Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competition between protons and cadmium ions in the planktonic food chain leading to the phantom midge Chaoborus

Cadmium concentrations in the phantom midge Chaoborus can be related to those of the free Cd ion, Cd2+, in lakewater provided that the competitive influence of H+ on Cd uptake sites is considered. Because this predator takes up its Cd from plankton, competition between H+ and Cd2+ ions could take place at several levels in the food chain to which this insect belongs. To identify at which trophic levels this occurs, we first measured H+‐Cd−1 competition in the gut of a given Chaoborus species (Chaoborus americanus) by exposing it to constant Cd concentrations in water and food but at various ambient pH levels (4.5, 5.5, 6.5). There was no difference in the efficiency with which this predator assimilated Cd at the various pHs, suggesting that H+ swallowed by Chaoborus do not compete with Cd at uptake sites in its gut. pH‐sensitive dyes showed that C. americanus is able to maintain its gut pH between 6.5 and 8.0, even when the pH of ambient water varies beyond this range (4.5‐9.0). We then determined whether H+‐Cd2+ competition is likely to take place on the prey of Chaoborus by measuring the importance of water as a Cd source for the calanoid copepod Diaptomus minutus. Copepods fed with Cd‐rich green algae and exposed to either a high [Cd2+] (5 nmol L−1) or a low [Cd2+] (1.6 nmol L−1) accumulated a majority of their Cd from water, suggesting that H+ and Cd2+ ions are likely to compete at Cd uptake sites on these crustaceans. Last, we measured Cd accumulation by this copepod at various pHs. Copepods held at pH 4.8 accumulated less Cd than those at pH 5.5, suggesting that H+‐Cd2+ competition occurs in this animal. A bioaccumulation model designed to take into account H+‐Cd2+ competition was parameterized using our data for Cd accumulation by copepods at pH 4.8 and 5.5 and then used to predict measured responses at pH 6.4.
Actin content and organization in normal and transformed cells in culture

The amount of actin and total protein per cell in normal rat kidney (NRK) cells in culture is initially high in very low density cultures, but rapidly decreases as the cells come into contact in higher density cultures. In a viral transformant of NRK (442), the level of actin and total protein does not change significantly from low to high density cultures. NRK cells, which are flattened against the substrate, have prominent bundles of actinlike microfilaments in the basal cytoplasm adjacent to the substrate. 442 cells, which adhere poorly and are more spherical in shape, lack well-organized basal microfilament bundles, but may display microfilament bundles in cytoplasmic processes extending from the cell body. The percentage of insoluble actin is less than 20% in both cell lines, and 442 cells consistently contain smaller amounts than NRK cells.
The Failure of E‐Government in Developing Countries: A Literature Review

This paper provides an insight to the trends that exist within academic writing in the much talked about area of e‐government, and the potential they hold for developing countries. While there is much hype about success stories, the bitter truth that presents itself is that the majority of e‐government projects in developing countries fail. After an introduction to Ciborra's (2005) view on e‐government, this paper proceeds to use Heeks’ (2003) ‘archetypes of failure’, which are brought about by gaps between the design of the technology itself and reality of the context, to classify some of the current literature. This classification provides a brief overview of themes manifested within this body of knowledge, serving as a useful background for practitioners and implementers of e‐government in developing countries.
A morphogenetic model of the prosodic structure of languages : application to French

We present a morphogenetic and computational model of the prosodic structure of speech and its application to French. We briefly discuss our point of view on perception and its sensorimotor construction. The capacity of the model for more general studies of other forms of oral and gestural communication is examined. The theoretical foundation results from the interaction of the mathematical concepts with the language issue. These concepts were developed to meet the requirements of this study but also provide tools for validation. Once we have defined the notion of sensorimotor unity (prosodic here) we demonstrate how such units are produced in simple utterances. We then propose a set of rules to govern linkage between simple units and the creation of more complex forms of spontaneous or read speech. This model was validated by writing computer software that automatically separates the units and constructs the organization linking them together.
Identifying Prominent Arguments in Online Debates Using Semantic Textual Similarity

Online debates sparkle argumentative discussions from which generally accepted arguments often emerge. We consider the task of unsupervised identification of prominent argument in online debates. As a first step, in this paper we perform a cluster analysis using semantic textual similarity to detect similar arguments. We perform a preliminary cluster evaluation and error analysis based on cluster-class matching against a manually labeled dataset.
The Hofstede model

Recent years have seen increasing interest in the consequences of culture for global marketing and advertising. Many recent studies point at the necessity of adapting branding and advertising strategies to the culture of the consumer. In order to understand cultural differences, several models have been developed of which the Hofstede model is the most used. This article describes elements of this model that are most relevant to branding and advertising, and reviews studies that have used the model for aspects of international branding and for advertising research. It provides some cautious remarks about applying the model. Suggestions for more cross-cultural research are added.
Effect of glatiramer acetate on primary and secondary degeneration of retinal ganglion cells in the rat.

PURPOSE After crush injury to the optic nerve, elevated intraocular pressure, and glutamate toxicity, the immune modulator glatiramer acetate (GA, Cop-1; Copaxone; Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Pitach Tikva, Israel) has been shown to reduce the delayed cell death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). This study was undertaken to confirm the protective effect of GA on secondary degeneration of RGCs in the rat, by using a spatial, rather than temporal, model. METHODS A total of 131 Wistar rats divided into 10 groups underwent bilateral stereotactic injection of fluorescent tracer (Fluorogold; Fluorochrome, Denver, CO) into the superior colliculus to label RGCs. They received a concurrent subcutaneously injection of (1) GA mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), (2) CFA alone, or (3) saline. One week later, the superior one third of the left optic nerve was transected in animals in the six partial transection groups. Optic nerves in four additional groups underwent full transection. Rats were killed and retinas harvested from both eyes 1 or 4 weeks after partial transection and 1 or 2 weeks after full transection. RGC densities were calculated from retinal wholemounts, and differences between right (control) and left (transected) eyes were compared across treatment groups. RESULTS Among the partial transection groups, differences in the mean percentage of RGC loss in the inferior retinas were not significant at 1 or 4 weeks (ANOVA; P = 0.20, P = 0.12, respectively). After full transection, there was significantly more RGC loss in the GA group than in the CFA group when comparing whole retinas at 1 week, but not at 2 weeks (two-tailed t-test; P = 0.04, P = 0.36, respectively). CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence that GA has a neuroprotective effect after optic nerve transection, either for primarily injured or secondarily involved RGC.
Transcriptional Profiling Shows that Gcn4p Is a Master Regulator of Gene Expression during Amino Acid Starvation in Yeast

ABSTRACT Starvation for amino acids induces Gcn4p, a transcriptional activator of amino acid biosynthetic genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In an effort to identify all genes regulated by Gcn4p during amino acid starvation, we performed cDNA microarray analysis. Data from 21 pairs of hybridization experiments using two different strains derived from S288c revealed that more than 1,000 genes were induced, and a similar number were repressed, by a factor of 2 or more in response to histidine starvation imposed by 3-aminotriazole (3AT). Profiling of a gcn4Δ strain and a constitutively induced mutant showed that Gcn4p is required for the full induction by 3AT of at least 539 genes, termed Gcn4p targets. Genes in every amino acid biosynthetic pathway except cysteine and genes encoding amino acid precursors, vitamin biosynthetic enzymes, peroxisomal components, mitochondrial carrier proteins, and autophagy proteins were all identified as Gcn4p targets. Unexpectedly, genes involved in amino acid biosynthesis represent only a quarter of the Gcn4p target genes. Gcn4p also activates genes involved in glycogen homeostasis, and mutant analysis showed that Gcn4p suppresses glycogen levels in amino acid-starved cells. Numerous genes encoding protein kinases and transcription factors were identified as targets, suggesting that Gcn4p is a master regulator of gene expression. Interestingly, expression profiles for 3AT and the alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) overlapped extensively, and MMS inducedGCN4 translation. Thus, the broad transcriptional response evoked by Gcn4p is produced by diverse stress conditions. Finally, profiling of a gcn4Δ mutant uncovered an alternative induction pathway operating at many Gcn4p target genes in histidine-starved cells.
Peripheral Endothelial Function and Cardiovascular Events in High‐Risk Patients

Background Endothelial dysfunction is a key component of vascular vulnerability. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI), as assessed by the peripheral arterial tonometry, can noninvasively evaluate endothelial function. This study was designed to determine the additional prognostic value of endothelial function to the Synergy Between PCI With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery Score (SYNTAXsc) and the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in predicting cardiovascular events in high‐risk patients. Methods and Results We undertook a two‐center prospective study in 528 stable patients at high‐risk for cardiovascular events from the years 2006–2011. The RHI was measured before coronary angiography and coronary complexity was assessed by SYNTAXsc. After optimal therapies including coronary revascularization, there was follow‐up with patients until August 2012. Cardiovascular events consist of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, ischemic stroke, coronary revascularization, heart failure‐induced hospitalization, aortic disease, and peripheral arterial disease. During 1468 person‐years of follow‐up, 105 patients developed cardiovascular events. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis identified B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP), SYNTAXsc, and RHI as independent cardiovascular event predictors (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: natural logarithm of BNP per 0.1: 1.019 [1.002 to 1.037]; P=0.023, SYNTAXsc per tertile: 2.426 [1.825 to 3.225]; P<0.0001, RHI per 0.1: 0.761 [0.673 to 0.859]; P<0.0001). When RHI was added to the FRS, BNP, and SYNTAXsc, net reclassification index was significantly improved (27.5%; P<0.0001), with a significant increase in the C‐statistic (from 0.728 [0.679 to 0.778] to 0.766 [0.726 to 0.806]; P=0.031). Conclusions Advanced endothelial dysfunction significantly correlated with near future cardiovascular events in high‐risk patients. This physiological vascular measurement improved risk discrimination when added to the FRS, BNP, and SYNTAXsc. Clinical Trial Registration URL: clinicaltrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov). Unique identifier: NCT00737945.
The Offshore Palos Verdes Fault Zone near San Pedro, Southern California

High-resolution seismic-reflection data are combined with a variety of other geophysical and geological data to interpret the offshore structure and earthquake hazards of the San Pedro shelf, near Los Angeles, California. Prominent structures investigated include the Wilmington graben, the Palos Verdes fault zone, various faults below the west part of the San Pedro shelf and slope, and the deep-water San Pedro basin. The structure of the Palos Verdes fault zone changes markedly along strike southeastward across the San Pedro shelf and slope. Under the north part of the shelf, this fault zone includes several strands, with the main strand dipping west. Under the slope, the main fault strands exhibit normal separation and mostly dip east. To the southeast near Lasuen Knoll, the Palos Verdes fault zone locally is low angle, but elsewhere near this knoll, the fault dips steeply. Fresh seafloor scarps near Lasuen Knoll indicate recent fault movement. We explain the observed structural variation along the Palos Verdes fault zone as the result of changes in strike and fault geometry along a master right-lateral strike-slip fault at depth. Complicated movement along this deep fault zone is suggested by the possible wave-cut terraces on Lasuen Knoll, which indicate subaerial exposure during the last sea level lowstand and subsequent subsidence of the knoll. Modeling of aeromagnetic data indicates a large magnetic body under the west part of the San Pedro shelf and upper slope. We interpret this body to be thick basalt of probable Miocene age. This basalt mass appears to have affected the pattern of rock deformation, perhaps because the basalt was more competent during deformation than the sedimentary rocks that encased the basalt. West of the Palos Verdes fault zone, other northwest-striking faults deform the outer shelf and slope. Evidence for recent movement along these faults is equivocal, because we lack age dates on deformed or offset sediment. Manuscript received 26 February 2003.
Treatment Seeking for Binge Eating Disorder.

The aim of this thesis is to explore the process of treatment seeking for eating disorders (EDs). EDs are frequently associated with psychological distress and poor quality of life, and it is widely recognised that there is a large proportion of individuals with EDs who are not accessing appropriate specialist treatment. This is concerning given that delays in treatment have been associated with poorer outcomes. A review of the literature regarding the experience of treatment seeking for an ED was carried out, this included: anorexia nervosa (AN); bulimia nervosa (BN); eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS); binge eating disorder (BED); and sub-threshold eating difficulties. This review highlighted five themes across the papers; social stereotypes and norms; external factors; client (internal) factors; interpersonal factors; and gender. Critical review of eight papers found inconsistencies in the methods used for screening EDs and also large heterogeneity in the ED samples used. These methodological limitations should be taken into account when considering the findings. Paucity in research focusing specifically on treatment seeking for BED was highlighted. In response to this gap in the literature, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to explore the lived experience of people treatment seeking for BED. This analysis resulted in the following themes: the self as a barrier; the overlooked eating disorder; factors contributing to treatment seeking and disclosure; and making sense of BED. These findings are integral to engaging individuals with BED in services and ensuring that this often overlooked group are not left without appropriate treatment. These themes are considered in relation to existing theory; together with clinical implications and directions for future research. A reflective commentary considers personal reflections of completing the research; the influence of society on weight and shape; EDs and gender; and the controversial topic of psychiatric diagnosis.
Decreased affinity of mosaic-structure recombinant penicillin-binding protein 2 for oral cephalosporins in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

OBJECTIVES In Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the mosaic structure of penicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP 2), composed of fragments of PBP 2 from Neisseria cinerea and Neisseria perflava, was significantly associated with decreased susceptibility to cephalosporins, particularly oral cephalosporins. The aim of this study was to determine the affinity of mosaic PBP 2 for cephalosporins in N. gonorrhoeae. METHODS Two types of non-mosaic PBP 2 from the type strain of N. gonorrhoeae (ATCC 19424) and a clinical strain (GU01-29), as well as the mosaic PBP 2 from a clinical strain (GU01-89), were expressed in insect cells, and recombinant PBP 2s were purified. ATCC 19424 and GU01-29 were susceptible to cephalosporins. GU01-89 showed decreased susceptibility to cephalosporins. Bindings of fluorescent penicillin to PBP 2 were characterized by the Scatchard plot analysis. The affinity of the recombinant PBP 2s for cefdinir, cefixime and ceftriaxone was determined by PBP 2 competition assays with fluorescent penicillin. RESULTS The K(d) value of mosaic PBP 2 for fluorescent penicillin was higher than that of non-mosaic PBP 2s. The affinity of mosaic PBP 2 for cefdinir or cefixime was lower than that of the non-mosaic PBP 2s. The affinity of the mosaic PBP 2 for ceftriaxone was not changed, compared with that of the non-mosaic PBP 2s. CONCLUSIONS Other mechanisms may be involved in clinical isolates with decreased susceptibility to cephalosporins, but this study suggests that the decreased affinity of mosaic-structure recombinant PBP 2 for oral cephalosporins may contribute to decreased susceptibility to these antibiotics in N. gonorrhoeae.
Minimum symbol error rate detection in single-input channels with Markov noise

Minimum symbol error rate detection in single-input multiple-output (SIMO) channels with Markov noise is presented. The special case of zero-mean Gauss-Markov noise is examined closer as it only requires knowledge of the second-order moments. In this special case, it is shown that optimal detection can be achieved by a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) whitening filter followed by a traditional BCJR algorithm. The Gauss-Markov noise model provides a reasonable approximation for cochannel interference, making it an interesting single-user detector for many multiuser communication systems where interference from other transmitters has a limiting effect.
Small Polynomial Time Universal Petri Nets

The time complexity of the presented in 2013 by the author small universal Petri nets with the pairs of places/transitions numbers (14,42) and (14,29) was estimated as exponential. In the present paper, it is shown, that their slight modification and interpretation as timed Petri nets with multichannel transitions, introduced by the author in 1991, allows obtaining polynomial time complexity. The modification concerns using only inhibitor arcs to control transitions' firing in multiple instances and employing an inverse control flow represented by moving zero. Thus, small universal Petri nets are efficient that justifies their application as models of high performance computations.
Situated Action: A Symbolic Interpretation

The congeries of theoretical views collectively referred to as “situated action” (SA) claim that humans and their interactions with the world cannot be understood using symbol-system models and methodology, but only by observing them within real-world contexts or building nonsymbolic models of them. SA claims also that rapid, real-time interaction with a dynamically changing environment is not amenable to symbolic interpretation of the sort espoused by the cognitive science of recent decades. Planning and representation, central to symbolic theories, are claimed to be irrelevant in everyday human activity. We will contest these claims, as well as their proponents' characterizations of the symbol-system viewpoint. We will show that a number of existing symbolic systems perform well in temporally demanding tasks embedded in complex environments, whereas the systems usually regarded as exemplifying SA are thoroughly symbolic (and representational), and, to the extent that they are limited in these respects, have doubtful prospects for extension to complex tasks. As our title suggests, we propose that the goals set forth by the proponents of SA can be attained only within the framework of symbolic systems. The main body of empirical evidence supporting our view resides in the numerous symbol systems constructed in the past 35 years that have successfully simulated broad areas of human cognition.
What Does Not Work in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Review of Evidence on Interventions Commonly Accepted as Best Practices

Youth centers, peer education, and one-off public meetings have generally been ineffective in facilitating young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, changing their behaviors, or influencing social norms around adolescent SRH. Approaches that have been found to be effective when well implemented, such as comprehensive sexuality education and youth-friendly services, have tended to flounder as they have considerable implementation requirements that are seldom met. For adolescent SRH programs to be effective, we need substantial effort through coordinated and complementary approaches. Unproductive approaches should be abandoned, proven approaches should be implemented with adequate fidelity to those factors that ensure effectiveness, and new approaches should be explored, to include greater attention to prevention science, engagement of the private sector, and expanding access to a wider range of contraceptive methods that respond to adolescents’ needs. Youth centers, peer education, and one-off public meetings have generally been ineffective in facilitating young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, changing their behaviors, or influencing social norms around adolescent SRH. Approaches that have been found to be effective when well implemented, such as comprehensive sexuality education and youth-friendly services, have tended to flounder as they have considerable implementation requirements that are seldom met. For adolescent SRH programs to be effective, we need substantial effort through coordinated and complementary approaches. Unproductive approaches should be abandoned, proven approaches should be implemented with adequate fidelity to those factors that ensure effectiveness, and new approaches should be explored, to include greater attention to prevention science, engagement of the private sector, and expanding access to a wider range of contraceptive methods that respond to adolescents’ needs.