Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunization of Mice with Combinations of Pneumococcal Virulence Proteins Elicits Enhanced Protection against Challenge with Streptococcus pneumoniae

ABSTRACT The vaccine potential of a combination of three pneumococcal virulence proteins was evaluated in an active-immunization–intraperitoneal-challenge model in BALB/c mice, using very high challenge doses of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The proteins evaluated were a genetic toxoid derivative of pneumolysin (PdB), pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), and a 37-kDa metal-binding lipoprotein referred to as PsaA. Mice immunized with individual proteins or combinations thereof were challenged with high doses of virulent type 2 or type 4 pneumococci. The median survival times for mice immunized with combinations of proteins, particularly PdB and PspA, were significantly longer than those for mice immunized with any of the antigens alone. A similar effect was seen in a passive protection model. Thus, combinations of pneumococcal proteins may provide the best non-serotype-dependent protection against S. pneumoniae.
Correction of the Dynamic Effect in Weight Measurement using the Load Cell

Weight measurement is an important task in metering of food using load cell which usually mounted on a structure connected to other packaging mechanism. The metering of the food is usually done using vibration conveyor or auger conveyor. In both cases, there is a vertical separation between the outlet of the conveyor and also the weighing plate. The vertical drop of the food onto the weighing plate together with the delay of the response of the system usually resulting in overweight or overfill because of the impact. In this study, a load cell is mounted on a vibrating base to simulate the vibrating structure and grains are poured on the weighing plate supported by a load cell. The dynamic response of the system is measured to determine the settling time. Correction of the dynamic effect can be achieved by using filtering techniques. Filtering is applied by using the exponential smoothing filter to the measured data to get the corrected data. The filtered value is compared with the static measurement to determine the error of the approach. In this approach by using the exponential smoothing filter, the error due to the dynamic impact of the grain on the weighing system is reduced to less than two percent. The results showed that the corrected value produces error of less than two percent of the set value at faster time rate.
Standardizing model-based in-vehicle infotainment development in the German automotive industry

Based on the analysis of existing HMI development processes in the automotive domain, a reference process for software engineering has been developed. This process was used to develop a domain data model and a model-based specification language in order to establish a common exchange format based on consistent domain knowledge. This approach provides a common ground for collaboration to OEMs, suppliers, and software tool developers. It also facilitates traceability from requirements and conceptual elements to concrete, specified elements using the model-based specification language.
Outcome of ETV6/RUNX1‐positive childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in the NOPHO‐ALL‐1992 protocol: frequent late relapses but good overall survival

The prognostic impact of t(12;21)(p13;q22) [ETV6/RUNX1 fusion] in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) has been extensively debated, particularly with regard to the frequency of late relapses and appropriate treatment regimens. We have retrospectively collected 679 ALLs with known ETV6/RUNX1 status, as ascertained by fluorescence in situ hybridization or reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, treated according to the Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology ‐ALL‐1992 protocol. The assigned risk groups/treatment modalities for the 171 (25%) patients with t(12;21)‐positive ALLs were 74 (43%) standard risk, 71 (42%) intermediate risk and 26 (15%) high risk. The 5‐ and 10‐year event‐free survival (EFS) of the 171 patients was 80% and 75% respectively, with no significant differences among the three risk groups. Most of the relapses occurred in boys and were late, with almost 50% of all relapses occurring ≥5 years after diagnosis. Of all relapses after 6 years, 80% occurred in the t(12;21)‐positive group. The overall survival was 94% at 5 years and 88% at 10 years; thus, the treatment of patients in second or later remission is usually successful. As yet, there is no reliable plateau in the EFS curve, a fact that raises the question as to when the prognostic ramifications of ALLs harbouring ETV6/RUNX1 should be evaluated.
DATA MINING APPROACH FOR OUTLIER DETECTION ON HOTSPOT DATA AS FOREST AND LAND FIRE INDICATOR : A CASE STUDY IN RIAU PROVINCE INDONESIA Imas

Forest fire is one of environmental problems which has continuously repeated and causes serious problems in health and environment especially in Sumatera and Kalimantan Island Indonesia. A hotspot is an indicator for forest fires which is daily collecting by some national and international institutions. This study aims to identify outliers from a hotspot dataset based on its occurrence using data mining approach. The dataset consists of 4383 daily hotspots and 144 monthly hotspots in Riau Province in Sumatera Island for the period of 2001-2012. A medoid-based clustering algorithm namely Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM) was applied on the hotspot frequency datasets and results 17 best clusters in which the average frequency of outliers is 351.11. These outliers are mostly occurred in February, March, June, July, and August. In addition, Local Outlier Factor (LOF) algorithm was applied to identify outliers based on the location of hotspots. This study detects high number of outliers in years 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2012 based on the LOF. Majority outliers spread on several districts including Dumai, Rokan Hilir, Bengkalis and Pelalawan in Riau Province especially in the period of dry seasons namely February to March and June to August. Outlier distribution on hotspot data is important for forest and land fires prevention.
Comparison of classification methods for voxel-based prediction of acute ischemic stroke outcome following intra-arterial intervention

Voxel-based tissue outcome prediction in acute ischemic stroke patients is highly relevant for both clinical routine and research. Previous research has shown that features extracted from baseline multi-parametric MRI datasets have a high predictive value and can be used for the training of classifiers, which can generate tissue outcome predictions for both intravenous and conservative treatments. However, with the recent advent and popularization of intra-arterial thrombectomy treatment, novel research specifically addressing the utility of predictive classi- fiers for thrombectomy intervention is necessary for a holistic understanding of current stroke treatment options. The aim of this work was to develop three clinically viable tissue outcome prediction models using approximate nearest-neighbor, generalized linear model, and random decision forest approaches and to evaluate the accuracy of predicting tissue outcome after intra-arterial treatment. Therefore, the three machine learning models were trained, evaluated, and compared using datasets of 42 acute ischemic stroke patients treated with intra-arterial thrombectomy. Classifier training utilized eight voxel-based features extracted from baseline MRI datasets and five global features. Evaluation of classifier-based predictions was performed via comparison to the known tissue outcome, which was determined in follow-up imaging, using the Dice coefficient and leave-on-patient-out cross validation. The random decision forest prediction model led to the best tissue outcome predictions with a mean Dice coefficient of 0.37. The approximate nearest-neighbor and generalized linear model performed equally suboptimally with average Dice coefficients of 0.28 and 0.27 respectively, suggesting that both non-linearity and machine learning are desirable properties of a classifier well-suited to the intra-arterial tissue outcome prediction problem.
From "Welcome New Gabbers" to the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting: The Evolution of Gab

Gab, an online social media platform with very little content moderation, has recently come to prominence as an alt-right community and a haven for hate speech. We document the evolution of Gab since its inception until a Gab user carried out the most deadly attack on the Jewish community in US history. We investigate Gab language use, study how topics evolved over time, and find that the shooters’ posts were among the most consistently anti-Semitic on Gab, but that hundreds of other users were even more extreme.
Packed Compact Tries: A Fast and Efficient Data Structure for Online String Processing

We present a new data structure called the packed compact trie (packed c-trie) which stores a set S of k strings of total length n in \(n \log \sigma + O(k \log n)\) bits of space and supports fast pattern matching queries and updates, where \(\sigma \) is the alphabet size. Assume that \(\alpha = \log _\sigma n\) letters are packed in a single machine word on the standard word RAM model, and let f(k, n) denote the query and update times of the dynamic predecessor/successor data structure of our choice which stores k integers from universe [1, n] in \(O(k \log n)\) bits of space. Then, given a string of length m, our packed c-tries support pattern matching queries and insert/delete operations in \(O(\frac{m}{\alpha } f(k,n))\) worst-case time and in \(O(\frac{m}{\alpha } + f(k,n))\) expected time. Our experiments show that our packed c-tries are faster than the standard compact tries (a.k.a. Patricia trees) on real data sets. We also discuss applications of our packed c-tries.
Using TV receiver information to increase cognitive white space spectrum

In this paper we investigate the usage of cognitive radio devices within the service area of TV broadcast stations. Until now the main approach for a cognitive radio to operate in the TV bands has been to register TV broadcast stations locations and thus protecting the broadcast stations service area. Through information about TV receivers' location, we show that a cognitive radio should be able to operate within this service area without causing harmful interference to the TV receivers as defined by Ofcom and FCC. We provide simulations based on real statistics from Norway that show that especially in rural areas TV receiver registration can provide a substantial gain in terms of exploitable frequencies for a cognitive radio.
Distributed coordinated tracking control for multiple unknown nonlinear Euler-Lagrange systems

This paper studies a robust distributed consensus tracking problem for a class of multiple unknown nonlinear Euler-Lagrange systems where only a subset of the agents has access to the desired trajectory. A nonlinear identifier is first developed for each agent to estimate the unknown nonlinear dynamics and disturbances. Based on the identifier, a continuous distributed consensus tracking algorithm is developed to enable robust consensus tracking under an undirected graph. The closed-loop stability is proven by graph theory and Lyapunov analysis. By selecting the identifier and controller parameters according to the derived sufficient conditions, robust asymptotic consensus tracking can be enabled through local information exchange. An example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A modified freeze – thaw method for efficient transformation of Agrobacterium tumefaciens

CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 93, NO. 6, 25 SEPTEMBER 2007 770 establish the health and environmental risks from engineered nano-scale particles. Although research on the adverse effects of NPs on human health is progressing rapidly, environmental fate of NPs is still in its infancy. Before unknowingly dumping a huge amount of dangerous nanomaterials into the environment, we need to investigate the solubility and degradability of engineered NPs in soils and waters, to establish baseline information on their safety, toxicity and adaptation of soil and aquatic life. Development of novel NPs must be followed by the assessment of their potential risks on life and environment, and possible remedial measures.
Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Four Locally Grown Aromatic Herbs Commonly Consumed in Bangladesh

Considerable interest has been given on dietary antioxidants with reference to their protective role against oxidative damage. The current study is designed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of four aromatic herbs generally consumed in Bangladesh i.e. Mentha viridis, Mentha arvensis, Coriandrum sativum and Eryngium foetidum. Therefore, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and radical scavenging activity are determined by DPPH assay. The highest phenolic and flavonoid content is observed in Mentha viridis which is 100.67±2.08 mg GAE/g sample extract and 384.21±1.81 mg RUE/g sample extract respectively and the lowest in Eryngium foetidum. The antioxidant activity (percent inhibition) is the highest in Mentha arvensis followed by Mentha viridis with increasing concentrations ranging between 3μg/mL-100μg/mL and showed better activity than standard ascorbic acid. Mentha arvensis exerted the minimum IC50 value (26.21±2.08 μg/mL) which is in accordance with its maximum DPPH radical scavenging activity. Total phenolic and flavonoid content are positively related with the radical scavenging percentage of Coriandrum sativum and Eryngium foetidum whereas Mentha viridis and Mentha arvensis are not significantly related. It might be concluded that polyphenols, flavonoids are main components but other phytochemicals could contribute towards radical scavenging activity. However, studied materials altogether posses good antioxidant activity.
Political Leaders in Daily Newspapers: Analysis of the 2016 Croatian Parliamentary Elections

This paper analyses the daily newspaper reporting on key political leaders of the 2016 parliamentary elections, the first early parliamentary elections in Croatia directly caused by a breakup of the ruling coalition. The introduction to these surprise and short-notice elections, at which preferential voting was practiced for only the second time, was a short election campaign and a change in leadership of the biggest party (HDZ), which triggered the extensive use of personalisation in campaigns run by the biggest parties and their coalitions. This study examines how five leaders of the most prominent political parties were presented in the six most relevant Croatian daily newspapers during the official election campaign. The findings reveal that the leaders of the two biggest parties dominated media coverage, but also that the only new leader, HDZ's Andrej Plenkovic, had a very favourable treatment in all of the analysed daily newspapers. Results also showed political programmes and private lives of the leaders to be marginal topics within the analysed leaders' media coverage.
Giardia Cysts in Wastewater Treatment Plants in Italy

ABSTRACT Reductions in annual rainfall in some regions and increased human consumption have caused a shortage of water resources at the global level. The recycling of treated wastewaters has been suggested for certain domestic, industrial, and agricultural activities. The importance of microbiological and parasitological criteria for recycled water has been repeatedly emphasized. Among water-borne pathogens, protozoa of the genera Giardia and Cryptosporidium are known to be highly resistant to water treatment procedures and to cause outbreaks through contaminated raw or treated water. We conducted an investigation in four wastewater treatment plants in Italy by sampling wastewater at each stage of the treatment process over the course of 1 year. The presence of the parasites was assessed by immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies. While Cryptosporidium oocysts were rarely observed, Giardia cysts were detected in all samples throughout the year, with peaks observed in autumn and winter. The overall removal efficiency of cysts in the treatment plants ranged from 87.0 to 98.4%. The removal efficiency in the number of cysts was significantly higher when the secondary treatment consisted of active oxidation with O2 and sedimentation instead of activated sludge and sedimentation (94.5% versus 72.1 to 88.0%; P = 0.05, analysis of variance). To characterize the cysts at the molecular level, the β-giardin gene was PCR amplified, and the products were sequenced or analyzed by restriction. Cysts were typed as assemblage A or B, both of which are human pathogens, stressing the potential risk associated with the reuse of wastewater.
Conference on seasonality , seasonal adjustment and their implications for short-term analysis and forecasting Seasonality and unobserved components models : an overview

This paper presents an overview of the way in which unobserved components models deal with seasonality and seasonal adjustment. Topics covered include the basic structural model, calendar e¤ects, tests, daily and weekly observations, time-varying splines, robust seasonal adjustment and seasonal speci c (periodic) models.
Partial functional redundancy of MreB isoforms, MreB, Mbl and MreBH, in cell morphogenesis of Bacillus subtilis

MreB proteins are bacterial actin homologues thought to have a role in cell shape determination by positioning the cell wall synthetic machinery. Many bacteria, particularly Gram‐positives, have more than one MreB isoform. Bacillus subtilis has three, MreB, Mbl and MreBH, which colocalize in a single helical structure. We now show that the helical pattern of peptidoglycan (PG) synthesis in the cylindrical part of the rod‐shaped cell is governed by the redundant action of the three MreB isoforms. Single mutants for any one of mreB isoforms can still incorporate PG in a helical pattern and generate a rod shape. However, after depletion of MreB in an mbl mutant (or depletion of all three isoforms) lateral wall PG synthesis was impaired and the cells became spherical and lytic. Overexpression of any one of the MreB isoforms overcame the lethality as well as the defects in lateral PG synthesis and cell shape. Furthermore, MreB and Mbl can associate with the peptidoglycan biosynthetic machinery independently. However, no single MreB isoform was able to support normal growth under various stress conditions, suggesting that the multiple isoforms are used to allow cells to maintain proper growth and morphogenesis under changing and sometimes adverse conditions.
Clustering and Switching Strategies in Verbal Fluency Tasks: Comparison between Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Healthy Controls

Background : Recent studies have demonstrated that the ALS patients suffer from cognitive and language impairments. One of most striking and consistent cognitive dysfunctions in these patients is verbal fluency deficits. The aim of this study is the determination of verbal fluency performance of Persian speakers with ALS. Methods: It was a cross-sectional, analytical-descriptive study. In this study, 30 individuals (15 patients with ALS, and 15 healthy people) were examined by verbal fluency test. Verbal fluency test is a cognitive-linguistic test that has two subtests: phonemic fluency and semantic fluency; in each of them words normally fall in clusters. Finally total number of words, mean cluster sizes and number of switches between clusters are counted and the results are compared between patients with ALS and healthy control groups. Results: Mean scores of total naming, switching, and clustering in verbal fluency in the patient group was 39.80, 22.53, and 0.809. For control group it was 55.26, 31.86 and 1.00. Difference between two groups in total naming (p≤ 0.05) and in switching (p≤ 0.05) was significant, but not in clusters (p≥0.05). Conclusion: Result of this study shows that ALS patients have a deficit in total naming and switching parts of verbal fluency test, but they have no impairment in clustering part. Based on these results it seems that these patients may have problems in searching in the lexicon, but not any problem in accessing words in clusters.
ESTIMATION OF WINTER WHEAT VARIETIES SUITABILITY FOR DIFFERENCE GROWTH OF LANDSCAPE CONDITIONS

Our investigations confirmed a relation between concentration of nutrient substances in plants, their loss from soil and peculiarities of relief, variety genotype and the limits of adaptability. Winter wheat is a culture by its requirements to growth conditions. Generally, north exposition of the slope made up more favourable conditions for wheat vegetation. We recommended varieties Peremoga, Odeska n/k, Albatros for growing under these conditions according to grain productivity. Varieties like Istok, Spartanka and Samarska can be grown to reach high level of grain protein content. Variability of these traits between varieties was higher under slope conditions than on flat land. Only variety Samarska was not affected in terms of protein content under every condition. At the same time, all genotypes depended on growth conditions to reach high level of grain yield. We established that wheat grains contain more microelements than straw. At the same time the lead and nickel uptake was more in the straw samples. Thus, the influence of the relief on microelements and heavy metals content in the winter wheat grain and straw is ambiguous.
University of Groningen Whole Body Protein Oxidation Unaffected after a Protein Restricted Diet in Healthy Young Males

Protein oxidation may play a role in the balance between anabolism and catabolism. We assessed the effect of a protein restricted diet on protein oxidation as a possible reflection of whole body protein metabolism. Sixteen healthy males (23 ± 3 years) were instructed to use a 4-day isocaloric protein restricted diet (0.25 g protein/kg body weight/day). Their habitual dietary intake was assessed by a 4-day food diary. After an overnight fast, a 30 g 13C-milk protein test drink was administered, followed by 330 min breath sample collection. Protein oxidation was measured by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry. To assess actual change in protein intake from 24-h urea excretion, 24-h urine was collected. During the 4-day protein restricted diet, the urinary urea:creatinine ratio decreased by 56 ± 9%, which is comparable to a protein intake of ~0.65 g protein/kg body weight/day. After the protein restricted diet, 30.5 ± 7.3% of the 30 g 13C-milk protein was oxidized over 330 min, compared to 31.5 ± 6.4% (NS) after the subject’s habitual diet (1.3 ± 0.3 g protein/kg body weight/day). A large range in the effect of the diet on protein oxidation (−43.2% vs. +44.0%) was observed. The residual standard deviation of the measurements was very small (0.601 ± 0.167). This suggests that in healthy males, protein oxidation is unaffected after a protein restricted diet. It is uncertain how important the role of fluctuations in short-term protein oxidation is within whole body protein metabolism.