Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the performance of iron nanoparticle resin in removing arsenate from water

This research was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid sorbent resin (Lewatit FO36) with goethite structure for removing arsenate from water. Column experiments (with constant flow rate of 8 mL/min, corresponding to 2 min empty bed contact time (EBCT)) were conducted to evaluate the adsorption capacity of resin before and after regeneration and effects of chloride, sulfate, bicarbonate and combined competing ions for arsenate removal from water. The adsorption capacity was approximately 3.229 mg/g that was reduced to 2.826 mg/g after regeneration with 12.48% decrease, which indicates to a successful regeneration procedure. Chloride and sulfate ions had no significant effects on arsenate removal but arsenic removal decreased in the presence of bicarbonate and combined ions. This reduction may be due to the ability of bicarbonate ions in extracting and mobilizing the arsenate ions from iron oxyhydroxides. Results of this study showed that Lewatit FO36 could be developed as a suitable sorbent for arsenate removal.
Discrimination of epidemic and nonepidemic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains on the basis of protein A gene polymorphism

The X region of the protein A gene of Staphylococcus aureus contains a highly polymorphic sequence which is composed of repeats of 24 bp. We used amplification by PCR to investigate whether this region could be used to discriminate between epidemic and nonepidemic methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains. Most epidemic MRSA strains (24 of 33) harbored more than seven repeats, while most nonepidemic MRSA strains (10 of 14) contained seven or fewer repeats. It is conceivable that a longer X region results in a better exposition of the Fc-binding region of protein A, thereby facilitating colonization of host surfaces and contributing to the epidemic phenotype.
Hotspots Detection on Microblog

Main microblog research is focus on the structural analysis of social networks, rather than the text and topic analysis. Traditional topic detection methods could not be applied due to the microblog short text features and structural characteristics. We taken advantage of availability of latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) to expand the text feature space, and used frequency statistics for our topic ranking, and improved it based on the microblog nontext element data and word element. We taken into account both the text context similarity and semantic similarity in order to make it possible that the traditional clustering method can make difference in the microblog text topic analysis. Experimental studies show our method works well on microblog dataset.
An Anatomical Ontology for Amphibians

Herein, we describe our ongoing efforts to develop a robust ontology for amphibian anatomy that accommodates the diversity of anatomical structures present in the group. We discuss the design and implementation of the project, current resolutions to issues we have encountered, and future enhancements to the ontology. We also comment on future efforts to integrate other data sets via this amphibian anatomical ontology.
Improved identification of multiple drugs of abuse and relative metabolites in urine samples using liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry coupled with a library search.

RATIONALE Although two multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions per compound are used for identification performed using liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC/QqQ-MS/MS), differences in identification criteria among several regulations may lead to misidentification. We demonstrated that the use of two MRM transitions and product ion spectra improves compound identification. METHODS The scan cycle time was reduced using time-scheduled MRM (tMRM), data-dependent product ion scanning, and dynamic exclusion. The quantification and identification performance for 13 drugs of abuse and their metabolites were evaluated. RESULTS Deuterated internal standards compensated for ion suppression. All analytes exhibited intra- and interday precision <12.11%, accuracy of -10.31% to +10.10%, and no carryover. The LC/QqQ-MS/MS and reference gas chromatography/MS methods were equally precise, accurate, and specific. Several regulatory organizations include two MRM transitions, their ratio, and retention time as identification criteria. In 28 samples, the relative ion ratio variation was >10% and product ion spectral matches with >94% probabilities improved drug and metabolite identification. CONCLUSIONS The LC/QqQ-MS/MS method is a comprehensive assay in which tMRM and the product ion scan are combined in a single run by using a QqQ mass analyzer to simultaneously quantify amphetamine, ketamine, morphine, and their relative metabolites in urine. The proposed method can be applied in forensic science.
viruSITE—integrated database for viral genomics

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities and the reservoir of most of the genetic diversity in the Earth's biosphere. Viral genomes are very diverse, generally short in length and compared to other organisms carry only few genes. viruSITE is a novel database which brings together high-value information compiled from various resources. viruSITE covers the whole universe of viruses and focuses on viral genomes, genes and proteins. The database contains information on virus taxonomy, host range, genome features, sequential relatedness as well as the properties and functions of viral genes and proteins. All entries in the database are linked to numerous information resources. The above-mentioned features make viruSITE a comprehensive knowledge hub in the field of viral genomics. The web interface of the database was designed so as to offer an easy-to-navigate, intuitive and user-friendly environment. It provides sophisticated text searching and a taxonomy-based browsing system. viruSITE also allows for an alternative approach based on sequence search. A proprietary genome browser generates a graphical representation of viral genomes. In addition to retrieving and visualising data, users can perform comparative genomics analyses using a variety of tools. Database URL: http://www.virusite. org/
Multiple Models Fusion for Emotion Recognition in the Wild

Emotion recognition in the wild is a very challenging task. In this paper, we propose a multiple models fusion method to automatically recognize the expression in the video clip as part of the third Emotion Recognition in the Wild Challenge (EmotiW 2015). In our method, we first extract dense SIFT, LBP-TOP and audio features from each video clip. For dense SIFT features, we use the bag of features (BoF) model with two different encoding methods (locality-constrained linear coding and group saliency based coding) to further represent it. During the classification process, we use partial least square regression to calculate the regression value of each model. By learning the optimal weight of each model based on the regression value, we fuse these models together. We conduct experiments on the given validation and test datasets, and achieve superior performance. The best recognition accuracy of our fusion method is 52.50% on the test dataset, which is 13.17% higher than the challenge baseline accuracy of 39.33%.
Intention to Abstain From Smoking Among Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients: The Role of Attitude, Self-efficacy, and Craving

Background:Smoking cessation after developing coronary heart disease improves disease prognosis more than any other treatment. However, many cardiac patients continue to smoke after hospital discharge. Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with the intention to (permanently) abstain from smoking among cardiac rehabilitation patients 2 to 4 weeks after discharge from hospital. Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 149 cardiac rehabilitation patients recruited from 2 cardiac rehabilitation centers in The Netherlands 2 to 4 weeks after hospital discharge, at the start of the cardiac rehabilitation period. Psychosocial cognitions including attitude toward nonsmoking, social influence, and self-efficacy were measured with a standardized and validated Dutch questionnaire based on the Attitude–Social Influence–Self-efficacy model. Anxiety was measured using the shortened version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Craving for cigarettes was assessed with 6 items measuring the urge to smoke. Intention toward nonsmoking was assessed with 2 visual analog scales indicating the strength and probability of the intention to permanently refrain from smoking. Results:Of all patients, 31% still smoked after hospital discharge. The smokers had a lower self-efficacy and intention to abstain from smoking and reported higher craving. Logistic regression analyses revealed that attitudes that embraced the advantages of not smoking, self-efficacy, and craving were significantly related to the intention to (permanently) abstain from smoking, whereas social influence and anxiety were not. Actual smoking behavior moderated the relation between self-efficacy and intention: only the quitters showed a significant positive relation. Anxiety did not moderate the relationship between psychosocial cognitive factors and intention. Conclusions:The intention to (permanently) abstain from smoking, measured 2 to 4 weeks after hospitalization for a cardiac event, predominantly depends on attitude, self-efficacy, and craving. Interventions aimed at smoking cessation among cardiac rehabilitation patients should focus on these factors.
Analysis of Vector Precoding at High SNR: Rate Bounds and Ergodic Results

Besides the optimal but impractically complex dirty paper coding (DPC), linear precoding and vector precoding (VP) have been proposed for the vector broadcast channel (BC). Linear precoding is simple, as only a linear transform is applied to the data signals, whereas VP necessitates a closest-point search in a lattice to find the perturbation signal which reduces the necessary transmit power. In this paper, we analyze the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance of VP assuming optimal decoding. As the perturbation process hinders the analytical assessment of the VP performance, lower and upper bounds on the expected data rate of VP systems are reviewed and proposed. Based on these bounds, VP is compared to linear precoding w.r. t. the weighted sum rate, the power resulting from a quality of service (QoS) formulation, and the performance when balancing the rates.
Exploring perceptions of community health policy in Kenya and identifying implications for policy change

Background: Global interest and investment in close-to-community health services is increasing. Kenya is currently revising its community health strategy (CHS) alongside political devolution, which will result in revisioning of responsibility for local services. This article aims to explore drivers of policy change from key informant perspectives and to study perceptions of current community health services from community and sub-county levels, including perceptions of what is and what is not working well. It highlights implications for managing policy change. Methods: We conducted 40 in-depth interviews and 10 focus group discussions with a range of participants to capture plural perspectives, including those who will influence or be influenced by CHS policy change in Kenya (policymakers, sub-county health management teams, facility managers, community health extension worker (CHEW), community health workers (CHWs), clients and community members) in two purposively selected counties: Nairobi and Kitui. Qualitative data were digitally recorded, transcribed, translated and coded before framework analysis. Results: There is widespread community appreciation for the existing strategy. High attrition, lack of accountability for voluntary CHWs and lack of funds to pay CHW salaries, combined with high CHEW workload were seen as main drivers for strategy change. Areas for change identified include: lack of clear supervisory structure including provision of adequate travel resources, current uneven coverage and equity of community health services, limited community knowledge about the strategy revision and demand for home-based HIV testing and counselling. Conclusion: This in-depth analysis which captures multiple perspectives results in robust recommendations for strategy revision informed by the Five Wonders of Change Framework. These recommendations point towards a more people-centred health system for improved equity and effectiveness and indicate priority areas for action if success of policy change through the roll-out of the revised strategy is to be realized.
A Thick Hollow Sphere Compressed by Equal and Opposite Concentrated Axial Loads: An Asymptotic Solution

We consider an elastic hollow sphere with midsurface radius R and thickness 2h which is subjected to two equal and opposite concentrated loads acting at the ends of a diameter. The three-dimensional linear elasticity solution to this problem consists of (i) a narrow Saint Venant component extending a distance of order O(h) from each load point, (ii) a wider "edge bending" component extending a distance of order $O(\sqrt{Rh})$ from each load point, and (iii) a "membrane" component which permeates the whole sphere. Because of the stress singularities at the load points, the Saint Venant component is extremely complex and difficult to calculate. We determine the other two (outer) components of the solution without any explicit knowledge of the Saint Venant (or inner) component. This is achieved by a rigorously valid method which does not depend on any physical heuristic, such as Saint Venant's principle. Our method depends on the fact, established here for the first time, that the eigenfunctions for the sphe.
Distinction between patients with non-erosive reflux disease and functional heartburn

Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and functional heartburn (FH) are two different clinical entities and the clear distinction between the two forms is actually possible thanks to the use of impedance-pH monitoring. NERD is the more common manifestation of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), one of the most widespread chronic gastrointestinal disorders in Western countries. The absence of visible lesions on endoscopy and the presence of troublesome reflux-associated (to acid, weakly acidic or non-acid reflux) symptoms are the two key factors for the definition of NERD. FH is an exclusive diagnosis and is defined by the Rome III criteria as a burning retrosternal discomfort, excluding GERD and esophageal motility disorders as a cause of the symptom. FH does not have any type of reflux underlying symptoms and psychological factors seem to be more expressed in FH patients than in patients with reflux-provoked disturbances. The aim of our review is to report the state-of-the-art knowledge about NERD and FH, to clarify their features and differences and to stimulate new research in this field.
Assessing the Effects of Service Quality, Past Experience, and Destination Image on Behavioral Intentions in the Spring Training Camp of a Japanese Professional Baseball Team

This study aimed to examine the theoretical relationships between service quality, past experience, destination image, and behavioral intentions in the spring training camp of a professional baseball team in Japan. The results indicate that the service quality of spring training camps was divided into five factors: (1) place, (2) enjoyment, (3) information, (4) fan interaction, and (5) operating time. The findings suggest that service quality and past experience had positive effects on both destination image and behavioral intentions. Behavioral intentions were also highly influenced by destination image. Future research and managerial implications are also discussed.
Construction and analysis of the cDNA subtraction library of yeast and mycelial phases of Sporothrix globosa isolated in China: identification of differentially expressed genes

Species included in the Sporothrix schenckii complex are temperature-dependent with dimorphic growth and cause sporotrichosis that is characterized by chronic and fatal lymphocutaneous lesions. The putative species included in the Sporothrix complex are S. brasiliensis, S. globosa, S. mexicana, S. pallida, S. schenckii, and S. lurei. S. globosa is the causal agent of sporotrichosis in China, and its pathogenicity appears to be closely related to the dimorphic transition, i.e. from the mycelial to the yeast phase, it adapts to changing environmental conditions. To determine the molecular mechanisms of the switching process that mediates the dimorphic transition of S. globosa, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to prepare a complementary DNA (cDNA) subtraction library from the yeast and mycelial phases. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to profile the relationship between differently expressed genes and the dimorphic transition. Two genes that were expressed at higher levels by the yeast form were selected, and their differential expression levels were verified using a quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). It is believed that these differently expressed genes are involved in the pathogenesis of S. globosa infection in China.
ACCURATE FINGERS MOTION DETECTION USING a SINGLE sEMG ELECTRODE for HUMAN ACTIVITIES RECOGNITION

Introduction Since the phenomenon of aging population becomes critical, there is a growing need for monitoring daily activities of elderly persons living alone or chronic diseases patients. With the development of sensing technologies, some kinds of human activities in daily life can be recognized automatically, which could lead to a better understanding of numerous diseases conditions. For instance, activity recognition for blood pressure monitoring is strongly desired [4]. With the help of recognition results, doctors can find the reason of blood pressure changes and make efficient feedback. In this way, the development of automatic activity recognition technologies can improve medical intervention timing and quality, while giving the user a sense of security. Quantification of daily physical activity plays a vital role in the evaluation of quality of life. It becomes more critical for people with limited mobility, such as elderly persons, especially those who are suffering from hypertension. Thanks to the development of wearable sensors and activity recognition technologies, it becomes possible to get the user’s activity information in daily life. Previous researches on activity recognition made some notable successes. Some researchers used an accelerometer on the wrist, and recognized seven kinds of activities, while others proposed to combine foot pressure sensors, GPS, gyroscope at the wrist, and other context sensors to accurately recognize daily behaviors [5][9][11]. However, a first common issue is the recognition accuracy drop for detailed static activities (deskwork, eating, etc.), which have been proved influencing blood pressure variations (Figure 1) [2]. Generally, existing sensing techniques for daily activities could be categorized into three main groups: visionbased, movement-based, and sEMG-based. sEMG-based methods are most suitable for the detection of detailed fingers motion, as it is also known to perform well for such detailed static activities recognition. Fig. 1 Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) variations depending on physical and mental activities.
Ethnicity, Perceived Discrimination, and Vascular Reactivity to Phenylephrine

Objectives: This study examined relationships among ethnicity, perceived discrimination, and vascular reactivity to phenylephrine (PE). Methods: Seventy-six white patients and 46 black patients were studied at an inpatient clinical research center in response to a bolus intravenous injection of 100 &mgr;g PE. Self-report questionnaires assessed perceived discrimination. Results: After controlling for body surface area, number of cigarettes smoked, and baseline blood pressure, black patients had greater vascular reactivity to PE than white patients (p = .01). There was also a significant relationship between perceived discrimination and diastolic blood pressure responsiveness to PE (p < .05). Path analyses revealed that perceived discrimination mediated the relationship between ethnicity and diastolic pressor responses. Individuals who perceived more discrimination had a larger increase in diastolic blood pressure in response to PE. Conclusion: These data suggest perceived discrimination is associated with increased blood pressure responsiveness to PE. BP = blood pressure; BSA = body surface area; HTN = hypertension; CVD = cardiovascular disease; PE = phenylephrine; SBP = systolic blood pressure; DBP = diastolic blood pressure; SEE = Scale of Ethnic Experience.
A lexicon pool augmented Naive Bayes Classifier for Nepali Text

This paper presents our experimental work on machine classification of Nepali texts. We have implemented a Naive Bayes classifier for the task and then augmented it through a multinomial lexicon pooling. The lexicon-pooled Naive Bayes Classifier obtains better results on classification task as compared to a normal Naive Bayes implementation. This hybrid approach also helps in dealing with the unavailability of linguistic resources in Nepali (such as stemmer, stop word list and accurate POS tagger). The proposed lexicon-pooled Naive Bayes approach is evaluated by applying on a sufficiently large dataset of Nepalese news stories. The experimental results demonstrate the higher classification accuracy and usefulness of the method for Nepali text classification. The paper also contributes resources to Nepali language processing, in form of a Nepali news stories corpus and a domain specific lexicon for Nepali news stories.
CD38 Exacerbates Focal Cytokine Production, Postischemic Inflammation and Brain Injury after Focal Cerebral Ischemia

Background Converging evidence suggests that inflammatory processes significantly influence brain injury and clinical impairment in ischemic stroke. Although early studies suggested a key role of lymphocytes, recent data has emphasized the orchestrating function of innate immunity, i.e., macrophages and microglia. The bifunctional receptor and ectoenzyme CD38 synthesizes calcium-mobilizing second messengers (e.g., cyclic ADP-ribose), which have been shown to be necessary for activation and migration of myeloid immune cells. Therefore, we investigated the dynamics of CD38 in stroke and the impact of CD38-deficiency on cytokine production, inflammation and cerebral damage in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Methodology/Principal Findings We show that the local expression of the chemokine MCP-1 was attenuated in CD38-deficient mice compared with wildtype mice after focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. In contrast, no significant induction of MCP-1 expression was observed in peripheral blood after 6 hours. Flow cytometry analysis revealed less infiltrating macrophages and lymphocytes in the ischemic hemisphere of CD38-deficient mice, whereas the amount of resident microglia was unaltered. An up-regulation of CD38 expression was observed in macrophages and CD8+ cells after focal cerebral ischemia in wildtype mice, whereas CD38 expression was unchanged in microglia. Finally, we demonstrate that CD38-deficiency decreases the cerebral ischemic injury and the persistent neurological deficit after three days of reperfusion in this murine temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model. Conclusion/Significance CD38 is differentially regulated following stroke and its deficiency attenuates the postischemic chemokine production, the immune cell infiltration and the cerebral injury after temporary ischemia and reperfusion. Therefore CD38 might prove a therapeutic target in ischemic stroke.