Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Announcing the Announcement

What drives investors’ attention? We study how far in advance earnings calendars are pre-announced and find that investors are more attentive to earnings news when such details are disclosed well ahead of time. This variation in investors' attention affects short-run and long-run stock returns, thereby creating incentives for firms to strategically pre-announce the report date on short notice when the earnings news is bad. Consistent with this idea, firms pre-announce their report dates well ahead of time when earnings are good and do it at the very last moment when earnings are bad. A trading strategy that exploits such variations yields abnormal returns of 1.5% per month.
The Quest for More Tolerant Rice: How High Concentrations of IronAffect Alternative Splicing?

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a global staple food crop and an important model organism for plant studies. Recent reports have shown that alternative splicing is affected by many stressful conditions, suggesting its importance for the adaptation to adverse environments. Due to the little information on this subject, this study aimed to explore changes in splicing patterns that occur in response to high iron concentration in nutrient solutions. Here we quantified different kind of junctions and splicing events in the transcriptome of a relatively tolerant rice cultivar BRS Querencia, under iron excess with concentration of 300 mg L-1 Fe+2. Plants kept under standard conditions (control) presented 127,781 different splicing junctions, while stressed plants had 123,682 different junctions. Canonical (98.85% and 98.91%), semi-canonical (0.73% and 0.70%) and non-canonical (0.42% and 0.40%) junctions were found in control and stressed plants, respectively. Intron retention was the most frequent event (44.1% and 47.4%), followed by 3’ splice site (22.6% and 21.9%), exon skipping (18.9% and 17.3%) and alternative 5’ splice site (14.4% and 13.4%) in control and stressed plants, respectively. We also found 25 differentially expressed genes (five up and 20 down regulated) that are related to post-translational modifications. These results represent an important step in the understanding of how plant stress responses occur in an iron tolerant genotype, uncovering novel genes involved in iron stress response.
A 7.5mW 35–70MHz 4th-order semi-passive charge-sharing band-pass filter with programmable bandwidth and 72dB stop-band rejection in 65nm CMOS

This paper proposes a highly reconfigurable charge-domain switched-gm-C biquad band-pass filter (BPF) topology that uses a semi-passive charge-sharing technique. It uses only switches, capacitors, digital circuitry for 3-phase non-overlapping clock generation and linearity-enhanced gm-stages. A 4th-order BPF prototype operating at 1.2GS/s sampling rate is implemented using a cascade of two independent biquads in a 65nm LPE CMOS. A tunable center frequency of 35-70MHz is measured with programmable bandwidth and a maximum stop-band rejection of 72dB. The in-band 1-dB compression point is -2.4dBm, and the in-band IIP3 is +9dBm. The filter prototype consumes 7.5mW from a 1.2V supply, and occupies an active area of 0.17mm2.
A β dimer-containing human cerebrospinal fluid disrupts synaptic plasticity : prevention by systemic passive immunization

The current development of immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease is based on the assumption that human-derived amyloid β protein (Aβ) can be targeted in a similar manner to animal cell-derived or synthetic Aβ. Because the structure of Aβ depends on its source and the presence of co-factors, it is of great interest to determine if human-derived oligomeric Aβ species impair brain function and if so, whether or not their disruptive effects can be prevented using antibodies. We report that untreated ex vivo human cerebrospinal fluid that contains Aβ dimers rapidly inhibits hippocampal long-term potentiation in vivo and that acute systemic infusion of an anti-Aβ monoclonal antibody can prevent this disruption of synaptic plasticity. Aβ monomer isolated from human CSF did not affect LTP. These results strongly support a strategy of passive immunization against soluble Aβ oligomers in early Alzheimer’s disease.
Extended State Observer based robust control of electrically-driven modular manipulator

Based on Extended State Observer (ESO), a new robust control strategy with backstepping design for modular manipulators is brought forward in this paper. Firstly, considering the motor dynamics of the robot manipulator, the robot manipulator dynamics can be separated into two subsystems named as the robot joint subsystem and the motor subsystem. Then, a third-order and a second-order ESO are respectively designed for these two subsystems. With uncertainties in both subsystems approximated by the extended state, the virtual control force and the real control input voltage of the system can be designed based on Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) method. The proposed approach only rely joint position messages without velocity measurement. Further simulation results of joint space trajectory tracking on a modular manipulator are presented to validate the design.
Efficiently updating and tracking the dominant Kernel Eigenspace

The dominant set of eigenvectors of the symmetric kernel Gram matrix is frequently used in many important kernel methods (like e.g. kernel Principal Component Analysis, feature approximation, denoising, compression, prediction) in the machine learning domain. Yet in the case of dynamic and/or large scale data, the batch calculation nature and computational demands of the eigenvector decomposition limit these methods in numerous applications. In this paper we present an efficient incremental approach for fast calculation of the dominant kernel eigenbasis, which allows to track the kernel eigenspace dynamically. Experiments show that our updating scheme delivers a numerically stable and accurate approximation at every iteration in comparison to the batch algorithm.
The Over-Expression of an Arabidopsis B3 Transcription Factor, ABS2/NGAL1, Leads to the Loss of Flower Petals

Transcriptional regulations are involved in many aspects of plant development and are mainly achieved through the actions of transcription factors (TF). To investigate the mechanisms of plant development, we carried out genetic screens for mutants with abnormal shoot development. Taking an activation tagging approach, we isolated a gain-of-function mutant abs2-1D (abnormal shoot 2-1D). abs2-1D showed pleiotropic growth defects at both the vegetative and reproductive developmental stages. We cloned ABS2 and it encodes a RAV sub-family of plant B3 type of transcriptional factors. Phylogenetic analysis showed that ABS2 was closely related to NGATHA (NGA) genes that are involved in flower development and was previously named NGATHA-Like 1 (NGAL1). NGAL1 was expressed mainly in the root and the filament of the stamen in flower tissues and sub-cellular localization assay revealed that NGAL1 accumulated in the nucleus. Interestingly, over-expression of NGAL1 driven by the constitutive 35S promoter led to transgenic plants with conspicuous flower defects, particularly a loss-of-petal phenotype. A loss-of-function ngal1-1 mutant did not show obvious phenotype, suggesting the existence of redundant activities and also the utility of gain-of-function genetic screens. Our results show that the over-expression of NGAL1 is capable of altering flower petal development, as well as shoot development.
Involvement of Glutamate NMDA Receptors in the Acute, Long-Term, and Conditioned Effects of Amphetamine on Rat 50kHz Ultrasonic Vocalizations

Background: Rats emit 50kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in response to either natural or pharmacological pleasurable stimuli, and these USVs have emerged as a new behavioral measure for investigating the motivational properties of drugs. Earlier studies have indicated that activation of the dopaminergic system is critically involved in 50kHz USV emissions. However, evidence also exists that non-dopaminergic neurotransmitters participate in this behavioral response. Methods: To ascertain whether glutamate transmission plays a role in 50kHz USV emissions stimulated by amphetamine, rats received five amphetamine (1–2mg/kg, i.p.) administrations on alternate days in a test cage, either alone or combined with the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 (0.1–0.5mg/kg, i.p.). Seven days after treatment discontinuation, rats were re-exposed to the test cage to assess drug conditioning, and afterwards received a drug challenge. USVs and locomotor activity were evaluated, along with immunofluorescence for Zif-268 in various brain regions and spontaneous alternation in a Y maze. Results: Amphetamine-treated rats displayed higher 50kHz USV emissions and locomotor activity than vehicle-treated rats, and emitted conditioned vocalizations on test cage re-exposure. Rats co-administered amphetamine and MK-801 displayed lower and dose-dependent 50kHz USV emissions, but not lower locomotor activity, during repeated treatment and challenge, and scarce conditioned vocalization compared with amphetamine-treated rats. These effects were associated with lower levels of Zif-268 after amphetamine challenge and spontaneous alternation deficits. Conclusions: These results indicate that glutamate transmission participates in the acute, long-term, and conditioned effects of amphetamine on 50kHz USVs, possibly by influencing amphetamine-induced long-term neuronal changes and/or amphetamine-associated memories.
The Allelic Context of the C797S Mutation Acquired upon Treatment with Third-Generation EGFR Inhibitors Impacts Sensitivity to Subsequent Treatment Strategies

Purpose: A secondary EGFR mutation, T790M, is the most common resistance mechanism in EGFR-mutant adenocarcinomas that have progressed on erlotinib. Third-generation EGFR inhibitors capable of inhibiting mutant EGFR with T790M produce responses in nearly two thirds of patients. However, acquired resistance mechanisms in patients treated with these drugs are yet to be described. Experimental Design: To study acquired resistance to third-generation EGFR inhibitors, T790M-positive cells derived from an erlotinib-resistant cancer were made resistant to a third-generation TKI and then characterized using cell and molecular analyses. Results: Cells resistant to a third-generation TKI acquired an additional EGFR mutation, C797S, which prevented suppression of EGFR. Our results demonstrate that the allelic context in which C797S was acquired may predict responsiveness to alternative treatments. If the C797S and T790M mutations are in trans, cells will be resistant to third-generation EGFR TKIs, but will be sensitive to a combination of first- and third-generation TKIs. If the mutations are in cis, no EGFR TKIs alone or in combination can suppress activity. If C797S develops in cells wild-type for T790 (when third-generation TKIs are administered in the first-line setting), the cells are resistant to third-generation TKIs, but retain sensitivity to first-generation TKIs. Conclusions: Mutation of C797S in EGFR is a novel mechanism of acquired resistance to third-generation TKIs. The context in which the C797S develops with respect to the other EGFR alleles affects the efficacy of subsequent treatments. Clin Cancer Res; 21(17); 3924–33. ©2015 AACR. See related commentary by Ayeni et al., p. 3818
Integration of Transcriptomics, Proteomics, and MicroRNA Analyses Reveals Novel MicroRNA Regulation of Targets in the Mammalian Inner Ear

We have employed a novel approach for the identification of functionally important microRNA (miRNA)-target interactions, integrating miRNA, transcriptome and proteome profiles and advanced in silico analysis using the FAME algorithm. Since miRNAs play a crucial role in the inner ear, demonstrated by the discovery of mutations in a miRNA leading to human and mouse deafness, we applied this approach to microdissected auditory and vestibular sensory epithelia. We detected the expression of 157 miRNAs in the inner ear sensory epithelia, with 53 miRNAs differentially expressed between the cochlea and vestibule. Functionally important miRNAs were determined by searching for enriched or depleted targets in the transcript and protein datasets with an expression consistent with the dogma of miRNA regulation. Importantly, quite a few of the targets were detected only in the protein datasets, attributable to regulation by translational suppression. We identified and experimentally validated the regulation of PSIP1-P75, a transcriptional co-activator previously unknown in the inner ear, by miR-135b, in vestibular hair cells. Our findings suggest that miR-135b serves as a cellular effector, involved in regulating some of the differences between the cochlear and vestibular hair cells.
Individuals, Innovation, and the Internet: Why Access is Essential

As each day passes, and as new and better devices and services are developed, more and more government and private services are being moved to an online format. This movement makes access to the internet an essential for 21st Century life. The internet has become so integrated in our lives that many of us cannot imagine how we could operate without it. This omnipresent ‘being’ affects all forms of ‘normal’ social and economic activity and does so in ways that we do not realize. Those with access are able to engage with government, business, and family and friends more easily, which can lead to an improved standard of living. For the disadvantaged, however – those with the desire but without the capacity – a lack of access can be socially isolating. "Between the idea And the reality Between the motion And the act Falls the Shadow – T. S. Elliott. “The Hollow Men” Engagement in the internet economy requires both physical access and the individual to have the necessary finances and skills to make and sustain their use. If governments and the international community want a fully functioning internet economy this requires that all individuals must be operating in it. That not all individuals do so means, very simply, that the internet economy is not fully functioning. The text contextualizes for policy makers and legislatures why it is essential to ensure that individuals have appropriate access to the internet and what can be done to achieve it. The interrelationship/overlap between why access is essential, how it can be achieved and the central role of the individual to the internet economy is explored and translated into the concept of connectedness. From this, solutions for ensuring connectedness for all individuals are developed. It is Dr Cradduck’s hope that in the not too distant future readers will puzzle over why texts such as this needed to be written.
Neuromuscular Fatigue Is Not Different between Constant and Variable Frequency Stimulation

This study compared fatigue development of the triceps surae induced by two electrical stimulation protocols composed of constant and variable frequency trains (CFTs, VFTs, 450 trains, 30 Hz, 167 ms ON, 500 ms OFF and 146 ms ON, 500 ms OFF respectively). For the VFTs protocol a doublet (100 Hz) was used at the beginning of each train. The intensity used evoked 30% of a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and was defined using CFTs. Neuromuscular tests were performed before and after each protocol. Changes in excitation-contraction coupling were assessed by analysing the M-wave [at rest (Mmax) and during MVC (Msup)] and associated peak twitch (Pt). H-reflex [at rest (Hmax) and during MVC (Hsup)] and the motor evoked potential (MEP) during MVC were studied to assess spinal and corticospinal excitability of the soleus muscle. MVC decrease was similar between the protocols (−8%, P<0.05). Mmax, Msup and Pt decreased after both protocols (P<0.01). Hmax/Mmax was decreased (P<0.05), whereas Hsup/Msup and MEP/Msup remained unchanged after both protocols. The results indicate that CFTs and VFTs gave rise to equivalent neuromuscular fatigue. This fatigue resulted from alterations taking place at the muscular level. The finding that cortical and spinal excitability remained unchanged during MVC indicates that spinal and/or supraspinal mechanisms were activated to compensate for the loss of spinal excitability at rest.
Labile and Non-Labile Fractions of Phosphorus and Its Transformations in Soil under Eucalyptus Plantations, Brazil

Phosphorus (P) is the main limiting nutritional factor in the cultivation of Eucalyptus in Brazil. Despite this, little is known about the P fractions and dynamics in Eucalyptus soils in tropical regions. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the distribution of labile and non-labile fractions of P in soil in 10 sites of Eucalyptus in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil and (2) to determine the interactions among the P fractions and to identify which fractions act as sinks or sources for the available P fraction. The P fractions were separated using the Hedley sequential extraction method, and the P transformation processes were evaluated via structural equation modeling. The labile P (resin-Pi + Pi and Po in NaHCO3) varied between 6% and 16%, the moderately labile P (Pi + Po in NaOH) varied between 28% and 40%, the occluded P (Pi + Po in Sonicate + NaOH) varied between 6% and 19%, the P associated with Ca (HCl-Pi) varied between 0.4% and 3% and the residual-P varied between 35% and 47%. The hypothetical structural model of soil P cycle was composed of four P pools (latent variables): the organic pool, occluded pool, inorganic pool, and available pool. The structural model was adequate to identify functional pools of P in soil, and to identify transformation processes of P based on the source-sink relationships. The available P pool was highly dependent on inorganic and occluded pools and the organic pool acted predominantly as a sink of P on available and inorganic pools. The results reinforce the high level of recalcitrance of the organic pool and the fact that Eucalyptus plants must access pools of limited-availability P to meet their nutritional demands.
Conversational Dynamics: Decision Making as Discourse

OF DISSERTATION CONVERSATIONAL DYNAMICS: DECISION MAKING AS DISCOURSE This dissertation examines decision making as discourse to capture subtle characteristics and processes within top management team discussions and examines their influence on decision outcomes. Additionally, this approach allows for exploration of decision making processes in real time by utilizing audio analysis techniques that can provide a more dynamic and integrative view of conversations and discussions as they relate to the dialogue and debate that goes on within top management teams, as well as providing an alternate pathway of study for top management team and group research, decision making studies, and the fields of communication and conversational analysis.
Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Warm-up on Leg and Vertical Stiffness During Running

Abstract Paradisis, GP, Pappas, P, Dallas, G, Zacharogiannis, E, Rossi, J, and Lapole, T. Acute effects of whole-body vibration warm-up on leg and vertical stiffness during running. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2433–2438, 2021—Although whole-body vibration (WBV) has been suggested as a suitable and efficient alternative to the classic warm-up routines, it is still unknown how this may impact running mechanics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a WBV warm-up procedure on lower-limb stiffness and other spatiotemporal variables during running at submaximal speed. Twenty-two males performed 30-second running bouts at 4.44 m·s−1 on a treadmill before and after a WBV and control warm-up protocols. The WBV protocol (vibration frequency: 50 Hz, peak-to-peak displacement: 4 mm) consisted of 10 sets of 30-second dynamic squatting exercises with 30-second rest periods within sets. Leg and vertical stiffness values were calculated using the spring mass model. The results indicated significant increases only after the WBV protocol for leg stiffness (3.4%), maximal ground reaction force (1.9%), and flight time (4.7%). Consequently, the WBV warm-up protocol produced a change in running mechanics, suggesting a shift toward a more aerial pattern. The functional significance of such WBV-induced changes needs further investigation to clearly determine whether it may influence running economy and peak velocity.
Prevalence of Serologic Hepatitis B Markers in Blood Donors From Puebla, Mexico: The Association of Relatively High Levels of Anti-Core Antibodies With the Detection of Surface Antigen and Genomic DNA

Background The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes chronic hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Surface antigen (HBsAg) detection is a definitive test that can confirm HBV infection, while the presence of antibodies against the core protein (anti-HBc) suggests either a previous or ongoing infection or occult hepatitis B infection (OBI). Objectives The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anti-HBc and HBsAg in blood donors. Further, the study aimed to estimate the anti-HBc level at which HBV DNA is detected in putative OBI cases, as well as to search for mutations in the “a” determinant associated with the non-detection of HBsAg in serum. Patients and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from 2003–2009. The study included 120,552 blood donors from the state of Puebla, Mexico. Different commercial systems based on microparticles (enzymatic (MEIA) or chemiluminescent (CMIA)) were used to determine the HBsAg and anti-HBc levels. For the detection of HBV DNA, a nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) was used and the genotypes were determined using Sanger sequencing. Results Of the 120,552 blood donors, 1437 (1.19%, 95% CI: 1.12 - 1.26) were reactive to anti-HBc, while 82 (0.066%, 95% CI: 0.053 - 0.079) were reactive to HBsAg. Some 156 plasma samples collected in 2009 from anti-HBc-positive/HBsAg-negative blood donors were submitted for HBV DNA detection in a search for probable OBI. Viral DNA was detected in 27/156 (17.3%, 95% CI: 11.5 - 23.1). Our results show an association between HBV DNA or HBsAg and anti-HBc S/CO levels ≥ 4.0. All DNA samples were identified as genotype H and some “a” determinant mutations were identified, although none corresponded to mutations previously reported to hinder the detection of HBsAg by commercial immunoassays. Conclusions We observed that as the anti-HBc levels increase, there is a higher prevalence of the viral protein HBsAg in blood donors. Samples testing positive for HBV-DNA were seen to exhibit a ten-fold higher presence of anti-HBc S/CO ≥ 4 than those with S/CO ≥ 1 and < 4.0, which highlights the relevance of anti-HBc determination in blood donor samples.