Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preformed Messenger RNAs and Early Wheat Embryo Germination.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) embryo homogenates have been fractionated into three cell fractions from which RNA was extracted and assayed for mRNA content by in vitro translation and by [(3)H]polyuridylic acid hybridization. In dry embryos the preformed mRNAs are distributed equally between a rapidly sedimenting "pellet" fraction and a cytoplasmic "ribosomal/subribosomal" fraction. During germination 25 to 40% of the total mRNA becomes polyribosomal. The remaining 60 to 75% is retained in the pellet and ribosomal/subribosomal fractions.To compare the nucleotide sequences of the different mRNA fractions, cDNAs were transcribed from polyribosomal (A+) RNA of 40-minute imbibed embryos and from total A(+) RNA of dry embryos, and the ability of these cDNAs to hybridize with the more prevalent classes of mRNA from the different cell fractions was analyzed. The results suggest that there is no significant difference between the preformed mRNAs that move into polyribosomes and those remaining in the nonpolyribosomal fractions. In addition there appears to be no difference between the mRNAs of polyribosomes from embryos germinated for 45 minutes and 5 hours. Between 5 hours and 2 days, however, there is a considerable change in the mRNA composition of the embryos. We conclude for the prevalent classes of message, that the preformed mRNAs of the wheat embryo are not involved in temporal regulation of early development but that they function primarily to allow a rapid resumption of growth upon exposure of the embryo to water.
Genomic deletions in MSH2 or MLH1 are a frequent cause of hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer: Identification of novel and recurrent deletions by MLPA

Gene dosage abnormalities account for a significant proportion of the mutations in genes tested in DNA diagnostic laboratories. Detection of these changes has proved a challenge as the methods available to date are time consuming or unreliable. The multiplex ligation‐dependant probe assay (MLPA) is a new technique allowing relative quantification of up to 40 different nucleic acid sequences in a single reaction tube. We have evaluated MLPA for potential use in the diagnostic setting against the following criteria: accuracy, reagent cost, hands‐on time, reliability, and retests required. A total of 215 UK patients referred for genetic testing on the basis of a family history consistent with autosomal dominant hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC or Lynch syndrome) were tested by MLPA. Of these, 12 cases with deletions of one or more exons were identified, six with MLH1 deletions and six with MSH2 deletions. Test failure rates were less than 5% and overall mutation detection sensitivity in this series was increased by approximately 50% by the inclusion of MLPA for an additional testing cost of about 10%. Two novel mutations in MSH2 and 10 novel point mutations in MLH1 were also identified during the course of this study. We conclude that MLPA is a cost effective and robust gene dosage method that can be readily adopted by diagnostic services. Comprehensive mutation scanning for MSH2 and MLH1 is incomplete without gene dosage analysis. Hum Mutat 22:428–433, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Area Based versus Value Based Recurrent Taxation of Immovable Property

The paper presents an overview of the theoretical and practical experience of both the immovable property taxation forms (area- based and value-based) concerning the different aspects of micro and macro efficiency, equity and the “ability to pay” aspects as well as the fiscal and technical aspects, with the special emphasis on (post)transition economies – new EU members. The EU recommendations in this area, especially concerning the shift of tax burden from (labour) income to property, are pointed out. The comparative analysis of relevant taxation in the EU member countries is presented, pointing out that some of them, which have fulfilled the formal requirement of the recurrent taxes on immovable property introduction, still implement a simpler form – the area-based one.
The Econometrics of Oil Market VAR Models

Using growth regressions with panel data, this study identifies the determinants of economic growth, highlighting in particular the role of natural resources and institutional quality. The overarching aim of this exercise is to learn about the drivers of growth in Nigeria, and to predict growth rates of gross domestic product per capita for the country under different scenarios. This study finds that a growth-enhancing effect of natural resources is tied to a sound institutional environment and low levels of corruption. Accumulation of human as well as physical capital, but also the quality of institutions and natural resource rents are estimated to be particular important ingredients for a prosperous economic development in Nigeria.
The predictive potential of molecular detection in the nonmetastatic Ewing family of tumors

Tumors in the Ewing family (EFTs) are the second most common bone tumors in children and adolescents. Despite aggressive chemotherapy, one‐third of patients with localized tumor still may develop recurrences. This implies that not all tumor cells are eradicated and that the patients may have a level of residual disease. EFTs are characterized by specific chromosomal translocations that result in chimeric transcripts that can be detected with reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis.
Customer relationship management and customer satisfaction: the mediating role of relationship quality

This study investigates possible associations between customer relationship management (CRM) practices, relationship quality and customer satisfaction, focusing on the possible mediation effect of relationship quality on the CRM tactics and satisfaction link. Field research was conducted by utilising a questionnaire developed by adopting relevant work reported in literature. CRM practices were conceptualised by a 14-item scale, while customer satisfaction was measured by a 4-item construct. Relationship quality was conceptualised by two dimensions, namely relationship satisfaction and trust. The questionnaire was made available over the internet and the respondents were customers of the three major mobile telephony companies in Greece. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted in order to identify latent factors among the CRM practices’ items. The results revealed two CRM practices’ factors, which were labelled as customer care and communication. Regression analysis was employed to examine the relationships between the emerged CRM practices’ dimensions, relationship quality and customer satisfaction. Customer care was found to have a positive significant effect on customer satisfaction. Moreover, the CRM practices’ dimensions were also found to have a significant positive impact on relationship quality. Finally, the full mediation role of relationship quality on the CRM practices and customer satisfaction link was also supported.
Endocytosis of the Neuronal Glycine Transporter GLYT2: Role of Membrane Rafts and Protein Kinase C‐Dependent Ubiquitination

Glycinergic neurotransmission is terminated by sodium‐ and chloride‐dependent plasma membrane transporters. The neuronal glycine transporter 2 (GLYT2) supplies the terminal with substrate to refill synaptic vesicles containing glycine. This crucial process is defective in human hyperekplexia, a condition that can be caused by mutations in GLYT2. Inhibitory glycinergic neurotransmission is modulated by the GLYT2 exocytosis/endocytosis equilibrium, although the mechanisms underlying the turnover of this transporter remain elusive. We studied GLYT2 internalization pathways and the role of ubiquitination and membrane raft association of the transporter in its endocytosis. Using pharmacological tools, dominant‐negative mutants and small‐interfering RNAs, we show that the clathrin‐mediated pathway is the primary mechanism for constitutive and regulated GLYT2 endocytosis in heterologous cells and neurons. We show that GLYT2 is constitutively internalized from cell surface lipid rafts, remaining associated with rafts in subcellular recycling structures. Protein kinase C (PKC) negatively modulates GLYT2 via rapid and dynamic redistribution of GLYT2 from raft to non‐raft membrane subdomains and increasing ubiquitinated GLYT2 endocytosis. This biphasic mechanism is a versatile means to modulate GLYT2 behavior and hence, inhibitory glycinergic neurotransmission. These findings may reveal new therapeutic targets to address glycinergic pathologies associated with alterations in GLYT2 trafficking.
Happy at University? Student Well-being and the Value of Higher Education

We report the results of a project monitoring Student Wellbeing in tertiary education. We investigate wellbeing broadly and wellbeing at university and focus on the role of both academic factors (teaching and learning experience and student expectations and performance) and non-academic ones (student health and finances, term-time employment and social life) and discuss our findings in the context of both student support and measuring the value of higher education.
THE GENETIC BASIS FOR FRUIT ODOR DISCRIMINATION IN RHAGOLETIS FLIES AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR SYMPATRIC HOST SHIFTS

Abstract Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae) use volatile compounds emitted from the surface of ripening fruit as important chemosensory cues for recognizing and distinguishing among alternative host plants. Host choice is of evolutionary significance in Rhagoletis because these flies mate on or near the fruit of their respective host plants. Differences in host choice based on fruit odor discrimination therefore result in differential mate choice and prezygotic reproductive isolation, facilitating sympatric speciation in the absence of geographic isolation. We test for a genetic basis for host fruit odor discrimination through an analysis of F2 and backcross hybrids constructed between apple-, hawthorn-, and flowering dogwood-infesting Rhagoletis flies. We recovered a significant proportion (30–65%) of parental apple, hawthorn, and dogwood fly response phenotypes in F2 hybrids, despite the general failure of F1 hybrids to reach odor source spheres. Segregation patterns in F2 and backcross hybrids suggest that only a modest number of allelic differences at a few loci may underlie host fruit odor discrimination. In addition, a strong bias was observed for F2 and backcross flies to orient to the natal fruit blend of their maternal grandmother, implying the existence of cytonuclear gene interactions. We explore the implications of our findings for the evolutionary dynamics of sympatric host race formation and speciation.
Altered distribution of lipid‐soluble antioxidant vitamins in juvenile sturgeon exposed to waterborne ethynylestradiol

Studies in mammals have shown that exposure to estrogenic compounds can affect lipid metabolism and plasma concentrations of lipid‐soluble vitamins. However, the potential for estrogenic contaminants to induce these effects in fish has not yet been examined. The ability of the estrogen analog ethynylestradiol (EE2) to alter concentrations of the lipid‐soluble vitamins A and E in plasma, liver, and kidney was investigated in juvenile lake sturgeon (430 ± 20 g). The EE2 was delivered to the sturgeon in the tank water at nominal concentrations of 0 (control), 15, 60, or 125 ng EE2/L for a period of 25 d. Concentrations of the egg yolk precursor, vitellogenin, increased dose dependently in plasma. Plasma vitamin E (tocopherol), A1 (retinol), and A2 (dehydroretinol) were elevated by the two highest EE2 treatments compared with the controls. Esterified storage forms of vitamin A were marginally lower in the livers of fish from the highest EE2 dose group, but vitamin E levels in the liver were not significantly affected. Concentrations of vitamin E and vitamin A were significantly depleted in the kidney of fish from the two highest EE2 dose groups. Total lipid content was elevated in the gonad of fish treated with the highest dose of EE2 compared with the controls. Altered lipid and vitamin distribution may be induced by estrogen to facilitate gonadal maturation in sturgeon. Results from these studies indicate that an examination of the implications for vitamin depletion by estrogenic contaminants in juvenile fish is warranted.
Coordinate Regulation of Amylin and Insulin Expression in Response to Hypoglycemia and Fasting

Amylin is a 37–amino acid peptide synthesized in the pancreatic β-cell and cosecreted with insulin. In situ hybridization of nondiabetic rat pancreas shows that insulin and amylin RNA are both localized within the islet of Langerhans in a similar distribution. After 12 days of insulin-induced hypoglycemia (mean blood glucose 3.0 ± 0.4 mM [54 ± 8 mg/dl]), both insulin and amylin RNA fell > 95%. However, maintenance of euglycemia by simultaneous infusion of glucose with insulin did not suppress insulin or amylin RNA. Fasting suppressed amylin and insulin secretion from the isolated, perfused pancreas 70 and 58%, respectively, and with refeeding, secretion rates recovered to fed levels. Despite these changes in the rates of secretion, the relative ratio of amylin to insulin was not significantly different in fed, fasted, or refed rats. The molar ratio of insulin to amylin was estimated to be 100:2.3–2.6. Both insulin and amylin RNA was suppressed ∼ 50% in response to fasting. Thus, although the absolute amounts of insulin and amylin change substantially under the conditions tested, the relative amounts of these peptides do not change.
Can Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Modulate Psychophysiological Response in Sedentary Men during Vigorous Aerobic Exercise?

Abstract This study evaluated whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could change physiological and psychological responses during vigorous exercise with a constant load. 13 sedentary males (23.0±4.2 years; 25.6±4.2 kg/m²) took part in this randomized, crossed-over, sham-controlled, and double-blinded study. Participants underwent 2 sessions with anodal or sham tDCS (2 mA, 20 min) applied before exercise over the left temporal cortex targeting the left insular cortex. The exercise was performed at vigorous intensity (%HRmax 81.68±6.37) for 30 min. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and affective responses (pleasure/displeasure) were recorded at every 5 min. Additionally, heart rate variability (HRV) was measured before, immediately after and 60 min after the end of exercise. A 2-way repeated measure ANOVA showed that tDCS improved HRV neither at rest nor after exercise (p>0.15). Similarly, HR, RPE, and affective responses were not enhanced by tDCS during vigorous exercise (p>0.23). The findings of this study suggest that tCDS does not modulate either HRV at rest nor HR, RPE and affective responses during exercise. Transcranial direct current stimulation’s efficiency might depend on the participants’ levels of physical fitness and parameters of stimulation (e. g., duration, intensity, and arrangement of electrodes).
RfaH enhances elongation of Escherichia coli hlyCABD mRNA

Escherichia coli hlyCABD operons encode the polypeptide component (Hly A) of an extracellular cytolytic toxin, as well as proteins required for its acylation (HlyC) and sec-independent secretion (HlyBD). Previous reports suggested that the E. coli protein RfaH is required for wild-type hemolysin expression, either by positively activating hly transcript initiation (M. J. A. Bailey, V. Koronakis, T. Schmoll, and C. Hughes, Mol. Microbiol. 6:1003-1012, 1992) or by promoting proper insertion of hemolysin export machinery in the E. coli outer membrane (C. Wandersman and S. Letoffe, Mol. Microbiol. 7:141-150, 1993). RfaH is also required for wild-type levels of mRNA transcribed from promoter-distal genes in the rfaQ-K, traY-Z, and rplK-rpoC gene clusters, suggesting that RfaH is a transcriptional antiterminator. We tested these models by analyzing the effects of rfaH mutations on hlyCABD mRNA synthesis and decay, HlyA protein levels, and hemolytic activity. The model system included a uropathogenic strain of E. coli harboring hlyCABD on the chromosome and E. coli K-12 transformed with the hlyCABD operon on a recombinant plasmid. Our results suggest that RfaH enhances hlyCABD transcript elongation, consistent with the model of RfaH involvement in transcriptional antitermination in E. coli. We also demonstrated that RfaH increases toxin efficacy. Modulation of hemolysin activity may be an indirect effect of RfaH-dependent E. coli outer membrane chemotype, which is consistent with the model of lipopolysaccharide involvement in hemolytic activity.
Aftereffect induced by prisms of different power in the rehabilitation of neglect: A multiple single case report.

OBJECTIVES Prism Adaptation (PA) is a technique used in the rehabilitation of unilateral spatial neglect. Several researchers have reported positive results on a number of tasks, but negative outcomes have also been reported. These conflicting results could be due to the use of prisms of different power. The aim of this study was to investigate the amplitude and duration of the aftereffect induced by prisms of different power by different measures in a series of single cases of neglect. METHODS Five neglect patients and ten control subjects participated in the study. Prism adaptation was evaluated with Subjective Straight Ahead (SSA), Open-Loop Pointing (OLP) and Line Bisection (LB) tasks, immediately before prism adaptation, immediately after, and 10/60 minutes after prism adaptation. The procedure was repeated with prisms of 5, 10 and 20 prismatic diopters (Δ). RESULTS The OLP task provided the most sensitive measures for the size of the aftereffect. The 20Δ prism proved to be most effective in inducing an immediate aftereffect, while the aftereffect of the 5Δ prism seemed to last longer. CONCLUSION We showed that the prism power and the task used for assessing PA effect are relevant variables to be consider in clinical practice of neglect rehabilitation.
Public/Private Pension Mix, Income Inequality, and Poverty Among the Elderly in Europe: An Empirical Analysis Using New and Revised OECD Data

Prior studies have suggested that higher public pensions are associated with lower income inequality among the elderly, whereas the reverse is true for private pensions. Van Vliet et al. (2012) empirically test whether relative shifts from public to private pension schemes entail higher levels of income inequality among the elderly using panel data from the OECD SOCX and the EU-SILC databases. Contrasting earlier empirical studies using either cross-sectional or time-series data, they do not find evidence that shifts from public to private pension provision are associated with higher levels of income inequality or poverty among elderly. The aim of the current paper is to extend the analysis of Van Vliet et al. by 1) adding additional countries, 2) adding additionally available years, and 3) using revised OECD SOCX data. In contrast to Van Vliet et al., we find that a greater relative importance of private pensions is associated with higher levels of income inequality and poverty among elderly. A central explanation of the difference in conclusions stems from revision of OECD SOCX data.
Global self-esteem in relation to structural models of personality and affectivity.

Three studies examined global self-esteem in relation to structural models of personality and affectivity. In every study, self-esteem was strongly negatively correlated with Neuroticism/Negative Affectivity and moderately to strongly related to Extraversion/Positive Affectivity. Additional findings, however, revealed that self-esteem is better viewed at the lower order level. For instance, global self-esteem correlated -. 79 with the Depression facet of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (P. T. Costa, Jr., & R. R. McCrae, 1992) in Study 3. Moreover, confirmatory factor analyses produced very strong correlations between self-esteem and depression in both Study 2 (r = -.82) and Study 3 (r = -.86). Taken together, the data suggest that global self-esteem measures define one end of a bipolar continuum, with trait indicators of depression defining the other.
Abnormalities of Pituitary Function after Traumatic Brain Injury in Children

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a frequent cause of neuroendocrine dysfunction typically in male adults. Head injuries are also common in childhood, but only a few case reports outlined the endocrine consequences. The aim of this study was to reveal anterior pituitary function in children with history of hospitalization due to mild to severe head trauma. Our endocrine follow-up study was performed between October 2003 and February 2004 in the Pediatric Department of Petz Aladár County Teaching Hospital, Gyor, Hungary. Twenty-six children (17 boys and nine girls, aged 11.47 +/- 0.75 years) at 30.6 +/- 8.3 months after head injury and 21 age-matched controls were enrolled. Basal and stimulated anterior pituitary and peripheral hormone concentrations were measured by routine laboratory methods. Pituitary dysfunction was detected in 61% of patients with TBI history. All growth hormone (GH) parameters measured and calculated were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in TBI group than in controls after L-DOPA stimulation. Similar difference was detected 60 min after insulin provocation. Forty-two percent of all TBI children showed insufficient growth hormone (GH) response in both stimulation tests, 73% of these cases were boys. Cortisol levels of TBI patients were significantly (p < 0.05) lower all through the insulin test than values measured in control group. The degree of pituitary dysfunction was independent from the severity of TBI. Our study confirms the high risk for hypopituitarism in children with TBI despite the lack of obvious clinical symptoms. We suggest screening of pituitary function after any kind of brain trauma requiring hospitalization in childhood.
The Molybdenum Cofactor of Escherichia coli Nitrate Reductase A (NarGHI)

We have studied the effect of a mobABmutation and tungstate on molybdo-molybdopterin-guanine dinucleotide (Mo-MGD) insertion into Escherichia coli nitrate reductase (NarGHI). Preparation of fluorescent oxidized derivatives of MGD (Form A and Form B) indicates that in a mobAB mutant there is essentially no detectable cofactor present in either the membrane-bound (NarGHI) or purified soluble (NarGH) forms of the enzyme. Electron paramagnetic resonance characterization of membrane-bound cofactor-deficient NarGHI suggests that it has altered electrochemistry with respect to the dithionite reducibility of the [Fe-S] clusters of NarH. Potentiometric titrations of membrane-bound NarGHI indicate that the NarH [Fe-S] clusters have midpoint potentials at pH 8.0 (E m,8.0 values) of +180 mV ([3Fe-4S] cluster), +130, −55, and −420 mV ([4Fe-4S] clusters) in a wild-type background and +180, +80, −35, and −420 mV in a mobABmutant background. These data support the following conclusions: (i) a model for Mo-MGD biosynthesis and assembly into NarGHI in which both metal chelation and nucleotide addition to molybdopterin precede cofactor insertion; and (ii) the absence of Mo-MGD significantly affects E m,8.0 of the highest potential [4Fe-4S] cluster.
Polarization-independent wavelength conversion at 10 Gb/s using birefringence switching in a semiconductor optical amplifier

A high-extinction-ratio all-optical wavelength converter using birefringence switching in a semiconductor optical amplifier was demonstrated. The extinction ratio of the data-bearing wavelength-converted signal was improved by 9 dB compared to that of the input signal. The polarization change of the probe light in the presence of the input signal was measured. Bit error rate measurements at 10 Gb/s were performed and a power penalty of 2 dB was observed for the wavelength converter. The polarization sensitivity of the wavelength converter was 0.75 dB.