Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elimination of contaminating DNA within polymerase chain reaction reagents: implications for a general approach to detection of uncultured pathogens

Analysis based on comparisons of 16S rRNA sequences provides a rapid and reliable approach to identifying human pathogens. By directing oligonucleotide primers at sequences conserved throughout the eubacterial kingdom, bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA sequences of virtually any member of the eubacterial kingdom can be amplified by polymerase chain reaction and subsequently analyzed by sequence determination. Indeed, automated systems for broad-range amplification, sequencing, and data analysis are now feasible and may form the basis of the next generation of automated microbial identification systems. However, identification of pathogens by this strategy is hampered by the frequent contamination of reagents used for the amplification reaction, in particular Taq polymerase, with exogenous bacterial DNA. Here, we describe detailed investigations on the use of 8-methoxypsoralen and long-wave UV light to eliminate contaminating DNA in polymerase chain reaction reagents. The clinical utility of the developed procedure was demonstrated in a case of paucibacillary osteomyelitis, for which no specific bacterial agent had been cultured.
PrivPy: Enabling Scalable and General Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning

We introduce PrivPy, a practical privacy-preserving collaborative computation framework, especially optimized for machine learning tasks. PrivPy provides an easy-to-use and highly compatible Python programming front-end which supports high-level array operations and different secure computation engines to allow for security assumptions and performance trade-offs. With PrivPy, programmers can write modern machine learning algorithms conveniently and efficiently in Python. We also design and implement a new efficient computation engine, with which people can use competing cloud providers to efficiently perform general arithmetics over real numbers. We demonstrate the usability and scalability of PrivPy using common machine learning models (e.g. logistic regression and convolutional neural networks) and real-world datasets (including a 5000-by-1-million matrix).
Biological Half-Life and Oxidative Stress Effects in Mice with Low-Level, Oral Exposure to Tritium

Tritium (3H) may enter the environment from human activities, particularly at production, processing, or waste storage sites such as the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site, a former nuclear production facility in South Carolina. Understanding the dynamics and potential adverse effects of tritium in exposed organisms is critical to evaluating risks of tritium releases at such sites. Previous studies estimated the biological half-life of tritium in mice to be approximately 1.13 d; however, these laboratory studies were not conducted under environmentally realistic conditions. In this study, designed to be more representative of environmental exposure, mice were allowed to drink water containing tritium (activity about 300 Bq/ml) for a period of 2 wk. The induction of oxidative stress from tritium exposure was evaluated by comparing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) in exposed and control mice. From this experiment, the biological half-life of tritium was determined to be 2.26 ± 0.04 d, almost double previous estimates. While positive controls (x-ray irradiated mice) showed responses in antioxidant enzyme activity, there was no indication of oxidative stress induction in mice exposed to tritium at this concentration.
Gene expression profiles of hepatocytes treated with La(NO3)3 of rare earth in rats.

AIM To compare the gene expression between La(NO(3))(3)-exposed and control rats in vivo. METHODS Rats were fed La(NO(3))(3) once daily at a dose of 20 mg/kg for one month by gavage. Gene expression of hepatocytes was detected using mRNA differential display (DD) technique and cDNA microarray and compared between treated and control groups. RESULTS Six differentially expressed sequence tags were cloned by DD, of which five were up regulated and one was down regulated in treated rats. Two sequences were determined. One band was novel. The other shared 100% sequence homology with AU080263 Sugano mouse brain mncb Mus musculus cDNA clone MNCb-5435 5'. With DNA microarray, 136 differentially expressed genes were identified including 131 over-expressed genes and 5 under-expressed genes. Most of these differentially expressed genes were cell signal and transmission genes, genes associated with metabolism, protein translation and synthesis. CONCLUSION La(NO(3))(3) could change the expression levels of some kinds of genes. Further analysis of the differentially expressed genes would be helpful for understanding the wide biological effect spectrum of rare earth elements.
Decomposing Polynomial Systems into Simple Systems

A simple system is a pair of multivariate polynomial sets (one set for equations and the other for inequations) ordered in triangular form, in which every polynomial is squarefree and has non-vanishing leading coefficient with respect to its leading variable. This paper presents a method that decomposes any pair of polynomial sets into finitely many simple systems with an associated zero decomposition. The method employs top-down elimination with splitting and the formation of subresultant regular subchains as basic operation.
Low altitude UAV propagation channel modelling

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is going to play an important role in fifth generation communication systems for establishing seamless coverage in various scenarios due to its low-cost and flexibility. Understanding the UAV wireless channels is the basis for its application. In this paper, a recently conducted measurement campaign for the UAV wireless propagation channel in a suburban scenario in Madrid is introduced. Based on the Universal Software-defined Radio Peripheral (USRP) equipment, narrowband measurements at frequency of 5.76 GHz and broadband measurements at frequency of 1.817 GHz are performed. The path loss, K-factor, power delay profiles (PDPs), multipath components (MPCs) and root-mean-square (RMS) delay spreads (DSs) are presented.
Plato On Akrasia And Knowing Your Own Mind

The standard picture of the development of Plato’s views on akrasia depicts an increase in subtlety and psychological realism from the early to the middle and late dialogues. In the Republic , Plato partitions the soul and thus recognizes the existence of non-rational motivations that do not aim at what is best for the whole person overall. Plato’s theory in the Protagoras may be reminiscent of the claim that he makes about desire and the good in the Gorgias and the Meno . The chapter draws on literature on self-knowledge to sketch several worries to which one’s lack of awareness of one’s own mind might give rise. It turns to the details of Plato’s solution to the puzzle of apparent akratic action in the Protagoras . Finally, the chapter concludes with a few brief remarks about what the lines of thought that were explored may suggest about Plato’s conception of rationality. Keywords: akrasia ; Gorgias ; non-rational motivation; Plato; Protagoras ; psychological realism; Republic ; self-knowledge
Basic Control Principles of Omnidirectional Wireless Power Transfer

This paper presents the basic control principles of omnidirectional wireless power transfer (WPT) based on the current amplitude control. The principles involve 1) an “omnidirectional” scanning process for detecting the power requirements in a 3-D space and 2) a “directional” power flow control for focusing the wireless power toward the targeted areas. Such principles apply to any WPT system comprising three orthogonal transmitter coils and multiple receivers with coil resonators. A current amplitude control method capable of generating a magnetic vector at a set of points evenly distributed on a spherical surface is explained. Based on the voltage and the current information in the transmitter circuit, the power involved in each vector over the spherical surface can be obtained. By scanning the vector over the spherical surface, the collective power flow requirements for the targeted loads can be determined. Based on the power requirements for the vectors over the spherical surface, a weighted time-sharing scheme is adopted to focus the wireless power toward the targeted areas. This method has been successfully applied to a hardware prototype. Both theoretical and experimental results are included to confirm these principles.
Decoupled automated rotational and translational registration for functional MRI time series data: The dart registration algorithm

A rapid, in‐plane image registration algorithm that accurately estimates and corrects for rotational and translational motion is described. This automated, one‐pass method achieves its computational efficiency by decoupling the estimation of rotation and translation, allowing the application of rapid cross‐correlation and cross‐spectrum techniques for the determination of displacement parameters. k‐space regridding and modulation techniques are used for image correction as alternatives to linear interpolation. The performance of this method was analyzed with simulations and echo‐planar image data from both phantoms and human subjects. The processing time for image registration on a Hewlett‐Packard 735/125 is 7.5 s for a 128 × 128 pixel image and 1.7 s for a 64 × 64 pixel image. Imaging phantom data demonstrate the accuracy of the method (mean rotational error, −0.09°; standard deviation = 0.17°; range, −0.44° to + 0.31°; mean translational error = −0.035 pixels; standard deviation = 0.054 pixels; range, −0.16 to + 0.06 pixels). Registered human functional imaging data demonstrate a significant reduction in motion artifacts such as linear trends in pixel time series and activation artifacts due to stimulus‐correlated motion. The advantages of this technique are its noniterative one‐pass nature, the reduction in image degradation as compared to previous methods, and the speed of computation.
A functional proteomics approach links the ubiquitin-related modifier Urm1 to a tRNA modification pathway

Urm1 is a highly conserved ubiquitin-related modifier of unknown function. A reduction of cellular Urm1 levels causes severe cytokinesis defects in HeLa cells, resulting in the accumulation of enlarged multinucleated cells. To understand the underlying mechanism, we applied a functional proteomics approach and discovered an enzymatic activity that links Urm1 to a tRNA modification pathway. Unlike ubiquitin (Ub) and many Ub-like modifiers, which are commonly conjugated to proteinaceous targets, Urm1 is activated by an unusual mechanism to yield a thiocarboxylate intermediate that serves as sulfur donor in tRNA thiolation reactions. This mechanism is reminiscent of that used by prokaryotic sulfur carriers and thus defines the evolutionary link between ancient Ub progenitors and the eukaryotic Ub/Ub-like modification systems.
A novel concept for combining distribution network and system support services for storage systems

This paper presents a novel concept for combining network and market or system service-orientated functions in grid storage systems. For this, a network service consisting in local phase balancing for power flows or voltages is considered. This service can be combined with further system or market — orientated services. A theoretical formulation of the converter set-points is provided for the use-case phase balancing together with active and/or reactive power provision and is illustrated with enlightening examples.
ANGIOTENSIN‐CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS IMPROVE HEPATIC STEATOSIS BY MODULATING EXPRESSION OF TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR‐α, INTERLEUKIN‐6 AND ADIPONECTIN RECEPTOR‐2 IN RATS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

1 Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) are hypotensive drugs that have been shown to prevent Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in high‐risk individuals. However, in T2DM, the effects of ACEI on hepatic steatosis are not known. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of ACEI on changes in liver histology and hepatic mRNA expression of adipokines in rats with T2DM. 2 Thirty‐six rats were divided into a normal control group, a T2DM group and a fosinopril‐treated group. After six weeks of treatment with 5 mg/kg per day fosinopril, an ACEI, changes in liver histology, serum fasting glucose (FG), insulin, triglyceride (TG), total cholersterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, adiponectin were evaluated, as was hepatic TNF‐α, IL‐6 and adiponectin receptor‐2 (adipoR2) mRNA expression. 3 The degree of hepatic steatosis and inflammation, serum FG, insulin, TG, TC, ALT, TNF‐α and IL‐6 concentrations and hepatic TNF‐α and IL‐6 mRNA expression were significantly higher in rats with T2DM than in normal controls. Serum adiponectin concentrations and hepatic adipoR2 mRNA expression in rats with T2DM were significantly lower than in normal controls. Fosinopril significantly reduced the degree of hepatic steatosis, serum FG, insulin, ALT, TNF‐α and IL‐6 concentrations and hepatic TNF‐α and IL‐6 mRNA expression. Fosinopril significantly increased serum adiponectin concentrations and hepatic adipoR2 mRNA expression. 4 In conclusion, the ACEI improved insulin sensitivity and hepatic steatosis in rats with T2DM by increasing circulating adiponectin and hepatic adipoR2 levels, in addition to reducing pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels in the circulation and liver.
A Simple and Sensitive Detection of OmpA Protein from Escherichia Coli by Quartz Crystal Microbalance

The ability to produce indigenous diagnostic tests for neonatal meningitis, that are novel, specific yet costeffective would now provide a huge impact on public health management in developing countries. Escherichia coli (K1) is the major cause of neonatal meningitis through the interaction with human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC). Outer membrane protein A (OmpA) is a major protein in the E. coli outer membrane. However, there is not any rapid detections for OmpA. We proposes the construction of a molecular recognition layer composed of thiol molecules and further activation with EDC-NHS complexes on the surface of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Immobilization of antibodies onto the crystal will be allowed to detect OmpA antigens for nanomedicine applications. This study originally developed the aforementioned QCM method to rapidly detect OmpA antigen. The method utilizes the piezoelectric immunosensor onto whose thiol activated crystal surface the affinity-purified antibodies would be immobilized, and the main objective of this study is to optimize the surface monolayer conditions to provide efficient binding of antiOmpA IgG antibody and to exploit sensing surface for the detection of OmpA antigen , as an alternative diagnostic test. Though the frequency shift was lower for OmpA antibody, still it can able to detect lower than 20 ng /ml of OmpA antigen. The detection of OmpA protein by QCM method is comparatively simple and sensitive than other systems. Key words-Biosensor; Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) ; Outer membrane protein A (OmpA) ; Thiosalicylic Acid (TSA); Flow-injection Assay
Breast and cervical cancer screening utilization among Hispanic women living near the United States-Mexico border.

OBJECTIVE Hispanic women who reside in low-resource settings are especially at risk for nonparticipation in cancer screening programs. The purpose of this study was to assess characteristics that influence breast and cervical cancer screening among older Hispanic women living along the United States-Mexico border. METHODS A cross-sectional study of women aged ≥50 years (n = 504) residing in Yuma County, Arizona, were randomly selected for interviews. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify determinants of compliance with mammography and Pap smear use. RESULTS Women who received a recommendation from a clinician to get both mammography and Pap smears were more likely to receive a mammogram within the past year (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-8.9) compared to women who received no recommendation. Likewise, women who received both recommendations were more likely to receive a Pap smear within the past 3 years (AOR 9.7, 95% CI 4.6-20.7) compared to women who received no recommendation. Other factors, such as current health insurance and a visit with their healthcare provider in the past year, were also associated with getting a mammogram within 1 year or Pap smear within 3 years. CONCLUSIONS Enabling characteristics were significantly associated with breast and cervical cancer screening use compared to predisposing and need characteristics among older Hispanic women residing near the U.S.-Mexico border. Clinician recommendation of both mammograms and Pap smears and opportunistic clinic visits to medical providers may increase breast and cervical cancer screening coverage and reduce the burden of these two cancers in this high-risk population.
A smart helmet for air quality and hazardous event detection for the mining industry

A smart helmet has been developed that is able to detect of hazardous events in the mines industry. In the development of helmet, we have considered the three main types of hazard such as air quality, helmet removal, and collision (miners are struck by an object). The first is the concentration level of the hazardous gases such as CO, SO2, NO2, and particulate matter. The second hazardous event was classified as a miner removing the mining helmet off their head. An IR sensor was developed unsuccessfully but an off-the shelf IR sensor was then used to successfully determine when the helmet is on the miner's head. The third hazardous event is defined as an event where miners are struck by an object against the head with a force exceeding a value of 1000 on the HIC (Head Injury Criteria). An accelerometer was used to measure the acceleration of the head and the HIC was calculated in software. The layout of the visualisation software was completed, however the implementation was unsuccessful. Tests were successfully done to calibrate the accelerometer. PCB's that were designed and made included a breakout board and a prototype board. A whole software implementation was done based on Contiki operating system in order to do the control of the measuring of sensors and of calculations done with the measured values. This paper presents the undertaken design detailing solutions to issues raised in previous research.
Social Information Processing, Security of Attachment, and Emotion Regulation in Children With Learning Disabilities

This study examined the contribution of attachment security and emotion regulation (ER) to the explanation of social information processing (SIP) in middle childhood boys with learning disabilities (LD) and without LD matched on age and grade level. Children analyzed four social vignettes using Dodge's SIP model and completed the Kerns security scale and the children's self-control scale. Study results demonstrated major difficulties in SIP, lower attachment security, and less ER in children with LD compared to children without LD. Attachment as well as the interaction between attachment and ER emerged as important contributors to most SIP steps, suggesting that children with higher security who also have better ER skills will have better SIP capabilities along the different steps, beyond group inclusion. Results were discussed in terms of practical and clinical implications regarding the importance of mother-child attachment and ER skills for social cognitive capabilities in children with LD.
A linear CMOS balanced output transconductor using double differential pair with source degeneration and adaptive biasing

This paper presents two new configurations for linear CMOS balanced output transconductor. The proposed circuits employ three types of linearization techniques which are previously reported in the literature. The three techniques are the source degeneration, double differential pair technique and the adaptive biasing. The second proposed configuration achieves rail to rail operation with low THD in compare with other linearization techniques. Up to 1 MHz, the third-order inter-modulation (IM3) remains below −60 dB for 0.4 V input differential voltage at 1.2 V supply voltage. The linearity performance of proposed OTA circuits are validated by computer simulation using TSMC 90 nm technology.
Enhancing person re-identification by late fusion of low-, mid- and high-level features

Person re-identification is the process of finding people across different cameras. In this process, focus often lies in developing strong feature descriptors or a robust metric learning algorithm. While the two aspects are the most important steps in order to secure a high performance, a less explored aspect is late fusion of complementary features. For this purpose, this study proposes a late fusing scheme that, based on an experimental analysis, combines three systems that focus on extracting features and provide supervised learning on different abstraction levels. To analyse the behaviour of the proposed system, both rank aggregation and score-level fusion are applied. The authors' proposed fusion scheme increases results on both small and large datasets. Experimental results on VIPeR show accuracies 5.43% higher than related systems, while results on PRID450S and CUHK01 increase state-of-the-art results by 10.94 and 14.84%, respectively. Furthermore, a cross-dataset test shows an increased rank-1 accuracy of 28.26% when training on CUHK02 and testing on VIPeR. Finally, an analysis of the late fusion shows aggregation to be better when individual results are unequally distributed within top-10 while score-level fusion provides better results when two individual results lie within top-5 while the last lies outside top-10.
Determinação da Taxa de Crescimento na Perpetuidade em Avaliação de Empresas

Este artigo desenvolve uma ideia geral conceitual sobre a aplicacao da taxa de crescimento em perpe-tuidade na avaliacao de empresas. Como toda ideia geral, e fruto de simplificacoes limitadoras alem de ser passivel de excecoes, principalmente em mercados nao maduros, como o Brasil. No entanto, a sua validade esta na conceituacao de uma ideia geral que permite a identificacao das excecoes, as quais so devem ser aceitas apos a exposicao de argumentos que as justifiquem. O artigo tambem examina os laudos de avaliacao disponiveis no link OPA (oferta publica de acoes) do site da CVM (Comissao de Valores Imobiliarios). Dos 44 laudos analisados, 34,1% estao em linha com a ideia geral desenvolvida neste artigo e 18,2% podem ser excecoes. O usuario deveria buscar informacoes adicionais que justifi-quem a coerencia das premissas dos 47,7% restantes. A analise foi puramente quantitativa, sem ne-nhum componente qualitativo, limitacao esta que se acrescenta as simplificacoes limitadoras.
Project oriented immersion learning: method and results

A pedagogical approach called "project oriented immersion learning" is presented and tested on a graduate online course. The approach combines the Project Oriented Learning method with immersion learning in a virtual enterprise. Students assumed the role of authors hired by a fictitious publishing house that develops digital products including e-books, tutorials, Web sites and so on. The students defined the problem that their product was to solve; choose the type of product and the content; and built the product following a strict project methodology. A wild server was used as a platform to hold the intranet of the editorial company and to keep process documentation, reflections and end products. The publishing house was itself structured as a learning organization that also implements knowledge management. We describe the pedagogical principles of the approach and the design, processes and results of the course in which both Danish and Mexican students took part.