Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Larval Mosquitoes (Aedes triseriatus) and Stemflow on Microbial Community Dynamics in Container Habitats

ABSTRACT The dynamics of the microbial food sources for Aedes triseriatus larvae in microcosms were found to be strongly influenced by larval presence. The total abundance of bacteria in water samples generally increased in response to larvae, including populations of cultivable, facultatively anaerobic bacteria. Additionally, a portion of the community shifted fromPseudomonaceae to Enterobacteriaceae. Bacterial abundance on leaf material was significantly reduced in the presence of actively feeding larvae. Principle-component analysis of whole community fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles showed that larvae changed the microbial community structure in both the water column and the leaf material. Cyclopropyl FAMEs, typically associated with bacteria, were reduced in microcosms containing larvae; however, other bacterial fatty acids showed no consistent response. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids characteristic of microeukaryotes (protozoans and meiofauna) declined in abundance when larvae were present, indicating that larval feeding reduced the densities of these microorganisms. However, presumed fungal lipid markers either increased or were unchanged in response to larvae. Larval presence also affected microbial nitrogen metabolism through modification of the physiochemical conditions or by grazing on populations of bacteria involved in nitrification-denitrification. Stemflow primarily influenced inorganic ion and organic compound concentrations in the microcosms and had less-pronounced effects on microbial community parameters than did larval presence. Stemflow treatments diluted concentrations of all inorganic ions (chloride, sulfate, and ammonium) and organic compounds (total dissolved organic carbon, soluble carbohydrates, and total protein) measured, with the exceptions of nitrite and nitrate. Stemflow addition did not measurably affect larval biomass in the microcosms but did enhance development rates and early emergence patterns of adults.
Multi-objective optimal trajectory design and tracking with non-periodic tracking-transition switching for non-minimum phase linear systems

ABSTRACT In this paper, the problem of trajectory design and tracking of non-periodic tracking-transition switching for non-minimum phase linear systems is considered. Such a problem exists in various applications, where the output trajectory consists of application-dependent tracking sessions and to-be-designed transition sessions. The challenge arises when multiple control objectives are considered, including the smooth transition from one output tracking session to the next one without large oscillations during the transition, smooth tracking-transition switching without inducing pre- and/or post-switching oscillations, input-energy minimisation without saturation under amplitude constraint, and furthermore, minimisation of the overall transition time. The proposed approach extends the previous work that attained smooth output transition and smooth tracking-transition switching to further achieve amplitude-constrained input-energy minimisation and transition time minimisation. First, the constrained input optimisation problem is converted to an unconstrained input minimisation problem. Then, the optimal output and input are obtained by using an improved conjugate gradient method. Finally, the total transition time is further minimised via one-dimensional search. The proposed approach is illustrated through a simulation example in probe-based nanomanipulation utilising a piezoelectric actuator.
Developmentally controlled telomere addition in wild-type and mutant paramecia

We analyzed sites of macronuclear telomere addition at a single genetic locus in Paramecium tetraurelia. We showed that in homozygous wild-type cells, differential genomic processing during macronuclear development resulted in the A surface antigen gene being located 8, 13, or 26 kilobases upstream from a macronuclear telomere. We describe variable rearrangements that occurred at the telomere 8 kilobases from the A gene. A mutant (d48) that forms a telomere near the 5' end of the A gene was also analyzed. This mutant was shown to create simple terminal deletions; telomeric repeats were added directly to the truncated wild-type A gene sequence. In both the mutant and wild-type cells, the telomeric sequences (a mixture of C4A2 and C3A3 repeats) were added to various sequences within a specific 200- to 500-base-pair region rather than to a single site. No similarities were found in the primary sequences surrounding the telomere addition sites. The mutation in d48 changed the region of telomere addition at the A gene locus; this is the first example in ciliates of a mutation that affects the site of telomere addition.
Built in self repair for embedded high density SRAM

As the density of embedded memory increases, manufacturing yields of integrated circuits can reach unacceptable limits. Normal memory testing operations require BIST to effectively deal with problems such as limited access and "at speed" testing. In this paper we describe a novel methodology that extends the BIST concept to diagnosis and repair utilizing redundant components. We describe an application using redundant columns and accompanying algorithms. It allows for the autonomous repair of defective circuitry without external stimulus (e.g. laser repair). The method has been implemented with negligible timing penalties and reasonable area overhead.
Do Children with Autism Learn to Read more Readily by Computer Assisted Instruction or Traditional Book Methods?

The study evaluates the progress of eight children aged 3-5 years with autism attending a specialist teaching unit in their development of reading skills in two conditions: computer instructed learning and book based learning. The authors developed a direct observation schedule to monitor autistic behaviours using computerized techniques. The children were matched by age, severity of autistic symptomatology and number of spoken words. They were initially randomly allocated to the computer or book condition and crossed over at 10 weeks. All of the children spent more time on task in the computer condition than in the book condition. By the end of the study after computer assisted learning, five of the eight children could reliably identify at least three words. It was found that children with autism spent more time on reading material when they accessed it through a computer and were less resistant to its use.
The impact of a modified World Health Organization surgical safety checklist on maternal outcomes in a South African setting: A stratified cluster-randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND In South Africa (SA), the Saving Mothers Reports have shown an alarming increase in deaths during or after caesarean delivery. OBJECTIVE To improve maternal surgical safety in KwaZulu-Natal Province, SA, by implementing the modified World Health Organization surgical safety checklist for maternity care (MSSCL) in maternity operating theatres. METHODS The study was a stratified cluster-randomised controlled trial conducted from March to November 2013. Study sites were 18 hospitals offering maternal surgical services in the public health sector. Patients requiring maternal surgical intervention at the study sites were included. Pre-intervention surgical outcomes were assessed. Training of healthcare personnel took place over 1 month, after which the MSSCL was implemented. Post-intervention surgical outcomes were assessed and compared with the pre-intervention findings and the control arm. The main outcome measure was the mean incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of adverse incidents associated with surgery. RESULTS Significant improvements in the adverse incident rate per 1 000 procedures occurred with combined outcomes (IRR 0.805, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.706 - 0.917), postoperative sepsis (IRR 0.619, 95% CI 0.451 - 0.849), referral to higher levels of care (IRR 1.409, 95% CI 1.066 - 1.862) and unscheduled return to the operating theatre (IRR 0.719, 95% CI 0.574 - 0.899) in the intervention arm. Subgroup analysis based on the quality of implementation demonstrated greater reductions in maternal mortality in hospitals that were good implementers of the MSSCL. CONCLUSIONS Incorporation of the MSSCL into routine surgical practice has now been recommended for all public sector hospitals in SA, and emphasis should be placed on improving the quality of implementation.
Incidence and prognosis of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in severely burned patients: Pilot study and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND Burn patients are at high risk for secondary intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) due to capillary leak and large volume fluid resuscitation. Our objective was to examine the incidence the incidence of IAH and ACS and their relation to outcome in mechanically ventilated (MV) burn patients. METHODS This observational study included all MV burn patients admitted between April 2007 and December 2009. Various physiological parameters, intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurements and severity scoring indices were recorded on admission and/or each day in ICU. Transpulmonary thermodilution parameters were also obtained in 23 patients. The mean and maximum IAP during admission was calculated. The primary endpoint was ICU (burn unit) mortality. RESULTS Fifty-six patients were included. The average Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were 43.4 (± 15.1) and 6.4 (± 3.4), respectively. The average total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns was 24.9% (± 24.9), with 33 patients suffering inhalational injuries. Forty-four (78.6%) patients developed IAH and 16 (28.6%) suffered ACS. Patients with ACS had higher TBSAs burned (35.8 ± 30 vs. 20.6 ± 21.4%, P = 0.04) and higher cumulative fluid balances after 48 hours (13.6 ± 16L vs. 7.6 ± 4.1 L, P = 0.03). The TBSA burned correlated well with the mean IAP (R = 0.34, P = 0.01). Mortality was notably high (26.8%) and significantly higher in patients with IAH (34.1%, P = 0.014) and ACS (62.5%, P < 0.0001). Most patients received more fluids than calculated by the Parkland Consensus Formula while, interestingly, non-survivors received less. However, when patients with pure inhalation injury were excluded there were no differences. Non-surgical interventions (n = 24) were successful in removing body fluids and were related to a significant decrease in IAP, central venous pressure (CVP) and an improvement in oxygenation and urine output. Non-resolution of IAH was associated with a significantly worse outcome (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Based on our preliminary results we conclude that IAH and ACS have a relatively high incidence in MV burn patients compared to other groups of critically ill patients. The percentage of TBSA burned correlates with the mean IAP. The combination of high CLI, positive (daily and cumulative) fluid balance, high IAP, high EVLWI and low APP suggest a poor outcome. Non-surgical interventions appear to improve end-organ function. Non-resolution of IAH is related to a worse outcome.
Fast SFG Modeling of Integrated Converters

This paper further demonstrates and confirms the tapped inductor switcher analysis method proposed earlier. The objective of this paper is to extend the application of this modeling technique to integrated converters containing multiple switched inductive elements. Following the proposed methodology makes the dynamic modeling of a switching power converter a fast and easy task. Three typical high-order dc–dc topologies, the Quadratic Buck Converter, the Cuk, and the SEPIC converters, are considered as study cases. The obtained small-signal dynamic models were verified by simulation and by comparison to previous theoretical and experimental results.
Neuroprotective therapy in Parkinson's disease and motor complications: A search for a pathogenesis‐targeted, disease‐modifying strategy

The introduction of levodopa in the late 1960s represented a landmark in the therapy of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, motor complications of chronic levodopa therapy have emerged as a major limitation of this otherwise effective therapy. Advancing medical and surgical treatment of these complications has been the main objective of clinical trials during the past few decades. In addition, basic research has focused on better understanding of the mechanisms of motor complications and how to prevent them. Slowing or delaying the progression of the disease delays the need for levodopa therapy; therefore, neuroprotective strategies may play an important role in preventing the onset and reducing the severity of levodopa‐related adverse effects. In this introductory review, we present the rationale for current and experimental therapies designed to favorably modify the progression of PD. If implemented early in the course of the disease, such treatments, if found effective, may not only alter the natural progression of the disease but may also delay or minimize motor and nonmotor complications associated with levodopa. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Optimal Portfolio Selection in Ex Ante Stock Price Bubble and Furthermore Bubble Burst Scenario from Dhaka Stock Exchange with Relevance to Sharpe’s Single Index Model

The paper aims at constructing an optimal portfolio by applying Sharpe’s single index model of capital asset pricing in different scenarios, one is ex ante stock price bubble scenario and stock price bubble and bubble burst is second scenario. Here we considered beginning of year 2010 as rise of stock price bubble in Dhaka Stock Exchange. Hence period from 2005 -2009 is considered as ex ante stock price bubble period. Using DSI (All share price index in Dhaka Stock Exchange) as market index and considering daily indices for the March 2005 to December 2009 period, the proposed method formulates a unique cut off point (cut off rate of return) and selects stocks having excess of their expected return over risk-free rate of return surpassing this cut-off point. Here, risk free rate considered to be 8.5% per annum (Treasury bill rate in 2009). Percentage of an investment in each of the selected stocks is then decided on the basis of respective weights assigned to each stock depending on respective ‘β’ value, stock movement variance representing unsystematic risk, return on stock and risk free return vis-a-vis the cut off rate of return. Interestingly, most of the stocks selected turned out to be bank stocks. Again we went for single index model applied to same stocks those made to the optimum portfolio in ex ante stock price bubble scenario considering data for the period of January 2010 to June 2012. We found that all stocks failed to make the pass Single Index Model criteria i.e. excess return over beta must be higher than the risk free rate. Here for the period of 2010 to 2012, the risk free rate considered to be 11.5 % per annum (Treasury bill rate during 2012).
Adaptive Modulation and Coding for V-Blast Systems

There have been great efforts to study the adaptive MIMO systems, while all of them concentrate on the systems without channel coding. This paper presents a new adaptive V-BLAST scheme adopting turbo-codes as the channel coding. Through a two-step method, we derive two algorithms for fixed rate and variable rate applications respectively. We derive a close- form bit and power allocation algorithm which reduces the computation complexity greatly by avoiding exhaustive search. For adaptive coding, we propose the Average SNR mapping method to select the proper coding scheme. Simulation results show that the algorithms for fixed rate and variable rate both provide very good throughput performance with low complexity and less feedback information.
Fault tolerant control using sliding mode observers

Previous work has considered the use of sliding mode observers for fault detection and isolation (FDI) in uncertain linear systems whereby the unknown faults are reconstructed by appropriate processing of the so-called equivalent output error injection. The paper builds on this work and considers such a scheme within the broader context of fault tolerant control. Specifically, by correcting the faulty measurement by an estimate of the fault obtained from the sliding mode FDI scheme, good closed-loop performance is still maintained. An example of such a scheme, which has been implemented on a laboratory dc motor rig, is described.
1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) Deaminase Induced by ACC Synthesized and Accumulated in Penicillium citrinum Intracellular Spaces

We have already described how 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), which is a precursor of the plant hormone ethylene, is synthesized in Penicillium citrinum through the same reaction by the catalysis of ACC synthase [EC 4.4.1.14] as in higher plants. In addition, ACC deaminase [EC 4.1. 99.4], which degrades ACC to 2-oxobutyrate and ammonia, was also purified from this strain. To study control of induction of ACC deaminase in this organism, we have isolated and analyzed the cDNA of P. citrinum ACC deaminase and studied the expression of ACC deaminase mRNA in P. citrinum cells. By the analysis of peptides from the digests of the purified and modified ACC deaminase with lysylendopeptidase, 70% of its amino acid sequences were obtained. These amino acid sequences were used to identify a cDNA, consisting of 1,233 bp with an open reading frame of 1,080 bp encoding ACC deaminase with 360 amino acids. The deduced amino acids from the cDNA are identical by 52% and 45% to those of enzymes of Pseudomonas sp. ACP and Hansenula saturnus. Through Northern blot analysis, we found that the mRNA of ACC deaminase was expressed in P. citrinum cells grown in a medium containing 0.05% L-methionine. These findings suggest that ACC synthesized by ACC synthase and accumulated in P. citrinum intracellular spaces can induce the ACC deaminase that degrades the ACC.
Designing Virtual Environments for Usability

13 Chapter 1 Introduction: Designing Virtual Environments for Usability . 14 1.1 Virtual environments: a novel interface style . 16 1.2 Design and usability issues with virtual environments.19 1.3 Modelling interaction to inform usability.21 1.4 Presenting usability requirements to designers.23 1.5 Thesis objective, scope and hypotheses.24 1.6 Methods used.26 1.7 Thesis outline.27 1.8 Contributions . 29 Chapter 2 Virtual Environments as Human-Computer Interfaces . 31 2.1 A definition of virtual environments.32 2.2 Applications.34 2.3 Designing virtual environments.35 2.3. 1 Designing the environment model . 36 2.3. 2 Designing user interactions.41 2.4 Interacting with virtual environments.44 2.4. 1 Understanding interaction behaviour.44 2.4. 2 Interaction problems.48 2.5 Guidance for virtual environments . 49 2.6 Summary: virtual environments.52 2.7 Human-computer interface design and usability.53 2.8 Comparing virtual environments with other human-computer interfaces . 54 2.9 Models of interaction.56 2.10 Human-computer interface design guidance.61 2.11 Summary: virtual environments as human-computer interfaces.63
Heterogeneity and phylogenetic relationships of community‐associated methicillin‐sensitive/resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates in healthy dogs, cats and their owners

Aims: To investigate the distribution of staphylococcal enterotoxin genes (se) and the molecular features of community‐associated methicillin‐sensitive/resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA‐MSSA/MRSA) isolates in the nostrils of healthy pets and their owners.
DEFINING SIMPLE nD OPERATIONS BASED ON PRISMATIC nD OBJECTS

Abstract. An alternative to the traditional approaches to model separately 2D/3D space, time, scale and other parametrisable characteristics in GIS lies in the higher-dimensional modelling of geographic information, in which a chosen set of non-spatial characteristics, e.g. time and scale, are modelled as extra geometric dimensions perpendicular to the spatial ones, thus creating a higher-dimensional model. While higher-dimensional models are undoubtedly powerful, they are also hard to create and manipulate due to our lack of an intuitive understanding in dimensions higher than three. As a solution to this problem, this paper proposes a methodology that makes nD object generation easier by splitting the creation and manipulation process into three steps: (i) constructing simple nD objects based on nD prismatic polytopes – analogous to prisms in 3D –, (ii) defining simple modification operations at the vertex level, and (iii) simple postprocessing to fix errors introduced in the model. As a use case, we show how two sets of operations can be defined and implemented in a dimension-independent manner using this methodology: the most common transformations (i.e. translation, scaling and rotation) and the collapse of objects. The nD objects generated in this manner can then be used as a basis for an nD GIS.
Disentangling the Temporal Relationship Between Parental Depressive Symptoms and Early Child Behavior Problems: A Transactional Framework

Despite the considerable amount of research demonstrating the relationship between parental depressive symptoms and child behavior problems, few studies have examined the direction of the relationship between these variables. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine transactional effects between parental depressive symptoms and child behavior problems. Participants were 209 parent–child dyads drawn from the Oregon Adolescent Depression Project who completed at least 2 of 4 annual questionnaire assessments between the child's age of 4 and 7 years. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the autoregressive paths from one year to the next year within each construct, as well as cross-lagged paths from one year to the next year between constructs. Findings indicated that parental depressive symptoms at each year predicted child behavior problems at the subsequent year and vice versa. No support was found for differential gender effects. These findings highlight the reciprocal relationship between parental depressive symptoms and child behavior problems and suggest intervention programs for young children should assess for and target parental depression when appropriate. Future research should examine these relationships across a broader developmental spectrum and in more diverse, heterogeneous samples.
The Zerrissenheit of Subjectivity

The paper opens with a small vignette regarding the production of calligraphy at speed on the Tokyo train network. This will serve as a focal point in considerations pertaining to the notion of Zerrissenheit or ＂tearing＂ and its intimate relationship with the complicated notion of the ＂abstract machine. ＂ As both Gilles Deleuze and Martin Heidegger have used the idea of ＂tearing＂ in various ways, we shall think transversally across these two approaches in terms of disclosing the dangers and possibilities of technological relationships as in Heidegger, and, as in Deleuze (and his collaborator Felix Guattari), in the sense of how tearing impacts on writing and the articulation of calligraphy or what Deleuze designates the ＂Oriental line＂ in The Fold: Leibniz and the Baroque. It will become clear that while technology tears the hand away from an essential relation to man and earth through disruption and disorientation, it also engineers ＂universes of reference＂ in unheard-of ways, as means to think, produce and live afresh. Man is essentially torn between these two poles. In entwining the aforementioned remarks with the art of Paul Klee (active, spontaneous lines), the notion of sobriety and Asian culture in general, the conclusion, which teases out the ramifications from the mainstay thesis that technology effectively disrupts the purity of style or the simplicity of becoming, suggests that in several ways Deleuze and Guattari's sole and joint writings are an extension, radicalisation and complement of Heidegger's thought.