Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Individual precocity, temporal persistence, and task-specialization of hygienic bees from selected colonies of Apis mellifera

Abstract Hygienic behaviour is a complex trait that gives Apis mellifera L. resistance against brood diseases. Variability in the expression of hygienic behaviour is evidenced at the colony-level and is explained by the proportion and propensity of individual worker bees that engage in hygienic activities. We investigated the temporal performance and the dynamics of task-specialisation of individual bees over time, both in selected hygienic (H) and non-hygienic (NH) colonies. Then we evaluated the impact of these behavioural aspects on the colony performance. Bees that perform hygienic behaviour (hygienic bees) in our H colonies were more persistent in the hygienic activities throughout the days of the investigation. Such bees were more efficient in the removal of pin-killed brood than hygienic bees in the NH colonies. Hygienic bees in the H colonies were also specialist in the sub-tasks involved in the detection of odour stimulus from dead brood and continued to perform these activities throughout the days of the investigation (temporal persistence). Age-distribution of hygienic bees in the H colonies was asymmetrical, with a larger proportion of these bees performing hygienic activities early in life. At a colony-level, H showed higher efficiency compared to the NH colonies. The present results highlight the fact that individual behaviour may influence the collective dynamics of the hygienic behaviour in honeybee colonies. The results also note that the selection for highly hygienic colonies would result in changes in individual bees that improve the performance of the behaviour at the colony level. The relevance of task-partitioning and age-specialisation of hygienic bees on social immunity is discussed.
Is Household Debt Growing for Older Americans

An increasing number of Americans are entering old age with outstanding debt, forcing many retirees to devote some income to servicing their debt and leaving them with less to cover daily living expenses. Using Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data, this brief reports that the share of adults ages 65 and older with outstanding debt increased from 30 to 46 percent between 1998 and 2010. The inflation-adjusted median value of debt grew 56 percent over the period and the average ratio of total household debt over total household assets more than doubled.
The qualitative characteristics of financial information, and managers’ accounting decisions: evidence from IFRS policy changes†

This is the first empirical study that uses publicly available data to provide direct evidence about the role of the qualitative characteristics (QCs) of financial information in managements’ accounting decisions. Based on 40,895 hand-collected IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) policy choices on 16 topics made by 514 large firms of 10 jurisdictions in the period 2005–2011, we identify 204 reasons for policy changes. The majority of these refer to QCs from the conceptual framework of the standard-setter, in particular to relevance, faithful representation, comparability and understandability. Firms also frequently refer to transparency, which is not directly mentioned in the framework. Furthermore, we analyse the circumstances under which firms explain their policy changes in terms of improved quality. We hypothesise and find that QCs are more often referred to if the change relates to measurement (i.e. to a more important accounting policy decision). We also find that references to QCs are positively associated both with firm size and with a measure of a jurisdiction's transparency. This complements previous research by providing evidence that managers are, at the least, alert to QCs.
A novel individual‐cell‐based mathematical model based on multicellular tumour spheroids for evaluating doxorubicin‐related delivery in avascular regions

Effective drug delivery in the avascular regions of tumours, which is crucial for the promising antitumour activity of doxorubicin‐related therapy, is governed by two inseparable processes: intercellular diffusion and intracellular retention. To accurately evaluate doxorubicin‐related delivery in the avascular regions, these two processes should be assessed together. Here we describe a new approach to such an assessment.
Investigation of the prevalence of genes conferring resistance to carbapenems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from burn patients

Background and aim: Currently, the rate of hospital-acquired infections due to drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains shows an increasing trend and remains one of the principal reasons for mortalilty in burn patients. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of genes conferring resistance to carbapenems in P. aeruginosa isolates from burn patients. Methods: A total of 50 P. aeruginosa isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility and presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) isolates, using phenotypic tests. Screening for genes conferring resistance to carbapenems was investigated by multiplex PCR method. Results: Susceptibility testing demonstrated the highest resistance against amikacin, ceftazidime (n=44/88% each), and gentamicin (84%), while colistin sulfate was the most effective antibiotic. The rate of MDR and XDR isolates was revealed as 50% and 40% respectively. We detected the following carbapenemase genes: blaNDM (32%), followed by blaOXA-48 (18%), and blaBIC-1 (14%). This study revealed a high antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa isolates with a total of 40% and 50% MDR and XDR isolates respectively, and 70% carbapenem resistance. The prevalence of carbapenem conferring genes tested among carbapenem-resistant isolates was demonstrated as 65.7%. Conclusion: Due to the prevalence of P. aeroginosa strains carrying blaOXA-48 and blaNDM genes in our hospital, more attention and implementation of effective control measures against nosocomial infection are recommended.
Salience Theory of Judicial Decisions

We present a model of judicial decision making in which the judge overweights the salient facts of the case. The context of the judicial decision, which is comparative by nature, shapes which aspects of the case stand out and draw the judge’s attention. By focusing judicial attention on such salient aspects of the case, legally irrelevant information can affect judicial decisions. Our model accounts for a range of recent experimental evidence that bears on the psychology of judicial decisions, including anchoring effects in the setting of damages, decoy effects in choice of legal remedies, and framing effects in the decision to litigate. The model also offers a new approach to positive analysis of damage awards in torts.
Understanding online consumers’ purchase intentions: a contribution from social network theory

ABSTRACT There is a dynamic and interconnected international setting shaped by the power of the Internet and social media. To gain more consumers, understand their behaviours and needs, and maintain closest relationships with them, businesses should understand how consumers behave in social media and how they vary in their purchase intentions. In the scope of the study, we integrate the social network theory and the theory of planned behaviour to analyse online consumers’ purchase intentions and to investigate their structural positions by analysing their friendships in social networks. We target Twitter users to conduct analysis due to Twitter's popularity in use, market penetration, and opportunity to work with open-source data. This study contributes to a better theoretical understanding of online consumers’ purchase intentions by integrating multiple theoretical perspectives. It expands the literature by considering both online consumers’ friendship network in Twitter and their individual online purchasing intentions. The study also guides e-marketers to design proper strategies for potential and current consumers and target the right sets of people in the social networks.
Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction in the Hong Kong Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency, risk factors, clinical features, and management of amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunctions. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING A regional hospital in Hong Kong. PATIENTS Patients who had been prescribed amiodarone for at least 6 months from 1 October 2005 to 30 September 2007. RESULTS A total of 390 patients (mean age, 70 years; standard deviation, 9 years; 54% male) with a median follow-up of 43 (interquartile range, 25-69) months were studied. Hypothyroidism developed in 87 (22%) of the patients (mean age, 72 years; standard deviation, 7 years; 56% male) and thyrotoxicosis in 24 (6%) of the patients (65 years; 11 years; 54% male). Increased baseline thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone) level appeared to be predictive of amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism, in which a thyroid-stimulating hormone level of 4 mIU/L or above was associated with a 4.7-fold increase in the risk (95% confidence interval, 1.9-11.7; P<0.001). Compared with those who remained euthyroid on amiodarone, thyrotoxicosis developed in younger patients. In these patients, the classical symptoms of thyroid dysfunction were frequently absent, although worsening of underlying arrhythmias, their cardiac condition, weight loss, and over-warfarinisation were suggestive of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis. In both amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism, the disease course was benign. Patients with the former showed a good response to anti-thyroid drugs and steroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction is common among our population. As the clinical presentations are usually vague and atypical, regular biochemical monitoring of thyroid function is warranted, particularly in patients with elevated baseline thyroid-stimulating hormone level. The disease course of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis is usually benign and remits with timely administration of anti-thyroid medications, with or without corticosteroids.
Document Context Neural Machine Translation with Memory Networks

We present a document-level neural machine translation model which takes both source and target document context into account using memory networks. We model the problem as a structured prediction problem with interdependencies among the observed and hidden variables, i.e., the source sentences and their unobserved target translations in the document. The resulting structured prediction problem is tackled with a neural translation model equipped with two memory components, one each for the source and target side, to capture the documental interdependencies. We train the model end-to-end, and propose an iterative decoding algorithm based on block coordinate descent. Experimental results of English translations from French, German, and Estonian documents show that our model is effective in exploiting both source and target document context, and statistically significantly outperforms the previous work in terms of BLEU and METEOR.
Genetic parameters for weaning weight of Kenyan Boran cattle accounting for direct-maternal genetic covariances

Genetic parameters were estimated for weaning weight (WW) in Kenya Boran cattle using animal models that assumed non-zero direct-maternal genetic covariance. In addition to the direct and maternal genetic effects, maternal permanent environmental and sire by herd-year interaction effects were tested. Two datasets were used. Dataset 1 (DS1) included all animals while dataset 2 (DS2) constituted only records of animals with known paternity. Estimates of direct and maternal heritabilities from DS1 ranged from 0.61 to 0.64 and 0.25 to 0.27, respectively. Estimates of direct and maternal heritabilities from DS2 ranged from 0.07 to 0.31 and 0.16 to 0.23. Direct-maternal genetic correlations were large and negative but were lower in the analyses of DS2 than in DS1. Similarly, estimates of direct and maternal heritability were lower in the analyses of DS2 than in DS1 especially when the effect of sire by herd-year effect was fitted in the model. This study shows that WW is highly heritable and under the influence of maternal effects. Estimates of genetic parameters and direct-maternal genetic covariance are dependent on data size and structure and how direct and maternal effects have been accounted for.
Inhabiting plant roots, nematodes, and truffles—Polyphilus, a new helotialean genus with two globally distributed species

ABSTRACT Fungal root endophytes, including the common group of dark septate endophytes (DSEs), represent different taxonomic groups and potentially diverse life strategies. In this study, we investigated two unidentified helotialean lineages found previously in a study of DSE fungi of semiarid grasslands, from several other sites, and collected recently from a pezizalean truffle ascoma and eggs of the cereal cyst nematode Heterodera filipjevi. The taxonomic positions and phylogenetic relationships of 21 isolates with different hosts and geographic origins were studied in detail. Four loci, namely, nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer [ITS]), partial 28S nuc rDNA (28S), partial 18S nuc rDNA (18S), and partial RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit (RPB2), were amplified and sequenced for molecular phylogenetic analyses. Analyses of similar ITS sequences from public databases revealed two globally distributed lineages detected in several biomes from different geographic regions. The host interaction of isolates from nematodes was examined using in vitro bioassays, which revealed that the fungi could penetrate nematode cysts and colonize eggs of H. filipjevi, confirming observations from field-collected samples. This is the first report of a DSE, and we are not aware of other helotialean fungal species colonizing the eggs of a plant-parasitic nematode. Neither conidiomata and conidia nor ascomata formation was detected in any of the isolates. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses, these isolates represent a distinct lineage within the Helotiales in the Hyaloscyphaceae. For this lineage, we propose here the new genus Polyphilus represented by two new species, P. sieberi and P. frankenii.
In Situ Detection of Regulatory T Cells in Human Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) Reactivation and Their Influence on Spontaneous HSV-2 Reactivation.

BACKGROUND Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) reactivation is accompanied by a sustained influx of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells that persist in genital tissue for extended periods. While CD4(+) T cells have long been recognized as being present in herpetic ulcerations, their role in subclinical reactivation and persistence is less well known, especially the role of CD4(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs). METHODS We characterized the Treg (CD4(+)Foxp3(+)) population during human HSV-2 reactivation in situ in sequential genital skin biopsy specimens obtained from HSV-2-seropositive subjects at the time of lesion onset up to 8 weeks after healing. RESULTS High numbers of Tregs infiltrated to the site of viral reactivation and persisted in proximity to conventional CD4(+) T cells (Tconvs) and CD8(+) T cells. Treg density peaked during the lesion stage of the reactivation. The number of Tregs from all time points (lesion, healed, 2 weeks after healing, 4 weeks after healing, and 8 weeks after healing) was significantly higher than in control biopsy specimens from unaffected skin. There was a direct correlation between HSV-2 titer and Treg density. CONCLUSIONS The association of a high Treg to Tconv ratio with high viral shedding suggests that the balance between regulatory and effector T cells influences human HSV-2 disease.
CD19 signal transduction in normal human B cells: linkage to downstream pathways requires phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase, protein kinase C and Ca2+

CD19 is required for normal antibody responses in mice. We have shown that CD19 enhances the activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 2 by membrane (m) IgM but otherwise little is known of CD19 signaling in primary human cells. We now ask which pathways link CD19 with ERK2 in human tonsillar B cells. In analyses of signaling intermediates, the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin partially suppressed the release of Ca2+ induced by coligation of CD19 and mIgM but the selective PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I (BIM‐I) did not. The Ca2+ chelator 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N',N'‐tetraacetic acid, BIM‐I and wortmannin each had only a small effect on ERK2 activation induced by surface IgM alone but blocked the enhancement of that activation by CD19/mIgM coligation. To analyze the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, we measured activation of Raf, MAPK‐ or ERK kinase (MEK) 1 and ERK2. CD19 consistently enhanced activation of ERK2 and MEK1. However, synergistic activation of Raf was variably observed. In subpopulation analyses, synergistic activation of Raf1 was consistently observed in the IgDlow but not in the IgDhigh cells. Thus, in normal human B cells, PI3K is upstream of the Ca2+ response while PI3K, Ca2+ release and protein kinase C are all required for ERK2 activation, and CD19 enhances the MAPK cascade at multiple levels, depending on the state of differentiation.
Fetal Intra-abdominal Umbilical Vein Aneurysm.

Importance Fetal umbilical vein aneurysm is an uncommon anomaly that accounts for approximately 4% of umbilical cord abnormalities. The rate of intrauterine fetal death is reported to be approximately 4% to 5%, higher than the background rate of 0.7% that is generally reported during pregnancy. Objective The aim of this study was to review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and clinical management of fetal umbilical vein aneurysm. Evidence Acquisition Advances in high-resolution ultrasound combined with color Doppler and 3-dimensional rendering have contributed to an increased understanding of the fetal venous circulation in recent years. Results When the diagnosis of umbilical vein aneurysm is made, the patient should undergo a detailed ultrasound evaluation of the fetal anatomy, including fetal echocardiography, to exclude associated anomalies. Amniocentesis should be offered when other anomalies are found. Patients should be informed about the potential for an unfavorable outcome of pregnancy and should undergo close ultrasound surveillance to assess the size of the aneurysm, as well as any evidence of thrombosis or signs of hydrops. Conclusions The main prognostic feature associated with a poor outcome of umbilical vein aneurysm seems to be the presence of other anomalies. Early diagnosis is associated with a somewhat worse prognosis, and most fetal deaths have been observed between 27 and 30 weeks of gestation. In the third trimester, it is reasonable to perform serial ultrasound examinations to assess fetal growth, the size of the aneurysm, and the blood flow pattern within the aneurysm.
A nonlinear and time‐dependent visco‐elasto‐plastic rheology model for studying shock‐physics phenomena

We present a simple and efficient implementation of a viscous creep rheology based on diffusion creep, dislocation creep, and the Peierls mechanism in conjunction with an elasto‐plastic rheology model into a shock‐physics code, the iSALE impact code. Our approach is based on the calculation of an “effective viscosity” which is then used as a reference viscosity for any underlying viscoelastic (or even visco‐elasto‐plastic) model. Here we use a Maxwell‐model which best describes stress relaxation and is therefore likely most important for the formation of large meteorite impact basins. While common viscoelastic behavior during mantle convection or other slow geodynamic or geological processes is mostly controlled by diffusion and dislocation creep, we show that the Peierls mechanism dominates at the large strain rates that typically occur during meteorite impacts. Thus, the resulting visco‐elasto‐plastic rheology allows implementation of a more realistic mantle behavior in computer simulations, especially for those dealing with large meteorite impacts. The approach shown here opens the way to more faithful simulations of large impact basin formation, especially in elucidating the physics behind the formation of the external fault rings characteristic of large lunar basins.
Multiple breath washout cannot be used for tidal breath parameter analysis in infants

Multiple breath washout (MBW) testing with SF6 gas mixture is routinely used to assess ventilation distribution in infants. It is currently unknown whether SF6 changes tidal breathing parameters during MBW in infants. We investigated if SF6 does change tidal breathing parameters in infants and whether a separate tidal breathing trace prior to MBW testing is necessary.
Influence of an independent review committee on assessment of response rate and progression-free survival in phase III clinical trials.

BACKGROUND Our objective was to determine the variability in assessment between investigators (INV) and independent review committees (IRC) for response rate (RR) and progression-free survival (PFS). METHODS Phase III trials reporting INV and IRC assessments were identified. The difference in end point assessment (IRC - INV) across all study arms was determined. A random-effects model was used to calculate the mean difference between INV and IRC RR as well as PFS. Differences in estimated benefits of treatment (experimental - control) between IRC and INV were determined. RESULTS Twenty-one trials were included (18 RR, 8 PFS). The estimated mean difference between IRC- and INV-determined RR was 4.57% [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.95% to 6.19%]. For median PFS, the estimated mean difference was -0.19 (95% CI -0.68 to 0.29) months. The difference in estimated benefits of treatment ranged from -7.0% to 7.2% for RR and -2.0 to +2.4 months for PFS; there was no evidence of systemic bias by INV (P = 0.54 for RR and 0.31 for PFS). CONCLUSION INV overestimate RR compared with IRC. Given the variability in assessing RR and PFS between INV and IRC, an IRC should be considered if the primary end point is on the basis of assessments of changes in tumor lesions.
SSRI antidepressant use potentiates weight gain in the context of unhealthy lifestyles: results from a 4-year Australian follow-up study

Objective To examine the association between antidepressant use and weight gain, as well as the interaction with lifestyle factors. Design Longitudinal study. Setting and participants We used data from 2334 adults from two stages (4.4 years apart) of the North West Adelaide Health Study, including validated diet and lifestyle questionnaires, measured body weight and linked pharmaceutical prescription data. Main outcome measures Body weight change. Results 188 (8.1%) participants had a mean annual number of 1–2 antidepressant prescriptions, and 212 (9.1%) had over two prescriptions. The mean annual weight gain was 0.12, 0.18 and 0.28 kg in non-users, low (1–2 prescriptions/year) and high (>2 prescriptions/year) antidepressant users, respectively. In multivariable regression models, antidepressant use was positively associated with weight gain: high antidepressant users gained an extra 0.22 (95% CI 0.00 to 0.44) kg per year. This association was mainly due to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use. High SSRI users gained 0.48 (95% CI 0.20 to 0.76) kg more than non-users. There was no association between tricyclic or other antidepressant use and weight gain. The association between SSRI use and weight gain was stronger among those with high intake of Western diet, greater sedentary activity, and who smoked. Conclusions SSRIs use was associated with weight gain in the presence of unhealthy behaviours including Western diet, sedentarism and smoking.