Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of varied nitrate and phosphate supply on polysaccharidic and proteinaceous gel particle production during tropical phytoplankton bloom experiments

Abstract. Gel particles such as the polysaccharidic transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) and the proteinaceous Coomassie stainable particles (CSP) play an important role in marine biogeochemical and ecological processes like particle aggregation and export, or microbial nutrition and growth. So far, effects of nutrient availability or of changes in nutrient ratios on gel particle production and fate are not well understood. The tropical ocean includes large oxygen minimum zones, where nitrogen losses due to anaerobic microbial activity result in a lower supply of nitrate relative to phosphate to the euphotic zone. Here, we report of two series of mesocosm experiments that were conducted with natural plankton communities collected from the eastern tropical North Atlantic (ETNA) close to Cape Verde in October 2012. The experiments were performed to investigate how different phosphate (experiment 1, Varied P: 0.15–1.58 μmol L−1) or nitrate (experiment 2, Varied N: 1.9–21.9 μmol L−1) concentrations affect the abundance and size distribution of TEP and CSP. In the days until the bloom peak was reached, a positive correlation between gel particle abundance and Chl a concentration was determined, linking the release of dissolved gel precursors and the subsequent formation of gel particles to autotrophic production. After the bloom peak, gel particle abundance remained stable or even increased, implying a continued partitioning of dissolved into particulate organic matter after biomass production itself ceased. During both experiments, differences between TEP and CSP dynamics were observed; TEP were generally more abundant than CSP. Changes in size distribution indicated aggregation of TEP after the bloom, while newly formed CSP decomposed. Abundance of gel particles clearly increased with nitrate concentration during the second experiment, suggesting that changes in [DIN] : [DIP] ratios can affect gel particle formation with potential consequences for carbon and nitrogen cycling as well as food web dynamics in tropical ecosystems.
Next Generation Networks : Whence , Where , and Whither

The last decade witnessed many Next Generation Networks (NGN) with each having a short life of only few years. The SecondGeneration Network (2G), which is already out of vogue in most advanced countries, is still being deployed in third world countries. The ThirdGeneration (3G) Network was expected to solve all the problems encountered in the previous generations, but the persistent demand for higher rates and the non-compatibility of the 3G standards has shifted the enthusiasm to Beyond 3G (B3G) or Fourth-Generation (4G). This paper re-examines the various generations of network standards with the intention to focus the mindset of the telecom planers and designers and also raise their research consciousness. (
Effect of Metabolic Syndrome Score, Metabolic Syndrome, and Its Individual Components on the Prevalence and Severity of Angiographic Coronary Artery Disease

Background: The clinical significance of metabolic syndrome (MS) score, MS, and its individual components with respect to risk prediction of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate whether and to what extent MS score, MS, and its individual components were related to the risk of CAD. Methods: Among 1191 participants who underwent coronary angiography for the confirmation of suspected myocardial ischemia, 858 were included in this study according to the inclusion criteria from September 2010 to June 2013. MS was diagnosed with the 2005 National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was assessed by Gensini score. Results: The results showed that the age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for CAD were as follows: MS score, 1.327; MS, 2.013; elevated waist circumference, 1.447; reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 1.654; and elevated fasting glucose, 1.782; all P < 0.05; whereas for elevated triglycerides, 1.324, and elevated blood pressure, 1.342, both P > 0.05. After multivariate adjustment, results showed that only MS and elevated fasting glucose were significantly associated with CAD (OR, 1.628, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.151–2.305, P = 0.006 for elevated fasting glucose, and OR, 1.631, 95% CI, 1.208–2.203, P = 0.001 for MS). The study showed that only MS score and elevated fasting glucose were significantly associated with Gensini score (standardized coefficient, 0.101, P = 0.031 for elevated fasting glucose and standardized coefficient, 0.103, P = 0.009 for MS score). Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that MS score, MS, and its individual components might have different contributions to CAD prevalence and severity. MS and elevated fasting glucose were independent risk factors for the prevalence of angiographic CAD whereas MS score and elevated fasting glucose were significantly associated with the severity of CAD.
Oscillation of Second Order Delay Dynamic Equations

In this paper we establish some sufficient conditions for oscillation of second order delay dynamic equations on time scales. Our results not only unify the oscillation of second order delay differential and difference equations but also are new for q-difference equations and can be applied on any time scale. We illustrate our results with many examples.
Apsidal Motion Equations Questioned Through Application of Dimensional Analysis

By using the IS units and applying the dimensional analysis to the apsidal motion equations, we show more conclusively that their current formulation in astronomy and astrophysics is conceptually, mathematically and physically incorrect and highly questionable since it was erroneously used in several research articles. Consequently, we cannot use these apsidal motion equations, at least in their present form, as a decisive test of alternative gravity theories and theoretical models of internal stellar structure and evolution. Thus the main purpose of this paper is to draw theorists’ attention to such a fallacy in order to establish new, correct, clear and concise equations.
Method for Delivering a Controlled Impact to Articular Cartilage in the Rabbit Knee

Objective: The authors aimed to develop a mechanical model for delivering controlled impact injuries to an articular cartilage surface, with the ability to control peak contact pressure while maintaining a constant rate of loading across all impact levels. Methods: A pendulum-style impactor with a direct contact interface was fabricated, based on previously published successful models. This impactor was tested in 2 separate experiments: first with a single analog specimen and next with 15 cadaveric rabbit knee specimens. In both experiments, impacts were performed at 3 pressure levels with multiple repetitions. Peak pressure, rate of pressure application, impulse, and time to peak were evaluated. Results: There was a significant difference between each of the pressure level groups for both the analog and cadaveric experiments. There was no significant difference between the rates of pressure application for the analog specimen and a statistically significant difference only between the highest and lowest pressure level groups for the cadaveric specimen. Conclusions: Previous studies have shown that peak pressure and rate of pressure application are both significant contributors to cartilage injury. Previous models have controlled only peak contact pressure, allowing rate of loading to change as a function of peak contact pressure. This model is the first to control both variables, with a rate of pressure application that is typical of an athletic or traumatic injury in humans. Use of this model will enable researchers to investigate the isolated effects of peak pressure on progressive cartilage injuries.
Can a digital approach change low-income energy saving behaviours?

Numerous policies and programs have attempted to address barriers to energy efficient behaviour in low-income people (NCOSS, 2010). Low-income earners are a key vulnerable group in society with often limited resources leading to diminished lifestyles in health and well-being (Hampson, et al 2009) and large energy bills can often contribute further to their burden. Past approaches to energy saving behaviour are typically informational (Fischer, 2008) with this approach criticised as less effective. There has been calls for different behavioural approaches to encouraging energy saving behaviour (Hargreaves, et al. 2010) that go beyond information and awareness. As a behaviour focused discipline that goes beyond awareness and education, social marketing is well-placed to address the deficits of past energy efficiency programs. Social marketers are now beginning to investigate the use of digital tools such as mobile phones and games (Schuster, et al 2013; Mulcahy, et al 2015a) as means of changing behaviours such as energy efficiency. However, whilst research exists in the use of technology for social marketing behaviours (e.g. Schuster, et al 2013; Mulcahy, et al 2015a) there is little evidence to demonstrate the impact of such tools on behaviour change. With more agencies and governments seeking to use digital tools in social marketing, there is need to create an evidence-base of what works and why. This study seeks to address this problem by investigating the effect of a theory-driven digital energy efficiency social marketing program for low-income earners.
Association between daily antiretroviral pill burden and treatment adherence, hospitalisation risk, and other healthcare utilisation and costs in a US medicaid population with HIV

Objectives Lower pill burden leads to improved antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among HIV patients. Simpler dosing regimens have not been widely explored in real-world populations. We retrospectively assessed ART adherence, all-cause hospitalisation risk and costs, and other healthcare utilisation and costs in Medicaid enrollees with HIV treated with ART as a once-daily single-tablet regimen (STR) or two or more pills per day (2+PPD). Design Patients with an HIV diagnosis from 2005 to 2009 receiving complete ART (ie, two nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors plus a third agent) for ≥60 days as STR or 2+PPD were selected and followed until the first of (1) discontinuation of the complete ART, (2) loss of enrolment or (3) end of database. Adherence was measured using the medication possession ratio. Monthly all-cause healthcare utilisation and costs were observed from regimen initiation until follow-up end. Results Of the 7381 patients who met inclusion criteria, 1797 were treated with STR and 5584 with 2+PPD. STR patients were significantly more likely to reach 95% adherence and had fewer hospitalisations than 2+PPD patients (both p<0.01). STR patients had mean (SD) total monthly costs of $2959 ($4962); 2+PPD patients had $3544 ($5811; p<0.001). Hospital costs accounted for 53.8% and pharmacy costs accounted for 32.5% of this difference. Multivariate analyses found that STR led to a 23% reduction in hospitalisations and a 17% reduction in overall healthcare costs. ART adherence appears to be a key mechanism mediating hospitalisation risk, as patients with ≥95% adherence (regardless of regimen type) had a lower hospitalisation rate compared with <95% adherence. Conclusions While it was expected that STR patients would have lower pharmacy costs, we also found that STR patients had fewer hospitalisations and lower hospital costs than 2+PPD patients, resulting in significantly lower total healthcare costs for STR patients.
Prevalence and Evolution of Intracranial Hemorrhage in Asymptomatic Term Infants

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Subdural hemorrhage (SDH) is often associated with infants experiencing nonaccidental injury (NAI). A study of the appearance and natural evolution of these birth-related hemorrhages, particularly SDH, is important in the forensic evaluation of NAI. The purpose of this study was to determine the normal incidence, size, distribution, and natural history of SDH in asymptomatic term neonates as detected by sonography (US) and MR imaging within 72 hours of birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Birth history, delivery method, duration of each stage of labor, pharmaceutic augmentation, and complications during delivery as well as postnatal physical examination were recorded. Brain MR imaging and US were performed on 101 asymptomatic term infants at 3–7 days, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months. Clinical follow-up at 24 months was recorded. RESULTS: Forty-six neonates had SDH by MR imaging within 72 hours of delivery. SDH was seen in both vaginal and cesarean deliveries. All neonates were asymptomatic, with normal findings on physical examination. All 46 had supratentorial SDH seen in the posterior cranium. Twenty (43%) also had infratentorial SDH. US detected 11 of the 20 (55%) infratentorial SDHs and no supratentorial SDH. Most SDHs present at birth were ≤3 mm and had resolved by 1 month, and all resolved by 3 months on MR imaging. Most children with SDHs had normal findings on developmental examinations at 24 months. CONCLUSION: SDH in asymptomatic term neonates after delivery is limited in size and location.
International Journal of Electronics and Communications (aeü) Admission Control and Resource Optimization for Multiple-user Ofdma Cognitive Radio Systems

In Cognitive Radio (CR) systems, the fluctuating nature of the available frequency resource due to Primary Users (PUs) activity necessitates the introduction of admission and eviction measures at the CR system if a guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) is required by Real Time (RT) Secondary Users (SUs). This problem has been recently addressed in the literature with simplified assumptions that might become unrealistic in practical system setups. In this paper, we tackle the problem of admission and eviction control of RT SUs in multiple-user Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) CR systems and propose new solutions that are practical and efficient at the same time. In particular, we propose three different ways to install a Resource Buffer Zone (RBZ) at the time of admission to limit future call drops resulting from fluctuating PU activity. We also study the effect of PU activity on the feasibility of the resource allocation problem and propose three different methods to resolve system outages once they occur. Numerical results obtained through Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed techniques.
Symbol Insertion: A Low-Complexity Joint Peak Power Reduction and Forward Error Correction for Single-Carrier Systems

In this paper, we present a new modulation code, named symbol insertion (SI), that simultaneously achieves both peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction and forward error correction for pulse-shaped single-carrier systems in a low-complexity manner. Based on the fact that PAPR highly depends on the successive phase patterns of discrete complex symbols, the proposed code controls phase shifts by inserting a redundant symbol between consecutive information-bearing symbols. At the receiver, by viewing the inserted symbols as parities, we exploit them for error correction. We show that, when the SI is used as an inner code of serially concatenated codes, its error rate performance is close to those of conventional capacity-approaching codes. The proposed system thus becomes favorable if the amount of PAPR reduction is taken into account. Furthermore, the SI with a rotationally invariant insertion scheme can accommodate itself to noncoherent detection.
Effects of exoskeletal stiffness in parallel with the knee on the motion of the human body center of mass during walking

In this paper we investigate effects of the mass, kinematic constraints imposed by the joint, and assistance provided by the spring of a pair of quasi-passive knee exoskeletons on the motion of the human body center of mass during normal walking. The exoskeletons implement a spring in parallel with the knee joint in the weight acceptance phase of gait, and allow free rotation during all other phases. We begin with a brief explanation of the exoskeleton design, which employs a friction-based latching mechanism to engage/disengage a spring in parallel with the knee. Additionally, a pair of joint-less mass replicas of the exoskeletons were used to separately investigate the effects of the exoskeleton added mass and articulation. It was found that the exoskeleton mass is the main contributor to the changes in the motion of the center of mass, with more pronounced fluctuations of the center of mass in the mediolateral direction, while the exoskeleton joint and spring had negligible effects over and above those of the mass. Additionally, the exoskeleton mass and assistance conditions respectively resulted in a non-significant increase and a non-significant decrease in the total mechanical work of the body.
Vapourworlds and Design Fiction: The Role of Intentionality

Abstract: There is a long tradition of designers creating visions of technological futures. We contrast the properties of two related types of future envisionment, whose commonality is using ‘world building’ to showcase or prototype technological concepts. We consider commercial visions that depict potential future products within possible future worlds, and by extending the concept of Vapourware we term these ‘Vapourworlds’. We contrast Vapourworlds with Design Fictions, a class of envisionment that inherits qualities of criticality and exploration from its familial antecedents’ radical design and critical design. By comparing these two approaches we intend to shed light on both. Superficially these world building endeavours appear similar, yet under the surface an underlying difference in intentionality permeates the substance of both practices. We conclude with a position that by highlighting the contrasts between these practices, mutually beneficial insights become apparent.
Actin-binding Protein-1 Interacts with WASp-interacting Protein to Regulate Growth Factor-induced Dorsal Ruffle Formation

The authors show that the mammalian actin binding protein-1 (mAbp1) is required for PDGF-induced dorsal ruffle formation. mAbp1 interacts directly with WASp Interacting Protein (WIP) through its SH3 domain, and this interaction is important for regulating dorsal ruffle formation.
‘Little bit afraid ‘til I found how it was’: children’s subjective early school experiences in a disadvantaged community in Ireland

ABSTRACT Research shows that children facing socioeconomic risk often have poorer skills at school entry, greater difficulty adjusting to school, more negative school experiences, and lower scholastic achievement, relative to their peers. However, the promotion of positive early school experiences is constrained by a lack of insight into disadvantaged children’s own perspectives. To address this gap, this study interviewed 26 children living in a disadvantaged community in Ireland who had recently commenced formal schooling. Interviews included semi-structured questions and a draw-and-talk activity. Interview questions and drawings were analysed using the principles of thematic analysis and content analysis respectively, and the findings were integrated to identify four overarching themes. These included children’s sense of self in school, what happens in school, the importance of peer relationships, and children’s lives around school. The results provide reflection points for research and practice, such as the promotion of positive peer experiences and strong family–school connections.
Omics studies of citrus, grape and rosaceae fruit trees

Recent advance of bioinformatics and analytical apparatuses such as next generation DNA sequencer (NGS) and mass spectrometer (MS) has brought a big wave of comprehensive study to biology. Comprehensive study targeting all genes, transcripts (RNAs), proteins, metabolites, hormones, ions or phenotypes is called genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, hormonomics, ionomics or phenomics, respectively. These omics are powerful approaches to identify key genes for important traits, to clarify events of physiological mechanisms and to reveal unknown metabolic pathways in crops. Recently, the use of omics approach has increased dramatically in fruit tree research. Although the most reported omics studies on fruit trees are transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, and a few is reported on hormonomics and ionomics. In this article, we reviewed recent omics studies of major fruit trees, i.e. citrus, grapevine and rosaceae fruit trees. The effectiveness and prospects of omics in fruit tree research will as well be highlighted.
A Fuzzy Sliding Mode Controller and Its Application

An approach of self-learning fuzzy sliding-mode control which combines fuzzy control with the sliding-mode control, is presented for the tracking control of a class of nonlinear systems with the parameter uncertainties. The fuzzy control rules are updated through on-line learning, which make the output of fuzzy control approximate to sliding-mode equivalent control along the direction of making sliding-mode asymptotic stable. Based on Lyapunov theory, the asymptotic stability of the overall systems is proved. The proposed method is applied to some electrohydraulic servo systems, and the results of simulation show that the satisfied control precision and stability can be obtained by using proposed method for the systems.
Adoptions and Orphans in the Early Microcomputer Market

In this paper we examine the development of the micro-computer market in the early 1980's. CP/M, a widely adopted operating system, was orphaned by the user and development communities. A new operating system, DOS, and a new hardware platform, the IBM PC, became the prediminant industry standards. We examine the statistical relationship between data that reflects sales activity associated with hardware, software, and peripheral equipment for the competing platforms. We conclude that the economic process underlying the development of DOS differed from those underlying CP/M and that many of these differences related to the role of software development.
Text rhythmic system: Its energetic and subliminal potentials

The article introduces scientific considerations concerning the energetic nature and origin of rhythm subliminal potential in a spoken text as well as the mechanisms of its impact on the recipient. The paper advances the idea that rhythm energetics and its subliminal potential is based on such postulates: (1) rhythm is generated in the speaker’s psyche at the levels of his/her unconscious (or existential being) and subconscious (or mental and transcendental beings) spheres; (2) the text rhythmic system has a definite emotional and pragmatic potentials that realize a latent manipulative and subliminal influence; (3) generation of the spoken text tempo-rhythm is carried out by means of integrating micro-rhythms of all levels of the speaker’s inner speech into the internal macro-rhythm, which is materialized in the form of an outer tempo-rhythm as a complex means of achieving a subliminal effect of speech. The article also outlines the prospects of studying a subliminal nature of rhythm.