Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular detection of begomoviruses associated with a new yellow leaf crumple disease of cucumber in Maharashtra, India

During a survey conducted in 2008-10 on diseases of cucumber, an important salad crop, in three districts in Maharashtra state, India, severe yellowing and crumpling symptoms were observed in farmer’s field. The association of begomoviruses with this new disease designated as yellow leaf crumple disease of cucumber was investigated. Whitefly transmission and PCR amplification with begomoviruses specific replication initiator protein gene and coat protein gene clearly indicated the association of begomoviruses. On the basis of the sequence analysis of PCR amplicons obtained with Roja’s and core CP primers, the disease was found to be associated with five closely related begomovirus species. Three viruses identified in majority of the tested samples were, Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), Croton yellow vein mosaic virus (CYVMV) and Tomato leaf curl Karnataka virus (ToLCKaV). However, our study revealed the presence of two more viruses on cucumbers in less frequency, restricted only to one or two surveyed villages. These two identified begomoviruses showed highest identity (96 – 97%) in coat protein region with Tomato severe leaf curl virus (ToSLCV) and Pepper golden mosaic virus (PepGMV). Occurrence of more than one begomovirus in mixed infection was noticed in eleven samples, which indicates possibility of genetic reassortment, recombination and emergence of new strains of begomoviruses.
Black–White Risk Differentials in COVID-19 (SARS-COV2) Transmission, Mortality and Case Fatality in the United States: Translational Epidemiologic Perspective and Challenges

Background: Social and health inequities predispose vulnerable populations to adverse morbidity and mortality outcomes of epidemics and pandemics. While racial disparities in cumulative incidence (CmI) and mortality from the influenza pandemics of 1918 and 2009 implicated Blacks with survival disadvantage relative to Whites in the United States, COVID-19 currently indicates comparable disparities. We aimed to: (a) assess COVID-19 CmI by race, (b) determine the Black–White case fatality (CF) and risk differentials, and (c) apply explanatory model for mortality risk differentials. Methods: COVID-19 data on confirmed cases and deaths by selective states health departments were assessed using a cross-sectional ecologic design. Chi-square was used for CF independence, while binomial regression model for the Black–White risk differentials. Results: The COVID-19 mortality CmI indicated Blacks/AA with 34% of the total mortality in the United States, albeit their 13% population size. The COVID-19 CF was higher among Blacks/AA relative to Whites; Maryland, (2.7% vs. 2.5%), Wisconsin (7.4% vs. 4.8%), Illinois (4.8% vs. 4.2%), Chicago (5.9% vs. 3.2%), Detroit (Michigan), 7.2% and St. John the Baptist Parish (Louisiana), 7.9%. Blacks/AA compared to Whites in Michigan were 15% more likely to die, CmI risk ratio (CmIRR) = 1.15, 95% CI, 1.01–1.32. Blacks/AA relative to Whites in Illinois were 13% more likely to die, CmIRR = 1.13, 95% CI, 0.93–1.39, while Blacks/AA compared to Whites in Wisconsin were 51% more likely to die, CmIRR = 1.51, 95% CI, 1.10–2.10. In Chicago, Blacks/AA were more than twice as likely to die, CmIRR = 2.24, 95% CI, 1.36–3.88. Conclusion: Substantial racial/ethnic disparities are observed in COVID-19 CF and mortality with Blacks/AA disproportionately affected across the United States.
Preparation and Characterization of Zinc Hydroxystannate Coated by Aluminum Phosphate and Its Application in Poly(acrylonitrile-co-vinylidene chloride)

In this study, zinc hydroxystannate ([ZnSn(OH)6], ZHS) was coated with aluminum phosphate (AlPO4, ALP) to prepare the ZHS-ALP composite. During the coating process, the reaction conditions, such as the ALP to ZHS molar ratio, were controlled, and the morphology of the products was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared composites were introduced into poly(acrylonitrile-co-vinylidene chloride) (PANVDC), and the change in compatibility between ZHS and the polymer matrix was characterized. The results showed that ALP-ZHS (1:1), which was prepared by ALP-ZHS composite molar ratio of 1:1, could improve the dispersion and compatibility of ZHS in the polymer matrix and decrease the hydrophilicity and viscosity. Moreover, the ALP-ZHS composite had a better flame-retardant effect on PANVDC than ZHS alone. PANVDC could pass the V-0 rating in UL94, particularly the highest limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 33.2% obtained when the ALP-ZHS (1:1) composite was added to PANVDC.
Impact of Problematic Smartphone Use and Instagram Use Intensity on Self-Esteem with University Students from Physical Education

Mobile devices are a revolutionary element that offer many possibilities, although they can also cause problems for users. This is the case with the development of addictive behaviors that can affect personal well-being. The purpose of this paper has been to analyze the influence of smartphone addiction and Instagram use intensity on the self-esteem of Physical Education students. A cross-sectional research design was adopted by applying an online survey to a sample of undergraduate students (n = 385). The results showed that gender and age were factors that influenced the problematic use of the smartphone. In turn, there was a significant positive correlation between smartphone addiction and Instagram use intensity. The influence of smartphone addiction on students’ self-esteem was also highlighted. In contrast, Instagram use intensity did not affect self-esteem. Finally, the findings are discussed, and the main implications of the study are established, where physical education students take on a special role in order to avoid the improper use of smartphones and Instagram through sport.
Characterization of Plaque Variants and the Involvement of Quasi-Species in a Population of EV-A71

Viral plaque morphologies in human cell lines are markers for growth capability and they have been used to assess the viral fitness and selection of attenuated mutants for live-attenuated vaccine development. In this study, we investigate whether the naturally occurring plaque size variation reflects the virulence of the variants of EV-A71. Variants of two different plaque sizes (big and small) from EV-A71 sub-genotype B4 strain 41 were characterized. The plaque variants displayed different in vitro growth kinetics compared to the parental wild type. The plaque variants showed specific mutations being present in each variant strain. The big plaque variants showed four mutations I97L, N104S, S246P and N282D in the VP1 while the small plaque variants showed I97T, N237T and T292A in the VP1. No other mutations were detected in the whole genome of the two variants. The variants showed stable homogenous small plaques and big plaques, respectively, when re-infected in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) and Vero cells. The parental strain showed faster growth kinetics and had higher viral RNA copy number than both the big and small plaque variants. Homology modelling shows that both plaque variants have differences in the structure of the VP1 protein due to the presence of unique spontaneous mutations found in each plaque variant This study suggests that the EV-A71 sub-genotype B4 strain 41 has at least two variants with different plaque morphologies. These differences were likely due to the presence of spontaneous mutations that are unique to each of the plaque variants. The ability to maintain the respective plaque morphology upon passaging indicates the presence of quasi-species in the parental population.
Effects of a Physical Education Intervention on Academic Performance: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: We investigated the effects of three different interventions on academic performance in students enrolled in the first year of high school. Methods: This was a cluster randomised controlled trial conducted with 1200 students enrolled in the first year of high school. Schools were randomly assigned to: 1. Doubling physical education (PE) classes (3:20 h of PE/week); 2. workshop with the PE teachers; 3. workshop with the PE teachers and doubling the PE classes; and 4. control group (1:40 h of PE/week). We assured that the schools within the groups were equal regarding: The structural condition of the sports court; number of PE teachers; number of school classes; and the average number of students per classroom. Results: Overall, the intervention was not effective in improving the students’ academic performance. However, the subgroup analysis showed that the workshop intervention group increased the academic performance of students who had failed an academic year (from 16 years of age), compared to their peers in the doubling the PE classes (1.3 points on average) and the control groups (1.4 points on average). Conclusions: Enhancing the pedagogical skills of the teachers is a promising approach in improving the academic performance of students who failed an academic year.
Effect of plant density, irrigation and oil cakes on growth, production and quality of field grown rose cultivar Landora

Single line plants (24,691 plants/ha) have recorded significantly more number of first order laterals (L1), thicker bottom breaks (BB), more plant spread and more number of flowers/plant as compared to those of double line (32, 691 plants/ha) and triple line plants (37,037 plants/ha). Double line plants produced cut roses of significantly more neck length, while triple line produced significantly longer and thicker buds and more number of flowers/area without significantly affecting percentage of quality flowers. The drip irrigation (2 or 41/plant/day) significantly increased number of first order laterals (L1) and second order laterals (L2) diameter of L1, plant spread, flower yield (number and fresh weight), improved flower quality (neck, bud and stem length, stem and bud diameter and percentage of quality flowers) as compared to those of flood irrigation. Application of pongamia cake significantly increased diameter of L1, plant spread (E/W) and percentage of quality flowers. The plants receiving pongamia and neem cake reported significantly more neck length and longer flower buds, respectively. Application of pongamia and neem cakes resulted in higher yield and higher percentage of quality flowers.
Factors aFFecting nest and hatching success oF Mallard in hokersar wetland, kashMir

Mallard nests containing 326 eggs were found during the two year study period (2004-2005) in Hokersar wetland. 17 nests failed completely to hatch. Overall nest success was 58.5%. The various factors responsible for nest failure were the abandonment of nest by the female (17.1% of the nests), flooding (9.8%) and predation (14.6%). 174 eggs hatched successfully. Overall hatching success was 53.4%. The various factors responsible for low hatching success were predation (15.7% of eggs), abandonment of nests by the female (14.1%), flooding (11.0%) and faulty incubation and infertility (5.8%).
Comparative Study of the Effect of Macrolide Antibiotics Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, and Azithromycin on the ERG1 Gene Expression in H9c2 Cardiomyoblast Cells

Abstract Macrolides are clinically well-established class of antibiotics. Macrolides induce cardiotoxicity by blocking ether-a-go-go–related gene (ERG) potassium channels in cardiac myocytes. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin on cell viability and expression of ERG1 gene in H9c2 cells. Cell viability and ERG1 gene expression of H9c2 cells in 3 different concentrations, 1, 10 and 25 µg/ml, after 48 and 72 h were determined by MTT test and Real time-PCR method respectively. After 48 h, the growth of H9c2 cells treated with erythromycin, clarithromycin and Azithromycin (except two doses) were inhibited significantly compared to control group (p<0.05). All three groups of antibiotics showed toxic effects on cells after 72 h in all concentrations. Azithromycin-inhibiting effects were significantly higher than two other groups after 72 h of treatment. The expression of ERG1 gene increased in all three groups of antibiotics by increasing the concentration and duration of treatment. Azithromycin had the most pronounced effect on ERG1 expression in 48 and 72 h. This study indicated that these macrolides affect ERG1 expression due to their potential cardiac adverse effects. Further investigations are required to understand the exact mechanism of cardiotoxicity associated with macrolides.
Subunits in Lipid Raft Microdomains Translocation and Interaction of Receptor Receptor EMR2 via Ligation-Induced Adhesion Class G Protein-Coupled Activation of Myeloid Cell-Specific

Published Ahead of Print 6 February 2012. 10.1128/MCB.06557-11. 2012, 32(8):1408. DOI: Mol. Cell. Biol. Stacey, Siamon Gordon, Gin-Wen Chang and Hsi-Hsien Lin Hsiao, Kai-Fong Cheng, Wen-Pin Tsai, Simon Yona, Martin Yi-Shu Huang, Nien-Yi Chiang, Ching-Hsun Hu, Cheng-Chih Subunits in Lipid Raft Microdomains Translocation and Interaction of Receptor Receptor EMR2 via Ligation-Induced Adhesion Class G Protein-Coupled Activation of Myeloid Cell-Specific
Effect of honey on purified equine myeloperoxidase activity and superoxide radical production in activated Polymorphonuclear neutrophils

Three Algerian honey samples (nectar honey, mixed honey and honeydew honey) were analysed for their total phenolic content (TPC) using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and total flavonoid content (TFC) by the aluminium chloride method. The antioxidant activity was tested both against reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated equine polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and on purified equine myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity. The ROS production by stimulated PMNs was measured by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. Specific immunological extraction followed by enzymatic detection (SIEFED) was used to measure specifically the activity of equine MPO. Nectar honey, mixed honey and honeydew honey had TPCs of 59.52 ± 1.31, 68.36 ± 1.20 and 122.76 ± 4.20 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g honey, respectively (mean ± SD). As for the TPC, the highest TFC was observed for honeydew honey [20.55 ± 0.72 mg catechine equivalents (CE)/100 mg honey], followed by mixed honey (7.47 ± 0.07 CE/100 mg honey) and nectar honey (4.80 ± 0.08 CE/100 mg honey). All the tested honeys displayed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the oxidant activities of PMNs. By the SIEFED technique, it was shown that most of the honeys interact directly with MPO: the light honeys (nectar honey and mixed honey) were inhibitors of MPO activity, while the dark honey had less inhibiting effect and even behaved as an enhancer of MPO activity at high concentrations.
Temporal changes in forest plant communities at different site types

Aims Given the significance of the herbaceous understorey layer for temperate forest ecosystem biodiversity and functioning, it is important to have a thorough understanding of its dynamics in response to environmental change. However, site-specific factors such as soil type may cause differential temporal herb layer changes within a single study area under comparable external pressure. Surprisingly, relatively few studies have examined herb layer changes on different site types within the same forest complex. The aim of this study is to determine the temporal differences in herb vegetation and to compare these for two differing site types in the same forest complex. Location Ancient broad-leaved woodlands traditionally managed as coppice with standards in South Belgium, an area with secondary deposits and a mild temperate climate. Methods In 2008 we re-inventoried 43 vegetation recordings from 1953 to 1954 in forests on two site types (acid and neutral forests). First, we described differences in soil pH, litter and overstorey characteristics between the sites. Next, multivariate analysis, Ellenberg indicator value and CSR signature were used to determine differences in herb layer diversity and composition between both the two survey times and the two site types. Finally, we analysed temporal differences in individual species abundances and frequencies. Results The two site types clearly differed with respect to soil, litter and overstorey characteristics. Temporal changes between the surveys were mostly highly significant on the neutral sites and mostly not significant on the acid sites. On both site types, the species pool size declined. On the neutral site, the mean plot species richness also declined. Based on the plant-derived characteristics (Ellenberg indicator values) of the plots, light availability decreased and nitrogen availability significantly increased on the neutral sites. Conclusion Input of eutrophying deposits and management changes are seen as key drivers of herb layer changes in the study area over the last half-century. However, our study suggests that site characteristics such as parent material and soil pH should also be considered. Together with the key drivers, incorporating differences in site characteristics may improve our understanding of temporal shifts in herb layer vegetation in response to environmental change.
Age, Growth and Mortality Rate of the Narrow-Barred Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomerus commerson Lacepède, 1800) in Coastal Waters of Iran from Length Frequency Data

Monthly data of length composition for narrow-barred Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus commerson (Lacepede), landed between April 2003 to March 2005 along the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea were used to estimate the growth, mortality and exploitation parameters of the stock. Maximum fork length and weight were 132 cm and 18.4 kg respectively. Nonlinear least square fitting provided a complete set of von Bertalanffy growth estimates: L∞=140 cm fork length; K=0.42 and t0= 0.26 years. The estimated value of total mortality based on length converted catch curve using these growth parameters is Z=1.47 year -1 . Natural mortality based on growth parameters and mean environmental temperature (T=26.5oC) is M=0.49 year -1 . Furthermore, the annual instantaneous fishing mortality rate of 0.98 year -1 was by far in excess of the precautionary target (Fopt=0.49 year -1 ) and limit (Flimit=0.65 year -1 ) biological reference points, indicating that the resource was heavily over-exploited, and that management of this species should have been implanted rapidly if they were to remain sustainable.
A Longitudinal Hierarchical Examination of Smart Steps for Stepfamilies With Ethnically and Economically Diverse Couples

Over the past decade, relationship education has grown as a means of enhancing couple relationships. This longitudinal study was designed to examine the experiences and outcomes of 2,828 adults who participated in the Smart Steps for Stepfamilies: Embrace the Journey program. Self-report measures of relationship quality, commitment, and relationship instability were administered prior to participation, then immediately, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after participation. A three-level growth-curve analysis using hierarchical linear model suggested that stepfamily participants experienced small but statistically significant immediate increases in relationship quality and stability, but those gains diminished over time. The statistical analyses tested for moderating effects of individual and couple characteristics on programmatic outcomes over time. Application of these findings and implications for relationship education for stepfamilies are discussed.
The effect of Ganoderma boninense infection on the expressions of thiamine (vitamin b1) biosynthesis genes in oil palm

Thi­amine pyrophos­phate (TPP), an active form of thi­amine plays a fun­da­men­tal role as an enzy­matic cofac­tor in uni­ver­sal meta­bolic path­ways includ­ing gly­col­y­sis and pen­tose phos­phate path­way. We iden­ti­fied and ampli­fied gene tran­scripts of the first two enzymes in the path­way, THI1/THI4 and THIC. Primers were designed based on sequence com­par­i­son of the genes from Ara­bidop­sis, rice and maize. We also inves­ti­gated the rela­tion­ship between expres­sion of thi­amine biosyn­the­sis genes and stress. This is due to find­ings sug­gest­ing that TPP has func­tions other than as a cofac­tor in response to stress in plants. The response of THI1/THI4 and THIC gene tran­scripts towards the infec­tion of Gan­o­derma boni­nense on oil palm was observed. The gene tran­scripts’ expres­sions were analysed via RT-PCR over a time course after infec­tion. For THI1/THI4, the per­cent­age of level of expres­sion for healthy oil palm is 29.79% and an increase up to 70.21% was observed in arti­fi­cially infected oil palm seedlings. For THIC gene, in healthy oil palm, the level of expres­sion was 45.83% but when infected, it increased slightly up to 54.17%. Our results sup­port the sug­ges­tion that thi­amine may play an impor­tant role in the pro­tec­tion of cells against stress as it leads to an over­ex­pres­sion of thi­amine in general.
A Qualitative Exploration of the Challenges Organizations Face while Working with Generation Z Intrapreneurs

Abstract This article presents preliminary findings of what challenges Indian organizations face when working with generation Z intrapreneurs. Organization will grow at a faster pace if the decision makers in the organization are entrepreneurial in their approach. These entrepreneurs when working within the organization by taking the approval and sanctions to use the organization resources are termed as intrapreneurs. Yet scholars know too little about what challenges Indian organization face while working with generation Z intrapreneurs. The findings reveal that Indian organizations have started hiring generation Z intrapreneurs and are facing challenges working with them. These findings support previous research which concludes organizational supportive environment is a facilitator for organization to spur intrapreneurial culture in the organization.
Vegetation type determines heterotrophic respiration in subalpine Australian ecosystems

Soils are the largest store of carbon in the biosphere and cool‐cold climate ecosystems are notable for their carbon‐rich soils. Characterizing effects of future climates on soil‐stored C is critical to elucidating feedbacks to changes in the atmospheric pool of CO2. Subalpine vegetation in south‐eastern Australia is characterized by changes over short distances (scales of tens to hundreds of metres) in community phenotype (woodland, shrubland, grassland) and in species composition. Despite common geology and only slight changes in landscape position, we measured striking differences in a range of soil properties and rates of respiration among three of the most common vegetation communities in subalpine Australian ecosystems. Rates of heterotrophic respiration in bulk soil were fastest in the woodland community with a shrub understorey, slowest in the grassland, and intermediate in woodland with grass understorey. Respiration rates in surface soils were 2.3 times those at depth in soils from woodland with shrub understorey. Surface soil respiration in woodlands with grass understorey and in grasslands was about 3.5 times that at greater depth. Both Arrhenius and simple exponential models fitted the data well. Temperature sensitivity (Q10) varied and depended on the model used as well as community type and soil depth – highlighting difficulties associated with calculating and interpreting Q10. Distributions of communities in these subalpine areas are dynamic and respond over relatively short time‐frames (decades) to changes in fire regime and, possibly, to changes in climate. Shifts in boundaries among communities and possible changes in species composition as a result of both direct and indirect (e.g. via fire regime) climatic effects will significantly alter rates of respiration through plant‐mediated changes in soil chemistry. Models of future carbon cycles need to take into account changes in soil chemistry and rates of respiration driven by changes in vegetation as well as those that are temperature‐ and moisture‐driven.