Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of mixing on the washout and steady‐state performance of continuous cultures

The effects of mixing on the critical mean holding time for washout and the steady state performance of growth processes in continuous flow reactors are investigated. Macromixing, micromixing, and cell recycle arc considered. The tanks‐in‐series model composed of N completely mixed flow reactors, the dispersion model, the plug flow model, and a combined model composed of a plug flow reactor and a continuous stirred tank flow reactor connected in series arc used to represent the macro‐mixing or residence time distribution. The extreme cases of micromixing, namely, complete segregation and maximum mixedness, as well as intermediate states of micromixing are investigated to determine their effects on washout and the occurence of multiple steady states. A technique for predicting the maximum mixedness washout condition from a knowledge of the residence time distribution is presented and used to determine the washout condition for the dispersion model under maximum mixedness conditions.
A Readout IC Using Two-Step Fastest Signal Identification for Compact Data Acquisition of PET Systems

A readout integrated circuit (ROIC) using two-step fastest signal identification (FSI) is proposed to reduce the number of input channels of a data acquisition (DAQ) block with a high-channel reduction ratio. The two-step FSI enables the proposed ROIC to filter out useless input signals that arise from scattering and electrical noise without using complex and bulky circuits. In addition, an asynchronous fastest signal identifier and a self-trimmed comparator are proposed to identify the fastest signal without using a high-frequency clock and to reduce misidentification, respectively. The channel reduction ratio of the proposed ROIC is 16:1 and can be extended to 16 × N:1 using N ROICs. To verify the performance of the two-step FSI, the proposed ROIC was implemented into a gamma photon detector module using a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode with a lutetium-yttrium oxyorthosilicate array. The measured minimum detectable time is 1 ns. The difference of the measured energy and timing resolution between with and without the two-step FSI are 0.8% and 0.2 ns, respectively, which are negligibly small. These measurement results show that the proposed ROIC using the two-step FSI reduces the number of input channels of the DAQ block without sacrificing the performance of the positron emission tomography (PET) systems.
Effects of Study Skills Programs on the Academic Behaviors of College Students

Students in a comprehensive developmental studies program (study skills course and required attendance at tutoring sessions) were compared to students enrolled in a study skills course and to a control group with regard to grade point average, faculty perceptions of academic behaviors, and faculty perceptions of behavioral changes. Students in the comprehensive program exceeded their predicted grade point average significantly more than the comparison groups, and instructors reported a greater number of positive behaviors on the part of these students in their classes. A significant correlation between grade point average and the instrument used to elicit faculty perceptions indicated the validity of this type of assessment in measuring successful academic behaviors.
Preparing for Practice: An Evaluation of an Undergraduate Social Work ‘Preparation for Practice’ Module

The requirement for social work students to undergo assessed preparation prior to undertaking their first practice placement raises key questions about the type of knowledge and experience that is needed for those at the start of their training. This paper shows the need for social work educators to become re‐engaged in debates about the practice–theory relationship and to explore what is meant by an incremental approach to learning. A Preparation for Practice Learning module which was delivered to a cohort of Level 1 undergraduate social work students at a London university is described and evaluated. The paper highlights the key themes which emerged from the evaluation; these include the importance of work shadowing, observational learning and the centrality of critical reflection in aiding students' personal and professional learning. A discussion of its effectiveness in preparing students for their first practice learning experience follows. It concludes by recommending how students' learning in relation to the nature of social work and the skills required to undertake the role effectively might be addressed within the curriculum. Finally, a Preparation for Practice Learning model based on these findings is proposed.
A novel mutation (g.106737G>T) in zone of polarizing activity regulatory sequence (ZRS) causes variable limb phenotypes in Werner mesomelia

Werner mesomelia is characterized by a sequence variation in the specific region (position 404) of the enhancer ZRS of SHH. The phenotype comprises variable mesomelia, abnormalities of the thumb and great toe and supernumerary digits. We describe extensive variation in limb phenotype in a large family and report on a novel sequence variation NG_009240. 1: g.106737G>T (traditional nomenclature: ZRS404G>T) in the ZRS within the LMBR1 gene. The newly recognized clinical features in this family include small thenar eminence, sandal gap, broad first metatarsals, mesoaxial polydactyly, and postaxial polydactyly. We provide information on 12 affected family members. We review the literature on how a sequence variation in ZRS may cause such diverse phenotypes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plasma apolipoprotein A1 associates with age at onset and motor severity in early Parkinson's disease patients

Background: Development of robust plasma‐based biomarkers in Parkinson's disease (PD) could lead to new approaches for identifying those at risk for PD and developing novel therapies. Here, we validate plasma apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) as a correlate of age at onset and motor severity in PD.
A system for automatic pose-estimation from a single image in a city scene

We describe an automatic system for pose-estimation from a single image in a city scene. Each building has a model consisting of a number of parallel planes associated with it. The homographies for the best match of the planes to the image is estimated automatically for each of the possible buildings. We show how the estimation of the homographies can be done effectively by reducing the search space and using fast convolution. The model having the best match is then used to determine the position and orientation of the camera. The results of a number of experiments of the system in realistic circumstances is also presented
Explanations: if, when, and how they aid service recovery

Purpose – This study aims to investigate if, when, and how the use of four different types of explanations affect customer satisfaction after a service failure.Design/methodology/approach – The study used written scenarios of a hypothetical service failure to manipulate explanation type, failure magnitude and compensation offered. Participants were randomly assigned to read and respond to one version of the scenario, whilst imagining they were the customer experiencing the service failure.Findings – The paper finds that explanation type, explanation quality, failure magnitude and compensation each had significant effects on customer evaluations. Explanation type and explanation quality interactively affected the extent to which customers were satisfied with service recovery: Apologies and excuses yielded higher satisfaction levels than did justifications and referential accounts but only when the explanations were perceived to be of high (vs low) quality. Specific types of attributions and forms of justic.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B in cell adhesion and migration

Cell migration requires a highly coordinated interplay between specialized plasma membrane adhesion complexes and the cytoskeleton. Protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation modifications regulate many aspects of the integrin-cytoskeleton interdependence, including their coupling, dynamics, and organization to support cell movement. The endoplasmic reticulum-bound protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B has been implicated as a regulator of cell adhesion and migration. Recent results from our laboratory shed light on potential mechanisms, such as Src/FAK signaling through Rho GTPases and integrin-cytoskeletal coupling.
Pursuit of explanation within a computer‐supported classroom

The problem addressed in the study was whether 10‐year‐old and 11‐year‐old children, collaborating within a computer‐supported classroom, learned an explanation‐driven process of inquiry that had characteristics of the progressive nature of scientific inquiry. The technical infrastructure for the study was provided by the Computer‐Supported Intentional Learning Environments (CSILE). The study was based on qualitative content analysis of students’ written productions in physics posted to CSILE’s database in three investigative projects. The study indicated that some young students do engage in epistemic agency and genuinely pursue explanation‐driven inquiry. students’ intuitive explanations were often functional (referring to human agency) and empirical (in terms of observables) in nature. Provided that understandable explanations were available, some of the students moved towards theoretical scientific explanations.
Error Processing in Huntington's Disease

Background Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic disorder expressed by a degeneration of the basal ganglia inter alia accompanied with dopaminergic alterations. These dopaminergic alterations are related to genetic factors i.e., CAG-repeat expansion. The error (related) negativity (Ne/ERN), a cognitive event-related potential related to performance monitoring, is generated in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and supposed to depend on the dopaminergic system. The Ne is reduced in Parkinson's Disease (PD). Due to a dopaminergic deficit in HD, a reduction of the Ne is also likely. Furthermore it is assumed that movement dysfunction emerges as a consequence of dysfunctional error-feedback processing. Since dopaminergic alterations are related to the CAG-repeat, a Ne reduction may furthermore also be related to the genetic disease load. Methodology/Principle Findings We assessed the error negativity (Ne) in a speeded reaction task under consideration of the underlying genetic abnormalities. HD patients showed a specific reduction in the Ne, which suggests impaired error processing in these patients. Furthermore, the Ne was closely related to CAG-repeat expansion. Conclusions/Significance The reduction of the Ne is likely to be an effect of the dopaminergic pathology. The result resembles findings in Parkinson's Disease. As such the Ne might be a measure for the integrity of striatal dopaminergic output function. The relation to the CAG-repeat expansion indicates that the Ne could serve as a gene-associated “cognitive” biomarker in HD.
CSL112 Enhances Biomarkers of Reverse Cholesterol Transport After Single and Multiple Infusions in Healthy Subjects

Objective— The ability of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) to transport cholesterol from atherosclerotic plaque is thought to underlie its inverse correlation with cardiovascular risk. To gauge the potential of infused apoA-I to transport cholesterol, we quantified cholesterol transport markers in human subjects infused with a novel formulation of apoA-I (CSL112). Approach and Results— CSL112 was infused into human subjects in single (57 subjects) and multiple (36 subjects) ascending dose trials. Pharmacokinetic and biomarker assessments were conducted before and after infusions. CSL112 caused an immediate, up to 3-fold elevation of apoA-I and subsequent movement of tissue cholesterol into plasma. Cholesterol appeared first as unesterified cholesterol in the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction and was promptly esterified by lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase. HDL cholesterol increased up to 81±16.5%. Underlying this movement of cholesterol was an immediate and strong rise in the ability of plasma to promote cholesterol efflux from cells ex vivo. CSL112 had its greatest impact on the fraction of efflux mediated by ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), a cholesterol transporter induced in cholesterol-loaded tissues such as plaque. ABCA1-dependent efflux capacity increased ⩽630±421% and total efflux capacity by ⩽192±40%. In keeping with this finding, we observed a profound rise in very small HDL, also known as pre&bgr;1-HDL, the preferred substrate for ABCA1. Very small HDL increased ⩽3596±941%. Elevations in apoA-I, cholesterol efflux, and very small HDL were dose-proportional over a wide range. No significant changes in atherogenic lipids were observed at any dose. Conclusions— Infusion of CSL112 elevates the ability of plasma to withdraw cholesterol from cells. Preferential elevation of ABCA1-dependent efflux may target atherosclerotic plaque for cholesterol removal, making CSL112 a promising candidate therapy for acute coronary syndrome.
Mutation analysis of the MCM gene in Israeli patients with mut(0) disease.

Three novel mutations (IVS8+3a --> g, N219Y, and E414X) were identified in 6 unrelated patients with mut(0) methylmalonic aciduria. The presence of a wild-type along with rearranged fragments in homozygotes for the IVS8+3a --> g mutation may contribute to their later age of onset (3-11 months of age). Nonetheless, delayed onset was not associated with better neurological outcome and prolonged survival. The large number of undiagnosed dead sibs in most families suggests that the disease is largely underdiagnosed in this region.
Elsevier Editorial System(tm) for Water Research Manuscript Draft Manuscript Number: Title: OCCURRENCE AND FATE OF DISSOLVED AND PARTICULATE ANTIMICROBIALS IN MUNICIPAL

Abstract: Comprehensive study on the occurrence and fate of several classes of antimicrobials, including sulfonamides, trimethoprim, fluoroquinolones and macrolides, in Croatian municipal wastewaters was performed using an integrated approach, which comprised analysis of both dissolved and particulate fractions. A nation-wide screening showed ubiquitous occurrence of human-use antimicrobials in raw wastewater samples with the total concentrations ranging from 2 to 20 μg/L, while veterinary antimicrobials were typically present in much lower concentrations (<100 ng/L). The percentage of the particulate fraction in raw wastewater varied significantly depending on the type of the antimicrobial and the load of suspended solids. A detailed study of the mass flows of dissolved and particulate antimicrobials, performed in the wastewater treatment plant of the city of Zagreb, allowed an improved assessment of the biological and physico-chemical removal mechanisms of investigated compounds during the conventional activated sludge treatment. The overall removal efficiencies of antimicrobials from the water phase were rather variable, ranging from 0% for trimethoprim to 85% for norfloxacin. A significant percentage of fluoroquinolones (norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin) and macrolides (azithromycin and clarithromycin) was associated with the primary and excess secondary sludge, explaining 14 to 77% of the total removal. The removal, which could be attributed to biological transformation, was relatively poor for all antimicrobials, exceeding 30% only for SMX (32%) and clarithromycin (55%).
Investigating touchscreen typing: the effect of keyboard size on typing speed

Two studies investigated the effect keyboard size has on typing speed and error rates for touchscreen keyboards using the lift-off strategy . A cursor appeared when users touched the screen and a key was selected when they lifted their finger from the screen. Four keyboard sizes were investigated ranging from 24.6 cm to 6.8 cm wide. Results indicate that novices can type approximately 10 words per minute (WPM) on the smallest keyboard and 20 WPM on the largest. Experienced users improved to 21 WPM on the smallest keyboard and 32 WPM on the largest. These results indicate that, although slower, small touchscreen keyboards can be used for limited data entry when the presence of a regular keyboard is not practical. Applications include portable pocket-sized or palmtop computers, messaging systems, and personal information resources. Results also suggest the increased importance of experience on these smaller keyboards. Research directions are suggested.
SPAM: A SPARQL Analysis and Manipulation Tool

SQL developers are used to having elaborate tools which help them in writing queries. In contrast, the creation of tools to assist users in the development of SPARQL queries is still in its infancy. In this system demo, we present the SPARQL Analysis and Manipulation (SPAM) tool, which provides help for the development of SPARQL queries. The main features of the SPAM tool comprise an editor with both text and graphical interface, as well as various functions for the static and dynamic analysis of SPARQL queries.
OBSERVATIONS ON THROMBIN INACTIVATION BY HUMAN SERUM

The inactivation of thrombin by serum follows a first order kinetics with thrombin concentrations of the order of 20 to 40 units per ml. of serum. With higher thrombin concentrations of 300 to 600 units per ml. of serum, the rate slows down and not the logarithm of the clotting time, but the clotting time itself increases proportionally with the incubation time. The antithrombic factor is stable at +4°C. for a period of 2 weeks, or for 3 months at –15°C. Heating over 58°C. destroys it rapidly. The heat inactivation has an energy of activation of 121,000 cal. With low thrombin concentrations the rate of thrombin inactivation increases linearly with increasing serum concentration. The pH optimum of the inactivation is at 8.5. Increasing the temperature increases the rate. The energy of activation of the thrombin destruction by serum is 14,000 cal. Heparin increases the rate considerably with low thrombin concentrations, but does not affect the rate with high thrombin concentrations. The effect of heparin can be abolished with protamine or toluidine blue. Some other reagents were also tested with respect to their effect upon the rate of inactivation of thrombin by serum.
Development of the Applied Baccalaureate

Increasing demands for economic competitiveness and educational effectiveness have led states and institutions to implement new approaches to facilitating baccalaureate completion. This study examined one of these approaches, the applied baccalaureate degree, which is designed to incorporate applied associate course work and degrees once considered terminal or at a non-baccalaureate level into a transfer program leading to a baccalaureate degree. Based on a national state-by-state inventory conducted in 2007–2008, the study documents the extent to which applied baccalaureate degrees are offered across the United States and explores the development of these degrees in community colleges and traditional baccalaureate degree-granting institutions. Using Stark and Lattuca's (1997) lens of factors affecting curriculum development and implementation through external, organizational, and institutional lenses, this study found many applied baccalaureate degrees emerged in response to external or environmental influences, such as workforce demands and statewide needs to increase baccalaureate attainment. Student demand and institutional support were less apparent, though evident in some institutions. More research is needed to examine the economic and educational effectiveness of these degrees as well as to explore which student populations are impacted by this phenomenon. Enrollment and impact on adult learners is an especially important question, given the focus of the degrees on workforce and economic development.
Performance evaluation of a statistical and a neural network model for nonrigid shape-based registration

Shape-based registration methods frequently encounters in the domains of computer vision, image processing and medical imaging. The registration problem is to find an optimal transformation/mapping between sets of rigid or non-rigid objects and to automatically solve for correspondences. In this paper we present a comparison of two different probabilistic methods, the entropy and the growing neural gas network (GNG), as general feature-based registration algorithms. Using entropy shape modelling is performed by connecting the point sets with the highest probability of curvature information, while with GNG the points sets are connected using nearest-neighbour relationships derived from competitive hebbian learning. In order to compare performances we use different levels of shape deformation starting with a simple shape 2D MRI brain ventricles and moving to more complicated shapes like hands. Results both quantitatively and qualitatively are given for both sets.
The palimpsest layers of pre-service teachers’ literacy autobiographies

In this article, we examine three literacy autobiographies written by pre-service teachers. Narratives are seen as not just stories relating a set of facts, but rather a means by which individuals interpret their experience. Literacy autobiographies are a reflective and interpretive account of one’s development as a literate being. Using the tools of narrative analysis, we (a) examine these stories to understand the processes of literacy development through the experiences of learners’ storied lives; (b) seek to understand the impact that teachers’ literacy journeys have on their view of literacy and literacy education; and (c) explore what these literacy autobiographies reveal about the contributions of teacher reflection to pre-service teacher education. Our analysis points to the importance of personal relationships in the development of literacy, providing the context within which literacy practices give meaning to the literacy events active in the narrators’ lives. We also note a persistent view of traditional forms of literacy in contrast to pre-service teachers’ involvement in multiliteracies, and argue that this gap needs to be addressed in order to prepare teachers for the twenty-first century classroom. We also consider how reflection can be a more intentional aspect of pre-service teacher education to enhance pedagogy and learning.
LSU Digital Commons LSU Digital Commons : Low-resolution refinement for ligand comparative : Low-resolution refinement for ligand comparative modeling modeling

The success of ligand docking calculations typically depends on the quality of the receptor structure. Given improvements in protein structure prediction approaches, approximate protein models now can be routinely obtained for the majority of gene products in a given proteome. Structure-based virtual screening of large combinatorial libraries of lead candidates against theoretically modeled receptor structures requires fast and reliable docking techniques capable of dealing with structural inaccuracies in protein models. Here, we present Q-Dock LHM , a method for low-resolution refinement of binding poses provided by FINDSITE LHM , a ligand homology modeling approach. We compare its performance to that of classical ligand docking approaches in ligand docking against a representative set of experimental (both holo and apo) as well as theoretically modeled receptor structures. Docking benchmarks reveal that unlike all-atom docking, Q-Dock LHM exhibits the desired tolerance to the receptor’s structure deformation. Our results suggest that the use of an evolution-based approach to ligand homology modeling followed by fast low-resolution refinement is capable of achieving satisfactory performance in ligand-binding pose prediction with promising applicability to proteome-scale applications.