Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nitrogenous excretion of amphipods and isopods.

1. The nitrogen excretion of eleven species of amphipods and isopods, including marine, fresh-water and terrestrial forms, has been studied. 2. All species are essentially ammonotelic, since more than 50% of the total soluble N.P.N. of the excreta was present in the form of ammonia throughout. 3. The level of nitrogen excretion is appreciably lower in the terrestrial species than in any of the others, indicating that, in this group, adaptation to terrestrial conditions has been attended by a general suppression of nitrogen metabolism rather than by a transformation of ammonia to other, less toxic products. 4. Some 5-10% of the total soluble N.P.N. was present as urea in the case of the fresh-water amphipod, Gammarus pulex , and as uric acid in the terrestrial isopods as well as the fresh-water isopod, Asellus aquaticus . It is suggested that these minor excretory components might originate from purines as a result of the loss of one or more of the uricolytic enzymes. 5. In association with the excretion of uric acid some retention of this insoluble compound usually occurs, and it was found that among the terrestrial species the amount so stored parallels the degree of morphological and physiological adaptation to terrestrial conditions. The greatest accumulation of uric acid was, however, observed in the fresh-water species, A. aquaticus , and although such a storage cannot necessarily be taken as evidence for a partially uricogenic metabolism, this possibility must be borne in mind.
Unsupervised corpus–wide claim detection

Automatic claim detection is a fundamental argument mining task that aims to automatically mine claims regarding a topic of consideration. Previous works on mining argumentative content have assumed that a set of relevant documents is given in advance. Here, we present a first corpus– wide claim detection framework, that can be directly applied to massive corpora. Using simple and intuitive empirical observations, we derive a claim sentence query by which we are able to directly retrieve sentences in which the prior probability to include topic-relevant claims is greatly enhanced. Next, we employ simple heuristics to rank the sentences, leading to an unsupervised corpus–wide claim detection system, with precision that outperforms previously reported results on the task of claim detection given relevant documents and labeled data.
A will and a way: An analysis of tax practitioner preparation compliance

This thesis proposes a propensity and opportunity model for tax practitioner preparation compliance. The model integrates the existing empirical tax practitioner compliance knowledge into a theoretical framework through an adaptation of Nagin and Paternoster’s (1993) individual differences and rational choice framework. The premise of this thesis is that preparation non-compliance occurs when there is both a will (propensity) and a way (opportunity). One of the most compelling findings was discovered through the development of the preparation compliance variable. Rather than a unitary construct with simple linear relationships with other variables, it was found that practitioners form distinct and very different clusters of preparation compliance. Four practitioner clusters were revealed. The Duteous cluster of practitioners exhibited the most virtuous approach to preparation practice and had the highest level of compliance within their clients’ tax returns. The Contingent cluster reported an intermediate commitment to compliant practice and client return compliance that was contingent on transaction visibility. The Aggressive cluster held the least compliant approach to preparation practice and reported the highest level of non-compliance within their clients’ returns. The Outlier cluster was an extreme version of the Aggressive pattern of results. While these groups clearly represent different levels of compliance (depicted in this thesis as the teardrop of practitioner compliance with a compliant base (Duteous) and non-compliant tip (Outliers)), gone was the assumption of compliance linearity. In its place was the knowledge that the practitioner population is not homogeneous, but instead comprises distinct practitioner types. Support was found for the propensity and opportunity model in the prediction of practitioner teardrop cluster membership. Both the higher-order constructs of propensity and opportunity were significant in the prediction of cluster membership at each ascending level of the teardrop. However, the features of propensity and opportunity that differentiated the lower teardrop practitioners were different to those that differentiated the upper teardrop practitioners. In differentiating between the Duteous and Contingent clusters, the propensity construct was characterised by an appetite for risk and power (lower for the Duteous), coupled with stronger commitment to business best practice and to the identity of being a competent practitioner among the Duteous. Opportunity was characterised by a perceived likelihood of success in preparing non-compliant returns and higher ambiguity of clients’ tax affairs, coupled with the perception of lower likelihood of detection for non-compliance. Different aspects of propensity and opportunity assumed importance in differentiating between the Contingent and Aggressive clusters. Propensity was characterised by a lack of preparation ethics and opportunity by ambiguity of clients’ tax affairs. These results have important implications for the regulation of tax…
Whole-procedural Radiological Accuracy for Delivering Multi-session Gamma Knife Radiosurgery With a Relocatable Frame System

A newly developed Gamma Knife relocatable eXtend frame system has enabled the delivery of multi-session Gamma Knife radiosurgery without the use of skull pin fixation frame system. In this study, we investigate and report for the first time the whole procedural radiological accuracy for administering such treatments. To quantify the radiological alignment, the commonly used Winston-Lutz test was modified and used to determine the device accuracy of the eXtend frame system. Patient setup uncertainties relative to the device were further measured for a series of treatment sessions (n = 58), and then incorporated with the Winston-Lutz test results from individual patient-specific eXtend frame systems. The whole-procedure mean 3D radiological setup uncertainty was determined to be 0.69 ± 0.73 mm (1σ) from all the cases analyzed, and the mean 90% confidence level margins were found to be 0.55, 0.78 and 0.72 mm along the x-, y-, and z-axis, respectively. Our results therefore demonstrated that sub-millimetric radiological accuracy is clinically achievable for multi-session Gamma Knife radiosurgery treatments and a 1 mm margin along the major axes is sufficient for planning multi-session Gamma Knife radiosurgery treatments.
Respiratory infections in Norwegian dairy calves

Abstract The aims of this study were to estimate the seroprevalence of respiratory agents in Norwegian dairy calves and to identify risk factors for respiratory disease. The participating 135 herds were randomly selected from those in The Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System with at least 15 cow years. Each herd was followed for 1 yr. Blood samples from calves of >150 d of age (n = 1,348) were analyzed for antibodies against parainfluenza virus 3, bovine coronavirus (BCoV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and Mycoplasma bovis. Calves reported to have been on pasture (n = 139) were tested for antibodies against Dictyocaulus viviparus. Seroprevalences for parainfluenza virus 3, BCoV, BRSV, and D. viviparus at the calf level were 50.2, 39.3, 31.2, and 4.3%, respectively. No calves were antibody positive for M. bovis. Calves in herds with BCoV-seropositive calves had an increased risk of respiratory disease compared with herds in which BCoV antibodies were not detected [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.9], as had calves in herds in which the majority (>54%) of the sampled calves were seropositive for BRSV (HR = 2.7). Other factors found to increase the risk of respiratory disease in calves were shared housing with cows during the first week of life compared with separate housing (HR = 16.7), a larger herd size (>50 cow years) compared with smaller herds (HR = 8.2), more than an 8-wk age difference between calves housed together in the same group pen compared with having pen mates of a more similar age (HR = 3.9), previous recordings of diarrhea compared with no recorded diarrhea (HR = 3.9), and leaving calves with dams for >24h after birth compared with earlier separation (HR = 3.5).
Cross‐talk between cAMP and calcium signalling in Aspergillus niger

Very little is known about cross‐talk between cAMP and calcium signalling in filamentous fungi. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA)‐dependent phosphorylation on calcium signalling in Aspergillus niger. For this purpose, cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]c) was measured in living hyphae expressing codon‐optimized aequorin. The calcium signature following mechanical perturbation was analysed after applying dibutryl‐cAMP or IBMX which increased intracellular cAMP, or H7 which inhibited phosphorylation by PKA. Calcium signatures were also measured in mutant strains in which phosphorylation by PKA was increased or lacking. The results indicated that calcium channels were activated by cAMP‐mediated, PKA‐dependent phosphorylation. Further evidence for cross‐talk between cAMP and calcium signalling came from the analysis of a mutant in which the catalytic subunit of PKA was under the control of an inducible promoter. The consequence of PKA induction was a transient increase in [Ca2+]c which correlated with a polar–apolar transition in hyphal morphology. A transient increase in [Ca2+]c was not observed in this mutant when the morphological shift was in the opposite direction. The [Ca2+]c signatures in response to mechanical perturbation by polarized and unpolarized cells were markedly different indicating that these two cell types possessed different calcium signalling capabilities. These results were consistent with PKA‐dependent phosphorylation increasing [Ca2+]c to induce a polar to apolar shift in hyphal morphology.
Relationship Between EBV Infection and Expression of Cellular Proteins c-Myc, Bcl-2, and Bax in Gastric Carcinomas

Background Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been related to tumorigenesis in about 10% of all gastric carcinomas. Several studies have demonstrated strong evidence of its involvement in this process, but most of the mechanisms used by the virus to control this process are still unknown. Previous studies in vitro have indicated a relationship between the virus and some cellular genes involved in processes such as proliferation and apoptosis. Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate a possible EBV-induced tumorigenic pathway involving the cellular proteins Bcl-2, Bax, and c-Myc. Study Design One hundred patients of gastric carcinoma, obtained from 2 hospitals in Fortaleza, Brazil were assessed for the presence of EBV by in situ hybridization, for the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and c-Myc (nuclear and cytoplasmic staining) proteins by immunohistochemistry techniques, and for the apoptotic index. Results EBV was detected in 8 (8%) patients showing strong staining situated in the nuclei of the tumor cells, 6 of them displaying a diffuse pattern, and 2 demonstrating a focal pattern of staining. The correlation with the immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that none of the EBV-positive cases exhibited Bcl-2 staining. On the other hand, Bax and c-Myc (nuclear) proteins demonstrated a significant positivity index and staining scores (labeling index and H-score) in the EBV-positive group; however, the values were lower than those obtained in the EBV-negative group, notably for c-Myc nuclear protein. In contrast, the cytoplasmic staining of c-Myc protein revealed slightly higher staining values in the EBV-positive group. The balance between Bcl-2 and Bax proteins demonstrated that the majority of the evaluated cases exhibited apoptosis orientation; however, in 62.5% of the EBV-positive cases neither protein was observed. The average apoptotic index was 4.58%, demonstrating a slightly lower average in the EBV-positive group. Conclusions EBV is not related to the overexpression of Bcl-2 and c-Myc (nuclear) in gastric carcinomas; however, the results point to a possible EBV involvement with the transport mechanisms of the nuclear membrane, resulting in cytoplasmic c-Myc accumulation. The suppression of Bax expression could represent an alternative viral mechanism for inhibition of apoptosis.
Risk of psychiatric disorders among individuals reporting same-sex sexual partners in the National Comorbidity Survey.

OBJECTIVES This study examined the risk of psychiatric disorders among individuals with same-sex sexual partners. METHODS Data are from the National Comorbidity Survey, a nationally representative household survey. Respondents were asked the number of women and men with whom they had sexual intercourse in the past 5 years. Psychiatric disorders according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised Third Edition (DSM-III-R) criteria were assessed with a modified version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. RESULTS A total of 2.1% of men and 1.5% of women reported 1 or more same-sex sexual partners in the past 5 years. These respondents had higher 12-month prevalences of anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders and of suicidal thoughts and plans than did respondents with opposite-sex partners only. Decomposition showed that the elevated same-sex 12-month prevalences were largely due to higher lifetime prevalences. Ages at onset and persistence of disorders did not differ between the same-sex and opposite-sex subsamples. CONCLUSIONS Homosexual orientation, defined as having same-sex sexual partners, is associated with a general elevation of risk for anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders and for suicidal thoughts and plans. Further research is needed to replicate and explore the causal mechanisms underlying this association.
Gastro-Intestinal Exposure to Latex Antigens Induce Allergic Responses in Mice

Background: Natural rubber latex (NRL) has emerged as a major cause of respiratory allergy among specific exposed groups of individuals. Since latex allergens are dispersed in the environment it is conceivable that latex proteins are both inhaled and ingested. The mechanism of latex allergy and the immune responses following reexposure of latex allergens by the intranasal route was studied in a murine model of latex allergy developed by intragastric sensitization with NRL. Methods:BALB/c mice were sensitized intragastrically (‘ig’), intranasally (‘in’) or ‘ig’ followed by ‘in’ challenge with NRL allergens. The cellular and humoral immune responses, lung function and histological changes were determined. Results: Peripheral blood eosinophilia was observed in the ‘ig’ and ‘ig/in’-NRL-sensitized animals in comparison to normal controls (p < 0.05). The ‘ig’ group showed a marked increase over control mice in serum total IgE, NRL-specific IgG and IgG subclasses (p < 0.05). Increased levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 were detected in ‘ig’-NRL-sensitized mice. Intranasal exposure with NRL after ‘ig’ sensitization further enhanced the cytokine levels. A tendency towards enhanced stimulation was determined in ‘ig’-sensitized mice; a significant difference was shown in the ‘ig/in’-group (p < 0.05). Increased airway hyperreactivity was found in ‘ig’-NRL-sensitized-mice (15.1 ± 2.5 vs. 8.9 ± 1.7 cm H2O·ml–1·s, p < 0.05). Mucus secretion from jejunal epithelium and eosinophilic infiltration into the jejunal lamina propria were observed in the ‘ig’-NRL-sensitized-mice. Conclusions:The results demonstrate that intragastric NRL sensitization did not induce specific tolerance, and additional intranasal exposure with latex allergens resulted in systemic allergic manifestations in the murine model.
Gene Editing by Co-Transformation of TALEN and Chimeric RNA/DNA Oligonucleotides on the Rice OsEPSPS Gene and the Inheritance of Mutations

Although several site-speciﬁc nucleases (SSNs), such as zinc-ﬁnger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas, have emerged as powerful tools for targeted gene editing in many organisms, to date, gene targeting (GT) in plants remains a formidable challenge. In the present study, we attempted to substitute a single base in situ on the rice OsEPSPS gene by co-transformation of TALEN with chimeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotides (COs), including different strand composition such as RNA/DNA (C1) or DNA/RNA (C2) but contained the same target base to be substituted. In contrast to zero GT event obtained by the co-transformation of TALEN with homologous recombination plasmid (HRP), we obtained one mutant showing target base substitution although accompanied by undesired deletion of 12 bases downstream the target site from the co-transformation of TALEN and C1. In addition to this typical event, we also obtained 16 mutants with different length of base deletions around the target site among 105 calli lines derived from transformation of TALEN alone (4/19) as well as co-transformation of TELAN with either HRP (5/30) or C1 (2/25) or C2 (5/31). Further analysis demonstrated that the homozygous gene-edited mutants without foreign gene insertion could be obtained in one generation. The induced mutations in transgenic generation were also capable to pass to the next generation stably. However, the genotypes of mutants did not segregate normally in T1 population, probably due to lethal mutations. Phenotypic assessments in T1 generation showed that the heterozygous plants with either one or three bases deletion on target sequence, called d1 and d3, were more sensitive to glyphosate and the heterozygous d1 plants had significantly lower seed-setting rate than wild-type.
The Behavioral Economics of Altruism, Reciprocity, and Transfers within Families and Rural Communities: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

Transfers between strangers neighbors families and spouses were examined using Triple Dictator Games (TDG involving only givings) and Trust Games (TG involving both givings and reciprocations) among 240 participants from 60 families in 20 villages in rural Malawi. In TDG more was sent by those who were older male in better physical health financially poorer or frequent lenders of personal items but less was sent to neighbors by participants with higher HIV felt stigma. In TG higher transfers were associated with the expected amount of reciprocation amount sent in TDG and prior lending behavior; participants with high HIV stigmatization attitudes gave less especially to their own families and spouses. Higher reciprocation in TG was associated with better mental health. Those with HIV stigmatization attitudes reciprocated differently depending on whether their game-partner was the neighbor family or spouse. Social distance physical and mental health and HIV-stigma were predictors of transfers behavior. (authors)
An investigation into the effect of play-based instruction on the development of play skills and oral language

The current study investigated the influence of a play-based curriculum on the development of pretend play skills and oral language in children attending their first year of formal schooling. In this quasi-experimental design, two groups of children were followed longitudinally across the first 6 months of their first year at school. The children in the experimental group were attending a school with a play-based curriculum; the children in the control group were attending schools following a traditional curriculum. A total of 54 children (Time 1 Mage = 5;6, range: 4;10–6;2 years) completed standardised measures of pretend play and narrative language skills upon school entry and again 6 months later. The results showed that the children in the play-based group significantly improved on all measures, whereas the children in the traditional group did not. A subset of the sample of children (N = 28, Time 1 Mage = 5;7, range: 5;2 – 6;1) also completed additional measures of vocabulary and grammar knowledge, and a test of non-verbal IQ. The results suggested that, in addition to improving play skills and narrative language ability, the play-based curriculum also had a positive influence on the acquisition of grammar.
Toward the Uniform Reporting of Police Use of Force: Results of a National Survey

The legitimate use of force is a distinguislhing characteristic of policing. Nevertheless, relatively little research lhas been conducted conceming thle extent to which such force is used by law enforcement officers. Even less has been done to create uniform methods of reporting the use of force across jurisdictions. Thle status of the collection of data about the use of force is quite similar to that of the collection of crime data in the United States before 1930. In the first effort to detennine the extent to which police departments are systematically collecting data about the use of force by their officers, the authors of the present article collected information from law enforcement agencies regarding their policies pertaining to thie reporting of force by officers. More than 1,100 sheriffs departments, county police departments, municipal police departments, and state law enforcement agencies indicated whetlher officers were required to report incidents involving each of 18 types of force. This article reports these results and, in addition, provides comparisons across agency type and agency size for both sheriff's agencies and municipal police departments. These results are discussed in the context of the need for and feasibility of establishing a national use-of-force reporting system.
[Morphological study of thick basement membrane-like layer in chronic rhinosinusitis].

OBJECTIVE To observe the thick basement membrane-like layer under the damaged epithelium in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to study its principal components. METHODS Patients (n = 40) with CRS undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited for the study. Patients (n = 10) with no evidence of sinus disease were used as control subjects. Ethmoidal sinus mucosa specimen were stained by PAS staining to measure the thickness of basement membrane-like layer. Immunohistochemical staining, picrosirius-polarization method and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyse the nature of the layer. RESULTS The thickness of basement membrane-like layer in CRS type I and CRS type II were significantly increased compared with normal control subjects (t = 5. 426, P < 0. 01; t = 8. 375, P < 0.01). The thickness of CRS type II was significantly greater compared with CRS type I (t = 3. 908, P < 0.01). There was no difference between atopic group and inotropic group (t = 0.803, P> 0.05). There was no expression of fibronectin, laminin, IgA, IgG and IgM in the thick basement membrane-like layer. A thick reticular structure containing collagen fibrils and devoid of cellular elements was observed by TEM. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that a long-standing chronic inflammation leads to deposition of collagens type I , III and IV under the damaged epithelium, resulting in an increasingly thick sub-basement membrane layer.