Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and growth history of texturally sector- and sigmoidal-zoned garnet in the San Lorenzo Schists in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta massif (Colombia)

The first occurrence of two-step growth of textural sector- and sigmoidal-zoned garnet of metapelitic rocks of the San Lorenzo Schists in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta massif is documented here. This textural type of zoned garnets occurs in the staurolite metamorphic zone of the San Lorenzo Schists. They are generally coarse-grained (up to 2.5 mm in diameter), and occur in quartz-rich domains. Together with staurolite, garnet is a porphyroblastic mineral in these rocks. Two periods of garnet growth have been observed: (1) a xenoblastic core, with a sector-zoned garnet; and (2) a subidioblastic rim with a sigmoidal-zoned garnet. Garnet preserves chemical zoning, with decreasing XMn and increasing XMg from core to rim (a patch trend), suggesting that garnet grew during increasing temperature. XCa and XFe follow a radial trend. Study of this type of garnet indicates that it has grown during the late emplacement of gabbroic rocks of the Santa Marta Batholith close to thepeak regional of metamorphism of the San Lorenzo Schists. During the first steps of garnet growth, it develops a textural sector-zoning, characterized by the cleavage domes, pressure shadows and shearing away cleavage domes, whereas during the last steps a textural sigmoidal-zoned garnet overgrowth occurred after textural sector-zoned garnet. This type of textural sector- and sigmoidal-zoned garnet from the San Lorenzo Schists is very important as a key piece for interpretation of thetectono-metamorphic history of this metamorphic unit.Keywords: San Lorenzo Schists, two-step growth, sector- and sigmoidal-zoned, garnet, metamorphism.
Effect of steroids on transcription and secretion of Gal-1 by the human trophoblast cell line in vitro

Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is a lectin with recently documented pro-invasive function in trophoblasts in vitro, whose regulation is currently insufficiently known. The potential involvement of steroid hormones, synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX), the sex steroid progesterone (PRG) and mifepristone (RU486) in the regulation of Gal-1 in the trophoblast-derived cell line HTR-8/SVneo was investigated. Gal-1 mRNA levels were assessed by real-time PCR. The effect on secretion of Gal-1 into the culture media was followed using the SELDI-TOF protein chip array. We present evidence that DEX and RU486 significantly reduced Gal-1 in the HTR-8/SVneo cell line at the mRNA level. In addition, trophoblast-derived HTR-8/SVneo cells were shown to secrete detectable Gal-1 protein, which was only slightly increased by PRG. The potential clinical relevance of these findings remains to be determined. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173004]
Environments around Al, Si, and Ca in aluminate and aluminosilicate melts by X-ray absorption spectroscopy at high temperature

Abstract Structural data on silicate, aluminate, and aluminosilicate melts are difficult to measure and understand at high temperature. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) performed in situ at high temperature has been used to probe the local environment of low-Z elements (Al, Si, and Ca). For fully tetrahedral network glasses, CaAl2Si2O8 (anorthite) and CaAl2O4, the modifications in the Al K-edge spectra with increasing temperature can be attributed to a structural rearrangement of the network or to an increase of fivefold-coordinated Al. For the Ca3Al2O6 composition, where Al is localized in a depolymerized tetrahedral site associated with non-bridging O atoms, XAS spectra at the Al K-edge are barely affected by temperature. Depending on the composition, Ca K-edge spectra investigated in these experiments allow us to follow changes in the distortion of the Ca sites in melts at high temperature. The structural modifications at both short and intermediate range upon melting are well shown by these XAS measurements.
Consequences of selection for milk quality and robustness traits

A multitude of studies in dairy cattle (Pryce and Veerkamp, 2001) have shown that selection for higher milk yield alone is associated with reduced health and fertility. For this reason, most countries are now including an increasing number of non-productive and functional traits (e.g., conformation, longevity, udder health, calving performances, workability) in their national dairy breeding objectives. Breeding programs could also include other functional and robustness traits (e.g. feed efficiency or energy balance) but also other traits like animal welfare, human health, environmental impact of milk production, or product quality. Even if these new traits currently have no (or undefined) monetary value, it is suggested that better overall economic efficiency could be achieved if they are included in breeding goals. However, before doing this, the consequences of shifting emphasis from the current traits in the breeding objective to these new traits should be investigated particularly given that genomics is likely to lead to accelerated rates of gain.
Factors Associated with Financial Restatements: Evidence from Malaysia

ABSTRACT This study examines seven factors associated with financial restatements in Malaysian publicly listed companies (PLCs). We hypothesize that two factors proxy for management rationalization, two for management motives and three for the opportunity to predict financial restatements. Our sample consists of 85 restatement firms and 85 no-restatement firms, listed on the Bursa Malaysia and have a complete set of data from 2005-2011. The objective of this study is to examine how rationalization, motive and weak governance lead to financial restatements in emerging economies, like Malaysia. With regard to rationalization, we find that founders are negatively and significantly associated with financial restatements while related party transactions (RPTs) are positively and significantly associated. Additionally, we find evidence that opportunity for restatement proxied by audit quality is negatively and significantly associated with financial restatements. Keywords: Financial restatement; fraudulent financial reporting; earnings management; corporate governance ABSTRAK Kajian ini mengkaji tujuh faktor yang dikaitkan dengan penyataan semula penyata kewangan bagi syarikat-syarikat awam yang disenaraikan di Bursa Malaysia. Kajian ini membuat hipotesis bahawa terdapat dua faktor proksi untuk rasionalisasi pengurusan, dua faktor proksi untuk motif pengurusan, dan tiga faktor proksi untuk peluang bagi meramalkan insiden penyataan semula penyata kewangan. Sampel kajian ini terdiri daripada 85 firma yang mempunyai rekod insiden penyataan semula penyata kewangan dan 85 firma yang tidak mempunyai rekod penyataan semula penyata kewangan. Kesemua sampel kajian adalah firma yang disenaraikan di Bursa Malaysia dan mempunyai satu set lengkap data yang diperlukan kajian daripada julat tempoh tahun 2005 sehingga tahun 2011. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk mengkaji bagaimana faktor persekitaran di dalam sesuatu organisasi seperti faktor rasionalisasi, motif dan tadbir urus yang lemah (peluang) dapat membawa kepada insiden penyataan semula penyata kewangan terutamanya di dalam ekonomi negara-negara membangun seperti Malaysia. Berhubung dengan faktor rasionalisasi, kajian mendapati bahawa faktor kewujudan pengasas di dalam organisasi adalah negatif dan signifikan dengan insiden penyataan semula penyata kewangan manakala faktor urus niaga pihak berkaitan adalah positif dan signifikan dengan insiden penyataan semula penyata kewangan. Selain itu, kajian juga mendapati bahawa proksi untuk faktor peluang iaitu kualiti audit bagi sesuatu organisasi adalah negatif dan signifikan dengan insiden penyataan semula penyata kewangan. Kata kunci: Penyataan semula penyata kewangan; penipuan dalam penyataan kewangan; pengurusan pendapatan; tadbir urus korporat
The Fusion and Layering of Noise and Tone: Implications for Timbre in African Instruments

Since their earliest explorations of African music, Western researchers have noted a fascination on the part of traditional musicians for noise as a timbral element. The authors present the results of perceptual and acoustic investigations of the fusion and “layering” of noise and tone. These results have implications for pitch and timbre in both traditional and non-traditional, acoustic and synthesized music. The results define possible perceptual relations between noise and tone and reveal that the construction of noise devices should follow relatively precise acoustic rules involving the frequency, the bandwidth and the level of the noise relative to those of the tone. The results also exemplify the fusion of two extremely different timbres, with implications for the blending of instrumental timbres in an orchestral setting. The experiments should be of interest to composers who synthesize mixtures of noise and periodic sound and for whom the control of such mixtures remains problematic.
On Chip Preconcentration and Labeling of Protein Biomarkers Using Monolithic Columns, Device Fabrication, Optimization, and Automation

On Chip Preconcentration and Labeling of Protein Biomarkers Using Monolithic Columns: Device Fabrication, Optimization, and Automation Rui Yang Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, BYU Master of Science Detection of disease specific biomarkers is of great importance in diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Modern bioanalytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), have the ability to identify biomarkers, but their cost and scalability are two main drawbacks. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is another potential tool, but it works best for proteins, rather than peptide biomarkers. Recently, microfluidics has emerged as a promising technique due to its small fluid volume consumption, rapidness, low fabrication cost, portability and versatility. Therefore, it shows prominent potential in the analysis of disease specific biomarkers. In this thesis, microfluidic systems that integrate monolith columns for preconcentration and on-chip labeling are developed to analyze several protein biomarkers. I have successfully fabricated cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) microfluidic devices with standard micromachining techniques. Monoliths are prepared in situ in microchannels via photopolymerization, and the physical properties of monoliths are optimized by varying the composition and concentration of monomers to achieve better flow and extraction. On-chip labeling of protein biomarkers is achieved by driving solution through the monolith using voltage and incubating fluorescent dye with protein retained in the monolith. Subsequently, the labeled proteins are eluted by applying voltages to reservoirs on the microdevice and detected by laser-induced fluorescence. Finally, automation of on-chip preconcentration and labeling is successfully demonstrated.
VALUE RELEVANCE OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN INDONESIA AND SINGAPORE

This study aims to examine the value relevance of accounting information and corporate social responsibility (CSR) for measuring the firm value of companies in Indonesia and Singapore. This study used secondary data in the form of financial statements, annual reports, CSR/ sustainability reports, as well as the company’s stock price data. 34 companies were taken as a sample in this study during period 2013–2015. The results show that earnings information was relevant for measuring firm value, both in Indonesia and Singapore. The book value of equity and operating cash flow information was considered relevant in Singapore companies, but in Indonesia, this information was not considered relevant for measuring firm value. CSR information was considered irrelevant in both countries.
In-house standardization and validation of a multiplex RT-PCR assay for the detection of 13 respiratory viruses

Background. Multiplex real time PCR is increasingly used to diagnose respiratory viruses and has shown to be superior to traditional methods, such as culture and antigen detection. Objective. Standardization and validation of a multiplex real-time PCR assay for the detection of 13 respiratory viruses. Methods. The assay was validated using RNA control targets and comparing results to single-target PCR’s. Results. Using RNA controls the multiplex format was found to be as sensitive and specific as the single-target PCRs, and no competition was observed between targets. The efficiencies for most of the reactions were approximately 90%, but a lower efficiency was found for Parainfluenza 2 with a rate of amplification in each cycle of 86.63%. On the other hand, a higher efficiency was observed in respiratory syncytial virus A and respiratory syncytial virus B ((93.07% each). Conclusion: This multiplex RT-PCR format shows an adequate efficiency, demonstrating an excellent sensitivity, specificity and repeatability for all the studied respiratory viruses.
Decoupling Vocal Tract from Glottal Source Estimates in Speaker's Identification

Classical parameterization techniques in Speaker Identification tasks use the codification of the power spectral density of speech as a whole, not discriminating between articulatory features due to the dynamics of vocal tract (acoustic-phonetics) and those contributed by the glottal source. Through the present paper a study is conducted to separate voicing fragments of speech into vocal and glottal components, dominated respectively by the vocal tract transfer function estimated adaptively to track the acoustic-phonetic sequence of the message, and by the glottal characteristics of the speaker and the phonation gesture. In this way information which is conveyed in both components depending in different degree on message and biometry is estimated and treated differently to be fused at the time of template composition. The methodology to separate both components is based on the decorrelation hypothesis between vocal and glottal information and it is carried out using Joint Process Estimation. This methodology is briefly discussed and its application on vowel-like speech is presented as an example to observe the resulting estimates both in the time as in the frequency domain. The parameterization methodology to produce representative templates of the glottal and vocal components is also described. Speaker Identification experiments conducted on a wide database of 240 speakers is also given with comparative scorings obtained using different parameterization strategies. The results confirm the better performance of de-coupled parameterization techniques compared against approaches based on full speech parameterization.
Effects of the Program: “Salas para la Paz”, on the Degree of Human Development of Individuals with Drug Addiction

This study estimates the impact that the program “Salas para la Paz” (Rooms for Peace), implemented by “Promocion de Paz, A.B. P.” (Peace Promotion, private association for beneficence), has on different aspects of human development, in individuals with addiction, in Monterrey, Mexico. By testing mean differences and using propensity score matching, group comparisons are made, based on the time the subjects have been in the program. The study is based on information obtained from interviews conducted on the participants, and their families. Results based on the answers of the first group, reveal that the program has little or no effect whatsoever. On the other hand, the answers of the second group lead to mixed results, which tend to confirm that direct participant human development increases starting from the second month of treatment.
On the nature of absorption features toward nearby stars

Context. Diffuse interstellar absorption bands (DIBs) of largely unknown chemical origin are regularly observed primarily in distant early-type stars. More recently, detections in nearby late-type stars have also been claimed. These stars’ spectra are dominated by stellar absorption lines. Specifically, strong interstellar atomic and DIB absorption has been reported in τBoo. Aims. We test these claims by studying the strength of interstellar absorption in high-resolution TIGRE spectra of the nearby stars τBoo, HD 33608, and αCrB. Methods. We focus our analysis on a strong DIB located at 5780.61 Å and on the absorption of interstellar Na. First, we carry out a differential analysis by comparing the spectra of the highly similar F-stars, τBoo and HD 33608, whose light, however, samples different lines of sight. To obtain absolute values for the DIB absorption, we compare the observed spectra of τBoo, HD 33608, and αCrB to PHOENIX models and carry out basic spectral modeling based on Voigt line profiles. Results. The intercomparison between τBoo and HD 33608 reveals that the difference in the line depth is 6.85± 1.48 mÅ at the DIB location which is, however, unlikely to be caused by DIB absorption. The comparison between PHOENIX models and observed spectra yields an upper limit of 34.0± 0.3 mÅ for any additional interstellar absorption in τBoo; similar results are obtained for HD 33608 and αCrB. For all objects we derive unrealistically large values for the radial velocity of any presumed interstellar clouds. In τBoo we find Na D absorption with an equivalent width of 0.65± 0.07 mÅ and 2.3± 0.1 mÅ in the D2 and D1 lines. For the other Na, absorption of the same magnitude could only be detected in the D2 line. Our comparisons between model and data show that the interstellar absorption toward τBoo is not abnormally high. Conclusions. We find no significant DIB absorption in any of our target stars. Any differences between modeled and observed spectra are instead attributable to inaccuracies in the stellar atmospheric modeling than to DIB absorption.
Noun Phrase Cohesion in English Discourse: a Corpus-based Analysis of Patterns and Influences

This study investigated the patterns of noun phrase cohesion in English discourse, with a specific interest in the role of the different clause types. Using corpus methodology, the study synthesized into a single framework for analysis the central features of previous research regarding cohesive devices, preferred argument structure, genre, information packaging and clause structure. A corpus of 1206 noun phrases was coded for factors drawn from previous research, starting with whether or not the NP contained old/cohesive information. Results of frequency cross-tabulations and a factor analysis indicated that preferred argument structure, noun phrase form, and discourse genre were more significant influences on patterns of noun phrase cohesion in English discourse than clause structure. However, patterns of cohesive noun phrases according to the distance to their antecedents revealed that the more grammatically integrated clauses, such embedded infinitival clauses, the fewer cohesive noun phrases with antecedents in the immediate context they tended to have. This indicated that at the local inter-clausal level noun phrase cohesion and the level of grammatical integration of a combined clause existed in somewhat complementary distribution. Conclusions drawn included that clause grammar codes cohesion locally, displacing the need for noun phrases to mark cohesion in the immediate discourse. The study therefore quantitatively supports previous theories that discourse cohesion and the different types of combined clauses in English exist along a continuum from grammar to discourse.
Respect for property rights: when does it pay to defend territory?

Question: Should habitat-selecting individuals respect the property rights of territory holders or challenge them for ownership? Definitions: Ideal despotic individuals challenge others for high-quality territories and defend them against rivals. Ideal pre-emptive individuals seek only unoccupied space and surrender it when challenged by despots. Approach: Computer simulations of an evolutionary game between ideal despotic and ideal pre-emptive habitat selectors. Features of the model: Individuals of each strategy choose between two habitats. Pure strategies grow for 1000 generations after which one individual possessing the alternative strategy is allowed to invade. If the invasion fails within 10 generations, invasion is attempted again with twice as many individuals (maximum of four attempts with 1, 2, 4, and 8 individuals respectively). Each simulation is repeated 99 times. Ranges of key variables: Habitat quality: mean population growth rate = 1 vs. 1.5; standard deviation = 0.25; sampling effort = 10; defence costs = 0–0.5 in increments of 0.01; challenge cost = 0.02; search cost = 0.02; stochastic frequency = 2 or 3; stochastic mortality = 2–4. Conclusions: The two strategies frequently co-existed. The pre-emptive strategy outperformed the despotic strategy. Pre-emptive individuals gained additional advantages when resident, and when defence costs were high. Thus, real populations of territorial species are rather likely to also exhibit mixed strategies where respect for property rights may trump overt conflict.
Evaluation of orf virus (ORFV) isolation in continuous lamb testis cells (OA3.Ts) and development of a co-culture method with infected cells to increase infectivity

Continuous foetal lamb testis cells OA3.Ts was used to compare the isolation of a vaccine orf virus (ORFV) strain that had been adapted to primary lamb testes cells, with scab derived wild-type/field ORFV isolates. The wild type virus showed an accelerated and exaggerated cyto-pathic effect (CPE) than the vaccine virus as has been demonstrated by immunofluorescent detection of viral antigen using ORFV monoclonal antibodies. ORFV could be successfully isolated in OA3.Ts foetal lamb testes cells and can be used for direct isolation of the virus from clinical samples.Two different methods of cell culture infection were also compared during sub-culture, one using infected supernatant as the inoculum and the other using infected cells as a modified method for infecting healthy culture cells. The present study also indicates that a higher infection can probably be achieved with inoculating infected cells together with healthy ones as a co-culture method during propagation of ORFV. This has been revealed as visibly pronounced CPE and presence of larger and multiple aggregates of cytoplasmic inclusions than cells infected with infected supernatant alone.
Metabolomic strategies for aquaculture : A primer

Metabolomics is a fast-evolving field that provides qualitative and quantitative analyses of metabolites within cells, tissues or biofluids. Recent applications of metabolomics approaches in aquaculture research have highlighted the huge potential for solving problems within all aspects of the production line, from hatchery production to postharvest quality control. To assist with the growing application of metabolomics in aquaculture research, this contribution provides a review of techniques and steps necessary to conduct metabolomics research, from experimental design to data interpretation. Specifically, we target scientists who are new to the field of metabolomics, and we offer simple, but comprehensive steps and strategies to conduct this type of research. We conclude this primer with some advice on how to access relevant expertise and facilities for metabolomics-based aquaculture research.