Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ex Ante Evaluations of Alternate Data Structures for End User Queries: Theory and Experimental Test

The data structure of an information system can significantly impact the ability of end users to efficiently and effectively retrieve the information they need. This research develops a methodology for evaluating, ex ante, the relative desirability of alternative data structures for end user queries. This research theorizes that the data structure that yields the lowest weighted average complexity for a representative sample of information requests is the most desirable data structure for end user queries. The theory was tested in an experiment that compared queries from two different relational database schemas. As theorized, end users querying the data structure associated with the less complex queries performed better. Complexity was measured using three different Halstead metrics. Each of the three metrics provided excellent predictions of end user performance. This research supplies strong evidence that organizations can use complexity metrics to evaluate, ex ante, the desirability of alternate data structures. Organizations can use these evaluations to enhance the efficient and effective retrieval of information by creating data structures that minimize end user query complexity.
Glutathione plays an essential role in nitric oxide-mediated iron-deficiency signaling and iron-deficiency tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Iron (Fe) deficiency is a common agricultural problem that affects both the productivity and nutritional quality of plants. Thus, identifying the key factors involved in the tolerance of Fe deficiency is important. In the present study, the zir1 mutant, which is glutathione deficient, was found to be more sensitive to Fe deficiency than the wild type, and grew poorly in alkaline soil. Other glutathione-deficient mutants also showed various degrees of sensitivity to Fe-limited conditions. Interestingly, we found that the glutathione level was increased under Fe deficiency in the wild type. By contrast, blocking glutathione biosynthesis led to increased physiological sensitivity to Fe deficiency. On the other hand, overexpressing glutathione enhanced the tolerance to Fe deficiency. Under Fe-limited conditions, glutathione-deficient mutants, zir1, pad2 and cad2 accumulated lower levels of Fe than the wild type. The key genes involved in Fe uptake, including IRT1, FRO2 and FIT, are expressed at low levels in zir1; however, a split-root experiment suggested that the systemic signals that govern the expression of Fe uptake-related genes are still active in zir1. Furthermore, we found that zir1 had a lower accumulation of nitric oxide (NO) and NO reservoir S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). Although NO is a signaling molecule involved in the induction of Fe uptake-related genes during Fe deficiency, the NO-mediated induction of Fe-uptake genes is dependent on glutathione supply in the zir1 mutant. These results provide direct evidence that glutathione plays an essential role in Fe-deficiency tolerance and NO-mediated Fe-deficiency signaling in Arabidopsis.
Structural basis for norovirus neutralization by an HBGA blocking human IgA antibody

Significance Attachment to cellular glycans is a critical process in cell entry for several viruses. Antibodies that block this essential step can serve as neutralizing antibodies. Among human noroviruses (NoVs), serum antibodies that block histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) binding serve as correlates of protection. Escape from neutralization with evolving human NoVs (HuNoVs) through antigenic variation and differential HBGA binding is suggested to form a basis for the emergence of new strains. Currently, we are aware of no structural insights into antibody-mediated HBGA blockade or neutralization, or how emerging strains escape such neutralization. Our study reveals how a human IgA monoclonal antibody binds and blocks HBGA binding and indicates how other strains escape host immunity, laying the structural framework for understanding the immune correlates of protection against HuNoVs. Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) cause sporadic and epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. They are classified into two major genogroups (GI and GII), with each genogroup further divided into multiple genotypes. Susceptibility to these viruses is influenced by genetically determined histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) expression. HBGAs function as cell attachment factors by binding to a surface-exposed region in the protruding (P) domain of the capsid protein. Sequence variations in this region that result in differential HBGA binding patterns and antigenicity are suggested to form a basis for strain diversification. Recent studies show that serum antibodies that block HBGA binding correlate with protection against illness. Although genogroup-dependent variation in HBGA binding specificity is structurally well characterized, an understanding of how antibodies block HBGA binding and how genotypic variations affect such blockade is lacking. Our crystallographic studies of the GI.1 P domain in complex with the Fab fragment of a human IgA monoclonal antibody (IgA 5I2) with HBGA blocking activity show that the antibody recognizes a conformational epitope formed by two surface-exposed loop clusters in the P domain. The antibody engulfs the HBGA binding site but does not affect its structural integrity. An unusual feature of the antigen recognition by IgA 5I2 is the predominant involvement of the CDR light chain 1 in contrast to the commonly observed CDR heavy chain 3, providing a unique perspective into antibody diversity in antigen recognition. Identification of the antigenic site in the P domain shows how genotypic variations might allow escape from antibody neutralization and exemplifies the interplay between antigenicity and HBGA specificity in HuNoV evolution.
Using PLS path modeling for assessing hierarchial construct models: guidelines and impirical illustration

In this paper, the authors show that PLS path modeling can be used to assess a hierarchical construct model. They provide guidelines outlining four key steps to construct a hierarchical construct model using PLS path modeling. This approach is illustrated empirically using a reflective, fourth-order latent variable model of online experiential value in the context of online book and CD retailing. Moreover, the guidelines for the use of PLS path modeling to estimate parameters in a hierarchical construct model are extended beyond the scope of the empirical illustration. The findings of the empirical illustration are used to discuss the use of covariance-based SEM versus PLS path modeling. The authors conclude with the limitations of their study and suggestions for future research.
Robust speech recognition in additive and convolutional noise using parallel model combination

Abstract The method of Parallel Model Combination (PMC) has been shown to be a powerful technique for compensating a speech recognizer for the effects of additive noise. In this paper, the PMC scheme is extended to include the effects of convolutional noise. This is done by introducing a modified “mismatch” function which allows an estimate to be made of the difference in channel conditions or tilt between training and test environments. Having estimated this tilt, Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimates of the corrupted speech model may then be obtained in the usual way. The scheme is evaluated using the NOISEX-92 database where the performance in the presence of both interfering additive noise and convolutional noise shows only slight degradation compared with that obtained when no convolutional noise is present.
Statistische Methoden bei unvollständigen Daten

Dieser Artikel gibt einen uberblick uber die Problematik fehlender Daten im Rahmen der statistischen Datenanalyse. Im Prinzip sollte er auch Lesern mit geringem mathematischen und statistischen Wissen dienlich sein und sie mathematisch nicht uberfordern.Gegebenenfalls kann uber allzu theoretische Komponenten hinweggelesen werden.
Dry-out properties of insulating paper in distribution transformers

Dry-out is an essential step to remove moisture from the insulation during the transformer manufacturing process. This paper presents data on the development of a reliable test method to measure the dry-out rate of insulating papers used in distribution transformers. The results show that the dry-out test can be used as an indicator to compare the dry-out rate of different papers during product development. The test results are also verified during transformer dry-out process at a transformer manufacturing plant. Insulating material with faster dry-out performance provides opportunities for the optimization of the dry-out process and better overall quality of the insulation system.
On Design of Non-Orthogonal Pilot Signals for a Multi-Cell Massive MIMO System

In this letter, the error variance of the Minimal Mean-Square Error (MMSE) channel estimator is analyzed, and its analytic formula is given. Based on the analytic formula, a designing criterion on the pilot signals is proposed. When training time slots can be large enough, our criterion confirms the well-known fact that orthogonal pilot signals are optimal. But if training time slots are not enough to support this orthogonality, our results show that the error variance is lower-bounded away from zero, no matter what kind of pilot signals are used. In this case, the design of pilot signals should be implemented by using the line packing on a complex Grassmannian manifold.
Immunogenicity, protective efficacy and safety of a recombinant DNA vaccine encoding truncated Plasmodium yoelii sporozoite asparagine-rich protein 1 (PySAP1)

Although great efforts have been undertaken for the development of malaria vaccines, no completely effective malaria vaccines are available yet. Despite being clinically silent, the pre-erythrocytic stage is considered an ideal target for the development of malaria vaccines. Sporozoite asparagine-rich protein 1 (SAP1) is a sporozoite-localized protein that regulates the expression of UIS (upregulated in infectious sporozoites) genes, which are essential for the infectivity of sporozoites. In this study, a recombinant DNA vaccine encoding a predicted antigenic determinant region of Plasmodium yoelii SAP1 (PySAP1) was constructed. Immunization of mice with this DNA vaccine construct resulted in significant elevation of cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10, and total IgG as compared with control groups immunized with either the empty DNA vector or saline. After challenge with sporozoites, the group receiving the DNA vaccine showed delayed development of parasitemia and prolonged survival time compared with the control group. The DNA vaccine provided partial protection against P. yoelii 17XL infection, with an overall protection rate of 20%. In addition, the DNA vaccine did not show integration into the host genome. Further studies of SAP1 are needed to test whether it can be used as subunit vaccine candidate.
Paleoecology of Calf Island in Boston's Outer Harbor

Abstract We used microfossils preserved in salt-marsh peat to understand the landscape processes (both natural and anthropogenic) that have influenced the environment. Variations in the abundance of fossil pollen of native species suggest that the vegetation of this small, exposed island has been dominated by low, shrubby vegetation since before the arrival of Europeans in the early 1600s. Increases in non-native species since that time may reflect disturbance of the soil associated with grazing and other activities. Sorrel (Rumex) pollen, which indicates local grazing, declines by the late 19th century, whereas Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae pollen, an indicator of disturbed soil, is most abundant since 1900. Charcoal abundance shows that fires, probably ignited by humans both before and after 1600 A.D., have burned on the island throughout the last 1000 years. In addition, increases in soot and opaque spherules in sediments reflect increased air pollution during the last 100 years. Our analyses provide benchmarks for modern management by documenting pre-European conditions as well as the extent to which the modern environment differs from that prior to the settlement of Massachusetts Bay by Europeans.
Biopsychosocial model & direct observation of behavior.

While reading the first issue of Research in Gerontological Nursing, I was particularly interested in the review by Curyto, Van Haitsma, and Vriesman entitled “Direct Observation of Behavior: A Review of Current Measures for Use with Older Adults with Dementia” (Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 52-76). I did not read very far before I was troubled. In the first section of the article, Theory Underlying Direct Observation of Behavior, the authors state, “Although direct observation has a long history of use in the field of behavior analysis, its use with the dementia population is relatively new and often not guided by theory” (pp. 52-53). The authors discuss several instruments to measure pain in older adults with dementia (Feldt, 2000; Horgas, Nichols, Schapson, & Vietes, 2007; Krulewitch et al., 2000; Lane et al., 2003; Leong, Chong, & Gibson, 2006; Richards, Nepomuceno, Riles, & Suer, 1982; Villanueva, Smith, Erickson, Lee, & Singer, 2003; Warden, Hurley, & Volicer, 2003). Theory-guided direct observation of behavior in older adults with dementia is well established in the literature, especially in the pain literature. One of these theories is the biopsychosocial model of pain management (Davis & Srivastava, 2003; Ferrell & Ferrell, 1996; Ferrell, Ferrell, & Osterweil, 1990; Gatchel, 2004; Killinger, Morley, Kettner, & Kaurie, 2001).
Relations between the oxidative status, mastitis, milk quality and disorders of reproductive functions in dairy cows - a review.

Free radicals are natural final products of the intensive metabolism in cells located in organism high-yielding dairy cows. When the disturbing of homeostasis occurs, oxidative processes lead to oxidative stress which in high-yielding dairy cows cause inflammation of the mammary gland (mastitis). The inflammation can cause the reduction of milk yield and unfavourable changes in the milk composition, e.g. reduction in fat, casein proteins and calcium content with a simultaneous increase in the concentration of whey proteins, sodium and chlorine. Moreover, the activity of enzymes such a lipases, proteases, peroxides and the plasminogen in milk increases, negatively affecting its technological properties. In dairy cows the oxidative stress is associated with retaining placenta after calving and disrupting the activity of the corpus luteum, what affect the reproductive functions. The active immune response to inflammation leads to an increase in the secretion of other molecules having an adverse effect on embryo survival.
System Isolation Beyond BIOS using the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface

This paper describes a means by which a platform containing Intel Trusted eXecution Technology (TXT), including CPU SMX leaf instructions, virtualization extensions VT-x & device virtualization VT-d, along with an implementation of Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)based platform code, can be isolated from pre-OS malware, bus-master DMA devices, non-host platforms such as system service processors (SSP’s), baseboard management controllers (BMC’s), and platform service processors. With service processors always facing the network and running a full web services stack, the nonhost/embedded platform isolation is even more imperative to guard against. This is in addition to the isolation of the UEFI DXE core implementation from 3 rd party UEFI drivers, applications, and OS loaders.
An Accessible Energy Efficient Routing Protocols for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks: A Contemporary Investigation

Over the past years, with tremendous growth of mobile device and wireless networks the arena of Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs) has attain huge consideration of researchers and has become one of the most vibrant and active field of research. MANET is a Self-organized, energetically reconfigurable wireless Ad hoc network which does not rely on any fixed infrastructure. To keep the network connected each node act as router as well as performing function of source or destination node. Since the nodes are mobile in MANETs and have some unique personality such as limited battery power, tiny communication range and high mobility. Therefore network faces many challenges. Among of several an energy aware routing is one of the most important issues in MANET. However, a number of approaches have been proposed by number of researchers to trim down such issues in MANETs environment but each and every approach has its own limitation and not suitable for every circumstances. This paper presents the state of affairs on energy efficient routing approaches for MANETs with their merits & shortcomings, which can be used for further enhancement of existing protocol or development of new efficient and more reliable protocols for most of the applications in MANET.
Long-term effect of weight loss on body composition and performance in elite athletes.

CONTEXT When weight loss (WL) is needed, it is recommended that athletes do it gradually by 0.5-1 kg/wk through moderate energy restriction. However, the effect of WL rate on long-term changes in body composition (BC) and performance has not been investigated in elite athletes. PURPOSE To compare changes in body mass (BM), fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM), and performance 6 and 12 mo after 2 different WL interventions promoting loss of 0.7% vs. 1.4% of body weight per wk in elite athletes. METHODS Twenty-three athletes completed 6- and 12-mo postintervention testing (slow rate [SR] n = 14, 23.5 ± 3.3 yr, 72.2 ± 12.2 kg; fast rate [FR] n = 9, 21.4 ± 4.0 yr, 71.6 ± 12.0 kg). The athletes had individualized diet plans promoting the predetermined weekly WL during intervention, and 4 strength-training sessions per wk were included. BM, BC, and strength (1-repetition maximum) were tested at baseline, postintervention, and 6 and 12 mo after the intervention. RESULTS BM decreased by ~6% in both groups during the intervention but was not different from baseline values after 12 mo. FM decreased in SR and FR during the intervention by 31% ± 3% vs. 23% ± 4%, respectively, but was not different from baseline after 12 mo. LBM and upper body strength increased more in SR than in FR (2.0% ± 1.3% vs. 0.8% ± 1.1% and 12% ± 2% vs. 6% ± 2%) during the intervention, but after 12 mo there were no significant differences between groups in BC or performance. CONCLUSION There were no significant differences between groups after 12 mo, suggesting that WL rate is not the most important factor in maintaining BC and performance after WL in elite athletes.
cDNA Amplification Using One‐Sided (Anchored) PCR

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offers an opportunity to directly select, amplify, and isolate a message of interest. This unit describes anchored PCR, a modification of the standard reaction that allows amplification of full‐length mRNA when only a small amount of sequence information is available. Anchored PCR can be employed when only a small region of sequence lying within the mRNA is known in advance, unlike the amplification of RNA or cDNA by conventional PCR which requires prior knowledge of the sequences flanking the region of interest to design the PCR primers.
The Concept of Bronchioloalveolar Cell Adenocarcinoma: Redefinition, A Critique of the 1999 WHO Classification, and an Ultrastructural Analysis of 155 Cases

Bronchioloalveolar cell adenocarcinoma (BACA) is bronchioloalveolar because (1) it arises in bronchioles and alveoli and (2) differentiates into bronchiolar and alveolar cells. Every entity possesses unique characteristics that separate it from other entities. The unique characteristic of BACA is its cell type. Lepidic growth is a clue to the cell type and, even though present in the vast majority, is not unique or absolutely essential. Because of the algebraic nature of concepts, the degree of differentiation, the extent of lepidic growth, and the degree of stromal desmoplasia cannot be used as definitional requirements. Likewise, in malignant tumors, absence of stromal invasion cannot be required. An epistemologically valid definition of BACA is proposed and a study of 155 cases defined this way and examined ultrastructurally is presented.
Spectrum of interstitial lung disease at a tertiary care centre in India.

INTRODUCTION The available data on the epidemiology of interstitial lung disease (ILD) from India is sparse. Hence, the present study was undertaken with the aim to analyse the demographic profile and clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics along with physiological parameters of various subgroups of ILD patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively studied 289 patients diagnosed with ILD during the years 2001-2013 at one of the respiratory units of Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute. RESULTS Mean age at presentation was 44.24 years; females comprised 54.68% of the patients. Prior to presentation at our centre, 14.84% patients had been treated with antituberculous therapy due to misdiagnosis of tuberculosis. In the pool of ILDs analysed, sarcoidosis (37.3%) was found to be the most common subgroup, followed by IPF (27.6%) and NSIP (25.6%). Cough (92.97%) was the most common presenting symptom; exertional dyspnoea was found in 79.2% of patients. Digital clubbing was commonest in IPF, found in 30% of patients. Significant desaturation on six-minute walk test was most frequenty seen (50%) in NSIP patients. The most common pattern on chest roentgenogram was reticular/reticulo-nodular pattern (80.2%) and on HRCT - interstitial fibrosis (49.9%). Mean of predicted total lung capacity (TLC) was 64.3%, the lowest being in the IPF group (58.88%). Mean of predicted DLCO was 50.56%, the lowest being in the IPF group (42.75%). The overall diagnostic yield of bronchoscopic biopsy was 83.04%, the highest yield being among sarcoidosis patients (96.29%). CONCLUSIONS We found sarcoidosis, IPF and NSIP to be the most common ILDs in northern India. ILDs are still frequently misdiagnosed as TB, and increased awareness, education and diagnostic facilities are required to diagnose ILDs at an early stage.
Trends in Registered Blindness and its Causes over 19 Years in Western Australia

Purpose: To estimate the population-based incidence rates of blindness registration and their trends over time in Western Australia. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on all cases of bilateral blindness registered with the Association for the Blind of Western Australia between 1984 and 2002. The causes and mean age at blindness registration were ascertained and incidence rates of blindness due to various causes were calculated. Results: A total of 3852 blind certificates were examined. From 1984 to 1994, the annual incidence of registered bilateral blindness decreased significantly at an average rate of 9.4% per year (p < 0.0001), but then rose at a mean rate of 4.1% per year (p < 0.0001). ARMD blindness similarly fell by 8.9% per year (p < 0.0001), but then rose after 1994 by 4.5% per year (p < 0.0001). The incidence due to glaucoma decreased at an average rate of 10.3% per year (p < 0.0001) until 1994 and then rose at 7.4% per year at borderline significance (p = 0.025). Conclusions: There has been a nonlinear decrease in the incidence of registered blindness, in particular glaucoma-related blindness, in Western Australia. Rates of total registered blindness and that due to ARMD fell from 1984 to 1994, but have risen since.