Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advanced Microbial Taxonomy Combined with Genome-Based-Approaches Reveals that Vibrio astriarenae sp. nov., an Agarolytic Marine Bacterium, Forms a New Clade in Vibrionaceae

Advances in genomic microbial taxonomy have opened the way to create a more universal and transparent concept of species but is still in a transitional stage towards becoming a defining robust criteria for describing new microbial species with minimum features obtained using both genome and classical polyphasic taxonomies. Here we performed advanced microbial taxonomies combined with both genome-based and classical approaches for new agarolytic vibrio isolates to describe not only a novel Vibrio species but also a member of a new Vibrio clade. Two novel vibrio strains (Vibrio astriarenae sp. nov. C7T and C20) showing agarolytic, halophilic and fermentative metabolic activity were isolated from a seawater sample collected in a coral reef in Okinawa. Intraspecific similarities of the isolates were identical in both sequences on the 16S rRNA and pyrH genes, but the closest relatives on the molecular phylogenetic trees on the basis of 16S rRNA and pyrH gene sequences were V. hangzhouensis JCM 15146T (97.8% similarity) and V. agarivorans CECT 5085T (97.3% similarity), respectively. Further multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) on the basis of 8 protein coding genes (ftsZ, gapA, gyrB, mreB, pyrH, recA, rpoA, and topA) obtained by the genome sequences clearly showed the V. astriarenae strain C7T and C20 formed a distinct new clade protruded next to V. agarivorans CECT 5085T. The singleton V. agarivorans has never been included in previous MLSA of Vibrionaceae due to the lack of some gene sequences. Now the gene sequences are completed and analysis of 100 taxa in total provided a clear picture describing the association of V. agarivorans into pre-existing concatenated network tree and concluded its relationship to our vibrio strains. Experimental DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) data showed that the strains C7T and C20 were conspecific but were separated from all of the other Vibrio species related on the basis of both 16S rRNA and pyrH gene phylogenies (e.g., V. agarivorans CECT 5085T, V. hangzhouensis JCM 15146T V. maritimus LMG 25439T, and V. variabilis LMG 25438T). In silico DDH data also supported the genomic relationship. The strains C7T also had less than 95% average amino acid identity (AAI) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) towards V. maritimus C210, V. variabilis C206, and V. mediterranei AK1T, V. brasiliensis LMG 20546T, V. orientalis ATCC 33934T, and V. sinaloensis DSM 21326. The name Vibrio astriarenae sp. nov. is proposed with C7 as the type strains. Both V. agarivorans CECT 5058T and V. astriarenae C7T are members of the newest clade of Vibrionaceae named Agarivorans.
The Cosine-Shaped Pattern of Innovations and Technological Advantages: Theory and Evidence

Using data from 24 OECD countries, we find that the relationship between a countryi¯s RD for counties with middle technology levels, the opposite is true. Extending the Eaton and Kortum framework, we develop a static model to theoretically analyze the relationship between R&D investment and technological advantages. We show that when the research efficiency in a sector is sufficiently elastic with respect to the sectoral technological advantage, a countryi¯s R&D investment increases with its technological advantage, and vice versa.
Cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis and clinically isolated syndromes: a meta-analysis of prevalence, prognosis and effect of latitude

Background Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) unique to the cerebrospinal fluid are used in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The precise prevalence of OCBs in MS and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is unknown. The influence of OCBs on clinical outcomes has not been quantified. OCB prevalence has been associated with latitude in a single study, if confirmed this would provide avenues for further study. Methods Using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach, the proportion of OCB-positive MS and CIS and the influence of OCBs on clinical outcomes were calculated. The relationship between latitude and OCB prevalence was calculated using linear regression. Results Seventy-one articles were included. Overall, 87.7% of 12 253 MS and 68.6% of 2685 CIS patients were OCB positive. OCB-positive MS patients had an OR of 1.96 of reaching disability outcomes, although a number of negative studies did not provide data. OCB-positive CIS patients had an OR of 9.88 of conversion to MS. Latitude predicted OCB status in MS patients (p=0.009) but not in CIS patients. Conclusions This is the largest study of OCB prevalence in MS and CIS. OCB positivity strongly predicts conversion from CIS to MS. The relationship between latitude and OCBs is confirmed, and this finding warrants further investigation.
Theoretical and Empirical Contributions to Monetary Policy Analysis

This thesis collects three different contributions to monetary macroeconomics, covering both theoretical and empirical aspects. First chapter builds on the DSGE models of New Keynesian tradition, and studies monetary policy around a non efficient steady state. Using a two-stage approach developed by Levine, McAdam, and Pearlman (2007), I show that in the presence of backward looking firms, the central planner improves social welfare when it allows for a steady state rate of inflation marginally above zero. In the second chapter, I estimate a simple two-country DSGE model to study the behaviour of the Eastern European central banks, obtaining some innovative important results. First, a simple monetary policy rule mimicking an optimal rule together with the assumption about the existence of non-zero steady state rate of inflation deliver a significantly better to the data. Furthermore, the empirical hypothesis that central banks systematically target CPI inflation rather than PPI inflation is rejected for all the investigated Eastern European countries (EEC). In the third chapter, I use a Bayesian VAR with economically interpretable structural restrictions and zero restrictions on lags, to analyse the transmission channels of external shocks to an extended set of EEC. I study to what extent monetary policy shocks originating from the US and from Germany can explain fluctuations on Eastern European markets. To carry out the Bayesian inference, I use a Gibbs sampling approach. I find that the US monetary policy influences the EEC macroeconomic variables at least as much as its German counterpart.
An investigation into behaviour of electroactive polymers as mechanical sensors

We present our experimental investigation into 'mechanochemoelectrica' behavior of tri-layer polypyrrole (PPy) -type conducting polymer sensors. One end of the polymer strip is clamped and the other-free end-is excited through a mechanical lever system, which provides sinusoidal displacement inputs. The voltage generated and current passing between the two outer PPy layers as a result of the displacement input is measured to model the output/input behaviour of the sensors through their experimental current/displacement and voltage/displacement frequency responses. We specifically targeted the low frequency behaviour of the sensor as it is a relatively slow system. Experimental transfer function models are generated for three sensors with the dimensions of (7.5 mm times 1 mm times 0.17 mm), (10 mm times 1 mm times 0.17 mm), and (12.5 mm times 1 mm times 0.17 mm). These models are for use in understanding the dynamic behaviour and sensing ability of the polymers as mechanical sensors. The effect of the active sensor length on the voltage and current outputs are investigated that the shorter is the sensor length, the higher are the voltage output and the current passed. Also, their current and voltage responses under an impulse stimulus (i.e. displacement) are experimentally measured to show their dynamic sensing response.
Ex-dividend price behavior of common stocks

This study examines common stock prices around ex-dividend dates. Such price data usually contain a mixture of observations? some with and some without arbitrageurs and/or dividend capturers active. Our theory predicts that such mixing will result in some nonlinear relation between percentage price drop and dividend yield? not the commonly assumed linear relation. This prediction and another important prediction of theory are supported empirically. In a variety of tests, marginal price drop is not significantly different from the dividend amount. Thus, over the last several decades, one-for-one marginal price drop has been an excellent (average) rule of thumb.
Electrophysiological studies in diabetic neuropathy

In 30 patients with diabetic neuropathy sensory potentials in the median nerve, motor conduction in the lateral popliteal and median nerves, and electromyographic findings in distal and proximal muscles were compared with the severity of symptoms and signs. All patients had abnormalities in at least one of the electrophysiological parameters. The sensory potentials were the most sensitive indicator of subclinical involvement; abnormalities were found in 24 patients, 12 of whom had no sensory symptoms or signs and five of whom had no other clinical or electrophysiological evidence of neuropathy in the upper extremities. This indicates that sensory nerve fibres may be affected before motor. The next most sensitive parameter was the presence of fibrillation potentials, found in more than half the distal muscles examined. Slowing in motor conduction in the lateral popliteal nerve was the only electrophysiological change correlated to the severity of the neuropathy, and no other electrophysiological parameter was correlated to the duration or the severity of the neuropathy or the diabetes. An onset of neuropathy before or simultaneously with the manifestations of the diabetes, as well as the frequent occurrence of asymptomatic changes in sensory conduction, support the evidence at hand that the neuropathy develops concomitantly with and as an integral part of the metabolic disturbance rather than as a consequence of the vascular complications of diabetes. Of three patients with clinical signs or symptoms of a diabetic amyotrophy, two had asymptomatic electrophysiological abnormalities in distal nerves and muscles, consistent with widespread involvement of the peripheral nerves. The third patient had electromyographic changes in the medial vastus muscles suggestive of a myopathy. Motor and sensory conduction in distal and proximal nerves were normal.
Performance of Mutual Funds in the Pre-Versus Post-Mayday Periods

This study investigates whether the competitive commission rate system has provided opportunities for mutual funds to gain additional returns. The empirical results show that mutual funds have benefited only marginally from the reduction in commission rate. The returns of mutual fund portfolios have increased only slightly in the post deregulation era. On the other hand, the turnover rates of mutual fund portfolios have increased substantially, which partially offsets the benefit of commission rate reduction. Results also have shown that deregulation has benefited growth funds more than income-oriented funds.
Transient Performance Analysis of Self-Controlled Synchronous Motors

The transient performance of self-controlled synchronous motors which are used as variable speed motors in industries is analyzed considering two types of position sensor used in these motors. A set of equations valid for the transient state is first derived and represented in a block diagram. Based on these equations, mechanical and electrical transient responses of the motors in the case of a step change in input voltage are analyzed. It is shown that the transient responses differ remarkably depending on the type of position sensor used. The transient characteristics of margin angle of commutation of thyristors are then compared in detail with the steady-state ones. It is shown that the thyristors in the inverter are commutated more successfully in the transient state than in the steady state when compared at the same dc input current. Finally, the transient responses in the case of a step change in load torque are investigated.
Inflation and the Informativeness of Prices Microeconomic Evidence from High Inflation

I study the effect of inflation on the ability of economic agents to forecast real prices, using microeconomic data from Argentina 1990-1992. The evidence favors the view that inflation degrades the informational content of real prices. Several rules for forecasting real prices are shown to perform worst at higher iuflation. Also, at high inflation, real prices have shorter durations, and mark-down sales disappear. This snggests that inflation (at least high inflation) has "Industrial Organization" effects usually ignored in macroeconomic assessments of the effects of inflation.
Multiple Sclerosis and Ionizing Radiation

The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) may involve exposure to infectious, chemical or physical agents damaging the blood-brain barrier and an autoimmune reaction against myelin breakdown products. Here we report a pooled analysis of 174 MS cases and 815 population controls from two case-control studies with regard to such a potentially damaging exposure, namely X-ray examinations, radiological work and treatment with ionizing radiation. Exposure was assessed by questionnaires to the subjects. We obtained odds ratios of 4.4 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.6–11.6) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.2–2.6) for radiological work and X-ray examinations, respectively; 5 cases, but no controls, in one of the studies had been treated with ionizing radiation. Our data and some other observations reported in the literature suggest a contributory role for ionizing radiation to the development of MS in some cases.
Initial Usability and Feasibility Evaluation of a Personal Health Record-Based Self-Management System for Older Adults

Introduction: Electronic personal health record-based (ePHR-based) self-management systems can improve patient engagement and have an impact on health outcomes. In order to realize the benefits of these systems, there is a need to develop and evaluate heath information technology from the same theoretical underpinnings. Methods: Using an innovative usability approach based in human-centered distributed information design (HCDID), we tested an ePHR-based falls-prevention self-management system—Self-Assessment via a Personal Health Record (i.e., SAPHeR)—designed using HCDID principles in a laboratory. And we later evaluated SAPHeR’s use by community-dwelling older adults at home. Results: The innovative approach used in this study supported the analysis of four components: tasks, users, representations, and functions. Tasks were easily learned and features such as text-associated images facilitated task completion. Task performance times were slow, however user satisfaction was high. Nearly seven out of every ten features desired by design participants were evaluated in our usability testing of the SAPHeR system. The in vivo evaluation suggests that older adults could improve their confidence in performing indoor and outdoor activities after using the SAPHeR system. Discussion/Conclusion: We have applied an innovative consumer-usability evaluation. Our approach addresses the limitations of other usability testing methods that do not utilize consistent theoretically based methods for designing and testing technology. We have successfully demonstrated the utility of testing consumer technology use across multiple components (i.e., task, user, representational, functional) to evaluate the usefulness, usability, and satisfaction of an ePHR-based self-management system.
A two factor long memory stochastic volatility model

In this paper we fit the main features of financial returns by means of a two factor long memory stochastic volatility model (2FLMSV). Volatility, which is not observable, is explained by both a short-run and a long-run factor. The first factor follows a stationary AR(1) process whereas the second one, whose purpose is to fit the persistence of volatility observable in data, is a fractional integrated process as proposed by Breidt et al. (1998) and Harvey (1998). We show formally that this model (1) creates more kurtosis than the long memory stochastic volatility (LMSV) of Breidt et al. (1998) and Harvey (1998), (2) deals with volatility persistence and (3) produces small first order autocorrelations of squared observations. In the empirical analysis, we use the estimation procedure of Gallant and Tauchen (1996), the Efficient Method of Moments (EMM), and we provide evidence that our specification performs better than the LMSV model in capturing the empirical facts of data.
Aquatic Ecotoxicity Testing of Nanoparticles—The Quest To Disclose Nanoparticle Effects

Abstract The number of products on the market containing engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) has increased significantly, and concerns have been raised regarding their ecotoxicological effects. Environmental safety assessments as well as relevant and reliable ecotoxicological data are required for the safe and sustainable use of ENPs. Although the number of publications on the ecotoxicological effects and uptake of ENPs is rapidly expanding, the applicability of the reported data for hazard assessment is questionable. A major knowledge gap is whether nanoparticle effects occur when test organisms are exposed to ENPs in aquatic test systems. Filling this gap is not straightforward, because of the broad range of ENPs and the different behavior of ENPs compared to “ordinary” (dissolved) chemicals in the ecotoxicity test systems. The risk of generating false negatives, and false positives, in the currently used tests is high, and in most cases difficult to assess. This Review outlines some of the pitfalls in the aquatic toxicity testing of ENPs which may lead to misinterpretation of test results. Response types are also proposed to reveal potential nanoparticle effects in the aquatic test organisms.
Actions , Policies , Values , and the Basal Ganglia

The basal ganglia are widely believed to be involved in the learned selection of actions. Building on this idea, reinforcement learning (RL) theories of optimal control have had some success in explaining the responses of their key dopaminergic afferents. While these model-free RL theories offer a compelling account of a range of neurophysiological and behavioural data, they offer only an incomplete picture of action control in the brain. Psychologists and behavioural neuroscientists have long appealed to the existence of at least two separate control systems underlying the learned control of behaviour. The habit system is closely identified with the basal ganglia, and we associate it with the model-free RL theories. The other system, more loosely localised in prefrontal regions and without such a detailed theoretical account, is associated with cognitively more sophisticated goal-directed actions. On the critical issue of which system determines the ultimate output when they disagree, there is a wide range of experimental results and sparse theoretical underpinning. Here, we extend the RL account of neural action control by first interpreting goal-directed actions in terms of an alternative model-based strategy for RL. Then, by considering the relative uncertainties of modelfree and model-based controllers, we offer a new and more comprehensive account of the confusing experimental results about how the systems trade off control. Our theory offers a more sharply delineated view of the contributions of the basal ganglia to learned behavioural control.
Changes in Swedish Labour Immigration Policy: A Slight Revolution?

This paper examines changes in Swedish labour immigration policy from early 2000s, but particular attention is paid to recent changes. The new Immigration Law of 2008 liberalised immigration policy and made it more employer-driven. These changes are called by some as ‘slight revolution’. The paper analyses the preferences of three main actors (native high-skilled labour, native low-skilled labour and capital), the coalitions built between them and the institutional constraints in order to explain labour immigration changes. It draws on the examination of media coverage, elite interviews, and labour relations and political representation literature. The paper also provides a first evaluation of the new immigration policy.
Residues formulae for volumes and Ehrhart polynomials of convex polytopes.

In these notes, we explain residue formulae for volumes of convex polytopes, and for Ehrahrt polynomials based on the notion of total residue. We apply this method to the computation of the volume of the Chan-Robbins polytope. The final computation is based on a total residue formula for the system $A_n$, similar to Morris identity. For flow polytopes, a formula of change of variables in total residues leads to a "nice formula" for Ehrhart polynomials in function of mixed volumes. We apply it to Pitman-Stanley polytope.
Unconventional Human T Cells Accumulate at the Site of Infection in Response to Microbial Ligands and Induce Local Tissue Remodeling

The antimicrobial responsiveness and function of unconventional human T cells are poorly understood, with only limited access to relevant specimens from sites of infection. Peritonitis is a common and serious complication in individuals with end-stage kidney disease receiving peritoneal dialysis. By analyzing local and systemic immune responses in peritoneal dialysis patients presenting with acute bacterial peritonitis and monitoring individuals before and during defined infectious episodes, our data show that Vγ9/Vδ2+ γδ T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells accumulate at the site of infection with organisms producing (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate and vitamin B2, respectively. Such unconventional human T cells are major producers of IFN-γ and TNF-α in response to these ligands that are shared by many microbial pathogens and affect the cells lining the peritoneal cavity by triggering local inflammation and inducing tissue remodeling with consequences for peritoneal membrane integrity. Our data uncover a crucial role for Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells in bacterial infection and suggest that they represent a useful predictive marker for important clinical outcomes, which may inform future stratification and patient management. These findings are likely to be applicable to other acute infections where local activation of unconventional T cells contributes to the antimicrobial inflammatory response.