Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methods in Vicariance Biogeography: Assessment of the Implementations of Assumptions 0, 1, and 2

As we have argued previously, for the valid derivation of general area cladograms in vicariance biogeography, two requirements should be met. First, sets of area cladograms derived under assumptions 0, 1 and 2 should be inclusive (requirement I). Second, general area cladograms should be based on area cladograms, for different monophyletic groups, derived under the same assumption (requirement II). We now assess for their actual implementation of assumptions A0, A1, and A2 and for the extent to which they meet requirements I and II, the following methods (and correlated computer programs): Component Compatibility Analysis (CAFCA), Brooks Parsimony Analysis (PAUP), Component Analysis (Component 1.5), Reconciled Tree Analysis (Component 2.0), and Three Area Statement Analysis (TAS). For this purpose we use empirical (Heterandria, Xiphophorus, Cyttaria, Eriococcus/Madarococcus) and theoretical data sets. All programs appear to violate, to a different degree, requirement I (deriving inclusive sets of area cladograms under assumptions) when dealing with sympatric taxa under A1 or A2. Dealing with sympatric taxa a posteriori only prevents this violation. All programs examined appear to meet requirement II (deriving general area cladograms under a single assumption).
The EORTC strategy in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma

The never ending discussion about the best treatment of Hodgkin’s disease or lymphoma (HD) was triggered and then fuelled because of the established fact that this malignant disease is a priori a curable one but leaving a high threat of complications years after the end of the treatment. This situation is the result of a stepwise approach towards more treatment efficacy but surreptitiously the debate moved from efficacy to treatment dangers, changing the nature of the problem. The EORTC lymphoma Group was also soon concerned by this debate when the long-term survey of patients in early trials demonstrated that the cure rate could be high but the survival rate does not eventually follow it closely and remains below that
Soil features in rookeries of Antarctic penguins reveal sea to land biotransport of chemical pollutants

The main soil physical-chemical features, the concentrations of a set of pollutants, and the soil microbiota linked to penguin rookeries have been studied in 10 selected sites located at the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula (Maritime Antarctica). This study aims to test the hypothesis that biotransport by penguins increases the concentration of pollutants, especially heavy metals, in Antarctic soils, and alters its microbiota. Our results show that penguins do transport certain chemical elements and thus cause accumulation in land areas through their excreta. Overall, a higher penguin activity is associated with higher organic carbon content and with higher concentrations of certain pollutants in soils, especially cadmium, cooper and arsenic, as well as zinc and selenium. In contrast, in soils that are less affected by penguins’ faecal depositions, the concentrations of elements of geochemical origin, such as iron and cobalt, increase their relative weighted contribution, whereas the above-mentioned pollutants maintain very low levels. The concentrations of pollutants are far higher in those penguin rookeries that are more exposed to ship traffic. In addition, the soil microbiota of penguin-influenced soils was studied by molecular methods. Heavily penguin-affected soils have a massive presence of enteric bacteria, whose relative dominance can be taken as an indicator of penguin influence. Faecal bacteria are present in addition to typical soil taxa, the former becoming dominant in the microbiota of penguin-affected soils, whereas typical soil bacteria, such as Actinomycetales, co-dominate the microbiota of less affected soils. Results indicate that the continuous supply by penguin faeces, and not the selectivity by increased pollutant concentrations is the main factor shaping the soil bacterial community. Overall, massive penguin influence results in increased concentrations of certain pollutants and in a strong change in taxa dominance in the soil bacterial community.
Magnetic near-field imaging with a racemic array of helical-shaped metallic wires

We demonstrate that a racemic array of helical-shaped metallic wires may behave as the magnetic analog of the conventional wire medium formed by parallel straight metallic wires. It is shown that under transverse electric (TE) excitations, such metamaterial supports a quasi-TEM dispersionless mode with respect to the transverse wave vector component. Exploiting this property, we show that this metamaterial may enable the channeling of the near-field details of TE polarized waves.
Distinct Sampling for Highly-Accurate Answers to Distinct Values Queries and Event Reports

Estimating the number of distinct values is a wellstudied problem, due to its frequent occurrence in queries and its importance in selecting good query plans. Previous work has shown powerful negative results on the quality of distinct-values estimates based on sampling (or other techniques that examine only part of the input data). We present an approach, called distinct sampling, that collects a specially tailored sample over the distinct values in the input, in a single scan of the data. In contrast to the previous negative results, our small Distinct Samples are guaranteed to accurately estimate the number of distinct values. The samples can be incrementally maintained up-to-date in the presence of data insertions and deletions, with minimal time and memory overheads, so that the full scan may be performed only once. Moreover, a stored Distinct Sample can be used to accurately estimate the number of distinct values within any range specified by the query, or within any other subset of the data satisfying a query predicate. We present an extensive experimental study of distinct sampling. Using synthetic and real-world data sets, we show that distinct sampling gives distinct-values estimates to within 0%‐10% relative error, whereas previous methods typically incur 50%‐250% relative error. Next, we show how distinct sampling can provide fast, highlyaccurate approximate answers for “report” queries in high-volume, session-based event recording environments, such as IP networks, customer service call centers, etc. For a commercial call center environment, we show that a 1% Distinct Sample
Spectral Clustering with Jensen-Type Kernels and Their Multi-point Extensions

Motivated by multi-distribution divergences, which originate in information theory, we propose a notion of 'multi-point' kernels, and study their applications. We study a class of kernels based on Jensen type divergences and show that these can be extended to measure similarity among multiple points. We study tensor flattening methods and develop a multi-point (kernel) spectral clustering (MSC) method. We further emphasize on a special case of the proposed kernels, which is a multi-point extension of the linear (dot-product) kernel and show the existence of cubic time tensor flattening algorithm in this case. Finally, we illustrate the usefulness of our contributions using standard data sets and image segmentation tasks.
Biomimetic approach to anti-fouling surfaces

Scale formation is recognized as one of the major problems affecting production in the oil and gas sector. There are many approaches to remove and prevent scaling with chemical inhibition, chemical scale removers and mechanical methods being the most prevalent ones. Recently the focus has shifted onto more environmentally friendly inhibitors that are less toxic to the environment, thus the development of green inhibitors. Another way forward is to turn to surface engineering - this is a very popular approach in the control of biofouling but only a few attempts have been made to use it for the purpose of scale inhibition. It is fair to say that there is a potential for more widespread study and exploitation of such systems. Biomimetics in surface engineering is receiving more attention as nature provides surfaces with a whole range of functionality. In the present work, microand nano-structured polymers surfaces with the self-cleaning Lotus and antireflective Moth-eye effects have been assessed as potential surfaces able to reduce mineral scale deposition. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was deposited onto them and their performance compared with reference stainless steel surfaces. In addition, the anti-scaling performance of three commercially available coatings – DLC, Tech 100 and Tech 23 was also investigated. The surfaces were tested in a rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) under different fluid hydrodynamic conditions i.e. both laminar to turbulent flow. Last but not least, micro-adhesion tests under water were conducted in an attempt to relate deposition tests to the adhesion properties of a single CaCO3 crystal against a surface as a measure of anti-scaling performance.
Practical adaptive neural control of nonlinear systems with unknown time delays

In this paper, practical adaptive neural control is presented for a class of nonlinear systems with unknown time delays in strict-feedback form. Using appropriate Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, the uncertainties of unknown time delays are compensated for. Controller singularity problems are solved by employing practical neural network control based on decoupled backstepping design. It is proved that the proposed design method is able to guarantee semi-globally uniformly ultimate boundedness of all the signals in the closed-loop system and the tracking error is proven to converge to a small neighborhood of the origin. In addition, the residual set of each states in the closed-loop systems can be determined respectively.
Computerized working memory training after stroke–A pilot study

Aim: To examine the effects of working memory (WM) training in adult patients with stroke. Methods: A randomized pilot study with a treatment group and a passive control group; 18 participants (12 males) in a vocational age group (mean age 54 years) were randomized to either the treatment or the control condition. The intervention consisted of computerized training on various WM tasks for five weeks. A neuropsychological test battery and self-rating on cognitive functioning in daily life (the CFQ) were administered both before and after the treatment. Results: Statistically significant training effects were found on the non-trainedtests for WM and attention, i.e., tests that measure related cognitive functions but are not identical to tasks in the training programme (Span board p < 0.05; PASAT p < 0.001; Ruff 2&7 p < 0.005). There was a significant decrease in symptoms of cognitive problems as measured by the CFQ (p < 0.005). Conclusion: More than one year after a stroke, systematic WM training can significantly improve WM and attention.
Mental Chronometry of Working Memory Retrieval: A Combined Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Event-Related Potentials Approach

We used the combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging and event-related potentials to decompose the processing stages (mental chronometry) of working memory retrieval. Our results reveal an early transient activation of inferotemporal cortex, which was accompanied by the onset of a sustained activation of posterior parietal cortex. We furthermore observed late transient responses in ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and late sustained activity in medial frontal and premotor areas. We propose that these neural signatures reflect the cognitive stages of task processing, perceptual evaluation (inferotemporal cortex), storage buffer operations (posterior parietal cortex), active retrieval (ventrolateral prefrontal cortex), and action selection (medial frontal and premotor cortex). This is also supported by their differential temporal contribution to specific subcomponents of the P300 cognitive potential.
Chondrogenic and Gliogenic Subpopulations of Neural Crest Play Distinct Roles during the Assembly of Epibranchial Ganglia

In vertebrates, the sensory neurons of the epibranchial (EB) ganglia transmit somatosensory signals from the periphery to the CNS. These ganglia are formed during embryogenesis by the convergence and condensation of two distinct populations of precursors: placode-derived neuroblasts and neural crest- (NC) derived glial precursors. In addition to the gliogenic crest, chondrogenic NC migrates into the pharyngeal arches, which lie in close proximity to the EB placodes and ganglia. Here, we examine the respective roles of these two distinct NC-derived populations during development of the EB ganglia using zebrafish morphant and mutants that lack one or both of these NC populations. Our analyses of mutant and morphant zebrafish that exhibit deficiencies in chondrogenic NC at early stages reveal a distinct requirement for this NC subpopulation during early EB ganglion assembly and segmentation. Furthermore, restoration of wildtype chondrogenic NC in one of these mutants, prdm1a, is sufficient to restore ganglion formation, indicating a specific requirement of the chondrogenic NC for EB ganglia assembly. By contrast, analysis of the sox10 mutant, which lacks gliogenic NC, reveals that the initial assembly of ganglia is not affected. However, during later stages of development, EB ganglia are dispersed in the sox10 mutant, suggesting that glia are required to maintain normal EB ganglion morphology. These results highlight novel roles for two subpopulations of NC cells in the formation and maintenance of EB ganglia: chondrogenic NC promotes the early-stage formation of the developing EB ganglia while glial NC is required for the late-stage maintenance of ganglion morphology.
The Association of Ambient Air Pollution and Physical Inactivity in the United States

Background Physical inactivity, ambient air pollution and obesity are modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases, with the first accounting for 10% of premature deaths worldwide. Although community level interventions may target each simultaneously, research on the relationship between these risk factors is lacking. Objectives After comparing spatial interpolation methods to determine the best predictor for particulate matter (PM2.5; PM10) and ozone (O3) exposures throughout the U.S., we evaluated the cross-sectional association of ambient air pollution with leisure-time physical inactivity among adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we assessed leisure-time physical inactivity using individual self-reported survey data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. These data were combined with county-level U.S. Environmental Protection Agency air pollution exposure estimates using two interpolation methods (Inverse Distance Weighting and Empirical Bayesian Kriging). Finally, we evaluated whether those exposed to higher levels of air pollution were less active by performing logistic regression, adjusting for demographic and behavioral risk factors, and after stratifying by body weight category. Results With Empirical Bayesian Kriging air pollution values, we estimated a statistically significant 16–35% relative increase in the odds of leisure-time physical inactivity per exposure class increase of PM2.5 in the fully adjusted model across the normal weight respondents (p-value<0.0001). Evidence suggested a relationship between the increasing dose of PM2.5 exposure and the increasing odds of physical inactivity. Conclusions In a nationally representative, cross-sectional sample, increased community level air pollution is associated with reduced leisure-time physical activity particularly among the normal weight. Although our design precludes a causal inference, these results provide additional evidence that air pollution should be investigated as an environmental determinant of inactivity.
A Contextual Perspective on E-Commerce Across Industries in Singapore and Lagos: Implications of Local Imperatives

Globalization of production and the increasing competitive pace spurs greater business use of online networks. As economic globalization extends its reach over cities and regions, the positions of regional economies within the emerging global paradigm is changing. Only those regions and cities that can mobilize assets for local advantage are expected to succeed. This research examines the role of electronic commerce (EC) and the implications of location for industrial operations through the lens of management. A resource-based perspective and Porter’s (1990) frameworks provide the theoretical underpinning for this work. Our findings reveal varying results between industries and across cities. Industries with well-configured inputs are more likely to experience efficiency in EC activities and outputs, given conducive operational conditions. However firm-specific feature was not linked to improved output, a finding inconsistent with prior studies. Finally, EC business models that focus on operational efficiency strongly complement the historically relevant location variable in industrial undertakings.
GABA antagonists differentiate between recombinant GABAA/benzodiazepine receptor subtypes

Seventeen rat GABAA receptor subtypes were transiently expressed in the human embryonic kidney 293 cell line from alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 5, or alpha 6 variants with any of the three beta subunits and gamma 2S or gamma 3. We obtained fingerprints in the form of subtype characteristic concentration-response curves of 35S-TBPS binding to GABA and the GABAA antagonists SR 95531 and bicuculline. alpha 3 beta 3 gamma 2S/3 and alpha 5 beta 3 gamma 2S/3 containing receptors effectively recognized 35S-TBPS but not when beta 3 was replaced by the beta 1 or beta 2 subunit. This indicates a specific interaction of alpha and beta variants to form high-affinity 35S-TBPS binding sites. At low levels GABA allosterically increased 35S-TBPS binding to all receptors with the concentration and magnitude depending on the subunit combination. Exchange of the beta variant did not alter the concentration-response curves for alpha 1 and alpha 6 containing receptors but did so for alpha 2 containing receptors. alpha 2 beta 3 gamma 3 receptors displayed strong GABA-induced stimulation of 35S-TBPS binding, whereas binding to alpha 2 beta 3 gamma 3 receptors was marginally increased. SR 95531 and bicuculline decreased 35S-TBPS binding to all gamma 3 containing receptors. In addition, bicuculline was effective on alpha 1 beta x gamma 2 receptors. SR 95531 was threefold more potent than bicuculline in reversing GABA-induced modulation of 35S-TBPS binding in most receptor types, but was 30-fold more potent on alpha 2 beta 1 gamma 3 and alpha 6 beta 1 gamma 2S receptors. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A randomized pilot trial of oral branched‐chain amino acids in early cirrhosis: Validation using prognostic markers for pre–liver transplant status

Because of the chronic shortage of liver donors, hepatologists are required to prolong the liver transplant waiting period by preserving the hepatic reserve of scheduled recipients. This study examined the effectiveness of oral branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs), using outcome markers indicating pretransplant hepatic reserve. Fifty‐six consecutive eligible patients with Child class A cirrhosis without major complications were randomly assigned to receive oral BCAA granules (12.45 g/day) for least 1 year or no BCAAs. Differences between groups in the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) score, asialoscintigraphic clearance index (CI), and complications were examined. Of 50 remaining patients, 27 received BCAAs, and 23 received no BCAAs (mean duration, 3.2 years). The mean annual changes in the MELD score, CTP score, and asialoscintigraphic CI were smaller in the BCAA group than in the control group (−0.06 ± 0.23 versus 0.10 ± 0.40, P = 0.024, 0.06 ± 0.30 versus 0.30 ± 0.48, P = 0.037, and 0.00 ± 0.02 versus 0.02 ± 0.04, P = 0.040, respectively). The mean annual changes in the serum total bilirubin and the serum albumin in the BCAA group were better preserved than those in the control group (−0.07 ± 0.20 versus 0.12 ± 0.18 mg/dL, P < 0.001, and 0.07 ± 0.13 versus −0.02 ± 0.19 g/dL, P = 0.005, respectively); other laboratory variables were not significant. The incidence of overall major cirrhotic complications was lower in the BCAA group than in the control group [14.8% (4 of 27 patients) versus 30.4% (7 of 23 patients) at 3 years, P = 0.043]; only ascites was significant individually. In conclusion, early interventional oral BCAAs might prolong the liver transplant waiting period by preserving hepatic reserve in cirrhosis. Liver Transpl 15:790–797, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
Glutathione S-transferase P1 c.313A > G polymorphism could be useful in the prediction of doxorubicin response in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND Identification of predicting factors for anthracyclines-based chemotherapy remains a clinical challenge. Glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) enzymes detoxify chemotherapy drugs and their metabolites. Several polymorphisms in GST genes result in reduced or no activity of the enzymes. Specifically, GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes are polymorphically deleted, the polymorphism GSTP1 c.313A>G (rs1695) determines the amino acid substitution Ile105Val, where the Val-containing enzyme has reduced activity. Also, GSTA1*B allele has reduced levels of GSTA1 enzyme. Several polymorphisms in GSTs have been associated with differences in survival for cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS We genotyped a total of five polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 and GSTA1 genes in 159 patients with locally advanced breast cancer, treated with single-agent doxorubicin or docetaxel (Taxotere). Gene expression microarrays were performed in 67 breast tumor samples. We correlate this data with treatment outcome. RESULTS In multivariate analysis, patients homozygous GG for GSTP1 c.313A>G SNP had a lower risk of chemoresistance when treated with doxorubicin (odds ratio 0.106; confidence interval 0.012-0.898; P=0.040). No association was found in the docetaxel arm. Also, we found that GSTP1 expression varied significantly among breast cancer molecular subtypes. CONCLUSIONS GSTP1 may constitute another tool contributing to individualized anthracycline-based therapy.
Classification of haemorrhage following tonsillectomy

To date there exists no sensible way of classifying the intensity of haemorrhage following tonsillectomy, though this is a prerequisite when comparing the results presented in literature. We evaluated the incidence of post-operative haemorrhage according to our classification in 602 patients who underwent tonsillectomy at our department in 1999. In 21 patients a grade 1 (spontaneous cessation) bleeding occurred. One patient had a grade 2 (infiltration anaesthesia), 14 patients had a grade 3 bleeding (treatment under general anaesthesia) with one patient receiving a blood transfusion. Two patients had a grade 4 bleeding (ligature of the external carotid artery). There was no patient with grade 5 bleeding (lethal outcome). Grades 1 and 3 had the same incidence rates. Primary haemorrhage (<24 hours) can be expected in the majority of patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Secondary haemorrhage is rare and can be life-threatening.