Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Binary Opinion Dynamics with Stubborn Agents

We study binary opinion dynamics in a social network with stubborn agents who influence others but do not change their opinions. We focus on a generalization of the classical voter model by introducing nodes (stubborn agents) that have a fixed state. We show that the presence of stubborn agents with opposing opinions precludes convergence to consensus; instead, opinions converge in distribution with disagreement and fluctuations. In addition to the first moment of this distribution typically studied in the literature, we study the behavior of the second moment in terms of network properties and the opinions and locations of stubborn agents. We also study the problem of optimal placement of stubborn agents where the location of a fixed number of stubborn agents is chosen to have the maximum impact on the long-run expected opinions of agents.
Transforming Narcissism: Reflections on Empathy, Humor, and Expectations

The Process of Transforming. Implicit and Explicit Transformation. The Road to Empathy. Empathic Understanding. Through the Lens of Humor. Expectations: Affirmed and Violated. Perversion of Sexuality and Aggression. Creative Artists as Violators of Expectation. Disorders of Time. The Search for Wisdom. What Happens to Theory?
Can We Improve Fixation and Outcomes in the Treatment of Femoral Neck Fractures? The Use of Pharmaceuticals

Femoral neck fracture rates are on the rise with an estimated 500,000 occurring annually by 2040. Despite the mainstay of open reduction and internal fixation, nonunion rates of up to 33% have been reported for displaced femoral neck fractures. Recently, increasing attention has been focused upon the role of osteobiologics to stimulate fracture repair. This article looks at the role of these anabolic compounds and discusses their potential future roles in augmenting the treatment of this condition.
Dynamic Analysis of Modular Multilevel Converters

Theory for the dynamics of modular multilevel converters is developed in this paper. It is shown that the sum capacitor voltage in each arm often can be considered instead of the individual capacitor voltages, thereby significantly reducing the complexity of the system model. Two selections of the so-called insertion indices, which both compensate for the sum-capacitor-voltage ripples, are considered. The dynamic systems which respectively result from these selections are analyzed. An effective dc-bus model, which takes into account the contribution from the submodule capacitors, is obtained. Finally, explicit formulas for the stationary sum-capacitor-voltage ripples are derived.
A Partially Implicit FDTD Method for the Wideband Analysis of Spoof Localized Surface Plasmons

A partially implicit finite-difference time- domain (FDTD) method with relaxed stability condition is formulated on the basis of combining the implicit Newmark-Beta and the explicit leapfrog time integrations. Its stability is investigated by the Fourier method. The 2-D open and closed structures supporting spoof localized surface plasmons are analyzed with the presented method. The computational time is reduced in comparison with the traditional explicit FDTD while maintaining the same level of accuracy.
The composition of phyllosphere fungal assemblages of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) varies significantly along an elevation gradient.

Little is known about the potential effect of climate warming on phyllosphere fungi, despite their important impact on the dynamics and diversity of plant communities. The structure of phyllosphere fungal assemblages along elevation gradients may provide information about this potential effect, because elevation gradients correspond to temperature gradients over short geographic distances. We thus investigated variations in the composition of fungal assemblages inhabiting the phyllosphere of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) at four sites over a gradient of 1000 m of elevation in the French Pyrénées Mountains, by using tag-encoded 454 pyrosequencing. Our results show that the composition of fungal assemblages varied significantly between elevation sites, in terms of both the relative abundance and the presence-absence of species, and that the variations in assemblage composition were well correlated with variations in the average temperatures. Our results therefore suggest that climate warming might alter both the incidence and the abundance of phyllosphere fungal species, including potential pathogens. For example, Mycosphaerella punctiformis, a causal agent of leaf spots, showed decreasing abundance with elevation and might therefore shift to higher elevations in response to warming.
Alternative Media and Politics of Resistance: A Communication Perspective

Scholars of journalism and media studies have illustrated the production of alternative media as a means for activists to generate dissent, while communication scholars have examined activists' performances and image events as challenges to dominant power structures. The approaches of both fields have contributed to academic understanding of social movements in modern society, but until now, their findings have emerged separate from one another. This book brings together both lines of research, and demonstrates the role of alternative media in the performance of resistance against power structures by contemporary activists. Specifically, the book explores the role of alternative media in the establishment of activist networks in local communities; the role of alternative media in the construction of strategies of resistance by networked activists; and the role of interactivity between local and global networks in production of alternative media content. The book is suitable for undergraduate and graduate courses concerning social movements within the fields of communication, media, and journalism.
Intraoperative lymphatic mapping and selective cervical lymphadenectomy for early-stage melanomas of the head and neck.

PURPOSE We developed intraoperative lymphatic mapping with selective lymphadenectomy (SLND) to identify micrometastatic spread of cutaneous melanoma to regional lymph nodes. This study was undertaken to assess the sensitivity and specificity of our technique in patients with clinical stage I (CS-I) melanoma of the head or neck. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seventy-two CS-I melanoma patients underwent intraoperative lymphatic mapping of primary cutaneous melanomas located on the head, neck, or upper chest/back draining to the neck. Key (sentinel) cervical lymph nodes in the regional lymphatic drainage basin were identified, selectively excised during SLND, and examined for microscopic evidence of tumor cells. If these sentinel nodes were tumor-negative, the surgery was concluded; if the sentinel nodes were tumor-positive, all nodes in the drainage basin were removed during en bloc lymphadenectomy (LND). RESULTS Intraoperative lymphatic mapping identified sentinel nodes in 90% of the regional drainage basins. Fifteen percent of these nodes were tumor-positive, indicating the need for LND. There were no false-negative sentinel nodes, and extended follow-up showed no local nodal recurrences in patients whose sentinel-node histology did not indicate the need for LND. CONCLUSION Intraoperative lymphatic mapping and SLND is a minimally invasive and highly accurate screening technique for determining which patients with CS-I head and neck melanomas have subclinical node metastases and therefore might benefit from cervical LND.
Subcutaneous Heparin Compared with Continuous Intravenous Heparin Administration in the Initial Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis

OBJECTIVE To quantitatively assess the efficacy and safety of published randomized trials comparing subcutaneous heparin with continuous intravenous heparin for the initial treatment of deep vein thrombosis. DATA IDENTIFICATION Studies published between January 1986 and April 1991 were identified through computer searches of the MEDLINE database and through reviews of the Science Citation Index, Current Contents, proceedings and abstract books, and references cited in the identified articles. Complete manuscripts were obtained from the authors if only abstracts were available. STUDY SELECTION Eight clinical trials were identified that compared subcutaneous with intravenous heparin administration in patients with venographically confirmed deep vein thrombosis. DATA EXTRACTION Each study was independently analyzed for the percentage distribution of thrombosis, the method of outcome measurement, and the heparin dose. The methodologic strength of each study was assessed using predefined standards for the proper evaluation of a therapeutic intervention with particular emphasis on the type of patient allocation and objective measurements. RESULTS OF DATA ANALYSIS The overall relative risk for efficacy (defined as prevention of extension and recurrence of venous thromboembolism) of subcutaneous compared with intravenous heparin treatment was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.39 to 0.98), whereas for safety (defined as major hemorrhage) it was 0.79 (CI, 0.42 to 1.48). CONCLUSIONS The results of our meta-analysis indicated that heparin administered subcutaneously twice daily in the initial treatment of deep vein thrombosis is more effective and at least as safe as continuous intravenous heparin administration. Administration of heparin subcutaneously may simplify patient treatment and could facilitate home treatment.
Removal Efficiency of the Heavy Metals Zn(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) by Saprolegnia delica and Trichoderma viride at Different pH Values and Temperature Degrees

The removal efficiency of the heavy metals Zn, Pb and Cd by the zoosporie fungal species Saprolegnia delica and the terrestrial fungus Trichoderma viride, isolated from polluted water drainages in the Delta of Nile in Egypt, as affected by various ranges of pH values and different temperature degrees, was extensively investigated. The maximum removal efficiency of.S. delica for Zn(II) and Cd(II) was obtained at pH 8 and for Pb(II) was at pH 6 whilst the removal efficiency of T. viride was found to be optimum at pH 6 for the three applied heavy metals. Regardless the median lethal doses of the three heavy metals, Zn recorded the highest bioaccumulation potency by S. delica at all pH values except at pH 4, followed by Pb whereas Cd showed the lowest removal potency by the fungal species and vice versa in case of T. viride. The optimum biomass dry weight production by S. delica was found when the fungus was grown in the medium treated with the heavy metal Pb at pH 6, followed by Zn at pH 8 and Cd at pH 8. The optimum biomass dry weight yield by T. viride amended with Zn, Pb and Cd was obtained at pH 6 for the three heavy metals with the maximum value at Zn. The highest yield of biomass dry weight was found when T. viride treated with Cd at all different pH values followed by Pb whilst Zn output was the lowest and this result was reversed in case of S. delica. The maximum removal efficiency and the biomass dry weight production for the three tested heavy metals was obtained at the incubation temperature 20°C in ease of S. delica while it was 25°C for T. viride. Incubation of T. viride at higher temperatures (30°C and 35°C) enhanced the removal efficiency of Pb and Cd than low temperatures (15°C and 20°C) and vice versa in case of Zn removal At all tested incubation temperatures, the maximum yield of biomass dry weight was attained at Zn treatment by the two tested fungal species. The bioaccumulation potency of S. delica for Zn was higher than that for Pb at all temperature degrees of incubation and Cd bioaccumulation was the lowest whereas T. viride showed the highest removal efficiency for Pb followed by Cd and Zn was the minor of the heavy metals.
Chemokine Function in Periodontal Disease and Oral Cavity Cancer

The chemotactic cytokines, or chemokines, comprise a superfamily of polypeptides with a wide range of activities that include recruitment of immune cells to sites of infection and inflammation, as well as stimulation of cell proliferation. As such, they function as antimicrobial molecules and play a central role in host defenses against pathogen challenge. However, their ability to recruit leukocytes and potentiate or prolong the inflammatory response may have profound implications for the progression of oral diseases such as chronic periodontitis, where tissue destruction may be widespread. Moreover, it is increasingly recognized that chronic inflammation is a key component of tumor progression. Interaction between cancer cells and their microenvironment is mediated in large part by secreted factors such as chemokines, and serves to enhance the malignant phenotype in oral and other cancers. In this article, we will outline the biological and biochemical mechanisms of chemokine action in host–microbiome interactions in periodontal disease and in oral cancer, and how these may overlap and contribute to pathogenesis.
Intercontinental transport of air pollution: will emerging science lead to a new hemispheric treaty?

We examine the emergence of InterContinental Transport (ICT) of air pollution on the agendas of the air quality and climate communities and consider the potential for a new treaty on hemispheric air pollution. ICT is the flow of air pollutants from a source continent (e.g., North America) to a receptor continent (e.g., Europe). ICT of air pollutants occurs through two mechanisms: (i) episodic advection and (ii) increasing the global background, which enhances surface concentrations. We outline the current scientific evidence for ICT of aerosols and ozone, both of which contribute to air pollution and radiative forcing. The growing body of scientific evidence for ICT suggests that a hemispheric-scale treaty to reduce air pollutant concentrations may be appropriate to address climate and air quality concerns simultaneously. Such a treaty could pave the way for future climate agreements.
Genetic polymorphism of merozoite surface protein-1 in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from patients with mild to severe malaria in Libreville, Gabon

We assessed Plasmodium (P.) falciparum allelic diversity based on clinical severity and age. The study was conducted from 2011 to 2012 in Libreville, Gabon where malaria prevalence was 24.5%. The polymorphism of the merozoite surface protein-1 (msp1) locus was analyzed in isolates from patients with complicated and uncomplicated malaria. Blood was collected on filter paper. After DNA extraction, genotyping of the msp1 gene was performed using nested PCR. The K1, Ro33, and Mad20 allelic families were detected in 71 (63%), 64 (57%), and 38 (34%) of the 112 analyzed samples, respectively. Overall, 17 K1 and 11 Mad20 alleles were detected. There was no association between msp1 allelic families and age. Mad20 allelic diversity increased with the severity of malaria. The number of K1 and Mad20 alleles decreased with age. The multiplicity of infection (MOI) was 1–6 genotypes and the complexity of infection (COI) 1.8 ± 1. The COI differed based on age: it was 1.9 (±1.1) in the isolates from adults, 1.8 (±1.1) in those from 0–5 year-old children, whereas it tended to be lower (1.6 ± 0.8) in those from 6–15 year-old children. Extensive genetic diversity is found in P. falciparum strains circulating in Libreville. The number of specific msp1 alleles increased with clinical severity, suggesting an association between the diversity and the severity of malaria.
Conspiracy Theories in the Arab World: Sources and Politics

Introduction 1. Conspiricism and Conspiracy Theories 2. Actual Conspiracies, Perceived Conspiracies and Historical Writings 3. State, Society, Ideological Vacuums and Conspiracism 4. The State as Conspiracist 5. Beyond State and Society: Globalisation and Transnational Conspiricism. Conclusion
Benefits and barriers to physical activity for individuals with disabilities: a social-relational model of disability perspective

Abstract Purpose: To provide a qualitative overview of selected research on physical activity (PA) engagement by people with physical disabilities from a social relational model perspective. Method: Selected articles that exemplify some of the paradoxes, nuances, contrasting perspectives and complexities of the knowledge base in this area are discussed within a disability studies framework. Results: PA is arguably more important for people with disabilities relative to people without disabilities although they are quite inactive. Individuals who are physically activity enjoy a range of benefits spanning physiological, emotional, cognitive and social categories. Unfortunately many people cannot enjoy the benefits of PA because of the many medical, psychological, social and environmental barriers they face making PA quite difficult. Conclusions: Rehabilitation professionals can provide a better standard of care to clients if they are aware of the benefits and barriers of PA. Implications for Rehabilitation Rehabilitation professionals should understand behavior change strategies and their application to people with disabilities in order to help their clients initiate and maintain physical activity (PA). Rehabilitation professionals should be aware of how they might convey low PA expectations to their clients and simultaneously understand the unique challenges faced by their clients in attempting to incorporate PA into their lives on a regular basis. Rehabilitation professionals should be familiar with local disability friendly exercise facilities and adapted sport programs in order to steer their clients towards such opportunities.
Minimum Coverage Breach and Maximum Network Lifetime in Wireless Sensor Networks

Network lifetime is a critical issue in Wireless Sensor Networks. It is possible to extend network lifetime by organizing the sensors into a number of sensor covers. However, with the limited bandwidth, coverage breach (i.e, targets that are not covered) can occur if the number of available time-slots/channels is less than the number of sensors in a sensor cover. In this paper, we study a joint optimization problem in which the objective is to minimize the coverage breach as well as to maximize the network lifetime. We show a "trade-off" scheme by presenting two strongly related models, which aim to tradeoffs between the two conflicting objectives. The main approach of our models is organizing sensors into non-disjoint sets, which is different from the current most popular approach and can gain longer network lifetime as well as less coverage breach. We proposed two algorithms for the first model based on linear programming and greedy techniques, respectively. Then we transform these algorithms to solve the second model by revealing the strong connection between the models. Through numerical simulation, we showed the good performance of our algorithms and the pictures of the tradeoff scheme in variant scenarios, which coincide with theoretical analysis very well. It is also showed that our algorithms could obtain less breach rate than the one proposed in [2].
Na channels and two types of Ca channels in rat pancreatic B cells identified with the reverse hemolytic plaque assay

The reverse hemolytic plaque assay (RHPA) was used to study the secretory properties of single rat pancreatic B cells, and to identify insulin-secreting cells for patch-clamp experiments. In secretion studies using the RHPA, we find that the percentage of secreting B cells and the amount of insulin secreted per B cell increase as the glucose concentration is raised from 0 to 20 mM. Using the whole-cell variation of the patch-clamp technique, we find that identified B cells have three types of channels capable of carrying inward current: (a) tetrodotoxin-sensitive, voltage-dependent Na channels, which are nearly completely inactivated at -40 mV, (b) fast deactivating (FD) Ca channels, and (c) slowly deactivating (SD) Ca channels. We have shown that Na channels are functionally significant to the B cell, because tetrodotoxin partially inhibits glucose-induced insulin secretion. The properties of FD and SD Ca channels differ in several respects. FD channels deactivate at -80 mV, with a time constant of 129 microseconds, they are half-maximally activated near +15 mV, they do not inactivate during 100 ms, they conduct Ba2+ better than Ca2+, and they are very sensitive to washout during intracellular dialysis. SD channels, on the other hand, deactivate with a time constant of 2.8 ms, they are half-maximally activated near -5 mV, they inactivate rapidly, they conduct Ba2+ and Ca2+ equally well, and they are insensitive to washout.
The ribonuclease P database

The Ribonuclease P Sequence database is a compilation of RNase P sequences, sequence alignments, secondary structures, three-dimensional models, and accessory information. In its initial form, the database contains information on RNase P RNA in bacteria and archaea, and RNase P protein in bacteria. The sequences themselves are presented phylogenetically ordered and aligned. The database also contains secondary structures of bacterial and archaeal RNAs, including specially annotated 'reference' secondary structures of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis RNase P RNAs, a minimum phylogenetic consensus structure, and coordinates for models of three-dimensional structure.
Can load carriage system weight, design and placement affect pain and discomfort? A systematic review.

PURPOSE A systematic review of the literature was conducted to answer the following questions: 1. Does usage or weight of load carriage system cause pain, perceived exertion or discomfort? 2. Can load carriage system placement on the spine influence pain, perceived exertion or discomfort? 3. Can load carriage system design influence the amount of pain, perceived exertion or discomfort caused by their use? METHOD Eight databases were searched. Each included study was analysed and quality appraised by two independent reviewers. RESULTS Forty-seven articles that addressed the research questions were included in the study. Significant variability in the study design and populations of the studies prevented data pooling and the evidence is conflicting. However, qualitative synthesis of the studies shows that carrying loads may provoke low back pain; and it may also trigger neck, thoracic and shoulder pain. Backpack weight can influence perceived pain, however other factors are involved. DISCUSSION There is conflicting but positive evidence on the correlation between backpack load carrying and experiencing pain during different stages of life. The research to date is lacking with the most commonly identified methodological deficiencies being poor overall design, the lack of justification of sample size, providing training sessions for examiners, and not utilising calibrated, valid and reliable instruments for measurement.