Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Two Barley Cultivars (Hordeum vulgare L.) with Contrasting Grain Protein Content

Grain protein contents (GPCs) of barley seeds are significantly different between feed and malting barley cultivars. However, there is still no insight into the proteomic analysis of seed proteins between feed and malting barley cultivars. Also, the genetic control of barley GPC is still unclear. GPCs were measured between mature grains of Yangsimai 3 and Naso Nijo. A proteome profiling of differentially expressed protein was established by using a combination of 2-DE and tandem mass spectrometry. In total, 502 reproducible protein spots in barley seed proteome were detected with a pH range of 4–7 and 6–11, among these 41 protein spots (8.17%) were detected differentially expressed between Yangsimai 3 and Naso Nijo. Thirty-four protein spots corresponding to 23 different proteins were identified, which were grouped into eight categories, including stress, protein degradation and post-translational modification, development, cell, signaling, glycolysis, starch metabolism, and other functions. Among the identified proteins, enolase (spot 274) and small subunit of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (spot 271) are exclusively expressed in barley Yangsimai 3, which may be involved in regulating seed protein expression. In addition, malting quality is characterized by an accumulation of serpin protein, Alpha-amylase/trypsin inhibitor CMb and Alpha-amylase inhibitor BDAI-1. Most noticeably, globulin, an important storage protein in barley seed, undergoes post-translational processing in both cultivars, and also displays different expression patterns.
A High-Density SNP Genetic Linkage Map and QTL Analysis of Growth-Related Traits in a Hybrid Family of Oysters (Crassostrea gigas × Crassostrea angulata) Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing

Oysters are among the most important species in global aquaculture. Crassostrea gigas, and its subspecies C. angulata, are the major cultured species. To determine the genetic basis of growth-related traits in oysters, we constructed a second-generation linkage map from 3367 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on genotyping-by-sequencing, genotyped from a C. gigas × C. angulata hybrid family. These 3367 SNPs were distributed on 1695 markers, which were assigned to 10 linkage groups. The genetic linkage map had a total length of 1084.3 cM, with an average of 0.8 cM between markers; it thus represents the densest genetic map constructed for oysters to date. Twenty-seven quantitative trait loci (QTL) for five growth-related traits were detected. These QTL could explain 4.2–7.7% (mean = 5.4%) of the phenotypic variation. In total, 50.8% of phenotypic variance for shell width, 7.7% for mass weight, and 34.1% for soft tissue weight were explained. The detected QTL were distributed among eight linkage groups, and more than half (16) were concentrated within narrow regions in their respective linkage groups. Thirty-eight annotated genes were identified within the QTL regions, two of which are key genes for carbohydrate metabolism. Other genes were found to participate in assembly and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, signal transduction, and regulation of cell differentiation and development. The newly developed high-density genetic map, and the QTL and candidate genes identified provide a valuable genetic resource and a basis for marker-assisted selection for C. gigas and C. angulata.
Fatty Acid Phytyl Ester Synthesis in Chloroplasts of Arabidopsis[W]

This work identifies two phytyl ester synthases that act in fatty acid phytyl ester synthesis in chloroplasts during senescence and nitrogen deprivation to maintain the integrity of the photosynthetic membrane during abiotic stress and senescence. During stress or senescence, thylakoid membranes in chloroplasts are disintegrated, and chlorophyll and galactolipid are broken down, resulting in the accumulation of toxic intermediates, i.e., tetrapyrroles, free phytol, and free fatty acids. Chlorophyll degradation has been studied in detail, but the catabolic pathways for phytol and fatty acids remain unclear. A large proportion of phytol and fatty acids is converted into fatty acid phytyl esters and triacylglycerol during stress or senescence in chloroplasts. We isolated two genes (PHYTYL ESTER SYNTHASE1 [PES1] and PES2) of the esterase/lipase/thioesterase family of acyltransferases from Arabidopsis thaliana that are involved in fatty acid phytyl ester synthesis in chloroplasts. The two proteins are highly expressed during senescence and nitrogen deprivation. Heterologous expression in yeast revealed that PES1 and PES2 have phytyl ester synthesis and diacylglycerol acyltransferase activities. The enzymes show broad substrate specificities and can employ acyl-CoAs, acyl carrier proteins, and galactolipids as acyl donors. Double mutant plants (pes1 pes2) grow normally but show reduced phytyl ester and triacylglycerol accumulation. These results demonstrate that PES1 and PES2 are involved in the deposition of free phytol and free fatty acids in the form of phytyl esters in chloroplasts, a process involved in maintaining the integrity of the photosynthetic membrane during abiotic stress and senescence.
Method for improving the resolution and accuracy against birefringence dispersion in distributed polarization cross-talk measurements

Zhihong Li, Zhuo Meng,* Xiaojun Chen, Tiegen Liu, and X. Steve Yao Polarization Research Center, College of Precision Instrument & Opto-electronics Engineering and Key Laboratory of Opto-electronics Information and Technical Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China General Photonics Corporation, 5228 Edison Avenue, Chino, California 91710, USA Suzhou Optoring Technology Co. Ltd., Suzhou 215123, China *Corresponding author: tjictom@gmail.com
Inherited variation in the androgen pathway is associated with the efficacy of androgen-deprivation therapy in men with prostate cancer.

PURPOSE Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is the most common and effective systemic therapy for advanced prostate cancer. We hypothesized that germline genetic variation in the androgen axis would improve the efficacy of ADT. PATIENTS AND METHODS A cohort of 529 men with advanced prostate cancer treated with ADT was genotyped for 129 DNA polymorphisms distributed across 20 genes involved in androgen metabolism. RESULTS Three polymorphisms in separate genes (CYP19A1, HSD3B1, and HSD17B4) were significantly (P < .01) associated with time to progression (TTP) during ADT, remaining so in multivariate analyses and after correcting for the number of hypotheses tested. Individuals carrying more than one of the polymorphisms associated with improved TTP demonstrated a better response to therapy than individuals carrying zero or one (P < .0001). CONCLUSION This report is the first to examine the influence of inherited variation in the androgen metabolic pathway on the efficacy of ADT, establishing the importance of pharmacogenomics on individual's response to this therapy. At least two potential clinical benefits may be realized from this study. The first is prognostic -genotyping patients at these loci may yield important information that could improve efficacy prediction. The second is therapeutic -these results shed light on the pathways that govern response to ADT. Drugs could be developed (or may already exist) to inhibit or augment these targets to improve ADT efficacy.
Energy consumption model over parallel programs implemented on multicore architectures

In High Performance Computing, energy consump-tion is becoming an important aspect to consider. Due to the high costs that represent energy production in all countries it holds an important role and it seek to find ways to save energy. It is reflected in some efforts to reduce the energy requirements of hardware components and applications. Some options have been appearing in order to scale down energy use and, con-sequently, scale up energy efficiency. One of these strategies is the multithread programming paradigm, whose purpose is to produce parallel programs able to use the full amount of computing resources available in a microprocessor. That energy saving strategy focuses on efficient use of multicore processors that are found in various computing devices, like mobile devices. Actually, as a growing trend, multicore processors are found as part of various specific purpose computers since 2003, from High Performance Computing servers to mobile devices. However, it is not clear how multiprogramming affects energy efficiency. This paper presents an analysis of different types of multicore-based architectures used in computing, and then a valid model is presented. Based on Amdahl’s Law, a model that considers different scenarios of energy use in multicore architectures it is proposed. Some interesting results were found from experiments with the developed algorithm, that it was execute of a parallel and sequential way. A lower limit of energy consumption was found in a type of multicore architecture and this behavior was observed experimentally.
Component Analysis of Torah Code Phrases

In this paper, we develop a new tool, called component analysis (CA), to study the significance of long Torah Code phrases. CA quantifies the relevance of such a phrase, by comparing its components (sub-phrases) to randomly constructed competitor phrases. In the process, we gain insight into how highly unusual it is to discover focused relevance among these randomly constructed competitors. Under the null hypothesis of no Torah Codes, we would therefore not expect to find focused relevance in the Torah Code phrases, but our experience suggests otherwise, as reflected in the highly significant example studied here. CA lends itself well to being duplicated and verified by others, even those unfamiliar with Hebrew
On-line Education for Practicing Professionals: A Case Study

This study explored an instructor’s and graduate students’ reactions to their first on ‐ line course. They initially felt high levels of stress. With increasing confidence, graduate students expressed their satisfaction. Most appreciated the reflection time that asynchronous dialogue provided, and learning relevant to real life that built on their professional experience. They valued the flexibility and opportunity to engage in professional development while in employment. Frustrations included the added time commitment and their hesitation to impose personal timeframes on other participants. The instructor noted the extra time commitment, and his need for technological support and professional development. Key words: distance learning, adult learners, professional development, peer interaction Cette etude porte sur les reactions d’un formateur et d’etudiants diplomes lors de leur premier cours en ligne. Au debut, ils ressentaient enormement de stress. A mesure qu’ils prenaient de l’assurance, les etudiants diplomes ont exprime leur satisfaction. La plupart aimaient le temps de reflexion fourni par le dialogue asynchrone et la pertinence du contenu par rapport a la vie reelle, ce qui leur permettait de mettre a profit leur experience professionnelle. Ils voyaient d’un bon œil la souplesse de la formule et la possibilite de se perfectionner tout en travaillant. Par contre, ils trouvaient difficile d’avoir a s’engager a fournir du temps supplementaire et hesitaient a imposer leurs horaires personnels a d’autres participants. Le formateur a note, pour sa part, l’importance du temps supplementaire requis et les exigences en matiere de soutien technologique et de perfectionnement professionnel. Mots cles : apprenants adultes, perfectionnement professionnel, enseignement en milieu rural, dialogue asynchrone.
Influence of Surfactant and Lipid Type on the Physicochemical Properties and Biocompatibility of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Nine types of solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulations were produced using tripalmitin (TPM), glyceryl monostearate (GM) or stearic acid (SA), stabilized with lecithin S75 and polysorbate 80. Formulations were prepared presenting PI values within 0.25 to 0.30, and the physicochemical properties, stability upon storage and biocompatibility were evaluated. The average particle size ranged from 116 to 306 nm, with a negative surface charge around −11 mV. SLN presented good stability up to 60 days. The SLN manufactured using SA could not be measured by DLS due to the reflective feature of this formulation. However, TEM images revealed that SA nanoparticles presented square/rod shapes with an approximate size of 100 nm. Regarding biocompatibility aspects, SA nanoparticles showed toxicity in fibroblasts, causing cell death, and produced high hemolytic rates, indicating toxicity to red blood cells. This finding might be related to lipid type, as well as, the shape of the nanoparticles. No morphological alterations and hemolytic effects were observed in cells incubated with SLN containing TPM and GM. The SLN containing TPM and GM showed long-term stability, suggesting good shelf-life. The results indicate high toxicity of SLN prepared with SA, and strongly suggest that the components of the formulation should be analyzed in combination rather than separately to avoid misinterpretation of the results.
Wheat Phenological Development and Growth Studies As Affected by Drought and Late Season High Temperature Stress under Arid Environment

This study evaluates the potential for adaptability and tolerance of wheat genotypes (G) to an arid environment. We examined the influence of drought stress (DS) (100, 75, and 50% field capacity), planting times (PT) (16-November, 01-December, 16-December and 01-January), and G (Yocoro Rojo, FKAU-10, Faisalabad-08, and Galaxy L-7096) on phenological development, growth indices, grain yield, and water use efficiency of drip-irrigated wheat. Development measured at five phenological growth stages (GS) (tillering, jointing, booting, heading, and maturity) and growth indices 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after sowing (DAS) were also correlated with final grain yield. Tillering occurred earlier in DS plots, to a maximum of 31 days. Days to complete 50% heading and physiological crop maturity were the most susceptible GS that denoted 31–72% reduction in number of days to complete these GS at severe DS. Wheat G grown with severe DS had the shortest grain filling duration. Genotype Fsd-08 presented greater adaptability to studied arid climate and recorded 31, 35, and 38% longer grain filling period as compared with rest of the G at 100–50% field capacity respectively. December sowing mitigated the drought and delayed planting effects by producing superior growth and yield (2162 kg ha−1) at severe DS. Genotypes Fsd-08 and L-7096 attained the minimum plant height (36 cm) and the shortest growth cycle (76 days) for January planting with 50% field capacity. At severe DS leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate were decreased by 67, 57, 34, and 38% as compared to non-stressed plots. Genotypes Fsd-08 and F-10 were the superior ones and secured 14–17% higher grain yield than genotype YR for severely stressed plots. The correlation between crop growth indices and grain yield depicted the highest value (0.58–0.71) at 60–75 DAS. So the major contribution of these growth indices toward grain yield was at the start of reproductive phase. It's clear that booting and grain filling are the most sensitive GS that are severely affected by both drought and delay in planting.
Metastatic neuroblastoma confined to distant lymph nodes (stage 4N) predicts outcome in patients with stage 4 disease: A study from the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Database.

PURPOSE The presence of distant metastases is one of the most powerful predictors of outcome in patients with neuroblastoma. However, the pattern of metastatic spread is not incorporated into current risk stratification systems. Small case series have suggested that patients with neuroblastoma who have metastatic disease limited to distant lymph nodes (4N disease) may have improved outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed retrospective data from the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group database for patients diagnosed from 1990 to 2002. 4N patients were compared with the remaining stage 4 patients (non-4N), excluding those with missing metastatic site data. RESULTS In all, 2,250 International Neuroblastoma Staging System stage 4 patients with complete data were identified, of whom 146 (6.5%) had 4N disease. For 4N patients, event-free survival (EFS; 5-year, 77% ± 4%) and overall survival (OS; 5-year, 85% ± 3%) were significantly better than EFS (5-year, 35% ± 1%) and OS (5-year, 42% ± 1%) for non-4N stage 4 patients (P < .001). 4N patients were more likely to be younger (P < .001) and have tumors with favorable characteristics, including absence of MYCN amplification (89% v 69%; P < .001). In a multivariable analysis, 4N disease remained a significant predictor of outcome (hazard ratio for non-4N v 4N: 3.40 for EFS and 3.69 for OS). Within subgroups defined by age at diagnosis and tumor MYCN status, 4N disease was significantly associated with improved outcomes. CONCLUSION 4N represents a subgroup with better outcome than that of other patients with metastatic disease. These findings suggest that the biology and treatment response of 4N tumors differ from other stage 4 tumors, and less intensive therapy should be considered for this cohort. Future exploration of biologic factors determining the pattern of metastatic spread is warranted.
Histone preconditioning protects against obstructive jaundice-induced liver injury in rats

A major consequence of obstructive jaundice (OJ) in clinical practice is the development of severe liver injury, and at present, no effective treatments have been developed to protect against it. Preconditioning with damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules has been demonstrated to protect multiple organs from injury, and histones have been recently identified as DAMP molecules. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of histone preconditioning against OJ-induced liver injury in rats and the involvement of Toll-like receptors. Rats were administered histone proteins (200 μg/kg; 1 ml) or physiological saline (1 ml) intraperitoneally 24 h prior to being subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL). The serum levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin, as well as the histopathology were analyzed. The mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the liver tissue was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. BDL in the control group caused severe OJ-induced liver injury, as indicated by the significantly elevated levels of liver enzymes and mRNA levels of IL-6, and confirmed by histopathological alterations. However, histone preconditioning significantly ameliorated the OJ-induced liver injury caused by BDL, as shown by an improvement in the levels of liver enzymes, a suppression of IL-6 production, as well as histopathological alterations. Therefore, these results suggested that histone preconditioning is able to protect against OJ-induced liver injury in rats.
Diabetes Augments In Vivo Microvascular Blood Flow Dynamics after Stroke

Stroke usually affects people with underlying medical conditions. In particular, diabetics are significantly more likely to have a stroke and the prognosis for recovery is poor. Because diabetes is associated with degenerative changes in the vasculature of many organs, we sought to determine how hyperglycemia affects blood flow dynamics after an ischemic stroke. Longitudinal in vivo two-photon imaging was used to track microvessels before and after photothrombotic stroke in a diabetic mouse model. Chronic hyperglycemia exacerbated acute (3–7 d) ischemia-induced increases in blood flow velocity, vessel lumen diameter, and red blood cell flux in peri-infarct regions. These changes in blood flow dynamics were most evident in superficial blood vessels within 500 μm from the infarct, rather than deeper or more distant cortical regions. Long-term imaging of diabetic mice not subjected to stroke indicated that these acute stroke-related changes in vascular function could not be attributed to complications from hyperglycemia alone. Treating diabetic mice with insulin immediately after stroke resulted in less severe alterations in blood flow within the first 7 d of recovery, but had more variable results at later time points. Analysis of microvessel branching patterns revealed that stroke led to a pruning of microvessels in peri-infarct cortex, with very few instances of sprouting. These results indicate that chronic hyperglycemia significantly affects the vascular response to ischemic stroke and that insulin only partially mitigates these changes. The combination of these acute and chronic alterations in blood flow dynamics could underlie diabetes-related deficits in cortical plasticity and stroke recovery.
Understanding the self-help organization : frameworks and findings

Preface - Thomas J Powell Some Comments on Knowledge Development in the Self-Help Field PART ONE: POLICY FRAMEWORKS AND FINDINGS Self-Help Research and Policy Issues - Thomas J Powell Agency Involvement with Self-Help Programs and Quality of Mental Health Services for Older Adults - Thomas J Powell PART TWO: MAJORITY AND MINORITY PARTICIPATION FRAMEWORKS AND FINDINGS Problems in Assessing Prevalence and Membership Characteristics of Self-Help Group Participants - Morton A Lieberman and Lonnie R Snowden African-American Participation in Self-Help Groups - Lonnie R Snowden and Morton A Lieberman Researching Mutual Help Group Participation in a Segregated Society - Keith Humphreys and Michael D Woods Individual, Group Context, and Individual-Group Fit Predictors of Self-Help Group Attendance - Douglas A Luke, Linda Roberts and Julian Rappaport PART THREE: EXPLANATORY FRAMEWORKS Narrative Studies, Personal Studies, and Identity Transformation in the Mutual Help Context - Julian Rappaport Moving Beyond the Individual Level of Analysis in Mutual-Help Group Research - Kenneth I Maton An Ecological Paradigm Consumer Roles in Self-Help Group Research - Caroline L Kaufmann The Naturalistic Paradigm as an Approach to Research with Mutual Help Groups - Mellen Kennedy, Keith Humphreys and Thomasina Borkman PART FOUR: FINDINGS The Self-Help Clearinghouse - Gregory Meissen and Mary Warren A New Development in Action Research for Community Psychology Self-Help for Sickle Cell Disease in African American Communities - Kermit B Nash and Kathryn D Kramer Identifying the Experiential Knowledge Developed within a Self-Help Group - Marsha A Schubert and Thomasina Borkman Twelve Steps for Everyone? Lesbians in Al-Anon - Christine L Saulnier Understanding Self-Help Groups - J B Kingree and R Barry Ruback Self-Help Groups for Families with Mental Illness or Alcoholism - Linda Farris Kurtz
Between old broadcast media and new networked media: materiality and media consumption practices

Past tensions between content and materiality have prevented communication researchers from forming a deeper conceptualization of the role played by the material character of communication technologies in shaping social arrangements and cultural forms of expression. Drawing on the findings of a comparative research project on European audiences, we examine the interrelation between material facets of media technologies and the practices they afford on the audience side. Relations between “old” mass media, such as television, and “new” networked and individualized media, such as the Internet, are discussed, focusing on the transitions between different media technologies and the processes of substitution or supplementation occurring in these transitions.