Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induction of drought tolerance with seed priming in wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.)

Delay in sowing and low precipitation (<300mm annual) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) farming is the major problem in the irrigated and rainfall lands of Iran. A factorial experiment for evaluating the effects of seed priming on wheat cultivars was carried out under laboratory, greenhouse and at two field conditions during seasons of 2008-2010. Arrangement of treatments were Zarrin, Shariar, Sardary and Azar cultivars as A factor, and priming treatments including distilled water (DW), osmotic solutions (10% PEG, 2.5% KCl, 4% MN, 10% Urea, 5% NaCl W/V) and plant growth inducers (20 ppm IAA, 1000 ppm CCC) with non-primed seed as a control established B factor. During the second year of field experiment two separate treatments were done under drought stress and well watered conditions. Drought stress was withheld by irrigation at booting stage of plants. Maximum amount of absorbed water was determined in cultivar Shariar, 15.5 g DW. Seed weight of all cultivars increased the most when primed with CCC and IAA. Irrespective of the cultivar seedlings related traits revealed that treatment with CCC increased plumule and radical dry weights (11.5 and 8.0 mg) and their lengths (17.2 and 17.8 cm). In opposite, urea pretreatment had negative effects on seedlings growth. All priming treatments increased grain yield and its components, chlorophyll content and nitrogen absorbed under field and green house conditions in four cultivars in comparison to control. Plants arising from seeds primed with potassium chloride under drought stress had the lowest percentage of variation for traits such as relative water content (-9.3%), total dry matter (-10.7%) and grain yield (-4.0%) in comparison with well watered plants. Potassium chloride improved drought tolerance at all wheat cultivars. There were significant correlations between grain yield at primed with KCl and following wheat traits: number of spikes per square meter (0.91**), number of grains per spike (0.92**) and total dry matter (0.79*). Therefore, it seems that these traits could be used as indirect criteria for selection of high grain yield of cultivars for primed seed.
The Psychosocial Benefits of an Inclusive Community-Based Aquatics Program

Purpose: To examine the psychosocial effect of participation in an inclusive community-based aquatics program for children with and without disabilities. Methods: Twenty-three participants completed an 8-week inclusive aquatics program. Quality of life, self-concept, and acceptance were measured using the PedsQL 4.0, Piers-Harris 2 Children's Self-Concept Scale, and Peer Sociometric Nomination Assessment (Friendship Questionnaire). Data were analyzed using a 2 × 2 analysis of variance with repeated measures. Results: After the 8-week intervention, a statistically significant decrease was found on the School subsection of the PedsQL 4.0 for the children without disabilities, and in the happiness subsection of the Piers-Harris 2 for the children with disabilities. The Peer Sociometric Nomination Assessment showed a trend that children with disabilities received less negative peer nominations at posttest when compared with pretest. Conclusion: Participation in an inclusive aquatics program may lead to improved acceptance of children with disabilities by their peers without disabilities.
Decreasing Bacterial Colonization of External Fixation Pins Through Nitric Oxide Release Coatings

Objective: Bacterial infection of the pin tract represents the most common complication associated with external fixation. This study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing xerogel films applied to commercially pure titanium pins in a rat model. Methods: Pins were coated with xerogel solution through a dip-coating procedure. Half of the xerogel-coated implant pins were modified into NO donors and served as the NO-releasing group, whereas the remaining pins were left unmodified to serve as non-NO-releasing xerogel-coated controls. Acid-etched pins served as uncoated controls. Animal selection was randomized and every rat had one pin from each of the three groups randomly allocated to the third, fourth, or fifth tail vertebrae. Quantification of bacterial infection was performed 48 days postoperatively and the tissue-implant interface was inspected for clinical signs of infection on Days 14 and 28 postimplantation. Results: Pin tract bacterial colony counts of the NO-releasing group (170,000 ± 181,000) were significantly lower than both the xerogel-coated group (677,000 ± 675,000) and the control group (1,181,000 ± 2,717,000) 48 days postoperatively (P < 0.05). No significant difference in colony counts was observed between the xerogel-coated group and the control group. The NO-releasing group also had significantly fewer clinical signs of infection than both the coated and the control groups on postoperative Day 28 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The application of NO-releasing xerogel coatings can inhibit bacterial colonization of external fixation pins both during the initial postsurgical period and up to 48 days postimplantation.
High‐dose myeloablative radioimmunotherapy of mantle cell non‐hodgkin lymphoma with the iodine‐131–labeled chimeric anti‐CD20 antibody C2B8 and autologous stem cell support. [THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED]

CD20 has been used successfully as a target molecule for conventional low‐dose, as well as high‐dose, myeloablative radioimmunotherapy (RIT) of B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an especially aggressive, prognostically unfavorable subtype of B‐cell NHL, associated with an overall 5‐year survival rate of less than 20%. Recent evidence has failed to show convincing therapeutic efficacy of conventional, nonmyeloablative RIT in patients with MCL. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether high‐dose, myeloablative RIT with the iodine‐131 (131I)–labeled chimeric anti‐CD20 antibody C2B8 (rituximab, obtained as Mabthera from Roche Pharma, Reinach, Switzerland) is therapeutically effective in MCL patients.
The Structure and Biology of Human IgD

IgD was first detected in 1965 and characterized as the fourth class of immunoglobulins (Ig) by Rowe & Fahey (1965a, b) through the study of a myeloma protein that could not be typed as IgG, IgM or IgA. Although at that time these authors established that IgD has all structural features of Ig, its role in the immune system is still unknown. There are many reasons for this. IgD is only a minor serum component and antibody activity is not usually found associated with IgD. No IgD secondary biological functions mediated by the Fc fragment have been found (Spiegelberg 1974). Recently, it was discovered that IgD is also a major antigen receptor on bone marrow derived (B) lymphocytes (Rowe et al. 1973) and this has stimulated the new research on the function of IgD that is reviewed in the papers of this volume. Antigenically, the serum IgD and cell bound IgD are closely related; however, it has not yet been demonstrated that they are identical. First, they may differ in that the cell bound IgD probably has an additional structure which is responsible for its persistence in the cell membrane. Second, serum and cell bound IgD may relate to one another as subclasses. The suspicion that prompts this theory originates from the unexplained observation that 90 % of IgD myeloma proteins are of X type (Jancelewicz et al. 1975), whereas the majority of cell bound IgD is of K type (Rowe et al. 1973). The frequency of K and A types of myeloma
Stability of Colistin and Colistin Methanesulfonate in Aqueous Media and Plasma as Determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

ABSTRACT The stabilities of colistin and colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) in different aqueous media were studied by specific high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Colistin was stable in water at 4 and 37°C for up to 60 days and 120 h, respectively. However, degradation was observed when colistin was stored in isotonic phosphate buffer (0.067 M, pH 7.4) and human plasma at 37°C. The stability of CMS from three different sources in water was explored by strong-anion-exchange (SAX) HPLC for CMS and by measuring the concentrations of colistin formed from the hydrolysis of CMS. The peaks of CMS in SAX HPLC disappeared almost completely after 12 h at 37°C, but appeared to remain intact for up to 2 days at 4°C. Over the same period, there was no formation of colistin at 4°C. In water, phosphate buffer, and plasma, there was rapid formation of colistin within 24 to 48 h at 37°C from the three sources of CMS. The hydrolysis products were assumed to be a complex mixture of many different sulfomethyl derivatives, including colistin. The stability of a fourth source of CMS in Mueller-Hinton broth examined during 30 min at 37°C revealed no formation of colistin. Along with previous microbiological studies, this suggested that different sulfomethyl CMSs possess intrinsic antibacterial activity. These results will be helpful for understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of colistin and CMS in humans and animals.
A Study of Risk-Taking Propensities among Small Business Entrepreneurs and Managers: an Empirical Evaluation

This study investigates the risk-taking propensities of a sample of Vermont small business entrepreneurs and managers. Risk-taking propensities as measured by responses to Kogan-Wallach's risk-taking questions varied more for business risk situations than for personal risk, career risk, or trivial risk situations. In addition, there were significant differences in risk-taking propensities according to differences in respondents’ age, education, years of business experience, years owned business, and the size and type of their business using the method of analysis of variance. Risk-taking propensities also varied significantly according to respondents’ motivation as to how they feel about themselves, the probability of improving themselves, and the probability of accomplishing something useful.
PERATAAN LABA DAN VARIABEL-VARIABEL YANG MEMPENGARUHINYA (STUDI EMPIRIS PERUSAHAAN MANUFAKTUR YANG TERDAFTAR DI BEJ)

This study aimed to determine the effect of managerial ownership, institutional ownership, debt financing, ownership dispersion, profitability, and firm size simultaneously and partially on income smoothing.This study uses manufacturing companies listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange as an object of research. Based on purposive sampling method there are 147 companies that found the above criteria. Data analysis method used is multiple regression analysis. The results of this study showed that ownership dispersion and size of company that has a significant effect partially on income smoothing. The larger company and expanding company's ownership structure has greater freedom to report better earnings.
[Functional diagnosis of retinal ischemia. Communication 1. Reaction of Muller cells at early stages of diabetic retinopathy].

Electroretinographic examinations were made in 191 patients with non-proliferative and pre-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. On the basis of the ratio of b-wave in ? and ? at 12 Hz, the glial index (Cg) was estimated for evaluating the functional changes in Muller cells. As the retinal ischemia aggravated, C@f was increasing, which was indicative of an activated metabolism of Muller cells. C@g was shown to be a sensitive criterion of retinal ischemia ensuring the detection of initial stages of retinal ischemia prior to the detection of changes recognizable in ophthalmoscopy and fluorescence angiography. The established regularities of changing functions in Muller glia and in glia-neuron ratios denote the possibility of using the electroretinographic criteria in the diagnosis of lesions in the retina and of early signs of retinal dystrophy in diabetic retinopathy.
The performance implications of outward foreign direct investment for Chinese firms

The internationalisation of Chinese firms has attracted attention worldwide although most of Chinese MNEs are still in their early stage of internationalisation. Chinese firms internationalisation has unique characteristics due to their home country s unique political environment, culture and economic structure. This thesis aims to investigate the implications of both of short-term stock market performance and long-term operating performance of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) by Chinese firms. Drawing on signalling theory and the institution-based view, the thesis firstly examines the extent of stock market reactions to the announcement of cross-border merger and acquisition (M&A) deals from a financial perspective, based on an event study of a sample of Chinese firms during the period 2000-2012. The findings indicate that Chinese firms cross-border M&As result in a positive stock market reaction. The shareholders of Chinese firms that acquire a target firm in a host country with a low level of political risk gain higher cumulative abnormal returns than those firms targeting companies in countries with a high level of political risk. However, the shareholders of Chinese state-owned enterprises experience lower abnormal returns compared with those of Chinese privately owned firms when engaging in cross-border M&A deals. The thesis further examines the impact of M&As on Chinese firms post-acquisition operating performance by integrating organisational learning theory with the institution-based view. The findings indicate that firms with serial cross-border M&As achieve better performance than those engaged in first-time cross-border M&As, and those with horizontal M&As perform better than those carrying out vertical M&As. The positive effects of acquisition experience and horizontal acquisitions on the post-acquisition performance of Chinese acquiring firms are reinforced by the institutional quality and language similarity of host countries. Finally, this thesis investigates from a management perspective how Chinese MNEs adopt different management strategies (e.g. expatriates and subsidiary autonomy) to respond to environmental challenges and improve the performance of overseas subsidiaries. Drawing on the resource dependence theory, this thesis examines the indirect effects of expatriates on subsidiary performance via subsidiary autonomy based on a survey sample of Chinese MNEs. The findings show that an increase in expatriates reduces the level of subsidiary autonomy and thus negatively affects subsidiary performance. This study also finds that the institutional quality of host countries reinforces the negative impact of expatriates on subsidiary autonomy, but reduces the importance of the latter on subsidiary performance.
A chemical bath process for depositing Cu2ZnSnS4 photovoltaic absorbers

Thin films of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) were fabricated through a combination of chemical bath deposition, ion exchange and sulfurization heat treatment. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of the thin films, Auger electron spectroscopy for compositional analysis, X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering for structural characterization, and diffuse reflectance UV-Vis measurements for optical properties. With the method described, compositionally uniform microcrystalline CZTS with kesterite structure and a bandgap of 1.45 eV have been produced, and a preliminary solar cell device was fabricated to demonstrate that this material is applicable in earth-abundant, non-toxic thin film photovoltaics.
Innovative Questionnaire Assessment Methods to Increase Cross-Country Comparability

The primary purpose of international large-scale assessments has been to compare student achievement levels across educational systems, but a secondary purpose, growing in importance, has been to compare student responses on background questionnaires. For example, at a recent international meeting, a representative of one country’s educational system announced to the audience that he had “good news and bad news” to report. The good news was that his country was “once again, one of the top countries in the world in student achievement. ” The bad news was that his country “was among the worst in students’ attitudes towards school. ” This statement, essentially implying parity between achievement scores and background factors, reflects the seriousness with which educational leaders are now treating data obtained from background questionnaires. On the other hand, one wonders whether such data, based almost exclusively on self-assessments using
Flow cytometry and the study of central nervous disease in patients with acute leukaemia

Central nervous system (CNS) leukaemia is still a matter of debate and new technologies are required to improve the classic morphological definition. One hundred and sixty‐eight cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 31 patients with acute leukaemia were analysed by flow cytometry and conventional cytology. Concordant positive and negative findings were found in 158 samples but 10 produced discrepant results. Cytology seemed to offer more precise information in one CSF sample and flow cytometric accuracy could be demonstrated in five samples. We conclude that flow cytometry is of great help in confirming CNS leukaemia and eliminating other conditions. Therefore, leukaemic patients can benefit from double cytological and flow cytometric CSF studies.
NMR structure of Escherichia coli glutaredoxin 3-glutathione mixed disulfide complex: implications for the enzymatic mechanism.

Glutaredoxins (Grxs) catalyze reversible oxidation/reduction of protein disulfide groups and glutathione-containing mixed disulfide groups via an active site Grx-glutathione mixed disulfide (Grx-SG) intermediate. The NMR solution structure of the Escherichia coli Grx3 mixed disulfide with glutathione (Grx3-SG) was determined using a C14S mutant which traps this intermediate in the redox reaction. The structure contains a thioredoxin fold, with a well-defined binding site for glutathione which involves two intermolecular backbone-backbone hydrogen bonds forming an antiparallel intermolecular beta-bridge between the protein and glutathione. The solution structure of E. coli Grx3-SG also suggests a binding site for a second glutathione in the reduction of the Grx3-SG intermediate, which is consistent with the specificity of reduction observed in Grxs. Molecular details of the structure in relation to the stability of the intermediate and the activity of Grx3 as a reductant of glutathione mixed disulfide groups are discussed. A comparison of glutathione binding in Grx3-SG and ligand binding in other members of the thioredoxin superfamily is presented, which illustrates the highly conserved intermolecular interactions in this protein family.
The use of session-RPE method for quantifying training load in diving.

PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of perceived exertion (session-RPE) in quantifying internal training load in divers. METHODS Six elite divers, three males (age, 25.7 ± 6.1 y; stature, 1.71 ± 0.06 m; body mass, 66.7 ± 1.2 kg) and three females (age, 25.3 ± 0.6 y; stature, 1.63 ± 0.05 m; body mass, 58.3 ± 4.0 kg) were monitored during six training sessions within a week, which included 1 m and 3 m springboard dives. The Edwards summated heart rate zone method was used as a reference measure; the session-RPE rating was obtained using the CR-10 Borg scale modified by Foster and the 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS Significant correlations were found between CR-10 and VAS session-RPE and the Edwards summated heart rate zone method for training sessions (r range: 0.71-0.96; R2 range: 0.50-0.92; P < 0.01) and for divers (r range: 0.67-0.96; R2 range: 0.44-0.92; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that session-RPE can be useful for monitoring internal training load in divers.
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty for the Treatment of Thoracic Fractures in Osteoporotic Patients: A Finite Element Comparative Analysis

Background Vertebral compression fractures occur in the thoracolumbar junction, causing the collapse of the vertebral body. For their treatment, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are used, but it is still unknown which technique is to be preferred. Methods Finite element models of the thoracic spine were developed to evaluate the outcomes of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. A mild and severe collapse of T10 treated with vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty was studied. Stresses on the endplates and intradiscal pressures were extrapolated to determine the stress distribution in the adjacent structures. Results The validation ensured a correct stiffness and a proper kinematic of each functional spinal unit. The results demonstrated that a consolidation following vertebroplasty caused slight variations of intradiscal pressures and stresses. If a kyphoplasty was performed after a mild collapse of the vertebral body, a 25% stress reduction on endplates was found. In cases of severe collapse, when a partial height restoration was achieved, a 15% stress reduction was obtained, while with a full recovery of the anterior wall of the collapsed vertebra, there was a further reduction of 40%. Conclusions To reduce the stresses on the adjacent endplates and the risk of fracture, the results suggest a kyphoplasty is to be preferred, trying to restore the initial vertebral body height.
Reducing the dreaded: change of avoidance motivation in psychotherapy

Abstract All humans avoid aversive experiences. Avoidance motivational goals are defined as ontogenetically developed mental representations of avoided transactions, and avoidance motivation as the totality of an individual's avoidance motivational goals. Based on previous research, avoidance motivation is hypothesized to contribute to the development and maintenance of psychopathology. The authors tested the hypotheses that the intensity of avoidance motivation is reduced by outpatient psychotherapy, that the intensity of avoidance motivation after therapy approaches normality, and that change in avoidance motivation is related to other kinds of therapy outcomes. Seventy-six outpatients completed a self-report measure of avoidance motivational goals before and after therapy. All hypotheses were confirmed. Explorative analyses found differential patterns of change of avoidance motivational goals as well as relationships with psychotherapy outcomes. The authors discuss the role of avoidance motivation in psychotherapy practice and research and outline areas for future research.