Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biomonitoring of Heavy Metals Level in Wetland Plants of Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria

The purpose of this research was to monitor the distribution of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in plants of Lagos lagoon wetlands in Nigeria. Water, soil and dominant plants were collected from 46 sampling points for a period of 1 year and analysed using ICP-AES. The order of heavy metals presence in soil samples was as follow: Zn>Cr>Cu>Pb>Cd>Ni. The Zn concentration was the highest whereas the lowest concentration was Ni. All water samples showed varying degrees of contamination across all the sampling points in these wetlands. A greater percentage of all metals concentration for Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni were higher than the permissible limit set by World Health Organisation. Pb ranged from 0.01±0.00 to 0.91±0.04 mg/L, Cd from 0.01±0.00 to 0.31±0.02 mg/L, Cr from 0.05±0.00 to 1.15±0.01 mg/L, Ni from 0.01±0.00 to 0.52±0.03, Cu from 0.21±0.01 to 1.11±0.01 mg/L and Zn ranged from 0.15±0.00 to 10.28±0.02 mg/L. The median values of each metal that the shoots and roots of individual plants accumulated metals in the order: Zn>Cu>Pb>Cr>Ni>Cd. Ipomea aquatica had the highest concentration of Pb in its shoot (1.12 mg/kg) while Ludwigia adscendens had the least (1.12 mg/kg) in its shoot. Pb level in the roots was highest in Eichonia crassipe s (5.69 mg/kg). The highest level of Cr in shoot (2.23 mg/kg) and root (5.41 mg/kg) was observed in Commelina benghalensis while Cr concentration is lowest in the shoot (0.04 mg/kg) and root (0.18 mg/kg) of Althernathera philoxerrides. Ludwigia adscendens had the lowest concentration of Ni in its root (0.01 mg/kg). The highest shoot concentration of Cu (4.21 mg/kg) was observed in Eichonia crassipes while Ipomea aquatica had the lowest concentration in its shoot (0.23 mg/kg). Paspalum vaginatum ’s root had the highest Cu concentration (12.32 mg/kg) while lowest concentration of Cu was observed in the root of Sagittaria sagittifolia (0.69 mg/kg). Transfer factors for most of the plants species were less than 1, indicating that metals accumulated by these plants were largely retained in the roots. A. philoxerrides had translocation factor greater than one for Ni (10.30), while for Cr was 1.25 and 1.40. This present findings indicate that, despite ecological similarities, the different plant species tend to respond differently to exposure to heavy metals and also in their ability to accumulate the various metals. Thus, heavy metals sequestration from the soil to these plants characterized them as metals pollution indicators. Keywords : wetland plants, heavy metals, biomonitoring, bioaccumulation capacity, translocation factor
Impact of DC Voltage Enhancement on Partial Discharges in Medium Voltage Cables: An Empirical Study with Defects at Semicon-Dielectric Interface

A scientific consensus is emerging on the benefits of direct current (DC) distribution in medium voltage (MV) power systems of ships and cities. At least 50% space savings and increased power transfer capacity are estimated with enhanced voltage DC operation of electric cables. The goal of this research is to contribute to developing the empirical knowledge on the insulation performance in order to validate the feasibility of such anticipated gains of DC versus alternating current (AC), and to determine the comparative impact of different operational conditions from a component engineering point of view. The partial discharge (PD) activity in cables is measured under AC and DC conditions as an indicator of insulation performance. Specifically, PDs in defects at the semicon-insulation interface are studied in terms of inception voltage, repetition rate and discharge magnitude. Empirical understanding is drawn for operating voltage and frequency dependence of the discharge behavior in such voids in the range of 10 to 20 kV and 0 to 0.1 Hz, respectively. The change in PD activity with void evolution post temperature-induced ageing process is explored.
The Stability and Workload Index for Transfer score predicts unplanned intensive care unit patient readmission: Initial development and validation*

Objective:Unplanned readmission of hospitalized patients to an intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with a worse outcome, but our ability to identify who is likely to deteriorate after ICU dismissal is limited. The objective of this study is to develop and validate a numerical index, named the Stability and Workload Index for Transfer, to predict ICU readmission. Design:In this prospective cohort study, risk factors for ICU readmission were identified from a broad range of patients’ admission and discharge characteristics, specific ICU interventions, and in-patient workload measurements. The prediction score was validated in two independent ICUs. Setting:One medical and one mixed medical-surgical ICU in two tertiary centers. Patients:Consecutive patients requiring >24 hrs of ICU care. Interventions:None. Measurements:Unplanned ICU readmission or unexpected death following ICU dismissal. Results:In a derivation cohort of 1,131 medical ICU patients, 100 patients had unplanned readmissions, and five died unexpectedly in the hospital following ICU discharge. Predictors of readmission/unexpected death identified in a logistic regression analysis were ICU admission source, ICU length of stay, and day of discharge neurologic (Glasgow Coma Scale) and respiratory (hypoxemia, hypercapnia, or nursing requirements for complex respiratory care) impairment. The Stability and Workload Index for Transfer score predicted readmission more precisely (area under the curve [AUC], 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70–0.80) than the day of discharge Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score (AUC, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.56–0.68). In the two validation cohorts, the Stability and Workload Index for Transfer score predicted readmission similarly in a North American medical ICU (AUC, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.67–0.80) and a European medical-surgical ICU (AUC, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.64–0.76), but was less well calibrated in the medical-surgical ICU. Conclusion:The Stability and Workload Index for Transfer score is derived from information readily available at the time of ICU dismissal and acceptably predicts ICU readmission. It is not known if discharge decisions based on this prediction score will decrease the number of ICU readmissions and/or improve outcome.
Underwater Image Clearance using Dark Channel and FFT Enhancement

Due to the absorption and scattering, the clarity and therefore the observation of the depth of field of the image that is obtained by underwater physical phenomenon imaging are going to be reduced. This review paper deals with the ways to enhance underwater image improvement techniques, the process of underwater image captured is critical as a result of the standard of underwater pictures have an effect on and these image leads some serious issues compared to photographs from a clearer setting. plenty of noise happens thanks to low distinction, poor visibility conditions (absorption of natural light), non uniform lighting and small color variations, pepper noise and blur impact within the underwater pictures owing to of these reasons variety of ways are existing to cure these underwater pictures totally different filtering techniques also are obtainable within the literature for process and improvement of underwater pictures one in every of them is image improvement victimization median filter which boosts the image and facilitate to estimate the depth map and improve quality by removing noise particles with the assistance of various techniques, and therefore the alternative is RGB Color Level Stretching have used. This paper proposes AN efficient and quick underwater haze removal technique with quality improvement. This technique involves two phases. The primary section is employed to get rid of underwater haze from a picture that is victimization underwater haze removal technique supported previous data. Second section enhances quality of underwater hazy image improved visibility and noise reduction victimization FFT (Fast Fourier Transformation). This technique is often applied to any style of pictures like RGB Color, gray scale.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for haloperidol-induced catalepsy on mouse chromosome 14.

Previous studies have established that neuroleptic-induced catalepsy in mice is a highly heritable trait. The current study focuses on the detection of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for haloperidol-induced catalepsy in a BALB/cJ x LP/J F(2) intercross. One thousand thirty-seven F(2) animals were phenotyped and divided into four categories: very responsive (RR), responsive, nonresponsive, and very nonresponsive (NN). The RR and NN phenotypes comprised approximately 18% each of the total and differed in their haloperidol sensitivity by >10-fold. Sex differed significantly between the NN and RR groups (chi(2) = 14.0; p <. 0002); females comprised 58% of the RR individuals but only 38% of the NN individuals. The difference between the extreme phenotypes in the number of piebald animals was highly significant (chi(2) = 30, p <. 00001). Eight percent of the RR individuals were piebald compared with 30% of the NN individuals. A genome wide scan confirmed the presence of a QTL (peak LOD = 6.4) on chromosome 14 near the piebald (Ednrb) and 5-hydroxytryptamine(2A) (Htr2a) loci. Although the parental BALB/cJ and LP/J strains differed significantly in striatal 5-hydroxytryptamine(2A) receptor binding, no marked differences were detected between the phenotypic extremes. A second QTL was detected on chromosome 14 (peak LOD = 6.9), which was located more proximally and included the Chat locus. No QTLs were detected on chromosomes 1 and 9, thus differentiating this cross from previous results obtained for a C57BL/6J x DBA/2J intercross.
i* with Aspects: Evaluating Understandability

The applicability of the i* approach for organizational modeling has been compromised by the complexity of the resulting models. To solve this problem an approach that use i* with Aspect Orientation is proposed. In this work we evaluate the understandability of five selected concerns of two requirements documents. The first requirements document was modeled by the i* approach and the other one by i* extended with aspects. To do this evaluation it was used abstract metrics that needed to be instantiated in both requirement documents.
Expression of STM4467-Encoded Arginine Deiminase Controlled by the STM4463 Regulator Contributes to Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Virulence

ABSTRACT Arginine deiminase (ADI), carbamate kinase (CK), and ornithine transcarbamoylase (OTC) constitute the ADI system. In addition to metabolic functions, the ADI system has been implicated in the virulence of certain pathogens. The pathogenic intracellular bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium possesses the STM4467, STM4466, and STM4465 genes, which are predicted to encode ADI, CK, and OTC, respectively. Here we report that the STM4467 gene encodes an ADI and that ADI activity plays a role in the successful infection of a mammalian host by S. Typhimurium. An STM4467 deletion mutant was defective for replication inside murine macrophages and was attenuated for virulence in mice. We determined that a regulatory protein encoded by the STM4463 gene functions as an activator for STM4467 expression. The expression of the ADI pathway genes was enhanced inside macrophages in a process that required STM4463. Lack of STM4463 impaired the ability of S. Typhimurium to replicate within macrophages. A mutant defective in STM4467-encoded ADI displayed normal production of nitric oxide by macrophages.
Summary of research work about erodibility of grass revetments on dikes

Grass prevents erosion of the subsoil and is an effective control measure for overflowing water as well as overtopping waves. This form of protection has long been used for agriculture drainage channels and on the slopes of dikes. Dutch river dikes usually have clay layers covered with grass on the crest and on both the landward and seaward slopes. Lake and sea dikes with hard revetment in the wave impact zone of the seaward slope also have a grass cover on the crest and the landward slope on a clay type of soil. For grass covers, relatively large forces are required to break up clay aggregates within the soil, while smaller forces may suffice to transport pure sand and small clayey aggregates. Therefore, at the onset of dislocation, a grass cover will experience considerable forces, which may be described by turbulence, especially on steep slopes. From 2007-2014 about 50 experiments at several locations on Dutch and Belgian dikes were conducted with the wave overtopping and also run-up simulator for assessing the erodibility of grass revetments. Based on these prototype tests the cumulative overload method has been developed, a model that predicts the damage of grass mats and failure of dikes provided the load of the wave run-up and/or wave overtopping and the erodibility of the soil are known. This paper discusses engineering methods for predicting the erodibility of grass revetments as well as the erosion of grass at transitions, e.g. at the edges of roads, transitions from hard to grass revetments and objects on dikes, for example trees.
Stromal Annexin A2 expression is predictive of decreased survival in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is renowned for high rates of metastasis and poor survival. Its notoriously dense fibrotic stroma contributes to chemoresistance. Stromal signaling in PDA is recognized for its multiple roles in regulating tumor invasion and metastasis. However, no stromal biomarker which can predict survival in PDA exists. Annexin A2 (AnxA2) was formerly identified as a metastasis-associated protein in PDA and tumoral overexpression is associated with poor survival. In this study, we examined AnxA2 expression in the tumor microenvironment in a preclinical model of PDA which suggests its role in tumor colonization. We injected wild-type (KPC) and AnxA2 knockout (KPCA) pancreatic cells into C57BL/GJ (B6) and AnxA2 knockout (KO) mice using the hemi-spleen model and observed their survival. We performed quantitative immunohistochemistry examining stromal AnxA2 expression in 56 patients who had surgically resected PDA and correlated expression with clinical outcomes. B6 mice injected with KPC cells demonstrated decreased median survival compared to those injected with KPCA cells (90 days vs. not reached, p < 0.0001) whereas there was no survival difference in the AnxA2 KO mice (p = 0.63). In patient specimens, we found that high stromal AnxA2 expression (≥80th percentile) was associated with significantly reduced disease-free survival (p = 0.002) and overall survival (p < 0.001). Using multivariate Cox models, there were no significant associations between other clinical covariates apart from high stromal AnxA2 expression. This study highlights the role that stromal AnxA2 expression plays as a prognostic marker in PDA and its potential as a predictive biomarker for survival outcomes in PDA.
Mining Heterogeneous Transformations for Record Linkage

Heterogeneous transformations are translations between strings that are not characterized by a single function. E.g., nicknames, abbreviations and synonyms are heterogeneous transformations while edit distances are not. Such transformations are useful for information retrieval, information extraction and text understanding. They are especially useful in record linkage, where we determine whether two records refer to the same entity by examining the similarities between their fields. However, heterogeneous transformations are usually created manually and without assurance they will be useful. This paper presents a data mining approach to discover heterogeneous transformations between two data sets, without labeled training data. In addition to simple transformations, our algorithm finds combinatorial transformations, such as synonyms and abbreviations together. Our experiments demonstrate that we discover many types of specialized transformations, and we show that by exploiting these transformations we can improve record linkage. Our approach makes discovering and exploiting heterogeneous transformations more scalable and robust by lessening the domain and human dependencies.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Depressed Cardiac Surgery Patients: Role of Ejection Fraction

Aims:The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of ejection fraction (EF) and depressive symptoms in cardiac surgery patients assigned to nurse-guided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or usual care (UC). Methods:Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Seventy-seven patients (31% women; mean [SD] age, 63.6 [9.8] years) received 8 weeks of either CBT or UC. Using repeated-measures analysis of variance, changes in depressive symptoms over time were evaluated. Results:There was a significant interaction among time, treatment group, and EF status (p = 0.019). In the patients with preserved EF (≥40%), mean BDI scores in the UC group worsened by 1.9%, whereas those in the CBT group improved by 31.0%. In the patients with low EF (<40%), mean BDI scores worsened by 26.8% and improved by 75.3% in the UC and CBT groups, respectively. Conclusions:Nurse-guided CBT is effective in reducing depressive symptoms after cardiac surgery, particularly in patients with low EF.
Predictors of 5-year outcomes in malignant phase hypertension: the West Birmingham Malignant Hypertension Registry

Objective: Malignant hypertension represents a high-risk condition and there are scarce data on current clinical patterns of this condition. The aim of the study is to identify the clinical and demographic factors associated with poor outcome. Methods: The data collected from 1958 to May 2016 included a total of 351 patients whose 5-year survival status was known: 221 white Caucasians (63%, age 51 ± 13 years, 64% male), 83 African–Caribbeans (24%, 45 ± 11 years, 61% male), and 47 South Asians (13%, 42 ± 11 years, 74% male). Results: During the 5-year follow-up 119 (34%) patients suffered a primary outcome, defined as the composite endpoint of death or dialysis. The 5-year mortality ranged from 76% in patients diagnosed before 1967 to 7% in patients diagnosed between 1997 and 2006. The independent predictors of outcome were advanced age (vs. a reference group of < 40-year-old; P = 0.01 for age at presentation 51–60 years, P < 0.001 for age > 60 years), prior use of antihypertensive medications (P = 0.002), higher serum creatinine (P = 0.006), and proteinuria (P < 0.01). Also, white Caucasian (odds ratio12.02, 95% confidence interval 1.64–88.15, P = 0.01) and African-Caribbean (odds ratio 15.55, 95% confidence interval 2.06–117.29, P = 0.008) origins were associated with higher mortality vs. South Asians. The years of the diagnosis after 1977 were significantly associated with lower composite endpoint of death or dialysis, all P < 0.01. Conclusion: There has been a major improvement in 5-year survival in patients with malignant hypertension over recent decades. Abnormal renal function at presentation still predicts worse outcome. South Asian ethnicity is also associated with better outcome, although mechanisms involved are yet to be established.
Ability of XP- Endo Finisher and XP-Endo Finisher-R in Removal of debris from the root canal walls after Retreatment: An In-Vitro Study.

ABSTRACT Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of XP-Endo Finisher (XP-F) and XP-Endo Finisher–R (XP-FR) instruments in cleaning the root canal dentinal walls from filling debris. Methodology : Root canals of 24 extracted human mandibular premolars (N=24) were prepared with R3 I-Race files (30/.04) and filled with warm vertical compacted gutta-percha (GP) and root canal resin sealer (Adseal, Meta Biomed Co., LTd., Cheongju City, Chungbuk, Korea). Root canals were then retreated using D-Race files and shaped with BT-Race 35/. 04. After that, teeth were divided into three groups according to the final methodof cleaning: Group A: Final irrigation with NaOCl only, Group B: Additional use of XP-Endo Finisher and Group C: Additional use XP-Endo Finisher-R. Teeth were rendered transparent for the evaluation of the residual GP/Sealer in Bucco-Lingual and mesial-distal directions. Statistical analysis was performed by using the statistical software SPSS 24.0 for Windows. Result: All retreatment techniques used in this study left some filling material inside the root canal. Images in buccolingual and mesiodistal directions showed no significant differences between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: None of the finishers were able to completely remove the root canal filling material from root canal walls . Keywords: Retreatment, XP- Finisher, XP-Finisher-R Resume Objectif: Le but de cette etude etait d'evaluer la capacite des instruments XP-Endo Finisher et XP-Endo Finisher-R a nettoyer les parois dentinaires des canaux radiculaires des debris d’obturation. Methodologie: Les canaux radiculaires de 24 premolaires mandibulaires humaines extraites (N = 24) ont ete prepares avec des limes R3 I-Race (30 / .04) et remplis de gutta-percha compacte (GP) verticallement avec de scellant de resine canalaire (Adseal, Meta Biomed Co., LTd., Ville de Cheongju, Chungbuk, Coree). Les canaux radiculaires ont ensuite ete retraites a l'aide des limes D-Race et mis en forme avec BT-Race 35 / . 04. Apres cela, les dents ont ete divisees en trois groupes selon la methode finale de nettoyage: Groupe A: Irrigation finale avec NaOCl seulement, Groupe B: Utilisation supplementaire d’XP-Endo Finisher et Groupe C: Utilisation supplementaire d’XP-Endo Finisher-R. Les dents ont ete rendues transparentes pour l'evaluation du GP/Scellant residuel dans les directions bucco-linguales et mesiales-distales. L'analyse statistique a ete realisee en utilisant le logiciel statistique SPSS 24.0 pour Windows. Resultats: Toutes les techniques de retraitement utilisees dans cette etude ont laisse du materiel de remplissage a l'interieur du canal radiculaire. Les images buccolinguales et mesiodistales n'ont montre aucune difference significative entre les groupes (p> 0,05). Conclusion: Aucun des finisseurs n'a ete capable de retirer completement le materiau de remplissage des parois du canal radiculaire. Mots-cles: Retraitement, XP- Finisher, XP-Finisher-R