Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Viral aggregation: buffer effects in the aggregation of poliovirus and reovirus at low and high pH

The effects of the buffer employed in maintaining a given pH value were tested on the aggregation of two viruses, poliovirus and reovirus. Poliovirus was found to aggregate at pH values of 6 and below, but not at pH 7 or above, except in borate buffer. Reovirus aggregated at pH 4 and below, but was found to aggregate only in acetate or tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-citrate buffers at pH 5. Other buffers tested for aggregation of reovirus at pH 5 (succinate, citrate, and phosphate-citrate) induced little aggregation. No significant aggregation was found for reovirus at pH 6 and above. For both viruses, the most effective aggregation was induced by buffers having a substantial monovalently charged anionic component, such as acetate at pH 5 and 6 or citrate at pH 3. Cationic buffers at low pH, such as glycine, were generally weaker in aggregating ability than anionic buffers at the same pH. These results, when correlated with the isoelectric point of the viruses (poliovirus at pH 8.2; reovirus at pH 3.9) indicated that both viruses aggregated strongly when their overall charge was positive, but only under certain circumstances when their overall charge was negative. Although reovirus aggregated massively at its isoelectric point, poliovirus remained dispersed at its isoelectric point. The conclusion can be drawn that those pH and buffer conditions which induced aggregation of one virus do not necessarily induce it in another.
Marital quality as a moderator of the effects of poor vision on quality of life among older adults.

OBJECTIVES This study assessed the moderating role of marital quality in the effects of subjective and objective vision on functional limitations, social isolation, and depressive symptomatology. METHOD Data from 738 married older adults drawn from a probability-based representative sample of elders residing in the United States were used. Assessments included subjective and objective vision, marital quality variables (relationship satisfaction, supportive spouse behaviors, and free time spent with one's spouse), and three aspects of quality of life (functional limitations, social isolation, and depressive symptomatology). RESULTS Moderated regression analyses found that relationship satisfaction and supportive spouse behaviors moderated the effects of poor self-reported vision on functional limitations and depressive symptoms and the effects of poor visual acuity on functional limitations. As hypothesized, poorer vision was unrelated to functional limitations and depressive symptoms in more satisfying marriages but predicted higher levels of both outcomes in less satisfying marriages. Contrary to expectations, higher levels of supportive spouse behaviors were associated with more functional limitations in respondents who reported poorer subjective and objective vision. DISCUSSION A marriage that is highly satisfying can mitigate the adverse effects of poor vision on functional limitations and depressive symptomatology in late life. The moderating role of supportive spouse behaviors in the link between poor vision and quality of life is less intuitive, however. Whereas relationship satisfaction may operate as a traditional buffer in the context of poor vision, supportive spouse behaviors may increase in response to or be ineffective in this context.
ICT4S Reaching Out: Making sustainability relevant in higher education

Many media technology and computer science engineering students suffer from the preconceived opinion that sustainability is at best peripheral, and at worst irrelevant to their education. In this paper we discuss our experiences of integrating sustainability and ICT4S into a media technology engineering programme. An overarching tension has been in finding a balance between teaching about sustainability in general, and teaching about ICT4S in particular. Furthermore, what aspects of the wide and interdisciplinary area of ICT4S are most relevant to teach to media technology students, and how can the connection between ICT and sustainability be “refined”, clarified and expressed We explicate how we have gone about to shape the course in such a way that it becomes both relevant and possible for these students to relate to it, and we exemplify with choices made, of which one had been the implementation and adaption of the GaSuCo board game. While the results presented here are primarily relevant to media technology and computer science educations, we also conclude with recommendations to the larger ICT4S community. We argue that the ICT4S community does not only need to take part in developing education in this area, but also needs to conduct research on how to educate students in ICT4S.
Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease: Patterns of worldwide occurrence and the significance of familial and sporadic clustering

The worldwide epidemiology of Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD) is presented from an analysis of 1,435 patients. In the United States, the average annual mortality rate is at least 0.26 deaths per million. Temporal‐spatial clustering of cases was not found in the United States, but reports from other countries indicate that such clustering does occur. Fifteen percent of the cases were of the familial type, suggesting a genetic susceptibility to infection.
Semantics and Encoding of the kell-m Calculus

We present kell-m, an asynchronous higher-order process algebra with hierarchical localities. The main focus of this report is on the operational semantics and behavioural equivalences for kell-m. The operational semantics determine how systems represented using kell-m evolve; the behavioural equivalences determine what it means for two kell-m processes to behave similarly. We also present and encoding of kell-m into MMC , the variation of the -calculus as implemented in the Mobility Model Checker (MMC).
Suicide Attempts and Social Worker Contact: Secondary Analysis of a General Population Study

There is a general dearth of social work studies in relation to suicide and very little is known about the characteristics of social work service users who are also suicidal. This paper is based on secondary analysis of the survey ‘Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Study in England 2007’. Results showed that (i) social work contact in the previous twelve months was significantly associated with lifetime suicide attempt; (ii) various risk and protective factors help to explain the relationship between suicide attempt and social work contact. Non-suicidal self-harm was found to be associated with suicide attempt, both with and without social work contact. Drug dependency was associated with social work contact, regardless of suicide attempt history. Other variables affected certain aspects of the relationship between social work contact and suicidality. These included age, religion, income, employment and background in local authority care. The implications for social work provision are discussed.
On Hilberman's theorem and the characterization of ideal op amp semi-indefinite networks

The application of D. Hilberman's (1973) theorem to construct a simple proof of a theorem on semi-indefinite networks is discussed. The theorem was originally proved by P.R. Bryson and G.M. Wierzba (1982) using the concept of nullator and orator. >
Characterization of a nose-only inhalation exposure system for hydrocarbon mixtures and jet fuels

A directed-flow nose-only inhalation exposure system was constructed to support development of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for complex hydrocarbon mixtures, such as jet fuels. Due to the complex nature of the aerosol and vapor-phase hydrocarbon exposures, care was taken to investigate the chamber hydrocarbon stability, vapor and aerosol droplet compositions, and droplet size distribution. Two-generation systems for aerosolizing fuel and hydrocarbons were compared and characterized for use with either jet fuels or a simple mixture of eight hydrocarbons. Total hydrocarbon concentration was monitored via online gas chromatography (GC). Aerosol/vapor (A/V) ratios, and total and individual hydrocarbon concentrations, were determined using adsorbent tubes analyzed by thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TDS-GC-MS). Droplet size distribution was assessed via seven-stage cascade impactor. Droplet mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) was between 1 and 3 μm, depending on the generator and mixture utilized. A/V hydrocarbon concentrations ranged from ∼200 to 1300 mg/m3, with between 20% and 80% aerosol content, depending on the mixture. The aerosolized hydrocarbon mixtures remained stable during the 4-h exposure periods, with coefficients of variation (CV) of less than 10% for the total hydrocarbon concentrations. There was greater variability in the measurement of individual hydrocarbons in the A-V phase. In conclusion, modern analytical chemistry instruments allow for improved descriptions of inhalation exposures of rodents to aerosolized fuel.
A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis of a 'State of the Art' Talent Identification Model

Sport Interactive is a talent identification (TI) program that matches young people to sports based on proficiency on 11 simple physical and performance tasks. An evaluation of the program with Scottish girls ( n = 1217, mean age = 12.68 years) and boys ( n = 1239, mean age = 12.54 years) identified a number of problems. Firstly, although talent is conceptualized as static, children are evaluated on unstable variables. Additionally, the proposed correlation between proficiency on the Sport Interactive tasks and specific sport aptitude lacks theoretical justification. Finally, problems accrued from the use of Australian norms to interpret the performances of Scottish children. It is concluded that models that are based on a static and uni-dimensional concept of talent are likely to lead to the premature de-selection of many talented children. An alternative TID process that is based on a dynamic and multi-dimensional concept of talent is discussed.
Arabidopsis gp91phox homologues AtrbohD and AtrbohF are required for accumulation of reactive oxygen intermediates in the plant defense response

Reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) are strongly associated with plant defense responses. The origin of these ROI has been controversial. Arabidopsis respiratory burst oxidase homologues (rboh genes) have been proposed to play a role in ROI generation. We analyzed lines carrying dSpm insertions in the highly expressed AtrbohD and AtrbohF genes. Both are required for full ROI production observed during incompatible interactions with the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000(avrRpm1) and the oomycete parasite Peronospora parasitica. We also observed reduced cell death, visualized by trypan blue stain and reduced electrolyte leakage, in the Atrboh mutants after DC3000(avrRpm1) inoculation. However, enhanced cell death is observed after infection of mutant lines with P. parasitica. Paradoxically, although atrbohD mutation eliminated the majority of total ROI production, atrbohF mutation exhibited the strongest effect on cell death.
Applying Neural Networks in Case-Based Reasoning Adaptation for Cost Assessment of Steel Buildings

Abstract Case-based reasoning (CBR) refers to both a cognitive and a computational model of reasoning by analogy from past cases. It is often more efficient to solve a problem by starting with the solution(s) to a previous similar problem than it is to generate the entire solution again from first principles. In fact, experts have been observed to reason by analogy to prior cases. Case adaptation, a central component of case-based reasoning, is often considered the most difficult part of a case-based reasoning system. The difficulties arise from the fact that adaptation does not often converge, especially if it is not done in a systematic way. This problem, sometimes termed the assimilation problem, is especially pronounced in the case-based design problem-solving domain where a large set of constraints and features are processed. Furthermore, in the steel building design domain, multiple cases must be considered in conjunction in order to solve the new problem, resulting in the difficulty of how to efficiently combine the multiple cases into one solution for the new problem. This article investigates a new technique in complex adaptation. It presents the closest retrieved cases to a neural network, thus learning about the domain of the problem being solved. The new problem is then fed to the trained neural network and the output becomes the solution to that problem. The methodology is applied to a problem in steel construction, and the sought output is the cost estimation of pre-engineered steel buildings. Several experiments are conducted to prove that these steps are successful. System verification is done and shows that both the system and the methodology are successful in developing a complete adaptation mechanism in CBR.
Plagiarism in second-language writing

Plagiarism is a broad and multidisciplinary field of study, and within second-language (L2) writing, research on the topic goes back to the mid-1980s. In this review article we first discuss the received view of plagiarism as a transgressive act and alternative understandings which have been presented in the L1 and L2 writing literature. We then survey and identify salient themes in the growing body of work relating to plagiarism, primarily from an L2 writing/applied linguistic perspective. These themes include terminological distinctions; views of the role of textual plagiarism in language learning and a writer's development; a concern with students’ and teachers’ sometimes differing understanding of plagiarism; and disciplinary differences in perceptions of plagiarism. We review research into the role of the electronic media in changing orientations toward plagiarism, the potential role of culture as a cause of plagiarism in the work of L2 writers, and pedagogical approaches to guiding students away from plagiarism. Methodological issues in researching plagiarism are surveyed, and the article concludes by suggesting directions for future research.
Constrained one-bit transform for retinex based motion estimation for sequences with brightness variations

In this paper, we propose a DCT based binary matching approach for fast motion estimation. The proposed approach is suitable to be applied to our previously proposed retinex based coding system which is characterized with fast motion estimation and the capability of accurately estimating motions for sequences having inter-frame brightness variations. We propose to apply the DCT techniques to the transformation of images to the binary bit plane and to the scaled retinex domain, which is more computationally efficient compared to the conventional convolution based bit transformation approach. Experimental results show that our proposed DCT based bit transform has a very close prediction quality performance(less than 0.1dB drop) to that of the convolution based approach while our system can avoid the extra convolution procedure.
Defining components required for transport from the ER to the golgi complex in yeast

Several complementary approaches have been fruitful in the study of transport from the ER to the Golgi complex in yeast. Mutational analysis has led to the identification of genes required for this process, many of which are now being studied at the molecular and biochemical level. In the case of SEC18, DNA sequence analysis has demonstrated homology to a factor needed for transport in mammalian in vitro systems. In addition, the events that take place at this stage of the secretory pathway have been reconstituted in vitro.
Determinants of patient adherence: a review of systematic reviews

Purpose: A number of potential determinants of medication non-adherence have been described so far. However, the heterogenic quality of existing publications poses the need for the use of a rigorous methodology in building a list of such determinants. The purpose of this study was a systematic review of current research on determinants of patient adherence on the basis of a recently agreed European consensus taxonomy and terminology. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, IPA, and PsycINFO were systematically searched for systematic reviews published between 2000/01/01 and 2009/12/31 that provided determinants on non-adherence to medication. The searches were limited to reviews having adherence to medication prescribed by health professionals for outpatient as a major topic. Results: Fifty-one reviews were included in this review, covering 19 different disease categories. In these reviews, exclusively assessing non-adherence to chronic therapies, 771 individual factor items were identified, of which most were determinants of implementation, and only 47—determinants of persistence with medication. Factors with an unambiguous effect on adherence were further grouped into 8 clusters of socio-economic-related factors, 6 of healthcare team- and system-related factors, 6 of condition-related factors, 6 of therapy-related factors, and 14 of patient-related factors. The lack of standardized definitions and use of poor measurement methods resulted in many inconsistencies. Conclusions: This study provides clear evidence that medication non-adherence is affected by multiple determinants. Therefore, the prediction of non-adherence of individual patients is difficult, and suitable measurement and multifaceted interventions may be the most effective answer toward unsatisfactory adherence. The limited number of publications assessing determinants of persistence with medication, and lack of those providing determinants of adherence to short-term treatment identify areas for future research.
Medical Image Registration

Image registration of X-ray images is used to correctly align the patient before the cancer tumour is treated with sets of high dose X-ray radiation. Before the first treatment, a simulated X-ray image is taken showing the best possible localisation of the tumour. From then on, after each of the radiation treatments of the tumour, a low dose of the X-ray theurapeutic radiation is used to take an image of the tumour and its surroundings. This so called portal X-ray image is compared to the simulated image to decide whether the patient should be moved before the next treatment in order to improve the accuracy of the theurapeutic beam and, hence, prevent the high dose radiation from hitting other surrounding tissues close to the tumour. Due to differences in quality of the X-ray plates used for the recording of the simulated and the portal image, the images differ a lot in contrasts, noise level, and possibly even scale and size. The diverse quality of the images is the main problem of the image registration task. At present, the comparison of the X-ray images is carried out by hand. A software for automating the process would decrease the influence of human intuition on the treatment, decrease the treatment time, and enable less qualified personnel to carry out the treatment. Much research has already been done within the field of image registration, many with various results. The preceding pilot study suggests that a deeper study, that would go beyond the scope of this project, is needed for the task. This report strives for presenting fields of possible approaches to the problem and tests performed within these fields. Hopefully, the report will give some guidance on directions that a future research could take.
Using Motivation Theory to Develop a Transformative Consumer Research Agenda for Reducing Materialism in Society

Materialism represents a pervasive value in contemporary society and one that is associated with multiple negative consequences. Although a considerable amount of research has documented these consequences, little research has examined how materialism levels might be reduced. This article presents a research agenda for reducing materialism. The authors begin with an overview of the motivation theory of materialism, a humanistic perspective that holds that materialism is often an outward manifestation of deeper unmet psychological needs and insecurities. Thus, research that contributes to reducing materialism should do so by addressing these more fundamental inadequacies. To this end, the authors outline three emergent research areas that have potential to reduce materialism by enhancing self-esteem—namely, experiential consumption, prosocial giving, and healthy social development in children. The authors review research in each area, consider its relevance to the materialism question, and propose future research directions. They also present the public policy implications of these discussions.
Pathways to Collective Protest: Calculation, Identification, or Emotion? A Critical Analysis of the Role of Group-Based Anger in Social Movement Participation

The dual-pathway model of collective action proposes two motivational pathways to collective protest, one is based on cost–benefit calculations and another is based on collective identification. The present research examined the role of feelings of group-based anger as an additional path. Study 1, a field study in the context of students’ protest in Germany (N= 201), provided evidence for a unique effect of anger. Study 2, a laboratory experiment (N= 182), examined the desire to release aggressive tension as a psychological process underlying this effect. As hypothesized, analyses confirmed that anger affected participants’ willingness to protest only to the extent that this behavior provided the opportunity of cathartic reduction in aggressive tensions. Moreover, an experimental manipulation providing an alternative means to release tension reduced the relationship between anger and willingness to protest to nonsignificance. The implications of these findings for reconceptualizing the role of anger in collective protest are discussed.
The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades

In this article I consider the future of the field of emotion. My conclusion—borrowing the title of a little-remembered song from the 1980s—is that “the future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades. ” I begin this article by considering some of the many daunting conceptual and empirical challenges here; this is clearly not a field for the faint of heart. I then turn to some of the incredible conceptual and empirical opportunities here; there are so many it’s easy to feel dizzy. In the final section, I predict that the field of emotion will broaden and become more problem focused, and hazard a “top 10” list of hot topics.
Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy With Children and Adolescents: An Update and Literature Review

Abstract During the past several years, there has been a large increase in the number of studies of equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) with children and adolescents. However, due to the diversity of methods, samples, and publication types represented in the literature, it may be difficult for EFP practitioners to synthesize the existing research into useful guidelines and treatment recommendations for patients. This article summarizes and tabulates investigation findings by methods, theoretical underpinnings, and treatment populations. This review of 47 recent publications suggests that EFP is a useful modality with children and adolescents. In the large majority of reviewed papers, benefits were found for a variety of presenting problems and disorders. The most often studied populations were “at-risk” youth and children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Recommendations for counselors and directions of future EFP research are made.