Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Degradation and utilization of xylans by the rumen anaerobe Prevotella bryantii (formerly P. ruminicola subsp. brevis) B(1)4.

Freshly harvested whole cells from cultures of P. bryantii B(1)4 grown with oat spelt xylan (OSX) as an energy source showed less than 25% of the enzyme activity against OSX, and less than 15% of the activity against birchwood xylan (BWX) and carboxymethylcellulose, that was detectable in sonicated cell preparations. This indicates that much of this hydrolytic activity is either periplasmic, membrane-associated or intracellular and may be concerned with the processing of transported oligosaccharides.P. bryantii B(1)4 cultures were able to utilise up to 45% and 51% of the total pentose present in OSX and BWX, respectively, after 24 h, but could utilize 84% of a water-soluble fraction of BWX. Analysis of the xylan left undegraded after incubation with P. bryantii showed that while xylose and arabinose were removed to a similar extent, uronic acids were utilized to a greater extent than xylose. Predigestion of xylans with two cloned xylanases from the cellulolytic rumen anaerobe Ruminococcus flavefaciens gave little increase in overall pentose utilization suggesting that external P. bryantii xylanases are as effective as the cloned R. flavefaciens enzymes in releasing products that can be utilised by P. bryantii cells. The xylanase system of P. bryantiiis able to efficiently utilise not only xylo-oligosaccharides but also larger water-soluble xylan fragments.
Heterogeneous MultiProcessing Solution of Exynos 5 Octa with ARM ® big

3 Introduction . 3 Operation of big.LITTLE Modes . 4 Operation of big.LITTLE Cluster Switching Mode 4 Operation of big.LITTLE HMP Mode 4 Benefits of HMP Solution for Exynos 5 Octa . 5 Experimental Data of HMP Solution 6 Conclusion . 6 References . 7
The relationship between serum TSH and free T4 in older people

The frequency distribution of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) shows a skewed pattern that may change with age. The set point of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis for an individual is thought to be genetically determined and has been described as a log-linear relationship of serum TSH to free thyroxine (T4); however, the validity of this hypothesis has yet to be established in older people. The aim of the study was to describe the relationship between serum TSH and free T4 in older people and define factors influencing this relationship. We conducted a cross-sectional, observational study of thyroid function in a community population of older subjects over 65 years of age. The relationship between serum TSH and free T4 was not linear as previously described, but is best described as a fourth-order polynomial. Both gender and smoking status affected the relationship. This suggests that more complex modelling is required when investigating the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.
Automatic standard plane adjustment on mobile C-Arm CT images of the calcaneus using atlas-based feature registration

Intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus are routinely treated by open reduction and internal fixation followed by intraoperative imaging to validate the repositioning of bone fragments. C-Arm CT offers surgeons the possibility to directly verify the alignment of the fracture parts in 3D. Although the device provides more mobility, there is no sufficient information about the device-to-patient orientation for standard plane reconstruction. Hence, physicians have to manually align the image planes in a position that intersects with the articular surfaces. This can be a time-consuming step and imprecise adjustments lead to diagnostic errors. We address this issue by introducing novel semi-/automatic methods for adjustment of the standard planes on mobile C-Arm CT images. With the semi-automatic method, physicians can quickly adjust the planes by setting six points based on anatomical landmarks. The automatic method reconstructs the standard planes in two steps, first SURF keypoints (2D and newly introduced pseudo-3D) are generated for each image slice; secondly, these features are registered to an atlas point set and the parameters of the image planes are transformed accordingly. The accuracy of our method was evaluated on 51 mobile C-Arm CT images from clinical routine with manually adjusted standard planes by three physicians of different expertise. The average time of the experts (46s) deviated from the intermediate user (55s) by 9 seconds. By applying 2D SURF key points 88% of the articular surfaces were intersected correctly by the transformed standard planes with a calculation time of 10 seconds. The pseudo-3D features performed even better with 91% and 8 seconds.
Superview 3D image warping for visibility gap errors

3D image warping is an image-based rendering technique that allows nearby views of a 3D environment to be efficiently extrapolated from a single 2D reference image that includes depth information. This method allows the real-time rendering of a virtual environment on low powered consumer devices such as PDAs, cellular phones, e-Books, etc. However one major drawback with this method is the frequent occurrence of visibility gap errors caused by a limited field of view. Visibility gaps are regions for which the new viewpoint has no information and often occur during a viewpoint rotation or lateral translation. The resulting warped image contains significant areas of unsightly holes. This paper proposes using a reference image larger than the display size with a greater field of view (superview), to reduce or eliminate visibility gap errors. However warping a larger reference image increases rendering time. In order to address the problem of the reduced frame-rate, acceleration methods such as image sub-sampling, pixel averaging and clipping are presented. It is concluded that use of an oversize reference image in conjunction with sub-sampling and clipping of the reference image produces a better quality warped image for a given frame-rate.
Capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection method development and validation for the determination of azithromycin, clarithromycin, and clindamycin.

A capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection based method for the assay of azithromycin, clarithromycin and clindamycin was optimized and validated in this study. A buffer solution of 20 mM 2-(N-morpholino) ethane sulfonic acid, 40 mM l-histidine and 0.6 mM cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (pH 6.39) was used for the electrophoresis. An uncoated, bare-fused silica capillary (total length 60 cm, effective length 32 cm, 75 μm id) was used at 25°C. The sample was injected hydrodynamically at 0.5 psi for 5 s. The electrophoresis was conducted at 30 kV in reverse polarity for 6 min with 3 and 2 min of in-between sodium hydroxide (0.1 M) and background electrolyte rinsing, respectively. Ammonium acetate was used as internal standard. This simple and robust method showed reasonable limit of detection and limit of quantitation for azithromycin (0.0125/0.03 mg/mL), clarithromycin (0.017/0.03 mg/mL), and clindamycin (0.038/0.06 mg/mL), with good selectivity, precision both intraday (relative standard deviation ≤ 1.0%) and interday (relative standard deviation < 3.7%), linearity (R2 > 0.999) and recovery (99 - 101.7%). The method was successfully applied for the determination of azithromycin, clarithromycin and clindamycin in formulations.
HMG‐CoA Reductase Inhibitors and the Risk of Vertebral Fracture

Statins inhibit an enzyme in the mevalonate pathway and therefore may affect bone. In this first study on both symptomatic and nonsymptomatic vertebral fractures in the elderly (N = 3469), we show that long‐term statin use is significantly associated with a 50% lower vertebral fracture risk. Randomized trials on statins and fractures, carried out in populations at risk for fractures, are needed.
Practice-based small group learning (PBSGL) for CPD: a pilot with general practice trainees to support the transition to independent practice

The paper describes a small-scale enquiry with UK-based general practice specialty trainees (GPSTs) at the time of transition from training to independent practice. It aimed to identify whether they were supported in making this transition through attending practice-based small group learning (PBSGL) sessions. Participants in the study reported that the sessions helped them to consolidate their learning from their third year of training (GPST3), improved their ability to identify and use evidence in practice, and shifted the focus of their learning needs away from the two UK general practice postgraduate exams (applied Knowledge Test or aKT; and Clinical Skills assessment or CSa) and towards 'real world' practice. The two pilot groups have become established as means of peer support and continue to meet, with small changes in composition. The work has led to the wider roll out of PBSGL for newly qualified GPs across Wessex.
Enhanced Potency of Plasmid DNA Microparticle Human Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccines in Rhesus Macaques by Using a Priming-Boosting Regimen with Recombinant Proteins

ABSTRACT DNA vaccines have been used widely in experimental primate models of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but their effectiveness has been limited. In this study, we evaluated three technologies for increasing the potency of DNA vaccines in rhesus macaques. These included DNA encoding Sindbis virus RNA replicons (pSINCP), cationic poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microparticles for DNA delivery, and recombinant protein boosting. The DNA-based pSINCP replicon vaccines encoding HIV Gag and Env were approximately equal in potency to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter-driven conventional DNA vaccines (pCMV). The PLG microparticle DNA delivery system was particularly effective at enhancing antibody responses induced by both pCMV and pSINCP vaccines and had less effect on T cells. Recombinant Gag and Env protein boosting elicited rapid and strong recall responses, in some cases to levels exceeding those seen after DNA or DNA/PLG priming. Of note, Env protein boosting induced serum-neutralizing antibodies and increased frequencies of gamma interferon-producing CD4 T cells severalfold. Thus, PLG microparticles are an effective means of delivering DNA vaccines in nonhuman primates, as demonstrated for two different types of DNA vaccines encoding two different antigens, and are compatible for use with DNA prime-protein boost regimens.
CD 40 Ligand Protects from TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis in Follicular Lymphomas through NF-! B Activation and Up-Regulation of c-FLIP and Bcl-xL 1

The TNF family member TRAIL is emerging as a promising cytotoxic molecule for antitumor therapy. However, its mechanism of action and the possible modulation of its effect by the microenvironment in follicular lymphomas (FL) remain unknown. We show here that TRAIL is cytotoxic only against FL B cells and not against normal B cells, and that DR4 is the main receptor involved in the initiation of the apoptotic cascade. However, the engagement of CD40 by its ligand, mainly expressed on a specific germinal center CD4 T cell subpopulation, counteracts TRAIL-induced apoptosis in FL B cells. CD40 induces a rapid RNA and protein up-regulation of c-FLIP and Bcl-xL. The induction of these antiapoptotic molecules as well as the inhibition of TRAILinduced apoptosis by CD40 is partially abolished when NF-! B activity is inhibited by a selective inhibitor, BAY 117085. Thus, the antiapoptotic signaling of CD40, which interferes with TRAIL-induced apoptosis in FL B cells, involves NF-! B-mediated induction of c-FLIP and Bcl-xL which can respectively interfere with caspase 8 activation or mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. These findings suggest that a cotreatment with TRAIL and an inhibitor of NF-! B signaling or a blocking anti-CD40 Ab could be of great interest in FL therapy. The Journal of Immunology, 2008, 181: 1001–1011.
Deforestation in Costa Rica: A Quantitative Analysis Using Remote Sensing Imagery 1

Accurate estimates of forest cover and forest fragmentation are critical for developing countries such as Costa Rica, which holds four to five percent of the world's plant and bird species. We estimated forest cover for Costa Rica using Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper satellite scenes acquired between 1986 and 1991. In 1991, 29 percent (ca 14,000 km2) of the land cover of Costa Rica was closed forest cover; of that forested area, ca 30 percent is protected by national conservation policies. Forest loss in a study area representing ca 50 percent of Costa Rica's territory during a five‐year period (1986–1991) was 2250 km2, and the estimated deforestation rate was ca 450 km2/yr, or ca 4.2 percent/yr, of remaining forest cover. Forests are almost completely eliminated from the Tropical Moist Forest and Premontane Moist Forest life zones, and the level of fragmentation of remaining forests may be more advanced than previously thought.
Australasian ( ACIS ) 2010 AIS in Australia : UTAUT application & cultural implication

Although the diffusion of information technologies has been widely considered in the Australian context, very few studies seem to have focus on the adoption and diffusion of information systems among individual accountants. This research investigates factors affecting the use of Accounting Information Systems (AIS) by Australian accounting practitioners. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model by Venkatesh et al. (2003) is adopted to investigate this issue. The model is extended by integrating the national culture theory by Hall (1973), with an emphasis on culture and communication. Data were collected from 190 accountants in Australia. The data collected were analysed using Structural Equation Modeling in association with the Partial Least Squares technique. The results show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating condition and low context communication characterising the Australian culture positively influence behavioral intention and utilisation of AIS.
Determination of the optical absorption coefficients of a weakly absorbing film on a transparent substrate by spectrophotometry

Thin films of aluminum doped zinc oxide were sputtered for various process conditions onto transparent 1 mm thick borosilicate glass slides and measured by spectrophotometry. A fit to the reflectance and transmittance spectra over the range of 350 nm to 1200 nm is described which determines the film thickness, the coefficients for a wavelength dependent model of the index of refraction, and the absorption coefficients. This fit accounts for reflection from the back of the glass slide.
Out of harm's way: Secure versus insecure–disorganized attachment predicts less adolescent risk taking related to childhood poverty

Abstract Although some risk taking in adolescence is normative, evidence suggests that adolescents raised in conditions of socioeconomic disadvantage are disproportionately burdened with risk taking and its negative consequences. Using longitudinal data from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development, we investigated quality of the early caregiving environment as a potential prospective buffer against the long-term association between childhood poverty and adolescent risk taking. Multicategorical moderation model results indicated that if raised in poverty across age 1–54 months (average family income to needs ratio ≤ 1.02), relative to affluence (income to needs ratio ≥ 6.16), adolescents with histories of secure attachment to caregivers exhibited two times the number of risk behaviors at age 15, whereas adolescents with insecure–disorganized histories exhibited nearly five times the number of risk behaviors. Both early family economic hardship and history of insecure–disorganized attachment remained significant predictors of increased adolescent risk taking, alongside the interactive effect. Probing the interaction's region of significance revealed that history of secure (vs. insecure–disorganized) attachment is associated with protective reductions in risk taking below a family income to needs ratio of 2.24, or about 220% poverty level. Findings support a diathesis–stress model in which children with secure attachment histories are less deleteriously impacted by early socioeconomic adversity than their insecure–disorganized peers.
Diastereoselective Simmons-Smith cyclopropanations of allylic amines and carbamates.

Cyclopropanation of 3-(N,N-dibenzylamino)cyclohexene with either Zn(CH(2)I)(2)(Wittig-Furukawa reagent) or CF(3)CO(2)ZnCH(2)I (Shi's reagent) gives the corresponding syn-cyclopropane as a single diastereoisomer, whilst cyclopropanation of 3-(N-tert-butoxycarbonylamino)cyclohexene with CF(3)CO(2)ZnCH(2)I gives the corresponding anti-cyclopropane exclusively; facile N-deprotection gives access to either diastereoisomer of the trifluoroacetic acid salt of 2-aminobicyclo[4.1. 0]heptane.
2007-23 July 6 , 2007 Are the GCC FDI Location Determinants Favorable ?

Diversifying income sources is one of the main challenges the GCC countries currently face. FDI can be beneficial in this regard. FDI can help the GCC countries gain access to technology, adopt innovation in the production process, obtain new expertise and managerial know-how, and expand production, marketing, transport, and communication networks. Despite the FDI potential benefits to and the FDI potential of the GCC countries, FDI flows declined in absolute and relative terms. This paper examines the question of whether the location determinants are favorable to FDI in the GCC region. Using panel data for the period 1980-2002, panel data model estimates suggest that market size, as measured by real GDP per capita, and trade openness have positive influence on FDI flows, while institutional quality has a statistically significant positive influence when the period 1980-1982 was dropped from the sample period. Surprisingly human capital deters FDI flows. JEL: F21; F53
Factors Influencing Group Repayment Performance in Haryana : Application of Tobit Model

Microfinance through self-help groups (SHGs) has evolved as a mechanism for social inclusion of the rural poor. This paper has identified the factors that influence the repayment performance of the SHGs in India, by conducting a study on a sample of 120 SHG members from 60 dairy SHGs and 60 non-members selected from the state of Haryana. Results of Tobit regression have shown that peer monitoring, group size and female percentage have positive influence, whereas homogeneity and loan amount have negative influence on the repayment performance of the SHGs. The study has concluded that if the essence of self-help and cooperation is fostered and monitored properly, the poor can also repay.
Benefits and drawbacks of software reference architectures: A case study

ContextSoftware Reference Architectures (SRAs) play a fundamental role for organizations whose business greatly depends on the efficient development and maintenance of complex software applications. However, little is known about the real value and risks associated with SRAs in industrial practice. ObjectiveTo investigate the current industrial practice of SRAs in a single company from the perspective of different stakeholders. MethodAn exploratory case study that investigates the benefits and drawbacks perceived by relevant stakeholders in nine SRAs designed by a multinational software consulting company. ResultsThe study shows the perceptions of different stakeholders regarding the benefits and drawbacks of SRAs (e.g., both SRA designers and users agree that they benefit from reduced development costs; on the contrary, only application builders strongly highlighted the extra learning curve as a drawback associated with mastering SRAs). Furthermore, some of the SRA benefits and drawbacks commonly highlighted in the literature were remarkably not mentioned as a benefit of SRAs (e.g., the use of best practices). Likewise, other aspects arose that are not usually discussed in the literature, such as higher time-to-market for applications when their dependencies on the SRA are managed inappropriately. ConclusionsThis study aims to help practitioners and researchers to better understand real SRAs projects and the contexts where these benefits and drawbacks appeared, as well as some SRA improvement strategies. This would contribute to strengthening the evidence regarding SRAs and support practitioners in making better informed decisions about the expected SRA benefits and drawbacks. Furthermore, we make available the instruments used in this study and the anonymized data gathered to motivate others to provide similar evidence to help mature SRA research and practice.
Economic Dependence, Gender, and the Division of Labor in the Home: A Replication and Extension

The fundamental question in the study of the gendered division of household labor has come to be why, in the face of dramatic changes in women's employment and earnings, housework remains “women's work. ” As a possible answer to this question, Brines (1994) presented a provocative conceptual model of the relationship between economic dependence and the performance of housework by wives and husbands. She concluded that the link between economic dependence and housework follows rules of economic exchange for wives, but among husbands, a gender display model is operative. This paper replicates and extends Brines' model by (a) replicating her work using a different data set; (b) adding additional controls to the model, including a measure of gender ideology; and (c) modeling a distributional (as opposed to absolute) measure of housework. For a measure of hours spent doing housework, the results of my analyses are consistent with Brines' suggestion of separate gender-specific processes linking economic dependence and amount of housework performed. For a distributional measure of housework, on the other hand, my analyses contradict Brines' findings and suggest that both husbands and wives are acting to neutralize a nonnormative provider role when they do housework. Further analyses suggest that the phenomenon is more likely one of deviance neutralization than of gender display.
A mutual information and information entropy pair based feature selection method in text classification

Text classification is an important research field of data mining topics. This article brings a mutual information and information entropy pair based feature selection method (MIIEP_FS) based on the theory of information entropy and information entropy pair concept. This method measure the classification effect using feature by mutual information method and show the difference extent between the features being selected and the ones selected by information entropy. The experimental results show that the MIIEP_FS method proposed is more effective than MI and CHI methods. Macro F1 degrees of different kinds of machine learning algorithms: Naive Bayes and KNN method are higher by MIIEP_FS method, sometimes even more than the ones of support vector machines.