Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic Relationships of Deep-sea Anglerfishes of the Suborder Ceratioidei (Teleostei: Lophiiformes) Based on Morphology

Abstract Phylogenetic relationships of the 11 families and 35 genera of deep-sea anglerfishes of the lophiiform suborder Ceratioidei, characterized most strikingly by an extreme sexual dimorphism that extends to all taxa, were analyzed on the basis of 71 morphological characters applicable to metamorphosed females. All characters were treated as unordered and unweighted, and were polarized by outgroup comparison with taxa of the lophiiform suborders Lophioidei, Antennarioidei, Chaunacoidei, and Ogcocephaloidei. The analysis produced five equally parsimonious trees, with a total length of 153, a consistency index of 0.5560, and a retention index of 0.7952. Lack of resolution was totally attributed to a single family, the relatively poorly understood Oneirodidae, containing 16 genera and 65 species, nearly 40% of all recognized ceratioids. Monophyly for the Ceratioidei was confirmed and all ceratioid genera were placed in currently recognized monophyletic families. Sister families Centrophrynidae and Ceratiidae were found to be basal in position relative to all other ceratioids. The Himantolophidae, Diceratiidae, and Melanocetidae diverge next in sequential step-wise fashion, the latter family forming the sister group of all remaining ceratioids. The integrity of the Thaumatichthyidae to include both Lasiognathus and Thaumatichthys was maintained, this family forming the sister group of the Oneirodidae. Contrary to its basal position in most all previously proposed hypotheses, the Caulophrynidae was found to be deeply embedded within the suborder, forming the sister group of a monophyletic assemblage containing the Gigantactinidae, Neoceratiidae, and Linophrynidae. Sister families Gigantactinidae and Neoceratiidae were found to form the sister group of the Linophrynidae. A second analysis, with characters of metamorphosed males and larvae added to the matrix, resulted in a collapse of several of the deeper nodes of the tree (because of incomplete sampling; males are unknown for eight of the 30 ceratioid genera available for analysis, and larvae are unknown for nine), producing 352 equally parsimonious trees with a total length of 202. Mapping modes of reproduction on the resulting trees reaffirmed the hypothesis that sexual parasitism has evolved independently more than once within the suborder and perhaps as many as seven times. Whether facultative parasitism and temporary attachment of males to females are precursors to obligate parasitism, or the former are more derived states of the latter, remains unknown.
Ultradian rhythmicity of ghrelin secretion in relation with GH, feeding behavior, and sleep-wake patterns in rats.

Ghrelin, an endogenous ligand for the GHS receptor, stimulates GH secretion and gastrointestinal motility and has orexigenic effects. In this study, the relationships between ghrelin, GH secretion, feeding behavior, and sleep-wake patterns were investigated in adult male rats. The half-life of exogenous ghrelin (10 microg i.v.) in plasma was about 30 min. Repeated administration of ghrelin at 3- to 4-h intervals (one during lights-on and two during lights-off periods) increased GH release and feeding activity, and decreased rapid eye movement sleep duration. Endogenous plasma ghrelin levels exhibited pulsatile variations that were smaller and less regular compared with those of GH. No significant correlation between GH and ghrelin circulating levels was found, although mean interpeak intervals and pulse frequencies were close for the two hormones. In contrast, ghrelin pulse variations were correlated with food intake episodes in the lights off period, and plasma ghrelin concentrations decreased by 26% in the 20 min following the end of the food intake periods. A positive correlation between ghrelin levels and active wake was found during the first 3 h of the dark period only. In conclusion, ghrelin, in addition to affecting GH secretion, gastrointestinal motility, and feeding activity, also modifies sleep-wake patterns. However, a direct action of ghrelin per se or the indirect effects of feeding (and all of its attendant metabolic sequelae) on sleep cannot be differentiated. Moreover, ghrelin secretion is pulsatile and directly related to feeding behavior only.
Feedback of Second-Year Medical Students on Existing Teaching Methodology in Pharmacology: A Questionnaire Based Study

Background: In order to successfully run a curriculum in a medical college, it is a mandatory to collect regular feedback from the students regarding teaching and learning methodologies. The primary objective of our study was to analyse the various teaching-learning aids and course content of pharmacology. The secondary objective was evaluation of pharmacology practical classes and their relevance in relation to the interests of students as well as clinical application. Methods: This is a cross sectional, open labelled questionnaire based study conducted among 100 2nd year MBBS students of a tertiary care teaching hospital. The questionnaire consisted of 10 questions with 4 response options each. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis and interpretation and the results were expressed as percentage frequency of responses. Results: It was revealed from our study that a majority of the students (45%) found microbiology undergraduate practical laboratory more interesting with pharmacology at 35%, which reflects that 65% students think that pharmacology laboratory exercises are boring and less useful. From among the pharmacology practical laboratories (clinical laboratory, experimental pharmacology and pharmacy), majority (47%) of the students opted for clinical prescription and problem based learning exercises as most beneficial. A whopping 55/100 students wanted introduction of clinical case studies as part of the regular practical teaching schedule while 30 students felt that doctor-patient role play should be included in teaching curriculum for better understanding of subject. Surprisingly, 42% of students find audio visual aids as most useful teaching methodologies while 33% students like bilateral (student- teacher) interactive classes. On the contrary, 72% of the students prefer studying pharmacology from combination of both lecture notes, textbooks and their self-prepared notes. 50/100 students wanted inclusion of more case studies and treatment protocols as a part of regular teaching protocol in pharmacology and 30 students wanted more group discussions to be included as a part of teaching curriculum in pharmacology. Conclusion: Pharmacology is a dynamic and continuously evolving branch of medicine. The results of our study are hoped to help in knowing students’ perspective regarding pharmacology teaching and modifying pharmacology teaching patterns for better outcomes.
Self-worth, perceived competence, and behaviour problems in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose. To examine the relevance of physical disabilities for self-worth and perceived competence in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to examine associations between behaviour problems and self-worth and perceived competence. Methods. The Harter scales for self-worth and perceived competence and a new scale for perceived motor competence were used in a sample of 80 children with CP. Their motor functioning was assessed with the Gross Motor Functioning Measure (GMFM) and behaviour problems with the Child Behaviour Check List administered to parents. Results. Self-worth and perceived competence for children with CP were comparable to the Dutch norm sample, except for perceived athletic competence. Within the CP sample, the GMFM showed a domain-specific effect on perceived motor competence. In the multivariate analysis, internalizing problems were associated negatively with all perceived competence scales and self-worth, whereas aggression was positively associated with perceived motor competence, physical appearance, and self-worth. Conclusions. Children with CP appear resilient against challenges posed to their self-worth caused by their disabilities. The relevance of the physical disability appears to be domain specific. For internalizing problems and aggression, different theoretical models are needed to account for their associations with self-worth and perceived competence.
The Risk Management Strategy of Applying Cloud Computing

It is inevitable that Cloud Computing will trigger off some loss exposures. Unfortunately, not much of scientific and objective researches had been focused on the identification and evaluation of loss exposures stemming from applications of Cloud Computing. In order to fill this research gap, this study attempts to identify and analyze loss exposures of Cloud Computing by scientific and objective methods which provide the necessary information to administrators in support of decisions of risk management. In conclusion, this study has identified "Social Engineering", "Cross-Cloud Compatibility" and "Mistakes are made by employees intentionally or accidentally" are high priority risks to be treated. The findings also revealed that people who work in the field of information or Cloud Computing are somehow ignorant of where the risks in Cloud Computing lie due to its novelty and complication.
Understanding the relationship between teacher and organizational intercultural competency in international schools: a mixed methods study

ii SIGNATURE PAGE . iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v LIST OF TABLES . xi LIST OF FIGURES . xi CHAPTER I: THE RESEARCH PROBLEM . 1 Statement of the Problem . 1 Background and Need for the Study . 2 Purpose of the Study . 4 Research Questions . 4 Theoretical Framework . 5 Hofsetde’s Cultural Dimensions . 5 Deardorff’s Process Model of Intercultural Competence . 7 Delimitations and Limitations of the Study . 10 Limitations . 10 Delimitations . 11 Significance of Study . 11 Definition of Terms . 13 Summary . 14 CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE . 16 Overview . 16 Cultural Dimensions . 17 Cultural Dimensions of Organizations . 18 Critiques of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions . 19 Conclusion . 20 Defining Intercultural Competency . 21 Use of Terms in Literature . 23 Models Depicting Intercultural Competency . 24 Conclusion . 25 Defining International Schools . 26 International Education and International Schools . 26 History . 27 Types of School . 28 Students in International Schools . 30 International Schools Today . 30
Heterotrophic bacterial production and extracellular enzymatic activity in sinking particulate matter in the western North Pacific Ocean

Heterotrophic activities on sinking particulate matter (SPM) play an important role in SPM fluxes in the ocean. To demonstrate regional differences in heterotrophic activities on SPM, we measured heterotrophic bacterial production (HBP) in seawater (HBPSW) and SPM (HBPSPM) as well as potential extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) in SPM on a transect along 155°E in the western North Pacific Ocean in the subarctic (44°N), the Kuroshio Extension area (35°N), and the subtropical gyre (20°N). Depth-integrated HBPSW from the surface to 500 m was comparable between the locations, whereas HBPSPM at 44°N was substantially lower than at the other sites. We found the highest particulate organic carbon (POC) export flux and export efficiency to bathypelagic depths, and the lowest water temperatures, at 44°N. We found significant correlations between leucine aminopeptidase (LAPase) activity, β-glucosidase (BGase) activity, POC flux and particulate organic nitrogen flux. LAPase activity was two orders of magnitude higher than BGase activity, with a BGase:LAPase activity ratio of 0.027. There were no significant correlations between HBP and EEA in SPM except for lipase, and lipase activity was significantly correlated with temperature. We propose that hydrographic conditions are an important factor controlling heterotrophic bacterial activity and export efficiency of organic carbon to the deep ocean, as are the sources and abundance of SPM produced in the euphotic zone via primary production.
From High School to the Future: A First Look at Chicago Public School Graduates' College Enrollment, College Preparation, and Graduation from Four-Year Colleges.

The Consortium on Chicago School Research aims to conduct research of high technical quality that can inform and assess policy and practice in the Chicago Public Schools. By broadly engaging local leadership in our work, and presenting our findings to diverse audiences, we seek to expand communication among researchers, policy makers, and practitioners. The Consortium encourages the use of research in policy action, but does not argue for particular policies or programs. Rather, we believe that good policy is most likely to result from a genuine competition of ideas informed by the best evidence that can be obtained.
Fronto-parietal connectivity changes following noxious stimulation during anesthesia

Abstract Rationale: The aim of our study was to assess the changes in the fronto-parietal connectivity estimated by the cross approximate entropy (XAppEn) during noxious stimulation while under chloral hydrate anaesthesia, in rats. Method: A group of 11 Wistar rats chronically implanted with Ni-Cr electrodes, which were placed on the dura mater of the right hemisphere (over the olfactory cortex, the frontal and the parietal lobes), were used in the present study. Noxious stimuli of a mechanical and thermal nature were applied on the left hindpaw during chloral hydrate anesthesia. The anesthetic depth was estimated through median frequency computation, which in that instance was of 2-3 Hz. Fronto-parietal functional cortical connectivity was assessed by using XAppEn. Results: After data processing and analysis we observed an increase of fronto-parietal functional connectivity during mechanical and thermal noxious stimulation. In addition, MEF increased both in frontal and parietal areas during the mechanical and thermal stimulation compared to baseline. Conclusion: Mechanical and thermal stimulation induces an increase in the fronto-parietal connectivity during chloral hydrate anesthesia in rats.
Multifaceted Perspectives on Water Risks and Policies: A Cultural Domains Approach in a Southwestern City

Considering an array of perspectives on human-ecological problems and possible solutions is essential for developing strategies that are socially accepted, culturally appropriate, and ultimately supported by residents, whose views and behaviors significantly affect environmental conditions. Following a tripartite model of affective, cognitive, and conative judgments, this paper examines: 1) local concerns about municipal water consumption, 2) the perceived role residents’ landscaping choices play in contributing to resource scarcity, and 3) attitudes about regulatory policies aimed at conservation. The analysis assesses how people’s multifaceted perspectives are influenced by various cultural domains — specifically, ecological worldviews, political orientations, and ethnicity, which were more significant than social attributes controlled for in regression models. Advancing a robust conceptual approach to understanding the sociocultural basis of environmental judgments, we found a dominant influence for ecological worldviews across perspectives, with otherwise complex relationships between people’s views and distinctive spheres of culture.
On the influence of ram-pressure stripping on interacting galaxies in clusters

We investigate the influence of ram pressure on the star-formation rate and the distribution of gas and stellar matter in interacting model galaxies in clusters. To simulate the baryonic and non-baryonic components of interacting disc galaxies moving through a hot, thin medium, we use a combined N-body/hydrodynamic code GADGET2 with a description for star formation based on density thresholds. Two identical model spiral galaxies on a collision trajectory with three different configurations were investigated in detail. In the first configuration, the galaxies collide without the presence of an ambient medium. In the second configurations, the ram pressure acts face-on on the interacting galaxies and in the third configuration the ram pressure acts edge-on. The ambient medium is thin (10 −28 gc m −3 ), hot (3 keV ≈ 3.6 × 10 7 K) and has a relative velocity of 1000 km s −1 , to mimic an average low ram pressure in the outskirts of galaxy clusters. The interaction velocities are comparable to galaxy interactions in groups, falling along filaments into galaxy clusters. The global star-formation rate of the interacting system is enhanced in the presence of ram pressure by a factor of 3 in comparison to the same interaction without the presence of an ambient medium. The tidal tails and the gaseous bridge of the interacting system are almost completely destroyed by the ram pressure. The amount of gas in the wake of the interacting system is ∼50 per cent of the total gas of the colliding galaxies after 500 Myr the galaxies start to feel the ram pressure. Nearly ∼10– 15 per cent in mass of all newly formed stars are formed in the wake of the interacting system at distances larger than 20 kpc behind the stellar discs. As the tidal tails and the gaseous bridge between the interacting systems feel the ram pressure, knots of cold gas (T < 1 × 10 5 K) start
Real-Time Stereo by using Dynamic Programming

A Dynamic Programming (DP) based algorithm that achieves real-time, high quality stereo-matching is presented. A special coarse to fine approach as well as the MMX based assembler implementation mainly contribute to the reached computation speed. A novel vertical smoothing approach by re-integrating paths inside the DP matching allows the avoidance of noisy horizontal strokes, so that high quality stereo-matching is achieved. The current implementation capable of running at about 30 FPS on an 2.2GHz PC, which is sufficient for the utilization in real-time applications.
Associations between Cyberbullying and School Bullying Victimization and Suicidal Ideation, Plans and Attempts among Canadian Schoolchildren

Purpose The negative effects of peer aggression on mental health are key issues for public health. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between cyberbullying and school bullying victimization with suicidal ideation, plans and attempts among middle and high school students, and to test whether these relationships were mediated by reports of depression. Methods Data for this study are from the 2011 Eastern Ontario Youth Risk Behaviour Survey, which is a cross-sectional regional school-based survey that was conducted among students in selected Grade 7 to 12 classes (1658 girls, 1341 boys; mean±SD age: 14.3±1.8 years). Results Victims of cyberbullying and school bullying incurred a significantly higher risk of suicidal ideation (cyberbullying: crude odds ratio, 95% confidence interval = 3.31, 2.16–5.07; school bullying: 3.48, 2.48–4.89), plans (cyberbullying: 2.79, 1.63–4.77; school bullying: 2.76, 2.20–3.45) and attempts (cyberbullying: 1.73, 1.26–2.38; school bullying: 1.64, 1.18–2.27) compared to those who had not encountered such threats. Results were similar when adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, and sedentary activities. Mediation analyses indicated that depression fully mediated the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and each of the outcomes of suicidal ideation, plans and attempts. Depression also fully mediated the relationship between school bullying victimization and suicide attempts, but partially mediated the relationship between school bullying victimization and both suicidal ideation and plans. Conclusion These findings support an association between both cyberbullying and school bullying victimization and risk of suicidal ideation, plans and attempts. The mediating role of depression on these links justifies the need for addressing depression among victims of both forms of bullying to prevent the risk of subsequent suicidal behaviours.
Risk-adjusted performance forecasting of future key technology

A new way of identifying future key technologies based on a risk-adjusted technology performance measure is suggested for policymakers. Current key technologies are identified by patent citation network analysis. Employing growth curve fitting, we forecast the future growth path of these technologies, and evaluate their risk-adjusted future performance. Overcoming the weaknesses of return-only and current-focused key technology identification, our method can better inform policymakers and experts about both the return and risk of future key technologies, helping them to make better decisions.
Core Principles of Bacterial Autoinducer Systems

SUMMARY Autoinduction (AI), the response to self-produced chemical signals, is widespread in the bacterial world. This process controls vastly different target functions, such as luminescence, nutrient acquisition, and biofilm formation, in different ways and integrates additional environmental and physiological cues. This diversity raises questions about unifying principles that underlie all AI systems. Here, we suggest that such core principles exist. We argue that the general purpose of AI systems is the homeostatic control of costly cooperative behaviors, including, but not limited to, secreted public goods. First, costly behaviors require preassessment of their efficiency by cheaper AI signals, which we encapsulate in a hybrid “push-pull” model. The “push” factors cell density, diffusion, and spatial clustering determine when a behavior becomes effective. The relative importance of each factor depends on each species' individual ecological context and life history. In turn, “pull” factors, often stress cues that reduce the activation threshold, determine the cellular demand for the target behavior. Second, control is homeostatic because AI systems, either themselves or through accessory mechanisms, not only initiate but also maintain the efficiency of target behaviors. Third, AI-controlled behaviors, even seemingly noncooperative ones, are generally cooperative in nature, when interpreted in the appropriate ecological context. The escape of individual cells from biofilms, for example, may be viewed as an altruistic behavior that increases the fitness of the resident population by reducing starvation stress. The framework proposed here helps appropriately categorize AI-controlled behaviors and allows for a deeper understanding of their ecological and evolutionary functions.
Monte Carlo Structured SVI for Non-Conjugate Models

The stochastic variational inference (SVI) paradigm, which combines variational inference, natural gradients, and stochastic updates, was recently proposed for large-scale data analysis in conjugate Bayesian models and demonstrated to be effective in several problems. This paper studies a family of Bayesian latent variable models with two levels of hidden variables but without any conjugacy requirements, making several contributions in this context. The first is observing that SVI, with an improved structured variational approximation, is applicable under more general conditions than previously thought with the only requirement being that the approximating variational distribution be in the same family as the prior. The resulting approach, Monte Carlo Structured SVI (MC-SSVI), significantly extends the scope of SVI, enabling large-scale learning in non-conjugate models. The second contribution is developing the algorithmic details of MC-SSVI for two challenging models. The application of MC-SSVI to probabilistic matrix factorization (PMF) yields an algorithm which is efficient and generic in that it is applicable to any type of observation likelihood, with improvements in convergence speed and in general applicability over previous work. The application of MC-SSVI to the correlated topic model (CTM) improves over previous work which used the much stronger mean field variational approximation. An experimental evaluation demonstrates the advantages of MC-SSVI.