Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Auxin Homeostasis and Gradients in Arabidopsis Roots through the Formation of the Indole-3-Acetic Acid Catabolite 2-Oxindole-3-Acetic Acid[C][W][OPEN]

This work shows that one of the major auxin degradation products in Arabidopsis roots is 2-oxindole-3-acetic acid (oxIAA). OxIAA levels increased rapidly in line with endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels, and oxIAA had much lower biological activity than IAA. Data presented indicate that IAA catabolism plays an important role in the regulation of auxin homeostasis and auxin gradient formation in the primary root apex. The native auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), is a major regulator of plant growth and development. Its nonuniform distribution between cells and tissues underlies the spatiotemporal coordination of many developmental events and responses to environmental stimuli. The regulation of auxin gradients and the formation of auxin maxima/minima most likely involve the regulation of both metabolic and transport processes. In this article, we have demonstrated that 2-oxindole-3-acetic acid (oxIAA) is a major primary IAA catabolite formed in Arabidopsis thaliana root tissues. OxIAA had little biological activity and was formed rapidly and irreversibly in response to increases in auxin levels. We further showed that there is cell type–specific regulation of oxIAA levels in the Arabidopsis root apex. We propose that oxIAA is an important element in the regulation of output from auxin gradients and, therefore, in the regulation of auxin homeostasis and response mechanisms.
Reproductive and neurobehavioral effects of brilliant blue FCF in mice.

Brilliant blue FCF of food color was given in the diets of mice at levels of 0% (control), 0.08, 0.24, and 0.72% from 5 weeks of age in the F(0) generation and continuing to 11 weeks of age in the F(1) generation and selected reproductive and neurobehavioral parameters were measured. Mice were mated at 9 weeks of age and dams were delivered offspring at 12 weeks of age. Offspring were weaned at 4 weeks of age. Regarding exploratory behavior at 8 weeks of age in the F(0) generation, movement time (sec) displayed a significant tendency to be increased and the average time of rearing (sec) displayed a significant tendency to be decreased in females in the treatment groups in a trend test (p = 0.019 and 0.027, respectively). In the F(1) generation, the development of surface righting at postnatal day 4 was delayed significantly in the high-dose group (0.72%) in male and female offspring, and those effects were significantly related to dose in a trend test (p< 0.01 for both). Regarding exploratory behavior at 8 weeks of age in the F(1) generation, the number of horizontal activities exhibited a significant tendency to be decreased in females in the treatment groups in a trend test (p = 0.015). Regarding spontaneous behavior, average time of movement (sec) was significantly accelerated in females in the high-dose group. The dose levels of brilliant blue FCF used in the present study produced a few significant effects on neurobehavioral parameters in multiple generations in mice.
The potential of endothelin antagonism as a therapeutic approach

Endothelin (ET) is a pivotal physiological regulator of blood pressure through its effects on blood vessels, heart, lung and kidneys, and the ET system can be overactive in disorders such as pulmonary hypertension, heart failure and renal disease. Such observations stimulated interest among scientists and pharmaceutical companies that have set up high-throughput screens to search for antagonists of ET receptors. The emerging compounds have been tested in animals with exciting results, leading to great hope that such inhibitors could be translated into human drugs with desirable therapeutic activities and few side effects. This review will describe the most relevant results obtained in experimental animals in a wide variety of disease conditions and focus on the data of selected compounds that have been employed in clinical trials.
OFDM receivers using oversampling with rational sampling ratios

In this paper, we propose orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) receivers using oversampling, where the oversampling ratio is extended from integers to rational numbers. We propose several receiver structures, which reveal the same performance, with the same oversampling ratio. Since the low-pass filters in general OFDM receivers are not ideal, additional noise is introduced into the side bands of the demodulated signal. If we increase the sampling frequency above the symbol rate, subcarriers with higher frequencies than we want are obtained and composed of noise only. Removing the unwanted higher frequency components we can reduce the noise and obtain signal-to-noise power ratio gain compared to the conventional symbol rate receivers. Through computer simulations, we verify the proposed method.
Exploring physical therapists’ perceptions of mobile application usage utilizing the FITT framework

ABSTRACT Primary Objective: The use of mobile apps in clinical settings is becoming a widely accepted tool for many healthcare professionals. Physical therapists (PTs) have been underresearched in this area, leaving little information regarding the challenges in using mobile apps in the PT environment. The FITT framework provides a theoretical underpinning for this investigation. Research Design and Methods: A survey was developed based on the FITT framework and research questions. Licensed PTs in attendance at the FPTA conference were asked to complete the survey. A descriptive analysis was conducted for the study and demographic variables. A factor analysis was performed to determine the appropriateness of the FITT framework. Main Outcome and Results: The individual-technology dimension showed the best fit to the framework, with the weakest fit being the individual-task dimension. The majority of PTs surveyed do not currently use apps in their professional practice nor do they feel that their organizational leadership endorses app usage. Conclusions: The integration of mobile apps into physical therapy practice can improve the standard of care. Additional apps and marketing of these apps could elevate use of this technology. However, leadership support with the necessary resources for app usage will be key to improved overall FITT.
Momentum: An Economic View

Momentum strategies have widely been recognized in the literature for several markets, asset classes and time horizons. However, these strategies face a major objection as they significantly violate even the weak form of the efficient market hypothesis. Recently, it has been shown that, from a mathematical perspective, the inner dynamics of asset prices are better described by the Mandelbrot Market Model. This model uses fractal trends observed in real stock data, and the mathematical characteristics measured and used in the model show that trends in this fractal setup explain momentum. A central question attached to this mathematical analysis is why these long trends exist, economically. Although it has been documented well in the literature that investors are not rational and are prone to several biases, we show in this work by example that momentum strategies leverage fundamental, company-specific improvements of the business condition, capturing the value generation process. Consequently, this work supports the mathematical claims made previously: There are no efficient markets as investors constantly fail to anticipate available information.
The Extracellular Matrix in Wound Healing: A Closer Look at Therapeutics for Chronic Wounds

Disappointing results with the use of exogenous recombinant growth factors in chronic wounds have redirected the focus to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Newer research has clearly changed our view on the role of the ECM in tissue repair and dismissed the dogma that the sole function of ECM is a passive physical support for cells. It is now clear that intact or fragmented ECM molecules are capable of transducing signals pivotal for cell processes in wound healing primarily via integrin interactions in concert with growth factor activation. In addition, our knowledge about ECM molecules in minute concentrations with biological activity, but devoid of significant structural influence, is increasing. This article reviews the multifaceted molecular roles of ECM in the normal wound-healing process and some molecular abnormalities in chronic wounds, and touches on potential therapies based on the developments of tissue biology.
TINA, India and 25 Years of Economic Liberalisation

Although India has been ‘reforming’ since 1991, almost nobody seems to be satisfied with either the progress or the outcome. The reformers need to put the economy’s long-term interests above financial sector short-termism, reorganise the domestic financial system to keep credit productive and debate if a bank lends existing money or newly creates the money it lends, as the answer has major implications for monetary and fiscal policies, as well as for financial sector reforms.
Subsets of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in monkeys are distinguished by different levels of mRNA for the dopamine transporter: Comparison with the mRNA for the D2 receptor, tyrosine hydroxylase and calbindin immunoreactivity

The midbrain dopamine system can be divided into two groups of cells based on chemical characteristics and connectivity. The dorsal tier neurons, which include the dorsal pars compacta and the ventral tegmental area, are calbindin positive, and project to the shell of the nucleus accumbens. The ventral tier neurons are calbindin‐negative and project to the sensonmotor striatum. This study examined the distribution of the mRNAs for the dopamine transporter molecule (DAT) and the D2 receptor in the midbrain of monkeys by using in situ hybridization. The distribution patterns were compared to that of tyrosine hydroxylase and calbindin immunohistochemistry. The results show that high levels of hybridization for DAT and the D2 receptor mRNA are found in the ventral tier, calbindin‐negative neurons and relatively low levels are found in the dorsal, calbindin‐positive tier. Within the dorsal tier, the dorsal substantia nigra pars compacta has the least amount of both messages. These results show that in monkeys, the ventral tegmental area and the dorsal pars compacta form a dorsal continuum of dopamine neurons which express lower levels of mRNA for DAT and D2 receptor than the ventral tier. DAT has been shown to be involved in the selective neurotoxicity of N‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Different levels of DAT mRNA and calbindin may explain the differential effects of MPTP neurotoxicity. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
The product of the nuclear gene PET309 is required for translation of mature mRNA and stability or production of intron‐containing RNAs derived from the mitochondrial COX1 locus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial COX1 locus, which contains several introns and is co‐transcribed with the downstream genes AAP1, OLI2 and ENS2, is controlled by at least 18 nuclear‐encoded proteins. The PET309 gene, encoding one of these proteins, was cloned, sequenced and shown to contain an open reading frame of 965 codons. Isonuclear PET309+ and delta pet309::URA3 strains carrying mitochondrial genomes that differ in the number of COX1 introns, were generated. Analysis of RNA species from these strains demonstrated an inverse relationship between the number of introns present in the precursor RNA and the amount of COX1 and AAP1/OLI2/ENS2 RNAs accumulated in a pet309 mutant. Hence, PET309 plays a role either in transcription of intron‐containing primary transcripts from the COX1‐AAP1‐OLI2‐ENS2 transcription unit or in stabilization of primary transcripts. PET309 is also required in translation of COX1 mRNA. A mitochondrial bypass suppressor of the pet309 deletion mutation was isolated, and shown to consist of a DNA rearrangement at the COX1 locus, such that the 5′ untranslated leader region (UTR) of the COB gene was fused to COX1 at nucleotide −174 of its 5′ UTR. This result suggests that Pet309p acts through the COX1 5′ UTR to activate initiation of translation of the COX1 coding region.
2-Bromopropane causes ovarian dysfunction by damaging primordial follicles and their oocytes in female rats.

Ovarian dysfunction induced by 2-bromopropane (2-BP) has been described in female factory workers and experimental animals. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. To establish the reproductive target site and define mechanisms of 2-BP toxicity in adult female rats, we examined the effects of different doses and duration of exposure to 2-BP in female rats. In the dose-dependent experiments, female rats were exposed to 2-BP at 100, 300, or 1000 ppm or fresh air (n = 9 each) in exposure chambers for 8 h/day for 9 weeks. In the time-course experiments, female rats were exposed to 2-BP at 3000 ppm for 8 h (n = 7 each). The rats were then euthanized 1, 3, 5, and 17 days after exposure. Differential follicle counts and in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase assay were used to evaluate 2-BP effect on primordial, growing, and antral follicles. Exposure to 2-BP at 300 and 1000 ppm produced a significant reduction in the percentage of primordial, growing, and antral follicles in a dose-dependent manner. Significant reduction in the percentage of primordial follicles at 17 days after exposure was observed in time-course experiments. Exposure to 2-BP at 3000 ppm for 8 h resulted in histological changes in primordial follicles complex at 5 and 17 days after exposure. These changes consisted of distortion of the symmetry of oocytes and their nuclei at Day 5 after exposure and appearance of eccentric pyknotic cells and shrinkage of oocyte nuclei at Day 17 after exposure. In situ end labeling showed increased numbers of apoptotic oocytes and granulosa cells in primordial follicles at Days 5 and 17 after exposure. Our results suggested that ovarian dysfunction induced by 2-BP was caused by the destruction of primordial follicle and its oocyte due to the induction of apoptosis. Our studies also show that the follicle differential count is a more sensitive method than the vaginal smear in monitoring the female reproductive disorders induced by 2-BP.
Empowering Crisis Response-Led Citizen Communities: Lessons Learned from JKFloodRelief.org Initiative

Crisis times are characterized by a dynamically changing and evolving need set that should be evaluated and acted upon with the least amount of latency. Though the established practice of response to rescue and relief operations is largely institutionalized in norms and localized; there is a vast sea of surging goodwill and voluntary involvement that is available globally to be tapped into and channelized for maximum benefit in the initial hours and days of the crisis. This is made possible with the availability of real-time, collaborative communication platforms such as those facilitated by Facebook, Google and Twitter. They enable building and harnessing real-time communities as an amorphous force multiplier to collate, structure, disseminate, follow-through, and close the loop between on-ground and off-ground coordination on information, which aids both rescue as well relief operations of ground response organizations. At times of emergencies, amorphous online communities of citizens come into existence on their own, sharing a variety of skill sets to assist response, and contribute immensely to relief efforts during Empowering Crisis ResponseLed Citizen Communities: Lessons Learned from JKFloodRelief.org Initiative
The effect of preservation method on the neutral detergent soluble fraction of forages.

Fermentation of neutral detergent solubles (NDS) was assessed using a 3 x 3 x 3 factorial arrangement. Three forage species (alfalfa, bromegrass, and orchardgrass) were collected at three maturities and preserved either by freeze drying, oven drying at 50 degrees C, or by ensiling. Each feed sample and its isolated NDF were fermented in vitro and gas production was monitored. Gas yield from NDS was determined as the difference between gas from the unfractionated forage and from its respective NDF. The forages ranged from 23 (immature alfalfa) to 68% NDF (mature orchardgrass). The silages were well fermented with a final pH of < or = 4.5. Increasing maturity decreased the final gas volume but did not change the rate of gas production from the NDS fraction. There was little difference in gas production between freeze-dried and oven-dried forage samples. Ensiling decreased gas yield from the unfractionated forage. The rate of gas production from the NDS fraction of the ensiled forages decreased an average of . 05 h-1 compared with the freeze-dried sample. Gas yield from the NDS fraction decreased (from the freeze-dried sample) between 7 and 36% upon ensiling. The curve substraction approach can be used to evaluate the effects of ensiling on the neutral detergent-soluble fraction of forages.
Predictors of Cessation of Regular Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Elderly People

Background: Maintaining regular physical activity is important for physical and mental health, providing benefits including protection against chronic disease. However, little is known about the causes of cessation of habitual physical activity in olderpeople. Objectives: To identify predictors of cessation of regular physical activity in community-dwelling elderly people. Methods: 582 community-dwelling people aged 70 years and over who were living in Tokyo, Japan, were surveyed regarding physical activity levels 2 years after completing an initial survey where they indicated they took part in physical activity at least 5 days a week. Baseline demographic, health, physical functioning and psychological status measures were used as predictors of exercise cessation. Results: At the 2-year follow-up, 192 subjects (33%) had ceased taking part in regular physical activity. In univariate analyses, women, smokers, those who reported a fear of falling and those with a slower walking speed at baseline were significantly more likely to cease regular physical activity. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified 3 of these variables as significant and independent predictors of activity cessation: female gender (adjusted OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.13–2.47); smoking (OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.33–4.13), and slow walking speed (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.07–2.98). Conclusions: The study identified simple screening measures for identifying elderly people at risk of ceasing regular physical activity. Currently active older people with these factors may benefit from counseling and interventions to enable them to continue participating in regular physical activity.
Asking the Right Questions About Leadership: Discussion and Conclusions

Five questions prompted by the articles in the American Psychologist special issue on leadership (January 2007, Vol. 62, No. 1) suggest some new directions for leadership research: (1) Not do leaders make a difference, but under what conditions does leadership matter? (2) Not what are the traits of leaders, but how do leaders’ personal attributes interact with situational properties to shape out-comes? (3) Not do there exist common dimensions on which all leaders can be arrayed, but are good and poor leadership qualitatively different phenomena? (4) Not how do leaders and followers differ, but how can leadership models be reformulated so they treat all system members as both leaders and followers? (5) Not what should be taught in leadership courses, but how can leaders be helped to learn?
Biodiversity of brewery yeast strains and their fermentative activities

We investigated the genetic, biochemical, fermentative and physiological characteristics of brewery yeast strains and performed a hierarchical cluster analysis to evaluate their similarity. We used five different ale and lager yeast strains, originating from different European breweries and deposited at the National Collection of Yeast Cultures (UK). Ale and lager strains exhibited different genomic properties, but their assimilation profiles and pyruvate decarboxylase activities corresponded to their species classifications. The activity of another enzyme, succinate dehydrogenase, varied between different brewing strains. Our results confirmed that ATP and glycogen content, and the activity of the key metabolic enzymes succinate dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase, may be good general indicators of cell viability. However, the genetic properties, physiology and fermentation capacity of different brewery yeasts are unique to individual strains. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of a spiral antenna with coplanar feeding solution

A new design of spiral antenna is presented in this paper. The shape of the antenna is similar to that of the traditional Archimedean spiral antenna. However, this design allows to feed the antenna on the same plane, which is useful to conform the antenna on various surfaces. Two sources feed the structure. Loads placed along the arms and in the center of the antenna are used to decrease reflections at the end of the arms. Antenna behavior is studied using the software FEKO which is based on method of moments (MoM). This antenna shows the same characteristics as a traditional spiral antenna while being fed outside with coplanar feeding solution. The antenna is studied without a ground plane.
Efficiency Tests of Commodity Futures Markets in China

If prices follow a random walk model,this implies informational efficiency.Since presence of a unit root is not a sufficient condition for a random walk,we need to test for the presence of autocorrelation in residual.At the same time,VR test is important because an important property of the random walk hypothesis is that the variance of random walk increments should be a linear function of time.MVR test provides a procedure for the multiple comparison of the set of variance ratio estimates with unity.The conclusions tell us we cannot reject weak-worm efficiency market hypothesis.