Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tariffs, Time Preference, and the Current Account Under Weakly Nonseparable Preferences

Incorporating weakly nonseparable preferences into the familiar time-preference model, the author emphasizes a role of steady-state welfare changes in determining the effect of permanent tariffs on the current account. The effect consists of a welfare effect, due to steady-state welfare changes, which is negative (positive) when preferences toward imports are more (less) wealth-enhanced than toward exports; and a substitution effect, which occurs only with initial distortion. Even without initial distortion, a marginal tariff has a first-order welfare effect on the current account. Its sign does not depend on whether impatience is increasing or decreasing in wealth.
A First Stage Comparative Survey on Human Activity Recognition Methodologies

The development of vision-based human activity recognition and analysis systems has been a matter of great interest to both the research community and practitioners during the last 20 years. Traditional methods that require a human operator watching raw video streams are nowadays deemed as at least ineffective and expensive. New, smart solutions in automatic surveillance and monitoring have emerged, propelled by significant technological advances in the fields of image processing, artificial intelligence, electronics and optics, embedded computing and networking, molding the future of several applications that can benefit from them, like security and healthcare. The main motivation behind it is to exploit the highly informative visual data captured by cameras and perform high-level inference in an automatic, ubiquitous and unobtrusive manner, so as to aid human operators, or even replace them. This survey attempts to comprehensively review the current research and development on vision-based human activity recognition. Synopses from various methodologies are presented in an effort to garner the advantages and shortcomings of the most recent state-of-the-art technologies. Also a first-level self-evaluation of methodologies is also proposed, which incorporates a set of significant features that best describe the most important aspects of each methodology in terms of operation, performance and others and weighted by their importance. The purpose of this study is to serve as a reference for further research and evaluation to raise thoughts and discussions for future improvements of each methodology towards maturity and usefulness.
RECONCILING EXTREMELY STRONG BARRIERS WITH HIGH LEVELS OF GENE EXCHANGE IN ANNUAL SUNFLOWERS

In several cases, estimates of gene flow between species appear to be higher than we might predict given the strength of interspecific barriers separating these species pairs. However, as far as we are aware, detailed measurements of reproductive isolation have not previously been compared with a coalescent‐based assessment of gene flow. Here, we contrast these two measures in two species of sunflower, Helianthus annuus and H. petiolaris. We quantified the total reproductive barrier strength between these species by compounding the contributions of the following prezygotic and postzygotic barriers: ecogeographic isolation, reproductive asynchrony, niche differentiation, pollen competition, hybrid seed formation, hybrid seed germination, hybrid fertility, and extrinsic postzygotic isolation. From this estimate, we calculated the probability that a reproductively successful hybrid is produced: estimates of Phyb range from 10−4 to 10−6 depending on the direction of the cross and the degree of independence among reproductive barriers. We then compared this probability with population genetic estimates of the per generation migration rate (m). We showed that the relatively high levels of gene flow estimated between these sunflower species (Nem= 0.34–0.76) are mainly due to their large effective population sizes (Ne > 106). The interspecific migration rate (m) is very small (<10−7) and an order of magnitude lower than that expected based on our reproductive barrier strength estimates. Thus, even high levels of reproductive isolation (>0.999) may produce genomic mosaics.
Improved Bandwidth Approximation for Trees and Chordal Graphs

A linear arrangement of an n-vertex graph G=(V,E) is a one? one mapping f of the vertex set V onto the set n]={0,1,? ,n? 1}. The bandwidth of this linear arrangement is the maximum difference between the images of the endpoints of any edge in E(G). When the input graph G is a tree, the best known approximation algorithms for the minimum bandwidth linear arrangement (which are based on the principle of volume respecting embeddings) output a linear arrangement which has bandwidth within O(log3n) of the optimal bandwidth. In this paper, we present a simple randomized O(log2.5n)-approximation algorithm for bandwidth minimization on trees. We also show that a close variant of this algorithm gives a similar performance guarantee for chordal graphs.
Vibrio vulnificus VvpE Stimulates IL-1β Production by the Hypomethylation of the IL-1β Promoter and NF-κB Activation via Lipid Raft–Dependent ANXA2 Recruitment and Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

An inflammatory response is a hallmark of necrosis evoked by bacterial pathogens. Vibrio vulnificus, VvpE, is an elastase that is responsible for tissue necrosis and inflammation; however, the molecular mechanism by which it regulates host cell death has not been characterized. In the present study, we investigate the cellular mechanism of VvpE with regard to host cell death and the inflammatory response of human intestinal epithelial (INT-407) cells. The recombinant protein (r)VvpE (50 pg/ml) caused cytotoxicity mainly via necrosis coupled with IL-1β production. The necrotic cell death induced by rVvpE is highly susceptible to the knockdown of annexin A (ANXA)2 and the sequestration of membrane cholesterol. We found that rVvpE induces the recruitment of NADPH oxidase 2 and neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 into membrane lipid rafts coupled with ANXA2 to facilitate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The bacterial signaling of rVvpE through ROS production is uniquely mediated by the phosphorylation of redox-sensitive transcription factor NF-κB. The silencing of NF-κB inhibited IL-1β production during necrosis. rVvpE induced hypomethylation and region-specific transcriptional occupancy by NF-κB in the IL-1β promoter and has the ability to induce pyroptosis via NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain–containing 3 inflammasome. In a mouse model of V. vulnificus infection, the mutation of the vvpE gene from V. vulnificus negated the proinflammatory responses and maintained the physiological levels of the proliferation and migration of enterocytes. These results demonstrate that VvpE induces the hypomethylation of the IL-1β promoter and the transcriptional regulation of NF-κB through lipid raft–dependent ANXA2 recruitment and ROS signaling to promote IL-1β production in intestinal epithelial cells.
RGS Proteins and Signaling by Heterotrimeric G Proteins*

A ubiquitously employed mechanism for signal transduction involves ligand binding to a cell surface receptor coupled to a heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein). Receptor activation stimulates nucleotide exchange and dissociation of the G protein, releasing the Ga subunit in its GTP-bound state from the Gbg complex. The released subunits can stimulate a variety of target (effector) enzymes (1), thereby eliciting biochemical responses and changes in cellular physiology. Hundreds of G proteincoupled receptors have been identified (2, 3). These receptors share a common architecture containing seven membrane-spanning segments (4, 5). G proteins also comprise a superfamily that includes at least 17 distinct Ga (6), 5 Gb, and 6 Gg isoforms (1), allowing many combinatorial possibilities. Three-dimensional structures of several Ga subunits and two different Gabg heterotrimers (7, 8) have been determined, providing insights about how these molecular “switches” operate. How are the strength and duration of signaling adjusted to achieve an appropriate response? Attention in this regard has been devoted primarily to receptors, where phosphorylation by protein kinases (9) and receptor-binding proteins, like arrestins (10, 11), contribute to signal desensitization. However, additional proteins participate in signal attenuation at other levels, including phosducins (which act on Gbg) (12) and recoverins (13, 14). Here we focus on discovery of another superfamily of evolutionarily conserved proteins, dubbed RGS proteins, for “regulators of G protein signaling. ” RGS proteins act as negative regulators of G proteindependent signaling, at least in part, because they stimulate hydrolysis of the GTP bound to activated Ga subunits.
Design of Transverse Flux Linear Switched Reluctance Motor

We have developed a transverse flux linear switched reluctance motor (TFLSRM) in which 12 primary-side poles, each composed of four sectors, boost efficiency over the whole operating range. Each sector can operate independently, enhancing the robustness of the system by providing fault tolerance. We present a standard design method for the machine based on a power output equation related to the machine dimensions, air gap, force, efficiency, operating velocity, and required voltage. We illustrate the procedure by designing a sector for a three-phase, 250 W prototype TFLSRM. The method uses finite-element analysis to calculate the flux density, thrust force, and normal force versus position and current prior to construction of the prototype. Calculated and experimental results match within 5%, validating the design procedure.
Successful use of continuous veno‐venous haemofiltration to treat profound fluid retention in severe peripartum cardiomyopathy

The use of continuous veno‐venous haemofiltration after failure of conventional treatment in a patient with severe peripartum cardiomyapathy is described. Treatment with inotropes and diuretics failed to produce a diuresis despite the presence of severe fluid overload. Haemofiltration over a 9‐day period allowed removal of 171 of fluid with a concomitant improvement in haemodynamic function and a spontaneous diuresis.
Perceived loading and muscle activity during hip strengthening exercises: comparison of elastic resistance and machine exercises.

OBJECTIVE Decreased hip muscle strength is frequently reported in patients with hip injury or pathology. Furthermore, soccer players suffering from groin injury show decreased strength of hip muscles. Estimating 10-repetition maximum can be time-consuming and difficult, thus, using the Borg category rating 10 scale (Borg CR10 scale) can be a useful tool for estimating the intensity of exercise. The aims of this study were 1) to investigate the feasibility of the use of the Borg CR10 scale for rating strength training intensity of the hip abductor and hip adductor muscles, and 2) to compare hip muscle activity during hip abduction and hip adduction exercises using elastic resistance and isotonic machines, using electromyography (EMG). METHODS EMG activity was recorded from 11 muscles at the hip, thigh and trunk during hip adduction and hip abduction exercises in 16 untrained women, using elastic resistance and isotonic exercise machines. These recordings were normalized to maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) EMG (nEMG). The exercises were performed at four levels of perceived loading reported using the Borg CR10: light (Borg ≤2), moderate (Borg >2-<5), heavy (Borg ≥5-<7) and near maximum (Borg ≥7). RESULTS Moderate to strong associations were observed between perceived loading and nEMG obtained during the adduction exercise with elastic resistance (r=0.8±0.3) as well as in machine (r=0.69±0.55) and the abduction exercise with elastic resistance (r=0.66±0.29) as well as in machine (r =0.62±0.54). The abduction exercise performed with elastic resistance displayed significantly higher gluteus medius nEMG recruitment than the in machine exercise. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that the Borg CR10 scale can be a useful tool for estimating intensity levels during resistance training of the hip adductor and hip abductor muscles. Although elastic resistance and exercise machine seem equally effective for recruiting muscle activity of the hip adductors, the elastic resistance condition was able to demonstrate greater muscle recruitment than the exercise machine during hip abduction.
Acquisition of output irregular orthographic representations in normal adults: An experimental study

Twenty normal controls without previous knowledge of French were asked to learn 12 French words that could not be written by Italian correspondence rules. After acquisition of the phonological representations, participants were presented the pictures and asked to write the corresponding words (baseline). They were then presented 3 times with the pictures and the corresponding written words. After a filled delay of 10 min, they were re-presented the pictures and asked to write the corresponding words (testing). A week later, participants were again requested to write the words (follow-up). Number of words correctly written at testing and at follow-up significantly differs from baseline, as well as number of words correctly written at testing and at follow-up. These results are discussed and it is suggested that acquisition of irregular output orthographic representations can be supported by knowledge of orthographic representations for reading and that rehabilitation of patients with damage to output orthographic representations can utilize input orthographic representations. (JINS, 1999, 5, 405–412.)
Use Thyme Essential Oils for the Prevention of Salmonellosis

Over sixty percent (60%) of poisoning in the world are caused by Salmonella. Salmonellosis is thus become a public health event which justifies the involvement of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the fight against Salmonella (Salm-Surv, 2005). Salmonellosis is a foodborne illness of the most common and widespread. It represents a significant burden to public health and a considerable cost to society in many countries. Each year, millions of cases are reported worldwide, causing thousands of deaths. This disease is caused by the bacterium Salmonella (Salmonella). We know now more than 2500 types, or serotypes of Salmonella. The genus Salmonella, which belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family, is named by Dr. Daniel Elmer Salmon American Veterinary even if the scientist who discovered the type was Theobald Smith, co-worked with Dr. Salmon in the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) in 1884 (Brown, 1935). In 1880 Eberth discovered the causative agent of typhoid fever. The culture of this bacterium was considered in 1884 by Gaffky. The genus Salmonella was used after the bacteriologist Dr. Daniel Salmon had isolated in 1886 a bacterium from the pig (Salmonella choleraesuis), which was considered the cause of swine fever (hog cholera) (Encarta Encyclopedia 2004). In 1896 Widal showed the antigenic diversity of strains of salmonella. Now, more than 2500 Salmonella serotypes were isolated. Since the first observations reported by Eberth until now, the genus Salmonella has continued to have considerable importance in the veterinary and medical domain, both in economic losses due to animal disease, and by the high incidence on humans, typhoid fever and food poisoning salmonella (Bornert, 2000).
A cDNA Clone for Endopolygalacturonase from Apple

softening is associated with extensive solubilization and degradation of cell-wall polysaccharides, which result from the action of a number of cell-wall hydrolytic enzymes, including PGs. Endo-PG has been extensively studied in tomato fruit, where it accumulates during ripening and is responsible for the degradation of polyuronides in the fruit cell wall 1988). In ripening tomato fruit, a correlation between endo-PG activity and the degree of softening has been observed for a number of different cultivars and mutants 1989). However, experiments using transgenic tomato plants have shown that endo-PG activity is not the sole determinant of fruit softening
Total Knee Arthroplasty in Valgus Knees

One hundred thirty-four total knee arthroplasties in 98 patients with a valgus alignment were analyzed. Knees with a preoperative alignment of 10° or greater anatomic valgus were believed suitable for inclusion. The average follow-up period in these patients was 4.5 years (range, two to ten years). One hundred eighteen knees were implanted with a posterior stabilized prosthesis, eight knees with a constrained implant design, four knees with a total condylar prosthesis, and four knees with a cruciate-retaining design. All components in all knees were cemented. A lateral retinacular release was necessary in 76% of the arthroplasties secondary to intraoperative lateral subluxation of the patella. The ligamentous release for balancing these valgus-deformed knees was done from the femur. There were 95 knees (71%) rated as excellent, 27 knees (20%) as good, eight knees (6%) as fair, and four knees (3%) as poor. Postoperatively, 76% of the knees had a tibiofemoral alignment between 5° and 9° valgus with an overall average of 7° valgus (range, 3° varus to 15° valgus). Total knee arthroplasty is a reliable and durable procedure in the treatment of valgus knee arthritis. However, valgus-deformed knees represent a greater challenge than their varus counterparts to the implant surgeon in terms of the intraoperative balancing required. This may be a function of the greater difficulty in achieving ligamentous equilibrium and the relative rarity of valgus-deformed knees.
Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases, the Genetic Code, and the Evolutionary Process

SUMMARY The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) and their relationship to the genetic code are examined from the evolutionary perspective. Despite a loose correlation between codon assignments and AARS evolutionary relationships, the code is far too highly structured to have been ordered merely through the evolutionary wanderings of these enzymes. Nevertheless, the AARSs are very informative about the evolutionary process. Examination of the phylogenetic trees for each of the AARSs reveals the following. (i) Their evolutionary relationships mostly conform to established organismal phylogeny: a strong distinction exists between bacterial- and archaeal-type AARSs. (ii) Although the evolutionary profiles of the individual AARSs might be expected to be similar in general respects, they are not. It is argued that these differences in profiles reflect the stages in the evolutionary process when the taxonomic distributions of the individual AARSs became fixed, not the nature of the individual enzymes. (iii) Horizontal transfer of AARS genes between Bacteria and Archaea is asymmetric: transfer of archaeal AARSs to the Bacteria is more prevalent than the reverse, which is seen only for the “gemini group. ” (iv) The most far-ranging transfers of AARS genes have tended to occur in the distant evolutionary past, before or during formation of the primary organismal domains. These findings are also used to refine the theory that at the evolutionary stage represented by the root of the universal phylogenetic tree, cells were far more primitive than their modern counterparts and thus exchanged genetic material in far less restricted ways, in effect evolving in a communal sense.
Mechanical properties and in vitro behavior of nanofiber–hydrogel composites for tissue engineering applications

Hydrogel-based biomaterial systems have great potential for tissue reconstruction by serving as temporary scaffolds and cell delivery vehicles for tissue engineering (TE). Hydrogels have poor mechanical properties and their rapid degradation limits the development and application of hydrogels in TE. In this study, nanofiber reinforced composite hydrogels were fabricated by incorporating electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/gelatin ‘blend’ or ‘coaxial’ nanofibers into gelatin hydrogels. The morphological, mechanical, swelling and biodegradation properties of the nanocomposite hydrogels were evaluated and the results indicated that the moduli and compressive strengths of the nanofiber reinforced hydrogels were remarkably higher than those of pure gelatin hydrogels. By increasing the amount of incorporated nanofibers into the hydrogel, the Young’s modulus of the composite hydrogels increased from 3.29 ± 1.02 kPa to 20.30 ± 1.79 kPa, while the strain at break decreased from 66.0 ± 1.1% to 52.0 ± 3.0%. Compared to composite hydrogels with coaxial nanofibers, those with blend nanofibers showed higher compressive strength and strain at break, but with lower modulus and energy dissipation properties. Biocompatibility evaluations of the nanofiber reinforced hydrogels were carried out using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) by cell proliferation assay and immunostaining analysis. The nanocomposite hydrogel with 25 mg ml−1 PCL/gelatin ‘blend’ nanofibers (PGB25) was found to enhance cell proliferation, indicating that the ‘nanocomposite hydrogels’ might provide the necessary mechanical support and could be promising cell delivery systems for tissue regeneration.
Functional regulation of xanthine oxidoreductase expression and localization in the mouse mammary gland: evidence of a role in lipid secretion

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), a key enzyme of purine metabolism, has been implicated in the secretion of the milk fat droplet in lactating mammary epithelial cells, possibly through structural interactions with other milk fat globule proteins including butyrophilin (Btn) and adipophilin (ADPH). To help determine the mechanism by which XOR is regulated, we examined the expression and localization of XOR in the non‐secretory states of late pregnancy and induced involution compared with the state of active secretion. XOR mRNA levels started to increase at mid‐pregnancy, turned sharply upwards at the onset of lactation and decreased rapidly with forced involution, indicating transcriptional control of the enzyme level by differentiation and secretory function. During pregnancy and involution the enzyme was diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm, but moved rapidly to the apical membrane of the cells when secretion was activated, where it colocalized with both Btn and ADPH, similar to the situation in the milk fat globule itself. Size‐exclusion chromatography of solubilized milk fat globule membrane proteins showed that XOR formed a sulphydryl‐bond‐dependent complex with Btn and ADPH in the milk fat globule membrane. XOR returned to a diffuse cytoplasmic localization shortly after induced involution, while Btn remained localized to the apical membrane, suggesting that localization of XOR is not dependent on the presence of Btn in the apical membrane. Our findings indicate that the expression and membrane association of XOR in the mammary gland are tightly regulated by secretory activity, and suggest that the apical membrane association of XOR regulates the coupling of lipid droplets to the apical plasma membrane during milk lipid secretion.