Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three cadherin alleles associated with resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis in pink bollworm

Evolution of resistance by pests is the main threat to long-term insect control by transgenic crops that produce Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins. Because inheritance of resistance to the Bt toxins in transgenic crops is typically recessive, DNA-based screening for resistance alleles in heterozygotes is potentially much more efficient than detection of resistant homozygotes with bioassays. Such screening, however, requires knowledge of the resistance alleles in field populations of pests that are associated with survival on Bt crops. Here we report that field populations of pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), a major cotton pest, harbored three mutant alleles of a cadherin-encoding gene linked with resistance to Bt toxin Cry1Ac and survival on transgenic Bt cotton. Each of the three resistance alleles has a deletion expected to eliminate at least eight amino acids upstream of the putative toxin-binding region of the cadherin protein. Larvae with two resistance alleles in any combination were resistant, whereas those with one or none were susceptible to Cry1Ac. Together with previous evidence, the results reported here identify the cadherin gene as a leading target for DNA-based screening of resistance to Bt crops in lepidopteran pests.
Phosphorylation by Casein Kinase 2 Facilitates Psh1 Protein-assisted Degradation of Cse4 Protein*

Background: Psh1 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that controls CenH3/Cse4 levels through proteolysis in budding yeast. Results: Psh1 is phosphorylated in vivo by CK2, and its E3 ligase activity is promoted. Conclusion: Phosphorylation is crucial in Psh1-assisted control of Cse4 levels, and the Psh1-Cse4 association itself functions to prevent Cse4 misincorporation. Significance: This work reports a previously unknown function of CK2 in CenH3/Cse4 regulation. Cse4 is the centromeric histone H3 variant in budding yeast. Psh1 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that controls Cse4 levels through proteolysis. Here we report that Psh1 is phosphorylated by the Cka2 subunit of casein kinase 2 (CK2) to promote its E3 activity for Cse4. Deletion of CKA2 significantly stabilized Cse4. Consistent with phosphorylation promoting the activity of Psh1, Cse4 was stabilized in a Psh1 phosphodepleted mutant strain in which the major phosphorylation sites were changed to alanines. Phosphorylation of Psh1 did not control Psh1-Cse4 or Psh1-Ubc3(E2) interactions. Although Cse4 was highly stabilized in a cka2Δ strain, mislocalization of Cse4 was mild, suggesting that Cse4 misincorporation was prevented by the intact Psh1-Cse4 association. Supporting this idea, Psh1 was also stabilized in a cka2Δ strain. Collectively our data suggest that phosphorylation is crucial in Psh1-assisted control of Cse4 levels and that the Psh1-Cse4 association itself functions to prevent Cse4 misincorporation.
Superstrate and CSRR Loaded Circularly Polarized Dual-Band Open-Ended Waveguide Antenna With Improved Radiation Characteristics and Polarization Reconfiguration Property

A circularly polarized dual-band open-ended waveguide (OEW) antenna, loaded with double complementary split-ring resonator (DCSRR) and superstrate, has been presented in this communication. The DCSRR has been placed on the aperture of a standard WR-90 waveguide, whereas the superstrate has been placed at an optimized distance from the aperture. Analysis and optimization have been carried out using Ansys high frequency structural simulator (HFSS) 14.0. Measured result shows two 10-dB return loss bandwidth with left-hand circular polarization. It has been shown that the antenna can be reconfigured for right-hand circular polarization by rotating the superstrate by 90°. The gain and front-to-back radiation ratio of the proposed antenna is higher than that of a conventional OEW antenna. It also provides less mutual coupling when used as an array element.
A Practical Extension of Rusck's Formula for Maximum Lightning-Induced Voltages That Accounts for Ground Resistivity

The effects of ground resistivity (rho) on overhead line voltages induced by nearby lightning flashes to ground are reviewed and descriptions are given of experimental field data and of analytical studies of these effects. A semi-empirical extension to Rusck's formula for maximum induced voltage to account for the effect of rho is proposed, and this involves substituting the line height (h) in the formula by an effective height heff=h+0.15 radicrho. Finally, its validity is assessed by means of results published by other authors
The role of message framing in promoting MMR vaccination: Evidence of a loss-frame advantage

Abstract This study examined the effects of message framing on intentions to obtain the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for one's child and investigated whether Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and perceived outcome efficacy variables mediate and/or moderate message framing effects. One hundred and forty women read either a loss-framed or gain-framed message and then completed measures assessing their intentions to obtain the MMR vaccine for their child, and TPB and outcome efficacy variables. Exposure to the loss frame increased intentions to obtain the MMR vaccine and influenced perceptions of outcome efficacy. This suggests that outcome efficacy, but not other TPB variables may mediate framing effects within the context of MMR vaccination. Message frame, in addition to TPB variables, significantly predicted unique variance in behavioural intentions. These findings are discussed within the context of Prospect Theory, perceived risk and prevention/detection behaviours.
The Benefits and Costs of the Tarp Bailouts: A Critical Assessment

We assess benefits and costs of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) based on theory, data, and empirical research to date. TARP was intended to attenuate systemic risk and improve the real economy, and we focus on these as the most important potential effects of the program. Evidence suggests mostly short-term social benefits in reducing systemic risk and improving the real economy. However, long-term evidence is limited — suggesting relatively long-lasting real economic improvements that might be offset by long-term increases in systemic risk. We give TARP a grade of “incomplete,” pending further research, and suggest some directions for this research.
Molecular dynamics simulation of Angiotensin I: precursor of Angiotensin II

Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the threatening problems in the world nowadays. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) or the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) helps to regulate long term blood pressure and extra cellular volume in the body. The system can be activated when there is a loss of blood volume or a drop in blood pressure. AngiotensinI (Ang I) is an oligopeptide, generated by the action of renin on alpha2-globulin or angiotensinogen (Do et al., 1987). Renin cleaves the peptide bond between the leucine (Leu) and valine (Val) residues of angiotensinogen, generating the peptide Ang I which is the precursor of vasopressore Angiotensin II (Ang II). A tripeptide with a free carboxylate group is essential structural element for binding and cleavage of angiotensin I by its receptor ACE (Yamano et al., 1995; Inoue et al., 1997; Han et al., 1998; Feng et al., 1995; Noda et al., 1995). Ang I (H-Asp–Arg–Val–Tyr–Ile–His–Pro–Phe–His–Leu-OH) is converted to Ang II (H-Asp–Arg–Val–Tyr–Ile –His– Pro–Phe-OH) through removal of two terminal residues by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has two natural substrates angiotensinI and bradykinin. Ang I and Ang II differ in their length and also in terms of their biological activities. It is seen that the two peptides demonstrate similar N-terminal and different Cterminal conformation as a consequence of the presence/absence of the His9-Leu10 dipeptide, which plays an important role in the different biological function of the two peptides. Upon ACE hydrolysis, the inert Ang I is converted to the biologically active Ang II.
Inhibitory Influence of a New Steroidal Anti‐androgen, TZP‐4238, on Prostatic Hyperplasia in the Beagle Dog

The effect of a synthetic steroidal anti‐androgen, TZP‐4238, on spontaneous benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in dogs was investigated. Old male beagle dogs (5–9 years old) were divided into three experimental groups. Group 1 consisted of BPH controls. Groups 2 and 3 received TZP‐4238 0.1 mg/kg/day and chlormadinone acetate (CMA) 0.3 mg/kg/day P.o. , respectively, for 5 months. In group 1, glandular hyperplasia of the prostate was clearly detected. In contrast, TZP‐4238 (Group 2) or CMA (Group 3) produced marked atrophy of the glandular epithelium. In addition, a histopathological study showed that TZP‐4238 or CMA medication for 5 months exerted no effect on the testes and the pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) cells. Therefore, it is suggested that TZP 4238 (0.1 mg/kg) or CMA (0.3 mg/kg) causes regression of spontaneous canine BPH without any histopathological effects on the testes and pituitary LH cells. However, slightly decreased serum testosterone levels were found in TZP 4238 treated animals, due apparently to a direct and/or indirect effect on the testes. Thus, it is suggested that a marginal antigonadotrophic effect cannot be excluded. It is concluded that TZP‐4238 is a potent anti‐androgen for the treatment of spontaneous canine BPH, without any negative influence on the function of the testes and the pituitary LH cells. Acta Pathol Jpn 42: 151–157, 1992.
ONLINE DISCLOSURE OF NON-FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN ROMANIAN LARGE COMPANIES

Nowadays, all companies are facing increasing demands to prove their commitment to sustainable development and to disclose information about their social and environmental performance. In particular, significant pressure is placed on the European large companies, as they have to start applying the Directive 2014/95/EU on disclosure of non-financial and diversity information. This paper focuses on the companies from Romania that fall under the incidence of this directive, by analyzing what they disclose on their corporate websites in relation to their non-financial performance. Starting from a list of all 680 companies from Romania for which non-financial disclosure becomes mandatory in 2018, the results revealed that only approximately one quarter of them practiced disclosure of non-financial information on their corporate websites in 2017, the last year when non-financial reporting was voluntary for these organizations.
Resilience Factors Associated With Adaptation in Families With Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

The study objective was to identify and explore resilience qualities that help protect and support families facing the adversity associated with having a child with hearing loss. The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation (M. A. McCubbin & H. I. McCubbin, 1993, 1996) provided the study’s theoretical framework. The 54 participating families resided in Western Cape Province, South Africa, and were identified according to the nature of the crisis (having a child with hearing loss) and the family’s developmental phase. Quantitative and qualitative measures were used for data collection. The results showed that family time and routines, social support, affirming communication, family hardiness, problem-solving skills, religion, a search for meaning, and acceptance of the child’s hearing status were associated with family resilience. Strengthening these elements helps families to grow, meet challenges, and reestablish balance and harmony within the family system.
A new visualization chamber to study the transient volumetric response of yeast cells submitted to osmotic shifts

A visualization chamber has been developed to analyze potential correlations between osmotic step increase on yeasts and the resultant cell volume decreases. Image analysis was used to characterize the step increases in the center of the chamber and to measure the changes in the cell volume. Step increases of different intensities have been performed on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This device has allowed the kinetics of the volumetric evolution of the cells to be observed. The water exit flow rate from the cell was found to occur in the first 10 s following the hypertonic step change. Comparison of the time constants of the chamber and of the cell volume variations allowed to conclude that the time constant of the water transfer across the membrane was short (about 1 s). © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Tumor-Node Metastasis Staging System for Thymic Epithelial Tumors

Background: The Masaoka clinical staging classification is the most widely accepted nowadays and is an excellent predictor for the prognosis of thymoma. Nevertheless, an update of this classification is desirable for it to be suitable for all thymic epithelial tumors including thymic carcinoma and carcinoid. The tumor-node metastasis (TNM) system classification and clinical staging system for thymic epithelial tumors have not been established yet. Until now, four TNM staging systems have been proposed: Yamakawa and Masaoka in 1991 (Y-M system), Tsuchiya et al. in National Cancer Center Hospital of Japan in 1994 (NCCHJ system), the World Health Organization Consensus Committee in 2004 (World Health Organization system), and Bedini et al. in National Cancer Institute of Italy in 2005 (NCII system). Methods: In this study, we show survival curves of thymic epithelial tumors (n = 1320) including thymoma, thymic carcinoma, and carcinoid according to the Y-M system. Results: The 5-year overall survival rates of stage I, II, III, IVA, and IVB thymic epithelial tumors were 94.2%, 91.2%, 70.5%, 56.3%, and 38.2%, respectively. Significant differences in survival rates were observed between stages II and III (p < 0.0001), stages III and IVA (p = 0.0205), and stages IVA and IVB (p = 0.0192). Discussion: This TNM staging system is an excellent predictor for the prognosis of thymic epithelial tumors including thymic carcinoma. The N and/or M factors influence the prognosis more than T factor. For the subclassification of the N and/or M factors, large-scale studies including the resectable and unresectable tumors are necessary.
No Association Observed Between Blood Pressure Variability During the Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke and In-Hospital Outcomes.

BACKGROUND Recent data suggest that blood pressure (BP) variability confers increased cardiovascular risk independently of BP. We aimed to evaluate the association between BP variability during the acute phase of ischemic stroke and the in-hospital outcome. METHODS We prospectively studied 608 consecutive patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke (39.5% males, age: 79.1±6.6 years). Variability in BP was assessed with the SD and with the coefficient of variation of systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) during the first 2 and the first 3 days of hospitalization. The outcome was assessed with dependency rates at discharge and with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Patients who were dependent at discharge did not differ from patients who were independent in any index of BP variability. Independent predictors of dependency at discharge were age (relative risk (RR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.25, P < 0.001), history of prior ischemic stroke (RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.02-4.24, P = 0.04), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.44-1.86, P < 0.001). Patients who died during hospitalization did not differ in any index of BP variability from patients who were discharged. DBP at admission was independently and directly associated with in-hospital mortality (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.09, P < 0.001). Other independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were history of atrial fibrillation (RR 3.30, 95% CI 1.46-7.49, P = 0.004) and NIHSS at admission (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.13-1.23, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our data do not support the hypothesis of an association between BP variability and in-hospital outcomes among patients admitted for ischemic stroke.
Oral delivery of peptides and proteins using lipid-based drug delivery systems

Introduction: In order to successfully develop lipid-based drug delivery systems (DDS) for oral administration of peptides and proteins, it is important to gain an understanding of the colloid structures formed by these DDS, the mode of peptide and protein incorporation as well as the mechanism by which intestinal absorption of peptides and proteins is promoted. Areas covered: The present paper reviews the literature on lipid-based DDS, employed for oral delivery of peptides and proteins and highlights the mechanisms by which the different lipid-based carriers are expected to overcome the two most important barriers (extensive enzymatic degradation and poor transmucosal permeability). This paper also gives a clear-cut idea about advantages and drawbacks of using different lipidic colloidal carriers ((micro)emulsions, solid lipid core particles and liposomes) for oral delivery of peptides and proteins. Expert opinion: Lipid-based DDS are safe and suitable for oral delivery of peptides and proteins. Significant progress has been made in this area with several technologies on clinical trials. However, a better understanding of the mechanism of action in vivo is needed in order to improve the design and development of lipid-based DDS with the desired bioavailability and therapeutic profile.
Mediating Effect of Intellectual Capital on Corporate Governance and Performance of Conglomerates in Nigeria

Purpose: The nature of diversification in the form of conglomerates is the research theme for this study. Thus, CG’s functions on FP on conglomerates firms of Nigerian economy was studied while applying IC as the mediating variable. Design/Methodology: This research depends on archival data collected from the NSE. Firms have been chosen based on the convenient sampling method and an important parameter for judgment is Conglomerated firms. In order to get genuine results, ten years of financial data have been taken into consideration. Multiple regression technique was used to analyze the data. The software used for analysis was STATA version 14.0. Results: The model I of the study disclose a pessimistic and insignificant impact of board size and board independence on IC using VAIC as a proxy. In contrast, model II results disclosed that the performance of the firms was impacted by the board’s size and institutional ownership. Implying that, the greater the size of the firm as well as more shares owned by institutional shareholders the higher the profit. Practical Implications: Nigeria being one of the growing economies now is dependent on knowledge assets and hence it has a positive effect on the firm’s performance. Conglomeration is seen even between employee’s skills of both industries, which give a positive outcome. Hence, firms under conglomerate tags have a strong impact in relation to intellectual capital.
Arabidopsis Villins Promote Actin Turnover at Pollen Tube Tips and Facilitate the Construction of Actin Collars[W]

This study determines the quantitative dynamic parameters associated with actin filament growth and disappearance at pollen tube tips and identifies villin as a key regulator of actin dynamics in this region. Real-time visualization of single filaments showing that villin regulates actin dynamics via its severing activity supports a direct link between villin and filament severing in plants. Apical actin filaments are crucial for pollen tube tip growth. However, the specific dynamic changes and regulatory mechanisms associated with actin filaments in the apical region remain largely unknown. Here, we have investigated the quantitative dynamic parameters that underlie actin filament growth and disappearance in the apical regions of pollen tubes and identified villin as the major player that drives rapid turnover of actin filaments in this region. Downregulation of Arabidopsis thaliana VILLIN2 (VLN2) and VLN5 led to accumulation of actin filaments at the pollen tube apex. Careful analysis of single filament dynamics showed that the severing frequency significantly decreased, and the lifetime significantly increased in vln2 vln5 pollen tubes. These results indicate that villin-mediated severing is critical for turnover and departure of actin filaments originating in the apical region. Consequently, the construction of actin collars was affected in vln2 vln5 pollen tubes. In addition to the decrease in severing frequency, actin filaments also became wavy and buckled in the apical cytoplasm of vln2 vln5 pollen tubes. These results suggest that villin confers rigidity upon actin filaments. Furthermore, an observed decrease in skewness of actin filaments in the subapical region of vln2 vln5 pollen tubes suggests that villin-mediated bundling activity may also play a role in the construction of actin collars. Thus, our data suggest that villins promote actin turnover at pollen tube tips and facilitate the construction of actin collars.
Landau-Ginzburg model of interphase boundaries in improper ferroelastic Perovskites of D4h18 symmetry.

The Landau model of Slonczewski and Thomas (1970) for the improper ferroelastic {ital O}{sub {ital h}}{sup 1}-{ital D}{sub 4{ital h}}{sup 18} phase transition in perovskite-structure compounds has been extended by including spatial gradient terms of the three-component primary order parameter (OP) and applied to calculate the OP profile and the strain distribution for antiphase and for twin boundaries in the tetragonal phase. In order to obtain quasi-one-dimensional kink-type solitary-wave solutions for which the OP and the strain depend only on the coordinate normal to the interface plane, lateral surface forces are required which allow for the shape change associated with ferroelastic interfaces, but which prevent expansion or contraction within the boundary plane. Numerical application to SrTiO{sub 3}, including calculation of the thickness and energy of both types of interphase boundaries versus temperature, is also presented.
The Ethical Content of the Control System and the Importance of Peer Managers Being Good Apples

The importance of ethical behavior in organizations is undeniable. This study examines how management control systems can facilitate ethical behaviors and an ethical work climate. We examine the intensity of use of an ethical control system and, hence, our focus is on the system’s content. We conceptualize an ethical control system as one that communicates ethical values and motivates employees to act accordingly. Using data from a sample of German managers the results show that the intensity of use of an ethical control system imposed on department managers decreases their engagement in counterproductive behaviors, which in turn, enhances the ethical work climate of the department. These results are consistent with social learning theory. We also examine a contextual factor, peer manager behavior, and find that this effect is amplified when peers are “good apples,” that is, when they act in ways that exhibit less focus on themselves (i.e., less self-interested behavior). In addition, when peers are “good apples,” a more self-focused ethical work climate results in decreased relative performance. Thus, this study demonstrates that including ethical content in the management control system matters, but so does the existence of “good apple” peer managers.