Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Full time-resolved diffuse fluorescence tomography accelerated with parallelized Fourier-series truncated diffusion approximation

Abstract. Of the three measurement schemes established for diffuse fluorescence tomography (DFT), the time-domain scheme is well known to provide the richest information about the distribution of the targeting fluorophore in living tissues. However, the explicit use of the full time-resolved data usually leads to a considerably lengthy time for image reconstruction, limiting its applications to three-dimensional or small-volume imaging. To cope with the adversity, we propose herein a computationally efficient scheme for DFT image reconstruction where the time-dependent photon density is expanded to a Fourier-series and calculated by solving the independent frequency-domain diffusion equations at multiple sampling frequencies with the support of a combined multicore CPU-based coarse-grain and multithread GPU-based fine-grain parallelization strategy. With such a parallelized Fourier-series truncated diffusion approximation, both the time- and frequency-domain inversion procedures are developed and validated for their effectiveness and accuracy using simulative and phantom experiments. The results show that the proposed method can generate reconstructions comparable to the explicit time-domain scheme, with significantly reduced computational time.
Framing effects and pro-environmental behavior : persuasive strategies in signs and a measure of goal-frames

One of the main characteristics of communication when there is a persuasive intent is the framing of messages to induce changes in behavior. Framings – the selection of situational aspects and arguments to influence individual ́s perception – are popular in signs, warnings, announcements in radio and television, lectures, sayings, among others. When the topic is the promotion of pro-environmental behavior, the choice for informational antecedent strategies, which operationalize pro-environmental messages, has become the object of significant research in environmental and social psychology. However, when these messages are disseminated in daily life, formalized in signs, for example, they are based on intuition, artistry and common sense, not on a scientific basis. The underlying assumption of this dissertation is that pro-environmental messages will be more efficient when empirically or theoretically derived, including the most influent variables on the targeted behavior. To encourage a scientific practice, two manuscripts aimed at essential problems: the lack of empirical description of pro-environmental communication in Brazil, and the need for an integrative model of antecedent variables. In Manuscript 1, a procedure for categorization was elaborated and enabled the investigation of Brazilian signs ́ characteristics, such as persuasive strategies (informational, negative framing, and positive framing), the emphasis on nature destruction ́s impact, and the recommendation of behaviors, among others. The dominance of certain characteristics oriented a discussion about sign ́s limitations in efficacy. At the same time, the study resulted in a categorization system which can help guiding research and intervention. Manuscript 2 describes the elaboration of an instrument to empirically verify an integrative model of pro-environmental behavior antecedents: the goalframing theory. The scale identified in two studies a bidimensional goal structure, with good psychometric properties: Situational Proximal and Motivational Individual. The content differed from the theoretical prediction of three goal-frames, but demonstrated convergence to Schwartz ́s higher-order values (self-promotion and self-transcendence). The possibilities of goal-framing theory as a model for pro-environmental behavior are discussed and the importance of studies aiming at goal ́s influence on this behavior is highlighted. Overall, the manuscripts can contribute to scientific approches to promote pro-environmental behavior by using informational antecedent strategies. The empirical description and elaboration of an instrument that allows the selection of intraindividual antecedents of pro-environmental behavior can improve the popular and more intuitive use of framings.
Electoral Politics and Bureaucratic Discretion : Evidence from Environmental Licenses and Local Elections in Brazil ∗

It is widely argued that delegating policy implementation to bureaucrats, rather than politicians, insulates policies from electoral manipulations. However, when politicians have a powerful influence over bureaucrats, they can capture the implementation of policies in a way that will favor them at the polls. This paper examines whether the implementation of regulation is affected by electoral motivations using an unique dataset of applications and approvals of environmental licenses for new industrial plants in urban Brazil. I find that the approval of environmental licenses varies according to the electoral cycle and distributive politics motivations. In years of gubernatorial elections, more environmental licenses are approved, specially in municipalities with a large presence of loyal voters to the governor. In years of mayoral elections, the approval rate is larger where the mayor belongs to the same party as the governor. Using variation in binding term-limits across municipalities, I also find suggestive evidence that the approval of licenses vary according to the possibility that local politicians have of repaying political favors in the near future (through the possibility of getting re-elected).
On the Physical Basis of Perceptual Information

The study of psychophysics in the 19th century was founded on the principle that a single theoretical approach would permit a unified, scientific study of the senses. In the 21st century, this dream has largely remained unfulfilled. Most of current research in sensory processing lies with elucidating individual mechanisms in different sensory modalities. We describe here a different approach – one that seeks to tackle the problem at a physics-based level. The hypothesis is that the basic process underlying sensory processing lies with the exchange of information or entropy. That is, information or entropy forms the currency of perception. While our work is reminiscent of the classic work of information theory as applied to psychology in the 1950's and 60's, our approach is markedly different. Beginning with the idea that perception is a process of selecting a single alternative out of a number of possible choices, a number of important results can be derived theoretically. Some discussion is provided to link this approach to that of traditional physics.
Microbial synthesis of chalcogenide semiconductor nanoparticles: a review

Chalcogenide semiconductor quantum dots are emerging as promising nanomaterials due to their size tunable optoelectronic properties. The commercial synthesis and their subsequent integration for practical uses have, however, been contorted largely due to the toxicity and cost issues associated with the present chemical synthesis protocols. Accordingly, there is an immediate need to develop alternative environment‐friendly synthesis procedures. Microbial factories hold immense potential to achieve this objective. Over the past few years, bacteria, fungi and yeasts have been experimented with as eco‐friendly and cost‐effective tools for the biosynthesis of semiconductor quantum dots. This review provides a detailed overview about the production of chalcogen‐based semiconductor quantum particles using the inherent microbial machinery.
Identification of peptide‐binding sites within BSA using rapid, laser‐induced covalent cross‐linking combined with high‐performance mass spectrometry

We are developing a rapid, time‐resolved method using laser‐activated cross‐linking to capture protein‐peptide interactions as a means to interrogate the interaction of serum proteins as delivery systems for peptides and other molecules. A model system was established to investigate the interactions between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 2 peptides, the tridecapeptide budding‐yeast mating pheromone (α‐factor) and the decapeptide human gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH). Cross‐linking of α‐factor, using a biotinylated, photoactivatable p‐benzoyl‐L‐phenylalanine (Bpa)–modified analog, was energy‐dependent and achieved within seconds of laser irradiation. Protein blotting with an avidin probe was used to detect biotinylated species in the BSA‐peptide complex. The cross‐linked complex was trypsinized and then interrogated with nano‐LC–MS/MS to identify the peptide cross‐links. Cross‐linking was greatly facilitated by Bpa in the peptide, but some cross‐linking occurred at higher laser powers and high concentrations of a non‐Bpa–modified α‐factor. This was supported by experiments using GnRH, a peptide with sequence homology to α‐factor, which was likewise found to be cross‐linked to BSA by laser irradiation. Analysis of peptides in the mass spectra showed that the binding site for both α‐factor and GnRH was in the BSA pocket defined previously as the site for fatty acid binding. This model system validates the use of laser‐activation to facilitate cross‐linking of Bpa‐containing molecules to proteins. The rapid cross‐linking procedure and high performance of MS/MS to identify cross‐links provides a method to interrogate protein‐peptide interactions in a living cell in a time‐resolved manner.
Impact of spatial effect on volatility of trade

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the spatial volatility of trade based on the Spatial Panel data Econometric Method and Wavelet Smoothing. The negative spatial dependents are estimated. So that, an increase by one percent in trade volatility and unknown volatility in neighboring countries causes 2.1, 0.55 percent increase in trade volatility of each country in the reverse direction, respectively. Evaluation of results of spillover elasticity of trade volatility suggests that volatility in the prices, growth rate and GDP in neighboring countries causes an increase in trade volatility in the opposite direction and other variables increase in the same direction. Based on these results, the growth rate volatility in the opposite direction and geographical concentration in the same direction plays the greatest impact in the trade volatility. Therefore, the estimation results of OLS without spatial effects are biased.
Distribution of phosphorylated glial fibrillary acidic protein in the mouse central nervous system

Background: Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is the principal component of intermediate filaments (IFs) in mature astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). Like other IF proteins, GFAP has multiple phosphorylation sites in the N‐terminal head domain. The distribution of phospho‐GFAP in vivo has not been elucidated.
Use of Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) as a Timer of Cell Cycle S Phase

Incorporation of thymidine analogues in replicating DNA, coupled with antibody and fluorophore staining, allows analysis of cell proliferation, but is currently limited to monolayer cultures, fixed cells and end-point assays. We describe a simple microscopy imaging method for live real-time analysis of cell proliferation, S phase progression over several division cycles, effects of anti-proliferative drugs and other applications. It is based on the prominent (~ 1.7-fold) quenching of fluorescence lifetime of a common cell-permeable nuclear stain, Hoechst 33342 upon the incorporation of 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in genomic DNA and detection by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). We show that quantitative and accurate FLIM technique allows high-content, multi-parametric dynamic analyses, far superior to the intensity-based imaging. We demonstrate its uses with monolayer cell cultures, complex 3D tissue models of tumor cell spheroids and intestinal organoids, and in physiological study with metformin treatment.
Segmentation and 2D motion estimation by region fragments

A central problem in estimating multiple image motions is that 2-D motion estimation and region segmentation are mutually dependent. The authors present a new region description method for dealing with this mutual dependence problem. Segmentation and motion estimation are simultaneously performed by a clustering process based on color, motion, and pixel position. As a result of the clustering, an image is decomposed into region fragments. Each fragment is characterized by distribution parameters of color, pixel positions, and spatiotemporal intensity gradients. The image is described by the parameters of the region fragments; 2-D motion vectors for each fragment are obtained from the distribution parameters of the intensity gradients. By combining those features in the clustering process, regions are segmented more precisely, motion boundaries are not blurred, and the 2-D motions are obtained even in noisy areas. Experimental results are presented. <<ETX>>
The Tragedy of Contemporary Gospel Music

Afrodescendants’ position at the lower-end of a broad range of economic metrics in the US was reinforced during the Great Recession of 2008-2009. Social groups in such a position are expected to use all available resources to improve their plight — including religion. A key component of the Afrodescendant religious tradition (in and outside of religious liturgies) is Gospel Music. No question about it, Gospel Music has been used historically as a motive force for improving conditions for Afrodescendants. Did Afrodescendants use Gospel Music to improve their economic condition in response to the Great Recession? More broadly, what are the discernable effects of contemporary Gospel Music? The Tragedy of Contemporary Gospel Music reflects findings from musical, content, and Probit regression analyses of contemporary Gospel Music. We find that, while economic concerns are strongly present in the Gospel Music exchange, the medium is not widely used to motivate improved economic outcomes for Afrodescendants.
VapC from the Leptospiral VapBC Toxin-Antitoxin Module Displays Ribonuclease Activity on the Initiator tRNA

The prokaryotic ubiquitous Toxin-Antitoxin (TA) operons encode a stable toxin and an unstable antitoxin. The most accepted hypothesis of the physiological function of the TA system is the reversible cessation of cellular growth under stress conditions. The major TA family, VapBC is present in the spirochaete Leptospira interrogans. VapBC modules are classified based on the presence of a predicted ribonucleasic PIN domain in the VapC toxin. The expression of the leptospiral VapC in E. coli promotes a strong bacterial growth arrestment, making it difficult to express the recombinant protein. Nevertheless, we showed that long term induction of expression in E. coli enabled the recovery of VapC in inclusion bodies. The recombinant protein was successfully refolded by high hydrostatic pressure, providing a new method to obtain the toxin in a soluble and active form. The structural integrity of the recombinant VapB and VapC proteins was assessed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Physical interaction between the VapC toxin and the VapB antitoxin was demonstrated in vivo and in vitro by pull down and ligand affinity blotting assays, respectively, thereby indicating the ultimate mechanism by which the activity of the toxin is regulated in bacteria. The predicted model of the leptospiral VapC structure closely matches the Shigella's VapC X-ray structure. In agreement, the ribonuclease activity of the leptospiral VapC was similar to the activity described for Shigella's VapC, as demonstrated by the cleavage of tRNAfMet and by the absence of unspecific activity towards E. coli rRNA. This finding suggests that the cleavage of the initiator transfer RNA may represent a common mechanism to a larger group of bacteria and potentially configures a mechanism of post-transcriptional regulation leading to the inhibition of global translation.
AMBER: turning annotations into knowledge

Web extraction is the task of turning unstructured HTML into knowledge. Computers are able to generate annotations of unstructured HTML, but it is more important to turn those annotations into structured knowledge. Unfortunately, the current systems extracting knowledge from result pages lack accuracy. In this proposal, we present AMBER, a system fully automated turning annotations to structured knowledge from any result page of a given domain. AMBER observes basic domain attributes on a page and leverages repeated occurrences of similar attributes to group related attributes into records. This contrasts to previous approaches that analyze the repeated structure only of the HTML, as no domain knowledge is available. Our multi-domain experimental evaluation on hundreds of sites demonstrates that AMBER achieves accuracy (>98%) comparable to skilled human annotator.
Stance affects balance in surfers

Surfing is a dynamic sport and is performed in a highly unstable and changing environment, making balance a vital characteristic for surfers. It might be expected that repeated practice of particular movements in a specific stance, such as surfing, would lead to specific balance adaptations. This study investigated dynamic balance within surfers while also evaluating the influence of stance. Balance was assessed using the Biodex Stability System in an upright bipedal stance in 20 adult male surfers (age 24.10 ± 2.40 years, mass 74.95 ± 8.26 kg, height 177.11 ± 6.13 cm). Three 20-second balance trials were performed, and the degree and direction of tilt from horizontal were recorded. Results indicated that regular stance surfers spent a significantly (p < 0.05) greater percentage of time (66.18% ± 26.28) in horizontal balance compared to goofy stance surfers (44.03% ± 18.96). Regular stance surfers spent a significantly greater percentage of time (38.81% ± 14.77) in a posterior direction compared to goofy stance surfers (20.09% ± 7.25), while goofy stance surfers spent a significantly greater percentage of time in an anterior direction (40.50% ± 21.61) compared to regular stance surfers (16.04% ± 8.84). Surf stance appears to play a large role in horizontal and directional balance. These findings suggest the repetition of particular movements relative to stance may induce specific adaptations in surfers. Therefore, balance measurements may be used as an evaluation tool in this population.
Efficacy of a multifactorial intervention on therap eutic adherence in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD )

José Leiva-Fernández: MD, MHS. Vélez Sur Health Centre. Área Sanitaria Málaga Este-Axarquía. Vélez Málaga (Málaga), Spain. leivafern@hotmail.com Francisca Leiva-Fernández: MD, MHS. Multiprofesional Family and Community Medicine Teaching Unit of Primary Care Trust Málaga. Málaga, Spain. francisca.leiva. sspa@juntadeandalucia.es Antonio García-Ruiz: MD, MHS. Farmacoeconomy and SRI Unit. , Farmacoeconomy and Clinical Therapeutic Department, Faculty of Medicine, Malaga University Málaga, Spain ajgr@uma.es Daniel Prados-Torres: MD, MHS. Multiprofesional Family and Community Medicine Teaching Unit of Primary Care Trust Málaga Málaga, Spain. juand.prados. sspa@juntadeandalucia.es Pilar Barnestein-Fonseca: DSc, MHS. Multiprofesional Family and Community Medicine Teaching Unit of Primary Care Trust Málaga. Málaga, Spain. mariap.barnestein. exts@juntadeandalucia.es
Evaluating Economic and Social Interventions that Increase College Enrollment

This paper combines ideas from several branches of the social sciences into an economic model of college enrollment, following recent theoretical work by Akerlof and Kranton (2002). Basic to the model are notions of “fitting in,” social status, and investments in human capital during high school. After using the NELS data and maximum likelihood estimation to uncover the behavioral parameters of the model, I predict the effects of “economic” and “social” policy interventions. I find that policies implemented during high school are often too late to reduce disparities in college enrollments; the exceptions are policies that shape adolescents’ social environments.
Vieillissement cognitif et adaptations stratégiques

Apres un rappel de la maniere dont nos capacites cognitives evoluent avec le temps, il developpe la perspective strategique. Cette approche vise a determiner les modifications entrainees par le vieillissement dans les types de strategies utilisees par les personnes âgees pour la realisation de differentes activites intellectuelles, ainsi que la frequence relative des differentes strategies disponibles et la maniere dont elles sont executees et selectionnees pour chaque probleme.
Measuring shame: The Internalized Shame Scale.

An experimental scale to measure shame, the Internalized Shame Scale, is described with data on reliability and validity presented from a large nonclinical sample of college students and adults and a small clinical sample that included clients with alcohol problems. Implications from the scale for understanding the phenomenology of shame and its relationship to addictions is discussed.
Spatial divergence in the proportions of genes encoding toxic peptide synthesis among populations of the cyanobacterium Planktothrix in European lakes

It has been frequently reported that seasonal changes in toxin production by cyanobacteria are due to changes in the proportion of toxic/nontoxic genotypes in parallel to increases or decreases in population density during the seasonal cycle of bloom formation. In order to find out whether there is a relationship between the proportion of genes encoding toxic peptide synthesis and population density of Planktothrix spp. we compared the proportion of three gene regions that are indicative of the synthesis of the toxic heptapeptide microcystin (mcyB), and the bioactive peptides aeruginoside (aerB) and anabaenopeptin (apnC) in samples from 23 lakes of five European countries (n=153). The mcyB, aerB, and apnC genes occurred in 99%, 99%, and 97% of the samples, respectively, and on average comprised 60 ± 3%, 22 ± 2%, and 54 ± 4% of the total population, respectively. Although the populations differed widely in abundance (10−3–103 mm3 L−1) no dependence of the proportion of the mcyB, aerB, and apnC genes on the density of the total population was found. In contrast populations differed significantly in their average mcyB, aerB, and apnC gene proportions, with no change between prebloom and bloom conditions. These results emphasize stable population-specific differences in mcyB, aerB, and apnC proportions that are independent from seasonal influences.
CAN (CONSONANTAL) SPREAD

Current versions of feature geometry generally locate the features [consonantal] and [sonorant] as annotations on the root node, rather than as normal dependents of that or some other node. This geometry is intended to reflect the observation that, unlike other features, the major class features do not participate in phonological processes such as assimilation (spreading of a feature) or dissimilation (delinking of that feature). This article disputes the empirical observation concerning [consonantal]: several examples are provided where vowels or glides become consonantal next to consonants (assimilation) and where consonants become vowels or glides next to consonants (dissimilation). The feature geometry is modified to allow for such processes by placing [consonantal] as a daughter of the root node. *