Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Biological Nutrient Removal: Evaluation of Autotrophic Denitrification, Heterotrophic Nitrification, and Biological Phosphorus Removal in Full‐Scale Systems

Simultaneous biological nutrient removal (SBNR) is the biological removal of nitrogen and phosphorus in excess of that required for biomass synthesis in a biological wastewater treatment system without defined anaerobic or anoxic zones. Evidence is growing that significant SBNR can occur in many systems, including the aerobic zone of systems already configured for biological nutrient removal. Although SBNR systems offer several potential advantages, they cannot be fully realized until the mechanisms responsible for SBNR are better understood. Consequently, a research program was initiated with the basic hypothesis that three mechanisms might be responsible for SBNR: the reactor macroenvironment, the floc microenvironment, and novel microorganisms. Previously, the nutrient removal capabilities of seven full‐scale, staged, closed‐loop bioreactors known as Orbal oxidation ditches were evaluated. Chemical analysis and microbiological observations suggested that SBNR occurred in these systems. Three of these plants were further examined in this research to evaluate the importance of novel microorganisms, especially for nitrogen removal. A screening tool was developed to determine the relative significance of the activities of microorganisms capable of autotrophic denitrification and heterotrophic nitrification‐aerobic denitrification in biological nutrient removal systems. The results indicated that novel microorganisms were not substantial contributors to SBNR in the plants studied. Phosphorus metabolism (anaerobic release, aerobic uptake) was also tested in one of the plants. Activity within the mixed liquor that was consistent with current theories for phosphorus‐accumulating organisms (PAOs) was observed. Along with other observations, this suggests the presence of PAOs in the facilities studied.
La crisis económica y el turismo internacional en España

The economic crisis has significantly affected the different sectors of the Spanish economy, although to varying degrees. In this paper, we attempt to analyze the response of the Spanish tourism sector given the circumstances, emphasizing the resistance and strength of the sector, mainly due to the diversity of its offer, which while focuses on the sun and beach on the coast, has as maximum exponents the rural, nature, cultural or urban tourism, as a complement of the above, or as the main resource in inland. We concluded by showing that while the crisis has affected international tourism in Spain, the impact has been very limited in times, starring in recent years a spectacular growth.
Molecular characterization of upstream regulatory sequences controlling the photoinduced expression of the albino‐3 gene of Neurospora crassa

In the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa the biosynthesis of carotenoids is regulated by blue light, principally through transcriptional activation of some key genes in the carotenogenic enzymatic pathway. Here we report the characterization of the photoinducible promoter of the albino‐3 (al‐3) gene, encoding GGPP synthase. We have modified the 5’non‐coding sequence of the cloned al‐3 gene by deletion and site‐directed mutagenesis, and we have tested the residual photoinducibility of the different constructs by transformation and subsequent analysis of gene expression in dark‐grown and light‐induced mycelia. The results indicate that a promoter region between positions −226 and −55 contains all the necessary information for blue light photoinduction. Multiple regulatory elements are involved in the regulated expression of the al‐3 gene. One (termed the APE element) is important for the light‐induction switch on of the gene and a second belongs to the CCAAT boxes family. The putative APE element is also found in the promoter of other N. crassa photoinducible genes.
Uncertainty in Through-Life Costing–-Review and Perspectives

Estimating through-life cost (TLC) is an area that is critical to many industrial sectors, and in particular, within the defense and aerospace where products are complex and have extended life cycles. One of the key problems in modeling the cost of these products is the limited life-cycle information at the early stage. This leads to epistemic and aleatory uncertainty within the estimation process in terms of data, estimation techniques, and scenarios analysis. This paper presents a review of the uncertainty classification in engineering literature and the nature of uncertainty in TLC estimation. Based on the review, the paper then presents a critique of the current uncertainty modeling approaches in cost estimation and concludes with suggestion for the requirement of a different approach to handling uncertainty in TLC. The potential value of imprecise probability should be explored within the domain of TLC to assist cost estimators and decision makers in understanding and assessing the uncertainty. The implication of such a representation in terms of decision making under risk and decision making under uncertainty is also discussed.
Transfer Learning for Morphological Tagging in Russian

This paper is devoted to morphological tagging task for Russian. There are multiple corpora created for the task during the years of research. Unfortunately, these corpora often have incompatible annotation guidelines and tag sets. This makes it difficult to utilize more than one corpus for training machine learning methods. Several attempts to manually unify guidelines and tag sets took place in the past. The most recent one was MorphoRuEval-2017 evaluation where organizers decided to unify annotations of four corpora. In this paper we propose a morphological tagging method which is able to be trained on any set of corpora with arbitrary guidelines and tag sets without any manual mapping provided. The method is based on transfer learning technique successfully applied in multilingual and cross-domain research. Firstly we establish a couple of solid neural network-based morphological tagging baselines. They both employ bidirectional LSTM networks but utilize different word embeddings. Comparative study on multiple corpora shows that fasttext model clearly outperforms word2vec one. Further we extend these baselines with transfer learning application. We prove transfer learning-based method effectiveness by performing two series of experiments. In the first series we exploit three wellknown corpora with incompatible tag sets: RNC, SynTagRus (original and Universal Dependencies versions). In the second series we utilize four corpora from MorphoRuEval-2017 evaluation with tag sets preliminary unified by organizers. In both cases transfer learning application improves performance of the method while training on more corpora. In the second case it even surpasses traditional joint training.
Is reducing drinking always the answer to reducing consequences in first-year college students?

OBJECTIVE Pre-college drinking has been shown to be a predictor of risky drinking and harmful outcomes in college. By contrast, less is known about how pre-college alcohol consequences influence subsequent consequences during the freshman year. The present study examined pre-college drinking and consequences in relationship to consequences experienced during the freshman year to better understand alcohol-related problems in this population. METHOD Incoming freshmen (N = 340, 58% female) were randomly selected and completed measures of drinking quantity, alcohol-related consequences, and drinking style behaviors at pre-college baseline and at 10-month follow-up. RESULTS Pre-college consequences demonstrated a unique relationship with consequences at 10-month follow-up controlling for both pre-college and freshman-year alcohol consumption. Furthermore, precollege consequences moderated the relationship between pre-college drinking and consequences at 10-month follow-up. For individuals who reported above-average pre-college consequences, no differences in 10-month follow-up consequences were observed across different levels of drinking. Finally, drinking style significantly mediated the relationship between the interaction between pre-college drinking and consequences and consequences at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate the need to identify students who are at an increased risk of experiencing alcohol-related problems during their freshman year based on their history of consequences before college. Interventions aimed at these students may benefit from examining the usefulness of increasing protective behaviors as a method to reduce consequences in addition to reducing drinking quantity.
A Relevant Model for Preparing Aspiring Superintendents.

The relevance of administrative preparation programs has been questioned. The questions center around how well programs are preparing school leaders to deal with the myriad of requirements placed in front of them (i.e. demands relate to issues of accountability, changing demographics, aging professionals, demanding publics, and school board/superintendent relations) while inspiring people to focus on a shared vision. Given the concerns, one administrative preparation program developed a new model for superintendent preparation. Key components included (a) extensive practitioner involvement, (b) the use of standards as the foundation, (c) a relevant and varied year-long eld internship, and (d) the use of university and K-12 partnerships. The model addresses the criticism of current preparation programs and addresses the necessary entry level skills needed by 21st century superintendents.
Correlation between numeric gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MRI ratios and prognostic factors and histologic type of breast carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of numeric ratios from dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in predicting histologic type of breast carcinoma and three histologic prognostic factors for invasive ductal carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 104 patients with breast carcinoma were included in the study. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR images were obtained every 30 seconds during the first 4.5 minutes after administration of contrast material, and peripheral contrast enhancement ratio and central contrast enhancement ratio were calculated in the early phase (1 minute after contract injection) and in the delayed phase (4 minutes after injection). Four contrast enhancement ratios were used for quantitative analysis of the following numeric ratios: early peripheral/early central, delayed peripheral/delayed central, delayed peripheral/early peripheral, and delayed central/early central. The four ratios were compared with histologic type. For invasive ductal carcinoma, the ratios were then compared with modified Scarff-Bloom-Richardson histologic grade, microvessel density, and fibrotic focus. RESULTS Mucinous carcinoma had significantly higher mean early peripheral/early central and delayed central/early central ratios than other types of tumors (p< 0.0001). For invasive ductal carcinoma, the mean early peripheral/early central ratio was significantly lower for modified Scarff-Bloom-Richardson grade 1 tumors than for grades 2 and 3 tumors (p < 0.0001). Early peripheral/early central ratio had a significant correlation with the ratio of peripheral to central mean microvessel density (p < 0.0001). There was also a significant difference in early peripheral/early central ratio (p < 0.0001) between tumors with a fibrotic focus and those without a fibrotic focus. CONCLUSION Numeric ratios obtained on gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MRI of the breast may be useful in predicting histologic type of breast carcinoma and three histologic prognostic factors for invasive ductal carcinoma: modified Scarff-Bloom-Richardson grade, microvessel density, and fibrotic focus.
Parallel connection of multiple resonant inverters to drive high-power high-intensity discharge lamps

This paper presents the analysis and design of a new configuration of a resonant inverter suitable for high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp ballast applications. The proposed inverter results from the parallel connection of three class D LCP resonant inverters, sharing the total load current. In this way, a reduction of the conduction losses is achieved. The regulation is implemented at constant frequency, modifying the phase displacement of the drive signals of one inverter section with respect to the others. High efficiency dimming operation at around 50% of full power is achieved canceling one of the non-controlled phases
Sindbis viral‐mediated expression of Ca2+‐permeable AMPA receptors at hippocampal CA1 synapses and induction of NMDA receptor‐independent long‐term potentiation

Gene manipulation in order to artificially express a particular gene in neurons in the central nervous system is a powerful tool for the analysis of brain function. Sindbis viral vectors have been developed to express high levels of foreign genes in postmitotic brain neurons with little transfection of glial cells. In this study, we expressed the gene encoding the unedited GluR2 (GluR‐B) subunit of the AMPA‐type glutamate receptor that forms inwardly rectifying and Ca2+‐permeable channels, in rat CA1 hippocampal neurons in slice cultures using Sindbis viral vectors. The pyramidal cell layer of the CA1 region was injected with recombinant Sindbis viruses encoding both enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) and unedited GluR2. The GFP fluorescence from CA1 neurons could be detected as early as 6 h and reached a maximal level about 48 h postinfection. The inwardly rectifying and Ca2+‐permeable AMPA receptors were expressed in most CA1 pyramidal cells expressing GFP. These AMPA receptors expressed by gene transfer were involved in fast excitatory neurotransmission elicited by electrical stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals in the stratum radiatum. Tetanic stimulation of Schaffer collaterals induced NMDA receptor‐independent, long‐term potentiation due to Ca2+ influx through the newly expressed AMPA receptors in the area densely stained with GFP. Thus, the combined use of Sindbis viral vectors with the GFP reporter allowed physiological examination of the roles of a specific gene product in synaptic function in well‐characterized brain neurons.
Imperfect CSI based maximal ratio combining in Shadowed-Rician fading land mobile satellite channels

The maximal ratio combining (MRC) scheme for Shadowed-Rician (SR) fading land mobile satellite (LMS) channels with estimated channel gains is studied, in this paper. For this set-up, a maximum-likelihood decoder is derived under the assumption of the perfectly known channel state information (CSI); then perfect CSI is replaced with the estimated CSI in the decision metric. The MRC scheme for SR fading LMS channels has been studied in existing literature mostly with the perfect CSI assumption; moreover, most of the existing analytical results are in the form of infinite power series, which are not in closed-form. In this paper, we derive approximate closed-form expressions of the probability density function and moment generating function (MGF) of the received signal-to-noise ratio of the MRC based receiver in SR fading LMS channels with estimated channel gains. Analytical expression for the symbol error rate of M ary phase shift keying constellation is derived by using the MGF expression. We also provide approximate closed-form expression of the average capacity with estimated channel gains of the considered scheme. It is shown from analysis and simulation that estimation error does not affect the diversity order of the system.
Diurnal growth trends, water potential, and osmotic adjustment of maize and sorghum leaves in the field.

The daily cycle of leaf elongation rate, water potential, and solute potential of maize and sorghum, as well as temperature, were monitored in the field. Major climatic features were high radiation and a minimum air temperature of about 12 C. Leaf elongation of both crops was slowest at night, presumably because of low temperature. Peak elongation rates were in daytime when leaf water potential (Psi) was low. Solute potential also decreased during daylight, thus permitting the maintenance of appreciable turgor pressure, a critical parameter for cell expansion.Leaf Psi versus relative water content (RWC) curves were developed by sampling detached leaves at intervals as they dried quickly in the laboratory. At a given RWC, Psi was lower in leaves at midday than early in the morning, which is evidence that the decrease in psi. at midday was caused by an increase in the amount of solute in the tissue. Estimates of psi. at 100% RWC were 4 bars lower at midday than early in the morning in both crops. Soluble sugars, mainly nonreducing, accounted for most of the observed psi. decrease in sorghum leaves. Shading the leaves from light eliminated most of the solute buildup.
Binding analysis of antioxidant polyphenols with PAMAM nanoparticles

Dietary polyphenols are abundant micronutrients in our diet and paly major role in prevention of degenerative diseases. The binding efficacy of antioxidant polyphenols resveratrol, genistein, and curcumin with PAMAM-G3 and PAMAM-G4 nanoparticles was investigated in aqueous solution at physiological conditions, using multiple spectroscopic methods, TEM images, and docking studies. The polyphenol bindings are via hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and H-bonding contacts with resveratrol forming more stable conjugates. As PAMAM size increased the loading efficacy and the stability of polyphenol-polymer conjugates were increased. Polyphenol binding induced major alterations of dendrimer morphology. PAMAM nanoparticles are capable of delivery of polyphenols in vitro.
The role of priority non-timber forest products in enhancing local adaptive capacity to climate change stresses in Kilombero district, Tanzania

Climate change is among the key challenges that may influence livelihoods of people in Tanzania. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are among the forest products that serve as livelihood resources in the face of climate stresses. However, little is known on the extent to which NTFPs enhance the adaptive capacity of households adjacent to forests in the context of climate stresses. Based on ﬁeldwork in Kilombero District, we investigated how households adjacent to forests use NTFPs as different forms of capital asset to support adaptation strategies for livelihood outcomes. Data were collected using socio-economic appraisal. Three NTFPs out of twelve – firewood, medicinal plants and thatch grasses – were identified as priorities because of their immediate importance for supporting households. Priority NTFPs contributed to human, financial and physical capital assets. They also contributed about 3% of the total household annual income. Income and expenditure of priority NTFPs was significantly influenced (p < .05) by age of respondent, household size, distance to resources, change in management regimes of forest and wooded grassland and household income. The households indicated they would use priority NTFPs to improve livelihoods outcomes. Findings in this study can inform policy and support decision makers to establish mechanisms in conservation rules and regulations to enable forest adjacent households to access the NTFPs.
Casein glycomacropeptide‐derived peptide IPPKKNQDKTE ameliorates high glucose‐induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cells via activation of AMPK signaling

SCOPE Recently, casein glycomacropeptide (GMP)-derived peptide was found to possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, the improvement effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of GMP-derived peptide on hepatic insulin resistance were investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS The peptide IPPKKNQDKTE was identified from GMP papain hydrolysates by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Effects of IPPKKNQDKTE on glucose metabolism and expression levels of the hepatic insulin signaling proteins in high glucose-induced insulin-resistant HepG2 cells were evaluated. Results showed that IPPKKNQDKTE dose-dependently increased glucose uptake and intracellular glycogen in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells without affecting cell viability. IPPKKNQDKTE increased the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β and decreased the expression levels of p-GS, G6Pase and PEPCK. These IPPKKNQDKTE-mediated protection effects were reversed by PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002, showing the mediatory role of PI3K/Akt. Moreover, treatment with IPPKKNQDKTE reduced IRS-1 Ser307 phosphorylation and increased phosphorylation of AMPK. Knockdown AMPK using siRNA in HepG2 cells increased Ser307 phosphorylation of IRS-1 and reduced Akt phosphorylation in IPPKKNQDKTE-treated insulin-resistant cells. CONCLUSION IPPKKNQDKTE prevents high glucose-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cells by modulating the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through AMPK activation, indicating that IPPKKNQDKTE plays a potential role in the prevention and treatment of hepatic insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Phase I/II Trial of Cetuximab and Erlotinib in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma and Acquired Resistance to Erlotinib

Purpose: In patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant lung adenocarcinoma, treatment with erlotinib or gefitinib is associated with a 75% radiographic response rate and progression-free survival of approximately 12 months. The most common mechanism of acquired resistance to erlotinib is development of a secondary mutation in EGFR, suggesting that these tumors continue to depend on EGFR signaling. We hypothesized that combined EGFR blockade would overcome acquired resistance to erlotinib in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. To evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of cetuximab and erlotinib in patients with acquired resistance to erlotinib, we conducted this phase I/II clinical trial. Experimental Design: Patients with lung adenocarcinoma and clinically defined acquired resistance to erlotinib were treated with erlotinib 100 mg daily, along with cetuximab every 2 weeks in three escalating dose cohorts (250 mg/m2, 375 mg/m2, and 500 mg/m2). The recommended phase II dose was then evaluated in a two-stage trial, with a primary end point of objective response rate. Results: A total of 19 patients were enrolled. The most common toxicities for the combination of cetuximab and erlotinib were rash, fatigue, and hypomagnesemia. The recommended phase II dose identified was cetuximab 500 mg/m2 every 2 weeks and erlotinib 100 mg daily. At this dose and schedule, no radiographic responses were seen (0 of 13, 0%, 95% CI, 0–25). Conclusions: Combined EGFR inhibition, with cetuximab 500 mg/m2 every 2 weeks and erlotinib 100 mg daily, had no significant activity in patients with acquired resistance to erlotinib. Clin Cancer Res; 17(8); 2521–7. ©2011 AACR.