Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New data on the phylogeny of Ariantinae (Pulmonata, Helicidae) and the systematic position of Cylindrus obtusus based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA marker sequences

The phylogenetic relationships among genera of the subfamily Ariantinae (Pulmonata, Helicidae), especially the sister-group relationship of Cylindrus obtusus, were investigated with three mitochondrial (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) and two nuclear marker genes (Histone H4 and H3). Within Ariantinae, C. obtusus stands out because of its aberrant cylindrical shell shape. Here, we present phylogenetic trees based on these five marker sequences and discuss the position of C. obtusus and phylogeographical scenarios in comparison with previously published results. Our results provide strong support for the sister-group relationship between Cylindrus and Arianta confirming previous studies and imply that the split between the two genera is quite old. The tree reveals a phylogeographical pattern of Ariantinae with a well-supported clade comprising the Balkan taxa which is the sister group to a clade with individuals from Alpine localities. Additional lineages representing samples from southern Alpine localities as well as from Slovakia split from more basal nodes, but their relationships are not clearly resolved. To achieve more definitive conclusions concerning the geographical origin of Ariantinae, still more sequence data are needed to obtain a tree with better resolution of basal nodes. The genetic data also provided new insights concerning the genus Cepaea, which was used as one of the outgroup taxa. Cepaea vindobonensis is only distantly related to Cepaea nemoralis and Cepaea hortensis, the latter two being more closely related to Eobania vermiculata. Thus, in our tree, the genus Cepaea is paraphyletic.
The role of avian frugivores on germination and potential seed dispersal of the Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolius

As aves frugivoras desempenham papel chave na dispersao de sementes e no estabelecimento de uma ampla gama de especies de plantas, incluindo especies invasoras como a Aroeira-vermelha Schinus terebinthifolius. O potencial de dispersao das sementes de Aroeira-vermelha pelas aves com diferentes tipos de comportamentos alimentares foi estudado atraves de testes de viabilidade de sementes e experimentos de germinacao de sementes obtidas de aves em campo e de aves mantidas em cativeiro. Demonstrou-se que as sementes coletadas apos a passagem pelo trato digestorio de cinco especies de aves em campo tiveram proporcao de germinacao mais alta e taxas de germinacao semelhantes aos controles. A viabilidade das sementes ingeridas por Thraupis bonariensis, o qual mandibula as sementes antes de ingeri-las foi significativamente inferior ao controle, enquanto a reducao na viabilidade das sementes ingeridas por Turdus amaurochalinus nao foi significante. Sementes ingeridas por aves em cativeiro germinaram antes que seus controles, entre 1 e 2 semanas, e tiveram proporcao e taxa de germinacao mais altas que o controle. Provavelmente ambos os efeitos, quimico e mecânico, desempenham papel no aumento da germinacao das sementes. No Brasil, tanto a Aroeira-vermelha quanto as aves frugivoras estudadas evoluiram juntas, e foi demonstrado neste estudo a dependencia que a aroeira tem das aves frugivoras para sua dispersao, semelhante a outros paises onde esta arvore e dependente de especies de aves nativas ou introduzidas para sua dispersao. Estes resultados tem importantes implicacoes para a recuperacao de areas alteradas por atividades antropogenicas na America do Sul, onde a Aroeira-vermelha e uma especie pioneira nativa, assim como para o manejo e recuperacao de areas invadidas pela especie em outros locais do planeta.
German Translation of the Concerns for Information Privacy ( CFIP ) Construct

We present and validate a German translation of the construct Concerns for Information Privacy (CFIP). This construct, consisting of four sub-constructs, measures the privacy concerns of individuals with regard to organiziational privacy practices. With this scope, the construct has a wide applicability for quantitative research on privacy. We surveyed participants on the location-based mobile augmented reality game Pokémon Go. We conducted the translation with the help of two independent and certified translators and tested the validity and reliability of the constructs by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The analysis is based on a sample of 681 active players of the game. The participants were acquired with the help of a certified German panel provider. The results indicate the validity and reliability of the German translation of the CFIP construct for the case of Pokémon Go. Professional translations of existing constructs are necessary to apply established models and associated questionnaires in other countries. This holds in particular, because language may influence survey responses, especially with regard to attitudes. However, these translations are associated with high monetary costs and efforts and seldom published. Therefore, we provide opportunities for future work by making our valid and reliable German translation of the CFIP construct accessible to interested researchers.
On XAIG Rewriting

This paper presents a rewriting algorithm based on XOR-AND-Inverter Graphs (XAIGs). Such logic representation allows for synthesis algorithms work with XOR gates in a native way. Basic support for XAIGs has already been implemented in the ABC9 package GIA manager, where AND, XOR, and MUX nodes are allowed. However, the rewriting algorithm was missing in ABC9, hence we have re-implemented the original, AIG-based algorithm, and included it in the ABC9 package. For our purposes, we have restricted the nodes set to AND and XOR gates only. The presented XAIG-based rewriting algorithm is compared with the standard AIG-based rewriting algorithm. Since more node types bring some new decisions the rewriting algorithm has to make, we have implemented different rewriting mechanisms and compared them. The results indicate that XAIG based rewriting can lead to different circuits than the original rewriting and although AIG based rewriting produces slightly smaller circuits in most cases, some circuits are better handled with XAIG based rewriting, which points to future research and improvements. The XAIG based rewriting was also able to find significantly more XORs than ABC9 structural hashing and rewriting.
The British opt-out from the European Monetary Union: empirical evidence from monetary policy rules

We analyse the current state of monetary integration in Europe, focusing on the United Kingdom’s position regarding the European Monetary Union (EMU). The interest rate decisions of the European Central Bank and the Bank of England are compared through different specifications of the Taylor rule. Comparison of the monetary conduct of these two institutions provides useful guidance in identifying the differences that the British Government claims motivating its refusal to join the EMU. Testing for forward-looking behaviour and possible asymmetries in policy responses, we show evidence supporting the opt-out decision taken by the British Government.
Quickly Assessing Contributions to Input Uncertainty

“Input uncertainty” refers to the (often unmeasured) variability in simulation-based performance estimators that is a consequence of driving the simulation with input models (e.g., fully specified univariate distributions of i.i.d. inputs) that are based on real-world data. In 2012 Ankenman and Nelson presented a quick-and-easy diagnostic experiment to assess the overall effect of input uncertainty on simulation output. When their method reveals that input uncertainty is substantial, then the natural next questions are which input distributions contribute the most to input uncertainty, and from which input distributions would it be most beneficial to collect more data? They proposed a possibly lengthy sequence of additional diagnostic experiments to answer these questions. In this paper we provide a method that obtains an estimator of the overall variance due to input uncertainty, the relative contribution to this variance of each input distribution, and a measure of the sensitivity of overall uncertainty to increasing the real-world sample-size used to fit each distribution, all from a single diagnostic experiment. Our approach exploits a metamodel that relates the means and variances of the input distributions to the mean response of the simulation output, and bootstrapping of the real-world data to represent input-model uncertainty. Further, we investigate whether and how the simulation outputs from the nominal and diagnostic experiments may be combined to obtain a better performance estimator. For the case when the analyst obtains additional real-world data, refines the input models, and runs a follow-up experiment, we analyze whether and how the simulation outputs from all three experiments should be combined. Numerical illustrations are provided.
A Systematic Survey and Evaluation of Blood Vessel Extraction Techniques

The automatic extraction of brain vessels from Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) has found its application in vascular disease diagnosis, endovascular operation and neurosurgical planning. In this paper we first present a concise methodology, pros & cons of well-known vessel extraction techniques. A systematic survey of latest development in the area of vessel extraction by using region growing algorithms is present. Then we detail the main challenges of vessel extraction and segmentation area. Based on review and our experience in the area, we finally present enhancement in region growing algorithm. Our proposed algorithm shows performance improvement as compare to traditional region growing algorithm.
Classification and infection mechanism of entomopathogenic fungi

Arq. Inst. Biol., v.84, 1-10, e0552015, 2017 RESUMO: Os fungos entomopatogênicos são importantes agentes de controle biológico em todo o mundo e têm sido objeto de intensa pesquisa por mais de 100 anos, infectando artrópodes na natureza e podendo ocorrer em níveis enzoóticos ou epizoóticos em suas populações de hospedeiros. O seu mecanismo de infecção envolve a fixação do esporo à cutícula do inseto, seguido da germinação, penetração da cutícula e disseminação interna no inseto. As linhagens dos fungos entomopatogênicos estão concentradas nas ordens: Hypocreales (vários gêneros), Onygenales (gênero Ascosphaera), Entomophthorales e Neozygitales (Entomophthoromycota).
Could a focus on trauma exposure improve the identification of patients at particularly high risk of suicide ?

Objectives: An association between serious trauma exposure and suicidality is well documented. The aim here is to test psychological assessment instruments for their ability to discriminate suicidal and non-suicidal patients within a psychiatric population. Method: Using a case-control design, two patient groups from outpatient clinics with and without suicide attempts were assessed. Results: High levels of traumatization, depression, symptoms and personality disorder were found in both groups, generally being higher in the suicide attempt group than in the non-suicide attempt group. This reached statistical significance for current suicide risk (p = .002) and sexual assault (p = .027). Conclusion: Two tests appear to identify patients at increased risk for suicide attempts, the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire (SBQ-R) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), sub-scale sexual assault in childhood.
Degree Project Level : Bachelor ’ s Degree Representation of the Sámi Culture in Tourism in Sweden : A Thematic Analysis of Marketing Websites from Swedish Lapland

The following thesis examines the representation of Sámi that reside in the Swedish part of Lapland. Tourism has been a complement to the traditional occupations for many Sámi. However, representations of Sámi in web-marketing may be misleading the tourists in their understanding of the Indigenous people. The aim of the thesis is to examine regional marketing material in Sweden, found online, through a thematic analysis to highlight patterns and themes that are utilized for a competitiveness in the market. The use of language, when referring to Sámi, and adjectives to describe landscape, food, and people were focused upon. Six webpages were analysed, which showed a strong focus of the marketing material on reindeer, languages, handicrafts and food.
A DNA vector system for MMTV-promoter-based , doxycycline-inducible transgene expression and verified by expressing Mst 4 gene ( 1 )

A simplified tetracycline-on (Tet-on) system including all the required regulating elements was constructed in a single vector (poMRTneo/GFP plasmid). The single vector contains a Tet-controlled transactivator gene, rtTA2s-M2, a glucocorticoid-responsive mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter, a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene under the control of Tet operator sequences (tetO) flanked with a minimal CMV promoter (TetCMVmin) and a mammalian selection marker neomycin resistant gene. When tested in NMuMG, a mouse mammary epithelial cell line, the expression of GFP was low without treatment and could be efficiently elevated with treatment of doxycycline (Dox, a Tet analogue). Importantly, MMTV-promoter-based Tet-on inducible vectors enabled the transgene not only to express in a mouse mammary cell line, but also be tightly regulated under the simultaneous treatment with Dox and dexamethasone (Dex, a glucocorticoid analogue), when culture media without steroid. Next, in order to verify the construction strategy is correct, we replaced GFP with Mst4 gene, a sterile 20-like kinase, including a full length wild-type cDNA form and two c-terminus deletion mutants in this inducible system (plasmids poMRTneo/HA-Mst4, poMRTneo/HA-Mst4△272, poMRTneo/HA-Mst4△297, poMRTneo/ GFP-Mst4, poMRTneo/GFP-Mst4△272 and poMRTneo/GFP-Mst4△297). The resulting vector could display the Mst4 expression with lower basal level, higher inducibility and its nucleocytoplasmic dissection. These data demonstrated that we have created a MMTV-promoter-based, doxycycline-inducible transgene system and the simple system is suitable for expressing foreign gene in mammary cells.
A Model Investigation of Photoionization Delay for Atomic Clusters

La scienza, come la poesia, si sa che sta ad un passo dalla follia from ”La Scomparsa di Majorana” by Leonardo Sciascia This thesis had the purpose of investigating, through computer simulation, the atomic delay of the outgoing electron during a process of laserassisted photoionization of atomic clusters, using the jellium model approximation— a charged spherical shell distribution. During the process, a photoionizing XUV photon is first absorbed by a valence electron, which then absorbs/emitts one IR photon of the laser probe. During earlier treatment regarding hydrogen, the CC delay—due to the absorption of the second photon—has been tested for different angular channels and considered, on a good approximation, to be universal. The study in this thesis has revealed a deviation from universality of the CC delay—specifically for jellium models of size between 1 and 5 atomic units. Moreover, the presence of Cooper minima in the cross section has been observed.
Realization of sinusoidal oscillators using operational Transresistance Amplifier (OTRA)

In this paper, four new sinusoidal waveform generators based on the operational transresistance amplifier (OTRA) are presented. The first proposed circuit is a minimum component RC sinusoidal oscillator circuit with one OTRA and a few passive components. The second and third proposed circuits consist of one OTRA and a few passive components, among them two passive components are connected to ground. These circuits are able to control the condition of oscillation and frequency of oscillation independently. The fourth proposed quadrature oscillator circuit uses two OTRAs as main active building blocks and a few external passive components to generate the oscillations. The commercially available IC AD 844 AN has been adopted to implement the proposed circuits on a laboratory breadboard with external passive components. Both the SPICE simulation and experimental results are given to verify the theoretical analysis of the proposed circuits.
Discrete-time implementation and experimental validation of a fractional order PD controller for vibration suppression in airplane wings

Vibrations in airplane wings have a negative impact on the quality and safety of a flight. For this reason, active vibration suppression techniques are of extreme importance. In this paper, a smart beam is used as a simulator for the airplane wings and a fractional order PD controller is designed for active vibration mitigation. To implement the ideal fractional order controller on the smart beam unit, its digital approximation is required. In this paper, a new continuous-to-discrete-time operator is used to obtain the discrete-time approximation of the ideal fractional order PD controller. The efficiency and flexibility, as well as some guidelines for using this new operator, are given. The numerical examples show that high accuracy of approximation is obtained and that the proposed method can be considered as a suitable solution for obtaining the digital approximation of fractional order controllers. The experimental results demonstrate that the designed controller can significantly improve the vibration suppression in smart beams.
Alveolar Ridge Dimension Analysis Following Socket Preservation Using Clinical Assessment and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

ALVEOLAR RIDGE DIMENSION ANALYSIS FOLLOWING SOCKET PRESERVATION USING CLINICAL ASSESSMENT AND CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CBCT) By Sayward Edwards Duggan, D.D.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Major Director: Thomas C. Waldrop, D.D.S., M.S. Residency Program Director, Department of Periodontics PURPOSE: Extraction of a tooth can lead to alveolar ridge resorption which can be minimized by socket preservation. The aim of this study is to analyze vertical and horizontal alveolar ridge dimensions clinically and by CBCT immediately following extraction and 3-4 months following socket preservation. METHODS: The preserved group (P) consisted of 20 patients with1-2 non-molar teeth requiring extraction with socket preservation, while the control group (C) consisted of 5 patients requiring extraction alone. An acrylic stent was fabricated presurgically in order to measure vertical and horizontal ridge dimensions clinically and radiographically immediately following extraction and 3-4 months following socket preservation. RESULTS: Overall, P sites gained ridge height and lost minimal ridge width over 3-4 months, while C sites lost both ridge height and width. Preserved sites in which the teeth were
Leader Challenge: What Would You Do?

Given the complex environment in which the U.S. military operates, leaders at all levels must be prepared for a force that is more responsive to regional combatant commanders needs, better employs joint capabilities, facilitates force packaging and rapid deployment, and fights self contained units in non-linear, non-contiguous battle space. This project’s goal is to provide computer-mediated environments for learning from simulated leadership challenges within the discussion space of professional forums. The primary tool used in the project is the Simulated Cognitive Leadership Challenge, “Leader Challenge,” a platform where Soldiers can construct solutions to various scenarios presented to them by their peers and/or predecessors. The U.S. Army’s web-based peer-to-peer professional forums provide a good avenue to explore multi-modal, distributed, asynchronous education to troops deployed in a combat environment. These forums provide a collaborative learning environment where the “field” Army and the institutional Army education system (the “schoolhouse”) can overlap in a distributed and powerful manner. These professional forums (namely the PlatoonLeader and CompanyCommand forums) employ a variety of techniques to foster connections, content, and conversation—all with the goal of improving member effectiveness and advancing the practice. The particular intervention discussed herein is a cognitive constructive simulation based on dialogue interviews. Currently, over 3200 participants have provided data. Overall, participants found the Leader Challenges engaging and worthwhile. Participants reflect learning through an increase in response quality from pre-test to post-test. Participants also report increased perceptions of self-efficacy from initial engagement in the Leader Challenge modules to the exit surveys.
Identification of key genes and associated pathways in KIT/PDGFRA wild-type gastrointestinal stromal tumors through bioinformatics analysis

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common type of mesenchymal tumor in the gastrointestinal tract. The present study aimed to identify the potential candidate biomarkers that may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of v-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KIT)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRA) wild-type GISTs. A joint bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in wild-type GIST samples compared with KIT/PDGFRA mutant GIST samples. Gene Ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs was conducted using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery and KEGG Orthology-Based Annotation System (KOBAS) online tools, respectively. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of the DEGs were constructed using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes online tool and Cytoscape, and divided into sub-networks using the Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plug-in. Furthermore, enrichment analysis of DEGs in the modules was analyzed with KOBAS. In total, 546 DEGs were identified, including 238 upregulated genes primarily enriched in ‘cell adhesion’, ‘biological adhesion’, ‘cell-cell signaling’, ‘PI3K-Akt signaling pathway’ and ‘ECM-receptor interaction’, while the 308 downregulated genes were predominantly involved in ‘inflammatory response’, ‘sterol metabolic process’ and ‘fatty acid metabolic process’, ‘small GTPase mediated signal transduction’, ‘cAMP signaling pathway’ and ‘proteoglycans in cancer’. A total of 25 hub genes were obtained and four modules were mined from the PPI network, and sub-networks also revealed these genes were primarily involved in significant pathways, including ‘PI3K-Akt signaling pathway’, ‘proteoglycans in cancer’, ‘pathways in cancer’, ‘Rap1 signaling pathway’, ‘ECM-receptor interaction’, ‘phospholipase D signaling pathway’, ‘ras signaling pathway’ and ‘cGMP-PKG signaling pathway’. These results suggested that several key hub DEGs may serve as potential candidate biomarkers for wild-type GISTs, including phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit γ, insulin like growth factor 1 receptor, hepatocyte growth factor, thrombospondin 1, Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 and matrix metallopeptidase 2. However, further experiments are required to confirm these results.