Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of ellagic acid, a natural polyphenol, on alcohol-induced prooxidant and antioxidant imbalance: a drug dose dependent study.

INTRODUCTION Alcohol abuse, alcohol intolerance and other alcohol-related disabilities are some of the most challenging public health problems. Alcohol, by its property of generating free radicals, causes severe damage to the membrane and affects almost all organs of the human body. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenolic compound found in fruits and nuts, possess several biological properties. Our aim was to investigate, in vivo, the antioxidant potential of ellagic acid against oxidative stress induced by alcohol intoxication. METHODS Female albino Wistar rats were used for the study. The toxicity was induced by administering 20 percent alcohol orally (7.9 g/kg body weight) for 45 days. Rats were treated with EA at three different doses (30, 60 and 90 mg/kg body weight) via intragastric intubations. The antioxidant property of EA was studied by assessing the activities of liver marker enzymes (gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase), superoxide dismutase and catalase and the levels of vitamin E, vitamin C and reduced glutathione, nitric oxide (NO), protein carbonyl content (PCC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydroperoxides. RESULTS Oxidative stress was effectively modulated by EA co-administration. EA significantly improved the status of antioxidants and decreased TBARS, hydroperoxides, NO, PCC and liver marker enzymes at the dose of 60 mg/kg body weight when compared with the alcohol-treated group. CONCLUSION The study provides the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of EA at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight against oxidative stress induced by alcohol.
Using Color to Improve the Discrimination and Aesthetics of Treemaps

Summary form only given. Existing treemap tiling algorithms are not able to readily discriminate data with similar sizes or generate aesthetically pleasing treemaps. We propose novel solutions to overcome these two limitations. For better the degree of data discrimination, based on the principle of expansive and contractive colors, we propose a novel quantitative color-visually perceived area (C-VPA) model via experimental methods. To improve the aesthetic value of a treemap, we firstly apply the color aesthetic model to treemap generation. Moreover, we combine these two models to derive a genetic algorithm based treemap tiling method.
Volatility and Long-Term Relations in Equity Markets: Empirical Evidence from Germany, Switzerland, and the UK

The aim of this paper is twofold. First it aims to compare several GARCH family models in order to model and forecast the conditional variance of German, Swiss, and UK stock market indexes. The main result is that all GARCH family models show evidence of asymmetric effects. Based on the “out of sample” forecasts I can say that for each market considered there is a model that will lead to better volatility forecasts. Secondly a long run relation between these markets was investigated using the cointegration methodology. Cointegration tests show that DAX30, FTSE100, and SMI indexes move together in the long term. The VECM model indicates a positive long run relation among these indexes, while the error correction terms indicate that the Swiss market is the initial receptor of external shocks. One of the main findings of this analysis is that although the UK, Switzerland and Germany do not share a common currency, the diversification benefits of investing in these countries could be very low given that their stock markets seem to move together in the lung term.
Equilibrium Exchange Rates in Transition Countries: Evidence from Dynamic Heterogeneous Panel Models

We use a dynamic heterogeneous panel model to estimate real equilibrium exchange rates for advanced transition countries. Our method is based on out-of-sample estimations from middle-income and high-income countries, and we use a pooled mean group estimator. We find that exchange rates have converged in recent years in five transition countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia) with real equilibrium exchange rates expressed in the US dollars. However, we also find that the currencies of the transition countries studied are substantially overvalued if real effective exchange rates are used.
Independent but Accountable: Walsh Contracts and the Credibility Problem

Walsh (1995) addresses the government-central bank principal-agent problem where there exists a severe information extraction problem. This is solved by a ‘Walsh contract’ which links the income of the central bank to observed macroeconomic variables, output and inflation. The contract does not solve the time-inconsistency problem, however. There will be circumstances where a renegotiation of the contract benefits all parties involved and non-renegotiation-proofness destroys its credibility as a commitment device. But the contract’s strength is that renegotiation can be very visible and this facilitates a reputational solution to the problem, set out in this paper.
Dual scale trend analysis for evaluating climatic and anthropogenic effects on the vegetated land surface in Russia and Kazakhstan

We present a dual scale trend analysis for characterizing and comparing two contrasting areas of change in Russia and Kazakhstan that lie less than 800 km apart. We selected a global NASA MODIS (moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer) product (MCD43C4 and MCD43A4) at a 0.05° (∼5.6 km) and 500 m spatial resolution and a 16-day temporal resolution from 2000 to 2008. We applied a refinement of the seasonal Kendall trend method to the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) image series at both scales. We only incorporated composites during the vegetative growing season which was delineated by start of season and end of season estimates based on analysis of normalized difference infrared index data. Trend patterns on two scales pointed to drought as the proximal cause of significant declines in NDVI in Kazakhstan. In contrast, the area of increasing NDVI trend in Russia was linked through the dual scale analysis with agricultural land cover change. The coarser scale analysis was relevant to atmospheric boundary layer processes, while the finer scale data revealed trends that were more relevant to human decision-making and regional economics.
Variation in cadmium uptake, feeding rate, and life‐history effects in the gastropod Potamopyrgus antipodarum: Linking toxicant effects on individuals to the population level

A life‐table response experiment was performed to investigate the effects of sediment‐bound cadmium on individual life‐history traits and feeding rates of four clones of Potamopyrgus antipodarum. Demographic effects were evaluated using a simple two‐stage model to estimate population growth rate (λ). Decomposition analysis was performed to investigate the contributions of each of the affected life‐history traits to the effects observed on λ, and elasticity analysis was applied to examine the relative sensitivity of λ to changes in each of the life‐history traits. Interclonal differences in tolerance to sediment‐bound cadmium were statistically significant but were within an order of magnitude. There were no consistent patterns among clones in terms of which individual life‐history trait was most or least sensitive to cadmium exposure. The relative performance of clones did not rank consistently across the cadmium gradient and was dependent on which trait was measured. Although λ was most sensitive to changes in survival terms, the effects of cadmium on time to first reproduction and reproductive output were the major causes of reductions in λ. Large percent reductions in some of the individual life‐history traits were attenuated at the population level, but very small effects on population growth rate were statistically significant.
Broadening the Horizons of HRM: Lessons for Australia from the US Experience:

Although a ‘new generation’ of HR professionals in Australia have proclaimed that they are engaged in more ‘strategic’ issues of management than their predecessors, there are a number of emerging problems in the workplace and organisations which need to be addressed. Australian HR professionals need to be engaged in developing a new ‘social contract’ which includes greater attention to work and family issues, investment in skills development to build a ‘knowledge economy’ and new retirement policies at the national level to provide adequate incomes for the ‘greying generation’ of Australians. This requires HR professionals to broaden the agenda of issues in which they are engaged.
The Effect of Novel Heterocyclic Compounds on Cryptococcal Biofilm

Biofilm formation by microorganisms depends on their communication by quorum sensing, which is mediated by small diffusible signaling molecules that accumulate in the extracellular environment. During human infection, the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans can form biofilm on medical devices, which protects the organism and increases its resistance to antifungal agents. The aim of this study was to test two novel heterocyclic compounds, S-8 (thiazolidinedione derivative, TZD) and NA-8 (succinimide derivative, SI), for their anti-biofilm activity against strains of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. Biofilms were formed in a defined medium in 96-well polystyrene plates and 8-well micro-slides. The effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of S-8 and NA-8 on biofilm formation was measured after 48 h by a metabolic reduction assay and by confocal laser microscopy analysis using fluorescent staining. The formation and development of cryptococcal biofilms was inhibited significantly by these compounds in concentrations below the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. These compounds may have a potential role in preventing fungal biofilm development on indwelling medical devices or even as a therapeutic measure after the establishment of biofilm.
Factors contributing to infant overfeeding with Hispanic mothers.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate existing evidence on factors potentially contributing to infant overfeeding among Hispanic mothers that may explain the high infant overweight rates often seen among this ethnic group. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases including CINHAL and MEDLINE were searched for relevant studies published from 1998 to January 2012. Related article searches and reference list searches were completed on all included studies. STUDY SELECTION Thirty-five studies (nine qualitative, 15 cross-sectional, nine cohort, and two longitudinal) were identified that met the following inclusion criteria: (a) studies of Hispanic-only or multiethnic mothers, (b) studies of healthy full-term infants or toddlers, (c) studies in which a majority of the sample included children within the target age group (0-24 months of age), and (d) studies conducted in the United States. The methodological quality of the studies ranged from fair to excellent. DATA EXTRACTION Data extraction included content related to Hispanic infant feeding and weight gain. DATA SYNTHESIS Reviewed research fell into three main foci of inquiry: breastfeeding and formula-feeding beliefs, attitudes, and practices; family and cultural influences of maternal feeding beliefs and practices; and maternal perceptions of infant feeding satiety and weight gain. The Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed for data extraction and reporting the results of this integrative review. CONCLUSION Three major feeding practices and beliefs among Hispanic mothers potentially contribute to infant overfeeding. Hispanic mothers are more likely to practice nonexclusive breastfeeding, initiate early introduction of solid foods including ethnic foods, and perceive chubbier infants as healthy infants. Cultural norms driving family influences and socioeconomic factors play a role in the feeding tendencies of Hispanics. Empirical research is needed to further define the primary factors that influence Hispanic mothers feeding decisions and practices that contribute to excessive weight gain in their infants.
Forensic Utility of the Mitochondrial Hypervariable Region 1 of Domestic Dogs, in Conjunction with Breed and Geographic Information *

Abstract: The 608‐bp hypervariable region 1 (HV1) sequences from 36 local dogs were analyzed to characterize the population genetic structure of canid mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Sixteen haplotypes were identified. A 417‐bp segment of this sequence was compared with GenBank sequences from a geographically representative sample of 201 dogs, two coyotes, and two wolves. Sixty‐six haplotypes were identified including 62 found only in domestic dogs. Fourteen of these correspond to the 16 local haplotypes and were among the most frequent haplotypes. The local sample was judged to be representative of the much broader geographic sample. No correlation was observed between local haplotypes and the owner’s characterization of dog breed. A 60‐bp variation “hotspot” within the canid HV1 was identified as a potentially valuable molecular tool, particularly for assaying limited or degraded DNA samples.
On consumers’ willingness to purchase nutritionally enhanced genetically modified food

This study assesses consumers' willingness to purchase genetically modified (GM) food products with two different types of benefits: an input (i.e., reduced pesticides) and an output trait benefit (i.e., nutritionally enhanced). Data were collected using a telephone survey of an Italian households sample. Discrete choice approach is used to elicit the purchase intentions of the respondents. Four separate probit models are estimated to examine the effect of various factors on choices. Results suggest that majority of Italians are not willing to buy GM food products even if they are nutritionally enhanced. However, more consumers are willing to buy a nutritionally enhanced plant based GM product than a traditional plant based GM (with input trait benefit). Willingness to buy for a nutritionally enhanced animal based GM product and for a traditional animal based GM product with input trait benefit are similar. Consumers unwilling to buy GM food would not buy it even if it is nutritionally enhanced and has lower price. However, there is a niche of consumers who are willing to buy nutritionally enhanced GM food products even at a premium. Knowledge of science and trust in scientists consistently affect Italian consumers' willingness to buy the GM products.
Situation reactive handiwork support through behavior understanding

Human activity support is being established as a novel active area for robotics. It is expected to make clear the mechanism of understanding situation and intention of humans through regarding behavior as media and the mechanism of human support based on it. This paper shows a method to support handiwork by recognizing human action conforming to situation and shows a soldering support tool constructed based on the method as an example.
Engineered Fc variant antibodies with enhanced ability to recruit complement and mediate effector functions

Engineering the antibody Fc region to enhance the cytotoxic activity of therapeutic antibodies is currently an active area of investigation. The contribution of complement to the mechanism of action of some antibodies that target cancers and pathogens makes a compelling case for its optimization. Here we describe the generation of a series of Fc variants with enhanced ability to recruit complement. Variants enhanced the cytotoxic potency of an anti-CD20 antibody up to 23-fold against tumor cells in CDC assays, and demonstrated a correlated increase in C1q binding affinity. Complement-enhancing substitutions combined additively, and in one case synergistically, with substitutions previously engineered for improved binding to Fc gamma receptors. The engineered combinations provided a range of effector function activities, including simultaneously enhanced CDC, ADCC, and phagocytosis. Variants were also effective at boosting the effector function of antibodies targeting the antigens CD40 and CD19, in the former case enhancing CDC over 600-fold, and in the latter case imparting complement-mediated activity onto an IgG1 antibody that was otherwise incapable of it. This work expands the toolkit of modifications for generating monoclonal antibodies with improved therapeutic potential, and enables the exploration of optimized synergy between Fc gamma receptors and complement pathways for the destruction of tumors and infectious pathogens.
Fic Proteins of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis Form a Network of Functional Toxin–Antitoxin Systems

Enzymes containing the FIC (filamentation induced by cyclic AMP) domain catalyze post-translational modifications of target proteins. In bacteria the activity of some Fic proteins resembles classical toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems. An excess of toxin over neutralizing antitoxin can enable bacteria to survive some stress conditions by slowing metabolic processes and promoting dormancy. The cell can return to normal growth when sufficient antitoxin is present to block toxin activity. Fic genes of the human and animal pathogen Campylobacter fetus are significantly associated with just one subspecies, which is specifically adapted to the urogenital tract. Here, we demonstrate that the fic genes of virulent isolate C. fetus subsp. venerealis 84-112 form multiple TA systems. Expression of the toxins in Escherichia coli caused filamentation and growth inhibition phenotypes reversible by concomitant antitoxin expression. Key active site residues involved in adenylylation by Fic proteins are conserved in Fic1, Fic3 and Fic4, but degenerated in Fic2. We show that both Fic3 and the non-canonical Fic2 disrupt assembly and function of E. coli ribosomes when expressed independently of a trans-acting antitoxin. Toxicity of the Fic proteins is controlled by different mechanisms. The first involves intramolecular regulation by an inhibitory helix typical for Fic proteins. The second is an unusual neutralization by heterologous Fic–Fic protein interactions. Moreover, a small interacting antitoxin called Fic inhibitory protein 3, which appears unrelated to known Fic antitoxins, has the novel capacity to bind and neutralize Fic toxins encoded in cis and at distant sites. These findings reveal a remarkable system of functional crosstalk occurring between Fic proteins expressed from chromosomal and extrachromosomal modules. Conservation of fic genes in other bacteria that either inhabit or establish pathology in the urogenital tract of humans and animals underscores the significance of these factors for niche-specific adaptation and virulence.
Job Search and Job Finding in a Period of Mass Unemployment: Evidence from High-Frequency Longitudinal Data

This paper presents findings from a survey of 6,025 unemployed workers who were interviewed every week for up to 24 weeks in the fall of 2009 and spring of 2010. Our main findings are: (1) the amount of time devoted to job search declines sharply over the spell of unemployment; (2) the self-reported reservation wage predicts whether a job offer is accepted or rejected; (3) the reservation wage is remarkably stable over the course of unemployment for most workers, with the notable exception of workers who are over age 50 and those who had nontrivial savings at the start of the study; (4) many workers who seek full-time work will accept a part-time job that offers a wage below their reservation wage; and (5) the amount of time devoted to job search and the reservation wage help predict early exits from Unemployment Insurance (UI).
The Fisher effect: Evidence from the Romanian Stock Market

This paper tests the Fisher effect in the case of Romanian stock market. According to the Fisher effect, the expected nominal return on stocks move in one to one correspondence with the expected rate of inflation. The relationship between nominal stock return and inflation is examined for four stock indices. The empirical results suggest that the Fisher effect holds mainly for the index that reflects the price movements of the most ten liquid companies listed on the Romanian stock market and for the investment fund index.
The Validity of Student Evaluations of Teaching

strain and change along these lines. The inability of men in the chain of command to appreciate the charges brought by women who claimed to have been sexually molested at a Tailhook convention led to the early retirement, resignation, and sanctioning of several high-ranking officials in the Department of the Navy. Now women are being trained as combat pilots in the Air Force, the first branch of the military ever to be led by a female service secretary. 12. I use overhead projections rather than handouts so that I can control the presentation. With handouts, students tend to skip ahead so that the whole class is not looking at the same illustration simultaneously, and those who are having trouble seeing an illustration in more than one way can feel left behind.
A scalable feature learning and tag prediction framework for natural environment sounds

Building feature extraction approaches that can effectively characterize natural environment sounds is challenging due to the dynamic nature. In this paper, we develop a framework for feature extraction and obtaining semantic inferences from such data. In particular, we propose a new pooling strategy for deep architectures, that can preserve the temporal dynamics in the resulting representation. By constructing an ensemble of semantic embeddings, we employ an l1-reconstruction based prediction algorithm for estimating the relevant tags. We evaluate our approach on challenging environmental sound recognition datasets, and show that the proposed features outperform traditional spectral features.
Varieties of Capitalism, Varieties of Innovation? A Comparison of Old and New EU Member States

This article seeks, firstly, to shed light on the main claim of the Varieties of Capitalism (VoC) framework that socio-economic institutions can help to shape comparative advantage, and, secondly, to complement existing assessments that have relied predominantly on qualitative data and that have tended to focus on a few economic sectors. It examines the distribution of export success in a number of economic sectors, in which competitiveness is said to be characterised by either radical or incremental innovation, as well as exports in knowledge-intensive service sectors. Unlike previous studies it applies the framework to some of the new member states of the European Union in Central and Eastern Europe. This is an important area to examine the contentions of the VoC framework, because, if those arguments are correct, they should be applicable to the new member states. Moreover, it draws on the latest available data; for indicators measuring export success this is done at the lowest level of aggregation. In contrast to previous studies, a more appropriate measure of trade specialisation, revealed symmetric comparative advantage, is used. Whilst some of the evidence supports the VoC framework, much of it does not. This raises important conceptual and methodological issues that should be addressed by future research.