Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An algebraic least squares reduced basis method for the solution of parametrized Stokes equations

In this paper we propose a new, purely algebraic, Petrov-Galerkin reduced basis (RB) method to solve the parametrized Stokes equations, where parameters serve to identify the (variable) domain geometry. Our method is obtained as an algebraic least squares reduced basis (aLS-RB) method, and improves the existing RB methods for Stokes equations in several directions. First of all, it does not require to enrich the velocity space, as often done when dealing with a velocity-pressure formulation. This because it relies on a Petrov-Galerkin RB method rather than on a Galerkin RB (G-RB) method, and exploits a suitable approximation of the matrix-norm in the de nition of the (global) supremizing operator. The knowledge of an analytical map between a reference domain and the physical, parameter-dependent domain, is not requested. For this reason, possible deformations of the domain which result from the solution of a computational problem can be accounted for. The new method also provides a fully automated procedure to assemble and solve the RB problem, able to treat any kind of parametrization. We prove the stability of the resulting aLS-RB problem (in the sense of a suitable inf-sup condition) and provide a numerical comparison between the proposed method and the current state-of-art G-RB methods relying on the enrichment of the velocity space. In particular, our approach results in a cheaper, more convenient option both during the o ine and the online stage of computation, compared to the existing G-RB methods; numerical results are provided on a problem featuring a parameter-dependent geometry and more than 10 degrees of freedom regarding its highdelity nite element approximation.
Plaque assay for virulent Legionella pneumophila

Methods of assessing virulence of Legionella pneumophila, the etiologic agent of Legionnaires disease, include the infection of guinea pigs, fertile chicken eggs, and mammalian and protozoan cell cultures. Guinea pig assays, in particular, are expensive, laborious, or unsuitable for routine screening of Legionella isolates. We have developed a virulence assay that requires the enumeration of viruslike plaques which are the result of virulent L. pneumophila infecting mouse L929 cells. Each plaque is the consequence of the initial infection of an L cell with a single bacterium. A nonvirulent mutant derived from the serial passage of virulent L. pneumophila on Mueller-Hinton agar fails to survive within L cells and consequently fails to produce plaques.
New phenolic compounds from Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. and their antioxidant and angiotensin i-converting enzyme inhibitory activities.

Three new phenolic compounds, coretinphenol (1), coretincone (2), and coretinphencone (3), were isolated from the buds of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. , together with nine known compounds, including butein (4), okanin (5), isoliquiritigenin (6), maritimetin (7), taxifolin (8), isookanin (9), marein (10), sachalinoside B (11), and 2-phenylethyl-β-d-glucoside (12). The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and on the basis of their chemical reactivity. This work represents the first recorded example of the isolation of compounds 1–3, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 12 from C. tinctoria. Compounds 5–9 showed strong diphenyl(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 3.35 ± 0.45, 9.6 ± 2.32, 4.12 ± 0.21, 6.2 ± 0.43, and 7.9 ± 0.53 μM, respectively. Compounds 2 and 8 exhibited angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 228 ± 4.47 and 145.67 ± 3.45 μM, respectively. The activities of phenolic compounds isolated from C. tinctoria support the medicinal use of this plant in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
The important impact factors of entrepreneurial motivation for college students

Almost every university of science and technology is currently implementing entrepreneurial education, but the outcome varies. The reason for this is that students taking the courses have varied background factors, resulting in differed intensities of entrepreneurial motivation (EM). The purpose of this study is to explore the entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE), creative tendency (CT), and EM, prediction of first-year students from a university of science and technology with different background variables. In addition, whether ESE and CT can enhance EM was predicted. Research conclusions: family business, entrepreneurial intentions, entrepreneurial potential, pre-entrepreneurship training, and risk-taking have a significantly positive impact on ESE, CT, and EM; entrepreneur competition has a significantly positive impact on CT and EM; entrepreneurial intentions, entrepreneurial potential, and risk-taking on EM reach the significant standard; entrepreneurial intentions, risk-taking, ESE, and CT reach the significant standard on entrepreneurial motivation.
Characteristics of Defining Hyperplanes of Constant Returns to Scale Technology in DEA

In this paper characteristics of defining hyperplanes of constant returns to scale technology in DEA have been investigated. A defining hyperplane namely H is a type of hyperplane that with the elimination of H, the production possibility set (PPS) will be enlarged (In this paper a defining hyperplane exactly is the full dimensional efficient facet (FDEF) and may be found in Olesen and Peterson (1996, 2003)). The point of view of some of the characteristics is conceptual and the interpretation of defining hyperplanes of constant returns to scale technology can be achieved by these conceptual characteristics. However, some of the characteristics are practical and one can easily utilize them in practice. Some parts of topology and convex analysis have been considered to show the truth of characteristics.
Skin biopsy: a new tool for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy

The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy is about 2% in the general population, but it rises to 12% and 17% in people with one or two recognised risk factors.1 Diabetes is one such risk factor and the most common cause of this disorder—about half of patients who have had diabetes for 25 years have peripheral neuropathy. The early symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and other peripheral neuropathies are due to degeneration of small somatic nerve fibres, which may remain the only nerves involved.2 However, “small fibre neuropathy” may not be detected by traditional physical, neurophysiological, and neuropathological tests. In the past decade, skin biopsy has become a popular method for investigating small nerve fibres.3 It allows general practitioners and non-specialists—such as diabetologists and specialists in orthopaedics—to diagnose neuropathy (thereby avoiding delayed or incorrect diagnosis), to investigate its aetiology, and to focus treatment, in particular for neuropathic pain. We searched the Medline database using combinations of the terms “skin biopsy”, “cutaneous nerve fibres”, “intraepidermal nerve fibres”, “neuropathy”, “painful neuropathy”, and “pain”. We also included evidence provided by the recent guidelines of the European Federation of the Neurological Societies.3 Small fibre neuropathy can be associated with common metabolic disorders (such as diabetes and hyperlipidaemia), immune mediated conditions (such as Sjogren's syndrome, sarcoidosis, and coeliac disease), drug toxicity (such as that caused by antineoplastic drugs and antiretroviral drugs), and viral infections (such as HIV). It can be a feature of hereditary diseases (such as familial amyloidosis and Fabry's disease), or it may be idiopathic. In the absence of known systemic disease, the diagnosis of small fibre neuropathy may not be easy. Pain or burning (or both) in the feet are prominent symptoms, and may be worse at night. Some patients report that contact with warm or cold water elicits discomfort or …
Rimon's Brief Depression Scale, a Rapid Method for Screening Depression

A brief scale for evaluating depression, called Rimon's Brief Depression Scale, was developed using responses of 103 patients with primary or secondary depression. The validity of the scale was evaluated by comparing scores with those on Beck's Depression Scale. The results showed high reliability and concurrent validity and encourage the adoption of Rimon's scale in general psychological and medical practice.
Anthropometric, Physical, Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Lipids and Lipoproteins Profile of Young Indian Children of 10-16 Years Age Group

Sports talent may be identified from young children when they show interest in different sports. Anthropometric, physical, cardiorespiratory fitness and lipids profiles contribute to selection procedures. The present study was undertaken to investigate the anthropometric, physical, cardiorespiratiory fitness and lipids and lipoprotein profiles of 10-16 yrs children, in order to identify sports talent in them. A total of 225 male children of 10-16 yrs age volunteered for this study; were divided equally into 3 groups (i) Prepubertal (age-11.0 ± 0.8yrs, n=75); (ii) Pubertal (age 13.5 ± 0.5 yrs, n=75); (iii) Postpubertal (age 15.5 ± 0.5 yrs, n=75). Selected anthropometric, physical and cardiorespiratiory fitness variables were measured for each group. A significantly (P<0.05) greater height, body mass, BSA, LBM, mid upper arm circumference, hip and trunk flexibility, grip strengths, abdominal strength, elastic leg strength, maximum speed, peak power, VO2max, FVC, FEV1, PEFR, blood pressure and serum HDL-C level were observed in Postpubertal children when compared to Prepubertal and Pubertal children. However, a significantly (P<0.05) lower percent body fat, reaction time, maximal heart rate, recovery heart rates and serum triglyceride level were noted in Postpubertal children when compared to Prepubertal and Pubertal children. The waist- hip ratio of pubertal children was noted significantly higher (P<0.05) when compared to prepubertal and postpurbertal children. No significant change was reported in BMI, resting heart rate, serum total cholesterol and LDL-C levels among the groups. Identification of children at early stage of their growth and development may produce elite athletes in the future. Talent identification also can be used as a counseling technique that helps to discover and explore areas of talent for particular athletes.
ENDORESECTION TECHNIQUE WITH/WITHOUT BRACHYTHERAPY FOR MANAGEMENT OF HIGH POSTERIOR CHOROIDAL MELANOMA: Extended Follow-up Results

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of endoresection for high posterior choroidal melanoma. Methods: Retrospective nonrandomized interventional case series. Forty-one patients had endoresection as primary treatment for posterior choroidal melanoma. Of these, 21 patients had adjuvant brachytherapy. The inclusion criteria were tumor thickness ≥8 mm, base diameter <15 mm, and posterior tumors not extending anterior to the equator. Main outcomes measures were enucleation rate, visual outcome, surgical complications, local recurrence, metastasis, and mortality. Results: Mean follow-up time was 102.5 months. Mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/100. Mean tumor thickness was 9.8 mm (range, 7.7–13.5 mm; standard deviation, 1.7 mm), mean base diameter was 9.9 mm (range, 5–15 mm; standard deviation, 2.8 mm). At the latest visit, 36 patients (87.8%) still retained the eye. Mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/1,625. Retinal detachment was the main postoperative complication (28.9%). At completion of follow-up, 12% of patients had phthisis bulbi, and 3 developed chronic hypotony. Five patients (12.2%) had local tumor recurrence; none of them had received brachytherapy as initial treatment. At 5 years of follow-up, 3 patients (7.3%) had liver metastasis. On Kaplan–Meier analysis at 10 years, all-cause mortality was 7.3% and specific mortality because of melanoma was 2.4%. Conclusion: Endoresection of high posterior melanomas was not associated with a higher risk of metastasis, death, or local recurrence than other reported techniques used to treat similar melanomas.
Metal-androgen interrelationships in carcinoma and hyperplasia of the human prostate.

Zinc and cadmium concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy in normal and pathological human prostates. Our studies confirm the values of zinc in normal tissue [6.84 +/- 1.21 (S.E.M.) mumol/g] and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) (6.9 +/- 1.19 mumol/g) are similar, while in neoplastic tissues zinc concentrations were significantly lower (2.61 +/- 0.45 mumol/g). The Cd2+ levels in BPH (23.11 +/- 3.28 nmol/g) were, on the other hand, considerably higher than those found for normal tissues (5.15 +/- 0.62 nmol/g). In agreement with other published reports, Cd2+ concentrations were found to be markedly increased in carcinomatous tissue (129.79 +/- 22.22 nmol/g). No correlation was however established between the values for the two metals in either type of prostatic tissue. An established specific radioimmunoassay was used for the measurement of testosterone and dihydrotestoesterone (DHT) and a distinct pattern emerged upon comparing these results with those for the zinc and cadmium concentrations. It appears that the concentrations of DHT in benign hypertrophy and of testosterone and DHT in carcinoma were inversely proportional to the levels of Zn2+ in abnormal tissue. In contrast, the DHT levels in the hypertrophied and malignant tissue were proportional to the Cd2+ concentrations.
The signal recognition particle receptor alpha subunit assembles co‐translationally on the endoplasmic reticulum membrane during an mRNA‐encoded translation pause in vitro.

Many proteins, including the alpha subunit of the signal recognition particle receptor (SR alpha), are targeted within the cell by poorly defined mechanisms. A 140 residue N‐terminal domain of SR alpha targets and anchors the polypeptide to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane by a mechanism independent of the pathway involving the signal recognition particle. To investigate the mechanism of membrane anchoring, translation pause sites on the SR alpha mRNA were used to examine the targeting of translation intermediates. A strong pause site at nucleotide 507 of the mRNA open reading frame corresponded with the shortest nascent SR alpha polypeptide able to assemble on membranes. An mRNA sequence at this pause site that resembles a class of viral −1 frameshift sequences caused translation pausing when transferred into another mRNA context. Site‐directed mutagenesis of the mRNA greatly reduced translation pausing without altering the polypeptide sequence, demonstrating unambiguously a role for this mRNA sequence in translation pausing. SR alpha polypeptides synthesized from the non‐pausing mRNA were impaired in co‐translational membrane anchoring. Furthermore, co‐translational membrane assembly of SR alpha appears to anchor polysomes translating SR alpha to membranes.
Short PCR product yields improved by lower denaturation temperatures.

Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) typically involve template denaturation between 930 and 95°C for every cycle of amplification. Under these conditions Taq DNA polymerase is inactivated gradually, with a half life of 130 and 40 min at 92.50 and 95°C respectively (1) and its activity may be limiting in the later cycles. Since the amplified product acts as template in subsequent cycles, it may be unnecessary to use such high denaturation temperatures during the later cycles, when the original DNA template of longer length forms an insignificant fraction of the total template. The empirical melting point equations for DNA-DNA duplexes in solution predicts that hybrid length affects Tm by a factor of 650/L, where L is the length in base pairs (2). Hence, Tm of duplexes less han 350 base pairs in length would be expected to be 2°C or more lower than that for genomic DNA of similar GC content, though absolute Tm values have not been formally established for the conditions used in PCR. We discovered that lowering the denaturation temperature after the initial few cycles gives a much improved yield of product, and enables amplification to be performed for up to 70 cycles.
Adapting low back pain guidelines within a multidisciplinary context: a process evaluation.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The Alberta Ambassador Program (AAP) adapted seven clinical practice guidelines on low back pain (LBP) into a single guideline spanning the continuum of care from prevention and diagnosis through to treatment. The Ambassador adaptation process was evaluated to 1 Identify the major challenges encountered and successful strategies utilized; 2 Assess strengths and weaknesses by benchmarking it with the ADAPTE framework; and 3 Identify opportunities for improvement. METHOD External consultants reviewed the Ambassador and ADAPTE materials and conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 29 participants from the AAP committees. All participants were asked about the major challenges encountered and potential areas for improvement. RESULTS The response rate was 83% (29/35). There was strong consensus that the Ambassador guideline adaptation process was sound and rigorous all respondents indicated willingness to participate in further iterations of the Program. Key elements of success were identified. The main steps and sequence of the process were closely aligned with the ADAPTE framework, although the AAP incorporated additional enhancements which augmented the process. The main divergences between the two frameworks centred on the organizational structure and the methods used to overcome methodological difficulties. CONCLUSION The AAP successfully utilized existing stakeholder interest to create an overarching guideline for managing LBP across multiple primary care disciplines. The study highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the Program, and identified practical strategies for improvement. Evaluating guideline adaptation processes is pivotal to ensuring that they continue to be an efficient, rigorous and practicable option for producing contextualized, clinically relevant guidelines.
Accurate capacitance and inductance calculations for Koch fractal SRRs

In this paper, an efficient method is proposed for the characterization of the distributed capacitance and inductance of fractal Koch split ring resonators. The charge distribution and capacitance of the Kock-shape metallic strips were obtained using a simple electromagnetic (EM) approach combined to the method of moments. Another geometrical-based approach was also used to find the total inductance of the inclusion (self and mutual inductances). Through the above analysis, the resonant frequency can be accurately predicted for different Koch curve orders. Furthermore, the EM properties of the proposed structures were investigated and successfully compared to a conventional split ring resonator from the point of view of size reduction. The calculated theoretical lumped element values also agreed well with simulations.
Multiscale Representation and Compression of 3-D Point Data

A compact representation scheme is presented for 3-D point data. To describe underlying surface from raw point samples, we dyadically divide a 3-D domain enclosing whole points. Then, local points in each cube are approximated by a plane patch, yielding a multiscale representation of 3-D surface. To reduce the redundancy between different scale models, the geometry innovation is evaluated between different scale planes, which reveals the Euclidian distance between planes. Finally, the geometry innovation coefficients are compressed by a zerotree-based encoder. Based on the multiscale plane representation of 3-D geometry and the efficient plane decomposition method, the proposed scheme provides a desirable framework for 3-D point geometry processing.
Proposal for a Breakfast Quality Index (BQI) for children and adolescents

Abstract Objective To propose and apply an instrument to assess the breakfast quality of children and adolescents in the Mediterranean area. Design Randomized, cross-sectional survey of breakfast consumption using a validated semi-quantitative FFQ administered at school by trained dietitians between Tuesday and Friday. A Breakfast Quality Index (BQI) score was developed, assigning a positive value to the consumption of cereals, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, MUFA, Ca and compliance with energy recommendations, and to the absence of SFA and trans-rich fats. Data were analysed by Student's t test and ANOVA. Setting Schools in Granada and Balearic Islands (Spain). Subjects All schoolchildren (n 4332) aged 8–17 years at randomly selected and representative schools between 2006 and 2008, stratified by age and sex. Results Breakfast was not consumed by 6·5 % of participants. BQI score was highest for children aged 7–9 years and decreased with age (P = 0·001). Females scored higher in all age groups. The lowest score was in males aged 14–17 years and the highest in females aged 7–9 years (P = 0·006). Conclusions The proposed BQI appears useful to estimate the breakfast quality of schoolchildren and to form a basis for nutrition education.
Effect of Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: The SHAPE Study

Background: An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for several types of cancer. A proposed pathway through which exercise influences cancer risk is via insulin. We aim to investigate the effect of a one-year exercise intervention on insulin sensitivity, and the role of body fat in this association, in healthy, normal to overweight/obese, postmenopausal women. Methods: In the Sex Hormones And Physical Exercise (SHAPE) study, 189 healthy, inactive and postmenopausal women [ages, 50–69 years; body mass index (BMI), 22–40 kg/m2] were randomly assigned to a one-year aerobic and strength exercise intervention (150 min/wk), or a control group. Between-group differences in fasting insulin, glucose, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2) over time were estimated using linear mixed models. Results: Follow-up measurements of insulin sensitivity were available for 181 (95.8%) and 182 (96.3%) women at 4 and 12 months, respectively. The intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant differences between the two study groups [treatment effect ratio of the exercise group vs. control (β; 95% confidence interval): insulin, β, 1.07 (0.96–1.19); glucose, β, 1.01 (0.99–1.02); and HOMA2, β, 1.07 (0.96–1.20)]. Similar results were found in a per protocol analysis in compliant women, and in a subgroup of women who lost >2% body fat [measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)]. Conclusions: Participation in a one-year aerobic and strength exercise intervention program did not result in changes in insulin sensitivity in healthy postmenopausal and inactive women. Impact: Our findings suggest that 150 min/wk of exercise, as recommended by current guidelines, is not enough to achieve improvements in insulin sensitivity and subsequent cancer risk, in healthy postmenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(1); 81–87. ©2014 AACR.