Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antigenic quantitation of type 1 fimbriae on the surface of Escherichia coli cells by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent inhibition assay

Type 1 fimbriae from two strains of Escherichia coli, K-12-derived CSH50 and a clinical isolate VL-2, were purified by a simplified procedure, which should be applicable to a variety of bacterial strains. After mechanical removal from the cells, the fimbriae were sedimented in the ultracentrifuge and resuspended in 5 M urea to disaggregate cell membranes and flagella, leaving the urea-resistant fimbriae intact. After several hours at 37 degrees C, this crude fimbrial suspension was diluted to 1 M urea, and the intact fimbriae were sedimented through a 1 M urea-1 M sucrose cushion. The pellet was found to be pure fimbriae by sodium docecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, with apparent subunit molecular weights of 17,000 for the fimbriae from K-12 strain CSH50 and 19,000 for those from the clinical isolate VL-2. High-titer rabbit antiserum raised against CSH50 fimbriae was specific for fimbriae by indirect ferritin labeling and immunoprecipitation and was used to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Competitive inhibition of antifimbrial antiserum in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay by a known amount of either purified fimbriae or fimbriae-bearing bacteria permitted precise quantitation of fimbrial antigen in cultures of strain CSH50, thereby providing a simple means of determining the effects of environmental conditions on the synthesis of type 1 fimbriae.
Performance of the Peto odds ratio compared to the usual odds ratio estimator in the case of rare events

For the calculation of relative measures such as risk ratio (RR) and odds ratio (OR) in a single study, additional approaches are required for the case of zero events. In the case of zero events in one treatment arm, the Peto odds ratio (POR) can be calculated without continuity correction, and is currently the relative effect estimation method of choice for binary data with rare events. The aim of this simulation study is a variegated comparison of the estimated OR and estimated POR with the true OR in a single study with two parallel groups without confounders in data situations where the POR is currently recommended. This comparison was performed by means of several performance measures, that is the coverage, confidence interval (CI) width, mean squared error (MSE), and mean percentage error (MPE). We demonstrated that the estimator for the POR does not outperform the estimator for the OR for all the performance measures investigated. In the case of rare events, small treatment effects and similar group sizes, we demonstrated that the estimator for the POR performed better than the estimator for the OR only regarding the coverage and MPE, but not the CI width and MSE. For larger effects and unbalanced group size ratios, the coverage and MPE of the estimator for the POR were inappropriate. As in practice the true effect is unknown, the POR method should be applied only with the utmost caution.
Audio signals encoding for cough classification using convolutional neural networks: A comparative study

Cough detection has considerable clinical value, which can provide an objective basis for assessment and diagnosis of respiratory diseases. Motivated by the great achievements of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in recent years, we adopted 5 different ways to encode audio signals as images and treated them as the input of CNNs, so that image processing technology could be applied to analyze audio signals. In order to explore the optimal audio signals encoding method, we performed comparative experiments on medical dataset containing 70000 audio segments from 26 patients. Experimental results show that RASTA-PLP spectrum is the best method to encode audio signals as images with respect to cough classification task, which gives an average accuracy of 0.9965 in 200 iterations on test batches and a F1-score of 0.9768 on samples re-sampled from the test set. Therefore, the image processing based method is shown to be a promising choice for the process of audio signals.
An Analytical Model of the Frequency Dependent 3-D Current Spreading in Forward Biased Shallow Rectangular p-n Junctions

Recently, we presented an analytical model of the frequency-dependent spreading of the small-signal minority carrier flow in forward biased shallow p-n junctions, having stripe and circular geometries and an ohmic bottom contact. This paper extends this approach to model a practical rectangular junction, which could be eccentric, have rounded corners and have an HI–LO junction characterized by a finite surface recombination velocity at the bottom. The current spreading is expressed in terms of the junction length and width, lateral and vertical extent beyond the junction, diffusion length, lifetime, surface recombination velocity, and frequency. It is shown that the spreading in a circular junction approximates that in a square junction of the same area, and the spreading in the direction of a side, which is more than four times the diffusion length can be neglected. The model is validated using TCAD simulation.
Applying Web Semantics to Evaluate Biomedical Knowledge Graphs

Knowledge graphs (KG) are being used extensively for data driven applications. Due to their large scale and heterogeneity, KGs are often constructed using automated IE toolkits. Owing to the diverse nature of the sources, such extractions are often noisy and contain many semantic inaccuracies. In domains such as life sciences, having high quality and consistent KGs are very important to improve prediction and decision making. Commercial question answering systems such as IBM Watson Health rely heavily on accurate and consistent knowledge graphs. To address this problem of quality evaluation, we build on previous work in ontology and instance data evaluation and propose a method for Large-Scale Knowledge Graph Evaluation. This leverages domain ontologies to detect possible inconsistencies. To showcase our work, We construct an RDF/RDFS knowledge graph from the output of a state-ofthe-art biomedical IE system, ODIN. This linked KG creation enables us to assign extracted terms as instances of concepts in supporting ontologies, and use reasoners to detect inconsistencies in the extracted data. We developed general inconsistency rules that include entity type mismatch, event type mismatch, and entity-event duality. In this paper we present the results after applying these rules on the KG and then discuss how our implementation generalizes to any large scale industrial knowledge graph.
Computational complexity versus statistical performance on sparse recovery problems

We show that several classical quantities controlling compressed-sensing performance directly match classical parameters controlling algorithmic complexity. We first describe linearly convergent restart schemes on first-order methods solving a broad range of compressed-sensing problems, where sharpness at the optimum controls convergence speed. We show that for sparse recovery problems, this sharpness can be written as a condition number, given by the ratio between true signal sparsity and the largest signal size that can be recovered by the observation matrix. In a similar vein, Renegar’s condition number is a data-driven complexity measure for convex programmes, generalizing classical condition numbers for linear systems. We show that for a broad class of compressed-sensing problems, the worst case value of this algorithmic complexity measure taken over all signals matches the restricted singular value of the observation matrix which controls robust recovery performance. Overall, this means in both cases that, in compressed-sensing problems, a single parameter directly controls both computational complexity and recovery performance. Numerical experiments illustrate these points using several classical algorithms.
“Keep A Blank Face. I Need To Tell You What Has Been Happening To Me.” Teens’ Stories of Abuse and Violence Before and During Pregnancy

Purpose To explore adolescents’ experiences of abuse in the year before and during pregnancy. Methods This prospective study used structured and focused interviews and content analysis. Forty teens’ stories of abuse were extracted from focused interview questions during a larger study of pregnant adolescents aged 18 to 20. Elements of the stories were coded and categorized according to content and meaning. Seven themes were identified using a generalized qualitative approach that blended content and thematic analysis. Results Teens reported abuse from a variety of individuals, including intimate partners, former partners, and family members. Thirteen of the 40 teens reported being pregnant in the year before the index pregnancy, with 11 of the pregnancies ending in miscarriage, elective abortion, or fetal demise. Four of the pregnancy losses were directly attributed to abuse. Seven themes were identified that reflected the teens’ stories of violence: seeking safety (self-protection with risks and benefits); losing faith (negative experiences with police and social justice institutions); experiencing loss (compromised reproductive health); living on the edge (substance abuse concerns); taking the next step (developmental concerns); crying out for help (suicide attempts); and changing and temporary relationships (loss of family bonds and serial monogamy). Clinical Implications Routine screening for violence prior to and during pregnancy should include questions about past pregnancies, sexual abuse, and multiple perpetrators, as well as perpetrators other than intimate partners. Adolescent developmental concerns should be incorporated in safety planning and advocacy interventions.
Prediction of High Resolution Data from a Coded Low Resolution Grid within the Context of SVC

The joint video team is currently involved in a standardization effort to extend the AVC/H.264 video coding standard to support spatial scalability. The current system utilizes a pyramidal coding framework, where higher spatial resolutions are predicted from lower spatial resolutions and subsequently refined with an enhancement bit-stream. In this paper, the author considers the problem of mapping the lower resolution data to the higher resolution grid. The overall design methodology of the standardization project is described and an optimal method for filter design is considered.
SiGe HBT technology with fT/fmax of 300GHz/500GHz and 2.0 ps CML gate delay

A SiGe HBT technology featuring fT/fmax/BVCEO=300GHz/500GHz/1.6V and a minimum CML ring oscillator gate delay of 2.0 ps is presented. The speed-improvement compared to our previous SiGe HBT generations originates from lateral device scaling, a reduced thermal budget, and changes of the emitter and base composition, of the salicide resistance as well as of the low-doped collector formation.
The Effects of Decision Guidance and Problem Modeling on Group Decision-Making

Despite the advances in group decision support system (GDSS) research, few GDSS studies concentrate on problem-modeling tools to support decisions that cross boundaries of functional areas within the business. These decisions have a substantial effect on the profitability of the firm and account for much time and effort of senior management. This research investigates the effect of problem structuring and modeling with a GDSS on coordinated decision-making of managers in a group faced with a mixed-motive production-planning task. In a laboratory experiment, a GDSS with features supporting problem modeling is contrasted with a GDSS without such features. The results indicate that the groups using a GDSS with a problem-modeling tool outperformed the groups using a GDSS without a problem-modeling tool, but they were less efficient with respect to the time and number of messages it takes the group to converge to a final solution. User confidence in the solution did not differ between the two groups. The results of this study indicate that the problem modeling feature of a GDSS significantly influences group decision process and outcomes.
Treatment goals for moderate to severe psoriasis: An Australian consensus

The high incidence of comorbidities in patients with psoriasis, significant impact on quality of life and patients' dissatisfaction with treatment led a European group to develop a consensus position on psoriasis treatment goals. There is an evident need for similar treatment goals in Australia. The aim of this project was to develop Australian treatment goals that reflect the local environment.
Distributed Estimation Fusion with Unavailable Cross-Correlation

The problem of distributed fusion for estimation when the cross-correlation of errors of local estimates is unavailable is addressed. We discuss a general estimation fusion approach for this problem-generalized convex combination (GCC) - and classify various GCC fusion approaches in three categories. We develop three GCC fusion algorithms for the problem under consideration. First, based on a set-theoretic formulation of the problem, we propose a relaxed Chebyshev center covariance intersection (RCC-CI) algorithm to fuse the local estimates. Second, based on an information-theoretic criterion, we develop a fast covariance intersection (IT-FCI) algorithm with weights in a closed form. The proposed RCC-CI and IT-FCI algorithms are characterized by both the local estimates and the mean-square error (MSE) matrices being taken into account. Third, to fuse incoherent local estimates, we propose a fault-tolerant GCC fusion algorithm by introducing an adaptive parameter, which can obtain robust fusion and the degree of robustness varies with that of incoherency between estimates to be fused.
Cooperation of two actin‐binding proteins, cofilin and Aip1, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Cofilin is a low‐molecular weight actin‐modulating protein, and is structurally and functionally conserved among eukaryotes. Cofilin is encoded by COF1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and is essential for cell viability. Cofilin binds to and severs actin filaments in vitro, and also enhances their depolymerization. A partner protein that cooperates with cofilin in vivo has not been identified.
A murine model for antibody-directed targeting of vascular endothelial cells in solid tumors.

An attractive approach to the therapy of solid tumors would be to target cytotoxic agents or coagulants to the vasculature of the tumor rather than to the tumor cells themselves. This strategy has 3 advantages: (a) it should be applicable to many types of solid tumors because all require a blood supply for survival and growth; (b) the target endothelial cells are directly accessible through the blood and are normal cells, making the outgrowth of resistant mutants unlikely; and (c) there is an in-built amplification mechanism because thousands of tumor cells are reliant on each capillary for nutrients and oxygen. Despite its theoretical attractions, the approach of tumor vascular targeting has not been testable because antibodies that recognize tumor vascular endothelial cell antigens with adequate specificity are currently not available. In this study, we developed a model system in which to investigate the antibody-directed targeting of vascular endothelial cells in solid tumors in mice. A neuroblastoma transfected with the mouse interferon-gamma gene, C1300(Mu gamma), was grown in antibiotic-treated BALB/c nude mice. The interferon-gamma secreted by the tumor induces the expression of major histocompatibility complex Class II antigens on the tumor vascular endothelium. Class II antigens are absent from the vasculature of normal tissues, although they are present on B-lymphocytes, cells of monocyte/macrophage lineage, and some epithelial cells. Anti-Class II antibody administered i.v. strongly stains the tumor vasculature, whereas an antitumor antibody directed against a major histocompatibility complex Class I antigen of the tumor allograft produces classical perivascular tumor cell staining. This model should enable the theoretical superiority of tumor vascular targeting over conventional tumor cell targeting to be tested.
Comparison of measurement and calculation of power losses in AC/DC-converter for electric vehicle drive

In this paper a commercial converter for an electric vehicle drive is analyzed with focus on power losses and efficiency. Therefore, two model structures of an AC/DC converter are described. The first model is based on a table of the power losses which arises from measurements. In the second model the power losses are calculated based on the electrical characteristics of the employed power semiconductors. The comparison of measurement and calculation of the power losses of the converter leads to great agreement.
Using the Karp-Miller Tree Construction to Analyse Concurrent Finite-State Programs

The formal analysis of multi-threaded programs is among the grand challenges of software verification research. In this dissertation, we consider non-recursive multi-threaded Boolean programs, the principal ingredient in predicate abstraction. We introduced a exact and complete solution for thread-state reachability analysis of concurrent Boolean programs with unbounded thread creation. We present a novel implementation of the Karp-Miller procedure for vector addition systems with states, and evaluate its performance using a substantial set of Boolean program benchmarks. We then use our technique to prove that the benchmark programs have surprisingly small reachability cutoffs. We conclude that verifying a program for the fixed cutoff-number of threads tends to be cheaper than the Karp-Miller procedure. Our results mark a first step towards truly efficient strategies for analyzing multi-threaded programs.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt in the management of gastric and ectopic varices

Uncertainty exists about the ideal therapy for gastric and ectopic varices owing to relatively few controlled studies. Endoscopic therapy with tissue adhesives and thrombin appear promising. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt has a role in patients with refractory gastric variceal bleeding in the presence of a patent portal vein. The addition of coil embolization may be particularly useful for ectopic varices, as these can continue to bleed despite successful portal pressure reduction. The high efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt has to be balanced against the potential for increased encephalopathy. Balloon occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration is a recent technique for patients with gastro-renal shunts and large gastric varices. Early results are promising, and balloon occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration may be valuable in patients who bleed at lower portal pressures, in the encephalopathic patient, or where the portal vein is not patent. Its use may be limited by availability or lack of technical expertise, and caution is required in patients with large oesophageal varices.
Pharmacokinetics and mammary residual depletion of erythromycin in healthy lactating ewes.

The aim of this investigation was to examine the pharmacokinetics and mammary excretion of erythromycin administered to lactating ewes (n = 6) by the intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) routes at a dosage of 10 mg/kg. Blood and milk samples were collected at pre-determined times, and a microbiological assay method was used to measure erythromycin concentrations in serum and milk. The concentration-time data were analysed by compartmental and non-compartmental kinetic methods. The serum concentration-time data of erythromycin were fit to a two-compartment model after i.v. administration and a one-compartment model with first-order absorption after i.m. and s.c. administration. The elimination half-life (t(1/2beta)) was 4.502 +/- 1.487 h after i.v. administration, 4.874 +/- 0.296 h after i.m. administration and 6.536 +/- 0.151 h after s.c. administration. The clearance value (Cl tot) after i.v. dosing was 1.292 +/- 0.121 l/h/kg. After i.m. and s.c. administration, observed peak erthyromycin concentrations (Cmax) of 0.918 +/- 0.092 microg/ml and 0.787 +/- 0.010 microg/ml were achieved at 0.75 and 1.0 h (Tmax) respectively. The bioavailability obtained after i.m. and s.c. administration was 91.178 +/- 10.232% and 104.573 +/- 9.028% respectively. Erythromycin penetration from blood to milk was quick for all the routes of administration, and the high AUC milk/AUC serum (1.186, 1.057 and 1.108) and Cmax-milk/Cmax-serum ratios reached following i.v. , i.m. and s.c. administration, respectively, indicated an extensive penetration of erythromycin into the milk.
Saturation independent detection of dynamic eccentricity fault in salient-pole synchronous machines

This paper proposes a novel scheme based on current signature analysis to estimate the severity of dynamic eccentricity fault independent of saturation in salient-pole synchronous machines (SPSM). The detection technique uses short circuit test data and exploits the presence of inherent static eccentricity in a machine. Implementation of the scheme involves two steps. First, the percentage increases in both mixed eccentricity component and static eccentricity component are computed. Then the difference between them is used as a factor to estimate the severity of dynamic eccentricity. The method is also found capable of distinguishing between static and dynamic eccentricity faults. Results obtained from an experimental 3 phase, 2.2 kW machine have been used to validate the proposed eccentricity severity estimation scheme.
Inverse association between number of teeth and left ventricular mass in women

Objectives Recently, we have demonstrated a sex-specific inverse association between the number of teeth and hypertension. Left ventricular hypertrophy is a major cardiac sequel of hypertension. With the present study we sought to investigate whether there is also an inverse association between the number of teeth and left ventricular mass (LVM). Methods We used data from 1913 subjects (1036 women and 877 men) who were recruited for the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). The number of teeth, with the exception of the third molars, was counted in the full mouth. LVM was determined echocardiographically. Multivariable analyses were adjusted for major confounders. Results Women with fewer teeth had higher values for LVM than women with more teeth. This association was stable when controlled for major confounders. In the full model, edentulous women had an adjusted LVM of 178.4 g [95% confidence interval (CI) 170.4, 186.3 g] while women with 24–28 teeth had an adjusted LVM of 164.8 g (95% CI 156.8, 172.9 g; P < 0.01). In men, no such differences were observed. Conclusions We conclude that there is an association between the number of teeth and LVM in women aged 45 years or older. In women, these findings further explain why poor oral health predicts all-cause and circulatory mortality. Further research in young, low-risk populations is needed to explore this association in men.
Fast and Direct Polygonization for Gray-Scale Images Using Digital Straightness and Exponential Averaging

Although there exist various algorithms for polygonization of objects present in a digital image, most of them cannot directly be applied on a gray-scale image without resorting to edge map computation, thinning, etc. Hence, with the aim of applying polygonization directly on a gray-scale image, we propose here an improved algorithm. It is based on a novel proposition of exponential averaging of estimated edge strengths, which is used to extract (thinned) digitally straight edges directly from a gray-scale image. These straight edges are subsequently used as input for a fast polygonization based on simple primitive operations in the integer domain. Procedural advantages and implementation details of the proposed method are explained in this paper to adjudge its fitness in the context of polygonization. Experimental results have been furnished to demonstrate the usefulness, efficiency, and robustness of the proposed technique.