Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mesozooplankton biomass and grazing in the Costa Rica Dome: amplifying variability through the plankton food web.

We investigated standing stocks and grazing rates of mesozooplankton assemblages in the Costa Rica Dome (CRD), an open-ocean upwelling ecosystem in the eastern tropical Pacific. While phytoplankton biomass in the CRD is dominated by picophytoplankton (<2-µm cells) with especially high concentrations of Synechococcus spp. , we found high mesozooplankton biomass (∼5 g dry weight m-2) and grazing impact (12-50% integrated water column chlorophyll a), indicative of efficient food web transfer from primary producers to higher levels. In contrast to the relative uniformity in water-column chlorophyll a and mesozooplankton biomass, variability in herbivory was substantial, with lower rates in the central dome region and higher rates in areas offset from the dome center. While grazing rates were unrelated to total phytoplankton, correlations with cyanobacteria (negative) and biogenic SiO2 production (positive) suggest that partitioning of primary production among phytoplankton sizes contributes to the variability observed in mesozooplankton metrics. We propose that advection of upwelled waters away from the dome center is accompanied by changes in mesozooplankton composition and grazing rates, reflecting small changes within the primary producers. Small changes within the phytoplankton community resulting in large changes in the mesozooplankton suggest that the variability in lower trophic level dynamics was effectively amplified through the food web.
Further Evidence Against the Reliability of the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Discriminatory Level

The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) discriminatory level—the maternal serum β‐hCG level above which a gestational sac should be consistently visible on sonography in a normal pregnancy—has been reported to be 1000 to 2000 mIU/mL for transvaginal sonography. We assessed whether a woman with a β‐hCG above 2000 mIU/mL and no intrauterine fluid collection on transvaginal sonography can subsequently be found to have a live intrauterine gestation and, if so, what the prognosis is for the pregnancy.
Manic‐depressive patients with delusions

ABSTRACT– A study was made of the hospital records of 114 first admission patients under 60 years with a diagnosis of manic‐depressive psychosis and coexisting paranoid symptoms. The male/female ratio was 1/1.4, and the females were significantly older. Symptomatology and treatment are presented. Seventy per cent disclosed delusions of reference and misinterpretation and 50% had synthymic delusions. During 11–15 years of admisson 75% of the patients were re‐admitted. The diagnostic concept was changed in 33%. Significantly more females were diagnosed unipolar manic‐depressive. According to the general practitioners and hospital records psychotic traits were still present in 50% of the patients at followup. Significantly more patients diagnosed as unipolar manic‐depressive had no relapse and no remaining psychotic traits. And significantly more patients with changed diagnosis had remaining psychotic traits. The need for prospective studies of patients with coexisting affective and paranoid symptomatology is stressed.
Match Quality, Contractual Sorting and Wage Cyclicality

This paper studies the role of match quality for contractual arrangements, wage dynamics and workers’ retention. We develop a model in which profit maximizing firms offer a performance-based pay arrangement to retain workers with relatively high match-specific productivity. The key implications of our model hold in data from the NLSY79, where information about job histories and performance pay is available. We relate our findings to the literature on occupation heterogeneity and provide evidence that jobs in "cognitive" occupations have better match quality, exhibit higher prevalence of performance pay, display significant sensitivity of wages to business cycle conditions and last longer.
Executive Cognitive Impairment: A Novel Perspective on Dementia

In 1994 the American Psychiatric Association added impairment of executive control functions (ECF) to its list of cognitive domains that should be considered in the assessment of dementia. This recommendation has not been widely implemented. None the less, there is growing evidence that ECF impairment is common, strongly associated with disability and functional decline, and not well detected by traditional dementia screening tests. This article reviews the implications of ECF for the epidemiology of dementia. The total number of dementia cases may be much greater than previously thought and we are likely to be selectively missing cases with reversible causes of ECF impairment.
The Sword and the Shield: The Economics of Targeted Sanctions

How effective are “smart” sanctions in imposing costs on an adversary? We consider this question in a model where a targeted regime may choose to “shield” strategically important firms from harm. Using detailed firm and individual data, we estimate the impact on firm performance from smart sanctions deployed by the U.S. and EU against Russia beginning in 2014. We find significant losses in operating revenue, asset values, and employees for sanctioned firms relative to their non-sanctioned peers, which are greater in sectors dependent upon Western service inputs. Strategic firms systemically outperform non-strategic firms under sanctions, implying a cost of shielding to the regime that adds substantially to the total cost of sanctions.
Bone metabolism in advanced cholestatic liver disease: Analysis by bone histomorphometry

Despite the clinical importance of cholestatic osteopenia, little is known about its pathophysiologic mechanism. By tetracycline‐labeled histomorphometric analysis of bone biopsies taken at the time of liver transplantation, we prospectively evaluated bone resorption and formation in 50 consecutive patients with advanced primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Histomorphometric analysis confirmed low bone volume parameters, consistent with the mean T‐score of the lumbar spine of −1.9 by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Dynamic (bone formation rates, adjusted apposition rates) and static (osteoid markers, osteoblast number) parameters of bone formation were decreased in cholestatic patients with no abnormalities in mineralization. Increased osteoclast numbers and increased eroded surface areas suggested increased bone resorption, and this was supported in female patients by increased trabecular separation and decreased trabecular number. Male cholestatic patients, however, did not have significant increases in resorption parameters, although they were as osteopenic as female patients and had low bone formation markers. Bone histomorphometric changes were similar in PBC and PSC, suggesting an etiologic effect of chronic cholestasis rather than the individual diseases. Cancellous bone volume and osteoid markers correlated with bone mineral density measurements but no correlations were found between histomorphometric parameters and biochemical markers of bone metabolism. In conclusion, cholestatic osteopenia appears to result from a combination of decreased bone formation and increased resorption, especially in female patients, but the relative importance of these two abnormalities and their actual etiology remain to be elucidated.
Essays on the economics of gender identity and behavioural responses to tax policy

This thesis presents three essays. The first examines the effect of having a breadwinner mother on children’s gender norms in England. It shows that, while boys with breadwinning mothers are less likely to develop traditional views, girls are more likely to become traditional, in opposition to their family’s norm but in line with society’s. It then develops a model of gender identity, showing that the results can be explained by girls’ weaker preference for conformity to their family. Finally, it employs conformity measures to show that this prediction holds empirically, and implements a regression discontinuity design to estimate the effect of living in such norm-minority families on conformity. The second essay studies costs in adjusting taxable income, using tax reforms and data from the Republic of Cyprus. Combining reduced-form evidence with a structural model of labour supply, it estimates these costs at CYP 79 for salary earners, and CYP 5 for the self-employed (the equivalent of 135 and 8.5 Euros respectively). It then examines the mechanisms driving the observed responses, and proposes a method that estimates asymmetries in adjustment costs to infer the underlying source of frictions. Using the same data, the third chapter examines the importance of tax policy design for tax enforcement and behavioural responses in charitable contributions. It shows three sets of results. First, exploiting salary-dependent thresholds for third-party reporting of charitable contributions, it estimates that reported donations increase by about 0.7 pounds when taxpayers can claim 1 pound more without providing documentation. Second, it finds that at least 40 percent of these observed responses are purely due to changes in reporting, using a reform that retroactively shifted the reporting threshold. Last, it estimates a tax price elasticity of reported charitable donations at -0.5, and shows that this policy parameter is highly sensitive to the reporting environment.
XAB2, a Novel Tetratricopeptide Repeat Protein Involved in Transcription-coupled DNA Repair and Transcription*

Nucleotide excision repair is a highly versatile DNA repair system responsible for elimination of a wide variety of lesions from the genome. It is comprised of two subpathways: transcription-coupled repair that accomplishes efficient removal of damage blocking transcription and global genome repair. Recently, the basic mechanism of global genome repair has emerged from biochemical studies. However, little is known about transcription-coupled repair in eukaryotes. Here we report the identification of a novel protein designated XAB2 (XPA-binding protein 2) that was identified by virtue of its ability to interact with XPA, a factor central to both nucleotide excision repair subpathways. The XAB2 protein of 855 amino acids consists mainly of 15 tetratricopeptide repeats. In addition to interacting with XPA, immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that a fraction of XAB2 is able to interact with the transcription-coupled repair-specific proteins CSA and CSB as well as RNA polymerase II. Furthermore, antibodies against XAB2 inhibited both transcription-coupled repair and transcription in vivo but not global genome repair when microinjected into living fibroblasts. These results indicate that XAB2 is a novel component involved in transcription-coupled repair and transcription.
Role of outer‐membrane cytochromes MtrC and OmcA in the biomineralization of ferrihydrite by Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1

In an effort to improve the understanding of electron transfer mechanisms at the microbe–mineral interface, Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 mutants with in‐frame deletions of outer‐membrane cytochromes (OMCs), MtrC and OmcA, were characterized for the ability to reduce ferrihydrite (FH) using a suite of microscopic, spectroscopic, and biochemical techniques. Analysis of purified recombinant proteins demonstrated that both cytochromes undergo rapid electron exchange with FH in vitro with MtrC displaying faster transfer rates than OmcA. Immunomicroscopy with cytochrome‐specific antibodies revealed that MtrC co‐localizes with iron solids on the cell surface while OmcA exhibits a more diffuse distribution over the cell surface. After 3‐day incubation of MR‐1 with FH, pronounced reductive transformation mineral products were visible by electron microscopy. Upon further incubation, the predominant phases identified were ferrous phosphates including vivianite [Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O] and a switzerite‐like phase [Mn3,Fe3(PO4)2·7H2O] that were heavily colonized by MR‐1 cells with surface‐exposed outer‐membrane cytochromes. In the absence of both MtrC and OmcA, the cells ability to reduce FH was significantly hindered and no mineral transformation products were detected. Collectively, these results highlight the importance of the outer‐membrane cytochromes in the reductive transformation of FH and support a role for direct electron transfer from the OMCs at the cell surface to the mineral.
Judicial Efficiency and Firm Productivity: Evidence from a World Database of Judicial Reforms

Abstract I assemble and classify a database of judicial reforms funded by foreign aid agencies as either comprehensive (targeting all characteristics of quality, speed, access) or limited reform. A triple difference is used to compare firms in countries with or without judicial reforms, before and after reforms, and in sectors more or less reliant on contract enforcement mechanisms, due to their need for relationship-specific investments. I find that externally financed comprehensive judicial reforms improve perceptions of judiciary efficiency (for all firms) and firm productivity (for sectors relying on relationship-specific investments) by 0.15 and 0.09 (22%) standard deviation, respectively.
Pollen limitation of reproductive success in two sympatric alpine willows (Salicaceae) with contrasting pollination strategies.

We compared the extent of pollen limitation on female reproductive success of Salix lanata L. , an entirely insect-pollinated willow, and S. lapponum L. , which is 50 : 50% insect : wind pollinated (ambophilous). Supplemental hand-pollination significantly increased seed number per fruit by nearly 50% in the insect-pollinated willow, but had no significant impact on seed number in the dually pollinated species. Fruit set was not affected by the treatment in either of the species. These results demonstrate that pollen limitation on reproductive success is most pronounced in the species that depends entirely on insects for pollination. In general, pollinator visitation was highest to S. lapponum, but bumble bees were only observed on S. lanata, suggesting that the quantity and quality of pollinator visitation differed between the species. Our results empirically support the hypothesis that a dual pollination strategy is most effective in alpine environments with low and infrequent pollinator activity and high wind speeds.
A novel mutation of COL2A1 resulting in dominantly inherited rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE To determine the molecular defect in a family with autosomal dominant rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (DRRD), and to investigate missplicing as a possible phenotypic modifier of mutations in COL2A1. METHODS Clinical examination of the family and linkage analysis using markers flanking COL2A1 and COL11A1, the known loci for Stickler syndrome; mutation screening of COL2A1; construction of splicing reporter minigenes and transfection into cultured cells; and RT-PCR analysis of reporter specific transcripts. RESULTS A family with DRRD showed no systemic clinical signs (skeletal, orofacial, or auditory) usually associated with Stickler syndrome. Linkage analysis excluded COL11A1 as the disease locus but could not exclude COL2A1. Mutation screening of COL2A1 identified a novel G118R mutation in type II collagen. Transfection of minigenes carrying mutations associated with DRRD (G118R, R453X, and L467F) into cultured cells detected no missplicing of mRNA from mutant constructs. CONCLUSIONS Mutations outside the alternatively spliced exon 2 region of COL2A1 can also result in an ocular only phenotype. There was no evidence that missplicing modifies the phenotype of these mutations, suggesting that the minimal or absent systemic features demonstrated by the G118R and L467F mutations are the result of the biophysical changes imparted on the collagen molecule.
IMPACT OF COMPUTER BASED TEST IN NIGERIA TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS: A THEORETICAL VIEW

The impact of computer based examination in Nigeria tertiary institutions cannot be overruled since research established the roles and immense contributions of ICT for instructional purpose in Nigeria education. The author submitted that though Nigeria still experiences the problems of integration in some tertiary institutions in Nigeria due to many factors. The paper also explored the conceptual meaning of Computer Based examination, historical development of computer based examination, advantages of computer based testing in education and problems of computer based examinations in Nigeria educational institutions. Based on the following considerations, conclusion and recommendations were made.
Sugammadex versus two doses of neostigmine for reversal of rocuronium in gastric sleeve surgery

Background and Aim: The aim of this prospective randomized trial is to compare the quality of reversal of rocuronium with either sugammadex (SUG) versus 2.5 mg or 5 mg neostigmine (NEO). Patients and Methods: A total of 110 patients with body mass index >40 underwent elective gastric sleeve surgery were enrolled in this study. Exclusion criteria included patients with co-existing muscular and cardiovascular diseases. Patients were randomly allocated to one of the following groups: group A (SUG), Group B (NEO 2.5 mg), and Group C (NEO 5 mg). General anesthesia was induced in the three groups using propofol 2.0 mg/kg of corrected body weight (CBW) and fentanyl 3 mcg/kg of CBW. Anesthesia was maintained with O2/air/desflurane 1 minimum alveolar concentration. Remifentanil infusion started at 0.05–0.2 mcg/kg/min. Tracheal intubation was facilitated with rocuronium 1.2 mg/kg of CBW guided with PNS. When the train of four (TOF) reached zero, intubation was performed using a GlideScope. At the end of surgery, TOF ratio and posttetanic counts were recorded. SUG 2 mg/kg of CBW (Group A), NEO 2.5 mg (Group B), and NEO 5 mg (Group C) were administered according to the random envelope. The time to achieve 90% of TOF was recorded in seconds using a timer. ANOVA for repeated measurements was used for statistical analyses. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was a positive correlation (P < 0.05) between the duration of surgery and the time to reach 90% of TOF in all the three groups. The time to reach 90% TOF was significantly shorter with Group A versus Groups B and C (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Although SUG proved to be faster than NEO 5 mg in attaining TOF >90%, the recovery pattern of both was similar.
Introgression from cultivated rice alters genetic structures of wild relative populations: implications for in situ conservation

We found gene introgression from cultivated rice to its in situ conserved wild relative populations, which has considerably altered their genetic structure and relationship. The level of introgression is associated with the spatial distances of the wild populations from cultivated rice fields. The findings are based on genetic analyses of six wild populations and two sets of rice cultivars using two types of molecular markers. Crop-wild introgression alters the genetic integrity of wild populations. Thus, appropriate measures should be taken for effective in situ conservation of wild relatives of crop cultivars.
Individual investors repurchasing behaviour: evidence from the Portuguese stock market

ABSTRACT We study the repurchasing behaviour of individual investors and identify-related stock- and investor-specific attributes that affect the preference to repurchase stocks previously owned. Using a unique database of Portuguese individual investors, we find that investors prefer to repurchase stocks that were associated with a gain during their previous roundtrip (i.e. prior winners) and have suffered price declines subsequent to their last sale. Consistent with the extant literature based on the US market, our results suggest that different market characteristics do not seem to affect investors’ preference regarding stock repurchases. Moreover, we find that this preference increases with the magnitude of the prior gain or the decline in price following the last sale. We also demonstrate that larger and more visible domestic stocks are more likely to be repurchased and that less active, under-diversified and home-biased investors are more likely to engage in such behaviour. Finally, we find that repurchased stocks yield poor post-performance – approximately 267 basis points less than newly purchased stocks. Our main conclusion is that repurchases are essentially emotionally driven and penalize investor’s performance.
Pre-steady-state kinetic analysis of riboflavin synthase using a pentacyclic reaction intermediate as substrate

Abstract Riboflavin synthase catalyses a mechanistically complex dismutation affording riboflavin and 5-amino-6-ribitylamino-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione from 6,7-dimethyl-8-ribityllumazine. A pentacyclic adduct (compound 2) of two substrate molecules was used as substrate for pre-steady-state kinetic analysis. Whereas the wild-type enzyme catalyses the decomposition of compound 2 into a mixture of riboflavin and 5-amino-6-ribitylamino-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione, as well as into two equivalents of 6,7-dimethyl-8-ribityllumazine, a H102Q mutant enzyme predominantly catalyses the former reaction. Stopped-flow experiments with this mutant enzyme failed to identify a reaction intermediate between compound 2 and riboflavin. However, the apparent rate constants for the formation of riboflavin as observed by stopped-flow and quenched-flow experiments were significantly different, thus suggesting that the reaction proceeds via a significantly populated intermediate, the absorbance of which is similar to that of compound 2. An F2A mutant enzyme converts compound 2 predominantly into 6,7-dimethyl-8-ribityllumazine. Stopped-flow experiments using compound 2 as substrate indicated a slight and rapid initial increase in absorbance at 310 nm, followed by a slower decrease. This finding, in conjunction with different apparent rates for the formation of 6,7-dimethyl-8-ribityllumazine, suggests the involvement of a significantly populated intermediate in the transition between compound 2 and 6,7-dimethyl-8-ribityllumazine, the optical spectrum of which is similar to that of compound 1.
Use of social networking sites by undergraduate students in two African Universities

The paper investigates the use of social networking sites (SNS) amongst undergraduate students at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria and University of Zimbabwe, Harare. A number of 300 undergraduates were randomly selected from various Faculties in the two universities. The findings revealed that Facebook and Twitter were the most commonly used by the respondents and chatting is the main purpose of using social media. It was also revealed that the use of social media contributed to their overall academic performance. The recommendations amongst others were as follows: the need to teach the use of computers in the university curriculum, and to provide more computer laboratories for student use.
Ketogenic Diet for Obese COVID-19 Patients: Is Respiratory Disease a Contraindication? A Narrative Review of the Literature on Ketogenic Diet and Respiratory Function

Morbid obese people are more likely to contract SARS-CoV-2 infection and its most severe complications, as need for mechanical ventilation. Ketogenic Diet (KD) is able to induce a fast weight loss preserving lean mass and is particularly interesting as a preventive measure in obese patients. Moreover, KD has anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, which may help in preventing the cytokine storm in infected patients. Respiratory failure is actually considered a contraindication for VLCKD, a very-low calorie form of KD, but in the literature there are some data reporting beneficial effects on respiratory parameters from ketogenic and low-carbohydrate high-fat diets. KD may be helpful in reducing ventilatory requirements in respiratory patients, so it should be considered in specifically addressed clinical trials as an adjuvant therapy for obese patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.