Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parasites, proteomics and performance: effects of gregarine gut parasites on dragonfly flight muscle composition and function

SUMMARY In previous work, we found that dragonflies infected with gregarine gut parasites have reduced muscle power output, loss of lipid oxidation in their flight muscles, and a suite of symptoms similar to mammalian metabolic syndrome. Here, we test the hypothesis that changes in muscle protein composition underlie the observed changes in contractile performance. We found that gregarine infection was associated with a 10-fold average reduction in abundance of a ∼155 kDa fragment of muscle myosin heavy chain (MHC;∼ 206 kDa intact size). Insect MHC gene sequences contain evolutionarily conserved amino acid motifs predicted for calpain cleavage, and we found that calpain digestion of purified dragonfly MHC produced a peptide of ∼155 kDa. Thus, gut parasites in dragonflies are associated with what appears to be a reduction in proteolytic degradation of MHC. MHC155 abundance showed a strong negative relationship to muscle power output in healthy dragonflies but either no relationship or a weakly positive relationship in infected dragonflies. Troponin T (TnT) protein isoform profiles were not significantly different between healthy and infected dragonflies but whereas TnT isoform profile was correlated with power output in healthy dragonflies, there was no such correlation in infected dragonflies. Multivariate analyses of power output based on MHC155 abundance and a principal component of TnT protein isoform abundances explained 98% of the variation in muscle power output in healthy dragonflies but only 29% when data from healthy and infected dragonflies were pooled. These results indicate that important, yet largely unexplored, functional relationships exist between (pathways regulating) myofibrillar protein expression and (post-translational) protein processing. Moreover, infection by protozoan parasites of the midgut is associated with changes in muscle protein composition (i.e. across body compartments) that, either alone or in combination with other unmeasured changes, alter muscle contractile performance.
Determinants of financial reporting choices : the role of institutional and firm-specific factors

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Crossing the impassable: genetic connections in 20 reef fishes across the eastern Pacific barrier

The ‘impassable’ Eastern Pacific Barrier (EPB), ca 5000 km of deep water separating the eastern from the central Pacific, is the World's widest marine biogeographic barrier. Sequencing of mitochondrial DNA in 20 reef fish morphospecies encountered on both sides of the barrier revealed cryptic speciation in two. Among the other 18 species only two showed significant differentiation (as revealed by haplotype networks and FST statistics) between the eastern and the central Pacific. Coalescence analyses indicated that genetic similarity in the 18 truly transpacific species resulted from different combinations of ages of most recent invasion and of levels of recurrent gene flow, with estimated times of initial separation ranging from approximately 30 000 to 1 Myr (ago). There is no suggestion of simultaneous interruptions of gene flow among the species. Migration across the EPB was previously thought to be exclusively eastward, but our evidence showed two invasions from east to west and eight cases in which subsequent gene flow possibly proceeded in the same direction. Thus, the EPB is sporadically permeable to propagules originating on either side.
Long-Term Care Responsibility and its Opportunity Costs

This paper analyzes the relationship between long-term care provision and the average individual wage rate. In addition, the effects of the number of hours spent on caregiving on the probability of employment as well as on the number of hours worked are examined. Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement (SHARE) of 2004 and 2006 is used to analyze caregiving effects on the European labor market. Descriptive statistics show a positive correlation between hours of care and the wage rate for those working. In the regression analysis, sample-selection models combined with instrumental-variable estimation are used to estimate the causal effects of hours of care on wages. The results illustrate that care for parents has a large negative impact on the individual's wage rate. Test results show that controlling for sample selection is reasonable. Finally, the probability of employment is only decreased in the female sample. Although the hours worked are not significantly affected.
From passive to active learning: contingent faculty collaboratively leading pedagogical change

v List of Tables . ix Chapter 1: Introduction to the Dissertation.1 1.1 Information Technology . 2 1.2 Computer Science Department . 4 1.3 Awareness . 5 1.4 Organization of the Dissertation . 8 1.5 Goals . 10 Chapter 2: Leadership Platform.12 2.
The psychiatric side-effects of iproniazid.

Iproniazid is a powerful stimulant which can be very useful in the treatment of debilitated individuals. Its use is limited because of the severity and frequency of side-effects. The psychiatric complications are more frequent than the systemic or neurological toxic reactions. Poor psychiatric risks should not be treated with Iproniazid; all patients receiving the drug should be under constant psychiatric observation.
Impact of nutrition on social decision making

Significance Food intake is essential for survival in all species for meeting energetic demands. However, food intake also modulates various biochemical processes underlying cognition. Across two studies, we showed that different macronutrient compositions in standard European meals affect plasma neurotransmitter precursor levels, and these in turn influence social decision making. Our results provide evidence that variations in the macronutrient content of a normal European meal exert a significant impact on high-level human cognition. This study opens perspectives on nutrition-driven cognition modulation. The results have implications for education, economics, and public policy by emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet on fundamental expressions of cognition. Food intake is essential for maintaining homeostasis, which is necessary for survival in all species. However, food intake also impacts multiple biochemical processes that influence our behavior. Here, we investigate the causal relationship between macronutrient composition, its bodily biochemical impact, and a modulation of human social decision making. Across two studies, we show that breakfasts with different macronutrient compositions modulated human social behavior. Breakfasts with a high-carbohydrate/protein ratio increased social punishment behavior in response to norm violations compared with that in response to a low carbohydrate/protein meal. We show that these macronutrient-induced behavioral changes in social decision making are causally related to a lowering of plasma tyrosine levels. The findings indicate that, in a limited sense, “we are what we eat” and provide a perspective on a nutrition-driven modulation of cognition. The findings have implications for education, economics, and public policy, and emphasize that the importance of a balanced diet may extend beyond the mere physical benefits of adequate nutrition.
Involvement of bone marrow cells and neuroinflammation in hypertension.

RATIONALE Microglial activation in autonomic brain regions is a hallmark of neuroinflammation in neurogenic hypertension. Despite evidence that an impaired sympathetic nerve activity supplying the bone marrow (BM) increases inflammatory cells and decreases angiogenic cells, little is known about the reciprocal impact of BM-derived inflammatory cells on neuroinflammation in hypertension. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that proinflammatory BM cells from hypertensive animals contribute to neuroinflammation and hypertension via a brain-BM interaction. METHODS AND RESULTS After BM ablation in spontaneously hypertensive rats, and reconstitution with normotensive Wistar Kyoto rat BM, the resultant chimeric spontaneously hypertensive rats displayed significant reduction in mean arterial pressure associated with attenuation of both central and peripheral inflammation. In contrast, an elevated mean arterial pressure along with increased central and peripheral inflammation was observed in chimeric Wistar-Kyoto rats reconstituted with spontaneously hypertensive rat BM. Oral treatment with minocycline, an inhibitor of microglial activation, attenuated hypertension in both the spontaneously hypertensive rats and the chronic angiotensin II-infused rats. This was accompanied by decreased sympathetic drive and inflammation. Furthermore, in chronic angiotensin II-infused rats, minocycline prevented extravasation of BM-derived cells to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, presumably via a mechanism of decreased C-C chemokine ligand 2 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. CONCLUSIONS The BM contributes to hypertension by increasing peripheral inflammatory cells and their extravasation into the brain. Minocycline is an effective therapy to modify neurogenic components of hypertension. These observations support the hypothesis that BM-derived cells are involved in neuroinflammation, and targeting them may be an innovative strategy for neurogenic resistant hypertension therapy.
Lasalocid-catalyzed proton conductance in Streptococcus bovis as affected by extracellular potassium

The effect of extracellular potassium on lasalocid-catalyzed proton conductance in Streptococcus bovis 24 was measured by using the fluorescent probe 9-aminoacridine. Increasing external potassium concentration resulted in decreased proton flux into S. bovis cells exposed to the ionophore. These results suggest that lasalocid catalyzes K+/H+ exchange diffusion in S. bovis cells.
Postoperative ERAS Interventions Have the Greatest Impact on Optimal Recovery: Experience With Implementation of ERAS Across Multiple Hospitals

Background:Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs incorporate evidence-based practices to minimize perioperative stress, gut dysfunction, and promote early recovery. However, it is unknown which components have the greatest impact. Objective:This study aims to determine which components of ERAS programs have the largest impact on recovery for patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Methods:An iERAS program was implemented in 15 academic hospitals. Data were collected prospectively. Patients were considered compliant if >75% of the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative predefined interventions were adhered to. Optimal recovery was defined as discharge within 5 days of surgery with no major complications, no readmission to hospital, and no mortality. Multivariable analysis was used to model the impact of compliance and technique on optimal recovery. Results:Overall, 2876 patients were enrolled. Colon resections were performed in 64.7% of patients and 52.9% had a laparoscopic procedure. Only 20.1% of patients were compliant with all phases of the pathway. The poorest compliance rate was for postoperative interventions (40.3%) which was independently associated with an increase in optimal recovery (RR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.81–2.47). Compliance with ERAS interventions remained associated with improved outcomes whether surgery was performed laparoscopically (RR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.23–1.96) or open (RR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.68–3.13). However, the impact of ERAS compliance was significantly greater in the open group (P < 0.001). Conclusions:Postoperative compliance is the most difficult to achieve but is most strongly associated with optimal recovery. Although our data support that ERAS has more effect in patients undergoing open surgery, it also showed a significant impact on patients treated with a laparoscopic approach.
Accounting Recognition and the Determinants of Pension Asset Allocation

We identify and test motives for corporate pension asset allocations using a proprietary asset allocation database covering the 1988–1994 period. We focus on the question of whether the recognition of additional minimum pension liability in accordance with SFAS No. 87 affects asset allocation. Our results are consistent with the claim that companies allocate their pension assets to avoid the recognition of an additional minimum liability. In particular, companies that are close to the recognition threshold prefer fixed-income investments rather than equity investments. By investing in fixed-income securities, firms increase the correlation between pension assets and liabilities, reducing the likelihood of a pension deficit. Our results also suggest that firms allocate their pension assets between equities and fixed-income investments to reduce the volatility of pension contributions. Finally, we find that larger firms and firms with a young workforce invest more in equity securities than in fixed-income securities.
Beta-mesh - A dynamic 3D mesh modelization

In this paper, we intend to introduce a new paradigm to ease the path from the optimization research area towards the operational use: how to inject automation in ATM by integrating several constraints without increasing the complexity for the controller? The fundamental idea is to model the airspace linked to the ground to connect all the possible trajectories through a mesh representing the space of possible trajectories. One objective is to reinforce the realism of the trajectory by combining the aircraft performances to automatic learning and procedural patterns. Thus, the multi criteria shortest path approach with its associated algorithms are used to resolve an instance created from a representative mesh with the possible trajectories for the aircrafts. The question to resolve is then: how to build this instance from the data of a 3D environment by taking into account the uncertainties?
On the Long-Run Relationship between Population and Economic Growth: Some Time Series Evidence for Developing Countries

This paper focuses on the relationship between population growth and economic growth in many developing countries. Our results from the Johansen cointegration test and error-correction models are supportive of Simon's (1989) theory that population growth and economic growth exhibit a potent long-run (rather than a short-run) relationship across countries. The results further suggest that population expansion positively contributes to economic development in the majority of the countries examined. However, causality inferences are not uniform across countries and the results appear sensitive to the particular stage of economic development.
In vitro post-meiotic germ cell development from human embryonic stem cells.

BACKGROUND Investigating the mechanisms of human primordial germ cell (PGC) and gamete development are important for understanding the causes of infertility and effects of environmental chemicals on reproductive development. However, there are practical and ethical difficulties associated with obtaining human tissue in early development. The aim of this study was to investigate whether human embryonic stem cell-hESC-generated germ cells could provide an in vitro model of gamete development. METHOD Human ESCs were differentiated as embryoid bodies (EBs) in vitro. Gene and protein marker expression profiles of EBs in different periods of culture were analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) and immunolocalization to monitor germ cell development. Secretion of hormones involved in germ cell maturation was measured, to detect the existence of a germ cell niche within EBs. RESULTS Q-PCR revealed gene expression profiles consistent with PGC formation and germ cell development. A small population of post-meiotic spermatid cells were identified using sperm-specific antibodies (Protamine 1 and 1.97). Although gene expression profiles characteristic of oocyte development and follicle-like structures were detected, a committed oocyte with extra-cellular zona pellucida was not recognized with zona pellucida-specific monoclonal antibody. CONCLUSIONS hESCs can form PGCs and post-meiotic spermatids in vitro, however, there remains doubt about oocyte development. Levels of steroid hormones produced by EBs were significant when compared with known values for a similar quantity of human testis, suggesting that hESC may intrinsically create a favourable hormonal niche for spermatogenesis.
Quality Investing and the Cross-Section of Country Returns

Purpose - The main purpose of this study is to examine the role of quality as a determinant of a cross-sectional variation in country-level stock returns. The study attempts to address the question: Is there any special premium for top-quality stock markets with decent profitability, indebtedness and liquidity ratios? Design/methodology/approach - The computations are based on the listings of 66 country portfolios over the period between 2000 and 2013. Long/short country portfolios from sorts on characteristics related to quality are examined with asset-pricing models. Findings - The inter-market variation in returns may be explained with profitability and debt ratios: the more profitable and the less indebted is the stock market, the better is its performance. Moreover, the performance of country-level value, size and momentum strategies may be improved by double sorting on quality characteristics. Practical implications - The practical implications include such issues as the global asset allocation, the development of investment products, asset pricing and investment performance measurement. The country selection strategies that are based on leverage and profitability prove to be a useful tool for investors with a global investment mandate. Furthermore, additional sorting on quality metrics may markedly improve the performance of inter-market value, size and momentum strategies. Originality/value - This paper examines the role of quality metrics related to financial leverage, profitability and liquidity in explaining the cross-sectional variation in country returns.
PENGARUH KETIDAKPUASAN KONSUMEN DAN KARAKTERISTIK KATEGORI PRODUK TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PERPINDAHAN MEREK DENGAN KEBUTUHAN MENCARI VARIASI SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERASI

Abstract : The Influence of Consumer Dissatisfaction and Product Category and Characteristics to Switch Brand Decision with The Needs to Find Variation as Moderating Variable. This study aims to identify the influence of consumer dissatisfaction and product characteristics to brand switching mobile phones with need for variation as moderating variable. Data were processed and analyzed using the Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). Hypothesis testing using t test and determination with a significance level of 5%. Product Moment formula and Cronbach Alpha of consumer choice use for measuring the validity and reliability. These results indicate that consumer dissatisfaction and characteristics of the product category significant and positively effect the consumers in making decisions on brand switching mobile phone products, as well as the need for variation can moderate the influence of consumer dissatisfaction and the characteristics of the product category brand switching decisions on mobile phone products.
Quality of life of patients with spinal cord injury in Italy: preliminary evaluation

Quality of life is a complex concept, entailing the person's physical health and level of independence, as well as psychological well-being, social participation and the relationship with specific and relevant aspects of the environment. The World Health Organization encourages the integration of a comprehensive definition of health when examining patient-related outcomes after injury or disease. This study aims at evaluating the quality of life of 130 Italian patients with spinal cord injury, focusing on the associations among functional status and health dimensions elicited by SF-36 questionnaire. The subscale scores that revealed a stronger impact of the lesion were those related to the physical domains, especially for the physical functioning and physical role functioning. Physical functioning scores were significantly different in the acute phase with respect to chronic phase, in inpatients with respect to outpatients and in patients with lower functional impairment versus patients with higher functional impairment. Moreover, the functional impairment influenced significantly physical role, bodily pain and vitality scales. Disease phases also showed significantly different scores for general health. No differences were highlighted between tetraplegic and paraplegic patients.
Synchronized flicker measurement for flicker transfer evaluation in power systems

Voltage fluctuations caused by rapidly changing loads, such as arc furnaces, can propagate to different parts of a power system. Although the flicker level at its origin can be high, levels that are measured at other sites are subject to attenuation, a process that is influenced by fault levels, transformer impedances, line impedances, and composition of the connected loads. This paper presents the methodology, measurement results, and data analysis in relation to synchronized flicker measurements carried out in a high-voltage (HV)/medium-voltage (MV) power system which contains an arc furnace supplied by a dedicated feeder connected to the HV busbar. The flicker transfer coefficients derived from measurement results clearly indicate that flicker transfer from the arc furnace site to the upstream HV busbar is governed by the fault levels at the two locations. However, the transfer of flicker from the upstream HV busbar to other downstream busbars is dependent on the downstream load composition. These flicker transfer coefficients are vital in the application of methodologies described in many reports and standards in relation to establishing planning levels at various voltage levels and in the allocation of flicker emission to customers.
A three year prospective audit of 212 presentations to the emergency department after electrical injury with a management protocol

Significant numbers of presentations to the emergency department were found to relate to low voltage electrical injury, for which there was no widely accepted management protocol. It was decided to examine the outcome of patients after low voltage electrical injury with particular reference to electrocardiogram (ECG) changes and to evaluate a protocol for managing these injuries in order to optimise the management of patients after electrical injury. A prospective observational study was done over three years of 212 consecutive presentations to the emergency department of Mount Isa Base Hospital with a four year follow up after implementation of the revised protocol. In 4% of patients, early transient conduction abnormalities were seen after low voltage electrical injury. Admissions for cardiac monitoring were reduced dramatically with no resultant ill effects. Asymptomatic patients with a normal ECG on presentation do not need ECG monitoring after low voltage electrical injury. Patients with significant symptoms or ECG changes should be admitted for monitoring and observation. In view of the high proportion of workplace related injuries occupational health measures such as “triple gloving” should be mandatory for high risk groups.