Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single-Domain Antibodies: Biology, Engineering and Emerging Applications

Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) represent the minimal antigen binding-competent form of the immunoglobulin domain and have unique properties and applications. SdAbs are naturally produced as the variable domains of the heavy chain-only antibodies of camelid ruminants and cartilaginous fishes, but can also be engineered synthetically from autonomous human or mouse VH or VL domains. The scope of this research topic and associated e-book covers current understanding and new developments in (i) the biology, immunology and immunogenetics of sdAbs in camelids and cartilaginous fishes, (ii) strategies for sdAb discovery, (iii) protein engineering approaches to increase the solubility, stability and antigen-binding affinity of sdAbs and (iv) specialized applications of sdAbs in areas such diagnostics, imaging and therapeutics.
Long-Range Dependent Traffic Classification with Convolutional Neural Networks Based on Hurst Exponent Analysis

The paper examines the ability of neural networks to classify Internet traffic data in terms of self-similarity expressed by the Hurst exponent. Fractional Gaussian noise is used for the generation of synthetic data for modeling the genuine ones. It is presented that the trained model is capable of classifying the synthetic data obtained from the Pareto distribution and the real traffic data. We present the results of training for different optimizers of the cost function and a different number of convolutional layers in the neural network.
Multivariate analysis of rice genotypes for seeding traits characterization and evaluation

Multivariate analysis has been rarely used for seedling traits characterization of Chinese basmati hybrids. Twenty-two seedling attributes of Basmati and coarse rice germplasm of China and Pakistan origin were analysed using multivariate techniques of Single linkage analysis (SLCA) and Principle component analysis (PCA) and index score method (ISM). Variation among the seedling attributes were recorded by ISM regarding number of genotypes, formation of clusters and superimposition of genotypes in every cluster. Rice genotypes were possibly grouped in six clusters identified through ISM. Highest index scores 68 and 146 were allocated to genotypes of group-I and group-II on morphological basis of seedling attributes. However, the three PCs contributed 87.1 % of the variability among the genotypes and germination rate index, germination %, mean daily germination (MDG), shoot length and root length exhibited maximum positive response in PC1, PC2 and PC3 respectively. PCA ordination on axis I and II were agreed with SLCA. Our study revealed that the agreement in the SLCA and PCA analysis effectively cluster the genotypes for twelve seedlings attribute might be used for the identification of viable genetic material to improve the rice yield potential.
Relating initial paraquat injury to final efficacy in selected weed species influenced by environmental conditions

Abstract Weed control of paraquat can be erratic and may be attributable to differing species sensitivity and/or environmental factors for which minor guidance is available on commercial labels. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to quantify selectivity of paraquat across select weed species and the influence of environmental factors. Experiments were performed under controlled conditions in the greenhouse and growth chamber. Compared with purple deadnettle (dose necessary to reduce shoot biomass by 50% = 39 g ai ha–1), waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, giant ragweed, and horseweed were 4.9, 3.3, 1.9, and 1.3 times more sensitive to paraquat, respectively. The injury progression rate over 3 d after treatment (DAT) was a more accurate predictor of final efficacy at 14 DAT than the lag phase until symptoms first appeared. For example, at the 17.5 g ha–1 dose, the injury rate of waterhemp and Palmer amaranth was, on average, 3.6 times greater than that of horseweed and purple deadnettle. The influence of various environmental factors on paraquat efficacy was weed specific. Applications made at sunrise improved control of purple deadnettle over applications at solar noon or sunset. Lower light intensities (200 or 600 µmol m–2 s–1) surrounding the time of application improved control of waterhemp and horseweed more than 1,000 µmol m–2 s–1. Day/night temperatures of 27/16 C improved horseweed and purple deadnettle control compared with day/night temperatures of 18/13 C. Though control was positively associated with injury rates in the application time of day and temperature experiments, a negative relationship was observed for waterhemp in the light-intensity experiment. Thus, although there are conditions that enhance paraquat efficacy, the specific target species must also be considered. These results advocate paraquat dose recommendations, currently based on weed height, be expanded to address sensitivity differences among weeds. Moreover, these findings contrast with paraquat labels stating temperatures of 13 C or lower do not reduce paraquat efficacy. Nomenclature: Paraquat; giant ragweed, Ambrosia trifida L. ; horseweed, Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson; purple deadnettle, Lamium purpureum L. ; waterhemp, Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) J.D. Sauer
The long and short of it: The temporal significance of wealth and income

[Correction added on 13 October 2020, after online publication: The first author's affiliation was previously omitted and has been added in this version. ] Abstract In the literatures on the lived experience of poverty and richness temporal dimensions are underappreciated. Comparing qualitative interviews with those at opposite ends of the income and wealth distributions in the UK, we examine a temporal contrast: while “poor” participants experience money as flows of income which focus orientation to the present and constrain orientation to the future, “rich” participants experience money not only as flows of income, but also in the form of a stock of wealth which facilitates long-term orientations. Highlighting the enduring nature of wealth and the comparative short-termism of income, we argue that the way in which capital and income relates to individuals' orientations to the future is important for understanding how economic inequality is experienced. Put differently, the form which economic resources take matters for one's ability to plan and control the future. This insight contributes to our understanding of the experience of being economically advantaged or disadvantaged, with implications for (social) policy.
A process-focused case series of a school-based intervention aimed at giving young people choice and control over their attendance and their goals in therapy

ABSTRACT This study investigated clinical and process factors involved in a client-led psychological intervention (Method of Levels therapy – MOL). MOL offered 16 adolescents choice and control over attendance (by using a self-booking system) and topics discussed in sessions. Process measures examining empowerment and ability to resolve psychological conflict were used to explore the impact MOL might have on these. Young people booked a wide-ranging number of sessions at differing intervals and set goals related to their emotional or mental wellbeing. On completion, the majority of adolescents displayed an increase in scores for empowerment and ability to resolve psychological conflict and overall distress levels decreased. Benefits were sustained two months after completion of the study.
Risk Factors Associated With Failure to Reach Minimal Clinically Important Difference After Correction Surgery in Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after surgery in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) by minimum clinically important difference (MCID). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA MCID has been introduced in the adult spinal deformity to quantify the absolute minimum change that can be considered a success. There are limited data available to identify factors affecting reaching MCID after DLS surgery. METHODS This study reviewed a cohort of 123 DLS patients after correction surgery and with a minimum 2-year follow-up (FU). Inclusion criteria included age ≥40 and minimum five vertebrae fused and the availability of Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 scores and radiographic data at baseline (BL) and FU. Using a multivariate analysis, two groups were compared to identify possible risk factors: those who reached MCID in the all four SRS domains (N = 65) at the last FU and those who missed MCID (N = 58). RESULTS At baseline, patients differed significantly from matched normative data in all SRS-22 domains. The baseline HRQOL was comparable in reached MCID and missed MCID group patients (P > 0.05). The HRQOL scores at FU were significantly higher than those at baseline. Of 123 included patients, 77.2% (N = 95), 72.4% (N = 89), 76.4% (N = 94), and 89.4% (N = 110) reached MCID in SRS pain, activity, appearance, and mental domain, respectively. Pelvic incidence (PI) >55°, lumbar lordosis (LL) loss >4.65°, coronal imbalance at FU, sagittal vertical axis (SVA) at FU >80 mm, and presence of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and distal junctional problem (DJP) had negative effects on the recovery process. CONCLUSION Factors affecting reaching MCID after surgery for DLS were higher PI, LL loss, coronal imbalance, severe sagittal imbalance, and the occurrence of PJK and DJP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.
Diversity analysis of kinase like disease resistance gene analogues in sugarcane

Abstract Red rot disease is a severe disease of sugarcane that affects the crop productivity in sugarcane growing countries. In this study, resistance gene analogues (RGAs) similar to kinase resistance protein isolated from sugarcane red rot resistant, moderately resistant and susceptible genotypes were compared with wall associated receptor like kinases of various plants. The non-RD serine/threonine kinase regions were noticed in all identified sugarcane RGAs. The amino acid identity percentage among resistant, moderately resistant and susceptible sugarcane RGAs was more than 90% which indicated that conserved kinase region is present in these RGAs. However, when compared with other monocots and dicots, the identified RGAs showed much diversity in kinase region. As the RGAs of sugarcane are of non-RD serine/threonine kinase that are typically associated with immune responses in plant, the findings may be extremely useful that can be used as RGAs based marker development for resistance breeding in sugarcane.
Decompression Retinopathy Following Trabeculectomy: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION Decompression retinopathy (DR) can have varied manifestations as retinal and vitreous hemorrhage, disc edema, and macular edema. Vein occlusion associated with choroidal detachment (CD) has not been reported so far as a feature of DR. CASE We report a case of a 78 year old male with bilateral primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) on maximal topical medication with progressive field loss. Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C was done in the left eye, and the patient developed hypotony in the immediate postoperative period which was managed conservatively. After six weeks he developed CD, vein occlusion and macular edema. Thus, Anti VEGF was given and in other eye filtration surgery was done with all measures to avoid sudden hypotony. Patient still developed CD in the right eye. For which, he was given oral and topical steroids in tapering dose. After one month there was resolution of macular edema in the left eye and choroidal detachment resolved in both eyes and IOP was in lower teens in both eyes. CONCLUSION Venous stasis retinopathy and choroidal detachment can be the manifestations of decompression retinopathy following glaucoma filtering surgery. The advancement in imaging modalities now can help us find the pathogenesis of the condition and validation of previous hypothesis proposed. Early identification and management of retinopathy helps in resolution with good visual recovery.
Finite‐time distributed control with time transformation

In this article, we propose distributed control algorithms for first‐ and second‐order multiagent systems for addressing finite‐time control problem with a priori given, user‐defined finite‐time convergence guarantees. The proposed control frameworks are predicated on a recently developed time transformation approach. Specifically, our contribution is twofold: First, a generalized time transformation function is proposed that converts the user‐defined finite‐time interval to a stretched infinite‐time interval, where one can design a distributed control algorithm on this stretched interval and then transform it back to the original finite‐time interval for achieving a given multiagent system objective. Second, for a specific time transformation function, we analytically establish the robustness properties of the resulting finite‐time distributed control algorithms against vanishing and nonvanishing system uncertainties. By contrast to existing finite‐time approaches, it is shown that the proposed algorithms can preserve a priori given, user‐defined finite‐time convergence regardless of the initial conditions of the multiagent system, the graph topology, and without requiring a knowledge of the upper bounds of the considered class of system uncertainties. Illustrative numerical examples are included to further demonstrate the efficacy of the presented results.
Variation in soil organic carbon stock in different land uses and altitudes in Bagrot Valley, Northern Karakoram

ABSTRACT Soil organic carbon tends to respond more sensitively to climate change and land use intensification in ecologically fragile and economically marginal regions of mountainous areas. This study aims to evaluate the soil organic carbon stock dynamic across various land uses at different altitudes in the Bagrot valley, Northern Karakoram, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Soil samples from 0–20, 20–40 and 40–60 cm depth were collected from three land uses: pasture, forest, and adjacently located arable land at different altitude (ranging from 2100–4163 m). The variables investigated were soil bulk density (BD), soil organic carbon concentration (SOC), soil organic carbon stock (SOCS) and pH. A significant variation in all tested variables were found across the land uses and altitudes. Likewise, soil under forest had significantly higher values of SOCS (59.35 Mg ha−1) than pasture (42.48 Mg ha−1) and arable land (23.63 Mg ha−1). Similarly, SOCS increased with increasing altitude and decreased with soil depth in all land uses. In addition, SOCS had a negative relationship with BD and pH. Overall results indicated that the land use intensification and climate change (increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation) were associated with declining SOCS. These results suggest restoration of degraded agricultural land to the forest, especially at higher altitude, and decrease in intensity of land use could increase SOCS in the study area as well as other similar mountainous regions.
Zonation of emergent freshwater macrophytes: Responses to small-scale variation in water depth1

Abstract Plant responses to hydrology are central to understanding the structure of wetland plant communities and to informing restoration efforts. The objectives of this study were to examine ecological responses of emergent plant species to water depth in a freshwater wetland in south-central New York (USA) and to test growth responses and associated nutrient relations for emergent species exposed to controlled water depths without interspecific competition in a greenhouse experiment. Field observations quantified the distribution of wetland plants in relation to water depth at Harpur Pond in the Binghamton University Nature Preserve. Presence or absence of plant species was noted in 0.25-m2 quadrats, along 11 transects extending from the upland limit of emergents to their greatest depth in the pond. Ten of the 12 most frequent taxa showed significantly nonrandom distributions (P < 0.05). For example, Boehmeria cylindrica and Persicaria sagittata were more frequent > 0.2 m above the median water level, whereas Sparganium americanum and Leersia oryzoides were more frequent near it. In contrast, Eleocharis palustris was evenly distributed across the approximately 0.6-m elevational range. Species richness decreased significantly from the upper and middle ends to the lower end of the hydrological gradient, and plant community composition at the highest elevation was 80% dissimilar to that below the median water level. The greenhouse experiment was conducted to examine the effects of small-scale differences in water depth (−11 cm, −8 cm, −2 cm, and +3 cm in relation to the soil surface) on the growth and nutrient concentrations of transplanted ramets of five common wetland plant species: Juncus effusus, Scirpus cyperinus, L. oryzoides, Glyceria grandis, and S. americanum. After 45 days of growth, S. americanum had accumulated 96% greater biomass at 3 cm below the water level than at 11 cm above (P = 0.03 from one-way ANOVA), showing that minor differences in water depth can be important to plant success. Water depth did not significantly affect growth for the other four species. Greater biomass was correlated with lower tissue nitrogen concentration for S. americanum, L. oryzoides, and G. grandis and with lower phosphorus concentration for L. oryzoides and G. grandis, indicating that growth may result in nutrient dilution within tissues.
When using the native language leads to more ethical choices: integrating ratings and electrodermal monitoring

ABSTRACT Turkish university students who had learned English via classroom instruction read six ethical dilemmas (three in English, three in Turkish) while skin conductance was recorded. Ratings of agreement with selfish actions were higher in the foreign language; agreement with ethical actions were higher in the native language. The skin conductance responses (SCRs) elicited by selfish statements were stronger than SCRs elicited by ethical statements, consistent with feeling anxious at violating ethical norms. The difference between SCR magnitudes for the selfish and ethical statements was smaller in the foreign language condition, consistent with somatic markers guiding action choices. In addition, SCRs were overall larger in the foreign language, suggesting an effort/stress response which swamped or obscured emotional signals elicited by the ethical vs. selfish content. Results indicate a role for dampening of the emotional contribution in foreign language decision making, due to the cognitive load and stress of reading/evaluating foreign language dilemmas.
Antioxidant and antihyperglycaemic effects of naringenin arrest the progression of diabetic nephropathy in diabetic rats

Background Long-standing diabetes declines the kidney function and is responsible for diabetic nephropathy (DN). The plant and the phytoconstituents have a promising therapeutic potential in the management of diabetes and diabetes complications. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of naringenin in diabetic-induced nephropathy in experimental rats. Materials and methods Diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fat diet and injected with streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal). At 48 h after injection, hyperglycaemia was confirmed by estimating the blood glucose levels and the rats were left untreated for 4 weeks. The diabetic rats were orally treated with different doses of naringenin 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight, for the next 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment body weight and kidney weight were recorded, serum and urine were used for various biochemical estimations. Oxidative stress levels and histopathological studies were performed on isolated kidneys. The efficacy of treatment was statistically analysed with diabetic control rats. Results Increased blood glucose, lipid levels and abnormal kidney functions were noticed in diabetic rats. Moreover, increased levels of oxidative stress markers and altered histological structure were noted in the kidney of diabetic rats, which mimic DN. Naringenin treatments (25 and 50 mg/kg) in diabetic rats significantly restored their kidney functions and reversed hyperglycaemia and lipids level. Hyperfiltration and increased microalbuminuria, urinary albumin excretion and creatinine clearance were effectively attenuated within 4 weeks of naringenin treatments. Increased levels of oxidative stress and histological alteration were restored towards normal. Conclusion Naringenin treatments in diabetic rats arrest the progression of DN due to its multivariate actions such as antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant.
Do Analysts’ Cash Flow Forecasts Improve Firm Value?

We examine whether analysts’ cash flow forecasts improve firm value. First, we analyze whether the joint issuance of financial analysts’ earnings and cash flow forecasts improve firm value. Second, we analyze whether the quality of analysts’ cash flow forecasts improve firm value. The empirical results of our study are as follows. First, the joint issuance of analysts’ earnings and cash flow forecasts has a significantly positive effect on firm value; providing cash flow forecasts reduces information asymmetry and increases earnings quality, thereby increasing corporate value. Second, the quality of analysts’ cash flow forecasts has a significantly positive effect on firm value; the more accurate cash flow forecasts are, the higher firm value is. Our study provides empirical evidence for that the conclusion that cash flow forecasting information produced by financial analysts provides useful information for capital market participants in economic decision making.
Cichlids as a model for the evolution of visual sensitivity

The cichlid fishes of East Africa are the most ecologically diverse radiation of recent vertebrates. These highly visual fish live in habitats ranging from turbid rivers to clear lakes. They have evolved to exploit an astounding array of foraging strategies. The combination of phenotypic diversity and varied environmental conditions makes the cichlid system ideal for the examination of the relationship between ecology and the evolution of visual sensitivity. In this dissertation, I explore several aspects of this relationship. In Chapter 1, I compare the opsin gene sequences from 17 African cichlid species that have evolved in either clear or turbid light environments. I identify statistical evidence of molecular adaptation. I also find evidence of differences in the relative rates of substitution across clear and turbid lineages. When patterns of amino acid substitution are compared to possible tuning sites, only the ultraviolet sensitive SWS1 class have patterns of substitution that are consistent with photic environment-driven evolution. In Chapter 2, I determine the peak absorbances of in vitro expressed pigments for all seven Nile tilapia cone opsin genes and chart opsin expression across ontogeny. Each gene is found to encode a distinct photopigment. Despite the expression of a limited subset of opsin genes in adults, each opsin was found to be expressed at some point during ontogeny. In Chapter 3, I use MSP and real-time RT-PCR to characterize the differences in visual sensitivity among one of Lake Malawi's most species rich genera, Labidochromis. This study suggests that visual sensitivity is quite labile and can change during the evolution of closely related species. In chapter 4, I examine the distribution of retained opsin gene duplicates among all fish opsins sequenced to date. Duplicates are found differentially across opsin classes. Overall, the majority of retained gene duplicates began to accumulate around the time of the radiation of higher teleosts. Finally in Chapter 5, I highlight ways in which the cichlid system might be especially useful in relating ecology and vision. This includes identifying how visual sensitivity has been shaped by specific foraging strategies and how this affects the long-term evolution of the cone opsin family.