Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survival costs of reproduction in the blue tit (Parus caeruleus): a role for blood parasites?

One of the central tenets in life–history theory is that there is a trade–off between current and future reproduction (i.e. a cost of reproduction). The mechanism for this cost of reproduction is, however, largely unknown. One hypothesis is that the high workload during reproduction compromises resistance to parasites and that the resulting increase in parasitaemia has negative effects on the prospects of future survival. Although empirical evidence for a negative relationship between reproductive effort and parasite resistance exists, the causal relationships between reproductive effort, parasite resistance and future reproduction are still unclear. We use a path analytical approach to investigate whether a change in parasite resistance (as measured by intensities of infections by the blood parasite Haemoproteus) after manipulation of reproductive effort, translates into altered survival in female blue tits. Our results show a negative relationship between reproductive effort and parasite resistance, although evident only in first–year breeders. Moreover, we found survival costs of reproduction in first–year breeders. These costs were, however, not mediated by the blood parasite studied.
Analogy-based detection of morphological and semantic relations with word embeddings: what works and what doesn’t.

Following up on numerous reports of analogy-based identiﬁcation of “linguistic regularities” in word embeddings, this study applies the widely used vector offset method to 4 types of linguistic relations: inﬂectional and derivational morphology, and lexicographic and en-cyclopedic semantics. We present a balanced test set with 99,200 questions in 40 categories, and we systematically examine how accuracy for different categories is affected by window size and dimensionality of the SVD-based word embeddings. We also show that GloVe and SVD yield similar patterns of results for different categories, offering further evidence for conceptual similarity between count-based and neural-net based models.
Comparison of speed of action and injection discomfort of 4% articaine and 2% mepivacaine for pulpal anesthesia in mandibular teeth: A randomized, double-blind cross-over trial

Objective: To compare the injection pain and speed of local anesthetic effect induced by tissue infiltration of mepivacaine 2% with epinephrine 1:100,000 versus articaine 4% with epinephrine 1:100,000 in securing mandibular first molar pulp anesthesia. Materials and Methods: Totally, 25 patients were recruited in a crossover, randomized, double-blind study. Each subject received injections of mepivacaine 2% with epinephrine 1:100,000 as inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) supplemented with either articaine 4% with epinephrine 1:100,000 (septocaine) or mepivacaine 2% buccal infiltration (BI) injection on two visits. The time of first numbness to associated lip, tongue and tooth was recorded by asking the participant directly and using electrical pulp tester. Anesthetic success was considered when two consecutive maximal stimulation on pulp testing readings without sensation. The patients rated the pain of infiltration using a 100 mm visual analog scale immediately after receiving each injection. The pain scores were compared using the paired t-test. Results: There were significant differences in the meantime of first numbness to associated lip and tooth of volunteers between mepivacaine and articaine BI groups P = 0.03 and 0.002. Volunteers in articaine group recorded earlier lip and teeth numbness than those in mepivacaine group. There were significant differences between the mean pain scores for volunteers in the post IANB and postbuccal injection groups (t-test: P <0.001). Mepivacaine IANB injection was significantly more painful than articaine/mepivacaine buccal injection. Conclusions: About 4% articaine was faster than 2% mepivacaine (both with 1:100,000 adrenaline) in anesthetizing the pulps of lower molar teeth after BIs. Earlier lip and teeth numbness were recorded in articaine group. Articaine and mepivacaine BIs were more comfortable than mepivacaine IANB injections.
Quasi-consensus-based comparison of profile hidden Markov models for protein sequences

A simple approach for the sensitive detection of distant relationships among protein families and for sequence-structure alignment via comparison of hidden Markov models based on their quasi-consensus sequences is presented. Using a previously published benchmark dataset, the approach is demonstrated to give better homology detection and yield alignments with improved accuracy in comparison to an existing state-of-the-art dynamic programming profile-profile comparison method. This method also runs significantly faster and is therefore suitable for a server covering the rapidly increasing structure database. A server based on this method is available at http://liao.cis. udel.edu/website/servers/modmod
The K-Function Method on a Network and Its Computational Implementation

This paper proposes two statistical methods, called the network K-function method and the network cross K-function method, for analyzing the distribution of points on a network. First, by extending the ordinary K-function method defined on a homogeneous infinite plane with the Euclidean distance, the paper formulates the K-function method and the cross K-function method on a finite irregular network with the shortest-path distance. Second, the paper shows advantages of the network K-function methods, such as that the network K-function methods can deal with spatial point processes on a street network in a small district, and that they can exactly take the boundary effect into account. Third, the paper develops the computational implementation of the network K-functions, and shows that the computational order of the K-function method is O(n2Q log nQ) and that of the network cross K-function is O(nQ log U3Q), where nQ is the number of nodes of a network.
The Virus-Host Interplay: Biogenesis of +RNA Replication Complexes

Positive-strand RNA (+RNA) viruses are an important group of human and animal pathogens that have significant global health and economic impacts. Notable members include West Nile virus, Dengue virus, Chikungunya, Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) Coronavirus and enteroviruses of the Picornaviridae family.Unfortunately, prophylactic and therapeutic treatments against these pathogens are limited. +RNA viruses have limited coding capacity and thus rely extensively on host factors for successful infection and propagation. A common feature among these viruses is their ability to dramatically modify cellular membranes to serve as platforms for genome replication and assembly of new virions. These viral replication complexes (VRCs) serve two main functions: To increase replication efficiency by concentrating critical factors and to protect the viral genome from host anti-viral systems. This review summarizes current knowledge of critical host factors recruited to or demonstrated to be involved in the biogenesis and stabilization of +RNA virus VRCs.
17 Somatosensory Stimulation in Functional Neuroimaging : A Review

Functional brain imaging of the somatosensory system has evolved over the past two decades and it has become an important tool in the preoperative planning in neurosurgery, in the monitoring in neurorehabilitation and for the understanding of motor recovery after brain damage for the planning and optimization of neurorehabilitation strategies. Mapping of movement related cortical areas and areas that are related to body sensation was initially performed during neurosurgical procedures using direct cortical stimulation (Penfield, 1937). Several functional brain mapping techniques have subsequently evolved (Toga and Mazziotta, 2002). The era of functional brain imaging began in the 1980s with the implementation of the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) which provided a measure of the regional cerebral blood flow. Since the 1990s functional brain imaging is dominated by the rise of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) based on the blood oxygenation level dependant (BOLD) effect that was discovered 1990 by Ogawa et al. (Ogawa et al., 1990;Ogawa et al., 1992). Subsequently continuous evolution and progress of fMRI as well as its increasing popularity and spreading clinical use as a highly sensitive diagnostic neuroimaging instrument suitable for the assessment of a large variety of neurological and neurosurgical indications made fMRI to the leading functional neuroimaging modality. In this chapter we review somatosensory stimulation in PET and fMRI during the past decades, their advantages and disadvantages, optimal stimulation protocols as well as corresponding brain maps of different approaches of somatosensory stimulation in functional brain imaging and their clinical and neurophysilogical applications.
IL-22, GM-CSF and IL-17 in peripheral CD4+ T cell subpopulations during multiple sclerosis relapses and remission. Impact of corticosteroid therapy

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be a Th17-mediated dysimmune disease of the central nervous system. However, recent publications have questioned the pathogenicity of IL-17 per se and rather suggest the implication of other Th17-related inflammatory mediators. Therefore, we studied the expression of GM-CSF, IL-22, IL-24, IL-26 and CD39 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MS patients during relapses, remission and following corticosteroid treatment. We performed qPCR to measure mRNA levels from ex vivo or in vitro-stimulated PBMCs. Cytokine levels were determined by ELISA. We used flow cytometry to assess GM-CSF+, IL-22+ and CD39+ cells in relationship to IL-17+ CD4+ T cells. Our results showed that IL-22 mRNA and IL-22+CD4+ lymphocytes are increased in circulating cells of relapsing MS patients compared to remitting patients while GM-CSF was unchanged. We have further shown that 12.9, 39 and 12.4% of Th17 cells from MS patients during relapses expressed IL-22, GM-CSF and CD39 respectively. No changes in these proportions were found in stable MS patients. However, the majority of GM-CSF+ or IL-22+ T cells did not co-express IL-17. GM-CSF mRNA, but not IL-22 mRNA, was dramatically decreased ex vivo by ivMP. Our results contribute to a better characterisation of Th17, Th22 and ThGM-CSF cells in the setting of MS and according to disease activity.
The origin of globular cluster systems from cosmological simulations

We investigate the structural, kinematical and chemical properties of globular cluster systems (GCSs) in galaxies of different Hubble types in a self-consistent manner based on high-resolution cosmological N-body simulations combined with semi-analytic models of galaxy and globular cluster (GC) formation. We focus on correlations between the physical properties of GCSs and those of their host galaxies for ∼10 5 simulated galaxies located at the centres of dark matter haloes (i.e. we do not consider satellite galaxies in subhaloes). Our principal results, which can be tested against observations, are as follows. The majority (∼90 per cent) of GCs currently in haloes are formed in low-mass galaxies at redshifts greater than 3 with mean formation redshifts of z = 5.7 (12.7Gyr ago) and 4.3 (12.3Gyr ago) for metal-poor GCs (MPCs) and metal-rich GCs (MRCs), respectively. About 52 per cent of galaxies with GCs show clear bimodality in their metallicity distribution functions, though less luminous galaxies with M B fainter than -17 are much less likely to show bimodality owing to little or no MRCs. The number fraction of MRCs does not depend on Hubble type but is generally smaller for less luminous galaxies. The specific frequencies (S N ) of GCSs are typically higher in ellipticals (S N ∼ 4.0) than in spirals (S N ∼ 1.8), and higher again (S N ∼ 5.0) for galaxies located at the centres of clusters of galaxies. The total number of GCs per unit halo mass does not depend strongly on M B or Hubble type of the host galaxy. The mean metallicities of MPCs and MRCs depend on M B such that they are higher in more luminous galaxies, though the dependence is significantly weaker for MPCs. The spatial distributions of MRCs are more compact than those of MPCs and we find that the half-number radii of MPCs (r e,mpc ) correlate with the halo masses (M h ) such that r e,mpc oc M h 0.18 . There is no significant difference in velocity dispersions between MPCs and MRCs. We qualitatively compare our results to observational data where possible. Finally, we discuss these results in the wider context of galaxy formation and evolution.
A Deterministic Lazy Conditional Narrowing Calculus

(We show the completeness of a deterministic lazy conditional narrowing calculus with leftmost selection for the class of eft-linear fresh deterministic constructorbased conditional rewrite systems. This class of rewrite systems permits extra variables in the right-hand sides and conditions of its rewrite rules. This result is relevant for the designers of suitable computational models for functional logic programming, where the reduction of search space for solutions of systems of equations in theories presented by conditional rewrite systems is of paramount importance. AMS Subject Classification: 68T15, 68T20.
Knowledge and Attitude of Nigerian Health Workers Concerning Kangaroo Mother Care

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) doctors (p=0.017), paediatricians (p=0.033) and respondents that worked in facilities that care for sick neonates (p=0.024). The attitude level towards KMC was significantly higher among respondents that worked in facilities that care for sick neonates (p=0.047) and those that worked in facilities with functional incubators (p=0.040). Conclusion: There was generally good knowledge and attitudes towards KMC. There is a need for further research on the reasons for knowledge-attitude gap regarding KMC.
Influence of Magnetic Saturation on Sensorless Control for Interior Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors With Concentrated Windings

The influence of permanent-magnetic flux variation and magnetic saturation on sensorless control for interior permanent-magnet synchronous motors with concentrated windings is evaluated. By using finite-element method analysis, partial differential values of flux linkage are calculated directly and precisely in a short time. High-speed analysis of a motor voltage equation is realized by interpolating table data of calculated partial differential values. Analyzed results show good correlation with experimental results. The performance of sensorless control is greatly improved using analyzed results, and the influence of permanent-magnetic flux variation is predicted well. The proposed method is very useful for designing control algorithms, considering the influence of permanent-magnetic flux variation and magnetic saturation
Study Conflict That Facing the Nurses in Al-Sadder Educational Hospital in Amara City

ABSTRACTAim of study: The study aims to identify the type of conflict that nursing staff may face during provide nursing care in the hospital and to know the relationship between demographic characteristics and types of conflicts.Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted in the city of Amara during the period from November 2016 to May 2017. The simple random sampling method was used in Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital in Amara. A random sample was used to collect data of 200 out of 400 nurses. The data were collected by interview method after designing the questionnaire, which consists of two parts: the first part contains demographic and social characteristics, and the second part consists of (5) axes: conflict with colleagues, conflict with doctors, conflict with the presidents, Conflict with environmental conditions and services provided to nurses. Data were described and analyzed using statistical descriptive methods (frequencies, percentages, arithmetic mean and kai box)Results: The results of the study showed that the conflicts between nurses and doctors achieved a higher average mean (1.60) at an average level. Moreover, there was statistically significant association between demographic characteristics except marital status with conflict types with a significant significance (P Ë‚ 0.05). Conclusion: The majority of conflicts are at an average level of healthy lifestyle. In addition, the results indicated that the statistically significant relationship between some variables, except marital status, environmental conditions and services provided to nurses where the correlation relationship was not significant.Recommendation: The study recommended that medical staff, nursing staff and teachers pay more attention to nursing staff by describing the administrative procedures between nursing staff members and the division of labor, and defining the powers and responsibilities between nursing staff and doctors to avoid conflicts and conducting trainings for new nursing staff for the purpose of subjugation. All nurses of all ages to field training.
Knowledge Management, Knowledge Creation, and Open Innovation in Icelandic SMEs

The aim of this article is to present findings on knowledge management (KM) and knowledge creation, as well as open innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iceland. Two SME company case studies are presented in the form of a case study involving semistructured interviews with managers and selected employees and in-field observation. Company Alpha is a software company, whereas Company Beta is a family company which produces drinks and snacks. Knowledge creation and innovation is a learning process in both companies. The two companies show very different open-innovation models in practice. The findings regarding the two companies are in accordance with the arguments of Chiaroni et al., where they state that high-tech companies tend to prefer inside-out strategies of open innovation, whereas low-tech companies prefer outside-in strategies. Company Alpha relates to customers late in the process, whereas Company Beta relies on knowledge from customers and suppliers and for new knowledge early on in the process.
Comparison of Example-based Learning and Problem-based Learning in Engineering Domain

The research was conducted to compare the impacts of problem-based learning (PBL) and example-based learning (EBL) on the learning performance in an engineering domain. The research was implemented by means of experimental design. Specifically, a two-group experiment with a pre- and post-test design was used in this research. A total of 37 students were randomly assigned to PBL and EBL groups. A pre- and post test were developed to measure learning performance. In addition, cognitive loads imposed by those learning strategies were gauged using NASA-TLX questionnaire. The results reveal that EBL is a more effective way to enhance learning performance and induces lower cognitive load during the process of learning and answering the test in comparison to PBL.
Narrative-Emotion Process Markers in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

According to a narrative-emotion informed psychotherapy approach, individuals enter psychotherapy when their narratives lack flexibility and emotional coherence. Effective psychotherapy helps clients in creating a self-narrative that enables new meaning-making. The Narrative-Emotion Process Coding System Version 2.0 is a measure that consists of 10 markers that are classified into three subgroups: problem, transition, and change markers. The present study applied the NEPCS to therapy sessions (36 sessions) of a client sample (N = 6) engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Statistical analyses were conducted using two-level random intercepts regression models. Findings are discussed in the context of GAD research.
Problems and Results in Combinatorial Analysis and Combinatorial Number Theory

In this note,first of all, I state a few older problems whose solution or partial solution is long overdue and which in some cases were neglected. I also state a few more recent questions. I prove in detail a recent theorem of Selfridge and myself and of Ulam and myself. I try to give as exact references as possible but I am willing (and eager) to correct any mistakes which are pointed out to me .
Cytokine and immunoglobulin levels in patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy.

Introduction: Surgery could directly cause an inflammatory response and stimulate the release of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-10. Infection and postoperative complications are higher risk factors after craniotomy, and the impairment of immune function is associated with post infection and complications. The aim of our study was to investigate the changings of cytokines and immunoglobulins levels in patients received craniotomy surgery. Methods: A total of 18 patients undergoing craniotomy were studied. Blood samples were collected before anesthesia (T0), 30 min(T1), 2h(T2), 4h(T3) after induction of anesthesia, and 1 day post-surgery (T4), 2 days post-surgery (T5); the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-10, IgM, IgA, IgG were measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS 13.0 software using repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by a Bonferroni correction. Results: Compared with T0, the peripheral blood IgA levels decreased significantly at T2, T3 and T4 time points. The peripheral blood IgM levels decreased significantly at T2 and T3 time points. IL-10 in peripheral blood increased significantly at T2, T3 and T4 compared with T0 time point. IL-8 in peripheral blood increased significantly at T3, T4 and T5 time point. The concentration of the TNF-α and IgG in peripheral blood did not change significantly. Conclusions: Anaesthesia and surgery can cause pro-inflammatory response and anti- inflammatory response in patient undergoing craniotomy; the immune function was suppressed at the same time.
Size, differentiation and the performance of Dutch daily newspapers

We demonstrate how organizational ecology can contribute to strategic management and managerial practice by using resource-partitioning theory to make predictions with respect to: (i) the short-run performance (i.e. growth and profitability) consequences of broad (generalist) vis-ý-vis focus (specialist) strategies; (ii) the detrimental performance implications of a particular instance of being strategically 'stuck in the middle'; and (iii) the performance consequences of organizational size differences. We hypothesize that these effects depend on the position of the organization in resource space. These predictions are tested by estimating models of growth and profitability, using data on Dutch generalist (national) and specialist (regional) newspapers from 1968 to 1994. The findings show that resource-partitioning theory provides a dynamic backbone to understand the performance consequences of different generic strategies and organizational size positions. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.
Diamond and Dybvig's classic theory of financial intermediation : what's missing?

The article shows that in a finite-trader version of the Diamond and Dybvig model (1983), the ex ante efficient allocation can be implemented as a unique equilibrium. This is so even in the presence of the sequential service constraint, as emphasized by Wallace (1988), whereby the bank must solve a sequence of maximization problems as depositors contact it at different times. A three-trader example with constant relative risk-aversion utility is used in order to illustrate clearly the requirements that the sequential service constraint imposes on implementation.