Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bio-optical studies during the JGOFS-equatorial Pacific program : a contribution to the knowledge of the equatorial system

Bio-optical studies, pursued in the equatorial Pacific area during the International Joint Global Ocean Flux Study program, contributed to a better knowledge of this oceanic system. Besides the classical estimation of biogeochemical ‘‘core parameters’’ via optical measurements (e.g., Chl a concentration, particulate matter concentration, etc.), several original bio-optical studies included the estimation of the contributions from the various particulate pools and, within the algal pool, from the various phytoplanktonic communities, to the inherent optical properties (attenuation, scattering, absorption) and to stimulated Chl a fluorescence. New insights also were gained concerning the variations in these properties associated with the diel cycle, tropical instability waves, and Kelvin waves. Such studies are critical to improving the interpretation of the spatial and temporal variability of optical properties in terms of biogeochemical quantities. In addition, studies of diel variations of light attenuation by particles, of sun-stimulated fluorescence Chl a, and of the photophysiological parameters of phytoplankton to be used in bio-optical models, all contributed to a better assessment of primary production rates in the equatorial Pacific. r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Comparative Evaluation of Systems for Scalable Linear Algebra-based Analytics

The growing use of statistical and machine learning (ML) algorithms to analyze large datasets has given rise to new systems to scale such algorithms. But implementing new scalable algorithms in low-level languages is a painful process, especially for enterprise and scientific users. To mitigate this issue, a new breed of systems expose high-level bulk linear algebra (LA) primitives that are scalable. By composing such LA primitives, users can write analysis algorithms in a higher-level language, while the system handles scalability issues. But there is little work on a unified comparative evaluation of the scalability, efficiency, and effectiveness of such "scalable LA systems. " We take a major step towards filling this gap. We introduce a suite of LA-specific tests based on our analysis of the data access and communication patterns of LA workloads and their use cases. Using our tests, we perform a comprehensive empirical comparison of a few popular scalable LA systems: MADlib, MLlib, SystemML, ScaLAPACK, SciDB, and TensorFlow using both synthetic data and a large real-world dataset. Our study has revealed several scalability bottlenecks, unusual performance trends, and even bugs in some systems. Our findings have already led to improvements in SystemML, with other systems' developers also expressing interest. All of our code and data scripts are available for download at https://adalabucsd.github. io/slab.html.
Towards Inference-Oriented Reading Comprehension: ParallelQA

In this paper, we investigate the tendency of end-to-end neural Machine Reading Comprehension (MRC) models to match shallow patterns rather than perform inference-oriented reasoning on RC benchmarks. We aim to test the ability of these systems to answer questions which focus on referential inference. We propose ParallelQA, a strategy to formulate such questions using parallel passages. We also demonstrate that existing neural models fail to generalize well to this setting.
Histidine168 is crucial for ΔpH-dependent gating of the human voltage-gated proton channel, hHV1

We recently identified a voltage-gated proton channel gene in the snail Helisoma trivolvis, HtHV1, and determined its electrophysiological properties. Consistent with early studies of proton currents in snail neurons, HtHV1 opens rapidly, but it unexpectedly exhibits uniquely defective sensitivity to intracellular pH (pHi). The H+ conductance (gH)-V relationship in the voltage-gated proton channel (HV1) from other species shifts 40 mV when either pHi or pHo (extracellular pH) is changed by 1 unit. This property, called &Dgr;pH-dependent gating, is crucial to the functions of HV1 in many species and in numerous human tissues. The HtHV1 channel exhibits normal pHo dependence but anomalously weak pHi dependence. In this study, we show that a single point mutation in human hHV1—changing His168 to Gln168, the corresponding residue in HtHV1—compromises the pHi dependence of gating in the human channel so that it recapitulates the HtHV1 response. This location was previously identified as a contributor to the rapid gating kinetics of HV1 in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. His168 mutation in human HV1 accelerates activation but accounts for only a fraction of the species difference. H168Q, H168S, or H168T mutants exhibit normal pHo dependence, but changing pHi shifts the gH-V relationship on average by <20 mV/unit. Thus, His168 is critical to pHi sensing in hHV1. His168, located at the inner end of the pore on the S3 transmembrane helix, is the first residue identified in HV1 that significantly impairs pH sensing when mutated. Because pHo dependence remains intact, the selective erosion of pHi dependence supports the idea that there are distinct internal and external pH sensors. Although His168 may itself be a pHi sensor, the converse mutation, Q229H, does not normalize the pHi sensitivity of the HtHV1 channel. We hypothesize that the imidazole group of His168 interacts with nearby Phe165 or other parts of hHV1 to transduce pHi into shifts of voltage-dependent gating.
On the Number-Gender (In)dependence in Agreement with Coordinated Subjects

This paper examines the availability of single-conjunct agreement in number and gender in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian. Reported are the results of an experiment in which coordinated singulars are included, as well as disjunction and negative-concord conjunction, next to the typically examined conjoined plurals. The research shows that, contra the general assumptions in the literature (Marušič, Nevins, and Saksida 2007, Marušič, Nevins, and Badecker 2015, Bošković 2009) but in line with earlier research (Moskovljević 1983, Bojović 2003), single-conjunct agreement does occur with coordinated singulars, especially in gender, even if less frequently. This paper shows that (i) first-conjunct agreement in gender preverbally and even last-conjunct agreement postverbally are produced above error level, and that the availability of collective interpretations for the coordinated subject influences the acceptability of the different agreement patterns available, and (ii) number and gender agreement do not have to target the same constituent. The findings shed light on the relation between the features of number and gender with regard to the issues of their bundling and simultaneous agreement, where the experimental results suggest that, while number tends to agree in a pattern that fits either semantic agreement or agreement with the entire conjunction, gender prefers to target single members of coordination, the first or the last. We speculate that a degree of “attraction” obtains, whereby number may attract gender to agree with the entire conjunction or gender may attract number to agree with a single conjunct. The results are used to compare two analyses offered in the literature—Marušič, Nevins, and Saksida 2007/Marušič, Nevins, and Badecker 2015 and Bošković 2009—showing that our empirical findings are problematic for both, but give a certain advantage to Marušič and his co-authors.
Save Talent of Banking Sector of Pakistan: Mediating Job Satisfaction between Job Stress and Employee Turnover Intention

Job stress is a noteworthy issue in the banking sector of Pakistan and it is issue for both employer and employees. Main purpose of the study mediating job satisfaction between job stress and employee turnover intention. Convenience sampling used for data collection from banking employees and received the 254 questionnaires for data analysis and using the SmartPLS 0.2. Findings of the study job stress and turnover intention has positive relationship further job satisfaction mediating between the job stress and turnover intention. Implication and limitation discussed.
DSCarver

We present an automatic algorithm for subtractive manufacturing of freeform 3D objects using high-speed machining (HSM) via CNC. A CNC machine operates a cylindrical cutter to carve off material from a 3D shape stock, following a tool path, to "expose" the target object. Our method decomposes the input object's surface into a small number of patches each of which is fully accessible and machinable by the CNC machine, in continuous fashion, under a fixed cutter-object setup configuration. This is achieved by covering the input surface with a minimum number of accessible regions and then extracting a set of machinable patches from each accessible region. For each patch obtained, we compute a continuous, space-filling, and iso-scallop tool path which conforms to the patch boundary, enabling efficient carving with high-quality surface finishing. The tool path is generated in the form of connected Fermat spirals, which have been generalized from a 2D fill pattern for layered manufacturing to work for curved surfaces. Furthermore, we develop a novel method to control the spacing of Fermat spirals based on directional surface curvature and adapt the heat method to obtain iso-scallop carving. We demonstrate automatic generation of accessible and machinable surface decompositions and iso-scallop Fermat spiral carving paths for freeform 3D objects. Comparisons are made to tool paths generated by commercial software in terms of real machining time and surface quality.
Shifts in Key Time Points and Strategies for a Multisegment Motor Task in Healthy Aging Subjects

In this study, we compared key temporal points in the whole body pointing movement of healthy aging and young subjects. During this movement, subject leans forward from a standing position to reach a target. As it involves forward inclination of the trunk, the movement creates a risk for falling. We examined two strategic time points during the task-first, the crossover point where the velocity of the center of mass (CoM) in the vertical dimension outstripped the velocity in the anteroposterior dimension and secondly, the time to peak of the CoM velocity profile. Transitions to stabilizing postures occur at these time points. They both occurred earlier in aging subjects. The crossover point also showed adjustments with target distance in aging subjects, while this was not observed in younger subjects. The shifts in these key time points could not be attributed to differences in movement duration between the two groups. Investigation with an optimal control model showed that the temporal adjustment as a function of target distance in the healthy aging subjects fits into a strategy that emphasized equilibrium maintenance rather than absolute work as a control strategy.
Assessment of physical performance and quality of life in kidney-transplanted patients: a cross-sectional study

Background Information on physical and mental wellness in renal transplantation is limited. Therefore, we performed a cross-sectional study to evaluate and describe the different components of physical performance and quality of life (QoL) in a cohort of kidney-transplanted patients. Methods Physical performance and QoL were determined through the administration of validated tests and questionnaires [muscle strength, dynamometer handgrip, tactile sensitivity, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey]. The patients were divided into three groups based on time elapsed since transplantation: early (in the first 6 months), middle (from 7 to 60 months) and late (>60 months). Results Of 132 enrolled patients, 11 patients (8.3%) presented a severe reduction of muscle strength, 63 patients (47%) had significant bilateral impaired handgrip and tactile sensitivity was altered in 23 patients (17.4%). TUG assessment showed significant mobility limitation in 29 patients (21.9%). The FSS presented a pathological value in 50 patients (37.3%), while the mean VAS was 1.8 ± 2.7. There were no significant differences in physical performance parameters among the three patient groups. There were inverse correlations among different components of physical performance and age, comorbidity and dialysis vintage, and there was a direct correlation with renal function. During the first months after transplantation there were limitations in physical, social and emotional activities. Overall, the self-perceived physical performance was significantly lower in transplanted patients with respect to the normal reference level. Conclusion Kidney-transplanted patients may present different degrees of impairment in physical performance and quality of life. Systematic functional assessment is essential to identify patients needing intensive and personalized rehabilitation programmes.
PANNZER2: a rapid functional annotation web server

Abstract The unprecedented growth of high-throughput sequencing has led to an ever-widening annotation gap in protein databases. While computational prediction methods are available to make up the shortfall, a majority of public web servers are hindered by practical limitations and poor performance. Here, we introduce PANNZER2 (Protein ANNotation with Z-scoRE), a fast functional annotation web server that provides both Gene Ontology (GO) annotations and free text description predictions. PANNZER2 uses SANSparallel to perform high-performance homology searches, making bulk annotation based on sequence similarity practical. PANNZER2 can output GO annotations from multiple scoring functions, enabling users to see which predictions are robust across predictors. Finally, PANNZER2 predictions scored within the top 10 methods for molecular function and biological process in the CAFA2 NK-full benchmark. The PANNZER2 web server is updated on a monthly schedule and is accessible at http://ekhidna2.biocenter. helsinki.fi/sanspanz/. The source code is available under the GNU Public Licence v3.
Reflexive and Selective Competitive Behaviors—Inertia, Imitation, and Interfirm Rivalry

ABSTRACT Competitive dynamics research has established the important impact that the level of firm competitive activity has on rival response and firm performance. Less understood, however, are inputs that influence firm activity, specifically, the extent to which firms reflexively repeat prior activity versus selectively taking actions. Drawing from the awareness–motivation–capability framework, we develop and test theory that firm decision makers are not only predisposed to behave reflexively, but are also influenced by contextual factors, suggesting cognitive selection. Utilizing a longitudinal sample of marketing activity of 58 firms and 2,164 firm–rival dyads in 11 industries, we find that firms undertake both reflexive and selective competitive processes. Positive effects of prior levels of activity are moderated by the firm’s own prior performance, as well as the rivals’ similarity and industry standing.
Influence of polydopamine-mediated surface modification on oxygen-release capacity of haemoglobin-based oxygen carriers

Abstract Oxidative toxicity has impeded the development of haemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) by causing methaemoglobin (MetHb) formation and inducing oxidative stress. In our previous work, polydopamine-coated haemoglobin (Hb-PDA) nanoparticles have been designed and synthesized with the capacity to reduce oxidative toxicity. In this investigation, the mass ratio of dopamine (DA) to haemoglobin (Hb) and the pH value are found to be the primary factors that influence preparation of Hb-PDA nanoparticles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the catechol groups of DA play a crucial role in the modification of Hb surface. Hb-PDA nanoparticles were found to exhibit oxidative protection from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the change of mitochondrial membrane potential showed that the Hb-PDA nanoparticles reduced H2O2-induced apoptosis. It is demonstrated that modification of PDA could maintain the oxygen-release capacity of Hb. These findings confirm that Hb-PDA nanoparticles possess restrained oxidative toxicity and preserve oxygen-release capacity.
DNA Checkpoint and Repair Factors Are Nuclear Sensors for Intracellular Organelle Stresses—Inflammations and Cancers Can Have High Genomic Risks

Under inflammatory conditions, inflammatory cells release reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) which cause DNA damage. If not appropriately repaired, DNA damage leads to gene mutations and genomic instability. DNA damage checkpoint factors (DDCF) and DNA damage repair factors (DDRF) play a vital role in maintaining genomic integrity. However, how DDCFs and DDRFs are modulated under physiological and pathological conditions are not fully known. We took an experimental database analysis to determine the expression of 26 DNA DDCFs and 42 DNA DDRFs in 21 human and 20 mouse tissues in physiological/pathological conditions. We made the following significant findings: (1) Few DDCFs and DDRFs are ubiquitously expressed in tissues while many are differentially regulated. ; (2) the expression of DDCFs and DDRFs are modulated not only in cancers but also in sterile inflammatory disorders and metabolic diseases; (3) tissue methylation status, pro-inflammatory cytokines, hypoxia regulating factors and tissue angiogenic potential can determine the expression of DDCFs and DDRFs; (4) intracellular organelles can transmit the stress signals to the nucleus, which may modulate the cell death by regulating the DDCF and DDRF expression. Our results shows that sterile inflammatory disorders and cancers increase genomic instability, therefore can be classified as pathologies with a high genomic risk. We also propose a new concept that as parts of cellular sensor cross-talking network, DNA checkpoint and repair factors serve as nuclear sensors for intracellular organelle stresses. Further, this work would lead to identification of novel therapeutic targets and new biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of metabolic diseases, inflammation, tissue damage and cancers.
Use of trolamine to prevent and treat acute radiation dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the effects of trolamine in the prevention or treatment of radiation dermatitis. Method: systematic review and meta-analysis. Detailed individual search strategies for Cinahl, Cochrane Library Central, LILACS, PubMed, and Web of Science were developed in January 2016. A manual search was also performed to find additional references. A grey literature search was executed by using Google Scholar. Two researchers independently read the titles and abstracts from every cross-reference. The risk of bias of the included studies was analyzed by the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. The quality of evidence and grading of strength of recommendations was assessed using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Results: seven controlled clinical trials were identified. The controls used were calendula, placebo, institutional preference / usual care, Aquaphor®, RadiaCare™, and Lipiderm™. The studies were pooled using frequency of events and risk ratio with 95% confidence intervals, in subgroups according to radiation dermatitis graduation. Conclusion: based on the studies included in this review, trolamine cannot be considered as a standardized product to prevent or treat radiation dermatitis in patients with breast and head and neck cancer.
Pattern of Disabilities among Leprosy Patients in Abia State, Nigeria - a Retrospective Review.

Early case detection and prompt treatment have been identified as key strategies for effective control and elimination of leprosy disease. Hence, control efforts should include among others treatment of the disease and disability prevention. This study is aimed at determining prevalence and pattern of disability among leprosy patients treated in a Leprosy Center in Abia State, Nigeria. Records of 287 leprosy patients treated in Uzoakoli Leprosy Center, Abia State between 2002 and 2006 were reviewed and analysed. Findings showed 23 (9.9%) with childhood leprosy, 206 (83.7%) multi-bacillary type and 64 (28.4%) with grade 2 disability among the leprosy cases.Four children (15.4%) presented with grade 2 disability at diagnosis. Prior to treatment 80 (27.9%) had grade 2 disability, while 11 (6.6%) at the end of the treatment. ,Based on EHF score 85 patients (50.9%) out 167 patients who completed treatment had impairment before treatment; on completion of treatment 133 (89.9%) of them improved, while 5 (3.4%) deteriorated. The lower limb (92.6%) was the most affected site in the leprosy patients,, while the eye (3.4%) was the leastaffected. The current leprosy control efforts should be intensified to ensure early case detection and prompt treatment in order to reduce the leprosy burden, including disabilities in individuals and community at large.
Pore geometry and elastic moduli in sandstones

Pore geometry is a difficult parameter to quantify, but it affects the elastic moduli in a fundamental way. The uncertainty in elastic moduli is to a large degree due to the uncertainty in pore geometry. The authors inverted the velocity measurements of ninetyseven sandstone samples for the pore aspect ratio spectra. It was found that the porosity of round pores is in direct proportion to total porosity, and that the porosity of cracks is small and varies randomly for a large set of samples from different geological backgrounds but may be linearly related to total porosity for a small subset from some specific area. This pore geometrical model is central to predicting the elastic properties in sandstones. The dry elastic moduli at a given porosity vary chiefly due to cracks and the variability increases with decreasing porosity. This causes the cross-plot of dry elastic moduli versus total porosity to scatter in a triangular form, and is also responsible for higher stress sensitivity of low-porosity sandstones. The linearity between total porosity and elastic moduli results from strong correlation between crack porosity and total porosity, and it becomes more pronounced at high effective pressure or at saturation with a less compressible fluid such as water. The Vp/Vs ratio in wet sandstones is affected by the Vp/Vs ratio of rock solid and pore geometry, but the former has far more influence, which may provide the rock physics basis for lithology identification using the Vp/Vs ratio. Vp and Vs are correlated very well for both dry and wet sandstones. The two straight lines are separate at low velocities but merging toward high velocities. In addition, clay content has been found with little relationship to pore geometry and with some connection to the elastic moduli of rock solid.
Beyond Entertainment

The percentage of older adults who are active gamers has increased tremendously in recent years. Although research shows that video games enhance physical and cognitive well-being in older adults, the role of video games in enhancing social interactions has been relatively understudied. We examined the habits, preferences, motivations, and outcomes of video gameplay among older and younger adults who play games with their family members. The findings reveal that sharing in video games does foster relationships and connections while producing positive emotions for both generations. As a consequence, game designers should take into consideration ways to enhance these social aspects of gameplay.