Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of chromogenic tube and methyl blue-sabouraud agar for the identification of Candida albicans strains.

This study was performed to investigate the use of chromogenic tube and methyl blue-Sabouraud agar for the presumptive identification of Candida albicans. 124 clinical isolates, including 111 C.albicans and 13 Candida spp strains, which had been identified by morphology on cornmeal tween 80 agar and Vitek automated identification system, were included. Three different identification procedures, a) germ tube test, b) chromogenic tube test by using CHROMagar Candida and c) methyl blue-Sabouraud agar test, were performed to the strains. 88 of 111 (79.3%) C.albicans strains were detected to be positive by germ tube test. 87 (78.4%), 97 (87.4%) and 102 (91.9%) of these isolates were identified as C.albicans by chromogenic tube test after 2, 8 and 24 hours of incubation, respectively. 88 (79.3%), 92 (82.9%) and 88 (79.3%) of the isolates were correctly identified as C.albicans by methyl blue-Sabouraud agar test after 2, 8 and 24 hours of incubation, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity values were found to be 79.3 and 69.2 for the germ tube test. These values ranged between 78.4-91.9% and 69.2-76.9% for chromogenic tube test and 79.3-82.9% and 76.9-84.6% for methyl blue-Sabouraud agar depending on the incubation period. It can be concluded that the use of chromogenic tube and methyl blue-Sabouraud agar are rapid, simple and objective methods for the identification of C.albicans strains.
The Friendship Problem on Graphs

In this paper we provide a purely combinatorial proof of the Friendship Theorem, which has been first proven by P. Erdet al. by using also algebraic methods. Moreover, we generalize this theorem in a natural way, assuming that every pair of nodes occupies ≥ 2 common neighbors. We prove that every graph, which satisfies this generalized -friendship condition, is a regular graph.
PETICA: an interactive painting tool with 3D geometrical brushes

In painting pictures, painters sometimes use tools such as chopsticks and clothes, which are not as familiar as brush and pencil, solely or in combination with other tools [1][2](Fig. 1). This paper presents on a painting tool, PETICA (Fig. 2), which we developed to achieve our aim to reproduce strokes represented by aforementioned various tools.
A context-aware ubiquitous learning environment for language listening and speaking

This paper reported the results of a study that aimed to construct a sensor and handheld augmented reality (AR)-supported ubiquitous learning (u-learning) environment called the Handheld English Language Learning Organization (HELLO), which is geared towards enhancing students' language learning. The HELLO integrates sensors, AR, ubiquitous computing and information technologies. It is composed of two subsystems: an English learning management system and a u-learning tool. In order to evaluate the effects of the proposed learning environment on the learning performance of students, a case study on English learning was conducted on a school campus. The participants included high school teachers and students. A learning course entitled ‘My Campus’ was conducted in the class; it included three activities, namely ‘Campus Environment’, ‘Campus Life’ and ‘Campus Story’. The evaluation results showed that the proposed HELLO and the learning activities could improve the students' English listening and speaking skills.
Differential Brain Activity during Emotional versus Nonemotional Reversal Learning

The ability to change an established stimulus–behavior association based on feedback is critical for adaptive social behaviors. This ability has been examined in reversal learning tasks, where participants first learn a stimulus–response association (e.g., select a particular object to get a reward) and then need to alter their response when reinforcement contingencies change. Although substantial evidence demonstrates that the OFC is a critical region for reversal learning, previous studies have not distinguished reversal learning for emotional associations from neutral associations. The current study examined whether OFC plays similar roles in emotional versus neutral reversal learning. The OFC showed greater activity during reversals of stimulus–outcome associations for negative outcomes than for neutral outcomes. Similar OFC activity was also observed during reversals involving positive outcomes. Furthermore, OFC activity is more inversely correlated with amygdala activity during negative reversals than during neutral reversals. Overall, our results indicate that the OFC is more activated by emotional than neutral reversal learning and that OFC's interactions with the amygdala are greater for negative than neutral reversal learning.
Regulation of PKC-θ function by phosphorylation in T cell receptor signaling

Protein kinase C (PKC)-θ is a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the calcium-independent novel PKC subfamily; its expression is restricted to certain tissues and cell types, including T cells. The signals delivered from T cell receptor (TCR) and CD28 costimulatory molecules trigger PKC-θ catalytic activation and membrane translocation to the immunological synapse, leading to activation of NF-κB, AP-1, and NF-AT. These transcription factors are important for T cell survival, activation, and differentiation. Phosphorylation of PKC-θ at multiple Ser/Thr/Tyr residues is induced in T cells during TCR signaling. Some phosphorylation sites play critical roles in the regulation of PKC-θ function and downstream signaling. The regulation mechanisms for PKC-θ phosphorylation sites are now being revealed. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the regulation of PKC-θ function by phosphorylation during TCR signaling.
Identifying effective connectivity parameters in simulated fMRI: a direct comparison of switching linear dynamic system, stochastic dynamic causal, and multivariate autoregressive models

The number and variety of connectivity estimation methods is likely to continue to grow over the coming decade. Comparisons between methods are necessary to prune this growth to only the most accurate and robust methods. However, the nature of connectivity is elusive with different methods potentially attempting to identify different aspects of connectivity. Commonalities of connectivity definitions across methods upon which base direct comparisons can be difficult to derive. Here, we explicitly define “effective connectivity” using a common set of observation and state equations that are appropriate for three connectivity methods: dynamic causal modeling (DCM), multivariate autoregressive modeling (MAR), and switching linear dynamic systems for fMRI (sLDSf). In addition while deriving this set, we show how many other popular functional and effective connectivity methods are actually simplifications of these equations. We discuss implications of these connections for the practice of using one method to simulate data for another method. After mathematically connecting the three effective connectivity methods, simulated fMRI data with varying numbers of regions and task conditions is generated from the common equation. This simulated data explicitly contains the type of the connectivity that the three models were intended to identify. Each method is applied to the simulated data sets and the accuracy of parameter identification is analyzed. All methods perform above chance levels at identifying correct connectivity parameters. The sLDSf method was superior in parameter estimation accuracy to both DCM and MAR for all types of comparisons.
Coherent-state transfer via highly mixed quantum spin chains

Spin chains have been proposed as quantum wires in many quantum-information processing architectures. Coherent transmission of quantum information in spin chains over short distances is enabled by their internal dynamics, which drives the transport of single-spin excitations in perfectly polarized chains. Given the practical challenge of preparing the chain in a pure state, we propose to use a chain that is initially in the maximally mixed state. We compare the transport properties of pure and mixed-state chains and find similarities that enable the experimental study of pure-state transfer via mixed-state chains. We also demonstrate protocols for the perfect transfer of quantum information in these chains. Remarkably, mixed-state chains allow the use of Hamiltonians that do not preserve the total number of single-spin excitations and are more readily obtainable from the naturally occurring magnetic dipolar interaction. We discuss experimental implementations using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and defect centers in diamond.
Determination of the Number of Ammonification Bacteria and Activity of the Ammonification Process in Soils and their Relevance for the Development of the of Soil Health Parameter

The results of daily counting of the colony forming units (CFU) number of bacteria capable of the ammonification (AMM) and activity of the AMM process using ammonium concentrations after induction of the AMM by peptone in soil samples from fallow and intensively cropped plots of gray forest soil are presented. Statistical analysis of visually observed wave-like dynamics of CFU revealed statistically significant harmonics in CFU of these soils. The harmonics of the dynamic of CFU of different soils were fairly close by their quantitative characteristics. This indicates not only the dynamic similarity, but also a comparable orderliness in the functioning of the ammonifying component in the differently used soils. The daily dynamics of the ammonium concentration in the soil samples was manifested in the form of curve accumulation of NH4 in time. The presentation of the results of the dynamics of NH4 in the form of subtraction differences between the subsequent concentration of NH4 and the previous one showed that the dynamics of daily production of NH4 just like the dynamics of CFU, has an oscillating nature. The observed differences in the dynamics of NH4 in the compared soil ecosystems (SE) the fallow and intensively cropped plots are very minor. Thus, even detailed monitoring the dynamic of AMM in SE do not allow to reveal significant differences in AMM of genetically identical but differently used soils. Therefore, the process of ammonification cannot be used to identify differences in the “nitrogen” parameters of the soil health.
Power of one bit of quantum information in quantum metrology

We construct a model of quantum metrology inspired by the computational model known as deterministic quantum computation with one quantum bit (DQC1). Using only one pure qubit together with $l$ fully-mixed qubits we obtain measurement precision at the standard quantum limit, which is typically obtained using the same number of uncorrelated qubits in fully-pure states. The standard quantum limit can be exceeded using an additional qubit, which adds only a small amount of purity. We show that the discord in the final state vanishes only in the limit of attaining infinite precision for the parameter being estimated.
On the Effect of Thermodynamic Equilibrium on the Assembly Efficiency of Complex Multi-Layered Virus-Like Particles (VLP): the Case of Rotavirus VLP

Previous studies have reported the production of malformed virus-like-particles (VLP) in recombinant host systems. Here we computationally investigate the case of a large triple-layered rotavirus VLP (RLP). In vitro assembly, disassembly and reassembly data provides strong evidence of microscopic reversibility of RLP assembly. Light scattering experimental data also evidences a slow and reversible assembly untypical of kinetic traps, thus further strengthening the fidelity of a thermodynamically controlled assembly. In silico analysis further reveals that under favourable conditions particles distribution is dominated by structural subunits and completely built icosahedra, while other intermediates are present only at residual concentrations. Except for harshly unfavourable conditions, assembly yield is maximised when proteins are provided in the same VLP protein mass composition. The assembly yield decreases abruptly due to thermodynamic equilibrium when the VLP protein mass composition is not obeyed. The latter effect is more pronounced the higher the Gibbs free energy of subunit association is and the more complex the particle is. Overall this study shows that the correct formation of complex multi-layered VLPs is restricted to a narrow range of association energies and protein concentrations, thus the choice of the host system is critical for successful assembly. Likewise, the dynamic control of intracellular protein expression rates becomes very important to minimize wasted proteins.
Evaluating the Utility of Research Articles for Teaching Information Security Management

Research articles can support teaching by introducing the latest expert thinking on relevant topics and trends and describing practical real-world case studies to encourage discussion and analysis. However, from the point of view of the instructor, a common challenge is identifying the most suitable papers for classroom teaching amongst a very large pool of potential candidates that are not typically written for teaching purposes. Further, even in practice-oriented disciplines such as Information Security Management (ISM), high-quality journals emphasise theoretical contribution and research method rather than relevance to practice. Our review of the relevant literature did not find a comprehensive set of criteria to assist instructors in evaluating the suitability of research articles to teaching. Therefore, this research-in-progress paper presents a framework to support academics in the process of evaluating the suitability of research articles for their teaching programs.
Privacy-aware MMSE estimation

We investigate the problem of the predictability of random variable Y under a privacy constraint dictated by random variable X, correlated with Y , where both predictability and privacy are assessed in terms of the minimum mean-squared error (MMSE). Given that X and Y are connected via a binary-input symmetric-output (BISO) channel, we derive the optimal random mapping PZ|Y such that the MMSE of Y given Z is minimized while the MMSE of X given Z is greater than (1-ε)var(X) for a given ε ≥ 0. We also consider the case where (X, Y ) are continuous and PZ|Y is restricted to be an additive-noise channel.
ODE-SWS: A Semantic Web Service Development Environment

Web Services (WS) are software modules that perform operations that are network-accessible through XML messaging. Web Services in the SemanticWeb, that is, SemanticWeb Services (SWS), should describe semantically their structure and capabilities to enable its automatic discovery, invocation and composition. In this work we present a development environment to design SWS in a language-independent manner. This environment is based on a framework that defines an ontology set to characterize how a SWS should be specified. The core ontology of this framework describes the SWS problem-solving behaviour and enables the SWS design at a conceptual level. Considering this framework, the SWS development environment is composed of (1) a graphical interface, in which the conceptual design of SWSs is performed, and (2) a tool set, which instantiates the framework ontologies according to the graphical model created by the user, verifies the completeness and consistency of the SWS through instance evaluation, and translates the SWS conceptual model description into SWS (and WS) languages, such as DAML-S, WSDL or UDDI. This tool set is integrated in the WebODE ontology engineering workbench in order to take advantage of its reasoning and ontology translation capabilities.
Inhibitory effect of solar radiation on thymidine and leucine incorporation by freshwater and marine bacterioplankton

We studied the effect of solar radiation on the incorporation of [(sup3)H]thymidine ([(sup3)H]TdR) and [(sup14)C]leucine ([(sup14)C]Leu) by bacterioplankton in a high mountain lake and the northern Adriatic Sea. After short-term exposure (3 to 4 h) of natural bacterial assemblages to sunlight just beneath the surface, the rates of incorporation of [(sup3)H]TdR and [(sup14)C]Leu were reduced at both sites by up to (symbl)70% compared to those for the dark control. Within the solar UV radiation (290 to 400 nm), the inhibition was caused exclusively by UV-A radiation (320 to 400 nm). However, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (400 to 700 nm) contributed almost equally to this effect. Experiments with samples from the high mountain lake showed that at a depth of 2.5 m, the inhibition was caused almost exclusively by UV-A radiation. At a depth of 8.5 m, where chlorophyll a concentrations were higher than those in the upper water column, the rates of incorporation of [(sup3)H]TdR were higher in those samples exposed to full sunlight or to UV-A plus PAR than in the dark control. In laboratory experiments with artificial UV light, the incorporation of [(sup3)H]TdR and [(sup14)C]Leu by mixed bacterial lake cultures was also inhibited mainly by UV-A. In contrast, in the presence of the green alga Chlamydomonas geitleri at a chlorophyll a concentration of 2.5 (mu)g liter(sup-1), inhibition by UV radiation was significantly reduced. These results suggest that there may be complex interactions among UV radiation, heterotrophic bacteria, and phytoplankton and their release of extracellular organic carbon. Our findings indicate that the wavelengths which caused the strongest inhibition of TdR and Leu incorporation by bacterioplankton in the water column were in the UV-A range. However, it may be premature to extrapolate this effect to estimates of bacterial production before more precise information on how solar radiation affects the transport of TdR and Leu into the cell is obtained.
Approaching the Non-Linear Shannon Limit

We review the recent progress of information theory in optical communications, and describe the current experimental results and associated advances in various individual technologies which increase the information capacity. We confirm the widely held belief that the reported capacities are approaching the fundamental limits imposed by signal-to-noise ratio and the distributed non-linearity of conventional optical fibres, resulting in the reduction in the growth rate of communication capacity. We also discuss the techniques which are promising to increase and/or approach the information capacity limit.
Within‐subject reproducibility of category‐specific visual activation with functional MRI

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate within‐subject reproducibility of activation in higher level, category‐specific visual areas to validate the functional localization approach widely used for these areas. The brain areas investigated included the extrastriate body area (EBA), which responds selectively to human bodies, the fusiform face area (FFA) and the occipital face area (OFA), which respond selectively to faces, and the parahippocampal place area (PPA), which responds selectively to places and scenes. All six subjects showed significant bilateral activation in the four areas. Reproducibility was very high for all areas, both within a scanning session and between scanning sessions separated by 3 weeks. Within sessions, the mean distance between peak voxels of the same area localized by using different functional runs was 1.5 mm. The mean distance between peak voxels of areas localized in different sessions was 2.9 mm. Functional reproducibility, as expressed by the stability of T‐values across sessions, was high for both within‐session and between‐session comparisons. We conclude that within subjects, high‐level category‐specific visual areas can be localized robustly across scanning sessions. Hum Brain Mapp, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Designing the Right IT Services for the Bottom of the Pyramid

This article introduces ways to create proper IT services which can help organizations serve the emerging rural markets. The research is based on a two-year action research project which derives a framework for building IT services for the low-income consumers in the rural area of China. The framework is proposed to understand the characteristics that the consumers in the rural area use the IT services, especially in China. The framework helps IT companies and governmental agencies design and improve the IT services they provided to the emerging market.
Supplementary Material : Bayesian Affect Control Theory of Self

This note describes some additional information that complements the main BayesAct-S model described in [2] 1 Comparing Situational and Fundamental Self Sentiments In the paper we use the following function to measure inauthenticity: ia(s) = ln ( Pr(ss) Pr(sf ) ) (1) However, the original statement of the theory in [1] hypothesises that inauthenticity is a difference, from which we derived that ia = ss − sf 1 1− η (2) Where ia, ss and sf represent the accumulated inauthenticity, situational self-sentiment, and fundamental self sentiment at the current time. If we use this equation to compare Pr(ss) with Pr(sf ), we end up with a convolution that gives the distribution over inauthenticity: Pr(ia) = Pr(ss − sf 1 1− η ) = Pr(ss) ∗ Pr(−(1− η) sf ) (3) In this case, Pr(ia) is a probability distribution in a three dimensional space with dimensions that correspond to EPA, but the values represented are sentiment differences, not sentiments.
Study of impedance spectra for dry and wet EarEEG electrodes

EarEEG is a novel recordings concept where electrodes are embedded on the surface of an earpiece customized to the individual anatomical shape of the users ear. A key parameter for recording EEG signals of good quality is a stable and low impedance electrode-body interface. This study characterizes the impedance for dry and wet EarEEG electrodes in a study of 10 subjects. A custom made and automated setup was used to characterize the impedance spectrum from 0.1 Hz - 2 kHz. The study of dry electrodes showed a mean (standard deviation) low frequency impedance of the canal electrodes of 1. 2MΩ (1.4MΩ) and the high frequency impedance was 230 kΩ (220 kΩ). For wet electrodes the low frequency impedance was 34 kΩ (37 kΩ) and the high frequency impedance was 5.1 kΩ (4.4 kΩ). The high standard deviation of the impedance for dry electrodes imposes very high requirements for the input impedance of the amplifier in order to achieve an acceptable common-mode rejection. The wet electrode impedance was in line with what is typical for a wet electrode interface.