Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toolkit for variative forecasting of time series

In this paper, we describe structure, features, and application examples of the toolkit for variative forecasting of time series (VarForecasts). A set of original algorithms for identification and forecasting of univariate discrete time series is implemented in the system. The toolkit allows for a comprehensive study of time series on the basis of ideas and methods of variative modeling. VarForecasts can be used in different subject areas for analysis and forecasting of discrete time series. Algorithms presented in toolkit have been tested on data on infectious diseases in cities of Russia and hydrological data on inflow of the Ob river. Obtained results allow conclusion on the prospects of the VarForecasts as a means of analysis and forecasting of discrete time series.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor enhances fast excitatory synaptic transmission in human epileptic dentate gyrus

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has trophic effects and modulates synaptic transmission in the hippocampal formation in animal studies. It is also upregulated in acute and chronic epilepsy models and in human temporal lobe epilepsy. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of BDNF on fast synaptic transmission in the human epileptic dentate gyrus. Hippocampal specimens were acquired from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy during surgical removal of the anterior temporal lobe intended to treat the epileptic condition. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings were obtained from dentate granule cells in transverse hippocampal slices in vitro. Application of BDNF increased the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents and increased the amplitude of evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents. BDNF had no effect on spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents but produced a decrease in amplitude of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents. BDNF's effects were abolished by coapplication of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor K252a. Therefore, BDNF enhances fast excitatory transmission in the epileptic human dentate gyrus and may play an important role in epileptogenesis in temporal lobe epilepsy. This raises the possibility of designing therapies for this disorder that may be both anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic.
Spatial distribution and polarization dependence of the optical near‐field in a silicon microfabricated probe

This paper reports on the spatial distribution and polarization behaviour of the optical near‐field at the aperture of a Si micromachined probe. A sub‐100 nm aperture at the apex of a SiO2 tip on a Si cantilever was successfully fabricated by selective etching of the SiO2 tip in a buffered‐HF solution using a thin Cr film as a mask. The aperture, 10–100 nm in size, can be reproducibly fabricated by optimizing the etching time. The optical throughput of several apertures was measured. For a 100 nm aperture, a throughput of 1% was approved. The probe shows a very high optical throughput owing to the geometrical structure of the tip. The spatial distribution of the near‐field light is measured and simulated using a finite difference‐time domain method. The polarization behaviour of apertures with different shapes was analysed using a photon counting camera system.
Population genetic analyses of plant pathogens: new challenges and opportunities

The study of population genetics attempts to investigate evolutionary forces such as mutation, migration, genetic drift, selection and recombination, and how gene frequencies change in populations to shape their genetic structure. These evolutionary forces and the interaction among them are particularly important in plant pathogens where, combined with the pathogen’s life history characteristics, they determine the pathogen’s evolutionary potential. Advances in DNA sequencing and analytical approaches have significantly improved the accuracy of population genetic parameter estimates. In particular, coalescent-based approaches are a powerful extension of classical population genetics because it is a collection of mathematical models that can accommodate biological phenomena as reflected in molecular data. In a comparison of migration estimates of Rhynchosporium secalis, which were either derived from FST estimates, or estimated with a coalescent method, reveals that the latter are more reliable, are less dependent on population sizes being stable, are not affected by asymmetrical migration between populations, and are affected less by populations with small sample sizes. Improved analyses and their usefulness in determining the phylogeography and demography of R. secalis are discussed.
Incorporating Surface Diffusion into a Cellular Automata Model of Ice Growth from Water Vapor

We describe a numerical model of faceted crystal growth using a cellular automata method that incorporates admolecule diffusion on faceted surfaces in addition to bulk diffusion in the medium surrounding the crystal. The model was developed for investigating the diffusion-limited growth of ice crystals in air from water vapor, where the combination of bulk diffusion and strongly anisotropic molecular attachment kinetics yields complex faceted structures. We restricted the present model to cylindrically symmetric crystal growth with relatively simple growth morphologies, as this was sufficient for making quantitative comparisons between theoretical models and ice growth experiments. Overall this numerical model reproduces ice growth behavior with reasonable fidelity over a wide range of conditions, albeit with some limitations. The model could easily be adapted for other material systems, and the cellular automata technique appears well suited for investigating crystal growth dynamics when strongly anisotropic surface attachment kinetics cause faceted growth morphologies.
Cultivation of Scenedesmus dimorphus with domestic secondary effluent and energy evaluation for biodiesel production

Microalgae cultivation in wastewater has gained significant attention as a cost-saving means for algae-based biofuel production. To evaluate the performance of Scenedesmus dimorphus cultivated in a 100-L continuously operated photobioreactor using domestic secondary effluent (DSE), algal growth, nutrients removal and energy evaluation were conducted in four scenarios. Prior to the application of continuous cultivation, S. dimorphus was grown in a batch operated 1.5-L bubble column photobioreactor to test the growth feasibility and lipids accumulation of S. dimorphus in DSE. The highest biomass achieved in DSE was 244 mg L−1with lipid content at 26.06%. Simultaneously, 98.72% of total phosphorus (TP) and 98.04% of total nitrogen (TN) in DSE were removed. Then, S. dimorphus were inoculated in the 100-L continuously operated photobioreactor using BG11, unsterilized DSE, N, P-added DSE and UV-sterilized DSE as the medium, respectively. Results showed that the highest biomass gained were 567, 174, 276 and 198 mg L−1, respectively. TP removal rates in four scenarios were all above 90%. With adjustment to DSE, the overall TN removal rates increased up to 80%. Finally, energy evaluation demonstrated that although the case of BG11 as the medium provided the most energy production, the case using DSE with N and P supplementation was of the highest net energy rate, suggesting that microalgae cultivation for biodiesel production by DSE is of obvious potential and advantage over the synthesis medium like BG11.
Cultural Challenges to Psychosocial Counselling in Nepal

This article describes the way in which the practice of psychosocial counselling was adapted culturally to the context of Nepal within the Centre for Victims of Torture, Nepal (CVICT). After a brief description of the Nepali setting and CVICT’s counselling and training approach and the relationship of its psychosocial counselling intervention with existing methods of dealing with psychosocial problems, the cultural challenges of implementing psychosocial counselling and our response to them are sketched along with concepts deemed important in psychosocial counselling. A discussion follows in which the authors’ stance on the export of psychosocial counselling to non-western cultures is outlined.
Processing of electroencephalogram signals using OpenVibe

Gaining insight into the brain electrical activities and understanding its workings gives a clearer indication of neurological defect that may exist in a subject by comparing it with the norm. It can be also be used to improve cognitive function and provide the basis in the workings of the increasingly popular Brain Computer Interface (BCI) applications. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals provide information in the analysis of the brain functionality but the amount of data to be process is normally huge and requires the use of specialized software. It is also important that the processed EEG signals are then represented with proper visualizing aids to better assists clinicians and researchers in the process of interpretation. This paper describes the processing of EEG signals using an open source software called OpenVibe which provide graphical representation of a subject EEG band power features and power spectrum analysis along with 2D electrode mapping topography.
Diagnosis and repair of memory with coupling faults

The problem of diagnosis and spare allocation for a random access memory (RAM) with coupling faults, utilizing spare rows and columns, is examined. It is shown that a coupling fault is repaired if its coupling cell is replaced by a spare row or its coupled cell is replaced by a spare row or column. By specifying both the coupled cell and coupling cell the amount of redundancy required to repair a given set of faults can be reduced. A diagnosis procedure is provided to locate stuck-at faults as well as coupling faults. A graph model is used to describe the repair of coupling faults, and a repair procedure is implemented to allocate rows and columns for repair. <<ETX>>
LONG‐TONGUED FLY POLLINATION AND EVOLUTION OF FLORAL SPUR LENGTH IN THE DISA DRACONIS COMPLEX (ORCHIDACEAE)

Field studies in South Africa showed that floral spur length in the Disa draconis complex (Orchidaceae) varies enormously between populations in the southern mountains (means = 32–38 mm), lowland sandplain (mean = 48 mm), and northern mountains (means = 57–72 mm). We tested the hypothesis that divergence in spur length has resulted from selection exerted through pollinator proboscis length. Short‐spurred plants in several southern mountain populations, as well as long‐spurred plants in one northern mountain population, were pollinated by a horsefly, Philoliche rostrata (Tabanidae), with a proboscis length that varied from 22 to 35 mm among sites. Long‐spurred plants on the sandplain were pollinated by the tanglewing fly, Moegistorynchus longirostris (Nemestrinidae), which has a very long proboscis (mean = 57 mm). Selection apparently favors long spurs in sandplain plants, as artificial shortening of spurs resulted in a significant decline in pollen receipt and fruit set, although pollinaria removal was not significantly affected. Fruit set in the study populations was limited by pollen availability, which further suggests that selection on spur length occurs mainly through the female component of reproductive success.
Using ordination and clustering techniques to assess multimetric fish health response following a coal ash spill

The effect of coal ash exposure on fish health in freshwater communities is largely unknown. Given the large number of possible pathways of effects (e.g., toxicological effect of exposure to multiple metals, physical effects from ash exposure, and food web effects), measurement of only a few health metrics is not likely to give a complete picture. The authors measured a suite of 20 health metrics from 1100+ fish collected from 5 sites (3 affected and 2 reference) near a coal ash spill in east Tennessee over a 4.5‐yr period. The metrics represented a wide range of physiological and energetic responses and were evaluated simultaneously using 2 multivariate techniques. Results from both hierarchical clustering and canonical discriminant analyses suggested that for most species × season combinations, the suite of fish health indicators varied more among years than between spill and reference sites within a year. In a few cases, spill sites from early years in the investigation stood alone or clustered together separate from reference sites and later year spill sites. Outlier groups of fish with relatively unique health profiles were most often from spill sites, suggesting that some response to the ash exposure may have occurred. Results from the 2 multivariate methods suggest that any change in the health status of fish at the spill sites was small and appears to have diminished since the first 2 to 3 yr after the spill. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1903–1913. Published 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Comparison of biologically distinct isolates of Citrus tristeza virus from Iran using major coat protein sequences

Abstract.Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is the most economically important pathogen of citrus in the north of Iran. CTV exists as a number of distinct strains with different biological properties. Seven isolates of CTV were collected from the north of Iran and all induced stem pitting and vein clearing on Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolid), but caused widely differing symptoms on sour orange (Citrus aurantium), Duncan grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) and Thomson naval orange (Citrus sinensis) grafted onto sour orange. Based on symptoms in different host plants, the isolates could be divided into two groups: the first causing stem pitting and severe decline and the second, seedling yellows. Isolates in the first, but not the second, group were transmitted by Aphis gossypii. The major coat protein (CP) gene was amplified by immunocapture reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to yield an amplicon of 672 bp for all isolates. Analysis of the nucleotide and the deduced amino acid sequences of the CP genes showed minimal genetic variation. Interestingly, in a phylogenetic analysis, the isolates from the eastern part of Mazandaran Province grouped apart from previously characterised isolates from the western part of Mazandaran Province, suggesting at least two independent introductions of the virus into Iran. The nucleotide sequence of the CP of the Iranian isolates were 96–98%, 96–97% and 97–98% identical to the Japanese NUagA, Korean Chenju and Californian SY568 isolates, respectively. No clear association was found between CP gene sequence, symptomatology and transmissibility by A. gossypii.
Clinicopathological significance of BGP expression in non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma: relationship with histological type, microvessel density and patients' survival

Aims: Brain‐type glycogen phosphorylase (BGP) is the major isoform of glycogen phosphorylase found in fetal and neoplastic tissues, and is generally thought to induce glucose supply during an ischaemic period. This study was performed to investigate BGP expression in non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Methods: A total of 119 cases of NSCLC, including 63 squamous cell carcinomas (SqCCs) and 56 adenocarcinomas (ACs), were imunohistochemically evaluated for BGP expression, and its expression was correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Results: In total, 76.5% were positive, while non‐neoplastic bronchial epithelial cells were weakly positive and pneumocytes were negative. High BGP expression was noted in 78.6% of ACs and 36.5% of SqCCs (p = 0.001). Microvessel density was higher in the low BGP expression tumours (29.6 ± 16.9/mm2) than in the high expression tumours (22.8 ± 13.8/mm2) (p = 0.017). BGP expression did not correlate with patient age or tumour stage, but was more frequent in females than males. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that high BGP expression was associated with poorer survival (p = 0.032). Conclusions: BGP is expressed in NSCLC, particularly AC, and is an independent poor prognostic factor.
Utilization of Low Molecular Weight Organic Compounds by Marine Neustonic and Planktonic Bacteria

The efficiency of utilization of low molecular weight organic molecules by neustonic and planktonic bacteria inhabiting the waters of the Gdansk Deep region has been determined. The most intensive growth was observed in the presence of amino acids, while carbohydrates and organic acids were utilized less actively. Glutamic acid, asparatic acid, histidine, glycine, cysteine and calcium lactate were the most suitable sources of carbon and energy for the bacteria. Significant differences in the level of intensity of assimilation of low molecular weight organic molecules by bacteria inhabiting various water layers occurred.
Seven novel mutations and four exon deletions in a collection of Norwegian patients with SPG4 hereditary spastic paraplegia

To establish the phenotypic variation and frequency of SPAST mutations or deletions in Norwegian patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), we examined 59 unrelated patients with HSP and screened for DNA point mutations and microdeletions in SPG4. Forty‐one had a familial history, 35 had a clear dominant inheritance, six had other affected sibs and 18 were sporadic. We found 12 mutations in SPG4, seven of them novel, and four different heterozygous exon deletions, two of them novel. Mutations were found in 16 families showing autosomal dominant (AD) inheritance, and in one sporadic case. In two non‐SPG4 families the S44L polymorphism/modifier was found in both affected and unaffected individuals. This is the first study of Norwegian patients with HSP since the 1970s, and the first report on SPG4 in Norway. Our results show that SPG4 mutations and deletions are a significant cause of HSP in our population and warrant SPG4 screening in AD families and selected sporadic cases.
Effect of luting cements on the compressive strength of Turkom-Cera all-ceramic copings.

AIM The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of different luting agents on the fracture strength of Turkom-Cera all-ceramic copings. METHODS AND MATERIALS Standardized metal dies were duplicated from a prepared maxillary first premolar tooth using non-precious metal alloy (Wiron 99). Thirty Turkom-Cera copings of 0.6 mm thickness were then fabricated. Three types of luting agents were used: zinc phosphate cement (Elite), glass-ionomer cement (Fuji I), and a dual-cured composite resin cement (Panavia F). Ten copings were cemented with each type. All copings were cemented to their respective dies according to manufacturer's instructions and received a static load of 5 kg for ten minutes. After 24 hours of storage in distilled water at 37 degrees C, the copings were vertically loaded until fracture using an Instron Universal Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute. The mode of fracture was then determined. RESULTS Statistical analysis carried out using analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in the compressive strength between the three groups (P<0.001). The mean fracture strength (in Newtons) of Turkom-Cera copings cemented with Elite, Fuji I, and Panavia F were 1537.4 N, 1294.4 N, and 2183.6 N, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Luting agents have an influence on the fracture resistance of Turkom-Cera copings.
Propulsion patterns and pushrim biomechanics in manual wheelchair propulsion.

OBJECTIVES To classify stroke patterns of manual wheelchair users and to determine if different patterns of propulsion lead to different biomechanics. DESIGN Case series. SETTING Biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-eight individuals with paraplegia who use manual wheelchairs for mobility. INTERVENTION Subjects propelled their own wheelchair on a dynamometer at 2 different steady state speeds. Bilateral biomechanical data were obtained by using a force and moment sensing pushrim and a motion analysis system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The propulsive stroke of each participant for each speed and side was classified as following 1 of 4 patterns. These 4 patterns were then compared by using a mixed-model analysis of variance. The biomechanical variables that were compared were cadence, peak and rate of rise of the resultant force, mechanical effective force, push angle, and ratio of time spent pushing to time in recovery. RESULTS The most common propulsive stroke involved the user lifting the hand over the pushrim during the recovery phase. The stroke pattern was independent of axle position and varied from side to side and between speeds. After controlling for subject characteristics, significant differences were observed between stroke patterns in cadence and ratio of time spent pushing to time in recovery. A stroke pattern that involves using a semicircular motion with the hand below the pushrim during the recovery phase of the propulsion stroke was associated with a lower cadence and more time spent in the push phase relative to the recovery phase. CONCLUSION The semicircular motion of propulsion displayed characteristics consistent with reduced repetition and more efficient propulsion. Use of this propulsion style may reduce trauma to the upper extremities. Clinicians should consider training individuals in this propulsion style.
'IF You Drink Alcohol, THEN You Will Get Cancer': Investigating How Reasoning Accuracy Is Affected by Pictorially Presented Graphic Alcohol Warnings.

AIMS To investigate the cognitive processing of emotive pictorial warnings intended to curb alcohol misuse, using novel methodologies adapted from the reasoning literature to assess whether emotive pictorial warnings alter reasoning. METHOD In Study 1, individuals completed a version of the Wason selection task-evaluating warnings in which content type (Alcohol and Non-Alcohol) and emotional valence (Positive and Negative) were manipulated through imagery. In Study 2, people evaluated the certainty of outcomes described by alcohol-related and non-alcohol-related warnings in the form of If-Then statements. RESULTS Study 1 found that in alcohol-related warnings, there was no difference in reasoning accuracy between positive and negative content. However, fewer correct responses followed exposure to negative general-health messages. Study 2 suggested that when a warning involves the potential consequences of drinking alcohol, accuracy is improved when the content is negative. However, when considering the consequences of abstinence, accuracy was greatest when the content was positive. This was supported by an inference by content interaction. CONCLUSION In conclusion, negative imagery should be used with caution in health warnings, and goals carefully considered. In some cases imagery of negative outcomes may improve reasoning, however, its use in alcohol-related messages does not appear to be consistently beneficial.