Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific support for the polygyny‐vs.‐polyandry hypothesis in the bulldog ant Myrmecia brevinoda

The number of queens per colony and the number of matings per queen are the most important determinants of the genetic structure of ant colonies, and understanding their interrelationship is essential to the study of social evolution. The polygyny‐vs.‐polyandry hypothesis argues that polygyny and polyandry should be negatively associated because both can result in increased intracolonial genetic variability and have costs. However, evidence for this long‐debated hypothesis has been lacking at the intraspecific level. Here, we investigated the colony genetic structure in the Australian bulldog ant Myrmecia brevinoda. The numbers of queens per colony varied from 1 to 6. Nestmate queens within polygynous colonies were on average related (rqq = 0.171 ± 0.019), but the overall relatedness between queens and their mates was indistinguishable from zero (rqm = 0.037 ± 0.030). Queens were inferred to mate with 1–10 males. A lack of genetic isolation by distance among nests indicated the prevalence of independent colony foundation. In accordance with the polygyny‐vs.‐polyandry hypothesis, the number of queens per colony was significantly negatively associated with the estimated number of matings (Spearman rank correlation R = −0.490, P = 0.028). This study thus provides the rare intraspecific evidence for the polygyny‐vs.‐polyandry hypothesis. We suggest that the high costs of multiple matings and the strong effect of multiple mating on intracolonial genetic diversity may be essential to the negative association between polygyny and polyandry and that any attempt to empirically test this hypothesis should place emphasis upon these two key underlying aspects.
Influence of Rest Interval Lengths on Hypotensive Response After Strength Training Sessions Performed by Older Men

de Salles, BF, Maior, AS, Polito, M, Novaes, J, Alexander, J, Rhea, M, and Simão, R. Influence of rest interval lengths on hypotensive response after strength training sessions performed by older men. J Strength Cond Res 24(11): 3049-3054, 2010-The purpose of this study was to compare the postexercise hypotensive response after different rest intervals between sets (1 and 2 minutes) in normotense older men. Seventeen older men (67.6 ± 2.2 years) with at least 1 year of strength training experience participated. After determination of 10 repetition maximum (10RM) loads for exercises, subjects performed 2 different strength training sessions. On the first day, volunteers performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions per exercise at 70% 10RM, with 1 or 2 minutes' rest interval between sets depending on random assignment. On the second day, the procedures were similar but with the other rest interval. There was no difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between rest intervals at any time point measure. Before 1- and 2-minute sessions, the systolic blood pressure values were 122.7 ± 6.0 and 123.2 ± 3.7 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure values were 80.5 ± 5.6 and 82.0 ± 3.7 mm Hg, respectively. Both 1 and 2 minute sessions still presented reduced values for systolic blood pressure after 60 minutes (102.9 ± 6.9 and 106.7 ± 5.4 mm Hg, respectively), while the diastolic blood pressure presented significant reductions for 50 minutes after a 1 minute session (12.1 to 5.6 mm Hg) and for 60 minutes after the 2 minute session (13.3 to 6.5 mm Hg). Additionally, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure effect size data demonstrated higher magnitudes at all time point measures after the 2-minute rest sessions. These results suggest a poststrength training hypotensive response for both training sessions in normotense older men, with higher magnitudes for the 2-minute rest session. Our findings suggest a potentially positive health benefit of strength training.
Silver-doped polyaniline–polyvinyl chloride nanocomposite films for photocatalytic and antibacterial applications

Silver-doped polyaniline–polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanocomposite films (Ag.PANI–PVC) were synthesized by non-solvent-induced phase inversion method. The nanomaterials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet, and field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis. Thermal stability and tensile strength of the Ag-doped and undoped PANI–PVC films were studied. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites on methylene blue dye under visible light was evaluated at different initial concentrations of the dye. Silver-doped nanocomposites exhibited excellent photodegradation efficiency. The kinetics of photocatalysis fit well to the pseudo first-order model. Antibacterial performance of the samples was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria by agar disc diffusion method. It was observed that Ag.PANI–PVC and Ag.PANI have antagonistic effects against the growth of gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) with inhibition zones in the range of 10–35 mm.
Two-Sided Markets: A Tentative Survey

A recent literature, dealing with special markets characterized by bilateral network externalities, is summarized and critically assessed. Specific features of these markets, in terms of pricing principles and externalities, are discussed first. Afterwards, several issues related to competition between platforms are considered. Finally, implications for competition policy and prospects for future research are briefly discussed.
Immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma

Melanoma has traditionally been considered an immunogenic tumor. A number of approaches have been studied for enhancement of antitumor immunity. The first cytokine approved for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, interleukin‐2, has resulted in prolonged responses in a small subset of patients, providing hope that immunotherapy might be useful for this disease. Ipilimumab, a monoclonal antibody to CTLA‐4, was recently approved and a number of other promising investigational approaches are currently being pursued. This manuscript discusses more recent advances in the treatment of melanoma employing a variety of immune‐enhancing approaches. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 725–734, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Composition and Antioxidant Activity of the Anthocyanins of the Fruit of Berberis heteropoda Schrenk

In present study, the anthocyanin composition and content of the fruit of B. heteropoda Schrenk were determined for the first time. The total anthocyanins were extracted from the fruit of B. heteropoda Schrenk using 0.5% HCl in 80% methanol and were then purified using an AB-8 macroporous resin column. The purified anthocyanin extract (PAE) was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and HPLC-high resolution-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-HR-ESI-MS) under the same experimental conditions. The results revealed the presence of seven different anthocyanins. The major anthocyanins purified by preparative HPLC were confirmed to be delphinidin-3-O-glucopyranoside (30.3%), cyanidin-3-O-glucopyranoside (33.5%), petunidin-3-Ο-glucopyranoside (10.5%), peonidin-3-O-glucopyranoside (8.5%) and malvidin-3-O-glucopyranoside (13.8%) using HPLC-HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopy. The total anthocyanin content was 2036.6 ± 2.2 mg/100 g of the fresh weight of B. heteropoda Schrenk fruit. In terms of its total reducing capacity assay, DPPH radical-scavenging activity assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and ABTS radical cation-scavenging activity assay, the PAE also showed potent antioxidant activity. The results are valuable for illuminating anthocyanins composition of B. heteropoda Schrenk and for further utilising them as a promising anthocyanin pigment source. This research enriched the chemical information of B. heteropoda Schrenk.
EMDR minus eye movements equals good psychotherapy.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy roughly equal in efficacy to others currently available. It is argued that this treatment method is efficacious independent of the value of its component parts (e.g., eye movements) and is successful because it applies common and generally accepted principles of psychotherapy. Ten curative principles of this procedure are discussed as reflective of sound psychotherapy practice. It is hoped that an understanding of this therapy from the perspective of the practice and theory of psychotherapy will assist in its study.
The effect of theobromine 200 mg/l topical gel exposure duration against surface enamel hardness resistance from 1% citric acid

Theobromine can be used to prevent the demineralization of enamel and can stimulate the growth of new enamels. This study analyzes the effect of theobromine’s gel duration exposure on enamel hardness resistance from 1% citric acid. Twenty-eight specimens were divided into three experimental groups; were exposed to theobromine gel 200 mg/l for 16, 48, and 96 minutes; and were then immersed in 1% citric acid. The control group was only immersed in 1% citric acid. Results: A Wilcoxon test showed a significant increase and decrease in enamel microhardness after exposure to theobromine gel and citric acid (p < 0.05). A Mann-Whitney test showed a significant increase and decrease in enamel microhardness between different durations of exposure to theobromine gel and immersion in citric acid (p < 0.05). The application of theobromine gel 200mg/L increased enamel microhardness but did not contribute to the enamel’s hardness resistance after immersion in 1% citric acid. The duration of theobromine gel application affected enamel microhardness and acid resistance.
Precipitating factors for falls among patients with dementia on a psychogeriatric ward

ABSTRACT Background: Predisposing factors alone explain only a limited proportion of the variation in fall events, especially in people with dementia. The aim of this study was to identify precipitating factors for falls among people with dementia. Methods: We examined prospective fall registrations over a two-year period on a psychogeriatric hospital ward in the north of Sweden. Circumstances associated with each fall event were analyzed by independent reviewers, possible precipitating factors were documented, evaluated and the most likely precipitating factors were identified. In total, 223 patients with any type of diagnosed dementia were admitted to the ward and 91 fell at least once. Of these, 46 were women and 45 were men (mean age 80.3 years, range 60–94). Results: A total of 298 falls were registered, 62% of which were sustained by men. The most likely factor or combination of factors could be ascertained in 247 falls (83%). Falls took place at all hours but almost half of the falls (44%) occurred during the nightshift (between 9pm and 7am). Acute disease or symptoms of disease and/or acute drug side-effects were, alone or in combination with other factors, judged to precipitate more than three out of four falls. Conclusion: It is possible to identify many precipitating factors that may contribute to a fall. Falls in people with dementia should be regarded as a symptom of acute disease or as a drug side-effect until proven otherwise. Prompt detection of these relevant factors is, therefore, essential.
Recursion relations for tree amplitudes in super gauge theories

Using newly proposed recursion relations in [25], [26], compact formulas are obtained for tree-level amplitudes of g1−g2−g3−g4+g5+. gn+. We then make an extension of these recursion relations to include fermions of multi-flavors, from which MHV and amplitudes are reproduced. We also calculate non-MHV amplitudes of processes with two fermions and four gluons. Results thus obtained are equivalent to those obtained by extended CSW prescriptions, and those by conventional field theory calculations.
Use of serial assessment of disease severity and liver biopsy for indication for liver transplantation in pediatric Epstein‐Barr virus–induced fulminant hepatic failure

The decision to perform liver transplantation (LT) in patients with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)–induced fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) relies on a precise assessment of laboratory and pathological findings. In this study, we analyzed clinical and laboratory data as well as the pathological features of the liver in order to evaluate the pathogenesis and the need for LT in 5 patients with EBV‐induced FHF. According to the King's College criteria, the Acute Liver Failure Early Dynamic (ALFED) model, and the Japanese criteria (from the Acute Liver Failure Study Group of Japan), only 1 patient was considered to be a candidate for LT. However, explanted liver tissues in 3 cases exhibited massive hepatocellular necrosis together with diffuse CD8‐positive T cell infiltration in both the portal area and the sinusoid. EBV was detected in the liver, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs). In 2 cases indicated to be at moderate risk by the ALFED model, liver biopsy showed CD8‐positive and EBV‐encoded RNA signal–positive lymphocytic infiltration predominantly in the portal area, but massive hepatocellular necrosis was not observed. These patients were treated with immunosuppressants and etoposide under the diagnosis of EBV‐induced hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis or systemic EBV‐positive T cell lymphoproliferative disease of childhood. EBV DNA was detected at a high level in PBMNCs, although it was negative in plasma. On the basis of the pathological analysis of the explanted liver tissues, LT was proposed for the restoration of liver function and the removal of the EBV‐infected lymphocytes concentrated in the liver. Detecting EBV DNA by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction in plasma and PBMNCs was informative. An accurate evaluation of the underlying pathogenesis is essential for developing a treatment strategy in patients with EBV‐induced FHF. Liver Transpl 21:362–368, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
JAK-STAT signaling in cardiomyogenesis of cardiac stem cells

Recently various kinds of cardiac stem/progenitor cells have been identified and suggested to be involved in cardiac repair and regeneration in injured myocardium. In this review, we focus on the roles of JAK-STAT signaling in cardiac stem/progenitor cells in cardiomyogenesis. JAK-STAT signaling plays important roles in the differentiation of stem cells into cardiac lineage cells. The activation of JAK-STAT signal elicits the mobilization of mesenchymal stem cells as well, contributing to the maintenance of cardiac function. Thus we propose that JAK-STAT could be a target signaling pathway in cardiac regenerative therapy.
Deflation: making sure "it" doesn't happen here : remarks before the National Economists Club, Washington, D.C., November 21, 2002

Since World War II, inflation--the apparently inexorable rise in the prices of goods and services--has been the bane of central bankers. Economists of various stripes have argued that inflation is the inevitable result of (pick your favorite) the abandonment of metallic monetary standards, a lack of fiscal discipline, shocks to the price of oil and other commodities, struggles over the distribution of income, excessive money creation, selfconfirming inflation expectations, an "inflation bias" in the policies of central banks, and still others. Despite widespread "inflation pessimism," however, during the 1980s and 1990s most industrial-country central banks were able to cage, if not entirely tame, the inflation dragon. Although a number of factors converged to make this happy outcome possible, an essential element was the heightened understanding by central bankers and, equally as important, by political leaders and the public at large of the very high costs of allowing the economy to stray too far from price stability.
Theoretical calculation and prediction of drug transport processes using simple parameters and partial least squares projections to latent structures (PLS) statistics. The use of electrotopological state indices.

A method of modeling and predicting drug transport processes using simple, theoretically computed molecular descriptors and multivariate statistics has been investigated in four data sets related to Caco-2 cell permeability, human intestinal absorption, brain-blood partitioning, and immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) chromatography. The program Molconn-Z was used to compute theoretical molecular descriptors related to electrotopological state indices. Additional parameters related to size and lipophilicity [i.e., calculated molar refraction (CMR) and octanol-water partition coefficient (CLOGP)] were also used in the statistical modeling. Good statistical models were derived (r(2) and Q(2) values ranged from 0.75 to 0.93 and 0.70 to 0.89, respectively) that permit fast computational (electronic) screening and prioritization of virtual libraries.
Impact of Bus Priority Attributes on Catchment Area Residents in Dublin, Ireland

In many jurisdictions, political and infrastructural restrictions have limited the feasibility of road pricing as a response to urban congestion. Accordingly, the allocation of dedicated road space to high frequency buses has emerged as a second-best option. Analyses of the evidence emerging from this option emphasize the engineering and technical issues and do not systematically interrogate the customers, those in the bus catchment area that use or could potentially use the service. This paper attempts to correct for this asymmetry in focus by analyzing characteristics and preferences of users and non-users through a survey of 1,000 households for a particular quality bus catchment area in Dublin, Ireland. Preliminary findings are encouraging, both for the use of this policy instrument as one which can yield considerable consumer satisfaction, and in terms of modal share analysis, especially because the corridor under scrutiny represents a much higher socio-economic profile than Dublin or Ireland as a whole.
Changes in Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Heat Shock Protein 70, Malondialdehyde, and Superoxide Dismutase in Patients With Different Severities of Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

AbstractThe relationships among inflammation, oxidative balance, and the severity of alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) remain unknown. The aim of this study is to explore the relationships among tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-&agr;), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the severity of AFLD.From January 2012 to December 2013, 162 participants were enrolled in this study and divided into 4 groups: 44 cases of mild AFLD (group A), 55 cases of moderate-to-severe AFLD (group B), 44 cases of alcohol consumption without AFLD (group C), and 20 cases of no alcohol consumption without AFLD (group D). A cross-sectional study was conducted by detecting the serum levels of TNF-&agr;, HSP70, MDA, and SOD by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The median serum levels of TNF-&agr; and HSP70 among the 4 groups were statistically significant (P = 0.000 and 0.001, respectively). The median serum levels of TNF-&agr; in groups A and B were significantly lower than in group C (P = 0.002 and 0.000, respectively), and the median serum level of TNF-&agr; in group B was significantly lower than in group D (P = 0.023). In addition, the median serum level of HSP70 in group B was significantly lower than in groups A and C (P = 0.002 and 0.000, respectively), and the median serum level of HSP70 in group C was significantly higher than in group D (P = 0.044). However, the median serum level of MDA in group B was significantly lower than only group C (P = 0.008). Chronic alcohol ingestion without AFLD may result in a significant increase in the circulation of certain inflammatory markers; the severity of AFLD is associated with circulating inflammatory markers, and moderate-to-severe AFLD may result in a more significant reduction of these markers. However, moderate-to-severe AFLD may also result in a significant downregulation of oxidative stress products.
Kinetic Study, Modeling and Simulation of Homogeneous Rhodium-Catalyzed Methanol Carbonylation to Acetic Acid

Thermodynamic restrictions and simultaneous effects of operational conditions on the homogeneous rhodium-catalyzed carbonylation of methanol are studied in this line of research. It is shown that the general NRTL-Virial model can be appropriated to study thermodynamics of the carbonylation. It is obtained that the reaction is kinetically and thermodynamically reasonable at temperatures above 420K and below 520K, respectively. Moreover, at carbon monoxide partial pressures above 10 bar, the reaction rate is independent of the partial pressure. These results are in full accord with those reported in the literature. In addition, PCO > 2 bar is necessary for initializing the reaction. The parameters involved in the rate expression, equilibrium constants, CO solubility, and rate constant, are determined. The equilibrium constants are calculated with B3LYP/SDD ab initio method, and the value of Henry’s coefficient for CO (HCO) is determined as a function of temperature and methyl acetate conversion. The results predicted by this function agree well with those proposed by the general NRTL-Virial model with the errors below 11%. The Variation of CO solubility with acetic acid and methyl acetate concentrations is in good agreement with that obtained by others. It is found that the determined parameters give satisfactory predictions in modeling and simulation of the reaction.
Time Trend and Demographic and Geographic Disparities in Childhood Obesity Prevalence in China—Evidence from Twenty Years of Longitudinal Data

Childhood overweight and obesity (ow/ob) has become a serious threat to many countries, including China. However, limited evidence was obtained from longitudinal data in China. This study examined the secular trends and geographic variation in the prevalence of ow/ob and obesity only, and age, gender, and urban-rural disparities among school-aged children across China. Data from children aged 6–17 surveyed in China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from 1991 (n = 2712) to 2011 (n = 1054) were used. Overweight and obesity were defined based on the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) recommended Asian age-sex-specific BMI cut-off-points. We found that: (1) childhood ow/ob and obesity prevalence increased from 11.7% to 25.2% and from 2.8% to 10.1% during 1991–2011, respectively; (2) children aged 6–12 experienced a 1.3 and 1.6 times increase in ow/ob and obesity prevalence than children aged 13–17, respectively; (3) the urban-rural gap in ow/ob prevalence widened; (4) ow/ob prevalence in boys was higher and increased faster than in girls, especially in an urban setting; and (5) geographic variation was observed with faster increases in more economically developed east, central and northeast regions than in the less developed west. The findings added more nuances to the picture of temporal changes in ow/ob prevalence among Chinese children.