Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acidotolerant Bacteria and Fungi as a Sink of Methanol-Derived Carbon in a Deciduous Forest Soil

Methanol is an abundant atmospheric volatile organic compound that is released from both living and decaying plant material. In forest and other aerated soils, methanol can be consumed by methanol-utilizing microorganisms that constitute a known terrestrial sink. However, the environmental factors that drive the biodiversity of such methanol-utilizers have been hardly resolved. Soil-derived isolates of methanol-utilizers can also often assimilate multicarbon compounds as alternative substrates. Here, we conducted a comparative DNA stable isotope probing experiment under methylotrophic (only [13C1]-methanol was supplemented) and combined substrate conditions ([12C1]-methanol and alternative multi-carbon [13Cu]-substrates were simultaneously supplemented) to (i) identify methanol-utilizing microorganisms of a deciduous forest soil (European beech dominated temperate forest in Germany), (ii) assess their substrate range in the soil environment, and (iii) evaluate their trophic links to other soil microorganisms. The applied multi-carbon substrates represented typical intermediates of organic matter degradation, such as acetate, plant-derived sugars (xylose and glucose), and a lignin-derived aromatic compound (vanillic acid). An experimentally induced pH shift was associated with substantial changes of the diversity of active methanol-utilizers suggesting that soil pH was a niche-defining factor of these microorganisms. The main bacterial methanol-utilizers were members of the Beijerinckiaceae (Bacteria) that played a central role in a detected methanol-based food web. A clear preference for methanol or multi-carbon substrates as carbon source of different Beijerinckiaceae-affiliated phylotypes was observed suggesting a restricted substrate range of the methylotrophic representatives. Apart from Bacteria, we also identified the yeasts Cryptococcus and Trichosporon as methanol-derived carbon-utilizing fungi suggesting that further research is needed to exclude or prove methylotrophy of these fungi.
Reverse compensation to the angle estimate error using multi-groups sensor

The magnetoresistance(MR) sensor has been successfully demonstrated in rotational speed and position detection, however, the uneven magnetic field or the installation eccentricity are all decrease the signal quality and influence the reliability of measurement. Therefore, this paper presents the theory of time grating in displacement calculation and proposes a reverse compensation method using multi-groups sensor to improve measurement performance. A pair of linear tunnel magnetorsistance (TMR) sensors are spatially displaced by 90° electrical and excited by sin or cos signals. Another pair of sensors is reversed and diametrically apart to the former. A compensated traveling wave is got whose phase is proportional to the displacement of rotation. The angle displacement is measured by counting the time pulses that serve as measurement standards. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified through a prototype permanent magnet motor system. That shows the amplitude of the measurement error from 0.17° to 0.04°, which reduces 75% by the special arrangement of the multi-groups TMR sensor. Even though the magnetic sensor presented here uses TMR sensors, the proposed technique is suited without any modification for Hall and other MR sensors as well.
Grammatic -- a tool for grammar definition reuse and modularity

Grammatic is a tool for grammar definition and manipulation aimed to improve modularity and reuse of grammars and related development artifacts. It is independent from parsing technology and any other details of target system implementation. Grammatic provides a way for annotating grammars with arbitrary metadata (like associativity attributes, semantic actions or anything else). It might be used as a front-end for external tools like parser generators to make their input grammars modular and reusable. This paper describes main principles behind Grammatic and gives an overview of languages it provides and their ability to separate concerns and define reusable modules. Also it presents sketches of possible use cases for the tool.
GATA2 regulates the erythropoietin receptor in t(12;21) ALL

The t(12;21) (p13;q22) chromosomal translocation resulting in the ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene is the most frequent structural cytogenetic abnormality in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The erythropoietin receptor (EPOR), usually associated with erythroid progenitor cells, is highly expressed in ETV6/RUNX1 positive cases compared to other B-lineage ALL subtypes. Gene expression analysis of a microarray database and direct quantitative analysis of patient samples revealed strong correlation between EPOR and GATA2 expression in ALL, and higher expression of GATA2 in t(12;21) patients. The mechanism of EPOR regulation was mainly investigated using two B-ALL cell lines: REH, which harbor and express the ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene; and NALM-6, which do not. Expression of EPOR was increased in REH cells compared to NALM-6 cells. Moreover, of the six GATA family members only GATA2 was differentially expressed with substantially higher levels present in REH cells. GATA2 was shown to bind to the EPOR 5'-UTR in REH, but did not bind in NALM-6 cells. Overexpression of GATA2 led to an increase in EPOR expression in REH cells only, indicating that GATA2 regulates EPOR but is dependent on the cellular context. Both EPOR and GATA2 are hypomethylated and associated with increased mRNA expression in REH compared to NALM-6 cells. Decitabine treatment effectively reduced methylation of CpG sites in the GATA2 promoter leading to increased GATA2 expression in both cell lines. Although Decitabine also reduced an already low level of methylation of the EPOR in NALM-6 cells there was no increase in EPOR expression. Furthermore, EPOR and GATA2 are regulated post-transcriptionally by miR-362 and miR-650, respectively. Overall our data show that EPOR expression in t(12;21) B-ALL cells, is regulated by GATA2 and is mediated through epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, contingent upon the genetic subtype of the disease.
Insider Trading in Hong Kong: Tests of Stock Returns and Trading Frequency

We examine legal insider trading activities by directors of companies listed on the Hong Kong Exchange over the period 1993 to 1999. One characteristic of insider trading in Hong Kong is the high frequency of transactions and the large dollar amounts involved. Inside purchases appear to signal and correct undervaluation and inside sales appear to signal and correct overvaluation. In contrast to research from Britain and the United States, insider sales are more informative than purchases. On average, insiders earn HK$91,297 per trade although outsiders who mimic insiders' transactions earn minimal returns. Many firms suffer from infrequent trading and our results are consistent with directors engaging in inside transactions so as to help create a market for the shares. In additional tests, we find that the frequency of insider trading is a function of information asymmetry.
Ars2 is overexpressed in human cholangiocarcinomas and its depletion increases PTEN and PDCD4 by decreasing microRNA‐21

Due to the lack of effective diagnostic tools, most patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) have no chance of surgical resection. Ars2 is a protein that was reported to be important for microRNA (miR) biogenesis, and its depletion can reduce the levels of several miRs, including miR‐21, which is overexpressed in CCAs. We hypothesized that Ars2 was also present in CCAs and could be an early diagnostic marker. In our experiments, Ars2, PTEN, PDCD4, and miR‐21 were evaluated in 18 CCAs and paired normal tissues. ShArs2, miR‐21 mimics, and Ars2 were transfected into CCA and bile duct epithelial cells either alone or together. Cell proliferation, tumorigenicity analysis and expression changes of Ars2, PTEN, PDCD4, and miR‐21 were evaluated. We found that both Ars2 and miR‐21 were overexpressed, with 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity, and an ROC of 0.995 in distinguishing between CCAs and paired normal tissues by qRT‐PCR. PTEN and PDCD4 were reversed in immunohistochemistry, but no difference was observed using qRT‐PCR. The knockdown of Ars2 in CCA cells decreased the level of miR‐21, inhibited cell proliferation and prevented tumor formation in nude mice. Ars2 knockdown also led to an increase in both PTEN and PDCD4 protein levels. Both proteins decreased when the miR‐21 mimic was con‐transfected. However, the overexpression of Ars2 alone could not get the opposite results. Based on our data, we conclude that Ars2 is overexpressed in human CCA and may be a diagnostic marker. Ars2 depletion increases PTEN and PDCD4 protein levels via the reduction of miR‐21. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The profits of cause: a new direction for corporate social responsibility in South Korea

An enduring challenge of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in South Korea is that anti-corporate attitude remains high among citizens despite the continued growth of CSR practices. To address this challenge, leading corporations in South Korea have established a new model for CSR. While gradually decreasing cash or in-kind donations, they create a nonprofit subsidiary directly involved in the delivery of social services. The purpose of the study is to examine the motive behind the introduction of this new CSR strategy, in which a nonprofit social enterprise established by a leading internet provider in South Korea increased its financial performance and changed its human resources. The case suggests that a nonprofit social enterprise owned and supported by a private company is a sustainable model of CSR, as it obtains a continuous flow of financial and technological support from the parent organization. With increasing anti-corporate attitude and demand for philanthropic contributions to society, the strategic alliance of a private company with a nonprofit subsidiary may be a viable option for addressing these challenges while meeting business interests.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of anticancer drugs in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients after their simultaneous administration.

A pharmacokinetic study of anticancer drugs was carried out in 18 Hodgkin's lymphoma male patients. The anticancer drugs were administered to the patient by a standard procedure and a validated HPLC method was used for plasma concentration determination. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine and Dacarbazine (ABVD) were 7.71, 4.32, 7.95 and 6. 51µg/ml respectively. Adriamycin and Dacarbazine exhibited longer Tmax compared to Bleomycin and Vinblastine. Area under the curve values of ABVD were 118.30, 82.11, 245.54 and 86. 62µg/ml*h. The elimination rate constant of Dacarbazine was highest. Vinblastine exhibited highest half-life and mean residence time. Clearances of ABVD were 346.69, 2499.44, 45.90 and 5800.05ml/h. The apparent volume of distribution was highest for Dacarbazine and lowest for Vinblastine. The pharmacokinetic parameters can be utilized for monitoring of plasma concentrations, therapeutic drug monitoring and dosage adjustments to optimize anticancer efficacy in patients of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Genetic structure of Zephyranthes fosteri, specie with ornamental and medicinal potential in Mexico

Zephyranthes fosteri is a wild species distributed in Mexico, it is popular for its ornamental quality. Anthropogenic activities perturbed its natural habitats and threaten its survival. At present time, there is not enough information about the genetic relationships and structure among Z. fosteri distributed in Mexico. The objective of this investigation was to elucidate the genetic relationships and structure among accessions of Z. fosteri collected in western and southeastern Mexico. ISSR markers were used to establish the genetic variability and genetic structure among 60 accessions randomly collected in western Mexico and one population found in southeastern Mexico. Jaccard’s coefficient and AMOVA analysis determined the similarity and variability among and within accessions, and Bayesian model was used to assess the genetic structure. A mean heterozygosity of 0.49 was found indicated a moderate variability. The AMOVA analysis showed that 75 % of this variability was within accessions, and 25 % among accessions. A 56.75 % polymorphism was detected with ISSR markers, and genetic structure analysis identified four genetic groups.
Bank credit and trade credit: Evidence from SMEs over the financial crisis

This article uses panel data to test the extent to which trade credit acted as a substitute for bank finance in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), in the aftermath of the financial crisis of 2008. It demonstrates that the reduction in the supply of funds to SMEs was compounded by the contraction of net trade credit within the sector. Nevertheless, trade credit played a vital role in the adjustment of the sector by easing the burden of the financial crisis for some SMEs. Thus, the relative importance of trade credit increased for financially “vulnerable” SMEs that were less liquid, highly dependent on short-term bank finance, and with greater levels of intangible assets, when entering the crisis. In terms of a redistribution effect, financially stronger firms extended relatively more trade credit, to financially vulnerable SMEs in the aftermath of the financial crisis. In addition, the analysis demonstrates that the financial position of SMEs entering the crisis was more important in determining the impact of the financial crisis on trade credit use than company characteristics of age and size. JEL Classification: L26, L14, G20, B41, C33
Identification of non‐random sequence properties in groups of signature peptides obtained in random sequence peptide microarray experiments

Immunosignaturing is an emerging experimental technique that uses random sequence peptide microarrays to detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to a particular disease. Two important questions regarding immunosignaturing are “Do microarray peptides that exhibit a strong affinity to a given type of antibodies share common sequence properties? ” and “If so, what are those properties? ” In this work, three statistical tests designed to detect non‐random patterns in the amino acid makeup of a group of microarray peptides are presented. One test detects patterns of significantly biased amino acid usage, whereas the other two detect patterns of significant bias in the biochemical properties. These tests do not require a large number of peptides per group. The tests were applied to analyze 19 groups of peptides identified in immunosignaturing experiments as being specific for antibodies produced in response to various types of cancer and other diseases. The positional distribution of the biochemical properties of the amino acids in these 19 peptide groups was also studied. Remarkably, despite the random nature of the sequence libraries used to design the microarrays, a unique group‐specific non‐random pattern was identified in the majority of the peptide groups studied. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 318–329, 2016.
PATTERNS OF GENOME SIZE EVOLUTION IN TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES

Abstract We used flow cytometry to measure genome size in 15 species from seven families and subfamilies of tetraodontiform fishes. Previous studies have found that smooth pufferfishes (Tetraodontidae) have the smallest genome of any vertebrate measured to date (0.7–1.0 picograms diploid). We found that spiny pufferfishes (Diodontidae, sister group to the smooth puffers) possess a genome that is about two times larger (1.6–1.8 pg). Mola mola, a member of the sister group to Diodontidae and Tetraodontidae, also has a relatively large genome (1.7 pg). Parsimony analysis of this pattern indicates that the plesiomorphic condition for Molidae (Diodontidae, Tetraodontidae) is a genome size of 1.6–1.8 pg, and that tiny genome size is a derived character unique to smooth puffers. However, an alternative explanation is that the ancestor of Tetraodontidae acquired a heritable tendency toward decreasing genome size, such as a new or modified deletion mechanism, and genome size in all of the tetraodontid lineages has been decreasing in parallel since the split from Diodontidae. Small genome size (1.1–1.3 pg) also appears to have evolved independently in some members of Balistoidea (triggerfishes and filefishes) within Tetraodontiformes. Corresponding Editor: L. Bernatchez
[Effectiveness of Self-efficacy Promoting Vestibular Rehabilitation Program for Patients with Vestibular Hypofunction].

PURPOSE In this study an examination was done of the effect of self-efficacy promoting vestibular rehabilitation (S-VR) on dizziness, exercise selfefficacy, adherence to vestibular rehabilitation (VR), subjective and objective vestibular function, vestibular compensation and the recurrence of dizziness in patients with vestibular hypofunction. METHODS This was a randomized controlled study. Data were collected 3 times at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks after beginning the intervention. Outcome measures were level of dizziness, exercise self-efficacy, and level of adherence to VR. Subjective and objective vestibular function, vestibular compensation and the recurrence of dizziness were also obtained. Data were analyzed using Windows SPSS 21.0 program. RESULTS After 4 weeks of S-VR, there was no difference between the groups for dizziness, subjective and objective vestibular functions. However, exercise self-efficacy and adherence to VR were higher in the experimental group than in the control group. After 8 weeks of S-VR, dizziness (p=.018) exercise self-efficacy (p<.001), adherence to VR (p<.001), total-dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) (p=.012), vision analysis ratio (p=.046) in the experimental group differ significantly from that of the control group. The number of patients with recurring dizziness were higher in the control group than in the experimental group (p<.001). CONCLUSION The results indicate that continuous 8 weeks of S-VR is effective in reducing dizziness, and improving exercise self-efficacy, subjective vestibular function and adherence to VR. Objective vestibular function and vestibular compensation were also improved in the experimental group at the end of 8 weeks of S-VR.
Power Preponderance and Domestic Politics: Explaining Regional Economic Integration in Latin America and the Caribbean, 1960-1997

This article addresses the domestic and international conditions that influence regional integration. The national political elite is assumed to be opportunistic and will opt for regional integration when the domestic and international conditions provide economic gains for their constituencies through greater economic integration. The hypotheses state that increases in regional integration in Latin America and the Caribbean (ANCOM, CACM/SICA, CARICOM, and MERCOSUR/MERCOSUL) occur during periods of relative power asymmetries among pairs of countries, when mutual trade interests are high, and when alliance portfolios are similar. We test the hypotheses using aggregate data of country dyads from 1960 to 1997. To measure regional integration, we use an index referred to as the Integration Achievement Score. OLS and Cox proportional hazards regression estimates largely support our claims.
A low profile high gain CPW-fed slot antenna with a cavity backed reflector for CubeSats

A low profile, high gain, CPW-fed, slot antenna is proposed for CubeSats. The proposed antenna is backed with a low profile metallic reflector. The cavity reflector is utilized to significantly improve gain and reduce back lobe radiation. The antenna has a compact size of 36×36 mm2, meaning it is compatible with any CubeSats standard structure. We have simulated the antenna on a 2U CubeSat (10cm×10cm×20cm). Our results show that the antenna achieves good impedance matching with a return loss of −30 dB at the desired frequency of 2.45 GHz, a −10-dB impedance bandwidth of 109 MHz (2.391–2.50 GHz) and has a total gain of 8.62 dB.
Comparative analysis of learner interactions in flipped and traditional classes using social network analysis

Flipped class is a teaching innovation that has been widely applied, but few studies have examined the flipped design from learner interactions perspective. There has been applied social network analysis to a course of 68 adults taught in two sections, one using a traditional design and the other, a flipped design. The results show that the two sections differed in ego centrality measures but not in satisfaction or learner performance.
Ramp testing of ADC transition levels using finite resolution ramps

A common strategy for testing ADCs involves applying a ramp waveform to the converter, collecting a histogram of the converter response, and computing the transition levels. High resolution converters require high resolution sources with tight linearity to implement the test. A method is described which excites the ADC with an imperfect ramp whose resolution is comparable to the ADC noise. The transfer characteristics are extrapolated from the resultant response. The method recovers the threshold value with the same number of samples that are required by the classic ramp histogram.
Coil compression for accelerated imaging with Cartesian sampling

MRI using receiver arrays with many coil elements can provide high signal‐to‐noise ratio and increase parallel imaging acceleration. At the same time, the growing number of elements results in larger datasets and more computation in the reconstruction. This is of particular concern in 3D acquisitions and in iterative reconstructions. Coil compression algorithms are effective in mitigating this problem by compressing data from many channels into fewer virtual coils. In Cartesian sampling there often are fully sampled k‐space dimensions. In this work, a new coil compression technique for Cartesian sampling is presented that exploits the spatially varying coil sensitivities in these nonsubsampled dimensions for better compression and computation reduction. Instead of directly compressing in k‐space, coil compression is performed separately for each spatial location along the fully sampled directions, followed by an additional alignment process that guarantees the smoothness of the virtual coil sensitivities. This important step provides compatibility with autocalibrating parallel imaging techniques. Its performance is not susceptible to artifacts caused by a tight imaging field‐of‐view. High quality compression of in vivo 3D data from a 32 channel pediatric coil into six virtual coils is demonstrated. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adrenal Steroids Modulate the Immune Response during Brucella abortus Infection by a Mechanism That Depends on the Regulation of Cytokine Production

ABSTRACT Human brucellosis is a protean disease with a diversity of clinical signs and symptoms resulting from infection with Brucella species. Recent reports suggest a cross-regulation between adrenal steroids (cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]) and the immune system. Monocytes and macrophages are the main replication niche for Brucella. Therefore, we investigated the role of adrenal hormones on the modulation of the immune response mediated by macrophages in B. abortus infection. Cortisol treatment during B. abortus infection significantly inhibits cytokine, chemokine, and MMP-9 secretion. In contrast, DHEA treatment had no effect. However, DHEA treatment increases the expression of costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD86), the adhesion molecule CD54, and major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) and MHC-II expression on the surface of B. abortus-infected monocytes. It is known that B. abortus infection inhibits MHC-I and MHC-II expression induced by gamma interferon (IFN-γ) treatment. DHEA reverses B. abortus downmodulation of the MHC-I and -II expression induced by IFN-γ. Taken together, our data indicate that DHEA immune intervention may positively affect monocyte activity during B. abortus infection.