Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in Benthos Associated with Mussel (Mytilus edulis L.) Farms on the West-Coast of Scotland

Aquaculture, as a means of food production, is growing rapidly in response to an increasing demand for protein and the over-exploitation of wild fisheries. This expansion includes mussels (family Mytilidae) where production currently stands at 1.5 million tonnes per annum. Mussel culture is frequently perceived as having little environmental impact yet mussel biodeposits and shell debris accumulate around the production site and are linked to changes in the benthos. To assess the extent and nature of changes in benthos associated with mussel farming grab and video sampling around seven mussel farms was conducted. Grab samples were analysed for macrofauna and shell-hash content whilst starfish were counted and the shell-hash cover estimated from video imaging. Shell-hash was patchily distributed and occasionally dominated sediments (maximum of 2116 g per 0.1 m2 grab). Mean shell-hash content decreased rapidly at distances >5 m from the line and, over the distance 1–64 m, decreased by three orders of magnitude. The presence of shell-hash and the distance-from-line influenced macrofaunal assemblages but this effect differed between sites. There was no evidence that mussel farming was associated with changes in macrobenthic diversity, species count or feeding strategy. However, total macrofaunal count was estimated to be 2.5 times higher in close proximity to the lines, compared with 64 m distance, and there was evidence that this effect was conditional on the presence of shell-hash. Starfish density varied considerably between sites but, overall, they were approximately 10 times as abundant close to the mussel-lines compared with 64 m distance. There was no evidence that starfish were more abundant in the presence of shell-hash visible on the sediment surface. In terms of farm-scale benthic impacts these data suggest that mussel farming is a relatively benign way of producing food, compared with intensive fish-farming, in similar environments.
Quality of antibiotic use for lower respiratory tract infections at hospitals: (how) can we measure it?

BACKGROUND To assess and improve the quality of antibiotic use in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECB), a valid set of quality indicators is required. This set should also be applicable in practice. METHODS Guidelines and literature were reviewed to derive potential indicators for quality of antibiotic use in treating hospitalized patients with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). To assess the evidence base of each indicator, a literature review was performed. Grade A recommendations were considered valid. For grade B-D recommendations, an expert panel performed a consensus procedure on the indicator's relevance to patient health, reduction of antimicrobial resistance, and cost containment. To test applicability in practice, feasibility, opportunity for improvement, reliability, and case-mix stability were determined for a data set of 899 hospitalized patients with LRTI. RESULTS None of the potential indicators from guidelines and literature were supported by grade A evidence. Nineteen indicators were selected by consensus procedure (12 indicators for CAP and 7 indicators for AECB). Lack of feasibility and of opportunity for improvement led to the exclusion of 4 indicators. A final set of 15 indicators was defined (9 indicators for CAP and 6 indicators for AECB). CONCLUSIONS A valid set of quality indicators for antibiotic use in hospitalized patients with LRTI was developed by combining evidence and expert opinion in a carefully planned procedure. Subjecting indicators to an applicability test is essential before using them in quality-improvement projects. In our demonstration setting, 4 of the 19 indicators were inapplicable in practice.
Extraction of Multi-word Expressions from Small Parallel Corpora

Abstract We present a general, novel methodology for extracting multi-word expressions (MWEs) of various types, along with their translations, from small, word-aligned parallel corpora. Unlike existing approaches, we focus on misalignments; these typically indicate expressions in the source language that are translated to the target in a non-compositional way. We introduce a simple algorithm that proposes MWE candidates based on such misalignments, relying on 1:1 alignments as anchors that delimit the search space. We use a large monolingual corpus to rank and filter these candidates. Evaluation of the quality of the extraction algorithm reveals significant improvements over naïve alignment-based methods. The extracted MWEs, with their translations, are used in the training of a statistical machine translation system, showing a small but significant improvement in its performance.
A model for the role of integrins in flow induced mechanotransduction in osteocytes

A fundamental paradox in bone mechanobiology is that tissue-level strains caused by human locomotion are too small to initiate intracellular signaling in osteocytes. A cellular-level strain-amplification model previously has been proposed to explain this paradox. However, the molecular mechanism for initiating signaling has eluded detection because none of the molecules in this previously proposed model are known mediators of intracellular signaling. In this paper, we explore a paradigm and quantitative model for the initiation of intracellular signaling, namely that the processes are attached directly at discrete locations along the canalicular wall by β3 integrins at the apex of infrequent, previously unrecognized canalicular projections. Unique rapid fixation techniques have identified these projections and have shown them to be consistent with other studies suggesting that the adhesion molecules are αvβ3 integrins. Our theoretical model predicts that the tensile forces acting on the integrins are <15 pN and thus provide stable attachment for the range of physiological loadings. The model also predicts that axial strains caused by the sliding of actin microfilaments about the fixed integrin attachments are an order of magnitude larger than the radial strains in the previously proposed strain-amplification theory and two orders of magnitude greater than whole-tissue strains. In vitro experiments indicated that membrane strains of this order are large enough to open stretch-activated cation channels.
An Improved Surface Roughness Scattering Model for Bulk, Thin-Body, and Quantum-Well MOSFETs

This paper reports about the implementation in a multisubband Monte Carlo device simulator of a comprehensive surface roughness scattering model, based on a nonlinear relation between the scattering matrix elements and the fluctuations Δ(r) of the interface position. The model is first extended by including carrier screening effects and accounting for scattering at multiple interfaces, and it is then used for the analysis of relevant experimental data sets. We show that the new model can reproduce fairly well the silicon universal mobility curves as well as mobility data for ultrathin-body InGaAs MOSFETs using Δrms values consistent with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and TEM measurements. Our simulation results and some experimental data also indicate that mobility in InGaAs MOSFETs is reduced with decreasing well thickness, TW, with a weaker dependence compared with the TW6 behavior observed in Si devices.
Effects of Emotional Intensity and Type of Appeal on Motivation

Evidence provided by theories of emotional advertising and of emotional psychological processes (Lazarus, 1991) supplies the foundation for this study of the effectiveness of emotional appeals and rational appeals in conjunction with individual differences in Emotional Intensity (EI). The study hypothesizes that emotional appeals wil l induce greater motivation for supporting the cause against global poverty than wil l rational appeals. Additionally, it is hypothesized that emotional intensity and appeal type wil l have an interaction effect and that the High EI-Emotional Appeal group wil l show the highest motivation out of all of the conditions. Following a 2X2 ANOVA, the main effect of appeal type was found to be significant (F(l,28)=5.06, p<. 05, onetailed) but the interaction effect of Emotional Intensity by Appeal Type was found to be insignificant. Limitations of this study and the potential implications of the results are discussed, as well as recommendations for future studies in this field.
Involvement of DNA Topoisomerase IIβ in Neuronal Differentiation*

Two isoforms of DNA topoisomerase II (topo II) have been identified in mammalian cells. While topo IIα is essential for chromosome segregation in mitotic cells, in vivofunction of topo IIβ remains to be clarified. Here we demonstrate that the nucleoplasmic topo IIβ, highly expressed in differentiating cerebellar neurons, is the catalytically competent entity operating directly on chromatin DNA in vivo. When the cells reached terminal differentiation, this in vivo activity decreased to a negligible level with concomitant loss of the nucleoplasmic enzyme. Effects of topo II-specific inhibitors were analyzed in a primary culture of cerebellar granule neurons that can mimic thein vivo situation. Only the β isoform was expressed in granule cells differentiating in vitro. ICRF-193, a catalytic topo II inhibitor, suppressed the transcriptional induction of amphiphysin I which is essential for mature neuronal activity. The effect decreased significantly as the cells differentiate. Expression profiling with a cDNA macroarray showed that 18% of detectable transcripts were up-regulated during the differentiation and one-third of them were susceptible to ICRF-193. The results suggest that topo IIβ is involved in an early stage of granule cell differentiation by potentiating inducible neuronal genes to become transcribable probably through alterations in higher order chromatin structure.
Developing Team Cohesion: A Quasi-Field Experiment

Abstract : Within military organizations, research findings have lent support to the positive influence cohesion has on group performance in combat and non-combat areas, Beyond performance, research findings show that cohesion influences the job satisfaction, and health of military members, particularly under highly stressful conditions, such as those encountered in combat or extended deployments. The purpose of this research effort is to further analyze the strategies that should be used to develop cohesiveness among Air Force members. This was done by testing the extent to which cohesion changed when familiarization and challenging situations were coupled in a technical training course geared towards junior military officers. The findings suggest that over short periods of stressful activity, with a familiarized group, cohesion as a whole increases at an accelerated rate. Furthermore, an individual's pre-conceived bias towards group formation does not have much of an impact on the development of cohesion within the group.
The Progressing Clinical Utility of DNA Microarrays

During the past 25 years, technical advances in nucleic acid analysis and methods have allowed scientists to identify several qualitative and quantitative changes in DNA and RNA sequences, and ultimately, in proteins that can result in the development of cancer. Microarray technology yields far more data, much more rapidly than previously known methods. Microarrays are hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of miniature assays for biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins.This review considers the main types of DNA microarrays, the kinds of information they provide, how that information is changing the way we think about cancer and carcinogenesis, and the expanding role of this technology in clinical oncology. Protein microarrays and tissue microarrays are not discussed in detail here, but the interested reader is referred to recent reviews.
A survival–stratification model of human colorectal carcinomas with β‐catenin and p27kip1

The stabilization and nuclear translocation of β‐catenin are early events in the majority of sporadic colorectal carcinomas (CRC). β‐catenin up‐regulates c‐Myc and cyclin D1, which antagonize the association of the cyclin‐dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor, p27kip1, with Cdk2, thus allowing cell cycle progression through G1 to S‐phase. Lack of p27 is a significant predictor of poor survival in a series of 136 CRC specimens. A combination of molecules in the same pathway may be a better prognostic factor.
Transcriptional mapping of the amplified region encoding the dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase of Leishmania major reveals a high density of transcripts, including overlapping and antisense RNAs

We have examined the transcriptional organization of the R region of the protozoan parasite Leishmania major. This region encodes the bifunctional enzyme dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) and is frequently amplified as a 30-kilobase (kb) extrachromosomal circular DNA in methotrexate-resistant lines. Northern (RNA) blot analysis shows that the R region encodes at least 10 stable cytoplasmic polysomal poly(A)+ RNAs, ranging in size from 1.7 to 13 kb and including the 3.2-kb DHFR-TS mRNA. Transcriptional mapping reveals that these RNAs are closely spaced and collectively cover more than 95% of the 30-kb amplified R region. The organization is complex, including several overlapping RNAs 3' of DHFR-TS and two examples of antisense RNAs 5' of DHFR-TS. The R region RNAs can be grouped into two empirical domains, with eight contiguous RNAs transcribed in the same direction as that of DHFR-TS and two contiguous RNAs transcribed in the orientation opposite to that of DHFR-TS. The two 5'-most RNAs of the DHFR-TS-containing domain overlap the RNAs transcribed from the opposite strand. These data are relevant to models of transcription, including recent studies suggesting polycistronic transcription in trypanosomatids. The abundance of R region RNAs increases uniformly 10- to 15-fold in the amplified R1000-3 line relative to the wild type, and no new RNAs were observed. This suggests that all elements required in cis for DHFR-TS expression are contained within the 30-kb circular DNA. Quantitative analysis reveals that the steady-state DHFR-TS mRNA and protein levels are not growth phase regulated, unlike the monofunctional mouse DHFR. DHFR-TS is developmentally regulated, however, declining about fivefold in lesion amastigotes relative to promastigotes.
The corrosive effects of sodium hypochlorite on nickel-titanium endodontic instruments: assessment by digital scanning microscope.

AIM Prolonged contact (several hours) of nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic instruments with sodium hypochlorite has a considerable corrosive effect which reduces the instruments' resistance to fractures. The aim of this study was to verify whether short-term contact (several minutes, as is the case in clinical practice) produces the same effects. METHODS Using a digital scanning microscope, the blade surfaces of three groups of ProTaper instruments were examined, particularly of the #1 Shaping File. The blade's file (but not their handles) were soaked in sodium hypochlorite heated to 50 degrees C for three different times compatible with times in clinical practice, rather for 2, 5 and 10 minutes; the files were then compared with a control group. RESULTS The micro-photographs did not reveal any appreciable signs of corrosion on the file blades. CONCLUSIONS It is evident, therefore, that using sodium hypochlorite as an irrigating solution in root canals, where it comes into contact with NiTi rotary endodontic instruments, does not alter the surface structure of the files through corrosion. Thus it is possible to conclude that, considering the length of time used in clinical practice, sodium hypochlorite does not cause any increase of risk of fracture to Ni-Ti rotary instruments.
Three-dimensional finite element analysis of current density and temperature distributions during radio-frequency ablation

This study analyzed the influence of electrode geometry, tissue-electrode angle, and blood flow on current density and temperature distribution, lesion size, and power requirements during radio-frequency ablation. The authors used validated three-dimensional finite element models to perform these analyses. They found that the use of an electrically insulating layer over the junction between electrode and catheter body reduced the chances of charring and coagulation. The use of a thermistor at the tip of the ablation electrodes did not affect the current density distribution. For longer electrodes, the lateral current density decreased more slowly with distance from the electrode surface. The authors analyzed the effects of three tissue-electrode angles: 0, 45, and 90/spl deg/. More power was needed to reach a maximal tissue temperature of 95/spl deg/C after 120 s when the electrode-tissue angle was 45/spl deg/. Consequently, the lesions were larger and deeper for a tissue-electrode angle of 45/spl deg/ than for 0 and 90/spl deg/. The lesion depth, volume, and required power increased with blood flow rate regardless of the tissue-electrode angle. The significant changes in power with the tissue-electrode angle suggest that it is safer and more efficient to ablate using temperature-controlled RF generators. The maximal temperature was reached at locations within the tissue, a fraction of a millimeter away from the electrode surface. These locations did not always coincide with the local current density maxima. The locations of these hottest spots and the difference between their temperature and the temperature read by a sensor placed at the electrode tip changed with blood flow rate and tissue-electrode angle. <<ETX>>
Potential sources of Campylobacter infection on chicken farms: contamination and control of broiler‐harvesting equipment, vehicles and personnel

Aims: To test the efficacy of enhanced biosecurity measures on poultry farms for reducing environmental contamination with Campylobacter during partial depopulation of broiler flocks prior to normal slaughter age. The study has also evaluated the risk of infection from live‐bird transport crates that are routinely cleaned at the slaughterhouse, but may remain contaminated.
INTERSTELLAR RESIDENCE TIMES OF PRESOLAR SiC DUST GRAINS FROM THE MURCHISON CARBONACEOUS METEORITE

The time span between the formation of presolar grains in stellar outflows and their incorporation into early solar-system solids is poorly constrained. Knowledge of this time span is essential for a better understanding of the processing of grains in the interstellar medium (ISM) and formation processes of the solar system. Here, we report interstellar residence times of ∼3–1100 Myr for large (∼5–50 μm) presolar SiC grains, based on their content of He and Ne produced by Galactic cosmic rays. A majority of these grains have interstellar residence times on the order of a few tens up to less than 200 Myr, considerably shorter than theoretical estimates of interstellar dust lifetimes (∼500 Myr), but long enough to require formation of the majority of the grains before that of the presolar molecular cloud. The age distribution may be explained by starburst activity 1–2 billion years prior to the birth of the Sun. Our findings provide essential “ground truth” to constrain models of interstellar dust lifetimes and destructive processes in the ISM.
Robust ${{\cal H}}_{\infty}$ Filtering for Markovian Jump Systems With Randomly Occurring Nonlinearities and Sensor Saturation: The Finite-Horizon Case

This paper addresses the robust H∞ filtering problem for a class of discrete time-varying Markovian jump systems with randomly occurring nonlinearities and sensor saturation. Two kinds of transition probability matrices for the Markovian process are considered, namely, the one with polytopic uncertainties and the one with partially unknown entries. The nonlinear disturbances are assumed to occur randomly according to stochastic variables satisfying the Bernoulli distributions. The main purpose of this paper is to design a robust filter, over a given finite-horizon, such that the H∞ disturbance attenuation level is guaranteed for the time-varying Markovian jump systems in the presence of both the randomly occurring nonlinearities and the sensor saturation. Sufficient conditions are established for the existence of the desired filter satisfying the H∞ performance constraint in terms of a set of recursive linear matrix inequalities. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed filter design scheme.
Life in protein‐rich environments: the relA‐independent response of Streptococcus pyogenes to amino acid starvation

Considering that group A streptococci are multiple auxotrophs that may encounter shortage of amino acids during specific stages of the infectious process, we studied their adaptive response to amino acid deprivation. We found that, in addition to the (p)ppGpp‐mediated stringent response characterized previously, Streptococcus pyogenes exhibits a relA‐independent response comprising transcriptional modulation of a specific subset of genes involved in pathogenesis. Genes/operons transcriptionally upregulated during starvation of both wild type and relA mutants included the two‐component signal transduction system covRS, the positive regulator (ropB) of the pyrogenic exotoxin B gene, speB, the oligopeptide (opp) and dipeptide (dpp) permease systems and the pepB gene putatively involved in the intracellular processing of oligopeptides. Upregulation of covRS was accompanied by downregulation of ska, one of the target genes of the negative CovR regulator, and the net effect of amino acid starvation also favoured repression of speB. A significant feature of upregulated opp expression was stimulated readthrough transcription of the operon‐internal oppA terminator, leading to increased mRNA levels for synthesis of the translocator complex relative to the substrate‐binding protein. Based on these and previous results, a stimulus–response network is proposed that counteracts the stringent response and may enable the pathogen to mount a dynamic response to the protein‐rich environment provided by its human host.
Stratified random sampling for power estimation

In this paper, we present new statistical sampling techniques for performing power estimation at the circuit level. These techniques first transform the power estimation problem to a survey sampling problem, then apply stratified random sampling to improve the efficiency of sampling. The stratification is based on a low-cost predictor, such as zero delay power estimates. We also propose a two-stage stratified sampling technique to handle very long initial sequences. Experimental results show that the efficiency of stratified random sampling and two-stage stratified sampling techniques are 3-10 X higher than that of simple random sampling and the Markov-based Monte Carlo simulation techniques.