Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA2 Is Directly Regulated by R2R3 MYB Transcription Factors and Is Involved in Regulation of GLABRA2 Transcription in Epidermal Differentiation[W]

Arabidopsis thaliana TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA2 (TTG2) encodes a WRKY transcription factor and is expressed in young leaves, trichomes, seed coats, and root hairless cells. An examination of several trichome and root hair mutants indicates that MYB and bHLH genes regulate TTG2 expression. Two MYB binding sites in the TTG2 5′ regulatory region act as cis regulatory elements and as direct targets of R2R3 MYB transcription factors such as WEREWOLF, GLABRA1, and TRANSPARENT TESTA2. Mutations in TTG2 cause phenotypic defects in trichome development and seed color pigmentation. Transgenic plants expressing a chimeric repressor version of the TTG2 protein (TTG2:SRDX) showed defects in trichome formation, anthocyanin accumulation, seed color pigmentation, and differentiation of root hairless cells. GLABRA2 (GL2) expression was markedly reduced in roots of ProTTG2:TTG2:SRDX transgenic plants, suggesting that TTG2 is involved in the regulation of GL2 expression, although GL2 expression in the ttg2 mutant was similar to that in the wild type. Our analysis suggests a new step in a regulatory cascade of epidermal differentiation, in which complexes containing R2R3 MYB and bHLH transcription factors regulate the expression of TTG2, which then regulates GL2 expression with complexes containing R2R3 MYB and bHLH in the differentiation of trichomes and root hairless cells.
Changes in lung function parameters after wedge resections: a prospective evaluation of patients undergoing metastasectomy.

BACKGROUND Pulmonary metastasectomy with lung-sparing local excisions is a widely accepted method of treating stage IV malignancies in selected cases. The ability to predict postoperative lung function is an unresolved issue, especially when multiple wedge resections are planned. To help develop a method to predict postoperative lung function after wedge resections, we present this prospective observational study. METHODS A total of 77 patients who underwent one or more wedge resections to remove lung metastases completed the study protocol. Spirometry results, diffusion capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (Dlco), and blood gases and potential confounding factors were measured prior to, immediately following, and 3 months after the procedure and were analyzed. RESULTS Seventy-seven patients with a median age of 61.3 years underwent up to 22 wedge resections. The mean lung function losses were FVC (-7.5%), total lung capacity (TLC) (-7.9%), FEV(1) (-9.2%), and Dlco (-8.8%), and all were statistically significant (P < .001). The lung function losses also differed significantly between those having a single and those with more than eight wedge resections. Using regression analysis, we found that for every additional wedge resection, there was a reduction in FVC of 30 mL (0.7%), in TLC of 44 mL (0.65%), and in FEV(1) of 23 mL (0.58%). CONCLUSIONS Metastasectomy by wedge resection significantly reduces lung function parameters. As a benchmark, we can predict a 0.6% decrease in spirometry values and Dlco for every additional wedge resection, and a decrease of approximately 5% that may be attributed to thoracotomy.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of isogenic cell line models and primary cancers links capicua (CIC) loss to activation of the MAPK signalling cascade

CIC encodes a transcriptional repressor, capicua (CIC), whose disrupted activity appears to be involved in several cancer types, including type I low‐grade gliomas (LGGs) and stomach adenocarcinomas (STADs). To explore human CIC's transcriptional network in an isogenic background, we developed novel isogenic CIC knockout cell lines as model systems, and used these in transcriptome analyses to study the consequences of CIC loss. We also compared our results with analyses of transcriptome data from TCGA for type I LGGs and STADs. We identified 39 candidate targets of CIC transcriptional regulation, and confirmed seven of these as direct targets. We showed that, although many CIC targets appear to be context‐specific, the effects of CIC loss converge on the dysregulation of similar biological processes in different cancer types. For example, we found that CIC deficiency was associated with disruptions in the expression of genes involved in cell–cell adhesion, and in the development of several cell and tissue types. We also showed that loss of CIC leads to overexpression of downstream members of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling cascade, indicating that CIC deficiency may present a novel mechanism for activation of this oncogenic pathway. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A proposed preliminary maturity grid for assessing sustainability reporting based on quality management principles

Purpose Sustainability reports (SRs) could be viewed as organisational measurements of sustainability performance. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how well SRs are measuring and communicating sustainability and how reporting could be assessed and improved by presenting a maturity grid based on quality management principles. Design/methodology/approach Quality management students have assessed publicly available SRs. A total of 55 student assessments have been analysed by the author and used to indicate how understandable reports are. Quality management principles and input from the student assessments have been used to propose a maturity grid for sustainability reporting quality. Findings The indication is that SRs are not easy to interpret. The word sustainability aspect used should be replaced with impact on vital stakeholder needs. Guidelines for analysing reports could be improved by using process focus to clearly describe scope of reporting as the entire value chain. Research limitations/implications Results are limited to assessing how sustainability is measured. How sustainable the organisations are is not assessed. The research is ongoing, and the proposed matrix is preliminary needing validation and further modification. Practical implications The proposed maturity grid for sustainability reporting forms a good basis for further development of SRs and the critical review of them. Social implications Results indicate a need to report sustainability in the entire value chain and to focus more on vital stakeholder needs such as poverty and climate change. Originality/value The paper discusses a field of synergies between quality and sustainability management, which is important but still sparingly researched.
Hyperalimentation in autologous bone marrow transplantation for solid tumors. Comparison of total parenteral Versus partial parenteral plus enteral nutrition

Recipients of autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) for solid tumors need nutritional support to maintain their body weight (BW). Severe BW‐reduction (9.9%) was noticed retrospectively in ten ABMT patients fed orally, despite intensive counseling or occasional tube feeding. A prospective, randomized study of hyperalimentation (25 g nitrogen (N) and 3400 nonprotein kilocalories) with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or partial parenteral plus enteral nutrition by tube feeding (PPN/EN) was done in 22 patients. Nutritional assessment included balance measurements of N, Na, K, Cl, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, and Zn, and serial measurements of BW, serum albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin. Both regimens were effective in maintaining BW (maximum percent of change, 2.5) and N‐balance. Blood products accounted for an additional N‐intake of 13% in both groups. The TPN group had a higher dietary N‐intake versus PPN/EN, a positive K balance but negative Ca, Mg, Cu, and Zn balances. More mineral supplementation was given in the PPN/EN group where positive K, Mg, and Zn balances were seen. Visceral proteins and IgG, IgA, and IgM levels were decreased on days 7, 14, and 21. Creatinine clearance increased significantly in both groups. Compared with TPN, the PPN/EN group showed a twofold number of patients with a positive blood culture, although this observation did not reach statistical significance and patients had fewer days of diarrhea (31.1% versus 54.3%, P < 0.01). Hyperalimentation with PPN/EN is an acceptable alternative to TPN in the nutritional support of ABMT recipients.
Assembly of the Hv190S totivirus capsid is independent of posttranslational modification of the capsid protein.

The genome of Helminthosporium victoriae 190S totivirus (Hv190SV) consists of two large overlapping open reading frames (ORFs), encoding a capsid protein (CP) and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The capsid of Hv190SV, even though encoded by a single gene, contains three closely related capsid polypeptides: p88, p83, and p78. p88 and p83 are phosphorylated, whereas p78, which is derived from p88 via proteolytic processing at the C terminus, is nonphosphorylated. In this study we expressed the CP ORF in bacteria and determined that a single product comigrating with virion p88 was generated. Evidence from in vivo phosphorylation studies indicated that the bacterially expressed p88 was unmodified, and thus autophosphorylation was ruled out. Enzymatic-dephosphorylation experiments using 32P-labeled p88 as a substrate demonstrated that the phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated forms of p88 could not be differentiated based on their mobilities in SDS gels and suggested that the two forms occur in purified virions. We also showed that the unmodified p88 is competent for assembly into virus-like particles, indicating that neither phosphorylation nor proteolytic processing of CP is required for capsid assembly. Posttranslational modification of CP, however, is proposed to play an important role in the life cycle of Hv190SV, including regulation of transcription/replication and/or packaging/release from virions of the viral (+) strand RNA transcript.
The Effect Of Macro-Economic Variables On Performance Of Investment Banks In Kenya

Over the past ten years, the investment banks in Kenya have witnessed tremendous growth that has been attributed to more improved openness and reduced regulation in the sector which has aroused interest in the investing public. The investment banking industry like any other industries in the market is affected by various macroeconomic variables such as interest rate, inflation, unemployment, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), exchange rate fluctuations and money supply. Firms and individuals need to be well informed about the macro economic factors they are exposed to for mitigating risks and losses that might occur as a result. This study sought to determine the effect of macroeconomic variables on financial performance of investment banks in Kenya. The independent variable were interest rates as measured by quarterly CBK lending rate, inflation rates as measured by quarterly CPI, exchange rates as measured by quarterly exchange rate between KSH/USD and economic growth as measured by quarterly GDP growth rate. Financial performance of investment banks in Kenya was the dependent variable which the study sought to explain and it was measured by return on assets of investment banks in the country on a quarterly basis. Secondary data was collected for a period of 10 years (January 2008 to December 2017) on a quarterly basis. The study employed a descriptive research design and a multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the relationship between the variables. Statistical package for social sciences version 22 was used for data analysis purposes. The results of the study produced Rsquare value of 0.344 which means that about 34.4 percent of the variation in financial performance of investment banks in Kenya can be explained by the four selected independent variables while 65.6 percent in the variation was associated with other factors not covered in this research. The study also found that the independent variables had a strong correlation with financial performance of investment banks (R=0.586). ANOVA results show that the F statistic was significant at 5% level with an F statistic of 4.585. Therefore the model was fit to explain financial performance of investment banks in Kenya. The results further revealed that individually, interest rate, inflation rates and exchange rates are significant determiners of financial performance of investment banks in Kenya while economic growth is not a significant determiner. This study recommends that there is need for policy makers to regulate the prevailing levels of interest rates, exchange rates and inflation rates as they have a significant effect on financial performance of investment banks in the country.
Endogenous sex hormones and incident fracture risk in older men: the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study.

BACKGROUND Data on the influence of gonadal hormones on incident fracture risk in elderly men are limited. We prospectively examined the relationship between serum levels of testosterone and estradiol and future fracture risk in community-dwelling men. METHODS A total of 609 men older than 60 years had been observed between January 1989 and December 2005, with the median duration being 5.8 years (up to 13 years). Clinical risk factors, including bone mineral density and lifestyle factors, were assessed at baseline. Serum testosterone and estradiol levels were measured by tandem mass spectrometry. The incidence of a low-trauma fracture was ascertained during follow-up. RESULTS During follow-up, 113 men had at least 1 low-trauma fracture. The risk of fracture was significantly increased in men with reduced testosterone levels (hazard ratio [HR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.62). After adjustment for sex hormone-binding globulin, serum testosterone (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.22-1.78) and serum estradiol (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.00-1.47) levels were associated with overall fracture risk. After further adjustment for major risk factors of fractures (age, weight or bone mineral density, fracture history, smoking status, calcium intake, and sex hormone-binding globulin), lower testosterone was still associated with increased risk of fracture, particularly with hip (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.24-2.82) and nonvertebral (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.03-1.68) fractures. CONCLUSION In community-dwelling men older than 60 years, serum testosterone is independently associated with the risk of osteoporotic fracture and its measurement may provide additional clinical information for the assessment of fracture risk in elderly men.
Current developments in molecular monitoring in chronic myeloid leukemia

Molecular monitoring plays an essential role in the clinical management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, and now guides clinical decision making. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (qRT-PCR) assessment of BCR-ABL1 transcript levels has become the standard of care protocol in CML. However, further developments are required to assess leukemic burden more efficiently, monitor minimal residual disease (MRD), detect mutations that drive resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and identify predictors of response to TKI therapy. Cartridge-based BCR-ABL1 quantitation, digital PCR and next generation sequencing are examples of technologies which are currently being explored, evaluated and translated into the clinic. Here we review the emerging molecular methods/technologies currently being developed to advance molecular monitoring in CML.
The Role of the Debt‐Service Ratio as a Leading Indicator of Households Consumption

Given that household debt raises certain concerns about the resilience of the economy, against this backdrop, this paper explores whether household debt‐service matters as a leading indicator for consumption. Employing data from 32 countries, spanning the period 1999–2017 and the empirical analysis provides fresh information on the fact that the debt‐service ratio strongly predicts consumption expenditure. The results also document that the effect of the debt‐service ratio on consumer expenditure differs across types of consumer spending (durables vs nondurables vs services). In particular, the impact is strong for the case of the durable goods and weaker in the other two cases. The findings imply that debt‐service may serve as an important channel, running from debt to consumer spending. Finally, the results survive a number of robustness tests, while liquidity constraints seem to dominate the drivers of household consumption decisions.
Clinical importance of intratumoral and normal renal parenchymal inflammatory cell infiltration in renal cell carcinoma

Objective. To assess the relationship between inflammatory cell infiltration and tumor type, stage and grade, the presence of multifocality and survival in tumors and in tumor-free normal parenchyma. Material and methods. A total of 99 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) between 1995 and 2001 and were subsequently followed up were included in the study. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from the patients were reassessed by a pathologist and inflammation in both tumor and normal renal tissue was scored using a five-point scale. We evaluated the relationship between these scores and tumor type, stage, grade, the presence of multifocality and survival. Results. There were positive correlations between tumor grade and both the intratumoral inflammation score (IIS) and the extratumoral inflammation score (EIS) (p=0.001 and 0.01, respectively). There were no relations between pathological stage and either the IIS or EIS. We found higher multifocality rates in patients who died because of metastasis than those who survived (p=0.002). The EIS was 1.76±1.54 in the non-multifocality group and 2.64±1.15 in the multifocality group and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.03). There was no statistically significant relationship between the IIS and multifocality. Oncocytomas and chromophobe carcinomas did not show inflammatory infiltrates in either tumors or normal renal tissue. Conclusions. Higher EIS and IIS are associated with increasing tumor grade and a higher EIS is associated with multifocality in RCC. We propose to evaluate tumor tissue and normal renal parenchyma for the presence of inflammatory infiltration in RCC.
The CAST (Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test)

The article describes a pilot and follow-up study of the preliminary development of a new tool to screen for Asperger syndrome (AS) and related social and communication conditions (the Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test, CAST) in children aged 4-11 years, in a non-clinical setting. In the pilot study, parents of 13 children with AS and of 37 typically developing children completed the CAST. There were significant differences between the AS and typical sample means. The pilot was used to establish preliminary cut-off scores for the CAST. In the main study, parents of 1150 primary-school-age children were sent the CAST, and 174 took part in the full data analysis. Results suggest that compared with other tools currently available, the CAST may be useful for identifying children at risk for AS and related conditions, in a mainstream non-clinical sample. Further research is ongoing.
Robo-Advisory and Decision Inertia - Experimental Studies of Human Behaviour in Economic Decision-Making

Investing in the stock market is a complicated and risky undertaking for private households. In particular, private investors face numerous decisions: for instance, whether to invest in stocks or bonds, buy passively or actively managed investment products, or try something new like Bitcoin. They must decide where they can get independent financial advice, and whether this advice is trustworthy. As a consequence, information systems researchers design and build financial decision support systems. Robo-advisors are such decision support systems aiming to provide independent advice, and support private households in investment decisions and wealth management. This thesis evaluates robo-advisors, their design and use and thus their ability to support financial decision-making. Addressing this research need, my thesis is organized in three parts (part I-III ) consisting of four quantitative experimental studies, two qualitative friendly-user-studies, and one qualitative interview study. In Part I, Chapter 3 examines how robo-advisors can be designed for inexperienced investors. In particular, I derive design recommendations for the development of robo-advisor solutions and evaluate them in a three-cycle design sciences process. Requirements related to the clusters ease of interaction, work efficiency, information processing and cognitive load are identified as key elements for robo-advisory design. In Part II, Chapter 4 focuses on an important bias in economic decision-making - decision inertia, the tendency to repeat a decision regardless of the consequences. As a result, a decision-maker can make repeated suboptimal investments. To understand this bias more deeply, I investigate decision inertia in a general experimental setting and identify motivational and cognitive drivers of this phenomenon. Thus, I relied on behavioural, on self-reported, and on bio-physiological measures in three laboratory studies. In Part III, Chapter 5 specifies the findings from Part II to find and evaluate strategies to reduce decision inertia in financial decision support systems. For that purpose, I investigate two nudges (design features) to reduce inertia in investment decisions. My results suggest that defaults and warning messages can help participants to overcome decision inertia. Furthermore, the results illustrate that designers have to be careful not to push decision-makers into the decision inertia bias by accident. In summary, this thesis gives design recommendations for practitioners and scholars building robo-advisors. The insights can help to develop robo-advisors, and to increase advisor quality by considering decision inertia in the system design phase and consequently, it illustrates how to counteract this malicious decision bias for private investors.
Achieving Cultural Sustainability in Museums: A Step Toward Sustainable Development

Cultural sustainability is increasingly being perceived as a fourth dimension of sustainable development. So far, some studies have debated the way in which cultural sustainability can lead to economic, social, and environmental benefits, while others have highlighted how the classic pillars of sustainability can help museums to achieve their core cultural mission. However, empirical studies regarding cultural sustainability in museums are scarce. Thus, one of the aims of our research was to fill this gap by developing several econometric models that explain the influence of heritage exposure; environmental behavior; openness to the public; and effectiveness and performance in collecting, preserving, and researching the cultural heritage. A second aim was to advance the current knowledge in this field by creating an integrated frame that explains the interconnections between different variables that help museums become sustainable, as well as the place and role of cultural sustainability within the overall framework of sustainable development. To achieve these goals, an in-depth analysis of the literature was followed by a survey of 86 Romanian museums. The results show that the ability of museums to reach cultural sustainability is influenced by components of their social and economic performance, while environmental behavior proved to be insignificant.