Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Infection of Herpesvirus Saimiri-Immortalized Human CD4-Positive T Lymphoblastoid Cells: Evidence of Enhanced HIV-1 Replication and Cytopathic Effects Caused by Endogenous Interferon-γ

Abstract Herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) is a nonhuman primate gamma herpesvirus which can immortalize human T lymphocytes similar to Epstein–Barr virus immortalization of B cells. The HVS-immortalized T cell lines can be cloned and they remain functional, including susceptibility of CD4 expressing T cells to infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). In this report, we have used five such HVS-transformed CD4-positive T cell clones to reevaluate the role of endogenous interferon gamma (IFNγ) in HIV-1 replication in T cells. All five clones had similar phenotypes; and four clones constitutively produced IFNγ and one clone did not. All five clones could be efficiently infected with HIV-1. HIV-1 infection of the IFNγ-positive cells also upregulated IFNγ mRNA production and IFNγ secretion but not production of IL-2 or IL-4. In contrast, infection of IFNγ-negative cells did not induce IFNγ, IL-2, or IL-4. Exposure to anti-IFNγ antibodies after HIV-1 infection significantly reduced virus production and inhibited virus-induced death of IFNγ-positive cells but had no effect on IFNγ-negative cells. We conclude that in CD4-positive T lymphocytes immortalized by HVS endogenous IFNγ does not inhibit HIV-1 but enhances HIV-1 replication and cytolysis. The potential augmenting effects of IFNγ on HIV-1 replication in CD4-positive T cells recommend caution in a therapeutic use of this cytokine in AIDS.
Modeling Net Power of Sabah Trough and Its Effectiveness

The prospect of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system in Malaysia was realized in 2008 by survey carried out in South China sea. Since then various stake holders were sensitize about numerous benefit of renewable energy. The author used the temperature/ depth profile obtained during that survey in 2008 to calculate the net power for Sabah trough using Lockheed Martin proposed model for estimation of OTEC potential worldwide. Their Model developed comprises critical assumptions and account for major contributing and loss factors to electrical power system. The MATLAB was used for the study;the net power obtained was 133.8162MWe. Keywords : renewable energy, ocean thermal energy conversion, closed cycle system and net power
Effect of dietary catechin and Spirulina on vitamin C metabolism in red sea bream.

SUMMARY: The zero-year red sea bream Pagrus major were fed for 41 days on dry pellets containing 1% Teaflan (60% catechin) or Spirulina supplement. The effects of catechin and Spirulina on ascorbate absorption, lipid metabolism, and collagen synthesis were compared in relation to vitamin C nutrition. Total ascorbate concentrations in the serum and liver were increased significantly in the catechin-fed groups relative to the control, but Spirulina increased in value only in liver. Feeding with catechin and Spirulina depressed non-esterified fatty acid and total lipid in serum, respectively. Liver lipid was depressed by feeding catechin and Spirulina. Hepatic free carnitine and long-chain acylcarnitine contents were markedly higher in both catechin- and Spirulina-fed groups than in the controls. Hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity was markedly elevated in the Spirulina-fed group. In contrast, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and fatty acid synthase activities were not different among the groups. The collagen fraction soluble at 20°C was lower and the insoluble collagen fraction (not soluble at 70°C) was higher in catechin- and Spirulina-fed groups. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with catechin, as well as Spirulina, improved vitamin C metabolism in young red sea bream.
A comparison of public and private schools in Spain using robust nonparametric frontier methods

This paper uses an innovative approach to evaluate educational performance of Spanish students in PISA 2009. Our purpose is to decompose their overall inefficiency between different components with a special focus on studying the differences between public and state subsidized private schools. We use a technique inspired by the non-parametric Free Disposal Hull (FDH) and the application of robust order-m models, which allow us to mitigate the influence of outliers and the curse of dimensionality. Subsequently, we adopt a metafrontier framework to assess each student relative to the own group best practice frontier (students in the same school) and to different frontiers constructed from the best practices of different types of schools. The results show that state-subsidised private schools outperform public schools, although the differences between them are significantly reduced once we control for the type of students enrolled in both type of centres.
The Association of Having a Late Dinner or Bedtime Snack and Skipping Breakfast with Overweight in Japanese Women

Background We aimed to assess the association of habitually eating in the late evening and skipping breakfast with the prevalence of overweight/obesity. Methods A total of 19,687 Japanese women, aged 40–74 years, were asked about their height, weight, and habitual eating behaviors such as having a late dinner and a bedtime snack and skipping breakfast, using a self-administered questionnaire. We defined overweight/obesity as body mass index greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2. Results Among the participants, 11% regularly had a late dinner, 22% had bedtime snacks, and 8% skipped breakfast. After adjusting for age, exercise, smoking, sleep duration, and employment, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of skipping breakfast were 2.47 (2.18–2.81) for having a late dinner and 1.71 (1.53–1.91) for having a bedtime snack. These eating behaviors were associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity: the multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of obesity/overweight were 1.43 (1.27–1.62) for having a late dinner, 1.47 (1.34–1.62) for having a bedtime snack, and 1.23 (1.06–1.42) for skipping breakfast. Conclusions Japanese women who consumed late dinners or bedtime snacks were more likely to skip breakfast. Having a late dinner or bedtime snack was associated with a higher probability of overweight/obesity.
Allometric growth pattern during early developmental stages of featherback, Chitala chitala (Hamilton 1822) (Osteoglossiformes: Notopteridae).

In the present study the relationships between morphometric variables of Chitala chitala (Hamilton 1822) (Osteoglossiformes: Notopteridae) larvae reared at a constant temperature (30±2°C) from hatching to 30 days after hatching (DAH) were characterised through analysis of their allometric growth. The yolk sac and preflexion stage (TL = 13.24 to 16.90 mm) was distinguished by a precedence of sensorial, feeding, respiratory and swimming systems, and the accelerated growth of head (b = 1.36, r 2 = 0.94) and tail length (b=1.12, r 2 = 0.97). The flexion stage (TL = 17.89 to 25.35 mm) was characterised by a change in growth priorities. The body depth (b= 1.28, r 2 =0.86), snout length (b= 1.51, r 2 =0.95) and pectoral fin length ((b= 1.83, r 2 =0.87) showed positive allometry in this phase. At the end of the postflexion stage (TL = 25.97 to 30.45 mm) there is a tendency to isometry for all the growth coefficients including the head length (b= 1.07, r 2 =0.90) and the tail length (b= 1.0, r 2 =0.98), corresponding to transition towards metamorphosing stage for the acquisition of the juvenile form.
A Distinctive New Species of Gonatodes (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae) from Isla La Blanquilla, Venezuela, with Remarks on the Distribution of Some Other Caribbean Sphaerodactylid Lizards

Abstract. A new sphaerodactylid gecko of the genus Gonatodes is described from La Blanquilla Island, located 170 km north of the Venezuelan mainland. This new species exhibits the following suite of characters that immediately separate it from other taxa in the genus: vertically elliptic pupil, small size, uniformly reddish brown, non-sexually dimorphic coloration, and a subcaudal scale pattern type C (1′1″). The new species is the fourth Gonatodes endemic to Caribbean islands, the other three being G. antillensis (Bonaire, Curaçao, the archipelagos of Las Aves and Los Roques), G. daudini (Union Island, The Grenadines), and G. ocellatus (Tobago). Finally, we discuss the close phylogenetic relationship (based on nuclear genes c-mos and NT3) between the new species and Gonatodes daudini, as well as its zoogeographical implications, showing interesting parallels with that of other Caribbean lizards.
Prognostication of Breast Cancer Using Nottingham Prognostic Index in Sudanese Patients

Background: The Nottingham prognostic index (NPI) is a widely used clinic-pathological staging system for breast cancer prognostication. It is based on tumor size in breast, node involvement and histopathological grading. Objectives: To evaluate and determine the prognostic usefulness of this index and its components in our local patients. Patients and methods: In an observational retrospective study from January 2010 to January 2012, 85 patients with breast cancer with their information retrieved from patient records were evaluated at Omdurman Teaching Hospital. In these patients, we evaluated the significance of the following factors age, stage at diagnosis, histopathological grade, and number of axillary lymph nodes retrieved and involved. The Nottingham Prognostic Index was calculated. Results: Mean age ± SD was 46.5± 13.7 years, 45.9% were in the age group 31-45 years. Grade II breast cancer was seen in 58.7% of the specimen. Metastatic lymph nodes involvement accounted for 94.5% of the axillary tissues. Mean tumor size was 5.5 ± 3.9 cm. Mean Nottingham prognostic index was 5.3 ± 1.45 and 48.0% had a poor index (scored >5.4). Conclusion: Patients with breast cancer still present late with advanced disease. The NPI allows us to accurately predict prognosis, and we advocate its standardized use in our local practice.
Timed Release of Flurprimidol from a Granular Formulation in Mulches and Sand

Flurprimidol is a plant growth regulator that can be applied as a granular formulation. Understanding flurprimidol release from a granular formulation and movement in various mediums will impact how it is used. Dissipation of flurprimidol from a granular formulation and movement through organic media and sand were evaluated in a greenhouse and laborator y experiment. Experimental variables included media t ype, depth, and irrigation event. Dissipation isotherms were determined by appl ying nonlinear regression. Mobility was evaluated using columns filled with media, which was surface-spiked with the granular formulation and then irrigated once dail y for 22 consecutive days. Leachate was collected and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography—mass spectroscopy. Half-life (DT 51) ), defined as time to 50% reduction, varied among sand, media, and media depth. Flurprimidol dissipation was rapid through sand with DT of days. DT 50 increased with increasing media depth from 5 to 10 cm for pine bark plus sand, 18 and 35 days, and hardwood hark plus sand, 77 and 173 days, respectively. Maximum flurprimnidol leaching was a cumulative 71% ot'applied amounts over 22 irrigation events through the sand. Hardwood and pine bark media allowed less than 25% of flurprimidol to escape through the column. Data for all media indicated that tlurprimidul was mobile through the substrates but exhibited h ysteresis with pine hark and hard wood bark media. An initial pulse of tiurprimidol will release slowl y from this formulation over time. These results indicate that flurprimidol will dissipate from a granular formulation over time and that it will have movement through sand soil and pine bark and hardwood bark media to reach the roots of growing plants.
Genetic specificity in relation to plant mineral nutrition

Abstract The present paper deals with methodology, criteria, and directions of the investigation in genetic specificity of plant mineral nutrition. The genetic specificity is found in a great number of plant species such as maize, wheat, soyabean, apple, sugarbeet, grape, etc. The content and concentration of elements in genotypes of the same plant species vary greatly. These variations are affected by growth conditions of plants as well as their developmental stages. Therefore, they may be established in the same growth conditions and at the same developmental stages only. Also, genetic specificity in plant mineral nutrition may be affected by certain physiological and biochemical processes. Genetic specificity in plant mineral nutrition is manifested not only through the element content of certain plant organs but in the morphological and physiological features and in plant dry matter weight.
The frequency of Escherichia coli (EPEC, ETEC, EIEC and serotypes) shigella, rotavirus and parasite agents among children with acute gastroenteritis in Southeast Anatolia, Turkey

This study analyzed a host of parasite agents and bacterial viruses in 1,079 children aged 0 to 5 years suffering from diarrhea between 2004 and 2008. Enteric pathogens were detected in 767 (71%) infected patients and 456 control patients. Enteric pathogens were isolated from 41 (8.9%) of the infected patients. Isolated pathogens responsible for gastroenteritis were as follows: Rotavirus 282 (26.1%), Shigella 19 (1.7%), enteropathogenic Escherichia coli 153 (60.9%), entero-invasive E. coli 30 (11.9%) and enterotoxigenic E. coli 68 (27%). Among the E. coli serotypes; O111:K58:B4, 055:K59:B5, 0127:K63:B8:, 026:K60:B17, 124:K72:B17, 0125:K70:B15 were found in 48, 39, 29, 19, 9 and 5 (19.1, 15.5, 11.5, 7.5, 3.5 and 1.9%) of the cases, respectively. In two of the infected patients, both 128:K67:B12 and 0112:K66:B11 types were isolated together. Also, 0112:K66:B11 and 0128:K67:B12 types were isolated together only in two cases. Rotavirus was detected by enzyme immunoassay (EI) and rapid latex agglutination (LA) test in 26.1% of the fecal specimens from 1,079 children who had acute diarrhea and 4.3% of the fecal specimens of the 250 healthy controls. Infections were detected most commonly in children aged 0 to 2 months (54.8%). In the identification of rotavirus, the two methods, LA and EI were also compared. In diarrheal fecal samples, Entamoebae histolytica was found in 25.4% and Giardia lamblia was found in 18.4% patients. Key words: Gastroenteritis, enteropathogens, rotavirus.
The Effect of Three Fescue Types and Lakota Prairie Grass on Copper Status, Dry Matter Intake, and Alkaloid Appearance of Beef Steers

Tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort. ] is an important forage crop in the United States and covers over 14 million ha. The presence of Neotyphodium coenophialum, an endophytic fungus in tall fescue, is associated with several disorders in grazing livestock, but also increased persistence of tall fescue. These disorders, commonly called fescue toxicosis, are responsible for large economic losses in the beef cattle industry each year. This research examined the effect of three fescue types [endophyte-infected Kentucky 31 tall fescue (E+), endophyte-free Kentucky 31 tall fescue (E-), non-ergot alkaloid-producing endophyte Q4508-AR542 tall fescue (Q)], and Lakota prairie grass (L; Bromus catharticus Vahl.) on animal response, alkaloid appearance, DMI, and copper status. Ergovaline (EV) is the most abundant ergot alkaloid in tall fescue and has previously been considered the causative toxin in fescue toxicosis. More recently it is simpler ergot alkaloids, such as lysergic acid amide (LSA) have been implicated. The objective of the first project was to evaluate animal performance and alkaloid (EV and LSA) appearance in forage and ruminal fluid of steers grazing E-, Q, E+, and L. Average daily gains were greater (P Low DMI of animals grazing E+ tall fescue is considered a key factor in decreased animal performance compared to other fescue types. The objective of the second project was to evaluate DMI of steers grazing E-, E+, Q, and L pastures using the alkane technique. Dry matter intake of steers grazing E- was greater (P 0.10) in 2004. In 2005, DMI did not differ (P = 0.23) among fescue types. These results suggest that decreased DMI effects ADG of steers grazing E+ compared to those grazing E-, and lower DMI of Q suggests that the fescue variety Q4508 may not be the optimal variety for the incorporation on non-ergot alkaloid-producing endophytes. Reactive oxygen metabolites such as superoxide (O2-) are produced by both endogenous and exogenous sources and an accumulation of these compounds can result in oxidative stress. Copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a Cu-based antioxidant metalloprotein that acts as a defense against oxidative stress by the scavenging of O2-. Neotyphodium-infected tall fescue is typically lower in Cu which could potentially increase oxidative stress of animals grazing this forage. Therefore the objective of the third project was to investigate the Cu and SOD status of steers grazing E-, E+, Q, and L forages. Copper levels of all forages were below the dietary requirement (10μg Cu/g DM) of growing cattle. In 2004, steers grazing E+ exhibited lower (P 0.10) among treatments. Copper intake of steers grazing E+ tall fescue was sufficient to maintain, but not replenish liver Cu, and SOD status did not appear compromised by grazing E+ at these Cu levels.
Aftereffect of Adolescences’ Experience of Cyber Bullying on Their Mental Health: A retrospective survey

The present study investigates aftereffects of adolescences’ experience of cyber bullying. Cyber bullying is defined as bullying via electronic communication tools. We surveyed 321 late adolescent university students in Japan. The results showed that victimization on the internet significantly raised current levels of anxiety and frustration. On the other hand, victimization on the mail did not affect current mental problems. Internet and mail had different communication function (mass communication/ personal communication), so the different function might have different psychological impacts on late adolescent mental health.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Samama Wood Glulam

In the present research, four types of samama wood (Anthocephallus macrophyllus) glulam of (3 x 6 x 120) cm3 (thickness, width, length) in size were prepared. Two types of glulam were assembled with the same thickness of lamina and two other types were assembled with lamina of different thickness. The result showed that the average moisture content and densities of the glulam were of 12.48% and 0.41, respectively. The MOE, MOR, and shear strength of the glulam were in the average of 6.08 GPa, 33.06 MPa, 30.08 kg cm-2, respectively. The highest MOE and MOR were obtained by the D type glulam. All types of the produced glulam contributed to the increase of MOE and MOR by 31 and 23% of those of its solid wood, respectively. Keywords: glulam, mechanical properties, physical properties, samama wood
Polar Steroids from the Marine Scallop Patinopecten yessoensis

Eight polyhydroxylated sterols, seven of them novel, have been isolated from the hepatopancreas of the scallop Patinopecten yessoensis. Compounds 1−7 possessed the same Δ 7 -3β,5α,6β-triol nucleus but differed in the side chains. One very minor component 8 had an additional hydroxyl group at C-9α. Their structures were deduced from spectral data and by comparison with synthetic model compounds
Supervisory control of discrete-event processes with partial observations

Extends certain aspects of the work of P.J. Ramadge and W.M. Wonham (see SIAM J. Control Optimiz., vol.25, Jan. 1987) on the control of a class of discrete-event processes. The controlled process is described by a language L having strings that specify the sequences of events sigma /sub 1/ . sigma /sub n/ that the process can execute. The controller makes partial observations on the process events. Based on these observations the controller must enable or disable certain process events so that the resulting language generated by the closed-loop process is the specified sublanguage K contained in/implied by L. The case of decentralized control in which there are several controllers each of which makes partial observations and controls a subset of the process events is also studied. The results are illustrated for an example of communication protocols. >
Expression levels of some starch metabolism related genes in flag leaf of two contrasting rice genotypes exposed to salt stress.

An objective of this investigation was to compare the transcriptional expression of starch metabolism involving genes, soluble sugar, physiological changes and yield components in flag leaf of two contrasting indica rice genotypes, Homjan (HJ; salt-tolerant) and Pathumthani 1 (PT1; salt-sensitive), in response to 150 mM NaCl salt stress. AGPL1, SBEIIb and GWD starch involved genes were up-regulated in salt stressed PT1, leading to accumulation of soluble starch, glucose fructose and total soluble sugars. In HJ, expression levels of AGPL1 AGPS2b, SBEIIb genes in salt stressed plants were higher than in control plants while the soluble sugar level in flag leaf was unchanged. Also, an expression level of some starch related genes i.e. AGPL1, SSI, SBEIIb, ISA2a, and GWD in HJ salt stressed plants was lower than that in PT1. Water use efficiency in salt stressed PT1 was significantly dropped for 35.42% whereas that in HJ was unchanged. Chlorophyll b (Chlb) and total chlorophyll (TC) contents in salt stressed PT1 were significantly degraded for 61.76% and 44.93%, respectively, leading to reduce net photosynthetic rate (Pn). The starch metabolism and sugar accumulation in PT1 were clearly unrelated with salt tolerant ability. In contrast, the starch degradation, photosynthetic abilities and sugar accumulation in salt stressed HJ may play a key role as osmoregulation salt defense mechanism, leading to maintain productivity when subjected to salt stress.
Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) establishment in temperate Mississippi, USA: multi-year survival confirmed by otolith ages.

Tolerance and adaptability to changing environmental parameters have made Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) a hardy and desirable aquaculture species. These traits have also enabled this fish to become a highly successful invasive species into temperate and subtropical aquatic environments. Otolith-based ages of Nile tilapia (41.3 – 400.0 mm TL, 1.34 – 1,293 g WW, n = 259) collected from a power plant cooling reservoir and the Pascagoula River proper indicated that feral populations overwintered reaching ages up to 4+ years old in coastal Mississippi, USA; these data confirm their establishment. A survey of mean daily winter (December – February) water temperatures from 2004 – 2010 in this region showed minimum lethal temperatures of < 10°C to occur nearly 11% of the time attesting to the adaptability of the Nile tilapia as an invasive species. One annulus (opaque zone) per year was being deposited from April to August based on marginal increment analysis along with sulcal groove length-age estimation of the young-of-the-year Nile tilapia. Additionally, life history metrics measured for this temperate population of Nile tilapia were nearly identical to those reported from African environments, indicating they are flourishing in this non-native habitat.