Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identiﬁcation of differentially expressed genes in a resistant versus a susceptible blueberry cultivar after infection by Colletotrichum acutatum

SUMMARY Anthracnose fruit rot, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum acutatum , is an important disease of blueberry worldwide.The cultivar Elliott is resistant, severely restricting fungal growth and sporulation relative to the susceptible cultivar Jersey. The objec-tives of this research were as follows: (i) to analyse pre-penetration events in ‘Elliott’ and ‘Jersey’ at different stages of fruit development; (ii) to identify putative defence genes in ‘Elliott’ fruit; and (iii) to monitor the timing of the oxidative burst in both cultivars. Light microscopy revealed no differences in the pre-penetration activities of C. acutatum on the immature fruit of both cultivars.However,at fruit ripening,conidia germinated and formed appressoria more rapidly on ‘Jersey’ than on ‘Elliott’ fruit. Using suppression subtractive hybridization, 37 differentially expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were detected in ‘Elliott’ versus ‘Jersey’ upon infection. Several of the ESTs had homology to known plant defence genes, such as a class II chitinase, pathogenesis-relatedprotein10(PR10)and b -1,3-glucanase.Two putative genes involved in oxidative stress were identiﬁed: a metallothionein-like protein and monodehydroascorbate reductase. ESTs of fungal origin were also detected. Many ESTs had no homology to known genes. Using semi-quantitative and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the expression of most of the candidate genes was detected earlier in ‘Elliott’ than in ‘Jersey’, some within 24 h post inoculation (hpi). Monitoring of the oxidative burst showed that the overall H 2 O 2 concentration was two to three times higher in ‘Elliott’ than in ‘Jersey’ at 24 hpi. The elucidation of the basis of resistance to C. acutatum in blueberry will facilitate the development of new anthracnose fruit rot-resistant cultivars.
The GATA Family of Transcription Factors in Arabidopsis and Rice1

GATA transcription factors are a group of DNA binding proteins broadly distributed in eukaryotes. The GATA factors DNA binding domain is a class IV zinc finger motif in the form CX2CX17–20CX2C followed by a basic region. In plants, GATA DNA motifs have been implicated in light-dependent and nitrate-dependent control of transcription. Herein, we show that the Arabidopsis and the rice (Oryza sativa) genomes present 29 and 28 loci, respectively, that encode for putative GATA factors. A phylogenetic analysis of the 57 GATA factors encoding genes, as well as the study of their intron-exon structure, indicates the existence of seven subfamilies of GATA genes. Some of these subfamilies are represented in both species but others are exclusive for one of them. In addition to the GATA zinc finger motif, polypeptides of the different subfamilies are characterized by the presence of additional domains such as an acidic domain, a CCT (CONSTANS, CO-like, and TOC1) domain, or a transposase-like domain also found in FAR1 and FHY3. Subfamily VI comprises genes that encode putative bi-zinc finger polypeptides, also found in metazoan and fungi, and a tri-zinc finger protein which has not been previously reported in eukaryotes. The phylogeny of the GATA zinc finger motif, excluding flanking regions, evidenced the existence of four classes of GATA zinc fingers, three of them containing 18 residues in the zinc finger loop and one containing a 20-residue loop. Our results support multiple models of evolution of the GATA gene family in plants including gene duplication and exon shuffling.
Assessment of the Levels of Serum Iron and Magnesium in Sudanese Cigarette Smokers

1 M.sc in Clinical chemistry, College of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Sudan University of Science & Technology, Khartoum, Sudan 2 Assistant professor, Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadeena Almonawara, Saudi Arabia 3 Associate professor, MD in Clinical Pathology, Ph.D in Clinical chemistry, College of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Science & Technology, Khartoum, Sudan
A Comparison of Real Estate Brokers' Computer Training Needs with other Small Business Sectors: An Australian Perspective

Executive Summary. This article begins by briefly examining the nature of small business. It then considers Australian real estate brokers in the context of small business. It then goes on to examine the nature of information technology curricula and presents the findings of a survey conducted on real estate brokers in Australia, comparing the results to information about four other small business sectors—financial, customer service, professional and manufacturing.
1 SELF-SAMPLE HPV-TESTS AS AN INTERVENTION FOR NON-ATTENDEES OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING IN FINLAND : A RANDOMISED TRIAL

Background: Attendance in screening is an important determinant of cervical cancer. Previous experience on high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) DNA testing on patient-obtained samples suggests a good effect among non-attendees of screening. We assessed the effects of self-sampling on attendance in the Finnish screening programme. Methods: Non-attendees after the primary invitation in one municipality (Espoo) were randomised to receive either a self-sampling kit (2,397 women) or an extra invitation (6,302 women). One fourth (1,315 women) of reminder-letter arm non-attendees also received a self-sampling kit as a third intervention. Main outcomes were increases in screening attendance and coverage. Results: The adjusted relative risk (RR) for participation by self-sampling as a second intervention in comparison to a reminder letter was 1.21 (CI 1.13-1.30). Total attendance increased from 65% to 76% by self-sampling, and from 65% to 74% with a reminder letter. Combining the interventions (reminder letter, then self-sampling) increased total attendance from 63% to 78%. One fifth of the participants in all three groups increased screening coverage (previous Pap-smear ≥5 years ago or never). Self-obtained samples were more often HPV-positive than provider-obtained ones (participants after primary invitation and reminder letter), 12-13% versus 7%. Conclusions: Self-sampling is a feasible option in enhancing the attendance at organised screening, particularly as an addition to a reminder letter. Impact: If self-sampling is used as a third intervention after two written invitations, the overall attendance in Finland could most likely reach the desired 80-85%. on October 20, 2017. © 2011 American Association for Cancer Research. cebp.aacrjournals. org Downloaded from Author manuscripts have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication but have not yet been edited. Author Manuscript Published OnlineFirst on July 13, 2011; DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-11-0307
Alterations in dietary fatty acid composition alter rat brush border membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition.

Female Wistar rats were fed for 8 weeks a high polyunsaturated fatty acid diet (P) enriched with 18:2w6 and 18:3w3, or a high saturated fatty acid diet (S) enriched with 16:0, 18:0 and 18:1w9. There was a similar jejunal BBM fatty acid profile in phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) composition in animals fed P. However, feeding S altered the fatty acid composition of BBM phospholipids: for PC, feeding S increased total monounsaturated fatty acids (e.g. 18:1(9)) and reduced total polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially the total w6 fatty acids. For PE, feeding S increased only the total monounsaturated fatty acids. The ratio of monounsaturated/saturated fatty acids was increased for PC and PE. Fatty acid changes were more pronounced in the jejunal than ileal BBM. It is concluded that alterations in dietary fatty acid saturation: (a) influences intestinal BBM phospholipid fatty acid composition; (b) these changes are quantitatively and qualitatively different for PC and PE; and (c) changes are greater in the proximal than in the distal intestine. It is proposed that the previously reported diet-associated changes in active and passive intestinal transport are due at least in part to these alterations in the fatty acid composition in brush border membrane phospholipids.
Citizen Preferences for the Corporate Sponsorship of Public-Sector Park and Recreation Organizations

ABSTRACT Corporate sponsorship of public-sector organizations is becoming more commonplace. However, few studies have examined citizen attitudes toward sponsorship of public-sector organizations. Using parks and recreation as the study context, this research assessed general citizen support for corporate sponsorship as well as preferences for specific sponsorship promotional activities and contractual conditions. Given that previous research has linked sponsorship attitudes to individual and contextual factors, relationships between socio-demographic, park use characteristics, and sponsorship support were also examined. A mail survey of 578 citizens in the Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle, Pennsylvania MSA indicated that a majority supported corporate sponsorship of park and recreation agencies. Sponsorships by local businesses and sponsorships that provided free products received the most favorable evaluations. Sponsorships involving naming rights, exclusivity, and user fees were evaluated least favorably. However, older adults, minority citizens, and park users were less likely to favor a number of specific sponsorship activities and conditions. Implications for sponsorship program design and future citizen-based research are discussed.
A Review of Crowdfunding Research and Findings

An important barrier to commercializing innovations is the availability of early-stage funding. Given the difficulties that new ventures face in attracting financing from angel investors, banks and venture capital funds, some entrepreneurs are tapping into large, online communities of consumer-investors. Called “crowdfunding,” this relatively new form of informal venture financing allows entrepreneurs to directly appeal to the general public (i.e., the “crowd”) for help in getting their innovative ideas off the ground. Due to the rapidly growing interest in this online form of venture financing, academic research is beginning to explore the drivers behind successfully crowdfunded projects. In this chapter, we summarize the key findings from the empirical crowdfunding literature organized by the four types of crowdfunding platforms.
Electrical stimulation–supported voice exercises are superior to voice exercise therapy alone in patients with unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis: Results from a prospective, randomized clinical trial

For more than 40 years, electrical stimulation procedures for unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis (URLNP) therapy have been proposed. However, it is unclear whether electrical stimulation therapy is effective for URLNP patients. In this study we compare the outcome of traditional voice exercise treatment (VE) with electrical stimulation–supported voice exercise (ES). A total of 90 URLNP patients were recruited to participate in a prospective, randomized trial. The decrease in vocal fold irregularity (CFx) and increase in maximum phonation time (MPT) after a 3‐month therapy period were the dependent variables. In the ES group, CFx improved to a significantly greater extent than in the VE group. MPT increased similarly in both groups. Our data indicate that ES is superior to VE for patients with URLNP. Because no further data exist, it can be assumed that improvement following VE only reflects spontaneous recovery. However ES appears to be an effective non‐surgical therapeutic procedure. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Molecular Similarity Searching Using Atom Environments, Information-Based Feature Selection, and a Naïve Bayesian Classifier

A novel technique for similarity searching is introduced. Molecules are represented by atom environments, which are fed into an information-gain-based feature selection. A naïve Bayesian classifier is then employed for compound classification. The new method is tested by its ability to retrieve five sets of active molecules seeded in the MDL Drug Data Report (MDDR). In comparison experiments, the algorithm outperforms all current retrieval methods assessed here using two- and three-dimensional descriptors and offers insight into the significance of structural components for binding.
Fixed points in convex cones

We propose a fixed-point property for group actions on cones in topological vector spaces. In the special case of equicontinuous actions, we prove that this property always holds; this statement extends the classical Ryll-Nardzewski theorem for Banach spaces. When restricting to cones that are locally compact in the weak topology, we prove that the property holds for all distal actions, thus extending the general Ryll-Nardzewski theorem for all locally convex spaces. Returning to arbitrary actions, the proposed fixed-point property becomes a group property, considerably stronger than amenability. Equivalent formulations are established and a number of closure properties are proved for the class of groups with the fixed-point property for cones.
Transmembrane Calcium Influx Associated with von Willebrand Factor Binding to GP Ib in the Initiation of Shear-Induced Platelet Aggregation

Summary We found that the binding of multimeric vWF to GP Ib under a shear force of 108 dynes/cm2 resulted in the transmembrane flux of Ca2+ ions with a two-to three-fold increase in their intracellular concentration ([Ca2+]i). The blockage of this event, obtained by inhibiting the vWF-GP Ib interaction, suppressed aggregation. In contrast, the blockage of vWF binding to GP IIb-IIIa, as well as the prevention of activation caused by increased intracellular cAMP levels, inhibited aggregation but had no significant effect on [Ca2+]i increase. A monomeric recombinant fragment of vWF containing the GP Ib-binding domain of the molecule (residues 445-733) prevented all effects mediated by multimeric vWF but, by itself, failed to support the increase in [Ca2+]i and aggregation. These results suggest that the binding of multimeric vWF to GP Ib initiates platelets aggregation induced by high shear stress by mediating a transmembrane flux of Ca2+ ions, perhaps through a receptor-dependent calcium channel. The increase in [Ca2+]i may act as an intracellular message and cause the activation of GP IIb-IIIa; the latter receptor then binds vWF and mediates irreversible aggregation.
Parameterized verification of networks of many identical processes. (Vérification paramétrée de réseaux composés d'une multitude de processus identiques)

Ce travail s'inscrit dans le cadre de la verification formelle de programmes. La verification de modele permet de s'assurer qu'une propriete est verifiee par le modele du systeme. Cette these etudie la verification parametree de reseaux composes d'un nombre non borne de processus identiques ou le nombre de processus est considere comme un parametre. Concernant les reseaux de protocoles probabilistes temporises nous montrons que les problemes de l'accessibilite et de synchronisation sont indecidables pour des topologies de communication en cliques. Cependant, en considerant des pertes et creations probabiliste de processus ces problemes deviennent decidables. Pour ce qui est des reseaux dans lequel les messages n'atteignent qu'une sous partie des composants choisie de maniere non-deterministe, nous prouvons que le probleme de l'accessibilite parametree est decidable grâce a une reduction a un nouveau modele de jeux a deux joueurs distribue pour lequel nous montrons que l'on peut decider de l'existence d'une strategie gagnante en coNP. Finalement, nous considerons des strategies locales qui permettent d'assurer que les processus effectuent leurs choix non-deterministes uniquement par rapport a leur connaissance locale du systeme. Sous cette hypothese de strategies locales, nous prouvons que les problemes de l'accessibilite et de synchronisation parametrees sont NP-complet.
Factors that influence delivery of tobacco cessation support in general dental practice: a narrative review

OBJECTIVES To review the literature reporting factors that are associated with the delivery of lifestyle support in general dental practice. METHODS A systematic review of the quantitative observational studies describing activities to promote the general health of adults in primary care general dental practice. Behavior change included tobacco cessation, alcohol reduction, diet, weight management, and physical activity. Tooth brushing and oral hygiene behaviors were excluded as the focus of this review was on the common risk factors that affect general health as well as oral health. RESULTS Six cross sectional studies met the inclusion criteria. Five studies only reported activities to support tobacco cessation. As well as tobacco cessation one study also reported activities related to alcohol usage, physical activity, and Body Mass Index. Perceptions of time availability consistently correlated with activities and beliefs about tobacco cessation, alongside the smoking status of the dental professional. Dentists who perceive having more available time were more likely to discuss smoking with patients, prescribe smoking cessation treatments and direct patients toward (signpost to) lifestyle support services. Dental professionals who smoke were less likely to give smoking cessation advice and counselling than nonsmokers. Finally, the data showed that professional support may be relevant. Professionals who work in solo practices or those who felt a lack of support from the wider professional team (peer support) were more likely to report barriers to delivering lifestyle support. CONCLUSION Organizational changes in dental practices to encourage more team working and professional time for lifestyle support may influence delivery. Dental professionals who are smokers may require training to develop their beliefs about the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions.
The Effects of Human GH and Its Lipolytic Fragment (AOD9604) on Lipid Metabolism Following Chronic Treatment in Obese Mice andβ 3-AR Knock-Out Mice.

Both human GH (hGH) and a lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) synthesized from its C-terminus are capable of inducing weight loss and increasing lipolytic sensitivity following long-term treatment in mice. One mechanism by which this may occur is through an interaction with theβ -adrenergic pathway, particularly with theβ 3-adrenergic receptors (β3-AR). Here we describe how hGH and AOD9604 can reduce body weight and body fat in obese mice following 14 d of chronic ip administration. These results correlate with increases in the level of expression ofβ 3-AR RNA, the major lipolytic receptor found in fat cells. Importantly, both hGH and AOD9604 are capable of increasing the repressed levels of β3-AR RNA in obese mice to levels comparable with those in lean mice. The importance ofβ 3-AR was verified when long-term treatment with hGH and AOD9604 in β3-AR knock-out mice failed to produce the change in body weight and increase in lipolysis that was observed in wild-type control mice. However, in an acute experiment, A.
The Ultimate Controlling Owner of Spanish Commercial Banks

The aim of this paper is to analyze the ownership and control structure of Spanish commercial banks during the period 1996-2004. Using the methodology of control chains our data shows that 97% of Spanish commercial banks have an ultimate controlling owner. In concrete, families are the main ultimate owner controlling 26% of the entities. This ownership concentration in the Spanish banking sector reveals a potential governance problem about the expropriation of the minority shareholders and the depositors by the ultimate controlling owner. The incentive to expropriate worsens due to the great gap existing between cash flow and voting rights of the controlling shareholder (the ratio between both of them amounts to 62%). Looking at our descriptive results, if there is a high incentive to expropriate the mean of the banks' performance is low. Additionally, we find that the incentive to expropriate is high when the ultimate controlling owner is: 1) the only significant shareholder; 2) a foreign shareholder; 3) from a civil law country; or, 4) using pyramidal structures to exercise his control.
Individualization of training process as a leading construction of skiers' training component in preparation for higher achievements

The aim was to improve the process of preparation of skiers in preparation for higher achievements. It is spotted urgency of introduction of individualization in the training process, the principles and directions of realization. It is offered individualized relationship seen as consistent instructional techniques and forms of management training athletes. It is proved that increasing individualization rationality of functional reserves of athletes and prevent early retirement. Argues that the correction of the training process is the need for the development of genetic expression in the function of an athlete and popular sports specialization. It is noted that during the preparation of the highest achievements of a fundamentally important point is to ensure that the conditions under which the period of maximum susceptibility athlete to achieve the best results with the same period of the most intense and complex in the coordination for training loads.
Use of Contracts by Prairie Agricultural Producers

The objective of the research reported in this paper was to assess current trends in the use of contracts by agricultural producers in the Canadian Prairies and determine the factors affecting farmers’ contracting behaviour. Two surveys – one a mailout and one online that yielded a combined 587 usable responses – were used to gather data pertaining to producers’ use of marketing contracts, production contracts, and technology use agreements (TUAs). It was found that such contracts are used frequently by farmers and generally well‐understood. Farmers also indicated they mostly believe they are fairly treated by contracts, but that contracting firms’ rights are carefully protected by contract terms. Econometric analysis indicated that a farmer’s decision to contract is affected by farm type, the mix of crops grown by the operation, net income including off‐farm income, how long the respondent has been farming, and their level of risk aversion. A second econometric model discovered that a farmer’s previous use of contracts, the amount of the contract that the respondent actually reads, the ease with which a contract can be understood, the fact that producers are not indifferent to the existence of enforcement mechanisms, the presence of a dispute settlement mechanism, whether the contracting firm determines inputs to be used, and the provision of a fieldman exert statistically significant effects on the types of contracts used.
Drug analog inhibition of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) activity modifies pattern recognition receptor expression and proinflammatory cytokine responses early during influenza virus infection

Influenza virus is recognized by PRRs, which are critical in the early response to virus infection and induction of proinflammatory cytokines. IDO is increased in the lung of mice immediately following influenza infection, and the presence of IDO has been shown to mediate immune suppression through depletion of trp and reduction in IL‐6 production. To determine the role of IDO activity in the early immune response to influenza infection, IDO activity was inhibited using the synthetic analog, 1MT. The results show that IDO inhibition enhanced proinflammatory cytokine gene and protein expression at 24 and 48 h postinfection, respectively, compared with control‐treated mice and affected PRR expression. The enhanced proinflammatory response in the presence of 1MT was attributed to macrophages in the airways, as Raw264.7 and primary AMs showed enhanced production of IFN‐β, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in the presence of 1MT. These findings provide important knowledge for the role of IDO during initial host response to influenza infection.