Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Keeping it in the family: Coevolution of latrunculid sponges and their dominant bacterial symbionts

The Latrunculiidae are a family of cold water sponges known for their production of bioactive pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids. Previously it was shown that the bacterial community associated with a Tsitsikamma sponge species comprises unusual bacterial taxa and is dominated by a novel Betaproteobacterium. Here, we have characterized the bacterial communities associated with six latrunculid species representing three genera (Tsitsikamma, Cyclacanthia, and Latrunculia) as well as a Mycale species, collected from Algoa Bay on the South African southeast coast. The bacterial communities of all seven sponge species were dominated by a single Betaproteobacterium operational taxonomic unit (OTU0.03), while a second OTU0.03 was dominant in the Mycale sp. The Betaproteobacteria OTUs from the different latrunculid sponges are closely related and their phylogenetic relationship follows that of their hosts. We propose that the latrunculid Betaproteobacteria OTUs are members of a specialized group of sponge symbionts that may have coevolved with their hosts. A single dominant Spirochaetae OTU0.03 was present in the Tsitsikamma and Cyclacanthia sponge species, but absent from the Latrunculia and Mycale sponges. This study sheds new light on the interactions between latrunculid sponges and their bacterial communities and may point to the potential involvement of dominant symbionts in the biosynthesis of the bioactive secondary metabolites.
[The relationship between depression, perceived stress, fatigue and anger in clinical nurses].

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between depression, perceived stress, fatigue and anger in clinical nurses. METHOD A descriptive survey was conducted using a convenient sample. Data was collected by questionnaires from four hundred clinical nurses who worked at a university hospital. Radloff's CES-D for depression, Cohen, Kamarck & Mermelstein's Perceived Stress Scale, VAS for Fatigue, and Spielberger's STAXI for anger were used. The data was analyzed using the pearson correlation coefficient, students' t-test, ANOVA, and stepwise multiple regression with SPSS/WIN 12.0. RESULT The depression of clinical nurses showed a significantly positive correlation to perceived stress(r=.360, p=.000), mental fatigue(r=.471, p=.000), physical fatigue(r=.350, p=.000), trait anger(r=.370, p=.000), anger-in expression(r=.231, p=.000), and anger-control expression(r=.120, p=.016). There was a negative correlation between depression and age(r=-.146, p=.003). The mean score of depression of nurses, 26, was a very high score and 40.8% of clinical nurses were included in a depression group. The main significant predictors influencing depression of clinical nurses were mental fatigue, trait anger, perceived stress, anger-in expression, and state anger, which explained about 32.7%. CONCLUSION These results indicate that clinical nurses with a high degree of perceived stress, mental fatigue and anger-in expression are likely to be depressed.
Essays on a Monopolist's Product Choice and its Effect on Social Welfare

Essays on a Monopolist’s Product Choice and its Effect on Social Welfare. (August 2012) Sung Ick Cho, B.A., Seoul National University; M.A., Seoul National University; M.A., University of Rochester Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Steven Wiggins This dissertation builds on earlier works by analyzing the provision of product quality by a monopolist and comparing that to a social planner. This paper extends the analysis of this problem to the discrete quality setting. Earlier works focused on a continuum of qualities and found no quality distortion for the highest qualities, but downward quality distortion for lower qualities. The results in the discrete setting differ in that there can be an upward distortion of qualities provided by the monopolist for the highest qualities. The key to this distortion is that the monopolist focuses on the profit that can be extracted from the group of consumers that value quality the most. When there are neither too many nor only a few of these consumers relative to other market segments, it can lead the monopolist to bias its quality provision to extract more value from the these consumers. This effect distorts quality at the high-end as compared to the social planner. This upward distortion of quality is found in the real world. In Texas, 30.6% of cable service providers offers an upward distorted service for higher taste consumers. Besides the quality issue, I also examine how consumer distributions affect on price, profit, and social welfare. Under the various hypothetical consumer distributions, I simulate the above values, and I observe the effect of distribution changes.
Informed Short Selling around SEO Announcements

While much of the prior research on short selling around announcements of seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) has focused on manipulation, it is unclear whether there is also informed short selling around these announcements. We test for informed short selling around SEO announcements by examining the relation between i) pre-announcement short selling and the announcement-period return and ii) changes in short interest around the SEO announcement and the long-term operating and stock price performance following the equity issue. We find that firms with large increases in short interest prior to the SEO announcement exhibit lower (i.e., more negative) announcement-period returns, and that firms with large increases in short interest around the SEO announcement experience inferior long-term operating and stock price performance following the equity issue. We also find that the negative relation between large increases in short interest and long-term operating and stock price performance is more pronounced among shelf offers. This result highlights the informational role of short sellers in identifying opportunistic market timers of equity issues among shelf filers. Our overall results indicate the presence of informed short selling around SEO announcements.
Worldwide Greenhouse Gas Reduction Potentials in Transportation by 2050

Reductions in the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of passenger and freight transportation are possible through adoption of fuel‐saving technologies, demand switching between modes, and large‐scale electrification of fleets, in addition to other actions. In this study, future scenarios to 2030 and 2050 are the basis for assessment of GHG reduction potentials for major passenger and freight modes (automobiles, buses, trains, aircraft, and oceangoing vessels) across eight regions of the world. New fuel‐saving technologies can significantly reduce the life‐cycle GHG footprint of both passenger and freight vehicles, but not uniformly worldwide. Countries outside of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) lag behind OECD countries in GHG reduction potentials for all modes but oceangoing vessels owing to a combination of slower adoption of fuel‐saving technologies and a slower decarbonization of electricity generation and other processes. The reduction of GHG intensity will occur more slowly for freight modes than for passenger modes. However, improved fuel efficiency has negative feedbacks to the effectiveness of mode‐switching and alternative fuel adoption policies through 2050 because improvements in the fuel efficiency of vehicles alone may cause the marginal benefits of GHG abatement policies to diminish over time. This trend may be reversed if alternative fuel pathways decarbonize at faster rates than conventional transportation fuels. The largest opportunities for GHG reductions occur in non‐OECD countries. Given the many factors that distinguish transportation systems between developed and developing nations (e.g., availability of new technologies, the financial ability to acquire them, and policies to incentivize their adoption), many benefits could be gained through interregional cooperation.
Poly[[aqua(μ-4,4′-bipyridyl-κ2 N:N′)bis(μ-formato-κ2 O:O′)iron(II)] tetrahydrate]

In the title compound, {[Fe(CHO2)2(C10H8N2)(H2O)]·4H2O}n, the FeII ion is coordinated by two 4,4′-bipyridyl (4,4′-bpy) ligands, three formate ligands and one water molecule. The slightly distorted octahedral FeN2O4 coordination results from the N atoms of two bridging 4,4′-bpy ligands, the O atoms of two bridging HCOO− anions of anti–anti mode, all in trans positions around the metal centre, and the O atoms of one terminal HCOO− anion and of one water molecule. The bridging formate ligands link the metal ions into chains that are further connected via 4,4′-bpy ligands into a framework structure. The three-dimensional structure is stabilized by extensive O—H⋯O hydrogen bonding. The crystals were twinned containing a 0.84:0.16 racemate.
Potential role of cation-aquaporin interactions in autism

Autism is one of the major disorders associated with brain development that presents early in life, as early as the fetal development phases to the early stages post birth. About 1 in 150 eight-year-old children in multiple areas of the United States had an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Environmental agents and genetics are likely players but no specific target or cure has yet been identified. In this study, we present the role of the interaction between the water channel proteins aquaporins (AQP) and cations in autism. AQPs have six transmembrane domains interconnected via five loops (labeled A-E). Metal ions in water recognize specific motifs in the loop structure thereby controlling the 3D structure, pore constriction and hence modulating water permeability. AQP11, is expressed in Purkinje cells which are target cells of autism. In addition, AQP11 is the only mammalian aquaporin that has tri-cysteine motif, a high affinity mercury ion binding site. A dataset of frequency of amino acid binding to metal ions termed Protein-Metal Ion Site-frequency (ProMIS) was generated from Protein Data Bank (PDB). A score was then used to evaluate the likelihood of common mono/bivalent metal ions interacting with the 20 amino acids. ProMIS Scores are predictive of metal ion binding sites in AQPs. Scores of Loop E has higher sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. Loops C and E are predicted to bind better with bivalent cations and loop B to monovalent cation binding. The current study has identified/evaluated several cation binding sites in human AQPs and provides valuable insight for the discovery of novel therapeutics for Autism and Autism spectrum disorders.
Towards privacy-aware mobile-based continuous authentication systems

xi CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION . 1 CHAPTER 2. PRIVACY PRESERVING MACHINE LEARNING: THREATS AND SOLUTIONS . 6 2.1 Abstract . 6 2.2 Introduction . 6 2.3 Machine Learning . 7 2.4 Threats . 10 2.5 Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning (PPML) . 13 2.5. 1 Cryptographic Approaches . 14 2.5. 2 Perturbation Approaches . 17 2.6 Challenges and outlook . 21
An interactive method for solving optimization problems with an unknown objective function

This paper proposes an interactive method to solve optimization problems with an unknown objective function. In daily life, we as human beings solve practical optimization problems without using numerical information and find a promising solution for them according to our preference. We aim to develop a mathematical method to solve the problems in which only qualitative information about the objective function is available. In the proposed method, (i) the decision maker's preference of solutions is scored in a simple manner; (ii) support vector regression (SVR) is applied to approximate his/her utility function from the scored data; and (iii) another solution to be presented to him/her is searched for by maximizing the current utility function. Repetitive computation of (i)-(iii) with an additional mechanism of removing useless solutions can bring the one that he/she would like. By numerical experiments, the proposed method is shown to be effective in finding a local optimum of such problems.
Formulation and evaluation of novel micellar nanocarrier for nasal delivery of sumatriptan.

AIM The investigation was aimed at designing a micellar nanocarrier of sumatriptan for nose-to-brain delivery and to identify the probable pathway of drug transport to the brain. MATERIALS & METHODS Micellar nanocarriers were formulated using various safe and acceptable excipients. Optimized formulation was characterized for particle size by multiangle dynamic light scattering, small-angle neutron scattering and cryo-transmission electron microscopy. (99m)Tc was used as a radiolabeling agent to radiolabel sumatriptan for in vivo studies. RESULTS Various characterization studies demonstrated the nanometric, homogenous and spherical nature of the developed micellar nanocarrier. Biodistribution and autoradiography studies in rats showed a significantly higher brain uptake of sumatriptan micellar nanocarrier as compared with sumatriptan solution. CONCLUSION Preliminary investigations in rats indicated the potential of the developed micellar nanocarrier for nose-to-brain delivery of sumatriptan. These investigations in lower animals provided an excellent lead to further evaluate the formulation in higher animals and finally in clinical settings.
Competitiveness of Agro-Food and Environmental Economy (CAFEE'12)

The main goal of the 'Competitiveness of agro-food and environmental economy’ (CAFEE'12), was to debate new ideas contained in scientifically research in the field of rural development, agro-food economy, agro-food system, ecological performance etc. carried out by academicians, scientists and professionals. The Conference was held in November 8-10, 2012, to the Faculty of Agro-food and Environmental Economics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania. The conference proceedings volume includes all the draft papers accepted and published in the proceedings of The 1st International Conference 'Competitiveness of agro-food and Environmental economy’ (CAFEE'12), organized by Faculty of Agro-Food and Environmental Economics and Research Center of Regional Analysis and Policies from The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, in partnership with Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics, National Research Institute, Poland, St James's Business School(UK), University of Verona - Italy, Institute of Agricultural Economics - Serbia, Faculty of Agriculture Zemun - Serbia, Institute of Agricultural Economics, Romanian Academy, Institute of Research for Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences - Romania and Faculty of Economic Sciences, Petroleum and Gas University of Ploiesti Romania.
An ontology for remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic devices

This paper present a trail to develop and design a conceptualized model, and ontology based framework that can be able to share the knowledge and the extracted information that related to applying the technology of remote monitoring for patients with implanted cardiac electronic devices such as: Pacemaker and ICD. Developing ontology for such technology will develop a better understanding for its operation, enhance the performance and improve the acceptance of using this tool to be part of practice for electrophysiology doctors worldwide.
The Use of Mersilene Mesh for Wrapping of Hydroxyapatite Orbital Implants: Mid-Term Result

Purpose: To report the results of Mersilene mesh wrapped hydroxyapatite orbital implantation. Materials and methods: Records of 63 patients operated between April 2002 and March 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Parameters studied included sex, cause of enucleation, length of follow-up after operation, implant exposure, secondary implantation, and surgeon experience. Student’s t-test and χ2 were used for comparison group having implant exposure and those without implant exposure. Results: The rate of exposure with use of Mersilene mesh was found to be 4.7%. Gender and cause of enucleation did not influence incidence of implant exposure in this study. The surgeon related factor, reported in terms of oculoplasty surgeon and non-oculoplasty surgeon, was a statistically significant factors that affected implant exposure. Conclusion: Mersilene showed favorable results in wrapping of hydroxyapatite orbital implants.
Evaluation of Empirical Methods and Methodological Foundations of Human Left-Handedness

The methodological and empirical foundations underlying the theories on human left-handedness are examined, including the definition and classification of left-handedness, its relation to pathology, and the results on family, adoption, and twin research. It is argued that major research findings on left-handedness are based on inadequate empirical methods, and the concrete definitions and assessment procedures do not meet validity and reliability criteria. This also casts doubt on the relationship between left-handedness and pathology reported in the literature. Furthermore, findings from family, adoption, and twin studies do not allow interpretation of possible direct genetic contributions to explaining left-handedness. It is concluded that the methodological limitations of a causal explanation should encourage an examination of the epistemological and methodological premises of theory formulation. The functional method and a theoretical framework based on early childhood experiences and the neural plasticity of the brain may be more appropriate for the selection of empirical methods in research of human left-handedness.
Impact of Unsteady Flow Events on Bedload Transport: A Review of Laboratory Experiments

Recent advances in understanding bedload transport under unsteady flow conditions are presented, with a particular emphasis on laboratory experiments. The contribution of laboratory studies to the explanation of key processes of sediment transport observed in alluvial rivers, ephemeral streams, and river reaches below a dam is demonstrated, primarily focusing on bedload transport in gravel-bed streams. The state of current knowledge on the impact of flow properties (unsteady flow hydrograph shape and duration, flood cycles) and sediment attributes (bed structure, sediment availability, bed composition) on bedload are discussed, along with unsteady flow dynamics of the water-sediment system. Experiments published in recent years are summarized, the main findings are presented, and future directions of research are suggested.
Phase I trial of polifeprosan 20 with carmustine implant plus continuous infusion of intravenous O6-benzylguanine in adults with recurrent malignant glioma: new approaches to brain tumor therapy CNS consortium trial.

PURPOSE This phase I trial was designed to (1) establish the dose of O6-benzylguanine (O6-BG) administered intravenously as a continuous infusion that suppresses O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) levels in brain tumors, (2) evaluate the safety of extending continuous-infusion O6-BG at the optimal dose with intracranially implanted carmustine wafers, and (3) measure the pharmacokinetics of O6-BG and its metabolite. PATIENTS AND METHODS The first patient cohort (group A) received 120 mg/m2 of O6-BG over 1 hour followed by a continuous infusion for 2 days at escalating doses presurgery. Tumor samples were evaluated for AGT levels. The continuous-infusion dose that resulted in undetectable AGT levels in 11 or more of 14 patients was used in the second patient cohort. Group B received the optimal dose of O6-BG for 2, 4, 7, or 14 days after surgical implantation of the carmustine wafers. The study end point was dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). RESULTS Thirty-eight patients were accrued. In group A, 12 of 13 patients had AGT activity levels of less than 10 fmol/mg protein with a continuous-infusion O6-BG dose of 30 mg/m2/d. Group B patients were enrolled onto 2-, 4-, 7-, and 14-day continuous-infusion cohorts. One DLT of grade 3 elevation in ALT was seen. Other non-DLTs included ataxia and headache. For up to 14 days, steady-state levels of O6-BG were 0.1 to 0.4 micromol/L, and levels for O6-benzyl-8-oxoguanine were 0.7 to 1.3 micromol/L. CONCLUSION Systemically administered O6-BG can be coadministered with intracranially implanted carmustine wafers, without added toxicity. Future trials are required to determine if the inhibition of tumor AGT levels results in increased efficacy.
Effect of adamantylamide dipeptide as adjuvant therapy to praziquantel in mice infected with different S. mansoni isolates

This work investigated the possible use of AdDP as adjuvant therapy to praziquantel (PZQ) in mice infected with PZQ‐insusceptible Schistosoma mansoni isolate in a trial to increase the susceptibility of this isolate to the drug. Two batches of C57 BL/6 mice were infected with PZQ‐susceptible and ‐insusceptible S. mansoni isolates, and each batch was divided into five groups. Seven weeks postinfection, the experimental group received AdDP (5 mg/kg) in addition to PZQ in reduced dose (3×100 mg/kg). Three of the remaining four groups were treated controls; they received AdDP, PZQ in reduced dose and in full dose (2×500 mg/kg), and the fourth group was infected untreated. In mice infected with PZQ‐susceptible or ‐insusceptible S. mansoni isolate, praziquantel alone, and in addition to AdDP, reduced worm and egg loads and increased percentage dead eggs. Also, they improved the histopathological changes (reduction in granuloma diameter, percentage fibrotic area with increased percentage degenerated eggs). Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO) in culture of peritoneal macrophages, and number of CD68‐positive cells were decreased with improved alanine amino transaminase. In mice receiving combined therapy AdDP+PZQ, the antischistosomal efficacy and the reductions in the inflammatory granulomatous reactions, NO in cultured peritoneal macrophages, percentage fibrotic areas recorded, were comparable to that in mice receiving full dose of PZQ, with significantly higher reduction in CD68 cells denoting enhanced antischistosomal efficacy and healing of the inflammatory reactions in the liver.
Brain Activities during 3-D Structure Perception from 2-D Motion as Assessed by Combined MEG/fMRI Techniques

Recent neuroimaging studies suggest the involvement of the parieto-occipital, the intraparietal, and the ventral inferior-temporal regions in the 3-D object perception from 2-D retinal motion (3D-SFM: 3-D structure-from-motion), however, the neural dynamics underlying the 3D-SFM is not fully understood. Here, we used both the neuromagnetic (MEG) and the hemodynamic (fMRI) measurements to visualize the spatiotemporal brain dynamics during 3-D SFM. The coherence of the random-dot motion stimuli was parametrically controlled, which made us possible to infer the changes of the brain activities between the different 3-D object perception conditions. The results of the fMRI analysis were used to impose plausible constraints on the MEG inverse calculation using the 'weighted' minimum-norm approach to improve spatial resolution of the spatiotemporal activity estimates. The inferior-temporal, the parieto-occipital, and the intraparietal regions showed increased neural activity in the highly coherent motion conditions in which subjects perceived robust 3-D object structure at different latencies. The results indicate that these regions play an important role in the perception of 3-D object structure from retinal motion. These results are in agreement with the previous fMRI studies and add further insight into the temporal dynamics of the neural activities in the multiple brain regions along both the dorsal and the ventral visual processing streams during 3D-SFM.