Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selection of aptamers for use as radiopharmaceuticals in bacterial infection diagnosis

The difficulty in early detection of specific foci in the bacterial infection caused by bacteria has raised the need to search for new techniques for this purpose, since these foci require prolonged treatment with antibiotics and in some cases even drainage or, if applicable, removal of prostheses or grafts. Detection of bacterial infections by scintigraphy has the advantage that an image of the whole body could be obtained. This study aims to obtain aptamers specific bacteria for future use as radiopharmaceutical. The SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) methodology can generate oligonucleotides (aptamers) that are able to bind with high affinity and specificity to a specific target, from small molecules to complex proteins, by using rounds of enrichment and amplification. Aptamers can be labeled with different radionucleotides such as 99m Tc, 18 F and 32 P. In this study aptamers anti-peptidoglycan, the main component of the outer cell wall of bacteria, were obtained through SELEX. The SELEX started with a pool of ssDNA that had 10 15 different sequences (library), each oligo has two fixed regions merging a portion of 25 random nucleotides. Initially, the library of ssDNA was incubated with peptidoglycan, for 1h at 37ºC with stirring. Subsequently, amplification of oligonucleotides that were able to bind to peptidoglycan was performed by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). The amplified oligonucleotides were again incubated with peptidoglycan, amplified and purified. At the end of 15 rounds of selection the oligonucleotides were cloned using TOPO plasmid and Escherichia coli strain Top10F’. The plasmid DNA from 40 colonies were extracted and quantified. The plasmids were sequenced using the sequencing MegaBase, and two different aptamers sequences were obtained from all clones. The aptamers obtained were synthesized and subsequently labeled with 32 P in the 5’ end. The labeled aptamers were incubated with 10 7 Staphylococcus aureus cells at 37ºC for 1 h and after centrifugation and removal of supernatant; the amount of radiolabeled ssDNA in each sample was monitored by liquid scintillation spectrometry. For one aptamer the radiation was 28 times higher than obtained with the control ( 32 P labeled library) and for another the radiation was 22 higher. Thus, we conclude that both aptamers showed high binding affinity for S. aureus cells.
Effects of a moderate and aggressive implant strategy on the rumen microbial community and metabolome in steers

The effects of growth-promoting implants have been well-defined for their ability to impact growth performance in beef cattle. Production-relevant microbiomes in the rumen have also been associated with growth traits. However, the role of implants on the rumen microbiome is not understood. The objective was to determine if varying doses of implant hormones cause gain-associated ruminal microbial community shifts. To assess this, a completely randomized design was used and 336 fall-born steers 450 to 470 days of age from the germplasm evaluation population at the US Meat Animal Research Center (Clay Center, NE) were divided into two treatment groups: 1) a moderate implant strategy of Revalor-IS (80 mg trenbolone acetate and 16 mg estradiol) followed by Revalor-S (120 mg trenbolone acetate and 24 mg estradiol) and 2) an aggressive implant strategy of Revalor-IS followed by Revalor-200 (200 mg trenbolone acetate and 20 mg estradiol). Steers were fed the same diet (57.0% dry-rolled corn, 30% wet distiller’s grains with solubles, 8.0% alfalfa hay, 4.25% supplement, and 0.75% urea, on a DM basis). Body weights were collected once per month with initial weights of 439.8 ± 43.1 kg. After implants were administered for 84 days, rumen content was collected via orogastric tubing. Samples were sequenced targeting bacterial V1-V3 16S rRNA gene regions, V3-V4 for archaea, and partial 18S rRNA gene of protozoa. Sequences were processed in R utilizing phyloseq with DADA2 and analyzed with DESeq2 to test differential abundances. Untargeted metabolomics were performed on rumen fluid using the UHPLC-HRMS system. Production data between implant strategies was analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA (SASv9.4, Cary, NC) followed by analysis of least square means. Alphaand beta-diversity between strategies did not differ for bacteria, archaea, or protozoa (P > 0.05). Average daily gain was different (P = 0.01; 1.72 vs 1.66 ± 0.02 kg, aggressive vs moderate, respectively); however, large microbial community shifts were not associated implant strategy. Two metabolites, acetyllysine and N-acetylornithine, were significant between implant strategy (P ≤ 0.04). Understanding associations between the rumen microbiome and implant strategies may allow improvement of growth in beef cattle.
The Economics of Security Analysis

The investment capital asset pricing model, in which expected returns vary cross-sectionally with investment, profitability, and expected growth, provides an equilibrium foundation for Graham and Dodd’s security analysis. The q5 model is a good start to explaining prominent security analysis strategies, such as Abarbanell and Bushee’s fundamental signals, Frankel and Lee’s intrinsic to market, Greenblatt’s “magic formula,” Asness et al.’s quality minus junk, Bartram and Grinblatt’s agnostic analysis, operating cash flow to market, and Penman and Zhu’s expected-return strategy as well as best performing active discretionary funds, such as Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. This paper was accepted by Lukas Schmid, finance. Supplemental Material: The internet appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022. 4640 .
Forecasting Inflation in France: an Update of MAPI

In this paper, we present an updated version of the reference model used at Banque de France to forecast inflation: MAPI ( Model for Analysis and Projection of Inflation ). While the conceptual framework of the model remains very close to its initial version, our update takes stock of three different factors. First, since the previous version of the model, the underlying nomenclature used at the European level (ECOICOP) to define some of the main aggregates was changed, therefore requiring a careful review of the relevance of initial equations. Second, in the context of the modification in 2019 of the main semi-structural macroeconomic model used for the macroeconomic projections at Banque de France (FR-BDF), it aims at harmonizing the iterations between MAPI and FR-BDF. Finally, large variations in the wage variables in the midst of the sanitary measures related to the Covid-19 pandemics pushed us to use different concepts of wage and compensation variables. At the crossroads of these considerations, we update the model extending the estimation window, correcting specifications and input variables whenever relevant. The resulting model is an up-to-date, simplified and more parsimonious version of the initial model, entailing a stronger harmonization with the central macroeconomic model FR-BDF. It still involves significant pass-through of wages, oil and exchange rate to HICP. 3 This paper presents a renovated version of the main model used at Banque de France to forecast inflation: MAPI ( Model for Analysis and Projection of Inflation ). This model was first developed and described in 2017 (De Charsonville & al., 2017), but was gradually modified due to several factors: (i) a change in the European classification used to define HICP aggregates, operated in 2019; (ii) the necessity to strengthen the links between MAPI and the new semi-structural macroeconomic model used at Banque de France (FR-BDF), developed in 2019; (iii) important variations in input data, especially regarding wage and compensation dat, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Spatially Combined Keyword Searches

Data have become increasingly more complex over the past years; entities are easily ‘tagged’ with different types of auxiliary information, such as text and spatial locations. Examples include geo-tagged news and micro-blogs, map and social services etc. Spatial keyword search is a popular retrieval task in such collections, where objects are reported by their distance to the query location and the relevance of their text to the query keywords. However, the case of spatially combining multiple keyword searches was never studied. Under this prism, we introduce two novel retrieval tasks that either spatially join ( SpaJKS ) or determine the closest pairs among ( SpaRKS ) the results of independent keyword searches. To efficiently compute SpaJKS and SpaRKS queries, we also present five strategies employing different types of indexing. Last, our experimental analysis evaluates the performance of these strategies on both real and synthetic spatio-textual objects.
Modeling and Forecasting the Realized Volatility of Bitcoin using Realized HAR-GARCH-type Models with Jumps and Inverse Leverage Effect

Using the high-frequency data of Bitcoin, this study aims to model the time-varying volatility identified in the residuals of the heterogeneous autoregressive (HAR) model of realized volatility using the symmetric, asymmetric and long-memory generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic models (GARCH) models. We further extended these models by incorporating jumps and continuous components in the realized volatility estimators and investigating the impact of the inverse leverage effect. The Diebold Mariano and model confidence set test confirm that the forecasting performance of HAR-type models can be effectively improved by these innovations. The long memory HAR-GARCH model with jumps and continuous components provided better forecasting accuracy for Bitcoin volatility as compared to other realized volatility models. The findings of this study may benefit individual investors and risk managers who wish to minimize risks and diversify their portfolios to maximize profits in Bitcoin’s investment.
Characterization of Depressive Symptom Trajectories in Women between Childbirth and Diagnosis

The inhomogeneity of postpartum mood and mother–child attachment was estimated from immediately after childbirth to 12 weeks postpartum in a cohort of 598 young mothers. At 3-week intervals, depressed mood and mother–child attachment were assessed using the EPDS and the MPAS, respectively. The diagnosis was based on clinical interviews at the end of the 12-week follow-up. The latent class mixed model estimated multiple distinct patterns in depressed mood and mother–child attachment. The baseline EPDS cluster contained 72% of the study population and showed low EPDS values during the follow-up period, while the five remaining clusters showed either deterioration or improvement of the EPDS levels. The majority of women with postpartum depression showed deteriorating, and the majority of adjustment disorder cases improving, behavior. While the cases with more pronounced EPDS values were found to constitute more homogeneous clusters in terms of diagnosis, subclinical or only temporarily increased EPDS levels represented less homogeneous clusters. Higher EPDS levels correlated with the higher risk factor profiles. The four MPAS/EPDS clusters demonstrated that higher EPDS lead to lower mother–child attachment, and vice versa.
Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Purpose: To investigate whether ulinastatin can reduce the systemic inflammatory response, improve cardiac dysfunction and reduce injury of neurons in hippocampus CA1 area after ROSC. Methods: Cardiac ventricular fibrillation was induced by alternating current in 24 New Zealand rabbits, which were randomly divided into Control and ulinastatin treated group after ROSC. Dynamic observation of the effects of ulinastatin on the levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines TNF-α , IL-6, cardiac function including FS, EF and E/A, and neuron injury in hippocampus CA1 area after ROSC were performed. Results: Plasma inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in Control group peaked at 8h after ROSC, the levels were 441.60 ± 169.89 ng/ml and 622.00 ± 111.18 ng/ml respectively and reduced to 283.33 ± 32.01 ng/ml and 587.00 ± 102.50ng/ml at 16h. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 at each time interval in ulinastatin group were significantly lower than the Control group(P<0.05). At 4h after ROSC, FS, EF and E/A in Control group were 26.20 ± 3.35%, 33.00 ± 2.12% and 1.34 ± 0.12 respectively. EF, E/A in ulinastatin treated group were higher than the Control group at 4h,8h and 12h after ROSC. FS Values after ROSC 4h, 8h were higher than the Control group(P<0.05). At 72h after ROSC, the number of dynamic neurons in CA1 area of Control group was 13.22 ± 0.97, less than the ulinastatin group 16.89 ± 1.45, P=0.003, and the number of apoptotic neurons in hippocampus CA1 area in Control group was 15.67 ± 1.37, while in ulinastatin group was 13.67 ± 1.03, P=0.019. Conclusions: Ulinastatin can decrease plasma inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, improve cardiac dysfunction and have protective effects on neurons in hippocampus CA1 area after ROSC in New Zealand rabbits.
Adaptation and validity evidence of the Dimensions of Secularity (DoS) Scale for the Brazilian population

ABSTRACT This study presents the process of the translation, adaptation, and psychometric evaluation of the Dimensions of Secularity (DoS) Scale for use in Brazil. This will enable the inclusion of measures on secularity in future Brazilian studies. The psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the scale were verified in a sample of 952 participants. The data obtained show that the scale presented good psychometric functioning indexes and adequate internal consistency indexes for the five-factor, 22-item model. Correlations of the DoS Scale with other constructs were also evaluated to seek evidence of discriminant and convergent validity. The Brazilian version of the DoS Scale is a measure that can be used to assess the degrees of atheism and agnosticism and the philosophical dimensions of secularity.
Modeling and optimization of photovoltaic systems under partially shaded and rapidly changing conditions

VII PUBLICATIONS . IX Introduction . 1 Chapter 1 1.1 Overview . 1 1.2 Photovoltaic systems . 1 Modeling the solar array . 3 1.2.1 MPPT under partially shaded conditions . 4 1.2.2 1.3 Main contributions . 7 1.4 Organization of this thesis . 7 Literature review . 9 Chapter 2 2.1 PV array models . 9 The analytical method . 9 2.1.1 The experimental method . 14 2.1.2 The artificial intelligence methods . 15 2.1.3 2.2 MPPT techniques . 16 Perturb-and-observe (P&O) or hill climbing . 17 2.2.1 Incremental conductance (IncCond) . 18 2.2.2 Fractional open circuit voltage/ short circuit current . 20 2.2. 3 Bisection search theorem (BST) . 21 2.2. 4 Three point MPPT method . 22 2.2. 5 Variable step size incremental resistance (INR) . 22 2.2. 6 Extremum seeking control (ESC) and ripple correlation control (RCC) . 23 2.2. 7 DC link capacitor droop control . 25 2.2. 8 Temperature based MPPT . 25 2.2. 9 Variable inductor MPPT . 25 2.2.10 Parasitic capacitance MPPT . 27 2.2.11 dP P&O method . 27 2.2.12
Shallow Subsurface Drainage for Managing Seasonal Flooding in Ganges Floodplain, Bangladesh

The impact of shallow subsurface drainage was investigated as a pilot study on a 0.13 ha plot of a farmer's field located in Batiaghata, Khulna District, Bangladesh, in the floodplain of the Bay of Bengal. The drainage design differed from traditional subsurface tile drains in two respects: (i) the depth of drains was shallow (30 cm); and (ii) the design did not include a sump and accessories such as pumps (drainage outlets were tidal).
Dynamics of the General Bianchi IX Model near a Cosmological Singularity

Half a century ago, Belinsky and Khalatnikov proposed a generic solution of the Einstein equations near their cosmological singularity, basing on a generalization of the homogeneous model of Bianchi type IX. The consideration of the evolution of the most general non-diagonal case of this model is significantly simplified, if it is assumed that, when approaching the singularity t = 0, it reduces to the so-called asymptotic dynamics, at which inequality Γ1 ≫ Γ2 ≫ Γ3 holds. It has been suggested that this inequality continues to be true from the moment of its first fulfilment up to the singularity of space-time. We analyze this assumption and show that it is incorrect in the general case. However, it is shown that in any case there exists a time t0, after which this assumption becomes true. The value of t0 is the smaller, the less is the degree of non-diagonality of the model. Some details of the behavior of the non-diagonal homogeneous model of Bianchi type IX are considered at the stage of asymptotic dynamics of approaching the singularity.
Testosterone as a Biomarker of Adverse Clinical Outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may affect testicles. Lower testosterone levels have been associated with worse clinical outcomes and higher mortality. Our objective was to evaluate the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis of men admitted with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and its link with the pneumonia-treatment intensification. Short-term changes in hormonal parameters were also assessed. Methods: Men admitted with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were recruited in two different hospitals in Piedmont, Italy. In all patients, the assessment of total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone (cFT), gonadotropins, inhibin B (InhB), and other biochemical evaluations were performed at admission (T0) and before discharge (T1). Through a review of medical records, clinical history was recorded, including data on pneumonia severity. Results: Thirty-five men (median age 64 [58–74] years) were recruited. Lower TT and cFT levels at T0 were associated with CPAP therapy (p = 0.045 and 0.028, respectively), even after adjusting for age and PaO2/FIO2 ratio in a multivariable analysis. In those discharged alive, lower TT and cFT levels were associated with longer hospital stay (p < 0.01). TT, cFT, and InhB were below the normal range at T0 and significantly increased at T1 (TT 1.98 [1.30–2.72] vs. 2.53 [1.28–3.37] ng/mL, p = 0.038; cFT (0.0441 [0.0256–0.0742] vs. 0.0702 [0.0314–0.0778] ng/mL, p = 0.046; InhB 60.75 [25.35–88.02] vs. 77.05 [51.15–134.50], p < 0.01). Conclusions: Both TT and cFT levels are associated with adverse clinical outcomes in men admitted with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. As TT, cFT and InhB levels increase before discharge, short-term functional recovery of steroidogenesis and an indirect improvement of spermatozoa functional status could be hypothesized.
Fragment-Based Discovery of AF9 YEATS Domain Inhibitors

YEATS (YAF9, ENL, AF9, TAF14, SAS5) family proteins recognize acylated histones and in turn regulate chromatin structure, gene transcription, and stress signaling. The chromosomal translocations of ENL and mixed lineage leukemia are considered oncogenic drivers in acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoid leukemia. However, known ENL YEATS domain inhibitors have failed to suppress the proliferation of 60 tested cancer cell lines. Herein, we identified four hits from the NMR fragment-based screening against the AF9 YEATS domain. Ten inhibitors of new chemotypes were then designed and synthesized guided by two complex structures and affinity assays. The complex structures revealed that these inhibitors formed an extra hydrogen bond to AF9, with respect to known ENL inhibitors. Furthermore, these inhibitors demonstrated antiproliferation activities in AF9-sensitive HGC-27 cells, which recapitulated the phenotype of the CRISPR studies against AF9. Our work will provide the basis for further structured-based optimization and reignite the campaign for potent AF9 YEATS inhibitors as a precise treatment for AF9-sensitive cancers.
An Investigation on the Influence of Blogs on Consumer Engagement Behaviour

With the dramatic changes in brand communication, companies urge to take Social Media seriously as a significant channel to connect with their customers. This study adds to the literature that emphasizes the significance of online customer engagement concept and analyses the effects of content, brand and customer related factors on customer engagement and eventually online purchasing behaviours within the context of blog pages. The study aids brands in their communication strategies with the knowledge that content related factors such as intrinsic enjoyment and format are most influential, where consumers’ online brand interactivity and sense of community are also important.
Effect of an Acute Insect Preload vs. an Almond Preload on Energy Intake, Subjective Food Consumption and Intestinal Health in Healthy Young Adults

Protein is considered the most satiating macronutrient, and its effect on satiety and food intake is source-dependent. For the first time, we compared the effect of the administration of an insect or almond preload, both containing 20 g of protein, on appetite and food intake in human subjects. Participants consumed both foods and a vehicle as a liquid preload on three separate days. They were then offered a breakfast and lunch buffet meal at which food intake was measured. Visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaires were completed following the three preloads to assess appetite and other sensations. At breakfast, reduced energy intake was observed for both preloads compared with vehicle. At lunch, food intake only differed in the insect group, which consumed more than the vehicle. Insect preload increased the total amount of protein ingested with a slight increase in total energy consumed, differently than almond, which significantly increased total protein and energy consumed. There was no correlation between indigestion-sensation ratings and food intake. Moreover, the insect preload resulted in lower sleepiness and tiredness ratings compared with the almond preload. Thus, insect-derived protein may be suitable as a safe ingredient for snacks intended for elderly or infirm patients who require increased protein intake.
Decentralized control of multi-area multi-machine overlapping interconnected power systems

A decentralized control methodology for automatic generation control (AGC) of multi-area multi-machine overlapping interconnected power systems is proposed in this paper, based on the restriction and aggregation algorithmof the Inclusion Principle. The state space model for the multi-area interconnected power system is decomposed as a group of pair-wise area and/or subsystem models. The decentralized controllers designed by the LQG / H ∞ control schemes are placed at each pair areas and/or subsystems acted effectively in improving frequency and tie-line power bias stabilization. The effect of the subsystem interconnection described by the tie-line power on decentralized controls is exhibited in each pair subsystems. The application of the decentralized controllers to the system is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Length–Weight Relationships and Growth Parameters of Common and Leafy Seadragons (Syngnathidae) from a Public Aquarium

The length–weight relationships (LWR) of the common seadragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (Lacepède, 1804) and the leafy seadragon Phycodurus eques (Günther, 1865), Syngnathidae, are presented in this paper, based on specimens raised in the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla, California. Furthermore, we used the length at known age of 40 specimens of common and 15 leafy seadragons to estimate the parameter of the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) for these species. Some of the pros and cons of the newly proposed length type used, ‘scalene length’ are presented. The parameters of the LWR and the VBGF parameters are discussed, with an emphasis on the rearing conditions, the peculiar anatomy of seadragons, especially of P. eques, and on the Gill-Oxygen Limitation Theory (GOLT).