Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial activity of three newly-synthesized chalcones & synergism with antibiotics against clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Background & objectives: Multidrug-resistance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious therapeutical problem. Chalcones belong to a group of naturally occurring flavonoids, usually found in various plant species, and have potent antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities. The goal of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of three newly-synthesized chalcones against clinical isolates of MRSA, and their synergism with β-lactam and non- β-lactam antibiotics. Methods: Antimicrobial activity of the three newly-synthesized chalcones was tested against 19 clinical isolates of MRSA and a laboratory control strain of MRSA (ATCC 43300). The synergism with β-lactams: cefotaxime (CFX), ceftriaxone (CTX), and non-β-lactam antibiotics: ciprofloxacin (CIP), gentamicin (GEN) and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) was investigated by checkerboard method. Results: All evaluated compounds showed significant anti-MRSA activity with MIC values from 25-200 μg/ml. Observed synergism with antibiotics demonstrated that chalcones significantly enhanced the efficacy of CIP, GEN and TMP-SMX. Interpretation & conclusions: Our study demonstrated that three newly-synthesized chalcones exhibited significant anti-MRSA effect and synergism with non-β-lactam antibiotics. The most effective compound was 1,3-Bis-(2-hydroxy-phenyl)-propenone. Our results provide useful information for future research of possible application of chalcones in combination with conventional anti-MRSA therapy as promising new antimicrobial agents.
Asymmetrical demography effects on psychological climate for gender diversity: Differential effects of leader gender and work unit gender composition among Swedish doctors

This research examined the association between gender composition of the work context and perceived reward and social outcomes for women and men. A nationally representative sample of 594 male and 430 female Swedish medical doctors responded to a survey asking them to report the gender composition of their medical unit, the gender of their immediate supervisors, and the gender of the head of their work organizations. Participants also responded to previously validated measures of perceived fairness, discrimination, organizational support, exclusion, and gender harassment. Findings indicated that: 1) women who worked in medical units with a larger percentage of men reported more gender harassment; 2) women who had a male supervisor reported less organizational support; and 3) women who worked in an organization with a male head reported more gender discrimination. For men, gender composition was unrelated to any of the outcome measures.
Redefining Digital Audience: Models and Actions

This paper presents a new theoretical model for audience participation in the context of HCI. Such a model is necessary because, while a great amount of new interactive solutions are unveiled each year, the assumptions in regards to users’ roles remain largely unchanged since the dawn of the computer era. This paper questions these roles and articulates a number of principles that interactive environments must employ to bring about new audiences – active communities based on the principles of non-idiomatic improvisation. This theoretical exercise is supplemented by a brief description of the Emonic Environment, our system for creation, modification, exchange, and performance of audiovisual media in an improvisational fashion. The paper concludes with a description of system’s ongoing expansion into the domain of mobile multi-user collaboration.
Fitness Landscape Analysis and Optimization of Coupled Oscillators

Synchronization in chaotic oscillatory systems has a wide array of applications in biology, physics, and communications systems. Over the past 10 years there has been considerable interest in the synchronization properties of small-world and scale-free networks. In this paper, we define the fitness of a configuration of coupled oscillators as its ability to synchronize, which is related to the ratio of the largest and smallest eigenvalues of the coupling matrix. After an analysis of the fitness landscape of the coupled oscillators problem, we employ an optimization algorithm to determine network structures that lead to an enhanced ability to synchronize. The optimized networks generally have low clustering, small diameters, short path-length, are disassortative, and have a high degree of homogeneity in their degree and load distributions
Reconstruction of 4-D Dynamic SPECT Images From Inconsistent Projections Using a Spline Initialized FADS Algorithm (SIFADS)

In this paper, we propose and validate an algorithm of extracting voxel-by-voxel time activity curves directly from inconsistent projections applied in dynamic cardiac SPECT. The algorithm was derived based on factor analysis of dynamic structures (FADS) approach and imposes prior information by applying several regularization functions with adaptively changing relative weighting. The anatomical information of the imaged subject was used to apply the proposed regularization functions adaptively in the spatial domain. The algorithm performance is validated by reconstructing dynamic datasets simulated using the NCAT phantom with a range of different input tissue time-activity curves. The results are compared to the spline-based and FADS methods. The validated algorithm is then applied to reconstruct pre-clinical cardiac SPECT data from canine and murine subjects. Images, generated from both simulated and experimentally acquired data confirm the ability of the new algorithm to solve the inverse problem of dynamic SPECT with slow gantry rotation.
Crystal Structure of Ribosome-Inactivating Protein Ricin A Chain in Complex with the C-Terminal Peptide of the Ribosomal Stalk Protein P2

Ricin is a type 2 ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP), containing a catalytic A chain and a lectin-like B chain. It inhibits protein synthesis by depurinating the N-glycosidic bond at α-sarcin/ricin loop (SRL) of the 28S rRNA, which thereby prevents the binding of elongation factors to the GTPase activation center of the ribosome. Here, we present the 1.6 Å crystal structure of Ricin A chain (RTA) complexed to the C-terminal peptide of the ribosomal stalk protein P2, which plays a crucial role in specific recognition of elongation factors and recruitment of eukaryote-specific RIPs to the ribosomes. Our structure reveals that the C-terminal GFGLFD motif of P2 peptide is inserted into a hydrophobic pocket of RTA, while the interaction assays demonstrate the structurally untraced SDDDM motif of P2 peptide contributes to the interaction with RTA. This interaction mode of RTA and P protein is in contrast to that with trichosanthin (TCS), Shiga-toxin (Stx) and the active form of maize RIP (MOD), implying the flexibility of the P2 peptide-RIP interaction, for the latter to gain access to ribosome.
Intervening causation and the mitigation of responsibility for harm

Events which occur between a previous behaviour and a later consequence, and which help to produce the consequence (intervening causes), are an important element in determining legal responsibility. An experiment was therefore conducted to clarify the conditions under which the concept of intervening causation is used by lay observers to produce judgements of causation, blame and restitution in cases of harm-doing. Results indicated that an intervening cause decreased the extremity of all three types of judgement to a greater extent when the intervention was voluntary rather than involuntary, and more when the intervention was unforeseeable, than when it was foreseeable. Path analyses of relations among the dependent variables were consistent with a model specifying that restitution judgements are determined by those of blame which are, in turn, determined by those of causation. Alternative models are also discussed together with several further hypotheses regarding intervening causation.
Convex optimization of nonlinear feedback controllers via occupation measures

The construction of feedback control laws for underactuated nonlinear robotic systems with input saturation limits is crucial for dynamic robotic tasks such as walking, running, or flying. Existing techniques for feedback control design are either restricted to linear systems, rely on discretizations of the state space, or require solving a nonconvex optimization problem that requires feasible initialization. This paper presents a method for designing feedback controllers for polynomial systems that maximize the size of the time-limited backwards reachable set (BRS). In contrast to traditional approaches based on Lyapunov’s criteria for stability, we rely on the notion of occupation measures to pose this problem as an infinite-dimensional linear program which can then be approximated in finite dimension via semidefinite programs (SDPs). The solution to each SDP yields a polynomial control policy and an outer approximation of the largest achievable BRS which is well suited for use in a trajectory library or feedback motion planning algorithm. We demonstrate the efficacy and scalability of our approach on six nonlinear systems. Comparisons to an infinite-horizon linear quadratic regulator approach and an approach relying on Lyapunov’s criteria for stability are also included in order to illustrate the improved performance of the presented technique.
Enterprising Identities: Female Entrepreneurs of Moroccan or Turkish Origin in the Netherlands

This paper explores the complex processes of identity construction of female ethnic minority entrepreneurs. Informed by discursive approaches to identity, we make an intersectional analysis of five life stories of female entrepreneurs of Moroccan or Turkish origin in the Netherlands. Being female, Turkish or Moroccan, and entrepreneur at the same time requires various strategies to negotiate identities with different constituencies. These strategies of identity work vary in the degree of conformity: one type is to mainly adhere to conventional images of femininity, a second one is to denounce femininity and/or ethnicity situationally, and the third is to resist the masculine connotation of entrepreneurship by disconnecting it from masculinity. Our focus on this hitherto neglected group of entrepreneurs makes for a situated contribution to the deconstruction of the entrepreneurial archetype of the white male hero. It furthers the understanding of the micropolitics of identity construction in the workplace in relation to the social categories of gender, ethnicity and entrepreneurship.
Differential DNase I hypersensitivity reveals factor-dependent chromatin dynamics

Transcription factor cistromes are highly cell-type specific. Chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, and nucleosome occupancy have all been found to play a role in defining these binding locations. Here, we show that hormone-induced DNase I hypersensitivity changes (ΔDHS) are highly predictive of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) binding in prostate cancer and breast cancer cells, respectively. While chromatin structure prior to receptor binding and nucleosome occupancy after binding are strikingly different for ESR1 and AR, ΔDHS is highly predictive for both. AR binding is associated with changes in both local nucleosome occupancy and DNase I hypersensitivity. In contrast, while global ESR1 binding is unrelated to changes in nucleosome occupancy, DNase I hypersensitivity dynamics are also predictive of the ESR1 cistrome. These findings suggest that AR and ESR1 have distinct modes of interaction with chromatin and that DNase I hypersensitivity dynamics provides a general approach for predicting cell-type specific cistromes.
The central role of anterior cortical midline structures in emotional feeling and consciousness

Current theories of emotion have often excluded emotional feeling from the core of emotion, thereby associating emotional feeling with high order processing. In contrast, we characterize emotional feeling as a basic process that is fundamentally involved in emotional processing. Emotional feeling is further described by the phenomenal features of unity and qualitativeness. Based on recent imaging data, we assume that neural activity in the anterior cortical midline structures is crucial for constituting emotional feeling. The phenomenal feature of unity could be reflected in the connectivity pattern of the aCMS. What phenomenally is described as qualitativeness may correspond to what is psychologically termed valence. Alexander Heinzel Department of Nuclear Medicine University of Dusseldorf Sascha Moerth Georg Northoff Department of Psychiatry University of Magdeburg
Improving video communication in distributed smart camera systems through ROI-based video analysis and compression

In this paper we present an approach aimed at optimizing communications in a distributed smart camera network. The goal is to further reduce the amount of video data to be compressed and transported across the network, thus reducing processing time on smart camera nodes and increasing the network bandwidth. We seek to transmit only data of major importance in region of interest of captured frames. These data are then compressed and transmitted across the network. The integration of this data reduction scheme in a fast communication and object exchange mechanism among smart camera nodes allows for a real-time processing and coordination of distributed video applications. Using a hardware/software architecture on FPGA-based smart cameras, we further improve the computational and communication performance of the whole system, with time critical parts mapped in hardware while control dominated and high-level modules are maintained in software. Results show that the payload obtained after compressing just the ROI parts of a frame is considerably small to allow every camera node to be able to process about 30 frames and transmit up to 1500 compressed frames per second.
Facial beauty affects implicit and explicit learning of men and women differently

The present work explores the unconscious and/or conscious nature of learning attractive faces of same and opposite sex, that is, of stimuli that experimental and neuroimaging research has shown to be rewarding and thus highly motivating. To this end, we examined performance of men and women while classifying strings of average and attractive faces for grammaticality in the experimental task of artificial grammar learning (AGL), which reflects both conscious and unconscious processes. Subjective measures were used to assess participants’ conscious and unconscious knowledge. It was found that female attractiveness impaired performance in male participants. In particular, male participants demonstrated the lowest accuracy while classifying beautiful faces of women. Conversely, female attractiveness facilitated performance in female participants. The pattern was similar for conscious and unconscious knowledge. Presumably, objects with high incentive salience, as are beautiful faces, captured resources, which were used in task relevant versus task irrelevant ways by women versus men. The present findings shed light on the relation of conscious and unconscious processing with affective and reward-related stimuli, as well as on gender differences underlying this relation.
Weight Perceptions and Perceived Risk for Diabetes and Heart Disease Among Overweight and Obese Women, Suffolk County, New York, 2008

Introduction Many Americans fail to accurately identify themselves as overweight and underestimate their risk for obesity-related diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between weight perceptions and perceived risk for diabetes and heart disease among overweight or obese women. Methods We examined survey responses from 397 overweight or obese female health center patients on disease risk perceptions and weight perceptions. We derived odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine predictors of perceived risk for diabetes and heart disease. We further stratified results by health literacy. Results Perceiving oneself as overweight (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.16-6.66), believing that being overweight is a personal health problem (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.26-4.80), and family history of diabetes (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.53-6.78) were associated with greater perceived risk for diabetes. Perceiving oneself as overweight (OR, 4.33; 95% CI, 1.26-14.86) and family history of heart disease (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.08-4.69) were associated with greater perceived risk for heart disease. Among respondents with higher health literacy, believing that being overweight was a personal health problem was associated with greater perceived risk for diabetes (OR, 4.91; 95% CI, 1.68-14.35). Among respondents with lower health literacy, perceiving oneself as overweight was associated with greater perceived risk for heart disease (OR, 4.69; 95% CI, 1.02-21.62). Conclusion Our findings indicate an association between accurate weight perceptions and perceived risk for diabetes and heart disease in overweight or obese women. This study adds to research on disease risk perceptions in at-risk populations.
Path Models of the Relationships of Instrumentality and Expressiveness, Social Self–Efficacy, and Self–Esteem to Depressive Symptoms in College Students

Abstract This study used path analysis to test predictive models of depressive symptoms and loneliness in college students. A model of depression, which included the variables of instrumentality, social self–efficacy, expressiveness, and self–esteem, accounted for 41% of the variance in depressive symptoms. Instrumentality was strongly related to social self–efficacy, which in turn was related to both global self–esteem and expressiveness. In a model that included loneliness as well as depression, self–esteem was significantly related to both dependent variables. Social self–efficacy was directly related to loneliness and was indirectly related to depression though the mediating variable of self-esteem. This model accounted for 56% of the variance in loneliness and 41% of the variance in depressive symptoms. Implications for understanding and treatment are discussed.
Visual aesthetics in store environment and its moderating role on consumer intention

The paper goal is to answer the following questions: What are the factors of centrality of visual aesthetic design (CVSA) in store environment? What factor explains better the construct? Is there a relationship between CVSA and consumers' intentions, such as loyalty, satisfaction, minutes, item, and $ spent inside store? What is the moderating role of store visual aesthetic design on consumer intentions? The research design was a 2 × 2 design, between subjects, which we manipulated store arousal (high vs. low) and CVSA (high vs. low) in two studies. The findings supported the theory that there are three CVSA dimensions; that there is a positive relationship between CVSA and consumer satisfaction, loyalty, items bought, minutes visiting the store, and $ spent; and that high (vs. low) CVSA consumers were more discriminating in their intentions, when the environment had a high arousal. The original value is to support the notion that consumers also evaluate, beyond products, visual aesthetic components in retail and that it plays a moderating role on consumer intention. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A framework for transfer colors based on the basic color categories

Usually, paintings are more appealing than photographic images. This is because paintings have styles. This style can be distinguished by looking at elements such as motif, color, shape deformation and brush texture. We focus on the effect of "color" element and devise a method for transforming the color of an input photograph according to a reference painting. To do this, we consider basic color category concepts in the color transformation process. By doing so, we achieve large but natural color transformations of an image.
II. Soldiering on: An Exploration into Women’s Perceptions and Experiences of Menopause

The menopause exists as a personal event for women during mid-life. This experience is, however, mitigated by social, cultural and historical factors. In the 19th century the menopausal woman was portrayed as suffering from both emo tional and mental problems, and prior to this as frail and ill (Maxwell, 1990). Constructions of menopause have been found to vary across culture as well as time. For example, Mayan Indian women look forward to this period of their lives, and do not experience hot flushes or other symptoms. For them the menopause is not perceived as a ‘personally or culturally elaborated stage in the life’ (Beyene, 1986, cited in Kalbfleisch and Bonnell, 1996: 274). Similarly, the Asian paradigm of menopause focuses on a feeling of liberation and freedom from child-bearing (Maoz et al., 1970, cited in Gannon and Ekstrom, 1993). The changes in definitions and experiences of menopause throughout Western society and across cultures exemplify menopause as a social construct. The menopause is defined within the biomedical perspective as a ‘deficiency disease’ caused by diminishing levels of oestrogen – a view initially put forward by Robert Wilson in his book Feminine Forever(McCrea, 1983). The control over the definition of menopause and the assumption that it is treatable with medication have been defined as the ‘medicalisation of the menopause’ (Bell, 1990). Conceptualized in terms of hormonal status, diminishing levels of oestro gen mean women suffer physiological changes that result in symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, dyspareunia, tiredness, depression and memory loss. This portrayal of menopause is vital in the acceptance of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) as its ‘treatment’ (McCrea, 1983). HRT was heralded as alleviat -
The Role of Finance and Corporate Governance in National Systems of Innovation

Firms are central actors in innovation, and their actions are much affected by their corporate governance and the finance available. Thus a country's finance and corporate governance system is a key element of its national system of innovation. The technological regimes of sectors (and sub-sectors) vary in ways that affect the demands innovation makes on the financial and corporate governance system. Finance and corporate governance systems (FCGSs) vary among countries in their ability to meet these demands. By setting three dimensions of regime variation alongside the three corresponding dimensions of FCGS variation, patterns of relative and absolute technological advantage among economies can be largely explained — particularly when the focus is on nationality of firm rather than location of activity.
Perfectionism in Asian Indians

Two studies explored the meaning of the construct of perfectionism in India. The first study examined the relevance of the Almost Perfect Scale, a measure of the dimensions of perfectionism, for 321 Hindu, Asian Indian students at the University of Delhi. A second study interviewed 5 students and faculty members at the University of Delhi who were selected as potential exemplars of perfectionism. The results of both studies are compared to the results for samples gathered in the United States, and their similarities and differences are discussed.