Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of the next day maximum ozone concentration using multiple linear and principal component regressions

Prediction of ground-level ozone concentrations is very important due to the negative impacts of this pollutant on human health and environment. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and principal component (PCR) regression were used as statistical models for the forecasting of ozone concentrations. The aim of this study was to predict the next day maximum ozone concentration. The studies were performed considering separately the year 2002 and the respective four trimesters. A subset of the last 10 and 30 days was used, respectively, for each trimester and for the year to validate the models. The predictor variables were inferred by the analysis of the linear correlation with ozone. For that, maxima hourly values for ozone, ratio of nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen monoxide, temperature, wind velocity and the minima hourly values for carbon monoxide and relative humidity were used. The main results achieved were: i) the performance indexes obtained for validation datasets were usually higher with PCR; ii) the number of principal components considered to develop the PCR was dependent of the dataset considered; iii) the PCR is more robust than MLR because collinearity effects are accounted with the first approach; iv) PCR model is shown to be a useful tool to provide protection for the public, through the use of early warnings for the population.
Microneedling Therapy for Atrophic Acne Scars: An Objective Evaluation.

OBJECTIVE Treatment of acne scarring is always a challenge. Microneedling therapy or percutaneous collagen induction is a new addition to the treatment modalities for such scars and has been reported to be simple and effective in atrophic acne scar treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical effect and objectively quantify the histological changes of acne scarring in response to skin microneedling. DESIGN A prospective clinical study. PARTICIPANTS Ten patients with different types of atrophic acne scars were subjected to three months of skin microneedling treatment (six sessions at two-week intervals). MEASUREMENTS Patients were photographed, and skin biopsies were obtained at baseline as well as one and three months from the start of treatment. Histometry for epidermal thickness and quantitative evaluation of total elastin; newly synthesized tropoelastin; collagen types I, III, and VII; and newly synthesized collagen were performed for all biopsies. RESULTS Compared to the baseline, patients' evaluations revealed noticeable clinical improvement in atrophic post-acne scars in response to skin microneedling. There was a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in the mean of collagen types I, III, and VII and newly synthesized collagen, while total elastin was significantly decreased (p<0.05) after the end of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Multiple minimally invasive sessions of skin microneedling are an effective treatment for post-acne atrophic scars as it stimulates the repair processes with the advantage of being a relatively risk-free, in-office procedure with minimal patient recovery time.
Central Cord Syndrome of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: Widespread Changes in Muscle Recruitment Studied by Voluntary Contractions and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Muscle recruitment after central cord syndrome (CCS), a cervical spinal cord injury leading to a weaker motor function in the upper limbs versus the lower limbs, was examined in 14 individuals by means of voluntary muscle contractions and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Previously obtained data from able-bodied (AB) and non-CCS spinal cord injured subjects were used for comparison. Surface EMG was recorded from as many as six pairs of affected muscles. Individual muscle EMG activity was scored from 0 to 5. Cortical stimulation was applied while subjects maintained a weak contraction in each muscle. When CCS subjects attempted to produce a maximal voluntary contraction of an isolated muscle, this frequently resulted in cocontraction of nonsynergists in the same limb or/and in other limbs. Although the EMG scores in both upper and lower extremity muscles improved within postinjury time, in general, the lower extremity muscles, particularly the distal ones, demonstrated better recovery than the upper extremity muscles. CCS and AB subjects showed a similar high probability of "well-defined" responses to TMS (amplitude >150 microV) in all studied muscles. In contrast, latencies to TMS-evoked motor responses were prolonged by significant amounts after CCS. The delays in muscle responses were not significantly different from those observed in subjects with more severe cervical injury. Despite improvement in EMG scores, repeated measurements of TMS-evoked muscle response latencies in the same CCS subjects did not reveal significant shortening in central conduction latency. This argues against remyelination as an important contributor to the recovery process.
Multiple channel hybrid active noise control systems

This paper introduces a multiple-channel hybrid filtered-X least mean square (MHFLMS) active noise control (ANC) algorithm. The algorithm is capable of cancelling both narrow-band and broadband noises in complicated noise environments. The algorithm structure is discussed under a very general active noise cancelling condition. The MHFLMS algorithm is an integration of a multiple-channel filtered-X least mean square algorithm and a multiple-channel feedback filtered-X least mean square algorithm. The MHFLMS algorithm performance is analyzed for its steady-state noise cancelling behavior. Extensive computer simulations verify that the MHFLMS algorithm outperforms several existing ANC algorithms under various noise cancelling conditions. Analysis results of the actual noise from a large plant for which a real-time ANC system is being developed also demonstrate the performance advantages of the MHFLMS algorithm over the other ANC algorithms.
Health care-associated pneumonia: perception versus reality.

In this issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Dr Seymann et al [1] employed nine brief clinical case scenarios to ascertain the treatment practices of physicians for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and health care–associated pneumonia (HCAP). Using published treatment guidelines [2, 3] as the reference, the authors found that the majority of physicians were familiar with the treatment guidelines for both HCAP and CAP. However, they also observed that ! 10% of physicians prescribed antimicrobial regimens consistent with the guidelines for HCAP, whereas the majority prescribed regimens consistent with the CAP recommendations. These findings highlight the differences between perception and reality for the treatment of HCAP. The important implication of this observation is that there may be many patients with HCAP who are initially treated with an inappropriate antimicrobial regimen placing them at greater risk for mortality. Alternatively, this study may suggest that there are subcategories of HCAP for which treatment with broadspectrum antibiotics to cover potential
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF PLECOPTERA NYMPHS IN STREAMS OF A MOUNTAINOUS AREA OF CENTRAL BRAZIL

In this paper the spatial distribution of Plecoptera nymphs in the Almas’ River basin, Pirenópolis, GO, was studied. Two Surber samples, each comprising 20 sampling units and totalling 2 m, were taken in each of the 13 stations, one during the rainy season (January 1994) and the second during the dry season (July 1994). In 5 of these stations, monthly samplings were made from June 1993 to July 1994; in these, temperature, velocity, discharge, electrical conductivity and pH were measured. Regional rainfall was also obtained. To ascertain the distribution of nymphs in the habitat, a separate sample was taken. Of the factors considered, the most important affecting the spatial distribution of the stonefly nymphs were altitude, stream order, and anthropic influence. Locally, the genera Anacroneuria and Kempnyia showed clumped distributions, but the data for Gripopteryx and Tupiperla were inconclusive due to low numbers.
THE FORMATION OF MASSIVE STARS

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o We review bservati nal and the retical evidence bearing n the rigin f highmass stars. The c nventi nal the ry f pr t stellar infall successfully acc unts f r bjects between ab ut 2 and 10 M . After f rmati n, these stars underg quasistatic c ntracti n with radiative interi rs. In this stage, they c rresp nd t Herbig Ae and Be stars. M re massive bjects have n pre-main-sequence phase and disrupt their infalling envel pes thr ugh str ng winds and radiati n pressure. Nevertheless, there is spectr sc pic evidence f r ng ing c llapse in a number f systems ass ciated with c mpact H II regi ns. The striking c ncentrati n f massive stars t ward the centers f y ung clusters pr vides an imp rtant clue. The indicati n is that stars well in excess f 10 M arise fr m the c alescence f already existing cluster members f l wer mass. C alescence may ccur after the merger f dense m lecular c res that c ntain the l wer-mass stars.
‘Delayed’ endocytosis is regulated by extracellular Ca2+ in snake motor boutons

When cooled below ≈7 °C, recently endocytosed vesicles in the motor terminals of the garter snake fail to shed their clathrin coats. Perhaps as a result, the terminals complete only about one‐half of the compensatory endocytosis expected after a given period of stimulation. Upon return to room temperature (RT), endocytosis resumes immediately and is complete within minutes. This ‘delayed’ endocytosis following release from cold block provides an opportunity to study clathrin‐dependent endocytotic mechanisms in temporal isolation from those events, such as Ca2+ entry and consequent exocytosis, that are normally associated with the activation of nerve terminals. We have taken advantage of clathrin decoating blockade to examine the rate, temperature dependence and extracellular Ca2+ dependence of endocytosis at the snake nerve‐muscle synapse. Endocytosis was fast at RT (complete in < 1 min) and markedly faster still at 35 °C. Moreover, the rate of endocytosis varied significantly with change in [Ca2+]o; the rate at 7.2 mM (single exponential time constant, ≈3 s) was approximately double that at 0 mM (single exponential time constant, ≈7 s). Thus, membrane retrieval via clathrin is rapid and, due to its dependence on [Ca2+]o, potentially regulated by changes in the milieu of the synaptic cleft during neural activity.
The fine needle aspiration cytology of mediastinal lesions

Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed in 19 mediastinal lesions. Of seven malignant neoplasms six were correctly diagnosed as malignant and in five of these accurate tumor classification was possible. Of the 12 benign lesions only four cases, all thymomas, could be diagnosed cytologically. No falsepositive diagnoses of malignancy were made. The only complication of the procedure was minor pneumothorax in two patients. In five cases the use of the technique spared the patient from more invasive diagnostic procedures; in several others, valuable information was obtained prior to surgery.
Conserved Genetic Basis of a Quantitative Plumage Trait Involved in Mate Choice

A key question in evolutionary genetics is whether shared genetic mechanisms underlie the independent evolution of similar phenotypes across phylogenetically divergent lineages. Here we show that in two classic examples of melanic plumage polymorphisms in birds, lesser snow geese (Anser c. caerulescens) and arctic skuas (Stercorarius parasiticus), melanism is perfectly associated with variation in the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene. In both species, the degree of melanism correlates with the number of copies of variant MC1R alleles. Phylogenetic reconstructions of variant MC1R alleles in geese and skuas show that melanism is a derived trait that evolved in the Pleistocene.
Effects of a spirituality training program on the spiritual and psychosocial well-being of hospital middle manager nurses in Korea.

BACKGROUND This study examined the effect of a spirituality training program on the spiritual well-being, spiritual integrity, leadership practice, job satisfaction, and burnout of hospital middle manager nurses in Korea. METHODS In an experimental study with a two-group (experimental vs. control) design, participants were enrolled for 5 weeks, with 24 nurses in the spirituality program and 27 in the control group. RESULTS After the spirituality training program, spiritual well-being, spiritual integrity, and leadership practice improved and burnout was reduced significantly in the experimental group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION The program was effective in improving psychosocial and spiritual well-being of middle manager nurses. Thus, this program could be a resource for continuing education and staff development offerings to enhance the well-being of nurses and the spiritual care of patients.
Species‐Specific Aggregation Factor In Sponges

In dissociated single cells from the sponge Geodia cydonium, DNA synthesis is initiated after incubation with a homologous, soluble aggregation factor. During the DNA‐initiation phase the cyclic AMP‐ and cyclic GMP levels vary drastically; the cyclic AMP content drops from 2.2 pmol/106 cells to 0.3 pmol/106 cells while the cyclic GMP content increases from 0.6 pmol to 3.7 pmol/106 cells. the activity of neither the adenylate cyclase nor of the guanylate cyclase isolated from cells which have been incubated for different periods of time with the aggregation factor, is changed. the soluble as well as the particulate enzyme activities were checked in vitro. the cyclic nucleotide receptors have been isolated from the sponge cells and characterized with respect to their molecular weight, dissociation constant for cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP and intracellular concentration. None of these parameters are altered during aggregation factor‐mediated DNA initiation. From these data it is concluded that the regulation of cyclic nucleotide levels is a consequence of a changed activity of nucleotide cyclases or of phosphodiesterases, but this is presumably not caused by a changed rate of synthesis of nucleotide cyclases or of cyclic nucleotide receptors.
Animal models of traumatic brain injury: a review.

OBJECTIVE To review the main types of animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI), their desirable characteristics and limitations, the major structural changes in the brain modelled, and special features of paediatric TBI modelling. CONCLUSION Animal models have contributed substantially to our understanding of the mechanisms of TBI in humans, but many aspects of closed head injury remain to be elucidated and effective neuroprotective agents are few. Many of the advances in the pathogenesis of human TBI also have application in veterinary medicine and there is ample opportunity for veterinarians to contribute to the selection, development and characterisation of potential animal models of neurotrauma and other disorders and ensure that animal welfare standards are maintained.
Single-frame super-resolution using superpixel based dictionary

This paper proposes a single-frame super-resolution algorithm based on the dictionary learning technique. A lot of studies of the dictionary learning based super-resolution algorithm achieve a high performance. However, the dictionary learning based algorithm often demands the sample image set to construct the dictionaries, and the performance of the algorithm depend heavily on the sample image set. Then, this paper proposes to construct an appropriate dictionary without using sample image set, and a new super resolution algorithm is proposed. In order to construct an appropriate dictionary using an input low resolution image, this paper introduces the superpixel based image segmentation technique. Experiment results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Investor Overconfidence in REIT Stock Trading

Executive Summary. Extant research has increasingly focused on investor psychology to understand market behavior. One area of interest has been investor overconfidence. The overconfidence paradigm provides several testable hypotheses. These propositions have been empirically validated for stocks but after specifically excluding real estate investment trusts (REITs). Extant literature suggests portfolio managers consider REITs to be an "asset-class" distinct from stocks. This study examines the applicability of the overconfidence paradigm to REITs. The results show that realized returns do lead trading volume in REITs, a finding consistent with investor confidence. Overconfident trading varies with REIT size. The study finds that the REIT market has a dynamism that is distinct from the general stock market. Only weak evidence is found indicating that overconfident investors tend to trade in stocks with high levels of firm-specific risk following market gain.
Blended Aggregates for Concrete Mixture Optimization: Best Practices for Jointed Concrete Pavements

INTRODUCTION Historically, aggregate gradation has been controlled by specifications that call out envelopes for individual fractions, typically the coarse aggregate and the fine aggregate. The shortcoming of this approach is that the gradation of the overall system is not addressed. While it is sensible to stockpile coarse and fine fractions separately to prevent segregation, it is the combined system that is critical in the final mixture.
Photoionization of DNA and RNA Bases, Nucleosides and Nucleotides Through a Combination of One- and Two-photon Pathways upon 266 nm Nanosecond Laser Excitation¶

Abstract The 266 nm nanosecond laser photolysis of various purine and pyrimidine derivatives results in their photoionization (PI) as one of the primary photochemical pathways. Electron photoejection occurs through a combination of one- and two-photon mechanisms. The PI values depend on the substituents attached to the chromophore of the base. The net PI of the purine bases at 266 nm are of the same order of magnitude (10−2) as those of the pyrimidine bases under similar experimental conditions. The monophotonic component is approximately one-third of the net PI yield of the bases. A nonrelaxed singlet excited state intermediate is tentatively proposed for this pathway. It is proposed that this state is significantly stabilized by water solvation, transforming it into a charge transfer to solvent state from which the hydrated electron evolves.
Surface modification of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) membrane by grafting acrylamide: an effective way to improve cytocompatibility for chondrocytes

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) membranes were photo-oxidized in hydrogen peroxide solution under ultraviolet light (UV) to introduce hydroperoxide groups onto the PLLA membrane surfaces. The photo-oxidized membranes were then immersed in acrylamide (AAm) solution containing Fe2+ to graft polyacrylamide (PAAm) onto the PLLA membrane surfaces. The density of the hydroperoxide groups introduced on the PLLA membrane surfaces varied with the temperature and the photooxidization time. The occurrence of grafting was verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The degree of grafting increased with the monomer concentration and the polymerization time. Water contact angle measurements showed that the wettability of the modified PLLA membranes had improved. Chondrocytes proliferated more rapidly and were more spread out on the modified membrane than on the control PLLA membrane, indicating that the PAAm-grafted PLLA membrane has better cytocompatibility for chondrocytes.
Creating a ‘We-feeling’ in Heterogeneous Nations: A Cross-country Investigation of the Impact of Inclusion and Autonomy on the National Pride of Ethnic Minorities

AbstractIn this contribution, we investigate the impact of different institutions on ethnic minorities’ political support. Based on a hierarchical cross-country comparison, we first show that individuals belonging to ethnic minorities have less national identity than the majority groups within the same country. We then test whether this negative effect of belonging to ethnic minorities can be attenuated by institutions. First, we argue that the inclusion of ethnic minorities by power-sharing institutions gives them the possibility to have a say in politics and, therefore, they develop a sense of common identity. Second, when minority groups are given the autonomy to preserve their group identity, e.g., in federal units, they develop positive feelings for the whole nation and finally a national identity. Our multilevel analyses show that autonomy indeed attenuates the negative effect of minority status on national pride, but that this is not the case for inclusive institutions. In light of increasing heterogeneisation of societies because of migration and denationalization, our findings contribute to the discussion on the relationship between growing ethnic pluralism and good functioning of democratic regimes.
Measuring Collectiveness in Crowded Scenes via Link Prediction

Collective motion stems from the coordinated behaviors among individuals of crowds, and has attracted growing interest from the physics and computer vision communities. Collectiveness is a metric of the degree to which the state of crowd motion is ordered or synchronized. In this letter, we present a scheme to measure collectiveness via link prediction. Toward this aim, we propose a similarity index called superposed random walk with restarts (SRWR) and construct a novel collectiveness descriptor using the SRWR index and the Laplacian spectrum of a network. Experiments show that our approach gives promising results in real-world crowd scenes, and performs better than the state-of-the-art methods. key words: collectiveness, link prediction, random walk
Stimulus–secretion coupling in pancreatic β cells

Insulin secretion is triggered by a rise in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration that results from the activation of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels in the β‐cell plasma membrane. Multiple types of β‐cell Ca2+ channel have been identified in both electrophysiological and molecular biological studies, but it appears that the L‐type Ca2+ channel plays a dominant role in regulating Ca2+ influx. Activity of this channel is potentiated by protein kinases A and C and is inhibited by GTP‐binding proteins, which may mediate the effects of potentiators and inhibitors of insulin secretion on Ca2+ influx, respectively. The mechanism by which elevation of intracellular Ca2+ leads to the release of insulin granules is not fully understood but appears to involve activation of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase. Phosphorylation by either protein kinase A or C, probably at different substrates, potentiates insulin secretion by acting at some late stage in the secretory process. There is also evidence that small GTP‐binding proteins are involved in regulating exocytosis in β cells. The identification and characterisation of the proteins involved in exocytosis in β cells and clarification of the mechanism(s) of action of Ca2+ is clearly an important goal for the future. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.