Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discrimination and characterization of breath from smokers and non-smokers via electronic nose and GC/MS analysis

The objective of this study was to prove the general applicability of an electronic nose for analyzing exhaled breath considering the dependency on smoking. At first, odor compounds from spices (n=6) were detected via the electronic nose and further characterized and classified with gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry to demonstrate the principle ability of the electronic nose. Then, the exhaled breath from smokers and non-smokers were analyzed to prove the influence of smoking on breath analyses with the electronic nose. The exhaled breath was sampled from 11 smokers and 11 non-smokers in a special sampling bag with the mounted sensor chip of the electronic nose. Additionally, solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) technique was established for detection of the specific chemical compounds with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). For analyses of the sensor signals the principle component analysis (PCA) was applied and the groups were differentiated by linear discriminant function analysis. In accordance to the discrimination between the different spices and between smokers and non-smokers the PCA analysis leads to an optimum accuracy of 100%. The results of this study show that an electronic nose has the ability to detect different changes of odor components and provides separation of smoking side effects in smelling different diseases.
Synergistic Effect of Diallyl Sulfide With Zinc Oxide Nanorods: A Novel and Effective Approach for Treatment of Acute Dermatitis in Model Animals

Besides inciting persistent and recurrent nosocomial afflictions, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a biofilm forming pathogen, poses an increased risk of several skin as well as respiratory tract infections as well. Emerging antimicrobial resistance trend asks to search for an alternate non-antibiotic based option to combat S. aureus pathogen. In the present study, we evaluated synergistic antimicrobial potential of Zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO-NRs) and diallyl sulphide (DAS) emulsion against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The antimicrobial assessment study suggests that the ZnO-NR and DAS emulsion effectively suppressed both sensitive S. aureus as well as MRSA isolates. The combination treatment showed enhanced activity even at a lower concentration as compared to the single treatment based on ZnO-NRs and DAS emulsion alone. The ZnO-NRs-DAS combination showed significant inhibition of MRSA biofilm as well. The data suggest that a combination therapy, comprising of ZnO-NRs and DAS emulsion, successfully treated experimental dermatitis infection caused by MRSA in mice model.
Energy efficient optimisation for large-scale multiple-antenna system with WPT

In this study, an energy-efficient optimisation scheme for a large-scale multiple-antenna system with wireless power transfer (WPT) is presented. In the considered system, the user is charged by a base station with a large number of antennas via downlink WPT and then utilises the received power to carry out uplink data transmission. Novel antenna selection, time allocation and power allocation schemes are presented to optimise the energy efficiency of the overall system. In addition, the authors also consider channel state information cannot be perfectly obtained when designing the resource allocation schemes. The non-linear fractional programming-based algorithm is utilised to address the formulated problem. Their proposed schemes are validated by extensive simulations and it shows superior performance over the existing schemes.
The Hard Way towards an Antibody-Based HIV-1 Env Vaccine: Lessons from Other Viruses

Although effective antibody-based vaccines have been developed against multiple viruses, such approaches have so far failed for the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Despite the success of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) that has turned HIV-1 infection into a chronic disease and has reduced the number of new infections worldwide, a vaccine against HIV-1 is still urgently needed. We discuss here the major reasons for the failure of “classical” vaccine approaches, which are mostly due to the biological properties of the virus itself. HIV-1 has developed multiple mechanisms of immune escape, which also account for vaccine failure. So far, no vaccine candidate has been able to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against primary patient viruses from different clades. However, such antibodies were identified in a subset of patients during chronic infection and were shown to protect from infection in animal models and to reduce viremia in first clinical trials. Their detailed characterization has guided structure-based reverse vaccinology approaches to design better HIV-1 envelope (Env) immunogens. Furthermore, conserved Env epitopes have been identified, which are promising candidates in view of clinical applications. Together with new vector-based technologies, considerable progress has been achieved in recent years towards the development of an effective antibody-based HIV-1 vaccine.
Childhood mortality, family size and birth order in pre-industrial Europe

Based on parish registers, demographic histories of Crulai (France), Tourouvre-au-Perche (France), and Geneva (Switzerland) established the childhood mortality experienced by complete sibships during periods of at least half a century before the French revolution. These observations may be presented as frequencies in incomplete five-dimensional contingency tables. The five dimensions are: survival (living or dead), completed sibship size, birth order, type of family (according to completeness of information about family), and epoch (period in which the family lived). This paper reanalyzes these published data, using hierarchical log-linear models to discern which interactions among the five variables can justifiably be inferred from the data. The neonatal and infant mortality rates of firstborn are probably higher than those of later sibs (in Crulai and Tourouvre). But mortality by age 20 (in Geneva) is associated strongly with the epoch, type of family, and family size, and not significantly with birth order. The increase in mortality with completed family size is insufficient to select, in an evolutionary sense, for limited family size.
Effects of Inulin-Type Fructans on Appetite, Energy Intake, and Body Weight in Children and Adults: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Aim: To systematically evaluate the effects of inulin-type fructan (ITF) supplementation on appetite, energy intake, and body weight (BW) in children and adults. Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to December 2012 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of supplementation with well-defined ITF with placebo or no intervention. Results: For the pediatric population, 4 RCTs (n = 232) met the inclusion criteria. In infants, very limited evidence (1 RCT, n = 62) showed no effect of ITF supplementation on energy intake and BW. One RCT involving 97 nonobese adolescents aged 9 to 13 years found a reduced increase in BW in the oligofructose + inulin (8 g/day) group compared with the control group after 1 year. For the adult population, 15 RCTs (n = 545) met the inclusion criteria. Five RCTs found no effect of ITF supplementation on appetite sensations. Eleven RCTs found no effect of ITF supplementation on daily energy intake or energy intake during a meal tolerance test. Among 3 RCTs that assessed the effect of ITF supplementation on BW, 2 RCTs showed a (significant) reduction in BW. Of 3 RCTs that evaluated body mass index (BMI), 1 RCT showed a significant reduction in BMI in subjects supplemented with ITF. Conclusion: Limited data suggest that long-term administration of ITF may contribute to weight reduction.
Effect of the size of silica nanoparticles on the mechanical characteristics of heterogeneous epoxy resin materials

The paper considers the elastic properties of epoxy composites reinforced by 6 types of silica nanoparticles with different average diameter at the same weight concentration of 1.1%. The addition of silicon nanopowders increases the modulus of elasticity. For powders of the same origin, with an increase of the modulus of elasticity, a decrease in the characteristic diameter of the filler particles at a constant concentration is observed. It is shown that the characteristic average particle size is not the only factor determining the growth of the elastic modulus, since the growth of the modulus is significantly different for powders of different producers.The paper considers the elastic properties of epoxy composites reinforced by 6 types of silica nanoparticles with different average diameter at the same weight concentration of 1.1%. The addition of silicon nanopowders increases the modulus of elasticity. For powders of the same origin, with an increase of the modulus of elasticity, a decrease in the characteristic diameter of the filler particles at a constant concentration is observed. It is shown that the characteristic average particle size is not the only factor determining the growth of the elastic modulus, since the growth of the modulus is significantly different for powders of different producers.
Impact of discharge medication counseling in the cardiology unit of a tertiary hospital in Brazil: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-provided discharge counseling on mortality rate, hospital readmissions, emergency department visits, and medication adherence at 30 days post discharge. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was approved by the local ethics committee and included patients aged 18 years or older admitted to the cardiology ward of a Brazilian tertiary hospital. The intervention group received a pharmacist-led medication counseling session at discharge and a telephone follow-up three and 15 days after discharge. The outcomes included the number of deaths, hospital readmissions, emergency department visits, and medication adherence. All outcomes were evaluated during a pharmacist-led ambulatory consultation performed 30 days after discharge. RESULTS: Of 133 patients, 104 were included in the analysis (51 and 53 in the intervention and control groups, respectively). The intervention group had a lower overall readmission rate, number of emergency department visits, and mortality rate, but the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, the intervention group had a significantly lower readmission rate related to heart disease (0% vs. 11.3%, p=0.027), despite the small sample size. Furthermore, medication counseling contributed significantly to improved medication adherence according to three different tools (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacist-provided discharge medication counseling resulted in better medication adherence scores and a lower incidence of cardiovascular-associated hospital readmissions, thus representing a useful service for cardiology patients.
Isolation and characterization of a ranavirus from koi, Cyprinus carpio L., experiencing mass mortalities in India.

We investigated mass mortalities of koi, Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758, experienced in South Indian fish farms by virus isolation, electron microscopy, PCR detection, sequencing of capsid protein gene and transmission studies. Samples of moribund koi brought to the laboratory suffered continuous mortality exhibiting swimming abnormalities, intermittent surfacing and skin darkening. Irido-like virus was isolated from the infected fish in the indigenous snakehead kidney cell line (SNKD2a). Icosahedral virus particles of 100 to 120 nm were observed in the infected cell cultures, budding from the cell membrane. Virus transmission and pathogenicity studies revealed that horizontal transmission occurred associated with mortality. PCR analysis of infected fish and cell cultures confirmed the presence of Ranavirus capsid protein sequences. Sequence analysis of the major capsid protein gene showed an identity of 99.9% to that of largemouth bass virus isolated from North America. Detection and successful isolation of this viral agent becomes the first record of isolation of a virus resembling Santee-Cooper Ranavirus from a koi and from India. We propose the name koi ranavirus to this agent.
Geographical variation in asymmetry in Gasterosteus aculeatus

We tested whether fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in undisturbed populations is associated with several natural environmental factors and whether FA is negatively correlated with fitness in the wild. We compared the FA of multiple bony structural defences among 87 endemic populations of threespine stickleback ( Gasterosteus aculeatus L.) inhabiting pristine freshwater habitats on the islands of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada. Multi-trait FA for adults and juvenile fish varied extensively among populations, but only in adults did it correlate with geography and two habitat characteristics (pH and water colour). Mean FA among individual traits varied concordantly among populations but was not correlated within individuals. While asymmetrical fish showed slightly higher levels of parasitism as predicted, selection differentials based on age class comparisons suggested that asymmetrical fish had the same or marginally higher survival than symmetrical fish. Selection differentials of FA varied significantly among traits and may reflect variability in their functional importance and in the strength of selection on their developmental stability. The data imply that FA/fitness associations are heterogeneous and character-specific. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 77 , 9‐22.
Self-Injury Among Left-Behind Adolescents in Rural China: The Role of Parental Migration and Parent–Child Attachment

Previous studies have indicated that self-injury is a maladaptive coping strategy with a high prevalence among left-behind adolescents in rural China. However, few studies have been conducted on the factors influencing left-behind adolescents’ self-injury. The current study explored the roles of parental migration and parent–child attachment on self-injury. In total, 1110 adolescents were selected from four rural middle schools in Hunan province. Data on demographic and left-behind characteristics were collected and the Adolescent Self-Harm Scale and Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment were administered. The results indicated that compared with non-left-behind children and children with one parent migrating, there was a higher prevalence of self-injury among children with two parents migrating. Those with lower levels of parent–child attachment had a higher prevalence of self-injury than those with higher levels of parent–child attachment. There were also significant differences in terms of frequency, severity, and overall level of self-injurious behavior by patterns of parental migration and levels of parent–child attachment. Thus, parental migration, parent–child attachment, and the interaction between parental migration and mother–child attachment can predict adolescents’ self-injury.
Gender Differences in Altruism on Mechanical Turk: Expectations and Actual Behaviour

Previous research shows that women are more altruistic than men in dictator game experiments. Yet, little is known whether women are expected to be more altruistic than men. Here we elicit third-parties' beliefs about dictators' donations conditional on knowing the gender of the dictator. Our data provide evidence of four main findings: (i) framing instructions with gender does not affect expectations; (ii) women are expected to be more altruistic than men; (iii) both men and women have correct beliefs about the level of altruism among men; and (iv) both men and women overestimate the level of altruism among women. In doing so, our results uncover a perception gap according to which, although women are more altruistic than men, they are expected to be even more altruistic than they actually are.
Extreme imaging via physical model inversion: seeing around corners and imaging black holes

Imaging often plays a critical role in advancing fundamental science. However, as science continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, imaging systems are reaching the limits of what can be measured using traditional-direct approaches. By designing systems that tightly integrate novel sensor and algorithm design, it may be possible to develop imaging systems that exceed fundamental theoretical limitations to observe things previously impossible to see. However, these non-traditional imaging systems generally come with a trade-off; they produce increasingly sparse and/or noisy measurements that require incorporating additional structure to extract anything meaningful. The focus of this thesis is on using computational methods that exploit structure in our universe to move past these obstacles and reveal the invisible. In this thesis, we focus on two imaging problems that explicitly leverage structure in our universe: reconstructing images and video from a computational telescope the size of the Earth, and seeing around corners. For the first imaging problem, this thesis investigates ways to reconstruct images and video from a sparse telescope array distributed around the globe. Additionally, it presents a number of evaluation techniques developed to rigorously evaluate imaging methods in order to establish confidence in reconstructions done with real scientific data. The methods and evaluation techniques developed in this thesis will hopefully aid in ongoing work to take the first picture of a black hole. Next, this thesis presents methods developed for using the subtle spatiotemporal radiance variations that arise on the ground at the base of an edge to construct a one-dimensional video of a hidden scene. These methods may be especially valuable in remotely sensing occupants in a room during search and rescue operations, or in detecting hidden, oncoming vehicles and/or pedestrians for collision avoidance systems.
Cultivar and Harvest Month Influence the Nutrient Content of Opuntia spp. Cactus Pear Cladode Mucilage Extracts

Mucilage extracted from cactus pear cladodes is a hydrocolloid gum. It is a novel, natural, low-kilojoule, cost-effective texture-modifying ingredient in functional food products. Yet, the cultivar with the most optimal nutrient content and the preferred harvest times are as yet unknown. For this reason, mucilage from three Opuntia ficus-indica (Algerian, Morado and Gymno-Carpo) and one Opuntia robusta (Robusta) cultivar were investigated to determine their nutrient content over six months. Nutrients that contribute energy (10.2 kJ/g) were low. The mineral content was high (ash 17.7/100 g), particularly calcium (3.0 g/100 g) and phosphorous (109.5 mg/kg). Low insoluble acid-detergent fibre (1.4 g/kg) and neutral-detergent fibre (2.1 g/kg) values indicated that mucilage was mostly soluble fibre. Calcium oxalate crystals were not detected in dried mucilage. Opuntia robusta powders had higher protein, extractable fat and potassium content, while Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage powders had higher polyunsaturated (Linoleic and α-Linolenic acid) fat content. O. robusta Robusta mucilage, harvested after the fruit harvest (February) had the lowest energy content and the highest mineral and protein content. Mucilage powders were highly soluble, low-kilojoule and mineral-rich. This is a functional ingredient that is produced from an easily cultivated crop, as cactus pears grow in areas with poor soil, extremely high daytime temperatures and limited water supplies.
Vibrio cholerae Outer Membrane Vesicles Inhibit Bacteriophage Infection

Phages have been increasingly recognized for the significance of their interactions with bacterial cells in multiple environments. Bacteria use myriad strategies to defend against phage infection, including restriction modification, abortive infection, phase variation of cell surface receptors, phage-inducible chromosomal islands, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat(s) (CRISPR)-Cas systems. The data presented here suggest that the apparently passive process of OMV release can also contribute to phage defense. By considering the effect of OMVs on V. cholerae infection by three unique virulent phages, ICP1, ICP2, and ICP3, we show that, in vitro, a reproducible reduction in bacterial killing is both dose and phage receptor dependent. This work supports a role for OMVs as natural decoys to defend bacteria from phage predation. ABSTRACT Novel preventatives could help in efforts to limit Vibrio cholerae infection and the spread of cholera. Bacteriophage (phage) treatment has been proposed as an alternative intervention, given the rapid replication of virulent phages, prey specificity, and relative ease of finding new virulent phages. Phage tropism is dictated in part by the presence of phage receptors on the bacterial surface. While many phages that can kill V. cholerae have been isolated, whether this pathogen is able to defend itself by neutralizing phage binding is unknown. Here, we show that secreted outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) act as a defense mechanism that confers protection to V. cholerae against phage predation and that this OMV-mediated inhibition is phage receptor dependent. Our results suggest that phage therapy or prophylaxis should take into consideration the production of OMVs as a bacterial decoy mechanism that could influence the outcome of phage treatment. IMPORTANCE Phages have been increasingly recognized for the significance of their interactions with bacterial cells in multiple environments. Bacteria use myriad strategies to defend against phage infection, including restriction modification, abortive infection, phase variation of cell surface receptors, phage-inducible chromosomal islands, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat(s) (CRISPR)-Cas systems. The data presented here suggest that the apparently passive process of OMV release can also contribute to phage defense. By considering the effect of OMVs on V. cholerae infection by three unique virulent phages, ICP1, ICP2, and ICP3, we show that, in vitro, a reproducible reduction in bacterial killing is both dose and phage receptor dependent. This work supports a role for OMVs as natural decoys to defend bacteria from phage predation.
Small in Size, Big in Precision: A Case for Using Language-Specific Lexical Resources for Word Sense Disambiguation

Linked open data (LOD) presents an ideal platform for connecting the multilingual lexical resources used in natural language processing (NLP) tasks, but the use of machine translation to ﬁll in gaps in lexical coverage for resource-poor languages means that large amounts of data are potentially unveriﬁed. For graph-based word sense disambiguation (WSD), one approach has been to ﬁrst translate terms into English in order to disambiguate us-ing richer, fuller lexical knowledge bases (LKBs) such as WordNet. In this paper, we show that this approach actually creates more ambiguity and is far less accurate than using language-speciﬁc resources, which, regardless of their smaller size, can provide results comparable in accuracy to the state-of-the-art reported for graph-based WSD in English. For LOD, this demonstrates the importance of continuing to grow and extend language-speciﬁc resources in order to continually verify and reintegrate them as accurate resources.