Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional analysis of the conserved transcriptional regulator CfWor1 in Cladosporium fulvum reveals diverse roles in the virulence of plant pathogenic fungi

Fungal Wor1‐like proteins are conserved transcriptional regulators that are reported to regulate the virulence of several plant pathogenic fungi by affecting the expression of virulence genes. Here, we report the functional analysis of CfWor1, the homologue of Wor1 in Cladosporium fulvum. Δcfwor1 mutants produce sclerotium‐like structures and rough hyphae, which are covered with a black extracellular matrix. These mutants do not sporulate and are no longer virulent on tomato. A CE.CfWor1 transformant that constitutively expresses CfWor1 produces fewer spores with altered morphology and is also reduced in virulence. RNA‐seq and RT‐qrtPCR analyses suggest that reduced virulence of Δcfwor1 mutants is due to global downregulation of transcription, translation and mitochondrial respiratory chain. The reduced virulence of the CE.CfWor1 transformant is likely due to downregulation of effector genes. Complementation of a non‐virulent Δfosge1 (Wor1‐homologue) mutant of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici with CfWor1 restored expression of the SIX effector genes in this fungus, but not its virulence. Chimeric proteins of CfWor1/FoSge1 also only partially restored defects of the Δfosge1 mutant, suggesting that these transcriptional regulators have functionally diverged. Altogether, our results suggest that CfWor1 primarily regulates development of C. fulvum, which indirectly affects the expression of a subset of virulence genes.
Essays in financial economics

This thesis examines the relationship between regulation and financial innovation, salience and financial fragility, and subprime mortgages and lending bubbles. In Chapter 1, we consider a model of two competing banks offering deposit contracts to households. The traditional bank can only invest in risk-free assets and offers risk-free deposits, while the other, risk-taking bank invests in risky assets and offers a risky contract with a higher return. Risk-averse households invest their wealth within the financial sector in order to trade in the subsequent period with a producer. The producer, representing the real economy, bears a capacity adjustment cost if he encounters demand fluctuations. Thus, by investing in the risky technology, the risk-taking bank creates an externality for the real sector through the contract it provides to households. Within this framework we investigate the role of regulation and financial innovation. The main result of this study is that, even in an extreme scenario where, by innovating, the risky bank can fully bypass regulation, regulation is still effective in reducing overall risk. This is due to the fact that regulation generates a “composition effect”, diverting funds away from the “innovative” bank towards the traditional one. In Chapter 2, we show that salience theory can explain excess volatility of asset prices, and the resulting fire-sales in periods of financial turmoil. Here we classify risk into two types, idiosyncratic and systemic, and postulate that investors over-weigh the type of risk that is salient. Either component of risk (systemic or idiosyncratic) becomes salient when its realisation deviates sufficiently from a reference point. We show that a change in salience – from one component (idiosyncratic) to the other (systemic) – will generate excess volatility. Interestingly, higher risk aversion generally exacerbates excess volatility of prices. In Chapter 3, we consider a model with two types of households; the poor with no initial endowment and the rich with positive endowment, and two types of assets; properties in a poor area and properties in a rich area. In the model, the poor agents require credit to buy an asset, whereas the rich can draw from their endowment. We show that credit-fuelled housing bubbles sometimes may improve welfare, making poorer individuals better-off. More precisely, there exist two types of equilibria in both markets: One is a bubble equilibrium, and the other is an equilibrium where asset prices are stable over time. While the poor always obtain a positive surplus in the bubble equilibrium, this is not necessarily true for the rich. Our results suggest there may be scope for market interventions aimed at sustaining the value of assets held by credit-constrained agents after the burst of a credit bubble.
Assembly of the neutrophil respiratory burst oxidase: A direct interaction between p67PHOX and cytochrome b558

Activation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase complex requires the assembly of the cytosolic factors p47PHOX, p67PHOX, p40PHOX, and Rac1 or Rac2, with the membrane-bound cytochrome b558. Whereas the interaction of p47PHOX with cytochrome b558 is well established, an interaction between p67PHOX and cytochrome b558 has never been investigated. We report here a direct interaction between p67PHOX and cytochrome b558. First, labeled p67PHOX recognizes a 91-kDa band in specific granules from a normal patient but not from a cytochrome b558-deficient patient. Second, p67PHOX binds to cytochrome b558 that has been bound to nitrocellulose. Third, GTP-p67PHOX bound to glutathione agarose is able to pull down cytochrome b558. Rac1-GTP or Rac1-GDP increased the binding of p67PHOX to cytochrome b558, suggesting that at least one of the oxidase-related functions of Rac1 is to promote the interaction between p67PHOX and cytochrome b558.
Increasing Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Corn in Midwestern Cropping Systems

Nitrogen (N) loss from agricultural systems raises concerns about the potential impact of farming practices on environmental quality. N is a critical input to agricultural production. However, there is little understanding of the interactions among crop water use, N application rates, and soil types. This study was designed to quantify these interactions in corn (Zea mays L.) grown in production-size fields in central Iowa on the Clarion-Nicollet-Webster soil association. Seasonal water use varied by soil type and N application rate. Yield varied with N application rate, with the highest average yield obtained at 100 kg ha. N use efficiency (NUE) decreased with increasing N application rates, having values around 50%. Water use efficiency (WUE) decreased as N fertilizer rates increased. Analysis of plant growth patterns showed that in the low organic matter soils (lower water-holding capacities), potential yield was not achieved because of water deficits during the grain-filling period. Using precipitation data coupled with daily water use throughout the season, lower organic matter soils showed these soils began to drain earlier in the spring and continued to drain more water throughout the season. The low NUE in these soils together with increased drainage lead to greater N loss from these soils. Improved management decisions have shown that it is possible to couple water use patterns with N application to increase both WUE and NUE.
Recognition of the P1 plasmid centromere analog involves binding of the ParB protein and is modified by a specific host factor.

The P1 plasmid partition system is responsible for segregation of daughter plasmids during division of the Escherichia coli host cell. The P1‐encoded elements consist of two essential proteins, ParA and ParB, and the cis‐acting incB region. The incB region determines partition‐mediated incompatibility and contains the centromere‐like site parS. We have isolated and purified the two proteins. ParB binds specifically to the incB region in vitro. DNase I footprinting assays place a strong binding site over the 35‐bp parS sequence previously shown to be sufficient for partition when the Par proteins are supplied in trans. A weaker site lies within the incB region in sequences that are important for specifying incompatibility, but are not essential for partition. Gel band retardation assays show that a host factor binds specifically to the incB sequence. The factor strongly stimulates binding of ParB. Cutting the region at a site between the two ParB binding sites yields two fragments that can bind ParB but not host factor. Thus, information for host‐factor binding lies in the region determining the specificity of plasmid incompatibility. The roles of parB and the host factor in partition and the specificity of plasmid incompatibility are discussed.
Breaking the Silence: An Empirical Analysis of the Drivers of Internal Auditors' Moral Courage

This study investigates the effect of positive states, perceived supervisor support and independence of internal audit function on internal auditors' moral courage. Although extensive research has suggested that risk of feared consequences is the major cause that inhibits internal auditors from reporting managerial fraud, there has been little empirical investigation into the way of fostering internal auditors' moral courage to speak up. This study used a survey of 146 internal auditors in Tunisia. The partial least squares&#8211;structural equation model was used to test our hypotheses. The results indicate that self&#8208;efficacy, resilience, perceived supervisor support and the independence of internal audit function have a positive effect on the internal auditors' moral courage; however, state hope does not show a significant link. Additionally, we find that women experience higher levels of moral courage than men do.
Irritable bowel syndrome is concentrated in people with higher educations in Iran: an inequality analysis

OBJECTIVES Like any other health-related disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has a differential distribution with respect to socioeconomic factors. This study aimed to estimate and decompose educational inequalities in the prevalence of IBS. METHODS Sampling was performed using a multi-stage random cluster sampling approach. The data of 1,850 residents of Kish Island aged 15 years or older were included, and the determinants of IBS were identified using a generalized estimating equation regression model. The concentration index of educational inequality in cases of IBS was estimated and decomposed as the specific inequality index. RESULTS The prevalence of IBS in this study was 21.57% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.69 to 23.44%). The concentration index of IBS was 0.20 (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.26). A multivariable regression model revealed that age, sex, level of education, marital status, anxiety, and poor general health were significant determinants of IBS. In the decomposition analysis, level of education (89.91%), age (−11.99%), and marital status (9.11%) were the three main contributors to IBS inequality. Anxiety and poor general health were the next two contributors to IBS inequality, and were responsible for more than 12% of the total observed inequality. CONCLUSIONS The main contributors of IBS inequality were education level, age, and marital status. Given the high percentage of anxious individuals among highly educated, young, single, and divorced people, we can conclude that all contributors to IBS inequality may be partially influenced by psychological factors. Therefore, programs that promote the development of mental health to alleviate the abovementioned inequality in this population are highly warranted.
The Main Agroecological Structure (MAS) of the Agroecosystems: Concept, Methodology and Applications

This document presents the concept of the Main Agroecological Structure of agroecosystems (MAS) from the perspective of environmental thinking (ecosystem-culture relationships) and considered as a dissipative cultural structure. It discusses the possible applications of this concept (resilience, production, diversity) both inside and outside the farms. The potential MAS can be useful in the planning processes of the farms because it allows the quantification of the internal and external corridors, including natural vegetation. At the same time, it can be an important tool in the context of landscape management because it shows a series of cultural relations (economic, social, symbolic and technological) that are normally overlooked by the partial analysis of landscape ecology.
p70 S6 Kinase-mediated Protein Synthesis Is a Critical Step for Vascular Endothelial Cell Proliferation*

In this work, we analyzed the role of the PI3K-p70 S6 kinase (S6K) signaling cascade in the stimulation of endothelial cell proliferation. We found that inhibitors of the p42/p44 MAPK pathway (PD98059) and the PI3K-p70 S6K pathway (wortmannin, Ly294002, and rapamycin) all block thymidine incorporation stimulated by fetal calf serum in the resting mouse endothelial cell line 1G11. The action of rapamycin can be generalized, since it completely inhibits the mitogenic effect of fetal calf serum in primary endothelial cell cultures (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) and another established capillary endothelial cell line (LIBE cells). The inhibitory effect of rapamycin is only observed when the inhibitor is added at the early stages of G0-G1progression, suggesting an inhibitory action early in G1. Rapamycin completely inhibits growth factor stimulation of protein synthesis, which perfectly correlates with the inhibition of cell proliferation. In accordance with its inhibitory action on protein synthesis, activation of cyclin D1 and p21 proteins by growth factors is also blocked by preincubation with rapamycin. Expression of a p70 S6K mutant partially resistant to rapamycin reverses the inhibitory effect of the drug on DNA synthesis, indicating that rapamycin action is via p70 S6K. Thus, in vascular endothelial cells, activation of protein synthesis via p70 S6K is an essential step for cell cycle progression in response to growth factors.
Effects of Organization Insiders' Self-Control and Relevant Knowledge on Participation in Information Systems Security Deviant Behavior: [Best Paper Nominee]

Disastrous consequences tend to befall organizations whose employees participate in information systems security deviant behavior (ISSDB) (e.g., connecting computers to the Internet through an insecure wireless network and opening emails from unverified senders). Although organizations recognize that ISSDB poses a serious problem, understanding what motivates its occurrence continues to be a key concern. While studies on information technology (IT) misuse abounds, research specifically focusing on the drivers of ISSDB remains scant in the literature. Using self-control theory, augmented with knowledge of relevant factors, this study examined the effects of employees' self-control, knowledge of computers/IT, and information systems (IS) security threats and risks on participation in ISSDB. A research model, including the aforementioned factors, was proposed and tested using the partial least squares technique. Data was collected from a survey of Canadian professionals. The results show that low self-control and lower levels of knowledge of computers/IT are related to employees' involvement in ISSDB. The data did not provide a meaningful relationship between employees' knowledge of IS security threats/risks and desire to participate in ISSDB.
JNK phosphorylates Ser332 of doublecortin and regulates its function in neurite extension and neuronal migration

Doublecortin (DCX) is expressed in young neurons and functions as a microtubule‐associated protein. DCX is essential for neuronal migration because humans with mutations in the DCX gene exhibit cortical lamination defects known as lissencephaly in males and subcortical laminar heterotopia (or double cortex syndrome) in females. Phosphorylation of DCX alters its affinity for tubulin and may modulate neurite extension and neuronal migra tion. Previous in vitro phosphorylation experiments revealed that cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) phosphorylates multiple sites of DCX, including Ser332, (S332). However, phosphorylation at only Ser297 has been shown in vivo. In the present study, we examined phosphorylation of S332 of DCX in the Cdk5−/− mouse brain and results found, unexpectedly, indicate an increased DCX phosphorylation at S332. We found that JNK, not Cdk5, phosphorylates DCX at S332 in vivo. To examine the physiological significance of S332 phosphorylation of DCX in neuronal cells, we transfected cells with either GFP, GFP‐DCX‐WT, or GFP‐DCX‐S332A and analyzed neurite extension and migration. Introduction of GFP‐DCX‐WT enhanced neurite extension and migration. These effects of DCX introduction were suppressed when we used GFP‐DCX‐S332A. Treatment of neurons with JNK inhibitor increased the amount of DCX that bound to tubulin. Interestingly, amount of DCX that bound to tubulin decreased in Cdk5−/− brain homogenates, which indicates that phosphorylation of DCX by JNK is critical for the regulation of DCX binding to tubulin. These results suggest the physiological importance of phosphorylation of DCX for its function. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70: 929–942, 2010
Introduction of the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention group B streptococcal prevention guideline at a large West Coast health maintenance organization.

OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to assess the impact of new consensus guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics to prevent perinatal group B streptococcal disease. STUDY DESIGN We performed a descriptive analysis and a before-and-after analysis of implementation of the group B streptococcal disease prevention guidelines among singleton-birth pregnancies in 2 Group Health Cooperative hospitals from October 1, 1995, through December 31, 1997. We studied the speed and completeness of implementation and the effect on pregnancy care practices including intrapartum antibiotic use, test ordering, and maternal and neonatal health. RESULTS Guideline implementation occurred rapidly. The proportion of term pregnancies screened according to the guideline increased markedly, and overall intrapartum antibiotic use more than doubled. Among group B streptococci-positive women, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis increased from 24% before to 74% after guideline implementation. Median duration of treatment before delivery increased from 1.8 to 4.3 hours. The rate of rash did not increase, and there were no cases of anaphylaxis or pseudomembranous colitis. The proportion of infants undergoing evaluation decreased after implementation of the neonatal guidelines; among infants of group B streptococci-negative women, test ordering dropped by almost 40%. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of the new guidelines is feasible and can be accomplished rapidly. The guidelines were associated with increased maternal intrapartum antibiotic use, particularly among women at highest risk, and with a decrease in laboratory use for infants.
Association of renal damage and oxidative stress in a rat model of metabolic syndrome. Influence of gender

This study investigated the association between nephropathy and oxidative stress, by measurement of systolic blood pressure, lipid peroxidation, activities of catalase, manganese- and copper-zinc-superoxide dismutase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and concentrations of nitrates/nitrites in kidneys from rats with Metabolic Syndrome. Weaning female or male rats had 30% sucrose to drink for 24 weeks (Metabolic Syndrome). Modulation by sex hormones was investigated by gonadectomy and hormone replacement. In Metabolic Syndrome, Castrated Metabolic Syndrome + Testosterone males and Ovariectomized Metabolic Syndrome females had increased blood pressure, proteinuria and lipid peroxidation. Nitrates/nitrites and activities of catalase, manganese and copper-zinc-superoxide dismutase decreased vs intact Control, Castrated Metabolic Syndrome males, intact Metabolic Syndrome and Ovariectomized Metabolic Syndrome + Estradiol females. The results suggest that sex hormones modulate the activity of superoxide-dismutase, catalase and endothelial nitric oxide-synthase. Ovariectomy decreased the protection against oxidative stress in females; the opposite occurred in castrated males.
The soluble protease ADAMDEC1 released from activated platelets hydrolyzes platelet membrane pro-epidermal growth factor (EGF) to active high-molecular-weight EGF

Platelets are the sole source of EGF in circulation, yet how EGF is stored or released from stimulated cells is undefined. In fact, we found platelets did not store EGF, synthesized as a single 6-kDa domain in pro-EGF, but rather expressed intact pro-EGF precursor on granular and plasma membranes. Activated platelets released high-molecular-weight (HMW)-EGF, produced by a single cleavage between the EGF and the transmembrane domains of pro-EGF. We synthesized a fluorogenic peptide encompassing residues surrounding the putative sessile arginyl residue and found stimulated platelets released soluble activity that cleaved this pro-EGF1020–1027 peptide. High throughput screening identified chymostatins, bacterial peptides with a central cyclic arginyl structure, as inhibitors of this activity. In contrast, the matrix metalloproteinase/TACE (tumor necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme) inhibitor GM6001 was ineffective. Stimulated platelets released the soluble protease ADAMDEC1, recombinant ADAMDEC1 hydrolyzed pro-EGF1020–1027, and this activity was inhibited by chymostatin and not GM6001. Biotinylating platelet surface proteins showed ADAMDEC1 hydrolyzed surface pro-EGF to HMW-EGF that stimulated HeLa EGF receptor (EGFR) reporter cells and EGFR-dependent tumor cell migration. This proteolysis was inhibited by chymostatin and not GM6001. Metabolizing pro-EGF Arg1023 to citrulline with recombinant polypeptide arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) abolished ADAMDEC1-catalyzed pro-EGF1020–1027 peptidolysis, while pretreating intact platelets with PAD4 suppressed ADAMDEC1-, thrombin-, or collagen-induced release of HMW-EGF. We conclude that activated platelets release ADAMDEC1, which hydrolyzes pro-EGF to soluble HMW-EGF, that HMW-EGF is active, that proteolytic cleavage of pro-EGF first occurs at the C-terminal arginyl residue of the EGF domain, and that proteolysis is the regulated and rate-limiting step in generating soluble EGF bioactivity from activated platelets.
Association of serum uric acid level with coronary artery stenosis severity in Korean end-stage renal disease patients

Background Hyperuricemia is common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, and many previous studies have reported the associations between hyperuricemia and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, which are the major cause of death in such patients. We investigated the relationship between serum uric acid level and the severity of coronary stenosis in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Methods Among 721 patients who started MHD treatment, 102 underwent coronary angiographic tests complaining of chest discomfort that was new at initiation of MHD. We collected data on uric acid level and coronary artery luminal diameter, defining luminal diameter narrowing of more than 50% in any major coronary artery as critical-stenosis. Results We detected critical coronary artery stenosis in 52 (57.8%) patients. The mean uric acid level was 6.6 ± 2.2 mg/dL, and that was significantly higher in the critical-stenosis group (4.9 ± 1.4 mg/dL vs. 7.8 ± 2.0 mg/dL, P < 0.001). The only independent predictor of critical-stenosis in multivariate analysis was serum uric acid level (P < 0.001). Conclusion High serum uric acid was associated with severe coronary artery stenosis in Korean ESRD patients. Hyperuricemia is a readily modifiable factor, and appropriately preventing it could provide significant benefits in ESRD patients.