Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mate Recognition and Sex Differences in Cuticular Hydrocarbons of the Diurnal Firefly Ellychnia corrusca (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

ABSTRACT There are several genera of diurnally active fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), and these adults generally do not produce bioluminescent signals. We investigated whether contact sex pheromones play a role in mate recognition in the diurnal firefly Ellychnia corrusca (L.). In laboratory behavioral assays, after antennal contact >70% of males attempted copulation with freeze-killed females, whereas no copulation attempts occurred when freeze-killed females had been washed with hexane. This shows that E. corrusca mate recognition relies on contact chemoreception and suggests that male mating responses are mediated by contact sex pheromones on the female cuticle. Using direct contact solid phase microextraction (SPME) and solvent extraction, we sampled cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) from both sexes of E. corrusca adults. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that SPME was more effective than solvent extraction in detecting CHCs (a two-fold increase in the number of compounds detected). Although E. corrusca males and females showed similar CHCs profiles, we documented several quantitative and qualitative differences between the sexes that may play a role in mate recognition. This report provides the first behavioral evidence for the existence of contact sex pheromones in any diurnal firefly.
A Low-Complexity Maximum-Likelihood Decoder for Tail-Biting Convolutional Codes

Due to the growing interest in applying tail-biting convolutional coding techniques in real-time communication systems, fast decoding of tail-biting convolutional codes has become an important research direction. In this paper, a new maximum-likelihood decoder for tail-biting convolutional codes is proposed. It is named bidirectional priority-first search algorithm (BiPFSA) because priority-first search algorithm has been used both in forward and backward directions during decoding. Simulations involving the antipodal transmission of (2, 1, 6) and (2, 1, 12) tail-biting convolutional codes over additive white Gaussian noise channels shows that BiPFSA not only has the least average decoding complexity among the state-of-the-art decoding algorithms for tail-biting convolutional codes but can also provide a highly stable decoding complexity with respect to growing information length and code constraint length. More strikingly, at high SNR, its average decoding complexity can even approach the ideal benchmark complexity, obtained under a perfect noise-free scenario by any sequential-type decoding. This demonstrates the superiority of BiPFSA in terms of decoding efficiency.
The Catch-22 of Predicting hERG Blockade Using Publicly Accessible Bioactivity Data

Drug-induced inhibition of the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG)-encoded potassium ion channels can lead to fatal cardiotoxicity. Several marketed drugs and promising drug candidates were recalled because of this concern. Diverse modeling methods ranging from molecular similarity assessment to quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis employing machine learning techniques have been applied to data sets of varying size and composition (number of blockers and nonblockers). In this study, we highlight the challenges involved in the development of a robust classifier for predicting the hERG end point using bioactivity data extracted from the public domain. To this end, three different modeling methods, nearest neighbors, random forests, and support vector machines, were employed to develop predictive models using different molecular descriptors, activity thresholds, and training set compositions. Our models demonstrated superior performance in external validations in comparison with those reported in the previous studies from which the data sets were extracted. The choice of descriptors had little influence on the model performance, with minor exceptions. The criteria used to filter bioactivity data, the activity threshold settings used to separate blockers from nonblockers, and the structural diversity of blockers in training data set were found to be the crucial indicators of model performance. Training sets based on a binary threshold of 1 μM/10 μM to separate blockers (IC50/ Ki ≤ 1 μM) from nonblockers (IC50/ Ki > 10 μM) provided superior performance in comparison with those defined using a single threshold (1 μM or 10 μM). A major limitation in using the public domain hERG activity data is the abundance of blockers in comparison with nonblockers at usual activity thresholds, since not many studies report the latter.
Comparing Competitive Balance in Australian Comparing Competitive Balance in Australian Comparing Sports Leagues: Does a Salary Cap and Player Sports Leagues: Does a Salary Cap and Player Sports Leagues: Does a Salar Draft Measure Up?

In the period following the introduction by the Australian Football League (AFL) of the team salary cap in 1985 and the player draft at the end of 1986, within-season competitive balance (measured by the seasonal distribution of team win percentages) has increased. This paper continues the investigation into whether the improvement in competitive balance in the AFL can be attributed to these labour market changes by examining competitive balance outcomes and labour market changes in two other Australian sports leagues, the National Basketball League (NBL) and the National Rugby League (NRL). The measurement of competitive balance in this paper is extended to include a simple measure of betweenseason competitive balance, namely the distribution of championships/ premierships amongst teams/clubs. The evidence suggests that since 1985 within-season competitive balance, as measured by actual standard deviation/idealised standard deviation (ASD/ISD) ratios, has increased slightly in all three leagues. The NRL has been the most balanced and the NBL the least balanced, both pre- and post-1985. The distribution of championships/premierships is, in general, also more even in the post1985 period in all three leagues. The most signifi cant labour market change in both the NBL and the NRL post-1985 is their adoption of a team salary cap. Thus, the evidence on competitive balance is consistent with the view that the introduction of a team salary cap in all three leagues has improved competitive balance since 1985. However, since 1985 there has also been net expansion in the number of clubs/teams in all three leagues, and a considerable turnover in both the NBL and the NRL, but not the AFL. The expansion and contraction of the leagues is compared with changes in their competitive balance, leading to the conclusion that the number and, in particular, the location of teams/clubs also affects competitive balance.
Knowledge of Risk Factors and Complications of Diabetes in the Indian Ethnic Population of Malaysia Undiagnosed to Have Diabetes

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus along with its dreaded complications is increasing worldwide. The awareness of knowledge of diabetes in the community is important, so that steps can be taken to prevent it and its complications. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of risk factors and complications of diabetes among peoples of Indian ethnic origin in Malaysia who were not known to have diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among adult people (≥18 years) attending for health check-up in a community service centre at Cheras which is one of the district of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Data was collected using a predesigned semi-structured questionnaire with face-to-face interview after taking informed written consent from 76 respondents. Results: The mean percentage of correct response on risk factors and complications were 73.2%, and 74.4% respectively. Median age of the participants was 47.5 years (SD 1.4); the majority of the participants were females (69.7%) and the median body mass index was 26.6 (SD 5.5). Conclusion: This study indicates that the non-diabetic Indian population residing in urban area of Malaysia displayed satisfactory knowledge regarding the risk factors and complications of diabetes.
PENGARUH RISIKO KREDIT DAN EFISIENSI OPERASIONAL TERHADAP KINERJA BANK (Studi Empirik pada Bank yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia)

Penelitian ini menguji pengaruh risiko kredit dan efisiensi operasional, terhadap kinerja bank yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia periode 2007-2010. Risiko kredit diproksi dengan Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR), dan efisiensi operasional diproksi dengan Capital Adecuacy Ratio (CAR) dan Biaya Operasi (BOPO), sedangkan kinerja bank diproksi dengan Return on Asset (ROA). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi faktor mana, dari risiko kredit dan efisiensi operasi yang pengaruhnya lebih besar terhadap kinerja bank. Sampel yang diambil dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 96 perusahaan perbankan selama tahun 20072010, yang dipilih dengan metode purposive sampling. Untuk mendapatkan informasi yang dibutuhkan dilakukan proses pengumpulan data melalui dokumentasi. Tehnik analisis data dilakukan dengan analisis regresi linier berganda, untuk mengetahui adanya pengaruh CAR, BOPO, dan LDR terhadap ROA. Hasil analisis menunjukan bahwa rasio keuangan, yang terdiri dari rasio CAR dan LDR berpengaruh positif tetapi tidak signifikan terhadap ROA. Sedangkan BOPO berpengaruh negative dan signifikan terhadap ROA. Kemampuan prediksi dari tiga variabel tersebut terhadap ROA sebesar 18,8% sebagaimana yang telah ditunjukan oleh adjusted R square sebesar 0,188. This study examined the effect of credit risk and operational efficiency on the performance of banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange between 2007-2010.Credit risk proxied by Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR), and operational efficiency proxied by Capital Adecuacy Ratio (CAR) and Operating Costs (BOPO), while the bank's performance proxied by Return on Assets (ROA). The purpose of this study was to identify which factors, from credit risk and operating efficiencies greatest influence on the performance of banks. Samples taken in this study were 96 banking companies during the years 2007 to 2010, were selected by purposive sampling method. To get the required information, performed the data collection process through documentation. Technical data was analyzed by linear regression analysis, to determine the influence of CAR, BOPO, LDR toward ROA. The results of the analysis showed that the financial ratios, which consists of the ratio of CAR and LDR positive effect but not significant to ROA. While BOPO negative and significant effect on ROA. Predictive ability of the three variables on ROA of 18.8% as has been shown by the adjusted R-square of 0,188.
Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Coinfected with HIV and Hepatitis C Virus Receiving Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate and Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir in a Real-World, Urban, Ryan White Clinic.

Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF), an antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), an antiretroviral for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), may be coadministered in patients coinfected with these viruses. A drug interaction between LDV and TDF could increase TDF-associated nephrotoxicity rates; however, there is minimal clinical evidence describing acute kidney injury (AKI) rates in this population. This study was conducted at a Ryan White-funded facility in Atlanta, Georgia, that cares for over 5,000 patients with AIDS. This retrospective cohort used chart review to assess occurrence of and risk factors for AKI in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients receiving LDV/SOF and antiretroviral therapy (ART). AKI rates were compared between TDF-containing and non-TDF-containing ART groups according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Additional evaluated risk factors for AKI included chronic kidney disease and use of boosted protease inhibitor-based ART. In the 117 included patients, the overall incidence of AKI was 27.3%. AKI occurred more frequently in the non-TDF group (13/86, 15.1% vs. 19/31, 61.3%, p < .001). All AKI was KDIGO stage 1. From multivariable logistic regression, the only independent predictor of AKI was treatment with non-TDF relative to TDF (adjusted odds ratio 6.51, 95% confidence interval 2.34-18.10, p < .001). In this real-world cohort of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, KDIGO-defined AKI was common, but occurred less frequently in patients receiving TDF-based ART. Our study suggests that patients with normal baseline renal function can be safely treated with TDF and LDV/SOF without significant nephrotoxicity if renal function is closely monitored.
Genetic Optimization Algorithm for Metabolic Engineering Revisited

To date, several independent methods and algorithms exist for exploiting constraint-based stoichiometric models to find metabolic engineering strategies that optimize microbial production performance. Optimization procedures based on metaheuristics facilitate a straightforward adaption and expansion of engineering objectives, as well as fitness functions, while being particularly suited for solving problems of high complexity. With the increasing interest in multi-scale models and a need for solving advanced engineering problems, we strive to advance genetic algorithms, which stand out due to their intuitive optimization principles and the proven usefulness in this field of research. A drawback of genetic algorithms is that premature convergence to sub-optimal solutions easily occurs if the optimization parameters are not adapted to the specific problem. Here, we conducted comprehensive parameter sensitivity analyses to study their impact on finding optimal strain designs. We further demonstrate the capability of genetic algorithms to simultaneously handle (i) multiple, non-linear engineering objectives; (ii) the identification of gene target-sets according to logical gene-protein-reaction associations; (iii) minimization of the number of network perturbations; and (iv) the insertion of non-native reactions, while employing genome-scale metabolic models. This framework adds a level of sophistication in terms of strain design robustness, which is exemplarily tested on succinate overproduction in Escherichia coli.
Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Is Associated with Carotid Atherosclerosis in People with Type 2 Diabetes

Aims Red cell distribution width (RDW) has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The relationship between RDW and carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, has been inconsistent in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors. In this study, we investigated the relationship between RDW and carotid atherosclerosis in people with type 2 diabetes. Methods Four hundred sixty-nine people with type 2 diabetes without history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases were enrolled. Anthropometric measures and various biochemical parameters including RDW were assessed. Ultrasonographic measurement of carotid intima-media thickness was used to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis. Results The participants were stratified into 3 groups according to RDW. The C-IMT increased gradually according to RDW tertiles (lowest, second, highest RDW tertiles; 0.740 ± 0.120, 0.772 ± 0.138, and 0.795 ± 0.139, respectively; p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that RDW was associated with C-IMT in people with type 2 diabetes, and it remained significant after control for various cardiovascular risk factors including body mass index, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and smoking status in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion RDW is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis assessed by carotid IMT after control of various covariates in people with type 2 diabetes without cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases.
Numerical simulations of super-critical black hole accretion flows in general relativity

A new general relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamical code KORAL, is described, which employs the M1 scheme to close the radiation moment equations. The code has been successfully verified against a number of tests. Axisymmetric simulations of super-critical magnetized accretion on a non-rotating black hole (a=0.0) and a spinning black hole (a=0.9) are presented. The accretion rates in the two models are \dot M = 100-200 \dot M_Edd. These first general relativistic simulations of super-critical black hole accretion are potentially relevant to tidal disruption events and hyper-accreting supermassive black holes in the early universe. Both simulated models are optically and geometrically thick, and have funnels through which energy escapes in the form of relativistic gas, Poynting flux and radiative flux. The jet is significantly more powerful in the a=0.9 run. The net energy outflow rate in the two runs correspond to efficiencies of 5% (a=0) and 33% (a=0.9), as measured with respect to the mass accretion rate at the black hole. These efficiencies agree well with those measured in previous simulations of non-radiative geometrically thick disks. Furthermore, in the a=0.9 run, the outflow power appears to originate in the spinning black hole, suggesting that the associated physics is again similar in non-radiative and super-critical accretion flows. While the two simulations are efficient in terms of total energy outflow, both runs are radiatively inefficient. Their luminosities are only \sim 1-10 L_Edd, which corresponds to a radiative efficiency \sim 0.1%. Interestingly, most of the radiative luminosity emerges through the funnels, which subtend a very small solid angle. Therefore, measured in terms of a local radiative flux, the emitted radiation is highly super-Eddington.
The Identification of Acute Post Streptococcus Glomerulonephritis Risk Factors in Children

Introduction: Acute Post Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (APSGN) is one of the most common cause of glomerular disease in children in developing countries, including Indonesia. Therefore, it is important to know the various risk factors that affect the incidence of APSGN, so the early diagnosis can be established. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the risk factors of APSGN in children. The data were collected from medical records of APSGN patients hospitalized in Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar from January 2010 to December 2014. Results: There are 137 samples consisted of 86 (62.8%) APSGN cases and 51 (37.2%) of Non-APSGN cases. The bivariate analyses revealed that there were 5 variables that associated to APSGN: age ≥5 years (p = 0.000; COR 35,42 with 95% CI (4.51-278.27)), malnutrition (p = 0.000; COR 6.77 with 95% CI (3.14 – 14.61)), low socioeconomic status (p = 0.000, COR 17.94 with 95% CI (7.45 – 43.21)), less maternal's education level (p = 0.000; COR 18.95 with 95% CI (7.63 – 47.11)) and the rainy season (p = 0.003; COR 2.91 with 95% CI (1.41 – 5.99 )). The multivariate analyses revealed that there were 4 variables associated with APSGN: age ≥5 years (p=0.019; AOR = 14.36), low socioeconomic status (p=0,005; AOR 5.25), less maternal's education level (p=0.004; AOR=5.54) and rainy season (p=0.03; AOR=3.05). Conclusions: The risk factors of APSGN in children were: age ≥5 years, low socioeconomic status, less maternal's education level and rainy season.
Development of garment with elastic straps and pressure applicator in mechanotherapy to correct children’s genu valgum

Genu valgum (GV), also known as valgus knee, or knock-knee, is a common orthopedic condition in growing children, the prevalence is approximately 7%. 1 In 2 to 6 year-old children, valgus knee is quite normal within certain limits of tibiofemoral angle (TFA),2 which is defined as the angle between the anatomical axis of femur with the anatomical axis of tibia),3 and it is expressed indirectly as intercondylar distance and intermalleolar distance (IMD). 4 Physiological GV in childhood have IMD of up to 8cm, the greatest distance being observed between 3 and 4 years,5 disappearing gradually after the age of 7-8 years.6 If the longitudinal axis of the knee joint is not aligned by then, and the IMD is more than 5cm,7 physiotherapeutic intervention is called for. The degree of GV has a significant effect on the development of growing pains8 and orthrosis because the imposed loads are no longer equally distributed between the outer and the inner halves of the knee.9 This is the best time-period for deflexion correction.10 Optimal dosage of mechanical therapies can stimulate the body’s condition and properties in the desired direction, while reducing the duration of the impaction process.11 The musculoskeletal system adapts to physical influences or lack thereof, which in turn affects the biomechanical function of the musculoskeletal system. Asymmetrically effective forces cause asymmetric growth and may cause both deformation of the joints to deepen. The components of the musculoskeletal system are particularly susceptible to these forces during the rapid growth period. This is also the best time to correct any abnormalities.10
Welfare Implications of an Aging Population In Korea

This paper examines macroeconomic impacts of population aging in Korea using a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of Auerbach-Kotlikoff (AK) type. The conventional AK model is extended in order to incorporate open economy features and endogenous fertility choices. By applying this model to the current demographic structure of Korea, we obtain the following results. First, welfare implications of population aging are rather complicated, since there are both winners and losers. While current and future young generations will be harmed by population aging, current elderly generations benefit from the trend. Second, policy responses to population aging should be considered with great caution. Fertility promoting policies, for instance, may entail substantial redistribution of resources among individuals from current and future generations. Third, opening up the domestic capital market may be less controversial but a more effective policy response. By reducing fluctuations in the interest and wage rates caused by population aging, capital market integration can moderate welfare variations among different generations.
Examining the Transition to a Four-Day School Week and Investigating Post-Change Faculty/Staff Work-Life Balance: A Community College Case Study.

This single descriptive embedded case study examined the process of implementing a four-day work/school week at a community college and investigated post-change faculty/staff work-life balance. All of the students attending this college live at home. The change was implemented due to state funding shortfalls, increasing college utility expenses and low employee morale. Additionally, this study resulted in a set of guidelines that can be used by change agents of similar colleges to implement this change. Moreover, the study describes the positive and negative aspects associated with the shorter work/school week. On a positive note, the schedule facilitates making personal appointments, volunteer work, improves work-life balance, provides longer more restful weekends, increases employee morale, productivity, performance, and reduces commuting expenses. On a negative note, the schedule requires employees to work longer days, increases daily work-related stress, reduces weekday family time and creates work/daycare schedule conflicts. Furthermore, the study found that faculty/staff work-life balance improved the most for employees ages 25-44. The study recommends that college leaders interested in implementing the same change create an alternative four-day work schedule for essential weekend employees in order to provide them similar work-life balance benefits. Most importantly, college leaders should work with human resources officials to create flexible working hours and telecommuting policies to implement along with this schedule. Finally, administrators should assure that employees do not work longer than nine hours per day to prevent burnout, work with employees to solve work/daycare schedule conflicts and that all college stakeholders participate in the change process.