Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activation of CRABS CLAW in the Nectaries and Carpels of Arabidopsisw⃞

CRABS CLAW (CRC), a member of the YABBY gene family, is required for nectary and carpel development. To further understand CRC regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana, we performed phylogenetic footprinting analyses of 5′ upstream regions of CRC orthologs from three Brassicaceae species, including Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic footprinting efficiently identified functionally important regulatory regions (modules), indicating that CRC expression is regulated by a combination of positive and negative regulatory elements in the modules. Within the conserved modules, we identified putative binding sites of LEAFY and MADS box proteins, and functional in vivo analyses revealed their importance for CRC expression. Both expression and genetic studies demonstrate that potential binding sites for MADS box proteins within the conserved regions are functionally significant for the transcriptional regulation of CRC in nectaries. We propose that in wild-type flowers, a combination of floral homeotic gene activities, specifically the B class genes APETALA3 and PISTILLATA and the C class gene AGAMOUS act redundantly with each other and in combination with SEPALLATA genes to activate CRC in the nectaries and carpels. In the absence of B and C class gene activities, other genes such as SHATTERPROOF1/2 can substitute if they are ectopically expressed, as in an A class mutant background (apetala2). These MADS box proteins may provide general floral factors that must work in conjunction with specific factors in the activation of CRC in the nectaries and carpels.
Experimental Study on the Effects of Prescribed Burning on a Quercus coccifera L . Garrigue : Early Results

NATURAL succession in Mediterranean vegetation is often disturbed by fire. In France, only a few authors have studied fire and its devastating action as a factor in succession: Ribbe (1866, 1919), Flahault (1924), Braun-Blanquet (1935, 1936), Laurent (1937), Komas (1958), Kuhnholtz-Lordat (1938, 1957, 1958). Generally, these authors only describe stages corresponding to vegetation types; they give some information about succession immediately following fire, and then compare the different stages to each other. Nevertheless, Kuhnholtz-Lordat gives rather a complete general survey of the relation between fire and vegetation in two basic books: La terre incendiee (The Earth on Fire) (1938), and L'ecran vert (The Green Screen) (1958). But it must be remembered that the results described are not data obtained from controlled or experimental conditions.
Use of cystatin C levels in estimating renal function and prognosis in patients with chronic systolic heart failure

Background Estimates of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), including creatinine and creatinine based formulae, are inaccurate in extremes of GFR and substantially biased in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Objective To investigate whether serum cystatin C levels would be a better, more accurate and simple alternative for estimation of GFR and prognosis in CHF. Design Cohort study. Setting Chronic heart failure. Patients, interventions and main outcome measure In 102 CHF patients, the correlation between GFR as estimated by 125I-iothalamate clearance (GFRIOTH), the modification of diet in renal disease formula (GFRMDRD) and cystatin C was investigated. The combined endpoint consisted of the first occurrence of all cause mortality, heart transplantation or admission for CHF within 24 months. Results Mean age was 58±12 years; 77% were male. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 28±9%. Mean GFRIOTH was 75±27 ml/min/1.73 m2, while median cystatin C levels were 0.80 (0.69–1.02) mg/l. GFRIOTH was strongly correlated with all renal function estimates, including 1/cystatin C (r=0.867, p<0.001). GFRIOTH was better predicted by 1/cystatin C compared to 1/serum creatinine (z=3.12, p=0.002), but equally predicted compared to GFRMDRD (z=0.92, p=0.356). Serum 1/cystatin C was a strong independent predictor of prognosis (HR: 2.27 per SD increase, 95% CI 1.12 to 4.63), comparable to GFRMDRD. Conclusions Cystatin C is an accurate and easy estimate of renal function with prognostic properties superior to serum creatinine and similar to creatinine based formulae in patients with CHF.
Which confluences should we use to differentiate stream segments for management? A geomorphological assessment

One of the most common actions in river research and rehabilitation is to divide stream networks into more manageable spatial scales; such as zones, segments, and reaches. The segment is a popular unit for stream management, being the scale over which geomorphic characteristics considered to be relatively consistent and comparable. Stream confluences are the typical criteria for differentiating these segments, as the input of discharge at a confluence is assumed to impart a predictable and significant step-change in morphology. This research examines this assumption. We explore the nature, magnitude and significance of morphologic adjustment at a set of confluences in Victoria, Australia. Symmetry ratio (relative size of merging streams) is shown to be a key indicator for predicting the magnitude and significance of adjustment at any given confluence over the scale of the study region. We recommend using symmetry ratio and an improved understanding of confluence dynamics to assist in defining geomorphic thresholds and spatial-scale boundaries within stream systems. This has direct implications for how stream networks are described for both research and management.
Biosynthesis and Kinetics of Silver Nanoparticles Formation by Reduction using Banana Kepok (Musa balbisiana) Peel Extract

Biosynthesis and silver nanoparticles formation during the reduction of AgNO3were carried out by using an aqueous peel extract of banana kepok (Musa balbisiana) asa stabilizing agent. The formation of the stable silver nanoparticles with differentconcentration of AgNO3 has resulted in mostly spherical particles. The Ultraviolet-Visiblespectrophotometer, Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-Ray Diffractometer were usedto characterize these biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. The spherical shapednanoparticles were uniformly distributed with the range diameter of 5 to 50 nm and theparticles were naturally crystallized with the crystal structure of the face-centered cubicgeometry. Additionally, the kinetics of the formation process of silver nanoparticles wasobserved by the UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Based on the kinetic functions, the reductionprocess of banana peel extract had a constant formation rate of the autocatalytic processat 4.35 x 10-4/s.
Suitability of Common nettle ( Urticadioica ) and Canadian goldenrod ( Solidagocanadensis ) for methane production

Support for biogas production in Latvia was decreased. There is an urgent need to investigate the suitability of various inexpensive renewable biomass resources for energy production. Also, itis necessary to explore the possibilities to improve the anaerobic fermentation process with the help of various catalysts. Biocatalyst Metaferm produced in Latvia was used in previous studies with other biomass and showed increase in biogas and methane production. The article shows the results of studies on biogas (methane) production from chopped fresh Common nettle (Urtica dioica) and Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) biomass and effect of catalyst Metaferm in anaerobic fermentation process. The anaerobic digestion process was performed in 0.75 L laboratory digesters, operated in batch mode (38 1.0 average specific biogas or methane production per unit of dry organic matter added (DOM) from Common nettle was 0.709 L gDOM or was 0.324 L gDOM respectively. Average specific biogas or methane volume produced from chopped Canadian goldenrod in anaerobic fermentation was 0.548 L gDOM or 0.267 L gDOM respectively. Average biogas or methane yield from digestion of chopped Common nettle with 1 mL Metaferm was 0.752 L gDOM or 0.328 L gDOM respectively. Average specific biogas or methane yield from anaerobic fermentation of chopped Canadian goldenrod with 1 mL Metaferm was 0.624 L gDOM or 0.276 L gDOM respectively. Adding of catalyst Metaferm increases methane yield from chopped nettle or Canadian goldenrod by 1.2% or 3.4% respectively. All investigated biomass resources can be used for methane production.
The Effect of Light Color on Muscular Strength and Power

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the color of light in a room on muscular strength and power. A convenience sample of 18 men (M age = 20.4 yr., SD = 1.2) performed a modified Wingate Anaerobic Cycle Test for muscular power and a hand grip strength test in each of the following conditions: red, blue, and white (neutral) ambient light. A repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance indicated that average muscular power was significantly higher when performing the test in the room with red light compared to rooms lit with blue light or white light. The results also indicated that grip strength was significantly higher in the room lit with white light as compared to the room lit with blue light.
CXCL4‐induced migration of activated T lymphocytes is mediated by the chemokine receptor CXCR3

The chemokine CXCL4/platelet factor‐4 is released by activated platelets in micromolar concentrations and is a chemoattractant for leukocytes via an unidentified receptor. Recently, a variant of the human chemokine receptor CXCR3 (CXCR3‐B) was described, which transduced apoptotic but not chemotactic signals in microvascular endothelial cells following exposure to high concentrations of CXCL4. Here, we show that CXCL4 can induce intracellular calcium release and the migration of activated human T lymphocytes. CXCL4‐induced chemotaxis of T lymphocytes was inhibited by a CXCR3 antagonist and pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin (PTX), suggestive of CXCR3‐mediated G‐protein signaling via Gαi‐sensitive subunits. Specific binding by T lymphocytes of the CXCR3 ligand CXCL10 was not effectively competed by CXCL4, suggesting that the two are allotopic ligands. We subsequently used expression systems to dissect the potential roles of each CXCR3 isoform in mediating CXCL4 function. Transient expression of the CXCR3‐A and CXCR3‐B isoforms in the murine pre‐B cell L1.2 produced cells that migrated in response to CXCL4 in a manner sensitive to PTX and a CXCR3 antagonist. Binding of radiolabeled CXCL4 to L1.2 CXCR3 transfectants was of low affinity and appeared to be mediated chiefly by glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), as no specific CXCL4 binding was observed in GAG‐deficient 745‐Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing CXCR3. We suggest that following platelet activation, the CXCR3/CXCL4 axis may play a role in T lymphocyte recruitment and the subsequent amplification of inflammation observed in diseases such as atherosclerosis. In such a setting, antagonism of the CXCR3/CXCL4 axis may represent a useful, therapeutic intervention.
The long non-coding RNAs : a new ( p ) layer in the “ dark matter ”

Eukaryotic cells contain small, highly abundant, nuclear-localized non-coding RNAs [snRNAs (small nuclear RNAs)] which play important roles in splicing of introns from primary genomic transcripts. Through a combination of RNA–RNA and RNA–protein interactions, two of the snRNPs, U1 and U2, recognize the splice sites and the branch site of introns. A complex remodelling of RNA–RNA and protein-based interactions follows, resulting in the assembly of catalytically competent spliceosomes, in which the snRNAs and their bound proteins play central roles. This process involves formation of extensive base-pairing interactions between U2 and U6, U6 and the 5′ splice site, and U5 and the exonic sequences immediately adjacent to the 5′ and 3′ splice sites. Thus RNA–RNA interactions involving U2, U5 and U6 help position the reacting groups of the ! rst and second steps of splicing. In addition, U6 is also thought to participate in formation of the spliceosomal active site. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests additional roles for snRNAs in regulation of various aspects of RNA biogenesis, from transcription to polyadenylation and RNA stability. These snRNP-mediated regulatory roles probably serve to ensure the co-ordination of the different processes involved in biogenesis of RNAs and point to the central importance of snRNAs in eukaryotic gene expression.
FINITE ELEMENT PARAMETRIC STUDIES OF BUCKLING-RESTRAINED BRACED FRAME CONNECTIONS

Large-scale experimental studies of buckling-restrained braced frames (BRBFs) have shown that although they display good overall performance, they may have limitations due to connection failure modes that do not allow the braces to realize their full ductility capacity. These experimental results motivate further investigation of BRBF connection behavior and performance. In this study, nonlinear finite element models are used to study BRBF connections with emphasis placed on the beam-column-brace connection regions. The models focus on a one-story subassembly that is part of a four-story BRBF, which was tested previously. After the baseline finite element analysis results are verified with experimental data, parametric studies are conducted to explore variations in connection configuration. Results are discussed on global and local levels. The effects of the parametric connection variations are assessed and key issues that influence performance are identified.
EVALUATION OF HOUSING LOSSES IN RECENT EARTHQUAKES IN LATIN AMERICA

Several recent earthquakes in different areas of Latin America have caused an important toll of casualties and injuries, damage in housing construction, and significant losses in the local and national economies. This paper reviews the observed performance of housing construction in the following earthquakes: 1999 Armenia, Colombia; 1985, Michoacan, Mexico; 1997, Caleta de Campos, Mexico; 1999 Oaxaca, Mexico; 2001 San Salvador, El Salvador; 2001; Arequipa, Peru, and 2003 Colima, Mexico.
The breeding system of three Paspalum species with forage potential

Knowledge of the breeding system is a fundamental step in any program dealing with genetic improvement of wild grasses for forage purposes. This information is essential for Paspalum , a large genus with a variety of reproductive methods including apomixis. We conducted cytoembryological studies in 3 species of the group Plicatula ( Paspalum limbatum , Paspalum lenticulare and Paspalum guenoarum ) in order to understand the breeding systems of 9 accessions which are currently under selection and being bred for forage purposes in our institution. Both accessions of P. limbatum were diploid (2n = 2x = 20), showed bivalent chromosome pairing at meiosis and were allogamous due to self-incompatibility. Five accessions of P. lenticulare and 2 of P. guenoarum were tetraploid (2n = 4x = 40) with mainly bivalent and quadrivalent chromosome pairing at meiosis. The high frequency of quadrivalents suggests autoploidy as the most probable origin for these tetraploids. All these tetraploid accessions showed complete degeneration of the megaspores. The embryo sacs, one to several per ovule, always developed from somatic nucellar cells. These nonreduced embryo sacs produced embryos through parthenogenesis, and were hence genetically identical with the mother plant. Notwithstanding, pollination was required for the development of the endosperm. Only one accession of P. lenticulare has some reduced potential for sexual reproduction. Our results indicate that P. limbatum is a sexual allogamous diploid species while P. lenticulare and P. guenoarum reproduce by means of aposporous obligate apomixis.
Optical Properties Of Electrodeposited Zinc Selenide Films On Conducting Glass

Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) thin films have been successfully deposited on conducting glass substrates using electrodeposition method under direct voltage of 3V at different time intervals. Optical characterization of the film showed low absorption at low photon energy and high absorption at high photon energy with a value of 0.31. The absorbance of the deposited films is shown to depend on the deposition time, which increased with increased time. The energy band gaps of 3.0eV, 2.7eV and 2.8eV were recorded at deposition times of 30secs, 60secs and 90secs respectively with a corresponding increase in the thickness of the deposited films. XRD pattern of the films deposited are indexed to wurzite (hexagonal) crystal structure. Investigation reveals that the grain size of the deposited ZnSe thin films increases with the deposition time. Keywords—ITO, XRD, UV-VIS, Spectroscopy, Absorbance, Energy band gaps
Expression of angiogenic factors Cyr61 and tissue factor in uveal melanoma.

OBJECTIVE To study the expression of angiogenic factors Cyr61 and tissue factor (TF) in uveal melanoma and its correlation with blood vessel density. METHODS Suppression subtractive hybridization was used to identify genes that are differentially expressed between cell lines of uveal melanoma and normal uveal melanocytes. Expression of these genes was subsequently verified in primary uveal melanomas and correlated with the number of blood vessels in archival specimens by immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS Cyr61 and TF are expressed at elevated levels in cell lines of uveal melanoma compared with normal uveal melanocytes. Duplication of a region of chromosome arm 1p, encompassing the genes encoding Cyr61 and TF, was observed in the melanoma cell line used in the initial subtractive hybridization. Both genes are also expressed in primary uveal melanomas, and a correlation was found between expression of TF and the number of blood vessels in archival specimens. CONCLUSIONS Cyr61 and TF may contribute to the angiogenic phenotype associated with uveal melanoma. A region of chromosome arm 1p also may contain oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes pertinent to the origins of this type of ocular tumor. CLINICAL RELEVANCE New immunotherapies have been devised for the treatment of cancer based on the expression of TF. Similar approaches may be effective in treating uveal melanoma.
A review on transgenic approaches to accelerate breeding of woody plants

The long juvenile period of trees delays the breeding of new varieties. Flowering begins within 5–10 years in most cultivated forest trees under intensive management, but can take up to 40 years in some species and environmental conditions. To accelerate the breeding process several agrotechnical and biotechnical methods have been developed. Knowledge about genes controlling flower initiation in model plants like Arabidopsis thaliana, and identification of homologous genes in trees, have led to new possibilities for early-flower induction. Overexpression of MADS-box and other floral regulatory genes resulted in early flowering in some tree species and/or varieties. However, these methods have not yet been shown to enable the production of fertile, viable or normal gametes and progeny; developmental research towards these ends is therefore of high priority. A breeding scheme has been developed to use early flowering trees for the introduction of genes from wild species that would allow several backcrosses to occur in only a few years, and to produce at the end a non-transgenic improved variety. Research to develop practical early flowering methods could lead to several new methods for breeding and biotechnology.
Persistent in vivo cytogenetic effects of radioiodine therapy: a 21-year follow-up study using multicolor FISH

Abstract Our previous studies demonstrated the cytogenetic effects in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of a 34-year-old male patient who received ablative radioactive 131iodine therapy (RIT) on two different occasions in 1992 and 1994. Assessment of RIT-induced chromosomal damage by the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay (CBMN) showed the persistence of elevated micronucleus frequency in this patient for more than two decades since the first RIT. Subsequent cytogenetic analysis performed in 2012 revealed both stable and unstable aberrations, whose frequencies were higher than the baseline reported in the literature. Here, we report the findings of our recent cytogenetic analysis peformed in 2015 on this patient using the multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH) technique. Our results showed that both reciprocal and non-reciprocal translocations persisted at higher frequencies in the patient than those reported in 2012. Persistence of structural aberrations for more than two decades indicate that these aberrations might have originated from long-lived T-lymphocytes or hematopoietic stem cells. Our study suggests that the long-term persistence of chromosome translocations in circulating lymphocytes can be useful for monitoring the extent of RIT-induced chromosomal instability several years after exposure and for estimating the cumulative absorbed dose after multiple RITs for retrospective biodosimetry purposes. This is perhaps the first and longest follow-up study documenting the persistence of cytogenetic damage for 21 years after internal radiation exposure.
THE EFFECT OF COMBINED MELAMINE-RESIN-COLOURING-AGENT MODIFICATION ON WATER RELATED PROPERTIES OF BEECH WOOD

Beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) was modified with aqueous solutions of methylated N-methylol melamine (NMM) and a metal-complex dye and the water related properties were determined. Wood blocks, treated to the highest weight percent gain (WPG), attained approximately 5 % cell wall bulking and 30 % anti-swelling efficiency (ASE) after ten cycles of water saturation and drying. The metal-complex dye was stably fixed in the resin matrix and was hardly washed out. The equilibrium moisture content of the modified samples related to the dry mass of untreated beech wood (EMCR) was not considerably reduced compared to the EMC of the control. The maximum swelling of the modified samples as a result of vapour sorption was only reduced above 65 % relative humidity compared to the control. Capillary water uptake of wood was significantly reduced by the resin modification. The results indicate the potential of the combined modification to improve the water related properties of wood.
Retention of preclinical knowledge by clinical students

Summary. To form a sound foundation for clinical subjects, oral biology must be taught in such a way that information gained early in the dental course is remembered when required in the clinical years. Knowledge retention was assessed by having students answer 20 sets of five multiple answer, multiple choice items after one term's study of oral biology and the same test after a lapse of 20 months with no intervening teaching in the subject. An analysis of the results obtained in these tests is presented and the scores are compared with performance in other oral biology examinations. Performance in the professional examination was most highly correlated with the examination closest to it in time, although this was a practical examination and was considered to be measuring different skills.
Physicians and Organizations: Strange Bedfellows or a Marriage Made in Heaven?

Summary Underscoring the importance of physician‐organization alignment as a necessary condition for building and sustaining integrated healthcare systems, this article provides information regarding the nature of such alignment, the key influential factors, and the processes employed to make alignment a reality. Structural and strategic factors address the influence of environmental, market, and organizational characteristics on alignment. The strategic intent of organizations and physicians, and physician perspectives on the effects of integration, are explored. Key processes examined include building trust, placing physicians in management and governance, and developing physician leadership. Continuing issues and challenges are considered, and a set of principles to help guide the journey of physicians and organizations toward successful alignment is suggested.