Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of enzyme treatment on the in vitro fermentation of lucerne incubated with equine faecal inocula

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the effects of a fibrolytic enzyme preparation (enzyme 1; E1) on the in vitro fermentation of lucerne incubated with equine faecal inocula. In experiment 1, high-temperature-dried (HT) lucerne was treated with five levels of E1 (0 to 2·4ml/g DM) and incubated at 50°C for 20h. Samples then received a simulated foregut digestion (SFD) treatment before DM and NSP analysis. In experiment 2, HT lucerne was treated with the same enzyme levels used in experiment 1. Samples were then split into two groups; plus or minus an SFD treatment before in vitro fermentation using an equine faecal inoculum. In experiment 3, fresh and wilted lucerne were treated with the same levels of E1 as experiments 1 and 2, incubated at 50°C for 20h, then fermented in vitro. For experiment 4, fresh and wilted lucerne were treated with low levels (0 to 0·008ml/g DM) of E1 before fermentation. E1 significantly (P<0·05) enhanced DM and NSP losses from HT lucerne following SFD treatment compared with the control. High levels of E1 significantly (P<0·05) enhanced the rate, but not extent, of fermentation of HT, wilted and fresh lucerne; however, low levels of E1 were ineffective. At higher application levels, E1 appears to have considerable potential to enhance the nutritive value of lucerne for horses. Information on the fermentation kinetics of the substrates was valuable; all end-point measurements showed no effect of enzyme treatment.
γH2AX Foci Form Preferentially in Euchromatin after Ionising-Radiation

Background The histone variant histone H2A.X comprises up to 25% of the H2A complement in mammalian cells. It is rapidly phosphorylated following exposure of cells to double-strand break (DSB) inducing agents such as ionising radiation. Within minutes of DSB generation, H2AX molecules are phosphorylated in large chromatin domains flanking DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs); these domains can be observed by immunofluorescence microscopy and are termed γH2AX foci. H2AX phosphorylation is believed to have a role mounting an efficient cellular response to DNA damage. Theoretical considerations suggest an essentially random chromosomal distribution of X-ray induced DSBs, and experimental evidence does not consistently indicate otherwise. However, we observed an apparently uneven distribution of γH2AX foci following X-irradiation with regions of the nucleus devoid of foci. Methodology/Principle Findings Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we show that focal phosphorylation of histone H2AX occurs preferentially in euchromatic regions of the genome following X-irradiation. H2AX phosphorylation has also been demonstrated previously to occur at stalled replication forks induced by UV radiation or exposure to agents such as hydroxyurea. In this study, treatment of S-phase cells with hydroxyurea lead to efficient H2AX phosphorylation in both euchromatin and heterochromatin at times when these chromatin compartments were undergoing replication. This suggests a block to H2AX phosphorylation in heterochromatin that is at least partially relieved by ongoing DNA replication. Conclusions/Significance We discus a number of possible mechanisms that could account for the observed pattern of H2AX phosphorylation. Since γH2AX is regarded as forming a platform for the recruitment or retention of other DNA repair and signaling molecules, these findings imply that the processing of DSBs in heterochromatin differs from that in euchromatic regions. The differential responses of heterochromatic and euchromatic compartments of the genome to DSBs will have implications for understanding the processes of DNA repair in relation to nuclear and chromatin organization.
A Logic Approach to Modeling Nomenclatural Change

We utilize an Answer Set Programming (ASP) approach to show that the principles of nomenclature are tractable in computational logic. To this end we design a hypothetical, 20 nomenclatural taxon use case with starting conditions that embody several overarching principles of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature; including Binomial Nomenclature, Priority, Coordination, Homonymy, Typification, and the structural requirement of Gender Agreement. The use case ending conditions are triggered by the reinterpretation of the diagnostic features of one of 12 type specimens anchoring the corresponding species-level names. Permutations of this child-to-parent reassignment action lead to 36 alternative scenarios, where each scenario requires 1-14 logically contingent nomenclatural emendations. We show that an ASP transition system approach can correctly infer the Code-mandated changes for each scenario, and visually output the ending conditions. The results provide a foundation for further developing logic-based nomenclatural change optimization and compliance verification services, which could be applied in globally coordinated nomenclatural registries. More generally, logic explorations of nomenclatural and taxonomic change scenarios provide a novel means of assessing design biases inherent in the principles of nomenclature, and thus may inform the design of future, big data-compatible identifier systems for systematic products that recognize and mitigate these constraints.
An Econometric Evaluation of Competing Explanations for the Midterm Gap

This paper provides a unified theoretical and empirical analysis of three longstanding explanations for the consistent loss of support for the President’s party in midterm Congressional elections: (1) a Presidential penalty, defined as a preference for supporting the opposition during midterm years, (2) a surge and decline in voter turnout, and (3) a reversion to the mean in voter ideology. To quantify the contribution of each of these factors, we build an econometric model in which voters jointly choose whether or not to participate and which party to support in both House and Presidential elections. Estimated using ANES data from both Presidential and midterm years, the model can fully explain the observed midterm gaps, and counterfactual simulations demonstrate that each factor makes a sizable contribution towards the midterm gap, with the Presidential penalty playing the largest role.
Hybrid Cryptographic Access Control for Cloud based Electronic Health Records Systems

—Cloud based Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems are next generation ”big data systems” for facilitating a) efﬁcient and scalable storage, and b) to foster collaborative care, clinical research and development. Mobility and use of multiple mobile devices in collaborative healthcare intrigue robust privacy preservation. Thus, large scale EHR systems require secure access to privacy sensitive EHR data, data storage and management. We provide a comprehensive solution with i) a cryptographic role based technique to distribute session keys to establish communications and information retrieval using Kerberos protocol, ii) location and biometrics based authentication method to authorize the users and iii) a wavelet based steganographic technique to embed EHR data securely using ECG biometric as the host in a trusted cloud storage. Based on a comprehensive security analysis, our model proves to be a scalable, secure and a reliable model to access and manage EHR data.
Hybrid EEG-EOG system for intelligent prosthesis control based on common spatial pattern algorithm

A newly brain computer interaction (BCI) system which combined electrooculography (EOG) with electroencephalography (EEG) was designed and realized to make prosthesis control with multicontrol commands come true. Based on two different imaginary tasks, time-frequency spectrum and brain topographic mapping were used to analyze and validate event related synchronization/desychronization (ERS/ERD). Obviously frequency band of EEG is chosen based on common spatial pattern (CSP) algorithm, and then support vector machine (SVM) were implemented to classify data's characteristics. In order to improve the performance of BCI system, the EOG signals caused by eye movements and EEG signals of ERS/ERD were simultaneously provided as the input of hybrid BCI system. In the lab environment, the proposed system was tested on a multi-functional robotic prosthesis. The robot is light in weight and low in power consumption. Taking advantage of both EOG and EEG, recognition accuracy of entire system reaches 91.1%. The experiments results show that feature information of EEG signal which is evoked by motor imagery have obvious spatial specificity. This hybrid system can recognize different motions of the upper limb, whereas the task can be executed effectively and operator controls the prosthesis easily as their own arm.
The prevalence of psychological impact on caregivers of hospitalized patients: The forgotten part of the equation

Introduction: Despite the large number of caregivers suffering from various psychiatric disorders, research on psychological symptoms among caregivers of hospitalized patients is lacking in Saudi populations. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among caregivers of hospitalized Saudi patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study of depression, anxiety and stress among caregivers of hospitalized patients was conducted. Arabic speaking caregivers (n = 353) between the ages of 14 and 80 years were included in the study. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) test (Arabic version) was used to measure the three psychological symptoms. Results: The study has shown high rates of depression, anxiety and stress among caregivers (72.8%, 76.5%, and 61.5%, respectively). Depression was found to be associated with long-term hospital stay (81.4% vs. 69.3%; p-value = 0.021) and family caregivers (75.4% vs. 46.9%, p-value = 0.001). Anxiety was found to be associated with family caregivers (78.8% vs. 53.1%; p-value = 0.001). The three psychological symptoms were higher among those with an age above 20 years old (p-value < 0.05). Multivariate logistic models show the risk of the psychological symptoms increased with low-income, higher education, immediate relation to the patient, and older caregivers. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms were very common among caregivers. The results showed that approximately 8 out of 10 caregivers suffer from at least one psychiatric disorder. Older, low socioeconomic status, and well-educated caregivers were identified as being at higher risk of developing psychiatric symptoms.
Assessment of enzymatic cleaning agents and disinfectants against bacterial biofilms.

PURPOSE Microbial biofilm has become difficult to control by antibiotic and biocide regimes that are effective against suspended bacteria. Their colonization of surfaces can be a problem and is generally controlled through cleaning and disinfection. This study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of the disinfectants including Bio-Ow, Econase CE, Gamanase GC 140, IndiAge 44L, Mannanase AMB, Multifect P-3000, Neutrase, Pandion, Paradigm, Pectinex Ultra SP-L, Promozyme, Resinase A2X, Spezyme AA300, Spezyme GA300 and Vinozym EC, and the proteinase against bacterial biofilms. METHODS The effectiveness of 20 commercial disinfectants against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) biofilms using a fluorometric technique was examined. Additionally the disinfectants were also tested against Lactobacillus bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus), Lactobacillus lactis (L. lactis) and Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) isolates using microtitration tray based turbidimetric techniques. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was used as the test bacteria in the fluorometric control method. RESULTS Among the first group of the enzymatic cleaning agents tested, four disinfectants (Pandion, Resinase A2X, Spezyme GA300 and Paradigm) were the most potent against bacterial biofilms after 30 min incubation time (residual bacterial count less than 10(3) CFU (colony forming units)/ml). However, only Resinase A2X and Paradigm showed a good effect on bacterial biofilms after 15 min incubation time. Proteinase disinfectants (alkalase, chymotrypsin, cryotin and krilltrypsin) from the second group of the disinfectants showed a good effect against P. aeruginosa biofilm when tested in the absence of milk. The performance of the disinfectants was reduced in the presence of milk. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the cleaning agents was determined as the lowest concentration inhibiting bacterial growth. The MIC was tested on Lactobacillus bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus), Lactobacillus lactis (L. lactis) and Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for Paradigm against S. thermophilus and L. Lactis were lower than L. Bulgaricus. Whereas, the MIC of Pandion against L. bulgaricus was lower than MIC against L. lactis. Resinase A2X had no inhibitory effect on bacterial growth when the concentration was less than or equal to 2.4 mg/ml and Spezyme GA 300 concentration less than or equal to 7.3 mg/ml. Minimum inhibitory concentration of Pandion against L. bulgaricus was 2.7 microg/ml and against L. lactis 5.3 microg/ml. Growth of S. thermophilus was inhibited in all concentration of Pandion tested. CONCLUSIONS The choice of disinfectant or cleaning agent along with the optimum concentration and the time of action is very important when destroying microbes. It is also important that the resistances of microbes to different disinfectants and cleaning agents be taken into account when planning the cleaning process
Restructuring during recessions: a silver lining in the cloud?

Recessions usually mean bad times for many workers and firms: companies close; jobs are lost. However, recessions can present certain opportunities for organizations. For example, restructuring can be less costly during a recession: workers can be retrained and machines upgraded. In turn, these actions position a company to take advantage of the next economic upturn. In this article, Keith Sill discusses the "creative destruction" that takes place during recessions and outlines some of the policy implications of restructuring
Excess mortality, causes of death and prognostic factors in anorexia nervosa

Background Anorexia nervosa is a mental disorder with high mortality. Aims To estimate standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) and to investigate potential prognostic factors. Method Six thousand and nine women who had in-patient treatment for anorexia nervosa were followed-up retrospectively using Swedish registers. Results The overall SMR for anorexia nervosa was 6.2 (95% CI 5.5– 7.0). Anorexia nervosa, psychoactive substance use and suicide had the highest SMR. The SMR was significantly increased for almost all natural and unnatural causes of death. The SMR 20 years or more after the first hospitalisation remained significantly high. Lower mortality was found during the last two decades. Younger age and longer hospital stay at first hospitalisation was associated with better outcome, and psychiatric and somatic comorbidity worsened the outcome. Conclusions Anorexia nervosa is characterised by high lifetime mortality from both natural and unnatural causes. Assessment and treatment of psychiatric comorbidity, especially alcohol misuse, may be a pathway to better long-term outcome.
Posterior Anterior Body Segments 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Embryo Adult gr ad ie nt Gaussian gradient left right gradient

A major challenge in evolutionary computation is to find the right level of abstraction of biological development to capture its essential properties without introducing unnecessary inefficiencies. In this paper, a novel abstraction of natural development, called Compositional Pattern Producing Networks (CPPNs), is proposed. Unlike most computational abstractions of natural development, CPPNs do not include a developmental phase, differentiating them from developmental encodings. Instead of development, CPPNs employ compositions of functions derived from gradient patterns present in developing natural organisms. In this paper, a variant of the NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT) method, called CPPN-NEAT, evolves increasingly complex CPPNs, producing patterns with strikingly natural characteristics.
A combined genetic adaptive search (GeneAS) for engineering design

In this paper, a flexible yet efficient algorithm for solving engineering design optimization problems is presented. The algorithm is developed based on both binary-coded and realcoded genetic algorithms (GAs). Since both GAs are used, the variables involving discrete, continuous, and zero-one variables are handled quite efficiently. The algorithm restricts its search only to the permissible values of the variables, thereby reducing the search effort in converging to the optimum solution. The efficiency and ease of application of the proposed method is demonstrated by solving three different mechanical component design problems borrowed from the optimization literature. The proposed technique is compared with binarycoded genetic algorithms, Augmented Lagrange multiplier method, Branch and Bound method and Hooke and Jeeves pattern search method. In all cases, the solutions obtained using the proposed technique are superior than those obtained with other methods. These results are encouraging and suggest the use of the proposed technique to other engineering design problems.
Improvements to surface reconstruction by the CRUST algorithm

There is a wide range of applications, such as solid modeling, computer graphics or computer vision, for which surface reconstruction of scattered data points in space is important. Many algorithms were developed in the past depending on the field of application and related properties of the data. This paper presents some improvements to the already existing one-pass CRUST algorithm build on Delaunay tetrahedronization and Voronoi diagrams.
CD24 Expression May Play a Role as a Predictive Indicator and a Modulator of Cisplatin Treatment Response in Head and Neck Squamous Cellular Carcinoma

Platinum-based therapy is most often used to treat advanced cases of head and neck cancers, but only a small fraction of the patient population responds to cisplatin, with a median survival time of less than a year. Although gene signatures and molecular etiology of head and neck cancers have been previously described, none of them are predictive indicators of cisplatin treatment response in particular. Therefore, currently, there is a lack of clinically employable predictive indicators of the disease beyond HPV status to specifically predict patients' response to platinum-based therapy. It beckons a substantial effort to look for predictive indicators of cisplatin treatment response. In this regard, CD24 expression level appears to be a significant molecular phenotype of cisplatin-resistant residual cells in laryngeal carcinoma lines. CD24 expression level directly affects cisplatin sensitivity and affects the expression of critical apoptotic, stem and drug resistance genes. A relatively small retrospective patient tumor analysis suggests that CD24 high tumors go on to show an unfavorable response to cisplatin treatment. Overall, based on the strength of further analysis, CD24 presents a strong rationale to be utilized as a predictive indicator to stratify head and neck cancer patients for platinum-based therapy. It also provides a rationale for using CD24 as a therapeutic adjuvant target along with standard cisplatin therapy.
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON MEETING TRANSCRIPTION

Meeting transcription is regarded as one of the most challenging tasks in speech recognition. A large proportion of previous research has focused on “scenario” meetings, in which discussion topics are specified and participants know they are being recorded, as this is the style of data usually made available. In this paper actual meetings, in this case discussion on speech recognition and speech synthesis research, are examined and the performance of state-of-art ASR system evaluated. Furthermore, this paper concentrates on meeting data recorded using a single microphone array as this is felt to closely resemble the form of data collection for practical applications. A range of ASR systems are contrasted, using various acoustic models, such as Tandem and Hybrid systems, and language models, such as feedforward and recurrent neural network language models. From the results, the real meeting data is significantly more difficult than scenario meeting data. Experimental results show that the word error rate is about 30% on scenario AMI meeting, while the word error rate is over 55%. This indicates the importance of using “real” data for final system evaluation, and any subsequent processing stage optimisation.
MODELLING ORGANISATIONAL RESILIENCE IN THE CLOUD

Cloud computing (CC) is a promising information and communication technologies (ICT) services delivery model that has already had a significant impact on Government agencies, small and medium enterprises and large organisations. Even though its adoption is moving from the early stage to mainstream, many organisations are still afraid that their resilience might deteriorate because of the additional levels of abstraction that CC introduces. This additional complexity makes the assessment of ICT operational resilience more difficult and no consensus exists of such analysis. Following a multi-method approach, this research proposal first extends prior research in the field, looking at new possible categories of resilience-oriented requirements when working in CC environments. Based on the results, this research will propose a conceptual model that helps organisations to maintain and improve Organisational Resilience (OR) when working in CC environments, from the ICT operational perspective. Particularly, as a lack of coordination has been identified as one of the main problems when facing disruptive incidents, using coordination theory, this research will identify the fundamental coordination processes involved in the proposed model. The results of this research should be of interest to academic researchers and practitioners.