Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
No evidence for size-assortative mating in the wild despite mutual mate choice in sex-role-reversed pipefishes

Size-assortative mating is a nonrandom association of body size between members of mating pairs and is expected to be common in species with mutual preferences for body size. In this study, we investigated whether there is direct evidence for size-assortative mating in two species of pipefishes, Syngnathus floridae and S. typhle, that share the characteristics of male pregnancy, sex-role reversal, and a polygynandrous mating system. We take advantage of microsatellite-based “genetic-capture” techniques to match wild-caught females with female genotypes reconstructed from broods of pregnant males and use these data to explore patterns of size-assortative mating in these species. We also develop a simulation model to explore how positive, negative, and antagonistic preferences of each sex for body size affect size-assortative mating. Contrary to expectations, we were unable to find any evidence of size-assortative mating in either species at different geographic locations or at different sampling times. Furthermore, two traits that potentially confer a fitness advantage in terms of reproductive success, female mating order and number of eggs transferred per female, do not affect pairing patterns in the wild. Results from model simulations demonstrate that strong mating preferences are unlikely to explain the observed patterns of mating in the studied populations. Our study shows that individual mating preferences, as ascertained by laboratory-based mating trials, can be decoupled from realized patterns of mating in the wild, and therefore, field studies are also necessary to determine actual patterns of mate choice in nature. We conclude that this disconnect between preferences and assortative mating is likely due to ecological constraints and multiple mating that may limit mate choice in natural populations.
Tax software acceptance: how do professional users differ from novices?

This paper explores how performance expectations, anticipated learning curve, social influences, privacy concerns, and risk perceptions affect taxpayers' intention to use tax preparation software. We contribute to the extensive technology acceptance literature in three ways. First, we investigate whether perception and acceptance of tax software is different for professional accountants ('experts') compared to the general public ('novices'). Second, we assess the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model in the novel context of individual tax preparation and confirm the theory's ability to explain technology use outside the 'traditional' environment of business organisations. Third, we include constructs related to privacy and risk and test this extension of the technology acceptance model. Results indicate dissimilarities between the two subject groups and suggest the technology acceptance model may not be equally applicable to experts and novices.
Endotoxin Disrupts Circadian Rhythms in Macrophages via Reactive Oxygen Species

The circadian clock is a transcriptional network that functions to regulate the expression of genes important in the anticipation of changes in cellular and organ function. Recent studies have revealed that the recognition of pathogens and subsequent initiation of inflammatory responses are strongly regulated by a macrophage-intrinsic circadian clock. We hypothesized that the circadian pattern of gene expression might be influenced by inflammatory stimuli and that loss of circadian function in immune cells can promote pro-inflammatory behavior. To investigate circadian rhythms in inflammatory cells, peritoneal macrophages were isolated from mPer2luciferase transgenic mice and circadian oscillations were studied in response to stimuli. Using Cosinor analysis, we found that LPS significantly altered the circadian period in peritoneal macrophages from mPer2luciferase mice while qPCR data suggested that the pattern of expression of the core circadian gene (Bmal1) was disrupted. Inhibition of TLR4 offered protection from the LPS-induced impairment in rhythm, suggesting a role for toll-like receptor signaling. To explore the mechanisms involved, we inhibited LPS-stimulated NO and superoxide. Inhibition of NO synthesis with L-NAME had no effect on circadian rhythms. In contrast, inhibition of superoxide with Tempol or PEG-SOD ameliorated the LPS-induced changes in circadian periodicity. In gain of function experiments, we found that overexpression of NOX5, a source of ROS, could significantly disrupt circadian function in a circadian reporter cell line (U2OS) whereas iNOS overexpression, a source of NO, was ineffective. To assess whether alteration of circadian rhythms influences macrophage function, peritoneal macrophages were isolated from Bmal1-KO and Per-TKO mice. Compared to WT macrophages, macrophages from circadian knockout mice exhibited altered balance between NO and ROS release, increased uptake of oxLDL and increased adhesion and migration. These results suggest that pro-inflammatory stimuli can disrupt circadian rhythms in macrophages and that impaired circadian rhythms may contribute to cardiovascular diseases by altering macrophage behavior.
Designing for Interaction with Mobile Stereoscopic

This thesis focuses on the design of stereoscopic 3D user interfaces (UIs) for mobile devices. 3D output is no longer limited to large screens in cinemas or living rooms. Nowadays more and more mobile devices are equipped with autostereoscopic 3D (S3D) touchscreens, which do not require the use of special eyewear to perceive the depth effect. As a consequence, interaction with 3D content now also happens whilst users are on the move. This thesis presents an empirical study that was carried out to assess how users interact with mobile S3D devices, both whilst static and when walking. Following this, the design and implementation of a prototype S3D application for indoor navigation is presented. A user study (n=27) that investigated differences in touch accuracy between 2D touchscreens and mobile S3D touchscreens was carried out. The touch target sizes and aspect ratios required for reliable user interaction in each case were calculated, for example concluding that the increase in minimum touch target size caused by walking is larger for a S3D UI than for a 2D UI. This thesis also identifies differences in the angle at which users held the S3D device vs. the 2D device, and reports on depth perception, both in static and mobile contexts. Following on from the empirical study, a prototype S3D indoor navigation application was designed and implemented. Several findings related to visualisation issues in such interfaces are described, e.g. the correct way to use drop shadows as visual cues. This thesis provides valuable information to developers of the next generation of UIs and applications for mobile S3D displays and devices.
The Role of the Bias in Crafting Consensus: FOMC Decision Making in the Greenspan Era

We examine the role of the "bias" associated with a monetary policy directive - wording in the directive that concerns possible policy shifts in the period between one FOMC meeting and the next - in FOMC decision making in the Greenspan years. Previous studies have suggested that the bias provided the Chairman a tool for orchestrating Committee consensus. Our evidence shows that when the bias had meaningful implications for intermeeting funds rate changes (1987-92), it influenced voting by FOMC members. Biases both provoked and discouraged dissents, depending on the direction of the bias and the preferences of individual Committee members. When the bias did not have meaningful implications for intermeeting policy adjustments (1993-99), we find no evidence that it affected members' voting choices. Overall, our results are consistent with the view that FOMC members voted on the basis of a rational assessment of the policy content of proposed directives.
Keratan Sulfate Restricts Neural Plasticity after Spinal Cord Injury

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycans are strong inhibitors of structural rearrangement after injuries of the adult CNS. In addition to CS chains, keratan sulfate (KS) chains are also covalently attached to some proteoglycans. CS and KS sometimes share the same core protein, but exist as independent sugar chains. However, the biological significance of KS remains elusive. Here, we addressed the question of whether KS is involved in plasticity after spinal cord injury. Keratanase II (K-II) specifically degraded KS, i.e., not CS, in vivo. This enzyme digestion promoted the recovery of motor and sensory function after spinal cord injury in rats. Consistent with this, axonal regeneration/sprouting was enhanced in K-II-treated rats. K-II and the CS-degrading enzyme chondroitinase ABC exerted comparable effects in vivo and in vitro. However, these two enzymes worked neither additively nor synergistically. These data and further in vitro studies involving artificial proteoglycans (KS/CS-albumin) and heat-denatured or reduced/alkylated proteoglycans suggested that all three components of the proteoglycan moiety, i.e., the core protein, CS chains, and KS chains, were required for the inhibitory activity of proteoglycans. We conclude that KS is essential for, and has an impact comparable to that of CS on, postinjury plasticity. Our study also established that KS and CS are independent requirements for the proteoglycan-mediated inhibition of axonal regeneration/sprouting.
The rs11515 Polymorphism Is More Frequent and Associated With Aggressive Breast Tumors with Increased ANRIL and Decreased p16INK4a Expression

Chromosome position 9p21 encodes three-tumor suppressors p16INK4a, p14ARF, and p15INK4b and the long non-coding RNA ANRIL (antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus). The rs11515 single-nucleotide polymorphism in the p16INK4a/p14ARF 3′-untranslated region is associated with glioblastoma, melanoma, and other cancers. This study investigated the frequency and effect of rs11515 genotypes in breast cancer. Genomic DNA samples from 400 women (200 with and 200 without a diagnosis of breast cancer) were genotyped for the rs11515 major (C) and minor (G) alleles. The rs11515 polymorphism was also investigated in 108 heart tissues to test for tissue-specific effects. Four 9p21 transcripts, p16INK4a, p14ARF, p15INK4b, and ANRIL were measured in breast tumors and myocardium using quantitative PCR. Heterozygotes (CG genotype) were more frequent in women with breast cancer compared to the control population (P = 0.0039). In those with breast cancer, the CG genotype was associated with an older age (P = 0.016) and increased lymph node involvement (P = 0.007) compared to homozygotes for the major allele (CC genotype). In breast tumors, the CG genotype had higher ANRIL (P = 0.031) and lower p16INK4a (P = 0.006) expression compared to the CC genotype. The CG genotype was not associated with altered 9p21 transcripts in heart tissue. In breast cancer, the rs11515 CG genotype is more frequent and associated with a more aggressive tumor that could be due to increased ANRIL and reduced p16INK4a expression. The absence of association between rs11515 genotypes and 9p21 transcripts in heart tissue suggests this polymorphism has tissue- or disease-specific functions.
Gamification on Steppy application in the development of the electronic health record as health service users of SHESOP

Healthy is an important factor in human life, so the importance of health aspects that value exceeds the wealth itself, one of the indicators of happiness is also seen on the health of the person. However, the high density of the bustle and activity of the average person these days, causing health to be neglected factors, many people are spending money that does little to maintain their health, such as conducting a routine medical checkup to the hospital. Therefore, most people require applications and tools that can monitor health conditions in real time. Smart Health System as an Open Platform (SHESOP) is a health care system that is focused on monitoring the health of the user in everyday life using Steppy mobile apps and smart chair. Steppy mobile apps SHESOP user to record the number of steps and there is gamification in it as motivation for users to be more concerned about health, smart chair while recording the number of heartbeats and body weight SHESOP service users. Results of the data analysis steps per day and the completion of the mission of gamification is constructed can be used to provide suggestions to a user and the motivation to do physical activity, such as walking with a number of measures that have been recommended appropriate studies were performed.
Development and Validation of a Prognostic Score to Predict Survival in Adult Patients With Solid Tumors and Bone Marrow Metastases

Abstract Bone marrow metastasis (BMM) in patients with solid cancers is indicative of advanced-stage disease with a poor prognosis. The clinical features and outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to develop a scoring system to predict survival in these patients to help with clinical decision making. A total of 165 adult patients diagnosed with solid cancers and BMM between 2000 and 2014 were selected as the derivation cohort. A risk model was developed using multivariate logistic regression from the derivation cohort and a marrow metastases prognostic score (MMPS) was generated. An independent cohort of 156 patients from 3 other hospitals was selected using the same recruiting criteria to validate the MMPS as a predictor of survival. The MMPS was calculated based on 4 independent prognostic variables: the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance scale, site of cancer, platelet count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Patients in both the derivation and validation cohorts were stratified into good, intermediate, and poor prognostic groups based on their MMPS. The median survival in each risk group of the derivation cohort was 241, 58, and 11 days for the good, intermediate, and poor prognostic groups, respectively, and 305, 65, and 9 days, respectively, in the validation cohort. The c-statistic values for prediction of mortality at 3, 6, and 12 months were significantly higher for the MMPS than for the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance scale in both cohorts. We developed a risk model that accurately predicted survival in adult patients with solid cancers and BMM. This scoring system may help patients and clinicians with treatment decisions.
Efficiency, Team building, and Spillover in a Public-goods Game

The notions of one’s social identity, group membership, and homophily have recentlybecome topics for economic theory and experiments. Yet, since people are members of manygroups (e.g., race, gender, handedness) what determines which identity or identities are the mostsalient in different environments? Further, how do these factors trade off against one’s financialinterest? We conduct public-goods experiments in which we permit endogenous group-formationand vary whether there is a team-building exercise and whether some people receive anendowment twice as much as others receive. We do see evidence that team identity affectsendogenous networks when there is only one endowment type; however, when both identities arepresent, high-endowment participants are strongly attracted to linking up with each other. Oneinteresting result is that the team-building exercise greatly increases the level of contributionwithout respect to whether one is linked to people from one’s team-building exercise.Apparently the positive feeling engendered by the group exercise spills over to participants whowere in another team; however, this is not the case when one group has been in a 4-person teamand the other four participants have not.
THE PROBABILISTIC STABILITY FOR A FUNCTIONAL NONLINEAR EQUATION IN A SINGLE VARIABLE

We use the fixed point method to prove the probabilistic Hyers-Ulam and generalized Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability for the nonlinear equation f(x )= Φ(x, f(η(x))) where the un- known is a mapping f from a nonempty set S to a probabilistic metric space (X,F,TM) and Φ : S ×X → X, η : S → X are two given functions.
High estimated glomerular filtration rate is associated with coronary artery calcification in middle-aged Korean men without chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND High estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as well as low eGFR is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Vascular calcification is a suggested link between low eGFR and worse cardiovascular outcome. However, the association between high eGFR and vascular calcification is not known. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between high eGFR and coronary artery calcification (CAC). METHODS This cross-sectional study analyzed middle-aged Korean men in whom coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) and eGFR were measured as part of a health examination program in Korea. Participants with underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer were excluded. CAC was defined as a CACS >100. RESULTS Among 6986 subjects [age 48.1 (46.5-50.5) years], 321 (4.6%) participants had CAC. The percentages of participants with CAC were 5.7, 3.8, 4.9 and 6.6 in groups with eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m(2)) of 60 ∼ 74, 75 ∼ 89, 90 ∼ 104 and 105 ∼ max, respectively. According to multivariate analysis, the odds ratio for CAC in the group with eGFR of 105 ∼ max compared with the group with eGFR of 75 ∼ 89 was 2.52 (1.67-3.79, P < 0.001) after adjustment for age, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, systolic blood pressure, glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, hsCRP, calcium, phosphorus, current smoking, alcohol intake and vigorous exercise frequency. CONCLUSIONS High eGFR is associated with CAC in middle-aged Korean men without CKD. Further studies are needed to verify a causal relationship and clarify the role of high eGFR in the development of CVD.
Does the Tunisian Stock Market Overreact

Research in experimental financial markets suggests that most people tend to overreact to unexpected, striking, and more recent news, and underreact to ordinary or non desirable new events. Many researchers document, as a result that, if one of these behavioral designs exist, then stock prices will follow a mean-reversion phenomenon due to investor's overreaction, and a momentum behavior due to investor's underreaction. This study investigates if such behavior affects stock prices on the Tunisian Stock Market. In other words, we tend to discover the eventual existence of return mean-reversion and/or momentum behavior on the Tunisian Stock Market over the period between January 1997 and December 2005. For this purpose, we have applied a contrarian strategy, which consists of buying the previous (12, 18, 24 and 36 months) loser portfolio and selling the past winner portfolio. Our results point out that, over periods of 18, 24 and 36 months, stock returns exhibit statistically significant mean-reversion phenomenon, while, over 12 months periods, stock returns present significant momentum behavior. This means that stock prices are predictable on the basis of their historical recordings without using any accounting data, in contrast to the weak-form efficient market hypothesis.
PSEUDO‐R2 MEASURES FOR SOME COMMON LIMITED DEPENDENT VARIABLE MODELS

A large number of different Pseudo-R2 measures for some common limited dependent variable models are surveyed. Measures include those based solely on the maximized likelihoods with and without the restriction that slope coefficients are zero, those which require further calculations based on parameter estimates of the coefficients and variances and those that are based solely on whether the qualitative predictions of the model are correct or not. The theme of the survey is that while there is no obvious criterion for choosing which Pseudo-R2 to use, if the estimation is in the context of an underlying latent dependent variable model, a case can be made for basing the choice on the strength of the numerical relationship to the OLS-R2 in the latent dependent variable. As such an OLS-R2 can be known in a Monte Carlo simulation, we summarize Monte Carlo results for some important latent dependent variable models (binary probit, ordinal probit and Tobit) and find that a Pseudo-R2 measure due to McKelvey and Zavoina scores consistently well under our criterion. We also very briefly discuss Pseudo-R2 measures for count data, for duration models and for prediction-realization tables.
Software Reuse Metrics: Measuring Component Independence and its applicability in Software Reuse

Summary In this paper we have enumerated the various metrics of software to evaluate the reusability of the modules. We now introduce a new metric for evaluating the independence of a software component which will in turn accesses the degree of reusability of that component. The more independent the component is the more it is reusable.
Reader-Friendliness and Feedback: German-L1 Scholars' Perceptions of Writing for Publication in English

Failure to publish articles in the dominant Anglophone scientific journals has implications for multilingual scholars’ future careers and for the global dissemination of scientific knowledge. Despite the importance of this topic, there have been few studies of the perceptions of multilingual scholars engaged in this process. In an effort to close this gap, an online questionnaire was emailed to 153 German-L1 scholars at the ETH Zurich, Switzerland. The 46 respondents ranked 'writing reader-friendly texts' as their number one problem in writing scientific publications in English, followed by 'using correct grammar'. Reader-friendliness was defined by the majority of the respondents as 'writing in a clear and simple style'. The questionnaire also revealed some interesting differences between the views of novice and more experienced scholars regarding the role of different sources of feedback in helping them overcome these problems. The results from the questionnaire will be explored in more detail in follow-up interviews.