Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fatty Acid Diversity is Not Associated with Neutral Genetic Diversity in Native Populations of the Biodiesel Plant Jatropha curcas L.

Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a shrub native to Mexico and Central America, which produces seeds with a high oil content that can be converted to biodiesel. The genetic diversity of this plant has been widely studied, but it is not known whether the diversity of the seed oil chemical composition correlates with neutral genetic diversity. The total seed oil content, the diversity of profiles of fatty acids and phorbol esters were quantified, also, the genetic diversity obtained from simple sequence repeats was analyzed in native populations of J. curcas in Mexico. Using the fatty acids profiles, a discriminant analysis recognized three groups of individuals according to geographical origin. Bayesian assignment analysis revealed two genetic groups, while the genetic structure of the populations could not be explained by isolation‐by‐distance. Genetic and fatty acid profile data were not correlated based on Mantel test. Also, phorbol ester content and genetic diversity were not associated. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that total oil content was associated with altitude and seasonality of temperature. The content of unsaturated fatty acids was associated with altitude. Therefore, the cultivation planning of J. curcas should take into account chemical variation related to environmental factors.
Nest-site Preferences of Common Buzzard , Buteo buteo ( Linnaeus , 1758 ) , from Eastern Romania

The common buzzard is one of the most common birds of prey on the Balkans. Although it is a widespread species, its population and ecology are poorly studied in this region. During the 2012 breeding season we studied, for the first time in Eastern Romania, nest occupancy and fledging rate of Buteo buteo. We found that common buzzards used mature oak (30%), beech (30%) and lime trees (25%) in which they build their nests at heights always greater than 8 m. The data on nest sites did not show any pattern related to altitude for this hilly region. Buzzards built their nests in areas with low slopes, without selecting specific environments. Areas, which were close to the forest edge (less than 1 km) and more than 1 km away from human settlements were more suitable for nesting sites. We found a relatively high fledging rate (2 ± 0.12), outlining this eastern part of Romania as an important area for sustaining the species population.
Customer Satisfaction Heterogeneity and Shareholder Value

It is widely recognized that business growth and shareholder value are engineered on the basis of investments aimed at acquiring and retaining customers. Along with this premise, however, the literature reveals a growing recognition that the manner in which important customer-based outcomes are constructed in the short term has vital implications for long-term firm performance. Adopting the view that customer satisfaction is a stochastic marketplace asset, the authors advance a mean-variance perspective that enables them to test two conjectures: (1) Objective service quality and advertising affect not only the level of customer satisfaction but also the heterogeneity in customer satisfaction, and (2) shareholder value is shaped by the interplay of satisfaction level and heterogeneity, through their impact on retention sales, acquisition sales, and servicing costs. The authors test these conjectures using secondary data from diverse sources that describe the dynamics in the U.S. airlines industry during a nine-year period (1997–2005). The results, derived from estimating structural models that account for the impact of several meaningful control variables, provide strong support for both conjectures. Importantly, the findings indicate that the return on satisfaction to shareholder value decreases by almost 70% in going from low to high satisfaction heterogeneity; at the same time, increasing levels of satisfaction heterogeneity serves to reduce the volatility in shareholder value.
Two-temperature logistic regression based on the Tsallis divergence

We develop a variant of multiclass logistic regression that is significantly more robust to noise. The algorithm has one weight vector per class and the surrogate loss is a function of the linear activations (one per class). The surrogate loss of an example with linear activation vector $\mathbf{a}$ and class $c$ has the form $-\log_{t_1} \exp_{t_2} (a_c - G_{t_2}(\mathbf{a}))$ where the two temperatures $t_1$ and $t_2$ ''temper'' the $\log$ and $\exp$, respectively, and $G_{t_2}(\mathbf{a})$ is a scalar value that generalizes the log-partition function. We motivate this loss using the Tsallis divergence. Our method allows transitioning between non-convex and convex losses by the choice of the temperature parameters. As the temperature $t_1$ of the logarithm becomes smaller than the temperature $t_2$ of the exponential, the surrogate loss becomes ''quasi convex''. Various tunings of the temperatures recover previous methods and tuning the degree of non-convexity is crucial in the experiments. In particular, quasi-convexity and boundedness of the loss provide significant robustness to the outliers. We explain this by showing that $t_1 1$ makes the predictive distribution have a heavy tail. We show that the surrogate loss is Bayes-consistent, even in the non-convex case. Additionally, we provide efficient iterative algorithms for calculating the log-partition value only in a few number of iterations. Our compelling experimental results on large real-world datasets show the advantage of using the two-temperature variant in the noisy as well as the noise free case.
Phylogenetic Diversity and Biological Activity of Actinobacteria Isolated from the Chukchi Shelf Marine Sediments in the Arctic Ocean

Marine environments are a rich source of Actinobacteria and have the potential to produce a wide variety of biologically active secondary metabolites. In this study, we used four selective isolation media to culture Actinobacteria from the sediments collected from the Chukchi Shelf in the Arctic Ocean. A total of 73 actinobacterial strains were isolated. Based on repetitive DNA fingerprinting analysis, we selected 30 representatives for partial characterization according to their phylogenetic diversity, antimicrobial activities and secondary-metabolite biosynthesis genes. Results from the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the 30 strains could be sorted into 18 phylotypes belonging to 14 different genera: Agrococcus, Arsenicicoccus, Arthrobacter, Brevibacterium, Citricoccus, Janibacter, Kocuria, Microbacterium, Microlunatus, Nocardioides, Nocardiopsis, Saccharopolyspora, Salinibacterium and Streptomyces. To our knowledge, this paper is the first report on the isolation of Microlunatus genus members from marine habitats. Of the 30 isolates, 11 strains exhibited antibacterial and/or antifungal activity, seven of which have activities against Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans. All 30 strains have at least two biosynthetic genes, one-third of which possess more than four biosynthetic genes. This study demonstrates the significant diversity of Actinobacteria in the Chukchi Shelf sediment and their potential for producing biologically active compounds and novel material for genetic manipulation or combinatorial biosynthesis.
Biochemical characteristics of 130 recent isolates from Haemophilus influenzae meningitis

A total of 130 Haemophilus strains, comprising virtually all isolates from Danish and Norwegian cases of Haemophilus meningitis occurring in the period from October 1975 through September 1976, were examined by biochemical and serological means. All isolates were identified as H. influenzae and, except for one noncapsulated strain, possessed a capsule of serotype b. The vast majority of strains (93%) belonged to biotype I, which, in contrast to biotypes II and III, is rarely encountered as a commensal of the upper respiratory tract. This finding is a strong incentive for studies of possible additional virulence factors associated with biotype I organisms. The results are discussed in the light of North American reports, which have suggested changes in the etiology of Haemophilus meningitis.
Target highlights in CASP9: Experimental target structures for the critical assessment of techniques for protein structure prediction

One goal of the CASP community wide experiment on the critical assessment of techniques for protein structure prediction is to identify the current state of the art in protein structure prediction and modeling. A fundamental principle of CASP is blind prediction on a set of relevant protein targets, that is, the participating computational methods are tested on a common set of experimental target proteins, for which the experimental structures are not known at the time of modeling. Therefore, the CASP experiment would not have been possible without broad support of the experimental protein structural biology community. In this article, several experimental groups discuss the structures of the proteins which they provided as prediction targets for CASP9, highlighting structural and functional peculiarities of these structures: the long tail fiber protein gp37 from bacteriophage T4, the cyclic GMP‐dependent protein kinase Iβ dimerization/docking domain, the ectodomain of the JTB (jumping translocation breakpoint) transmembrane receptor, Autotaxin in complex with an inhibitor, the DNA‐binding J‐binding protein 1 domain essential for biosynthesis and maintenance of DNA base‐J (β‐D‐glucosyl‐hydroxymethyluracil) in Trypanosoma and Leishmania, an so far uncharacterized 73 residue domain from Ruminococcus gnavus with a fold typical for PDZ‐like domains, a domain from the phycobilisome core‐membrane linker phycobiliprotein ApcE from Synechocystis, the heat shock protein 90 activators PFC0360w and PFC0270w from Plasmodium falciparum, and 2‐oxo‐3‐deoxygalactonate kinase from Klebsiella pneumoniae. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Importance of Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive Part in Predicting Progress for Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer Disease

The aim of this study was to verify the usefulness of Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog), in screening participants at risk of developing Alzheimer disease (AD) among populations with amnestic mild cognitive impairment(aMCI). 98 outpatients with aMCI were recruited. Participants were revaluated after 1 year: 44 (44.9%) were progressed to AD (progressors), while 54 (55.1%) did not convert (nonprogressors MCI). At baseline, cognitive performances were more impaired in progressors assessed by MMSE and by a neuropsychological battery. When tested with the ADAS-Cog subscale, the 2 groups of participants at baseline, progressors, and nonprogressors MCI, were significantly different regarding total score, memory, and nonmemory subitems. Considering a cutoff of 9.5 total score, adjusted for education, ADAS-Cog subscale showed a good performance (area under the curve = 0.67; sensitivity = 0.62%; specificity = 0.73%) in predicting conversion from aMCI to AD. Progressors aMCI were characterized at baseline by a greater cognitive impairment. ADAS-Cog subscale is a useful and brief cognitive assessment tool to screen aMCI participants converting to AD within 1 year.
Inhibition of the Motility and Growth of B16F10 Mouse Melanoma Cells by Dominant Negative Mutants of Dok-1

ABSTRACT Dok-1 (p62Dok) is a multiple-site docking protein that acts downstream of receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. Although it has been proposed to contribute to the control of cell growth and migration through association with the Ras GTPase-activating protein and the adapter protein Nck, the role of Dok-1 remains largely unknown. The functions of Dok-1 have now been investigated by the generation of two different COOH-terminal truncation mutants of this protein: one (DokPH+PTB) containing the pleckstrin homology and phosphotyrosine-binding domains, and the other (DokPH) composed only of the pleckstrin homology domain. Both of these mutant proteins were shown to act in a dominant negative manner. Overexpression of each of the mutants in highly metastatic B16F10 mouse melanoma cells thus both inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation of endogenous Dok-1 induced by cell adhesion as well as reduced the association of the endogenous protein with cellular membranes and the cytoskeleton. Overexpression of DokPH+PTB in these cells also markedly reduced both the rates of cell spreading, migration, and growth as well as the extent of Ras activation. The effects of DokPH on these processes were less pronounced than were those of DokPH+PTB, indicating the importance of the phosphotyrosine-binding domain. These results suggest that at least in B16F10 cells, Dok-1 positively regulates not only cell spreading and migration but also cell growth and Ras activity.
Comparative Evaluation on the Efficacy of Dexmeditomidine and Tramadol in Treatment of Post Spinal Anaesthesia Shivering

Original Research Article Shivering is very unpleasant and stressful for the patient during perioperative period. Various pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods have been tried for controlling intraoperative shivering with varying success. Here we are comparing the effects of 0. 5μg/kg of iv.Dexmeditomidine with 0.5mg/kg of iv.Tramadol for the treatment of shivering developed intraoperatively after spinal anesthesia. This prospective randomized double blind comparative study was conducted in the Department of Anesthesiology of a tertiary care hospital. 100 patients who developed shivering intraoperatively after spinal anesthesia were enrolled in this study and randomized equally into two groups. Group I received 0. 5μg/kg of iv.Dexmeditomidine and Group II received 0.5mg/kg of iv.Tramadol after the development of shivering. Response rate, time of cessation of shivering, recurrence, hemodynamics, temperature and side effects were noted. The data obtained was compiled systematically and analyzed statistically using Students T test and chi-square test. Shivering ceased in all patients who received Dexmeditomidine and Tramadol. Time of cessation of shivering was significantly less with Dexmeditomidine than with Tramadol (P<0.001). Recurrence rate of shivering with Dexmeditomidine was less compared to Tramadol. Nausea and vomiting occurred significantly more in Tramadol group. Dexmeditomidine caused moderate sedation. There was no hemodynamic instability in either group. In conclusion, Dexmeditomidine is equally effective as Tramadol and provides faster relief from shivering with comfortable sedation with less side effects.
Finance-thy-Neighbor. Trade Credit Origins of Aggregate Fluctuations

This paper studies the role of endogenous trade-credit linkages for the propagation of shocks in a multisector model where rms nance production using bank and trade credit. I build a model in which the adjustment in the volume and cost of trade credit introduces interdependent distortions and captures two counteracting mechanisms: (1) Firms smooth shocks by substituting bank and trade credit. (2) An increase in the cost of trade credit ampli es nancial shocks by tightening the nancing condition of customers. In a quantitative application of the model to the US economy during the 2008-2009 crisis, I simulate the model using nancial shocks only and show that: (1) Trade-credit linkages generate large spillovers relative to an economy with bank nance only; (2) The smoothing mechanism was operative, though small; (3) Sectors extending relatively more trade credit to customers than their volume of bank loans are systemically important and generate large spillovers. JEL Codes. C67, E32, G10.
Gams on tHe root-Knot neMatodes [ Meloidogyne incognita ( Kofoid & White ) Chitwood and Meloidogy nemayaguensis rammh & Hirschmann ]

Purpureocillium lilacinum strain PL-11 and Pochonia chlamydosporia strain JL-1 fungal strains, are a biological alternative to reduce plant parasitic nematodes on the roots of plants. The objective of this research was to determine the most effective concentration of P. lilacinum strain PL-11 and P. chlamydosporia strain JL-1, for the management of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.). In the Plant Pathology laboratory, at University of Caldas, in a completely randomized design, 1 mL of P. lilacinum (1 x 109 spores / mL) were added to 32 bacteriological Petri dishes with agar; subsequently, 16 of them were inoculated with a 30 mL suspension containing 10 eggs of Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne mayaguensis and, the other 16, were inoculated with a 30 mL suspension containing 10 juveniles (J2) of the two Meloidogyne species. Fungal infection of eggs and mortality of juveniles (J2) of the two species of Meloidogyne were evaluated at 24, 72, 120 and 168 h. The same procedure was performed with P. chlamydosporia, the combination P. lilacinum and P. chlamydosporia, P. lilacinum and P. chlamydosporia in combination with Carbofuran at concentrations between 1 x 103 and 1 x 109 spores / mL. The positive and negative controls were Carbofuran and water, respectively. Results demonstrated that mixing P. lilacinum and P. chlamydosporia (1 x 106 spores / L) in combination with Carbofuran, and the mixture P. lilacinum and P. chlamydosporia (1 x 108 spores / mL), caused the highest infections on eggs with 85% and 80%, respectively, and caused the highest mortality of juvenile (J2) of M. incognita and M. mayaguensis with 93% and 75%, respectively, compared to the water treated group, at 168 h.
Coal fly ash activated by waste sodium aluminate solutions as an immobilizer for hazardous waste.

Alkali activated coal fly ash, also known as geopolymer, is a potential low cost and low CO2 emitting binder to replace cement in several applications. The normally used activator (NaOH, KOH and Naor K-silicate solutions) accounts for the major raw material cost and most of the related CO2 emission. An alternative activator was found in the aluminum anodizing process, which produces etching waste solutions containing 15-45 g/L free NaOH and 60-120 g/L Al. Thus, geopolymers were made from coal fly ash, blast furnace slag, etching waste solution and extra KOH to control alkalinity. Results show that geopolymers with a compressive strength in the range of 40 to 80 MPa can be obtained, somewhat lower than the 60-100 MPa achieved using a potassium silicate activator. This is still acceptable for an all-residue product. An additional advantage was the improved workability and extended setting time for the aluminate activator compared to the K-silicate activator. The black color of the etching solution did not have marked effects on the appearance of the product. Further research is focused on introducing hazardous waste into the mixture with the aim of immobilizing toxic components. Encouraging results have been obtained for the immobilization of lead from a slag generated by car battery recycling processes. In conclusion, there is a triple win situation, by solving the Al etching waste problem, utilizing residues from coal combustion and producing a building material with minimum CO2 emission.
Contemporary Issues in Crime and Justice Number 29 CRIME AND JUSTICE Bulletin

This bulletin reviews research that is relevant to answering the question: should the number of persons enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) be expanded as part of a larger strategy to reduce drug and property crime among opioid-dependent offenders? First the bulletin summarises what is known about heroin dependence and its influence on crime. Then it reviews research on the impact of MMT on criminal behaviour among heroindependent offenders. The next two sections describe the current market for MMT in Australia and consider the ways in which we may increase the number of dependent heroin users who are enrolled in MMT. The bulletin concludes with a discussion of ways in which the number of persons enrolled in MMT can be increased as one way of reducing crime committed by dependent heroin users.
Optimal Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy of Infections Should Kill Bacteria but Spare Neutrophils

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for localized microbial infections exerts its therapeutic effect both by direct bacterial killing and also by the bactericidal effects of host neutrophils stimulated by PDT. Therefore, PDT‐induced damage to neutrophils must be minimized, while direct photoinactivation of bacteria is maintained to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of antimicrobial PDT in vivo. However, there has been no study in which the cytocidal effect of PDT on neutrophils was investigated. In this study, the cytocidal effects of PDT on neutrophils were evaluated using different antimicrobial photosensitizers to find suitable candidate photosensitizers for antimicrobial PDT. PDT on murine peripheral‐blood neutrophils was performed in vitro using each photosensitizer at a concentration that exerted a maximum bactericidal effect on methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and morphological alteration and viability of neutrophils were studied. Most neutrophils were viable (>80%) after PDT using toluidine blue‐O (TB) or methylene blue (MB), while neutrophils showed morphological change and their viabilities were decreased (<70%) after PDT using other photosensitizers (erythrosine B, rose bengal, crystal violet, Photofrin, new methylene blue and Laserphyrin). These results suggest that PDT using TB or MB can preserve host neutrophils while exerting a significant therapeutic effect on in vivo localized microbial infection.
C L ] 1 4 S ep 2 01 6 An Adaptive Psychoacoustic Model for Automatic Speech Recognition

Abstract: Compared with automatic speech recognition (ASR), the huma n auditory system is more adept at handling noise-adverse situations, including env iro mental noise and channel distortion. To mimic this adeptness, auditory models have been widely in corporated in ASR systems to improve their robustness. This paper proposes a novel auditor y m del which incorporates psychoacoustics and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) into ASR. In part icular, we successfully implement the frequency-dependent property of psychoacoustic models an d effectively improve resulting system performance. We also present a novel double-transform spec trum-analysis technique, which can qualitatively predict ASR performance for different noise types. Detailed theoretical analysis is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorith m. Experiments are carried out on the AURORA2 database and show that the word recognition rate usi ng our proposed feature extraction method is significantly increased over the baseline. Given m odels trained with clean speech, our proposed method achieves up to 85.39% word recognition accu r y on noisy data.