Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postimplantation expression patterns indicate a role for the mouse forkhead/HNF-3 alpha, beta and gamma genes in determination of the definitive endoderm, chordamesoderm and neuroectoderm.

The HNF-3 alpha, beta and gamma genes constitute a family of transcription factors that are required for hepatocyte-specific gene expression of a number of genes, e.g. transthyretin, alpha-1 antitrypsin and tyrosine aminotransferase. These genes share a highly conserved DNA-binding domain first found in the Drosophila gene, forkhead, which is required for the normal patterning of the developing gut and central nervous system in Drosophila. In adult mouse tissues, transcripts from HNF-3 alpha and beta have been localised to the liver, intestine and lung, whereas HNF-3 gamma is found in the liver, intestine and testis. In light of the early developmental significance of forkhead in Drosophila, we have compared the patterns of expression of HNF-3 alpha, beta and gamma mRNAs during murine embryogenesis. We find that these genes are sequentially activated during development in the definitive endoderm. HNF-3 beta mRNA is expressed in the node at the anterior end of the primitive streak in all three germ layers and is the first gene of this family to be activated. Subsequently, HNF-3 alpha is transcribed in the primitive endoderm in the region of the invaginating foregut and HNF-3 gamma appears upon hindgut differentiation. These genes have different anterior boundaries of mRNA expression in the developing endoderm and transcripts are found in all endoderm-derived structures that differentiate posterior to this boundary. Therefore, we propose that these genes define regionalization within the definitive endoderm. Furthermore, differential mRNA expression of HNF-3 alpha and beta is detected in cells of the ventral neural epithelium, chordamesoderm and notochord. In the neural epithelium, expression of HNF-3 alpha and beta mRNA becomes localised to cells of the floor plate. We propose that, in addition to their characterised requirement for liver-specific gene expression, HNF-3 alpha and beta are required for mesoderm and neural axis formation. We also conclude that HNF-3 beta is the true orthologue of the Drosophila forkhead gene.
Control of Tower Cranes With Double-Pendulum Payload Dynamics

The usefulness of cranes is limited because the payload is supported by an overhead suspension cable that allows oscillation to occur during crane motion. Under certain conditions, the payload dynamics may introduce an additional oscillatory mode that creates a double pendulum. This paper presents an analysis of this effect on tower cranes. This paper also reviews a command generation technique to suppress the oscillatory dynamics with robustness to frequency changes. Experimental results are presented to verify that the proposed method can improve the ability of crane operators to drive a double-pendulum tower crane. The performance improvements occurred during both local and teleoperated control.
Trust formation and experiences of prejudice and discrimination of Roma entrepreneurs in Finland

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe and to gain an understanding of the prejudices and discrimination faced by Finnish Roma entrepreneurs in their business activities.Design/methodology/approach – The starting point to this phenomenographical research is social marginality since the people of the Roma continue to exist at the margins of Finnish society. As a result of the study, how Roma entrepreneurs observe and understand discrimination against them in the business world is described and the manner in which their perceptions are formed is explored.Findings – The entrepreneurs interviewed had experienced prejudice and discrimination in interactions with revenue offices, TE‐Centres (Employment and Economic Development Centre), city councils, banks, insurance companies, suppliers, retailers, customers and with competitors.Practical implications – Creating trusting relationships with special interest groups was seen as the best method by which to reduce the prejudices. The perception of the R.
Activity and mechanisms of action of selected biocidal agents on Gram-positive and -negative bacteria.

AIMS This study investigates the antimicrobial activity and mode of action of two natural products, eugenol and thymol, a commonly utilized biostatic agent, triclocarban (TCC), and two surfactants, didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDDMAC) and C10-C16 alkyldimethyl amine N-oxides (ADMAO). METHODS AND RESULTS Methods used included: determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), lethal effect studies with suspension tests and the investigation of sub-MIC concentrations on growth of E. coli, Staph. aureus and Ps. aeruginosa using a Bioscreen microbiological analyser. Leakage of intracellular constituents and the effects of potentiating agents were also investigated. Only DDDMAC was bactericidal against all of the organisms tested. Eugenol, thymol and ADMAO showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity, but not against Ps. aeruginosa. TCC was only bacteristatic against Staph. aureus, but like the other agents, it did affect the growth of the other organisms in the Bioscreen experiments. All of the antimicrobial agents tested were potentiated by the permeabilizers to some extent and leakage of potassium was seen with all of the agents except TCC. CONCLUSIONS DDDMAC was bactericidal against all organisms tested and all compounds had some bacteriostatic action. Low level static effects on bacterial growth were seen with sub-MIC concentrations. Membrane damage may account for at least part of the mode of action of thymol, eugenol, DDDMAC and ADMAO. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The ingredients evaluated demonstrated a range of bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties against the Gram-negative and -positive organisms evaluated and the membrane (leakage of intracellular components) was implicated in the mode of action for most (except TCC). Sub-MIC levels of all ingredients did induce subtle effects on the organisms which impacted bacterial growth, even for those which had no true inhibitory effects.
Electromagnetic parameters measurements of clay soils for Mars radar sounding

The martian shallow crust has been studied through two subsurface sounding radars, MARSIS and SHARAD which operate at 3-5 and 20 MHz, respectively. The capability of radar to resolve the subsurface structures and the stratigraphy relates both on the radar features and the electromagnetic parameters of the shallow crust. For small grain size sediments, like clay minerals, the dielectric properties strongly affect the penetration depth of the radar signal. In this study, we measured several clayey samples, collected from various geological settings, with different mineralogy and water content using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) in the frequency range 1MHz-6GHz. The electrical properties were estimated as a function of temperature (200-298K) via the Nicolson-Ross-Weir algorithm using a coaxial-cage probe connected to the VNA. These measurements are used to interpret radar data in terms of depth penetration and surface echoes strength which could be affected by the temperature diurnal variation of martian surface.
The treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis with a new anti-CD11a monoclonal antibody.

BACKGROUND Anti-CD11a (hu1124) is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the CD11a subunit of LFA-1. This study investigated whether treatment with anti-CD11a antibody provides clinical benefit to patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. METHODS This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II, multicenter study. In total, 145 patients with minimum Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores of 12 and affected body surface area of 10% or more were sequentially enrolled into low-dose (0.1 mg/kg, n = 22) or high-dose (0.3 mg/kg, n = 75) groups. Within groups, patients were randomized to treatment or placebo (n = 48) in a 2:1 ratio. Drug was administered intravenously at weekly intervals for 8 weeks. RESULTS The percentage of subjects achieving more than 50% improvement in physician's global assessment at day 56 (1 week after final dose) was 15% and 48% for placebo and 0.3 mg/kg of drug, respectively (P =.002). A physician's global assessment of excellent (>75% improvement) was greater in the 0.3 mg/kg group versus placebo (25% vs 2%, P =.0003). Average Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores at day 56 were 13.9 +/- 7.5 (placebo) and 10.9 +/- 8.4 (0.3 mg/kg) (P <.0001). Epidermal thickness was reduced in the 0.3 mg/kg group compared with the placebo group (37% vs 19%, P =.004). Treatment was well tolerated; mild to moderate flu-like complaints were the most common adverse events. White blood cell counts and lymphocyte counts transiently increased. Depletion of circulating lymphocytes did not occur. CONCLUSIONS Anti-CD11a antibody administered intravenously in 8 weekly doses of 0.3 mg/kg was well tolerated and induced clinical and histologic improvements in psoriasis.
Radiomorphometric analysis of frontal sinus for sex determination

Context: Sex determination of unknown individuals carries crucial significance in forensic research, in cases where fragments of skull persist with no likelihood of identification based on dental arch. In these instances sex determination becomes important to rule out certain number of possibilities instantly and helps in establishing a biological profile of human remains. Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate a mathematical method based on logistic regression analysis capable of ascertaining the sex of individuals in the South Indian population. Settings and Design: The study was conducted in the department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. Methods and Material: The right and left areas, maximum height, width of frontal sinus were determined in 100 Caldwell views of 50 women and 50 men aged 20 years and above, with the help of Vernier callipers and a square grid with 1 square measuring 1mm2 in area. Statistical analysis used: Student's t-test, logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean values of variables were greater in men, based on Student's t-test at 5% level of significance. The mathematical model based on logistic regression analysis gave percentage agreement of total area to correctly predict the female gender as 55.2%, of right area as 60.9% and of left area as 55.2%. Conclusion: The areas of the frontal sinus and the logistic regression proved to be unreliable in sex determination. (Logit = 0.924 - 0.00217 × right area).
A study of optimal weights restriction in Data Envelopment Analysis

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a mathematical programming approach to assessing relative efficiencies within a group of Decision Making Units (DMUs). An important outcome of such an analysis is a set of virtual multipliers or weights accorded to each (input or output) factor taken into account. Due to the factor weight flexibility of the DEA model, a DMU may assign very low-factor weight scores to some of its unfavourable inputs or outputs and appear as efficient, thus producing nonsensical results in some cases. This study focuses on this shortcoming to integrate an optimal weights restriction model and absolute restriction method to restricting weight flexibility in DEA, so that the evaluation result can be more realistic, and finally takes the garbage clearance of each district in Kaohsiung city in Taiwan as an example for the illustration.
Route Choice Efficiency: An Investigation of Home-To-Work Trips Using GPS Data

This paper proposes a new way to study commuting efficiency based on the degree to which actual routes between places deviate from shortest paths. Factors influencing ‘route choice efficiency’ are investigated using a sample of home-based work trips obtained from the Space—Time Activity Research (STAR) survey, which was conducted in Halifax, Canada, between April 2007 and May 2008. The findings indicate that many drivers pursue suboptimal routes. Furthermore, the results from two ordered probit models reveal that sex, household size, work schedule, actual distance to work, distance to the central business district, travel time, and exposure to public transit are among the factors found to influence route choice efficiency.
Stokesian dynamics simulation of sub-micron hydrodynamically interacting nonspherical particles

We describe an algorithm for performing Stokesian dynamics (SD) simulations of suspensions of arbitrary shape rigid particles with hydrodynamic interactions, modeled as rigid groups of spheres, the hydrodynamic mobility matrix of which is accurately computable by several established schemes for spheres. The algorithm is based on Stokesian rigid body equations of translational and rotational motion, which we have derived by an approach formally analogous to that of Newtonian rigid body dynamics. SD simulation results generated with this algorithm agree very well with those from experiment and other SD and non-SD methods for nonspherical particles, and are numerically identical to those from a constraint SD algorithm we have previously described, HSHAKE.
Payment For Risk: Constant Beta Vs. Dual‐Beta Models

Fama and French's (1992) assertion that investors receive premium payments for risk associated with the book value to market price (BE/ME) and size and not for holding beta risk has sparked a lively debate concerning risk factors that are priced in the market. Howton and Peterson (1998) use a dual-beta model to test the Fama and French conclusions. They conclude that the significant relationship between beta and returns depends on the use of the dual-beta model. This work, however, ignores the results reported by Pettengill, Sundaram, and Mathur (PSM, 1995). PSM find a significant relation between a constant risk beta and returns when data are segmented between up and down markets, but do not consider the impact of size and BE/ME. In this paper we show that the PSM (1995) market segmentation procedure alone provides a sufficient condition to identify a significant relation between beta and returns in the presence of size and BE/ME. Dual market betas may be relevant in explaining risk and return. However, the market segmentation procedure of PSM (1995) is the critical condition for finding a significant relationship between returns and betas. Copyright 2002 by the Eastern Finance Association.
Embryonic mesoderm and endoderm induction requires the actions of non-embryonic Nodal-related ligands and Mxtx2

Vertebrate mesoderm and endoderm formation requires signaling by Nodal-related ligands from the TGFβ superfamily. The factors that initiate Nodal-related gene transcription are unknown in most species and the relative contributions of Nodal-related ligands from embryonic, extraembryonic and maternal sources remain uncertain. In zebrafish, signals from the yolk syncytial layer (YSL), an extraembryonic domain, are required for mesoderm and endoderm induction, and YSL expression of nodal-related 1 (ndr1) and ndr2 accounts for a portion of this activity. A variable requirement of maternally derived Ndr1 for dorsal and anterior axis formation has also been documented. Here we show that Mxtx2 directly activates expression of ndr2 via binding to its first intron and is required for ndr2 expression in the YSL. Mxtx2 is also required for the Nodal signaling-independent expression component of the no tail a (ntla) gene, which is required for posterior (tail) mesoderm formation. Therefore, Mxtx2 defines a new pathway upstream of Nodal signaling and posterior mesoderm formation. We further show that the co-disruption of extraembryonic Ndr2, extraembryonic Ndr1 and maternal Ndr1 eliminates endoderm and anterior (head and trunk) mesoderm, recapitulating the loss of Nodal signaling phenotype. Therefore, non-embryonic sources of Nodal-related ligands account for the complete spectrum of early Nodal signaling requirements. In summary, the induction of mesoderm and endoderm depends upon the combined actions of Mxtx2 and Nodal-related ligands from non-embryonic sources.
Comparison of texts using string kernels

This thesis is concerned with the distance between texts of strings, mainly molecular sequences but not limited to. We achieve this through a vectorization, using string kernels, representing the strings as frequency vectors indexed by their substrings counting the occurence of that given index. This thesis contributes by defining two algorithms for calculating the distance given this vectorization, with upper bounds of O(n3) and O(n2), respectively. The algorithms have been implemented, tested and evaluated. Experiments have been carried out verifying the time complexities are satisfied in practice. We aimed for a linear time complexity, instead we achieved a O(n2) running time. We carried out experiments, to benchmark the implementations against each other, as well a small application of the distance measure.
Biochemical and Immunological Characterization of MP65, a Major Mannoprotein Antigen of the Opportunistic Human PathogenCandida albicans

ABSTRACT In the search of the antigenic determinants of a 65-kDa mannoprotein (MP65) of Candida albicans, tryptic fragments of immunoaffinity-purified MP65 preparations were tested for their ability to induce lymphoproliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Five major peptides (T1 to T5) were shown to induce a vigorous proliferation of PBMC from the majority of the eight healthy human subjects tested. With the use of synthetic peptides, critical amino acid sequences of the two most immunoactive (T1 and T2) peptides were determined. Similar to what was found for the MP65 molecule, no PBMC multiplication was induced by the antigenic peptides in cultures of naive cord blood cells. The amino acid sequence analysis of tryptic and chymotryptic peptides of MP65 demonstrated a substantial homology with the deduced sequences of two cell wall proteins ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae, encoded by the genesYRM305C and YGR279C. However, the antigenic peptides were those showing the least similarity with the corresponding regions of the above proteins. In particular, the lymphoproliferation-inducing sequence of the T1 peptide scored only 20% identity with the homologous regions of S. cerevisiaeproteins. Besides disclosing the amino acid sequence of MP65, this study provides an initial characterization of some of its antigenic determinants, as well as of synthetic peptides of potential use to detect specific immune responses against MP65, a major target of anticandidal cell-mediated immunity in humans.
THE USE OF A MARSHALLIAN MACROECONOMIC MODEL FOR POLICY EVALUATION: CASE OF SOUTH AFRICA

Using a disaggregated Marshallian macroeconomic model, this paper investigates how the adoption of a set of “free market reforms” may affect the economic growth rate of South Africa. Our findings suggest that the institution of the proposed policy reforms would yield substantial growth in aggregate annual real GDP. The resulting annual GDP growth rate could range from 5.3% to 9.8%, depending on which variant of the reform policies was implemented.
Acupuncture for patients with migraine: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT Acupuncture is widely used to prevent migraine attacks, but the available evidence of its benefit is scarce. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture and with no acupuncture in patients with migraine. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Three-group, randomized, controlled trial (April 2002-January 2003) involving 302 patients (88% women), mean (SD) age of 43 (11) years, with migraine headaches, based on International Headache Society criteria. Patients were treated at 18 outpatient centers in Germany. INTERVENTIONS Acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waiting list control. Acupuncture and sham acupuncture were administered by specialized physicians and consisted of 12 sessions per patient over 8 weeks. Patients completed headache diaries from 4 weeks before to 12 weeks after randomization and from week 21 to 24 after randomization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Difference in headache days of moderate or severe intensity between the 4 weeks before and weeks 9 to 12 after randomization. RESULTS Between baseline and weeks 9 to 12, the mean (SD) number of days with headache of moderate or severe intensity decreased by 2.2 (2.7) days from a baseline of 5.2 (2.5) days in the acupuncture group compared with a decrease to 2.2 (2.7) days from a baseline of 5.0 (2.4) days in the sham acupuncture group, and by 0.8 (2.0) days from a baseline if 5.4 (3.0) days in the waiting list group. No difference was detected between the acupuncture and the sham acupuncture groups (0.0 days, 95% confidence interval, -0.7 to 0.7 days; P = .96) while there was a difference between the acupuncture group compared with the waiting list group (1.4 days; 95% confidence interval; 0.8-2.1 days; P<.001). The proportion of responders (reduction in headache days by at least 50%) was 51% in the acupuncture group, 53% in the sham acupuncture group, and 15% in the waiting list group. CONCLUSION Acupuncture was no more effective than sham acupuncture in reducing migraine headaches although both interventions were more effective than a waiting list control.
Scaling Peer-to-Peer testing using Linux Containers

This paper presents an experimental study on the scalability of Linux Containers as a virtualization platform for evaluating Peer-to-Peer systems with real client implementations. This research identifies key features which make Linux Containers a viable solution for large-scale Peer-to-Peer virtualized infrastructures. Host resource utilization and swarm performance are evaluated for different swarm sizes, finding correlations between the virtualization solution settings and the impact on various host and peer parameters. The limits of Linux Containers are explored through experimental research, identifying directions for improving Peer-to-Peer testing in virtualized environments.
Divergent Evolution of Duplicate Genes Leads to Genetic Incompatibilities Within A. thaliana

Genetic incompatibilities resulting from interactions between two loci represent a potential source of postzygotic barriers and may be an important factor in evolution when they impair the outcome of interspecific crosses. We show that, in crosses between strains of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana, loci interact epistatically, controlling a recessive embryo lethality. This interaction is explained by divergent evolution occurring among paralogs of an essential duplicate gene, for which the functional copy is not located at the same locus in different accessions. These paralogs demonstrate genetic heterogeneity in their respective evolutionary trajectories, which results in widespread incompatibility among strains. Our data suggest that these passive mechanisms, gene duplication and extinction, could represent an important source of genetic incompatibilities across all taxa.
An RF analog of ENZ dielectric waveguide

Recently, there have been several studies on potential application of the ENZ (plasmonic) metamaterials in dielectric waveguides and similar structures at optical frequencies. It was shown possible to tunnel the flow of EM energy trough a slab (or a rod) made out of an ENZ material, transversal dimension of which can be arbitrarily smaller than a wavelength. In addition, one could think of a complementary structure that comprises a dielectric slab embedded within an ENZ metamaterial. Such a structure (a simple air slab with a subwavelength thickness, embedded within an anisotropic ENZ metamaterial) is analyzed in this paper. Numerical results revealed behavior similar to the behavior of an ordinary dielectric waveguide, but with considerably longer guiding wavelength (for a fixed width of a core slab). Numerical results were verified by the measurements on the RF scaled replica of an ENZ waveguide, operating in 4 GHz frequency band.