Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FOR DERIVATION OF HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS

Human embryonic stem (hES) cells are self-renewing cells that can give rise to many types of cells found in the body. These cells can only be extracted from pre-implantation embryos. The timing of derivation of hES cells from the preimplantation embryo, as well as the means by which hES cells are isolated, differs among lines. Therefore, the stage of development from which hES cells are derived may be crucial for their use as models of differentiation and in regenerative medicine. In this review, we summarise methods by which hES cells are derived from embryos at different stages. In addition, we review methods for generating pluripotent cells from adult cells and evaluate the potential utility of ES-like cells or reprogrammed induced pluripotent cells (iPSC).
Effects of Silver Nanoparticle Exposure on Growth, Physiological and biochemical Parameters of Dracocephalum moldavica L.

The increasing commercial production and the broad usage of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have led to concerns over the potential adverse impacts of these ENPs on biota in natural environments. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most important and widely used ENPs which enter natural ecosystems. In this study we examined the effects of AgNPs on growth and some physiological parameters of Dracocephalum moldavica L. The experiment was conducted hydroponically in a AgNPs spiked solution. The AgNPs toxicity exhibited a decline in growth and chlorophyll content of D. moldavica at elevated concentrations (> 40 mg/L). AgNPs significantly induced oxidative stress by increasing H2O2 production in a concentration dependent manner. The phytotoxicity of AgNPs led to an increase in catalase and peroxidase activities and synthesis of antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids, proline and total soluble carbohydrate. The decline of chlorophyll content at highest AgNPs treatment (80 mg/L) was associated with disturbances in photosynthetic capacity which ultimately results in the reduction of D. moldavica growth. Increase carotenoids, proline and total soluble carbohydrate content suggest that compatible solutes may contribute to osmotic adjustment at the cellular level and enzyme protection stabilizing the structure of macromolecules and organelles. Our results indicate important new avenues of research for understanding the fate of AgNPs in hydroponic media, the interactions between AgNPs and D. moldavica.
The Financing and Governance of New Technologies

This paper examines the financial sector preconditions for the successful development of high technology sectors. It argues that there is a close relation between types of activities undertaken in different countries and their institutional structures. A distinguishing characteristic of the financing of new technology firms is their evolving pattern of control by different investor groups. While stock markets are an important component of the development of the most successful firms, they are not the most common. Regulation is a significant influence on institutional structure. For the most part, Europe has opted for high levels of investor protection and low levels of diversity, while the U.S. has placed more emphasis on entry and competition in the financial sector. While most attention to date has focused on the regulation and fragility of banking systems in Japan and the Far East, careful consideration needs to be given to alternative forms of regulating other parts of the financial system as well.
IN VITRO DIFFERENTIATION OF EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS FROM EMBRYOID BODIES

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are generated from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst (Evans and Kaufman, 1981; Martin, 1981). Therefore, these cells are pluripotent, and if they are cultivated in vitro as cellular aggregates—so called embryoid bodies (EBs)—they spontaneously differentiate into various cell types of all three germ layers (Rathjen et al., 1998). The ES cell model system of in vitro differentiation is useful to analyze cell differentiation from a pluripotent stem cell to progenitor cells, and, finally, to terminally differentiated cell types (for review, see Guan et al., 1999; Rohwedel et al., 2001). This unit contains protocols for ES cell differentiation to chondrocytes and osteocytes (Basic Protocol 1 and Alternate Protocol) and for characterization of the differentiated cell types (Kramer et al., 2000; Hegert et al., 2002).
Preview : Published ahead of advance online publication Economics and obesity policy

This paper elucidates the challenges surrounding the economics of some popular obesity-related policy proposals. Solid economic justifications for anti-obesity policies are often lacking, and pragmatically evidence suggests policies like fat and soda taxes or restrictions on food stamp spending are unlikely to substantively affect obesity prevalence. In short, many of the same factors that make obesity such a complicated and multifaceted issue extend to the economic analysis public health policies. © 2017 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.
AXIAL CONDUIT WIDENING IN WOODY SPECIES: A STILL NEGLECTED ANATOMICAL PATTERN

Within a tree the lumen of the xylem conduits varies widely (by at least 1 order of magnitude). Transversally in the stem conduits are smaller close to the pith and larger in the outermost rings. Axially (i.e. from petioles to roots) conduits widen from the stem apex downwards in the same tree ring. This axial variation is proposed as being the most efficient anatomical adjustment for stabilizing hydraulic path-length resistance with the progressive growth in height. The hydrodynamic (i.e. physical) constraint shapes the whole xylem conduits column in a very similar way in different species and environments. Our aim is to provide experimental evidence that the axial conduit widening is an ineluctable feature of the vascular system in plants. If evolution has favoured efficient distribution networks (i.e. total resistance is tree-size independent) the axial conduit widening can be predicted downwards along the stem. Indeed, in order to compensate for the increase in path length with growth in height the conduit size should scale as a power function of tree height with an exponent higher than 0.2. Similarly, this approach could be applied in branches and roots but due to the different lengths of the path roots-leaves the patterns of axial variations of conduit size might slightly deviate from the general widening trend. Finally, we emphasize the importance of sampling standardization with respect to tree height for correctly comparing the anatomical characteristics of different individuals.
Designing business process variants

When designing business processes there is a need to identify and delimit different processes. There exist, however, unclear criteria for delimit- ing business processes. Business process analysts apply usually a sequential view of business processes. Besides process sequences, there is a need to ac- knowledge different process variants. Founded in a combined transformative and co-coordinative view on business processes, instruments for describing business process variants are put forward in this paper. Two instruments (matri- ces) are proposed. One business process division matrix, for distinguishing process variants in relation to each other. The other matrix, a business phase matrix, is to be used to reveal the content of each phase of the business interac- tion constituting each process variant.
Aalborg Universitet Optimal power flow for technically feasible Energy Management systems in Islanded

This paper presents a combined optimal energy and power flow management for islanded microgrids. The highest control level in this case will provide a feasible and optimized operating point around the economic optimum. In order to account for both unbalanced and balanced loads, the optimal power flow is carried out using a Glow-worm Swarm Optimizer. The control level is organized into two different sub-levels, the highest of which accounts for minimum cost operation and the lowest one solving the optimal power flow and devising the set points of inverter interfaced generation units and rotating machines with a minimum power loss. A test has been carried out for 6 bus islanded microgrids to show the efficiency and feasibility of the proposed technique. Keywords—optimal power flow, glow-worm swarm optimization, microgrid, droop control.
Gaussianization for fast and accurate inference from cosmological data

We present a method to transform multivariate unimodal non-Gaussian posterior probability densities into approximately Gaussian ones via non-linear mappings, such as Box–Cox transformations and generalizations thereof. This permits an analytical reconstruction of the posterior from a point sample, like a Markov chain, and simplifies the subsequent joint analysis with other experiments. This way, a multivariate posterior density can be reported efficiently, by compressing the information contained in Markov Chain Monte Carlo samples. Further, the model evidence integral (i.e. the marginal likelihood) can be computed analytically. This method is analogous to the search for normal parameters in the cosmic microwave background, but is more general. The search for the optimally Gaussianizing transformation is performed computationally through a maximum-likelihood formalism; its quality can be judged by how well the credible regions of the posterior are reproduced. We demonstrate that our method outperforms kernel density estimates in this objective. Further, we select marginal posterior samples from Planck data with several distinct strongly non-Gaussian features, and verify the reproduction of the marginal contours. To demonstrate evidence computation, we Gaussianize the joint distribution of data from weak lensing and baryon acoustic oscillations, for different cosmological models, and find a preference for flat Λcold dark matter. Comparing to values computed with the Savage–Dickey density ratio, and Population Monte Carlo, we find good agreement of our method within the spread of the other two.
Antler possession by west Greenland female caribou in relation to population characteristics

The frequency of antlerless adult female caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) was studied in four separate populations in west Greenland. Between the herds antlerlessness varied from 21% to 79%. An inverse relationship between winter range quality and percentage of unantlered cows is demonstrated. Relationship between calf percentage and maternal antler status was studied in one population and antlerless cows showed higher reproductive rate than antlered ones. In another population antlerless cows were almost absent outside the calving area. Calves of antlerless mothers were more susceptible to diseases and had significantly higher summer mortality than other calves, 42% and 27% respectively. The relative importance of factors influencing antler development under various environmental conditons are assessed and a close relationship between antlerlessness, physical condition, lactation, and length of period between calving and midsummer is discussed.
Intrinsic alignments and 3d weak gravitational lensing

In this paper we show how intrinsic alignments can be incorporated consistently in the formalism of 3d weak lensing. We use two different descriptions of the intrinsic galaxy ellipticities, the so-called linear and quadratic model, respectively. For both models we derive the covariance matrix of the intrinsic alignment signal (II-alignments) and GI-alignments (the cross correlation of intrinsic and lensing induced ellipticities). Evaluating the covariance matrices for the linear model numerically and comparing the results to the cosmic shear signal we find that for a low redshift survey the total covariance matrix is dominated by the contributions of the II-alignments. For a Euclid-like survey II-alignments still dominate over GI-alignments but they are more than one order of magnitude smaller than the lensing signal. The shape of the ellipticity covariance matrices is quite different in the k-k'-plane for cosmic shear on the one hand and intrinsic alignments on the other hand. In comparison to lensing both alignment types tend to be rather elongated along the diagonal k=k'. Moreover, for high multipoles (l ~ 100) intrinsic alignments are strongly concentrated along that diagonal.
Comparison of Water Quality Parameters from South Florida Wastewater Treatment Plants Versus Potential Receiving Waters

Increased use of reclaimed water is a specifi c goal of the State Comprehensive Plan and an issue that has been encouraged by the state legislature as an important item to address in assuring adequate future water supplies throughout the state. The assurance of adequate water supplies at the proper time is especially critical in south Florida and southwest Florida, both of which have subtropical climates with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season occurs in the winter months when the tourists are most prevalent. Water production for many utilities increases substantially to meet tourist and part-time resident demands. The wet season occurs in the summer months when 70% or more of the rainfall occurs. This is the time of lowest demands by the population because the winter tourists have returned home. Most of the water is routed to the ocean; storage of excess water in reservoirs is not feasible because the fl at terrain would require enormous land areas. In addition, what minimal capacity for storage that does exist is reserved for hurricane fl ooding. Treatment Objectives Both ocean outfall and deep well disposal require secondary treatment. Reuse requires advanced secondary treatment, while surface discharges often require advanced wastewater treatment including nutrient removal.
Modulation of wound healing : clinical practice ARTICLE IN PRESS

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease and is the second most important cause of irreversible blindness. Filtration surgery remains the most effective therapy to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. The main determinant of long-term surgical success is the healing response. Excessive postoperative wound healing with subsequent fibrosis may lead to obstruction of the created channel which frequently results in early surgical failure and consequent progression of visual field loss. Preoperative use of antimitotics, such as mitomycin-C and 5-fluorouracyl, effectively improves surgery outcome. However, the use of these nonspecific antiproliferative agents can be associated with severe side effects. This review provides an overview of the most important efforts that have been made to explore novel, more specific, and safer agents to prevent glaucoma filtration failure and improve surgery outcome.
WST 50.6-035 corr

Control and optimisation of plant processes has become a priority for WWTP managers. The calibration and verification of a mathematical model provides an important tool for the investigation of advanced control strategies that may assist in the design or optimization of WWTPs. This paper describes the calibration of the ASM2d model for two full scale biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal plants in order to characterize the biological process and to upgrade the plants’ performance. Results from simulation showed a good correspondence with experimental data demonstrating that the model and the calibrated parameters were able to predict the behaviour of both WWTPs. Once the calibration and simulation process was finished, a study for each WWTP was done with the aim of improving its performance. Modifications focused on reactor configuration and operation strategies were proposed.
Stakeholder Satisfaction: Research Evaluation of Marine Engineering Cadets' Performance at Maritime University, Philippines

This study was conducted to determine the level of stakeholder satisfaction and gather qualitative views and ideas among twenty five (25) company partners - - crew managers, personnel managers, training directors of the different shipping companies based in Manila, Philippines. These company-partners are directly involved in the evaluation of performance of marine engineering cadets, specifically of the Marine Engineering Department, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo, Iloilo City. The Performance Prism (PP) Theory was used in this study as a theoretical framework to measure stakeholder satisfaction of different company partners. This is an innovative performance measurement and performance management framework of the second generation. Employing a quantitative-qualitative method of analyzing the obtained data, the study entailed three phases, namely: (1) survey personally administered by the researchers, (2) the personal interview with the stakeholders, and (3) analysis of the results of the survey using descriptive statistical methods such as the mean, frequency count, and percentage. The information gathered through the interviews was used to validate the results by quantitative data analysis. The data-gathering instrument was the "Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey". Quantitative results revealed that the stakeholder satisfaction level was "moderately high" among marine engineering cadets in terms of communication, professionalism and trustworthiness, discipline, loyalty, consistency of performance, leadership skills, honesty, industry, social responsibility, and initiative to be satisfactory. The different comments, remarks, suggestions, and responses derived from the interviews were used also in the study as qualitative data to enhance and validate the quantitative data. Furthermore, the qualitative views of the respondents were used to suggest some improvements and innovations in the learning process at Marine Engineering Department of Maritime University (JBLFMU-Molo, Iloilo City), Philippines.
Predator control allows critically endangered lizards to recover on mainland New Zealand.

Two conservation tools have been developed over the last 10–15 years for species on the New Zealand mainland that are vulnerable to introduced mammalian predators: landscape-scale predator trapping networks, and eradication of predators within mammal-proof exclosures. We tested whether these tools would allow population growth of critically endangered grand skinks (Oligosoma grande) and Otago skinks (O. otagense) over three years. Skink populations were subjected to one of three predator treatments: (1) near-eradication inside a mammal-proof fence; (2) suppression by trapping within a 2100-ha area; and (3) unmanaged predator populations. Monitoring by non-invasive photo–resight methods, and data analysis using program MARK, showed that the greatest increase in abundance of both species occurred at the centre of the predator trapping treatment and inside a mammal-proof fence. For grand skinks, there was little or no change in population size at the trapping periphery. At the unmanaged sites, the grand skink population underwent a catastrophic decline whereas the Otago skink population was stable. A grouping analysis showed that the unmanaged grand skink treatment was clearly distinguished from the other predator treatments based on survival rate. Results suggest that: (1) predation by introduced mammals is a key driver in the decline of these skinks, and episodic predation events may be a component of this process; and (2) use of mammal-proof fences or intensive predator control over a large enough area should allow skink populations to recover.
Methods of online grocery shopping: linking and searching

There are two dominant methods for locating information or goods on websites and online systems: searching and linking. Most previous research on searching and linking methods has focused on generic websites dedicated to locating information, such as Yahoo, rather than the searching and linking mechanisms used in specific applications, such as online shopping. In contrast, this study assessed the searching and linking metaphors inherent in online grocery stores, where each website must provide efficient tools for locating products if they are to be successful e-commerce websites. Worldwide grocery sites were judged against a checklist of advanced search features, and the use of searching and linking methods on the sites was evaluated using results from shopping scripts completed by eighteen participants. Disciplines Physical Sciences and Mathematics Publication Details Freeman, M. (2004). Methods of online grocery shopping: linking and searching. Australian Computer Human Interaction Conference. Wollongong: OZCHI. This conference paper is available at Research Online: http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/3962 Methods of Online Grocery Shopping: Linking and Searching Mark Freeman School of Information Technology and Computer Science University of Wollongong Wollongong, New South Wales Email: mbf02@uow.edu.au
DISCUSSION PAPER SERIES The Circular City with Heterogeneous Firms

The paper extends the Salop model of localized competition by allowing firms to have heterogeneous costs. We provide a general but highly tractable analytical solution for the equilibrium prices, and we study the long-run properties of the model using two different entry games. We show that cost heterogeneity affects the efficiency of the market equilibrium by increasing welfare and inducing less excessive entry. Further, we illustrate the positive effects of the existence of a selection mechanism, which induces less efficient firms not to start production. The model also replicates some recent results on dense markets. JEL classification: L11, D61.
Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

We present accurate piece-wise models for the time and energy costs of high performance implementations of both the matrix multiplication (GEMM) and the triangular system solve with multiple right-hand sides (TRSM) on x86 architectures. Our methodology decouples the costs due to the floating-point arithmetic/data movement occurring in the higher levels of the cache hierarchy from those of packing/data transfers between the main memory and the L2/L3 cache. A careful analytical study of the data transfers, in combination with an architecture-specific calibration of the costs per operation, render then the components to assemble piece-wise models for the accurate estimation of GEMM and TRSM’s performance on x86 processors. Our experimental results on an Intel Xeon E5-2620 processor confirm the accuracy of this approach, which reports relative errors for different shapes of GEMM and TRSM that are, respectively, around 1.5% and 4.5% on average for both time and energy. 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.