A cluster of Ankyrin and Ankyrin-TPR repeat genes is associated with panicle branching diversity in rice

The number of grains per panicle is an important yield-related trait in cereals which depends in part on panicle branching complexity. One component of this complexity is the number of secondary branches per panicle. Previously, a GWAS site associated with secondary branch and spikelet numbers per panicle in rice was identified. Here we combined gene capture, bi-parental genetic population analysis, expression profiling and transgenic approaches in order to investigate the functional significance of a cluster of 6 ANK and ANK-TPR genes within the QTL. Four of the ANK and ANK-TPR genes present a differential expression associated with panicle secondary branch number in contrasted accessions. These differential expression patterns correlate in the different alleles of these genes with specific deletions of potential cis-regulatory sequences in their promoters. Two of these genes were confirmed through functional analysis as playing a role in the control of panicle architecture. Our findings indicate that secondary branching diversity in the rice panicle is governed in part by differentially expressed genes within this cluster encoding ANK and ANK-TPR domain proteins that may act as positive or negative regulators of panicle meristem’s identity transition from indeterminate to determinate state.     

Validity of the work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire - general health version in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction  

The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire is a well validated instrument to measure impairments in work and activities. However, its validation among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been well established. The present study's purpose is to evaluate the construct validity of the WPAI-general health version among RA patients and its ability to differentiate between RA patients with varying health status.     

A low-cost system for computerized rodent weight logging with statistical analysis

A system comprising a suite of 4 computer programs has been developed for on-line rodent weight data collection and statistical analysis using an IBM personal computer. Data can be collected from up to 3 separate trials simultaneously, and can be stored for later statistical analysis. Mettler balances were used for the animal weighing. A Mettler current loop adapter and a multiplexer were used to interface the balances with the computer.