Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consensus speed optimisation with finite leadership perturbation in k-nearest neighbour networks

Near-optimal convergence speeds are found for perturbed networked systems, with N interacting agents that conform to k-nearest neighbour (k-NNR) connection rules, by allocating a finite leadership resource amongst selected nodes. These nodes continue averaging their state with that of their neighbours while being provided with the resources to drive the network to a new state. Such systems are represented by a directed graph Laplacian with two newly presented semi-analytical approaches used to maximise the consensus speed. The two methods developed typically produce near-optimal results and are highly efficient when compared with conventional numerical optimisation, where the asymptotic computational complexity is O(n3) and O(n4) respectively. The upper limit for the convergence speed of a perturbed k-NNR network is identified as the largest element of the first left eigenvector (FLE) of a graph's adjacency matrix. The first semi-analytical method exploits this knowledge by distributing leadership resources amongst the most prominent nodes highlighted by this FLE. The second method relies on the FLEs of manipulated versions of the adjacency matrix to expose different communities of influential nodes. These are shown to correspond with the communities found by the Leicht-Newman detection algorithm, with this method enabling optimal leadership selection even in low outdegree (<; 12 connections) graphs, where the first semi-analytical method is less effective.
The effects of elevated hearing thresholds on performance in a paintball simulation of individual dismounted combat

Abstract Objective: To examine the relationship between hearing acuity and operational performance in simulated dismounted combat. Design: Individuals wearing hearing loss simulation systems competed in a paintball-based exercise where the objective was to be the last player remaining. Four hearing loss profiles were tested in each round (no hearing loss, mild, moderate and severe) and four rounds were played to make up a match. This allowed counterbalancing of simulated hearing loss across participants. Study sample: Forty-three participants across two data collection sites (Fort Detrick, Maryland and the United States Military Academy, New York). All participants self-reported normal hearing except for two who reported mild hearing loss. Results: Impaired hearing had a greater impact on the offensive capabilities of participants than it did on their “survival”, likely due to the tendency for individuals with simulated impairment to adopt a more conservative behavioural strategy than those with normal hearing. Conclusions: These preliminary results provide valuable insights into the impact of impaired hearing on combat effectiveness, with implications for the development of improved auditory fitness-for-duty standards, the establishment of performance requirements for hearing protection technologies, and the refinement of strategies to train military personnel on how to use hearing protection in combat environments.
Attachment orientations and psychological adjustment of parents of children with cancer: A matched-group comparison

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the impact of childhood cancer on parents' adult attachment, social support, marital adjustment, anxiety, and depression. Methods: 30 parents of children with childhood cancer and 30 matched controls completed the following questionnaires: Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised, Dyadic Adjustment Scale-4, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory – form Y, and Beck Depression Inventory. Results: Parents of children with childhood cancer had a significantly lower dyadic adjustment than controls, and higher levels of insecure-avoidant attachment, state anxiety, and depression. Conclusion: It is important for health-care personnel to take into account these parents' propensity to show increased levels of avoidant attachment during children's treatment to foster effective communication and supportive relationships between clinicians, pediatric patients, and parents.
High heterogeneity of Apolipoprotein E gene frequencies in South American Indians

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism was investigated in 186 individuals from six South American Indian tribes, and the results integrated with those previously presented for this ethnic group. The three APOE alleles commonly reported in other populations were also observed in South Amerindians with a highly heterogeneous distribution. As in other populations, APOE*3 was the most common allele (51-98%) followed by APOE*4 (2-47%). These two isoforms were identified in all tribes, but APOE*2 was observed among the Wai Wai (2%) and Mataco (4%) only. No previous indications of inter-ethnic admixture were observed among the Wai Wai, but the introduction of this allele among the Mataco through non-Indian sources cannot be excluded. An 186 Angehorigen sechs sudamerikanischer Indianerstamme wurde der Apolipoprotein E (APOE)-Polymorphismus untersucht. Die Ergebnisse werden im Zusammenhang mit bereits bekannten Ergebnissen fur diese ethnische Gruppe diskutiert. Die drei APOE-Allele, die im allgemeinen in anderen Bevolkerungen vorkommen, wurden mit einer sehr heterogenen Verteilung auch bei den sudamerikanischen Indianern beobachtet. Wie in anderen Bevolkerungen war das APOE*3-Allel das haufigste (51-98%), gefolgt vom APOE*4-Allel (2-47%). Diese zwei Allele wurden bei allen Stammen beobachtet, das APOE*2-Allel wurde dagegen nur bei den Wai Wai (2%) und den Mataco (4%) gefunden. Wahrend eine Einfuhrung dieses Allels aus nicht indianischen Quellen bei den Mataco nicht ausgeschlossen werden kann, gab es fur die Wai Wai bisher keine Anhaltspunkte fur eine inter-ethnische Durchmischung. Le polymorphisme de l'alipoproteine E (APOE) a ete analyse chez 186 individus de six tribus indiennes d'Amerique du Sud et les resultats ont ete integres a ceux deja connus pour ces groupes ethniques. Les trois alleles APOE frequemment rencontres dans d'autres populations, sont egalement observes parmi les amerindiens d'Amerique du Sud, avec une distribution extremement heterogene. Comme ailleures, l'allele APOE*3 est le plus repandu (51-98%), suivi par l'APOE*4 (2-47%). Ces deux isoformes ont ete identifiees dans toutes les tribus, mais APOE*2 a seulement ete observe chez les Wai Wai (2%) et chez les Mataco (4%). On n'a pas d'informations qui appuieraient l'existence de melange inter-ethnique chez les Wai Wai, mais l'introduction de cet allele chez les Mataco par l'intermediaire de sources non indiennes, ne peut etre exclue.
Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) - 2013 Assessment of Black Sea stocks (STECF 13-20)

The Expert Working Group meeting of the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries EWG 13-12 was held from 30 September – 4 October 2013 in Ispra, Italy to assess the status of demersal and small pelagic stocks in the Mediterranean Sea against the proposed FMSY reference point. The report was reviewed by the STECF by written procedure in October 2013. How to obtain EU publications Our priced publications are available from EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu), where you can place an order with the sales agent of your choice. The Publications Office has a worldwide network of sales agents. You can obtain their contact details bysending a fax to (352) 29 29-42758.
Effect of somatic cell count and stage of lactation on the quality and storage life of ultra high temperature milk

Summary The effects of bulk milk cell count (BMCC) and stage of lactation on the quality and storage characteristics of UHT milk were investigated. The UHT milk was manufactured in a pilot plant using milk of low BMCC from early and late lactation, and milk of high BMCC from early and late lactation. Upon storage at 20°C, early lactation UHT milk gelled far ahead of late lactation milk. Within each stage of lactation, high BMCC milk tended to gel first. Few differences in the organoleptic properties of the UHT milks were observed. It was apparent that the onset of age gelation may not always be related directly to the level of proteolysis, and that other factors influencing milk composition and the reactions between milk components may play more important roles. At a particular stage of lactation, proteolysis induced by mastitis may hasten the onset of gelation.
Union and Debt: Evidence from Chinese Private Firms

Abstract Do unions really matter in China? Using a dataset containing more than 110 thousand Chinese private manufacturing firms, this paper is the first attempt to examine how unions' bargaining power affects firms' capital structures. We find that: (1) the firms' debt levels are often positively associated with their unions' bargaining powers; (2) when a firm is in financial distress, the management is more likely to issue more debt to strengthen its bargaining power against the union and increase its residual income; (3) compared with long-term debt, short-term debt is a better option for the management to increase its bargaining power and residual income. Our research indicates that the unions of private Chinese firms are an important policy instrument for the management rather than useless decorations, which provides valuable insights for us to understand the employee–employer relations and firms' capital structures in emerging economies.
Effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on vascular conductance during high speed treadmill exercise in rats

To determine the functional role of nitric oxide (NO) in regulating vascular conductance during high intensity dynamic exercise in skeletal muscles composed of all major fibre types, female Wistar rats (277 ± 4 g; n= 7) were run on a motor‐driven treadmill at a speed and gradient (60 m min‐1, 10% gradient) established to yield maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2,max). Vascular conductance (ml min‐1 (100g)‐1 mmHg‐1), defined as blood flow normalised to mean arterial pressure (MAP), was determined using radiolabelled microspheres during exercise before and after NO synthase (NOS) inhibition with NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME; 10 mg kg‐1, i.a.). The administration of l‐NAME increased MAP from pre‐l‐NAME baseline values, demonstrating that NOS activity is reduced. The administration of l‐NAME also reduced vascular conductance in 20 of the 28 individual hindlimb muscles or muscle parts examined during high speed treadmill exercise. These reductions in vascular conductance correlated linearly with the estimated sum of the percentage of slow twitch oxidative (SO) and fast twitch oxidative glycolytic (FOG) types of fibres in each muscle (Δconductance = ‐0.0082(%SO +%FOG) ‐ 0.0105; r= 0.66; P < 0.001). However, if the reduction in vascular conductance found in the individual hindquarter muscles or muscle parts was expressed as a percentage decrease from the pre‐l‐NAME value (%Δ= (pre‐l‐NAME conductance — post‐l‐NAME conductance)/pre‐l‐NAME conductance × 100), then the reduction in vascular conductance was similar in all muscles examined (average %Δ= ‐23 ± 2%). These results suggest that NO contributes substantially to the regulation of vascular conductance within and among muscles of the rat hindquarter during high intensity exercise. When expressed in absolute terms, the results suggest that the contribution of NO to the regulation of vascular conductance during high intensity exercise is greater in muscles that possess a high oxidative capacity. In contrast, if results are expressed in relative terms, then the contribution of NO to the regulation of vascular conductance during high intensity exercise is similar across the different locomotor muscles located in the rat hindlimb and independent of the fibre type composition.
Amplicon‐based high‐throughput pooled sequencing identifies mutations in CYP7B1 and SPG7 in sporadic spastic paraplegia patients

Schlipf NA, Schüle R, Klimpe S, Karle KN, Synofzik M, Schicks J, Riess O, Schöls L, Bauer P. Amplicon‐based high‐throughput pooled sequencing identifies mutations in CYP7B1 and SPG7 in sporadic spastic paraplegia patients.
Purification of Polymeric Biomaterials

Abstract: Employing a combined filtration and precipitation method, the endotoxin concentration in sodium alginate (SA) and sodium cellulose sulfate (SCS) was reduced to a value of 200 EU/g polymer. This is one tenth of the regulatory threshold calculated, for example, for an appropriate bioartificial pancreas that consists of approximately 420,000 encapsulated islets of Langerhans. The low endotoxin (ET) levels were maintained below this threshold during a six‐month storage period. The purification procedure of the polymers did not negatively influence the final microcapsule properties. The mechanical stability of microcapsules from purified material is even slightly higher than that of microcapsules from the original polymers. A second approach to avoid endotoxin release from the device is its direct complexation during the bead or capsule formation process. The durability of endotoxin binding in binary, ternary, and quaternary complexes could be demonstrated for storage in culture medium and saline. Very low total endotoxin release from the complexes was detected after three months in culture medium and five months in saline. This complexation is primarily based on electrostatic interactions with the participating cationic components and provides additional security for the final bioartificial organ or delivery device.
The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Rev protein and the Rev-responsive element counteract the effect of an inhibitory 5' splice site in a 3' untranslated region

A 5' splice site located in a 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) has been shown previously to inhibit gene expression. Natural examples of inhibitory 5' splice sites have been identified in the late 3'UTRs of papillomaviruses and are thought to inhibit viral late gene expression at early stages of the viral life cycle. In this study, we demonstrate that the interaction of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Rev protein with the Rev-responsive element (RRE) overcomes the inhibitory effects of a 5' splice site located within a 3'UTR. This was studied by using both a bovine papillomavirus type 1 L1 cDNA expression vector and a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase expression vector containing a 5' splice site in the 3'UTR. In both systems, coexpression of Rev enhanced cytoplasmic expression from vectors containing the RRE even when the RRE and the inhibitory 5' splice site were separated by up to 1,000 nucleotides. In addition, multiple copies of a 5' splice site in a 3'UTR were shown to act synergistically, and this effect could also be moderated by the interaction of Rev and the RRE. These studies provide additional evidence that at least one mechanism of Rev action is through interactions with the splicing machinery. We have previously shown that base pairing between the U1 small nuclear RNA and a 3'UTR 5' splice site is required for inhibition of gene expression. However, experiments by J. Kjems and P. A. Sharp (J. Virol. 67:4769-4776, 1993) have suggested that Rev acts on spliceosome assembly at a stage after binding of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein to the 5' splice site. This finding suggests that binding of additional small nuclear ribonucleoproteins, as well as other splicing factors, may be necessary for the inhibitory action of a 3'UTR 5' splice site. These data also suggest that expression of the papillomavirus late genes in terminally differentiated keratinocytes can be regulated by a viral or cellular Rev-like activity.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Specific CD8+ T-Cell Activity Is Detectable from Birth in the Majority of In Utero-Infected Infants

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected infants in sub-Saharan Africa typically progress to AIDS or death by 2 years of life in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. This rapid progression to HIV disease has been related to immaturity of the adaptive immune response in infants. We screened 740 infants born to HIV-infected mothers and tracked development and specificity of HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in 63 HIV-infected infants identified using gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunospot assays and intracellular cytokine staining. Forty-four in utero-infected and 19 intrapartum-infected infants were compared to 45 chronically infected children >2 years of age. Seventy percent (14 of 20) in utero-infected infants tested within the first week of life demonstrated HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses. Gag, Pol, and Nef were the principally targeted regions in chronic pediatric infection. However, Env dominated the overall response in one-third (12/36) of the acutely infected infants, compared to only 2/45 (4%) of chronically infected children (P = 0.00083). Gag-specific CD4+ T-cell responses were minimal to undetectable in the first 6 months of pediatric infection. These data indicate that failure to control HIV replication in in utero-infected infants is not due to an inability to induce responses but instead suggest secondary failure of adaptive immunity in containing this infection. Moreover, the detection of virus-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in the first days of life in most in utero-infected infants is encouraging for HIV vaccine interventions in infants.
Virtual reconstruction and description of the cranial endocast of Pristerodon mackayi (Therapsida, Anomodontia)

The cranial endocast of Pristerodon mackayi is described, which has been virtually reconstructed on the basis of neutron tomographic data. The gross anatomy of the cranial endocast of Pristerodon resembles other nonmammalian synapsids such as Thrinaxodon liorhinus in having a narrow, tubular forebrain, well developed olfactory bulbs, a large parietal foramen and unossified zone. As it is the case in cynodonts the hindbrain of Pristerodon is broader than the mid‐ and forebrain. Large paraflocculi are developed. The medulla oblongata can be well distinguished from the pons. The pons is divided by a median ridge into two portions. There is no evidence for a neocortex, which seems to be also reflected in the low encephalization quotient of 0.18 estimated according to the method of Eisenberg. J. Morphol. 276:1089–1099, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investment and Insider Trading

We study insider trading in a dynamic setting. Rational, but uninformed, traders choose between investment projects with different levels of insider trading Insider trading distorts investment toward assets with less private information. However, when investment is sufficiently information elastic, insider trading can be welfare-enhancing because of more informative prices. When insiders repeatedly receive information, they trade to reveal it when investment is information elastic because good news increases investment and hence future insider profits. Thus, more information is revealed and uninformed agents are exploited less frequently by insiders. Both effects are Pareto-improving. Finally, we consider various insider-trading regulations. Article published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Financial Studies in its journal, The Review of Financial Studies.
Current practices for teacher leadership development within Christian schools

The purpose of this study was to determine the understanding of teachers and principals regarding teacher leadership in K-8 Christian schools in Southern California, U.S.A. The study further investigated practices for, and factors that enhance, or impede teacher leadership development. All schools were accredited by Association of Christian Schools International. This study examined the perceptions of 12 principals and 24 teachers, utilizing a semi-structured 9-question interview protocol. Each in-depth interview was conducted on site, averaging 45 minutes per person. Other data collection methods included a review of official school documents, and observational notes. Demographic data of respondents were also collected via a short survey. Qualitative data analysis revealed 4 over-arching themes: acting on servant leadership qualities, purpose-driven work life, value for professional and spiritual growth, and community-building. These themes and the study’s findings, support 6 conclusions: First, there were differences of opinion regarding the definition of teacher leadership. Twenty (55.6%) respondents defined teacher leadership as encompassing roles within and beyond the classroom, 12 (33.3%) respondents defined teacher leadership as implying officially assigned roles outside the classroom, while others (11.1%) perceived teacher leadership at 2 levels, formal and informal leadership. Second there were no noted differences between principals’ and teachers’ perceptions within each school, nor observed differences by age of respondent, teaching experience, or academic attainment. Third, Christian school principals and teachers share the belief that teaching is a “calling. ” They perceive that their role is to model the Christian life and take responsibility for the academic and spiritual development of students. Fourth, there is no
Dysphagia in Children with Esophageal Atresia: Current Diagnostic Options

Abstract Dysphagia or swallowing disorder is very common (range, 15–52%) in patients with esophageal atresia. Children present with a wide range of symptoms. The most common diagnostic tools to evaluate esophageal dysphagia, such as upper barium study and manometry, aim to characterize anatomy and function of the esophageal body and the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). Using these technologies, a variety of pathological motor patterns have been identified in children with esophageal atresia. However, the most challenging part of diagnosing patients with esophageal dysphagia lies in the fact that these methods fail to link functional symptoms such as dysphagia with the esophageal motor disorders observed. A recent method, called pressure-flow analysis (PFA), uses simultaneously acquired impedance and manometry measurements, and applies an integrated analysis of these recordings to derive quantitative pressure-flow metrics. These pressure-flow metrics allow detection of the interplay between bolus flow, motor patterns, and symptomatology by combining data on bolus transit and bolus flow resistance. Based on a dichotomous categorization, flow resistance at the EGJ and ineffective esophageal bolus transit can be determined. This method has the potential to guide therapeutic decisions for esophageal dysmotility in pediatric patients with esophageal atresia.
RNA-directed DNA methylation induces transcriptional activation in plants

A class-C floral homeotic gene of Petunia, pMADS3, is specifically expressed in the stamen and carpels of developing flowers. We had previously reported the ect-pMADS3 phenomenon in which introduction of a part of the pMADS3 genomic sequence, including intron 2, induces ectopic expression of endogenous pMADS3. Unlike transcriptional or posttranscriptional gene silencing triggered by the introduction of homologous sequences, this observation is unique in that the gene expression is up-regulated. In this study, we demonstrated that the ect-pMADS3 phenomenon is due to transcriptional activation based on RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) occurring in a particular CG in a putative cis-element in pMADS3 intron 2. The CG methylation was maintained over generations, along with pMADS3 ectopic expression, even in the absence of RNA triggers. These results demonstrate a previously undescribed transcriptional regulatory mechanism that could lead to the generation of a transcriptionally active epiallele, thereby contributing to plant evolution. Our results also reveal a putative negative cis-element for organ-specific transcriptional regulation of class-C floral homeotic genes, which could be difficult to identify by other approaches.