Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of Higher Education in Albania: The Case of the Public University Libraries in Efforts to Build Digital and Electronic Services for the Academic Community

Between the obligation of carrying out their mission to ensure the quality development of higher education and the right to function as important centers where knowledge is taken, developed and transmitted, this paper will examine the technological developments of university libraries as an important part of higher education. Digital and electronic experiences applied in Albanian universities libraries will be brought to the attention of the public. This paper is based on the questionnaire survey conducted at public university libraries in Albania. Opinions of librarians regarding ICT application were elicited using a structured questionnaire, followed up with interviews. In the case of non-response by libraries is consulted their official web sites to have a more complete information. In addition, secondary sources were consulted as domestic and foreign literature in this field. Results show that: 1) the level of application information technology in public university libraries in Albania is acceptable. The most important and serious problem is the lack of the unique University Library ICT Policy; 2) serious handicap is the lack of educated librarians in using information technology; 3) the proportion of university library activity goes more digital, so the digital collection becomes reality in the public university libraries. This paper brings conclusions that contribute to: a) national information communication technology policy for university libraries and b) the creation of an integrated system for management and transmission of knowledge at the national level for all Albanian university libraries.
Both Influenza-Induced Neutrophil Dysfunction and Neutrophil-Independent Mechanisms Contribute to Increased Susceptibility to a Secondary Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection

ABSTRACT Since secondary Streptococcus pneumoniae infections greatly increase the mortality of influenza infections, we determined the relative roles of neutrophil-dependent and -independent mechanisms in increased susceptibility to S. pneumoniae during influenza infection. Mice infected with influenza for 6 days, but not 3 days, showed a significant increase in susceptibility to S. pneumoniae infection compared to mice not infected with influenza. There was significant neutrophil accumulation in the lungs of S. pneumoniae-infected mice regardless of whether or not they were infected with influenza for 3 or 6 days. Depletion of neutrophils in these mice resulted in increased susceptibility to S. pneumoniae in both the non-influenza-infected mice and mice infected with influenza for 3 days but not in the mice infected with influenza for 6 days, indicating that a prior influenza infection of 6 days may compromise neutrophil function, resulting in increased susceptibility to a S. pneumoniae infection. Neutrophils from the lungs of mice infected with influenza for 3 or 6 days exhibited functional impairment in the form of decreased phagocytosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species generation in response to S. pneumoniae. In addition, neutrophil-depleted mice infected with influenza for 6 days were more susceptible to S. pneumoniae than neutrophil-depleted mice not infected with influenza, indicating that neutrophil-independent mechanisms also contribute to influenza-induced increased susceptibility to S. pneumoniae. Pulmonary interleukin-10 levels were increased in coinfected mice infected with influenza for 6 days but not 3 days. Thus, an influenza infection of 6 days increases susceptibility to S. pneumoniae by both suppression of neutrophil function and by neutrophil-independent mechanisms such as enhanced cytokine production.
Are Readily Culturable Bacteria in Coastal North Sea Waters Suppressed by Selective Grazing Mortality?

ABSTRACT We studied the growth of six culturable bacterial lineages from coastal North Sea picoplankton in environmental samples under different incubation conditions. The grazing pressure of heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) was reduced either by double prefiltration through 0.8-μm-pore-size filters or by 10-fold dilutions with 0.2-μm (pore-size) prefiltered seawater. We hypothesized that those γ-proteobacterial genera that are rapidly enriched would also be most strongly affected by HNF regrowth. In the absence of HNF, the mean protein content per bacterial cell increased in both treatments compared to environmental samples, whereas the opposite trend was found in incubations of unaltered seawater. Significant responses to the experimental manipulations were observed in Alteromonas, Pseudoalteromonas, and Vibrio populations. No treatment-specific effects could be detected for members of the Roseobacter group, the Cytophaga latercula-C. marinoflava lineage, or the NOR5 clade. Statistical analysis confirmed a transient increase in the proportions of Alteromonas, Pseudoalteromonas, and Vibrio cells at reduced HNF densities only, followed by an overproportional decline during the phase of HNF regrowth. Cells from these genera were significantly larger than the community average in the dilution treatments, and changes in their relative abundances were negatively correlated with HNF densities. Our findings suggest that bacteria affiliated with frequently isolated genera such as Alteromonas, Pseudoalteromonas, and Vibrio might be rare in coastal North Sea picoplankton because their rapid growth response to changing environmental conditions is counterbalanced by a higher grazing mortality.
Scaling Procedures: Issues and Applications

About the Authors Chapter One: Introduction and Overview Purpose of the Book. Perspectives on Measurement in the Social Sciences. Latent Constructs Overview of dimensionality, reliability, and validity Overview of recommended procedures and steps in scale development. Chapter Two: Dimensionality Introduction. Dimensionality of construct, items, and a set of items. Does uni-dimensionality of a set of items imply uni-dimensionality of items or construct? Relevance of uni-dimensionality. How to assess dimensionality of constructs. Chapter Three: Reliability Introduction The true-score model Coefficient alpha Generalizability Theory Chapter Four: Validity Overview of Construct Validity Translation validity Criterion validity Convergent and discriminant validity Known-group validity Nomological validity Chapter Five: Steps 1 and 2: Construct Definition and Generating and Judging Measurement items Chapter 5: Steps 1 and 2: Construct Definition and Judging Measurement Items Introduction Step 1: Construct definition and content domain Step 2: Generating and judging measurement items Applications of Steps 1 and 2. Chapter Six: Step 3: Designing and Conducting Studies to Develop the Scale Introduction Pilot testing Conducting multiple studies for initial development and validation Initial item analyses: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) Initial item and reliability analyses A final caveat EFA and item and reliability analyses examples from the literature Chapter 7: Step 4: Finalizing the Scale Introduction EFA and additional item analyses Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) Additional evaluations of validity Establishing norms Applying generalizability theory Chapter Eight: Concluding Remarks Index
An Analysis of Temporal-Difference Learning with Function Approximation

— We discuss the temporal-difference learning algo-rithm, as applied to approximating the cost-to-go function of an inﬁnite-horizon discounted Markov chain. The algorithm we analyze updates parameters of a linear function approximator on-line during a single endless trajectory of an irreducible aperiodic Markov chain with a ﬁnite or inﬁnite state space. We present a proof of convergence (with probability one), a characterization of the limit of convergence, and a bound on the resulting approximation error. Furthermore, our analysis is based on a new line of reasoning that provides new intuition about the dynamics of temporal-difference learning. In addition to proving new and stronger positive results than those previously available, we identify the signiﬁcance of on-line updating and potential hazards associated with the use of nonlinear function approximators. First, we prove that divergence may occur when updates are not based on trajectories of the Markov chain. This fact reconciles positive and negative results that have been discussed in the literature, regarding the soundness of temporal-difference learning. Second, we present an example illustrating the possibility of divergence when temporal-difference learning is used in the presence of a nonlinear function approximator.
Oxidative DNA damage in disease—Insights gained from base excision repair glycosylase‐deficient mouse models

Cellular components, including nucleic acids, are subject to oxidative damage. If left unrepaired, this damage can lead to multiple adverse cellular outcomes, including increased mutagenesis and cell death. The major pathway for repair of oxidative base lesions is the base excision repair pathway, catalyzed by DNA glycosylases with overlapping but distinct substrate specificities. To understand the role of these glycosylases in the initiation and progression of disease, several transgenic mouse models have been generated to carry a targeted deletion or overexpression of one or more glycosylases. This review summarizes some of the major findings from transgenic animal models of altered DNA glycosylase expression, especially as they relate to pathologies ranging from metabolic disease and cancer to inflammation and neuronal health. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:689–703, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mathematical Modeling of Subthreshold Resonant Properties in Pyloric Dilator Neurons

Various types of neurons exhibit subthreshold resonance oscillation (preferred frequency response) to fluctuating sinusoidal input currents. This phenomenon is well known to influence the synaptic plasticity and frequency of neural network oscillation. This study evaluates the resonant properties of pacemaker pyloric dilator (PD) neurons in the central pattern generator network through mathematical modeling. From the pharmacological point of view, calcium currents cannot be blocked in PD neurons without removing the calcium-dependent potassium current. Thus, the effects of calcium (I Ca) and calcium-dependent potassium (I KCa) currents on resonant properties remain unclear. By taking advantage of Hodgkin-Huxley-type model of neuron and its equivalent RLC circuit, we examine the effects of changing resting membrane potential and those ionic currents on the resonance. Results show that changing the resting membrane potential influences the amplitude and frequency of resonance so that the strength of resonance (Q-value) increases by both depolarization and hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential. Moreover, hyperpolarization-activated inward current (I h) and I Ca (in association with I KCa) are dominant factors on resonant properties at hyperpolarized and depolarized potentials, respectively. Through mathematical analysis, results indicate that I h and I KCa affect the resonant properties of PD neurons. However, I Ca only has an amplifying effect on the resonance amplitude of these neurons.
Comparison of Short-Term Surgical Outcomes after Single-Incision Laparoscopic versus Multiport Laparoscopic Right Colectomy: A Two-Center, Prospective Case-Controlled Study of 100 Patients

Background: Recent case studies have demonstrated the feasibility of single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC). Few comparative studies for SILC and multiport laparoscopic colectomy (MLC) have been conducted. The aim of this case-controlled study was to compare the short-term surgical outcomes between SILC and MLC for right-sided colectomies. Methods: Between January 2010 and February 2012, data from the first 50 consecutive patients that underwent right SILS at one of the two institutions were compared with a group of 50 consecutive patients that underwent right MLC in the same period. Results: Median operative time was significantly shorter in SILC (97 vs. 112 min; p < 0.001). Between both groups, no statistically significant differences were found regarding number and nature of short-term complications, number of reoperations [4 (8%) vs. 6 (12%)], and mortality rate [1 (2%) vs. 2 (4%)]. Median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days for both groups. Conclusion: SILC is a safe and feasible procedure when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. Length of hospital stay and overall complication rates are comparable with MLC. Until today, no clear advantages of SILC over MLC have been demonstrated. However, due to its smaller incisional trauma, SILC could be a major step in improving cosmetic outcomes.
Chaotic time-dependent billiards

A billiard in the form of a stadium with periodically perturbed boundary is considered. Two types of such billiards are studied: stadium with strong chaotic properties and a near-rectangle billiard. Phase portraits of such billiards are investigated. In the phase plane areas corresponding to decrease and increase of the velocity of billiard particles are found. Average velocities of the particle ensemble as functions of the number of collisions are obtained.
State space realization of bilinear continuous-time input–output equations

This paper studies the realizability property of continuous-time bilinear input–output (i/o) equations in the classical state space form. Constraints on the parameters of the bilinear i/o model are suggested that lead to realizable models. The paper proves that the 2nd order bilinear i/o differential equation, unlike the discrete-time case, is always realizable in the classical state space form. The complete list of 3rd and 4th order realizable i/o bilinear models is given and two subclasses of realizable i/o bilinear systems are suggested. Our conditions rely basically upon the property that certain combinations of coefficients of the i/o equations are zero or not zero. We provide explicit state equations for all realizable 2nd and 3rd order bilinear i/o equations, and for one realizable subclass of bilinear i/o equations of arbitrary order.
Antidiabetic Effects of Pterosin A, a Small-Molecular-Weight Natural Product, on Diabetic Mouse Models

The therapeutic effect of pterosin A, a small-molecular-weight natural product, on diabetes was investigated. Pterosin A, administered orally for 4 weeks, effectively improved hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance in streptozotocin, high-fat diet–fed, and db/db diabetic mice. There were no adverse effects in normal or diabetic mice treated with pterosin A for 4 weeks. Pterosin A significantly reversed the increased serum insulin and insulin resistance (IR) in dexamethasone-IR mice and in db/db mice. Pterosin A significantly reversed the reduced muscle GLUT-4 translocation and the increased liver phosphoenolpyruvate carboxyl kinase (PEPCK) expression in diabetic mice. Pterosin A also significantly reversed the decreased phosphorylations of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Akt in muscles of diabetic mice. The decreased AMPK phosphorylation and increased p38 phosphorylation in livers of db/db mice were effectively reversed by pterosin A. Pterosin A enhanced glucose uptake and AMPK phosphorylation in cultured human muscle cells. In cultured liver cells, pterosin A inhibited inducer-enhanced PEPCK expression, triggered the phosphorylations of AMPK, acetyl CoA carboxylase, and glycogen synthase kinase-3, decreased glycogen synthase phosphorylation, and increased the intracellular glycogen level. These findings indicate that pterosin A may be a potential therapeutic option for diabetes.
Precisely Verifying the Null Space Conditions in Compressed Sensing: A Sandwiching Algorithm

In this paper, we propose new efficient algorithms to verify the null space condition in compressed sensing (CS). Given an $(n-m) \times n$ ($m>0$) CS matrix $A$ and a positive $k$, we are interested in computing $\displaystyle \alpha_k = \max_{\{z: Az=0,z\neq 0\}}\max_{\{K: |K|\leq k\}}$ ${\|z_K \|_{1}}{\|z\|_{1}}$, where $K$ represents subsets of $\{1,2,. ,n\}$, and $|K|$ is the cardinality of $K$. In particular, we are interested in finding the maximum $k$ such that $\alpha_k < {1}{2}$. However, computing $\alpha_k$ is known to be extremely challenging. In this paper, we first propose a series of new polynomial-time algorithms to compute upper bounds on $\alpha_k$. Based on these new polynomial-time algorithms, we further design a new sandwiching algorithm, to compute the \emph{exact} $\alpha_k$ with greatly reduced complexity. When needed, this new sandwiching algorithm also achieves a smooth tradeoff between computational complexity and result accuracy. Empirical results show the performance improvements of our algorithm over existing known methods; and our algorithm outputs precise values of $\alpha_k$, with much lower complexity than exhaustive search.
Time Scale for Cyclostome Evolution Inferred with a Phylogenetic Diagnosis of Hagfish and Lamprey cDNA Sequences

Abstract The Cyclostomata consists of the two orders Myxiniformes (hagfishes) and Petromyzoniformes (lampreys), and its monophyly has been unequivocally supported by recent molecular phylogenetic studies. Under this updated vertebrate phylogeny, we performed in silico evolutionary analyses using currently available cDNA sequences of cyclostomes. We first calculated the GC-content at four-fold degenerate sites (GC4), which revealed that an extremely high GC-content is shared by all the lamprey species we surveyed, whereas no striking pattern in GC-content was observed in any of the hagfish species surveyed. We then estimated the timing of diversification in cyclostome evolution using nucleotide and amino acid sequences. We obtained divergence times of 470–390 million years ago (Mya) in the Ordovician–Silurian–Devonian Periods for the interordinal split between Myxiniformes and Petromyzoniformes; 90–60 Mya in the Cretaceous–Tertiary Periods for the split between the two hagfish subfamilies, Myxininae and Eptatretinae; 280–220 Mya in the Permian–Triassic Periods for the split between the two lamprey subfamilies, Geotriinae and Petromyzoninae; and 30–10 Mya in the Tertiary Period for the split between the two lamprey genera, Petromyzon and Lethenteron. This evolutionary configuration indicates that Myxiniformes and Petromyzoniformes diverged shortly after the common ancestor of cyclostomes split from the future gnathostome lineage. Our results also suggest that intra-subfamilial diversification in hagfish and lamprey lineages (especially those distributed in the northern hemisphere) occurred in the Cretaceous or Tertiary Periods.
Randomized Trial of Probiotics and Calcium on Diarrhea and Respiratory Tract Infections in Indonesian Children

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of calcium and probiotics on the incidence and duration of acute diarrhea and acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in low-socioeconomic communities of Jakarta, Indonesia. METHODS: We conducted a 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 494 healthy children aged 1 to 6 years who received low-lactose milk with low calcium content (LC; ∼50 mg/day; n = 124), regular calcium content (RC; ∼440 mg/day; n = 126), RC with 5.108 colony-forming units per day of Lactobacillus casei CRL431 (casei; n = 120), or RC with 5.108 colony-forming units per day of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 (reuteri; n = 124). Number and duration of diarrhea and ARTIs episodes were primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: Incidence of World Health Organization–defined diarrhea (≥3 loose/liquid stools in 24 hours) was not significantly different between RC and LC (relative risk [RR]: 0.99 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62–1.58]), between casei and RC (RR: 1.21 [95% CI: 0.76–1.92]), or between reuteri and RC (RR: 0.76 [95% CI: 0.46–1.25]) groups. Incidence of all reported diarrhea (≥2 loose/liquid stools in 24 hours) was significantly lower in the reuteri versus RC group (RR: 0.68 [95% CI: 0.46–0.99]). Irrespective of the definition used, reuteri significantly reduced diarrhea incidence in children with lower nutritional status (below-median height-and-weight-for-age z score). None of the interventions affected ARTIs. CONCLUSIONS: RC milk, alone or with L casei, did not reduce diarrhea or ARTIs in Indonesian children. L reuteri may prevent diarrhea, especially in children with lower nutritional status.
Beneficial Effects of HIV Peptidase Inhibitors on Fonsecaea pedrosoi: Promising Compounds to Arrest Key Fungal Biological Processes and Virulence

Background Fonsecaea pedrosoi is the principal etiologic agent of chromoblastomycosis, a fungal disease whose pathogenic events are poorly understood. Current therapy for chromoblastomycosis is suboptimal due to toxicity of the available therapeutic agents and the emergence of drug resistance. Compounding these problems is the fact that endemic countries and regions are economically poor. Purpose and Principal Findings In the present work, we have investigated the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) peptidase inhibitors (PIs) on the F. pedrosoi conidial secreted peptidase, growth, ultrastructure and interaction with different mammalian cells. All the PIs impaired the acidic conidial-derived peptidase activity in a dose-dependent fashion, in which nelfinavir produced the best inhibitory effect. F. pedrosoi growth was also significantly reduced upon exposure to PIs, especially nelfinavir and saquinavir. PIs treatment caused profound changes in the conidial ultrastructure as shown by transmission electron microscopy, including invaginations in the cytoplasmic membrane, disorder and detachment of the cell wall, enlargement of fungi cytoplasmic vacuoles, and abnormal cell division. The synergistic action on growth ability between nelfinavir and amphotericin B, when both were used at sub-inhibitory concentrations, was also observed. PIs reduced the adhesion and endocytic indexes during the interaction between conidia and epithelial cells (CHO), fibroblasts or macrophages, in a cell type-dependent manner. Moreover, PIs interfered with the conidia into mycelia transformation when in contact with CHO and with the susceptibility killing by macrophage cells. Conclusions/Significance Overall, by providing the first evidence that HIV PIs directly affects F. pedrosoi development and virulence, these data add new insights on the wide-spectrum efficacy of HIV PIs, further arguing for the potential chemotherapeutic targets for aspartyl-type peptidase produced by this human pathogen.