Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Suppression of cell wall-related genes associated with stunting of Oryza glaberrima infected with Rice tungro spherical virus

Rice tungro disease is a complex disease caused by the interaction between Rice tungro bacilliform virus and Rice tungro spherical virus (RTSV). RTSV alone does not cause recognizable symptoms in most Asian rice (Oryza sativa) plants, whereas some African rice (O. glaberrima) plants were found to become stunted by RTSV. Stunting of rice plants by virus infections usually accompanies the suppression of various cell wall-related genes. The expression of cell wall-related genes was examined in O. glaberrima and O. sativa infected with RTSV to see the relationship between the severity of stunting and the suppression of cell wall-related genes by RTSV. The heights of four accessions of O. glaberrima were found to decline by 14–34% at 28 days post-inoculation (dpi) with RTSV, whereas the height reduction of O. sativa plants by RTSV was not significant. RTSV accumulated more in O. glaberrima plants than in O. sativa plants, but the level of RTSV accumulation was not correlated with the degree of height reduction among the four accessions of O. glaberrima. Examination for expression of genes for cellulose synthase A5 (CESA5) and A6 (CESA6), cellulose synthase-like A9 (CSLA9) and C7, and α-expansin 1 (expansin 1) and 15 precursors in O. glaberrima and O. sativa plants between 7 and 28 dpi with RTSV showed that the genes such as those for CESA5, CESA6, CSLA9, and expansin 1were more significantly suppressed in stunted plants of O. glaberrima at 14 dpi with RTSV than in O. sativa, suggesting that stunting of O. glaberrima might be associated with these cell wall-related genes suppressed by RTSV. Examination for expression of these genes in O. sativa plants infected with other rice viruses in previous studies indicated that the suppression of the expansin 1 gene is likely to be a signature response commonly associated with virus-induced stunting of Oryza species. These results suggest that stunting of O. glaberrima by RTSV infection might be associated with the suppression of these cell wall-related genes at the early stage of infection with RTSV.
A Hospital-based Study to Determine Causes of Diffuse Hair Loss in Women.

BACKGROUND Diffuse hair loss is a common complaint encountered by dermatologists in their daily clinical practice. Hair loss in women is a distressing condition. Various underlying factors individually or in combination contribute to the pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES To determine causes of diffuse hair loss in women and to find the association between probable causes and relevant laboratory parameters, wherever applicable. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and eighty women with diffuse hair loss were included in the study. Detailed history and clinical examination including hair pull test and hair microscopy were done in all study subjects. Specific laboratory investigations for determining iron deficiency anaemia, thyroid dysfunction and parasitic infestation were done. RESULTS Among 180 patients, 116 (64.44%) had telogen effluvium, 28 (15.55%) had CTE, 21 (11.66%) had FPHL and 1 (0.55%) had AE. Fourteen patients (7.77%) had more than one aetiological diagnosis of diffuse hair loss. TE was the commonest type of diffuse hair loss. Incidence of TE and FPHL were highest in the age group of 21-30 years, whereas CTE in 30-40 years. Psychological stress and iron deficiency anaemia were the most common underlying aetiological factors for TE, which is statistically significant (p<0.05). Out of 130 patients with TE, more than one aetiological factor was recorded in 10 cases whereas in 32 cases probable aetiological factors could not be elicited from history. Most cases of CTE were idiopathic. No significant relationship was observed between CTE, haemoglobin level and serum ferritin level. Out of 35 patients with FPHL, low haemoglobin level was observed in 6/20 (30%) and low serum ferritin level in 14/17 (82.35%). CONCLUSION Diffuse hair loss is a multifactorial condition. A detailed history, thorough clinical examination and appropriate investigations help to identify the causative factors and treat them accordingly.
Percutaneous abscess drainage in patients with perforated acute appendicitis: effectiveness, safety, and prediction of outcome.

OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were to retrospectively investigate the effectiveness and safety of CT-guided percutaneous drainage in the treatment of patients with acute appendicitis complicated by perforation and to identify CT findings and procedure-related factors predictive of clinical and procedure outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS From March 2005 through December 2008, 41 consecutively registered patients (24 men, 17 women; age range, 18-75 years) underwent CT-guided percutaneous drainage for the management of acute appendicitis complicated by perforation and abscess. Three board-certified radiologists independently reviewed preprocedure CT images. Patients were assigned to one of three risk categories on the basis of the CT findings. Success and failure of percutaneous drainage were defined on a per-patient (i.e., clinical outcome) and per-procedure (i.e., technical outcome) basis. Immediate, periprocedure, and delayed complications were recorded. The association between candidate predictive variables, including demographic characteristics, preprocedure CT findings, and procedure-related factors and clinical or technical outcome was assessed with logistic regression models. RESULTS Fifty-two CT-guided procedures were performed on 41 patients. Percutaneous drainage had clinical and technical success rates of 90% (37 of 41 patients, 47 of 52 procedures) with no procedure-related complications. In seven patients (19%) clinical success required repeated drainage procedures. A large, poorly defined periappendiceal abscess and an extraluminal appendicolith on preprocedure CT images were independent predictors of clinical failure of percutaneous drainage. CONCLUSION CT-guided percutaneous drainage is both effective and safe in the treatment of patients with acute appendicitis complicated by perforation and abscess. The clinical and technical success rates are high.
of Statistical Mechanics : Theory and Experiment Modeling and simulation of the fluid – solid interaction in wetting

In this work, a lattice-Boltzmann method based on field mediators is proposed for the simulation of wetting in a liquid–vapor system. The method includes the effect of long-range interactions between the particles and solid walls, and is implemented together with a liquid–vapor model which is known from the literature. The results that were obtained in the simulations show that the contact angle is strongly dependent on the long-range interactions. The initial formation of a film ahead of the macroscopic bulk liquid is observed below a specific contact angle. When rough solid surfaces were used, the simulations exhibit the contact angle hysteresis. The spreading dynamics on solid surfaces was studied and showed a considerable discrepancy from the expected value, which was attributed to the high resolution of the numerical simulations. It is shown that the initial conditions have a strong influence on the first steps of the droplet spreading, but they become negligible at long times.
Fertility Regulation in Male Rats by Implemented Tetraazamacrocyclic Compounds of Iron(II): Synthetic, Spectroscopic, and Applied Aspects With Toxicological Screening

Antifertility and histopathological investigations were carried out on reproductive organs of male albino rats induced by tetraazamacrocyclic complexes of iron(II). The complexes were synthesized by the template condensation of 1,2-diaminoethane, 1,3-diaminopropane with succinic acid and phthalic acid in 2 : 2 molar ratios which are abbreviated as [Fe(TAMLn)OAc] (n = 1 or 2 and TAMLn represents tetraazamacrocyclic ligand). The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, IR, and electronic spectra.
256-Channel Neural Recording and Delta Compression Microsystem With 3D Electrodes

A 3D microsystem for multi-site penetrating extracellular neural recording from the brain is presented. A 16 times 16-channel neural recording interface integrated prototype fabricated in 0.35 mum CMOS occupies 3.5 mm times 4.5 mm area. Each recording channel dissipates 15 muW of power with input-referred noise of 7 muVrms over 5 kHz bandwidth. A switched-capacitor delta read-out data compression circuit trades recording accuracy for the output data rate. An array of 1.5 mm platinum-coated microelectrodes is bonded directly onto the die. Results of in vitro experimental recordings from intact mouse hippocampus validate the circuit design and the on-chip electrode bonding technology.
Academic accreditation process: experience of a medical college in saudi arabia.

OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe effects of the accreditation process of the National Commission for Academic Assessment and Accreditation (NCAAA) and its impact on the quality of medical education in one medical college in Saudi Arabia. METHODS We conducted a mixed (qualitative-quantitative) study in Qassim University College of Medicine, where an accreditation exercise led by NCAAA was recently completed. Data pertaining to impact of the accreditation process were collected through self-administered questionnaires and focus-group discussion. Data were aggregated and analyzed and compared with the information from prior to accreditation, where available. RESULTS The accreditation process lasted about two years, culminating in the preparation of a self-evaluation report and a visit of external reviewers. The process itself brought significant changes in the educational processes and administration and implementation of the curriculum. Our analysis also indicated significant improvements in the quality of medical education in the College. CONCLUSIONS The accreditation process was successful in improving quality of medical education, without imposing radical changes in curriculum philosophy or orientation. Better monitoring of students learning outcomes and continuous quality improvement will improve the quality of medical education in the college.
Combination Studies of Oreganum Vulgare Extract Fractions and Volatile Oil along with Ciprofloxacin and Fluconazole against Common Fish Pathogens.

PURPOSE The study is aimed at finding new antibiotic therapy for aquaculture due to potential of bacteria to develop resistance to the existing therapies. Use of large quantities of synthetic antibiotics in aquaculture thus has the potential to be detrimental to fish health, to the environment and wildlife and to human health. METHODS Antimicrobial potential of volatile oil and fractions of chloroform extract of Oreganum vulgare was evaluated alone and in the presence of standard antimicrobials against common fish pathogens by disc-diffusion, agar well assay and two fold microdilution method by nanodrop spectrophotometric method. RESULTS The best results were represented by volatile oil followed by phenolic fraction by disc-diffusion, agar well and microdilution assays (Minimum inhibitory concentration). By the interaction studies, it was observed that the volatile oil and phenolic fraction were able to inhibit the pathogens at very low concentration compared to standard drugs. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was calculated and volatile oil and phenolic fractions were found to be synergistic against Pseudomonas fluorescens and Candida albicans. CONCLUSION The experimental data suggests the use of volatile oil and phenolic fraction in combination with standard antimicrobials to maintain healthy aquaculture with lesser adverse effects as compared to synthetic antibiotic therapy.
Continuous iterated density estimation evolutionary algorithms within the IDEA framework

In this paper, we formalize the notion of performing optimization by iterated density estimation evolutionary algorithms as the IDEA framework. These algorithms build probabilistic models and estimate probability densities based upon a selection of available points. We show how these probabilistic models can be built and used for different probability density functions within the IDEA framework. We put the emphasis on techniques for vectors of continuous random variables and thereby introduce new continuous evolutionary optimization algorithms.
The State of the Unions: Challenges Facing Organised Labour in Ireland

The State of the Unions, part of the National College of Ireland's "Changing World of Work" series, is a comprehensive study of the position of unions and union decline in Ireland today. Written by some of Ireland's leading academics and industrial relations specialists, it is aimed at both the student and practitioner market and aspires to further the debate on the state of unionisation in the Republic. The contributors to this volume explore some of the major concepts and frameworks used to explain the purpose and function of unions, and specifically the cycle of union decline, and outline the prospects for growth. Taken together, the chapters in this volume offer unique and up-to-date insights, many of them evidence-based, on the position of unions in Ireland and the major challenges they face both institutionally and in terms of organisation and ethos. The contributors to the book are Daryl D'Art (University of Limerick), David Begg (Irish Congress of Trade Unions), Kate Bronfenbrenner (Labor Education Research, Cornell University), Emer Gilvarry (Mason Hayes+Curran law firm), Patrick Gunnigle (University of Limerick), Tim Hastings (National College of Ireland), Jonathan Lavelle (University of Limerick), Brendan MacPartlin SJ (National College of Ireland), Anthony McDonnell (University of Limerick), Ruairi Quinn (former leader of the Irish Labour Party), W.K. Roche (University College Dublin), Brian Sheehan (Industrial Relations News) and Tom Turner (University of Limerick).
Prognostic significance of the expression of ras oncogene product in non‐small cell lung cancer

The clinical significance of ras oncogene expression in non‐small cell lung cancer was evaluated in 116 surgically treated patients. Archival paraffin sections of the tumors were analyzed immunohistochemically using anti‐ras p21 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) rp‐35, and p21 staining was correlated with clinicopathologic parameters and survival. Positive reactions (+ and ++) were observed in 72.5% of the adenocarcinomas and 55.6% of the squamous cell carcinomas studied. The T1 tumors showed a ++ reaction less frequently than T2 and T3 tumors (P < 0.05). Stage I tumors also were less reactive with MoAb rp‐35 than tumors in more advanced stages (P < 0.05). Survival analysis showed that patients with p21‐negative tumors had significantly longer survival times (a 5‐year survival rate of 64.1%) than those with p21 + tumors (38.0%, P < 0.05) or those with p21 ++ tumors (11.5%, P < 0.005). The significant correlation between p21 staining and patient survival was independent of histologic type, stage of disease, tumor or node status, and the resectability of tumors. On Cox's multivariate analysis, p21 staining was a major and independent prognostic determinant of survival. These results suggest that enhanced ras p21 expression may be one of the important biologic and clinical markers indicating the malignant potential of non‐small cell lung cancer.
The Association between Lifestyle, Occupational, and Reproductive Factors and Colorectal Cancer Risk

Objective: Association of lifestyle, reproductive and environmental factors has been investigated with increased risk of colorectal cancer in different studies. We explored evidence and investigated association between various risk factors and colorectal cancer. Methods: This case- control study was conducted 155 colorectal cancer patients and 150 hospital-controls. We obtained detailed lifestyle, occupational, reproductive information from both groups. Chi-Square test and Logistic regression model were used to evaluate the risk factors of colorectal cancer. Results: The results showed that frequent intake of fruits, chicken, fish and alcohol drinking were associated with risk for colorectal cancer. Agricultural occupation (OR=7.003, 95% CI=2.19-22.38) and industrial exposure (OR=1.97, 95% CI=0.91-4.22) were associated significantly with risk for colorectal cancer. Regarding reproductive factors, women who reported less than 3 pregnancies was associated with an increased risk of colorectal carcinoma (OR=2.88, 95% CI=1.15-7.17). We did not find significant association between other reproductive factors and colorectal cancer risk in women after adjusting for demographic factors. Conclusion: In this case-control study we observed that agricultural occupation, industrial exposure and high consumption of fish and less than 3 pregnancies in women were associated with an increased risk of colorectal carcinoma.
Facial profile esthetic preferences: perception in two Brazilian states

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the regional influence on the perception of facial profile esthetics in Rio de Janeiro state (RJ) and Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), Brazil. METHODS: Two Caucasian models, a man and a woman, with balanced facial profiles, had their photographs digitally manipulated so as to produce seven different profiles. First year dental students (laypeople) assessed the images and classified them according to their esthetic preference. RESULTS: The result of the t test for independent samples showed differences among states for certain facial profiles. The female photograph identified with the letter 'G' (mandibular retrusion) received higher scores in RS state (p = 0.006). No differences were found for male photographs (p > 0.007). The evaluators' sex seemed not to influence their esthetic perception (p > 0.007). Considering all evaluators together, ANOVA/Tukey's test showed differences among the profiles (p ≤ 0.05) for both male and female photographs. The female photograph that received the highest score was the one identified with the letter 'F' (dentoalveolar bimaxillary retrusion/ straight profile). For the male profiles, photograph identified with the letter 'E' (dentoalveolar bimaxillary protrusion/ straight profile) received the best score. CONCLUSION: Regional differences were observed regarding preferences of facial profile esthetics. In Rio de Janeiro state, more prominent lips were preferred while in Rio Grande do Sul state, profiles with straight lips were favored. Class III profiles were considered less attractive.
WHERE IS THE LOCUS OF DIFFICULTY IN RECOGNIZING FOREIGN-ACCENTED WORDS? NEIGHBORHOOD DENSITY AND PHONOTACTIC PROBABILITY EFFECTS ON THE RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN-ACCENTED WORDS BY NATIVE ENGLISH LISTENERS

This series of experiments (1) examined whether native listeners experience recognition difficulty in all kinds of foreign-accented words or only in a subset of words with certain lexical and sub-lexical characteristics— neighborhood density and phonotactic probability; (2) identified the locus of foreign-accented word recognition difficulty, and (3) investigated how accent-induced mismatches impact the lexical retrieval process. Experiments 1 and 4 examined the recognition of native-produced and foreign-accented words varying in neighborhood density with auditory lexical decision and perceptual identification tasks respectively, which emphasize the lexical level of processing. Findings from Experiment 1 revealed increased accent-induced processing cost in reaction times, especially for words with many similar sounding words, implying that native listeners increase their reliance on top-down lexical knowledge during foreign-accented word recognition. Analysis of perception errors from Experiment 4 found the misperceptions in the foreign-accented condition to be more similar to the target words than those in the native-produced condition. This suggests that accent-induced mismatches tend to activate similar sounding words as alternative word candidates, which possibly pose increased lexical competition for the target word and result in greater processing costs for foreign-accented word recognition at the lexical level. Experiments 2 and 3 examined the sub-lexical processing of the foreign-accented words varying in neighborhood density and phonotactic probability respectively with a same-different matching task, which emphasizes the sub-lexical level of
LINKPHASE3: an improved pedigree-based phasing algorithm robust to genotyping and map errors

Many applications in genetics require haplotype reconstruction. We present a phasing program designed for large half-sibs families (as observed in plant and animals) that is robust to genotyping and map errors. We demonstrate that it is more efficient than previous versions and other programs, particularly in the presence of genotyping errors.
Research on Lower Limb Motion Recognition Based on Fusion of sEMG and Accelerometer Signals

Since surface electromyograghic (sEMG) signals are non-invasive and capable of reflecting humans’ motion intention, they have been widely used for the motion recognition of upper limbs. However, limited research has been conducted for lower limbs, because the sEMGs of lower limbs are easily affected by body gravity and muscle jitter. In this paper, sEMG signals and accelerometer signals are acquired and fused to recognize the motion patterns of lower limbs. A curve fitting method based on median filtering is proposed to remove accelerometer noise. As for movement onset detection, an sEMG power spectral correlation coefficient method is used to detect the start and end points of active signals. Then, the time-domain features and wavelet coefficients of sEMG signals are extracted, and a dynamic time warping (DTW) distance is used for feature extraction of acceleration signals. At last, five lower limbs’ motions are classified and recognized by using Gaussian kernel-based linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and support vector machine (SVM) respectively. The results prove that the fused feature-based classification outperforms the classification with only sEMG signals or accelerometer signals, and the fused feature can achieve 95% or higher recognition accuracy, demonstrating the validity of the proposed method.
Handedness and Professional Tennis

Based on the hypothesis that as a group left-handed (LH) people have better developed right hemispheres and therefore have better developed motor, attentional, and spatial functions than right-handed people (Geschwind, 1982; Geschwind and Galaburda, 1985a, 1985b; Nass and Gazzaniga, 1987), several studies have examined a possible association between left-handedness and superior tennis ability (cited in Annett, 1985; Azemar et al. 1983; Wood and Aggleton, 1989). The conflicting findings of these studies are due to flawed research designs, very limited data, and inadequate data analyses. In this study an estimated population rate of left-handedness for racket use (8.1%) was compared with rates found among professional tennis players; and highly successful competitors over a 32-year period were analyzed for handedness frequency. Results revealed that from 1968 through 1999 LH competitors were significantly over-represented among top ranking players (World Number One and Top Ten) and among Grand Slam finalists, including champions. Rates of left-handedness ranged from two to five times higher than expected in these highly successful players. However, no difference was found in the rate of left-handedness for racket use among male (N = 1.904; LH = 6.98%) or female (N = 533; LH = 7.69%) professional tennis players compared to the general population. These findings indirectly support the notion that LH people have neuroanatomically-based advantages in performing certain neurocognitive tasks, such as visuospatial and gross (whole body) visuormotor tasks. The present findings are also consistent with a nature/nurture model of cortical development and functioning (Casey, 1996).