Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cognitive and behavioral coping in people with Chronic fatigue syndrome: An exploratory study searching for intervention targets for depressive symptoms

The aim of the study was to find relevant coping factors for the development of psychological interventions for people with chronic fatigue syndrome who suffer from depressive symptoms. A total of 30 adults with chronic fatigue syndrome filled in the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the COPE and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The findings suggested that cognitive coping strategies have a stronger influence than behavioral coping strategies on depressive symptoms. Especially, the cognitive coping strategies refocusing positive, positive reappraisal and catastrophizing were of importance. These findings suggest that these coping strategies should be part of psychological programs for people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Post-Control Surveillance of Triatoma infestans and Triatoma sordida with Chemically-Baited Sticky Traps

Background Chagas disease prevention critically depends on keeping houses free of triatomine vectors. Insecticide spraying is very effective, but re-infestation of treated dwellings is commonplace. Early detection-elimination of re-infestation foci is key to long-term control; however, all available vector-detection methods have low sensitivity. Chemically-baited traps are widely used in vector and pest control-surveillance systems; here, we test this approach for Triatoma spp. detection under field conditions in the Gran Chaco. Methodology/Principal Findings Using a repeated-sampling approach and logistic models that explicitly take detection failures into account, we simultaneously estimate vector occurrence and detection probabilities. We then model detection probabilities (conditioned on vector occurrence) as a function of trapping system to measure the effect of chemical baits. We find a positive effect of baits after three (odds ratio [OR] 5.10; 95% confidence interval [CI95] 2.59–10.04) and six months (OR 2.20, CI95 1.04–4.65). Detection probabilities are estimated at p≈0.40–0.50 for baited and at just p≈0.15 for control traps. Bait effect is very strong on T. infestans (three-month assessment: OR 12.30, CI95 4.44–34.10; p≈0.64), whereas T. sordida is captured with similar frequency in baited and unbaited traps. Conclusions/Significance Chemically-baited traps hold promise for T. infestans surveillance; the sensitivity of the system at detecting small re-infestation foci rises from 12.5% to 63.6% when traps are baited with semiochemicals. Accounting for imperfect detection, infestation is estimated at 26% (CI95 16–40) after three and 20% (CI95 11–34) after six months. In the same assessments, traps detected infestation in 14% and 8.5% of dwellings, whereas timed manual searches (the standard approach) did so in just 1.4% of dwellings only in the first survey. Since infestation rates are the main indicator used for decision-making in control programs, the approach we present may help improve T. infestans surveillance and control program management.
Differential Expression Regulation of the α and β Subunits of the PA28 Proteasome Activator in Mature Dendritic Cells1

Activation of dendritic cells (DC) by Th-dependent (CD40) or -independent (LPS, CpG, or immune complexes) agonistic stimuli strongly enhances the expression of the proteasome activator PA28αβ complex. Upon activation of DC, increased MHC class I presentation occurred of the melanocyte-associated epitope tyrosinase-related protein 2180-188 in a PA28αβ-dependent manner. In contrast to other cell types, regulation of PA28αβ expression in DC after maturation was found to be IFN-γ independent. In the present study, we show that expression of PA28α and β subunits was differentially regulated. Firstly, PA28α expression is high in both immature and mature DC. In contrast, PA28β expression is low in immature DC and strongly increased in mature DC. Secondly, we show the presence of a functional NF-κB site in the PA28β promoter, which is absent in the PA28α promoter, indicating regulation of PA28β expression by transcription factors of the NF-κB family. In addition, glycerol gradient analysis of DC lysates revealed elevated PA28αβ complex formation upon maturation. Thus, induction of PA28β expression allows proper PA28αβ complex formation, thereby enhancing proteasome activity in activated DC. Therefore, maturation of DC not only improves costimulation but also MHC class I processing. This mechanism enhances the CD8+ CTL (cross)-priming capacity of mature DC.
On the Merging of Domain-Specific Heterogeneous Ontologies Using WordNet and Web Pattern-Based Queries

Ontologies are a basic interest in various computer science disciplines such as semantic web, information retrieval, database design, etc. They aim at providing a formal, explicit and shared conceptualisation and understanding of common domains between different communities. In addition, they allow for concepts and their constraints of a specific domain to be explicitly defined. However, the distributed nature of ontology development and the differences in viewpoints of ontology engineers have resulted in the so-called "semantic heterogeneity" between ontologies. Semantic heterogeneity constitutes the major obstacle against achieving interoperability between ontologies. To overcome this obstacle, we present a multipurpose framework which exploits the WordNet generic knowledge base for the following purposes: (i) discovering and correcting the incorrect semantic relations between the concepts of the ontology in a specific domain, this step is a primary step of ontology merging; (ii) merging domain-specific ontologies through computing semantic relations between their concepts; (iii) handling the issue of missing concepts in WordNet through the acquisition of statistical information on the Web; (iv) enriching WordNet with these missing concepts. An experimental instantiation of the framework and comparisons with state-of-the-art syntactic- and semantic-based systems validate our proposal.
Automatic Essay Scoring System Using N-Gram and Cosine Similarity for Gamification Based E-Learning

E-Learning is one of the great innovations in teaching methods. In the E-learning, there are several assessment methods; one of them is the essay examination. Essay assessment takes a long time if corrected manually. Therefore, researches on automatic essay scoring have been growing rapidly in recent years. The method that is usually used for automatic essay scoring is Cosine Similarity by utilizing bag of words as the feature extraction. However, the feature extraction by using bag of words did not consider to the order of words in a sentence. Meanwhile, the order of words in an essay has an important role in the assessment. In this study, an automatic essay scoring system based on n-gram and cosine similarity was proposed. N-gram was used for feature extraction and modified to split by word instead of by letter so that the word order would be considered. Based on evaluation results, this system got the best correlation of 0.66 by using unigram on questions that do not consider the order of words in the answer. For questions that consider the order of the words in the answer, bigram has the best correlation value by 0.67.
Fiber optics in structural health monitoring

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has assumed a significant role in assessing the structures safety and integrity. SHM can be understood as the integration of sensing intelligence and possibly also actuation devices to allow the structure loading and damaging conditions to be recorded, analyzed, localized and predicted in such a way that non-destructive testing becomes an integral part of the structure. SHM sensing requirements are very well suited for fiber optic sensing technology. So in this paper, after a very brief introduction of the basic SHM concepts, the main fiber optic technologies for this application will be reviewed, several examples and the main current technical challenges will be addressed and, finally, the conclusions summarized.
From F-transform to image creation

We propose the technique of the semi-automatic image creation. By this we mean an automatic completion of an image that is partially defined on the given domain. The essential feature of this technique is that the complementary area is much larger than that where the image is defined. Moreover, the proposed technique can be used in image upsampling, image inpainting, etc. In this contribution, we propose the technique of F-transform as a universal tool for the image completion that is independent on the initial distribution of the image pixels.
Time-varying feedback for finite-time robust regulation of normal-form nonlinear systems

While non-smooth approaches (including sliding mode control) provide explicit feedback laws that ensure finite-time stabilization but in terminal time that depends on the initial condition, fixed-time optimal control with a terminal constraint ensures regulation in prescribed time but lacks the explicit character in the presence of nonlinearities and uncertainties. In this paper we present an alternative to these approaches, which, while lacking optimality, provides explicit time-varying feedback laws that achieve regulation in prescribed finite time, even in the presence of non-vanishing (though matched) uncertain nonlinearities. Our approach employs a scaling of the state by a function of time that grows unbounded towards the terminal time and is followed by a design of a controller that stabilizes the system in the scaled state representation, yielding regulation in prescribed finite time for the original state.
EFFECT OF THE FABRICATION PROCESS ON THE PROPERTIES OF PITCH-BASED CARBON-CARBON COMPOSITES

Short carbon fibre reinforced carbon-carbon composites (short for SCFRCs) exhibit wider prospect application than continuous carbon fibre reinforced composites duo to its rich raw materials, simple molding technologies and low producing cost. However, lower mechanical properties are a bottleneck inhibiting the popularization and application of the SCFRCs [1-3]. The fabrication processes, especially for molding pressure and molding temperature, importantly influence the mechanical properties of the SCFRCs. In view of this, the SCFRCs were fabricated under atmospheric environment using the mould pressing and semi-carbonization shaping technology (MSCT) [4] and the influences of molding pressure and molding temperature on the density and the compressive strength were also studied.
Benefits of a Recombination-Proficient Escherichia coli System for Adaptive Laboratory Evolution

ABSTRACT Adaptive laboratory evolution typically involves the propagation of organisms asexually to select for mutants with the desired phenotypes. However, asexual evolution is prone to competition among beneficial mutations (clonal interference) and the accumulation of hitchhiking and neutral mutations. The benefits of horizontal gene transfer toward overcoming these known disadvantages of asexual evolution were characterized in a strain of Escherichia coli engineered for superior sexual recombination (genderless). Specifically, we experimentally validated the capacity of the genderless strain to reduce the mutational load and recombine beneficial mutations. We also confirmed that inclusion of multiple origins of transfer influences both the frequency of genetic exchange throughout the chromosome and the linkage of donor DNA. We built a simple kinetic model to estimate recombination frequency as a function of transfer size and relative genotype enrichment in batch transfers; the model output correlated well with the experimental data. Our results provide strong support for the advantages of utilizing the genderless strain over its asexual counterpart during adaptive laboratory evolution for generating beneficial mutants with reduced mutational load. IMPORTANCE Over 80 years ago Fisher and Muller began a debate on the origins of sexual recombination. Although many aspects of sexual recombination have been examined at length, experimental evidence behind the behaviors of recombination in many systems and the means to harness it remain elusive. In this study, we sought to experimentally validate some advantages of recombination in typically asexual Escherichia coli and determine if a sexual strain of E. coli can become an effective tool for strain development.
Development and psychometric testing of the Scale of Older Adults' Routine.

AIM This paper is a report of a study to develop, test the reliability, convergent and criterion-related validity of the Scale of Older Adults' Routine, using measures of routinization and functional status. BACKGROUND The concept of routine needs a reliable and valid measure in order to allow for further expansion of research in this field. METHODS An instrument development procedure, followed by two studies, was conducted in 2004-2005. The validation study utilized a prospective, within-subject design. Testing took place in samples of independently dwelling residents in four retirement communities in an urban area in the Pacific Northwest of the United States of America (USA). A total of 90 participants took part in the studies. A pilot study (n = 10) allowed for feasibility testing, and a prospective three-time point longitudinal study (n = 80) assessed the instrument's reliability and preliminary validity. RESULTS The 42-item scale describes various aspects of older adults' routines and assesses routine stability across time. The scale has five dimensions (Basic, Instrumental, Social, Leisure and Rest Activities) and five scoring systems. The scale's content validity and feasibility were high. Reliability indices were acceptable, ranging from 0.56 to 0.90 for the subscales. Validity tests showed moderate correlations with both functional indices (r = 0.29-0.56; P < 0.01) and trait routinization (r = 0.30-0.38; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Scale of Older Adults' Routine demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties for most of its subscales and scores. Although further research is needed, it can be applied in both research and practice for evaluating routine among older adults and its associations with various outcome measures.
A clinical rating scale for the assessment of facial aging in Indian population

Background: Estimation of facial aging has assumed growing importance due to the advent of several antiaging therapies. Evidence-based estimation of global facial aging is often necessary, especially for validation of these treatment modalities. Most available methods are expensive and have been used in fair skinned individuals. Aim: We attempted to develop a clinical rating scale for the estimation of global facial aging applied on an Indian population which has brown to black skin. We have also measured the association of this rating scale score with the chronological age. Methods: Initially, a 14- item summated rating scale was developed with inputs from five dermatologists and a clinical pharmacologist. The rating scale was applied to 105 consenting subjects with healthy facial skin between 30 to 90 years of age. Intra- and inter-rater reliability was assessed. Results: The summated rating score showed a significant positive correlation with the chronological age (Pearson′s correlation coefficient 0.834, P < 0.001). We omitted one item from the scale due to a low inter-rater agreement. The resulting 13-item rating scale was internally consistent (Cronbach′s alpha: 0.905), with substantial inter- and intra-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.973 and 0.788, respectively). Principal components and predictive equation for perceptible age were identified on further computation. Limitations: Participants of this study were limited to a particular ethnic group from West Bengal and other neighboring states of Eastern India. Conclusions: We have developed and validated a 13-item rating scale for the quantification of global facial aging suitable for Indian (brown to black) skin type. This scale can be utilized effectively for clinical estimation of global facial aging.
High-Level Congruence of Myrionecta rubra Prey and Dinophysis Species Plastid Identities as Revealed by Genetic Analyses of Isolates from Japanese Coastal Waters

ABSTRACT We analyzed cryptophyte nucleomorph 18S rRNA gene sequences retained in natural Myrionecta rubra cells and plastid 16S rRNA gene and psbA sequences retained in natural cells of several Dinophysis species collected from Japanese coastal waters. A total of 715 nucleomorph sequences obtained from 134 M. rubra cells and 564 plastid 16S rRNA gene and 355 psbA sequences from 71 Dinophysis cells were determined. Almost all sequences in M. rubra and Dinophysis spp. were identical to those of Teleaulax amphioxeia, suggesting that M. rubra in Japanese coastal waters preferentially ingest T. amphioxeia. The remaining sequences were closely related to those of Geminigera cryophila and Teleaulax acuta. Interestingly, 37 plastid 16S rRNA gene sequences, which were different from T. amphioxeia and amplified from Dinophysis acuminata and Dinophysis norvegica cells, were identical to the sequence of a D. acuminata cell found in the Greenland Sea, suggesting that a widely distributed and unknown cryptophyte species is also preyed upon by M. rubra and subsequently sequestered by Dinophysis. To confirm the reliability of molecular identification of the cryptophyte Teleaulax species detected from M. rubra and Dinophysis cells, the nucleomorph and plastid genes of Teleaulax species isolated from seawaters were also analyzed. Of 19 isolates, 16 and 3 clonal strains were identified as T. amphioxeia and T. acuta, respectively, and no sequence variation was confirmed within species. T. amphioxeia is probably the primary source of prey for M. rubra in Japanese coastal waters. An unknown cryptophyte may serve as an additional source, depending on localities and seasons.
EFFECTS OF ATRAZINE ON CERCARIAL LONGEVITY, ACTIVITY, AND INFECTIVITY

Susceptibility of free-living infective stages of parasites to contaminants is relatively understudied compared with independent effects on measures of host health or immunity, but may be important in affecting prevalence and intensity of parasite infections. We investigated whether atrazine, an herbicide commonly used in North America, affected the cercariae of 4 different species of digenetic trematodes, and found that effects of atrazine concentration on mortality and activity of cercariae varied among species. Mortality of Echinostoma trivolvis increased in a 200 μg/L atrazine solution, and a species of Alaria showed both decreased activity and increased mortality. We also examined whether the ability of E. trivolvis to infect the second intermediate host, larval amphibians, was compromised by atrazine exposure. Longevity and prevalence of E. trivolvis cercariae was affected at 200 μg/L atrazine, whereas intensity of infection in Rana clamitans tadpoles was reduced at both 20 μg/L and 200 μg/L atrazine. Our results indicate that the viability of cercariae of some species is compromised by exposure to atrazine, emphasizing the importance of considering the influence of contaminants on free-living stages of parasites in addressing how environmental degradation may relate to host parasitism.
Disorder Control in Crystalline GeSb2Te4 Using High Pressure

Electronic phase‐change memory devices take advantage of the different resistivity of two states, amorphous and crystalline, and the swift transitions between them in active phase‐change materials (PCMs). In addition to these two distinct phases, multiple resistive states can be obtained by tuning the atomic disorder in the crystalline phase with heat treatment, because the disorder can lead to the localization of the electronic states and, thus, hamper the electron transport. The goal of this work is to achieve and explore multiple disordered configurations in PCMs by applying high pressure. Large‐scale ab initio molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that pressure can lower the energy barrier for the antisite migration in crystalline PCMs. The accumulation of these antisite atoms largely increases the compositional disorder, adding localized electronic states near the conduction band. The disorder‐induced electron localization triggered by pressure is a novel way to modulate the properties of materials. Furthermore, the random distortion of the lattice induced by the compositional disorder provides a new mechanism that contributes to the amorphization of crystalline PCMs at high pressure.
Distinct Properties of Glycine Receptor β+/α− Interface

Background: Heteromeric αβ glycine receptor β+/α− interfaces have never been characterized unambiguously. Results: This interface, compared with the α+/α− interface, is highly sensitive to agonist and experiences distinct conformational changes upon agonist binding. Conclusion: The β+/α− interface exhibits distinct properties. Significance: Our investigation directs the β+/α− interface-specific drug design and provides a general methodology for unambiguously characterizing heteromeric proteins interfaces. The glycine receptor (GlyR) exists either in homomeric α or heteromeric αβ forms. Its agonists bind at extracellular subunit interfaces. Unlike subunit interfaces from the homomeric α GlyR, subunit interfaces from the heteromeric αβ GlyR have not been characterized unambiguously because of the existence of multiple types of interface within single receptors. Here, we report that, by reconstituting β+/α− interfaces in a homomeric GlyR (αChb+a− GlyR), we were able to functionally characterize the αβ GlyR β+/α− interfaces. We found that the β+/α− interface had a higher agonist sensitivity than that of the α+/α− interface. This high sensitivity was contributed primarily by loop A. We also found that the β+/α− interface differentially modulates the agonist properties of glycine and taurine. Using voltage clamp fluorometry, we found that the conformational changes induced by glycine binding to the β+/α− interface were different from those induced by glycine binding to the α+/α− interface in the α GlyR. Moreover, the distinct conformational changes found at the β+/α− interface in the αChb+a− GlyR were also found in the heteromeric αβ GlyR, which suggests that the αChb+a− GlyR reconstitutes structural components and recapitulates functional properties, of the β+/α− interface in the heteromeric αβ GlyR. Our investigation not only provides structural and functional information about the GlyR β+/α− interface, which could direct GlyR β+/α− interface-specific drug design, but also provides a general methodology for unambiguously characterizing properties of specific protein interfaces from heteromeric proteins.
Pubertal stage and panic attack history in sixth- and seventh-grade girls.

OBJECTIVE Although the incidence of first panic attacks appears to peak during adolescence, little is known about which features of adolescence contribute to the risk of a first panic episode. The purpose of this study was to compare the relative importance of age and pubertal stage in explaining the occurrence of panic attacks in adolescents. METHOD From a school-based sample of sixth- and seventh-grade girls, 754 subjects completed both a structured clinical interview determining history of one or more panic episodes and a self-assessment of Tanner stages of pubertal development. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with panic attack history as the dependent variable and pubertal stage, age, and their interaction as the independent variables. RESULTS A history of one or more four-symptom panic attacks was found in 5.3% of the girls (N = 40). After age was controlled for, pubertal stage was significantly related to panic attack history. At each age, higher rates of panic attacks were found in the more physically mature girls. CONCLUSIONS Pubertal stage, after adjustment for the effects of age, appears to predict panic attack occurrence in young adolescent girls. Understanding the link between puberty and panic may offer clues regarding the onset and etiology of panic attacks.