Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toward Long Solids Retention Time of Activated Sludge Processes: Benefits in Energy Saving, Effluent Quality, and Stability

The activated sludge process is the most common method of secondary municipal wastewater treatment; solids retention time (SRT) is the key control parameter for this process. Typically, operating at long SRT is considered only for nitrification, but there are additional benefits of high SRT operation. This paper presents experimental and literature evidence to demonstrate three major additional benefits of long SRT operation: increased oxygen transfer efficiency; improved biomass particle size distribution, which results in more efficient clarification with fewer effluent particles and suspended solids; and enhanced removal of many emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and endocrine disrupting compounds. This paper presents experimental results from several treatment plants that showed increasing oxygen transfer efficiency and particle size with increasing SRT, and evidence documenting improved removal of emerging contaminants and biodegradable organic carbon. A long‐term survey of three treatment plants concludes that operating at higher SRT is not as energy intensive as typically assumed.
Vascular Calcification and Uremia: What Do We Know?

In the last decade, the nephrology community has focused its attention on the main cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic renal failure patients: cardiovascular disease. In addition, recent studies pointed out that vascular calcification (VC) is a major cause of cardiovascular disease in the dialysis population. Interestingly, the pathogenesis of VC and soft tissue calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been extensively investigated. Nowadays we know that VC is associated not only with passive calcium phosphate deposition, but also with an active, cell-mediated process. To better understand the pathogenesis of VC in CKD, numerous regulatory proteins have been studied, because of their ability to inhibit mineral deposition in the vessels. We here examine the state of the art of those substances recognized as regulatory key factors in preventing VC in uremic conditions, such as fetuin A (α2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein), matrix γ-carboxyglutamic acid protein, pyrophosphate, osteoprotegerin and bone morphogenetic protein. We conclude that at present it is too early to introduce these novel markers into clinical practice.
Estimating Time Series Soil Moisture by Applying Recurrent Nonlinear Autoregressive Neural Networks to Passive Microwave Data over the Heihe River Basin, China

A method using a nonlinear auto-regressive neural network with exogenous input (NARXnn) to retrieve time series soil moisture (SM) that is spatially and temporally continuous and high quality over the Heihe River Basin (HRB) in China was investigated in this study. The input training data consisted of the X-band dual polarization brightness temperature (TB) and the Ka-band V polarization TB from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer II (AMSR2), Global Land Satellite product (GLASS) Leaf Area Index (LAI), precipitation from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM), and a global 30 arc-second elevation (GTOPO-30). The output training data were generated from fused SM products of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Land Surface Parameter Model (LPRM). The reprocessed fused SM from two years (2013 and 2014) was inputted into the NARXnn for training; subsequently, SM during a third year (2015) was estimated. Direct and indirect validations were then performed during the period 2015 by comparing with in situ measurements, SM from JAXA, LPRM and the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), as well as precipitation data from TRMM and GPM. The results showed that the SM predictions from NARXnn performed best, as indicated by their higher correlation coefficients (R ≥ 0.85 for the whole year of 2015), lower Bias values (absolute value of Bias ≤ 0.02) and root mean square error values (RMSE ≤ 0.06), and their improved response to precipitation. This method is being used to produce the NARXnn SM product over the HRB in China.
The HAMP signal‐conversion domain: static two‐state or dynamic three‐state?

The 50‐residue HAMP domain converts input signal into output response in a variety of transmembrane signal transduction proteins, including methyl‐accepting chemotaxis proteins and histidine kinases. HAMP domains are present in many other contexts as well. Despite focused study over the past decade, the question remains: How does this small domain play such a large role for so many different proteins? Analysis of structural models for the Afl1503 and Aer2 HAMP domains has generated hypotheses in which the HAMP domain assumes either of two discrete forms that generate opposing signal output. In contrast, genetic analysis of the HAMP domain from the Tsr methyl‐accepting chemotaxis protein resulted in a distinct hypothesis, the biphasic dynamic bundle. In this hypothesis, signalling involves differential packing stabilities of the HAMP domain four‐helix bundle, marked by at least three distinct states. Here I summarize and compare these hypotheses in the context of a deletion analysis that further explores the biphasic dynamic bundle hypothesis.
Timolol 0.1% Gel (Nyogel 0.1%®) Once Daily versus Conventional Timolol 0.5% Solution Twice Daily: A Comparison of Efficacy and Safety

In a prospective, randomised, double-masked, parallel-group, multi-centre study, 210 patients with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were enrolled of whom 167 (timolol 0.1% gel 82, timolol 0.5% 85) completed the study as per protocol. The change in intraocular pressure between baseline and week 12 in the worse eye (‘at trough’) was 6.3 (SD 3.3) mm Hg on timolol 0.1% gel and 7.0 (2.9) mm Hg on timolol 0.5%; this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.19). The difference between the two study groups in the change of intraocular pressure from baseline was 0.62 mm Hg; the 90% CI of –0.09 to +1.33 mm Hg was within the pre-specified limits of –1.5 to +1.5 mm Hg demonstrating equivalence between timolol 0.1% gel and timolol 0.5%. The plasma levels of timolol (ng/ml) at 12 weeks in the timolol 0.1% gel group were significantly less than that with timolol 0.5% both before instillation (mean 0.057, SD 0.131 and mean 0.470, SD 0.519 respectively, p = 0.025) and after instillation (mean 0.552, SD 0.992 and mean 2.473, SD 1.780 respectively, p = 0.008). Both treatments were well tolerated with no statistically significant difference between the groups in the occurrence of ocular or systemic adverse events.
On the Reconciliation of the Extended Nelson-Siegel and the Extended Vasicek Models (with a View Towards Swap and Swaption Valuation)

Extended Nelson-Siegel models are widely used by e.g. practitioners and central banks to estimate current term structures of riskless zero-coupon interest rates, whereas other models such as the extended Vasicek model (a.k.a. the Hull-White model) are popular for pricing interest rate derivatives. This paper establishes theoretical consistency between these two types of models by showing how to specify the extended Vasicek model such that its implied initial term structure curve precisely matches a given extended Nelson-Siegel specification. That is, we show how to reconcile the two classes of models at the initial time point (and here only). A case study and some illustrative numerical examples involving swaps and swaption pricing are provided at the end of the paper.
Cognitive Antecedents of Dream Recall

222 students completed the Cognitive Processes Survey which assessed imaginal life, orientation toward imaginal life, and defensiveness. Subjects were separated according to number of weekly dreams recalled and tested for short-term memory with the Digit Span of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Analyses of variance showed that imaginal life differed significantly across low, average, and high dream recallers. Orientation toward imaginal life was significant for high dream recallers but not for low recallers. A t test for correlated Digit Span raw scores indicated significant differences between low and high dream recallers. Differences in dream recall seemed better explained by cognitive variables such as short-term memory than attitudinal factors such as defensiveness. Dream recall might be enhanced by increasing the channel capacity of short-term memory and increasing imaginal life through activities such as introspection, daydreaming, and meditation.
Photoplethysmography: Beyond the Calculation of Arterial Oxygen Saturation and Heart Rate

In this article, I examine the source of the photoplethysmograph (PPG), as well as methods of investigation, with an emphasize on amplitude, rhythm, and pulse analysis. The PPG waveform was first described in the 1930s. Although considered an interesting ancillary monitor, the “pulse waveform” never underwent intensive investigation. Its importance in clinical medicine was greatly increased with the introduction of the pulse oximeter into routine clinical care in the 1980s. Its waveform is now commonly displayed in the clinical setting. Active research efforts are beginning to demonstrate a utility beyond oxygen saturation and heart rate determination. Future trends are being heavily influenced by modern digital signal processing, which is allowing a re-examination of this ubiquitous waveform. Key to unlocking the potential of this waveform is an unfettered access to the raw signal, combined with standardization of its presentation, and methods of analysis. In the long run, we need to learn how to consistently quantify the characteristics of the PPG in such a way as to allow the results from research efforts be translated into clinically useful devices.
Mechanosensitive Properties in the Endothelium and Their Roles in the Regulation of Endothelial Function

Abstract: Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) line the luminal surface of blood vessels, which are exposed constantly to mechanical stimuli, such as fluid shear stress, cyclic strain, and blood pressure. In recent years, more and more evidence indicates that ECs sense these mechanical stimuli and subsequently convert mechanical stimuli into intracellular signals. The properties of ECs that sense the mechanical stimuli are defined as mechanosensors. There are a variety of mechanosensors that have been identified in ECs. These mechanosensors play an important role in regulating the function of the endothelium and vascular function, including blood pressure. This review focuses on the mechanosensors that have been identified in ECs and on the roles that mechanosensors play in the regulation of endothelium function, and in the regulation of vascular function.
CASH, a Novel Caspase Homologue with Death Effector Domains*

CASP-8 and CASP-10, members of a cysteine protease family that participates in apoptosis, interact with MORT1/FADD, an adapter protein in the CD120a (p55 tumor necrosis factor receptor), and CD95 (Fas/Apo-1) death-inducing signaling pathways, through a shared N-terminal sequence motif, the death effector domain. We report cloning of two splice variants of a novel protein, CASH, that contain two N-terminal death effector domains and can bind through them to each other, to MORT1/FADD, to CASP-8, and to CASP-10. The unique C-terminal part of the longer variant shows marked sequence homology to the caspase protease region yet lacks several of the conserved caspase active site residues, suggesting that it is devoid of cysteine protease activity. Overexpression of the short CASH splice variant strongly inhibited cytotoxicity induction by CD120a and CD95. Expression of the longer variant, while inhibiting cytotoxicity in HeLa cells, had a marked cytocidal effect in 293 cells that could be shown to involve its protease homology region. The findings suggest that CASH acts as an attenuator and/or initiator in CD95 and CD120a signaling for cell death.
CT Demonstration of Mediastinal Aortic Arch Anomalies

Computed tomography (CT) can be helpful in the detection and diagnosis of aortic arch malformations, including anomalous right subclavian artery, left sided aortic arch with right descending aorta, right sided aorta with anomalous left subclavian artery or mirror image branching, and double aortic arch. This paper reviews the CT findings in 10 such patients. Computed tomography can confirm the presence of an aortic anomaly suspected from plain radiographs or can detect a vascular anomaly when the plain radiograph suggests the presence of a mediastinal mass.
Substitution of the Autophosphorylation Site Thr516with a Negatively Charged Residue Confers Constitutive Activity to Mouse 3-Phosphoinositide-dependent Protein Kinase-1 in Cells*

3-Phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK-1)is a serine/threonine kinase that has been found to phosphorylate and activate several members of the AGC protein kinase family including protein kinase B (Akt), p70 S6 kinase, and protein kinase Cζ. However, the mechanism(s) by which PDK-1 is regulated remains unclear. Here we show that mouse PDK-1 (mPDK-1) undergoes autophosphorylation in vitro on both serine and threonine residues. In addition, we have identified Ser399and Thr516 as the major mPDK-1 autophosphorylation sitesin vitro. Furthermore, we have found that these two residues, as well as Ser244 in the activation loop, are phosphorylated in cells and demonstrated that Ser244 is a major in vivo phosphorylation site. Abolishment of phosphorylation at Ser244, but not at Ser399 or Thr516, led to a significant decrease of mPDK-1 autophosphorylation and kinase activity in vitro, indicating that autophosphorylation at Ser399 or Thr516 is not essential for mPDK-1 autokinase activity. However, overexpression of mPDK-1T516E, but not of mPDK-1S244E or mPDK-1S399D, in Chinese hamster ovary and HEK293 cells was sufficient to induce Akt phosphorylation at Thr308 to a level similar to that of insulin stimulation. Furthermore, this increase in phosphorylation was independent of the Pleckstrin homology domain of Akt. Taken together, our results suggest that mPDK-1 undergoes autophosphorylation at multiple sites and that this phosphorylation may be essential for PDK-1 to interact with and phosphorylate its downstream substrates in vivo.
HER2 as a Predictive Factor for Successful Neoadjuvant Anthracycline Chemotherapy of Locally Advanced and Early Breast Cancer

Objective The aim of this study was to look for predictive and prognostic factors in anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods Three hundred and nine patients with early-stage or locally advanced breast cancer were enrolled in this study and preoperatively treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapies in intense dose-dense (cyclophosphamide + epirubicin) or conventional (paclitaxel + epirubicin) regimens. Outcome parameters included overall objective response rate, as well as factors for determining pathological features influencing the efficacy of chemotherapy, such as estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 status, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, tumor size, tumor inflammation, and lymph node metastasis. Results The overall pathological complete response (pCR) rate was 14.3%, and the main factor affecting the efficacy of chemotherapy was HER2 expression. The pCR rate was significantly higher for patients with HER2 overexpression, compared with patients with low HER2 expression (27.5% vs. 9.6%, p<0.001). The recurrence risk for patients with pCR decreased 1.12-fold compared with patients without pCR (5-year disease-free survival [DFS]: 81.8% vs. 65.7%, p=0.038). Patients in the HER2 overexpression subgroup benefited more from pCR than those in the HER2 low expression group (5-year DFS: 86.4% vs. 62.1%, p=0.049). Conclusion HER2 overexpression in primary tumors might be a predictive marker for good efficacy of anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The pCR is a suitable prognostic factor, even for patients with HER2 overexpression.
Meteorological Data Forecast using RNN

Gathering knowledge not only of the current but also the upcoming wind speed is getting more and more important as the experience of operating and maintaining wind turbines is increasing. Not only with regards to operation and maintenance tasks such as gearbox and generator checks but moreover due to the fact that energy providers have to sell the right amount of their converted energy at the European energy markets, the knowledge of the wind and hence electrical power of the next day is of key importance. Selling more energy as has been offered is penalized as well as offering less energy as contractually promised. In addition to that the price per offered kWh decreases in case of a surplus of energy. Achieving a forecast there are various methods in computer science: fuzzy logic, linear prediction or neural networks. This paper presents current results of wind speed forecasts using recurrent neural networks (RNN) and the gradient descent method plus a backpropagation learning algorithm. Data used has been extracted from NASA's Modern Era-Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) which is calculated by a GEOS-5 Earth System Modeling and Data Assimilation system. The presented results show that wind speed data can be forecasted using historical data for training the RNN. Nevertheless, the current set up system lacks robustness and can be improved further with regards to accuracy.
IFRS Adoption in ASEAN Countries: Perceptions of Professional Accountants from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of professional accountants from three countries from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in order to evaluate their perceived benefits associated with the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in their respective nations as well as the implications of these standards for the accounting and auditing professions in their country of practice. It also explores the extent to which the adoption of IAS/IFRS accounting standards have been supported by the state, media and local professional accounting bodies. Design/methodology/approach - – The study uses survey approach to seek perceptions of professional accountants in these three countries with a view to understanding their perceptions regarding the socio-economic issues related to the adoption of the IFRS and role of social institutions. The study also uses appropriate statistical tests for interpretation of the data. Findings - – The analysis of the data shows that accounting professionals in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia strongly supported IFRS adoption; their opinions did not differ significantly by place of training, experience or professional qualifications. Respondents agreed that their countries benefited economically from harmonisation with global accounting standards. The surveyed accountants believed that pressure from international agencies was instrumental in the adoption of IFRS in the region. The findings also show that governments, the media and professional accounting bodies have supported the adoption, communication and application of IFRS. Originality/value - – This is the first study examining the role of social and professional institutions in the adoption of the IFRS and one which also provides an inter-country comparison of accountant’s perspectives on adoption of the IFRS among three ASEAN countries.
Forced use after TBI: promoting plasticity and function through practice

Objective : To review the literature supporting, and determine the efficacy of, modified constraint-induced therapy (mCIT) in improving more affected upper limb use and function in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design : Multiple-baseline, pre-post, case series. Setting : Outpatient clinic. Patients : Three patients with TBI occurring >1 year ago and exhibiting stable upper limb hemiparesis and learned non-use. Intervention : Patients participated in 10 sessions of 30 minute, structured physical and occupational therapy, emphasizing more affected arm use in valued, functional activities, three times/week for 10 weeks and using shaping techniques. Their less affected upper limbs were also restrained 5 days/week during 5 hours identified as times of frequent use during the same 10-week period. Main outcome measures : The Action Research Arm Test (ARA), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and Motor Activity Log (MAL). Results : Following intervention, subjects exhibited improvements > 2.0 in their amount and quality of more affected limb use, as measured by the MAL. Subjects 1, 2 and 3 also displayed functional improvements on the ARA (14.0, 5.5 and 6.0, respectively), improvements in ratings of WMFT task performance (1.15, 1.7 and 1.35, respectively) and diminished time needed to perform all WMFT tasks. Conclusions : mCIT is a promising approach by which improved more affected limb use and function can be realized following TBI.
Surgical and Oncological Outcome of Total Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy versus Radical Abdominal Hysterectomy in Early Cervical Cancer in Singapore

Introduction: The Wertheim's radical abdominal hysterectomy (RAH) has been the traditional surgical approach for operable Stage IB cervical cancer in Singapore whereas total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) was introduced only in 2009. In this study, we aimed to compare the long-term surgical outcome between the two routes of surgery in our center. Methods: This is a prospective study performed in a single large tertiary institution in Singapore. Inclusion criteria included surgically fit patients with early cervical cancer and no radiological evidence of regional or distant metastases. Results: From November 2009 to December 2014, 51 TLRHs and 85 RAHs were performed. Median blood loss in the TLRH group was significantly lower than in the RAH group (300 vs. 500 mL; P = 0.002) as was median hospital stay (5 vs. 6 days; P = 0.001). Operative time was significantly higher in the TLRH group (262 vs. 228 min; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in bladder recovery. Intraoperative complications were encountered in 2 (3.9%) TLRH patients and 1 (1.2%) RAH patient. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 (5.9%) TLRH patients and 8 (9.4%) RAH patients. With a median follow-up of 117 (range 1.6–314.6) weeks in the TLRH group and 143.3 (range 0.4–304.7) weeks in the RAH group, 9 (17.6%) TLRH patients and 7 (8.2%) RAH patients had recurrence. There was no significant difference in the overall 3-year survival between the TLRH group and the RAH group for tumor size ≤2 cm (100.0% vs. 97.0%; P = 0.37). However, there was a trend toward lower survival for the TLRH group for tumor size >2 cm (61.9% vs. 85.4%; P = 0.06). Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that with appropriate patient selection, TLRH can be a safe and effective procedure for the management of early cervical cancer in Singapore, especially in women with small tumors ≤2 cm but should be used with caution in women with larger tumors.
Triple‐Site Versus Standard Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Study (TRUST CRT): Clinical Rationale, Design, and Implementation

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF), lowered LV ejection fraction, and wide QRS. However, many patients (≤40%) do not respond to this form of pacing. TRUST CRT is a prospective, single‐center, randomized, single‐blind, parallel, and controlled study that has been designed to treat patients with moderate to severe HF (NYHA III‐IV), QRS ≥120 ms, sinus rhythm, LV dysfunction (EF ≤ 35%), and signs of mechanical dyssynchrony.