Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Characterization Reveals Novel Putative Coding Sequences in Prevotella ruminicola Genome Extracted from Rumen Metagenomic Studies

Aim: To reassemble Prevotella ruminicola genome from rumen metagenomic data of cattle and buffalo and compare with the published reference genome. Method: Rumen microbial communities from Mehsani buffaloes (n = 8) and Kankrej cattle (n = 8), each adapted to different proportions of a dry or green roughage diet, were subjected to metagenomic sequencing by Ion Torrent PGM, and subsequent reads were analyzed by MG-RAST. Using reference-guided assembly of the sequences against the published P. ruminicola strain 23, draft genomes of 2.56 and 2.46 Mb were reconstructed from Mehsani buffalo and Kankrej cows, respectively. The genomes were annotated using the RAST Server and carbohydrate active enzyme (CAZyme) analysis. Results: Taxonomic analysis by MG-RAST revealed P. ruminicola to be the most abundant species present among the rumen microflora. Functional annotation of reconstructed genomes using the RAST Server depicted the maximum assignment of coding sequences involved in the subsystems amino acid and derivatives and carbohydrate metabolism. CAZyme profiling revealed the glycoside hydrolases (GH) family to be the most abundant. GH family subclassification revealed that the extracted genomes had more sequence hits for GH2, GH3, GH92 and GH97 as compared to the reference. Conclusion: The results reflect the metabolic significance of rumen-adapted P. ruminicola in utilizing a coarse diet for animals based on acquisition of novel genetic elements.
Comparison of treatment completion rates for olanzapine pamoate and risperidone microspheres

Dear Dr Jackson, In the recent review article by Dr Citrome (Olanzapine Pamoate: a stick in time? A review of the efficacy and safety profile of a new depot formulation of a second-generation antipsychotic), indirect comparisons between risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) and olanzapine long-acting injectable (OLAI) were described. These comparisons were based on an abstract published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. We believe that the section of the article that describes these comparisons fails to reach a reasonable standard of scientific correctness, as the original data referenced in the abstract is inaccurate. This may lead to faulty interpretations, which may misinform treating physicians. We are specifically concerned about the following points: First, a reference group common to both studies must exist when indirect comparisons of agents are asserted. In the analysis presented in the original abstract, this is clearly not the case. This makes the conclusion from the indirect comparison claim invalid. Presentation of completion rates across different study designs without accounting for between-study variability is potentially misleading. The proper approach would have been to use meta-analytic techniques to construct a standardised mean difference in completion rates across the different studies. Secondly, the designs of the studies cited by Citrome for comparison were remarkably disparate in plan, hypothesis and intent, and are, therefore, further incompatible with the conduct of any indirect comparison. These incompatibilities include:
TRECVID 2010 – An Introduction to the Goals , Tasks , Data , Evaluation Mechanisms , and Metrics

The TREC Video Retrieval Evaluation (TRECVID) 2010 was a TREC-style video analysis and retrieval evaluation, the goal of which remains to promote progress in content-based exploitation of digital video via open, metrics-based evaluation. Over the last 10 years this effort has yielded a better understanding of how systems can effectively accomplish such processing and how one can reliably benchmark their performance. TRECVID is funded by the NIST and other US government agencies. Many organizations and individuals worldwide contribute significant time and effort. In 2010, TRECVID turned to new and different data and to some new tasks. 73 teams (see Table 1) from various research organizations — 27 from Europe, 32 from Asia, 12 from North America, 1 from Africa, and 1 from South America — completed one or more of six tasks:
Reach and Rich: the new economics of information and the provision of on-line legal services in the UK

The paper considers a number of issues including the use of the Web as an opportunity for smaller firms to break free from the traditional indicators of reputation and expertise such as the size and opulence of offices. It also reflects on the use of client-specific Extranets in addition to publicly available Internet sites. The paper concludes that although the Web provides reach, offering richness and the sense of community required for creating and sustaining relationships with potential clients can be difficult. Some suggestions are made for enhancing 'Richness' in Web sites.
Effects of Understory Vegetation and Litter on Plant Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), N∶P Ratio and Their Relationships with Growth Rate of Indigenous Seedlings in Subtropical Plantations

Establishing seedlings in subtropical plantations is very important for forest health, succession and management. Information on seedling nutrient concentrations is essential for both the selection of suitable indigenous tree species to accelerate succession of the established plantation and sustainable forest management. In this study, we investigated the concentrations of nitrogen ([N]), phosphorus ([P]), and N∶P ratio in leaves, stems and roots of seedlings of three indigenous tree species (Castanopsis chinensis, Michelia chapensis and Psychotria rubra) transplanted with removing or retaining understory vegetation and litter at two typical subtropical forest plantations (Eucalyptus plantation and native species plantation). We also measured the relative growth rate (RGR) of seedling height, and developed the relationships between RGR and leaf [N], [P] and N∶P ratio. Results showed that treatments of understory vegetation and associated litter (i.e. removal or retained) generally had no significant effects on leaf [N], [P], N∶P ratio and RGR of the transplanted tree seedlings for the experimental period. But among different species, there were significant differences in nutrient concentrations. M. chapensis and P. rubra had higher [N] and [P] compared to C. chinensis. [N] and [P] also varied among different plant tissues with much higher values in leaves than in roots for all indigenous species. RGR of indigenous tree seedlings was mostly positively correlated with leaf [N] and [P], but negatively correlated with leaf N∶P ratio. Considering the low [P] and high N∶P ratio observed in the introduced indigenous tree seedlings, we propose that the current experimental plantations might be P limited for plant growth.
Old and new intervention policy: a survey of empirical studies for the Mezzogiorno

The failure of regional development is a well documented fact in explaining the persistence of disparities in the Italian regions. In spite of the length of public (ordinary and extraordinary) intervention, the Mezzogiorno is still lagging behind. Moreover, the priority in the European regional planning for the period 2000-2006 is still to fill the gap in terms of infrastructures and human capital. In this context, the present work is aimed to provide a useful empirical background for the evaluation of old and new development policies.
Simplified multiuser detection for SCMA with sum-product algorithm

Sparse code multiple access (SCMA) is a novel non-orthogonal multiple access technique, which fully exploits the shaping gain of multi-dimensional codewords. However, the lack of simplified multiuser detection algorithm prevents further implementation due to the inherently high computation complexity. In this paper, general SCMA detector algorithms based on Sum-product algorithm are elaborated. Then two improved algorithms are proposed, which simplify the detection structure and curtail exponent operations quantitatively in logarithm domain. Furthermore, to analyze these detection algorithms fairly, we derive theoretical expression of the average mutual information (AMI) of SCMA (SCMA-AMI), and employ a statistical method to calculate SCMA-AMI associated with specific detection algorithms. Simulation results show that the performance is almost as well as the based message passing algorithm in terms of both BER and AMI while the complexity is significantly decreased, compared to the traditional Max-Log approximation method.
Efficacy of Liposomal Bismuth-Ethanedithiol-Loaded Tobramycin after Intratracheal Administration in Rats with Pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection

ABSTRACT We sought to investigate alterations in quorum-sensing signal molecule N-acyl homoserine lactone secretion and in the release of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factors, as well as the in vivo antimicrobial activity of bismuth-ethanedithiol incorporated into a liposome-loaded tobramycin formulation (LipoBiEDT-TOB) administered to rats chronically infected with P. aeruginosa. The quorum-sensing signal molecule N-acyl homoserine lactone was monitored by using a biosensor organism. P. aeruginosa virulence factors were assessed spectrophotometrically. An agar beads model of chronic Pseudomonas lung infection in rats was used to evaluate the efficacy of the liposomal formulation in the reduction of bacterial count. The levels of active tobramycin in the lungs and the kidneys were evaluated by microbiological assay. LipoBiEDT-TOB was effective in disrupting both quorum-sensing signal molecules N-3-oxo-dodeccanoylhomoserine lactone and N-butanoylhomoserine lactone, as well as significantly (P < 0.05) reducing lipase, chitinase, and protease production. At 24 h after 3 treatments, the CFU counts in lungs of animals treated with LipoBiEDT-TOB were of 3 log10 CFU/lung, comparated to 7.4 and 4.7 log10 CFU/lung, respectively, in untreated lungs and in lungs treated with free antibiotic. The antibiotic concentration after the last dose of LipoBiEDT-TOB was 25.1 μg/lung, while no tobramycin was detected in the kidneys. As for the free antibiotic, we found 6.5 μg/kidney but could not detect any tobramycin in the lungs. Taken together, LipoBiEDT-TOB reduced the production of quorum-sensing molecules and virulence factors and could highly improve the management of chronic pulmonary infection in cystic fibrosis patients.
In vitro model for the study of the dissociation of increasing antigenemia and decreasing DNAemia and viremia during treatment of human cytomegalovirus infection with ganciclovir in transplant recipients.

The paradox phenomenon (i.e., the dissociation of increasing antigenemia and decreasing DNAemia and viremia) that occurs during treatment of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections with ganciclovir (Gcv), in transplant recipients, was investigated by use of an in vitro model for the study of interactions between polymorphonuclear leukocytes and endothelial cells. The paradox phenomenon was reproduced in vitro in the presence of Gcv and, to a much lesser extent, in the presence of cidofovir, but not in the presence of foscarnet. The pathogenetic basis for such a paradox response was found, by use of drug concentrations in the range of 90%-99% of the inhibitory dose, to rely on the partial synthesis of HCMV phosphoprotein 65. The opposite situation (i.e., the simultaneous increase of antigenemia, viremia, and DNAemia), which is observed in clinical conditions associated with inefficacy of treatment due to drug-resistant strains, was also reproduced in vitro by use of drug-resistant HCMV strains. The conclusion for clinicians is that antiviral therapy must be changed only in the latter case.
Wideband Planar Microwave Lenses Using Sub-Wavelength Spatial Phase Shifters

We present a new technique for designing low-profile planar microwave lenses. The proposed lenses consist of numerous miniature spatial phase shifters distributed over a planar surface. The topology of each spatial phase shifter (SPS) is based on the design of a class of bandpass frequency selective surfaces composed entirely of sub-wavelength, non-resonant periodic structures. A procedure for designing the proposed lenses and their constituting spatial phase shifters is also presented in the paper. This design procedure is applied to two different planar lenses operating at X-band. Each lens is a low-profile structure with an overall thickness of 0. 08λ0 and uses sub-wavelength SPSs with dimensions of 0. 2λ0 × 0. 2λ0, where λ0 is the free-space wavelength at 10 GHz. These prototypes are fabricated and experimentally characterized using a free-space measurement system and the results are reported in the paper. The fabricated prototypes demonstrate relatively wide bandwidths of approximately 20%. Furthermore, the lenses demonstrate stable responses when illuminated under oblique angles of incidence. This feature is of practical importance if these lenses are to be used in beam-scanning antenna applications.
Gene expression analysis in human fetal retinal explants treated with docosahexaenoic acid.

PURPOSE To explore the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on gene expression during human fetal retinal maturation. METHODS Human fetal retinal explants were cultured in serum-free Waymouth's medium supplemented with DHA or oleic acid (OA), using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the vehicle. After 14 days in culture, fatty acid composition was assessed, and the abundance of 2400 cDNAs was examined with a human cDNA microarray system. RESULTS Transcript abundance remained unchanged for 82% and 90% of genes in the explants with added DHA or OA, respectively. Decreased expression was detected in 4% and 9% of genes, in explants supplemented with DHA or OA, respectively, whereas, 14% of genes in explants exposed to DHA and only 0.4% of genes in explants treated with OA showed increased expression. Transcripts displaying changes in abundance in explants supplemented with DHA encode for proteins involved in diverse biological functions, including neurogenesis, neurotransmission, and refinement of connectivity. These gene expression changes were not observed in explants supplemented with OA. CONCLUSIONS The effect of DHA deficiency on retinal function during human development can be partly explained by modifications in retinal gene expression by direct or indirect mechanisms.
What do tourists eat and why? Towards a sociology of gastronomy and tourism.

This paper presents a lifestyle approach to the study of the sociology of gastronomy and tourism. The main source of inspiration is Bourdieu's (1984) distinction between four lifestyles, here called: recreational (red), diversionary (yellow), experimental (blue), and existential (green). The paper discusses the nature of the attributes of the four lifestyles, i.e. values, attitudes, behaviour and preferences. It concludes that the approach has the potential for informing tourism marketers and planners in new ways, both at the destination and commercial unit levels. However, further research and practical testing is needed before the method can be used for this purpose and to account for differences between nationalities.
Radio-X-Ray Correlation and the “Quiescent State” of Black Hole Sources

Recently a correlation between the radio and X-ray luminosities, LR ∝ L, was found in black hole sources including black hole candidates in our Galaxy and active galactic nuclei. We show that the correlation can be understood in the context of an accretion-jet model developed for explaining the spectral and timing properties of XTE J1118+480. More importantly, we show that when the X-ray luminosity is below a critical value, ≲(10-5 to 10-6)LEdd, if the jet persists, the correlation should turn and become steeper, LR ∝ L, and the X-radiation of the system should be dominated by the emission from the jet, rather than by the accretion flow. Possible observational evidence for our predictions is presented, and future observations to further test our predictions are proposed.
‘Hidden Habitus’: A Qualitative Study of Socio-Ecological Influences on Drinking Practices and Social Identity in Mid-Adolescence

This study explored mid-adolescents’ views and experiences of socio-ecological influences on their drinking practices in order to help inform the development of interventions to reduce alcohol-related risk. We conducted 31 in-depth interviews with young people aged 13–17 in North East England. Verbatim interview transcripts and field notes were coded systematically and analysed thematically, following the principles of constant comparison. We adopted Bourdieu’s idea of social game-playing and elements of his conceptual toolkit (particularly habitus, capital and field) during analysis. Analysis yielded three intersecting themes: (1) ‘drinking etiquette’: conveying taste and disgust; (2) ‘playing the drinking game’: demonstrating cultural competency; (3) ‘hidden habitus’—the role of alcohol marketing. Our work demonstrates that there is a nexus of influential factors which come together to help shape and reinforce mid-adolescents’ behaviour, norms and values in relation to alcohol consumption. Drinking practices are not just formed by friendships and family traditions, these are also subject to wider cultural shaping including by the alcohol industry which can encourage brand identification, and gear specific products to add ‘distinction’. However young people are not inactive players and they use aspects of capital and social games to help cement their identity and present themselves in particular ways which in turn are influenced by age, gender and social status. Guided by promising work in the tobacco field, interventions which focus on critical awareness of the framing of alcohol products by key stakeholders, such as policymakers, commercial industry and public health professionals, and by wider society may facilitate behaviour change among young people.
Corporate Culture in Bumiputra and Non-Bumiputera Dominant Organization

The study attempts to explain the effects and consequences of organizational motivations, decision making, leadership, communication, management and the quality of working life. This study is expected to determine if there are similarities and differences between non-bumiputra and bumiputra dominant organizations' corporate culture. A total of 65 participants were randomly chosen. A 65 numbered questionnaire were used to gather the data required and tabulated using statistical package analyzing the 4 dimension (Hofstede's). The findings show that (i) bumiputra dominant organizations has low Power Distance, strong Uncertainty Avoidance, Individualism and Masculinity; (ii) non-bumiputra dominant organizations have low Power Distance, weak Uncertainty Avoidance, Individualism and Feminism and (iii) bumiputra dominant organizations and non-bumiputra dominant organization both has low Power Distance, Individualism but differs in terms of Uncertainty Avoidance and Masculinity. Bumiputra dominant organizations are collective than non-bumiputra organizations.
The Atomic Components of Thought

Contents: Preface. J.R. Anderson, C. Lebiere, Introduction. J.R. Anderson, C. Lebiere, Knowledge Representation. J.R. Anderson, C. Lebiere, M. Lovett, Performance. J.R. Anderson, C. Lebiere, Learning. J.R. Anderson, M. Matessa, C. Lebiere, Visual Interface. M.D. Byrne, J.R. Anderson, Perception and Action. J.R. Anderson, D. Bothell, C. Lebiere, M. Matessa, List Memory. M. Lovett, Choice. C. Lebiere, J.R. Anderson, Cognitive Arithmetic. D.D. Salvucci, J.R. Anderson, Analogy. C.D. Schunn, J.R. Anderson, Scientific Discovery. J.R. Anderson, C. Lebiere, Reflections.
Gestão estratégica no Poder Legislativo: o caso da Câmara dos Deputados

O objetivo do artigo e registrar o processo de implantacao da gestao estrategica na Câmara dos Deputados, com o proposito de revelar seus antecedentes e motivacoes, os momentoschave, as facilidades e dificuldades, os resultados alcancados e os desafios futuros. A abordagem escolhida foi a historico-descritiva, e as acoes de pesquisa envolveram revisao bibliografica, pesquisa documental e entrevistas semiestruturadas. As conclusoes apontam que a implantacao da gestao estrategica na Câmara dos Deputados e um processo complexo e multifacetado, diante de suas caracteristicas de orgao publico, hierarquizado, com alta divisao de trabalho. O avanco da implantacao e lento, devido aos fatores dificultadores observados. O caso traz elementos relevantes para a pesquisa sobre gestao estrategica no setor publico, seja por apresentar o processo de forma analitica e confrontada com a teoria, seja por se tratar especificamente de um orgao do Poder Legislativo. Palavras-chave: Administracao Publica. Gestao Estrategica. Câmara dos Deputados. Balanced scorecard
Children's Health Article Materials and Methods Maternal and Paternal Risk Factors for Cryptorchidism and Hypospadias: a Case–control Study in Newborn Boys

Cryptorchidism and hypospadias are among the most frequent congenital abnormalities in male births. Cryptorchidism (maldescent of the testis) is observed in 1–5% of full-term male births (Toppari et al. 1996) and is a risk factor for subfertility and testicular cancer. Hypospadias (abnormal location of the orifice of the urethra) is observed in 0.3–0.7% of male births and requires surgical treatment in most cases (Pierik et al. 2002). In the past two decades, concern has been raised over a possible increase in disorders of the male reproductive tract, including cryp-torchidism, hypospadias, testicular cancer, and impaired semen quality. It has been suggested that these disorders are interrelated and share a common etiology during fetal life, described by Skakkebaek and colleagues as the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) (Sharpe and Skakkebaek 1993; Skakkebaek et al. 2001). Fetal exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDs) with estrogen-like or antiandrogen-like activity has been suggested as a cause for TDS (Sharpe 2003; Sharpe and Skakkebaek 1993). Various groups of chemicals, including pesticides and phthalate esters, have been identified as being weakly estrogenic or antiandrogenic (Sharpe 2003). These chemicals may occur in working environments, drinking water, and food (Toppari et al. 1996). Humans can also be exposed to natural phytoestrogens, through consumption of food products derived from plants (Toppari et al. 1996). There is only limited evidence that the suggested increase in male urogenital abnormalities in humans can be attributed to exposure to EDs (Sharpe 2003) or environmental chemicals in general. An excess of hypospadias has been reported among newborns in populations living within 2–3 km of landfill sites (Dolk et al. 1998; Elliott et al. 2001). These findings may indicate an effect of chemical wastes, but exposure classification was too crude to differentiate this exposure from confounding factors (Dolk et al. 1998; Elliott et al. 2001). In contrast, no association was observed between hypospadias and occupational exposure to EDs by the mother during pregnancy (Vrijheid et al. 2003). A maternal vegetarian diet during pregnancy has been associated with hypospadias in the offspring, suggesting a role of a higher intake of phytoestrogens (North and Golding 2000). Although several studies have demonstrated male-mediated developmental effects of environmental exposure (Davis et al. 1992; Robaire and Hales 2003), its role in the etiology of cryptorchidism and hypospadias remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of maternal and paternal occupational and dietary exposures to potential EDs in the …