Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation in nutritional quality of plants for deer in relation to sunny versus shady environments

Hanley, Thomas A. ; Barnard, Jeffrey C. 2014. Variation in nutritional quality of plants for deer in relation to sunny versus shady environments. Res. Pap. PNWRP-602. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacifi c Northwest Research Station. 30 p. Variation in nutritional quality of natural forages for black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus) was studied in summer and winter in southeast Alaska. Freeze-dried samples of 17 summer forages collected in early July and 10 winter forages collected in February from three replicate sites each of shady forest understory and open, sunny habitat were analyzed and compared for their concentrations of digestible protein, digestible dry matter, and digestible energy. Data from each forage, ranging from forb and shrub leaves to woody twigs, were analyzed separately in a single-factor analysis of variance experimental design. Only fi ve to seven of the summer forages differed signifi cantly (P < 0.05) in values from sun and shade treatments: digestible protein was lower while digestible dry matter and digestible energy were higher in sun-grown than shade-grown forages. Differences in winter forages were fewer and inconsistent. However, despite general trends in patterns across all forages, variation both among and within forages was high at all scales of sampling: subsamples within a site, replicate sites of habitat types, and habitat types. Light intensity plays a major role in determining plant chemistry of some species, but the high degree of variation in plant response makes underlying patterns of variation especially important.
HIV Virions as Nanoscopic Test Tubes for Probing Oligomerization of the Integrase Enzyme

Employing viruses as nanoscopic lipid-enveloped test tubes allows the miniaturization of protein–protein interaction (PPI) assays while preserving the physiological environment necessary for particular biological processes. Applied to the study of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), viral biology and pathology can also be investigated in novel ways, both in vitro as well as in infected cells. In this work we report on an experimental strategy that makes use of engineered HIV-1 viral particles, to allow for probing PPIs of the HIV-1 integrase (IN) inside viruses with single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) using fluorescent proteins (FP). We show that infectious fluorescently labeled viruses can be obtained and that the quantity of labels can be accurately measured and controlled inside individual viral particles. We demonstrate, with proper control experiments, the formation of IN oligomers in single viral particles and inside viral complexes in infected cells. Finally, we show a clear effect on IN oligomerization of small molecule inhibitors of interactions of IN with its natural human cofactor LEDGF/p75, corroborating that IN oligomer enhancing drugs are active already at the level of the virus and strongly suggesting the presence of a dynamic, enhanceable equilibrium between the IN dimer and tetramer in viral particles. Although applied to the HIV-1 IN enzyme, our methodology for utilizing HIV virions as nanoscopic test tubes for probing PPIs is generic, i.e., other PPIs targeted into the HIV-1, or PPIs targeted into other viruses, can potentially be studied with a similar strategy.
The Effect of IFN-g and TNF-a on the Eosinophilic Differentiation and NADPH Oxidase Activation of Human HL-60 Clone 15 Cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of interferon-g (IFN-g) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) on NADPH oxidase activity and gp91-phox gene expression in HL-60 clone 15 cells as they differentiate along the eosinophilic lineage. The results were compared to the eosoniphilic inducers interleukin-5 (IL-5) and butyric acid. IFN-g (100 U/ml) and TNF-a (1000 U/ml) or IL-5 (200 pM) caused a significant increase in the expression of the eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and the major basic protein (MBP) genes. Similar results were observed when the cells were cultured with 0.5 mM butyric acid for 5 days. IFN-g (100 U/ml) and TNF-a (1000 U/ml) also caused a significant increase in superoxide release by HL-60 clone 15 cells after 2 days compared with control or with butyric acid-induced cells. After 5 days, these cytokines and butyric acid induced an even stronger release of superoxide. HL-60 clone 15 cells cultured with IFN-g and TNF-a for 2 days showed a significant increase in gp91-phox gene expression. We conclude that IFN-g and TNF-a are sufficient to induce the differentiation of HL-60 clone 15 cells to the eosinophilic lineage and to upregulate gp91-phox gene expression and activity of the NADPH oxidase system.
Timing levels in segment-based speech emotion recognition

Additional sub-phrase level information is believed to improve accuracy in speech emotion recognition systems. Yet, automatic segmentation is a challenge on its own considering word-or syllable boundaries. Further more clarification is needed which timing level leads to optimal results. In this paper we therefore quantitatively discuss three approaches to segment-level features based on 276 statistical hi-level prosodic, articulatory and speech quality features. Apart from the choice of the optimal segmentation scheme also fusion of segments with respect to classification and combination of diverse timing levels is analyzed. Tests are carried out on the popular Berlin Database of Emotional Speech (EMO-DB). Significant improvement over existing works can be reported for combination of phrase-level features with relative time interval features.
Inhibition of adenosine deaminase (ADA)-mediated metabolism of cordycepin by natural substances

Cordycepin, which is an analogue of a nucleoside adenosine, exhibits a wide variety of pharmacological activities including anticancer effects. In this study, ADA1‐ and ADA2‐expressing HEK293 cells were established to determine the major ADA isoform responsible for the deamination of cordycepin. While the metabolic rate of cordycepin deamination was similar between ADA2‐expressing and Mock cells, extensive metabolism of cordycepin was observed in the ADA1‐expressing cells with Km and Vmax values of 54.9 μmol/L and 45.8 nmole/min/mg protein. Among five natural substances tested in this study (kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, naringenin, and naringin), naringin strongly inhibited the deamination of cordycepin with Ki values of 58.8 μmol/L in mouse erythrocytes and 168.3 μmol/L in human erythrocytes. A treatment of Jurkat cells with a combination of cordycepin and naringin showed significant cytotoxicity. Our in silico study suggests that not only small molecules such as adenosine derivatives but also bulky molecules like naringin can be a potent ADA1 inhibitor for the clinical usage.
Buckling mode shapes in incremental forming of sheet metal

A common technology for manufacturing of large-scale vessel-ends is incremental forming. The first step in forming process is based on buckling phenomena. The buckling mode shapes of circular plate influence wrinkling and surface quality of final product. Increased number of wrinkles in the first forming step lengthens the manufacturing process and increases the number of forming steps needed. To obtain the desired buckling mode shape, an analysis was performed by varying tool parameters. The analysis resulted in defined relationship between tool parameters and buckling mode shapes, and guidelines for the tool design in terms of minimum wrinkling.
Auditory P300 event related potentials and serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment in patients with fibromyalgia

Background: The P300 components of auditory event related potentials (ERPs) are objective measures related to information and cognitive processing. Objectives: To assess P300 ERPs in female patients with fibromyalgia (FM) in comparison with healthy age matched controls. To investigate the relationship between P300 potentials and pain threshold levels of patients, and subsequent effect of sertraline treatment on P300 potentials. Methods: P300 auditory ERPs were studied in 13 untreated female patients with FM and 10 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and education. Pain pressure thresholds and total myalgic scores (TMS) were assessed with an algometer. Patients were evaluated for clinical measures and P300 potentials (recorded from the vertex) at the first visit, and then in the fourth and eighth weeks of sertraline treatment. Results: Patients with FM had significantly lower P300 amplitudes, but not significantly different P300 latencies, than controls at entry. P300 latencies in patients correlated negatively with TMS (rs=−0.79, p<0.01) and P300 amplitudes correlated significantly with TMS (rs=0.53, p<0.05). Anxiety and depression scores did not correlate significantly with P300 latencies or amplitudes at the study entry. P300 auditory ERPs had increased amplitudes that had reached nearly the same levels as those of the controls at the eighth week without any significant change in their latencies. Conclusion: The results show reduced P300 amplitudes in patients with FM. Further studies assessing the relationship between P300 ERPs and neuropsychiatric tests are required for better clarification of the clinical relevance of P300 potentials in FM.
International Conference on Information Systems ( ICIS ) 1-1-2008 Web Elements and Strategies for Success in Online Marketplaces : An Exploratory Analysis

Among the most prominent and fastest-growing markets on the Internet are online marketplaces. The leader and main exemplar of this type of market is eBay. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive examination of the salient website elements and strategies as success factor in online marketplaces. In this exploratory analysis, we report on the behavior of different types of sellers and their distinct approaches for achieving their desired goals. The conceptual framework for this examination is based on marketing mix theory and its synthesis with competitive heterogeneity theory, allowing us to formulate a success model for sellers operating in this market. The conceptual model is empirically tested by the random collection of over 2000 auction listings from eBay’s Motors Division spread over a period of six months. Our results bring to light the presence of different types of sellers in this market, and the differences in website designs and strategies they use for success in this market.
Schedule Validation For Embedded Reactive Real-time Systems

Task scheduling for reactive real time systems is adifficult problem due to tight constraints that theschedule must satisfy.A static priority schemeis proposed here that can be formally validated.The method is applicable both for preemptiveand non-preemptive schedules and is conservativein the sense that a valid schedule may bedeclared invalid, but no invalid schedule may bedeclared valid.Experimental results show thatthe run time of our validation method is negligiblewith respect to other steps in system designprocess, and compares favorably with othermethods of schedule validation.
A comparison of academic advising experiences and satisfaction of African American males and other students at a Predominately White Institution

BILLIE HOWIE MEANS. A comparison of academic advising experiences and satisfaction of African American males and other students at a predominately White institution. (Under the direction of Dr. JAMES BIRD) Of all college students, four percent are African American males of which one third graduate within six years. The status of African-American males in higher education serves as an impetus for research to investigate their collegiate experiences and factors that facilitate retention and persistence compared to other undergraduates. Although research indicates that academic advising is related to student success, there is a gap in scholarly literature devoted to its possible impact on the African American male. The research addressed the following questions: 1) To what extent are perceptions of undergraduate academic advising experiences similar for African American males and other undergraduates? 2) To what extent are perceptions of satisfaction with undergraduate academic advising similar for African American males and other students? A mixed-method approach included Two-Way ANOVAS to evaluate student ratings on the Academic Advising Inventory and themes/patterns from personal interviews were analyzed and synthesized. Student experiences and satisfaction with advising were also examined through the theoretical frameworks of Critical Race, Black Identity Development, Sense of Belonging and Person-Environment Fit. Information gleaned from such research informs diversity training for academic advisors and assist professionals in the psycho-social and academic progression of African American males in college.
Managerial Ability, Investment Efficiency and Stock Price Crash Risk

This paper examines empirically the effect of managerial ability on firm-level investment efficiency, and the joint effect of managerial ability and financial reporting quality on stock price crash risk conditional on level of investment. Using a managerial ability measure developed by Demerjian et al. (2012), the paper documents consistent evidence that the more able managers over-invest compared to their not-so-able counterparts, even after controlling for the effects of financial reporting quality and other firm specific determinants of investment efficiency. This evidence is robust to alternative proxies for investment efficiency and financial reporting quality. The empirical evidence also suggests that crash risk increases for firms with talented managers, primarily because of an adverse effect of managerial talent on financial reporting quality (both accruals and real earnings management) and this effect is more pronounced for firms that over-invest. Overall, the study contributes to a better understanding of the influence of managerial ability on investment decisions and financial reporting quality in the context of diverging opinions regarding manager-specific effects on organizational outcomes.
Clinical significance of lymphocyte subset changes in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis of children

In order to examine the role of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets on the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), 30 affected children during the acute period of the disease and 30 healthy children within the same age range were selected to test their peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets using flow cytometry and compare these subsets. At the same time, the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets of 20 children with complete remission from HLH were compared to those of 10 cases who succumbed to the disease. The proportion of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells were increased in children during the acute period. Additionally, the proportion of CD4+ T and CD3−CDl6+CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ cells were decreased in the same group of children, with the differences being statistical significance (P<0.05). The proportion of CD19+ B cells showed no differences in the affected and healthy groups. HLH children during the remission period had a higher proportion of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells than that in the control group, but the ratio of CD4+ T and CD4+/CD8+ were lower than that in the control group, with the differences being statistically significant (P<0.05). The proportion of CD19+ B cells and CD3−CD16+CD56+ NK cells revealed no significant difference between the two groups. In addition, regarding the proportion of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T, CD19+ B cells, CD3−CDl6+CD56+ NK cells and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+, and there were no significant differences. The results showed that HLH modifies the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and causes cellular immunity disorders. Thus, monitoring these dynamic changes can be useful in the diagnosis of HLH and evaluate the response to therapy.
Pengaruh Kompetensi Pegawai, Penempatan Kerja dan Pengembangan Karir Terhadap Kinerja Pegawai

This research was conducted at the Secretariat of the Department of Religion. Strikes with the aim to find out how much influence, Employee Competence, Job Placement, and Career Development, on Employee Performance at the Secretariat of the Department of Religion. 75 respondents. Questionnaires distributed as much as 75 and can be processed, the analytical method used is regression analysis and correlation analysis. The results obtained based on Partial Test (t test) are obtained: (a) there is a positive and significant influence between Competence on Employee Performance, evidenced by the value t count is greater than t table. (b) There is a positive and significant influence between Job Placement on Employee Performance, evidenced by the value of t calculated is greater than t table. (c) There is a positive and significant influence between Career Development on Employee Performance, as evidenced by the value of t calculated greater than t table. Then based on hypothesis testing together (Test F) it can be seen that employee competence, work placement, and career development have a positive and significant effect on employee performance. And by testing the coefficient of determination (R2) showed that the percentage of the competence of Employees, Job Placement and Career Development to variable affects employee performance in other variables such as mutations, organizational climate, motivation, and others
Optimal Lending Contracts and Firm Dynamics

We develop a general model of lending in the presence of endogenous borrowing constraints. Borrowing constraints arise because borrowers face limited liability and debt repayment cannot be perfectly enforced. In the model, the dynamics of debt are closely linked with the dynamics of borrowing constraints. In fact, borrowing constraints must satisfy a dynamic consistency requirement: the value of outstanding debt restricts current access to short-term capital, but is itself determined by future access to credit. This dynamic consistency is not guaranteed in models of exogenous borrowing constraints, where the ability to raise short-term capital is limited by some prespecified function of debt. We characterize the optimal default-free contract—which minimizes borrowing constraints at all histories—and derive implications for firm growth, survival, leverage and debt maturity. The model is qualitatively consistent with stylized facts on the growth and survival of firms. Comparative statics with respect to technology and default constraints are derived. Copyright 2004, Wiley-Blackwell.
Employing Participatory Learning through the Use of Photovoice in Iranian EFL Learning Settings: The Case of Reflective Narratives

Photovoice is a participatory action research method which aims to enable students to create compelling visual representations and identify the local social issues. This paper attempted to investigate the impact of photovoice as an innovative method on the levels of reflection manifested in EFL learners' narratives. To this end, a convenience sample of 48 Iranian intermediate EFL learners including 17 males and 31 females, learning English in two institutes located in Isfahan, Iran, were chosen. Before research implementation, the participants were provided with comprehensive photovoice guidance and workshop. The learners had to present their photos and narratives during a semester which took about two months. The collected data include 237 photographs and 48 essays which were learners' critical reflection on the photos. Then, the levels of reflection in their narratives were measured by Kember (2008) and Ryan and Ryan's (2012) frameworks. According to the results, poverty and air pollution were the most prominent social concerns captured by the participants. Furthermore, photovoice incredibly fostered Iranian EFL learners' reflection, and they all had positive attitudes toward participatory learning. This study could have pedagogical implications for the learners and practitioners in the field of SLA. They can employ innovative methods such as photovoice as a participatory learning tool to improve critical reflection.
Chameleon: Application Controlled Power Management with Performance Isolation

In this paper, we present Chameleon—an application controlled dynamic voltage and frequency scaling approach for reducing energy consumption in mobile processors that see multimedia workloads. Our approach exports the entire responsibility of power management to the application level. Since multimedia applications impose soft real-time constraints, a key goal of our approach is to reduce energy consumption of such applications without degrading performance. We propose an operating system interface that can be used by Chameleon-aware applications to achieve energy savings and demonstrate its effectiveness for three common applications—a video decoder, a video conferencing tool, and a web browser. We implement our approach in the Linux kernel running on a Sony Transmeta laptop. Our experiments show that, compared to the traditional system-wide CPU voltage scaling approaches, our technique can achieve up to 34 − 50% energy savings while delivering comparable or better performance to applications, and Chameleon is also more effective at scheduling a mix of concurrent applications with diverse energy needs.
Characterization of blood pressure and endothelial function in TRPV4‐deficient mice with l‐NAME‐ and angiotensin II‐induced hypertension

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) is an endothelial Ca2+ entry channel contributing to endothelium‐mediated dilation in conduit and resistance arteries. We investigated the role of TRPV4 in the regulation of blood pressure and endothelial function under hypertensive conditions. TRPV4‐deficient (TRPV4−/−) and wild‐type (WT) control mice were given l‐NAME (0.5 g/L) in drinking water for 7 days or subcutaneously infused with angiotensin (Ang) II (600 ng/kg per minute) for 14 days, and blood pressure measured by radiotelemetry. TRPV4−/− mice had a lower baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) (12‐h daytime MAP, 94 ± 2 vs. 99 ± 2 mmHg in WT controls). l‐NAME treatment induced a slightly greater increase in MAP in TRPV4−/− mice (day 7, 13 ± 4%) compared to WT controls (6 ± 2%), but Ang II‐induced increases in MAP were similar in TRPV4−/− and WT mice (day 14, 53 ± 6% and 37 ± 11%, respectively, P < 0.05). Chronic infusion of WT mice with Ang II reduced both acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced dilation (dilation to 10−5 mol/L ACh, 71 ± 5% vs. 92 ± 2% of controls) and the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A‐induced dilation of small mesenteric arteries (10−8 mol/L GSK1016790A, 14 ± 5% vs. 77 ± 7% of controls). However, Ang II treatment did not affect ACh dilation in TRPV4−/− mice. Mechanistically, Ang II did not significantly alter either TRPV4 total protein expression in mesenteric arteries or TRPV4 agonist‐induced Ca2+ response in mesenteric endothelial cells in situ. These results suggest that TRPV4 channels play a minor role in blood pressure regulation in l‐NAME‐ but not Ang II‐induced hypertension, but may be importantly involved in Ang II‐induced endothelial dysfunction.