Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new non-orthogonal approximate joint diagonalization algorithm for blind source separation

A new algorithm for approximate joint diagonalization of a set of matrices is presented. Using a weighted leastsquares (WLS) criterion, without the orthogonality constraint, it is compared with an analoguous algorithm for blind source separation (BSS). The criterion of our algorithm is on the separating matrix while the other is on the mixing matrix. The convergence of our algorithm is proved under some mild assumptions. The performances of the two algorithms are compared with usual standard algorithms using BSS simulations results. We show that the improvement in estimating the separating matrix, resulting from the relaxation of the orthogonality restriction, can be achieved in presence of additive noise when the length of observed sequences is sufficiently large.
Functional connectivity during real vs imagined visuomotor tasks: an EEG study

It is proposed that real and imagined movements activate identical neural networks. Cortical oscillatory activity is proposed as a mechanism through which distributed neuronal networks may bind into coherent ensembles and coupling of oscillators is used as a tool to investigate modulations of cortical connectivity. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that, although the same brain network is involved in both real and imagined movements, the functional connectivity within the network differs. To do so, we measured interregional coupling, quantified using coherence between scalp EEG electrodes, during different periods of a prehension task during real and imagined movements. The results demonstrated a different pattern of coupling in the beta frequency range between electrodes overlying occipital and motor cortices during executed and imagined movements. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the neural networks during real and imagined movements are not identical.
Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in treatment of gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis

Although gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis is associated with poor prognosis and is generally treated with palliative systemic therapy, recent studies have shown that cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may prove to be an efficacious treatment option. In addition to reviewing the natural history of gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis, this mini-review examines literature on the efficacy of CRS and HIPEC as compared to chemotherapy and surgical options. Both randomized and non-randomized studies were summarized with the emphasis focused on overall survival. In summary, CRS and HIPEC are indeed a promising treatment option for gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis and large randomized clinical trials are warranted.
Caring and uncaring encounters in nursing in an emergency department.

BACKGROUND Caring is a core characteristic of nursing. Nurses' caring behaviour has been explored in several studies. When caring for trauma patients, the most important caring behaviour must be the procedures associated with lifesaving. However, it is important not to forget the patient's psychological needs. AIM The aim of this study was to highlight encounters between injured patients and nurses in the trauma team and to explore whether the theory of caring and uncaring encounters in nursing and health care is applicable in emergency care. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were collected by videotaping caring episodes between slightly injured patients and nurses in the trauma team. Five episodes involving 10 nurses were studied. The analysis was carried out in four steps. First the videotapes were studied several times and then transcribed into narratives, which were reduced into courses of events. These were subsequently classified according to aspects of caring and uncaring. RESULTS The nurses' verbal and non-verbal communication was poor, and they adopted a wait-and-see policy. A new uncaring aspect, instrumental behaviour, emerged from this poor communication. One of the caring aspects, being dedicated and having courage to be appropriately involved, could not be identified. Most encounters included several aspects of caring and uncaring, but the uncaring aspects predominated. The dominance of uncaring aspects indicates a lack of affective caring behaviour. CONCLUSION The result showed that the theory is partly applicable in emergency care. A new aspect, instrumental behaviour emerged. The nurses' behaviour in the five episodes was labelled as uncaring. Authentic nurse-patient encounters are essential in nursing. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The importance of meeting patients' psychological needs and nurses' affective caring behaviour should be emphasized in trauma care, trauma courses and nursing education. It is necessary to measure the caring behaviour of trauma nurses.
Molecular dynamics simulation analysis of the effect of T790M mutation on epidermal growth factor receptor protein architecture in non-small cell lung carcinoma

Non-small cell lung cancer etiology and its treatment failure are due to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase domain mutations at amino acid position 790. The mutational change from threonine to methionine at position 790 (T790M) is responsible for tyrosine kinase inhibition failure. Using molecular dynamic simulation, the present study investigated the architectural changes occurring at the atomic scale. The 50-nsec runs using a GROMOS force field for wild-type and mutant EGFR's kinase domains were investigated for contrasting variations using Gromacs inbuilt tools. The adenosine triphosphate binding domain and the active site of EGFR were studied extensively in order to understand the structural changes. All the parameters investigated in the present study revealed considerable changes in the studied structures, and the knowledge gained from this may be used to develop novel kinase inhibitors that will be effective irrespective of the structural alterations in kinase domain.
Variable-resolution image processing for validation of coins

In this paper correlation-based matching solutions of images for the case of the validation of the eurocoins with relatively high-speed motion have been developed and evaluated. Image processing (combined with other — electromagnetic, optical and acoustical sensorics) is an efficient method for coin recognition and validation. From the image processing viewpoint — an universal method is finding and checking the coin image by cross-correlating it with expected (reference) image(s). Correlation is widely used as an effective similarity measure in matching tasks. However, traditional correlation based matching methods are limited by various ways. Main challenge here (additionally to "pre-conditioning" of compared images, of course) is the significant reduction of the computations, needed for finding cross-correlation values over 2-D space and for all possible rotation values. In current work usage of variable-rate subsampled (by pixel blocks) reference images has been proposed and evaluated. A special case has been considered, where most of the image blocks are sampled with zero (none) or one sample-values, while a few blocks (some to some tens) of the image has been sampled at the full accuracy (eg 240−240 pixels, in the used examples). The criteria, used for selection of the “specific” (unique) blocks of the reference image has been the minimum value of the maximum cross-correlation of an block of samples (eg 20−20 or 30−30 pixels) against any other (shifted or rotated) block of the same coin image. So, blocks with relatively high value of “secondary “correlation peaks at shifting and rotating are not considered as “good or unique” ones. So, sub-sampled reference images for various eurocoins has been proposed, and corresponding algorithms has been evaluated. Alternatively, using of set of feature-points of the images, as reference for cross-correlation, has been evaluated, for various eurocoins (with corresponding determination of reasonable feature points, for these coins). Alternatively, using local maximum and minimum difference based interesting pixel blocks as reference blocks for cross-correlation has been discussed. These methods have been tested on real eurocoins, the results are presented at the end of paper.
Antibiogram profile and molecular characterization of coa and spa genes of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from clinical mastitis

Mastitis is a common global and economic dairy infection in cattle causing significant financial losses and responsible for inferior milk quality and increase the treatment costs as well as act as source for new intermammary infection. Staphylococcus aureus is recognized as a problematic bacteria affecting dairy herds. This study spot highlight on the antibiogram pattern with molecular characterization of virulence genes (coa and spa) of methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) from clinical mastitic cases. From examined 400 cows of small holders 120 (30%) showed clinical mastitis and S. aureus prevalence rate was 46.5%. Higher resistance to Penicillin, Chloramphenicol, Oxacillin, Tetracycline and Erythromycin were showed in antibiogram testing, while high sensitivity to Gentamycin, Vancomycin, Amoxicillin/ clavunate acid and Ciprofloxacin were observed. Moreover, out of 46 S. aureus isolates, 31(67.39%) identified as MRSA strains of highly resistance to different antimicrobials classes. The PCR model was sensitive and rapid in identification of coa and spa genes in all examined strains at 630 and 229 bp respectively. In conclusion, S. aureus represented a common pathogen causing mastitis and exhibit resistant to different antibiotics groups, in addition to it carried virulence factors such as coa and spa which play a valuable effect in the disease severity.
Evaluación de la capacidad antigénica de proteínas expuestas/inmunogénicas de cisticerco de Taenia solium, para su potencial uso en el inmunodiagnóstico de cisticercosis

The antigenic capacity of five recombinant proteins (Cathepsin-L, Enolase, Multiepitopic 1, Trypsin, Tetraspanin 7) expressed in the prokaryotic system Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) pLys was evaluated; these antigens belong to the Excretion and Secretion system (E/S) of Taenia solium oncosphere, except for Multiepitopic 1 which is a protein designed in silico from high exposure proteins and the synthesized later. Their potential use in the immunodiagnosis of human and porcine Cysticercosis was evaluated by an indirect ELISA. For the immunodiagnosis with pig sera, the standard ELISA was correctly standardized by the titration board, using each of the antigens with sera from control and infected pigs. The ELISA test with individual sera showed high sensitivity and specificity for the immunodiagnosis of porcine cysticercosis, Tetraspanin 7 being the antigen with highest sensitivity (93.62%) and specificity (97.73%). For the immunodiagnosis of human Neurocysticercosis, the binding of each protein by its six histidine tail was standardized, an ELISA test was performed with cobalt functionalized magnetic nanoparticles, showing good results in the standardization with two antigens (Multiepitopic 1 and Trypsin).
CPW-fed broadband circularly polarized microstrip rectangular slot antenna with circular shaped tuning stub

In this paper a rectangular slot antenna fed by coplanar waveguide (CPW) with circular shaped tuning stub for broadband circular polarization is presented. Two circular metallic arcs shaped grounded perturbation are introduced at diagonally opposite corners of the rectangular slot to obtain circular polarization with wide axial ratio bandwidth. This slot antenna has been designed and optimized on a FR4 substrate with dielectric constant εr= 4.3 and substrate thickness h=1.53mm. The simulated results of this antenna show impedance bandwidth 151.64% from frequency range 1.93GHz to 14.06GHz at VSWR ≤ 2 throughout this band and axial ratio band width 32.68% from frequency range 3.7GHz to 5.14GHz. The simulated radiation patterns of this antenna are Omni-directional in H-plane and Bi-directional in E-plane. The effect of variation in radius of metallic arcs on impedance bandwidth and axial ratio bandwidth has also been analyzed using HFSS Simulator. The proposed antenna can be easily integrated with radio-frequency/ Microwave Circuitry with low manufacturing cost.
Model‐Free Tests for Genetic Linkage

This unit covers statistical methods of linkage analysis that do not require the assumption of a detailed genetic model, as is required for standard lod score analysis. The unit has been updated to include the latest methods in sib‐pair analysis, including updates to using the software program SIBPAL as well as the relative‐pair analysis software applications GENEHUNTER, GENEHUNTER PLUS, and Merlin. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 75:1.8. 1‐1.8. 32. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Retinotectal Ligands for the Receptor Tyrosine Phosphatase CRYPα

The cell adhesion molecule-like tyrosine phosphatase CRYPalpha is localized on retinal axons and their growth cones. We present evidence that two isoforms of this type IIa phosphatase, CRYPalpha1 and CRYPalpha2, have extracellular ligands along the developing retinotectal pathway. Using alkaline phosphatase fusion proteins containing the CRYPalpha1 ectodomain, we detect a prominent ligand on basement membranes of the early retina, optic stalk, and chiasm. A second ligand is observed in the endfeet region of radial processes in the developing stratum opticum, the site of initial retinal axon invasion. This latter ligand binds CRYPalpha2 preferentially. Further ligand interactions are detected for both CRYPalpha protein isoforms in retinorecipient tectal laminae and on retinal fibers themselves. CRYPalpha thus has cell- and matrix-associated ligands along the entire retinotectal projection. Moreover, these ligands appear to be heterotypic and interact with CRYPalpha through both its immunoglobulin and fibronectin type III regions. The anteroposterior levels of the ligands are relatively uniform within the retina and tectum, suggesting that the CRYPalpha protein within retinal axons does not directly recognise topographically graded guidance cues. We propose that CRYPalpha may have a permissive role in promoting retinal axon growth across the eye and tectum and that its functions are modulated temporally and spatially by isoform-specific interactions with cell- and matrix-associated ligands.
Anti-inflammatory, free radical-scavenging, and metal-chelating activities of Malva parviflora

Context: Malva parviflora L. (Malvaceae) is widely distributed throughout Africa. It has several uses in traditional medicinal practice. Leaves of this plant are used in the treatment of some inflammatory disorders. Objective: The anti-inflammatory and the antioxidant activities of the methanol extract (Met. E) and aqueous extract (Aq. E) of M. parviflora leaves were investigated. Materials and methods: Croton oil-induced ear edema and acetic acid-induced vascular permeability were applied as acute inflammatory models to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts. The antioxidant effects were evaluated using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay and the measurement of the metal-chelating activity. Results: Results demonstrated that Met. E inhibited the croton oil-induced ear edema by 57%. In contrast, the Aq. E did not show any activity. Furthermore, Met. E and Aq. E inhibited significantly the acetic acid-induced vascular permeability by 36 and 40%, respectively. However, Met. E and Aq. E exerted a strong scavenging activity with IC50 values of 89.03 ± 2.65 and 76.67 ± 0.29 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, Met. E and Aq. E were able to chelate ferrous ions in a concentration-dependent manner. Discussion and conclusion: These findings demonstrate that M. parviflora leaf extracts possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and thus have great potential as an interesting source for natural health products.
Evaluation of antioxidant capacity, phenol and flavonoid contents of Opuntia streptacantha and Opuntia ﬁcus indica fruits pulp

The aim of this study was to determine phenolic and flavonoid content and to evaluate antioxidant acti vity of fruit’s pulp from 2 Opuntia species [ Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) and Opuntia streptacantha (OS)]. Samples were extracted with methanol and ke pt at 4°C until investigation. Total phenolics were determined by F olin-Ciocalteu method. Flavonoids were inspected bas ed on the formation of flavonoidaluminium complex. Antioxidant activity was evaluat ed using three different methods: the 2,2’-diphenyl -1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method, the reducing power and the β-carotene bleaching test (BCB). O streptacantha fruit extract contain more phenolics and flavonoids than O. ficus-indica. Using the DPPH method, the reducing power and the BCB, the highest activities were found for the extraction of OS fruit with the lowest EC 50 values (5.76 ± 0.46, 2.01 ± 0.03 and 2.93 ± 0.77 m g/ml, respectively). The amount of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was implied as possible fac tor witch influenced the antioxidant power of the O FI and OS fruit extract.
Transcriptional Response of Streptomyces coelicolor to Rapid Chromosome Relaxation or Long-Term Supercoiling Imbalance

Negative DNA supercoiling allows chromosome condensation within a cell and facilitates DNA unwinding, which is required for the occurrence of DNA transaction processes, i.e., DNA replication, transcription and recombination. In bacteria, changes in chromosome supercoiling impact global gene expression; however, the limited studies on the global transcriptional response have focused mostly on pathogenic species and have reported various fractions of affected genes. Furthermore, the transcriptional response to long-term supercoiling imbalance is still poorly understood. Here, we address the transcriptional response to both novobiocin-induced rapid chromosome relaxation or long-term topological imbalance, both increased and decreased supercoiling, in environmental antibiotic-producing bacteria belonging to the Streptomyces genus. During the Streptomyces complex developmental cycle, multiple copies of GC-rich linear chromosomes present in hyphal cells undergo profound topological changes, from being loosely condensed in vegetative hyphae, to being highly compacted in spores. In Streptomyces, chromosomal supercoiling changes may also be triggered by environmental stressors and have been suggested to be associated with the control of antibiotic production. Remarkably, in S. coelicolor, one of model Streptomyces species, topoisomerase I (TopA) is solely responsible for the removal of negative DNA supercoils. Using a S. coelicolor strain in which topA transcription is under the control of an inducible promoter, we generated a long-term supercoiling imbalance, enabling us to identify genes involved in the supercoiling-sensitive transcriptional response. We observed that affected genes are preferentially organized in clusters, and among them, we identified a supercoiling-hypersensitive cluster (SHC) located in the core of the S. coelicolor chromosome. Moreover, using a gyrase inhibitor, we identified the directly affected novobiocin-sensitive genes and established that the AT content in their promoter regions was increased. Notably, genes whose expression was immediately impacted by gyrase inhibition encoded products associated with membrane transport or secondary metabolite synthesis. In contrast to the novobiocin-sensitive genes, the transcripts affected by long-term topological imbalance encompassed genes encoding nucleoid-associated proteins, DNA repair proteins and transcriptional regulators, including multiple developmental regulators. Collectively, our results show that long-term supercoiling imbalance globally regulates gene transcription and has the potential to impact development, secondary metabolism and DNA repair, amongst others.
Structural Properties, Production, and Commercialisation of Invertase

The knowledge gained from yeast fermentation made invertase one of the earliest exploited enzymes in human history. Invertase functions as carbohydrases by hydrolysing sucrose into its simplest unit. Extensive studies on invertase have made it well-characterised through the discovery of its existence in a variety of living organisms. It is interesting to study the different types of invertase from either the same or different origins as they might have distinct properties and could possess unique characteristics. With the advancement in technology, the three-dimensional structure, catalytic domain, and mechanism of invertase action have been discovered. Furthermore, it is important to understand how this enzyme has been produced via fermentation or recombinant technology methods. Finally, invertase has been employed in several important industries and its future commercialisation is promising.
Does prostate size predict the urodynamic characteristics and clinical outcomes in benign prostate hyperplasia?

Aims: Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in large and small prostates is managed in a similar manner despite considerably different pathophysiology, which can result in higher failure rates. We investigate the clinical and urodynamic features and study the outcome of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) according to their prostate size. Subjects and Methods: We prospectively analyzed 100 BPH patients undergoing urodynamic study between January 2015 and August 2016 and divided them into two groups according to their prostate size: small (≤30 mL) and large prostate (>30 mL) groups. We compared the groups regarding age, International Prostate Symptom Score, maximal flow rate (Qmax), postvoided residual, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume measured by ultrasonography (USG), and urodynamic findings. Statistical Analysis Used: For testing the hypothesis, we used the Chi-square test, Student's t-test, and one-way analysis of variance when comparing between groups and conducted the logistic regression analysis for determining predictive factors of BOO. Results: Although the total prostate volume significantly correlated with the PSA, patients with a small prostate had lower Qmax (5.27 ± 4.8 mL/s vs. 6.14 ± 6.66 mL/s; P= 0.74), higher incidence of abnormal baldder capacity (39.9% vs. 31.25%), lower voiding efficiency (39.3 ± 40.5% vs. 40.57 ± 32.11%), low compliance (44.4% vs. 31.3%), higher incidence of indeterminate detrusor contractions (38.9% vs. 37.5%), lower incidence of detrusor underactivity (33.3% vs. 28.1%), lower BOO index (40.9 ± 43.2 vs. 49.10 ± 44.48), lower bladder contractility index (77.8 ± 48.84 vs. 92.09 ± 52.79), and lower PdetQmax (51.44 ± 42.23 vs. 61.38 ± 42.01 cmH2O). Small prostates had higher failed voiding trials postsurgery. Conclusions: BOO patients with a small prostate showed poor urodynamic parameters and reported higher postoperative complications.
Predicting build failures using social network analysis on developer communication

A critical factor in work group coordination, communication has been studied extensively. Yet, we are missing objective evidence of the relationship between successful coordination outcome and communication structures. Using data from IBM's Jazz™ project, we study communication structures of development teams with high coordination needs. We conceptualize coordination outcome by the result of their code integration build processes (successful or failed) and study team communication structures with social network measures. Our results indicate that developer communication plays an important role in the quality of software integrations. Although we found that no individual measure could indicate whether a build will fail or succeed, we leveraged the combination of communication structure measures into a predictive model that indicates whether an integration will fail. When used for five project teams, our predictive model yielded recall values between 55% and 75%, and precision values between 50% to 76%.