Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Web-Based Experiments for the Study of Collective Social Dynamics in Cultural Markets

Social scientists are often interested in understanding how the dynamics of social systems are driven by the behavior of individuals that make up those systems. However, this process is hindered by the difficulty of experimentally studying how individual behavioral tendencies lead to collective social dynamics in large groups of people interacting over time. In this study, we investigate the role of social influence, a process well studied at the individual level, on the puzzling nature of success for cultural products such as books, movies, and music. Using a "multiple-worlds" experimental design, we are able to isolate the causal effect of an individual-level mechanism on collective social outcomes. We employ this design in a Web-based experiment in which 2,930 participants listened to, rated, and downloaded 48 songs by up-and-coming bands. Surprisingly, despite relatively large differences in the demographics, behavior, and preferences of participants, the experimental results at both the individual and collective levels were similar to those found in Salganik, Dodds, and Watts (2006). Further, by comparing results from two distinct pools of participants, we are able to gain new insights into the role of individual behavior on collective outcomes. We conclude with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of Web-based experiments to address questions of collective social dynamics.
A novel hybrid genetic differential evolution algorithm for constrained optimization problems

Most of the real-life applications have many constraints and they are considered as constrained optimization problems (COPs). In this paper, we present a new hybrid genetic differential evolution algorithm to solve constrained optimization problems. The proposed algorithm is called hybrid genetic differential evolution algorithm for solving constrained optimization problems (HGDESCOP). The main purpose of the proposed algorithm is to improve the global search ability of the DE algorithm by combining the genetic linear crossover with a DE algorithm to explore more solutions in the search space and to avoid trapping in local minima. In order to verify the general performance of the HGDESCOP algorithm, it has been compared with 4 evolutionary based algorithms on 13 benchmark functions. The experimental results show that the HGDESCOP algorithm is a promising algorithm and it outperforms other algorithms.
Dispersal: a central and independent trait in life history

The study of trade-offs among major life history components (age at maturity, lifespan and reproduction) allowed the development of a quantitative framework to understand how environmental variation shapes patterns of biodiversity among and within species. Because every environment is inherently spatially structured, and in most cases temporally variable, individuals need to move within and among habitats to maximize fitness. Dispersal is often assumed to be tightly integrated into life histories through genetic correlations with other vital traits. This assumption is particularly strong within the context of a fast-slow continuum of life-history variation. Such a framework is to date used to explain many aspects of population and community dynamics. Evidence for a consistent and context-independent integration of dispersal in life histories is, however, weak. We therefore advocate the explicit integration of dispersal into life history theory as a principal axis of variation influencing fitness, that is free to evolve, independently of other life history traits. We synthesize theoretical and empirical evidence on the central role of dispersal and its evolutionary dynamics on the spatial distribution of ecological strategies and its impact on population spread, invasions and coexistence. By applying an optimality framework we show that the inclusion of dispersal as an independent dimension of life histories might substantially change our view on evolutionary trajectories in spatially structured environments. Because changes in the spatial configuration of habitats affect the costs of movement and dispersal, adaptations to reduce these costs will increase phenotypic divergence among and within populations. We outline how this phenotypic heterogeneity is anticipated to further impact population and community dynamics.
Model structures for C-(A)-S-H(I)

C-(A)-S-H(I) is a structurally imperfect form of 14 Å tobermorite that is studied extensively as a model for the main binding phase in concrete. Crystal-chemically plausible structures are developed that account for a wide range of experimental observations, including variations in calcium to silicon ratio, water to silicon ratio, (alumino)silicate anion structure and layer spacing.
Risky sexual behaviors associated with recreational drug use among men who have sex with men in an international resort area: Challenges and opportunities

South Florida is home to a highly transient population of approximately 145,000 men who have sex with men (MSM) and annually hosts over 1.8 million gay and bisexual visitors. To develop more effective interventions for HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention in this setting, we conducted a cross-sectional study of recreational drug use and risky sexual behaviors among MSM. A standardized, selfadministered questionnaire, reviewed and approved by a university Institutional Review Board, was offered to men 18 years of age and older who reported ever having sex with a man. Men were approached on weekends in five diverse locations in Miami-Dade County and five in Broward County in winter 2004. An honorarium of $10 was offered to those who completed and returned a questionnaire. Of 407 participants, 115 men (28%) lived in Miami-Dade, 147 (36%) lived in Broward, 46 (11%) lived in another county in south Florida, and 99 (24%) lived elsewhere. Overall, 32% reported using one or more “club drugs” in the past year. Club drug use was highly associated with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) (P<.001). MSM residing outside of south Florida were more likely than local residents to report using cocaine and ketamine and engaging in unprotected receptive anal intercourse (URAI) in the past month (P=.03). Tourists may be even more likely than residents to engage in risky sexual behaviors and use certain recreational drugs. Interventions must be developed, implemented, and evaluated that take into account the unique characteristics of international resort areas.
Raman studies of Ball mill synthesized bulk Cu2ZnSnSe4

Kesterite with chemical formula Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) has been synthesized by ball milling followed by annealing and hot pressing. Mechanochemical synthesis was carried out in the presence of process control agent namely toluene under two different milling conditions. Structural and phase evolution during different stages of the synthesis was studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Near resonant Raman spectrum was obtained by making use of laser wavelength of 488 nm to resolve the presence of secondary ZnSe which otherwise is difficult to conclude with XRD alone. Deconvoluted Raman spectrum confirmed the presence of CZTSe along with secondary phases Cu2SnSe3 (CTSe) and ZnSe. This inference was further confirmed by electron probe micro analysis (EPMA) and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) studies.Kesterite with chemical formula Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) has been synthesized by ball milling followed by annealing and hot pressing. Mechanochemical synthesis was carried out in the presence of process control agent namely toluene under two different milling conditions. Structural and phase evolution during different stages of the synthesis was studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Near resonant Raman spectrum was obtained by making use of laser wavelength of 488 nm to resolve the presence of secondary ZnSe which otherwise is difficult to conclude with XRD alone. Deconvoluted Raman spectrum confirmed the presence of CZTSe along with secondary phases Cu2SnSe3 (CTSe) and ZnSe. This inference was further confirmed by electron probe micro analysis (EPMA) and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) studies.
The effect of toothpastes with bleaching agents on the force decay of elastomeric orthodontic chains

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of agents available in whitening toothpastes (Crest® and Sensodyne®) in vitro on the force decay of elastomeric chains used in orthodontics. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 specimens of elastomeric chains were divided into five groups (n = 60) and were evaluated. These groups included (1) the regular Crest® toothpaste and distilled water solution, (2) whitening Crest® toothpaste and distilled water solution, (3) regular Sensodyne® toothpaste and distilled water solution, (4) whitening Sensodyne® toothpaste and distilled water solution, and (5) distilled water as a control group. The samples' force was measured using Instron at intervals of 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: At the initial time point, the difference in the force values of elastomeric chain between any of the groups was not significant (P > 0.05). On the 1st day, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between all groups except the groups of whitening Crest®, regular, and whitening Sensodyne® (P > 0.05). On days 7, 14, and 28, the rate of decline for all groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: According to the results obtained in the present study, it seems that toothpastes without whitening agents have less effect on force decay of elastomeric chain over time.
Lessons from morpholino-based screening in zebrafish

Morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs) are an effective, gene-specific antisense knockdown technology used in many model systems. Here we describe the application of MOs in zebrafish (Danio rerio) for in vivo functional characterization of gene activity. We summarize our screening experience beginning with gene target selection. We then discuss screening parameter considerations and data and database management. Finally, we emphasize the importance of off-target effect management and thorough downstream phenotypic validation. We discuss current morpholino limitations, including reduced stability when stored in aqueous solution. Advances in MO technology now provide a measure of spatiotemporal control over MO activity, presenting the opportunity for incorporating more finely tuned analyses into MO-based screening. Therefore, with careful management, MOs remain a valuable tool for discovery screening as well as individual gene knockdown analysis.
Avoiding Spurious Causal Dependencies via Proof Irrelevance in a Concurrent Logical Framework

The Concurrent Logic Framework (CLF) is a foundational type theory for encoding concurrent computations by representing resources with linearity and encapsulating the effects of concurrency in a monad. The definition of concurrent equality via commuting conversions identifies computations differing only in the order of execution of independent steps, capturing a form of true concurrency in a proof-theoretic way. However, some example encodings suffer from spurious dependencies whereby independent computations cannot be reordered because they use the same shared resource but are not causally linked, or computations are distinguished even though they only differ in the use of isomorphic objects. We address these limitations by incorporating a linear proof irrelevance modality and adopting a richer definition of equality that admits reordering computations modulo proof irrelevant terms. We present several encodings of stateful concurrent systems to demonstrate the usefulness of this extension. 1This author was partially supported by a Bell Labs Graduate Fellowship. 2This author was partially supported by NSF Grant CCR-0306313.
Differential profile of CRF receptor distribution in the rat stomach and duodenum assessed by newly developed CRF receptor antibodies

Peripheral corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) receptor ligands inhibit gastric acid secretion and emptying while stimulating gastric mucosal blood flow in rats. Endogenous CRF ligands are expressed in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tissues pointing to local expression of CRF receptors. We mapped the distribution of CRF receptor type 1 (CRF1) and 2 (CRF2) in the rat upper GI. Polyclonal antisera directed against the C‐terminus of the CRF receptor protein were generated in rabbits and characterized by western blotting and immunofluorescence using CRF1‐ and CRF2‐transfected cell lines and in primary cultured neurons from rat brain cortex. A selective anti‐CRF1 antiserum (4467a‐CRF1) was identified and used in parallel with another antiserum recognizing both CRF1 and CRF2 (4392a‐CRF1&2) to immunostain gastric tissue sections. Antiserum 4467a‐CRF1 demonstrated specific immunostaining in a narrow zone in the upper oxyntic gland within the stomach corpus. Conversely, 4392a‐CRF1&2 labeled cells throughout the oxyntic gland and submucosal blood vessels. Pre‐absorption with the specific antigen peptide blocked immunostaining in all experiments. Doublestaining showed co‐localization of 4392a‐CRF1&2 but not 4467a‐CRF1 immunoreactivity with H/K‐ATPase and somatostatin immunostaining in parietal and endocrine cells of the oxyntic gland. No specific staining was observed in the antrum with either antisera, whereas only antiserum 4392a‐CRF1&2 showed modest immunoreactivity in the duodenal mucosa. Finally, co‐localization of CRF2 and urocortin immunoreactivity was found in the gastric glands. These results indicate that both CRF receptor subtypes are expressed in the rat upper GI tissues with a distinct pattern and regional differences suggesting differential function.
Increase in Mrp 1 expression and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal adduction in heart tissue of Adriamycin-treated C 57 BL / 6 mice

Multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) mediates the ATP-dependent efflux of endobiotics and xenobiotics, including estradiol 17-(B-D-glucuronide), leukotriene C4, and the reduced glutathione conjugate of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), a highly reactive product of lipid peroxidation. Adriamycin is an effective cancer chemotherapeutic drug whose use is limited by cardiotoxicity. Adriamycin induces oxidative stress and production of HNE in cardiac tissue, which may contribute to cardiomyopathy. We investigated the role of Mrp1 in Adriamycin-induced oxidative stress in cardiac tissue. Mice were treated with Adriamycin (20 mg/kg, i.p.), and heart homogenate and sarcolemma membranes were assayed for Mrp1 expression and ATP-dependent transport activity. Expression of Mrp1 was increased at 6 and 24 hours after Adriamycin treatment compared with saline treatment. HNE-adducted proteins were significantly increased (P < 0.001) in the homogenates at 6 hours after Adriamycin treatment and accumulated further with time; HNE adduction of a 190-kDa protein was evident 3 days after Adriamycin treatment. Mrp1 was localized predominately in sarcolemma as shown by confocal and Western blot analysis. Sarcolemma membrane vesicles transported leukotriene C4 with a Km and Vmax of 51.8 nmol/L and 94.1 pmol/min/mg, respectively, and MK571 (10 Mmol/L) inhibited the transport activity by 65%. Exposure of HEKMrp1 membranes to HNE (10 Mmol/L) significantly decreased the Vmax for estradiol 17-(B-Dglucuronide) transport by 50%. These results show that expression of Mrp1 in the mouse heart is localized predominantly in sarcolemma. Adriamycin treatment increased Mrp1 expression and HNE adduction of Mrp1. Cardiac Mrp1 may play a role in protecting the heart from Adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy by effluxing HNE conjugates. [Mol Cancer Ther 2006;5(11):2851–60]
A Semiparametric Approach to Dimension Reduction

We provide a novel and completely different approach to dimension-reduction problems from the existing literature. We cast the dimension-reduction problem in a semiparametric estimation framework and derive estimating equations. Viewing this problem from the new angle allows us to derive a rich class of estimators, and obtain the classical dimension reduction techniques as special cases in this class. The semiparametric approach also reveals that in the inverse regression context while keeping the estimation structure intact, the common assumption of linearity and/or constant variance on the covariates can be removed at the cost of performing additional nonparametric regression. The semiparametric estimators without these common assumptions are illustrated through simulation studies and a real data example. This article has online supplementary material.
Diagnostic ability of the fetal ultrasonographic parameters in screening for gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition of glucose intolerance with onset in pregnancy 1,2) It is associated with increased obstetric complications, such as fetal macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia, as well as maternal hypertension and thromboembolic disease. Therefore, surveillance for GDM is important.1,2 Women at risk should be tested at the first antenatal visit using the American Diabetes Association diagnostic criteria for nonpregnant adults.2 The 50-g non-fasting 1-h glucose challenge test (GCT) is the most widely implemented screen used. Alternative screening methods have been proposed to increase the detection rates of GDM and to overcome these shortcomings of the GCT. Some are based on ultrasound examinations. Although uncomplicated GDM with less severe fasting hyperglycemia has not been associated with increased perinatal mortality, GDM of any severity increases the risk of fetal macrosomia.3 Increased glucose transfer from the diabetic mother to the fetus and placenta results in fetal hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, promoting growth of insulin-dependent tissues and organs, such as the liver.4 The aim of the present study is to test the efficiency of ultrasound parameters (biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, estimated fetal weight, fetal truncal subcutaneous fat layer, and fetal liver length) against the efficiency of the 50 gram oral glucose challenge test (O’ Sullivan test) to screen for gestational diabetes in the second trimester between 24-28weeks of gestation.
Evaluation of a Solvent-less Method for Estimating Asphalt Binder Properties of Recycled Asphalt Pavement

Increasing amounts of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) are being used in response to the rising costs of asphalt materials. The asphalt paving industry currently lacks a method for characterizing the properties of the asphalt binder contained in the RAP which are necessary for proper design of asphalt mixtures utilizing RAP. The objective of this study was to develop a solvent-less method for determining high and intermediate-temperature properties of the asphalt binder in RAP. The candidate method chosen for evaluation was a torsional test performed on small bars of asphalt mix using the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) combined with the Hirsch model. This was believed to be a good candidate test due to the use of existing laboratory equipment, small sample size, and the fact that the test results were similar to those provided by other mixture and binder tests. The results of this study indicated that the torsion bar test showed promise for measuring the mixture stiffness of the RAP materials. The Hirsch model calculation showed promise for estimating the asphalt binder properties of the RAP materials but could not accurately estimate the asphalt binder properties of plantor laboratoryproduced mixes. The Hirsch model calculation also could not accurately estimate changes in the asphalt binder properties of these mixes due to increasing RAP content.
Evaluation of a transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitor in patients with acute respiratory failure

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive measurement of oxygenation is a routine procedure in clinical practice, but transcutaneous monitoring of PCO2(PtCO2) is used much less than expected. METHODS: The aim of our study was to analyze the value of a commercially available combined SpO2/PtCO2 monitor (TOSCA-Linde Medical System, Basel, Switzerland) in adult non-invasive ventilated patients with acute respiratory failure. Eighty critically ill adult patients, requiring arterial blood sample gas analyses, underwent SpO2 and PtCO2 measurements (10 min after the probe was attached to an earlobe) simultaneously with arterial blood sampling. The level of agreement between PaCO2 - PtCO2 and SaO2 - SpO2was assessed by Bland-Altman analyses. RESULTS: Both, SaO2 from blood gas analysis and SpO2 from the transcutaneous monitor, and PaCO2 and PtCO2 were equally useful. No measurements were outside of the acceptable clinical range of agreement of ± 7.5 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of estimation of the TOSCA transcutaneous electrode (compared with the “gold standard” blood sample gas analysis) was generally good. Moreover, TOSCA presents the advantage of the possibility of continuous non-invasive measurement. The level of agreement of the two methods of measurement allows us to state that the TOSCA sensor is useful in routine monitoring of adults admitted to an intermediate respiratory unit and undergoing non-invasive ventilation.
Target-cell-specific short-term plasticity in local circuits

Short-term plasticity (STP) denotes changes in synaptic strength that last up to tens of seconds. It is generally thought that STP impacts information transfer across synaptic connections and may thereby provide neurons with, for example, the ability to detect input coherence, to maintain stability and to promote synchronization. STP is due to a combination of mechanisms, including vesicle depletion and calcium accumulation in synaptic terminals. Different forms of STP exist, depending on many factors, including synapse type. Recent evidence shows that synapse dependence holds true even for connections that originate from a single presynaptic cell, which implies that postsynaptic target cell type can determine synaptic short-term dynamics. This arrangement is surprising, since STP itself is chiefly due to presynaptic mechanisms. Target-specific synaptic dynamics in addition imply that STP is not a bug resulting from synapses fatiguing when driven too hard, but rather a feature that is selectively implemented in the brain for specific functional purposes. As an example, target-specific STP results in sequential somatic and dendritic inhibition in neocortical and hippocampal excitatory cells during high-frequency firing. Recent studies also show that the Elfn1 gene specifically controls STP at some synapse types. In addition, presynaptic NMDA receptors have been implicated in synapse-specific control of synaptic dynamics during high-frequency activity. We argue that synapse-specific STP deserves considerable further study, both experimentally and theoretically, since its function is not well known. We propose that synapse-specific STP has to be understood in the context of the local circuit, which requires combining different scientific disciplines ranging from molecular biology through electrophysiology to computer modeling.