On the Higher Order Statistics of the Channel Capacity in Dispersed Spectrum Cognitive Radio Systems Over Generalized Fading Channels

This work is devoted to the study of dispersed spectrum cognitive radio (CR) systems over independent and nonidentically distributed (i.n.i.d.) generalized fading channels. More specifically, this is performed in terms of the high-order statistics (HOS) of the channel capacity over η-μ fading channels. A generic analytic expression is derived for the corresponding nth statistical moment, which is subsequently employed for deducing exact closed-form expressions for the first four moments

Conceptualising nature-based solutions: addressing environmental challenges in the city of Amman, Jordan

This article explores the conceptualisation and applicability of nature-based solutions (NBS) in the semi-arid context of Amman, Jordan. Through a Delphi survey, interviews and literature review, it investigates local experts’ views, concluding that NBS are a viable approach, even in context of water scarcity and high urban temperatures. Our results advocate for a paradigm shift towards a balanced relationship between urbanisation and nature, the integration of nature-based thinking into educational systems and continuous development and training for planners and local officers. Cross-sector collaboration, a solid participatory framework, and financial mechanisms for pilot cases are essential for this transformative shift

Identification of the domains of cauliflower mosaic virus protein P6 responsible for suppression of RNA silencing and salicylic acid signalling

Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) encodes a 520 aa polypeptide, P6, which participates in several essential activities in the virus life cycle including suppressing RNA silencing and salicylic acid-responsive defence signalling. We infected Arabidopsis with CaMV mutants containing short in-frame deletions within the P6 ORF. A deletion in the distal end of domain D-I (the N-terminal 112 aa) of P6 did not affect virus replication but compromised symptom development and curtailed the ability to restore GFP fluorescence in a GFP-silenced transgenic Arabidopsis line. A deletion in the minimum transactivator domain was defective in virus replication but retained the capacity to suppress RNA silencing locally. Symptom expression in CaMV-infected plants is apparently linked to the ability to suppress RNA silencing. When transiently co-expressed with tomato bushy stunt virus P19, an elicitor of programmed cell death in Nicotiana tabacum, WT P6 suppressed the hypersensitive response, but three mutants, two with deletions within the distal end of domain D-I and one involving the N-terminal nuclear export signal (NES), were unable to do so. Deleting the N-terminal 20 aa also abolished the suppression of pathogen-associated molecular pattern-dependent PR1a expression following agroinfiltration. However, the two other deletions in domain D-I retained this activity, evidence that the mechanisms underlying these functions are not identical. The D-I domain of P6 when expressed alone failed to suppress either cell death or PR1a expression and is therefore necessary but not sufficient for all three defence suppression activities. Consequently, concerns about the biosafety of genetically modified crops carrying truncated ORFVI sequences appear unfounded

Diatomite alleviates the adverse effects of salinity stress on growth and yield of Stevia rebaudiana

ABSTRACT The present study was planned to investigate the role of diatomitein salt tolerance of Stevia rebaudiana using pot experimental. Diatomite increased the growth characters of plants, hence resulted in higher yields. In contrast, the seawater treatments alone significantly decreased these parameters in both seasons. While, treating Stevia rebaudianaplants with diatomite prior to salinity stress decreased the detrimental effectof salt stress on growth and yield.The Esterase isoenzymesprofiles has indicated that salinity, diatomite and their combinations has caused biochemical changes in Steviar. plants. On the other hand, saline water irrigation decreased Rebaudioside A concentration at the second harvest as estimated by HPLC analysis in both seasons .The effect of the interaction between salinity and diatomite was the mosteffective treatments for Rebaudioside A when Stevia rebaudianaplants treated by salt concentration 4000 ppm and 2.5 g/kgsoil diatomite

A Critical Examination of the Potential Benefits of Theophylline on Extended Acute Inflammation in Old Age.

This chapter presents a critical review of the potential benefits of theophylline as a means to reduce the burden of post-acute inflammation in older age groups. A pro-inflammatory state often persists, or is extended, after sepsis, trauma and other acute illnesses in old age, particularly above the age of 80 years. The presence of inflammation at above-baseline amplitudes or excessive duration is associated with a higher likelihood of delirium, anorexia, unplanned weight loss, lethargy, depression, weakness and other markers of frailty. There is also an association with less favourable clinical outcomes and a higher risk of losing personal independence. Theophylline has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect, probably mediated through the induction of histone deacetylase-dependent gene switching in immune competent cells, that has been observed at cellular and whole organism levels. The main effects are a reduction in the production and release of TNF, IL-1 and IL-6, with a sequential fall in CRP and increase in IL-10, and a change of immune cells to their anti-inflammatory phenotypes. This happens when theophylline levels are between 5 and 10 mg/L, which is lower than the range for bronchodilators (10 to 15 mg/L) and presents a relatively low risk of toxicity. We hypothesize that low-dose theophylline treatment given to elderly subjects with acute inflammation, for example due to respiratory infection, septicaemia or trauma, will change the setting of their biochemical status from an inappropriately extended pro-inflammatory pattern toward a more normalized baseline pattern and consequently reduce the risk of adverse clinical outcomes

Determination of Sinapic Acid Derivatives in Canola Extracts Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with diode array detection (DAD) was used to determine the total phenolics, including sinapic acid derivatives in canola. Ten Western Canadian canola seeds, six other commodity canola seeds, their corresponding press cakes and meals were analyzed. Seeds of European 00 rapeseed and Brassica Juncea (Indian mustard) were included for comparison. Phenolic compounds were separated using a gradient elution system of water–methanol-ο-phosphoric acid solution with a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min. In addition to sinapine (SP) and sinapic acid (SA), sinapoyl glucose (SG) is reported in the methanolic extracts. The detection and quantification limits of these compounds were 0.20–0.40 and 0.50–0.80 μg/ml, respectively with recovery values over 98.0%. The content of total phenolics, SP, SA and SG in canola extracts ranged from 9.16 to 16.13, 6.39 to 12.28, 0.11 to 0.59 and 1.36 to 7.50 mg/g, respectively with significant differences among varieties

Asymmetry in catalysis by Thermotoga maritima membrane-bound pyrophosphatase demonstrated by a nonphosphorus allosteric inhibitor

Membrane-bound pyrophosphatases are homodimeric integral membrane proteins that hydrolyze pyrophosphate into orthophosphates, coupled to the active transport of protons or sodium ions across membranes. They are important in the life cycle of bacteria, archaea, plants, and parasitic protists, but no homologous proteins exist in vertebrates, making them a promising drug target. Here, we report the first nonphosphorus allosteric inhibitor of the thermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima membrane-bound pyrophosphatase and its bound structure together with the substrate analog imidodiphosphate. The unit cell contains two protein homodimers, each binding a single inhibitor dimer near the exit channel, creating a hydrophobic clamp that inhibits the movement of β-strand 1–2 during pumping, and thus prevents the hydrophobic gate from opening. This asymmetry of inhibitor binding with respect to each homodimer provides the first clear structural demonstration of asymmetry in the catalytic cycle of membrane-bound pyrophosphatases

Changes in rod and frame test scores recorded in schoolchildren during development--a longitudinal study.

The Rod and Frame Test has been used to assess the degree to which subjects rely on the visual frame of reference to perceive vertical (visual field dependence-independence perceptual style). Early investigations found children exhibited a wide range of alignment errors, which reduced as they matured. These studies used a mechanical Rod and Frame system, and presented only mean values of grouped data. The current study also considered changes in individual performance. Changes in rod alignment accuracy in 419 school children were measured using a computer-based Rod and Frame test. Each child was tested at school Grade 2 and retested in Grades 4 and 6. The results confirmed that children displayed a wide range of alignment errors, which decreased with age but did not reach the expected adult values. Although most children showed a decrease in frame dependency over the 4 years of the study, almost 20% had increased alignment errors suggesting that they were becoming more frame-dependent. Plots of individual variation (SD) against mean error allowed the sample to be divided into 4 groups; the majority with small errors and SDs; a group with small SDs, but alignments clustering around the frame angle of 18°; a group showing large errors in the opposite direction to the frame tilt; and a small number with large SDs whose alignment appeared to be random. The errors in the last 3 groups could largely be explained by alignment of the rod to different aspects of the frame. At corresponding ages females exhibited larger alignment errors than males although this did not reach statistical significance. This study confirms that children rely more heavily on the visual frame of reference for processing spatial orientation cues. Most become less frame-dependent as they mature, but there are considerable individual differences