Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcal complement evasion by various convertase-blocking molecules

To combat the human immune response, bacteria should be able to divert the effectiveness of the complement system. We identify four potent complement inhibitors in Staphylococcus aureus that are part of a new immune evasion cluster. Two are homologues of the C3 convertase modulator staphylococcal complement inhibitor (SCIN) and function in a similar way as SCIN. Extracellular fibrinogen-binding protein (Efb) and its homologue extracellular complement-binding protein (Ecb) are identified as potent complement evasion molecules, and their inhibitory mechanism was pinpointed to blocking C3b-containing convertases: the alternative pathway C3 convertase C3bBb and the C5 convertases C4b2aC3b and C3b2Bb. The potency of Efb and Ecb to block C5 convertase activity was demonstrated by their ability to block C5a generation and C5a-mediated neutrophil activation in vitro. Further, Ecb blocks C5a-dependent neutrophil recruitment into the peritoneal cavity in a mouse model of immune complex peritonitis. The strong antiinflammatory properties of these novel S. aureus–derived convertase inhibitors make these compounds interesting drug candidates for complement-mediated diseases.
The Effectiveness of a Cognitive Skills Training Program for Adult Offenders

This article provides an evaluation of the effectiveness of the “CoVa” cognitive skills training program. A quasi-experimental design was used to compare the known reoffending behavior of 2,229 CoVa participants with that of two control groups of offenders: (1) one formed using the inclusion criteria of the program, and (2) one formed using propensity score matching (PSM). Outcome measures included the prevalence, frequency, and impact of new, adjudicated crimes, with the impact defined as the combined severity of the offenses. Results indicated that the participants in the CoVa group were reconvicted less frequently than those in Control Group 1. Moreover, the impact of their recidivism was lower than the impact of those of Control Group 2. However, the effect sizes were very small, and no significant differences were found regarding reconviction prevalence. Explanations for the absence of (large) effects are discussed.
Tidal asymmetry in the Dutch Wadden Sea

The study concerns the propagation of the tidal wave in the Dutch Wadden Sea and in particular the tidal asymmetry and the influence of human-and natural interferences. A theoretical relationship of Dronkers (1998), which reflects the morphological equilibrium is checked on stability. The study has been carried out at WL | Delft Hydraulics and was funded by the Delft Cluster Project Coasts 03.01. 03. I would like to thank my supervisors, prof. dr. Technology) for sharing their knowledge and support during this study. Furthermore, I am very greatful for the opportunity WL | Delft Hydraulics has offered me to complete my study at their institute and I would like to thank my temporary colleagues and fellow graduate students at WL | Delft Hydraulics for showing their interest and making my stay a very pleasant one. Finally, I would like to thank my family, girl friend Xandra and friends for their support during the years I spent in Delft. Summary Tidal inlets and their associated basins are a common feature of lowland coasts all around the world. These tidal systems play a crucial role in the natural sediment management of the coastal zone and thus influence the long-term coastal evolution. From a morphological point of view, tidal basins form highly dynamical systems in which the sediment transport is in a continuous interaction with the tidal motion. The present study considers the propagation of the tidal wave in the Dutch Wadden Sea and in particular the tidal asymmetry. The study contains a theoretical part focused on describing and modelling short tidal basins relative to the length of the tidal wave, followed by an application to the Amelander Zeegat and the Eijerlandse Gat of the Dutch Wadden Sea. Origin of tidal asymmetry are the non-linear interactions of tidal components. The non-linear interactions of tidal components and basin geometry generate overtides, which are important for residual sediment transport. Distinction can be made between asymmetry of the vertical tide (water levels) – and horizontal tide (flow velocities). The nature of the asymmetry refers to the characteristic situation of the tidal motion defined as flood dominance or ebb dominance. If the residual sediment transport is in the flood direction, it will be called flood-dominant and vice versa. The relative phase difference 2ϕ M2-ϕ M4 expresses the nature of the asymmetry of the vertical tide. The maximum flood-and ebb velocities and the durations of slack water define the …
An Empirical Analysis of the Dynamic Relationship between Investment Grade Bonds and Credit Default Swaps

This paper analyses the behaviour of credit default swaps (CDS) for a sample of firms and finds support for the theoretical equivalence of CDS prices and credit spreads. When this is violated, the CDS price can be viewed as an upper bound on the price of credit risk, while the spread provides a lower bound. The paper shows that the CDS market is the main forum for credit risk price discovery and that CDS prices are better integrated with firm-specific variables in the short run. Both markets equally reflect these factors in the long run, and this is primarily brought about by bond market adjustment
Validity of Four Commercial Bioelectrical Impedance Scales in Measuring Body Fat among Chinese Children and Adolescents

The aim of the study is to examine the validity in predicting body fat percentage (%BF) of different bioelectrical impedance (BIA) devices among Chinese children and adolescents. A total of 255 Chinese children and adolescents aged 9–19 years old participated in the study. %BF was assessed by BIA scales, namely, Biodynamics-310 (Model A), Tanita TBF-543 (Model B), Tanita BC-545 (Model C), and InBody 520 (Model D). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used as the criterion measurement. Lin's concordance correlation coefficients of estimated %BF between Model A, Model B, Model C, and DXA showed poor agreements for both genders. Moderate agreements for %BF were found between DXA and Model D measurements. In boys, differences in %BF were found between DXA and Model B and Model C. No significant %BF differences were found between Model A, Model D, and DXA. However, the two BIA analyzers showed a significant positive correlation between the bias and average %BF between BIA and DXA. In girls, differences in %BF were observed between Model B, Model C, Model D, and DXA. Model A and DXA showed no significant differences of %BF; however, the bias and the average %BF between the BIA and DXA had a significant positive correlation. Using embedded equations in BIA devices should be validated in assessing the %BF of Chinese children and adolescents.
Capital Income Taxes with Heterogeneous Discount Rates

With heterogeneity in both skills and discount factors, the Atkinson-Stiglitz theorem that savings should not be taxed does not hold. We consider a model with heterogeneity of preferences at each earnings level. With some assumptions on the equilibrium, a small savings tax on high earners and a small savings subsidy on low earners both increase welfare, regardless of the correlation between ability and discount factor. Key is that types who value future consumption less are more tempted to switch to a lower paid job. Extending Saez (2002), a uniform savings tax increases welfare if the correlation of skill with discount factor is su¢ ciently high. Some optimal tax results and empirical evidence to support the assumptions are presented.
Same-Sex and Mixed-Sex Couples in the Netherlands: The Association Between Life Satisfaction and Relationship Dynamics

Using a national sample of Dutch (N = 5,854) individuals in same-sex and mixed-sex relationships we explored the associations between relationship dynamics, both positive (partner support) and negative (conflict), and life satisfaction. We found that individuals in same-sex relationships reported lower life satisfaction compared with their peers in mixed-sex relationships but there were no differences in the amount of partner support or level of relationship conflict. Across all couples, greater partner support and lower relationship conflict was associated with greater individual life satisfaction. Interestingly, for individuals in mixed-sex relationships, low level of conflict was associated with greater life satisfaction, whereas the association was not as pronounced for individuals in same-sex relationships. In sum, the impact of some relationship factors (such as conflict) on individual life satisfaction may vary in different ways across couple type.
Exploring Modality Compatibility in the Response-Effect Compatibility Paradigm

According to ideomotor theory, action planning is based on anticipatory perceptual representations of action-effects. This aspect of action control has been investigated in studies using the response-effect compatibility (REC) paradigm, in which responses have been shown to be facilitated if ensuing perceptual effects share codes with the response based on dimensional overlap (i.e., REC). Additionally, according to the notion of ideomotor compatibility, certain response-effect (R-E) mappings will be stronger than others because some response features resemble the anticipated sensory response effects more strongly than others (e.g., since vocal responses usually produce auditory effects, an auditory stimulus should be anticipated in a stronger manner following vocal responses rather than following manual responses). Yet, systematic research on this matter is lacking. In the present study, two REC experiments aimed to explore the influence of R-E modality mappings. In Experiment 1, vocal number word responses produced visual effects on the screen (digits vs. number words; i.e., visual-symbolic vs. visual-verbal effect codes). The REC effect was only marginally larger for visual-verbal than for visual-symbolic effects. Using verbal effect codes in Experiment 2, we found that the REC effect was larger with auditory-verbal R-E mapping than with visual-verbal R-E mapping. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis of a role of R-E modality mappings in REC effects, suggesting both further evidence for ideomotor accounts as well as code-specific and modality-specific contributions to effect anticipation.
Prejudices and elderly patients’ personality – the problem of quality of care and quality of life in geriatric medicine

Background The article discusses the position of elderly patients in the context of medical intervention. The phenomenon of a “greying” population has changed the attitude towards the elderly but common observations prove that the quality of geriatric care is still unsatisfactory. This is a comparative study of personality among people at different ages, designed to improve specialists’ understanding of ageing. The results are discussed in relation to the elderly patient-centered paradigm to counterbalance ageist practices. Material/Methods This study involved 164 persons in early and late adulthood. Among the old, there were the young old (ages 65–74) and the older old (ages 75+). All participants were asked to fill-out the NEO-FFI [11]. Results The results demonstrate age-related differences in personality. In late adulthood, in comparison to early adulthood, there is decreased openness to new experiences. Two traits – agreeableness and conscientiousness – increase significantly. Age did not differentiate significantly the level of neuroticism or extraversion. The results of cluster analyses show differences in taxonomies of personality traits at different periods of life. Conclusions The results challenge the stereotypes that present older people as neurotic and aggressive. Age did not significantly influence the level of neuroticism or extraversion. In general, the obtained results prove that the ageist assumption that geriatric patients are troublesome is false. This article builds support for effective change in geriatric professional practices and improvement in elderly patients’ quality of life.
Improving a Credit Scoring Model by Incorporating Bank Statement Derived Features

In this paper, we investigate the extent to which features derived from bank statements provided by loan applicants, and which are not declared on an application form, can enhance a credit scoring model for a New Zealand lending company. Exploring the potential of such information to improve credit scoring models in this manner has not been studied previously. We construct a baseline model based solely on the existing scoring features obtained from the loan application form, and a second baseline model based solely on the new bank statement-derived features. A combined feature model is then created by augmenting the application form features with the new bank statement derived features. Our experimental results using ROC analysis show that a combined feature model performs better than both of the two baseline models, and show that a number of the bank statement-derived features have value in improving the credit scoring model. The target data set used for modelling was highly imbalanced, and Naive Bayes was found to be the best performing model, and outperformed a number of other classifiers commonly used in credit scoring, suggesting its potential for future use on highly imbalanced data sets.
Persistently stalled replication forks inhibit nucleotide excision repair in trans by sequestering Replication protein A

Rev3, the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase ζ, is essential for translesion synthesis of cytotoxic DNA photolesions, whereas the Rev1 protein plays a noncatalytic role in translesion synthesis. Here, we reveal that mammalian Rev3−/− and Rev1−/− cell lines additionally display a nucleotide excision repair (NER) defect, specifically during S phase. This defect is correlated with the normal recruitment but protracted persistence at DNA damage sites of factors involved in an early stage of NER, while repair synthesis is affected. Remarkably, the NER defect becomes apparent only at 2 h post-irradiation indicating that Rev3 affects repair synthesis only indirectly, rather than performing an enzymatic role in NER. We provide evidence that the NER defect is caused by scarceness of Replication protein A (Rpa) available to NER, resulting from its sequestration at stalled replication forks. Also the induction of replicative stress using hydroxyurea precludes the accumulation of Rpa at photolesion sites, both in Rev3−/− and in wild-type cells. These data support a model in which the limited Rpa pool coordinates replicative stress and NER, resulting in increased cytotoxicity of ultraviolet light when replicative stress exceeds a threshold.
Grounding Lexical Meaning in Core Cognition

Author’s note: This document is a slightly updated and reformatted extract from a grant proposal to the ONR. As a proposal, it aims describe useful directions while reviewing existing and pilot work; it has no pretensions to being a systematic, rigorous, or entirely coherent scholarly work. On the other hand, I’ve found that it provides a useful overview of a few ideas on the architecture of natural language that haven’t yet appeared elsewhere. I provide it for those interested, but with all due caveats.
Reference conditions for old-growth redwood restoration on alluvial flats

We quantified structural attributes in three alluvial flat old-growth coast redwood stands. Tree size parameters and occurrences of distinctive features (e.g., burls, goose pens) were similar between stands. Occurrence of distinctive features was greater among larger trees. Tree sizefrequency distributions conformed to a reverse-J diameter distribution. The range of tree sizes was similar between study sites. Redwood density ranged from 118 to 148 trees ha-1 and upper canopy tree density ranged from 45 to 74 trees ha-1. Crown ratio was similar across study sites with an overall mean of 64.3 percent, except that crown ratio of the largest trees was lower at the site with the highest growing space occupancy. The percentage of plot area in canopy gaps ranged from 17 to 25 percent. Seedling regeneration was no more frequent beneath canopy gaps. These and other results describe structure in old-growth redwood forests and can serve as reference conditions for old forest restoration on alluvial flats.
Crash Injury Severity Analysis Using a Bayesian Ordered Probit Model

Understanding the underlying relationship between accident injury severity and factors such as driver's characteristics, vehicle type, and road conditions are very important for improving traffic safety. Most previous studies on this topic used traditional statistical models such as ordered probit (OP) model, multinomial logit model, and nested logit model. This research introduces the Bayesian inference and investigates the application of a Bayesian ordered probit (BOP) model in driver's injury severity analysis. An OP model and a BOP model are compared based on two data sets with different sample sizes from the 2003 National Automotive Sampling Systems GES. The comparison results show that these two models produce similar results when non-informative prior distributions were used for the BOP model. When the sample data size is small, with proper prior setting, the BOP model can produce more reasonable results than the OP model. This research also shows that the BOP model provides a flexible framework that can combine information contained in the observed data and prior knowledge of the parameters to be estimated.
Enhanced Excitability of Thalamic Sensory Neurons and Slow-Wave EEG Pattern after Stimuli That Induce Spinal Long-Term Potentiation

Spinal nociceptive neurons are well known to undergo a process of long-term potentiation (LTP) following conditioning by high-frequency sciatic nerve stimulation (HFS) at intensities recruiting C-fibers. However, little if any information exists as to whether such HFS conditioning that produces spinal LTP affects sensory transmission at supraspinal levels. The present study explored this possibility. Conventional extracellular recording methods were used to examine the consequences of HFS versus sham HFS conditioning on individual wide-dynamic range thalamic neurons located in the ventro-postero-lateral (VPL) nucleus in isoflurane-anesthetized rats. Following HFS, the ongoing firing rate and stimulus-evoked (brush, pinch, sciatic nerve) responses were markedly enhanced as were responses to juxtacellular, microiontophoretic applications of glutamate. These HFS-induced enhancements lasted throughout the recording period. Sham stimuli had no effect on VPL neuron excitability. Cortical electroencephalographic (EEG) wave activities were also measured around HFS in conjunction with VPL neuron recordings. The cortical EEG pattern under baseline conditions consisted of recurring short duration bursts of high-amplitude slow waves followed by longer periods of flat EEG. Following HFS, the EEG shifted to a continuous large-amplitude, slow-wave pattern within the 0.5–8.0 Hz bandwidth lasting throughout the recording period. Sham HFS did not alter EEG activity. Sciatic nerve conditioning at A-δ fiber strength, known to reverse spinal LTP, did not alter enhanced neuronal excitability or the EEG slow-wave pattern induced by HFS. These data support the concept that HFS conditioning of the sciatic nerve, which leads to spinal LTP, is associated with distinct, long-lasting changes in the excitability of neurons comprising thalamocortical networks.
Logic Design Within Memristive Memories Using Memristor-Aided loGIC (MAGIC)

Realizing logic operations within passive crossbar memory arrays is a promising approach to enable novel computer architectures, different from conventional von Neumann architecture. Attractive candidates to enable such architectures are memristors, nonvolatile memory elements commonly used within a crossbar, that can also perform logic operations. In such novel architectures, data are stored and processed within the same entity, which we term as memristive memory processing unit (MPU). In this paper, Memristor-Aided loGIC (MAGIC) family is discussed with various design considerations and novel techniques to execute logic within an MPU. We present a novel resistive memory-the transpose memory, which adds additional functionality to the memristive memory, and compare it with a conventional memristive memory. A case study of an adder is presented to demonstrate the design issues discussed in this paper. We compare the proposed design techniques with the memristive IMPLY logic in terms of speed, area, and energy. Our evaluation shows that the proposed MAGIC design is 2.4 × faster and consumes 66.3% less energy as compared with the IMPLY-based computing for N-bit addition within memristive crossbar memory. Additionally, we compare the proposed design with IMPLY logic family on ISCAS-85 benchmarks, which shows significant improvements in speed (2×) and energy (10×), with similar area.
Predicting the Performance of Teams of Bounded Rational Decision-makers Using a Markov Chain Model

Isr develops, applies and teaches advanced methodologies of design and analysis to solve complex, hierarchical, heterogeneous and dynamic problems of engineering technology and systems for industry and government. Isr is a permanent institute of the university of maryland, within the a. James clark school of engineering. It is a graduated national science foundation engineering research center. Abstract In practice, when faced with a complex optimization problem, teams of human decision-makers often separate it into subproblems and then solve each subproblem instead of tackling the complete problem. It would be useful to know the conditions in which separating the problem is the superior approach and how the subproblems should be assigned to members of the teams. This paper describes a mathematical model of a search that represents a bounded rational decision-maker (" agent ") solving a generic optimization problem. The agent's search can be modeled as a discrete-time Markov chain, which allows one to calculate the probability distribution of the value of the solution that the agent will find. We compared the distributions generated by the model to the distribution of results from searches of solutions to traveling salesman problems. Using this model, we evaluated the performance of two-and three-agent teams who used different solution approaches to solve generic optimization problems. In the " all-at-once " approach, the agents collaborate to search the entire set of solutions in a sequential manner: the next agent begins where the previous agent stopped. In the " separation " approach, the agents separate the problem into two subproblems: (1) find the best set of solutions, and (2) find the best solution in that set. The results show that teams found better solutions using separation when high-value solutions are less likely. Using the all-at-once approach yielded better results when the values were uniformly distributed. The optimal assignment of subproblems to teams also depended upon the distribution of values in the solution space.
An Efficient Monte-Carlo Dose Calculation System for Radiotherapy Treatment Planning

Dose calculation is critical important for the radiotherapy of cancer treatment. In this paper, an efficient Monte-Carlo radiation dose calculation system is presented. The dose calculation kernel of our system is based on the DPM algorithm [12]. The original codes are replanted into windows environment and rewritten using C++. Optimization techniques are applied to achieve a higher performance. Experimental results show that the optimized codes can achieve about 12% speedup in performance while retaining the same accuracy compared to the original codes. A user-friendly User Interface (UI) is also imported into the system. Through the UI, doctors can flexibly customize the simulation parameters and obtain the simulation results visually.