Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
cAMP-activated Cl channels in CFTR-transfected cystic fibrosis pancreatic epithelial cells.

Retrovirus-mediated transfection of cDNA for the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene into the CF pancreatic cell line, CFPAC-1, confers adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent regulation of Cl conductance. We used patch-clamp techniques to identify the single-channel basis of this conductance pathway and to study its properties. Forskolin or cAMP activated Cl channels with a conductance of 9 +/- 1 pS in 26 of 62 cell-attached patches of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-transfected CFPAC-1 cells. The current-voltage (I-V) relation showed slight outward rectification (chord conductance of 10 +/- 2 pS at +80 mV vs. 7 +/- 1 pS at -80mV) with high Cl concentrations (170 mM) in the pipette solution. Channel kinetics were voltage sensitive, with longer openings at positive clamp voltages. Channel properties were unaffected by the substitution of N-methyl-D-glucamine for pipette Na or by the addition of disulfonic stilbenes (100 microM DNDS or DIDS) to the pipette. The channels usually inactivated within seconds of patch excision, but in three of nine patches, activity could be maintained by addition of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A and ATP. With equal Cl concentrations on both membrane surfaces, the single-channel I-V relation was linear, suggesting that the outward rectification of the cell-attached channel is due to a pipette-to-cell Cl gradient. Anion substitution on the extracellular side of the membrane indicates a halide permselectivity of Br approximately Cl greater than I. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pollen competitive ability: the effect of proportion in two-donor crosses

Pollen competitive ability depends on the innate capacity of a pollen donor to produce pollen that reaches the ovules fast, but could also be a consequence of the ability to interfere with pollen from other donors. In a greenhouse study on Viola tricolor, we examined the relative importance of both of these effects by performing crosses where we varied the pollen load composition of two donors. We found that when a pollen donor had higher in vitro pollen tube growth rate than a competitor, this donor sired proportionally more seeds in most cases. At very low proportions, however, there was no benefit of producing fast growing pollen. We further investigated the potential for pollen interactions by comparing in vitro performance in single- and mixed-donor batches of the same density. Pollen tube growth rate differed between treatments in some donor combinations, indicating that pollen from different donors interact. Only donors with the faster growing pollen tubes in the single samples showed signs of interference in the mixtures. Donors with slower pollen tube growth had an increased growth rate when mixed. Although our results suggest interactions between pollen grains from different donors that might affect siring ability, the intrinsic pollen tube growth rate was more important for siring ability in this species. (Less)
Remission of eating disorder during pregnancy: five cases and brief clinical review

Eating disorder during pregnancy is associated with a diversity of adverse outcomes and is of potential danger to both mother and child. There is, however, a tendency for remission of the eating disorder during pregnancy with improvement of symptoms such as restrictive dieting, binging and purging, and some women actually manage to put the disease behind them. This case report describes five women with different eating disorders and focuses on the symptomatology during pregnancy and in the months postpartum. The discussion deals with the possible psychological, social and endocrinological reasons for remission and the subsequent relapse, the definition of recovery and the factors which should alert health care professionals of the at-risk pregnancies in cases of undisclosed eating disorder. Furthermore, therapeutic interventions are proposed.
Preliminary Attempts To Infect Bovine Erythrocytes in Vitro with a Tick‐Derived Stage of Anaplasma marginale a

Anaplasma marginale is a rickettsia1 organism that causes anaplasmosis in cattle. The organism is transmitted biologically by ixodid ticks' and invades bovine erythrocytes, resulting in mild to severe anemia. One of the major constraints in the study of this organism has been the inability to cultivate it in vitro. Attempts to propagate the erythrocytic stage in culture have shown that the organism will remain infective for cattle for several weeks but neither number of organisms nor the percentage of parasitized erythrocytes increases after approximately 48 h in culture.24 The development of Anaplasma marginale in Dermacentor sp. ticks is complex, involving sequential sites of development. Initial growth occurs in midgut epithelial cells,5 followed by an intermediate site of development in gut muscle cells6 A final stage of development occurs in salivary Infection rates in salivary glands of male ticks infected as adults were found to be the highest of all tick stages studied, and organisms from salivary glands were highly infective for calve^. ^,'^ The only stage identified thus far in cattle is the erythrocytic stage, but long (3 wk or more) prepatent periods following exposure via blood inoculation or tick feeding suggest some other site(s) of development. The infection of bovine erythrocytes by a tick-derived stage of A. marginale has not been demonstrated previously. It is important to determine if the salivary gland stage of A. marginale can directly enter bovine erythrocytes. This report documents our initial attempts to infect bovine erythrocytes with a salivary glandderived stage of A. marginale and to establish continuous, infected erythrocyte cultures.
Arabidopsis lysin-motif proteins LYM1 LYM3 CERK1 mediate bacterial peptidoglycan sensing and immunity to bacterial infection

Recognition of microbial patterns by host pattern recognition receptors is a key step in immune activation in multicellular eukaryotes. Peptidoglycans (PGNs) are major components of bacterial cell walls that possess immunity-stimulating activities in metazoans and plants. Here we show that PGN sensing and immunity to bacterial infection in Arabidopsis thaliana requires three lysin-motif (LysM) domain proteins. LYM1 and LYM3 are plasma membrane proteins that physically interact with PGNs and mediate Arabidopsis sensitivity to structurally different PGNs from Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. lym1 and lym3 mutants lack PGN-induced changes in transcriptome activity patterns, but respond to fungus-derived chitin, a pattern structurally related to PGNs, in a wild-type manner. Notably, lym1, lym3, and lym3 lym1 mutant genotypes exhibit supersusceptibility to infection with virulent Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato DC3000. Defects in basal immunity in lym3 lym1 double mutants resemble those observed in lym1 and lym3 single mutants, suggesting that both proteins are part of the same recognition system. We further show that deletion of CERK1, a LysM receptor kinase that had previously been implicated in chitin perception and immunity to fungal infection in Arabidopsis, phenocopies defects observed in lym1 and lym3 mutants, such as peptidoglycan insensitivity and enhanced susceptibility to bacterial infection. Altogether, our findings suggest that plants share with metazoans the ability to recognize bacterial PGNs. However, as Arabidopsis LysM domain proteins LYM1, LYM3, and CERK1 form a PGN recognition system that is unrelated to metazoan PGN receptors, we propose that lineage-specific PGN perception systems have arisen through convergent evolution.
The value of repeat biopsy in the management of lupus nephritis: an international multicentre study in a large cohort of patients.

BACKGROUND The International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) classification represents the gold standard for the histological evaluation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) nephritis. A repeat biopsy (RB) might be an important tool to provide information on long-term renal outcomes and optimal therapy. Aims of this study were to evaluate the use of the ISN/RPS classification and the role of RB in routine clinical practice. METHODS A total number of 142 patients with SLE nephritis and with adequate reference and RB samples were included in this multicentre retrospective study. A meticulous histological examination was centrally performed on first and RB and compared with clinical variables and follow-up data. RESULTS Morphological features of the ISN/RPS classification: at first and RB, significant differences were observed between segmental classes (III, IV-S) and Class IV-G in mesangial proliferation, wire loops and tuft necrosis. Clinical features and ISN/RPS classification: the correlation between serum creatinine, proteinuria, blood pressure levels and histological classes at first and RB demonstrated more severe renal disease in Class IV-G, both at first and RB. Agreement between ISN/RPS classification at first and RB: 40.8% of patients changed the histological class. Fifty per cent of Class II (mild mesangial form) were reclassified as Class IV-G at RB, whereas 18.9% of Class IV-G were reclassified as Class II. The transition among segmental (III/IV-S) and mesangial forms (II/IV-G) was extremely rare. The comparison between the clinical parameters at the final follow-up and the ISN/RPS classification confirmed that the trend of serum creatinine and proteinuria between the different classes was better described at the RB (higher in Class IV-G) than on the first biopsy. CONCLUSIONS The histopathological data suggest that morphological differences between segmental and global forms do exist, possibly due to different pathogenetic mechanisms. An RB strategy could provide additional information on long-term renal outcomes. A strategy of protocol biopsies could be useful in perspective future trials to better understand the therapeutic response and the natural history of this disease.
Systemic Risk And Financial Linkages Measurement in The Indonesian Banking

This paper measures the insolvency risk of bank in Indonesia. We apply Merton model to identify the probability of defaul tover 30 banks during the period of 2002-2013. This paper also identify role of financial linkage a cross banks on transmitting from one bank to another; which enable us to assess if the risk is systemic or not. The results showed the larger total asset of the bank, the larger they contribute to systemic risk. Keywords : Conditional Value at Risk; Probability of Default; systemic risk and financial linkages;Value at Risk. JEL Classification : D81, G21, G33
Signal-to-Noise Ratios for Structural and Functional Tests in Glaucoma.

PURPOSE Standard automated perimetry (SAP) demonstrates high variability. Structural tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) may be more repeatable. However, comparisons of their ability to detect glaucomatous change are challenging due to different units and dynamic ranges. This study demonstrates a signal-to-noise analysis to perform comparisons within a common framework. METHODS Longitudinal data were used from 226 eyes of 130 subjects with nonendstage glaucoma (mean deviation [MD] from -19.50 to 2.89 dB). Subjects were tested twice a year for a total of at least six visits. For each eye, MD from SAP and average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) from OCT were regressed linearly against time. 'Signal' was defined as the rate of change over time, while 'noise' was defined as the SD of residuals from this trend. Individual longitudinal signal-to-noise ratios were calculated. A summary quantification was also calculated, using the 10th percentile of these rates within the cohort as signal and the SD of residuals pooled across all eyes as noise. RESULTS Individual signal-to-noise ratios were significantly better for OCT RNFLT than for SAP MD (P < 0.0001). The summary quantification of signal-to-noise ratio was better for OCT RNFLT (-1.35 y-1) than for SAP MD (-0.74 y-1). CONCLUSIONS RNFLT measured by OCT had a better longitudinal signal-to-noise ratio than MD from SAP. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE The longitudinal signal-to-noise ratio provides a means to perform a fair comparison between different techniques, which is robust to differences in scale and measurement units. Longitudinal studies in glaucoma should consider reporting signal-to-noise ratios to facilitate interpretation and comparison of results.
Prebiotic fiber modulation of the gut microbiota improves risk factors for obesity and the metabolic syndrome

Prebiotic fibers are non-digestible carbohydrates that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Prebiotic consumption may benefit obesity and associated co-morbidities by improving or normalizing the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. We evaluated the dose response to a prebiotic diet on the gut microbiota, body composition and obesity associated risk factors in lean and genetically obese rats. Prebiotic fibers increased Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroidetes, a profile often associated with a leaner phenotype. Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus numbers also increased. Changes in the gut microbiota correlated with energy intake, glucose, insulin, satiety hormones, and hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride accumulation. Here we provide a comprehensive analysis evaluating the results through the lens of the gut microbiota. Salient, new developments impacting the interpretation and significance of our data are discussed. We propose that prebiotic fibers have promise as a safe and cost-effective means of modulating the gut microbiota to promote improved host:bacterial interactions in obesity and insulin resistance. Human clinical trials should be undertaken to confirm these effects.
Mobile Money: The Economics of M-Pesa

Mobile money is a tool that allows individuals to make financial transactions using cell phone technology. In this paper, we report initial results of two rounds of a large survey of households in Kenya, the country that has seen perhaps the most rapid and widespread growth of a mobile money product - known locally as M‐PESA - in the developing world. We first summarize the mechanics of M-PESA, and review its potential economic impacts. We then document the sequencing of adoption across households according to income and wealth, location, gender, and other socio‐economic characteristics, as well as the purposes for which the technology is used, including saving, sending and receiving remittances, and direct purchases of goods and services. In addition, we report findings from a survey of M‐PESA agents, who provide cash‐in and cash‐out services, and highlight the inventory management problems they face.
O impacto da variável Páscoa na previsão da procura turística

This study aims to analyze the impact of the mobile holiday of Easter on the tourist demand’ forecast, for the North and Centre regions of Portugal. To point out that the time series “Monthly Guest Nights in Hotels”, considered as significant of the tourist activity due to its characteristics, it denotes that the phenomena influence in a different way the tourist demand, in the focused regions. Thus, based on non-linear models, supported by the Artificial Neural Networks methodology, we intent to compare the results before and after the use of the dummy variable Easter. The inclusion of this new variable in the model is due to the fact that in previous studies on the same region, some atypical values in the time series “Monthly Guest Nights in Hotels” were detected. Being so, this paper intends also to catch this effect.
The effect of sodium thiocyanate on isolates of the presumptive ectoderm and medio-ventral marginal zone of Triturus gastrulae.

As shown by Holtfreter (1944, 1945, 1947), the isolated presumptive ectoderm of Triturus torosus develops into a mass of epidermal cells when cultured in a physiological medium. However, if it is treated with injurious media such as acid, alkaline, or Ca-free solutions, or alcohol, and then cultured in a physiological medium, it differentiates neural structures and mesenchyme. These observations were confirmed in experiments made with the ectoderm of T. pyrrhogaster (Yamada, 1950; Karasaki, 1957 a ) except for the following points: treatment with Ca-free media or with alcohol does not cause neural or mesenchymal differentiation in the ectoderm of this species, although these treatments lead to a disaggregation of the ectoderm just as with acid and alkali (Karasaki, 1957 a ). For the ectoderm of T. pyrrhogaster ammonia was found most effective in producing neural structures.
A SINALIZAÇÃO DA QUALIDADE ATRAVÉS DE WEBSITES: ANÁLISE CONCEITUAL BASEADA EM MODELOS TEÓRICOS QUALITY SIGNALS THROUGH WEBSITES: CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS BASED ON THEORETICAL MODELS

The economic approach considers the information that buyers and sellers have access to different amounts of information about a product during a negotiation. This asymmetric information landscape presents a recognized Quality Signaling Theory as adverse selection problem. To avoid this obstacle, organizations can use to ensure signal quality to the buyer, such as investment in brand and advertising, price and the product warranty. The contemporary market, the Internet and electronic commerce presents new scenarios of interaction between buyers and sellers and hence potential new signaling elements of quality. The theoretical purpose of this paper was to seek and expand the knowledge that has been developed on the signaling of quality by the use of Internet. Fundamental concepts are analyzed and presented in recent studies on the phenomenon of signaling quality through marketing variables on the circumstances of websites, identifying commonalities and
Aberrant DNA hypermethylation of hMLH-1 and CDKN2A/p16 genes in benign, premalignant and malignant endometrial lesions.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION aberrant gene function and transcriptional silencing by CpG island hypermethylation have become a critical component in the initiation and progression of endometrial cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the methylation status of genes associated with aberrant DNA hypermethylation in benign, premalignant and malignant endometrial lesions. METHODS using nested methylation-specific PCR, we assessed the methylation of the promoter regions of two genes, hMLH1 and CDKN2A/p16, in tissue samples from endometrial polyps (EP), atypical hyperplasia (AH) and endometrial cancer (EC). RESULTS the promoter region of at least one of the two genes was aberrantly methylated in EP (hMLH1 42%, CDKN2A/p16 16%), AH (hMLH1 16%, CDKN2A/p16 50%), EC (hMLH1 50%, CDKN2A/p16 75%). Interestingly, hypermethylation of both genes was found with significant increased frequence in AH and EC, but not in benign lesions. CONCLUSIONS our preliminary findings seem to suggest that the association of the two genes hMLH1 and CDKN2A/p16 may allow a differential diagnosis between benign and premalignant/malignant endometrial lesions; this further supports the hypothesis that methylation of such DNA mismatch repair and tumour-suppressor genes may be associated with endometrial carcinogenesis thus representing a valuable target for selective pharmacologic therapy.
SOURCES OF TAX COMPLIANCE COSTS FOR MALAYSIAN CORPORATE TAXPAYERS

Tax compliance costs are the costs incurred by taxpayers in complying with the tax reporting requirements. This study identifies the sources of tax compliance costs for corporate taxpayers with regards to internal and external components. Utilizing a survey of big corporations in Malaysia, the sources of tax compliance costs is investigated. The internal-external costs ratio was 37 per cent and 63 per cent, respectively, indicating that there is a heavy reliance on external sources. This study therefore concluded that tax compliance activities were mainly handled by external tax professionals and not by the internal tax department of the companies. The findings arising from this study provide valuable information on sources of corporate tax compliance costs for policymakers in the area of taxation, and also to the taxation profession in general.
Colony morphologies, species, and biotypes of yeasts from thrush and denture stomatitis

Objective. To study the species and phenotypic characteristics of yeasts, i.e. colony morphology, biotypes, and biotype relatedness, and the oral distribution of yeasts, in thrush and denture stomatitis.Material and Methods. Yeast colony morphology was observed under a stereo-microscope and photographed with a digital camera. Genus, species, and biotypes of the yeast isolates were identified by using a commercial kit, ID 32C. Yeast biotype dendrograms were generated by Spotfire software and SPSS 15.0 for Windows. Results. Multiple colony morphologies were observed among the yeasts from both thrush and denture stomatitis. One genus, 6 species, and 21 biotypes were identified among the yeasts from thrush, while 2 genera, 7 species, and 20 biotypes were identified among the yeasts from denture stomatitis. Considerable similarities in predominant species, biotypes, and biotype clustering profiles were shown among the yeasts from thrush and denture stomatitis. However, Candida dubliniensis was identified exclusively in subgingival areas and biotype 7347340215 of C. albicans was identified more frequently in palate and sulci in thrush. Conclusions. A diversity of species and phenotypes was found among the yeasts in thrush and denture stomatitis. Candidal commensals were predominant in thrush and denture stomatitis, but the observation of divergent Candida species and biotypes, constituting 23% of all the yeast isolates, should not be ignored.
MONITORING BUSINESS PROCESS REDESIGN INERP IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS

ERP implementation success is influenced by a large number of factors, which most of the times are difficult to measure objectively. Adequate Business Process Redesign (BPR) is one of the most cited critical success factors in ERP implementation projects, and one of the most critical ones for the their satisfactory outcome. This study attempts to define a set of metrics for monitoring BPR within ERP implementation projects by using the Goals/Questions/Metrics method. The results of this work are twofold. First, a literature review on the BPR topic as related with ERP implementation projects is presented. And second, a Goals/Questions/Metrics preliminary plan to monitor and control BPR within ERP implementation projects is proposed.
Agricultural auction markets in Sudan: their role, market mechanisms and performance

The paper overviews the current marketing system in crop markets in Sudan; introduces the concept of crop auction markets in a Sudanese context and searches for reasons why these transaction systems are not widely adopted in its agricultural markets. The paper examines the probable role and impact of auction market systems on the market mechanisms if they are widely employed. The paper calls for employment of qualified managers for successful auction markets with adequate information systems and financial support by new financial products such as bonds. The paper recommends expansion of auctions to other crops as well as to the secondary markets. Concerns as whether auction markets should be managed by the private or the public sector needs to be settled through further discussion, however, and in either way; there should be some independent review of their efficiency as alternative markets after being widely operated in real world terms.