Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity analysis of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and related wild species in the Philippines using morphological and SSR markers.

Results of the first genetic diversity assessment of Philippine eggplant germplasm collection consisting of accessions of Solanum melongena L. and related wild species using morphological traits and molecular markers is reported in this paper. Thirty-two accessions, representing 30% of the available collection of local landraces, improved cultivars and crop wild relatives (CWR) held in the national genebank were differentiated based on 39 morphological trait descriptors and 41 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. Ten out of the 39 morphological traits accounted for high phenotypic differences among the accessions. SSR polymorphism survey revealed that 33 out of the 41 SSR primer pairs (80.48%) detected variation among the accessions and the number of alleles ranged from 2 to 8 with a mean of 4.3 alleles per marker. The morphological trait and SSR data were analyzed as separate and combined data sets using principal component analysis (PCA) and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis. Similar results were obtained from the 3 data sets. Landraces, cultivars and crop wild relatives (CWR) were clearly differentiated. However, analysis of all 3 data sets did not distinguish the S. melongena landraces based on geographic areas of collection. CWRs were the most diverse group, followed by the landraces, while the improved cultivars were the least diverse. This study provided significant information for the need to increase the present eggplant collection and to widen the genetic diversity of currently cultivated eggplant varieties in the Philippines.
Climate of West Antarctica and Influence of Marine Air Intrusions

Abstract High-resolution numerical weather forecasts from the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS) archive are used to investigate the climate of West Antarctica (WA) during 2006–07. A comparison with observations from West Antarctic automatic weather stations confirms the skill of the model at simulating near-surface variables. AMPS cloud cover is also compared with estimates of monthly cloud fractions over Antarctica derived from spaceborne lidar measurements, revealing close agreement between both datasets. Comparison with 20-yr averages from the Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) dataset demonstrates that the 2006–07 time period as a whole is reflective of the West Antarctic climate from the last two decades. On the 2006–07 annual means computed from AMPS forecasts, the most salient feature is a tongue-shaped pattern of higher cloudiness, accumulation, and 2-m potential temperature stretching over central WA. This feature is caused by repeated intrusions of marine air inland linked to the.
Effects of in-season short-term plyometric training program on leg power , jump-and sprint performance of elite professional handball players

Our hypothesis was that the addition of an 8-week lower limb plyometric training program (hurdle and depth jumping) to normal in-season conditioning would enhance measures of competitive potential (peak power output [PP], jump force, jump height and sprint running velocity) in professional handball players. The subjects (age 23 ± 0.7 years, body mass 88.5 ± 4.7 kg, height 1.86± 0.06 m, body fat 14.7 ± 2.6%) were randomly assigned to a control (normal training) group (Gc; n = 12) and an experimental group (Gex; n = 12) that also performed biweekly plyometric training. A force–velocity ergometer test determined PP. Characteristics of the squat jump (SJ) and the countermovement jump (CMJ) (jump height, maximal force and velocity before take-off, and average power) were determined by force platform. Gex showed gains relative to controls in PP (p <0.01); SJ (height p < 0.01; velocity p < 0.001), CMJ (height p <0.001; velocity p < 0.001, average power p < 0.01) and all sprint velocities (p < 0.001 for V5m and Vmax, p <0.01 for VS). We conclude that biweekly plyometric training of professional handball players improved important components of athletic performance relative to standard in-season training. Accordingly, such exercises are highly recommended as part of an annual handball training program.
Fontes energéticas e protéicas para bovinos confinados em fase de terminação

Energy and protein sources for feedlot finishing cattle In this study it was evaluated the replacement of a true protein source (soybean meal) by a non protein nitrogen source (urea) in combination with two starch sources, fine ground corn and fine ground sorghum grains, in diets for feedlot finishing cattle. Twenty four yearling bulls (16 Nellore and 8 Canchim), averaging 417 kg initial live weight and 15 months old were used. Trial was conducted at the Animal Sciences Department, ESALQ/USP. Animals were housed in 24 individual concrete floor pens for 90 days. Randomized complete blocks were use for the statistical design. Rations contained 20% Tifton hay and 80% concentrate. Treatments were fine ground corn + soybean meal (MFS), fine ground corn + urea (MU), fine ground sorghum + soybean meal (SFS), fine ground sorghum + urea (SU). According to NRC (1996) all treatments presented positive metabolizable protein balances. There were no effects of the energy sources on animal performance. Animals fed soybean meal had greater ADG and feed efficiency than those fed urea.
Isolated dropped head due to adult-onset nemaline myopathy treated by posterior fusion

Neck extensor muscle weakness causing dropped head is most commonly associated with myasthenia gravis, ALS, and paraspinous myopathy.1–3 Less often, myotonic dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, hypothyroidism, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, and inclusion body myositis are associated with dropped head.1 We describe a patient with isolated dropped head and no limb weakness due to adult-onset nemaline myopathy that improved with a posterior cervical spinal fusion. A 72-year-old man presented with a 10-year history of a progressive head drop. He denied limb weakness, diplopia, or imbalance. There was no family history of neuromuscular disorders. His physical examination revealed isolated neck extensor weakness with normal limb muscle strength (figure, A). Deep tendon reflexes and sensation were normal. Creatine kinase, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and acetylcholine receptor antibodies were normal or negative. Cervical spine MRI demonstrated multilevel degenerative changes. Sensory and motor …
Long term effect and safety of Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells on type 2 diabetes.

Cellular therapies offer novel opportunities for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of infusion of Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSC) on T2DM. A total of 61 patients with T2DM were randomly divided into two groups on the basis of basal therapy; patients in group I were administered WJ-MSC intravenous infusion twice, with a four-week interval, and patients in group II were treated with normal saline as control. During the 36-month follow-up period, the occurrence of any adverse effects and the results of clinical and laboratory examinations were recorded and evaluated. The lack of acute or chronic adverse effects in group I was consistent with group II. Blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, C-peptide, homeostasis model assessment of pancreatic islet β-cell function and incidence of diabetic complications in group I were significantly improved, as compared with group II during the 36-month follow-up. The results of the present study demonstrated that infusion of WJ-MSC improved the function of islet β-cells and reduced the incidence of diabetic complications, although the precise mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. The infusion of WJ-MSC may be an effective option for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.
HbA 1 c variability and the risk of microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes : data from the DCCT

This is an uncopyedited electronic version of an article accepted for publication in Diabetes Care. The American Diabetes Association, publisher of Diabetes Care, is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this version of the manuscript or any version derived from it by third parties. The definitive publisher-authenticated version will be available in a future issue of Diabetes Care in print and online at http://care.diabetesjournals. org. Diabetes Care Publish Ahead of Print, published online July 23, 2008
Statement on personal protective measures to prevent arthropod bites.

the Committee to advise on tropical medicine and travel (Catmat) provides the public Health agency of Canada (pHaC) with ongoing and timely medical, scientific, and public health advice relating to tropical infectious disease and health risks associated with international travel. the agency acknowledges that the advice and recommendations set out in this statement are based upon the best current available scientific knowledge and medical practices, and is disseminating this document for information purposes to both travellers and the medical community caring for travellers.
New Members of the Interleukin‐12 Family of Cytokines: IL‐23 and IL‐27 Modulate Autoimmune Diabetes

Abstract: Multiple low doses of streptozotocin (5 × 40 mg/kg) given to susceptible male C57BL6 mice induced delayed and sustained hyperglycemia accompanied by body weight loss, mononuclear cell infiltration in the islet, and apoptosis of β cells. Shorter regimes (4 × 40 mg/kg) did not have such effect. Administration of IL‐23 at a dose of 400 ng/mL for 10 consecutive days concomitantly with this subdiabetogenic regimen of STZ, however, induced significant hyperglycemia, weight loss, and mononuclear cellular infiltration. The same regimen of IL‐27 in duced milder effect on glycemia and no weight loss inspite of a massive peri‐islet and intra‐islet infiltration of mononuclear cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of these cytokines on diabetogenesis is under study.
La teoría de la agencia. El caso de una universidad privada en la ciudad de Manizales

El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar los factores que explican la relacion entre principal y agente (P-A) en una institucion de educacion superior (IES) de caracter privado en la ciudad de Manizales. El estudio se fundamento en las bases conceptuales de la corriente neoinstitucional, enmarcada en modelos microeconomicos y neoliberales, interpretados a la luz de la teoria de la agencia. La medicion de los factores que explican la relacion P-A se dio a traves del analisis de datos, y asi fue posible confirmar las hipotesis planteadas. La relacion P-A en la IES de estudio se explica mas por factores motivacionales externos e internos que por el factor salario. Los resultados aseveran la importancia de la alineacion de los objetivos para mejorar la eficiencia en la institucion.
Circuit design of compensation for contactless power system of AUV

Owing to the separate structure, low coupling coefficient and limited power factor of the contactless power system of AUV(Autonomous Underwater Vehicle), it is necessary to apply compensation circuits for maximizing power factor and increasing the efficiency of power transmission. In deep sea, the magnetic core of this system would deviate with the impact of water flow, on which condition the coupling coefficient may change, power factor of system decreases and power transmission is affected. This paper discusses the impacts of water flow to various compensation circuits, and proposes the common method of designing the compensation circuit for contactless underwater power system of AUV.
Surface Modification of Commercially Pure Ti Treated with Aqueous NaOH Treatment and Ethyl Alcohol Aging

This study evaluates the biomimetic calcium phosphate-forming abilities of commercially pure titanium (c.p. Ti) substrates treated with NaOH aqueous solution and subsequent ethyl alcohol aging before being soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF). Specimens of c.p. Ti were initially treated with 5 M NaOH at 60 °C for 24 h, resulting in the formation of a porous network structure composed of sodium hydrogen titanate (NaxH2－xTi3O7). The specimens were then aged in ethyl alcohol at 60 °C for 5 or 10 min, and subsequently immersed in SBF at 37 °C for 3, 7, and 14 days, respectively. The calcium phosphate-forming abilities of the c.p. Ti after a single NaOH treatment were low, but significantly increased after ethyl alcohol aging. Similarly, aging in ethyl alcohol reduced the water contact angles of the surfaces. NaOH treatment combined with ethyl alcohol aging for 5 min resulted in the greatest deposit of calcium phosphate on the c.p. Ti.
A Medium-Voltage Motor Drive With a Modular Multilevel PWM Inverter

This paper describes the control and operating performance of a modular multilevel PWM inverter for a transformerless medium-voltage motor drive. The inverter is prominent in the modular arm structure consisting of a cascaded stack of multiple bidirectional chopper-cells. The dominant ac-voltage fluctuation with the same frequency as the motor (inverter) frequency occurs across the dc capacitor of each chopper-cell. The magnitude of the voltage fluctuation is inversely proportional to the motor frequency. This paper achieves theoretical analysis on the voltage fluctuation, leading to system design. A downscaled model rated at 400 V and 15 kW is designed and built up to confirm the validity and effectiveness of the nine-level (17-level in line-to-line) PWM inverter for a medium-voltage motor drive.
Identification of Quorum-Quenching N-Acyl Homoserine Lactonases from Bacillus Species

ABSTRACT A range of gram-negative bacterial species use N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) molecules as quorum-sensing signals to regulate different biological functions, including production of virulence factors. AHL is also known as an autoinducer. An autoinducer inactivation gene, aiiA, coding for an AHL lactonase, was cloned from a bacterial isolate, Bacillus sp. strain 240B1. Here we report identification of more than 20 bacterial isolates capable of enzymatic inactivation of AHLs from different sources. Eight isolates showing strong AHL-inactivating enzyme activity were selected for a preliminary taxonomic analysis. Morphological phenotypes and 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis indicated that these isolates probably belong to the species Bacillus thuringiensis. Enzymatic analysis with known Bacillus strains confirmed that all of the strains of B. thuringiensis and the closely related species B. cereus and B. mycoides tested produced AHL-inactivating enzymes but B. fusiformis and B. sphaericus strains did not. Nine genes coding for AHL inactivation were cloned either by functional cloning or by a PCR procedure from selected bacterial isolates and strains. Sequence comparison of the gene products and motif analysis showed that the gene products belong to the same family of AHL lactonases.
Fresh Isolates from Children with Severe Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Bind to Multiple Receptors

ABSTRACT The sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (pRBC) away from the peripheral circulation is a property of all field isolates. Here we have examined the pRBC of 111 fresh clinical isolates from children with malaria for a number of adhesive features in order to study their possible coexpression and association with severity of disease. A large number of adhesion assays were performed studying rosetting, giant rosetting, and binding to CD36, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, thrombospondin, heparin, blood group A, and immunoglobulins. Suspension assays were performed at the actual parasitemia of the isolate, while all the static adhesion assays were carried out at an equal adjusted parasitemia. The ability to bind to multiple receptors, as well as the ability to form rosettes and giant rosettes, was found to be more frequent among isolates from children with severe versus mild malaria (P = 0.0015). Rosettes and giant rosettes were more frequent for children with severe malaria, and the cell aggregates were larger and tighter, than for those with mild disease (P = 0.0023). Binding of immunoglobulins (97% of isolates) and of heparin (81% of isolates) to infected erythrocytes was common, and binding to heparin and blood group A was associated with severity of disease (P = 0.011 andP = 0.031, respectively). These results support the idea that isolates that bind to multiple receptors are involved in the causation of severe malaria and that several receptor-ligand interactions work synergistically in bringing about severe disease.
Indoor Localization Using a Spatial Channel Signature Database

In this letter, we present preliminary results of a field measurement that was carried out in an office to study spatial characteristics of an indoor wireless channel for the purpose of localizing wireless transmitters using one receiver that is equipped with one antenna array. An induced spatial signature of multipath propagation and a spatial signature database are employed to associate the received signal with its transmission location
The Effect of Tunicamycin on Target Cell Susceptibility to Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity

Several sets of data indicate the possibility that carbohydrate moieties on the target cell are important structures in natural killer (NK) cell‐mediated lysis. Strkining changes in the NK susceptibility of targets can be induced in several systems involving in vitro differentiation of tumour cell lines. The effect on target cells of the glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin, which acts by blocking the dolichol‐dependent asparagine‐linked glvcosvlation pathway was investigated. Using several different tumour cell lines we can conclude that; (a) asparagine‐linked carbohydrate chains do not contribute directly to NK susceptibility, (b) induced differentiation may or may not be linked with a change in NK susceptibility, and (c) secondary changes caused by tunicamycin treatment may lead to alterations in the gangliosides, a finding that is positvely correlated with decreased NK susceptibility.
ELECTROACTIVE FABRICS AND WEARABLE BIOMONITORING DEVICES

Abstract The implementation of truly wearable, instrumented garments which are capable of recording biomechanical variables is crucial in several fields of application, from multimedia to rehabilitation, from sport to artistic fields. In this paper we discuss wearable devices (a smart shirt, a leotard and a glove) which can read and record the vital signs and movements of a subject wearing the system. The sensing function of the garments is based on piezo-resistive fabric sensors, based on carbon-loaded rubbers (CLR) and different conductive materials.
Guest Editors' Introduction: Realizing Service-Centric Software Systems

Service-centric software system is a multidisciplinary paradigm concerned with software systems that are constructed as compositions of autonomous services. These systems extend the service-oriented architecture paradigm by focusing on the design, development, and maintenance of software built under SOAs. In this special issue, we present five articles that tackle service-centric software systems.
Ubiquitous Learning and Digital Literacy Practices Connecting Teacher and Learner

In this paper, we discuss digital literacy and preservice teacher education and reflect on the current state of web-based education and development of digital literacy in teacher education in Slovenia. The literacy context is discussed in the context of the Educational Technology course which is delivered in teacher education. The aim of this course for preservice preprimary and primary classroom teachers is to develop student teachers' digital literacy and prepare them for the efficient integration of ICT into their teaching. This will in turn influence learners' digital literacy and competence for active engagement in the emerging culture of participation. The paper discusses web-based teaching methodology with a focus on instructional design, learning resources and high-order learning outcomes. The affordance of mobile technology fosters ubiquitous learning which has been integrated into the teacher education curriculum. The notion of tools in learning and literacies is discussed in the context of the transition from traditional written culture to digital culture. In integrating mobile learning, three important dimensions converge, underlining the development of digital literacy: the technology dimension of wireless mobile providing instant access, the social dimension and the learning behaviours dimension. A survey was conducted to examine undergraduate student-teachers' attitudes on the application of ubiquitous education and the development of digital literacy through the integration of mobile learning. The results indicate that student-teachers have developed competences in a variety of mobile learning and teaching activities They believe that mobile technology increases connection between learner and teacher but are neutral about the integration of children's social practices from their free time to school environment.
Magnet Status and Registered Nurse Views of the Work Environment and Nursing as a Career

Objectives: To compare how registered nurses view the work environment and the nursing shortage based on the Magnet status of their organizations. Background: The upsurge in organizations pursuing and obtaining Magnet recognition provides increased opportunities to investigate whether and how registered nurses who are employed in Magnet organizations and organizations pursuing Magnet status perceive differences in the nursing shortage, hospitals' responses to the shortage, characteristics of the work environment, and professional relationships. Methods: A nationally representative sample of registered nurses licensed to practice in the United States was surveyed. The views of registered nurses who worked in Magnet organizations, organizations in the process of applying for Magnet status, and non-Magnet organizations were analyzed as independent groups. Results: Significant differences were found. Although there is a clear Magnet difference, there are also identifiable differences that occur during the pursuit of Magnet recognition. Conclusion: Many organizations in the process of applying for Magnet status rated higher than Magnet organizations, indicating that there is much to do to maintain the comparative advantages for Magnet hospitals.
Arteriolar Responses to Vasodilator Stimuli and Elevated PO2 in Renin Congenic and Dahl Salt‐Sensitive Rats

Objectives: Angiotensin II suppression leads to impaired vascular relaxation in normotensive animals on a high‐salt diet. The goal of this study was to determine whether normal vascular reactivity could be restored by transferring the chromosomal region carrying the Dahl salt‐resistant (R) renin gene into the Dahl salt‐sensitive (SS) genetic background in a strain of renin congenic rats (RGRR).
Crystallization, preliminary X‐ray diffraction study, and crystal packing of a complex between anti‐Hen lysozyme antibody F9.13.7 and Guinea‐fowl lysozyme

The complex formed between the Fab fragment of a murine monoclonal anti‐hen egg lysozyme antibody F9.13. 7 and the het‐erologous antigen Guinea‐fowl egg lysozyme has been crystallized by the hanging drop technique. The crystals, which diffract X‐rays to 3 Å resolution, belong to the monoclinic space group P21, with a = 83.7 Å, b = 195.5 Å, c = 50.2 Å, β = 108.5° and have two molecules of the complex in the asymmetric unit The three‐dimensional structure has been determined from a preliminary data set to 4 Å using molecular replacement techniques. The lysozyme–Fab complexes are arranged with their long molecular axes approximately parallel to the crystallo‐graphic unique axis. Fab F9.13. 7 binds an anti‐genie determinant that partially overlaps the epitope recognized by antilysozyme antibody HyHEL10. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.