Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of Size-Tunable Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Selective Adsorption of Pharmaceuticals and Biomolecules

The tunable and nano-sized materials have recently been received much attention due to the unique physical and chemical properties which are different from bulk materials. Moleculary imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles with special functions provide opportunities for transformative approaches for a wide of variety applications such as imaging, adsorbent, therapeutic reagents, drug delivery vehicles, sensors, toxin neutralization and enzyme inhibition. In this review, the principle, fabrication approaches, parameters to affect affinity and selectivity of MIP were summarized. The application of MIPs for removal of pollutants as well as the separation of macrobiomolecules was also introduced. Through the tuning processes, MIPs can satisfy the needs of simple, fast, cost-effective and robust. In addition, MIPs are easily to be integrated with the diagnosis and separation system, which have instinct advantages in separation, drug delivery, therapeutic and diagnosis fields. Contents shown in this review clearly show that MIPs are highly potential materials for facile design for not only separating the molecules from small molecules to biomolecules by precipitation polymerization but can also be used for imaging, cell tissue engineering and antidotes.
Exponential Stabilization of Inertial Memristive Neural Networks With Multiple Time Delays

This article investigates the global exponential stabilization (GES) of inertial memristive neural networks with discrete and distributed time-varying delays (DIMNNs). By introducing the inertial term into memristive neural networks (MNNs), DIMNNs are formulated as the second-order differential equations with discontinuous right-hand sides. Via a variable transformation, the initial DIMNNs are rewritten as the first-order differential equations. By exploiting the theories of differential inclusion, inequality techniques, and the comparison strategy, the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$p$ </tex-math></inline-formula>th moment GES (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$p\geq 1$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) of the addressed DIMNNs is presented in terms of algebraic inequalities within the sense of Filippov, which enriches and extends some published results. In addition, the global exponential stability of MNNs is also performed in the form of an M-matrix, which contains some existing ones as special cases. Finally, two simulations are carried out to validate the correctness of the theories, and an application is developed in pseudorandom number generation.
A Possible Role of Bacterial Biofilm in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis

Multiple culture and molecular based studies have established the presence of bacteria in atherosclerotic plaques. Although bacteria are present within the plaque, there is no clear understanding or putative pathway as to what part bacteria might play, if any, in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The current models for the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaque suggest that persistent infl ammation is an important factor; however, the possible sources for this sustained infl ammation are limited. The concept of biofi lm infection, “a new paradigm of bacterial pathogenesis,” is introduced to show that bacteria, organized into a biofi lm phenotype mode of growth, produces a sustained hyper- infl ammatory host niche. Biofi lm produces an oxidative environment in a host infection. Samples of plaque from 10 patients were examined to compare 16S rDNA to 18S rDNA. Also 4 samples were evaluated in 2 separate locations to evaluate the homogeneity of bacteria within the sample. The 16S rDNA was also sequenced to identify the microorganisms present and their relative contribution to the sample. Several samples demonstrated large amounts of bacterial DNA. The spatial arrangement of bacterial DNA showed a very heterogeneous distribution of bacteria in the plaque. A heat map data analysis shows that for samples that were evaluated in 2 locations the bacteria identifi ed closely correlated. For all the samples combined, the predominant microbial species identifi ed have often been associated with the oral cavity. Several samples show bacterial DNA far exceeding what would be expected by contamination, suggesting the bacteria may be propagating in the plaque. If bacteria are propagating within the plaque, this would most likely be a biofi lm phenotype mode of growth. Biofi lm is known to produce a hyperinfl ammatory response in host environments, and therefore is a candidate for being the “engine” for the persistent infl ammation necessary for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Multivariate Calibration to Predict the Yield of Sesame Oil Produced by Traditional Aqueous Extraction Process

Sesame oil produced by the traditional aqueous extraction process (TAEP) has been recognized by its pleasant flavor and high nutrition value. This paper developed a rapid and nondestructive method to predict the sesame oil yield by TAEP using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. A collection of 145 sesame seed samples was measured by NIR spectroscopy and the relationship between the TAEP oil yield and the spectra was modeled by least-squares support vector machine (LS-SVM). Smoothing, taking second derivatives (D2), and standard normal variate (SNV) transformation were performed to remove the unwanted variations in the raw spectra. The results indicated that D2-LS-SVM (4000–9000 cm−1) obtained the most accurate calibration model with root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.15 (%, w/w). Moreover, the RMSEP was not significantly influenced by different initial values of LS-SVM parameters. The calibration model could be helpful to search for sesame seeds with higher TAEP oil yields.
MicroRNAs and Transcriptional Control

Background: MicroRNAs are small non-coding transcripts that have regulatory roles in the genome. Cis natural antisense transcripts are transcripts overlapping a sense transcript at the same loci in the genome, but at the opposite strand. Such antisense transcripts are thought to have regulatory roles in the genome, and the hypothesis is that miRNAs might bind to such antisense transcripts and thus activate the overlapping sense transcript. Aim of study: The following two aims have been identified during this project: (1) investigate whether the non-coding transcript of cis-NATs show significant enrichment for conserved miRNA seed sites, and (2) to correlate miRNA expression with expression of the sense side of targeted cis-NAT pairs. Results: Seed sites within such antisense transcripts gave significant enrichment, suggesting that miRNAs might actually bind to such antisense transcripts. There is a significant negative correlation between the expression of mir-28 and the expression of its targeted antisense transcripts, whereas the other miRNAs have no significant correlations. Also, the 3UTR of the sense side of cis-NAT pairs is longer and more conserved than random transcripts. Conclusion: This work has strengthened the hypothesis that miRNAs might bind to such antisense transcripts.
MicroRNA‐326 attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by inhibiting TLR4 signaling

Hepatic fibrosis is a chronic inflammatory and reversible repair reaction of the liver under the continuous action of virus or various injuries. In this study, we aimed at identifying the role of miR‐326 in the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis and its potential mechanism. In this study, the liver fibrosis mouse model was developed by injecting CCl4. Liver tissue morphology was observed and the expression level of α‐smooth muscle actin, collagen1α1 and miR‐326 was measured. Target gene identification was performed by loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function. The effect of miR‐326 on the expression level of the cytokines associated with the TLR4/MyD88/nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway was assessed in vitro and in vivo. We show that miR‐326 was downregulated in CCl4‐induced fibrotic mice and activated HSCs. The target gene of miR‐326 is TLR4. Moreover, miR‐326 inhibited the activation of HSCs in vitro through TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signaling. miR‐326 attenuated hepatic fibrosis and inflammation of CCl4‐induced mice in vivo. Our results demonstrate for the first time that miR‐326 inhibits HSC activation through TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signaling. Furthermore, miR‐326 plays critical roles in attenuating liver fibrosis and inflammation, suggesting the therapeutic potential of miRNAs.
Adverse Events Among Hospitalized Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency and type of adverse events (AEs) among critically ill patients and identify patient and hospital factors associated with AEs and clinical and health care utilization consequences of AEs. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study includes patients admitted to 30 intensive care units (ICUs) in Alberta, Canada from May 2014 to April 2017. The main outcome was AEs derived from validated ICD-10, Canadian code algorithms for 18 AEs. Estimates of the proportion and rate of AEs are presented. The association between documented AEs and patient (eg, age, sex, comorbidities) and hospital (eg, ICU site and type, length of stay, readmission) variables are described using regression methods. Results: Of 49,447 hospital admissions with admission to ICU, ≥1 AEs were documented in 12,549 (25%) admissions. The most common AEs were respiratory complications (10%) and hospital-acquired infections (9%). AEs were associated with having ≥2 comorbidities [odds ratio (OR)=1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.3–1.4], being admitted to the ICU from the operating room or another hospital ward (OR=1.8, 95% CI=1.7–2.0 and OR=2.7, 95% CI=2.5–3.0, respectively) and being readmitted to ICU during their hospital stay (OR=4.8, 95% CI=4.7–5.6). Patients with an AE stayed 5.4 days longer in ICU (95% CI=5.2–5.6 d, P<0.001), 18.2 days longer in hospital (95% CI=17.7–18.8 d, P<0.001) and had increased odds of hospital mortality (OR=1.5, 95% CI=1.4–1.6) than those without an AE. Conclusions: AEs are common among critically ill patients and certain factors are associated with AEs. Documented AEs are associated with longer stays and increased mortality.
Title Multi-planar Monocular Reconstruction of Manhattan Indoor Scenes Permalink

We present a novel algorithm for geometry and camera pose reconstruction from image sequences that is specialized for indoor Manhattan scenes. Unlike general-purpose SfM/SLAM, our system represents geometric primitives in terms of canonically oriented planes. The algorithm starts by computing multi-planar segmentation and motion estimation from image pairs using constrained homographies. It then proceeds to recover the relative scale at each frame and to determine chains of match clusters, where each cluster is associated with a plane in the scene. Motion and scene geometry (expressed in terms of planar models) are then optimized using a novel formulation of Bundle Adjustment. Compared with other state of the art SfM/SLAM algorithms, our technique is shown to produce superior and realistic surface reconstruction.
Can Supplier Governance Improve Sustainable Performance of Manufacturing Firms

Establishing relationships with suppliers has been found critically important for manufacturing organizations in meeting the challenges faced by them for maintaining sustainability in global supply chains. At the same time, managing these relationships so formed, by way of governance strategies is considered equally important in ensuring positive outcomes through the relationships established. This assertion of acquiring positive outcomes through managed relationships, suggested by the transaction cost theory was tested using data from the apparel manufacturing and exporting industry of Sri Lanka in relation to the sustainable performance of manufacturing firms. The results revealed that supplier governance negatively influences the relationship between sustainable practices and sustainable performance of manufacturing firms in the apparel manufacturing and exporting industry of Sri Lanka indicating that governance strategies do not always bring positive outcomes. These findings contribute to the knowledge by providing evidence as to the viability of governance mechanisms in achieving positive outcomes through buyer-supplier relationships in the context of developing countries.
Do non-additive effects on decomposition in litter-mix experiments result from differences in resource quality between litters?

Differences in resource quality between litter species have been postulated to explain why litter-mixtures may decompose at a different rate to that which would be predicted from single species litters (termed ‘non-additive effects’). In particular, positive, non-additive effects of litter-mixing on decomposition have been explained by differences in initial nitrogen concentration between litter species. This interpretation is confounded because litter species that differ in nitrogen content also differ by a number of other resource quality attributes. Thus, to investigate whether initial nitrogen concentration does account for positive, non-additive effects of litter-mixing, we mixed grass litters that differed in initial nitrogen concentration but not species or structural plant part identity, and then followed mass loss from the litter-mixes over time. We used the litterbag technique and three grass species for which a gradient of four distinct initial nitrogen concentrations had been generated. We produced all no- to four-mix compositions of litter qualities for each species. Litter from different species was never mixed. Contrary to what would be predicted, we found that when litters of the same species but with different initial nitrogen concentrations were mixed, that negative, non-additive effects on decomposition were generally observed. In addition, we found that once mixed, increasing litter quality richness from two to four mixtures had no significant, non-additive effect on decomposition. Litter quality composition explained little of the experimental variation when compared to litter quality richness, and different compositions generally behaved in the same manner. Our findings challenge the commonly held assumption that differences in nitrogen concentration between plant species are responsible for positive, non-additive effects of litter-mixing on decomposition.
Triangulated Loop Quantum Cosmology: Bianchi IX and inhomogenous perturbations

We develop the "triangulated" version of loop quantum cosmology, recently introduced in the literature. We focus on the "dipole" cosmology, where space is a three-sphere and the triangulation is formed by two tetrahedra. We show that the discrete fiducial connection has a simple and appealing geometrical interpretation and we correct the ansatz on the relation between the model variables and the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker scale factor. The modified ansatz leads to the convergence of the Hamiltonian constraint to the continuum one. We then ask which degrees of freedom are captured by this model. We show that the model is rich enough to describe the (anisotropic) Bianchi IX Universe, and give the explicit relation between the Bianchi IX variables and the variables of the model. We discuss the possibility of using this path in order to define the quantization of the Bianchi IX Universe. The model contains more degrees of freedom than Bianchi IX, and therefore captures some inhomogeneous degrees of freedom as well. Inhomogeneous degrees of freedom can be expanded in representations of the SU(2) Bianchi IX isometry group, and the dipole model captures the lowest integer representation of these, connected to hyper-spherical harmonic of angular momentum j=1.
WHAT POLLINATOR DISPERSAL STUDIES CAN DO FOR POLLINATOR-CROP SYSTEMS.

Theoretical and empirical researches have shown the need to associate landscape structure and dynamics to population dispersal mechanisms in a series of management scenarios. The knowledge of generalized dispersal patterns in agricultural settings is particularly welcome in studies of optimal foraging and plant gene flow because they have direct applications in practical issues such as crop yield, crop isolation, and pest control. The degree of genetic isolation of a crop which is animal pollinated is tightly associated with the foraging strategy of the animal. The analysis of individual pollinators’ foraging behaviour is the basis of our understanding of crop isolation (in the sense of maintaining the purity of a stand), and of bee-hive management in the field. Likewise, data on the foraging flight of pollinators should ideally become part of risk assessment protocols when dealing with genetically modified crops, in order to reduce unwanted crop-weed hybridization and other potential problems. Simple quantitative methods for analysing pollinator movement could be widely adopted to compare the effectiveness of prospective pollinators. I review empirical and theoretical data available on pollinator foraging behaviour and pollen flow, and discuss the patterns that emerged from the most common pollination features measured.
Path Planning for Spray Painting Robot of Workpiece Surfaces

A new optimization algorithm of the path planning for spray painting robot of workpiece surfaces is proposed. This paper first provides the paint deposition rate function on a plane according to the experiment data. And the model of film thickness on surface is discussed. A multiobjective constraint optimization problem is formulated. An optimal tool path with an optimal time and film quantity deviation is generated. And the min-max method is adopted here to calculate the values. A workpiece, which is a free-form surface, is used to test the scheme. The results of experiments have shown that the path optimization algorithm achieves satisfactory performance. This algorithm can also be extended to other applications.
Sheep as a biological control agent for tansy ragwort.

Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is a biennial weed commonly found on forest and pasture lands in the maritime regions of the Paciflc Northwest. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in tansy ragwort, when consumed by most types of livestock, produce progressive and irreversible liver damage. Sheep, however, appear immune to these alkaloids. To evaluate the possibility of using sheep to suppress tansy ragwort in cattle pastures, 100 plants were marked and their status followed during 1977 and 1978 in pastures grazed by cattle alone and in pastures grazed by both cattle and sheep. Total tansy ragwort mortality did not differ between pastures. However, the cause of mortality did differ. Mortality on the cattle-grazed pasture was predominately due to completion of the plant's biennial life cycle (blooming and seed set), while most plant mortality on the sheep plus cattle pasture appeared to be the result of grazing. The data suggest that sheep may be used as a biological control agent to suppress tansy ragwort populations by reducing their ability to
Intelligent Urban Positioning: Integration of Shadow Matching with 3D-Mapping-Aided GNSS Ranging

In dense urban areas, conventional Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) positioning can exhibit errors of tens of metres due to the obstruction and reflection of the signals by the surrounding buildings. By using Three-Dimensional (3D) mapping of the buildings, the accuracy can be significantly improved. This paper demonstrates the first integration of GNSS shadow matching with 3D-mapping-aided GNSS ranging. The integration is performed in the position domain, whereby separate ranging and shadow matching position solutions are computed, then combined using direction-dependent weighting. Two weighting strategies are compared, one based on the computation of ranging-based and shadow matching position error covariance matrices, and a deterministic approach based on the street azimuth. Using experimental data collected from a u-blox GNSS receiver, it is shown that both integrated position solutions are significantly more accurate than either shadow matching or 3D-mapping-aided ranging on their own. The overall Root Mean Square (RMS) horizontal accuracy obtained using covariance-based weighting was 6·1 m, a factor of four improvement on the 25·9 m obtained using conventional GNSS positioning. Results are also presented using smartphone data, where shadow matching is integrated with conventional GNSS positioning.
Attitudes to information technology in health care professions

Most of empirical research about users' resistance toward IT has been conducted after IT been implemented in organizations surveyed. Few longitudinal research have been done about the way individual and group resistances emerge and evolve during prior stages of projects. This focus on preimplementation phases is all the more important that IS managers need to anticipate potential conflicts and users’ resistances likely to involve project failure. This article delivers the results a two year longitudinal research conducted at Netia corp. (a worldwide leader in video and audio broadcasting) during preliminary phases of its ERP implementation project. As main findings, while conflicts toward IT implemented are often considered as having negative effects and requiring to be actively managed by the hierarchy, the case study delivers an alternative observation: it describes how an affective oriented conflict has been solved while managers adopted an “avoiding management style”. Our observations differ from several prior studies about conflict management styles and support that an avoiding management style can drive team’s members to cope efficiently with conflict situations during IT pre-implantation phase. In conclusion, the article presents research perspectives associated to these results.
Stochastic Background of Gravitational Waves Generated by Eccentric Neutron Star Binaries

Binary systems emit gravitational waves in a well-known pattern; for binaries in circular orbits, the emitted radiation has a frequency that is twice the orbital frequency. Systems in eccentric orbits, however, emit gravitational radiation in the higher harmonics too. In this paper, we are concerned with the stochastic background of gravitational waves generated by double neutron star systems of cosmological origin in eccentric orbits. We consider in particular the long-lived systems, that is, those binaries for which the time to coalescence is longer than the Hubble time (� 10Gyr). Thus, we consider double neutron stars with orbital frequencies ranging from 10 8 to 2 × 10 6 Hz. Although in the literature some papers consider the spectra generated by eccentric binaries, there is still space for alternative approaches for the calculation of the backgrounds. In this paper, we use a method that consists in summing the spectra that would be generated by each harmonic separately in order to obtain the total background. This method allows us to clearly obtain the influence of each harmonic on the spectra. In addition, we consider different distribution functions for the eccentricities in order to investigate their effects on the background of gravitational waves generated. At last, we briefly discuss the detectability of this background by space-based gravitational wave antennas and pulsar timing arrays.