Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of mild-temperature H 2O 2 oxidation on solubilization and anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge

Efficient sludge management is among the most challenging issues in wastewater treatment today, and anaerobic digestion is regarded as a viable solution. Mild-temperature H 2O 2 oxidation was examined for enhanced solubilization and biogas production of waste activated sludge (WAS). The effects of pretreatment factors (i.e. temperature and H 2O 2 concentration) on the degree of WAS disintegration (DD) and biogas yield (BY) were assessed by response surface analysis within the design space of 60–90°C and 0–200 mM H 2O 2. Significant sludge disintegration (up to 23.0% DD) and visibly enhanced BY (up to 26.9%) were shown in the pretreatment trials. Two response surface models to describe how DD and BY respond to changes in the pretreatment conditions were successfully constructed (R2>0.95, p<0.05). The models showed totally different response surface shapes, indicating the DD and BY were influenced by pretreatment conditions in very different ways. DD was dominantly affected by temperature and showed higher model responses at the high-temperature region, while the BY response peaked in the low-temperature and mid-level H 2O 2 region. This observation implies that the enhanced solubilization of WAS was not directly translated into an increase in biogas production. Our results showed that WAS can be efficiently disintegrated by H 2O 2 oxidation under mild-temperature conditions for enhanced anaerobic digestibility. Within the explored region of pretreatment conditions, the maximum BY was estimated to be 82.1 mL/gCODadded (32.8% greater than the untreated control) at (60.0°C, 74.2 mM H 2O 2).
Observation of sequence specificity in the seeding of protein amyloid fibrils

It is well established that the rate of formation of fibrils by amyloidogenic proteins is enhanced by the addition of preformed fibrils, a phenomenon known as seeding. We show that the efficiency of seeding fibril formation from solutions of hen lysozyme by a series of other proteins depends strongly on the similarity of their sequences. This observation is consistent with the importance of long‐range interactions in stabilizing the core structure of amyloid fibrils and may be associated with the existence of a species barrier observed in the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. In addition, it is consistent with the observation of a single dominant type of protein in the deposits associated with each form of amyloid disease.
Oral treatments for toenail onychomycosis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE To identify and synthesize the evidence for the efficacy of oral treatments for fungal infections of the toenails. DESIGN Systematic review of randomized controlled trials. INTERVENTIONS Oral treatments for dermatophyte infections of the toenails. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cure confirmed by microscopy and culture results in patients with clinically diagnosed fungal infections. Data relating to the clinical cure rates were also extracted from the trials. RESULTS A pooled analysis of 2 trials comparing mycological cure rates from continuous treatment with terbinafine (250 mg/d for 12 weeks) and continuous treatment with itraconazole (200 mg/d for 12 weeks) found a statistically significant difference in 11- and 12-month outcomes in favor of terbinafine (risk difference, -0.23 [95% confidence interval, -0.32 to -0.15]; number needed to treat, 5 [95% confidence interval, 4 to 8]). An analysis of clinical cure rates was not possible because of the diversity of definitions used in researching the effectiveness of oral antifungal drugs for onychomycosis. Only 3 trials gave a clear definition of clinical cure and presented data for these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS There is good evidence that a continuous regimen of terbinafine (250 mg/d) for 3 months is the most effective oral treatment for fungally infected toenails. Consensus among researchers evaluating oral antifungal drugs for onychomycosis is needed to establish meaningful definitions of clinical cure. Most trials were funded by the pharmaceutical industry; we found little independent research, and this may have introduced bias to the review.
Spectrum sharing in multiple-antenna channels: A distributed cooperative game theoretic approach

We consider a cognitive radio scenario in which two (or more) operators providing services in the same area wish to share the same licensed band of spectrum. This scenario differs from the classical cognitive setup with a primary and a secondary operators, as both operators here are instead on an equal footing. The operators face the choice of competition or cooperation in the way they choose their transmission parameters (here beamforming vectors) to communicate with their respective users. We build on interesting recently published work [5] [6] analyzing the gains of cooperation in this context and propose novel techniques for beamforming within this interference channel. The proposed techniques outperform classical non-cooperative game solutions and mimic known cooperative game solutions while introducing a distributed aspect for the algorithm.
Nuclear cataract shows significant familial aggregation in an older population after adjustment for possible shared environmental factors.

PURPOSE To quantify the association between siblings in age-related nuclear cataract, after adjusting for known environmental and personal risk factors. METHODS All participants (probands) in the Salisbury Eye Evaluation (SEE) project and their locally resident siblings underwent digital slit lamp photography and were administered a questionnaire to assess risk factors for cataract including: age, gender, lifetime sun exposure, smoking and diabetes history, and use of alcohol and medications such as estrogens and steroids. In addition, blood pressure, body mass index, and serum antioxidants were measured in all participants. Lens photographs were graded by trained observers masked to the subjects' identity, using the Wilmer Cataract Grading System. The odds ratio for siblings for affectedness with nuclear cataract and the sibling correlation of nuclear cataract grade, after adjusting for covariates, were estimated with generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Among 307 probands (mean age, 77.6 +/- 4.5 years) and 434 full siblings (mean age, 72.4 +/- 7.4 years), the average sibship size was 2.7 per family. After adjustment for covariates, the probability of development of nuclear cataract was significantly increased (odds ratio [OR] = 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-3.30) among individuals with a sibling with nuclear cataract (nuclear grade > or = 3.0). The final fitted model indicated a magnitude of heritability for nuclear cataract of 35.6% (95% CI: 21.0%-50.3%) after adjustment for the covariates. CONCLUSIONS Findings in this study are consistent with a genetic effect for age-related nuclear cataract, a common and clinically significant form of lens opacity.
K-shell excitation of the water, ammonia, and methane molecules using high-resolution photoabsorption spectroscopy.

The [ital K]-shell excitation spectra of the hydrides water, ammonia, and methane have been measured in photoabsorption experiments using synchrotron radiation in combination with a high-resolution monochromator. For the case of methane, in particular, a wealth of spectral detail is observed which was not accessible in previous studies. The measured excitation energies and relative intensities compare well with values calculated using a complete second-order approximation for the polarization propagator. In order to determine the extent of admixing of valence excitations (i.e., transitions into virtual [sigma][sup *] orbitals) to the Rydberg manifolds, the [ital X]-H bond lengths have been varied in the calculations. In the case of H[sub 2]O, the two lowest-energy bands are due to the O 1[ital s]-4[ital a][sub 1]/3[ital s] and O 1[ital s]-2[ital b][sub 2]/3[ital p] transitions and have strong valence character; their width indicates that both excitations are dissociative. The NH[sub 3] and ND[sub 3] spectra are also broad which is not only due to possible dissociation but also to unresolved vibrational fine structure ([nu][sub 2] mode) and a Jahn-Teller instability. Valence character is concentrated in the lowest excited state in the Rydberg [ital ns] manifold, but is distributed more uniformly over the [ital np]([ital e])more » manifold. The weak dipole-forbidden C 1[ital s]-3[ital s]([ital a][sub 1]) transition in CH[sub 4] and CD[sub 4] is accompanied by vibrational structure due to the [nu][sub 4] mode, indicating that it derives its intensity from vibronic coupling with the C 1[ital s]-3[ital p]([ital t][sub 2]) transition. The structure on the latter band is extremely complicated due to Jahn-Teller coupling and cannot be assigned at present, as is the case for the Rydberg transitions at higher energies. The higher [ital np] Rydberg excitations contain considerable valence character. « less
Integration: an omitted Variable in Information Systems Research

The widespread deployment of IT in the past decades has significantly increased the integration reach, breadth, and scope in organisations. Many of the associated socio-economic phenomena have been studied by IS researchers, for example, in the context of IT adoption, the business value of IT, and IS success. Surprisingly though, the concept of integration in itself has so far attracted only little interest on the part of researchers. According to our knowledge, no established theoretical framework seems to place integration-related constructs at the centre of scientific inquiry. The objective of the present study is to take a first step to fill this gap by reviewing the literature on integration in order to structure the existing body of knowledge and to derive an agenda for further research in this area. Our literature review reveals that, in spite of its importance for academia and practice, integration is still an under-researched topic, with a noticeable lack of theorization and synthesis of the different research strands into a more holistic model. As we argue, a to-be-developed ‘Theory of Integration’ would be highly valuable to increase our understanding of the different phenomena surrounding integration on the technological and the organisational level within the firm.
Effect of feeding tamarind kernel powder extract residue on digestibility, nitrogen availability and ruminal fermentation in wethers

Objective This study was to examine in vivo digestibility, nitrogen balance and ruminal fermentation of tamarind (Tamarind indica) kernel powder extract residue (TKPER) compared to soybean products and by-products in wethers. Methods Four wethers with initial body weight (BW) of 51.6±5.5 kg were assigned in a 4×4 Latin square design to investigate nutritional characteristics of TKPER, dry heat soybean (SB), dry soybean curd residue (SBCR) and soybean meal (SBM) feeding with ryegrass straw (R) at a ratio of 1:1 at 2% of BW in dry matter (DM) on a daily basis. Results The digestibility of DM, crude protein, and ether extract (EE) of TKPER-R diet were 57.0%, 87.0%, and 86.0%, respectively. Higher non-fiber carbohydrates digestibility was observed in TKPER-R diet (83.2%) than in SB-R diet (73.9%, p<0.05). Wethers fed the TKPER-R diet had lower retention of nitrogen (N) and ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) contents at 4 h after feeding than those fed the SBM-R diet (p<0.05), which had values similar to the SB-R or SBCR-R diet. The TKPER feeding had higher propionate (C3) and lower butyrate content, as well as lower acetate to propionate ratio (C2:C3) in rumen fluid than SBM feeding at 4 h after feeding (p<0.05). Conclusion TKPER did not bring any side effect to the wethers although it was lack of fiber, and could be used as a high protein and energy ingredient in concentrate with appropriate roughage to meet the fiber requirement for ruminants.
Common Genetic Variants Contribute to Primary Hypertriglyceridemia Without Differences Between Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia and Isolated Hypertriglyceridemia

Background—The majority of hypertriglyceridemias are diagnosed as familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) and primary isolated hypertriglyceridemias. The contribution of common genetic variants in primary hypertriglyceridemias and the genetic difference between FCHL and isolated hypertriglyceridemias have not been thoroughly examined. Methods and Results—This study involved 580 patients with hypertriglyceridemias and 403 controls. Of the 37 single nucleotide polymorphisms examined, 12 located in 10 genes showed allelic and genotype frequency differences between hypertriglyceridemias and controls. The minor alleles of APOE, APOA5, GALNTN2, and GCKR variants were positively correlated with plasma triglycerides, whereas minor alleles of ADIPOR2, ANGPTL3, LPL, and TRIB1 polymorphisms were inversely associated. Body mass index, glucose, sex, rs328 and rs7007797 in LPL, rs662799 and rs3135506 in APOA5, and rs1260326 in GCKR explained 36% of the variability in plasma triglycerides, 7.3% of which was attributable to the genetic variables. LPL, GCKR, and APOA5 polymorphisms fit dominant, recessive, and additive inheritance models, respectively. Variants more frequently identified in isolated hypertriglyceridemias were rs7412 in APOE and rs1800795 in IL6; rs2808607 in CYP7A1 and rs3812316 and rs17145738 in MLXIPL were more frequent in FCHL. The other 32 single nucleotide polymorphisms presented similar frequencies between isolated hypertriglyceridemias and FCHL. Conclusions—Common genetic variants found in LPL, APOA5, and GCKR are associated with triglycerides levels in patients with primary hypertriglyceridemias. FCHL and isolated hypertriglyceridemias are probably trace to an accumulation of genetic variants predisposing to familial and sporadic hypertriglyceridemias or to hypertriglyceridemias and hypercholesterolemia in case of FCHL.
The Persistence of Informality: Evidence from Panel Data

Informality is a growing phenomenon in the developing and transition country labor market context. In particular, it is noticeable that working in an informal employment relationship is often not temporary. The degree of persistence of informality in the labor market might be due to different sources: structural state dependence due to past informality experiences and spurious state dependence due to time-invariant unobserved individual effects, which can alter the propensity of being in the informal sector independently from actual informality experiences. The purpose of our paper is to study the dynamics of informality using a genuine panel data set in the Ukrainian labor market. By estimating a dynamic panel data probit model with endogenous initial conditions, we find a highly significant degree of persistence due to previous informality experiences. This result implies that policies attempting to reduce current levels of informality may have a long-lasting effect on the labor market.
Outcome and Risk Factors of De Novo Autoimmune Hepatitis in Living-Donor Liver Transplantation

Background. Graft dysfunction mimicking autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) develops only rarely after liver transplantation for nonautoimmune liver disease. The long-term prognosis and risk factors of de novo AIH after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) are unknown. Methods. We review our LDLT series to investigate the incidence and outcome of this form of graft dysfunction, focusing on follow-up histology. Results. Of 633 patients who underwent LDLT at Kyoto University from 1990 to 2002, 13 (2.1%) developed graft dysfunction with interface hepatitis resembling AIH (2 males, 11 females). The median age at LDLT of these 13 patients was 10 years (8 months to 26 years). All received tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. The dysfunction presented at a median interval of 3.1 (0.7–9.5) years after LDLT. Nine had definite AIH, and four had probable AIH at the onset of hepatitis. Patients were followed after a median of 3.5 (0.1–8) years from the onset of de novo AIH. Of 11 patients who underwent follow-up histologic evaluation, 3 underwent retransplantation, and 8 continued to have similar findings on subsequent biopsies, with fluctuations in the amount of necroinflammatory activity and an increase in fibrosis despite treatment. In a multivariate analysis, acute rejection episodes and recipient age between 11 and 15 years at LDLT independently had predictive value for the development of de novo AIH. Human leukocyte antigen-A, B, and DR mismatches and sex mismatch did not influence the occurrence of de novo AIH. Conclusion. This series highlights the more severe histologic outcome of de novo AIH with longer follow-up despite immunosuppressive treatment. De novo AIH may arise from alloimmunologic injury, marked by clinically obvious episodes of acute rejection.
Persistent α-Fetoprotein Elevation in Healthy Adults and Mutational Analysis of α-Fetoprotein Promoter, Enhancer, and Silencer Regions

Background/Aims α-Fetoprotein (AFP) is normally <10 ng/mL in adults without malignancy or liver regeneration. However, hereditary or nonhereditary persistence of AFP in healthy adults may be encountered in clinical practice. This study describes four cases of persistent AFP elevation in healthy adults and investigates mutations in key transcription regulatory regions of the AFP gene as potential drivers of AFP overexpression. Methods Four healthy adults with persistently elevated AFP levels (12.1 to 186.1 ng/mL) for >1 year, and 20 controls with low AFP levels (<0.61 to 2.9 ng/mL) were included in the study. AFP levels were collected from the families of two of the patients. We sequenced five regions that are critical for AFP expression: a promoter, two enhancers, and two silencers. Results One of the two cases in which family information was represented is the first case of hereditary persistence of AFP in South Korea. Mutations related to AFP overexpression were not found in the transcription regulatory regions among the four patients. Conclusions Persistent AFP elevation is a heterogeneous condition with or without a hereditary pattern and may be caused by factors outside of transcription regulatory region changes. Further research on the mechanism of AFP elevation is needed.
Psychosocial determinants of dental service utilization among adults: Results from a population-based survey (Urban HEART-2) in Tehran, Iran

Objectives: To evaluate the association between dental service utilization and mental health in an adult population in the context of the socioeconomic status of the participants. Subjects and Methods: Multi-stage cluster random sampling was performed in Tehran, Iran, in 2011. Data were collected on dental service utilization, barriers of dental visit, self-perceived oral health, mental health, age, gender, education, and wealth status. The complex sample analysis method in SPSS and the survey data analysis menu in STATA were employed for statistical evaluation. Results: Of 20,320 participants, 25–36% suffered from disorders in at least one of the domains of somatization, anxiety, social dysfunction, and depression. Only 56% of the participants visited a dentist at least once during the last year. The main barriers to a dental visit were “no perceived need” and “high costs. ” Females, the richest participants, subjects aged 25–64-year-old, and those with poor self-perceived oral health, mental health disorders, and higher education had more visits. The participants who perceived the need but did not visit a dentist due to some reasons mostly comprised females, those aged 25–44-year-old, those with a poor perceived oral health, disordered people in all domains of mental health, and poorer participants. Conclusion: Dental service utilization was influenced by socioeconomic factors and the mental health status of the adult population after controlling for multiple confounders. Reducing financial hardship and providing health education on the importance of preventive visits may decrease barriers to regular visits in countries with developing oral health systems.
Navigating the Stigma of Pedophilia: The Experiences of Nine Minor-Attracted Men in Canada

This thesis presents findings and analysis arising from semi-structured qualitative interviews with nine minor-attracted men (i.e. men who are primarily attracted to children and/or adolescents) in Canada. The central research question is “how do minor-attracted people understand and manage their stigmatized identities? ” I situated the participants' experiences within a broader social context by reviewing relevant academic literature, laws, and dominant cultural attitudes. Utilizing a symbolic-interactionist approach, and drawing on Goffman's concept of “stigma,” this thesis illustrates the unique challenges facing minor-attracted people. The study reveals that minor-attracted people become aware of their sexuality at an early age, experience stress caused by real or perceived societal rejection, and encounter both positive and negative reactions upon disclosing their identities. The conclusion underscores the need for a new approach to dealing with minor-attraction in contemporary Western society. I offer eight recommendations for instituting a strategy which incorporates empathy, education, and anti-discrimination measures.
Optically Amplified Direct Detection With Pre- and Postfiltering: A Volterra Series Approach

We present yet another quasi-analytic model for an optically amplified receiver, comprising an optical preamplifier, an optical prefilter, a photodetector, and an electrical postfilter. Due to the square-law nonlinearity and its interaction with the linear pre- and postfilters, the understanding of this seemingly simple structure has been elusive, gradually evolving over a succession of studies, culminating in the models by Lee and Shim and Forestieri. Here we adopt a new approach to this old problem, applying Volterra nonlinear theory to obtain fresh insight deriving a simplified model streamlining the pseudoanalytic simulations. Volterra series is a powerful mathematical tool for simulating nonlinear systems, applied here to quadratic optical detection in an unconventional way, by deriving a mixed frequency-time representation, leading to a simple and compact quadratic form in the combined signal-plus-noise signal spectra, albeit not computationally efficient. Next, Forestieri's results, which used distinct bases for the signal and noise, are rederived using the insightful Volterra formalism. Finally, we reformulate the model using an expansion of both signal and noise in a common harmonic basis over a sliding window of duration equal to the ISI system memory. This final version of the optically amplified receiver model is most computationally efficient, provides the most compact description, and lends itself to intuitive interpretation. Applications of the new method include accurate determination of the bit error ratio of amplitude-shift keying, frequency-shift keying, and differential phase-shift keying transmission systems in the linear optical link propagation regime, including the effects of dispersion and fully accounting for intersymbol interference. The theory developed here is naturally extensible to advanced optical equalization techniques, involving Volterra nonlinear optoelectronic equalizers.