Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Coiled-Coil and Nucleotide Binding Domains of BROWN PLANTHOPPER RESISTANCE14 Function in Signaling and Resistance against Planthopper in Rice[OPEN]

The coiled-coil and nucleotide binding domains of BROWN PLANTHOPPER RESISTANCE14 interact with WRKY transcription factors to activate defense signaling and confer resistance to planthopper attack. BROWN PLANTHOPPER RESISTANCE14 (BPH14), the first planthopper resistance gene isolated via map-based cloning in rice (Oryza sativa), encodes a coiled-coil, nucleotide binding site, leucine-rich repeat (CC-NB-LRR) protein. Several planthopper and aphid resistance genes encoding proteins with similar structures have recently been identified. Here, we analyzed the functions of the domains of BPH14 to identify molecular mechanisms underpinning BPH14-mediated planthopper resistance. The CC or NB domains alone or in combination (CC-NB [CN]) conferred a similar level of brown planthopper resistance to that of full-length (FL) BPH14. Both domains activated the salicylic acid signaling pathway and defense gene expression. In rice protoplasts and Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, these domains increased reactive oxygen species levels without triggering cell death. Additionally, the resistance domains and FL BPH14 protein formed homocomplexes that interacted with transcription factors WRKY46 and WRKY72. In rice protoplasts, the expression of FL BPH14 or its CC, NB, and CN domains increased the accumulation of WRKY46 and WRKY72 as well as WRKY46- and WRKY72-dependent transactivation activity. WRKY46 and WRKY72 bind to the promoters of the receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase gene RLCK281 and the callose synthase gene LOC_Os01g67364. 1, whose transactivation activity is dependent on WRKY46 or WRKY72. These findings shed light on this important insect resistance mechanism.
Improving Aerobic Power in Primary School Boys: A Comparison of Continuous and Interval Training

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the magnitude of change in aerobic power was different in boys (mean age 10.25 +/- 0.50 y) who followed a high-intensity interval training protocol, compared to those who followed a moderate-intensity continuous training protocol. Boys were assigned to either a control group (n = 15), a continuous training group (n = 10), or an interval training group (n = 10). They completed peak oxygen uptake tests at baseline and following an 8-week training period. The control group continued with normal activity habits, whilst the continuous training group followed a 20-minute steady-state cycle protocol at 80-85 % of the maximal heart rate, and the interval training group completed 30-s sprints on a cycle ergometer, interspersed with active rest periods. The two training protocols were designed to incur similar cardiovascular work over the 20 minutes of each training session. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in peak oxygen uptake were noted for both the interval and continuous training groups. The interval training group showed marked pre- to post-increases in both peak oxygen pulse, oxygen pulse at the ventilatory threshold, and ventilatory threshold that were not apparent in the continuous group boys. It would appear that a high-intensity interval protocol confers a different training effect in comparison to continuous steady-state training in boys. Possible mechanisms that underpin these adaptations may include increased blood volume and a concomitant adjustment in stroke volume.
Psychological Contracts Revisited : Providing a New Framework and Example

Although there is a large body of theoretical and empirical research on psychological contracts, scholars have devoted little time to developing transactional and relational elements. We provide definitions of transactional and relational contracts and develop a psychological contract violation model that can be used to determine the overall strength of an employee’s perceived violation of psychological contracts. Finally, we extend psychological contract to a group level by discussing the effect of group violation of individual psychological contracts and offer an example of how introduction of a large scale technology can cause such an event.
Analysis of stratified testing for multichip module systems

A stratified technique is proposed for testing multichip module systems. Stratification in multichip modules due to the different nature and procurement of these chips is exploited for achieving a high quality-level at a saving of a significant number of tests during assembly. Unlike conventional random testing, the proposed approach (referred to as the lowest yield-stratum first-testing), takes into account the uneven known-good-yield. In the lowest yield-stratum first-testing approach, the effect of the uneven known-good-yield between strata is analyzed with respect to the variance of known-good-yield and the sample size. The lowest yield-stratum first-testing approach significantly outperforms conventional random testing and random stratified testing. This method is competitive even compared to a conventional exhaustive testing at a very small loss in quality-level by greedy (first) testing the chips in the stratum with lower known-good-yield. A Markov-chain model is developed to analyze these testing approaches under the assumption of physically independent failure of chips in multichip module systems.
Nonlinear accumulation of propranolol enantiomers.

The accumulation of (+)- and (-)-propranolol was investigated in nine subjects who received 160 mg of racemic propranolol as a single dose and then once daily for 7 days. The serum concentrations of propranolol enantiomers were measured by h.p.l.c. using a novel chiral stationary phase allowing direct resolution of underivatized propranolol. The (+)-propranolol AUC increased from 412 +/- 223 ng ml-1 h after single doses (0-infinity) to 584 +/- 279 ng ml-1 h at steady-state (0-24 h) (P less than 0.05). Similarly, (-)-propranolol AUC increased from 609 +/- 304 to 777 +/- 370 ng ml-1 h (P less than 0.05). The AUC ratio (-)/(+) was 1.52 +/- 0.36 and 1.32 +/- 0.17 after single doses and steady-state, respectively (P greater than 0.05). Therefore, nonlinear accumulation occurs with both enantiomers although there is a trend for the (-)/(+) ratio to decrease at steady-state.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Hyperglycaemic Emergencies in Johannesburg Africans

In this prospective analysis we investigated the clinical characteristics of black South African diabetic patients admitted to hospital with hyperglycaemic emergencies. The study cases were selected from the medical admissions to an urbanized, Johannesburg academic hospital over a period of 12 months. Only patients with severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar non‐ketotic hyperglycaemia (HNKH) as defined in the text were included. Over the study period, we identified 58 patients with severe DKA (M: 32, F: 26) and 24 with HNKH (M: 14, F:10). Thirty‐two of the patients with DKA (55.2 %) were classified as having non‐insulin dependent (Type 2) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Compared to the 26 subjects with insulin‐dependent (Type 1) diabetes mellitus (IDDM), the NIDDM patients were older (51.7 vs 27.7 years) and had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (29.4 vs 23.5 kg m−2, p = 0.002), and glucose levels 47.5 vs 34 mmol l−1 p = 0.004). Mortality from DKA was 6.8 % and from HNKH 16.6 %. Infection was the leading precipitating factor for both DKA and HNKH, followed by first presentation and non‐compliance. We conclude that the majority of urban African patients admitted to hospital with DKA have NIDDM. Mortality from DKA among the black Africans in Johannesburg is low and comparable to the mortality in western Europe. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal time sharing in RF-powered backscatter cognitive radio networks

In this paper, we propose a novel network model for RF-powered cognitive radio networks and ambient backscatter communications. In the network under consideration, each secondary transmitter is able to backscatter primary signals to the gateway for data transfer or to harvest energy from the primary signals and then use that energy to transmit data to the gateway. To maximize overall network throughput of the network, we formulate an optimization problem with the aim of finding not only an optimal tradeoff between data backscattering time and energy harvesting time, but also time sharing among multiple secondary transmitters. Through the numerical results, we demonstrate that the solution of the optimization problem always achieves the best performance compared with two other baseline schemes.
Long-term results following operation for diabetic foot problems: arterial disease confers a poor prognosis.

OBJECTIVES to describe the long-term outcome of local amputations and debridements of diabetic feet, with special reference to the presence or absence of arterial disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS a consecutive series of 75 diabetic patients having local foot surgery during 1987-92 was reviewed in 1998. A total of 136 operations had been done on 92 limbs, of which 52 (60%) had evidence of arterial disease. Survivors were interrogated in 1998, with follow-up intervals of 69-120 (median 92) months after their index operations. RESULTS complete healing occurred in 48% feet, and 36% limbs required major amputation, after 1 day-7 years (median 24 days). Major amputation was more common in limbs with arterial disease (52% vs. 18%) -p;<0.001. At follow-up 20 (27%) patients were alive (five lost to long-term follow-up) - five of 44 (11%) arteriopaths, and 15 of 26 (58%) of those without arterial disease (p<0.001). No patient who had arterial reconstruction at the outset survived to follow-up. Among the survivors, 78% feet had remained healed, with no recurrent ulceration. CONCLUSIONS among diabetics requiring local foot surgery, the presence of arterial disease confers a poor long-term prognosis for both life and limb. Those with neuropathy alone tend to do well with good foot care.
Accuracy and Modifying Factors for Ultrasonographic Determination of Fetal Weight at Term

Objective: To determine the accuracy of various sonographic formulas for estimating fetal weight at labor. Methods: We evaluated prospectively four published equations by Hadlock et al, Shepard et al, Rose and McCallum, and Sabbagha et al, as well as clinical examination for accuracy in determining fetal weight during labor. Two hundred twenty-three patients at 35-42 weeks' gestation underwent sonographic examination. Amniotic fluid index (AFI), placental location, maternal weight, and fetal station were recorded for each study. Results: The Hadlock and Shepard equations both had a lower percentage of error than the Sabbagha formula (6.1%/204 g and 6.2%/200 g, respectively, versus 7.8%/271 g; P<.007). For all four equations, 70-79% of the fetal weight predictions were within 10% of actual birth weight. Sensitivities for detecting birth weights greater than 3800 g varied greatly (11-76%), whereas specificities for detecting birth weights less than 3800 g exceeded 88%. For most equations, AFI, placental location, and maternal weight did not affect predictive accuracy. The error in weight estimation varied between 6.3-8.1% in patients with oligohydramnios. Biparietal diameter (BPD) could not be measured in approximately two-thirds of the patients studied. Conclusion: Using any of the four standard equations or clinical examination, accurate estimation of fetal weight can be achieved for patients in labor, even in the presence of ruptured membranes. Since the Hadlock equation does not rely on BFD measurements, it appears to be both the most accurate and clinically useful method for predicting fetal weight for patients in labor at term. (Obstet Gynecol 1994; 84:926-30)
Mutagenesis at a complex locus in Drosophila with the monofunctional alkylating agent, ethyl methanesulfonate.

use of chemical mutagens in Drosophila usually results in the production T:mutants which are composed of mutant and nonmutant tissue. Mutants of this type are referred to as mosaic or fractional, as opposed to the complete or whole body mutants so commonly found in studies of X-ray mutagenesis. For the detection of mosaic and complete mutants, as well as for general mutagenesis studies, the most frequently used genetic system is the sex-linked lethal system. The use of this system( has, however, certain disadvantages, especially for the detection of mosaics when using a powerful mutagen such as ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). One reason for this is the misclassification of double mosaics as completes; these “pseudlocompletes” arise from a two-hit event occurring at different sites along the two strands or subunits of a chromosome with one hit on each strand (EPLER 1966; JENKINS 1967). Another problem arises when more than one lethal hit occurs along the same strand or subunit of a chromosome. Such multiple-hit mutants vvould be classified as single-hit events, and they would result in an underestimation of the frequency of induced lethal mutations. Using a complex locus, such as dumpy, to study chemical mutagenesis has some advantages. If art intragenic double bilateral or complex mosaic were induced, two types of dumpy mutants would be produced-both detectable under most circumstances. This would permit a more accurate determination of the number of mutations arising at a given locus as well as the relative mutability of the various mutant sites within that locus. The dumpy locus, with its multiplicity of mutant sites and wide range of phenotypes, is an ideal locus for studying genetic fine structure and mutagenesis. The dumpy phenotype involves the thorax and its derivatives, the legs and wings, as well as an embryonic lethal effect. A mosaic dumpy mutant would be detected three times more frequently than would a mosaic eye mutant because of the larger number of cleavage nuclei which participate in the formation of thoracic tissue; however, probably only 75 % of the dumpy mosaics induced are actually detected in the somatic or germinal tissues because of the presence of mutant tissue in nondetectable areas such as the head or abdomen (LEE, KIRBY, and DEBNEY 1967). Nevertheless, compared to the sex-linked lethal system, dumpy is a preferable system to use because both the soma and the gonad can be analyzed for
The Contribution of Schoolyard in Physical Activity of Pupils of 6th Grade Primary School during Recess

Ένα eνθαρρυντικό σχολικό πeριβάλλον μπορeί να ωθήσeι τα παιδιά σe ουσιαστικότeρη eνασχόληση μe τη ΦΔ κατά τη διάρκeια των διαλeιμμάτων. Σκοπός της μeλέτης ήταν να καταγραφeί ο βαθμός της φυσικής δραστηριότητας των μαθητών/τριών της Στ τάξης του Δημοτικού Σχολeίου κατά τη διάρκeια του διαλeίμματος και να διαπιστωθeί κατά πόσο μια eπαρκώς eξοπλισμένη σχολική αυλή μπορeί να eπηρeάσeι το βαθμό φυσικής δραστηριοποίησης των μαθητών/τριών. 799 μαθητές/τριeς [426 (53.3%) αγόρια], της Στ τάξης του Δημοτικού, από 35 σχολeία του νομού Έβρου κλήθηκαν να συμπληρώσουν ένα eρωτηματολόγιο αυτό-αναφοράς μe ανάκληση της χθeσινής ημέρας προκeιμένου να eκτιμηθeί ο βαθμός της φυσικής δραστηριότητάς τους. Η αξιοπιστία του eρωτηματολογίου σe eλληνικό δeίγμα ήταν α = . 69. Για την καταγραφή του πeριβάλλοντος των σχολικών αυλών, κατασκeυάστηκe λίστα υπαίθριων χαρακτηριστικών γνωρισμάτων σύμφωνα μe τις προδιαγραφές του Ο. Σ. Κ. Α. E. Η ανάλυση διακύμανσης ως προς ένα ανeξάρτητο παράγοντα αποκάλυψe στατιστικά σημαντικές διαφορές μeταξύ της φυσικής δραστηριότητας των μαθητών/τριών σe σχέση μe το διαθέσιμο eξοπλισμό των σχολικών αυλών δίνοντας υπeροχή σ’ αυτούς που φοιτούσαν σe σχολeία μe αυλές πλήρως eξοπλισμένeς. Το αποτέλeσμα αυτό eνισχύeι την άποψη ότι οι σχολικές αυλές μe πλούσιο eξοπλισμό παιχνιδιού και άθλησης μπορούν να ωθήσουν τους μαθητές/τριeς σe πιο δραστήριeς συμπeριφορές κατά το διάλeιμμα. Normal 0 false false false EL X-NONE X-NONE Λέξeις κλeιδιά: Σχολική Αυλή, Υπαίθριο Σχολικό Πeριβάλλον, 12/χρονοι στο Διάλeιμμα, Φυσική Δραστηριότητα στο Σχολeίο
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Dextran Sulfate as Microbicides against Herpes Simplex and Human Immunodeficiency Viruses

ABSTRACT The efficacy of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a sulfated anionic chaotropic surfactant, and dextran sulfate (DS), a polysulfated carbohydrate, against herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections was evaluated in cultured cells and in different murine models of HSV infection. Results showed that both SLS and DS were potent inhibitors of the infectivities of various HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains. Pretreatment of HIV-1 (strain NL4-3) with SLS also reduced its infectivity to 1G5 cells. DS prevented the binding of HSV to cell surface receptors and therefore its entry into cells. Pretreatment of HSV-1 (strain F) with 50 μM SLS resulted in a complete loss of virus infectivity to Vero cells. However, viruses were able to enter into cells and to produce in the nuclei capsid shells devoid of a DNA core. The amount of the glycoprotein D gene produced in these cells remained unchanged compared to controls, suggesting that SLS could interfere with the maturation of the virus. At a higher SLS concentration (100 μM), HSV was highly damaged by SLS pretreatment and only a few viral particles could enter into cells to produce abnormal capsids. Although DS was a more potent inhibitor of HSV infectivity in vitro, it was unable to provide any protection in murine models of HSV infection. However, SLS conferred a complete protection of animals infected cutaneously with pretreated viruses. In addition, skin pretreatment of mice with a polymer formulation containing SLS completely prevented the development of cutaneous lesions. More interestingly, intravaginal pretreatment of mice with SLS in a buffered solution also completely protected against lethal HSV-2 infection. Taken together, our results suggest that SLS could thus represent a candidate of choice as a microbicide to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV, HSV, and possibly other pathogens that cause sexually transmitted diseases.
Prevention of Atherosclerosis in Sub‐Human Primates by Chondroitin Sulfate A

Sixty-five squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciurea) were studied for a year. During the last 9 months, spontaneously occurring atherosclerosis was accelerated by feeding a diet containing cholesterol and butter. Of six separate groups of animals, three groups were examined for the effects of acid mucopolysaccharides on the process of atherosclerosis. Monkeys treated with parenteral chondroitin sulfate A and fed the cholesterol-butter diet showed statistically significant reductions of serum total lipid levels and aorta lipid levels when compared to control groups on the cholesterol-butter diets. Macroscopic comparison of aortic atherosclerosis showed chondroitin sulfate A-treated animals to have the least atherosclerotic involvement. The acid mucopolysaccharide chondroitin sulfate A may be an effective preventive agent in the treatment of experimentally induced atherosclerosis.
Comparison between the Conventional Methods and PSO Based MPPT Algorithm for Photovoltaic Systems

—Since the output characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) system depends on the ambient temperature, solar radiation and load impedance, its maximum power point (MPP) is not constant. Under each condition PV module has a point at which it can produce its MPP. Therefore, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method is needed to uphold the PV panel operating at its MPP. This paper presents comparative study between the conventional MPPT methods used in (PV) system: Perturb and Observe (P&O), Incremental Conductance (IncCond), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm for (MPPT) of (PV) system. To evaluate the study, the proposed PSO MPPT is implemented on a DC-DC cuk converter and has been compared with P&O and INcond methods in terms of their tracking speed, accuracy and performance by using the Matlab tool Simulink. The simulation result shows that the proposed algorithm is simple, and is superior to the P&O and IncCond methods.
Oryza sativa Dicer-like4 Reveals a Key Role for Small Interfering RNA Silencing in Plant Development[W][OA]

MicroRNAs and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are two classes of small regulatory RNAs derived from different types of precursors and processed by distinct Dicer or Dicer-like (DCL) proteins. During evolution, four Arabidopsis thaliana DCLs and six rice (Oryza sativa) DCLs (Os DCLs) appear to have acquired specialized functions. The Arabidopsis DCLs are well characterized, but those in rice remain largely unstudied. Here, we show that both knockdown and loss of function of rice DCL4, the homolog of Arabidopsis DCL4, lead to vegetative growth abnormalities and severe developmental defects in spikelet identity. These phenotypic alterations appear to be distinct from those observed in Arabidopsis dcl4 mutants, which exhibit accelerated vegetative phase change. The difference in phenotype between rice and Arabidopsis dcl4 mutants suggests that siRNA processing by DCL4 has a broader role in rice development than in Arabidopsis. Biochemical and genetic analyses indicate that Os DCL4 is the major Dicer responsible for the 21-nucleotide siRNAs associated with inverted repeat transgenes and for trans-acting siRNA (ta-siRNA) from the endogenous TRANS-ACTING siRNA3 (TAS3) gene. We show that the biogenesis mechanism of TAS3 ta-siRNA is conserved but that putative direct targets of Os DCL4 appear to be differentially regulated between monocots and dicots. Our results reveal a critical role of Os DCL4-mediated ta-siRNA biogenesis in rice development.
Anticardiolipin Antibodies in South African Patients with Lupus Nephritis: A Clinical and Renal Pathological Study

Aims: This study was conducted prospectively to ascertain the prevalence of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACAs) in patients with lupus nephritis and to determine whether this subgroup of patients differed clinically and histologically from patients without the antibody. Patients and Methods: 40 SLE patients (26 Blacks, 14 Indians, 37 females, 3 males) with evidence of renal involvement underwent clinical assessment and percutaneous renal biopsy. Special investigations included: urinary protein quantitation; radioisotope glomerular filtration rate (GFR); complement levels, and antinuclear antibodies and ACAs. Histology was reviewed by a single senior pathologist blinded to the ACA results. In addition to the standard WHO classification, specimens were examined for intrarenal thrombosis. Results: The prevalence of ACA was 45% (18 of 40 patients). Thrombocytopenia was more frequent in patients with ACA (33 vs. 13.6%, p = 0.015). Patients with ACA did not differ from controls with regard to the incidence of thrombosis, neurological disorders, recurrent fetal loss, active disease and hypertension. Mean GFR and 24-hour urine protein (ACA vs. controls) were 51.3 versus 67 ml/min (NS) and 2.4 versus 3.7 g (NS), respectively. Intrarenal microvascular thrombosis (glomerular and arteriolar) occurred in 27.7% of ACA patients versus 9% of controls (p = 0.025). Apart from a higher incidence of class-III nephritis in the controls, standard histology (WHO classification) did not differ between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The prevalence of ACA in our patients with lupus nephritis was 45%. This subgroup did not differ from patients without the antibody apart from a higher incidence of thrombocytopenia and intrarenal microvascular thrombosis.