Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Edge Effect on Plant Diversity and Soil Properties in Abandoned Fields Targeted for Ecological Restoration

Changes in biotic and abiotic factors may create opportunities for biodiversity recovery in abandoned agricultural fields. This study examined the natural/old field edge effect on plant diversity and soil properties at Lapalala Wilderness in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Detailed vegetation surveys and soil measurements were conducted in three old fields that share a natural/old field road edge boundary. On each site, three transects, each with four plots (10 × 10 m), located 10 m into the natural area and 10, 30 and 50 m into the old field from the edge, were setup. Plant diversity and composition measurements were conducted on each plot. Soil moisture and total N, C and P were measured at the center of each plot. Results indicate that abundance of some woody species was significantly (P < 0.001) higher close to the edge than far into the old fields. However, this was not the case for herbs and grasses which did not increase with edge proximity. All measured soil properties were significantly (P < 0.001) higher close to the edge than far into the old fields. The study concludes that both vegetation and soil properties are influenced by proximity to the edge.
The impact in the UK of the Central and Eastern European HIV epidemics

SUMMARY Despite increasing migration, the impact of HIV epidemics from Central and Eastern Europe (C&EE) on the UK HIV epidemic remains small. C&EE-born adults comprised 1·2% of adults newly diagnosed with HIV in the UK between 2000 and 2007. Most C&EE-born women probably acquired their infection heterosexually in C&EE. In contrast, 59% of C&EE-born men reported sex with men, half of whom probably acquired their infection in the UK. Previously undiagnosed HIV prevalence in C&EE-born sexual-health-clinic attendees was low (2007, 0·5%) as was overall HIV prevalence in C&EE-born women giving birth in England (2007, <0·1%). The high proportion of men who have sex with men (MSM) suggests under-reporting of this group in C&EE HIV statistics and/or migration of MSM to the UK. In addition to reducing HIV transmission in injecting drug users, preventative efforts aimed at C&EE-born MSM both within their country of origin and the UK are required.
Reduced Slc6a15 in Nucleus Accumbens D2-Neurons Underlies Stress Susceptibility

Previous research demonstrates that Slc6a15, a neutral amino acid transporter, is associated with depression susceptibility. However, no study examined Slc6a15 in the ventral striatum [nucleus accumbens (NAc)] in depression. Given our previous characterization of Slc6a15 as a striatal dopamine receptor 2 (D2)-neuron-enriched gene, we examined the role of Slc6a15 in NAc D2-neurons in mediating susceptibility to stress in male mice. First, we showed that Slc6a15 mRNA was reduced in NAc of mice susceptible to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), a paradigm that produces behavioral and molecular adaptations that resemble clinical depression. Consistent with our preclinical data, we observed Slc6a15 mRNA reduction in NAc of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). The Slc6a15 reduction in NAc occurred selectively in D2-neurons. Next, we used Cre-inducible viruses combined with D2-Cre mice to reduce or overexpress Slc6a15 in NAc D2-neurons. Slc6a15 reduction in D2-neurons caused enhanced susceptibility to a subthreshold social defeat stress (SSDS) as observed by reduced social interaction, while a reduction in social interaction following CSDS was not observed when Slc6a15 expression in D2-neurons was restored. Finally, since both D2-medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and D2-expressing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) interneurons express Slc6a15, we examined Slc6a15 protein in these interneurons after CSDS. Slc6a15 protein was unaltered in ChAT interneurons. Consistent with this, reducing Slc5a15 selectively in NAc D2-MSNs, using A2A-Cre mice that express Cre selectively in D2-MSNs, caused enhanced susceptibility to SSDS. Collectively, our data demonstrate that reduced Slc6a15 in NAc occurs in MDD individuals and that Slc6a15 reduction in NAc D2-neurons underlies stress susceptibility. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Our study demonstrates a role for reduced Slc6a15, a neutral amino acid transporter, in nucleus accumbens (NAc) in depression and stress susceptibility. The reduction of Slc6a15 occurs selectively in the NAc D2-neurons. Genetic reduction of Slc6a15 induces susceptibility to a subthreshold stress, while genetic overexpression in D2-neurons prevents social avoidance after chronic social defeat stress.
Seignorage from Full-Reserve Banking

I provide estimates of seignorage revenue generated by full-reserve banking (FRB). Seignorage is estimated both for the transition to FRB (only once) and for running a FRB system (annually). It turns out that, on the aggregate level, the US is already effectively running a FRB system and, consequently, it would not receive any transition seignorage. In other selected countries the transition seignorage ranges from 31% to 55% of GDP. The annual seignorage ranges from 1% to 8% of GDP in selected countries. The annual seignorage generated by FRB would be very significant source of income for the government. Thus, FRB has a great potential to extend the fiscal capacity available to governments.
Ribosomal DNA distribution and a genus-wide phylogeny reveal patterns of chromosomal evolution in Alstroemeria (Alstroemeriaceae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Understanding the flexibility of monocot genomes requires a phylogenetic framework, which so far is available for few of the ca. 2800 genera. Here we use a molecular tree for the South American genus Alstroemeria to place karyological information, including fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) signals, in an explicit evolutionary context. METHODS From a phylogeny based on plastid, nuclear, and mitochondrial sequences for most species of Alstroemeria, we selected early-branching (Chilean) and derived (Brazilian) species for which we obtained 18S-25S and 5S rDNA FISH signals; we also analyzed chromosome numbers, 1C-values, and telomere FISH signals (in two species). KEY RESULTS Chromosome counts for Alstroemeria cf. rupestris and A. pulchella confirm 2n = 16 as typical of the genus, which now has chromosomes counted for 29 of its 78 species. The rDNA sites are polymorphic both among and within species, and interstitial telomeric sites in Alstroemeria cf. rupestris suggest chromosome fusion. CONCLUSIONS In spite of a constant chromosome number, closely related species of Alstroemeria differ drastically in their rDNA, indicating rapid increase, decrease, or translocations of these genes. Previously proposed Brazilian and Chilean karyotype groups are not natural, and the n = 8 chromosomes in Alstroemeria compared to n = 9 in its sister genus Bomarea may result from a Robertsonian fusion.
Endogenous IFN-gamma is required for resistance to acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice.

In order to study the role of endogenous IFN-gamma in Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice, a potent murine IFN-gamma-specific mAb was injected i.p. on days -1, 7, and 14, relative to infection. Irrespective of the parasite inocula (100 or 25,000), groups of antibody-treated mice had significantly greater cumulative mortality rates than did appropriate controls. In antibody-treated mice, mean survival times were also significantly shorter, and maximum mean parasitemia levels were significantly higher, than in controls. Moreover, the number of amastigote nests in tissues was higher than in control mice and attained a maximum at the same time as parasitemia. As evident from kinetic studies of neutralizing activity, injected mAb were rapidly consumed in infected, but not in noninfected, mice, which is suggestive of massive IFN-gamma production during the early parasitemic phase of the disease. Nevertheless, IFN-gamma remained undetectable in the sera of infected but untreated mice. Unexpectedly, however, a peak of IFN-like antiviral activity, characterizable as a mixture of IFN-gamma and IFN-beta, appeared in mAb-treated mice that survived to infection at a time when neutralizing activity of injected mAb had drastically decreased in the circulation. We hypothesize that this high level of artificially induced endogenous IFN-gamma, not neutralized by the amounts of injected mAb, was due to the more intense parasite multiplication occurring in mAb-treated mice, which in turn may have induced an increased amount of various cytokines. TNF-alpha was not found in the serum of our mice. The humoral immune response entered its exponential phase at a time point later than that when protection by endogenous IFN-gamma was evident. Treatment with IFN-gamma-specific antibody, as applied in our study, failed to affect the level of different Ig isotypes or of T. cruzi-specific antibodies. Our study clearly indicates that IFN-gamma is produced early in acute T. cruzi infection and exerts a protective effect that is probably independent from the humoral immune response.
Direct Contact as a Moderator of Extended Contact Effects: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Impact on Outgroup Attitudes, Behavioral Intentions, and Attitude Certainty

Cross-group friendships (the most effective form of direct contact) and extended contact (i.e., knowing ingroup members who have outgroup friends) constitute two of the most important means of improving outgroup attitudes. Using cross-sectional and longitudinal samples from different intergroup contexts, this research demonstrates that extended contact is most effective when individuals live in segregated neighborhoods having only few, or no, direct friendships with outgroup members. Moreover, by including measures of attitudes and behavioral intentions the authors showed the broader impact of these forms of contact, and, by assessing attitude certainty as one dimension of attitude strength, they tested whether extended contact can lead not only to more positive but also to stronger outgroup orientations. Cross-sectional data showed that direct contact was more strongly related to attitude certainty than was extended contact, but longitudinal data showed both forms of contact affected attitude certainty in the long run.
Platform Externality, Asymmetric Information, and Counterfeit Deterrence in E-Commerce

ABSTRACT The fight against online sales of counterfeit goods has received much attention. To the best of our knowledge, existing literature on online counterfeiting lacks a theoretical framework. To fill this gap, this article proposes a two-period model with sellers, buyers, and a platform. We focus on the relationship among platform structure (characterized by the ratio of buyers to sellers), asymmetric information, deterrence strength, and the ratio of counterfeits. Cross-network externalities of platform make platform managers worry about potential exodus of buyers and sellers due to counterfeits. This externality provides platform with strong incentives to fight counterfeits by itself, even without external regulatory requirement. We further show that the higher the ratio of buyers to sellers, the lower the ratio of counterfeits. Moreover, a lower degree of information asymmetry or a higher degree of punishment can reduce the ratio of counterfeits. We suggest that governments and e-commerce platforms work together in the fight against counterfeiting.
Clinical resolution in patients with suspicion of ventilator-associated pneumonia: A cohort study comparing patients with and without acute respiratory distress syndrome*

Objectives:To determine the pattern of resolution of classic infectious and respiratory variables in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and appropriate empirical therapy, depending on the presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A secondary objective was to identify clinical variables that might be useful for monitoring response to therapy. Design:Prospective, observational cohort study. Setting:Medical-surgical intensive care unit. Patients:Seventy-five episodes of VAP without ARDS were identified and compared with 20 episodes with ARDS at VAP onset. Six episodes were excluded due to in vitro resistance to the initial antibiotic choice and six due to death in the first 72 hrs. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:Resolution of fever, Pao2/Fio2 >250 mm Hg, and white blood cell count in episodes of VAP were present in 73.3%, 74.7%, and 53.3% of patients after 3 days of therapy. Indeed, >50% of episodes with the absence of ARDS presented resolution of fever and Pao2/Fio2 >250 within the first day of therapy. In contrast, resolution of radiologic opacities and clearance of secretions (median of 14 and 6 days of resolution) were late events. In patients with ARDS, resolution of fever remained the earliest variable. However, similar to Pao2/Fio2 250 and white blood cell count, fever showed a significantly worse pattern after 3 days of therapy: 45%, 15% and 25%, respectively. Radiologic resolution was an extremely poor indicator, being present in only 10% of ARDS patients after 15 days of follow-up. Failure to improve after 48 hrs of therapy was documented in 65% of ARDS patients and 14.7% of controls (p < .05). Conclusions:Measures of oxygenation and core temperature can help physicians to individualize and shorten the duration of antibiotic therapy in VAP episodes. ARDS patients with VAP take twice as long to resolve fever, whereas hypoxemia should be ignored in defining resolution in this subset.
The lead lag relationship between spot and futures markets in the energy sector

This paper investigates the lead-lag relationship between spot and futures markets of the most representative energy sources under three different scenarios using the vector error correction model. Additionally, a ratio of speed of adjustment was built in order to establish the market contribution of both spot and futures markets on price innovation. The empirical findings indicate an important leadership and contribution of futures market in relation to price discovery regardless of oil shocks, business cycle and transaction costs. Nevertheless, an improvement in spot markets’ contribution to price discovery is observed during recession periods rather than expansion periods.
Ultrastructure of microtriches on the scolex of Cyathocephalus truncatus (Cestoda: Spathebothriidea).

The scolex surface of the mature spathebothriidean Cyathocephalus truncatus (Pallas, 1781), a parasite of the brown trout Salmo trutta fario L. , was studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A particular attention was paid to microtriches, unique structure on the surface of the Cestoda. The scolex of C. truncatus is covered with two types of filiform microtriches (filitriches): aciculate (approximately 3 microm long) and capillate (approximately 10 microm long). Capillate microtriches, which have never been reported in any other spathebothriideans, are described for the first time using transmission electron microscopy. The tegument covered with filiform microtriches only (no spiniform microtriches are present) is typical of cestode groups supposed to be the most basal, e.g., Gyrocotylidea, Spathebothriidea, and Caryophyllidea.
Accumulation of proteinase K-resistant prion protein (PrP) is restricted by the expression level of normal PrP in mice inoculated with a mouse-adapted strain of the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease agent

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a transmissible neurodegenerative disease of humans caused by an unidentified infectious agent, the prion. To determine whether there was an involvement of the host-encoded prion protein (PrPc) in CJD development and prion propagation, mice heterozygous (PrP+/-) or homozygous (PrP-/-) for a disrupted PrP gene were established and inoculated with the mouse-adapted CJD agent. In keeping with findings of previous studies using other lines of PrP-less mice inoculated with scrapie agents, no PrP-/- mice showed any sign of the disease for 460 days after inoculation, while all of the PrP+/- and control PrP+/+ mice developed CJD-like symptoms and died. The incubation period for PrP+/- mice, 259 +/- 27 days, was much longer than that for PrP+/+ mice, 138 +/- 12 days. Propagation of the prion was barely detectable in the brains of PrP-/- mice and was estimated to be at a level at least 4 orders of magnitude lower than that in PrP+/+ mice. These findings indicate that PrPc is necessary for both the development of the disease and propagation of the prion in the inoculated mice. The proteinase-resistant PrP (PrPres) was undetectable in the brain tissues of the inoculated PrP-/- mice, while it accumulated in the affected brains of PrP+/+ and PrP+/- mice. Interestingly, the maximum level of PrPres in the brains of PrP+/- mice was about half of the level in the similarly affected brains of PrP+/+ mice, indicating that PrPres accumulation is restricted by the level of PrPc.
Multimeric CREB‐binding sites in the promoter regions of a family of G‐protein‐coupled receptors related to the vertebrate galanin and nociceptin/orphanin‐FQ receptor families

Four related genes encoding a family of G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been isolated from the mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis. The coding regions of this family of receptors share 97–99% sequence similarity at both the protein and nucleotide level, and they also share high sequence identity with vertebrate galanin and orphanin‐FQ/nociceptin GPCR families. Analysis of the promoter regions reveals shared domains, some of which encode highly conserved repeating units. One 27‐bp repeating unit, which encodes a c‐AMP response element (CRE) and binds CREB protein, is repeated 14 times in one promoter. In situ hybridization showed expression of these receptors in identified neurons of several behaviourly important networks including those involved in feeding and ion and water regulation. These Lymnaea receptors are likely to represent members of a novel family of invertebrate neuropeptide receptors extensively regulated in response to intracellular signalling cascades.
The Sensitivity of Wellbeing to Inequalities in Local Wellbeing

Research points to a robust negative relationship between average levels of subjective wellbeing and the distribution of subjective wellbeing. The fact that our wellbeing falls as wellbeing distributions widen suggests we care about inequalities in the lives of others. Central to this relationship is the role of place and human geography. The literature relating wellbeing to inequality in wellbeing is confined almost exclusively to inter-country comparisons. Virtually no attention has been paid to the relationship between wellbeing and inequality within countries - at the level of regions and below. The aim of this thesis is to test the generality of the inter-country evidence in the sub-national context. I present four hypotheses which I test on three separate cross-sectional surveys: the New Zealand Quality of Life Survey, The New Zealand General Social Survey and the survey of Māori wellbeing, Te Kupenga. I follow the literature in using the standard deviation of wellbeing as a measure of wellbeing inequality. In each case the negative relationship between individual wellbeing and wellbeing inequality is clearly identifiable. The wellbeing effect of living in a place one standard deviation higher than another is roughly equivalent to the difference between the wellbeing of someone who is fully employed and someone who is unemployed and looking for work. Clearly we are highly sensitive to disparities in the subjective wellbeing of those around us. I conduct several tests of the psychological drivers that lie behind the wellbeing response to local inequality in wellbeing. The first tests fairness perceptions, and finds sensitivity to wellbeing inequality to be higher among those who do not believe society is intrinsically fair. My test of altruism, while not as convincing empirically, suggests altruistic people may also be less affected by local wellbeing inequality. Both conclusions are consistent with the implied causation running from inequality to wellbeing. While an important addition to the wellbeing literature, the more important implication of my findings is political. As the New Zealand Local Government Act comes up for renewal, the evidence I have assembled strongly supports providing local government with a clear purpose and the necessary funding to address the underlying causes of local inequalities in wellbeing. On empirical grounds alone, reducing wellbeing inequality is likely to make us all much happier.
Learning Invariant Riemannian Geometric Representations Using Deep Nets

Non-Euclidean constraints are inherent in many kinds of data in computer vision and machine learning, typically as a result of specific invariance requirements that need to be respected during high-level inference. Often, these geometric constraints can be expressed in the language of Riemannian geometry, where conventional vector space machine learning does not apply directly. The central question this paper deals with is: How does one train deep neural nets whose final outputs are elements on a Riemannian manifold? To answer this, we propose a general framework for manifold-aware training of deep neural networks - we utilize tangent spaces and exponential maps in order to convert the proposed problem into a form that allows us to bring current advances in deep learning to bear upon this problem. We describe two specific applications to demonstrate this approach: prediction of probability distributions for multi-class image classification, and prediction of illumination-invariant subspaces from a single face-image via regression on the Grassmannian. These applications show the generality of the proposed framework, and result in improved performance over baselines that ignore the geometry of the output space. In addition to solving this specific problem, we believe this paper opens new lines of enquiry centered on the implications of Riemannian geometry on deep architectures.
Cross-Cultural Comparison: Psychiatric Admission of Asian and Indigenous Patients in Leicestershire

Sixty-nine Asian patients were admitted to the psychiatric hospitals of Leicester shire in 1978. A case-note comparison was made with sixty-nine matched indigenous control patients. Four aspects were studied in particular, which showed: a) There was no significant difference in the number of compulsory admissions between Asian and indigenous patients. b) The two groups did not differ in their length of stay in hospital. c) The diagnoses given to the Asian patients were significantly different from those of the control group. d) Major treatment received by the two groups differed according to the diag nostic labels but there was slightly increased use of Electro-convulsive Therapy in the Asian patients with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia.
Efficient Predicate Matching over Continuous Data Streams

In this paper, we propose a predicate indexing method which handles equality and inequality tests separately. Our method uses a hash table for the equality test and a balanced binary search tree for the inequality test. Such a separate structure reduces a height of the search tree and the number of comparisons per tree node, as well as the cost for tree rebalancing. We compared our method with the IBS-tree which is one of the popular indexing methods suitable for data stream processing. Our experimental results show that the proposed method provides better insertion and search performances than the IBS-tree.