Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TcTASV: A Novel Protein Family in Trypanosoma cruzi Identified from a Subtractive Trypomastigote cDNA Library

Background The identification and characterization of antigens expressed in Trypanosoma cruzi stages that parasitize mammals are essential steps for the development of new vaccines and diagnostics. Genes that are preferentially expressed in trypomastigotes may be involved in key processes that define the biology of trypomastigotes, like cell invasion and immune system evasion. Methodology/Principal Findings With the initial aim of identifying trypomastigote-specific expressed tags, we constructed and sequenced an epimastigote-subtracted trypomastigote cDNA library (library TcT-E). More than 45% of the sequenced clones of the library could not be mapped to previously annotated mRNAs or proteins. We validated the presence of these transcripts by reverse northern blot and northern blot experiments, therefore providing novel information about the mRNA expression of these genes in trypomastigotes. A 280-bp consensus element (TcT-E element, TcT-Eelem) located at the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of many different open reading frames (ORFs) was identified after clustering the TcT-E dataset. Using an RT-PCR approach, we were able to amplify different mature mRNAs containing the same TcT-Eelem in the 3′ UTR. The proteins encoded by these ORFs are members of a novel surface protein family in T. cruzi, (which we named TcTASV for T. cruzi Trypomastigote, Alanine, Serine and Valine rich proteins). All members of the TcTASV family have conserved coding amino- and carboxy-termini, and a central variable core that allows partitioning of TcTASV proteins into three subfamilies. Analysis of the T. cruzi genome database resulted in the identification of 38 genes/ORFs for the whole TcTASV family in the reference CL-Brener strain (lineage II). Because this protein family was not found in other trypanosomatids, we also looked for the presence of TcTASV genes in other evolutionary lineages of T. cruzi, sequencing 48 and 28 TcTASVs members from the RA (lineage II) and Dm28 (lineage I) T. cruzi strains respectively. Detailed phylogenetic analyses of TcTASV gene products show that this gene family is different from previously characterized mucin (TcMUCII), mucin-like, and MASP protein families. Conclusions/Significance We identified TcTASV, a new gene family of surface proteins in T. cruzi.
Teaching Creativity and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education: An Evaluation of Employability of University Undergraduates in Nigeria

The study investigated the influence of teaching creativity and entrepreneurship on employability of undergraduates and determined the difference in the entrepreneurial abilities to create new ventures amongst undergraduates in University of Lagos, Nigeria. It also determined the relationship between the teaching of creativity and entrepreneurship education on adaptability of university undergraduates to the changing Nigerian economy. These were with the view to improving the quality of entrepreneurship in higher education in the country. The study adopted a mixed research approach combining both descriptive survey and focus group designs. The sample comprised of an intact class of 1108 part 3 undergraduate students who registered for a compulsory course in entrepreneurship and corporate governance in the Rain Semester of 2012/2013 session. The instrument was a questionnaire which measured respondents’ ratings of job-relevant skills and elicited suggestions for improving career skills among undergraduates. Data were analyzed using Pearson product moment correlation and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that there existed a significant influence of teaching creativity and entrepreneurship on employability of undergraduates, and adaptability to the changing economy. Also, a non-significant difference existed in the entrepreneurial abilities to create new ventures amongst undergraduates in University of Lagos. It was concluded that a practical course involving either hands-on-learning in the classroom or training on-the-job is imperative as a way for undergraduates to learn and continuously update their skills.
Δ9‐THC training dose as a determinant for (R)‐methanandamide generalization in rats: a systematic replication

Järbe et al. (1998a) trained rats to discriminate between (−)‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) and vehicle, using different training doses in order to create assays with different efficacy demands, to examine whether (R)‐methanandamide, an analog of the endogenous ligand anandamide, had lower efficacy than Δ9‐THC. Rats were initially trained with 3 mg/kg Δ9‐THC, then tested with (R)‐methanandamide and Δ9‐THC. Thereafter, the rats were split into two groups and retrained with either 1.8 or 5.6 mg/kg Δ9‐THC, followed by additional tests with the two agonists. The current study systematically replicated this study in two groups of rats, trained from the outset to discriminate between vehicle and either 1.8 or 5.6 mg/kg Δ9‐THC, respectively. Two‐lever operant drug discrimination procedures were used. The outcomes in the two studies were similar. In tests with (R)‐methanandamide, full substitution occurred in the low‐dose Δ9‐THC training group, whereas substitution was partial in the high‐dose Δ9‐THC training group. (R)‐Methanandamide in higher doses exerted marked suppression of lever pressing. In tests with Δ9‐THC, full substitution occurred in both Δ9‐THC‐trained groups, and rates of responding were comparable to those observed during regular drug training sessions. In conclusion, both sets of data indicate that cannabinoid agonists either can have varying degrees of efficacy at a receptor site, or may produce their behavioral actions through multiple mechanisms, or both. Prevailing training‐dose condition rather than prior training‐dose history is the major determinant for the substitution pattern.
Relevance of oestradiol-testosterone balance in erectile dysfunction patients' prognosis.

INTRODUCTION The ageing process in man is accompanied by a number of endocrine changes including decline in testosterone (T), physiological imbalance between androgen and oestradiol (E2) and changes in the E2-T ratio. In this study, hormone profile data from a group of erectile dysfunction (ED) patients were reviewed to evaluate its impact on ED, with emphasis on oestradiol derangement. METHODS 30 ED patient case notes with a record of hormone profiles were retrospectively reviewed. Laboratory investigation included levels of total testosterone, total oestradiol, prolactin, luteinising and follicle stimulating hormones, in addition to lipid profile and glucose, based on specific history. These patients were divided into two groups based on the history of presence (Group A) or absence (Group B) of adequate sexual desire. RESULTS In Group B patients, the E2-T derangement with increasing age was statistically significant with lower serum T level (2.6 ng/ml; range, 1.6-3.7 ng/ml) and elevated E2 level (60 pg/ml; range, 40-120 pg/ml). CONCLUSION In this preliminary report, although low total testosterone level is seen together with impaired libido and erectile impairment, the accompanying significant increase in E2 indicates the possible role for oestrogen in causation and/or persistence of ED in this group of patients.
Neuropsychological functioning in schizoaffective disorder, depressed type

Neuropsychological functioning in schizoaffective disorder, depressed type, was tested by two parallel studies. In Study 1, the Luria‐Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB) was administered to samples of patients meeting Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) for schizodepressive disorder, major depressive disorder or schizophrenia, and to a normal control group. In Study 2, the same test battery was used in patients with a former RDC diagnosis of schizodepressive or major depressive disorder, examined from 2 to 4 years after the index episode, during a phase of remission. Study 1 showed that the performance of schizodepressives on LNNB is, on average, intermediate between those of depressives and schizophrenics, which finding is compatible with the view that RDC schizoaffective depression encompasses a heterogeneous group of syndromes, some of which are related to major depression and some to schizophrenia. Study 2 showed that the mean scores on the LNNB scales Memory and Intellectual processes are significantly higher in patients with a former diagnosis of schizodepressive disorder, which supports the idea that the outcome of these patients is worse, on average, than that of “pure” depressives.
Tracking financial cycles in ten transitional economies 2005–2018 using singular spectrum analysis (SSA) techniques

Research background: Financial cycles are behind many deep financial crises and it closely connects them with the business cycles, showing long memory properties and effects. Being closely connected with the business cycles, we must first explore the true nature of the financial cycles to understand the nature of the business cycles. Financial cycles are real, they have long memory properties and long-lasting effects on the economy. Purpose of the article: This study investigates the use of (SSA) in tracking and monitoring financial cycles focusing on ten (10) transitional economies 2005–2018. Methods: Singular spectrum analysis isolate significant oscillatory patterns (cycles) on housing markets with an average 4-years length. We isolate credit cycles just for Bulgaria, implying long memory properties of the cycles since this study investigated medium term (2–5 years) oscillations. Findings & Value added: The results prove the importance and advantages of using (SSA) in the study of financial cycles attempting to reveal the true nature of financial cycles as the principal component behind business cycles. Financial cycles show longer oscillations in the credit and property price series, which can explain 37.7%–49.9% of the variance of the total financial cycle fluctuations. Study results are of practical importance, particularly to policy-makers and practitioners in former transitional economies being vulnerable to adverse shocks on the financial markets. The results should assist policy-makers and financial practitioners in building and maintaining a sound financial policy needed to avoid future financial “bubbles”.
Interpersonal mentoring and its influence on retention of valued health care workers: The moderating role of affective commitment

Background: Health care organizations (HCOs) invest in knowledge transfer to promote improved patient outcomes; however, these investments prove costly when health care workers with enhanced knowledge and skills leave to seek better employment opportunities. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of interpersonal mentoring on affective organizational commitment and the potential moderating effect of affective commitment in the knowledge transfer–retention relationship. Methodology/Approach: One hundred fifty-three clinicians working at a Midwestern acute care hospital and associated clinics were surveyed at their worksite. Findings: Clinicians who received more interpersonal mentoring were also more likely to have stronger affective commitment. In addition, affective commitment moderated the relationship between knowledge transfer and turnover intentions, that is, when affective commitment was low, clinicians with higher levels of knowledge transfer indicated higher turnover intentions. However, clinicians with high levels of affective commitment and knowledge transfer reported lower turnover intentions. Practice Implications: HCOs must simultaneously invest in knowledge transfer while implementing strategies that assist in retaining knowledgeable workers. Interpersonal mentoring appears to play an important role in the retention of valued clinicians through its influence on affective commitment. HCOs must facilitate cultures that show top management support for mentoring through practices such as educational programs, flexible scheduling, and reward systems.
Effects of a 12-Week Resistance Exercise Program on Physical Self-Perceptions in College Students

Abstract There is an increase in literature suggesting exercise can promote positive changes in physical self-perceptions that can manifest as an increase in global self-esteem. In the present study, we assessed self-esteem using the hierarchical framework of the Exercise and Self-Esteem Model (EXSEM) along with cognitive facets at the subdomain level (e.g., competence, certainty, importance, and ideal self-discrepancy). This allowed for an analysis of cognitive facets as possible contributors to changes in physical self-perceptions. We addressed these aims with a sample of 120 college-age adults who completed a 12-week resistance exercise program. Results indicated significant improvements in self-perception constructs at all levels of the EXSEM. The hierarchical structure of the EXSEM was partially supported, as we observed successively smaller improvements at each level of the model (e.g., self-esteem showed lesser improvements than physical self-worth). In addition, a path model developed to explain the impact of strength changes on self-esteem proved a good fit for the data. Results are discussed in terms of contemporary models of self-perception, potential mediators of exercise on self-esteem, and the need to consider cognitive facets of self-perception.
Function of the corpus callosum in the representation of the visual field in cat visual cortex

Abstract Interposed between areas 17 and 18 of cat cerebral cortex is an architectonically distinct zone that represents a substantial portion of the ipsilateral visual field. The extent of this representation was assessed following severance of the corpus callosum by recording the activities of neurons and plotting their receptive fields. The results show that, even after the hemispheres are disconnected, the transition zone still contains a representation of part of the ipsilateral visual hemifield, albeit a reduced one. The extent of this representation is contracted towards the midline so that just one-half to one-third of the azimuths mapped in intact cats can be plotted. As in the intact cat, the width of the region represented is not equal at all elevations, for it extends to only −1.4 deg near the visual axis whereas it extends to −6.6 deg at an elevation of −20 deg. The retention of this representation after the transition zone neurons have been disconnected from the opposite hemisphere indicates that other pathways make a functional contribution to the representation of the ipsilateral field in this region of cortex.
Free Trade Agreements and Import-import Substitution Effect Evidence from a CGE Analysis: The Case of EU-Korea and EU-Japan FTAs

Since the failure of the Doha Round, we have observed an increase in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). These FTAs modify the market access conditions not only for the signatory countries’ companies, but also indirectly for companies of third parties to the agreement, since their exports become more expensive vis-a-vis their competitors’ benefitting from the FTA. With the FTA Road Map drawn in 2003, the Republic of Korea actively pursued an FTA strategy in trade policy; in 2011 it became the first Asian country to sign an FTA with the EU. In December 2017 Japan also finalised an FTA with the EU. Using a CGE model, implemented through GTAP, I show that Korea’s decision to sign an FTA with the EU before Japan could support Korea’s exports to the EU in the first scenario (I), where only the EU-Korea FTA is in force, and safeguard its exports from the effects of enforcing the EU-Japan FTA in the second scenario (II). On the other hand, Korea’s exports would have decreased if the EU-Japan FTA had been implemented before the EU-Korea FTA. The simulated scenarios take account of both the impact of different Armington elasticities and different actionability of NTMs. Keywords: EU-Korea FTA, EU-Japan FTA, CGE model, Armington elasticity, actionability of NTMs.
Cytotoxicity evaluation of Persica mouthwash on cultured human and mouse cell lines in the presence and absence of fetal calf serum.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The effectiveness of an ideal antimicrobial agent depends on its ability to kill microbes while causing minimal toxicity to host cells. Several studies have been reported on the antimicrobial effects of chewing sticks (Salvadora persica) on oral bacteria. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of Persica and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes on cultured human and mouse cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was an experimental study. The toxic effects of four dilutions of Persica and CHX mouthwashes on KB, Saos-2, J744 A1, and gingival fibroblast cells were evaluated by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. The effect of fetal calf serum (FCS) components on the cytotoxicity of these mouthwashes was also investigated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS The results indicated that Persica , at concentrations higher than 0.1%, exerted a very significant cytotoxic effect on all the cell lines (P < or = 0.01). CHX, at a concentration of 0.001%, exerted toxic effects only on gingival fibroblasts; concentrations higher than 0.001% were required to produce significant cell death in the other cell lines. At all the concentrations under study, both Persica and CHX exerted significantly greater cytotoxic effects in the absence of FCS than in its presence (i.e., in control culture medium). The toxicities of both mouthwashes were attenuated in the presence of FCS (10%). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that both Persica and CHX mouthwashes are toxic to macrophage, epithelial, fibroblast, and osteoblast cells in a concentration-dependent manner.
FSO Detection Using Differential Signaling in Outdoor Correlated-Channels Condition

In this letter, we introduce a detection technique based on differential signaling scheme for outdoor free space optical communications. This method requires no channel state information (CSI) and does not suffer from the computational load compared with the conventional receivers, where adjusting dynamically the detection threshold level (either based on CSI knowledge, or by using pilots) leads to increased computational time and reduced link throughput. This letter shows that the performance of the proposed technique only depends on the correlation of propagating optical beams. Especially under highly correlated-channels condition the fluctuation of the detection threshold level in the receiver is significantly small. We also show experimentally that under weak turbulence regime the variance of detection threshold level reduces for the correlated channel.
Error Tolerance Analysis of Deep Learning Hardware Using a Restricted Boltzmann Machine Toward Low-Power Memory Implementation

Remarkable hardware robustness of deep learning (DL) is revealed by error injection analyses performed using a custom hardware model implementing parallelized restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs). RBMs in deep belief networks demonstrate robustness against memory errors during and after learning. Fine-tuning significantly affects the recovery of accuracy for static errors injected to the structural data of RBMs. The memory error tolerance is observable using our hardware networks with fine-graded memory distribution, resulting in reliable DL hardware with low-voltage driven memory suitable to low-power applications.
Edward Swarbeck Hall: medical scientist and social reformer in colonial Tasmania

On January 15 , 1933 , Harold Latham of Auckland Road, Greenmeadows , New Zealand, wrote to his cousin, Leventhorpe Hall, in Tasmania: On 25th August , 1933, you will celebrate the hundredth anniversary of your family landing in Hobart. I read in the last Mail you sent those extracts from old letters which gave such a clear picture of conditions as they were in those days and in which you must all have shared for years; all the hardships of pioneer days made worse by the brutal convict system which your grand old fighting father did so much to lessen, even against official authority. I hope a fitting commemoration will be made on the above date of the part the Hall family took in the making of Tasmania as she is today. Some years later, on a more formal not e , W. E. L. H. Crowther in an Archibald Watson Memorial Lecture said: The work of Dr E. S. Hall, MR. C. S. , L. S.A. , during many years of practice in Van Diemen's Land and as the pioneer epidemiologist of the Australian Colonies (Cumpston 1923) is yet to be fully recognised. A member of the Old Religion and an utterly loyal son of his Church, he became the best known Catholic layman in our Island. Simple and humane he worked primarily for the good of the orphans, the poor and the outcast and exemplified the conception of a christian gentleman. His published work is of great scientific interest and value and, an ardent bibliophile , he pub lished in his latter years a book entitled "Who Translated the Bible" in support of the -early teaching of his Church. An attempt has been made now with this study of Hall's life to fill a long standing gap in Tasmania's history. The task was very rewarding; not just an academic exercise, but a duty owed to Hall's memory and to Tasmania's heritage . introduction. As the story speaks for itself, it needs little introduction. However, there are some features of the work which I would like to explain.
Service modularity: literature overview of concepts, effects, enablers, and methods

ABSTRACT The literature on service modularity is still scarce, and a comprehensive review, encompassing the main aspects related to its implementation, has not yet been addressed. This paper presents an overview of service modularity concepts, effects, enablers, and methods by conducting a systematic literature review. The review considers 67 peer-reviewed journal articles, published from 1994 to 2017. This work outlines the evolution of the service modularity field and discusses its specific features and main concepts. The results demonstrate that: (i) most service modularity literature is still based on a product modularity theoretical background; (ii) there is no consensus regarding the definition of a service module; (iii) the literature emphasizes the benefits expected from service modularization and, in general, neglects its risks; and (iv) there is a lack of methods and tools to support the testing and interface definition phases of service modularization. Finally, this work also provides direction for future research.
Spatial and Nonspatial Working Memory and Visual Search

It has been indicated that visual search is interfered with in spatial working memory (WM), although not in nonspatial WM. In this study, the effects on visual search of individual differences in spatial and nonspatial WM were examined. Two visual search conditions were used: a conjunction search condition comprising two features (color and shape) and a disjunction condition comprising only one feature (color or shape). 96 participants (42 men, 54 women, M age = 20.9 yr., SD = 3.5) participated in this study. The participants were divided into high and low WM groups based on their spatial and nonspatial WM test scores. As a result, statistically significant group differences in the conjunction search rate were observed in spatial WM but not in nonspatial WM. These results suggest there is a relationship between visual search and the individual spatial WM ability, but this does not hold for nonspatial WM.