels of selected genes associated with virulence were also measured. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR was employed to evaluate gene transcription levels. Contact hemolytic and cytotoxicity assays were used to evaluate cell damage following antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics that target the cell wall (vancomycin and ampicillin) and SXT induced σB activity in VRSA strains. Expression of σB-regulated virulence genes, including hla and fnbA, was associated with the vancomycin-induced σB activity in VRSA strains and the increase in cytotoxicity upon vancomycin treatment. These effects were not observed in the sigB-deficient strain but were observed in the complemented strain. We demonstrate that sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC) levels of antibiotics act as environmental stressors and activate the stress response sigma factor, σB. The improper use of antibiotics may alter the expression of virulence factors through the activation of σB in drug-resistant strains of S. aureus and lead to worse clinical outcomes.
Extended Continuation and Maintenance ECT for Long-Lasting Episodes of Major Depression

While most major depressive episodes are relatively short lasting, a substantial minority of patients with severe mood disorders respond poorly to available treatments and remain ill for extended periods of time. The possible role of continuation and maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the management of such patients has not been clearly established. Three patients are reported whose long-lasting, relatively medication refractory episodes of major depression were treated with ECT for both acute and continuation and maintenance purposes. Although relapses occurred despite treatment, the frequency, severity, and duration of relapses were apparently diminished by ECT. Relapses occurred with diminishing frequency over the course of individual episodes, and were typically reversed by three or four closely spaced ECT treatments. No medical complications occurred. While complaints of memory difficulty were common, Mini-Mental Status Examinations 6 weeks after ECT were unimpaired. Continuation and maintenance ECT appears to be a safe and effective treatment modality for long-lasting episodes of major depression. Recommendations for clinical management are proposed.
Performance Evaluation for Three Classes of Textural Coarseness

Textural coarseness for textural feature are compared.The problem addressed is to determine which texutre feature optimize retrieval rate.Many textural features have been proposed in different papers.No much focused on comparative textural coarseness study has appeared.The goal is compared and evaluating in a quantitative manner three types of textural coarseness,namely gray level co-occurrence textural coarseness,fractal dimension textural coarseness,Tamura textural model.Performance is assessed by the criterion of Human Vision System.Furthermore,a experiment of extraction textural coarseness with a standard Xinjiang Folk Art Patterns databases.The results show Tamura texture model performance of describing coarseness is the best followed fractal dimension.However,there is no universally best performance of textural.In the paper by comparison the performance of different textural feature and give the recommended models. Keywords-component; textural coarseness;fractal dimension; gray level co-occurrence matrix(GLCM);Tamura textural mode
Piaget's Semi-Clinical Interview and the Study of Spontaneous Religion

FOR research purposes it is convenient to distinguish between the spontaneous and the acquired religion of the child. The child's spontaneous religion consists of all those ideas and beliefs that he has constructed in his attempts to interpret religious terms and practices that are beyond his level of comprehension. For example, upon hearing that God was everywhere, a boy refused to occupy his favorite chair for fear of "sitting on God" and thus revealed his spontaneous conception of God's omnipresence. In contrast to these spontaneous mental constructions there are many religious ideas and beliefs that the child acquires directly from adults either through imitation or through instruction. A child's recitation of the standard definition of theological terms or of particular prayers would thus reflect acquired rather than spontaneous religion. It is fair to say that by far the majority of research on religious development has concerned itself with acquired rather than with spontaneous religion. For example, in many of the studies dealing with the God conception (Barnes, 1892; Tanner, 1906; Bose, 1929; MacLean, 1930; Mathias, 1943) questionnaires were employed which either asked children to choose among standard conceptions of the Deity or required them to complete sentences which strongly suggested the standard conceptions (e. g., "God, where is he? "). While such studies of acquired religion are of value for assessing the degree to which children profit from religious education, they do not reveal the full nature of religious development. Indeed, they can be misleading I In all of the studies mentioned above none of the investigators noted any marked age differences in the God concept even when a considerable age span (4-14) was sampled in the study. Yet, developmental psychology has repeatedly shown (Reichard et. al., 1944; Welch & Long, 1940, a, b, c; Piaget, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1952) that children's spontaneous conceptions follow a regular sequence from concrete to abstract conceptualization between early (4-6) and late childhood (10-12). This is not to say that results from the traditional questionnaire studies of religious development are wrong but only that the acquired religion revealed by these results does not follow the same developmental course as spontaneous religion. Since even the young child can memorize definitions of religious terms, it is not surprising that when children are tested on these definitions the young children do about as well as the older children. If, on the other hand, the understanding of these definitions were to be evaluated, it is likely that significant age differences would be found because the understandings would reflect the child's spontaneous and not his acquired ideas. Only the child's spontaneous ideas follow the sequence from the concrete to the abstract that we have come to expect in developmental studies of concept formation. As yet, however, we have little informa-
International students’ critical thinking–related problem areas: UK university teachers’ perspectives

This qualitative study aims to understand the areas of international students’ critical thinking–related initial difficulties, in order to facilitate their academic experiences in UK universities. Using a sample of 14 British teachers, the findings reveal that students from culturally and linguistically diverse traditions are very different in approaching critical thinking tasks, which seems to affect their academic performance adversely. It is recommended that explicit efforts should be made to raise awareness of the need to enable overseas students to acclimatise to the new academic environment.
The pharmacology and medical importance of Dolichos lablab (Lablab purpureus)- A review

The phytochemical analysis of Dolichos lablab showed that it contained sugar, alcohols, phenols, steroids, essential oils, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, terpenoids, pigments, glycosides, anthnanoids, wide range of minerals and many other metabolites. The preliminary pharmacological studies revealed that Dolichos lablab possessed antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, cytotoxic, hypolipidemic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, hepatoprotective, antilithiatic, antispasmodic effects and also used for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. The current review discussed the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Dolichos lablab.
PCF-Based Fabry–Pérot Interferometric Sensor for Strain Measurement at High Temperatures

We report a simple and robust all-fiber in-line Fabry-Pérot interferometer (FPI) with an air bubble cavity, which is fabricated by directly splicing a multimode photonic crystal fiber (MPCF) to a conventional single-mode fiber with a commercialized fusion splicer. The air microbubble inserted between the two fibers has two smooth glass-air interfaces separated by a distance L as two reflective mirrors of the FPI. Due to the big air holes in the cladding of MPCF and its large numerical aperture, this device has higher signal-to-noise ratio and fringe contrast than that of the FPI based on hollow-core photonic crystal fiber. Experimental results show that the FPI can be used to measure strain in the range of 0 ~ 1850 με at high temperatures of up to 750°C. Therefore, such an FPI sensor may find important applications in the aeronautics or metallurgy areas.