Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Elasticity of Substitution Among Inputs Making Up Fishing Effort: An Application to the VIII Division European Anchovy Fishery

A primal formulation has been used to estimate a translog production function that includes fishing effort and fisherman’s skill as production factors. The selected functional form permits the analysis of the substitution possibilities among production inputs composing effort by calculating the Allen elasticity of substitution. Particular attention is paid to the empirical validation of fishing effort as an aggregate input, which implies the acceptation of the joint hypothesis that inputs making up effort are weakly separable from the inputs out of the subgroup. Cross sectional data from the main fleet operating in the VIII Division European anchovy fishery have been selected to carry out the analysis. The choice of this fishery is directly linked to the regulation failure detected and the need to clarify different policy alternatives.
Protective Effects of Captopril Against Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Disruption of Tight Junctions in ECV304 Monolayers

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors demonstrated various beneficial actions on vascular structure and function beyond their blood pressure-lowering effects. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of captopril on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)- induced dysfunction of endothelial barriers, using an in vitro model of ECV304 cells. Treatment the ECV304 monolayers with H2O2 for 4 hr at the noncytotoxic concentration of 200 micromolar, resulting in the loss of TEER values and tight junction proteins occludin and zonular occluden (ZO)-1. Pretreatment the cells with captopril for 30 min prior to H2O2 attenuated the loss of TEER values in concentration dependent manner. The immunofluorescent visualization revealed that captopril prevented the H2O2-mediated loss of expression and localization of occludin and ZO-1 at the cell borders. Our results suggested that captopril could protect the barrier function of ECV304 monolayers from oxidative stress through preventing the loss of tight junction proteins. Consequently, the integrity of tight junction structure was preserved during oxidative assault.
In game we trust? Coplay and generalized trust in and beyond a Chinese MMOG world

ABSTRACT Although an emerging literature has demonstrated social and civic potentials of massively multiplayer online games, few studies have assessed their implications for generalized trust. Drawing on a large sample of Chevaliers’ Romance III (CR3) players, this research examines how gamers’ motivational, behavioral, and relational factors are related to generalized trust in China. Adopting a coplaying-centered approach, results show that generalized trust is enabled and constrained by teammate preference, coplay patterns, and motivations. Competence preference in teammates, having more weak-tie confidants as coplayers, and competition motivation are positively, while homophily preference in teammates, having more strong-tie confidants as coplayers, and socializing motivation are negatively associated with generalized trust. This research highlights the importance of contextualizing gaming implications in specific social and institutional contexts.
Potentiation of TRPV3 channel function by unsaturated fatty acids

Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels are polymodal detectors of multiple environmental factors, including temperature, pH, and pressure. Inflammatory mediators enhance TRPV function through multiple signaling pathways. The lipoxygenase and epoxygenase products of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism have been shown to directly activate TRPV1 and TRPV4, respectively. TRPV3 is a thermosensitive channel with an intermediate temperature threshold of 31–39°C. We have previously shown that TRPV3 is activated by 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2APB). Here we show that AA and other unsaturated fatty acids directly potentiate 2APB‐induced responses of TRPV3 expressed in HEK293 cells, Xenopus oocytes, and mouse keratinocytes. The AA‐induced potentiation is observed in intracellular Ca2+ measurement, whole‐cell and two‐electrode voltage clamp studies, as well as single channel recordings of excised inside‐out and outside‐out patches. The fatty acid‐induced potentiation is not blocked by inhibitors of protein kinase C and thus differs from that induced by the kinase. The potentiation does not require AA metabolism but is rather mimicked by non‐metabolizable analogs of AA. These results suggest a novel mechanism regulating the TRPV3 response to inflammation, which differs from TRPV1 and TRPV4, and involves a direct action of free fatty acids on the channel. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accuracy of a novel prototype dynamic computer-assisted surgery system.

OBJECTIVES To implement and evaluate the accuracy of a prototype dynamic computer-assisted surgery (CAS) system for implant osteotomy preparation and compare its accuracy vs. three commercial static CAS systems and the use of an acrylic stent. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eight osteotomies were prepared in radiopaque partially edentulous mandible and maxilla typodonts. After cone-beam CT acquisition, DICOM files were imported into a prototype dynamic, and three static CAS systems (NobelClinician, Simplant, and CoDiagnostiX). Implant placements were planned to replicate the existing osteotomies and respective guides were requisitioned, along with one laboratory-made acrylic guide. The eight osteotomies per jaw were transferred to one typodont pair mounted in a manikin in a clinical setting and the process was repeated for four additional pairs. The 80 (two jaws × eight holes × five pairs) osteotomies were filled with radiopaque cement in-between the testing series. Three clinicians experienced with the use of the static CAS softwares used in this study prepared each 400 (80 holes × five modalities) osteotomies. One clinician repeated the experiment twice, resulting in a total of 2000 (five clinicians × 400) osteotomies. The lateral, vertical, total, and angular deviations of the actual vs. the original osteotomies in the master typodonts were measured using stereo optical tracking cameras. Linear regression statistics using generalized estimating equations were used for comparisons between the five modalities and omnibus chi-square tests applied to assess statistical significance of differences. RESULTS The prototype dynamic CAS system was as accurate as other implant surgery planning and transfer modalities. The dynamic and static CAS systems provide superior accuracy vs. a laboratory-made acrylic guide, except vertically. Both dynamic and static CAS systems show on average <2 mm and 5 degrees error. Large deviations between planned and actual osteotomies were occasionally observed, which needs to be considered in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS The prototype dynamic CAS system was comparably accurate to static CAS systems.
BluePrint: BLE Positioning Algorithm Based on NUFO Detection

The introduction of the Bluetooth 4.0 and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard greatly facilitates the development of Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Most of these applications require a positioning mechanism to detect the position of both people and objects. While BLE is a key enabling technology, it is relatively new as compared to Wi-Fi and RFID. Hence there is a need to conduct more studies on BLE-based positioning methods. In general, positioning methods based on signal propagation and fingerprint are commonly used in wireless networking. These methods have their own limitations in terms of practical use and ease of implementation. In this paper, we present an innovative BLE-based positioning methodology called BluePrint which makes use of a detection mechanism called NUFO (Near, Uncertain, Far and Out). It combines a simple fingerprint-like method with a rule-based algorithm to estimate positions. Experimental results show that Blueprint with NUFO detection can achieve good performance as compared to other methods. Furthermore, its implementation is simple and practical.
The Impact of Test Driven Development on the Evolution of a Reusable Framework of Components – An Industrial Case Study

Test driven development (TDD) is a software engineering technique to promote fast feedback, task-oriented development, improved quality assurance and more comprehensible low-level software design. Benefits have been shown for non-reusable software development in terms of improved quality (e.g. lower defect density). We have carried out an empirical study of a framework of reusable components, to see whether these benefits can be shown for reusable components. The framework is used in building new applications and provides services to these applications during runtime. The three first versions of this framework were developed using traditional test-last development, while for the two latest versions TDD was used. Our results show benefits in terms of reduced mean defect density (35.86%), when using TDD, over two releases. Mean change density was 76.19% lower for TDD than for test-last development. Finally, the change distribution for the TDD approach was 33.3% perfective, 5.6% adaptive and 61.1% preventive.
A Feedback Regulatory Module Formed by LITTLE ZIPPER and HD-ZIPIII Genes[W][OA]

The Arabidopsis thaliana REVOLUTA (REV) protein is a member of the class III homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-ZIPIII) proteins. REV is a potent regulator of leaf polarity and vascular development. Here, we report the identification of a gene family that encodes small leucine zipper–containing proteins (LITTLE ZIPPER [ZPR] proteins) where the leucine zipper is similar to that found in REV, PHABULOSA, and PHAVOLUTA proteins. The transcript levels of the ZPR genes increase in response to activation of a steroid-inducible REV protein. We show that the ZPR proteins interact with REV in vitro and that ZPR3 prevents DNA binding by REV in vitro. Overexpression of ZPR proteins in Arabidopsis results in phenotypes similar to those seen when HD-ZIPIII function is reduced. We propose a negative feedback model in which REV promotes transcription of the ZPR genes. The ZPR proteins in turn form heterodimers with the REV protein, preventing it from binding DNA. The HD-ZIPIII/ZPR regulatory module would serve not only to dampen the effect of fluctuations in HD-ZIPIII protein levels but more importantly would provide a potential point of regulation (control over the ratio of inactive heterodimers to active homodimers) that could be influenced by other components of the pathway governing leaf polarity.
Characterization of cell-surface glycopeptides from mouse cerebral cortex that inhibit cell growth and protein synthesis.

Glycopeptides were isolated from the cell surfaces of mouse brain cortical tissue that inhibited both cell division and protein synthesis by cells in culture. The protein-synthesis inhibition appeared to affect most cells exposed and was equally effective against glycoprotein and protein synthesis. The inhibition of protein metabolism was independent of mRNA synthesis and uptake of labelled precursors into intracellular pools, indicating that it was directed at intracellular translational events. Fractionation of chloroform/methanol-extracted preparations of this brain cell-surface substance on Bio-Gel P-100 revealed the material to be quite heterogenous, although inhibitory activity was found only in fractions of mol.wt. 25000--30000 and 6000--10000. Biochemical analysis of these fractions demonstrated that they were 6% carbohydrate and 94% amino acid by weight. The 25000--30000-mol.wt. glycopeptides were shown to inhibit cell growth at concentrations of 2 microgram/ml in cultured cells and to inhibit protein synthesis by 50% at concentrations of 3 microgram/ml. The 25000--30000-mol.wt. brain-cell-surface-substance glycopeptides were further purified by ultrafiltration and affinity chromatography with Ulex europaeus agglutinin, resulting in a 400-fold increase in specific biological activity. The inhibitor was not lethal to cells and was not species- or tissue-specific.
A review of the cytokine network in multiple myeloma

Because many studies have focused on growth factors in multiple myeloma, the study of the cytokine network appears to be useful for this purpose. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐2 with their soluble receptors (IL‐3, IL‐4, IL‐10, and IL‐11) have been examined. Plasma cells may produce IL‐6 by an autocrine mechanism whereas a paracrine mechanism is believed to be involved in the production of IL‐6 by bone marrow stromal cells through an interaction between adhesion molecules present on myeloma plasma cells and their respective receptors that are present on bone marrow stromal cells. In addition, control over production of IL‐6 may be exerted by other ILs such as IL‐1β and IL‐10. Among target cells, the growth of normal and myeloma plasma cells is supported by IL‐6, which also induces the differentiation of myeloma plasmablastic cells into mature plasma cells. This last action also is shared by IL‐3, IL‐4, and, most likely, IL‐8. Evaluation of the serum level of IL‐6, C reactive protein, soluble IL‐6 receptor (sIL‐6R), and soluble IL‐2 receptor (sIL–2R), together with the activity exerted by IL‐3 and IL‐4 on some cellular subsets, may constitute an additional element in the differential diagnosis of borderline cases. However, the concomitant evaluation of all immunologic parameters could be more useful than the value of a single IL. Serum levels of IL‐6, sIL‐6R, sIL‐2R, and the expression of membrane‐bound IL‐2 receptors, both on bone marrow plasma cells and on peripheral blood mononuclear cells, are correlated with disease activity and disease stage. In addition, IL‐6 and sIL‐6R serum levels are believed to be correlated with the duration of disease‐free survival because a high serum level at the time of diagnosis is believed to be correlated with a short duration of survival. However, some laboratory parameters may express the same prognostic value as high β2 microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) serum levels together with a high plasma cell labeling index are correlated with disease activity. Furthermore, if the evaluation is performed at the time of diagnosis, high values of these parameters are correlated with a short disease‐free survival. A correlation between laboratory parameters and the serum level of several cytokines was demonstrated. Hence, the real advantage of the prognostic evaluation of cytokines is reserved for patients who do not exhibit uniform results with regard to β2 microglobulin and LDH serum levels, or, better, for borderline cases. With regard to the differential diagnosis, all immunologic parameters should be evaluated concomitantly rather than separately to confer a real prognostic value to results. Furthermore, a particular relation was found between a high sIL‐6R serum level and a poor response to chemotherapy, therefore suggesting the possibility of identifying in advance a subset of patients with a high risk of treatment failure, as has already been demonstrated in other hematologic malignancies.
Concept of Representation and Mental Symptoms

Background: Most current theories explaining theory of mind (ToM) rely on the concept of ‘representation’, as it is usually employed in cognitive science, and is thus affected by its epistemic shortcoming, namely its incapacity to use ‘sub-signifier’ level information. This shortcoming is responsible for the lack of specificity of ToM deficits, which are now found in very different syndromes, from schizophrenia to bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder, in spite of its original formulation being restricted to childhood autism. Method: Representation, its shortcomings and the way they may affect clinical/research programs undergo a conceptual analysis, which shows how representational-founded semiology leave out information that is essential for symptom specificity and correct symptom assessment. Schizophrenic autism, delusional perception and axial syndromes are studied as examples of both the difficulties that have arisen and possible ways of dealing with them. Results: Transfers of properties between different meanings of ‘representation’ together with a systematic ambiguity in the use of ‘representation’ are proposed as the main ways for representational approaches to assure stability to their proposals in spite of the violence exerted on clinical phenomena. Conclusions: It is exposed how systematic ambiguity and epistemic shortcomings both affect Leslie’s formulation of ToM and, further, the importance of these characteristics of the concept of ‘representation’ for general issues in psychiatric semiology.
Physical and genetic mapping of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 genome: presence of two unique circular chromosomes

A macrorestriction map representing the complete physical map of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4. 1 chromosomes has been constructed by ordering the chromosomal DNA fragments from total genomic DNA digested with the restriction endonucleases AseI, SpeI, DraI, and SnaBI. Junction fragments and multiple restriction endonuclease digestions of the chromosomal DNAs derived from wild-type and various mutant strains, in conjunction with Southern hybridization analysis, have been used to order all of the chromosomal DNA fragments. Our results indicate that R. sphaeroides 2.4. 1 carries two different circular chromosomes of 3,046 +/- 95 and 914 +/- 17 kilobases (kb). Both chromosome I (3,046 kb) and chromosome II (914 kb) contain rRNA cistrons. It appears that only a single copy of the rRNA genes is contained on chromosome I (rrnA) and that two copies are present on chromosome II (rrnB, rrnC). Additionally, genes for glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapB) and delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase (hemT) are found on chromosome II. In each instance, there appears to be a second copy of each of these genes on chromosome I, but the extent of the DNA homology is very low. Genes giving rise to enzymes involved in CO2 fixation and linked to the gene encoding the form I enzyme (i.e., the form I region) are on chromosome I, whereas those genes representing the form II region are on chromosome II. The complete physical and partial genetic maps for each chromosome are presented.
Survival of lactic acid bacteria in a dynamic model of the stomach and small intestine: validation and the effects of bile.

This study was conducted to validate a dynamic model of the stomach and small intestine to quantify the survival of lactic acid bacteria and to assess the influence of gastrointestinal secretions. The survival of a single strain of each of the following species, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus, was measured under physiological conditions (e.g., peristalsis, changes in pH, and changes in concentrations of enzymes and bile) and were compared with data obtained from humans. No significant differences were found between the in vitro and in vivo data, indicating that the model has a predictive value for the survival of these bacteria in humans. The survival of these strains of lactic acid bacteria in the gastrointestinal model was investigated under two different conditions in the small intestine: simulation of physiological secretion of bile and low bile secretion. Reductions in viability were significantly different between the bacterial species. The dose-response effect of bile on the survival of the tested bacteria was significant, demonstrating the bactericidal effect of bile salts. This study demonstrates the differences among bacterial species in their sensitivity to gastric and intestinal secretions.
Predictive value of rapid virological response and early virological response on sustained virological response in HCV patients treated with pegylated interferon α‐2a and ribavirin

Background and Aim: The therapeutic effect of pegylated interferon (peg‐IFN)‐α‐2a combination with ribavirin on patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is dependent on the rapidity of the virological response. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of rapid virological response (RVR) and early virological response (EVR) on sustained virological response (SVR) in HCV patients treated with peg‐IFN‐α‐2a and ribavirin.
Performance-optimized feature ordering in content-based image retrieval

We present a method to improve the performance of content-based image retrieval (CBIR) systems. The idea is based on the concept of query models [1], which generalizes the notion of similarity in multi-feature queries. In a query model features are organized in layers. Each succeeding layer has to investigate only a subset of the image set the preceding layer had to examine. For the purpose of performance acceleration we group features into two types: features for quick elimination of rather not similar images and features for the detailed analysis of result set candidates. Performance optimization is based on a model for predicting the number of images to be retrieved and on a model describing relationships between features. Results in our test environment show significant reduction of query execution time.
Enhanced Algorithm for Extracting the Root of Arabic Words

Stemming is one of many tools used in information retrieval to combat the vocabulary mismatch problem, in which query words do not match document words. Stemming in the Arabic language does not fit into the usual mold, because stemming in most research in other languages so far depends only on eliminating prefixes and suffixes from the word, but Arabic words contain infixes as well. In this paper we have introduced an enhanced root-based algorithm that handles the problems of affixes, including prefixes, suffixes, and infixes depending on the morphological pattern of the word. The stemming concept has been used to eliminate all kinds of affixes, including infixes. Series of simulation experiments have been conducted to test the performance of the proposed algorithm. The results obtained showed that the algorithm extracts the correct roots with an accuracy rate up to 95%