Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Internalization of Aerornonas hydrophila by fish epithelial cells can be inhibited with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor

School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science’, and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicinez, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 1 19260 Aeromonas hydrophila is a Gram-negative bacterium that is pathogenic in fish, causing motile aeromonad septicaemia. It can enter (invade) fish cells, and survive as an intracellular parasite. The host-pathogen interaction and signal transduction pathway were studied by screening signal transduction inhibitors using carp epithelial cells and a virulent strain of the bacterium, PPDl34/91. Genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, postponed internalization of A. hydrophila into host cells, suggesting that tyrosine phosphorylation plays a role in internalization. In contrast, staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, and sodium orthovanadate, a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, accelerated internalization of PPD134/91. Other virulent strains of A. hydrophila were also examined and it is likely that all strains, irrespective of serogroup, use the same signalling pathway to facilitate bacterial uptake.
Estimates of Air–Sea Feedbacks on Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies in the Southern Ocean

AbstractSea surface temperature (SST) air–sea feedback strengths and associated decay time scales in the Southern Ocean (SO) are estimated from observations and reanalysis datasets of SST, air–sea heat fluxes, and ocean mixed layer depths. The spatial, seasonal, and scale dependence of the air–sea heat flux feedbacks is mapped in circumpolar bands and implications for SST persistence times are explored. It is found that the damping effect of turbulent heat fluxes dominates over that due to radiative heat fluxes. The turbulent heat flux feedback acts to damp SSTs in all bands and spatial scales and in all seasons, at rates varying between 5 and 25 W m−2 K−1, while the radiative heat flux feedback has a more uniform spatial distribution with a magnitude rarely exceeding 5 W m−2 K−1. In particular, the implied net air–sea feedback (turbulent + radiative) on SST south of the polar front, and in the region of seasonal sea ice, is as weak as 5–10 W m−2 K−1 in the summertime on large spatial scales. Air–sea inte.
The first holistic SEM study of Coniopterygidae (Neuroptera) - structural evidence and phylogenetic implications

Adults of two coniopterygid species, Aleuropteryx juniperi Ohm, 1968 (Aleuropteryginae) and Semidalis aleyrodiformis (Stephens, 1836) (Coniopteryginae), were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Interspecific differences in the ultrastructure of the integument of all the major parts of the body were identified and described, and the functional and phylogenetic implications of the differences discussed. Additionally, the enlarged terminal segment of the labial palps of the Coniopterygidae and the Sisyridae, which up to now has been used as an argument for a sister-group relationship between these two families, was subjected to a thorough comparison. The very different morphology makes independent enlargement of the terminal palpal segment in both fami- lies plausible. This finding is congruent with the earlier hypothesis of a sister-group relationship between Coniopterygidae and the dilarid clade, which was proposed on the basis of molecular data, larval morphology and male genital sclerites. Finally, a new classi- fication of the coniopterygid subfamilies is presented based on characters of the larval head (prominence of the ocular region, rela- tive length of sucking stylets). The following relationship is hypothesized: (Brucheiserinae + Coniopteryginae) + Aleuropteryginae, and the implications of this hypothesis for the phylogenetic interpretation of the ultrastructural differences that we found are dis- cussed: (1) The wax glands, as well as plicatures, are interpreted as belonging to the ground pattern of the family Coniopterygidae, and (2) the wax glands are considered to have been reduced in Brucheiserinae and the plicatures in Coniopteryginae. A distinct (though reduced) spiraculum 8 was detected in Semidalis aleyrodiformis; as a consequence the hypothesis that the loss of spiraculum 8 is an autapomorphy of Coniopteryginae is refuted.
Further analysis of target strength measurements of Antarctic krill at 38 and 120 kHz: Comparison with deformed cylinder model and inference of orientation distribution

Data collected during the krill target strength experiment [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 87, 16–24 (1990)] are examined in the light of a recent zooplankton scattering model where the elongated animals are modeled as deformed finite cylinders [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 86, 691–705 (1989)]. Exercise of the model under assumption of an orientation distribution allows absolute predictions of target strength to be made at each frequency. By requiring that the difference between predicted and measured target strengths be a minimum in a least‐squares sense, it is possible to infer the orientation distribution. This useful biological quantity was not obtainable in the previous analysis which involved the sphere scattering model.
Oil Price Volatility, an Economic Determinant of Earnings Volatility - Empirical Analysis on Earnings Volatility of U.S. Oil and Gas Companies Between 1986-2016

This study examines whether oil price volatility, an economic determinant, has significant correlation with earnings volatility in the U.S. oil and gas companies. The study also explores whether earnings volatility has increased in the very industry for the last thirty years. Differences among sub groups within the industry are studied to add precision to the analysis. The study applies pooled data OLS regression to explore the relation between oil price volatility and earnings volatility. The observation sample is collected from Compustat database in WRDS from 1986 to 2016. Findings suggest that oil price volatility has positive relation with earnings volatility and cash flow of operations. Earnings volatility for the time frame from 2002 to 2016 is greater than before 2002 for the whole industry. The level of earnings volatility is larger for oil and gas producers(SIC1311) than for refineries(SIC2911) for both time periods. However, increasing degree of association between the two variables is observed only for oil and gas producers(SIC1311). The study concludes that oil price volatility provides incremental information connected to earnings volatility associated risk in the U.S. oil and gas industry. Especially oil and gas producers were found significantly affected by oil price volatility in terms of earnings volatility.
Unsteady surfactant-laden liquid plug propagation : A model for surfactant replacement therapy

Pulmonary surfactant is essential in reducing the surface tension on the liquid film that coats the inner surface of the airways. Surfactant-deficiency may result in respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), which is especially common in prematurely born neonates. Surfactant replacement therapy (SRT) is a standard treatment, in which a liquid plug with exogenous surfactant is instilled in the trachea, which subsequently propagates by inspiration and spreads the exogenous surfactant to the airways. The efficacy of the treatment depends on various parameters such as the size of the liquid plug, inspiration frequency and the physical properties of the exogenous surfactant. We performed unsteady simulations of surfactant-laden liquid plug propagation using finite-difference/front-tracking method in order to comprehend and improve the dynamics of the treatment.
Development of and change in the software and IT-enabled services industry in Dalian, China

The software and IT-enabled services (ITES) industry in Dalian, China exhibits certain characteristics given its deep relationship with Japan. However, of late, the proportion of exports to Japan has decreased substantially. Hence, Dalian must progress from being an offshore base for Japan. This study discusses the changes in the domestic and international environments and analyzes their causes to explain the growth in the ITES industry in Dalian. In recent years, software and ITES companies in Dalian have been upgrading offshore services to Japan and expanding their business for the domestic market. Meanwhile, the positive lock-in effect to Japan has effectively advanced to upstream or high value processes in the software industry through long-term business relationships with Japanese partners. Furthermore, China's domestic business is facing a spillover effect from the use of the human resources and technology accumulated through offshore development in Japan. However, there are negative lock-in effects, too. For example, some companies cannot avoid dependence on offshore contractors because their range of business skills and knowledge is limited. Other companies are familiar with operating in the mature Japanese market, making it difficult for them to function efficiently in the highly volatile Chinese market.
Designed Synthesis of Coaxial SnO2@carbon Hollow Nanospheres for Highly Reversible Lithium Storage

This publication was based on work supported by Award No. KUS-C1-018-02, made by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). We are also grateful to the National Science Foundation (DMR 0404278) for partial support. Facilities available through the Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR), and Cornell Integrated Microscopy Center (CIMC) were used for this study. Supporting Information is available online from Wiley InterScience or from the author. This article has been amended for print publication.
Swarm Robotics for Object Transportation

In this paper a system is proposed whereby a group of small and inexpensive LEGO robots cooperate autonomously to transport a relatively much larger object to a specific location. In achieving this objective, the robots were able to generate a formation, recognise and locate neighbouring robot positions, control their motion and coordinate as a team in order to move the object to a set target location. Cooperative transportation algorithms were implemented, tested and evaluated on a physical setup, including pushing, caging and grasping. Results demonstrate that any desired formation shape can be generated and maintained without distance or orientation constraints. Caging and grasping algorithms yielded an accurate delivery performance, exhibiting reliability across different scenarios.
Desarda’s versus Lichtenstein technique of inguinal hernia repair

Background: Ideal method for modern hernia surgery should be simple, cost effective, safe, tension free and permanent. The Lichtenstein operation to a great extent achieves this entire goal. The Lichtenstein mesh repair is associated with complications, postoperative dysfunction and high cost composite meshes. Desarda's technique, became a new surgical option for tissue-based inguinal hernia repair. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and complications of the Desarda’s repair with Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair for treatment of inguinal hernia in a developing country. Methods: 200 patients with unilateral, primary, reducible inguinal hernia were selected. Included patients were randomly divided into two groups. Studied parameters were Duration of surgery, intra operative complications, post-operative Pain, Duration of hospital stay, return to normal activities, post-operative complications and recurrences. Results: There were a total of 100 patients each group. There was no statistically significant difference in duration of surgery and complication rate between the two groups. Difference in mean VAS was not statistically significant. The mean hospital stay in Desarda’s technique was 2.5 days while it was 2.6 days in Lichtenstein’s group. The mean time to return to basic physical activity in the Desarda’s technique was 12.6 days while it was 13.3 days in the Lichtenstein’s group. There were no recurrences in either group. Chronic inguinal pain (>1month) was more frequent in Lichtenstein’s group. Conclusions: There is no significant difference in duration of surgery, intra operative complication rate, post-operative pain, complications and recurrence, between Desarda’s technique and Lichtenstein’s technique. However chronic inguinal pain is less in Desarda’s technique. Desarda’s repair must be considered in young patients (<30 years). Its long-term efficacy needs to be studied with larger, prospective double-blind randomized trials, with longer follow-up.
Extended Kalman Filter Based Mobile Robot Localization in Indoor Fire Environments

—This paper presents localization of a mobile firefighting robot. Sensors that have been widely used for the localization in the past have shown limitations under fire environments due to low visibility and high temperatures. The extended Kalman filter was designed to accurately estimate position and orientation of the robot using relative distances to walls or objects surroundings. In addition, data from a Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave (FMCW) Radar, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and encoders that are capable of withstanding fire environments were fused to localize the robot in indoor fire environments. For its validation, an experiment was conducted in a 2 m × 4 m area. The experimental results showed that the proposed localization method was reliable. 
Initial experience with bioresorbable vascular scaffolds for percutaneous revascularisation in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Aim: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) have recently been introduced to minimise the long-term complications of metallic stents in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but their benefits have not been well analysed. Methods: The authors studied all ACS patients treated with any kind of stent at a single centre between March 2013 (when the first BVS was implanted) and June 2016. Results: The study included 951 subjects, mean age 67.9 ± 13.3 years, mean Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score 148.5 ± 44.8, 75.2% men and 38.2% with an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The mean number of stents implanted was 1.3 ± 1.0 and 54 subjects (5.7%) received at least 1 BVS. Drug-eluting stents were implanted in 57.3% subjects, followed by bare-metal stents (19.0%). The subjects treated with BVS were younger and had lower GRACE scores compared to the rest. Inhospital mortality was 4.8% and no subject treated with BVS died before discharge. BVStreated patients received dual antiplatelet therapy or new antiplatelet agents more frequently. During a median follow-up of 13 months, all-cause mortality was 7.8%, cardiovascular mortality was 6.1%, and at least 1 major cardiovascular event occurred in 26.4% of the subjects. Stent type did not affect prognosis. Conclusion: Coronary revascularisation using BVS in selected ACS patients is safe and effective.
Group scheduling in advanced cellular systems using directional antennas

Long Term Evolution has been the most popular technique all around the world, and Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output is widely considered a key technology for system capacity improvement in modern wireless networks. At the same time how to improve throughput maximization and user’s fairness in the network is becoming an advanced issue. Beamforming technology and group scheduling have provided a new method to address this issue. This work provides the trade-off between efficiency and fairness using group scheduling, including the Maximum Carrier to Interference, Round Robin and Proportional Fairness scheduling schemes, under the consideration of the fairness of each group in the wireless networks. This is vitally important for increasing both the total and individual group’s throughput. Beamforming technology is used to increase the throughput at the direct angle area where the beam focuses. This is especially helpful for the mobile users at the edge of the network cell, who will usually have the worst channel conditions. Beamforming will increase the Signal-to-Noise Ratio by 5dB as designed. Also, the beam will switch its angle with some certain feedback algorithms, such as those based on the decreasing of the possible Signal-to-Noise Ratio compared with its previous time slot, the maximum and minimum difference of possible and location Signal-to-Noise Ratio, using the throughput measurement in the algorithms respectively. These schemes will boost the signal strength and also lead to increased total throughput, but at the same time they will face fairness requirements between the groups. From simulation result, it is shown that with every beamforming type, the throughput will have certain increases. While at the same time the fairness has been improved. Some new approaches have addressed the guarantee of the minimum throughput for every group. Moreover, with the adjustment of the key parameters our simulation is more close to the real wireless networks, which expresses a future view of the wireless networks.
Molecular aspects of the serotonergic system in the cricket CNS : implication in the adaptive modulation of behavior

Serotonin (5-HT) modulates various aspects of behaviors in animals. We use the field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus as a model animal to study the neural basis of the adaptive modulation of behavior in the insect microbrain system. In this paper, we examined genes involved in 5-HT synthesis and transduction in the cricket central nervous system (CNS). As a result, three genes involved in 5-HT synthesis and four 5-HT receptor genes were identified. Expression analysis of the 5-HT related genes revealed that the 5-HT system is widely distributed in the cricket.
Hypernetwork-based Implicit Posterior Estimation and Model Averaging of Convolutional Neural Networks Kenya

Deep neural networks have a rich ability to learn complex representations and achieved remarkable results in various tasks. However, they are prone to overfitting due to the limited number of training samples; regularizing the learning process of neural networks is critical. In this paper, we propose a novel regularization method, which estimates parameters of a large convolutional neural network as implicit probabilistic distributions generated by a hypernetwork. Also, we can perform model averaging to improve the network performance. Experimental results demonstrate our regularization method outperformed the commonlyused maximum a posterior (MAP) estimation.
Truncated Geometric Bootstrap Method for Time Series Stationary Process

This paper introduced a bootstrap method called truncated geometric bootstrap method for time series stationary process. We estimate the parameters of a geometric distribution which has been truncated as a probability model for the bootstrap algorithm. This probability model was used in resampling blocks of random length, where the length of each blocks has a truncated geometric distribution. The method was able to determine the block sizes b and probability p attached to its random selections. The mean and variance were estimated for the truncated geometric distribution and the bootstrap algorithm developed based on the proposed probability model.
Arming civilians as a counterterror strategy: The case of the village guard system in Turkey

There are currently more than 60,000 Kurdish village guards in a system that has been fighting against the PKK in Turkey for almost three decades. This article offers the first evaluation of the effectiveness of the village guard system as a counterterror strategy. I argue that the village guards in Turkey proved their effectiveness as a deterrence-based and territory-focused counter-terror strategy between 1985 and 1999. From 1999 onwards, however, when the nature of the conflict changed, the costs of the village guard system in the political and socio-psychological domain have exceeded its value in the security domain. Evaluation of the village guard system in Turkey provides insights which may be useful in considering the formation of local militias in conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
Rethinking NM23: An Extracellular role for NDPKinase in breast cancer

Ductal breast carcinoma, the most common breast cancer is not a rapidly developing disease. Many breast cancer deaths will be averted when we understand cellular mechanisms underlying spread and dormancy. We suggest that the description of Nm23 as a tumor suppressor is incomplete since the extracellular role of Nm23 in maintaining extracellular purines has received insufficient attention. Here we describe a basis for thinking differently about the role of Nm23 in breast cancer. Our study of the role of NME genes that encode nucleoside diphosphate kinase (Nm23/NDPKinase) is intended to contribute a basis for thinking differently about breast cancer spread and dormancy for the benefit of patients.
The effects of motion on binocular rivalry between simple and complex images

The term binocular rivalry refers the perceptual alternations that occur when a different image is presented to each eye. There is an ongoing debate as to whether competition between two eyes or the two perceptual interpretations instigate this bistability. The thesis investigated theses mechanisms by comparing the effects of continuous stimulus movement on simple checkerboard and complex face/house pairs of rival stimuli. Data was collected from a sample of 7 male and 18 female participants. As predicted, motion increased perceptual dominance durations, spatial coherence and suppression depth during rivalry between simple stimuli, yet not during rivalry between complex stimuli. It was concluded that mechanisms underlying binocular rivalry act upon the level at which stimuli are represented in the visual system. The Effects of Motion on Binocular Rivalry between Simple and Complex Images
A disaggregated analysis of product price integration in the Southern African Development Community

Price-based empirical evidence on the extent to which product markets are integrated in developing regions is noticeably limited, particularly in Africa. This article uses highly disaggregated retail price data for twenty-four narrowly defined products collected at the district level in four Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries (Botswana, Malawi, South Africa and Zambia) to assess the extent to which product prices are integrated within and between these countries. We find evidence of large and persistent absolute deviations from the law of one price both within and between each of the four countries. Price dispersion is found to be higher between SADC countries than within the individual countries. On average, absolute price deviations between country pairs are smaller for countries adjacent to each other and for countries that share common membership in the Southern African Customs Union. Simple econometric estimates show that absolute price deviations between district pairs in the region increase the further apart the districts are from each other and are higher in the case of districts separated by a national border. Overall, we find no clear evidence that product markets in the SADC region have become more integrated between 2006 and 2009 (although product prices between the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa countries did become more integrated over this period), despite the liberalisation of tariffs under the SADC Protocol on Trade. Trade liberalisation alone appears not to be sufficient in generating greater product market integration within the region.