Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved Strategy for Molecular Characterization of African Swine Fever Viruses from Sardinia, Based on Analysis of p30, CD2V and I73R/I329L Variable Regions

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the aetiological agent of a highly lethal haemorrhagic disease affecting pigs that inflicts significant economic damage on the swine industry. ASF is present in many African countries, in several eastern and central European countries and in Sardinia (Italy). Sequence analyses of variable genomic regions have been extensively used for molecular epidemiological studies of ASFV isolates. Previous sequencing data of genes that codify for viral protein p54, p72 and the central variable region (CVR) within the B602L gene revealed that Sardinian isolates show a very low level of variability. To achieve a finer level of discrimination among such closely related viruses, in this study, we have chosen three different genome regions to investigate the within-genotype relationships and to provide a more accurate assessment of the origin of outbreaks. The analysis of p30 and I73R/I329L sequences obtained from ASFV collected in Sardinia over a 13-years period confirms a remarkable genetic stability in these regions. The sequence comparison of the protein encoded by the EP402R gene (CD2v), carried out on various strains from 1978 to 2014, revealed a temporal subdivision of Sardinian viruses into two subgroups: one group includes the historical isolates from 1978 to 1990, and the second one is comprised of the viruses collected from 1990 until 2014. These data, together with those obtained from CVR within the B602L gene analysis, demonstrated that the viruses circulating in Sardinia belong to p72 genotype I, but have undergone genetic variations in two different regions of the genome since 1990. We proposed the cytoplasmic region of CD2v protein as a new genetic marker that could be use to analyse ASFVs from different locations to track virus spread. Our study reaffirms the need to analyse other genome regions in order to improve the molecular characterization of ASFV.
Identification and Metabolite Profiling of Chemical Activators of Lipid Accumulation in Green Algae1[OPEN]

Small compound activators of lipid accumulation in algae are distinguished by differential effects on lipid and polar metabolite profiles. Microalgae are proposed as feedstock organisms useful for producing biofuels and coproducts. However, several limitations must be overcome before algae-based production is economically feasible. Among these is the ability to induce lipid accumulation and storage without affecting biomass yield. To overcome this barrier, a chemical genetics approach was employed in which 43,783 compounds were screened against Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and 243 compounds were identified that increase triacylglyceride (TAG) accumulation without terminating growth. Identified compounds were classified by structural similarity, and 15 were selected for secondary analyses addressing impacts on growth fitness, photosynthetic pigments, and total cellular protein and starch concentrations. TAG accumulation was verified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry quantification of total fatty acids, and targeted TAG and galactolipid measurements were performed using liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring/mass spectrometry. These results demonstrated that TAG accumulation does not necessarily proceed at the expense of galactolipid. Untargeted metabolite profiling provided important insights into pathway shifts due to five different compound treatments and verified the anabolic state of the cells with regard to the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, Calvin cycle, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and amino acid biosynthetic pathways. Metabolite patterns were distinct from nitrogen starvation and other abiotic stresses commonly used to induce oil accumulation in algae. The efficacy of these compounds also was demonstrated in three other algal species. These lipid-inducing compounds offer a valuable set of tools for delving into the biochemical mechanisms of lipid accumulation in algae and a direct means to improve algal oil content independent of the severe growth limitations associated with nutrient deprivation.
Improving the Small Signal Stability of a PV-DE-Dynamic Load-Based Microgrid Using an Auxiliary Signal in the PV Control Loop

In this paper, a small signal model has been developed for a grid connected photovoltaic (PV)-diesel engine (DE) system feeding also to an induction motor at the low voltage level. The comprehensive mathematical model of the system has been developed by linearizing the system of equations around an operating point. To analyze the stability of the system, the eigen values and thus the modes of the system have been obtained from the resultant analytical A matrix. Further, to validate this small signal model, a complete nonlinear time-domain analysis of the system has been carried out. In order to enhance the stability of the system, a supplementary controller in the PV control loop has been proposed and its results have been verified both from the eigen values and from the nonlinear analysis.
Comparison of two methods of measuring physical activity in South African older adults.

The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS) and the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in older South African adults. The YPAS includes measures of weekly energy expenditure (EE) for housework, yard work, caregiving, exercise, and recreation. The IPAQ measures total time and EE during vigorous and moderate activity, walking, and sitting. The instruments were administered twice for test-retest reliability (men, n = 52, 68 +/- 5.4 years, and women, n = 70, 66 +/- 5.8 years). Data for criterion validity were obtained from accelerometers. YPAS reliability ranged from r = . 44 to.80 for men and r = . 59 to . 99 for women (p < .0001). IPAQ reliability was lower for men (r = .29 to .76) than for women (r = .46 to .77). Criterion validity of the YPAS was . 31 to . 54 for men and . 26 to . 29 for women. The YPAS and short IPAQ had comparable results for reliability and criterion validity.
Perceived organizational support and work engagement

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the relationship between perceived organizational support and work engagement among employees. Using a sample of employees the primary data for the study was generated. Data analysis revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between perceived organizational support and work engagement. The meaning of this result and implications of this finding are discussed in this study.
Identification of Distinct Surface-Expressed and Intracellular CXC-Chemokine Receptor 2 Glycoforms in Neutrophils: N-Glycosylation Is Essential for Maintenance of Receptor Surface Expression1

The G protein-coupled CXC-chemokine receptor CXCR-2 mediates activation of neutrophil effector functions in response to multiple ligands, including IL-8 and neutrophil-activating peptide 2 (NAP-2). Although CXCR-2 has been successfully cloned and expressed in several cell lines, the molecular properties of the native neutrophil-expressed receptor have remained largely undefined. Here we report on the identification and characterization of distinct CXCR-2 glycoforms and their subcellular distribution in neutrophils. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses of surface-expressed receptors covalently linked to IL-8 or NAP-2 as well as in their unloaded state revealed the occurrence of a single CXCR-2 variant with an apparent size of 56 kDa. According to deglycosylation experiments surface-expressed CXCR-2 carries two N-linked 9-kDa carbohydrate moieties that are both of complex structure. In addition, two other CXCR-2 variants of 38 and 40 kDa were found to occur exclusively intracellular and to carry N-glycosylations of high mannose or hybrid type. These receptors did not participate in ligand-induced receptor trafficking, while surface-expressed CXCR-2 was internalized and re-expressed following stimulation with NAP-2. By enzymatic removal of one 9-kDa carbohydrate moiety in surface-expressed CXCR-2 we can show that neither NAP-2-induced trafficking nor signaling of the receptor is dependent on its full glycosylation. Instead, glycosylation was found to protect CXCR-2 from proteolytic attack, as even partial deglycosylation is associated with serine protease-mediated disappearance of the receptor from the neutrophil surface. Thus, although not directly involved in signaling, glycosylation appears to be required to maintain neutrophil responsiveness to CXC-chemokines during inflammation.
More connected urban roads reduce US GHG emissions

We quantify the importance of early action to tackle urban sprawl. We focus on the long-term nature of infrastructure decisions, specifically local roadways, which can lock in greenhouse gas emissions for decades to come. The location and interconnectedness of local roadways form a near-permanent backbone for the future layout of land parcels, buildings, and transportation options. We provide new estimates of the environmental impact of low-connectivity roads, characterized by cul-de-sacs and T-intersections, which we dub street-network sprawl. We find an elasticity of vehicle ownership with respect to street connectivity of –0.15—larger than suggested by previous research. We then apply this estimate to quantify the long-term emissions implications of alternative scenarios for street-network sprawl. On current trends alone, we project vehicle travel and emissions to fall by ∼3.2% over the 2015–2050 period, compared to a scenario where sprawl plateaus at its 1994 peak. Concerted policy efforts to increase street connectivity could more than triple these reductions to ∼8.8% by 2050. Longer-term reductions over the 2050–2100 period are more speculative, but could be more than 50% greater than those achieved by 2050. The longer the timescale over which mitigation efforts are considered, the more important it becomes to address the physical form of the built environment.
A 1-D Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer Imaging Array Fabricated With a Silicon-Nitride-Based Fusion Process

Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) are an alternative to the conventional method of generating ultrasound that increases bandwidths, simplifies fabrication, and facilitates the integration with necessary electronics. We report the fabrication, characterization, and initial-phased array imaging results of a 64-element array CMUT fabricated using a fusion bonding process where both the membrane and insulation layers are user deposited silicon nitride. Individual cells have a diameter of 25 μm and a membrane thickness of 500 nm. The center frequency in immersion is 6.6 MHz with a -6 dB fractional bandwidth of 123%. A 90° phased array sector scan is made of a four-wire target using a 32-element subset of the array. Pressures in excess of 2 MPa are measured. An axial resolution of 130 μm and a lateral resolution of 0.03 rad are obtained from a wire target 15 mm away from the transducer.
MicroRNA‐195 Chemosensitizes Colon Cancer Cells to the Chemotherapeutic Drug Doxorubicin by Targeting the First Binding Site of BCL2L2 mRNA

The mechanisms underlying doxorubicin (Dox) resistance in colon cancer cells are not fully understood. MicroRNA (miRNA) play important roles in tumorigenesis and drug resistance. However, the relationship between miRNA and Dox resistance in colon cancer cells has not been previously explored. In this study, we utilized microRNA array and real‐time PCR to verify that miR‐127, miR‐195, miR‐22, miR‐137 were significantly down‐regulated, while miR‐21, miR‐592 were up‐regulated in both HT29/DOX and LOVO/DOX cell lines. In vitro cell viability assay showed that knockdown of miR‐195 in HT29 and LOVO cells caused a marked inhibition of Dox‐induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, we explored that miR‐195 is involved in repression of BCL2L2 expression through targeting its 3′‐untranslated region, especially the first binding site within its mRNA. Furthermore, down‐regulation of miR‐195 conferred DOX resistance in parental cells and reduced cell apoptosis activity, while over‐expression of miR‐195 sensitized resistant cells to DOX and enhanced cell apoptosis activity, all of which can be partly rescued by BCL2L2 siRNA and cDNA expression. These results may have implications for therapeutic strategies aiming to overcome colon cancer cell resistance to Dox. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 535–545, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Pay‐for‐Performance, Employee Participation, and SME Performance

This study examines how pay‐for‐performance (PFP) systems affect the performance of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). We decompose PFP into two dimensions: scope and depth. PFP scope captures the variety of performance measures and reward types included in a firm's PFP system, and PFP depth reflects the relative amount of performance‐based pay compared with total pay. We posit that PFP scope has a positive whereas PFP depth has an inverted U‐shaped effect on employee participation, which in turn enhances SME performance. Analysis of data collected at both employee and firm levels of 444 SMEs during 1999–2006 supported these hypotheses.
Incidental emotions in moral dilemmas: The influence of emotion regulation

Recent theories have argued that emotions play a central role in moral decision-making and suggested that emotion regulation may be crucial in reducing emotion-linked biases. The present studies focused on the influence of emotional experience and individual differences in emotion regulation on moral choice in dilemmas that pit harming another person against social welfare. During these “harm to save” moral dilemmas, participants experienced mostly fear and sadness but also other emotions such as compassion, guilt, anger, disgust, regret and contempt (Study 1). Fear and disgust were more frequently reported when participants made deontological choices, whereas regret was more frequently reported when participants made utilitarian choices. In addition, habitual reappraisal negatively predicted deontological choices, and this effect was significantly carried through emotional arousal (Study 2). Individual differences in the habitual use of other emotion regulation strategies (i.e., acceptance, rumination and catastrophising) did not influence moral choice. The results of the present studies indicate that negative emotions are commonly experienced during “harm to save” moral dilemmas, and they are associated with a deontological bias. By efficiently reducing emotional arousal, reappraisal can attenuate the emotion-linked deontological bias in moral choice.
A new equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate.

BACKGROUND Equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are routinely used to assess kidney function. Current equations have limited precision and systematically underestimate measured GFR at higher values. OBJECTIVE To develop a new estimating equation for GFR: the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis with separate pooled data sets for equation development and validation and a representative sample of the U.S. population for prevalence estimates. SETTING Research studies and clinical populations ("studies") with measured GFR and NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey), 1999 to 2006. PARTICIPANTS 8254 participants in 10 studies (equation development data set) and 3896 participants in 16 studies (validation data set). Prevalence estimates were based on 16,032 participants in NHANES. MEASUREMENTS GFR, measured as the clearance of exogenous filtration markers (iothalamate in the development data set; iothalamate and other markers in the validation data set), and linear regression to estimate the logarithm of measured GFR from standardized creatinine levels, sex, race, and age. RESULTS In the validation data set, the CKD-EPI equation performed better than the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation, especially at higher GFR (P < 0.001 for all subsequent comparisons), with less bias (median difference between measured and estimated GFR, 2.5 vs. 5.5 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)), improved precision (interquartile range [IQR] of the differences, 16.6 vs. 18.3 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)), and greater accuracy (percentage of estimated GFR within 30% of measured GFR, 84.1% vs. 80.6%). In NHANES, the median estimated GFR was 94.5 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) (IQR, 79.7 to 108.1) vs. 85.0 (IQR, 72.9 to 98.5) mL/min per 1.73 m(2), and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease was 11.5% (95% CI, 10.6% to 12.4%) versus 13.1% (CI, 12.1% to 14.0%). LIMITATION The sample contained a limited number of elderly people and racial and ethnic minorities with measured GFR. CONCLUSION The CKD-EPI creatinine equation is more accurate than the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation and could replace it for routine clinical use. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
A Sard theorem for graph theory

The zero locus of a function f on a graph G is defined as the graph with vertex set consisting of all complete subgraphs of G, on which f changes sign and where x,y are connected if one is contained in the other. For d-graphs, finite simple graphs for which every unit sphere is a d-sphere, the zero locus of (f-c) is a (d-1)-graph for all c different from the range of f. If this Sard lemma is inductively applied to an ordered list functions f_1,. ,f_k in which the functions are extended on the level surfaces, the set of critical values (c_1,.,c_k) for which F-c=0 is not a (d-k)-graph is a finite set. This discrete Sard result allows to construct explicit graphs triangulating a given algebraic set. We also look at a second setup: for a function F from the vertex set to R^k, we give conditions for which the simultaneous discrete algebraic set { F=c } defined as the set of simplices of dimension in {k, k+1,. ,n} on which all f_i change sign, is a (d-k)-graph in the barycentric refinement of G. This maximal rank condition is adapted from the continuum and the graph { F=c } is a (n-k)-graph. While now, the critical values can have positive measure, we are closer to calculus: for k=2 for example, extrema of functions f under a constraint {g=c} happen at points, where the gradients of f and g are parallel D f = L D g, the Lagrange equations on the discrete network. As for an application, we illustrate eigenfunctions of geometric graphs and especially the second eigenvector of 3-spheres, which by Courant-Fiedler has exactly two nodal regions. The separating nodal surface of the second eigenfunction f_2 belonging to the smallest nonzero eigenvalue always appears to be a 2-sphere in experiments if G is a 3-sphere.
Revisiting the CAPM and the Fama-French Multi-Factor Models: Modeling Volatility Dynamics in Financial Markets

The primary objective of this dissertation is to revisit the CAPM and the FamaFrench multi-factor models with a view to evaluate the validity of the probabilistic assumptions imposed (directly or indirectly) on the particular data used. By thoroughly testing the assumptions underlying these models, several departures are found and the original linear regression models are respecified. The respecification results in a family of heterogeneous Student’s t models which are shown to account for all the statistical regularities in the data. This family of models provides an appropriate basis for revisiting the empirical adequacy of the CAPM and the Fama-French multifactor models, as well as other models, such as alternative asset pricing models and risk evaluation models. Along the lines of providing a sound basis for reliable inference, the respecified models can serve as a coherent basis for selecting the relevant factors from the set of possible ones. The latter contributes to the enhancement of the substantive adequacy of the CAPM and the multi-factor models. Revisiting the CAPM and the Fama-French Multi-Factor Models: Modeling Volatility Dynamics in Financial Markets
Stationarity and Cointegration between Health Care Expenditure and GDP for Jordan

This paper explores the Granger-causality relationship between real GDP per capita and real health care expenditure per capita for Jordan during 1995 through 2013. The findings point out that the dominant type of Granger-causality is unidirectional. Furthermore, income elasticity of health expenditure is less than 1, which means that health care is a necessary good in Jordan. To this end, policies must be aimed at raising national income to improve eventually the well-being of the population.
Plasma Dopamine β-Hydroxylase: A Possible Aid in the Study and Evaluation of Hypertension

The activity of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) in plasma ranged from 2 to 100 units per liter of plasma in 82 apparently healthy subjects (ages 22 to 35 years). A nonnormal pattern of distribution was evident: 62 subjects had values below 35 units (18 � 1), while 13 of the remaining 20 subjects had values above 60 units (80 � 5). Those with low DBH activity had lower values for urinary catecholamine excretion (31 � 3 micrograms), with normal and stable blood pressure; those with high DBH activity had higher values for urinary catecholamine excretion (72 � 6 micrograms), with greater lability of arterial blood pressure. The DBH activity was significantly elevated in patients with labile (74 � 2 mm-Hg) or fixed (57 � 2 mm-Hg) essential hypertension. The results indicate that plasma DBH activity is low and that it falls within a narrow range in young adults with normal and stable blood pressure.
Accounting in hybrid forms of capitalist/socialist enterprises: A multiple interpretative approach to the Royal Factory of Silk of San Leucio, 1802–1826

The aim of this article is to describe the role played by accounting in an industrial company in which elements of utopian socialism and capitalism co-existed. The case is the Royal Silk Factory founded by King Ferdinand IV at San Leucio, near Caserta in 1778. The article covers the years 1802–1826. In this hybrid institution, double-entry bookkeeping (DEB) was adopted to calculate the minimum profit rate owed to the capitalist shareholders, while ‘labour accounting’ measured the workers’ performance. The surplus value was shared between the enterprise and the workers. This article makes a number of contributions to the accounting history literature: First, it adds archival evidence of accounting practices in Italian industrial companies; second, it supports the close connection between DEB and capitalism; third, it shows that the accounting system is set up to reflect the different social organisation of a manufacturing company; and finally, it illustrates how the accounting system makes the wealth-generating and wealth-distributing processes accountable.
Human endogenous retrovirus type W envelope protein inhibits oligodendroglial precursor cell differentiation

Differentiation of oligodendroglial precursor cells is crucial for central nervous system remyelination and is influenced by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Recent studies showed that human endogenous retrovirus type W (HERV‐W) contributes significantly to brain damage. In particular, its envelope protein ENV can mediate injury to specific cell types of the brain and immune system. Here, we investigated whether ENV protein affects oligodendroglial differentiation.