Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Resistance-to-extinction functions in the single organism.

Functions relating the number of reinforcements to some aspect of behavior are most often obtained through the use of different groups of subjects, each given different numbers of reinforcements before a test phase that is the same for all groups. The average of the individual measurements in each group then is related to the number of reinforcements given each group. By such a method, the classic data of Williams (1938) and Perin (1942) have shown that both the mean number of extinction responses and the mean time required to attain an "extinction criterion" increase with negative acceleration as the number of reinforcements increases. Williams and Perin plotted the individual data points which enter the mean of each of their reinforcement groups. It is noteworthy that in Williams' experiment, (a) the two highest individual scorers in extinction were members of one of the low-rein-forcement groups; and (b) the range of extinction scores in three of the four experimental groups was virtually the same, even though the group mean scores revealed an orderly and significant relation with the number of reinforcements. In Perin's study, all five reinforcement groups displayed their modal number of individual extinction responses at zero, although the mean data indicated a relation very similar to that of Williams.
Quantum-well design for monolithic optical devices with gain and saturable absorber sections

We propose a new design of semiconductor quantum-well heterostructures, which can be used to improve the performance of monolithic mode-locked diode lasers and all-optical signal-processing devices with gain and saturable absorber sections. Numerical modeling shows that this design can increase the carrier sweep-out rate from the absorber section by several orders of magnitude, while retaining high carrier confinement on the ground level making for efficient signal amplification by the gain sections.
Modelling and Control of Networked Control Systems with Random Packet Losses

The modelling and control problems are studied for a class of networked control systems (NCSs) with both network-induced delays and random packet losses. The packet-loss processes in the forward channel and the backward channel are modelled as two Markov chains. The state feedback control law is considered, and the resulting closed-loop system is a discrete-time Markovian linear system with two modes. Mean-square exponential stability conditions are derived for the closed-loop NCS by using a properly constructed Lyapunov function. Corresponding state feedback controllers design procedures are also presented based upon the stability conditions. Finally, an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Continuous Time Mean-Variance Optimal Portfolio Allocation Under Jump Diffusion: An Numerical Impulse Control Approach

We present efficient partial differential equation (PDE) methods for continuous time mean-variance portfolio allocation problems when the underlying risky asset follows a jump-diffusion. The standard formulation of mean-variance optimal portfolio allocation problems, where the total wealth is the underlying stochastic process, gives rise to a one-dimensional (1-D) non-linear Hamilton-Jacobi- Bellman (HJB) partial integro-differential equation (PIDE) with the control present in the integrand of the jump term, and thus is difficult to solve efficiently. In order to preserve the efficient handling of the jump term, we formulate the asset allocation problem as a 2-D impulse control problem, one dimension for each asset in the portfolio, namely the bond and the stock. We then develop a numerical scheme based on a semi-Lagrangian timestepping method, which we show to be monotone, consistent, and stable. Hence, assuming a strong comparison property holds, the numerical solution is guaranteed to converge to the unique viscosity solution of the corresponding HJB PIDE. The correctness of the proposed numerical framework is verified by numerical examples. We also discuss the effects on the efficient frontier of realistic financial modeling, such as different borrowing and lending interest rates, transaction costs and constraints on the portfolio, such as maximum limits on borrowing and solvency.
Perceived Risks from Radiation and Nuclear Testing Near Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan: A Comparison Between Physicians, Scientists, and the Public

Determining the difference in perception of risk between experts, or more educated professionals, and laypeople is important so that a potential hazard can be effectively communicated to the public. Many surveys have been conducted to better understand the difference between expert and public opinions, and often laypeople exhibit higher perceptions of risk to hazards in comparison to experts. This is especially true when health risk is due to radiation, nuclear power, and nuclear waste. This article focuses on one section of a risk perception survey given to two groups of individuals with a more specialized education (scientists and physicians) and laypeople (villagers) in the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan. All of these groups live near the former Soviet nuclear test site. Originally, it was expected that the scientists and physicians would have similar perceptions of radiation risk, while the public perceptions would be higher, but this was not always the case. For example, when perceptions of risk pertain to the health impacts of nuclear testing or the dose‐response nature of radiation exposure, the physicians tend to agree with the laypeople, not the scientists. The villagers are always the most risk‐averse group, followed by the physicians and then the scientists. These differences are likely due to different frames of reference for each of the populations.
Interaction between a Geminivirus Replication Protein and the Plant Sumoylation System

ABSTRACT Geminiviruses are small DNA viruses that replicate in nuclei of infected plant cells after accumulation of host replication machinery. Tomato golden mosaic virus (TGMV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus (TYLCSV) encode a protein, RepAC1 (or Rep), that is essential for viral replication. Rep/RepAC1 is an oligomeric protein that binds to double-stranded DNA, catalyzes cleavage and ligation of single-stranded DNA, and is sufficient for host induction. It also interacts with several host proteins, including the cell cycle regulator, retinoblastoma, and essential components of the cell DNA replication machinery, like proliferating nuclear cell antigen (PCNA) and RFC-1. To identify other cellular proteins that interact with Rep/RepAC1 protein, a Nicotiana benthamiana cDNA library was screened with a yeast two-hybrid assay. The host cell sumoylation enzyme, NbSCE1 (N. benthamiana SUMO-conjugating enzyme, homolog to Saccharomyces cerevisiae UBC9), was found to interact specifically with RepAC1. Mapping studies localized the interaction to the N-terminal half of RepAC1. Effects on geminivirus replication were observed in transgenic plants with altered levels of SUMO, the substrate for UBC9.
A follow-up study of the influence of early malnutrition on development: V. Delayed development of conservation (Piaget).

Abstract Performance on Piaget's conservation tasks of graded difficulty was measured in Barbadian school children, ages 9-15 years, with histories of protein-energy malnutrition in the first year of life and their matched comparisons. Previously malnourisheo children below the age of 13 years or younger showed delays in performing conservation tasks. After age 14 this difference was no longer apparent, in contrast to persistent deficits in IQ in these same children. Moreover, direct comparison of performance on the Piaget tests and on IQ in individual children confirmed that these two measures test different intellectual skills. Environmental conditions measured concurrently had an effect on conservation scores, although a significant effect resulted from the early history of malnutrition even when the environmental factors were controlled. It is concluded that conservation task skills in this age group are sensitive to the effects of early malnutrition and that these are independent of IQ. Moreover, tests of conservation may be useful in a variety of cultural settings as an alternative to other forms of cognitive testing.
LEPTOSPIROSIS IN WIED'S MARMOSETS (CALLITHRIX KUHLII)

Abstract Two adult Wied's marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii) presented with jaundice, anemia, and weight loss. Death of one individual was attributed to renal tubular necrosis; liver and kidney were positive for Leptospira antigen by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The second animal was negative for antigen by IHC staining, but serologically positive for Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar ballum with an eightfold titer increase in paired samples, and was euthanized because of unresponsiveness to treatment. Environmental contamination by mice was suspected as the Leptospira source.
Semiconductor surface roughness: Dependence on sign and magnitude of bulk strain.

Changes in surface roughness have been studied as a function of bulk compressive and tensile strains (biaxial in the plane of the sample surface) in thin films of compositionally uniform and dislocation-free Ge[sub 0.5]Si[sub 0.5]. A pronounced surface roughness is observed only for films under compressive strains exceeding 1.4%. Molecular dynamics simulations show that this striking result has its origin in the strain-induced lowering of surface step free energies.
An extended hydrophobic interactive surface of Yersinia pestis Caf1M chaperone is essential for subunit binding and F1 capsule assembly

A single polypeptide subunit, Caf1, polymerizes to form a dense, poorly defined structure (F1 capsule) on the surface of Yersinia pestis. The caf‐encoded assembly components belong to the chaperone–usher protein family involved in the assembly of composite adhesive pili, but the Caf1M chaperone itself belongs to a distinct subfamily. One unique feature of this subfamily is the possession of a long, variable sequence between the F1 β‐strand and the G1 subunit binding β‐strand (FGL; F1 β‐strand to G1 β‐strand long). Deletion and insertion mutations confirmed that the FGL sequence was not essential for folding of the protein but was absolutely essential for function. Site‐specific mutagenesis of individual residues identified Val‐126, in particular, together with Val‐128 as critical residues for the formation of a stable subunit–chaperone complex and the promotion of surface assembly. Differential effects on periplasmic polymerization of the subunit were also observed with different mutants. Together with the G1 strand, the FGL sequence has the potential to form an interactive surface of five alternating hydrophobic residues on Caf1M chaperone as well as in seven of the 10 other members of the FGL subfamily. Mutation of the absolutely conserved Arg‐20 to Ser led to drastic reduction in Caf1 binding and surface assembled polymer. Thus, although Caf1M–Caf1 subunit binding almost certainly involves the basic principle of donor strand complementation elucidated for the PapD–PapK complex, a key feature unique to the chaperones of this subfamily would appear to be capping via high‐affinity binding of an extended hydrophobic surface on the respective single subunits.
Protein Kinase A-dependent Translocation of Hsp90α Impairs Endothelial Nitric-oxide Synthase Activity in High Glucose and Diabetes*

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and high glucose (HG) are known to reduce the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) by modulating endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. eNOS is regulated by several mechanisms including its interaction with heat shock protein (Hsp) 90. We previously discovered that DM in vivo and HG in vitro induced the translocation of Hsp90α to the outside of aortic endothelial cells. In this report we tested the hypothesis that translocation of Hsp90α is responsible for the decline in NO production observed in HG-treated cells. We found that HG increased phosphorylation of Hsp90α in a cAMP-dependent protein kinase A-dependent manner, and that this event was required for translocation of Hsp90α in porcine aortic endothelial cells. Furthermore, preventing translocation of Hsp90α protected from the HG-induced decline in eNOS·Hsp90α complex and NO production. Notably, DM increased phosphorylation of Hsp90α and reduced its association with eNOS in the aortic endothelium of diabetic rats. These studies suggest that translocation of Hsp90α is a novel mechanism by which HG and DM impair eNOS activity and thereby reduce NO production.
Background-induced flicker enhancement in cat retinal horizontal cells. I. Temporal and spectral properties.

1. Dim backgrounds can enhance small-spot flicker responses of cat retinal horizontal cells by a factor of 2 or more. 2. Intracellular marking with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) reveals that this enhancement effect occurs in--but is not necessarily limited to--the cone-connected, A-type horizontal cell. 3. Flicker amplitudes decrease over a frequency range from 3 to 36 Hz of square-wave photic stimulation. There is little evidence of flicker-response enhancement at 3 Hz. Flicker-response enhancement is typically 2-6 times larger at 35 than at 6 Hz. 4. Inspection of flicker waveforms indicates both a scaling-up of response signals with backgrounds and a distortion composed of 2- to 5-ms-latency decrease, expressed primarily within a quick component of OFF-repolarization. 5. Flicker enhancement first increases as a function of background irradiance and then decreases. The increasing limb has the dynamic range and spectral sensitivity of cat rods (507-nm peak). Enhancement is maintained during rod after-effects. The decreasing limb of the background-versus-intensity function results from light adaptation of cat, long-wavelength (red) cones. 6. The flicker responses themselves peak spectrally at approximately 555 nm and reflect only the activity of cat long-wavelength (red) cones, without evidence of intermixing of other photoreceptor mechanisms. 7. Thus within the first synaptic layer of the cat visual system, rod signals interact with the flicker responses of red cones, both increasing cone-signal amplitudes and modifying cone-signal waveforms. 8. The results are closely analogous to "suppressive rod-cone interaction" (SRCI) as described in human psychophysics. 9. An outer-plexiform-layer circuit involving rods, horizontal cells and cones may mediate rod-induced enhancement of cone flicker. This being the case, notions of horizontal-cell feedback interactions with cones may have to be modified and extended. A specific feedback model is elaborated in the companion paper.
Wireless Indoor Optical Positioning With a Differential Photosensor

An indoor optical positioning technique using a differential photosensor device is presented. The method is based on angle of arrival information estimated by the differential photosensor in an indoor environment with fixed optical beacons. A photocurrent is generated by each of the three photodiodes in the photosensor by incident light from the optical beacons. The amplitudes of these photocurrents are a function of the incident angle of the light. Previously derived equations that express photocurrent amplitudes as a function of the azimuthal arrival angle, φ, and the polar arrival angle, θ, are modeled with second- and third-order polynomials, respectively, to determine the φ and θ angles from measured photocurrents. Testing with optical beacons in various positions with respect to a fixed photosensor resulted in a root mean squared error for all estimated angles φ and θ of 2.8°. A positioning accuracy of better than 4 cm is achieved.
A Molecular Approach for Genotyping of Hepatitis B Virus Using Restriction Pattern Analysis of S Amplicon in Pakistan

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the major etiological agent causing acute and chronic liver disease worldwide with significant morbidity and mortality. The high genetic variability of HBV is reflected by eight genotypes (A to H), each with a particular geographical prevalence. The global pattern of HBV genotypes is associated with the distribution of human population among the different continents and reflects the patterns of human migrations. Objectives This study was conducted with following objectives: 1) To study the prevalence of HBV genotype in Pakistani population; 2) To assess that the RFLP system is simple, rapid and standardized way of identifying HBV genotype. Study Design & Method In cross-sectional study design a total of 255 HBV ELISA positive samples were studied in order to identify the most prevalent genotypes in Pakistan. These HBV related patients visited various hospitals in Pakistan at Faisalabad, Lahore and Islamabad. Among these samples, 214 were PCR positive and rest 41 were PCR negative for HBV. S-gene of HBV PCR positive samples was amplified by regular (first round) and nested PCR (second round). Second-round PCR products were digested by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). This was carried out using five restriction enzymes (HphI, NciI, AlwI, EarI and NlaIV) that identified the genotype-specific sequences. Results & Conclusion Among (214) PCR positive samples only genotype C and D were identified in local population with 21 cases (9.81%) of genotype C and 195 (91.1%) of genotype D. Hence, the algorithm adopted in this study can be used to identify various HBV genotypes.
Trichodina ctenophorii N. Sp., a Novel Symbiont of Ctenophores of the Northern Coast of the Gulf of Mexico

ABSTRACT. Peritrich ciliates of the genus Trichodina are internal or external symbionts of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. We describe here Trichodina ctenophorii n. sp. , a symbiont of Mnemiopsis mccraydii and Beroë ovata (Phylum Ctenophora). The morphology of fixed and living specimens is revealed by silver impregnation, scanning electron microscopy, and differential interference microscopy. Distinguishing features of Trichodina ctenophorii include a denticular morphology composed of falcate, blunt‐tipped blades, and long, straight thorns, with five pins per denticle. Trichodina ctenophorii is found only on the comb plates of these ctenophores. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a trichodinid from the Gulf of Mexico and the first associated with ctenophores.
Differential effects of calcium channel blockers on size selectivity of proteinuria in diabetic glomerulopathy.

BACKGROUND Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are known to have differential effects on both changes in proteinuria as well as progression of diabetic nephropathy. No clinical study, however, has evaluated whether the differential antiproteinuric effects of CCBs may be explained by their effect on glomerular membrane permeability. We, therefore, tested the hypothesis that certain subclasses of CCBs reduce proteinuria by changing size selectivity of the glomerular membrane, hence changing its permeability. METHODS Twenty-one patients with type 2 diabetes and the presence of nephropathy with hypertension were randomized to receive either diltiazem CD or nifedipine GITS after baseline data for mean systolic and diastolic pressure, urinary protein excretion, glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, neutral dextran and IgG clearances were obtained. Glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, neutral dextran and IgG clearance were measured every three months, arterial pressure and heart rate every month. Patients were followed for 21 months. RESULTS At 21 months, both patient groups had similar levels of blood pressure control, however, only the diltiazem group had a change in proteinuria (4+/-10%delta, nifedipine vs. -57+/-18%delta, diltiazem; P < 0.001) with improvement in glomerular size selectivity and change in IgG clearance. CONCLUSIONS These data support the hypothesis that CCBs that provide sustained reductions in proteinuria do so, in part, by improving glomerular size permselectivity.
Predictive factors of years of potential life lost by colorectal cancer

Objective To evaluate the impact of colorectal cancer (CRC) by estimating the years of potential life lost (YPLL) by this neoplasm in a cohort of patients, as well as to define the predictive factors of YPLL. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study of 980 consecutive patients diagnosed and treated because of CRC in our institution between 1985 and 2002 was carried out. Demographic, clinical, pathological, surgical, hospital stay, complications, and mortality variables were recorded. The primary endpoint of this study was to calculate individual YPLL. Univariate analysis was performed to compare each independent variable with the variable YPLL. All clinically relevant variables significantly associated with YPLL were included in an ordinal regression model to identify independent factors prognostic of YPLL. Results The final study sample was 794 patients, 413 (52%) men and 381 (48%) women, mean age 65.3 years [confidence interval (CI) 95%: 64.4–66.2 years; SD: 12.8]. The mean global YPLL for the 351 patients who died of CRC was 15.2 years (SD: 10.7; CI 95%: 14.1–16.3). Lower age [odds ratio (OR)=0.98; CI 95%: 0.97–0.98], male sex (OR=1.19; CI 95%: 1.00–1.43), lower tumor, nodes, metastasis (TNM) stage (OR=0.29; CI 95%: 0.24–0.35), and rectum localization of the tumor (OR=1.37; CI 95%: 1.14–1.64) were independent prognostic factors for YPLL. Conclusion In our community, the mean number of YPLL by CRC exceeds 15 years. Lower age, male sex, higher TNM stage, and rectum localization are negative predictors of YPLL.
Machiavellianism or Morality: Which Behavior Pays Off In Online Innovation Contests?

Abstract Prior research on user behavior in online innovation contests has mainly focused on factors that positively impact prosocial, collaborative behavior, which should ultimately lead to innovative outcomes. However, little is known about the effects of more negative personal characteristics that might result in more competitive, antisocial, and even unethical behavior. This paper considers Machiavellianism as one of the traits that constitute the “dark triad of personality” and explores the relationship between Machiavellianism and participants’ contribution behavior in online innovation contests. Specifically we investigate how Machiavellian characteristics influence individuals’ contribution intensity, communication, and interaction behavior within the contest community as well as the quality and kind of their contributions. This study relies on multisource individual-level data from a large innovation contest in the field of public transportation. We find that the three dimensions of Machiavellianism—distrust of others, amorality, and desire for status—have very distinct behavioral consequences in the context of online innovation contests. Specifically, the oppositional consequences of amoral manipulation and striving for status on the one hand and showing distrust of others on the other hand concerning contribution quantity and contribution quality are found. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of negative personality traits such as Machiavellianism as powerful predictors of behavior and of success within competitive innovation environments and leads to important managerial implications regarding the design and management of innovation contests.
SPECIFIC VIRUSES WERE NOT DETECTED IN GUTHRIE CARDS FROM CHILDREN WHO LATER DEVELOPED LEUKEMIA

There are hypotheses concerning infectious mechanism in the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The first genetic event often happens in utero, based on studies from Guthrie cards. The authors have summarized the results from their studies concerning infectious mechanism. Presence of human polyomaviruses, parvovirus, HHV-6, EBV, and CMV were investigated by PCR from Guthrie cards from children who later developed ALL and healthy controls. Neither of these viruses were detected from patients nor from controls. The results do not support that these viruses have contributed to the development of a substantial part of the ALL cases in Swedish children.