Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AtKUP1: A Dual-Affinity K+ Transporter from Arabidopsis

Plant roots contain both high- and low-affinity transport systems for uptake of K+ from the soil. In this study, we characterize a K+ transporter that functions in both high- and low-affinity uptake. Using yeast complementation analysis, we isolated a cDNA for a functional K+ transporter from Arabidopsis (referred to as AtKUP1 for Arabidopsis thaliana K+ uptake). When expressed in a yeast mutant, AtKUP1 dramatically increased K+ uptake capacity at both a low and high [K+] range. Kinetic analyses showed that AtKUP1-mediated K+ uptake displays a “biphasic” pattern similar to that observed in plant roots. The transition from the high-affinity phase (Km of 44 μM) to the low-affinity phase (Km of 11 mM) occurred at 100 to 200 μM external K+. Both low- and high-affinity K+ uptake via AtKUP1 were inhibited by 5 mM or higher concentrations of NaCl. In addition, AtKUP1-mediated K+ uptake was inhibited by K+ channel blockers, including tetraethylammonium, Cs+, and Ba2+. Consistent with a possible function in K+ uptake from the soil, the AtKUP1 gene is primarily expressed in roots. We conclude that the AtKUP1 gene product may function as a K+ transporter in Arabidopsis roots over a broad range of [K+] in the soil.
Thinking of Incentivizing Care? The Effect of Demand Subsidies on Informal Caregiving and Intergenerational Transfers

We still know little about what motivates the informal care arrangements provided in old age. Evidence from demand-side subsidies such as unconditional caregiving allowances (cash benefits designed either to incentivize the purchase of care, or compensate for the loss of employment of informal caregivers) provide an opportunity to gain a further understanding of the matter. We exploit a quasi-natural experiment to identify the effects of the inception in 2007 (and reduction in 2012) of a universal caregiving allowance on the supply of informal care, and subsequent intergenerational transfer flows. We find evidence of a 30% rise in informal caregiving, which amounts to 27% of long-term care expenditure, and an increase (reduction) in downstream (upstream) intergenerational transfers of 29% (and 15%). The effects were attenuated by a subsequent policy intervention; the reduction of the subsidy amidst austerity cuts in 2012. Individuals in middle and lower income and wealthy quintiles mainly drive these effects.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori DNA in recurrent aphthous ulcerations in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues of the pharynx.

OBJECTIVE To determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori and, if detected, its potential prevalence in causing recurrent aphthous ulcers confined to mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues of the pharynx. DESIGN Prospective, controlled clinical trial. SETTING Otolaryngology Department of Tanta University Hospitals, Tanta, Egypt. PATIENTS A total of 146 patients with recurrent multiple aphthous ulcers of the oral cavity and pharynx and 20 normal control subjects. INTERVENTIONS Patients were assigned to group 1 (n = 58), in which the ulcers were strictly limited to the lymphoid tissues, or group 2 (n = 88), in which the ulcers were randomly distributed in the oral cavity and pharynx. Helicobacter pylori DNA was extracted from 3-mm-diameter tissue samples, and polymerase chain reaction amplifications were performed for the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Positivity for H pylori. RESULTS In group 1, 39 patients (67%) were positive for H pylori DNA, while in group 2, 9 patients (10%) were positive (chi(2) test, P<. 001). It was not detected in any of the 20 control samples. CONCLUSION Our results support a possible causative role for H pylori in recurrent aphthous ulcerations with a characteristic distribution and affinity to mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues of the pharynx.
Learner autonomy : a case study on People's Republic of China (PRC) scholars studying in a university in Singapore

This empirical study focuses on developing learner autonomy amongst PRC scholars who were enrolled in an English bridge course in an institution in Singapore. As PRC students come from a predominantly teacher-centred learning environment, encouraging them to be autonomous learners may be met with resistance. The effectiveness of self access learning (SAL) is considered by examining the Chinese culture of learning, the kinds of activities these students engage in at the Self Access Centre and their views on whether SAL is effective in helping them improve their language. An interpretative case study approach is adopted as this study focuses on a specific phenomenon. Attention is drawn specifically to explaining why students have different viewpoints and experiences despite being put in a similar learning context. Interviewing was selected as the main instrument for data collection as it provided opportunities to develop insights regarding how the participants interpret and make meaning of the world. Besides interviews, questionnaires and journals were also employed to obtain snapshots of the students’ views and for triangulation purposes. It was found that the forty PRC scholars who participated in this study generally display traits that show conformance to the Chinese culture of learning. This however did not in general discourage them from developing autonomy as the students welcomed the idea of making decisions concerning and taking charge of their learning. Despite this, they believe that a teacher still plays an important role in their learning. Although SAL is generally perceived to be moderately effective in helping the students improve their English, most students reported marked improvements in their listening skills. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the general contributions of the study while noting its limitations. Recommendations as to how learner autonomy can be better fostered with PRC students through SAL are also provided.
Nature Materialities and Economic Valuation Conceptual Perspectives and their Relevance for the Study of Social Inequalities

The paper discusses the relationship between material qualities of nature and the process of capitalist valuation. While valuation can be defined in a broad sense pertaining to how resources are identified, extracted and integrated into the world market, the focus here is narrower, centering on the specific qualities of nature that are important to the creation of value itself and touching on related questions such as how to evaluate tendencies in which nature materialities are increasingly commodified. The first part of the paper briefly reviews the work of scholars approaching nature as a materiality placing certain ‘limits’ on valuation. Most of these scholars tend to view valuation at the level of discrete production processes and while offering many examples of how material nature constraints or enables production, the role of these qualities in value generation is not clear. By contrast, a second part of the paper discusses work that directly addresses valuation, proposing that the specific role of nature lies in the fact that nature materialities are not necessarily commodified, offering a view in which nature is not a ‘limit’ or an ‘outside’ but a materiality that is a constitutive part of valuation, historically integrated through partial commodification. A final section deals with the specificity of the valuation of living nature. Agricultural biotechnologies in Latin America are briefly discussed, raising various issues that should form part of a future research agenda to evaluate how this particular type of nature valuation will reconfigure social inequalities in the area.
Ontogeny and Regulation of IL-7-Expressing Thymic Epithelial Cells1

Epithelial cells in the thymus produce IL-7, an essential cytokine that promotes the survival, differentiation, and proliferation of thymocytes. We identified IL-7-expressing thymic epithelial cells (TECs) throughout ontogeny and in the adult mouse thymus by in situ hybridization analysis. IL-7 expression is initiated in the thymic fated domain of the early primordium by embryonic day 11.5 and is expressed in a Foxn1-independent pathway. Marked changes occur in the localization and regulation of IL-7-expressing TECs during development. IL-7-expressing TECs are present throughout the early thymic rudiment. In contrast, a major population of IL-7-expressing TECs is localized to the medulla in the adult thymus. Using mouse strains in which thymocyte development is arrested at various stages, we show that fetal and postnatal thymi differ in the frequency and localization of IL-7-expressing TECs. Whereas IL-7 expression is initiated independently of hemopoietic-derived signals during thymic organogenesis, thymocyte-derived signals play an essential role in regulating IL-7 expression in the adult TEC compartment. Moreover, different thymocyte subsets regulate the expression of IL-7 and keratin 5 in adult cortical epithelium, suggesting that despite phenotypic similarities, the cortical TEC compartments of wild-type and RAG-1−/− mice are developmentally and functionally distinct.
Endothelial Function, Nitric Oxide, and Cocoa Flavanols

Endothelial dysfunction is the pathophysiologic principle involved in the initiation and progression of arteriosclerosis, thus endothelial function serves as a “barometer” for cardiovascular health that can be used for the evaluation of new therapeutic strategies. This review provides an introduction to the concept of endothelial dysfunction, and it explores the importance of this prognostic marker in the context of clinical, dietary interventions in humans. Moreover, we summarize and evaluate the findings of various clinical trials that demonstrated an improvement of endothelial dysfunction in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors after the acute and chronic consumption of flavanol-rich foods, including cocoa products, red wine, and tea.
The economic effects of IFRS adoption in Korea*

Abstract This paper examines whether Korea’s mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is associated with higher earnings quality. Based on Korean listed companies, we compare earnings quality and market assessment in the pre-IFRS period (2007–2010) with those in the post-IFRS period (2011–2014). We find significant IFRS adoption effects by documenting smaller absolute values in discretionary accruals and real earnings management, higher accrual quality, stronger earnings persistence, and less frequent negative earnings. Thus, we provide evidence of improved earnings quality with Korea’s mandatory IFRS adoption. Additionally, we document an increase in the value relevance of earnings, more accurate analysts’ earnings forecasts, and higher audit fees and hours. These results show that investors and analysts view improvements in the information environment, and auditors’ respond to the complex environment by demanding higher audit fees and making additional efforts after mandatory IFRS adoption.
Functional and structural recovery of the retina after gene therapy in the RPE65 null mutation dog.

PURPOSE To assess the efficacy of AAV-mediated gene therapy to restore vision in a large number of RPE65(-/-) dogs and to determine whether systemic and local side effects are caused by the treatment. METHODS Normal RPE65 dog cDNA was subcloned into an rAAV vector under control of a cytomegalovirus promoter, and an AAV.GFP control vector was also produced with the titers 2 x 10(12) particles/mL and 2 x 10(10) transducing U/mL, respectively. RPE65(-/-) dogs, aged 4 to 30 months were treated with subretinal injections of the AAV.RPE65 and control vectors, respectively, in each eye, and three 24- to 30-month-old normal control dogs with the latter. Baseline and postoperative systemic and ophthalmic examinations, blood screenings, vision testing, and electroretinography (ERG) were performed. Two RPE65(-/-) dogs were killed at 3 and 6 months after treatment for morphologic examination of the retinas. RESULTS RPE65(-/-) dogs were practically blind from birth with nonrecordable or low-amplitude ERGs. Construct injections or sham surgeries were performed in 28 eyes; 11 were injected subretinally with the AAV.RPE65 construct. ERGs at 3 months after surgery showed that in the latter eyes, dark-adapted b-wave amplitudes recovered to an average of 28% of normal, and light adapted b-wave amplitudes to 32% of normal. ERG amplitudes were not reduced during a 6- to 9-month follow-up. No systemic side effects were observed, but uveitis developed in nine AAV.RPE65-treated eyes. No uveitis was observed in the eyes treated with the control vector. Immunocytochemistry showed expression of RPE65 in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of AAV.RPE65-treated eyes. Fluorescence microscopy showed expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the RPE and, to a lesser extent, in the neural retinas of AAV.GFP-treated eyes. Ultrastructurally, a reversal of RPE lipid droplet accumulation was observed at the AAV.RPE65 transgene injection site, but not at the site of injection of the control vector. CONCLUSIONS In 10 of 11 treated RPE65(-/-) eyes, gene transfer resulted in development of vision, both subjectively apparent by loss of nystagmus, and objectively recorded by ERG. Structurally, there was reversal of lipid droplet accumulation in the RPE. Uveitis developed in 75% of the transgene-treated eyes, a complication possibly due to an immunopathogenic response to the RPE65 molecule.
Analytical Model for the Inversion Gate Capacitance of DG and UTBB MOSFETs at the Quantum Capacitance Limit

In this paper, a model of gate capacitance is proposed for ultrathin-body-BOX and double-gate MOSFETs with light mass channel materials. First, the model is derived by making the assumption that only one subband is occupied and using quantum perturbation theory to compute the corresponding energy level. Next, this model is confirmed with Poisson-Schrödinger simulations. Finally, the impacts in terms of performance and scaling are discussed.
Function and dysfunction of the colon and anorectum in adults: Working team report of the Swedish Motility Group (SMoG)

Symptoms of fecal incontinence and constipation are common in the general population. These can, however, be unreliably reported and are poorly discriminatory for underlying pathophysiology. Furthermore, both symptoms may coexist. In the elderly, fecal impaction always must be excluded. For patients with constipation, colon transit studies, anorectal manometry and defecography may help to identify patients with slow-transit constipation and/or pelvic floor dysfunction. The best documented medical treatments for constipation are the macrogols, lactulose and isphagula. Evolving drugs include lubiprostone, which enhances colonic secretion by activating chloride channels. Surgery is restricted for a highly selected group of patients with severe slow-transit constipation and for those with large rectoceles that demonstrably cause rectal evacuatory impairment. For patients with fecal incontinence that does not resolve on antidiarrheal treatment, functional and structural evaluation with anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound or magnetic resonance (MR) of the anal canal may help to guide management. Sacral nerve stimulation is a rapidly evolving alternative when other treatments such as biofeedback and direct sphincter repair have failed. Advances in understanding the pathophysiology as a guide to treatment of patients with constipation and fecal incontinence is a continuing important goal for translational research. The content of this article is a summary of presentations given by the authors at the Fourth Meeting of the Swedish Motility Group, held in Gothenburg in April 2007.
Reality or Illusion? The Efficacy of Non‐Market Strategy in Institutional Risk Reduction

Non-market strategy researchers have postulated that political and social strategies reduce the exposure of firms to risk, but those arguments have received little empirical attention. In this paper, we integrate social capital and institutional theories to examine the efficacy of managerial political ties (MPTs) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in institutional risk reduction. Using survey data from 179 firms in Ghana we find that, whereas CSR reduces institutional risk exposure, MPTs do not. We also find that the effect of MPTs on risk exposure is moderated by public affairs functions. Contrary to extant literature, we do not find evidence of complementarity between MPTs and CSR. Altogether, the findings not only show that the proposed efficacy of MPTs in risk reduction is illusive, but they also signal the need for scrutinizing the harmony between non-market political and social strategies.
Involvement of the Cytochrome P450 System EthBAD in the N-Deethoxymethylation of Acetochlor by Rhodococcus sp. Strain T3-1

ABSTRACT Acetochlor [2-chloro-N-(ethoxymethyl)-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-acetamide] is a widely applied herbicide with potential carcinogenic properties. N-Deethoxymethylation is the key step in acetochlor biodegradation. N-Deethoxymethylase is a multicomponent enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of acetochlor to 2′-methyl-6′-ethyl-2-chloroacetanilide (CMEPA). Fast detection of CMEPA by a two-enzyme (N-deethoxymethylase–amide hydrolase) system was established in this research. Based on the fast detection method, a three-component enzyme was purified from Rhodococcus sp. strain T3-1 using ammonium sulfate precipitation and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The molecular masses of the components of the purified enzyme were estimated to be 45, 43, and 11 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Based on the results of peptide mass fingerprint analysis, acetochlor N-deethoxymethylase was identified as a cytochrome P450 system, composed of a cytochrome P450 oxygenase (43-kDa component; EthB), a ferredoxin (45 kDa; EthA), and a reductase (11 kDa; EthD), that is involved in the degradation of methyl tert-butyl ether. The gene cluster ethABCD was cloned by PCR amplification and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Resting cells of a recombinant E. coli strain showed deethoxymethylation activity against acetochlor. Subcloning of ethABCD showed that ethABD expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) has the activity of acetochlor N-deethoxymethylase and is capable of converting acetochlor to CMEPA.
Research of nano-material doped fiber in SBS slow light system

According to the development of Slow light and nanotechnology, a novel optical fiber doped with nano material as InP is manufactured and introduced into the SBS slow light system, serving as the nonlinear medium of SBS process. Numerical simulations and experimental discussions are performed to validate our method. The results show a considerable time delay of∼738ps and an amplification of the optical light can be achieved through this novel optical fiber.
Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury: creatine kinase as a prognostic marker and validation of the McMahon Score in a 10-year cohort A retrospective observational evaluation

BACKGROUND High-volume fluid resuscitation and the administration of sodium bicarbonate and diuretics have a theoretical renoprotective role in patients at high risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) following rhabdomyolysis. Abnormally elevated creatine kinase has previously been used as a biological marker for the identification of patients at high risk of AKI following rhabdomyolysis. OBJECTIVE To assess the sensitivity and specificity of plasma creatine kinase (admission and peak values) for the prediction of AKI requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) or of death in patients with confirmed rhabdomyolysis. To compare the diagnostic performance of creatine kinase with the McMahon score. DESIGN Retrospective observational study. Data collection included McMahon and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores; daily creatine kinase; daily creatinine and electrolytes; ICU length of stay and mortality. SETTING Neurosciences and Trauma Critical Care Unit (Cambridge, UK). PATIENTS In total, 232 adults with confirmed rhabdomyolysis (creatine kinase > 1000 Ul−1) admitted to Neurosciences and Trauma Critical Care Unit between 2002 and 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AKI, RRT and mortality. RESULTS Forty-five (19%) patients developed AKI and 29 (12.5%) patients required RRT. Mortality was significantly higher in patients who developed AKI (62 vs. 18%, P < 0.001). Average creatine kinase on admission was 5009 (range 69–157 860) Ul−1. Creatine kinase peaked between the day of admission and day 3 in 91% of cases. PEAK creatine kinase of at least 5000 Ul−1 is 55% specific and 83% sensitive for the prediction of AKI requiring RRT. A McMahon Score of at least 6 calculated on admission is 68% specific and 86% sensitive for RRT. CONCLUSIONS Creatine kinase is not a specific or early predictor of AKI in patients with rhabdomyolysis. Although a PEAK creatine kinase of at least 5000 Ul−1 has sensitivity acceptable for screening purposes, this is often a delayed finding. A McMahon score of at least 6 calculated on admission allows for a more sensitive, specific and timely identification of patients who may benefit from high-volume fluid resuscitation.
The accelerating role of abelson murine leukemia virus in murine plasmacytoma development: in vitro infection of spleen cells generates donor‐type tumors after transfer to pristane‐treated BALB/c mice

The role of Abelson murine leukemia virus (A‐MuLV) in the accelerated development of murine plasmacytomas (PCs) (Potter et al., 1973: Science, 132, 592‐594) was studied in a new experimental system. Spleen cells from pristane‐treated or untreated BALB/c mice carrying Robertsonian 6;I5 fusion chromosomes were infected in vitro with helper‐free A‐MuLV overnight and subsequently transplanted into the peritoneal cavity of pristane‐treated or untreated BALB/c mice. Donor‐derived PCs developed in 4 out of 76 pristane‐treated recipients [latent periods: 38‐82 (mean 51) days] that had received spleen cells from pristane‐treated donors, and also in 2 out of 41 pristane‐treated recipients that had received untreated donor‐derived spleen cells (latent periods: 65 and 120 days). Three of the PCs in the former and both PCs in the latter group were tested for integration and expression of the v‐abl gene, with positive results. This indicates that the spleen contains PC‐precursor cells that can be activated by A‐MuLV even before the impact of pristane. All 6 donor‐origin PCs carried a translocation involving chromosone 15, band D2/3. Four of these corresponded to a typical 12; 15 translocation, one was a variant 6; 15 translocation and the 6th may represent a previously unidentified translocation between chromosome 15 and the λ gene‐carrying chromosome 16. No PCs developed among 29 pristane‐untreated recipients that had received pristane‐treated donor‐derived spleen cells. In addition to PCs, monocytic tumors developed in 37 (26%) of all recipients. Their development was independent of pristane treatment of recipients but was particularly frequent in those who had received spleen cells from pristane‐treated donors.