Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolution of F-box genes in plants: Different modes of sequence divergence and their relationships with functional diversification

F-box proteins are substrate-recognition components of the Skp1-Rbx1-Cul1-F-box protein (SCF) ubiquitin ligases. In plants, F-box genes form one of the largest multigene superfamilies and control many important biological functions. However, it is unclear how and why plants have acquired a large number of F-box genes. Here we identified 692, 337, and 779 F-box genes in Arabidopsis, poplar and rice, respectively, and studied their phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary patterns. We found that the plant F-box superfamily can be divided into 42 families, each of which has a distinct domain organization. We also estimated the number of ancestral genes for each family and identified highly conservative versus divergent families. In conservative families, there has been little or no change in the number of genes since the divergence between eudicots and monocots ≈145 million years ago. In divergent families, however, the numbers have increased dramatically during the same period. In two cases, the numbers of genes in extant species are >100 times greater than that in the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of the three species. Proteins encoded by highly conservative genes always have the same domain organization, suggesting that they interact with the same or similar substrates. In contrast, proteins of rapidly duplicating genes sometimes have quite different domain structures, mainly caused by unusually frequent shifts of exon-intron boundaries and/or frameshift mutations. Our results indicate that different F-box families, or different clusters of the same family, have experienced dramatically different modes of sequence divergence, apparently having resulted in adaptive changes in function.
Modulation classification based on nonlinear functions and distances

In this paper, we propose a novel modulation classification algorithm based on high-order cumulants, and calculation of Euclidian distances. Non-linear transformation functions are also introduced to change the characteristics of the signals for calculating the multi-dimensional features. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed scheme compared with the existing hierarchical scheme. The averaged improvement for three different sample sizes is at least 18% over an SNR range of -5dB to 10dB of SNR for the four-class problem.
Immunoregulation by parenteral lipids: impact of the n-3 to n-6 fatty acid ratio.

BACKGROUND The immune system is reported to be influenced by polyunsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, immunoregulation caused by intravenous fat emulsions with different n-3 to n-6 fatty acid ratios was studied in an in vivo model. METHODS Experimental rat heart allotransplantation served as a defined immunologic challenge. Twenty percent emulsions of safflower oil (n-3 to n-6 = 1:370), fish oil (n-3 to n-6 = 7.6:1), and soybean oil (n-3 to n-6 = 1:6.5), and a 1:1 mixture of safflower oil and fish oil (n-3 to n-6 = 1:2.1) were continuously infused (9 g of fat per kg of body weight per day) after transplantation until complete rejection. The prolongation of graft survival, an accepted parameter of immunosuppression, was assessed. Beyond that, cytokine release by mitogen-stimulated peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from animals exsanguinated on day 4 after transplantation was evaluated. RESULTS The mean rejection time was 7.8 days in the sham-infused saline control group and 6.7 days in the safflower- and fish-oil-mixture group (oil control group). Continuous infusion of soybean oil prolonged the graft survival time to 10.4 days, fish oil to 12.3 days, and safflower oil to 13.3 days. PBMC alpha-tumor necrosis factor release was significantly reduced in the fish-oil group (51.9 +/- 13.0 pg/10(6) PBMCs vs 70.8 +/- 10.9 pg/10(6) PBMCs [controls], p < . 004). Interleukin-6 release was diminished in both the fish-oil group (22.2 +/- 13.6 pg/10(6) PBMCs vs 40.7 +/- 8.3 pg/10(6) PBMCs [controls], p < . 002) and the safflower-oil group (28.4 +/- 6.9 pg/10(6) PBMCs, p < . 002). CONCLUSIONS The n-3 to n-6 fatty acid ratio determined the immunoregulatory potential of intravenous fat emulsions in vivo. Both n-3 and n-6 fatty acids were immunosuppressive when applied as the main polyunsaturated fatty acid sources. PBMC cytokine release was significantly reduced in these groups. The more balanced the n-3 to n-6 ratios, the less immunosuppressive the fat emulsion. There was no immunosuppressive effect at an n-3 to n-6 ratio of 1:2.1.
Quantized and networked predictive control for input-saturated systems

This paper investigates the problem of stabilizing predictive control for constrained systems with quantization and communication delays. Based on the quantization matrix, the input-saturated control systems with logarithmic quantizers are described as constrained control systems with structured norm-bounded uncertainties. A quantized and networked predictive control algorithm is presented by using a multirate delay compensation strategy. It is shown that the proposed predictive controller not only efficiently reduces the negative effects of the quantization and communication delays but also guarantees the closed-loop stability and constraints satisfaction. The simulation example shows the effectiveness of the derived method.
Central fatigue assessed by transcranial magnetic stimulation in ultratrail running.

PURPOSE The well-established central deficit in ultraendurance running races is not understood. The use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in parallel with peripheral nerve stimulation provides insight into the source of these central changes. The aims of this study were to determine the presence and magnitude of voluntary activation deficits, especially supraspinal deficits, after a mountain trail-running race and to determine whether this can be explained by simultaneous changes in corticospinal excitability and intracortical inhibition. METHODS Neuromuscular function (TMS and femoral nerve electrical stimulation) of the knee extensors was evaluated before and after a 110-km ultratrail in 25 experienced ultraendurance trail runners during maximal and submaximal voluntary contractions and in relaxed muscle. RESULTS Voluntary activation assessed by both femoral nerve electrical stimulation (-26%) and TMS (-16%) decreased and were correlated (P < 0.01). Decreases in potentiated twitch and doublet amplitudes were correlated with decreased voluntary activation assessed by TMS (P < 0.05). There was increased motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude (P < 0.05) without change in cortical silent period (CSP) elicited by TMS at optimal stimulus intensity. Conversely, CSP at suboptimal TMS intensity increased (P < 0.05) without concurrent change in MEP amplitude. CONCLUSIONS The present results demonstrate the development of a large central activation deficit assessed by TMS, indicating that cortical motoneurons are severely impaired in their ability to fire at optimal frequency or be fully recruited after an ultraendurance running race. MEP and CSP responses suggest a shift in the sigmoidal MEP-stimulus intensity relationship toward larger MEP at higher TMS intensity without change in inflection point of the curve and a left shift in the CSP-stimulus intensity relationship.
Factors Affecting Academic Performance of the Undergraduate Students of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana

In this era of globalization and technological revolution education is considered as first step for every human activity. It plays vital role in the development of human capital and is linked with well-being and opportunities for better living. It ensures the acquisition of knowledge and skills that enables individuals to increase their productivity which leads towards new sources of earning. This not only enhances the economic growth of a country but also improves the quality of life of each individual. Education is considered to be an important form of national investment for future prosperity and welfare of the nation. Literacy, therefore, is the key unit for developing skills and values in individuals. In our country when rapid technology and economic development is taking place, the academic performance of students is an area of greatest concern which plays an important role in becoming more competent, intelligent and intellectual professionals. Even when these professionals move higher in their life, their academic performance still remains a criterion for deciding and measuring their professional expertise. Academic performance International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 09 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Does Hypothermia Prevent Cerebral Ischaemia during Cardiopulmonary Bypass?

It is believed that moderate hypothermia (25–32°C) during cardiopulmonary bypass provides cerebral protection by reducing the cerebral metabolic rate (CMRO2). Nevertheless episodes of ischaemia do occur and thus it has been suggested that cerebral oxygenation should be monitored by jugular venous oximetry. However, this technique is cumbersome and invasive. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides a non-invasive assessment of cerebral oxygenation and this was used together with continuous Jugular venous oximetry in 21 patients undergoing hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. During the hypothermic period, jugular venous oximetry indicated reduced oxygen extraction consistent with a reduction in CMRO2 (Increase from 61 ± 2.5% to 74 ± 2.5%). In contrast, near infrared spectroscopy demonstrated increased oxygen extraction (HbO2 − 11.5 ± 1 μM. HHb + 3.2 ± 0.3 μM) and a fall in the cerebral concentration of oxidized cytochrome oxidase (– 1.7 ± 0.3 μM) indicating ischaemia. These results suggest that cerebral ischaemia occurs during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with a spurious rise in jugular venous oxygen saturation, which represents arterio-venous shunting. Thus if hypothermia does facilitate cerebral protection it does not appear to be a direct result of a reduction in CMRO2 and oxygen requirement.
Intratelencephalic connections of the hippocampus in pigeons (Columba livia)

Behavioral experiments using ablation of the hippocampus are increasingly being used to address the hypothesis that the avian hippocampus plays a role in memory, as in mammals. However, the morphological basis of the avian hippocampus has been poorly understood. In the present study, the afferent and efferent connections of the hippocampus in the pigeon telencephalon were defined by injections, at various rostrocaudal sites, of neuronal tracers mainly into the triangular part located between its V‐shaped layer of densely packed neurons. The major results obtained in the present study were as follows. 1) A topographical organization of the commissural projections was confirmed. These projections had two courses that projected to the contralateral side, one traveling through the fiber wall of the ventromedial telencephalon, which was the main path from neurons in the caudal hippocampus, and the other running down through the septohippocampal junction, which was the main path from neurons in the middle to rostral hippocampus. Both courses passed through the pallial commissure. 2) The hippocampus projected bilaterally to the septum, parahippocampal area (APH), and dorsolateral cortical area (CDL). These projections were also distributed topographically, with contralateral efferents crossing through the pallial commissure. 3) The hippocampus had ipsilateral reciprocal connections with APH, CDL, and the dorsal hyperstriatum. Septal afferents to the ipsilateral hippocampus were very small. 4) Intrinsic connections were found between the triangular part of the hippocampus and the lateral limb of the V‐shaped layer of neurons. 5) The hippocampus projected ipsilaterally to the ventral basal ganglia and the fasciculus diagonalis Brocae. In sum, these connections of the hippocampus may form a neuronal circuit for the processing of spatial memory in pigeons. J. Comp. Neurol. 447:177–199, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peginterferon alfa-2a alone, lamivudine alone, and the two in combination in patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND Available treatments for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B are associated with poor sustained responses. As a result, nucleoside and nucleotide analogues are typically continued indefinitely, a strategy associated with the risk of resistance and unknown long-term safety implications. METHODS We compared the efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa-2a (180 microg once weekly) plus placebo, peginterferon alfa-2a plus lamivudine (100 mg daily), and lamivudine alone in 177, 179, and 181 patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, respectively. Patients were treated for 48 weeks and followed for an additional 24 weeks. RESULTS After 24 weeks of follow-up, the percentage of patients with normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels or hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels below 20,000 copies per milliliter was significantly higher with peginterferon alfa-2a monotherapy (59 percent and 43 percent, respectively) and peginterferon alfa-2a plus lamivudine (60 percent and 44 percent) than with lamivudine monotherapy (44 percent, P=0.004 and P=0.003, respectively; and 29 percent, P=0.007 and P=0.003, respectively). Rates of sustained suppression of HBV DNA to below 400 copies per milliliter were 19 percent with peginterferon alfa-2a monotherapy, 20 percent with combination therapy, and 7 percent with lamivudine alone (P<0.001 for both comparisons with lamivudine alone). Loss of hepatitis B surface antigen occurred in 12 patients in the peginterferon groups, as compared with 0 patients in the group given lamivudine alone. Adverse events, including pyrexia, fatigue, myalgia, and headache, were less frequent with lamivudine monotherapy than with peginterferon alfa-2a monotherapy or combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS Patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B had significantly higher rates of response, sustained for 24 weeks after the cessation of therapy, with peginterferon alfa-2a than with lamivudine. The addition of lamivudine to peginterferon alfa-2a did not improve post-therapy response rates.
Molecular analysis of environmental and human isolates of Salmonella typhi

Molecular characterization of a total of 54 isolates of Salmonella typhi from Santiago, Chile, was performed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) after digestion of chromosomal DNA with three restriction endonucleases: XbaI (5'-TCTAGA-3'), AvrII (5'-CCTAGG-3'), and SpeI (5'-ACTAGT-3'). Thirteen of the 54 isolates were obtained from environmental sources (sewage and river water), and the rest were isolates from clinical cases of typhoid fever. Considerable genetic diversity was detected among the human isolates obtained in 1994, as evidenced by the presence of 14 to 19 different PFGE patterns among 20 human isolates, with F (coefficient of similarity) values ranging from 0.69 to 1.0 (XbaI), 0.61 to 1.0 (AvrII), and 0.70 to 1.0 (SpeI). A total of eight phage types were detected among these 20 isolates, with 50% possessing the E1 or 46 phage type. There was no correlation between PFGE pattern and phage types. Similar diversity was seen among 21 isolates obtained in 1983, with 17 to 19 PFGE patterns detected and F values of 0.56 to 1.0 (XbaI), 0.55 to 1.0 (AvrII), and 0.67 to 1.0 (SpeI). Comparison of these two groups of human isolates obtained 11 years apart indicated that certain molecular types of S. typhi are shared and are able to persist for considerable periods. A similar degree of genetic diversity was also detected among the environmental isolates of S. typhi, for which 10 to 12 different PFGE patterns were detected among the 13 isolates analyzed, with F values ranging from 0.56 to 1.0 (XbaI), 0.52 to 1.0 (AvrII), and 0.69 to 1.0 (SpeI). Certain molecular types present among the environmental isolates of S. typhi were also found among the human isolates from the same time period, providing evidence for the epidemiological link between environmental reservoirs and human infection.
Organ-Associated Muscles in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Respond Differentially to Sindbis Virus

ABSTRACT Differential host cell responses to the alphavirus Sindbis were observed in visceral muscles of the adult female mosquito Aedes albopictus. Following intrathoracic inoculation with SIN, muscles associated with the midgut, hindgut, and ovary resulted in clearance, persistence, and refractoriness to virus, respectively. Prominent sarcomeres characteristic of myofilaments were identified in muscles associated with these three organs by phalloidin labeling of actin, confirming these cells as muscle. The location of virus antigen mimicked the distribution of actin in both mid- and hindgut-associated muscles. Furthermore, these myofilaments remained intact following virus clearance from midgut muscles and during virus persistence in hindgut muscles. Changes in the temporal onset of virus antigen following high titer inoculum compared with standard titer inoculum was observed in anterior midgut muscles, but not in muscles associated with the posterior midgut or hindgut. Muscle bundles closely approximated the gut surface, while a wispy association was displayed at the ovary surface. Prominent ultrastructural differences were observed in the basal lamina attached to the gut compared with the ovary. Additionally, ultrastructural evidence for virus-associated pathology was observed in gut-associated muscles and gut epithelium. Visceral muscles, all composed of the same tissue type, but associated to three different organs in the insect abdomen, responded differentially to Sindbis. We speculate that variations in structure, function or physiology and ultrastructure inherent to insect host cells or organs interactions reflect the complicated milieu of the organism and contribute to differential virus phenotypic expression in muscle cells.
The Leukaemia Research Fund/United Kingdom Cancer Cytogenetics Group Karyotype Database in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a valuable resource for patient management

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Effects of antihypertensive treatment on the evolution of the renal lesions in malignant nephrosclerosis.

Malignant nephrosclerosis is a well-characterized renal vascular lesion, first described by Fahr' in I919. It is nearly always associated with severe, persistent elevation of average levels of resting diastolic arterial pressure and with other symptoms and signs of the syndrome of malignant hypertension. It usually appears in patients less than 50 years of age, in whom it is often a complication of pre-existing, less severe hypertensive disease.2 If treatment does not restore arterial pressure to normal levels, the course of the disease is usually marked by rapidly progressing renal failure, terminating in death of some 8o per cent of patients within one year of the onset, and of virtually all by the end of 5 years. It has now been abundantly demonstrated that remissions of this syndrome can be brought about by a variety of measures-lumbodorsal sympathectomy, treatment with bacterial pyrogens or tissue extracts and, during the past 6 years, the administration of one of a variety of potent antihypertensive drugs that have in common the capacity to lower diastolic arterial pressure. In one group of patients treated with these drugs a retrospective study3 at 4 years showed that the incidence of survival had been increased from 3 to about 30 per cent. With present techniques it is anticipated that this survival can be doubled. At necropsy, patients who had been under intensive antipressor therapy showed hitherto undescribed changes in the evolution of the renal lesions of malignant nephrosclerosis. The purpose of this report is to describe these changes and to contrast them with lesions of necropsied patients who had had little or no effective antihypertensive treatment.
Detailed deletion mapping in sporadic breast cancer at chromosomal region 17p13 distal to the TP53 gene: association with clinicopathological parameters

Chromosome 17p is among the most frequently deleted regions in a variety of human malignancies including breast cancer. This study has further refined the localization of a putative tumour suppressor gene (TSG) at 17p13 distal to the TP53 gene in breast carcinomas. It was found that 73% (37 of 51) of the breast tumours exhibited loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at one or more loci at 17p13. The allelic loss patterns of these tumours suggest the presence of at least seven commonly deleted regions on 17p13. The three most frequently deleted regions were mapped at chromosomal location 17p13.3–17p13.2 between the markers D17S831 and D17S1845 (56% LOH), at 17p13.1 between D17S1810 and D17S1832 (53% LOH), and at 17p13.1 between D17S938 and TP53 (55% LOH). A significant correlation was found between loss at 17p13 and tumour grade, size, proliferative activity, and oestrogen receptor (ER) status. Losses at 17p13 were seen more frequently in large and poorly differentiated tumours with high proliferative activity. These data support and extend previous reports on the presence of a putative TSG(s) at chromosomal region 17p13 distal to the TP53 gene and show that different subsets of LOH are associated with more aggressive tumour behaviour. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.