Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A genetic system for Citrus Tristeza Virus using the non-natural host Nicotiana benthamiana: an update

In nature Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), genus Closterovirus, infects only the phloem cells of species of Citrus and related genera. Finding that the CTV T36 strain replicated in Nicotiana benthamiana (NB) protoplasts and produced normal virions allowed development of the first genetic system based on protoplast transfection with RNA transcribed from a full-genome cDNA clone, a laborious and uncertain system requiring several months for each experiment. We developed a more efficient system based on agroinfiltration of NB leaves with CTV-T36-based binary plasmids, which caused systemic infection in this non-natural host within a few weeks yielding in the upper leaves enough CTV virions to readily infect citrus by slash inoculation. Stem agroinoculation of citrus and NB plants with oncogenic strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying a CTV-T36 binary vector with a GUS marker, induced GUS positive galls in both species. However, while most NB tumors were CTV positive and many plants became systemically infected, no coat protein or viral RNA was detected in citrus tumors, even though CTV cDNA was readily detected by PCR in the same galls. This finding suggests (1) strong silencing or CTV RNA processing in transformed cells impairing infection progress, and (2) the need for using NB as an intermediate host in the genetic system. To maintain CTV-T36 in NB or assay other CTV genotypes in this host, we also tried to graft-transmit the virus from infected to healthy NB, or to mechanically inoculate NB leaves with virion extracts. While these trials were mostly unsuccessful on non-treated NB plants, agroinfiltration with silencing suppressors enabled for the first time infecting NB plants by side-grafting and by mechanical inoculation with virions, indicating that previous failure to infect NB was likely due to virus silencing in early infection steps. Using NB as a CTV host provides new possibilities to study virus-host interactions with a simple and reliable system.
PRODUCTION CREDIT FOR AFRICAN SMALL-HOLDERS: CONDITIONS FOR PRIVATE PROVISION / DU CRÉDIT POUR LES PAYSANS AFRICAINS: QU'EST-CE QU'IL FAUT POUR QUE LE SECTEUR PRIVÉ LE FOURNISSE?

It was hoped that market reforms in sub-Saharan Africa would unleash the private sector, such that farmers would benefit from access to new markets and dynamic pri vately provided services. The reality is that commercial activity has been highly selec tive and often disappointing. Many farmers face a deterioration in market access and services, including credit. This paper examines the conditions for private sector provi sion of production credit for smallholders. Drawing on recent field work in Uganda and Zimbabwe, it analyses the performance of two contrasting approaches to small holder credit. These schemes have coverage far in excess of any other formal sector source of credit for smallholders (300,000 and 53,000 farmers respectively). The Zim babwean scheme is an apparently commercially sustainable text book model of how to run such a scheme. The Ugandan scheme is paternalistic, institutionally complica ted and subject to significant inefficiencies in its operation, but nonetheless a poten tially significant improvement on the "without scheme" scenario. Of note also is the scale of coverage, and its strong poverty focus. The paper concludes with a discus sion of generic lessons for other credit schemes and commodities.
Mentoring in academic medicine: a systematic review.

CONTEXT Mentoring, as a partnership in personal and professional growth and development, is central to academic medicine, but it is challenged by increased clinical, administrative, research, and other educational demands on medical faculty. Therefore, evidence for the value of mentoring needs to be evaluated. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the evidence about the prevalence of mentorship and its relationship to career development. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Current Contents, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases from the earliest available date to May 2006. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION We identified all studies evaluating the effect of mentoring on career choices and academic advancement among medical students and physicians. Minimum inclusion criteria were a description of the study population and availability of extractable data. No restrictions were placed on study methods or language. DATA SYNTHESIS The literature search identified 3640 citations. Review of abstracts led to retrieval of 142 full-text articles for assessment; 42 articles describing 39 studies were selected for review. Of these, 34 (87%) were cross-sectional self-report surveys with small sample size and response rates ranging from 5% to 99%. One case-control study nested in a survey used a comparison group that had not received mentoring, and 1 cohort study had a small sample size and a large loss to follow-up. Less than 50% of medical students and in some fields less than 20% of faculty members had a mentor. Women perceived that they had more difficulty finding mentors than their colleagues who are men. Mentorship was reported to have an important influence on personal development, career guidance, career choice, and research productivity, including publication and grant success. CONCLUSIONS Mentoring is perceived as an important part of academic medicine, but the evidence to support this perception is not strong. Practical recommendations on mentoring in medicine that are evidence-based will require studies using more rigorous methods, addressing contextual issues, and using cross-disciplinary approaches.
Compositing 3D images with antialiasing and various shading effects

A method is proposed for compositing 3-D images produced by different programs, taking depth order into consideration. The method can add the following effects to composited images: antialiased images with scaling are displayed by a simple algorithm; the algorithm can add shading effects due to various types of light, such as area sources and skylight; and ray tracing can be performed in localized regions, producing realistic results without the computational expense of ray tracing the whole image. In addition to the above processes, such shading effects as fog and texture mapping can be processed with conventional methods. Thus, it becomes possible to display complex scenes with various shading effects, using relatively small computers. The multiscanning method used for antialiasing and a data structure for processing it are described. Examples are presented to demonstrate the capability of the system. <<ETX>>
Secret Key Generation for a Pairwise Independent Network Model

We consider secret key generation for a “pairwise independent network” model in which every pair of terminals observes correlated sources that are independent of sources observed by all other pairs of terminals. The terminals are then allowed to communicate publicly with all such communication being observed by all the terminals. The objective is to generate a secret key shared by a given subset of terminals at the largest rate possible, with the cooperation of any remaining terminals. Secrecy is required from an eavesdropper that has access to the public interterminal communication. A (single-letter) formula for secret key capacity brings out a natural connection between the problem of secret key generation and a combinatorial problem of maximal packing of Steiner trees in an associated multigraph. An explicit algorithm is proposed for secret key generation based on a maximal packing of Steiner trees in a multigraph; the corresponding maximum rate of Steiner tree packing is thus a lower bound for the secret key capacity. When only two of the terminals or when all the terminals seek to share a secret key, the mentioned algorithm achieves secret key capacity in which case the bound is tight.
Jamming with Power Boost: Leaky Waveguide Vulnerability in Train Systems

Modern-day train operations rely on wireless communications. Unlike other mobile systems, the train vehicle operations are tightly interwound with and remain physically close to the railway and the trackside infrastructure, providing a suitable platform to deploy leaky-waveguide-based communication. Due to the train system's safety-critical application and its exposure to the public, it is critical to address security in train communications. To investigate the availability of leaky waveguide communications, we first study prior leaky waveguide implementations in train systems and, based on those studies, construct a model to characterize the path loss of inside-waveguide propagation and the repeater implementations. Using our model, we analyze the jamming impact and contrast with jamming in free space without a waveguide. As a result, we establish that jamming the waveguide takes advantage of the waveguide infrastructure to extend its impact beyond the traditional jamming range and breaks the spatial dependence on the jamming source.
An Approach to Build Multi-tenant SaaS Application with Monitoring and SLA

SaaS (Software as a Service) is a modern approach to deliver large scalable enterprise software as a service on Internet. Cloud computing platform provides the scalability, availability and utility computing for services on Internet. There are many technical challenges involved in SaaS development. One of them is multi-tenancy, which allows single instance of software to serve multiple organizations by accommodating their unique requirements through configuration at the same time. SaaS architecture requires the both configuration and some level of customization to achieve higher maturity model. In this paper, we proposed a metadata driven SaaS architecture, which is independent of underlying cloud infrastructure. Proposed architecture includes monitoring, tenant management, tenant administration, tenant configuration and large data management services. In our proposed architecture, we used Memcached concept and it is supported by almost all databases to boost the performance. In addition to this, we have considered application pooling on web server to manage priority among tenants.
Optimal Single-Port Matching Impedance for Capacity Maximization in Compact MIMO Arrays

A complete multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system model with compact arrays at both link ends containing arbitrary matching networks is presented based on a Z-parameter approach. The complete channel matrix including the coupling effect is also presented. Utilizing this system model, the optimum single-port matching impedance for capacity maximization is derived for a 2 times 2 MIMO system with coupling at the receivers only. A closed-form result for the optimum matching impedance in high signal-to-noise ratio scenarios is given and proved to be equal to the input impedance of the receive end. Simulation of ideal dipoles verifies our analytical results and demonstrates the superiority of the optimum matching to other matching conditions in improving MIMO system performance. Experimental data for monopoles is also presented to further confirm our numerical findings and validate the accuracy of our derivation.
A 2-D silicon cochlea with an improved automatic quality factor control-loop

In this paper we present a 2-D silicon cochlea which includes an automatic quality factor control (AQC) loop. This control-loop is an improved version of that presented in [1] where the control-loop imposes both a ceiling and a threshold level on the output amplitude of the basilar membrane (BM) resonators. In this improved version we include only a single set-point in our control-loop. This allows us to tune the BM resonators close to a Hopf bifurcation. We present test results from a fabricated integrated circuit which, when compared with biological data, demonstrates the feasibility of our active 2-D cochlea model.
EU-Turkey Relations: Turning Vicious Circles into Virtuous Ones

The coming weeks and months will be decisive for the general tenor of politics in Turkey. The country faces local elections this March, presidential elections in August and general elections next June, while top-level political scandals compound the deterioration in the state of democracy and rule of law. At the same time, stagnation in Turkey’s accession process continues to sour relations with the EU. In this new Policy Brief, Steven Blockmans puts forward a number of recommendations to help drive the EU accession process forward, namely the early opening of negotiation chapters 23 (judiciary and fundamental rights) and 24 (justice, freedom and security), in line with the EU’s so-called New Approach. In that way reform could not just be assured on paper, but a track record in implementation could be established throughout the process. To achieve this, member states, and Cyprus in particular, need to be persuaded to end their opposition to formulating benchmarks for the opening of accession negotiating chapters 23 and 24.
Effectiveness of a questionnaire measure of executive function in predicting treatment outcomes for anxiety and depression following CBT

Previous research shows defi cits in Executive Function (EF) in patients with anxiety and depression. Recent studies have shown that EF measured by neuro-imaging and neuropsychological tests predicts treatment outcomes for depression, but it is unclear whether they predict outcomes for anxiety. Neuro-imaging and neuropsychological tests are effective but intensive procedures that may not always be accessible to clinicians. Previous research has explored the viability of questionnaire measures of EF. A previous study suggests that the Revised Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX-R) predicts concurrent depression and anxiety; however, it is unclear how comorbidity influenced these results. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether a questionnaire measure of EF could predict concurrent depression and anxiety and well as outcomes following treatment. A total of 206 psychiatric outpatients with major depression or anxiety disorders completed the DEX-R prior to Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (GCBT). They also completed anxiety and depression scales at pre-and post-treatment. Executive dysfunction predicted symptom severity for pre-treatment anxiety after controlling for comorbid depression, and for pre-treatment depression after controlling for comorbid anxiety. Symptom severity in anxiety was predicted by specifi c executive defi cits in inhibition; symptom severity in depression was predicted by executive problems with volition and social regulation. DEX-R signifi cantly predicted post-treatment symptoms of anxiety but not depression following treatment in GCBT. It was concluded that EF defi cits are associated with both anxiety and depressive disorders and predict responsiveness to treatment for anxiety patients. Screening of psychiatric patients for EF and, where indicated, incorporation of neurocognitive training strategies into therapy, may improve treatment outcomes.
A Novel Non-Cumbersome Approach Towards Biosynthesis of Pectic-Oligosaccharides by Non-Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus sp. Section Flavi Strain EGY1 DSM 101520 through Citrus Pectin Fermentation

Pectic-Oligosaccharides (POS) have a growing potential in food and feed industries. To satisfy the demand of worldwide markets from POS and avoid the shortcomings of currently applied methodologies encountered in their preparation, the present study highlights a novel robust approach for POS biosynthesis. In the current approach, Aspergillus sp.section Flavi strain EGY1 DSM 101520 was grown on citrus pectin-based medium as a core POS production medium. POS' levels accumulated in the fungal fermentation broth were optimized through a three step sequential statistical mathematical methodology; Plackett-Burman design (PBD), Box-Behnken design (BBD) and canonical analysis. Three key determinants namely citrus pectin, peptone and NaH2PO4 were pointed out by PBD to impose significant consequences (P<0.05) on the process outcome (POS' levels). Optimal levels of these key determinants along with maximal of POS' levels were set by BBD and canonical analysis to be 2.28% (w/v) citrus pectin, 0.026% (w/v) peptone and 0.28% (w/v) NaH2PO4 to achieve a net amount of 1.3 g POS /2.28 g citrus pectin. Through this approach, a yield of 57% (w/w) POS of the total citrus pectin was obtained after 24 h of fungal growth on optimized citrus pectin–based medium. A fold enhancement of 13 times in POS' levels released in the fermentation fungal broth was realized by the end of the optimization strategy. This novel robust approach is considered a new insight towards POS biosynthesis via efficient, rapid and non-cumbersome procedure. To the best of authors' knowledge, the present work is the first article underlining detailed POS production from the fermentation broth of a fungus growing on citrus pectin-based medium.
Long-Lasting Cardiovascular Effects of Liposome-Entrapped Angiotensin-(1-7) at the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla

The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of liposomes as a tool for the sustained release of the short half-life peptides of the renin-angiotensin system in a specific site of the brain. Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) was selected for this study because of its known cardiovascular effects at the level of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and because of the considerable interests in elucidating its physiopathological role as a neuromodulator. Ang-(1-7)–containing liposomes (LAng) were microinjected unilaterally in the RVLM of Wistar rats, and the effects on blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate were evaluated by telemetry. Empty liposomes (Lemp) were used as control. LAng elicited a significant pressor effect during daytime and bradycardia during nighttime that lasted for 5 and 3 days, respectively. These cardiovascular effects resulted in a significant attenuation of the circadian variations of MAP and heart rate. In the case of MAP, a significant inversion of the circadian rhythm was observed on day 2 after LAng microinjection. None of these effects were observed following microinjection of Lemp. Using this novel technique, it was possible to establish, in chronic conditions, the pressor effect of Ang-(1-7) at the RVLM. Moreover, our data unmasks a new physiological role for Ang-(1-7) at the level of the RVLM: modulation of the circadian rhythms of MAP and heart rate.
The Growing Recognition of Sport Tourism

Sport and tourism are now among the ‘developed’ world’s most sought-after leisure experiences. Just as significantly, these popular social practices have also become very important economic activities. Recent research has indicated that the contribution sport makes to the gross domestic product (GDP) of industrialised nations is between 1 and 2%, while the contribution of tourism is between 4 and 6% (World Tourism Organisation (WTO), 2001). It is no surprise, then, that sport and tourism have each received interest from academics and industry practitioners over recent decades. Curiously, though, the links and relationships between sport and tourism have largely been overlooked by scholars. Indeed, the genre of ‘sport tourism’ (of sport generating tourism activity or tourism generating sporting activity) is a recent research development. This emerging scholarly interest in sport tourism reflects, to some degree, a growing awareness within the leisure industry that sport and tourism products have complementary features (Gibson, 1998). To date, though, there is precious little literature that analyses specific links between sport and tourism, as well as socio-economic impacts and management issues related to this aspect of tourism. This is partly due to sport tourism traditionally comprising two separate fields of study – sport and tourism – with limited integration and discussion between the two academic sub-disciplines and industry sectors. We see a need, therefore, to bring practitioners in both fields closer together, for there is mutual advantage in such collaboration. There have been some promising developments. A number of university degrees in sport tourism are now running at bachelor, masters and doctorate level in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, while Certificate Programmes in Sport Tourism Management are now available for the industry practitioner. An electronic Journal of Sports Tourism has been established, encouraging scholars and practitioners to research, write and share ideas about sport tourism worldwide. Conferences dedicated to sport tourism have also begun to appear, such as the ‘Sport-Generated Tourism’ symposium in Canberra, Australia, in October 2000 (organised by the editors of this volume). Annual sport tourism conferences were initiated by the Sports Tourism International Council in 1993, and there have been a number of sport tourism marketing conferences over the last decade. A development of note is that the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) has recognised the important links between sport and tourism by co-hosting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) a ‘World Conference on Sport and Tourism’, which was held over February 2001 in Spain. This educational interest and industry activity has led to the publication of a number of books in sport tourism, with other texts in planning stages (see Hudson, forthcoming; Ritchie & Adair, forthcoming; Gammon et al., forthcoming; Standeven & DeKnop, 1999). Similarly, a number of articles related to sport tourDiscussion Web Site: http://www.commerce. otago.ac. nz/tourism/current-issues/homepage.htm
Automatic Music Tempo and Timbre Change Based on Pitch Detection and Image Analysis

This paper proposes a method for automatically changing musical characteristics by analyzing image features. That is, it presents an automatic music tempo and timbre changing system through piano pitch detection and image analysis. To begin with, the piano’s onset is detected, and we extract the pitch based on the onset detection. Next, we analyze the features of the image, such as hue, intensity and roughness. Finally, the music is automatically transformed by the image’s features. And we also investigated the correlation between the image and the music by testing the people’s preferences.
Creating Analogy-Based Interpretations of Blended Noun Concepts

An analogy-based approach is explained that suggests possible interpretations of previously-unseen modifier-head noun compounds. The approach utilizes an analogical relation between the modifier and the head, viewing them as source and target concepts in the analogy, in order to suggest a relationship between the constituent nouns in the compound. The approach interprets the novel composition by employing the conceptual blending mechanism to create new concept representations in a proposed model of computational creativity.