Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tolerance to deer herbivory and resistance to insect herbivores in the common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)

The evolution of plant defence in response to herbivory will depend on the fitness effects of damage, availability of genetic variation and potential ecological and genetic constraints on defence. Here, we examine the potential for evolution of tolerance to deer herbivory in Oenothera biennis while simultaneously considering resistance to natural insect herbivores. We examined (i) the effects of deer damage on fitness, (ii) the presence of genetic variation in tolerance and resistance, (iii) selection on tolerance, (iv) genetic correlations with resistance that could constrain evolution of tolerance and (v) plant traits that might predict defence. In a field experiment, we simulated deer damage occurring early and late in the season, recorded arthropod abundances, flowering phenology and measured growth rate and lifetime reproduction. Our study showed that deer herbivory has a negative effect on fitness, with effects being more pronounced for late‐season damage. Selection acted to increase tolerance to deer damage, yet there was low and nonsignificant genetic variation in this trait. In contrast, there was substantial genetic variation in resistance to insect herbivores. Resistance was genetically uncorrelated with tolerance, whereas positive genetic correlations in resistance to insect herbivores suggest there exists diffuse selection on resistance traits. In addition, growth rate and flowering time did not predict variation in tolerance, but flowering phenology was genetically correlated with resistance. Our results suggest that deer damage has the potential to exert selection because browsing reduces plant fitness, but limited standing genetic variation in tolerance is expected to constrain adaptive evolution in O. biennis.
Effect of A 16 Week Combined Strength and Plyometric Training Program Followed by A Detraining Period on Athletic Performance in Pubertal Volleyball Players.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 16 weeks of combined strength and plyometric training or plyometric training alone, and how a detraining program can modify adaptations in response to the training stimulus. Sixty male volleyball players (circa PHV:-1 to +1 years from PHV) were assigned to a Combined Training group (CTG) (n=20), a Plyometric Training group (PTG) (n=20) or a control group (CG) (n=20). The experimental groups (CTG and PTG) participated in training twice weekly for 16 weeks. Thigh muscle volume, body fat, flexibility, sprint, jump height and medicine ball throw were measured at pre-training, post-training and detraining. Respectively, the CTG and PTG showed increases in thigh muscle volume (Effect size: 0.71 and 0.42), and decreases in body fat (-0.42 and -0.34) as well as improvements in 5 m sprint (-0.69 and -0.46) 10 m sprint (-0.31 and -0.3), lower body muscle power (0.44 and 0.36) and upper body muscle power (1.32 and 0.7). After the detraining period, all groups maintained previously attained muscle power (6.79% to 9.87%; p<0.001). In conclusion, combined strength and plyometric training provided better improvements than plyometric training only. The combination of strength and plyometric training is a time-effective training modality that confers improvements in physical performance measures, muscle size and body fat. A temporary period of detraining may not undermine performance gains in pubertal volleyball players.
Organizational Commitment in Mexican Small and Medium‐Sized Firms: The Role of Work Status, Organizational Climate, and Entrepreneurial Orientation**

In this study, we examine the role of individuals' commitment in small and medium‐sized firms. More specifically, we argue that employees will commit themselves to their firm based on their current work status in the firm, their perception of the organizational climate, and the firm's entrepreneurial orientation. We also examine how individuals' commitment affect the actual effort they exert vis‐à‐vis their firm. The study's hypotheses are tested by applying quantitative analyses to survey data collected from 863 Mexican small and medium‐sized businesses. We found that individuals' position and tenure in the firm, their perception of psychological safety and meaningfulness, and the firm's entrepreneurial orientation all are positively related to organizational commitment. We also found a positive relationship between organizational commitment and effort. Finally, our findings show that organizational commitment mediates the relationship between many of the predictor variables and effort. We discuss the limitations and implications of our findings and provide directions for future research.
Regional expression and ultrastructural localization of EphA7 in the hippocampus and cerebellum of adult rat

EphA7 is expressed in the adult central nervous system (CNS), where its roles are yet poorly defined. We mapped its distribution using in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) combined with light (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) in adult rat and mouse brain. The strongest ISH signal was in the hippocampal pyramidal and granule cell layers. Moderate levels were detected in habenula, striatum, amygdala, the cingulate, piriform and entorhinal cortex, and in cerebellum, notably the Purkinje cell layer. The IHC signal distribution was consistent with ISH results, with transport of the protein to processes, as exemplified in the hippocampal neuropil layers and weakly stained pyramidal cell layers. In contrast, in the cerebellum, the Purkinje cell bodies were the most strongly immunolabeled elements. EM localized the cell surface‐expression of EphA7 essentially in postsynaptic densities (PSDs) of dendritic spines and shafts, and on some astrocytic leaflets, in both hippocampus and cerebellum. Perikaryal and dendritic labeling was mostly intracellular, associated with the synthetic and trafficking machineries. Immunopositive vesicles were also observed in axons and axon terminals. Quantitative analysis in EM showed significant differences in the frequency of labeled elements between regions. Notably, labeled dendrites were ∼3–5 times less frequent in cerebellum than in hippocampus, but they were individually endowed with ∼10–40 times higher frequencies of PSDs, on their shafts and spines. The cell surface localization of EphA7, being preferentially in PSDs, and in perisynaptic astrocytic leaflets, provides morphologic evidence that EphA7 plays key roles in adult CNS synaptic maintenance, plasticity, or function. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2462–2478, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diversification, Strategy, and Stability of Lebanese Banks: A Non-Parametric DEA Approach

This article estimates the efficiency of the Lebanese banking sector within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through examining the diversification efforts, the macro-financial environment, and the strategy and operations of Lebanese banks. Unlike previous works that address the banking sector in the traditional context of the input-output efficiency models (see Ben Naceur, Ben-Khedhiri, & Casu, 2011; Staub, Souza, & Tabak, 2010; Grigorian & Manole, 2005; Bonin, Hasan, & Wachtel, 2005; and Yeh, 1996), this study employs the DEA approach in a modified manner by using a tripod of input variables that capture the micro, as well as the macro effects comprising policy, industry, management, and product line issues. DEA results reveal that although it enjoys more stability than the MENA region, the Lebanese banking sector still needs to develop its internal structures and ways of doing business by implementing the sound practices of corporate governance, relying on the latest technologies of information and communications, innovating new retail products and financing the private sector more.
The addition of low-dose leucovorin to the combination of 5-fluorouracil- levamisole does not improve survival in the adjuvant treatment of Dukes' C colon cancer. IKN Colon Trial Group.

PURPOSE To assess the effect of the addition of leucovorin to the combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-levamisole on recurrence risk and overall survival in patients after a resection with curative intent of a Dukes' C colon cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Five hundred patients with Dukes' C colon cancer were randomly assigned to adjuvant treatment for one year with 5-fluorouracil (450 mg/m2 i.v. weekly) and levamisole (150 mg p.o. every two weeks), the C-group or with leucovorin (20 mg/m2 i.v.), 5-fluorouracil and levamisole, the L-group. The median follow-up for patients still alive is 36 months. Four patients were ineligible because of advanced disease at the time of randomisation. RESULTS Sixty percent of the patients have completed all courses of chemotherapy. Of the remaining 40% of the patients who did not complete one-year treatment with chemotherapy, 46% discontinued because of toxic and/or emotional reasons. They were equally divided over both treatment arms. The addition of leucovorin increased toxicity (especially mucositis and conjunctivitis) without a significant increase in treatment withdrawal. Five-year disease-free interval (C-group: 49%, L-group: 46%; log-rank test, P = 0.86) and overall survival (C-group: 55%, L-group: 59%, log-rank test: P = 0.96) were very similar in both treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS The addition of low dose leucovorin to the combination of 5-fluorouracil and levamisole in a 12-month adjuvant therapy for curatively resected Dukes' C colon cancer patients does not improve disease-free interval nor overall survival. The addition of leucovorin to the combination of 5-FU levamisole increases toxicity. Therefore leucovorin 5-FU levamisole is not recommended in a 12 months adjuvant regime of Dukes' C colon cancer.
Alternative Approaches to Assessing Student Engagement Rates - Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation

Recent years have seen a revival of interest in the mechanisms by which students’ affective responses to learning tasks moderate knowledge acquisition and skill development (e.g., Wigfield, 1997). Given the emphasis placed on levels of academic achievement in schools, the way in which students acquire knowledge through the learning process has become a primary concern. Several studies have subsequently highlighted the significant role that such factors can play in the learning process (e.g., Mathewson, 1994), laying particular emphasis on those associated with student engagement levels.
Transient intestinal carriage after ingestion of antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus faecium from chicken and pork.

BACKGROUND Antibiotic-resistant enterococci are often present in retail meats, but it is unclear whether the ingestion of these contaminants leads to sustained intestinal carriage. METHODS We conducted a randomized, double-blind study in 18 healthy volunteers. Six ingested a mixture of 10(7) colony-forming units (CFU) of two glycopeptide-resistant strains of Enterococcus faecium obtained from chicken purchased at a grocery store, six ingested 10(7) CFU of a streptogramin-resistant strain of E. faecium obtained from a pig at slaughter, and six ingested 10(7) CFU of a glycopeptide-susceptible and streptogramin-susceptible strain of E. faecium from chicken purchased at a grocery store. Suspensions of enterococci were prepared in 250 ml of whole milk and were well within the amounts deemed acceptable by Danish food regulations. Stool samples were collected before exposure, daily for 1 week after ingestion, and at 14 and 35 days. Resistant enterococci in stools were identified by selective culture techniques; further molecular characterization of the organisms was also conducted. RESULTS At the outset, none of the subjects were colonized with glycopeptide-resistant or streptogramin-resistant E. faecium. After ingestion of the study strains, these same strains were isolated from the stools of all subjects, in various concentrations. The test strain was isolated in stool from 8 of 12 subjects on day 6, and from 1 of 12 on day 14. All stool samples were negative at 35 days. CONCLUSIONS The ingestion of resistant E. faecium of animal origin leads to detectable concentrations of the resistant strain in stools for up to 14 days after ingestion. The organisms survive gastric passage and multiply.
Resources, capabilities, competences and the theory of the firm

The aim of the paper is to point out some investigation lines which might result useful in building‐up a theory of the firm based on its resources, capabilities and competences (RCC). While the focus on RCC has helped to address some limitations of the standard contractual paradigm, a positive RCC theory of the firm hesitates to take‐off as its operationalization is still at an early stage. In order to move further towards this task, the paper suggests to: distinguish the nature of the problems of the contractual perspective which an alternative theory should solve (Section 2); identify those RCC features which are essential in connecting them to the core issues of the theory of the firm, that is, existence, boundaries and organization (Section 3); evaluate the implications of any hybridisation attempt between the two firm perspectives (Section 4). The paper then moves some exploratory steps along these research directions, providing some arguments about the opportunity to pursue them further.
Fault Location and Avoidance in Long-Running Multithreaded Applications

Faults are common-place and inevitable in complex applications. Hence, automated techniques are necessary to analyze failed executions and debug the application to locate the fault. For locating faults in programs, dynamic slices have been shown to be very effective in reducing the effort of debugging. The user needs to inspect only a small subset of program statements to get to the root cause of the fault. While prior work has primarily focussed on single-threaded programs, this dissertation shows how dynamic slicing can be used for fault location in multithreaded programs. This dissertation also shows that dynamic slices can be used to track down faults due to data races in multithreaded programs by incorporating additional data dependences that arise in the presence of many threads. In order to construct the dynamic slices, dependence traces are collected and processed. However, program runs generate traces in the order of Gigabytes in a few seconds. Hence, for multithreaded program runs that are long-running, the process of collecting and storing these traces poses a significant challenge. This dissertation proposes two techniques to overcome this challenge. Experiments indicate that the techniques combined can reduce the size of the traces by 3 orders of magnitude. For applications that are critical and for which down time is highly detrimental, techniques for surviving software failures and letting the execution continue are desired. This dissertation proposes one such technique to recover applications from a class of faults that are caused by the execution environment and prevent the fault in future runs. This technique has been successfully used to avoid faults in a variety of applications caused due to thread scheduling, heap overflow, and malformed user requests. Case studies indicate that, for most environment bugs, the point in the execution where the environment modification is necessary can be clearly pin-pointed by using the proposed system and the fault can be avoided in the first attempt. The case studies also show that the patches needed to prevent the different faults are simple and the overhead induced by the system during the normal run of the application is less than 10%, on average.
The i6A37 tRNA modification is essential for proper decoding of UUX-Leucine codons during rpoS and iraP translation

The translation of rpoS (σS), the general stress/stationary phase sigma factor, is tightly regulated at the post-transcriptional level by several factors via mechanisms that are not clearly defined. One of these factors is MiaA, the enzyme necessary for the first step in the N6-isopentyl-2-thiomethyladenosinemethyladenosine 37 (ms2i6A37) tRNA modification. We tested the hypothesis that an elevated UUX-Leucine/total leucine codon ratio can be used to identify transcripts whose translation would be sensitive to loss of the MiaA-dependent modification. We identified iraP as another candidate MiaA-sensitive gene, based on the UUX-Leucine/total leucine codon ratio. An iraP-lacZ fusion was significantly decreased in the absence of MiaA, consistent with our predictive model. To determine the role of MiaA in UUX-Leucine decoding in rpoS and iraP, we measured β-galactosidase-specific activity of miaA− rpoS and iraP translational fusions upon overexpression of leucine tRNAs. We observed suppression of the MiaA effect on rpoS, and not iraP, via overexpression of tRNALeuX but not tRNALeuZ. We also tested the hypothesis that the MiaA requirement for rpoS and iraP translation is due to decoding of UUX-Leucine codons within the rpoS and iraP transcripts, respectively. We observed a partial suppression of the MiaA requirement for rpoS and iraP translational fusions containing one or both UUX-Leucine codons removed. Taken together, this suggests that MiaA is necessary for rpoS and iraP translation through proper decoding of UUX-Leucine codons and that rpoS and iraP mRNAs are both modification tunable transcripts (MoTTs) via the presence of the modification.
Extracting and Attributing Quotes in Text and Assessing them as Opinions

News articles often report on the opinions that salient people have about important issues. While it is possible to infer an opinion from a person’s actions, it is much more common to demonstrate that a person holds an opinion by reporting onwhat they have said. These instances of speech are called either quotes or reported speech, and in this thesis we set out to detect instances of reported speech, attribute them to their speaker, and to identify which instances provide evidence of an opinion. We first focus on extracting reported speech. This problem involves finding all acts of communication that are reported within an article, specifically: direct quotes, which are literally transcribed and surrounded by quotation marks; indirect quotes, which are not literally transcribed and are not marked orthographically; and mixed quotes, which are part direct and part indirect. Previous work has generally approached this task with rulebased methods, however there are several factors that confound these approaches. To demonstrate this, we build a corpus of 965 news articles, where we mark all instances of direct, indirect, andmixed speech. We then show that a supervised token-based approach outperforms all of our rule-based alternatives, even in extracting direct quotes. This thesis represents the first large-scale evaluation of this task. Next, we examine the problem of finding the speaker of each quote. For this task we annotate the same 965 news articles with links from each quote to its speaker. Using this, and three other corpora, we develop new methods and features for quote attribution, which achieve state-of-the-art accuracy on our corpus and strong results on the others. We also provide a thorough examination of what it means to be the speaker of a quote. This leads us to examine and evaluate the effects of coreference resolution on quote attribution, and as part of this we show that coreference resolution is too inaccurate to be used
Inflation, Price Competition, and Consumer Search Technology

This paper studies an (S,s) pricing model in the presence of inflation and price competition in search markets. I present a model in which consumers' search technologies can influence firms' price setting, price dispersion, and the market structure. The result obtained shows that although price competition among firms is intensified in markets where consumers' search technologies are more efficient, price inflation is, counter-intuitively, more likely to increase the monopoly power and stimulate entry of firms in these markets. The model also provides new empirical implications for firms' price setting behaviors.
Effects of Various Calcium Powders as Replacers for Synthetic Phosphate on the Quality Properties of Ground Pork Meat Products

The aim of this study was to identify the optimal and superior type of natural calcium for replacing phosphate in cooked ground pork products. To achieve this, 0.5% eggshell calcium (ESC), oyster shell calcium (OSC), marine algae calcium (MAC), or milk calcium (MC) was added to ground pork meat products. The effect of this substitution was studied by comparing the substituted products with products containing 0.3% phosphate blend (control). ESC was considered an ideal phosphate replacer for minimizing the cooking loss, which likely resulted from the increase in the pH of the product. Among the other natural calcium types, OSC treatment did not cause a significant increase in pH, but it lowered the cooking loss. CIE L* values were higher (p<0.05) in products treated with OSC or MC than the control, and lowest (p<0.05) in the products with ESC. However, products with ESC had higher (p<0.05) CIE a* and CIE b* values than the control and products treated with other powders. Compared to the control, products treated with ESC and OSC had similar substitution effects on the textural properties of the products. Therefore, the results of this study suggested that the combined use of ESC and OSC could be a potentially effective method for replacing synthetic phosphate in ground pork products.
Intra-Arterial Delivery of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells is a Safe and Effective Way to Treat Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Cerebral ischemic stroke is a very common condition that can cause death and disability. Studies have confirmed that stem cells have therapeutic effects if administered after a stroke. There is still a great deal of debate regarding the best route for cell transplantation. Intravascular delivery is the most commonly used one. In this study, the therapeutic effects of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) delivered by intra-arterial (IA) and intravenous (IV) injection in a rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAO) are compared. Histological analysis demonstrated that the IA route bypasses the pulmonary system and directs the cells to the ischemic parts of the brain more efficiently. The BMSCs delivered via the IA route promoted angiogenesis and improved functional recovery. The cerebral blood flow (CBF) of the rats was monitored during the IA injection process. No reduction in CBF or microstrokes was detected. Brain perfusion and metabolism, as evaluated by SPECT and PET, were better in rats treated with cells delivered via IA. Results showed that the IA route is a safe and effective way to transplant hBMSCs. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) special issue of Cell Transplantation.
Multi-use, low SWaP, ultra-sensitive photoreceiver arrays for ladar & remote sensing

A monolithic photoreceiver is described, which combines a vertical cavity optical amplifier (VCSEL) optical preamplifier (VCSOA) with an RTBT optical converter in a totally monolithic approach, thus enabling low SWaP and multi-use capabilities. The optical amplifier is capable of optical gain as high as 15 dB and noise figure as low as 4-6 dB. The optical converter has sensitivities of -32.5 dBm at 2.5 Gb/s and BER of 10/sup -9/, that are comparable to or better than APD and PIN diode photoreceivers. The monolithic photoreceiver, resulting from integrating the optical amplifier and optical converter, is capable of sensitivities approaching -47 dBm at a BER of 10/sup -9/ and a bit rate of 2.5 Gb/s. The monolithic photoreceiver can be applied to imaging ladar and remote sensing for maximum ranges as high as 220 km and resolution as low as 25 cm.