Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical implications of the melanopsin-based non–image-forming visual system

Since the discovery of the non–image-forming visual system, tremendous research efforts have been dedicated to understanding its mechanisms and functional roles. Original functions associated with the melanopsin system include the photoentrainment of circadian sleep-wake cycles and the pupillary light reflex. Recent findings, however, suggest a much broader involvement of this system in an array of physiologic responses to light. This newfound insight into the underlying function of the non–image-forming system has revealed the many connections to human pathology and attendant disease states, including seasonal affective disorder, migraine, glaucoma, inherited mitochondrial optic neuropathy, and sleep dysregulation of aging. In this review, the authors discuss in detail the clinical implications of the melanopsin system.
Using Social Media for Knowledge Management in SME

Social media is one of the current technology trends in use for marketing and communication, extending the possibilities for exchange among people. Yet, as every other technology using Social media means effort for the organization using it. Accordingly the question arises, especially for SME whether this effort leads to any benefits. Moreover, it is necessary to estimate which social media part suits the enterprise best and how can it be integrated to support the process of knowledge management. This paper presents two SME in Germany in a case study addressing this problem and showing the way how and for which purposes they
DC‐SIGN, a C‐type lectin on dendritic cells that unveils many aspects of dendritic cell biology

Dendritic cells (DC) are present in essentially every tissue where they operate at the interface of innate and acquired immunity by recognizing pathogens and presenting pathogen‐derived peptides to T cells. It is becoming clear that not all C‐type lectins on DC serve as antigen receptors recognizing pathogens through carbohydrate structures. The C‐type lectin DC‐SIGN is unique in that it regulates adhesion processes, such as DC trafficking and T‐cell synapse formation, as well as antigen capture. Moreover, even though several C‐type lectins have been shown to bind HIV‐1, DC‐SIGN does not only capture HIV‐1 but also protects it in early endosomes allowing HIV‐1 transport by DC to lymphoid tissues, where it enhances trans infection of T cells. Here we discuss the carbohydrate/protein recognition profile and other features of DC‐SIGN that contribute to the potency of DC to control immunity.
Mineral nutrition and elevated [CO(2)] interact to modify δ(13)C, an index of gas exchange, in Norway spruce.

The effects of the past century's increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) have been recorded in the stable carbon isotope composition (δ(13)C) of the annual growth rings of trees. The isotope record frequently shows increases in photosynthetic CO2 uptake relative to stomatal conductance, which estimates the CO2 concentration gradient across the stomata (ca - ci). This variable, which is one control over the net photosynthetic rate, has been suggested as a homeostatic gas-exchange set point that is easy to estimate from δ(13)C and [CO2]. However, in high-latitude conifer forests, the literature is mixed; some studies show increases in (ca - ci) and others show homeostasis. Here we present leaf and tree-ring δ(13)C data from a controlled experiment that tested factorial combinations of elevated [CO2] (365 and 700 ∝mol mol(-1)) and fertilization on mature Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst. ) trees in northern Sweden. We found first that the leaf carbon pool was contaminated by the current photosynthate in the older leaf cohorts. This is the reverse of the common observation that older photosynthate reserves can be used to produce new tissue; here the older tissue contains recent photosynthate. We found that the tree-ring data lack such contamination and in any case they better integrate over the canopy and the growing season than do leaves. In the second and third years of treatment, elevated [CO2] alone increased (ca - ci) by 38%; when combined with fertilization, it increased (ca - ci) by 60%. The results of this study support the idea that annual rings provide a clearer isotopic signal than do foliage age-classes. The tree-ring data show that inferred (ca - ci) depends not only on [CO2], but also on mineral-nutrient status. The differences in (ca - ci) are sufficiently large to account for the treatment-induced increase in wood-volume production in these stands.
Some Methodological Issues in Statistical Estimation of Air Pollution and Health

Abstract: This paper introduces a new method for estimating a dose-response relationship from spatially averaged time series of air pollution and health data. Because time is perceived as a nuisance parameter to be eliminated, least-squares regression and traditional time series methodology (e.g., spectral analysis Box-Jenkins methods) are rejected in favor of a nonparametric estimation procedure based on observing health effects in times of nearly equal pollution. The method requires estimating the ratio of two density functions and avoids problems of aggregation, linearity and normality. In spite of the formal tests described, the procedure seems most useful at present as a data analytic and data display device rather than as an inferential tool.
Acetylcholinesterase point mutations in European strains of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) resistant to organophosphates.

BACKGROUND In Tetranychus urticae Koch, acetylcholinesterase insensitivity is often involved in organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CARB) resistance. By combining toxicological, biochemical and molecular data from three reference laboratory and three OP selected strains (OP strains), the AChE1 mutations associated with resistance in T. urticae were characterised. RESULTS The resistance ratios of the OP strains varied from 9 to 43 for pirimiphos-methyl, from 78 to 586 for chlorpyrifos, from 8 to 333 for methomyl and from 137 to 4164 for dimethoate. The insecticide concentration needed to inhibit 50% of the AChE1 activity was, in the OP strains, at least 2.7, 55, 58 and 31 times higher for the OP pirimiphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos oxon, paraoxon and omethoate respectively, and 87 times higher for the CARB carbaryl. By comparing the AChE1 sequence, four amino acid substitutions were detected in the OP strains: (1) F331W (Torpedo numbering) in all the three OP strains; (2) T280A found in the three OP strains but not in all clones; (3) G328A, found in two OP strains; (4) A201S found in only one OP strain. CONCLUSIONS Four AChE1 mutations were found in resistant strains of T. urticae, and three of them, F331W, G328A and A201S, are possibly involved in resistance to OP and CARB insecticides. Among them, F331W is probably the most important and the most common in T. urticae. It can be easily detected by the diagnostic PCR-RLFP assay developed in this study.
Risk Parity , Maximum Diversification , and Minimum Variance : An Analytic Perspective

STEVEN THORLEY is the H. Taylor Peery Professor of Finance at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. steven.thorley@byu.edu Portfolio construction techniques based on predicted risk, without expected returns, have become popular in the last decade. In terms of individual asset selection, minimum-variance and (more recently) maximum diversification objective functions have been explored, motivated in part by the cross-sectional equity risk anomaly first documented in Ang, Hodrick, Xing, and Zhang [2006]. Application of these objective functions to large (e.g., 1,000 stock) investable sets requires sophisticated estimation techniques for the risk model. On the other end of the spectrum, the principal of risk parity, traditionally applied to small-set (e.g., 2 to 10) asset allocation decisions, has been proposed for large-set security selection applications. Unfortunately, most of the published research on these low-risk structures is based on standard unconstrained portfolio theory, matched with long-only simulations. The empirical results in such studies are specific to the investable set, time period, maximum weight constraints, and other portfolio limitations, as well as the risk model. This article compares and contrasts risk-based portfolio construction techniques using long-only analytic solutions. We also provide a simulation of risk-based portfolios for large-cap U.S. stocks, using the CRSP database from 1968 to 2012. We perform this back-test using a single-index model, standard OLS risk estimates, and no maximum position or other portfolio constraints, which leads to easily replicable results. The concept of risk parity has evolved over time from the original concept that Bridgewater embedded in research in the 1990s. Initially, an asset allocation portfolio was said to be in parity when weights are proportional to asset-class inverse volatility. For example, if the equity subportfolio has a forecasted volatility of 15 percent and the fixedincome subportfolio has a volatility of just 5 percent, then a combined portfolio of 75 percent fixed income and 25 percent equity (i.e., three times as much fixed-income) is said to be in parity. This early definition of risk parity ignored correlations, even as the concept was applied to more than two asset classes. Qian [2006] formalized a more complete definition that considers correlations, couching the property in terms of a risk budget where weights are adjusted so that each asset has the same contribution to portfolio risk. Maillard, Roncalli, and Teiletche [2010] call this an “equal risk contribution” portfolio, and analyzed properties of an unconstrained analytic solution. Lee’s [2011] equivalent “portfolio beta” interpretation says that risk parity is achieved when weights are proportional to the inverse of their beta, with respect to the final portfolio. Anderson, Bianchi, and Goldberg [2012] analyze the historical track record of risk parity in an asset allocation context, while this article focuses on analytic
SAN: smart ad hoc networks

In a disaster recovery scenario, Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) are expected to be deployed to support com- munications, and sensor networks are expected to be deployed for collecting logistics information. We propose to integrate these two networks, wherein sensor nodes form a light-weight infrastructure to support MANETs. We refer to such integrated networks as Smart Ad hoc Networks (SAN). We show that service lookup, IP address allocation, routing in presence of unidirectional links and non-GPS based location determination problems in MANETs can be addressed with ease and efficiency in a SAN. We identify some of the research challenges involved. I. INTRODUCTION
Improvement of sleep apnoea due to acromegaly during short‐term treatment with octreotide

Abstract. Two acromegalic patients suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome were treated with the long‐acting somatostatin analogue octreotide. Daytime sleepiness and fatigue improved within a few days. Repeat sleep studies performed after octreotide treatment revealed more confluent sleep with a shorter duration of sleep apnoea. Nocturnal hypoxaemia improved in one patient. Octreotide might be an effective noninvasive treatment for sleep apnoea of acromegaly.
Organization's perspective of managing B2C e-Commerce implementation: Lessons from fashion and apparel business in Malaysia

This paper proposes an organization's perspective of the business-to-customer (B2C) e-Commerce system implementation framework in Malaysian fashion and apparel business. The framework was developed based upon two in-depth case studies which were conducted in two fashion and apparel business in Malaysia. From the cross-cases, ten implementation factors (with its characteristics) that pertinent to the stages of Kotter's model have emerged. This includes factors of financial structure, e-Commerce compatibility, marketing strategy, customer analysis, e-Commerce relative advantages, rewards, e-Commerce maintenance, employee training, and e-Commerce re-engineering. Additionally, three implementation actors - e-Commerce champion, system moderator and vendor, involved in the respective stages of the implementation process. Finding of this study suggests that all the ten factors and the three implementation actors are the ingredients that organizations should not be overlooked when B2C e-Commerce implementation initiative is considered.
ATMOSPHERIC OCCURRENCE AND GAS-PARTICLE PARTITIONING OF PBDES IN AN INDUSTRIALISED , URBAN AND SUBURBAN AREA OF THESSALONIKI , NORTHERN GREECE

Ambient concentrations and gas/particle partitioning of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) were investigated in a industrial, a traffic and a background site in the urban agglomeration of Thessaloniki, northern Greece. Atmospheric (gas+particle) concentrations of ∑12PBDE at industrial site were higher than those observed at urban-traffic and urban-background sites. In industrial site, mean gas-phase ∑12PBDE concentrations were 14.4 and 21.2 pg m and particlephase PBDE concentrations were 28.7 and 23.7 pg m, for the cold and warm season, respectively. Mean gas-phase concentrations of ∑12PBDE at the traffic site were 7.2 pg m in the cold season and 11.2 pg m in the warm season and particle-phase PBDE concentrations were 19.5 and 17.5 pg m, for the cold and warm season, respectively. The corresponding levels at the urban-background site were lower, 4.7 and 6.3 pg m in gas-phase and 3.9 and 3.1 pg m in particle-phase, for the cold and warm season, respectively. At three sampling sites, the total (g+p) mean concentrations of ∑12PBDEs were relatively higher in the warm season. The partition coefficient of PBDEs between the gas and particle phases (Kp) was well correlated with the subcooled liquid vapor pressure (P°L) for all samples.
In vitro susceptibility of Campylobacter jejuni to 27 antimicrobial agents and various combinations of beta-lactams with clavulanic acid or sulbactam

The in vitro susceptibility of human isolates of Campylobacter jejuni was investigated with 27 antibiotics and 8 combinations of beta-lactams with clavulanic acid or sulbactam. Ansamycin, the new quinolines, erythromycin, and cefpirome were the most active drugs against C. jejuni; amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime 90% of the isolates, greater than or equal to 50 mg/liter). The activity of various beta-lactams was unchanged by the addition of clavulanic acid or sulbactam.
Shingles vaccine

Importance of the field: Herpes zoster or shingles is a condition with the potential to result in severe debilitation. It affects approximately 10 – 30% of the population. Until recently there were only treatments to shorten the duration and lessen the symptoms of herpes zoster, but no practical or approved method of prevention for susceptible immunocompetent adults. The live attenuated zoster vaccine (Zostavax®, Merck & Co., Inc.) is effective in preventing shingles in individuals 60 years of age and older and recommended by the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP). Areas covered in this review: Literature related to the live attenuated zoster vaccine is reviewed from its beginnings in the early 1970s through to the present. What the reader will gain: Background information on herpes zoster and up to date information on the live attenuated zoster vaccine including pharmacology, efficacy and safety are covered. New areas of research in zoster vaccination are also discussed. Take home message: The live attenuated zoster vaccine is an effective and well-tolerated method of preventing zoster and the potentially debilitating sequelae and is recommended for immunocompetent patients 60 years of age and older. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating new means of effective prevention.
Beacon Deployment for Unambiguous Positioning

Instant and precise localization of a mobile user is fundamental for supporting various sophisticated indoor location-aware services. This paper focuses on achieving unambiguous user positioning using practical Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacons with multiple discrete power levels. By receiving the beacon coverage status from a user’s device, the cloud server can unambiguously pinpoint the user’s location and react correspondingly. We first define the problem of beacon deployment for positioning (BDP) and provide several theoretic bounds on the number of required beacons to gain sufficient understanding on its performance behavior. The BDP problem is further formulated into an integer linear program (ILP) and solved in extensive case studies. We claim that this is the first systematic and in-depth research on beacon deployment for unambiguous user positioning. Our analysis and experiments show that the proposed solution takes <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${O(\sqrt {N})}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${O({N}/{2})}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> beacons for <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${N}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> test positions, which is 2–8 times less beacons compared to that by the naive approach, while the analytical bounds are tight with the ILP results with 20% of gap.
HIV home test kit banned in Germany

German health authorities have banned the sale of a do it yourself AIDS testing kit that was due to go on sale in pharmacies this month. The “No-HIV logic” testing kit was developed by the Canadian biotechnology company Pace. Germany would have been the only country in the world where a home testing kit was available. AIDS experts have long …
Dissolved organic matter modulating the uptake, biotransformation, and elimination rates of pyrene in Daphnia magna

In the current study, the toxicokinetics of pyrene in Daphnia magna was determined in detail, and the role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in these processes was investigated. Uptake, biotransformation, parent compound and metabolite elimination rates (ku, km, kep, kem), depuration rates, bioconcentration factors (BCFs), and biological half‐lives were studied in one natural humic water, in two waters made from DOM isolates, and in DOM‐free artificial fresh water. The daphnids were exposed to pyrene for 24 h and depurated for another 24 h. To analyze the data, the two‐compartment model was used to obtain toxicokinetic parameters, and the depuration data were analyzed by linear regression. Extensive biotransformation of pyrene resulted in high metabolite concentration in the organisms (83% of total radioactivity) after 24 h exposure. Depuration of the parent compound seemed to be biphasic: at first, depuration was rapid, but after 4 to 10 h in uncontaminated water, the disappearance rate came close to zero. After a 24‐h depuration time, 7.8% of the pyrene accumulated remained in the organism. Overall, the elimination of parent compound was faster than the elimination of metabolites, which might imply inefficient excretion of water‐soluble biotransformation products from daphnids. The effect of DOM on accumulation of pyrene was seen in a decreased uptake rate, indicating lower bioavailability of the compound in waters that contain high‐aromaticity DOM. In the same waters, DOM significantly accelerated pyrene biotransformation and overall elimination. Altogether, DOM appears to be able to affect toxicokinetics through mechanisms that are connected to interaction with the contaminant but also directly through interaction with biotransformation systems. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2783–2791. © 2010 SETAC
Airway Hyperresponsiveness: A Comparative Study of Methacholine and Exercise Challenges in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis with or without Asthma

Background. Asymptomatic airway hyperreactivity in allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for later development of asthma. Although non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) has been measured by several stimuli, the most appropriate measurement technique still remains unclear. Objective. To investigate whether an exercise challenge can be used to predict BHR in seasonal allergic rhinitis patients with or without asthma and to compare this bronchial reactivity with a methacholine challenge technique. Methods. Forty-six consecutive patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis only (n = 31) and with both seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma (n = 15) were included in the study during the pollination period. Subjects underwent first methacholine (mch) and then exercise challenge testing (ECT). There was a 1-week interval between the tests. ECT was performed on a bicycle ergometer. Positive result was defined as a 15% decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) post-exercise. A patient's bronchial reactivity to methacholine was considered as hyperresponsive if PC20 was less than 8 mg/mL. Results. Mch PC20 values were significantly lower in patients with both rhinitis and asthma (p < 0.062). Among the 46 patients, mch PC20 values were significantly different between patients who had positive and negative exercise challenge tests (p = 0.007). All patients with rhinitis alone had a negative ECT and 10 had a positive mch challenge. Change in FEV1 values after ECT was significantly higher in patients with both rhinitis and asthma compared to those with rhinitis alone (p = 0.009). There was a significant relation between positivity of mch and exercise challenges (p = 0.025). ECT positivity was found to be a significant confounding factor in the diagnosis of asthma (p = 0.001). Specificity and sensitivity values were 100% and 24% for ECT and 68% and 100% for mch, respectively. Conclusion. Exercise challenge presents poor diagnostic value for detecting bronchial responsiveness in individuals with allergic rhinitis alone during the pollen season.
Special Education Teachers' Views of Research-Based Practices

Focus groups with teachers of students with learning disabilities (n = 30) and teachers of students with emotional/behavior disorders (n = 19) were conducted to examine the the teachers' perspectives about educational research and the extent to which they found research findings to be useful. The study further addressed the ways in which new practices were introduced within target teachers' schools and their reaction to the appropriateness of these practices for students with special needs. Findings revealed that most teachers were not pressed to use practices supported by their school or district. Furthermore, the notion of “research-based” was not important as a criterion for selection. Teachers sought instructional practices that were feasible, were appropriate for their students, were accompanied by all necessary materials and professional development support, and could be individualized for multilevel classrooms.
Awareness based filtering - Toward the cooperative learning in human agent interaction -

We propose a new method of the recommender agent that supports to make clear the preference of a user. First, an overview of our coarse to fine recommendation system and the experimental results are described. Next we will discuss the effectiveness of our system. We interpret the meaning of our fixed recommendation strategy of the agent for contributing to restrain to prevent the user from his awareness. Then we will propose the awareness based filtering method to assist a user to be aware the true preference of the user. The main idea is to visualize both the coarse to fine preference space and the history of the recommendation in it.