Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification and Characterization of Sialidase-Like Activity in the Developmental Stages of Amblyomma variegatum

ABSTRACT Amblyomma variegatum F. are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of livestock that serve as the vectors of Ehrlichia ruminantium (formerly known as Cowdria ruminantium), the causative agent of heartwater disease. In the light of the fact that they are blood-feeding, their salivary glands play prominent role in their acquisition of nutrients from the bloodmeal. Sialic acids are a major component of glycoprotein in mammalian blood fluid and cells. Sialome of hard ticks is still sparse. Here, for the first time, the possible expression of sialidase in A. variegatum was investigated. Our finding established the presence of type II sialidase-like activity in the three stages (larva, nymph, and adult) of the fed and unfed tick. There was no statistically significant difference in sialidase activity in the various stages of this ectoparasite (P > 0.05). The enzyme was purified by combination of salting out and ion exchange chromatography on DEAE—cellulose and hydroxylapatite columns. Characterization of the enzyme revealed that it is optimally active at 40°C and pH 5.5, and is activated by bivalent cations Zn2+ or Fe2+. The enzyme has a Km of 0.023 mM and Vmax of 0.16 millimol/min with Fetuin as the substrate. To assess the susceptibility of some mammalian cells to the tick sialidase, we prepared erythrocyte ghost cells from different animals, which were incubated with the enzyme. Results revealed that the ruminant cells were better substrates. Our work and findings contribute to the preliminary characterization of the A. variegatum salivary proteome, and may pave way to the development of new acaricides.
Digital expression profiling of the compartmentalized translatome of Purkinje neurons

Underlying the complexity of the mammalian brain is its network of neuronal connections, but also the molecular networks of signaling pathways, protein interactions, and regulated gene expression within each individual neuron. The diversity and complexity of the spatially intermingled neurons pose a serious challenge to the identification and quantification of single neuron components. To address this challenge, we present a novel approach for the study of the ribosome-associated transcriptome—the translatome—from selected subcellular domains of specific neurons, and apply it to the Purkinje cells (PCs) in the rat cerebellum. We combined microdissection, translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) in nontransgenic animals, and quantitative nanoCAGE sequencing to obtain a snapshot of RNAs bound to cytoplasmic or rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER)–associated ribosomes in the PC and its dendrites. This allowed us to discover novel markers of PCs, to determine structural aspects of genes, to find hitherto uncharacterized transcripts, and to quantify biophysically relevant genes of membrane proteins controlling ion homeostasis and neuronal electrical activities.
On the Formation of Coalitions to Provide Public Goods – Experimental Evidence from the Lab

The provision of public goods often relies on voluntary contributions and cooperation. While most of the experimental literature focuses on individual contributions, many real-world problems involve the formation of institutions among subgroups (coalitions) of players. International agreements serve as one example. This paper experimentally tests theory on the formation of coalitions in different institutions and compares those to a voluntary contribution mechanism. The experiment confirms the rather pessimistic conclusions from the theory: only few players form a coalition when the institution prescribes the full internalization of mutual benefits of members. Contrary to theory, coalitions that try to reduce the freeriding incentives by requiring less provision from their members, do not attract additional members. Substantial efficiency gains occur, however, both along the extensive and intensive margin when coalition members can each suggest a minimum contribution level with the smallest common denominator being binding. The experiment thereby shows that the acceptance of institutions depends on how terms of coalitions are reached.
The construction of the meaning and significance of an 'author' among information behaviour researchers : a social constructivist approach

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Comparison of bacterial genome assembly software for MinION data and their applicability to medical microbiology

Antimicrobial resistance genes can be carried on plasmids or on mobile elements integrated into the chromosome. We sequenced a multidrug resistant Enterobacter kobei genome isolated from wastewater in the United Kingdom, but were unable to conclusively identify plasmids from the short read assembly. Our aim was to compare and contrast the accuracy and characteristics of open source software (PBcR, Canu, miniasm and SPAdes) for the assembly of bacterial genomes (including plasmids) generated by the MinION instrument. Miniasm produced an assembly in the shortest time, but Canu produced the most accurate assembly overall. We found that MinION data alone was able to generate a contiguous and accurate assembly of an isolate with multiple plasmids.
End-User Searching Behavior in Information Retrieval: A Longitudinal Study

This study investigated the effects of end-user search experience on searching behavior in the use of an online information retrieval system by monitoring the QUICKLAW searches of a group of law students over a 1-year period. Searching behavior was examined in these aspects: Searcher command and feature repertoires (i.e., the set of commands and the set of features such as Boolean operators and truncation used), language usage patterns (command and feature use frequencies, state chains of first to third orders, and search effort measures), error patterns, search speed, learning approaches, and attitudes towards the search system. Results showed that search experience affected several aspects of end-user behavior, including the increase of participants' command and feature repertoires, some change of overall language usage patterns as reflected in the significant differences in the frequency distributions of commands and features used, increase of search speeds, and change of learning approaches. However, experience did not result in searchers making fewer errors or being helped to recover from errors. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Baicalein Inhibits the Invasion and Metastatic Capabilities of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Down-Regulation of the ERK Pathway

Baicalein, a widely used Chinese herbal medicine, has historically been used in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer therapies. However, the anti-metastatic effect and molecular mechanism(s) of baicalein on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the anti-metastatic effects of baicalein and related mechanism(s) on HCC. Based on assays utilized in both HCC cell lines and in an animal model, we found that baicalein inhibited tumor cell metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, after treatment with baicalein for 24 hours, there was a decrease in the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) expression as well as proteinase activity in hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97H cells. Meanwhile, the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2 were increased in a dose-dependent fashion. Moreover, baicalein treatment dramatically decreased the levels of the phosphorylated forms of MEK1 and ERK1/2. MEK1 overexpression partially blocked the anti-metastatic effects of baicalein. Combined treatment with an ERK inhibitor (U0126) and baicalein resulted in a synergistic reduction in MMP-2, MMP-9 and u-PA expression and an increase in TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression; the invasive capabilities of MHCC97H cells were also inhibited. In conclusion, baicalein inhibits tumor cell invasion and metastasis by reducing cell motility and migration via the suppression of the ERK pathway, suggesting that baicalein is a potential therapeutic agent for HCC.
Hormone Activity of Hydroxylated Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers on Human Thyroid Receptor-β: In Vitro and In Silico Investigations

Background Hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (HO-PBDEs) may disrupt thyroid hormone status because of their structural similarity to thyroid hormone. However, the molecular mechanisms of interactions with thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are not fully understood. Objectives We investigated the interactions between HO-PBDEs and TRβ to identify critical structural features and physicochemical properties of HO-PBDEs related to their hormone activity, and to develop quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models for the thyroid hormone activity of HO-PBDEs. Methods We used the recombinant two-hybrid yeast assay to determine the hormone activities to TRβ and molecular docking to model the ligand–receptor interaction in the binding site. Based on the mechanism of action, molecular structural descriptors were computed, selected, and employed to characterize the interactions, and finally a QSAR model was constructed. The applicability domain (AD) of the model was assessed by Williams plot. Results The 18 HO-PBDEs tested exhibited significantly higher thyroid hormone activities than did PBDEs (p < 0.05). Hydrogen bonding was the characteristic interaction between HO-PBDE molecules and TRβ, and aromaticity had a negative effect on the thyroid hormone activity of HO-PBDEs. The developed QSAR model had good robustness, predictive ability, and mechanism interpretability. Conclusions Hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between HO-PBDEs and TRβ are important factors governing thyroid hormone activities. The HO-PBDEs with higher ability to accept electrons tend to have weak hydrogen bonding with TRβ and lower thyroid hormone activities.
Topological insulators in Bi 2 Se 3 , Bi 2 Te 3 and Sb 2 Te 3 with a single Dirac cone on the surface

Topological insulators are new states of quantum matter in which surface states residing in the bulk insulating gap of such systems are protected by time-reversal symmetry. The study of such states was originally inspired by the robustness to scattering of conducting edge states in quantum Hall systems. Recently, such analogies have resulted in the discovery of topologically protected states in two-dimensional and three-dimensional band insulators with large spin–orbit coupling. So far, the only known three-dimensional topological insulator is BixSb1−x, which is an alloy with complex surface states. Here, we present the results of first-principles electronic structure calculations of the layered, stoichiometric crystals Sb2Te3, Sb2Se3, Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3. Our calculations predict that Sb2Te3, Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 are topological insulators, whereas Sb2Se3 is not. These topological insulators have robust and simple surface states consisting of a single Dirac cone at the 0 point. In addition, we predict that Bi2Se3 has a topologically non-trivial energy gap of 0.3 eV, which is larger than the energy scale of room temperature. We further present a simple and unified continuum model that captures the salient topological features of this class of materials.
Optimal Structural Policies for Ambiguity and Risk Averse Inventory and Pricing Models

This paper discusses multiperiod stochastic joint inventory and pricing models when the decision maker is risk and ambiguity averse. We study infinite horizon models with discounted and long run average optimization criteria. The main result of this paper is establishing the optimality of stationary $(s,S,p)$ policies for the infinite horizon inventory and pricing models.
PENGARUH KEDISIPLINAN DAN KEMANDIRIAN BELAJAR TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR EKONOMI MADRASAH ALIYAH DI KECAMATAN PRAYA

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui pengaruh kedisiplinan dan kemandirian belajar terhadap hasil belajar ekonomi siswa kelas XI jurusan IPS Madrasah Aliyah di Kecamatan Praya. Desain penelitian ini adalah expost facto dengan jenis penelitian assosiatif. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis dengan teknik analisis deskriptif dan regresi linier ganda. Hasil penelitian Madrasah Aliyah di Kecamatan Praya menunjukkan bahwa: (1) ketuntasan belajar siswa sebesar 90,05%; (2) kedisiplinan belajar siswa tergolong rendah dengan rata-rata 44,39; (3) kemandirian belajar siswa tergolong rendah dengan rata-rata 55,23; (4) kedisiplinan belajar berpengaruh positif terhadap hasil belajar ekonomi siswa (thitung=5,22; α=0,00), dengan koefisien determinasi sebesar 28,1%; (5) kemandirian belajar berpengaruh positif terhadap hasil belajar ekonomi siswa (thitung= 2,36; α=0,02), dengan koefisien determinasi sebesar 21,2%; dan (6) kedisiplinan dan kemandirian belajar secara bersamaan berpengaruh positif terhadap hasil belajar siswa (Fhitung=47,21; α=0,00), dengan koefisien determinasi sebesar 29,6%. Kata Kunci : Kedisiplinan Belajar, Kemandirian Belajar, dan Hasil Belajar
Poverty alleviation policy targeting: a review of experiences in developing countries

(english) Fiscal constraints and policy changes to improve the effectiveness of programmes in reducing poverty have gradually led the international community to use tools to reach the poor. Poverty reduction policy targeting is one of them. This paper reviews targeted poverty alleviation policies in developing countries and seeks to identify the key factors that affect their performances. _________________________________ (francais) Dans un contexte de ressources budgetaires limitees et suite au constat que la croissance et l’aide publique au developpement ne beneficiaient pas forcement aux pauvres, la communaute internationale a eu recours a des outils specifiques permettant d’atteindre en priorite les pauvres. Le ciblage des politiques de lutte contre la pauvrete est l’un de ces outils. Cet article vise a dresser un bilan des experiences de ciblage menees dans les pays en developpement. Il cherche pour cela a degager les facteurs de reussite ou d’echec de ces experiences et fait le point sur les questions qui font toujours debat.
In situ aerosol-size distributions and clear-column radiative closure during ACE-2

As part of the second Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-2) during June and July of 1997, aerosol-size distributions were measured on board the CIRPAS Pelican aircraft through the use of a DMA and 2 OPCs. During the campaign, the boundary-layer aerosol typically possessed characteristics representative of a background marine aerosol or a continentally influenced aerosol, while the free-tropospheric aerosol was characterized by the presence or absence of a Saharan dust layer. A range of radiative closure comparisons were made using the data obtained during vertical profiles flown on 4 missions. Of particular interest here are the comparisons made between the optical properties as determined through the use of measured aerosol-size distributions and those measured directly by an airborne 14-wavelength sunphotometer and 3 nephelometers. Variations in the relative humidity associated with each of the direct measurements required consideration of the hygroscopic properties of the aerosol for size-distribution-based calculations. Simultaneous comparison with such a wide range of directly-measured optical parameters not only offers evidence of the validity of the physicochemical description of the aerosol when closure is achieved, but also provides insight into potential sources of error when some or all of the comparisons result in disagreement. Agreement between the derived and directly-measured optical properties varied for different measurements and for different cases. Averaged over the 4 case studies, the derived extinction coefficient at 525 nm exceeded that measured by the sunphotometer by 2.5% in the clean boundary layer, but underestimated measurements by 13% during pollution events. For measurements within the free troposphere, the mean derived extinction coefficient was 3.3% and 17% less than that measured by the sunphotometer during dusty and non-dusty conditions, respectively. Likewise, averaged discrepancies between the derived and measured scattering coefficient were −9.6%, +4.7%, +17%, and −41% for measurements within the clean boundary layer, polluted boundary layer, free troposphere with a dust layer, and free troposphere without a dust layer, respectively. Each of these quantities, as well as the majority of the >100 individual comparisons from which they were averaged, were within estimated uncertainties.
Mathemagenic Behaviours and Efficiency in Learning from Prose Materials: Review, Critique and Recommendations

Until quite recently, it appeared that the puzzle of how people learn from meaningful prose materials and how such learning can be enhanced was destined to remain unsolved and, for the most part, ignored. Carroll (1968) correctly observed that our learning theories contained a huge gap where one might expect to find explanations regarding acquisition of information from prose materials. Unfortunately, the rise of behaviourism was accompanied by the suppression of interest in cognitive processes. Thus, for several decades attention was focused primarily on simple associative mechanisms of learning, and much of learning research involved conditioning techniques applied to lower organisms. These trends may well have been responsible for the gap alluded to by Carroll. In any event, the tide now appears to be turning. The steady increase in the quantity of research being reported in the professional journals on learning from prose reflects a mushrooming interest in the topic (Frase, 1973a). Among the most important reasons for this trend are the work of Ausubel on meaningful verbal learning (1963) and the introduction of the notion of mathemagenic activities by Rothkopf (1965). While many researchers were attempting to generalize principles of
Achieving 1/2 log (1+SNR) on the AWGN channel with lattice encoding and decoding

We address an open question, regarding whether a lattice code with lattice decoding (as opposed to maximum-likelihood (ML) decoding) can achieve the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel capacity. We first demonstrate how minimum mean-square error (MMSE) scaling along with dithering (lattice randomization) techniques can transform the power-constrained AWGN channel into a modulo-lattice additive noise channel, whose effective noise is reduced by a factor of /spl radic/(1+SNR/SNR). For the resulting channel, a uniform input maximizes mutual information, which in the limit of large lattice dimension becomes 1/2 log (1+SNR), i.e., the full capacity of the original power constrained AWGN channel. We then show that capacity may also be achieved using nested lattice codes, the coarse lattice serving for shaping via the modulo-lattice transformation, the fine lattice for channel coding. We show that such pairs exist for any desired nesting ratio, i.e., for any signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Furthermore, for the modulo-lattice additive noise channel lattice decoding is optimal. Finally, we show that the error exponent of the proposed scheme is lower bounded by the Poltyrev exponent.
Autocrine role of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-I tax-transfected Jurkat T-cells.

The interaction of human T-cell lymphotropic virus I (HTLV-I) tax gene with host cell factors plays an important role in the maintenance of the transformed state. There have been numerous reports that have demonstrated the role of tax in transactivating several cytokines. In this study, we show that upon mitogen stimulation, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP-1beta) is expressed and secreted in tax-transfected Jurkat cells. Furthermore, expression of CC-chemokine receptor-5 (CCR5) mRNA in these cells suggests an autocrine role for MIP-1beta in HTLV-I-infected T-cells. These results, coupled with our earlier observations, demonstrate the influence that extracellular Tax protein might have on modulating host chemokines for proliferation and transformation of uninfected cells.
Second‐hand clothing consumption: a cross‐cultural comparison between American and Chinese young consumers

There has been an enormous increase in the economic power and global scope of the second-hand clothing trade since the early 1990s. Young consumers are a major driver behind the growth of the second-hand clothing industry in the US. While the stigma of buying second-hand clothing is fading in the western countries, little is known about second-hand clothing consumption in the Asian countries. The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate young consumers' behaviours towards second-hand clothing from a cross-cultural perspective in the US and Chinese contexts. Results of this study indicated significant differences in young consumers' second-hand clothing consumption behaviour between the two countries in the following aspects: past purchase experience, perceived values and concerns, perceived subjective norm and future purchase intention.
Recovery Planning for Ambiguous Cases in Perceptual Anchoring

An autonomous robot using symbolic reasoning, sensing and acting in a real environment needs the ability to create and maintain the connection between symbols representing objects in the world and the corresponding perceptual representations given by its sensors. This connection has been named perceptual anchoring. In complex environments, anchoring is not always easy to establish: the situation may often be ambiguous as to which percept actually corresponds to a given symbol. In this paper. we extend perceptual anchoring to deal robustly with ambiguous situations by providing general methods for detecting them and recovering from them. We consider different kinds of ambiguous situations and present planning-based methods to recover from them. We illustrate our approach by showing experiments involving a mobile robot equipped with a color camera and an electronic nose.
Pragmatics of Human Communication: A Study of Interactional Patterns, Pathologies and Paradoxes

Called "one of the best books ever about human communication," and a perennial bestseller, Pragmatics of Human Communication has formed the foundation of much contemporary research into interpersonal communication, in addition to laying the groundwork for context-based approaches to psychotherapy. The authors present the simple but radical idea that problems in life often arise from issues of communication, rather than from deep psychological disorders, reinforcing their conceptual explorations with case studies and well-known literary examples. Written with humor and for a variety of readers, this book identifies simple properties and axioms of human communication and demonstrates how all communications are actually a function of their contexts. Topics covered in this wide-ranging book include: the origins of communication; the idea that all behavior is communication; meta-communication; the properties of an open system; the family as a system of communication; the nature of paradox in psychotherapy; existentialism and human communication.