Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are songbirds at risk from lead at small arms ranges? An application of the spatially explicit exposure model

Use of small arms during training is an important activity associated with the development and proficiency of soldiers. These weapons traditionally have used copper‐jacketed lead projectiles; the copper facilitates the oxidation of the metallic lead resulting in more mobile oxides and carbonates. Consequently, many ranges at installations have high soil concentrations of lead. Many of these ranges are no longer used and have become habitat for wildlife. To address the potential for adverse effects from lead exposure in songbirds, we compared the outputs of traditional deterministic exposure models with a spatial model and compared the results of both with blood‐lead levels from songbird species at two small arms range complexes. An integrative data collection procedure was used and incorporated into the spatially explicit exposure model (SEEM) for two small arms range sites. Site‐specific data were used to refine model input parameters. These data included lead soil concentrations, analysis of lead concentrations in nestling food items, acid‐insoluble ash content of feces (to estimate soil ingestion), location and mapping of singing males, and nest site location and characteristics. Territorial males also were spot‐mapped to determine likelihood of breeding activity. Modeled estimates of risk were compared with blood and feather lead levels of adults and nestlings. Overall, edge species had higher blood‐lead concentrations; however, most had concentrations below subclinical effect levels. Conventional deterministic methods produced risk estimates exceeding 10‐fold the highest SEEM estimates. The spatially explicit exposure model provided good agreement with field observations and therefore produced more accurate risk estimates. The present study provides support for the application of spatial methods over conventional deterministic methods.
Cigarette smoke components inhibited intercellular communication and differentiation in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells

Smoking is a well‐documented risk factor for the development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Although the most abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cigarette smoke are methylated anthracenes and phenanthrenes, the epigenetic toxicity of these compounds has not been extensively studied. We previously showed that methylanthracenes, which possess a bay‐like structure, affect epigenetic events such as an induced release of arachidonic acid, inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and induction of mitogen‐activated protein kinases in a pluripotent rat liver epithelial stem cell line. Anthracenes with no bay‐like structures were inactive. These biological effects are all molecular events associated with the promotional phase of cancer. A human immortalized, nontumorigenic pancreatic ductal epithelial cell line, H6c7, was examined to study the epigenetic toxicity of PAHs related to pancreatic cancer by using scrape‐loading dye transfer, immunostaining, RT‐PCR and telomerase assay methods. H6c7 cells were GJIC‐incompetent and exhibited high telomerase activity when grown in growth factor and hormone‐supplemented medium. In the presence of the cAMP elevating drugs (forskolin and IBMX) the cells became GJIC competent and expressed connexins. Telomerase activity was also decreased by cAMP elevating drug treatment. After induction of cAMP, 1‐methylanthracene with bay‐like structures inhibited GJIC, whereas the 2‐methylanthracene lacking a bay‐like structure had no effect on GJIC. Telomerase activity remained high in 1‐methylanthracene treatment but not with 2‐methylanthracene. These results indicate that a prominent component of cigarette smoke, namely methylanthracenes with distinct structural configurations, could be a potential etiological agent contributing to the epigenetic events of pancreatic cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Topology-controlled adaptive clustering for uniformity and increased lifetime in wireless sensor networks

Owing to the dynamic nature of sensor network applications the adoption of adaptive cluster-based topologies has many untapped desirable benefits for the wireless sensor networks. In this study, the authors explore such possibility and present an adaptive clustering algorithm to increase the network's lifetime while maintaining the required network connectivity. The proposed scheme features capability of cluster heads to adjust their power level to achieve optimal degree and maintain this value throughout the network operation. Under the proposed method a topology control allows an optimal degree, which results in a better distributed sensors and well-balanced clustering system enhancing networks' lifetime. The simulation results show that the proposed clustering algorithm maintains the required degree for inter-cluster connectivity on many more rounds compared with hybrid energy-efficient distributed clustering (HEED), energy-efficient clustering scheme (EECS), low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) and energy-based LEACH.
Characteristics Mode Analysis of a dipole antenna loaded with DNG material

Characteristic Mode (CM) Analysis of a dipole antenna loaded with DNG material is presented. The eigenvalues and eigencurrents are calculated as function of DNG material parameter variations. It is observed that by properly adjusting the DNG material loading the CM resonances of a dipole antenna can be shifted lower in frequency allowing antenna size reduction.
Parsing Schizophrenia with Neurocognitive Tests: Evidence of Stability and Validity

The stability and validity of a neurocognitive typology for schizophrenia were studied in 55 chronic patients who met DSMIII-R criteria for the illness. Subtypes were based on an earlier cluster analytic study by Heinrichs and Awad (1993) that utilized the following variables: IQ (WAIS-R), categories (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), free recall intrusions (California Verbal Learning Test), and bilateral motor performance (Purdue Pegboard). Stability was examined by analyzing subtype assignment at the original assessment and 3 years later at follow-up. Stability over this interval was variable with an overall kappa of . 45 and individual kappas from . 12 to . 66. Adjunct cognitive and clinical data gathered at follow-up provide evidence for the validity of several subtypes, especially in terms of their cognitive and functional differences. There was no evidence of symptom differences in this relatively asymptomatic medicated sample of patients. The results are discussed in terms of the possibility that several patterns of neurocognitive dysfunction may underlie schizophrenia, with implications for understanding the heterogeneity of the illness and its variable functional outcomes.
Hajdu Cheney Mouse Mutants Exhibit Osteopenia, Increased Osteoclastogenesis, and Bone Resorption*♦

Notch receptors are determinants of cell fate and function and play a central role in skeletal development and bone remodeling. Hajdu Cheney syndrome, a disease characterized by osteoporosis and fractures, is associated with NOTCH2 mutations resulting in a truncated stable protein and gain-of-function. We created a mouse model reproducing the Hajdu Cheney syndrome by introducing a 6955C→T mutation in the Notch2 locus leading to a Q2319X change at the amino acid level. Notch2Q2319X heterozygous mutants were smaller and had shorter femurs than controls; and at 1 month of age they exhibited cancellous and cortical bone osteopenia. As the mice matured, cancellous bone volume was restored partially in male but not female mice, whereas cortical osteopenia persisted in both sexes. Cancellous bone histomorphometry revealed an increased number of osteoclasts and bone resorption, without a decrease in osteoblast number or bone formation. Osteoblast differentiation and function were not affected in Notch2Q2319X cells. The pre-osteoclast cell pool, osteoclast differentiation, and bone resorption in response to receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand in vitro were increased in Notch2Q2319X mutants. These effects were suppressed by the γ-secretase inhibitor LY450139. In conclusion, Notch2Q2319X mice exhibit cancellous and cortical bone osteopenia, enhanced osteoclastogenesis, and increased bone resorption.
Measurement of Kallikrein Activity in Urine of Rats and Man Using a Chromogenic Tripeptide Substrate. Validation of the Amidolytic Assay by Means of a Bradykinin Radioimmunoassay

Urinary kallikrein activity in rats and man was measured by an amidolytic assay using the chromogenic tripeptide D-valyl-leucyl-arginine-p-nitroanilide (S 2266). The sensitivity of the assay permits the measurement of 3.5 to 250 mKU of purified porcine pancreatic kallikrein. The intraassay coefficient of variation was 1.6 +/- 0.3% and the interassay coefficient of variation 7.4 +/- 0.9%. No changes in kallikrein activity was found in urine samples kept for 7 days at 4 degrees C for 14 months at -20 degrees C. Repeated freezing and thawing reduced kallikrein activity. Kallikrein activity of the same urine samples was also estimated by means of a bradykinin radioimmunoassay, which determines the kinins released during incubation of urine with partially purified dog kininogen (kininogenase activity). The urinary kallikrein activity assayed by means of these two methods showed a high correlation with coefficients of r = 0.9134 for rat urine (p less than 0.0001) and r = 0.8002 for human urine (p less than 0.001).
Forecasting Crime Using the ARIMA Model

In this paper, time series model of ARIMA is used to make short-term forecasting of property crime for one city of China. With the given data of property crime for 50 weeks, an ARIMA model is determined and the crime amount of 1 week ahead is predicted. The modelpsilas fitting and forecasting results are compared with the SES and HES. It is shown that the ARIMA model has higher fitting and forecasting accuracy than exponential smoothing. This work will be helpful for the local police stations and municipal governments in decision making and crime suppression.
Operating in a Hierarchy of Time Scales for an Always-On Relational Agent

Motivated by the challenge of designing a real-time conversational agent that is always on and builds long-term relationships, we have developed a software architecture that operates with control loops at three distinct time scales, from weeks down to milliseconds. We discuss the novel aspects of this architecture and how it is applied in a relational agent for isolated older adults.
Demographic Characteristics and Mean Profiles of Learning Disability Index Subsets of the Standardization Sample of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised

The Learning Disability Index (LDI) was validated by an examination of the mean profiles and demographic characteristics of high and low LDI subsets of the standardization sample of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised. The LDIcontinuum, however, was found to measure Third Factor strengths/weaknesses as much as verbal-performance discrepancies.
Experimental evidence for the correlation of bond distances in peptide groups detected in ultrahigh-resolution protein structures.

The structural analysis of a deamidated derivative of ribonuclease A, determined at 0.87 A resolution, reveals a highly significant negative correlation between CN and CO bond distances in peptide groups. This trend, i.e. the CO bond lengthens when the CN bond shortens, is also found in seven out of eight protein structures, determined at ultrahigh resolution (<0.95 A). In five of them the linear correlation is statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. The present findings are consistent with the traditional view of amide resonance and, although already found in small peptide structures, they represent a new and important result. In fact, in a protein structure the fine details of the peptide geometry are only marginally affected by the crystal field and they are mostly produced by intramolecular and solvent interactions. The analysis of very high-resolution protein structures can reveal subtle information about local electronic features of proteins which may be critical to folding, function or ligand binding.
Ranking Organizational Factors Influencing the Success of Information Systems using AHP: Case Study of Industries and Mines Organization of Isfahan Province

Decisions in today's competitive and turbulent environments without access to information can confuse managers. The information system, which is planning, design and deployment as efficient and effective way, can help to improve the organization and create competitive advantages. One of the success factors and effectiveness of information systems in organizations is the organizational factors. In this research, organizational factors such as top management support, resource allocation, decision-making structure, management style and alignment of goals and knowledge of IT management, that affects the success factors of information systems (System quality, user satisfaction, perceived usefulness and quality of information), were analyzed and prioritized by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in Industries and Mines Organization of Isfahan Province. After gathering information and analysis them by using the Expert Choice, it was found that among success factors of information systems, and user satisfaction is the most important factor and the most important factor affecting success of organizational information system is the top management support.
Understanding of user's discussion by topic analysis over social networking sites finding potential for civic engagement and e-readiness in society

Electronic mode of communication has widely restructured the traditional ways of communication. This evolution has the positive influence on the different shades of life, e.g., education, entertainment, health, etc. Social media and Social Networking Sites (SNS) are most widely accepted form of electronic communication, especially in the case of civic engagement and social capital. Interestingly, the SNS by nature is less administered and hard to be examined and supervised. Therefore, it is also observed that with the SNS utilities, there is much mishandling and ill-usage which need to be addressed. Current research is employing a framework which tracks the topic in a thread of discussion and verifies if in a chain of discussion participants stick to the topics or de-tracks the discussion. In other words, the data from the selected social network page will be crawled down with posts and their replies in order to analyze the consistency of topic in user's discussion over the SNS. The outcomes achieve that the SNS users in developing countries like Pakistan has a very active participation over social media, however in a thread of serious discussion people tend to start other topics which de-tracks the discussion. This research can be further used to interpret the utility of social media for serious discussions.
A taxometric investigation of unipolar depression in a large community sample

Background. The question of whether unipolar clinical depression differs categorically from limited depressive complaints has important implications for the disorder's assessment, treatment and research. This crucial issue has proven difficult to resolve, in part because many studies to date have relied on self-report measures or on clinically homogeneous samples. We therefore applied Meehl's taxometric method to a large, clinically heterogeneous sample, and examined the latent structure of depressive episodes using both self-report and structured clinical interview data. Method. Data were derived from the Oregon Adolescent Depression Project, a large longitudinal community study. All analyses involved more than 1400 participants. MAXEIG (MAXimum EIGenvalue) and base rate estimation were performed separately for Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) items and for DSM-IV-based major depressive episode (MDE) symptoms. Results. MAXEIG analyses of the BDI and MDE indicator sets appeared to converge on a taxonic structure for unipolar depression. Base rate estimates overall implied a latent depressive episode class that occurs more frequently than diagnosable MDEs but less frequently than persistent depressed or anhedonic mood. Conclusions. These findings provide tentative support for a categorical conceptualization and make it very clear that the continuity controversy regarding unipolar depression has not yet been decided in favor of dimensionality. To reconcile the conflicting reports to date, several data analytic and sampling issues need to be explored systematically.
[Utility of various non-invasive methods for fibrosis prediction among Basque Country patients with phenotypic hemochromatosis].

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the product of multiplying age by liver iron concentration (LIC) (fibrosis index; cut-off, 480,000), platelets, transaminases, and ferritin values are related to the risk of high grade fibrosis. METHODS A retrospective study of 32 patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) with phenotypic expression. All patients had a liver biopsy with LIC. RESULTS In 7 patients a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan (1.5 T) was obtained with LIC following Alustiza's protocol. Liver biopsy: fibrosis grade (F) 0-2 in 23 patients; F 3-4 in 9. Fibrosis index (FI) showed a specificity of 68%, sensitivity of 85.7%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 42.8%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 94.4% for high-grade fibrosis. Platelet count ( < 200,000) revealed a NPV of 94.7% for F3-4. Aspartate transaminase (AST) levels above the upper limit of normal showed a NPV of 94.4%; ferritin levels (> 1,000) a NPV of 75%, and MRI-derived LIC x age (> 480,000) a NPV of 80%. The combination of FI (either by biopsy or MRI) with transaminases, and of platelets with transaminases revealed a NPV of 100%. CONCLUSIONS FI > 480,000 and platelets < 200,000 have the highest sensitivity for high-degree fibrosis prediction. A negative result allows to discard significant fibrosis in 94% of cases. MRI allows a good fibrosis prediction.
Size-dependent infrared properties of MgO nanoparticles with evidence of screening effect

We have investigated the infrared (IR) absorption properties of MgO nanoparticles (NPs) with the means of molecular dynamics simulations. Several size effects have been observed. We show in particular that the absorption of IR radiation does not occur predominantly through the polariton mode but preferentially through surface modes. This enhanced surface absorption is found to result from the absence of dielectric screening of the first atomic layer of the NPs. We demonstrate concomitantly that a macroscopic description of electrodynamics is inadequate to capture these unusual IR properties.
Rifamycin antibiotic resistance by ADP-ribosylation: Structure and diversity of Arr

The rifamycin antibiotic rifampin is important for the treatment of tuberculosis and infections caused by multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Recent iterations of the rifampin core structure have resulted in new drugs and drug candidates for the treatment of a much broader range of infectious diseases. This expanded use of rifamycin antibiotics has the potential to select for increased resistance. One poorly characterized mechanism of resistance is through Arr enzymes that catalyze ADP-ribosylation of rifamycins. We find that genes encoding predicted Arr enzymes are widely distributed in the genomes of pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria. Biochemical analysis of three representative Arr enzymes from environmental and pathogenic bacterial sources shows that these have equally efficient drug resistance capacity in vitro and in vivo. The 3D structure of one of these orthologues from Mycobacterium smegmatis was determined and reveals structural homology with ADP-ribosyltransferases important in eukaryotic biology, including poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) and bacterial toxins, despite no significant amino acid sequence homology with these proteins. This work highlights the extent of the rifamycin resistome in microbial genera with the potential to negatively impact the expanded use of this class of antibiotic.
Exploring the Causal Relationships between Initial Opioid Prescriptions and Outcomes

Addiction to opioid medications has become an epidemic affecting millions of Americans; drug overdoses accounted for more deaths than car crashes or gun violence in 2015. Oftentimes, the addiction begins when patients continue to take opioids for pain management beyond the required need. To combat the epidemic, it is vital to understand the exact circumstances under which medically-sanctioned treatments can devolve into addiction. In this research, we analyze the relationship between factors surrounding an initial opioid prescription and subsequent long-term use or addiction. In particular, we focus on causal relationships between characteristics of the initial opioid prescription and the outcome of long-term use or seeking addiction treatment among commercially insured individuals. The analytical results indicate that longer days of supply and synthetic opioids increase the risk of unfavorable outcomes. Ultimately, the findings of this research could provide knowledge to the public and guide physicians in opioid prescribing decisions.
Reverse engineering of complex biological body parts by squared distance enabled non-uniform rational B-spline technique and layered manufacturing

In tissue engineering, the successful modeling of scaffold for the replacement of damaged body parts depends mainly on external geometry and internal architecture in order to avoid the adverse effects such as pain and lack of ability to transfer the load to the surrounding bone. Due to flexibility in controlling the parameters, layered manufacturing processes are widely used for the fabrication of bone tissue engineering scaffold with the given computer-aided design model. This article presents a squared distance minimization approach for weight optimization of non-uniform rational B-spline curve and surface to modify the geometry that exactly fits into the defect region automatically and thus to fabricate the scaffold specific to subject and site. The study showed that though the errors associated in the B-spline curve and surface were minimized by squared distance method than point distance method and tangent distance method, the errors could be minimized further in the rational B-spline curve and surface as the optimal weight could change the shape that desired for the defect site. In order to measure the efficacy of the present approach, the results were compared with point distance method and tangent distance method in optimizing the non-rational and rational B-spline curve and surface fitting for the defect site. The optimized geometry then allowed to construct the scaffold in fused deposition modeling system as an example. The result revealed that the squared distance–based weight optimization of the rational curve and surface in making the defect specific geometry best fits into the defect region than the other methods used.
Incremental hierarchical discriminant regression for online image classification

This paper presents an incremental algorithm for image classification problems. Virtual labels are automatically formed by clustering in the output space. These virtual labels are used for the process of deriving discriminating features in the input space. This procedure is performed recursively in a coarse-to-fine fashion resulting in a tree, called incremental hierarchical discriminating regression (IHDR) method. Embedded in the tree is a hierarchical probability distribution model used to prune unlikely cases. A sample size dependent negative-log-likelihood (NLL) metric is introduced to deal with large-sample size cases, small-sample size cases, and unbalanced-sample size cases, measured among different internal nodes of the IHDR algorithm. We report the experimental results of the proposed algorithm for an OCR classification problem and an image orientation classification problems.